Origin: Latin suffix -ary
Vocabulary has 4 different meanings across 1 category:
a listing of the words used in some enterprise
"The linguist compiled a vocabulary containing every unique word found in Shakespeare's collected plays."
a language user's knowledge of words
"The student spent weeks expanding her vocabulary to better understand complex literature."
the system of techniques or symbols serving as a means of expression (as in arts or crafts)
"he introduced a wide vocabulary of techniques"
A usually alphabetized and explained collection of words e.g. of a particular field, or prepared for a specific purpose, often for learning.
"The professor recommended reading a specialized vocabulary of medical terms to prepare for the upcoming surgery exam."
In plain English: Vocabulary is all the different words you know and can use when speaking or writing.
"The teacher praised the student for adding new words to his vocabulary."
Usage: Use this word to refer specifically to the compiled list itself rather than an individual's total range of known words. It is common in educational contexts where materials are organized alphabetically with definitions included.
Learned borrowing from Medieval Latin vocābulārium. Doublet of vocabularium.