LingoZ is a new user-generated dictionary from the language wizards at Babylon. Known for their 10 million-plus word database that operates in a variety of world languages, Babylon’s latest initiative will function similarly to Wiktionary, except for one major difference: users cannot edit others’ definitions of words.
Instead, LingoZ users will submit definitions for undefined words (though most will already be defined considering the size of Babylon’s database, which will naturally be transposed onto the LingoZ site). In turn, users vote with a simple “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” mechanism on which definitions they think are best. Language isn’t a barrier here; you can submit an English definition for an Italian word, or vice versa. In addition to the word database, you can also submit or browse through glossaries, which are collections of definitions that refer to a common theme (for example, a Spanish-English sub-dictionary). Searching for a word or a glossary is easy; you can run a query by keyword or by category. You can also earn street cred on the site and become an “Expert” by having your definition voted favorably for a given word, voting for a definition, having your definition added to someone’s glossary, etc.
LingoZ.com In Their Own Words
“LingoZ is an online community dedicated to the building of the world’s largest dictionary, and providing a community resource for language questions.
LingoZ is a service by Babylon.com, the world’s leading provider of translation software. We bring to you Babylon’s dictionaries with millions of definitions and translations as starting point, and we invite you to jump in and contribute your knowledge in variety of forms, as you deem right:
• Add new Terms
• Add Definitions and translations for existing terms
• Add Glossaries – lists of terms with a common ground that may be a useful aggregation for other users (for example: A Glossary for Football terms)
• Comment and Collaborate with others on any content item
• Vote for the quality of terms, definitions and Glossaries”
Why LingoZ.com It Might Be A Killer
LingoZ could be a great new alternative for Wiktionary, and one that a lot of people might consider superior since users can’t edit each other’s submissions as the site uses a voting system instead of group editing to produce accurate and relevant results. The glossary feature is particularly useful and interesting, and because the site contains several sub-dictionaries, it could become your one-stop spot for all of your language needs.
Some Questions About LingoZ.com
LingoZ mentions that “First of all, we are starting with a truly huge mass of work that we have gathered for the past 10 years – millions of definitions in eight languages, including dictionaries and translations. When you join our effort, you won’t have to define the banal words – that’s all been covered”. However, it’s my understanding that these definitions come directly from Babylon’s dictionaries and were NOT generated by users; doesn’t that defeat the purpose of the site? Users may want to submit their own definitions for even these “banal” words, it may not be good enough to just have users vote on pre-existing textbook definitions. 
