Kindle Online Reader Chrome: The Limitations of Custom Dictionaries

As a language instructor and author of language learning textbooks, I've always appreciated the Kindle's built-in dictionary as a valuable tool for making reading foreign language texts more fluent and effortless. However, when it comes to using custom dictionaries with Kindle Cloud Reader on your PC or Mac, there are some significant limitations.

Even purchased dictionaries from the Kindle store don't show up in Cloud Reader. Furthermore, Kindle Cloud Reader doesn't allow copying of text, which is likely intended to prevent piracy but also prevents readers from looking up and translating words or using third-party browser extensions for further study, such as flashcards, etc.

Additionally, Cloud Reader offers a handful of pre-installed dictionaries, but unfortunately, there is no discernible way to install more dictionaries. This lack of customization options is particularly disappointing when compared to the Kindle apps on other devices, such as the iPhone or iPad, where custom dictionaries can be easily integrated and accessed by tapping on unknown words.

What's missing from Cloud Reader is an option to get the same feature on desktop computers. While it's great that custom dictionaries are available on other platforms, it would be beneficial for users of Kindle Cloud Reader on their PCs or Macs to have access to this functionality as well.

In summary, while Kindle Cloud Reader has its advantages, the limitations of custom dictionaries make it less suitable for language learners and readers who rely heavily on dictionary lookups.

Kindle online reader chrome