Hi! With the OED, it has been like that at least since I started university in 2007. However, lots of public libraries have subscriptions. I just go to my library website, login, and follow the link to the OED. There are many other reference tools that are also included in my library card. Libraries rule!

Edit: you can check merriam-webster for free, I think

You can still buy the book or access the site via most libraries.

I get that it’s a bit annoying, but I’m guessing you’d also be annoyed about an ad-ridden, data-harvesting dictionary.

The Oxford English Dictionary is without a doubt the most well-researched, comprehensive, and linguistically complete English dictionary on Earth, bar none. Nothing even comes close to its depth and scope.

It perhaps is the most well-researched and comprehensive dictionary of all languages, but I wouldn’t know.

It’s laid out in an unusual way and even has words and alternate meanings that haven’t been used for centuries. It’s not meant to be a general-purpose dictionary, it’s niche and predominantly for linguistic experts or people fascinated by language.

An unbelievable amount of research goes into it, and those people deserve to be paid.

There are dozens of freely-available general-purpose dictionaries out there if you want them.

The OED has never been free. Go buy a copy and you’ll know why.

It works OK for me, but I’m in the UK so maybe it’s subscription only for foreigners.