* Dictionaries evolve: Dictionaries are constantly being updated and expanded. The "first word" would depend on the specific dictionary and its initial edition.
* No single "first" dictionary: Many dictionaries exist, each with their own history and methods of compilation.
* Words have existed before dictionaries: Spoken and written languages predate dictionaries.
However, some interesting points to consider:
* Etymological dictionaries: Dictionaries focused on word origins (etymology) may have started with words like "a," "be," "the" - basic grammatical elements.
* Early dictionaries often focused on Latin: Latin was a prominent language in scholarship, so early dictionaries might have prioritized Latin words.
Ultimately, the idea of a "first word" in a dictionary is more a thought experiment than a solvable question. It's fascinating to consider the evolution of dictionaries and the vastness of language!