NoteMods

How to look up local glossary terms in Obsidian

As of October 2026, Obsidian Search can find text in notes and canvases. Its documented content search does not cover CSV or TSV glossary contents. CSV Glossary Lookup imports those files for exact selected-term lookup.

Updated · 2 ways compared · 1 source

Background

Your glossary may have several senses for one term or use columns in a different order. Check the import preview before using it in a note.

2 ways to do it

  1. Keep glossary meanings in a note

    If your glossary is a Markdown note, search for a term with Obsidian Search. Select text in an editor and open Search to search that selection.

    limits
    This finds note text rather than importing CSV columns or offering the plugin's meaning insertion buttons.

  2. CSV Glossary Lookup from this site

    Import a local CSV or TSV file, map its term and meaning columns, and select Use glossary. Look up selected text to compare exact senses before inserting one.

    limits
    Files must be UTF-8 and no larger than 4 MiB; reload requires selecting the updated source file again.
    The study note shows river edge inserted where bank was originally selected.
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    Install in Obsidian
    Directory pageSource on GitHub

    MIT · no telemetry · core features free

    All features of CSV Glossary Lookup

Try the plugin with a small example

  1. Open the plugin settings and select Import glossary.

  2. Choose your CSV or TSV file and check whether its first row contains column names.

  3. Map two different columns, inspect the preview and select Use glossary.

  4. Select a term in a Markdown editor and run Look up selected text.

  5. Read the senses, then insert one meaning or close the modal to keep your note unchanged.

Common questions

How do I use a file without column names?

Turn off First row has column names in the preview. Map the generated column labels, then inspect the data before selecting Use glossary.

What happens to extra columns?

Keep them in your source file. Lookup uses the two mapped columns, which must be different.

Does a rejected import erase the old glossary?

A malformed import leaves the previous glossary available. Fix the source and import it again.

Sources

Photo of Michael LipYou can now look up local glossary terms.

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