How does the dictionary define a word?

Absent a statutory definition, dictionary definitions serve as "useful guideposts" to determine the word's "ordinary" and "commonly understood meaning". (See , People v. Aleynikov , 31 NY3d 383, 397 [2018] ). "This follows from the principle that, generally, unless a contrary intent is clear, lawmakers employ words as they are commonly or ordinarily employed. " ( People v. Aleynikov , 31 NY3d at 397 ).