This article examines the current state of representation of ethnographisms (ethnographic lexemes and phrases) in Uzbek explanatory dictionaries and proposes ways to improve their lexicographic description. Despite significant achievements in Uzbek lexicography, particularly the creation of the two-volume (1981) and five-volume (2006–2008) explanatory dictionaries, the presentation of ethnographisms remains insufficient. The study reveals inconsistencies in orthographic norms for compound ethnographisms, inadequate coverage of polysemy and homonymy, limited thematic scope, and insufficient illustrative examples reflecting the ethnocultural reality of the Uzbek people.

The research, based on a comparative analysis of existing dictionaries and field materials from Surkhandarya region, identifies key shortcomings in the lexicographic treatment of ethnographic units related to material culture, rituals, national games, kinship terms, traditional cuisine, and professions. The author emphasizes the necessity of creating specialized ethnographic dictionaries and offers practical recommendations for enhancing the quality, consistency, and depth of ethnographism entries in future explanatory dictionaries. The improvement of ethnographism representation is crucial for preserving national cultural heritage and enriching the lexicographic resources of the Uzbek language.