# NotebookLM prompt: glossary from your sources

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/glossary-from-sources-prompt  
Section: Prompts  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

Use it when starting in a new field or aligning terms across a team. Paste the prompt below into the NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) chat and replace the parts in square brackets. It tells NotebookLM to answer only from your sources, cite them and flag what they do not cover.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Works in | NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook chat, and the customise box of Studio items |
| Sources needed | Documents that use the specialist vocabulary. |
| Cost | Free to copy. Saving it in the extension is free for up to 10 plain prompts. |

## The prompt

```text
Build a glossary of the 20 most important terms in these sources.
Term | Definition as used here | Source | Terms it is easily confused with
Where authors define a term differently, keep both definitions and name the authors. Do not merge them into one.

Use only the sources in this notebook. Cite the source for every claim. If the sources do not cover something, say "not covered in the sources" instead of filling the gap.
```

## How to use it

1. Open the notebook and tick only the sources this question is about.
2. Paste the prompt into the chat and replace every part in [SQUARE BRACKETS].
3. Open two or three citations in the answer to confirm they say what the answer claims.
4. Save the answer as a note, then keep it: [Export the glossary to CSV](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-csv).

## Adapt it

- Ask for the terms a beginner should learn first.
- Turn the glossary into flashcards.

> NotebookLM can misread or over-generalise a source. A prompt reduces that; it does not remove it. Check cited passages before you rely on an answer.

## Frequently asked questions

### What should be in the notebook before I use the glossary from your sources prompt?

Documents that use the specialist vocabulary.

### Does this prompt work in Gemini Notebook?

Yes. Gemini Notebook is the new name of NotebookLM since July 16, 2026. The chat works the same way: it answers from the sources you select.

### How do I save this prompt in NotebookLM?

NotebookLM has no prompt library of its own. With NotebookLM Ultra Exporter you can save it to My prompts and insert it in the chat box by typing /. Free saves 10 plain prompts; variable templates, folders and backup need Pro.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM data tables to CSV](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-csv)
- [NotebookLM prompt: compare sources in a table](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/source-comparison-table-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: article outline from sources](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/article-outline-from-sources-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: executive summary](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/executive-summary-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: Zettelkasten notes](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/zettelkasten-notes-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: verifiable timeline](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/timeline-extraction-prompt)