# description(withLocale:) Returns a string object that represents the contents of the dictionary, formatted as a property list. ``` func description(withLocale locale: Any?) -> String ``` ## Parameters `locale` An object that specifies options used for formatting each of the dictionary’s keys and values; pass `nil` if you don’t want them formatted. On iOS and macOS 10.5 and later, either an instance of `NSDictionary` or an `NSLocale` object may be used for `locale` . In OS X v10.4 and earlier it must be an instance of `NSDictionary` . ## Discussion For a description of how `locale` is applied to each element in the dictionary, see [`description(withLocale:indent:)`](/documentation/Foundation/NSDictionary/description(withLocale:indent:)). If each key in the dictionary responds to `compare:`, the entries are listed in ascending order by key, otherwise the order in which the entries are listed is undefined. --- Copyright © 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)