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19,795 words · page 6 of 7
- salty/ˈsɒlti/adjective · A2+Tasting like the sea, like crisps and olives.
- salubrious/səˈl(j)uː.bɹi.əs/adjective · C2Good for health, or pleasant to live in.
- salutary/ˈsaljʊtəɹi/adjective · C2Producing a good effect, though unpleasant at the time.
- salutation/ˌsæljuˈteɪʃən/noun · C1A greeting, especially at the start of a letter.
- salute/səˈl(j)uːt/verb · B1To raise the hand to the head as a formal greeting.
- salvage/ˈsælvɪd͡ʒ/verb · C1To rescue what can still be saved from a wreck or failure.
- salvageableadjective · C1Damaged, but still worth saving.
- salvation/sælˈveɪ.ʃn̩/noun · C1Being saved from sin and its consequences.
- salve/sɑːv/noun · C1An ointment that soothes a wound.
- salvo/ˈsælvəʊ/noun · C1All the guns firing together, once.
- samba/ˈsɑmbə/noun · B1+A fast Brazilian dance with a rolling rhythm.
- same/seɪm/adjective · A1Exactly like the other one; not different in any way.
- same herephrase · B1A short way of saying you feel the same.
- same oldphrase · C1Nothing has changed since you last asked.
- samite/ˈsæmaɪt/noun · C2A rich silk cloth interwoven with gold.
- samoanoun · B2+Polynesian island nation west of the date line.
- sample/ˈsɑːm.pəl/noun · B1The smaller group actually studied, standing for the whole.
- sample sizenoun · B2How many people a study actually asked.
- san marinonoun · C1Micro-republic on a mountain, completely surrounded by Italy.
- sanctify/ˈsæŋk.tɪ.faɪ/verb · C1To make something holy, or to place it beyond question.
- sanctimonious/ˌsæŋk.tɪˈməʊ.ni.əs/adjective · C2Making a show of being more moral than others.
- sanction/ˈsæŋkʃən/noun · C1An official punishment one country puts on another, usually on trade.
- sanctions/sæŋkʃənz/noun · B2+Penalties imposed on a country to change its behaviour.
- sanctity/ˈsæŋktɪti/noun · C1The quality of being holy or inviolable.
- sanctuary/ˈsæŋktjʊəɹi/noun · B2A protected safe place where hunted creatures cannot be touched.
- sanctum/ˈsæŋktəm/noun · C1A sacred or very private place.
- sand/sænd/noun · B1The tiny golden grains that cover beaches and deserts.
- sand/sænd/adjective · B2A pale warm yellow-brown.
- sandal/ˈsændəl/noun · B1+An open summer shoe held on with straps.
- sandalwood/ˈsandəlwʊd/noun · C1A fragrant wood used for carving and perfume.
- sandbar/ˈsændˌbɑɹ/noun · B2+A ridge of sand built up in shallow water.
- sander/ˈsændɚ/noun · B2+A machine that rubs a surface smooth for you.
- sandpaper/ˈsændˌpeɪpɚ/noun · B1+Paper coated with grit for rubbing surfaces smooth.
- sandpiper/ˈsænd.paɪpɚ/noun · C1A small wading bird that probes the mud with a fine bill.
- sandpit/ˈsænd.pɪt/noun · B1A box of loose grains for children to dig in.
- sandstone/ˈsændˌstəʊn/noun · B2+A warm-coloured rock formed from pressed sand.
- sandwich/ˈsæn(d).wɪd͡ʒ/noun · A1Two slices of bread with something tasty in between.
- sandy/ˈsændi/adjective · A2+Covered in tiny grains of worn rock, or that colour.
- sanguine/ˈsæŋ.ɡwɪn/adjective · C2Cheerfully confident that things will turn out well.
- sanitary/ˈsænɪt(ə)ɹi/adjective · B2+Clean enough to be healthy.
- sanitation/ˌsænɪˈteɪʃən/noun · B2+The systems that keep drinking water and waste apart.
- sanitiseverb · B1+To make something clean and free of germs.
- sanitizer/ˈsænɪtaɪzɚ/noun · B1+A gel that cleans hands without water.
- sanity/ˈsæn.əˌti/noun · B2Soundness of mind and reasonable judgement.
- sap/sæp/noun · C1The sweet liquid blood of a tree.
- sapling/ˈsæplɪŋ/noun · B2+A young slender tree.
- sapphire/ˈsæf.aɪ̯ə/noun · B1+A hard blue precious stone.
- sarcasm/ˈsɑːɹˌkæzəm/noun · B2Saying the opposite of what you mean, sharpened to sting.
- sarcastic/sɑːˈkæs.tɪk/adjective · C1Saying the opposite of what is meant, in order to wound.
- sarcastically/sɑː(ɹ)ˈkæstɪkli/adverb · C1In a mocking way that means the opposite of the words.
- sarcophagus/sɑːˈkɒfəɡəs/noun · C1A stone coffin, often carved.
- sardine/sɑːˈdiːn/noun · B1+A small oily fish packed tightly in tins.
- sardonic/sɑːˈdɒnɪk/adjective · C1Mocking in a dry and rather bitter way.
- sari/ˈsɑː.ɹi/noun · B1+A long cloth wrapped and draped, worn in India.
- sash/sæʃ/noun · B2+A wide band of cloth tied around the waist.
- satanic/seɪˈtænɪk/adjective · B2Belonging to the Devil himself, as with rites and worship carried out in his name.
- satchel/ˈsæt͡ʃəl/noun · B2+A stiff shoulder bag, often for books.
- sate/seɪt/verb · C2To satisfy an appetite fully.
- satellite/ˈsætəlaɪ̯t/noun · B2A machine circling high above the planet, relaying signals and photos.
- satellite townphrase · C1A smaller town depending on a nearby city.
- satiate/ˈseɪʃɪeɪt/verb · C2To satisfy an appetite completely, or beyond it.
- satin/ˈsæt.ɪn/noun · B2A smooth glossy cloth.
- satinyadjective · C1Smooth with a soft sheen.
- satire/ˈsætaɪɹ/noun · C1Comedy with teeth, mocking the powerful to expose them.
- satiristnoun · C1A writer who mocks folly to expose it.
- satisfaction/sætɪsˈfækʃən/noun · B2The quiet good feeling of having got what you wanted.
- satisfactory/sætɪsˈfækt(ə)ɹi/adjective · B2Good enough, though no better than that.
- satisfied/ˈsætɪsfaɪd/adjective · B2Content that what you wanted has been met.
- satisfy/ˈsætɪsfaɪ/verb · B2To give someone enough of what they wanted.
- satisfying/ˈsætɪsfaɪ.ɪŋ/adjective · B1+Leaving you content and wanting nothing more.
- saturatedadjective · B2+Holding as much dissolved substance as it can.
- saturationnoun · B2+How strong and pure the colours are.
- saturdaynoun · A1The first day of the weekend.
- sauce/sɔːs/noun · A2The thick tasty liquid poured over food — tomato, soy, or cheese.
- saucepan/ˈsɔsˌpæn/noun · A2+A deep round cooking pot with a long handle and a lid.
- saucer/ˈsɔːsə/noun · B1+The small plate that sits under a teacup.
- saucy/ˈsɔːsi/adjective · B2+Cheeky, or mildly rude about sex.
- saudi arabiaphrase · B1The desert kingdom of oil and the holy city of Mecca.
- sauna/ˈsɔː.nə/noun · C1A hot wooden room you sit in to sweat.
- saunter/ˈsɔntɚ/verb · C1To walk in a relaxed and confident way.
- sausage/ˈsɒsɪd͡ʒ/noun · A2+Minced meat and spice pushed into a long skin.
- sauteverb · B2+To cook quickly in a little hot fat, shaking the pan.
- savagery/ˈsæv.ɪd͡ʒ.ɹɪ/noun · C1Fierce cruelty and violence.
- savanna/səˈvænə/noun · B1+Hot grassland dotted with trees, home of lions and giraffes.
- savant/sæˈvɑnt/noun · C1Somebody of very great learning or unusual gift.
- save/seɪv/verb · A2To bring someone out of danger.
- save upphrase · B1To put money aside until you have enough.
- savings/ˈseɪvɪŋz/noun · B1The money you keep and do not spend, growing slowly for later.
- savings accountnoun · B1An account that pays interest on money left in it.
- saviournoun · B2+Somebody who rescues others from danger.
- savorverb · B2+To enjoy something slowly, tasting every moment.
- savory/ˈseɪ.və.ɹi/adjective · B1+Salty rather than sweet.
- savour/ˈseɪvə/verb · B2+To enjoy a taste slowly and completely.
- savvy/ˈsæv.i/noun · B2+Shrewd practical understanding.
- saw/sɔː/noun · A1The tool with sharp teeth that cuts wood.
- saw/sɔː/verb · A2To cut with a toothed blade pushed back and forth.
- sawdust/ˈsɔːˌdʌst/noun · B1+The fine powder left behind by cutting wood.
- sawhorse/ˈsɔː.hɔːs/noun · C1A four-legged frame that holds timber for cutting.
- sawyer/ˈsɔːjə/noun · C2Somebody whose trade is sawing timber.
- saxophone/ˈsæksəˌfəʊ̯n/noun · B1+The curved golden horn at the heart of smoky jazz.
- say/seɪ/verb · A1To speak particular words out loud.
- say hello for mephrase · B1Ask somebody to greet another on your behalf.
- sayonara/ˌsaɪəˈnɑːɹə/noun · B2+A farewell, borrowed from Japanese.
- scab/skæb/noun · B2The hard crust that forms over a healing wound.
- scabbard/ˈskæb.əd/noun · C1The long case a sword hangs in.
- scabrous/ˈskeɪbɹəs/adjective · C2Rough to the touch, or indecent in subject.
- scaffold/ˈskæf.əld/noun · B2+A framework for builders, or a platform for executions.
- scaffolding/ˈskæfəldɪŋ/noun · B2+The temporary metal frame workers climb on outside a building.
- scald/skɔld/noun · B2+A burn caused by hot liquid or steam.
- scale/skeɪl/noun · B1One of the small hard plates covering a fish.
- scale modelnoun · B2A small copy built to show what the real thing will look like.
- scales/skeɪlz/noun · A2+The machine that tells you exactly how many grams of flour you have.
- scalp/skælp/noun · B2The skin on top of your head that hair grows out of.
- scalp massagenoun · B2Rubbing the skin of the head to relax it.
- scaly/ˈskeɪli/adjective · B2+Covered in small hard overlapping plates.
- scam/ˈskæm/noun · B1A dishonest scheme to take somebody's money.
- scamper/ˈskæmpə/verb · C1To run with quick short light steps.
- scan/skæn/noun · B1A picture taken of the inside of a body.
- scan/skæn/verb · B1To look over something quickly for what you need.
- scandal/ˈskændəl/noun · B2A shocking event that disgraces someone famous.
- scanner beltnoun · B2The moving strip that carries bags through an x-ray.
- scapegoat/ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/noun · B2+Somebody blamed for what others did.
- scar/skɑɹ/noun · B1The permanent mark a deep cut leaves after it heals.
- scarab/ˈskæɹəb/noun · C1A beetle carved as a charm in ancient Egypt.
- scarce/ˈskɛəs/adjective · B2So little of it left that everyone competes for it.
- scarcely/ˈskɛəsli/adverb · B2Only just; almost not.
- scarcity/ˈskɛɹsɪti/noun · B2+A shortage of something people need.
- scarecrow/ˈskɛəkɹəʊ/noun · A2+A figure of straw put in a field to frighten birds off.
- scarf/skɑːf/noun · A2+The long soft cloth you wrap around your neck in winter.
- scarieradjective · A2+More frightening.
- scarlet/ˈskɑɹlɪt/adjective · B2A brilliant, slightly orange shade of red.
- scary/ˈskɛə.ɹi/adjective · A2Making people feel fear.
- scat/skæt/noun · C2Jazz singing on nonsense syllables.
- scathe/skeɪð/verb · C2To injure or to wither with criticism.
- scathing/ˈskeɪðɪŋ/adjective · C1Fiercely and woundingly critical.
- scatter/ˈskætə/verb · B1+To throw or run in all directions at once.
- scatter/ˈskætə/verb · C1To send light off in many directions at once.
- scattered/ˈskætɚd/adjective · C1Spread about with no order.
- scavenge/ˈskæv.ɪndʒ/verb · B2+To search through waste for anything useful.
- scavenger/ˈskæv.ən.d͡ʒə(ɹ)/noun · C2A creature that feeds on what is already dead.
- scenario/sɪˈnɑːɹi.əʊ/noun · B2One way things could turn out.
- scene/siːn/noun · A2One part of a play or film, or the place where something happened.
- scenic/ˈsiːnɪk/adjective · B2+Offering beautiful natural views.
- scent/sɛnt/noun · B2A distinctive smell, often a faint one.
- scepticaladjective · C1Doubting whether a claim is true.
- scepticismnoun · C1The habit of doubting what you are told.
- scepticismnoun · C1The habit of demanding evidence before believing.
- sceptre/ˈsɛptə/noun · C1The ornamented rod a monarch holds.
- schedule/ˈʃɛd͡ʒuːl/noun · A2The plan of what happens when, hour by hour.
- schema/ˈskiːmə/noun · C1The shape a database expects its data to have.
- scheme/skiːm/noun · B2An organized plan — sometimes an official one, sometimes a sneaky one.
- schism/ˈskɪzəm/noun · C2A deep split that divides a church or a party.
- schizophrenia/ˌskɪtsəˈfɹiniə/noun · B2+A severe mental illness that distorts thought and perception.
- schnapps/ʃnɑps/noun · C1A strong clear spirit, often flavoured with fruit.
- scholar/ˈskɒlə/noun · B2A person devoted to deep learning and study.
- scholarship/ˈskɒləʃɪp/noun · B2Money given to a talented student so they can afford to study.
- school/skuːl/noun · A1The place where children go every day to learn.
- schoolboy/ˈskulˌbɔɪ/noun · B1+A boy who attends school.
- schoolchild/ˈskuːlt͡ʃaɪld/noun · B1+A boy or girl of the age that attends daily lessons, named by their years rather than by their role in a classroom.
- schoolgirl/ˈskuːlɡɜː(ɹ)l/noun · B2A girl who attends school.
- schoolmate/ˈskuːlˌmeɪt/noun · B1+Somebody who goes to the same school as you.
- schoolteachernoun · B1+Somebody whose job is teaching in a school.
- schoolwork/ˈskuːlˌwɜːk/noun · B1+The lessons and exercises a teacher sets a learner, done in class as much as at home.
- science/ˈsaɪ.əns/noun · A1The careful study of how the world really works.
- science fiction/ˈsaɪəns ˌfɪkʃən/phrase · B1Stories of space, robots, and the future.
- scientific/ˌsaɪ.ənˈtɪf.ɪk/adjective · B1Based on careful testing and evidence, not on guessing.
- scientifically/ˌsaɪ.ənˈtɪfɪkli/adverb · B2+By the methods of careful testing and measurement.
- scientist/ˈsaɪəntɪst/noun · A2+A person who does experiments to discover how the world works.
- scimitar/ˈsɪmɪtə/noun · C1A curved single-edged sword from the East.
- scion/ˈsaɪən/<a:RP><ref:<<name:OED>>>noun · C2A descendant of a notable family, or a shoot for grafting.
- scissors/ˈsɪzəz/noun · A2+A tool with two blades for cutting paper.
- sclerosis/skləˈɹəʊ.sɪs/noun · C1A disease that hardens body tissue and stiffens the nerves.
- scoff/skɒf/verb · C1To jeer aloud at something, mocking it in words rather than merely feeling contempt for it.
- scold/ˈskəʊ̯ld/verb · B1+To tell somebody off angrily.
- sconce/skɒns/noun · C2A bracket on a wall for holding a light.
- scone/skɒn/noun · B1+A small plain cake split and spread with cream and jam.
- scoop/skuːp/noun · C1The big story one reporter gets before every rival.
- scoop/skuːp/noun · B1A deep spoon-shaped tool for lifting loose material.
- scoop/skuːp/verb · B2To lift something up in a curved hand or tool.
- scoot/skuːt/verb · B2To move quickly and lightly out of the way.
- scooter/ˈskuːtə(ɹ)/noun · B2A small light two-wheeler you stand or sit on for short city rides.
- scooter/ˈskuːtə(ɹ)/noun · B1A board on wheels with a handle, pushed by one foot.
- scope/skəʊp/noun · C1How far something extends — all it covers and includes.
- scope/skəʊp/noun · B2How far a claim is meant to apply.
- scorch/skɔːtʃ/verb · B2+To burn a surface so it browns or blackens.
- scorchingadjective · B2+Burningly, unbearably hot.
- score/skɔː/noun · A2The numbers that show how many points each side has.
- score/skɔː/noun · B2The music written specially for a film.
- score/skɔː/verb · C1To cut a shallow line as a guide.
- scoreboardnoun · B1+The big display that shows the points during a match.
- scornful/ˈskɔɹnfəl/adjective · C1Showing that you think something beneath consideration.
- scorpion/ˈskɔː.pi.ən/noun · B1+A desert animal with big claws and a poisonous curved tail.
- scorpion tailnoun · B2The curved stinging tip on the end of a scorpion.
- scotlandnoun · A2+The northern UK nation of kilts, bagpipes, and highlands.
- scoundrel/ˈskaʊ̯ndɹəl/noun · C1A thoroughly dishonest person.
- scour/ˈskaʊə/verb · B2+To search a place thoroughly, or to scrub it clean.
- scour/ˈskaʊə/verb · B2To clean a pan by scrubbing off what has stuck.
- scourge/skɜːd͡ʒ/noun · C1Something that brings widespread suffering.
- scouring padnoun · C1A rough pad for scrubbing burnt pans.
- scowl/skaʊl/verb · B2+To look at somebody with an angry frown.
- scrabble/ˈskɹæbəl/verb · B2To scratch and grope about hurriedly.
- scrabble/ˈskɹæbəl/noun · B1+A game of forming words on a lettered grid.
- scraggly/ˈskɹæɡ(ə)li/adjective · C1Thin, ragged and growing unevenly.
- scram/skɹæm/verb · C2To leave at once — barked at someone you want gone.
- scramble/ˈskɹæmbl̩/verb · B2To stir eggs while cooking until soft and broken up.
- scrap/ˈskɹæp/noun · B2A small leftover piece of something bigger.
- scrap metalnoun · B2Waste metal collected to be melted and used again.
- scrape/skɹeɪp/verb · B1To drag an edge across a surface to remove what sticks.
- scrape throughphrase · B2To pass, but only just.
- scrapyardnoun · B2+The place where dead vehicles are broken up for parts.
- scratch/skɹæt͡ʃ/verb · B1To drag your nails across skin that itches.
- scratch/skɹæt͡ʃ/verb · B1To make a shallow mark with something sharp.
- scratch your headphrase · B2To rub the scalp while puzzled.
- scratching postnoun · B2The upright a cat is meant to claw instead of furniture.
- scratchy/ˈskɹæt͡ʃi/adjective · B2Rough enough to irritate the skin.
- scrawl/skɹɔːl/verb · C1To write hastily and untidily.
- scrawny/ˈskɹɔːni/adjective · C1Unhealthily thin and bony.
- scream/skɹiːm/verb · B1To cry out high and loud in fear or pain.
- scree/skɹiː/noun · C1Loose broken stone on a steep slope.
- scree slopenoun · C1A slope of loose broken stone below a cliff.
- screech/skɹiːt͡ʃ/verb · B2To make a high painful scream, like tires braking hard.
- screen/ˈskɹiːn/noun · A2The flat glowing surface where a computer or phone shows everything.
- screen breaknoun · B1A deliberate pause from devices.
- screen readernoun · B2Software that reads out what is on a display.
- screen time/ˈskɹiːn ˌtaɪ̯m/noun · B2How long you spend looking at a device.
- screening/ˈskɹiːnɪŋ/noun · B2A showing of a film to an audience.
- screenplay/ˈskɹiːnˌpleɪ/noun · C1The written text of a film — every line and scene.
- screenshot/ˈskriːn.ʃɒt/noun · B1A photo your device takes of its own screen.
- screenwriternoun · C1The person who writes the story and the dialogue.
- screw/ˈskɹuː/noun · B1A threaded pin driven in by turning.
- screw inphrase · B1To fasten by turning a threaded pin.
- screwdriver/ˈskɹuˌdɹaɪvɚ/noun · A2+The tool you turn to put screws in or take them out.
- scribble/ˈskɹɪbəl/noun · B2Careless writing that is hard to read.
- scribe/skɹaɪb/noun · B2+Somebody who copied documents by hand.
- scrimp/skɹɪmp/verb · C2To spend as little as you possibly can.
- scripture/ˈskɹɪpt͡ʃɚ/noun · B2The writings a religion holds sacred.
- scroll/skɹəʊl/verb · B1+To slide a page up or down with your finger or wheel.
- scroll/skɹəʊl/noun · B2A rolled document, often ancient and powerful.
- scrolling/ˈskɹoʊlɪŋ/noun · B1+Moving endlessly down a feed of posts.
- scrub/skɹʌb/verb · B1To clean by rubbing hard with something rough.
- scrublandnoun · C1Dry land covered with low rough bushes.
- scruff/skɹʌf/noun · C1The loose skin at the back of the neck.
- scruffy/ˈskɹʌf.i/adjective · B2Untidy and badly cared for.
- scrum/skɹʌm/noun · B2+The tight formation packed together to restart play.
- scrumptious/ˈskɹʌm(p)ʃəs/adjective · B2+Deliciously good, said with delight.
- scrunch/skɹʌnt͡ʃ/verb · C2To squeeze something into a wrinkled ball.
- scrunchie/ˈskɹʌnt͡ʃi/noun · B1+A fabric-covered elastic for tying hair.
- scruple/ˈskɹuːpəl/noun · C1A moral doubt that stops you doing something.
- scrupulous/ˈskɹuː.pjə.ləs/adjective · C1Careful to do everything exactly right.
- scrutinise/ˈskɹuːtɪnaɪz/verb · B2+To examine something very closely.
- scrutinize/ˈskɹuːtɨnaɪz/verb · C1To examine every detail with a critical eye.
- scrutiny/ˈskɹuː.tɪ.ni/noun · C1Intense, detail-by-detail critical inspection.
- scuba/ˈskuːbə/noun · B2Breathing gear carried on the back under water.
- scuba diving/ˈskuːbə ˈdaɪ.vɪŋ/noun · B1Diving with air carried in tanks on your back.
- scuff/skʌf/verb · C1To mark a surface by rubbing it.
- scuffle/ˈskʌfəl/noun · B2+A short confused fight at close quarters.
- scufflingnoun · B2+Brief, untidy grappling and shoving between a few people at close quarters.
- scullion/ˈskʌl.i.ən/noun · C2A kitchen servant who does the meanest work.
- sculpt/skʌlpt/verb · B2+To shape a figure by cutting away stone or wood.
- sculpture/ˈskʌlpt͡ʃɚ/noun · B1+Art with a body — a figure shaped from stone, metal, or clay.
- scum/skʌm/noun · B2A dirty film on a liquid, or people held in contempt.
- scurrilous/ˈskʌ.ɹə.ləs/adjective · C2Making damaging and indecent accusations.
- scurry/ˈskʌ.ɹi/verb · B2+To hurry along with short quick steps.
- scuttle/ˈskʌt.l̩/verb · C1To move quickly with short steps, low to the ground.
- scythe/ˈsaɪð/noun · B2+A long curved blade on a handle for cutting grass by hand.
- sea/siː/noun · A1The huge body of salt water that covers most of the planet.
- sea anemonenoun · C1A flower-like sea creature with stinging tentacles.
- sea levelnoun · B1The average height of the ocean surface.
- sea urchin/ˈsi ˌɝtʃɪ̈n/noun · B2A round sea creature covered in sharp spines.
- sea viewnoun · B1A room whose window looks out over the water.
- seafarer/ˈsiˌfɛɹɚ/noun · C1Somebody who travels the sea for a living.
- seafood/ˈsiːfuːd/noun · B1+Anything from the sea that ends up on a plate.
- seagull/ˈsiː.ɡʌl/noun · A2+A noisy white coastal bird that will steal your chips.
- seahorsenoun · B1+A small upright fish whose males carry the eggs.
- seal/siːl/noun · B1A sea animal that barks, claps, and lies on rocks in the sun.
- seal/siːl/verb · B1To close something so tightly that nothing can get in or out.
- seal/siːl/noun · B2The ring or strip that keeps a joint from leaking.
- sealant/ˈsiːlənt/noun · B2+A paste squeezed into a gap so water cannot pass.
- sealing wax/ˈsiːlɪŋ ˌwæks/noun · C1Hot wax dripped on a letter and stamped.
- seam/ˈsiːm/noun · B2The stitched line where two pieces of cloth join.
- seam allowance/ˈsiːm əˌlaʊ.ənts/noun · C1The margin left outside the stitching line.
- seaman/ˈsiːmən/noun · B2A sailor of the lower ranks.
- seamlessadjective · B2+So smoothly joined that no break can be seen.
- seamstress/ˈsɛm(p).stɹɪs/noun · B2+A woman whose job is sewing.
- seance/ˈseɪˌɑns/noun · C1A meeting held to try to contact the dead.
- seaplane/ˈsiˌpleɪn/noun · B2+An aircraft that lands on water instead of a runway.
- sear/sɪə̯(ɹ)/verb · B2+To brown the outside of meat fast in a very hot pan.
- search partynoun · B2A group that goes out looking for somebody lost.
- searing/ˈsɪəɹɪŋ/adjective · C1Burning fiercely, on the tongue or the skin.
- seasick/ˈsiːsɪk/adjective · B1+Made ill by the movement of a boat.
- seaside/ˌsiːˈsaɪd/noun · A2+The land beside the sea, especially as a place to visit.
- season[ˈsiː.zn̩]noun · A2One of the four parts of the year, each with its own weather.
- season[ˈsiː.zn̩]verb · B2To add salt, pepper, and spices until the food tastes right.
- season ticketnoun · B1A ticket bought for a whole period of travel.
- seasonal/ˈsiːzənəl/adjective · B1+Happening only at one time of the year.
- seasoned/ˈsiːzənd/adjective · C1Dried slowly so the wood is stable enough to use.
- seasoned/ˈsiːzənd/adjective · B1Of food: flavoured with salt, pepper or herbs.
- seasoningnoun · B1+The salt, pepper, and herbs that wake up a dish's flavor.
- seasoning balancenoun · C1The right proportion of salt, acid and sweetness.
- seat/siːt/noun · A2The place where one person sits on a plane, bus, or in a theater.
- seat numbernoun · A2The place assigned to you on the plane.
- seatbelt/ˈsiːt.belt/noun · A2+The strap you click across your body before the car moves.
- seatbelt signnoun · B1The lit symbol telling you to fasten up.
- seatpostnoun · B2The tube that holds the seat at the right height.
- seawaternoun · B1+The salty water of the ocean.
- seaweed/ˈsiːwiːd/noun · B1+The green and brown plants that grow under the sea.
- seaworthy/ˈsiːwɜːði/adjective · B2+Fit and safe to go to sea.
- secateurs/ˈsɛk.əˌtɜːz/noun · C2Strong scissors for cutting woody stems.
- secession/səˈsɛʃən/noun · C1Breaking away from a country to form a new one.
- secluded/sɪˈkluːdɪd/adjective · B2+Hidden away, far from people and noise.
- seclusion/səˈkluːʒən/noun · C1The state of being kept well away from others.
- second/ˈsɛk.ənd/noun · A1The shortest common measure of time — a clock ticks once per one.
- second class postnoun · B1The slower and cheaper way of sending mail.
- second personnoun · B2The form used when speaking to somebody.
- second thoughtsphrase · B2Fresh doubts about a decision you already made.
- second-guess/ˈsɛk.əndˌɡɛs/verb · C1To doubt a decision after making it.
- second-handadjective · B1Owned by somebody else before you.
- secondary/ˈsɛkənd(ə)ɹɪ/noun · B2A colour made by mixing two primaries.
- secondary sourcenoun · B2An account written later by someone studying it.
- secondhand/ˌsɛk(ə)n(d)ˈhænd/adjective · B1+Already owned by someone else before you bought it.
- secondly/ˈsɛk.(ə)ndli/adverb · B1+In the second place.
- secondment/səˈkɒn(d)mənt/noun · C1A temporary move to another team or organisation.
- seconds/ˈsɛk.əndz/noun · B2A second helping of the same dish.
- secret/ˈsiː.kɹɪt/adjective · A2Kept away from everyone else's knowledge on purpose.
- secret/ˈsiː.kɹɪt/noun · A2Something you know but must not tell anyone.
- secretariat/ˌsɛk.ɹəˈtɛə.ɹɪ.ət/noun · C1The permanent staff running an international body.
- secretary/ˈsɛk.ɹə.tə.ɹi/noun · A2+The office worker who manages letters, calls, and appointments for a boss.
- secretive/ˈsiːkɹɪtɪv/adjective · B2Inclined to keep things hidden.
- secretly/ˈsiː.kɹɪt.li/adverb · B1Without letting anyone know.
- sect/sɛkt/noun · B2+A group holding beliefs at odds with the main body.
- section/ˈsɛkʃən/noun · B1One separate part of a larger whole.
- sector/ˈsɛk.təɹ/noun · B2One distinct part of an economy or an area.
- secular/ˈsɛkjʊlə/adjective · C1Not connected with religion.
- secure/sɪˈkjʊə(ɹ)/adjective · B1Firmly fixed and protected from danger.
- security/sɪˈkjʊəɹɪti/noun · B1Property promised to a lender against a loan.
- security badgenoun · B1The card that opens the doors you are allowed through.
- security checknoun · B1The point where passengers and bags are screened.
- security clearancenoun · B2Official permission to see secret material.
- security guardnoun · B1A person employed to protect a place or people.
- security tagnoun · B2The device that sounds an alarm if goods leave unpaid.
- sedan/səˈdæn/noun · B2+A car with a separate boot behind the passenger seats.
- sedate/sɪˈdeɪt/adjective · C1Calm, unhurried and dignified.
- sedationnoun · C1The calming of a patient with drugs.
- sedative/ˈsɛdətɪv/noun · B2+A drug that calms and makes you sleepy.
- sedentary/ˈsɛd.ən.tɛɹ.i/adjective · C1Involving a great deal of sitting.
- sedge/sɛd͡ʒ/noun · C2A grassy plant that grows in wet ground.
- sediment/ˈsɛd.ɪ.mənt/noun · C1The fine material that settles at the bottom of rivers and lakes.
- sediment/ˈsɛd.ɪ.mənt/noun · B2+Material carried by water and dropped again.
- sediment layernoun · B2One band of silt, sand or mud in rock, marking material that settled at a particular time.
- sedimentary/ˌsɛd.əˈmɛn.tə.ɹi/adjective · C1Formed from layers of material settling and hardening.
- sedimentationnoun · C1The settling of carried material at the bottom.
- seditious/səˈdɪʃəs/adjective · C2Stirring people up against the government.
- seduction/sɪˈdʌk.ʃn̩/noun · B2+The leading of somebody into something, especially sex.
- seductive/sɪˈdʌktɪv/adjective · B2+Alluring in a sexually charged way that draws somebody into temptation.
- sedulous/ˈsɛd͡ʒʊləs/adjective · C2Working with steady untiring care.
- see/siː/verb · A1To notice things with your eyes.
- see eye to eyephrase · B2To agree completely with someone.
- see throughphrase · C1To spot the truth behind someone's trick; also, to finish what you started.
- see you aroundphrase · B1A casual farewell to somebody you will meet again.
- seed/siːd/noun · B1The tiny hard thing you put in the earth so a plant will grow.
- seed drillnoun · C1The machine that plants seed in even rows.
- seed podnoun · B2The case that holds a plant's seeds until they are ready.
- seedling/ˈsiːdlɪŋ/noun · C1A very young plant just grown from seed.
- seedy/ˈsiːdi/adjective · C2Shabby and faintly disreputable.
- seek outphrase · B2To look for somebody or something until you find them.
- seeker/ˈsiːkə/noun · B2Somebody looking for something.
- seem/ˈsiːm/verb · A2To look or feel a certain way, whether or not it is true.
- seemingly/ˈsiːmɪŋli/adverb · C1On the surface, judging only by appearances.
- seemly/ˈsiːmli/adjective · C1Proper and fitting for the occasion.
- seep/siːp/verb · B2+To pass slowly through small openings.
- seer/sɪə(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who can see what is to come.
- seesaw/ˈsiː.sɔː/noun · B2The playground plank where one child rises as the other sinks.
- seethe/siːð/verb · C1To boil, or to be filled with barely hidden rage.
- seething/ˈsiː.ðɪŋ/adjective · C1Boiling with anger held just under the surface.
- segment/ˈsɛɡ.mənt/noun · C1One identifiable part of a whole market.
- segment/ˈsɛɡ.mənt/noun · B1A piece cut off from a whole.
- segregation/sɛɡɹəˈɡeɪ̯ʃən/noun · B2+Keeping groups of people forcibly apart.
- seismic/ˈsaɪzmɪk/adjective · C2Having to do with the shaking of the ground.
- seismic/ˈsaɪzmɪk/noun · C1Movement and shaking within the earth.
- seismology/saɪzˈmɑl.ə.d͡ʒi/noun · C2The study of earthquakes.
- seize/ˈsiːz/verb · B2To grab suddenly and firmly — an arm, power, or a chance.
- seize up/ˌsiːz ˈʌp/phrase · C1For moving parts to stick fast and stop.
- seizure/ˈsiː.ʒə(ɹ)/noun · B2A sudden fit in which the body shakes out of control.
- seldom/ˈsɛldəm/adverb · C1Not often at all.
- selection/səˈlɛkʃən/noun · B2The choosing of somebody, or the range on offer.
- selective/səˈlɛktɪv/adjective · B2Choosing carefully rather than taking everything.
- selectivitynoun · C2Care in choosing only what fits.
- self/ˈsɛlf/noun · B1The person you essentially are.
- self-assuredadjective · C1Quietly confident in yourself.
- self-awareadjective · B2Understanding your own nature and effect on others.
- self-carenoun · B2Looking after your own health and spirits deliberately.
- self-cateringadjective · B2Where you cook your own meals rather than being fed.
- self-centeredadjective · B2Seeing everything only in relation to your own concerns, so that other people barely register.
- self-checkoutnoun · B1The machine you scan and pay at yourself.
- self-confidentadjective · B1Sure of your own abilities.
- self-consciousadjective · C1Awkwardly aware of how you look to others.
- self-control/ˌsɛlf kənˈtɹoʊl/noun · B2The power to master your own urges and temper by strength of mind alone.
- self-defencenoun · B2The protecting of yourself from attack.
- self-determination/ˌsɛlfdɪˌtɜː(ɹ)mɪˈneɪʃən/noun · C1The right of a people to choose their own government.
- self-employedadjective · B1Working for yourself rather than for an employer.
- self-esteem/ˌsɛlf.əˈstiːm/noun · B2How much you value and believe in yourself.
- self-possessionnoun · C1Calm control of yourself in a difficult moment.
- self-respectnoun · B2A sense of your own dignity strong enough to stop you from acting in ways that would demean you.
- self-service/sɛlfˈsɜː.vɪs/noun · B1Helping yourself rather than being waited on.
- self-studynoun · B2Learning on your own without a teacher.
- self-talknoun · C1The way a person speaks to themselves inside.
- self-tannoun · B2A lotion that browns the skin without sun.
- self-worthnoun · C1The sense that you matter regardless of what you achieve.
- selfie/ˈsɛlfi/noun · A2A photo you take of your own face with your phone at arm's length.
- selfish/ˈsɛl.fɪʃ/adjective · B1Caring only about yourself and never about others.
- selfishness/ˈsɛl.fɪʃ.nəs/noun · B2Caring only about what suits you.
- selflessadjective · B2Putting the good of others before your own.
- selflessnessnoun · C2Putting other people's needs before your own.
- selfsame/ˈsɛlfseɪm/adjective · C1Exactly the same one.
- sell/sɛl/verb · A1To give something away in exchange for money.
- selvedgenoun · C2The finished edge of woven cloth that will not fray.
- semantics/sɪˈmæntɪks/noun · C1The study of what words and sentences mean.
- semaphore/ˈsɛm.əˌfɔː/noun · C2A signal worked by a moving arm.
- semblance/ˈsɛmblən(t)s/noun · C1An outward appearance of something, perhaps false.
- semester/sɪˈmɛstə/noun · B1+One half of the university year.
- semicolon/ˌsɛmiˈkəʊlən/noun · B2+The mark that separates two closely linked clauses.
- semifinalnoun · B1+The round just before the last match — win it and you're there.
- seminal/ˈsɛmɪnəl/adjective · C2So important that everything after was shaped by it.
- seminar/ˈsɛmɪnɑɹ/noun · B2+A small university class built on discussion, not lecturing.
- seminary/ˈsɛmənɛɹi/noun · C1A college that trains priests or ministers.
- semitone/ˈsɛmitoʊn/noun · C1The smallest step between two neighbouring notes.
- senate/ˈsɛnɪt/noun · B2The upper house of lawmakers in many countries.
- senator/ˈsɛn.ə.tə/noun · B2An elected member of the upper house of lawmakers.
- send/sɛnd/verb · A1To make a letter or message travel to someone far away.
- sender/ˈsɛndəː/noun · B1+The person who posted the item.
- senegalnoun · B2+The West African country of Dakar, at the continent's westernmost point.
- seneschal/ˈsɛnəʃəl/noun · C2The steward who ran a great household.
- senile/ˈsiːnaɪl/adjective · B2+Weakened in mind or body by very great age.
- senility/səˈnɪlɪti/noun · C1The mental decline that can come with great age.
- senior/ˈsiːnjə(ɹ)/adjective · B1Higher in rank or older.
- seniority/siːnɪˈɒɹɪti/noun · C1The rank that comes from length of service.
- sensation/sɛnˈseɪʃən/noun · C1A thing that causes great excitement.
- sensation/sɛnˈseɪʃən/noun · B1A feeling in the body.
- sensational/sɛnˈseɪʃənəl/adjective · C1Causing great excitement — or exaggerated to do so.
- senseless/ˈsɛnsləs/adjective · B2Having no purpose, or knocked unconscious.
- sensibility/ˌsɛn(t)sɪˈbɪlɪti/noun · C1Fineness of feeling and responsiveness to impressions.
- sensible/ˈsɛn.sɪ.bəl/adjective · B1Showing good practical judgment.
- sensibly/ˈsɛnsəbli/adverb · B1+In a way that shows good practical judgement.
- sensitive/ˈsɛn.sɪt.ɪv/adjective · B2Feeling things deeply; easily hurt by hard words.
- sensitive skinnoun · B2Skin that reacts easily to products.
- sensitivity/ˌsɛn.sɪˈtɪv.ɪ.ti/noun · C1How easily something reacts or is hurt.
- sensor/ˈsɛn.sə/noun · B2A small device that detects heat, light or movement.
- sensory/ˈsɛn.sə.ɹi/adjective · B2+To do with the senses and what they take in.
- sentence/ˈsɛn.təns/noun · A1A complete line of words that starts big and ends with a dot.
- sentence/ˈsɛn.təns/noun · B2The punishment a judge gives — for example, five years locked up.
- sentencingnoun · B2+The stage where the punishment is decided.
- sentient/ˈsɛn.ti.ənt/adjective · C1Able to feel and to be aware.
- sentiment/ˈsɛn.tɪ.mənt/noun · C1A view held, or a feeling expressed.
- sentimental/ˌsɛntiˈmɛntl̩/adjective · C1Moved easily by memories and keepsakes.
- sentimentalitynoun · C1Feeling indulged beyond what the occasion deserves.
- sentinel/ˈsɛn.tɪ.nəl/noun · C1A guard posted to keep watch.
- sentry/ˈsɛn.tɹi/noun · B2+A soldier posted to keep watch.
- seonoun · B2Shaping a site so search engines rank it higher.
- separate/ˈsɛp.əˌɹeɪt/verb · A2+To move things apart from each other.
- separation/ˌsɛp.əˈɹeɪ.ʃən/noun · C1The pulling apart of things, or a couple living apart.
- separatist/ˈsɛpəɹətɪst/noun · C1Somebody who wants their region to break away.
- sepia/ˈsiːpiə/adjective · B2+Toned a warm brown, like an old photograph.
- sept/sɛpt/noun · C2A branch of a family, or a small place of worship.
- septanoun · C2A priestess of a faith in the novels.
- septembernoun · A1The ninth month, when school starts again.
- septic/ˈsep.tɪ̝k/adjective · B2+Infected with germs that cause pus.
- septonnoun · C2A priest of a faith in the novels.
- sepulchre/ˈsɛpəlkə/noun · C2A tomb cut in rock or built of stone.
- sequel/ˈsiːkwəl/noun · C1The film or book that continues the story of the first one.
- sequence/ˈsiː.kwəns/noun · B2Things following one another in a fixed order.
- sequestrationnoun · C2The seizing of property, or a shutting away.
- sequin/ˈsiː.kwɪn/noun · B2+A tiny shiny disc sewn on to catch the light.
- serbianoun · B1+The Balkan country of Belgrade, where the Sava meets the Danube.
- sere/sɪə/adjective · C2Dry and withered, in poetic use.
- serenade/ˌsɛɹəˈneɪd/noun · C1A love song performed under someone's window.
- serendipitous/ˌsɛ.ɹɛnˈdɪp.ɪ.təs/adjective · C2Happening by a happy accident.
- serendipity/ˌsɛɹ.ənˈdɪp.ɪ.ti/noun · C2The happy accident of finding something wonderful while looking for something else.
- serene/səˈɹiːn/adjective · B2+Deeply calm and peaceful.
- serenity/səˈɹɛnɪti/noun · C1Deep untroubled calm, like a lake at dawn.
- serf/sɜːf/noun · C1A peasant bound by law to the land they worked.
- serfdom/ˈsɜːfdəm/noun · C1A system binding peasants to the land they work.
- sergeant/ˈsɑː.d͡ʒənt/noun · B1A non-commissioned officer above a corporal.
- serial/ˈsɪə.ɹɪ.əl/noun · B2A story told in instalments over time.
- serious/ˈsɪə̯.ɹi.əs/adjective · A2Not joking or playing; thinking carefully about important things.
- seriousness/ˈsɪɹiəsnəs/noun · B2How grave a matter is, or how solemn a person.
- sermon/ˈsɜː.mən/noun · B2A talk given to a congregation about belief and conduct.
- serpent/ˈsɜːpənt/noun · B2A great snake, especially one of legend.
- serpentine/ˈsɜː.pənˌtaɪn/adjective · C1Winding in curves like a snake.
- serrated/səˈɹeɪtɪd/adjective · B2+Having a row of small teeth along the edge.
- serum/ˈsɪəɹəm/noun · B2A concentrated liquid treatment for the skin.
- servant/ˈsɜːvənt/noun · B1Somebody employed to work in another person's household.
- serve/sɜːv/verb · A2To bring food and drinks to people at a table.
- serve a purposephrase · B2To be useful for something.
- serve upphrase · B2To put the finished food onto plates and bring it to the table.
- server/ˈsɜːvə/noun · B1+A powerful always-on computer that websites and games run on.
- service/ˈsɜː.vɪs/verb · A2To check and repair a vehicle at set intervals.
- service chargenoun · B2A percentage added to the bill for the staff.
- service plannoun · B2An agreement covering repairs for a fixed monthly sum.
- serviceable/ˈsɝvɪsəbl̩/adjective · C1Still good enough to be used.
- serviced apartmentnoun · C1A flat rented short-term with hotel-like service.
- serviette/ˌsɜː.viˈɛt/noun · B1The cloth or paper used to wipe your mouth.
- servile/ˈsɜː(ɹ)ˌvaɪl/adjective · C2Fawning and slavishly obedient.
- servility/səˈvɪ.lɪ.ti/noun · C2Excessive willingness to obey and please.
- servitude/ˈsɜːvɪtʃuːd/noun · C1The state of being forced to serve another.
- sesame/ˈsɛsəmi/noun · B1+A tiny pale seed sprinkled on buns.
- session/ˈsɛ.ʃən/noun · B2The period during which you stay logged in.
- set/sɛt/noun · B2The constructed place where a scene is filmed.
- set/sɛt/verb · A2To put something somewhere carefully, or arrange it ready for use.
- set a precedentphrase · C1To do something that later cases will follow.
- set a targetphrase · B2To fix the result you mean to reach.
- set an examplephrase · B2To behave in a way others should copy.
- set aside/sɛt.əˈsaɪd/phrase · B2To save money or time for a purpose; to park a disagreement.
- set backphrase · B2To delay progress; also, to cost someone a lot.
- set downphrase · C1To write something so it is on record.
- set forthphrase · C1To begin a journey, or to state something in order.
- set offphrase · B2To begin a journey; also, to make an alarm or bomb go.
- set out/ˈsɛt‿aʊt/phrase · B2To begin a journey, or to explain in an orderly way.
- set squarenoun · B2A flat triangle used to draw and check right angles.
- set up/ˌsɛt ˈʌp/phrase · B1To build or arrange something so it is ready to work.
- set your heart onphrase · B2To want one particular thing above all others.
- setback/ˈsɛtbæk/noun · B2+A problem that throws your progress backward.
- setting/ˈsɛtɪŋ/noun · B1The time and place a story happens in.
- setting spraynoun · C1A mist that fixes make-up in place.
- settle/ˈsɛ.təl/verb · B1To end a disagreement, or to make a place your permanent home.
- settle downphrase · B2To start a calm steady life in one place, often with a family.
- settlement/ˈsɛ.təl.mənt/noun · B2An agreement that ends a dispute without a full trial.
- settler/ˈsɛt.lɚ/noun · B2+Somebody who makes a home in a new territory.
- setup/ˈsɛtʌp/noun · B1The way something is arranged, or a trick to frame somebody.
- seven/ˈsɛvən/noun · A1The number of days in a week.
- seventeen/ˈsɛv.ən.tiːn/noun · A1The number that comes after sixteen.
- seventy/ˈsɛv.ən.ti/noun · A1Seven times ten.
- sever/ˈsɛv.ɚ/verb · C1To cut something right through, separating it.
- several/ˈsɛv.(ə.)ɹəl/adjective · A2More than two but not very many.
- severance/ˈsɛv.ɹəns/noun · C1Money paid to somebody whose job is ending.
- severe/sɪˈvɪə/adjective · B1Very serious and hard to bear — storms, pain, or punishments.
- severelyadverb · B2To a very serious degree, or harshly.
- severity/sɪˈvɛɹ.ɪ.ti/noun · B2+How serious or how harsh something is.
- sew/səʊ/verb · A2+To join cloth with a needle and thread.
- sewage/ˈsuː.ɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2The waste water carried away from buildings.
- sewer/ˈs(j)uːə/noun · B1The underground pipe network carrying a city's dirty water away.
- sewing machinenoun · A2A machine that stitches cloth quickly.
- sex/ˈsɛks/noun · A2Being male or female, or the physical act between partners.
- sexism/ˈsɛksɪzm̩/noun · B2+Prejudice against people because of their sex.
- sextant/ˈsɛk.stənt/noun · C1An instrument for finding position by the stars.
- sexual/sɛk.ʃuː.əl/adjective · B1To do with physical attraction between people.
- sexuality/sɛk.ʃuːˈæ.lɪ.ti/noun · C1A person's sexual nature and preferences.
- sexy/ˈsɛksi/adjective · B1Physically attractive in a way that stirs desire.
- seychellesnoun · B2Indian Ocean islands of granite boulders and honeymoon beaches.
- shabby/ˈʃæbi/adjective · B2Worn out and scruffy from long use.
- shack/ʃæk/noun · B2A roughly built shelter of scraps.
- shackle/ˈʃækl̩/noun · B2+A metal ring locked round a prisoner's limb.
- shade/ʃeɪd/noun · B2The cool dark area where sunlight is blocked.
- shadow/ˈʃædəʊ̯/noun · B1The dark shape you make on the ground when you stand in sunshine.
- shadowy/ˈʃæd.oʊ.i/adjective · B1+Full of dark patches, or mysterious and little known.
- shady/ˈʃeɪdi/adjective · B2Suspicious, or giving shade.
- shaft/ˈʃɑːft/noun · B2The vertical passage down into a mine.
- shaft of lightnoun · C1A straight column of light through darkness.
- shaggy/ˈʃæɡi/adjective · B2+Covered in long rough untidy hair.
- shah/ʃɑː/noun · C1The former hereditary ruler of Iran.
- shake/ˈʃeɪk/verb · A2To move something quickly up and down or side to side.
- shake your headphrase · A2To move the head side to side to mean no.
- shaky/ˈʃeɪki/adjective · B2Unsteady, or not to be relied on.
- shale/ʃeɪl/noun · C1A soft rock that splits into thin layers.
- shale oilnoun · C1Oil squeezed out of layered rock.
- shallow/ˈʃæləʊ/adjective · B2Not going far down; safe for small children to swim.
- shallow endnoun · B1The part of the pool where you can stand.
- sham/ˈʃæm/noun · B2+Something pretending to be what it is not.
- shamble/ˈʃæmbəl/verb · C2To walk awkwardly, dragging the feet.
- shambles/ˈʃæmbəlz/noun · C1A scene of complete disorder.
- shame/ˈʃeɪ̯m/noun · B2The burning feeling when others see your fault or failure.
- shame/ˈʃeɪ̯m/noun · A2Something unfortunate or disappointing.
- shamefaced/ˈʃeɪmˌfeɪst/adjective · C2Showing embarrassment at what you have done.
- shameful/ˈʃeɪmfəl/adjective · B1+So bad that it brings disgrace.
- shameless/ˈʃeɪ̯mlɪs/adjective · B2Not embarrassed by behaviour that should shame you.
- shampoo/ʃæmˈpuː/noun · A2+The liquid soap made specially for your hair.
- shank/ˈʃæŋk/noun · C1The lower part of the leg, or the straight part of a tool.
- shape/ˈʃeɪ̯p/noun · A2The outline or form that something has.
- shapeshifter/ˈʃeɪpʃɪftə/noun · B2+A being that can change its form at will.
- shatter/ˈʃætə/verb · B2To break violently into many tiny pieces.
- shattered/ˈʃætɚd/adjective · B2Broken into many pieces, or utterly exhausted.
- shave/ˈʃeɪ̯v/verb · B1To cut hair off close to the skin with a blade.
- shaving/ˈʃeɪvɪŋ/noun · B2A thin curl of wood taken off by a blade.
- shaving foamnoun · B1The lather spread on skin before shaving.
- shawl/ʃɔːl/noun · B2A large soft cloth draped around the shoulders for warmth.
- shay/ʃeɪ/noun · C2In old rural American speech, a light open one-horse buggy on two wheels.
- sheaf/ʃiːf/noun · C2A bundle of cut stalks tied together.
- shear/ʃɪə/verb · B2+To cut the wool off a sheep.
- sheath/ʃiːθ/noun · B2+The close-fitting cover for a blade.
- shed/ʃɛd/noun · B1The small wooden building in a garden where tools live.
- shedding/ˈʃɛdɪŋ/noun · B2The seasonal loss of an animal's coat.
- sheen/ʃiːn/noun · C1A soft shine on a surface.
- sheep/ˈʃiːp/noun · A1A woolly farm animal that says baa.
- sheepdognoun · A2+The dog trained to gather and drive sheep.
- sheepfold/ˈʃiːp.fəʊld/noun · C1An enclosure where sheep are kept at night.
- sheepish/ˈʃiːpɪʃ/adjective · C1Embarrassed at having been caught out.
- sheer/ʃɪə̯/adjective · B2Pure and total — luck, cliffs that drop straight down, or thin fabric.
- sheet/ʃiːt/noun · A2The thin cloth that covers a mattress.
- sheet masknoun · B2A soaked fabric face covering left on for minutes.
- shelf/ʃɛlf/noun · B1The flat board on a wall where you put books and jars.
- shelf edge labelnoun · B2The small card on the shelf giving the price.
- shelf marknoun · C1The code showing where a book is kept.
- shelf spacenoun · B2How much room a product gets in a shop.
- shell/ʃɛl/noun · B1The hard outer house of a snail, egg, or nut.
- shelter/ˈʃɛltə/verb · B1To get out of the weather under something.
- shelter/ˈʃɛltə/noun · B1A place giving protection.
- sheltered spotnoun · B2A place out of the wind.
- shepherd/ˈʃɛpəd/noun · B2The person who watches over sheep in the hills.
- sheriff/ˈʃɛɹɪf/noun · B1The chief law officer of an American county.
- shift/ˈʃɪft/noun · B1The block of hours you work — days one week, maybe nights the next.
- shift/ˈʃɪft/verb · B1To move something from where it is to somewhere else.
- shilling/ˈʃɪlɪŋ/noun · B2+A former British coin worth a twentieth of a pound.
- shimmer/ˈʃɪm.ə(ɹ)/verb · C2To shine with a soft wavering light.
- shimmer/ˈʃɪm.ə(ɹ)/noun · B2A fine glitter that catches the light.
- shimmy/ˈʃɪ.mi/verb · C1To move the body with a shaking sideways motion.
- shin/ʃɪn/noun · B1+The hard front edge of the lower leg.
- shinbonenoun · B1The hard ridge you feel at the front of your lower leg.
- shine/ʃaɪn/verb · B1To give out bright light, like the sun.
- shingle/ˈʃɪŋ.ɡəl/noun · B2+One of the flat overlapping pieces covering a roof.
- shinny/ˈʃɪni/verb · C2To climb a pole or a rope using arms and legs.
- shiny/ˈʃaɪ.ni/adjective · B1Reflecting light like polished metal.
- ship/ˈʃɪp/noun · A2A very big vessel that crosses whole seas with cargo or passengers.
- shipment/ˈʃɪpmənt/noun · B1+Goods sent together, and the sending of them.
- shipping/ˈʃɪpɪŋ/noun · C1The carrying of goods by sea, or ships as a whole.
- shipwreck/ˈʃɪpɹɛk/noun · B2+A ship destroyed at sea, and its remains.
- shipwright/ˈʃɪpɹaɪt/noun · C1A craftsman who builds and repairs ships.
- shire/ʃaɪə/noun · C1A county, in older British usage.
- shirk/ʃɜːk/verb · C1To avoid work or duty you should be doing.
- shirt/ʃɜːt/noun · A1You wear it on the top half of your body; it has buttons and a collar.
- shirtless/ˈʃɝtləs/adjective · B2+Bare-chested, said of a man who has stripped off his top in the heat or for a workout.
- shirtsleevesnoun · B2What you are left in once the jacket comes off.
- shiv/ʃɪv/noun · C2A crude knife made or carried as a weapon.
- shiver/ˈʃɪvɚ/verb · B1+To shake all over because of cold or fear.
- shoal/ʃəʊl/noun · C2A large group of fish moving together.
- shock/ʃɒk/noun · C1A dangerous drop in circulation after injury.
- shock/ʃɒk/verb · B1To upset or scandalise somebody.
- shod/ʃɒd/adjective · C1Wearing shoes, or fitted with metal shoes.
- shoddy/ˈʃɒd.i/adjective · C1Badly made or badly done.
- shoe/ˈʃuː/noun · A1You wear a pair of these on your feet to walk outside.
- shoelace/ˈʃuːˌleɪs/noun · A2+The string that ties a shoe shut.
- shoo/ʃuː/verb · B2To wave a creature away.
- shoot/ʃuːt/verb · B1To fire a gun or arrow; also, to kick at the goal.
- shoot upphrase · B2To grow very fast, or to rise sharply.
- shooter/ˈʃuːtəː/noun · B1Somebody who fires a weapon.
- shootout/ˈʃuːtaʊt/noun · B2+A decisive exchange of fire between armed opponents, such as police and cornered robbers, and also the penalty tie-breaker that settles a drawn football match.
- shop/ʃɒp/noun · A1The place where things are sold.
- shop assistant/ˌʃɒp əˈsɪs.tənt/noun · A2Somebody who serves customers in a shop.
- shopaholicnoun · B2A person who simply cannot stop buying things.
- shopkeeper/ˈʃɒpkiːpə/noun · B2Somebody who owns or runs a small shop.
- shoplift/ˈʃɒplɪft/verb · B2+To steal goods from a shop while pretending to shop.
- shoplifternoun · B2Someone who steals goods from a shop.
- shopliftingnoun · B2+Secretly taking goods from a shop without paying.
- shopping/ˈʃɒpɪŋ/noun · A1The buying of goods, or the goods bought.
- shopping centrenoun · A2A large building holding many shops.
- shopping listnoun · A2The written note of what you set out to buy.
- shopping spreephrase · B2A wild happy afternoon of buying far too much.
- short/ʃɔːt/adjective · A1Measuring only a little from end to end, or not tall.
- short circuitnoun · B2A fault where current takes a wrong easy path.
- short film/ˈʃɔːt ˈfɪlm/noun · B1A complete film that runs only a few minutes.
- short letnoun · C1A property rented for weeks rather than years.
- short-hauladjective · B2Describing a short flight, usually within a region.
- short-lived/ʃɔɹtˈlɪvd/adjective · B2Lasting only a very little while.
- short-sightedadjective · B2Unable to see distant things clearly.
- short-termadjective · B2Meant to last only a little while.
- shortage/ˈʃɔː(ɹ)tɪd͡ʒ/noun · B2Less than is needed.
- shortcoming/ˈʃɔːtˌkʌmɪŋ/noun · C1A fault or weakness that keeps something from being good enough.
- shortcut/ˈʃɔːtkʌt/noun · A2+The quicker smaller path that saves you time.
- shorten/ˈʃɔːtn̩/verb · B1+To make something shorter.
- shorthand/ˈʃɔːthænd/noun · B2+A rapid writing system using abbreviated symbols.
- shortlistnoun · C1The small group chosen from all the applicants.
- shortly/ˈʃɔɹtli/adverb · B2In a little while; very soon.
- shortnessnoun · B2The quality of being brief or small in length.
- shorts/ʃɔː(ɹ)ts/noun · A2Summer legwear that stops above the knees.
- shot/ʃɒt/noun · B1The firing of a gun, or a single photograph.
- shot put/ˈʃɒtpʊt/noun · B2Throwing a heavy metal ball as far as you can.
- shoulder/ˈʃəʊldə/noun · A2The part where your arm joins your body; you carry a bag on it.
- shout/ʃaʊt/verb · A2To say words very loudly.
- shout downphrase · B2To stop a speaker by making more noise than they do.
- shove/ʃʌv/verb · B1To push roughly and suddenly.
- shovel/ˈʃʌv.əl/noun · A2+The broad digging tool for lifting earth and snow.
- show/ʃəʊ/verb · A1To let someone see something.
- show jumpingnoun · B2Riding a horse over a course of fences against the clock.
- show off/ˌʃəʊ ˈɒf/phrase · B1To display your skills or things just to be admired.
- show someone the ropesphrase · C1To teach a newcomer how things work.
- show upphrase · B1To arrive and appear, especially when people doubted you would.
- show-off/ˈʃəʊ ˌɒf/noun · B2A person who performs their talents just to be admired.
- showcase/ˈʃəʊˌkeɪs/noun · B2+A glass case for display, or an event that shows off talent.
- shower/ˈʃaʊ.ə(ɹ)/noun · A1You stand under its falling water to get clean.
- shower gelnoun · A2Liquid soap for washing in the shower.
- showjumpingnoun · B2A contest of riding a horse over fences.
- showy/ˈʃəʊ.i/adjective · C1Bright and eye-catching in a way that lacks taste.
- shrapnel/ˈʃɹæpnəl/noun · C1Fragments of metal flung out by an exploding shell.
- shred/ʃɹɛd/verb · B1+To cut or tear into long thin strips.
- shrew/ʃɹuː/noun · C1A small mouse-like animal, or a scolding woman.
- shrewd/ʃɹuːd/adjective · C1Sharply clever in judging people and deals.
- shrewdness/ˈʃɹuːdnəs/noun · C1Sharp practical judgement about people and gain.
- shriek/ʃɹiːk/verb · B2To scream in a high piercing voice.
- shrike/ʃɹaɪk/noun · C2A songbird that impales its prey on thorns.
- shrill/ʃɹɪl/adjective · C1Unpleasantly high and sharp in sound.
- shrimp/ʃɹɪmp/noun · B1A small pink sea animal that curls up; popular in seafood dishes.
- shrine/ʃɹaɪ̯n/noun · B2A small holy place built around a sacred object.
- shrink/ˈʃɹɪŋk/verb · B1To become smaller, or to draw back in fear.
- shrink wrapnoun · B2Plastic film drawn tight round a load by heat.
- shrivel/ˈʃɹɪvəl/verb · B2+To dry up and wrinkle into something smaller.
- shrivel upphrase · C1To dry and wrinkle into something smaller.
- shroud/ˈʃɹaʊ̯d/noun · C1A cloth wrapped round a body, or a covering that hides.
- shroudedadjective · C1Covered and hidden from view.
- shrub/ˈʃɹʌb/noun · B1+A woody plant smaller than a tree, branching from the base.
- shrubbery/ˈʃɹʌbəɹi/noun · B2+An area planted with bushes.
- shrug/ˈʃɹʌɡ/verb · B2To lift your shoulders to show you do not know or do not care.
- shrug offphrase · B2To dismiss something as unimportant.
- shrunken/ˈʃɹʌŋkən/adjective · B2+Made smaller by drying or by age.
- shucks/ʃʌks/noun · C1An old-fashioned American exclamation of bashful modesty when praised, or of gentle disappointment.
- shudder/ˈʃʌdə/verb · B2To shake suddenly with cold or horror.
- shuffle/ˈʃʌfəl/verb · B1+To mix cards into a random order.
- shuffle/ˈʃʌfəl/verb · B2To move with feet dragging along the floor.
- shun/ʃʌn/verb · C1To deliberately avoid and refuse to accept someone.
- shunt/ʃʌnt/verb · C1To move wagons about within a yard.
- shush/ʃʊʃ/verb · B1+To tell somebody to be quiet.
- shut downphrase · B2To close a business or switch off a machine completely.
- shutdownnoun · B1+The orderly closing down of a running system.
- shutter/ˈʃʌtəː/noun · B1+The hinged wooden cover that closes over a window from outside.
- shutter releasenoun · C1The button that actually takes the picture.
- shutter speednoun · B2How long the sensor is left open to the light.
- shuttersnoun · B1+Hinged panels closed over a window at night.
- shuttle busnoun · B1The bus that carries passengers across an airfield.
- shy/ʃaɪ/adjective · B1Quiet and a little afraid around people you don't know.
- shyness/ˈʃaɪnəs/noun · B2+Discomfort at being noticed by others.
- sibling/ˈsɪb.lɪŋ/noun · B2A brother or a sister — one word for both.
- sibling rivalryphrase · C1The endless competition between brothers and sisters.
- sick leavephrase · B2The paid days off you take when you are too ill to work.
- sickening/ˈsɪk(ə)nɪŋ/adjective · B2Making you feel ill or disgusted.
- sickle/ˈsɪkl̩/noun · B2+A short curved blade for cutting corn by hand.
- sickly/ˈsɪkli/adjective · B2So sweet or rich that it turns the stomach.
- sickness/ˈsɪknɪs/noun · B1The state of being unwell.
- side by sidephrase · B1Next to each other in a line.
- side dishnoun · B1A small extra dish served next to the main one.
- side effectphrase · B2The extra unwanted thing a medicine does besides helping.
- side hustlenoun · B2Paid work done outside your main job.
- side ordernoun · B1A small extra dish ordered alongside the main one.
- side-effectnoun · B2An unwanted result of taking a medicine.
- side-saddleadverb · C1Riding with both legs on the same side.
- side-stepverb · C2To step aside to avoid, or to dodge an awkward question.
- sideboardnoun · B2+A long low cupboard for dishes in a dining room.
- sideburns/ˈsaɪd.bɜː(ɹ)nz/noun · B2The strips of hair grown down in front of the ears.
- sidelong/ˈsaɪd.lɑŋ/adjective · C1Directed to one side rather than straight ahead.
- sideshow/ˈsaɪdˌʃoʊ/noun · B2+A small separate attraction beside the main show.
- sideways/ˈsaɪdweɪz/noun · C1A change of job at the same level.
- sideways/ˈsaɪdweɪz/adverb · B1To or from the side.
- siding/ˈsaɪdɪŋ/noun · C1A short side track where wagons are left.
- sidle/ˈsaɪdl/verb · C1To move sideways in a shy or furtive way.
- siege/siːd͡ʒ/noun · B2+Surrounding a place to force it to surrender.
- sierra leonenoun · C1West African country whose name means lion mountains.
- sieve/sɪv/noun · B1+The fine metal net you shake flour through to remove lumps.
- sift/sɪft/verb · B2+To shake dry powder through a mesh to remove lumps.
- sigh/saɪ/verb · B2To let out a long deep breath of tiredness or relief.
- sight/saɪt/noun · A2The ability to see, or something worth looking at.
- sightseeingnoun · B1+Walking around a new city to look at its famous places.
- sigil/ˈsɪd͡ʒɪl/noun · C2A device or emblem standing for a house or a person.
- sign/saɪn/noun · A2The board by the road that tells you where to go or how fast.
- sign/saɪn/verb · A2To write your name in your own special way on a paper.
- sign languagenoun · B1A language made of hand shapes and movement.
- sign offphrase · B2To give final approval to a piece of work.
- sign upphrase · B1To put your name down to join something.
- sign-in booknoun · B1The book visitors write their names in on arrival.
- signage/ˈsaɪnɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1The signs put up to guide people about.
- signal/ˈsɪɡnəl/noun · B1The invisible waves your phone needs bars of to work.
- signal/ˈsɪɡnəl/noun · B1The light or arm that tells a driver to go or stop.
- signal boxnoun · C1The cabin from which signals and points are worked.
- signallingnoun · B2+The system that keeps trains safely apart.
- signature/ˈsɪɡ.nə.t͡ʃə/noun · B2Your name written in your own special way at the bottom of papers.
- signature dishnoun · B2The one dish a place is known for.
- signet/ˈsɪɡ.nɪt/noun · C2A ring bearing a seal used to stamp letters.
- signet ringnoun · C1A ring bearing a seal for stamping wax.
- significance/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/noun · B2The deep weight and meaning of something.
- significantly/sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/adverb · B2+To an extent that really matters.
- signify/ˈsɪɡnɪfaɪ/verb · B2+To be a sign of; to mean.
- signpost/ˈsaɪnˌpoʊst/noun · B2+The pole with arms pointing the way to different towns.
- signpostedadjective · B2Marked with signs showing the way.
- silage/ˈsaɪlɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1Green crop stored wet and left to ferment as winter feed.
- silence/ˈsaɪlən(t)s/noun · B1Complete absence of sound.
- silent/ˈsaɪ̯lənt/adjective · B1Making no sound at all.
- silhouette/ˌsɪlʊˈɛt/noun · B2+A dark shape seen against a bright background.
- silhouette/ˌsɪlʊˈɛt/verb · C1To show as a dark outline against light.
- silicon/ˈsɪlɪkən/noun · B2+The element sand and computer chips are made from.
- silicone/ˈsɪlɪkəʊn/noun · B2+A soft rubbery material that stays flexible when hot.
- silk/sɪlk/noun · B2The smooth shiny expensive material made by little worms.
- silky/ˈsɪlki/adjective · B2Smooth and slippery like fine woven thread.
- sill/sɪl/noun · B1+The little shelf at the bottom of a window where plants sit.
- silliness/ˈsɪlinɪs/noun · B1+Behaviour that shows no sense, usually harmlessly.
- silly/ˈsɪl.i/adjective · A2Funny in a childish, not-serious way.
- silo/ˈsaɪləʊ/noun · B2+A tall tower for storing grain.
- silt/sɪlt/noun · B2+Very fine soil carried and dropped by water.
- silver/ˈsɪl.və/adjective · A2A pale shining grey, like polished metal.
- silversmith/ˈsɪlvəsmɪθ/noun · B2+A craftsman who works in the white precious metal.
- silvery/ˈsɪlvəɹi/adjective · B2+Shining with a pale grey light.
- similar/ˈsɪm.ɪ.lə/adjective · A2+Almost the same, but not exactly.
- similarity/ˌsɪm.ɪˈlæɹ.ɪ.ti/noun · B1+The ways in which two things are alike.
- simile/ˈsɪməli/noun · B2+A comparison using like or as — brave as a lion.
- simmer/ˈsɪmə/verb · B1+To cook something slowly in liquid that is almost, but not quite, boiling.
- simper/ˈsɪmpə/verb · C2To smile in a silly self-conscious way.
- simple/ˈsɪm.pəl/adjective · A2Easy to understand or to do.
- simpleton/ˈsɪmpəltən/noun · C1Somebody who is foolish and easily fooled.
- simplicity/sɪmˈplɪsɪti/noun · C1The quality of being plain and easy to grasp.
- simplification/ˌsɪm.plɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+The making of something easier to follow.
- simplify/ˈsɪmplɪfaɪ/verb · B1+To make something easier to understand or do.
- simulate/ˈsɪm.jʊˌleɪt/verb · C1To imitate the working of something for study or practice.
- simulation/ˌsɪm.jʊˈleɪ.ʃn̩/noun · C1A model run on a computer to see what happens.
- simultaneous/ˌsɪm.əlˈteɪ̯.ni.əs/adjective · B2+Happening at exactly the same moment.
- simultaneously/ˌsɪmlˈteɪnɪəsli/adverb · C1At exactly the same moment.
- sin/ˈsɪn/noun · B1An act that breaks a religious law.
- sincere/sɪnˈsɪə(ɹ)/adjective · B2Truly meaning every word you say.
- sincerity/sɪnˈsɛɹəti/noun · B2Meaning honestly what you say.
- sinecure/ˈsaɪ.nɪˌkjʊə/noun · C2A post that pays well and asks almost nothing.
- sinew/ˈsɪnjuː/noun · C1The tough cord joining muscle to bone.
- sinewy/ˈsɪnjuːi/adjective · C1Lean and strong, with the muscles showing.
- sinful/ˈsɪnfl̩/adjective · B2Breaking a religious or moral law.
- sing/ˈsɪŋ/verb · A1To make music with your voice.
- singaporenoun · B1+The tiny rich island city-country of Southeast Asia.
- singe/sɪnd͡ʒ/verb · C2To burn something lightly at the surface.
- singer/ˈsɪŋ.ə/noun · A2+A person who performs with their voice.
- single/ˈsɪŋɡl̩/adjective · A2Not married and not in a relationship.
- single out/ˌsɪŋ.ɡəl ˈaʊ̯t/phrase · C1To pick one person from the group for special treatment.
- single room/ˌsɪŋ.ɡəl ˈɹuːm/noun · A2A room with one bed, for one guest.
- single ticketnoun · A2A ticket for one direction only.
- single tracknoun · B2A line with only one set of rails for both directions.
- single-handedadjective · C1Done entirely alone, with help from no one.
- single-handedlyadverb · B2Entirely without anybody else's help.
- single-mindedadjective · B2Fixed on one purpose to the exclusion of all else.
- singular/ˈsɪŋ.ɡjə.lɚ/adjective · B2Referring to one only, or remarkably unusual.
- singularity/ˌsɪŋɡjəˈlæɹətɪ/noun · C1A point where the usual rules break down.
- singularly/ˈsɪŋɡjəlɚli/adverb · C1To a remarkable and unusual degree.
- sinister/ˈsɪ.nɪ.stə/adjective · B2Quietly promising that something evil is near.
- sink/ˈsɪŋk/noun · B1The place in the kitchen where you wash the dishes.
- sink inphrase · B2For news to be fully understood, usually slowly.
- sinkhole/ˈsɪŋkˌhoʊl/noun · B2+A hole where the ground has collapsed into a hollow.
- sinuous/ˈsɪn.ju.əs/adjective · C1Winding in smooth supple curves.
- sip/sɪp/verb · B1To drink in tiny careful mouthfuls.
- sire/saɪə(ɹ)/noun · C1A male parent of an animal, or a form of address to a king.
- siren/ˈsaɪəɹən/noun · B1The loud rising-falling wail of an emergency vehicle.
- siren/ˈsaɪəɹən/noun · B2A creature whose singing lured sailors to their deaths.
- sister/ˈsɪs.tə(ɹ)/noun · A1A girl who has the same parents as you.
- sister-in-law/ˈsɪs.tɚ.ɪn.lɔ/noun · B2Your partner's sister, or your brother's wife.
- sisterhood/ˈsɪstə.hʊd/noun · C1The bond between women, or a religious community.
- sit/sɪt/verb · A1To rest your body on a chair.
- sit downphrase · A1To lower yourself onto a chair.
- sit on the fencephrase · C1To refuse to pick a side.
- sit-downnoun · C1A strike in which workers stop work but stay put in the workplace, refusing to leave until their demands are met.
- sitar/ˈsɪtɑɹ/noun · C1A long-necked Indian instrument with sympathetic strings.
- sitcom/ˈsɪtˌkɒm/noun · B2+A funny TV series about the same people, with laughter in the background.
- situate/ˈsɪt͡ʃ.u.eɪt/verb · B2+To place something in a particular position.
- situation/ˌsɪt.juːˈeɪ.ʃən/noun · A1The way things stand right now, all together.
- six/sɪks/noun · A1The number that comes after five.
- six of one and half a dozen of the otherphrase · C2Two options that amount to exactly the same.
- six-pack/ˈsɪksˌpæk/noun · B1A pack of six cans or bottles sold together.
- sixteen/ˈsɪks.tiːn/noun · A1The number that comes after fifteen.
- sixty/ˈsɪksti/noun · A1Six times ten.
- size/saɪz/noun · A2How big or small something is — S, M, L, or XL on a label.
- size upphrase · C1To look at somebody and judge what they are like.
- sizeableadjective · B2+Fairly large.
- sizzle/ˈsɪzəl/verb · B2To make the hissing crackling sound of food hitting hot oil.
- skate/skeɪt/noun · A2+A boot with a blade or wheels for gliding along.
- skateboard/ˈskeɪt.bɔːd/noun · B2The small board on four little wheels that skaters do tricks on.
- skating/ˈskeɪtɪŋ/noun · A2+Gliding across ice on boots with thin metal blades.
- skein/skeɪn/noun · C2A loosely coiled length of yarn.
- skeletal/ˈskɛl.ɪ.təl/adjective · B2+Reduced to skin and bone, or barely sketched out.
- skeleton/ˈskɛlɪtən/noun · B1All the bones of a body together.
- skeleton in the closetnoun · C1A shameful secret from the past.
- skeptical/ˈskɛptɪkəl/adjective · B2+Doubting claims until you see real proof.
- skepticism/ˈskɛp.tɪˌsɪ.zəm/noun · B2+The habit of doubting claims until they are proven.
- sketch/ˈskɛt͡ʃ/noun · C1A short comic scene.
- sketch/ˈskɛt͡ʃ/noun · B1A quick rough drawing.
- sketchbook/ˈskɛt͡ʃˌbʊk/noun · C1A book of blank pages for drawing in.
- sketchy/ˈskɛt͡ʃi/adjective · B2+Giving only the outline, or not quite trustworthy.
- skew/skjuː/verb · C2To twist out of true, or to bias a result.
- skewed/skjuːd/adjective · C1Twisted or set crookedly out of true.
- skewer/ˈskjuː.ə/noun · B2+A thin stick pushed through pieces of food for grilling.
- ski/skiː/verb · A2+To travel over snow on two long narrow runners.
- ski jumpnoun · B2Launching off a ramp to fly as far as possible on skis.
- skid/ˈskɪd/verb · B2To slide out of control on a wet or icy road.
- skier/ˈskiːə(ɹ)/noun · B1+Somebody who slides down snow on runners.
- skiff/skɪf/noun · C1A small light boat for one or two people.
- skiing/ˈski.ɪŋ/noun · A2+Sliding fast down a snowy mountain on two long boards.
- skilful/ˈskɪlfəl/adjective · B2+Showing real skill.
- skill/skɪl/noun · B1Something you can do well because you learned and practiced it.
- skilled/skɪld/adjective · B2Trained and good at a particular kind of work.
- skillet/ˈskɪl.ɪt/noun · B2A heavy flat pan with sloping sides, good for searing.
- skim/skɪm/verb · B2To read very fast, catching only the main points.
- skim/skɪm/verb · B2To lift the floating layer off the top of a liquid.
- skimp/ˈskɪmp/verb · C1To spend or use less than is really needed.
- skin/skɪn/noun · A2The soft outside cover of your whole body.
- skincare/ˈskɪn.kɛə/noun · B1+The routine of looking after your skin.
- skinny/ˈskɪni/adjective · B1Very underweight, with bones showing.
- skip/skɪp/verb · B1To jump lightly from foot to foot; also, to leave something out.
- skipper/ˈskɪp.ə/noun · B2The person in charge of a boat.
- skipping ropenoun · A2The cord swung over and under while you jump.
- skirl/skɜːl/noun · C2The shrill wailing sound of bagpipes.
- skirmish/ˈskɜːmɪʃ/noun · C1A small brief fight between advance parties.
- skirt/skɜːt/noun · A1Clothing that hangs from the waist with no separate legs.
- skirting boardnoun · B2The strip of wood along the bottom of a wall.
- skitter/ˈskɪtə(ɹ)/verb · C1To move lightly and quickly with small steps.
- skittish/ˈskɪtɪʃ/adjective · C1Easily startled and hard to settle.
- skulk/skʌlk/verb · C1To hide and move about with bad intentions.
- skull/ˈskʌl/noun · B1The hard bone case that protects the brain.
- skullduggerynoun · C2Underhand dealing and trickery.
- skunk/skʌŋk/noun · B1A black-and-white animal that sprays a terrible smell when scared.
- sky/skaɪ/noun · A2Everything you see when you look straight up outside.
- sky blueadjective · A2The pale clear blue of a fine day.
- skydivingnoun · B2+Jumping from an aircraft and falling before opening a canopy.
- skylight/ˈskaɪˌlaɪt/noun · B2A window set into a roof.
- skyline/ˈskaɪˌlaɪn/noun · B2+The shape a city's towers cut against the evening sky.
- skyscraper/ˈskaɪˌskɹeɪpɚ/noun · B1+A building so tall it seems to touch the clouds.
- slab/slæb/noun · B2A thick flat piece of stone or other material.
- slack/slæk/adjective · B1Loose; not pulled tight.
- slag/ˈslæɡ/noun · C1The waste left when metal is smelted from ore.
- slain/sleɪ̯n/adjective · C1Killed, especially in battle.
- slake/sleɪk/verb · C2To satisfy a thirst or a craving.
- slam/ˈslæm/verb · B1To shut a door hard with an angry bang.
- slammer/ˈslæmɚ/noun · C1Prison, in informal use.
- slander/ˈslɑːndə/noun · C1Spoken lies that damage a person's good name.
- slang/ˈslæŋ/noun · B2The relaxed street words never found in formal writing.
- slantedadjective · B2+Set at an angle rather than level or upright.
- slanting/ˈslæntɪŋ/adjective · B2+Sloping rather than upright or level.
- slantwiseadverb · C2At a slope rather than straight.
- slap/slæp/verb · B1To hit with the flat of an open hand.
- slapsticknoun · B2+Comedy of falls, chases and knockabout blows.
- slash/slaʃ/verb · C1To cut violently with a sweeping stroke.
- slat/slæt/noun · C1One of the thin narrow strips in a blind or a fence.
- slate/sleɪt/noun · B2A grey rock that splits into flat sheets for roofs.
- slate/sleɪt/adjective · B2A cool blue-grey.
- slattern/ˈslætɚn/noun · C2A woman thought dirty and untidy, in old use.
- slaughter/ˈslɔːtə/noun · B2The killing of animals for meat, or of many people.
- slave/sleɪv/noun · B1Somebody owned by another and forced to work without pay.
- slaver/ˈslævə/verb · C2To let saliva run from the mouth.
- slavery/ˈsleɪvəɹi/noun · C1The system of owning people and forcing them to work.
- slay/sleɪ/verb · B2To kill, especially in battle.
- sled/ˈslɛd/noun · A2+A small vehicle on runners for sliding over snow.
- sledge/slɛd͡ʒ/noun · B1+A vehicle on runners for travelling over snow.
- sledgehammer/ˈslɛd͡ʒhæmə/noun · B2+A huge two-handed hammer for breaking things apart.
- sleek/sliːk/adjective · B2+Smooth, glossy and elegant.
- sleep/sliːp/verb · A1To close your eyes at night and rest until morning.
- sleep hygienenoun · C1The habits that make good sleep likely.
- sleep like a log/ˈsliːp laɪk ə ˈlɔɡ/phrase · B2To sleep so deeply that nothing wakes you.
- sleep on itphrase · B2To wait until tomorrow before deciding.
- sleeper/ˈsliːpə(ɹ)/noun · C1An agent placed long in advance and left inactive.
- sleeper/ˈsliːpə(ɹ)/noun · C1A beam laid across the ground to hold the rails.
- sleeper trainnoun · B2A train with beds for overnight journeys.
- sleeping bag/ˈsliːpɪŋ(ɡ) bæɡ/noun · A2A padded bag you sleep inside.
- sleepless/ˈsliːpləs/adjective · B2Passed without any sleep.
- sleepovernoun · B1+A night spent at a friend's house.
- sleepwalkingnoun · B2+Walking about while still asleep.
- sleet/sliːt/noun · B2+Half-frozen rain that stings as it falls.
- sleeve/sliːv/noun · B1The part of a shirt or coat that covers your arm.
- sleeveless/ˈsliːvlɪs/adjective · B1+Made without any covering for the arms.
- slice/slaɪs/noun · B1A thin, flat piece cut from bread, cake, or cheese.
- slice/slaɪs/verb · B1To cut something into thin flat pieces.
- slick/slɪk/adjective · B2Smoothly skillful, sometimes too smooth to trust; also, slippery.
- slide/ˈslaɪ̯d/noun · A2The smooth metal hill children go down in the playground.
- slider/ˈslaɪdɚ/noun · B1+A control you drag along a track to set a value.
- slight/slaɪt/adjective · B2Very small in degree; barely noticeable.
- slight/slaɪt/noun · C1A small act of disrespect that is felt.
- slightly/ˈslaɪtli/adverb · B1To a small degree.
- slim/ˈslɪm/adjective · B1Attractively narrow in body.
- slime/slaɪm/noun · B2A soft unpleasant slippery substance.
- slimy/ˈslaɪ.mi/adjective · B2Unpleasantly wet and slippery.
- sling/ˈslɪŋ/noun · B2A cloth loop that holds an injured arm still.
- slink/slɪŋk/verb · C1To move away quietly, ashamed or guilty.
- slip/ˈslɪp/verb · B1To lose your footing on something smooth, like ice or a banana peel.
- slip awayphrase · B2To leave quietly, or to be lost little by little.
- slip roadnoun · B2The short road joining or leaving a motorway.
- slip upphrase · B2To make a careless mistake.
- slip your mindphrase · B2To be forgotten despite meaning to remember.
- slip-up/ˈslɪpʌp/noun · B2A small careless error.
- slipper/ˈslɪpə(ɹ)/noun · A2+A soft comfortable shoe you wear only at home.
- slippers/ˈslɪpə(ɹ)z/noun · A2+Soft comfortable shoes worn only indoors.
- slippery/ˈslɪpəɹi/adjective · B1So smooth or wet that feet and fingers cannot hold on.
- slippery slope/ˌslɪ.pə.ɹiˈsləʊp/noun · C1Claiming one small step must lead to disaster.
- slipstream/ˈslɪp.stɹiːm/noun · C1The sheltered air just behind a moving rider.
- slipwaynoun · C1The sloping ramp a boat is launched down.
- slit/ˈslɪt/verb · B2To make a long narrow cut.
- slither/ˈslɪðə/verb · C2To slide along with a twisting movement.
- sliver/ˈslɪvə/noun · B2A very thin narrow piece broken off something.
- slob/ˈslɒb/noun · C1A lazy and untidy person.
- slobber/ˈslɒbə(ɹ)/verb · B2To let saliva drip from the mouth.
- sloe/ˈsləʊ/noun · C2The small sharp black fruit of the blackthorn.
- slog/slɒɡ/noun · B2+A long hard piece of work or walking.
- slogan/ˈsləʊɡ(ə)n/noun · B2+The short punchy phrase a brand or campaign repeats forever.
- sloop/sluːp/noun · C2A small sailing boat with one mast.
- slop/slɒp/verb · C1To spill liquid over the edge in moving it.
- slope/sloʊp/noun · B2The slanted side of a hill that skiers love.
- sloppy/ˈslɒ.pi/adjective · B2Careless and untidy, or too wet and loose.
- slosh/slɒʃ/verb · C1To move about noisily inside a container, as liquid does.
- slot/slɒt/noun · B2A narrow opening made for something to be dropped or slid into.
- sloth/sləʊθ/noun · B1+A famously slow animal that hangs from branches all day.
- slouch/ˈslaʊ̯t͡ʃ/verb · B2To sit or stand with a drooping back.
- slough/slʌf/verb · C2To shed a layer of skin.
- slovakianoun · B2The central European country of Bratislava and the Tatra mountains.
- slovenianoun · B2The small green Alpine country of Ljubljana and Lake Bled.
- slow/sləʊ/adjective · A1Moving with very little speed, like a snail.
- slow downphrase · B1To reduce your speed.
- slow motion/ˌsləʊˈməʊ.ʃən/noun · B1Film shot fast and played back slowly.
- slow on the uptakephrase · C1Taking longer than others to understand.
- slug/slʌɡ/noun · B1A soft creature like a snail with no shell.
- slugabed/ˈslʌɡəbɛd/noun · C2Somebody who stays in bed far too long.
- sluggish/ˈslʌɡɪʃ/adjective · B2Moving with heavy, tired lack of energy.
- sluice/sluːs/noun · C1A gate that controls the flow of water.
- slum/slʌm/noun · B2+A poor crowded city area of makeshift houses.
- slumber/ˈslʌm.bə/noun · B2Sleep, in a gentle or literary sense.
- slump/slʌmp/verb · B2To drop heavily into a seat or a posture.
- slur/slɜː/verb · C1To run words together unclearly.
- slurp/slɜːp/verb · B2+To drink or eat with loud sucking noises.
- slurry/ˈslʌ.ɹi/noun · C1Liquid farm waste, stored and spread on land.
- slush/slʌʃ/noun · B2Half-melted snow lying dirty on the ground.
- sly/slaɪ/adjective · B2Cunning, and keeping its purpose hidden.
- smack/smæk/verb · B1To hit with the flat of the hand.
- small/smɔl/adjective · A1Of a size far below normal — a mouse is this, an elephant is not.
- small printnoun · C1The conditions written where nobody reads them.
- small talknoun · B2Light polite chat about nothing much, like the weather.
- small-scaleadjective · B2Done at a modest size.
- small-timeadjective · C1Operating on a minor scale and of little importance.
- small-townadjective · B2Belonging to quiet provincial life, far from the big city.
- smallfolk/ˈsmɔːlfəʊk/noun · C2The ordinary common people of a land.
- smallholding/ˈsmɔlˌ(h)oʊldɪŋ/noun · C1A very small farm, worked by one family.
- smart/smɑɹt/adjective · A2Quick-thinking and sharp; also, neatly dressed.
- smart casualadjective · B2Neat but not formal in dress.
- smarten upphrase · B2To make somebody or something look neater.
- smartphone/ˈsmɑːtfəʊn/noun · A2A pocket phone that is really a small computer with a touch screen.
- smash/smæʃ/verb · B1To break something violently.
- smash intophrase · B2To hit something so hard it breaks.
- smattering/ˈsmæ.təɹ.ɪŋ/noun · C2A slight and superficial knowledge of something.
- smear/smɪə(ɹ)/verb · B2To spread something greasy, or to damage a reputation.
- smell/smɛl/verb · A2To notice something through your nose.
- smell a rat/ˈsmɛl ə ˈɹæt/phrase · C1To sense that something dishonest is going on.
- smelly/ˈsmɛli/adjective · B1Having a strong bad smell.
- smelt/smɛlt/verb · C1To melt ore in order to get the metal out.
- smidge/ˈsmɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1A very small amount.
- smile/ˈsmaɪl/verb · A2To turn the corners of your mouth up because you feel good.
- smiley/ˈsmaɪli/noun · B1A little round face drawn to show a feeling.
- smirk/smɜːk/verb · B2To smile in a knowing, superior way.
- smite/smaɪt/verb · C1To strike somebody a heavy blow.
- smithereens/smɪðəˈɹiːnz/noun · C2The tiny bits something is blown or smashed into.
- smitten/ˈsmɪ.tn̩/adjective · C1Suddenly and helplessly in love.
- smock/smɒk/noun · C1A loose garment worn over clothes to protect them.
- smog/smɒɡ/noun · B1+Dirty air where fog and pollution mix.
- smoke/sməʊk/noun · A2The grey cloud that rises from anything burning.
- smoke/sməʊk/verb · A2To breathe in from a burning cigarette.
- smoke alarmnoun · B1The device that sounds when it senses smoke.
- smoke detectorphrase · B2The little ceiling disc that screams when something is burning.
- smoke inhalationnoun · C1Harm caused by breathing the fumes of a fire.
- smoked/sməʊkt/adjective · B1Preserved and flavoured by hanging in wood smoke.
- smoked salmonnoun · B1Cured pink fish sliced thin for bagels.
- smoker/ˈsmoʊkɚ/noun · B1Somebody who smokes tobacco.
- smokescreen/ˈsmoʊkˌskɹin/noun · C1Anything used to hide what is really happening.
- smoking roomnoun · B1A room where guests are permitted to smoke.
- smoky/ˈsmoʊki/adjective · B2Tasting of wood fire.
- smoky/ˈsmoʊki/adjective · B2Smelling of burning wood.
- smooch/smuːt͡ʃ/noun · B2A long affectionate kiss.
- smooth/smuːð/adjective · B1Completely even to the touch, with no bumps.
- smoothie/ˈsmuːði/noun · B1+A thick cold drink blended from fruit.
- smoothly/ˈsmuːðli/adverb · B2Evenly and without any trouble.
- smother/ˈsməðər/verb · C2To cover something so thickly it cannot breathe or burn.
- smoulder/ˈsməʊldə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To burn slowly without flame.
- smudge/smʌd͡ʒ/verb · B2To smear a mark by rubbing it.
- smudge-proofadjective · C1Made not to smear once it has set.
- smug/smʌɡ/adjective · B2Annoyingly pleased with yourself.
- smuggle/ˈsmʌɡəl/verb · B2To secretly carry forbidden things across a border.
- smuggler/ˈsmʌɡ.lə(ɹ)/noun · B2+Somebody who moves goods illegally past customs.
- smugglingnoun · B2Moving goods across a border in secret to avoid duty.
- snack/snæk/noun · A2A small quick bite between real meals.
- snag/snæɡ/noun · B2A hidden difficulty, or a tear caught on something sharp.
- snail/sneɪl/noun · C1A very slow small animal that carries a round shell.
- snake/sneɪk/noun · A1A long animal with no legs that moves along the ground.
- snaky/ˈsneɪki/adjective · C2Winding, or sly and treacherous.
- snap/snæp/verb · B1To break with a short sharp sound.
- snap/snæp/verb · B2To say something suddenly and crossly.
- snappy/ˈsnæpi/adjective · B2Quick and lively, or irritable in reply.
- snapshot/ˈsnæpʃɒt/noun · B2+A quick informal picture taken without fuss.
- snare/snɛ(ə)ɹ/noun · B2+A trap of wire or rope for catching animals.
- snare drumnoun · C1A sharp-sounding drum with wires stretched under its skin.
- snarky/ˈsnɑɹ.ki/adjective · B2+Sharply and sarcastically critical.
- snarl/ˈsnɑː(ɹ)l/verb · B2+To growl while showing the teeth.
- snatch/snæt͡ʃ/verb · B2To grab something away quickly and rudely.
- sneak/sniːk/verb · B1To go somewhere secretly and quietly.
- sneakers/ˈsnikɚz/noun · A2+Soft sports shoes for running and everyday comfort.
- sneaky/ˈsniːki/adjective · B1Doing things quietly and dishonestly.
- sneer/snɪə̯/verb · B2+To smile in a way that shows contempt.
- sneeze/sniːz/noun · B1The sudden 'achoo!' your nose makes.
- sneeze/sniːz/verb · A2+To blow air out suddenly through the nose.
- snick/snɪk/verb · C2To cut a small notch, or to make a light clicking sound.
- sniff/snɪf/verb · B2To breathe in sharply through the nose.
- sniff outphrase · B2To find something by following its smell.
- sniff test/ˈsnɪf tɛst/noun · B2Deciding whether food has gone off by smelling it.
- sniffle/ˈsnɪf.əl/verb · B2To breathe noisily through a blocked nose.
- snigger/ˈsnɪɡɚ/verb · C1To laugh quietly and unkindly.
- snip/snɪp/verb · B2To cut with one quick stroke of scissors.
- snipe/snaɪp/noun · C1A marsh bird with a very long straight bill.
- sniper/ˈsnaɪ.pɚ/noun · B2A shooter who fires accurately from hiding.
- snippet/ˈsnɪpɪt/noun · C2A small piece cut from something longer.
- snitch/snɪt͡ʃ/verb · B2To report somebody's wrongdoing to those in charge.
- snivel/ˈsnɪvəl/verb · C1To cry and sniff in a weak self-pitying way.
- snobbery/ˈsnɔbəɹɪj/noun · C2Contempt for those thought socially beneath you.
- snooker/ˈsnuːkə(ɹ)/noun · B2+A table game of potting coloured balls in strict order.
- snooty/ˈsnuːti/adjective · B2+Behaving as if you were better than other people.
- snooze/snuːz/verb · C1To silence an alarm for a few more minutes of sleep.
- snore/snɔː/verb · B2To breathe in loud rattling sounds while asleep.
- snorkelnoun · B1+A tube that lets you breathe with your face down.
- snorkellingnoun · B2+Swimming face down with a tube to breathe through.
- snort/snɔɹt/verb · B2To push air noisily out through the nose, often in scorn.
- snot/snɒt/noun · B1Mucus from the nose.
- snout/snaʊt/noun · B1+The projecting nose and mouth of an animal.
- snow/snəʊ̯/noun · A1Soft white cold flakes that fall in winter.
- snow underphrase · C1To give somebody far more work than they can manage.
- snow whiteadjective · B1A pure brilliant white.
- snowball/ˈsnəʊbɔːl/noun · B2A ball of packed snow, or something growing fast by itself.
- snowblower/ˈsnoʊˌbloʊɚ/noun · C2The machine that hurls the white drifts off a driveway.
- snowboard/ˈsnəʊˌbɔːd/noun · B1+A single wide board for sliding down snowy slopes.
- snowboarding/ˈsnəʊbɔːdɪŋ/noun · B1+Riding down snowy slopes standing on a single wide board.
- snowdrop/ˈsnəʊ.dɹɒp/noun · B1+A tiny white flower that comes up while it is still cold.
- snowfall/ˈsnoʊfɔːl/noun · C1The white flakes coming down, or how much of them settles.
- snowflake/ˈsnəʊ.fleɪk/<a:RP><ref:<<name:OED>>>noun · A2+A single falling ice crystal, each with a unique six-armed shape.
- snowlinenoun · C1The height above which snow lies all year.
- snowploughnoun · B2A vehicle with a blade that clears roads of snow.
- snowstorm/ˈsnəʊstɔːm/noun · B1+A storm in which a great deal of snow falls.
- snowy/ˈsnəʊi/adjective · A2+With white flakes falling and covering everything.
- snub/snʌb/noun · B2+A deliberate slight that shows contempt.
- snuff/snʌf/verb · C1To put a candle out.
- snuffboxnoun · C2A small ornamental box for powdered tobacco.
- snuffle/ˈsnʌfəl/verb · C2To breathe noisily through a blocked nose.
- snug/snʌɡ/adjective · B2Small, warm, and comfortable — like a cat's favorite corner.
- snug fitnoun · B2A join tight enough that nothing moves.
- snuggle/ˈsnʌ.ɡəl/verb · B1To press close to somebody for warmth and comfort.
- so far so goodphrase · B1Things are going well up to this point.
- so-called/ˈsəʊˌkɔːld/adjective · B2Called that, though the name may not fit.
- soak/səʊk/verb · B1To leave something in liquid until it softens.
- soaked/səʊkt/adjective · B2Wet right through to the skin.
- soap/soʊp/noun · A2You wash your hands with it, and it makes bubbles.
- soap opera/ˈsoʊp ˌɑ.pɚ.ə/noun · B1A drama series about the daily lives of a regular cast.
- soapy/ˈsəʊpi/adjective · B2Tasting unpleasantly of detergent.
- soar/sɔː/verb · B2To fly or rise high and fast — eagles and prices do it.
- sob/sɒb/verb · B2To cry hard with gulping breaths.
- sober/ˈsəʊ.bə(ɹ)/adjective · B1+Having drunk no alcohol; clear-headed.
- sobriety/səˈbɹaɪ.ɪ.ti/noun · B2+The state of living free of alcohol or drugs.
- sociable/ˈsoʊʃəbəl/adjective · B2Enjoying and seeking out the company of others.
- society/səˈsaɪ.ə.ti/noun · A2+All the people of a place living together as one big community.
- sociology/ˌsəʊsiːˈɒləd͡ʒiː/noun · B1+The science of how societies and groups work.
- sociopath/ˈsəʊ.si.ə(ʊ)ˌpæθ/noun · B2+Somebody with no conscience about how they treat others.
- sock/sɒk/noun · A2The soft thing you wear on your foot inside a shoe.
- socket/ˈsɒkɪt/noun · B1+The holes in the wall where electricity comes out.
- socket outletnoun · B2The point in a wall where a plug goes in.
- socket setnoun · C1A handle and a box of hollow heads that fit different nuts.
- sod/sɒd/noun · C1A mildly rude British word for a person, which can be fond or scornful depending on the tone.
- soda/ˈsəʊdə/noun · A2The sugary drink full of dancing bubbles.
- sodden/ˈsɒ.dən/adjective · C1So wet it is heavy with water.
- sodium/ˈsəʊ.di.əm/noun · B1+A soft reactive metal, half of common salt.
- sofa/ˈsəʊ̯fə/noun · A2+The long soft seat where three people can sit together.
- soft/sɒft/adjective · A2Gentle to touch and easy to press, like a pillow.
- soft drinknoun · A2A cold drink with no alcohol in it.
- soft touchnoun · C1Somebody who is easily persuaded to give or help.
- soft-spoken/ˈsɒftˌspəʊkən/adjective · B2Speaking in a gentle quiet voice.
- softballnoun · B2A slower relative of baseball with a larger ball.
- soften/ˈsɒfən/verb · B1+To make something softer or gentler.
- softness/ˈsɔftnəs/noun · B2The quality of yielding gently to touch.
- software/ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə/noun · B1+All the programs a computer runs — the part you cannot touch.
- softwoodnoun · B2+Wood from a fast-growing evergreen, light and easy to cut.
- soggy/ˈsɒɡi/adjective · B2Unpleasantly soaked and soft.
- soil/sɔɪl/noun · B1The dark ground material that plants grow in.
- sojourn/ˈsɒd͡ʒən/noun · C2A temporary stay in a place.
- solace/ˈsɒl.ɪs/noun · C1Comfort in a time of sadness.
- solar/ˈsəʊ.lə/adjective · B2Coming from or belonging to the sun.
- solar panel/ˈsəʊ.ləˌpæ.nəl/phrase · B2The dark rooftop rectangle that turns sunshine into power.
- solar system/ˈsəʊl.ə ˌsɪs.təm/noun · B1A star and everything held by its gravity.
- solder/ˈsɒl.də(ɹ)/verb · B2+To join wires with a melted alloy of low melting point.
- soldering/ˈsɑdəɹɪŋ/noun · B2+Joining metal with a lower-melting alloy.
- soldier/ˈsəʊld͡ʒə/noun · A2A person who serves in the army.
- sole/səʊl/noun · B2The flat underside of a foot.
- sole tradernoun · C1A person running a business alone in their own name.
- solely/ˈsəʊl.li/adverb · C1For one reason or person alone, and no other.
- solemn/ˈsɒləm/adjective · B2+Deeply serious and dignified, as at a funeral or oath.
- solemnity/səˈlɛmnɪti/noun · C1Grave seriousness, or a formal ceremony.
- solemnly/ˈsɒləmli/adverb · B2In a grave and serious way.
- solicit/səˈlɪsɪt/verb · C2To ask formally for money, help or support.
- solicitation/səˌlɪsɪˈteɪʃən/noun · C1A formal request for money or for business.
- solicitous/səˈlɪsɪtəs/adjective · C2Showing anxious care for somebody's wellbeing.
- solicitude/səˈlɪsɪˌt(j)uːd/noun · C2Anxious care for somebody's welfare.
- solid/ˈsɒl.ɪd/adjective · B1Hard and firm all the way through; not liquid, not hollow.
- solidarity/ˌsɒl.ɪˈdæɹ.ə.ti/noun · C1Standing together with others in their struggle.
- solidify/səˈlɪdɪˌfaɪ/verb · C1To make or become firm.
- solidity/səˈlɪdɪti/noun · C1Firmness and strength of structure.
- soliloquy/səˈlɪləkwi/noun · B2+A speech made aloud by a character who is alone.
- solipsism/ˈsɒlɪpsɪzəm/noun · C2The view that only your own mind can be known to exist.
- solitaire/ˈsɒl.ɪˌtɛə(ɹ)/noun · B1+A game played alone, with cards or pegs.
- solitaire/ˈsɒl.ɪˌtɛə(ɹ)/noun · C1A ring set with one stone alone.
- solitariness/ˈsɒlɪt(ə)ɹɪnəs/noun · C2The quality of being habitually apart from others, treated as a trait of a person or place rather than as the peaceful aloneness someone seeks out.
- solitary/ˈsɑlɪˌtɛɹi/adjective · B2Existing or done all alone.
- solitude/ˈsɒlɪˌtjuːd/noun · C2Being alone, chosen and welcome.
- solo/ˈsoʊ.loʊ/noun · B2A part performed by one musician alone.
- soloistnoun · B2+A performer who dances alone.
- solomon islandsnoun · C1Pacific island chain east of Papua New Guinea.
- solstice/ˈsɒl.stɪs/noun · B2+The longest or the shortest day of the year.
- soluble/ˈsɒljʊbəl/adjective · B2+Able to be dissolved in a liquid.
- solute/ˈsɒljuːt/noun · C1The substance that dissolves into a liquid.
- solution/səˈl(j)uːʃən/noun · A2+The answer that makes a problem go away.
- solution/səˈl(j)uːʃən/noun · B2A liquid with something completely dissolved in it, like salt in water.
- solve/sɒlv/verb · A2+To find the answer to a problem or a puzzle.
- solvent/ˈsɒlvənt/noun · B2+The liquid that does the dissolving.
- somalianoun · B1+Country on the Horn of Africa with the continent's longest coastline.
- somber/ˈsɑmbɚ/adjective · C1Dark and gravely serious in mood.
- sombre/ˈsɒmbə/adjective · C1Serious and dark in mood.
- somedayadverb · A2At some time in the future, not yet fixed.
- somehow/ˈsʌmhaʊ/adverb · A2In a way nobody can quite explain.
- somersault/ˈsʌməˌsɒlt/noun · C1A complete roll of the body head over heels.
- sometime/ˈsʌmˌtaɪm/adverb · B1At an unstated point in time.
- sometimes/ˈsʌm.taɪmz/adverb · A1On some occasions, but not on all of them.
- somewhat/ˈsʌmwɒt/adverb · B2To a moderate degree.
- sommelier/ˌsɒmˈmɛli.ə/noun · C1The waiter who advises on and serves wine.
- son/sʌn/noun · A1A boy child of his parents.
- son-in-law/ˈsʌnɪnˌlɔː/noun · B2The husband of your daughter.
- song/sɒŋ/noun · A1One piece of music with words to sing.
- songwriternoun · B1+Somebody who writes the words or music of songs.
- sonnet/ˈsɒnɪt/noun · B2+The strict fourteen-line poem Shakespeare made famous.
- sonorous/ˈsɒn.əɹ.əs/adjective · C2Deep, full and resonant in sound.
- soon/suːn/adverb · A1In a short time from now.
- sooner or laterphrase · B2At some point, whether you like it or not.
- soot/suːt/noun · B2+The fine black powder left by smoke.
- soothe/suːð/verb · B1+To calm somebody, or to ease a pain.
- soothing/ˈsuːðɪŋ/adjective · B2Gentle enough to calm you.
- soothsayer/ˈsuθˌseɪɚ/noun · C1Somebody who foretells the future.
- sooty/ˈsʊti/adjective · B2+Blackened with the powder left by smoke.
- sophisticatedadjective · B2Refined and complex — machines, tastes, or people of the world.
- sophistry/ˈsɒ.fɪ.stɹi/noun · C2Clever reasoning designed to mislead.
- sophomore/ˈsɒf.ə.mɔː/noun · B1+A student in the second year of a course.
- soppingadjective · C1Soaked completely through.
- soprano/səˈpɹænoʊ/noun · B2+The highest singing voice.
- sorbet/sɔɹˈbeɪ/noun · B2+A frozen fruit ice made without any dairy.
- sorcerer/ˈsɔːsəɹə(ɹ)/noun · B2+Somebody who works magic through spirits.
- sorceress/ˈsɔː(ɹ)səɹəs/noun · B2+A woman who works magic.
- sorcery/ˈsɔɹ.sə.ɹi/noun · B2+Magic worked with the help of dark powers.
- sordid/ˈsɔː.dɪd/adjective · C1Dirty and morally low.
- sore/sɔː/adjective · B1Painful when touched or used, like a throat after shouting.
- sorrel/ˈsɒɹəl/noun · C2A sharp-tasting leaf, or a light reddish-brown horse.
- sorry/ˈsɒɹi/phrase · A1The word you say when you did something wrong or bumped into someone.
- sort/soɹt/verb · A2To separate things into groups.
- sort codenoun · B2The number identifying which branch holds an account.
- sort of/ˈsɔːt‿əv/phrase · B1Partly, but not completely.
- sort outphrase · B2To fix a messy problem and put things in order.
- sortie/ˈsɔːti/noun · C2A brief attack out from a defended place.
- sorting officenoun · B2The building where post is separated for delivery.
- sos/sɒs/noun · B1+The universal signal asking for help.
- sot/sɒt/noun · C2A habitual drunkard.
- soul/səʊl/noun · B1The part of a person believed to outlast the body.
- soulful/ˈsoʊlfəl/adjective · C1Full of deep feeling.
- soulless/ˈsəʊl.ləs/adjective · C1Without warmth or human feeling.
- soulmatenoun · B2+The one person who fits your heart perfectly.
- sound/ˈsaʊ̯nd/adjective · C1Valid, and built on premises that are actually true.
- sound/ˈsaʊ̯nd/noun · A1Something you hear; vibration travelling through the air.
- sound engineernoun · B2The technician who records and balances sound.
- sound outphrase · C1To ask carefully what somebody thinks before acting.
- soundbitenoun · C1A short quotable line pulled out for broadcast.
- soundchecknoun · B2The test run before an audience is let in.
- sounding/ˈsaʊndɪŋ/noun · C1A measurement of how deep the water is.
- soundtrack/ˈsaʊndˌtɹæk/noun · B2All the music written for and heard in a film.
- soundtrack albumnoun · B2The recorded music from a film, sold on its own.
- soup/suːp/noun · A1The hot liquid food you eat with a spoon.
- sour/ˈsaʊ.ə/adjective · A2+Tasting sharp like lemon; it makes your face squeeze.
- source/sɔːs/noun · A2+Where something comes from.
- source protectionnoun · C1Refusing to name the person who told you.
- sournessnoun · B2The sharp quality of unripe fruit or vinegar.
- sous chefnoun · C1The second in command in a professional kitchen.
- south/ˈsaʊ̯θ/noun · A1The direction at the bottom of every map.
- south africaphrase · B1The country at Africa's southern tip, with Cape Town and Table Mountain.
- south sudannoun · C1The world's newest country, independent since 2011.
- southbound/ˈsaʊθbaʊnd/adjective · B1+Travelling towards the south.
- southeast/sawˈθɪjst/noun · B1+The direction halfway between south and east.
- southern/ˈsʌðən/adjective · B1Belonging to the warmer half of the world below the middle.
- southward/ˈsaʊθwəd/adverb · B2+Towards the warmer half of the world.
- southwest/saʊθˈwɛst/noun · B1+The direction halfway between south and west.
- souvenir/ˌsuː.vəˈnɪə/noun · B1+The little thing you buy on holiday to remember the place.
- sovereign/ˈsɒv.ɹɪn/noun · B2+A monarch, or a state that rules itself.
- sovereignty/ˈsɒvɹənti/noun · C1A country's power to govern itself without outside control.
- sovereignty/ˈsɒvɹənti/noun · C1Supreme power over a territory or a self.
- sow/saʊ/verb · B1+To put seed into the ground.
- sowing seasonnoun · B2The weeks when seed goes into the ground.
- soy saucenoun · B1A salty dark brown liquid poured over rice.
- soybean/ˈsɔɪˌbin/noun · B2+A bean used for oil, flour and a salty sauce.
- spa/ˈspɑː/noun · B2A place offering baths, massage and treatments.
- spa treatmentnoun · B2A pampering session at a place of baths and massage.
- space/speɪs/noun · A1The endless black emptiness beyond the sky, where the stars live.
- space racenoun · B2The competition to be first into space.
- space-timenoun · C1The four dimensions of space and time taken together.
- spacecraft/ˈspeɪsˌkɹæft/noun · B1+A vehicle built to travel outside the atmosphere.
- spaceshipnoun · A2+A crewed vessel that carries people beyond the sky, the word used above all in science fiction.
- spacious/ˈspeɪʃ.əs/adjective · C1With lots of room inside; the opposite of small and crowded.
- spaghetti/spəˈɡɛti/noun · A2+Long thin strings of pasta.
- spainnoun · A1The country of Madrid, flamenco, and paella.
- spam/spæm/noun · C1Unwanted junk messages sent to thousands of inboxes at once.
- span/spæn/noun · C1The stretch of time something covers.
- spangle/ˈspæŋɡəl/noun · C2A glittering ornament on a costume.
- spanish/ˈspæn.ɪʃ/adjective · A2The language of Madrid, Mexico, and most of South America.
- spank/ˈspæŋk/verb · B2To smack somebody on the bottom as punishment.
- spanner/ˈspænə/noun · B1+A tool that grips a nut and turns it.
- spar/spɑː/noun · C2A stout pole used to carry a sail.
- spare/spɛə(ɹ)/verb · B1To choose not to harm; also, to give what you can do without.
- spare partnoun · B1A replacement component kept ready.
- spare tirephrase · B1The extra wheel in the back for when one goes flat.
- spare wheelnoun · B1The extra wheel carried in case one fails.
- sparinglyadverb · B2+Using only a little at a time.
- spark plugnoun · B2The part that fires the mixture inside a petrol engine.
- sparkle/ˈspɑː.kəl/verb · B1To shine with quick bright points of light.
- sparklernoun · B2A hand-held stick that burns with bright sparks.
- sparkling/ˈspɑɹkl̩ɪŋ/adjective · B2So clean that it catches the light.
- sparkling waternoun · B1Water with bubbles of gas in it.
- sparring/ˈspɑːɹɪŋ/noun · C1Practice boxing, or friendly argument.
- sparrow/ˈspæɹəʊ/noun · B2A small brown street bird that hops in noisy groups.
- sparse/spɑːs/adjective · B2+Thinly spread, with big empty gaps.
- spasm/ˈspæz.m̩/noun · B2+A sudden involuntary tightening of a muscle.
- spat/spæt/noun · C1A short petty quarrel.
- spate/speɪt/noun · C1A sudden rush of many things at once.
- spatial/ˈspeɪ.ʃəl/adjective · C2To do with space and the position of things in it.
- spatter/ˈspætɚ/verb · C1To scatter drops over a surface.
- spatula/ˈspætjʊlə/noun · B1+A flat blade on a handle for lifting and turning food in a pan.
- spawn/spɔːn/verb · B2+To lay eggs in water in great numbers.
- spay/speɪ/verb · C1To operate on a female animal so she cannot breed.
- speak/spiːk/verb · A1To use your voice to say words.
- speak of the devilphrase · C1Said when the person you were just discussing walks in.
- speak outphrase · C1To publicly say what you think despite the risk.
- speak up/ˌspiːk ˈʌp/phrase · B2To talk louder; also, to bravely say what you think.
- speak volumesphrase · C1To say a great deal without any words at all.
- speaker/ˈspikɚ/noun · A2+The device that turns electricity into sound you can hear.
- speaking of whichphrase · C1Said to move on to a related subject.
- special/ˈspɛʃ.əl/adjective · A1Different from ordinary in a way that matters to you.
- special collectionnoun · B2Material kept apart because of its value or fragility.
- special deliverynoun · B2Post guaranteed to arrive by a stated time.
- special needsnoun · B2Extra help required by a learner with a difficulty.
- special offernoun · B1A temporary reduction to attract buyers.
- specialist/ˈspɛʃəlɪst/noun · B2A doctor who is an expert in one particular area of the body.
- specialize/ˈspɛʃəˌlaɪz/verb · B2+To concentrate on one particular field.
- specials boardnoun · B2The list of dishes offered only today.
- specialty/ˈspɛʃ.əl.ti/noun · B2The thing somebody or somewhere is especially known for.
- species/ˈspiːʃiːz/noun · B1One particular kind of living thing — lions are one, tigers another.
- specific/spɪˈsɪf.ɪk/adjective · A2+Exactly this one and no other; clearly defined.
- specifically/spɪˈsɪf.ɪ.kli/adverb · B1Exactly and particularly, rather than in general.
- specificationnoun · C1A precise statement of what is required.
- specification sheetnoun · B2The document stating exactly what is required.
- specify/ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ/verb · B2+To state exactly which one and how.
- specimen/ˈspɛsɪmɪn/noun · C1One example collected for careful study in a laboratory.
- specious/ˈspiːʃəs/adjective · C2Looking convincing while being quite wrong.
- speck/spɛk/noun · B2A tiny spot or particle.
- speckled/ˈspɛkəld/adjective · B2+Covered with small irregular spots.
- specs/spɛks/noun · B2Glasses worn to correct the sight.
- spectacle/ˈspɛktəkl̩/noun · B2An impressive public display, or a shameful sight.
- spectacular/spɛkˈtæk.jʊ.lə/adjective · B2Impressive and striking to look at.
- spectator/spɛkˈteɪtə/noun · B2+A person watching the game from the stands.
- spectral/ˈspɛktɹəɫ/adjective · C1Ghostly in appearance.
- spectrenoun · C1A ghost, especially a frightening one.
- spectrum/ˈspɛktɹəm/noun · C1The full rainbow of light spread out from red to violet — or any full range.
- speculate/ˈspɛk.jʊˌleɪt/verb · B2+To think about what might be, without evidence.
- speculation/ˌspɛk.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+Thinking about what might be, without evidence.
- speculative/ˈspɛkjuləˌtɪv/adjective · C1Based on guesswork, or done in the hope of profit.
- speculator/ˈspɛkjʊˌleɪtə/noun · C1Somebody who buys and sells hoping prices will move.
- speech/spiːt͡ʃ/noun · A2A prepared talk given to a room of listeners.
- speechless/ˈspiːt͡ʃ.lɪs/adjective · B2So struck that you cannot say anything.
- speed/spiːd/noun · A2How fast something moves.
- speed cameranoun · B1The device that photographs vehicles going too fast.
- speed limit/ˌspiːd ˈlɪ.mɪt/phrase · B1The fastest you are legally allowed to drive on that road.
- speed skatingnoun · B1Racing on ice over a measured distance.
- speeding/ˈspiːdɪŋ/noun · B1Driving faster than the law allows.
- speedometer/spɪˈdɒm.ɪ.tə/noun · B1+The dial showing how fast you are going.
- spell/spɛl/verb · A2To say or write the letters of a word in the right order.
- spellbound/ˈspɛlˌbaʊnd/adjective · B2+So held by something that you cannot look away.
- spellchecknoun · B1+The tool that flags words spelled wrongly.
- spelling/ˈspɛl.ɪŋ/noun · A2+Writing a word with its letters in the right order.
- spend/spɛnd/verb · A1To use money to buy things, or to use time on something.
- spew/spjuː/verb · C1To pour out in a violent stream.
- spfnoun · B2The number saying how much sun protection a cream gives.
- sphere/sfɪə/noun · C1A perfectly round solid shape, like a ball.
- sphinx/ˈsfɪŋks/noun · B2+A stone figure with a lion's body and a human head.
- spice/spaɪs/noun · B2A strong-tasting powder from a plant, like cinnamon or pepper.
- spice blendnoun · B2Several ground seasonings mixed to one recipe.
- spicinessnoun · B2The burning quality that hot seasoning gives.
- spick and spanphrase · C1Perfectly clean and tidy.
- spicy/ˈspaɪsi/adjective · B1Burning pleasantly in your mouth, like chili.
- spider/ˈspaɪ̯də/noun · A2A small animal with eight legs that makes webs.
- spike/spaɪk/noun · B1A long sharp piece of metal or wood.
- spiky/ˈspaɪki/adjective · B2+Having sharp points sticking out.
- spill/spɪl/verb · B1To let liquid fall out by accident — all over the table.
- spill the beans/ˌspɪl ðə ˈbiːnz/phrase · B2To let out a secret by accident or on purpose.
- spin/spɪn/verb · B1To turn round and round quickly on one spot.
- spin/spɪn/noun · C1Presenting facts so they favour one side.
- spin doctornoun · C1An adviser whose job is to present news favourably.
- spin-off/ˈspɪn.ɔf/noun · B2A new work built from a character in an older one.
- spinach/ˈspɪnɪt͡ʃ/noun · B1A dark green leaf that shrinks to nothing when cooked.
- spinal/spaɪ.nəl/adjective · B2Having to do with the backbone.
- spindly/ˈspɪnd.li/adjective · B2+Long, thin and looking too weak.
- spine/spaɪn/noun · B1The long line of bones down the middle of your back.
- spinelessadjective · C1Having no courage at all.
- spinnaker/ˈspɪnəkə/noun · C2The big balloon sail flown when running downwind.
- spinner/ˈspɪnɚ/noun · B2+The arrow you flick to decide your move.
- spinning topnoun · B1A toy that balances upright while it spins.
- spinster/ˈspɪnstə/noun · C1An older woman who has never married.
- spiny/ˈspaɪni/adjective · B2+Covered with sharp points.
- spiral/ˈspaɪɹəl/noun · B1+A curve that winds around and around a center.
- spire/spaɪə/noun · C2The tall pointed top of a church tower.
- spirit/ˈspɪɹɪt/noun · B1A being without a body, or the immaterial part of a person.
- spirit levelnoun · B2A tool with a bubble that shows whether a line is true.
- spiritual/ˈspɪɹɪtʃʊəl/adjective · B2To do with the soul rather than the body or possessions.
- spirituality/ˌspɪɹ.ə.t͡ʃuˈæl.ə.tɪ/noun · B2Concern with the soul rather than material things.
- spit/spɪt/verb · B1To force liquid out of your mouth.
- spite/spaɪt/noun · B2The small mean wish to hurt or annoy someone.
- spiteful/ˈspaɪtfʊl/adjective · C1Doing small cruel things just to hurt someone.
- spittle/ˈspɪ.t(ə)l/noun · C1Saliva, especially when spat out.
- splash/splæʃ/verb · B1To throw water about noisily.
- splash/splæʃ/noun · A2+The sound of something dropping into water.
- splash of milkphrase · B2A small quantity of dairy liquid added to tea.
- splash outphrase · C1To spend generously on something special.
- splatter/ˈsplætɚ/verb · B2To scatter drops of liquid noisily over a surface.
- splay/spleɪ/verb · C1To spread wide apart.
- spleen/spliːn/noun · B2+A dark red organ on the left of the body that filters blood.
- splendid/ˈsplɛndɪd/adjective · B2Magnificently excellent.
- splendour/ˈsplɛndɚ/noun · B2+Magnificent beauty and grandeur.
- splice/ˈsplaɪ̯s/verb · C1To join two lengths of film or tape together.
- splint/splɪnt/noun · B2+A stiff support tied on to keep a broken bone still.
- splinter/ˈsplɪn.tə/noun · B2A tiny sharp piece of wood stuck painfully in your skin.
- splinter/ˈsplɪn.tə/verb · B2To break into thin sharp pieces.
- split/splɪt/verb · A2To break along a line, into two parts.
- split endsnoun · B2Hair that has frayed apart at the tips.
- split hairsphrase · C1To argue over differences too fine to matter.
- split secondnoun · B2An extremely short moment.
- split testnoun · C1A trial that divides the audience between versions.
- split the billphrase · B1To divide what is owed between everybody.
- splitting hairsphrase · C1Arguing over a difference too small to matter.
- splodge/ˈsplɒd͡ʒ/noun · C2An irregular blot of colour.
- splurge/splɜːd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To spend big on a treat you don't strictly need.
- splutter/ˈsplʌtə/verb · C1To speak in a spitting, broken way because of shock or water.
- spoil/spɔɪl/verb · B1To ruin a child's character by giving them everything they want.
- spoil heapnoun · C2The pile of waste rock left beside a mine.
- spoiled/spɔɪld/adjective · B1Given so much that behaviour has suffered.
- spoiler/ˈspɔɪ.lə/noun · B1+The leaked ending that ruins the story before you see it.
- spoilsport/ˈspɔɪl.spɔːt/noun · C1Someone who ruins a game for everybody else.
- spoilt/spɔɪlt/adjective · B1+Ruined, or given so much that the character suffers.
- spoke/spəʊk/noun · B2One of the thin rods from hub to rim of a wheel.
- spoken/ˈspəʊ.k(ə)n/adjective · B1Said aloud rather than written down.
- spokesmannoun · B2A man who speaks on behalf of a group.
- spokesperson/ˈspəʊkspɜːɹsən/noun · B2+Somebody appointed to speak for a group.
- spokeswomannoun · B2+A woman who speaks on behalf of a group.
- sponge/spʌnd͡ʒ/noun · B1A soft block full of holes, used with soap for washing dishes.
- sponsor/ˈspɒn.səː/verb · B2To pay to support an event or person, often for publicity.
- sponsorshipnoun · B2+Money paid to have your name attached to something.
- spontaneity/ˈspɒn.tə.neɪ.ə.ti/noun · C2Acting freely on the impulse of the moment.
- spontaneous/spɒnˈteɪ.ni.əs/adjective · B2Happening on the spur of the moment, unplanned.
- spook/spuːk/verb · B2To frighten somebody suddenly.
- spool/spuːl/noun · B2+A cylinder that thread is wound on.
- spoon/spuːn/noun · A2A small tool with a round end, used for eating soup or stirring tea.
- spoonful/ˈspuːnfəl/noun · B1+As much as a spoon will hold.
- spoor/spʊə/noun · C2The track and scent an animal leaves behind.
- sporadic/spəˈɹæd.ɪk/adjective · C1Happening now and then, with no pattern.
- spore/spɔː(ɹ)/noun · B2+The single tiny cell a fungus or fern spreads by.
- sport/spɔːt/noun · A1A physical game or contest played by rules.
- sporting/ˈspɔɹtɪŋ/adjective · B2To do with games and contests, or fair in spirit.
- sports hallnoun · B1A large indoor space for games and exercise.
- sportsmanshipnoun · B2Playing fairly and losing gracefully.
- spot/spɒt/verb · B1To notice something you were looking for.
- spot cleanphrase · B2To clean only the marked part of something.
- spotless/spɑtlɪs/adjective · B1+So perfectly clean that not one mark can be found.
- spotlight/ˈspɒtˌlaɪt/noun · B1+A strong beam on one performer, or public attention.
- spotlitadjective · C1Lit by one strong beam picking it out.
- spouse/spaʊ̯s/noun · C1Your husband or wife — one formal word for both.
- spout/spaʊt/noun · B1+The lip a liquid is poured out through.
- sprain/spɹeɪn/noun · B1+A twisted joint that swells but is not broken.
- sprawl/spɹɔːl/verb · C1To sit or lie with your limbs spread out carelessly.
- spray/spɹeɪ/verb · B2To send liquid out in a fine mist.
- spread/spɹɛd/verb · B2To move outward and cover more and more area.
- spread/spɹɛd/verb · B1To move something soft thinly across bread with a knife.
- spread outphrase · B1To move apart so as to cover more ground.
- spreadsheet/ˈspɹɛd.ʃiːt/noun · B2+A program of rows and columns for numbers and calculations.
- sprig/spɹɪɡ/noun · C1A small shoot with leaves on it.
- sprightly/ˈspɹaɪtli/adjective · C1Lively and full of energy, especially when old.
- spring/ˈspɹɪŋ/noun · A1The season when flowers open and everything turns green again.
- spring/ˈspɹɪŋ/noun · B1Water rising naturally out of the ground.
- spring cleannoun · B2A thorough clean of the whole house, once a year.
- spring upphrase · B2To appear suddenly and in numbers.
- springboardnoun · B2+A flexible board that throws a diver into the air.
- springtimenoun · B1The season when plants begin to grow again.
- springy/ˈspɹɪŋi/adjective · B2+Returning to shape after being pressed.
- sprinkle/ˈspɹɪŋkəl/verb · B1To scatter tiny drops or bits over the top of something.
- sprinkler/ˈspɹiŋklɚ/noun · B1The device that sprays water in circles over the garden.
- sprinkler/ˈspɹiŋklɚ/noun · B2The ceiling device that sprays water on a fire.
- sprint/spɹɪnt/noun · B2A short race run at absolute top speed.
- sprint/spɹɪnt/verb · B2To run at your absolute top speed.
- sprite/spɹaɪt/noun · B2A small light spirit of air or water.
- sprocket/ˈspɹɒkɪt/noun · C1A toothed wheel that a chain grips.
- sprout/spɹaʊt/verb · C1To send up a first small shoot.
- sprout/spɹaʊt/noun · B1A small green vegetable like a tiny cabbage, eaten in winter.
- sproutsnoun · B1+Small round green buds eaten at Christmas.
- spruce/spɹuːs/noun · B2+An evergreen with short sharp needles all round the twig.
- spry/spɹaɪ/adjective · C1Lively and quick, especially in an older person.
- spud/spʌd/noun · B2+A potato, in informal use.
- spunk/spʌŋk/noun · C1Cheeky nerve and fight in somebody you would expect to be too small or timid for it, said informally.
- spur/spɜː/noun · B2Something that drives you into action.
- spurious/ˈspjʊə.ɹi.əs/adjective · C2False, though presented as genuine.
- spurn/spɜːn/verb · C1To reject something with contempt.
- spurt/spɜːt/noun · B2+A sudden short gush, or a burst of speed.
- sputter/ˈspʌtɚ/verb · C1To make a series of soft spitting sounds.
- sputum/ˈspjutəm/noun · C2Matter coughed up from the chest.
- spy/spaɪ/noun · B1Somebody who secretly gathers information for another country.
- squabble/ˈskwɒbəl/verb · B2+To quarrel noisily about something petty.
- squad/ˈskwɒd/noun · B1The smallest unit of soldiers, working together.
- squadron/ˈskwɒd.ɹən/noun · B2A unit of aircraft, ships or cavalry.
- squalid/ˈskwɒlɪd/adjective · C1Dirty and wretched to live in.
- squall/ˈskwɔːl/noun · C1A sudden violent wind, often with rain.
- squalor/ˈskwɒlə(ɹ)/noun · C1Filthy and wretched living conditions.
- squander/ˈskwɒnd.ə/verb · C1To waste something valuable.
- squander awayphrase · C1To fritter a fortune or a chance until nothing is left.
- square/skwɛə/noun · A2A shape with four equal sides.
- square/skwɛə/noun · A2The open place in a town center where people meet by the fountain.
- square dancenoun · B1A folk dance for four couples in a square.
- squash/skwɒʃ/noun · B2A hard-skinned vegetable with sweet orange flesh.
- squash/skwɒʃ/verb · B1To crush something flat with weight or pressure.
- squashyadjective · B2+Giving way softly when pressed.
- squawk/skwɔːk/verb · B2To make a loud harsh cry.
- squeak/skwiːk/verb · B1To make a short high thin sound.
- squeal/skwiːl/verb · B2To make a long high cry, in delight or in pain.
- squeamish/ˈskwiːmɪʃ/adjective · C1Easily sickened or shocked.
- squeegee/ˈskwiːd͡ʒiː/noun · B2+A rubber blade that wipes water off glass.
- squeeze/skwiːz/verb · B1To press something hard from both sides, like a lemon.
- squelch/ˈskwɛlt͡ʃ/verb · C1To make the wet sucking sound of mud underfoot.
- squelchy/ˈskwɛl.t͡ʃi/adjective · C1Making a wet sucking sound when pressed.
- squid/skwɪd/noun · B1+A soft sea animal with ten arms that shoots ink to escape.
- squint/skwɪnt/verb · B2To half close your eyes to see better.
- squint atphrase · B2To screw your eyes up against light while looking.
- squire/ˈskwaɪə/noun · C1A knight's young attendant, or a country landowner.
- squirm/skwɜːm/verb · C1To wriggle about, usually from discomfort.
- squirrel/ˈskwɪ.ɹ(ə)l/noun · A2+A small animal with a big fluffy tail that collects nuts in trees.
- squirt/skwɝt/verb · B1To send liquid out in a thin fast jet.
- squish/skwɪʃ/verb · B2+To squeeze something soft with a wet sound.
- sri lankaphrase · B1The teardrop-shaped island of tea, just south of India.
- stab/stæb/verb · B2To drive a pointed weapon into somebody.
- stabiliseverb · B2+To make something steady and stop it changing.
- stability/stəˈbɪlɪti/noun · C1The quality of staying steady and not changing suddenly.
- stable/ˈsteɪ.bəl/noun · B1The building where horses are kept.
- stable conditionnoun · B2A state where a patient is no longer getting worse.
- staccato/stəˈkɑːtoʊ/adjective · C1Played in short detached notes.
- stack/stæk/noun · B2Things placed neatly one on top of another.
- stack/stæk/verb · B2To pile things one on another.
- stack tracenoun · C1The list of calls that led to an error.
- stackableadjective · B2Shaped so that many can be piled up neatly.
- stacksnoun · C1The rows of shelving where books are stored.
- stadium/ˈsteɪ.di.əm/noun · B1The huge open building where thousands watch big games.
- staff handbooknoun · B2The book of rules and rights for employees.
- staff roomnoun · B1The room where employees take their breaks.
- stag/stæɡ/noun · B2+A fully grown male deer.
- stage/steɪd͡ʒ/noun · A2The raised floor in a theater where performers stand.
- stagger/ˈstæɡə/verb · B2+To walk unsteadily, nearly falling with each step.
- staggering/ˈstæɡəɹɪŋ/adjective · C1So great that it is hard to take in.
- staging/ˈsteɪd͡ʒɪŋ/noun · C1A copy of the live system used for final testing.
- stagnant/ˈstæɡnənt/adjective · C1Still, and smelling of standing water.
- staid/steɪd/adjective · C2Settled, serious and rather dull.
- stain/steɪn/noun · B2The dirty mark that coffee or ketchup leaves on your shirt.
- stain removerphrase · B2The special liquid that gets coffee marks out of a shirt.
- stained glassnoun · B2Coloured glass set in lead to make a window picture.
- stainlessadjective · B1+Not staining or rusting, or without a blemish.
- stainless steelnoun · B1Steel mixed with chromium so it will not rust.
- stair/stɛɚ/noun · A2+One of the flat steps you climb to reach a higher floor.
- staircase/ˈstɛɹˌkeɪs/noun · A2+The full flight of steps connecting floors, rail included.
- stairliftnoun · B2A seat that carries somebody up a staircase.
- stairs/ˈstɛəz/noun · A1The steps you climb to go from one floor to another.
- stairwell/ˈstɛəwɛl/noun · B2The vertical shaft that holds a staircase.
- stake/steɪk/noun · C1A share of ownership in a venture.
- stakeholder/ˈsteɪkˌhəʊl.də/noun · C1Anyone affected by a company's decisions, not just its owners.
- stakeoutnoun · B2+Watching a place for a long time from hiding.
- stalactite/ˈstælæktaɪt/noun · B2A stone spike hanging from a cave roof.
- stalagmite/stəˈlæɡˌmaɪt/noun · B2+A stone spike rising from a cave floor.
- stale/steɪl/adjective · B1+No longer fresh — bread gone hard, air gone heavy.
- stale/steɪl/adjective · B2Smelling of air that has not moved for days.
- stalemate/ˈsteɪlmeɪt/noun · C1A deadlock where neither side can win or move.
- stalk/stɔːk/noun · B1+The thin stem holding up a leaf, flower or fruit.
- stalker/ˈstɔːkə(ɹ)/noun · B2Somebody who follows another person obsessively.
- stall/stɔːl/noun · B2One animal's compartment in a barn.
- stallion/ˈstæljən/noun · B2A fully grown male horse kept for breeding.
- stallsnoun · C1The seats on the ground floor of a theatre.
- stalwart/ˈstɔːl.wət/noun · C1A loyal reliable supporter over many years.
- stamen/ˈsteɪ.mən/noun · C1The part of a flower that carries the pollen.
- stamina/ˈstæmɪnə/noun · C1The strength to keep going for a long time without tiring.
- stammer/ˈstæmə/verb · B2+To speak with repeated sounds and painful pauses.
- stamp/stæmp/noun · A2+The small sticky picture you put on an envelope to pay for its trip.
- stamp/stæmp/verb · A2To bring the foot down hard.
- stampede/stæmˈpiːd/noun · B2A sudden panicked rush of animals or people.
- stamping/ˈstæmpɪŋ/noun · C1Pressing shapes out of sheet metal.
- stance/stæns/noun · B2How a person stands, and what it shows.
- stanch/stɑːn(t)ʃ/verb · C2To stop a flow of blood.
- stanchion/ˈstanʃən/noun · C2An upright bar or post that supports something.
- stand/ˈstænd/verb · A1To be up on your feet, not sitting or lying.
- stand by/ˌstændˈbaɪ̯/phrase · B2To stay loyal to someone in trouble; also, to wait ready.
- stand forphrase · B2What letters in an abbreviation mean; also, to accept behavior.
- stand outphrase · B2To be easily noticed among all the rest.
- stand to attentionphrase · B2To stand stiffly straight, as a soldier does.
- stand upphrase · A1To rise to your feet.
- stand up forphrase · B2To defend a person or idea under attack.
- stand up tophrase · B2To refuse to be bullied, or to survive hard use.
- stand your groundphrase · B2To refuse to be moved by pressure.
- stand-innoun · B2Somebody who takes an actor's place while lights are set.
- stand-up/ˈstændˌʌp/noun · B2Comedy performed alone in front of a live audience.
- standard/ˈstændəd/noun · B1The level that is expected or required.
- standard/ˈstændəd/adjective · B1Usual and accepted as normal.
- standard gaugenoun · C1The width of track most of the world uses.
- standard-bearernoun · C1The one who carries the flag, or leads a cause.
- standby/ˈstændˌbaɪ̯/noun · B2Waiting for a seat that somebody else does not take.
- standby/ˈstændˌbaɪ̯/noun · B2Ready and waiting to act at once.
- standing/ˈstændɪŋ/noun · C1The position somebody holds in others' regard.
- standing chargenoun · C1The fixed daily amount a supplier charges before usage.
- standing ordernoun · C1An instruction to pay a fixed sum on a fixed day.
- standing ovationnoun · B2Applause given by an audience on its feet.
- standoff/ˈstændɒf/noun · B2+A deadlock where neither side will give way.
- standpoint/ˈstændpɔɪnt/noun · B2+The position from which somebody judges something.
- standstill/ˈstændˌstɪl/noun · B2+A complete halt to all movement.
- stanza/ˈstænzə/noun · C1The formal name for one block of lines in a poem.
- staple/ˈsteɪ.pəl/noun · C1A U-shaped wire fastener driven into a surface.
- stapler/ˈsteɪplə/noun · B1+The tool that bites papers together with little metal teeth.
- star/stɑː(ɹ)/noun · A1The pointed shape you draw for a bright light in the night sky.
- star ratingnoun · B2The official mark of a hotel's standard.
- starboard/ˈstɑː.bəd/noun · B2+The right-hand side of a boat, looking forward.
- starch/ˈstɑːt͡ʃ/verb · B2To stiffen cloth with a special liquid.
- stardom/ˈstɑɹdəm/noun · C1The state of being a famous performer.
- stare/stɛɚ/verb · B2To keep your eyes fixed on someone for an impolitely long time.
- stare downphrase · C1To hold somebody's eyes until they look away.
- starfish/ˈstɑː(ɹ)fɪʃ/noun · A2+A sea creature shaped like a five-pointed star.
- stargazingnoun · B1+Looking at the night sky for pleasure.
- stark/stɑɹk/adjective · C1Harshly bare and plain; a contrast so sharp it shocks.
- starlight/ˈstɑː(ɹ)laɪt/noun · B1+The light the stars give at night.
- starling/ˈstɑːlɪŋ/noun · B2+A glossy speckled bird that flies in huge twisting flocks.
- starry/ˈstɑː.ɹi/adjective · B2Full of stars.
- start/stɑːt/verb · A1To take the first step of doing something.
- start from scratchphrase · B2To begin again with nothing prepared.
- starter/ˈstɑː.tə(ɹ)/noun · B1The small first course of a meal.
- starting blocknoun · B2The raised platform a race is dived from.
- starting gatenoun · B2The stalls racehorses are released from.
- starting salarynoun · B1The pay a job begins at.
- startle/ˈstɑːt(ə)l/verb · B2To make someone jump with sudden fright.
- startled/ˈstɑɹt.l̩d/adjective · B2Jolted by something sudden.
- startlinglyadverb · C1To a degree that gives you a shock.
- startup/ˈstɑɹtˌʌp/noun · B1+A brand-new company chasing fast growth, often from a garage.
- starvation/stɑɹˈveɪʃən/noun · B2Extreme suffering or death from having no food.
- starve/stɑːv/verb · B2To suffer or die from having no food.
- stash/stæʃ/verb · B2To hide something away for later.
- stasis/ˈsteɪsɪs/noun · C2A state in which nothing moves or changes.
- state/steɪt/noun · A2A country or one of its regions, or the condition something is in.
- state of emergencynoun · B2A declaration giving the state extra powers in a crisis.
- state of mindnoun · B2How a person is feeling and thinking at a time.
- statecraftnoun · C2Skill in governing a country.
- stately/ˈsteɪtli/adjective · C1Dignified and impressive in manner or scale.
- statement/ˈsteɪtm(ə)nt/noun · B1The regular list of everything paid in and out.
- statement periodnoun · B2The stretch of time one statement covers.
- statesman/ˈsteɪtsmən/noun · B2+A political leader respected for wisdom and long service.
- statesmanshipnoun · C1Skill and wisdom in managing public affairs.
- statewide/steɪtˈwaɪd/adjective · B2+Reaching every part of a state.
- station/ˈsteɪʃən/noun · A1The building where you wait for trains or buses.
- stationary/ˈsteɪʃ(ə)n(ə)ɹi/adjective · B1+Not moving.
- stationery/ˈsteɪʃ(ə)n(ə)ɹi/noun · B1+Pens, paper and other office supplies.
- stationmaster/ˈsteɪʃənˈmɑːstə/noun · B2+The person in charge of a station.
- statistic/stəˈtɪs.tɪk/noun · B2+A single figure drawn from collected data.
- statistical/stəˈtɪs.tɪ.kəl/adjective · C1Based on the study of collected numbers.
- statistically/stəˈtɪs.tɪ.kə.li/adverb · B2+According to what the collected numbers show.
- statistics/stəˈtɪs.tɪks/noun · B2The branch of maths that makes sense of collected data.
- statuary/ˈstæ.t͡ʃʊə.ɹi/noun · C2Carved figures taken together.
- statue/ˈstæt͡ʃ.uː/noun · B1The stone or metal figure of a famous person standing in a square.
- stature/ˈstæt͡ʃ.ə/noun · C1Somebody's height, or their standing in the world.
- status/ˈsteɪ.təs/noun · B2A person's rank or standing among others.
- status quo/ˌsteɪ.təs ˈkwəʊ/noun · C1The way things stand at present.
- statute/ˈstatjuːt/noun · C1A written rule passed by a parliament.
- statutory/ˈstætjʊt(ə)ɹɪ/adjective · C1Required or fixed by law.
- staunch/stɔːn(t)ʃ/adjective · C1Loyal and firm in support.
- stave/steɪv/noun · C1The five lines music is written on.
- stay/steɪ/verb · A1To keep being where you are instead of going.
- stay upphrase · B1To keep yourself awake past your usual bedtime.
- stead/stɛd/noun · C1The place of somebody else, in the phrase in their place.
- steadfast/ˈstɛdfɑːst/adjective · C2Firm and unmoving in support, whatever comes.
- steadfastnessnoun · C1Unwavering firmness of purpose.
- steadily/ˈstɛdɪli/adverb · B2+At an even and continuing rate.
- steady/ˈstɛdi/adjective · B1Firm, regular, and unchanging — hands, jobs, or progress.
- steak/steɪk/noun · A2+A thick expensive slice of beef, cooked rare to well done.
- steal/stiːl/verb · A2To take something that is not yours, secretly and against the law.
- steal someone's thunderphrase · C1To take the attention that was meant for someone else's moment.
- steal the showphrase · B2To attract all the attention away from everyone else.
- stealth/stɛlθ/noun · B2Moving so quietly that nobody notices.
- steam/stiːm/noun · A2The hot white cloud that rises from boiling water.
- steam/stiːm/verb · B1To cook food in the hot cloud above boiling water, never in the water itself.
- steam engine/ˈstiːˌmɛn.d͡ʒɪn/noun · B1A locomotive driven by boiling water.
- steamer/ˈstiːmə/noun · B2A basket that cooks food in rising hot vapour.
- steaming/ˈstiː.mɪŋ/adjective · B1+Giving off hot vapour.
- steamroller/ˈstimˌroʊlɚ/verb · B2To crush all opposition by sheer force.
- steed/stiːd/noun · C1A horse for riding, in poetic use.
- steel/stiːl/noun · B2The strong grey metal of bridges, knives, and skyscrapers.
- steely/ˈstiːli/adjective · B2+Hard, cold and determined.
- steep/stiːp/adjective · B2Rising or falling sharply, hard to climb.
- steep/stiːp/verb · C1To leave something soaking in hot liquid so that the flavour comes out.
- steepedadjective · B2Left in hot liquid until the flavour comes out.
- steeple/ˈsti(ː)pəl/noun · B2+A tower with a pointed top on a church.
- steeplechase/ˈstiːpəltʃeɪs/noun · C1A race run over ditches and fences.
- steer/stɪə/verb · B2To point a moving vehicle where you want it to go.
- steering wheel/ˈstɪə.ɪŋ ˌ(h)wiːl/noun · B2The wheel a driver turns to point the vehicle.
- stegosaurusnoun · C2A dinosaur with a double row of plates standing along its back.
- stellar/ˈstɛl.ə/adjective · C1To do with the stars, or outstandingly good.
- stem/stɛm/noun · C1The main stalk of a plant.
- stem fromphrase · B2To have as its origin or cause.
- stemware/ˈstɛm.wɛə(ɹ)/noun · C2Glasses with a foot and a stem.
- stench/stɛnt͡ʃ/noun · B2A very strong and disgusting smell.
- step/stɛp/noun · A1One movement of the feet in a dance.
- step downphrase · C1To resign from a position of power.
- step-freeadjective · B2Reachable without having to climb any stairs.
- stepbrothernoun · A2+The son your parent's new partner brought with them.
- stepfathernoun · B2Your mother's new husband, who is not your birth father.
- stepladdernoun · B1+A folding ladder that stands on its own.
- stepmother/ˈstɛpmʌðə/noun · B2Your father's new wife, who is not your birth mother.
- stepping stonesnoun · B1Stones set in a stream to cross dry-footed.
- stepsisternoun · A2+The daughter your parent's new partner brought with them.
- stereotype/ˈstɛ.ɹi.əˌtaɪp/noun · C1A fixed, oversimplified image of a whole group.
- sterile/ˈstɛɹaɪl/adjective · B2+Completely free of germs.
- sterile/ˈstɛɹaɪl/adjective · B2+Smelling clean in a cold clinical way.
- steriliseverb · B2To make something completely free of germs.
- sterilitynoun · C2The inability to produce young, or complete freedom from germs.
- stern/stɜːn/adjective · B2Strict and serious, with no softness in the face.
- stethoscope/ˈstɛθəskəʊp/noun · B2The tool a doctor wears around the neck to listen to your heart.
- stew/stʃʉː/noun · B2Meat and vegetables cooked slowly together in one pot.
- steward/ˈstjuː.əːd/noun · B2+Somebody who looks after property or serves passengers.
- stewardess/ˈstu.ɚ.dɪs/noun · B1+A woman who looks after passengers on an aircraft.
- stewardshipnoun · C1The careful looking after of something in your charge.
- stick/stɪk/noun · A2A thin piece of wood broken from a tree.
- stick tophrase · B2To keep to a plan or a promise.
- stick to your gunsphrase · C1To hold to your position under pressure.
- stickler/ˈstɪk.lə/noun · C1Somebody who insists on a rule being kept exactly.
- sticky/ˈstɪki/adjective · B1Holding onto everything it touches, like honey or tape.
- stiff/stɪf/adjective · B2Hard to bend or move — new shoes, sore necks.
- stiffen/ˈstɪfən/verb · C1To go rigid, usually from tension.
- stifle/ˈstaɪfl̩/verb · C1To smother something before it grows — a yawn, a laugh, an idea.
- stigma/ˈstɪɡmə/noun · C1The mark of shame society attaches to something.
- stile/staɪl/noun · C1The steps that let people cross a fence but not animals.
- stiletto/stɪˈlɛtoʊ/noun · B2+A slender dagger, or a very thin heel.
- still/ˈstɪl/adjective · A2Not moving at all.
- still/ˈstɪl/adjective · B2With no movement of air at all.
- still life shotnoun · B2A photograph of arranged objects that do not move.
- stillbirthnoun · C1The birth of a baby that has already died.
- stillness/ˈstɪlnəs/noun · B2Quiet without any movement at all.
- stilt/stɪlt/noun · B2+A pole used to raise a walker or a building above ground.
- stilt walkernoun · B2A performer who walks on tall poles.
- stimulant/ˈstɪmjʊlənt/noun · B2+A substance that makes the body or mind more active.
- stimulate/ˈstɪm.jʊ.leɪt/verb · B2To rouse something into activity or interest.
- stimulation/stɪm.jʊˈleɪ.ʃən/noun · B2The rousing of something into activity or interest.
- stimuli/ˈstɪm.jʊˌlaɪ̯/noun · C1The things that provoke a reaction.
- stimulus/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/noun · C1Something that provokes a reaction or growth.
- sting/ˈstɪŋ/verb · B1To cause a sharp burning pain on the skin.
- stinging/ˈstɪŋɪŋ/adjective · B2Producing a sharp burning feeling.
- stingray/ˈstɪŋˌɹeɪ/noun · B1+A flat sea fish with a whip tail that carries a barb.
- stingy/ˈstɪnd͡ʒi/adjective · B2Hating to spend or give even the smallest amount.
- stink/stɪŋk/verb · B1To give off a very bad smell.
- stint/stɪnt/noun · C1A fixed period of work or duty.
- stipulate/ˈstɪpjuˌleɪt/verb · C2To state a requirement as part of an agreement.
- stipulation/ˌstɪp.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/noun · C2A condition insisted on as part of an agreement.
- stir/stɜː/verb · B1To move a spoon round and round in a liquid to mix it.
- stir up troublephrase · B2To deliberately cause difficulty between people.
- stirrup/ˈstɪ.ɹəp/noun · C1The foot support hanging from a saddle.
- stirrup ironnoun · C1The metal loop a rider's foot rests in.
- stitch/stɪt͡ʃ/noun · B2One loop of thread in sewn cloth.
- stitchesnoun · B1Threads a doctor sews to hold a cut closed.
- stoat/ˈstəʊt/noun · C1A small fierce hunting animal related to the weasel.
- stock/stɒk/noun · B1The goods a business has ready to sell.
- stock marketnoun · B2The system where shares in companies are bought and sold.
- stock photonoun · B2A generic picture licensed for anyone to use.
- stockade/ˌstɒˈkeɪd/noun · C1A fence of upright posts built for defence.
- stockingsnoun · B1Thin coverings for each leg separately.
- stockoutnoun · C1Running out of an item altogether.
- stockpile/ˈstɒkpaɪl/noun · B2+A large store built up against future need.
- stocktakingnoun · C1Counting everything held in store.
- stocky/ˈstɒki/adjective · B2+Short and solidly built.
- stoic/ˈstəʊ.ɪk/adjective · C1Bearing pain and hardship without complaint.
- stoicism/ˈstəʊɪsɪzəm/noun · C2Calm endurance of whatever comes.
- stoke/stəʊk/verb · C1To feed and stir a fire, or to build up a feeling.
- stolid/ˈstɒl.ɪd/adjective · C2Showing little emotion and not easily moved.
- stomach/ˈstʌmək/noun · A2The part of your body where food goes; it hurts when you eat too much.
- stomachache/ˈstʌməkˌeɪk/noun · A2+A pain in the belly.
- stomp/stɒmp/verb · B2To walk or strike with heavy loud steps.
- stone/stəʊ̯n/noun · A2A small hard piece of mountain material that fits in your hand.
- stone/stəʊ̯n/noun · B1The hard seed at the centre of some fruits.
- stone agenoun · B1The earliest age, when tools were chipped from rock.
- stonemason/ˈstoʊnˌmeɪsən/noun · B2+A craftsman who cuts and builds with stone.
- stonewarenoun · C1Hard pottery fired until it is watertight.
- stool/stuːl/noun · B2A simple seat with no back, often tall for bar counters.
- stoop/stuːp/verb · C2To lean forward and down; also, to lower yourself morally.
- stooped/stuːpt/adjective · B2+Bent forward at the shoulders.
- stop/stɒp/verb · A1To no longer move or continue.
- stop dead in your tracksphrase · C1To halt instantly out of shock or surprise.
- stop offphrase · B1To break a journey somewhere on the way.
- stopcock/ˈstɑpkɑk/noun · C1The valve that shuts off a building's water.
- stopgap/ˈstɒpɡæp/noun · C1Something that fills a gap until the real answer comes.
- stopper/ˈstɒp.ə/noun · B1+A plug pushed into the neck of a bottle to close it.
- stopwatchnoun · B2The timer coaches click to measure exactly how long something takes.
- storage/ˈstɔː.ɹɪd͡ʒ/noun · B1Where files stay when the power is off.
- store creditnoun · B2Money held for you to spend in the same shop.
- store upphrase · B2To save for later, or to build up trouble ahead.
- storeroomnoun · B1+A room where things are kept until needed.
- storey/ˈstɔː.ɹɪ/noun · B1+One whole floor level of a building.
- stork/stɔɹk/noun · B1+A tall white bird said to bring babies.
- storm/stɔːm/noun · A2Very bad weather with strong wind, heavy rain, and sometimes flashes in the sky.
- stormy/ˈstɔɹmi/adjective · B1+With wild wind, rain, and an angry sky.
- story/ˈstɔː.ɹi/noun · A1A telling of events, real or invented, from beginning to end.
- storyboardnoun · B2+A sequence of drawings planning each shot.
- storytellernoun · B1+Somebody who tells tales aloud or writes them.
- stout/staʊt/adjective · C1Solidly thick and strong — of build or boots.
- stove/stəʊv/noun · A2+The cooking machine with hot rings on top.
- stove/stəʊv/noun · B1The small burner carried for cooking outdoors.
- stow/stəʊ/verb · B2+To pack something away where it belongs.
- stowaway/ˈstəʊəˌweɪ/noun · C1A person hiding on a ship or plane to travel without paying.
- straddle/ˈstɹædəl/verb · B2+To sit or stand with a leg on either side.
- straddle carriernoun · C2A tall vehicle that lifts containers between its legs.
- straggle/ˈstɹæɡl̩/verb · C1To trail along behind in a scattered line.
- straight/stɹeɪt/adjective · A2Going in one line without bending.
- straight aheadphrase · A2Directly in front, with no turning.
- straight linenoun · A2A line that does not bend at all.
- straightaway/ˈstɹeɪtəˌweɪ/adverb · B2+At once, without any delay.
- straighten/ˈstɹeɪtn̩/verb · B2To make something flat, level or tidy that was bent or crooked.
- straighten upphrase · B2To make your back upright.
- straightenersnoun · B1+Hot flat plates that press curl out of hair.
- straightforward/ˌstɹeɪtˈfɔː(ɹ)wə(ɹ)d/adjective · B2Simple and with no hidden difficulty.
- strain/stɹeɪn/verb · B2To pour a mixture through a mesh to keep only the solid part.
- strainer/ˈstɹeɪnɚ/noun · B1+A mesh cup that holds solids back and lets liquid through.
- strait/stɹeɪt/noun · C1A narrow water passage connecting two seas.
- strand/ˈstɹænd/noun · C1A single thread, or one part of a larger story.
- strange/stɹeɪnd͡ʒ/adjective · A2Unusual and hard to explain.
- strangely/ˈstɹeɪnd͡ʒli/adverb · B1+In an odd or unexpected way.
- stranger/ˈstɹeɪnd͡ʒə(ɹ)/noun · B1A person you have never met before.
- strangle/ˈstɹæŋɡəl/verb · B2To kill by squeezing the throat.
- strangulation/ˈstɹæŋɡ(j)əˌleɪ̯ʃ(ə)n/noun · B2+The killing or blocking of something by squeezing it.
- strap/stɹæp/noun · B1A narrow band that holds something on the shoulder.
- strappingnoun · C1Bands put round a load to hold it together.
- strata/ˈstɹeɪtə/noun · C1The layers rock has been laid down in.
- stratagem/ˈstɹæt.ə.d͡ʒəm/noun · C2A clever scheme for outwitting an opponent.
- strategic/stɹəˈti.dʒɪk/adjective · C1Planned with the long-term aim in mind.
- strategist/ˈstɹætəd͡ʒɪst/noun · B2+Somebody skilled at planning for the long run.
- strategy/ˈstɹæt.ɪ.d͡ʒɪ/noun · A2+The big long-term design for winning.
- stratificationnoun · C1The arrangement of things in separate layers.
- stratosphere/ˈstɹætəsfɪə/noun · C2The layer of air above the one where weather happens.
- stratum/ˈstɹɑː.təm/noun · C1One layer, of rock or of society.
- straw/stɹɔː/noun · B1The thin tube you drink through.
- straw mannoun · C1Attacking a weakened version of somebody's argument.
- strawberry/ˈstɹɔːb(ə)ɹi/noun · B1A small red summer fruit with tiny seeds on its skin.
- stray/stɹeɪ/noun · B1An animal living without an owner.
- streak/stɹiːk/noun · C1The colour a mineral leaves when scraped on a plate.
- stream/ˈstɹiːm/noun · B2A small narrow river you can jump across.
- streamer/ˈstɹiːmɚ/noun · B2A long narrow strip of coloured paper thrown or hung.
- streaming/ˈstɹiːmɪŋ/noun · B1+Watching or listening over the internet without saving the file first.
- streamline/ˈstriːmlaɪn/verb · B2+To make a process simpler and more efficient.
- street/stɹiːt/noun · A1A town road with houses and shops along both sides.
- street foodnoun · B1Cheap cooked food sold from a stall or van.
- street marketnoun · B1A market of stalls set up in a public road.
- street sweeper/ˈstɹit ˌswipɚ/noun · B1The worker or machine that cleans the roads.
- streetlight/ˈstɹiːt.laɪt/noun · A2+The tall lamp that lights the road when night falls.
- strength/ˈstɹɛŋθ/noun · A2The power to lift, push or endure.
- strenuous/ˈstɹɛ.nju.əs/adjective · B2+Needing great effort.
- stress/ˈstɹɛs/noun · B1The pressure you feel when there is too much to handle.
- stressful/ˈstɹɛsfəl/adjective · B1+Causing worry and strain.
- stretch/stɹɛt͡ʃ/verb · B1To slowly pull your arms and legs long before and after moving hard.
- stretcher/ˈstɹɛt͡ʃə/noun · B2The carried bed used to move an injured person.
- strew/stɹuː/verb · C1To scatter things loosely over a surface.
- stricken/ˈstɹɪkən/adjective · C1Badly affected by illness, grief or disaster.
- strict/stɹɪkt/adjective · B2Demanding that rules are followed exactly.
- strictly/ˈstɹɪktli/adverb · B2In a way that allows no exceptions.
- stricture/ˈstɹɪkt͡ʃəː/noun · C2A severe criticism, or a restriction.
- stride/stɹaɪd/verb · B2To walk with long decisive steps.
- strident/ˈstɹaɪ.dənt/adjective · C1Loud and harsh, in sound or in opinion.
- strife/stɹaɪf/noun · B2+Bitter conflict between people or groups.
- strike/stɹaɪk/noun · B2When all the workers stop at once to demand better pay.
- strike/stɹaɪk/verb · B2To hit something deliberately and hard.
- strike a balancephrase · C1To find the point between two extremes.
- strike a dealphrase · B2To agree terms after bargaining.
- striker/ˈstɹaɪkɚ/noun · B2A player whose job is to score, or a worker on strike.
- striking/ˈstɹaɪkɪŋ/adjective · C1So noticeable and impressive it stops you for a second look.
- string/stɹɪŋ/noun · B1Thin cord for tying parcels and flying kites.
- string upphrase · C1To hang somebody, or to hang something between two points.
- stringencynoun · C2Strictness in what is demanded.
- stringent/ˈstɹɪn.d͡ʒənt/adjective · C2Strict and allowing no slackness.
- stringy/ˈstɹɪŋi/adjective · B2Tough and full of fibres.
- strip/ˈstɹɪp/verb · B2To take old paint or paper off down to the bare surface.
- stripe/stɹaɪp/noun · B1One of the long straight colored lines on a zebra or a shirt.
- striped/stɹaɪpt/adjective · B1Marked with parallel bands.
- stripling/ˈstɹɪplɪŋ/noun · C2A boy just beginning to grow into a man.
- strive/ˈstɹaɪv/verb · B2To struggle hard toward a goal.
- stroke/stɹəʊk/noun · B2A sudden blockage of blood to part of the brain.
- stroke ratenoun · C1How many arm cycles a swimmer makes each minute.
- stroll/stɹəʊl/verb · B1To walk slowly for pleasure, in no hurry at all.
- stroller/ˈstɹəʊlə/noun · B1+The wheeled chair a baby is pushed around in.
- strong/stɹɒŋ/adjective · A1Having great power in your muscles or your character.
- strong-mindedadjective · C1Holding firmly to your own judgement.
- strong-willedadjective · B2Having so firm a purpose that pressure and persuasion cannot shift you.
- stronghold/ˈstɹɒŋhəʊld/noun · B2+A place strongly held and hard to take.
- strongly/ˈstɹɔŋli/adverb · B1With great force or firmness of feeling.
- structural/ˈstɹʌk(t͡)ʃəɹəl/adjective · C1To do with how something is built.
- structure/ˈstɹʌk(t)ʃə/noun · B2The way the parts of something are arranged and hold together.
- struggle/ˈstɹʌɡəl/verb · B2To fight hard against something difficult, often while losing.
- strum/strʌm/verb · B2+To sweep across the strings with the hand.
- strumpet/ˈstɹʌm.pɪt/noun · C2A prostitute, in old use.
- strut/stɹʌt/verb · B2To walk proudly, showing off.
- stub/stʌb/noun · B2The short piece left when the rest is used up.
- stubble/ˈstʌb.əl/noun · B2+The short growth of beard a day or two after shaving.
- stubborn/ˈstʌbɚn/adjective · B1Refusing to change your mind, no matter what anyone says.
- stubbornness/ˈstʌbən(n)əs/noun · B2A refusal to be moved by any argument.
- stubby/ˈstʌbi/adjective · B2+Short and thick.
- stucconoun · C1Fine plaster used to coat and decorate walls.
- stuck-upadjective · C1Acting as if you are better than everyone else.
- stud/stʌd/noun · C1One of the upright timbers inside a partition wall.
- stud findernoun · C1A device that locates the timber hidden inside a wall.
- studded/ˈstʌdɪd/adjective · B2+Set all over with small raised pieces.
- student/ˈstjuː.dn̩t/noun · A1A person who is learning at a school or university.
- student loannoun · B2Money borrowed to pay for study, repaid later.
- studio/ˈstjuːdi.əʊ/noun · B1A tiny flat where one room is bedroom, kitchen, and living room at once.
- studio sessionnoun · B2A booked period of recording time.
- studious/ˈstuːdi.əs/adjective · B2+Loving study and spending long serious hours at it.
- study/ˈstʌd.i/verb · A1To spend time learning about a subject.
- stuff/stʌf/verb · B2To pack a filling tightly inside something before cooking.
- stuff/stʌf/noun · A2Things in general: possessions, materials or activities.
- stuff/stʌf/verb · B1To fill something tightly and roughly.
- stuffinessnoun · C1Airlessness in a room, or stiff formality in a person.
- stuffy/ˈstʌfi/adjective · C1Airless and close, or dull and formal.
- stultify/ˈstʌltɪfaɪ/verb · C2To dull the mind until it can no longer think or act.
- stumble/ˈstʌmbəl/verb · B2To trip and nearly fall while walking or speaking.
- stump/stʌmp/noun · B1+The low remains of a tree after it has been cut down.
- stun/stʌn/verb · C1To knock senseless, or to astonish completely.
- stung/stʌŋ/adjective · B1Pierced by a sting, or wounded by a remark.
- stunningadjective · B2So beautiful or surprising it almost knocks you over.
- stunt/stʌnt/noun · B2A dangerous action performed for the camera.
- stuntedadjective · C1Kept from growing to full size.
- stupendous/stuˈpɛndəs/adjective · B2+Astonishingly great.
- stupid/ˈstjuːpɪd/adjective · A2Showing no intelligence at all.
- stupidity/stjuːˈpɪdɪti/noun · B1Behaviour that shows a serious lack of sense.
- stupor/ˈstjuː.pə/noun · C1A dazed state in which you can barely respond.
- sturdy/ˈstɜːdi/adjective · B1+Strongly built and unlikely to break.
- stutter/ˈstʌtɚ/verb · B1+To repeat the first sound of words when speaking.
- sty/staɪ/noun · B1+The pen where pigs are kept.
- stygian/ˈstɪd͡ʒ.i.ən/adjective · C2Very dark and gloomy.
- style/staɪl/noun · A1The particular way a person dresses or does things.
- style guidenoun · B2The rules for wording, colour and layout.
- stylish/ˈstaɪlɪʃ/adjective · B1+Dressed or designed with elegant good taste.
- stylist/ˈstaɪlɪst/noun · B2Somebody who arranges hair or clothes professionally.
- stylistic/staɪˈlɪstɪk/adjective · C1To do with the manner in which something is done.
- stylus/ˈstaɪ.ləs/noun · B2+A pointed instrument for writing or engraving.
- stymie/ˈstaɪmi/verb · C2To block somebody from making progress.
- subaltern/ˈsʌb.əltən/noun · C2A junior officer in the army.
- subassemblynoun · C2A group of parts put together before final building.
- subatomic/ˌsʌbəˈtɒmɪk/adjective · C1Smaller than an atom.
- subconscious/sʌbˈkɒn.ʃəs/adjective · C1Happening in the mind below awareness.
- subcontinent/ˌsʌbˈkɒntɪnənt/noun · C1A large land mass forming part of a continent.
- subculture/ˈsʌbˌkʌltʃɚ/noun · C1A group within a society with its own style and values.
- subdivision/ˈsʌbdɪvɪʒən/noun · B2+A part that a larger division is split into.
- subdue/səbˈdu/verb · C1To bring someone or something under control by force.
- subject/ˈsʌb.d͡ʒɛkt/noun · A2One area you study at school, like history or music.
- subjective/səbˈd͡ʒɛktɪv/adjective · B2+Shaped by personal feeling rather than fact.
- subjectivity/ˌsʌbd͡ʒɛkˈtɪvɪti/noun · C1Judging from your own feelings and position.
- subjugate/ˈsʌbd͡ʒʊɡət/verb · C1To bring a people under your complete control.
- subjunctive/səbˈd͡ʒʌŋktɪv/noun · C1The verb form used for wishes and things not real.
- sublimationnoun · C1A solid turning straight into gas.
- sublime/səˈblaɪm/adjective · C1So beautiful or great it feels beyond this world.
- submarine/sʌb.məˈɹiːn/noun · B1The vessel that travels deep under the surface of the sea.
- submerge/səbˈmɜːd͡ʒ/verb · B2+To push or sink fully under water.
- submission/səbˈmɪʃən/noun · C1Yielding to another's power, or a document handed in.
- subordinate/səˈbɔːdɪnət/noun · C1Somebody of lower rank than you.
- subordination/səˌbɔːdɪˈneɪʃn̩/noun · C1The placing of one thing under the authority of another.
- subplot/ˈsʌb.plɒt/noun · B2+A second story running alongside the main one.
- subpoena/sə(b)ˈpiː.nə/noun · C1An order telling you that you must appear in court.
- subscribe/səbˈskɹaɪb/verb · B1+To sign up for regular content or service, often paying monthly.
- subscriber/səbˈskɹaɪbɚ/noun · C1Someone who pays regularly to keep receiving something.
- subscriber countnoun · B2How many people follow a channel.
- subscription/səbˈskɹɪpʃən/noun · B1+A regular payment for ongoing access to a service or magazine.
- subsequent/ˈsʌbsɪkwənt/adjective · B2+Coming after the thing just mentioned.
- subsequent analysisnoun · C1The examination carried out after the first results.
- subsequently/ˈsʌb.sɪ.kwənt.li/adverb · B2+After the thing just mentioned.
- subserviencenoun · C2Excessive readiness to obey somebody else.
- subside/sʌbˈsaɪd/verb · B2+To gradually die down — floods, pain, or applause.
- subsidence/ˈsʌbsɪdəns/noun · C1The sinking of ground into a hollow beneath it.
- subsidiary/sʌbˈsɪ.di.əɹ.i/noun · C1A company owned and controlled by a bigger one.
- subsidize/ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/verb · C2To help pay for something with public or company money.
- subsidy/ˈsʌbsɪdi/noun · C1Government money paid to keep a price low or an industry alive.
- subsist/səbˈsɪst/verb · C2To stay alive on the barest means.
- subsistence/səbˈsɪstəns/noun · C2Having just enough to stay alive.
- substance/ˈsʌbstəns/noun · B1A particular kind of matter.
- substantial/səbˈstænʃəl/adjective · C1Large enough to matter.
- substantiallyadverb · C1To a large extent.
- substantiate/səbˈstænʃieɪt/verb · C2To back a claim with evidence.
- substantiationnoun · C2The backing of a claim with evidence.
- substitute/ˈsʌb.stɪ.tʃuːt/noun · B1The player who waits on the bench to replace a tired teammate.
- substitution/ˌsʌb.stɪˈtʃuː.ʃən/noun · C1The putting of one thing in place of another.
- subterfuge/ˈsʌbtəɹˌfjuː(d)ʒ/noun · C1A trick used to avoid a difficulty or to hide something.
- subterranean/ˌsʌbtəˈɹeɪniən/adjective · C1Lying or happening below the ground.
- subtitle/ˈsʌbtaɪtəl/noun · B2Words at the bottom of a screen giving the speech in text.
- subtitlesnoun · B1The translated lines running along the bottom of a foreign film.
- subtle/ˈsʌtl̩/adjective · C1So delicate and quiet it is easy to miss.
- subtle/ˈsʌtl̩/adjective · B2So faint that you must pay attention to notice it.
- subtlety/ˈsʌt(ə)lti/noun · C1A fine distinction that is easily missed.
- subtly/ˈsʌt.li/adverb · C1In a way so slight it is easy to miss.
- subtotalnoun · B1+A running total of part of a list.
- subtract/səbˈtɹækt/verb · B2To take one amount away from another.
- suburb/ˈsʌbɝb/noun · B2+The quiet housing area at the edge of a city where families live.
- suburban/səˈbɜː(ɹ)bən/adjective · C1Belonging to the quiet housing around a city.
- suburbia/səˈbɜːbi.ə/noun · C1The outer residential districts, and the life led there.
- subversion/sʌbˈvɜː.ʃən/noun · C1Quietly undermining a system from inside.
- subversive/səbˈvɝsɪv/adjective · C1Working quietly to undermine an established order.
- subvert/səbˈvɜːt/verb · C1To undermine the power or authority of something.
- subway/ˈsʌbˌweɪ/noun · A2+The city train that runs in tunnels under the streets.
- succeed/səkˈsiːd/verb · A2+To reach the result you were working for.
- success/səkˈsɛs/noun · B1Reaching the goal you worked toward.
- successful/səkˈsɛs.fəl/adjective · A2+Having reached the goals you aimed for.
- successfully/səkˈsɛs.fə.li/adverb · B1+In a way that achieved what was wanted.
- succession/səkˈsɛʃ.ən/noun · C1The order in which a title passes on.
- successive/səkˈsɛsɪv/adjective · C1Following one after another.
- successor/səkˈsɛsə/noun · C1The person who takes over from another.
- succinct/səkˈsɪŋ(k)t/adjective · C1Said in very few words, and well.
- succornoun · C1Help given to somebody in difficulty.
- succulent/ˈsʌkjələnt/noun · C1A plant with thick fleshy leaves that hold water.
- succumb/səˈkʌm/verb · C2To stop resisting and be overcome.
- suck/sʌk/verb · A2To pull liquid into the mouth by drawing in the breath.
- sucker/ˈsʌk.ə/noun · C1One of the round pads on an octopus arm that grips.
- suckle/ˈsʌk.əl/verb · C1To feed a young one at the breast.
- sucklingnoun · C1A young animal still feeding on its mother's milk.
- sudannoun · B1+African country on the Nile with more pyramids than Egypt.
- sudden/ˈsʌd.ən/adjective · B1Happening at once, without any warning.
- sudden deathnoun · B2A finish where the next point ends everything.
- suddenly/ˈsʌd.ən.li/adverb · A2All at once, without any warning.
- sudoku/sʊˈdəʊku/noun · B1A puzzle of filling a grid so no number repeats.
- suds/sʌdz/noun · C1The froth of soap on water.
- sue/sjuː/verb · B2To take somebody to court to claim money from them.
- suede/sweɪd/noun · B2+Leather with a soft brushed surface.
- suet/ˈs(j)uːɪt/noun · C2Hard white fat used in old-fashioned cooking.
- suffer/ˈsʌfə/verb · B1To feel pain or hardship over a period of time.
- sufferance/ˈsʌf(ə)ɹəns/noun · C2Being allowed only because nobody objects.
- suffice/səˈfaɪs/verb · C1To be enough for the purpose.
- sufficiencynoun · C1Having as much as is needed.
- sufficient/səˈfɪʃənt/adjective · B2A formal word for being as much as is needed.
- sufficiently/səˈfɪʃəntli/adverb · B2+Enough for the purpose.
- suffix/ˈsʌfɪks/<q:noun>noun · B2+Letters added to the end of a word, like -ness or -ful.
- suffocate/ˈsʌfəkeɪt/verb · B2To die or to kill by being unable to breathe.
- suffocationnoun · B2+Death or distress from being unable to breathe.
- suffrage/ˈsʌfɹɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1The right to vote.
- suffragette/ˌsʌf.ɹəˈd͡ʒɛt/noun · C1A woman who campaigned militantly for the vote.
- suffuse/səˈfjuːz/verb · C2To spread through and fill with colour or feeling.
- sugar/ˈʃʊɡə/noun · A1The white sweet grains you stir into tea and bake into cakes.
- suggest/səˈd͡ʒɛst/verb · A2To offer an idea for others to think about.
- suggestion/səˈd͡ʒɛst.ʃən/noun · B1An idea put forward for others to consider.
- suggestive/sə(ɡ)ˈd͡ʒɛs.tɪv/adjective · B2+Hinting at something, often improper.
- suicidal/ˌsuː.ɪˈsaɪ.dəl/adjective · B2Wanting to end your own life, or recklessly dangerous.
- suicide/ˈs(j)uːɪˌsaɪd/noun · B1The act of deliberately killing yourself.
- suit/sjuːt/noun · A2The matching jacket and legwear people wear to offices and weddings.
- suit yourselfphrase · B2Do as you like, though I would not.
- suitable[ˈsjuː.tə.bɫ̩]adjective · B1+Right for the particular purpose or occasion.
- suitcase/ˈs(j)uːtkeɪs/noun · A2+The hard case on little wheels you pack your clothes in.
- suite/swiːt/noun · B2A set of connected rooms taken as one booking.
- suitor/ˈsutɚ/noun · C1A man courting a woman with a view to marriage.
- sulk/sʌlk/verb · B2To go quiet and moody because you did not get your way.
- sulky/ˈsʌlki/adjective · C1Silent and cross because you did not get your way.
- sullen/ˈsʌlən/adjective · B2+Silently bad-tempered and resentful.
- sully/ˈsʌli/verb · C2To spoil the cleanness of something, or a good name.
- sulphurnoun · C2A yellow element that smells of rotten eggs when burnt.
- sulphuricadjective · C2To do with the yellow element that smells of rotten eggs.
- sultry/ˈsʌltɹi/adjective · C1Hot and still, with a storm on the way.
- sum/sʌm/noun · B2The total you get by adding numbers together.
- summarily/səˈmɛɹɪli/adverb · C2Done at once and without the usual formalities.
- summariseverb · B1+To give the main points and leave the rest.
- summarize/ˈsʌməˌɹaɪz/verb · B1+To shrink a long text down to its main points.
- summary/ˈsʌm.ə.ɹi/noun · B1+A short version giving only the main points.
- summation/sʌˈmeɪʃən/noun · C1A summing up of everything that has been said.
- summer/ˈsʌmə/noun · A1The hottest season — school holidays and ice cream.
- summertimenoun · B1The warmest season of the year.
- summit/ˈsʌmɪt/noun · C1A meeting of world leaders; also, the very top of a mountain.
- summit pushnoun · C1The final effort to reach the top.
- summon/ˈsʌmən/verb · B2To officially order someone to come; also, to gather your courage.
- summon upphrase · C1To gather the courage or strength you need.
- summons/ˈsʌ.mənz/noun · B2+An order to appear before a court.
- sumo/ˈsuːməʊ/noun · B2+A Japanese wrestling style fought by very heavy men.
- sumptuous/ˈsʌmptʃuəs/adjective · C1Splendid and expensive-looking.
- sun/sʌn/noun · A1The burning ball in the sky that gives us daylight and warmth.
- sun creamnoun · A2The lotion that protects skin from burning.
- sun loungernoun · B2The long chair you lie on beside a pool.
- sunbathe/ˈsʌnbeɪð/verb · A2+To lie in the sun to make the skin darker.
- sunbeamnoun · B2A single ray of light from the sun.
- sunblocknoun · B1+A cream that stops the sun reaching the skin.
- sunburn/ˈsʌnˌbɜːn/noun · A2+Red painful skin from staying too long in the sun.
- sundae/ˈsʌn.deɪ/noun · B1+Ice cream in a tall glass under sauce and nuts.
- sundaynoun · A1The last, laziest day of the week, before school starts again.
- sundial/ˈsʌnˌdaɪ.əl/noun · B2+A dial that tells the hour by the shadow it casts.
- sundry/ˈsʌnd.ɹi/adjective · C1Various, and of several kinds.
- sunflower/ˈsʌn.flaʊ.ə/noun · A2+A giant yellow flower that turns to face the light.
- sunglassesnoun · A2+Dark eye glass you wear on bright days.
- sunhat/ˈsʌnˌhæt/noun · A2A wide hat worn to keep the sun off your face.
- sunken/ˈsʌŋkən/adjective · B2Fallen below the surrounding level.
- sunlight/ˈsʌnˌlaɪt/noun · A2+The light given off by the sun.
- sunlit/ˈsʌnlɪt/adjective · B2+Lit by direct light from the sky.
- sunny/ˈsʌni/adjective · A1Bright with unbroken sunshine.
- sunny spellnoun · B2A period when the cloud breaks and the sun shows.
- sunrise/ˈsʌnɹaɪz/noun · B1The moment in the morning when daylight first appears over the horizon.
- sunscreen/ˈsʌn.skriːn/noun · A2+The cream that protects skin from burning in the sun.
- sunset/ˈsʌnˌsɛt/noun · B1The golden moment in the evening when daylight sinks away.
- sunshine/ˈsʌnʃaɪn/noun · A1The light and warmth that comes directly from the sun.
- suntan/ˈsʌnˌtæn/noun · B2The brown colour skin turns after days outdoors.
- super/ˈsuːpə/adjective · A2Extremely good, said informally.
- superficial/ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/adjective · C1Touching only the surface, never the depths.
- superfluous/suːˈpɜːflu.əs/adjective · C1More than is needed, and therefore useless.
- superhumanadjective · B2Beyond what an ordinary person could do.
- superintendent/ˌsjuːpəɹɪnˈtɛndənt/noun · B2An officer in charge of a department or a building.
- superior/suːˈpɪə.ɹi.ə/adjective · B2Better or higher in rank than the others.
- superiority/sʊˌpɪə(ɹ).iˈɒ.ɹɪ.ti/noun · B2+Being better or higher than others.
- superlative/suːˈpɜːlətɪv/noun · B2+The form of an adjective meaning the most of all.
- supermarket/ˌsupɚˈmɑɹkət/noun · A1The big food shop with long shelves and rolling baskets.
- supermodelnoun · B2+A fashion model who has become a celebrity.
- supernatural/ˌs(j)uː.pəˈnæ.tʃə.ɹəl/adjective · B2Beyond what the laws of nature allow.
- supernova/ˌsuː.pə(ɹ)ˈnəʊ.və/noun · C1The colossal explosion of a dying star.
- superpowernoun · B2+A state powerful enough to shape world events.
- supersede/ˌsuːpəˈsiːd/verb · C1To take the place of something now out of date.
- superstar/ˈsuː.pəˌstɑː/noun · B1+A performer who is famous all over the world.
- superstition/ˌs(j)uː.pə(ɹ)ˈstɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+A belief that some act brings luck or misfortune.
- superstitious/ˌs(j)uː.pəˈstɪ.ʃəs/adjective · B2Believing that luck follows signs and charms.
- supervise/ˈsuː.pə.vaɪz/verb · C1To watch over people's work and keep it on track.
- supervision/ˌs(j)uːpəˈvɪʒən/noun · C1Watching over work to see it is done right.
- supervisor/ˈsuːpəˌvaɪzə(ɹ)/noun · C1The person directly in charge of your daily work.
- supine/ˈs(j)uːpaɪn/adjective · C2Lying on your back, or failing to resist.
- supper/ˈsʌpə/noun · A2A light evening meal, often late.
- supplant/səˈplɑːnt/verb · C1To take over somebody's place, often by force.
- supple/ˈsʌpəl/adjective · C1Bending easily without cracking.
- supplement/ˈsʌp.lɪ.mənt/noun · C1An extra dose of something missing from a diet.
- supplemental/ˌsʌplɪˈmɛntəl/adjective · B2+Added on top of what is already there.
- supplicant/ˈsʌplɪkənt/noun · C2Somebody who begs humbly for something.
- supplier/səˈplaɪə/noun · B2The business that provides what you need to trade.
- supplies/səˈplaɪz/noun · B1The food, water and equipment a crisis needs.
- supplies cupboardnoun · B1The store where pens and paper are kept.
- supply/səˈplaɪ/verb · B1To make something available to those who need it.
- supply chainnoun · B2Every step from raw material to the customer's hands.
- supply linenoun · B2The route along which food and ammunition reach the front.
- support/səˈpɔːt/verb · A2To help someone and stand on their side.
- support networknoun · B2The people a person can lean on.
- support workernoun · B2Somebody paid to help another with daily life.
- supportive/səˈpɔɹtɪv/adjective · B2Ready to help and encourage.
- suppose/səˈpəʊz/verb · A2To think something is probably true without being sure.
- suppress/səˈpɹɛs/verb · C1To crush or hold down a feeling, fact, or rebellion.
- suppression/səˈpɹɛʃən/noun · B2+The holding down of something by force.
- supremacistnoun · B2+Somebody who believes their own group should rule.
- supremacy/suˈpɹɛməsi/noun · B2+The state of being above all others in power.
- surcharge/ˈsɜːt͡ʃɑːd͡ʒ/noun · B2+An extra amount added to the standard price.
- surcoat/ˈsɜːˌkəʊt/noun · C2A loose robe worn over armour.
- sure/ʃɔː/adjective · A1Having no doubt at all.
- surely/ˈʃɔːli/adverb · B1Certainly, or used to show you expect agreement.
- surf/sɜːf/noun · B1The line of white water where waves break.
- surface/ˈsɜː.fɪs/noun · B1The outside or top layer of something.
- surface mailnoun · C1Post sent by land and sea rather than air.
- surfeit/ˈsɜː.fɪt/noun · C2Far more of something than is good for you.
- surfer/ˈsɜː(ɹ)fə(ɹ)/noun · B1+Somebody who rides breaking waves.
- surfing/ˈsɝfɪŋ/noun · B1+Standing on a board and riding the moving walls of the sea.
- surge/sɝd͡ʒ/verb · C1To rush forward or upward in a sudden powerful wave.
- surgeon/ˈsɜːd͡ʒən/noun · B2The doctor who operates on people in the operating room.
- surgery/ˈsɜː.d͡ʒə.ɹi/noun · B1When doctors open the body to repair something inside.
- surgical/ˈsɜːd͡ʒɪkəl/adjective · C1To do with operations, or done with exact precision.
- surinamenoun · C1The smallest South American country, once Dutch Guiana.
- surly/ˈsɜːli/adjective · C1Bad-tempered and unfriendly.
- surmise/sɜːˈmaɪz/verb · C2To guess from slight evidence.
- surmount/səˈmaʊnt/verb · C1To get over a difficulty or an obstacle.
- surname/ˈsɜːˌneɪm/noun · A2+Your family name — the one you share with your parents.
- surpass/səˈpɑːs/verb · B2+To go beyond what was achieved before.
- surplus/ˈsɝˌplʌs/noun · C1More than is needed.
- surprise/sə(ː)ˈpɹaɪ̯z/noun · A1Something that happens when you completely did not expect it.
- surprised/səˈpɹaɪzd/adjective · A2Eyes wide because something happened that you never expected.
- surprisingly/səˈpɹaɪzɪŋli/adverb · B1+In a way that was not expected.
- surreal/səˈɹiː(.ə)l/adjective · B2+So strange that it feels like a dream.
- surrealism/səˈɹiː(.ə)l.ɪz.əm/noun · C2An art movement of dreamlike and impossible images.
- surrender/səˈɹɛndə(ɹ)/verb · B1To stop fighting and give yourself up.
- surreptitious/ˌsʌɹɪpˈtɪʃəs/adjective · C2Done secretly so as not to be seen.
- surrogate/ˈsʌɹəɡɪt/noun · B2+Somebody or something standing in for another.
- surround/səˈɹaʊnd/verb · B2To be on every side of something, all the way around.
- surroundings/səˈɹaʊndɪŋz/noun · B2Everything around a place or a person.
- surveillance/sɚˈveɪ.ləns/noun · B2The constant secret watching of people, by cameras or code.
- survey/ˈsɜːveɪ/noun · B1+A set of questions asked of many people to learn what they think.
- survey/ˈsɜːveɪ/verb · B2To look over a whole scene carefully.
- surveyor/səːˈveɪ.ə/noun · B2+The person who measures land or inspects buildings.
- survival/səˈvaɪ.vəl/noun · B2Continuing to live through something dangerous.
- survive/səˈvaɪv/verb · A2To stay alive through danger or disaster.
- survivor/səˈvaɪvə/noun · B2A person who came through when others did not.
- susceptibility/səˌsɛptəˈbɪlɪti/noun · C1How easily somebody is affected by something.
- susceptible[səˈsɛptɪbl̩]adjective · B2+Easily influenced or harmed by something.
- sushi/ˈsuːʃi/noun · A2+The Japanese rolls of rice, seaweed, and raw fish.
- suspect/ˈsʌspɛkt/noun · B1The person the police believe may have done the crime.
- suspend/səsˈpɛnd/verb · B2To stop something for a time, or ban someone temporarily.
- suspend/səsˈpɛnd/verb · B2To hang something from above.
- suspenders/səˈspɛndɚz/noun · C1The elastic straps over the shoulders that hold trousers up.
- suspense/səˈspɛns/noun · B2The tense state of waiting to find out what happens.
- suspension/səˈspɛnʃən/noun · C1The springs that let wheels move without shaking the body.
- suspension bridgenoun · B2A bridge hung from cables slung between towers.
- suspicion/səˈspɪʃ.ən/noun · B2The uneasy feeling that someone is up to something.
- suspicious/səˈspɪʃ.əs/adjective · B1Looking like something dishonest is going on; or quick to doubt others.
- sustain/səˈsteɪn/verb · C1To keep something going, or to suffer an injury.
- sustainability/səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/noun · B2+Living and producing in ways the planet can bear forever.
- sustainable/səˈsteɪnəbəl/adjective · B2+Able to continue without using the world up.
- sustainably/səˈsteɪ.nə.bli/adverb · C1In a way that can be kept up without using things up.
- sustenance/ˈsʌs.tə.nəns/noun · C1Food and drink that keep you alive.
- suture/ˈs(j)uː.tʃə/noun · C1A stitch used by a surgeon to close a wound.
- swaddle/ˈswɒdəl/verb · B2+To wrap a baby tightly in cloth.
- swaddlingnoun · C1Cloth wrapped tightly round a newborn baby.
- swagger/ˈswæɡ.ə/verb · C1To walk in a way that shows too much confidence.
- swallow/ˈswɒl.əʊ/verb · B1To make food or drink go down your throat.
- swami/ˈswɑːmi/noun · C1A Hindu ascetic or yogi honoured with a title of respect placed after his name.
- swamp/ˈswɒmp/noun · B1Soft wet land where trees stand in dark still water.
- swan/swɒn/noun · B2A graceful white water bird with a long curved neck.
- swap/ˈswɒp/verb · B1To give one thing and get another back.
- swap outphrase · B2To take one part out and put another in.
- sward/swɔːd/noun · C2An expanse of short grass.
- swarm/swɔɹm/noun · B1+A thick moving cloud of insects.
- swarthy/ˈswɔɹði/adjective · C1Having a dark complexion.
- swat/swɒt/verb · B2To hit a small moving thing with a flat object.
- swatch/swɒtʃ/noun · C1A small patch of colour tried out on the skin.
- swathe/sweɪð/noun · C1A broad strip cut or covered across something.
- sway/ˈsweɪ̯/verb · B2To rock gently side to side; also, to influence a decision.
- swear/ˈswɛə(ɹ)/verb · B2To make a solemn promise; also, to use rude words.
- swear inphrase · C1To make somebody promise formally to tell the truth.
- sweat/swɛt/noun · B1The salty water your skin makes when you are hot or afraid.
- sweater/ˈswɛtə/noun · A1A warm knitted top for cold days.
- sweatshirt/ˈswɛtʃəːt/noun · B1A thick cotton top with long sleeves and no collar.
- sweaty/ˈswɛti/adjective · B1Damp with the salty water the skin gives off.
- swedennoun · A2+The Nordic country of Stockholm and flat-pack furniture.
- sweep/swiːp/verb · B1To clean a floor with a long brush.
- sweep it under the carpetphrase · C1To hide a problem instead of dealing with it.
- sweepingsnoun · C1The dust and rubbish gathered by a broom.
- sweet/swiːt/adjective · A1Tasting of sugar, like honey and cake.
- sweet/swiːt/noun · B1A pleasant scent like flowers or sugar.
- sweet potato/ˈswiːt pəˈteɪ.təʊ/phrase · B1The orange root vegetable, sweeter than its plain cousin.
- sweet toothphrase · B2A strong love of sugary treats.
- sweeten/ˈswiːtən/verb · B2To make something taste sweeter or sound better.
- sweetheart/ˈswiːtˌhɑːt/noun · A2Somebody you love, or a term of affection for them.
- sweetie/ˈswiːti/noun · A2An affectionate name for somebody dear to you.
- sweetness/ˈswiːtnəs/noun · B1The quality of tasting of sugar.
- swell/swɛl/noun · B1The long rolling waves left after a distant storm.
- swelling/ˈswɛl.ɪŋ/noun · B1+A body part grown puffy and bigger after injury.
- swelter/ˈswɛl.tə/verb · C1To suffer in oppressive heat.
- swerve/swɜːv/verb · B2+To suddenly steer sideways to avoid hitting something.
- swift/swɪft/adjective · B2Fast and prompt in movement or response.
- swig/swɪɡ/noun · B2+A large mouthful of drink taken quickly.
- swill/swɪl/verb · C1To drink greedily, or to rinse with water.
- swim/swɪm/verb · A1To move through water using your arms and legs.
- swimmer/ˈswɪm.ə/noun · B1Somebody moving through water under their own power.
- swimming/ˈswɪmɪŋ/noun · A1The sport of moving through water with your arms and legs.
- swimming capnoun · A2A tight cover worn to keep hair out of the way.
- swimming pool/ˈswɪmɪŋ ˌpuːl/noun · A1The big water-filled basin people swim laps in.
- swimming trunksnoun · B1Short garments a man swims in.
- swimsuit/ˈswɪm.s(j)ut/noun · A2+What you wear in the pool or the sea.
- swindle/ˈswɪndəl/noun · B2+A scheme to cheat somebody out of money.
- swindler/ˈswɪnd.lə(ɹ)/noun · C1Somebody who cheats others out of money.
- swine/swaɪn/noun · B2Pigs, or a contemptible person.
- swineherd/ˈswaɪnˌhɜːd/noun · C1Somebody whose job is looking after pigs.
- swing/ˈswɪŋ/verb · A2To move back and forth through the air while hanging.
- swing dancenoun · B2A group of dances developed to big band music.
- swipe/swaɪp/verb · B1+To slide a finger across a touchscreen.
- swipe/swaɪp/verb · B2To strike with a sweeping sideways movement.
- swirl/swɜːl/verb · B2To move round and round in a twisting flow.
- swish/swɪʃ/verb · B2To move with a soft hissing sound.
- switch/swɪt͡ʃ/noun · A2The small thing on the wall that turns the light on and off.
- switch offphrase · A2To stop a machine, or to stop paying attention.
- switch onphrase · A2To start a machine working.
- switchback/ˈswɪt͡ʃbæk/noun · C1A sharp bend where a path doubles back up a slope.
- switchboard/ˈswɪt͡ʃˌbɔɹd/noun · B2The system that routes incoming calls to the right person.
- switzerlandnoun · A2+The Alpine country of banks, watches, and holey cheese.
- swivel/ˈswɪvəl/verb · C2To turn about a fixed point.
- swivel chairnoun · B2An office chair that turns and rolls.
- swollen/ˈswəʊ.lən/adjective · B1+Puffed up bigger than it should be.
- swoon/swuːn/verb · C2To collapse dreamily from emotion, or melt with adoration.
- swoop/ˈswuːp/verb · B2To drop suddenly through the air onto something.
- sword/soɹd/noun · A2A long-bladed weapon held in the hand.
- sword in the stonephrase · B2The blade only the rightful king could draw.
- sword swallowernoun · B2A performer who lowers a blade down the throat.
- swordfish/ˈsɔː(ɹ)dfɪʃ/noun · B1+A big sea fish with a long flat pointed bill.
- swot upphrase · C1To study hard for a test at the last minute.
- sycamore/ˈsɪkəmoɹ/noun · B2+A broad tree whose winged seeds spin as they fall.
- sycophancynoun · C2Flattering the powerful to gain advantage.
- sycophant/ˈsɪkəfænt/noun · C2Somebody who flatters the powerful for what they can get.
- sycophantic/sɪkəˈfæntɪk/adjective · C2Fawning on those who can do you good.
- syllabic/sɪˈlæb.ɪk/adjective · C2To do with the beats a word divides into.
- syllable/ˈsɪl.ə.bəl/noun · B2One beat of a word — ba-na-na has three.
- syllabus/ˈsɪləbəs/noun · B2+The official list of everything one course will cover.
- syllogism/ˈsɪlədʒɪz(ə)m/noun · C2An argument of two premises and a conclusion.
- symbiosis/sɪmbaɪˈoʊsɪs/noun · C1A close relationship in which each side gains.
- symbol/ˈsɪmbəl/noun · A2+A simple mark that stands for something bigger — a dove for peace.
- symbolicadjective · C1Standing for something beyond itself.
- symboliseverb · B2+To stand as a sign for something.
- symbolism/ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/noun · B2+The use of one thing to stand for another.
- symmetrical/sɪˈmɛtɹɪkəl/adjective · B1+The same on both sides of a dividing line.
- symmetry/ˈsɪm.ɪ.tɹaɪ/<a:RP,poetic><ref:In old poetic usage, {{m|en||symmetrynoun · B2+The quality of matching exactly on both sides.
- sympathetic/ˌsɪm.pəˈθɛt.ɪk/adjective · B2Feeling and showing care for someone's trouble.
- sympathiseverb · B2+To share and show sorrow for somebody's trouble.
- sympathy/ˈsɪm.pə.θi/noun · B2Feeling sorry for someone in trouble.
- symphony/ˈsɪm.fə.ni/noun · B2A grand long work written for a full orchestra.
- symposium/sɪmˈpəʊziəm/noun · C1A meeting of experts to discuss one subject.
- symptom/ˈsɪm(p)təm/noun · B1+A sign, like fever or pain, that shows what illness you have.
- symptom/ˈsɪm(p)təm/noun · B2The sign that shows a fault exists.
- symptom-freeadjective · B2Showing no sign of the illness at all.
- symptomatic/ˌsɪmp.təˈmæt.ɪk/adjective · C1Being a sign of a wider illness or problem.
- synagogue/ˈsɪnəɡɒɡ/noun · B1+The building where Jewish people gather to worship.
- sync/sɪŋk/verb · B1+To make the same data appear on all your devices at once.
- synchronised swimmingnoun · B2A team display of movement in time to music.
- syncopation/ˌsɪŋ.kəˈpeɪ.ʃən/noun · C1Putting the accent where the beat is not.
- syndicate/ˈsɪndɪkət/noun · B2+A group joining forces for a business purpose.
- syndrome/ˈsɪndɹəʊm/noun · C1A set of symptoms that occur together.
- synergy/ˈsɪnəd͡ʒi/noun · B2+Extra benefit gained when things work together.
- synonym/ˈsɪn.əˌnɪm/noun · B2+A word meaning the same as another word.
- synonymous/sɪˈnɒnɪməs/adjective · C1Meaning the same, or closely associated.
- synopsis/sɪˈnɒpsɪs/noun · C1A short outline of a longer work.
- syntax/ˈsɪn.tæks/noun · B2+The exact grammar a programming language demands.
- syntax/ˈsɪn.tæks/noun · C1The way words are arranged into sentences.
- synthesis/ˈsɪnθəsɪs/noun · C1Combining separate ideas or findings into one whole.
- synthesiseverb · C1To combine separate ideas into one new whole.
- synthesizer/ˈsɪn.θəˌsaɪ.zə(ɹ)/noun · B2+An electronic keyboard that can make any sound.
- synthetic/sɪnˈθɛtɪk/adjective · C1Made by people rather than found in nature.
- syrianoun · B1+Middle Eastern country whose capital, Damascus, is among the world's oldest cities.
- syringe/sɪˈɹɪn(d)ʒ/noun · B1+The tube and needle used to give injections.
- syrup/ˈsɪ.ɹəp/noun · B1The thick sweet liquid poured over pancakes, often from maple trees.
- system/ˈsɪstəm/noun · A2Many parts working together as one organized whole.
- systematic/ˌsɪs.tɪˈmæt.ɪk/adjective · C1Done according to a fixed and orderly method.
- t-junctionnoun · B2Where a road ends by joining another across it.
- t-shirtphrase · A1A simple soft top with short sleeves and no buttons.
- tab/tæb/noun · A2+One page open inside a browser window.
- tabard/ˈtæbɑː(ɹ)d/noun · C2A short sleeveless coat bearing a coat of arms.
- table/ˈteɪbl̩/noun · A1The flat furniture with four legs that you eat and work at.
- table mannersnoun · B1How you are expected to behave while eating.
- table servicenoun · B2Being served at your seat rather than fetching food.
- table tennisnoun · A2A racket game played across a small indoor table.
- tableau/ˈtæ.bləʊ/noun · C2A striking scene held motionless like a picture.
- tableclothnoun · B2The big cloth spread over a table before a nice dinner.
- tablespoon/ˈteɪbəlˌspuːn/noun · B1+The large spoon used for serving food.
- tablet/ˈtæblət/noun · A2+The flat touch-screen computer, bigger than a phone, smaller than a laptop.
- tabloid/ˈtæblɔɪd/noun · B2+The loud gossipy newspaper of scandals and celebrities.
- taboo/təˈbuː/noun · B2+Something a society forbids without needing to explain.
- tacit/ˈtæsɪt/adjective · C2Understood between people without being said.
- taciturn/ˈtæsɪtɜːn/adjective · C2Saying very little by nature.
- taciturnitynoun · C2The habit of saying very little.
- tack/tæk/noun · B2A short nail with a broad flat head.
- tackle/ˈtækəl/verb · B1To stop an opponent and take the ball from them.
- tackle/ˈtækəl/verb · B2To knock somebody down to stop them.
- tacky/ˈtæki/adjective · B2Showily cheap and lacking taste, or slightly sticky.
- taco/ˈtɑkoʊ/noun · A2+The folded Mexican shell filled with meat and salsa.
- tact/tækt/noun · C1Skill in saying things without giving offence.
- tactful/ˈtæktfəl/adjective · C1Careful to say hard things without hurting feelings.
- tactic/ˈtæktɪk/noun · C1One particular move made to gain a small advantage.
- tactical/ˈtæktɪk(ə)l/adjective · C1Planned to gain a particular advantage.
- tactician/tækˈtɪʃən/noun · C1Somebody clever at planning the moves of a contest.
- tactics/ˈtæktɪks/noun · B1+The clever short-term moves planned to beat this opponent today.
- tactile/ˈtæktaɪl/adjective · C1To do with touch, or pleasant to handle.
- tactile pavingnoun · C1Textured ground that can be felt underfoot as a warning.
- tadpole/ˈtædpoʊl/noun · B1+The young of a frog, with a tail and no legs.
- taekwondo/ˌtaɪkwɑnˈdoʊ/noun · B1A Korean martial art known for high kicks.
- tag/tæɡ/noun · A2A chasing game where a touch passes on the chase.
- taglinenoun · B2The line that sums up what a brand promises.
- tail/ˈteɪ̯l/noun · A2The long back part that wags on a happy dog.
- tail lightnoun · B1The red lamp at the back of a vehicle.
- tail spikenoun · B1A sharp bony point at the end of a tail.
- taillightnoun · C1The red lamp at the back of a car.
- tailor/ˈteɪlɚ/noun · B2A person who makes and fits clothes to measure.
- tailor-madeadjective · B2Cut to fit one particular person.
- tailor's chalknoun · B2Chalk for marking lines that brush off cloth.
- taint/teɪnt/noun · C1A trace of something bad that spoils the whole.
- taiwannoun · B1+The mountainous island of Taipei, famous for making the world's chips.
- tajikistannoun · C1Central Asian country that is almost entirely mountains, capital Dushanbe.
- take/ˈteɪ̯k/verb · A1To reach out and get something into your hands.
- take a decisionphrase · C1To reach and announce a formal choice.
- take a short cutphrase · B1To go by a quicker route, or to skip proper steps.
- take advantagephrase · B2To make good use of a chance, or to exploit somebody.
- take afterphrase · B2To look or behave like an older family member.
- take an interestphrase · B2To begin paying close attention to something.
- take apartphrase · B2To separate a machine into its pieces.
- take away/ˌteɪk əˈweɪ/phrase · A2To remove, or to subtract one number from another.
- take backphrase · B1To return a purchase to the shop; also, to unsay hurtful words.
- take carephrase · A2A warm farewell.
- take downphrase · B1To write what is said, or to dismantle something.
- take in/teɪk‿ˈɪn/phrase · B2To fully understand and absorb; also, to give someone shelter.
- take it easyphrase · B1To relax and not push yourself.
- take it one day at a timephrase · B2To face only what today asks of you.
- take offphrase · B1To leave the ground and rise into the air, as a plane does.
- take offencephrase · B2To feel insulted by what was said.
- take onphrase · B2To accept new work or responsibility; also, to fight an opponent.
- take outphrase · B1To remove something from inside; also, to invite someone on a date.
- take overphrase · B2To take control of something from someone else.
- take precautionsphrase · B2To act in advance against a possible danger.
- take responsibilityphrase · B2To accept that a matter is yours to answer for.
- take stockphrase · C1To pause and review how things actually stand.
- take the blamephrase · B1To accept fault, whether or not it was yours.
- take the first turningphrase · B1To leave the road at the earliest junction.
- take the law into your own handsphrase · C1To punish somebody yourself instead of using the courts.
- take the plungephrase · B2To finally commit to something you have been putting off.
- take the scenic routephrase · B2To go the long and pretty way round.
- take the wind out of your sailsphrase · C1To take away your confidence suddenly.
- take tophrase · B2To begin to like, or to begin doing as a habit.
- take upphrase · B2To start a new hobby; also, to use up space or time.
- take with a pinch of saltphrase · C1To not fully believe what you are told.
- take your timephrase · B1To do something without hurrying.
- take-offnoun · B1The moment an aircraft leaves the ground.
- takeaway/ˈteɪkəweɪ/noun · B1+Restaurant food you carry home in boxes instead of eating there.
- takeaway counternoun · B1The place where food is collected to eat elsewhere.
- takeout/ˈteɪkaʊt/noun · A2+Restaurant food you collect and eat at home.
- takeovernoun · B2Gaining control of a company, sometimes against its will.
- talc/tælk/noun · B2+A fine powder dusted on skin to keep it dry.
- talent/ˈtæl.ənt/noun · A2A natural ability to do something well.
- talented/ˈtæləntɪd/adjective · B1Born with a natural gift for doing something well.
- talisman/ˈtæl.ɪsˌmæn/noun · C1An object believed to hold protective power.
- talk down tophrase · B2To speak to somebody as if they were stupid.
- talk intophrase · B2To persuade someone to do something they doubted.
- talk overphrase · B2To discuss something thoroughly before deciding.
- talk roundphrase · C1To persuade somebody to change their mind.
- talkative/ˈtɔː.kə.tɪv/adjective · B1+Fond of talking a great deal.
- tall/tɔːl/adjective · A1Reaching high up, like a basketball player or a tower.
- tall order/ˈtɔːl ˈɔːdə/noun · C1A request that will be very difficult to meet.
- tallow/ˈtæləʊ/noun · C2Hard animal fat used to make candles and soap.
- tally/ˈtæli/noun · B2+A running count kept with marks.
- talon/ˈtælən/noun · B2+The hooked claw of a hunting bird.
- talus/ˈteɪləs/noun · C2The heap of rock debris at the foot of a slope.
- tambourine/ˌtæm.bəˈɹiːn/noun · B2A small hand drum ringed with jingling discs.
- tame/teɪm/adjective · B2No longer wild; safe around people.
- tamper/ˈtæm.pə(ɹ)/verb · B2+To interfere with something you should leave alone.
- tandem/ˈtændəm/noun · B2+A bicycle built for two riders one behind the other.
- tang/ˈtæŋ/noun · C1A strong sharp taste or smell.
- tangential/tænˈd͡ʒɛn.t͡ʃəl/adjective · C1Only slightly connected to the main point.
- tangerine/ˈtæn.d͡ʒəˌɹiːn/noun · B1+A small loose-skinned orange citrus fruit.
- tangible/ˈtæn.d͡ʒɪ.b(ə)l/adjective · B2+Real enough to touch or measure.
- tangle/ˈtæŋ.ɡəl/noun · B2A confused twisted mass that is hard to undo.
- tangled/ˈtæŋ.ɡəld/adjective · B2Twisted together into a knot that is hard to undo.
- tango/ˈtæ̞ŋɡəʊ̯/noun · B1+A dramatic partner dance of sharp turns and pauses.
- tangy/ˈtæŋiː/adjective · B2+Sharp and fresh on the tongue.
- tank/ˈtæŋk/noun · B1A large container for holding liquid or gas.
- tank filternoun · B2The device that keeps aquarium water clean.
- tankard/ˈtæŋkɚd/noun · C1A large mug with a handle for drinking beer.
- tanker/ˈtæŋkə/noun · B2A vehicle or ship built to carry liquid in bulk.
- tanned/tænd/adjective · B2+Browned by the sun.
- tanner/ˈtænɚ/noun · C1A worker who turns animal hide into leather.
- tantamount/ˈtæntəˌmaʊnt/adjective · C1As good as the same thing in effect.
- tantrum/ˈtæn.tɹʌm/noun · B2A young child's outburst of uncontrolled anger.
- tanzanianoun · B1+The East African country of Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti.
- tap/tæp/noun · A2You turn this to make water come out over the sink.
- tap/tæp/verb · A2To strike lightly and repeatedly.
- tap dancenoun · B1A dance whose rhythm is beaten out by metal-tipped shoes.
- tap shoenoun · B2Footwear fitted with metal plates for beating rhythm.
- tap waternoun · B1Ordinary drinking water straight from the pipe.
- tap your footphrase · B1To beat the floor lightly with impatience.
- tape/teɪ̯p/noun · A2The sticky strip on a roll used to fasten paper and parcels.
- tape measurenoun · B1A long marked ribbon that rolls back into its case.
- taper/ˈteɪpə/verb · C1To grow gradually narrower towards one end.
- tapered/ˈteɪ.pə(ɹ)d/adjective · C1Growing narrower towards one end.
- tapestry/ˈtæpəstɹi/noun · B2+A heavy cloth with a picture woven into it.
- taproot/ˈtæpˌɹuːt/noun · C1The single thick root that drives straight down.
- tar/tɑː/noun · B2A thick black sticky substance used to seal roads.
- tar pitnoun · B2A pool of sticky black pitch that trapped animals.
- tarantula/təˈɹæn.t͡ʃʊ.lə/noun · B1+A very large hairy spider.
- tardinessnoun · C1The habit of being late.
- tardy/ˈtɑːdi/adjective · B2Later than it should be.
- target/ˈtɑː.ɡɪt/noun · A2The result you are expected to reach.
- target audiencenoun · B2The particular people a campaign is aimed at.
- tariff/ˈtæɹɪf/noun · B2+The tax a country charges on goods crossing its border.
- tarmac/ˈtɑː(ɹ)mæk/noun · B2+The hard surface of an airfield.
- tarnish/ˈtɑːnɪʃ/verb · C1To dull a shine or stain a reputation.
- taro/ˈtæɹəʊ/noun · C1A tropical plant with huge heart-shaped leaves, grown for the starchy corm that Hawaiians pound into poi.
- tarot/ˈtæ.ɹəʊ/noun · B2+A pack of picture cards used to tell fortunes.
- tarp/tɑːp/noun · B2+A plain waterproof sheet rigged as a shelter.
- tarpaulin/tɑˈpɔː.lɪn/noun · B2+A big waterproof sheet thrown over what must stay dry.
- tarry/ˈtæ.ɹi/verb · C1To linger and delay setting off.
- tart/tɑɹt/noun · B1+An open pastry case with a sweet or savoury filling.
- tartan/ˈtɑːt(ə)n/noun · B2+A checked pattern belonging to a Scottish clan.
- task/tɑːsk/noun · A2+One piece of work that needs doing.
- taskmaster/ˈtæskˌmæstɚ/noun · C1Somebody who sets others hard work and demands it be done.
- tassel/ˈtæsəl/noun · B2+A hanging bunch of threads used as a trimming.
- taste/teɪst/verb · A2To try a little food with your tongue to check its flavor.
- taste testnoun · B2Trying a little of something to judge it.
- tastebud/ˈteɪstbʌd/noun · C1One of the tiny organs on the tongue that sense flavour.
- tasteful/ˈteɪstfəl/adjective · B2Showing good judgement about what looks right.
- tasteless/ˈteɪstləs/adjective · B1+Having no flavour at all.
- tasting notenoun · C1A written description of what something tastes of.
- tatter/ˈtætə(ɹ)/noun · B2A torn hanging strip of cloth.
- tattoo/tæˈtu/noun · B2A permanent picture inked into the skin.
- tatty/ˈtæti/adjective · B2Shabby and worn out from long use.
- taunt/tɔːnt/verb · B2To try to hurt or provoke somebody with words.
- taupe/təʊp/adjective · C1A grey-brown, quiet and neutral.
- taut/tɔːt/adjective · C1Pulled tight with no give at all.
- tavern/ˈtævən/noun · B2An old-fashioned inn serving drink and food.
- tawdry/ˈtɔːdɹi/adjective · C2Cheap and showy, and rather sordid.
- tawny/ˈtɔːni/adjective · C1Warm golden brown.
- tawny owl/ˈtɔːni aʊl/noun · C1The brown owl whose call is the classic hoot.
- tax/tæks/noun · B1The share of money everyone must pay to the government.
- tax evasionnoun · C1Illegally avoiding tax you owe.
- tax havennoun · C1A country where taxes are so low that money goes there to hide.
- taxation/tækˈseɪ.ʃən/noun · B2+The raising of money by the state from its citizens.
- taxi/ˈtæksi/noun · A1The car you pay to take you exactly where you want.
- taxi ranknoun · B2The line where cabs wait for passengers.
- taxiwaynoun · C1The path aircraft move along between runway and stand.
- taxpayer/ˈtakspeɪə/noun · C1Somebody who pays money to the state.
- tea/tiː/noun · A1The hot drink made from leaves, loved from London to Tokyo.
- teach/ˈtiːt͡ʃ/verb · A1To help someone else learn something you know.
- teacher/ˈtiː.t͡ʃəː/noun · A1The person whose job is helping others learn.
- teacup/ˈtiː.kʌp/noun · B2A small china cup with a saucer for a hot drink.
- teak/tiːk/noun · C1A hard durable timber from a tropical tree.
- teal/tiːl/noun · C1A small fast-flying wild duck.
- team/ˈtiːm/noun · A1A group of people working or playing together toward one goal.
- team leadnoun · B2The person guiding a small working group.
- teammate/ˈtiːmˌmeɪt/noun · B1+Somebody who plays on the same side as you.
- teamster/ˈtim.stɚ/noun · C1Somebody who drives a team of animals or a lorry.
- teamworknoun · B1+Working together so the group does better than the parts.
- teapot/ˈtiː.pɒt/<q:contemporary>noun · A2+The round pot with a spout that tea is made and poured from.
- tear/tɛə/noun · A2A drop of water that falls from your eye when you cry.
- tear down/tɛə(ɹ) ˈdaʊn/phrase · B2To pull a building to pieces.
- tearful/ˈtɪə(ɹ)fʊl/adjective · B2+Crying, or close to tears.
- tease/tiːz/verb · B1To make playful fun of somebody.
- teaspoon/ˈtiːˌspuːn/noun · B2The small spoon used for stirring a cup.
- teat/tiːt/noun · B2+The part of a female animal a young one sucks from.
- technical/ˈtɛk.nɪk.əl/adjective · B1+To do with machines, science or the details of a craft.
- technicality/ˌtɛknɪˈkælɪti/noun · C1A small point of the rules that changes the outcome.
- technically/ˈtɛk.nɪˌkəl.i/adverb · B1Strictly by the rules, whatever the spirit of them.
- technician/tɛkˈnɪʃən/noun · B1+A skilled worker who looks after equipment.
- technique/tɛkˈniːk/noun · B1+A particular skilled way of doing something.
- techno/ˈtɛknoʊ/noun · B1+Fast electronic dance music built from machines.
- technological/ˌtɛk.nəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/adjective · B2+To do with machines and applied science.
- technology/tɛkˈnɒl.ə.dʒi/noun · A2+All the machines and tools that science gives us.
- tectonicadjective · B2+Having to do with the great moving plates of the crust.
- tectonic platenoun · B2One of the vast slabs the surface of the earth is broken into.
- tectonicsnoun · C1The study of the great moving plates of the crust.
- teddy/ˈtɛdi/noun · A2+The soft toy bear a child sleeps with.
- teddy bearphrase · A2The soft toy animal children hug when they sleep.
- tedious/ˈtiː.dɪəs/adjective · C1So long and dull it wears your patience away.
- tedium/ˈtiː.di.əm/noun · C1The state of being dull beyond bearing.
- teem/tiːm/verb · C2To be full to overflowing with living things.
- teeming/ˈtiːmɪŋ/adjective · C1Swarming with a great many living things.
- teenage/ˈtiːneɪd͡ʒ/adjective · A2+Belonging to the years between thirteen and nineteen.
- teenager/ˈtiːnˌeɪ̯d͡ʒə/noun · A2+A person between thirteen and nineteen years old.
- teeter/ˈtiːtə/verb · C1To stand or move unsteadily on the edge of something.
- teething/ˈtiːðɪŋ/noun · B2The painful weeks when a baby's teeth push through.
- telecommunicationsnoun · C1The sending of messages over long distances by wire or radio.
- telegram/ˈtɛləˌɡɹæm/noun · B1+A short message once sent by wire and delivered on paper.
- telepathy/tɛˈlɛp.ə.θi/noun · B2+Passing thoughts without any of the senses.
- telephotonoun · B2+A lens that magnifies distant subjects.
- telescope/ˈtɛl.ɪ.skəʊp/noun · B2The long instrument that makes far stars look close.
- telescope arraynoun · C1Many dishes working together as one huge instrument.
- telescopic/tɛlɪˈskɒpɪk/adjective · C2Able to see far off, or made of sliding sections.
- television/ˈtɛlɪˌvɪʒən/noun · A1The screen in the living room where you watch films and shows.
- tell/tɛl/verb · A1To give information to a person with words.
- tell me about itphrase · B2A way of saying you know that trouble only too well.
- tell offphrase · B2To speak angrily to somebody about their behaviour.
- tell talesphrase · B2To report somebody's wrongdoing to get them into trouble.
- teller/ˈtɛlə/noun · B1+The bank clerk who serves customers at a counter.
- telltale/ˈtɛlteɪl/adjective · C1Giving away something that was meant to stay hidden.
- temerity/tɪˈmɛɹ.ɪ.ti/noun · C2Nerve to do something you have no business doing.
- temper/ˈtɛmpə/noun · B1How quickly a person becomes angry — some people lose it fast.
- temperament/ˈtɛm.pə.ɹə.mənt/noun · C1The emotional weather a person is born with.
- temperamental/ˌtɛmp(ə)ɹəˈmɛntl̩/adjective · C1Swinging between moods without warning — people or old cars.
- temperance/ˈtɛmpəɹəns/noun · C2Moderation, especially in drinking.
- temperate/ˈtɛmpəɹət/adjective · B2+Having mild weather with four clear seasons.
- temperature/ˈtɛm.p(ə.)ɹə.t͡ʃə/noun · A2+How hot or cold something is, measured in degrees.
- tempest/ˈtɛm.pəst/noun · B2+A violent storm.
- tempestuous/tɛmˈpɛs.tjʊ.əs/adjective · C2Stormy, in weather or in feeling.
- templar/ˈtemplər/noun · C1A knight of the medieval religious military order.
- template/ˈtɛm.plɪt/noun · B1+A ready-made pattern you fill in with your own details.
- temple/ˈtɛm.pl̩/noun · B2A holy building for prayer in many eastern religions.
- tempo/ˈtɛm.pəʊ/noun · B2The speed at which music or activity moves.
- tempo/ˈtɛm.pəʊ/noun · C1A single move considered as a unit of time.
- temporal/ˈtɛm.pə.ɹəl/adjective · C1To do with time, or with worldly rather than sacred things.
- temporarily/ˌtɛmpəˈɹɛɹəli/adverb · B2For a short while only.
- temporary/ˈtɛmpəɹəɹi/adjective · B2Lasting only for a limited time, then gone.
- temporary fixnoun · B2A repair meant only to last until a proper one.
- tempt/tɛmpt/verb · B2To make somebody want something they should not have.
- temptation/ˌtɛmpˈteɪʃən/noun · B2The pull toward something you know you should resist.
- tempting/ˈtɛmp.tɪŋ/adjective · B1+Making you want it even against your better judgement.
- ten/tɛn/noun · A1The number of fingers on both hands together.
- tenable/ˈtɛn.ə.bəl/adjective · C2Able to be defended or maintained.
- tenacious/təˈneɪʃəs/adjective · C2Holding on and refusing to let go, whatever comes.
- tenacity/təˈnæs.ɪ.ti/noun · C2Refusing to let go of a purpose.
- tenant/ˈtɛ.nənt/noun · B2The person who pays to live in a flat they don't own.
- tenant farmernoun · B2A farmer who rents the land they work.
- tend/ˈtɛnd/verb · B1To be likely to do something, as a habit.
- tendency/ˈtɛn.dən.si/noun · B2+A leaning toward doing or becoming a certain thing.
- tender/ˈtɛn.dəː/adjective · B2Soft and full of gentle love.
- tender/ˈtɛn.dəː/adjective · B2Soft and easy to cut or chew.
- tender/ˈtɛn.dəː/adjective · B2Painful to the lightest pressure.
- tenderness/ˈtɛn.dɚ.nɪs/noun · B2Gentle warmth, or soreness to the touch.
- tendon/ˈtɛn.dən/noun · B2+The tough cord that ties a muscle to a bone.
- tendonitis/tɛndəˈnaɪtɪs/noun · C1Painful swelling where a muscle joins a bone.
- tendril/ˈtɛn.dɹəl/noun · C1A thin curling shoot a climbing plant grips with.
- tenement/ˈtɛnɪmənt/noun · C1An old block of small flats, often crowded.
- tenet/ˈtɛnɪt/noun · C1A principle held firmly by a group.
- tenfold/ˈtɛnfoʊld/adverb · B2+By ten times as much.
- tennis/ˈtɛnɪs/noun · A1Two players hit a small yellow ball over a net, back and forth.
- tenor/ˈtɛnə(ɹ)/noun · B2+The highest ordinary male singing voice.
- tense/tɛns/adjective · B1Tight with nerves; unable to relax.
- tension/ˈtɛnʃən/noun · B2The tight, uneasy strain before something snaps — in a rope or a room.
- tent/tɛnt/noun · B1The cloth house you sleep in when camping.
- tent pegnoun · B1The spike hammered in to hold a rope to the ground.
- tentacle/ˈtɛntəkəl/noun · B1+A long flexible arm used to grip or to sting.
- tentative/ˈtɛntətɪv/adjective · B2+Offered carefully, and open to change.
- tenuous/ˈtɛ.njʊ.əs/adjective · C1So thin or slight that it may not hold.
- tenure/ˈtɛn.jʊə/noun · C1The permanent job security a professor earns.
- tepid/ˈtɛpɪd/adjective · C1Only slightly warm, or lacking enthusiasm.
- term/tɜːm/noun · A2+One of the divisions of the school year.
- term of officenoun · C1The fixed period a post is held for.
- term timenoun · B2The weeks when schools are in session.
- terminal/ˈtɚmɪnəl/adjective · C1Describing an illness that cannot be survived.
- terminal/ˈtɚmɪnəl/noun · B1The building at an airport where passengers arrive and leave.
- terminate/ˈtɜːmɪneɪ̯t/verb · C1To bring something to an end.
- termination/tɚmɪˈneɪʃən/noun · B2+The ending of a contract or a process.
- terminator/ˈtɜː.mɪ.neɪ.tə/noun · B2+Somebody or something that brings a thing to an end.
- terminology/ˌtɜː.məˈnɒl.ə.d͡ʒi/noun · B2+The special vocabulary of a particular field.
- terminus/ˈtɜːmɪnəs/noun · C1The station at the very end of a route.
- termite/ˈtɜː(ɹ).maɪt/noun · B1+A pale insect that eats wood and builds tall mounds.
- terms and conditionsnoun · B2The full rules attached to an agreement.
- tern/tɜːn/noun · C1A slender sea bird that hovers then dives for fish.
- terrace/ˈtɛɹəs/noun · B2A row of houses joined in one continuous block.
- terracotta/ˌtɛɹ.əˈkɒt.ə/noun · B2+Baked orange-brown clay used for pots and tiles.
- terrain/təˈɹeɪn/noun · C1The kind of ground you must travel over — rocky, flat, or swampy.
- terrible/ˈtɛɹəbəl/adjective · A1Extremely bad.
- terribly/ˈtɛɹ.ɪ.bli/adverb · B1Very badly, or simply very.
- terrific/təˈɹɪf.ɪk/adjective · B1Very good indeed, or very great in degree.
- terrified/ˈtɛɹɪfaɪd/adjective · B1So extremely afraid you cannot move.
- terrify/ˈtɛɹɪfaɪ/verb · B2To frighten somebody very badly.
- territorial/ˌtɛɹ.ɪˈtɔː.ɹi.əl/adjective · B2Defending its own space against others.
- territory/ˈtɛɹɪˌtɔɹi/noun · B2Land under the control of a ruler or an animal.
- terror/ˈtɛɹɚ/noun · B2Very great fear, or violence used to cause it.
- terrorism/ˈtɛɹəɹɪzəm/noun · B2+The use of violence against civilians for political ends.
- terrorist/ˈtɛɹəɹɪst/noun · B2Somebody who uses violence against civilians for political ends.
- terse/tɜːs/adjective · C1Short and abrupt in what is said.
- test/tɛst/noun · A1A set of questions that checks what you have learned.
- test outphrase · B1To try something to see whether it works.
- test tubenoun · B1A thin glass tube used to hold small samples.
- testament/ˈtɛs.tə.mənt/noun · C1A will, or clear proof of something.
- testify/ˈtɛstɪfaɪ/verb · B2To give sworn evidence in court.
- testimonial/tɛstɪˈməʊni.əl/noun · B2+A customer's own words used to persuade others.
- testimonial/tɛstɪˈməʊni.əl/noun · C2A written statement about somebody's quality.
- testimony/ˈtɛstɪmoʊni/noun · B2What a witness formally tells the court under oath.
- testy/ˈtɛsti/adjective · C1Easily irritated.
- tetchy/ˈtɛt͡ʃi/adjective · C2Fretfully peevish and easily upset by small things, in the way an overtired child or an ailing person is.
- tether/ˈtɛðə/noun · B2+A rope tying an animal to one spot.
- text messagenoun · A2A short written note sent from one phone to another.
- textbook/ˈtɛkst.bʊk/noun · B2The thick book with all the lessons for one subject.
- textilesnoun · B2+The study and craft of cloth and clothing.
- texture/ˈtɛkst͡ʃə(ɹ)/noun · B1+The way food feels in the mouth as you eat it.
- thailandnoun · A2+The Southeast Asian country of Bangkok, temples, and beaches.
- thank/ˈθæŋk/verb · A1To tell someone you are grateful for what they did.
- thank you/ˈθæŋk ˌju/phrase · A1What you say when someone does something nice for you.
- thank-you notenoun · B1A short letter sent to express thanks.
- thankfullyadverb · C1Fortunately, as one is glad to say.
- thanklessadjective · C1Bringing no gratitude however well it is done.
- that figuresphrase · C1That fits exactly what I would have expected.
- that reminds mephrase · B1Said when something triggers another memory.
- that's a shamephrase · B1An expression of mild sympathy at bad news.
- thatch/θæt͡ʃ/noun · B2+A roof covering made of straw or reeds.
- thaw/θɔː/verb · B1+To let frozen food come slowly back to room temperature.
- the ball is in your courtphrase · C1It is now your turn to decide or act.
- the best of both worldsphrase · B2Enjoying the advantages of two options at once.
- the bigger picturephrase · B2The whole situation, rather than the detail in front of you.
- the calm before the stormphrase · C1The strange quiet just before trouble breaks loose.
- the cold shoulderphrase · C1Deliberate unfriendly silence toward someone.
- the edge overphrase · C1A slight advantage that puts you in front.
- the icing on the cakephrase · B2An extra pleasure on top of something already good.
- the last strawphrase · B2The final small problem that makes you finally explode.
- the last wordphrase · B2The final remark in an argument, and the winning of it.
- the luck of the drawphrase · C1Whatever chance happens to hand you.
- the other dayphrase · A2Recently, on a day not worth naming.
- the powers that bephrase · C1The people in authority, whoever they may be.
- the tip of the icebergnoun · B2The small visible part of a much bigger problem.
- the tools of the tradephrase · C1The equipment a particular job requires.
- the whole nine yards/ðə ˌhoʊl ˌnaɪn ˈjɑɹdz/phrase · C1Absolutely everything that goes with it.
- theater/ˈθi(ə)tɚ/noun · A2+The building where actors perform plays on a stage.
- theatrical/θiːˈætɹɪkəl/adjective · C1To do with the stage, or exaggerated for effect.
- theatricalitynoun · C1An exaggerated showy manner.
- theft/θɛft/noun · B2The crime of taking what belongs to someone else.
- theme/θiːm/noun · B1The subject that runs through a work.
- theme tunenoun · B2The music that opens and closes a programme.
- then againphrase · B2Introducing a thought that argues the other way.
- thence/ðɛns/adverb · C2From that place or that fact, in old use.
- theologian/ˌθi.əˈloʊd͡ʒən/noun · C1Somebody who studies religion and its doctrines.
- theology/θiˈɒ.lə.d͡ʒi/noun · C1The study of religion and belief.
- theorem/ˈθiː.ə.ɹəm/noun · B2+A statement proved to be true from other truths.
- theoretical/ˌθɪəˈɹɛtɪkəl/adjective · C1Existing in ideas and models rather than in tested practice.
- theoreticallyadverb · B2In principle, whatever happens in practice.
- theoriseverb · C1To put forward an explanation to be tested.
- theorist/ˈθɪəɹɪst/noun · B2+Somebody who develops explanations rather than tests them.
- theory/ˈθɪə.ɹi/noun · B1A well-tested explanation of why things happen the way they do.
- therapeutic/ˌθɛɹ.əˈpjuː.tɪk/adjective · B2+Helping to cure or to relieve suffering.
- therapy/ˈθɛɹ.ə.pi/noun · B2Regular treatment, for the body or the mind, over a longer time.
- thereafter/ˌðɛəɹˈɑːf.tə(ɹ)/adverb · C1After that point in time.
- thereby/ðɛɹˈbaɪ/adverb · C1By that means, and as a result.
- therefore/ˈðɛə.fɔː/adverb · B1For that reason; it follows that.
- therein/ˈðɛəɹˈɪn/adverb · C1Inside that thing or document.
- thermometer/θəˈmɒm.ɪ.tə/noun · B2The small tool that measures how hot your body is.
- thermos/ˈθɜː.mɒs/noun · B1+The sealed bottle that keeps your tea hot for hours.
- thesaurus/θɪˈsɔːɹəs/noun · B2+A book grouping words by their meanings.
- thesis/ˈθiːsɪs/noun · B2+The long research paper that crowns a university degree; also, a central claim.
- thesis/ˈθiːsɪs/noun · B2+The main position a piece of work argues for.
- thick/θɪk/adjective · A2Having a lot of distance between its two flat sides, like a winter coat.
- thick-skinnedadjective · C1Not easily hurt by criticism.
- thicket/ˈθɪkɪt/noun · C2A dense tangle of bushes and small trees.
- thickness/ˈθɪknəs/noun · B2How far it is through something from one face to the other.
- thickset/ˈθɪkˌsɛt/adjective · C1Heavily and solidly built.
- thief/ˈθiːf/noun · A2A person who takes what belongs to others.
- thieving/ˈθiːvɪŋ/noun · B2The repeated stealing of what belongs to others, done for gain rather than out of compulsion.
- thigh/θaɪ/noun · B2The upper part of the leg, above the knee.
- thimble/ˈθɪmb(ə)l/noun · B2A cap worn on the finger when sewing.
- thin/ˈθɪn/adjective · A2Having very little distance between its sides, like paper; or not fat.
- thin-skinnedadjective · C1Easily wounded by what people say.
- thing/θɪŋ/noun · A1Any object you are not naming exactly.
- think/ˈθɪŋk/verb · A1To use your mind to form ideas.
- think overphrase · B2To consider a decision carefully before answering.
- think throughphrase · B2To consider every part of something before acting.
- think upphrase · B2To invent an idea or a plan.
- thinker/ˈθɪŋ.kə/noun · B2Somebody who thinks deeply, especially in public.
- third/θɜːd/noun · A2One of three equal parts.
- third personnoun · B2The form used when speaking about somebody else.
- third railnoun · C1A live rail beside the track that powers the train.
- thirst/θɜːst/noun · B2The need or craving for a drink.
- thirsty/ˈθɝs.ti/adjective · A1Needing a drink; your mouth feels dry.
- thirteen/ˌθɜːˈtiːn/noun · A1Ten plus three — some people call it unlucky.
- thirty/ˈθɜːti/noun · A1Three times ten.
- thistle/θɪsl̩/noun · B1+A prickly plant with a purple tuft, the badge of Scotland.
- thong/θɒŋ/noun · B2+A narrow strip of leather used as a fastening.
- thorn/θɔːn/noun · B1One of the sharp points on a rose's stem.
- thorough/ˈθʌɹə/adjective · B2Complete and careful, missing no detail.
- thoroughbrednoun · B2+A horse of pure and recorded breeding.
- thoroughfare/ˈθʌɹəfɛː/noun · C1A main road running right through a place.
- thoroughly/ˈθʌɹ.ə.li/adverb · B2Completely and in full detail, missing nothing.
- thoroughness/ˈθʌɹənəs/noun · B2+Attention to every part of a task.
- thought/θɔt/noun · A2One thing passing through your mind.
- thought processnoun · B2The steps by which you reach a conclusion.
- thought-provoking/ˈθɔːtpɹəvəʊkɪŋ/adjective · C1Making people stop and think seriously.
- thoughtful/ˈθɔːtfəl/adjective · B2Kindly considering others; also, lost in quiet thinking.
- thoughtless/ˈθɔːtləs/adjective · B2Not considering how others are affected.
- thousand/ˈθaʊz(ə)nd/noun · A1Ten times one hundred — written as a one with three zeros.
- thrall/θɹɔːl/noun · C2The state of being completely under somebody's power.
- thrash/θɹæʃ/verb · B2+To beat somebody hard, or to move about wildly.
- thread/ˈθɹɛd/noun · B1A long thin strand used to sew cloth together.
- threadbare/ˈθɹɛdbɛə/adjective · C1So worn that the cloth has gone thin.
- threading/ˈθɹɛdɪŋ/noun · C1Removing hair by rolling a twisted thread over it.
- threat/θɹɛt/noun · B1A warning of harm to come, or the danger itself.
- threaten/ˈθɹɛt.n̩/verb · B2To promise to hurt someone if they do not obey.
- three/θɹɪj/noun · A1The number that comes after two.
- three-wayadjective · B2Involving three parties or directions.
- thresh/θɹɛʃ/verb · C1To beat grain loose from its stalks.
- threshold/ˈθɹɛʃəʊld/noun · C1The strip of floor under a doorway — carried across at weddings.
- threshold/ˈθɹɛʃəʊld/noun · B2+The level at which something starts to count.
- thrice/θɹaɪs/adverb · C1Three times, in old use.
- thrift/ˈθɹɪft/noun · B2+Careful management of money so that none is wasted.
- thrifty/ˈθɹɪfti/adjective · B2+Clever at saving money without being unkind about it.
- thrilled/θɹɪld/adjective · B2Buzzing with excited happiness.
- thriller/ˈθɹɪ.lə/noun · B1+A story built on suspense and danger.
- thrive/θɹajv/verb · C1To grow strong and successful in good conditions.
- throat/ˈθɹəʊt/noun · A2The inside front of your neck; it hurts there when you catch a cold.
- throb/θɹɒb/verb · B2+To hurt in a beating rhythm.
- throbbingnoun · B2Beating or pulsing strongly and steadily, as an aching wound does.
- throes/θɹəʊz/noun · C1Violent pangs, especially at the end of something.
- throne/θɹəʊ̯n/noun · B1The ceremonial seat of a king or queen.
- throng/θɹɒŋ/noun · C1A great crowd pressed close together.
- throttle/ˈθɹɒtəl/noun · B2The control that decides how much fuel the engine gets.
- through thick and thinphrase · C1Staying loyal in good times and terrible ones alike.
- throughout/θɹuːˈaʊt/preposition · B1In every part of, from start to finish.
- throughput/ˈθɹuː.pʊt/noun · C1How much passes through a process in a given time.
- throw/θɹəʊ/verb · A1To send something flying through the air with your arm.
- throw awayphrase · A2To put something in the bin for good.
- throw in the towelphrase · C1To admit defeat and give up, as a boxer's corner does.
- throw the book at somebodyphrase · C2To punish somebody with every charge available.
- throw upphrase · B1To be sick — food coming back up.
- throwback/ˈθɹəʊ.bæk/noun · B2+Something that seems to belong to an earlier time.
- thrum/θɹʌm/verb · C2To make a low steady vibrating sound.
- thrush/θɹʌʃ/noun · B2+A speckle-chested songbird that smashes snails on stones.
- thrust/θɹʌst/verb · B2To push something forward with force.
- thud/ˈθʌd/noun · B2The dull heavy sound of something solid hitting the ground.
- thud/ˈθʌd/verb · B2To strike with a dull heavy sound.
- thug/θʌɡ/noun · B2A violent criminal.
- thumb/ˈθʌm/noun · A2The short thick finger that makes the 'good job' sign.
- thumbnail/ˈθʌm.neɪl/noun · B1+The tiny preview picture you click on.
- thumbs downphrase · A2A lowered thumb meaning bad or refused.
- thumbs upphrase · A2A raised thumb meaning good or agreed.
- thump/θʌmp/noun · B1+A heavy dull blow, and the sound it makes.
- thump/θʌmp/verb · B1To hit with a heavy dull blow.
- thunder/ˈθʌndə/noun · B1The huge rumbling sound that follows a flash in a storm.
- thunderbolt/ˈθʌndə(ɹ)ˌboʊlt/noun · B2A flash of lightning, or a shocking piece of news.
- thunderclap/ˈθʌndɚˌklæp/noun · B2+One single crash of sound from a storm.
- thunderhead/ˈθʌndɚˌhɛd/noun · C2The towering cloud that comes before a storm.
- thunderous/ˈθʌn.də.ɹəs/adjective · C1Extremely loud and deep in sound.
- thunderstorm/ˈθʌn.dɚˌstɔɹm/noun · B1+A storm with both flashes and crashes.
- thunk/θʌŋk/noun · C2A dull heavy sound of something landing.
- thursdaynoun · A1The day between Wednesday and Friday.
- thus/ˈðʌs/adverb · B2In this way; and so.
- thwack/θwæk/verb · C1To hit something with a sharp heavy blow.
- thwart/θwɔːt/verb · C1To stop a plan from succeeding.
- thyme/taɪm/noun · B2+A tiny-leaved herb used in slow-cooked dishes.
- tiara/tiˈɑːɹə/noun · B2+A jewelled band worn on the head by a woman.
- tick/tɪk/noun · B1A small creature that fastens on and drinks blood.
- ticket/ˈtɪk.ɪt/noun · A1The small paper or code that proves you paid for the ride.
- ticket barriernoun · B2The gate that opens when a valid ticket is shown.
- ticket numbernoun · B1The slip that says when you will be called.
- tickle/ˈtɪkl̩/verb · A2To touch lightly so as to cause laughter.
- ticklish/ˈtɪk(ə)lɪʃ/adjective · B2Sensitive to touch, or awkward to handle.
- tidal/ˈtaɪ.d(ə)l/adjective · B2+Affected by the rise and fall of the sea.
- tidbit/ˈtɪd.bɪt/noun · B2+A small tasty piece of food or news.
- tide/taɪd/noun · B2The slow daily rise and fall of the sea, pulled by the moon.
- tide overphrase · C1To help somebody through a hard stretch until things improve.
- tidings/ˈtaɪdɪŋz/noun · C1News, in old or formal use.
- tidy/ˈtaɪ.di/verb · A2+To put everything back in its right place.
- tidy/ˈtaɪ.di/adjective · A2With everything in its proper place.
- tidy upphrase · A2To put things back where they belong.
- tie/taɪ/noun · A2The long thin cloth men knot under a shirt collar for formal days.
- tie/taɪ/verb · A2To join laces or rope together with a knot.
- tie the knotphrase · C1To get married.
- tiebreaker/ˈtaɪˌbɹeɪkɚ/noun · B2+The extra deciding game played when the score is level.
- tiepinnoun · B2+A pin that holds a necktie in place.
- tier/ˈtaɪ.ə/noun · B2+One level in a series stacked above each other.
- tiger/ˈtaɪɡə/noun · A1A big orange wild cat with black stripes.
- tight/taɪt/adjective · A2Sitting very close to the body, with no extra room.
- tight-fistedadjective · C1Very unwilling to spend money.
- tighten/ˈtaɪ.tən/verb · B2To make something firmer or less loose.
- tighten your beltphrase · C1To spend less because money is short.
- tightrope/ˈtaɪtˌɹoʊp/noun · B2A tautly stretched rope performers balance on.
- tights/taɪts/noun · B1+A thin stretchy garment covering feet, legs and hips.
- tile/taɪl/noun · B1+A flat square of baked clay covering bathroom walls and roofs.
- till/tɪl/noun · B1The machine at the checkout where the shop keeps its money.
- till pointnoun · B2The place in a shop where payment is taken.
- till receiptnoun · B2The printed proof of what you paid.
- tiller/ˈtɪlə/noun · C1The long handle that swings the rudder.
- tilt/tɪlt/verb · B2To swing a camera up or down on its stand.
- tilt/tɪlt/verb · B1+To move into a sloping position.
- timber/ˈtɪmbə/noun · B2Trees cut and prepared as building wood.
- timber framenoun · B2A building whose skeleton is made of wood.
- timberedadjective · C1Built with a visible wooden frame.
- timberline/ˈtɪmbɚˌlaɪn/noun · C1The edge of the forest on a mountainside.
- timbre/ˈtæmbɹə/noun · C1The particular colour of a voice or an instrument.
- time/taɪm/noun · A1What clocks measure, and what passes while things happen.
- time and againphrase · B2Repeatedly, over a long period.
- time controlnoun · B2The limit set on how long each side may think.
- time differencenoun · B1The gap in clock time between two places.
- time fliesphrase · B2What we say when hours or years seem to pass in a blink.
- time off in lieunoun · C1Hours off given instead of extra pay.
- time trialnoun · B2A race where riders set off alone against the clock.
- time-consumingadjective · B2Taking up a great deal of time.
- time-lapse/ˈtaɪmˌlæps/noun · B2Many pictures over hours played back as fast movement.
- timelessadjective · B2+Not affected by the passing of years.
- timelessadjective · B2+Never going out of fashion.
- timeline/ˈtaɪmˌlaɪn/noun · B2A line showing events in the order they happened.
- timeliness/ˈtaɪm.li.nəs/noun · C1The quality of happening at just the right moment.
- timely/ˈtaɪm.li/adjective · C1Happening at just the right moment.
- timeout/ˈtaɪm.aʊt/noun · B2+A short period apart, used to calm a child.
- timer/ˈtaɪmɚ/noun · B1The little clock that rings when the cake has baked long enough.
- timesheetnoun · B2The record of hours worked on each task.
- timetable/ˈtaɪmˌteɪbəl/noun · A2+The table that shows which lesson happens at which hour.
- timeworn/ˈtaɪm.wɔɹn/adjective · C2Showing the marks of great age, faded or eroded by the passing of many years.
- timid/ˈtɪmɪd/adjective · C1Easily frightened and slow to step forward.
- timidity/tɪˈmɪdɪti/noun · C2A lack of courage or confidence.
- timing/ˈtaɪmɪŋ/noun · B2The choosing of the right moment.
- timorous/ˈtɪməɹəs/adjective · C2Nervous and easily frightened.
- timpani/ˈtɪmpəni/noun · C1Big tuned kettle drums at the back of an orchestra.
- tin/tɪn/noun · B1A sealed metal container that keeps food for years.
- tin/tɪn/noun · B1A soft silvery metal used to coat cans.
- tin/tɪn/noun · B1A metal box with a lid, often for biscuits.
- tin openernoun · B1A tool that cuts the metal lid off a sealed food can.
- tincture/ˈtɪŋ(k)tʃə/noun · C1A medicine dissolved in alcohol, or a slight trace.
- tinder/ˈtɪn.dəː/noun · B2+The very fine dry material that catches a spark.
- tinderboxnoun · C2A box of materials for starting a fire.
- tine/taɪn/noun · C2One of the sharp points of a fork or an antler.
- tinge/tɪnd͡ʒ/noun · C1A faint trace of a colour or a feeling.
- tingle/ˈtɪŋɡəl/verb · B2To feel a slight prickling in the skin.
- tinglingadjective · B2Producing a light prickling feeling.
- tinker/ˈtɪŋkə/verb · B2To make small adjustments in the hope of improving.
- tinkle/ˈtɪŋkəl/verb · C1To make a very light high ringing sound.
- tint/tɪnt/noun · B2+A colour cast laid over the whole picture.
- tint/tɪnt/noun · B2+A colour with white added to lighten it.
- tint/tɪnt/verb · B2To give something a slight colour.
- tintedadjective · B2+Given a light wash of colour.
- tiny/ˈtaɪni/adjective · A2Extremely small — ant-sized.
- tip/tɪp/noun · A2The extra money you leave for a waiter who served you well.
- tip of the iceberg/ˈtɪp‿əv ðiː ˈaɪsbɜːɡ/phrase · B2The small visible part of a much bigger hidden problem.
- tip-offnoun · C1A private warning that something is about to happen.
- tips jarnoun · B1The pot where extra coins are collected for the staff.
- tipsternoun · C1Somebody who sells advice on races or shares.
- tiptoe/ˈtɪpˌtəʊ/verb · B2To walk silently on the balls of your feet.
- tirade/taɪˈɹeɪd/noun · C1A long angry outburst of criticism.
- tire/ˈtaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/noun · B1The black rubber ring around a wheel, filled with air.
- tired[ˈtaɪ̯əd]adjective · A1Needing rest or sleep after a long day.
- tirednessnoun · B2+The state of needing rest.
- tirelessadjective · B2+Never seeming to grow weary.
- tiresome/ˈtaɪɚsəm/adjective · B2Annoying because it goes on too long.
- tissue/ˈtɪs.juː/noun · A2The soft paper square you blow your nose into.
- titan/ˈtaɪtən/noun · B2+One of the giant elder gods of Greek myth.
- titanium/taɪˈteɪni.əm/noun · B2+A very strong light metal used in aircraft and implants.
- tithe/taɪð/noun · C1A tenth of your income given to the church.
- title/ˈtaɪ̯.təl/noun · A2+The name given to a book, a film or a piece of music.
- titration/taɪˈtɹeɪʃən/noun · C2Adding one solution drop by drop to measure another.
- titter/ˈtɪtə(ɹ)/verb · C1To laugh quietly in a nervous or silly way.
- to be honestphrase · B1Introducing a frank opinion.
- to cut a long story shortphrase · B2Leaving out the middle and getting to the end.
- to tell the truthphrase · B1Introducing an admission you might have hidden.
- to-do list/təˈduː.lɪst/noun · B1The written list of what still has to be done.
- toad/toʊd/noun · A2+A squat rough-skinned relative of the frog.
- toadstool/ˈtəʊdˌstuːl/noun · B1+A mushroom, especially a poisonous one.
- toady/ˈtəʊ.di/noun · C2Somebody who flatters the powerful for favour.
- toast/təʊst/noun · A2Raised glasses and words of good wishes.
- toaster/ˈtəʊ̯s.təː/noun · A2+A small machine that makes slices of bread brown and crispy.
- toastmaster/ˈtoʊstˌmæstɚ/noun · C2The person who announces speeches at a formal dinner.
- toasty/ˈtoʊsti/adjective · C1Tasting of bread browned by heat.
- tobacco/təˈbækəʊ/noun · B2The dried leaf that cigarettes are made from.
- toboggan/təˈbɒɡ.ən/noun · B2A flat sledge for sliding down snowy hills.
- today/tʊˈdeɪ/adverb · A1On this very day.
- toddle/ˈtɒdəl/verb · B1+To walk unsteadily, as a small child does.
- toddler/ˈtɑdlɚ/noun · B1A very small child just learning to walk.
- toe/təʊ/noun · B1One of the five small parts at the front of your foot.
- toehold/ˈtəʊhəʊld/noun · C1A small foothold, or a first slight advantage.
- toenail/ˈtəʊˌneɪl/noun · B2The hard plate on the end of a toe.
- toffee/ˈtɒfi/noun · B1+A hard chewy sweet made from boiled butter and sugar.
- toffee applenoun · B1A fruit coated in hard sweet syrup on a stick.
- tofu/ˈtoʊfu/noun · B1+A pale soft block pressed from soy milk.
- together/tʊˈɡɛð.ə/adverb · A1With each other, in one place or as one group.
- togethernessnoun · B2A warm sense of belonging with others.
- toggle/ˈtɒɡ.əl/verb · B1+To switch something between two states.
- togonoun · C1One of Africa's narrowest countries, between Ghana and Benin.
- toil/tɔɪl/noun · B2+Long hard exhausting work.
- toilet/ˈtɔɪ.lət/noun · A1The white seat in the smallest room of the house.
- toiletriesnoun · B1+The small soaps and shampoos provided for guests.
- token/ˈtəʊkən/noun · B1+A small piece that stands for you in a game.
- tokenismnoun · C2Making a small gesture to look fair without real change.
- tolerance/ˈtɒl.ə.ɹəns/noun · C1Accepting people and views unlike your own.
- tolerant/ˈtɒləɹənt/adjective · B2+Letting others be different without anger.
- tolerate/ˈtɒl.ə.ɹeɪt/verb · B2To put up with something you dislike.
- toll/təʊl/noun · B2The money you must pay to use a bridge or fast road.
- tomato/təˈmɑː.təʊ/noun · A1A soft round red food used in salads and ketchup.
- tomb/tuːm/noun · B2The chamber a person of importance was buried in.
- tombstone/ˈtuːmstəʊn/noun · B1+The stone marking where somebody is buried.
- tomcatnoun · B2A male cat.
- tome/təʊm/noun · C1A large heavy book.
- tomorrow/təˈmɒɹəʊ/adverb · A1On the day after this one.
- tone/ˈtəʊn/noun · B1The sound of a voice that shows how the speaker feels.
- tone of voicenoun · B2The consistent personality a brand writes in.
- tone-deafadjective · C1Unable to hear the difference between pitches.
- toner/ˈtoʊnɚ/noun · B2+The powder a laser printer prints with.
- tonganoun · B2+The last remaining Polynesian kingdom.
- tongs/tɒŋz/noun · B1+The metal pincers you grip hot food with instead of your fingers.
- tongue/tʌŋ/noun · A2The soft part inside your mouth that tastes food.
- tonnage/ˈtʌnɪd͡ʒ/noun · C1The weight or carrying capacity measured in tons.
- tonne/tʌn/noun · B1+A thousand kilograms.
- tonsure/ˈtɒn.ʃə(ɹ)/noun · C2The shaven crown of a monk's head.
- too good to be truephrase · B2So attractive that it is probably a trick.
- too many cooksphrase · C1Too many people involved will spoil the work.
- tool/tuːl/noun · A2+Anything you hold to do work — like something for hitting or cutting.
- toolbeltnoun · B2A belt with pouches that keeps tools at your hip.
- toolbox/ˈtuːlˌbɒks/noun · B1+The sturdy case that holds hammers, screwdrivers, and nails.
- toolingnoun · C2The dies and jigs a process needs.
- toolshed/ˈtulˌʃɛd/noun · C1The little garden hut where spades and hammers live.
- toot/ˈtuːt/verb · B2To make a short sound on a horn.
- tooth/tuːθ/noun · A1One of the small hard white things in your mouth for biting.
- toothache/ˈtuθˌeɪk/noun · A2+A pain in a tooth.
- toothbrush/ˈtuːθ.bɹʌʃ/noun · A2+The small brush you clean your teeth with.
- toothless/ˈtuθləs/adjective · B2Having no teeth, or having no real power.
- toothpaste/ˈtuːθpeɪst/noun · B1The minty paste you brush your teeth with.
- toothpick/ˈtuːθ.pɪk/noun · B1+A small pointed stick for cleaning between the teeth.
- top/tɒp/verb · A2To finish a dish by adding something over its surface.
- top coatnoun · B2The clear layer painted over colour to protect it.
- top notenoun · C1The first smell a scent gives, and the quickest to go.
- top secretadjective · B1Of the highest level of official secrecy.
- top-secretadjective · B1Classified at the very highest level.
- topaz/ˈtəʊˌpæz/noun · B2+A hard clear stone, often golden.
- topic/ˈtɒpɪk/noun · B1The subject being talked or written about.
- toplessadjective · B2Wearing nothing above the waist.
- topmost/tɒpˈməʊst/adjective · B2+Highest of all.
- topographicaladjective · C2To do with the shape and features of the land.
- topography/təˈpɒɡɹəfi/noun · C2The shape and features of the land in a place.
- topple/ˈtɑpl̩/verb · C2To fall over from an upright position.
- torc/tɔː(ɹ)k/noun · C2A rigid twisted neck ring worn in ancient times.
- torch/ˈtɔːtʃ/noun · B2The handheld light you switch on in the dark, in British English.
- torment/ˈtɔː(ɹ)mɛnt/noun · B2Severe and prolonged suffering.
- torn/tɔːn/adjective · B1Ripped, with an open split in the fabric.
- tornado/tɔː(ɹ)ˈneɪ.dəʊ/noun · B1A violent spinning tube of wind that drops from a storm cloud.
- torpidadjective · C2Sluggish and mentally inactive.
- torpor/ˈtɔːpə(ɹ)/noun · C2A state of heavy inactivity.
- torque/tɔɹk/noun · B2+The turning force applied to something.
- torrent/ˈtɒɹənt/noun · B2+A violent rushing stream, or a flood of words.
- torrential/təˈɹɛn.tʃəl/adjective · C2Falling in a violent rushing stream.
- torrid/ˈtɒɹɪd/adjective · C1Very hot and dry, or intensely passionate.
- torso/ˈtɔː.səʊ̯/noun · B2The whole main block of the body — no head, arms, or legs.
- tortoiseshell/ˈtɔː(ɹ)təˌʃɛl/noun · C1A mottled brown and yellow pattern, or that kind of cat.
- tortuous/ˈtɔːt͡ʃuːəs/adjective · C1Full of twists, and hard to follow.