all 19,295 words · one row per spelling
Word ranking
Ranked by how often each word appears in film and television subtitles — the first 15,258 spellings, from the ones you cannot avoid to the ones you will only ever read. Words the frequency norms never measured follow at the end, A to Z.
Off the charts — the norms never met these
Mostly phrases, rare senses and bookish words the subtitle corpus has no sighting of. Alphabetical, because any number would be a guess.
- —tuck inTo push the bottom of a shirt inside your waistband.B2
- —tuition feeThe money paid for being taught.B2
- —tumble dryTo dry clothes in a heated spinning drum.B1
- —tumble turnA somersault used to change direction at the wall.C1
- —tumbledownFalling into ruin through neglect.C1
- —tune upTo adjust an instrument until its pitches are right.B2
- —tune-upAdjusting an engine so it runs at its best.B2
- —tuning forkA two-pronged steel fork that sounds one exact pitch.B2
- —tunnel visionSeeing only one aspect of a problem.C1
- —turkmenistanCentral Asian desert country with a burning gas crater.C1
- —turn a blind eyeTo pretend not to notice something wrong.C1
- —turn aroundTo face or move in the opposite direction.B1
- —turn downTo refuse an offer or request.B1
- —turn intoTo change and become something else.B1
- —turn leftTo change direction to the left.A1
- —turn offTo make a device or supply stop working.A1
- —turn onTo make a device or supply start working.A1
- —turn outTo prove to be the case in the end.B2
- —turn over a new leafTo make a fresh start and behave better.B2
- —turn rightTo change direction to the right.A1
- —turn the tablesTo reverse a situation so you now have the advantage.C1
- —turn toTo go to somebody or something for help.C1
- —turn upTo arrive, often unexpectedly.B2
- —turn your backTo refuse to face or help somebody.B2
- —turn-basedPlayed in turns rather than all at once.B2
- —turndown serviceThe evening visit that prepares a bed for sleeping.C1
- —turning pointThe moment after which everything went differently.B2
- —turnover of tablesHow many times a table is used in an evening.C1
- —turnover rateHow fast staff leave and have to be replaced.C1
- —tuvaluTiny Pacific nation of nine low atolls threatened by rising seas.C2
- —twelveThe number after eleven; a dozen.A1
- —twentyThe number equal to two times ten.A1
- —twenty-fourThe number after twenty-three.A1
- —twin roomA room with two separate single beds.B1
- —two-factorRequiring a second proof besides the password.B2
- —two-step verificationConfirming who you are with a second check.B2
- —two-timeTo carry on with two partners at once.C1
- —two-wayWorking or allowing movement in both directions.B2
- —tyrannosaurusThe huge meat-eating dinosaur with the tiny arms.C2
- —tyre treadThe grooved pattern that grips the road.B2
- —u-bendThe curved pipe under a sink that traps smells.C1
- —u-boatA German submarine of the two world wars.C1
- —u-turnA complete reversal of direction or of policy.B2
- —ululateTo make a long wavering wailing cry.C2
- —umamiThe deep savoury taste of meat, cheese and mushrooms.C1
- —umbilical cordThe tube that fed the baby before birth.C1
- —unboxingThe experience of opening a product for the first time.B2
- —unbridledCompletely unrestrained.C2
- —undecidedNot having made a choice yet.B1
- —undeniableUnable to be denied or disputed.C1
- —under somebody's thumbCompletely controlled by another person.C1
- —under the weatherFeeling slightly ill.B2
- —under your noseRight in front of you the whole time, yet unnoticed.B2
- —underseasonedNot given enough salt or spice.C1
- —undersideThe bottom surface of something.B1
- —undetectableImpossible to notice, find or measure.C1
- —undeterredContinuing despite difficulty or discouragement.B2
- —undoneUnfastened or untied.B2
- —unfair dismissalBeing sacked without lawful reason.C1
- —unforgivingUnwilling to forgive a mistake or offence.C1
- —ungovernableImpossible to control or rule.C1
- —unhurriedMoving or done calmly, without rushing.B2
- —unimpressedNot admiring or excited by something.B2
- —union representativeThe worker chosen to speak for colleagues.B2
- —universal designDesigning so that everybody can use something.C1
- —universalityThe quality of applying to everybody everywhere.C1
- —unnervinglyIn a way that quietly takes away your confidence.C2
- —unremarkableOrdinary, with nothing striking about it.B2
- —unresolvedStill not settled, answered or dealt with.B2
- —unscrewTo loosen or remove something by turning it.B2
- —unsubscribeTo take your address off a list you once joined.B1
- —unsubscribe rateWhat share chose to stop receiving your email.B2
- —unsubtleObvious and lacking any delicacy.B2
- —untrustworthyNot able to be relied on or confided in.C1
- —up in armsAngrily protesting about something.C1
- —up in the airStill undecided; nothing is settled yet.B2
- —up to dateIncluding the most recent information.B1
- —up with the larkAwake very early in the morning.C2
- —up-to-dateIncluding the most recent information.B1
- —upbraidTo reprove somebody sharply.C2
- —uphill battleA struggle that is hard the whole way.B2
- —upholstererA worker who covers furniture in fabric.C2
- —upload speedHow fast data goes from you to the network.B1
- —upper-classBelonging to the wealthiest and most privileged social class.B2
- —upsellTo persuade a customer to buy the dearer version.C1
- —upside downWith the upper part at the bottom.B2
- —upside-downTurned so that the top is at the bottom.A2
- —upturnAn improvement in trade or fortunes.B2
- —urlThe full address of a page on the web.B1
- —use upTo consume the whole supply of something.B1
- —usernameThe public name you choose for your account.A2
- —utilitarianismThe view that the right act brings the most good to the most people.C1
- —utility billThe demand for payment for gas, water or power.B2
- —utility roomThe small room where the washer, dryer, and cleaning things live.B2
- —uzbekistanThe Central Asian country of Samarkand on the old Silk Road.B2
- —vacillationWavering between choices without deciding.C2
- —vacuum cleanerAn electrical machine that sucks up dust and dirt.B1
- —valenceHow many bonds an atom can form.C1
- —vantage pointA position that gives a good view of things.C1
- —vanuatuPacific island nation where land diving was invented.C1
- —variety is the spice of lifeChange and difference are what make living enjoyable.C1
- —vatican cityThe world's smallest state, home of the Pope, inside Rome.B2
- —vehemenceGreat forcefulness of feeling or expression.C1
- —vehicularRelating to cars and other road vehicles.C1
- —velociraptorA small fast hunting dinosaur with a killing claw on each foot.C2
- —velodromeA banked oval track built for cycle racing.C1
- —vending machineThe coin-fed box that drops snacks and drinks.B1
- —vengefulDetermined to take revenge for a wrong.C2
- —venture capitalMoney invested in young companies that might fail or soar.C1
- —venue hirePaying for a place in which to hold an event.B2
- —vice presidentThe officer who is second to the president.B1
- —vicious circleA loop where each problem keeps causing the other.C1
- —video callA meeting held over a live picture link.B1
- —video clipA brief piece of recorded footage shared on its own, named in two words with the word for moving pictures first.B1
- —video gameA game you play on a screen with buttons or a touch pad.A2
- —videotapeA cassette of magnetic tape holding recorded pictures and sound.B2
- —vilificationA campaign of abuse against somebody's name.C2
- —village greenThe open grass at the centre of a village.B1
- —viral marketingAdvertising designed to be passed on by the audience.B2
- —viral videoA clip that spreads very fast from person to person.B2
- —virtual realityThe computer world you step inside by strapping a screen to your face.B2
- —virulenceThe power of a disease to harm, or bitterness of feeling.C1
- —visa fraudLying on the papers that allow you to enter a country.B2
- —visitor passThe badge a guest wears inside a building.B1
- —visually impairedHaving very limited or no sight.B2
- —vituperateTo attack somebody with abusive language.C2
- —vivariumA glass case for keeping reptiles.C2
- —voiceoverA speaker heard over pictures, without appearing.B2
- —voracityA greedy and unappeasable appetite.C2
- —vulpineFox-like, especially in cunning.C2
- —wadA thick compressed bundle of soft material or paper.C2
- —wage gapThe difference in pay between two groups doing similar work.C1
- —waiting areaThe seats where visitors sit until they are called.B1
- —waiting listThe queue of people hoping for a table.B1
- —waiting roomA room where people wait to be seen or served.A2
- —wake-up callA telephone call ordered to wake you at a set time.B1
- —walk in the parkSomething pleasantly easy.B2
- —walk outTo leave suddenly as a protest.B2
- —walk-inA customer arriving with no table reserved.C1
- —walk-in rateThe price offered to somebody arriving without booking.C1
- —walking bootsStiff ankle-high footwear made for rough ground.B1
- —walking frameA light frame leaned on while walking.B2
- —walking poleA stick used to take weight off the knees.B1
- —walkwayA constructed path for pedestrians.C1
- —wallet-friendlyCosting little enough that your bank account stays happy.C1
- —walnut treeA tree grown for its wrinkled nuts and fine timber.B1
- —wantedBeing searched for by the police.B2
- —ward offTo keep something harmful away.C1
- —warm upTo gently wake your muscles before sport; also, to heat food again.B1
- —warm-bloodedKeeping a steady body heat whatever the weather.B2
- —warm-heartedKind and generous in feeling.B2
- —warm-upGentle exercise done before sport.B1
- —warranty periodThe length of time a repair promise lasts.B2
- —warrenA network of rabbit burrows, or a maze of passages.C1
- —washbasinA bowl with taps, used for washing the hands and face.C1
- —washing machineThe machine that turns dirty clothes into clean ones.A2
- —washing powderThe dry substance that cleans clothes in a machine.B1
- —waste awayTo grow steadily thinner and weaker.B2
- —wastebasketA small container for paper rubbish, usually kept by a desk.A2
- —watch outUsed to warn someone of immediate danger.A2
- —water bottleThe container you carry drinking water in.A2
- —water bowlThe dish an animal drinks from.A2
- —water coolerThe machine people gather round to chat and drink.B1
- —water cycleThe endless journey of water between sea, sky and land.B1
- —water downTo weaken by adding liquid, or to soften a demand.B2
- —water jugThe container of tap water brought to the table.B1
- —water mainThe large pipe supplying a district with water.C1
- —water pistolA toy gun that shoots a jet of water.B1
- —water poloA ball game played by teams swimming in a pool.B1
- —water safetyThe rules that keep swimmers from harm.B2
- —water troughThe open container animals drink from.B2
- —water under the bridgeAn old quarrel that no longer matters.B2
- —water wingsInflated floats worn by a learner.B1
- —watered downWeakened by adding liquid, or made less forceful.B2
- —watering canA container with a spout used for watering plants.A2
- —waterproofsThe jacket and trousers that keep rain out.B2
- —wave machineEquipment that makes artificial waves in a pool.B2
- —wavy lineA line that rises and falls smoothly.B1
- —waymarkThe small sign showing that you are still on the path.C1
- —waypointA marked point along a planned route.C1
- —waywardnessA stubborn refusal to be guided.C2
- —we should do this againA warm way of saying you enjoyed the meeting.B1
- —weak-willedUnable to hold to a decision under pressure.C1
- —wear and tearThe damage that normal use does over time.C1
- —wear downTo reduce something gradually by friction or use.B2
- —wear offTo fade away gradually.C1
- —wear outTo use something until it is finished — shoes or your energy.B2
- —wearisomeTiring and dull to keep up with.B2
- —weather forecastA statement of what the sky is expected to do.B1
- —weather windowThe short spell of good conditions you plan around.C1
- —weathervaneA turning pointer that shows which way the wind blows.C1
- —web pageOne document on the internet that a browser shows.A2
- —wedding vowThe promise made at a marriage ceremony.B2
- —weeVery small.B2
- —weekly shopThe main food shopping done once a week.B1
- —weigh downTo press down heavily on something.B2
- —weigh evidenceTo compare the strength of what supports each side.B2
- —weigh upTo consider the advantages and disadvantages of something.B2
- —welcome matThe small rough carpet at the front door where you clean your shoes.B1
- —well-balancedHaving its parts in good proportion, or sensible in outlook.B2
- —well-behavedActing politely and doing as asked.B1
- —well-builtSolidly and strongly constructed.B2
- —well-dressedWearing smart and well-chosen clothes.B1
- —well-groomedCarefully clean, trimmed and tidy.B2
- —well-paidEarning a good wage.B2
- —welliesTall rubber boots for mud and rain.B1
- —wet blanketSomebody who spoils other people's fun.C1
- —wet foodTinned or pouched pet food.B1
- —what a pityAn expression of regret about something disappointing.B1
- —what have you been up toA casual way of asking what somebody has been doing lately.B1
- —what's newA casual request for somebody's recent news.B1
- —what's the catchAsking what hidden problem comes with a good offer.C1
- —wheelchair rampA slope that lets wheels go where steps would stop them.B1
- —wheelie binA large rubbish container on wheels.B1
- —when pigs flyA mocking way to say something will never happen.B2
- —where were weUsed to resume a conversation after an interruption.B2
- —whickerTo make a soft neighing sound.C2
- —while awayTo pass time pleasantly with nothing important to do.C1
- —whingeTo complain in a tiresome way.C1
- —whiplashA neck injury caused by a sudden jerking of the head.C2
- —whistleblowerAn insider who makes wrongdoing public.C1
- —whistleblowingReporting wrongdoing inside your own organisation.C1
- —white caneThe stick a blind person uses to feel the way.B2
- —white lieA small harmless untruth told to spare someone's feelings.B2
- —whiteboardThe big white surface the teacher writes on with markers.A2
- —whole numberA number with nothing after the point.B1
- —wide angleA lens that takes in much more than the eye does.B2
- —wide shotA shot showing the whole scene from a distance.B2
- —wide-rangingCovering many different subjects or areas.C1
- —wifiThe invisible radio waves that bring the internet to your devices at home.A2
- —wild campingCamping away from any official site.B2
- —wild goose chaseA long hopeless search for something you will never find.C1
- —wildlife corridorA strip of land letting animals move between habitats.C1
- —wind downTo relax gradually, or to bring to a slow close.B2
- —wind upTo finally land in a place or state you never planned.C1
- —windbreakerA light jacket designed to keep out wind.C2
- —window boxA long shallow container of plants on a ledge.B2
- —window cleanerThe liquid or the person that makes glass clear.B1
- —window seatThe seat next to the window on an aircraft.B1
- —window shoppingWalking past shops just looking, buying nothing at all.B2
- —wine pairingA different glass chosen to match each course.C1
- —wing itTo do something without any preparation.C1
- —winnowTo separate grain from chaff using moving air.C2
- —wipe downTo clean a surface by wiping it with a cloth.B1
- —wire cutterA tool that snips through metal strands.B2
- —wishful thinkingBelieving something because you want it to be so.B2
- —with respectUsed before politely contradicting somebody.C1
- —within reachNear enough to take hold of.B1
- —witness standThe place in court where a person gives their account.B2
- —wombatA heavy square Australian animal that digs long burrows.C2
- —wonkyCrooked, unsteady or not working properly.B2
- —woodlouseA small grey armoured creature found under damp stones.C1
- —word of mouthThe passing of news or information from one person to another in speech.B2
- —wordinessThe use of too many words to say a thing.C1
- —work like a charmTo succeed perfectly and immediately.B2
- —work of artA created object of artistic value.B1
- —work outTo exercise in order to get fit.B1
- —work to ruleDoing exactly what the rules require and no more.C2
- —work-life balanceHow well your job and your life fit together.B2
- —worker beeA female bee that gathers food and tends the young.B1
- —workshop floorThe area where the actual making is done.B2
- —worktopA flat surface in a kitchen used for preparing food.B2
- —world warA war fought across most of the globe at once.B1
- —world-classAmong the very best anywhere.B2
- —worlds apartCompletely different from one another.B2
- —worn outSo used that it no longer works.B1
- —worn-outUsed until no longer serviceable.B2
- —worst-caseAssuming the least favourable possible outcome.C1
- —worth its weight in goldSo useful that no price would be too high.B2
- —would you believe itAn exclamation at something hard to credit.B2
- —wrap upTo bring something to a conclusion.B2
- —wrap your head aroundTo finally take in an idea that resists you.B2
- —wrinkle-freeMade of cloth that refuses to crease.B2
- —write downTo put words on paper so you will not forget them.A2
- —write offTo damage beyond repair, or to accept a loss.B2
- —write-offSomething too damaged to be worth repairing.C1
- —writer's blockThe state of being unable to write anything.B2
- —wrought ironSoft iron worked into shape while hot.C1
- —wyndA narrow lane between houses.C2
- —x-rayA photograph that shows the bones through the skin.B2
- —xenophobeSomebody who fears or hates foreigners.C1
- —yeastySmelling of dough rising.C2
- —yo-yoThe spinning toy that rolls down its string and climbs back up.B1
- —you don't sayA dry reply to news that is not surprising at all.C1
- —you know what i meanChecking that the listener has followed your point.B1
- —you must be jokingAn exclamation of disbelief.B1
- —you wishA teasing way of saying it will never happen.B2
- —you're telling meA strong way of agreeing from experience.C1
- —young adultSomebody in their late teens or twenties.B1
- —your flesh and bloodYour own family, whom you cannot disown.C1
- —your guess is as good as mineA way of saying: I have no idea either.B2
- —zebra crossingThe striped place where walkers cross a road.B1
- —zero hoursAn agreement with no guaranteed work at all.C1
- —zoom inTo make a view closer and larger.B1
- —zoom lensA lens whose angle of view can be changed.B2