A2 Nouns
A2 noun vocabulary in alphabetical order with definitions and example sentences.
ability
The fact that somebody/something is able to do something.
Example
People with the disease may lose their ability to communicate.
accident
An unpleasant event, especially in a vehicle, that happens unexpectedly and causes injury or damage.
Example
a car/road/traffic accident
advantage
A thing that helps you to be better or more successful than other people.
Example
a distinct/significant/huge advantage
adventure
An unusual, exciting or dangerous experience, journey or series of events.
Example
her adventures travelling in Africa
advertisement
A notice, picture or film telling people about a product, job or service.
Example
a newspaper/television advertisement
advertising
The activity and industry of advertising things to people on television, in newspapers, on the internet, etc.
Example
Cigarette advertising has been banned.
airline
A company that provides regular flights to take passengers and goods to different places.
Example
an airline pilot/passenger
alternative
A thing that you can choose to do or have out of two or more possibilities.
Example
The car is too expensive so we're trying to find a cheaper alternative.
amount
A quantity of something.
Example
I was amazed at the amount he could eat.
ankle
The joint connecting the foot to the leg; the narrow part of the leg just above the ankle joint.
Example
to sprain/break/twist your ankle
app
A piece of software that you can download to a device such as a smartphone or tablet, for example to look up information or to play a game.
Example
You first need to install the app on your device.
appearance
The way that somebody/something looks on the outside; what somebody/something seems to be.
Example
the physical/outward/external appearance of something
architect
A person whose job is designing buildings.
Example
The house was designed by architect Louis Kahn.
architecture
The art and study of designing buildings.
Example
to study architecture
argument
A conversation or discussion in which two or more people disagree, often angrily.
Example
to win/lose an argument
army
A large organized group of soldiers who are trained to fight on land.
Example
The two opposing armies faced each other across the battlefield.
arrangement
A plan or preparation that you make so that something can happen.
Example
Travel and accommodation arrangements have been finalized.
assistant
A person who helps or supports somebody, usually in their job.
Example
My assistant will now demonstrate the machine in action.
athlete
A person who competes in sports.
Example
Olympic athletes
attention
The act of listening to, looking at or thinking about something/somebody carefully; interest that people show in somebody/something.
Example
the report’s attention to detail
audience
The group of people who have gathered to watch or listen to something (a play, concert, somebody speaking, etc.).
Example
The audience was/were clapping for 10 minutes.
author
A person who writes books or the person who wrote a particular book.
Example
Who is your favourite author?
average
The result of adding several amounts together, finding a total, and dividing the total by the number of amounts.
Example
The average of 4, 5 and 9 is 6.
award
A prize such as money, etc. for something that somebody has done.
Example
He was nominated for the best actor award.
background
The details of a person’s family, education, experience, etc.
Example
somebody's ethnic/genetic/cultural background
baseball
A game played especially in the US by two teams of nine players, using a bat and ball. Each player tries to hit the ball and then run around four bases before the other team can return the ball.
Example
a baseball bat/team/cap/fan/player/game
basketball
A game played by two teams of five players, using a large ball which players try to throw into a high net hanging from a ring.
Example
a basketball game/coach/team/player
bean
A seed, or pod containing seeds, of a climbing plant, eaten as a vegetable. There are several types of bean and the plants that they grow on are also called beans.
Example
green beans
beef
Meat that comes from a cow.
Example
roast beef
behavior
The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.
Example
His behavior in class was unacceptable.
belt
A long narrow piece of leather, cloth, etc. that you wear around the middle part of your body.
Example
to do up/fasten/tighten a belt
benefit
An advantage that something gives you; a helpful and useful effect that something has.
Example
Freedom of information brings great benefits.
biology
The scientific study of the life and structure of plants and animals.
Example
a degree in biology
birth
The time when a baby is born; the process of being born.
Example
at birth, The baby weighed three kilos at birth.
bit
Rather; to some extent.
Example
These trousers are a bit tight.
blood
The red liquid that flows through the bodies of humans and animals.
Example
He lost a lot of blood in the accident.
bone
Any of the hard parts that form the skeleton of the body of a human or an animal.
Example
He survived the accident with no broken bones.
boss
A person who is in charge of other people at work and tells them what to do.
Example
I'll ask my boss if I can have the day off.
bottom
The lowest part of something.
Example
the bottom of the screen/stairs/hill
bowl
A deep round dish with a wide open top, used especially for holding food or liquid.
Example
a salad/fruit/sugar bowl
brain
The organ inside the head that controls movement, thought, memory and feeling.
Example
The human brain is a complex organ.
bridge
A structure that is built over a road, railway, river, etc. so that people, vehicles, etc. can cross from one side to the other.
Example
We crossed the bridge over the River Windrush.
businessman
A man who works in business, especially at a high level.
Example
a group of visiting Italian politicians and businessmen
button
A small round piece of metal, plastic, etc. that is sewn onto a piece of clothing and used for fastening two parts together.
Example
(British English), to do up/undo your buttons
camp
A place where people live temporarily in tents or temporary buildings.
Example
Let's return to camp.
camping
Living in a tent, etc. on holiday.
Example
Do you go camping?
candy
Sweets; confectionery.
Example
Children love eating candy.
carpet
A piece of thick woven material made of wool, etc., used to cover the floor of a room or stairs; the material used for carpets.
Example
He spent the morning laying the new carpet.
cartoon
A humorous drawing in a newspaper or magazine, especially one about politics or events in the news.
Example
a political/satirical cartoon
case
A particular situation or a situation of a particular type.
Example
in… cases, In some cases people have had to wait several weeks for an appointment.
cash
Money in the form of coins or notes.
Example
How much cash do you have on you?
castle
A large strong building with thick, high walls and towers, built in the past by kings or queens, or other important people, to defend themselves against attack.
Example
a medieval castle
cause
The person or thing that makes something happen.
Example
Unemployment is a major cause of poverty.
celebrity
A famous person.
Example
a celebrity chef
chance
A possibility of something happening, especially something that you want.
Example
She only has a slim chance of passing the exam.
character
A person or an animal in a book, play or film.
Example
the main character in the film
charity
An organization for helping people in need.
Example
a registered charity
check
An act of making sure that something is safe, correct or in good condition by examining it.
Example
Could you give the tyres a check?
chef
A person whose job is to cook, especially the most senior person in a restaurant, hotel, etc.
Example
a new book by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver
chemistry
The scientific study of the structure of substances, how they react when combined or in contact with one another, and how they behave under different conditions.
Example
a degree in chemistry
choice
An act of choosing between two or more possibilities; something that you can choose.
Example
We are faced with a difficult choice.
church
A building where Christians go to attend services, pray, etc.
Example
The procession moved into the church.
cigarette
A thin tube of paper filled with tobacco, for smoking.
Example
to smoke/have a cigarette
circle
A completely round flat shape.
Example
the centre/circumference/radius/diameter of a circle
climate
The regular pattern of weather conditions of a particular place.
Example
a tropical/warm/mild/temperate/cold climate
closet
A tall cupboard or wardrobe with a door, used for storage.
Example
Hang your coat in the closet.
clothing
Clothes, especially a particular type of clothes.
Example
Workers at the factory wear protective clothing.
coach
A person who trains a person or team in sport.
Example
the head/assistant coach
coast
The land next to or near to the sea or ocean.
Example
a trip to the coast
code
A system of words, letters, numbers or symbols that represent a message or record information secretly or in a shorter form.
Example
to break/crack a code (= to understand and read the message)
colleague
A person that you work with, especially in a profession or a business.
Example
work/senior/male colleagues
column
One of the straight sections from top to bottom into which text on a page or screen is divided.
Example
a dictionary with two columns per page
comment
Something that you say or write that gives an opinion on or explains somebody/something.
Example
She made helpful comments on my work.
community
All the people who live in a particular area, country, etc. when talked about as a group.
Example
The local community supported us from the start.
competition
An event in which people compete with each other to find out who is the best at something.
Example
a design/an art/a talent competition
condition
The state that something is in.
Example
in… condition, to be in pristine/excellent/perfect condition
conference
A large official meeting, usually lasting for a few days, at which people with the same work or interests come together to discuss their views.
Example
The hotel is used for exhibitions, conferences and social events.
context
The situation in which something happens and that helps you to understand it.
Example
Such databases are being used in a wide range of contexts.
cook
A person who cooks food or whose job is cooking.
Example
John is a very good cook (= he cooks well).
copy
A thing that is made to be the same as something else, especially a document or a work of art.
Example
The thieves replaced the original painting with a copy.
corner
A part of something where two or more sides, lines or edges join.
Example
the four corners of a square
couple
Two people or things.
Example
I saw a couple of men get out.
credit
An arrangement that you make, with a shop for example, to pay later for something you buy.
Example
to get credit
crime
Activities that involve breaking the law.
Example
This month's figures show an increase in violent crime.
criminal
A person who commits a crime.
Example
a convicted criminal
cross
A mark or an object formed by two lines crossing each other (X or +); the mark (X) is often used on paper to show something.
Example
I've put a cross on the map to show where the hotel is.
crowd
A large number of people gathered together in a public place, for example in the streets or at a sports game.
Example
He pushed his way through the crowd.
cupboard
A piece of furniture with doors and shelves used for storing dishes, food, clothes, etc.
Example
kitchen cupboards
cycle
A bicycle or motorcycle.
Example
He was riding his cycle home when he was hit by a lorry.
danger
The possibility of something happening that will injure, harm or kill somebody, or damage or destroy something.
Example
Danger! Keep Out!
data
Facts or information, especially when examined and used to find out things or to make decisions.
Example
We collected publicly available data over a 10-day period.
death
The fact of somebody dying or being killed.
Example
the anniversary of his wife’s death
decision
A choice or judgement that you make after thinking and talking about what is the best thing to do.
Example
I think I've made the right decision.
degree
A unit for measuring temperature.
Example
at… degrees, Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit (32°F) or zero/nought degrees Celsius (0°C).
dentist
A person whose job is to take care of people’s teeth.
Example
to see/visit/consult your dentist
department
A section of a large organization such as a government, business, university, etc.
Example
the Department of Health
desert
A large area of land that has very little water and very few plants growing on it. Many deserts are covered by sand.
Example
the Sahara Desert
designer
A person whose job is to decide how things such as clothes, furniture, tools, etc. will look or work by making drawings, plans or patterns.
Example
one of the country's top fashion designers
dessert
The sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.
Example
What would you like for dessert?
detective
A person, especially a police officer, whose job is to investigate crimes and catch criminals.
Example
a police/homicide/undercover detective
device
An object or a piece of equipment that has been designed to do a particular job.
Example
a tracking/recording/listening device
diary
A book in which you can write down the experiences you have each day, your private thoughts, etc.
Example
Do you keep a diary (= write one regularly)?
direction
The general position a person or thing moves or points towards.
Example
They headed in the direction of the village.
director
One of a group of senior managers who run a company.
Example
a non-executive director
disaster
An unexpected event, such as a very bad accident, a flood or a fire, that kills a lot of people or causes a lot of damage.
Example
the world's worst humanitarian disaster
discovery
An act or the process of finding somebody/something, or learning about something that was not known about before.
Example
Researchers in this field have made some important new discoveries.
discussion
A conversation about somebody/something; the process of discussing somebody/something.
Example
I discovered something interesting during a family discussion.
disease
An illness affecting humans, animals or plants, often caused by infection.
Example
heart/lung/liver disease
distance
The amount of space between two places or things.
Example
a short/long distance
document
An official paper, book or electronic file that gives information about something, or that can be used as evidence or proof of something.
Example
Please read and sign the attached document.
downstairs
On a floor of a house or building lower than the one you are on, especially the one at ground level.
Example
a downstairs bathroom
drama
A play for the theatre, television or radio.
Example
a costume/period/courtroom/crime drama
drawing
A picture made using a pencil or pen rather than paint.
Example
a pencil/pen-and-ink/charcoal drawing
driving
The way that somebody drives a vehicle; the act of driving.
Example
She was convicted of dangerous driving.
drug
An illegal substance that some people smoke, inject, etc. for the physical and mental effects it has.
Example
He does not smoke or take drugs.
earth
The world; the planet that we live on.
Example
the planet Earth
education
A process of teaching, training and learning, especially in schools, colleges or universities, to improve knowledge and develop skills.
Example
primary/elementary education
effect
A change that somebody/something causes in somebody/something else; a result.
Example
the beneficial effects of exercise
electricity
A form of energy from charged elementary particles, usually supplied as electric current through cables, wires, etc. for lighting, heating, driving machines, etc.
Example
materials that conduct electricity
employee
A person who is paid to work for somebody.
Example
The firm has over 500 employees.
employer
A person or company that pays people to work for them.
Example
They're very good employers (= they treat the people that work for them well).
ending
The last part of a story, film, etc.
Example
His stories usually have a happy ending.
engine
The part of a vehicle that produces power to make the vehicle move.
Example
a diesel/petrol engine
engineer
A person whose job involves designing and building engines, machines, roads, bridges, etc.
Example
We worked with a team of scientists and engineers.
environment
The natural world in which people, animals and plants live.
Example
The government should do more to protect the environment.
equipment
The things that are needed for a particular purpose or activity.
Example
a useful piece of equipment for the kitchen
error
A mistake, especially one that causes problems or affects the result of something.
Example
spelling/typographical/grammatical errors
essay
A short piece of writing by a student as part of a course of study.
Example
I have to write an essay this weekend.
evidence
The facts, signs or objects that make you believe that something is true.
Example
Researchers have found clear scientific evidence of a link between exposure to sun and skin cancer.
experience
The knowledge and skill that you have gained through doing something for a period of time; the process of gaining this.
Example
My lack of practical experience was a disadvantage.
experiment
A scientific test that is done in order to study what happens and to gain new knowledge.
Example
to do/perform/conduct an experiment
expert
A person with special knowledge, skill or training in something.
Example
a legal/security/medical/computer expert
explanation
A statement, fact, or situation that tells you why something happened; a reason given for something.
Example
The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed.
factor
One of several things that cause or influence something.
Example
Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease.
factory
A building or group of buildings where goods are made, mainly by machine.
Example
a car factory
fall
An act of falling.
Example
I had a bad fall and broke my arm.
farming
The business of managing or working on a farm.
Example
to take up farming
fashion
A popular style of clothes, hair, etc. at a particular time or place; the state of being popular.
Example
the latest fashion trends
fat
A white or yellow substance in the bodies of animals and humans, stored under the skin.
Example
excess body fat
fear
The bad feeling that you have when you are in danger or when a particular thing frightens you.
Example
Her eyes showed no fear.
feature
Something important, interesting or typical of a place or thing.
Example
An interesting feature of the city is the old market.
female
An animal that can lay eggs or give birth to babies; a plant that can produce fruit.
Example
One adult female can lay 400 to 500 eggs.
fiction
A type of literature that describes imaginary people and events, not real ones.
Example
a work of popular fiction
field
An area of land in the country used for growing crops or keeping animals in, usually surrounded by a fence, etc.
Example
We had to walk across a ploughed field.
figure
A number representing a particular amount, especially one given in official information.
Example
the latest sales/crime/unemployment figures
finger
One of the four long thin parts that stick out from the hand (or five, if the thumb is included).
Example
She ran her fingers through her hair.
fishing
The sport or business of catching fish.
Example
They often go fishing.
flu
A serious disease caused by a virus, that causes a high temperature, severe pains and weakness.
Example
The whole family has the flu.
flying
Travelling in an aircraft.
Example
I'm terrified of flying.
focus
The thing or person that people are most interested in; the act of paying special attention to something and making people interested in it.
Example
It was the main focus of attention at the meeting.
forest
A large area of land that is thickly covered with trees.
Example
a tropical/pine forest
fork
A tool with a handle and three or four sharp points (called prongs), used for picking up and eating food.
Example
to eat with a knife and fork
frog
A small animal with smooth skin, that lives both on land and in water (= is an amphibian). Frogs have very long back legs for jumping, and no tail.
Example
the croaking of frogs
furniture
Objects that can be moved, such as tables, chairs and beds, that are put into a house or an office to make it suitable for living or working in.
Example
garden/office furniture
gallery
A room or building for showing works of art, especially to the public.
Example
a picture gallery
gap
A space where something is missing.
Example
Extra funding is needed to plug the gap.
garbage
Rubbish or waste, especially domestic refuse.
Example
Please take out the garbage.
gas
Any substance like air that is neither a solid nor a liquid, for example hydrogen or oxygen.
Example
Air is a mixture of gases.
gate
A barrier like a door that is used to close an opening in a fence or a wall outside a building.
Example
the front/main gate
gift
A thing that you give to somebody, especially on a special occasion or to say thank you.
Example
to give/receive a gift
god
The being or spirit that is worshipped and is believed to have created the universe.
Example
Do you believe in God?
gold
A chemical element. Gold is a yellow precious metal used for making coins, jewellery, beautiful objects, etc.
Example
gold coins/jewellery
golf
A game played over a large area of ground using sticks with a special shape to hit a small hard ball (a golf ball) into a series of 9 or 18 holes, using as few shots as possible.
Example
I play golf every weekend.
government
The group of people who are responsible for controlling a country or a state.
Example
to lead/form a government
grass
A common wild plant with narrow green leaves and stems that are eaten by cows, horses, sheep, etc.
Example
a blade of grass
ground
The solid surface of the earth.
Example
on the ground, I found her lying on the ground.
guest
A person that you have invited to your house or to a particular event that you are paying for.
Example
They only use the dining room when they have guests.
guide
A person who shows other people the way to a place, especially somebody employed to show tourists around interesting places.
Example
Our tour guide showed us around the old town.
gun
A weapon that is used for firing bullets or shells.
Example
I have never fired a gun in my life.
habit
A thing that you do often and almost without thinking, especially something that is hard to stop doing.
Example
You need to change your eating habits.
hall
A space or passage inside the entrance or front door of a building.
Example
in a hall, Her brother was standing in the front hall.
headache
A continuous pain in the head.
Example
He had a terrible headache.
heat
The quality of being hot.
Example
Heat rises.
height
The measurement of how tall a person or thing is.
Example
Height: 210 mm. Width: 57 mm. Length: 170 mm.
hero
A person who is admired by many people for doing something brave or good.
Example
a war hero (= somebody who was very brave during a war)
hill
An area of land that is higher than the land around it, but not as high as a mountain.
Example
a region of gently rolling hills
hockey
A game played on a field by two teams of 11 players, with curved sticks and a small hard ball. Teams try to hit the ball into the other team’s goal.
Example
to play hockey
hole
A hollow space in something solid or in the surface of something.
Example
He dug a deep hole in the garden.
hope
A feeling of wanting and expecting a particular thing to happen; something that you wish for.
Example
Don't lose hope—we'll find her.
human
A person rather than an animal or a machine.
Example
Dogs can hear much better than humans.
illness
The state of being physically or mentally ill.
Example
The virus can cause illness in humans.
image
A picture, photograph or statue that represents somebody/something.
Example
Most simple leaflets will include text and images.
industry
The production of goods from raw materials, especially in factories.
Example
the needs of British industry
injury
Harm done to a person’s or an animal’s body, for example in an accident.
Example
Two people sustained minor injuries.
insect
Any small creature with six legs and a body divided into three parts. Insects usually also have wings. Ants, bees and flies are all insects.
Example
Most birds spend most of the day eating insects.
inside
The inner part, side or surface of something.
Example
The inside of the box was blue.
instruction
Detailed information on how to do or use something.
Example
Follow the instructions on the packet carefully.
instructor
A person whose job is to teach somebody a practical skill or sport.
Example
a fitness/driving/ski instructor
instrument
An object used for producing musical sounds, for example a piano or a drum.
Example
to play an instrument
invention
A thing or an idea that has been invented.
Example
Fax machines were a wonderful invention at the time.
invitation
A spoken or written request to somebody to do something or to go somewhere.
Example
to issue/extend an invitation
item
One thing on a list of things to buy, do, talk about, etc.
Example
What's the next item on the agenda?
jam
A thick sweet substance made by boiling fruit with sugar, often sold in jars and spread on bread.
Example
strawberry jam
jazz
A type of music with strong rhythms, in which the players often improvise (= make up the music as they are playing), originally created by African American musicians at the beginning of the 20th century.
Example
traditional/modern jazz
jewelry
Personal ornaments, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, that are typically made from or contain jewels and precious metal.
Example
She received a beautiful piece of jewelry for her anniversary.
joke
Something that you say or do to make people laugh, for example a funny story that you tell.
Example
I can't tell jokes.
journalist
A person whose job is to collect and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, radio, television or online news sites.
Example
a freelance journalist
kid
A child or young person.
Example
Do you have any kids?
kilometer
A metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters (approximately 0.62 miles).
Example
We walked five kilometers this morning.
king
The male ruler of an independent state that has a royal family.
Example
the kings and queens of England
knee
The joint between the top and bottom parts of the leg where it bends in the middle.
Example
a knee injury
knife
A sharp blade (= metal edge) with a handle, used for cutting or as a weapon.
Example
knives and forks
knowledge
The information, understanding and skills that you gain through education or experience.
Example
scientific/technical knowledge and skills
lab
A laboratory.
Example
a computer/research lab
lady
A word used to mean ‘woman’ that some people, especially older people, consider is more polite.
Example
There's a lady waiting to see you.
lake
A large area of water that is surrounded by land.
Example
in a lake, We swam in the lake.
laptop
A small computer that can work with a battery and be easily carried.
Example
I opened my laptop and started typing.
laughter
The act or sound of laughing.
Example
to roar/howl with laughter
law
A rule that deals with a particular crime, agreement, etc.
Example
to pass a law (= officially make it part of the system of laws)
lawyer
A person who is trained and qualified to advise people about the law and to represent them in court, and to write legal documents.
Example
to hire a lawyer
leader
A person who leads a group of people, especially the head of a country, an organization, etc.
Example
party/world leaders
learning
The process of learning something.
Example
lifelong/adult learning
lecture
A talk that is given to a group of people to teach them about a particular subject, often as part of a university or college course.
Example
to go to/attend a lecture
lemon
A yellow citrus fruit with juice that has a bitter, sharp taste. Slices of lemon and lemon juice are used in cooking and drinks.
Example
Add a squeeze of lemon juice.
level
The height of something in relation to the ground or to what it used to be.
Example
The cables are buried one metre below ground level.
lifestyle
The way in which a person or a group of people lives and works.
Example
Many people are trying to adopt a healthy lifestyle these days.
link
A connection between two or more people or things.
Example
link between A and B, Police suspect there may be a link between the two murders.
listener
A person who listens.
Example
a good listener (= somebody who you can rely on to listen with attention or sympathy)
look
An act of looking at somebody/something.
Example
Here, have a look at this.
The official system used for sending and delivering letters, packages, etc.
Example
a mail service/train/van
male
A male person, animal or plant.
Example
The male of the species has a white tail.
manager
A person who is in charge of running a business, a shop or a similar organization or part of one.
Example
a bank/hotel manager
manner
Behaviour that is considered to be polite in a particular society or culture.
Example
to have good/bad manners
material
A substance that things can be made from.
Example
building materials (= bricks, sand, glass, etc.)
math
Short for mathematics (chiefly North American).
Example
I find math quite difficult.
mathematics
The science of numbers and shapes. Branches of mathematics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
Example
the school mathematics curriculum
media
The main ways that large numbers of people receive information and entertainment, that is television, radio, newspapers and the internet.
Example
the national/international media
medicine
The study and treatment of diseases and injuries.
Example
advances in modern medicine
memory
Your ability to remember things.
Example
I have a bad memory for names.
metal
A type of solid mineral substance that is usually hard and shiny and that heat and electricity can travel through, for example tin, iron and gold.
Example
a piece/sheet of metal
method
A particular way of doing something.
Example
Which method is the most effective?
middle
The part of something that is at an equal distance from all its edges or sides; a point or a period of time between the beginning and the end of something.
Example
in the middle, a lake with an island in the middle
mirror
A piece of special flat glass that reflects images, so that you can see yourself when you look in it.
Example
in the mirror, He looked at himself in the mirror.
monkey
An animal with a long tail, that climbs trees and lives in hot countries. There are several types of monkey and they are related to apes and humans.
Example
Like humans, apes and monkeys live in complex social groupings.
moon
The round object that moves around the earth once every 27½ days and shines at night by light reflected from the sun.
Example
the surface of the moon
motorcycle
A road vehicle with two wheels, driven by an engine, with one seat for the driver and often a seat for a passenger behind the driver.
Example
He never learned to ride a motorcycle or to drive a car.
movement
An act of moving the body or part of the body.
Example
hand/eye movements
musician
A person who plays a musical instrument or writes music, especially as a job.
Example
a jazz/rock/classical musician
need
A situation when something is necessary or must be done.
Example
to satisfy/meet/fulfil a need
network
A complicated system of roads, lines, tubes, nerves, etc. that are connected to each other and operate together.
Example
a rail/road/canal network
notice
A sheet of paper giving written or printed information, usually put in a public place.
Example
There was a notice on the board saying the class had been cancelled.
novel
A story long enough to fill a complete book, in which the characters and events are usually imaginary.
Example
to write/publish/read a novel
nut
A small hard fruit with a very hard shell that grows on some trees.
Example
to crack a nut (= open it)
ocean
The mass of salt water that covers most of the earth’s surface.
Example
The ship was dredged from the depths of the ocean.
officer
A person who is in a position of authority in the armed forces.
Example
army/military/naval officers
oil
A thick liquid that is found in rock underground.
Example
Several companies are drilling for oil in the region.
opportunity
A time when a particular situation makes it possible to do or achieve something.
Example
Don't miss this opportunity!
option
Something that you can choose to have or do; the freedom to choose what you do.
Example
As I see it, we have two options…
organization
A group of people who form a business, club, etc. together in order to achieve a particular aim.
Example
He's the president of a large international organization.
outside
The outer side or surface of something.
Example
The outside of the house needs painting.
oven
The part of a cooker that is like a box with a door on the front, in which food is cooked or heated.
Example
Take the cake out of the oven.
owner
A person who owns something.
Example
a dog/pet/gun owner
pain
The feelings that you have in your body when you have been hurt or when you are ill.
Example
a cry of pain
painter
A person whose job is painting buildings, walls, etc.
Example
He works as a painter and decorator.
palace
The official home of a king, queen, president, etc.
Example
Buckingham Palace
pants
Underpants or knickers.
Example
a pair of pants
parking
The act of stopping a vehicle at a place and leaving it there for a period of time.
Example
There is no parking here between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
passenger
A person who is travelling in a car, bus, train, plane or ship and who is not driving it or working on it.
Example
airline/cruise/rail/bus passengers
patient
A person who is receiving medical treatment, especially in a hospital.
Example
cancer/AIDS/heart patients
pattern
The regular way in which something happens or is done.
Example
changing patterns of urban life
peace
A situation or a period of time in which there is no war or violence in a country or an area.
Example
world peace
penny
A small British coin and unit of money. There are 100 pence in one pound (£1).
Example
He had a few pennies in his pocket.
percent
An amount for every hundred.
Example
Ten percent of students failed the test.
permission
The act of allowing somebody to do something, especially when this is done by somebody in a position of authority.
Example
You must ask permission for all major expenditure.
pet
An animal, a bird, etc. that you have at home for pleasure, rather than one that is kept for work or food.
Example
Do you have any pets?
physics
The scientific study of matter and energy and the relationships between them, including the study of forces, heat, light, sound, electricity and the structure of atoms.
Example
a degree in physics
pilot
A person who operates the controls of an aircraft, especially as a job.
Example
an airline pilot
planet
A large round object in space that moves around a star (such as the sun) and receives light from it.
Example
the planets of our solar system
plastic
A light strong material that is produced by chemical processes and can be formed into shapes when heated. There are many different types of plastic, used to make different objects and fabrics.
Example
The pipes should be made of plastic.
plate
A flat, usually round, dish that you put food on.
Example
sandwiches on a plate
platform
The raised flat area next to the track at a train station where you get on or off the train.
Example
(British English), What platform does it go from?
A small piece of material like a small bag sewn into or onto a piece of clothing so that you can carry things in it.
Example
a jacket/coat/shirt/trouser pocket
pollution
The process of making air, water, soil, etc. dirty; the state of being dirty.
Example
air/water pollution
pop
Popular music of the sort that has been popular since the 1950s, usually with a strong rhythm and simple tunes, often contrasted with rock, soul and other forms of popular music.
Example
rock, pop and soul
population
All the people who live in a particular area, city or country; the total number of people who live there.
Example
One third of the world’s population consumes/consume two thirds of the world’s resources.
position
The place where somebody/something is located.
Example
Where would be the best position for the lights?
possession
Something that you own or have with you at a particular time.
Example
Prisoners were allowed no personal possessions.
possibility
A thing that may happen or be true; the fact that something might happen or be true, but is not certain.
Example
Bankruptcy is a real possibility if sales don't improve.
poster
A large notice, often with a picture on it, that is put in a public place to advertise something.
Example
campaign/election posters
power
The ability to control people or things.
Example
He has the power to make things very unpleasant for us.
president
The leader of a republic, for example the US.
Example
Several presidents attended the funeral.
printer
A machine for printing text on paper, especially one connected to a computer.
Example
a colour printer
prison
A building where people are kept as a punishment for a crime they have committed, or while they are waiting for trial.
Example
She went to prison for tax evasion.
prize
An award that is given to a person who wins a competition, race, etc. or who does very good work.
Example
She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
process
A series of things that are done in order to achieve a particular result.
Example
the consultation/planning process
professor
A university teacher of the highest rank.
Example
Professor (Ann) Williams
progress
The process of improving or developing, or of getting nearer to achieving or completing something.
Example
I think we're making progress.
purpose
The intention, aim or function of something; the thing that something is supposed to achieve.
Example
Our campaign's main purpose is to raise money.
quality
The standard of something when it is compared to other things like it; how good or bad something is.
Example
Improving the quality of care for nursing home residents is a priority.
quantity
An amount or a number of something.
Example
a large/small quantity of something
rate
A measurement of the speed at which something happens.
Example
Figures published today show another fall in the rate of inflation.
reception
The area inside the entrance of a hotel, an office building, etc. where guests or visitors go first when they arrive.
Example
Please report to reception on arrival.
recipe
A set of instructions that tells you how to cook something and the ingredients (= items of food) you need for it.
Example
a recipe for chicken soup
recording
Sound or pictures that have been recorded on computer files or on CD, DVD, video, etc.
Example
an audio recording
refrigerator
An appliance or compartment which is artificially kept cool and used to store food and drink.
Example
Put the milk back in the refrigerator.
region
A large area of land, usually without exact limits or borders.
Example
mountainous/coastal regions
relationship
The way in which two people, groups or countries behave towards each other or deal with each other.
Example
a personal/working relationship
reporter
A person who collects and reports news for newspapers, radio or television.
Example
He leaked the story to a news reporter.
request
The action of asking for something formally and politely; a thing that you formally ask for.
Example
a request for information
research
A careful study of a subject, especially in order to discover new facts or information about it.
Example
scientific/medical/academic research
researcher
A person who studies something carefully and tries to discover new facts about it.
Example
European researchers say olive oil could help prevent cancer.
response
A spoken or written answer.
Example
She made no response.
ring
A piece of jewellery that you wear on your finger, consisting of a round band of gold, silver, etc., sometimes decorated with precious stones.
Example
a gold ring
rock
The hard solid material that forms part of the surface of the earth and some other planets.
Example
They drilled through several layers of rock to reach the oil.
roof
The structure that covers or forms the top of a building or vehicle.
Example
a flat/sloping/pitched roof
route
A way that you follow to get from one place to another.
Example
Which is the best route to take?
runner
A person or an animal that runs, especially one taking part in a race.
Example
a long-distance/cross-country/marathon runner
running
The action or sport of running.
Example
to go running
sailing
The sport or activity of travelling in a boat with sails.
Example
to go sailing
salary
Money that employees receive for doing their job, especially professional employees or people working in an office, usually paid every month.
Example
an annual salary of $40 000
sale
An act or the process of selling something.
Example
regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages
sauce
A thick liquid that is eaten with food to add taste to it.
Example
tomato/cranberry/chilli sauce
scene
The place where something happens, especially something unpleasant.
Example
the scene of the accident/crime/crash
schedule
A plan that lists all the work that you have to do and when you must do each thing.
Example
I have a hectic schedule for the next few days.
score
The number of points, goals, etc. scored by each player or team in a game or competition.
Example
a high/low score
screen
The flat surface at the front of a television, computer, or other electronic device, on which you see pictures or information.
Example
a computer screen
seat
A place where you can sit, for example a chair.
Example
She sat back in her seat.
secret
Something that is known about by only a few people and not told to others.
Example
Can you keep a secret?
secretary
A person who works in an office, working for another person, dealing with mail and phone calls, keeping records, arranging meetings with people, etc.
Example
a legal/medical secretary
sense
An understanding about something; an ability to judge something.
Example
One of the most important things in a partner is a sense of humour (= the ability to find things funny or make people laugh).
service
A system that provides something that the public needs, organized by the government or a private company.
Example
the ambulance/bus/postal service
shape
The form of the outer edges or surfaces of something; an example of something that has a particular form.
Example
a rectangular/spherical/cylindrical shape
sheet
A large piece of thin cloth used on a bed to lie on or lie under.
Example
Have you changed the sheets (= put clean sheets on the bed)?
ship
A large boat that carries people or goods by sea.
Example
The yard builds ships for the Navy.
shoulder
Either of the two parts of the body between the top of each arm and the neck.
Example
your left/right shoulder
side
Either of the two halves of a surface, an object or an area that is divided by an imaginary central line.
Example
the right side of the brain
silver
A chemical element. Silver is a shiny, grey-white precious metal used for making coins, jewellery, beautiful objects, etc.
Example
a silver ring/chain
singing
The activity of making musical sounds with your voice.
Example
the beautiful singing of birds
sir
Used as a polite way of addressing a man whose name you do not know, for example in a shop or restaurant.
Example
Good morning, sir. Can I help you?
site
A place where a building, town, etc. was, is or will be located.
Example
the site of a sixteenth-century abbey
ski
One of a pair of long narrow pieces of wood, metal or plastic that you attach to boots so that you can move smoothly over snow.
Example
a pair of skis
skiing
The sport or activity of moving over snow on skis.
Example
He also enjoys skiing and mountain biking.
skin
The layer of tissue that covers the body.
Example
to have dark/pale skin
sky
The space above the earth that you can see when you look up, where clouds and the sun, moon and stars appear.
Example
The sky suddenly went dark and it started to rain.
sleep
The natural state of rest in which your eyes are closed, your body is not active, and your mind is not conscious.
Example
I need to get some sleep.
smartphone
A mobile phone that also has some of the functions of a computer, for example the facility to use apps and the internet.
Example
You can use your smartphone to access the internet.
smoking
The activity or habit of smoking cigarettes, etc.
Example
No Smoking (= for example, on a notice)
sneaker
A soft shoe worn for sports or casual occasions; a trainer. (chiefly North American).
Example
He wore comfortable sneakers for the walk.
soap
A substance that you use with water for washing your body.
Example
Wash the affected area with soap and water.
society
People in general, living together in communities.
Example
She believes that the arts benefit society as a whole.
sock
A piece of clothing that is worn over the foot, ankle and lower part of the leg, especially inside a shoe.
Example
a pair of socks
soldier
A member of an army, especially one who is not an officer.
Example
They visited the graves of US soldiers killed in the First World War.
solution
A way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
Example
Attempts to find a solution have failed.
sort
A group or type of people or things that are similar in a particular way.
Example
‘What sort of music do you like?’ ‘Oh, all sorts.’
source
A place, person or thing that you get something from.
Example
renewable energy sources
speaker
A person who gives a talk or makes a speech.
Example
He was a guest speaker at the conference.
speech
A formal talk that a person gives to an audience.
Example
Several people made speeches at the wedding.
speed
The rate at which somebody/something moves or travels.
Example
at … speed, at high/low/full/top speed
spider
A small creature with eight thin legs. Many spiders spin webs to catch insects for food.
Example
a poisonous spider
spoon
A tool that has a handle with a shallow bowl at the end, used for mixing, serving and eating food.
Example
a plastic/metal spoon
square
A shape with four straight sides of equal length and four angles of 90°; a piece of something that has this shape.
Example
First break the chocolate into squares.
stage
A period or state that something/somebody passes through while developing or making progress.
Example
at… stage, I can't make a decision at this stage.
stair
A set of steps built between two floors inside a building.
Example
We had to carry the piano up three flights of stairs.
stamp
A small piece of paper with a design on it that you buy and stick on an envelope or a package before you post it.
Example
a 67p stamp
start
The point at which something begins.
Example
If we don't hurry, we'll miss the start.
state
A country considered as an organized political community controlled by one government.
Example
the Baltic States
stomach
The organ inside the body where food goes when you eat it.
Example
stomach pains/cramps
stone
A hard solid mineral substance that is found in the ground, often used for building.
Example
Most of the houses are built of stone.
store
A large shop that sells many different types of goods.
Example
It's available at London's three biggest stores.
storm
Very bad weather with strong winds and rain, and often thunder and lightning.
Example
fierce/heavy/severe/violent storms
stove
An apparatus for cooking or heating that operates by burning fuel or using electricity.
Example
Put the pot on the stove.
strategy
A plan that is intended to achieve a particular purpose.
Example
the government’s economic strategy
stress
Pressure or worry caused by problems in somebody’s life or by having too much to do.
Example
emotional/mental stress
suggestion
An idea or a plan that you mention for somebody else to think about.
Example
Can I make a suggestion?
suit
A set of clothes made of the same cloth, including a jacket and trousers or a skirt.
Example
She was wearing a grey business suit.
surprise
An event, a piece of news, etc. that is unexpected or that happens suddenly.
Example
What a nice surprise!
survey
An investigation of the opinions, behaviour, etc. of a particular group of people, which is usually done by asking them questions.
Example
A recent survey showed 75 per cent of those questioned were in favour of the plan.
symbol
A person, an object, an event, etc. that represents a more general quality or situation.
Example
The vase is decorated with religious symbols.
talk
A speech or lecture on a particular subject.
Example
I went to several interesting talks at the conference.
tour
A journey made for pleasure during which several different towns, countries, etc. are visited.
Example
a walking/sightseeing/bus tour
tourism
The business activity connected with providing accommodation, services and entertainment for people who are visiting a place for pleasure.
Example
The area is heavily dependent on tourism.
towel
A piece of cloth or paper used for drying things, especially your body.
Example
Help yourself to a clean towel.
tower
A tall narrow building or part of a building, especially of a church or castle.
Example
a bell tower
toy
An object for children to play with.
Example
cuddly/stuffed toys
trainer
A shoe that you wear for sports or as informal clothing.
Example
a pair of trainers
training
The process of learning the skills that you need to do a job.
Example
staff training
transport
A system for carrying people or goods from one place to another using vehicles, roads, etc.
Example
air/freight/road transport
trash
Waste material; refuse. (chiefly North American).
Example
Please put the trash in the bin.
traveler
A person who is traveling or who often travels.
Example
He is an experienced traveler.
truck
A large vehicle for carrying heavy loads by road.
Example
a truck driver
twin
One of two children born at the same time to the same mother.
Example
She's expecting twins.
underground
Under the surface of the ground.
Example
an underground bunker/tunnel
understanding
The knowledge that somebody has about a particular subject or situation.
Example
Students will gain a broad understanding of the workings of Parliament.
uniform
The special set of clothes worn by all members of an organization or a group at work, or by children at school.
Example
The hat is part of the school uniform.
unit
A single thing, person or group that is complete by itself but can also form part of something larger.
Example
After 1946 the British Government treated the four territorial divisions as a single unit.
upstairs
On a floor of a house or other building that is higher than the one that you are on.
Example
an upstairs room/window/bathroom
use
The act of using something; the state of being used.
Example
A ban was imposed on the use of chemical weapons.
user
A person or thing that uses something.
Example
road users
valley
An area of low land between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing through it; the land that a river flows through.
Example
in a valley, In the valley below cows were grazing peacefully.
van
A covered vehicle with no side windows in its back half, usually smaller than a lorry, used for carrying goods or people.
Example
the driver of a white van
variety
Several different sorts of the same thing.
Example
There is a wide variety of patterns to choose from.
vehicle
A thing that is used for transporting people or goods from one place to another, such as a car or lorry.
Example
motor vehicles (= cars, buses, lorries, etc.)
view
What you can see from a particular place or position, especially beautiful countryside.
Example
There were magnificent views of the surrounding countryside.
virus
A living thing, too small to be seen without a microscope, that causes disease in people, animals and plants.
Example
the flu/influenza virus
voice
The sound or sounds produced through the mouth by a person speaking or singing.
Example
I could hear voices in the next room.
war
A situation in which two or more countries or groups of people fight against each other over a period of time.
Example
the Second World War
washing
The act of cleaning something using water and usually soap.
Example
a gentle shampoo for frequent washing
wave
A raised line of water that moves across the surface of the sea, ocean, etc.
Example
Huge waves were breaking on the shore.
web
A system for finding information on the internet, in which documents are connected to other documents.
Example
to surf/browse/search the web
wedding
A marriage ceremony, and the meal or party that usually follows it.
Example
I dreamed of having a big wedding, with all my family and friends.
weight
How heavy somebody/something is, which can be measured in, for example, kilograms or pounds.
Example
in weight, It is about 76 kilos in weight.
wheel
One of the round objects under a car, bicycle, bus, etc. that turns when it moves.
Example
He braked suddenly, causing the front wheels to skid.
wind
Air that moves quickly across the surface of the earth.
Example
A strong wind was blowing through the trees.
winner
A person, a team, an animal, etc. that wins something.
Example
The lucky winner gets an all-expenses-paid trip to Sydney.
wood
The hard material that the trunk and branches of a tree are made of; this material when it is used to build or make things with, or as a fuel.
Example
He chopped some wood for the fire.