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Words 9901–10000 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

woebegoneadjectiveAffected by or full of grief or woe.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His sorrow...made him look...haggard and...woebegone.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

woefuladjectiveOf very poor quality or condition.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Woeful errors of judgment.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

woefullyadverbIn an unfortunate or deplorable manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was woefully inadequate.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

womannounAn adult female person (as opposed to a man).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The woman kept house while the man hunted.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

womanhoodnounWomen as a class.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It's an insult to American womanhood.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Bavarian, Middle English, Old English, Swabian. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wonadjectiveNot subject to defeat.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

With that move it's a won game.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wondernounA feeling of amazement or admiration.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She watched the meteor shower with wonder.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Old English

Original teaching entry.

woodedadjectiveCovered with growing trees and bushes etc.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A heavily wooded tract.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

woodenadjectiveMade or consisting of (entirely or in part) or employing wood.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An ancient cart with wooden wheels.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

woodyadjectiveAbounding in trees.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A woody area near the highway.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

woollyadjectiveConfused and vague; used especially of thinking.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Woolly-headed ideas.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

woozyadjectiveHaving or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Feeling woozy from the blow on his head.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wordnounA brief statement.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He didn't say a word about it.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wordlessadjectiveExpressed without speech.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Choking exasperation and wordless shame.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wordsnounThe text of a popular song or musical-comedy number.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He wrote both words and music.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wordyadjectiveUsing or containing too many words.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Proceedings were delayed by wordy disputes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worknounActivity directed toward making or doing something.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She checked several points needing further work.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

workernounA person who works at a specific occupation.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He is a good worker.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Chinese, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

workhorsenounMachine that performs dependably under heavy use.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The IBM main frame computers have been the workhorse of the business world.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

workingadjectiveActively engaged in paid work.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The working population.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

workmanlikeadjectiveWorthy of a good workman.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The book is a workmanlike job with chronology and bibliography and index.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worksnounPerformance of moral or religious acts.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The reward for good works.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

worldnounAll of your experiences that determine how things appear to you.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His world was shattered.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worldlyadjectiveCharacteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Worldly goods and advancement.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worldwideadjectiveSpanning or extending throughout the entire world.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A worldwide epidemic.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wornadjectiveShowing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Shocked to see the worn look of his handsome young face.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

worriedadjectiveAfflicted with or marked by anxious uneasiness or trouble or grief.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

One last worried check of the sleeping children.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

worrisomeadjectiveCausing distress or worry or anxiety.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

In a particularly worrisome predicament.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worryverbBe worried, concerned, anxious, troubled, or uneasy.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I worry about my job.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worryingnounThe act of moving something by repeated tugs or pushes.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Vigorous worrying finally loosened the saw.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worseadjective(comparative of `bad') inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The road is in worse shape than it was.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worsenedadjectiveMade or become worse; impaired.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The worsened diplomatic relations.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

worseningadjectiveChanging for the worse.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Worried by the worsening storm.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

worshipverbShow devotion to (a deity).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Many Hindus worship Shiva.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worstadjective(superlative of `bad') most wanting in quality or value or condition.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The worst player on the team.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worthadjectiveWorthy of being treated in a particular way.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

An idea worth considering.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

worthyadjectiveHaving qualities or abilities that merit recognition in some way.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A fact worthy of attention.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

woundedadjectiveSuffering from physical injury especially that suffered in battle.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Nursing his wounded arm.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

woundingadjectiveCausing physical or especially psychological injury.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wounding and false charges of disloyalty.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wovenadjectiveMade or constructed by interlacing threads or strips of material or other elements into a whole.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Folk songs woven into a symphony.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wrangleverbTo quarrel noisily, angrily or disruptively.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The bar keeper threw them out, but they continued to wrangle on down the street.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Late Latin, Latin, Low German, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrapverbArrange or fold as a cover or protection.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wrap the baby before taking her out.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrappedadjectiveCovered with or as if with clothes or a wrap or cloak.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Cloud-wrapped peaks.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wrecknounSomething or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Thanks to that quack I am a human wreck.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Middle English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wreckagenounThe remaining parts of something that has been wrecked.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They searched the wreckage for signs of survivors.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Old Norse, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wreckedadjectiveDestroyed in an accident.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A highway full of wrecked cars.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

wrenchverbTwist or pull violently or suddenly, especially so as to remove (something) from that to which it is attached or from where it originates.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wrench a window off its hinges.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrestverbObtain by seizing forcibly or violently, also metaphorically.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wrest the knife from his hands.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrestlenounThe act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They had a fierce wrestle.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrestlingnounThe act of engaging in close hand-to-hand combat.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We watched his grappling and wrestling with the bully.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wretchedadjectiveCharacterized by physical misery.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Spent a wretched night on the floor.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wriggleverbTo move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The child tried to wriggle free from his aunt's embrace.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Late Latin, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wringnounA twisting squeeze.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Gave the wet cloth a wring.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrinkleverbBecome wrinkled or crumpled or creased.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

This fabric won't wrinkle.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrinkledadjectiveMarked by wrinkles.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Tired travelers in wrinkled clothes.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

writeverbCommunicate or express by writing.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Please write to me every week.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

writingnounThe act of creating written works.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Writing was a form of therapy for him.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrongadjectiveNot correct; not in conformity with fact or truth.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Your information is wrong.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrongfuladjectiveUnlawfully violating the rights of others.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wrongful diversion of trust income.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrongheadedadjectiveObstinately perverse in judgment or opinion.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A wrongheaded policy.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wronglyadverbWithout justice or fairness.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Wouldst not play false and yet would wrongly win.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wroughtadjectiveShaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The wrought silver bracelet.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wryadjectiveHumorously sarcastic or mocking.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

With a wry Scottish wit.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

wrylyadverbIn a wry manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

`I see,' he commented wryly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yangnounThe bright positive masculine principle in Chinese dualistic cosmology.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Yin and yang together produce everything that comes into existence.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

yardnounThe enclosed land around a house or other building.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was a small house with almost no yard.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yardagenounDistance measured in the aggregate number of yards.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

What is the yardage of this golf course?

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Norse, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yardernoun(used only in combinations) the height or length of something in yards.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The golfer hit a 300-yarder to the green.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yardsticknounA measure or standard used for comparison.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

On what kind of yardstick is he basing his judgment?

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yawnnounAn involuntary intake of breath through a wide open mouth; usually triggered by fatigue or boredom.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He could not suppress a yawn.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yawningadjectiveGaping open as if threatening to engulf someone or something.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The yawning mine shaft.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

yeaadverbNot only so, but.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yearnounThe period of time that it takes for a planet (as, e.g., Earth or Mars) to make a complete revolution around the sun.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A Martian year takes 687 of our days.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yearlongadjectiveLasting through a year.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Attending yearlong courses.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yearlyadjectiveOccurring or payable every year.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Annual (or yearly) income.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yearsnounA late time of life.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He's showing his years.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

yellverbUtter or declare in a very loud voice.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

You don't have to yell--I can hear you just fine.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yellowadjectiveCowardly or treacherous.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Too yellow to stand and fight.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yesnounAn affirmative.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I was hoping for a yes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yesterdaynounThe day immediately before today.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It was in yesterday's newspapers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yetadverbUp to the present time.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I have yet to see the results.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yieldingadjectiveInclined to yield to argument or influence or control.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A timid yielding person.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

yinnounThe dark negative feminine principle in Chinese dualistic cosmology.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The interaction of yin and yang maintains the harmony of the universe.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

yokenounAn oppressive power.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Under the yoke of a tyrant.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

youngadjectiveNot tried or tested by experience.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A young hand at plowing.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

youthnounYoung people collectively.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Youth everywhere rises in revolt.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zanyadjectiveLike a clown.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A zany sense of humor.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Italian, Middle French, Venetian. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zapnounA sudden event that imparts energy or excitement, usually with a dramatic impact.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They gave it another zap of radiation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

zealnounExcessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He had an absolute zeal for litigation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Late Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zealouslyadverbIn a zealous manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She worked zealously to raise funds for the literacy project.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zednounThe 26th letter of the Roman alphabet.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The British call Z zed and the Scots call it ezed but Americans call it zee.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Late Latin, Middle English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zeenounThe 26th letter of the Roman alphabet.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The British call Z zed and the Scots call it ezed but Americans call it zee.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

zeroadjectiveHaving no measurable or otherwise determinable value.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The goal is zero population growth.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Arabic, French, Italian, Medieval Latin, New Latin, Sanskrit. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zilchnounA quantity of no importance.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I didn't hear zilch about it.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

zillionadjectiveVery large indeterminate number.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A zillion people were there.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zingnounA brief high-pitched buzzing or humming sound.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The zing of the passing bullet.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

zingernounA striking or amusing or caustic remark.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He always greeted me with a new zinger.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zipverbClose with a zipper.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Zip up your jacket--it's cold.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

zoologicaladjectiveConcerning the study of animals and their classification and properties.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Zoological research.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, French, Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

zoologynounAll the animal life in a particular region or period.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The zoology of the Pliocene epoch.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, French, Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

Definitions and usage examples in the expanded bank come from WordNet 3.0, with pronunciation references from CMUdict. Records are automatically screened and source-validated, not individually human reviewed. Practice difficulty is an estimate, not a grade level or official Scripps band. Sources and coverage ↗ · WordNet license · CMUdict license

No matching words.