Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with C

Showing words 1,9212,040 of 4,877. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

cleverly

adv

in an intelligent and skillful way

[ˈklevərli]

cleverness

n

The ability to understand and learn quickly and easily; intelligence.

[ˈklevərnəs]

clevis

n

A U-shaped metal piece with holes at the ends to allow a pin or bolt to pass through, used for attaching or fastening.

[ˈklɛvɪs]

cliche

n

a phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

[kliˈʃeɪ]

cliched

adj

(of a phrase, idea, or piece of writing) having been used so often that it is no longer original or interesting

[kliˈʃeɪd]

cliché

n

A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought.

[kliˈʃeɪ]

click

v

to make a short, sharp sound

[klɪk]

click-click

n

A repeated clicking sound.

[ˈklɪk ˌklɪk]

clicker

n

A person or device that makes a clicking sound.

[ˈklɪkər]

clicking

v

(present participle) Making a short, sharp sound like a switch being operated.

[ˈklɪkɪŋ]

client

n

A person or organization using the services of a professional person or company.

[ˈklaɪənt]

client-centered

adj

Focusing on the needs and preferences of the client as the central priority.

[ˈklaɪənt ˌsentərd]

client-server

adj

Describing a model of computing or network architecture in which tasks or workloads are divided between providers of a resource or service (servers) and requesters of that service (clients).

[ˌklaɪənt ˈsɜːrvər]

clientele

n

The customers of a shop, restaurant, or other business, considered as a group.

[ˌklaɪənˈtel]

clientelistic

adj

Relating to or characterized by a system where powerful patrons offer benefits to a group of loyal supporters (clients) in exchange for their political backing or services.

[ˌklaɪənˈtelɪstɪk]

cliff

n

a high area of rock with a very steep side, often at the edge of the sea or a river

[klɪf]

cliff-hanger

n

A story, situation, or contest that is very exciting because its outcome is uncertain until the very end.

[ˈklɪfˌhæŋər]

cliff-top

n

The very top edge of a cliff.

[ˈklɪf tɑːp]

cliffhanger

n

A story or situation that is exciting because its ending or result is uncertain until the very end.

[ˈklɪfˌhæŋər]

cliffside

n

The steep face or slope of a cliff.

[ˈklɪfsaɪd]

climactic

adj

Relating to or forming an exciting and important event or point in a story or situation, especially the climax.

[klaɪˈmæktɪk]

climate

n

The general weather conditions that are typical of a particular region or area over a long period.

[ˈklaɪmət]

climate-change

n

A long-term change in the Earth's climate, especially a change due to an increase in the average atmospheric temperature.

[ˈklaɪmət ˌtʃeɪndʒ]

climate-control

n

A system for regulating and maintaining the temperature, humidity, and air quality within a confined space, such as a building or vehicle.

[ˈklaɪmət kənˌtroʊl]

climate-controlled

adj

Having the temperature and humidity regulated by a mechanical system.

[ˈklaɪmət kənˌtroʊld]

climatic

adj

relating to the climate of a region or the general climate.

[klaɪˈmætɪk]

climatically

adv

in a way that relates to climate

[klaɪˈmætɪkli]

climatological

adj

Relating to the scientific study of climate, especially over long periods of time.

[ˌklaɪmətəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl]

climatologist

n

A scientist who studies climates and climate change.

[ˌklaɪməˈtɑːlədʒɪst]

climatology

n

The scientific study of climate.

[ˌklaɪməˈtɑːlədʒi]

climax

n

the most exciting, effective, or important point in a story, situation, or process.

[ˈklaɪ.mæks]

climb

v

To go up or ascend, especially by using the hands and feet.

[klaɪm]

climber

n

A person or animal that climbs, especially as a sport or hobby.

[ˈklaɪmər]

climbing

n

The sport or activity of ascending mountains, rocks, or other steep surfaces.

[ˈklaɪmɪŋ]

clime

n

A region considered with reference to its climate.

[klaɪm]

clinch

v

to finally agree on or settle a deal, argument, etc., especially after a long discussion

[klɪntʃ]

clincher

n

A fact, argument, or event that settles a matter conclusively.

[ˈklɪntʃər]

clindamycin

n

A semisynthetic antibiotic used especially to treat serious infections caused by anaerobic bacteria.

[ˌklɪndəˈmaɪsɪn]

cline

n

A continuous gradation in form or character between two extremes within a species or other group.

[klaɪn]

cling

v

To hold on tightly to someone or something.

[klɪŋ]

clinging

adj

Tending to adhere to a surface or object.

[ˈklɪŋɪŋ]

clingy

adj

tending to stay very close to someone and dependent on them, often in a way that is annoying or shows emotional neediness.

[ˈklɪŋ.i]

clinic

n

A place where people receive medical treatment or advice, especially one that is smaller than a hospital and often specializes in a particular area of medicine.

[ˈklɪnɪk]

clinic-based

adj

Located in, operating from, or organized around a clinic

[ˈklɪnɪk beɪst]

clinical

adj

Relating to the observation and treatment of actual patients rather than theoretical or laboratory studies.

[ˈklɪnɪkəl]

clinically

adv

in a way that is based on direct observation and treatment of patients, rather than only theory or laboratory research

[ˈklɪnɪkli]

clinician

n

A health professional, such as a doctor or nurse, who works directly with patients rather than in a laboratory or in research.

[klɪˈnɪʃn]

clinique

n

A brand name for a range of cosmetics and skincare products, often sold in department stores and known for its dermatologist-inspired formulations.

[klɪˈniːk]

clink

v

To make a short, sharp, ringing sound, like that of small pieces of metal or glass being struck together.

[klɪŋk]

clinker

n

The stony residue from burnt coal or from a furnace.

[ˈklɪŋkər]

clinking

adj

Making a sharp, ringing sound like that of glass or metal striking together.

[ˈklɪŋkɪŋ]

clinton-era

adj

Relating to or characteristic of the period when Bill Clinton was President of the United States (1993–2001).

[ˈklɪntən ˌɪrə]

clintonesque

adj

characteristic of or reminiscent of the style, policies, or persona of bill clinton, the 42nd president of the united states.

[ˌklɪntənˈɛsk]

clintonian

adj

relating to or characteristic of the political principles or policies associated with former u.s. president bill clinton, often emphasizing centrist, pragmatic, and economically focused policies.

[klɪnˈtoʊniən]

clip

v

To cut something, especially with scissors or shears, to make it shorter or neater.

[klɪp]

clip-clop

n

The rhythmic sound made by the hooves of a horse, especially on a hard surface.

[ˈklɪpˌklɑːp]

clip-on

adj

Designed to be attached by means of a clip.

[ˈklɪp ɑːn]

clipboard

n

a small board with a clip at the top for holding papers and providing a portable writing surface.

[ˈklɪp.bɔːrd]

clipless

adj

(of a bicycle pedal or shoe) designed to attach securely without the use of a separate clip or strap.

[ˈklɪpləs]

clipped

adj

Shortened or trimmed.

[klɪpt]

clipper

n

A fast sailing ship of the 19th century, used for trade and voyages.

[ˈklɪpər]

clipping

n

A small piece that has been cut off something, especially from a plant or a piece of paper.

[ˈklɪpɪŋ]

clique

n

A small, exclusive group of people who do not readily allow others to join them.

[kliːk]

clit

n

A short form for clitoris.

[klɪt]

clitoral

adj

Relating to or located on the clitoris.

[ˈklɪtərəl, ˈklaɪtərəl]

clitoridectomy

n

A surgical operation to remove all or part of the clitoris.

[ˌklɪtərɪˈdɛktəmi, ˌklaɪtərɪˈdɛktəmi]

clitoris

n

A small, sensitive, erectile part of the female genitals at the front of the vulva.

[ˈklɪtərɪs, ˈklaɪtərɪs]

cloaca

n

a common cavity at the end of the digestive tract in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and some fishes, into which the intestinal, urinary, and reproductive ducts open.

[kloʊˈeɪkə]

cloak

n

a type of loose outer garment that has no sleeves, fastens at the neck, and is worn over other clothes.

[kloʊk]

cloak-and-dagger

adj

Involving or characteristic of mystery, intrigue, or espionage.

[ˌkloʊk ən ˈdæɡər]

cloaked

adj

covered with a cloak or similar garment.

[kloʊkt]

cloaking

n

The action of covering or concealing something, especially with a cloak or a similar covering.

[ˈkloʊkɪŋ]

cloakroom

n

a room in a public building where coats, hats, luggage, etc. can be left temporarily.

[ˈkloʊkruːm]

clobber

v

To hit someone or something very hard

[ˈklɑːbər]

cloche

n

A close-fitting, bell-shaped hat, popular in the 1920s.

[kloʊʃ]

clock

n

a device that shows the time of day, typically by means of hands or changing numbers on a dial, and is often kept in a room or worn on the wrist.

[klɑːk]

clocking

n

The act of recording or measuring the time, speed, or distance of something, especially in sports or work.

[ˈklɑːkɪŋ]

clockmaker

n

a person who makes or repairs clocks and watches

[ˈklɑːkmeɪkər]

clockwise

adv

In the direction in which the hands of a clock move around.

[ˈklɑːkwaɪz]

clockwork

n

The mechanism inside a clock that makes it work, consisting of many small gears and springs.

[ˈklɑːk.wɝːk]

clod

n

A lump of earth or clay

[klɑːd]

clog

n

A shoe with a thick, usually wooden, sole

[klɑːɡ]

clogged

adj

blocked with or as if with a thick, wet substance that prevents movement or flow.

[klɑːɡd]

clogger

n

a person who makes or repairs clogs (wooden-soled shoes).

[ˈklɑːɡər]

clogging

n

The action of blocking or obstructing something, especially a pipe or passage.

[ˈklɑːɡɪŋ]

cloisonne

n

A decorative technique for enamelware or other materials in which colored areas are separated by thin metal strips or wires fixed edgewise to the surface.

[ˌklɔɪzəˈneɪ]

cloister

n

a covered passage with arches around a square garden, typically in a convent, monastery, or cathedral

[ˈklɔɪstər]

cloistered

adj

Living in or as if in a convent or monastery; secluded from the world.

[ˈklɔɪstərd]

clomp

v

To walk with a loud, heavy, clumsy step.

[klɑːmp]

clonal

adj

Relating to or being a clone; genetically identical.

[ˈkloʊn(ə)l]

clone

n

An organism or cell produced asexually from one ancestor, to which it is genetically identical.

[kloʊn]

cloned

adj

(of an organism) produced as an identical genetic copy of another organism.

[kloʊnd]

clonidine

n

a synthetic drug used primarily to treat high blood pressure and certain types of pain, and to manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal and menopausal hot flashes.

[ˈkloʊnɪdiːn]

cloning

n

The process of producing an exact genetic copy of a living organism, cell, or piece of genetic material.

[ˈkloʊnɪŋ]

clop

n

A short, sharp sound made by a hard object hitting a hard surface, especially the sound of a horse's hoof on the ground.

[klɑːp]

close

v

to move something so that it covers an opening; to shut

[kloʊz]

close-cropped

adj

(of hair, grass, etc.) cut very short

[ˌkloʊs ˈkrɑːpt]

close-ended

adj

Having a fixed or limited set of possible answers or outcomes, not allowing for open discussion or unexpected results.

[ˌkloʊs ˈendɪd]

close-fitting

adj

(of clothing) fitting tightly and showing the shape of the body

[ˌkloʊs ˈfɪtɪŋ]

close-knit

adj

describing a group of people who are closely linked by shared interests, loyalty, and warm feelings

[ˌkloʊs ˈnɪt]

close-minded

adj

Not willing to consider different ideas or opinions; having a closed mind.

[ˌkloʊs ˈmaɪndɪd]

close-mouthed

adj

Not willing to talk much or give information; secretive.

[ˌkloʊs ˈmaʊðd]

close-quarters

adj

involving or happening at very close range

[ˌkloʊs ˈkwɔːrtərz]

close-range

adj

involving or designed for use at a very short distance

[ˌkloʊs ˈreɪndʒ]

close-set

adj

positioned very near to each other

[ˌkloʊs ˈset]

close-up

n

A photograph or film sequence taken at close range and showing the subject on a large scale.

[ˈkloʊs ʌp]

closed

adj

Not open or allowing access; shut.

[kloʊzd]

closed-cell

adj

(of foam or a similar material) consisting of individual, non-interconnecting gas pockets, making it rigid and impermeable.

[ˌkloʊzd ˈsel]

closed-circuit

adj

relating to or being a television system that transmits signals over a limited area (as within a building) and is not publicly broadcast

[ˌkloʊzd ˈsɜ�ːrkɪt]

closed-door

adj

Conducted in private, away from public view or participation.

[ˌkloʊzd ˈdɔːr]

closed-down

adj

(of a business or factory) having stopped operating permanently

[ˌkloʊzd ˈdaʊn]

closed-end

adj

(of an investment fund) issuing a fixed number of shares which are traded on a stock market, as opposed to issuing and redeeming shares on demand.

[ˌkloʊzd ˈend]

closed-ended

adj

(of a question) allowing only a limited set of answers, typically 'yes' or 'no'

[ˌkloʊzd ˈendɪd]

closed-in

adj

Describing a place that feels cramped, confined, and lacking space or a view.

[ˌkloʊzd ˈɪn]

closed-loop

adj

Describing a system or process where the output is continuously monitored and fed back to adjust the input, creating a self-regulating cycle.

[ˌkloʊzd ˈluːp]

closed-minded

adj

Not willing to consider different ideas or opinions; having a mind closed to new arguments or ideas.

[ˌkloʊzd ˈmaɪndɪd]

closed-off

adj

Not open or communicative; emotionally or socially withdrawn.

[kloʊzd ˈɔːf]

closed-up

adj

Shut or fastened securely, preventing entry or exit.

[ˌkloʊzd ˈʌp]

closely

adv

With very little space or time in between; in a way that involves careful attention to detail.

[ˈkloʊsli]

closeness

n

The state of being physically near to someone or something.

[ˈkloʊsnəs]
English Words Starting with C – Page 17 | OpenEtymology