Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with M

Showing words 2,0412,160 of 2,958. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

modern-era

n

The period of contemporary history, typically from the late 18th century onward, characterized by industrialization, technological advancement, and significant social and political change.

[ˈmɑːdərn ˈɪrə]

modern-looking

adj

Having an appearance that is characteristic of the present time or recent past; appearing contemporary or up-to-date.

[ˈmɑː.dɚnˌlʊk.ɪŋ]

modern-rock

n

A subgenre of rock music that incorporates contemporary production techniques, sounds, and influences, often distinguished from classic rock.

[ˈmɑː.dɚn rɑːk]

modernisation

n

The process of making something more modern or suitable for use in the present time, often by introducing new methods, ideas, or technology.

[ˌmɑːdərnəˈzeɪʃn]

modernise

v

To make something more modern or suitable for use in the present time by adding new equipment, ideas, etc.

[ˈmɑːdərnaɪz]

modernism

n

a style or movement in the arts that aims to break with classical and traditional forms, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

[ˈmɑːdərnɪzəm]

modernist

n

A person who follows or supports modern ideas, styles, or methods in art, music, literature, etc.

[ˈmɑːdərnɪst]

modernistic

adj

relating to or characteristic of modernism, especially in art, literature, or design.

[ˌmɑː.dɚˈnɪs.tɪk]

modernity

n

the condition or quality of being modern; the ideas and practices of modern times, especially when seen as different from the past.

[məˈdɜːrnəti]

modernization

n

the process of making something more modern or suitable for use in the present time by introducing new methods, ideas, or technology.

[ˌmɑːdərnəˈzeɪʃn]

modernize

v

to make something more modern or suitable for use now, often by adding new equipment or ideas.

[ˈmɑːdərnaɪz]

modernized

adj

Made modern in appearance, style, or function; updated.

[ˈmɑːdərnaɪzd]

modernizer

n

a person or thing that makes something modern or more contemporary.

[ˈmɑːdərnaɪzər]

modernizing

v

To make something more modern or suitable for use in the present time by introducing new methods, ideas, or technology.

[ˈmɑːdərnaɪzɪŋ]

modest

adj

Not large in amount, size, etc.

[ˈmɑːdɪst]

modest-size

adj

of a size that is not very large; fairly small

[ˈmɑː.dɪst saɪz]

modest-sized

adj

Of a size that is not large or small; fairly small or limited in size.

[ˈmɑː.dɪst ˌsaɪzd]

modestly

adv

in a way that is not large, expensive, important, etc.

[ˈmɑːdɪstli]

modesty

n

The quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.

[ˈmɑːdəsti]

modicum

n

a small amount of something, especially something good or desirable

[ˈmɑː.dɪ.kəm]

modifiable

adj

Capable of being changed or altered.

[ˈmɑː.də.faɪ.ə.bl̩]

modification

n

a small change made to something, typically to improve it or to make it less extreme

[ˌmɑːdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn]

modified

adj

Changed in form or character.

[ˈmɑːdɪfaɪd]

modified-v

n

A modified version of the letter V, often used in phonetic notation or specialized alphabets to represent a specific sound variant.

[ˈmɑːdɪfaɪd ˈviː]

modifier

n

a word or phrase that describes or limits the meaning of another word or phrase, such as an adjective or adverb.

[ˈmɑːdɪfaɪər]

modify

v

to change something slightly, especially to improve it or make it more acceptable

[ˈmɑːdɪfaɪ]

modish

adj

Fashionable and stylish.

[ˈmoʊdɪʃ]

modular

adj

Designed with standardized units or dimensions for flexibility and variety in use.

[ˈmɑːdʒələr]

modulate

v

To change the quality, strength, or tone of something, especially your voice, to achieve a particular effect.

[ˈmɑː.dʒə.leɪt]

modulated

adj

(of the voice, sound, or a signal) changed or controlled in strength, quality, or tone.

[ˈmɑː.dʒə.leɪ.t̬ɪd]

modulation

n

The act or process of changing or adjusting something, such as the tone, pitch, or strength of a sound or signal.

[ˌmɑːdʒəˈleɪʃn]

modulator

n

A device or substance that controls or varies the properties of a signal or process.

[ˈmɑːdʒəleɪtər]

module

n

A unit or independent component of a larger system, often designed for flexibility or standardization.

[ˈmɑːdʒuːl]

modulus

n

(mathematics) the absolute value of a complex number.

[ˈmɑːdʒələs]

modus

n

A particular way or method of doing something, especially one that is characteristic or well-established.

[ˈmoʊdəs]

mogul

n

A very rich, powerful, and important person, especially in the film, media, or business industries.

[ˈmoʊɡ(ə)l]

mohair

n

the long, soft, silky hair of the angora goat.

[ˈmoʊ.her]

mohawk

n

a hairstyle in which the head is shaved except for a strip of upright hair from the forehead to the nape of the neck.

[ˈmoʊ.hɑːk]

moiety

n

One of two equal or approximately equal parts.

[ˈmɔɪ.ə.t̬i]

moire

n

A fabric, usually silk, with a wavy or rippled pattern that appears to change as the angle of view changes.

[mwɑːr]

moist

adj

slightly wet

[mɔɪst]

moist-looking

adj

having a damp, slightly wet, or dewy appearance

[ˈmɔɪstˌlʊkɪŋ]

moisten

v

to make something slightly wet

[ˈmɔɪs(ə)n]

moistened

v

Made slightly wet.

[ˈmɔɪs(ə)nd]

moistly

adv

in a slightly wet or damp manner.

[ˈmɔɪstli]

moistness

n

the quality or state of being slightly wet.

[ˈmɔɪstnəs]

moisture

n

Very small drops of water or another liquid in the air, on a surface, or in a substance.

[ˈmɔɪstʃər]

moisture-laden

adj

Containing or holding a large amount of moisture or water vapor.

[ˈmɔɪstʃərˌleɪdən]

moisture-wicking

adj

(of fabric or a garment) designed to draw sweat away from the skin to the outer surface where it can evaporate.

[ˈmɔɪstʃər ˌwɪkɪŋ]

moisturize

v

to make something, especially skin, less dry by adding moisture

[ˈmɔɪstʃəraɪz]

moisturizer

n

A cream or lotion that you put on your skin to stop it from becoming dry.

[ˈmɔɪstʃəraɪzər]

moisturizing

adj

making something, especially skin, less dry by adding or retaining moisture.

[ˈmɔɪstʃəraɪzɪŋ]

Mojave

propn

A desert region in southeastern California and parts of Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, known for its arid climate and unique ecosystem.

[moʊˈhɑːvi]

mojo

n

A magic power or spell, often in the form of a charm or amulet.

[ˈmoʊ.dʒoʊ]

mol

n

The SI base unit of amount of substance, equal to the amount that contains as many elementary entities (e.g., atoms or molecules) as there are atoms in 0.012 kg of carbon-12.

[moʊl]

molar

adj

Relating to the molar teeth, used for grinding food.

[ˈmoʊlər]

molasses

n

a thick, dark, sweet syrup that is a by-product of refining sugar

[məˈlæs.ɪz]

mold

n

a hollow container used to give shape to a soft or liquid substance when it cools or hardens

[moʊld]

moldable

adj

capable of being shaped or formed, especially by pressure or heat.

[ˈmoʊldəbl̩]

moldavian

adj

Relating to Moldova, its people, or their language.

[moʊlˈdeɪ.vi.ən]

molded

adj

Shaped into a specific form, often by being pressed or poured into a hollow container.

[ˈmoʊldɪd]

molded-in

adj

(of a component) formed as an integral part of an object during its initial manufacturing process, especially by casting or molding.

[ˈmoʊldɪd ɪn]

molder

v

To decay slowly and turn to dust

[ˈmoʊldər]

moldering

adj

slowly decaying or disintegrating, often due to neglect or age.

[ˈmoʊldərɪŋ]

molding

n

A strip of material (like wood or plaster) used to decorate or finish a surface, such as along the top of a wall or around a door.

[ˈmoʊldɪŋ]

moldovan

adj

Of or relating to Moldova, its people, or their language.

[moʊlˈdoʊvən]

moldy

adj

covered with or smelling of mold (a fungus that grows on old food or damp surfaces)

[ˈmoʊldi]

mole

n

a small, dark, raised spot on a person's skin

[moʊl]

molecular

adj

Relating to or consisting of molecules.

[məˈlekjələr]

molecular-scale

adj

relating to or occurring at a size or level comparable to that of individual molecules.

[məˈlekjələr skeɪl]

molecule

n

the smallest unit of a chemical substance, usually consisting of a group of atoms held together by chemical bonds.

[ˈmɑːlɪkjuːl]

molehill

n

a small mound of earth thrown up by a mole digging underground.

[ˈmoʊlhɪl]

moleskin

n

a soft, strong, cotton fabric with a short, thick nap on one side, resembling the fur of a mole.

[ˈmoʊlskɪn]

molest

v

To harm or threaten someone, especially a child, by touching them in a sexual way.

[məˈlɛst]

molestation

n

The crime of attacking someone, especially a woman or child, in order to hurt them or force them to have sex.

[ˌmoʊləˈsteɪʃn]

molested

v

Past tense and past participle of molest. To assault or interfere with (someone, especially a child or woman) sexually.

[məˈlɛstɪd]

molester

n

A person who molests someone, especially a sexual offender.

[məˈlɛstər]

moll

n

A gangster's female companion or girlfriend.

[mɑːl]

mollify

v

to make someone feel less angry or upset

[ˈmɑːlɪfaɪ]

mollusk

n

any of a large phylum (mollusca) of invertebrate animals (such as snails, clams, or squids) with a soft unsegmented body usually enclosed in a calcareous shell

[ˈmɑːləsk]

mollycoddle

v

To treat someone in an overprotective or indulgent way, weakening their character.

[ˈmɑː.liˌkɑː.dəl]

molt

v

(of an animal, especially a bird or insect) to lose feathers, skin, or hair to make way for new growth

[moʊlt]

molten

adj

(especially of metal, glass, or rock) made liquid by intense heat.

[ˈmoʊltən]

molting

n

the process of shedding old feathers, hair, or skin, to make way for new growth

[ˈmoʊltɪŋ]

molybdenum

n

a hard, silver-white metallic element used especially in making steels stronger and more resistant to heat.

[məˈlɪbdənəm]

mom

n

(informal, chiefly North America) one's mother

[mɑːm]

moment

n

a very short period of time

[ˈmoʊmənt]

moment-by-moment

adj

Happening or changing continuously, from one moment to the next.

[ˈmoʊmənt baɪ ˈmoʊmənt]

moment-to-moment

adj

Happening or changing continuously from one moment to the next; immediate and constantly shifting.

[ˈmoʊmənt tə ˈmoʊmənt]

momentarily

adv

For a very short time; briefly.

[ˈmoʊmənˌterəli]

momentary

adj

lasting for a very short time; brief

[ˈmoʊmənteri]

momentous

adj

(of a decision, event, or change) of great importance or significance, especially in its bearing on the future.

[moʊˈmentəs]

momentum

n

the quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.

[moʊˈmentəm]

momma

n

An informal term for mother, often used by children or to convey affection.

[ˈmɑːmə]

mommie

n

An informal, affectionate, or childish word for mother.

[ˈmɑːmi]

mommy

n

a child's word for mother

[ˈmɑːmi]

monad

n

In philosophy, especially the system of Leibniz, a basic, indivisible, and immaterial substance that is the ultimate constituent of reality.

[ˈmoʊnæd]

monarch

n

A king or queen who rules a country or territory, usually by hereditary right.

[ˈmɑːnərk]

monarchic

adj

relating to or characteristic of a monarch or monarchy

[məˈnɑːrkɪk]

monarchical

adj

Relating to or characteristic of a monarch or monarchy.

[məˈnɑːrkɪkl]

monarchist

n

A person who believes that a country should be ruled by a monarch, such as a king or queen, and who supports this system of government.

[ˈmɑːnərkɪst]

monarchy

n

a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king or queen

[ˈmɑːnərki]

monastery

n

a building or buildings where a community of monks lives and works.

[ˈmɑːnəsteri]

monastic

adj

Relating to monks, nuns, or others living under religious vows, or to monasteries.

[məˈnæstɪk]

monasticism

n

The way of life followed by monks and nuns, typically involving living apart from society, obedience to religious rules, and dedicating oneself to prayer and work.

[məˈnæstɪsɪzəm]

monday

n

The day of the week after Sunday and before Tuesday, considered the first day of the working week in many cultures.

[ˈmʌndeɪ]

monetarily

adv

in a way that relates to money or currency

[ˈmɑːnɪterəli]

monetarism

n

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of governments in controlling the amount of money in circulation as the primary method of stabilizing the economy.

[ˈmɑːnɪtərɪzəm]

monetarist

n

an economist who believes that changes in the money supply are the most important factors in economic performance and inflation.

[ˈmɑːnɪtərɪst]

monetary

adj

Relating to money or currency.

[ˈmɑːnɪteri]

monetization

n

The process of earning revenue from an asset, product, or service.

[ˌmɑː.nə.təˈzeɪ.ʃən]

monetize

v

to earn money from something, especially a business or an asset.

[ˈmɑːnɪtaɪz]

money

n

The coins or notes that are used to buy things, or the amount of these that a person or organization has.

[ˈmʌni]

money-changer

n

a person whose business is exchanging one currency for another, especially in a historical or foreign setting.

[ˈmʌniˌtʃeɪndʒər]

money-driven

adj

Motivated primarily by the desire to make money.

[ˈmʌni ˌdrɪvn̩]

money-grubbing

adj

Excessively concerned with acquiring money; greedy for money.

[ˈmʌni ˌɡrʌbɪŋ]

money-hungry

adj

Excessively eager to acquire money; avaricious or greedy for wealth.

[ˈmʌni ˌhʌŋɡri]

money-laundering

n

The process of concealing the origin of money obtained illegally by passing it through a complex sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions.

[ˈmʌni ˌlɑːndərɪŋ]

money-losing

adj

Describing a business, project, or activity that is operating at a financial loss; not profitable.

[ˈmʌni luːzɪŋ]

money-making

adj

Designed or intended to earn a lot of money; profitable.

[ˈmʌniˌmeɪkɪŋ]
English Words Starting with M – Page 18 | OpenEtymology