Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with M

Showing words 2,4012,520 of 2,958. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

most-favored

adj

(of a nation) granted the most advantageous trade terms by another nation

[ˌmoʊst ˈfeɪvərd]

most-favored-nation

adj

Relating to or denoting a country granted the most favorable trading terms available by another country.

[ˌmoʊstˌfeɪvərdˈneɪʃn]

most-important

adj

Of the greatest significance or highest priority.

[ˌmoʊst ɪmˈpɔːrtnt]

most-popular

adj

Having the greatest appeal or acceptance among the general public; liked, admired, or enjoyed by more people than any other.

[ˈmoʊst ˈpɑːpjələr]

most-used

adj

used more than any other; most frequently or commonly used.

[ˈmoʊst ˈjuzd]

most-visited

adj

Receiving the highest number of visits or visitors.

[ˈmoʊst ˈvɪzɪtɪd]

most-wanted

adj

Being the most urgently sought by the authorities, especially the police.

[ˌmoʊst ˈwɑːntɪd]

most-watched

adj

having the highest number of viewers or audience members among a group.

[ˈmoʊst ˈwɑːtʃt]

mostly

adv

For the most part; mainly.

[ˈmoʊstli]

mot

n

A short, witty, or pithy remark.

[mɑːt]

mote

n

A tiny piece of a substance, such as dust or dirt.

[moʊt]

motel

n

A hotel for motorists, typically having rooms arranged in low blocks with parking directly outside.

[moʊˈtel]

motet

n

A short piece of sacred choral music, typically polyphonic and unaccompanied.

[moʊˈtet]

moth

n

a usually nocturnal insect with a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae, related to the butterfly but typically resting with its wings spread flat.

[mɔːθ]

moth-eaten

adj

damaged or destroyed by moths, especially referring to fabric

[ˈmɔːθ iːtn]

mothball

n

a small ball made of a strong-smelling chemical, used for keeping moths away from clothes in storage.

[ˈmɔːθbɔːl]

mothballed

adj

stored away and not in use

[ˈmɔːθbɔːld]

mother

n

A female parent

[ˈmʌðər]

mother-adolescent

adj

Relating to or involving the relationship between a mother and her adolescent child.

[ˈmʌðər ˌædəˈlɛsnt]

mother-child

adj

Relating to or involving a mother and her child.

[ˈmʌðɚʧaɪld]

mother-daughter

adj

Relating to or involving a mother and her daughter.

[ˈmʌðərˌdɔːtər]

mother-father

n

A parent who fulfills both maternal and paternal roles, typically a single parent or a parent who takes on the responsibilities traditionally associated with both mother and father.

[ˈmʌðərˌfɑːðər]

mother-in-law

n

the mother of your husband or wife

[ˈmʌðər ɪn lɔː]

mother-infant

adj

Relating to or involving both a mother and her baby or very young child.

[ˈmʌðər ˈɪnfənt]

mother-of-pearl

n

a hard, shiny, iridescent substance that forms the inner layer of the shells of some mollusks, such as oysters and abalones, and is used in making decorative objects and jewelry.

[ˌmʌðər əv ˈpɜːrl]

mother-only

adj

Relating to or involving only a mother, especially as the sole parent or caregiver.

[ˈmʌðər ˌoʊnli]

mother-son

adj

Of, relating to, or involving a mother and her son.

[ˈmʌðər sʌn]

mother-to-be

n

A woman who is pregnant, especially for the first time.

[ˈmʌðər tə biː]

mother-to-child

adj

Relating to or involving transmission from a mother to her offspring, especially during pregnancy or childbirth.

[ˈmʌðər tə tʃaɪld]

motherboard

n

The main printed circuit board in a computer, which holds the central processing unit and other essential components and provides connectors for other circuit boards.

[ˈmʌðərbɔːrd]

motherfucker

n

A highly offensive and vulgar term for a contemptible or very unpleasant person.

[ˈmʌðərˌfʌkər]

motherfucking

adj

Used as an intensifier, typically expressing anger, annoyance, or emphasis, and considered vulgar and offensive.

[ˈmʌðərˌfʌkɪŋ]

motherhood

n

The state or experience of being a mother.

[ˈmʌðɚhʊd]

motherland

n

The country where a person was born or which they feel a strong emotional connection to, often seen as the origin of their family or culture.

[ˈmʌðərlænd]

motherless

adj

Having no mother because she has died or is absent.

[ˈmʌðərləs]

motherly

adj

typical of a kind, caring, and protective mother

[ˈmʌðərli]

mothership

n

A large spacecraft or vessel from which smaller craft are launched or controlled.

[ˈmʌðərʃɪp]

motif

n

a design or pattern used as a decorative element, especially one that is repeated.

[moʊˈtiːf]

motile

adj

(of cells, microorganisms, or their parts) capable of motion.

[ˈmoʊtl]

motility

n

The ability to move or be moved spontaneously and independently.

[moʊˈtɪlɪti]

motion

n

The action or process of moving or being moved.

[ˈmoʊʃn]

motion-picture

n

A story or event recorded by a camera as a set of moving images and shown in a cinema or on television; a film.

[ˈmoʊʃən ˌpɪktʃər]

motionless

adj

not moving; completely still

[ˈmoʊʃnləs]

motionlessly

adv

without moving; in a completely still manner.

[ˈmoʊʃənləsli]

motivate

v

to cause (someone) to have a reason or desire to do something

[ˈmoʊtɪveɪt]

motivated

adj

very enthusiastic or determined because you really want to do something

[ˈmoʊtɪveɪtɪd]

motivating

adj

Providing a reason or incentive to act in a particular way; inspiring interest or enthusiasm.

[ˈmoʊtɪveɪtɪŋ]

motivation

n

The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

[ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃn]

motivational

adj

Providing or intended to provide motivation; inspiring enthusiasm or interest.

[ˌmoʊtɪˈveɪʃənl]

motivator

n

a person or thing that makes someone want to do something, especially something difficult

[ˈmoʊtɪveɪtər]

motive

n

a reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious

[ˈmoʊtɪv]

motivic

adj

Relating to or consisting of a motif or motifs, especially in music, literature, or art.

[moʊˈtɪvɪk]

motley

adj

consisting of many different types, people, or things that do not seem to belong together

[ˈmɑːtli]

motocross

n

a sport in which riders race on motorcycles over a rough course with steep hills and sharp turns.

[ˈmoʊtəʊkrɔːs]

motor

n

A machine that uses electricity, fuel, etc. to produce movement and makes a vehicle, tool, or piece of equipment work.

[ˈmoʊtər]

motor-driven

adj

Operated or powered by a motor.

[ˈmoʊt̬ɚ ˌdrɪvn]

motor-vehicle

n

A road vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor, such as a car, truck, or bus.

[ˈmoʊt̬ɚ ˌviːɪkl̩]

motorbike

n

a road vehicle with two wheels, powered by an engine, and ridden by a person who sits astride it.

[ˈmoʊtərbaɪk]

motorboat

n

A small, fast boat that is powered by a motor.

[ˈmoʊtərboʊt]

motorcade

n

A procession of motor vehicles, especially one carrying an important person or people.

[ˈmoʊtərkeɪd]

motorcar

n

A road vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, typically with four wheels; an automobile or car.

[ˈmoʊtərkɑːr]

motorcoach

n

a large, comfortable bus used for long-distance travel or touring.

[ˈmoʊtərkoʊtʃ]

motorcycle

n

a road vehicle with two wheels, powered by an engine, and ridden by a person who sits astride it.

[ˈmoʊtərsaɪkl̩]

motorcycling

n

The sport or activity of riding a motorcycle.

[ˈmoʊtərˌsaɪklɪŋ]

motorcyclist

n

a person who rides a motorcycle.

[ˈmoʊtərˌsaɪklɪst]

motorhome

n

A large vehicle that is both a motor vehicle and a home, equipped with living accommodations.

[ˈmoʊt̬ɚhoʊm]

motoric

adj

relating to or involving motor activity or the control of movement.

[moʊˈtɔːrɪk]

motoring

n

The activity of driving a car, especially for pleasure.

[ˈmoʊtərɪŋ]

motorist

n

A person who drives a car.

[ˈmoʊtərɪst]

motorized

adj

equipped with a motor to provide power.

[ˈmoʊtəraɪzd]

motorman

n

a person who operates or drives a motor vehicle, especially the driver of a train or subway car.

[ˈmoʊtərmən]

motormouth

n

a person who talks incessantly and often loudly or indiscreetly

[ˈmoʊtərmaʊθ]

motorsport

n

the sport of racing or competing in motor vehicles, especially cars or motorcycles.

[ˈmoʊtərspɔːrt]

motorway

n

A wide road in the UK and some other countries, designed for fast travel over long distances and on which vehicles can only join or leave at special junctions.

[ˈmoʊtərweɪ]

mottle

v

To mark with spots or blotches of different colors or shades.

[ˈmɑːt(ə)l]

mottled

adj

marked with spots or smears of color

[ˈmɑːtld]

mottling

n

the process or result of becoming marked with spots or patches of different colors.

[ˈmɑː.t̬lɪŋ]

motto

n

a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule for sensible behavior, or a person's or organization's beliefs and aims

[ˈmɑːtoʊ]

moue

n

a pouting expression used to show annoyance or to be coquettish.

[muː]

mould

n

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

[moʊld]

moulding

n

A strip of material, often wood or plaster, with a shaped outline used for decoration along the top of a wall or around a door or window.

[ˈmoʊldɪŋ]

mouldy

adj

Covered with or smelling of mould (a fungus that grows on old food or damp surfaces).

[ˈmoʊldi]

mound

n

A small hill or a pile of earth, stones, or other material.

[maʊnd]

mounded

adj

formed into or shaped like a mound; having mounds.

[ˈmaʊndɪd]

mounding

n

The action or process of forming or piling something into a mound.

[ˈmaʊndɪŋ]

mount

v

To go up or climb something.

[maʊnt]

mountain

n

A very high hill, often with steep sides and a pointed or rounded top

[ˈmaʊnt(ə)n]

mountain-bike

n

A sturdy bicycle with wide tires and multiple gears, designed for riding on rough terrain such as mountains or trails.

[ˈmaʊn.tən ˌbaɪk]

mountain-biking

n

The sport or activity of riding a bicycle, especially a mountain bike, over rough terrain such as hills or in the countryside.

[ˈmaʊn.tən ˌbaɪ.kɪŋ]

mountain-climbing

n

The sport or activity of climbing mountains.

[ˈmaʊntn̩ ˌklaɪmɪŋ]

mountaineer

n

a person who climbs mountains, especially as a sport or hobby.

[ˌmaʊn.tənˈɪr]

mountaineering

n

The sport or activity of climbing mountains.

[ˌmaʊn.tənˈɪr.ɪŋ]

mountainous

adj

having many mountains

[ˈmaʊntənəs]

mountainside

n

The side or slope of a mountain.

[ˈmaʊn.tən.saɪd]

mountaintop

n

The highest point or summit of a mountain.

[ˈmaʊntəntɑːp]

mountebank

n

a person who deceives others, especially in order to trick them out of their money; a charlatan.

[ˈmaʊntəbæŋk]

mounted

adj

Being on or attached to a support, base, or animal.

[ˈmaʊntɪd]

mounting

adj

increasing in amount, level, or intensity

[ˈmaʊntɪŋ]

mourn

v

to feel and show sadness because somebody has died

[mɔːrn]

mourner

n

A person who attends a funeral, especially a relative or friend of the dead person.

[ˈmɔːrnər]

mournful

adj

Feeling, expressing, or inducing sadness, grief, or sorrow.

[ˈmɔːrnfl]

mournfully

adv

in a way that expresses sadness or grief

[ˈmɔːrnfəli]

mourning

n

The feeling of being sad that you have and show because somebody has died.

[ˈmɔːrnɪŋ]

mouse

n

A small rodent with a pointed snout, small rounded ears, and a long, nearly hairless tail

[maʊs]

mouse-like

adj

Resembling or characteristic of a mouse, especially in being small, quiet, or timid.

[ˈmaʊsˌlaɪk]

mousetrap

n

A device for catching and usually killing mice.

[ˈmaʊsˌtræp]

moussaka

n

a baked dish of minced meat, aubergine (eggplant), and tomatoes, often topped with a cheese or béchamel sauce, originating in the eastern mediterranean.

[muːˈsɑːkə]

mousse

n

a light, creamy dessert made by mixing a flavored substance with cream and egg whites and then chilling it

[muːs]

moustache

n

a strip of hair left to grow above a man's upper lip.

[ˈmʌs.tæʃ]

mousy

adj

(of hair) of a dull, light brown colour

[ˈmaʊsi]

mouth

n

the opening in the face used for speaking, eating, and breathing.

[maʊθ]

mouth-to-mouth

adj

involving contact between the mouth of a rescuer and that of an unconscious person to force air into the lungs

[ˌmaʊθ tə ˈmaʊθ]

mouth-watering

adj

(of food or drink) having a very appetizing smell or appearance, making you want to eat or drink it immediately.

[ˈmaʊθˌwɑːtərɪŋ]

mouthful

n

An amount of food or drink that fills your mouth, or that you put into your mouth at one time.

[ˈmaʊθˌfʊl]

mouthing

n

The act of forming words with the lips silently or without producing sound.

[ˈmaʊðɪŋ]

mouthpart

n

Any of the appendages surrounding the mouth of an insect or other arthropod, used for feeding and handling food.

[ˈmaʊθpɑːrt]

mouthpiece

n

The part of a musical instrument, telephone, or other device that is placed in or near the mouth.

[ˈmaʊθpiːs]

mouthwash

n

a liquid used for rinsing the mouth and freshening the breath, often having antiseptic properties.

[ˈmaʊθwɑːʃ]

mouthy

adj

tending to talk a lot, especially in a rude or insolent way.

[ˈmaʊði]

mouton

n

The dressed skin of a sheep, processed to resemble beaver or seal fur.

[ˈmuːtɑːn]
English Words Starting with M – Page 21 | OpenEtymology