Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with S

Showing words 4,4414,560 of 6,394. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

squishy

adj

Soft and moist, yielding easily to pressure.

[ˈskwɪʃi]

sshh

interj

A sound used to urge or request silence.

[ʃː]

stab

v

To push a sharp object, especially a knife, into someone or something

[stæb]

stabbed

v

To push a sharp or pointed object, especially a knife, into someone or something.

[stæbd]

stabbing

adj

(of a pain or sensation) sharp and sudden

[ˈstæbɪŋ]

stabilise

v

to become or make something firm, steady, or unlikely to change

[ˈsteɪ.bə.laɪz]

stability

n

The quality or state of being steady and not changing or being disturbed easily.

[stəˈbɪləti]

stabilization

n

the process of making something physically stable or steady, so that it is not likely to fall or change.

[ˌsteɪ.bə.ləˈzeɪ.ʃən]

stabilize

v

to become or make something firm, steady, or unlikely to change

[ˈsteɪ.bə.laɪz]

stabilized

adj

made stable, firm, or steadfast; not likely to change or fail.

[ˈsteɪbəlaɪzd]

stabilizer

n

a device or substance that is used to keep something steady or stable, or to prevent it from changing.

[ˈsteɪ.bə.laɪ.zər]

stabilizing

v

making something physically stable or steady, preventing it from moving, falling, or changing.

[ˈsteɪ.bə.laɪ.zɪŋ]

stable

adj

not likely to change, fail, or end

[ˈsteɪbəl]

stableboy

n

A boy or young man who works in a stable, taking care of horses.

[ˈsteɪb(ə)lˌbɔɪ]

stableman

n

A man who works in a stable, especially one who takes care of horses.

[ˈsteɪbəlmən]

stablemate

n

A horse from the same stable as another, especially one owned or trained by the same person.

[ˈsteɪbəlmeɪt]

stably

adv

in a steady, firm, or secure manner; without wavering or falling.

[ˈsteɪbli]

staccato

adj

(of music) played with each note short, separate, and distinct

[stəˈkɑːtoʊ]

stack

n

A neat pile of things, typically arranged one on top of another.

[stæk]

stacked

adj

arranged in a stack or stacks

[stækt]

stacker

n

A person or machine that arranges things in a stack or piles.

[ˈstækər]

stadia

n

Plural of stadium; a large, typically open structure for sports events with tiered seating for spectators.

[ˈsteɪdiə]

stadium

n

a large structure for open-air sports or entertainments, consisting of a field surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators.

[ˈsteɪdiəm]

staff

n

The group of people who work for an organization

[stæf]

staffer

n

A member of a staff, especially of a newspaper or a political organization.

[ˈstæfər]

staffing

n

The process of providing workers for an organization or for a particular purpose.

[ˈstæfɪŋ]

stag

n

An adult male deer, especially a male red deer.

[stæɡ]

stage

n

A single step or distinct period in a process of development or series of events.

[steɪdʒ]

stage-like

adj

Having the appearance or qualities of a stage, especially in being artificial, theatrical, or exaggerated.

[ˈsteɪdʒˌlaɪk]

stage-managed

adj

Carefully arranged or controlled to create a particular public impression, often in a way that seems artificial or deceptive.

[ˌsteɪdʒˈmænɪdʒd]

stagecoach

n

a large carriage pulled by horses that was used in the past to carry passengers and goods along a regular route.

[ˈsteɪdʒkoʊtʃ]

stagecraft

n

The technical aspects of theatrical production, including scenery, lighting, sound, and costume design.

[ˈsteɪdʒkræft]

staged

adj

Arranged or performed for a particular effect or to create an impression, rather than happening naturally or spontaneously.

[steɪdʒd]

stagehand

n

A person who moves scenery or props and does other manual work backstage in a theater.

[ˈsteɪdʒhænd]

stagey

adj

Having an exaggerated or theatrical manner, not natural or sincere; characteristic of stage acting.

[ˈsteɪdʒi]

stagflation

n

an economic situation in which there is high inflation combined with low growth and high unemployment.

[stæɡˈfleɪʃn]

stagger

v

To walk or move unsteadily, as if you are about to fall.

[ˈstaɡər]

staggered

adj

Arranged in a way that things are not in line or not happening at the same time

[ˈstæɡərd]

staggering

adj

so great, shocking, or surprising that it is difficult to believe

[ˈstæɡərɪŋ]

staggeringly

adv

to an extremely surprising or shocking degree

[ˈstæɡərɪŋli]

staghorn

n

The horn of a stag, used as a material for making handles, ornaments, etc.

[ˈstæɡhɔːrn]

staging

n

the activity or process of organizing and presenting a play or other performance.

[ˈsteɪdʒɪŋ]

stagnant

adj

(of water or air) not moving or flowing and often having an unpleasant smell as a result.

[ˈstæɡnənt]

stagnate

v

to stop developing, progressing, or being active

[ˈstæɡˌneɪt]

stagnating

v

(of water or air) to stop flowing or moving and become stale or foul

[ˈstæɡˌneɪtɪŋ]

stagnation

n

a situation in which there is no growth, development, or activity

[stæɡˈneɪʃn]

stagy

adj

Having a theatrical quality or manner; exaggerated, artificial, or melodramatic in a way that is typical of stage acting.

[ˈsteɪdʒi]

staid

adj

serious, dull, and old-fashioned in behavior or appearance

[steɪd]

stain

v

to leave a mark that is difficult to remove on something

[steɪn]

stain-resistant

adj

(of a fabric or surface) treated so as to be less likely to be marked by stains.

[ˌsteɪn rɪˈzɪstənt]

stained

adj

Marked or discolored with a substance that is not easily removed.

[steɪnd]

stained-glass

adj

Made of or decorated with glass that has been coloured, especially by having pigments baked onto it or by fusing coloured metallic oxides into it.

[ˌsteɪnd ˈɡlæs]

staining

n

The process of applying a dye or similar substance to a material or tissue to color it for identification or examination.

[ˈsteɪnɪŋ]

stainless

adj

(of a metal) not liable to stain or rust, especially as a result of containing chromium.

[ˈsteɪnləs]

stainless-steel

n

A type of steel alloy containing chromium, which makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion.

[ˈsteɪnləs stil]

stair

n

A step in a series of steps forming a flight of stairs.

[ster]

stair-step

adj

Resembling or having the shape of a series of steps; characterized by a series of abrupt, step-like changes or levels.

[ˈster.step]

staircase

n

a set of stairs and its surrounding structure inside a building.

[ˈsterkeɪs]

stairs

n

A set of steps built for going from one level of a building to another.

[sterz]

stairway

n

a set of stairs inside a building, often with a handrail, connecting one floor to another

[ˈsterweɪ]

stairwell

n

a vertical shaft in a building containing a staircase.

[ˈsterwel]

stake

n

a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end, driven into the ground to support a plant, form part of a fence, mark a boundary, etc.

[steɪk]

stakeholder

n

a person or group with a direct interest or involvement in an organization, project, or system, such as an employee, customer, or citizen.

[ˈsteɪkˌhoʊl.dɚ]

stakeout

n

A period of secret surveillance of a building or an area by police in order to observe someone's activities.

[ˈsteɪkaʊt]

stalactite

n

a long, pointed piece of rock hanging down from the roof of a cave, formed over a long period of time by drops of water containing minerals that build up.

[stəˈlækˌtaɪt]

stalagmite

n

a mound or tapering column rising from the floor of a cave, formed of calcium salts deposited by dripping water.

[stəˈlæɡˌmaɪt]

stale

adj

(of food) no longer fresh and pleasant to eat; hard, dry, or unappetizing

[steɪl]

stalemate

n

A situation in a game of chess in which a player cannot make any move which is allowed by the rules, so that the game ends without a winner.

[ˈsteɪlmeɪt]

stalemated

adj

in a situation in which further action or progress by opposing sides seems impossible; deadlocked.

[ˈsteɪlˌmeɪtɪd]

staleness

n

the state of being no longer fresh, new, or interesting

[ˈsteɪlnəs]

stalinism

n

the political and economic policies and theories associated with joseph stalin, characterized by totalitarian state control, a centralized command economy, rapid industrialization, and the suppression of political opposition.

[ˈstɑːlɪnɪzəm]

Stalinist

adj

Relating to, characteristic of, or supporting the policies, theories, or practices of Joseph Stalin, especially the centralization of state control, rapid industrialization, and the suppression of opposition.

[ˈstɑːlɪnɪst]

stalk

v

To follow a person or animal in a secret and often threatening way

[stɔːk]

stalker

n

A person who follows and watches another person over a long period of time in a way that is annoying or frightening.

[ˈstɔːkər]

stalking

n

The crime of illegally following and watching someone over a period of time, causing them fear or distress.

[ˈstɔːkɪŋ]

stall

n

A small, open-fronted compartment for selling goods in a market or for displaying items in an exhibition.

[stɔːl]

stalled

verb (past tense, past participle)

Stopped making progress or stopped moving

[stɔːld]

stalling

v

(present participle) Delaying or avoiding taking action or making a decision.

[ˈstɑːlɪŋ]

stallion

n

an adult male horse, especially one kept for breeding.

[ˈstæljən]

stalwart

adj

Loyal, reliable, and hard-working

[ˈstɔːlwərt]

stamen

n

The male fertilizing organ of a flower, typically consisting of a pollen-containing anther and a filament.

[ˈsteɪmən]

stamina

n

The physical or mental energy and strength that allows you to do something for a long time

[ˈstæmənə]

stammer

v

To speak with sudden involuntary pauses and repetitions of sounds or syllables.

[ˈstæmər]

stammering

n

the action or habit of speaking with involuntary pauses or repetitions of sounds

[ˈstæmərɪŋ]

stamp

v

to bring (your foot) down heavily and noisily on the ground

[stæmp]

stamped

v

To bring down (one's foot) heavily on the ground or an object.

[stæmpt]

stampede

n

a sudden, panicked rush of a number of horses, cattle, or other animals.

[stæmˈpiːd]

stampeding

v

(of large animals or a crowd of people) to run in a sudden, uncontrolled, and often panicked way

[stæmˈpiːdɪŋ]

stamping

n

The act or process of bringing the foot down heavily, or walking with heavy, noisy steps.

[ˈstæmpɪŋ]

stance

n

The way in which someone stands, especially when playing a sport or preparing to do something

[stæns]

stanch

v

To stop the flow of something, especially blood from a wound.

[stæntʃ]

stanchion

n

An upright bar, post, or frame forming a support or barrier.

[ˈstæntʃən]

stand

v

To be in an upright position on your feet

[stænd]

stand-alone

adj

complete and able to operate independently, not connected to or requiring another system or part.

[ˈstænd əˌloʊn]

stand-down

n

A temporary cessation of hostilities or a state of alert.

[ˈstænd daʊn]

stand-in

n

A person who temporarily takes the place of another person, especially in a film or play.

[ˈstænd ɪn]

stand-up

adj

(of comedy or a comedian) performed or performing by standing alone on a stage and telling jokes

[ˈstænd ʌp]

standard

n

A level of quality or attainment that is considered acceptable or desirable

[ˈstændərd]

standard-bearer

n

A person who carries a flag or banner, especially in a military or ceremonial context.

[ˈstændərd ˌberər]

standard-definition

adj

Relating to or being a television or video system that has a lower screen resolution than high-definition systems.

[ˈstændərd ˌdɛfəˈnɪʃən]

standard-issue

adj

Issued in a standard form or type; typical, ordinary, or uniform.

[ˈstændərd ˈɪʃuː]

standard-setting

adj

Establishing a level of quality, achievement, or norm that is widely recognized or used as a benchmark.

[ˈstændərd ˌsetɪŋ]

standard-size

adj

Having the usual or commonly accepted dimensions; not unusually large or small.

[ˈstændərd saɪz]

standard-sized

adj

Having the usual or commonly accepted dimensions; not unusually large or small.

[ˈstændərd ˌsaɪzd]

standardisation

n

the process of making things of the same type all have the same basic features and level of quality

[ˌstændərdəˈzeɪʃn]

standardise

v

To cause something to conform to a standard.

[ˈstændərdaɪz]

standardised

adj

Made to conform to a fixed standard, specification, or system.

[ˈstændərdaɪzd]

standardization

n

The process of making things of the same type have the same basic features and quality, so that they are consistent and can be used interchangeably.

[ˌstændərdəˈzeɪʃn]

standardize

v

to cause something to conform to a standard.

[ˈstændərdaɪz]

standardized

adj

made to conform to a fixed standard or specification.

[ˈstændərdaɪzd]

standards-based

adj

designed or assessed according to a specific set of established criteria or benchmarks.

[ˈstændərdz beɪst]

standby

n

a state of readiness for immediate action or use

[ˈstændbaɪ]

standee

n

A person who stands, especially because all seats are occupied.

[stanˈdiː]

stander

n

A person who stands, especially one who is standing rather than sitting or participating in an activity.

[ˈstændər]

standing

n

The position, status, or reputation that someone or something has in the eyes of others.

[ˈstændɪŋ]

standing-room

n

space for people to stand in a theater, stadium, or other crowded place, especially when all the seats are taken

[ˈstændɪŋ ruːm]

standing-room-only

adj

used to describe a performance or event for which all the seats are sold, so that people can only attend if they are willing to stand

[ˌstændɪŋ ruːm ˈoʊnli]

standoff

n

a situation in which neither side in a fight or battle can gain an advantage

[ˈstændˌɔf]

standout

n

a person or thing that is clearly much better than the others in a group

[ˈstænˌdaʊt]

standpipe

n

A vertical pipe that provides a supply of water, especially one connected to a main water system and used for firefighting or as a public water source.

[ˈstændpaɪp]
English Words Starting with S – Page 38 | OpenEtymology