Alphabetical word directory
English words starting with S
Showing words 4,441–4,560 of 6,394. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.
squishy
adjSoft and moist, yielding easily to pressure.
sshh
interjA sound used to urge or request silence.
stab
vTo push a sharp object, especially a knife, into someone or something
stabbed
vTo push a sharp or pointed object, especially a knife, into someone or something.
stabbing
adj(of a pain or sensation) sharp and sudden
stabilise
vto become or make something firm, steady, or unlikely to change
stability
nThe quality or state of being steady and not changing or being disturbed easily.
stabilization
nthe process of making something physically stable or steady, so that it is not likely to fall or change.
stabilize
vto become or make something firm, steady, or unlikely to change
stabilized
adjmade stable, firm, or steadfast; not likely to change or fail.
stabilizer
na device or substance that is used to keep something steady or stable, or to prevent it from changing.
stabilizing
vmaking something physically stable or steady, preventing it from moving, falling, or changing.
stable
adjnot likely to change, fail, or end
stableboy
nA boy or young man who works in a stable, taking care of horses.
stableman
nA man who works in a stable, especially one who takes care of horses.
stablemate
nA horse from the same stable as another, especially one owned or trained by the same person.
stably
advin a steady, firm, or secure manner; without wavering or falling.
staccato
adj(of music) played with each note short, separate, and distinct
stack
nA neat pile of things, typically arranged one on top of another.
stacked
adjarranged in a stack or stacks
stacker
nA person or machine that arranges things in a stack or piles.
stadia
nPlural of stadium; a large, typically open structure for sports events with tiered seating for spectators.
stadium
na large structure for open-air sports or entertainments, consisting of a field surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators.
staff
nThe group of people who work for an organization
staffer
nA member of a staff, especially of a newspaper or a political organization.
staffing
nThe process of providing workers for an organization or for a particular purpose.
stag
nAn adult male deer, especially a male red deer.
stage
nA single step or distinct period in a process of development or series of events.
stage-like
adjHaving the appearance or qualities of a stage, especially in being artificial, theatrical, or exaggerated.
stage-managed
adjCarefully arranged or controlled to create a particular public impression, often in a way that seems artificial or deceptive.
stagecoach
na large carriage pulled by horses that was used in the past to carry passengers and goods along a regular route.
stagecraft
nThe technical aspects of theatrical production, including scenery, lighting, sound, and costume design.
staged
adjArranged or performed for a particular effect or to create an impression, rather than happening naturally or spontaneously.
stagehand
nA person who moves scenery or props and does other manual work backstage in a theater.
stagey
adjHaving an exaggerated or theatrical manner, not natural or sincere; characteristic of stage acting.
stagflation
nan economic situation in which there is high inflation combined with low growth and high unemployment.
stagger
vTo walk or move unsteadily, as if you are about to fall.
staggered
adjArranged in a way that things are not in line or not happening at the same time
staggering
adjso great, shocking, or surprising that it is difficult to believe
staggeringly
advto an extremely surprising or shocking degree
staghorn
nThe horn of a stag, used as a material for making handles, ornaments, etc.
staging
nthe activity or process of organizing and presenting a play or other performance.
stagnant
adj(of water or air) not moving or flowing and often having an unpleasant smell as a result.
stagnate
vto stop developing, progressing, or being active
stagnating
v(of water or air) to stop flowing or moving and become stale or foul
stagnation
na situation in which there is no growth, development, or activity
stagy
adjHaving a theatrical quality or manner; exaggerated, artificial, or melodramatic in a way that is typical of stage acting.
staid
adjserious, dull, and old-fashioned in behavior or appearance
stain
vto leave a mark that is difficult to remove on something
stain-resistant
adj(of a fabric or surface) treated so as to be less likely to be marked by stains.
stained
adjMarked or discolored with a substance that is not easily removed.
stained-glass
adjMade of or decorated with glass that has been coloured, especially by having pigments baked onto it or by fusing coloured metallic oxides into it.
staining
nThe process of applying a dye or similar substance to a material or tissue to color it for identification or examination.
stainless
adj(of a metal) not liable to stain or rust, especially as a result of containing chromium.
stainless-steel
nA type of steel alloy containing chromium, which makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion.
stair
nA step in a series of steps forming a flight of stairs.
stair-step
adjResembling or having the shape of a series of steps; characterized by a series of abrupt, step-like changes or levels.
staircase
na set of stairs and its surrounding structure inside a building.
stairs
nA set of steps built for going from one level of a building to another.
stairway
na set of stairs inside a building, often with a handrail, connecting one floor to another
stairwell
na vertical shaft in a building containing a staircase.
stake
na 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.
stakeholder
na person or group with a direct interest or involvement in an organization, project, or system, such as an employee, customer, or citizen.
stakeout
nA period of secret surveillance of a building or an area by police in order to observe someone's activities.
stalactite
na 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.
stalagmite
na mound or tapering column rising from the floor of a cave, formed of calcium salts deposited by dripping water.
stale
adj(of food) no longer fresh and pleasant to eat; hard, dry, or unappetizing
stalemate
nA 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.
stalemated
adjin a situation in which further action or progress by opposing sides seems impossible; deadlocked.
staleness
nthe state of being no longer fresh, new, or interesting
stalinism
nthe 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.
Stalinist
adjRelating 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.
stalk
vTo follow a person or animal in a secret and often threatening way
stalker
nA person who follows and watches another person over a long period of time in a way that is annoying or frightening.
stalking
nThe crime of illegally following and watching someone over a period of time, causing them fear or distress.
stall
nA small, open-fronted compartment for selling goods in a market or for displaying items in an exhibition.
stalled
verb (past tense, past participle)Stopped making progress or stopped moving
stalling
v(present participle) Delaying or avoiding taking action or making a decision.
stallion
nan adult male horse, especially one kept for breeding.
stalwart
adjLoyal, reliable, and hard-working
stamen
nThe male fertilizing organ of a flower, typically consisting of a pollen-containing anther and a filament.
stamina
nThe physical or mental energy and strength that allows you to do something for a long time
stammer
vTo speak with sudden involuntary pauses and repetitions of sounds or syllables.
stammering
nthe action or habit of speaking with involuntary pauses or repetitions of sounds
stamp
vto bring (your foot) down heavily and noisily on the ground
stamped
vTo bring down (one's foot) heavily on the ground or an object.
stampede
na sudden, panicked rush of a number of horses, cattle, or other animals.
stampeding
v(of large animals or a crowd of people) to run in a sudden, uncontrolled, and often panicked way
stamping
nThe act or process of bringing the foot down heavily, or walking with heavy, noisy steps.
stance
nThe way in which someone stands, especially when playing a sport or preparing to do something
stanch
vTo stop the flow of something, especially blood from a wound.
stanchion
nAn upright bar, post, or frame forming a support or barrier.
stand
vTo be in an upright position on your feet
stand-alone
adjcomplete and able to operate independently, not connected to or requiring another system or part.
stand-down
nA temporary cessation of hostilities or a state of alert.
stand-in
nA person who temporarily takes the place of another person, especially in a film or play.
stand-up
adj(of comedy or a comedian) performed or performing by standing alone on a stage and telling jokes
standard
nA level of quality or attainment that is considered acceptable or desirable
standard-bearer
nA person who carries a flag or banner, especially in a military or ceremonial context.
standard-definition
adjRelating to or being a television or video system that has a lower screen resolution than high-definition systems.
standard-issue
adjIssued in a standard form or type; typical, ordinary, or uniform.
standard-setting
adjEstablishing a level of quality, achievement, or norm that is widely recognized or used as a benchmark.
standard-size
adjHaving the usual or commonly accepted dimensions; not unusually large or small.
standard-sized
adjHaving the usual or commonly accepted dimensions; not unusually large or small.
standardisation
nthe process of making things of the same type all have the same basic features and level of quality
standardise
vTo cause something to conform to a standard.
standardised
adjMade to conform to a fixed standard, specification, or system.
standardization
nThe 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.
standardize
vto cause something to conform to a standard.
standardized
adjmade to conform to a fixed standard or specification.
standards-based
adjdesigned or assessed according to a specific set of established criteria or benchmarks.
standby
na state of readiness for immediate action or use
standee
nA person who stands, especially because all seats are occupied.
stander
nA person who stands, especially one who is standing rather than sitting or participating in an activity.
standing
nThe position, status, or reputation that someone or something has in the eyes of others.
standing-room
nspace for people to stand in a theater, stadium, or other crowded place, especially when all the seats are taken
standing-room-only
adjused 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
standoff
na situation in which neither side in a fight or battle can gain an advantage
standout
na person or thing that is clearly much better than the others in a group
standpipe
nA 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.