Alphabetical word directory

English words starting with U

Showing words 1120 of 1,676. Choose a word to read its meaning, etymology and origin.

u-shape

n

a shape or pattern that resembles the letter 'U', especially one that curves downward and then upward

[ˈjuː ʃeɪp]

u-shaped

adj

having a shape like the letter 'u'

[ˈjuː ʃeɪpt]

U-turn

n

a turn of 180 degrees made by a vehicle to go back in the direction it came from

[ˈjuː tɜːrn]

ubiquinone

n

A compound that is an essential component of the electron transport chain in cellular respiration, found in all living cells.

[ˌjuːbɪˈkwɪnoʊn]

ubiquitous

adj

seeming to be everywhere or in several places at the same time; very common

[juːˈbɪkwɪtəs]

ubiquitously

adv

in a way that appears, exists, or is found everywhere.

[juːˈbɪkwɪtəsli]

ubiquity

n

The fact of appearing or being found everywhere.

[juːˈbɪk.wə.ti]

udder

n

The large bag-like organ of a cow, goat, or other female mammal, containing the mammary glands and producing milk.

[ˈʌdər]

udon

n

A type of thick, chewy Japanese noodle made from wheat flour.

[ˈuːdɑːn]

UFO

n

an object seen in the sky or landing on earth, which is thought by some people to be a spacecraft from another planet; an unidentified flying object

[ˌjuː.efˈoʊ]

ugandan

adj

Relating to Uganda, its people, or their culture.

[juˈɡændən]

ugh

interj

Used to express strong disgust, horror, or aversion.

[ʌɡ], [əɡ], [ʌx]

ugliness

n

The quality of being unpleasant or repulsive in appearance.

[ˈʌɡlinəs]

ugly

adj

unpleasant or repulsive to look at; not beautiful or attractive.

[ˈʌɡli]

uh

interj

Used to express hesitation or uncertainty.

[ʌ]

uh-huh

interj

used to indicate agreement, affirmation, or acknowledgment.

[ə ˈhʌ]

uh-oh

interj

used to express mild alarm, concern, or realization of a problem or mistake.

[ˈʌ oʊ]

uh-uh

interj

used to indicate a negative response or disagreement, meaning "no"

[ˈʌˌʌ]

ujamaa

n

A Swahili term for a form of cooperative economics and social organization based on familyhood and community self-reliance, promoted as a socialist policy in post-colonial Tanzania.

[ˌuːdʒəˈmɑː]

uke

n

A short, informal term for the ukulele, a small, four-stringed Hawaiian musical instrument resembling a small guitar.

[ˈjuːkeɪ]

ukelele

n

A small, four-stringed Hawaiian musical instrument resembling a guitar.

[ˌjuːkəˈleɪli]

Ukrainian

adj

Relating to Ukraine, its people, or their language.

[juːˈkreɪ.ni.ən]

ukranian

adj

Relating to Ukraine, its people, or their language.

[juːˈkreɪ.ni.ən]

ukulele

n

a small, four-stringed musical instrument of the guitar family, originating in hawaii.

[ˌjuːkəˈleɪli]

ulama

n

A body of Muslim scholars recognized as having specialist knowledge of Islamic sacred law and theology.

[ˈuːləmə]

ulcer

n

An open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, often forming pus and caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane that fails to heal.

[ˈʌlsər]

ulcerate

v

to become affected with an ulcer

[ˈʌlsəˌreɪt]

ulcerated

adj

affected with or characterized by an ulcer or ulcers.

[ˈʌlsəreɪtɪd]

ulceration

n

The process of forming an ulcer.

[ˌʌlsəˈreɪʃən]

ulcerative

adj

relating to, causing, or characterized by the formation of ulcers

[ˈʌlsəˌreɪtɪv]

ulna

n

the longer and thinner of the two bones in the human forearm, on the side opposite to the thumb.

[ˈʌlnə]

ulnar

adj

Relating to or affecting the ulna or the region of the forearm on the same side as this bone.

[ˈʌlnər]

ulterior

adj

existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden

[ʌlˈtɪr.i.ɚ]

ultima

n

the last syllable of a word

[ˈʌltɪmə]

ultimacy

n

the fact or condition of being ultimate; the final or most important stage or result.

[ˈʌl.tə.mə.si]

ultimate

adj

Being or happening at the end of a process; final.

[ˈʌltɪmət]

ultimately

adv

finally; after a series of events or a long process.

[ˈʌltɪmətli]

ultimatum

n

a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations.

[ˌʌl.təˈmeɪ.t̬əm]

ultra

adj

going beyond what is usual or ordinary; extreme

[ˈʌl.trə]

ultra-chic

adj

Extremely fashionable, elegant, or stylish.

[ˈʌltrə ˈʃiːk]

ultra-clean

adj

Extremely clean; free from contamination to a very high degree.

[ˈʌltrə kliːn]

ultra-competitive

adj

extremely competitive; involving or characterized by an intense desire to be more successful than others.

[ˌʌl.trə.kəmˈpet̬.ə.t̬ɪv]

ultra-efficient

adj

extremely efficient; achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.

[ˌʌl.trə.ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt]

ultra-high

adj

extremely high; exceeding a normal or standard high level

[ˌʌl.trəˈhaɪ]

ultra-liberal

adj

holding extremely liberal political or social views, especially beyond the mainstream.

[ˌʌl.trəˈlɪb.ɚ.əl]

ultra-low

adj

extremely low; lower than usual or normal

[ˌʌl.trəˈloʊ]

ultra-nationalist

adj

holding extreme nationalist views; characterized by extreme nationalism.

[ˌʌl.trəˈnæʃ.nəl.ɪst]

ultra-orthodox

adj

adhering to an extremely strict or fundamental interpretation of religious doctrine or practice, especially in judaism.

[ˌʌl.trəˈɔːr.θə.dɑːks]

ultra-sensitive

adj

extremely sensitive; reacting very strongly or quickly to small changes or stimuli.

[ˌʌl.trəˈsen.sə.t̬ɪv]

ultra-thin

adj

extremely thin; having a very small thickness.

[ˈʌltrə θɪn]

ultra-violent

adj

Extremely or excessively violent; characterized by extreme physical force or intensity.

[ˌʌl.trəˈvaɪə.lənt]

ultraconservative

adj

extremely conservative in politics, religion, or social attitudes; opposing any form of change or innovation.

[ˌʌl.trə.kənˈsɝː.və.t̬ɪv]

ultralight

adj

extremely light in weight

[ˈʌl.trə.laɪt]

ultramarine

adj

of a brilliant deep blue color

[ˌʌl.trə.məˈriːn]

ultramodern

adj

extremely modern; using the most recent ideas, designs, or materials

[ˌʌl.trəˈmɑː.dɚn]

ultramundane

adj

Lying beyond or outside the known physical world; supernatural or celestial.

[ˌʌltrəˈmʌndeɪn]

ultraorthodox

adj

Adhering to an extremely strict or fundamental interpretation of religious doctrine or principles, especially in Judaism.

[ˌʌltrəˈɔːrθədɑːks]

ultraportable

adj

extremely light and compact, and therefore easy to carry or move.

[ˌʌltrəˈpɔːrtəbl̩]

ultrasonic

adj

relating to sound waves with a frequency above the upper limit of human hearing.

[ˌʌl.trəˈsɑː.nɪk]

ultrasonography

n

a medical technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures inside the body.

[ˌʌl.trə.səˈnɑː.ɡrə.fi]

ultrasound

n

sound or other vibrations having an ultrasonic frequency, used in medical imaging and other diagnostic techniques.

[ˈʌl.trə.saʊnd]

ultraviolet

adj

relating to or denoting electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light but longer than x-rays.

[ˌʌl.trəˈvaɪə.lət]

ululate

v

To make a long, high-pitched sound like a howl or wail, especially to express great emotion such as grief or joy.

[ˈʌl.jə.leɪt]

ululation

n

A long, high-pitched, wavering cry or howl, especially as an expression of strong emotion.

[ˌʌl.jəˈleɪ.ʃən]

um

interj

Used to express hesitation or a pause in speech.

[ʌm]

um-hmm

interj

A vocalized sound used to express agreement, affirmation, or to indicate that one is listening and encouraging the speaker to continue.

[əmˈhmm]

umbel

n

A flower cluster in which stalks of nearly equal length spring from a common center and form a flat or curved surface, characteristic of plants such as parsley and carrot.

[ˈʌmbəl]

umber

n

A natural brownish earth pigment containing iron and manganese oxides.

[ˈʌmbər]

umbilical

adj

Relating to or affecting the navel or the umbilical cord.

[ˌəmˈbɪlɪk(ə)l]

umbilicus

n

the small, hollow scar in the centre of the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached; the navel.

[ʌmˈbɪl.ɪ.kəs]

umbra

n

The fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object, especially the area on the earth or moon experiencing the total phase of an eclipse.

[ˈʌmbrə]

umbrage

n

a feeling of being offended by what someone has said or done

[ˈʌm.brɪdʒ]

umbral

adj

Relating to or forming a shadow, especially the darkest part of a shadow.

[ˈʌmbrəl]

umbrella

n

A device consisting of a circular folding frame covered in cloth that you hold over your head to protect yourself from the rain.

[ʌmˈbrɛlə]

umbrian

adj

Relating to Umbria, its ancient inhabitants, their language, or their culture.

[ˈʌmbriən]

umeboshi

n

a japanese pickled plum, typically salty and sour, often used as a condiment or palate cleanser.

[ˌuː.meɪˈboʊ.ʃi]

umm

interj

A vocalized pause or filler sound used in speech, typically indicating hesitation, doubt, or that the speaker is thinking.

[əm], [ʌm]

umma

n

The whole community of Muslims bound together by ties of religion.

[ˈʊmə]

ummah

n

The whole community of Muslims bound together by ties of religion.

[ˈʊmə]

ummm

interj

A vocalized pause or hesitation sound, often indicating thinking, uncertainty, or a desire to hold the floor in conversation.

[əm]

ump

n

(informal) A person who acts as an official in a sports game, especially in baseball, making sure the rules are followed.

[ʌmp]

umpire

n

an official who watches a game or match closely to enforce the rules and arbitrate on matters arising from the play.

[ˈʌmpaɪər]

umpteen

adj

A large, indefinite number

[ˈʌmpˌtiːn]

umpteenth

adj

Used to refer to an unspecified, indefinitely large number in a sequence of similar things.

[ˌʌmpˈtiːnθ]

un-american

adj

Not in accordance with the customs, principles, or traditions of the United States of America.

[ˌʌn əˈmɛrəkən]

un-christian

adj

Not in accordance with the teachings or spirit of Christianity.

[ʌnˈkrɪstʃən]

un-sponsored

adj

Not having received financial or other support from a sponsor.

[ʌn ˈspɑːnsərd]

unabashed

adj

not embarrassed, ashamed, or made to feel less confident, especially in a situation where others might be.

[ˌʌnəˈbæʃt]

unabashedly

adv

in a confident and unashamed way, without showing any embarrassment or shame

[ˌʌnəˈbæʃtli]

unabated

adj

continuing at full strength or intensity without any reduction.

[ˌʌnəˈbeɪtɪd]

unable

adj

not having the skill, strength, time, knowledge, etc. to do something

[ʌnˈeɪb(ə)l]

unabridged

adj

(of a text) complete and without any parts removed or shortened.

[ˌʌn.əˈbrɪdʒd]

unaccented

adj

(of a syllable or word) spoken without a stress or emphasis.

[ˌənˈæk.sen.t̬ɪd]

unacceptability

n

the quality or state of being unacceptable; the fact of not being satisfactory or allowable.

[ˌʌn.əkˌsep.təˈbɪl.ə.t̬i]

unacceptable

adj

not satisfactory or allowable; too bad to be accepted or approved of

[ˌʌn.əkˈsep.tə.bl̩]

unacceptably

adv

to a degree that is not satisfactory or allowable

[ˌʌn.əkˈsep.tə.bli]

unaccompanied

adj

Without an escort or companion; alone.

[ˌʌnəˈkʌmpənid]

unaccountable

adj

impossible to explain or give reasons for.

[ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbl̩]

unaccountably

adv

in a manner that is difficult or impossible to explain or understand

[ˌʌnəˈkaʊntəbli]

unaccounted-for

adj

not included in an account or calculation; not considered or explained

[ˌʌnəˈkaʊntɪd fɔːr]

unaccredited

adj

not officially recognized or authorized.

[ˌʌnəˈkredɪtɪd]

unaccustomed

adj

not familiar with something; not used to something

[ˌʌnəˈkʌstəmd]

unachievable

adj

Not able to be accomplished or attained; impossible to achieve.

[ˌʌnəˈtʃiːvəbl̩]

unacknowledged

adj

Not recognized, accepted, or admitted as existing or true.

[ˌʌn.əkˈnɑː.lɪdʒd]

unacquainted

adj

Not having knowledge or experience of something; unfamiliar with something or someone.

[ˌʌnəˈkweɪntɪd]

unaddressed

adj

(of a problem, issue, or matter) not having been dealt with or considered.

[ˌʌnəˈdrest]

unadjusted

adj

not altered or changed to account for particular conditions or circumstances.

[ˌʌnəˈdʒʌstɪd]

unadorned

adj

not decorated; plain or simple.

[ˌʌnəˈdɔːrnd]

unadulterated

adj

not mixed or diluted with any different or extra elements; complete and absolute.

[ˌʌn.əˈdʌl.tə.reɪ.t̬ɪd]

unadventurous

adj

Not willing to take risks or try new and exciting things.

[ˌʌn.ədˈven.tʃɚ.əs]

unaffected

adj

not changed or influenced by something; remaining the same

[ˌʌnəˈfektɪd]

unaffiliated

adj

not officially connected to or controlled by a group or organization.

[ˌʌnəˈfɪlieɪtɪd]

unaffordable

adj

too expensive to be afforded by most people; beyond one's financial means.

[ˌʌnəˈfɔːrdəbl]

unaided

adj

Done or achieved without help from anyone or anything else.

[ʌnˈeɪdɪd]

unalienable

adj

Not able to be taken away or denied; inherent and permanent.

[ʌnˈeɪliənəbl̩]

unaligned

adj

Not aligned or placed in a straight line or correct relative position.

[ˌʌnəˈlaɪnd]

unalike

adj

Not alike or similar; different.

[ˌʌnəˈlaɪk]

unalloyed

adj

(of a positive feeling or state) complete and unreserved; pure and unadulterated.

[ˌʌnəˈlɔɪd]

unalterable

adj

not capable of being changed or altered.

[ʌnˈɔːltərəbl̩]

unalterably

adv

In a way that cannot be changed or modified.

[ʌnˈɔːltərəbli]
English Words Starting with U – Page 1 | OpenEtymology