English Word Guide: Simple Meanings & Sample Sentences

Antibiotics
Definition: Medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Example: The doctor prescribed antibiotics for her throat infection.

Bookkeeper
Definition: A person who records the financial transactions of a business.
Example: The bookkeeper updated the company’s income and expenses.

Breathtaking
Definition: Extremely beautiful, impressive, or surprising.
Example: The view from the top of the mountain was breathtaking.

Cocktail
Definition: A mixed alcoholic drink, often served before dinner.
Example: She ordered a cocktail with vodka and lime.

Crossroads
Definition: A point where two or more roads meet; metaphorically, a critical decision point in life.
Example: He stood at a crossroads, unsure which path to take.

Downward
Definition: Moving or pointing from a higher to a lower level.
Example: The stock prices have been on a downward trend.

Employment
Definition: The condition of having a paid job or work.
Example: She found employment in a local publishing company.

Extracurricular
Definition: Activities outside the standard academic curriculum, such as clubs or sports.
Example: He joined several extracurricular activities, including drama and chess club.

Eyesight
Definition: The ability to see; vision.
Example: Her eyesight has worsened with age.

Greyhound
Definition: A breed of dog known for speed and racing; also a long-distance bus service in the U.S.
Example: He adopted a retired greyhound from a rescue center.

Headquarters
Definition: The main office or center of operations for an organization.
Example: The company’s headquarters are in New York.

Headmaster
Definition: The person in charge of a school.
Example: The headmaster gave a speech at the school assembly.

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Interlibrary
Definition: Relating to or involving the cooperation between different libraries.
Example: The interlibrary loan system allows students to borrow books from other universities.

Interpersonal
Definition: Relating to relationships or communication between people.
Example: Good interpersonal skills are important in any workplace.

Midsummer
Definition: The middle of summer, often around late June.
Example: We had a big party to celebrate midsummer.

Midterm
Definition: An exam or evaluation that occurs in the middle of an academic term.
Example: The midterm test will cover all the material from the first half of the semester.

Motorhome (motor home)
Definition: A vehicle equipped for living in, especially used for vacations and travel.
Example: They traveled across the country in their motorhome.

Motor racing
Definition: Competitive racing with motor vehicles, such as cars or motorcycles.
Example: Formula One is a famous form of motor racing.

Motorway
Definition: A large, high-speed highway designed for fast traffic.
Example: The motorway was busy during the holiday weekend.

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Incoming
Definition: Arriving or about to arrive, often used for mail or messages.
Example: I checked my incoming mail first thing in the morning.

Landlady
Definition: A woman who rents out property to tenants.
Example: The landlady greeted us warmly when we arrived at the apartment.

Landlord
Definition: A man who rents out property to tenants.
Example: The landlord fixed the heating system quickly.

Landmark
Definition: An important or easily recognized building or place; a significant event.
Example: The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.

Loudspeaker
Definition: A device that amplifies sound so it can be heard by many people.
Example: The loudspeaker announced the train arrival.

Newsreel
Definition: A short film reporting current news, traditionally shown before movies in theaters.
Example: The newsreel showed footage of the recent election.

Noticeboard
Definition: A board for posting public notices or announcements.
Example: The noticeboard outside the library had information about upcoming events.

Outskirts
Definition: The outer parts of a town or city.
Example: They live on the outskirts of the city, near the countryside.

Membership
Definition: The state of belonging to a group or organization.
Example: His membership in the club gives him access to the facilities.

Lookout points
Definition: Places where people can watch or observe scenery.
Example: The park has several lookout points with great views of the valley.

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Raindrop
Definition: A single drop of rain.
Example: A raindrop fell on her cheek.

Sandglass
Definition: A device used to measure time by the flow of sand from one container to another.
Example: The sandglass on the desk measured five minutes.

Snowboarding
Definition: A sport that involves descending a snow-covered slope on a snowboard.
Example: He learned snowboarding during winter vacation.

Photocopy
Definition: A paper copy made from an original document or picture.
Example: She made a photocopy of her passport.

Psycholinguistics
Definition: The study of how language is processed in the brain.
Example: Psycholinguistics helps us understand language learning.

Shoplifter
Definition: A person who steals items from a shop.
Example: The shoplifter was caught by security.

Soundproof
Definition: Preventing sound from entering or leaving a space.
Example: The studio is soundproof so recording can happen without outside noise.

Textbook
Definition: A book used for study, especially in schools.
Example: This textbook covers all the grammar rules you need.

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Upward
Definition: Moving or pointing toward a higher place or level.
Example: The balloon rose upward into the sky.

Watchdog
Definition: A person or group that monitors and protects against wrongdoing.
Example: The watchdog organization investigates corruption.

Worthwhile
Definition: Worth the time, effort, or cost.
Example: It was worthwhile to attend the conference.

Videotape
Definition: A magnetic tape used for recording video; also the recording itself.
Example: They watched an old videotape of the family vacation.

Waterskiing
Definition: A sport where a person is pulled over water on skis.
Example: He enjoys waterskiing during the summer.

Waterproof
Definition: Not allowing water to pass through.
Example: This jacket is waterproof and perfect for rain.

Wildlife
Definition: Animals and plants living in their natural environment.
Example: The park is home to diverse wildlife.

Workshop
Definition: A meeting or class where people learn or do practical work.
Example: The workshop taught new photography techniques.

Self-funded
Definition: Supported financially by oneself without outside help.
Example: The project was self-funded by the team.

Self-sufficient
Definition: Able to provide for oneself without help.
Example: The farm is self-sufficient in food production.

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Audio-visual
Definition: Using both sound and visual components, often for teaching or presentations.
Example: The classroom uses audio-visual aids to help students learn.

Closed-circuit
Definition: A system where signals are transmitted to a limited, controlled set of receivers.
Example: Closed-circuit television helps monitor the building.

Clover-leaf
Definition: A four-leaf clover or a type of highway interchange shaped like a four-leaf clover.
Example: The highway has a clover-leaf interchange to manage traffic.

First-year student
Definition: A student in their first year of study at a school or university.
Example: The first-year students attended an orientation session.

Hard-hoofed
Definition: Having hard hooves, typically describing certain animals.
Example: Horses are hard-hoofed animals.

Phone-in
Definition: A radio or TV program where listeners or viewers call in to participate.
Example: The phone-in show discussed current events.

Highly-trained
Definition: Having received extensive training.
Example: The hospital staff are highly-trained professionals.

Man-made
Definition: Created or caused by humans rather than occurring naturally.
Example: The lake is man-made.

Note-taking
Definition: The act of writing down important information during lectures or meetings.
Example: Good note-taking helps students study better.

Pre-booking
Definition: Booking or reserving something in advance.
Example: Pre-booking tickets is recommended for popular shows.

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Bed linen
Definition: Sheets and pillowcases used on a bed.
Example: The hotel provides fresh bed linen every day.

Bed sheet
Definition: A large piece of cloth spread on a bed for sleeping.
Example: She changed the bed sheets before guests arrived.

Booklist
Definition: A list of books, usually recommended for study or reading.
Example: The professor gave us a booklist for the course.

Dropout
Definition: A person who leaves school or an activity before completion.
Example: The school runs programs to help prevent student dropouts.

Eye drop
Definition: A liquid medicine put into the eyes.
Example: She used eye drops to relieve dryness.

Head office
Definition: The main office of a company or organization.
Example: The company’s head office is located in London.

Help desk
Definition: A service that provides assistance with technical problems.
Example: Contact the help desk if you have computer issues.

Ice skating
Definition: Moving on ice wearing skates.
Example: Ice skating is popular in winter.

Roller skating
Definition: Moving on wheels attached to shoes.
Example: They went roller skating at the park.

Tape script
Definition: The written text of an audio or video recording.
Example: The teacher gave us the tape script for listening practice.

Water clock
Definition: An ancient device that measures time using water flow.
Example: The museum displays a water clock from ancient China.

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Freshman
Definition: A student in their first year of university or high school.
Example: Freshmen often attend special orientation events.

Sophomore
Definition: A student in their second year of university or high school.
Example: Sophomores take more advanced courses than freshmen.

Junior
Definition: A student in their third year of university or high school.
Example: Junior year is often challenging academically.

Senior
Definition: A student in their final year of university or high school.
Example: Seniors prepare for graduation and job hunting.