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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.

British vs. American English: Essential Vocabulary Differences

British: ageing, American: aging.
Definition: The natural process of becoming older or developing signs of age.
Example: Skincare products claim to reduce the signs of ageing.

British: aeroplane, American: airplane.
Definition: A flying vehicle with wings and one or more engines.
Example: She boarded the aeroplane at Heathrow Airport.

British: aluminium, American: aluminum.
Definition: A light, silver-colored metal used in making airplanes, cans, and cooking equipment.
Example: The can was made of aluminium, which is easy to recycle.

British: analogue, American: analog.
Definition: A type of signal or device that uses continuous values, rather than discrete digital steps.
Example: Vinyl records are an example of analogue audio technology.

British: annex / annexe, American: annex.
Definition: A building added to a main building, or an added part of a document.
Example: The school built a new annexe for science classes.

British: archaeology, American: archeology / archaeology.
Definition: The study of ancient societies through excavation and analysis of artifacts and structures.
Example: She studied archaeology to explore ancient civilizations.

British: axe, American: ax / axe.
Definition: A tool with a heavy metal blade used for chopping wood.
Example: He swung the axe to split the firewood.

British: analyse, American: analyze.
Definition: To examine something carefully in detail to understand or explain it.
Example: Scientists will analyse the data from the experiment.

British: chilli, American: chili.
Definition: A small, spicy pepper or a dish made with meat, beans, and spices.
Example: She added extra chilli to the curry for more heat.

British: cosy, American: cozy.
Definition: Warm, comfortable, and inviting, often used to describe places or atmospheres.
Example: The cabin was small but very cosy in winter.

British: counsellor, American: counselor.
Definition: A person trained to give guidance, especially on personal or psychological issues.
Example: The school counsellor helped students manage stress.

British: disc, American: disk.
Definition: A flat, circular object, especially one used for storing information digitally.
Example: The software is available on a compact disc.

British: doughnut, American: donut.
Definition: A small, sweet, fried cake, often ring-shaped and topped with sugar or glaze.
Example: He bought a chocolate-covered doughnut with sprinkles.

British: draught, American: draft.
Definition: A current of cool air in a room; also a preliminary version of a document.
Example: She felt a cold draught coming from the window.

British: enquiry, American: inquiry.
Definition: A question or investigation seeking information.
Example: They made an enquiry about renting the hall for a wedding.

British: enrol, American: enroll.
Definition: To officially register or sign up for a course, event, or organization.
Example: He decided to enrol in a French language class.

British: glamour, American: glamor.
Definition: An attractive or exciting quality that makes something seem appealing or special.
Example: The movie portrayed the glamour of Hollywood life.

British: grey, American: gray.
Definition: A color between black and white.
Example: He wore a smart grey suit to the interview.

British: harbour, American: harbor.
Definition: A sheltered place along a coast where ships can dock safely.
Example: The fishing boats returned to the harbour at sunset.

British: jail, American: jail (British old spelling: gaol).
Definition: A place where people are kept as punishment for a crime or while awaiting trial.
Example: The thief was sent to jail for six months.

British: kerb, American: curb.
Definition: The edge of a raised path next to a road.
Example: He tripped on the kerb while crossing the street.

British: labour, American: labor.
Definition: Work, especially physical work or the effort of workers collectively.
Example: The construction project required a lot of manual labour.

British: litre, American: liter.
Definition: A metric unit of volume, equal to 1,000 milliliters or 1.057 quarts.
Example: She drank two litres of water a day.

British: manoeuvre, American: maneuver.
Definition: A movement or action requiring skill and care, especially when navigating something.
Example: The driver performed a tricky parking manoeuvre.

British: mould, American: mold.
Definition: A fungus that grows in damp places; also a container used to shape something.
Example: There was mould growing on the old bread.

British: nought, American: naught.
Definition: The number zero; also used to mean “nothing”.
Example: His efforts came to nought after the project was canceled.

British: offence, American: offense.
Definition: A violation of a law or rule; also, something that causes someone to feel upset.
Example: Speeding is a minor traffic offence.

British: parlour, American: parlor.
Definition: A room for receiving guests or a small business space, such as an ice cream parlour.
Example: They met at a local tattoo parlour.

British: plough, American: plow.
Definition: A farming tool used to turn over the soil before planting crops.
Example: The farmer used a plough to prepare the field for sowing.

British: pyjamas, American: pajamas.
Definition: Clothing worn for sleeping, usually a matching set of trousers and a shirt.
Example: The children brushed their teeth and changed into pyjamas.

British: rigour, American: rigor.
Definition: Strictness, severity, or harshness in judgment, discipline, or conditions.
Example: The military training was known for its rigour.

British: savour, American: savor.
Definition: To enjoy something slowly, especially taste or experience.
Example: She took a moment to savour every bite of the chocolate cake.

British: sceptical, American: skeptical.
Definition: Doubtful or not easily convinced about something.
Example: He was sceptical of the miracle cure being advertised.

British: skilful, American: skillful.
Definition: Having great ability or expertise in something.
Example: The artist was skilful with both paint and pencil.

British: speciality, American: specialty.
Definition: A product, subject, or skill someone is especially good at or known for.
Example: Seafood is the restaurant’s speciality.

British: sulphur, American: sulfur.
Definition: A yellow chemical element with a strong smell, used in medicine and industry.
Example: The volcano emitted clouds of sulphur gas.

British: theatre, American: theater.
Definition: A place where live performances, plays, or films are shown.
Example: They went to the theatre to see a Shakespeare play.

British: vice, American: vise (for a clamping tool).
Definition: A tool used to hold an object firmly in place while work is being done on it.
Example: He used a vice to keep the metal steady while he filed it.

British: vigour, American: vigor.
Definition: Physical strength and good health; energy and enthusiasm.
Example: She attacked her new job with great vigour.

British: woollen, American: woolen.
Definition: Made of wool.
Example: He wore a thick woollen sweater in winter.