Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Author: Merriam-Webster
Date: 2008-09-29T08:00:00+00:00
Keywords: dictionaries; TODO
Publisher: Merriam-Webster, Inc.

1a or A noun, pl a's or as or A's or As

1 : the first letter of the English alphabet

[count] a word that begins with an a

[noncount] a word that begins with a

2 : a musical note or key referred to by the letter A : the sixth tone of a C-major scale

[count] play/sing an A

[noncount] a song in the key of A

3 [count] : a grade that is given to a student for doing excellent work

She got an A on the exam.

He's an A student. [=a student who gets A's for his schoolwork]

4 [noncount]

used to refer to the first of two or more people, places, or things that are being considered

If A, B, and C divide the coins equally, how many does each person get?

an A for effort see EFFORT

exhibit A see 2EXHIBIT

from A to Z

: including everything

The book is titled “Home Repairs From A to Z.”

from (point) A to (point) B

: from one place to another

I don't care about the scenery. I'm only interested in getting from A to B.

2a or an indefinite article

A is used before a consonant sound.

a door
a human

An is used before a vowel sound.

an icicle
an honor

Note that when a word begins with a vowel letter but is pronounced with a consonant sound, a is used.

a one
a union

When an abbreviation begins with a consonant letter but is pronounced with a vowel sound, an is used.

an FBI investigation
an LCD display

When a word begins with h but the first syllable of the word is not given primary stress, both a and an are used.

a historic
an historic

1
used before singular nouns when the person or thing is being mentioned for the first time

There was a tree in the field.

A man walked past him.

I heard a shout.

He bought a house, but this is not the house he bought.

I ordered an apple and some cheese: I ate the apple but not the cheese.

2 a
used like one before number words like hundred, thousand, etc.

a hundred and twenty people
a million dollars
a dozen doughnuts

2 b
used like one before number words like third, fortieth, etc.

This is a [=one] third the size of that.

2 c
used like one before units of weight, measurement, etc.

a pound or two [=one or two pounds]

a week or two [=one or two weeks]

a foot and a half of water = one and a half feet of water

2 d : one single : even one
used in negative constructions

They didn't charge me a penny. [=they didn't charge me anything at all]

“Did she say anything about it?” “Not a word.”

3
used before a word or phrase that indicates a type or class of person or thing

My uncle is a plumber.

Copper is a metal.

She's a very nice lady.

often used before noncount nouns that are modified by an adjective or phrase
a torrential rain

She has a warmth that puts people at ease.

I've always had a fondness for chocolate.

4
used like any to refer in a general way to people or things

A person who is sick can't work well. [=people can't work well if they are sick]

5
used before a proper noun to indicate limited knowledge about the person or thing being mentioned

A Mr. Smith [=a man named Mr. Smith] called to ask about the job.

Among the towns of the area there is a Newton, I believe.

6 a
used before a proper noun that is acting as an example or type
the attractions of a Boston or a Cleveland

His friends say he's an Einstein in regard to science.

6 b
used before the name of a day of the week to refer to one occurrence of it

My birthday falls on a Tuesday this year.

7 a
used before the name of a person (such as a famous artist) when the name is being used to refer to something (such as a painting) created by that person

The museum recently purchased a Rembrandt. [=a painting by Rembrandt]

My violin is a Stradivarius.

7 b
used before a family name to show that someone is a member of that family

Did you know that she's a Kennedy?

8
used before a proper noun referring to a person or thing that has a particular quality

A triumphant Ms. Jones greeted her supporters. [=Ms. Jones was triumphant when she greeted her supporters]

We were met at the door by an embarrassed Mr. Brown. [=Mr. Brown was embarrassed when he met us at the door]

We had a very mild January.

9
used with words like bit and little to form phrases that describe quantity, amount, or degree

She felt a bit tired.

It's getting a little late.

10
used in phrases that describe how often something occurs, how fast something is going, etc.

They meet twice a week. [=twice each week]

The car was traveling at a hundred miles an [=per] hour.

1a- prefix

1 : on : in : at
abed

2 : in (such) a state or condition
afire

3 : in (such) a manner
aloud

4 old-fashioned : in the act or process of
gone a-hunting [=gone hunting]

2a- or an- prefix

: not : without
asexual

AA abbr

1 Alcoholics Anonymous

2 Brit Automobile Association

AAA abbr

US American Automobile Association

1aah interj

used to express pleasure, surprise, or happiness

Aah, that feels good.

2aah verb, aahs, aahed, aahing [no obj]

informal : to express amazement, joy, or surprise
used in the phrase ooh and aah

We all oohed and aahed at/over the fireworks.

aah noun, pl aahs [count]

the oohs and aahs of the crowd

aard·vark noun, pl -varks [count]

: a large African animal that has a long nose and that eats ants and other insects

AARP abbr

US American Association of Retired Persons

ab noun, pl abs [count]

informal : any one of the muscles that cover a person's stomach : an abdominal muscle
usually plural
an athlete doing exercises to tone his abs

ab. abbr
about

aback adv

: by surprise
used in the phrase taken aback

She was taken aback [=she was very surprised] by his rude response.

He was taken aback [=shocked, startled] when he saw their house.

aba·cus noun, pl -cus·es also -ci [count]

: a device used for counting and calculating by sliding small balls or beads along rods or in grooves

ab·a·lo·ne noun, pl -nes [count, noncount]

: a type of shellfish that is eaten as food and that has a shell that is lined with a hard white material (called mother-of-pearl)

1aban·don verb, -dons, -doned, -don·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to leave and never return to (someone who needs protection or help)

The child had been abandoned (by his parents) as an infant.

He abandoned his family.

1 b : to leave and never return to (something)

abandon property

They abandoned the car on a back road.

That house was abandoned years ago.

2 : to leave (a place) because of danger

The approaching fire forced hundreds of people to abandon their homes.

The officer refused to abandon his post.

If you abandon ship, you leave a boat or ship that is sinking.

The captain gave the order to abandon ship.

This phrase is sometimes used figuratively.

The company is doing poorly, and many investors have decided to abandon ship. [=to sell their stock in the company]

3 : to stop supporting or helping (someone or something)

The policy abandons the most vulnerable members of society.

She abandoned the party not long after the election.

4 : to stop doing or having (something) : to give up (something) completely

We abandoned hope of ever going back.

He abandoned the principles that he once fought hard to defend.

She had to abandon her plans for a vacation.

Play was abandoned because of the bad weather.

abandon yourself to
literary : to allow yourself to be fully controlled or affected by (something, such as a strong emotion)

He abandoned himself to despair. [=he was overcome by despair]

aban·don·ment noun [noncount]

the abandonment of a child/home

2abandon noun [noncount]

: a feeling or attitude of wild or complete freedom

They all danced with (wild) abandon.

She decided with reckless abandon [=in a very wild and reckless way] to quit her job and move to Tahiti.

aban·doned adj

1 a : left without needed protection or care
an abandoned baby

1 b : left by the owner
an abandoned house/car

1 c : no longer held or thought of : given up
abandoned [=forsaken] hopes/dreams

2 [more ; most ] literary : wild and uncontrolled
abandoned behavior

He led a reckless and abandoned life and died young.

abase verb, abas·es, abased, abas·ing

abase yourself
formal : to behave in a way that makes you seem lower or less deserving of respect
politicians abasing themselves before wealthy businessmen

abashed adj [more ; most ]

: embarrassed or ashamed

She seemed a little abashed when they asked about her job.

opposite UNABASHED

abate verb, abates, abat·ed, abat·ing [no obj]

: to become weaker : to decrease in strength

We waited for the wind/storm to abate.

The excitement has abated.

abate·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

The violence has continued without abatement.

[count]

a tax abatement [=an amount by which a tax is reduced]

ab·at·toir noun, pl -toirs [count]

chiefly Brit : slaughterhouse

ab·bess noun, pl -bess·es [count]

: a woman who is the head of a convent

ab·bey noun, pl -beys [count]

1 a : a monastery run by an abbot

1 b : a convent run by an abbess

2 : a church that is connected to other buildings where monks or nuns live or once lived

Westminster Abbey

ab·bot noun, pl -bots [count]

: a man who is the head of a monastery

abbr or abbr. abbr
abbreviation

ab·bre·vi·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) shorter

He gave us an abbreviated [=shortened] account of his travels.

especially : to reduce (a word or name) to a shorter form

You can abbreviate the word “building” as “bldg.”

“United States of America” is commonly abbreviated to/as “USA.”

ab·bre·vi·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a shortened form of a word or name that is used in place of the full word or name

“USA” is an abbreviation of/for “United States of America.”

1ABC noun, pl ABCs or ABC's

1 : the letters of the English alphabet

[plural] (US) We learned our ABC's.

[singular] (Brit) We learned our ABC.

2 : the most basic or important information about a subject

[plural] (US) learning the ABC's of wine

[singular] (Brit) learning the ABC of wine

(as) easy as ABC see 1EASY

2ABC abbr

1 American Broadcasting Corporation

ABC is one of the major television networks in the U.S.

2 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

ab·di·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing

1 : to leave the position of being a king or queen

[no obj] The king was forced to abdicate.

[+ obj] The king abdicated the throne.

2 [+ obj] formal : to fail to do what is required by (a duty or responsibility)

The government abdicated [=abandoned] its responsibility to provide a good education to all citizens.

ab·di·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ab·do·men noun, pl -mens [count]

1 : the part of the body below the chest that contains the stomach and other organs

2 : the rear part of an insect's body

ab·dom·i·nal adj
abdominal pain/surgery
abdominal muscles

ab·duct verb, -ducts, -duct·ed, -duct·ing [+ obj]

: to take (someone) away from a place by force

He was abducted [=kidnapped] from his home.

She claims that she was abducted by aliens. [=that she was carried away in a spaceship by creatures from another world]

ab·duct·ee noun, pl -tees [count]

alien abductees [=people who say they were abducted by creatures from another world]

ab·duc·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

abductions of children

[noncount]

an increase in the incidence of child abduction

ab·duc·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

She managed to escape from her abductors.

abed adv
literary : lying in a bed

Though it was long past sunup, she was still abed.

ab·er·rant adj [more ; most ]

formal : different from the usual or natural type : unusual or abnormal
aberrant behavior

ab·er·ra·tion noun, pl -tions

: something (such as a problem or a type of behavior) that is unusual or unexpected

[count] For her, such a low grade on an exam was an aberration.

[noncount] a study of sexual aberration

abet verb, abets, abet·ted, abet·ting [+ obj]

formal : to help, encourage, or support someone in a criminal act

She abetted the thief in his getaway.

Did he abet the commission of a crime?

Their actions were shown to abet terrorism.

She is charged with aiding and abetting [=helping and encouraging] the thief in his getaway.

abey·ance noun

in abeyance
formal : in a temporary state of being stopped

The plans are in abeyance. = The plans are being held in abeyance. [=the plans are not now being used]

ab·hor verb, not used in progressive tenses, -hors, -horred, -hor·ring [+ obj]

formal : to dislike (someone or something) very much

They abhor [=hate, loathe] violence/racism.

She simply abhors [=despises] exercise and hates to diet.

ab·hor·rence noun [noncount]

their abhorrence of violence/racism

ab·hor·rent adj [more ; most ]

formal : causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred

She finds violence in films abhorrent.

It was an abhorrent crime. [=a contemptible crime]

sometimes + to

The thought of failing is abhorrent to him. [=he hates the thought of failing]

abide verb, abides, abid·ed, abid·ing

1 [+ obj] : to accept or bear (someone or something bad, unpleasant, etc.)

usually used in negative constructions

I can't abide his bad moods. [=(more commonly) I can't stand his bad moods; I hate his bad moods]

2 [no obj] old-fashioned + literary

2 a past tense also abode : to stay or live somewhere
abide in the house of the Lord

2 b : to remain or continue
a love that abided till the end of their lives

abide by [phrasal verb]

abide by (something) : to accept and be guided by (something) : obey

We have to abide by the rules.

They promise to abide by our decision.

abid·ing adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

formal : continuing for a long time : not changing

She has an abiding [=lasting] love of art.

They enjoyed an abiding [=enduring] friendship.

abil·i·ty noun, pl -ties

: the power or skill to do something

[count] a young woman with many remarkable musical/artistic/athletic abilities
often followed by to + verb
a teacher with an ability to inspire his students

Does he have the ability [=authority] to fire employees?

a writer's ability [=capability, capacity] to interest readers

[noncount] a young woman of great musical/artistic/athletic ability

She has shown some ability with foreign languages.

He always works to the best of his ability. [=as well as he can]

-abil·i·ty also -ibil·i·ty noun suffix

: ability, fitness, or likeliness to act or be acted on in (such) a way
readability
excitability
compatibility
visibility

ab·ject adj [more ; most ]

1 : extremely bad or severe

They live in abject misery/poverty.

The project ended in abject [=complete, utter] failure.

2 a : very humble : feeling or showing shame

He offered an abject apology.

2 b : very weak : lacking courage or strength

She thought he was an abject coward.

ab·ject·ly adv
abjectly apologetic

ab·jure verb, -jures, -jured, -jur·ing [+ obj]

formal : to reject (something) formally

He abjured [=renounced] allegiance to his native country.

ablaze adj, not used before a noun

1 : in the process of burning : on fire

The house was ablaze.

Lightning set the building ablaze.

2 : glowing with light, color, or emotion
often + with

The valley was ablaze with fall foliage.

Her eyes were ablaze [=blazing] with anger.

able adj

1 not used before a noun

1 a : having the power, skill, money, etc., that is needed to do something

He will buy a new car as soon as he is able.

usually followed by to + verb

He will buy a new car as soon as he is able to do so.

Is he able to swim? [=can he swim?]

They weren't able to afford a vacation. [=they were unable to afford a vacation]

I was so tired that I was barely/hardly able to get out of bed.

A weight lifter is able to lift [=can lift] a very heavy weight.

1 b : not prevented from doing something : having the freedom or opportunity to do something

Come for a visit when you are able (to).

usually followed by to + verb

Will you be able to visit soon?

We were able to leave at noon.

1 c
used to say that the quality or condition of something makes something possible
a car that is able to hold [=can hold] five people

The car wasn't able to be repaired. [=could not be repaired]

2 abler, ablest [also more ; most ] : having skill or talent

He turned out to be an able editor/leader/soldier.

She is one of the ablest lawyers in the firm.

-able also -ible adj suffix

1 : fit for or worthy of being
lovable
collectible

2 : likely to or capable of
breakable
perishable

3 : having a certain quality
knowledgeable
peaceable

able-bod·ied adj [more ; most ]

: having a healthy and strong body : physically fit

We need several able-bodied men and women to help with the project.

ab·lu·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : the act of washing yourself
usually plural
ritual ablutions before prayers

(humorous) He performed his daily ablutions [=he washed himself] before having breakfast.

ably adv [more ; most ]

: skillfully and well : in an able manner

The chef was ably assisted by two helpers.

ab·nor·mal adj [more ; most ]

: different from what is normal or average : unusual especially in a way that causes problems
abnormal behavior

The results of the blood test were abnormal.

ab·nor·mal·ly adv
behave abnormally

The cells grew abnormally quickly.

ab·nor·mal·i·ty noun, pl -ties

: something that is not usual, expected, or normal : something that is abnormal

[count] The test results showed several genetic abnormalities.

[noncount] There was some abnormality in his vision.

1aboard adv

: on, onto, or within a train, a ship, an airplane, etc.

He climbed aboard just as the train was leaving.

Everyone aboard was injured in the accident.

All aboard! is a call for passengers to get onto a ship or train because it is ready to leave.

2aboard prep

: on or into (a train, ship, etc.)

We went aboard (the) ship.

She got aboard [=on board] the train.

1abode noun, pl abodes [count]

formal + humorous : the place where someone lives
usually singular

The cottage became their abode [=home] for the summer.

Welcome to my humble abode.

often used in legal language

How long has this been his principal place of abode? [=the place where he usually lives]

He has no fixed abode. [=no home, no permanent address]

2abode past tense of ABIDE 2A

abol·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing [+ obj]

: to officially end or stop (something, such as a law) : to completely do away with (something)

abolish slavery/apartheid

He is in favor of abolishing the death penalty.

ab·o·li·tion noun [noncount]

: the act of officially ending or stopping something : the act of abolishing something
the abolition of a law
specifically : the act of abolishing slavery
a proponent of abolition

ab·o·li·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who wants to stop or abolish slavery

A-bomb noun, pl -bombs [count]

: atomic bomb

abom·i·na·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : very bad or unpleasant

It was an abominable crime.

We had abominable [=terrible] weather all week.

His behavior was abominable.

abom·i·na·bly adv

He behaved abominably.

abominable snowman or Abominable Snowman noun [singular]

: a large hairy creature that walks on two feet like a man and that some people claim to have seen in the Himalayas called also yeti compare SASQUATCH

abom·i·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to feel great hatred for (someone or something) : abhor
a politician who is revered by his supporters and abominated by his enemies

abom·i·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: something that causes disgust or hatred

Some people view the sculpture as art while others see it as an abomination.

1ab·orig·i·nal adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to the people and things that have been in a region from the earliest time
aboriginal [=native] plant species
aboriginal tribes/customs/art

2 : of or relating to the native people of Australia : of or relating to Australian aborigines
the aboriginal peoples of Australia

2aboriginal noun, pl -nals [count]

: aborigine

ab·orig·i·ne noun, pl -nes [count]

1 : a member of the original people to live in an area

North American aborigines [=natives]

2 or Aborigine : a member of any of the native peoples of Australia

abort verb, aborts, abort·ed, abort·ing

1 [+ obj] : to end a pregnancy deliberately by causing the death of the fetus

They decided to abort the pregnancy.

abort a fetus

2 : to stop something before it is completed because of problems or danger

[+ obj] abort the launch of a rocket
abort a computer program

I suggest that you abort the project.

The mission had to be aborted.

[no obj] When problems occurred during the launch, it was necessary to abort.

aborted adj
an aborted mission

He made several aborted [=abortive] attempts to escape.

abor·tion noun, pl -tions

: a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy and cause the death of the fetus

[count] a doctor who performs abortions

She chose to have/get an abortion.

[noncount] demonstrators opposed to abortion
abortion laws/rights

abor·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

disapproving : a person who performs abortions

abor·tive adj

: failing to achieve the desired result : not successful

He made several abortive [=aborted] attempts to escape.

an abortive coup

abound verb, abounds, abound·ed, abound·ing [no obj]

: to be present in large numbers or in great quantity
a business in which opportunities abound [=a business in which there are many opportunities]

They live in a region where oil abounds.

abound in/with [phrasal verb]

abound in/with (something) : to be filled with (something) : to contain a very large amount of (something)

They live in a region that abounds in/with oil.

a stream abounding in/with fish

1about adv

1 a : almost or nearly

We're about ready to go.

I'm about starved.

Are you about finished?

This one is about as bad as that one.

That's about all I know at this point.

It's about time to go.

That's about all the time we have.

We tried just about everything we could think of.

“Is there anything else to do?” “No, that's about it/all.” [=that's it/all; there is nothing else to do]

1 b
used to indicate that a number, amount, time, etc., is not exact or certain

The repair should cost about [=approximately, roughly] $200.

We should leave in about 10 minutes.

We got home at about 8 o'clock. = (US) We got home around about 8 o'clock. = (Brit) We got home round about 8 o'clock. [=it was approximately 8 o'clock when we got home]

2 : very close to doing something
followed by to + verb

He is about to leave. [=he will be leaving very soon]

We're about to join our friends for dinner.

Their daughter is about to graduate from college.

often used with not to stress that someone will not do something

I'm not about to quit. [=I am not going to quit; I will not quit]

3 chiefly Brit

3 a : in many different directions

They wandered about [=around] for several hours.

3 b : in many different places

People were standing about [=around], talking quietly in small groups.

His tools were scattered about [=around] carelessly.

3 c : in or near a particular area or place

There was no one about. [=there was no one around; there was no one there]

4 : in the opposite direction
turn about [=(more commonly) around]

The captain ordered us to bring the ship about.

2about prep

1 a
used to indicate the object of a thought, feeling, or action

There has been a lot of anger about [=concerning] the decision.

We did something about the problems.

That's what I like about you.

What are you so pleased about?

I'm worried about her.

I forgot all about it.

There's a question about [=as to] how the problem should be fixed.

1 b
used to indicate the subject of something said or written

I spoke about my past.

She told me all about her vacation.

What's he yammering about now? = (Brit) What's he on about now?

books about birds
a novel about Spain

2 : as part of (someone or something)

There is a mature wisdom about her. [=she has a quality of mature wisdom]

What was the most exciting thing about your vacation? [=what part of your vacation was most exciting?]

There's something weird about that guy. [=that guy is weird]

3
used to indicate the most important or basic part or purpose of something

A good marriage is (all) about trust. [=trust is the most important part of a good marriage]

The work he does is all about helping young people.

4 : near or not far from (something) in time
a night about [=around] midsummer

5 a : in the area near to (something or someone)

Fish are abundant about [=around] the reefs.

5 b : over or in different parts of (a place)

He traveled all about [=around] the country.

He's a well-known figure about [=around, throughout] the town.

5 c : on every side of (something or someone)

A crowd gathered about [=around] him.

They wrapped the blanket about [=around] her.

6 a
used to say that something is done quickly or slowly

He was slow about doing his work. [=he did his work slowly]

If you're going to do that, you need to be quick about it. [=you need to do it quickly]

6 b chiefly Brit : in the act or process of doing (something)

Do it well while you're about it. [=while you're at it]

He seems to know what he's about. [=to know what he's doing]

how about see 1HOW

what about see 1WHAT

3about adj

out and about see 1OUT

about-face noun, pl -fac·es [count]

1 : the act of turning to face in the opposite direction

The soldiers were ordered to do an about-face.

2 : a complete change of attitude or opinion
usually singular

After saying that he didn't want the job, he did an about-face and accepted the offer.

about-turn noun, pl -turns [count]

Brit : about-face

1above adv

1 : in or to a higher place

They stood under the tree and looked at the branches above. [=overhead]

The stars shone above. [=in the sky]

The stairs lead above [=upstairs] to the bedrooms.

up above and down below

The opposite of every sense of above is below.

2 : in or to a higher rank or number

Students in the grade above [=in the next grade] study algebra.

Groups of six and above [=of six or more] need reservations.

a game that is suitable for children at/of age 10 and above [=older]

3 : above zero

Temperatures range from 5 below to 5 above.

4 : higher, further up, or earlier on the same page or on a preceding page : at a previous point in the same document

Write to us at the address shown above. [=at the above address]

Except as noted above, all the information can be verified.

the person named above = the above-named person

from above

1 : from a higher place or position

It looks like a cross when viewed from above.

2 : from someone with greater power or authority
waiting for orders from above

2above prep

1 : in or to a higher place than (something) : over

He raised his arms above his head.

They hung a mirror above the mantel.

We rented an apartment above a restaurant.

opposite BELOW

2 : greater in number, quantity, or size than (something) : more than (something)

Temperatures were above average all week.

men above 50 years old
opposite BELOW

3 a : to a greater degree or extent than (something)

She values her private time above her fame.

3 b : in a higher or more important position than (something)

He puts his child's needs above his own.

opposite BELOW

4 : having more importance or power than (someone) : having a higher rank than (someone)

A captain is above a lieutenant. [=a captain outranks a lieutenant]

Who is above him in that department?

opposite BELOW

5 : too important for (something) : not able to be affected by (something)

She thinks that she's above criticism/suspicion. [=that she cannot be criticized/suspected]

see also above the law at LAW

6 : too good for (some type of behavior, work, etc.)

I thought you were above lying to people. [=I thought such dishonest behavior was beneath you]

He was not above cheating when it served his purposes. [=he would cheat when it served his purposes]

Does she think she's above that kind of work? [=does she think that kind of work is beneath her?]

7 : more loudly and clearly than (another sound)

I heard the whistle above [=over] the roar of the crowd.

above all

: as the most important thing : especially

Above all, we must consider what is best for the children.

above and beyond

: far beyond what is required by (something, such as a duty)

He went above and beyond the call of duty. [=he did more than his duty required him to do]

get above yourself
chiefly Brit : to think you are more important than you really are

We are pleased by his success, but we worry that he might be getting above himself.

over and above see 2OVER

3above adj

: mentioned at an earlier point in the same document : written above

You can contact me at the above address. [=at the address shown above]

the above

: something that is mentioned at an earlier point in the same document

If any of the above is incorrect, please me know.

Contact any of the above [=any of the people mentioned above] for more information.

The correct answer is “none of the above.”

above·board adj [more ; most ]

: open, honest, and legal

The committee tried to be fair and aboveboard in its hiring.

an aboveboard and responsible proposal

She acted in a completely open and aboveboard way.

above·ground adj

US : located or occurring above the ground
an aboveground swimming pool
aboveground nuclear tests
compare INGROUND, UNDERGROUND, see also above ground at 1GROUND

ab·ra·ca·dab·ra interj

used as a word with magical power by a performer doing a magic trick

The magician said “Abracadabra!” and the coin disappeared!

abrade verb, abrades, abrad·ed, abrad·ing [+ obj]

: to damage (something) by rubbing, grinding, or scraping
skin abraded by shaving

abra·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] : an injury caused by something that rubs or scrapes against the skin

She fell and suffered cuts, bruises, and abrasions [=scrapes] on her legs.

2 [noncount] : the act or process of damaging or wearing away something by rubbing, grinding, or scraping
abrasion of rocks by wind and water

1abra·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 a : causing damage or wear by rubbing, grinding, or scraping : of or relating to abrasion

The waves had an abrasive action on the rocks.

1 b : having a rough quality
an abrasive surface

: used for rubbing something to make it smooth or shiny
an abrasive material
an abrasive cleaner

2 : very unpleasant or irritating

He offended people with his abrasive [=irritating, grating] manner/personality.

abrasive [=rude, offensive] comments

abra·sive·ly adv
an abrasively obnoxious manner/personality

abra·sive·ness noun [noncount]

2abrasive noun, pl -sives [count]

: a substance that is used for rubbing something to make it smooth, shiny, or clean : an abrasive substance

abreast adv

used to describe two or more people or things that are next to each other in a line
columns/rows of five men abreast = columns/rows of men five abreast
with seats two abreast on each side of the aisle

abreast of

1 : next to (someone or something)

Another runner drew abreast of her. [=drew alongside her]

2 : aware of or informed about (new occurrences, facts, etc.)

She is always abreast of the latest political news.

He likes to keep/stay abreast of the news.

abridge verb, abridg·es, abridged, abridg·ing [+ obj]

1 : to shorten (a book, a play, etc.) by leaving out some parts
abridge a dictionary by omitting rare/uncommon words
see also UNABRIDGED

2 formal : to lessen the strength or effect of (something, such as a right)

unlawful attempts to abridge [=curtail, weaken] freedom of speech

abridged adj
an abridged dictionary
an abridged edition/version of a novel

abridg·ment or abridge·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

an abridgment of a book
an abridgment of their right to freedom of speech

[noncount]

a dictionary shortened by abridgment

abroad adv

1 : in or to a foreign country
an actress who is popular both here and abroad
both at home and abroad

He hopes to study/travel/work/go abroad next year.

The family came here from abroad [=from a foreign country] three years ago.

2 formal : going from one person to the next : talked about or known about by many people

There are rumors abroad that the company is in trouble.

A feeling of unease has been abroad these last few weeks.

3 old-fashioned : away from your home

She doesn't go walking abroad [=outside] at night.

ab·ro·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to end or cancel (something) in a formal and official way
abrogate a law
abrogate a treaty

2 : to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a responsibility)

The company's directors are accused of abrogating their responsibilities.

ab·ro·ga·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

abrupt adj [more ; most ]

1 : very sudden and not expected

There was an abrupt change in the weather.

The road came to an abrupt end.

The storm caused an abrupt power failure.

2 a : talking to other people in a very brief and unfriendly way

He is friendly with customers but abrupt (in his dealings) with his employees.

She has an abrupt manner.

2 b : rudely brief
an abrupt [=curt, brusque] reply

abrupt·ly adv

The party ended abruptly when the police arrived.

She turned abruptly and walked away.

The land dropped off abruptly.

abrupt·ness noun [singular]

There is an abruptness in her manner.

[noncount]

I was surprised by the abruptness of her manner.

abs plural of AB

ABS abbr
antilock braking system

ab·scess noun, pl -scess·es [count]

medical : a painful area of inflamed tissue that is filled with pus

ab·scessed adj
an abscessed tooth [=an infected tooth that has caused an abscess in the gum]

ab·scond verb, -sconds, -scond·ed, -scond·ing [no obj]

formal

1 : to go away or escape from a place secretly

The suspect absconded to Canada.

Several prisoners absconded from the jail.

2 : to go away and take something that does not belong to you

+ with
a banker who absconded with all the money

ab·scond·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ab·seil verb, -seils, -seiled, -seil·ing [no obj]

chiefly Brit : rappel

ab·sence noun, pl -senc·es

1 [singular] : a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist : a state or condition in which something is absent

There was an absence [=lack] of enthusiasm in the crowd. [=the crowd was not enthusiastic]

The products showed a remarkable absence of defects.

In the absence of reform [=without reform], progress was slow.

With the (continued) absence of rain [=because of the lack of rain], crops have begun to dry up.

2 [count]

2 a : a failure to be present at a usual or expected place

He had many absences from work.

I expected to see her and was surprised by her absence.

He was conspicuous by his absence. [=it was very noticeable that he was not present]

2 b : a period of time when someone is not present at a place, job, etc.

She returned to the company after a long/prolonged absence.

see also LEAVE OF ABSENCE

The saying absence makes the heart grow fonder means that you tend to like someone better when that person goes away for a time.

She'll be away for a month, but you know what they sayabsence makes the heart grow fonder.

in someone's absence

1 : while someone is away

The study was completed in her absence.

2 : in the place of someone who is not present

He was asked to speak in his brother's absence.

1ab·sent adj

1 : not present at a usual or expected place

They were talking about absent friends. [=friends who were not there]

an absent father who is not home most of the time

The soldier was absent without leave. [=AWOL; absent without having permission to be absent]

Most of the executives attended the meeting, but the company president was conspicuously absent. [=conspicuous by his absence; it was very noticeable that the company president was not there]

often + from

She was absent from work/school on three occasions.

2 : not present at all : not existing
a gene that occurs in mammals but that is absent in birds
a landscape in which vegetation is almost entirely absent
sometimes + from

Vegetation is almost entirely absent from the landscape.

3 always used before a noun : showing that a person is thinking about something else : showing a lack of attention to what is happening or being said

He made an absent reply to her question as he continued to watch the TV.

There was an absent [=distracted] look on her face.

ab·sent·ly adv

He replied absently to her question.

2ab·sent verb, -sents, -sent·ed, -sent·ing

absent yourself
formal : to go or stay away from something

He absented himself from the meeting.

3ab·sent prep

US formal : in the absence of (something) : without

Absent any objections, the plan will proceed.

Absent such an agreement we can go no further.

ab·sen·tee noun, pl -tees [count]

: a person who is not present in a usual or expected place : a person who is absent

There were 10 sick absentees that day.

absentee ballot noun, pl -lots [count]

US : a vote that is submitted before an election by a voter who is not able to be present when the election occurs

ab·sen·tee·ism noun [noncount]

: a tendency to be away from work or school without a good reason : the practice or habit of being absent from work or school

Her office has a high rate of absenteeism. [=people in her office are frequently absent from work]

absentee landlord noun, pl -lords [count]

: someone who owns and rents property but does not live on or near the property and rarely visits it

absentia see IN ABSENTIA

ab·sent·mind·ed adj

: tending to forget things or to not notice things : having or showing a lack of attention

Her absentminded husband forgot their anniversary.

She did the chores in an absentminded way.

ab·sent·mind·ed·ly adv

Her husband absentmindedly forgot their anniversary.

ab·sent·mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

She mislaid her keys in a fit of absentmindedness. [=absence of mind]

ab·sinthe also ab·sinth noun [noncount]

: a green alcoholic drink that has a very strong and bitter flavor

ab·so·lute adj

1 always used before a noun : complete and total

You can't predict the future with absolute certainty.

I have absolute faith/confidence in her ability to get the job done.

He swore an oath of absolute secrecy.

When it comes to using computers, I'm an absolute beginner.

often used informally to make a statement more forceful

I swear that what I'm telling you is the absolute truth.

He was an absolute disgrace to his family.

That's absolute nonsense/rubbish!

(US) That restaurant serves the absolute best Mexican food I've ever eaten. [=that restaurant serves absolutely the best Mexican food I've ever eaten]

sometimes used with the most

That's the most absolute nonsense/rubbish I ever heard!

2 a : not limited in any way
a ruler with absolute power = a ruler whose power is absolute
absolute authority

2 b : having unlimited power

The country is ruled by an absolute dictator/monarch.

2 c : ruled by someone with unlimited power

The country is an absolute monarchy.

3 : not allowing any doubt

He says that he has absolute [=certain] proof that his client is innocent.

4 a : never changing : always true or real

You have the absolute right to remain silent.

an absolute requirement = a requirement that is absolute
absolute [=unqualified] freedom

4 b : not depending on or compared with anything else

The company has grown in absolute terms, but its share of the market is actually less than it was a few years ago.

ab·so·lute·ness noun [noncount]

the absoluteness of the king's power
the absoluteness of his certainty

ab·so·lute·ly adv

1 : in an absolute way: such as

1 a : completely or totally

He is absolutely certain who will win.

Let me make one thing absolutely clear.

Keep absolutely quiet during the movie.

often used to make a statement more forceful

We had an absolutely wonderful time.

I absolutely love the car.

His fans have gone absolutely crazy over his latest CD.

That restaurant serves absolutely the best food I've ever eaten.

1 b : with unlimited power

The king ruled absolutely.

2
used in speech as a forceful way of saying “yes” or of expressing agreement

“Would you like to see a movie tonight?” “Absolutely!”

“We all need to work harder.” “Absolutely!”

Absolutely not is used in speech as a forceful way of saying “no” or of expressing disagreement.

“Do you think he's right?” “Absolutely not!”

absolute zero noun [noncount]

technical : the temperature that is believed to be the lowest possible temperature

Absolute zero is equal to approximately -273.15°C or -459.67°F.

ab·so·lu·tion noun [noncount]

formal : the act of forgiving someone for having done something wrong or sinful : the act of absolving someone or the state of being absolved

He asked the priest to give/grant him absolution for his sins.

ab·solve verb, -solves, -solved, -solv·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to make (someone) free from guilt, responsibility, etc.

He was absolved of the responsibility of repaying the loan. [=he was not required to repay the loan]

His youth does not absolve him from being guilty for these crimes. = His youth does not absolve him of guilt for these crimes.

2 : to give forgiveness to (someone who has sinned) or for (a sin)

He asked the priest to absolve him (of his sins). = He asked the priest to absolve his sins.

ab·sorb verb, -sorbs, -sorbed, -sorb·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to take in (something, such as a liquid) in a natural or gradual way

A sponge absorbs water.

Plant roots absorb moisture.

a fabric that absorbs sweat
often used as (be) absorbed

Water is absorbed by plants through their roots.

nutrients that are absorbed into the body

1 b : to draw in (heat, light, energy, etc.)

The walls are made of a material that absorbs sound.

absorbing heat from the sun

2 a : to learn (something)

She is good at absorbing information/knowledge.

He has retained the values that he absorbed as a young man.

2 b : to take in and make (something) part of a larger group, country, etc.

a country that has absorbed many immigrants
smaller countries invaded and absorbed by/into bigger ones

3 : to take up the whole interest or attention of (someone)

His interest in photography absorbs him completely.

I was so absorbed by her story that I lost track of time.

If you are absorbed in something, you are fully involved in it.

She was (completely) absorbed in [=lost in] thought.

He quickly found himself absorbed in [=engrossed by] the movie.

4 : to prevent (something harmful or unwanted) from passing through

The frame of the car absorbed the impact.

5 a : to accept or deal with (something that is difficult, harmful, etc.)

The company has had to absorb many setbacks in the past year.

The expenses were absorbed [=borne] by his family.

5 b : to use up (something)

His work absorbs almost all of his time.

ab·sorb·able adj [more ; most ]

nutrients absorbable by the body

ab·sorb·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a moisture absorber
see also SHOCK ABSORBER

absorbing adj [more ; most ]

The book includes an absorbing [=engrossing, fascinating] account of her childhood.

ab·sorp·tion noun [noncount]

the absorption of water by a sponge
the absorption of nutrients by the body
heat/noise absorption

His absorption in his work was total. [=he was totally absorbed in his work; he gave all his attention to his work]

ab·sor·bent adj [more ; most ]

: able to take in and hold liquid : able to absorb liquid
an absorbent cotton fabric
highly/very absorbent paper towels

ab·sor·ben·cy noun [noncount]

ab·stain verb, -stains, -stained, -stain·ing [no obj]

1 : to choose not to do or have something
usually + from

He abstained from taking part in the discussion.

I need to abstain from eating [=I need to not eat] for at least 12 hours before my blood test.

abstain from (drinking) alcohol

2 : to choose not to vote

Ten members voted for the proposal, six members voted against it, and two abstained.

ab·stain·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ab·ste·mi·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : not eating and drinking too much

She is known as an abstemious eater and drinker.

an abstemious diet

ab·ste·mi·ous·ly adv

ab·ste·mi·ous·ness noun [noncount]

ab·sten·tion noun, pl -tions

: the act or practice of abstaining: such as
a [noncount] : the act of choosing not to do or have something

He started drinking again after a long period of abstention. [=abstinence]

usually + from
abstention from drugs and alcohol

b : a formal refusal to vote on something

[count] There were 10 ayes, 6 nays, and 2 abstentions when the vote was taken.

[noncount] a high rate of voter abstention

ab·sti·nence noun [noncount]

: the practice of not doing or having something that is wanted or enjoyable : the practice of abstaining from something

The program promoted sexual abstinence for young people.

often + from
abstinence from sex

He started drinking again after a long period of total/complete abstinence from alcohol.

ab·sti·nent adj

He stopped drinking and has remained totally abstinent.

1ab·stract adj [more ; most ]

1 : relating to or involving general ideas or qualities rather than specific people, objects, or actions
abstract thinking
abstract ideas/concepts such as love and hate

“Honesty” is an abstract word.

The word “poem” is concrete, the word “poetry” is abstract.

opposite 2CONCRETE 2

2 of art : expressing ideas and emotions by using elements such as colors and lines without attempting to create a realistic picture
abstract art
an abstract painting/painter

ab·stract·ly adv
a child learning to think abstractly

ab·stract·ness noun [noncount]

2ab·stract noun, pl -stracts [count]

1 : a brief written statement of the main points or facts in a longer report, speech, etc. : summary

2 : an abstract work of art (such as a painting)

an artist admired for his abstracts

in the abstract

: without referring to a specific person, object, or event : in a general way
thinking about freedom in the abstract

3ab·stract verb, -stracts, -stract·ed, -stract·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make a summary of the main parts of (a report, speech, etc.) : to make an abstract of (something)

abstract [=summarize] an academic paper

2 : to obtain or remove (something) from a source

Data for the study was abstracted from hospital records.

3 chiefly Brit, humorous : to steal (something)

She accused him of abstracting [=pinching] some money from her purse.

ab·stract·ed adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : not paying attention to what is happening or being said : thinking of other things

She said hello but she seemed a bit abstracted.

ab·stract·ed·ly adv

ab·strac·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of obtaining or removing something from a source : the act of abstracting something
abstraction of data from hospital records

2 formal : a general idea or quality rather than an actual person, object, or event : an abstract idea or quality

[count] “Beauty” and “truth” are abstractions.

[noncount] the abstraction [=abstract quality] of his ideas

3 [noncount] somewhat formal : the state of someone who is not paying attention to what is happening or being said : an abstracted state

She gazed out the window in abstraction.

ab·struse adj [more ; most ]

formal : hard to understand

Her subject matter is abstruse.

abstruse [=obscure] concepts/ideas/theories

ab·struse·ly adv

ab·struse·ness noun [noncount]

ab·surd adj [more ; most ]

: extremely silly, foolish, or unreasonable : completely ridiculous
an absurd situation

The charges against him are obviously/patently absurd.

an absurd idea/suggestion/argument
absurd humor

the absurd

1 : a state or condition of extreme silliness or foolishness : an absurd or ridiculous state

Her ideas once seemed reasonable, but now they verge on the absurd.

2 : things that are absurd
a filmmaker who is fascinated with the absurd

ab·sur·di·ty noun, pl -ties [noncount]

They laughed at the absurdity of the situation.

[count]

the absurdities of life

ab·surd·ly adv

The directions were absurdly complicated.

absurdly high prices

abun·dance noun

: a large amount of something : an abundant amount of something

[singular] The city has an abundance of fine restaurants. [=has many fine restaurants]

a plant with an abundance of flowers

[noncount] a plant known for the abundance of its flowers

We are fortunate to live in a time of great abundance. [=a time when there is much food, money, etc.]

in abundance

: in large amounts

The city has fine restaurants in abundance.

The flowers grew in great abundance.

abun·dant adj [more ; most ]

: existing or occurring in large amounts

Rainfall is more abundant in summer.

It is the most abundant bird in the forest.

an abundant supply of food

He offers abundant evidence that he is right.

a society abundant in things to buy/do

synonyms see PLENTIFUL

abun·dant·ly adv
flowers blooming/growing abundantly

It is abundantly [=extremely] clear/obvious that this problem will not be easily solved.

1abuse verb, abus·es, abused, abus·ing [+ obj]

1 : to treat (a person or animal) in a harsh or harmful way

He abused [=mistreated] his wife both mentally and physically.

abuse a dog

He was accused of sexually/physically/psychologically abusing a child.

2 : to use or treat (something) in a way that causes damage

He abused his body with years of heavy drinking.

He had abused his first car by not taking care of it.

3 : to use (something) wrongly
abuse [=misuse] a privilege

She abused her friend's trust.

a senator who abuses his power

He abused my confidence by letting this secret be known.

4 : to use too much of (a drug, alcohol, etc.)

a drug that is abused by many people

He was known to abuse alcohol.

5 : to attack (someone) in words

The fans were verbally abusing the referee.

abused adj
providing help for abused children/women

abus·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a child abuser
officeholders who are abusers of privilege
alcohol/cocaine/drug/substance abusers

2abuse noun, pl abus·es

1 : the act or practice of abusing someone or something: such as

1 a : harmful treatment of a person or animal

[noncount] He subjected his wife to physical and emotional abuse.

child abuse
sexual abuse

[plural] The government has been accused of human rights abuses. [=of violating the basic rights of people by treating them wrongly]

1 b [noncount] : the use or treatment of something in a way that causes damage
his abuse [=mistreatment] of his body through poor eating habits

These toys can stand up to a lot of abuse. [=can be handled roughly without being damaged]

1 c : the act or practice of using something wrongly

[noncount] the governor's abuse [=misuse] of his power/privileges

[count] the buying of votes and other election abuses

1 d [noncount] : the act or practice of using too much of a drug, alcohol, etc.

abuse of alcohol
drug/substance abuse

2 [noncount] : harsh and insulting language

She was subjected to every term of abuse her boss could think of.

a torrent/stream of verbal abuse

The prisoner hurled/shouted/screamed abuse at the judge.

abu·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : using harsh and insulting language

He spoke to her in an abusive manner. = He was abusive when he spoke to her.

abusive language

The fans yelled abusive comments to the referee.

a verbally abusive fan

2 : using or involving physical violence or emotional cruelty
an abusive parent
protecting wives from abusive husbands
people in abusive relationships

abu·sive·ly adv

The boss treated the staff abusively.

abu·sive·ness noun [noncount]

abut verb, abuts, abut·ted, abut·ting
formal : to touch along an edge

[+ obj] Their property abuts [=adjoins] our property. = Their property and our property abut each other. [=their property is directly next to our property; an edge of their property touches an edge of our property]

[no obj] Their property and our property abut.

often + on

Their property abuts on our property.

abut·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

abut·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

technical : a heavy structure that supports something (such as a bridge)

The car crashed into a bridge abutment.

a·buzz adj
informal : filled with excited talk about something
usually + with

Washington is abuzz with [=is buzzing with] rumors of a scandal.

abys·mal adj [more ; most ]

: extremely poor or bad

They were living in abysmal ignorance/poverty.

abysmal [=horrible] living conditions

The team had an abysmal [=awful] record.

Her grades were abysmal. [=terrible]

abys·mal·ly adv
abysmally ignorant

The house is in abysmally poor condition.

abyss noun, pl abyss·es [count]

: a hole so deep or a space so great that it cannot be measured
the ocean's abysses

I stood at the edge of the cliff and gazed down into the yawning/gaping abyss. [=chasm]

often used figuratively

He says that there is a widening abyss between the rich and the poor.

She was pulled down into an abyss of despair.

AC abbr

1 US air-conditioning
an apartment equipped with AC

2 alternating current

aca·cia noun, pl -cias [count]

: a shrub or tree that grows in warm regions and that has white or yellow flowers

ac·a·de·mia noun [noncount]

: the life, community, or world of teachers, schools, and education

She found the business world very different from academia.

1ac·a·dem·ic adj

1 usually used before a noun : of or relating to schools and education

She received awards for her academic achievements/accomplishments.

I spent my academic career at one school.

The board set tough academic standards for graduation.

He was offered a teaching job and decided to return to academic life.

2 : having no practical importance : not involving or relating to anything real or practical

His interest in sailing is purely academic. He's not a sailor himself.

It was a question of only academic [=theoretical] interest.

3 [more ; most ] chiefly Brit : good at studying and at passing exams : good at academics

He's not very academic, but he's good with his hands.

ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adv

He did well enough academically to be accepted at many colleges.

an academically gifted student

2academic noun, pl -ics

1 [count] : a person who is a teacher in a college or university

The book appeals to academics and to the general public.

2 academics [plural] chiefly US : courses of study taken at a school or college

She excelled at academics.

He only cares about sports. He has no interest in academics.

academic year noun, pl years [count]

: the time during a year when a school has classes

In the U.S., the academic year usually begins in September and ends in May or June.

acad·e·my noun, pl -mies [count]

1 a : a school that provides training in special subjects or skills
a military/naval academy
a riding/tennis academy

1 b US : a private high school
used in proper names
a student at Smith Academy

2 : an organization of people who work to support art, science, or literature
used in proper names
the National Academy of Sciences
a Fellow of the Royal Academy

Academy Award trademark
used for an award given by part of the U.S. film industry to the best actors, directors, etc., of the year

a cap·pel·la Brit adv

: without instrumental music

The choir sings a cappella.

a cappella adj
a cappella singing/songs

ac·cede verb, -cedes, -ced·ed, -ced·ing [no obj]

formal

1 : to agree to a request or a demand
usually + to

The government was forced to accede to their demands.

2 : to enter a high office or position

His son acceded upon the king's death.

usually + to

He acceded to the throne [=he became king] in 1838.

ac·cel·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 : to move faster : to gain speed

[no obj] She stepped on the gas and the car accelerated.

The plane accelerated down the runway.

[+ obj] She stepped on the gas and accelerated the car.

opposite DECELERATE

2 : to cause (something) to happen sooner or more quickly

[+ obj] He says that cutting taxes will help to accelerate economic growth.

Conditions accelerated our departure. [=conditions caused us to depart sooner]

[no obj] The rate of economic growth has continued to accelerate.

accelerated adj

Changes have occurred at an accelerated pace/rate.

She's taking an accelerated course in English. [=a course in which English is taught at a faster pace than usual]

accelerating adj
an accelerating rate

ac·cel·er·a·tion noun

1 : the act or process of moving faster or happening more quickly : the act or process of accelerating

[noncount] The car delivers quick/rapid acceleration.

The car has good acceleration. [=the car is able to accelerate quickly]

There has been some acceleration in economic growth.

[singular] There has been an acceleration in economic growth.

2 [noncount] physics : the rate at which the speed of a moving object changes over time

ac·cel·er·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a pedal in a vehicle that is pressed down to make the vehicle go faster
hit/press the accelerator = step on the accelerator
called also (US) gas pedal

2 technical : a machine that causes charged particles (such as electrons and protons) to move at extremely high speeds
a particle accelerator

1ac·cent Brit noun, pl -cents

1 [count] : a way of pronouncing words that occurs among the people in a particular region or country

Regional accents are common in the U.S.

She spoke with an American/English accent.

The tourist had a foreign accent.

He has a heavy/thick southern accent.

a slight/light/faint accent
a French/German/Italian accent

2 [count] : greater stress or force given to a syllable of a word in speech

The word “before” has the accent on the last syllable.

Put the accent on the first syllable of the word.

3 [count]

3 a : a mark (such as or ) used to show the part of a word that should be given greater stress when it is spoken called also accent mark

3 b : a mark placed above a letter to show how it should be pronounced

The accents in the French word “émigré” show how the letter “e” should be pronounced.

called also accent mark

4 [singular] : special concern or attention : emphasis
usually + on

This year's new TV shows put/place the/an accent on youth.

Our accent is on providing our customers with dependable service.

5 [count] : a small decorative object or detail that is different from the things that are around it

This type of plant is often used as a decorative accent.

used accents of bright colors in the new room
accent colors/lighting/plants

2ac·cent Brit verb, -cents, -cent·ed, -cent·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give special attention to (something)

His speech accented [=highlighted, emphasized] positive parts of the plan.

2 : to say (part of a word) with greater stress or force

When you say “before,” you should accent the second syllable. = You should accent the word “before” on the second syllable.

accented adj [more ; most ]

1 : pronounced with stress
an accented syllable

2 : spoken with a foreign accent

He spoke heavily/strongly/slightly accented English.

accent mark noun, pl marks [count]

1 : 1accent 3a

2 : 1accent 3b

ac·cen·tu·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) more noticeable

He likes to wear clothes that accentuate his muscular build.

We felt that the article accentuated [=emphasized] the positive aspects of the program.

ac·cen·tu·ation noun [noncount]

ac·cept verb, -cepts, -cept·ed, -cept·ing

1 a : to receive or take (something offered)

[+ obj] accept a gift
accept a proposal
accept a bribe
accept an assignment/invitation/offer
They offered him the job, and he accepted it.

[no obj] They offered him the job, and he accepted.

1 b [+ obj] : to take (something) as payment

The store doesn't accept credit cards.

1 c [+ obj] : to be able or designed to take or hold (something)

a surface that will not accept ink
a computer program ready to accept commands

2 [+ obj] : to agree to (something) : to agree to receive or allow (something)

accept a telephone call

They accepted some applications and rejected others.

She's still trying to get her manuscript accepted for publication.

I accept your apology.

They refused to accept his resignation.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to think of (something) as true, proper, or normal
a word that has come to be accepted as standard

This treatment is now accepted by many doctors.

He refused to accept the decision.

I accepted his advice and joined the health club.

They accepted [=believed] her explanation.

The theory is widely accepted as correct. = It is widely accepted that the theory is correct.

3 b : to stop denying or resisting (something true or necessary)

She found it difficult to accept change.

The truth is sometimes hard to accept.

He behaved badly, and now he has to accept the consequences.

He has to accept the fact that his baseball career is over. [=he has to admit that his baseball career is over]

He was unwilling to accept [=believe] that he could no longer play as he once had.

3 c : to admit that you have or deserve (something, such as blame or responsibility)

accept blame

I accept responsibility for the accident.

3 d : to be willing to have or experience (something)

To be a successful investor you have to accept some risk.

She accepted [=took on, faced] the challenge of starting her own business.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to allow (someone) to join a club, to attend a school, etc.

The club accepted her as a member but rejected her sister.

She was accepted at/by Georgetown University.

4 b : to regard (someone) as belonging to a group

She felt that her in-laws had never really accepted her (as a member of the family).

She doesn't yet feel accepted (by her in-laws).

The new family was quickly accepted into the community.

accepted adj
an accepted practice
an accepted definition
a widely accepted truth

ac·cept·er or ac·cep·tor noun, pl -ters or -tors [count]

ac·cept·able adj [more ; most ]

1 : capable or worthy of being accepted
acceptable and unacceptable noise levels
an acceptable excuse
socially acceptable behavior
sometimes + to

We're trying to find a solution that will be acceptable to everyone.

2 : fairly good : satisfactory

It was an acceptable performance, although not an outstanding one.

She plays an acceptable game of tennis.

ac·cept·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

ac·cept·ably adv

ac·cep·tance noun [noncount]

1 : the act of accepting something or someone
acceptance of a gift
acceptance of the truth
acceptance of responsibility
her acceptance into the club

The university has sent me a letter of acceptance.

He delivered an acceptance speech after he was chosen as the party's presidential nominee.

2 : the quality or state of being accepted or acceptable

His theories have won/gained/found general/widespread acceptance. [=many people regard his theories as correct]

1ac·cess noun [noncount]

1 : a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone

All public buildings should provide wheelchair access. [=a way for people in wheelchairs to enter]

The cup holders are placed for easy access. [=so that they can be easily reached]

often + to

The town wants to increase public access to beaches.

A dirt road provides access to the home.

2 : a way of being able to use or get something

We have Internet access at the library.

usually + to

We have access to the Internet at the library.

I don't have access to a car right now. [=I don't have a car that I can use right now]

Patients need better access to medical care.

increasing children's access to education

They tried to gain illegal access to the company's network.

see also ACCESS TIME

3 : permission or the right to enter, get near, or make use of something or to have contact with someone
usually + to

They refused to give the police access to their home.

divorced parents who want increased/improved access to their children

Investigators are trying to gain/get access to his financial records. [=trying to get the right to see his financial records]

He was granted/denied access to the report. [=he was given/refused permission to see the report]

2access verb, -cess·es, -cessed, -cess·ing [+ obj]

: to gain access to (something): such as
a : to be able to use, enter, or get near (something)

The new system makes it easier to access the money in your bank account.

Your favorite radio stations can be accessed at the touch of a button.

b : to open or load (a computer file, an Internet site, etc.)

The file loads every time you access the Web site.

The file can be accessed by many users at the same time.

She could work at home by remotely accessing the company's network.

You'll need a password to access the database.

ac·ces·si·ble adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to be reached or approached

The inn is accessible by train and bus.

The mall is accessible from the highway.

2 : able to be used or obtained
often + to

The information should be accessible [=available] to all.

3 : easy to appreciate or understand

His writing is more accessible now than it once was. [=is more easily understood now]

It is a fascinating and accessible book.

accessible art

4 of a person : easy to speak to or deal with

You'll find that the teachers here are quite accessible.

ac·ces·si·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

the easy accessibility of the beach
the accessibility of her art

ac·ces·si·bly adv [more ; most ]

He writes accessibly about complex topics.

ac·ces·sion noun, pl -sions
formal

1 [noncount] : the act or process by which someone rises to a powerful and important position
the accession of Queen Elizabeth II
often + to

Queen Victoria's accession to the crown/throne occurred in 1837. [=she became queen in 1837]

upon his accession to the Supreme Court
the king's accession to power

2 [count] : something that is added to a collection at a museum

The museum has put its latest accessions [=acquisitions] on display.

ac·ces·so·rize (US) or Brit ac·ces·so·rise verb, -riz·es, -rized, -riz·ing

: to add accessories to (something, such as clothing)

[+ obj] an outfit accessorized with a pair of diamond earrings

[no obj] a stylish young woman who knows how to accessorize

ac·ces·so·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : something added to something else to make it more useful, attractive, or effective
fashion/clothing accessories such as scarves, handkerchiefs, bracelets, and rings
automotive accessories
computer accessories

2 law : someone who helps another person commit a crime

He is wanted as an accessory to murder.

She was charged as an accessory before/after the fact. [=someone who helps a criminal before/after a crime has been committed]

access time noun [noncount]

technical : the time required to get stored information from a computer memory

ac·ci·dent noun, pl -dents [count]

1 : a sudden event (such as a crash) that is not planned or intended and that causes damage or injury

We got in a car accident. = We had a car accident.

a traffic accident
a fatal accident
a motorcycle accident

He was injured in an accident at work.

The accident happened when her car slid on a patch of ice.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident.

“I'm sorry that I broke the bowl.” “That's OK. It was just an accident.” = “That's OK. Accidents will happen.”

An accident waiting to happen is a person or thing that is dangerous or unsafe.

My brother is the clumsiest person I know. He's just an accident waiting to happen.

2 : an event that is not planned or intended : an event that occurs by chance

Their meeting was an accident.

It is just an accident that they arrived when they did.

She says that her pregnancy was an accident.

His wealth is a mere accident of birth. [=he is wealthy only because he was born into a wealthy family]

He says that no one is to blame for his illness. It was just an accident of nature. [=something that happened naturally]

It is no accident that the assistant he hired is so good-looking. [=he deliberately chose a good-looking person to be his assistant]

by accident

: in a way that is not planned or intended

They met by accident. [=by chance]

She says that she became pregnant by accident. [=unintentionally]

Scientists discovered the vaccine almost/quite/entirely by accident.

Did it happen by accident [=accidentally] or by design?

ac·ci·den·tal adj

: happening in a way that is not planned or intended : happening by accident
an accidental discovery of oil

The timing of the announcement was purely accidental.

: happening as an accident
an accidental shooting

The death was ruled accidental.

ac·ci·den·tal·ly adv

He accidentally deleted the file.

The lock prevents the gate from opening accidentally.

Did it happen accidentally [=by accident] or intentionally?

He bumped into her accidentally on purpose. [=he bumped into her on purpose but he tried to make it appear to be an accident]

accident-prone adj [more ; most ]

: tending to have many accidents

He is clumsy and accident-prone.

1ac·claim noun [noncount]

: strong approval or praise

Her performance in the ballet earned her critical acclaim.

She deserves acclaim for all her charitable works.

2acclaim verb, -claims, -claimed, -claim·ing [+ obj]

: to praise (someone or something) in a very strong and enthusiastic way

The critics have acclaimed her performance.

often used as (be) acclaimed

Her performance was acclaimed by the critics.

He has been acclaimed as one of the best players in the league.

acclaimed adj [more ; most ]

a critically acclaimed drama/performance
a highly/hugely/widely acclaimed play
the city's most acclaimed restaurants

ac·cla·ma·tion noun [noncount]

1 : strong and enthusiastic approval or praise

Her performance in the ballet earned her thunderous applause and shouts of acclamation from the audience.

She has earned worldwide acclamation for her charitable works.

2 : a vote to accept or approve someone or something that is done by cheers, shouts, or applause
usually used in the phrase by acclamation

The legislature passed the bill by acclamation.

The president was elected by acclamation.

ac·cli·mate Brit verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing

US : to adjust or adapt to a new climate, place, or situation usually + to

[no obj] He was never really able to acclimate to the hot weather. [=to get used to the hot weather]

The mountain climbers spent a few days acclimating [=becoming adjusted] to the high altitude.

[+ obj] I acclimated myself to the hot weather.

You might need to acclimate your plants to bright sunlight gradually.

We took a few days to get acclimated to our new teacher.

ac·cli·ma·tion noun [noncount]

ac·cli·ma·tize also Brit ac·cli·ma·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing

: to adjust or adapt to a new climate, place, or situation : acclimate usually + to

[no obj] The mountain climbers spent a few days acclimatizing [=becoming adjusted] to the high altitude.

[+ obj] The mountain climbers spent a few days acclimatizing themselves to the high altitude.

ac·cli·ma·ti·za·tion also Brit ac·cli·ma·ti·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

ac·co·lade noun, pl -lades [count]

: an award or an expression of praise

There is no higher accolade at this school than an honorary degree.

often plural

She has been winning accolades [=she has been receiving praise] for her performances in small plays.

The movie's special effects have drawn accolades from both fans and critics. [=have been praised by both fans and critics]

ac·com·mo·date verb, -dates, -dat·ed, -dat·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to provide room for (someone) : to provide a place to stay and sleep for (someone)

The hotel can only accommodate about 100 people. [=is only large enough for about 100 people]

Over 600 people can be accommodated on the cruise ship.

1 b : to have room for (someone or something)

The ceilings were too low to accommodate his terrific height.

The table accommodates [=seats] 12 comfortably.

This ancient stadium could accommodate [=hold] up to 60,000 people.

2 [+ obj] somewhat formal : to do something helpful for (someone)

They were kind enough to accommodate me with a ride to the train station.

: to provide what is needed or wanted for (someone or something)

I asked them for additional money, and they accommodated me with a loan.

He would often change his schedule to accommodate his clients.

New facilities are being added to accommodate the special needs of elderly residents.

3 : to get used to or become comfortable with something : to adapt or adjust to something

[no obj] Smart investors quickly accommodated to the new market conditions.

[+ obj] Smart investors quickly accommodated themselves to the new market conditions. = Smart investors quickly became accommodated to the new market conditions.

accommodating adj [more ; most ]

: willing to do what someone else wants or requests

The chef can be very accommodating [=obliging], often cooking meals that aren't even on the menu.

She seems less accommodating to the demands of her boss than she used to be.

ac·com·mo·da·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a accommodations [plural] US : a place (such as a room in a hotel) where travelers can sleep and find other services

We need overnight accommodations [=lodging] for four people.

They weren't sure if they could provide food and accommodations for the whole group.

The accommodations on board the boat are a bit cramped.

1 b [noncount] chiefly Brit : a place where people can live, stay, or work

We need overnight accommodation [=lodging] for four people.

office accommodation

2 formal

2 a : an agreement that allows people, groups, etc., to work together

[singular] He hoped to reach an accommodation with the new owners.

[noncount] Negotiators were convinced that accommodation with the union was possible.

2 b : something done to provide what is needed or wanted for someone or something

[singular] He changed his schedule as an accommodation to his clients.

[noncount] Changes were made for the accommodation of differing viewpoints.

ac·com·pa·ni·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : music played to support a person who is singing or playing a musical instrument

[noncount] She sings without musical accompaniment.

[count]

usually singular

She sang the song with a piano accompaniment.

She sang the song to the accompaniment of a piano. [=while a piano played]

2 [count] : something that is added to another thing to make it better or more appealing

A nice tie was a fine accompaniment to his new suit.

especially : something added to or served with food or a meal

This dish can be served as an accompaniment to/for most meat main dishes.

This wine is a good accompaniment for/of spicy foods.

3 [count] : something that is done or that happens at the same time as something else

She studied Italian as an accompaniment to her classes in art history.

She made the announcement to the accompaniment of loud applause. [=there was loud applause while she made the announcement]

ac·com·pa·nist noun, pl -nists [count]

: someone who plays a musical instrument while another person is singing or playing the main part : someone who plays an accompaniment

He will be her accompanist on the piano.

ac·com·pa·ny verb, -nies, -nied, -ny·ing [+ obj]

1 : to go somewhere with (someone) : to be a companion for (someone)

She will accompany me to the store.

Ten adults accompanied the class on their field trip.

Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult to see this movie.

2 a : to go together with (something) : to be included with (something)

A delicious sauce accompanied the grilled fish.

often used as (be) accompanied

The text is accompanied by over 100 photographs and charts.

2 b : to happen or occur at the same time as or along with (something)

usually used as (be) accompanied

Low rates of unemployment are often accompanied by high inflation.

The thunderstorm was accompanied by high winds.

3 : to play music with (someone who is singing or playing the main tune) : to perform an accompaniment for (someone)

He will be accompanying her on the piano.

accompanying adj

Call the phone number in the accompanying booklet for further information.

accompli see FAIT ACCOMPLI

ac·com·plice noun, pl -plic·es [count]

: a person who works with or helps someone who is doing something wrong or illegal

He was convicted as an accomplice to murder.

a murderer's accomplice

She was an unwitting accomplice to tax fraud. [=she didn't know that she was helping someone to commit tax fraud]

ac·com·plish verb, -plish·es, -plished, -plish·ing [+ obj]

: to succeed in doing (something)

They have accomplished [=done, achieved] much in a very short period of time.

He finally felt like he had accomplished [=done] something important.

There are several different ways to accomplish the same task.

It's amazing what you can accomplish [=do] through/with hard work.

Exactly what he thought he would accomplish is unclear.

ac·com·plish·able adj [more ; most ]

accomplished adj [more ; most ]

1 : very skillful : having or showing the skill of an expert
an accomplished [=expert] pianist/artist/writer

She has the confidence of an accomplished athlete.

an accomplished [=excellent] performance

2 : very successful : having done or achieved many good or important things

He is one of the school's most accomplished graduates.

ac·com·plish·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : something done, achieved, or accomplished successfully

Her family is proud of all her academic accomplishments.

one of the greatest scientific accomplishments of the century

2 [noncount] : the successful completion of something : the act of accomplishing something

We celebrated the accomplishment of all our goals.

When the work was done, he had a sense of accomplishment. [=he felt that he had done something good]

a public official with a solid record of accomplishment [=of doing good things successfully]

3 : a special skill or ability gained by practice or training

[count] Her knowledge of foreign languages is among her many accomplishments.

[noncount] a young woman of accomplishment [=an accomplished young woman]

1ac·cord noun, pl -cords

1 [count] : a formal or official agreement

The two sides were able to reach an accord.

a peace accord

2 [noncount] : a situation or state in which people or things agree

His ideas and mine were completely/fully in accord. = His ideas were completely/fully in accord with mine. [=his ideas and mine agreed completely]

They dressed up for the festival in accord with [=in accordance with] the custom.

of its own accord

If something happens of its own accord, it happens by itself without anyone causing it to happen.

The tree fell of its own accord.

of your own accord

If you do something of your own accord, you do it because you want to, not because someone has asked you or forced you to do it.

They left of their own accord.

with one accord
chiefly Brit formal : all together

They rose with one accord from their seats.

2accord verb, -cords, -cord·ed, -cord·ing [+ obj]

formal : to give (something, such as special treatment or status) to someone or something

He was accorded certain favors because of his age.

Her students accorded her respect. = Her students accorded respect to her. = She was accorded respect by her students.

We accord great importance to education. [=we treat education as very important]

accord with [phrasal verb]

accord with (something) : to be in agreement with (something)

His interpretation of the data did not accord with the facts.

His plans for the company did not accord with my own.

ac·cor·dance noun

in accordance with

: in a way that agrees with or follows (something, such as a rule or request)

In accordance with your request, I am sending a copy of my book.

His funeral will be private, in accordance with his wishes.

The soldier said that he acted in accordance with his orders.

ac·cord·ing·ly adv

1 : in a proper or appropriate way : in a way that suits the facts, needs, or requirements of a situation

He knew his limitations and acted accordingly.

She is considered a manager and is paid accordingly.

The car is made with the best materials and is priced accordingly.

2 : as a result : therefore

His campaign manager wanted to find out how people felt. Accordingly [=consequently], he took an opinion poll of the local voters.

according to prep

1 : as stated, reported, or recorded by (someone or something)

According to a recent survey, most Americans drive to work. [=a recent survey says that most Americans drive to work]

According to rumors I've heard, he was fired for stealing from the company.

2 : as directed or required by (rules, directions, etc.)

She always did everything according to the rules.

I cooked the rice according to the directions on the box.

Everything went according to plan. [=everything went as it had been planned]

3 : in a way that is based on (something)

He arranged the books on the shelf according to [=by] their size.

He was paid according to how quickly he worked.

ac·cor·di·on noun, pl -ons [count]

: a musical instrument that is shaped like a box and that is held in your hands and played by pulling its sides apart and then pushing them together while pressing buttons and keys

ac·cor·di·on·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

ac·cost verb, -costs, -cost·ed, -cost·ing [+ obj]

: to approach and speak to (someone) often in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way

He was accosted by three gang members on the subway.

She was so famous that people would accost her on the street and ask for an autograph.

1ac·count noun, pl -counts

1 a [count] : a record of money that has been paid and money that has been received : bill
the difference between the debit and credit sides of an account
see also EXPENSE ACCOUNT

1 b accounts [plural] : records of income and expenses

We always keep very good accounts.

an accounts department

The company's accounts show a profit this year: our accounts receivable exceed our accounts payable. [=the money owed to us exceeds the money we owe]

2 [count] : an arrangement in which a bank keeps a record of the money that a person puts in and takes out of the bank

We opened new accounts at a bank last week.

I took out my money and closed my account.

You can withdraw up to $1,000 a day from your account.

Every week, she puts/deposits a part of her paycheck into a separate account.

setting up a bank account

My wife and I keep our money in a joint account. [=an account that both of us can use]

often used before another noun

Please enter your name and account number.

You can check your account balance [=the amount of money in your account] on the Internet.

see also CHECKING ACCOUNT, SAVINGS ACCOUNT

3 [count] : a company's record of the products or services used by a customer and of the money that the customer owes or has paid to the company

I don't have the money right now. Put it on my account. = Charge it to my account.

If you return the clothes, the store will credit your account. [=you will not have to pay for the clothes]

When do you intend to settle your account? [=pay what you owe]

see also CHARGE ACCOUNT, CREDIT ACCOUNT

In figurative use, to settle an account or to settle accounts with someone is to do something that brings a final end to an argument, disagreement, etc.

She's decided to settle accounts with her old political rivals.

4 [count] : a business arrangement in which a person or company regularly buys products or services from a particular company

She makes sure that all of the company's accounts [=customers, clients] make the necessary payments.

We just lost the Smith account.

That company was one of our biggest/best accounts.

She will be our account manager. [=the person who manages our account]

5 [count] : an arrangement in which a person uses the Internet or e-mail services of a particular company

I use two separate e-mail accounts.

6 [count] : a description of an event or situation : a story or report about something
personal/firsthand/eyewitness accounts from the war

According to one account, the party was a complete disaster.

often + of

She gave the police a full/complete/detailed account of what happened.

We read an account of her trip to Paris.

a written account of his long and successful career

7 [count] : a list or description of facts

Our goal is to give an accurate account of the process.

an account of how the system works

The document is an account of the country's reasons for going to war.

8 [count] : a reason or explanation for an action

You will be asked to give an account of your actions. [=to explain the reasons for your actions]

He could give no account of what he did with the money.

often used in the formal phrase on that account

I hope we won't lose our friendship on that account. [=for that reason]

9 [noncount] formal : value or importance
used in the phrases of no account and of little account

He felt that his opinions were of no account to the others. [=he thought that the other people didn't care about his opinions]

It's of little account what I may think about it.

see also NO-ACCOUNT

bring/call (someone) to account

: to require (someone) to explain and accept punishment or criticism for bad or wrong behavior

He was called to account by his boss for failing to spot the mistake in the company's records.

by/from all accounts

: according to all of the different descriptions of something

By all accounts, the band put on a great show. [=everyone says that the band put on a great show]

She was, by all accounts, good at her job.

They seemed, from all accounts, to have a happy marriage.

by your own account

: according to what you have said about your own life or experiences

By her own account, that was the worst performance of her career. [=she said that was her worst performance]

They had, by their own account, a wonderful time.

give a good account of yourself

: to perform well especially in a competition

If I ever had to fight, I think I could give a good account of myself.

on account of

: because of : for the reason of

The game was canceled on account of the rain.

They were treated badly on account of their beliefs.

On account of his bad behavior, he will not be allowed to play with the new toy.

on no account or not on any account
chiefly Brit : for no reason : under no circumstances
used to say that something will not or should not happen

On no account should the children be left at home alone.

They said that on no account would they leave before the end of the game.

on someone's account

: because of someone : in order to please someone

Don't leave on our account. [=because of us]

You didn't have to clean your room on my account. I don't care if your room is dirty.

on your own account

1 : by yourself : on your own : without the help of others

She bought the house entirely on her own account.

He left the company and went into business on his own account.

2 : for your own sake : in order to make a situation good for yourself

I'm doing it on my own account, not for anyone else.

take (something) into account or take account of (something)

: to think about (something) before doing something (such as making a decision) : consider

Try to take our feelings into account. [=try to think about how we will feel]

Other issues must be taken into account before a choice can be made.

She did very well on the test when you take into account how little she studied.

She takes no account of my feelings. [=she doesn't consider how I feel]

The new health plan fails to take account of the fact that many people cannot pay for their medicine.

turn (something) to (good) account
formal : to gain or profit from (something) : to take advantage of (something)

Is there a way to turn this situation to good account?

2account verb, -counts, -count·ed, -count·ing [+ obj]

formal : to think of (someone or something) in a specified way
usually used as (be) accounted

Their first project was accounted [=considered] a success.

account for [phrasal verb]

1 account for (something)

1 a : to give a reason or explanation for (something)

Eventually, you will need to account for your actions/behavior.

How do you account for [=explain] your success?

The informal saying there's no accounting for taste means that there is no way to understand why some people like something while other people do not.

I don't see why they liked the movie, but there's no accounting for taste.

1 b : to be the cause of (something)

The disease accounted for over 10,000 deaths last year.

These new features account for the computer's higher price.

The disease cannot be accounted for [=explained] by genetics alone. There must be other causes as well.

1 c : to make up or form (a part of something)

Women account for [=constitute, compose] only 25 percent of our employees.

1 d US : to think about (something) before doing something : to take (something) into consideration

The researchers failed to account for the fact that most of the students were poor.

2 account for (someone or something)

2 a : to show what happened to (someone or something)

We have to account for the time [=to say how much time] we spend on each activity.

I'll have to account for the money I spent.

: to know the location of (someone or something)

The government couldn't account for millions of dollars of the taxpayers' money.

Is everyone accounted for? [=do we know where everyone is?]

All present and accounted for. [=everyone who is supposed to be here is here]

2 b : to destroy or kill (someone or something)

Enemy fighters have accounted for most of our bombers, Sir.

also chiefly Brit : to defeat or beat (someone or something)

We accounted for [=dispatched] the challengers 32.

ac·count·able adj, not used before a noun

1 : required to explain actions or decisions to someone
usually + to

Political leaders need to be accountable to the people they represent.

a powerful businessman who seems to think that he's accountable [=answerable] to no one

2 : required to be responsible for something

If anything goes wrong I will hold you personally accountable!

often + for

They hold you accountable for your mistakes.

Each child is accountable [=responsible] for his or her own behavior.

ac·count·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

We now have greater accountability in the department. [=people in the department can now be held more responsible for what happens]

corporate accountability

ac·coun·tant noun, pl -tants [count]

: someone whose job is to keep the financial records of a business or person

ac·count·ing noun [noncount]

: the skill, system, or job of keeping the financial records of a business or person
often used before another noun
an accounting firm
traditional accounting methods

ac·cou·tred or ac·cou·tered adj
literary : provided with equipment or clothing

The knight's horse was properly accoutred for battle.

ac·cou·tre·ment or US ac·cou·ter·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a piece of clothing or equipment that is used in a particular place or for a particular activity
usually plural

The room had a fully stocked bar and all the accoutrements of a first-class hotel.

ac·cred·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say that something is good enough to be given official approval

The association only accredits programs that meet its high standards.

The program was accredited by the American Dental Association.

2 : to give (someone) credit for something : credit

The invention of scuba gear is accredited to Jacques Cousteau.

3 : to send (someone, such as an ambassador) to act as an official representative
accredit an ambassador to France

ac·cred·i·ta·tion noun [noncount]

The school/hospital lost its accreditation.

the accreditation of an ambassador

accredited adj
an accredited college/hospital

She was enrolled at an accredited law school.

ac·cre·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : a gradual process in which layers of a material are formed as small amounts are added over time
rocks formed by the slow accretion of limestone
often used figuratively

The gradual accretion of detail creates a complex and moving story.

2 [count] : something that has grown or accumulated slowly : a product or result of gradual growth
strangely shaped limestone accretions

There was an accretion of ice on the car's windshield.

ac·crue verb, -crues, -crued, -cru·ing
formal

1 : to increase in value or amount gradually as time passes : to grow or build up slowly

[no obj] I'll get back all the money I invested, plus any interest and dividends that have accrued.

often + to
interest and dividends that have accrued to me

[+ obj] investments that have accrued interest and dividends

2 [no obj] : to come to or be given to someone
usually + to
the advantages/benefits that accrue to us [=that we receive] as members of a free society

ac·cru·al noun, pl -als [count]

an accrual of interest

[noncount]

money gained by accrual of interest

accrued adj

I'll get back all the money I invested, plus any accrued interest and dividends.

ac·cu·mu·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

1 [+ obj] : to gather or acquire (something) gradually as time passes

She has slowly accumulated [=amassed] a fortune.

You can accumulate [=earn] bonus points by participating in surveys.

The police have been accumulating [=collecting] evidence of his guilt.

2 [no obj] : to increase gradually in amount as time passes

A large amount of debris has accumulated [=collected] at the construction site.

Evidence of his guilt is accumulating.

ac·cu·mu·la·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

the accumulation of evidence against him

[count]

The company's goal was a slow, steady accumulation of profits.

The disease is caused by accumulations of fat in the kidneys.

ac·cu·mu·la·tive adj

: growing or increasing over time : cumulative

The accumulative effect of his injuries forced him to retire.

ac·cu·ra·cy noun

1 : freedom from mistake or error : the quality or state of being accurate : correctness

[noncount] Each experiment is performed twice to ensure accuracy.

The police questioned the accuracy of his statement.

He could not say with any accuracy what he had seen.

[singular] She shot free throws with an accuracy of 80 percent. [=80 percent of her free throws were accurate/successful]

2 [noncount] : the ability to work or perform without making mistakes

Several managers have tried to increase the speed and accuracy of the workers.

ac·cu·rate adj [more ; most ]

1 : free from mistakes or errors

The model is accurate down to the tiniest details.

an accurate account/record/report/description

Her novel is historically accurate.

He needed a more accurate [=precise] term to describe the procedure.

an accurate throw/shot [=a throw/shot that does not miss its target]

opposite INACCURATE

2 : able to produce results that are correct : not making mistakes
an accurate reporter
an accurate measuring device

The machines were not yet accurate enough to give useful results.

opposite INACCURATE

ac·cu·rate·ly adv

It is very difficult to accurately predict the weather.

The book's title does not accurately reflect its subject.

ac·cursed adj
old-fashioned

1 : having very bad luck : placed under a curse
an accursed [=cursed] team that can't seem to win a game

2 : very bad : greatly or strongly disliked

I couldn't wait to get out of that accursed [=cursed, damned] place.

ac·cu·sa·tion noun, pl -tions

: a claim that someone has done something wrong or illegal : a charge that someone has committed a fault or crime

[count] Investigators have made/brought/leveled accusations of corruption against a group of former officials.

The police are investigating serious accusations of wrongdoing.

He denied/rejected the accusation that he had lied to the police.

a false accusation

[noncount] There was a hint/tone of accusation in his voice when he asked her where she had been.

ac·cu·sa·tive noun [noncount]

grammar : the form of a noun or pronoun when it is the direct object of a verb or the object of a preposition
a noun in the accusative
called also objective compare NOMINATIVE

accusative adj
the accusative case

ac·cu·sa·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

: accusing or blaming someone : assigning blame or fault

He pointed an accusatory finger at the suspect.

The book has a harsh, accusatory tone.

ac·cuse verb, -cus·es, -cused, -cus·ing [+ obj]

: to blame (someone) for something wrong or illegal : to say that someone is guilty of a fault or crime

He was unjustly accused.

often + of

He was accused of stealing the money.

His children have accused him of neglect.

You can't accuse him of being rude: he's always extremely polite.

She has been accused of murder. = She stands accused of murder.

sometimes used humorously

No one could ever accuse him of being overly modest. [=he is not modest]

ac·cus·er noun, pl -ers [count]

She deserves the chance to meet/confront her accuser.

accusing adj [more ; most ]

She gave him a very accusing look.

The governor pointed an accusing finger at the legislature [=said the legislature was to blame] for failing to approve her budget.

ac·cus·ing·ly adv

She looked at him accusingly.

“What did you do?” he asked accusingly.

accused noun

the accused

: a person who is charged with a crime

The accused was found not guilty.

: a group of people who are charged with a crime

The accused were found not guilty.

ac·cus·tom verb, -toms, -tomed, -tom·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to become adjusted to or familiar with something

+ to
trying to gradually accustom the students to their new surroundings

The time he spent in the army has accustomed him to rising early in the morning.

He'll have to accustom himself to life in a new country. [=he will have to become adjusted to life in a new country]

ac·cus·tomed adj [more ; most ]

1 : familiar with something so that it seems normal or usual

+ to

She is accustomed to [=used to] life/living on the farm.

We have become/grown/gotten more accustomed to their traditions and routines.

He is accustomed to doing what he wants to do. [=he usually does what he wants to do]

2 always used before a noun formal : usual or regular
at her accustomed [=customary] lunch hour

She arrived early enough to get her accustomed seat in the front row.

1ace noun, pl ac·es [count]

1 : a playing card with one large figure in its center that can be the card with either the highest or lowest value
the ace of spades/diamonds/hearts/clubs

2 : a person who is very skilled at something
a computer ace
the ace of the team's pitching staff [=the best pitcher on the team]

often used before another noun
an ace mechanic/reporter

3 : a point scored on a serve that an opponent fails to hit in tennis

She won the match by scoring more than 30 aces.

4 US : a score of one on a hole in golf : hole in one

He got/shot/scored an ace on the eighth hole.

an ace in the hole (US) or chiefly Brit an ace up your sleeve

If you have an ace in the hole or an ace up your sleeve, you have a powerful and often secret weapon, advantage, etc., that you can use if it is needed.

The mayor's popularity among elderly voters gives him an ace in the hole for the coming election.

hold all the aces

: to have a strong advantage over others in a contest, competition, etc.

As the strike continues into its second week, it appears that the company holds all the aces in its negotiations with the strikers.

within an ace of
informal : very near to (doing something)

They were/came within an ace of winning the championship. [=they almost won the championship]

2ace verb, aces, aced, ac·ing [+ obj]

1 US, informal : to earn a very high grade on (an examination) : to get a grade of A on (an examination)

He aced the test.

She aced her entrance exams.

: to perform very well on (a test or challenge)

He aced his annual physical.

2 : to score an ace against (an opponent in tennis)

He aced his opponent on the last point of the match.

3 US : to score an ace on (a hole in golf)

She aced the 14th hole. [=she had a hole in one on the 14th hole]

acer·bic adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : expressing harsh or sharp criticism in a clever way
acerbic comedy
an acerbic playwright
the film's most acerbic critics
his acerbic wit

acer·bi·cal·ly adv

acet·amin·o·phen noun [noncount]

US : a medicine that is used to relieve pain and fever

acet·y·lene noun [noncount]

: a gas that burns with a very hot flame which is used to melt and connect pieces of metal

1ache verb, aches, ached, ach·ing [no obj]

1 : to produce a dull continuous pain : to hurt in a way that is constant but not severe

Her muscles were aching from shoveling snow.

After running the marathon, his body ached for a week.

The candy's so sweet that it makes my teeth ache.

often used figuratively

His heart ached [=he felt sad and sorry] for the children begging on the streets.

2 : to want or desire something or someone very much
often + for

After years of war, most people are aching [=longing, yearning] for peace.

Her heart ached for him.

often followed by to + verb

I've been aching to see you.

2ache noun, pl aches [count]

: a pain that is not sharp but continues for a long time

He had a dull ache in his back from lifting boxes all day.

muscle aches
often used in combination with parts of the body
a headache
a stomachache
toothaches

often used figuratively

She looked through the old pictures with a dull ache in her heart.

Aches and pains are many small pains that happen at the same time and make people feel uncomfortable.

Symptoms of the flu include fever, general aches and pains, and sore throat.

the many aches and pains of old age

achy adj, ach·i·er, -est

My feet are tired and achy from walking all day.

achieve verb, achieves, achieved, achiev·ing

1 [+ obj] : to get or reach (something) by working hard

This year, our company was able to achieve [=accomplish, attain] all of its production goals.

He worked hard and achieved success. [=became successful]

a diet that achieves dramatic results

With much practice, she has achieved a high level of skill.

They achieved high scores on their math tests.

2 [no obj] : to become successful : to reach a goal

We give students the skills they need in order to achieve in college.

achiev·able adj [more ; most ]

achievable goals

achieve·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : something that has been done or achieved through effort : a result of hard work

The discovery of DNA was a major scientific achievement.

It was a great/extraordinary/remarkable achievement.

Getting the project done on time was a real achievement.

2 [noncount] : the act of achieving something
a high level of artistic achievement [=accomplishment]

: the state or condition of having achieved or accomplished something

Tests measure students' academic achievement. [=measure how much the students have learned]

The students were awarded (with) certificates of achievement. [=documents saying that they reached an academic goal]

Repairing the car by himself gave him a real sense of achievement. [=a proud feeling of having done something difficult and worthwhile]

achiev·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who achieves success : a successful person

Both of his brothers are achievers. = Both his brothers are high achievers. [=both his brothers are hardworking and successful]

a low achiever [=an unsuccessful person who does not work hard]

see also OVERACHIEVER, UNDERACHIEVER

Achil·les' heel noun, pl heels [count]

: a fault or weakness that causes or could cause someone or something to fail

I'm trying to lose weight, but ice cream is my Achilles' heel.

This year, the team's Achilles' heel is its pitching. [=the team could fail because of its poor pitching]

Achilles tendon noun, pl -dons [count]

medical : the body part that joins the muscles of the lower leg to the bone of the heel

achoo interj
used to represent the sound of a sneeze

1ac·id noun, pl acids

1 chemistry : a chemical with a sour taste that forms a salt when mixed with a base

[count] the acids in your stomach

[noncount] the kinds of acid found in your stomach

An acid has a pH of less than 7. Very strong acids are able to burn holes in things.

compare 1BASE 6, PH

2 [noncount] slang : lsd

His friend dropped acid [=took LSD] at the concert.

2acid adj [more ; most ]

1 always used before a noun : of, relating to, or having the qualities of an acid

He washes his windows with an acid solution of vinegar and water.

an acid [=sour] taste

This kind of plant grows well in acid [=acidic] soil.

Their pizza gives me acid indigestion. [=a burning feeling in the stomach]

2 : sharp, strong, and critical in tone

He made some very acid [=biting, caustic] comments.

acid remarks

acid·i·ty noun [noncount]

They measured the acidity of the soil.

the acidity [=tartness, sourness] of lemon juice

ac·id·ly adv

She acidly refers to her former husband as “that little man.”

acid·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a very sour or sharp taste
an acidic sauce/wine

2 : containing acid

The soil in our garden is very acidic.

the acidic water of a polluted lake
compare ALKALINE

acid·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing
technical : to cause (something) to become acidic

[+ obj] Pollution acidified the soil.

[no obj] Pollution caused the soil to acidify.

acid·i·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

acid rain noun [noncount]

: rain that contains dangerous chemicals because of smoke from cars and factories
trees damaged by acid rain

acid test noun [singular]

: a difficult situation or task that shows if someone or something is good enough to succeed

The new team faced its first acid test when it played the national champions.

compare LITMUS TEST

ac·knowl·edge verb, -edg·es, -edged, -edg·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) : admit

They acknowledged that the decision was a mistake.

Do you acknowledge that you caused this mess?

I acknowledge (the fact) that I hurt you, and for that I am sorry.

They readily/openly/grudgingly acknowledged their mistake.

She won't acknowledge responsibility for her actions.

He refuses to acknowledge the authority of the court. [=he denies that the court has authority]

2 : to regard or describe (someone or something) as having or deserving a particular status

They acknowledge him as their leader. = They acknowledge him to be their leader.

usually used as (be) acknowledged

She is widely/generally acknowledged as one of the world's best chefs. [=many people regard her as one of the world's best chefs]

Her pastries are acknowledged to be the best.

This part of the city is acknowledged to have the best restaurants.

3 : to tell or show someone that something (such as a letter or message) has been received

He quickly acknowledges all of my e-mails when he receives them.

Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.

She acknowledged the gift with a card.

She acknowledged his greeting with a smile.

4 : to show that someone has been seen and recognized : to look at or talk to (someone)

She walked right by me without even acknowledging me.

The players acknowledged their fans by waving their hands and blowing kisses into the crowd.

He refuses to acknowledge her existence/presence.

5 : to express thanks or appreciation for (something or someone)

In their paper, they acknowledge the important work done by past scholars.

They acknowledge past scholars for the important work they have done.

acknowledged adj
the acknowledged leader of a political party
an acknowledged master of the art

ac·knowl·edg·ment also ac·knowl·edge·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : the act of acknowledging something or someone: such as

1 a : the act of showing that you know, admit, or accept that something exists or is true

[count] The killer's apology was an acknowledgment [=admission] of his guilt. = The killer's apology was an acknowledgment that he was guilty.

The day passed without any acknowledgment that it was their wedding anniversary. [=no one mentioned that it was their wedding anniversary]

They made several public acknowledgments of their company's mistake.

[noncount] He paid the fine without acknowledgment of his guilt.

1 b : the act of praising or thanking someone for an action or achievement

[count] Special acknowledgments will be made at the end of the meeting.

[noncount] He has finally received the acknowledgment he deserves for his charitable work.

They presented him with an award in acknowledgment of his charitable work.

2 acknowledgments [plural] : a section of a book, article, etc., in which people are thanked for their help

He's the first person mentioned in the book's acknowledgments.

3 [count] : a usually written statement saying that a letter or message was received

We sent an acknowledgment that we received their letter.

He never received an acknowledgment of his payment.

ac·me noun [singular]

: the highest point of something

He was struck down by illness at the acme [=height] of his fame. [=when he was most famous]

His fame was at its acme.

ac·ne noun [noncount]

medical : a condition in which the skin on a person's face, neck, etc., has many small, swollen spots (called pimples)

a teenager with bad acne

ac·o·lyte noun, pl -lytes [count]

1 formal : someone who follows and admires a leader
a popular professor dining with a few of her acolytes

2 : someone who helps the person who leads a church service

acorn noun, pl acorns [count]

: the nut of the oak tree

acorn squash noun, pl squash·es [count, noncount]

US : a vegetable that is somewhat round with a pointed end and has dark skin and yellow or orange flesh

acous·tic also US acous·ti·cal adj

1 : of or relating to sound or to the sense of hearing
the acoustic properties/characteristics of a room
acoustic vibrations

2 a of a musical instrument : not having its sound changed by electrical devices
an acoustic guitar
acoustic instruments

2 b : made with or using acoustic instruments

She loves listening to acoustic folk music.

an acoustic performance of a rock-and-roll song
acoustic musicians

acous·ti·cal·ly adv
an acoustically perfect room

acous·tics noun

1 [plural] : the qualities of a room (such as its shape or size) that make it easy or difficult for people inside to hear sounds clearly : acoustic qualities

We love performing in this room because of its great acoustics.

The acoustics in the school's auditorium are terrible.

2 [noncount] : the science that studies sounds

Acoustics is a challenging subject.

ac·quaint verb, -quaints, -quaint·ed, -quaint·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause (someone) to know and become familiar with something

He acquainted the new employee with her duties. [=he told her about her duties]

This class is designed to acquaint students with the region's most important writers.

The lawyer took a few days to acquaint herself with [=to learn about] the facts of a case.

ac·quain·tance noun, pl -tanc·es

1 [count] : someone who is known but who is not a close friend

Is he an acquaintance of yours? [=have you met him?]

She ran into an old acquaintance at the grocery store.

My wife and I met through a mutual acquaintance. [=a friend introduced us to each other]

a casual acquaintance
friends and acquaintances

2 [noncount] formal : the state of knowing someone in a personal or social way : the state of knowing someone as an acquaintance
our family's close acquaintance with our neighbors

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. [=(less formally) it's nice to meet you]

She made the acquaintance of [=she met] a man from the city.

She struck up an acquaintance with a man from the city.

a doctor of my acquaintance [=a doctor that I know]

He seemed cold on/at first acquaintance [=when I first met him], but later I realized that he was just shy.

He seemed cold at first, but on closer/further acquaintance I realized that he was just shy.

3 : knowledge about something + with

[singular] She has only a nodding/slight/superficial acquaintance with the facts of the case. [=she knows only a little about the facts of the case]

He has more than a passing acquaintance with wine. [=he knows a lot about wine]

[noncount] While he has some acquaintance with the subject, he is not an expert.

acquaintanceship noun, pl -ships [count]

An acquaintanceship grew between the two men.

[noncount]

Her long acquaintanceship [=acquaintance] with sorrow began when her young husband died.

acquaint·ed adj, not used before a noun

1 formal : having knowledge about something : having seen or experienced something

+ with

Are you acquainted with the facts in this case? [=do you know the facts?]

I am (well) acquainted with his books. [=I have read his books]

2 : having met : knowing each other in a personal or social way

Are you two acquainted? [=have you met before?]

The two actors are intimately/casually acquainted. [=they know each other intimately/casually]

Let's take a walk and get acquainted.

I'll go get us some drinks while you two get better acquainted. [=while you two talk to each other and get to know each other better]

often + with

It took him a few months to get/become acquainted with the other students.

ac·qui·esce verb, -esc·es, -esced, -esc·ing [no obj]

formal : to accept, agree, or allow something to happen by staying silent or by not arguing

They demanded it, and he acquiesced.

often + in

We cannot acquiesce in the killing of innocent people.

often + to

She acquiesced to her husband's plans.

ac·qui·es·cence noun [noncount]

I was surprised by his acquiescence to their demands.

ac·qui·es·cent adj [more ; most ]

formal : tending to accept or allow what other people want or demand

The acquiescent girl became a strong assertive woman.

ac·quire verb, -quires, -quired, -quir·ing [+ obj]

1 formal : to get (something) : to come to own (something)

They're planning to acquire [=buy] a new home in the country.

He acquired [=got, inherited] a small fortune after the death of her parents.

The two ships were acquired by the navy after the war.

The team acquired three new players this year.

: to come to have (something)

She dreamed of acquiring [=gaining, getting] control of the company.

When I saw her next she had somehow managed to acquire a few cuts and bruises. [=she had a few cuts and bruises]

The old word has acquired a new meaning.

This apparently minor event has acquired increasing significance in recent weeks.

2 : to gain (a new skill, ability, etc.) usually by your own effort

She quickly acquired [=gained] fluency in French.

He is studying the way that language is acquired by children.

acquire knowledge

He has acquired a reputation as a careful/careless worker. [=people regard him as a careful/careless worker]

When people acquire a taste for something, they like something that they did not like before.

Although he usually avoided unusual foods, he eventually began to acquire a taste for raw fish.

An acquired taste is something or someone that is not easily or immediately liked.

Brussels sprouts are an acquired taste for many people.

I admit that she is something of an acquired taste, but I think her art is wonderful.

acquired immune deficiency syndrome noun [noncount]

medical : aids

ac·qui·si·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of getting or acquiring something: such as

1 a : the act or process of gaining skill, knowledge, etc.

the acquisition of knowledge
foreign language acquisition

1 b : the act of obtaining money, possessions, etc.

the acquisition of wealth
the country's acquisition of new ships

2 [count] : something (such as a company or valuable property) that is acquired

The big company's newest acquisition is a small chain of clothing stores.

The museum has put its latest acquisitions on display.

ac·quis·i·tive adj
formal + disapproving : having a strong desire to own or acquire more things
our increasingly competitive and acquisitive [=greedy] society

ac·quis·i·tive·ness noun [noncount]

ac·quit verb, -quits, -quit·ted, -quit·ting [+ obj]

: to decide that someone is not guilty of a crime

The jury acquitted the defendant because there wasn't enough evidence to convict him of the crime.

She was acquitted of the murder of her husband. = She was acquitted of murdering her husband.

compare 1CONVICT

acquit yourself

: to act or behave in a specified way
used to express approval or (less commonly) disapproval of someone's behavior or performance

The soldiers acquitted themselves well/honorably in battle.

The young actress acquitted herself extremely well/capably in her first film.

He acquitted himself poorly in handling the controversy.

ac·quit·tal noun, pl -tals

: the act of deciding that a person is not guilty of a crime : the act of acquitting someone

[noncount] The case resulted/ended in acquittal of the defendant.

Several jurors voted for acquittal.

[count] The case resulted/ended in an acquittal of the defendant.

acre noun, pl acres [count]

: a measure of land area in the U.S. and Britain that equals 4,840 square yards (about 4,047 square meters)

The house sits/is on two acres of land.

They own hundreds of acres of farmland.

sometimes used figuratively
a cheap stunt that got them acres of free publicity [=a great amount of free publicity]

acre·age noun [noncount]

: land measured in acres

A large portion of the park's acreage is forest.

ac·rid adj [more ; most ]

: bitter and unpleasant in taste or smell

Thick, acrid smoke rose from the factory.

ac·ri·mo·ni·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : angry and bitter
an acrimonious debate
acrimonious disputes between nations

He went through an acrimonious divorce.

ac·ri·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

The issue was acrimoniously debated.

ac·ri·mo·ny Brit noun [noncount]

formal : angry and bitter feelings

The dispute began again with increased acrimony.

ac·ro·bat noun, pl -bats [count]

: someone who entertains people (as at a circus) by performing difficult and often dangerous acts (such as swinging from a bar or walking on a rope high in the air)

ac·ro·bat·ic adj [more ; most ]

acrobatic skill
an acrobatic feat

The goalie is famous for her acrobatic saves. [=saves that involve difficult and skillful movements]

ac·ro·bat·ical·ly adj

ac·ro·bat·ics noun [plural]

: difficult and dangerous acts done by an acrobat

The circus performers' acrobatics were spectacular!

also : difficult or dangerous acts, movements, etc., done by another kind of performer
aerial acrobatics [=spectacular movements performed while flying]

The singer's vocal acrobatics are impressive.

sometimes used figuratively

It makes sense, but only after some complicated mental acrobatics.

ac·ro·nym noun, pl -nyms [count]

: a word formed from the first letters of each one of the words in a phrase

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is known by the acronym “NATO.”

1across prep

1 a : from one side to the other side of (something)

We took a ferry across the river.

We saw them walking across the street.

She reached across the table to shake his hand.

They traveled back and forth across the border.

Airplanes flew across the sky above us.

She slapped him right across the face. [=she slapped his face]

1 b : on the other side of (something)

He was seated across the table from me.

Our grandparents live across the street (from us).

The accident happened just across the state line.

2 : so as to reach or spread over or throughout (something)

A smile spread across her face.

Looking out across the ocean, he saw land.

The sun's light spread across the mountains.

The disease spread quickly across the country.

3 : in every part of (a country, region, etc.)

The movie is now showing in theaters across [=throughout] America.

Newspapers (all) across the world reported the story.

We could hear the bells all across town.

2across adv

1 : from one side to the other

The streams are small enough to jump across.

They walked across to the other side of the street.

They reached across and shook each other's hand.

2 : in a measurement from one side to the other side

At its widest point, the pond measures 150 feet across.

The hole was 10 feet across. [=10 feet wide]

3 : on the opposite side

I saw them crossing the street and I waited until they were safely across.

across from

: on the opposite side from (someone or something)

She sat (directly) across from me at the table.

The restaurant is (just) across from the high school.

across-the-board adj, always used before a noun

: affecting everyone or everything in a group
across-the-board price increases
an across-the-board tax cut
see also across the board at 1BOARD

acryl·ic noun, pl -ics

1 [noncount] : a material that is made from a chemical process and that is used for making many different products (such as clothing and paints)

often used before another noun
acrylic fabrics
acrylic paint

2 acrylics [plural] : paints that contain an acrylic substance and that are used by artists
a painting done in acrylics

1act noun, pl acts

1 [count] : something that is done

His first official act [=action] as President was to sign the bill.

We were grateful for her many acts of kindness.

an act of bravery = a brave act
criminal/illegal/unlawful/wrongful acts
see also SEX ACT

An act of God is a natural event (such as a storm or earthquake) that cannot be controlled by people.

The company cannot be held responsible in cases of bad weather or other acts of God.

2 [count] : a law made by a group of legislators

The program was created by (an) act of Congress/Parliament.

legislative acts
the Civil Rights Act of 1964

3 [count] : one of the main divisions of a play or opera

Please read act II, scene 1 of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

In the first/opening act, two characters are talking in a restaurant.

a play in three acts = a three-act play

4 [count]

4 a : one of the performances in a show
a circus/magic act

4 b : a show that a person or group performs often

He has a great stand-up/comedy act. [=routine]

She took her act on the road. [=she traveled and performed her act in different places]

4 c : a person or group that performs in shows
a two-person comedy act from New York City

The band was one of this summer's most successful live acts.

A balancing act or juggling act is an attempt to do several different things or deal with several different situations at the same time.

It's a difficult balancing act, but many students hold full-time jobs while attending school.

Working and raising children can be a real juggling act for parents.

see also CLASS ACT, a hard/tough act to follow at FOLLOW

5 [singular] : a way of behaving that is not honest or sincere

He said he was sorry, but I realize now that it was all just an act.

He wasn't really sorry. He was just putting on an act.

clean up your act see clean up at 2CLEAN

get into the act or get in on the act

: to start to participate in an activity

We started selling them last year, and now other stores are getting into the act. [=now other stores are also selling them]

get your act together see get together at GET

in the act (of doing something)

: while doing something

When they arrived, I was just in the act of starting to make dinner.

He tried to rob a bank and was caught in the act. = He was caught in the act of robbing a bank.

2act verb, acts, act·ed, act·ing

1 [no obj] : to do something : to take action

Think before you act.

He knew he had to act quickly/fast.

The government was slow to act.

The firefighters acted with great courage. = They acted courageously.

She acted on behalf of her father, who was not at the meeting.

I believe that the killer acted alone.

She had acted in self-defense when she killed her attacker.

We were acting in the best interests of our children.

If he refuses to cooperate, he'll be acting against his own (best) interests. [=he'll be acting in a way that is harmful to himself]

We must act soon to end this crisis.

2 [no obj] : to behave in a particular way

She learned at an early age how to act properly in social situations.

People are always telling me how I should act and what I should say.

I noticed that the dog was acting funny/differently/strangely this morning.

acting more naturally/aggressively/responsibly

She's been acting kind of crazy lately.

Please learn the new rules and act accordingly. [=follow the new rules]

To act the part is to behave the way that people in a particular role usually behave.

Now that he's rich he certainly acts the part. [=behaves like a rich person]

To act your age is to behave the way that people your age should behave and not to behave like a younger person.

John, act your age. You're not a kid anymore.

To act like a particular kind of person or thing is to behave the way that person or thing behaves.

You two are acting like children.

It's time you start acting like a man.

I'm sorry about yesterday. I acted like a fool/jerk.

see also 2ACT 3C (BELOW)

3 a [no obj] : to behave in a way that is not sincere or honest

Stop acting. We know you're guilty.

3 b [linking verb] : to pretend to be something

Stop acting innocent.

She was terribly nervous, but she acted confident.

I know you're bored, but can you at least try to act interested.

He did his best to act excited.

There she goes, offering advice and acting the expert. [=pretending to be an expert]

If anybody asks you where I am, act dumb. [=pretend that you do not know]

3 c [no obj] : to pretend that something is true
usually used in the phrases act as if, act as though, and (chiefly US) act like

She acted as if nothing had happened.

We acted as though we knew what was going on.

I tried to act like it didn't bother me, but it did.

Even if you don't like your gift, you should act like you do.

I didn't act like it, but I really was happy.

see also act like at 2ACT 2 (ABOVE)

4 : to perform the words and actions of a character in a play, movie, etc. : to perform as an actor

[no obj] It had always been his dream to act.

She can sing, dance, and act.

As a child, she began acting in television commercials.

Both actors have agreed to act in the movie.

[+ obj] He'll be acting the part of Romeo in tonight's play.

The role of Romeo was wonderfully acted by Mr. Jacob Smith.

a beautifully acted movie [=a movie in which the acting is excellent]

5 [no obj] : to do the work of a particular kind of person or thing : to perform a certain function or role

+ as

A young man acted [=served] as our guide through the city.

She'll be acting as her own attorney during the court trial.

She agreed to act as his secretary.

The trees act as a source of shade and protection from the wind.

6 [no obj] : to make something happen : to have a particular effect

The chemical acts [=works] by destroying the cells in the brain.

often + on

These medicines act on [=affect] the heart.

see also ACT ON/UPON ((BELOW))

act on/upon [phrasal verb]

act on/upon (something) : to use (something, such as a feeling or suggestion) as a reason or basis for doing something

They never acted on the information they had.

We were too late to act upon his suggestion.

It's okay to feel angry or jealous, but you mustn't act on those feelings.

see also 2ACT 6 (ABOVE)

act out [phrasal verb]

1 a : to behave badly especially because you are feeling painful emotions (such as fear or anger)

What can parents do when their kids start acting out?

1 b act out (something) or act (something) out : to show that you are feeling (a painful emotion) by acting in ways that are not good or acceptable
children acting out their emotions in inappropriate ways

He tries not to act out his anger/frustrations.

2 act out (something) or act (something) out

2 a : to perform (a play, a character in a movie, etc.)

plays acted out on stage

She skillfully acted out the role of a young queen.

2 b : to do and say the things that happen in (a movie, past event, etc.)

At their last party, they acted out [=reenacted] scenes from old movies.

The children were acting out what they saw on television.

adults acting out their childhood dreams/fantasies [=doing the things they wanted to do when they were children]

act the fool see 1FOOL

act up [phrasal verb]

1 : to behave badly : to act in a way that is not polite or acceptable

The kids are acting up [=misbehaving] again.

The book gives advice to parents whose children act up.

2 of a machine : to not work properly

The camera started acting up [=malfunctioning] after I dropped it.

3 of a disease : to become worse and to start causing pain or physical problems

His asthma acts up when it's cold outside.

Whenever it rains, my arthritis starts acting up.

ACT abbr

American College Test

The ACT is a test that some U.S. students take as a part of applying to colleges.

1act·ing adj, always used before a noun

: performing a job for a short time : holding a temporary position

The college's acting president will be replaced with a permanent one next fall.

2acting noun [noncount]

: the art or profession of performing the role of a character in a play, movie, etc. : the art or profession of an actor

Acting is my life!

Her acting is unusually good in this film.

a new style of acting
often used before another noun

She's been taking acting classes.

his successful acting career

ac·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something that a person or group does

As its first official action [=act], the committee elected Ms. Jones as its president.

He was critical of the government's actions before the war.

a military action against another country
criminal/illegal actions

She tried to explain/defend/justify her actions.

I accept full responsibility for my actions.

often used with take

The school has been asked to take certain actions to fix the problem.

This is just one of the many actions that they could have taken.

The saying actions speak louder than words means that the things that you do are more important than the things that you say.

They say they want peace, but actions speak louder than words.

2 [noncount] : things done to achieve a particular purpose

The situation demanded immediate action.

The problem may require military action.

The school took disciplinary action against the drunken students.

They decided that no further action was necessary.

We need to agree on a plan of action. [=need to agree on what we will be doing]

What's the best course of action? [=what's the best way to proceed?]

The protesters criticized the administration's lack of action [=inaction] on many issues.

often used with take

We were ready to take action. [=to do something]

Because the company failed to take action [=failed to act], many people were hurt.

The company took no action.

The police are now taking appropriate action.

She's all talk and no action. [=she says that she will do things, but she does not do them]

A man of action or woman of action is a man or woman who works in an active way to do things.

He was a scholar and thinker but was also a man of action.

see also AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

3 [noncount] : fighting that happens in a war

His unit first saw action [=fought in a battle] on June 20th.

soldiers who were killed or wounded in action [=in battle]

soldiers who are missing in action [=soldiers who cannot be found after a battle and might have been killed, captured, or wounded]

see also IN ACTION ((BELOW))

4 the action : the most exciting or interesting activities that are happening in a particular place

The new theater places the audience closer to the center/middle of the action.

I moved to New York City to be (a) part of the action.

Downtown is where the action is. [=downtown is a very active and exciting place]

5 [noncount]

5 a informal : a chance or opportunity to make money

Do any of you guys want to get in on the action? [=participate in a plan to make money]

A piece of the action or (chiefly US) a cut of the action or (chiefly Brit) a slice of the action is a portion or share of the money that can be earned from something.

He saw that his friends were making money illegally, and he wanted to get a piece of the action.

5 b slang, sometimes offensive : sexual activity

I met a girl who was ready for some action.

6 [noncount] : the events that happen in a story, movie, etc.

Most of the play's action takes place in a restaurant.

the action [=plot] of the novel

7 [noncount] : events that happen quickly and that cause feelings of danger and excitement

The movie is two hours of nonstop action. [=excitement]

We went out looking for action.

That's when the action really starts.

often used before another noun
action movies
the film's final action sequence

see also LIVE ACTION

8
used as a director's command to start filming part of a movie or television show

Lights, camera, action!

9 law : the process of having a court of law make a decision about an argument

[count] The court dismissed the action. [=case, lawsuit]

She brought/filed an action against the company for damages.

civil actions [=lawsuits about a person's rights]

[noncount] They are threatening/considering legal action.

bringing/taking action against companies for damages
see also CLASS ACTION

10 [noncount] : a process in which one thing causes a change in another thing
the action [=effect] of certain chemicals on the brain

The medicine blocks the action of these proteins. [=it stops the proteins from working]

The cave was formed by the action of an underground river.

11 : the way that something works or moves

[noncount] Food is swallowed by the action of the tongue.

the action of the heart
the mechanical action of a pulley
the drill's twisting action
a single-action revolver

[singular] The gears meshed with a smooth action.

in action

: in the act of doing something : performing a usual job or function

We came to the court to see our country's judicial system in action. [=at work]

The fans have come to see their favorite players in action.

After a two year break from baseball, he's finally back in action. [=he's playing baseball again]

see also ACTION 3 (ABOVE)

into action

: to an active state

They had already put the plan into action. [=started using the plan]

Firefighters are ready to leap/spring/swing into action [=quickly start working] at a moment's notice.

When people or things are called into action, they are asked to start working or doing a particular task.

As a doctor, she can be called into action at any time of the day.

Our military unit was called into action at the start of the war.

out of action

: unable to perform a usual job or function : not in action

He broke his leg and the doctors say that he'll be out of action [=out of commission] for at least a month.

His broken leg will put/keep him out of action for at least a month.

ac·tion·able adj

1 law : giving a reason to bring an action or a lawsuit against someone

Firing people because of their age is actionable.

2 chiefly US, formal : able to be used as a basis or reason for doing something

We've received actionable information that the men are hiding in these mountains.

action figure noun, pl -ures [count]

: a small usually plastic doll

Action figures are made to look like superheroes, soldiers, robots, etc.

action-packed adj [more ; most ]

: filled with action, danger, and excitement
an action-packed adventure movie

action replay noun, pl -plays [count]

Brit : instant replay
see the winning goal again in an action replay

action verb noun, pl verbs [count]

grammar : a verb that expresses action

“Drive” in “We often drive past their house” and “think” in “Let's think about the problem” are both action verbs.

compare LINKING VERB

ac·ti·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) active or more active: such as

1 a : to cause (a device) to start working

Touch the screen to activate the system.

activate and then deactivate a mechanism

A loud alarm was activated [=set off] when he opened the door.

The camera is activated by pushing a button.

The bomb was activated by remote control.

1 b chemistry : to cause (a chemical reaction or natural process) to begin

Sunlight activates a chemical reaction in the plant's leaves.

vitamins that activate the growth of new cells

2 chiefly US : to order (soldiers) to serve in a war

The President has activated the reserves.

activate the troops

Our military unit was activated [=called into action] soon after the start of the war.

ac·ti·va·tion noun [noncount]

ac·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : doing things that require physical movement and energy

We stay/keep active during the cold winter months by skiing and ice skating.

Despite her age, she has been able to maintain her active [=busy] lifestyle.

Cats are most active [=energetic, lively] at night.

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : involved in the activities of a group or organization

We are active members of our church.

While many give money to the organization, only a few are active participants.

: participating in an action or activity

She was politically active as a volunteer for her state representative.

often + in

They were active in the antiwar movement of the 1960s.

active in women's causes

2 b : involving action or participation

They take an active interest in their children's education.

He has taken/played a more active role in the production of this album.

3 : marked by regular action or use
the bank's active and inactive accounts

He became sexually active [=he began having sex] at the age of 21.

4 of a volcano : likely to explode violently or produce fire and hot liquid rock : capable of erupting

Most volcanoes on this island are still active but a few are inactive.

5 of a disease : becoming worse or continuing to have bad effects
active tuberculosis

The disease remains active throughout the patient's life.

6 : having a chemical effect especially on the body

The medicine has two active ingredients.

the active ingredient in/of marijuana

7 a US : involving service in the military as a main job

After two years of active duty [=two years of being a full-time member of the military] she entered the reserves.

She was on active duty for two years.

7 b : involving fighting in a war as a member of the military

He saw no active service [=he did not fight in any battles] during his time in the army.

He was on active service in three separate wars.

soldiers returning home from active service

8 grammar

8 a of a verb or voice : showing that the subject of a sentence is the one doing the action expressed by the verb

“Picked” in “I picked the apples” is an active verb because it shows that the subject “I” is the one who picked the apples.

“Hits” in “She hits the ball” is active, while “hit” in “The ball was hit” is passive.

The active voice is a way of writing or speaking that uses active verbs.

The sentence “The birds are singing” is written in the active voice.

compare PASSIVE

8 b of a verb : expressing action rather than describing the state of something

Words like “walk,” “sing,” and “eat” are active verbs.

In the sentence “Look at this picture,” the verb “look” is active.

ac·tive·ly adv

They participate actively in their church.

actively involved in a conversation

ac·tiv·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who uses or supports strong actions (such as public protests) to help make changes in politics or society

Antiwar activists were protesting in the streets.

an environmental activist
political activists

ac·tiv·ism noun [noncount]

political activism

ac·tiv·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the state of being active

The holidays always set off a lot of activity in our home.

: behavior or actions of a particular kind
the sexual activity of married couples

The police are now monitoring criminal/gang/drug activity in the area.

There has been an increase in the city's (level of) economic activity.

She gets at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

The instruments are used to detect volcanic activity on the island.

2 [count] : something that is done as work or for a particular purpose
usually plural

Grandma needs help with her everyday/daily activities.

business activities
political activities

They were accused of financing the group's illegal activities.

3 [count] : something that is done for pleasure and that usually involves a group of people

We planned an activity for the children.

usually plural

The camp offers hiking, swimming, and other recreational activities.

social activities

ac·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who acts in a play, movie, etc.

usage

Actor is often used to refer specifically to a man or boy who acts.

He's a talented actor, and his wife is a well-known actress.

Actor can also refer to a woman or girl, and many women now prefer this use.

His wife is also an actor.

The plural form actors is used for groups that include both men and women.

She and her husband are both talented actors.

ac·tress noun, pl -tress·es [count]

: a woman or girl who acts in a play, movie, etc. : a female actor

usage see actor

ac·tu·al adj

1 : real and not merely possible or imagined : existing in fact

The movie is based on actual events. [=on events that really happened]

They signed the agreement in the spring, but the actual sale wasn't made until that summer.

You deposit money in a bank account but the actual money is not held there.

He looks younger, but he is in actual fact almost 60 years old. [=he is actually almost 60 years old]

2 : known to be correct or precise : not false or apparent

The woman's actual [=exact] age is unknown.

The actual cost of the repair was much higher than the estimate.

3
used for emphasis

This is the actual [=very] room in which my grandfather was born.

ac·tu·al·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality or state of being actual or real

It was hard to accept the actuality [=reality] of the disease.

2 [count] : something that is actual or real
the actualities [=realities] of war

The actuality was quite different from the theory.

in actuality

: in truth
used to stress that something is true when it is different from what was believed or expected

He gave me what turned out to be, in actuality [=in reality, in fact], only a copy of the original.

I thought they just arrived, but in actuality they'd been here for an hour.

ac·tu·al·ly adv

1
used to refer to what is true or real

I don't know what actually [=really] happened.

After all these months, it's hard to believe that we're actually [=really, truly] finished.

2
used to stress that a statement is true especially when it differs in some way from what might have been thought or expected

We'd actually planned to leave early, but we were delayed.

I wasn't worried about being late. Actually, I didn't want to go at all.

I didn't think I'd like the movie, but it was actually pretty good.

I was shocked to learn he could actually fly a plane.

I could hardly believe it when she actually apologized to me.

“I like your new glasses.” “Thanks, but actually I've had them for almost a year.”

ac·tu·ary Brit noun, pl -ar·ies [count]

: a person whose job is to tell insurance companies how much they should charge people for insurance based on risks

ac·tu·ar·i·al adj
actuarial calculations

ac·tu·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

1 technical : to make (a machine or electrical device) move or operate

The pump is actuated by the windmill.

2 formal : to cause someone to do something or to act in a certain way
usually used as (be) actuated

He had been actuated [=motivated] by greed when he made his decision. = His decision had been actuated by greed.

acu·ity noun [noncount]

formal : the ability to see, hear, or understand something easily
mental/visual/political acuity [=acuteness]

her acuity [=keenness, sharpness] of perception

acu·men noun [noncount]

: the ability to think clearly and make good decisions

Her political acumen won her the election.

a lack of business/financial acumen

acu·pres·sure noun [noncount]

: a method of relieving pain or curing illness by pressing on particular points on a person's body with the fingertips or thumbs compare ACUPUNCTURE

acu·punc·ture noun [noncount]

: a method of relieving pain or curing illness by placing needles into a person's skin at particular points on the body compare ACUPRESSURE

acu·punc·tur·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

acute adj, acut·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 : very serious or dangerous : requiring serious attention or action
an acute [=critical, severe] fuel shortage
an acute crisis
the acute phase [=the most important and dangerous phase] of the struggle for independence

2 usually used before a noun : having or showing an ability to think clearly and to understand what is not obvious or simple about something
an acute observation/understanding
an acute observer
an acute sense of humor

It's a politically acute film that does not oversimplify the issues.

3 : very strong and sensitive : highly developed
acute [=keen] hearing/vision
acute awareness

4 : strongly felt or experienced
acute distress/embarrassment

5 medical

5 a : very sharp and severe
acute pain/infection
acute symptoms

5 b : becoming very severe very quickly
an acute disease

A hospital or doctor who specializes in acute care works with patients who have diseases or problems that require immediate care.

an acute care hospital

compare CHRONIC

6 mathematics : ending in a sharp point : measuring less than 90 degrees
an acute angle
compare OBTUSE

7 of an accent mark : having the form ´

The word “café” is written with an acute accent over the “e.”

compare 2GRAVE 3

acute·ly adv

I am acutely aware of these problems.

The patient was acutely ill.

acute·ness noun [noncount]

the acuteness of the fuel shortage

ad noun, pl ads [count]

: advertisement

I saw your ad in the newspaper.

radio/television ads

(chiefly US) She works for an ad agency [=advertising agency] in New York.

see also WANT AD

AD or chiefly US A.D. abbr

used to refer to the years since the birth of Christ

550 A.D. = A.D. 550
the first century A.D.

in the year 823 A.D.

A.D. stands for the Latin phrase anno Domini, which means “in the year of the Lord.”

compare B.C., B.C.E., C.E.

ad·age noun, pl -ag·es [count]

: an old and well-known saying that expresses a general truth

My mother always used to remind us of the (old) adage, “If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.”

1ada·gio adv

: in a slow manner : slowly used as a direction in music

adagio adj

2adagio noun, pl -gios [count]

: a piece of music that is played or performed slowly and gracefully

Ad·am noun

not know (someone) from Adam see 1KNOW

ad·a·mant adj [more ; most ]

: not willing to change an opinion or decision : very determined

She is an adamant [=strong] defender of women's rights.

We've tried to talk him into coming with us, but he's adamant about staying here.

an adamant refusal

adamance or adamancy noun [noncount]

the adamancy of her refusal

ad·a·mant·ly adv

He's adamantly opposed to coming with us.

Adam's apple noun, pl apples [count]

: the lump that sticks out in the front of a person's neck, that is usually larger in men than in women, and that moves when a person talks or swallows

adapt verb, adapts, adapt·ed, adapt·ing

1 : to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation

[no obj] When children go to a different school, it usually takes them a while to adapt.

usually + to

These fish all adapt easily to colder water.

She has adapted to college life quite easily.

[+ obj] She has adapted herself to college life quite easily.

2 [+ obj] : to change (something) so that it functions better or is better suited for a purpose

The teachers adapted [=modified] the curriculum so that students of all abilities will benefit from it.

The camera has been adapted for underwater use.

The clock was adapted to run on batteries.

3 [+ obj] : to change (a movie, book, play, etc.) so that it can be presented in another form

He adapted the novel for the stage. [=he rewrote the novel as a play]

The movie was adapted from the book of the same title.

adapting the movie for television

adapt·able adj [more ; most ]

: able to change or be changed in order to fit or work better in some situation or for some purpose : able to adapt or be adapted
an adaptable tool that combines a screwdriver, a corkscrew, and pliers
very adaptable animals
often + to

These plants are all easily adaptable to colder climates.

The computer program is adaptable to the needs of individual users.

adapt·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

ad·ap·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something that is adapted; especially : a movie, book, play, etc., that is changed so that it can be presented in another form

His stage adaptation of the novel was a success.

The film is an adaptation of a book of the same title.

2 [count] : a change in a plant or animal that makes it better able to live in a particular place or situation

The insect's evolutionary adaptations enable it to be almost invisible even when sitting in the middle of a leaf.

3 [noncount] : the process of changing to fit some purpose or situation : the process of adapting
a tool designed for easy adaptation

adapt·er also adap·tor noun, pl adapters also adaptors [count]

: a device that is used to connect two pieces of equipment that were not designed to be connected

add verb, adds, add·ed, add·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to put (something) with another thing or group of things

She's planning to add some new flowers to the garden.

The company is adding over 200 jobs this year.

This winter, he added skiing to his list of favorite sports.

1 b : to mix or combine (an ingredient) with other ingredients

Add (in) a little more salt and pepper.

I added (in) just a dash/pinch of flour.

Add one cup of sugar to the mixture.

Next, add the remaining butter to the pan.

1 c : to include (something) with something else

It took us four hours to get there, if you add (in) the time we stopped to eat.

2 [+ obj] : to cause something to have (a usually good quality or characteristic)

In this dish, fresh herbs add lots of color and flavor.

As an employee, she will add [=bring] great value to your company.

We can help you add excitement to your vacation.

The historical details add depth/richness/weight to his story.

She adds a certain amount of experience and authority to the project.

3 : to put (two or more numbers or amounts) together to find a total or sum

[+ obj] When you add three and/to seven, you get ten.

Add these three numbers together.

[no obj] schoolchildren learning how to add [=to perform addition] and subtract
opposite SUBTRACT

4 [+ obj] : to say or write (something more or extra)

That's all I have to say. Do you have anything (else/more) to add? = Is there anything (else/more) you would like to add?

“They all went to the bar,” he said. “But I didn't go with them,” he quickly added.

He was quick to add that he didn't go with them. = He hastened to add that he didn't go with them.

It was a long project and, I might add, an expensive one.

add insult to injury see 2INSULT

add on [phrasal verb]

add (something) on or add on (something) : to put (something) with another thing or group of things

We're going to add on a new garage.

often + to

We're adding a new garage on to our house.

They're adding $200 on to what we already have to pay.

The phrase add on to is also written as add onto.

We're adding a new garage onto our house.

add to [phrasal verb]

add to (something) : to make (something) larger, better, or greater

He bought another rare coin to add to his collection.

Her research has greatly added to our knowledge of the subject.

She's been able to add to her savings [=to save more money] this year.

This movie will add to his fame. [=it will make him more famous]

The loud music added to the confusion. [=it made the confusion greater]

We hope this adds to your enjoyment of the play.

The funny characters really add to the story. [=they make the story better]

Phrases like add to this/that and added to this/that are often used informally to introduce a statement about something that makes a thing or situation better, worse, more important, etc.

We were given little time to finish. Add to this the fact that nobody helped us, and you can understand why we were angry.

We were short of money. Added to that, we were lost!

add up [phrasal verb]

1 a : to be added together and equal the expected or correct total
usually used in negative constructions

The numbers just don't add up. [=they don't equal the expected total]

1 b : to make sense : to seem to be logical or true

They must be lying; their story just doesn't add up.

1 c : to slowly increase and become a large number or amount

A cup of coffee may only cost a dollar, but those dollars add up quickly.

I'm saving a little money each month. Eventually it'll add up.

The hours that I spend traveling to work really add up.

2 add (something) up or add up (something) : to put together or count (the number or amount of something) to find the total

Start by adding up how much money you have, and then add up your costs.

Let's add up all of the money we saved.

When you add it all up, he's spent over half of his life in jail.

3 add up to (something)

3 a : to have (a number) as a total

The amount of money she spends on coffee adds up to $2.75 a day.

That adds up to more than a thousand dollars a year.

3 b : to produce (a specified result)

These plans should add up to a very exciting vacation.

With these three bands playing together, it all adds up to one of the year's best rock concerts.

All of the team's hard work didn't add up to a win.

added adj

The historical details provide added [=additional] depth/richness/weight to his story.

added value
an added attraction/advantage

ADD abbr
attention deficit disorder

ad·den·dum noun, pl -den·da or -den·dums [count]

: something that is added; especially : a section of a book that is added to the main or original text

The letters are included as an addendum to the biography.

ad·der noun, pl -ders [count]

: a poisonous snake found in Europe

ad·dict noun, pl -dicts [count]

1 : a person who is not able to stop taking drugs : a person who is addicted to drugs

The clinic provides counseling for (drug) addicts.

a heroin/cocaine/crack addict

2 informal : a person who likes or enjoys something very much and spends a large amount of time doing it, watching it, etc.

a television addict [=junkie]

basketball addicts

ad·dict·ed adj [more ; most ]

: having an addiction: such as
a : unable to stop using a harmful substance (such as a drug)

usually + to

He's addicted to heroin/nicotine.

b : unable to stop doing something that is harmful
a severely addicted smoker
usually + to

He's addicted to smoking.

c : having an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something
usually + to

He's addicted to (playing/watching) basketball.

She's addicted to television.

ad·dic·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : a strong and harmful need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something (such as gamble)

[count] He has a drug addiction.

often + to
an addiction to pain medication
an addiction to playing the lottery

[noncount] His life has been ruined by heroin addiction.

2 [count] : an unusually great interest in something or a need to do or have something

He devotes his summers to his surfing addiction.

often + to

She has an addiction to mystery novels.

ad·dic·tive adj [more ; most ]

: causing addiction: such as
a : causing a strong and harmful need to regularly have or do something
highly addictive drugs like crack and heroin

b : very enjoyable in a way that makes you want to do or have something again
the addictive thrill of surfing

These candies are addictive.

ad·di·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or process of joining something to something else : the act or process of adding something
often + of

The soup was thickened by the addition of cream in the last stage of cooking.

The town welcomed the addition of three new computers to the library.

2 [noncount] mathematics : the act or process of adding numbers

The children learned addition and subtraction.

3 [count] : something or someone more that is included : something or someone that is added

The museum's collection includes several new additions.

usually + to
an addition to the family [=a new member of the family, such as a newborn baby]

The sculpture is the newest addition to the museum's collection.

4 [count] US : a part of a building that is built after the original part has been completed

The addition expands the kitchen and adds a second bathroom.

in addition

: as something more
used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition [=also, additionally] is a major shipping port.

Sandwiches were served, and several salads in addition.

in addition to

: along with or together with (something or someone)

In addition to soup, several salads were served.

There were six people at the meeting in addition to me.

ad·di·tion·al adj

: more than is usual or expected

Larger windows will require additional work, but the additional light they will provide may be worth the extra trouble.

There's an additional [=extra] fee/charge for returning the car a day late.

The memory on this computer has the additional [=added] advantage of being expandable.

ad·di·tion·al·ly adv

The restaurant has a large menu; additionally [=in addition], there are several special dishes that are prepared each day.

ad·di·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

: something (such as a chemical) that is added in small amounts to a substance to improve it in some way
a gasoline additive to reduce pollution
food additives

ad·dle verb, ad·dles, ad·dled, ad·dling [+ obj]

: to make (someone's mind or brain) unable to think clearly

It's a dangerous poison that's strong enough to addle the brain.

Their brains were addled with/by fear/drugs.

addled adj

I needed a moment to clear my addled [=confused] brain/mind.

an addled old man

add-on noun, pl -ons [count]

: an extra part or device that can be added to something else to improve it

He has all the latest add-ons for his computer.

I knew the base price for the car, but with the add-ons I wanted, the final price was quite a bit higher.

often used before another noun
add-on components
add-on equipment

1ad·dress verb, -dress·es, -dressed, -dress·ing [+ obj]

1 : to write on an envelope, package, letter, etc., the name and address of the person or business it is being sent to

I've addressed the letter, but it still needs a stamp.

The package is sealed; it just needs to be addressed.

We spent the afternoon addressing invitations to all our friends.

The letter was returned because it had been addressed incorrectly.

2 a : to speak to (a person or group)

She ignored most of the people at the table, addressing only the man who was sitting next to her.

One of the characters addresses the audience directly throughout the play.

2 b : to use a specified name or title when speaking or writing to (someone)

+ as

As children, we addressed him as “sir” [=we called him “sir”] even though he was only a few years older than us.

You should address the queen as “Your Majesty.”

2 c : to direct (spoken or written words) to someone

She addressed her comments to the man [=she spoke to the man] who was sitting next to her.

Most of the speaker's remarks were addressed to those with experience in the industry.

3 : to give a formal speech to (a group of people)

Before the awards were given, the mayor addressed the crowd.

4 formal : to give attention to (something) : to deal with (a matter, issue, problem, etc.)

We're all curious about how the mayor plans to address the issue.

Air pollution is one of the many problems being addressed by the scientists at the conference.

The principal held a meeting to address the students' concerns.

If you address yourself to an issue or problem you give your attention to it.

The governor is addressing himself to the problem of underfunded schools.

2ad·dress noun, pl -dress·es [count]

1 a : the words and numbers that are used to describe the location of a building and that are written on letters, envelopes, and packages so that they can be mailed to that location

Write your name, address, and phone number in the spaces provided.

Our address [=the address of our home] is 82 Third Street.

Please deliver the package to my work address. [=the address of the building where I work]

I forgot to put the return address [=the address of the person sending the letter] on the envelope.

1 b : the letters, numbers, and symbols that are used to direct an e-mail message or to show the location of a site on the Internet
an e-mail address
a Web address

2 : a formal speech

We listened to the President's inaugural address on the radio.

She was asked to give/deliver a formal address at the ceremony.

see also KEYNOTE ADDRESS, PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM

form/term of address

: a word, name, or title that is used when speaking or writing to someone

“Honey” is an affectionate term of address in U.S. English.

address book noun, pl books [count]

1 : a small book in which you write the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of people you know

2 : a place on a computer or other device for storing e-mail addresses, phone numbers, etc.

ad·dress·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

: the person to whom mail is addressed

The addressee no longer lives here, so I've returned the letter to the post office.

ad·duce Brit verb, -duc·es, -duced, -duc·ing [+ obj]

formal : to mention or provide (something, such as a fact or example) as evidence or proof to support an argument

The evidence the author has adduced [=put forth] is rather weak.

ad·e·noids noun [plural]

: a mass of tissue in the back of the throat that can become swollen and make it difficult to breathe

ad·e·noi·dal adj
an adenoidal voice [=a nasal voice, a voice that sounds odd or unattractive because it seems to be spoken through the nose]

1adept adj [more ; most ]

: very good at doing something that is not easy

He's adept in several languages.

politically adept
usually + at

She's adept at fixing flaws in the system.

He was adept at (using) computers.

adept·ly adv

He switched adeptly between English and Italian.

adept·ness noun [noncount]

her adeptness at fixing flaws

2ad·ept noun, pl -epts [count]

: a highly skilled or well-trained person : someone who is adept at something
a computer adept
an adept at chess

ad·e·quate adj [more ; most ]

1 : enough for some need or requirement

Be sure to allow adequate [=sufficient, enough] time for the paint to dry.

The garden hasn't been getting adequate water.

The food was more than adequate for the six of us.

2 : good enough : of a quality that is good or acceptable

Millions of people lack adequate [=sufficient] health care.

The school lunch should be adequate to meet the nutritional needs of growing children.

The machine does an adequate job.

The tent should provide adequate protection from the elements.

The quality of his work was perfectly adequate.

: of a quality that is acceptable but not better than acceptable

Your grades are adequate but I think you can do better.

The quality of his work was only/merely/barely adequate.

opposite INADEQUATE

ad·e·qua·cy noun [noncount]

Environmentalists doubt the adequacy of the regulations. [=doubt that the regulations are adequate]

ad·e·quate·ly adv

Are you adequately prepared for the exam?

ad·here verb, -heres, -hered, -her·ing [no obj]

: to stick to something : to attach firmly to something

The stamp failed to adhere.

usually + to

The stamp failed to adhere to the envelope.

The mud adhered to his shoes.

adhere to [phrasal verb]

adhere to (something) : to act in the way that is required by (something, such as a rule, belief, or promise)

They will adhere to the terms of the contract.

Certain standards must be adhered to by all members.

She adheres to [=follows] a strict vegetarian diet.

ad·her·ence noun [noncount]

: the act of adhering; especially : the act of doing what is required by a rule, belief, etc.

usually + to

The school requires adherence to a strict dress code.

adherence to religious laws

compare ADHESION

ad·her·ent noun, pl -ents [count]

: a person who is loyal to a leader, group, or religion
adherents of Islam/Judaism/Buddhism
one of Freud's adherents [=someone who agrees with Freud's theories]

: a person who adheres to or supports a system or set of principles
an adherent of free trade

ad·he·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [noncount] : the act of adhering; especially : the act of sticking or attaching to something
the adhesion of the coating
the adhesion of the mud to my shoes
compare ADHERENCE

2 [count] medical : a condition in which body tissues that are supposed to be separate grow together because of swelling after surgery
postoperative adhesions

1ad·he·sive adj [more ; most ]

: designed to stick to something

Cover the cut with an adhesive bandage.

adhesive tape

2adhesive noun, pl -sives [count]

: a substance (such as glue or cement) that is used to make things stick together

You'll need a strong adhesive to attach the boards.

ad hoc adj

1 : formed or used for a special purpose

The mayor appointed an ad hoc committee to study the project.

2 : made or done without planning because of an immediate need

We had to make some ad hoc changes to the plans.

We'll hire more staff on an ad hoc basis.

ad hoc adv

The decisions were made ad hoc.

1adieu interj
formal + literary : goodbye or farewell

Adieu, my friends.

2adieu noun, pl adieus or adieux [count]

formal + literary : an expression of good wishes when someone leaves : farewell

She bid/wished me adieu.

ad in·fi·ni·tum adv

: without an end or limit : forever

We don't have to debate the issue ad infinitum, do we?

Ad infinitum is a Latin phrase that means “to infinity.”

adi·os Brit interj

US informal : goodbye

Adios! We'll see you tomorrow.

adj abbr
adjective

ad·ja·cent adj

: close or near : sharing a border, wall, or point

The other group is meeting in the adjacent room. [=the room that is next to this room]

Their property and our property are adjacent. [=are next to each other]

The dialect is spoken in New York City and adjacent [=nearby] areas.

often + to

We're meeting in the room adjacent to [=next to] this one.

Their property and our property are adjacent to each other.

ad·jec·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

: a word that describes a noun or a pronoun

The words blue in “the blue car,” deep in “the water is deep,” and tired in “I'm very tired” are adjectives.

abbr. adj

ad·jec·ti·val adj
an adjectival phrase

ad·jec·ti·val·ly adv

Use the word adjectivally.

ad·join verb, -joins, -joined -join·ing
of a building, room, area of land, etc. : to be next to or joined with something

[+ obj] Her office adjoins the library.

The two rooms adjoin each other.

[no obj] The two rooms adjoin.

adjoining adj

We reserved adjoining rooms at the hotel.

ad·journ verb, -journs, -journed, -journ·ing

: to end something (such as a meeting or session) for a period of time

[+ obj] The chairperson has adjourned the meeting.

Court is adjourned until 10:00 tomorrow.

This meeting is adjourned.

[no obj] The meeting adjourned at 4:00.

Congress will not adjourn until the budget has been completed.

adjourn to [phrasal verb]

adjourn to (a place) : to leave one place and go to (another place) after the end of a meeting, discussion, etc.

After the ceremony, we adjourned to the garden where lunch was served.

often used humorously

Are we done here? Good, let's adjourn to the bar.

ad·journ·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

a six-hour meeting with only two brief adjournments

[noncount]

The adjournment of Congress will be delayed until the budget is complete.

ad·judge verb, -judg·es, -judged, -judg·ing [+ obj]

formal : to consider or judge (something) in a specified way

The critics have adjudged [=(more commonly) deemed, judged] the play a success.

The court adjudged the contract to be fraudulent.

ad·ju·di·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing
formal : to make an official decision about who is right in a dispute

[+ obj] The board will adjudicate claims made against teachers.

The case was adjudicated in the state courts.

[no obj] The board will adjudicate when claims are made against teachers.

ad·ju·di·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the process of adjudication

The case is under adjudication.

ad·ju·di·ca·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1ad·junct noun, pl -juncts [count]

1 : something that is joined or added to another thing but is not an essential part of it

Massage therapy can be used as an adjunct along with the medication.

usually + to

The Web site is designed as an adjunct to the book.

2 grammar : a word or phrase (such as an adverb or prepositional phrase) that provides added information about the meaning of a verb in a sentence by expressing a relation of time, place, manner, etc.

In “They ate heartily,” the word heartily is an adjunct and in “We left at noon,” the phrase at noon is an adjunct.

2adjunct adj, always used before a noun

1 : added or joined in order to be used with something
massage therapy as an adjunct treatment

2 : added to a teaching staff for only a short time or in a lower position than other staff
adjunct faculty
an adjunct professor

ad·jure verb, -jures, -jured, -jur·ing [+ obj]

formal : to urge or command (someone) to do something

He adjured his followers to remain faithful to the cause.

ad·just verb, -justs, -just·ed, -just·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to change (something) in a minor way so that it works better

The car is easier to drive since the clutch was adjusted.

I adjusted the volume on the radio.

1 b : to change the position of (something)

He adjusted his glasses/tie.

She adjusted the car seat so she could reach the pedals.

2 : to change in order to work or do better in a new situation

[no obj] Going to a new school can be difficult, but the kids will eventually adjust.

often + to

The kids will eventually adjust to the new school.

Our eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness of the cave.

It's hard to adjust to the idea that she's gone.

[+ obj] It's hard to adjust myself to the idea that she's gone.

see also WELL-ADJUSTED

3 : to make an amount or number more exact by considering other information usually + for

[+ obj] He actually makes less money now than he did 10 years ago, when you adjust his salary for inflation. [=when you calculate what his salary would be without inflation]

[no obj] He makes less money now, when you adjust for inflation, than he did 10 years ago.

ad·just·able adj
an adjustable strap/wrench/waistband

ad·just·er noun, pl -ers [count] see also INSURANCE ADJUSTER, LOSS ADJUSTER

ad·just·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : a small change that improves something or makes it work better

[count] The engine only needed a minor adjustment.

She made some slight adjustments to the recipe.

[noncount] The engine only needed minor adjustment.

2 : a change that makes it possible for a person to do better or work better in a new situation

[count] Moving from the city to the country requires an adjustment.

[noncount] We went through a period of adjustment at the new school.

3 : the act or process of changing or adjusting something (such as a number)

[count] The figures were calculated with no adjustments for inflation.

[noncount] The figures were calculated with no adjustment for inflation.

ad·ju·tant noun, pl -tants [count]

: an army officer who helps the commanding officer and is responsible for written communications

ad-lib verb, -libs, -libbed, -lib·bing

: to make up words or music in a performance instead of saying or playing something that has been planned : improvise

[no obj] The actor forgot his lines, so he ad-libbed.

a comedian who is admired for his ability to ad-lib

[+ obj] The actor ad-libbed his lines.

She ad-libbed the guitar solo.

ad-lib a joke

ad-lib noun, pl -libs [count]

Some of the best jokes in the movie were ad-libs.

ad-lib adj
an ad-lib joke

ad-lib adv
did the whole dialogue ad-lib

ad·man noun, pl ad·men [count]

somewhat informal : a man who writes or sells advertisements

ad·min noun [noncount]

Brit informal : administration

You'll have to go see the people in admin.

She has a job in admin.

ad·min·is·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 [+ obj] : to manage the operation of (something, such as a company or government) or the use of (something, such as property)

As a cost-saving measure, voters have elected to have the two towns administered jointly.

The UN personnel are there to help administer the territory.

She's been hired to administer the fund.

2 [+ obj] : to provide or apply (something, such as justice) : to put (something) into effect
administer justice [=give fair rewards and punishments in legal disputes and for crimes]

administer punishment

3 [+ obj] : to give or present (something) officially or as part of a ceremony

The assistant will administer the test.

administer an oath
a priest to administer the sacraments

4 [+ obj] : to give (a drug, medicine, or treatment) to someone

The doctor will administer the anesthesia before the surgery begins.

The drug is administered by injection.

5 [no obj] : to give needed help or care to others

+ to
administer [=(more commonly) minister] to an ailing friend
administer to the needs of the poor

ad·min·is·tra·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a [noncount] : the activities that relate to running a company, school, or other organization

He works in hospital administration. [=his work involves management of a hospital]

She has a degree in business administration.

1 b [count] : a group of people who manage the way a company, school, or other organization functions

The editorial criticizes the college's administration for not taking a stand on the issue.

2 or Administration [count]

2 a : a government or part of a government that is identified with its leader (such as a U.S. president or British prime minister)

We studied U.S. foreign policy in/during the Reagan Administration. [=during the time when Reagan was President]

the Thatcher administration

Her lecture compared the policies of this administration to the previous one.

Administration officials refused to comment.

At first, the administration denied the allegations.

2 b : a U.S. government department

The drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

3 [noncount] : the act or process of providing or administering something
the administration of justice
oral administration of the drug

ad·min·is·tra·tive adj

: of or relating to the management of a company, school, or other organization

She has an administrative job.

administrative tasks/duties
an administrative assistant

ad·min·is·tra·tive·ly adv

ad·min·is·tra·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who administers something: such as
a : a person whose job is to manage a company, school, or other organization
a hospital administrator

b : a person who controls the use of something (such as property or money)

Her eldest son will act as the administrator of the estate.

ad·mi·ra·ble adj [more ; most ]

: deserving to be admired : very good

The film does an admirable [=excellent] job of depicting life in the 1940s.

Loyalty was her most admirable quality.

Their motives were admirable.

ad·mi·ra·bly adv

He managed the crisis admirably.

ad·mi·ral noun, pl -rals [count]

: a high-ranking officer in the navy

Ad·mi·ral·ty noun

the Admiralty

: a government department formerly in charge of the British Navy

ad·mi·ra·tion noun

: a feeling of great respect and approval

[noncount] She looked at them in admiration.

I have/feel great admiration for her courage.

We were filled with admiration for him.

She earned/won the admiration of her coworkers.

[singular] I have/feel a great admiration for her courage.

ad·mire verb, -mires, -mired, -mir·ing [+ obj]

1 : to feel respect or approval for (someone or something)

I admired the way he handled the crisis. = I admired how he handled the crisis.

We all admire her courage. = We all admire her for her courage. = She is much admired for her courage.

2 : to look at (something or someone) with enjoyment

We gazed out the window and admired the scenery.

ad·mir·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an admirer of modern art
a beautiful woman who has many admirers

admiring adj [more ; most ]

She received many admiring glances as she walked into the room.

ad·mir·ing·ly adv

ad·mis·si·ble adj

: able to be admitted or allowed; especially : able to be allowed or considered in a legal case
admissible evidence

The judge decided that the confession was admissible in court.

opposite INADMISSIBLE

ad·mis·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [noncount] : the act of admitting or allowing something
the admission of evidence in a court of law

2 [count] : a statement or action by which someone admits a weakness, fault, etc.

His statement was interpreted as an admission of failure/weakness.

an admission of error/defeat
her admission of guilt = her admission that she was guilty

By his own admission, he is a terrible cook. [=he admits that he is a terrible cook]

3 a [noncount] : the right or permission to enter a place

He tried to get into the theater but was refused admission. [=he was not allowed to enter]

3 b [noncount] : the right or permission to join a club, group, etc.

They opposed the admission of women into/to the club.

She was unable to gain admission into/to the club. = She was denied admission into/to the club.

3 c : the act or process of accepting a patient in a hospital for treatment

[noncount] He died several hours after admission to the hospital. [=after being admitted to the hospital]

Her injuries were serious enough to require hospital admission.

The patient was unconscious on (his) admission to the hospital. [=when he was admitted to the hospital]

[count] a large number of hospital admissions

3 d : the act or process of accepting someone as a student at a school

[noncount] The school's standards of admission are high.

He submitted an application for admission to the school.

[count] college/university admissions

The school has a policy of open admissions. [=a policy of accepting all students who want to go to the school]

often used before another noun
an admission(s) exam
an admissions officer [=an official at a school who is in charge of admitting students]

4 : the cost of entering a theater, sports stadium, museum, etc.

[noncount] Admission (to the museum) is free on Tuesdays.

A movie will be shown in the auditorium tomorrow night. Admission: $5 for adults, $2 for children.

The museum offers reduced admission for young children.

Her performance by itself was worth the price of admission.

[count] Reduced admissions are available for young children.

often used before another noun
an admission fee/charge

ad·mit verb, -mits, -mit·ted, -mit·ting [+ obj]

1 : to say usually in an unwilling way that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something)

He admitted (to me) that he didn't know the answer.

You know you're wrong. Why don't you admit it? [=why don't you say that you're wrong?]

You know you're wrong! Admit it!

He finally admitted his mistake. [=he stopped denying that he had made a mistake]

I hate to admit it, but he's right.

He admitted his guilt. = He admitted that he was guilty. = He admitted being guilty.

I didn't think I'd like the movie, but I have to admit that it was good. = The movie was good, I have to admit (it). = The movie was good, I must admit.

She has refused to admit defeat. [=to admit that she has been defeated]

see also ADMIT TO ((BELOW))

2 : to let in (someone or something): such as

2 a : to allow (someone) to enter a place

This ticket admits one person.

He admitted them into his office.

2 b : to allow (someone) to join a club, group, etc.

They refused to admit her to/into the club.

2 c : to accept (someone) as a patient in a hospital

The patient was very sick when she was admitted to the hospital.

He was admitted last night for chest pains.

2 d law : to allow (something) to be considered as evidence in a legal case

The judge decided to admit the evidence.

admit of [phrasal verb]

admit of (something) formal : to allow or permit (something, such as an answer or solution)

a question that admits of two possible answers

admit to [phrasal verb]

admit to (something) : to admit (something) : to acknowledge the truth or existence of (something)

He reluctantly admitted to knowing her. [=he admitted knowing her]

He admitted to his guilt. = He admitted to being guilty.

see also ADMIT 1 (ABOVE)

admitted adj, always used before a noun

He is an admitted liar. [=he has admitted that he lied]

ad·mit·ted·ly adv

The movie was a success. Admittedly, it cost much more than expected. [=I admit that it cost much more than expected]

ad·mit·tance noun [noncount]

formal : permission to enter a place or to become a member of a club, group, etc. : permission to be admitted : admission
gain admittance

He tried to enter the restaurant but was refused admittance.

They opposed the admittance of women into the club.

The sign said “No Admittance.”

ad·mix·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

1 technical : something added by mixing
an alloy that includes a small admixture of silver

2 : something formed by mixing : mixture
not used technically

Her feelings about starting the business were an admixture of fear and excitement.

ad·mon·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to speak to (someone) in a way that expresses disapproval or criticism
often + for

His mother admonished him for shouting.

We were admonished for arriving late.

2 : to tell or urge (someone) to do something

She admonished [=urged] them to keep trying.

They admonished [=encouraged] her to control her spending.

They were admonished to take advantage of the opportunity.

ad·mon·ish·ment noun, pl -ments [count, noncount]

ad·mo·ni·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : a criticism or warning about behavior

[count] a stern admonition
an admonition to be careful

[noncount] He offered words of advice and admonition.

ad·mon·i·to·ry Brit adj
admonitory remarks

ad nau·se·am adv

used to say that something happens or is done so many times or for such a long time that it makes people annoyed, disgusted, etc.

We debated the issue ad nauseam without reaching an agreement.

Ad nauseam is a Latin phrase that means “to sickness.”

ado noun [noncount]

: foolish or unnecessary talk, trouble, or activity
often used with much

There has been much ado about the need for campaign reform.

The controversy turned out to be much ado about nothing.

without further ado

: without waiting any longer : right away

Without further ado, I'd like to introduce our speaker.

ado·be noun [noncount]

: a type of brick made of a mixture of mud and straw that is dried by the sun

The house was built of adobe.

often used before another noun
adobe bricks/walls/houses

ad·o·les·cence noun [noncount]

: the period of life when a child develops into an adult

Their children are on the verge of adolescence.

He struggled through his adolescence.

in early/late adolescence

ad·o·les·cent noun, pl -cents [count]

: a young person who is developing into an adult : a young person who is going through adolescence

Their children are now adolescents.

a troubled adolescent

adolescent adj
an adolescent boy/girl

adopt verb, adopts, adopt·ed, adopt·ing

1 : to take a child of other parents legally as your own child

[no obj] They were unable to have children of their own, so they decided to adopt.

[+ obj] They decided to adopt a child.

He was adopted as an infant.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to begin to use or have (a different manner, method, etc.)

Their boss has recently adopted a friendlier manner. [=has started behaving in a friendlier way]

Did he adopt your point of view?

We adopted some of the local customs.

2 b : to begin to use (a name that is not your real or original name)

The author Samuel Clemens adopted the name “Mark Twain.”

2 c : to live in (a country that is not your original country) and regard it as your home

He was born in England but he has adopted Canada as his home.

3 [+ obj] : to accept or approve (something, such as a proposal) in a formal or official way

The assembly adopted a new constitution.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Senate.

4 [+ obj] chiefly Brit : to select (someone) officially as a candidate

The party adopted [=selected, chose] her as its candidate for mayor.

adopted adj
an adopted child [=a child who has been adopted]

She is their adopted daughter.

“Mark Twain” was the adopted name of Samuel Clemens.

Canada is his adopted country.

adop·tion noun, pl -tions

: the act or process of adopting someone or something: such as
a : the act or process of adopting a child

[noncount] They chose adoption because they couldn't have children of their own.

children who are available for adoption
an adoption agency

She decided to put/give the baby up for adoption. [=to make it possible for other people to adopt the baby]

[count] Our lawyer has handled many adoptions.

b [noncount] : the act or process of beginning to use something new or different
our adoption of local customs
the company's adoption of new technology

c [noncount] : the act or process of giving official acceptance or approval to something
the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the Senate

adop·tive adj, always used before a noun

used to describe a parent who has adopted a child

She is their adopted daughter, which makes them her adoptive parents. [=the parents who adopted her]

ador·able adj [more ; most ]

: very appealing or attractive : very lovable

He is an adorable [=delightful] child.

They live in an adorable little cottage.

ador·ably adv
an adorably cute child

ad·o·ra·tion noun [noncount]

: strong feelings of love or admiration

They looked at the baby in/with adoration.

The doctor has earned the adoration of his patients.

adore verb, adores, adored, ador·ing [+ obj]

1 : to love or admire (someone) very much

She adores her son.

He's a good doctor. All his patients adore him.

2 : to like or desire (something) very much : to take great pleasure in (something)

He adores [=loves] chocolate.

They adored shopping in all the boutiques.

adoring adj
a star athlete and his adoring fans [=his fans who adore him]

adorn verb, adorns, adorned, adorn·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal : to make (someone or something) more attractive by adding something beautiful : decorate

Her paintings adorn the walls.

often + with

They adorned themselves with jewelry.

She wore a dress adorned with lace and silk flowers.

The walls are adorned with her paintings.

adorn·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the act or process of making someone or something attractive by decorating : the act or process of adorning someone or something
the adornment of the walls with her paintings

2 : something added to make a person or thing more attractive

[count] Her room doesn't have any unnecessary adornments.

[noncount] The entrance to the building has little adornment.

adren·a·line or chiefly Brit adren·a·lin noun [noncount]

: a substance that is released in the body of a person who is feeling a strong emotion (such as excitement, fear, or anger) and that causes the heart to beat faster and gives the person more energy

It was a thrilling experience that really got our adrenaline going. [=got us very excited]

If you experience a rush of adrenaline or an adrenaline rush, you feel very excited and full of energy.

I felt a rush of adrenaline as I walked onto the stage.

adrift adj

1 of a boat : floating on the water without being tied to anything or controlled by anyone

We could see a ship adrift [=drifting] in the storm.

The canoe was set/cast adrift from its moorings.

2 : without guidance, purpose, or support

She was alone and adrift in the city.

Many workers were cast adrift by massive layoffs.

3 Brit : behind by a specified amount in a race, competition, etc.

He was eight points adrift (of the leader).

come adrift
chiefly Brit : to become loose or unattached

One of the straps on her dress came adrift.

adroit adj [more ; most ]

: very clever or skillful
an adroit negotiator

She is adroit at handling problems.

adroit·ly adv

She managed the situation adroitly.

adroit·ness noun [noncount]

ad·u·la·tion noun [noncount]

: extreme admiration or praise

The rugby player enjoyed the adulation of his fans.

a writer who inspires adulation in her readers

1adult noun, pl adults [count]

: a fully grown person or animal

Her books appeal both to children and to adults.

Children must be accompanied by an adult in the museum.

Only adults can purchase alcohol.

This film is for adults only. Minors are not admitted.

People who are close friends as children aren't always friends as adults.

studying interactions between young birds and adults

2adult adj, always used before a noun except in sense 2

1 : fully grown and developed
an adult student/learner
adult birds

I've worked here all of my adult life. [=I've worked here since I became an adult]

preparing children for adult life

2 [more ; most ] : mature and sensible : not childish

We need to approach this in an adult way.

an adult decision/choice/responsibility

3 : of or intended for adults
adult literacy
adult learning

4 : dealing with sexual material
adult bookstores/movies

adult·hood noun, pl -hoods [noncount]

preparing children for adulthood

[count]

preparing children for their adulthoods

adult education noun [noncount]

: a course of study for adults : continuing education

The university offers a popular program of adult education.

adul·ter·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something, such as a food or drink) impure or weaker by adding something of poor quality

The company is accused of adulterating its products with cheap additives.

adulterated adj
adulterated food

adul·ter·a·tion noun [noncount]

adul·ter·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a married person who has sex with someone who is not that person's wife or husband : a person who commits adultery

adulter·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

: a married woman who has sex with a man who is not her husband : a woman who commits adultery

adul·tery noun [noncount]

: sex between a married person and someone who is not that person's wife or husband

He found out that his wife had committed adultery.

She accused her husband of adultery.

adul·ter·ous adj
an adulterous affair/relationship

adul·ter·ous·ly adv

adv abbr
adverb

1ad·vance Brit verb, -vanc·es, -vanced, -vanc·ing

1 a [no obj] : to move forward

The car advanced slowly down the street.

The sun slowly advanced across the sky.

She opened the door and advanced cautiously into the room.

Enemy soldiers are advancing on the city. [=they are approaching the city in order to attack it]

1 b [+ obj] : to move (someone or something) forward
advance the hands of a clock
advance a pawn [=move a pawn forward in a game of chess]

The film is advanced by an electric motor.

The team advanced the ball steadily down the field.

2 [no obj] : to go forward : to make progress

Our understanding of this disease has advanced rapidly in recent years.

The team did not advance beyond the first round of the play-offs.

The company tries to keep up with advancing technology.

: to continue in a process of development, aging, etc.

As he advanced in age and stature he advanced in knowledge.

Their children are advancing toward maturity.

3 : to increase in amount or rate

[+ obj] These measures are intended to keep landlords from advancing [=raising] rents unfairly.

[no obj] Wages have continued to advance.

Some stock prices have advanced while others have declined.

Loss of memory is often a sign of advancing age.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to help the progress of (something)

heroes whose sacrifices advanced the cause of freedom

Volunteers have been raising money to advance the work of the society.

They used propaganda to advance their cause.

He was advancing his own interests at the expense of his friend's.

: to cause or help (something) to go forward or continue
advance a plot

4 b : to make (something) higher or better : to cause improvement to (something)

The success of this novel will help to advance [=enhance] his reputation/status.

5 a [+ obj] : to raise (someone) to a higher rank or position

He was advanced [=promoted] from clerk to assistant manager.

5 b [no obj] : to rise to a higher rank or position

The family has advanced to a position of influence in the community.

He advanced quickly through the ranks.

She has continued to advance steadily in her career.

6 [+ obj] : to give money to someone as a loan or before the usual time
advance a loan to someone = advance someone a loan
advance an employee a week's pay

His publisher advanced him $100,000 on/for his new book.

7 [+ obj] : to suggest or propose (something) for consideration or acceptance
advance a new plan/theory
advance an argument

Many theories were advanced and rejected.

8 [+ obj]

8 a : to cause (something) to occur more quickly
a chemical used to advance the ripening of fruit

8 b : to make (something) earlier
advance the date of the meeting

ad·vanc·er noun, pl -ers [count]

There were more advancers [=stocks that increased in value] than decliners in the stock market yesterday.

2advance noun, pl -vances

1 : forward movement

[noncount] trying to halt the enemy's advance

[count] trying to halt the enemy's advances

2 : progress in the development or improvement of something

[count] recent advances in medicine
a big/dramatic/huge/major/significant advance in technology

The new system represents a considerable advance over the old one.

There have been few advances made in the treatment of this disease.

[noncount] There has been little advance made in the treatment of this disease.

policies that are important for economic advance [=advancement]

3 [count] : a rise in price, value, or amount

The workers won wage advances.

a yearlong advance in stock prices

4 [count] : the act of speaking to someone in an effort to start a sexual relationship
usually plural

Her unfriendly look discourages advances.

She rebuffed/rejected his advances.

He is accused of making unwelcome sexual advances to female coworkers.

5 [count] : money given to someone as a loan or before the usual time of payment

I need an advance on my salary.

He was given a $100,000 advance on/for his new book.

a cash advance

in advance

: before something happens

He knew about the change two weeks in advance. [=two weeks before the change occurred]

There was no way to know in advance [=ahead of time] that these problems would occur.

: before a future event or time

We made reservations in advance.

You should call in advance to make an appointment.

Thank you in advance for your help.

often + of

They began to make preparations several days in advance of [=before, ahead of] her arrival.

3advance adj, always used before a noun

1 : made, sent, or provided at an early time
an advance payment
an advance warning
an advance copy of a new book

2 : going or placed before others
an advance guard
an advance scout

(US) an advance man/woman/team [=a man, woman, or group whose job is to go to a place and make preparations for someone (such as a politician or an entertainer) who is coming to visit that place at a later time]

ad·vanced Brit adj [more ; most ]

1 : beyond the basic level
advanced mathematics

She's taking an advanced course in English. = She's taking a course in advanced English.

The school has courses for elementary, intermediate, and advanced students.

The book explains both basic and advanced techniques.

The job requires someone with an advanced degree. [=a degree (such as a master's degree or a PhD) that is higher than a bachelor's degree]

2 : far along in a course of progress or development: such as

2 a : having developed more than others
a highly advanced civilization [=a modern civilization]

an advanced society

2 b : having or using new and modern methods
advanced technology
technologically advanced weapons

The system has many advanced features.

2 c : having reached a bad state or condition

The house was in an advanced state of disrepair. [=the house was in very poor condition]

The disease is in an advanced stage.

an advanced form of cancer

2 d : far along in a process of aging

She began painting at an advanced age. [=she began painting when she was old]

He is rather advanced in age/years. [=rather old]

a man/woman of advanced age/years [=an old man/woman]

Advanced level noun, pl levels [count]

Brit : a level

ad·vance·ment Brit noun, pl -ments

: the act of advancing: such as
a : the act of moving forward

[noncount] They have been unable to slow the advancement [=advance] of the enemy troops.

A motor inside the camera is used for advancement of the film.

[count] troop advancements [=(more commonly) advances]

b : the act or result of making something better, more successful, etc.

[noncount] She contributed greatly to the advancement of the new organization.

working for the advancement of learning/science/truth

The program supports economic advancement in rural areas.

[count] There have been many recent advancements [=advances, improvements] in this technology.

This new method is a great advancement over past techniques.

c : the act of being raised to a higher rank or position

[noncount] The job offers many opportunities for professional advancement.

His advancement [=promotion] to captain came last year.

He is being considered for advancement.
career advancement
social advancement

[count] a series of rapid career advancements

ad·van·tage Brit noun, pl -tag·es

1 [count]

1 a : something (such as a good position or condition) that helps to make someone or something better or more likely to succeed than others

Higher ground gave the enemy the/an advantage.

He has/enjoys an unfair advantage over us because of his wealth.

His plan has the advantage of being less expensive than other options.

He lacked the advantages of an advanced education.

Speed is an advantage in most sports.

The company's only advantage over the competition is its location.

Applicants for this job will find that previous experience is an advantage.

The union should be at an advantage [=should have an advantage] in the negotiations.

1 b : a good or desirable quality or feature

Being able to set your own schedule is one of the advantages of owning a business.

Among the advantages of a small college is its campus life.

opposite DISADVANTAGE

2 [noncount] : benefit or gain

There isn't any advantage in/to leaving early.

She used her position for personal advantage. [=for personal gain; to help herself]

The error was to our advantage. [=we were helped by the error]

opposite DISADVANTAGE

If you turn/use something to your advantage or to good advantage, you use something in a way that is helpful to you.

Is there a way to turn this situation to our advantage? [=is there a way to exploit this situation?; is there a way to take advantage of this situation?]

3 [noncount] tennis : the first point won after the score is tied at 4040
used to announce the person who has won the point

Advantage Mr. Jones.

take advantage of

1 : to use (something, such as an opportunity) in a way that helps you : to make good use of (something)

We took advantage of the warm weather and did some yard work.

They are taking advantage of an opportunity to travel.

You should take (full) advantage of this opportunity while you can.

2 a : to ask for or expect more than is fair or reasonable from (someone) : to treat (someone who is generous or helpful) unfairly

After a while, I began to think she was taking advantage of me.

2 b : to use (something) unfairly for personal gain

He took advantage of [=exploited] my lack of knowledge.

She took advantage of our generosity.

to advantage

: in an attractive and appealing way

The display shows off the collection to (good/best) advantage.

ad·van·taged Brit adj [more ; most ]

: having or providing the things (such as money and education) that are considered necessary for a good position in society : having or providing advantages over other people : privileged
advantaged children

He comes from an advantaged community/background.

an advantaged position

ad·van·ta·geous adj [more ; most ]

: helpful or favorable : giving an advantage to someone

He found it advantageous [=beneficial] to arrive early.

These changes will be advantageous to you. [=will help you]

Her experience placed her in an advantageous position to apply for the job.

opposite DISADVANTAGEOUS

ad·van·ta·geous·ly adv

Where can we invest the money most advantageously?

ad·vent noun

1 [singular] : the time when something begins or arrives : the first appearance of something
the advent of spring
the advent of the printing press
the advent of personal computers

2 Advent [noncount] in the Christian religion : the period of time beginning four Sundays before Christmas

Our church is holding some special services during Advent.

ad·ven·ture noun, pl -tures

1 [count] : an exciting or dangerous experience

The field trip was an adventure for the students.

He told us about his camping adventures.

often used before another noun
an adventure story/novel

2 [noncount] : danger or excitement

He has a strong spirit/sense of adventure. [=he enjoys doing dangerous and exciting things]

They were looking for adventure.

adventure playground noun, pl -grounds [count]

Brit : an outdoor area that has objects on which children can climb and play

ad·ven·tur·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who likes dangerous or exciting experiences : a person who looks for adventures

2 somewhat old-fashioned : a person who tries to become wealthy or powerful by doing things that are illegal or dishonest
corporate adventurers

ad·ven·ture·some adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US : liking to do dangerous and exciting things : seeking adventure
an adventuresome [=adventurous] explorer

ad·ven·tur·ism noun [noncount]

disapproving : an attitude or way of behaving that involves attempting to gain an advantage by doing things that are regarded as foolish or risky
military adventurism

ad·ven·tur·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

ad·ven·tur·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 a : not afraid to do new and dangerous or exciting things

The island attracts adventurous travelers.

He is an adventurous cook who is always trying new recipes.

1 b : exciting or unusual

Her design is an adventurous departure from what we usually see.

The restaurant offers an adventurous [=innovative] menu.

2 : full of danger and excitement

They have an adventurous lifestyle.

an adventurous trip/vacation

ad·verb noun, pl -verbs [count]

: a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used to show time, manner, place, or degree

In “arrived early,” “runs slowly,” “stayed home,” and “works hard” the words “early,” “slowly,” “home,” and “hard” are adverbs.

ad·ver·bi·al adj
an adverbial phrase

In some sentences the word “likely” is adverbial rather than adjectival.

the adverbial suffix “-ly”

ad·ver·bi·ally adv

ad·ver·sar·i·al adj [more ; most ]

formal : involving two people or two sides who oppose each other

The two men have always had an adversarial relationship. [=they have always opposed each other; they have always treated each other as adversaries]

an adversarial system of justice with prosecution and defense opposing each other

ad·ver·sary Brit noun, pl -sar·ies [count]

formal : an enemy or opponent

His political adversaries tried to prevent him from winning the nomination.

ad·verse adj [more ; most ]

: bad or unfavorable : not good
adverse criticism/remarks

He had an adverse reaction to the medicine. [=he reacted badly to the medicine; the medicine had a bad effect on him]

Many fear that budget cuts will have an adverse [=damaging] effect on education.

adverse circumstances/conditions/weather

The drug has no adverse [=harmful] side effects.

ad·verse·ly adv

Sales were adversely affected by the bad weather.

Staff changes could affect the project adversely.

ad·ver·si·ty noun, pl -ties

: a difficult situation or condition : misfortune or tragedy

[noncount] He showed courage in the face of adversity.

We had to learn to deal with adversity.

[count] They overcame many adversities.

ad·vert noun, pl -verts [count]

Brit informal : advertisement

I saw your advert in the newspaper.

ad·ver·tise verb, -tis·es, -tised, -tis·ing

1 : to make the public aware of something (such as a product) that is being sold

[+ obj] They are advertising the new edition of the book.

The vacation was advertised as a week in paradise.

It turned out to be exactly as advertised.

[no obj] Business increased after we began to advertise on the radio.

If you want to attract customers, it pays to advertise.

2 : to make a public announcement (in a newspaper, on the Internet, etc.) about something that is wanted or available

[no obj] The company is advertising for a secretary.

[+ obj] We advertised the job in the paper.

3 [+ obj] : to cause people to notice (something)

You don't have to advertise [=draw attention to] the fact that we arrived late.

She advertised her presence by wearing a skimpy dress.

ad·ver·tis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

television advertisers [=companies that advertise on television]

ad·ver·tise·ment Brit noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : something (such as a short film or a written notice) that is shown or presented to the public to help sell a product or to make an announcement

The advertisement will appear in three magazines.

He learned about the job from an advertisement in the newspaper.

a television/radio advertisement
often + for

I saw an advertisement for a new car on TV last night.

; called also ad (Brit) advert

2 [count] : a person or thing that shows how good or effective something is

+ for

The rusted car on the lot was not much of an advertisement for the car dealership.

Successful graduates are a good advertisement for a school.

3 [noncount] : the act or process of advertising

The company has spent a lot of money on advertisement.

ad·ver·tis·ing noun [noncount]

1 : published or broadcast advertisements

These is a lot of advertising in that magazine.

2 : the business of creating advertisements

He is looking for a job in advertising.

She works for an advertising agency [=(chiefly US) ad agency] in New York.

ad·vice noun [noncount]

: an opinion or suggestion about what someone should do

My advice is to sell your old car and get a new one.

Take my advice and sell your old car.

He needs advice from an expert.

She's been giving him some expert advice about investing.

“May I ask your advice about/on something?” “Certainly. I'm always happy to give advice when asked for it.”

Let me offer you a bit/piece/word of advice. = Let me offer you some advice.

I took/followed my doctor's advice and lost some weight. = I lost some weight on the advice of my doctor.

advice column noun, pl -umns [count]

US : an article in a newspaper or magazine that offers advice to people who write to ask for help with a problem called also (Brit) agony column

advice columnist noun, pl -nists [count]

ad·vis·able adj [more ; most ]

: wise, sensible, or reasonable

The restaurant is very popular so it is advisable to make reservations if you go. [=it's a good idea to make reservations]

My doctor said it was advisable for me to lose weight.

opposite INADVISABLE

ad·vis·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

I question the advisability of going into the park alone at night.

ad·vise verb, -vis·es, -vised, -vis·ing

1 a : to give an opinion or suggestion to someone about what should be done : to give advice to (someone)

[+ obj] I strongly advise you to sell your old car.

We advised them to save their money.

My doctor advised me to lose some weight.

She advises the President on foreign affairs.

Our lawyer advised us against buying that house. [=she told us that we shouldn't buy that house]

[no obj] We were thinking of buying that house, but our lawyer advised against it.

1 b [+ obj] : to recommend or suggest (something)

I advise selling your old car.

We were thinking of buying that house, but our lawyer advised caution. [=said that we should be cautious]

He advises patience/restraint when dealing with children.

see also ILL-ADVISED, WELL-ADVISED

2 [+ obj] formal : to give information to (someone)

The police advised them of their rights. [=the police told them what their legal rights were]

She says she was never advised [=informed, told] about the new procedures.

We advised [=apprised] them of the danger.

The boss asked us to keep him advised about/on how the project is going.

ad·vis·er also ad·vi·sor noun, pl -visers also -visors [count]

a financial/legal/medical adviser

She's an adviser to the President on foreign affairs.

ad·vis·ed·ly adv
formal : in a deliberate way

They have misled usand I use the word “misled” advisedly.

ad·vise·ment noun

take (something) under advisement

US formal : to consider (something) carefully

Thank you for your suggestion. We'll take the matter under advisement.

1ad·vi·so·ry adj

: having the power or right to make suggestions about what should be done : able to give advice

He attended a meeting of the advisory committee/board/panel.

She is acting in an advisory role/capacity in the administration.

2advisory noun, pl -ries [count]

US : a report that gives information or a warning about something

We heard a weather advisory saying that heavy rains are expected tonight.

a traffic advisory

ad·vo·ca·cy noun [noncount]

: the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal : the act or process of advocating something

She is known for her advocacy of birth control. [=she is known for advocating/supporting birth control]

1ad·vo·cate noun, pl -cates [count]

1 a : a person who argues for or supports a cause or policy
a birth control advocate = an advocate of birth control [=a person who advocates birth control]

a passionate/impassioned advocate of civil rights

1 b US : a person who works for a cause or group
a women's health advocate = an advocate for women's health

She works as a consumer advocate.

2 : a person who argues for the cause of another person in a court of law : lawyer

2ad·vo·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

: to support or argue for (a cause, policy, etc.)

He advocates traditional teaching methods.

They advocate abolishing the income tax. = They advocate that the income tax should be abolished.

The plan is advocated by the president.

adze also adz noun, pl adz·es [count]

: a cutting tool that has a thin curved blade and that is usually used for shaping wood

ae·gis noun [singular]

formal : the power to protect, control, or support something or someone
used in the phrase under the aegis of

Their rights are protected under the aegis [=authority] of the law.

The issue will be decided under the aegis of an international organization.

ae·on chiefly Brit spelling of EON

aer·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to put air or a gas into (something, such as soil or a liquid)

You should aerate the soil before planting the seeds.

aer·a·tion noun [noncount]

the aeration of soil

1ae·ri·al adj

1 : performed in the air
the spectacular aerial acrobatics of the circus performers

2 : performed using an airplane
aerial combat
an aerial attack
aerial photography

: taken or seen from an airplane
aerial photographs
an aerial view

2aerial noun, pl -als [count]

1 chiefly Brit : antenna 2
a broken radio aerial

2 : a difficult movement of the body performed by an athlete (such as a skier) in the air

She tried a new aerial in her last competition.

ae·rie (US) or chiefly Brit ey·rie noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : the nest of a bird (such as an eagle or hawk) built high up on a cliff or on the top of a mountain

2 : a room or building built high up so that people inside can see things happening below them

aero- also aer- combining form

1 : air
aerobic
aerodynamics
aerate

2 : gas
aerosol

3 : dealing with airplanes or flying
aeronautics

aer·o·bat·ics noun [plural]

: difficult and exciting movements of an airplane often performed for entertainment
loops, spins, and other aerobatics

aer·o·bat·ic adj
aerobatic maneuvers

aer·o·bic adj

1 of exercise : strengthening the heart and lungs by making them work hard for several minutes or more
aerobic exercises like running and swimming
an aerobic workout

2 technical : using oxygen
aerobic organisms such as bacteria
opposite ANAEROBIC

aer·o·bics noun

[noncount] : a system of exercises often done by a group of people while music is playing : a system of aerobic exercises
an instructor teaching aerobics
often used before another noun
an aerobics class

; also [plural] : aerobic exercises

She does aerobics three days a week.

aero·dy·nam·ics noun

1 [noncount] : a science that studies the movement of air and the way that objects (such as airplanes or cars) move through air

She has a degree in aerodynamics.

2 [plural] : the qualities of an object that affect how easily it is able to move through the air

Its improved aerodynamics give the car more speed and better gas mileage.

aero·dy·nam·ic adj
the airplane's aerodynamic shape/design

aero·dy·nam·ic·al·ly adv

aero·nau·tics noun [noncount]

: a science that deals with airplanes and flying
the history of aeronautics

aero·nau·ti·cal adj
an aeronautical engineer [=a scientist who designs and builds airplanes]

aero·plane noun, pl -planes [count]

Brit : airplane

aero·sol noun, pl -sols

: a substance (such as hair spray or medicine) that is kept in a container under pressure and that is released as a fine spray when a button is pressed

[count] chemicals used in aerosols

[noncount] a can of aerosol
often used before another noun
an aerosol container/can/spray

aero·space noun [noncount]

: an industry that deals with travel in and above the Earth's atmosphere and with the production of vehicles used in such travel
a career in aerospace
often used before another noun

The airplane was designed using the latest in aerospace technology.

aerospace companies
the aerospace industry

aes·thete also US es·thete Brit noun, pl -thetes [count]

formal + sometimes disapproving : a person who recognizes and values beauty in art, music, etc.

He regards art critics as a bunch of pretentious aesthetes.

1aes·thet·ic also US es·thet·ic Brit adj

: of or relating to art or beauty

There are practical as well as aesthetic reasons for planting trees.

the statue's aesthetic [=artistic] beauty
making aesthetic improvements to the building
aesthetic values/ideals

aes·thet·i·cal·ly also US es·thet·i·cal·ly Brit adv
the garden's aesthetically pleasing design

2aes·thet·ic also US es·thet·ic noun, pl -ics

1 [count] : a set of ideas or opinions about beauty or art
usually singular

The design of the building reflects a modern/traditional/old-fashioned aesthetic.

2 aesthetics

2 a [noncount] : the study of beauty especially in art and literature

Aesthetics is an important part of Greek philosophy.

2 b [plural] : the artistic or beautiful qualities of something
the aesthetics of the gemstones

aes·thet·i·cism also US es·thet·i·cism Brit noun [noncount]

the aestheticism of the region

afar adv

from afar

: from a great distance

Their fans come from afar [=from far away] to watch them play.

the Earth as it is seen/viewed from afar

He loved/worshipped/admired her from afar. [=without telling her]

AFC abbr, US

American Football Conference

The AFC and the NFC make up the NFL.

af·fa·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : friendly and easy to talk to
a lively, affable young fellow
an affable host

af·fa·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

af·fa·bly adv

We were greeted affably by our host.

af·fair noun, pl -fairs

1 affairs [plural] : work or activities done for a purpose : commercial, professional, public, or personal business

The group conducts its affairs [=business] in private.

We were told to arrange/settle our affairs. = We were told to put our affairs in order.

handling/managing someone else's affairs

They seem to be quite pleased with the current/present state of affairs. [=situation]

She's the company's director of public affairs. [=the person who manages a company's relationship with the public]

She's an expert in foreign affairs. [=events and activities that involve foreign countries]

world/international affairs [=events and activities that involve different nations]

After the war, the government focused on its own domestic affairs.

They accused the U.S. of interfering in the internal affairs of other nations.

2 [count] : a matter that concerns or involves someone

This has nothing to do with you. It's not your affair. [=business, concern] = It's none of your affair. [=business]

How I choose to live is my affair, not yours.

3 [count] : a secret sexual relationship between two people : love affair
adulterous/extramarital affairs between married men and single women
often used in the phrase have an affair

She divorced her husband after she discovered that he was having an affair.

often + with

She had an affair with a coworker.

4 [count]

4 a : a social event or activity

He wants to make their wedding day an affair to remember. [=a special event]

a simple/elaborate affair

We were invited to a black-tie affair [=a party in which men wear tuxedos and women wear fancy dresses] at the governor's mansion.

4 b : an event or series of events that usually involves well-known people
the famous hostage affair of the late 1970s

The public has shown little interest in the whole affair.

often used with proper names
the Iran-Contra affair [=scandal]

5 [count] informal : something made or produced : an object or thing

The only bridge across the river was a flimsy affair of ropes and rotten wood.

af·fect verb, -fects, -fect·ed, -fect·ing [+ obj]

1 : to produce an effect on (someone or something): such as

1 a : to act on (someone or something) and cause a change

His decisions could affect [=influence] the lives of millions of people.

The accident will affect [=influence] the value of the car.

We learned about the way the oceans are affected by the moon.

This medication may affect your ability to drive a car. [=this medicine may make it dangerous for you to drive a car]

This new evidence will affect the outcome of the trial.

The news could adversely affect [=could hurt] her chances of becoming the next president.

We kept the change from affecting [=harming] our friendship.

The incident really affected my opinion of him.

1 b : to cause strong emotions in (someone)

The criticism affected [=bothered, upset] her deeply/greatly.

The entire town was affected by their deaths. [=everyone in the town felt sad about their deaths]

We were all greatly affected by the terrible news. [=we were all very upset by the terrible news]

1 c : to cause a change in (a part of the body)

Paralysis affected his limbs. = His limbs were affected by/with paralysis. [=his limbs were paralyzed]

The disease can affect your muscles.

drugs that affect the nervous/immune system

1 d : to cause illness in (someone)

The condition affects about five million adults each year.

a serious disease primarily/mainly affecting women over the age of 40

Only men appear to be affected by the disease.

usage

Do not confuse the verbs affect and effect. Affect means to act on or change someone or something.

Rain affected [=influenced] their performance.

Effect means to cause something to happen.

The new president effected [=made, caused] many changes to/in the company's policies.

Note that the verb affect and the noun effect are used in contexts that are similar.

The weather affected our plans. = The weather had an effect on our plans. [=the weather caused us to change our plans]

2 formal : to pretend that a false behavior or feeling is natural or genuine

She affected indifference [=she pretended that she did not care], though she was deeply hurt.

He affected (a look of) surprise. [=he pretended to be surprised]

She affects [=feigns] a warm friendly manner.

He affected [=faked] a French accent.

af·fec·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

: an unnatural form of behavior that is meant to impress others

[count] His French accent is just an affectation.

[noncount] speaking without affectation

af·fect·ed adj

: not natural or genuine
an affected [=fake, phony] French accent

af·fect·ed·ly adv

af·fect·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing a feeling of sadness or sympathy

He begins his book with an affecting description of his difficult childhood.

a powerful, affecting [=moving, touching] performance

af·fect·ing·ly adv

He described her death affectingly.

af·fec·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : a feeling of liking and caring for someone or something

[noncount] She has/feels deep affection for her parents.

Their affection for each other is obvious. = Their mutual affection is obvious.

He shows great affection for his grandchildren.

feelings of love and affection

He now looks back on those years with great affection.

“darling” and other terms of affection [=words and names that friends and lovers say to each other to show their affection]

[singular] She developed a deep affection for that country and its people.

2 affections [plural] : feelings of love : a person's romantic feelings

The two women competed for the affections [=love, heart] of the same man.

She's been the object of his affections since they were children. [=he has loved her since they were children]

af·fec·tion·ate adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing love and affection

You were lucky to have such affectionate [=loving] parents.

an affectionate nickname

af·fec·tion·ate·ly adv

His family affectionately refers to him as “the baby.”

af·fi·da·vit noun, pl -vits [count]

law : a written report which is signed by a person who promises that the information is true

We have a signed affidavit stating that the two men were seen entering the building.

1af·fil·i·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

[+ obj] : to closely connect (something or yourself) with or to something (such as a program or organization) as a member or partner

Their group does not affiliate itself with/to any political party.

often used as (be) affiliated

Their group is not affiliated with/to any political party.

The medical school is affiliated with/to several hospitals.

affiliated adj
the medical school and its affiliated hospitals
the television network's affiliated stations

2af·fil·i·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: an organization (such as a television station) that is a member of a larger organization (such as a national network)

the network's local affiliates

Two of the company's regional affiliates lost money in the past year.

af·fil·i·a·tion noun, pl -tions

: the state of being affiliated to something: such as
a : the state of being closely associated with or connected to an organization, company, etc.

[count] The medical school has an affiliation to/with several hospitals.

[noncount] proposing the affiliation of the medical school to/with several hospitals

b [count] : the state of belonging to a particular religious or political group
usually plural

They agreed not to discuss their political affiliations.

af·fin·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal

1 : a feeling of closeness and understanding that someone has for another person because of their similar qualities, ideas, or interests

[singular] They had much in common and felt a close affinity (for/to/with each other).

There's always been an affinity between us.

[noncount] He never felt any affinity with the other kids in his neighborhood.

2 [singular]

2 a : a liking for or an attraction to something

We share an affinity for foreign films. [=we both like foreign films]

2 b : a quality that makes people or things suited to each other

Fish and white wine have a natural affinity for/to each other. [=fish and white wine taste good together]

3 : the state of being similar or the same

[noncount] the affinity of all human beings with one another = the affinity between all human beings

[count] Are there any affinities [=similarities] between the two styles of painting?

af·firm verb, -firms, -firmed, -firm·ing [+ obj]

1 formal : to say that something is true in a confident way

We cannot affirm that this painting is genuine.

The two men affirm that they are innocent. = The two men affirm their innocence. [=they say they are not guilty]

They neither affirmed nor denied their guilt.

synonyms see ASSERT

2 formal : to show a strong belief in or dedication to (something, such as an important idea)

laws affirming the racial equality of all peoples

They continued to affirm their religious beliefs.

affirm life
see also LIFE-AFFIRMING

3 law : to decide that the judgment of another court is correct

The decision was affirmed by a higher court.

The court affirmed his conviction. [=the court agreed that he was guilty]

af·fir·ma·tion noun [noncount]

the affirmation of guilt/innocence

When asked if the statement was true, he nodded his head in affirmation.

[count]

The ceremony was an affirmation of their religious beliefs.

1af·fir·ma·tive adj
formal : saying or showing that the answer is “yes” rather than “no”

She gave an affirmative answer, not a negative answer.

af·fir·ma·tive·ly adv

She answered (the question) affirmatively.

2affirmative noun

in the affirmative
formal : with a reply that means “yes”

He answered (the question) in the affirmative. [=he said “yes”]

compare in the negative at 2NEGATIVE

affirmative action noun [noncount]

chiefly US : the practice of improving the educational and job opportunities of members of groups that have not been treated fairly in the past because of their race, sex, etc. called also (Brit) positive discrimination

1af·fix verb, -fix·es, -fixed, -fix·ing [+ obj]

formal : to attach (something) to something else

Please affix a stamp to [=put a stamp on] this letter.

She affixed her signature to the document. [=she signed the document]

2af·fix noun, pl -fix·es [count]

grammar : a letter or group of letters added to the beginning or end of a word to change its meaning : a prefix or suffix

af·flict verb, -flicts, -flict·ed, -flict·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause pain or suffering to (someone or something)

The disease afflicts an estimated two million people every year.

usually used as (be) afflicted

Much of the region is afflicted by hunger and poverty.

often + with

Most patients/people who are afflicted with the disease die within one year.

people afflicted with cancer

af·flic·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 [count] : something (such as a disease) that causes pain or suffering

She lost her sight and is now learning to live with her/the affliction.

He died from a mysterious affliction.

2 [noncount] : the state of being affected by something that causes suffering
her affliction with polio

af·flu·ent adj [more ; most ]

: having a large amount of money and owning many expensive things : rich, wealthy
an affluent country
an affluent suburb/neighborhood/community
affluent families

His family was more affluent than most.

af·flu·ence noun [noncount]

They rose from poverty to affluence. [=they were poor and became rich]

af·ford verb, -fords, -ford·ed, -ford·ing [+ obj]

1 : to be able to pay for (something)

We were too poor to afford a doctor.

He'll be able to afford a house next year.

Don't spend more than you can afford.

They couldn't afford new coats for the children.

often followed by to + verb

They couldn't afford to buy new coats for the children.

Don't spend more than you can afford to (spend).

2 : to be able to do (something) without having problems or being seriously harmed

We can afford waiting a while longer.

usually followed by to + verb

We can afford to wait a while longer.

usually used in negative constructions

She's already too thin. She can't afford to lose any more weight. = She can ill afford to lose any more weight.

3 formal : to supply or provide (something needed or wanted) to someone

All of the rooms afford views of the lake.

He was afforded the opportunity to work for a judge.

af·ford·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

the affordability of health care

af·ford·able adj [more ; most ]

a more affordable car
affordable housing [=housing that is not overly expensive]

an affordable price

af·for·es·ta·tion noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : the act or process of planting a forest

af·fray noun, pl -frays [count]

chiefly Brit law formal : a noisy fight between two or more people in a public place
a shooting affray

1af·front noun, pl -fronts [count]

formal : an action or statement that insults or offends someone

He regarded her rude behavior as a personal affront.

often + to

Her remarks were an affront to all of us.

The test was an affront to our intelligence. [=the test was too simple]

2affront verb, -fronts, -front·ed, -front·ing [+ obj]

formal : to do or say something that shows a lack of respect for (someone or someone's feelings)

usually used as (be) affronted

He was affronted [=insulted, offended] by her rude behavior.

af·ghan noun, pl -ghans [count]

chiefly US : a blanket made of wool or cotton knitted in patterns

Af·ghan noun, pl -ghans [count]

1 : a person born, raised, or living in Afghanistan

2 : afghan hound

Afghan or Af·ghani Brit adj

Afghan citizens

Afghani children

Afghan hound noun, pl hounds [count]

: a type of tall thin dog with long soft hair

afi·cio·na·do noun, pl -dos [count]

: a person who likes and knows a lot about something
an aficionado of poetry
sports aficionados

afield adv

: away from home : away from here or there
used with far, farther, or further

People came/traveled from as far afield as New York to see the show.

He didn't want to go any farther/further afield.

often used figuratively

Her question took us far afield from our original subject.

afire adj, not used before a noun

: burning : on fire : aflame

The house was afire.

afire adv

They set the house afire.

aflame adj, not used before a noun

: burning : on fire

In a few minutes, the entire town was aflame. [=afire, ablaze]

often used figuratively

Their hearts were aflame. [=filled with love and excitement]

The fields are aflame with flowers of every color.

aflame adv

The roof was set aflame by lightning.

afloat adj, not used before a noun

1 : floating on water

Our boat remained/stayed afloat through the storm.

It's the largest ship afloat.

2 : having enough money to continue : able to continue without suffering financial failure

The inheritance kept them afloat for years.

trying to keep the business afloat
struggling to stay afloat

aflut·ter adj, not used before a noun

: nervously excited

Her heart was aflutter at the thought of his return.

afoot adj, not used before a noun

: developing or happening now : in progress

Plans were afoot to begin construction on the bridge.

Something strange was afoot.

There's trouble afoot.

afore·men·tioned adj, always used before a noun
formal : mentioned before : spoken about or named earlier

The aforementioned book is the author's most famous work.

afore·said adj, always used before a noun
formal : said or named before : aforementioned
often used in legal contexts

Based on the aforesaid reasons, the court has come to its decision.

afore·thought adj

: thought about or planned beforehand

with malice aforethought see MALICE

afoul of adv

fall/run afoul of
chiefly US : to get into trouble because of (the law, a rule, etc.)

After leaving home he fell afoul of the law. [=he got into trouble for breaking the law; he was arrested for committing a crime]

an investor who has run afoul of stock market rules

afraid adj, not used before a noun

1 [more ; most ] : feeling fear: such as

1 a : worried that something will cause pain or injury

Don't be afraid [=frightened, scared]the dog won't hurt you.

often + of

I don't like tall buildings because I'm afraid of heights. [=of being high up in the air]

He's afraid of snakes.

All the kids at school were afraid of him.

1 b : nervous about doing something
often + of

She's afraid of failing/failure.

He wasn't afraid of saying what he thought.

Don't be afraid of [=don't worry about] what everyone else thinks.

often followed by to + verb

He wasn't afraid to say what he thought.

I wanted to visit her, but I was afraid to ask.

Don't be afraid to take risks.

1 c : nervous or worried that something might happen

She's afraid (that) she might fail.

We were all afraid (that) she wouldn't live.

I'm afraid (that) everyone will laugh at me.

I was afraid (that) you would say “no.”

2
used in the phrase I'm afraid as a polite way of showing that you are sorry about a disappointing, negative, or critical statement

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid (that) I won't be able to come to your party.

She tries hard, but I'm afraid that her work just isn't very good.

I'm afraid that I still don't understand the problem.

This is only the beginning of the battle, I'm afraid.

Most of us worked very hard, but she, I'm afraid to say [=I'm sorry to say; I regret to say], did no work at all.

“Is it raining?” “I'm afraid so.” = “I'm afraid it is.” [=yes, it is]

“Can you come to our party?” “I'm afraid not.” = “I'm afraid I can't.” [=no, I can't come]

3 used with not to say that someone is willing to do something;
often + of

She's not afraid of hard work. = She's not afraid of working hard. [=she's willing to work hard; she works hard]

You can't be afraid of getting dirty in this job. [=you have to be willing to get dirty in this job]

often followed by to + verb

She's not afraid to work hard.

He's not afraid to admit his mistakes.

afraid for

: feeling fear or worry about (something or someone)

I'm afraid for the children.

They were afraid for their lives. [=they feared for their lives; they were afraid that they might die]

He's afraid for his job. [=he's worried that he might lose his job]

afresh adv

: from a new beginning

Let's stop now and start afresh [=again, anew] in the morning.

The author makes her readers look afresh at an old subject. [=she makes them think about an old subject in a new/fresh way]

Af·ri·can noun, pl -cans [count]

1 : a person born, raised, or living in Africa

2 : a descendant of Africans

African adj

African history/countries

Af·ri·can-Amer·i·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: an American who has African and especially black African ancestors

Many people prefer the term African-American rather than black when referring to Americans of African descent.

African-American adj

African-American scientists

African-American culture

African violet noun, pl -lets [count]

: a tropical plant from Africa that is grown indoors for its purple, pink, or white flowers

Af·ri·kaans noun [noncount]

: a language based on Dutch that is spoken in South Africa

Af·ri·ka·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

: a person born, raised, or living in South Africa whose first language is Afrikaans and whose ancestors were Dutch

Af·ro noun, pl -ros [count]

: a hairstyle in which very curly hair is shaped into a smooth round ball

Afros were often worn by black people in the 1970s.

Afro- combining form

: African (and)

Afro-American

Af·ro-Amer·i·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: african-american
an Afro-American

Afro-American adj

1aft Brit adv

: towards or at the back part of a boat, ship, or airplane

We stood on the ship's deck facing aft.

The plane's exits are located fore and aft.

There is an exit located just aft of [=behind] the wing.

compare 2FORE

2aft adj

: located at the back of a boat, ship, or airplane
the ship's fore and aft cabins

The fore and aft exits can both be used in an emergency.

compare 3FORE

1af·ter Brit adv

: following in time : at a later time

Dinner was at six and we arrived shortly after. [=thereafter]

He returned 20 years after. [=later]

Don't tell them until after.

I expected her then, but she arrived the week after.

He ate lunch and left just/right/immediately after.

I saw her again the day after. [=the following day]

He vowed to love her forever/ever after. [=from that time on, forever]

2after prep

1 a : at a time following (something or someone) : later than (something or someone)

We arrived shortly after six o'clock.

He returned after 20 years.

before, during, and after the war

He left just/right/immediately/soon/shortly after nightfall/dark.

Night fell, and soon after that [=soon afterward] he left.

He finished the exam after me.

I stood up after the judge (did). [=the judge stood up before I (did)]

Call me after your arrival.

She was going to arrive tomorrow but I'm now expecting her the day after tomorrow instead.

She hasn't lived there since (the time) after the war.

They earned $30,000 after (paying) taxes.

He left after an hour.

Let's get going! It's after [=past] 12 (o'clock).

The job got easier after a while. [=after some time had passed]

1 b US
used to describe a time following a specified hour

It's 20 (minutes) after 12. [=it's 20 past 12; it's 12:20]

2 a : following and because of (something)

After all our advice, she's certain to do better. [=she's certain to do better because we have given her our advice]

2 b : following and in spite of (something)

Even after all our advice, she still did badly! [=she did badly even though we gave her our advice]

How can you say that after what happened last night?

3 a : following (something or someone) in order or in a series

It's the highest mountain after Mount Everest.

You'll see my house just before the bank and after the school.

The number 2 comes before 3 and after 1. [=2 comes between 1 and 3]

My name is listed after yours.

You go first and I'll go/follow after you.

The children marched out one after the other in single file.

The phrase after you is used as a polite way of saying that someone should go ahead of you or do something before you do it.

After you, Madam!

In British English, you can say after you with something to ask the person who is using something to let you use it next.

After you with the pencil, please. [=I would like to use the pencil when you have finished using it]

3 b
used in phrases to describe something that happens many times or for a long period of time

They have suffered misfortune after misfortune. [=they have suffered a long series of misfortunes]

Wave after [=upon] wave was beating against the shore.

She does her job day after day without complaining.

He's done the same thing time after time.

4 : trying to catch or get (something or someone)

The dog ran after the ball. [=the dog ran to get the ball]

The police went/chased after the escaped criminal.

The police are after him. [=are trying to catch him]

What do you think he's after with all his questions? [=what is he trying to achieve by asking his questions?]

If people are after you to do something, they want you to do it and they tell you to do it repeatedly.

Mom was after me to clean my room. [=Mom repeatedly told me to clean my room]

5 : following the actions or departure of (someone)

She called/shouted after him as he walked away. [=she called/shouted at/toward him as he walked away]

They made a mess and didn't clean up after themselves. [=they didn't clean up the mess they made]

If you make a mess, don't expect me to clean up after you.

6 a : with the name of (someone or something)

He was called George after his father.

She was named after her grandmother. [=she was given the same name as her grandmother]

The game rugby was named after Rugby School in England, where it began.

6 b : in the manner of (someone or something)

a building patterned after [=on] a cathedral

(formal) a story after (the manner of) Hemingway

7 : in a lower or less important position than (something)

They put quality after quantity. [=they cared more about quantity than about quality]

8 : about or concerning (someone or something)

I met one of your old friends and she was asking/inquiring after you. [=she was asking about you; she was asking how you are]

She was asking after your health.

after all

1 : in spite of what was said : even though the opposite was expected

They decided to go after all.

It didn't rain after all.

2
used to emphasize something that needs to be considered

It's only Tuesday, after all. We have plenty of time.

You should apologize to her. After all, she is your best friend.

3after conj

: later than the time that : later than when

He returned after 20 years had passed.

The defendant stood up after the judge did. [=the judge stood up before the defendant did]

Don't tell them until after they've had dinner.

He left just/right/immediately/soon/shortly after the show ended.

Call me after you arrive.

He finished the exam after I did.

It happened not long after he graduated from college.

4after adj, always used before a noun
old-fashioned + literary : later in time
in after [=later] years

af·ter·birth Brit noun [singular]

medical : the tissues that come out of the body of a woman after she gives birth to a baby

af·ter·care Brit noun [noncount]

: the care, treatment, etc., given to people after they leave a place (such as a hospital or prison)

often used before another noun
aftercare services

af·ter·ef·fect Brit noun, pl -fects [count]

: an effect that occurs after time has passed
usually plural

He's suffering the aftereffects of his injury.

af·ter·glow Brit noun [singular]

1 : a glowing light remaining in the sky after the sun has set
the afterglow of the sunset

2 : a happy feeling that remains after a successful or emotional event
the party's afterglow

We basked in the afterglow [=enjoyed the happiness and satisfaction] of the victory.

af·ter·life Brit noun [singular]

: a life that some people believe exists after death

Does he believe in an afterlife?

often used with the

She believes she will meet her ancestors in the afterlife.

af·ter·math Brit noun, pl -maths [count]

: the period of time after a bad and usually destructive event
usually singular

In the aftermath of the fire, many people were in need of shelter.

The country is rebuilding its economy in the aftermath of the war.

The children struggled through their parents' divorce and its aftermath.

af·ter·noon Brit noun, pl -noons [count]

: the middle part of the day : the part of the day between noon and evening
morning, afternoon, evening, and night

I'll see you again tomorrow afternoon.

It was early/late afternoon when I left.

She spent the/her afternoon at the library.

She came home the next/following afternoon. [=during the afternoon of the next day]

I remember the many rainy afternoons I spent reading at the library.

She doesn't have class on Friday afternoons.

It took us all afternoon to get there.

It's going to be a long afternoon listening to lectures.

We went for a walk this afternoon. [=during the afternoon today]

often used before another noun
an afternoon drive
afternoon tea

Our garden gets plenty of afternoon sun. [=the sun shines on the garden in the afternoon]

see also GOOD AFTERNOON

af·ter·noons Brit adv

US : in the afternoon

He works afternoons in a convenience store.

af·ters Brit noun [noncount]

Brit informal : dessert

What's for afters?

Afters is ice cream tonight.

af·ter-sales Brit adj, always used before a noun

Brit : provided to customers after a sale has been made
after-sales service and maintenance

af·ter-school Brit adj, always used before a noun

: happening or done after the end of the school day

She started an after-school job so she could buy a car.

after-school activities/programs

af·ter·shave Brit noun, pl -shaves [count, noncount]

: a pleasant-smelling liquid that some men put on their faces after they have shaved

af·ter·shock Brit noun, pl -shocks [count]

: a smaller earthquake that occurs after a larger one

The first aftershock came just minutes after the earthquake.

often used figuratively

He still suffers from the aftershocks of being laid off.

af·ter·taste Brit noun [singular]

: a taste that remains after something is eaten or drunk

The wine has a smooth/fruity/sweet aftertaste.

often used figuratively

The experience left me with a bitter aftertaste. [=I felt bitter after the experience]

af·ter·thought Brit noun, pl -thoughts [count]

: something done or said after other things because it was not thought of earlier

Then I remembered, almost as an afterthought, to feed the cat.

The fact was hidden deep in the report, almost as an afterthought.

The lounge was added to the office as an afterthought.

af·ter·ward Brit or af·ter·wards Brit adv

: at a later time : after something has happened

You'll feel better afterward.

He found out about it long afterward.

Afterward, she got a promotion.

In U.S. English, afterward is more common than afterwards. In British English, afterwards is more common.

af·ter·word Brit noun, pl -words [count]

: a final section that comes after the main part of a book

The novel has a foreword by an eminent critic and an afterword by the author herself.

again adv

1 : for another time : one more time

Please, come see us again.

Spring is beginning again.

It was nice to see my friends again.

She wants to prove that she can do it again.

Things are back to normal again.

I will never be so foolish again. = Never again will I be so foolish.

When we heard the news, we all said, “Oh no! Not again!”

She demonstrated yet again her remarkable artistic talents.

It'll just be the same thing all over again.

I told him over and over again to be careful. = I told him again and again to be careful. [=I told him many times to be careful]

She returned to the bookstore again and again. [=repeatedly, many times]

2 : to a previous position or place

We flew from Boston to Chicago and back again. [=back to Boston]

When he stood up, he got so dizzy that he had to sit down again.

3
used to introduce a thought or possibility that differs from a preceding one

He might go, and again he might not.

usually used in the phrase then again

He might go, and then again, he might not.

Then again, perhaps they were right.

4
used to introduce a statement that repeats and stresses something previously said

Again, this is a serious problem.

5
used to ask someone to repeat something because you did not hear or understand it clearly

What was your name again?

6
used in phrases like (chiefly US) half again as much and (chiefly Brit) half as much again to compare two amounts

My ticket costs half again as much as your ticket. [=(for example) my ticket costs $15 and your ticket costs $10]

(every) now and again see EVERY

now and again see 1NOW

once again see 1ONCE

time and again see 1TIME

against prep

1 a : in opposition to (someone or something)

Everyone was against them. [=everyone opposed them]

We must continue the struggle for justice and against injustice.

She voted against the proposal.

You're either for/with me or against me! [=you either support me or oppose me]

He spoke against appeasing the enemy.

The U.S. fought against Germany in World Wars I and II. = The U.S. and Germany fought against each other in World Wars I and II.

Some people were for the proposal but others were against it.

There's a law against doing that.

His parents were angry when they learned he had borrowed the car against their wishes. [=he borrowed the car even though they did not want him to]

Against my advice, she quit her job. [=she quit her job even though I advised her not to]

He was being held against his will. [=he was being kept in a place by force even though he wanted to leave]

1 b : in competition with (someone or something)

two runners racing against each other

It's the Yankees against [=versus] the Red Sox tonight.

2
used to indicate the person or thing that is affected or harmed by something

He denies the charges that have been made against him.

The evidence against him is very convincing.

The war was a crime against humanity.

Someone has been making threats against her.

3 : not agreeing with or allowed by (something, such as a law)

You can't do that. It's against the law. [=the law does not allow it]

Touching the ball with your hands is against the rules.

I won't do it. It's against my principles. [=my principles don't allow it; I believe that it is wrong]

They were acting against tradition. [=acting in a way that did not agree with tradition]

4 a : not helping or favoring (someone)

Everything was/went against them. [=everything that happened was unfavorable to them]

Her appearance is/counts against her. [=her appearance does not help her; people form a bad opinion of her because of her appearance]

4 b : as a reason for disliking (someone or something)

I have nothing against him. [=I don't dislike him; I have no reason for disliking him]

We disagree about many things, but I don't hold it/that against you. [=I don't dislike you because of it/that]

5
used to say that one thing is being compared with another

Profits are up this year against last year. [=profits are higher this year than they were last year]

The yen rose/fell against the dollar.

a graph that plots height against weight

We will weigh/balance the risk against the possible benefit. [=we will compare the risk with the possible benefit]

6 a : as a defense or protection from (something)

He built a crude hut as a shelter against [=from] the cold.

injections against flu

6 b : in preparation for (something)

saving against [=for] an uncertain future

7
used to describe hitting or touching something or someone

I accidentally knocked/hit my head against the shelf.

The waves were beating against [=on] the shore.

She accidentally brushed against him as she walked by.

The ladder was leaning against the wall.

She was resting her head against the side of the chair.

8 : in a direction opposite to the movement of (something)

They were sailing against the wind.

swimming against the current/tide

9 : with the background of (something)

The tree looked beautiful when viewed against the dark sky.

Her colorful coat stood out against the dull colors of the room.

10 : as a charge on (something)

The purchase was charged against [=to] her account. [=the amount of money needed for the purchase was added to the amount owed in her account]

as against see 2AS

over against see 2OVER

up against see 2UP

agape adj, not used before a noun

: having the mouth open because of wonder, surprise, or shock

He stood there with his mouth agape. [=with his mouth gaping]

The crowd stared agape at the accident scene.

ag·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: a very hard stone used especially in jewelry that has colors arranged in stripes or in patches

1age noun, pl ag·es

1 a : the amount of time during which a person or animal has lived

[count] What is your age? [=how old are you?]

The age of the student was 20. = The student's age was 20.

Some people are reluctant to reveal their ages.

She died tragically at a young age.

Exercise is good for a man (of) your age.

The treatment depends on the sex and age of the patient.

He joined the company at the age of 35. [=when he was 35 years old]

She died at the ripe old age of 90.

You're too old to behave so foolishly. You should know better at your age. [=a person as old as you are should know better]

You should learn to act your age. [=to act in a way that is appropriate for a person of your age]

She showed remarkable musical talent at/from an early age. [=she showed talent when she was young]

The movie appeals to people of all ages.

The book is popular among men/women of a certain age. [=men/women who are not young anymore]

Her age is catching up to her. = She is starting to feel her age. [=she is starting to feel old]

He left home at the tender age of 18. [=when he was only 18 years old]

He learned to paint in his old age. [=when he was old]

Our son is small for his age. [=he's smaller than most children are at his age]

[noncount] Their son needs to spend more time with children his own age.

a group of children ranging in age from 8 to 11

When you're my age [=when you're as old as I am] you'll realize that life isn't always fair.

She became involved with a man twice her age.

More people now live to extreme old age. [=live to be extremely old]

The program is for people over/under age 50.

groups of people classified by race and age

The student was 20 years of age. [=was 20 years old]

He joined the company at age 35.

often used before another noun

The movie appeals to people of all age groups.

He was over the age limit. [=he was too old]

see also MIDDLE AGE, OLD AGE, SCHOOL AGE

1 b : the amount of time during which a thing has existed

[count] What is the age of your car?

The car is in good condition for its age. [=considering how old it is]

[noncount] The magazines were sorted by age.

2 : the time of life when a person does something or becomes legally able to do something

[count] The voting age is 18. [=people are allowed to vote when they are 18 years old]

He was past the age for military service.

[noncount] Her parents are approaching retirement age.

young people who have not yet reached drinking age
students of college age = college-age students
see also AGE OF CONSENT

3 [noncount]

3 a : the passage of time : the process of becoming old or older
a tree weakened by age

His skills haven't diminished with age.

a wine that has improved with age

“Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety.” Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra (1607)

3 b : the condition of being old
from youth to (old) age

The building is showing signs of age.

She died of old age.

4 [count] : a period of history
usually singular
an airplane that became a symbol of the modern age
a bygone/past age
the great problems of our age

It's hard to believe that such behavior is still tolerated in this day and age. [=in current times; now]

: a period of time that is associated with a particular thing or person

People expect information instantly in this age of the Internet.

the age of Columbus
the machine age
the Age of Discovery

see also BRONZE AGE, DARK AGES, GOLDEN AGE, ICE AGE, IRON AGE, NEW AGE, STONE AGE, gilded age at GILD

5 [count] informal : a long period of time

It's been an age since we last saw them.

usually plural

It's been ages since we last saw them. = We haven't seen them in/for ages. = It was ages ago when we last saw them.

come of age

: to reach the age when you are considered an adult

He received his full inheritance when he came of age.

often used figuratively.

She came of age as an artist [=she developed fully as an artist] after she moved to New York.

a political movement that has recently come of age [=has become fully formed and effective]

in a coon's age or in a dog's age

US informal : in a very long time

We haven't seen them in a coon's age.

2age verb, ages, aged, ag·ing or chiefly Brit age·ing

1 [no obj] : to become old or older

As he aged he grew more and more bitter.

You haven't aged a day since I saw you last!

an aging population
a book that has aged well [=a book that is still good or appealing although it is no longer new]

She has aged gracefully. [=she has continued to be healthy and young looking as she has gotten older]

2 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to become old or to appear to be old

His troubles have aged him.

Exposure to the sun has aged her skin.

3 of food or drink : to be stored for a period of time in order to gain desired qualities

[no obj] The wine ages in oak barrels.

[+ obj] The wine is aged in oak barrels.

an aged cheese

-age noun suffix

1 : action, process, or result of
coverage
breakage
wastage

2 : total amount or collection
mileage
acreage

3 : house or place of
orphanage
brokerage

4 : state, status, or condition of
bondage
blockage

5 : fee or charge
postage

aged adj

1 /ed/ : very old
an aged oak
an aged man

2 /ed/ not used before a noun : having reached a specified age
a woman aged 40 [=a woman who is 40 years old]

a child aged 10
a group of men aged between 20 and 30

the aged

: old people
providing help for the aged and the sick

ag·ed·ness noun [noncount]

ageing chiefly Brit spelling of AGING

age·ism noun [noncount]

: unfair treatment of old people

He accused his former employer of ageism when he lost his job to a younger man.

age·ist adj
an ageist attitude/society

age·less adj

1 : not growing old or showing the effects of age
ageless skin
ageless beauty
a seemingly ageless athlete

2 : lasting forever : eternal, timeless

The movie retold an ageless legend.

an ageless tradition
ageless truths

age·less·ly adv
remains agelessly beautiful
an agelessly romantic gesture

age·less·ness noun [noncount]

the agelessness of her beauty

agen·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

1 : a business that provides a particular service
an insurance/travel/employment agency
a prominent ad agency

2 : a government department that is responsible for a particular activity, area, etc.

federal law enforcement agencies
the federal agency in charge of printing money
various government agencies

through the agency of
formal : by using the help or services of (something or someone)

The treaty was ratified through the agency of a neutral country.

agen·da noun, pl -das [count]

1 : a list of things to be considered or done

The committee set the agenda for the next several years of research.

There are several items/issues/things on the agenda for tonight's meeting.

What's the first/next item on the agenda?

Such an idea has been high on the political agenda for some time.

2 : a plan or goal that guides someone's behavior and that is often kept secret

He wants to push/promote his own agenda no matter what the others say.

She had no hidden agenda. [=she didn't have a secret plan]

agent noun, pl agents [count]

1 : a person who does business for another person : a person who acts on behalf of another

They worked with a travel agent to plan their vacation.

The actor got a starring role through his (theatrical) agent.

a literary agent [=a person who helps writers to get their works published]

see also FREE AGENT, INSURANCE AGENT, PRESS AGENT, REAL ESTATE AGENT

2 : a person who tries to get secret information about another country, government, etc. : spy, secret agent
a government agent
see also DOUBLE AGENT, SPECIAL AGENT

3 : a person or thing that causes something to happen

They view themselves as agents of social change. [=people who cause social change to happen]

4 : something (such as a chemical) that is used to produce a particular effect or result

The drug is an effective agent for the treatment of asthma.

the main flavoring agent in the drink

Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent in sauces.

agent pro·vo·ca·teur noun, pl agents pro·vo·ca·teurs also agent provocateurs [count]

: a person employed to encourage people to break the law so that they can be arrested

The government used agents provocateurs to try to undermine the opposition party.

age of consent noun

the age of consent

: the age at which a person is considered old enough to agree to have sex or to get married

age-old adj, always used before a noun

: very old : having existed for a very long time
an age-old [=ancient] conflict/debate/problem
age-old rituals/ceremonies/traditions

ag·glom·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a large group, collection, or pile of different things

This suburb has become just a vast agglomeration of houses, people, and cars.

ag·gran·dize·ment also Brit ag·gran·dise·ment noun [noncount]

disapproving : advancement or increase in power or importance

He acted only for his political advantage and personal aggrandizement.

self-aggrandizement

ag·gra·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (an injury, problem, etc.) more serious or severe

She aggravated an old knee injury.

They're afraid that we might aggravate an already bad situation.

A headache can be aggravated by too much exercise.

The symptoms were aggravated by drinking alcohol.

2 informal : to make (someone) angry : to annoy or bother (someone)

All of these delays really aggravate me.

Our neighbors were aggravated by all the noise.

aggravating adj [more ; most ]

It was an incredibly slow and aggravating process.

He has some very aggravating [=annoying, irritating] habits.

ag·gra·vat·ing·ly adv
an aggravatingly slow process

aggravated adj

1 [more ; most ] : annoyed or bothered

I sometimes get very aggravated when she does that.

2 always used before a noun law : made more serious by the use of violence or the threat of violence

He was convicted of aggravated assault.

ag·gra·va·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or result of making a condition, injury, etc., worse : the act or result of aggravating something
trying to avoid the aggravation of an existing back problem

2 informal : something that annoys or bothers someone : something that aggravates someone

[noncount] The weather was a source of aggravation for us. [=we were annoyed by the weather]

I don't need all this aggravation.

This car has caused me nothing but aggravation.

Many talented people now feel that a career in politics isn't worth all the aggravation.

[count] I don't need all these aggravations.

1ag·gre·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing
formal

1 : to join or combine into a single group

[+ obj] The Web site aggregates content from many other sites.

[no obj] These insects tend to aggregate [=congregate] in dark, moist places.

2 [linking verb] : to equal a specified number or amount

All together, they had profits aggregating [=totaling] more than 10 million dollars.

ag·gre·ga·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

2ag·gre·gate noun, pl -gates [count]

formal : a total amount
usually singular

We spent an aggregate of 30 million dollars in advertising during the last three years.

They won the two games by an aggregate of 40 points.

in the aggregate also in aggregate
formal : thought of as a whole : all together

Dividends for the year amounted in the aggregate to 25 million dollars.

The experience only becomes important when considered in the aggregate.

on aggregate

Brit sports : with the scores of a series of matches added together

Our team won the same number of matches, but their team scored more goals so they won on aggregate.

3ag·gre·gate adj, always used before a noun

: formed by adding together two or more amounts : total

The university receives more than half its aggregate income from government sources.

The team with the highest aggregate score wins.

ag·gres·sion noun [noncount]

1 : angry or violent behavior or feelings

He has a lot of pent-up aggression.

a display of aggression
behavior that is likely to provoke aggression
dangerous dogs showing aggression toward people

2 : hostile action against another country, government, etc.

military aggression

The government says that it will view any attempt to fly over its territory as an act of aggression.

ag·gres·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : ready and willing to fight, argue, etc. : feeling or showing aggression

He started to get aggressive and began to shout.

an aggressive dog
aggressive behavior

2 : using forceful methods to succeed or to do something
an overly aggressive salesman
an aggressive lawyer whose tactics have made people angry

The team plays a very aggressive style of defense.

The company took aggressive steps to prevent illegal use of their equipment.

The publisher has been very aggressive in promoting the book.

The city began an aggressive campaign to encourage recycling.

3 medical

3 a : very severe
an aggressive form of cancer

3 b : very strong or intense
aggressive chemotherapy

ag·gres·sive·ly adv

The company is aggressively promoting their products.

ag·gres·sive·ness noun [noncount]

ag·gres·sor noun, pl -sors [count]

: a person or country that attacks another : a person or country that starts a fight or war

Each country accused the other of being the aggressor.

ag·grieved adj

1 [more ; most ] : feeling anger because of unfair treatment

He felt aggrieved by their refusal to meet with him.

an aggrieved victim

2 law : having suffered from unfair treatment

The aggrieved party may cancel the contract.

aggro noun [noncount]

Brit informal

1 : something that annoys or bothers someone : aggravation

He's gotten nothing but aggro from his parents lately.

They decided it wasn't worth the aggro.

2 : angry and violent behavior : aggression

The police were there to prevent any aggro.

aghast Brit adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

: shocked and upset

The news left her aghast.

Critics were aghast to see how awful the play was.

often + at

She was aghast at the news.

Critics were aghast at how awful the play was.

ag·ile adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to move quickly and easily

She is the most agile [=nimble] athlete on the team.

Leopards are very fast and agile.

a car with agile handling [=a car that moves quickly and smoothly when the steering wheel is turned]

2 : quick, smart, and clever
an agile mind
an agile writer
an agile thinker

ag·ile·ly adv

The cat jumped agilely out of the way.

agil·i·ty noun [noncount]

the agility of a champion gymnast

He has the agility of a mountain goat. [=he is very agile]

mental agility

1aging or chiefly Brit ageing adj

: becoming old : no longer young or new
his aging parents
an aging building

2aging or chiefly Brit ageing noun [noncount]

: the act or process of becoming old or older
premature aging of the skin
a wine improved by aging

ag·i·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing

1 [+ obj] : to disturb, excite, or anger (someone)

If I talk about the problem with him it just agitates him even more.

2 [no obj] : to try to get people to support or oppose something

Some members of the union have been agitating for a strike.

agitate for equal rights

A few local residents have been agitating against a military presence.

3 [+ obj] technical : to move or stir up (a liquid)

water agitated by wind

The mixture is heated and then agitated.

agitated adj [more ; most ]

I've never seen her so agitated before.

The dog became very agitated during the storm.

ag·i·tat·ed·ly adv
pacing back and forth agitatedly

ag·i·ta·tion noun [noncount]

He spoke with increasing agitation about the situation.

agitation for civil rights
continuous agitation of the mixture

ag·i·ta·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 usually disapproving : a person who tries to get people angry or upset so that they will support an effort to change a government, company, etc.

The police arrested several antigovernment agitators.

2 : a device for stirring or shaking something in a machine (such as a washing machine)

agleam adj, not used before a noun

: bright or shining with reflected light

She spoke of all the possibilities, her eyes agleam. [=gleaming]

aglit·ter adj, not used before a noun

: sparkling brightly with reflected light

The tree was all aglitter [=glittering] with Christmas decorations.

aglow adj, not used before a noun

1 : glowing with light or color

The lights of the city were aglow in the distance.

The room was aglow with candlelight.

2 : very excited or happy : feeling or showing excitement and happiness

The children were aglow with excitement.

The town was aglow with pride.

AGM noun, pl AGMs [count]

Brit : a meeting that an organization has once every year to discuss business, elect officials, etc.

The new Board was elected at our last AGM. [=(US) annual meeting]

AGM is an abbreviation for “Annual General Meeting.”

ag·nos·tic noun, pl -tics [count]

1 : a person who does not have a definite belief about whether God exists or not compare ATHEIST

2 : a person who does not believe or is unsure of something

She considered herself an agnostic on the truth of the theory. [=she was not sure if the theory was true or not]

a political agnostic [=a person who lacks strong political beliefs]

agnostic adj
politically agnostic

ag·nos·ti·cism noun [noncount]

ago adv

: in the past : before the present time : before now

“How long ago did she arrive?” “A few hours ago.”

That culture flourished here over 10,000 years ago.

We met three months ago and we'll meet again three months from now.

He long ago learned to be patient.

I saw an interesting ad not long ago [=recently] for a new car.

All the good tickets were sold a long time ago. = All the good tickets were sold (quite) some time ago.

agog adj, not used before a noun

: full of interest or excitement because of something

The news has chemists agog.

Her supporters were agog at the idea.

The town is agog over the plan.

ag·o·nize also Brit ag·o·nise verb, -niz·es, -nized, -niz·ing [no obj]

: to think or worry very much about something
usually + about or over

She agonized about what she was doing.

The coach agonizes for days over the choices he has to make.

The architect agonized over every detail of the planning.

agonized also Brit agonised adj [more ; most ]

: showing mental or physical pain or agony
an agonized cry of despair

agonizing also Brit agonising adj [more ; most ]

: very mentally or physically painful
a long and agonizing battle with cancer

She made the agonizing decision to cancel the trip.

The agonizing wait was finally over.

He was in agonizing pain.

ag·o·niz·ing·ly also Brit ag·o·nis·ing·ly adv
an agonizingly painful condition

They moved at an agonizingly slow pace.

ag·o·ny noun, pl -nies

: extreme mental or physical pain

[noncount] She was in terrible agony after breaking her leg.

He died in agony.

The medicine relieves the agony of muscle cramps very quickly.

the agony of defeat

It was agony to watch him suffer like that.

[count] He suffered no agonies of guilt/remorse/regret over his decision. [=he did not feel guilty about his decision]

agony aunt noun, pl aunts [count]

Brit : a person who writes an agony column

Hundreds of people write in to the paper's agony aunt [=(US) advice columnist] every week.

agony column noun, pl -umns [count]

Brit : advice column

ag·o·ra·pho·bia noun [noncount]

: a fear of being in open or public places
a patient suffering from agoraphobia
compare CLAUSTROPHOBIA

ag·o·ra·pho·bic adj
an agoraphobic patient

agoraphobic noun, pl -bics [count]

a therapist who works with agoraphobics

agrar·i·an adj [more ; most ]

: of or relating to farms and farming
a town founded in 1811 as an agrarian community
an agrarian economy
an agrarian society

agree verb, agrees, agreed, agree·ing

1 : to have the same opinion

[no obj] We agreed about some things, but we disagreed about others.

They agreed among themselves.

She says that a change is needed, and I agree completely.

I couldn't agree more.

We can all agree on/about one thing: the current law needs to be changed.

Some critics have called the movie a masterpiece, but not everyone agrees.

The house is too big for one person, don't you agree?

often + with

I agree with you. = I agree with what you say.

[+ obj] I agree (that) the house is too big.

We all agree (that) the law needs to be changed.

When people are agreed, they have the same opinion.

We are all agreed that the law needs to be changed. [=we all agree that the law needs to be changed]

Researchers are now agreed that the cause of the disease is genetic.

“So we'll have to revise the schedule. Agreed?” [=are we agreed?] “Agreed.” [=yes, we are agreed]

When a person or thing is agreed to be something specified, people regard that person or thing as something specified.

The movie is generally agreed to be a failure. [=most people think that the movie is a failure]

She is widely agreed to be one of our best writers.

Her first book is almost universally agreed to be her best.

2 : to say that you will do, accept, or allow something that is suggested or requested by another person

[no obj] The reporter asked her for an interview, and she reluctantly agreed. [=she reluctantly said yes]

often + to

He agreed to [=consented to] their proposal/plan.

agree to a compromise

She agreed to an interview. = She agreed to being interviewed.

[+ obj] She asked if she could go with him, and he agreed that she could.

often followed by to + verb

He agreed to accept their proposal.

She reluctantly agreed to be interviewed.

He readily agreed to do what they wanted him to do.

They agreed not to oppose her nomination.

3 of two or more people or groups : to decide to accept something after discussing what should or might be done

[no obj]

usually + on or upon

The jurors were unable to agree on a verdict. [=to reach a verdict]

agree on a plan

They agreed on a fair division of the profits.

The means of ending the dispute were finally agreed upon.

They should accept the terms that were originally agreed upon.

The price was agreed upon in advance.

[+ obj] (Brit) The jurors were unable to agree a verdict.

The means of ending the dispute were finally agreed.

The forms agreed, agreed-upon, and (less commonly) agreed-on are used as adjectives in both U.S. and British English.

She paid him the agreed price.

They met at the agreed-upon time.

4 [no obj] : to be alike : to resemble or match each other

The accounts of the accident did not agree (with each other).

The copies agree exactly with the originals.

These results agree with earlier studies.

5 [no obj] grammar : to be alike in gender, number, case, or person

A verb should agree with its subject.

A verb and pronoun should agree in number.

6 [no obj] : to be suitable for or pleasing to someone

+ with

The climate agrees with you. [=the climate suits you]

Spicy food doesn't agree with me. [=spicy food makes me feel unwell]

agree to disagree (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit agree to differ

: to agree not to argue anymore about a difference of opinion

He likes golf and his wife likes tennis, so when it comes to sports, they have agreed to disagree.

agree with [phrasal verb]

agree with (something) : to regard (something) with approval

Do you agree with capital punishment?

see also AGREE 1, 6 (ABOVE)

agree·able adj [more ; most ]

1 somewhat formal + old-fashioned : pleasing to the mind or senses : pleasant
an agreeable taste

He's a very agreeable young man.

Traffic is one of the less agreeable aspects of city life.

They spent an agreeable evening together.

opposite DISAGREEABLE

2 : ready or willing to agree : willing to do or allow something

I suggested that we leave early, and she seemed agreeable.

usually + to

She seemed agreeable to (the idea of) leaving early.

3 : able to be accepted : acceptable

+ to

Is the schedule agreeable to you? [=do you agree to the schedule?]

agree·able·ness noun [noncount]

agree·ably adv
an agreeably sweet taste

They spent the evening together very agreeably.

agree·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount]

1 a : the act of agreeing

Any changes to the plan require the agreement of everyone involved.

We were surprised by his agreement to participate. [=we were surprised that he agreed to participate]

She nodded her head in agreement. [=to show that she agreed]

1 b : a situation in which people share the same opinion : a situation in which people agree

There is wide/widespread/universal agreement on this issue.

Everyone seems to be in agreement [=seems to agree] about/on the need for reform, but there is much disagreement about how to achieve it.

They have been unable to reach agreement about how to achieve reform.

2 [count]

2 a : an arrangement, contract, etc., by which people agree about what is to be done

I thought we had an agreement.

a formal/contractual agreement

Their agreement expires next year.

He has to return the property under the terms of an agreement he has with the original owner.

a peace agreement
a trade agreement

They have come to an agreement. = They have reached an agreement.

2 b : a written record of such an agreement

He signed an agreement to buy the property.

see also GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT

3 [noncount] grammar : the fact or state of being alike in gender, number, case, or person : the fact or state of agreeing grammatically

The subject and the verb need to be in agreement (with each other).

ag·ri·busi·ness noun, pl -ness·es

1 [noncount] : the business or industry of farming or agriculture : farming thought of as a large business
a giant agribusiness corporation

2 [count] : a company engaged in agribusiness

Several large agribusinesses own most of the farms around here.

ag·ri·cul·tur·al adj

1 : of, relating to, or used in farming or agriculture
agricultural machinery
agricultural methods
the state's main agricultural product
rich agricultural land

2 : engaged in or concerned with farming or agriculture
an agricultural society
an important agricultural center
a small agricultural community

ag·ri·cul·tur·al·ly adv

ag·ri·cul·ture noun [noncount]

: the science or occupation of farming

They cleared the land to use it for agriculture.

compare HORTICULTURE

ag·ri·cul·tur·ist or ag·ri·cul·tur·al·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

skilled agriculturists

agron·o·my noun [noncount]

: a science that deals with the methods used by farmers to raise crops and care for the soil

agron·o·mist noun, pl -mists [count]

aground adv

: on or onto the ground

The ship ran/went aground during the storm last night. [=the bottom of the ship struck and became stuck on the ground under the water]

The boat ran aground on a reef.

ah interj

used to express pleasure, relief, etc.

Ah, I remember the good old days.

Ah, that feels good.

Ah, so that's where the idea came from!

Ah, yes, now I remember.

aha interj

used when something is suddenly seen, found, or understood

Aha! I knew it was you!

Aha! So that's how it's supposed to work.

ahead adv

1 a : in or toward the front

The road stretched ahead for many miles.

Someone was standing in the road (up) ahead.

We knew the way ahead [=forward] was difficult, but we persevered.

“Full speed ahead!” shouted the captain.

He was looking straight ahead. [=directly forward]

1 b : to or toward the place where someone is going

I can't leave yet. You go on ahead. I'll catch up later.

She was delayed at the airport so she sent her bags ahead to the hotel.

2 : in, into, or for the future

We need to think/plan ahead.

The past year has been successful and, looking ahead, we expect to do even better in the coming months.

We have some hard work ahead.

He expects to be very busy in the weeks ahead.

We don't know what lies ahead.

We'll pause now for a commercial. The weather report is just ahead. [=the weather report will be broadcast after the commercial]

3 : in the lead in a race or competition

They were trailing by 5 points earlier in the game, but now they're ahead [=winning] by 7.

They scored three runs to go ahead by two.

a politician who is ahead in the polls

We're winning now, but we have to work hard to stay/keep ahead.

4 : in or toward a better position

I came out $20 ahead on the deal. [=I made a profit of $20 on the deal]

He's very ambitious. He'll do anything to get ahead. [=to become successful]

5 : at an earlier time

She prepared most of the food ahead. [=ahead of time]

make payments ahead

ahead of prep

1 : in, at, or to a place before (someone or something)

She got ahead of me.

Someone was standing in the road just a few yards (up) ahead of us.

They went on ahead of us and by now are several miles ahead of us.

2 : in the future for (someone or something)

We have some hard work ahead of us.

3 : having a lead or advantage over (a competitor)

The polls show that he is ahead of the other candidates.

The company is working hard to stay one step ahead of the competition.

They were trailing us by 5 points earlier in the game, but now they're ahead of us by 7.

4 a : better than (something)

The company's earnings are (way/far) ahead of forecasts. [=are (much) better than they were expected to be]

4 b : in a more advanced position than (someone or something)

He was a year ahead of me in school. [=he finished school a year before I did]

If you are ahead of your time or if your ideas, creations, etc., are ahead of their time, you are too advanced or modern to be understood or appreciated during the time when you live or work.

As a poet, he was ahead of his time. His poems, now regarded as classics, were unpopular when he wrote them.

5 : at an earlier time than (someone or something) : sooner than (someone or something)

They arrived at the party a few minutes ahead of [=before] us.

They're hoping to work out an agreement well ahead of [=before] the deadline.

She prepared most of the food ahead of time. [=beforehand]

It looks like we can finish the project ahead of schedule. [=earlier than planned]

ahem interj
used in writing to represent a sound that is like a quiet cough that people make especially to attract attention or to express disapproval or embarrassment

ahoy interj

used by a sailor who is calling out to a passing ship or boat

Ship ahoy!

Ahoy there, mate!

AI abbr
artificial intelligence

1aid verb, aids, aid·ed, aid·ing

: to provide what is useful or necessary : help

[+ obj] They gave money in order to aid the cause.

She aided them in their efforts.

He jumped into the water to aid the drowning child.

His position was aided [=strengthened] by the fact that he was right.

a home run that was aided by the wind
aiding the poor

She aided the government in the attempt to fight illiteracy.

She is charged with aiding and abetting [=helping and encouraging] the thief in his getaway.

[no obj]

usually + in

She aided in the attempt to fight illiteracy.

His research aided in the discovery of a new treatment for cancer.

The research aided in establishing new theories.

2aid noun, pl aids

1 [noncount] : the act of helping someone : help or assistance given to someone

The teacher enlisted/sought the aid of several students for the project. [=the teacher asked several students to help with the project]

The project was completed with the aid of several students.

The work was done with the aid of a computer.

I can no longer read without the aid of glasses. [=without using glasses]

When the climbers became trapped by bad weather, a rescue party was sent to their aid. [=was sent to help/rescue them]

2 [noncount]

2 a : something (such as money, food, or equipment) that is given by a government or an organization to help the people in a country or area where many people are suffering because of poverty, disease, etc.

The government has given millions of dollars in economic/foreign aid to these nations.

humanitarian aid
often used before another noun
international aid organizations
an aid worker [=a person who goes to a foreign country to help the people there]

2 b : money that is given to a student to help pay for the cost of attending a school

She applied for financial/student aid in order to go to college.

3 [count]

3 a : something that provides help or assistance

The diagram is provided as an aid to understanding.

The computer is an aid to keeping costs down.

3 b : a device, object, etc., that makes something easier to do

He teaches art with visual aids.

aids to navigation = navigational aids
instructional/learning aids
a pill used as an aid for sleeping = a sleeping aid
see also FIRST AID, HEARING AID

4 [count] chiefly US : a person whose job is to assist someone : aide

She works as a teacher's aid.

in aid of
chiefly Brit : in order to help (something or someone)

The event is being held in aid of charity.

in aid of refugees

The informal British expression What's (all) this/that in aid of? is used to ask about the purpose of something.

“What's all this rushing about in aid of, then?” [=what's all this rushing about for?] “We're trying to get things ready for the boss's visit.”

aide noun, pl aides [count]

: a person whose job is to assist someone : assistant
a nurse's aide
a teacher's aide

The senate office hired several congressional aides.

a presidential aide

aide-de-camp Brit noun, pl aides-de-camp Brit [count]

: a military officer who assists another high-ranking officer

AIDS noun [noncount]

: a serious disease of the immune system that is caused by infection with a virus

AIDS is an abbreviation for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

ail verb, ails, ailed, ail·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause pain or trouble for (someone) : trouble

This medicine is good for what/whatever ails you.

His back was ailing him.

often used figuratively
a discussion about what ails public education these days

2 [no obj] : to suffer bad health

She has been ailing for years.

often used figuratively

The company is ailing financially.

ailing adj

He has an ailing back/elbow/heart.

her ailing husband
in ailing health
the ailing economy
an ailing company

ai·le·ron noun, pl -rons [count]

technical : a part of an airplane wing that can be moved up or down to cause the airplane to turn

ail·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a sickness or illness

She suffered from a chronic back ailment.

a kidney/liver/lung/skin ailment

The doctor treated him for a variety of ailments.

1aim verb, aims, aimed, aim·ing

1 a : to point (a weapon) at a target

[+ obj] He aimed the gun carefully before shooting.

Don't aim that pistol at me!

[no obj] He aimed carefully before shooting.

Ready, aim, fire!

1 b : to point (a device) at something

[+ obj] aim a camera

Try to aim the antenna in the right direction.

She aimed the telescope at a point in the eastern sky.

[no obj] She aimed at a point in the eastern sky.

1 c [+ obj] : to direct (something, such as a missile, a ball, a punch, or a kick) at a target

He aimed the stone at the dog but missed.

The throw from the shortstop was poorly/badly aimed.

well-aimed and badly aimed kicks/punches

2 : to have a specified goal or purpose

[no obj] If you want to be successful, you have to aim high. [=you have to be ambitious]

often + at

The movie aims at comedy [=the movie is intended to be a comedy], but it really isn't very funny.

a political movement that aims at promoting world peace

often + for

The movie aims for comedy.

aim for a goal

If you're trying to lose weight, you should give yourself a goal/target to aim for.

[+ obj]

followed by to + verb
a political movement that aims to promote world peace

They aim [=intend] to reform the government.

We aim [=plan] to arrive there at around noon.

We aim to please.

3 [+ obj] : to direct (something) at a particular goal, group of people, etc.

He aimed his criticism primarily at parents.

usually used as (be) aimed

His criticism was aimed primarily at parents.

The television program is aimed directly/primarily at children. [=is intended mainly for children]

The new system is aimed at reducing costs. [=the purpose of the new system is to reduce costs]

a political movement that is aimed at promoting world peace

2aim noun, pl aims

1 [count] : a goal or purpose
a political movement whose aim is to promote world peace

Our ultimate aim is to create something of lasting value.

The book has two basic aims.

She was unable to achieve her aims.

I started this business with the aim of making a profit.

2 [noncount] : the ability to hit a target

His aim was good.

He fired at the target but his aim was off/bad and he missed.

take aim

1 : to point a weapon at a target

He took careful aim at the target. [=he aimed carefully at the target]

2 US : to have a specified goal or intention

The runner took aim at setting a record. [=the runner's goal was to set a record]

3 : to have something as the object of an action or effort

Investigators are taking aim at [=targeting] health-care fraud. [=investigators are intending to punish/stop health-care fraud]

aim·less adj

: not having a goal or purpose
an aimless young person
an aimless conversation

aim·less·ly adv

She liked to wander aimlessly around the park.

driving around aimlessly

aim·less·ness noun [noncount]

He lived a life of aimlessness.

[singular]

There was an aimlessness to his life.

ain't

1 : am not

I ain't worried.

: are not

They ain't interested.

: is not

It's a free country, ain't it?

2 : have not

Those people ain't got a clue.

: has not

Her husband left and she ain't never been the same.

usage

Ain't is usually regarded as an error, but it is common in the very informal speech of some people and it is also used in informal and humorous phrases.

That joke just ain't funny.

Say it ain't so!

You ain't seen nothing yet!

Two out of three ain't bad.

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

Things ain't what they used to be.

Ain't that the truth?

1air noun, pl airs

1 [noncount]

1 a : the invisible mixture of gases (such as nitrogen and oxygen) that surrounds the Earth and that people and animals breathe

These laws are meant to produce cleaner air.

A delicious smell filled the air.

I like to dine outdoors in the open air.

cool/warm air
fresh air
a sudden gust of air [=wind]

polluted air
stale air
the hot summer air

He can't breathe! Everybody move back and give him some air!

High in the mountains the air is thin and it can be hard to breathe.

He pumped air into the bicycle tire.

My keys seem to have vanished/disappeared into thin air. [=to have vanished in a very sudden and mysterious way]

He seemed to appear out of thin air. [=in a very sudden and mysterious way]

see also a breath of fresh air at BREATH

1 b : the space or sky that is filled with air
land, water, and air

The city is wonderful seen from the air.

the fish of the sea and the birds of the air

The balloon rose up into the air and then floated through/in the air.

There has been heavy fighting on the ground and in the air.

2 [noncount] : methods of travel that involve flying
travel by air [=by flying in airplanes]

often used before another noun
an air attack
air safety
air travel/travelers

3 [singular] : a quality that a person or thing has
a dignified air
often + of
an air of dignity

The new furniture has given the hotel an air of luxury.

He has an air of mystery about him. [=he has a mysterious quality]

4 [count] old-fashioned : a song or tune
a pleasing air

5 [noncount] US : air-conditioning
a house with central air

clear the air

: to talk about problems, feelings, etc., in order to reach agreement or understanding

They cleared the air (between them) by discussing their differences.

floating on air or walking on air

: feeling very happy

After he won the election, he was walking on air.

give yourself airs or put on airs

: to act in a way that shows you think you are better than other people

Some of her old friends have accused her of putting on airs since she became wealthy.

She's very rich, but she doesn't give herself airs.

In British English, the phrase airs and graces describes an overly superior or proud way of behaving.

She's very rich, but she doesn't give herself any airs and graces. = She doesn't have any airs and graces. = She doesn't put on any airs and graces.

hang in the air see hang in at 1HANG

in the air

1 : felt or sensed by many people

There was a great sense of anticipation in the air as game time approached.

2 : expected to happen soon

Many changes are in the air.

nose in the air see 1NOSE

off the air
of a radio or television station, program, etc. : not being broadcast

The station is now off the air.

They took him off the air because of his extreme views.

It was my favorite show, but it went off the air [=stopped being broadcast] last year.

on the air also on air
of a radio or television station, program, etc. : being broadcast

The interview will be on the air tomorrow. [=the interview will air tomorrow; the interview will be broadcast tomorrow]

an interview being shown on air
a show that first came/went on the air [=started being broadcast] five years ago

The President went on the air to defend his policies.

up in the air

: not yet settled or decided

Our vacation plans are still up in the air.

air·less adj
a hot, airless room

2air verb, airs, aired, air·ing

1 a : to place something in an open area where there is a lot of moving air to make it cool, dry, or clean

[+ obj] air a blanket
air damp clothing

[no obj] The blankets were left outside to air.

1 b : to allow air from the outside to enter something (such as a room) so that it becomes fresher or cleaner

[+ obj] She opened the windows to air the room.

usually + out in U.S. English

She opened the windows to air out the room.

air out a closet

[no obj]

usually + out in U.S. English

She opened the windows to let the room air out.

2 [+ obj] : to make (something) known in public : to state (something) publicly

The company had a meeting so that employees could air their complaints/grievances.

publicly airing their differences

Let's not air our dirty laundry [=discuss our problems, make our problems known] in public.

3 : to broadcast something on radio or television

[+ obj] air a program

The interview will be aired tomorrow.

[no obj] The program airs daily.

The interview will air tomorrow.

air bag noun, pl bags [count]

: a bag that fills with air to protect a driver or passenger when a vehicle crashes

air ball noun, pl balls [count]

basketball : a shot that completely misses the basket

air base noun, pl bases [count]

: a place where military aircraft take off and land : a base of operations for military aircraft

air bed noun, pl beds [count]

: air mattress

air·borne adj

1 : in the air : moving or being carried through the air

Once the plane was airborne I loosened my seat belt.

airborne dust particles

2 of soldiers : specially trained to jump from airplanes into enemy territory for battle

Thousands of airborne troops parachuted behind enemy lines.

airborne forces
also : of or relating to airborne soldiers
airborne combat
airborne divisions/operations

1air·brush noun, pl -brush·es [count]

: a device that is used to spray a liquid (such as paint) onto a surface

2airbrush verb, -brush·es, -brushed, -brush·ing [+ obj]

: to paint or treat (something, such as a photograph) with an airbrush especially to make improvements

That photograph must have been airbrushed.

The model's blemishes were airbrushed out in the photograph. [=an airbrush was used to change the photograph so that the model's blemishes could not be seen]

sometimes used figuratively

The authorities tried to airbrush out their mistake and pretend it had never happened.

Air·bus trademark
used for a jet plane that carries passengers for short distances

air conditioner noun, pl -ers [count]

: a machine that is used to cool and dry the air in a building, room, etc.

air-con·di·tion·ing noun [noncount]

: a system used for cooling and drying the air in a building, room, etc.

She wanted her house to have air-conditioning.

We bought a car with air-conditioning.

often used before another noun
an air-conditioning system
air-conditioning ducts/equipment

abbr. AC

air-con·di·tioned adj
an air-conditioned building/room/car

air·craft Brit noun, pl aircraft [count]

: a machine (such as an airplane or a helicopter) that flies through the air
a new military aircraft
a company that manufactures aircraft
often used before another noun
an aircraft engine
aircraft parts

aircraft carrier noun, pl -ers [count]

: a military ship that has a large deck where aircraft take off and land

air·drop noun, pl -drops [count]

: the act or action of delivering supplies by parachute from an airplane during an emergency when other methods are not possible

The group organized an airdrop of food for the refugees.

air-drop verb, -drops, -dropped, -drop·ping [+ obj]

Supplies were air-dropped to the refugees.

air-dry verb, -dries, -dried, -dry·ing

: to dry something by placing it in an open area where there is a lot of moving air

[+ obj] air-dry a blanket

[no obj] She let the blanket air-dry before she put it away.

air·fare noun, pl -fares [count]

: the money a person pays to travel on an airplane
round-trip airfare

air·field noun, pl -fields [count]

: a field or airport where airplanes take off and land
a military airfield

air force noun, pl forces [count]

: the part of a country's military forces that fights with airplanes
the combined allied air forces
usually capitalized when a specific air force is being referred to
the British Air Force

She joined the (U.S.) Air Force after she graduated from high school.

air gun noun, pl guns [count]

: a gun that uses air pressure to shoot small pellets

air·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal : a silly and stupid person

She is not the airhead you think she is.

air·ing noun, pl -ings

: an occurrence in which something is aired: such as
a [singular] : an occurrence in which something (such as an idea) is made known to many people so that it can be discussed

His ideas deserve an airing. [=his ideas deserve to be aired]

A full airing of the issue is scheduled.

b [count] : an occurrence in which a radio or television program is broadcast

The series had its first airing [=the series was first aired/broadcast] on a local channel.

the airing [=broadcast] of a presidential debate

c [count] : an occurrence in which fresh air is allowed to fill a place or to surround something
give the room an airing [=air the room] by opening the windows

airing cupboard noun, pl -boards [count]

Brit : a heated cupboard in which sheets, towels, clothes, etc., are kept warm and dry

air·lift noun, pl -lifts [count]

: an occurrence in which people or things are carried to or from a place by airplanes during an emergency when other methods are not possible
an emergency airlift to deliver supplies to the famine victims

airlift verb, -lifts, -lift·ed, -lift·ing [+ obj]

Soldiers were airlifted to the frontier's borders.

The organization was airlifting supplies to the famine victims.

air·line noun, pl -lines [count]

: a company that owns and operates many airplanes which are used for carrying passengers and goods to different places
a major airline
often used before another noun
an airline pilot
airline passengers

air·lin·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a large airplane used for carrying passengers

air lock noun, pl locks [count]

: a small room that has two doors which can be sealed tightly so that no air enters or leaves and that is used for moving between two spaces with different air pressures in a submarine, spaceship, etc.

air·mail noun [noncount]

: the system used for sending mail by aircraft

The package was sent by/via airmail.

also : mail sent by using this system
a bag of airmail
often used before another noun
an airmail letter
airmail postage

airmail verb, -mails, -mailed, -mail·ing [+ obj]

He airmailed the letter/package to me. = He airmailed me the letter/package.

air·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a member of the air force with a rank below that of sergeant

air mattress noun, pl -tress·es [count]

: a soft plastic case that can be filled with air and used as a bed called also air bed

air·plane noun, pl -planes [count]

US : a machine that has wings and an engine and that flies through the air
traveling on/in an airplane = traveling by airplane
called also plane (Brit) aeroplane

air·play noun [noncount]

: time when a musical recording is played by a radio station

Her latest record is getting a lot of airplay. [=is being played frequently on the radio]

heavy/light airplay

air pocket noun, pl -ets [count]

: a movement or condition of the air that causes an airplane to make a brief and sudden downward drop

air·port noun, pl -ports [count]

: a place where aircraft land and take off and where there are buildings for passengers to wait in and for aircraft to be sheltered

air pump noun, pl pumps [count]

: a pump used for removing air from or adding air to something (such as a tire)

air raid noun, pl raids [count]

: an attack in which a place is bombed by military airplanes

Much of the city was destroyed in an air raid.

an air-raid shelter

air rifle noun, pl rifles [count]

: a rifle that uses air pressure to shoot small pellets

air·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

: a very large aircraft that does not have wings but that has a body filled with gas so that it floats and that is driven through the air by engines

air show noun, pl shows [count]

: a public event at an airport where different kinds of aircraft are shown and pilots use their skills to fly in unusual and exciting ways

air·sick adj [more ; most ]

: feeling sick in the stomach while riding in an airplane because of its motion

air·sick·ness noun [noncount]

air·space noun [noncount]

: the space that is above a country and that is legally controlled by that country
seeking permission to fly through U.S. airspace

air·speed noun, pl -speeds [count]

: the speed at which an aircraft moves through the air

air strike noun, pl strikes [count]

: an attack in which military airplanes drop bombs

The strategy calls for air strikes on key targets.

air·strip noun, pl -strips [count]

: an area of land that is used as a runway for airplanes to take off and land

air·tight adj

1 : tightly sealed so that no air can get in or out

Store the food in an airtight container.

2 : too strong or effective to fail or to be defeated
an airtight argument

The defendant had an airtight alibi.

air·time noun [noncount]

: time during a radio or television broadcast : time when something is on the air

The committee plans to buy radio/TV airtime for the campaign ads.

The replay got a lot of airtime. [=the replay was broadcast frequently]

air-to-air adj

: shot from one flying airplane at another

The enemy planes attacked our bombers with air-to-air missiles.

air traffic control noun [noncount]

1 : a system through which people on the ground give instructions by radio to aircraft pilots

2 : the people who give instructions to aircraft pilots by radio

The pilot had permission to land from air traffic control.

air traffic controller noun, pl -lers [count]

: a person whose job is to give instructions to aircraft pilots by radio

air·waves noun [plural]

: the signals used to broadcast radio and television programs

The ads have begun to fill network airwaves. [=to appear frequently on network television]

usually used with the

The ads have begun to fill the airwaves.

The band's new recording hit the airwaves [=was broadcast for the first time] yesterday.

news being broadcast on/over the airwaves

air·way noun, pl -ways [count]

1 medical : the area in the throat through which air passes to and from the lungs
a patient with a partially blocked airway
often plural
a patient with partially blocked airways

2 : a route along which airplanes regularly fly

3
used in the names of some airlines

British Airways

air·wor·thy adj [more ; most ]

: fit or safe for flying

The agency considered the plane airworthy.

an airworthy helicopter
compare ROADWORTHY, SEAWORTHY

air·wor·thi·ness noun [noncount]

airy adj, air·i·er, -est

1 : having a lot of open space through which air can move freely

The room is open, light, and airy.

an airy restaurant

2 : having a light or careless quality that shows a lack of concern

He refused with an airy wave of his hand.

3 : very light or delicate
an airy fabric

4 : high in the air : lofty

The hawk gazed down from its airy perch.

air·i·ly adv

He airily dismissed all advice.

air·i·ness noun [noncount]

the airiness of the room

airy-fairy adj [more ; most ]

chiefly Brit informal + disapproving : not having substance or purpose : not practical
a vague and airy-fairy fantasy/notion

The idea sounded a bit airy-fairy.

aisle noun, pl aisles [count]

: a passage where people walk: such as
a : a passage between sections of seats in a church, theater, airplane, etc.

The bride walked down/up the aisle to the altar.

He likes to sit on the aisle. = He likes to sit in the aisle seat. [=he likes to sit in the seat next to the aisle]

By the end of the concert, the people in the theater were dancing in the aisles.

When the people of an audience are laughing a lot, they can be described as rolling in the aisles.

a new comedy that has audiences rolling in the aisles all across the country

b : a passage where people walk through a store, market, etc.

supermarket aisles

walk down the aisle also go down the aisle
informal : to get married

She's been married twice before, and she's going to walk down the aisle again next week.

ajar adj, not used before a noun

: slightly open

He left the door ajar.

Her mouth was slightly ajar.

AK abbr

Alaska

aka abbr
also known as
used to indicate another name that a person or thing has or uses

Elvis Presley, aka “The King”

akim·bo adj, not used before a noun

1 of the arms : with the hands on the hips and the elbows turned outward

She stood with arms akimbo.

2 of the legs : spread apart in a bent position
sitting with legs akimbo

akin adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

: similar or related

The two languages are closely akin.

usually + to

The two languages are closely akin to one another.

a feeling akin to loneliness [=a feeling that resembles loneliness]

To break your promise to him would be akin to betraying your friendship.

AL abbr

Alabama

1-al adj suffix

: of, relating to, or characterized by
directional
fictional
operational

2-al noun suffix

: action : process
rehearsal
withdrawal

à la prep

: in the manner or style of (someone or something)

walking with a swagger à la John Wayne

al·a·bas·ter Brit noun [noncount]

: a white stone that is used to make vases and decorations
often used before another noun
an alabaster vase

sometimes used figuratively
her alabaster skin [=her smooth and white skin]

à la carte adv

: with a separate price for each item on the menu
decided to order à la carte

à la carte adj
an à la carte menu

alac·ri·ty noun

: a quick and cheerful readiness to do something

[noncount] She accepted the invitation with alacrity. [=very quickly and willingly]

[singular] She accepted the invitation with an alacrity that surprised me.

à la mode adj, not used before a noun

1 US : topped with ice cream
apple pie à la mode

2 old-fashioned : stylish or fashionable
a political movement that was once à la mode

1alarm noun, pl alarms

1 [count]

1 a : a device that makes a loud sound as a warning or signal

The alarm went off when he opened the door.

a car alarm

The whole town heard the alarm.

In figurative usage, when alarm bells are ringing people are worried about a possible problem or danger.

His long absence from school set (the) alarm bells ringing and we finally called the police.

see also BURGLAR ALARM, FALSE ALARM, FIRE ALARM, SMOKE ALARM

1 b : alarm clock

She set the alarm for six o'clock.

The alarm went off at six o'clock.

2 [noncount] : a feeling of fear caused by a sudden sense of danger

The rumors caused widespread alarm and concern.

His parents have expressed alarm about/for his safety.

The new developments are being viewed with alarm.

She looked around in alarm when she heard the noise.

There's no cause for alarm. [=there is no reason to be worried or afraid]

synonyms see 1FEAR

3 [count] : a warning of danger

The dog's barking gave the alarm and the intruders were caught.

A passerby saw the intruders and raised the alarm.

They have ignored repeated alarms about the dangers of smoking.

Economists have raised/sounded the alarm [=have warned people] about a possible recession.

Economists have been raising/sounding alarms about a possible recession.

2alarm verb, alarms, alarmed, alarm·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel a sense of danger : to worry or frighten (someone)

I didn't mean to alarm you.

The rapid spread of the disease has alarmed many people.

alarmed adj [more ; most ]

I was alarmed to see how sick he is.

Many people are alarmed about/at/by the rapid spread of the disease.

alarming adj [more ; most ]

an alarming number of problems

It is alarming to see how quickly the disease is spreading.

The team lost with alarming frequency.

alarm·ing·ly adv

alarm clock noun, pl clocks [count]

: a clock that can be set to sound an alarm at any desired time

She set the alarm clock for six o'clock.

The alarm clock went off at six o'clock.

alarm·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who spreads unnecessary fear about something that is not truly dangerous

He wanted to alert people without sounding like an alarmist.

He claims that alarmists have exaggerated the economy's problems.

alarm·ism noun [noncount]

alarm·ist adj
an alarmist report
alarmist critics

alas interj
old-fashioned + literary
used to express sadness, sorrow, disappointment, etc.

How did they fare? Alas, not very well.

Life, alas, is all too short.

al·ba·tross noun, pl -tross·es [count]

1 : a large white ocean bird that has very long wings

2 : a continuing problem that makes it difficult or impossible to do or achieve something

Fame has become an albatross that prevents her from leading a normal and happy life.

Fame has become an albatross around her neck.

al·be·it conj
formal : even though : although

She appeared on the show, albeit briefly.

It was an amazing computer, albeit expensive.

al·bi·no Brit noun, pl -nos [count]

: a person or animal born with a medical condition that results in very pale skin, white hair, and pink eyes

al·bi·nism noun [noncount]

albino adj
an albino mouse

al·bum noun, pl -bums [count]

1 : a book with blank pages in which you put a collection of photographs, stamps, etc.

a photo/stamp album

I've been working on our wedding/family album. [=book of wedding/family photographs]

2 : a long musical recording on a record, CD, etc., that usually includes a set of songs

She played a track from the group's latest album.

a 2-CD album
a pop/jazz/country album
compare 2SINGLE 4

al·bu·men Brit noun [noncount]

technical : the part of the inside of an egg that is clear before it is cooked and white after it is cooked : the white of an egg

al·che·my noun, pl -mies

1 [noncount] : a science that was used in the Middle Ages with the goal of changing ordinary metals into gold

2 : a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way

[noncount] She practiced her alchemy in the kitchen, turning a pile of vegetables into a delicious salad.

[count] The company hoped for some sort of economic alchemy that would improve business.

al·che·mist noun, pl -mists [count]

al·co·hol noun, pl -hols

1 : a clear liquid that has a strong smell, that is used in some medicines and other products, and that is the substance in liquors (such as beer, wine, or whiskey) that can make a person drunk

[noncount] cough medicine that contains alcohol
drinks that are high in alcohol

There was a high level of alcohol in his blood at the time of the accident.

drug and alcohol abuse

[count] a mixture of different alcohols
see also RUBBING ALCOHOL

2 [noncount] : drinks containing alcohol

The restaurant had a license to serve alcohol.

She doesn't drink alcohol.

1al·co·hol·ic adj

1 [more ; most ] : of, containing, or caused by alcohol
an alcoholic odor
alcoholic drinks/beverages
a slightly more alcoholic wine
alcoholic liver disease

2 : affected with alcoholism

She has an alcoholic uncle.

al·co·hol·i·cal·ly adv

2alcoholic noun, pl -ics [count]

: a person who frequently drinks too much alcohol and is unable to live a normal and healthy life : a person who is affected with alcoholism

Her uncle is an alcoholic.

a recovering alcoholic

al·co·hol·ism noun [noncount]

: a medical condition in which someone frequently drinks too much alcohol and becomes unable to live a normal and healthy life

al·cove noun, pl -coves [count]

: a small section of a room that is set back from the rest of it

al den·te adj

: cooked but still firm
al dente carrots
al dente pasta = pasta al dente

al dente adv

The pasta was cooked al dente.

al·der noun, pl -ders [count]

: a type of tree or shrub that grows in wet ground in some northern countries

al·der·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a member of a city government in the U.S., Canada, and Australia
the board of aldermen

2 : a senior member of an English town, county, or borough council who is elected by the other members not used officially in Britain after 1974

al·der·man·ic adj

ale noun, pl ales

: an alcoholic drink that is similar to beer

[noncount] a glass of ale

[count] The bar serves two very different ales.

see also GINGER ALE

aleck see SMART-ALECK

ale·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

Brit old-fashioned : a place where people used to drink ale and beer

1alert adj [more ; most ]

: able to think clearly and to notice things

An alert guard stopped the robbers.

The nurse kept/stayed alert for any change [=watched for any change] in the patient's condition.

He was tired and had trouble staying alert while he was driving.

She wasn't mentally alert enough to answer the questions.

an alert mind

An alert watchdog guarded the door.

often + to

The nurse should be alert to any change in the patient's condition.

He is alert to [=aware of] his duties as a father.

alert·ly adv

A watchdog alertly guarded the door.

alert·ness noun [noncount]

2alert noun, pl alerts

1 [count] : something (such as a message or loud sound) that tells people there is some danger or problem : an alarm or signal of danger

They sounded an alert when enemy planes were approaching the city.

Medical officials have put out an alert to hospitals to look out for the virus.

The government has issued a terrorism/security alert.

2 [noncount] : the state of being ready for something you have been warned about (such as an attack)

used with on

We need to be on alert for any sudden changes.

The attack could come at any time, so the soldiers need to be on full alert.

The recently flooded community is again on high alert as more rain is expected.

see also RED ALERT

on the alert

: looking for or expecting something (such as danger or an opportunity)

The soldiers need to be on the alert at all times.

often + for

When you're driving in winter you should always be on the alert for icy conditions.

I'm always on the alert for a good bargain.

3alert verb, alerts, alert·ed, alert·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give (someone) important information about a possible problem, danger, etc. : to warn (someone)

Several neighbors alerted the authorities/police when they noticed strangers acting suspiciously.

The governor alerted island residents that a hurricane was coming.

2 : to make (someone) aware of something

The teacher alerted the students that tests would be given the next day.

often + to

A friend recently alerted me to the existence of a new museum in my city.

We need to alert the public to the dangers of these chemicals. [=we need to tell the public about the dangers of these chemicals]

A level noun, pl A levels [count]

Brit : an advanced test in a particular subject that students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland take usually at the age of 18

The university requires at least three A levels.

She got an A in her A levels in maths, physics, and chemistry.

called also Advanced level compare O LEVEL, S LEVEL

al·fal·fa noun [noncount]

: a type of plant that is grown mostly as food for farm animals

al·fres·co adv

: in the open air : outdoors, outside
an artist who likes to paint alfresco

We dined alfresco.

alfresco adj
alfresco dining
an alfresco restaurant [=a restaurant with outdoor dining]

al·gae noun [plural]

: simple plants that have no leaves or stems and that grow in or near water
pond algae
seaweeds and other algae

al·ge·bra noun [noncount]

: a branch of mathematics that uses numbers and letters that represent numbers

al·ge·bra·ic adj
algebraic equations/problems

al·go·rithm noun, pl -rithms [count]

technical : a set of steps that are followed in order to solve a mathematical problem or to complete a computer process

1ali·as adv

: also called : otherwise known as
used to indicate an additional name that a person (such as a criminal) sometimes uses

The thief was identified as John Smith, alias Richard Jones. [=John Smith, who is also known as Richard Jones]

2alias noun, pl -as·es [count]

: an additional name that a person (such as a criminal) sometimes uses
a fugitive using several aliases

He was traveling under an alias. [=he was traveling under an assumed name; he was using a name that was not his real name]

al·i·bi noun, pl -bis [count]

1 : a claim that you cannot be guilty of a crime because you were somewhere else when the crime was committed

Nobody could confirm his alibi that he was at the movies.

He has an ironclad/perfect alibi. [=an alibi that cannot be proved false]

also : evidence which shows that such a claim is true

Her doctor is her alibi: she was in surgery at the time of the murder.

2 : an excuse for not being somewhere or doing something

She made up an alibi for why she missed the meeting.

1alien adj

1 [more ; most ] : not familiar or like other things you have known : different from what you are used to

She felt lost in an alien [=strange] culture when she moved to the city.

an alien environment

Honesty seems to be an alien concept in that family. [=people in that family are not honest]

often + to

The whole idea of having a job was alien [=unfamiliar, foreign] to him.

2 : from another country : foreign
alien residents

3 [more ; most ] : too different from something to be acceptable or suitable

+ to

Such behavior is totally alien to the spirit of the religion.

ideas alien to [=incompatible with] democracy

4 : from somewhere other than the planet Earth
an alien spaceship

The movie is a story about an attack on Earth by an army of alien [=extraterrestrial] monsters.

2alien noun, pl aliens [count]

1 : a person who was born in a different country and is not a citizen of the country in which he or she now lives
aliens seeking asylum in the U.S.

illegal aliens [=foreign people who live in a country without having official permission to live there]

2 : a creature that comes from somewhere other than the planet Earth

The movie is about an invasion by aliens. [=extraterrestrials]

He claims that he was captured by space aliens.

alien·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) unfriendly : to cause (someone) to stop being friendly, helpful, etc., towards you

He alienated most of his colleagues with his bad temper.

Her position on this issue has alienated many former supporters.

2 : to cause (someone) to feel that she or he no longer belongs in a particular group, society, etc.

+ from

Her position on this issue has alienated her from many voters.

His drug problems have alienated him from his parents.

alienated adj [more ; most ]

He feels very alienated from his parents.

alienated young people [=young people who do not feel that they have a part in society]

alien·ation noun [noncount]

Her position on this issue has caused the alienation of many former supporters.

His alienation from his parents stems from his drug problems.

She has struggled with feelings of loneliness and alienation for much of her adult life.

1alight verb, alights, alight·ed, alight·ing [no obj]

somewhat formal

1 of insects, birds, etc. : to stop on a surface after flying

A butterfly alighted [=landed] on her hat.

2 : to step down from a boat, vehicle, etc.

A group of tourists alighted from the boat/bus/train.

alight on/upon [phrasal verb]

alight on/upon (something) : to see, notice, or think of (something)

Her eye/eyes alighted on a strange man in the crowd.

a speaker who easily alights upon topics that interest a wide audience

2alight adj, not used before a noun

1 : full of light : lighted up

The sky was alight with stars.

often used figuratively
a face alight with excitement

The children laughed, their eyes alight.

2 chiefly Brit : on fire : ablaze, afire

Enemy soldiers set the building alight.

align verb, aligns, aligned, align·ing

1 : to arrange things so that they form a line or are in proper position

[+ obj] The storekeeper carefully aligned [=lined up] the cans on the shelf.

He aligned the two holes so he could put the screw through them.

The text is aligned [=in line] with the bottom of the picture.

The two parts of the machine are not properly aligned.

[no obj] The two parts of the machine don't align [=line up] properly.

The text aligns with the bottom of the picture.

2 [+ obj] : to change (something) so that it agrees with or matches something else

The schools had to align their programs with state requirements.

3 : to join a group that is supporting or opposing something

[+ obj] He has aligned himself with the protesters. [=he has joined the protesters]

[no obj] She is aligning with other senators to oppose his nomination.

align·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the state or condition of being aligned: such as

1 a : the state of being arranged in a line or in proper position
wheel alignment
planetary alignment

The parts were not in alignment. = The parts were out of alignment. [=the parts were not aligned]

1 b : the state or condition of agreeing with or matching something else

The school has to bring its programs into alignment with state requirements.

1 c : the state of being joined with others in supporting or opposing something

Many people were surprised by his alignment with the protesters. [=his support of the protesters]

2 [count] : an arrangement of groups or forces

New alignments have been created within the political party.

1alike adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

: similar in appearance, nature, or form

The two cars are much alike.

often + in

He and his brother are alike in their beliefs. [=they have similar beliefs]

two apples alike in shape

2alike adv [more ; most ]

: in the same way

We think alike.

a film intended for parents and teenagers alike [=intended for both parents and teenagers]

al·i·men·ta·ry canal noun, pl -als [count]

: the long tube in the body through which food passes after it is eaten

The alimentary canal begins at the mouth and ends at the anus.

al·i·mo·ny Brit noun [noncount]

: money that a court orders someone to pay regularly to a former wife or husband after a divorce

A-line adj, always used before a noun
of a piece of clothing : having a wide bottom and a close-fitting top : shaped like the letter A
an A-line skirt

A-list noun [singular]

: a list or group of people who are very well-known or respected

She's new on the celebrity A-list.

A-list celebrities

alive adj, not used before a noun

1 : having life : living : not dead

It feels great to be alive.

The patient was barely alive.

The sheriff was ordered to find the killer and bring him back alive.

She must be the happiest woman alive. [=the happiest woman in the world]

He managed to stay alive for a week without any food.

The patient is being kept alive by artificial means.

2 a : continuing to exist
an old tradition that is still alive

We tried to keep the organization alive [=active] despite having fewer members.

We need to keep hope alive.

2 b : not yet defeated : still having a chance to win or succeed

The legislation is still alive in the Senate. [=the legislation has not been defeated yet]

The team needs to win tonight in order to stay alive in the play-offs.

3 [more ; most ]

3 a : filled with life and energy

I love to sail because it makes me feel so alive.

often + with

Her face was alive with joy/happiness.

3 b : filled with activity
usually + with
flower gardens alive with bees [=filled with the activity of many bees]

The city streets are alive [=busy] with shoppers.

alive and kicking

: healthy and active

She ran a marathon late in life, just to prove she was still alive and kicking.

often used figuratively

After years of slow earnings, the industry is now alive and kicking.

alive and well

1 : living and healthy

She found out that her aunt is alive and well and living in Arizona.

2 : still popular : continuing to be used

Many of the old traditions are still alive and well.

alive to

: aware of (something) : able to notice (something)

Recovering from his illness has made him more alive to the beauty of life.

We need to be alive [=sensitive] to new opportunities for our business to grow.

bring (something) alive

: to make (something) seem more real or interesting

The play brings the old fairy tale alive.

come alive

: to become lively: such as
a : to become excited and filled with energy

The crowd came alive when the singer appeared on stage.

b : to become filled with activity

This neighborhood is quiet during the day, but it comes alive at night.

c : to become exciting or appealing

In her kitchen, Italian food comes alive.

eat (someone or something) alive see EAT

skin (someone) alive see 2SKIN

al·ka·li noun, pl -lies or -lis
chemistry : a substance that has a bitter taste and that forms a salt when mixed with an acid

[count] strong alkalis

[noncount] smaller amounts of alkali

An alkali has a pH of more than 7.

al·ka·line adj

1 [more ; most ] : containing an alkali
alkaline soil
compare ACIDIC

2 : having the qualities of an alkali
alkaline conditions

al·ka·lin·i·ty noun [noncount]

1all adj

1 : the whole, entire, total amount, quantity, or extent of

He stayed awake all night. [=the whole/entire night]

She worked hard all day. [=throughout the entire day]

I've been waiting all week to see her.

He had to walk all the way home.

She works all year round.

He'll need all the help he can get.

Someone took all the candy.

It was one of the greatest victories of all time. [=one of the greatest victories ever]

I think about her all the time. [=I think about her constantly]

2 a : every member or part of
used with a plural noun or pronoun to mean that a statement is true of every person or thing in a group

All my friends were there.

a film suitable for all ages

They all came late.

We all need to work faster.

I read all the magazines. = I read them all.

All these eggs are ready.

“all men are created equal” U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776)

She thinks all teenagers are alike. = She thinks teenagers are all alike.

Not all teenagers are alike. = Teenagers are not all alike.

They serve breakfast at all hours. [=at any hour, at any time of day]

They were up till/until all hours. [=they were up very late]

She has to deal with all kinds/sorts/types of people. [=with people of every kind/sort/type]

2 b : the whole number or sum of
used with a plural noun or pronoun to mean that a statement is true of a group of people or things considered together

It was great to see him again after all these years.

3 : any whatever

His guilt is beyond all doubt. [=he is certainly guilty]

She denied all [=any] responsibility for the accident.

4 a : as much as possible of (something)

used to indicate the manner in which something is done

He spoke in all seriousness/innocence. [=he spoke in a completely serious/innocent way]

4 b : having or showing only (some quality, feature, etc.)

The students became all attention [=became very attentive] when the teacher came in.

He was all smiles with the boss. [=he was smiling constantly when he was with the boss]

This drink is too strong: it's all alcohol!

4 c
used to indicate that someone has or seems to have a lot of or too much of some physical feature
an actress who is all legs [=an actress who has very long legs]

see also all ears at 1EAR, all eyes at 1EYE, all heart at HEART, all mouth at 1MOUTH, all thumbs at 1THUMB

5 US, chiefly Southern, informal
used in speech to refer to a group of people or things

Who all is coming? [=who is coming?]

What all do we need to do? [=what are the things that we need to do?]

see also WHAT ALL, YOU-ALL

for all

: in spite of (something)

For all his confident talk, he is actually very unsure of himself.

She still loves him, for all his faults.

of all (the)

informal
used in phrases to express surprise, disapproval, anger, etc.

Who should I meet in New York but Max of all people! = Of all the people in New York, who should I run into but Max! [=I was very surprised to meet Max in New York]

Why did my car break down now of all times, when I can least afford it?!

“He actually called you a fool!” “Of all the nerve!” [=I am shocked and offended that he called me a fool]

2all adv

1 : entirely or completely

She sat all alone.

She has traveled all around the world.

This money will be all yours when I die.

He got all wet.

She had buttons all down the side of her dress.

I forgot all about paying the bill.

The noise continued all through the night. [=all night long, throughout the night]

often used to make a statement more forceful

I'm all in favor of trying again.

His criticisms were all out of proportion.

These problems have been occurring all too often. [=much too often]

2 : for each side or player
used to indicate a tie score

The score is 2 all. [=apiece]

The game ended in a 5-all draw.

We're tied at 3-all after seven innings.

3 informal : 1very

The kids got all excited when they saw Santa Claus.

all along see 2ALONG

all around (US) or chiefly Brit all round

1 : in every way : from every point of view

It was a good deal all around: we made money and nobody lost out.

2 : for everyone

Let's have drinks all around, bartender.

see also ALL-AROUND

all of

1 : not more than
used to stress that an amount is surprisingly small

She learned to fly a plane when she was all of 16 years old.

The team scored all of six points the entire game.

2 : as much as
used to stress that an amount is somewhat large

The prize is now worth all of 10 million dollars.

all over

1 a : over an entire area

We looked all over [=everywhere] for you.

1 b : in every part of (something)

The flower can be found all over the island in spring and early summer.

He's lived all over Texas.

In his office there are books piled all over the place. [=everywhere]

see also ALLOVER

2 informal : very critical of (someone)

She was all over me for being late.

3 informal : crowding around, pushing against, or touching (someone) in a very eager or aggressive way

The band's fans were all over them.

Look at that young couple. They're all over each other! [=they are kissing, touching, etc., very passionately]

She tried to score, but the other team's defense was all over her.

4 chiefly Brit, informal : in every way

She's her mother all over. [=she's just like her mother]

Late again, is she? That's her all over. [=that's very typical of her]

all that

: to a high degree
usually used in negative statements

I wasn't all that [=very] interested in the story.

The movie wasn't all that [=so] bad.

see also all that at 1THAT

all the

used to give added force to a word like “more” or “better”

With the economy in such bad shape, it's all the more important [=it's even more important] that we correct these problems quickly.

If we arrive early, all the better. [=it will be even better if we arrive early]

all told

: with everything considered or included : in all

All told, it took us three full days to get there.

There were seven of us all told.

go all out see 1GO

not all there
informal
used to describe a person who is somewhat strange or stupid

Her aunt is very sweet but not all there (mentally).

3all pronoun

1 : the entire number, quantity, or amount

All [=everything] that I have is yours.

All [=everything] will be explained soon.

She told us all about what happened.

Her other books were good, but this one is the best of all.

All are welcome! [=everyone is welcome]

We all enjoyed the movie. = All of us enjoyed the movie.

Many people were invited and all came.

His stories may be entertaining, but I don't think all (of them) are true.

Thanks to all who helped out.

All of this money will be yours when I die.

Not all of our students go on to college.

It was all (that) I could do to keep from laughing! [=I had a hard time trying not to laugh]

“Is there anything else to be done?” “No, that's all.”

He gave equal attention to one and all. [=to everyone]

Come one, come all. [=everyone is invited to come]

usage see altogether

2 : the only thing

That's all I can do to help.

All I know is that the game was canceled. I don't know why.

above all see 2ABOVE

after all see 2AFTER

All aboard! see 1ABOARD

all in all
informal : in a general way : when everything is thought of or considered

All in all [=in general, generally, for the most part], I like the way things have gone.

We did lose some money, but we got most of it back. So all in all things might have been a lot worse.

all's fair in love and war see 1FAIR

all told

: including everything or everyone
used to indicate a total

The cost of the repairs came to about $300 all told. [=in all] [=the total cost of the repairs was about $300]

and all

1 : and everything else

What with the noise outside, the fire and all, we got hardly any sleep.

He endured everything, insults and all, without getting angry.

2 Brit, informal
used to emphasize a response

“It's really hot out!” “It is and all!” [=it certainly is]

at all

used to make a statement or question more forceful

He will go anywhere at all to get a job.

Did you find out anything at all?

used especially in negative statements

“Did she say anything?” “No, nothing at all.”

I don't mind cooking at all.

It's not at all what you think it is. It's something else entirely.

I wasn't tired at all. = I wasn't at all tired. [=I wasn't even slightly tired]

This chair is not at all comfortable.

I didn't like it at all.

That is not at all likely.

The phrase not at all is sometimes used as a polite response when someone thanks you.

“Thank you for all your trouble.” “Not at all.”

“That was very kind of you.” “Not at all. It was the least I could do.”

for all see 1FOR

for all I know see 1KNOW

for all (someone) cares see 2CARE

give your all

: to do or give as much as you can to achieve something, to support a cause, etc.

He gave his all for the cause. = He gave his all to help the cause.

You'll never succeed in this business unless you give (it) your all.

in all

: including everything or everyone
used to indicate a total

There were about a thousand people at the concert in all. [=all told]

once and for all see 1ONCE

that is all see 1THAT

when all is said and done

: after considering or doing everything
used for a final general statement or judgment

It won't be easy, but when all is said and done, we'll be glad we did it.

The candidates claim to have different views but, when all is said and done, they're very much alike.

all- combining form

1 : entirely : completely
an all-wool suit
an all-woman band

2 : including everything
an all-encompassing philosophy

Her all-consuming passion was music.

3 US : selected as the best at something (such as a sport) within an area or organization
an all-league halfback

Al·lah Brit noun [singular]

used as the name of God in Islam

all-Amer·i·can adj

1 : having qualities that are thought to be typical of people in the U.S. or that are widely admired in the U.S.

a wholesome all-American boy
her all-American optimism

2 sports

2 a : selected as one of the best in the U.S. in a particular sport
an all-American football player

He was all-American twice when he played college football.

2 b : having only all-American players
an all-American football team

3 : consisting entirely of Americans or of American elements

The tennis tournament will have an all-American final. [=both players in the final are American]

all-American noun, pl -cans [count]

He was an all-American in football.

all-around adj, always used before a noun

US

1 : relating to or involving many different things

The computer has good all-around performance.

There has been an all-around improvement in his work recently.

: considered in a general way

He is an all-around good guy.

She is a teacher, writer, and all-around nice woman.

2 : skillful or useful in many ways

She's the best all-around player on the team.

a good all-around pickup truck

The encyclopedia is an excellent all-around resource.

al·lay verb, -lays, -layed, -lay·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (something) less severe or strong

Managers tried to allay [=calm, ease] fears that some workers would lose their jobs.

The new advertising campaign is an attempt to allay the public's concerns/worries about the safety of the company's products.

allay suspicions

all but adv

: very nearly : almost

Without you the job would have been all but impossible.

We had all but given up hope.

all clear noun

the all clear

: a signal telling you that a situation is no longer dangerous

“How will we know when it's safe to leave?” “I'll give you the all clear by blowing a whistle.”

Doctors have given her the all clear [=have told her that she is healthy] and she should be back at work next week.

all-day adj, always used before a noun

: lasting throughout the day
an all-day trip/event

al·le·ga·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a statement saying that someone has done something wrong or illegal

The police are investigating allegations that the mayor has accepted bribes.

The mayor denies the allegations (that have been made) against him.

There have been allegations of fraud in the city government.

You're making a serious allegation. Do you have any proof?

al·lege verb, -leg·es, -leged, -leg·ing [+ obj]

: to state without definite proof that someone has done something wrong or illegal
allege a person's guilt

He alleged that the mayor has accepted bribes.

The mayor is alleged to have accepted bribes.

allege a conspiracy

She alleged misconduct. = She alleged that there had been misconduct.

You allege that she stole a large quantity of money. Do you have any proof?

al·leged adj, always used before a noun

1 : accused of having done something wrong or illegal but not yet proven guilty

The alleged thief was arrested.

2 : said to have happened but not yet proven

He denied the alleged conspiracy.

alleged abuse

al·leg·ed·ly adv

She allegedly stole the money. = Allegedly, she stole the money.

al·le·giance noun, pl -gianc·es
formal : loyalty to a person, country, group, etc.

[noncount] I pledge allegiance to my country. [=I promise to be loyal to my country]

He owes allegiance to them for all the help they have given him.

[count] Both candidates are working hard to convince voters to switch allegiances.

the Pledge of Allegiance see 1PLEDGE

al·le·go·ry Brit noun, pl -ries

: a story in which the characters and events are symbols that stand for ideas about human life or for a political or historical situation

[count] the long poem is an allegory of/about love and jealousy

[noncount] a writer known for his use of allegory

al·le·gor·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

an allegorical poem

al·le·gor·i·cal·ly adv

1al·le·gro adv
music : in a quick and lively way
a movement played allegro

allegro adj
an allegro movement

2allegro noun, pl -gros [count]

: a piece of music that is played or performed in a quick and lively way

The symphony's first movement is an allegro.

al·le·lu·ia interj

: 1hallelujah

alleluia noun, pl -i·as [count]

all-encompassing adj

: including everything or everyone

We're unlikely to find an all-encompassing solution.

Al·len wrench noun, pl wrenches [count]

US : a small tool that is used to turn a special type of screw called also (Brit) Allen key

al·ler·gen noun, pl -gens [count]

medical : a substance that causes an allergy
common allergens, such as pollen

al·ler·gen·ic adj [more ; most ]

a highly allergenic substance

al·ler·gic adj

1 : of or relating to an allergy
an allergic reaction/response/condition

2 [more ; most ] : having an allergy
an allergic person
usually + to

I'm allergic to cats/nuts.

people who are highly allergic to shellfish

often used figuratively in informal contexts

My brother is allergic to hard work. [=my brother does not like hard work; my brother is lazy]

al·ler·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

medical : a doctor who is an expert in the treatment of allergies

al·ler·gy noun, pl -gies

: a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people

[noncount] Many people have some form of allergy.

[count] food allergies
often + to

I have an allergy to strawberries. I get a rash if I eat just one.

sometimes used figuratively in informal contexts

My brother has an allergy to hard work. [=my brother does not like hard work; my brother is lazy]

al·le·vi·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to reduce the pain or trouble of (something) : to make (something) less painful, difficult, or severe

The doctor tried to alleviate [=relieve] her symptoms/suffering.

finding ways to alleviate stress

The new tunnel should alleviate [=lessen, reduce] traffic on the bridge.

government programs that are intended to alleviate [=reduce] poverty

al·le·vi·a·tion noun [noncount]

the alleviation of suffering/poverty

al·ley noun, pl -leys [count]

: a narrow street or passage between buildings
a dark alley
see also BLIND ALLEY, BOWLING ALLEY

up someone's alley also down someone's alley
chiefly US informal : suited to someone's tastes or abilities

A job like that would be right up my alley! [=a job like that would suit me very well]

I love books, so volunteering at the library is right up my alley. [=(Brit) up my street]

al·ley·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: a passage between buildings : alley

all-fired adj, always used before a noun

US informal + somewhat old-fashioned : extreme or excessive

Why are you in such an all-fired hurry?

all-fired adv

I don't know why you're being so all-fired stubborn!

All Fools' Day noun [singular]

: april fools' day

all fours noun

on all fours
of a person : with the hands and knees on the ground

The baby crawled away on all fours.

all get-out noun, always used after an adjective

as all get-out

US informal : very or extremely

The café was (as) busy as all get-out [=was extremely busy] this afternoon.

al·li·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 [count] : a union between people, groups, countries, etc. : a relationship in which people agree to work together

We need to form/forge/encourage a closer alliance between government and industry.

strengthen/weaken the alliance of western nations

There has been a pattern of shifting alliances in the political world.

The article condemns what some say is an unholy alliance between government and media.

2 [noncount] : the state of being joined in some activity or effort : the state of being allied
two nations in close alliance (with each other)

one nation working in alliance with another

3 [count] : a group of people, countries, etc., that are joined together in some activity or effort

There is disagreement within the alliance about how to deal with this problem.

al·lied adj

1 a : joined in a relationship in which people, groups, countries etc., agree to work together
allied nations = nations that are allied to/with each other

1 b Allied always used before a noun : of or relating to the nations that fought together against Germany in World War I and World War II

Allied soldiers/troops/forces

2 somewhat formal : related or connected
chemistry and allied subjects
two families allied [=(more commonly) joined] by marriage

al·li·ga·tor noun, pl -tors

1 [count] : a large reptile that has a long body, thick skin, and sharp teeth, that lives in the tropical parts of the U.S. and China, and that is related to crocodiles

2 [noncount] : the skin of an alligator used for making shoes and other products
often used before another noun
alligator shoes

all-im·por·tant adj

: very important
an all-important question
often used in a humorous or exaggerated way

She paused to consider the all-important issue of which shoes to wear.

all-in adj

1 informal : very tired

By the end of finals week, I was all-in. [=exhausted]

often written as two separate words

You look all in.

2 Brit

2 a : all-inclusive
the all-in room rate

2 b : allowing almost any technique or method
all-in wrestling

all-in·clu·sive adj

: including everything; especially : sold for one price that includes charges and fees that are often added separately

The resort is all-inclusive so you don't worry about money while you're there.

al·lit·er·a·tion noun [noncount]

: the use of words that begin with the same sound near one another (as in wild and woolly or a babbling brook)

al·lit·er·a·tive adj
an alliterative name like “Molly Mason”

all-night adj, always used before a noun

1 : open for business throughout the night
an all-night diner

2 : lasting throughout the night
an all-night party

all-night·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal : a night during which someone works on something instead of sleeping

I have to finish this by morning, so I guess tonight will be another all-nighter.

He pulled an all-nighter [=he stayed up all night] to study for the exam.

al·lo·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

: to divide and give out (something) for a special reason or to particular people, companies, etc.

allocate funds among charities

Money from the sale of the house was allocated to each of the children.

We need to determine the best way to allocate our resources.

Have enough funds been allocated to finance the project?

al·lo·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

the allocation of funds
asset allocation

[count]

asset allocations

al·lot verb, -lots, -lot·ted, -lot·ting [+ obj]

: to give someone (an amount of something) to use or have

Each speaker will be allotted 15 minutes.

The newspaper will allot a full page to each of the three mayoral candidates.

allotted adj

Most of the students completed the exam in the allotted time.

al·lot·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : an amount of something given to someone to use or have

He complained that the 15-minute time allotment was too short.

2 [noncount] : the act of allotting something

The allotment of a full page in the newspaper to each candidate is more than fair.

3 [count] Brit : a small area of land that a person can rent to use as a garden
fresh tomatoes from my allotment

all-out adj, always used before a noun

1 : made or done with as much effort as possible
an all-out attack/assault on poverty = an all-out effort to eliminate poverty
see also go all out at 1GO

2 : fully developed
an all-out [=full-blown] war

all·over adj, always used before a noun

: covering the whole surface of something
a rug with an allover pattern
see also all over at 2ALL

al·low verb, -lows, -lowed, -low·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to permit (something) : to regard or treat (something) as acceptable
a religion that does not allow divorce

They don't allow smoking in this hotel.

I want to change my schedule, but my boss won't allow it.

1 b : to permit (someone) to have or do something

He allowed her to leave. [=he let her leave]

My boss wouldn't allow me to change my schedule.

They don't allow people to smoke in this hotel.

He allows himself (to have) many luxuries.

used in the phrase allow me to make a polite offer to help someone

Allow me to get/open the door for you.

If you're going to remodel your kitchen, allow me to offer a few suggestions.

1 c : to permit (someone) to go or come in, out, etc.

Women were not allowed in/into the club.

The hospital doesn't allow visitors after 8 p.m.

Those children are too young to be allowed (to go) out at night.

2 a : to make it possible for someone or something to have or do something

Her experience allows her to handle difficult situations easily. [=she can handle difficult situations easily because of her experience]

Her schedule doesn't allow her any time to run errands.

The system allows you to transfer data easily from one computer to another.

2 b : to make it possible for something to happen

Occasional gaps allow passage through the mountains.

a password that allows access to the system

The system allows the easy transfer of data from one computer to another. = The system allows data to be transferred easily from one computer to another.

2 c : to fail to prevent something or someone from being, becoming, or doing something

They allowed the garden to become overgrown with weeds.

These conditions should never have been allowed to develop.

I was surprised to see that she had allowed herself to become so fat. [=that she had become so fat]

3 : to include (a quantity of time, money, etc.) as an appropriate amount

When you're planning your day you should allow an hour for lunch.

Their parents allowed five dollars for each child as spending money.

We need to allow (ourselves) enough time to get the job done properly.

4 a : to accept (something)

The judge decided to allow the evidence.

4 b : to admit (something)

His job played a more important part in his life than his biographer allows.

usually + that or (US, informal) as how

She allowed that the work was hard. = She allowed as how the work was hard. [=she admitted that the work was hard]

5 sports : to let an opposing team or player have or score (a goal, a hit, etc.)

The pitcher allowed five hits and three runs in the first two innings.

allow a goal

The defense has not allowed a touchdown in the past three games.

allow for [phrasal verb]

allow for (something)

1 a : to think about or plan for (something that will or might happen in the future)

When purchasing property, the company should allow for possible future growth/expansion.

1 b : to consider (something) when you make a calculation

The total distance, allowing for detours, is about 10 miles.

If you allow for inflation, he's actually earning less money now than he was 10 years ago. [=the value of the money he earns now is less than that of the money he earned 10 years ago because of inflation]

2 : to make (something) possible

The design of the system allows for [=allows, permits] easy upgrades.

allow of [phrasal verb]

allow of (something) formal : to make (something) possible

The evidence allows of [=allows, permits] two possible interpretations.

al·low·able adj
allowable behavior

al·low·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 [count]

1 a : an amount of money that is given to someone regularly or for a specific purpose
a monthly allowance for household expenses
a clothing allowance

1 b chiefly US : a small amount of money that is regularly given to children by their parents

Each of their children gets a weekly allowance of five dollars.

2 [count]

2 a : an amount of something (such as time) that is allowed or available

The schedule provides a generous allowance of time for sightseeing. [=provides a generous amount of time for sightseeing]

2 b : an amount that is regarded as acceptable or desirable
the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C

2 c : an amount that is subtracted from the price of something

When we bought our new car we got a trade-in allowance of $2,000 on our old car. [=the price of our new car was reduced by $2,000 because we traded in our old car]

2 d Brit : an amount of your earnings that you do not have to pay taxes on
the tax allowance for married couples

3 a [noncount] : the act of thinking about or including something when you make a plan, calculation, etc.

When you're comparing costs from different decades, you need to make allowance for inflation. [=you need to allow for inflation]

His theory makes no allowance for [=does not allow for] the possibility that the disease may be genetic.

3 b : the act of regarding bad behavior or a mistake as less serious or bad because of some special situation or condition

[noncount] She performed poorly, but we should make some allowance for her inexperience. = Some allowance should be made for her inexperience. [=because she is inexperienced, we should not blame her too much for performing poorly]

[count] They performed poorly, but allowances should be made for their inexperience.

4 [noncount] formal : the act of allowing something

The lawyer protested the judge's allowance of the evidence.

al·loy noun, pl -loys

: a metal made by melting and mixing two or more metals or a metal and another material together

[count] testing the properties of various alloys

[noncount] a part made of aluminum alloy

al·loy verb, -loys, -loyed, -loy·ing [+ obj]

Stainless steel is made by alloying steel with chromium.

all-pow·er·ful adj

: having complete power : able to do anything

She believes in an all-powerful God.

often used in an exaggerated way to describe people or organizations that are very powerful
the all-powerful committee
an all-powerful leader

all-pur·pose adj, always used before a noun

: suitable for many uses
an all-purpose tool/knife/cleanser

(US) all-purpose flour
compare GENERAL-PURPOSE

1all right adv

1 : fairly well : well enough

She does all right in school.

The engine was sputtering when I started it, but it's running/working all right now.

“How's your father?” “He was pretty sick, but he's doing all right now.”

2 : beyond doubt : certainly
used to stress that a preceding statement is true or accurate

“Is this the one you wanted?” “Yes, that's it all right.” [=that is indeed the one I wanted]

“He seems pretty clever to me.” “Oh, he's clever all right. A little too clever, if you ask me.”

3 a
used to ask for or express agreement, acceptance, or understanding

I'll meet you at 10 o'clock, all right?

All right, I'll meet you at 10 o'clock.

“I have to leave a little early today, all right?” “All right, that's fine.”

often used in a way that shows annoyance or reluctance

“Can we please go now?” “Oh, all right, if you insist.”

“Hurry up!” “All right, all right, I'm coming!” = “All right already, I'm coming!”

3 b chiefly US
used to express pleasure or excitement

“They won!” “All right! That's great!”

3 c
used for emphasis at the beginning of a statement

All right, let's suppose your theory is correct. What then?

All right everyone, let's get started.

2all right adj, not used before a noun except in sense 4

1 : fairly good : satisfactory

The quality of his work is all right but not outstanding.

Her first movie was pretty bad but her second one was all right.

2 a : acceptable or agreeable

Whatever you decide to do is all right (with/by me). [=I will accept whatever you want to do]

Is it all right to leave early?

2 b : suitable or appropriate

Is this movie all right for children?

3 a : not ill, hurt, unhappy, etc.

He was very sick but now he's all right again.

“Are you hurt?” “No, I'm all right.”

She was upset when her boyfriend left, but she's all right now.

3 b : not marked by problems, danger, etc.

used to tell someone not to be worried or concerned

Don't worry. Everything will be all right.

“I'm so sorry that I'm late.” “It's/That's all right. We still have plenty of time.”

4 informal : likable, good, or honest

He's an all right guy.

I had my doubts about him at first, but I trust him now. He's all right.

a bit of all right see 1BIT

all-round adj, always used before a noun
chiefly Brit : all-around
a good all-round effort/athlete

all-singing, all-dancing adj, always used before a noun

Brit informal + humorous
used in an exaggerated way to suggest that something (such as a machine that has many features) is like a large and expensive show that has many singing and dancing performers
an all-singing, all-dancing stereo system

all·spice noun [noncount]

: a spice that is made from the berries of a tree and that is often used in baking

all-star adj, always used before a noun

: including mostly or only performers who are famous or very skillful
an all-star baseball team

The movie boasts an all-star cast.

all-star noun, pl -stars [count]

He was selected as an all-star. [=a member of an all-star team]

all-terrain vehicle noun, pl -hicles [count]

: a small open vehicle with three or four large wheels that is used to drive over very rough ground called also ATV

all-time adj, always used before a noun

: more than all others have ever been

It's my all-time favorite movie.

The price of gasoline has hit an all-time high. [=the price is higher than it has ever been]

al·lude verb, -ludes, -lud·ed, -lud·ing

allude to [phrasal verb]

allude to (something or someone) : to speak of or mention (something or someone) in an indirect way

I'm interested in hearing more about the technology you alluded to a minute ago.

She alluded to her first marriage/husband.

Do not confuse allude with elude.

al·lure noun [noncount]

: power to attract : a quality that attracts people

These rare books hold special allure for collectors.

often + of
the allure of fame

al·lur·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very attractive : having a quality that attracts people
an alluring offer/smile/aroma

al·lu·sion noun, pl -sions

: a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly

[count] The lyrics contain biblical allusions.

often + to

She made an allusion to her first marriage, but said nothing more about it.

[noncount] She made allusion to her first marriage.

Do not confuse allusion with illusion.

al·lu·sive adj
allusive lyrics

al·lu·vi·al adj
geology : made up of or found in the materials that are left by the water of rivers, floods, etc.

an alluvial plain/deposit
alluvial soil/diamonds

all-wheel drive noun [noncount]

: a system that applies engine power directly to all four wheels of a vehicle together or separately
a car with all-wheel drive

1al·ly noun, pl -lies [count]

1 a : a country that supports and helps another country in a war
the nation's closest ally

1 b the Allies : the nations that fought together against Germany in World War I or World War II
fought with the Allies in World War II

2 : a person or group that gives help to another person or group

She's counting on her allies in the state legislature.

a powerful ally

The teacher's union has found an unlikely ally in the company. [=the company supports the position that the union has taken and this was not expected]

2al·ly verb, -lies, -lied, -ly·ing

: to join (yourself) with another person, group, etc., in order to get or give support often + with or to

[+ obj] She's allied herself with the moderates on this issue.

countries allying themselves with the EU

He'll even admit that he's hoping to ally himself to a wealthy family by marriage.

[no obj] They've allied with their former enemies.

see also ALLIED

al·ma ma·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: the school, college, or university that someone attended

I visited my old alma mater last week.

al·ma·nac noun, pl -nacs [count]

1 : a book published every year that contains facts about the movements of the sun and moon, changes in the tides, and information of general interest

2 : a book published every year that contains detailed information on a special subject
an almanac of town news
a hunter's almanac

al·mighty adj

1 or Al·mighty : having complete power

Almighty God = God Almighty

2 always used before a noun : having a great deal of power or importance

This sense of almighty is often used to suggest that something has too much power over people.

All he cares about is the almighty dollar. [=all he cares about is money]

3 always used before a noun : very great or loud

The dishes fell down with an almighty crash. [=a mighty crash]

Almighty noun

the Almighty

: god 1
worshipping the Almighty

al·mond noun, pl -monds [count]

: a nut that has a sweet flavor; also : the tree that produces almonds

al·mo·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

Brit old-fashioned : a person whose job is to help people in hospitals with their financial and social problems

al·most adv

: only a little less than : nearly

We're almost finished.

Analysts predict that rates will rise by almost 40 percent.

Goats will eat almost anything.

He mentioned the prize almost as an afterthought. [=mentioned it in a way that made it seem like an afterthought]

She's almost always late.

in almost all cases = in almost every case

I have almost no [=hardly any] money.

She almost never [=hardly ever] misses a game.

There's almost nothing [=hardly anything] in the fridge.

alms noun [plural]

old-fashioned : money, clothes, food, and other things given to poor people

alms·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

in the past : a building in which poor people were allowed to live for free

al·oe noun, pl -oes [count]

: a tropical plant that has heavy leaves which produce a thick liquid used in medicines, cosmetics, etc.

aloe vera noun, pl veras

[noncount] : a thick liquid that is produced by a kind of aloe plant and used in medicines, cosmetics, etc.

a skin cream that contains aloe vera
also [count] : the plant that produces this liquid

aloft adv

: in the air
banners carried aloft

The balloon stayed aloft for days.

alo·ha interj
used in Hawaii to say hello or goodbye

1alone adj, not used before a noun

1 a : without anyone or anything else : not involving or including anyone or anything else : separate from other people or things

I was all alone [=by myself] in the office yesterday.

This wine goes well with food, but is also very good alone.

I got him alone and asked him what had really happened.

She lived alone for many years.

She doesn't mind being alone because she never feels lonely/lonesome.

He was alone with his thoughts.

1 b : without people that you know or that usually are with you

This is the first time the couple has been out alone together since the birth of their child. [=the first time they have gone somewhere without their child]

He traveled alone [=by himself] to visit his grandparents when he was only seven.

She was nervous about being (all) alone in the city when she started her new job.

If you are not alone when you do something, you are not the only person who is doing it.

She's worried about losing her job, and she's not alone. [=other people are also worried about losing their jobs]

He was not alone in calling for reform. Many people were demanding changes.

2 [more ; most ] : feeling unhappy because of being separated from other people

He felt very alone when he went away to school.

2alone adv

1 : without help from anyone or anything else

She raised six children alone. [=on her own, by herself]

The police believe the criminal acted alone.

Medication alone [=by itself] won't relieve the symptoms entirely.

2 : without another
used for emphasis

The proof rests on one witness's statement alone.

You alone [=only you] can decide what needs to be done. [=you are the only one who can decide]

You alone are responsible. = The responsibility is yours alone.

The blame is mine and mine alone. [=I am the only one who should be blamed]

3 : without including or needing anything more

You can't rely on your looks alone [=you can't rely just on your looks]; you'll need to work very hard.

The price alone is enough to discourage people.

The special effects alone make the movie worth seeing.

go it alone

: to do something by yourself

If no one's willing to help me, I guess I'll just have to go it alone.

leave (someone or something) alone see 1LEAVE

leave well enough alone see 1LEAVE

let alone see 1LET

stand alone see 1STAND

1along prep

1 : in a line matching the length or direction of (something)

We walked along the beach.

We walked along (the side of) the road.

The chairs were lined up along the wall.

The ship sailed along the coast.

2 : at a point on (something)

They have a house along [=alongside] the river.

We drove to Boston and we stopped along the way for lunch.

2along adv

1 : in a forward direction

We walked along beside the road.

I was just walking along, minding my own business.

The police told the people in the crowd to move along.

We looked at the houses as we drove along.

often used figuratively

Is there anything we can do to hurry this process along? [=to make this process go faster]

He was rushing along through the speech.

Her career was helped along by her wealthy uncle.

2
used to say that someone or something is brought or taken with you when you go somewhere

He brought his son along [=brought his son with him] when he went to the bank.

We brought/took an extra battery along just in case we needed it.

often + with

He brought his son along with him.

The scenery was beautiful. I was glad that we had a camera along with us. [=I was glad that we brought a camera]

3 : at or to an advanced point

Plans for a new stadium are already pretty far along.

The morning was well along when we arrived. [=it was late in the morning when we arrived]

people who are well/far along in years [=people who are old]

4 : at a particular place : here or there

I'll be along [=I'll be there] to see him in a few minutes.

We missed the first bus, but another one should be along [=should be here] soon.

5 : from one person to another

Word was passed along that the attack was coming.

all along

: during the entire time since something began

I knew the truth all along.

The police knew all along who was guilty.

along about

US informal : at a time near (a specified time) : about, around

He arrived in the city along about July 17.

Our flight should be arriving along about 8:00.

along with

: in addition to (something or someone)

a plane carrying heavy radar equipment along with full fuel tanks

: together with (something or someone)

A bill came along with the merchandise.

All my cousins were there along with my aunts and uncles.

He worked along with several colleagues to finish on time.

1along·side adv

: along or close at the side

We waited for the other boat to come alongside.

alongside of
chiefly US informal : next to or together with (someone or something) : alongside

The police car pulled up alongside of our car.

children working alongside of their parents

2alongside prep

1 : next to (someone or something)

The children work alongside their parents in the field.

2 : along the side of (something)

Bring the boat alongside the dock.

3 : at the same time as (something) : together with (something)

one theory taught alongside the other

The town grew up alongside the college.

aloof adj [more ; most ]

1 : not involved with or friendly toward other people

She remained aloof [=distant] despite their efforts to make friends.

He held himself aloof from his coworkers. [=he was not warm or friendly toward them]

2 : not involved in or influenced by something

They tried to keep/remain/stand aloof from the politics of the day.

aloof·ness noun [noncount]

She's been criticized for aloofness but she's really just very shy.

aloud adv

: in a way that can be clearly heard
read aloud

: in a voice that can be heard

She wondered aloud [=out loud] where they'd gone.

al·paca noun, pl -pac·as

1 [count] : a South American animal that is related to the llama and has long woolly hair

2 [noncount] : wool of the alpaca or a cloth made of it

1al·pha noun, pl -phas [count]

: the first letter of the Greek alphabet or

2alpha adj, always used before a noun

1 : having the most power in a group of animals or people
a fight in the pack between a young wolf and the alpha male [=the dominant male]

the alpha male/female on the committee [=the most powerful man/woman on the committee]

2
used to describe the first version of a product that is being developed and tested
the alpha version of the software
alpha testing

compare BETA

alpha and omega noun

the alpha and omega

: the most important part of something

Money is the alpha and omega of his existence. [=money is the only thing that matters to him]

al·pha·bet noun, pl -bets [count]

: the letters of a language arranged in their usual order

The Roman alphabet begins with “A” and ends with “Z.”

al·pha·bet·i·cal also al·pha·bet·ic adj

: arranged in the order of the letters of the alphabet
an alphabetical list

The words in the dictionary are listed/shown in alphabetical order.

al·pha·bet·i·cal·ly adv

The students are listed alphabetically by last name.

al·pha·bet·ize also Brit al·pha·bet·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to arrange (items) in alphabetical order

She alphabetized the books. [=put the books in order so that books with titles beginning with “A” came first, “B” second, etc.]

alphabetize the words on/in the list

al·pha·bet·i·za·tion also Brit al·pha·bet·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

alphabet soup noun [noncount]

: a type of soup for children with small noodles that are shaped like letters of the alphabet
a bowl of alphabet soup
often used figuratively to describe a confusing group of letters (such as abbreviations) that are used to refer to various organizations, items, etc.

the alphabet soup of government agencies

al·pha·nu·mer·ic Brit adj

: having or using letters and numbers
an alphanumeric system/keyboard

al·pha·nu·mer·i·cal·ly Brit adv

al·pine adj

1 : of or existing in high mountains and especially the Alps
an alpine meadow/lake
alpine flowers

2 : done in high mountains
alpine skiing/sports

al·ready adv

1 : before this time : before now

They've already agreed to come.

I've already told him the news. = (US, informal) I already told him the news.

: before that time

I'd already left by the time you called.

He acted as if he didn't already know.

Flight 102 will already have taken off by the time Flight 101 lands.

2 : so soon : so early

Have they arrived already?! I'm still not dressed!

Do you have to go already?

Is it already midnight? = Is it midnight already?

3
used to describe a situation that exists now and that will continue to exist

The book is already available in Britain and should be in bookstores here next month.

The exhibit has already caused quite a stir.

4 US, informal
used to express impatience or annoyance

Answer the question, already!

Enough, already!

All right already!

al·right adv or adj

: all right
usage

The spelling alright is less common than all right and is regarded by some people as an error. It occurs mainly in informal writing.

Al·sa·tian noun, pl -tians [count]

Brit : german shepherd

al·so adv

1 : in addition

She's a talented singer and also a fine actress.

Thomas Edison is best known for inventing the lightbulb, but he also invented the phonograph.

I don't think we should go out. Not only is it late, but it's also snowing.

2 : in a similar way

He saw something and she also saw it. [=she saw it too]

“I grew up in North Dakota.” “Really? I'm also from North Dakota.” [=I'm from North Dakota too]

My neighbors were also at the show that night.

al·so-ran noun, pl -rans [count]

: a person who has taken part in an election or contest and did not win

He was an also-ran in last year's mayoral race.

al·tar noun, pl -tars [count]

1 : a raised place on which sacrifices and gifts are offered in some religions
sometimes used figuratively

She sacrificed honesty on the altar of success. [=she chose to be dishonest in order to achieve success]

2 : a platform or table used as a center of worship in Christian ceremonies and services

led to the altar

If you are led to the altar, you get married.

They started a romance that eventually led (them) to the altar.

left at the altar

If you are left at the altar, you do not get married because the person you were going to marry has decided against it at the last moment.

Her fiancé left her at the altar.

altar boy noun, pl boys [count]

: a boy who helps the priest during a Catholic service

al·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 : to change (something)

[+ obj] Alcohol can alter a person's mood.

He altered his will to leave everything to his sister.

This one small event altered the course of history.

[no obj] The place has altered in the 10 years since I left.

2 [+ obj] : to make a change to (a piece of clothing) so that it will fit better

I'll need to have/get the dress altered before the wedding.

3 [+ obj] US : to remove the sex organs of (an animal) so that the animal is unable to reproduce

They had the puppies altered [=fixed] before they were sold.

altered adj

Later, we see this character again in a slightly altered form.

an altered state of consciousness

al·ter·a·tion noun, pl -tions

: the act, process, or result of changing or altering something

[noncount] the alteration of the pattern

They did a good job on the dress alteration.

[count] The addition of a glossary is the only significant alteration [=change, modification] to the book.

He made alterations in/to his will.

al·ter·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a noisy or angry argument

She got into several altercations with the coach this season.

alter ego noun, pl egos [count]

1 : a different version of yourself

A character in a book or film is sometimes viewed as an author's alter ego. A role that an actor often plays is sometimes described as the actor's alter ego.

2 : a close friend who thinks or feels similarly to the way you think or feel
a trusted adviser who is the President's alter ego

1al·ter·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

: to place or do (different things) so that one follows the other in a repeated series

[+ obj] To make the appetizer, you should alternate layers of tomatoes and cheese. [=you should place a layer of tomatoes, then a layer of cheese, then a layer of tomatoes, etc.]

The poem/poet alternates fear and hope.

often + with

The necklace is made by alternating glass beads with shells.

The poem/poet alternates fear and hope with each other. = The poem/poet alternates fear with hope.

[no obj] The light and dark woods alternate to form an elegant pattern around the window.

often + with

Light woods alternate with dark woods.

often + between

The poem alternates between fear and hope.

He alternates between riding his bike and taking the bus to work.

alternating adj

To make the appetizer, you should use alternating layers of tomatoes and cheese.

The shirt has alternating red and yellow stripes.

al·ter·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

2al·ter·nate Brit adj

1 : occurring in or forming a repeated series
alternate sunshine and rain

Alternate shades of wood formed a pattern around the window.

2
used to describe something that happens one time, does not happen the next time, happens again, etc.

The fair is held on alternate years. [=the fair is held every other/second year; the fair is held one year, not held the next year, held the following year, and so on]

She picks the children up from school on alternate days. [=(for example) she picks up the children on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday]

3 chiefly US : other than the usual : alternative

We took an alternate route because of the traffic.

Due to an emergency, the plane landed at an alternate airport.

al·ter·nate·ly adv

The poem is alternately fearful and hopeful.

3al·ter·nate Brit noun, pl -nates [count]

US : someone who is chosen to take another person's place if that person is not able to be present or to do a required job

The town has elected five councilors and two alternates.

an alternate juror

alternating current noun [noncount]

: an electric current that changes its direction very frequently at regular intervals abbr. AC compare DIRECT CURRENT

1al·ter·na·tive adj

1 always used before a noun : offering or expressing a choice

We have alternative [=other] plans in case the weather is bad.

an alternative explanation

We took an alternative route [=a different route] to avoid the traffic.

Scientists are developing an alternative approach to treating the disease.

2 : not usual or traditional
alternative rock music

He developed an alternative design for the new engine.

alternative medicine [=methods of healing or treating disease that are different from the usual methods taught in Western medical schools]

often used to describe something that is more natural or that causes less pollution than the usual product, method, etc.

alternative energy/fuel

3 : existing or functioning outside of the established society
an alternative newspaper
alternative lifestyles

al·ter·na·tive·ly adv

We could meet at the library or, alternatively, we could all meet at my house.

2alternative noun, pl -tives [count]

: something that can be chosen instead of something else : a choice or option

We decided to leave since our only other alternative was to wait in the rain.

They left me no alternative but to call the police. [=I had to call the police]

I was offered no alternative.

The menu offered several vegetarian alternatives.

often + to

We've been looking for alternatives to the usual treatment, but it seems there are few options.

al·ter·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a device that produces electricity (as in the engine of a vehicle) : a generator that produces alternating current

al·though conj

1 : despite the fact that : though
used to introduce a fact that makes another fact unusual or surprising

Although [=while, even though] he was hungry, he could not eat.

Although we rarely see each other, we're still very good friends. = We're still very good friends although we rarely see each other.

Although [=while] I'd love to have dinner with you tonight, I already have plans.

It feels as if I've known you forever although [=even though] we've only known each other for a day.

He's the basketball team's best player although he's the shortest one on the team.

Although (it is) small, the apartment is very expensive.

2 : but, however, though
used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

I don't believe we've met before, although I must say you do look very familiar.

I think his name is John, although I'm not completely sure about that.

I'd love to have dinner with you, although I can't.

The book had a good, although not great, plot.

al·tim·e·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: an instrument used for measuring the altitude of something (such as an airplane or a mountain)

al·ti·tude Brit noun, pl -tudes

: the height of something (such as an airplane) above the level of the sea

[count] We're now flying at an altitude [=height] of 10,000 feet.

the air temperature at different altitudes

Some visitors find it difficult to adjust to the city's high altitude.

plants found at higher/lower altitudes [=elevations]

[noncount] The plane lost/gained altitude rapidly.

flying at low/high altitude

She trained for the race at altitude. [=at a high altitude, where the air is thin]

1al·to noun, pl -tos [count]

music : a singing voice that is lower than the voice of a soprano and higher than the voice of a tenor; also : a singer having such a voice

She sang in her school choir as an alto.

compare BASS, SOPRANO, TENOR

2alto adj, always used before a noun

: having a range that is lower than a soprano and higher than a tenor
an alto voice

He plays the alto sax/saxophone.

1al·to·geth·er adv

1 : completely and fully : totally, entirely

They had an altogether new idea.

It stopped raining altogether.

If we don't do something now, the forests may disappear altogether.

It's best to avoid the situation altogether.

That's an altogether different question. = That's a different question altogether.

often used with not

It is not altogether clear why she left.

He didn't altogether believe her story.

often used for emphasis before another adverb

This is an altogether more sensible solution.

I've said altogether [=entirely] too much on the subject already.

2 : with everything added together : when everything is added up

They spent a thousand dollars altogether. [=in all]

Altogether [=all told], we sold nearly 500 candy bars.

3 : in a general way : when everything is considered

Altogether [=generally, on the whole, all in all] I'd say this was our best vacation ever.

Altogether, their efforts were successful.

usage

Do not confuse the single word altogether with the two-word phrase all together.

We were all together [=all in a group, all with each other] for the whole day.

I tried to hold it all together with glue, but the pieces fell apart.

The detective put it all together [=figured out how the pieces of information related to each other] and solved the crime.

All together [=all at the same time] now, everybody, let's sing!

2altogether noun

in the altogether
informal + old-fashioned : not wearing any clothes
posing in the altogether [=nude, in the nude]

al·tru·ism noun [noncount]

: feelings and behavior that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness
charitable acts motivated purely by altruism

In one final act of altruism, she donated almost all of her money to the hospital.

al·tru·is·tic adj [more ; most ]

His motives/reasons for helping the poor were not completely altruistic. [=he wanted to help himself in some way by helping the poor]

altruistic acts

al·tru·is·tic·al·ly adv

alum noun, pl alums [count]

US informal : someone who attended or graduated from a particular school, college, or university : alumnus, alumna
a Harvard alum

alu·mi·num (US) or Brit al·u·min·i·um noun [noncount]

: a silver metal that is strong and light and that is used for making many products
often used before another noun
aluminum cans
aluminum foil [=a very thin sheet of aluminum that is used for covering or wrapping food]

alum·na noun, pl -nae [count]

chiefly US : a woman who was a student at a particular school, college, or university
a group of Harvard alumnae
compare ALUMNUS, OLD GIRL

alum·nus noun, pl -ni [count]

chiefly US : someone who was a student at a particular school, college, or university

Her parents are alumni of the state university.

The plural form alumni usually refers to all of the men and women who are former students of a school, college, or university.

the college's alumni
the alumni association

compare ALUMNA, OLD BOY

al·ve·o·lar adj
technical : of or relating to a speech sound that is made with the tip of the tongue touching the roof of the mouth near the front teeth

The word “two” begins with an alveolar sound.

al·ways adv

1 a : at all times : on every occasion : in a way that does not change

He always tries, but he doesn't always succeed.

It's always a pleasure to see you.

I can always tell when he's upset.

He's always [=constantly] looking for ways to make money.

She's almost always smiling.

This area is always filled with tourists.

You should always (remember to) wear your seat belt.

The holidays are always a very busy time for us. = (less commonly) The holidays always are a very busy time for us.

Things won't always go as planned.

You're always welcome to stay with us.

opposite NEVER

1 b : at all times in the past

He has always been a good friend to me.

They didn't always get along so well. [=they get along now, but they didn't like each other in the past]

It hasn't always been easy for him. [=difficult or sad things have happened to him]

He could always make me angry. = He always could make me angry. [=he often made me angry]

2 : throughout all time : for a very long time: such as

2 a : forever into the future

I'll remember you always. [=forever]

You'll always be my best friend. = You're my best friend, and you always will be.

Life won't always be this easy.

2 b : forever in the past : from the beginning of the time that can be remembered

I've always loved you.

I always thought they'd get married some day, but they never did.

Isn't that what you've always wanted?

She always wanted to be famous.

It has always been my goal to have my own business.

He's always been a firm believer in hard work. = He's a firm believer in hard work, and he always has been.

3 : often, frequently, or repeatedly

We always tell people not to arrive too early.

My parents always told me not to speak to strangers.

often used to describe repeated behavior that is annoying

She's always calling me by the wrong name.

Must you always be so rude?!

He always tells such funny stories. = He's always telling such funny stories.

4
used to suggest another possibility

If we don't win today, there's always tomorrow. [=we might win tomorrow]

usually used after can or could

If she doesn't answer the phone now, you can/could always try (calling) again later.

If you don't have enough money now, you can always use your credit card.

as always

used to say that something was expected because it always happens

As always, dinner was delicious. [=dinner was delicious, as it always is]

Your children, as always, were very well-behaved. [=your children were well-behaved, as they always are]

Alz·hei·mer's disease noun [noncount]

: a disease of the brain that causes people to slowly lose their memory and mental abilities as they grow old called also Alzheimer's

am see BE

AM noun [noncount]

: a system for sending radio signals in which the height of a radio wave is changed in order to send information in the form of sound

AM is an abbreviation for amplitude modulation.

compare FM

AM adj
listening to my favorite AM station [=a radio station that sends sound using AM]

Is this station AM or FM?

AM radios

a.m. or AM or Brit am abbr
in the morning
used with numbers to show the time of day

She woke up at 6 a.m. and didn't go to bed until midnight.

The class is held from 11:30 a.m. to/until 2:15 p.m.

12 a.m. [=midnight, one hour after 11 p.m.]

The abbreviation a.m. stands for the Latin phrase ante meridiem, which means “before noon.”

compare P.M.

amal·gam noun, pl -gams

1 [count] formal : a combination or mixture of different things
usually singular

Several different styles of music come together in an unusual amalgam.

usually + of
an amalgam [=amalgamation] of sweet and spicy flavors

The language they speak is an amalgam of Spanish and English.

2 [noncount] technical : a mixture of mercury and other metals used for filling holes in teeth

amal·gam·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to unite (two or more things, such as two businesses) into one thing

They decided to amalgamate [=(more commonly) merge] the two companies.

amalgamating different styles of music

They amalgamated the hospital and/with the university.

often used as (be) amalgamated

The hospital was amalgamated with the university.

amal·gam·ation noun [singular]

an amalgamation of different styles of music

[noncount]

the amalgamation of the two companies

amass verb, amass·es, amassed, amass·ing [+ obj]

: to gather or collect (something, such as a large amount of money) especially for yourself

By the time he was 21, he had already amassed [=accumulated] a great fortune.

The police are amassing [=gathering] further evidence against him.

They've amassed a wealth of information.

am·a·teur noun, pl -teurs [count]

1 : a person who does something (such as a sport or hobby) for pleasure and not as a job

She played soccer as an amateur before turning professional.

These photos were taken by both amateurs and professionals.

2 : a person who does something poorly : a person who is not skillful at a job or other activity

The people running that company are a bunch of amateurs.

Only amateurs make this kind of mistake.

He's a mere amateur when it comes to cooking. [=he doesn't know how to cook well]

amateur adj, always used before a noun
amateur photographers/athletes
an amateur competition [=a contest for amateurs]

They competed at the amateur level.

am·a·teur·ism noun [noncount]

a strong supporter of amateurism in sports
the amateurism [=the lack of skill] of her writing style

amateur dramatics noun [noncount]

Brit : community theater 1

amateur dramatic adj, Brit
the local amateur dramatic society

am·a·teur·ish adj [more ; most ]

: lacking experience or skill

His acting is hopelessly amateurish. = He's a hopelessly amateurish actor.

am·a·teur·ish·ly adv

He acts very amateurishly.

am·a·to·ry Brit adj
literary : of, relating to, or expressing sexual love
a book of amatory [=amorous] poems
their secret amatory relationship

amaze verb, amaz·es, amazed, amaz·ing

: to surprise and sometimes confuse (someone) very much : to fill (someone) with wonder

[+ obj] He has amazed audiences around the world with his magic tricks.

It amazes me that no one noticed the error.

I am always amazed by her garden's beauty. = Her garden's beauty never fails/ceases to amaze me.

[no obj] Her garden's beauty never fails/ceases to amaze.

amazed adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing great surprise

The magician performed before a crowd of amazed spectators.

There was an amazed expression on her face.

His friends were amazed [=stunned, dumbfounded] when he said that he was getting married.

often + that

We were amazed [=astonished, astounded] that no one was injured in the accident.

I'm amazed that no one noticed the error.

often + at or by

You'll be amazed at how easy it can be.

They were amazed at/by the size of the place.

often followed by to + verb

They were amazed to discover that their grandmother had been a professional dancer.

amaze·ment noun [noncount]

: a feeling of being very surprised or amazed

The garden's beauty filled me with amazement. [=astonishment]

The crowd watched in amazement as the magician performed his tricks.

I applied for the job, and, (much) to my amazement, I was hired. [=I was very surprised to be hired]

Much to the amazement of her family, she left school to pursue her acting career.

amazing adj [more ; most ]

: causing great surprise or wonder : causing amazement

She gave an amazing [=wonderful] performance in her first film.

It's amazing [=difficult to believe] how/that many adults in this country don't know how to read.

He showed an amazing lack of concern for others.

The amazing thing is that no one knows where it came from.

He has an amazing ability to learn new languages.

Her grandmother was really an amazing woman.

He's created an amazing number [=a surprisingly large number] of new designs for the spring.

amaz·ing·ly adv
an amazingly beautiful garden

Amazingly (enough), the dog swam all the way across the lake.

am·a·zon noun, pl -zons [count]

1 Amazon : a member of a group of female warriors in stories told by the ancient Greeks

2 : a tall and strong woman

I felt dwarfed, standing beside this redheaded amazon.

am·bas·sa·dor noun, pl -dors [count]

: the highest-ranking person who represents his or her own government while living in another country

Embassy officials met with the ambassador.

often + to

She became the American ambassador to Italy [=she began representing America in Italy] several years ago.

often used figuratively
a baseball player who has been a very effective ambassador [=representative] for his sport
an ambassador of hope [=a person who tries to bring hope to another country or group of people]

a goodwill ambassador [=a person who travels to different places to promote friendship and goodwill]

am·bas·sa·do·ri·al adj
his first ambassadorial assignment

am·ber noun [noncount]

1 : a hard orange-yellow substance that can be polished and used for jewelry and other decorations

2 : a dark orange-yellow color

amber adj
the amber light of the late afternoon sun

“amber waves of grain” Katharine Lee Bates, “America the Beautiful” (1911)

am·bi·dex·trous adj

: able to use both hands equally well
an ambidextrous baseball player

am·bi·dex·trous·ly adv

am·bi·dex·trous·ness noun [noncount]

am·bi·ence or am·bi·ance noun [singular]

formal : the mood or feeling of a particular place

They used soft music and candlelight to give the restaurant a romantic ambience. [=atmosphere]

the ambience of a tropical island

am·bi·ent adj

1 technical : surrounding on all sides

Keep the chemicals at an ambient temperature of 70°F.

the ambient air quality
the bright ambient light of the room

2 of electronic music : quiet and relaxing with melodies that repeat many times

People shopped as ambient music played in the background.

ambient instrumental music

am·bi·gu·i·ty noun, pl -ties

: something that does not have a single clear meaning : something that is ambiguous

[noncount] You should remove ambiguity [=vagueness] from your essay by adding more details.

moral ambiguity [=lack of certainty about whether something is right or wrong]

[count] the ambiguities in his answers

am·big·u·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to be understood in more than one way : having more than one possible meaning

We were confused by the ambiguous wording of the message.

He looked at her with an ambiguous smile.

Due to the ambiguous nature of the question, it was difficult to choose the right answer.

opposite UNAMBIGUOUS

synonyms see 1OBSCURE

2 : not expressed or understood clearly

He felt that his role in the company was becoming more ambiguous. [=uncertain]

the ambiguous position of women in modern society

am·big·u·ous·ly adv

His answers were worded ambiguously, so no one could be sure what he meant.

am·bit noun, pl -bits [count]

formal : the range or limit that is covered by something (such as a law) : scope
usually singular

I'm afraid your case doesn't fall within the ambit of our jurisdiction.

am·bi·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a particular goal or aim : something that a person hopes to do or achieve

My first ambition as a child was to be in the circus.

The wife of a famous poet, she had literary ambitions of her own. [=she wanted to be a writer too]

He has ambitions for an acting career. = He has ambitions to become an actor. = His ambition is to be/become an actor.

She finally achieved/realized/fulfilled her life's ambition [=the thing she most wanted to do in her life] when she started her own business.

2 [noncount] : a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous

He lacked ambition and couldn't compete with the others.

With her talent and fierce ambition [=her very strong desire to succeed], she became a very successful actress.

3 [noncount] US : a desire to do things and be active
usually used in negative constructions

I was tired and had no ambition [=initiative, energy], so I just spent the whole weekend watching TV.

am·bi·tious adj [more ; most ]

1 : having ambition : having a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous

The company was created by two very ambitious young men in the early 1900s.

ambitious politicians/lawyers

He was very ambitious for his children but not for himself. [=he wanted his children to be successful but he didn't feel the need to be successful himself]

2 : not easily done or achieved : requiring or showing ambition

This 500-page book is her most ambitious effort/project yet.

Your plans for the future are very ambitious.

It was too ambitious a task for just one person.

ambitious goals

am·bi·tious·ly adv

She ambitiously worked her way to the top.

am·bi·tious·ness noun [noncount]

the ambitiousness of the plan

am·biv·a·lent adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing very different feelings (such as love and hate) about someone or something at the same time

He felt ambivalent about his job. [=he both liked and disliked his job]

He has an ambivalent relationship with his family.

She has a deeply/very ambivalent attitude about/to/toward religion.

The senator is ambivalent about running for president. [=the senator has not decided whether or not to run for president]

am·biv·a·lence noun [noncount]

He feels some ambivalence about/toward/towards his job.

am·biv·a·lent·ly adj

He spoke ambivalently about his feelings for his family.

am·ble verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, am·bles, am·bled, am·bling [no obj]

: to walk slowly in a free and relaxed way

We ambled along as we talked.

They ambled down/up/along the road.

We spent the day ambling [=strolling, sauntering] through the park.

am·bu·lance noun, pl -lanc·es [count]

: a vehicle used for taking hurt or sick people to the hospital especially in emergencies

They called (for) an ambulance.

She was taken by ambulance [=in an ambulance] to the hospital.

(disapproving) She had a reputation for being an ambulance chaser. [=a lawyer who gets clients by convincing accident victims that they should file a lawsuit about the accident]

1am·bush noun, pl -bush·es

1 [count] : an act of hiding, waiting for others to appear, and then suddenly attacking them : a surprise attack

Many soldiers were killed in the ambush.

2 [noncount] : a hidden place from which a surprise attack can be made

The soldiers were lying in ambush, waiting for the enemy to approach.

a snake waiting in ambush for its next meal

2ambush verb, -bush·es, -bushed, -bush·ing [+ obj]

: to attack (someone or something) by surprise from a hidden place

We have reports of enemy soldiers ambushing civilians on this road.

often used as (be) ambushed

He was ambushed and killed by robbers on his way home.

often used figuratively

As she left the courthouse, she was ambushed by a group of reporters.

Her book was ambushed [=criticized in a harsh and unfair way] by the critics.

ameba variant spelling of AMOEBA

ame·lio·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (something, such as a problem) better, less painful, etc.

trying to ameliorate the suffering of people who have lost their jobs

This medicine should help ameliorate the pain.

ame·lio·ra·tion noun [noncount]

amen interj

1 used at the end of a prayer

2
used to express agreement or approval

People in the crowd shouted “Amen!” when the speaker said that change was needed.

“I'll be glad when this winter is over.” “Amen to that!” [=I agree very much with that]

ame·na·ble adj

1 [more ; most ] : willing to agree or to accept something that is wanted or asked for
an amenable child
usually + to

The children are generally amenable to our wishes.

a government that is not amenable to change [=a government that resists change]

2 formal : able to be controlled, organized, or affected by something

+ to

The disease is not amenable to surgery. [=it cannot be fixed by surgery]

data amenable to analysis [=data that can be analyzed]

amend verb, amends, amend·ed, amend·ing [+ obj]

1 : to change some of the words and often the meaning of (a law, document, etc.)

The country's constitution was amended to allow women to vote.

They voted to amend the law in 1920.

compare EMEND

2 : to change and improve (something, such as a mistake or bad situation)

He tried to amend the situation by apologizing to me.

amend·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : a change in the words or meaning of a law or document (such as a constitution)

constitutional amendments
often + to

They proposed an amendment to the law. [=they officially suggested that a change be made to the law]

an amendment to section 37(a) of the tax code

The names of the amendments that have been made to the U.S. Constitution are usually capitalized.

The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution of the United States are called the Bill of Rights.

Our right to free speech is protected by the First Amendment (of the U.S. Constitution).

2 [noncount] : the act or process of changing the words or meaning of a law or document : the act or process of amending something
rights that were granted by amendment of the Constitution

amends noun

make amends

: to do something to correct a mistake that you have made or a bad situation that you have caused

She tried to make amends by apologizing to him.

I'd like to make amends (to you) for my behavior last night.

ame·ni·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

: something that makes life easier or more pleasant

The hotel has every amenity you could want.

usually plural

It offers all the amenities you would expect in a car of its size.

The hotel has other amenities such as a restaurant, swimming pool, and exercise room.

The government intends to provide the isolated town with basic amenities. [=basic things such as roads, running water, and electricity]

We have never really liked each other, but we observe the social amenities [=we behave with politeness towards each other] whenever we meet.

Am·er·asian noun, pl -asians [count]

: a person who has one parent from the U.S. (such as a father who served in the armed forces) and one parent from Asia

1Amer·i·can noun, pl -cans [count]

1 : a person born, raised, or living in the U.S.

Americans in all 50 states

The President's speech began with the words “My fellow Americans”

2 : a person born, raised, or living in North America or South America see also NATIVE AMERICAN

2American adj

1 : of or relating to the U.S. or its citizens

American culture/government/history
the American people
their American friends

2 : of or relating to North America, South America, or the people who live there
the American continents
a tropical American tree

(as) American as apple pie see APPLE PIE

Amer·i·ca·na noun [noncount]

: things produced in the U.S. and thought to be typical of the U.S. or its culture
collectors of Americana
handmade quilts and other pieces of Americana

American cheese noun [noncount]

: a mild cheese made in the U.S. from cheddar cheese

American dream noun

the American dream or the American Dream

: a happy way of living that is thought of by many Americans as something that can be achieved by anyone in the U.S. especially by working hard and becoming successful

With good jobs, a nice house, two children, and plenty of money, they believed they were living the American dream.

American English noun [noncount]

: the English language used in the U.S.

There are many differences between British English and American English.

usage

The term American English is only used in the U.S. when it is being compared to some other kind of English. English speakers in the U.S. generally refer to the language they speak simply as English.

American football noun [noncount]

: football 1a

American Indian noun, pl -ans [count]

: native american

usage see native american

Amer·i·can·ism noun, pl -isms [count]

: a word or meaning that is common in U.S. English but is not common in the kinds of English spoken outside the U.S.

Amer·i·can·ize also Brit Amer·i·can·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something or someone) American : to cause (something or someone) to have American characteristics

The editors of the book decided to Americanize the spelling.

Amer·i·can·i·za·tion also Brit Amer·i·can·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the Americanization of cultures around the world

Americanized also Brit Americanised adj [more ; most ]

The longer she stays in the U.S., the more Americanized she becomes.

an Americanized city

American League noun

the American League

: one of the two major leagues in professional U.S. baseball

In the American League, the designated hitter bats in place of the pitcher.

compare NATIONAL LEAGUE

American Revolution noun

the American Revolution

: the war of 177583 in which 13 British colonies in North America broke free from British rule and became the United States of America called also (chiefly Brit) American War of Independence

American Sign Language noun [noncount]

: a kind of sign language used in the U.S. and Canada

Am·er·in·di·an noun, pl -ians [count]

: native american

Amerindian adj

Amerindian cultures/languages/population

am·e·thyst noun, pl -thysts

1 [count] : a clear purple or bluish-purple stone that is used as a gem

2 [noncount] : a medium purple color

amethyst adj

ami·a·ble adj [more ; most ]

: friendly and pleasant

Everyone knew him as an amiable fellow.

She had an amiable conversation with her friend.

ami·a·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

the amiability of their conversation

[singular]

She has a warm amiability.

ami·a·bly adv

They chatted amiably with one another.

am·i·ca·ble adj [more ; most ]

: showing a polite and friendly desire to avoid disagreement and argument

The discussions were amicable.

They reached an amicable agreement.

am·i·ca·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

am·i·ca·bly adv

They met and settled the problem amicably.

amid or amidst prep

: in or into the middle of (something)

It was hard to hear amid all the cheering.

The investigation comes amid growing concerns.

Amid such changes, one thing stayed the same.

Amidst [=during] all the fighting there still remained a steady hope for peace.

He managed to escape amid the confusion.

There was a single dark bird amid a flock of white pigeons.

amid·ships adv

: in or near the middle of a ship

The berths are located amidships.

ami·go noun, pl -gos [count]

chiefly US informal : friend

What's new, amigo?

Amigo is the Spanish word for “friend.”

ami·no acid noun, pl acids [count]

biology : any one of many acids that occur naturally in living things and that include some which form proteins

Amish adj

: of or relating to a Christian religious group whose members settled in America chiefly in the 18th century and continue to live in a traditional way on farms
an Amish community/farmer

Amish noun [plural]

a tradition among the Amish
the Amish who live nearby

1amiss adj, not used before a noun

: not proper or correct : wrong

Something is amiss here.

Some of his assumptions are amiss.

The doctor's examination showed that nothing was amiss.

A special award for her performance would not be amiss. [=would be proper]

2amiss adv

: in the wrong way

Now, don't take this remark amiss. [=don't misunderstand this remark]

(Brit) A little more encouragement would not come/go amiss. [=would not be unwelcome; would be proper, helpful, or appropriate]

am·i·ty noun [noncount]

formal : a feeling of friendship : friendly relations between nations or groups
an era of international amity

am·mo noun [noncount]

informal : ammunition

The soldiers ran out of ammo.

am·mo·nia noun [noncount]

: a colorless gas or liquid that has a strong smell and taste and that is used especially in cleaning products

am·mu·ni·tion noun [noncount]

: the objects (such as bullets and shells) that are shot from weapons

The troops were supplied with weapons and ammunition.

often used figuratively

She had the ammunition to prove her case. [=she had the evidence she needed to prove her case]

His foolish statements provided his opponents with more ammunition to use against him in the campaign.

am·ne·sia noun [noncount]

medical : a condition in which a person is unable to remember things because of brain injury, shock, or illness

am·ne·si·ac adj
an amnesiac patient

amnesiac noun, pl -acs [count]

a movie about a friendless amnesiac [=a person who has amnesia]

am·nes·ty noun, pl -ties

: a decision that a group of people will not be punished or that a group of prisoners will be allowed to go free

[noncount] The government gave/granted amnesty to/for all political prisoners.

Illegal immigrants who came into the country before 1982 were granted/given amnesty.

[count]

usually singular

The government gave/granted a general amnesty to/for all political prisoners.

The library declared an amnesty from fines for all books that are returned on Thursday.

amnesty verb, -ties, -tied, -ty·ing [+ obj]

The government amnestied all political prisoners.

am·nio·cen·te·sis noun, pl -te·ses [count]

medical : a test that is done to check for possible health problems in a baby that is not yet born

amoe·ba also US ame·ba noun, pl -bas or -bae [count]

: a tiny living thing that consists of a single cell

amoe·bic also US ame·bic adj

amok also amuck adv

: in a wild or uncontrolled manner
used in the phrase run amok

After the attack, the looters were running amok.

The virus ran amok.

Conditions had allowed extremism to run amok.

among also amongst prep

1 : in or through (a group of people or things)

The disease spread quickly among the members of the community.

The house is nestled among the trees.

The ball was hidden among the leaves.

There were ducks among the geese.

There were several hecklers scattered among the crowd.

2 : in the presence of (a group of people)

The leader was standing among [=amidst] his supporters.

She enjoys spending time at home among [=with] family and friends.

He lived among artists and writers.

The people of the town were frightened to think that a killer might be living among them.

Relax. You're among friends here. [=the people here are your friends]

When people do something among themselves, they do it as a group without involving others.

The brothers are always quarreling among themselves. [=are always quarreling with each other]

They were unable to agree among themselves.

We were joking among ourselves.

3
used to talk about the opinions, feelings, etc., of a group of people

There is much unhappiness among voters. [=many voters are unhappy]

attitudes that are common among older people [=attitudes that many older people have]

There is debate among researchers about the causes of this disease.

a TV show that is popular among young women

He is known among his colleagues as a reliable worker.

4
used to indicate the group of people or things involved in or affected by something

The new policy has led to increased competition among local businesses.

There has been a high rate of illness among the children in this community.

No one among them expected to survive.

5
used to say that a person or thing is part of a larger group

He is among her greatest admirers. [=he is one of her greatest admirers]

He can be counted among the greatest players in the game's history.

Among his good qualities is honesty.

He has many good qualities. Chief among them is his honesty.

Among other things she was president of her college class.

She met with the company's president and vice president, among others.

6
used to indicate the group of people or things being considered, compared, etc.

They compared several new cars but found few differences among them.

We were allowed to choose (from) among several options.

7 : in shares to each of (a group of people)

The property was divided equally among the four survivors. [=each of the four survivors received an equal share of the property]

The food was distributed among the people.

8
used to describe someone who is unusual or excellent in some way

He is an actor among actors. [=he is a great actor]

He was a giant among men. [=he was very famous, powerful, successful, etc.]

amor·al adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing no concern about whether behavior is morally right or wrong
amoral politicians

He is an amoral, selfish person pursuing his own goals.

a cynical and amoral way of competing for business
compare IMMORAL, 1MORAL

amo·ral·i·ty noun [noncount]

sexual amorality [=amoral behavior]

the amorality of his behavior

amor·al·ly adv
behaving/acting amorally

am·o·rous adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing strong feelings of sexual attraction or love
an amorous woman

He has an amorous nature.

She was feeling amorous.

an amorous glance

am·o·rous·ly adv

am·o·rous·ness noun [noncount]

amor·phous adj [more ; most ]

: having no definite or clear shape or form
an amorphous shape
amorphous [=shapeless] clouds
an amorphous segment of society

amor·phous·ly adv

amor·phous·ness noun [noncount]

am·or·tize also Brit am·or·tise Brit verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing [+ obj]

business : to pay money that is owed for something (such as a mortgage) by making regular payments over a long period of time
amortize a debt/loan

am·or·ti·za·tion also Brit am·or·ti·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

1amount noun, pl amounts [count]

1 : a quantity of something

The drug is not being produced in adequate amounts.

usually + of

They are not producing an adequate amount of the drug. [=they are not producing enough of the drug]

A considerable/fair/great/large/tremendous amount of research went into the report.

Be sure to add the right amount of salt.

She spent amazing/enormous amounts of time planning her garden.

There's a certain amount of truth to/in what you say. [=there is some truth in what you say]

The new law limits the amount of money a candidate can spend.

We have any amount of available resources. = We have a large amount of available resources.

No amount of money can make up for their loss. [=money cannot make up for their loss]

2 : a quantity of money

What is the amount to be paid?

An amount was finally agreed upon.

The new law limits the amount a candidate can spend.

When he died we found he owed money to/in the amount of $250,000!

usage

Amount is chiefly used with noncount nouns.

He lost a large amount of money.

a minimum amount of effort

They provided only a small amount of information.

It is also sometimes used with plural count nouns, but this use is often criticized as an error.

There were a large amount of mistakes.

Number is the usual word in such contexts.

a large number of mistakes
an increasing number of problems

2amount verb, amounts, amount·ed, amount·ing

amount to [phrasal verb]

amount to (something)

1 : to produce (a total) when added together

The bill amounted to 10 dollars.

They have debts amounting to thousands of dollars.

The number of people taking part amounted to no more than a few hundred.

2 : to turn out to be (something or someone important, impressive, etc.)

The problems didn't amount to much. [=the problems were not very bad]

I don't think he'll ever amount to anything. [=achieve success]

3 : to be the same in meaning or effect as (something)

acts that amount to treason

Anything less than total victory would amount to failure/failing. [=would be the same as failure/failing]

amour noun, pl amours [count]

literary : a sexual relationship : a love affair; especially : a secret love affair
memoirs devoted to accounts of his amours

amp noun, pl amps [count]

1 : ampere
a current of 15 amps = a 15-amp current

2 informal : amplifier

He plugged his guitar into the amp.

am·per·age noun [noncount]

technical : the strength of a current of electricity expressed in amperes

am·pere Brit noun, pl -peres [count]

technical : a unit for measuring the rate at which electric current flows
a current of 15 amperes
called also amp

am·per·sand noun, pl -sands [count]

: a character & that is used for the word and

Mr. & [=and] Mrs. Joe Smith

am·phet·amine noun, pl -amines [count]

: a drug that causes the nervous system to become more active so that a person feels more energy and mental excitement

am·phib·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

1 : an animal (such as a frog or toad) that can live both on land and in water

2 : an airplane or vehicle that can be used both on land and water

am·phib·i·ous adj

1 : able to live both on land and in water
amphibious plants/animals

2 : able to be used both on land and water
amphibious airplanes/vehicles

3 : done by soldiers who are brought to land in special boats : carried out by land and sea forces acting together
an amphibious assault/landing

am·phi·the·a·ter (US) or chiefly Brit am·phi·the·a·tre noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a large building with seats rising in curved rows around an open space on which games and plays take place

2 : an area of level ground surrounded by hills
a natural amphitheater

am·ple adj, am·pler , am·plest [also more ; most ]

1 a : having or providing enough or more than enough of what is needed

There was ample room for a garden. [=there was plenty of room for a garden]

They had ample money for the trip.

The police found ample evidence of wrongdoing.

There is ample parking at the stadium.

You will have ample opportunity/time to finish the test.

The light in the room is more than ample.

synonyms see PLENTIFUL

1 b : quite large

There was room for an ample garden.

an ample serving of pie

2
used to describe a person's (especially a woman's) body as being large in usually an attractive way

She has an ample figure.

a woman with an ample bosom

am·ply adv

These facts amply demonstrate that something is wrong.

an amply stocked store

You will be amply rewarded for your efforts. [=you will be given a large reward for your efforts]

am·pli·fi·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device that increases the strength of electric signals so that sounds played through an electronic system are louder

He plugged his electric guitar into an amplifier.

called also (informal) amp

am·pli·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to increase the strength of (an electric signal)

amplify a weak radio signal
a receiver that amplified the television signal

1 b : to make (something, such as a musical instrument) louder by increasing the strength of electric signals
amplify an electric guitar

2 formal : to give more information about (something, such as a statement) : to speak or write about (something) in a more complete way

I'd like to amplify [=expand on] my earlier remarks by providing some illustrations.

3 : to make (something) stronger
using spices to amplify the flavors of the food

am·pli·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

songs played with and without amplification
the amplification of a signal

The new rules require some amplification.

[count]

He started the meeting with an amplification of the new rules.

am·pli·tude Brit noun, pl -tudes [count, noncount]

technical : a measurement that indicates the movement or vibration of something (such as a sound wave or a radio wave)

am·pule (US) or am·poule noun, pl -pules or -poules [count]

: a small glass container used to hold a fluid that is injected into someone through a needle

am·pu·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

medical : to cut off (part of a person's body)

His arm/leg was badly injured and had to be amputated.

am·pu·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

am·pu·tee noun, pl -tees [count]

: a person who has had an arm or leg amputated

amuck variant spelling of AMOK

am·u·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a small object worn to protect the person wearing it against bad things (such as illness, bad luck, etc.)

amuse verb, amus·es, amused, amus·ing

1 : to make someone laugh or smile : to entertain (someone) in a light and pleasant way

[+ obj] His silly jokes amused the audience. = The audience was amused by his silly jokes. [=the audience found his silly jokes funny/entertaining/amusing]

It amuses me to think of how he looked when I last saw him.

That joke doesn't amuse me. [=I don't think that joke is funny]

The loss did not amuse the coach. [=the coach was not happy about the loss]

[no obj] a funny story that never fails to amuse
see also AMUSING

2 [+ obj] : to get the attention of (someone) in a pleasant way as time passes

We need to find something to amuse [=entertain, occupy] the children. = We need to find something to keep the children amused. [=we need to find something for the children to do so that they aren't bored]

He amused himself with a game of solitaire.

amused adj [more ; most ]

A faintly amused grin appeared on her face.

She looked slightly/very amused by/at his appearance.

I was amused to learn the whole story.

The coach was not amused [=was not pleased/happy] after the loss.

amuse·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the feeling of being amused or entertained

I'm reading this novel for amusement.

People found great amusement in his strange behavior. = His strange behavior was a source of great amusement. [=people were very amused by his strange behavior]

Several games were provided for the education and amusement of the children.

Much to my amusement, his confident prediction of victory turned out to be completely wrong. [=I was amused when his prediction turned out to be completely wrong]

2 [count] : something (such as an activity) that amuses or entertains someone
usually plural
plays, movies, and other amusements [=entertainments]

He had no time for amusements and hobbies.

The park had many amusements, including two roller coasters.

amusement arcade noun, pl -cades [count]

Brit : arcade 3

amusement park noun, pl parks [count]

: a place that has many games and rides (such as roller coasters and merry-go-rounds) for entertainment

amus·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing laughter or enjoyment : funny or enjoyable

There are some amusing [=funny] twists to the story.

a mildly amusing remark

He's one of the most amusing people I know.

It was amusing to hear her tell the story.

amus·ing·ly adv
an amusingly written story
an amusingly named invention

an indefinite article

: 2a
used before words beginning with a vowel sound
an oak
an hour

an- see 2A-

1-an or -ian also -ean noun suffix

: someone or something that belongs to

American [=a person who lives in or is from America]

Bostonian [=a person who lives in or is from Boston]

2-an or -ian also -ean adj suffix

1 : of or belonging to

American

2 : characteristic of : resembling

Herculean [=resembling Hercules]

Mozartean [=characteristic of or resembling Mozart]

an·a·bol·ic steroid noun, pl -oids [count]

: a drug that is sometimes used illegally by athletes to help them become stronger and more muscular

anach·ro·nism noun, pl -nisms [count]

1 : something (such as a word, an object, or an event) that is mistakenly placed in a time where it does not belong in a story, movie, etc.

The novel is full of anachronisms.

2 : a person or a thing that seems to belong to the past and not to fit in the present

He's an old-fashioned politician who is seen by many of his colleagues as an anachronism.

anach·ro·nis·tic adj [more ; most ]

a politician whose values seem somewhat anachronistic

anach·ro·nis·ti·cal·ly adv

an·a·con·da noun, pl -das [count]

: a large South American snake that squeezes its victims to death

anaemia, anaemic chiefly Brit spellings of ANEMIA, ANEMIC

an·aer·o·bic adj

: not aerobic: such as
a of exercise : strengthening muscles by forcing them to work very hard for a brief time
anaerobic sports/training

Weight lifting is an anaerobic exercise.

b technical : not using oxygen

Some bacteria are aerobic and others are anaerobic.

an·aer·o·bi·cal·ly adv
exercising anaerobically

anaesthesia, anaesthetic, anaesthetist, anaesthetize Brit spellings of ANESTHESIA, ANESTHETIC, ANESTHETIST, ANESTHETIZE

an·a·gram noun, pl -grams [count]

: a word or phrase made by changing the order of the letters in another word or phrase

The word “secure” is an anagram of “rescue.”

anal adj

1 biology : of, relating to, or located near the anus
the anal area

2 [more ; most ] informal : extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise : anal-retentive

He can be pretty anal about keeping his office neat.

anal·ly adv

an·al·ge·sia noun [noncount]

medical : the loss of the ability to feel pain while conscious

an·al·ge·sic noun, pl -sics [count]

medical : a drug that relieves pain
a mild/powerful analgesic [=painkiller]

analgesic adj
a drug with analgesic [=painkilling] effects
an analgesic drug

an·a·log (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit an·a·logue adj

1 technical : of or relating to a device or process in which data is represented by physical quantities that change continuously

Telephone lines carry data in analog form.

It receives an analog video signal and converts it to a digital signal.

an analog computer

2 of a clock or watch : having hour and minute hands
an analog watch
compare DIGITAL 1

anal·o·gous adj [more ; most ]

formal : similar in some way

I could not think of an analogous situation.

usually + to

I could not think of a situation analogous to this one.

The telescope's lenses are analogous [=comparable] to a person's glasses.

Think of the process as analogous to [=like] riding a bike.

anal·o·gous·ly adv

an·a·logue or US an·a·log noun, pl -logues or US -logs [count]

formal : something that is similar to something else in design, origin, use, etc. : something that is analogous to something else
a modern analog to what happened before
the synthetic analog of a chemical found in a tropical tree
a meat analogue such as tofu

anal·o·gy noun, pl -gies

1 [count] : a comparison of two things based on their being alike in some way

He drew/made an analogy between flying a kite and fishing. [=he compared flying a kite to fishing; he said that flying a kite was like fishing]

2 [noncount] : the act of comparing two things that are alike in some way
coining new words by analogy to/with existing ones [=coining new words so that they are formed in a way similar to old ones]

reasoning by analogy

anal-re·ten·tive adj [more ; most ]

: extremely or overly neat, careful, or precise

My anal-retentive brother keeps records of everything that happens in his life.

anal·y·sis noun, pl -y·ses

1 a : a careful study of something to learn about its parts, what they do, and how they are related to each other

[count] a scientific analysis of the data
make/do/perform a chemical analysis of the soil
a detailed analysis of the bone structure of horses

[noncount] performing chemical analysis of the soil
see also SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

1 b : an explanation of the nature and meaning of something

[count] The newspaper printed an analysis of each candidate's positions.

That's not a bad analysis of the situation.

[noncount] It's a problem that requires careful analysis.

a problem that defies analysis [=a problem that cannot be easily understood or explained]

2 [noncount] : psychoanalysis

He has been in/undergoing analysis for many years.

in the final analysis also in the last analysis

: after considering everything
used for a final statement or judgment that is based on what is most important in a particular situation

It was a difficult decision but, in the final analysis, it was the right choice.

an·a·lyst noun, pl -lysts [count]

1 : a person who studies or analyzes something
a financial/legal/political analyst

2 : psychoanalyst

My analyst felt that I was making good progress.

an·a·lyt·i·cal or an·a·lyt·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : of or relating to the careful study of something : of or relating to analysis of something

The office managers were asking for more analytical reports.

analytical chemistry
a powerful analytical tool to determine the nature and extent of climate change
an analytical examination of the text

2 : having or showing skill in thinking or reasoning
developing social and analytical skills in children

She looked at the room with an analytical [=critical] eye and saw where the changes were made.

She has a very quick analytical mind.

an·a·lyt·i·cal·ly adv

an·a·lyze (US) or Brit an·a·lyse verb, -lyz·es, -lyzed, -lyz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to study (something) closely and carefully : to learn the nature and relationship of the parts of (something) by a close and careful examination
analyze a problem

The data was recorded and analyzed by computer.

We took the sample to be chemically analyzed by a lab.

Researchers are busy analyzing the results of the study.

The bacteria were analyzed under a powerful microscope.

2 : to study the emotions and thoughts of (someone) by using psychoanalysis : psychoanalyze

an·a·lyz·able (US) or Brit an·a·lys·able adj

an·ar·chic adj [more ; most ]

: not following or having any laws or rules : wild and uncontrolled
anarchic behavior
anarchic confusion

an·ar·chi·cal·ly adv
behaving anarchically

an·ar·chism noun [noncount]

: a belief that government and laws are not necessary

an·ar·chist noun, pl -chists [count]

: a person who believes that government and laws are not necessary

an·ar·chis·tic adj [more ; most ]

anarchistic rebels

an·ar·chy noun [noncount]

: a situation of confusion and wild behavior in which the people in a country, group, organization, etc., are not controlled by rules or laws

Anarchy reigned in the empire's remote provinces.

When the teacher was absent, there was anarchy in the classroom.

anath·e·ma noun
formal : someone or something that is very strongly disliked usually + to

[noncount] ideas that are anathema to me [=ideas that I strongly dislike]

a politician who is anathema to conservatives/liberals

[singular] ideas that are an anathema to me

anat·o·my noun, pl -mies

1 biology

1 a [noncount] : the study of the structure of living things

We had to take a class on/in anatomy.

a professor of anatomy

1 b : the parts that form a living thing (such as an animal or plant)

[noncount] the anatomy of birds
human anatomy and physiology

[count] learning about the anatomies of different types of birds

2 [count] informal : a person's body
usually singular

She wore an outfit that showed off various parts of her anatomy.

3 [noncount] : the parts or causes that form or create something
learning about the anatomy of an earthquake

4 [singular] : a close study of the causes or parts of something

The book is an anatomy of life in the inner city.

an·a·tom·i·cal also US an·a·tom·ic adj
anatomical similarities between dinosaurs and birds
the anatomical structure of the eye

an·a·tom·i·cal·ly adv
anatomically correct dolls [=dolls that have body parts like those of actual people]

anat·o·mist noun, pl -mists [count]

a noted anatomist [=a scientist who studies anatomy]

-ance noun suffix

: the action or process of doing something
avoidance
performance
acceptance

an·ces·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who was in someone's family in past times : one of the people from whom a person is descended

My ancestors came to America during the 1800s.

Her ancestors were great sea captains.

2 : an animal in the past from which a modern animal developed
an ancient animal that was the ancestor of the modern horse

3 : something in the past from which something else has developed

The museum included an exhibit showing ancestors of the modern computer.

several languages that are derived from a common ancestor

Latin is the ancestor of Italian and French.

an·ces·tral adj

We returned to our ancestral home [=the home of our ancestors] after many years.

an·ces·try noun, pl -tries

: a person's ancestors : the people who were in your family in past times

[noncount] They claim to be of noble ancestry.

an Englishman of German ancestry = an Englishman who is German by ancestry
a person of unknown ancestry

She claims to be able to trace her ancestry all the way back to the earliest settlers.

[count] They have different ancestries.

1an·chor noun, pl -chors [count]

1 : a heavy device that is attached to a boat or ship by a rope or chain and that is thrown into the water to hold the boat or ship in place

The ship dropped anchor in a secluded harbor.

Several yachts stood/sat/rode at anchor [=were held in place by an anchor] in the harbor.

The crew weighed anchor [=lifted the anchor] and prepared to sail.

2 a : a person or thing that provides strength and support
a star quarterback who has been the anchor [=the most important part] of a football team's offense for many years

He described his wife as the emotional anchor of his life.

a local bank that has been the financial anchor of the community

2 b : a large store that attracts customers and other businesses to an area (such as a shopping mall)

an anchor store

3 chiefly US : someone who reads the news on a television broadcast : an anchorman or anchorwoman
a television news anchor

2anchor verb, -chors, -chored, -chor·ing

1 : to keep a ship or boat from moving by using an anchor

[+ obj] They anchored the ship in the bay.

[no obj] The ship anchored in the bay.

2 [+ obj] : to connect (something) to a solid base : to hold (something) firmly in place
usually used as (be) anchored

The cables of the bridge are anchored to the hillside.

often used figuratively with in

Her authority is anchored in more than 20 years of experience.

3 [+ obj] : to be the strongest and most important part of (something)

a star quarterback who has anchored the team's offense for many years

4 [+ obj] US : to read the news on (a television broadcast) : to be the anchorman or anchorwoman on (a news program)

She anchors the nightly news broadcast.

an·chor·age noun, pl -ag·es

1 : a place where boats and ships are anchored

[count] a safe/secluded anchorage

[noncount] an area of safe anchorage

2 : something that provides a strong hold or connection

[noncount] A heavy metal ring provides anchorage for the cable.

[count] The ring serves as a secure anchorage.

an·cho·rite noun, pl -rites [count]

: a religious person who lives apart from other people

an·chor·man noun, pl -men [count]

chiefly US : a man who reads the news and introduces the reports of other broadcasters on a television news program
a network anchorman

an·chor·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

chiefly US : a woman who reads the news and introduces the reports of other broadcasters on a television news program
a network anchorwoman

an·cho·vy noun, pl an·cho·vies also anchovy [count]

: a small fish that has a salty flavor
a salad topped with garlic and anchovies
pizza with anchovies

an·cient adj [more ; most ]

1 : very old : having lived or existed for a very long time

The people in the village still observe the ancient customs/traditions of their ancestors.

a grove of ancient oak trees
often used in an exaggerated way to describe an old machine, person, etc.

We got a ride in an ancient truck.

an ancient barn

I never thought I'd feel ancient at age 31.

She finally decided to replace her ancient computer with something more modern and up to date.

2 : of, coming from, or belonging to a time that was long ago in the past

The practice was more common in ancient times than it is now.

life in ancient Egypt/Rome/Greece/China
the gods of the ancient Romans
ancient artifacts

She studied both ancient and modern history.

In informal use, something that happened long ago and that is not important any more is ancient history.

Our relationship is ancient history.

Forget about the problems we've had in the past. They're ancient history.

synonyms see 1OLD

an·cient·ly adv
a drink that was used anciently [=in ancient times] as a love potion

an·cients noun

the ancients

: the people who lived in ancient times : the people of ancient Greece and Rome
a temple built by the ancients
the gods of the ancients

an·cil·lary Brit adj
formal : providing something additional to a main part or function : extra

The company hopes to boost its sales by releasing ancillary products.

ancillary services/expenses
sometimes + to

These expenses are ancillary to the basic cost.

-an·cy noun suffix

: the quality or state of being (something)

used to form nouns from adjectives that end in -ant
dormancy
truancy
buoyancy

and conj

1
used to join words or groups of words

We have ice cream and cake for dessert.

He's feeling strong and healthy.

She answered quickly and confidently.

He swerved and avoided an accident.

She's the club's secretary and treasurer.

He walked into the room and sat down at the table.

an actor who is tall, dark, and handsome

2 : added to : plus

2 and 2 equals 4.

3 a
used to describe an action that is repeated or that occurs for a long time

The dog barked and barked.

She cried and cried.

3 b
used to repeat a word for emphasis

You and you alone are responsible for correcting these errors.

There were hundreds and hundreds of people there.

The project is becoming more and more expensive.

The work is getting harder and harder.

4 a
used to describe actions that occur at the same time

They walked and talked.

We sat and waited for hours.

4 b
used to describe an action that occurs after another action

They drove five miles and stopped to eat.

He promised to come and didn't.

4 c
used to describe an action that occurs after and is caused by another action

I told him to go and he went.

5
used after go, come, try, write, etc., to indicate the purpose of an action

Why don't you go/come and see her? [=go/come to see her]

I'll try and do it. [=I'll try to do it]

Promise that you'll write and tell me [=write to tell me] about your vacation.

6
used to indicate a choice

You have to choose between him and me.

7
used to start a new sentence or clause that continues or adds to a previous sentence or clause

These problems have been occurring for many years, as everyone acknowledges. And of course they are going to continue unless something is done.

Critics of the administrationand there many of themhave objected to the new plan.

“Well, I've spoken to him” “And?” “And he said yes!”

8 a
used after hundred and thousand when saying a number aloud
a/one hundred and twenty-four [=124]

two thousand and sixty-five [=2,065]

8 b
used when saying aloud a number that is followed by a fraction
seven and three quarters [=73/4]

One and a half years have passed since then. = A year and a half has passed since then.

9
used to indicate the point where two streets meet or cross
a restaurant located at (the corner of) Main Street and First Avenue

an·dan·te noun, pl -tes [count]

: a musical composition or a part of a musical composition that is played somewhat slowly

andante adj or adv
an andante movement

This piece should be played andante.

and·iron noun, pl -irons [count]

: either one of a pair of metal supports that hold the wood in a fireplace usually plural

an·drog·y·nous adj [more ; most ]

1 : having both male and female characteristics or qualities
an androgynous rock star
androgynous models/dancers

2 : suitable for both men and women
androgynous clothes

an·drog·y·ny noun [noncount]

an·droid noun, pl -droids [count]

in stories : a robot that looks like a person

an·ec·dote noun, pl -dotes [count]

: a short story about an interesting or funny event or occurrence

He told us all sorts of humorous anecdotes about his childhood.

an·ec·dot·al adj [more ; most ]

I enjoyed the book's anecdotal style.

His conclusions are not supported by data; they are based only on anecdotal evidence. [=evidence in the form of stories that people tell about what has happened to them]

an·ec·dot·al·ly adv

Anecdotally, doctors report an increase in the disease.

ane·mia (US) or Brit anae·mia noun [noncount]

medical : a condition in which a person has fewer red blood cells than normal and feels very weak and tired see also SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA

ane·mic (US) or Brit anae·mic adj [more ; most ]

1 medical : relating to or suffering from anemia

The doctor told me I was slightly anemic.

2 : not strong, forceful, or impressive : weak

The band played an anemic rendition of a classic love song.

Investors are worried about the stock's anemic performance.

Officials worried about anemic attendance at the shows.

Sales rose an anemic 0.5 percent last quarter.

ane·mi·cal·ly (US) or Brit anae·mi·cal·ly adv

The economy grew anemically last year.

anem·o·ne noun, pl -nes [count]

1 : a type of garden plant that has white, purple, or red flowers

2 : sea anemone

an·es·the·sia (US) or Brit an·aes·the·sia noun [noncount]

medical : loss of feeling in a person's body or part of the body through the use of drugs

The patient was given an injection to induce anesthesia.

patients who are under general anesthesia [=patients who have been given drugs that make them unconscious and unable to feel pain]

The doctor removed the mole while the patient was under local anesthesia. [=the patient had been given drugs that took away feeling in only the part of the body where the doctor worked]

an·es·the·si·ol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

US medical : a doctor who specializes in anesthesia and anesthetics : anesthetist

an·es·thet·ic (US) or Brit an·aes·thet·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

medical : a drug that causes a person to lose feeling and to feel no pain in part or all of the body

The doctor gave him the stitches without an anesthetic.

The surgery required a general anesthetic. [=a drug that makes a person unconscious and unable to feel pain]

a local anesthetic [=a drug that makes a part of the body unable to feel pain]

anesthetic (US) or Brit anaesthetic adj
the anesthetic properties of a drug

anes·the·tist (US) or Brit anaes·the·tist noun, pl -tists [count]

medical : a doctor or nurse who gives an anesthetic to a patient

anes·the·tize (US) or Brit anaes·the·tize or anaes·the·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing [+ obj]

medical : to give drugs to (a patient) so that no pain can be felt : to give an anesthetic to (a patient)

The doctor anesthetized the patient by/with an intravenous injection.

She was anesthetized before the operation.

anew Brit adv
somewhat formal

1 : over again : once more

He demonstrated anew that he's not a good leader.

These problems must be dealt with anew.

The process begins anew each spring.

Let's stop for now and start anew [=afresh, again] in the morning.

2 : in a new or different form

The poem has been translated anew for this new book.

an·gel noun, pl an·gels [count]

1 : a spiritual being that serves especially as a messenger from God or as a guardian of human beings
an angel from heaven
a merciful angel = an angel of mercy
the angel of death [=an angel that comes when someone dies]

see also GUARDIAN ANGEL

2 informal : a person (such as a child) who is very good, kind, beautiful, etc.

Your son is such an angel!

He's not a bad kid, but he's no angel.

Be an angel and get me a cup of tea, would you?

an·gel·ic adj [more ; most ]

a child's angelic face
an angelic voice
angelic behavior [=very good behavior]

an·gel·i·cal·ly adv
an angelically behaved/beautiful child

She smiled angelically.

angel food cake noun, pl cakes [count, noncount]

US : a soft and light white cake compare DEVIL'S FOOD CAKE

1an·ger noun [noncount]

: a strong feeling of being upset or annoyed because of something wrong or bad : the feeling that makes someone want to hurt other people, to shout, etc. : the feeling of being angry

He couldn't hide his anger with/at us.

You could hear the anger in his voice.

The group expressed/vented its anger over/about the company's arrogance.

He said that he had/felt no anger towards the person who shot him.

He never raised his voice in anger.

She was shaking/trembling in/with anger.

He is not easily moved to anger. [=he does not become angry easily]

synonyms

ANGER, RAGE, FURY, and WRATH mean a strong feeling caused by displeasure. ANGER is a general word that applies to many different levels of emotion that may or may not be shown.

She kept her anger inside herself.

RAGE suggests loss of control because of great anger.

They were screaming with rage.

FURY suggests a violent anger.

In their fury they smashed all the dishes.

WRATH is a slightly old-fashioned word that suggests a desire to punish someone or to get revenge for something.

In his wrath the king ordered the rebels executed.

2anger verb, -gers, -gered, -ger·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) angry

They were shocked and angered by the company's arrogance.

He was angered to learn that he had been fired.

It angered me that she would say something like that.

He's a gentle man who's not easily angered.

an·gi·na noun [noncount]

medical : a heart disease that causes brief periods of intense chest pain
an attack of angina = an angina attack
called also angina pectoris

anglais see COR ANGLAIS

anglaise see CRÈME ANGLAISE

1an·gle noun, pl an·gles [count]

1 a : the difference between the direction of two lines or surfaces that come together : the space or shape formed when two lines or surfaces meet each other

The two lines form a sharp angle. = The two lines meet/intersect at a sharp angle (to each other).

The two lines meet at a 30-degree angle to each other. = There is a 30-degree angle between the two lines.

The lines are at sharp angles to each other.

see also RIGHT ANGLE

1 b
used to describe a surface that is not level

The hill slopes down/up at an angle of about 30 degrees.

1 c
used to describe something that leans or goes to the side rather than straight up or directly forward

The pole stood at an angle.

The road goes off at a sharp/slight angle to the right/left.

The rays of light shone through the window at an angle.

2 : the position from which something is approached, looked at, etc.

Critics love the clever camera angles the director used in the film.

She took pictures of the same scene from several different angles.

The soldiers were being attacked from every angle.

3 : a way of thinking about, describing, or discussing something

We need to approach the problem from a new/different angle.

They considered the question from all angles.

The reporter tried to work that angle into his story.

4 chiefly US, informal

4 a : a secret and often improper reason for doing something

I don't trust that guy, but I can't figure out what his angle is yet.

4 b : a clever and often improper way of doing or getting something
a salesman who's always looking for an angle [=looking for a way to convince people to buy the things he is selling]

2angle verb, angles, an·gled, an·gling

1 : to turn, move, or point something so that it is not straight or flat

[+ obj] One spotlight was put high in the corner and angled [=pointed] down toward the floor.

The seats in the theater were angled so that we were looking almost straight up.

The road was angled down toward the river.

[no obj] The road angled [=sloped] down toward the river.

2 [+ obj] : to present (something, such as a news story) in a particular way or from a particular point of view

You should try to angle the story so that it appeals to younger readers.

often used as (be) angled

The story was angled to appeal to younger readers.

compare 3ANGLE

3angle verb, angles, angled, angling [no obj]

1 : to fish with a hook and line
go angling for trout
see also ANGLER, ANGLING

2 informal : to try to get what you want in a clever or indirect way

She's been angling to get a promotion.

usually + for

She's angling for a promotion.

They're all angling for a place on the committee.

compare 2ANGLE

angle bracket noun, pl -ets [count]

: either one of a pair of punctuation marks used to enclose written material

an·gler noun, pl -glers [count]

: a person who catches fish for pleasure : fisherman
a skilled angler

An·gli·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: a member of the Church of England

Anglican adj
an Anglican bishop
the Anglican Church

An·gli·can·ism noun [noncount]

: the beliefs and practices of the Church of England

an·gli·cize also Brit an·gli·cise verb, -ciz·es, -cized, -ciz·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something or someone) English or more English
anglicize a French word/name
the word's anglicized pronunciation/spelling

The cookbook anglicized many exotic dishes to make them easier to prepare.

an·gli·ci·za·tion also Brit an·gli·ci·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

an·gling noun [noncount]

: the activity or sport of fishing for pleasure
an angling adventure/expedition in the mountains

An·glo noun, pl An·glos [count]

chiefly US : a white person who lives in the U.S. and is not Hispanic
a committee with a mixture of blacks, Anglos, and Hispanics
often used before another noun
the town's Anglo population

An·glo- combining form

: English or British

Anglo-American

Anglophile

An·glo-Amer·i·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: an American whose family comes originally from England

Anglo-American adj

An·glo·phile noun, pl -philes [count]

: a non-English person who greatly likes and admires England and English things

An·glo·phobe noun, pl -phobes [count]

: a person who dislikes England and English things

An·glo·pho·bic adj [more ; most ]

An·glo·phone adj

: having English as the main language
the city's Anglophone population
an Anglophone neighborhood in a French-speaking country

Anglophone noun, pl -phones [count]

a neighborhood that includes both Anglophones [=people who speak English as their main language] and Francophones

An·glo-Sax·on noun, pl -ons

1 a [count] : a member of the Germanic people who conquered Britain in the fifth century A.D.

1 b [noncount] : the language of the Anglo-Saxons : old english

There are many words from Anglo-Saxon that survive in English today.

2 [count] : a person whose ancestors were English

Anglo-Saxon adj
an Anglo-Saxon person
a white Anglo-Saxon Protestant
an Anglo-Saxon word

an·go·ra noun, pl -ras

1 [noncount] : a kind of soft yarn or wool that is made from the hair of the Angora goat or the Angora rabbit
often used before another noun
an angora scarf/sweater

2 [count] : a type of cat, goat, or rabbit that has long soft hair
usually used before another noun
an Angora rabbit

an·gry adj, an·gri·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 a : filled with anger : having a strong feeling of being upset or annoyed

I've never seen her look so angry.

An angry crowd gathered outside the courthouse.

I was angry that he had forgotten my birthday.

What made you so angry?

He got/grew/became angry when he found out about their plans.

often + at or with

He was angry at/with her for staying out so late.

I was angry at/with him for forgetting my birthday.

often + about or over

She's still angry about/over the way she's been treated.

Students are angry about/over the increase in tuition.

What is she so angry [=(US) mad] about?

1 b : showing anger

He sent an angry letter to the company president.

They had an argument and exchanged some angry words.

She gave me an angry look.

2 literary : seeming to show anger : threatening or menacing

The sea/sky grew angry. [=dark and stormy]

angry clouds

3 : very red and painful
an angry rash/sore/scratch

an·gri·ly adv

He slammed the door angrily.

She glared at us angrily.

angst noun [noncount]

: a strong feeling of being worried or nervous : a feeling of anxiety about your life or situation
a film about teenage angst

an·guish noun [noncount]

: extreme suffering, grief, or pain
tears/cries of anguish

He experienced the anguish of divorce after 10 years of marriage.

mental anguish

They watched in anguish as fire spread through the house.

an·guished adj [more ; most ]

She looked at me with an anguished expression.

I will never forget their anguished cries.

an·gu·lar adj [more ; most ]

1 : having little flesh so that the shapes of your bones can be seen : thin and bony

He has an angular face.

She's a tall, angular girl.

2 : having one or more angles

The house is low and angular.

an angular mountain peak

an·gu·lar·i·ty noun [noncount]

1an·i·mal noun, pl -mals [count]

1 : a living thing that is not a human being or plant
people and animals
the animals in the zoo
the plants and animals of the forest

She loves all kinds of animals.

pigs, chickens, and other farm animals [=animals that live on a farm]

often used to refer specifically to mammals as distinguished from other living things (such as fish and birds)

the plants, birds, and animals of the forest
furry little animals
wild/domestic animals

see also PACK ANIMAL, STUFFED ANIMAL

2 : any living thing that is not a plant

Fish, birds, insects, reptiles, mammals, and human beings are all animals.

Dogs, like humans, are social animals. [=animals that live in groups]

studying the habits of the human animal [=the habits of human beings; the habits of people in general]

3 : a person who behaves in a wild, aggressive, or unpleasant way

He's a real animal.

You're all behaving like a bunch of animals.

see also PARTY ANIMAL

4 somewhat informal : a person or thing of a particular kind

You want someone who will love you and give you everything you want but ask nothing in return? Let's face it, there's no such animal! [=there is no person who will do that]

Everyone wants a computer that always works perfectly, but there's no such animal.

The sport has changed. It's a very/completely different animal today. [=it's very/completely different today]

His wife has always been a political animal. [=has always been very interested in politics]

2animal adj

1 always used before a noun

1 a : of or relating to animals
studying animal behavior
several different plant and animal species
the other members of the animal kingdom [=a basic group of living things that includes all animals]

She's a supporter of animal rights. [=she believes that all animals should be treated in a fair and kind way]

1 b : coming from the bodies of animals
animal cells/bones/fat/skin
milk, meat, and other animal products

2 : of or relating to the body and not to the mind

Their attraction was animal [=physical] rather than intellectual or spiritual.

animal instincts/passion/desires

People were shocked by the animal brutality of the attack.

Animal magnetism is a strong physical or sexual attractiveness.

Women were drawn to his animal magnetism. [=sex appeal]

animal cracker noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small cookie that is shaped like an animal

animal husbandry noun [noncount]

: a kind of farming in which people raise animals for meat, milk, eggs, etc.

1an·i·mate adj
formal : having life : alive or living

The lecture was about ancient worship of animate and inanimate objects.

opposite INANIMATE

2an·i·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone or something) lively or excited

A smile animated [=brightened] his face.

The writer's humor animates the novel.

2 : to make (something, such as a drawing) appear to move by creating a series of drawings, pictures, etc., and showing them quickly one after another : to make (something) appear to move by using the process of animation

The film's very realistic dinosaurs were animated on computers.

an·i·mat·ed adj

1 [more ; most ] : full of life and energy

He became more animated [=excited, lively] as he described the project.

She gave an animated description of the project.

After dinner, the discussion got more animated.

2 : produced by the creation of a series of drawings, pictures, etc., that are shown quickly one after another : produced through the process of animation
an animated film/cartoon

Many movies for kids are animated rather than live-action.

animated characters

an·i·mat·ed·ly adv

She spoke animatedly about her son's soccer game.

an·i·ma·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : a lively or excited quality

He talked with animation [=in an excited or animated way] about his vacation.

2 a [noncount] : a way of making a movie by using a series of drawings, computer graphics, or photographs of objects (such as puppets or models) that are slightly different from one another and that when viewed quickly one after another create the appearance of movement

The animation for the film took over two years to complete.

The studio used computer animation for some of the special effects.

compare LIVE ACTION

2 b [count] : a movie or brief scene that is made this way

The Web site has hundreds of animations you can download.

see also SUSPENDED ANIMATION

an·i·ma·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who creates animated movies and cartoons

an·i·me noun [noncount]

: a style of animation that was created in Japan and that uses colorful images, strong characters, and stories that have a lot of action

an·i·mism noun [noncount]

: the belief that all plants, animals, and objects have spirits

an·i·mos·i·ty noun, pl -ties

: a strong feeling of dislike or hatred

[noncount] There has always been animosity [=hostility] between them. [=they have always disliked each other]

He felt nothing but animosity toward his boss. [=he disliked his boss very much]

[count] We put aside our personal animosities so that we could work together.

an·i·mus noun
formal : a strong feeling of dislike or hatred

[noncount] my animus [=(more commonly) animosity] towards/against the organization

[singular] She felt an animus against them.

an·ise noun [noncount]

: a plant with seeds that are used in cooking and to flavor candies and alcoholic drinks

ani·seed noun [noncount]

: the seed of the anise plant

an·is·ette noun [noncount]

: a sweet alcoholic drink that is flavored with aniseed

an·kle noun, pl an·kles [count]

: the joint where the foot joins the leg

I hurt/twisted/sprained/broke my ankle.

ankle boots [=boots that cover only the foot and ankle]

see pictures at FOOT, HUMAN

ankle sock noun, pl socks [count]

: a short sock that reaches slightly above the ankle called also (US) anklet

an·klet noun, pl -klets [count]

1 : a band, ring, or chain that is worn around the ankle called also ankle bracelet

2 US : ankle sock

an·nals noun [plural]

1 : historical records
usually used in the phrase in the annals of

This event will go down in the annals of sports/war/medicine. [=will be remembered as part of the history of sports/war/medicine]

He became a major figure in the annals of justice.

2 : records of the activities of an organization
often used in the titles of publications

She used a quote from the Annals of Family Medicine.

an·neal verb, -neals, -nealed, -neal·ing [+ obj]

technical : to heat and then slowly cool (metal, glass, etc.) in order to make it stronger

1an·nex verb, -nex·es, -nexed, -nex·ing [+ obj]

: to add (an area or region) to a country, state, etc. : to take control of (a territory or place)

The United States annexed Texas in 1845.

The government planned to annex the islands.

an·nex·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

2an·nex (chiefly US) or Brit an·nexe noun, pl -nex·es [count]

1 : a building that is attached to or near a larger building and usually used as part of it

The addition will be used as an annex to the library.

We store our old files in the annex.

2 chiefly Brit : a section or statement added at the end of a document : appendix
an annexe to the document

an·ni·hi·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to destroy (something or someone) completely

Bombs annihilated the city.

The enemy troops were annihilated.

2 : to defeat (someone) completely

He annihilated his opponent in the last election.

an·ni·hi·la·tion noun [noncount]

The regime is facing annihilation.

the annihilation of the city

an·ni·ver·sa·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a date that is remembered or celebrated because a special or notable event occurred on that date in a previous year
the anniversary of the invasion/attack

We are celebrating our fifth (wedding) anniversary this year. = We are celebrating the fifth anniversary of our wedding this year.

The exhibit will close on the 100th anniversary of the artist's death.

often used before another noun
an anniversary party/celebration/dinner

an·no·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

: to add notes or comments to (a text, book, drawing, etc.)

He annotated the text at several places.

annotate a list

annotated adj
a fully annotated diagram

an·no·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a note added to a text, book, drawing, etc., as a comment or explanation

Without the annotations, the diagram would be hard to understand.

2 [noncount] : the act of adding notes or comments to something : the act of annotating something
the author's annotation of the diagram

an·nounce verb, -nounc·es, -nounced, -nounc·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) known in a public or formal way : to officially tell people about (something)

The government announced a cut in taxes.

They announced plans to move the company out of the state.

The company president has announced her retirement.

Their engagement was formally announced in the newspaper.

often + that

The government announced that there would be a cut in taxes.

A voice on the loudspeaker announced that the store was closing in 10 minutes.

sometimes used figuratively

The sound of the door slamming announced his departure. [=I knew he had left when I heard the door slam]

2 [+ obj] : to say (something) in a loud and definite way

When everyone was sitting down, she abruptly announced [=declared] (to us) her intention to quit school.

He suddenly stood up and announced, “I'm leaving.” = He suddenly stood up and announced that he was leaving.

3 [+ obj] : to say in a formal or official way that something or someone has arrived or is present or ready

She announced dinner [=said that dinner was ready] promptly at six o'clock.

Don't enter the president's office until you've been announced. [=until the president has been told that you are there]

A man in a tuxedo announced each guest [=loudly told everyone the guests' names] as they arrived.

We only had to wait a few minutes before our flight was announced [=called] over the loudspeaker.

4 [no obj] US : to say that you are a candidate for a political office

He is expected to announce for President [=to say that he is going to run for President] tomorrow.

5 [+ obj] US : to describe (a sports event) on radio or television : to be the announcer for (a sports event)

Do you know who's going to announce tonight's game?

an·nounce·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : a written or spoken statement that tells people about something : public or formal words that announce something

Many people were surprised by the government's announcement that there will be a cut in taxes.

I heard an announcement on the loudspeaker saying that the store was closing in 10 minutes.

The company president made an announcement about the merger.

He asked us to pay attention because he had an important announcement to make.

I saw their wedding announcement in the newspaper.

Our program will pause now for a brief commercial announcement. [=a television or radio commercial]

2 [noncount] : the act of officially telling people about something : the act of announcing something

They have been very busy since the announcement of their wedding.

We had to leave before the announcement of the winners. [=before the winners were announced]

an·nounc·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who gives information on television or radio

He works part-time as an announcer for a local radio station.

2 : a person who gives information in a public place (such as a store or airport) especially using a loudspeaker

The racetrack announcer said that the next race was about to start.

a public address announcer [=a person who makes announcements over a public address system]

3 US : a person who describes a sports event for television or radio

The announcer said that the catcher had injured his shoulder.

an·noy verb, -noys, -noyed, -noy·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel slightly angry

Her constant chatter annoyed [=irritated] all of us.

I was annoyed [=upset, bothered] by his question.

annoyed adj [more ; most ]

She is annoyed at/with me.

She looked at him with a very annoyed expression.

He was annoyed (to realize) that he had forgotten his wallet.

annoying adj [more ; most ]

He has several annoying [=irritating] habits.

That noise is very annoying.

an·noy·ing·ly adv

She can be annoyingly sweet.

an·noy·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 [noncount] : slight anger : the feeling of being annoyed

She expressed annoyance at the slow service.

They were late again, (much) to our annoyance. [=it annoyed us that they were late again]

She shook her head in annoyance. [=in a way that showed she was annoyed]

2 [count] : something that causes feelings of slight anger or irritation : a source of annoyance

The long wait at the restaurant was a minor annoyance. [=nuisance]

1an·nu·al adj

1 : happening once a year

The annual meeting is in July.

It's time for your annual [=yearly] checkup.

The company's earnings for last year are published in the annual report.

2 : covering the period of a year

We had more snow this year than the average annual amount.

The company charges an annual fee of $45.

3 always used before a noun of a plant : living for only one year or season : having a life cycle that is one year or season long
annual plants/herbs/flowers
compare 1BIENNIAL, 1PERENNIAL

an·nu·al·ly adv

We meet annually [=once a year] in July.

Their earnings increase annually. [=every year]

A report of the company's earnings is published annually.

2annual noun, pl -als [count]

1 : a plant that lives for only one year or season

We planted some annuals in front of the house.

compare 2BIENNIAL, 2PERENNIAL

2 : a book or magazine that is published once a year

an·nu·ity Brit noun, pl -ities [count]

1 : a fixed amount of money that is paid to someone each year

2 : an insurance policy or an investment that pays someone a fixed amount of money each year

Part of her retirement income will come from an annuity.

an·nul verb, -nuls, -nulled, -nul·ling [+ obj]

: to say officially that something is no longer valid : to make (something) legally void

Their marriage was annulled.

annul a contract/vote/election

an·nul·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

They wanted an annulment of their marriage.

[noncount]

The couple has filed for annulment.

annum see PER ANNUM

An·nun·ci·a·tion noun

the Annunciation

: March 25 celebrated as a Christian festival in memory of the announcement to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Christ

an·ode noun, pl -odes [count]

technical : the part of an electrical device (such as a battery) from which electrons leave compare CATHODE

an·o·dyne adj [more ; most ]

formal : not likely to offend or upset anyone
an anodyne [=innocuous] question about the weather

anoint verb, anoints, anoint·ed, anoint·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put oil on (someone) as part of a religious ceremony

The priest anointed them (with oil).

2 : to officially or formally choose (someone) to do or to be something

He anointed [=named, designated] her his successor.

The magazine anointed her the most popular actress of the year.

anoint·ment noun [noncount]

anom·a·lous adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : not expected or usual

Researchers could not explain the anomalous test results.

anom·a·lous·ly adj

anom·a·ly noun, pl -lies [count]

somewhat formal : something that is unusual or unexpected : something anomalous

A storm like that is an anomaly for this area. [=a storm like that does not usually happen in this area]

We couldn't explain the anomalies in the test results.

The doctor detected an anomaly [=irregularity] in my heartbeat.

anon adv
literary + humorous : in a short time : soon

I will answer his letter anon.

ever and anon see EVER

anon. abbr
anonymous; anonymously

an·o·nym·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality or state of being unknown to most people : the quality or state of being anonymous

They are trying to protect their child's anonymity.

She enjoyed the anonymity of life in a large city.

She agreed to speak to the reporter only on condition of anonymity. [=only if her name would not be revealed by the reporter]

anon·y·mous adj

1 : not named or identified

The donor wishes to remain anonymous.

An anonymous buyer purchased the painting.

2 : made or done by someone unknown

The college received an anonymous gift.

He made an anonymous phone call to the police.

The reporter got an anonymous tip.

3 [more ; most ] : not distinct or noticeable : lacking interesting or unusual characteristics

She works in an anonymous [=bland, nondescript] brick building.

His was just another anonymous face in the crowd.

anon·y·mous·ly adv

They made the donation anonymously.

an·o·rak noun, pl -raks [count]

1 : a jacket that has a hood and that is long enough to cover your hips

An anorak is usually worn to protect against wind and rain.

2 Brit, informal + disapproving : a person who is extremely interested in something that other people find boring
political anoraks

an·orex·ia noun [noncount]

: a serious physical and emotional illness in which an abnormal fear of being fat leads to very poor eating habits and dangerous weight loss

Anorexia most commonly affects teenage girls and young women.

called also anorexia nervosa compare BULIMIA

an·orex·ic adj
an anorexic young woman

anorexic noun, pl -ics [count]

She's an anorexic. [=a person suffering from anorexia]

1an·oth·er adj

1 : one more in addition

Should we open another bottle of wine?

Don't say another word.

It will take another two years [=an additional two years; two more years] to finish the building.

That's another way of saying the same thing.

As far as I'm concerned, “frugal” is just another word for “cheap.” [=“frugal” means the same thing as “cheap”]

We had dinner at another one of the city's many Italian restaurants.

This is yet another example of government waste.

If you ask me, he's just another overpaid athlete. [=he's one of many overpaid athletes]

2 : some other : different from the first or other one

We'll plan to meet again (at) another time.

We'll discuss this again on another occasion.

The view is very different when it is seen from another angle.

Please bring me another cup. This one is chipped.

Since his illness he has been another man. [=he has been very different from how he was before he became sick]

Tomorrow is another day.

the splendors of another age [=a past age]

I'm willing to help you, but if you're asking for money, that's another thing/matter/story. [=I'm willing to help you but that does not mean that I'm willing to give you money]

Complaining about problems is one thing, but finding solutions to them is another thing altogether/entirely. [=it is more difficult to find solutions to problems than to complain about them]

3 : similar or equal to a particular person or thing

He thought of himself as another Napoleon. [=as a person who was like Napoleon]

The city advertises itself as another Las Vegas.

2another pronoun

1 : one more of the same kind : another one

I've had one drink, but I think I'll have another.

One copy of the letter was sent out, and another was placed in the files.

One thief carried a gun, another (carried) a knife.

This cup is chipped. Could you please bring me another?

We had dinner at another of the city's many Italian restaurants.

2 : one that is different : someone or something else

She's not comfortable living in another's house. [=in another person's house]

Complaining about problems is one thing, but finding solutions to them is another. [=it is more difficult to find solutions to problems than to complain about them]

The family seems to move from one city to another.

3
used in phrases with one or (less commonly) some to refer to something that is not specified

We all do foolish things at one time or another. [=sometimes, on occasion]

They had to change their plans for one/some reason or another. [=for some reason]

He vowed that he would succeed (in) one way or another. [=vowed that he would find a way to succeed]

a lock of one kind/sort/type or another [=some kind/sort/type of lock]

What with one thing and another, we still haven't finished. [=we still haven't finished because of various things that have happened]

see also ONE ANOTHER

one after another

1 : in a continuing series

The buses kept arriving, one after another.

One person after another walked out of the concert.

2 : each one in a continuing series

One after another of her friends got married and moved away.

A. N. Other noun

Brit informal
used to refer to another person who is not known or named

The rumor was traced to Smith, Jones, and A. N. Other.

1an·swer Brit noun, pl -swers

1 [count]

1 a : something you say or write when someone asks you a question

I asked him a simple question and he gave me a long and confusing answer.

I didn't believe her answer.

They wouldn't give me a straight answer to my question.

There will be a question and answer session [=a period of time when people can have their questions answered] following the speech.

1 b : a response to a question that is meant to show whether or not you know something (such as a question asked as part of an exam)

I didn't know the right/correct answer.

That is the wrong/incorrect answer.

1 c : the correct response to a question

Do you know the answer to this question?

He knew the answers to only 3 of the 10 questions.

The answers are listed in the back of the book.

2 : something you say or write as a reaction to something someone else has said or done

[count] I sent a letter of complaint but I never got an answer. [=response]

I finally received an answer [=reply] to my letter.

When I say something to you I expect an answer. [=response]

I called out her name but I got no answer. [=reply]

[noncount] In answer [=in response] to your request we are sending a catalog.

3 [count] : something you do in response to something that has happened : a reaction to something
usually singular

I called several times but there was no answer. [=no one answered the phone when I called]

I got no answer when I called.

I knocked on the door but there was no answer. [=no one opened the door when I knocked on it]

The company had no answer when its competitors lowered their prices.

When she called him a liar, his only answer was to walk out.

Our team had no answer for the other team's strong offense. [=our team could not win because of the other team's strong offense]

4 [count] : a solution to a problem : something that makes a bad situation better

More money is not the answer (to our problems).

It's a very difficult problem, and I don't know what the answer is.

They don't have answers for everything. = They don't have an answer for everything.

For a tough issue like this there are no easy answers.

He thinks he has/knows all the answers. [=he thinks that he knows the solution to every problem]

Someone or something that is the answer to (all) your prayers provides you with something that you want or need.

If you've been wanting to get your schedule organized, this new software is the answer to (all) your prayers.

They were desperate to find a good lawyer, and they thought she might be the answer to their prayers.

5 [count] : something or someone that resembles a well-known or successful thing or person

+ to

The program is television's answer to newsmagazines. [=the program is similar to a newsmagazine]

2answer verb, -swers, -swered, -swer·ing

1 a : to say or write something when someone asks you a question : to give an answer to (a question)

[+ obj] She answered all my questions.

He answered only three of the test questions correctly.

[no obj] When the police asked him his name, he refused to answer.

She answered correctly/incorrectly.

1 b [+ obj] : to say or write (something) as a reply

When asked if she would run for office, she answered that she hadn't decided. = When asked if she would run for office, she answered “I haven't decided.”

1 c [+ obj] : to reply to (someone) : to say or write something as a response to (someone)

When I ask you a question I expect you to answer me!

Answer me this: where have you put my money?

2 a : to write a response to a letter, e-mail message, etc.

[no obj] I sent her a letter asking for her help, but she never answered.

[+ obj] She never answered my letter. = She never answered me.

2 b : to pick up (a ringing telephone)

[no obj] The phone rang repeatedly, but no one answered.

[+ obj] Would somebody please answer the phone?

answer a phone call

2 c : to open a door when someone knocks on it

[no obj] I knocked on the door but no one answered.

[+ obj] No one answered the door.

3 : to act in response to (something) : to react to (something) by taking some action

[+ obj] I got the job by answering a “help wanted” ad in the newspaper.

When the war began, thousands of young men answered the call to arms. [=thousands of young men joined the armed forces]

He answered her anger with indifference. [=he responded to her anger by acting indifferent]

[no obj] The home team scored first but the visiting team answered quickly. [=the visiting team also scored soon after the home team scored]

4 [+ obj] : to say something in response to (something, such as an accusation) : to defend yourself against (something)

The police chief will appear in court today to answer charges of corruption.

answer criticism

5 [+ obj] : to be the same as (something) : to be in agreement with (something, such as a description)

The suspect answered [=matched] the description that had been given by the witness.

see also ANSWER TO 1 (BELOW)

6 [+ obj] : to be what is needed for (something)

We don't have a sink, but this bucket will answer [=(more commonly) serve] the purpose. [=we can use this bucket as a sink]

see also ANSWER FOR 1C (BELOW)

answer back [phrasal verb]

1 somewhat informal : to reply to someone especially in a rude way
impolite children who answer back [=talk back] when their teacher corrects them

2 answer (someone) back : to reply rudely to (someone)

He became angry when she answered him back.

answer for [phrasal verb]

1 answer for (something)

1 a : to take responsibility for (something)

I can't answer for their safety. [=I can't promise that they will be safe]

: to be responsible for (something)

The company will have to answer for any damage done by its employees.

She has a lot to answer for. [=she is responsible for many bad things that have happened]

1 b : to be punished for (something)

He must answer for his crimes.

1 c US : to be used as (something) : to serve as (something)

The old bucket answered for a sink. [=the old bucket was used as a sink]

see also 2ANSWER 6 (ABOVE)

2 answer for (someone) : to say what someone else thinks : to give the opinion of (someone else)

I like the proposal myself, but I can't answer for my boss.

answer someone's prayers

: to provide what someone hopes or prays for

They hoped that God would answer their prayers and restore their son's health.

Their prayers were answered when their son's health was restored.

answer to [phrasal verb]

1 answer to (something) : to be the same as (something) : to be in agreement with (something, such as a description)

The suspect answers to [=answers, matches] the description perfectly.

see also 2ANSWER 5 (ABOVE)

2 answer to (someone) : to be required to explain your actions to (someone)

He has to answer to a tough boss.

3 answer to a name

If an animal, such as a dog, answers to a name, it responds when it is called by that name.

This dog answers to the name (of) “Rover.”

This phrase is also used to refer to the name used by a person.

My uncle's real name is “Edwin,” but he doesn't answer to that name. He prefers to be called “Ed.”

an·swer·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an·swer·able Brit adj

1 not used before a noun

1 a : required to explain actions or decisions to someone

Political leaders need to be answerable to [=accountable to] the people they represent.

a powerful businesswoman who seems to think that she's answerable to no one

1 b : responsible for something

The company is answerable for [=accountable for] any damage caused by its employees.

2 : capable of being answered
an easily answerable question

answering machine noun, pl -chines [count]

: a machine that answers the telephone and records messages left by the people who call

I haven't spoken to him yet, but he left a message on my answering machine.

answering service noun, pl -vices [count]

: a business that answers telephone calls and takes messages for the people and businesses that hire it

The doctor is not in the office now, but you can reach her answering service at this number if you have an emergency.

an·swer·phone Brit noun, pl -phones [count]

Brit : answering machine

ant noun, pl ants [count]

: a kind of small insect that lives in an organized social group
a colony of ants = an ant colony

ants in your pants
informal : a strong feeling of wanting to be active and not wait for something : a feeling of excitement and impatience
a little kid with ants in her pants

1-ant noun suffix

: a person or thing that does a specified thing
assistant
attendant
immigrant
coolant
pollutant

2-ant adj suffix

: doing a specified thing or behaving in a specified way
propellant
hesitant
observant

ant·ac·id noun, pl -ids [count, noncount]

: medicine that prevents or lessens the pain caused by having too much acid in your stomach

an·tag·o·nism noun, pl -nisms

: a strong feeling of dislike or hatred : a desire to oppose something you dislike or disagree with often + between or toward

[noncount] There is a long history of antagonism [=hostility, enmity] between the two nations.

The policy is creating antagonism [=opposition] between the staff and management.

I never felt any antagonism [=animosity] toward her.

[plural] The region has a long history of ethnic antagonisms.

an·tag·o·nist noun, pl -nists [count]

: a person who opposes another person

He faced his antagonist [=(more commonly) opponent, adversary] in a series of debates.

an·tag·o·nis·tic adj [more ; most ]

: showing dislike or opposition : showing antagonism

They found it impossible to deal with such antagonistic groups.

often + to or toward

Many people are antagonistic [=opposed, hostile] to the idea of making major changes to the building.

The two groups have always been antagonistic toward each other.

She was antagonistic toward the media.

an·tag·o·nis·tic·al·ly adv

Many people reacted antagonistically to her comments.

an·tag·o·nize also Brit an·tag·o·nise verb, -niz·es, -nized, -niz·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel hostile or angry : to irritate or upset (someone)

He didn't mean to antagonize you.

Her comments antagonized many people.

ant·arc·tic or Ant·arc·tic adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to the South Pole or the region around it
off the antarctic coast

The group is involved in Antarctic exploration.

Antarctic waters
compare ARCTIC

Antarctic Circle noun

the Antarctic Circle

: an imaginary line that goes around the Earth near the South Pole

1an·te noun, pl an·tes [count]

: the amount of money that a player must bet at the beginning of play in a poker game
usually singular

The dealer called for a dollar ante.

see also PENNY-ANTE

raise the ante or up the ante

: to increase an amount or level: such as
a : to raise the cost or price

The popular actor first demanded twice the salary offered him but then kept upping the ante.

b : to increase the risk or possible harm that could result from something
often + on

The new law ups the ante on [=increases penalties for] people who cheat on their taxes.

c : to set a higher standard or goal
often + on

The film ups the ante on special effects.

2ante verb, antes, an·ted, an·te·ing

: to pay the amount of money required to start play in a poker game

[no obj] Did everyone at the table ante?

usually + up

The dealer waited until everyone had anted up before he dealt the cards.

[+ obj] Everyone anted up a dollar.

often used figuratively

Parents are usually expected to ante up [=pay] for their children's college education.

They had to ante up [=pay] $5,000 to attend the senator's banquet.

ante- prefix

1 : before or earlier
antedate
antenatal

2 : in front of
anteroom

ant·eat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: an animal that has a very long nose and tongue and eats ants

an·te·bel·lum adj, always used before a noun
formal : occurring in the southern U.S. during the time before the American Civil War
the antebellum South
antebellum society/houses

1an·te·ced·ent noun, pl -ents

1 [count] grammar : a word or phrase that is represented by another word (such as a pronoun)

“John” is the antecedent of the pronoun “him” in “Mary saw John and thanked him.”

2 [count] formal : something that came before something else and may have influenced or caused it

The events were antecedents of/to the war. [=the events helped to cause the war]

the antecedents of rap music [=music that came before and influenced rap music]

3 antecedents [plural] formal : the people in a family who lived in past times

He is proud of his Scottish antecedents. [=(more commonly) ancestors]

2antecedent adj
formal : earlier in time

These antecedent [=prior, previous] events affected the outcome of the war.

an·te·cham·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

formal : anteroom

an·te·date verb, -dates, -dat·ed, -dat·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to give an earlier date rather than the actual date to (something)

antedate a check
opposite POSTDATE

2 : to be earlier or older than (something) : predate

The church antedates the village itself.

opposite POSTDATE

an·te·di·lu·vi·an adj [more ; most ]

formal : very old or old-fashioned
an antediluvian automobile

He has antediluvian notions/ideas about the role of women in the workplace.

an·te·lope noun, pl an·te·lopes or antelope [count]

: an animal in Africa and Asia that looks like a deer, has horns pointing up and back, and runs very fast

an·te·na·tal adj, always used before a noun

Brit medical : prenatal

an·ten·na noun, pl -nae or -nas [count]

1 : a thin sensitive organ on the head of an insect, crab, etc., that is used mainly to feel and touch things
sometimes used figuratively
a Senator with sensitive political antennae [=a Senator who is very aware of political issues and attitudes]

The plural of antenna in this sense is usually antennae.

2 chiefly US : a device (such as a wire or a metal rod) for sending or receiving radio or television signals
a TV antenna [=(chiefly Brit) aerial]

The plural of antenna in this sense is usually antennas.

an·te·ri·or adj
technical : near or toward the front of something (such as the body)

the anterior part of the brain
opposite POSTERIOR

an·te·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a small room that is connected to a larger room and used as a place for people to wait before going into the larger room called also antechamber

an·them noun, pl -thems [count]

1 : a formal song of loyalty, praise, or happiness
patriotic anthems
see also NATIONAL ANTHEM

2 : a song that is important to a particular group of people
teen anthems

an·the·mic adj
an anthemic song/chorus

an·ther noun, pl -thers [count]

technical : the part of a flower that contains pollen

ant·hill noun, pl -hills [count]

: a mound of dirt made by ants when building a nest

an·thol·o·gy noun, pl -gies [count]

1 : a published collection of writings (such as poems or short stories) by different authors
an anthology of American poetry

2 : a collection of works of art or music

The band will be releasing an anthology of their earlier albums.

an·thra·cite noun [noncount]

: a hard type of coal that burns slowly without much smoke or flame

an·thrax noun [noncount]

: a serious disease that affects animals (such as cattle and sheep) and sometimes people

an·thro·poid adj
technical : resembling a human being
anthropoid apes

anthropoid noun, pl -poids [count]

gorillas and other anthropoids

an·thro·pol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: the study of human races, origins, societies, and cultures

an·thro·po·log·i·cal adj
anthropological research

an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly adv

an·thro·pol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

an·thro·po·morph·ic adj

1 : described or thought of as being like human beings in appearance, behavior, etc.

a story in which the characters are anthropomorphic animals

2 : considering animals, objects, etc., as having human qualities
anthropomorphic beliefs about nature

an·ti prep
informal : opposed to (something or someone) : against

She's anti big corporations.

an·ti- sometimes before consonants prefix

1 : opposite to something
anticlimax
antisocial

2 : against someone or something
antigovernment [=opposed to the government]

antismoking
antiwar
often used with a hyphen
anti-American

anti-poverty
anti-gun
opposite PRO-

3 : acting to prevent something
antibacterial
antifreeze
antitheft

4 : fighting or defending against something
antiaircraft

an·ti·air·craft Brit adj, always used before a noun

: used for defense against military aircraft
antiaircraft guns/missiles

an·ti·bac·te·ri·al adj

: able to kill bacteria
antibacterial soap

an·ti·bi·ot·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

medical : a drug that is used to kill harmful bacteria and to cure infections

antibiotic adj
an antibiotic pill
antibiotic drugs

an·ti·body noun, pl -bod·ies [count]

medical : a substance produced by the body to fight disease

an·tic adj [more ; most ]

: very playful, funny, or silly
an antic comedian
antic humor
see also ANTICS

an·tic·i·pate verb, -pates, -pat·ed, -pat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to think of (something that will or might happen in the future) : expect

The cost turned out to be higher than anticipated.

They do not anticipate [=foresee] any major problems during construction.

The hotel anticipated my every need. [=I didn't have to ask for anything because they already provided it]

The author anticipated objections to his theory.

The organizers of the fair anticipate a large crowd.

I did not anticipate having to pay for your ticket.

The boxer tried to anticipate [=predict] his opponent's next move.

2 : to expect or look ahead to (something) with pleasure : to look forward to (something)

He eagerly anticipated her arrival.

3 formal : to do something before someone else

His use of composition anticipated later Renaissance paintings. = He anticipated later Renaissance painters in his use of composition.

an·tic·i·pa·tion noun [noncount]

1 : a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen

She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony.

He looked forward to the party with anticipation.

The actor's fans were trembling with/in anticipation [=excitement] when his limousine drove up.

2 : the act of preparing for something

They hired extra police officers in anticipation of a big crowd [=because they expected a big crowd] at the concert.

an·tic·i·pa·to·ry Brit adj, formal
the anticipatory excitement before a baseball play-off game

The town took anticipatory measures to prevent a flood.

an·ti·cli·max noun, pl -max·es

: something that is much less exciting or dramatic than it was expected to be : a dull or disappointing ending or result

[count] The last chapter of the book was an anticlimax.

[noncount] The movie ended in anticlimax.

an·ti·cli·mac·tic adj

The last chapter of the book was anticlimactic.

The trial was anticlimactic, since it ended without a verdict.

an·ti·clock·wise adj or adv

Brit : counterclockwise

an·ti·co·ag·u·lant noun, pl -lants [count]

medical : a substance that prevents blood from forming clots

an·tics noun [plural]

often disapproving : funny or playful actions or behavior

I'm tired of his childish antics.

an·ti·cy·clone noun, pl -clones [count]

technical : winds that turn around an area of high pressure and that often bring clear, dry air

Anticyclones and cyclones turn in opposite directions.

an·ti·cy·clon·ic adj

an·ti·de·pres·sant noun, pl -sants [count]

medical : a drug that is used to relieve or prevent depression in a person

antidepressant adj
antidepressant drugs/medication

an·ti·dote noun, pl -dotes [count]

1 : a substance that stops the harmful effects of a poison

There is no antidote to/for this poison.

2 : something that corrects or improves the bad effects of something

For him, racing motorcycles is a great antidote to boredom.

an·ti·freeze noun [noncount]

: a substance that is added to the water in a vehicle's engine to prevent it from freezing

an·ti·gen noun, pl -gens [count]

medical : a harmful substance that causes the body to produce antibodies

an·ti·he·ro noun, pl -roes [count]

: a main character in a book, play, movie, etc., who does not have the usual good qualities that are expected in a hero

an·ti·his·ta·mine noun, pl -mines [count, noncount]

medical : a drug that is used to treat allergic reactions and colds

an·ti-in·flam·ma·to·ry Brit adj
medical : used to control or reduce inflammation
anti-inflammatory drugs

anti-inflammatory noun, pl -ries [count]

an·ti·lock adj, always used before a noun

: made to keep the wheels of a vehicle from causing a skid when the vehicle stops suddenly

Antilock braking systems give the driver greater control during a sudden stop.

antilock brakes

an·ti·mo·ny Brit noun [noncount]

technical : a silvery-white metal that breaks easily and that is used especially in alloys

an·ti·ox·i·dant noun, pl -dants [count]

: a substance that is added to food and other products to prevent harmful chemical reactions in which oxygen is combined with other substances

an·ti·pas·to Brit noun [noncount]

: a plate of cold meat or vegetables that is served especially as the first course of a meal

an·tip·a·thy noun, pl -thies
formal : a strong feeling of dislike

[noncount] There has always been strong antipathy between the two groups.

feelings of antipathy

[count] The author's antipathies and prejudices are obvious.

often + to or toward

The author's antipathy to/toward other cultures is obvious.

an·ti·pa·thet·ic adj
antipathetic views/feelings
often + to

He is antipathetic to change.

an·ti·per·son·nel adj, always used before a noun

: made to kill and injure people rather than to destroy buildings, vehicles, etc.

antipersonnel land mines

an·ti·per·spi·rant noun, pl -rants [count, noncount]

: a substance that is used to prevent sweating compare DEODORANT

An·tip·o·des noun

the Antipodes
chiefly Brit : Australia and New Zealand

an·tip·o·de·an or Antipodean adj
antipodean destinations
her Antipodean friends [=friends from Australia or New Zealand]

antipodean or Antipodean noun, pl -ans [count]

1an·ti·quar·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person who collects, studies, or sells valuable old things called also antiquary

2antiquarian adj

: relating to the collection and study of valuable old things (such as old books)

antiquarian bookstores

an·ti·quary Brit noun, pl -quar·ies [count]

: antiquarian

an·ti·quat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: very old and no longer useful, popular, or accepted : very old-fashioned or obsolete
antiquated [=outmoded, outdated] medical procedures

He has some pretty antiquated opinions about politics.

1an·tique adj

: belonging to an earlier period, style, or fashion : old and often valuable
antique furniture
an antique clock/car

synonyms see 1OLD

2antique noun, pl -tiques [count]

: art, furniture, jewelry, etc., that was made at an earlier time and is often valuable

She collects antiques.

That car is an antique.

often used before another noun
an antique collector/dealer/shop

an·tiq·ui·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : ancient times

Greek/Roman antiquity

The town dates from antiquity.

late antiquity

A palace stood here in antiquity.

2 [noncount] : very great age
a castle of great antiquity [=a very old castle]

3 antiquities [plural] : objects from ancient times
a museum of Roman antiquities

an·ti-Sem·ite noun, pl -ites [count]

: someone who hates Jewish people

an·ti-Se·mit·ic adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing hatred of Jewish people
anti-Semitic literature

The group denied being anti-Semitic.

an·ti-Sem·i·tism noun [noncount]

: hatred of Jewish people

an·ti·sep·tic noun, pl -tics

: a substance that prevents infection in a wound by killing bacteria

[count] Clean the affected area with an antiseptic.

[noncount] He applied antiseptic to the wound.

antiseptic adj
antiseptic cream/lotion/soap

an·ti·so·cial adj [more ; most ]

1 : violent or harmful to people

Crime is antisocial.

antisocial tendencies/attitudes/behavior

2 : not friendly to other people

My neighbor is antisocial.

She's not being antisocial; she's just shy at parties.

an·ti·tank adj, always used before a noun

: used to destroy or stop tanks
antitank weapons

an·tith·e·sis noun, pl -e·ses [count]

formal

1 : the exact opposite of something or someone
poverty and its antithesis [=opposite], wealth
often + of

She is the antithesis of a politician. [=her character is the opposite of a politician's]

His lifestyle is the antithesis of healthy living.

2 : the state of two things that are directly opposite to each other
often + of or between

The poem reflects the antithesis of/between good and evil.

an·ti·thet·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

formal : directly opposite or opposed
the antithetical forces of good and evil
often + to

The court's ruling is antithetical to the very idea of democracy.

an·ti·trust adj, always used before a noun
law : protecting against unfair business practices that limit competition or control prices
antitrust laws
an antitrust violation [=a violation of an antitrust law]

an·ti·vi·rus adj

: used to protect a computer from viruses
antivirus software

ant·ler noun, pl -lers [count]

: the horn of a deer or similar animal

ant·lered adj
a deer with an antlered head

an·to·nym noun, pl -nyms [count]

: a word with a meaning that is opposite to the meaning of another word

“Hot” and “cold” are antonyms.

compare SYNONYM

ant·sy adj, ant·si·er, -est
chiefly US informal

1 : impatient and unable to keep still

The children were getting antsy [=fidgety, restless] on the trip in the car.

2 : nervous about what might happen

Investors are antsy [=anxious] as stock prices continue to decline.

anus noun, pl anus·es [count]

: the opening between a person's buttocks through which solid waste passes from the body

an·vil noun, pl -vils [count]

: a heavy iron block on which heated metal is shaped by hitting it with a hammer

anx·i·ety noun, pl -et·ies

1 : fear or nervousness about what might happen

[noncount] feelings of anger and anxiety

She suffers from chronic/acute anxiety.

He suffers from test anxiety. [=excessive fear about taking tests]

He's been feeling a lot of anxiety about/over his new job.

[count]

usually plural
modern anxieties about terrorism

She discussed her anxieties with her sister.

2 [singular] : a feeling of wanting to do something very much

She has always had an anxiety to succeed. [=she has always been anxious to succeed]

anx·ious adj [more ; most ]

1 a : afraid or nervous especially about what may happen : feeling anxiety

She feels anxious and depressed.

They are anxious [=worried, concerned] about their son's health.

People are anxious about the future.

They were anxious for their daughter. [=they were worried about what might happen to their daughter]

He was anxious that the weather would not improve in time for the party.

1 b : causing or showing fear or nervousness

We experienced a few anxious moments as we waited to hear the results of the test.

It was an anxious night as she waited for her children to come home.

an anxious moment

He was waiting at the door with an anxious expression/look on his face.

2 : wanting or eager to do or have something very much especially because of fear or nervousness

He was anxious for more news.

often followed by to + verb

She was anxious to succeed in school.

It was snowing hard and we were anxious to get home.

We were anxious to hear the results.

anx·ious·ly adv

Her parents waited anxiously for her to come home that night.

anx·ious·ness noun [noncount]

feelings of anxiousness [=(more commonly) anxiety]

1any adj, always used before a noun

1
used to indicate a person or thing that is not particular or specific

Ask any man you meet, and he will tell you the same thing.

Any one of them could have answered the question.

You can return the product if any defect appears within the first six months.

Any plan (at all) is better than no plan.

Any [=every] child knows that. [=all children know that]

He is as good as any other pitcher in the league.

We can meet any day but Monday.

You could have seen him any afternoon last week.

The recipe uses a large amount of pepper, and not just any pepper, but a special blend imported from India.

You have to be a member to go there. They won't let just any person in.

2 used to indicate an amount greater than zero or none;
usually used in negative statements, in questions, and in statements with if or whether

You haven't eaten any salad. [=no salad has been eaten]

I can't find any stamps.

Don't pay any attention to him.

There is hardly any difference between the two teams.

They dropped by without any warning.

We don't want there to be any misunderstandings.

The company has denied any [=all] responsibility for the accident.

There are few if any [=few or no] details about the accident.

Do you have any money?

He asked if/whether you had any money.

If there are any errors, report them to me. = Report any errors to me.

If you can give me any help, I'd appreciate it. = I'd appreciate any help you can give me.

usage

Some is used instead of any in positive statements.

I have some money.

It is sometimes used instead of any in questions and in statements with if or whether.

Do you have some money?

If I had some money, I would spend it on books.

any moment see MOMENT

any old see 1OLD

at any cost see 1COST

by any chance see 1CHANCE

go to any length/lengths see LENGTH

in any case see 1CASE

in any event see EVENT

2any pronoun

1 : any one of the people or things in a group

She asked if there were any present who needed assistance.

The movie's opening scene is as powerful as any I've ever watched.

often + of

Any of them could answer the question.

He is taller than any of the other boys.

2 : any amount

“I'd like some more coffee.” “I'm sorry, but there isn't any left.”

Is there any [=some] left?

I'll see if there's any [=some] left.

often + of

You have not eaten any of your salad.

3any adv

: to the least amount or degree

The food there is never any good.

He won't be any happier there than he was here.

I could not walk any farther.

Do you want any [=some] more pizza?

I can't eat any more pizza.

If you want any [=some] more pizza, it's in the fridge.

(US, informal) You certainly aren't helping me any. [=at all]

We can't ignore these problems any longer. [=anymore] [=we must stop ignoring these problems]

any·body pronoun

1 : any person : anyone

Did anybody call?

I don't know how anybody can believe that.

I thought I heard someone outside, but when I looked there wasn't anybody there. [=no one was there]

An accident like that could happen to anybody.

You have to be a member to go there. They won't let just anybody in.

Everybody who's anybody [=every important or well-known person] was there.

She arrived 10 minutes before anybody else. [=before any other person]

2
used when asking a question that could be answered by any of the people in a group

Does anybody know where my keys are? [=do any of you know where my keys are?]

Would anybody like more coffee?

any·how adv
informal

1 : anyway

It's OK if we don't go to the movie. I'm not that interested in seeing it anyhow.

What exactly did she mean by that anyhow?

2 chiefly Brit : in a way that is not organized or neat : in a careless way

The books were scattered anyhow [=every which way] around the office.

any·more adv

: in the recent or present period of time

I never see them anymore.

She used to live there, but she doesn't live there anymore. [=she doesn't live there any longer; she doesn't live there now]

usage

Anymore is usually used in negative statements and in questions.

Does she live there anymore?

In some parts of the U.S. it is also used informally in positive statements.

I've been seeing them a lot anymore. [=I've been seeing them a lot lately/recently]

It is sometimes written any more.

She doesn't live there any more.

any·one pronoun

1 : any person : anybody

Did anyone call?

If anyone calls, take a message.

I don't know how anyone can believe that.

An accident like that could happen to anyone.

I thought I heard someone outside, but there wasn't anyone there. [=no one was there]

You have to be a member to go there. They won't let just anyone in.

Everyone who's anyone [=every important or well-known person] was there.

She arrived 10 minutes before anyone else. [=before any other person]

2
used when asking a question that could be answered by any one of the people in a group

Does anyone know where my keys are? [=do any of you know where my keys are?]

Would anyone like more coffee?

compare SOMEONE

any·place adv

US : 1anywhere 1

I'll go anyplace you want.

I can't find my keys anyplace.

I'm happy here and I wouldn't want to live anyplace else.

any·thing pronoun

1 : a thing of any kind

We were allowed to do anything we wanted to.

If you're not sure what to say, just say anything that comes to mind.

She didn't say anything at all. [=she said nothing at all]

That dog will eat almost/nearly/practically/virtually anything.

We didn't talk about anything much.

The new stadium is spectacular. There's never been anything like it.

She never does anything but complain. [=all she does is complain]

I'll do anything I can to help.

They were ready for anything (that might happen).

You can't tell him anything about computers. He thinks he's an expert.

I can't think of her as anything but a good friend. [=I can only think of her as a good friend]

He'll do anything for a laugh.

I'd do/give anything to see her again.

He won't take anything from anyone. [=he won't allow anyone to mistreat him, to be rude to him, etc.]

She ate hardly anything. [=she ate almost nothing]

He said he was sorry, but that doesn't really mean anything.

I don't have anything against them. [=I don't have any reason for disliking them]

She thought it was funny but I didn't see anything funny about it. [=I didn't think it was funny at all]

They've been doing everything and anything to finish on time. = They've been doing anything and everything to finish on time.

The problems were caused by lack of time as much as anything.

She dresses conservatively at work, but on the weekends, anything goes. [=anything is acceptable; there are no rules that have to be followed]

2 : 1something
used in questions

Would you like anything else?

Is there anything wrong?

Is there anything (good/interesting) on TV tonight?

(informal) Do you want some pretzels or anything? [=or a similar thing]

anything but

: not at all

He looked anything but happy. [=he looked very unhappy]

Though he said he was happy, he looked anything but (happy).

This problem is anything but new.

anything like

1 : at all like
used in negative statements

He doesn't look anything like his brother.

2 or anything near : in any way : at all
used in negative statements

He doesn't look anything like his brother.

The movie wasn't anything like/near what I expected it to be. [=the movie was completely different from what I expected it to be]

We don't have anything like/near enough time. [=we don't have nearly enough time]

as anything
informal : as any person or thing
used to make a statement more forceful

He was (as) calm as anything. [=he was very calm]

It was as obvious as anything [=it was extremely obvious] that she didn't want to go.

for anything

: for any reason
used in negative statements

I like my life, and I wouldn't change it for anything.

if anything see 1IF

like anything
informal : very much : very forcefully

It was raining like anything. [=it was raining very hard]

She was hoping like anything that the weather would be good.

more than anything

: very much : very badly

I wanted to believe her more than anything [=I very much wanted to believe her], but I couldn't.

More than anything (in the world), I'd like to visit Paris again. [=the thing I most want to do is to visit Paris again]

any·time adv

: at any time

You can call me anytime. I'm always home.

We should arrive anytime between 5 and 6 p.m.

The bus should be here anytime now.

Things will not improve anytime soon. [=things will not improve in the near future]

Anytime is sometimes used informally to say that you are willing to do something again at any time.

“Thanks for your help.” “Anytime.”

any·way adv

1 : despite something that has been stated before

The road got worse, but they kept going anyway.

I didn't expect her to say “yes,” but I asked her anyway.

It makes no difference what we say. She's going to do what she wants anyway.

He's far from perfect, but she loves him anyway.

2
used to give added force to a question

How do they do it anyway?

What exactly does this mean anyway?

I can't believe he acted so rudely. Who does he think he is anyway?

3
used to add something to a previous statement

It's too expensive, and anyway [=and besides], we don't have enough time to do it.

4
used to correct or slightly change a previous statement

I've never known him to be sadnot this sad anyway.

The movie wasn't that bad. I liked it, anyway, even if no one else did.

For a brief time, anyway, they seemed to be happy.

The weather is expected to improve next week. Anyway, that's what I've heard.

5
used to indicate that something stated before is not important

Don't worry about being late. It doesn't matter anyway.

6
used to introduce a statement that begins a new subject or that goes on to the next important part of a story

So, anyway, what do you want to do next?

Anyway, I have to go now. I'm already late.

I must have fallen asleep at that point. Anyway, the next thing I knew, the phone was ringing.

any·ways adv

US informal : anyway

Who does that guy think he is anyways?

You're late. Anyways, at least you showed up.

1any·where adv

1 : in, at, or to any place

This type of plant can grow just about anywhere.

It's a small camera that you can take practically/virtually anywhere.

They gave her permission to go anywhere she wanted to.

This kind of thing could happen anywhere.

You can sit anywhere you like.

He seems to be at home anywhere in the world.

I can't find my keys anywhere.

I'd know/recognize her anywhere.

They produce some of the finest wines made anywhere.

He never walks anywhere. He always drives.

I'll take you anywhere you want to go.

I heard that she might be quitting, but she says she's not going anywhere. [=she says that she's staying]

This bird species is not found anywhere else in the world. [=the bird is not found at any other place in the world]

I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

These plants don't grow just anywhere. They need lots of sun.

often used figuratively

His career isn't going anywhere. [=his career is not making progress; his career is not becoming more successful; his career is going nowhere]

It seemed like a good idea, but it never went anywhere. [=it never produced any useful results]

We're working hard but we don't seem to be getting anywhere. [=we don't seem to be making progress]

Arguing will not get us anywhere. [=arguing will not help us solve the problem]

Our efforts to get more information didn't lead anywhere. [=our efforts were not successful]

2 : 1somewhere
used in questions

Did you go anywhere while on your vacation?

Have you been anywhere else in Europe?

3
used to give added emphasis to near and close

The police wouldn't let us get anywhere near the accident scene.

The dog barks if you come anywhere near him.

The company hasn't come anywhere near/close to meeting its goals.

We're not anywhere close to being done. [=we're very far from being done]

The movie was not anywhere near as good [=the movie was not nearly as good] as I expected it to be.

4
used to indicate a range of amounts, values, etc.

The house's value is estimated at anywhere from $200,000 to $220,000.

The plants can live anywhere between 50 and 100 years.

The procedure can take anywhere from/between two to four hours to complete.

2anywhere noun [noncount]

1 : any place
usually used after from

It's a short drive from anywhere in the region.

sometimes used figuratively

They live miles from anywhere. [=they live in a place that is very far from other people]

2 : 2somewhere
used in questions

Do you know anywhere I can buy cheap furniture?

Do you need anywhere to stay tonight?

AOB abbr

Brit any other business used at the end of a list of things to be discussed in a business meeting to indicate that new topics may be introduced

A-OK adj

US informal : entirely good or satisfactory : perfectly OK

Everything is A-OK.

A-OK adv

Everything is going A-OK.

A1 adj
informal + somewhat old-fashioned : very good or excellent

The car's in A1 condition.

aor·ta noun, pl -tas [count]

: the large artery that brings blood from the heart to the rest of the body

aor·tic adj
a tear in the aortic wall

apace adv

: at a fast speed or pace : quickly

Development on the project continued/proceeded apace.

growing apace

apace with

: going or advancing at the same rate as (something)

The company has been struggling to keep/stay apace with [=keep up with] the latest developments.

Apache noun, pl Apache or Apaches [count]

: a member of a Native American people of the southwestern U.S.

1apart adv

1 : separated by an amount of space

He stood with his feet planted far/wide apart.

with legs apart

They live five miles apart (from each other).

The garage stands apart from the house. [=the garage is separate from the house]

He stood apart while the other members of the team celebrated.

They started fighting and it took four people to pull them apart (from each other). [=to separate them]

often used figuratively

She tried to keep apart from [=to stay out of] family arguments.

She has a quality that sets her apart from other singers. [=that makes her different from other singers]

They were close friends once, but they have drifted/grown apart. [=they are no longer close friends]

They are far apart on most issues. = They are worlds/poles apart on most issues. [=they disagree very much on most issues]

The neighborhood she lives in now is a world apart from [=is completely different from] the small town where she grew up.

2 : separated by an amount of time

Their children were born two years apart.

3 : not together

My wife and I are unhappy when we're apart.

They separated and have been living apart for the past year.

4 : into parts or pieces

He took the clock apart.

The old couch is falling apart. = The old couch is coming apart at the seams.

blast/blow/break/fly apart
cut/pry/pull apart
rip/tear/split apart

5
used to say that something is not included in a statement that follows

A few minor flaws apart [=aside], the novel is excellent. [=except for a few minor flaws, the novel is excellent]

apart from

1 : not including (something) : with the exception of (something)

The potatoes were a little salty, but apart from [=except for] that, the food was very good.

2 : other than (something) : besides

Apart from his work, his only real interest is baseball.

The work has value in itself, quite apart from the good effects it produces.

I don't like it. Apart from anything else, it's too expensive.

3 : separately from (something)

This problem needs to be considered apart from the other issues.

2apart adj, not used before a noun

: separate or different from others
in a place apart
a man apart

Those athletes are a breed apart. [=they are not like other people; they are a special type of people]

apart·ness noun [noncount]

apart·heid noun [noncount]

: a former social system in South Africa in which black people and people from other racial groups did not have the same political and economic rights as white people and were forced to live separately from white people

apart·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

1 chiefly US : a usually rented room or set of rooms that is part of a building and is used as a place to live

We lived in an apartment for several years before buying a house.

compare CONDOMINIUM, 2FLAT

2 Brit : a large and impressive room or set of rooms
usually plural
the Royal apartments

apartment building noun, pl -ings [count]

US : a large building that has several or many apartments

We lived in an apartment building for several years before buying a house.

called also (US) apartment house (Brit) apartment block (Brit) block of flats

ap·a·thet·ic adj [more ; most ]

: not having or showing much emotion or interest

Young people are becoming increasingly apathetic.

a politically apathetic [=indifferent, uninterested] generation
the apathetic attitude of the public

As a teenager, he was apathetic about his future. [=he didn't care about his future]

Surprisingly, most Americans are apathetic toward/about this important issue.

ap·a·thet·ic·al·ly adv

ap·a·thy noun

: the feeling of not having much emotion or interest : an apathetic state

[noncount] People have shown surprising apathy toward/about these important social problems.

Many commentators are surprised by the apathy [=indifference] of the country's voters.

voter apathy
a culture of apathy [=a culture in which people do not care about things]

[singular] People have shown a surprising apathy toward/about these problems.

1ape noun, pl apes [count]

1 : a type of animal (such as a chimpanzee or gorilla) that is closely related to monkeys and humans and that is covered in hair and has no tail or a very short tail

2 informal : a large and stupid or rude person

Her boyfriend's some big ape she met at a party.

apelike adj [more ; most ]

2ape verb, apes, aped, ap·ing [+ obj]

often disapproving : to copy or imitate (something or someone)

After years of aping [=mimicking] the styles of famous artists, he has created his own unique way of painting.

She apes the speech and manners of the rich.

3ape adj

go ape
informal

1 : to become very excited

The kids go ape [=go crazy, go wild] whenever they hear that song.

2 : to become very angry

Mom really went ape [=went ballistic, blew her top] when I got home late.

aper·i·tif noun, pl -tifs [count]

: an alcoholic drink that people drink before eating a meal

They served us champagne as an aperitif.

ap·er·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

1 formal : a hole or small opening in something

We entered the cave through a narrow aperture.

2 technical : an opening that controls the amount of light that passes through a lens (such as a camera lens)

The photograph was taken using a fast shutter speed and a large aperture.

apex noun, pl apex·es [count]

: the top or highest point of something
usually singular
the mountain's apex [=peak, summit]

usually used figuratively

Tragically, she died at the apex [=acme, high point] of her career/fame.

The excitement was about to reach its apex.

aphid noun, pl aphids [count]

: a very small insect that harms plants

aph·o·rism noun, pl -risms [count]

: a short phrase that expresses a true or wise idea : adage

When decorating, remember the familiar aphorism, “less is more.”

aph·o·ris·tic adj [more ; most ]

her aphoristic wisdom

aph·o·ris·tic·al·ly adj

aph·ro·di·si·ac noun, pl -acs [count]

: something (such as a food, drink, or drug) that causes or increases sexual desire

aphrodisiac adj [more ; most ]

an aphrodisiac drug

apiece adv, always used after a noun

: for or to each person or thing : each

They're selling tickets at/for 10 dollars apiece. [=each ticket costs 10 dollars]

His shoes weigh four pounds apiece.

She gave the kids a dollar apiece. [=she gave a dollar to each kid]

aplenty adj, always used after a noun

: in a large number or amount

There are books aplenty on this subject. [=there are many books on this subject]

We found mistakes aplenty in their story.

Aplenty has an old-fashioned quality, but it is still commonly used today.

aplomb noun [noncount]

: confidence and skill shown especially in a difficult situation

He showed/demonstrated great aplomb in dealing with the reporters.

usually used in the phrase with aplomb

He's handled the reporters with great aplomb. [=in a confident and skillful way]

She speaks French and German with equal aplomb.

apoc·a·lypse noun [singular]

: a great disaster : a sudden and very bad event that causes much fear, loss, or destruction

His book tells of an environmental apocalypse.

fears of a nuclear apocalypse [=a disaster caused by nuclear weapons]

the apocalypse

: the end or destruction of the world especially as described in the Christian Bible

Some people believed the apocalypse would happen in the year 2000.

waiting for the apocalypse

apoc·a·lyp·tic adj [more ; most ]

1 : of, relating to, or involving terrible violence and destruction

No one listened to her apocalyptic predictions/warnings.

a less apocalyptic view of the future
an apocalyptic battle

2 : of or relating to the end of the world
the apocalyptic destruction of the world

apoc·a·lyp·tic·al·ly adv

apoc·ry·phal adj

: well-known but probably not true
an apocryphal story/tale about the president's childhood

apo·gee noun [singular]

1 formal : the highest point of something

The style reached its apogee [=(more commonly) apex, high point] in the mid-1960s.

2 technical : the point in outer space where an object traveling around the Earth (such as a satellite or the moon) is farthest away from the Earth compare PERIGEE

apo·lit·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

: not political : not interested or involved in politics

Although both of her parents are politicians, she's completely apolitical.

an apolitical scientific journal

apo·lit·i·cal·ly adv

apol·o·get·ic adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing regret : expressing an apology

We received an apologetic letter and a full refund from the company.

an apologetic smile

They were apologetic about the mistake.

She seemed almost apologetic about buying a new car.

apol·o·get·i·cal·ly adv

He smiled apologetically.

“I'm sorry I'm late,” she said apologetically.

apol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

: a person who defends or supports something (such as a religion, cause, or organization) that is being criticized or attacked by other people
the film industry's apologists [=people who write and speak in support of the film industry]

often + for
an apologist for the film industry

apol·o·gize also Brit apol·o·gise verb, -giz·es, -gized, -giz·ing [no obj]

: to express regret for doing or saying something wrong : to give or make an apology

He apologized to his wife and children for losing his temper.

I want to apologize (to you) for what I said. I didn't mean it, and I'm sorry if it hurt your feelings.

We apologize for the mistake and promise that it won't happen again.

She doesn't apologize for her lifestyle. [=she does not believe that her lifestyle is wrong]

apol·o·gy noun, pl -gies

1 a : a statement saying that you are sorry about something : an expression of regret for having done or said something wrong

[count] The company issued/delivered an official apology to its customers for its error.

Please accept our sincerest/humblest apologies for any problems we may have caused.

I demand an apology!

I owe you an apology. = You deserve an apology.

a written apology

He made a public apology for his controversial remarks.

He refused to accept my apology.

She makes no apologies for her lifestyle. [=she does not believe that her lifestyle is wrong]

He offered no apology for his bad behavior. [=he didn't say he was sorry for acting badly]

[noncount] We received a letter/note of apology from the company.

Without apology [=without excusing himself or saying he was sorry], he got up and left the room.

1 b apologies [plural] : an expression of regret for not being able to do something

Please give my apologies [=excuses] to your cousin. I'm sorry that I won't be able to come to the wedding.

I made my apologies and left.

2 [count] formal : something that is said or written to defend something that other people criticize

+ for

The book is an apology for capitalism.

3 [singular] informal : a poor example of something

+ for

He's a poor/sad apology for a father. [=he's a bad father]

ap·o·plec·tic adj

1 [more ; most ] informal : very angry and excited
an apoplectic basketball coach

She was positively apoplectic with anger/rage when she realized she had been cheated.

2 medical, old-fashioned : relating to or caused by apoplexy

The patient suffered an apoplectic fit. [=suffered a stroke]

ap·o·plexy noun [noncount]

1 medical, old-fashioned : the sudden loss of the ability to feel or move parts of the body caused by too little blood going to the brain : stroke

2 informal : great anger and excitement

Her speech caused apoplexy among the audience members.

apos·tate noun, pl -tates [count]

formal : someone whose beliefs have changed and who no longer belongs to a religious or political group

apos·ta·sy noun [noncount]

a pos·te·ri·o·ri adj
formal : relating to what can be known by observation rather than through an understanding of how certain things work
an a posteriori judgment/justification/explanation
compare A PRIORI

a posteriori adv

You can't justify what you did a posteriori.

apos·tle noun, pl apos·tles [count]

1 : any one of the 12 men chosen by Jesus Christ to spread the Christian religion

Christ's apostles

2 : someone who believes in or supports an idea, cause, etc.

often + of
apostles [=adherents, advocates] of peace and nonviolence
an apostle of democracy

ap·os·tol·ic adj

1 : of or relating to the original 12 apostles

2 : of or relating to the pope : papal
apostolic authority

apos·tro·phe noun, pl -phes [count]

1 : the punctuation mark used to show that letters or numbers are missing (as when “did” and “not” are combined into “didn't” or when the date 1776 is written as '76)

In the contraction “can't,” an apostrophe replaces two of the letters in the word “cannot.”

2 : the punctuation mark used to show the possessive form of a noun (as in “Lee's book” or “the tree's leaves”)

3 : the punctuation mark used to show the plural forms of letters or numbers (as in “dot your i's and cross your t's” or “in the 1960's”)

apoth·e·cary noun, pl -car·ies [count]

: a person who prepared and sold medicines in past times

apo·the·o·sis noun, pl -oses [count]

formal

1 : the perfect form or example of something
usually singular
a dish that is the apotheosis of French cuisine

2 : the highest or best part of something
usually singular

His music reaches/achieves its apotheosis [=peak, pinnacle] in this album.

app noun, pl apps [count]

chiefly US computers informal : application 4
a popular app
see also KILLER APP

ap·pall (US) or Brit ap·pal verb, -palls, -palled, -pall·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel fear, shock, or disgust

The thought of war appalls me.

It appalls me to think of the way those children have been treated.

often used as (be) appalled

We were appalled at how long it took for our food to be served. = We were appalled that it took so long.

She was appalled by/at their behavior.

ap·pall·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very bad in a way that causes fear, shock, or disgust

We drove by an appalling accident on the highway.

Your behavior has been appalling. [=atrocious, outrageous, terrible]

ap·pall·ing·ly adv
appallingly bad treatment
an appallingly [=dreadfully] bad movie

ap·pa·rat·chik noun, pl -chiks [count]

disapproving : a very loyal member of an organization (such as a company or political party) who always obeys orders
corporate/party/political apparatchiks

ap·pa·ra·tus noun, pl apparatus·es or apparatus

1 : a tool or piece of equipment used for specific activities

[count] She fell off a gymnastics apparatus and broke her leg.

an electrical apparatus

[noncount] an expensive piece of apparatus [=machinery]

2 [count] : the organization or system used for doing or operating something
usually singular

The country lacks a strong state/government apparatus. [=a strong government]

The party apparatus [=machinery] supported his ideas.

ap·par·el noun [noncount]

formal : clothing of a particular kind
fine apparel
used chiefly in U.S. English to refer to clothing that is being sold in stores
a new line of children's/ladies'/men's apparel

All athletic apparel [=all clothing for exercising or playing sports] is now on sale.

intimate apparel [=underwear and clothes for sleeping]

ap·par·ent adj

1 [more ; most ] : easy to see or understand

The other team's superiority was apparent [=evident] in the first half of the game.

The truth is apparent to me. [=I can clearly see the truth]

Her reasons for leaving were readily apparent. [=were obvious or easy to see]

When we left, they were in no apparent danger. [=they did not appear to be in any danger]

From the beginning, it was apparent that she was not an ordinary child.

It soon/quickly became apparent (to us) that something was wrong.

He started yelling and throwing things for no apparent reason.

2 always used before a noun : seeming to be true but possibly not true

We disagreed on the apparent meaning of the movie.

He died of an apparent heart attack. [=it appears that a heart attack caused his death]

What was the apparent cause of the accident?

ap·par·ent·ly adv

used to describe something that appears to be true based on what is known

The window had apparently been forced open.

We were surprised when their apparently [=seemingly, ostensibly] happy marriage ended after only two years.

Apparently, he died of a heart attack. = He died of a heart attack, apparently. = He apparently died of a heart attack. [=it appears that a heart attack caused his death]

“Did the bus leave without us?” “Apparently (so).” [=yes, that seems/appears to be the case]

“Is the bus still here?” “Apparently not.”

ap·pa·ri·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a ghost or spirit of a dead person

People say there are ghostly apparitions [=ghosts, phantoms] in this house.

a strange apparition

1ap·peal noun, pl -peals

1 [noncount] : a quality that causes people to like someone or something

I can't understand the appeal of skydiving. [=I can't understand why some people like it]

Music never held much appeal [=attraction] for him.

Her jokes are quickly losing their appeal.

The movie has great appeal to/for adults as well as children. [=adults and children like the movie]

the wide/broad/mass/universal appeal of the artist's work
see also SEX APPEAL

2 [count]

2 a : a serious request for help, support, etc.

They made a desperate appeal [=plea, entreaty] for help.

His appeals to his father for money were ignored.

The mayor made an appeal to the people of the city to stay calm.

2 b : an attempt to make someone do or accept something as right or proper by saying things that are directed at a person's feelings, attitudes, etc.

+ to

The author makes an appeal to the reader's emotions.

an appeal to reason
an appeal to the intellect

2 c : an organized effort to raise money

We made a donation during the school's annual appeal.

She helped to organize/launch an appeal on behalf of the homeless.

3 : a process in which a decision is studied and accepted or rejected by a higher court or by someone in authority

[count] My lawyer said the court's decision wasn't correct and that we should file for an appeal.

lodge an appeal

[noncount] Her conviction was thrown out on appeal. [=a higher court decided that she should not have been convicted]

The case is currently under appeal. [=the case is currently being reviewed by a higher court]

see also COURT OF APPEALS

2appeal verb, -peals, -pealed, -peal·ing

1 [no obj] : to be liked by someone : to be pleasing or attractive to someone

The movie appeals to adults as well as (to) children. [=adults and children like the movie]

music that appeals to a wide variety of people

The idea of going to college appealed to him greatly. [=the idea was very appealing to him]

2 [no obj]

2 a : to ask for something (such as help or support) in a serious way

The government appealed for calm.

desperate people who are appealing for help

The government appealed to the people to stay calm.

2 b : to try to make someone do or accept something as right or proper by saying things that are directed at a person's feelings, attitudes, etc.

+ to

We got them to join by appealing to their sense of duty and honor.

3 : to make a formal request for a higher court or for someone in authority to review and change a decision

[no obj] He appealed, arguing that there was not enough evidence to convict him.

She lost the case and appealed the following month.

(Brit) We plan to appeal against the court's decision.

[+ obj] (US) We plan to appeal the court's decision.

The ruling can be appealed within 30 days.

(baseball) The runner was called out at home plate but the manager appealed the umpire's decision.

ap·peal·ing adj [more ; most ]

: having qualities that people like : pleasing or attractive
a book with an appealing title
appealing colors

It is an idea that most people will find appealing. [=that most people will like]

often + to

The offer is especially appealing to young people who are buying their first car.

opposite UNAPPEALING

ap·peal·ing·ly adv

Her idea was appealingly simple.

appeals court (US) or chiefly Brit appeal court noun, pl courts [count]

law : court of appeals 1

ap·pear verb, -pears, -peared, -pear·ing

1 [linking verb] somewhat formal : to seem to be something : to make someone think that a person or thing has a particular characteristic : look, seem

She appears angry.

“Is she angry?” “So it appears.” = “So it would appear.” = “It appears so.”

“Is she pleased?” “It appears not.” = “It would appear not.”

She appears a nice enough person.

Although everything appeared normal to me [=although I thought everything was normal], something was wrong.

Winning the election appears unlikely at this point.

Things are not always as they appear. [=they are not always what you think they are]

It appears to us [=we think] that something should be done.

often followed by to + verb

She appeared to be angry.

She appears to be a nice enough person.

Everyone appeared to have a good time. = They all appeared to enjoy themselves.

2 [no obj] : to become visible : to begin to be seen

One by one, the stars appeared in the sky.

The sun began to appear from behind the clouds.

The airplanes seemed to appear out of nowhere.

Her grandfather often appears to her in her dreams. [=she often sees her grandfather in her dreams]

The storm disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared.

opposite DISAPPEAR

3 [no obj] : to arrive at a place : to show up

The cat appears at our kitchen door every morning.

One of the guests appeared a few minutes late.

He appeared a little before eight last night.

opposite DISAPPEAR

4 [no obj] : to begin to exist

The disease first appeared in the late 1970s.

This new technology first appears in Europe in the early 20th century.

opposite DISAPPEAR

5 [no obj] : to be seen or heard by the public: such as

5 a : to go where you can be seen to give a speech, answer questions, etc.

often + before

I was invited to appear before a meeting of teachers to talk about the school system.

appearing before a group of reporters

5 b : to work as an actor or performer in a movie, on the radio, etc.

The two actors appeared [=performed] together in the film.

He has appeared on many radio and television shows.

She appeared in her first Broadway musical last year.

Several guest musicians appeared on his latest album.

5 c : to be published or made available to the public

The story appeared on the front page of the newspaper.

often + in

We got a lot of phone calls after the story appeared in the newspaper.

Her papers have appeared in several different scientific journals.

The book appeared in print [=was published] again a few years ago.

The word first appeared in print in 1782.

6 [no obj] : to go in front of a person or group that has authority (such as a judge or council) especially in order to answer questions

I appeared in front of the committee during its last meeting.

She was instructed to appear in court the next morning.

She appeared before the judge.

He will be appearing as a witness at the trial.

ap·pear·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 somewhat formal : the way that someone or something looks

[count] The room has a neat/fresh/clean appearance. [=look]

The general appearance of the house is quite good.

The museum restored the painting to its original appearance.

lotions that improve your skin's appearance and texture

It minimizes the appearance of wrinkles. [=it makes wrinkles more difficult to see]

You shouldn't judge a man by his appearance.

Have you noticed any changes in her appearance?

He's very proud of his physical appearance. [=the way he looks]

[noncount] He is still very youthful in appearance. [=he still looks very young]

They are very similar in appearance. [=they look the same]

2 [count] : a way of looking that is not true or real

He appears to be happy, but appearances can be deceptive/deceiving.

Their expensive home created a false appearance of success and happiness.

The furniture has the appearance of being made by hand. [=the furniture was not made by hand but it looks/appears as if it was]

Despite appearances, her company is very successful. = Appearances to the contrary, her company is very successful. [=her company is very successful even though it does not appear to be]

She is only attending the banquet for the sake of appearances. [=because people think that she should attend]

He was, to/by all (outward) appearances, a happily married man. [=he seemed to be a happily married man, but he wasn't]

Their meetings tend to take on the appearance of [=to look like] family gatherings.

His white beard gave him the appearance of an old man. [=made him look like an old man]

The playground gives every appearance of being a safe place for children [=the playground appears to be a safe place for children], but a tragic accident occurred there recently.

3 [count] : the action of appearing : the fact that something or someone arrives or begins to be seen
usually singular

The appearance of buds on the trees tells us that spring has arrived.

We were surprised by the appearance of smoke in the distance.

I wasn't expecting him to come and was surprised by his sudden appearance. [=I was surprised when he suddenly appeared/arrived]

4 [count] : the time when something begins to exist or is seen for the first time
usually singular

The appearance [=creation] of the Internet has changed our culture in many ways.

The technology made its first appearance [=appeared for the first time] in the early 1980s.

Before the appearance of the telephone, people sent messages by telegraph.

5 [count] : an act of being seen or heard by the public as an actor, politician, athlete, etc.

He has announced that this will be his final/last appearance with the band. [=the last time that he will perform in public with the band]

This is her first appearance [=the first time that she has competed] at/in the national championships.

often used with make

She is making her first appearance at/in the national championships.

Tonight, he is making his first public appearance since winning the award.

He'll be making a special guest appearance [=performing as a guest] on the popular television show next fall.

6 [count] : the formal act of going in front of a person or group to speak, answer questions, etc.

One man has been convicted of the crime, and two others are awaiting court appearances. [=waiting to go to court]

often + before

He is awaiting his appearance before a judge.

She made an appearance before Congress last year.

keep up appearances

: to hide something bad by pretending that nothing is wrong

Although they were getting a divorce, my parents thought it was important to keep up appearances.

make an appearance or put in an appearance

: to go to an event, gathering, etc., usually for a short period of time

The candidate made an appearance at the rally.

The governor put in an appearance at the party.

ap·pease verb, -peas·es, -peased, -peas·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 often disapproving : to make (someone) pleased or less angry by giving or saying something desired

They appeased the dictator by accepting his demands in an effort to avoid war.

Efforts to appease [=pacify, placate] the angry protesters were unsuccessful.

His critics were not appeased by this last speech.

They made sacrifices to appease the gods.

2 : to make (a pain, a problem, etc.) less painful or troubling

We had no way to appease our hunger.

She appeased [=eased] her guilty conscience by telling him the truth.

ap·pease·ment noun [noncount]

the appeasement of a dictator
appeasement of hunger

ap·pel·lant noun, pl -lants [count]

law : someone who requests that a higher court review and change the decision of a lower court : someone who appeals a decision

ap·pel·late adj, always used before a noun
law : having the power to review and change the decisions of a lower court
an appellate court
appellate judges

ap·pel·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a name or title
an honorary appellation

ap·pend verb, -pends, -pend·ed, -pend·ing [+ obj]

formal : to add (something) to a piece of writing
usually + to

Please read the notes appended to each chapter.

ap·pend·age noun, pl -ag·es [count]

1 medical : a body part (such as an arm or a leg) connected to the main part of the body : limb

2 : something connected or joined to a larger or more important thing

The court system acts as an appendage to the government.

an appendage of a larger political party

ap·pen·dec·to·my noun, pl -mies [count]

medical : an operation to remove a person's appendix

The surgeon performed an appendectomy on her.

ap·pen·di·ci·tis noun [noncount]

medical : a condition in which a person's appendix is painful and swollen
an attack of appendicitis

ap·pen·dix noun [count]

1 pl -dix·es or -di·ces : a section of extra information added at the end of a book

In your textbooks, turn to Appendix 3: Glossary of Terms.

The book has several appendixes/appendices.

2 pl -dixes : a small tube at the beginning of the large intestine that can be removed by surgery if it becomes infected

ap·per·tain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing [no obj]

formal : to belong to or be connected or related to something : pertain
the rights and privileges that appertain to marriage

ap·pe·tite noun, pl -tites

1 : a physical desire for food

[count] He has a healthy/good/hearty appetite.

men with big/large/gargantuan appetites

Delicious smells from the kitchen whetted our appetites. [=made us hungry]

That movie made me lose my appetite. [=I no longer wanted to eat after seeing that movie]

[noncount] Some common symptoms are tiredness, nausea, and loss of appetite.

I had no appetite and couldn't sleep.

2 [count] : a desire or liking for something
a healthy sexual appetite
usually + for

He has a voracious appetite for books/reading.

She has an appetite for adventure. [=she likes adventure; she likes to do adventurous things]

ap·pe·tiz·er also Brit ap·pe·tis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal

ap·pe·tiz·ing also Brit ap·pe·tis·ing adj [more ; most ]

: having a good smell or appearance that makes people want to eat
an appetizing [=delicious, tasty] meal

While the stew may not look very appetizing, it tastes wonderful.

an appetizing aroma
sometimes used figuratively
an appetizing [=appealing] display of merchandise

ap·pe·tiz·ing·ly also Brit ap·pe·tis·ing·ly adv

ap·plaud verb, -plauds, -plaud·ed, -plaud·ing

1 : to strike the hands together over and over to show approval or praise

[no obj] The audience stood and applauded [=clapped] at the end of the show.

[+ obj] Everyone applauded the graduates as they entered the auditorium.

The audience stood and applauded her performance.

2 [+ obj] : to express approval of or support for (something or someone)

They applauded [=praised] the change in policy.

We applaud the decision to lower taxes.

I applaud their efforts to clean up the city, but they must do more.

Although he didn't succeed in the end, he should be applauded [=praised] for his efforts.

Rather than being criticized for her honesty, she should be applauded for it.

ap·plause noun [noncount]

: a show of approval or appreciation at a play, speech, sporting event, etc., in which people strike their hands together over and over

He accepted the award to thunderous applause. [=people applauded very loudly as he accepted the award]

The announcement was greeted with applause and cheers.

The audience burst into applause. [=began applauding/clapping loudly]

The audience gave the performers a big round of applause. [=hand]

ap·ple noun, pl ap·ples

: a round fruit with red, yellow, or green skin and firm white flesh

[count] crisp juicy apples
a bad/rotten apple [=an apple that has rotted and cannot be eaten]

[noncount] a piece of apple
often used before another noun
apple pie
apple juice
apple trees

In figurative use, a bad apple or rotten apple is a bad member of a group who causes problems for the rest of the group.

A few bad apples cheated on the test, and now everyone has to take the test again.

One rotten apple ruined the day for the rest of us.

see also ADAM'S APPLE, CRAB APPLE

compare apples to apples/oranges see 1COMPARE

the apple of someone's eye

: a person or thing that someone loves very much

His daughter is the apple of his eye.

upset the apple cart see 2UPSET

apple-cheeked adj

: having red or pink cheeks
apple-cheeked youngsters

apple pie noun, pl pies [count]

: a sweet pie made with apples

(as) American as apple pie

: very or typically American

Baseball is as American as apple pie.

in apple-pie order
informal : arranged neatly or perfectly : in perfect order

Everything in the cupboard was (arranged) in apple-pie order.

apple polisher noun, pl -ers [count]

US informal + disapproving : a person who tries to get the approval and friendship of someone in authority by praise, flattery, etc.

an executive surrounded by apple polishers

ap·ple·sauce noun [noncount]

: a sweet sauce made from cooked apples

ap·pli·ance noun, pl -anc·es [count]

: a machine (such as a stove, microwave, or dishwasher) that is powered by electricity and that is used in people's houses to perform a particular job

All household/domestic appliances are now on sale.

an appliance store

ap·pli·ca·ble adj [more ; most ]

: able to be applied or used in a particular situation

Businesses must comply with all applicable laws.

often + to

The rule is not applicable [=relevant] to this case.

This method is applicable to a variety of problems.

ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

ap·pli·cant noun, pl -cants [count]

: someone who formally asks for something (such as a job or admission to a college) : someone who applies for something
successful college/job applicants

We interviewed 30 qualified applicants for the job.

ap·pli·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a : a formal and usually written request for something (such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, etc.)

[count] We've made an application for certification. [=we have applied to be certified]

Our loan application has been approved/denied.

Anyone interested in running for office must file/submit an application by August 1st.

[noncount] If you'd like to be considered for the job, please send us a letter of application that gives your experience and qualifications.

1 b [count] : a document that is used to make a formal request for something

Please fill out this application.

2 : the act of applying something: such as

2 a : the act of putting something on a surface, a part of the body, etc.

[noncount] The application of heat often helps sore muscles.

I prefer using the lotion because of its ease of application. [=because it is easy to apply]

Repeated application of fertilizer will help the grass become green and healthy.

[count] Repeated applications of fertilizer will help the grass become green and healthy.

The cut should be treated with a generous/liberal application of ointment.

2 b : the use of an idea, method, law, etc., in a particular situation or for a particular purpose

[noncount] Strict application of the rules is necessary in this case.

the application of new information
learning about the creative application [=use] of new technology

[count] He teaches his students about the practical applications [=uses] of technology.

I think it is a fair application of the law.

applications of science to everyday life

2 c [noncount] : the use of a word, name, etc., to describe someone or something
the application of the term “baby boomer” to people who were born right after World War II

3 : the ability to be used for practical purposes

[noncount] The technique has wide/limited application. [=it can/cannot be used for a large number of practical purposes]

[count] The tool has a number of applications. = The tool has a wide range of applications.

4 [count] computers : a computer program that performs a particular task (such as word processing)

How many applications is your computer currently running?

applications software
called also (chiefly US, informal) app

5 [noncount] formal : effort made to work hard in order to complete something successfully

She succeeded because of application and intelligence.

ap·pli·ca·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a tool that is used to put something (such as paint or makeup) on a surface : a tool that is used to apply something
a paint applicator

ap·plied adj

: having or relating to practical use : not theoretical
a professor of applied science
applied linguistics/physics/psychology

ap·pli·qué Brit noun, pl -qués

: a decoration that is sewn onto a larger piece of cloth

[count] colorful appliqués

[noncount] a strip of appliqué

appliqué verb, -qués, -quéd, -qué·ing [+ obj]

They appliquéd their sweaters with colorful strips.

ap·ply verb, -plies, -plied, -ply·ing

1 [no obj] : to ask formally for something (such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, etc.) usually in writing

For further information, apply to the address below.

I applied in writing to several different companies.

You must have a high school diploma for this job. High school dropouts need not apply.

often + for

I applied for several jobs and was offered one.

Anyone can apply for membership.

We applied to the bank for a loan.

To apply for our credit card, just fill out this form and send it to us.

Many high school students have begun applying for college. [=asking to be accepted as students at colleges or universities by filling out and sending applications]

sometimes followed by to + verb

Anyone can apply to become a member.

2 [+ obj] : to put or spread (something) on a surface, a part of the body, etc.

After applying a thin layer of paint to the wall and letting it dry, apply another coat.

We applied the ointment to the cut.

I washed my face and applied fresh makeup.

Fertilizer was applied to the lawn every two weeks.

3 [+ obj] : to cause (force, pressure, etc.) to have an effect or to be felt

He was able to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the cut. [=by pressing on/against the cut]

He knows how to apply [=use, exert] pressure to get what he wants.

The police should have been able to deal with the situation without applying [=using] force.

4 [+ obj] : to use (an idea, method, law, etc.) in a particular situation

Try to solve the math problems by applying the formulas/methods that we learned in class.

They applied a new technique to solve an old problem.

We can handle these problems effectively if we apply the lessons learned from past experiences.

They apply what they learned in school to their everyday lives.

The law has not been applied fairly. [=has not been used in a fair way]

5 [+ obj] : to cause (the brakes of a vehicle) to work

Take your foot off the gas pedal and slowly apply the brakes.

6 [no obj] : to have an effect on someone or something

The rule no longer applies.

The same principle applies [=can be used] when you are trying to lose weight.

often + to

The ban applies [=relates, pertains] to all guns that are not used for hunting.

These rules apply to everyone in the school. [=everyone in the school must obey these rules]

This applies equally to men and (to) women.

The rule doesn't apply to you, so don't worry about it.

7 : to use a word, name, etc., to describe someone or something usually + to

[no obj] The term “baby boomer” usually applies to people who were born immediately after World War II.

[+ obj] The author applies the name/label to corrupt politicians.

often used as (be) applied

The term “baby boomer” is usually applied to people who were born immediately after World War II.

apply yourself

: to make yourself work hard in order to complete something successfully

If you apply yourself, you might be able to finish the project on time.

She applied herself to learning the language.

ap·point verb, -points, -point·ed, -point·ing [+ obj]

1 : to choose (someone) to have a particular job : to give (someone) a position or duty

The President appointed [=named, designated] him (as) Secretary of Education.

She was appointed professor of chemistry at the university.

After his parents died, the boy's uncle was appointed as his guardian.

Every year, the group appoints three new members.

a committee appointed by Congress
the company's newly appointed assistant director

The defendant will be represented by a court-appointed attorney. [=a lawyer chosen by a court to defend someone who has been accused of a crime]

often + to
appointing women to positions of power

She was appointed to the position last year.

often followed by to + verb

He has been appointed to serve as president of the club.

A young lawyer was appointed to represent the accused man.

see also SELF-APPOINTED

2 formal

2 a : to decide or establish (something) in an official way
usually used as appointed

She wasn't able to accomplish her appointed tasks. [=the things that she was supposed to do]

We will not deviate/stray from our appointed course.

doctors on their appointed rounds

2 b : to decide (the time or place at which something will happen or be done)

usually used as appointed

We were all ready at the appointed time/hour.

on the appointed day

Call me when you reach the appointed place/location.

3 : to decorate and put furniture in (a room or space)

usually used as (be) appointed

Each suite is appointed with handmade furniture and original artwork.

We stayed in one of the hotel's beautifully appointed rooms.

see also WELL-APPOINTED

ap·poin·tee noun, pl -tees [count]

presidential appointees [=people chosen by the President to fill a position]

He was a political appointee, not an elected official.

ap·point·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : an agreement to meet with someone at a particular time

[count] I'm late for an appointment.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.

dental/dentist's appointments

She made an appointment (to meet) with her professor.

We are calling to confirm your appointment with Dr. Jones. = We are calling to make sure that you will keep your appointment with Dr. Jones.

[noncount] The museum is open to visitors by appointment only. [=you have to make an appointment to visit the museum]

2 [noncount] : the act of giving a particular job or position to someone : the act of appointing someone

The court ordered the appointment of an attorney to represent the child.

the appointment of a committee
the appointment of the new secretary of state

Did he get his job by appointment or election?

3 [count] : a job or duty that is given to a person : a position to which someone is appointed

He now holds an appointment from the President.

academic appointments
her appointment as ambassador to Spain

ap·por·tion verb, -tions, -tioned, -tion·ing [+ obj]

formal : to divide (something) among or between people

The proceeds from the auction will be apportioned among the descendents.

Apportion the expenses between the parties involved.

: to give (a part of something) to a number of people

The agency apportions water from the lake to residents.

Any attempt to apportion blame [=to say who should be blamed] so many years after the incident is pointless.

ap·por·tion·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

The apportionment of the expenses will take some time.

[count]

an apportionment of blame

ap·po·site adj [more ; most ]

formal : very appropriate : suitable for the occasion or situation
an apposite quotation

The poem was an apposite [=(more commonly) apt] choice for the ceremony.

often + to

Each panel member made remarks apposite [=relevant, germane] to the discussion.

ap·po·site·ly adv

ap·po·si·tion noun [noncount]

grammar : an arrangement of words in which a noun or noun phrase is followed by another noun or noun phrase that refers to the same thing

In “my friend the doctor,” the word “doctor” is in apposition to “my friend.”

ap·prais·al noun, pl -als

1 : the act of judging the value, condition, or importance of something : the act of appraising something

[noncount] the appraisal of some jewelry

[count] real estate appraisals

I made a quick appraisal of the situation and decided to leave right away.

Your annual job/performance appraisal [=review, evaluation] will be in July. [=your boss will meet with you to tell you if you are doing a good or bad job in July]

2 [count] : something that states an opinion about the value, condition, or importance of something

The book is an excellent appraisal of the influences that have shaped our government.

ap·praise verb, -prais·es, -praised, -prais·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say how much something is worth after you have carefully examined it : to give an official opinion about the value of (something)

She appraised the painting at $1.2 million. [=she said that the painting is worth $1.2 million]

The ring must be appraised by a jeweler before it can be insured.

appraise the house and property

What is the property's appraised value?

2 : to give your opinion about the condition, quality, or importance of (something or someone that you have studied or examined)

In the book, he appraises Hollywood's recent films and contrasts them with several independent films.

appraising recent political trends

Do not confuse appraise with apprise.

ap·prais·er noun, pl -ers [count]

The appraiser gave us a detailed report on the value of the house and property.

ap·pre·cia·ble adj

: large enough to be noticed or measured

Researchers found that the chemical made no appreciable [=noticeable, perceptible] difference in the results.

Appreciable [=(more commonly) significant] numbers of these plants grow in this region.

ap·pre·cia·bly adv

Her appearance has not changed appreciably. [=significantly]

ap·pre·ci·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 [+ obj] : to understand the worth or importance of (something or someone) : to admire and value (something or someone)

The company strives to make its employees feel appreciated.

Living in the city has taught me to appreciate the differences between people.

Those who appreciate fine wine will enjoy reading the restaurant's wine list.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to be grateful for (something)

I really appreciated the information you gave me.

I don't appreciate being ignored. [=I do not like to be ignored]

Your help the other day was greatly appreciated.

2 b
used to make a polite request

I would appreciate it if you would tell your father to call me. [=please tell your father to call me]

3 [+ obj] : to be aware of (something) : to recognize or understand (something)

I'm not sure you appreciate [=understand] how crucial it is that we find these documents.

The tiny creature contributes to its ecosystem in ways we are only just beginning to appreciate.

I don't think you appreciate the complexity of the situation.

I appreciate what the artist is trying to do, but I think the painting fails to do it.

4 [no obj] : to increase in value

Given the history of the company, your investment should appreciate (in value) over time.

rapidly appreciating assets
opposite DEPRECIATE

ap·pre·cia·tive adj [more ; most ]

I'm very appreciative of your efforts on my behalf. [=I'm very grateful for your efforts]

She gave an appreciative nod. [=a nod that showed that she appreciated something]

ap·pre·cia·tive·ly adv

She listened to the story, nodding appreciatively.

synonyms

APPRECIATE, VALUE, PRIZE, TREASURE, and CHERISH mean to feel that something is important and worth treating with special care. APPRECIATE often suggests knowledge that makes it possible to enjoy or admire how excellent something is.

Over the years, I've come to appreciate fine wine.

VALUE suggests that a thing is worth a lot simply because of what it is.

I value our friendship so much.

PRIZE is used when you are very proud of something you have or own.

Despite the time and money it demands, he prizes that sailboat.

TREASURE suggests that you enjoy having or owning something and are careful about keeping it in good condition.

You'll treasure these pictures.

CHERISH describes a very strong love and desire to care for something or someone.

She cherishes her children above all.

ap·pre·ci·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : a feeling of being grateful for something

You've been so generous, and I'd like to show my appreciation by cooking a meal for you.

We'd like to present you with this gift in appreciation of your hard work. [=to show that we are grateful for your hard work]

2 [singular] : an ability to understand the worth, quality, or importance of something : an ability to appreciate something
a music appreciation class [=a class that teaches people to understand and value music]

usually + of or for

She has developed an appreciation of exotic foods.

There is an increasing appreciation for video as an art form.

3 : full awareness or understanding of something usually + of or for

[noncount] She's shown little appreciation for the effort you've made.

[singular] I'm not sure you have an appreciation of the complexity of the situation.

I've gained an appreciation for the skills involved in the game.

4 [count] : a speech or piece of writing that praises something or someone

She recently published an appreciation of an obscure sculptor who lived in the 17th century.

5 : an increase in the value of something

[singular] He bought the statue because he believed there would be an appreciation in its value.

Based on the history of the company, you can expect a significant appreciation in your investment over a number of years.

[noncount] There's been no appreciation in the stock's value.

opposite DEPRECIATION

ap·pre·hend verb, -hends, -hend·ed, -hend·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 of police : to arrest (someone) for a crime : to catch (a criminal or suspect)

Within hours, police had apprehended the thief.

2 somewhat old-fashioned : to notice and understand (something) : perceive
subtle differences that are difficult to apprehend

ap·pre·hen·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : fear that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen : a feeling of being worried about the future

[noncount] The thought of moving to a new city fills me with apprehension.

There is growing apprehension [=fear] that profits will be lower than expected.

[count] He has apprehensions [=misgivings] about the surgery.

2 formal : the act of apprehending someone or something: such as

2 a : the act of arresting someone for a crime

[noncount] the sheriff's apprehension of the criminal = the criminal's apprehension by the sheriff

[count] an increased number of apprehensions

2 b [noncount] somewhat old-fashioned : the act of noticing and understanding something
the apprehension [=perception] of danger

ap·pre·hen·sive adj [more ; most ]

: afraid that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen : feeling or showing fear or apprehension about the future

He was quite apprehensive [=fearful, uneasy] about the surgery.

She gave me an apprehensive [=anxious] look.

ap·pre·hen·sive·ly adv

She looked at me apprehensively.

ap·pre·hen·sive·ness noun [noncount]

1ap·pren·tice noun, pl -tic·es [count]

: a person who learns a job or skill by working for a fixed period of time for someone who is very good at that job or skill
a carpenter's apprentice = an apprentice to a carpenter
often used before another noun
an apprentice carpenter

2apprentice verb, -tices, -ticed, -tic·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (someone) an apprentice
usually used as (be) apprenticed

He was apprenticed to a carpenter [=he became a carpenter's apprentice] at the age of 15.

2 [no obj] : to work as an apprentice

He apprenticed with a master carpenter for two years.

ap·pren·tice·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

1 : a position as an apprentice

He obtained an apprenticeship with a carpenter.

2 : the period of time when a person is an apprentice

He served a two-year apprenticeship.

ap·prise verb, -pris·es, -prised, -pris·ing [+ obj]

formal : to give information to (someone) : inform
usually + of

Please apprise me of any changes in the situation. = Please keep me apprised of any changes in the situation. [=please let me know if there are any changes in the situation]

Do not confuse apprise with appraise.

1ap·proach verb, -proach·es, -proached, -proach·ing

1 a : to move or become near or nearer to something or someone

[+ obj] The cat approached the baby cautiously.

We are approaching [=nearing] our destination.

[no obj] The cat approached cautiously.

Ease off the gas pedal to slow down as the bend in the road approaches.

1 b : to move or become near or nearer in time to something

[+ obj] We are approaching the end of the fiscal year.

She is approaching retirement. [=she will soon be retiring from her job]

[no obj] Your birthday is approaching fast. = Your birthday is fast approaching. [=your birthday is soon]

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to get close to (an amount or level)

This weekend we're expecting temperatures approaching 100 degrees.

The success rates approach 90 percent.

2 b : to be almost the same as (something or someone)

We were never treated with anything even remotely approaching rudeness. [=no one was at all rude to us]

He has a wild laugh that sometimes approaches hysteria.

a reproduction that approaches the quality of the original painting

When it comes to cooking Italian food, no one can approach her. [=no one is as good at cooking Italian food as she is]

3 [+ obj] : to start talking to (someone) for some purpose (such as to ask a question or make a request)

The supervisor is quite easy to approach, so don't hesitate to bring up any problems you have.

We were advised to never be too aggressive when approaching a potential client.

often used as (be) approached

He was approached about the job but he didn't take it.

I was approached by a young boy asking me to make a donation.

4 [+ obj] : to begin to deal with or think about (something)

When writing, consider the way your reader will approach the text.

She approached the problem from a different angle.

I will approach the idea with an open mind.

2approach noun, pl -proaches

1 [count] : a way of dealing with something : a way of doing or thinking about something
a traditional approach
trying a more healthy approach
often + to

I really admire your direct approach to the problem.

Some doctors are trying a radical new approach to cancer treatment.

2 [singular] : the act of moving or becoming near or nearer to someone or something : the act of approaching

The cat made a cautious approach.

: an act or occurrence in which something comes nearer

The quiet afternoon was interrupted by the approach of a motorboat.

A loud growl warned us of the bear's approach.

With the approach of summer came longer, hotter days.

3 [count] : the act of speaking to someone for some purpose (such as to ask a question or make a request)

often plural

A group of businessmen has made approaches to the owners of the club with an offer to buy it.

4 [count] : a road or path that leads to a place

This road is the only approach to the cabin (that is) not blocked by snow.

5 [singular] : something that is similar to another thing

These potted herbs are the nearest approach to a garden I can manage.

6 [count] : the final part of a flight just before landing

The pilot lowered the landing gear as the plane began its approach.

The plane was on final approach.

ap·proach·able adj

1 [more ; most ] : easy to talk to or deal with

The supervisor is quite approachable, so don't hesitate to bring up any problems you have.

The topic is complex but the book itself is very approachable.

opposite UNAPPROACHABLE

2 not used before a noun : able to be reached or approached

The cabin is approachable from several directions.

ap·proach·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

He's known for his approachability.

ap·pro·ba·tion noun [noncount]

formal : praise or approval

The company has even received the approbation of its former critics.

1ap·pro·pri·ate adj [more ; most ]

: right or suited for some purpose or situation

It's a formal occasion and appropriate attire/dress/clothing is expected. [=you are expected to wear formal clothing]

Red wine would have been a more appropriate choice with the meal.

We'll need to find an appropriate [=suitable] place to store the fuel.

Do you think the movie is appropriate for small children (to see)? = Do you think it's appropriate for small children to see the movie?

The movie is perfectly/entirely appropriate to/for people of all ages.

opposite INAPPROPRIATE

ap·pro·pri·ate·ly adv

The dinner is formal, so please dress appropriately.

She met her husband, appropriately enough, at a wedding.

ap·pro·pri·ate·ness noun [noncount]

He questioned the appropriateness of the movie for young children.

2ap·pro·pri·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

1 : to get or save (money) for a specific use or purpose

The town has appropriated funds to repair the bridge and work should begin this summer.

2 : to take or use (something) especially in a way that is illegal, unfair, etc.

The economy has been weakened by corrupt officials who have appropriated the country's resources for their own use.

Elements of the design were appropriated from other architects.

The term “bad” has been appropriated by teenagers as a synonym for “good.”

compare MISAPPROPRIATE

ap·pro·pri·a·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 [noncount] : the act of appropriating something: such as

1 a : the act of getting or saving money for a specific use or purpose
the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge

1 b : the act of taking or using something especially in a way that is illegal, unfair, etc.

The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.

2 [count] : an amount of money that is used or provided by a government for a specific purpose

The library's appropriation (from the state) has decreased over the years.

ap·prov·al noun, pl -als

1 [noncount] : the belief that something or someone is good or acceptable : a good opinion of someone or something
children who never gained/won their parents' approval

He nodded in full approval of their decision. [=he nodded to show that he agreed with their decision]

I hope that these arrangements meet with your approval. [=I hope that these arrangements are acceptable to you; I hope that you approve of these arrangements]

The governor's approval rating with the voters is going up. [=a larger number of voters say that the governor is doing a good job]

opposite DISAPPROVAL

2 : permission to do something : acceptance of an idea, action, plan, etc.

[noncount] Do I have your approval to make the changes?

The change is subject to the committee's approval. [=the change must be approved by the committee]

The rally will be on May 19, provided the city gives its approval.

The company is seeking approval of the drug [=is seeking official permission to sell the drug] as a treatment for cancer.

The government has so far withheld approval of the drug.

[count] We were required to get approvals at each stage of the project.

see also seal of approval at 2SEAL

on approval

If you buy something on approval, you can return it after using it for a period of time if you decide that you do not want it.

We bought the new furniture on approval.

ap·prove verb, -proves, -proved, -prov·ing

1 [no obj] : to believe that something or someone is good or acceptable

I don't care if all the other parents are letting their kids do it; I still don't approve.

often + of

I still don't approve of it.

I don't approve of the way he treats his wife. = I don't approve of him treating his wife the way he does.

opposite DISAPPROVE

2 [+ obj] : to officially accept (an idea, action, plan, etc.)

The state has approved the building plans, so work on the new school can begin immediately.

Your supervisor must approve the report before it can be sent.

often used as (be) approved

The drug is expected to be approved as a treatment for cancer by the end of the year.

Your application has been approved.

approved school noun, pl schools [count]

Brit : a special school in past times for children who committed crimes

approving adj [more ; most ]

: showing that you believe that something or someone is good or acceptable : showing approval
an approving nod/smile

ap·prov·ing·ly adv

She spoke approvingly of their efforts.

He nodded approvingly.

approx. abbr
approximate; approximately

1ap·prox·i·mate adj

: almost correct or exact

This is the approximate location of the ancient city.

her approximate age

: close in value or amount but not precise

Can you give me the approximate cost of the repair?

ap·prox·i·mate·ly adv

The repair should cost approximately [=about, around, roughly] $200.

2ap·prox·i·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing

1 a : to be very similar to but not exactly like (something)

[+ obj] I've finally found a vegetarian burger that approximates the taste of real beef.

The colors in the pictures can only approximate the real thing.

[no obj] (chiefly Brit)

+ to

The colors in the pictures can only approximate to the real thing.

1 b [+ obj] : to do or make a thing that is very similar to but not exactly like (something)

an Australian who can approximate a strong New York City accent

2 [+ obj] : to calculate the almost exact value or position of (something)

Students learned to approximate [=estimate] the distance between the Earth and the planets.

ap·prox·i·ma·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : an amount, figure, etc., that is almost correct and is not intended to be exact : an approximate amount, figure, etc.

These numbers are only approximations [=estimates] but they give us some idea of what we can afford.

This isn't an exact figure but I think it's a good/rough approximation of what the land is worth.

2 : something that is similar to something else

The color of the paint isn't the exact same color as the vase, but it's a close approximation.

usually + of or to

The astronauts train in a room that provides an approximation of conditions in space.

There's little more than a vague approximation to the truth in their story.

appt. abbr
appoint; appointed; appointment

ap·pur·te·nance noun, pl -nanc·es [count]

formal : an object that is used with or for something
usually plural
an office equipped with all the appurtenances [=accessories] of the modern business world

Apr. abbr

April

APR noun [singular]

business : the rate at which interest on a loan is calculated over the period of a year

APR is an abbreviation of “annual percentage rate.”

après-ski noun [noncount]

: social activities after a day of skiing
often used before another noun
an après-ski party

apri·cot noun, pl -cots [count]

: a small orange-colored fruit that is related to the peach and plum

April noun, pl Aprils

: the fourth month of the year

[noncount] in (early/middle/mid-/late) April
early/late in April

We arrived on April the fourth. = (US) We arrived on April fourth. = We arrived on the fourth of April.

[count] We have had snowstorms the last few Aprils.

The children have a week off from school every April.

abbr. Apr.

April Fools' Day or April Fool's Day noun [singular]

: April 1 celebrated as a day on which people play tricks on each other called also All Fools' Day

A trick that is played on April Fools' Day is often called an April Fools' trick or April Fools' joke. A person who is tricked on April Fools' Day is sometimes called an April fool.

a pri·o·ri adj
formal : relating to what can be known through an understanding of how certain things work rather than by observation

There's no a priori reason to think your expenses will remain the same in a new city.

compare A POSTERIORI

a priori adv

apron noun, pl aprons [count]

1 : a piece of clothing that is worn on the front of the body over clothes to keep them from getting dirty
a cook's apron

2 : the part of a stage that is in front of the curtain called also apron stage

3 : the paved part of an airport where airplanes load or unload or are turned around

apron string noun, pl strings [count]

: either one of a pair of strings that are attached to an apron and are used to keep it close to your body
usually used figuratively

At 38 years old, he's still tied to his mother's apron strings. [=he is still controlled by his mother]

The company has relied on government support, but the government is now threatening to cut the apron strings. [=to stop providing support]

1ap·ro·pos adj [more ; most ]

: suitable or appropriate

The ceremony concluded with the reading of an apropos poem.

The comment, though unexpected, was apropos.

2apropos prep

: with regard to (something) : apropos of

Apropos [=concerning] the proposed changes, I think more information is needed.

apropos of prep

: with regard to (something)

Apropos of [=concerning] the proposed changes, I think more information is needed.

Her comment about the weather was apropos of nothing. [=did not relate to any previous topic]

apse noun, pl aps·es [count]

: a part of a church that is shaped like a half circle and that is usually at the east end of the building

apt adj, apt·er, apt·est [or more ; most ]

1 : likely to do something : having a tendency to do something
followed by to + verb

Don't wake him; he's apt to become angry.

Adolescents are more apt to take risks than adults are.

2 : appropriate or suitable
an apt remark

“Stripe” is an apt name for the cat, since she has striped fur.

3 : quick to learn
a very apt student/pupil

apt·ly adv

The cat is aptly named “Stripe.”

apt·ness noun [noncount]

the aptness of the remarks

apt. abbr

1 apartment

2 aptitude

ap·ti·tude Brit noun, pl -tudes

: a natural ability to do something or to learn something

[count] The new test is supposed to measure the aptitudes of the students.

Anyone who can speak five languages obviously has a great natural aptitude for (learning) languages.

[noncount] She's shown great natural aptitude for (learning) languages.

a test of aptitude = an aptitude test [=a test that is designed to show how easily someone will be able to learn certain skills]

aqua noun, pl aquas [count, noncount]

: a light greenish-blue color

aqua adj

aqua·ma·rine noun, pl -rines

1 [count] : a pale greenish-blue stone that is used in jewelry

2 [count, noncount] : a pale greenish-blue color that is more blue than aqua

aquamarine adj

aquar·i·um noun, pl -i·ums or -ia [count]

1 : a glass or plastic container in which fish and other water animals and plants can live

2 : a building people can visit to see water animals and plants

Aquar·i·us noun, pl -us·es

1 [noncount] : the 11th sign of the zodiac that comes between Capricorn and Pisces and is symbolized by a person carrying a jug of water

2 [count] : a person born under the sign Aquarius : a person born between January 20th and February 18th

She was born on February third, so she's an Aquarius.

aquat·ic adj

1 : living or found in or near water
aquatic animals/plants
aquatic environments

2 : of or relating to the animals and plants that live in or near water
aquatic biology
an aquatic biologist

3 : done in or on water
aquatic sports

aq·ue·duct noun, pl -ducts [count]

: a structure that looks like a bridge and that is used to carry water over a valley; also : a pipe or channel that is used to bring water to an area

aque·ous adj
technical : containing water or similar to water
an aqueous solution/fluid

aqui·fer noun, pl -fers [count]

technical : a layer of rock or sand that can absorb and hold water
an underground aquifer

aq·ui·line adj [more ; most ]

1 : curving like an eagle's beak
an aquiline nose

2 : like an eagle
an actor with aquiline features [=an actor whose face has an angular shape like an eagle's face]

aquiv·er adj, not used before a noun

: shaking or trembling because of strong emotion : quivering

He was all aquiver with excitement/rage.

AR abbr

Arkansas

-ar adj suffix

: of or relating to
molecular
circular

Ar·ab noun, pl -abs [count]

1 : a member of the people who are originally from the Arabian Peninsula and who now live mostly in the Middle East and northern Africa

2 Brit : arabian horse

Arab adj
the Arab states

Arab history
an Arab scholar of the Arabic language

ar·a·besque noun, pl -besques

1 [count] : a complicated decorative design made with many lines that curve and cross each other

2 : a ballet position in which the dancer stands on one foot and holds one arm forward while the other arm and leg are held out behind

[count] The students practiced their arabesques.

[noncount] She held her arms in arabesque.

arabesque adj
an arabesque pattern

Ara·bi·an adj

: from or in Arabia

Arabian cities/scenery
the Arabian Desert

: connected with the Arab people

Arabian history/culture/music

Arabian horse noun, pl horses [count]

: a type of horse originally from Arabia

Ar·a·bic noun [noncount]

: the language of the Arab people
fluent in Arabic

Arabic adj
an Arab scholar of the Arabic language

Arabic literature/writing
the Arabic alphabet

Arabic numeral noun, pl -rals [count]

: any one of the number symbols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0 compare ROMAN NUMERAL

ar·a·ble adj

1 [more ; most ] : suitable for farming : able to produce crops

The family is selling several acres of arable land.

2 Brit : of or relating to growing crops
arable farming
arable farmers

arach·nid noun, pl -nids [count]

technical : a kind of animal that has eight legs and a body formed of two parts

Spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks are arachnids.

ar·bi·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a person who is considered to be an authority on what is right, good, or proper
often + of
an arbiter of fashion/manners/grammar

He is regarded as an arbiter of taste in the world of jazz.

2 : a person who has the power to settle an argument between people

The mayor will act as the final arbiter in any disputes between board members.

ar·bi·trage noun [noncount]

business : the practice of buying something (such as foreign money, gold, etc.) in one place and selling it almost immediately in another place where it is worth more

ar·bi·tra·geur also US ar·bi·trag·er noun, pl -geurs also US -gers [count]

ar·bi·trary Brit adj

1 [more ; most ] : not planned or chosen for a particular reason

An arbitrary number has been assigned to each district.

: not based on reason or evidence

I don't know why I chose that one; it was a completely arbitrary decision.

2 : done without concern for what is fair or right

Although arbitrary arrests are illegal, they continue to occur in many parts of the country.

ar·bi·trari·ly Brit adv

The number was arbitrarily chosen.

ar·bi·trari·ness Brit noun [noncount]

ar·bi·trate verb, -trates, -trat·ed, -trat·ing

: to settle an argument between two people or groups after hearing the opinions and ideas of both

[no obj] The council will arbitrate among the interest groups.

arbitrate between managers and staff

[+ obj] She will arbitrate the dispute.

ar·bi·tra·tion noun [noncount]

: a process of settling an argument or disagreement in which the people or groups on both sides present their opinions and ideas to a third person or group

Both parties have agreed to (go to) arbitration.

a dispute settled by arbitration

ar·bi·tra·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who is chosen to settle a disagreement between people or groups

Both sides agreed to accept a decision by an impartial arbitrator.

ar·bor (US) or Brit ar·bour noun, pl -bors [count]

: a wooden shelter in a garden that is shaped like an arch and that plants grow over

ar·bo·re·al adj

1 formal + literary : of or relating to trees
the forest's arboreal beauty

2 technical : living in or often found in trees
an arboreal monkey

ar·bo·re·tum noun, pl -re·tums or -re·ta [count]

: a place where trees and plants are grown in order to be studied or seen by the public

1arc noun, pl arcs [count]

1 : a line or shape that is curved like part of a circle

He bent the twig into an arc.

The ball floated in a high arc.

2 technical : a brightly glowing electric current that flows across an open space between two points (such as two electrodes)

an electric arc

2arc verb, arcs, arced , arc·ing [no obj]

1 : to move or lie in a curving path : to follow an arc-shaped course

The arrow arced through the air.

A light arced across the sky.

The island chain arcs from north to south.

2 technical : to form an electric arc

ar·cade noun, pl -cades [count]

1 : a row of arches that are supported by columns

2 : an arched or covered passageway with many shops; also chiefly Brit : a building that includes many shops
a shopping arcade

3 : a place with many games that can be played by putting coins in them
often used before another noun
an arcade game

; called also (Brit) amusement arcade (US) penny arcade

ar·ca·dia or Ar·ca·dia noun [noncount]

: a very pleasant and quiet place or scene

ar·cane adj [more ; most ]

: secret or mysterious : known or understood by only a few people
an arcane scientific puzzle
an arcane ritual
a theory filled with arcane details

1arch noun, pl arch·es [count]

1 : a usually curved part of a structure that is over an opening and that supports a wall or other weight above the opening

2 : the raised area on the bottom of the foot that is formed by a curved section of bones

3 : something that has a curved shape

There was a slight arch to her eyebrows.

an arch in the cat's back

2arch verb, arches, arched, arch·ing

: to bend into the shape of an arch : curve

[+ obj] She arched her arm/back/neck.

The cat arched its back.

She arched her eyebrows in surprise.

[no obj] A tree arches over the road.

She arched backward to begin the exercise.

arched adj
the cat's arched back
her arched eyebrows
arched ceilings/doorway/gateway/roof/windows

3arch adj

: having or showing an amused feeling of being superior to or knowing more than other people
an arch look
a politician known for his arch humor

The novel is never mocking or arch in its tone.

arch·ly adv
an archly playful reply
an essay with an archly comic title

arch·ness noun [noncount]

arch- prefix

1 : main or chief
archenemy
archbishop
archrival

2 : extreme
archconservative

ar·chae·ol·o·gy or chiefly US ar·che·ol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: a science that deals with past human life and activities by studying the bones, tools, etc., of ancient people

ar·chae·o·log·i·cal or chiefly US ar·che·o·log·i·cal adj
an archaeological site/dig

ar·chae·o·log·i·cal·ly or chiefly US ar·che·o·log·i·cal·ly adv

ar·chae·ol·o·gist or chiefly US ar·che·ol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

ar·cha·ic adj

1 : old and no longer used
the archaic word “methinks”

archaic spellings of words
archaic customs

synonyms see 1OLD

2 [more ; most ] : old and no longer useful : outdated

The company needs to update its archaic computer systems.

3 : of or relating to ancient times
archaic art

ar·cha·ism noun, pl -isms [count]

: an old word or expression that is no longer used : an archaic word or expression
the archaisms “methinks” and “saith”

arch·an·gel noun, pl -gels [count]

: an angel of the highest rank

arch·bish·op noun, pl -ops [count]

: the bishop of highest rank in a particular area

arch·bish·op·ric noun, pl -rics [count]

: the rank of an archbishop or the area over which an archbishop has authority

arch·con·ser·va·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

: a person who is extremely conservative in politics

archconservative adj

arch·dea·con noun, pl -cons [count]

: a church official who assists a bishop

arch·di·o·cese noun, pl -ces·es [count]

: the area an archbishop is in charge of : the diocese of an archbishop

arch·duch·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

1 : a princess of the royal family of Austria

2 : the wife or widow of an archduke

arch·duke Brit noun, pl -dukes [count]

: a prince of the royal family of Austria

arch·en·e·my noun, pl -mies [count]

: someone's main enemy

The two politicians were archenemies.

The country went to war with its archenemy.

archeology chiefly US spelling of ARCHAEOLOGY

ar·cher noun, pl -chers [count]

: a person who shoots with a bow and arrow

ar·chery noun [noncount]

: the sport or skill of shooting with a bow and arrow
often used before another noun
an archery competition/contest
archery equipment

ar·che·type noun, pl -types [count]

: a perfect example of something

He is the archetype of a successful businessman.

an archetype of the modern family

ar·che·typ·al adj [more ; most ]

an archetypal businessman
an archetypal American town

ar·chi·pel·a·go noun, pl -goes or -gos [count]

: a group of islands

ar·chi·tect noun, pl -tects [count]

1 : a person who designs buildings
a famous architect

2 : a person who designs and guides a plan, project, etc.

usually + of

He is the main/chief/principal architect of the country's foreign policy.

an architect of the peace proposal

She earned praise as the architect of a new school program.

ar·chi·tec·ture noun, pl -tures

1 [noncount] : the art or science of designing and creating buildings

In college, he studied architecture.

2 [noncount] : a method or style of building

The architecture of the building is modern.

3 [count] technical : the way in which the parts of a computer are organized
different program architectures

ar·chi·tec·tur·al adj
architectural blueprints/designs/drawings/plans
an architectural detail/element/feature/style

ar·chi·tec·tur·al·ly adv
architecturally wonderful buildings

1ar·chive noun, pl -chives [count]

: a place in which public records or historical materials (such as documents) are kept
an archive of historical manuscripts

The original movie was stored in a film archive.

also : the material that is stored in an archive

He has been reading through the archives to research his article on the town's history.

ar·chi·val adj
archival resources/material

2archive verb, -chives, -chived, -chiv·ing [+ obj]

: to collect and store materials (such as recordings, documents, or computer files) so that they can be found and used when they are needed

The organization was devoted to cataloging and archiving printed materials on the labor movement.

She archived her e-mail messages in a folder on her hard drive.

a collection of archived articles

ar·chi·vist noun, pl -vists [count]

: a person who has the job of collecting and storing the materials in an archive

arch·ri·val noun, pl -vals [count]

: someone's chief rival or opponent

In baseball, the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees are archrivals.

arch·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: a passage that goes under an arch; also : an arch over a passage

arc·tic adj

1 or Arctic always used before a noun : of or relating to the North Pole or the region around it
off the arctic coast

The group is involved in Arctic exploration.

Arctic waters
compare ANTARCTIC

2 : very cold
arctic temperatures

Arctic Circle noun

the Arctic Circle

: an imaginary line that goes around the Earth near the North Pole

ar·dent adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing very strong feelings

She is an ardent [=fervent] believer in her religion. [=she believes very strongly in her religion]

an ardent [=passionate] admirer
ardent fans
ardent [=amorous] lovers

ar·dent·ly adv

ar·dor (US) or chiefly Brit ar·dour noun, pl -dors

1 : a strong feeling of energy or eagerness

[noncount] He preached with the ardor [=fervor] of a true believer.

[count] the sudden ardors of youth

2 [noncount] : a strong feeling of love
young love, with all its ardor [=passion] and intensity

ar·du·ous adj [more ; most ]

: very difficult

He went through a long and arduous training program.

arduous efforts
years of arduous study
an arduous chore/duty/job/task
an arduous journey across miles of desert

ar·du·ous·ly adv
working arduously

ar·du·ous·ness noun [noncount]

are see BE

ar·ea noun, pl ar·eas

1 [count]

1 a : a part or section within a larger place : region

Settlers came to this area from the east.

The group visited the area during a hunting trip.

in the area surrounding the lake

The storm caused damage in many areas along the coast.

a bird found only in remote areas of the U.S.

in many areas of the world

He is the metropolitan area's most popular politician.

urban and rural areas

He lived in an unfashionable area of the city.

a residential area

One of our representatives will be in your area [=neighborhood] next week.

1 b : a section of space within a building, room, etc.

She set aside a work area in the kitchen.

The dining area has extra windows.

We were asked to wait in the reception area.

The park had several picnic areas.

2 [count] : a part of the surface of something (such as a person's body or a piece of cloth)

Choose a small area of the fabric to test first.

The patient was having pain in the shoulder/abdominal area. = The patient was having pain in the area of the shoulder/abdomen.

3 [count] : a field of activity or study

The discovery has opened up new areas of/for research.

The budget continues to be a major area of concern.

a problem area
the whole area of foreign policy

She wants the government to provide more help in the area of health care.

Your question falls outside my area of expertise.

There are still some areas of disagreement between the two sides.

see also GRAY AREA

4 : the amount of space inside a shape, surface, region, room, etc.

[count] The students learned how to calculate the area of a triangle.

a circle with an area of 500 square meters

The park has an area of 2 square miles.

[noncount] a circle that is 500 square meters in area

(chiefly US) The nightclub provided enough area [=room, space] for a dance floor.

in the area of

: close to (an amount)

The project will cost (somewhere) in the area of $50,000.

area code noun, pl codes [count]

: a number that represents each telephone service area in a country (such as the U.S. or Canada) called also (Brit) dialling code

are·na noun, pl -nas [count]

1 : a building for sports and other forms of entertainment that has a large central area surrounded by seats
a basketball/hockey arena

2 : an area of activity, interest, or competition

Congress became an arena of opposing views.

the toughest political arena in the world

The economic arena has been dominated by that country.

arena football noun [noncount]

US : a game that is like American football but that is played indoors on a shorter field

aren't

1
used as a contraction of are not

We aren't ready to leave.

2
used in questions as a contraction of am not

Aren't I included too? = I'm included too, aren't I? [=am I not also included?]

ar·gon noun [noncount]

: a chemical element that is a colorless gas and that is used in various products (such as lasers and some electric light bulbs)

ar·got noun, pl -gots

: the language used by a particular type or group of people

[noncount] people communicating in criminal argot [=the language used by criminals]

[count] groups communicating in their own secret argots

ar·gu·able adj

1 : not certain or clearly true : open to argument, dispute, or question

That word's pronunciation is arguable.

the arguable [=questionable] benefits of trying to follow every fad diet

That is an arguable point of view.

2 : possibly true
used to say that there are good reasons for believing that a statement is true

It is arguable that he's the best writer of his generation.

ar·gu·ably adv

: it can be argued
used to say that a statement is very possibly true even if it is not certainly true

He is arguably the best writer of his generation. [=he may well be the best writer of his generation]

It is arguably the busiest airport in the world.

ar·gue verb, -gues, -gued, -gu·ing

1 a : to give reasons for or against something : to say or write things in order to change someone's opinion about what is true, what should be done, etc.

[no obj] She argued against the proposed law.

The senator argued in favor of lowering taxes.

They argued (convincingly/persuasively) against cutting the budget.

He's always willing to argue for what is right.

argue for better funding

[+ obj] She argued that the proposed law should be defeated.

He argued that it's far too early to make a decision.

1 b [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to decide to do or not do something by giving reasons

They tried to argue their parents into getting a new car. [=to persuade their parents to get a new car]

No one can argue me out of doing this.

2 [no obj] : to disagree or fight by using angry words : quarrel

Their neighbors argued (with each other) all the time.

They started arguing about/over politics/religion.

She would argue with anyone.

3 [no obj] : to express doubt or disagreement about something

+ with

You can't argue with her success. [=you can't deny that she is successful]

4 a [no obj] : to show that something is or is not necessary, appropriate, etc.

usually + for or against

The result argues for a new approach. [=the result shows that we need a new approach]

4 b [+ obj] formal : to give evidence of (something)

The facts argue [=indicate, show] his innocence.

argue the toss see 2TOSS

ar·gu·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ar·gu·ment noun, pl -ments

1 a [count] : a statement or series of statements for or against something

They made a compelling/convincing/persuasive/strong argument for our participation.

The committee presented strong arguments against building a new school.

a lawyer's closing argument at the trial

His argument did not convince his opponents.

1 b [noncount] : a discussion in which people express different opinions about something

Let us accept, for the sake of argument, that she is right.

Don't you want to hear both sides of the argument?

2 : an angry disagreement : quarrel

[count] They were always getting into arguments about/over politics.

There were many arguments about/over the new design.

They settled an argument that started in class.

I don't want to hear any arguments about whether you'll go.

[noncount] I don't want to hear any argument about whether you'll go.

You'll get no argument from me. [=I won't disagree]

On that issue, there's no argument. [=disagreement]

3 [singular] : something which shows that something is or is not necessary, appropriate, etc.

usually + for or against

The result is an argument for a new approach. [=the result shows that we need to try a new approach]

ar·gu·men·ta·tion noun [noncount]

formal : the act or process of giving reasons for or against something : the act or process of making and presenting arguments

He tried to use argumentation to convince his opponents, rather than force.

ar·gu·men·ta·tive adj [more ; most ]

: tending to argue : having or showing a tendency to disagree or argue with other people in an angry way : quarrelsome
an argumentative person

He became more argumentative during the debate.

an argumentative essay

ar·gu·men·ta·tive·ly adv

ar·gu·men·ta·tive·ness noun [noncount]

ar·gy-bar·gy noun

Brit informal : an argument or disagreement : squabble

[singular] The tenants got into a bit of an argy-bargy with each other.

[noncount] There's been a certain amount of argy-bargy between the tenants.

aria noun, pl ari·as [count]

: a song in an opera sung by one person

ar·id adj [more ; most ]

1 : very dry : having very little rain or water
an arid desert
arid lands/regions

2 : lacking in interest and life
a dull and arid textbook

arid·i·ty noun [noncount]

the aridity of the land

Ar·i·es noun, pl Aries

1 [noncount] : the first sign of the zodiac : the sign of the zodiac that comes between Pisces and Taurus and has a ram as its symbol

2 [count] : a person born under the sign of Aries : a person born between March 21 and April 19

My friend is an Aries and I'm a Taurus.

aright adv
old-fashioned + literary : so as to be correct

His name was Jones, if I remember aright. [=rightly, correctly]

He tried to set/put things aright. [=right, to rights]

arise verb, aris·es, arose , aris·en , aris·ing [no obj]

1 a : to begin to occur or to exist

These problems arise when people try to avoid responsibility.

Questions have arisen concerning/about the company's financial records.

The sport arose in the 19th century.

The opportunity arose for a new position to be created.

A conflict arose because of a misunderstanding.

Jobs will be created as/when the need arises. [=jobs will be created when they are needed]

Should the need arise, he can defend himself. [=he can defend himself if it is necessary to do so]

1 b : to begin at a source

Tumors arose in different areas of the skin.

usually + from
arteries that arise from the aorta
small roots arising from the stems

The disease probably arose from a virus.

The river arises from two main sources.

2 a : to get up from sleep or after lying down

He arose [=(more commonly) rose] refreshed after a good night's sleep.

2 b : to stand up

He arose [=(more commonly) rose] from his chair.

3 : to move upward

Mist arose [=(more commonly) rose] from the valley.

ar·is·toc·ra·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

: the highest social class in some countries : the people who have special titles (such as duke and duchess), who typically own land, and who traditionally have more money and power than the other people in a society
a member of the aristocracy

aris·to·crat noun, pl -crats [count]

: a member of an aristocracy
an aristocrat by birth

aris·to·crat·ic adj [more ; most ]

aristocratic titles like duke and duchess

aris·to·crat·i·cal·ly adv

arith·me·tic noun [noncount]

1 : a branch of mathematics that deals with numbers and their addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

2 : the act or process of calculating a number
a software program that will do the arithmetic for you

ar·ith·met·ic or ar·ith·met·i·cal adj

ar·ith·met·i·cal·ly adv

Ark noun [singular]

in the Bible : the ship in which Noah and his family were saved from a great flood that God sent down on the world in ancient times

Noah's Ark

1arm noun, pl arms [count]

1 : either one of the two long body parts that join the top of your body at the shoulder and that end at the hand or wrist

He has big, strong, muscular arms.

She broke her left arm. = Her left arm was/got broken.

He hurt his throwing/pitching arm [=the arm that he uses to throw/pitch a ball] in the last game.

She put/threw her arms around him. [=she hugged him]

She had a newspaper tucked under her arm.

He was carrying a bag of groceries in each arm.

He gave/offered his arm to her, and she took it. [=she held onto his arm]

She grabbed my arm. = She grabbed me by the arm.

He was standing there with his arms crossed/folded.

She stood with her arms outstretched. = She stood with her arms wide open.

She sat cradling the baby in her arms.

I've known her since she was a babe in arms. [=a baby who is too young to walk and has to be held]

He took her in/into his arms [=he embraced her] and kissed her passionately.

She found him in the arms of [=being embraced by] another woman.

He showed up at the party with a young woman on his arm. [=holding his arm]

He took her (by the) arm and they walked in to dinner.

2 : the part of a piece of clothing (such as a shirt or coat) that covers the arm : sleeve

The jacket's arms are too tight. = The jacket is too tight in the arms.

3 : a part of a piece of furniture (such as a chair or couch) that gives support for a person's arm
the arm of the sofa
see also 1ARMCHAIR

4 a : a long thin piece that is connected to the main part of a machine, structure, etc., and that looks or moves like a human arm
the robot's mechanical arm
the machine's robotic arm
the arm of the record player

4 b : a long and narrow area of water
an arm of the sea

5 : the part of a group or organization that performs a specific job or function
usually singular
the organization's political arm [=the part of the organization that deals with politics]

It is the most powerful arm [=division] of the organization.

the military arm of the government

6 US, sports : a person's ability to throw a ball
usually singular

Their pitcher's got a great arm.

a strong/weak arm

an arm and a leg
informal : a very large amount of money

It's a reliable car, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. [=it isn't too expensive]

arm in arm

: next to each other with the arm of one person linked at the elbow to the arm of another person
an elderly couple walking down the street arm in arm

a shot in the arm see 1SHOT

as long as someone's arm see 1LONG

at arm's length

: from a distance that is the length of a person's arm

It's best to view the painting at arm's length.

holding a candle at arm's length

To keep someone or something at arm's length is to avoid being very close to or friendly with someone or something.

Since going to college, he has kept his old friends at arm's length.

They no longer trust her and are keeping her at arm's length.

The government has kept the group at arm's length until now.

chance your arm see 2CHANCE

give your right arm see 1GIVE

the long arm of the law

: the ability of the police to find and catch people who commit crimes

The long arm of the law finally caught up with him [=the police caught him] 30 years later.

So far, she's been able to escape the long arm of the law.

twist someone's arm see 1TWIST

with open arms

: in a very kind and friendly way

We were welcomed back with open arms.

compare 2ARM

2arm noun, pl arms

1 [count] : a gun or other weapon that is used especially in a war
usually plural

The government was selling arms to other countries.

the right of individuals to carry/bear arms [=firearms]

often used before another noun
an arms agreement/deal
arms shipments

The United Nations lifted the arms embargo against the country.

see also ARMS RACE, FIREARM, SMALL ARMS

2 arms [plural] : coat of arms
the royal arms of Portugal

call to arms

A call to arms is a request or command to become ready to fight.

The government issued a call to arms.

The phrase is also used for something that tries to make people fight for a cause.

Her book is a political call to arms.

in arms

If someone is your brother/sister/comrade in arms, that person has helped you fight an enemy especially in a war.

He and I were brothers in arms. [=we fought in a war together]

lay down your arms

: to put down your weapons and stop fighting

The soldiers refused to lay down their arms.

present arms
military used as a command to hold your rifle so that it points straight up in front of you as a sign of respect

take up arms

: to pick up weapons and become ready to fight

They took up arms to defend their city.

The rebels are taking up arms against their own government.

under arms

: serving in the military
the number of Americans now under arms around the world

up in arms

: angry and ready to fight or argue

Voters were up in arms over the new taxes.

compare 1ARM

3arm verb, arms, armed, arm·ing

1 : to provide (yourself, a group, a country, etc.) with weapons especially in order to fight a war or battle

[+ obj] They armed the men for battle.

The group of fighters was armed by a foreign government.

The two countries have been arming themselves for years, but now they have agreed to disarm.

often + with

The government has armed its military with the best weapons.

She armed herself with a kitchen knife.

[no obj] arming for battle
countries that are continuing to arm [=to produce and gather weapons]

opposite DISARM, see also 1ARMED, UNARMED

2 [+ obj] : to provide (someone) with a way of fighting, competing, or succeeding

We armed ourselves with the tools we would need to survive in the forest.

They arm people with accurate information.

arming women with the right to vote

3 [+ obj] : to make (a bomb, weapon, etc.) ready for use

Once the bomb has been armed, we have five minutes to escape.

opposite DISARM

ar·ma·da noun, pl -das [count]

: a large group of ships, boats, etc.

an armada of fishing boats

ar·ma·dil·lo noun, pl -los [count]

: a small American animal that lives underground and whose head and body are protected by a hard shell

Ar·ma·ged·don noun

: a final destructive battle or conflict

[singular] trying to avoid/avert the threat of a nuclear Armageddon [=a nuclear war that would destroy the world]

[noncount] the threat of nuclear Armageddon

ar·ma·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the process of preparing for war by producing and obtaining weapons

The country's armament will take years.

opposite DISARMAMENT

2 armaments [plural] : military weapons that are used to fight a war
a small nation that is determined to have adequate armaments

ar·ma·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

technical

1 : the part of an electric motor or generator that produces an electric current when it turns in a magnetic field

2 : a frame used by a sculptor to support a figure that is being modeled

arm·band noun, pl -bands

1 [count] : a band worn around the arm; especially : one that is worn around the upper part of a sleeve to show who you are or to show that you are in mourning

2 armbands [plural] Brit : water wings

1arm·chair noun, pl -chairs [count]

: a chair with supports for your arms

2armchair adj, always used before a noun

1
used to describe people who like to read about or watch the dangerous or exciting activities of other people
an armchair adventurer
armchair tourists/travelers

2
used to describe people who like to give opinions about matters they do not have to deal with themselves and do not have responsibility for
armchair strategists who second-guess generals

1armed adj

1 : involving the use of weapons

They planned an armed attack/assault on the country's capital.

the threat of armed conflict
armed uprisings

He's serving eight years for armed robbery. [=robbery while carrying a gun or other weapon]

opposite UNARMED, see also ARMED FORCES

2 : carrying weapons

The building is surrounded by armed guards/soldiers.

an armed robber

He wasn't armed at the time. [=he wasn't carrying a gun]

The police said that the thieves should be considered armed and dangerous.

a group of heavily armed men [=men who are carrying many dangerous weapons]

The police were armed to the teeth. [=the police had many weapons]

often + with

The car was armed with explosives.

airplanes armed with bombs

The robber was armed with a knife.

opposite UNARMED

3 : having something that provides security or strength
usually + with

We went into the forest armed with food, extra clothes, and lots of bug spray.

journalists armed with cameras and notebooks
students armed with the knowledge they would need to succeed in the world

compare 2ARMED

2armed adj

: having arms of a specific kind or number
used in combination
a one-armed man
a long-armed boxer

compare 1ARMED

armed forces noun [plural]

: the military organizations (such as the army, navy, and air force) of a country

He has had a long career in the armed forces.

Will the new defense policy weaken the armed forces?

The armed forces oppose the policy. [=military leaders oppose it]

called also armed services

arm·ful noun, pl arm·fuls also arms·ful [count]

: an amount that can be carried in a person's arm or arms
usually + of

She returned from the library with an armful of books.

stacking armfuls of wood to bring in for the fireplace

arm·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

: an opening for the arm in a piece of clothing

ar·mi·stice noun, pl -stic·es [count]

: an agreement to stop fighting a war : truce

Armistice Day noun, pl Days [count, noncount]

US old-fashioned : veterans day used before the official adoption of Veterans Day in 1954

arm·load noun, pl -loads [count]

: armful
an armload of clean clothes

ar·moire noun, pl -moires [count]

: a tall piece of furniture that usually has two doors and that is used to store things (such as clothes)

ar·mor (US) or Brit ar·mour noun [noncount]

1 : special clothing that people wear to protect their bodies from weapons

The officers are required to wear bulletproof body armor.

Armor commonly refers to the heavy metal suits that men wore long ago when they fought in battles.

medieval suits of armor

see also knight in shining armor at 1KNIGHT

A chink/crack in someone's or something's armor is a weakness that might cause someone or something to fail or to be defeated.

They watched carefully for any cracks in the other team's armor.

The plan looks good, but we've found/discovered some chinks in its armor.

The scandal revealed/exposed a chink in his seemingly perfect armor.

2 a : a hard covering that protects something (such as a vehicle or an animal)

The shots penetrated/pierced the tank's armor.

an armor-plated vehicle [=a vehicle that is protected by armor; a vehicle that is covered in flat pieces of metal]

The armadillo's armor consists of a series of small, bony plates.

often used before another noun

The ship's hull is reinforced with armor plate/plating.

2 b : soldiers and vehicles (such as tanks) that are protected with armor
a weapon designed for use against enemy armor

ar·mored (US) or Brit ar·moured adj

1 : covered in flat pieces of metal : protected by armor
armored cars/trucks
a ship with an armored hull

2 a : having soldiers and vehicles that are protected with armor

Additional armored divisions were deployed to the eastern front.

2 b : using soldiers and vehicles that are protected with armor
an armored assault/attack

ar·mor·er (US) or Brit ar·mour·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or business that makes and repairs armor or weapons

The sword was made by a master armorer.

ar·mory (US) or Brit ar·moury noun, pl -ies [count]

1 : a supply of weapons
the nation's nuclear armory [=arsenal]

sometimes used figuratively

The professional artist has an armory [=(more commonly) arsenal, battery, array] of tools at her disposal.

2 : a place where weapons are kept
the site of a 19th-century armory
especially US : a place where weapons are kept and where soldiers are trained
a National Guard armory

3 : a place where weapons are made

arm·pit noun, pl -pits [count]

1 : the hollow area on a person's body beneath the place where the arm and the shoulder meet called also underarm

2 US, informal : the worst area in a place
a city described as the armpit of America

arm·rest noun, pl -rests [count]

: the part of a seat in a car, an airplane, etc., that supports your arm

arms race noun, pl races [count]

: a situation in which countries that are enemies each try to build or collect weapons faster than the other can
a nuclear arms race

arm-twist·ing noun [noncount]

informal : the act of using pressure to make people do things that they do not want to do

There was a lot of political arm-twisting before the Senate vote.

see also twist someone's arm at 1TWIST

arm wrestling noun [noncount]

: a contest in which two people sit facing each other and join usually their right hands together and then try to force each other's arm down

arm wrestler noun, pl wrestlers [count]

ar·my noun, pl -mies [count]

1 a : a large group of soldiers organized to fight battles on land
the armies of Alexander the Great
raise an army

1 b : the part of a country's military forces that includes soldiers who are trained to fight on land

He left home and joined the army after he graduated from high school.

usually capitalized when a specific army is being referred to
the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines

She's in the British Army.

often used before another noun
army officers/units/barracks

2 : a large number of people or things that are involved in some activity together

The company employs an army of lawyers to handle its legal affairs.

They sent in a whole army of trained technicians.

an army of ants

The organization was founded by a dedicated army of volunteers.

see also SALVATION ARMY

aro·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell
the aroma of fresh-baked bread

The wine has a fruity aroma.

aro·ma·ther·a·py noun [noncount]

: the use of natural oils that have a pleasant smell to make a person feel better especially by rubbing the oils into the skin

aro·ma·ther·a·pist noun, pl -pists [count]

ar·o·mat·ic adj [more ; most ]

: having a noticeable and pleasant smell : fragrant
aromatic herbs/oils
a highly aromatic stew

arose past tense of ARISE

1around adv

1 a : in a circle

The wheel went/turned around (and around).

We kept going around [=(chiefly Brit) round] in circles without getting anywhere.

1 b : in, along, or through a curving path

The road goes around [=(chiefly Brit) round] by the lake.

Don't take the long way around: I know a shortcut.

1 c chiefly US
used to indicate a measurement that is made along the outer surface of something circular

“How big around is the tree?” “It's five feet around.” [=(chiefly Brit) round] [=the circumference of the tree is five feet]

2
used to indicate that a number, amount, time, etc., is not exact or certain

The price of dinner was around [=(chiefly US) about] $50.

It lasted around [=(chiefly US) about] a century.

The repair should cost around [=approximately, roughly] $200.

We should leave in around 10 minutes.

We got home at around 8 o'clock. = (US) We got home around about 8 o'clock. [=it was approximately 8 o'clock when we got home]

3 a : in close from all sides so as to surround someone or something

People crowded around [=(chiefly Brit) round] to hear her.

3 b : in many different directions

They wandered around [=(chiefly Brit) about] for several hours.

He entered the room and looked around.

3 c : in or to many different places

People were standing around [=(chiefly Brit) about], talking quietly in small groups.

His tools were scattered around [=(chiefly Brit) about] carelessly.

She travels around [=(chiefly Brit) about] on business quite a lot.

This is a very interesting town: let me show you around.

3 d : in or near a particular area or place

We went to the store, but there was no one around. [=there was no one there; (chiefly Brit) there was no one about]

Let's wait/stay/stick around awhile.

I'm not sure where it is, but it must be around somewhere.

It's safer when there are other people around.

I'd like to speak to him if he's around.

So long, then! (I'll) See you around! [=I'll see you later]

3 e : to a particular place

Why don't you come around (to my house) for dinner?

4 : in the opposite direction

She turned (completely) around. [=(less commonly) about, (chiefly Brit) round]

5
used with some verbs to indicate repeated or continued action or behavior that does not have a clear or definite purpose

He's always joking around when he should be serious.

Don't play/fool around with your food like that!

I was just standing around, waiting for the train to arrive.

6
used to describe something that returns in a regular or repeated way

Winter has come around [=(chiefly Brit) round] again.

7
used to describe how two things are arranged or ordered

You put the fork on the left and the knife on the right. They should be the other way around. [=(chiefly Brit) round] [=the fork should be on the right and the knife on the left]

You've got them the wrong way around. [=(chiefly Brit) round]

come around see 1COME

2around prep

1 a : on all sides of (something or someone)

a house with trees (all) around [=(chiefly Brit) round] it

The people were seated around the table.

A crowd gathered around him.

1 b : so as to circle or surround (something or someone)

He tied the rope around his waist.

They wrapped the blanket around [=about] her.

: moving so as to circle (something or someone)

The Earth revolves/goes/moves around [=(chiefly Brit) round] the Sun.

We went all around the lake enjoying the different views.

They sailed around the world.

1 c : over or in different parts of (a place)

He traveled (all) around [=(chiefly Brit) round] the country.

He's a well-known figure around the town.

We drove all around the town looking for him.

This is a very interesting town: let me show you around it.

We took a tour around New England.

You can find lots of good restaurants around here.

I help her out sometimes around the house.

1 d : on or to another side of (something)

We were surprised by what we saw when we walked around the corner.

There's another door around the back of the house.

2 a : in the area near to (something or someone)

Fish are abundant around [=about, near] the reefs.

I'm not sure where it is, but it must be somewhere around here. = It must be around here somewhere.

I feel happier when I'm around her.

It happened in Naplesor (somewhere) around there.

I can tell from/by your accent that you're not from around here.

It's safer when there are other people around you.

2 b : near or not far from (something) in time

The company was founded (at) around [=about] the turn of the century.

a night around [=about] midsummer

3 : so as to avoid or get past (something)

She went around the puddle to avoid getting dirty.

We found a way around their objections.

4
used to indicate the central part or idea used for building or organizing something
a society built/organized around kinship ties

3around adj, not used before a noun

: existing or active

She is among the most creative of the artists around [=active, working] today.

been around

Something that has been around for a long time has existed or been available for a long time.

I'm surprised you haven't read that book yet. It's been around [=been out] for ages!

A person who has been around has had a lot of different experiences and knows a lot about the world.

You're a man of the world: I can tell you've been around.

up and around see 2UP

around-the-clock adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US : happening or continuing all day and all night

The prisoner requires around-the-clock [=round-the-clock, constant] surveillance.

around-the-clock care

arouse verb, arouses, aroused, arous·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (an emotional or mental state)

He tried to sneak past without arousing suspicion. [=without causing people to become suspicious]

Their comments aroused our anger/curiosity. [=their comments made us angry/curious]

The report aroused a great deal of public interest/debate.

She aroused [=inspired] great loyalty in her friends and extreme hatred in her enemies.

2 : to excite (someone) sexually

The husky sound of her voice could always arouse him.

3 a : to wake (someone) from sleep

She was sleeping so soundly that we had difficulty arousing her. [=(more commonly) waking her up]

I was aroused [=roused, awakened] from a deep sleep by a loud noise outside my window.

3 b : to cause (someone) to become active, ready, or upset

Their proposal is certain to arouse the opposition.

They get aroused [=(more commonly) worked up] over the slightest offense.

arous·al noun [noncount]

sexual arousal

arousing adj [more ; most ]

He found the idea very arousing. [=sexually exciting]

ar·peg·gio noun, pl -gios [count]

music : a chord in which the notes are played separately instead of at the same time

The guitarist warmed up with a few simple arpeggios.

arr. abbr

1 arranged by

String Quartet No. 11 by Beethoven (arr. Mahler)

2 arrive, arrival
flight 206 arr. New York 12:30 p.m.

ar·raign verb, -raigns, -raigned, -raign·ing [+ obj]

law : to state the charges against someone who is accused of a crime in a formal procedure before a judge
usually used as (be) arraigned

He was arraigned on charges of manslaughter.

ar·raign·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

Her arraignment is scheduled for two weeks from today.

[noncount]

The defendant failed to appear for arraignment.

ar·range verb, -rang·es, -ranged, -rang·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to move and organize (things) into a particular order or position

She arranged her pictures on her desk.

He arranged some fresh fruit neatly on a plate.

arranging flowers in a vase

The books were arranged according to their subject. = The books were arranged by subject.

We arranged and rearranged the order several times.

1 b : to give a particular order or position to the parts of (something)

They arranged [=organized] the room around a fireplace.

She arranged her hair on top of her head.

2 : to organize the details of something before it happens : to plan (something)

[+ obj] Don't worry: I'll arrange [=take care of, deal with] everything.

All of the details have been arranged [=taken care of, dealt with] in advance.

Please arrange a meeting with your partners.

arrange a funeral

I think we can arrange a deal.

Let's arrange our schedules so that we can meet for lunch.

They arranged their daughter's marriage when she was a child. [=they chose who she would marry]

You'll need to arrange transportation from the airport.

[no obj]

often + for

You'll need to arrange for transportation from the airport.

She arranged for a car to pick us up at our house.

Can you arrange for us to meet your friend?

often followed by to + verb

I can arrange to have the day off from work.

They arranged to meet each other at the restaurant.

3 [+ obj] music : to change (a song, a musical, etc.) so that it can be performed by particular voices or instruments

He arranged her last two albums.

arranged marriage noun, pl -riages [count]

: a marriage in which the husband and wife are chosen for each other by their parents

ar·range·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : the way that things or people are organized for a particular purpose or activity : the way that things or people are arranged

[noncount] They changed the arrangement of furniture in the room.

the dictionary's alphabetical arrangement [=ordering] of words
the collection and arrangement of data

[count] a chronological arrangement of historical events

We tried several different arrangements of the parts/components/elements.

Having my brother and his wife living nearby was an ideal arrangement for our family.

The family had very unusual living arrangements.

“What were your sleeping arrangements?” “I slept on the bed while he slept on the floor.”

We'll have to change the seating arrangements for the dinner party.

2 : something that is done to prepare or plan for something in the future

[count]

usually plural

She has her secretary handle all of her travel arrangements.

He helped his mother with his father's funeral arrangements.

often used with make

The city made special arrangements [=preparations] for the Queen's visit.

All of the arrangements have been made in advance.

They made arrangements to meet each other at the restaurant.

We provide breakfast and dinner, but you make your own arrangements for lunch.

[noncount] Her job includes arrangement of her boss's travel plans.

3 [count] : a usually informal agreement

There was an unusual political arrangement between the two countries.

business/financial arrangements

I'm sure we can come to some arrangement.

often + with

Our band has an arrangement with the club's manager.

The company made an arrangement with the college to supply all of its computers.

4 [count] : something made by putting things together and organizing them
a flower/floral arrangement = an arrangement of flowers

5 [count] music : a piece of music that has been changed so that it can be performed by particular types of voices or instruments
orchestral/vocal arrangements
an arrangement for the guitar
a rock arrangement of an old blues song

ar·rang·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who changes pieces of music for particular voices or instruments : a person who arranges music
a talented composer and arranger

2 : a person who arranges things
a flower arranger
a funeral arranger
an arranger [=(more commonly) organizer] of political rallies

ar·rant adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

somewhat old-fashioned + literary : of the worst kind
used to make a statement more forceful

This is arrant [=utter, complete] nonsense!

an arrant fool

Do not confuse arrant with errant.

1ar·ray noun, pl -rays

1 [count] : a large group or number of things
usually singular

They offer a wide/vast/bewildering array of products and services.

The car is available in an array of colors. [=in many different colors]

We encountered a whole array of problems. [=many problems]

2 [count] technical

2 a : a group of numbers, symbols, etc., that are arranged in rows and columns

2 b : a way of organizing pieces of information in the memory of a computer so that similar kinds of information are together

3 [count] technical : a group of devices that together form a unit
an antenna array
an array of solar panels

4 [noncount] formal + literary : rich or beautiful clothing

She was dressed in grand/glorious array.

2array verb, -rays, -rayed, -ray·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to place (a group of things) in a particular position so that they are in order or so that they look attractive
usually used as (be) arrayed

The layers consist of bricks arrayed [=arranged] in regular patterns.

The table was arrayed with all sorts of delicacies. [=there were all sorts of delicacies placed attractively on the table]

2 literary : to dress (someone, especially yourself) in fine clothing

She arrayed herself in rich velvets and satins.

3 : to put (soldiers) in a place or position so that they are ready to attack

They arrayed [=deployed] the troops along the hilltop.

usually used as (be) arrayed

The troops were arrayed along the hilltop.

The general surveyed the forces arrayed against him.

ar·rears noun [plural]

1 : money that is owed and that has not been paid when it should be

He's been trying pay off the arrears on his mortgage.

alimony/rent arrears

2
used to describe a situation in which someone has failed to make a regular payment at the required time

He is two months in arrears [=behind] with his mortgage payments.

The account is two months in arrears. [=overdue, delinquent]

He has fallen into arrears on his mortgage payments.

3
used to describe a situation in which someone is paid money that was earned at an earlier time

You will be paid interest on your investment in arrears.

construction workers paid in arrears for their work

1ar·rest verb, -rests, -rest·ed, -rest·ing [+ obj]

1 : to use the power of the law to take and keep (someone, such as a criminal)

The police arrested him on drug charges.

The police officer said, “I'm arresting you in the name of the law.”

often used as (be) arrested

He was arrested for assault.

She threatened to have him arrested.

He got arrested.

A person who is arrested by the police is taken to a police station or jail and kept there.

2 formal : to stop the progress or movement of (something)

The medics were unable to arrest [=stop] the bleeding.

The drugs can't arrest the disease's progress, but they can slow it down considerably.

arrested development

3 formal : to attract and hold the attention of (someone or something)

colors that arrest [=catch] the eye

My attention was arrested [=caught] by a sudden movement.

arresting adj [more ; most ]

an arresting [=eye-catching] painting/image
his most arresting novel yet

2arrest noun, pl -rests

1 : the act of legally taking and keeping someone (such as a criminal) : the act of arresting someone

[count] The police are investigating the case but they have not yet made any arrests.

[noncount] She was charged with resisting arrest.

He has accused the police of wrongful arrest. [=of arresting someone who should not have been arrested]

The information has led to the arrest of three suspects.

The police placed/put her under arrest. [=the police arrested her]

see also CITIZEN'S ARREST, FALSE ARREST, HOUSE ARREST

2 medical : an occurrence in which a part of the body suddenly stops working

[noncount] The patient went into cardiac arrest. [=the patient's heart stopped beating]

[count] The hospital reported an increase in respiratory arrests. [=instances in which patients stopped breathing]

ar·riv·al noun, pl -als

1 : the act of coming to or reaching a place : the act of arriving

[noncount] They were awaiting the arrival of guests.

We checked into the hotel upon (our) arrival.

The flight's estimated time of arrival is 11:30. = The flight's estimated arrival time is 11:30.

When is the mail scheduled for arrival?

[count] They track the number of airport arrivals and departures.

2 [count] : someone or something that has come to a place : someone or something that has arrived

They were late arrivals at the party.

Have you had a look at the bookstore's new arrivals? [=the books that have recently come to the bookstore]

The phrase new arrival is often used to refer to a baby that has recently been born.

Everyone gathered at the hospital to see the family's new arrival.

3 [noncount] : the time when something begins or happens

They are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their wedding day.

the changes that occur with the arrival of spring
the arrival of new technology

ar·rive verb, -rives, -rived, -riv·ing [no obj]

1 : to come to or reach a place after traveling, being sent, etc.

He arrived home at six o'clock.

We had some dinner before/on/upon/after arriving at the station.

When do you expect them to arrive in Boston?

Their flight is due to arrive at 11:30.

The train from New York is now arriving.

They arrived late at the party.

The mail hasn't arrived yet.

The new version of the software has finally arrived in stores.

2 a of a day, season, time, etc. : to happen or begin

The day of their wedding has almost arrived. [=come]

The time has arrived [=come] to address the problem.

There's always a lot to do when spring arrives.

2 b of a baby : to be born

When is their baby expected to arrive?

3 informal : to become successful
used with a form of have

After years of climbing the corporate ladder, he felt he had finally arrived.

arrive at [phrasal verb]

arrive at (something) : to make or reach (something, such as a decision) after a lot of thought or effort

She finally arrived at a decision.

They've arrived at the conclusion that the plan won't work.

I hope we can arrive at some sort of understanding/consensus.

ar·ro·gance noun

: an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing that you are better, smarter, or more important than other people

[noncount] Her arrogance has earned her a lot of enemies.

We were shocked by the arrogance of his comments.

[singular] They have an arrogance about them. [=there is something in their behavior that seems arrogant]

ar·ro·gant adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people : having or showing arrogance
an arrogant young attorney

She's first in her class, but she's not arrogant about it.

an arrogant remark/attitude

ar·ro·gant·ly adv

She arrogantly dismissed their claims.

ar·ro·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to take or claim (something, such as a right or a privilege) in a way that is not fair or legal

They've arrogated to themselves the power to change the rules arbitrarily.

She arrogated the leadership role to herself.

ar·row noun, pl -rows [count]

1 : a weapon that is made to be shot from a bow and that is usually a stick with a point at one end and feathers at the other end
shoot an arrow

2 : a mark (such as ) that is shaped like an arrow and that is used to show direction

The arrow on the map points north.

see also STRAIGHT ARROW

ar·row·head noun, pl -heads [count]

: a piece of stone or metal that forms the point of an arrow

ar·row·root noun [noncount]

: a powdery substance that is made from the root of a tropical plant and that is used in cooking to make liquids thicker

arse noun, pl ars·es [count]

Brit informal + offensive : 2ass 1

arse·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

Brit informal + offensive : asshole

ar·se·nal noun, pl -nals [count]

1 a : a collection of weapons
the nation's nuclear arsenal [=the nuclear weapons that the nation has]

1 b : a place where weapons are made or stored

The city is home to a federal arsenal.

2 : a group of things or people that are available to be used

The computer comes equipped with an arsenal [=battery, array] of features.

Doctors have a broad arsenal of medicines to choose from.

the team's arsenal of veteran players

ar·se·nic noun [noncount]

: a poisonous chemical that is used especially to kill insects and weeds

ar·son noun, pl -sons

: the illegal burning of a building or other property : the crime of setting fire to something

[noncount] The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigators suspect arson.

The town has suffered a rash of arson attacks.

[count] The town has suffered a rash of arsons.

ar·son·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

Investigators suspect that the fire was set by an arsonist.

art noun, pl arts

1 [noncount] : something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings
a piece of modern/contemporary art

It's a remarkable picture, but is it art?

see also OP-ART, PERFORMANCE ART, POP ART, WORK OF ART

2 [noncount] : works created by artists : paintings, sculptures, etc., that are created to be beautiful or to express important ideas or feelings
the art [=artwork] of Salvador Dalí

The museum has a large collection of folk art.

African/Japanese/Mayan art
often used before another noun
art history
art objects
an art museum/gallery
an art collector/lover

She prefers art films to Hollywood blockbusters.

see also ARTS AND CRAFTS

3 [noncount] : the methods and skills used for painting, sculpting, drawing, etc.

He studied art in college.

often used before another noun
an art teacher/program

4 a [count] : an activity that is done to create something beautiful or to express important ideas or feelings

She studied the art of drawing/painting/dance.

dance, drama, and other art forms
the performing/visual/graphic arts
see also FINE ART

4 b the arts : painting, sculpture, music, theater, literature, etc., considered as a group of activities done by people with skill and imagination

She's a patron of the arts.

He wants the government to increase its funding for the arts.

see also PERFORMING ARTS

5 [count] : a skill that someone learns through experience or study
usually singular

He never learned the art of making friends. [=he never learned how to make friends]

She's a master of the art of conversation. [=she is very good at conversation]

There's an art to cooking that comes only with practice.

Writing letters has become something of a lost art. [=not many people write letters any more]

If you raise/elevate something to an art (form) you are known for doing something or having something (such as a personal quality). This phrase is often used in an ironic or joking way to describe qualities or abilities that are not admired.

He seems to have elevated stupidity to an art form. [=he is very stupid]

6 [count] : an activity that requires special knowledge or skill

Shipbuilding is both an art and a science.

the art of navigation
see also MARTIAL ART

7 arts [plural] : areas of study (such as history, language, and literature) that are intended to develop the mind in a general way : liberal arts
a bachelor of arts
the College of Arts and Sciences

art de·co or Art Deco noun [noncount]

: a style of art, design, and architecture that uses bold lines and simple shapes

Art Deco was popular in the U.S. and Europe in the 1920s and 1930s.

an Art Deco vase/building

artefact chiefly Brit spelling of ARTIFACT

ar·te·rio·scle·ro·sis noun [noncount]

medical : a disease in which the walls of arteries become thick and hard so that it is difficult for blood to flow through them

ar·te·rio·scle·rot·ic adj
arteriosclerotic heart disease

ar·tery noun, pl -ter·ies [count]

1 : any one of the tubes that carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body
coronary arteries
clogged arteries
compare VEIN

2 : a large road, river, railroad line, etc.

He favors local side roads over major arteries.

ar·te·ri·al adj
arterial walls/pressure/blood
arterial roads

ar·te·sian well noun, pl wells [count]

: a place in the ground where water flows up to the surface because of natural pressure

art·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : done with or showing artistic skill
artful writing
an artful performance/arrangement

2 : good at getting or achieving things in ways that are clever and not noticeable
an artful negotiator

: used to get or achieve things in ways that are clever and not noticeable
artful questioning

This sense of artful is sometimes used in a disapproving way, especially in British English.

an artful [=crafty, sly] politician who seems to have deceived everyone
artful deception

compare ARTLESS

art·ful·ly adv
an artfully arranged display

art·ful·ness noun [noncount]

art house noun, pl houses [count]

: a movie theater that shows mostly foreign movies and movies that are made by small companies : a building where art films are shown called also art theater

ar·thri·tis noun [noncount]

medical : a disease that causes the joints of the body to become swollen and painful see also RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

ar·thrit·ic adj [more ; most ]

painful arthritic fingers/joints
arthritic symptoms

arthritic noun, pl -ics [count]

medicines used for treating arthritics [=people who have arthritis]

ar·ti·choke noun, pl -chokes [count]

: a vegetable with thick, pointed leaves

The artichoke consists of a soft middle part surrounded by small, thick leaves. The middle, known as the heart of the artichoke, and the bottom part of the leaves are eaten after being cooked.

see also JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE

1ar·ti·cle noun, pl -ti·cles [count]

1 : a piece of writing about a particular subject that is included in a magazine, newspaper, etc.

a magazine/newspaper article

I just read an interesting article on/about the city's early history.

He has published numerous articles in scholarly journals.

an encyclopedia article

2 : a particular kind of object
an article [=piece] of clothing
domestic/household articles
articles [=pieces] of furniture
sometimes used figuratively

For many people it is an article of faith [=something that is believed without being questioned or doubted] that the economy will begin to improve soon.

A lot of people pretend to be cowboys, but he's the genuine article. [=he's a real cowboy]

3 : a separate part of a legal document that deals with a single subject

Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution

The company amended its articles of incorporation.

4 grammar : a word (such as a, an, or the) that is used with a noun to show whether or not the noun refers to a specific person or thing see also DEFINITE ARTICLE, INDEFINITE ARTICLE

2article verb, -ticles, -ti·cled, -ti·cling

Brit : to work for a group of lawyers, architects, etc., while you are learning to become a lawyer, architect, etc.

[no obj] He articled at the famous law firm many years ago.

[+ obj]

usually used as (be) articled to

She was articled to a firm of engineers.

articled adj
an articled clerk

1ar·tic·u·late adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to express ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing

She's an intelligent and articulate speaker.

He was very articulate about his feelings on the subject.

opposite INARTICULATE

2 : clearly expressed and easily understood
an articulate argument/essay/speech

The baby is beginning to form articulate words and phrases.

opposite INARTICULATE

ar·tic·u·late·ly adv

She spoke clearly and articulately.

ar·tic·u·late·ness noun [noncount]

2ar·tic·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

1 [+ obj] : to express (something, such as an idea) in words

He had some trouble articulating his thoughts.

We disagree with the views articulated by the administration.

a theory first articulated by ancient philosophers

2 : to say or pronounce (something, such as a word) in a way that can be clearly heard and understood

[+ obj] She spoke slowly, articulating [=enunciating] each syllable.

[no obj] Try to articulate [=enunciate] when delivering your speech.

3 [no obj] technical : to connect with a joint or something that is like a joint
the bones that articulate with the clavicle

ar·tic·u·lat·ed adj

1 : connected by a joint
dolls with articulated limbs [=arms and legs that can be moved because they are connected by joints]

dinosaurs with articulated skulls

2 of a vehicle : having a front section connected to a large back section by means of a hinge or a joint that allows sharp turns
an articulated bus

(Brit) articulated lorries

ar·tic·u·la·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] formal : the act of articulating something: such as

1 a : the act of expressing an idea, thought, etc., in words

The book is the articulation of his vision.

1 b : the act of saying or pronouncing something in a way that can be clearly heard and understood
the articulation of consonants

2 [count] medical : a joint that allows connected parts (such as bones) to move
the articulations between vertebrae

ar·ti·fact (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit ar·te·fact noun, pl -facts [count]

1 : a simple object (such as a tool or weapon) that was made by people in the past

The caves contained many prehistoric artifacts.

an artifact from the Colonial period

2 : an accidental effect that causes incorrect results
usually + of

The drop in scores was merely an artifact of the way the test was administered.

ar·ti·fice noun, pl -fic·es

: dishonest or insincere behavior or speech that is meant to deceive someone

[noncount] He spoke without artifice or pretense.

[count] political/legal artifices

The whole story was just an artifice to win our sympathy.

ar·ti·fi·cial adj

1 : not natural or real : made, produced, or done to seem like something natural
artificial lighting/plants
the world's first artificial heart

This product contains no artificial colors/flavors/sweetenersonly natural substances are used.

2 : not happening or existing naturally : created or caused by people
artificial price inflation

The country's borders are artificial, and were set with no consideration for the various ethnic groups in the region.

3 [more ; most ] : not sincere
an artificial smile

Her concern seemed a bit artificial. [=forced]

ar·ti·fi·ci·al·i·ty noun [noncount]

the artificiality of his manner/smile

ar·ti·fi·cial·ly adv
artificially flavored/colored

The building is artificially lit.

artificial insemination noun [noncount]

medical : a medical process in which semen is used to make a woman or female animal pregnant without sexual intercourse
children conceived through artificial insemination

artificial intelligence noun [noncount]

computers

1 : an area of computer science that deals with giving machines the ability to seem like they have human intelligence

2 : the power of a machine to copy intelligent human behavior
a robot with artificial intelligence
abbr. AI

artificial respiration noun [noncount]

medical : a process in which air is forced into and out of the lungs of a person who has stopped breathing

Artificial respiration can be done by pressing on the person's chest, by blowing into the person's mouth, or by using a special machine.

see also MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION

ar·til·lery noun [noncount]

1 : large guns that are used to shoot over a great distance

The troops were being bombarded by artillery.

often used before another noun

The troops were under heavy artillery fire.

artillery shells

often used figuratively

His first argument didn't work, so he brought out the heavy artillery. [=he started using a different and more powerful argument]

2 : the part of an army that uses large guns to shoot over a great distance
a captain in the artillery
often used before another noun
artillery units

ar·ti·san Brit noun, pl -sans [count]

: a person who is skilled at making things by hand : craftsperson

They sell rugs made by local artisans.

art·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

1 : a person who creates art
the great artists of the Renaissance
a graphic artist

: a person who is skilled at drawing, painting, etc.

I can't draw at all, but both of my children are very talented artists. [=they draw very well]

2 : a skilled performer
a jazz artist
a trapeze artist
famous recording artists [=singers and musicians who record their music]

3 : a person who is very good at something

She's an artist in her field. [=she's very good at her job]

a scam artist
see also RIP-OFF ARTIST

ar·tiste noun, pl -tists [count]

chiefly Brit : a skilled performer : artist

ar·tis·tic adj

1 : relating to art or artists
her artistic achievements
a work of artistic value

He shows real artistic talent.

2 [more ; most ] : having or showing the skill of an artist
artistic creations

She's an artistic person. [=a creative person]

Both of my children are very artistic.

ar·tis·ti·cal·ly adv
an artistically arranged bouquet

He's not artistically inclined. [=he doesn't have artistic skill]

art·ist·ry noun [noncount]

1 : artistic ability or skill

We admired the singer's artistry.

2 : a quality that results from artistic ability or skill
the artistry of her novel

art·less adj [more ; most ]

: not false or artificial : natural
the dancer's artless grace

Her simple artless charm won us over instantly.

compare ARTFUL

art·less·ly adv

art·less·ness noun [noncount]

art nou·veau or Art Nouveau noun [noncount]

: a style of art, design, and architecture that uses curving lines and shapes that look like leaves and flowers

Art Nouveau was popular in the U.S. and Europe in the late 1800s.

an Art Nouveau lamp

arts and crafts noun [plural]

: objects that are meant to be both useful and beautiful
a shop that sells local arts and crafts, such as pottery and baskets

: the activity of making such objects
demonstrations of various arts and crafts
the Arts and Crafts Movement [=a time when many people were working together to make arts and crafts popular] in the second half of the 19th century

art·sy adj, art·si·er, -est [or more ; most ]

chiefly US informal + usually disapproving : arty
an artsy neighborhood

Her boyfriend is the artsy type.

art theater noun, pl -ter [count]

: art house

art·work noun, pl -works

1 : a painting, sculpture, photograph, etc., that is created to be beautiful or to express an important idea or feeling : an artistic work

[noncount] A local painter was selling her artwork on the street.

The walls of the restaurant are decorated in original artwork.

Some of the children's artwork was hanging on the refrigerator.

[count] The museum recently recovered two stolen artworks.

contemporary artworks

2 [noncount] : drawings, photographs, etc., that are included in books, magazines, and other printed materials

arty adj, art·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

informal + usually disapproving : artistic in a way that seems insincere or too extreme
some arty intellectual type who doesn't know the meaning of hard work
a rock band with arty pretensions

aru·gu·la Brit noun [noncount]

US : a plant with strongly flavored leaves that are eaten in salads called also (Brit) rocket

1-ary noun suffix

: thing or person belonging to or connected with
missionary
revolutionary

2-ary adj suffix

: of, relating to, or connected with
dietary
legendary

1as adv

1 : to the same degree or amount

He has a lot of time but I don't have as much. [=I have less time than he has]

He has many books, but I have just as many. [=I have the same amount of books that he has]

He was angry, but she was just as angry.

2 formal
used to introduce an example
various trees, as [=such as] oaks and pines

2as conj

1 a
used to make comparisons

The fabric was soft as silk. [=the softness of the fabric was like the softness of silk]

usually used in the phrase asas

The fabric was as soft as silk.

He is every bit as clever as she (is).

There are as many books here as (there are) there.

That was as delicious a meal as your last one (was). = That was a meal as delicious as your last one (was).

as hard as a rock [=very hard]

as clear as crystal [=completely clear]

as white as snow [=snow-white, pure white]

He is as brave as he is loyal.

Her second book is twice as long as her first one.

He's not as old as he claims to be.

sometimes used in negative phrases with so

He's not so old as he claims to be.

1 b
used in the phrase asas to say when something should be done, how often something should happen, etc.

Come back as often as you like.

If you're going to look for a new job, you should do it as soon/early/quickly as possible.

2 a : in the way that

The letter “k” is sometimes silent, as it is in “knee.”

In the word “macho” the “ch” should be pronounced as (it is) in “China,” not as (it is) in “Chicago.”

Knowing him as I do [=because I know him well], I'm not surprised by his decision.

Do (it) as I do.

I'll do it as I planned (to).

Sometimes a noun comes from a verb (as “publisher” comes from “publish”) and sometimes a verb comes from a noun (as “edit” comes from “editor”).

As it happens, I know his brother. [=I happen to know his brother]

We planned a picnic but, as it happened, it rained that day. [=it happened to rain that day]

We arrived late and, as it turned out, all the tickets were already sold. [=we learned that all the tickets were already sold when we arrived late]

He seemed to be having a midlife crisis, as many men do. = As is the case with many men, he seemed to be having a midlife crisis.

2 b
used to introduce a statement which indicates that something being mentioned was known, expected, etc.

He won the election, as you know. = As you know, he won the election.

As was only to be expected, the election was very close.

He is a foreigner, as is evident from his accent.

It rained that day, as often happens.

Just as I suspected/thought! You've been drinking!

2 c
used in phrases with same

He works in the same building as my brother. [=he and my brother work in the same building]

I've got shoes the same as his. = I've got the same type of shoes as he has. [=my shoes and his shoes are the same]

He was fooled the same as I was. [=he and I were both fooled]

3 : while or when

She spilled the milk just as she was getting up.

I met him as I was leaving.

4 : regardless of the degree to which : though

Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking [=although I am unaccustomed to public speaking], I'd like to say a few words now.

Improbable as it seems, it's still true. = (chiefly US) As improbable as it seems, it's still true. [=although it seems improbable, it's still true]

Much as I respect him [=although I respect him very much], I still have to disagree with him on this point. = (chiefly US) As much as I respect him, I still have to disagree with him on this point.

Try as he might [=no matter how hard he tried], he couldn't do it.

5 formal : for the reason that : because

She stayed home as she had no car.

As I'm a pacifist, I'm against all wars.

6
used to indicate that one relationship is like another relationship

A puppy is to a dog as a kitten is to a cat.

Two is to four as eight is to sixteen.

7
used with so or such to indicate the result or effect of something

The evidence is such as to leave no doubt of his guilt. [=the evidence leaves no doubt of his guilt]

He is so clearly guilty as to leave no doubt.

see also SO AS ((BELOW))

as against

: in comparison to (something)

The government's foreign policy is approved by 54 percent of men as against 48 percent of women.

as for

: with regard to : concerning

He's here. As for the others, they'll arrive later. [=the others will arrive later]

He was a nice enough person, but as for his suggestions, I found them unhelpful.

as from
chiefly Brit
used to indicate the time or date when something begins

The new law takes effect as from [=as of] July 1.

as if or as though

1 : the way it would be if

The plane looked as if it was going to crash.

He was as sad as if he had lost his last friend.

The dog wagged its tail as if to say “Welcome back!” = The dog wagged its tail as if it was/were saying “Welcome back!”

The day seemed as though it would never end. = It seemed as though the day would never end.

2 : as someone would do if

He ran as if ghosts were chasing him.

He had his hands together as though in prayer.

3
used in spoken phrases to say that something is not true, will not happen, etc.

“She's afraid you might try to take the job yourself.” “As if I ever would!” [=I never would]

“He'll never come back, you know!” “As if I cared!” [=I don't care]

4

The phrase as if is sometimes used informally as an interjection to say that something suggested or claimed is impossible or very unlikely.

“He thinks you like him.” “As if!” [=I don't like him at all; there is no chance that I would like him]

as is
chiefly US : in the present condition without any changes

The car is being sold as is.

She bought the clock at an auction as is.

as it is

1 : in the present condition

Leave everything exactly/just as it is. [=how it is, the way it is]

2 : with the situation that exists now

We have enough to do as it is [=already] without your latest orders!

as it were

used to say that a statement is true or accurate in a certain way even if it is not literally or completely true

His retirement was, as it were [=so to speak], the beginning of his real career.

as of

used to indicate the time or date when something begins

The new law takes effect as of July 1.

As of July 1, prices will rise.

as to

1 : 2about

I'm at a loss as to how to explain the error. [=I don't know how to explain the error]

There is disagreement as to the causes of the fire.

I remained uncertain as to the value of his suggestions.

2 : according to, by

The eggs are graded as to size and color.

as was

Brit informal : formerly, originally
used after a former name

MyanmarBurma as was [=Myanmar, which was formerly called Burma]

so as

used to indicate the purpose of something

He defended himself so as [=in order] to prove his innocence.

see also 2AS 7 (ABOVE)

3as prep

1
used to indicate how a person or thing appears, is thought of, etc.

They regarded/described the situation as (being) a disaster.

Don't think of it as (being) a setbackthink of it as (being) a challenge!

Many people now regard him as a traitor.

2
used to indicate the condition, role, job, etc., of someone or something

Then she spoke as a child [=she was a child when she spoke then], but now she is speaking as an adult.

He has a job as an editor.

The policeman disguised himself as a beggar.

Some people were surprised by his election as Governor.

The critics praised his performance as Othello.

I like her both as a poet and as a novelist.

As a pacifist, I'm against all wars.

Everyone rose as one. [=everyone rose together]

ASAP abbr
as soon as possible
used in informal contexts in both spoken and written English

Please come quickly. We need you here ASAP.

Write back ASAP.

as·bes·tos noun [noncount]

: a soft gray mineral that does not burn, that was used especially as a building material in the past, and that can cause serious diseases of the lungs when people breathe its dust

as·cend verb, -cends, -cend·ed, -cend·ing

1 formal : to go up : to rise or move toward the sky

[no obj] They watched their balloons slowly ascend into the sky.

Divers must not ascend too rapidly/quickly to the water's surface.

She believed that when she died, her soul would ascend to heaven.

[+ obj] Most people are able to ascend [=climb] the mountain in less than four hours.

She said goodnight and ascended [=climbed] the stairs to her room.

opposite DESCEND

2 [no obj] : to slope or lead upward

Several paths ascend to the top of the mountain.

stairs ascending to the attic
opposite DESCEND

3 [no obj] : to rise to a higher or more powerful position in a government, company, etc.

John Adams ascended to the presidency in 1797.

She worked as a clerk before ascending to her current position.

A new national government ascended [=rose] to power. [=it gained control of the country]

ascend (to) the throne

: to become a king or queen

He ascended the throne after the death of his father.

In Shakespeare's play, Macbeth kills the king and ascends to the throne.

in ascending order

If people or things are in ascending order, they are arranged in a series that begins with the least or smallest and ends with the greatest or largest.

The children were lined up in ascending order of height.

Test scores are listed in ascending order from lowest to highest.

as·cen·dance noun [noncount]

chiefly US

1 : the act of rising or moving up : the act of ascending

Abraham Lincoln's ascendance [=(more commonly) ascent, ascension] to the presidency
her ascendance [=(more commonly) ascent] to/into heaven

2 : ascendancy
gain/lose ascendance

as·cen·dan·cy also as·cen·den·cy noun [noncount]

formal : a position of power in which someone can control or influence other people
the ascendancy of the government

She gained (the) ascendancy in the debate.

1as·cen·dant noun

in the ascendant
formal : becoming more powerful : gaining more power

The President's party is no longer in the ascendant.

2ascendant adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : becoming more popular or successful
the actress' ascendant [=rising] career

2 : more powerful or important than any other
the ascendant [=dominant] beliefs at that time

as·cen·sion noun [singular]

1 : the act of rising or ascending
the ascension [=(more commonly) ascent] of a balloon
especially : the act of moving to a higher or more powerful position

The play tells of his ascension to the presidency.

the ascension of women in society

2 the Ascension : the Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus Christ's journey to heaven after his death

as·cent noun, pl -cents [count]

1 : the act or process of ascending: such as

1 a : the act or process of rising, moving, or climbing up
usually singular

Fifty years ago, he made the first successful ascent of the mountain. [=he was the first person to climb the mountain]

The climbers completed their ascent to the mountain on a rainy morning in April.

The old elevator began its slow ascent to the top floor.

The plane made a steep ascent to 30,000 feet.

opposite DESCENT

1 b : the act or process of moving to a higher or more powerful position
usually singular
the ascent and decline [=the rise and fall] of the world's great civilizations
the new government's gradual/rapid ascent to power

She began her ascent up the corporate ladder as a secretary. [=she started working as a secretary and gradually improved her career in business]

2 : a way of going up something : an upward slope, path, etc.

They followed a steep ascent to the top of the hill.

as·cer·tain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing [+ obj]

formal : to learn or find out (something, such as information or the truth)

They were unable to ascertain [=(more commonly) determine] the cause of the fire.

The police are now attempting to ascertain his whereabouts. [=to find out where he is]

Her doctors have been unable to ascertain [=find out] why she is ill. = Her doctors have been unable to ascertain the cause of her illness.

The information can be ascertained by anyone with a computer.

as·cer·tain·able adj

The cause of the fire was not readily/easily ascertainable.

as·cet·ic adj [more ; most ]

formal : relating to or having a strict and simple way of living that avoids physical pleasure
an ascetic monk
an ascetic scholar
the ascetic [=severe, austere] life of monks
an ascetic diet of rice and beans

ascetic noun, pl -ics [count]

She left the comforts of home to live the life of an ascetic.

as·cet·i·cism noun [noncount]

religious asceticism

ASCII noun [noncount]

: a standard way of representing numbers and letters in a computer file so that they can be read by most computers

The word ASCII comes from the initial letters of the words in the phrase American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

as·cot noun, pl -cots [count]

chiefly US : a thin scarf worn by men that is folded into a loop under the chin

as·cribe verb, -cribes, -cribed, -crib·ing

ascribe to [phrasal verb]

ascribe (something) to (something or someone) formal : to say or think that (something) is caused by, comes from, or is associated with (something or someone)

They ascribed [=attributed] his illness to chemicals in his brain. [=they said his illness was caused by chemicals in his brain]

The author ascribes the economy's success to the current government. [=the author credits the current government with the economy's success]

She ascribes [=assigns] no importance to having lots of money. [=she does not believe that having lots of money is important]

These poems are usually ascribed to Homer. [=most people believe that these poems were written by Homer]

qualities that are usually ascribed to men [=qualities that many people think are typical of men]

asep·tic adj [more ; most ]

medical : free from germs that cause disease
an aseptic wound

asex·u·al adj

1 : not having or including sex

They had a completely asexual relationship.

2 technical : of or relating to a kind of reproduction that does not involve the combining of male and female cells
asexual plants/organisms
asexual reproduction

asex·u·al·ly adv
plants that reproduce asexually

1ash noun, pl ash·es

1 : the soft gray powder that remains after something (such as a cigarette or wood) has been completely burned and destroyed by fire

[noncount] The town lay under a thick layer/blanket of ash.

clouds of hot volcanic ash

[count] The village was covered in ashes.

cigarette ashes

2 ashes [plural] : the burned parts that remain when something is destroyed

The city was reduced to ashes by the fire. = The city was burned to ashes.

often used figuratively

Their happiness turned to ashes. [=their happiness was destroyed]

The nation slowly rose from the ashes of war. = It slowly rose out of the ashes and began to rebuild itself.

We sifted through the ashes of our ruined lives.

3 ashes [plural] : the remains of a dead human body after it has been burned or cremated
the ashes of the dead

She kept her dead mother's ashes in a jar above the fireplace.

He asked to have his ashes scattered along the river.

sackcloth and ashes see SACKCLOTH
compare 2ASH

2ash noun, pl ashes

1 [count] : a type of tree that grows in northern parts of the world and that has thin gray bark and hard wood

2 [noncount] : the hard wood of an ash tree
baseball bats made of ash

compare 1ASH

ashamed adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

1 : feeling shame or guilt

She was ashamed that she hit her brother. = She felt ashamed for/about hitting her brother.

You ought to be ashamed!

often + of

You ought to be ashamed of yourself!

He was deeply ashamed of his behavior at the company party.

I'm not ashamed of what I did. There's nothing to be ashamed of.

I can't believe that you behaved so rudely. I'm ashamed of you!

2 : not wanting to do something because of shame or embarrassment

I can't believe that you behaved so rudely. I'm ashamed to be seen with you!

We were too ashamed to go back to school. [=we didn't go back to school because we were too embarrassed]

I'm ashamed [=embarrassed] to admit it, but I still don't know how to ride a bicycle. = I'm ashamed to say I still don't know how to ride a bicycle.

ash-blond or ash-blonde adj

: pale blond or grayish blond
ash-blond hair

ash can noun, pl cans [count]

US old-fashioned : garbage can

ash·en adj [more ; most ]

: having a pale light gray color because of sickness, fear, etc.

His skin became ashen.

She was ashen with fear.

ashore adv

: on or to the shore of an ocean, sea, lake, or river

We docked our boat and went ashore to visit the island.

the seashells that wash ashore after a storm

ash·ram noun, pl -rams [count]

: a place where a person or a group of people go to live separately from the rest of society and practice the Hindu religion

ash·tray noun, pl -trays [count]

: a small dish or other small container that is used for throwing away used cigarettes and cigars and their ashes

Ash Wednesday noun [noncount]

: the first day of the Christian holy period of Lent

1Asian noun, pl Asians [count]

: a person born, raised, or living in Asia : a person whose family is from Asia

There are many Asians living in South America.

usage

In U.S. English, Asian refers usually to a person from the countries of eastern Asia, such as China, Korea, and Japan. In British English, Asian often refers to a person from the countries of western Asia, such as India and Pakistan.

2Asian adj

: of or relating to Asia or its people

Asian cities/populations/immigrants

Asian culture/philosophy/cooking

Asian-Amer·i·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: an American who was born in Asia or whose family is from Asia

Asian-American adj

Most of the people who live in this neighborhood are Asian-American.

Asi·at·ic adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to Asia

Asiatic plants and animals

Asiatic countries
the Asiatic fleet of the U.S. Navy [=the ships of the U.S. Navy that are in Asia]

Asiatic should not be used to describe people.

1aside adv

1 : to or toward the side

He stepped aside and let her pass.

She drew aside the curtains. = She drew the curtains aside.

He threw/tossed his coat aside.

Please stand aside.

She laid/set the book aside.

He elbowed people aside as he moved through the crowd.

He took/drew her aside to speak to her privately.

Someone grabbed him and pulled/pushed him aside.

often used figuratively

Their objections were swept/brushed aside. [=were quickly dismissed or disregarded]

The old methods have been cast/thrown aside [=have been abandoned] in favor of new ones.

Leaving/Putting aside the question of money for the moment, we need to come up with a workable schedule.

2
used with put or set to describe something that is being kept or saved for a future use

She's been setting/putting money aside [=has been saving money] for school.

The government has set aside a thousand acres for use as a park.

3
used to say that something is not included in a statement that follows

Dangerous appearances aside, these animals are really very gentle and friendly. [=these animals are friendly despite their dangerous appearances]

Such minor problems aside [=except for such minor problems], the movie is a very entertaining thriller.

aside from
chiefly US

1 : not including (something) : with the exception of (something)

Aside from [=apart from, except for] a few pieces of bread, the food is gone.

The movie has been praised by most people, aside from a few critics who have called its happy ending trite and predictable.

2 : in addition to (something) : besides

Aside from being well written, the book is also beautifully illustrated

2aside noun, pl asides [count]

1 : a comment spoken by a character in a play that is heard by the audience but is supposedly not heard by other characters on stage

2 : a comment that is spoken quietly to someone so that it cannot be heard by other people who are present

She made a joke about the food in a muttered/whispered aside to her husband.

3 : a comment or discussion that does not relate directly to the main subject being discussed

The book includes several lengthy asides about the personal lives of scientists involved in the project.

In his speech he mentioned her contributions almost as an aside, despite the fact that she was the one who came up with the idea originally.

as·i·nine adj [more ; most ]

formal : very stupid and silly

That is the most asinine [=foolish, ridiculous] joke I've ever heard.

a completely asinine question

ask Brit verb, asks, asked, ask·ing

1 : to say or write something to someone as a way of gaining information : to request an answer to a question

[+ obj] I need to ask a question.

I need to ask you a question. = (less commonly) I need to ask a question of you.

Are there any questions you would like to ask (me)?

Did you ask her yet?

“Have you seen the movie yet?” he asked.

a list of frequently asked questions
often + about

We always ask him about his mother.

often + if or whether

He asked (them) if they had seen the movie.

She asked (me) if I was worried.

They were asked whether they would like to buy the car.

often + why, what, etc.

You should ask (him) why he didn't come.

He always asks (her) what she thinks.

May I ask what time it is?

It's not polite to ask how much a person weighs.

[no obj] “If you don't mind me/my asking, how old are you?” “I'm 35 years old. Why do you ask?”

Please don't ask again.

“Do they have any soda?” “I don't know. I'll go ask.”

often + about

I asked about her plans for the future.

The police were here asking about you.

2 : to tell someone in the form of a question that you want to be given something or that you want something to happen : to request something

[no obj] If you want something to drink, just ask. [=just tell me that you want something to drink]

I would have given it to him, but he never asked.

often + for

Let's stop and ask for directions.

I'll have to ask for permission to leave.

She asked for their forgiveness/help.

She ate all of her food and asked for more.

His lawyers are asking for the case to be dismissed.

[+ obj] We had to stop and ask directions.

May I ask the time?

Did you ask permission to leave?

She asked their forgiveness.

often + for

We had to ask someone for directions.

I asked her for permission.

She asked them for their forgiveness.

often + if or whether

He asked if he could use my telephone.

They asked us whether we might stay an extra day.

often + that

She asked that I not say anything about it.

His lawyers are asking that the case be dismissed.

often followed by to + verb

She asked (for permission) to borrow her father's car for the day.

I asked (for permission) to leave work early.

You should ask your teacher to help you.

Unhappy with the service, he asked to see the manager.

He asked me to marry him.

I'm sorry, but I need to ask you to leave.

She asked me not to say anything about it to anyone.

I wanted to say something about it, but she asked me not to.

3 [+ obj] : to invite (someone) to go somewhere or do something

He's asking just a few friends to the party.

I asked him to lunch.

They asked me over for dinner.

To ask someone out is to ask someone to go on a date with you.

I asked her out (on a date), but she turned me down.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to believe that you should receive (something) from someone

She doesn't ask [=expect, require] a lot. She asks very little in return for her hard work.

often + of

The school asks much of its students. [=the school expects its students to do a lot]

He says that people ask too little of their politicians.

He was ready to go to war, should the government ask it of him. [=should the government ask him to go to war]

4 b : to set (a specific amount of money) as a price

The dealer originally asked [=wanted] $20,000 for the car, but he sold it to me for $18,000.

They're asking [=charging] $100 or more per concert ticket.

see also ASKING PRICE

ask after [phrasal verb]

ask after (someone or something) : to ask about (someone or something)

He asked after my wife's health.

He greeted us warmly and asked after our families. [=he asked how our families were]

ask around [phrasal verb]

: to ask many people to tell you information about someone or something

Maybe you should ask around to find out more about this guy.

We usually ask around before trying a new restaurant.

ask for [phrasal verb]

1 ask for (someone) : to request to see or talk to (someone)

Unhappy with the service, he asked for the store manager.

There's someone on the phone asking for you.

2 ask for it informal : to behave in a way that makes someone want to hurt or punish you

You're asking for it, kid! If you keep misbehaving, you're going to get punished.

All right. You asked for it!

3 ask for trouble informal : to behave in a way that is likely to result in trouble

If you invest your money without doing careful research, you're just asking for trouble.

see also ask for the moon at 1MOON

ask yourself

To ask yourself something is to think about the true answer to a question.

Ask yourself what you would do in that situation.

Before buying an expensive item, he needs to ask himself if/whether he can afford it.

don't ask
informal
used to say that something is too strange, embarrassing, or complicated to explain

“She married and divorced a man in the same day? How is that possible?” “Don't ask.”

don't ask me
informal
used to say that you do not know the answer to a question

“Why are they having a company meeting?” “Don't ask me. I only work here.”

Don't ask me why they're changing the system. I think it's fine the way it is.

for the asking

If something is yours for the asking, you can have it if you want it or ask for it.

This job is hers for the asking. [=she can have the job if she wants it]

Our services are available/free for the asking. [=our services are available/free for anyone who wants them]

I ask you

People use the phrase I ask you before or after a question when they want someone to agree or sympathize with them.

(Now) I ask you, is that fair? [=I don't think it's fair; do you?]

Look at that hat! Who would wear such a thing, I ask you?

if you ask me
informal : in my opinion

She looks ridiculous in that hat, if you ask me.

who asked you?

informal + impolite
used as a response when someone gives an opinion that is not wanted

“I think you should break up with that guy.” “Who asked you?” [=mind your own business; I don't want to hear your opinion]

askance adv

: in a way that shows a lack of trust or approval

Most scientists looked askance at the new discovery. [=most scientists were doubtful about the new discovery]

Several people looked at him askance when he walked into the room. = Several people eyed him askance when he walked into the room.

askew adv [more ; most ]

: not straight : at an angle

The picture hung askew [=crookedly] on the wall.

askew adj, not used before a noun

His tie is slightly askew [=crooked] in this picture.

asking price noun [singular]

: the price that is asked for by a person who is selling something

The original asking price for/of the car was $20,000, but I was eventually able to buy it for $18,000.

compare SELLING PRICE

asleep adj, not used before a noun

1 : in a state of sleep : sleeping

“Are you asleep?” “No, I'm awake.”

He tries to clean up the house while the kids are asleep.

The cats are asleep on the floor.

She was still asleep at noon.

When people are fast asleep or sound asleep, they are sleeping very deeply.

It was late at night and everyone was fast asleep.

One moment she was sound asleep, the next she was wide awake!

If you are half asleep, you are very tired and not completely awake.

We were still half asleep when we went to school the next morning.

2 : lacking any feeling

If a part of your body (such as a foot or leg) is asleep, it is not able to feel anything for a brief time, usually because you have kept it in an awkward position for too long.

My foot's asleep.

fall asleep

: to begin sleeping

She fell asleep during the movie.

I woke up and I couldn't fall back asleep. [=I couldn't go to sleep again]

asp noun, pl asps [count]

: a small poisonous snake from Egypt

as·par·a·gus noun [noncount]

: a plant with long green stems and tiny leaves at one end that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable

as·pect noun, pl -pects

1 [count] : a part of something

Our proposal differs from theirs in one important aspect. [=respect]

usually + of

Their religion affects almost/nearly/virtually every aspect [=facet] of their lives.

Eating healthy foods is only/just one aspect [=part] of a healthy lifestyle.

Nobody has discussed the most important aspect of the problem.

Computers now influence all aspects of American life.

2 formal : the way a person, place, or thing appears

[singular] The old house took on a dark and lonely aspect [=appearance] at night.

[noncount] Their gods are primarily human in aspect. [=they look like humans]

3 [singular] formal : the direction that something (such as a room or building) faces or points towards

The house has a southern aspect. [=a southern exposure; the front of the house faces the south]

sometimes used figuratively

We studied the situation from every aspect. [=angle]

4 grammar : the characteristic of a verb that expresses the way an action happens

A verb's aspect shows whether an action happens one time and stops quickly, happens repeatedly, or happens continuously.

[count] The aspect of “sit” in “please sit down now” is different from the aspect of “sitting” in “I was sitting at my desk.”

[noncount] two verb forms differing in aspect

aspect ratio noun, pl ratios [count]

technical : a number that compares the width and height of a movie or television picture

as·pen noun, pl -pens [count]

: a kind of tree whose leaves move easily when the wind blows

as·per·i·ty noun [noncount]

formal : harshness of behavior or speech that expresses bitterness or anger

He spoke about his ex-wife with asperity. [=acrimony]

as·per·sions noun

cast aspersions
formal : to say critical things about (someone or someone's character) : to criticize (someone) harshly or unfairly

He tried to discuss his political opponents respectfully, without casting aspersions.

usually + on

He tried to avoid casting aspersions on (the motives/integrity of) his political opponents.

as·phalt noun [noncount]

: a black substance that is used for making roads

as·phyx·ia noun [noncount]

medical : the state of not being able to breathe

The cause of death was asphyxia.

as·phyx·i·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to stop breathing and often to become unconscious and die

The murder victim was asphyxiated.

as·phyx·i·a·tion noun [noncount]

The murder victim died of asphyxiation.

as·pic noun [noncount]

: a clear jelly that is usually served with cold meat or fish
a serving of chicken in aspic

as·pi·rant noun, pl -rants [count]

formal : a person who tries to become something : a person who aspires to do or to be something
a presidential aspirant = an aspirant to the presidency [=someone who wants to become president]

1as·pi·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [+ obj]

1 linguistics : to pronounce (a letter or word) with the sound of a breath or the letter “h”

The letter “h” in “house” is aspirated, but the “h” in “hour” is not.

2 medical : to remove (liquid) from a person's body

The doctor aspirated fluid from the cyst. = The doctor aspirated the cyst.

3 medical : to breathe (liquid, food, etc.) into your lungs

She began coughing when she aspirated some orange juice.

2as·pi·rate noun, pl -ates [count]

linguistics : the sound of the letter “h”

The word “hour” is not pronounced with an aspirate.

as·pi·ra·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something that a person wants very much to achieve

I've never had any aspiration to become famous. [=I've never wanted to become famous]

usually plural

What are your aspirations for the future? [=what do you want to accomplish in the future?]

the different aspirations of the group's members

She has political aspirations. [=she wants/aspires to be a politician]

romantic/social/literary aspirations

2 [noncount] : the act of aspirating something: such as

2 a linguistics : the act of pronouncing the sound of a breath or the letter “h”

the aspiration of the letter “h” in “a house”

2 b medical : the act of removing liquid from a person's body
the aspiration of stomach fluids

2 c medical : the act of breathing something into the lungs
problems caused by the aspiration of fluids into the patient's lungs

as·pi·ra·tion·al adj [more ; most ] Brit
aspirational [=ambitious] people
aspirational brands/products [=brands/products that appeal to people who want to raise their social status]

as·pi·ra·tion·al·ly adv

as·pire verb, -pires, -pired, -pir·ing [no obj]

: to want to have or achieve something (such as a particular career or level of success)

often + to

Both young men aspire to careers in medicine. [=both young men want to have careers in medicine]

She aspires to a more active role in her government.

people who aspire to home ownership [=people who want to own their own homes]

often followed by to + verb

He says he never aspired to become famous.

little girls who aspire to play professional basketball

aspiring adj
an aspiring actor [=a person who wants to be an actor]

an aspiring young writer

as·pi·rin noun, pl aspirin or as·pi·rins

: a medicine that reduces pain and fever

[noncount] Aspirin is effective in controlling headaches.

an aspirin pill

[count] I had a headache so I took a couple of aspirins/aspirin. [=a couple of aspirin pills]

1ass noun, pl ass·es [count]

1 old-fashioned : a donkey

2 informal + impolite : a foolish, stupid, or stubborn person

You can be such an ass sometimes!

They act like a couple of pompous/pretentious asses.

I made an ass of myself at the party. [=I behaved very foolishly at the party]

compare 2ASS

2ass noun, pl asses

1 [count] chiefly US, informal + impolite

1 a : the part of the body above the legs that is used for sitting : buttocks

She slipped and fell flat on her ass. [=(Brit) arse]

1 b
used in various phrases

I've got to thank the soldiers who protected my ass [=protected my life/hide/skin] during the war.

She saved your ass. [=she saved you]

I wish he'd admit to his mistakes instead of always trying to cover his ass. [=to keep from being blamed or punished]

Get your ass back here! [=come back here]

We don't have much time so you'd better move your ass! = You'd better get your ass in gear! [=you'd better start going/moving faster]

“Are you sure you're going to win?” “You (can) bet your ass [=you can be very certain] I'm going to win!”

This comedian will make you laugh your asses off. [=will make you laugh very hard]

I work my ass off everyday to try to make ends meet.

Work, my ass! [=what nonsense] You just sit in front of the TV all day.

You've been (sitting) on your ass in front of the TV all day.

It's time (for you) to get off your ass and do some work!

She's always on my ass about getting a better job. [=she's always telling me that I should get a better job]

That gray truck has been on our ass [=has been following us very/too closely] for the last mile.

Why can't you get off his ass?! [=stop criticizing him] He's doing the best he can!

see also haul ass at 1HAUL, kick someone's ass at 1KICK, kiss (my/someone's) ass at 1KISS

2 [noncount] US, offensive

2 a : sexual intercourse
looking to get some ass

2 b
used in the phrase piece of ass to refer to a person (especially a woman) in a sexual way

He described her as “a nice piece of ass.”

These uses of ass are very offensive and should be avoided.

compare 1ASS

as·sail verb, -sails, -sailed, -sail·ing [+ obj]

: to attack or criticize (someone or something) in a violent or angry way

The movie was assailed by critics.

politicians assailed by the media
often used figuratively

A horrible odor assailed our noses. [=we smelled a horrible odor]

We were assailed by doubts [=we were very doubtful] about the decision we'd made.

assailed by fears

as·sail·ant noun, pl -ants [count]

formal : a person who attacks someone violently

She said that her assailant [=the person who attacked her] was wearing a mask.

as·sas·sin noun, pl -sins [count]

: a person who kills someone (such as a famous or important person) usually for political reasons or for money : a person who assassinates someone

He's a hired assassin. [=someone hired to kill someone]

the President's would-be assassin [=the person who tried to kill the President]

John Wilkes Booth was the assassin of Abraham Lincoln.

as·sas·si·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

: to kill (someone, such as a famous or important person) usually for political reasons

They discovered a secret plot/plan to assassinate the governor.

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

as·sas·si·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

an attempted assassination of the President

[noncount]

a leader whose life was tragically cut short by assassination

1as·sault noun, pl -saults

1 a [noncount] law : the crime of trying or threatening to hurt someone physically

He was accused of assault. = He was charged with assault. = Assault charges were brought against him.

She was wanted (by the police) for assault with a deadly weapon.

He was found guilty of sexual assault. [=the crime of touching someone in an unwanted sexual way]

see also INDECENT ASSAULT

1 b [count] : a violent physical attack

She was injured in a brutal assault.

2 [count] : a military attack

They launched several air assaults [=attacks using airplanes] against the enemy.

They got ready for an enemy assault. [=an attack by the enemy]

often + on

The enemy has launched an assault on the city.

often used figuratively

They saw the change as an assault on the values of their society.

They launched a fierce legal assault against the company.

The government is attempting an all-out/full-scale assault on the use of drugs.

under assault

: being attacked or criticized

The city is under assault from enemy troops.

He came under assault for his unusual beliefs. [=he was severely criticized for his unusual beliefs]

Their personal freedoms are (coming) under assault by the government.

2assault verb, -saults, -sault·ed, -sault·ing [+ obj]

: to violently attack (someone or something)

He was arrested for assaulting a police officer.

She verbally assaulted one of her coworkers.

He had been sexually assaulted [=touched or hurt in a sexual way] as a young boy.

Enemy forces assaulted the city.

sometimes used figuratively

A terrible noise assaulted our senses. [=we heard a terrible noise]

assault and battery noun [noncount]

law : the crime of threatening and physically hitting or attacking someone

assault course noun, pl courses [count]

Brit : obstacle course

assault rifle noun, pl rifles [count]

: a gun that can shoot many bullets quickly and that is designed for use by the military called also assault weapon

as·say verb, -says, -sayed, -say·ing [+ obj]

technical : to test something (such as a metal or drug) to find out what it contains

They assayed the gold to determine its purity.

as·say noun, pl -says [count]

a gold assay

as·sem·blage noun, pl -blag·es [count]

formal : a group of people or things
an assemblage [=group] of parents and teachers
an assemblage [=set] of tools

as·sem·ble verb, -sem·bles, -sem·bled, -sem·bling

1 [+ obj] : to collect (things) or gather (people) into one place or group

We'll need to assemble a list of songs for the concert.

She assembled all of her old photos into three albums.

Hundreds of notes and letters were assembled into a book.

A team of scientists was assembled to study the problem.

2 [no obj] : to meet together in one place

The U.S. Constitution gives people the right to assemble peacefully.

A crowd had assembled in front of the courthouse during the trial.

After dinner, the men would assemble in the living room to watch the game on TV.

The club assembles once a month to discuss upcoming activities.

3 [+ obj] : to connect or put together the parts of (something, such as a toy or machine)

Their father helped them assemble their new bicycles in the garage.

The cars are assembled on an assembly line.

as·sem·bly noun, pl -blies

1 [noncount] : the act of connecting together the parts of something (such as a machine) : the act of assembling something

The parts are made in this factory and then shipped to another country for assembly.

No assembly required. [=this product is already put together]

2 [count] : a group of people who make and change laws for a government or organization
the organization's general assembly
elected legislative assemblies
the New York State Assembly
the French National Assembly

3 [count]

3 a : a group of people who have gathered together
an assembly of armed men

3 b : a meeting of all the teachers and students of a school

School assemblies were usually held in the cafeteria.

4 [noncount] : the act of gathering together to talk about issues

Freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are protected by the U.S. Constitution.

assembly line noun, pl lines [count]

: production line

as·sem·bly·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) who is a member of a legislative assembly

as·sem·bly·wo·man noun, pl -wo·men [count]

: a woman who is a member of a legislative assembly

as·sent verb, -sents, -sent·ed, -sent·ing [no obj]

formal : to agree to or approve of something (such as an idea or suggestion) especially after carefully thinking about it

The general proposed a detailed plan and the President assented.

often + to

She refused to assent to [=agree to] the new rules.

assent noun [noncount]

A contract requires the assent [=agreement, approval] of both parties.

The leaders gave their assent [=approval] to the peace proposal.

as·sert verb, -serts, -sert·ed, -sert·ing [+ obj]

1 : to state (something) in a strong and definite way

“Poverty is the city's most serious problem,” the authors assert. = The authors assert that poverty is the city's most serious problem.

He asserted that there were spies in the government.

Despite the evidence against him, he has continued to assert his innocence. [=has continued to say that he is innocent]

2 : to demand that other people accept or respect (something)

She asserted her independence from her parents by getting her own apartment.

The boss was reluctant to assert his authority over his employees.

assert yourself

1 of a person : to speak or act in a strong and definite way

If you want people to listen to your opinions, you'll need to learn how to assert yourself.

The coach wants the players to assert themselves [=play more aggressively] on the field.

2 of a thing : to become apparent : to start to be clearly seen or known

Doubts about the value of the work began to assert themselves.

as·ser·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

I don't always agree with his assertions [=his strong statements] about politics.

an assertion of innocence

[noncount]

Getting her own apartment was the first step in the assertion of her independence.

synonyms

ASSERT, DECLARE, AFFIRM, and AVOW mean to say something in a way that shows you feel strongly about it, usually when you expect someone to disagree or challenge you. ASSERT suggests that you are confident about what you are saying and that you do not need proof or evidence.

The group asserts that the smoking ban will negatively affect restaurant and bar owners.

DECLARE is used when you are saying something in a public or open way.

She has declared her support for the candidate.

AFFIRM is a formal word which suggests that you believe something because of evidence, experience, or faith.

He again affirmed his belief in the existence of an afterlife.

AVOW is also formal and emphasizes that you are being honest or sincere.

Both avowed that they had nothing to do with the crime.

as·sert·ive adj [more ; most ]

: confident in behavior or style
an assertive attitude

Their daughter is an assertive little girl.

The country has adopted a more assertive [=aggressive] foreign policy.

If you want people to listen to your opinions, you'll need to learn to be more assertive.

sometimes used figuratively
a sauce with an assertive flavor [=a strong flavor]

see also SELF-ASSERTIVE

as·sert·ive·ly adv

He walked assertively [=confidently] onto the stage.

as·sert·ive·ness noun [noncount]

the country's new assertiveness [=aggressiveness] in foreign policy

She is getting/undergoing assertiveness training. [=training that teaches people to act more confidently]

as·sess verb, -sess·es, -sessed, -sess·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make a judgment about (something)

The school will assess [=evaluate] the students' progress each year.

After the hurricane, officials assessed the town's need for aid.

assess a problem

We need to assess whether or not the system is working.

assess the situation/danger/impact/severity

2 : to officially say what the amount, value, or rate of (something) is

Damage to the boat was assessed at $5,000.

Their house is assessed [=appraised, valued] at $163,000.

3 a : to tax or charge (someone or something) : to require (a person, business, etc.) to pay a particular amount of money

The company was assessed $12 million in fines for polluting the river.

3 b : to require a person, business, etc., to pay (a tax, fee, fine, etc.)

The bank assesses [=(more commonly) charges, imposes] a fee for replacing lost credit cards.

4 US, sports : to give (a player or team) a penalty during a game

He was assessed five fouls during the game.

as·sess·ment noun, pl -ments
formal

1 a : the act of making a judgment about something : the act of assessing something

[count] The book is a careful assessment [=appraisal, evaluation] of the president's achievements.

The school uses a variety of tests for its annual student assessments. [=evaluations]

[noncount] It's a difficult problem that requires careful assessment.

1 b [count] : an idea or opinion about something

I don't agree with his assessment of the problem.

2 [count] : an amount that a person is officially required to pay especially as a tax

The owners claimed the tax assessment on their house was too high.

as·ses·sor noun, pl -sors [count]

1 : a person whose job is to officially say how much something (such as a property) is worth especially so that it can be taxed according to that value
a tax assessor

2 law : a person who knows a lot about a particular subject and whose job is to give advice about that subject to a judge or other court official

3 : a person whose job is to officially say how well someone has done on a test, in a competition, etc.

as·set noun, pl -sets [count]

1 : a valuable person or thing

Good looks can be an asset [=advantage] in an acting career.

The state's natural assets include mountains and beautiful lakes.

often + to

Good looks can be an asset to an actor.

She is a great asset to the team. [=she's a valuable member of the team]

2 : something that is owned by a person, company, etc.

usually plural

The company had to sell some of its assets to avoid bankruptcy.

a bank with billions of dollars in assets
business assets and liabilities

They bought the company and stripped it of its assets. [=they sold the property owned by the company]

as·set-strip·ping noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : the practice of buying a company that is not successful at a low price and then selling its property (such as buildings or land) to make a profit

ass·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

US informal + offensive

1 : anus

2 : a very stupid or annoying person

Her boyfriend is a real asshole. [=(Brit) arsehole]

as·sid·u·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : showing great care, attention, and effort

They were assiduous in their search for all the latest facts and figures.

The project required some assiduous planning.

assiduous [=diligent] students

as·si·du·ity Brit noun [noncount]

the assiduity [=diligence] of the students

as·sid·u·ous·ly adv

He worked assiduously [=diligently] to improve his grades.

as·sid·u·ous·ness noun [noncount]

the assiduousness [=diligence] of the students

as·sign verb, -signs, -signed, -sign·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give someone a particular job or duty : to require someone to do a particular task

They assigned me the job of cleaning the equipment. = They assigned the job of cleaning the equipment to me. = They assigned me to clean the equipment.

The teacher assigned us 50 math problems for homework!

Students will be assigned five books to read and must choose two additional books (to read).

2 : to send (someone) to a particular group or place as part of a job

She was assigned to the embassy in India.

The new teacher was assigned to the science laboratory.

assigned to a platoon/squadron

3 : to give out something : to provide someone with something

Parts in the play were assigned [=given] to each student.

They assigned me a secretary. = They assigned a secretary to me. [=they provided me with a secretary]

A section of the field was assigned [=set aside] for parking.

The plane landed at its assigned gate.

our assigned positions/seats

4 : to say that someone has (something, such as blame or responsibility)

He believes that they have assigned blame/responsibility to the wrong people.

5 : to give a particular value, identity, etc., to something

The computer program will assign a number to each image.

6 law : to officially give (property or a legal right) to someone else

She assigned her share of the estate to her brother.

as·sign·able adj, chiefly law
an assignable interest in the estate

as·sign·or noun, pl -ors [count] law
the property of the assignor

as·sig·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a meeting between lovers
a secret assignation [=tryst]

as·sign·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : a job or duty that is given to someone : a task someone is required to do

[count] My assignment was to clean the equipment. = They gave me the assignment of cleaning the equipment.

The students were given a homework assignment.

The reporter's assignment is to interview the candidate.

The reporter is here on an assignment.

[noncount] The reporter is here on assignment.

2 [noncount] : the act of assigning something or someone: such as

2 a : the act of sending someone to a particular group or place as part of a job

The article discusses the recent assignment of senators to some of the more powerful committees.

her assignment to the embassy in India

2 b : the act of giving a particular value, identity, etc., to something
the computer's assignment of a number to each image

2 c : the act of saying that someone has something (such as blame)

the assignment of blame/responsibility

2 d law : the act of officially giving property or a legal right to another person
the assignment of property

3 [count] : something (such as a particular position or seat) that is chosen for you to use or have

She asked if she could change her seating assignment.

as·sim·i·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

1 [+ obj] : to learn (something) so that it is fully understood and can be used

Children need to assimilate new ideas/concepts.

There was a lot of information/material to assimilate at school.

2 a [+ obj] : to cause (a person or group) to become part of a different society, country, etc.

Schools were used to assimilate the children of immigrants.

She was thoroughly/completely assimilated to/into her new country. [=she had completely adapted to her new country]

2 b [no obj] : to adopt the ways of another culture : to fully become part of a different society, country, etc.

They found it hard to assimilate to/into American society.

3 [+ obj] : to adopt (something) as part of a larger thing

The language is constantly assimilating new words. [=making new words part of itself; the language is constantly getting new words]

Many of these religious traditions have been assimilated into the culture.

as·sim·i·la·tion noun [noncount]

a child's assimilation of concepts/ideas/information

Her assimilation into American society was complete.

1as·sist verb, -sists, -sist·ed, -sist·ing

: to give support or help : to make it easier for someone to do something or for something to happen : help

[+ obj] The device assists those who can't climb stairs.

The President was assisted by his advisers.

The President was assisted with his speech. = The President was assisted in writing his speech.

She assisted the boy with his homework.

Another doctor assisted him with the operation.

[no obj] Another doctor assisted with the operation.

Federal agents are assisting with the investigation.

She assisted in making the decision.

The cream assists in the prevention of skin cancer.

2assist noun, pl -sists [count]

1 US, somewhat informal : an action that helps someone
usually singular

He wrote the story with an assist from [=with the help/assistance of] his friend. [=his friend helped him to write the story]

2 sports : an action (such as passing a ball or puck) that helps a teammate to score

He had 3 goals and 2 assists in the hockey game.

as·sis·tance noun [noncount]

: the act of helping or assisting someone : help or support

Any assistance you can give me would be appreciated.

I'll be happy to provide you with whatever assistance you may need.

financial/cash assistance

The store salesperson asked her, “Do you need (any) assistance?”

She offered her assistance.

She asked, “Can I be of (any) assistance?” [=can I help you?]

He wrote the story with his friend's assistance. = He wrote the story with the assistance of his friend. [=his friend helped him to write the story]

Nobody came to her assistance [=nobody helped her] when her car broke down.

see also DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE

1as·sis·tant noun, pl -tants [count]

1 : a person who helps someone; especially : a person whose job is to help another person to do work
a magician's assistant [=helper]

an assistant to the college president
an assistant to the store manager
a dental assistant [=a person whose job is to help a dentist]

a wealthy executive who has a personal assistant
see also PHYSICIAN'S ASSISTANT

2 : a person whose job is to help the customers in a store

She works as a sales assistant [=salesclerk] at Macy's.

(Brit) a shop assistant

2assistant adj, always used before a noun

: having the job of helping someone to do work : having a lower rank or position than others in a group, organization, etc.

an assistant store manager
an assistant editor

assistant professor noun, pl -sors [count]

: a teacher at a U.S. college or university who has a rank above an instructor and below an associate professor

assisted living noun [noncount]

: a system that provides a place to live and medical care for people (such as elderly or disabled people) who need help with daily activities
often used in the form assisted-living before another noun
an assisted-living facility/residence

assisted suicide noun, pl -cides

: suicide with help from another person (such as a doctor) to end suffering from severe physical illness

[count] a doctor who has been involved in several assisted suicides

[noncount] an opponent of assisted suicide

assn. abbr
association

assoc. abbr
associate; associated; association

1as·so·ci·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 [+ obj] : to think of one person or thing when you think of another person or thing
usually + with

I associate flowers with spring.

She will always associate that place with her youth.

People associate the company with televisions but it also makes computers.

When one thing is associated with another, they happen together or are related or connected in some way.

There are several dangers/risks associated with [=connected with] that approach.

plants associated with the desert

He has symptoms associated with lung disease.

There are health problems that are often associated with poverty.

2 : to be together with another person or group as friends, partners, etc.

[no obj] She associates with [=is friends with] some pretty strange people.

They denied associating with terrorists. [=they denied being involved with terrorists]

[+ obj] He was associated [=connected, identified] with a group of radicals in the government.

I no longer wish to be associated with people like him.

She associates herself with some pretty strange people.

If you associate yourself with something, such as a political movement, you show or say that you support and agree with it.

He was reluctant to associate himself with the government's position.

2as·so·ci·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

1 : a person who you work with or spend time with
business associates [=colleagues]

Her associates respected her for her hard work.

He is a known associate of criminals. [=he is known to associate with criminals; people know that he works with or spends time with criminals]

2 : a member of a group or organization who is at a level that is below the highest level

She started as an associate at the law firm.

sometimes used in the names of companies

He works for Jones and Associates, a consulting firm in Santa Fe.

3as·so·ci·ate adj, always used before a noun

: having a rank or position that is below the highest level in a group, organization, etc.

He's an associate member of the club but he hopes to become a full member soon.

She was promoted from assistant editor to associate editor and may soon be promoted to senior editor.

associate professor noun, pl -sors [count]

: a teacher at a U.S. college or university who has a rank above an assistant professor and below a full professor

associate's degree noun, pl -grees [count]

: a degree that is given to a student who has completed two years of study at a junior college, college, or university in the U.S.

as·so·ci·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : an organized group of people who have the same interest, job, etc.

an athletic association [=league]

a baseball players' association [=union]

an association of local business leaders
see also PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION, SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

2 : a connection or relationship between things or people

[count] They denied having any association with terrorists.

They have a long association with the school and have donated millions of dollars to it.

a study examining the association [=link] between obesity and heart disease

[noncount] The book was produced by the publisher in association with the museum that sponsored the exhibit. [=the publisher and the museum were both involved in making the book]

3 [count] : a feeling, memory, or thought that is connected to a person, place, or thing
usually plural

Chicago has pleasant associations for me because of the happy times I spent there.

His former school has only bad/negative associations for him. [=he has only unhappy memories of his former school]

Association football noun [noncount]

Brit formal : soccer

as·so·nance noun [noncount]

technical : the use of words that have the same or very similar vowel sounds near one another (as in “summer fun” and “rise high in the bright sky”)

as·sort·ed adj

: including several kinds
a box of assorted cheeses
assorted colors/flavors/sizes/styles

She hangs around with rock stars, drug addicts, and assorted [=various] other oddballs.

as·sort·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a group or collection of different things or people
an assortment of vegetables

The book has a wonderful assortment of characters.

You can choose from a wide assortment of options.

asst. abbr
assistant
asst. coach

Dr. T. K. York, Asst. Professor

as·suage verb, -suag·es, -suaged, -suag·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (something, such as an unpleasant feeling) less painful, severe, etc.

The company tried to assuage [=soothe, calm, ease] investors' fears.

City officials needed to assuage [=lessen, relieve] neighbors' concerns about the new factory.

He couldn't assuage his guilt over the divorce.

trying to assuage [=alleviate] his hunger/thirst

as·sume verb, -sumes, -sumed, -sum·ing [+ obj]

1 : to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true

I assumed he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up.

“Is he coming?” “So I assume.” = “I assume so.”

I think we can safely assume that he's coming. = I think it's safe to assume that he's coming.

She assumed from his expression that he was confused.

Let's assume [=suppose] (that) she rejects your invitation. What will you do then? = Assuming (that) she rejects your invitation, what will you do? [=what will you do if she rejects your invitation?]

We'll be arriving around noon. That's assuming that our flight is on time.

The study assumes that the problem develops after birth. [=the study does not consider the possibility that the problem may begin before birth]

2 a : to begin (a role, duty, etc.) as a job or responsibility

She assumed the presidency. = She assumed the position of president.

assume [=take] office

The king assumed the throne when he was very young.

2 b : to take or begin to have (power, control, etc.) in a job or situation

He is ready to assume [=take] control of the organization.

3 : to begin to have (a particular appearance or quality)

The last game of the season assumes much greater importance now. [=it becomes much more important now]

Their financial problems assumed huge proportions. [=grew to be very serious]

The sky gradually assumed [=took on] an otherworldly glow.

Under certain conditions, the chemical will assume the appearance of ice.

4 a : to make yourself have (an appearance that does not show your true feelings) in order to deceive someone

She immediately assumed a look of innocence. [=she had an expression on her face that made her look innocent, even though she wasn't]

4 b : to place yourself in (a particular position or posture)

She assumed a sitting position [=she sat down] on the floor.

5 : to accept (a responsibility, debt, etc.)

When they purchased the company they had to assume [=take on] its debts.

assume liability

The city assumes greater financial risk with that plan.

assumed adj

: not true or real
an assumed air of indifference

He traveled under an assumed name. [=he used a false name when he traveled]

as·sump·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something that is believed to be true or probably true but that is not known to be true : something that is assumed

I made the assumption that he was coming, so I was surprised when he didn't show up.

He will come home tomorrow. At least, that's my assumption.

Many scientific assumptions about Mars were wrong.

We are operating on/under/with the assumption that the loan will be approved. [=we are assuming that the loan will be approved; we are behaving as though we know that the loan will be approved]

I'm telling you our arrival time on the assumption that you will check to see whether or not our flight is on time before you come to the airport.

Her plan is based on the underlying assumption that the economy will improve in the near future.

2 [noncount] : the act of assuming something: such as

2 a : the act of beginning a role, duty, etc.

her assumption of the presidency

2 b : the act of taking or beginning to have power, control, etc., in a job or situation
the assumption of control/authority

2 c : the act of accepting a responsibility, debt, etc.

the buyer's assumption of debt

as·sur·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 [noncount] : the state of being sure or certain about something

They lent us the money with the assurance that they would be repaid soon.

He has the assurance of continued support from his boss.

see also QUALITY ASSURANCE

2 [noncount] : a strong feeling of confidence about yourself or about being right

He spoke with quiet assurance about his future plans.

see also SELF-ASSURANCE

3 [count] : a strong and definite statement that something will happen or that something is true

She gave him every assurance that she would be there when he returned.

often plural

They sought assurances from the school that their children were safe.

see also LIFE ASSURANCE

as·sure verb, -sures, -sured, -sur·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) certain : ensure

He believed that hard work would assure his success. [=that hard work would make him sure to succeed]

We must assure that every child gets a proper education. = We must assure a proper education for every child.

Winning the Nobel Prize will assure [=secure, guarantee] her a place in history.

To assure someone of doing something is to make it certain that someone will do something.

A victory in this game will assure them of finishing the season with a winning record.

2 : to tell someone in a very strong and definite way that something will happen or that something is true

I can assure you that you won't be disappointed.

She assured me (that) she was OK when I talked to her on the phone.

His boss assured him that he had her continued support. = His boss assured him of her continued support. = “You have my continued support,” his boss assured him.

These mistakes won't happen again, I (can) assure you.

assure yourself

: to make yourself sure or certain about something

He tried opening the door to assure himself that it was locked.

They managed to be third in line, assuring themselves of good seats for the concert.

as·sured adj

1 : sure or certain to happen

Success is by no means assured. [=is definitely not certain]

an assured conclusion

Winners of the Nobel Prize have an assured place in history.

2 [more ; most ] : very confident : self-assured
an assured voice/manner

His writing has become more assured as he has gotten older.

3 : sure that something is certain or true
used in the phrase rest assured

You can rest assured [=you can be sure] that these mistakes won't happen again. = Rest assured, these mistakes won't happen again.

assured of

: certain to have or get (something)

They are not assured of being paid. [=it is not certain that they will be paid]

She is assured of (getting/having) a job when she gets out of college.

as·sur·ed·ly adv
formal

1 : without doubt : certainly, definitely

The merger will almost assuredly lead to job layoffs.

This sense of assuredly is commonly used with most, but it is not used with more.

He most assuredly [=very definitely] will not win.

2 [more ; most ] : in a way that shows that you are confident

She moved/walked assuredly [=confidently] across the platform to the microphone.

as·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a type of plant that is grown in gardens for its colorful flowers

as·ter·isk noun, pl -isks [count]

: a symbol · that is used in printed text especially to tell someone to read a note that can be found at the bottom of a page

asterisk verb, -isks, -isked, -isk·ing [+ obj]

an asterisked note

astern adv

1 : in, at, or toward the back of a boat or ship : in, at, or toward the stern

The island lay astern (of us) [=the island was behind us] as we sailed east.

2 of a boat or ship : in a reverse direction

The ship went full speed astern.

as·ter·oid noun, pl -oids [count]

: any one of thousands of small planets that circle around the sun

Most asteroids are found between Mars and Jupiter.

asth·ma Brit noun [noncount]

medical : a physical condition that makes it difficult for someone to breathe

asth·mat·ic Brit adj
medical : relating to or suffering from asthma
asthmatic symptoms
an asthmatic patient
an asthmatic cough

asthmatic noun, pl -ics [count]

My son is an asthmatic.

astig·ma·tism noun [noncount]

medical : a problem with the eye that prevents a person from seeing clearly

as·tig·mat·ic adj [more ; most ]

astigmatic eyes

astir adj, not used before a noun
literary

1 : in an active state

A breeze is astir. [=a breeze is blowing]

often + with

The air is astir with breezes.

2 : awake and out of bed

Nobody in the house was astir. [=awake, up]

as·ton·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing

: to cause a feeling of great wonder or surprise in (someone)

[+ obj] The garden astonishes [=amazes] anyone who sees it.

Despite the hype, there was nothing in the book to astonish readers.

[no obj] The garden's beauty never fails to astonish.

astonished adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing great surprise or wonder : amazed, astounded

I was astonished by/at all the changes in the town's appearance.

I'm astonished that you could behave so selfishly.

They were astonished to see that their car had been stolen.

The announcement was greeted with astonished laughter.

as·ton·ish·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder : causing astonishment : amazing, astounding

He showed an astonishing lack of concern for others.

The truck can hold an astonishing amount of stuff.

She gave an astonishing performance in her first film.

as·ton·ish·ing·ly adv
an astonishingly beautiful scene

Astonishingly (enough), the dog swam across the lake.

as·ton·ish·ment noun [noncount]

: a feeling of being very surprised : amazement

The garden's beauty filled me with astonishment.

A crowd watched in astonishment as he jumped from the bridge.

They discovered to their astonishment that their car had been stolen.

Much to the astonishment of her friends and family, she left school to pursue her acting career.

as·tound verb, -tounds, -tound·ed, -tound·ing [+ obj]

: to cause a feeling of great surprise or wonder in (someone) : amaze, astonish

The magician will astound you with his latest tricks.

What astounds me is that they never apologized.

astounded adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing great surprise or wonder : amazed, astonished

She was astounded by/at the number of people in the room.

We were astounded to discover a valuable painting in the attic.

The astounded audience watched in amazement.

as·tound·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing a feeling of great surprise or wonder : amazing, astonishing

Your ignorance is astounding.

He ate an astounding amount of food.

astoundingly adj

Astoundingly, the school decided not to punish him.

an astoundingly successful businessman

as·tra·khan Brit noun [noncount]

: a type of curly black fur that comes from a young sheep; also : a cloth that resembles such fur

as·tral adj

1 technical : of or relating to the stars
astral navigation

2 : involving a person's spirit rather than the body

She believes in astral projection. [=the ability of a person's spirit to travel to distant places]

astray adv

1 : off the right path or route
usually used with go

They marked the trail so hikers wouldn't go astray. [=become lost]

The rocket went astray after liftoff.

The letter went astray. [=was lost]

2 : away from what is right, good, or desirable
usually used with go or lead

Older students led him astray. [=made him behave badly]

The writer goes (badly) astray [=stops being correct or reasonable] when she blames the current government for these problems.

The President was led astray [=convinced to make a bad decision] by his advisers.

Their plans have gone astray. [=have failed]

astride prep

: with one leg or part on each side of (something)

She was sitting astride a horse.

The town lies astride a narrow river.

as·trin·gent adj [more ; most ]

1 medical : causing body tissues (such as skin) to tighten
used to describe a liquid or lotion that makes the skin less oily or that helps to stop a cut from bleeding
astringent lotions

2 : having a sharp or bitter quality
an astringent taste

3 : very critical in a sharp and often clever way

Her speech included some astringent [=caustic, biting] comments about the other candidate.

an astringent critic of modern movies

as·trin·gen·cy noun [noncount]

the astringency of her comments

astringent noun, pl -gents [count] medical

She used an astringent on her face.

as·trin·gent·ly adv
an astringently ironic writer

as·trol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: the study of how the positions of the stars and movements of the planets have a supposed influence on events and on the lives and behavior of people

as·trol·o·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

She consulted an astrologer to see if she would ever get married.

as·tro·log·i·cal adj
astrological theories/beliefs/signs

as·tro·log·i·cal·ly adv

as·tro·naut noun, pl -nauts [count]

: a person who travels in a spacecraft into outer space

as·tro·nom·i·cal also as·tro·nom·ic adj

1 : of or relating to astronomy
astronomical research

2 : extremely large

The cost of the office building was astronomical.

We got an astronomical telephone bill this month.

as·tro·nom·i·cal·ly adv

The cost of health care has risen astronomically.

an astronomically large amount of money

as·tron·o·my noun [noncount]

: the scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in outer space

as·tron·o·mer noun, pl -mers [count]

as·tro·phys·ics noun [noncount]

: the scientific study of the physical and chemical properties and structures of stars, planets, and other objects in outer space

as·tro·phys·i·cal adj

as·tro·phys·i·cist noun, pl -cists [count]

As·tro·turf trademark
used for an artificial surface that resembles grass

as·tute Brit adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing an ability to notice and understand things clearly : mentally sharp or clever

He is an astute observer of the current political scene.

Astute readers will notice the error.

She made some astute [=insightful] observations about the movie industry.

His analysis of the battle was very astute.

as·tute·ly adv

He invested his money astutely. [=shrewdly]

as·tute·ness noun [noncount]

political astuteness

asun·der adv
literary : into parts : apart

He split the log asunder with an ax.

often used with tear

The government was torn asunder [=deeply divided] by scandal.

asy·lum noun, pl -lums

1 [noncount] : protection given by a government to someone who has left another country in order to escape being harmed

She asked for political asylum.

She was granted asylum after it was made clear that she would be killed if she returned to her native country.

asylum seekers

2 [count] old-fashioned : a hospital where people who are mentally ill are cared for especially for long periods of time : a mental hospital

asym·met·ri·cal or asym·met·ric adj [more ; most ]

: having two sides or halves that are not the same : not symmetrical
an asymmetrical design

asym·met·ri·cal·ly adv

asym·me·try noun, pl -tries [noncount]

the asymmetry of the design

[count]

Doctors studied asymmetries in the brain.

asymp·tom·at·ic adj
medical : having or showing no symptoms of disease

You should continue to take the medication, even when you are asymptomatic. [=even when you do not have any pain or other signs that you are sick]

at prep

1
used to indicate the place where someone or something is

We're staying at a hotel.

The kitchen is at the back of the house.

He was sitting at the table.

They left for Cambridge early and arrived at [=in] Cambridge before noon.

The party will be at Susan's house. = The party will be at Susan's.

Ann works at [=in] a library.

We met at a party.

They live at opposite ends of town.

They met at [=on] a street corner in a town.

“Is your father at home?” [=is your father home?] “No, he's working late at the office.”

She met us at the door.

He was standing at [=next to] the window.

There were 200 people at the wedding. [=200 people attended the wedding]

Their older son has graduated, but their younger son is still at school. [=is still attending school]

Who was at the controls when the accident occurred?

The word at is used in speech in e-mail addresses.

“Can I e-mail you?” “Sure. Our e-mail address is ‘comments at Merriam-Webster dot com.’”

In writing, the symbol @ is used instead.

comments@Merriam-Webster.com

2
used to indicate the person or thing toward which an action, motion, or feeling is directed or aimed

She pointed her gun at the target.

He's angry at his brother.

His anger is directed at his brother.

She shouted (words of) abuse at me.

He looked directly at me.

They laughed at him.

She grabbed at my arm. [=she tried to grab my arm]

He poked at his food.

3
used to indicate something that is being tried or attempted

I made an attempt at persuading him to go.

I took a shot at doing it myself. [=I tried to do it myself]

4 : because of or in reaction to (something)

They laughed at my joke.

She's furious at how slowly the investigation is proceeding.

used to indicate the cause of an action, feeling, etc.

I was greatly surprised at [=by] the result. [=the result surprised me greatly]

He enlisted in the army at his father's urging. [=because his father urged him to]

She visited the museum at my suggestion.

They came here at our invitation.

You can act at your own discretion.

5
used to indicate an activity

He's very serious when he's at work. [=when he's working]

children who are at play [=children who are playing]

She's good at (playing) chess. [=she plays chess well]

I'm bad at cooking. [=I'm a bad cook, I do not cook well]

She's doing very well at her studies.

6
used to indicate a situation or condition

I'm not at liberty to discuss that.

at rest
two nations that are at war
people who are at risk

He is now at peace.

7 a
used to indicate position on a scale or in a series

The temperature is at 90 degrees.

He was driving at almost 80 miles an hour.

7 b
used to indicate a rate

They sell at [=for] a dollar a dozen. [=each dozen costs one dollar]

8
used to indicate an age or time

He plans to retire at (age) 65.

He called us at (about/exactly) 9 o'clock on July 24.

at dawn/noon/sunset/night

I still think of her at certain moments/times.

He was president of the company at (the time of) his death.

9
used to indicate the method by which something is done

The property was sold at auction.

10 a
used in phrases like at best, at worst, etc., to indicate a possible result or condition that is considered best, worst, etc.

The company will make a small profit at best this year. [=it is not possible that the company will earn anything better/more than a small profit]

We might be 5 or 10 minutes late at worst. [=we will not be more than 5 or 10 minutes late]

We should arrive by noon at the latest. [=we should not arrive later than noon]

10 b
used in phrases like at its best, at its worst, etc., to indicate that something or someone is as good, bad, etc., as possible

This is baseball at its best.

He's often rude, and last night he was at his worst.

at it

: doing some activity

I didn't expect her to have started working yet, but she was already (hard) at it when I arrived. [=she was already working (hard) when I arrived]

My neighbors are always arguing, and they were at it again last night. [=they were arguing again last night]

Since we're cleaning the kitchen, we should wash the floor while we're at it. [=we should wash the floor when we clean the kitchen]

“I'm going to the store to buy a newspaper.” “While you're at it, could you get some milk?”

at that see 1THAT

where it's at see 1WHERE

where (someone) is at see 1WHERE

at·a·vis·tic adj
formal : very primitive
used to describe feelings or qualities that human beings have had from the earliest times

She thinks men have an atavistic desire to dominate any group.

atavistic urges/instincts

ate past tense of EAT

ate·lier Brit noun, pl -iers [count]

: a room where an artist works

athe·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who believes that God does not exist compare AGNOSTIC 1

athe·ism noun [noncount]

athe·is·tic adj [more ; most ]

atheistic beliefs

ath·lete noun, pl -letes [count]

: a person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require physical skill and strength

Athletes from around the world will be competing at the Olympics.

amateur/professional athletes

She was quite an athlete as a child.

athlete's foot noun [noncount]

medical : a condition in which the skin between and around the toes cracks and peels

ath·let·ic adj

1 always used before a noun

1 a : of or relating to athletes
the national athletic association

They each received an athletic scholarship to the school.

1 b : of or relating to sports, games, or exercises

Students can get discount tickets for all athletic events.

His athletic career spanned three decades.

the college's athletic department/director

She has great athletic ability.

2 always used before a noun : used by athletes : used during or for sports, games, or exercises
athletic socks/gear/shoes
the school's athletic field

3 [more ; most ]

3 a : strong and muscular

She's tall and has an athletic build.

3 b : active in sports, games, or exercises

He's very athletic.

ath·let·i·cal·ly adv

She's tall and athletically built.

ath·let·i·cism noun [noncount]

: the ability to play sports or do physical activities well

He's much admired for his athleticism.

She has speed and athleticism.

ath·let·ics noun

1 [plural] US : sports, games, and exercises that require strength and skill : athletic activities

Athletics is plural in form but is used with both plural and singular verbs.

College athletics attract students from a variety of backgrounds.

The coach believes high school athletics is in need of reform.

2 [noncount] Brit : track and field

athletic supporter noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US : jockstrap

at-home adj, always used before a noun

US

1 : made to be used in the home

She uses an at-home blood test to monitor her blood levels.

at-home exercise equipment

2 : happening at someone's home
at-home entertainment
one of the star's rare at-home interviews

3 : not employed outside the home
an at-home [=(more commonly) stay-at-home] mother/father

-ation noun suffix

: the action or process of doing something
visitation
memorization

atish·oo interj

Brit : achoo

-ative adj suffix

1 : relating to or connected with something
authoritative

2 : designed to do something
preventative
informative

3 : tending to do something
talkative

Atl. abbr

Atlantic

At·lan·tis noun [noncount]

: an island that according to legend sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean long ago

at·las noun, pl -las·es [count]

: a book of maps
a world atlas
a road atlas of the U.S.

ATM noun, pl ATMs [count]

: a machine that people use to get money from their bank accounts by using a special card
often used before another noun

ATM cards/machines

ATM is an abbreviation of “automatic teller machine.”

at·mo·sphere noun, pl -spheres

1 a [singular] : the whole mass of air that surrounds the Earth

Experts have noticed changes in the atmosphere.

Meteoroids burn up as they pass through Earth's atmosphere.

1 b [count] : a mass of gases that surround a planet or star

The planets have different atmospheres.

2 [count] : the air in a particular place or area
usually singular

The waiting room's stuffy atmosphere made me feel a little sick.

the moist atmosphere of the swamp

3 a [count] : the particular way a place or situation makes you feel
usually singular

The inn has a romantic atmosphere.

often + of

The relaxed atmosphere of the classroom was a stark contrast to the strict schools I'd gone to before.

The news created an atmosphere of fear/excitement/confusion.

3 b [noncount] : an interesting or pleasing quality or effect
a country inn with lots of atmosphere

The food was good but the restaurant has no atmosphere.

at·mo·spher·ic Brit adj

1 always used before a noun : of or relating to the atmosphere of the Earth or another planet
atmospheric gases/conditions/pressure

2 : creating a pleasant or exciting mood or feeling
atmospheric melodies

atoll noun, pl atolls [count]

: an island that is made of coral and shaped like a ring

at·om noun, pl -oms [count]

1 : the smallest particle of a substance that can exist by itself or be combined with other atoms to form a molecule
carbon atoms
an atom of hydrogen

2 : a very small amount of something

The flu took every atom [=bit] of strength I had.

There is not an atom of truth to what he said.

atom·ic adj

1 : of or relating to atoms
atomic [=nuclear] physics/particles

2 : of, relating to, or using the energy that is produced when atoms are split apart
atomic [=nuclear] weapons
the atomic [=nuclear] age
an atomic [=nuclear] reactor

atomic bomb noun, pl bombs [count]

: a bomb that produces an extremely powerful explosion when atoms are split apart called also A-bomb, atom bomb

atomic clock noun, pl clocks [count]

: a special kind of clock that is extremely exact

atomic energy noun [noncount]

physics : nuclear energy

at·om·iz·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device that forces a liquid out of a very small hole so that it becomes a fine spray
a perfume atomizer

aton·al adj
music : not written, played, or sung in a particular key
atonal music/sounds

atone verb, atones, atoned, aton·ing [no obj]

formal : to do something good as a way to show that you are sorry about doing something bad
usually + for

He says that he volunteers at the homeless shelter as a way to atone for [=make up for] the sins of his youth.

atone·ment noun [noncount]

atonement for his sins

atop prep
chiefly US somewhat old-fashioned + literary : on top of

The house sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean.

atri·um noun, pl atria also atriums [count]

1 : an open area inside a tall building that has windows to let light in from above

2 technical : one of two sections of the heart that take in blood from the veins compare VENTRICLE

atro·cious adj

1 : very evil or cruel
an atrocious period in the nation's history
atrocious crimes.

2 : very bad
atrocious [=terrible, awful] handwriting

His performance was atrocious. [=horrible]

atrocious [=appalling] behavior

Isn't this weather atrocious? [=awful]

atro·cious·ly adv

The team played atrociously [=horribly] this season.

atroc·i·ty noun, pl -ties

: a very cruel or terrible act or action

[count] the atrocities of war

Atrocities were committed by forces on both sides of the conflict.

[noncount] Who could be capable of such atrocity?

1at·ro·phy noun [noncount]

medical : gradual loss of muscle or flesh usually because of disease or lack of use

The doctor is concerned about possible atrophy of the shoulder muscles.

often used figuratively
emotional/intellectual atrophy [=loss of emotional/intellectual strength]

2atrophy verb, -phies, -phied, -phy·ing [no obj]

medical : to become weak from lack of use : to suffer from atrophy

Her muscles atrophied during her illness.

After her surgery, she received therapy to keep the muscles from atrophying.

att. abbr

1 attached

2 attention

3 attorney

at·tach verb, -tach·es, -tached, -tach·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to fasten or join one thing to another

I've attached an application to the brochure for you.

She attached a note to the package.

I attached the file to the e-mail.

often used as (be) attached

A hook is attached to the back of the picture frame.

often used figuratively

The man attached the blame to the two boys. [=said the two boys should be blamed]

The lawyer attached [=added] new conditions to the contract.

The shy child attached herself to her mother [=stayed close to her mother] during the whole party.

1 b [no obj] : to be or become joined or connected

The handle attaches here on the top.

opposite DETACH

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to associate or connect one thing with another

+ to

It's obvious in the way he dresses that he attaches great importance to appearance. [=he thinks appearance is very important]

People attach different meanings to the poem. [=people understand the meaning of the poem in different ways]

often used as (be) attached

Magical powers were once thought to be attached to the stone. [=the stone was once thought to have magical powers]

Little credibility was attached to his story. [=people did not think that his story was very credible]

2 b : to associate or connect (yourself) with someone or something

+ to

He attached himself to an older, wealthy woman.

She attached herself to the cause.

often used as (be) attached

His doctor is attached to the clinic. [=his doctor is associated with the clinic]

at·ta·ché Brit noun, pl -chés [count]

: a person who works at an embassy as an expert on a particular subject
a cultural/military attaché

attaché case noun, pl cases [count]

: a small, thin suitcase that is used especially for carrying papers and documents

at·tached adj

1 : connected or joined to something

Please fill out the attached application.

Please see the document attached.

The house has an attached garage.

2 [more ; most ] : emotionally connected : having strong feelings of affection

She's quite attached to her cousin. [=she likes her cousin very much]

We both became very attached to the cat.

at·tach·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : an extra part that can be used with a machine to make it do a particular job

The vacuum cleaner attachments help clean in tight spaces.

I need a longer attachment for the drill.

2 : strong feelings of affection or loyalty for someone or something

[count]

usually singular
the baby's attachment to his mother

They all have a deep attachment to the old house.

[noncount] People need emotional attachment.

3 [count] : a document or file that is sent with e-mail

I'll send the document as an attachment to my next e-mail.

4 a [count] : a part that is used to connect or attach something

The attachments that connect the rack to the car are rusted and should be replaced.

4 b [noncount] : the act of connecting or attaching something

There are two brackets for attachment of the shelf.

on attachment

Brit : working for a limited time in a particular place
usually + to

She's on attachment to Australia for a month.

1at·tack verb, -tacks, -tacked, -tack·ing

1 : to act violently against (someone or something) : to try to hurt, injure, or destroy (something or someone)

[+ obj] He attacked the guard with a knife.

Troops attacked the fortress at dawn.

often used as (be) attacked

He was attacked by a dog.

He was attacked from behind by two men.

[no obj] Suddenly, the dog attacked.

The troops attacked at dawn.

2 [+ obj] : to criticize (someone or something) in a very harsh and severe way

The study has been attacked as unscientific. [=people have criticized the study by saying that it is unscientific]

People are attacking the mayor for breaking campaign promises.

The professor has been widely attacked for her position on the issue.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to begin to work on or deal with (something, such as a problem) in a determined and eager way

We eagerly attacked the problem. [=we eagerly tried to solve the problem]

3 b : to begin to eat (food) eagerly

Did you see the way the kids attacked that pizza?

4 [+ obj] : to begin to harm, injure, or destroy (something)

The virus attacks the body's immune system.

A number of trees have been attacked by the disease.

Insects have attacked the crops.

5 sports : to try to score points or goals by moving forward in a very forceful way

[no obj] The team attacked from the outset, so it was no surprise that they won.

[+ obj] The offense attacked the weak defensive line.

at·tack·er noun, pl -ers [count]

She was able to identify her attacker, and he was later brought to trial.

The defense trapped the attacker and got the ball back.

2attack noun, pl -tacks

1 a [count] : a violent, harmful, or destructive act against someone or something
dog/shark attacks = attacks by dogs/sharks

One of the patients was the victim of a knife attack. [=an attack made using a knife]

often + on

There have been a number of attacks on women on the campus.

1 b : harmful or destructive action against something by a disease, insect, chemical, etc.

[noncount] The immune system is the body's defense against attack by germs.

[count] The spray protects plants from attacks by many common pests.

2 : an attempt by a military force to defeat an enemy : a military offensive

[count] an air/ground attack = an attack made from the air/ground

The surprise attack came at dawn.

[noncount] There is a threat of nuclear attack.

3 [count] : strong or severe criticism

There have been many attacks against the professor for her position on the issue.

a verbal attack

The newspaper editorial is an attack on policy-makers.

4 [count] : a sudden short period of suffering from an illness or of being affected by a strong emotion
an asthma attack
a panic/anxiety attack
often + of
an attack of the flu
an attack of food poisoning
an attack of nerves/melancholy

sometimes used figuratively
an attack of the giggles

He had an unexpected attack of goodness and helped us out.

see also HEART ATTACK

5 [count] : an attempt to destroy or end something
often + on

City leaders have called for an attack on poverty.

Local schools are mounting an attack on racism.

6 : a method of dealing with something (such as a problem)

[count] Each problem calls for a different attack.

[noncount] The current approach isn't working. I think we need a new plan of attack. [=a new idea of how to do what we are trying to do]

7 sports

7 a [count] : an attempt by a player or group of players to score points, goals, or runs
usually singular

They had a sustained attack but could not score.

The players carried the attack deep into the opponent's side of the field.

They won the game in the last two innings with an 8-hit attack. [=they won the game by getting eight hits in the last two innings]

7 b Brit : the players on a team who try to score : offense

[singular] The team's attack has been weakened by injury.

[noncount] He will play in attack. [=(US) on offense]

on the attack

: making an attack

The soldiers were on the attack. [=were attacking the enemy]

The team was on the attack [=was aggressively trying to score] for most of the first half.

The team went on the attack [=began to attack] and quickly scored a goal.

The candidate went on the attack and accused his opponent of lying.

Opponents of the project went on the attack and defeated the land sale.

under attack

: being affected or hurt by an attack : being attacked

The troops were under attack [=were being attacked by the enemy] throughout the day.

The troops suddenly came under attack. [=began to be attacked]

The new policy has come under attack [=has been strongly criticized] by environmentalists.

3attack adj, always used before a noun

: designed for or used in a military attack
an attack helicopter/submarine

The bombers were in attack formation.

attack dog noun, pl dogs [count]

1 : a dog that has been trained to attack people

2 : a person who is known for making very harsh and personal criticisms of other people

The charges against the candidate were made by one of the governor's attack dogs.

at·tain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal

1 : to accomplish or achieve (something) : to succeed in getting or doing (something)

a quest to attain enlightenment

She refused to let the injury keep her from attaining her goal of being in the Olympics.

2 : to grow or increase to (a particular amount, size, etc.) : reach

This kind of tree can attain a height of 20 feet within just a few years.

The car can attain a top speed of 200 mph.

at·tain·able adj [more ; most ]

Be sure that the goals you set are attainable. [=achievable]

at·tain·ment noun, pl -ments
formal

1 [noncount] : the state or condition of having gotten or done something difficult : the act of attaining something : achievement

She values educational attainment above all else.

often + of

She is working toward the attainment of her goals.

the attainment of enlightenment

2 [count] : something that has been gotten, done, or achieved through effort : achievement

Her scientific attainments have made her quite well-known in the field of biology.

1at·tempt verb, -tempts, -tempt·ed, -tempt·ing [+ obj]

: to try to do (something) : to try to accomplish or complete (something)

They've attempted a climb up Mount Everest once before.

She attempted suicide early in their marriage.

often followed by to + verb

Do not attempt to repair the equipment without the proper tools.

The book attempts to prove that they were not guilty.

attempted adj
an attempted robbery/murder/suicide

synonyms

ATTEMPT, TRY, ENDEAVOR, and STRIVE mean to make an effort to do or accomplish something. ATTEMPT is a basic word that sometimes stresses the beginning of this kind of effort.

He will attempt to photograph the rare bird.

TRY is very close to ATTEMPT but often stresses effort that is made to test or prove something.

The team is trying to determine which fuel is less efficient overall.

ENDEAVOR is a more formal word that usually suggests a serious and continuing effort.

As a teacher, he endeavors to inspire a love of learning in his students.

STRIVE suggests effort made over a long period of time in order to accomplish something difficult.

Despite setbacks, we must continue to strive for peace.

2attempt noun, pl -tempts [count]

1 : an act of trying to do something

In an attempt [=effort] to raise money, the school will begin charging admission to school concerts.

She failed her driving test on the first attempt but she succeeded on her second attempt.

We both made an attempt [=tried] to be friendly despite recent arguments.

He made no attempt to apologize. [=he did not try to apologize]

It was a successful attempt at climbing Mount Everest. = It was a successful attempt on Mount Everest.

Attempt often suggests that the effort made was unsuccessful.

a suicide attempt
an assassination attempt

2 : something that results from trying to do something

Her attempt at a home-cooked meal consisted of frozen fish sticks and a can of soup.

an attempt on someone's life

: an act of trying to kill someone : a usually unsuccessful effort to kill someone

Police report that there has been an attempt on the actor's life.

Someone made an attempt on her life. [=someone tried to kill her]

at·tend verb, -tends, -tend·ed, -tend·ing

1 a : to go to and be present at (an event, meeting, etc.)

[+ obj] My husband and I will both attend the banquet.

How many people attended the baseball game?

He won't be attending the conference.

[no obj] How many people will be attending?

One hundred people attended.

1 b [+ obj] : to regularly go to (classes, church services, etc.)

She attends a school in the city.

He'll be attending the university in the fall.

I am the first child in my family to attend college.

We attend the same church.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to help or care for (someone, such as a patient)

Each nurse attends 15 patients.

2 b : to assist with (a birth)

A midwife attended the birth.

see also ATTENDING

3 [+ obj] formal : to go with or be with (someone) as a helper or adviser
ministers who attend the king

She's attended by several assistants.

attend to [phrasal verb]

attend to (someone or something)

1 : to deal with (something)

Please excuse me. I must attend to some business. = Please excuse me. I've got some business I must attend to.

2 : to give needed help or attention to (someone or something)

Volunteers attend to the park for the summer.

The hotel staff attended to my every need.

Please make sure that the guests are attended to.

at·ten·dance noun, pl -danc·es

1 : the number of people present at an event, meeting, etc.

[noncount] The team wants to double attendance at its games this season.

Attendance is down so far this season.

[count] Museum attendances in the city have been increasing in recent years.

2 [noncount]

2 a : the act of being present at a place

Attendance (at all classes) is mandatory.

2 b : a record of how often a person goes to classes, meetings, etc.

Her grades are good, but how's her attendance?

a student who has perfect attendance [=a student who has been present at every class]

The teacher takes attendance [=makes a record of who is present] every day.

in attendance

1 : present at an event, meeting, etc.

Everyone in attendance voted in favor of the measure.

A number of celebrities were in attendance.

2 : caring for or helping someone who is giving giving birth or getting medical treatment

Who was in attendance at the birth?

midwives/doctors in attendance

1at·ten·dant noun, pl -dants [count]

1 : an assistant or servant
a bride and her attendants [=bridesmaids]

the royal family's attendants

2 : an employee who serves or helps customers
gas station attendants

She let the parking attendant park her car.

see also FLIGHT ATTENDANT

2attendant adj
formal : coming with or following as a result

The town is trying to deal with the population boom and the attendant increase in traffic.

often + on or upon
the problems attendant on/upon the introduction of new technology

at·tend·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

: a person who is present at an event, meeting, etc., or at a particular place

There were 300 attendees at the conference.

at·tend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly Brit : attendee

They are frequent/regular attenders at the church.

at·tend·ing adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US : serving as a doctor on the staff of a hospital who regularly visits and treats patients and is in charge of other staff members
an attending physician/surgeon

at·ten·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : the act or power of carefully thinking about, listening to, or watching someone or something

[noncount] We focused our attention on this particular poem.

My attention wasn't really on the game.

The game was boring and my attention began to wander. [=I was losing interest in the game and started thinking about other things]

You need to pay more attention in school.

Please give me your undivided/full/complete attention. [=please listen carefully and concentrate on what I am saying and doing]

The movie keeps/holds your attention [=interest] right to the very end.

often + to

Her job requires careful attention to detail.

You need to pay more attention to the teacher.

Don't pay any attention to what the other kids say. [=ignore what the other kids say]

It's time to turn/give our attention to the next project.

Pay (close/careful) attention to what he says.

[count] (US) Lately she's been focusing her attentions on making sales.

This sense is sometimes used as an interjection.

Attention, please! [=please give me your attention]

2 [noncount] : notice, interest, or awareness

She likes all the attention she is getting from the media/press.

The actor avoids drawing attention to himself.

The book has received/attracted national attention.

The trial is getting a lot of public attention.

The children were competing for the teacher's attention.

A cat on a leash is sure to attract attention.

Your hard work and dedication have not escaped my attention. [=I have noticed your hard work and dedication]

The book's title grabbed/caught my attention. [=the title caused me to look at the book]

He was trying to divert/distract attention away from his friend's mistake. [=he was trying to keep people from noticing or thinking about his friend's mistake]

We tried to attract/get your attention [=we tried to get you to see us], but you didn't hear us calling you.

Thank you for bringing the matter to my attention. [=making me aware of the matter]

It has been brought to my attention [=I've been made aware] that the meeting has been canceled.

I would like to call/bring your attention to a problem we are having.

It came to my attention [=I noticed] that several items were missing from my office.

It has come to my attention [=I have been made aware] that some people were offended by my comments.

He loves being the center of attention. [=he loves being noticed and watched by many people]

3 [noncount] : special care or treatment

Be sure the dog gets plenty of attention.

The house is in good shape, but the porch needs some attention.

The victim needed immediate medical attention.

4 attentions [plural] : acts of kindness, care, or courtesy : acts that show affection or admiration for someone

She found his attentions flattering.

She has been receiving unwanted attentions from a coworker.

5 [noncount] : the way a soldier stands with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides
often used as a command

Attention!

at attention

1 or to attention : standing silently with the body stiff and straight, the feet together, and both arms at the sides

(US) The troops stood at attention. = (Brit) The troops stood to attention.

compare at ease at 1EASE

2 : in a position that shows careful listening or attention

The dog sat at attention, listening for something in the distance.

attention deficit disorder noun [noncount]

medical : a condition in which someone (such as a child) has problems with learning and behavior because of being unable to think about or pay attention to things for very long abbr. ADD

attention span noun, pl spans [count]

: the length of time during which someone is able to think about or remain interested in something
people with short attention spans

at·ten·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : thinking about or watching something carefully : paying careful attention to something

Attentive [=observant] readers might notice some mistakes in the book.

an attentive audience
often + to

He's very attentive to details.

2 : very concerned about the needs of others

The hospital is proud of its attentive staff.

Our waiter was very attentive.

at·ten·tive·ly adv

The audience listened/watched attentively.

at·ten·tive·ness noun [noncount]

We appreciated the attentiveness of the hospital staff.

at·ten·u·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (something) weaker or less in amount, effect, or force

Earplugs will attenuate the loud sounds of the machinery.

an attenuated virus

at·ten·u·a·tion noun [noncount]

at·test verb, -tests, -test·ed, -test·ing
formal : to show, prove, or state that something is true or real

[no obj]

usually + to

I can attest to the truth of his statement.

The popularity of the treatment attests to its effectiveness. [=shows that it is effective]

[+ obj] I can attest that what he has said is true.

The certificate attests the authenticity of the painting.

He was asked to attest [=authenticate] the will/signature.

often used as (be) attested

The plant's presence in the ancient world is attested by fossils that have been found.

the first attested written language

at·tes·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

the first attestations of written language

[noncount]

The signature required attestation.

at·tic noun, pl -tics [count]

: a room or space that is just below the roof of a building and that is often used to store things

at·tire noun [noncount]

formal : clothing
beach/business/golf attire

Proper attire is required at the restaurant.

at·tired adj
formal : dressed in a particular way
an elegantly attired gentleman

Both were attired in the distinctive uniform.

at·ti·tude Brit noun, pl -tudes

1 [count] : the way you think and feel about someone or something

He has a positive/negative attitude about the changes.

often + to, toward, or towards

I don't understand your attitude to money.

She's studying how attitudes toward death vary from culture to culture.

He wants to change the hostile attitude they have toward technology.

2 [count] : a feeling or way of thinking that affects a person's behavior

He has an aggressive/rebellious attitude. [=he behaves toward other people in an aggressive/rebellious way]

She's friendly and has a good attitude.

You need to change your bad attitude.

There's been a change/shift in his attitude since his accident.

She has an attitude problem. [=she is not friendly or cooperative]

3 informal

3 a : a way of thinking and behaving that people regard as unfriendly, rude, etc.

[count] I don't know what her problem is. She has a real attitude.

I suggest you get rid of that attitude and shape up.

[noncount] He was showing some attitude during practice today, so the coach benched him.

3 b [noncount] : a strong, confident, or impressive quality
a band/movie with attitude

4 [count] formal : a particular way of positioning your body

She bowed her head in an attitude of prayer.

cop an attitude see 2COP

at·ti·tu·di·nal Brit adj
formal : relating to, based on, or showing a person's opinions and feelings
attitudinal changes/judgments

attn. abbr
attention

at·tor·ney noun, pl -neys [count]

chiefly US : lawyer see also DISTRICT ATTORNEY, POWER OF ATTORNEY, STATE ATTORNEY

attorney at law noun, pl attorneys at law [count]

chiefly US formal : lawyer
used chiefly as a title

John Smith, Attorney at Law

attorney general noun, pl attorneys general or attorney generals [count]

: the chief lawyer of a country or state who represents the government in legal matters

at·tract verb, -tracts, -tract·ed, -tract·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to cause (someone) to choose to do or be involved in something

The company has a difficult time attracting good employees because of its poor pay and benefits.

The chance to travel around the world attracted me to a career as a flight attendant.

1 b : to cause (someone) to like or be interested in something
usually used as (be) attracted

He is attracted to hockey because of the constant action of the game.

I was attracted by the town's vibrant art community.

2 : to cause (someone or something) to go to or move to or toward a place

The museum attracts visitors from all over the world.

The smell of freshly baked cookies attracted the children (to the kitchen).

The scent will attract certain insects.

Certain insects are attracted by the scent.

3 : to cause sexual or romantic feeling in (someone or something)

Short men attract her.

Her bright blue eyes attracted me.

The bird's colorful feathers are used to attract a mate.

often used as (be) attracted

She is attracted to short men.

I was attracted by her bright blue eyes.

I felt very attracted to her.

see also opposites attract at 3OPPOSITE

4 : to cause (a particular reaction) : to get or create (attention, notice, interest, etc.)

The trial is attracting a lot of attention.

Her comment attracted criticism.

The bird uses its call to attract the attention of a mate.

5 physics : to pull (something) to or toward something else

A magnet attracts iron.

at·trac·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count]

1 a : something interesting or enjoyable that people want to visit, see, or do

The waterfall continues to be the main attraction at the park.

The town's big attraction for movie lovers is the annual film festival.

Buses take visitors to all the city's best tourist attractions. [=things tourists usually like to see or do]

A coming attraction is a movie, show, or other interesting thing that is going to happen or be available soon.

Before the movie began, we saw previews of coming attractions.

1 b : a performer who people want to see

She is the star attraction of the show.

2 [singular] : a feeling that makes someone romantically or sexually interested in another person

There's a strong sexual attraction between them.

His attraction to her grew over the course of their time together.

3 : a feature or quality that makes someone or something interesting or enjoyable

[noncount] A good relationship is based on more than just physical attraction.

[count] I understand the attraction of skydiving, but I could never do it.

What are the attractions of owning your own business?

4 physics : a force that pulls something to or toward something else

[noncount] magnetic/gravitational attraction

[count] attractions among particles
opposite REPULSION

at·trac·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a pleasing appearance
an attractive flower arrangement

He has an attractive [=charming] smile.

especially : having a pleasing appearance that causes romantic or sexual feelings in someone : good-looking

An attractive woman greeted us at the door.

I've never really found him attractive. [=I have never been attracted to him]

2 : having a feature or quality that people like

It is a very attractive [=appealing] offer/proposition, but I can't accept it at this time.

The camera has many attractive features at a very attractive price.

often + to

His ideas are attractive to many people. [=many people like his ideas]

at·trac·tive·ly adv

The flowers are attractively arranged.

an attractively priced camera

at·trac·tive·ness noun [noncount]

sexual/physical attractiveness

at·trib·ut·able adj, not used before a noun

: caused by a particular thing

+ to

His health problems are attributable to a poor diet and lack of exercise.

1at·trib·ute verb, -utes, -ut·ed, -ut·ing

attribute to [phrasal verb]

attribute (something) to (someone or something)

1 : to say that (something) is because of (someone or something)

He attributes his success to his coach. [=he credits his success to his coach]

His doctor attributes his health problems to a poor diet and a lack of exercise.

2 : to think of (something) as being a quality of (someone or something)

The study suggests that it is a mistake to attribute adult reasoning to children.

Is it right to attribute complex emotions to animals?

She attributed some importance to the research.

3 : to think of (something) as being made or created by (someone)

The poem is usually attributed to Shakespeare, but some scholars doubt that he wrote it.

at·tri·bu·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

The attribution of the poem to Shakespeare is questioned by some scholars.

[count]

The identified causes were later found to be mistaken attributions.

2at·tri·bute noun, pl -butes [count]

: a usually good quality or feature that someone or something has

The interviewer asked me what I consider to be my best attribute.

Both candidates possess the attributes we want in a leader.

at·trib·u·tive adj
grammar : joined directly to a noun in order to describe it

“Red” in “red hair” is an attributive adjective.

In “airplane pilot” the noun “airplane” is attributive.

compare 3PREDICATE

at·trib·u·tive·ly adv

The noun “city” in “city streets” is used attributively.

at·tri·tion noun [noncount]

formal

1 chiefly US : a reduction in the number of employees or participants that occurs when people leave because they resign, retire, etc., and are not replaced

The staff has been thinned through attrition. [=the staff has become smaller because people have left]

Attrition is high among social workers because of the difficult work and poor pay.

a growing attrition rate = a growing rate of attrition
called also (Brit) natural wastage

2 : the act or process of weakening and gradually defeating an enemy through constant attacks and continued pressure over a long period of time
used especially in the phrase war of attrition

They can only gain victory by fighting a long war of attrition.

at·tune Brit verb, -tunes, -tuned, -tun·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (a person, company, etc.) to have a better understanding of what is needed or wanted by a particular person or group
usually + to

It is important to attune the company to the needs of its customers.

often used as (be) attuned

The company is attuned to the needs of its customers.

He is more attuned to the political climate of the region.

atty. abbr
attorney

atty. gen. abbr
attorney general

ATV noun, pl ATVs [count]

: all-terrain vehicle

atwit·ter adj, not used before a noun

: nervously excited

It was a book that set the publishing world all atwitter. [=caused excitement in the publishing world]

atyp·i·cal adj

: not typical : not usual or normal
an atypical case

This book is atypical of her previous work. [=is not like her previous work]

atyp·i·cal·ly adv

We had an atypically [=unusually] leisurely lunch that afternoon.

au·ber·gine noun, pl -gines [count]

Brit : eggplant

au·burn adj

: reddish brown
auburn hair

au cou·rant adj [more ; most ]

1 : knowing about the newest information, trends, etc.

I try to stay au courant with the latest developments in the industry.

2 : stylish or current
au courant fashions

1auc·tion noun, pl -tions

: a public sale at which things are sold to the people who offer to pay the most

[count] She bought the desk at an auction.

He made several bids at the auction.

[noncount] The house is being sold at auction. = The house is up for auction.

She works as an auctioneer at an auction house. [=a business that runs auctions]

on the auction block see 1BLOCK

2auction verb, -tions, -tioned, -tion·ing [+ obj]

: to sell (something) at an auction

They auctioned a similar desk last year.

The house was auctioned last week.

often + off

The house was auctioned off last week.

auc·tion·eer noun, pl -eers [count]

: a person who runs an auction

The auctioneer started the bidding at $100.

au·da·cious adj [more ; most ]

: very confident and daring : very bold and surprising or shocking

They have audacious plans for the new school.

This is her most audacious film so far.

She made an audacious decision to quit her job.

shockingly audacious behavior

au·da·cious·ly adv

He audaciously disregarded all of their concerns.

au·da·cious·ness noun [noncount]

the audaciousness [=(more commonly) audacity] of their plans

au·dac·i·ty noun [noncount]

: a confident and daring quality that is often seen as shocking or rude : an audacious quality

I could not believe their audacity.

He had the audacity to suggest that it was all my fault.

au·di·ble adj [more ; most ]

: heard or able to be heard

Her voice was barely audible over the noise.

He let out an audible sigh.

a clearly audible sound
opposite INAUDIBLE

au·di·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

au·di·bly adv

He sighed audibly.

au·di·ence noun, pl -enc·es [count]

1 : a group of people who gather together to listen to something (such as a concert) or watch something (such as a movie or play) : the people who attend a performance

The concert attracted a large audience.

The audience clapped and cheered.

an audience member = a member of the audience

2 : the people who watch, read, or listen to something

The film is intended for a young audience. [=is intended for young viewers]

Her books have reached an audience of millions. [=have been read by millions of people]

Her audience is made up mostly of young women.

3 : a formal meeting with an important person
usually singular

They were granted an audience with the Pope.

1au·dio adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to the sound that is heard on a recording or broadcast

The school has new audio equipment. [=equipment used for recording sound or listening to recorded sound]

The audio portion of the broadcast was fine but the picture was poor.

They listened to an audio recording of the speech.

2audio noun [noncount]

: the sound that is heard on a recording or broadcast

The picture was clear but the audio was very poor.

audio- combining form

: relating to hearing or sound
audiovisual

audio book noun, pl books [count]

: a recording of a book or magazine being read

I listen to audio books when I drive to work.

au·dio·tape noun, pl -tapes

: tape on which sound is recorded

[noncount] The program was recorded on audiotape.

[count] a collection of audiotapes
compare VIDEOTAPE

au·dio·vi·su·al adj

: of, relating to, or using both sound and sight

The school will buy new audiovisual equipment.

audiovisual (teaching) aids
abbr. AV

1au·dit noun, pl -dits

1 : a complete and careful examination of the financial records of a business or person

[count] The audit showed that the company had mislead investors.

The Internal Revenue Service selected us for an audit.

[noncount] You will need all your records if you are selected for audit by the IRS.

2 [count] : a careful check or review of something

Our local power company will perform an energy audit [=survey, inspection] of our house.

Investigators called for an audit [=review, analysis] of flight safety standards.

2audit verb, -dits, -dit·ed, -dit·ing [+ obj]

1 : to check the financial records of (a business or person) : to perform an audit on (a business or person)

They audit the company books every year.

The Internal Revenue Service audited him twice in 10 years.

2 US : to attend a course at a college or university without having to do any of the course work and without receiving credit

I audited an English literature class last semester.

1au·di·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a short performance to show the talents of someone (such as an actor or a musician) who is being considered for a role in a play, a position in an orchestra, etc.

often + for

Auditions will be held next week for the spring musical.

He went to an audition for a new TV show.

She had an audition for the starring role but wound up with a bit part.

2audition verb, -tions, -tioned, -tion·ing

1 [no obj] of a performer : to try out for a role in a play or film, a position in an orchestra, etc. : to perform in an audition

When he came in to audition, he was very charming.

usually + for

She auditioned for the starring role.

2 [+ obj] : to test (someone) in an audition

They auditioned several girls for the role.

We will audition dancers today.

au·di·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who checks the financial records of a company or person to make sure they are accurate : a person who audits accounts

au·di·to·ri·um noun, pl -to·ri·ums also -to·ria [count]

1 US : a large room or building where people gather to watch a performance, hear a speech, etc.

2 : the part of a building (such as a theater) where an audience sits

au·di·to·ry Brit adj
technical : relating to hearing or the ears

The patient has damage to the auditory nerve.

au fait adj, not used before a noun
chiefly Brit : completely familiar with or informed about something
usually + with

I'm not au fait with all the latest technology.

They're completely au fait with the situation.

Aug. abbr

August

au·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

: a sharp tool that is used chiefly for making holes

aught pronoun
literary + old-fashioned : anything

For aught I know [=for all I know], he could have left an hour ago. [=I don't know when he left]

aug·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to increase the size or amount of (something)

The money augmented his fortune.

Heavy rains augmented the water supply.

often used as (be) augmented

The impact of the report was augmented by its timing.

The army was augmented by additional troops.

2 US : to add something to (something) in order to improve or complete it

Job training will augment [=supplement] the class work.

aug·men·ta·tion noun [noncount]

au gra·tin adj

: covered with bread crumbs or cheese and then baked until brown

They served potatoes au gratin with the fish.

au gratin potatoes

au·gur verb, -gurs, -gured, -gur·ing
formal : to show or suggest something that might happen in the future

[no obj] The change augurs [=bodes] ill/badly for the success of the business. [=the change suggests that the business will not succeed]

The decision doesn't augur well.

[+ obj] This bad news could augur [=bode] disaster for all of us.

au·gust adj [more ; most ]

formal : having a formal and impressive quality

We visited their august mansion and expansive grounds.

The family claims an august lineage.

Au·gust noun, pl -gusts

: the eighth month of the year

[noncount] We are taking our vacation in August.

in (early/middle/mid-/late) August
early/late in August

We arrived on August the fourth. = (US) We arrived on August fourth. = We arrived on the fourth of August.

[count] The last two Augusts have been very dry.

abbr. Aug.

auk noun, pl auks [count]

: a black-and-white seabird of northern oceans

auld lang syne noun [singular]

: the good old times

They drank a toast to auld lang syne.

Auld lang syne comes from the name of a Scottish song that is traditionally sung at midnight on New Year's Eve.

au na·tu·rel adj

: in a natural state : without anything added

She wears makeup for special occasions, but otherwise prefers an au naturel look.

Some of the sunbathers were au naturel. [=nude]

aunt noun, pl aunts [count]

: the sister of your father or mother or the wife of your uncle

He has three aunts and two uncles.

This is my Aunt Mary.

aunt·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

informal : aunt

The children were happy to see their Auntie Mary.

au pair noun, pl pairs [count]

: a young person (usually a young woman) from a foreign country who lives with a family and helps to care for children and do housework in return for the opportunity to learn the family's language

au·ra noun, pl -ras [count]

: a special quality or feeling that seems to come from a person, place, or thing
usually + of

His presence brought an aura of dignity to the proceedings.

The garden has an aura [=atmosphere] of mystery and romance.

au·ral adj

: relating to the ear or sense of hearing
visual and aural sensations

au·ral·ly adv

The performance was both visually and aurally appealing.

au re·voir interj

: goodbye

Au revoir, my friends!

au·ro·ra aus·tra·lis noun [singular]

: southern lights

au·ro·ra bo·re·al·is Brit noun [singular]

: northern lights

Aus. abbr

Austria, Austrian

aus·pic·es noun

under the auspices of
formal : with the help and support of (someone or something)

The donation was made under the auspices of the local historical society.

The research is being done under the auspices of the federal government.

aus·pi·cious adj [more ; most ]

formal : showing or suggesting that future success is likely

It was an auspicious [=favorable, promising] time to open a new business.

His acclaimed first novel was an auspicious debut.

opposite INAUSPICIOUS

aus·pi·cious·ly adv

aus·pi·cious·ness noun [noncount]

Aus·sie Brit noun, pl -sies [count]

informal : a person who lives in or is from Australia : australian

Aussie adj

aus·tere adj [more ; most ]

1 : simple or plain : not fancy

They choose austere furnishings for the office.

He was known for his austere style of writing.

2 of a person : having a serious and unfriendly quality

Her father was an austere [=stern, unapproachable] figure.

3 : having few pleasures : simple and harsh

They lived an austere life in the country.

aus·tere·ly adv
an austerely furnished office

aus·ter·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : a simple and plain quality : an austere quality
the austerity of the design

The austerity of their lifestyle was surprising.

2 [noncount] : a situation in which there is not much money and it is spent only on things that are necessary

They lived through years of austerity after the war.

often used before another noun

The government has announced a series of austerity measures. [=things done to save money during difficult economic times]

an austerity program

3 austerities [plural] : things that are done to live in a simple and plain way
the austerities practiced by monks

Aus·tra·lian noun, pl -lians [count]

: a person born, raised, or living in Australia

Australian adj
an Australian writer

Australian history/English

Austrian noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person born, raised, or living in Austria

Austrian adj
an Austrian custom

Austrian history

au·then·tic adj

1 : real or genuine : not copied or false

We saw authentic examples of ancient Roman sculpture.

The document is authentic.

Experts have confirmed that the signature on the letter is authentic.

2 : true and accurate

The witness provided an authentic record/report/account of what actually took place.

3 [more ; most ] : made to be or look just like an original

The actors were dressed in authentic medieval costumes. [=costumes that looked just like real medieval clothes]

She prepared a very authentic Mexican meal.

The building is an authentic reproduction of a colonial farmhouse.

au·then·ti·cal·ly adv
authentically prepared Mexican food

au·then·tic·i·ty noun [noncount]

We checked the authenticity of the signature.

au·then·ti·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

: to prove that something is real, true, or genuine : to prove that something is authentic

Experts authenticated the painting.

The signature has been authenticated.

au·then·ti·ca·tion noun [noncount]

authentication of the documents

1au·thor noun, pl -thors [count]

1 : a person who has written something

The author of the article didn't check his facts.

especially : a person who has written a book or who writes many books

I enjoyed the book, but I can't remember the name of the/its author.

a best-selling author [=writer]

2 : a person who starts or creates something (such as a plan or idea)

She is the author of a plan for reforming the school system.

2author verb, -thors, -thored, -thor·ing [+ obj]

: to be the author of (something, such as a book)

He has authored [=written] several best-selling novels.

She authored [=wrote] several articles for the magazine.

au·thor·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

somewhat old-fashioned : a woman who is an author
a famous authoress

au·thor·i·tar·i·an adj [more ; most ]

: expecting or requiring people to obey rules or laws : not allowing personal freedom

They had authoritarian parents.

an authoritarian government/regime

authoritarian noun, pl -ans [count]

His father was an authoritarian.

au·thor·i·tar·i·an·ism noun [noncount]

Students protested against the government's authoritarianism.

au·thor·i·ta·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or showing impressive knowledge about a subject

He is an authoritative [=reliable, accurate] source for information about Islamic art.

The book is an authoritative guide to the city's restaurants.

2 : having the confident quality of someone who is respected or obeyed by other people

His manner is polite but authoritative.

She addressed the group with an authoritative voice.

au·thor·i·ta·tive·ly adv

She spoke authoritatively [=with authority] about the history of the building.

au·thor·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the power to give orders or make decisions : the power or right to direct or control someone or something

Only department managers have the authority [=right, power] to change the schedule.

Does he have the authority to do this? = (US) Does he have authority to do this?

This office has authority over personnel matters. [=this office has the power to make decisions about personnel matters]

You don't have authority over me. [=you don't have the power to give me orders]

The boss is not popular but his authority is unquestioned.

“Who gave him the authority to do this?” “He didn't do it on his own authority [=he didn't do it on his own]; he was acting under the authority of the company president.” [=the company president gave him the power to do it]

No one in authority objected to the plan. = No one in a position of authority objected to the plan. [=no one with official power to make important decisions objected to the plan]

a figure of authority = an authority figure [=a person who has authority over other people]

synonyms see 1POWER

2 [noncount]

2 a : the confident quality of someone who knows a lot about something or who is respected or obeyed by other people

She has an air of authority.

She spoke with authority [=authoritatively] about the history of the building.

2 b : a quality that makes something seem true or real

His sincerity added much more authority [=credibility] to the story.

Her southern accent lent authority to her performance.

His opinions lacked authority.

3 authorities [plural] : people who have power to make decisions and enforce rules and laws

We reported the incident to hospital authorities.

Local authorities are investigating the accident.

often used with the

He complained to the authorities [=the police] about the disturbance.

4 [count] : a person who is an expert on a subject
usually + on

He is an authority on local history. [=he knows a lot about local history]

5 [count] : a government organization that has control of a specified activity or area

She is the director of the city's housing authority.

have it on good/excellent authority

If you have it on good/excellent authority that something is true, you have been told that it is true by someone you trust and believe.

I have it on good authority that she is writing a novel.

au·tho·rize also Brit au·tho·rise verb, -riz·es, -rized, -riz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give power or permission to (someone or something)

Only authorized personnel [=people who have been given special permission] can enter this area.

usually followed by to + verb

I authorized him to use my name.

She was authorized [=empowered] to act for her husband.

2 : to give legal or official approval to or for (something)

The city council authorized the sale of the land.

Who authorized the transfer of the funds?

an authorized biography

au·tho·ri·za·tion also Brit au·tho·ri·sa·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

Authorization [=permission] is required to enter the building after hours.

[count]

I can't approve the request without a written authorization.

au·thor·ship noun [noncount]

1 : the identity of the person who has written something

The novel is of unknown authorship. [=the author/writer of the novel is unknown]

2 : the job or profession of writing

His first attempt at authorship failed.

au·tism noun [noncount]

medical : a condition or disorder that begins in childhood and that causes problems in forming relationships and in communicating with other people

au·tis·tic adj
an autistic child

autistic noun, pl -tics [count]

Their child is an autistic.

au·to noun, pl -tos [count]

chiefly US : automobile
a rusty auto
usually used before another noun
an auto accident/dealer/mechanic/show
auto parts/makers

auto- combining form

1 : self : same one
autobiography

2 : automatic : acting by itself
autopilot

au·to·bi·og·ra·phy noun, pl -phies [count]

: a biography written by the person it is about

I read her autobiography last year.

au·to·bi·og·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

au·to·bio·graph·i·cal also au·to·bio·graph·ic adj [more ; most ]

a very autobiographical novel [=a novel that is closely based on the life of the person who wrote it]

au·toc·ra·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [noncount] : a form of government in which a country is ruled by a person or group with total power

2 [count] : a country that is ruled by a person or group with total power

au·to·crat noun, pl -crats [count]

: a person who rules with total power

au·to·crat·ic adj [more ; most ]

The country is run by an autocratic government/ruler.

The company's employees disliked the new chairman's autocratic style.

1au·to·graph Brit noun, pl -graphs [count]

: the signature of a famous person

We asked her for her autograph.

He collects autographs.

There were several autograph seekers/hounds outside the theater.

I asked her to sign my autograph book. [=a book with blank pages for people to sign]

2autograph verb, -graphs, -graphed, -graph·ing [+ obj]

of a famous person : to write your signature in or on (something)

We asked her to autograph [=sign] her photograph/book.

autographed adj

She gave him an autographed copy of the new novel.

an autographed photo

au·to·mak·er noun, pl -mak·ers [count]

US : a company that makes and sells cars : an automobile manufacturer
new models being offered by American automakers [=carmakers]

automata plural of AUTOMATON

au·to·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing

: to run or operate (something, such as a factory or system) by using machines, computers, etc., instead of people to do the work

[+ obj] The company recently automated its filing process.

a factory that has yet to be automated

[no obj] a factory that has yet to automate

When companies automate, employees lose jobs.

automated adj
an automated office system
a fully/highly automated factory
automated equipment/machinery

au·to·ma·tion noun [noncount]

the automation of the factory

automated teller noun, pl -ers [count]

US : atm

automated teller machine noun, pl -chines [count]

US : atm

1au·to·mat·ic adj

1 of a machine or device : having controls that allow something to work or happen without being directly controlled by a person
an automatic door [=a door that opens without being pushed]

an automatic coffeemaker [=a coffeemaker that can be programmed to start and shut off by itself]

I can't drive her car because it has a manual transmission instead of an automatic transmission. [=a system that changes gears at different speeds without direct control by the driver]

2 of a gun : shooting many bullets very quickly when the trigger is pulled
an automatic machine gun
an automatic rifle/weapon
compare SEMIAUTOMATIC

3 [more ; most ] : happening or done without deliberate thought or effort

Without thinking, he gave an automatic reply.

She always has an automatic smile for everyone.

4 : always happening because of a rule, law, previous agreement, etc.

He had to pay a fine and serve an automatic 3-game suspension.

au·to·mat·i·cal·ly adv

The garage doors open automatically.

The fee will be automatically added to the bill.

Each individual winner automatically qualifies for the grand prize, which will be drawn at the end of the month.

She has her pay check automatically deposited.

2automatic noun, pl -ics [count]

1 : a gun that shoots many bullets very quickly : an automatic weapon

2 : a vehicle that changes gears by itself at different speeds : a car with automatic transmission

Will your next car be a manual or an automatic?

automatic pilot noun, pl -lots [count, noncount]

: autopilot

automatic teller noun, pl -ers [count]

US : atm

automatic teller machine noun, pl -chines [count]

US : atm

au·tom·a·ton noun, pl au·tom·a·tons or au·tom·a·ta [count]

1 : a machine that can move by itself; especially : robot

2 : a person who acts in a mechanical or machinelike way
an unfeeling automaton

au·to·mo·bile noun, pl -biles [count]

US : a vehicle used for carrying passengers on streets and roads : car

He drives an expensive automobile.

often used before another noun

She was in an automobile accident.

automobile insurance
an automobile manufacturer

au·to·mo·tive adj, always used before a noun

: of, relating to, or concerned with cars and other vehicles
the automotive industry

The store stocks automotive parts.

au·ton·o·mous adj [more ; most ]

1 : existing or acting separately from other things or people : independent
autonomous [=distinct, unrelated] historical events
an autonomous [=separate] women's studies program

Many disabled children become autonomous [=self-sufficient] adults.

2 : having the power or right to govern itself
an autonomous region/republic/territory

au·ton·o·mous·ly adv
elderly people who live autonomously
a region that operates autonomously

au·ton·o·my noun [noncount]

1 : the state of existing or acting separately from others : independence
a teacher who encourages individual autonomy

2 : the power or right of a country, group, etc., to govern itself

The territory has been granted autonomy.

au·to·pi·lot noun, pl -lots

: a device that steers a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft in place of a person

[count] an airplane equipped with an autopilot

[noncount] The plane was flying on autopilot.

The phrase on autopilot is often used figuratively to describe a person who is doing something in a mechanical way without really thinking about it.

She performed her chores on autopilot.

He did his job as though he were on autopilot.

called also automatic pilot

au·top·sy noun, pl -sies [count]

: an examination of a dead body to find out the cause of death

The coroner performed an autopsy on the murder victim's body.

autopsy verb, -sies, -sied, -sy·ing [+ obj] US

The body has not yet been autopsied.

au·tumn noun, pl -tumns

1 : the season between summer and winter

[count] in the autumn of last year
a magnificent New England autumn

She went off to college in the autumn of 1999.

[noncount] When autumn came he planted grass.

in early/late autumn
often used before another noun
autumn colors/foliage/leaves/trees
the autumn harvest
an early autumn chill in the air

; called also (US) fall

2 [count] : the later part of someone's life or of something's existence

These songs were written in the autumn of his life. [=in his old age]

au·tum·nal adj [more ; most ]

: relating to, resembling, or associated with autumn
autumnal colors/foliage/leaves/trees
an autumnal harvest moon

1aux·il·ia·ry adj

: available to provide extra help, power, etc., when it is needed
a sailboat with an auxiliary engine
auxiliary fuel tanks
an auxiliary police force

2auxiliary noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : a group that provides help or assistance

She joined the women's auxiliary. [=a group of women who do work for a church, hospital, etc.]

2 : auxiliary verb
a verbal auxiliary

auxiliary verb noun, pl verbs [count]

grammar : a verb (such as have, be, may, do, shall, will, can, or must) that is used with another verb to show the verb's tense, to form a question, etc. called also helping verb

AV abbr
audiovisual

1avail verb, avails, availed, avail·ing
literary : to be useful or helpful to (someone or something)

[+ obj] Our best efforts availed [=gained] us nothing.

This knowledge availed her little. [=it was not very helpful or useful to her]

[no obj] Our best efforts did not avail.

avail yourself of
formal : to make use of (something)

They availed themselves of his services. [=they used his services]

2avail noun [noncount]

: help toward reaching a goal

What I learned then is of little avail to me now. [=is not very helpful to me now]

Our best efforts were of no avail. [=were not helpful]

They tried to discuss the issue calmly, but to no avail. [=they were unable to discuss the issue calmly]

avail·able adj [more ; most ]

1 : easy or possible to get or use

The family kept emergency supplies available.

The dress is also available in larger sizes.

The articles are available at any drugstore.

Fresh fruit is available during/through the summer.

The drug is readily/widely/easily available in Europe.

The report will soon be made available to the public.

I missed the plane, and the next available flight doesn't leave until tomorrow.

2 a : present or ready for use

All available resources were used.

She spent every available dollar on her hobby.

Parking is available for people staying at the hotel.

Tickets are available from the box office at the theater.

2 b : present and able or willing to talk to someone

She was not available for comment, according to the newspaper.

The woman who answered the phone said, “I'm sorry, but Mr. Adams is not available right now. May I take a message?”

3 a : not being used or occupied by someone or something else

Toys covered every available space in the room.

the last available seat

3 b : free to do something

We interviewed many available candidates for the job.

I'm available to give speeches.

We should go out for lunch. Are you available next Tuesday?

3 c : not involved in a romantic relationship.

He wanted to ask her on a date, but wasn't sure if she was available. [=single]

a great way to meet available men/women/singles

avail·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

The drug's lack of availability presents a serious problem for them.

She's the perfect candidate for the job, but I need to confirm her availability. [=I need to make sure she is available]

The availability of affordable housing attracted us to this town.

av·a·lanche noun, pl -lanch·es

1 [count] : a large amount of snow and ice or of dirt and rocks that slides suddenly down the side of a mountain

He was buried/trapped by an avalanche.

2 [singular] : a sudden great amount of something
an avalanche of words
an avalanche of praise/publicity

avant-garde Brit noun, pl avant-gardes [count]

: a group of people who develop new and often very surprising ideas in art, literature, etc.

a literary avant-garde
often used with the

The book discusses the role of the avant-garde in the film industry.

avant-garde adj [more ; most ]

avant-garde art
avant-garde artists/composers/writers
avant-garde films/theater

avant-gard·ism Brit noun [noncount]

theatrical avant-gardism

avant-gard·ist Brit noun, pl -ists [count]

Some avant-gardists began experimenting with new film techniques.

av·a·rice noun [noncount]

formal + disapproving : a strong desire to have or get money : greed

The corporate world is plagued by avarice and a thirst for power.

He was driven by avarice.

av·a·ri·cious adj [more ; most ]

a spiteful and avaricious [=greedy] person

av·a·tar noun, pl -tars [count]

1 Hinduism : the human or animal form of a Hindu god on earth
an avatar of Vishnu

2 formal : someone who represents a type of person, an idea, or a quality

She has come to be regarded as an avatar of charity and concern for the poor.

3 computers : a small picture that represents a computer user in a game, on the Internet, etc.

She chose a penguin as her personal avatar in the chat room.

ave. abbr
avenue

avenge verb, aveng·es, avenged, aveng·ing [+ obj]

: to harm or punish someone who has harmed you or someone or something that you care about

The brothers vowed to avenge the death of their father.

They vowed to avenge their father by capturing and punishing his killer.

The team is out to avenge last week's defeat. [=to defeat the team that they were defeated by last week]

She vowed to avenge herself [=to get revenge], saying she would make him pay for what he had done to her.

aveng·er noun, pl -ers [count]

the avengers of those who had been killed

avenging adj
saw herself as an avenging angel

av·e·nue Brit noun, pl -nues [count]

1 a : a wide street

We drove down the avenue.

often used in names

Sixth Avenue in Manhattan

She grew up on Ledgelawn Avenue.

1 b chiefly Brit : a path or driveway that leads to a house located off a main road
a magnificent tree-lined avenue

2 : a way of achieving something or of reaching a goal

We plan to pursue all available avenues to get our message to the public.

They have closed off that avenue of discussion.

a new avenue of research

aver verb, avers, averred, aver·ring [+ obj]

formal : to say (something) in a very strong and definite way

He averred that he was innocent.

“I am innocent,” he averred.

1av·er·age noun, pl -ag·es

1 : a number that is calculated by adding quantities together and then dividing the total by the number of quantities

[count] The average of 16, 8, and 6 is 10.

Take all these temperatures and find their average.

An average of 2,000 people attended the show each night.

[noncount] Prices have increased on average about eight percent.

On average, women live longer than men.

(US) He saves on the average about five percent of his income.

see also GRADE POINT AVERAGE, the law of averages at LAW

2 : a level that is typical of a group, class, or series : a middle point between extremes

[noncount] His work has been better/worse than average. = His work has been above/below average.

[count] His work has been above the average.

3 [count] baseball : batting average

2average adj

1 : calculated by adding quantities together and then dividing by the number of quantities

Take all these temperatures and find their average temperature.

The investment had a higher average return.

The average age of the company's employees is 36.

2 : ordinary or usual

The average woman lives longer than the average man.

Do you know what the average person earns?

an average day
the average American family/home buyer
often used informally with your

He's just your average guy. [=he is a typical or ordinary guy]

It wasn't your average snow storm. [=it was worse than an ordinary snowstorm]

He's not your average salesman. [=he is unusual]

3 a : not unusually large or small

Sales were about average for the industry on the whole.

3 b : not unusually good or bad

Average grades are not good enough to get you into graduate school.

She was an average student.

She thought the performance was just average.

3average verb, -ages, -aged, -ag·ing [+ obj]

1 : to have (a specified number) as an average

The children in that class average four feet in height. [=the average height of the children is 4 feet]

Her daily commute averages 40 minutes. [=the average length of her daily commute is 40 minutes]

We average six calls a day. [=we get six calls a day on average]

2 : to calculate the average of (something)

The teacher averaged the students' grades.

What figure do you get when you average the amount of rainfall for the last three months?

average out [phrasal verb]

1 : to produce a result that is even and balanced when looked at over a period of time

The irregularities averaged out over the course of the study.

Sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. It all averages out [=evens out] in the end.

2 average out to (something) : to be equal to (a specified average amount) over a period of time

The gain averaged out to 20 percent.

averse adj

averse to

: having a clear dislike of (something) : strongly opposed to (something)

He seems to be averse to exercise.

No one is more averse to borrowing money than he is.

often used in negative statements

She is not averse to taking chances. [=she is willing to take chances]

aver·sion noun, pl -sions

: a strong feeling of not liking something

[count] deep aversions
often + to

He seems to have an aversion to exercise.

[noncount] They regarded war with aversion.

avert verb, averts, avert·ed, avert·ing [+ obj]

1 : to turn (your eyes, gaze, etc.) away or aside

She had to avert her eyes [=to look away] at the sight of the accident.

with averted eyes/gaze/glances

2 : to prevent (something bad) from happening

He sped up and averted an accident.

The diplomatic talks narrowly averted a war.

an attempt to avert a strike at the plant

avi·an adj
technical : of or relating to birds
avian species
avian behavior

avi·ary Brit noun, pl -ar·ies [count]

: a place (such as a large cage or a building) where many birds are kept

The zoo has a new outdoor aviary.

avi·a·tion noun [noncount]

: the business or practice of flying airplanes, helicopters, etc.

an expert in aviation
commercial/military aviation
often used before another noun
an aviation expert
the aviation industry

avi·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who flies an airplanes, helicopters, etc. : pilot
a marine/naval aviator

aviator glasses noun [plural]

: eyeglasses with light metal frames and large lenses

av·id adj [more ; most ]

1 : very eager : enthusiastic, keen

He is an avid admirer of horror movies.

They took an avid interest in politics.

an avid cook/dancer/fan/golfer/reader
some of the newspaper's most avid readers

2 : wanting something very much

He was avid for success. = He was avid to succeed.

avid·i·ty noun, pl -i·ties [noncount]

They pursued fame/wealth with avidity.

[singular]

an avidity for fame/wealth

av·id·ly adv

They are avidly interested in politics.

av·o·ca·do Brit noun, pl -dos also -does [count, noncount]

: a fruit with rough dark green or purple skin, smooth light green flesh, and a large seed in the middle
often used before another noun
an avocado tree
an avocado salad

; called also (Brit) avocado pear

av·o·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: an activity that you do regularly for enjoyment rather than as a job : hobby

He breeds dogs as an avocation.

My favorite avocation is reading.

av·o·ca·tion·al adj

She has an avocational interest in sports.

avoid verb, avoids, avoid·ed, avoid·ing [+ obj]

1 : to stay away from (someone or something)

Why do you keep avoiding me?

She took a detour to avoid the heavy traffic.

They successfully avoided each other for days.

2 : to prevent the occurrence of (something bad, unpleasant, etc.)

He tried hard to avoid accidents.

We need to avoid further delays.

avoid embarrassment

He was caught trying to avoid arrest.

in an effort to avoid confusion

3 : to keep yourself from doing (something) or participating in (something)

I'm not going to be late if I can avoid it.

How can I avoid paying too much tax?

I am trying to avoid showing any hint of favoritism.

avoid·able adj

It was a foolish and easily avoidable accident.

an avoidable conflict/risk

avoid·ance noun

: the act of avoiding something

[noncount] a writer known for avoidance of sentimentality

[count] a complete avoidance of sentimentality

avow verb, avows, avowed, avow·ing [+ obj]

formal : to declare or state (something) in an open and public way

She avowed her innocence. = She avowed that she was innocent.

synonyms see ASSERT

avow·al noun, pl -als [count]

formal : an open and public statement

I didn't believe her avowal of innocence.

The couple exchanged avowals of love.

avowed adj, always used before a noun

: openly declared

Their avowed aim/goal is to win the trophy.

an avowed [=self-proclaimed] liberal/conservative

avow·ed·ly adv

She is avowedly [=frankly, unabashedly] conservative in her politics.

an avowedly simple man

avun·cu·lar adj [more ; most ]

: like an uncle : kind or friendly like an uncle
an avuncular shopkeeper
a man known for his avuncular charm

aw interj

US + Scotland informal
used to express mild disappointment or sympathy

Aw (shucks), I was hoping to play tennis today and now it's raining.

Aw, that's too bad.

await verb, awaits, await·ed, await·ing [+ obj]

1 : to wait for (someone or something)

A crowd of people awaited the train.

We're eagerly awaiting his arrival/answer.

He was arrested and is now in prison awaiting trial.

Her long-awaited new novel is finally being published.

2 : to be ready or waiting for (someone or something)

A reward awaits you.

Numerous requests awaited him.

The same fate awaits us all.

1awake verb, awakes, awoke , awo·ken , awak·ing
somewhat formal : to stop sleeping : to wake up

[no obj] She fell asleep immediately but awoke an hour later.

I awoke several times during the night.

He awoke with a start. = He awoke suddenly.

The baby awoke from his nap.

[+ obj] The alarm awoke me early.

They were awoken by a loud bang.

awake to [phrasal verb]

awake to (something) : to become aware of (something)

We finally awoke to the danger.

How long will it take them to awake to their mistake?

2awake adj, not used before a noun

: not asleep

Drinking coffee keeps him awake.

I am so tired I can barely stay awake.

She was lying awake, tossing and turning.

One moment she was sleeping soundlythe next she was wide awake.

awak·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing
somewhat formal : to stop sleeping : to wake up

[no obj] She usually awakens several times during the night.

[+ obj] A loud noise awakened her.

often used as (be) awakened

I was awakened by the alarm clock.

often used figuratively

Her arrival awakened [=revived] old memories.

His interest was awakened. [=aroused]

awaken to [phrasal verb]

awaken to (something) or awaken (someone or something) to (something) : to become aware of (something) or to make (someone or something) aware of (something)

They finally awakened to the possibility of war.

The book will awaken their minds to the beauty of nature.

awakening noun, pl -ings [count]

The group experienced a cultural/religious/spiritual awakening.

Her arrival brought an awakening of old memories.

He thinks he can get by without doing any work, but he is in for a rude awakening. [=he will experience an unpleasant surprise; he will learn that he is mistaken]

1award verb, awards, award·ed, award·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give (a reward or prize) to someone or something

The judges will award a prize to the best speaker.

The winner was awarded a gold medal.

A prize will be awarded to the student who sells the most tickets.

2 : to officially decide that someone should get (something)

The jury awarded damages to the defendant.

The company is awarding the contract to the lowest bidder.

He was awarded a patent for his invention.

2award noun, pl awards [count]

: something (such as a prize) that is given to someone or something for being excellent or for doing something that is admired

Will the film win any awards at the festival?

She has won numerous awards for her books.

an awards ceremony [=a ceremony at which awards are given out]

an award-winning film/writer = an award-winner

aware adj [more ; most ]

1 a not used before a noun : knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists

Are you aware how important you are to me?

often + of

She is acutely/keenly aware of the problem.

I was not fully aware of the danger.

He was made aware of the situation.

often + that

He's not even aware that you are upset.

You should be aware that the possibility/problem exists.

1 b : feeling, experiencing, or noticing something (such as a sound, sensation, or emotion)

often + of

Are you aware of any pain? [=have you noticed or felt any pain?]

I became aware of a loud knocking sound.

often + that

I was aware that he was following me. [=I had noticed that he was following me]

2 : knowing and understanding a lot about what is happening in the world or around you

She is one of the most aware people I know.

Students today are very aware about the environment. = Students today are very environmentally aware.

Politically aware people [=people who know a lot about politics] will not be fooled by the government's latest pronouncements.

aware·ness noun [singular]

a heightened awareness about the problem

They had an acute awareness of what was going on.

[noncount]

I admired her level of political awareness.

He is trying to raise public awareness.

awash adj, not used before a noun

1 : flooded with or covered by water or another liquid

The deck of the boat was almost awash.

usually + with or (US) in
a floor awash with/in water

often used figuratively
streets awash in/with litter [=streets covered with litter]

2 US : floating in a large amount of water or another liquid

+ in

The soup consisted of little bits of chicken awash in a tasteless broth.

often used figuratively

He was awash in a sea of confusion.

They were awash in debt.

1away adv

1 : from this or that place : in or to another place or direction

She hopes to get away early.

The family next door moved away.

We rowed away from the shore.

Roll up the rug and carry it away.

He pulled his arm away from the hot stove.

You should keep/stay away from the dog. It could be dangerous.

2 : toward another direction

She turned her face away.

3 : in a safe or secure place

The will was locked away in the safe.

She stowed the luggage away in the overhead compartment.

4 : into a state of being completely gone

The memory is fading away.

He is wasting away from the disease.

echoes dying away

5 : from someone's possession

The family gave away a fortune to charity.

They took away the one thing I cared about.

The beautiful scenery took my breath away.

6 : without stopping or slowing down

The clocks are ticking away.

The water was bubbling away.

7 sports : on the field or court of an opponent

The team played both (at) home and away. [=the team played both home games and away games]

far and away see 1FAR

2away adj

1 not used before a noun : not at home or in a usual or expected place

They are away for the weekend.

“Where is he?” “He's away at the moment, but he'll be back soon.”

when I am away from home

2 not used before a noun
used to describe how distant something is in space or time

The family went to a lake 10 miles away.

They came from a continent away.

The holiday season is two months away.

3 always used before a noun : played on the field or court of an opponent

The team played both home games and away games.

1awe noun [singular]

: a strong feeling of fear or respect and also wonder

It was a sight that filled me with awe and reverence.

a person who inspires feelings of awe in others
an awe-inspiring sight
often used after in

We watched in awe as the building collapsed.

They stared in awe at their hero.

often used in the phrase in awe of

She is still in awe of her teacher.

I stand in awe of their courage.

2awe verb, awes, awed, aw·ing [+ obj]

: to fill (someone) with awe

Her style both awes and perplexes me.

often used as (be) awed

He was awed [=awestruck] by the natural beauty of the place.

awed adj
a moment of awed surprise

awe·some adj [more ; most ]

1 : causing feelings of fear and wonder : causing feelings of awe
the awesome sight of an erupting volcano
one of the Earth's more awesome [=awe-inspiring] natural wonders

It was an awesome responsibility.

We had an awesome task ahead of us.

2 informal : extremely good

We had an awesome time at the concert.

She's an awesome singer.

You did an awesome job on that project.

The movie was totally awesome.

awe·some·ly adv
an awesomely destructive weapon
an awesomely talented singer

awe·some·ness noun [noncount]

awe·struck adj

: filled with feelings of fear and wonder : filled with awe

Awestruck admiration showed on her face.

They were awestruck by the sheer size of the project.

1aw·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : extremely bad or unpleasant

The music was awful.

They heard the most awful sounds.

Awful things began to happen.

The weather was awful.

He has some awful disease.

That joke is just/pretty/really/truly awful.

He's an awful person.

That's an awful thing to say.

She has awful manners.

Who painted the house that awful color?

I don't know what's wrong with me but I feel awful. [=very sick]

I feel awful [=very sorry] about what happened.

2 formal + old-fashioned : causing feelings of fear and wonder : awesome

The mountains have an awful majesty.

an awful lot
informal

1 : a large amount

They lost an awful lot of money.

She does an awful lot of talking.

2 : very much

I like him an awful lot. [=I like him a lot]

aw·ful·ness noun [noncount]

the sheer awfulness of it all
the awfulness of the disease

2awful adv
chiefly US informal : very or extremely : awfully

He was awful tired.

We haven't heard from him in an awful long time.

You've come an awful long way.

aw·ful·ly adv

1 : very or extremely

That's awfully nice of you.

It turned out to be awfully difficult.

The pie tasted awfully sweet.

I'm awfully glad to see you.

It's awfully cold out.

You're awfully quiet today.

2 : in a very bad or unpleasant way

He sings awfully.

awhile adv

: for a while : for a short time

I'm going to sit and rest awhile.

The rumor had been around awhile.

awk·ward adj [more ; most ]

1 a : not graceful : clumsy

She is awkward at dancing.

He had large feet and his walk was awkward and ungainly.

an awkward movement

The story contained some awkward writing.

1 b : lacking skill

She is an awkward writer.

2 : difficult to use or handle

The machine is very awkward to operate.

an awkward tool

The box isn't heavy but it has an awkward shape and size. [=its shape and size make it difficult to carry]

3 a : not easy to deal with

It was an awkward [=embarrassing] moment for everyone.

I often find myself in awkward situations.

He was put in the awkward position of having to write the memo.

There was an awkward pause in the conversation.

3 b : not socially graceful or confident : uneasy or uncomfortable

I feel awkward (about) having to ask you to help.

He feels awkward with/around strangers.

awk·ward·ly adv

The baby was crawling awkwardly on her hands and knees.

He fell and landed awkwardly.

an awkwardly written sentence

awk·ward·ness noun, pl -ness·es [noncount]

A moment of awkwardness occurred after the introduction.

the awkwardness of the writing

[count]

There was an awkwardness between us when we last saw each other.

awl noun, pl awls [count]

: a pointed tool that is used for marking surfaces or for making small holes in leather, wood, etc.

aw·ning noun, pl -nings [count]

: a piece of cloth on a frame that sticks out over a door or window and provides shelter from sun, rain, snow, etc.

awoke past tense of 1AWAKE

awoken past participle of 1AWAKE

AWOL adj

: absent from the armed forces without permission

Three soldiers were AWOL.

The soldiers went AWOL at the first chance.

broadly : absent or missing

The Senator has been AWOL for the last three votes.

My keys have gone AWOL. I can't find them anywhere.

AWOL comes from a phrase used in the military: absent without leave.

AWOL noun, pl AWOLs [count]

Four AWOLs [=four soldiers who have gone AWOL] are still missing from their unit.

awry adj or adv, not used before a noun

1 : not working correctly or happening in the expected way : wrong

Something was dreadfully/terribly awry.

usually used in the phrase go awry

Their plans went awry.

Something had gone dreadfully/terribly awry.

2 : not straight or neat

Her hair was all awry.

1ax (US) or axe noun, pl ax·es [count]

: a tool that has a heavy metal blade and a long handle and that is used for chopping wood see also ICE AX, PICKAX

ax to grind

: a hidden and often selfish purpose for doing something.

He had a political ax to grind with his opponent.

She claims that she has no ax to grind in criticizing the proposed law.

escape the ax
informal : to avoid being ended, eliminated, reduced, etc.

The school program escaped the ax this year. [=the school program was not cut/eliminated this year]

get the ax
informal : to lose your job : to be fired from your job

The employees with less experience got the ax. [=were fired]

give (someone) the ax
informal : to dismiss (someone) from a job : to fire (someone)

His boss gave him the ax.

take the/an ax to
informal : to eliminate (something) or reduce (something) severely

Congress took an ax to the program. [=Congress made severe cuts in the program]

2ax or axe verb, axes, axed, ax·ing [+ obj]

informal

1 : to cut or remove (something)

The television program was axed [=dropped] from the new schedule.

2 : to fire (someone)

The boss told him that he had been axed.

ax·i·om noun, pl -oms [count]

formal : a rule or principal that many people accept as true
one of the key axioms of the theory of evolution

ax·i·om·at·ic adj
formal : obviously true

It is axiomatic that good athletes have a strong mental attitude.

an axiomatic truth/assumption

ax·i·om·at·i·cal·ly adv

ax·is noun, pl ax·es [count]

1 : the imaginary straight line that something (such as the Earth) turns around
the Earth's axis of rotation
the spin of the Earth on its axis

2 : a straight line that divides a shape evenly into two parts called also axis of symmetry

ax·le noun, pl axles [count]

: a bar on which a wheel or a pair of wheels turns

1aye also ay adv

1 : 1yes 1
used especially in Scotland and in the language of sailors.

The sailor said “Aye, aye, sir!” when the captain gave him a command.

2
used to indicate a spoken yes vote

All in favor, say “aye.”

2aye also ay noun, pl ayes [count]

: a yes vote

We have six nays and 12 ayes, so the ayes have it. [=the “yes” votes win]

compare 2NAY, YEA

AZ abbr

Arizona

aza·lea noun, pl -leas [count]

: a type of bush that has colorful flowers that bloom in the spring

AZT Brit noun [noncount]

medical : a drug used to treat AIDS

azure noun, pl azures [count, noncount]

: the blue color of the sky

azure adj
the azure lake/sky/waters

b or B noun, pl b's or bs or B's or Bs

1 : the second letter of the English alphabet

[count] There are two b's in the word “abbey.”

[noncount] All of their children's names begin with b.

2 : a musical note or key referred to by the letter B : the seventh tone of a C-major scale

[count] play/sing a B

[noncount] a song in the key of B

3 [count] : a grade that is given to a student for doing good work
got a B in math

He's a B student. [=a student who gets B's for his schoolwork]

4 [noncount]

used to refer to the second of two or more people, places, or things that are being considered

We chose option B over option A.

from (point) A to (point) B see 1A

B.A. (US) or BA abbr
bachelor of arts

He received a B.A. in philosophy from Tulane University.

She studied Spanish and economics and earned a B.A. degree.

baa noun [singular]

: the sound made by a sheep

baa verb, baas, baaed, baa·ing [no obj]

We heard a sheep baaing softly in the field.

1bab·ble verb, bab·bles, bab·bled, bab·bling [no obj]

1 a : to talk foolishly or too much

Pay no attention to her. She's just babbling.

He'll babble on about sports all night if you let him.

a babbling idiot

1 b : to make speech sounds that do not make sense to the hearer

Her cousins were babbling in an unfamiliar dialect.

The baby babbled happily.

2 : to make the quiet sound of water flowing over rocks
a babbling brook

bab·bler noun, pl bab·blers [count]

2babble noun [noncount]

1 a : the confusing sound of many people speaking at the same time
a babble of voices

1 b : talk that is silly or pointless
listening to their constant babble

2 : a quiet sound made by flowing water
the babble of a brook

babe noun, pl babes [count]

1 : a very young child : baby
a newborn babe

I've known her since she was a babe in arms. [=a baby who is carried in the arms of an adult; an infant]

2 slang

2 a : a sexually attractive person
usually used of young women
hot babes in bikinis

This sense of babe is very informal and is sometimes considered offensive.

2 b used as an informal way of addressing a lover, friend, etc.;
used especially by men to address women and by women to address men

Hey babe, how've you been?

This sense of babe is very familiar in tone. Using babe to address someone you do not know well may cause offense.

babe in the woods

US : a person who is innocent or who lacks experience

When I began my political career, I was a mere babe in the woods.

ba·bel also Ba·bel noun [singular]

: a confused mixture of sounds or voices
usually + of
a babel of languages
a babel of street sounds

ba·boon noun, pl -boons [count]

: a large African or Asian monkey

1ba·by noun, pl -bies [count]

1 a : a very young child

She had the baby yesterday. = She gave birth to the baby yesterday.

Are you expecting a baby? [=are you pregnant?]

I hear the baby crying.

The baby is just learning to crawl.

often used before another noun
a baby girl/boy
baby clothes
baby pictures
a baby monitor

(US) I gave my sister a baby shower. [=a party at which gifts are given to a woman who is pregnant]

She has a real baby face. [=a face that resembles the face of a baby; a face that looks young and innocent]

1 b : a very young animal
a bird and its babies
often used before another noun
a baby bird
a baby deer

2 a : the youngest member of a group

My sister is the baby of the family.

often used before another noun
my baby sister

2 b : someone who is young in comparison with others

“Only 32? Oh, you're just a baby!”

2 c : someone who behaves like a child; especially : someone who is afraid or who complains a lot

When it comes to getting shots, I'm a real baby.

Don't be such a babyyou'll get your turn.

3 slang

3 a : a lover or sweetheart

Nothing's gone right since my baby went away.

This sense of baby is common in song lyrics.

3 b used as an informal way of addressing a lover, friend, etc.;
used especially by men to address women and by women to address men

I missed you, baby.

This sense of baby is sometimes used in a very informal way by men to address an attractive woman.

Hey baby, nice car!

Using baby to address someone you do not know well may cause offense.

4 : something that someone has created and developed with special personal attention or interest

This project is my baby.

hold the baby see 1HOLD

throw out the baby with the bathwater
informal : to get rid of something you want while trying to get rid of something you do not want

If you ignore her message because you don't like the way she presents it, you will be throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

ba·by·hood noun [noncount]

We watched him grow from babyhood to adulthood.

ba·by·ish adj [more ; most ]

babyish behavior/toys

2baby adj, always used before a noun

: very small : much smaller than usual
a baby grand piano
baby carrots/vegetables

Take baby steps.

3baby verb, -bies, -bied, -by·ing [+ obj]

1 : to treat (someone) like a baby : to be kind or too kind to (someone)

That boy will never learn to stand up for himself if you don't stop babying him.

I babied myself [=pampered myself] with a trip to the spa.

2 : to operate or treat (something) in a very careful and gentle way
baby a car

It looked like he was babying his injured foot.

baby blue noun, pl blues

1 [noncount] : a very light blue color

2 baby blues [plural] informal : blue eyes

She gazed into his baby blues.

3 baby blues [plural] informal : a feeling of sadness that a woman has after giving birth to a baby

She had a bad case of the baby blues.

compare POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

baby blue adj

He was wearing baby blue pajamas.

baby boom noun, pl booms [count]

: a time when there is a great increase in the number of babies born

There was a baby boom in the U.S. after World War II.

baby boomer noun, pl -ers [count]

a television program that is popular among baby boomers [=people who were born during the baby boom after World War II]

baby buggy noun, pl -gies [count]

1 US : baby carriage

2 Brit : stroller

baby carriage noun, pl -riag·es [count]

US : a vehicle in which a baby lies while someone pushes it from place to place called also (US) baby buggy (Brit) pram

baby fat noun [noncount]

US : the extra fat that a healthy baby or young child has

Their little boy still has his baby fat.

called also (Brit) puppy fat

ba·by·sit verb, -sits, -sat , -sit·ting

: to take care of a child while the child's parents are away

[+ obj] She babysits their kids on Saturday nights.

[no obj] She babysits (for my wife and me) on Saturday nights.

ba·by·sit·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

Did you pay the babysitter?

baby talk noun [noncount]

: the speech used by very young children who are learning to talk or by adults who are speaking to young children

baby tooth noun, pl teeth [count]

: a tooth from the first set of teeth that a child develops called also milk tooth

bac·cy noun [noncount]

Brit informal : tobacco

bach·e·lor noun, pl -lors [count]

1 : a man who is not married; especially : a man who has never been married
an eligible bachelor [=an unmarried man who is regarded as a desirable husband]

a confirmed bachelor [=a man who has been a bachelor for a long time and who shows no interest in marrying]

his apartment is a typical bachelor pad [=a typical apartment of an unmarried man]

They threw the groom a bachelor party. [=a party for a man who is about to be married that is usually attended by men only]

2 : a person who has received a bachelor's degree
a bachelor of arts

bach·e·lor·hood noun [noncount]

bach·e·lor·ette noun, pl -ettes [count]

US : a woman who is not married

They threw the bride a bachelorette party. [=a party for a woman who is about to be married that is usually attended by women only]

bachelor's degree noun, pl -grees [count]

: a degree that is given to a student by a college or university usually after four years of study

ba·cil·lus noun, pl -cil·li [count]

technical : a straight rod-shaped bacterium that requires oxygen for growth; also : a bacterium that causes disease

1back noun, pl backs [count]

1 a : the rear part of the body : the part of the body that is opposite to the stomach and chest and that goes from the neck to the top of the legs

She was carrying her little daughter on her back.

He injured his back. = He suffered a back injury.

She has a pain in the small of her back.

an aching back

I slapped/patted him on his/the back to congratulate him.

He broke his back [=spine] in a fall.

She stabbed/shot him in the back.

He was handcuffed with his hands behind his back.

1 b : the part of an animal that is like a person's back
a bird with a spotted back
riding on the back of a horse/donkey/camel
see also HORSEBACK

2 a : the side or surface of something that is opposite the front or face : the rear side or surface of something
usually singular
the back of the head
the back of a mirror/spoon
the back of the hand/leg/foot

The book has fallen down the back of the couch.

2 b : the side or surface of something (such as a piece of paper) that is not usually used or seen first
usually singular

She wrote something on the back of an envelope.

He signed his name on the back of the check.

2 c : a place, position, or area that is at or near the rear of something
usually singular

He put the letter in the back of the drawer.

The kitchen is at/in the back of the house and the living room is at/in the front.

Since our plane was leaving soon we were moved to the front of the line while others remained at the back.

Please move to the back of the elevator to make room for others.

3 : the part of a chair or seat that supports a person's back
a comfortable chair with a padded back

4 a : the section of a book, magazine, etc., that includes the last pages
usually singular

There is an index in the back of the book.

4 b : the part of a book's cover that can be seen when the book is on a shelf

The title of the book is shown on its back. [=spine]

5 sports : a player in some games (such as soccer and American football) who is positioned behind the front line of players
a defensive back
see also FULLBACK, HALFBACK, QUARTERBACK, RUNNING BACK

a pat on the back see 1PAT

a stab in the back see 1STAB

at/in the back of your mind

: in the part of your mind where thoughts and memories are kept
used to describe ideas, memories, etc., that someone has but that are not usually thought about or not perfectly remembered

The thought of retiring and moving out into the country has been in the back of her mind for many years, and now she's finally doing it.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew I'd met him before.

back is to/against the wall

When your back is to/against the wall or you have your back to/against the wall you are in a bad position in which you are forced to do something in order to avoid failure.

With our backs to the wall we made a last desperate effort to finish the project on time.

We knew that with so little time and money left to finish the project we had our backs to the wall.

back to back

1 : with backs opposite or against each other

The soldiers stood back to back.

2 : happening one after the other

She won the annual competition two times back to back. [=in a row]

He's had two victories back to back.

I've scheduled two appointments back to back.

see also BACK-TO-BACK

back to front
of a piece of clothing : with the back where the front should be

He accidentally put the sweater on back to front. [=front to back, backwards]

behind someone's back

: without someone's knowledge : in secret

You shouldn't gossip about people behind their back(s).

If you have something to say, why not say it to my face instead of whispering it behind my back?!

She went behind his back and spoke directly to his supervisor.

break the back of

: to get control of (something you are trying to stop or defeat) : to greatly weaken or subdue (something)

He says the government's new policies will break the back of inflation.

eyes in the back of your head see 1EYE

get your back up

: to become angry or annoyed and want to fight or argue

He gets his back up and becomes defensive whenever someone questions his work.

compare PUT SOMEONE'S BACK UP ((BELOW))

have someone's back see WATCH SOMEONE'S BACK ((BELOW))

in back

: in an area at the back of something

There was only room for one passenger in front. The rest of us sat in back. [=in the back]

in back of
chiefly US : directly behind (something or someone)

There's a small yard in back of the house.

on the back of

1 : because of (something)

Profits have increased on the back of [=on the strength of] improved international sales.

2 disapproving : by using the efforts of (other people)

The company has achieved record profits on the back of cheap labor.

on/off your back

Someone who is always or frequently criticizing you or telling you what to do is on your back and won't get off your back.

He says his wife is always on his back about doing chores around the house.

Get off my back! I'm working as hard as I can!

My boss is always criticizing me. I wish I knew some way to get him off my back.

on your back

If you are (flat) on your back you are lying with your back against the ground, on a bed, etc.

The accident left him (lying) flat on his back (in bed) for two weeks.

This phrase is sometimes used figuratively.

The stock market has been flat on its back [=has been doing very poorly] in recent weeks.

out back (US) or chiefly Brit out the back or round the back

: in the area behind something (such as a building)

In my youth we didn't have a toilet in the house but there was one out back.

put someone's back up

: to offend or annoy someone : to make someone angry or ready to argue

I don't want to question his decision because that will just put his back up.

compare GET YOUR BACK UP ((ABOVE))

put your back into

: to work very hard at (something) : to put a lot of effort into (something)

If you want to get that floor clean you'll have to put your back into it.

You'll really have to put your back into this project if you want it to succeed.

scratch someone's back see 1SCRATCH

see the back of

In British English, to be glad/happy (etc.) to see the back of someone is to be glad to see someone finally going away.

He's done nothing but make trouble and I'll be glad to see the back of him! [=I'll be glad when he has gone]

stab (someone) in the back see 2STAB

the shirt off your back see SHIRT

turn your back

: to turn so that you are facing away from someone

He turned his back and walked away from me.

often + on

He turned his back on me and walked away.

often used figuratively

His former supporters have turned their backs on him. [=have abandoned him]

watch someone's back or have someone's back

: to protect someone who is doing something that is dangerous or risky

The police officer's partner always watches his back.

Don't worry, I've got your back.

watch your back

If people tell you to watch your back, they are telling you to be careful.

I hear the boss is in a bad mood this morning, so you'd better watch your back.

back·less adj
a backless evening gown

2back adv

1 a : in, toward, or at the back or rear

The soldiers moved back from the front lines.

The police asked the crowd to move/step back from the scene of the accident.

He left his friends two miles back.

She turned around and looked back toward him.

a chapter beginning several pages back

1 b : to, toward, or in the place where someone or something was previously

He left his home and never went back.

I had to go back (to the office) for some papers I had left behind.

It's time to go back home.

She took the book off the shelf and forgot to put it back.

She left earlier but she should be back [=return] soon.

2 : in or into the past : backward in time

In the opening chapter the author looks back on his youth.

an event back in the last century
also : ago

It happened several years back.

I met him in the city two days back.

3 a : to or toward a former state or condition

He has decided to go back to private life. [=to return to private life]

Good farming practices were needed to bring the fields back (to good condition). [=to restore the fields]

3 b : in return or reply

I gave the book to him and he gave it back (to me).

He refused to give back the borrowed money.

He hit his brother and his brother hit him right back.

talk back

She refused to take back her accusations.

3 c
used to describe someone or something that is being held or kept from moving forward or happening

He would have jumped if his friends had not held him back.

He vowed that he wouldn't allow poverty to hold/keep him back. [=to keep him from succeeding]

She struggled to hold back a laugh. [=to keep from laughing]

Landslides set the construction job back many days. [=caused the construction job to be delayed many days]

3 d
used to describe something that is being kept instead of being given or revealed

They held back part of the money.

keep back the truth

4 : to or at an angle

The banks slant evenly back from the highway.

The doctor told her to lie back on the couch. [=to lie down on the couch]

When I get home from work I like to just sit/lean back on the couch and relax.

back of

US informal : on the rear side of (something) : behind

There's an old tractor out back of [=in back of] the barn.

get your own back see get back at GET

3back adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to the back : located at the back
the front door, not the back door [=the door at the back of a building]

He keeps his wallet in his back pocket.

She likes to sit in the front/first row, not the back [=last] row.

We came in through the back entrance.

the back pages [=the last pages] of the newspaper
back teeth
a back room

2 : far from a central or main area

We drove on the back roads instead of the main roads.

a back alley

3 : not yet paid : owed from an earlier time

The company owes him several months in back pay.

back rent

4 : published at an earlier time : no longer current
a back issue/number of a magazine

5 golf
used to refer to the final 9 holes of an 18-hole golf course

He was two over par on the front nine and three over par on the back nine.

4back verb, backs, backed, back·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to give help to (someone) : support

I'm backing him (against the Establishment) in his struggle for reform.

I'm backing him for President.

1 b : to bet on (someone or something)

She backed the winner of the race and won a lot of money.

The pundits are all backing him to become the next President. [=the pundits all think that he will become the next President]

1 c : to provide evidence that supports (something)

She backed her argument with written evidence.

1 d : to provide the money that is needed for (something)

back a new company
back a Broadway play

1 e : to sing or play music that supports (a main singer or musical instrument)

She backed the singer on the guitar.

often + up

A guitarist backed up the singer.

see also BACK UP ((BELOW))

2 : to move backward

[no obj] She backed into a parking space.

She backed out of the garage.

The dog kept growling but backed off/away cautiously.

[+ obj] Could you back [=(more commonly) back up] your car a little to give me some room?

sometimes used figuratively

The reporter backed her into a corner [=put her into a difficult position that was hard to get out of] with his probing questions.

3 [+ obj] : to provide (something) with a back
back a skirt with stiff material

4 [no obj] : to have the back toward something

The house fronts onto Main Street and backs onto/on the golf course. [=the back of the house faces the golf course]

back away [phrasal verb]

: to move away from something or someone by walking backward

The robber pointed a gun at the policeman and told him to back away slowly.

often + from

The policeman slowly backed away from the robber.

She backed away from the growling dog.

often used figuratively

The government seems to be backing away from its earlier proposal.

She has backed away from her controversial position on the death penalty.

back down [phrasal verb]

: to stop arguing or fighting for something

When threatened with a revolt of its own supporters, the government backed down.

The strike is expected to continue because neither side is willing to back down.

often + from

The government backed down from its position.

He'll never back down from a fight.

back into [phrasal verb]

back into (something) : to become involved in (something) without planning to become involved

He backed into the antiques business almost by accident when he sold some old furniture he'd inherited.

back off [phrasal verb]

1 : to stop arguing or fighting for something : to back down

He has refused to back off.

2 : to decide not to do something that you had agreed to do : to back out

The deal fell through when investors backed off.

3 : to stop bothering someone

She was getting irritated, so I backed off.

back out [phrasal verb]

: to decide not to do something that you had agreed to do

The deal fell through when investors backed out.

often + of

The investors backed out of the deal.

back up [phrasal verb]

1 a : to move backward

The car backed up slowly.

Could you back up a little to give me some room?

sometimes used figuratively

Wait, let's back up for a second. [=let's go back to what we were discussing earlier]

1 b back (a vehicle) up or back up (a vehicle) : to move (a vehicle) backward

Could you back your car up a little to give me some room?

2 a : to become blocked so that movement or flow is slowed or stopped

Traffic backed up for miles because of the accident.

The drain backed up [=clogged] and had to be unclogged by a plumber.

2 b back (something) up or back up (something) : to cause (something) to become blocked

The accident backed up traffic for miles. = Traffic was backed up [=(Brit) tailed back] for miles because of the accident.

The drain was backed up.

3 back (someone or something) up or back up (someone or something) : to give help or support to (someone or something)

I'll back you up if I think you're right.

She backed her argument up with written evidence. = Written evidence backed her argument up.

It's time to back up your words with deeds!

see also 4BACK 1E (ABOVE)

4 back (something) up or back up (something) computers : to make a copy of (a computer file or data) to protect it from being lost

Remember to back up your work before you log off.

see also BACKUP

back·ache noun, pl -aches

: pain in the back

[count] She has/gets frequent backaches.

[noncount] a patient suffering from backache

(Brit) She has/gets frequent backache.

back and forth adv

1 : toward the back and then toward the front : backward and forward

The chair rocked back and forth.

2 : between two places or people

The children were shuttled back and forth between school and home.

back-and-forth noun [noncount]

: talk or discussion about something

An agreement was finally reached after a lot of back-and-forth between the two sides.

back·bench noun, pl -bench·es [count]

Brit : a seat in the British Parliament that is held by an ordinary member
the Prime Minister's supporters on the backbenches
often used before another noun
backbench conservative MPs

compare FRONT BENCH

back·bench·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Labour backbenchers

back·bit·ing noun [noncount]

: unkind talk about someone who is not present
petty backbiting among employees

back·board noun, pl -boards [count]

basketball : the board behind the basket

back·bone noun, pl -bones

1 [count] : the row of connected bones that go down the middle of the back and protect the spinal cord called also spinal column, spine

2 [count] : the most important or strongest part of something

She is the backbone of the family.

3 [noncount] : strength and courage

He showed some backbone by refusing to compromise his values.

back·break·ing adj [more ; most ]

: involving very difficult physical work or effort
backbreaking work

back burner noun

on the back burner
chiefly US : in the position of something that will not receive immediate attention and action

She put her singing career on the back burner to pursue her dream of being a movie star.

The President has put tax reduction on the back burner because he has more urgent problems to deal with.

compare FRONT BURNER

back·chat noun [noncount]

Brit informal : back talk

Don't give me any backchat!

back·cloth noun, pl -cloths [count]

Brit : backdrop

back·comb verb, -combs, -combed, -comb·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : to comb (hair) backwards : tease

She backcombs her hair.

back·date verb, -dates, -dat·ed, -dat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give (something) an earlier date than the actual date : antedate
backdate a check

2 : to say that something began or became effective at a date earlier than the current date
an increase in salary backdated to the beginning of the year

back door noun, pl doors [count]

: a door at the back of a building
often used figuratively

He managed to get into the private club through the back door [=in a secret or indirect way] because he has a friend who works there.

back·door adj, always used before a noun

: done in a secret or indirect way
a backdoor tax increase

back·drop noun, pl -drops [count]

1 : a painted cloth that is hung across the back of a stage

2 : the scene or scenery that is in the background

The mountains provided a perfect backdrop for the wedding photos.

3 : the setting or conditions within which something happens

The novel unfolds against a backdrop of war.

The city provides the backdrop for the love story.

-backed combining form

1 : having a particular kind of back
a broad-backed weight lifter
a high-backed chair
a foam-backed mattress

2 : supported by a particular group, organization, etc.

a UN-backed peace plan
a government-backed antismoking campaign

back·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or group that gives support to someone or something
the presidential candidate's backers
backers of the plan proposed by the committee

back·field noun, pl -fields

American football

1 [singular] : the area of the field that is behind the line of scrimmage
a tackle made in the backfield

2 [count] : the players who line up behind the line of scrimmage

The team has a strong backfield.

back·fire verb, -fires, -fired, -fir·ing [no obj]

1 of an engine or vehicle : to make a loud sound when fuel is not burned properly

The car backfired.

2 : to have the opposite result of what was desired or expected

Our plans backfired (on us).

backfire noun, pl -fires [count]

an engine backfire

back·gam·mon noun [noncount]

: a board game for two players in which the players throw dice and try to move all of their pieces around and off the board

back·ground noun, pl -grounds

1 [count]

1 a : the part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer : the part of a scene that is behind a main figure or object in a painting, photograph, etc.

Objects in the foreground are drawn larger than those in the background.

a photograph of a house with mountains in the background

The mountains provided a perfect background [=backdrop] for the wedding photos.

background scenery

1 b : a surface or color that is behind or around something (such as a printed design)

red letters printed on a white background
a background color

2 [singular]

2 a : a position that attracts little attention

He was a shy man who always tried to keep/stay in the background. [=tried to avoid attracting attention]

The war has pushed all other issues into the background. [=has made all other issues less important]

An ethnic conflict that was simmering away in the background finally erupted into civil war.

2 b
used to describe something that occurs without requiring attention while something else is also occurring

The software was automatically updated in the background while we continued to work on the data.

2 c
used to describe something that is heard while something else is being listened to

It was hard to enjoy the music because I could hear a dog barking in the background.

3 a [count] : the events and conditions that help to explain why something happens : the situation in which something occurs
usually singular

We learned about the social and economic background of the American Civil War.

The meetings took place against a background of increasing tension.

3 b [noncount] : information needed to understand a problem or situation

Let me provide you with some background on this problem.

often used before another noun
background information

4 [count] : the experiences, knowledge, education, etc., in a person's past

What is your academic background?

We need to know more about his background before we hire him.

He and his wife come from similar social backgrounds. [=they were raised in similar social environments]

His writing is influenced by his ethnic background.

often used before another noun

They ran a background check to make sure the job candidate had no criminal record.

background music noun [noncount]

: music that is played in a movie, television show, etc., to go along with and add to the story or mood

background noise noun [noncount]

: undesired sound that is heard in a radio broadcast, a tape recording, etc.

The recording had a lot of background noise.

back·hand noun, pl -hands [count]

sports

1 : a way of hitting a ball in tennis and similar games in which the back of the hand holding the racket is turned in the direction of the ball

She has a good backhand but a weak forehand.

often used before another noun
a backhand shot

2 : a catch in baseball and similar games that is made on the side of the body that is opposite the hand being used
often used before another noun

The shortstop made a nice backhand catch on a line drive.

backhand verb, -hands, -hand·ed, -hand·ing [+ obj]

She backhanded the ball over the net.

The shortstop backhanded the ball and threw to first for the out.

back·hand·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : not direct or sincere

We were disappointed by his backhanded apology.

She paid me a backhanded compliment [=a compliment that was not really a compliment at all] when she said my work was “surprisingly good.”

He paid me a backhanded compliment [=an indirect compliment] by imitating my style.

2 sports : using or done with a backhand
a backhanded [=backhand] shot
a backhanded [=backhand] catch

back·hand·er noun, pl -hand·ers [count]

1 sports : a backhanded shot

She hit a backhander into the net.

2 Brit, informal : 1bribe

back·hoe noun, pl -hoes [count]

US : a large machine that digs into the ground with a metal scoop

back·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : something that forms a back

The tape has an adhesive backing.

2 [noncount] : support or aid

The project has received financial backing from several investors.

3 [noncount] : the music that is played along with someone who is singing or playing the main tune : the music that accompanies someone
often used before another noun
a backing group
backing music

back·lash noun, pl -lash·es [count]

: a strong public reaction against something
a backlash against feminism

A backlash occurs when many people react to an event, movement, etc., in a way that is opposite to its intended effect.

back·log noun, pl -logs [count]

: a large number of jobs that are waiting to be finished

We have a huge backlog of orders to be filled.

back matter noun [noncount]

: the pages at the end of a book following the main part

A list of geographical names appears in the back matter of the dictionary.

compare FRONT MATTER

back of beyond noun

the back of beyond
informal : a place that is very far from other places and people : a remote place

He lives by himself in a cabin out in the back of beyond. [=the boondocks]

back-of-the-envelope adj, always used before a noun
informal : done to provide a rough idea of something

I can't tell you the exact amount, but my back-of-the-envelope [=rough] calculation indicates a cost of about $300,000.

back order noun, pl -ders
chiefly US business : a product that has been ordered but not sent to the customer because it is not yet available

[count] The book I want to buy is a back order and won't be shipped for three weeks.

[noncount] The book I want to buy is on back order and won't be shipped for three weeks.

back-or·der verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [+ obj]

The book I want to buy has been back-ordered and won't be shipped for three weeks.

1back·pack noun, pl -packs [count]

chiefly US : a bag for carrying things that has two shoulder straps and is carried on the back called also (chiefly US) knapsack (chiefly Brit) rucksack

2backpack verb, -packs, -packed, -pack·ing [no obj]

: to hike or travel with a backpack

After college, she backpacked through/around Europe.

We're planning to go backpacking in a national park this summer.

back·pack·er noun, pl -ers [count]

back passage noun, pl -sag·es [count]

Brit : the part of the body through which solid waste passes used as a polite way to avoid saying the word “rectum”

back·ped·al verb, -ped·als, US -ped·aled or chiefly Brit -ped·alled, US -ped·al·ing or chiefly Brit -ped·al·ling [no obj]

: to move backward with quick steps

The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball.

sometimes used figuratively

When threatened with a revolt of its own supporters, the government backpedaled [=retreated, backtracked] from its previous position.

back·rest noun, pl -rests [count]

: a support for a person to lean back against while sitting
a chair with a cushioned backrest

back·seat noun, pl -seats [count]

: a seat in the back of something (such as a car)

take a backseat

: to be or become less important, active, or powerful
often + to

He refuses to take a backseat to anyone. [=he refuses to let anyone have more power or control than he has]

backseat driver noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a passenger in a car who gives driving advice to the driver

2 : someone who gives unwanted advice or who tries to control something that is supposed to be controlled by another person

Several members of the board of directors have accused him of being a backseat driver.

back·side noun, pl -sides [count]

informal : the part of the body that a person sits on : buttocks

She slid down the snowy hill on her backside. [=behind, bottom]

back·slap·ping noun [noncount]

: enthusiastic praise or congratulations

We had expected the candidates to criticize each other, but instead they engaged in mutual backslapping.

back·slap·per noun, pl -pers [count]

backslapping adj, always used before a noun
backslapping businessmen

back·slash noun, pl -slash·es [count]

: a mark \ that is used for separating written items in computer file names, commands, etc.

back·slide verb, -slides, -slid , -slid·ing [no obj]

: to start doing something bad again after you have stopped it

I was afraid of backsliding [=relapsing] into my old habits.

Smokers who quit often backslide within a year.

back·slid·er noun, pl -ers [count]

back·space noun, pl -spac·es [count]

: a key that is pressed on a typewriter or computer keyboard to move back toward the beginning of a line of text
usually singular
press the backspace

backspace verb, -spaces, -spaced, -spac·ing [no obj]

He backspaced to the beginning of the line.

back·spin noun [noncount]

: a backward spinning motion of a ball
put backspin on the ball
compare TOPSPIN

back·stab·bing noun [noncount]

US : harmful and unfair things that are said or done to hurt the reputation of someone

She was hurt by her former friend's backstabbing.

back·stab·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

She accused her former friend of being a backstabber.

backstabbing adj, always used before a noun
a backstabbing liar

back·stage adv

: behind the stage of a theater

After the show, we went backstage to meet the band.

backstage adj, always used before a noun
the backstage [=private] lives of celebrities
a backstage pass [=a card that gives permission to go backstage and usually to meet the performers]

back·stairs adj, always used before a noun
chiefly Brit informal : done in a secret and usually improper way
a backstairs deal

back·stop noun, pl -stops

1 [count] baseball

1 a : a fence or screen that is placed behind the catcher to prevent the ball from rolling away

The pitch got past the catcher and rolled all the way to the backstop.

1 b informal : catcher
a talented backstop

2 [singular] Brit : something that is kept so that it can be used if it is needed
kept some gold as a backstop in case the value of the local currency collapsed

back·straight noun, pl -straights [count]

Brit : backstretch

back·street noun, pl -streets [count]

: a street that is away from the main streets
a London backstreet

back·stretch noun, pl -stretch·es [count]

: the far side of a racetrack : the side of a track that is opposite to the homestretch

The horses are in the backstretch.

called also (Brit) backstraight

back·stroke noun [singular]

: a way of swimming in which a person floats in the water facing upward while kicking the legs and rotating the arms

She got into the pool and began to do the backstroke.

also : a race in which the swimmers do the backstroke

She won the 50-meter backstroke.

back·swing noun, pl -swings [count]

: a movement of the arm backwards before swinging something (such as a club, bat, or racket)

a golfer with a short backswing

back talk noun [noncount]

US informal : rude speech in reply to someone who should be spoken to with respect

Don't give me any back talk!

called also (Brit) backchat

1back-to-back adj

1 : facing in opposite directions and often touching at the back
back-to-back seats

2 : coming one after another in time
back-to-back victories
back-to-back appointments
see also back to back at 1BACK

back to back adv

They were standing back to back.

2back-to-back noun, pl -backs [count]

Brit : a house that is connected in a row with other houses on each side and with a similar row of houses behind it

back·track verb, -tracks, -tracked, -track·ing [no obj]

1 : to go back over a course or path

The hikers realized they had made a wrong turn and would have to backtrack.

2 : to return to something that was mentioned before

Let me backtrack for a moment and pick up our previous conversation.

3 : to completely change what you think or say about something

Voters lost confidence in him when he backtracked on the issues. [=when he reversed his position on the issues]

back·up noun, pl -ups

1 a [count] : a person or thing that can be used to replace or support another person or thing

His role on the team is to be a backup to the regular quarterback.

We have an extra radio as a backup in case this one doesn't work.

often used before another noun
a backup quarterback

We need a backup plan in case of emergency.

1 b [noncount] : help or support provided by additional people or things

The policeman called for backup [=called for other police to come and help him] because the suspect was carrying a gun.

We have an extra radio for backup.

He provides backup for the regular quarterback.

2 [count] US : a situation in which the flow of something (such as traffic) becomes blocked

There was a traffic backup [=(Brit) tailback] for miles on the road because of the accident.

There was a backup [=blockage] in the drain.

3 [noncount] : a musical part that is sung to support the main singer

She sang backup on his CD.

often used before another noun
a backup singer

4 [count] : a copy of information stored on a computer

Be sure to make a backup of your work.

often used before another noun
a backup file/copy

; also : the act or process of making such a copy

It may take some time for the backup to be complete.

see also back up at 4BACK

1back·ward (chiefly US) or back·wards adv

1 : toward the back : to or toward what is behind
a sudden movement backward, not forward

I heard a noise behind me and glanced backward.

He pushed the throttle backward.

She took a small step backward.

Can you skate backward?

2 : opposite to the usual way : in reverse

Count backward from 10.

3 : toward the past
a journey backward in time

The narrative moves backward and forward in time.

4 : to or toward a less advanced state or condition : toward a worse state

His new job, which paid less and had fewer responsibilities, felt like a step backward.

bend over backward or lean over backward also fall over backward

: to make a great effort to help someone or to reach agreement with someone

The salesman said he would bend over backward to make the deal.

I've leaned over backward to please youand you haven't even said thank you!

know something backward and forward see 1KNOW

2backward adj

1 a : directed or turned toward the back
a backward glance
a backward baseball cap
a sudden backward movement

1 b : done backward
a backward somersault

2 [more ; most ] : behind others : not as advanced as others in learning or development

(old-fashioned) He was a backward pupil who struggled to keep up in school.

a technologically backward village that has no running water

back·ward·ly adv

back·ward·ness noun [noncount]

the technological backwardness of the village

back·ward-look·ing adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : relating to the past
backward-looking [=old-fashioned] ideas/plans

: not planning for the future
backward-looking [=hidebound] engineers/politicians/industrialists
opposite FORWARD-LOOKING

back·wa·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a part of a river where the water moves slowly because it is away from the main part of the river

2 : a quiet place (such as a town or village) where there is little activity, excitement, progress, etc.

The once sleepy backwater is now a thriving city.

a cultural backwater

back·woods noun [plural]

: an area that is far from cities

She grew up in the backwoods of Maine.

a backwoods politician [=a politician in a remote area far from cities]

back·woods·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a man who lives in the backwoods

2 Brit : a male member of the House of Lords who rarely attends it and who typically lives in a rural area far from London

back·yard noun, pl -yards

1 [count] : an area in back of a house; especially US : an area of grass behind someone's house

We spent the evening relaxing in the backyard.

2 [noncount] : the general area near and around someone's home

For fun in the sun this summer, look no farther than your own backyard. [=neighborhood]

Residents grew anxious when they learned the new prison would be located in their backyard. [=would be located near their homes]

backyard adj, always used before a noun
a backyard barbecue
a backyard garden

ba·con noun [noncount]

: thin strips of salted and smoked meat from the sides and the back of a pig

We ate bacon and eggs for breakfast.

a slice of bacon = (Brit) a rasher of bacon
often used before another noun
bacon fat

bring home the bacon
informal : to earn the money that is needed to live

He worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for his family.

save someone's bacon see 1SAVE

bacteria plural of BACTERIUM

bac·te·ri·ol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: the scientific study of bacteria

bac·te·ri·o·log·i·cal adj

bac·te·ri·ol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

bac·te·ri·um noun, pl -te·ria [count]

: any one of a group of very small living things that often cause disease
usually plural

Keep the wound clean and dry to prevent the growth of bacteria.

bac·te·ri·al adj

1bad adj, worse , worst

1 a : low or poor in quality
a bad repair job
bad work

The house is in bad condition/shape.

1 b : not correct or proper
bad manners
bad [=incorrect, faulty] grammar
a letter written in bad French
bad spelling
a bad check [=a check that cannot be cashed]

see also BAD LANGUAGE

2 a : not pleasant, pleasing, or enjoyable

He had a bad day at the office.

I was having a bad dream.

She made a very bad impression on her future colleagues.

The food tastes bad.

The flower smells bad.

He has bad breath. [=breath that smells bad]

We've been having bad weather lately.

The medicine left a bad taste in his mouth.

It feels bad [=uncomfortable, painful] to stretch out my arm.

I look bad in this hat. = This hat looks bad on me.

That hat doesn't look bad on you. [=that hat looks good on you]

2 b : having, marked by, or relating to problems, troubles, etc.

good and bad news

They have remained together in good times and bad (times).

It's a bad time for business right now.

a bad omen
bad luck/fortune

Things are looking pretty bad for us at this point.

I have a bad feeling about this.

see also BAD BLOOD, BAD NEWS

2 c : not adequate or suitable

I couldn't take a picture because the lighting was bad.

It's a bad day for a picnic.

She made a bad marriage.

Is this a bad moment/time to have a word with you?

2 d : not producing or likely to produce a good result
a bad deal
a bad risk
a bad idea/plan

The plan has its good points and its bad points.

a bad debt [=a debt that will not be paid]

a bad loan [=a loan that will not be repaid]

2 e : expressing criticism or disapproval

The movie got bad reviews.

3 a : not healthy : marked or affected by injury or disease

His health is pretty bad. = He's in pretty bad health.

The patient was pretty bad [=ill, sick] last week and even worse yesterday but is doing better now.

He came home early because he was feeling pretty bad. [=he wasn't feeling well]

My father has a bad back/leg. [=a back/leg that is always or often painful]

She has bad eyesight/hearing.

bad teeth

3 b : causing harm or trouble
a bad diet
a bad influence
bad cholesterol [=a type of cholesterol that can cause serious health problems when there is too much of it in your blood]

often + for

Eating too much can be bad for you. = It can be bad for you to eat too much.

Eating all that candy is bad for your teeth.

Watching too much TV is bad for children.

4 a : not morally good or right : morally evil or wrong
a bad person
bad conduct/behavior
a man of bad character
bad intentions/deeds

It's hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys in this movie.

see also BAD FAITH

4 b : not behaving properly
a bad dog

I'm afraid your son has been a very bad [=naughty] boy.

see also BAD BOY

5 a : not skillful : not doing or able to do something well
a bad musician
a bad doctor

She was pretty bad in that movie. [=she did not act well]

often + at
a doctor who's bad at treating nervous patients

He's very/really bad at expressing his true feelings.

5 b : having a tendency not to do something

+ about

He's bad about getting to work on time. [=he often fails to get to work on time]

I'm very bad about remembering people's birthdays. [=I often forget people's birthdays]

6 a : not happy or pleased : feeling regret or guilt about something

I feel bad about what happened. [=I regret what happened]

She felt bad that she forgot to call. = She felt bad about forgetting to call.

6 b : not cheerful or calm

She's in a bad mood. [=an angry mood]

He has a bad temper. [=he's bad-tempered; he becomes angry easily]

7 : serious or severe

She's in bad trouble.

He has a bad cough/cold.

That bruise looks bad: you'd better see a doctor about it.

How bad is the pain?

8 : no longer good to eat or drink : not fresh
the smell of bad fish

Is the milk still good or has it gone bad? [=spoiled]

9 bad·der, bad·dest chiefly US, informal

9 a : very good

He's the baddest guitar player you'll ever hear!

9 b : very tough or dangerous

Don't mess around with him. He's a bad dude.

a bad job see JOB

a bad lot see LOT

bad apple see APPLE

come to a bad end see 1END

from bad to worse

: from a bad state or condition to an even worse state or condition

The company has been struggling for years, and things have recently gone from bad to worse.

in a bad way

: in a bad condition

Without enough funding, public services are in a pretty bad way right now.

The patient was in a bad way last week but is doing better now.

in someone's bad books see 1BOOK

not bad

: fairly good or quite good

All things considered, she's not a bad singer. [=she's a pretty good singer]

“How are you?” “Not (too/so) bad, thanks. And you?”

too bad

1
used to show that you are sorry or feel bad about something

It's too bad [=unfortunate] that John and Mary are getting divorced. = It's too bad about John and Mary getting divorced. [=I'm sorry to hear that John and Mary are getting divorced]

“I won't be able to come to the party.” “(That's) Too bad. I was hoping you'd be there.”

2
used in an ironic way to show that you are not sorry or do not feel bad about something

“But I need your help!” “(That's just) Too bad.”

with bad grace see 1GRACE

bad·ness noun [noncount]

the badness of his behavior
the badness [=severity] of his injuries

There's more goodness than badness in him.

2bad adv, worse, worst

US informal : badly

She was struggling when she first started the job, but she's not doing so bad now. [=she's doing fairly well now]

He hasn't succeeded because he doesn't want it bad enough.

He cut himself real bad. [=very badly]

I need a vacation and I need it bad. [=I need it very much]

“Is he in love with her?” “Oh yeah, he's got it bad.” [=he's extremely in love with her]

bad off

US

1 : having little money

They're pretty bad off [=they don't have enough money] now that he's lost his job.

We're not rich, but we're not too bad off (for money). [=we're not poor]

2 : in a bad or difficult situation or condition

When I heard how bad off they were, I asked if I could do anything to help.

This state isn't too bad off compared to other parts of the country.

3bad noun

1 [noncount] : morally bad forces or influences : evil

There's more good than bad in him.

We need to teach our children the difference between good and bad.

2 the bad

2 a [singular] : the unpleasant things that happen to people

You have to take the good with the bad. [=you have to accept the bad things that happen to you as well as the good things]

2 b [singular] : things that are morally wrong
teaching children the difference between the good and the bad

2 c [plural] : morally bad people

He believes that the good go to heaven when they die and the bad go to hell.

bad·ass adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US informal + sometimes offensive

1 : likely to cause trouble : tough and dangerous
a badass criminal

2 : very skillful or impressive
a badass musician

badass noun, pl -ass·es [count]

He acted tough and thought of himself as a badass.

bad blood noun [noncount]

: feelings of dislike between two people or groups

There's been a lot of bad blood between them since their quarrel.

bad boy noun, pl boys [count]

: a man who says or does things that shock other people; especially : a young and successful man who does things in a way that is very different from the usual way

He has become known as the bad boy of the American television industry.

bad·die or bad·dy noun, pl -dies [count]

informal : a bad person in a book, movie, etc. : villain

He plays one of the good guys in his latest film and defeats all the baddies. [=bad guys]

bade past tense of 1BID

bad faith noun [noncount]

: lack of honesty in dealing with other people

She accused her landlord of bad faith [=dishonesty] because he had promised to paint the apartment but never did it.

compare GOOD FAITH

in bad faith

: in a dishonest and improper way

She signed the contract in bad faith. [=with no intention of doing what it said she would do]

badge noun, pl badg·es [count]

1 : a small object (such as a tag, pin, or metal shield) that is worn or held up by a person so that it can be easily seen, that has writing (such as a person's name) and often a picture on it, and that shows who the person is

The policeman flashed his badge.

Don't forget to wear your name badge.

The receptionist glanced at my visitor's badge.

2 : a cloth patch that can be sewn onto clothing and that is awarded to a person (such as a Boy Scout or Girl Scout) for doing something

She earned 10 merit badges in scouting.

3 Brit : 1button 2

She was wearing a badge that read “Support your local library.”

4 : something that represents or is a sign of something else

She viewed her failures as a badge of humanity.

He wore his ethnic heritage as a badge of honor/pride. [=he was proud of his ethnic heritage and did not try to hide it]

1bad·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

: a type of animal that lives in the ground and has short thick legs and long claws on its front feet

2bad·ger verb, -gers, -gered, -ger·ing [+ obj]

1 : to bother or annoy (someone) with many comments or questions

The celebrity was being badgered [=pestered] by reporters.

2 : to ask or tell someone again and again to do something

He's been badgering [=nagging, pestering] me to clean the garage for months.

She finally badgered me into cutting my hair.

bad·lands noun [plural]

: a region in the U.S. where weather has worn away rocks into strange shapes and where there are very few plants
the badlands of South Dakota

bad language noun [noncount]

: offensive language : dirty language

She scolded the children for using bad language.

bad·ly adv, worse , worst

1 : in a bad manner

We played badly.

The car ran badly.

He played badly but I played even worse.

The failure reflects badly on the administration.

The child behaved badly.

a badly planned project

2 a : very much : to a great degree

She wanted the job badly.

I'm badly in need of a vacation.

We miss you badly.

2 b : severely or seriously

Was she hurt badly?

His fingers were badly frozen.

badly off

1 : having little money

We were so badly off [=poor, broke] we couldn't afford a bus ticket.

Thanks to the money my uncle left me, I'm not badly off. [=I'm pretty well off]

2 : in bad condition

I felt unwell, but I wasn't so badly off that I had to stay home from work.

badly off for

Brit : having a strong need for (something or someone)

The team was badly off for young players.

not badly

: fairly or quite well

“How are you doing?” “Not too/so badly, thanks. And you?”

think badly of

: to have a bad or low opinion of (someone)

Will you think badly of me if I take the last cookie?

bad·min·ton noun [noncount]

: a game in which a light feathered object (called a shuttlecock) is hit over a net by players using light rackets

bad-mouth verb, -mouths, -mouthed, -mouth·ing [+ obj]

: to say bad things about (someone or something) : to criticize (someone or something)

She refuses to bad-mouth her colleagues.

bad news noun [singular]

informal : a bad, unpleasant, or dangerous person or thing

Stay away from himhe's bad news.

“That drug is bad news,” she warned.

bad-tempered adj [more ; most ]

: easily annoyed or angered : ill-tempered
a bad-tempered old man

1baf·fle verb, baf·fles, baf·fled, baf·fling [+ obj]

: to confuse (someone) completely

Her behavior baffles [=bewilders] me.

I was baffled by many of the scientific terms used in the article.

baffled adj [more ; most ]

a baffled look [=a look that shows confusion]

His explanation left me feeling even more baffled [=confused] than I had felt before.

baf·fle·ment noun [noncount]

I couldn't hide my complete bafflement at her strange behavior.

baffling adj [more ; most ]

It's completely baffling to me how she can behave like that!

a baffling array of choices

baf·fling·ly adv [more ; most ]

bafflingly strange behavior

2baffle noun, pl baffles [count]

technical : a device (such as a wall or screen) that is used to control the flow of something (such as a fluid, light, or sound)

1bag noun, pl bags

1 [count]

1 a : a container made of thin material (such as paper, plastic, or cloth) that opens at the top and is used for holding or carrying things

She packed her lunch in a paper bag.

(US) a garbage/trash bag = (Brit) a rubbish bag

(US) grocery bags = (Brit) carrier bags [=plastic or paper bags used for holding items bought at a store]

1 b : a soft container carried by a woman and used to hold money and other small things (such as keys or makeup)

She put the pencil in her bag.

see also HANDBAG, SHOULDER BAG

1 c : a container used for carrying personal things (such as clothes) when you are going somewhere
an overnight bag
a gym bag
usually plural

We carried our bags [=suitcases, luggage] to the hotel room.

She packed her bags and left.

2 [count] : the amount of something that is inside a bag

We ate two bags [=bagfuls] of potato chips.

a bag of apples/flour/fertilizer

3 bags [plural] : an area of swollen and often dark skin under a person's eyes
a tired old man with bags under his eyes

4 [singular] : a collection of different things (such as ideas)

They tried using their usual bag of tricks.

see also GRAB BAG, MIXED BAG, RAGBAG

5 [singular] informal + old-fashioned : something that a person likes to do : something that a person does well

Housecleaning isn't her bag. [=she doesn't like housecleaning]

I've tried living in the city, but it's just not my bag.

6 [count] baseball : a square white bag that marks the position of first base, second base, and third base

He slid into the bag and was safe at second base.

7 [count] informal
used as an insulting word for an old woman

Shut up, you old bag!

8 bags [plural] Brit, informal : a large amount of something

There's no need to hurry. We've still got bags [=lots] of time.

a bag of nerves see NERVE

bag and baggage
chiefly Brit : with all of your possessions

He got rid of the visitors, bag and baggage. [=altogether, completely]

hold the bag see 1HOLD

in the bag
informal : sure to happen

Their success was in the bag. [=guaranteed]

: certain to be successful

We had the game in the bag [=sewn up] by the end of first half.

She seemed to have the election in the bag. [=she seemed sure to win the election]

let the cat out of the bag see CAT

2bag verb, bags, bagged, bag·ging [+ obj]

1 : to put (something) into a bag

He got a job bagging groceries.

2 : to kill or catch (an animal) while hunting, fishing, etc.

The hunters bagged five deer altogether.

We bagged 10 fish today.

3 informal : to get (something desired)

She's expected to bag the award for the team's most valuable player.

I bagged the last seat so everyone else had to stand.

4 US, informal : to give up or leave (something)

She decided to bag her job and move to the country.

He finally bagged his acting career and went back to school.

ba·gel noun, pl -gels [count]

: a bread roll shaped like a ring

bagful noun, pl -fuls [count]

1 : the amount that a bag can hold
two bagfuls [=bags] of apples

2 : a large number or amount

She always has a bagful of stories.

a bagful of tricks

bag·gage noun [noncount]

1 chiefly US : the bags, suitcases, and personal things that a person carries when traveling : luggage

Please collect your baggage.

see also baggage claim at 2CLAIM

2 : the feelings, beliefs, problems, or past events that can make life difficult for a person or group

His difficult childhood left him with a lot of heavy/personal/emotional baggage.

the cultural/political/historical baggage of the region

bag and baggage see 1BAG

bag·gy adj, bag·gi·er, -est
of clothing : very loose : not tight
baggy jeans/sweaters

These pants are too baggy at the knees.

bag lady noun, pl ladies [count]

: a homeless woman who walks around the streets of a city carrying her possessions in a bag

bag lunch noun, pl lunches [count]

US : a lunch that is made at home, packed inside a bag or box, and eaten at a job, at school, etc.

Remember to bring a bag lunch to school tomorrow.

called also box lunch

bag of bones noun [singular]

informal : a very thin person or animal

I can't believe how thin he is. He's just a bag of bones.

bag·pipe noun, pl -pipes [count]

: a musical instrument that is played especially in Scotland and that has a bag, a tube for blowing air into the bag, and pipes where the air leaves and makes sounds

The musical instrument is usually referred to by the plural bagpipes.

He's learning to play the bagpipes.

In U.S. English, the singular bagpipe is also used.

We heard the sound of a bagpipe.

In both U.S. and British English, bagpipe is sometimes used before another noun.

bagpipe music

ba·guette noun, pl -guettes [count]

: a long, thin loaf of French bread

bah interj
old-fashioned + humorous
used to show dislike or disapproval of something

Bah, humbug!

1bail noun [noncount]

: an amount of money given to a court to allow a prisoner to leave jail and return later for a trial

The bail paid by a person accused of a crime is returned when the person comes back to court for a trial. To set bail is to decide how much money a person must pay in order to get out of jail until a trial.

The judge/court set bail at $1 million. = The bail was set at $1 million.

To grant bail or give bail is to allow a prisoner to pay money to leave jail until a trial.

It is not clear whether the judge will grant bail in this case.

If you are denied bail or held without bail, a court will not allow you to pay money to leave jail until your trial.

The two men are being held without bail.

Bail was denied, and he was sent to prison to await his trial.

If you are free on bail or out on bail or have been released/freed on bail, you have paid the court money and are now out of jail and waiting for your trial.

He is now free on bail. = He's out on bail.

They were both free/out on $10,000 bail. [=they both paid the court $10,000 and promised to return for their trials]

She was released on $5,000 bail. [=she left jail after paying the court $5,000]

If you make bail or post bail, you give enough money to the court and can leave jail until your trial.

He didn't have enough money to make bail so he had to stay in prison until his trial.

Someone posted bail for you. You're free to go.

To jump bail or skip bail is to pay money to get out of jail and then not return for your trial.

A day after he was released from jail, he decided to jump bail and leave the country.

They skipped bail a week before the trial.

2bail verb, bails, bailed, bail·ing

bail out [phrasal verb]

1 bail (someone) out or bail out (someone) : to make it possible for someone to leave jail by paying bail

She went to the jail to bail out her boyfriend. = She bailed him out of jail.

2 bail (someone or something) out or bail out (someone or something) : to help (someone) solve a problem or leave a difficult situation

They're always bailing their son out of trouble.

: to help (a business, an organization, etc.) by giving or lending money

The federal government bailed out [=gave money to] their struggling company.

bailing out poor countries
see also BAILOUT

compare 3BAIL

3bail verb, bails, bailed, bailing

1 [+ obj] : to remove or throw water from or out of a boat

We used a bucket to bail water out of the canoe. = We used a bucket to bail out the canoe.

bailing water from the bottom of the boat

2 [no obj] US, informal : to leave a difficult situation

She bailed [=bailed out] when times got tough. [=she left when life became difficult]

I think we'd better bail. [=bail out]

bail out [phrasal verb]

chiefly US

1 : to jump out of an airplane with a parachute

The pilot bailed out [=(Brit) baled out] just before the plane crashed.

2 : to leave or escape a harmful or difficult situation

Most investors have bailed out [=(Brit) baled out] of the business.

They bailed out [=backed out] of the deal.

compare 2BAIL

bai·liff noun, pl -liffs [count]

1 US : an officer in a court of law who helps the judge control the people in the courtroom

2 Brit : someone hired by a sheriff to bring legal documents to people and to take away possessions when people cannot pay for them

3 Brit : someone who manages the land and property of another person : steward

bail·out noun, pl -outs [count]

: the act of saving or rescuing something (such as a business) from money problems
government bailouts of large corporations
see also bail out 2 at 2BAIL

bairn noun, pl bairns [count]

Scotland : child
a wee bairn [=a small child]

1bait noun, pl baits

: something (such as a piece of food) that is used to attract fish or animals so they can be caught

[noncount] We always use live bait [=worms that are alive] when we fish.

cheese used for/as bait in mousetraps

Wait until the fish takes the bait.

[count] a wide selection of lures and baits
often used figuratively
using bargains as bait for shoppers [=using bargains to attract shoppers]

The police waited for the bank robbers to take the bait. [=to be tricked into doing the thing that would cause them to be trapped or caught]

(chiefly Brit) The interviewer kept asking the politician whether he was lying, and he rose to the bait by getting angry.

fish or cut bait see 2FISH

2bait verb, baits, bait·ed, bait·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put a piece of food on (a hook) or in (a trap) in order to attract and catch fish or animals

She baited the mousetraps with pieces of cheese. = She used cheese to bait the traps.

baiting hooks with live worms
a baited hook/trap

2 : to try to make (someone) angry by using criticism or insults

The interviewer kept baiting the politician by asking him whether he was lying.

see also RACE-BAITING

3 : to use dogs to make (an animal, such as a bear or bull) angry or afraid
used in combination
bear-baiting
bull-baiting

bait and switch noun [singular]

US : a selling method in which a customer is attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced product but then is encouraged to buy a more expensive one

bake verb, bakes, baked, bak·ing

1 a : to make (food, such as bread and cake) by preparing a dough, batter, etc., and cooking it in an oven using dry heat

[+ obj] I baked you a cake. = I baked a cake for you.

freshly baked bread [=bread that was baked recently]

[no obj] He likes to bake. = He enjoys baking. [=he likes making pies, muffins, cookies, etc.]

1 b : to cook (food) in an oven using dry heat

[+ obj] Bake [=roast] the chicken for 30 minutes.

baked potatoes

She wrapped the fish in foil and baked it for 15 minutes.

[no obj]

used in recipes

Wrap the fish in foil and bake for 15 minutes.

1 c [no obj] : to be cooked in an oven

The turkey has been baking [=roasting] for an hour.

How long has the cake been baking?

2 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as clay or mud) dry and hard by using heat

They baked the bricks in the sun.

3 [no obj] : to be or become very hot

The streets were baking in the afternoon heat.

We stood baking [=sweltering] under the hot desert sun.

see also HALF-BAKED

baking adj

We stood in the baking heat.

The streets were baking hot.

baked beans noun [plural]

: beans that have been boiled and then baked usually in a sweet brown sauce

bak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who bakes bread, cakes, etc.

I'm a very good baker.

She's a successful baker who opened a chain of bakeries.

I got this bread fresh from the baker's [=from the bakery] this morning.

baker's dozen noun [singular]

old-fashioned : thirteen of something
a baker's dozen of books [=thirteen books]

bak·ery noun, pl -er·ies [count]

: a place where bread, cakes, cookies, and other baked foods are made or sold

They work at/in a bakery.

bake sale noun, pl sales [count]

US : an event in which people try to earn money by selling baked foods (such as cookies and pies)

They organized a bake sale to raise money for the church.

baking powder noun [noncount]

: a white powder that is used to make baked foods (such as cakes and breads) light and fluffy

The recipe calls for a teaspoon of baking powder.

baking sheet noun, pl sheets [count]

: a flat piece of metal used for baking things (such as cookies and biscuits) in an oven called also (chiefly US) cookie sheet

baking soda noun [noncount]

: a kind of salt that is used to make baked foods (such as cookies and breads) light and fluffy

Baking soda is one of the ingredients in baking powder.

called also bicarb, bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate

baking tray noun, pl trays [count]

chiefly Brit : baking sheet

bal·a·cla·va noun, pl -vas [count]

: a warm hat that covers the head, neck, and most of the face

1bal·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 [noncount]

1 a : the state of having your weight spread equally so that you do not fall

He held on to the rail for balance. = He held on to the rail to keep/maintain his balance.

She had trouble keeping her balance as the boat rocked back and forth.

The skater suddenly lost his balance and fell.

Another skater bumped into him and knocked/threw him off balance.

In figurative use, to knock/throw someone off balance or keep someone off balance is to make someone feel unsure about how to behave or what to expect.

He was surprised and thrown off balance by her strong personality.

The sudden change in the schedule knocked me off balance.

The author keeps her readers off balance by always changing the subject.

1 b : the ability to move or to remain in a position without losing control or falling

Gymnasts need flexibility and balance.

She has a good sense of balance.

2 [singular] : a state in which different things occur in equal or proper amounts or have an equal or proper amount of importance

To provide balance in her news story, she interviewed members of both political parties.

Temperature changes could upset the delicate balance of life in the forest.

To lose weight you need the proper/right balance of diet and exercise.

The food had a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

He needs to achieve/create/strike a better balance between his work life and his family life. [=he needs to spend less time at work and more time with his family]

He's trying to keep his work life and his family life in balance. = He's trying to keep his work life in balance with his family life. [=he's trying to give a proper of amount of time and attention to both his work life and his family life]

It's important to keep your life in balance.

His work life and his family life are out of balance. = His work life is out of balance with his family life.

If these ingredients are out of balance [=not used in good or correct amounts], the dish will not taste good.

The death of his wife threw/sent his life out of balance.

3 a [count] : the amount of money in a bank account

He has a comfortable/healthy/hefty bank balance. [=he has plenty of money in the bank]

You must maintain a minimum balance of $1,000 [=you must keep at least $1,000] in your bank account.

3 b [count] : the amount of money that still needs to be paid

What are the unpaid balances on your credit cards?

The bill was $500 and we've received $400, so the balance (of the bill) is $100.

3 c the balance : something that remains or is left over after other things have been done or used

We planned to stay there for the balance [=the rest, the remainder] of the summer.

Although the beginning is funny, the balance of the book is very serious.

4 [count] : a device that measures weight and shows how heavy things are : scale see also CHECKS AND BALANCES

in the balance

If something (such as your future) hangs in the balance or is in the balance, it is not certain but will soon be known or decided.

Our future hangs in the balance as we await their decision. [=our future depends on their decision; their decision will control our future]

With his job in the balance, he went to ask his boss for a raise.

on balance

: with all things considered : in general

The meeting went well on balance.

Although our lives are difficult now, I believe that on balance we are becoming stronger people.

tip the balance see 1TIP

2balance verb, -ances, -anced, -anc·ing

1 : to make (something, such as a plate or your body) steady by keeping weight equal on all sides

[+ obj]

usually + on

The waiters balanced the food on large trays.

She learned to walk while balancing a book on her head.

Can you balance a spoon on your nose?

[no obj] I find it difficult to balance on one foot.

He had trouble balancing on his skis.

He helped his daughter balance on her bicycle before she started peddling.

see also balancing act at 1ACT

2 a [+ obj] : to adjust (an account or budget) so that the amount of money available is more than or equal to the amount of money that has been spent

The legislature is still trying to balance the state's budget.

a balanced budget

2 b : to check and make adjustments to financial records so that they are accurate

[+ obj] He balances his checkbook every month.

The company hasn't done a good job balancing the books. [=keeping a record of the money it spends and earns]

[no obj] Something's wrong: the books don't balance.

3 [+ obj] : to make (different or opposite things) equal in strength or importance

She's able to balance her career with her family life. = She balances work and family.

The group is balanced between new and old members. [=the group had an equal number of new and old members]

see also BALANCE OUT 2 (BELOW)

4 [+ obj] : to make (a different or opposite thing) less powerful, noticeable, etc.

Serve black coffee to help balance the sweetness of the dessert.

His quickness will balance [=compensate for, make up for] the other fighter's greater strength.

The movie's serious subject matter is balanced [=offset] with humor.

His sadness was balanced by memories of happier days.

see also BALANCE OUT 1 (BELOW)

5 [+ obj] : to think about (different things) and decide which is better or more important
usually + against or with

Their fears must be balanced [=weighed] against the need for change.

A national government must balance [=compare] the needs of individuals with/against the needs of the entire country.

They'll have to balance the risks with the rewards. [=they'll have to decide if the possible good results are worth the possible bad results]

balance out [phrasal verb]

1 balance out (something) or balance (something) out : to make (a different or opposite thing) less powerful, noticeable, etc.

Serve black coffee to help balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

His quickness will balance out [=compensate for, make up for] the other fighter's greater strength.

The discount balances out the shipping charge. = The discount and the shipping charge balance each other out. [=the shipping charge and the discount together equal zero]

see also 2BALANCE 4 (ABOVE)

2 : to be or become equal or even

The good times and the bad times balanced out [=evened out] in the end.

see also 2BALANCE 3 (ABOVE)

balance beam noun, pl beams [count]

: a thick bar of wood raised above the floor that is used in gymnastics for displays of balance

bal·anced adj [more ; most ]

: having good or equal amounts of all the necessary parts of something

Most news articles gave a balanced [=fair, unbiased] account of the event.

a balanced diet [=a diet having all the kinds of food needed to be healthy]

Every morning she eats a balanced breakfast of toast, yogurt, and a glass of orange juice.

opposite UNBALANCED

balance of payments noun [singular]

: the difference between the amount of money that a country spends and the amount it earns

balance of power noun [singular]

: a state or situation in which two countries or groups (such as two political parties) have equal amounts of power
usually used with the

Their party's loss of two members shifted/tipped the balance of power in the legislature.

A group that holds the balance of power is able to control what happens by choosing to support either one of two larger groups that oppose each other.

balance of trade noun [singular]

: the difference between the amount of money that a country spends on its imports and the amount that it earns from its exports

Each nation tries to maintain a favorable balance of trade with other countries. [=they try to earn more from their exports than they spend on their imports]

balance sheet noun, pl sheets [count]

: a statement that shows the financial condition of a company at a particular time by listing the amount of money and property that the company has and the amount of money it owes

bal·co·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

1 : a raised platform that is connected to the side of a building and surrounded by a low wall or railing

We asked for a hotel room with a balcony.

see picture on next page

2 : a floor or seating area above the main floor of a theater

Our seats are on/in the balcony. = We have balcony seats.

bald adj, bald·er, -est

1 a of a person : having no hair or very little hair on the head
a bald man

All of his uncles are completely bald.

He's already starting to go bald. [=to become bald]

He had gone completely bald by the age of 30.

1 b of a part of the body : not covered with hair

He covered his bald head with a baseball cap.

There's a bald spot on the top of his head.

There are bald patches in the cat's fur.

2 : not covered with trees and plants
a bald mountain top

3 of a tire : having a flat and smooth surface because of age and use
an old car with bald tires

4 : said or given in a very direct way without extra details or explanations

She repeated her bald assertion that her son was not guilty of the crime.

We need more than bald statements; we need evidence and proof.

the bald facts
compare BALD-FACED

bald·ly adv

She baldly asserted that her son was not guilty.

To put it baldly [=to say it in a harsh and honest way], I don't like you.

bald·ness noun [noncount]

a medicine that treats baldness

I was surprised by the baldness of her assertion.

bald eagle noun, pl eagles [count]

: a very large bird of North America that has a white head and white tail feathers

The bald eagle is a symbol of the U.S.

bal·der·dash noun [noncount]

old-fashioned + informal : foolish words or ideas : nonsense

Frankly, I think that's absolute balderdash. [=baloney, hogwash]

sometimes used as an interjection.

Balderdash! That's not what happened!

bald-faced adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US

1 : easy to see and understand as being bad

That's a bald-faced [=barefaced, blatant] lie!

2 : showing no guilt or shame : not hiding bad behavior

Don't believe her. She's a bald-faced [=barefaced, blatant] liar.

bald·ing adj

: becoming bald

He wore a hat to cover his balding head.

a balding man

1bale noun, pl bales [count]

: a large amount of a material (such as hay or wool) that is pressed together tightly and often tied or wrapped
a bale of cotton/paper

2bale verb, bales, baled, bal·ing [+ obj]

: to press together and tightly tie or wrap (something, such as hay or paper) into a bale
compare 3BALE

3bale verb, bales, baled, baling [+ obj]

Brit : 3bail 1

We used a bucket to bale water out of the canoe. = We used a bucket to bale out the canoe.

bale out [phrasal verb]

Brit

1 : to jump out of an airplane with a parachute

The pilot baled out [=bailed out] just before the plane crashed.

2 : to leave or escape a harmful or difficult situation

The investors baled out [=bailed out] of the business.

They baled out [=backed out] of the deal.

compare 2BALE

bale·ful adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : threatening harm or evil

He turned and gave us a baleful [=sinister] glance/glare/look.

2 : harmful or deadly
the baleful effects/consequences of water pollution

bale·ful·ly adv

He stared balefully at his opponent.

1balk also Brit baulk verb, balks, balked, balk·ing [no obj]

1 : to suddenly show that you do not want to do something : to refuse to do what someone else wants you to do

If this witness balks [=refuses to cooperate in court], our lawyers will not have enough evidence to win the case.

often + at

The public balked at the President's new tax plan.

He balks at sending his children to expensive private schools. [=he won't send his children to expensive private schools]

2 a of a horse, mule, etc. : to stop quickly and refuse to continue going

The horse balked and would not jump the fence.

2 b of an engine : to fail to work in the usual or expected way

I turned the key, but the car's engine balked. [=refused to start]

3 baseball, of a pitcher : to stop suddenly after starting to throw a pitch : to commit a balk

The runner on third base tried to make the pitcher balk.

2balk noun, pl balks [count]

baseball : an occurrence in which a pitcher stops suddenly or makes an illegal movement after starting to throw a pitch

He committed a balk.

A pitcher can only commit a balk if there is a runner on first base, second base, or third base. When a balk occurs, the runner is allowed to go to the next base.

balky adj, balk·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

chiefly US : not doing what is wanted or expected

Several balky [=stubborn] congressmen have refused to support the President's tax plan.

a balky horse
a balky engine

1ball noun, pl balls

1 [count] : a usually round object that is used in a game or sport or as a toy
a tennis/soccer ball
golf/billiard/bowling balls
a toy rubber ball
kick/throw/hit/catch/bounce/dribble the ball

2 [count] : something that has a round shape
a ball of string

She uses cotton balls to clean her face.

eating rice/melon balls

3 [count] : a round bullet shot out of an old-fashioned gun

4 [count] : the rounded part of the human foot that is at the bottom of the foot and behind the toes
usually plural

He stood on the balls of his feet.

5 informal + often offensive

5 a [count] : testicle
usually plural

She kicked him in the balls.

5 b balls [plural] : the courage that is needed to do something

You don't have the/enough balls [=guts, nerve] to fight me.

5 c balls [plural] Brit : nonsense often used as an interjection to express disapproval or annoyance

6 [count]

6 a sports : a ball that is thrown or hit

She hit a high arching ball over the net.

I thought the ball [=serve] was good, but my opponent said it was out.

see also AIR BALL, CURVEBALL, FASTBALL, FLY BALL, GROUND BALL, fair ball at 1FAIR, foul ball at 1FOUL

6 b baseball : a pitch that does not go through the proper area and that the batter does not swing at

The first pitch was a ball but the next two pitches were strikes.

carry the ball

US informal : to have the responsibility for doing something

No one else is available to make the arrangements, so it's up to you to carry the ball.

drop the ball

US informal : to make a mistake especially by not doing something important

I think the mayor dropped the ball by not hiring more police officers.

get/set/start the ball rolling
informal : to begin an activity or process

She tried to get the ball rolling by asking him a few questions.

keep the ball rolling
informal : to cause an activity or process to continue

I've started the preparations for the party, but it's up to you to keep the ball rolling.

keep your eye on the ball
informal : to continue thinking about or giving attention to something important that you want to do or achieve

She really needs to keep her eye on the ball [=stay focused] if she wants to win the election.

on the ball
informal : mentally prepared : aware of what is happening and ready to do what is needed or wanted

With so many intelligent students, the teacher must always be on the ball.

Their lawyer was really on the ball.

play ball

1 : to begin or continue to play a game with a ball (such as baseball)

“Let's play ball!” shouted the umpire.

We went outside to play some ball.

2 : to do what other people want you to do : to cooperate or work with other people

He refused to play ball with the police.

the ball is in your court

If the ball is in your court, you are the person who is expected or required to do something.

What do you think we should do now? The ball is in your court.

She's waiting for the ball to be in her court.

compare 3BALL

2ball verb, balls, balled, ball·ing [+ obj]

: to form (something) into a ball

I stood up quickly and balled my hands into fists.

He balled the letter in his hands and threw it in the trash.

often + up

He balled up the letter and threw it in the trash.

His clothes were balled up on the floor.

She lay in bed balled up [=curled up] under the blankets.

3ball noun, pl balls [count]

: a large formal party for dancing

Cinderella went to the ball and danced with the prince.

They were invited to the governor's ball.

have a ball
informal : to have fun : to spend time in a very enjoyable way

Everyone had a ball at the party.

compare 1BALL

bal·lad noun, pl -lads [count]

1 : a slow popular song that is typically about love

2 : a kind of poem or song that tells a story (such as a story about a famous person from history)

a ballad about King Arthur

ball and chain noun [singular]

: something that limits someone's freedom or ability to do things

Drugs are a ball and chain for many people.

(old-fashioned) He referred to his wife as “the ball and chain.”

bal·last noun [noncount]

: heavy material (such as rocks or water) that is put on a ship to make it steady or on a balloon to control its height in the air
often used figuratively

His wife provided the ballast he needed in times of stress. [=his wife helped to keep him steady/stable in times of stress]

ball bearing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : a part of a machine in which another part (such as a metal pole) turns easily

A ball bearing is made up of several small metal balls that fit between two metal rings.

2 : one of the balls in a ball bearing

ball boy noun, pl boys [count]

: a boy who picks up balls that go out of play during a game in tennis, baseball, etc.

bal·le·ri·na noun, pl -nas [count]

: a woman who is a ballet dancer see also PRIMA BALLERINA

bal·let noun, pl bal·lets

1 [noncount] : a kind of dancing that is performed on a stage and that uses dance, music, costumes, and scenery to tell a story

She does tap dancing and ballet.

a performance of ballet
often used before another noun
a ballet performance

He's taking ballet lessons.

a ballet dancer
ballet shoes

2 : a show in which ballet is performed

[count] We are going to a ballet tonight.

This is one of my favorite ballets.

[noncount] We enjoy going to the ballet. [=we enjoy going to ballet performances]

3 [count] : a group of dancers who perform ballets together
often used in names
the Royal Ballet
the New York City Ballet

bal·let·ic adj [more ; most ]

balletic [=graceful] movements

She moved with balletic grace.

ball game noun, pl games [count]

1 : any game that is played with a ball

He was popular because he was good at ball games.

2 US : a baseball game

Dad took us to a ball game.

watching a ball game on TV

3 informal
used in phrases like a whole new ball game and a different ball game to describe a situation or activity that has changed

The sport of car racing is a whole new ball game.

Raising children is a different ball game now.

ball girl noun, pl girls [count]

: a girl who picks up balls that go out of play during a game in tennis, baseball, etc.

bal·lis·tic adj

go ballistic
informal

1 : to become very angry

Dad went ballistic when he saw the dent in his car.

2 US : to become very excited

The crowd was going ballistic. [=going wild]

ballistic missile noun, pl -siles [count]

: a weapon that is shot through the sky over a great distance and then falls to the ground and explodes
an intercontinental ballistic missile

bal·lis·tics noun [plural]

: the science that studies the movement of objects (such as bullets or rockets) that are shot or forced to move forward through the air

ball of fire noun, pl balls of fire [count]

chiefly US informal : a person who is very active and has a lot of energy

That guy is a real ball of fire.

ball of wax noun [singular]

US informal

1 : a situation or set of conditions

He's a good amateur, but playing basketball at the professional level is an entirely different ball of wax. [=an entirely different thing]

2 : a collection of items or objects

He won the car, the furniture, and the tropical vacationthe whole ball of wax! [=everything]

1bal·loon noun, pl -loons [count]

1 : a thin usually rubber bag that becomes larger when it is filled with air or gas

I blew up a balloon but then it burst.

brightly colored balloons and other party decorations
see also HOT-AIR BALLOON, TRIAL BALLOON

2 : a picture or space in a cartoon that contains words that are spoken or thought by a character

go over like a lead balloon (US) or Brit go down like a lead balloon
informal of a joke, suggestion, etc. : to fail completely

He told a joke about his mother-in-law and it went over like a lead balloon. [=no one laughed at the joke]

My suggestion went over like a lead balloon. [=no one liked my suggestion]

2balloon verb, -loons, -looned, -loon·ing [no obj]

: to become bigger quickly

Their credit card debt ballooned to more than $5,000.

His weight ballooned to 300 pounds. = He ballooned to 300 pounds.

the ballooning costs of education
ballooning weight

bal·loon·ing noun [noncount]

: the activity or sport of riding in a hot air balloon

She's always wanted to go ballooning.

bal·loon·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

an experienced balloonist [=a person who goes ballooning]

balloon payment noun, pl -ments [count]

US : a final payment that is much larger than any earlier payment made on a debt

They agreed to pay $1,000 a year for five years and then make a balloon payment of $50,000 at the end of the term.

1bal·lot noun, pl -lots

1 [count] : a ticket or piece of paper used to vote in an election
a paper ballot = (Brit) a ballot paper

The issue was on the ballot in November. [=people voted to support or oppose the issue in the November election]

I cast my ballot [=voted] for the new candidate.

see also ABSENTEE BALLOT

2 : a process that allows people to vote in secret so that other people cannot see their votes

[count] They cast their votes in a secret ballot.

[noncount] She was elected by secret ballot.

3 [noncount]

3 a : the total number of votes in an election

He won 65 percent of the ballot. [=vote]

3 b : an election

He claims that his opponent won by rigging the ballot. [=by rigging the election; by dishonestly controlling the results of the election]

2ballot verb, -lots, -lot·ed, -lot·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : to ask (people) to decide something by voting
usually used as (be) balloted

Union members were balloted [=polled] about whether to accept the company's offer.

ballot box noun, pl boxes

1 [count] : a box that holds the ballots used for voting in an election

2 [singular] : an act of voting using secret ballots

He'll never be able to win at the ballot box. [=in an election]

stuff the ballot box

US : to vote more than once in an election in order to help someone win

Fans stuffed the ballot box for their favorite players.

bal·lot·ing noun [noncount]

: an act or process of voting

The balloting [=election, voting] will not be secret.

the balloting for class president

1ball·park noun, pl -parks [count]

: a park in which baseball games are played : a baseball park or stadium
hit a home run out of the ballpark

in the ballpark
informal : close to the correct or exact number, price, etc.

My first guess wasn't even in the ballpark. [=it was not close to being correct]

An offer of $5,000 would be in the (right) ballpark for this car. [=this car is worth about $5,000]

2ballpark adj, always used before a noun

: not exact but close in number or amount : approximately correct

She gave us a ballpark price of $5,000. [=she said it could cost about $5,000]

We don't know exactly how many people live in this city, but a ballpark figure/estimate would be about two million.

ball·play·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a baseball player
big-league ballplayers

ball·point pen noun, pl pens [count]

: a pen whose tip is a small metal ball that rolls on a writing surface called also ballpoint

ball·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a large room used for dances

ballroom dancing noun [noncount]

: a style of dancing in which couples hold each other and use set moves to perform different kinds of formal dances (such as the polka, the tango, or the waltz)

ballroom dance noun, pl dances [count]

The waltz is a kind of ballroom dance.

balls verb, balls·es, ballsed, balls·ing

balls up [phrasal verb]

balls (something) up or balls up (something) Brit slang, sometimes offensive : to make mistakes in doing or making something

He ballsed up [=fouled up, messed up] everything and never got anything right.

see also BALLS-UP

balls-up noun, pl -ups [count]

Brit slang sometimes offensive : a problem caused by mistakes or carelessness

He made a balls-up [=made a mess] of everything and never got anything right.

see also balls up at BALLS

ball·sy adj, ball·si·er, -est
informal sometimes offensive : very tough or brave

That was a ballsy [=gutsy, nervy] thing to say!

She's quite a ballsy lawyer.

a ballsy attempt to sneak out of the house

bal·ly·hoo noun [noncount]

informal : talk or writing that is designed to get people excited or interested in something

Despite all of the ballyhoo [=hype], the group's new album is terrible.

ballyhoo verb, -hoos, -hooed, -hoo·ing [+ obj]

a much ballyhooed new album

balm noun, pl balms

1 [count, noncount] : an oily substance that has a pleasant smell and that is used for healing, smoothing, or protecting the skin

2 [singular] : something that gives comfort or support

Art can be a balm to the soul.

She shows that laughter is a balm for difficult times.

balmy adj, balm·i·er, -est

1 of air, weather, etc. : warm, calm, and pleasant
balmy [=mild] summer air
a balmy evening

2 chiefly US, informal : crazy or foolish
a balmy [=(Brit) barmy] idea that no one took seriously

ba·lo·ney noun [noncount]

1 informal : foolish words or ideas : nonsense

Don't believe all of that baloney.

He's been telling you a bunch/load of baloney. [=hogwash, balderdash]

sometimes used as an interjection.

Baloney! You've never been to the North Pole.

2 US : bologna
a baloney sandwich

bal·sa noun [noncount]

: the very light wood of a tropical American tree

bal·sam noun [noncount]

: an oily substance with a pleasant smell that comes from different kinds of plants

balsam fir noun, pl firs [count]

: a small American evergreen tree

bal·sam·ic vinegar noun [noncount]

: a type of Italian vinegar that has a dark color and a sweet taste

bal·us·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a short post that helps support a rail in a balustrade or similar structure

bal·us·trade noun, pl -trades [count]

: a kind of low wall that is placed at the sides of staircases, bridges, etc., and that is made of a row of short posts topped by a long rail

bam noun, pl bams [count]

informal : a sudden loud noise

We heard a loud bam.

often used as an interjection to show that something has hit something or has happened suddenly

I was driving along when, bam, I hit a pothole.

Everything was fine, and then bam, the electricity went out.

bam·boo noun, pl -boos

: a tall plant with hard hollow stems that are used for building and to make furniture, tools, etc.

[noncount] Bamboo grows in the grove near the house.

[count] We cut down some bamboos.

bamboo adj

The house is full of bamboo furniture.

The recipe is prepared with bamboo shoots. [=young bamboo plants]

bam·boo·zle verb, -boo·zles, -boo·zled, -boo·zling [+ obj]

informal : to trick or confuse (someone)

The salesperson bamboozled [=deceived] us into getting a more expensive item than we had planned to buy.

The quarterback was thoroughly bamboozled [=confused] by the defense.

1ban verb, bans, banned, ban·ning [+ obj]

1 : to forbid people from using (something) : to say that something cannot be used or done

The school banned that book for many years.

The city has banned smoking in all public buildings.

The drug was banned a decade ago.

The use of cell phones is banned in the restaurant.

2 : to forbid (someone) from doing or being part of something
usually + from

They banned [=barred] him from entering the building. = He was banned from entering the building.

She was banned from the team because of drug use.

2ban noun, pl bans [count]

: an official rule saying that people are not allowed to use or do something

The city has imposed a smoking ban in all public buildings.

often + on

She challenged the ban on smoking.

They lifted the ban on the drug.

ba·nal adj [more ; most ]

: boring or ordinary : not interesting

He made some banal remarks about the weather.

The writing was banal but the story was good.

ba·nal·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] : something that is boring or ordinary

The trip offers an escape from the banalities of daily life.

especially : an uninteresting statement : a banal remark

We exchanged banalities about the weather.

2 [noncount] : the quality of being ordinary or banal

The writing never rose above banality.

ba·nana Brit noun, pl -nan·as [count, noncount]

: a long curved fruit with a thick peel that is yellow when it is ripe
a bunch of bananas
peel a banana

(US) a banana peel = (Brit) a banana skin

In British English banana skin is used figuratively to describe a foolish or embarrassing mistake or failure.

a director who has slipped on a banana skin [=who has failed in an embarrassing way] in her latest film

see also SECOND BANANA

banana republic noun, pl -lics [count]

disapproving + sometimes offensive : a small, weak country usually in a tropical area

ba·nan·as Brit adj, not used before a noun
informal : crazy

If you ask me, that guy is bananas. [=nuts]

You're driving me bananas [=driving me crazy] with all those questions.

All the noise drove me bananas.

go bananas
informal : to become very excited or angry

The crowd went bananas [=went crazy] when the concert began.

banana split noun, pl splits [count]

: a dessert made with ice cream served on a sliced banana and usually covered with sweet sauces, fruits, nuts, and whipped cream

1band noun, pl bands [count]

1 : a usually small group of musicians who play popular music together

The band's drummer is also the lead singer.

a rock-and-roll band
a jazz band
compare ORCHESTRA, see also BIG BAND, BRASS BAND, GARAGE BAND, MARCHING BAND, ONE-MAN BAND

2 : a group of people or animals

A band of scientists questioned the theory.

She photographed a band of gorillas.

a band of hunters from the tribe

3 : a flat, straight piece of material (such as plastic or metal) that forms a circle around something

A band of plastic holds the lid on the container.

They placed a metal band with an identification number on the bird's leg.

She lost her wedding band. [=wedding ring]

see also ARMBAND, RUBBER BAND, SWEATBAND, WAISTBAND

4 : a strip of something that is different from what is around it : a thick line

The bird has black bands above its eyes.

The dress has an embroidered band at the hem.

often + of

There is a band of white near the hem of the dress.

A band of thunderstorms crossed the area late last night.

They left a narrow band of grass growing near the street.

5 technical : a range of frequencies over which radio signals are broadcast

The radio station broadcasts on the AM band.

6 Brit : a range or group between a lower and an upper limit : bracket

People in younger age bands may be in higher or lower tax bands.

to beat the band

US informal : in a very forceful or obvious way

He was snoring to beat the band. [=he was snoring very loudly]

2band verb, bands, band·ed, band·ing

band together [phrasal verb]

: to form a group in order to do or achieve something

They banded together for protection.

If we band together, we can meet the deadline.

1ban·dage noun, pl -dag·es [count]

: a covering (such as a strip of cloth) that protects or supports part of the body that has been hurt

He wrapped a bandage around his knee.

She put a bandage on/over the cut.

2bandage verb, -dag·es, -daged, -dag·ing [+ obj]

: to cover or wrap (something) with a bandage

She bandaged (up) their wounds.

He arrived with a bandaged ankle.

1Band-Aid trademark
used for a small bandage

2Band-Aid adj, always used before a noun
disapproving : able to help or improve something only for a short period of time
a Band-Aid solution to the problem

ban·dan·na also ban·dana noun, pl -dan·nas also -dan·as [count]

: a square piece of cloth that is used as a head covering or worn around the neck

B and B noun, pl B and Bs [count]

: bed-and-breakfast

We stayed at a nice B and B near the beach.

band·ed adj

: having or marked by narrow strips of different color : having or marked by bands
a hawk with a banded tail
a banded rock

ban·dit noun, pl -dits [count]

: a criminal who attacks and steals from travelers and who is often a member of a group of criminals

They were two of the most famous bandits [=outlaws, robbers] of the 19th century.

see also ONE-ARMED BANDIT

ban·dit·ry noun [noncount]

They were charged with banditry and smuggling.

band·lead·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who leads a band of musicians; especially : the leader of a band that plays jazz or dance music

band·mas·ter Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

: bandleader; especially : the leader of a brass band or a military band

ban·do·lier or ban·do·leer noun, pl -liers or -leers [count]

: a belt that is worn over the shoulder and across the body and that holds bullets

band saw noun, pl saws [count]

: a type of powered saw that is used especially for making curved cuts in wood

bands·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a musician who plays in a brass band or military band

band·stand noun, pl -stands [count]

1 : a covered outdoor platform on which a band or orchestra plays

2 US : a raised indoor platform on which a band or orchestra plays

band·wag·on noun, pl -ons [count]

: a popular activity, effort, cause, etc., that attracts growing support
usually singular
trying to get/keep a political bandwagon rolling

Local leaders jumped on the bandwagon in support of the legislation.

Many companies are getting/climbing on the bandwagon and offering flexible schedules to their employees.

band·width noun, pl -widths
technical : a measurement of the ability of an electronic communications device or system (such as a computer network) to send and receive information

[count] The modem has a bandwidth of 56 kilobits per second.

[noncount] Graphics use more bandwidth than text does.

ban·dy verb, -dies, -died, -dy·ing

bandy about also bandy around [phrasal verb]

bandy (something) about/around or bandy about/around (something) : to discuss or mention (something) in a casual or informal way

The candidate hasn't chosen a running mate yet, but some names have been bandied about.

The idea had been bandied about several years earlier.

bandy words
old-fashioned : to say angry words in an argument : argue

I don't want to bandy words with you.

bane noun [singular]

: a cause of trouble, annoyance, or unhappiness
usually used in the phrase the bane of

The ugly school uniforms were the bane of the students' lives.

She was the bane of my existence. [=she made my life very unhappy, difficult, etc.]

bane·ful adj
formal + literary : causing destruction or serious damage : bad or evil

The legislation could have a baneful effect on the poor.

the baneful consequences of war

1bang verb, bangs, banged, bang·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause or allow (something, such as part of your body) to hit something in a way that makes a loud noise

He accidentally banged his knee against the door.

He banged [=bumped, struck] his head getting out of the car.

She fell and banged her elbow.

She banged her fist on the table.

He banged his empty glass on the counter.

1 b : to hit (something or someone) in a way that makes a loud noise

[+ obj] His knee accidentally banged the door.

The chair fell over and banged the wall.

[no obj]

usually + into or against

His knee accidentally banged into the door.

I thought the door was open and banged [=bumped] right into it.

The bird banged into/against the window.

One of the other players banged into her, knocking her to the ground.

2 : to use your hand or a tool to beat or hit (something) in a way that makes a loud noise

[+ obj] He banged the drum.

She banged the table with her fist.

[no obj]

+ on

He banged on the drum.

She banged on the table.

Who is banging [=pounding] on the door?

see also bang the drum for at 1DRUM

3 [no obj] : to make a sudden loud noise

I could hear the screen door bang [=slam] as he left.

The window suddenly banged shut.

The pipes banged as the heat came on.

4 [+ obj] informal + offensive : to have sex with (someone)

bang away [phrasal verb]

US informal : to work hard at something

We have to keep banging away if we want to finish on time.

often + at

The students are banging away at their homework.

bang heads together
informal : to use angry or forceful methods to control or punish people

I am going to go in there and bang their heads together if they don't start behaving.

bang on about [phrasal verb]

bang on about (something) Brit, informal : to talk about (something) repeatedly or for a long time

She's always banging on about [=going on about] the importance of a good diet.

bang out [phrasal verb]

bang out (something) or bang (something) out informal

1 : to produce (something) quickly

He banged out the speech in just a few hours.

The two sides are trying to bang out an agreement.

2 : to play (a song, melody, etc.) loudly on a piano

She carelessly banged out a few melodies on the piano.

bang up [phrasal verb]

1 bang up (something or someone) or bang (something or someone) up US, informal : to injure or damage (something or someone)

She banged up [=hurt] her knee.

He banged up the car.

He was pretty badly banged up [=injured] in the accident.

2 bang up (someone) or bang (someone) up Brit slang : to put (someone) in prison

He got banged up [=locked up] for robbery.

2bang noun, pl bangs

1 a [count] : a sudden loud noise

I heard a loud bang.

The door slammed shut with a bang.

1 b
used as an interjection to imitate a loud noise (such as the sound of a gun being fired)

“Bang, bang! You're dead.”

In British English the informal phrase bang goes is used when you are saying that something you wanted or planned has become impossible.

The airport closed and bang went our holiday plans! [=our holiday plans were ruined because the airport closed]

2 [count] : a hard hit or blow

She got a nasty bang [=bump] on her head.

bang for the buck also bang for your buck

US informal
used to describe how much value is received when money is spent

This restaurant offers people the most bang for the buck. [=offers more than other restaurants for the same price]

He claims that the new stadium offers taxpayers too little bang for the buck. [=that the new stadium is not worth the tax money that is being spent on it]

get a bang out of

US informal : to enjoy (something) very much

You'll get a bang out of [=you'll like] this story.

She got a bang out of [=got a kick out of] watching her grandson at the beach.

with a bang

: in a sudden and exciting way

The movie begins/starts with a bang and never slows down.

3bang adv

Brit informal : exactly or directly

There it wasbang [=right] in front of us!

The show began bang on time.

see also bang to rights at 3RIGHT

bang on

Brit informal : exactly right

His explanation was bang on. [=spot-on]

bang·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal

1 : sausage

We ordered bangers and mash. [=sausages and mashed potatoes]

2 : firecracker

3 : an old car that is in poor condition : jalopy

ban·gle noun, pl ban·gles [count]

: a large stiff ring that is worn as jewelry around the arm, wrist, or ankle

She wore plastic bangles on both wrists.

bangs noun [plural]

US : the front section of a person's hair when it is cut short and worn over the forehead

She wears her hair in bangs. = She has bangs.

She pushed her bangs off her forehead.

called also (Brit) fringe

bang-up adj, always used before a noun

US informal : very good or excellent

We had a bang-up [=fine, first-rate] time at the party.

She did a bang-up job on/with the presentation.

ban·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing [+ obj]

1 : to force (someone) to leave a country as punishment : exile

He was banished for life.

The dictator banished anyone who opposed him.

2 : to send (someone or something) away
often + from or to

He was banished from court.

They want to banish her from the sport.

She banished the dogs to the basement during the party.

The reporters were banished to another room.

3 : to cause (something) to go away : to get rid of (something)

His assurances banished [=alleviated] our fears.

She tried to banish all thoughts of him from her mind. [=she tried not to think about him]

They banished [=eliminated] red meat from their diet.

ban·ish·ment noun [noncount]

ban·is·ter also ban·nis·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a structure like a fence with a bar on top that is built along the side of a set of stairs

The children love to slide down the banister.

She held the banister tightly.

sometimes plural in British English

She held the banisters tightly.

ban·jo noun, pl -jos [count]

: a musical instrument like a small guitar with a round body, a long neck, and four or five strings

I'm learning to play the banjo. = (US) I'm learning to play banjo.

a banjo player

1bank noun, pl banks [count]

1 : a business where people keep their money, borrow money, etc., or the building where such a business operates

Our paychecks are deposited in/into the bank automatically.

How much money do you have in the bank?

My cousin works in/at a bank.

I have to go to the bank today.

often used before another noun
bank customers

How much money do you have in your bank account?

see also SAVINGS BANK

2 : a small closed container in which money is saved

She saves all her change in a small bank on her desk.

see also PIGGY BANK

3 : a place where a particular thing is stored until it is needed
information stored in a computer's memory banks
see also BLOOD BANK, SPERM BANK

break the bank

: to be very expensive or too expensive : to cost a lot of money
usually used in negative statements

Buy a car that's dependable but won't break the bank.

laugh all the way to the bank see 1LAUGH
compare 3BANK, 5BANK

2bank verb, banks, banked, bank·ing

1 [no obj] : to have money in a bank : to use the services of a bank

We bank locally.

Where do you bank? [=which bank do you use?]

2 [+ obj] : to put (something, such as money) in a bank
bank a check

bank on [phrasal verb]

bank on (something) : to feel confident or sure about (something)

We're banking on [=counting on] fair weather for the trip.

She may support us, but don't bank on [=rely on, depend on] it.

compare 4BANK

3bank noun, pl banks [count]

1 : the higher ground that is along the edge of a river, stream, etc.

We sat on the bank of the river [=on the riverbank] to watch the boats.

The stream overflowed its banks.

2 a : a steep slope : the side of a hill

We planted bushes all along the bank in front of the house.

They climbed a steep bank to get to the terrace.

see also SANDBANK

2 b : a small hill that is built next to a road along a curve in order to make driving on that section of road safer

3 : a thick mass of clouds or fog
a fog bank

A bank of dark clouds entered the region.

see also SNOWBANK
compare 1BANK, 5BANK

4bank verb, banks, banked, banking

1 : to cause (something, such as an airplane) to tilt or lean to one side when turning

[+ obj] The pilot banked the plane (to the right/left) and then leveled it out to land.

[no obj] The pilot/plane banked (right/left) and then leveled out to land.

The motorcycle banked steeply as it went around the curve.

2 [+ obj] US : to cause (something, such as a ball) to bounce off a surface

The basketball player banked the ball off the backboard.

3 [+ obj] : to form (something) into a pile
often + up
banking sand up along the river to prevent flooding

4 [+ obj] : to cover (a fire) with fresh fuel in order to make it continue to burn
often + up
bank up a campfire

compare 2BANK

5bank noun, pl banks [count]

: a group or series of objects that are arranged close together in a row
usually + of

There is a bank of vending machines in the basement.

Several banks of lights hung above the stage.

a bank of file cabinets

compare 1BANK, 3BANK

bank·able adj [more ; most ]

: certain to make a profit
used of people in the movie business
a bankable director [=a director who makes movies that earn a profit]

She is one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. [=if she is in a movie, the movie will make money]

bank·book noun, pl -books [count]

: a book in which a bank customer keeps a record of the money added to and taken from a bank account called also passbook

bank card noun, pl cards [count]

1 US : a card (such as a credit card or debit card) that you get from your bank and that you use to pay for things or to get money from an ATM

2 Brit : cheque card

bank draft noun, pl drafts [count]

: a check from one bank to another bank for money to be paid to a particular person or organization

In order to write a bank draft to another bank, a bank must have money in an account at that bank.

bank·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who owns a bank or who has an important job in a bank

banker's card noun, pl cards [count]

Brit : cheque card

bank holiday noun, pl -days [count]

Brit : legal holiday

banking noun [noncount]

: the business of operating a bank

They are both in banking.

He chose banking as a career.

the banking industry

banknote noun, pl -notes [count]

: a piece of paper money : note
a $10 banknote

bank rate noun, pl rates [count]

: the rate of interest that is charged by the banks in a particular country

The bank rate is set by a country's main bank.

1bank·roll verb, -rolls, -rolled, -rol·ling [+ obj]

chiefly US informal : to supply money for (a business, project, person, etc.)

His parents bankrolled [=paid for] his college education.

The company is bankrolling [=financing] the film.

2bankroll noun [singular]

chiefly US : a supply of money

They started the business with a fairly small bankroll.

1bank·rupt adj

1 : unable to pay debts
a bankrupt company

The lawsuit could leave them bankrupt.

The company went bankrupt. [=became unable to pay its debts]

2
used to say that someone or something completely lacks a good or desired quality

After 10 years in a bad marriage, she was bankrupt emotionally. [=empty of emotions; not able to feel emotions]

a morally bankrupt politician [=an immoral politician; a politician who has no morals]

2bankrupt verb, -rupts, -rupt·ed, -rupt·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (a person, business, etc.) to be unable to pay debts : to make (someone or something) bankrupt

Several risky deals bankrupted the company.

3bankrupt noun, pl -rupts [count]

: a person, business, etc., that is unable to pay debts

As a lawyer, she specialized in working with bankrupts.

bank·rupt·cy noun, pl -cies

1 a [noncount] : the condition of being bankrupt : a condition of financial failure caused by not having the money that you need to pay your debts

The company is facing bankruptcy.

The company filed for bankruptcy [=officially asked to be legally recognized as bankrupt] in July.

He declared bankruptcy. [=formally said that he was bankrupt in a legal document]

The company is now in bankruptcy. [=has been officially recognized as bankrupt]

The company was forced into bankruptcy.

often used before another noun
bankruptcy court/law
a bankruptcy judge/lawyer

1 b [count] : an occurrence in which a person, business, etc., goes bankrupt

The number of bankruptcies was especially high last year.

2 [noncount] : the condition of completely lacking a good or desired quality

Critics view the decision as an example of moral/ethical bankruptcy on the part of the administration.

1ban·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

1 a : a large strip of cloth with a design, picture, or writing on it

A banner was hung over the street advertising the local theater production.

Banners were carried by members of each group marching in the parade.

often used figuratively

Both candidates are running under the banner of “no new taxes.” [=both candidates are using “no new taxes” as a slogan]

a group of scientists gathering together under the banner of NASA [=in a meeting/event set up by NASA]

changes made under the banner of “restoring order” [=for the officially stated purpose of restoring order]

1 b literary : flag

The Star-Spangled Banner

2 : words printed in large letters at the top of a newspaper's front page under the name of the newspaper called also banner headline

3 : an advertisement that is across the top of a page on the World Wide Web called also banner ad

2banner adj, always used before a noun

US : unusually good

It was a banner year for the sales department.

The team had a banner season last year.

bannister variant spelling of BANISTER

banns noun [plural]

: a public statement which announces that two people are going to be married

The banns (of marriage) were posted in the church.

ban·quet noun, pl -quets [count]

: a formal dinner for many people usually to celebrate a special event

They held a banquet in his honor.

often used before another noun
a banquet hall/room/table

ban·quet·ing adj, always used before a noun, chiefly Brit
a banqueting hall/room/table

ban·shee noun, pl -shees [count]

: a female spirit in Irish and Scottish stories who cries loudly to warn people that someone is going to die soon

I heard someone wailing/screaming like a banshee.

ban·tam noun, pl -tams [count]

: a kind of small chicken

ban·tam·weight noun, pl -weights [count]

: a fighter in a class of boxers who weigh from 112 to 119 pounds (51 to 54 kilograms)

often used before another noun

He won the bantamweight title.

a bantamweight fighter

ban·ter noun [noncount]

: talk in which people make jokes about each other in a friendly way
two friends trading/exchanging lively/witty banter (with each other)

I enjoyed hearing their good-natured banter.

banter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

two friends bantering with each other

ban·yan noun, pl -yans [count]

: an Indian tree with long branches that send roots down to the ground forming secondary trunks called also banyan tree

bap noun, pl baps [count]

Brit : bun 1

bap·tism noun, pl -tisms

: a Christian ceremony in which a small amount of water is placed on a person's head or in which a person's body is briefly placed under water

A baptism officially makes someone a member of the Christian Church.

[count] There were over 100 baptisms at our church last year.

[noncount] He received the sacrament of baptism as an infant.

often used figuratively

The interview was a baptism into journalism for the young writer. [=it was the young writer's first experience as a journalist]

A baptism of fire or (chiefly US) baptism by fire is a first experience that is very difficult or painful, such as the first time that soldiers are in a battle.

He described his troop's baptism of fire on the front lines.

Covering the disaster was a baptism by fire for the young reporter.

bap·tis·mal adj, always used before a noun

The priest stood at the baptismal font.

a baptismal certificate

Bap·tist noun, pl -tists [count]

: a member of a Christian church in which members are baptized only as adults

Baptist adj

He attends the Baptist church.

a Baptist preacher/service

bap·tize also Brit bap·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to perform the ceremony of baptism for (someone)

The priest baptized the baby.

She was baptized at the age of 20.

2 : to officially make someone a member of a specified Christian church through the ceremony of baptism
usually used as (be) baptized

She was baptized a Catholic/Methodist when she was a teenager.

3 : to give (someone) a name through the ceremony of baptism
usually used as (be) baptized

He was baptized [=christened] “John” when he was two months old.

1bar noun, pl bars

1 [count]

1 a : a building or room where alcoholic drinks and sometimes food are served

We went to a bar for a drink.

see also SPORTS BAR, TIKI BAR

1 b : a counter where alcoholic drinks are served

We sat at the restaurant's bar while we were waiting for a table.

see also CASH BAR, OPEN BAR, WET BAR

1 c : a building or room where a particular food or drink is served
a seafood bar
a juice/coffee bar
see also SALAD BAR, SNACK BAR

2 [count] : a straight piece of metal, wood, etc., that is used as a tool, as part of a structure, or to keep people from entering or leaving through a door or window

There were bars across all the windows.

The door was secured with an iron bar.

The pole-vaulter narrowly cleared the bar. [=the long bar that is set at a specific height and that a jumper tries to go over]

In U.S. English, bar is used figuratively in phrases like raise/lower the bar and set the bar higher/lower to refer to changing the standard that is used to judge whether someone or something is good, successful, etc.

The company's new software raises the bar for its competitors. [=the company's new software is very good and its competitors will have to produce better software to compete with it]

Critics say that he has lowered the bar on what is considered acceptable behavior by politicians. [=he has caused people to accept worse behavior by politicians]

see also CROSSBAR, CROWBAR, PARALLEL BARS, UNEVEN BARS

3 [count] : a solid piece of something that is shaped like a rectangle

She bought a chocolate/candy bar.

a bar of soap

4 [count] : a straight line, stripe, or section that is longer than it is wide

The bird's tail has an alternating series of white and black bars. [=bands]

a menu bar [=a narrow section that is across the screen in a computer program and that shows the names of available menus]

see also BAR CODE, BAR GRAPH, TASK BAR, TOOLBAR

5 [count] formal : something that makes it difficult or impossible to do or achieve something

+ to

His poor attitude was a bar to his success. [=his poor attitude prevented him from succeeding]

6 the bar

6 a US : the profession of a lawyer

She is a member of the bar. [=she is a lawyer]

the American Bar Association

She has been called to the bar. [=she has become a lawyer]

6 b or the Bar Brit : the profession of a barrister

6 c US : the test that a person must pass in order to be a lawyer

She passed the bar on her first try.

the bar exam/examination

7 [count] music

7 a : a line in written music that shows where a measure begins

7 b : the beats between two bars in a piece of music

I'm not sure I know that song. Can you hum a few bars? [=measures]

behind bars

: in jail

He has been behind bars for 10 years.

tend bar

US : to work as a bartender : to prepare and serve drinks at a bar

He tends bar at the restaurant.

2bar verb, bars, barred, bar·ring [+ obj]

1 : to put a bar or a set of bars in front of a door, window, etc., so that people cannot go in or out of it

He barred the door as soon as he got in.

All the windows and doors were barred.

a barred window

2 : to put something in a road, path, etc., so that people cannot get by

A herd of goats was barring the road.

obstacles barring our way

3 a : to prevent or forbid (someone) from doing something

Nothing barred them from meeting together.

The judge will bar the jurors from talking to reporters.

A federal court has barred the group from using the name.

Reporters were barred [=excluded] from the meeting. [=reporters were not allowed to go to the meeting]

3 b : to prevent or forbid (something)

The decision bars the possibility of additional development in the area.

forms of punishment barred by the Constitution

no holds barred see 2HOLD

3bar prep

1
used in the phrase bar none to emphasize that a statement is completely true

She is the brightest student I've ever known, bar none. [=I have never known a student who is brighter than she is]

2 Brit : except for : barring

They have lost every match, bar one.

barb noun, pl barbs [count]

1 : a sharp point that sticks out and backward from the point of an arrow, a fishhook, etc.

2 : a clever insult or criticism

She directed/aimed a few barbs at reporters who had hounded her.

The candidates exchanged barbs during the debate.

bar·bar·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

1 : a member of a violent or uncivilized group of people especially in past times

The book describes tribes of barbarians massing on the borders of the Roman Empire.

The city was invaded by barbarians.

often used before another noun

Barbarian tribes invaded from the north.

a barbarian invasion/attack

2 : a person who does not behave in a proper way : a rude or uneducated person

The students behaved like barbarians.

He is well-spoken and polite but his father is a barbarian.

bar·bar·ic adj

1 : of or relating to barbarians

Barbaric tribes invaded the area.

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : very rude or offensive : not polite or proper

His table manners are barbaric.

2 b : very cruel

They considered the custom barbaric.

The treatment of the prisoners was positively barbaric.

bar·bar·ic·al·ly adv

bar·ba·rism noun, pl -risms

1 : cruel and violent behavior

[noncount] The barbarism of his dictatorship cannot be ignored.

[count] Such barbarisms cannot be tolerated.

2 [noncount] : very rude behavior
acts of social barbarism

bar·bar·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : extreme cruelty : a very cruel and violent quality

The barbarity of the attack was horrifying.

The photos vividly capture the war's barbarity.

2 [count] : a cruel act

He is accused of inflicting unimaginable barbarities on his own people.

bar·ba·rous adj [more ; most ]

1 : not polite or proper : very rude or offensive

His behavior was barbarous.

They used barbarous language.

2 : very cruel and violent

It was a barbarous [=barbaric] crime.

a barbarous custom

bar·ba·rous·ly adv

bar·ba·rous·ness noun [noncount]

1bar·be·cue noun, pl -cues

1 [count] : a flat metal frame that is used to cook food over hot coals or an open fire
grill a steak on the barbecue

2 [count] : an outdoor meal or party at which food is cooked on a barbecue

We plan to have a barbecue for the whole family.

abbr. BBQ

3 [noncount] chiefly US, informal : food that has been cooked on a barbecue : barbecued food

She invited us over for some beer and barbecue.

He makes a barbecue sauce [=a spicy sauce that is usually eaten with barbecued food] that tastes great with chicken.

2barbecue verb, -cues, -cued, -cu·ing

: to cook (food) on a barbecue : to broil or roast (meat, fish, etc.) over hot coals or an open fire

[+ obj] We barbecued chicken and ribs.

[no obj] We barbecue often during the summer.

barbecued adj

They served barbecued chicken/shrimp/pork at the cookout.

barbed adj

1 : having a sharp point that sticks out and backward from a larger point : having a barb
a barbed fishhook

2 : expressing criticism in an unkind and often clever way

The candidates exchanged barbed comments during the debate.

barbed wire noun [noncount]

: wire that has sharp points and that is often used for fences
a fence made of barbed wire = a barbed-wire fence
called also (US) barbwire

bar·bell noun, pl -bells [count]

: a metal bar with weights at each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting

bar·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

: a person whose job is to cut men's hair

He goes to a barber downtown.

He went to the barber's [=(chiefly US) barbershop] to get a haircut.

bar·ber·shop noun, pl -shops [count]

chiefly US : a place where a barber works

barbershop quartet noun, pl -tets [count]

: a group of four male singers who sing in an old-fashioned style without instruments

bar·bie noun, pl -bies [count]

chiefly Brit + Australia informal : 1barbecue

bar·bit·u·rate noun, pl -rates [count]

medical : any of various drugs that are used to calm people or to make them sleep

barb·wire noun [noncount]

US : barbed wire
a barbwire fence

bar chart noun, pl charts [count]

: bar graph

bar code noun, pl codes [count]

: a group of thick and thin lines that is placed on a product so that a computer can get the price of the product and other information about it

bard noun, pl bards [count]

old-fashioned + literary : poet

The poet and playwright William Shakespeare is sometimes called the Bard or the Bard of Avon.

As the Bard says, “All the world's a stage.”

1bare adj, bar·er, bar·est

1 a : not having a covering

There was a rug in the front room of the house, but the other floors were bare.

The walls were bare.

Do not let the bare wires touch.

sometimes used figuratively

He laid bare his soul. = He laid his soul bare. [=he revealed his most private thoughts and feelings]

The book is an attempt to lay bare [=reveal, uncover] the secrets of this very powerful political family.

1 b : not covered by clothing, shoes, a hat, etc.

He covered her bare arms with his coat.

Her feet were bare. = She had bare feet. [=she wasn't wearing shoes or socks on her feet]

He had a glove on his left hand, but his right hand was bare.

His head is bare. [=he does not have a hat on]

see also with your bare hands at 1HAND

1 c : not covered by leaves, grass, trees, or plants

She likes the bare [=naked] branches of trees in the winter.

The ground was bare where the statue had stood for years.

The mountainside was laid bare by loggers. [=all the trees on the mountainside were cut down by loggers]

2 a : not containing anything : empty

The cupboard was bare.

There was only one bare shelf.

2 b : having little or no furniture
a bare room

Her office was pretty bare, having only one desk and one chair.

This is the barest room in the house.

3 always used before a noun : not having anything added or extra : including only what is most basic or needed

He only told me the bare facts about what happened.

We packed only the bare essentials for the hike. [=we packed only what we really needed for the hike]

They had only the bare [=basic] necessities (of life): food, water, and shelter.

He's lazy and only does the bare minimum of work. [=he does the least amount of work possible]

a bare majority [=the smallest possible majority]

She added the barest [=smallest] pinch of salt.

bare·ness noun [noncount]

the bareness of the walls/land

2bare verb, bares, bared, bar·ing [+ obj]

: to remove the covering from (something)

He bared his chest to show the scar.

The dog growled and bared [=exposed] its teeth.

She was asked to bare (it) all for the magazine. [=she was asked to pose nude for the magazine]

sometimes used figuratively

She bared [=revealed, told] her fears to him.

He bared all [=told the whole story] in the interview.

He bared his soul to me. [=he told me his most private thoughts and feelings]

Do not confuse bare with bear.

bare·back adv

: without a saddle : on the bare back of a horse

We rode bareback.

bareback adj

He likes bareback riding.

a bareback rider

bare bones noun

the bare bones

: the most basic or important facts or parts of something

The company reduced the staff to the bare bones. [=the company's staff only includes people who are absolutely needed]

often + of

What are the bare bones of the story?

bare-bones adj [more ; most ]

: including only what is most basic or needed
a bare-bones Web site
a bare-bones wedding ceremony

The hotel rooms are bare-bones.

bare·faced adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

disapproving : completely obvious
a barefaced lie
a barefaced liar

bare·foot or bare·foot·ed adv

: without shoes : with the feet bare

We walked barefoot in the stream.

barefoot or barefooted adj
barefoot children

He was barefoot.

bare-hand·ed adv

: with the hand or hands only : without using a tool, weapon, glove, etc.

She caught the ball bare-handed.

bare-handed adj

She made a bare-handed catch.

bare·head·ed adv

: without a hat : with the head bare

He left the house bareheaded.

bareheaded adj
a bareheaded man

bare-knuck·le also bare-knuck·led or bare-knuck·les adj, always used before a noun

: without boxing gloves
a bare-knuckle fight/fighter
a bare-knuckled punch
often used figuratively
a bare-knuckles approach to doing business [=a very tough and aggressive approach to doing business]

bare-knuckle politics

bare·ly adv

1 a : hardly or scarcely
used to say that something was almost not possible or almost did not happen

I barely recognized you with your hair cut short.

He could barely walk/read/write.

His voice was barely audible above the sound of the river.

The boat was barely visible off the coast.

We barely [=almost do not] have enough money to pay the bills.

I barely [=almost do not] have time to eat my lunch.

He barely made his flight. [=he almost was too late for his flight]

1 b
used to say that someone or something only has a specified small size, age, length, etc.

The movie is (just) barely an hour long.

He's barely a teenager.

She's barely four feet tall.

Barely 50 percent of the population voted.

1 c
used to say that something reached a specifed condition or happened only a short time before

The paint is barely dry.

They had barely [=just] set up the tents when it started to rain.

2 a : almost not at all

We barely spoke the entire time we were in the car.

I barely knew him.

2 b : almost not

There are barely any new features in this software.

There is barely a difference between the two.

barf verb, barfs, barfed, barf·ing [no obj]

US informal : vomit

The movie was so disgusting that it made me want to barf.

bar·fly noun, pl -flies [count]

US informal : a person who spends a lot of time drinking in bars

1bar·gain noun, pl -gains [count]

1 : an agreement in which people or groups say they will do or give something in exchange for something else

I think everyone involved was satisfied with the bargain we made.

They've agreed to turn the land over to the state, and the state, as its part of the bargain, has agreed to keep it undeveloped.

The union is trying to strike a bargain [=reach an agreement, make a deal] with the company.

You're allowed to go to the football game tonight, but I expect you to keep your side of the bargain [=do what you agreed to do] and clean your room.

see also PLEA BARGAIN

2 : something that is bought or sold for a price which is lower than the actual value : something bought or sold at a good price

For that price, the suit is a (real) bargain.

I got a bargain on the plane tickets. = The plane tickets were a bargain.

She likes to hunt for bargains when she shops.

often used before another noun
bargain airplane tickets

The store has many items on sale at bargain prices.

drive a hard bargain

If you drive a hard bargain, you do not agree easily to what other people want and are very determined to get what you want when you are discussing what will be done, especially in a business deal.

You drive a hard bargain, but I'll accept your terms.

in the bargain or into the bargain

: in addition to what has been said : besides

Locally grown food is fresher, and cheaper in/into the bargain. [=locally grown food is fresher and also cheaper]

2bargain verb, -gains, -gained, -gain·ing [no obj]

: to discuss an agreement or price in order to make it more appealing

The price listed is quite high, but the seller might be willing to bargain.

He was bargaining [=haggling] with the taxi driver over/about the fare.

Teachers are bargaining [=negotiating] for higher salaries.

bargain away [phrasal verb]

bargain (something) away or bargain away (something) : to lose or give up (something) as part of an agreement

The employees on strike are concerned that the union will bargain away wage increases for other less desirable benefits.

bargain for/on [phrasal verb]

bargain for/on (something) : to expect or plan on (something)

The Internet service is better than what we bargained for. [=better than we expected it to be]

No one bargained for the change in weather. = No one bargained on the weather changing.

They bargained on getting married after college.

He hadn't bargained on how his new position in the company would change the way people treated him. [=he was surprised by how his new position changed the way people treated him]

The job ended up being more than I had bargained for. [=more difficult than I had expected]

I got more than I bargained for when I signed up as a volunteer. [=being a volunteer was harder than I expected]

bar·gain·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He's a hard bargainer.

bargaining noun [noncount]

After hours of hard bargaining, they came to an agreement.

often used before another noun

The larger corporation has more bargaining power.

They are in a good bargaining position.

see also COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, PLEA BARGAINING

bargain basement noun, pl -ments [count]

: a section of a large store where products are sold at lower prices

bar·gain-base·ment adj, always used before a noun

1 of a price : very low

I paid a bargain-basement price.

2 : having a low price or cost and often having poor quality
worthless bargain-basement products

bargaining chip noun, pl chips [count]

: something that can be used to gain an advantage when you are trying to make a deal or an agreement

The workers used the threat of a strike as a bargaining chip in their negotiations for a new contract.

called also (Brit) bargaining counter

1barge noun, pl barg·es [count]

: a large boat that has a flat bottom and that is used to carry goods in harbors and on rivers and canals

2barge verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, barg·es, barged, barg·ing [no obj]

: to move or push in a fast, awkward, and often rude way

He came rushing down the stairs, barging into the crowd of people at the bottom.

She barged through the door without even knocking.

What makes him think he can barge in here [=enter suddenly and rudely] like that?

barge in on [phrasal verb]

barge in on (something or someone) : to suddenly and rudely interrupt or disturb (something or someone)

I was getting angry because she kept barging in on our conversation.

barge·pole noun, pl -poles [count]

: a long pole that is used to guide or steer a barge

not touch (someone or something) with a bargepole see 1TOUCH

bar graph noun, pl graphs [count]

: a graph or chart that uses narrow columns of different heights to show and compare different amounts called also bar chart

bar·hop verb, -hops, -hopped, -hop·ping [no obj]

US informal : to go to and drink at several bars in one evening

They went barhopping downtown on Friday night.

ba·ris·ta noun, pl -tas [count]

: someone who makes and serves coffee and coffee drinks (such as cappuccino) to customers

1bar·i·tone noun, pl -tones [count]

music : a man's singing voice that is higher than the voice of the bass and lower than the voice of the tenor; also : a singer who has such a voice

He sang in his school choir as a baritone.

2baritone adj, always used before a noun

: having a range that is higher than a bass and lower than a tenor
a baritone voice
a baritone saxophone

bar·i·um noun [noncount]

: a chemical element that is a soft silver-white metal

1bark verb, barks, barked, barking

1 [no obj] of a dog : to make a short loud sound

The dog only barks when someone approaches the house.

2 : to shout or say (something) in a loud and angry way

[+ obj] The captain barked orders/commands to the crew.

“Come over at once!” he barked (at/to her).

often + out

The captain barked out an order to the crew.

[no obj] He was barking into the phone, giving orders to one of his employees.

The captain barked at the crew.

barking up the wrong tree
informal : trying to do something in a way that will not be successful

If you are looking for money, you're barking up the wrong tree. [=you are asking the wrong person]

She claims that researchers are barking up the wrong tree by focusing on conventional forms of treatment for the disease.

2bark noun, pl barks [count]

: the short, loud sound made by a dog

The dog gave a loud bark.

also : a similar sound

The captain gave his orders with a sharp bark.

The bark of the baby's cough woke the other children.

If your bark is worse than your bite, you appear to be more angry or dangerous than you really are.

Don't get upset if the boss yells at you. His bark is worse than his bite.

compare 3BARK, 4BARK

3bark noun, pl barks

: the outer covering of a tree

[noncount] a piece of birch bark

[count] She compared the barks of various trees.

compare 2BARK, 4BARK

4bark or barque noun, pl barks or barques [count]

: a small sailing ship
compare 2BARK, 3BARK

bar·keep also bar·keep·er noun, pl -keeps also -keep·ers [count]

US : bartender

bark·er noun, pl -ers [count]

old-fashioned : a person who stands at the entrance of a place where there is entertainment and tries to attract customers by shouting to them
a carnival barker

barking adj

Brit informal : barking mad

barking mad adj

Brit informal : completely crazy

He was always rather strange, but he seems barking mad now.

bar·ley noun [noncount]

: a kind of grain used for food and to make beer and whiskey; also : the plant on which this grain grows

barley sugar noun, pl -gars [count, noncount]

Brit : a clear hard candy made from boiled sugar

barley wine noun [noncount]

: a kind of strong ale

bar·maid noun, pl -maids [count]

: a woman who serves drinks at a bar

bar·man noun, pl -men [count]

chiefly Brit : bartender

bar mitz·vah noun, pl -vahs [count]

: a ceremony and celebration for a Jewish boy on his 13th birthday when he takes on the religious duties and responsibilities of an adult; also : a boy for whom a bar mitzvah is held compare BAT MITZVAH

barmy adj, barm·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

chiefly Brit informal : crazy or foolish
a barmy [=(chiefly US) balmy] idea

She's a little barmy. [=loony]

bar·mi·ness noun [noncount]

barn noun, pl barns [count]

1 : a building on a farm that is used for storing grain and hay and for housing farm animals or equipment

2 informal : a large building that is usually bare and plain

They live in a big barn of a house.

bar·na·cle noun, pl -na·cles [count]

: a kind of small shellfish that attaches itself to rocks and the bottoms of boats underwater

bar·na·cled adj
barnacled rocks

barn burner noun, pl -ers [count]

US informal : a very exciting game, event, etc.

The game should be a real barn burner.

barn dance noun, pl dances [count]

: an informal social event at which people do traditional dances (such as square dances)

barn owl noun, pl owls [count]

: a common kind of owl that nests in barns and other buildings

barn·storm verb, -storms, -stormed, -storm·ing
chiefly US : to travel to different places to give speeches, perform shows, etc.

[no obj] He spent the months leading up to the election barnstorming around/across the country.

The national soccer team barnstormed through the country.

[+ obj] They barnstormed the country.

barnstorming adj, always used before a noun

1 chiefly US : traveling to different places to give speeches, perform shows, etc.

barnstorming politicians

2 Brit : very exciting and thrilling
a barnstorming performance

1barn·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

: an area of ground near a barn that usually has a fence around it

2barnyard adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to a farm
goats, pigs, and other barnyard animals

2 US, informal : not polite : somewhat crude or rude
barnyard [=earthy] jokes/humor

ba·rom·e·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : an instrument that is used to measure air pressure and predict changes in the weather

2 : something that is used to indicate or predict something

The test is used as a barometer [=standard] to measure a student's reading level.

Economists see housing prices as a barometer for inflation. [=economists use housing prices to predict inflation]

often + of

A player's rookie season is not always a good/accurate barometer of his success in the league.

Wealth is not a barometer of happiness.

baro·met·ric adj, always used before a noun
barometric pressure

bar·on noun, pl -ons [count]

1 a : a man who is a member of a low rank of British nobility

1 b : a man who is a member of various ranks of nobility in other countries

2 : a man who has a lot of power or influence in a particular industry
a cattle/oil baron
see also ROBBER BARON

bar·on·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

1 a : a woman who is a member of a low rank of British nobility

1 b : a woman who is a member of various ranks of nobility in other countries

2 : the wife or widow of a baron

bar·on·et noun, pl -ets [count]

: a man who is a member of the British nobility with a rank below a baron

bar·on·et·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

He inherited the baronetcy [=the rank of a baronet] from his father.

ba·ro·ni·al adj

: of or relating to a baron
baronial privileges

: suitable for a baron
baronial [=rich] splendor
a baronial estate [=a very large and impressive estate]

bar·ony noun, pl -on·ies [count]

: the rank of a baron

He inherited the barony from his father.

ba·roque adj

1 : of or relating to a dramatic style of art and music that was common in the 17th and early 18th centuries and that featured many decorative parts and details
baroque paintings/music
a baroque cathedral
the baroque period

2 [more ; most ] : having many details or too many details
a somewhat baroque writing style
a book filled with baroque descriptions

baroque noun [noncount]

The museum is exhibiting paintings from the baroque. [=the baroque period]

barque variant spelling of 4BARK

bar·rack verb, -racks, -racked, -rack·ing

1 Brit : to bother or interrupt (someone, such as a performer or speaker) by shouting comments or criticism

[+ obj] The crowd barracked [=heckled] the visiting team.

[no obj] The crowd barracked in protest as she gave her speech.

2 [no obj] chiefly Australia : to shout in support of a person or group
often + for
barracking [=rooting, cheering] for the home team

barracking noun [noncount]

She got a lot of barracking during her speech.

[singular]

She got quite a barracking during her speech.

bar·racks noun, pl -racks [count]

: a building or group of buildings in which soldiers live

The soldier was moved to a different barracks.

He was confined to barracks for insubordination.

bar·ra·cu·da noun, pl -da or -das [count]

1 : a kind of fierce tropical fish that has strong jaws and sharp teeth

We fished for barracuda.

2 US, informal + disapproving : someone who uses aggressive, harsh, and sometimes improper ways to achieve something

The company's lawyers are a bunch of barracudas.

1bar·rage Brit noun, pl -rag·es

1 [count] : a heavy and continuous firing of weapons during a battle

The enemy laid down a barrage of machine-gun fire as our platoon approached the bridge.

artillery barrages

2 [singular] : a great amount of something that comes quickly and continuously

+ of

He unleashed a barrage of insults.

The reports overwhelmed her with a barrage of questions.

a barrage [=flood] of phone calls

compare 3BARRAGE

2barrage verb, -rages, -raged, -rag·ing [+ obj]

chiefly US : to cause (someone) to receive a great amount of something : to direct a barrage of questions, comments, etc., at (someone)

usually used as (be) barraged with

The public was barraged with campaign ads in the months leading up to the election.

They were barraged [=inundated, swamped] with inquiries about the job.

The office has been barraged [=flooded, inundated] with phone calls.

3bar·rage noun, pl -rag·es [count]

: a barrier (such as a cement wall) that is built across a river or stream especially to increase the depth of water or change its direction
compare 1BARRAGE

barred adj

1 : covered by a bar or a set of bars

He looked out the barred windows of the jail.

2 : having bands or stripes of different color
a bird with a barred tail

1bar·rel noun, pl -rels [count]

1 a : a round usually wooden container with curved sides and flat ends

Oak barrels are used for aging the wine.

an empty barrel

1 b : the amount of something in a barrel

The price of oil is over 30 dollars a barrel.

They drank a whole barrel of beer.

see also PORK BARREL

2 : the part of a gun that the bullets go through when the gun is fired
the barrel of a gun
a rifle barrel
see also lock, stock, and barrel at 1LOCK

a barrel of laughs
informal : someone or something that is very funny
often used in negative statements or in an ironic way to describe someone or something that is not really funny

Several people have lost their jobs recently, so the office isn't exactly a barrel of laughs these days.

“Your boss is quite a kidder.” “Oh yeah, he's a real barrel of laughs.”

more fun than a barrel (full) of monkeys

US informal + somewhat old-fashioned : very funny and enjoyable

The ads say the movie will be more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

over a barrel

: in a bad situation : in a situation where you are forced to do something you do not want to do

My landlord really has me over a barrel. I have to either pay double my rent or move somewhere else.

the bottom of the barrel see 1BOTTOM

bar·reled (US) or Brit bar·relled adj
used in combination
a short-barreled shotgun [=a shotgun having a short barrel]

see also DOUBLE-BARRELED

2barrel verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, -rels, -reled also -relled, -rel·ing also -rel·ling [no obj]

US informal : to move very fast and often in an uncontrolled or dangerous way

The truck went barreling down Main Street.

She came running out of her office and went barreling past us down the hall.

bar·rel-chest·ed adj
of a man : having a large, round chest that usually suggests great strength
a big, barrel-chested football player

barrel organ noun, pl -gans [count]

: a large musical instrument that is played by turning a handle and that was once commonly played by performers (called organ-grinders) on city streets called also hurdy-gurdy

bar·ren adj

1 a : having very few plants : not suitable for plants
a barren [=desolate] landscape
a barren desert

Few creatures can thrive on these barren mountaintops.

1 b : not producing fruit or not able to produce fruit
a barren tree
a barren orchard

2 old-fashioned, of a woman or female animal : not able to produce children or offspring : infertile
a barren woman

3 [more ; most ] : not exciting or interesting

The book was good, but I found the barren lives of the characters depressing.

a very barren routine

4 : not producing good or useful things, ideas, etc.

an artist who is going through a barren period
a barren mind

barren of
formal : not having (something) : without
a hillside barren of trees

bar·ren·ness noun [noncount]

the barrenness of the land/soil

bar·rette noun, pl -rettes [count]

US : a decorative clip or bar that is used to hold a girl's or woman's hair in place called also (Brit) hair slide

1bar·ri·cade noun, pl -cades [count]

: a temporary wall, fence, or similar structure that is built to prevent people from entering a place or area

The enemy broke through the barricade.

Police erected barricades to keep the crowds from approaching the crime scene.

2barricade verb, -cades, -cad·ed, -cad·ing [+ obj]

: to block (something) so that people or things cannot enter or leave

The police barricaded the crime scene.

They barricaded the door.

Ships barricaded the coastline.

barricade yourself

If you barricade yourself in/inside something, you prevent other people from entering the place where you are by locking the door or by putting up a barricade.

Students barricaded themselves in the cafeteria to protest university policies.

bar·ri·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : something (such as a fence or natural obstacle) that prevents or blocks movement from one place to another

Concrete barriers surround the race track to protect spectators.

The tree's roots serve/act as a barrier against soil erosion.

The mountain range forms a natural barrier between the two countries.

barrier beaches
see also BARRIER ISLAND, BARRIER REEF, CRASH BARRIER

2 a : a law, rule, problem, etc., that makes something difficult or impossible

Both leaders are in favor of removing trade barriers.

Cultural/social barriers have made it hard for women to enter many professions.

He argues that regulations should not be viewed as barriers to progress.

2 b : something that makes it difficult for people to understand each other
often + between

The lecture was about finding ways to break through barriers between the social classes.

Age can be a big barrier between parents and children.

A language barrier existed between the two countries. [=people in the two countries did not understand each other because they spoke different languages]

3 : a level, amount, or number that is difficult to get past

His fastball broke the 100-mph barrier. [=he threw a baseball over 100 mph]

a price barrier [=a price that is regarded as a limit]

see also SOUND BARRIER

barrier island noun, pl islands [count]

: a long, sandy island that is near a shore

barrier reef noun, pl reefs [count]

: a long coral reef that is near a shore

bar·ring prep

1
used to say that something will happen unless something else happens

They'll be at sea for six months, barring medical emergencies. [=they'll be at sea for six months if there are no medical emergencies]

She's going to lose the election barring a miracle. [=unless a miracle occurs]

2 : other than (someone or something) : except

No one, barring the magician himself, knows how the trick is done.

bar·rio noun, pl -rios [count]

: a neighborhood in a city or town in the U.S. in which many people who speak Spanish live

Barrio is especially used for neighborhoods in the southwestern parts of the U.S.

bar·ris·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a lawyer in Britain who has the right to argue in higher courts of law compare SOLICITOR

bar·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a place where alcoholic drinks are served : bar
often used before another noun
a barroom brawl

bar·row noun, pl -rows [count]

1 : wheelbarrow

2 chiefly Brit : a cart with two wheels that is pushed or pulled and that is used for selling fruits, vegetables, etc., on the street

bar·tend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a person who serves drinks at a bar or restaurant

bar·tend verb, -tends, -tend·ed, -tend·ing [no obj]

He makes extra money by bartending on weekends.

1bar·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

: to exchange things (such as products or services) for other things instead of for money

[no obj]

often + for or with

The farmers bartered for supplies with their crops.

The town's people often barter [=trade] with the owner of the store.

[+ obj]

often + for

They barter [=trade] eggs for cheese with the neighboring farm.

2barter noun [noncount]

1 : a system in which goods or services are exchanged for other goods or services instead of for money

The tribes use a system of barter.

a barter system

2 : goods or services that are exchanged for other goods or services

The explorers used blankets and other supplies for barter to get food from the native people.

ba·salt noun [noncount]

: a type of dark gray to black rock

ba·sal·tic adj
basaltic rock

1base noun, pl bas·es

1 [count] : the bottom or lowest part of something : the part on which something rests or is supported
usually singular

The lamp has a heavy base.

He planted flowers around the stone's base.

Make sure the base of the stove rests evenly on the floor.

The climbers established a camp at the base of the mountain. = The climbers established a base camp.

often used figuratively

Although I disagreed with the book's theoretical base [=basis, foundation], I couldn't really find fault with its logic.

The tour was informative, thanks to the guide's broad base of knowledge.

2 [count] : something (such as a group of people or things) that provides support for a place, business, etc.

usually singular

At one time paper mills were the industrial base for the region.

The economic base of the village is tourism. [=tourism is the most important part of the village's economy]

The company has a solid customer base. [=set of customers it can depend on]

The sport's fan base [=group of fans] is growing.

see also POWER BASE, TAX BASE

3 [count] : a main ingredient to which other things are added to make something
usually singular

The paint has a water base, not an oil base.

She uses chicken broth as the base of the soup.

4 a [count] : the main place in which a person works or lives or a business operates

He uses his home as the base for his accounting business.

The company's base is in London. = The company's base of operations is (in) London. [=the company's main offices are in London]

The band recently returned to its home base of Chicago after three months on tour.

4 b : a place where a military force keeps supplies and where people in the military live and work

[count] naval/military bases
the commander of the base = the base commander

[noncount] The troops were ordered back to base.

see also AIR BASE

5 baseball : any one of the four places a runner must touch in order to score

[count] He threw the ball to the wrong base.

[noncount] There's a runner on base. [=there's a runner on first, second, or third base]

The batter reached base on an error by the shortstop.

compare HOME PLATE, see also FIRST BASE, SECOND BASE, THIRD BASE

6 [count] chemistry : a chemical that reacts with an acid to form a salt

A base has a pH higher than 7.

compare 1ACID 1, PH

7 [count] mathematics : a number on which a system for counting and calculating is established
usually singular

Computers use a binary, or base 2, system, rather than the decimal, or base 10, system we usually use.

cover all the bases also cover every base

: to do or include everything that needs to be done or included

The book is sometimes confusing because the writer tries too hard to cover all the bases.

They reviewed the contract to make sure that it covered all the bases.

off base

US informal

1 : not correct : wrong or mistaken

Her study proves that the theory is off base.

It turns out that the estimates were way off base. [=very wrong]

2 : in an unprepared state

He was caught off base [=off guard] by the accusations. [=he was not prepared for the accusations]

touch all the bases or touch every base
chiefly US : to cover all the bases; especially : to mention every subject or point that needs to be considered

She made sure that she touched all the bases in her report.

His opening remarks at the meeting touched all the bases.

touch base
informal : to meet and talk as a way of learning about recent news

Let's get together for lunch next week to touch base.

usually + with

He attended the conference for a chance to touch base with other people in the computer industry.

2base verb, bases, based, bas·ing [+ obj]

: to have a particular place as the main place where a person works or lives or where a business operates

They are going to base their new company in Seattle.

The company has based itself in London.

Our tour group based itself in a hotel in the heart of the city.

often used as (be) based

The company is based in London. [=the company's main offices are in London]

The band was based in Chicago until recently.

a London-based company

base on/upon [phrasal verb]

base (something) on/upon (something) : to form, make, or develop (something, such as an opinion, decision, or calculation) by using (something, such as information) as a basis, starting point, etc.

You've based your opinion on faulty information. = Your opinion is based on faulty information. [=the information that you used to form your opinion is wrong]

The interest rate is based on credit history. [=credit history is used to determine the interest rate]

The story is based on real-life events. [=the story was developed from real-life events]

The island's economy is based on tourism.

3base adj

1 bas·er, -est [also more ; most ] formal + literary : not honest or good
base motives
a base criminal

2 technical, of a metal : having low quality and value

Iron is a base metal.

base·ly adv

He acted basely.

base·ness noun [noncount]

the baseness of his actions

base·ball noun, pl -balls

1 [noncount] : a game played on a large field by two teams of nine players who try to score runs by hitting a small ball with a bat and then running to each of the four bases without being put out

He likes playing baseball.

We watched baseball on TV last night.

often used before another noun
a baseball player/team/game
a baseball bat/card

see pictures at BAT, GLOVE

2 [count] : the ball used in baseball

baseball cap noun, pl caps [count]

: a rounded cap that fits close to the head and that has a long visor

Baseball caps were originally worn only by baseball players as part of their uniform but are now worn by many people.

base·board noun, pl -boards [count]

US : a narrow board along the bottom of a wall that covers the area where the wall meets the floor called also (Brit) skirting board

based adj

used to describe the base or basis of something
a soundly based argument [=an argument that has a sound basis]

often used in combination
oil-based paints

base hit noun, pl hits [count]

baseball : a hit that allows a batter to reach a base safely : a single, double, triple, or home run

The pitcher gave up three base hits [=hits] in two innings.

base·less adj

: not based on facts : without a good reason
a baseless [=unfounded] accusation

The charges against him were found to be baseless.

base·line noun, pl -lines [count]

1 technical : information that is used as a starting point by which to compare other information

The experiment is meant only to provide a baseline for other studies.

often used before another noun
baseline data

2 : a line at either end of the playing area in games like basketball and tennis

3 baseball

3 a : either one of the lines that lead from home plate to first base and third base

3 b : base path

baseman see FIRST BASEMAN, SECOND BASEMAN, THIRD BASEMAN

base·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: the part of a building that is entirely or partly below the ground see also BARGAIN BASEMENT

base on balls noun, pl bases on balls [count]

baseball : a movement to first base that is awarded to a batter who does not swing at four pitches that are balls called also walk

base path noun, pl paths [count]

: the area between two bases on a baseball field where a player must remain while running from one base to the other

base pay noun, pl pays [count, noncount]

: the amount of money paid to someone for work at a job that does not include any additional payments for bonuses, overtime, etc.

base runner noun, pl -ners [count]

baseball : a player who is on base or is trying to reach a base

base·run·ning noun [noncount]

He is good at baserunning.

bases plural of 1BASE, or of BASIS

1bash verb, bash·es, bashed, bash·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause or allow (something, such as part of your body) to hit something very hard or forcefully

She fell down and bashed [=banged] her knee against a rock.

I bashed my arm against the door.

1 b : to hit (someone or something) very hard or forcefully

[+ obj] Someone bashed him over/on the head with a chair.

[no obj] The two cars bashed [=crashed] into each other.

1 c [+ obj] : to hurt or damage (something) by hitting or beating

They tried to bash the door open/down.

often + in

He threatened to bash [=beat, smash] my head in.

2 [+ obj] : to criticize or attack (a person or group)

newspapers that use their editorial pages to bash [=harshly criticize] the president
groups accused of gay bashing [=criticizing or attacking gay people]

celebrity bashing

bash away [phrasal verb]

Brit informal : to work hard at something

The children are bashing away [=(US) banging away] at their homework.

bash on [phrasal verb]

Brit informal : to continue to work hard at something

You're not finished yet? Well, bash on. [=press on]

bash out [phrasal verb]

bash out (something) or bash (something) out Brit, informal : to produce (something) quickly

He bashed out [=banged out] an angry letter to the editor.

bash up [phrasal verb]

bash up (someone) or bash (someone) up chiefly Brit, informal : to attack (someone)

A group of older girls bashed up [=beat up] the sisters.

basher noun, pl -ers [count]

celebrity bashers [=people who criticize celebrities]

2bash noun, pl bashes [count]

1 : a big or exciting party

We threw her a birthday bash.

2 : a hard and powerful hit or blow

She gave me a bash on the head.

have a bash at

Brit informal : to try or attempt (something)

I've never done it before, but I'll have a bash at it.

bash·ful adj [more ; most ]

: nervous or uncomfortable in social situations : afraid to talk to people because of a lack of confidence

She was very bashful [=shy] as a child.

bashful boys asking girls to dance

He looked at her with a bashful smile. [=a smile that showed he was feeling bashful]

Take another cookie if you like. Don't be bashful. [=shy]

bash·ful·ly adv

He smiled bashfully.

bash·ful·ness noun [noncount]

1ba·sic adj [more ; most ]

1 : forming or relating to the most important part of something

In this class, you will learn the basic principles of chemistry.

At its most basic level, the book is about a father's relationship with his children.

The basic difference between the two companies is their size.

The organization fights for basic human rights [=the rights that all people should have] throughout the world.

These ingredients are a basic part of Thai cooking. = These ingredients are basic to Thai cooking.

rights that are basic to all human beings

2 : forming or relating to the first or easiest part of something

We're learning basic [=beginning] English.

basic reading, writing, and mathematics

She lacks even the most basic skills necessary for the job.

3 : not including anything extra

That's just the basic salary without overtime or tips.

The motel is comfortable but pretty basic: you get the necessities all right, but no luxuries.

2basic noun, pl -sics

1 basics [plural] : the simplest and most important parts of something (such as a subject of study)

He's teaching me the basics of Japanese cooking.

the basics of computers = computer basics

2 [noncount] chiefly US : basic training

He starts basic in two months.

get/go back to (the) basics

: to return to a simpler way of doing something or thinking about something

The restaurant is getting back to basics in terms of food, using fresh ingredients to make simple, good food.

BA·SIC noun [noncount]

computers : a simple language used for programming computers

The program is written in BASIC.

ba·si·cal·ly adv

1 : in a general or basic way
used to say that something is true or correct as a general statement even if it is not entirely true or correct

There are a few boring parts, but basically [=generally, for the most part], it's a very good book.

She's basically a good kid.

You're basically [=fundamentally] correct, but there's something you don't know.

There are basically two types of people: those who like chocolate and those who don't.

a basically healthy person

Children basically learn to speak by listening to their parents.

All people are basically the same. = Basically, all people are the same.

2
used to show that a statement is expressing the most important reason for something

“Why don't you like him?” “Basically, I think he's crazy.”

We'd like to buy a new car, but, basically, we just don't have enough money.

3 [more ; most ] : in a simple way
people who are trying to live more basically [=simply]

basic training noun [noncount]

: the first few weeks of training for someone who has recently joined the military

Our son is in basic training.

ba·sil noun [noncount]

: an herb that has a sweet smell and that is used in cooking

ba·sil·i·ca noun, pl -cas [count]

: a large church that has a long central part that ends in a curved wall

bas·i·lisk noun, pl -lisks [count]

in stories and legends : a reptile that can kill people by breathing on them or looking at them

ba·sin noun, pl -sins [count]

1 a chiefly Brit : a kitchen sink

1 b Brit : a large bowl that is used for mixing, cooking, or serving food

1 c : the amount contained in a basin
a basin of cold water

2 : the area of land around a large river and the small rivers that flow into it
the drainage basin of a river
the Amazon Basin

3 : a large area of the earth's surface that is lower than the area around it
the Great Basin of the western U.S.

4 : an area of water where people keep their ships and boats when they are not sailing them
a yacht basin

ba·sis noun, pl ba·ses

1 : something (such as an idea or set of ideas) from which another thing develops or can develop

[count]

usually singular

This principle forms the basis [=base, foundation] of the country's economic policies and will provide a firm basis for future development.

The actor's letters form the basis of the biography. [=the biography is based on the actor's letters; the most important information in the biography comes from the actor's letters]

[noncount] These stories have very little basis [=foundation] in fact/reality. [=these stories are not based on or supported by facts/reality]

2 [noncount] : a reason for doing something

The judge ruled that there is no legal basis [=ground] for a new trial.

The latest news at least provides some basis for hope. [=some reason to hope]

On what basis were the students chosen/selected? [=how were the students chosen/selected?; what was considered when the students were chosen/selected?]

Students were chosen/selected on the basis of [=according to] their grades and test scores.

Our decisions are made on the basis of the available information. [=we base our decisions on the available information]

The company does not hire employees on the basis of their race, sex, age, or religion.

3 [singular]

3 a : a fixed pattern or system for doing something
used with on

He visits his grandmother on a regular basis. [=regularly]

The company changes its Web site on a daily/weekly basis. [=every day/week]

changes that occur on an hourly basis

They hired her on a trial/temporary basis.

People are seated on a first-come, first-served basis. [=the people who arrive first are given seats first]

3 b
used to describe the way people act with each other

The two golfers still compete on a friendly basis. [=in a friendly way]

see also on a first-name basis at FIRST NAME

bask Brit verb, basks, basked, bask·ing [no obj]

1 : to lie or relax happily in a bright and warm place

We sat basking in the sun.

Tourists were basking on the beaches.

2 : to enjoy the attention and good feelings expressed by others

He stood before the audience, basking in their applause.

parents who bask in the reflected glory of their children [=parents who enjoy the attention people give them because of the success of their children]

bas·ket Brit noun, pl -kets [count]

1 a : a container usually made by weaving together long thin pieces of material
wicker/straw/wire baskets
a fruit basket = a basket filled with fruit
a laundry basket [=a basket that holds dirty clothes]

They brought their lunch in a picnic basket.

see also BREADBASKET, HANDBASKET, WASTEBASKET

1 b : the amount contained in a basket
a basket [=basketful] of eggs

2 basketball

2 a : a net hanging from a thin metal ring that the ball must go through in order to score points

His shot missed the basket completely.

2 b : a successful shot

She made/scored a basket. [=she scored points by making a shot that went through the basket]

put all your eggs in one basket see 1EGG

basketful noun, pl -fuls [count]

a basketful of eggs

bas·ket·ball Brit noun, pl -balls

1 [noncount] : a game in which two teams of five players bounce a ball and try to score points by throwing the ball through one of the raised nets at each end of a rectangular court

She plays basketball.

often used before another noun
a basketball game/team/player/coach

2 [count] : a large rubber ball that is used in the game of basketball

basket case noun, pl cases [count]

informal

1 : a person who is very nervous, tired, etc., and is not able to think or act normally

I was so worried about losing my job that I was a complete basket case.

2 : something (such as a company or a government) that is in very bad condition and close to failure
a business that was once very successful but is now a financial basket case

bas·ket·ry Brit noun [noncount]

1 : the art or craft of making baskets and other objects by weaving together long thin pieces of material

2 : baskets and other objects made by basketry
a collection of basketry
called also basketwork

bas·ket·work Brit noun [noncount]

: basketry 2

bas·ma·ti rice Brit noun [noncount]

: a kind of long rice that is used especially in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking

bas mitz·vah noun, pl -vahs [count]

: bat mitzvah

bas-re·lief noun, pl -liefs

: a kind of sculpture in which shapes are carved so that they are only slightly higher than the flat background

[count] the bas-reliefs on the building's façade

[noncount] a façade decorated with flowers in bas-relief
often used before another noun
bas-relief carvings/sculptures

1bass noun, pl bass·es
music

1 : low and deep sound : the lowest range of sounds used in music

[noncount] Turn down the treble on your radio and turn up the bass.

[singular] The song has a loud/heavy/booming bass.

compare TREBLE

2 [count] : the lowest male singing voice

He sings with/in a deep bass.

also : a singer who has such a voice

He's a bass.

compare ALTO, SOPRANO, TENOR

3 [count]

3 a : a kind of guitar that usually has four strings and that makes low sounds

[count] an electric/acoustic bass
She plays (the) bass.
a bass player
called also bass guitar

3 b : double bass
compare 3BASS

2bass adj, always used before a noun

: having or indicating a low sound or range
his deep bass voice
the sound of the bass drum
a bass clarinet
the bass clef

3bass noun, pl bass

: a kind of fish that people catch for food

[count] She caught three bass.

[noncount] We had bass for dinner.

compare 1BASS

bas·set hound noun, pl hounds [count]

: a kind of dog that has short legs and long ears and that is used for hunting called also basset

bas·si·net noun, pl -nets [count]

: a small bed for a baby that looks like a basket and that usually has a hood or cover over one end

bass·ist noun, pl -sists [count]

music : a person who plays a double bass or a bass guitar

bas·soon noun, pl -soons [count]

: a large musical instrument that is shaped like a tube, makes low sounds, and is played by blowing into a small, thin tube in its side

bas·soon·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

bas·tard Brit noun, pl -tards [count]

1 informal

1 a offensive : a very bad or unpleasant man : a man who you strongly dislike or hate

You dirty bastard!

1 b sometimes offensive : a man who you think is lucky, unlucky, etc.

Congratulations on getting the job, you lucky bastard!

His wife left him, the poor bastard.

1 c chiefly Brit, sometimes offensive : something that is difficult or unpleasant

Life can be a real bastard sometimes.

2 usually offensive : a person whose parents were not married to each other : an illegitimate child
sometimes used before another noun
the bastard son of a wealthy noble

This use of bastard was common in the past, but it is now usually avoided.

bas·tard·ize also Brit bas·tard·ise Brit verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

disapproving : to produce a poor copy or version of (something)

It's a shame to see how Hollywood has bastardized the novel.

The restaurant serves a bastardized version of the classic French dish.

baste verb, bastes, bast·ed, bast·ing [+ obj]

1 : to pour hot juices, melted fat, etc., over (meat) while it is cooking

Baste the turkey every half hour.

2 : to sew together (pieces of cloth) with long, loose stitches

She basted the hem of the dress.

bas·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [count]

: a place or system in which something (such as an old-fashioned idea) continues to survive

The neighborhood is considered by many to be the city's last liberal/conservative bastion. [=the only place left in the city where liberal/conservative ideas are still accepted]

a bastion of racial inequality [=a system in which people of different races still do not have equal rights]

bastions of democracy

1bat noun, pl bats [count]

1 : a long rounded stick that is used to hit the ball in baseball
a baseball bat

2 : a long flattened stick that is used to hit the ball in cricket

3 Brit : paddle 2
a table tennis bat

at bat
baseball

1
used to describe the player or team that is batting

He got a home run on his first time at bat.

It's the bottom of the first inning and the home team is at bat. [=is batting]

2 : the act of batting

She has two hits in three at bats.

go to bat
baseball : to be the player or team that is batting

The visiting team goes to bat first. [=the visiting team bats first]

go to bat for

US informal : to try to help, support, or defend (someone or something) in an active way

Many of his friends went to bat for him while he was under investigation for fraud.

off the bat
chiefly US informal : without any delay : immediately
usually used with right

I could tell it was fake right off the bat. [=right away]

off your own bat

Brit informal : through your own efforts

He didn't need my helphe made good off his own bat.

compare 3BAT

2bat verb, bats, bat·ted, bat·ting

1 a [+ obj] : to hit (something, such as a ball) with a bat, club, etc., or with your hand

The ball was batted down.

a batted ball [=a ball that has been hit by a batter in baseball]

1 b [no obj] : to try to hit a ball with a bat in baseball, cricket, or a similar game

It's your turn to bat.

She was batting when it began to rain.

Who's batting? = Who's up to bat?

2 [no obj] baseball : to have a specified batting average

This year he's batting [=hitting] .300. [=his batting average is .300]

She has five hits in five at bats, so she's batting a thousand. [=her batting average is 1.000]

In figurative use, to bat a thousand is to succeed in every attempt. This is an informal phrase that is used chiefly in U.S. English.

So far in her career, she's batting a thousand. [=she has succeeded in everything she has done in her career]

No one bats a thousand in this business.

bat around [phrasal verb]

bat (something) around or bat around (something) informal : to think about or talk about (something, such as an idea) for a period of time

The plan was batted around for a while, but it was finally rejected.

We've been batting the idea around for a few years.

bat in [phrasal verb]

bat in (a run) also bat (a run) in baseball : to hit the ball in a way that makes it possible for a run to score

He batted in 70 runs last year.

compare 4BAT

batting adj, always used before a noun
batting practice
a batting coach
batting gloves/helmets

3bat noun, pl bats [count]

1 : an animal that has wings and a furry body like a mouse

2 informal : an unpleasant old woman

Don't take any notice of that old bat!

bats in the/your belfry see BELFRY

(as) blind as a bat see 1BLIND

like a bat out of hell
informal : very quickly

He ran out of the house like a bat out of hell.

compare 1BAT

4bat verb, bats, batted, batting [+ obj]

: to close and open (your eyes or eyelashes) very quickly several times especially as a way of flirting

She smiled and batted her eyelashes at him.

not bat an eye/eyelash (US) or Brit not bat an eyelid
informal : to show no surprise, fear, concern, etc.

He thought the news would make her upset, but she never batted an eye. [=she did not appear to be upset at all]

He listened without batting an eyelash.

compare 2BAT

bat·boy noun, pl -boys [count]

: a boy who takes care of the bats, balls, and other equipment used by a baseball team

batch noun, pl batch·es [count]

1 : an amount of something that is made at one time

We baked two batches of cookies.

a fresh batch of salsa
mixing another batch of cement

Fry the potatoes in batches. [=fry one amount and then another amount and so on until all the potatoes have been fried]

2 : a group of people or things

They're hiring another batch of workers.

a new batch [=bunch] of television shows

3 computers : a set of jobs that a computer does together at one time
usually used before another noun
batch processing

bat·ed adj

with bated breath

: in a nervous and excited state because you do not know what will happen

They waited for the answer with bated breath. [=they nervously waited for the answer]

1bath Brit noun, pl baths Brit

1 [count]

1 a : the act of washing the body usually by sitting or lying in a container filled with water

Do you prefer baths or showers?

I was taking a bath when the phone rang.

(chiefly Brit) I was having a bath.

We tried giving the dog a bath in the bathtub.

a long hot bath
bath towels [=large towels used for drying yourself after a bath or shower]

see also BUBBLE BATH, SPONGE BATH, TURKISH BATH, TAKE A BATH ((BELOW))

1 b : the water used for a bath
a bath of warm/hot water

I was in the bath when the phone rang.

Would you like me to draw/run a bath for you? [=to fill the bathtub with water for you?]

1 c chiefly Brit : bathtub

He slipped and fell in the bath.

2 [count] chiefly US : bathroom
used when describing the number or kinds of bathrooms in a place
a room with a private bath

The house has three bedrooms and one and a half baths. [=one full bathroom and one bathroom with only a sink and a toilet]

a full bath [=a bathroom with a sink, toilet, and a bathtub or shower]

3 baths [plural]

3 a : a public building where people in the past went to wash or soak their bodies
ancient Roman baths

3 b Brit, old-fashioned : a public building with a swimming pool in it

4 [count] technical : a container filled with a liquid in which an object is placed to be cleaned, treated, etc.

She dipped the metal in a bath of acid.

a chemical bath

take a bath

US informal : to lose a large amount of money in a business deal

The movie studio took a bath on his last picture.

see also 1BATH 1A (ABOVE)

see also BLOODBATH

2bath verb, baths, bathed, bath·ing

Brit

1 [+ obj] : to wash (someone) in a container filled with water : to give a bath to (someone)

She baths [=(US) bathes] the baby in the kitchen sink.

2 [no obj] formal : to have a bath : to wash yourself in a bath

I usually bath [=(US) bathe] before going to bed.

1bathe verb, bathes, bathed, bath·ing

1 [no obj] chiefly US : to take a bath : to wash yourself in a bath

I always bathe [=(Brit) bath] in the morning.

2 [+ obj] chiefly US : to wash (someone) in a container filled with water : to give a bath to (someone)

We'll bathe [=(Brit) bath] the baby after she eats.

3 [no obj] somewhat old-fashioned : to swim for pleasure

We bathed [=swam] in the ocean.

see also SUNBATHE

4 [+ obj] : to wash or rinse (a part of the body)

If the chemical comes in contact with the eyes, bathe the eyes with water for 10 minutes.

5 [+ obj] : to cover (an area or surface) with light

The moon bathed the town in light. = The town was bathed in moonlight.

bathed in sweat

: covered with sweat : very sweaty

He was bathed in sweat when he finished exercising.

bath·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a beach crowded with bathers [=swimmers]

bathing noun [noncount]

a beach where bathing [=swimming] is not allowed
nude bathing

I like to go bathing [=go swimming] on summer mornings before breakfast.

a bathing cap [=a cap worn for swimming]

2bathe noun, pl bathes [count]

Brit : the act of swimming for pleasure : swim

We went for a bathe in the sea.

bath·house Brit noun, pl -hous·es [count]

1 : a public building where people go to take baths, showers, etc.

2 US : a public building at a beach where people go to put on the clothes they use for swimming

bathing costume noun, pl -tumes [count]

Brit : swimsuit

bathing suit noun, pl suits [count]

chiefly US : swimsuit

bath mat noun, pl mats [count]

1 : a small rug outside a bathtub for people to stand on while they are drying themselves after a bath or shower

2 : a rubber mat in a bathtub for people to stand on without slipping during a bath or shower

ba·thos noun [noncount]

formal : the sudden appearance of a silly idea or event in a book, movie discussion, etc., that is serious in tone

The serious message of the film is ruined by the bathos of its ridiculous ending.

bath·robe Brit noun, pl -robes [count]

: a loose piece of clothing that wraps around your body and is worn especially before or after a bath

bath·room Brit noun, pl -rooms [count]

1 : a room with a sink and toilet and usually a bathtub or shower

Their house has three bathrooms.

In U.S. English, a bathroom is mainly thought of as a room with a toilet. In British English, a bathroom is mainly thought of as a room with a bathtub or shower.

2 US : a room in a public place with a toilet and sink

The restaurant has only one bathroom.

a public bathroom [=restroom, lavatory]

go to the bathroom or use the bathroom

US : to use the toilet

The little boy told his mother that he had to go to the bathroom.

You should use the bathroom before we leave.

bath·tub Brit noun, pl -tubs [count]

chiefly US : a large and long container in which people take baths or showers called also (chiefly Brit) bath (US) tub

bath·water Brit noun [noncount]

: water used for a bath

throw out the baby with the bathwater see 1BABY

bat mitz·vah noun, pl -vahs [count]

: a ceremony and celebration for a Jewish girl usually on her 13th birthday when she takes on the religious duties and responsibilities of an adult; also : a girl for whom a bat mitzvah is held called also bas mitzvah compare BAR MITZVAH

ba·ton Brit noun, pl -tons [count]

1 : a thin stick that is used by a music conductor to lead a band or orchestra

2 : a long thin stick with a ball at one end or both ends that is carried by someone who performs with or leads a marching band

The majorette twirled the baton.

3 : nightstick
a policeman's baton

4 : a stick that is passed from one runner to the next runner in a relay race

They practiced passing the baton.

One of the runners dropped the baton.

sometimes used figuratively

The chef recently passed the baton [=gave the job and responsibility that had been hers] to her young assistant.

bats·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a player who is batting especially in the game of cricket
a skillful batsman

The player who is batting in baseball is usually called the batter, but a batter who has been hit by a pitch is called a hit batsman.

bat·tal·ion noun, pl -ions [count]

1 : a large organized group of soldiers

2 : a large organized group of people who act together
a battalion of angry protesters

1bat·ten verb, -tens, -tened, -ten·ing

batten down [phrasal verb]

1 : to prepare for possible trouble or difficulty

The city is battening down for the weekend's scheduled protests.

People are battening down in preparation for a hard winter.

2 batten down (something) or batten (something) down : to tie, close, or cover (something) in order to prevent it from moving or becoming damaged

Everything on the ship's deck was battened down.

We were able to batten down the house just before the storm hit.

3 batten down the hatches : to prepare a boat or ship for dangerous stormy weather by closing and covering the openings in the deck
often used figuratively

As the economy grows worse, investors need to batten down the hatches and prepare for tough times ahead.

batten on [phrasal verb]

batten on (something or someone) Brit, formal + disapproving : to live well or succeed by using (something or someone)

someone who battens on the strength/generosity of others

2batten noun, pl -tens [count]

: a long thin piece of wood that is used to connect and support other pieces of wood

1bat·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

: to hit (something or someone) forcefully many times in a way that causes much damage or injury

Storms battered the shore.

He forced his opponent into the corner and battered him with a series of hard punches.

During the war, the city was battered by bombs.

For thousands of years, these mountaintops have been battered by sun, wind, and rain.

Her ex-husband had battered her for many years.

children who are abused and battered by their parents

He tried to batter down [=break down] the door by kicking it. [=to force the door to open by kicking it hard]

often used figuratively

Businesses in the area have been battered [=badly damaged] by the bad economy.

a country battered by years of war and poverty

The team's confidence was battered by a series of losses.

see also BATTERED
compare 4BATTER

bat·ter·er noun, pl -ers [count]

2batter noun, pl -ters

1 : a mixture of different ingredients (such as flour, sugar, eggs, and oil) that is cooked and eaten

[count] a thin pancake batter

[noncount] cake batter
compare DOUGH

2 : a mixture of flour and a liquid (such as egg, oil, or water) that is used to cover food before it is fried

[count] Dip the fish in a batter of flour, milk, and eggs.

[noncount] The fish was coated with batter and then fried.

egg/beer batter

compare 3BATTER

3batter noun, pl -ters [count]

baseball : a player who is trying to hit the ball : a player who is batting

The pitcher walked the first batter.

He's a good fielder but a poor batter. [=hitter]

She's a right-handed/left-handed batter.

compare 2BATTER

4batter verb, -ters, -tered, -tering [+ obj]

: to cover (food) in a batter and then fry it

Batter the fish and then fry it for 10 minutes.

lightly/thickly battered pieces of fish

compare 1BATTER

battered adj

1 [more ; most ] : damaged by being used too much or in a careless way

He wore a very battered old hat and sunglasses.

We finally sold our battered truck and bought a new car.

2 : badly injured by being hit many times

The police took pictures of the victim's battered body.

the bruised and battered face of a boxer

3 : physically hurt by another person (such as a husband or parent)

a battered wife/woman
battered children

battering noun [singular]

: an attack in which someone is badly injured by being hit many times

The victim suffered a vicious battering.

often used figuratively

The party is expected to take a battering [=to do very poorly] in the upcoming election.

markets that have recently taken a battering

battering ram noun, pl rams [count]

: a large and heavy piece of wood or other material that is used to hit and break through walls and doors

1bat·tery noun, pl -ter·ies

1 [count] : a device that is placed inside a machine (such as a clock, toy, or car) to supply it with electricity

I bought new batteries for the flashlights.

a car battery
battery-powered computers
a dead battery = (Brit) a flat battery [=a battery that has no more electricity]

2 [count] : a usually large group of similar people, things, or ideas that work together, are used together, etc.

a battery of tests

The operation was performed by a battery of doctors.

3 [count] : a group of two or more big guns used by the military
an artillery battery

4 [noncount] law : the crime of hitting or touching someone in a way that is meant to cause harm or injury

He was found guilty of battery.

see also ASSAULT AND BATTERY

5 [count] baseball : the pitcher and catcher on a particular team

recharge your batteries see RECHARGE

2battery adj, always used before a noun

Brit : relating to or produced by a type of farming in which animals (such as chickens) are kept in small cages
a battery farm
battery chickens versus free-range chickens

batting average noun, pl averages [count]

baseball : a number that shows how often a batter gets a base hit
an excellent hitter with a batting average above .300
a low/high batting average
sometimes used figuratively
a movie director with a high batting average [=a director who has created many successful movies and few unsuccessful movies]

1bat·tle noun, pl bat·tles

1 a : a military fight between groups of soldiers, ships, airplanes, etc.

[count] That two-day conflict has become one of the most famous battles in history.

The battle continued late into the night.

the battle of Gettysburg

[noncount] The men never spoke of the difficulties of battle. [=war]

Hundreds of dead soldiers lay on the field of battle. [=the battlefield]

the brave warriors who died/fell in battle [=while fighting in a war]

Thousands of soldiers were willing to go into battle to fight the enemy.

1 b [count] : a violent fight in which people use weapons

A police officer was injured in a gun battle that took place last night.

2 [count]

2 a : a fight between people or groups in which each side tries to win a contest (such as a game or an election) or to gain control of something (such as a company)

The divorced couple is now in a fierce custody battle over their son. [=a legal fight about who their son will live with]

The company was involved in a legal battle with/against one of its employees.

He has been engaged in a running battle [=a fight or disagreement that continues for a long time] with the government over the amount of money he owes in taxes.

often + for

They are engaged in a battle for the presidency. [=a fight to win an election and become the president]

a battle for control of the land

often followed by to + verb
a battle to control the land

A battle of wits is a contest in which each side tries to win by being smarter or cleverer than the other side.

In this movie, it's a battle of wits as the bank robbers try to outsmart the city's detectives.

A battle of wills is a contest in which each side tries to win by refusing to stop trying.

The workers' strike became a difficult battle of wills between the company and the labor union.

2 b : a fight between two different or opposite forces
the never-ending battle between/of good and evil

The comedy is a classic treatment of the battle of the sexes. [=the struggle for power between women and men]

3 [count] : a long struggle to succeed or survive during a difficult situation

Last year, he lost his 10-year battle with/against AIDS. [=he died of AIDS after being sick with the disease for 10 years]

Starting her own business has proven to be an uphill battle. [=a very difficult struggle]

If you are involved in a losing battle you are trying to do something with little or no chance of success.

I tried to get him to change his mind, but it was a losing battle. [=he refused to change his mind]

She tried to stay awake but it was a losing battle.

a gardener fighting a losing battle against weeds

do battle

: to fight or struggle
political opponents who have been doing battle [=battling] for years
usually + with
political opponents who have been doing battle with each other for years
soldiers doing battle with the enemy

half the battle

: an important and necessary part of doing or achieving something

When you're opening a new restaurant, good advertising is half the battle.

often used with words like only and just to stress that something is not enough by itself to achieve a desired goal

If you want a career in show business, having talent is only half the battleyou also need to be lucky.

in the heat of (the) battle

: while fighting in a battle

The soldier became confused in the heat of battle.

often used figuratively

He apologized to his wife for the angry things he had said to her in the heat of battle. [=while they were arguing]

join battle see JOIN

2battle verb, battles, bat·tled, bat·tling

1 [no obj] : to fight with weapons

The army battled for control of the bridge.

The battling armies agreed to a truce.

2 [no obj]

2 a : to try or struggle very hard to do something

The team battled [=fought] bravely to win their last game.

They battled [=struggled] to keep their son out of jail.

: to struggle or fight for something

The two families have battled for control of the land for many years.

2 b : to fight or argue with someone over something

The couple battled fiercely over how to spend their money.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to fight, compete, or argue with (someone or something)

The two teams are set to battle each other for the championship.

Members of both parties continue to battle the governor over her policies.

3 b : to try to stop or defeat (something)

Hundreds of firefighters came to help battle the forest fire.

People often need help battling their drug and alcohol problems.

She's been battling cancer for 10 years.

battling the forces of evil

battle it out

: to argue or fight

People were battling it out [=fighting it out] over parking spaces.

The two sides are now battling it out in the courtroom.

bat·tle-ax (US) or Brit bat·tle-axe noun, pl -ax·es [count]

1 : an ax with a large blade that was used as a weapon in the past

2 informal + disapproving : an unpleasant older woman who speaks in an angry way and tries to control others

battle cruiser noun, pl -ers [count]

: a ship that is used in fighting wars and that is lighter and faster than a battleship

battle cry noun, pl cries [count]

1 : a word, phrase, or sound that is shouted by soldiers in a battle : war cry

2 : a phrase or saying that is used to make people support an idea, a cause, etc.

“Just Say No!” was the President's battle cry [=rallying cry] for stopping the use of illegal drugs.

battle fatigue noun [noncount]

: a mental illness that is caused by the experiences of fighting in a war and that causes extreme feelings of nervousness, depression, etc. called also combat fatigue, shell shock compare POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

bat·tle·field noun, pl -fields [count]

1 : a place where a battle is fought

Hundreds of dead soldiers lay on the battlefield.

2 : an area of conflict or disagreement
a political battlefield

bat·tle·ground noun, pl -grounds [count]

: battlefield: such as
a : a place where a battle is fought
an ancient battleground

b : an area of conflict or disagreement
a political battleground

battle line noun, pl lines [count]

: a line of soldiers who are fighting in a battle
usually used figuratively in phrases like the battle lines have been drawn to say that groups of people strongly disagree about an issue and are fighting or arguing with each other

When (the) battle lines were drawn over the issue of new taxes, she was quick to side with the governor.

bat·tle·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a low wall at the top of a castle with open spaces for people inside to shoot through
usually plural
the castle's stone battlements

bat·tle·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

: a large ship that has many big guns and is used in fighting wars

bat·ty adj, bat·ti·er, -est
informal

1 : foolish or silly

It's just another one of her batty [=harebrained, nutty, wacky] ideas.

2 : crazy

She's a little batty.

His bad jokes drive me batty! [=make me feel angry or annoyed]

bau·ble noun, pl bau·bles [count]

1 : an inexpensive piece of jewelry
shiny glass baubles

2 Brit : a shiny ball that is hung on a Christmas tree as a decoration

baulk Brit spelling of 1BALK

baux·ite noun [noncount]

technical : a soft substance that looks like clay and that is the source of aluminum

bawdy adj, bawd·i·er, -est

: dealing with sex in a way that is meant to be funny
bawdy [=vulgar, lewd] jokes
a bawdy film that is not appropriate for children

bawl verb, bawls, bawled, bawl·ing

1 [no obj] : to cry very loudly

He lay on his bed, bawling [=sobbing, wailing] uncontrollably.

To bawl your eyes out is to cry loudly especially for a long time.

It's the saddest book I've ever read. I bawled my eyes out at the end.

2 informal : to say or shout (something) using a very loud voice

[+ obj] “Get in the car!” he bawled.

[no obj] The sergeant bawled [=shouted, yelled] at the soldier.

bawl out [phrasal verb]

bawl out (someone) or bawl (someone) out chiefly US, informal : to yell at (someone) for doing something bad or wrong

His boss bawled him out for forgetting about the meeting.

1bay noun, pl bays [count]

: a large area of water that is part of an ocean or lake and partly surrounded by land

They went fishing in the bay.

She lives in California near San Francisco Bay.

compare 2BAY, 3BAY, 4BAY, 5BAY

2bay noun, pl bays [count]

1 : a section of a ship, airplane, etc., that is used for a special purpose (such as storing things)

a cargo bay on a ship
the airplane's bomb bay
an engine bay

2 : a section of a room or building
a barn with three bays
see also BAY WINDOW
compare 1BAY, 3BAY, 4BAY, 5BAY

3bay noun

at bay

: in the position of being unable to move closer while attacking or trying to approach someone
used with keep or hold

The soldiers kept the attackers at bay. [=they did not allow the attackers to come closer]

Armed with a gun, he held the police at bay [=he did not allow the police to arrest him] for 10 hours.

often used figuratively

Although the doctors had been able to keep her illness at bay [=to prevent her illness from becoming worse] for a few months, the disease soon began to spread again.

compare 1BAY, 2BAY, 4BAY, 5BAY

4bay noun, pl bays [count]

: a kind of European tree that has leaves which are used in cooking see also BAY LEAF
compare 1BAY, 2BAY, 3BAY, 5BAY

5bay noun, pl bays [count]

: a horse that is a reddish-brown color
compare 1BAY, 2BAY, 3BAY, 4BAY

bay adj, of a horse
a bay [=reddish-brown] colt/mare

6bay verb, bays, bayed, bay·ing [no obj]

1 : to bark with long sounds

The dog was baying [=howling] at the moon.

2 : to shout or cry out in a loud and often angry way
a baying crowd
an angry mob baying for blood [=angrily demanding or threatening violence]

bay leaf noun, pl leaves [count]

: a dried leaf from the bay tree that has a sweet smell and is used in cooking

bay·o·net noun, pl -nets [count]

: a long knife that is attached to the end of a rifle and used as a weapon in battle

bayonet verb, -nets, -net·ed, -net·ing [+ obj]

The soldier was bayoneted in the chest.

bay·ou noun, pl -ous [count]

: an area of water in the southern U.S. in which the water moves very slowly and is filled with many plants

Louisiana bayous

bay window noun, pl -dows [count]

: a large window or set of windows that sticks out from the outside wall of a building

ba·zaar noun, pl -zaars [count]

1 : a type of market found especially in Middle Eastern countries that has rows of small shops which sell many different kinds of things

2 : an event at which things are sold to raise money for people or an organization
a charity bazaar
church bazaars

ba·zoo·ka noun, pl -kas [count]

: a military weapon that rests on a person's shoulder and fires small rockets at tanks

BB noun, pl BBs [count]

: a small metal ball that is fired from a BB gun

b-ball noun [noncount]

US informal : basketball

BBC abbr

British Broadcasting Corporation

The BBC is a radio and television company that is owned by the British government.

BB gun noun, pl guns [count]

chiefly US : a gun that uses air pressure to fire small metal balls (called BBs)

BBQ abbr
barbecue

BC or chiefly US B.C. abbr
before Christ
used to refer to the years that came before the birth of Jesus Christ

550 B.C.

in the fifth century B.C. [=between the years 499 and 400 B.C.]

compare A.D., B.C.E., C.E.

BCE or chiefly US B.C.E. abbr
before the Christian Era; before the Common Era used to refer to the years that came before the birth of Jesus Christ

B.C.E. is now often used instead of B.C. especially in scientific writing.

550 B.C.E.

in the fifth century B.C.E. [=between the years 499 and 400 B.C.E.]

compare A.D., B.C., C.E.

be verb, present first singular am , second singular are , third singular is , pl are, past tense for first and third singular was , second singular were , pl were, past participle been Brit , present participle be·ing

1 [linking verb]

1 a
used to indicate the identity of a person or thing

Today is Wednesday.

John is my brother.

The first person I met was Susan. = Susan was the first person I met.

Who are you?

“There's someone at the door.” “Who is it?” “It's David.”

Your responsibility is to keep this area clean. = Keeping this area clean is your responsibility.

1 b
used to describe the qualities of a person or thing

My hands are cold.

He is 35 years old and six feet tall.

I'm hungry.

The leaves are green, and so is the grass.

The noise was very loud.

The way he behaves is foolish.

How foolish he is!

“(Are) You hungry?” “Yes, I am.”

The book is about English grammar.

These people are with me.

The letter is for you.

They asked the students not to be late. = They asked that the students not be late.

Treat people with respect, whether they are rich or poor. = (formal) Treat people with respect, whether they be rich or poor. = (formal) Treat people with respect, be they rich or poor.

Our neighbors are being unusually friendly lately.

Don't be such a fool! [=don't act in such a foolish way]

To be perfectly/quite honest/frank (with you), I didn't like the movie. [=I am speaking honestly/frankly when I say that I didn't like the movie]

The book is mine.

I'd do it if I were you. [=I think you should do it]

1 c
used to indicate the condition of a person or thing

“Hi. How are you?” “Fine, thanks. How are you?”

How is your father? = How is your father's health?

2 [linking verb]

used to indicate the group, class, category, etc., that a person or thing belongs to

I'm a doctor and my sister is a lawyer.

That fish is a trout.

The trout is a (kind of) fish.

Apes are mammals.

She's a hard worker. [=she works hard]

What a fool he is! [=he is a fool]

Being an artist herself [=because she is an artist herself], she tends to look at other people's paintings very critically.

3 [linking verb]

used to indicate the place, situation, or position of a person or thing

The book is on the table.

“Where's John?” “He's in the living room.”

The house is past the bridge.

It was great being here. = It was great to be here.

I must be on my way. [=I must go]

Here's the book. = Here it is.

4 [linking verb]

4 a
used in phrases with there to describe a situation, occurrence, etc.

There is a book on the table. [=a book is on the table]

There are concerts several times a week. [=concerts are held several times a week]

There will be concerts next week.

“There's someone at the door.” “Who is it?” “It's John.”

4 b
used in phrases with it to indicate a time or place or to describe a current, past, or future condition

It's 12 o'clock. [=the time is 12 o'clock]

It's noon/early/late.

It's Wednesday today. [=today is Wednesday]

It was noon when we arrived. [=we arrived at noon]

It was here that I lost my way. [=I lost my way here]

It's raining.

It's hot out!

It's odd that he didn't see us. [=the fact that he didn't see us was odd]

5 [linking verb]

used to say how much something costs

“I like this painting. How much is it?” [=how much does it cost?] “It's 600 dollars.” [=it costs 600 dollars]

6 [linking verb]

used to say that one amount or number is the same as another

Three plus two is [=equals] five.

7 [no obj] : to happen or take place

The concert was last night.

The concert is [=will be] tomorrow night. [=the concert will take place tomorrow night]

“When was the Battle of Waterloo?” “(It was) In 1815.”

“When is Christmas?” “It's on a Wednesday this year.”

8 [no obj] : to come or go
used in perfect tenses

She has already been [=come] and gone.

Have you ever been [=gone] to Rome?

I haven't been there for several years.

I've been waiting for you for half an hour. Where have you been? [=where were you?; why weren't you here?]

People who have been there, done that are bored about the idea of going somewhere or doing something because they have already done it before. This is an informal phrase that is often used in a joking way.

I suggested to my cousin that she go to Florida for her vacation, but she said, “Been there, done that.”

9 [no obj] somewhat formal : to exist or live

I think, therefore I am. [=exist]

Once upon a time there was [=lived] a knight.

There once was a man who dwelt alone in a small village.

all the things that are [=exist]

“To be, or not to be: that is the question.” Shakespeare, Hamlet (1600)

10 [auxiliary verb]

used with the past participle of a verb to form passive constructions

The money was found by a child.

They were [=got] married by a priest.

Don't be fooled by what he says.

Please be seated. [=please sit down]

The election was expected to produce a very close result.

God be praised! [=let God be praised]

I was surprised by her rudeness.

11 [auxiliary verb]

11 a
used with the present participle of a verb to express continuous action

They are studying.

I have been sleeping.

He was reading.

Are you getting hungry?

Our neighbors are being unusually friendly.

11 b
used with the present participle of a verb to express future or later action

I'm seeing him tomorrow. [=I will see him tomorrow]

We are leaving soon. [=we will leave soon]

12 [auxiliary verb]

12 a
used with to + verb to say what will happen or was going to happen in the future

The best is yet/still to come. [=the best has not yet happened]

No one realized that she was one day to become famous. [=that she would become famous one day]

She was not/never to see him again. [=she would never see him again]

There are to be two concerts next week. [=there will be two concerts next week]

12 b
used with to + verb to say what should happen or be done

People like that are to be pitied, not hated. [=people like that should be pitied]

You are not (allowed) to smoke in here!

What am I to do? [=what should I do?]

12 c
used in negative statements with to + verb to say what is or was possible

The truth of their argument was not to be denied. [=could not be denied]

You're not to blame: you weren't to know he'd be offended. [=you could not have known that he would be offended]

The book was nowhere to be found. [=could not be found]

12 d
used with to + verb to say that one thing must happen or be true so that another thing can happen or be true

He must study if he is to pass his exams. [=he must study in order to pass his exams]

13 [auxiliary verb]

used like have with the past participle of some verbs to form perfect tenses

He isn't here: he is [=has] gone.

now often considered archaic

Christ is risen. [=Christ has risen]

be yourself

: to behave in a normal or natural way

You're not yourself today. What's the matter?

I'll be myself again once I've had something to eat.

“How can I impress her?” “Just be yourself!”

leave (someone or something) be see 1LEAVE

let (someone or something) be see 1LET

the best is yet to be see 3BEST

the powers that be see 1POWER

to be sure see 1SURE

be- prefix

1 : make : cause to be
befoul
benumb

: treat as
belittle
befriend

2 : about
bewail
bemoan
bespeak

3 : in a way that is easy to notice
bewhiskered
bejeweled
bespectacled

4 : thoroughly : very much
beloved

1beach noun, pl beach·es [count]

: an area covered with sand or small rocks that is next to an ocean or lake

We spent the day at the beach.

walking/lying on the beach
white, sandy beaches
private/public beaches

2beach verb, beaches, beached, beach·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (a boat or ship) to go out of the water and onto a beach

The pirates beached the ship on the island.

2

When a large ocean animal, such as a whale, is beached or has beached itself, it has come out of the water onto land and is unable to return to the water.

People were trying to rescue a whale that had beached itself on the shore.

a beached whale

beach ball noun, pl balls [count]

: a large ball that is filled with air and made for use at the beach

beach buggy noun, pl -gies [count]

: dune buggy

beach·comb·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who walks along beaches looking for things (such as seashells or items that can be sold)

beach·front noun, pl -fronts [count]

: an area of land that has a beach on one side

We went for a walk along the beachfront.

often used before another noun
beachfront properties

beach·head noun, pl -heads [count]

: a beach on an enemy's shore that an invading army takes and controls in order to prepare for the arrival of more soldiers and supplies
often used figuratively to mean a place or position that serves as a base for future action or progress

The company established a beachhead in New York City.

beach towel noun, pl -els [count]

: a large, usually brightly colored towel made for use at the beach

beach·wear noun [noncount]

: clothing made to be worn at the beach

bea·con noun, pl -cons [count]

1 : a strong light that can be seen from far away and that is used to help guide ships, airplanes, etc.

2 : a radio signal that is broadcast to help guide ships, airplanes, etc.

a radio beacon

3 : someone or something (such as a country) that guides or gives hope to others

These countries are beacons of democracy.

Our nation should be a beacon of/for peace to people around the world.

This new medicine is a beacon of hope for/to thousands of people. [=this new medicine gives hope to thousands of people]

4 in the past : a fire built on a hill and used as a signal

bead noun, pl beads [count]

1 : a small, usually round piece of glass, wood, stone, etc., that has a hole through its center and that is put on a string with other similar pieces and worn as jewelry or that is sewn onto clothing
a string of beads

She was wearing beads. [=a necklace of beads]

2 : a small, round drop of liquid (such as water or blood)

Beads of sweat began rolling/running down their faces.

draw a bead on also US get a bead on or take a bead on

: to aim at (someone or something)

He lifted the rifle and carefully drew a bead on the target.

often used figuratively

The government is drawing a bead on inflation. [=is targeting inflation]

It's hard to get a bead on [=to understand] the reasons for her decision.

bead·ed adj

1 : decorated with beads
fancy beaded dresses

2 : covered with small drops of sweat

Her forehead was beaded with sweat/perspiration.

bead·ing noun [noncount]

: beads that are sewn on a piece of clothing as decoration

bead·work noun [noncount]

: beading
beautiful beadwork

beady adj, bead·i·er, -est
disapproving
used to describe eyes that are small, round, and shiny and that usually suggest a bad quality (such as greed or dishonesty)

The workers were nervous because they knew the boss was watching them with his beady little eyes.

bea·gle noun, pl bea·gles [count]

: a type of small dog used for hunting that has smooth black, brown, and white fur

beak noun, pl beaks [count]

1 : the hard usually pointed parts that cover a bird's mouth : bill
the beak of a hawk

2 informal + humorous : a person's nose
an actor with a big beak

beaked adj
a long-beaked bird

bea·ker noun, pl -kers [count]

1 : a wide glass with a lip for pouring that is used especially in chemistry for holding and measuring liquids

2 chiefly Brit : a large drinking cup with a wide opening that is typically made of plastic or metal

be-all and end-all noun

the be-all and end-all

: the most important part of something or the reason for something

He acts as if making money is the be-all and end-all of human existence.

1beam noun, pl beams [count]

1 a : a line of light coming from a source (such as the sun or a headlight)

a bright beam of light

We saw the beams from their flashlights.

a laser beam
see also HIGH BEAM, LOW BEAM, SUNBEAM

1 b : a line of energy, particles, etc., that cannot be seen
a beam of electrons

X-ray beams

2 : a long and heavy piece of wood or metal that is used as a support in a building or ship
the building's steel support beams
wood ceiling beams
see also BALANCE BEAM

off beam

Brit informal : incorrect or mistaken

My guess was way off beam. [=(US) off base]

on the beam
informal : exactly correct

His description of the problem was right on the beam. [=(more commonly) on the mark]

beamed adj

The living room has a beamed ceiling. [=a ceiling that is supported with wood or metal beams]

2beam verb, beams, beamed, beam·ing

1 a [no obj] : to smile happily

She beamed as she told us the good news.

They stood beaming with satisfaction.

1 b [+ obj] : to say (something) while smiling happily

“We're getting married!” he beamed.

2 : to send out beams of light or energy

[no obj] Sunlight was beaming [=shining] through the window.

[+ obj] The sun beamed its light through the window.

3 [+ obj] : to send out (information, television signals, etc.) through wires or the air

Pictures of the distant planet were beamed back to the Earth.

4 [+ obj] in stories : to send (someone) to another place instantly by using a special machine

The space explorers were beamed onto the surface of the planet.

1bean noun, pl beans [count]

1 a : a seed that is eaten as a vegetable and that comes from any one of many different kinds of climbing plants

We ate rice and beans for dinner.

1 b : a part of a plant that contains very young seeds and that is eaten as a vegetable see also GREEN BEAN, POLE BEAN, SNAP BEAN, STRING BEAN, WAX BEAN

1 c : a plant that produces beans

We're growing tomatoes and beans in our garden this year.

2 : a seed that looks like a bean but that does not come from a climbing plant
coffee beans
cocoa beans
a vanilla bean
see also JELLY BEAN, JUMPING BEAN

a hill of beans see HILL

full of beans
informal

1 : full of energy and life

We were young and full of beans.

Although she's much older now, she's still full of beans.

2 US : not correct or truthful : full of nonsense

If that's what he's been saying, then he's full of beans.

not know beans about

US informal : to not know anything about (something)

He doesn't know beans about computers. [=he knows nothing about computers]

spill the beans
informal : to reveal secret information

I tried to get him to tell me what he knew, but he refused to spill the beans.

2bean verb, beans, beaned, bean·ing [+ obj]

informal : to hit (someone) on the head with something

A kid in the back of the room beaned me with an eraser. [=threw an eraser that hit my head]

(baseball) The pitcher almost beaned the first batter. [=he threw a pitch that almost hit the batter's head]

bean·bag noun, pl -bags [count]

1 : a small cloth bag that is filled with dried beans or small pieces of another material and used as a toy

2 : a large bag that is filled with small round pieces of material and used as a soft chair
a beanbag chair

bean counter noun, pl -ters [count]

informal + disapproving : a person who helps to run a business and who only cares about money

He blames corporate bean counters for causing thousands of workers to lose their jobs.

bean curd noun [noncount]

: tofu

bean·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

: a small, round, tight-fitting hat or cap

bean·pole noun, pl -poles [count]

informal + humorous : a tall and thin person

bean sprouts noun [plural]

: very young plants that come from bean seeds and that are used as a vegetable

1bear noun, pl bear or bears [count]

1 : any one of a group of large and heavy animals that have thick hair and sharp claws and that can stand on two legs like a person
a mother bear and her cubs
sometimes used figuratively to describe a large man
a tall, friendly bear of a man

My father can be a grumpy old bear when he's tired.

In informal British English, a person who becomes angry or annoyed very easily is (like) a bear with a sore head.

My father can be like a bear with a sore head when he's tired.

see also BLACK BEAR, GRIZZLY BEAR, POLAR BEAR, TEDDY BEAR

2 finance : a person who expects the price of stocks to go down and who sells them to avoid losing money

The bears outnumbered the bulls on Wall Street today.

compare 1BULL, see also BEAR MARKET

3 US, informal : something that is difficult to do or deal with

This oven is a bear to clean. [=this oven is very hard to clean]

loaded for bear see LOADED

2bear verb, bears, bore , borne , bear·ing

1 : to accept or endure (something)

[+ obj] He bore [=tolerated] their insults patiently.

usually used in questions and negative statements with can, can't, could, and couldn't

He could hardly bear [=stand] the pain.

I can't bear cold weather. [=I strongly dislike cold weather]

I couldn't bear the suspense.

I can't bear it if/when people behave like that!

I can't bear doing this. = I can't bear to do this.

How can you bear to see him again after the way he's treated you?

I couldn't bear you to get the wrong idea.

I couldn't bear his behavior. = His behavior was more than I could bear.

I couldn't bear the thought/idea of moving again.

[no obj] (US)

+ for

I couldn't bear for you to get the wrong idea.

2 [+ obj] : to be worthy of (something) : to deserve or allow (something)

a joke too silly to bear repeating [=a joke that is too silly to be worth repeating]

It's so horrible it doesn't bear thinking about! [=it's so horrible that I don't want to think about it]

a symphony that can bear comparison with Beethoven's best
a plan that will not bear [=withstand] close scrutiny/examination
suspicious behavior that bears watching [=that should be watched]

3 [+ obj] : to assume or accept (something, such as cost or responsibility)

The company agreed to bear the costs/expenses.

The criminals must bear full responsibility for the deaths of these innocent people.

Who will bear the blame for this tragedy?

4 [+ obj] somewhat formal + literary : to move while holding up and supporting (something) : carry

The demonstrators bore banners and sang songs.

They arrived bearing gifts.

The leaves were borne aloft/away by the wind.

disease-bearing germs [=germs that carry and spread diseases]

germ-borne diseases [=diseases that are carried and spread by germs]

He believes that citizens should have the right to bear arms. [=to carry weapons]

If something is borne in on/upon you, it is made very clear to you. This is a formal phrase.

It was borne in on us by the new evidence that prompt action was very important. [=the new evidence strongly indicated that prompt action was very important]

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to have (something) as a feature or characteristic

His leg was badly injured in the accident and it still bears [=shows] the scars/wounds/marks.

His face bears marks/signs of suffering.

Your conclusion bears [=has] no relation to the evidence.

She bore a resemblance to her aunt. [=she looked like her aunt]

5 b : to have a surface on which something is written, drawn, etc.

The cornerstone bears a Latin inscription.

a letter bearing the date of 1900
a shield bearing strange symbols

5 c : to have (a name, price, etc.)

He bore the name (of) John.

The store sells imported goods bearing [=having, with] high prices.

5 d : to have or hold (a feeling) in the mind

She still bears a grudge against him. = She still bears him a grudge.

She says she bears him no resentment for the way he treated her.

I can't deny the love I still bear [=feel] for her.

6 [+ obj]

6 a formal : to give birth to (a child)

She has borne three children.

She has borne her husband three children.

6 b : to produce (something)

a bank account that bears interest = an interest-bearing bank account
a bush that bears red flowers
trees that bear fruit
see also BEAR FRUIT ((BELOW))

7 [+ obj] : to support the weight of (something)

How much weight is that wall able to bear?

8 [no obj] : to go, move, or turn in a specified direction

Bear south.

The road bears (to the) right.

When you get to the fork in the road, you should bear [=turn] left.

Do not confuse bear with bare.

bear down [phrasal verb]

US : to use all of your strength and effort to do something : to try very hard to do something

The pitcher bore down and struck out the last batter.

If we're going to finish on time, we really have to bear down.

bear down on [phrasal verb]

1 bear down on (something) : to push or lean down on (something)

The old man bore down heavily on his cane.

She bore down hard on her pencil.

2 bear down on (someone) : to place pressure on (someone)

Don't let your problems bear down too hard on you. [=don't let your problems weigh you down]

3 bear down on (someone or something) : to approach or move toward (something or someone) quickly and in a frightening or impressive way

The enemy battleship bore down on us.

bear fruit

: to produce a desired result or reward

All his plans have finally borne fruit. [=all his plans have finally been realized]

see also 2BEAR 6B (ABOVE)

bear in mind see 1MIND

bear on [phrasal verb]

bear on (something) formal

1 : to have an effect on (something)

Personal feelings did not bear on our decision. [=did not affect or influence our decision]

2 : to apply or relate to (something)

What are the facts bearing directly on this matter?

bear out [phrasal verb]

bear out (something or someone) or bear (something or someone) out : to show the correctness of (something or someone)

The facts bore out [=confirmed] her story. [=the facts showed that her story was true]

Research has fully borne him out. [=has shown that he was completely correct]

bear up [phrasal verb]

: to not be overwhelmed during a time of trouble, pain, etc.

She's been going through a tough time, but she's bearing up pretty well.

often + under

She has found it hard to bear up under the strain.

bear with [phrasal verb]

bear with (someone) : to be patient with (someone)

I'll have that information for you soon. Just bear with me for another minute or two.

bear witness see 1WITNESS

bear yourself
formal : to move, stand, or behave in a specified way

The soldier bore himself [=carried himself] stiffly upright.

The soldier never failed to bear himself [=conduct himself, behave] courageously on the battlefield.

He always bore himself [=behaved] like a gentleman.

bring (something) to bear

: to cause (something) to have an effect or influence

The company's new president brings 30 years of experience to bear.

If we hope to resolve these issues, more resources must be brought to bear.

often used with on

They will bring their considerable skills/talent/experience/knowledge to bear on the problem.

The demonstrators will continue to bring pressure to bear on the government.

cross to bear see 1CROSS

grin and bear it see GRIN

bear·able adj [more ; most ]

: possible to bear : able to be accepted or endured

He's in a great deal of pain, but the medication makes it bearable.

opposite UNBEARABLE

bear·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

bear·ably adv

bear claw noun, pl claws [count]

US : a filled pastry shaped to look like a bear's foot

beard noun, pl beards [count]

1 : the hair that grows on a man's cheeks and chin

He grew a beard and mustache.

2 : the long hair that grows on the chin of some animals
the beard of a goat

beard·ed adj
a bearded college professor

bear·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who bears or carries something
the bearer of a U.S. passport

The bearers [=porters] carried our baggage up the mountain.

the bearer of glad/bad tidings [=the person who brings good/bad news]

His nephew was the ring bearer [=the person who holds the rings until they are needed] at his wedding.

see also PALLBEARER, STANDARD-BEARER, TORCHBEARER

2 finance : a person who has a check or order for payment

The check was marked “payable to bearer.”

bear hug noun, pl hugs [count]

: a strong and rough hug : an act of showing affection by putting your arms around someone and squeezing very tightly

He gave his brother a bear hug.

bearing noun, pl -ings

1 [singular] formal : the way in which a person moves, stands, or behaves
a man of military/dignified/regal bearing

2 formal : a relation or connection + on

[singular] These facts have a direct bearing on the question. [=these facts relate to the question in a direct way]

[noncount] Personal feelings had no bearing on our decision. [=personal feelings did not affect or influence our decision]

3 [count] technical : a machine part in which another part turns or slides see also BALL BEARING

4 [count] technical : a measurement taken with a compass that indicates the direction or position of something
take/get a compass bearing

beyond bearing or past bearing
formal : too painful, unpleasant, etc., to be accepted or endured
a grief that is almost past bearing [=unbearable]

get/find your bearings

: to find out your position

Let's stop here and find our bearings. [=figure out exactly where we are]

often used figuratively

Our course for new employees will help you get/find your bearings at work.

lose your bearings

: to become lost

The ship lost its bearings in the fog.

often used figuratively

I feel I've lost my bearings in life. [=I have become confused about my life; I do not know what I am doing or what I want to do in my life]

bear·ish adj [more ; most ]

1 : having qualities like a bear
used especially to describe a large man
a grumpy, bearish old man

2 : expecting the price of stocks to go down
bearish investors

: characterized by falling stock prices

The market has been bearish lately.

compare BULLISH

bear·ish·ly adv

bear·ish·ness noun [noncount]

bear market noun, pl -kets [count]

finance : a market (such as a stock market) in which prices are going down compare BULL MARKET

bear·skin noun, pl -skins [count]

1 : the skin and fur of a bear
often used before another noun
a bearskin rug

2 : a tall, black fur hat worn in ceremonies by some British soldiers

beast noun, pl beasts [count]

1 old-fashioned : an animal
dogs and other four-footed beasts
wild beasts
the birds and beasts of the forest
a conflict between man and beast [=between human beings and animals]

especially : a wild animal that is large, dangerous, or unusual

They were attacked by a savage beast.

a story about a mythical/imaginary beast [=creature] with two heads

2 old-fashioned : an unkind or cruel person

He's a cruel, hateful beast!

her beast of a husband [=her husband who is a beast]

3 informal : a person or thing of a particular kind

Reading modern English is one thing, but understanding Shakespeare is an entirely different beast. [=is an entirely different thing; is entirely different]

a powerful political beast [=a powerful politician]

beast·ly adj, beast·li·er, -est [also more ; most ]

chiefly Brit : very unpleasant

We've been having such beastly [=terrible] weather lately.

What a beastly habit!

beastly behavior

beast·li·ness noun [noncount]

beast of burden noun, pl beasts of burden [count]

: an animal that people use to carry heavy things

1beat verb, beat, beat·en or chiefly US beat, beat·ing

1 : to hit (something) repeatedly

[+ obj] He beat the door with his fists. = He beat his fists against/on the door.

He beat the dusty rug with a stick. = He beat a stick against the dusty rug.

He beat the dust out of the rug with a stick.

She used a hammer to beat the metal into shape.

She used a hammer to beat the nail into the wall.

The dented metal was beaten flat.

The waves were beating the shore.

[no obj] He beat at/against/on the door with his fists.

The waves were beating on/against the shore.

The rain beat on the roof.

2 [+ obj] : to hit (someone) repeatedly in order to cause pain or injury

They beat him with clubs.

He was beaten badly/savagely/brutally.

a man accused of beating his wife

They beat him to the ground. [=they hit him repeatedly and he fell to the ground]

They threatened to beat the (living) daylights out of him. [=to beat him very badly]

He was beaten to death.

see also BEATING, BEAT UP ((BELOW)), BEAT UP ON ((BELOW))

3 : to hit (a drum) repeatedly in order to produce music or a signal

[+ obj] The drummer kept beating his drum.

the sound of a beaten drum

They beat (out) a message on their drums.

The drum kept beating (out) its rhythm.

[no obj] The drummer kept beating.

The drum kept beating.

the sound of a beating drum
see also beat the drum for at 1DRUM

4 cooking : to stir or mix (something) in a forceful way

[+ obj] She used a whisk to beat the eggs.

The recipe says you should beat the eggs lightly/thoroughly/well.

Slowly beat the sugar into the batter. = Slowly beat in the sugar. = Slowly beat the sugar in.

[no obj] Separate out the egg whites and beat until stiff.

5 : to move (wings) with an up and down motion

[+ obj] The bird was beating [=flapping] its wings.

[no obj] the sound of beating wings

6 [no obj] of the heart : to make the regular movements needed to pump blood

My heart was beating wildly/frantically with excitement and my pulse was racing!

(humorous) We get free doughnuts? Be still, my beating heart!

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to defeat (someone) in a game, contest, etc.

He gets very angry when I beat him at chess.

We beat them 14 to 3.

Our team was badly beaten in the championship game.

She was narrowly beaten in the previous election, but she won this time.

We beat them soundly/convincingly/comfortably/easily/badly. = (US) We beat the pants off them.

They tried to lure away our customers by offering deep discounts, but we beat them at their own game. [=we offered even deeper discounts than they did]

People say if you can't beat them, join them or if you can't beat 'em, join 'em when they decide to do what other people are doing and to stop opposing them.

7 b : to do better than (something)

She managed to beat the old record by several seconds.

We can still beat the deadline if we work quickly.

His wonderful performance will be hard/tough to beat. = His wonderful performance will take some beating. [=it will be difficult for anyone to do better than his wonderful performance]

Most new restaurants fail, but this one somehow managed to beat the odds. [=this one succeeded even though it did not have a good chance of succeeding]

People say can you beat that? when they are surprised or angry about something.

Can you beat that?! A person like him being elected mayor! [=it is surprising or ridiculous to think that a person like him has been elected mayor]

7 c not used in progressive tenses : to be better than (something)

For sheer luxury you can't beat a nice hot bath. = For sheer luxury, nothing beats a nice hot bath. = For sheer luxury, a nice hot bath beats anything.

7 d : to control or overcome (something)

By working together we can beat crime!

(US) His favorite way of beating the heat [=remaining cool in hot weather] is to have a couple of cold beers.

7 e : to be too difficult for (someone)

This problem has beaten everyone. [=no one has been able to solve this problem]

The informal expression (it) beats me means “I don't know.”

“How did she manage to fix the problem so quickly?” “Beats me.”

I don't believe anything he tells me. It beats me how people can continue to trust him.

8 [+ obj]

8 a : to come, arrive, or act before (someone or something)

I beat him narrowly to the finish line. [=I reached the finish line slightly before he did]

I bet I can beat you to the front door!

I wondered which of us would finish our work first, but she beat me to it by two days. [=she finished two days before I did]

8 b : to avoid having problems with (something) by acting earlier

We left early so that we could beat the traffic.

We got to the store when it opened and managed to beat the rush.

beat a dead horse see 1HORSE

beat a path

: to make (a path) by walking over the ground many times

They beat a path through the woods to the stream.

sometimes used figuratively

If you work hard and well, success will beat a path to your door. [=you will be very successful]

beat a retreat

: to leave quickly

A group of teenagers was causing trouble, but they beat a hasty retreat when the cops arrived.

beat around/about the bush see BUSH

beat back [phrasal verb]

beat back (someone) or beat (someone) back : to force (someone) to go back or to retreat by fighting

Our troops were beaten back by enemy forces.

beat down [phrasal verb]

1 of the sun : to shine down with great heat and strength

The blazing sun was beating down on us mercilessly/relentlessly.

2 beat (something) down or beat down (something) : to hit (something, such as a door) so that it falls down

The police had to beat down the door to get into the house.

The storm beat down the crops.

often used figuratively

Years of failure had beaten him down. [=had caused him to lose hope or spirit]

3 chiefly Brit

3 a beat (someone) down or beat down (someone) : to cause (someone) to lower a price

I beat her down from £30 to £15.

3 b beat (a price) down or beat down (a price) : to cause someone to lower (a price)

I beat her asking price down from £30 to £15.

beat it
informal : to go away quickly

The teenagers beat it when the cops arrived.

often used as a command

Stop bothering me. Beat it! [=get lost]

beat off [phrasal verb]

1 beat off (someone or something) or beat (someone or something) off : to force (someone or something) to go away by fighting

She managed to beat off her attacker.

sometimes used figuratively

The company has managed to beat off [=fight off] its competitors and maintain control of the market.

2 US, informal + impolite, of a man : masturbate

beat out [phrasal verb]

1 beat out (something) or beat (something) out

1 a : to put out (a fire) by beating

The fire was raging but we managed to beat it out.

1 b baseball : to turn (a ground ball) into a base hit by running fast to first base

He beat out a bunt.

2 beat out (someone or something) or beat (someone or something) out US : to defeat or overcome (a person, team, etc.)

They were beaten out [=beaten] in the semifinals.

She thought she would get the job, but someone else beat her out. [=someone else got the job]

beat someone to the punch see 2PUNCH

beat the clock see 1CLOCK

beat the rap see 1RAP

beat up [phrasal verb]

beat up (someone) or beat (someone) up : to hurt or injure (someone) by hitting

A gang of bullies threatened to beat him up.

He was beaten up badly by the bullies.

sometimes used figuratively
a politician who is getting beat/beaten up by liberal/conservative critics

He's been beating himself up [=he has been harshly blaming or criticizing himself] because of the failure of his marriage.

see also BEAT-UP

beat up on [phrasal verb]

beat up on (someone) US, informal : to hit (someone) repeatedly in order to cause pain or injury : to beat (someone)

A gang of bullies was beating up on him.

sometimes used figuratively
a politician who is getting beat up on by his critics

to beat the band see 1BAND

beat·able adj
an easily beatable opponent [=an opponent that can be easily defeated]

2beat noun, pl beats

1 a [count] : the act of beating
a single beat on a drum
a beat of the bird's wings
a single beat of his heart [=a single heartbeat]

see also heart skipped a beat at HEART

1 b [singular] : a sound produced by beating

We could hear the steady beat of the waves against the shore.

They danced to the beat of the drums.

listening to the beat of his heart

2 a [count] : a loud or strong sound that occurs regularly in music or poetry
music that has four beats to a bar
see also DOWNBEAT

2 b [singular] : the regular pattern of sounds in music or poetry : rhythm

She likes music with a Latin beat.

a pounding beat

The music had a steady beat.

3 [count] : a place or area that someone (such as a policeman) regularly goes to, walks through, or covers as part of a job
usually singular

The policeman was patrolling/pounding his/the beat. = The policeman was on his/the beat.

a reporter's beat

miss a beat
chiefly US : to have difficulty in continuing : to stop or hesitate briefly

He answered their questions without missing a beat. [=he answered all their questions very easily and without hesitating]

He answered all their questions and never missed a beat.

He didn't miss a beat.

3beat adj, not used before a noun
informal : very tired : exhausted

Let me sit down. I'm absolutely beat!

beat·en adj, always used before a noun

1 : formed into a desired shape by being hit with a hammer
beaten gold

2 of a path, trail, etc. : made smooth : walked on by many people
a beaten path

3 : having lost all hope or spirit

A failure at 50, he was a beaten [=defeated] man.

off the beaten track or US off the beaten path

: in or to a place that is not close to the places where people usually go

The restaurant is a little off the beaten track, so it won't be crowded.

beat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a device or tool that is used for beating something
a carpet beater
see also EGGBEATER, WORLD-BEATER

2 : someone who repeatedly hits another person

He is accused of being a wife beater. [=a man who beats his wife]

a child beater

3 US, informal : an old car that is in poor condition
driving a rusty old beater

be·atif·ic adj
formal : showing complete happiness
a beatific [=blissful] smile

be·at·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

in the Roman Catholic Church : to give a dead person a title of honor for being very good and holy

She was beatified by the Pope one hundred years after her death.

be·at·i·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

beat·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: the act of repeatedly hitting someone to cause pain or injury : the act of beating someone

He threatened to give the boys a (good) beating for stealing the apples.

often used figuratively

Our plans took a real beating from the review committee. [=the review committee strongly criticized our plans]

The reporters gave the politician quite a beating with all their hostile questions.

Many investors took quite a (bad) beating [=lost a lot of money] when the stock market crashed.

beat·nik noun, pl -niks [count]

: a young person who was part of a social group in the 1950s and early 1960s that rejected the traditional rules of society and encouraged people to express themselves through art

beat-up adj [more ; most ]

informal : old and badly worn or damaged
a beat-up old car
see also beat up at 1BEAT

beau noun, pl beaux or beaus [count]

old-fashioned : a woman's male lover or friend : boyfriend

She introduced us to her latest beau.

1beaut noun, pl beauts [count]

US + Australia + New Zealand informal : a very good or attractive thing or person

He just bought a new carit's a real beaut. [=beauty]

often used in an ironic way to describe a bad thing or person

You've told lies before, but this one's a beaut. [=a very bad lie]

My boss is a real beauthe complains about everything but never does any work himself.

2beaut adj

Australia + New Zealand informal : excellent or beautiful

That new car of yours is beaut!

a beaut car

beau·te·ous adj
literary : beautiful
a beauteous evening

beau·ti·cian noun, pl -cians [count]

: a person whose job is to give beauty treatments to women by washing and cutting hair, applying makeup, etc. called also (US) cosmetologist

beau·ti·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : having beauty: such as

1 a : very attractive in a physical way
a beautiful young woman/child

You have the most beautiful smile/eyes.

1 b : giving pleasure to the mind or the senses

The film tells a beautiful story about two young lovers.

a beautiful song
a beautiful dress/color/garden/house

Our hotel room had a beautiful view of the ocean.

The sunsets here are absolutely beautiful.

2 : very good or pleasing : not having any bad qualities

We've been having such beautiful [=excellent, fine] weather lately.

a beautiful sunny day

What a beautiful day for a picnic!

They did a beautiful job [=an excellent job] fixing up the house.

a beautiful friendship/relationship

This is a beautiful example of early American poetry.

beau·ti·ful·ly adv

You sang beautifully.

a beautifully written poem

synonyms

BEAUTIFUL, PRETTY, LOVELY, and HANDSOME describe people and things that are pleasing to look at, hear, etc. BEAUTIFUL applies to things that give the greatest pleasure and cause people to feel strong emotions.

beautiful sunsets
a beautiful poem

When used of a person, it usually describes a woman, girl, or small child.

She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met.

Their son was a beautiful baby.

PRETTY often applies to small things that are attractive in a delicate way.

a pretty little dress with pink ribbons

He paints pretty pictures and sells them on the street.

When used of a person, it almost always describes a woman or girl.

their pretty daughter

She looked very pretty in her new dress.

LOVELY applies to things that make people feel strong emotions by being very graceful or delicate.

a lovely melody

When used to describe a person's appearance, it almost always refers to a woman or girl.

They have two lovely daughters.

It can also describe a person's character, and in this use it refers to both women and men.

My uncle is a lovely man. [=a very good man]

HANDSOME applies to things that are attractive because they have a balanced design or shape.

a handsome house surrounded by gardens

She wore a handsome gray suit to the office.

When used to describe a person, it usually refers to a man or boy.

their handsome son
a very handsome actor

He has a strong, handsome face.

A woman who is described as handsome is attractive but usually not in a very delicate or feminine way.

beau·ti·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) beautiful or more beautiful

Fresh flowers beautify every room.

beau·ti·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the beautification of the city

beau·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality of being physically attractive

Her beauty is beyond compare. [=she is very beautiful; no one is as beautiful as she is]

sometimes used before another noun
beauty products [=soaps, makeup, and other things that help make people more physically attractive]

a beauty treatment

2 : the qualities in a person or a thing that give pleasure to the senses or the mind

[noncount] the beauty [=loveliness] of the stars

We explored the natural beauty of the island.

I'm learning to appreciate the beauty of poetry.

We have different ideas/notions/conceptions of beauty. [=different opinions about what makes things beautiful]

“A thing of beauty is a joy for ever” John Keats, Endymion (1818)

[plural] We explored the natural beauties of the island.

3 [count] : a beautiful woman

She was one of the great beauties of her time.

She was no beauty.

4 [count] informal : a very good thing : a very good example of something

That was a beauty of a fight. [=that was an excellent fight]

Dad and I went fishing and we caught a couple of beauties.

often used in an ironic way to describe a bad thing or person

That mistake was a beauty.

5 : a good or appealing part of something

[noncount] The beauty of the game is that everyone can play.

No one knows when it's going to happen, and that's the beauty of it!

[count] One of the beauties of the system is that it allows you to adjust the schedule easily.

beauty contest noun, pl -tests [count]

: a contest in which people judge a group of women or girls and decide which one is the most beautiful called also beauty pageant

beauty mark noun, pl marks [count]

US : beauty spot 1

beauty part noun

the beauty part

US informal : the best or most appealing part of something

There's plenty of food, and the beauty part is that it's all free!

beauty queen noun, pl queens [count]

: a woman or girl who is a winner of a beauty contest
sometimes used figuratively

She's fairly good-looking, but she's no beauty queen. [=she's not beautiful]

beauty salon noun, pl -lons [count]

: a shop where women get beauty treatments (such as haircuts) to make them more attractive called also beauty parlor, beauty shop

beauty spot noun, pl spots [count]

1 : a small dark mark (such as a mole) on a woman's face called also (US) beauty mark

2 Brit : a beautiful place
a famous beauty spot by a mountain lake

1bea·ver noun, pl beaver or bea·vers

1 [count] : a small animal that has thick, brown fur and a wide, flat tail, that cuts down trees with its teeth, and that builds dams and underwater houses with mud and branches
often used before another noun
a beaver dam [=a dam built by beavers]

beaver ponds
beaver skins/pelts

2 [noncount] : the fur of a beaver
a coat made of beaver
often used before another noun
a beaver coat
a beaver hat

see also EAGER BEAVER

2beaver verb, -vers, -vered, -ver·ing

beaver away [phrasal verb]

informal : to work in a very active and energetic way

They've been beavering away for hours.

often + at

They're still beavering away at the problem.

be·bop noun [noncount]

: a fast and complex type of jazz music : bop

be·calmed adj
of a boat or ship : not able to move because there is no wind

The ship was becalmed for nearly two days.

became past tense of BECOME

be·cause conj

: for the reason that

I ran because I was afraid.

We were late because our car wouldn't start. = Because our car wouldn't start, we were late.

“Why did you do it?” “Because she told me to.”

because of

: for the reason of

The picnic has been canceled because of [=due to, on account of] bad weather.

Because of this [=for this reason], only very rich people can afford to live on the island.

Because of you, we missed the bus. [=you caused us to miss the bus]

The accident happened because of [=through] carelessness.

just because

: for the simple or single reason that

Don't get nervous just because the teacher might ask you a question.

We can't assume it will rain today just because it rained yesterday.

Just because your friends do it, that doesn't mean that you should do it, too.

1beck noun

at someone's beck and call or at the beck and call of someone

: always ready to do whatever someone asks

He expects his employees to be at his beck and call day and night.

She is at the beck and call of the committee.

compare 2BECK

2beck noun, pl becks [count]

Brit : 2brook
compare 1BECK

beck·on verb, -ons, -oned, -on·ing

1 : to signal (someone) with your arm or hand in order to tell that person to come closer or follow

[+ obj] She was beckoning them in to shore.

He beckoned them over (to where he was).

She beckoned the waiter to come over.

[no obj] She beckoned to the waiter to come over.

2 a [no obj] : to appear attractive or inviting

From the time he was a child, the wilderness beckoned to him.

New adventures were beckoning.

a beckoning smile

2 b [+ obj] : to attract (someone or something)

The nature preserve beckons bird-watchers, who visit from around the world.

beck·on·ing·ly adv [more ; most ]

She smiled beckoningly.

be·come verb, -comes, -came , -come, -com·ing

1 [linking verb] : to begin to be or come to be something specified

Although I've known him for years, we didn't become close friends until recently.

She won the election, becoming the first woman to be President of the nation.

They both became teachers.

: to begin to have a specified quality

The book has become quite popular.

We became interested in the property last year.

The crackers had become stale.

It's becoming [=getting] quite cold in the evenings.

It eventually became clear that he had lied.

She's become [=gotten] somewhat cynical.

2 [+ obj] formal

2 a not used in progressive tenses : to look attractive on (someone) : to be flattering to (someone)

That dress becomes you.

2 b : to be suitable for (someone) : to be proper for (someone)

Though poor, he carried himself with a dignity becoming [=befitting] a king.

This kind of behavior hardly becomes a person of your age and position.

become of

: to happen to

Whatever became of our old friend? I haven't heard from her in years.

I don't know what became of my keys. I can't find them anywhere.

be·com·ing adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : causing someone to look attractive : having a flattering or attractive effect

That jacket is very becoming on you.

She's had her hair cut in a becoming new style.

2 : suitable or appropriate for a particular person or in a certain situation

She accepted the award with a becoming humility.

opposite UNBECOMING

be·com·ing·ly adv
becomingly dressed

1bed noun, pl beds

1 a : a piece of furniture that people sleep on

[count] The room contains only a bed and a dresser.

There are two beds in the hotel room.
a hospital bed
a single bed [=a bed for one person]
a double bed [=a bed for two people]

He lay on the bed [=on top of the sheets, blankets, and bedspread] for a long time.

Don't forget to make the bed. [=to neatly arrange the sheets, blankets, and bedspread on the bed so that the mattress is covered]

He became ill and took to his bed. [=he went to lie in bed for a long time]

[noncount] She usually goes to bed [=lies down in her bed to sleep] around 11:00.

It's time to get out of bed. [=get up]

He lay/stayed in bed all morning.

The kids like to hear a story before bed. [=before they go to sleep]

Have you put the children to bed? [=have you prepared the children to go to sleep and put them in their beds?]

Come on, children. It's time for bed. [=bedtime, time to sleep]

1 b [count] : something that is used to sleep on

The blanket by the fireplace is the dog's bed.

Her bed was a mound of soft pine needles.

see also DEATHBED, SICKBED, SUNBED, WATER BED

2 used in phrases that describe having sexual relations

Someone who is good in bed is a skillful lover. When two people are in bed, they are in the act of having sex.

She caught her husband and his secretary in bed together. = She caught her husband in bed with his secretary.

To go to bed with someone is to have sex with someone.

She likes him as a friend, but she's not interested in going to bed with him.

To get someone into bed is to get someone to have sex with you.

He has fantasies about getting a fashion model into bed.

Phrases like these are also used figuratively.

a politician who is accused of being in bed with the oil industry [=of having an improperly close relationship with the oil industry]

The Communists and the Fascists got into bed with each other [=joined forces] to keep the liberals out of power.

3 [count] : a small area of ground specially prepared for plants

I'm planning on putting a bed of perennials in that corner of the yard.

a bed of flowers
see also BED OF ROSES, FLOWER BED, SEEDBED

4 [count]

4 a : a flat pile or layer of something
a bed of coals

4 b : a flat pile or layer of food that is placed on a dish with other food on top of it
grilled fish served on a bed of greens
a bed of rice

5 [count]

5 a : the ground that is at the bottom of a sea, lake, etc.

seaweed growing on the ocean bed [=floor]

5 b : an area of shallow water where something grows
an oyster bed [=an area where there are many oysters]

see also RIVERBED, SEABED

6 [count] technical : a layer of rock or some other material from inside the earth
fossil beds
a bed of shale

7 [count] : the platform or box in the back of some kinds of trucks
the bed of the truck

We loaded the equipment and put a cover over the truck bed.

see also FLATBED

die in (your) bed see 1DIE

get up on the wrong side of the bed (US) or chiefly Brit get out of bed on the wrong side

: to be in a bad mood throughout the day

Be careful when you talk to the boss. He got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

make your bed and lie in it

Expressions like you've made your bed, and now you must lie in it mean that you have done something that causes problems and now you must accept and deal with those problems.

There's nothing we can do to help her. She's made her bed and has to lie in it.

marriage bed

: a bed that married people share
sometimes used figuratively to refer to marriage in general or to the sexual relations that married people have
the sorrows of their marriage bed

2bed verb, beds, bed·ded, bed·ding [+ obj]

1 informal + old-fashioned : to have sex with (someone)

He has fantasies about bedding a fashion model.

2 : to place (food) on a pile or layer of something else
usually used as (be) bedded
a mixture of scallops and lobster bedded on rice

bed down [phrasal verb]

1 : to lie down somewhere for sleep

There were so many people that some of us had to bed down in the living room.

2 bed (someone or something) down or bed down (someone or something) : to provide (a person or animal) with a place to sleep

They bedded us down in the living room.

When the animals had been fed and bedded down, we went inside to eat dinner.

bed and board noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : food and a place to sleep

They provide bed and board [=room and board] for travellers.

bed-and-breakfast noun, pl -fasts

1 [count] : a house or small hotel in which someone can rent a room to sleep in for a price that includes breakfast the next morning

We stayed the night at a nice bed-and-breakfast near the beach.

called also B and B

2 [noncount] chiefly Brit : a service in which the price of a room also includes breakfast the next morning
a small hotel that offers bed-and-breakfast
called also B and B

be·daz·zle verb, -daz·zles, -daz·zled, -daz·zling [+ obj]

: to thrill or excite (someone) very much
fans bedazzled by movie stars

be·daz·zle·ment noun [noncount]

bed·bug noun, pl -bugs [count]

: a very small insect that lives in dirty beds and that bites people and sucks their blood

bed·cham·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

literary : bedroom

The queen was in her bedchamber.

bed·clothes noun [plural]

: 1bedding 1

bed·cov·er noun, pl -cov·ers

1 [count] : bedspread

2 bedcovers [plural] : 1bedding 1

1bed·ding noun [noncount]

1 : the sheets and blankets that are used on a bed

2 : something used for an animal's bed

Wash your cat's bedding regularly.

straw bedding

2bedding adj, always used before a noun

: suitable for being planted in large groups in a flower bed

The flower makes an excellent bedding plant.

be·deck verb, -decks, -decked, -deck·ing [+ obj]

: to decorate (someone or something) with things : to add decorative things to (something or someone)

usually used as (be) bedecked

She was bedecked in gold and jewels.

The hall was bedecked [=decked] with flowers.

be·dev·il verb, -ils, US -iled or Brit -illed, US -il·ing or Brit -il·ling [+ obj]

: to trouble (someone or something) in a constant or repeated way : to cause repeated problems for (someone or something)

The theory bedevils scientists, none of whom have been able to prove it true or false.

The project has been bedeviled by problems since its inception.

bed·fel·low noun, pl -lows [count]

: a person or thing that is associated or connected with another
used in phrases like strange bedfellows to describe people and things that are grouped or working together in a way that seems unlikely, unexpected, etc.

Politics makes strange bedfellows. [=people who are very different sometimes work together for political reasons]

bed·head noun, pl -heads [count]

Brit : headboard

bed·lam noun [noncount]

: a very noisy and confused state or scene

The park had never had so many visitors at one time. It was total/complete bedlam.

bed linens noun [plural]

chiefly US : sheets and pillowcases for a bed called also (chiefly Brit) bed linen

bed of roses noun [singular]

: a place or situation that is pleasant or easy
usually used in negative statements

Grandfather liked to remind people not to expect things to be easy. “Life's no bed of roses,” he'd say.

Bed·ou·in noun, pl Bedouin or Bed·ou·ins [count]

: a member of an Arab tribe whose people live in the desert in tents

bed·pan noun, pl -pans [count]

: a shallow pan used as a toilet by a person who is too ill to get out of bed

bed·post noun, pl -posts [count]

: any one of the four main supporting posts at each corner of an old-fashioned bed

be·drag·gled adj [more ; most ]

: wet or dirty from being in rain or mud
a bedraggled hitchhiker

She was bedraggled and exhausted.

bed rest noun [noncount]

: rest while lying in a bed

The doctor prescribed bed rest for a month.

bed·rid·den adj

: forced to stay in bed because of illness or weakness
bedridden patients

bed·rock noun [noncount]

1 : the solid rock that lies under the surface of the ground

They dug down for 10 feet before they hit bedrock.

2 : a strong idea, principle, or fact that supports something

His religious beliefs are/form the bedrock on which his life is based.

often used before another noun
bedrock beliefs/values

bed·roll noun, pl -rolls [count]

US : bedding materials that are rolled together so that they can be carried from one place to another

1bed·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a room used for sleeping
a house with three bedrooms = a 3-bedroom house
a spare/guest bedroom
a large master bedroom [=a large bedroom that is the main bedroom in a house]

bedroomed adj, Brit
used in combination
a three-bedroomed house

2bedroom adj, always used before a noun

1 US : lived in by people who go to another town or city to work

They live in a bedroom community [=(Brit) dormitory town] just outside of the city.

2 : dealing with sexual relationships

The play is a bedroom farce about a middle-aged couple.

bedroom humor

3 informal : showing sexual attraction

She looked at him with bedroom eyes.

bed·sheet noun, pl -sheets [count]

chiefly US : sheet 1b
blankets and bedsheets [=sheets]

bed·side noun [singular]

: the place next to a person's bed

She sat at his bedside until the fever broke.

often used before another noun
a bedside table/lamp

bedside manner noun, pl -ners [count]

: the way a doctor or nurse behaves with patients

A number of patients have complained about the doctor's impersonal bedside manner.

a nurse with a warm bedside manner

bed·sit noun, pl -sits [count]

Brit : an apartment with only one room that is used for both sleeping and living in called also bedsitter, bedsitting room

bed·sore noun, pl -sores [count]

: a sore that people get from lying in bed for a very long time when they are sick or injured

bed·spread noun, pl -spreads [count]

: a decorative cover for a bed

bed·stead noun, pl -steads [count]

: the frame of a bed : the part of a bed on which the mattress lies

bed·time noun, pl -times

: the usual time when someone goes to bed

[count] The children are still up? It's way past their bedtimes.

[noncount] It's almost bedtime.

Will you read the children a bedtime story? [=a story that is read or told to children when they go to bed]

bed-wet·ting noun [noncount]

: urinating that occurs while someone (such as a child) is sleeping in bed

bed-wet·ter noun, pl -wet·ters [count]

1bee noun, pl bees [count]

: a black and yellow flying insect that can sting and that is often kept in hives for the honey that it produces
flowers pollinated by bees and other insects
a swarm of buzzing/humming bees
sometimes used figuratively

My mom is a real busy bee around Christmastime. [=she is very busy and active]

see also BUMBLEBEE, HONEYBEE, KILLER BEE

(as) busy as a bee
informal : very busy and active

My mom is (as) busy as a bee around Christmastime.

have a bee in your bonnet
informal : to talk and think a lot about something

He always has a bee in his bonnet about safety.

the birds and the bees see BIRD
compare 2BEE

2bee noun, pl bees [count]

US : a gathering of people for the purpose of spending time together while working on similar projects
a quilting bee
see also SPELLING BEE
compare 1BEE

Beeb noun

the Beeb

Brit informal : the BBC
work for/at the Beeb

beech noun, pl beech·es or beech

1 [count] : a kind of tree that has smooth gray bark and small nuts called also beech tree

2 [noncount] : the wood of the beech
a box made of beech

1beef noun, pl beefs

1 [noncount] : meat from a cow
a pound of beef
ground beef

I'm not eating as much beef as I used to.

often used before another noun
the beef industry
beef stew [=a stew made with beef]

2 [count] informal : complaint

My real beef is with the organization's president, not the group itself.

What's your beef?

3 [noncount] informal : muscles
a football player with a lot of beef and brawn [=a very muscular football player]

2beef verb, beefs, beefed, beef·ing [no obj]

informal : complain

She's always beefing about something.

beef up [phrasal verb]

beef (something) up or beef up (something) informal : to add weight, strength, or power to (something)

Security around the city will be beefed up during the event.

The medicine helps beef up the immune system.

beef·bur·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

chiefly Brit : hamburger

beef·cake noun, pl -cakes
informal

1 [noncount] : men who are muscular and attractive

He's not a great actor but he gets roles anyway because of all the moviegoers interested in beefcake.

beefcake photos/posters

2 [count] US : a muscular and attractive man

He's one of Hollywood's most celebrated beefcakes.

compare CHEESECAKE

Beef·eat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a guard at the Tower of London who wears an old-fashioned uniform

beef·steak noun, pl -steaks

: a thick slice of beef : steak

[count] a grilled beefsteak

[noncount] a slice of beefsteak

beefy adj, beef·i·er, -est

1 : large, strong, and often fat
a beefy football player
beefy arms/legs

2 US : strongly built
beefy shock absorbers

The new truck has a beefier construction than the old model.

3 chiefly US : of or relating to beef
a beefy flavor

bee·hive noun, pl -hives [count]

1 : a nest for bees : hive

2 : a place filled with busy activity

The office was a beehive of activity.

3 : a woman's hairdo in which long hair is piled high on top of the head
wearing her hair in a beehive
a beehive hairdo

bee·keep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who raises bees
a local beekeeper

bee·keep·ing noun [noncount]

She took up beekeeping late in life.

1bee·line noun

make a beeline for
informal : to go quickly and directly at or to (something or someone)

He made a beeline for the kitchen. [=he headed straight to the kitchen]

2beeline verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, -lines, -lined, -lin·ing [no obj]

US informal : to go quickly in a direct course

He beelined out the door.

been past participle of BE

1beep noun, pl beeps [count]

: a short, high sound made by a horn, an electronic device, etc.

the beep of a car horn

Please leave a message after the beep.

2beep verb, beeps, beeped, beep·ing

1 : to cause (a horn, an electronic device, etc.) to make a beep

[+ obj] Why did you beep your horn at her?

[no obj] She beeped at me first.

Something is beeping in the kitchen.

I could hear a beeping noise.

2 [+ obj] : to send a message to (someone) with a beeper

The doctor is not in the office today, but I can beep her for you. [=I can send the doctor a signal that will tell her to call the office]

beep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US : pager

beer noun, pl beers

1 : an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops

[noncount] Would you like beer with dinner?

The pub brews its own beer.

a glass of beer
a beer mug

[count] I'll have a beer, please.

a couple of cold beers

2 [noncount] : a drink made from roots or other parts of plants
a glass of birch/ginger beer
see also ROOT BEER

beery adj, beer·i·er, -est
a beery flavor/smell
a beery tavern

beer belly noun, pl bellies [count]

informal : a fat belly caused by drinking a lot of beer
a middle-aged man with a big beer belly
called also beer gut

beer mat noun, pl mats [count]

Brit : a small piece of material placed under a glass of beer to protect the bar or table beneath it compare COASTER

bee's knees noun

the bee's knees
informal + old-fashioned : an excellent person or thing

She's the bee's knees. [=I like her very much]

bees·wax noun [noncount]

: wax made by bees that is used for making candles and other products

none of your beeswax

US informal
used as a way of telling someone that you won't provide information because it is private

“How old are you?” “That's none of your beeswax.” [=none of your business]

beet noun, pl beets [count]

1 US

1 a : a garden plant with thick leaves and a rounded red root

I've planted carrots, parsnips, and beets in the garden.

called also (Brit) beetroot

1 b : the rounded red root of the beet plant that is eaten as a vegetable
sliced beets
called also (Brit) beetroot

2 Brit : sugar beet

beet red or red as a beet

: red in the face especially from embarrassment

When she realized her mistake, she turned beet red. [=blushed]

1bee·tle noun, pl bee·tles [count]

: a type of insect with wings that form a hard cover on its back when it is not flying

2beetle verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, beetles, bee·tled, bee·tling [no obj]

chiefly Brit informal : to move quickly

Everyone looked very busy, beetling [=scurrying] about the office.

Everybody beetled off home.

beetle-browed adj

: having large and thick eyebrows
a beetle-browed old man

beet·root noun, pl -roots [count, noncount]

Brit : beet 1

be·fall verb, -falls, -fell , -fall·en , -fall·ing [+ obj]

formal of something bad or unpleasant : to happen to (someone or something)

It's sad to think of the unhappy fate that befell him.

The drought was only one of many hardships to befall the small country.

be·fit verb, -fits, -fit·ted, -fit·ting [+ obj]

formal : to be suitable to or proper for (someone or something)

She has a mind for serious inquiry, as befits a scientist.

clothes befitting [=fitting] the occasion

be·fit·ting·ly adv [more ; most ]

1be·fore adv

1 : at an earlier time

Haven't we met before?

the night/day before

I've never seen her so happy before. [=I've never seen her as happy as she is now]

We haven't had these problems before.

Everything is just as (it was) before.

2 formal + old-fashioned : to or toward the place where someone is going : in advance
marching on before [=ahead]

2before prep

1 a : at a time preceding (something or someone) : earlier than (something or someone)

We arrived shortly before six o'clock.

before dinner

He left just before sunrise.

I've never seen her so happy before now.

Call me before your arrival.

She arrived the day before yesterday.

Why haven't you ever helped me before now/this?

I finished the exam before him. [=before he finished the exam]

You can go before me. [=before I go]

He's an electrician, like his father before him. [=his father was also an electrician]

They earned 50,000 dollars before (paying) taxes.

1 b US
used to describe a time earlier than a specified hour

It's 20 (minutes) before 12. [=it's 20 of/to 12; it's 11:40]

2 : preceding (something or someone) in order or in a series

Your name is listed before mine.

You'll see my house just before the bank and after the school.

The number 2 comes before 3 and after 1. [=2 comes between 1 and 3]

3 a : in front of (someone or something)

The Great Plains stretched endlessly before them.

The championship fight took place before a crowd of thousands.

: in the presence of (someone)

The defendant stood up before the judge.

see also (right) before/in front of your (very) eyes at 1EYE

3 b : being considered by (someone or something)

The case before the court involves a robbery.

the candidates before the voters

I have a proposal to put before [=to] the board.

The question before us is this: did he fall or was he pushed?

3 c : in the future for (someone) : ahead of (someone)

They had no idea of the ordeal that lay before them.

4 a : in a higher or more important position than (something)

They put quantity before [=above] quality. [=they cared more about quantity than about quality]

4 b : rather or sooner than

He vowed that he would choose death before dishonor. [=he would rather die than be dishonored]

5 formal : under the force of (something)

The tree fell before the force of the wind. [=the force of the wind caused the tree to fall]

3before conj

1 a : earlier than the time that : earlier than when

He left long before morning came.

The judge stood up before the defendant did. [=the defendant stood up after the judge did]

Say goodbye before you go.

Call me before you arrive.

Before [=until] she met him she had never been so happy.

I finished the exam before he did.

It was/happened not long before he arrived.

He left before I could thank him. [=I wasn't able to thank him because he left too soon]

I'll resign before I give in! [=I would rather resign than give in]

see also before you know it at 1KNOW

1 b : until the time that

It did not take long before he had earned their trust. [=he earned their trust quickly]

“I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep” Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” (1923)

2 a
used to refer to something that might happen

Get out of there before you get dirty! [=get out of there because you will/might get dirty if you don't]

Before I forget, will you give me your telephone number? [=I'm asking for your telephone number now because I might forget to do it later]

2 b
used to say that one thing must happen for another thing to happen or be possible

He must be convicted before he can be removed from office.

You must have completed an introductory class before you can take an advanced class.

be·fore·hand adv

: in advance : at an earlier or previous time

They'd agreed beforehand [=ahead of time] to leave early.

We paid for our tickets beforehand.

be·foul verb, -fouls, -fouled, -foul·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (a substance, place, etc.) dirty : foul
pollutants that befoul the air and water

be·friend verb, -friends, -friend·ed, -friend·ing [+ obj]

: to become a friend to (someone)

He befriended the new student.

be·fud·dled adj [more ; most ]

: unable to think clearly : very confused

Many people are totally befuddled by the tax code.

The paperwork left me completely befuddled.

beg verb, begs, begged, beg·ging

1 : to ask people for money or food

[no obj] A homeless man begs on that corner every day.

children begging for food

[+ obj] children begging strangers for food
children begging food from strangers

2 a : to ask (someone) in a very serious and emotional way for something needed or wanted very much

[+ obj] He begged the doctor for medicine.

He begged her for forgiveness. = He begged her to forgive him.

She begged him to read the story again.

I beg you to help them! = Help them, I beg you!

“Help them!” I begged.

[no obj]

+ of

(formal) I beg of you to help them!

2 b : to ask for (something needed or wanted very much) in a very serious and emotional way

[+ obj] He got down on his knees and begged forgiveness. = He got down on his knees and begged to be forgiven.

He begged that she would forgive him.

begging a favor of someone

[no obj] He's too proud to beg.

He begged for forgiveness.

3 [no obj] of a dog : to sit up on the back legs with the front legs raised

“Does your dog know any tricks?” “She knows how to beg.”

4 [+ obj] of a thing : to seem perfect for some purpose : to be very well suited for something
followed by to + verb

I couldn't resist cutting some of the flowers. They were just begging to be made into a bouquet.

a scene begging to be photographed [=a scene that should be photographed]

beg, borrow, or/and steal
informal : to do whatever is necessary to get something that is wanted or needed

We'll have to beg, borrow, or steal the extra chairs we need for the party.

beg leave
formal + old-fashioned : to ask for permission
followed by to + verb

We beg leave to offer our humble thanks.

I beg leave to differ with you, sir.

beg off [phrasal verb]

informal : to say that you cannot do something that you have been asked to do or have agreed to do

He originally said he'd go to the party, but he later begged off (going), claiming he had to work that night.

beg the question

1 : to cause someone to ask a specified question as a reaction or response

The quarterback's injury begs the question of who will start in his place.

The tragic drowning begs the question: why are there no safe places in the area for children to swim?

2 formal : to ignore a question or issue by assuming it has been answered or settled

Their proposed solution begs the question of whether the changes in the town are actually a problem.

beg to differ

: to politely disagree with someone

You say that the candidates are essentially the same, but I beg to differ. [=I do not agree]

beg your pardon

The phrase I beg your pardon is used in polite speech to apologize when you have done something impolite or when you have made a mistake.

I beg your pardon. [=sorry, excuse me] I didn't mean to bump into you like that.

I beg your pardon. You're correct; the amount is 12 dollars.

It can be used to show that you are annoyed or offended by something that another person has said.

“That boy isn't very bright.” “I beg your pardon! That's my son!”

It can also be used as a question when you have not heard or understood something clearly.

I beg your pardon [=excuse me, sorry]? What did you say?

The shorter form beg pardon is also used informally this way.

“He's been in Haiti for the past two months.” “Beg pardon? He's been in Hawaii?” “No, Haiti.”

go begging
chiefly Brit : to be something that few or no people want

With the poor economy, many expensive restaurants now have tables that go begging. [=tables that are empty because there are no customers]

If that last biscuit's (still) going begging, can I have it, please?

began past tense of BEGIN

be·get verb, -got also -gat , -got·ten or -got, -get·ting [+ obj]

1 formal : to cause (something) to happen or exist

Violence begets [=causes] more violence.

2 old-fashioned + literary : to become the father of (someone)

He died without begetting an heir.

be·get·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1beg·gar noun, pl -gars [count]

1 : a person who lives by begging for money, food, etc.

2 Brit, informal : a person who is regarded as lucky, unlucky, lazy, etc.

I heard you won the contest! You lucky beggar!

He's a lazy beggar.

beggars can't be choosers

The saying beggars can't be choosers means that people who need something must be satisfied with whatever they get even if it is not exactly what they wanted.

2beggar verb, -gars, -gared, -gar·ing [+ obj]

1 formal : to make (someone or something) very poor

Years of civil war had beggared the country.

2 chiefly Brit
used in the phrases beggar belief and beggar description to talk about something that is very difficult to believe or describe

It almost beggars belief [=it is very hard to believe] that anyone can be so cruel.

a plot so complex that it beggars description

beg·gar·ly adj [more ; most ]

formal : very small or poor

She received a beggarly sum for her efforts.

be·gin verb, -gins, -gan , -gun , -gin·ning

1 a : to do the first part of an action : to start doing something

[+ obj] They will begin construction on the new school soon.

I got the job and I begin work on Monday!

She'll begin the lecture at 10.

He plans to begin the project later this week.

They both began their careers at the local newspaper.

The university began accepting applications in November.

I had just begun eating when the phone rang.

She interrupted as soon as I began to speak.

[no obj] He began by showing some photographs of his trip. = He began with some photographs of his trip.

Now that I've begun, I'll go on till I finish.

You'll have to begin again. [=start over]

1 b [+ obj] : to start to work on, produce, or give attention to (something)

I began the quilt last month.

I began (reading) the book last week.

Schubert began more symphonies than he finished.

1 c [+ obj] : to cause (something) to start

The chairman began the meeting at noon.

They began [=founded] the state's first traveling theater troupe.

1 d [+ obj] : to start to have a feeling, thought, etc.

usually followed by to + verb

She began to feel dizzy soon after the accident.

I'm beginning to think the oversight was intentional.

sometimes + -ing verb

She began feeling dizzy soon after the accident.

2 : to start to happen, to exist, to be done, etc.

[no obj] The meeting began [=started] in the morning and finished/ended at noon.

Construction on the new school will begin soon.

Our problems were just beginning.

When does the play begin?

The rain began around noon.

Let the games begin.

The American Civil War began in 1861 and ended in 1865.

His passion for music began at the age of six when he had his first piano lessons.

[+ obj]

followed by to + verb

It's beginning [=starting] to rain.

The flowers on the trees are beginning to bloom.

3 [no obj]

3 a : to have a particular starting point : to start at a specified place or in a specified way

“Where does the river begin?” “It begins in the mountains to the north.”

The meeting began on a positive note.

The meeting began with an announcement. [=an announcement was made at the start of the meeting]

The English alphabet begins with A and ends with Z.

Each sentence should begin with a capital.

The season began with our team in last place but finished (up) with us in first place.

Her long career in advertising began at a small firm in Chicago.

Prices for the hotel rooms begin at 85 dollars. [=85 dollars is the lowest price for a hotel room; some rooms cost more than 85 dollars]

The road begins at the bottom of the hill and ends at the top of the hill.

3 b : to have a specified quality, identity, job, etc., at the start

+ as

What began [=started] as a simple idea has become a complicated project.

The town began as a small farming community.

He began as a clerk [=he was a clerk when he started working] and eventually became president of the company.

4 [+ obj] : to start speaking by saying (something)

“Allow me to introduce myself,” he began.

5
used in an exaggerated way to say that something is not possible

I can't even begin to describe how good the food was. [=the food was very good]

I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am for all your help. [=I am very grateful for all your help]

I can hardly begin to thank you for all you've done.

to begin with

1 : as the first thing to be thought about or considered

“I don't think we should buy the car.” “Why not?” “To begin with, I'm not sure we can afford it.”

2 : at the start : before the current time or situation

She has lost a lot of weight, and she wasn't very heavy to begin with.

She didn't like her job to begin with, [=at first, initially] but she got used to it eventually.

be·gin·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

: a person who is beginning something or doing something for the first time
a swimming class for complete beginners = a beginner class

The success of his first restaurant was just beginner's luck. [=he succeeded because he was lucky, as beginners sometimes are]

1be·gin·ning noun, pl -nings

1 [count] : the point or time at which something begins : a starting point
usually singular

He has been working there since the beginning of the year.

A poem was recited at the beginning of the wedding ceremony.

It was clear from the (very) beginning that she would eventually succeed.

The company was very small in the beginning [=when it began], but it eventually became a giant corporation.

The argument marked the beginning of the end of their marriage. [=the argument was the start of a series of events that led to the end of their marriage]

2 [count] : the first part of something

Go back to the beginning of the song.

We were late, so we missed the beginning of the movie.

The changes that have been made so far are just/only the beginning. There are many more changes still to come.

3 beginnings [plural]

3 a : an early stage or period

I have the beginnings of a sore throat. [=my throat is starting to feel sore]

3 b : the origins or background of a person or thing

He came from humble beginnings.

the company's modest beginnings in an old warehouse

The organization had its beginnings [=began] in a small Midwestern town.

2beginning adj

: involving or learning about the simple or basic parts of a subject
beginning mathematics

The school has courses for beginning [=elementary], intermediate, and advanced students.

be·gone interj
old-fashioned + literary
used to tell someone to go away

Begone!

be·go·nia noun, pl -nias [count]

: a tropical plant that has shiny leaves and bright flowers

begot past tense and past participle of BEGET

begotten past participle of BEGET

be·grudge verb, -grudg·es, -grudged, -grudg·ing [+ obj]

1 : to think that someone does not deserve something

She's worked hard to get where she is. You shouldn't begrudge her the success she's earned.

After what he's been through, it's hard to begrudge him the money he has.

: to regard (something) as not being earned or deserved

You shouldn't begrudge her success.

2 : to give or allow (something) in a reluctant or unwilling way

Many commuters begrudge every minute spent in traffic.

begrudging adj [more ; most ]

: said, done, or given in a reluctant way : grudging
begrudging acceptance/admiration/respect

be·grudg·ing·ly adv

She agreed begrudgingly.

be·guile verb, -guiles, -guiled, -guil·ing

1 [+ obj] : to trick or deceive (someone)

She was cunning enough to beguile her classmates into doing the work for her.

They were beguiled into thinking they'd heard the whole story.

2 : to attract or interest someone

[no obj] Almost everything in the quaint little town beguiles, from its architecture to its art to its people.

[+ obj] He beguiled the audience with his smooth and seductive voice.

often used as (be) beguiled

I was beguiled [=charmed] by his voice.

beguiling adj [more ; most ]

a beguiling [=charming] melody
a beguiling temptress

The movie is a beguiling blend of humor and tragedy.

be·guil·ing·ly adv [more ; most ]

a beguilingly smooth and seductive voice

begun past participle of BEGIN

be·half Brit noun

on behalf of someone or on someone's behalf

1 : as a representative of someone

The teacher accepted the award on behalf of the whole class.

She's been elected to go before the town council on behalf of the county's farmers.

2 or US in behalf of someone or in someone's behalf : for the benefit of someone : in support of someone

She spoke in behalf of the other candidate.

They're willing to do anything on their child's behalf.

He argued before the court on her behalf.

3 : because of someone

Don't get up on my behalf.

be·have verb, -haves, -haved, -hav·ing

1 : to act in an acceptable way : to act properly

[no obj] If you can't behave in the store we'll have to leave.

[+ obj] If you can't behave yourself in the store we'll have to leave.

I wish those children would behave themselves.

opposite MISBEHAVE

2 [no obj] : to act in a particular way

He behaves like a child!

behave well/generously

3 [no obj] of a thing : to function, react, or move in a particular way

The experiment tested how various metals behave under heat and pressure.

behaved adj

: behaving in a certain way
a well-behaved child [=a child who behaves well; a polite child]

a very badly behaved little boy

be·hav·ior (US) or Brit be·hav·iour noun, pl -iors

1 : the way a person or animal acts or behaves

[noncount] I'm surprised by her bad behavior toward her friends.

Students will be rewarded for good behavior.
scientists studying the behavior of elephants
normal adolescent behavior
criminal behavior
an interesting pattern of behavior = an interesting behavior pattern

The children were all on their best behavior [=were all behaving very well and politely] at the museum.

Inmates may be released from prison early for good behavior. [=because they have followed prison rules and have not caused problems]

[count] An acceptable social behavior in one country may be unacceptable in another country.

Doctors are trying to educate people about behaviors that can put them at increased risk for skin cancer.

2 [noncount] : the way something (such as a machine or substance) moves, functions, or reacts

The experiment tested the behavior of various metals under heat and pressure.

be·hav·ior·al (US) or Brit be·hav·iour·al adj
behavioral problems
behavioral patterns

be·head verb, -heads, -head·ed, -head·ing [+ obj]

: to cut off the head of (someone) especially as a punishment

Louis XVI was beheaded in 1793.

beheld past tense and past participle of BEHOLD

be·he·moth noun, pl -moths [count]

: something very big and powerful
a corporate behemoth [=a giant corporation]

be·hest noun

at the behest of someone or at someone's behest
formal : because of being asked or ordered by someone

A special meeting will be held at the senator's behest.

1be·hind adv

1 a : in or toward the back
look behind

The older students entered the room first with the younger students following behind.

1 b : in the place that someone is going away from

She stayed behind after the other guests left.

They left behind everything they owned when they fled the country.

We had to leave our family, friends, and neighbors behind.

often used figuratively

She has left her fears and doubts behind. [=she is no longer fearful and doubtful]

She wanted to leave the past behind. [=forget about the past]

1 c : later in time

“If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” P. B. Shelley, “Ode to the West Wind” (1820)

2 : in a losing position in a race or competition

“How far behind was she?” “At least 50 yards (behind).”

We were ahead in the first half, but now we're behind.

We were behind by five runs. = We were five runs behind.

a politician who is behind in the polls

She was losing the race but she came from behind and is now in front.

3 a
used to describe something that is not happening or proceeding as quickly as it should

We're running about five minutes behind [=late] with tonight's schedule.

3 b
used to describe someone who is not doing something (such as paying a debt) as quickly as required or expected

He got a bit behind [=late] in/with his payments.

He is behind in (paying) his rent.

2behind prep

1 : in or to a place at the back of or to the rear of (someone or something)

Look behind you.

He was standing in front of me and she was standing behind [=in back of] me.

The older students entered the room first with the younger students following behind them.

The house is behind some trees. [=there are some trees in front of the house]

The cat hid behind the couch.

The sun went/hid/was behind a cloud.

see also behind the eight ball at EIGHT BALL

2 : losing to (someone or something) in a race or competition

“How far behind the other runners was she?” “At least 50 yards (behind them).”

They were ahead of us by 5 points earlier in the game, but now they're behind us by 7.

The polls show that he is behind the other candidates.

The company is now behind the competition.

3 : in a less advanced position than (someone or something)

He was a year behind me in school. [=he finished school a year after I did]

: not happening or proceeding as quickly as (someone or something)

He was behind the other students in his studies.

This year's sales have lagged considerably/significantly behind last year's sales. [=sales have not been as good this year as they were last year]

We're running about five minutes behind schedule. [=late]

4 a : in the past for (someone or something)

Those problems are behind us now.

Her best work is behind her. [=her best work was in the past]

He has many years of experience behind him. [=he has many years of experience in his past]

4 b : out of the mind or thoughts of (someone)

Let's put our troubles behind us. [=let's stop thinking/worrying about our troubles]

5 a : providing the reason or explanation for (something)

We need to learn more about the conditions behind the strike. [=the conditions that led to the strike]

What was really behind his murder? [=what was the real reason for his murder?]

5 b : responsible for (something)

We'll get to the bottom of this conspiracy and find out who's behind it!

6 a : in support of (someone or something)

Despite the controversy, most of his supporters remain solidly behind him.

We're behind you all the way!

I encourage everyone to get behind these proposals. [=to support these proposals]

6 b : with the support of (something)

They won the game 10 behind brilliant pitching. [=brilliant pitching made it possible for them to win the game 10]

behind bars see 1BAR

behind the times see 1TIME

3behind noun, pl -hinds [count]

informal : the part of the body above the legs that is used for sitting : buttocks
kicked him in the behind

Get your behind over here right now! [=come here right now]

behind-the-scenes adj, always used before a noun

1 : working or happening privately without being known or seen by the public

There has been a lot of behind-the-scenes lobbying for more money.

She exerted a lot of behind-the-scenes influence when the project was being planned.

an effective behind-the-scenes operator

2 : revealing or reporting on things that usually happen privately without being known or seen by the public

The documentary provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Congress in action.

a behind-the-scenes account
see also behind the scenes at SCENE

be·hold verb, -holds, -held , -hold·ing [+ obj]

formal + literary : to look at (something) : to see (something)

Those who have beheld the beauty of the desert never forget it.

The huge crowd that gathered at the stadium was a sight/wonder to behold. [=was a wonderful or impressive thing to see]

see also lo and behold at LO

be·hold·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. [=different people have different ideas about what is beautiful]

be·hold·en adj

beholden to
formal : owing a favor or gift to (someone) : having obligations to (someone)

politicians who are beholden to special interest groups

She works for herself, and so is beholden to no one.

be·hoove (US) or Brit be·hove verb, -hooves, -hooved, -hoov·ing [+ obj]

formal : to be necessary or proper for (someone)

He behaved with dignity, as behooves [=befits] a man of his age.

The subject of behoove is usually the pronoun it.

It behooves a good citizen to obey the law. [=a good citizen should obey the law]

It ill behooves you to act so rudely. [=you should not act so rudely]

beige noun, pl beig·es [count, noncount]

: a light yellowish-brown color

beige adj
a beige skirt

1be·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : a living thing
a human/alien/mythical being
sentient/sexual beings
see also SUPREME BEING

2 [noncount] : the state of existing : existence
philosophies of being

The story of how the university came into being [=began to exist; came to be] is quite fascinating.

a social movement that was brought into being in the 1960s

3 [noncount] formal : the most important or basic part of a person's mind or self

I knew it was true in the core of my being.

He loved music with his whole being. [=he deeply loved music]

with every fiber of your being see FIBER

2being conj
informal : since
usually + that or as or as how

Being that/as it was too late to go home, we stayed the night at a hotel.

It should be her decision, being as how she's the one who's paying for it.

3being present participle of BE

be·je·sus noun

the bejesus
informal
used for emphasis after words like scare, frighten, and beat

That movie scared the bejesus out of me. [=that movie scared me very badly]

They beat the bejesus out of the other team.

be·jew·eled (US) or Brit be·jew·elled adj

: decorated with jewels
the bejeweled princess
a bejeweled sword
sometimes used figuratively
the city's bejeweled [=sparkling] skyline

be·la·bor (US) or Brit be·la·bour verb, -bors, -bored, -bor·ing [+ obj]

1 : to talk about (something) for too long : to repeat or stress (something) too much or too often

Her habit of belaboring the obvious makes her a very boring speaker.

Please don't belabor the point.

2 : to attack or criticize (someone)

He uses his newspaper column to belabor writers for even the most minor grammatical errors.

be·lat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: happening or coming very late or too late
a belated birthday card

She received belated recognition for her scientific discovery.

be·lat·ed·ly adv

She was belatedly recognized by the scientific community.

be·lat·ed·ness noun [noncount]

be·lay verb, -lays, -layed, -lay·ing [+ obj]

: to attach (a rope) to something so that it is secure

The climber belayed the rope.

: to attach a secure rope to (a person) for safety
belay a climber

belch verb, belch·es, belched, belch·ing

1 [no obj] : to let out air from the stomach through the mouth very loudly

He belched loudly, and his girlfriend said, “That's disgusting!”

compare BURP

2 : to push or throw (something) out with force

[+ obj] noisy trucks belching (out) black exhaust

[no obj] black exhaust fumes belching (out) from noisy trucks

Smoke belched from the factory chimneys beside the river.

belch noun, pl belches [count]

a rude belch
belches of smoke

belch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

be·lea·guer verb, -guers, -guered, -guer·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause constant or repeated trouble for (a person, business, etc.)

the lack of funds that beleaguers schools
usually used as (be) beleaguered

The team has been beleaguered by errors.

a company beleaguered by debt

beleaguered adj
an economically beleaguered city
a beleaguered politician [=a politician who is being criticized by many people]

bel·fry noun, pl -fries [count]

: a tower or part of a tower where a bell or set of bells hangs

bats in the/your belfry
informal + old-fashioned

To have bats in the belfry or (chiefly US) bats in your belfry is to be crazy.

an old woman with bats in her belfry [=a crazy/batty old woman]

Bel·gian noun, pl -gians [count]

1 : a person born, raised, or living in Belgium

2 : a person of Belgian descent

Belgian adj
a Belgian couple and their children

Belgian beer/chocolate/linen

Belgian endive noun, pl -dives [count, noncount]

chiefly US : the leaves of a chicory plant that has been grown in darkness to make the leaves white instead of green

Belgian waffle noun, pl waffles [count]

chiefly US : a large waffle that is served usually with fruit and whipped cream

be·lie verb, -lies, -lied, -ly·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to give a false idea of (something)

Her manner and appearance belie her age. [=she looks and acts like a much younger person than she really is]

a tree whose delicate beauty belies its real toughness

2 : to show (something) to be false or wrong

Their actions belie their claim to be innocent.

be·lief noun, pl -liefs

1 a : a feeling of being sure that someone or something exists or that something is true

[singular] a heartfelt/deep/deep-seated/firm/strong/passionate belief
often + in

He says that he is given strength by his belief in God.

He has a strong belief in his ability to win. [=he is certain that he can win]

His family has an unshakable belief in his innocence.

often + that

It's my belief that the current policy is certain to fail. [=I believe that the current policy is certain to fail]

She bought the rug in the belief that [=because she believed that] it was a real antique, not a fake.

Many people arrived early in the mistaken/erroneous belief that [=because they mistakenly believed that] free tickets would be available.

There is a growing belief that [=an increasing number of people believe that] these policies will not succeed.

[noncount] There is growing belief that these policies will not succeed.

Contrary to popular belief, the economy has actually improved in recent months. [=the economy has improved although many/most people do not think that it has]

compare DISBELIEF

1 b [singular] : a feeling that something is good, right, or valuable

+ in
a belief in democracy
a judge who had a firm/strong belief in judicial restraint

1 c [singular] : a feeling of trust in the worth or ability of someone

+ in

He has a strong belief in himself. [=he strongly believes that he will succeed]

2 [count] : something that a person accepts as true or right : a strongly held opinion about something

He gets angry if anyone challenges his religious/political beliefs.

We challenged his beliefs about religion.

erroneous/mistaken/false beliefs
a system of beliefs = a belief system
compare UNBELIEF

3 [noncount] : the state of being accepted as true : the state of being believed
a story that is worthy of belief [=a story that deserves to be believed, a believable story]

a story that defies belief = (chiefly Brit) a story that beggars belief [=an unbelievable story]

beyond belief

: not capable of being believed
events that are beyond belief [=events that are unbelievable]

She is beautiful beyond belief. [=she is unbelievably/extremely beautiful]

to the best of your belief

If you say something is to the best of your belief, you mean that it agrees with what you know and believe to be true.

To the best of my belief [=(more commonly) to the best of my knowledge, as far as I know], everyone arrived on time. [=I think that everyone arrived on time, but it is possible that someone arrived late and I don't know about it]

be·lieve verb, not used in progressive tenses, -lieves, -lieved, -liev·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to accept or regard (something) as true

The scientists believed the reports.

Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard/difficult to believe.

You shouldn't believe everything you read.

I knew that he was a liar and so I didn't believe a word he said. [=I didn't believe anything he said]

I did not want to believe (that) it could happen.

He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.

They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.

opposite DISBELIEVE

1 b : to accept the truth of what is said by (someone)

He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.

opposite DISBELIEVE

2 [+ obj] : to have (a specified opinion) : think

I'm beginning to believe (that) this war will never end.

I used to believe (that) I was the only one who felt that way but now I know (that) there are others like me.

He clearly/firmly/honestly believes (that) it is possible. = He clearly/firmly/honestly believes it (to be) possible.

He had reason to believe that they would accept his offer. = He had reason for believing that they would accept his offer.

She was widely believed to be guilty. [=many people believed that she was guilty]

We were led to believe it was true. [=we heard, saw, or read something that made us think it was true]

“Has he accepted the job?” “I believe so.” = “So I believe.”

“Has he accepted the job?” “I believe not.” = “I don't believe so.”

3 [no obj] : to regard the existence of God as a fact : to have religious beliefs

She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.

4 [no obj] : to have trust in the ability, worth, etc., of someone or something

The team hasn't won a championship in many years, but their fans still believe. [=their fans still believe in them; their fans still believe that they will win]

5 informal
used for emphasis in phrases that express certainty, surprise, annoyance, etc.

“Do you think they can win?” “You/You'd better believe it!” [=yes, I definitely think so]

Believe me, he can really play the game. = Believe you me, he can really play the game.

I can't believe how ugly that dress is. [=what an ugly dress]

You broke the window? I can't believe you guys! [=I'm annoyed and shocked by what you did] How could you do such a thing?

I can't believe [=I am amazed/surprised] that that terrible restaurant is still in business.

That terrible restaurant is still in business, if you can believe it/that.

Can/Would you believe it?! That terrible restaurant is still in business.

You won't believe what I just heard! [=you will be very surprised by what I just heard]

You wouldn't believe how long it took us to get here. [=it took us a surprisingly long/short time to get here]

I don't believe it! I swept the floor 10 minutes ago, and it's already dirty again!

I could not believe my good fortune/luck.

It's hard to believe that he's gone.

His latest movie, believe it or not, is a romantic comedy about a group of lawyers. [=it is surprising but true that his latest movie is a romantic comedy about a group of lawyers]

“I hear that their marriage is in trouble.” “Don't you believe it! [=that is completely untrue] They're the happiest couple I know!”

“He says he's going to become a doctor.” “If you believe that, you'll believe anything!” [=it would be very foolish to believe that he is going to become a doctor]

“He says he's going to become a doctor.” “I'll believe that when I see it!”

believe in [phrasal verb]

1 believe in (something)

1 a : to have faith or confidence in the existence of (something)

Do you believe in ghosts?

1 b : to have trust in the goodness or value of (something)

She believes in (the value of) regular exercise.

They believed in liberty for all.

I believe in working hard to achieve success.

She doesn't believe in using pesticides. [=she doesn't believe that it's right to use pesticides; she believes that pesticides do more harm than good]

2 believe in (someone) : to have trust in the goodness or ability of (someone)

Despite his problems, his parents still believe in him.

She believes in herself and in her abilities.

can't believe your eyes/ears

If you can't believe your eyes/ears or can hardly/scarcely believe your eyes/ears, you are very surprised at or upset by what you are seeing or hearing.

I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw what he was wearing.

make believe

: to act as though something that is not true or real is true or real : pretend

When we were children we used to make believe (that) we were soldiers fighting in a war.

He isn't really angry, he's just making believe (that he is).

They want to make believe that everything is all right.

see also MAKE-BELIEVE

seeing is believing

The expression seeing is believing means that when you actually see something, you have to believe that it exists or is true.

I didn't think it could happen, but seeing is believing. [=I saw it happen, so now I believe it's possible]

be·liev·able adj [more ; most ]

The novel's ending is not very believable.

His excuse was barely/scarcely believable.

be·liev·ably adv

The characters are all believably portrayed.

be·liev·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a believer in religion
devout believers

She's a firm/great/strong believer in adult education. [=she firmly/strongly believes in the value of adult education; she thinks adult education is very useful and important]

I was doubtful that he could run his own company, but he's made a believer out of me. = He's made me a believer. [=he's convinced me that he can run his own company]

be·lit·tle verb, -lit·tles, -lit·tled, -lit·tling [+ obj]

: to describe (someone or something) as little or unimportant

The critic belittled the author's work.

Her detractors are in the habit of belittling her accomplishments.

belittling adj [more ; most ]

a very belittling description

She did not mean to be belittling (about her predecessors).

belittling noun [noncount]

his belittling of his opponents

bell noun, pl bells [count]

1 : a hollow usually cup-shaped metal object that makes a ringing sound when it is hit
ring/sound/toll a bell

We heard the church bells ringing.

The school bell clanged.

a dinner bell [=a bell that is rung to call people to dinner]

The round ended when the bell sounded.

the Liberty Bell [=a large bell in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that is a traditional symbol of U.S. freedom]

see also BELLS AND WHISTLES

2 : an electronic device that makes a ringing sound

We rang the bell [=doorbell] twice, but no one came to answer the door.

Warning/alarm bells went off. = Warning/alarm bells started to sound/ring.

sometimes used figuratively

(Warning/alarm) bells went off (in my head) as I read her letter. [=there was something in her letter that alarmed me]

3 : something (such as a flower) that is shaped like a bell

(as) clear as a bell see 1CLEAR

(as) sound as a bell see 3SOUND

give (someone) a bell

Brit informal : to call someone on the telephone

I'll give you a bell [=give you a call] tomorrow.

have/get your bell rung

In informal U.S. and Canadian English, if you have/get your bell rung, you get hit hard on the head.

The hockey/football player had his bell rung during the play.

ring a bell see 3RING

bel·la·don·na noun [noncount]

1 : a poisonous plant that has reddish bell-shaped flowers called also deadly nightshade

2 : a drug made from the belladonna plant

bell-bot·toms noun [plural]

: pants with legs that become much wider at the bottom

She was wearing (a pair of) bell-bottoms.

called also flares

bell-bottom adj
bell-bottom jeans/trousers

bell·boy noun, pl -boys [count]

: bellhop

belle noun, pl belles [count]

old-fashioned : a very attractive and popular girl or woman
a Southern belle

She was the belle of the ball. [=the most beautiful and popular woman at a dance, party, etc.]

bell·hop noun, pl -hops [count]

chiefly US : a boy or man who takes hotel guests to their rooms, carries luggage, etc. called also bellboy

bel·li·cose adj [more ; most ]

formal : having or showing a tendency to argue or fight
a bellicose general
bellicose [=combative] behavior
bellicose language/statements

bel·li·cos·i·ty noun [noncount]

1bel·lig·er·ent adj

1 [more ; most ] : angry and aggressive : feeling or showing readiness to fight
a belligerent remark

He was drunk and belligerent.

2 always used before a noun formal : fighting a war : engaged in a war
belligerent nations/states

bel·lig·er·ence also bel·lig·er·en·cy noun [noncount]

bel·lig·er·ent·ly adv

2belligerent noun, pl -ents [count]

formal : a group or country that is fighting a war

An international group is trying to negotiate a cease-fire between the belligerents.

bel·low verb, -lows, -lowed, -low·ing

1 : to shout in a deep voice

[no obj] He bellowed at/to/for her to come over at once.

He was bellowing into the phone, giving orders to one of his employees.

[+ obj] The sergeant was bellowing orders.

“You're fired!” he bellowed.

2 [no obj] of an animal : to make a deep, loud sound

The bull bellowed angrily.

bellow noun, pl -lows [count]

He let loose with an angry bellow.

a bellow of anger/rage
the bellow of a bull

bel·lows noun [plural]

: a device that produces a strong current of air when its sides are pressed together
the bellows of an accordion

Bellows is used with both plural and singular verbs.

Bellows were used to help start the fire. = A (pair of) bellows was used to help start the fire.

bell pepper noun, pl -pers [count]

chiefly US : a large pepper with a mild flavor
a red/green bell pepper

bells and whistles noun [plural]

informal : parts and features that are useful or appealing but not essential or necessary : frills

The car was equipped with all the bells and whistles you could ask for.

bell·weth·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone or something that leads others or shows what will happen in the future

She is a bellwether of fashion.

High-tech bellwethers led the decline in the stock market.

a county that is a bellwether in national elections

1bel·ly noun, pl bel·lies [count]

1 a : a person's stomach or the part of the body that contains the stomach

My belly was full.

He got down on his belly to crawl.

They slid down the snowy hill on their bellies.

a kick in the belly [=abdomen]

see also BEER BELLY, POTBELLY

1 b : the part of an animal's body that is like a person's belly
a horse's belly
a gray squirrel with a white belly
see also UNDERBELLY

2 : a curved or rounded surface or part
the belly of an airplane
the belly of a ship/violin

bel·lied adj
used in combination
a red-bellied woodpecker

see also YELLOW-BELLIED

2belly verb, bel·lies, bel·lied, bel·ly·ing

: to cause (something, such as a sail) to curve or bulge outward

[+ obj] The wind bellied (out) the sails of the ship.

[no obj] The sails of the ship bellied [=bulged] out in the wind.

belly up to [phrasal verb]

belly up to (someone or something) US, informal : to walk to or toward (someone or something)

The men bellied up to the bar.

1bel·ly·ache noun, pl -aches

: a pain in the stomach : stomachache

[count] He ate too much chili and it gave him a bellyache.

[noncount] (Brit) He ate too much chili and it gave him bellyache.

2bellyache verb, -aches, -ached, -ach·ing [no obj]

informal : to complain in an annoying way

He was bellyaching about how long it took to get a table at the restaurant.

bellyaching noun

I'm tired of listening to his bellyaching.

belly button noun, pl -tons [count]

informal : navel

belly dance noun, pl dances [count]

: a type of Middle Eastern dance done by a woman who makes rhythmic movements with her hips and belly

belly dance verb, dances, danced, dancing [no obj]

belly dancer noun, pl -ers [count]

belly dancing noun [noncount]

taught a class in belly dancing

belly flop noun, pl flops [count]

informal : a poorly done dive in which the front of the body lands flat on the surface of the water

She did a belly flop into the pool.

belly flop verb, flops, flopped, flopping [no obj]

She belly flopped into the pool.

bel·ly·ful noun [singular]

informal : a large amount of something

The movie provides a bellyful of laughs.

often used to express irritation or annoyance

I've had a bellyful of him and his advice. [=I'm sick of him and his advice; I do not want any more of his advice]

belly laugh noun, pl laughs [count]

: a deep and loud laugh

He has an infectious belly laugh.

The show provided lots of belly laughs.

bel·ly-up adj

go belly-up
informal : to fail completely

The team went belly-up in the play-offs.

The business went belly-up [=went bankrupt] during the long recession.

be·long verb, -longs, -longed, -long·ing [no obj]

1
used to say that someone or something should be in a particular place or situation

This book belongs [=goes] on the top shelf.

Put the groceries away where they belong.

Those kids really belong in school. [=they should be in school]

Does that item really belong on the list?

A dictionary belongs in every home. [=every home should have a dictionary]

A sick person belongs in bed.

A man with his abilities belongs in teaching. [=he should be a teacher]

Whales belong among the mammals, not fish. [=whales are mammals, not fish; whales are classified as mammals]

She and her husband are a perfect couple. They belong together.

They belong with each other.

2 : to be accepted and liked by the other people in a group

She was here for 15 years, but she never really belonged.

belong to [phrasal verb]

1 belong to (someone) : to be the property of (someone) : to be owned by (someone)

The money belongs to him. [=the money is his]

That watch belongs to me.

The house belongs not just to her, but to her husband as well.

His style belongs only to himself. [=no one else has his style]

2 belong to (something)

2 a : to be a member of (a club, organization, etc.)

The family belongs to a country club.

Most of the company's employees belong to an HMO.

2 b : to be included in (a category, group, etc.)

What family does that bird belong to?

2 c : to be a part of (something) : to be connected with (something)

the parts belonging to the clock

belonging noun [noncount]

The kindness that they showed to her when she first arrived gave her a real sense/feeling of belonging.

be·long·ings noun [plural]

: the things that belong to a person : possessions

They gathered their belongings and left.

She left a pile of belongings next to her chair.

Be sure to take your personal belongings [=items that are yours and are small enough to be carried] with you when you get off the bus.

be·loved adj [more ; most ]

: very much loved : dearly loved
my own beloved grandmother

He is a beloved public figure.

an actor beloved by/of millions of fans
one of the city's most beloved buildings

beloved noun, pl -loveds [count] literary

She saw her beloved [=the person she loved] approaching.

The phrase dearly beloved is often used at the beginning of a Christian wedding ceremony to address the people who are there.

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today

1be·low adv

1 : in or to a lower place

The pencil rolled off the desk and fell to the floor below.

The pilot looked down at the sea far below.

We heard the elevator stop at the floor below.

The opposite of every sense of below is above.

2 : on or to a lower deck on a ship or boat

They secured the goods on deck and went below.

The captain ordered the men below. [=ordered them to go below the main deck]

3 : in or to a lower rank or number

All personnel, captain and below, were ordered to report for duty.

The game is suitable for children at age 10 and below. [=younger, under]

4 : lower than zero

The temperature ranged from 5 below to 10 above. [=from 5 degrees to 10 degrees Fahrenheit]

5 : lower, further down, or later on the same page or on a following page : at a later point in the same document

The results of the test are discussed/explained/listed/shown below.

See the graph below.

from below

: from a lower place

We heard voices calling from below.

I felt a draft from below.

2below prep

1 : in or to a lower place than (something) : beneath

Our apartment is below theirs.

She wore a skirt that reached below her knees. = The bottom of her skirt was below her knees.

We could see only clouds below us.

The diver descended below 25 meters.

The sun disappeared below the horizon.

a spot directly below us
the valley far below us
just/slightly below the horizon

The opposite of every sense of below is above.

2 : lower in number, amount, or size than (something) : less than (something)

Temperatures were below average/normal all week.

The game is suitable for children below [=younger than, under] the age of 10.

She worked for wage rates below those of other workers.

3 : less important or powerful than (someone) : having a lower rank than (someone)

A lieutenant is below a captain. [=a captain outranks a lieutenant]

He ranks far below his superior.

4 : in a lower or less important position than (something)

He puts his own needs below his child's needs.

1belt noun, pl belts [count]

1 : a band of material (such as leather) that is worn around a person's waist

I fastened/unfastened the buckle on my belt. = I buckled/unbuckled my belt.

I tied the belt of my robe.

see also BLACK BELT, GARTER BELT, SAFETY BELT, SEAT BELT

2 : a band that runs around wheels or other parts in a machine and that is used for moving or carrying something see also FAN BELT

3 : a region that has a lot of a particular thing
a belt of hilly land [=an area with many hills]

a storm belt
the farm/farming belt
the corn/cotton belt [=a region with many farms growing corn/cotton]

an asteroid belt

(chiefly US) cities in the Rust Belt [=an area formerly known for industry and manufacturing]

see also BIBLE BELT, SUNBELT

below the belt
informal : too harsh and unfair

That remark was below the belt. = That remark really hit (him) below the belt.

The phrase below the belt comes from the sport of boxing, where it is against the rules to hit your opponent anywhere below the belt.

tighten your belt

: to begin to spend less money : to make changes in order to save money

Many companies are tightening their belts during the recession.

see also BELT-TIGHTENING

under your belt

: as an achievement or as part of your experience

She has a best-selling book under her belt. [=she has written a best-selling book]

an actor who has several films under his belt [=who has appeared in several films]

He finally has a full year of experience under his belt.

compare 3BELT

belt·ed adj
a belted coat/jacket/robe

2belt verb, belts, belt·ed, belt·ing

1 [+ obj] : to fasten (something) with a belt

His bathrobe was loosely belted.

2 [+ obj] informal : to hit (someone or something) hard

He belted the ball down the fairway.

belt a home run

Some drunk got mad and threatened to belt me.

3 [+ obj] informal : to sing (a song) in a loud and forceful way
usually + out
a singer belting out tunes at the top of her lungs

4 always followed by an adverb [+ obj] US, informal : to drink (something) quickly

He belted down a shot of whiskey.

belting back a drink

5 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] chiefly Brit, informal : to move or go at a high speed

The car was belting down/along the highway.

belt up [phrasal verb]

Brit

1 : to fasten a seat belt in a car or other vehicle

When you're riding in a car, you should always belt up [=(US) buckle up] for safety.

2 informal : to stop talking

Will you just belt up [=shut up] for once?

3belt noun, pl belts [count]

informal

1 : a hard hit

Some drunk got mad and threatened to give me a belt. [=punch]

2 US, informal : a drink of alcohol

He had a few belts (of whiskey) before dinner.

compare 1BELT

belt·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US informal : a singer with a powerful voice : a singer who belts out songs
a legendary blues belter

belt-tight·en·ing noun [noncount]

: a reduction in spending : changes that are made in order to save money

The recession has caused many companies to do some belt-tightening.

often used before another noun
a belt-tightening measure/move/policy

see also tighten your belt at 1BELT

belt·way noun, pl -ways

1 [count] US : a highway that goes around a city
an urban beltway
called also (Brit) orbital

2 the Beltway : the political and social world of Washington, D.C.

politics inside the Beltway

Her influence extends beyond the Beltway.

Beltway adj, always used before a noun

Beltway politicians/politics [=the politicians/politics of Washington, D.C.]

be·moan verb, -moans, -moaned, -moan·ing [+ obj]

: to say that you are unhappy about (something)

He bemoans the fact that the team lost again.

an article bemoaning the decline in voter turnout

: to complain about (something)

Some critics are always bemoaning the state of the language.

be·muse verb, -mus·es, -mused, -mus·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to be confused and often also somewhat amused
usually used as (be) bemused

He thought of himself as an ordinary man, and he was bemused by all the attention that he was receiving.

bemused adj [more ; most ]

She had a bemused expression/smile on her face.

be·mus·ed·ly adv

She smiled bemusedly.

be·muse·ment noun [noncount]

She smiled in/with bemusement.

1bench noun, pl bench·es

1 [count] : a long and usually hard seat for two or more people
a park bench

2 the bench law

2 a : the place where a judge sits in a court of law

The lawyer asked if he could approach the bench.

2 b : the position or rank of a judge
her recent appointment to the bench

3 [count] : a long table for holding tools and work
a carpenter's bench

4 sports

4 a the bench : a long seat where the members of a sports team wait for a chance to play

He spent most of his season on the bench. [=he did not play in many games]

He plays better coming off the bench. [=coming into the game after it has started]

4 b [count] chiefly US : the players on a team who do not usually play at the start of a game : the reserve players on a team
usually singular

The team's bench is deep. = The team has a deep bench. [=the team had many good players in addition to its main players]

often used before another noun
a bench player [=a reserve player; a player who is part of a team's bench]

2bench verb, bench·es, benched, bench·ing [+ obj]

US sports : to not allow (a player) to play in a game : to put (a player) on the bench

The manager benched one of his most popular players.

He was benched for several games by a leg injury. [=he was forced to miss several games because of a leg injury]

bench·mark noun, pl -marks [count]

: something that can be used as a way to judge the quality or level of other, similar things
a stock whose performance is a benchmark against which other stocks can be measured

bench press noun, pl press·es [count]

: a lift or exercise in which a weight is raised by pushing your arms upward while you lie on a bench

bench-press verb, -press·es, -pressed, -press·ing [+ obj]

He can bench-press 350 pounds.

bench seat noun, pl seats [count]

: a long seat in a vehicle (such as a car) that goes across the full width of the passenger section

bench·warm·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US sports : a player who is not among the best players on a team and does not often play : a reserve player who is usually on the bench

I played a little, but mostly I was a benchwarmer.

1bend verb, bends, bent , bend·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to use force to cause (something, such as a wire or pipe) to become curved
bend a wire into a circle
bend the cable around a wheel

He bent the bow and shot an arrow from it.

His glasses got bent when he dropped them.

1 b [no obj] : to curve out of a straight line or position

The road bends [=curves, turns] to the left.

The trees were bending in the wind.

The branch will bend before it breaks.

The branches of the fruit tree were bending under their own weight. [=were bending because they were so heavy]

sometimes used figuratively

She refused to bend under pressure to change her decision.

a politician accused of bending to the will of wealthy supporters [=being influenced by wealthy supporters; doing the things that are wanted by wealthy supporters]

2 a [no obj] : to move your body so that it is not straight

She bent down/over/forward to pick up a piece of paper and then she straightened up again.

He bent back to look up at the ceiling.

bend to the left and then bend to the right
bend at the waist

He bent double with pain. [=he bent forward from the waist because he was in extreme pain]

2 b [+ obj] : to move (part of your body, such as an arm or leg) so that it is not straight
bend a knee
bend a leg
bend an arm
bend [=tilt] your head

In formal language, if you bend yourself to or bend your strength/energy/efforts (etc.) to/toward something (such as a job or task), you work hard in order to do it.

He has bent himself [=applied himself] to the task of making the company more efficient and profitable.

They are bending their efforts toward completing the job on time.

They bent their minds to [=gave a lot of thought to; thought hard about] the problem.

bend a rule

: to not be strict or exact about following a rule

She's not really quite old enough to be admitted as a member, but she's very close, so I think we can bend the rule(s) a little in her case and let her in now.

bend over backward see 1BACKWARD

bend someone's ear
informal : to talk to someone for a long time

He didn't really care about me, he just wanted to bend my ear about his own problems.

bend (the) facts

: to change facts in a dishonest way in order to deceive people
a journalist who has been accused of bending the facts in order to gain support for his political agenda

bend the truth

: to say something that is not true or that misleads people but that is usually not regarded as a serious or harmful lie

When he tells people he's from Manhattan he's bending the truth a little since he really grew up in Brooklyn.

on bended knee also on bended knees

: in a kneeling position : in the position of someone who is kneeling on one knee

He proposed to her on bended knee. = He got down on bended knee and proposed to her.

sometimes used figuratively

He was forced to ask for their help on bended knee. [=he was forced to beg for their help; he was forced to ask for their help in a very humble way]

2bend noun, pl bends

1 [count] : a curved part of something
a bend in a road/stream

They live just around/past the next bend (in the road).

the graceful bends [=curves] of the stairway

2 [count] : the act or process of bending something
a quick bend of the body
knee bends

3 the bends medical : a painful and dangerous condition caused by rising to the surface too quickly after being deep underwater called also decompression sickness

around the bend (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit round the bend
informal

1 : crazy

The pressure of his job nearly drove him around the bend.

He almost went around the bend.

If you ask me, she's completely round the bend.

2 US : occurring soon

The end of summer is just/right around the bend. [=around the corner]

bendy adj, bend·i·er, -est [also more ; most ] chiefly Brit informal
a bendy [=flexible] toy
a bendy road [=a road with many curves]

bend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal : a period when someone gets very drunk

He went on a bender and was drunk all weekend.

see also FENDER BENDER

1be·neath adv

: in or to a lower position : below
the mountains and the towns beneath
the sky above and the earth beneath
an awning with chairs and tables beneath

The ground beneath is covered with flowers.

2beneath prep

1 a : in or to a lower position than (something or someone) : below
the sky above us and the earth beneath us
just beneath the surface of the water

The painting is hanging on the wall with a plaque beneath it.

opposite ABOVE

1 b : directly under (something or someone)

the ground beneath [=underneath] her feet

We had a picnic beneath a large tree.

The paper was hidden beneath a pile of books.

She wore a sweater beneath her coat.

2 : not worthy of (someone) : not good enough for (someone)

He won't do any work that he considers beneath him. [=work that he thinks is not good enough for a person of his social class]

She refused to marry beneath her. [=to marry someone with a lower social standing than hers]

opposite ABOVE

3 : under the pressure or influence of (something)

The chair sagged beneath [=under, underneath] his weight. [=his weight caused the chair to sag]

4 : hidden under (something)

He has a warm heart beneath [=under, underneath] his gruff manner.

from beneath

: from a place below or under (something)

She gazed at us from beneath the brim of her hat.

bene·dic·tion noun, pl -tions

: a prayer that asks for God's blessing

[count] He dismissed the congregation with a benediction.

[noncount] a prayer of benediction

ben·e·fac·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: someone who helps another person, group, etc., by giving money

With the help of a rich benefactor he set up a charity.

an anonymous benefactor

ben·e·fac·tress noun, pl -tress·es [count]

somewhat old-fashioned : a woman who helps another person, group, etc., by giving money : a female benefactor
a wealthy benefactress

be·nef·i·cent adj [more ; most ]

formal : doing or producing good
a beneficent leader
a humane and beneficent policy

be·nef·i·cence noun [noncount]

ben·e·fi·cial adj [more ; most ]

: producing good or helpful results or effects : producing benefits

He hopes the new drug will prove beneficial to/for many people.

Regular exercise has many beneficial health effects.

They have a relationship that is beneficial to/for both of them.

Some insects are harmful but others are beneficial.

ben·e·fi·cial·ly adv

ben·e·fi·ci·ary Brit noun, pl -ar·ies [count]

1 : a person, organization, etc., that is helped by something : someone or something that benefits from something

Who will be the main beneficiaries of these economic reforms? [=who will be helped by these economic reforms?]

The college was a beneficiary of the private grant.

2 : a person, organization, etc., that receives money or property when someone dies

Her father named her the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. [=she will receive the money from her father's insurance policy if he dies]

She has made the school the sole beneficiary of/in her will. [=her will says that all her money and property should go to the school when she dies]

1ben·e·fit noun, pl -fits

1 : a good or helpful result or effect

[count] the benefits of fresh air and sunshine

A benefit of museum membership is that purchases are discounted.

There are many financial benefits to owning your own home.

She is just now starting to reap/enjoy the benefits of all her hard work.

The benefits of taking the drug outweigh its risks.

[noncount] I see no benefit in changing the system now.

We're lucky to be able to get the full benefit of/from her knowledge.

These changes will be of benefit to all of you. [=will help/benefit all of you]

These changes will be to your benefit. [=will help you]

I'm not doing it for myself; I'm doing it for your benefit. [=to help you; for your sake]

Since he owns the land, he thinks he should be free to use it for his own benefit. [=in a way that is helpful to him]

2 a : money that is paid by a company (such as an insurance company) or by a government when someone dies, becomes sick, stops working, etc.

[count] He began collecting his retirement benefits when he was 65.

a disability benefit

(Brit) a family on benefits [=(US) on welfare; receiving money from the government because of a low income or lack of income]

[noncount] He began collecting his retirement benefit when he was 65.

(Brit) He is on housing/unemployment benefit.

see also CHILD BENEFIT, DEATH BENEFIT, SICKNESS BENEFIT

2 b [count] : something extra (such as vacation time or health insurance) that is given by an employer to workers in addition to their regular pay : fringe benefit

The company provides health (insurance) benefits.

The job doesn't pay much, but the benefits are good.

often used before another noun
a company with a good benefit plan/package/program

3 [count] : a social event to raise money for a person or cause

The school is having/holding a benefit to raise money for a new gymnasium.

a charity benefit
often used before another noun
a benefit concert/dinner/event/performance

have the benefit of

: to be helped by (something) : to be able to use (something)

Her judgment will be better when she has the benefit of more experience.

the benefit of the doubt

When people give you the benefit of the doubt, they treat you as someone who is honest or deserving of trust even though they are not sure that you really are.

He might be lying, but we have to give him the benefit of the doubt and accept what he says for now.

without the benefit of or US without benefit of

: without the help of (something or someone)

The band had to perform without benefit of a rehearsal.

He was able to learn a great deal without the benefit of formal schooling.

You shouldn't try to handle this problem without benefit of a lawyer.

They lived together without (the) benefit of marriage. [=without being married]

with the benefit of

: with the help of (something) : by using (something)

With the benefit of hindsight, he saw where he had made a mistake.

She'll do better with the benefit of more experience.

2benefit verb, -fits, -fit·ed also -fit·ted, -fit·ing also -fit·ting

1 [+ obj] : to be useful or helpful to (someone or something)

The new plan may benefit many students.

medicines that benefit thousands of people

These changes will benefit all of you. = All of you will be benefited by these changes.

The politician held a fund-raiser to benefit his campaign.

Some critics say that the tax cuts only benefit wealthy people.

2 [no obj] : to be helped

He'll benefit by having experiences I never did.

often + from

I benefited from the experience.

Many patients will benefit from the new drug.

All of you will benefit from these changes.

Some critics say that only wealthy people will benefit from the tax cuts.

be·nev·o·lent adj [more ; most ]

1 : kind and generous
a benevolent company/government
a gift from a benevolent donor

2 : organized to do good things for other people

He belonged to several benevolent societies and charitable organizations.

be·nev·o·lence noun [noncount]

The king's benevolence [=kindness, generosity] was known throughout the land.

be·nev·o·lent·ly adv

Ben·gali noun, pl -gal·is

1 [count] : a person born or living in Bangladesh or in a state in northeastern India called West Bengal

2 [noncount] : a language spoken in Bangladesh and West Bengal

Bengali adj

Bengali literature

be·night·ed adj [more ; most ]

formal : having no knowledge or education

These benighted [=ignorant, unenlightened] souls/people have so much to learn.

a strange, benighted country

be·nign adj

1 medical

1 a : not causing death or serious injury
a benign infection/disease

1 b : without cancer : not cancerous
benign brain tumors

We were happy to hear that the tumor was benign.

opposite MALIGNANT

2 : not causing harm or damage

This chemical is environmentally benign. [=it does not hurt the environment]

He has a benign [=harmless] habit of biting his fingernails.

3 [more ; most ] : mild and pleasant
benign [=favorable] weather conditions
a benign climate

4 [more ; most ] : gentle and kind
a friendly, benign teacher

5 [more ; most ] : having or showing a belief that nothing bad will happen

She takes a benign view of her husband's spending habits. [=she does not worry about her husband's spending habits]

be·nign·ly adv

He smiled benignly at his students.

1bent adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a shape that is changed by bending : not straight
a bent metal wire
bent arms/elbows

With your knees/legs slightly bent, bend forward and touch your toes.

He was bent double with pain. [=he was bending forward from the waist because he was in extreme pain]

2 chiefly Brit, informal : not honest
a bent [=corrupt] cop

bent on also bent upon

: having a strong desire to do (something)

The doctors are bent on finding a cure. [=they are determined to find a cure]

She now seems bent on winning the competition.

They're bent upon destroying the world.

see also HELL-BENT

bent out of shape

US informal : very angry or unhappy

Don't get all bent out of shape [=upset]. Nothing bad happened!

2bent noun, pl bents [count]

: an attraction to or an interest in a particular thing or activity
an organization with a strong religious bent

: a natural talent or interest
students with a creative/scientific bent [=leaning]

3bent past tense and past participle of 1BEND

be·numb verb, -numbs, -numbed, -numb·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (someone) numb or unable to have emotions
usually used as benumbed

After years of war, they had become benumbed [=numb] to violence. [=violence no longer caused them to feel strong emotions]

ben·zene noun [noncount]

: a liquid chemical that is used to make plastics, fuel for automobiles, and other substances

be·queath verb, -queaths, -queathed, -queath·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to say in a will that (your property) will be given to (a person or organization) after you die

I bequeath this ring to my sister. = I bequeath my sister this ring.

He bequeathed his paintings to the museum.

2 : to give (ideas, knowledge, etc.) to (younger people) as part of their history

These stories were bequeathed [=handed down, passed down] to us by our ancestors.

Lessons of the past are bequeathed to future generations.

be·quest noun, pl -quests [count]

: the property or money that you promise in your will to give to another person or organization after you die

He made a bequest of his paintings to the museum.

be·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to yell at (someone) : to criticize (someone) in a loud and angry way

She berated [=scolded] her son for coming home late.

be·reaved adj
formal : sad because a family member or friend has recently died
the bereaved parents/families of the victims

the bereaved

: a bereaved person or group of people

The minister tried to comfort the bereaved.

be·reave·ment noun, pl -ments
formal

1 [noncount] : the state of being sad because a family member or friend has recently died
a period of bereavement

2 : the death of a family member or friend

[noncount] a period of grief after bereavement

[count] people who have recently suffered bereavements

be·reft adj

: sad because a family member or friend has died
the young soldier's bereft [=(more commonly) bereaved] mother

bereft of

: not having (something that is needed, wanted, or expected)

They appear to be completely bereft of new ideas. [=to be completely without new ideas]

He was bereft of all hope.

a man bereft of reason

be·ret noun, pl -rets [count]

: a round hat with a tight band around the head and a top that is flat, soft, and loose

berk noun, pl berks [count]

Brit slang : a stupid or foolish person

He was acting like a complete berk.

berm noun, pl berms [count]

chiefly US : a small hill or wall of dirt or sand

A landscaped berm [=a hill decorated with plants and flowers] separates the two roads.

Ber·mu·da shorts noun [plural]

: short pants that reach down to the knees

ber·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a small fruit (such as a strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry) that has many small seeds

ber·serk adj

: crazy and violent especially because of anger
berserk behavior

go berserk

1 : to become very angry, crazy, and violent

A worker went berserk and killed his boss.

2 : to become very excited

The crowd was going berserk. [=going wild]

1berth noun, pl berths [count]

1 : a place to sleep on a ship, train, etc.

a comfortable cabin with a deep berth
an upper/lower berth

2 : a place in the water near the shore where a ship stops and stays

3 chiefly US : a place or position on a team

She won an Olympic berth. = She earned a berth on her country's Olympic team.

He has a starting berth on the all-star team.

give (someone or something) a wide berth

: to avoid or stay away from (someone or something)

I could see that she was in a bad mood, so I gave her a wide berth.

2berth verb, berths, berthed, berth·ing

: to bring (a ship) into a place where it can stop and stay : to bring (a ship) into a berth

[+ obj] The ship was berthed at this pier.

[no obj] The ship berthed at this pier.

be·seech verb, -seech·es, -sought or -seeched, -seech·ing [+ obj]

formal + literary : to beg (someone) for something : to ask (someone) in a serious and emotional way to do something

I beseech you, let me live! [=please, don't kill me]

Oh, kind and gracious king, we beseech [=implore, entreat] you to set us free!

beseeching adj [more ; most ]

She gave the king a beseeching look.

be·seech·ing·ly adv

be·set verb, -sets, -set, -set·ting [+ obj]

: to cause problems or difficulties for (someone or something)

A lack of money is the greatest problem besetting the city today.

usually used as (be) beset

He was beset by/with injuries this season. [=he suffered many injuries this season]

a city beset by/with economic problems

besetting sin noun, pl sins [count]

: a main or constant problem or fault

My besetting sin is a fondness for sweets.

be·side prep

1 : by the side of (someone or something) : next to (someone or something)

She sat beside him during dinner.

The man beside her was wearing a brown suit and hat.

They were walking beside me.

Stand beside the statue and I'll take your picture.

Their house is beside a small lake.

2 : in comparison with (something)

These problems seem unimportant beside the potential benefits of the new system.

beside the point

: not related to the main idea that is being discussed : not important

No one knows what we did, but that's beside the point. What we did was wrong.

beside yourself

: not thinking clearly because you are feeling very strong emotions : in a state of extreme excitement

We were beside ourselves with anger/worry/embarrassment/joy.

He was beside himself [=very upset] after hearing the bad news.

1be·sides prep

1 : other than (someone or something)

There's no one here besides [=except] me.

Nothing besides [=but] a miracle could save them now.

The traffic was a little heavy but, besides [=except for] that, we had no problems getting here.

2 : in addition to (something)

She wants to learn other languages besides English and French.

Besides its famous cakes, the bakery also makes delicious breads and cookies.

These salads are delicious besides being healthy.

I'm not ready to get married yet. Besides which, I enjoy living alone.

2besides adv

1 : as well : also

They serve pasta and many other foods besides.

2 : in addition to what has been said

The play is excellent, and besides [=(more formally) furthermore, moreover], the tickets don't cost much.

I'm not ready to get married yet. Besides, I enjoy living alone.

be·siege verb, -sieg·es, -sieged, -sieg·ing [+ obj]

1 : to surround a city, building, etc., with soldiers and try to take control of it

The army beseiged the castle.

2 : to gather around (someone) in a way that is aggressive, annoying, etc.

usually used as (be) besieged

They were besieged by reporters while leaving the courthouse.

politicians being besieged by the media

3 : to overwhelm (someone) with too many questions or requests for things

Customers have besieged the company with questions.

usually used as (be) besieged

Every day, her office is besieged [=bombarded] with letters/questions/complaints about the problem.

be·smirch verb, -smirch·es, -smirched, -smirch·ing [+ obj]

: to cause harm or damage to (the reputation of someone or something)

He has besmirched [=sullied] her reputation/name/honor by telling lies about her. [=he has caused people to have a low opinion of her]

be·sot·ted adj [more ; most ]

: loving someone or something so much that you cannot think clearly
her besotted lover

He was completely besotted with/by her. [=infatuated with her]

be·speak verb, -speaks, -spoke , -spo·ken , -speak·ing [+ obj]

formal : to be evidence of (something) : to be a sign of (something)

Her newest album bespeaks a great talent for writing songs.

be·spec·ta·cled adj

: wearing glasses
a bespectacled student

be·spoke adj

: made to fit a particular person : custom-made
a bespoke suit
also : producing clothes that are made to fit a particular person
a bespoke tailor

1best adj superlative form of 1GOOD, or of 2WELL

1 a : better than all others in quality or value

You should wear your best clothes tonight.

He took us to the (very) best restaurants in the city.

We ate the best food and drank the best wines.

You're our best customers.

His modesty and sense of humor are his best qualities.

Is that your best offer?

I've had the best time with you! [=I've had a very enjoyable time with you]

The best [=most valuable] things in life are free.

Which of these do you think tastes best?

Mary sends you her very best wishes/regards.

He's my best friend. [=my closest/dearest friend] = He and I are best friends.

1 b : most skillful, talented, or successful

She's the best student in her class.

He won the award for best actor in a drama.

the team's best player

2 : most appropriate, useful, or helpful

She truly believes that this is the best way to solve the problem.

She's the team's best hope/chance for a medal.

She thought waiting was best. = She thought that the best thing to do was to wait. = She thought that it was best to wait.

It's best to leave early if you want to be sure of arriving on time.

We want to do what's best for you.

He's the best man for the job.

You should do whatever you think is the best thing to do. = You should do whatever you think best.

We're making the best possible use of these materials.

best of all

The phrase best of all is often used to refer to the most important or appealing part of something that has many good parts.

The machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and best of all, it's absolutely free when you order these books.

next best

A person or thing that is next best is not as good as the best person or thing but is better than all others.

The shortstop is the best player on the team, and the catcher is the next best player.

We can't see each other often, but calling each other on the telephone is the next best thing.

on your best behavior

If you are on your best behavior you are behaving very politely and well.

Remember to be on your best behavior with your grandmother.

The children promised to be on their best behavior.

2best adv superlative form of 1WELL

1 : in the best way : in a way that is better than all others

The sauce is best served/eaten/enjoyed cold.

His cooking is best described as spicy. = It can best be described as spicy.

: with the most success or benefit

They work best under pressure.

That's what we do best!

We need to think about how best to fix this problem.

This is a job best left to the professionals. [=it's better/best to allow professional workers to do this job]

Some things are best left unsaid. [=it's better/best not to talk about some things]

2 : to the greatest degree or extent : most

That's the one we liked (the) best.

The work should be done by the people who are best able to do it.

She's best suited to life in the city.

He is best known for his invention of the lightbulb.

The museum features some of the best-known examples of this style of painting.

the industry's best-kept secret

as best you can or the best (that) you can

: as well, skillfully, or accurately as you can

She answered their questions as best she could. [=as well as she could]

You don't have to do it perfectly. Just do it the best you can.

had best

If you had best do something, you should do it.

You'd best get ready for school. [=you'd better get ready for school; you should get ready for school]

Hadn't you best get ready for school?

3best noun [singular]

1 the best : the best person or thing

Out of all of my workers, he's the best.

Our company is the best in the business.

Thanks, Dad. You're the best!

I have one more gift for you, and I saved the best for last.

: the best group of people or things

Our store sells nothing but the best. = We sell only the best. [=the best products]

She's one of the best in the world. = She's among the best.

Bad things happen to the best of us.

They want the best for their children.

Even in the best of times, we had trouble paying our bills.

In the best of all possible worlds, no one would be without food and clean water.

He can compete with the best of them. [=he can compete as well as anyone]

We were the best of friends. [=we were very good friends]

I have a wonderful family and a great job, so I feel that I have the best of both worlds.

Problems can occur even in/under the best of circumstances. [=even if the situation is as good as possible]

All of the students are good, but these three are the best of the bunch. [=the best ones in the group]

see also SUNDAY BEST

2 : someone's or something's most effective, capable, or successful condition
used in phrases like at your best and at its best

He's at his best in front of a live audience.

She's at her best in the morning.

This is democracy at its best.

3 : the highest level that you can do or achieve

Was that your best? = Was that the best you could do?

No one expects you to do the job perfectly. Just do your best. = Just do the best you can. [=do as well as you can]

He did his best to help them.

Her time in the race was a personal best. [=it was the fastest time she had ever achieved]

(all) for the best

: having or producing a better result
used to say that something will have a good result even though it was not the intended result

I won't be able to go, but maybe it's all for the best. I have a lot of work to do anyway.

(all) the best

If you wish someone (all) the best, you hope that person will be happy and successful.

We wish you all the best in your new job.

at best

used to refer to a result, condition, etc., that is the best one possible even though it is not very good

The company won't make a profit this year. At best, they'll break even.

The work won't be finished for another three months at best.

best of luck see 1LUCK

best (out) of three (five, seven, etc.)

used to say that the winner of a series of games will be the one who has won the most times after three (five, seven, etc.) games have been played

bring out the best in

If someone or something brings out the best in you, that person or thing helps you to use or show your best qualities.

She seems to bring out the best in him.

Performing in front of an audience brings out the best in me. [=I perform better when I am in front of an audience]

feel your best

: to feel very healthy

Exercise helps you look and feel your best.

I'm not feeling my best this morning. [=I'm not feeling very well this morning]

get the best of

If an emotion or feeling gets the best of you, it causes you to do something that you should not do or that you are trying not to do.

I did get a little carried away. I guess the excitement got the best of me. [=got the better of me]

Their emotions have gotten the best of them.

know best or know what's best see 1KNOW

look your best

: to look very good : to look as attractive and pleasant as possible

Try to look your best when interviewing for a job.

make the best of

1 : to use (something) in an effective way

We may not get another chance, so we need to make the best of this opportunity.

2 : to deal with (a bad situation) as well as possible

Life is not very good right nowbut let's try to make the best of it.

We're trying to make the best (out) of a bad situation. = (Brit) We're trying to make the best of a bad job.

the best is yet to come/be

used to say that good things have happened but that even better things will happen in the future

Life is good now, but the best is yet to come.

to the best of my knowledge see KNOWLEDGE

to the best of your ability

: as well as you are able to

Every game, we go out and play to the best of our ability.

to the best of your belief see BELIEF

4best verb, bests, best·ed, best·ing [+ obj]

: to do better than (someone or something) : to defeat or outdo (someone or something)

They were bested [=beaten] by their opponents in the opening game.

bes·tial adj [more ; most ]

formal : resembling or suggesting an animal or beast : very cruel, violent, etc.

bestial behavior
bestial violence

bes·ti·al·i·ty noun [noncount]

1 : sex between a person and an animal

2 formal : a cruel and violent quality : a bestial quality

I was shocked by the bestiality of their behavior.

best man noun [singular]

: the most important male friend or relative who helps a groom at his wedding

The groom asked his brother to be his best man and the bride asked her sister to be her maid of honor.

be·stow verb, -stows, -stowed, -stow·ing [+ obj]

formal : to give (something) as a gift or honor

The university bestowed on/upon her an honorary degree.

be·strew verb, -strews, -strewed, -strewn or -strewed, -strew·ing [+ obj]

: to cover (a surface) with something
usually used as (be) bestrewn

The path was bestrewn with flowers. [=flowers were strewed over the path]

be·stride verb, -strides, -strode , -strid·den , -strid·ing [+ obj]

literary : to sit or stand with one leg on either side of (something) : straddle
a giant that bestrode the river
often used figuratively
the time when the Roman Empire bestrode the world [=had great power over the world]

best seller noun, pl -ers [count]

: a popular product (such as a book) that many people have bought

She has written several best sellers.

Her book is on the best-seller list.

best-sell·ing adj
his best-selling novel

1bet noun, pl bets

1 [count] : an agreement in which people try to guess what will happen and the person who guesses wrong has to give something (such as money) to the person who guesses right

He has a bet on the game.

“I'll bet five dollars that my team will beat your team.” “Okay. It's a bet!” [=I agree to the bet]

He made a bet with his brother that he could finish his chores first.

He and his brother have a bet about who can finish his chores first.

He lost the bet and had to pay his brother five dollars.

His brother won the bet.

He paid his brother five dollars to settle the bet.

2 [count] : the money or other valuable thing that you could win or lose in a bet

What's your bet? [=how much money do you want to risk?]

She placed/laid a $10 bet [=wager] on the number five horse.

3 [singular] : a choice made by thinking about what will probably happen

It's a good/safe/sure bet that they'll win. [=it is very likely that they will win]

I don't know what their decision will be, but my bet is that they'll approve the project. [=I think they'll approve the project]

If you want to get there early, your best/surest/safest bet is to take a different road. [=you are most likely to get there early if you take a different road]

all bets are off

used to describe a situation in which it is impossible to be sure about what will happen

All bets are off on the election: it's too close to call.

hedge your bets see 2HEDGE

2bet verb, bets, bet also bet·ted, bet·ting

1 : to make a bet : to risk losing something (such as money) if your guess about what will happen is wrong

[+ obj] He bet $5 on the game.

I'll bet (you) a dollar that he makes the next shot.

I'll bet that he makes the next shot.

He always bets that the favorite will win.

[no obj] He lost a lot of money by betting on college football and basketball.

He always bets on the favorite (to win).

I bet against the favorite and I lost.

I wouldn't bet against her. She's very likely to win this race.

2 [+ obj] : to risk losing (something) when you try to do or achieve something
usually + on

She's willing to bet [=gamble, risk, stake] everything on winning this election.

(US, informal) They want to start their own restaurant, but they're not willing to bet the farm on it. [=they're not willing to risk losing everything they have]

3 [+ obj] : to make decisions that are based on the belief that something will happen or is true

Carmakers are betting that people will want to buy larger, more expensive cars this year.

We're betting (that) the price of houses will drop.

4 [+ obj] informal : to think that something will probably or certainly happen

I bet (that) it'll rain tomorrow. [=I think it'll rain tomorrow]

You can bet (that) he'll take the money. [=you can be sure that he'll take the money]

She says she'll quit her job, but I bet (you) she doesn't do it. [=I don't believe that she'll do it]

: to think that something is probably or certainly true

I'd bet most people feel the same way.

I bet you that no one knows we're here.

I'll bet you've never seen one of these before. [=you've probably never seen one of these before]

I bet you were tired by the end of the trip. [=you must have been tired]

“He was so handsome in his new suit.” “I bet he was.” = “I'll bet he was.” [=I'm sure he was]

If you would bet your life or bet your bottom dollar that something will happen or that something is true, you are very sure about it.

“Are you sure he'll be there?” “Yes, I'd bet my life on it.” [=I am entirely sure]

You can bet your bottom dollar he's going to be late! [=you can be sure he's going to be late]

5 informal
used in phrases like you bet, you can bet on it, and you bet your life as an enthusiastic way of saying “yes”

“Would you like some cake?” “You bet!”

“Are you going to be there?” “You bet I'll be there!” [=I'll certainly be there]

“Are you going to be there?” “You can bet on it!”

“Will you be there?” “You bet your life I will!”

see also BETCHA

6 informal
used in phrases that express doubt about what will happen

“The economy will improve next year.” “I wouldn't bet on it if I were you.” [=I'm doubtful that the economy will improve next year]

“The weather will be better tomorrow.” “Don't bet on it!”

“The weather will be better tomorrow.” “Do you want to bet?” = “Wanna bet?” [=I don't think that the weather will be better tomorrow]

betting adj

I'm not a betting man myself. [=I'm not a man who likes to bet]

betting noun [noncount]

No betting [=gambling] is allowed in this state.

(chiefly Brit) The betting is that she'll win the election. [=most people think that she'll win the election]

be·ta Brit noun

1 [singular] : the second letter of the Greek alphabet or

2 [noncount] : a version of a product (such as a computer program) that is almost finished and that is used for testing
a program that is currently in beta
often used before another noun
the beta version of the software
a beta test
beta testing

be·ta-block·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

medical : a drug that helps prevent heart attacks by lowering high blood pressure

be·ta-car·o·tene noun [noncount]

technical : a natural substance that is found in dark green and dark yellow fruits and vegetables and that helps your body grow and be healthy

bet·cha
informal
used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase bet you when it is spoken quickly

Betcha I get home before you do! [=(I'll) bet you that I get home before you do]

used especially in the phrase you betcha as an enthusiastic way of saying “yes”

“Are you going to be there?” “You betcha!” [=you bet]

be·tel noun [noncount]

: the dried leaves of a climbing plant that are chewed by some people in southeastern Asia

betel nut noun, pl nuts [count]

: the seed of an Asian tree that is chewed with betel by some people in southeastern Asia

bête noire noun, pl bêtes noires [count]

: a person or thing that someone dislikes very much
a politician who is the bête noire of liberal/conservative groups

Bête noire is a French phrase that means “black beast.”

be·tide see woe betide at WOE

be·to·ken verb, -kens, -kened, -ken·ing [+ obj]

formal : to show (something) : to be a sign of (something)

His strong handshake betokens [=indicates, bespeaks] his self-confidence.

be·tray verb, -trays, -trayed, -tray·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give information about (a person, group, country, etc.) to an enemy

They betrayed their country by selling its secrets to other governments.

He was betrayed (to the authorities) by one of his students.

2 : to hurt (someone who trusts you, such as a friend or relative) by not giving help or by doing something morally wrong

She is very loyal and would never betray a friend.

He betrayed his wife with another woman. [=he was unfaithful to his wife]

She betrayed her own people by supporting the enemy.

I felt betrayed. [=I was hurt because someone betrayed me]

You've betrayed our trust. [=we trusted you, but you did something very bad and hurt us]

I can't believe you lied to me. I feel as if you've betrayed our friendship. [=you've betrayed me; you've treated me in a way that shows you are not really my friend]

3 a : to show (something, such as a feeling or desire) without wanting or trying to

Although he would not smile, his eyes betrayed his happiness. [=his eyes showed that he was happy]

She coughed, betraying her presence behind the door.

The expression on his face betrayed nothing. [=the expression on his face did not show anything about what he was feeling or thinking]

3 b : to reveal (something that should not be revealed)

betray a secret

4 : to do something that does not agree with (your beliefs, principles, etc.)

He felt that he would be betraying his principles if he accepted the money.

be·tray·al noun, pl -als [count]

She divorced her husband after his betrayal (of her). [=after he had betrayed her]

He felt that accepting the money would be a betrayal of his principles.

[noncount]

acts of betrayal
feelings of anger, helplessness, and betrayal

be·tray·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a betrayer of his people

be·troth·al noun, pl -als [count]

formal + old-fashioned

1 : the act of promising to marry someone : engagement

They kept their betrothal a secret. [=they told no one that they were engaged to be married]

2 : an agreement that two people will be married in the future

They were both young at the time of their betrothal.

1be·trothed adj
formal + old-fashioned : engaged to be married
a betrothed couple

She had been betrothed to the prince since she was a young girl.

2betrothed noun [singular]

formal + old-fashioned : the person that someone has promised to marry

He spent the afternoon with his betrothed. [=fiancée]

1bet·ter adj comparative form of 1GOOD, or of 2WELL

1 : higher in quality

Her second book is better than her first one.

This is one of the better [=best] restaurants in this part of town.

Her first book was good, but her second one is even better. = Her second one is better still/yet.

This one is no better than that one.

2 : more skillful

She's a better golfer than I am.

He's a better singer than he is an actor.

He's much better with children now that he's a father himself.

3 : more attractive, appealing, effective, useful, etc.

The weather is better today than it was yesterday.

They came up with a better solution to the problem.

I'd like to get a better [=more accurate and complete] understanding of the problem.

Don't you have something/anything better to do than to watch TV all day?

Her work wasn't that good at first, but it's getting better.

Her work just keeps getting better and better.

There's nothing better than a cold drink of water when you're really thirsty.

My salary isn't very high, but it's better than nothing.

“Suppose I move it a little to the left.” “Yes, that's better! It looks much better like that.”

You could write to her, or, even/still better, visit her in person.

Someone or something that has seen/known better days was better in the past than now.

My old car has seen better days.

People say the sooner the better, the bigger the better, the faster the better, etc., when they want something to happen as soon as possible, to be as big as possible, to go as fast as possible, etc.

“They say the cold weather will end soon.” “Well, the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned.”

4 : more morally right or good : more deserving of praise

You're a better man than I am.

“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

If you ask me, he's hardly/little/no better than a common criminal.

5 a : improved in health

I was sick but now I'm better. [=now I'm well]

I'm feeling all/completely better.

I'm somewhat/slightly better than (I was) yesterday, but I'm not fully recovered.

My cold is a little better today. [=my cold is not as bad today; my cold is less severe today]

I'm sorry to hear that you're sick. I hope you feel/get better soon.

He was feeling sick yesterday, and he's no better today. [=he's still feeling sick today]

5 b : happier or more pleased

Your support makes me feel better about doing what I've done.

6
used to suggest that something should or should not be done

It would be better for you to leave now [=you should leave now] if you want to get there on time.

It would be better not to wait too long.

better luck next time see 1LUCK

the better part of see 1PART

2better adv comparative form of 1WELL

1 : in a better way

“How is she doing in school?” “She did badly at first, but now she's doing much better.”

She sings better than I do.

He sings better than he acts.

You could write to her, or, even/still better, visit her in person. = You could write to her. Even/Still better, you could visit her in person.

“Instead of writing to her, I'm going to visit her in person.” “Even better.”

2
used to suggest that something should or should not be done

Some things are better left unsaid. [=it is better not to say some things]

You would do better to leave now [=you should leave now] if you want to get there on time.

3 : to a higher or greater degree

He knows the story much better than you do.

Her paintings have become better known in recent years.

There's nothing I'd like better than to see you again.

4 : greater in distance or amount : more

It is better than nine miles to the next town.

It's better than an hour's drive to the lake.

had better

If you had better do something, you should do it.

You'd better leave now or you might not get there on time.

Hadn't you better leave now if you want to get there on time?

You'd better not do that or you'll get in trouble. [=you'll get in trouble if you do that]

I told him he'd better leave at once.

“Do you want to drive?” “I'd better not: I've had too much to drink.”

“I'm sorry.” “You'd better be!”

“Should I go there?” “You'd better not.”

In informal speech, better by itself is often used in this way without had.

“Do you want to drive?” “I better not.”

I told him he better leave at once.

“Should I go?” “You better!”

“I'm sorry.” “You better be!”

“Should I go?” “(You) Better not.”

3better noun [noncount]

: something that is better : better behavior

They've disappointed me. I expected better from them. [=I expected them to behave better]

They shouldn't treat him that way. He deserves better.

all the better or so much the better

used to say that something makes a situation, experience, etc., even better than it was

My daughter loves taking care of children. If she can earn money by doing it, so much the better!

for better or (for) worse

: whether good or bad things happen : no matter what happens

We've made our decision and now we have to stick to it for better or worse.

for the better

: so as to produce improvement

The new policy is a change for the better. [=the new policy is an improvement]

My father's health has recently taken a turn for the better. [=has recently improved]

get the better of

: to defeat or trick (someone) by being clever

It would be hard to get the better of someone as experienced as she is.

If a feeling or emotion gets the better of you, it causes you to do something that you should not do or that you are trying not to do.

She knew she shouldn't open the package, but her curiosity finally got the better of her and she opened it.

He let his temper get the better of him. [=he lost his temper; he said or did something because of anger]

go one better see 1GO

know better see 1KNOW

think better of see 1THINK

your betters
somewhat old-fashioned : people who are more important than you or who have a higher social position than you

His parents always told him to respect his betters.

(chiefly Brit) You should respect your elders and betters. [=people who are older and more important than you]

4better verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) better : improve

They are trying to better the lives/lot of working people.

He looked forward to bettering his acquaintance with the new neighbors.

The team has bettered its chances of winning the championship.

2 : to be or do better than (something or someone) : to improve on (something or someone)

I can better their offer. [=I can make you a better offer]

She bettered her previous performance.

He set a record that has never been equaled or bettered.

better yourself

: to do things (such as improving your education) that will make you a better or more successful person

She was born poor but she has worked hard to better herself.

5better variant spelling of BETTOR

better half noun, pl halfs [count]

old-fashioned + humorous : someone's wife or husband

Please come to our partyand your better half is invited, too!

bet·ter·ment noun [noncount]

: the act or result of making something better : improvement
working for the betterment of the lives of working people

better off adj comparative form of WELL-OFF

1 : having more money and possessions : more well-to-do

The better off he became, the less he thought about other people.

The better-off people live in the older part of town.

2 : in a better position

He'd be better off with a new job.

bet·tor also bet·ter noun, pl -tors also -ters [count]

: a person who makes a bet

Thousands of bettors were at the race track last weekend.

1be·tween prep

1 : in the space that separates (two things or people)

The ball rolled between the desk and the wall.

He stood between his mother and his father.

The office has two desks with a table between them.

They put up a fence between their house and their neighbor's house.

There are fences between all the houses.

often used figuratively
a book that blurs the line/boundary between fact and fiction

often used in the phrase in between

There are fences in between all the houses.

2 : in the time that separates (two actions, events, etc.)

If you want to lose weight, you shouldn't eat between meals.

Between bites of food, they talked to their teacher.

The two days between Monday and Thursday are Tuesday and Wednesday.

We should arrive between 9 and 10 o'clock.

often used in the phrase in between

You shouldn't eat in between meals.

3
used to indicate the beginning and ending points of a group of numbers, a range of measurement, etc.

a number between 1 and 20

The package weighs somewhere between a pound and a pound and a half.

sometimes used in the phrase in between
a number in between 1 and 20

4 : in shares to each of (two or more people)

The property was divided equally between the son and the daughter. [=the son and the daughter received an equal share of the property]

His estate was divided between [=among] his four grandchildren.

5
used to indicate two or more people or things that together produce a result or have an effect

She ate two hot dogs, and he ate three hot dogs, so between them they ate five hot dogs.

Between work and family life, she has no time for hobbies. [=because of all the time she spends on her work and family life, she has no time for hobbies]

6
used to indicate two people or teams that are involved in a game, activity, etc.

There's a game tonight between the Red Sox and the Yankees. [=the Red Sox are playing a game against the Yankees tonight]

7
used to indicate two or more people or things that are joined, related, or connected in some way

There are many relations/connections between linguistics, philosophy, and psychology.

There is a passageway between the two rooms.

the bond between friends

We used to love each other, but there's nothing between us now. [=we don't love each other now]

8
used to indicate two or more people or things that are being considered, compared, etc.

They compared the cars but found few differences between them.

We were allowed to choose between two/several options.

There's not much to choose between the two cars. [=the two cars are very similar]

There is very little difference between the two cars.

9
used to indicate movement from one place to another place

He flies between Miami and Chicago twice a week.

The airline provides service between New York and Paris.

10 : known only by (two people)

They shared a secret between them.

(Just) Between you and me, I think he's wrong. [=I'm telling you that I think he's wrong, but you should not tell anyone else what I've told you]

What I'm going to tell you should remain a secret (just) between us/ourselves.

2between adv

: in the space separating two things or people

The office has two desks with a table between.

often used in the phrase in between

The office has two desks with a table in between.

betwixt and between see BETWIXT

few and far between see 1FEW

be·twixt prep
old-fashioned + literary : between

betwixt and between

: in the middle : not completely one thing and not completely the other thing

Politically, my parents are betwixt and between. They're neither liberal nor conservative in their views.

1bev·el noun, pl -els [count]

1 : a slanted surface or edge on a piece of wood, glass, etc.

the bevel of the mirror

2 : a tool that is used to make a slanted surface or edge on a piece of wood, glass, etc.

2bevel verb, -els, US -eled or Brit -elled, US -el·ing or Brit -el·ling [+ obj]

: to cut or shape (a surface or edge) at an angle or slant
a tool that is used for beveling wood

beveled (US) or Brit bevelled adj
a mirror with a beveled edge

The blade is beveled on one side.

bev·er·age noun, pl -ag·es [count]

somewhat formal : something you can drink : a liquid for drinking

May I offer you a beverage? [=drink]

Beverages are listed on the back of the menu.

alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages

bev·vy noun, pl -vies [count]

Brit informal : an alcoholic drink

He'd had a few bevvies too many and was feeling none too clever.

bevy noun, pl -ies [count]

: a large group of people or things
usually singular

A bevy of girls waited outside.

be·wail verb, -wails, -wailed, -wail·ing [+ obj]

literary + humorous : to express great sadness or disappointment about (something)

Many people bewailed the changes to the historic building.

She bewailed [=bemoaned] the fact that he had such terrible table manners.

bewail your fate

be·ware verb

: to be careful : to act in a way that shows you know that there may be danger or trouble used only as beware or to beware

[no obj] A ghostly voice cried “Beware!”

Let the buyer beware.

He told them to beware.

often + of

The sign said “Beware of the dog.”

[+ obj] The restaurant's food is excellent, but beware the chili if you don't like spicy food.

be·wil·der verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [+ obj]

: to confuse (someone) very much

His decision bewildered [=puzzled, perplexed] her.

often used as (be) bewildered

She was bewildered by his decision.

I was completely/utterly bewildered by the complex instructions.

bewildered adj [more ; most ]

He had a bewildered expression on his face.

bewildering adj [more ; most ]

a bewildering number of choices

be·wil·der·ing·ly adv

The instructions were bewilderingly complex.

be·wil·der·ment noun [noncount]

She stared at them in bewilderment [=confusion] and shock.

be·witch verb, -witch·es, -witched, -witch·ing [+ obj]

1 : to use magic to make someone do, think, or say something : to put (someone) under a spell

People believed the girls had been bewitched.

2 : to attract or delight (someone) in a way that seems magical

They were bewitched [=enchanted, fascinated] by her beauty.

bewitching adj [more ; most ]

She has a bewitching [=captivating, charming] smile.

The painting was bewitching. [=mesmerizing]

1be·yond adv

1 a : on or to the farther part or side

From the house we can see the valley and the hills beyond.

We passed the hotel and drove a bit beyond to see the ocean.

1 b : to or until a later time

The children who are part of the study will be monitored through their school years and beyond.

2 : in addition

The hostel provides the essentials but nothing beyond. [=further, more, else]

2beyond prep

1 : on or to the farther part or side of (something) : at a greater distance than (something)

From the house we can see the valley and the mountains beyond it.

The parking area is just beyond those trees.

Our land extends beyond the fence to those trees.

planets beyond our solar system

2 : outside the limits or range of (something) : more than (something)

The job is beyond his ability. [=the job is too hard for him; he is not capable of doing the job well]

Such a project is beyond the city's budget. [=the project is too expensive]

The results were beyond our expectations. [=were better than we expected]

His influence does not extend beyond this department.

She became rich beyond her wildest dreams. [=became very rich]

If you live beyond your means, you spend more money than you earn.

We need to stop living beyond our means and start saving some money.

3
used to say that something cannot be changed, understood, etc.

The situation is beyond help. [=the situation cannot be made better; nothing can help the situation]

The city has changed beyond (all) recognition. [=it has changed so much that it looks completely different]

The circumstances are beyond our control. [=we cannot control the circumstances]

The stories she tells are beyond belief. [=are not believable]

His irresponsible actions are beyond comprehension/understanding. [=cannot be understood]

If something is beyond you, you do not understand it.

“Why is he going?” “It's beyond me.”

How she was able to afford the trip is beyond me.

4 : for a period of time that continues after (a particular date, age, etc.)

The program is unlikely to continue beyond next year. [=it will probably end after next year]

She plans to continue working beyond the usual retirement age.

5 : in addition to

There were no other problems with the house beyond [=besides] the leaky roof.

I knew nothing about him beyond [=except] what he told me.

above and beyond see 2ABOVE

BFA abbr
bachelor of fine arts

bi- prefix

1 : two
bipartisan
bilateral
bilingual

2 a : coming or happening every two
bimonthly

2 b : coming or happening two times
biannual

bi·an·nu·al adj, always used before a noun

1 : happening twice a year : semiannual

The group holds biannual meetings in December and July.

2 : happening every two years : biennial

The art show is a biannual event that won't happen again for two more years.

bi·an·nu·al·ly adv

1bi·as noun, pl -as·es

1 : a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly

[count] The writer has a strong liberal/conservative bias. [=favors liberal/conservative views]

ethnic and racial biases

He showed a bias toward a few workers in particular.

Do they have a bias against women/minorities?

[noncount] The company was accused of racial/gender bias.

The decision was made without bias.

She showed no bias toward older clients.

2 : a strong interest in something or ability to do something
a student with a strong bias towards the arts

on the bias

: in a slanted directed
used to describe the way cloth is cut or sewn

The material for the dress was cut on the bias.

2bias verb, -ases, -ased, -as·ing [+ obj]

: to have a strong and often unfair influence on (someone or something)

I don't want to bias you against the movie, but I thought the book was much better.

The circumstances could bias the results of the survey.

biased adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing a bias : having or showing an unfair tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others

She is too biased to write about the case objectively.

an extremely biased statement

He is biased against women/minorities.

The judges of the talent show were biased toward musical acts.

bi·ath·lon noun, pl -lons [count]

sports : an event in which athletes ski over the countryside and stop to shoot rifles at targets
the Olympic biathlon

bi·ath·lete noun, pl -letes [count]

bib noun, pl bibs [count]

1 : a piece of cloth or plastic that is worn under a baby's chin while the baby is eating

2 : the part of a piece of clothing (such as an apron) that covers the area above a person's waist

bi·ble noun, pl bi·bles

1 the Bible

1 a : the book of sacred writings used in the Christian religion

The Christian Bible contains the Old Testament and the New Testament.

1 b : the book of sacred writings used in the Jewish religion

The Jewish Bible contains the writings that also form the Christian Old Testament.

2 Bible [count] : a copy or edition of the Bible

She gave each of her grandchildren a Bible.

3 [count] : a book, magazine, etc., that contains the most important information about a particular thing

The book is famous among foodiesit's the gourmet's bible.

The magazine is now considered the bible of the plastics industry.

Bible Belt noun

the Bible Belt

: an area chiefly in the southern part of the U.S. where there are many people who have very strong and strict Christian beliefs

bib·li·cal adj

: relating to, taken from, or found in the Bible
a biblical [=scriptural] passage
biblical references

The city was a center for trade in biblical times. [=during the time when some things written about in the Bible happened]

biblio- prefix

: relating to books
bibliography
bibliophile

bib·li·og·ra·phy noun, pl -phies [count]

1 : a list of books, magazines, articles, etc., about a particular subject

The instructor provided the students with an excellent bibliography on local history.

2 : a list of the books, magazines, articles, etc., that are mentioned in a text

The book includes a lengthy bibliography.

bib·lio·graph·ic also bib·lio·graph·i·cal adj
bibliographic information

bib·lio·phile noun, pl -philes [count]

: a person who loves or collects books

bi·cam·er·al adj
technical : having two parts
used to describe a government in which the people who make laws are divided into two groups

The U.S. has a bicameral legislature that is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

bi·carb noun [noncount]

: baking soda

bi·car·bon·ate of soda noun [noncount]

: baking soda

bi·cen·te·na·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

Brit : bicentennial

bicentenary adj, always used before a noun
a bicentenary celebration/year

bi·cen·ten·ni·al noun, pl -als [count]

US : a 200th anniversary or its celebration

The United States celebrated its bicentennial [=(Brit) bicentenary] in 1976. [=celebrated the fact that it was 200 years old]

Next year is the bicentennial of the school's founding [=the year 200 years after the school was started]

compare CENTENNIAL

bicentennial adj, always used before a noun
a bicentennial [=(Brit) bicentenary] celebration/year

bi·cep noun, pl -ceps [count]

: biceps

She flexed her left bicep.

bi·ceps noun, pl -ceps [count]

: a large muscle at the front of the upper arm
usually plural

His biceps were huge.

compare TRICEPS

bick·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

: to argue in a way that is annoying about things that are not important

She is always bickering with her mother.

They bickered about/over how to decorate the room.

bickering noun [noncount]

I can't stand their constant bickering.

bi·coast·al adj

: relating to both the east and the west coasts of the U.S.

They're a bicoastal couple. [=one person lives on the east coast and the other person lives on the west coast]

a bicoastal flight/conference call

1bi·cy·cle noun, pl -cy·cles [count]

: a 2-wheeled vehicle that a person rides by pushing on foot pedals

She rode her bicycle [=bike] to school.

They toured Europe on bicycles. = They toured Europe by bicycle.

Let's go for a bicycle ride [=ride our bicycles for pleasure] after work tonight.

compare TRICYCLE, UNICYCLE

2bicycle verb, -cy·cles, -cy·cled, -cy·cling [no obj]

: to ride a bicycle

She bicycles [=bikes] to work every day.

bi·cy·cler noun, pl -clers [count] US
a group of bicyclers

bicycling noun [noncount]

Bicycling is his favorite sport.

Let's go bicycling after work tonight.

bi·cy·clist noun, pl -clists [count]

A group of bicyclists rode by.

bicycle shorts noun [plural]

: short pants that fit close to the body and that people sometimes wear when they ride a bicycle

1bid verb, bids, bade or bid, bid·den or bid, bid·ding

1 past tense and past participle bid

1 a : to offer to pay (a particular amount of money) for something that is being sold : to make a bid at an auction

[+ obj] I'll bid $100 for/on the lamp but no higher.

The auctioneer said, “What am I bid [=offered] for this lamp?”

[no obj] He plans to stop bidding if the bids go over $500.

She bid for/on a desk and a chair.

The two brothers bid against each other for the same chair. [=they each tried to buy the chair by repeatedly making higher bids than the other one had made]

1 b [no obj] US : to offer to do work for a particular price

Several local companies are bidding for the same job.

His company bid on the snow removal contract.

2 past tense and past participle bid : to say how many points you are trying to win in a card game

[+ obj] He bid two.

[no obj] He bid and I passed.

3 [+ obj] formal : to order or command (someone) to do something

We did as we were bid/bidden.

She bid/bade them enter. [=told them to come in]

see also UNBIDDEN

4 [+ obj] formal : to express (greetings or good wishes) to (someone) : to say (something, such as “good morning,” “good evening, etc.”) to (someone)

They bade me farewell. = They bade farewell to me. [=they said goodbye to me]

She bid him good day.

bid fair

: to seem likely
a movie that bids fair to become a big hit [=a movie that will probably be very successful]

bid up [phrasal verb]

bid up (something) or bid (something) up : to raise the price of (something that is being sold) by repeatedly offering more money than other people

Several antique dealers bid up the best lots to shut out less experienced bidders.

Investors quickly bid stock prices up to record levels.

bid·der noun, pl -ders [count]

Items will be sold to the highest bidder. [=to the person who offers to pay the most]

2bid noun, pl bids [count]

1 a : an offer to pay a particular amount of money for something

Bids for the painter's work have been quite high at recent auctions.

She had the highest bid.

He made a bid of $100 for the painting.

He made the opening bid.

1 b : an offer to do a job for a particular price

The company is accepting bids for the renovation project.

2 : an attempt to win, get, or do something

The company is facing a takeover bid. [=someone is trying to gain control of the company by buying most of its stock]

often + for

Two convicts made a dramatic bid for freedom but were soon recaptured.

They made a strong bid for the championship.

a bid for power/reelection

often followed by to + verb

They failed in their bid to close the school.

3 : a statement of how many points a player is trying to win in a card game

bid·da·ble adj

1 [more ; most ] chiefly Brit : willing to do whatever someone tells you to do : easily taught, led, or controlled

The children became less biddable as they grew older.

2 : available to be bid on
biddable items [=items that will be sold through bidding; items that will be sold to whoever will offer the most money]

a biddable job [=a job that people or companies can offer to do for a particular price]

bidding noun [noncount]

1 : the act of offering to pay a particular amount of money for something : the act of making bids at an auction

We expect to see heavy bidding on this item. [=we expect a lot of people to offer money for this item]

Bidding started at $1,000.

2 : the act of offering to do a job for a particular price

Bidding for the renovation project begins soon.

at someone's bidding also at the bidding of someone

: as someone has told you or ordered you to do

He attended law school at his father's bidding. [=because his father told/wanted him to attend law school]

do someone's bidding also do the bidding of someone

: to do what someone tells you or orders you to do

He was at the beck and call of powerful interest groups and was always willing to do their bidding.

bid·dy noun, pl -dies [count]

informal + disapproving : an old woman; especially : one who is silly or annoying
a couple of old biddies

bide verb, bides, bid·ed, bid·ing

bide your time

: to wait for the right time before you do something

He is biding his time [=waiting for the right opportunity] before asking his parents for a loan.

bi·det noun, pl -dets [count]

: a bowl like a small toilet with faucets that is used for washing your bottom

1bi·en·ni·al adj, always used before a noun

1 : happening every two years

The governor explained the biennial budget proposal.

a biennial show

2 of a plant : living for only two years or seasons : having a life cycle that is two years or seasons long
biennial plants/herbs/flowers
compare 1ANNUAL, 1PERENNIAL

bi·en·ni·al·ly adv

The art show takes place biennially.

2biennial noun, pl -als [count]

: a plant that lives for only two years or seasons : a biennial plant compare 2ANNUAL, 2PERENNIAL

bier noun, pl biers [count]

: a table or platform on which a coffin or dead body is placed at a funeral

biff verb, biffs, biffed, biff·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit informal : to hit (someone) hard especially with your hand or fist

She biffed [=whacked] him on the head.

biff noun, pl biffs [count]

bi·fo·cal Brit adj
of eyeglasses : divided into two parts that help a person to see things that are nearby and things that are far away
bifocal lenses/glasses

bi·fo·cals Brit noun [plural]

She wears bifocals. [=eyeglasses with bifocal lenses]

bi·fur·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, cat·ing
formal : to divide into two parts

[no obj] The stream bifurcated into two narrow winding channels.

[+ obj] bifurcate a beam of light

bifurcated adj
a bifurcated stream

bi·fur·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

1big adj, big·ger, -gest

1 : large in size
a big house/room/field
a big glass of soda

He is a big [=tall and heavy] man.

She moved to a bigger city.

the biggest city in the state

The tent is big enough for 10 people. [=there is enough space in the tent for 10 people]

A great big [=very large, huge] truck pulled up beside us.

I can't understand her writing; she uses too many big words. [=long words that many people don't know the meaning of]

see also the big city at CITY

2 : large in number or amount

He led a big group through the museum.

She was earning big money [=a lot of money] as a lawyer.

see also BIG BUCKS

3 : involving or including many people, things, etc.

She works for a big company.

He organized a big advertising campaign.

We had a big fund-raiser for the school.

4 always used before a noun

4 a : tending to do something more often than most people

He's a big eater. [=he often eats large amounts of food]

She's a big shopper. [=she shops often]

4 b : feeling or showing a lot of excitement or enthusiasm

I'm a big fan of their music.

He gave me a big smile/hug.

5 : important or significant

She became a big star in movies.

He's big in local politics.

The changes will have a big [=major] impact on the community.

Our biggest concern is for the safety of the children.

This job is my big chance.

The movie was a big flop.

They have big plans for the future.

She was a big [=great] help during his illness.

Buying this car was a big [=serious] mistake.

I was nervous in the weeks leading up to the wedding day, but felt surprisingly calm on the day of the big event.

Tomorrow is the big day. [=the day that something important happens]

Her suggestion made a big difference [=led to important changes] in the final product.

She wanted to go in a big way. [=very much, badly]

see also BIG DEAL, BIG PICTURE

6 always used before a noun informal
used to express strong dislike or disapproval

You're nothing but a big sissy/bully!

If you marry her you're an even bigger fool [=you're even more of a fool] than I thought you were!

7 informal : older or more grown up
my big [=older] sister/brother

He's a big boy now. [=he is less like a baby now]

see also BIG BOYS, BIG BROTHER

8 : very popular

That toy is always a big seller.

The band was a big hit abroad.

Her books are big with teenagers.

She thinks longer skirts will be big this year.

Designers will discuss the next big thing [=a future trend] in home decorating.

9 : generous or kind

It was big of him to forgive them after the way they treated him.

She was big about it and invited him along.

He has a big heart. [=he is a kind person]

sometimes used in an ironic way to say that someone is not being very generous or kind

You can spare us a whole five minutes of your time? Well, that's big of you!

see also BIG-HEARTED

10 : very strong, forceful, etc.

There was a big [=powerful] storm last night.

(as) big as life see 1LIFE

big fish in a small/little pond see 1FISH

big on
informal : very enthusiastic about (something)

He's big on stamp collecting. [=he likes collecting stamps very much]

She's not (very) big on dancing.

big with child
old-fashioned : pregnant and almost ready to give birth
a woman who was big with child

too big for your britches (US) or chiefly Brit too big for your boots
informal : too confident or proud of yourself

I think the boss is growing too big for his britches.

big·ness noun [noncount]

the bigness of the city

2big adv

1 : in a big way

They won/lost big [=they won/lost a large amount] at the casino.

2 : in a way that is meant to impress people

He talks big about his plans, but he hasn't done much yet.

go over big
informal : to be successful or well-liked

Here's a recipe for healthy cookies that always goes over big with kids. [=that children like a lot]

make it big or hit it big or hit big
informal : to become very successful

He always dreamed of making it big in the movie industry.

Her best friend hit it big playing the stock market.

think big

: to think about doing things that involve a lot of people, money, effort, etc. : to think about doing big things

If we're going to start our own business, we should think big.

big·a·my noun [noncount]

: the crime of marrying one person while you are still legally married to another

He was accused of bigamy.

big·a·mist noun, pl -mists [count]

She found out that he was a bigamist.

big·a·mous adj
a bigamous marriage

Big Apple noun

the Big Apple
informal
used as a name for New York City

She moved to the Big Apple after she graduated.

big band noun, pl bands [count]

: a large musical group that usually plays jazz music that people dance to

big bang noun

the big bang

: a huge explosion that might have happened when the universe began
a few billion years after the big bang

The scientific theory that the universe began with a huge explosion is called the big bang theory.

big-boned adj, bigger-boned, biggest-boned [or more ; most ]

: having large bones : large but not fat

He is tall and big-boned.

a big-boned girl/gal

big boys noun

the big boys
informal : the most powerful people or companies

He'll have to work pretty hard if he wants to compete with the big boys in the industry.

Big Brother noun [singular]

: a powerful government or organization that watches and controls what people say and do

“You better be careful about what you say,” she warned, “Big Brother is listening!”

see also 1BIG 7

big bucks noun [plural]

US informal : a large amount of money

A car like that costs big bucks.

He's making big bucks [=big money] at his new job.

big business noun [noncount]

1 : large companies considered together as a powerful group

The tax proposal will be of most benefit to big business.

2 : an activity or product that makes a large amount of money

Tourism is big business in the region.

big cat noun, pl cats [count]

: a large wild animal of the cat family
lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats

big cheese noun

the big cheese
informal : the most powerful or important person

You'll have to ask the big cheese. [=the boss]

Who's the big cheese around here?

big-city adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to a large city
big-city problems such as overcrowding and noise
a big-city school/hospital

: coming from or living in a large city
big-city cops/mayors
compare SMALL-TOWN

big deal noun [singular]

: something that is very important

The party was a big deal.

The cost didn't seem like much to me, but I know it was a big deal for many people.

So I'm late. What's the big deal? [=why is that important?]

often used in negative statements

Flying is no big deal to him.

Don't worry, it's no big deal. [=it's not a problem]

sometimes used ironically as an interjection to say that something is not important to you

“She's going to be angry.” “Big deal.” [=so what?]

“You broke it!” “Big deal.” [=I don't care]

make a big deal (out) of (something) or make (something) into a big deal

: to treat (something) as very important or too important

The girl's song was far from perfect, but her parents made a big deal of it, and she was very happy.

Don't make such a big deal (out) of missing the bus: there'll be another one along in a minute.

big dipper noun, pl -pers

1 the Big Dipper US : a group of seven stars in the northern sky that form a shape like a large dipper or ladle

We could see the Big Dipper [=(Brit) the Plough] in the northern sky.

compare LITTLE DIPPER

2 [count] Brit, old-fashioned : roller coaster 1

Big·foot or big·foot noun [singular]

: sasquatch

big game noun [noncount]

: large animals (such as elephants and tigers) that are hunted for sport

They traveled to Africa to hunt big game.

a big-game hunter

big·gie noun, pl -gies [count]

informal : someone or something that is very big or important

He met with some television biggies.

They've had problems before, but this one's a real biggie.

(chiefly US) “Sorry I'm late.” “No biggie. [=it's not a problem] I'm not in a hurry.”

big·gish adj

: somewhat big

He has a biggish [=largish] nose.

big government noun [noncount]

US : government that has too much influence and power over citizens
a politician who promises to do away with high taxes and big government

big gun noun

the big guns
informal : the most powerful people, companies, organizations, etc.

They called in the big guns to deal with the problem.

big-headed adj

1 : having a large head
a big-headed dinosaur

2 [more ; most ] disapproving : sure that you are better or more important than other people : conceited
big-headed celebrities/politicians

big-hearted adj [more ; most ]

: generous and kind
a big-hearted kid/person

big·horn sheep noun, pl sheep [count]

: a kind of wild sheep with long curved horns that lives in the mountains of western North America called also bighorn

big house noun

the big house

US slang : prison

He spent four years in the big house.

bight noun, pl bights [count]

: a curve in a coast or the bay formed by such a curve
the Bight of Benin
the Great Australian Bight

big league noun

the big leagues

US : the two main U.S. baseball leagues (the American League and the National League)

He always dreamed of playing in the big leagues. [=the major leagues]

often used figuratively

She's in the big leagues now, working for a major law firm in a large city.

big-league adj, always used before a noun

He hit a home run in his first big-league [=major-league] game.

big-league baseball
a big-league team

big leagu·er noun, pl -guers [count]

He hopes to be a big leaguer [=major leaguer] some day.

big mouth noun, pl mouths [count]

informal : a person who cannot keep a secret or who talks too much

She's a big mouth.

used in phrases that describe a person who talks too much

Why did you have to open your big mouth and tell everyone our business?

Be careful of what you say around hershe has a big mouth. [=she is likely to tell other people what you said]

big-mouthed adj

The surprise was spoiled by my big-mouthed friend.

big name noun, pl names [count]

informal : a very famous person

There were many big names [=celebrities] at the party.

He is a big name in the business world. [=he is a famous businessperson]

big-name adj, always used before a noun
a big-name movie star

big noise noun, pl noises [count]

Brit informal : a powerful or important person : big shot
usually singular

She's a big noise in local politics.

big·ot noun, pl -ots [count]

disapproving : a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person; especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group)

He was labeled a bigot after making some offensive comments.

big·ot·ed adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : having or showing a strong and unfair dislike of other people, ideas, etc.; especially : hating or refusing to accept the members of a particular group
a bigoted neighbor

Many people found his bigoted comments offensive.

big·ot·ry noun [noncount]

: bigoted acts or beliefs
a protest against bigotry
religious/racial bigotry

big picture noun

the big picture

: everything that relates to or is involved in a situation or issue

We need to look at the big picture before we can work out specific details.

big screen noun

the big screen

: movies and the movie industry especially when they are being compared to television

She was a star of the big screen. [=the silver screen]

The television show was adapted for the big screen. [=the television show was made into a movie]

big-screen adj, always used before a noun

1 : relating to movies or the movie industry

She worked on the novel's big-screen adaptation.

2 : having a large screen
a big-screen television

big shot noun, pl shots [count]

informal : a powerful or important person

All the corporate big shots are meeting this afternoon.

a big shot in local politics

big stick noun, pl sticks [count]

: a threat to use violence or force to make a person, group, country, etc., do something
usually singular

The organization wields a pretty big stick when it comes to fighting poverty. [=the organization is able to fight poverty because it can threaten to use force, such as legal action]

big-tick·et adj
chiefly US informal : having a high price : expensive
big-ticket items like cars and appliances

big time noun

the big time

: the highest or most successful level of an activity

He was a good basketball player but he never made (it to) the big time.

The group performed in small clubs for years before hitting the big time [=becoming very successful] with a record deal.

1big-time adj, always used before a noun

: relating to or involved in the highest or most successful level of an activity

I covered big-time [=major] college sports for the newspaper.

He became a big-time racketeer.

2big-time adv
chiefly US informal : in a big way : very much or very badly

The new show bombed big-time. [=the new show was very unsuccessful]

You owe me big-time.

big toe noun, pl toes [count]

: the largest toe on a person's foot

big top noun [singular]

: a large circus tent
usually used with the

She dreamed of performing under the big top. [=performing in/with the circus]

big wheel noun, pl wheels [count]

1 chiefly US, informal : a powerful or important person : big shot

He's a big wheel in local politics.

2 Brit : ferris wheel

big·wig noun, pl -wigs [count]

informal : a powerful or important person
corporate bigwigs [=big shots]

a bigwig in local politics

1bike noun, pl bikes [count]

1 : bicycle

She rode her bike to school.

a bike path

2 : motorcycle see also DIRT BIKE, MOTORBIKE

2bike verb, bikes, biked, bik·ing [no obj]

: to ride a bicycle

We biked to the park.

He bikes in the mountains.

biking noun [noncount]

Biking is a great form of exercise.

We're planning to go biking tomorrow.

bik·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who rides a motorcycle : motorcyclist

2 chiefly US : a person who rides a bicycle : bicyclist

bi·ki·ni noun, pl -nis [count]

: a piece of clothing in two parts that a girl or woman wears for swimming or for lying in the sun and that does not cover much of the body

bi·la·bi·al noun, pl -als [count]

linguistics : a sound made by using both lips

English bilabials such as /b/, /p/, and /m/

bilabial adj
a bilabial consonant

bi·lat·er·al adj

: involving two groups or countries
bilateral trade agreements
a bilateral treaty
compare MULTILATERAL, UNILATERAL

bile noun [noncount]

1 : a yellow or greenish liquid that is made by the liver and that helps the body to digest fats

2 : anger or hatred

One writer objected to what she described as “the bile that is spewed from the newspaper's editorial page.”

bilge noun, pl bilg·es

1 [count] : the bottom part of the inside of a ship or boat
water in the bilge

2 [noncount] informal : foolish or worthless statements or information : nonsense

That magazine prints a lot of bilge about celebrities.

bi·lin·gual adj

1 : able to speak and understand two languages

Several of the employees are bilingual.

He is bilingual in English and Japanese.

2 : using or expressed in two languages
a bilingual dictionary

She grew up in a bilingual community.

The town has an excellent bilingual education program.

compare MONOLINGUAL, MULTILINGUAL

bilingual noun, pl -guals [count]

Several of the employees are bilinguals.

bi·lin·gual·ism noun [noncount]

She says her bilingualism [=her ability to speak two languages] has helped her in her career.

bil·ious adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or causing a sick feeling in the stomach : feeling or causing nausea
a bilious attack

2 : angry or bad-tempered
a bilious disposition

3 : very unpleasant to look at
a bilious [=repulsive] shade of green

bilk verb, bilks, bilked, bilk·ing [+ obj]

chiefly US informal : to cheat or trick (a person or organization) especially by taking money

They were convicted of bilking [=defrauding, swindling] the company (out) of a lot of money.

1bill noun, pl bills [count]

1 : a document that says how much money you owe for something you have bought or used

He paid the telephone bill.

Did our water bill arrive yet?

I've been having a hard time paying the bills since I lost my job. [=paying what I owe for housing, heat, electricity, etc.]

The waiter gave us our bill.

I can't pay for it now: just put it on my bill. [=add the amount I now owe to what I already owe and I will pay the total amount later]

compare BILL OF SALE

2 : a written description of a new law that is being suggested and that the lawmakers of a country, state, etc., must vote to accept before it becomes law

They will introduce an antismoking bill in Congress.

The Senate passed/rejected the bill.

How does a bill become a law?

also : such a bill after it has become a law
the GI bill
see also BILL OF RIGHTS

3 chiefly US : a piece of paper money

He handed me a 5-dollar bill.

bills and coins
called also (Brit) note

4 : a written or printed advertisement that is used to announce a play, movie, or concert to the public and to list the names of the performers

Who is on the bill? [=who is performing?]

a double bill [=a concert that has two parts] featuring two of the world's best jazz trumpeters

The notice on the wall said “Post No Bills.” [=do not put any advertisements on the wall]

fill the bill or fit the bill

: to be exactly what is needed : to be suitable

If you want to stay near the beach, this hotel will fit the bill.

foot the bill see 2FOOT

give (someone or something) a clean bill of health

: to officially say that someone is healthy or that something is working correctly

The doctor gave him a clean bill of health.

The governor gives the program a clean bill of health.

compare 3BILL

2bill verb, bills, billed, bill·ing [+ obj]

1 : to send a bill to (someone or something) : to provide (a person, business, organization, etc.) with a statement that says how much money is owed for something that has been bought or used

They billed me for the repairs they made to the roof.

The company was billed for the deliveries.

2 : to describe (someone or something) as a particular thing so that people will like or want that person or thing
usually used as (be) billed

The city is being billed [=advertised] as one of the best places to live in the state.

She was billed as the next big movie star.

see also BILLING

3 : to officially say that someone is going to do something
usually used as (be) billed

Both writers are billed to appear at the conference.

compare 4BILL

3bill noun, pl bills [count]

1 : a bird's beak
a duck's bill

2 US : the part of a cap that sticks out in front : the visor of a hat
compare 1BILL

4bill verb, bills, billed, billing

bill and coo
old-fashioned : to kiss and talk quietly

A young couple sat together in the corner, billing and cooing.

compare 2BILL

bill·board noun, pl -boards [count]

: a large sign for advertisements that is next to a road, on the side of a building, etc. called also (Brit) hoarding

1bil·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a private home where a soldier lives temporarily with the people who live there

2billet verb, -lets, -let·ed, -let·ing [+ obj]

: to put (someone, such as a soldier) in a private home to live there temporarily
usually used as (be) billeted

The soldiers were billeted [=quartered, housed] in houses throughout the town.

bill·fold noun, pl -folds [count]

US : a small folding case that holds paper money and credit cards : wallet

bil·liards noun [noncount]

: any one of several games that are played on a large table by hitting solid balls into one another with the end of a long stick

The table used for some types of billiards has pockets at the corners and sides.

compare POOL, SNOOKER

bil·liard adj, always used before a noun
billiard balls
a billiard table

bill·ing noun [noncount]

: the things that are said or written to make people interested in a show, perfomer, etc.

The film didn't live up to its advance billing. [=it was not as good as people said it would be]

The person who gets top/star billing for a play, movie, etc., is the most important or famous performer whose name is shown above the names of other performers in signs and advertisements.

She'll get top billing on her next film.

Both of the actors want star billing.

bil·lion noun, pl billion or bil·lions [count]

1 : the number 1,000,000,000 : one thousand million
a/one/two billion (of them)

a hundred billion = 100 billion
several billion (of them) = (less commonly) several billions (of them)

hundreds of billions (of them)

a billion and one [=1,000,000,001]

a billion and a half = 1.5 billion [=1,500,000,000]

The company is worth billions. [=worth billions of dollars, pounds, euros, etc.]

2 : a very large amount or number

We could see a billion stars in the sky.

I've heard that excuse a billion times before. [=many, many times before]

often plural

We could see billions of stars.

billions and billions of stars

3 Brit, old-fashioned : the number 1,000,000,000,000 : trillion

bil·lionth adj
our (one) billionth customer

This is the billionth time I've seen this show. [=I've seen this show many times]

billionth noun, pl -lionths [count]

one billionth [=one of a billion equal parts] of a second

bil·lion·aire noun, pl -aires [count]

: a rich person who has at least a billion dollars, pounds, etc.

bill of exchange noun, pl bills of exchange [count]

business : a document that tells a person or business to pay a particular amount of money to another person or business

bill of fare noun, pl bills of fare [count]

somewhat formal + old-fashioned : a list of the things that are served at a restaurant : menu

The bill of fare includes several soups.

bill of rights or Bill of Rights noun [singular]

: a written statement that lists the basic rights of the citizens of a country

Certain freedoms are guaranteed to all Americans by the Bill of Rights. [=the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution]

bill of sale noun, pl bills of sale [count]

: a document saying that something has been sold to a new owner

Do you have the bill of sale for the car?

1bil·low noun, pl -lows [count]

1 : a moving cloud or mass of smoke, steam, etc.

Billows of smoke poured out of the burning building.

billows of fog

2 literary + old-fashioned : a large wave
the rolling billows of the sea

2billow verb, -lows, -lowed, -low·ing [no obj]

1 : to move as a large cloud or mass

Clouds of smoke billowed (up) from the chimney.

2 : to be pushed outward by air
sails billowing (out) in the breeze

3 literary + old-fashioned : to rise or roll in waves
the billowing ocean

bil·ly club noun, pl clubs [count]

US : nightstick

billy goat noun, pl goats [count]

: a male goat compare NANNY GOAT

bim·bo noun, pl -bos [count]

informal : an attractive but stupid woman

Her husband ran off with some bimbo.

bi·month·ly adj

1 : occurring every two months

The group holds bimonthly meetings in January, March, May, and so on.

2 : occurring twice a month : semimonthly

The group holds bimonthly meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

bimonthly adv

1bin noun, pl bins [count]

1 : a box that is used for storing things
a storage/laundry bin

Put the old newspapers in the recycling bin.

2 chiefly Brit : a can for trash or garbage : dustbin see also BIN LINER, BINMAN

2bin verb, bins, binned, bin·ning [+ obj]

Brit informal : to put (something) in the trash
binning old newspapers

bi·na·ry adj
technical

1 : relating to or consisting of two things or parts
binary stars

2 : relating to or involving a method of calculating and of representing information especially in computers by using the numbers 0 and 1
binary digits/numbers

1bind verb, binds, bound , bind·ing

1 [+ obj] : to tie or wrap (something) with rope, string, etc.

She bound her hair in a ponytail.

The machine binds the hay into bales.

2 [+ obj] : to tie the hands or feet of a person to prevent escape or movement

He bound the prisoner's wrists (together) with a rope.

The captive was bound and gagged. [=tied up and stopped from talking with something that covers the mouth]

sometimes used figuratively

They are bound by their own inhibitions.

3 [no obj] of clothing : to prevent free movement by fitting too tightly

He doesn't like to wear clothes that bind.

4 [+ obj] : to wrap or cover (something) with a bandage

The doctor bound (up) the injured ankle.

5 [+ obj] : to make (someone) have to do something because of a promise, agreement, etc.

He bound himself with an oath.

usually used as (be) bound

By signing here, you agree to be bound by the terms of the contract.

see also 2BINDING, 2BOUND 5

6 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as an agreement) certain

A handshake binds the deal.

7 [+ obj] : to cause (people) to be joined together closely
the emotional ties that bind us
different groups bound together by a common interest

8 : to cause (something) to form a mass that stays together

[+ obj] The mayonnaise binds the salad together.

[no obj] If you leave out the eggs, the dough won't bind.

9 technical : to combine with (something) by chemical forces

[+ obj] cellulose binds water

[no obj] particles that bind to/with one another

10 [+ obj] : to put a special decorative edge on (something, such as cloth or carpet)

You need to bind the edges so it won't unravel.

11 [+ obj] : to put a cover or binding on (a book)

This book was bound by hand.

see also 2BOUND 6

bind over [phrasal verb]

bind (someone) over

1 US, law : to require (someone) to appear in court

He was bound over for trial.

2 Brit, law : to warn (someone) that if they break the law again they will be punished

The shoplifters were simply bound over.

2bind noun [singular]

1 : a difficult situation

Can you help me? I seem to have gotten myself into a (bit of a) bind.

2 Brit : an annoying problem : nuisance

It's a real bind having to meet all these deadlines.

bind·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a cover for holding together sheets of paper
a loose-leaf binder
see also RING BINDER

2 : a material that is used to hold things together

The egg in the recipe acts as a binder.

3 : a person or machine that puts books together

4 US : a temporary insurance contract that provides coverage until a policy is issued

5 US : a payment given to make an agreement official and legal

She gave the lawyer 1,000 dollars as a binder when she signed the agreement to buy the house.

1bind·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : the cover of a book
a leather binding

2 : a narrow strip of cloth attached along the edge of something

[noncount] a carpet edged with canvas binding

[count] The bindings have started to come loose.

3 : a device that attaches a boot to a ski

2binding adj

: forcing or requiring someone to do something because of a promise, agreement, etc.

The contract is legally binding.

The parties agreed to settle the dispute through binding arbitration.

1binge noun, pl bing·es [count]

: a short period of time when you do too much of something
a drinking/shopping binge
often used in the phrase go on a binge

He went on an eating binge. [=he ate a lot in a short period of time]

often used before another noun
binge drinking

2binge verb, binges, binged, binge·ing or bing·ing [no obj]

: to eat, drink, etc., too much in a short period of time : to go on a binge
often + on

He binges on beer now and then.

binge and purge

: to eat a lot of food and then force yourself to vomit so that you do not gain weight

Her college roommate used to binge and purge.

bing·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He's a bit of a beer binger.

1bin·go noun [noncount]

: a game in which players match numbered squares on a card with numbers that are called out until someone wins by matching five squares in a row

She plays bingo twice a week.

often used before another noun
bingo halls/parlors
a bingo game

2bingo interj

1 used to announce that you have won the game in bingo

2
used to announce a successful result that is quick or unexpected

Then, bingo! The idea hit me.

3
used to indicate that another person's statement is correct

“You mean he lied to us?” “Bingo!” [=exactly]

bin liner noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : a plastic bag used in a garbage can

bin·man noun, pl -men [count]

Brit : garbageman

bin·oc·u·lar adj

: involving or designed for both eyes
binocular vision
a binocular microscope

bin·oc·u·lars noun [plural]

: a device that you hold up to your eyes and look through to see things that are far away
a bird in a tree seen through (a pair of) binoculars

bi·no·mi·al noun, pl -als [count]

mathematics : an expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus sign or minus sign
the binomial a + b

binomial adj
binomial expressions

bio- combining form

: relating to life or living things
biosphere
biochemistry

bio·chem·is·try noun [noncount]

: the chemistry of living things
the brain's biochemistry
advances in the field of biochemistry
a professor of biochemistry

bio·chem·i·cal adj
biochemical changes/processes

bio·chem·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

bio·de·grad·able adj

: capable of being slowly destroyed and broken down into very small parts by natural processes, bacteria, etc.

biodegradable trash bags

This plastic isn't biodegradable.

bio·di·ver·si·ty noun [noncount]

: the existence of many different kinds of plants and animals in an environment
efforts to preserve biodiversity

bio·feed·back noun [noncount]

: the technique of controlling things in your body (such as heartbeats or brain waves) with your conscious mind

bio·graph·i·cal adj

: relating to or telling the story of a real person's life
biographical information
a biographical essay

bi·og·ra·phy noun, pl -phies [count]

: the story of a real person's life written by someone other than that person
a new biography of Abraham Lincoln
compare AUTOBIOGRAPHY

bi·og·ra·pher noun, pl -ers [count]

Lincoln's biographers [=people who wrote biographies of Lincoln]

bio·haz·ard noun, pl -ards [count]

: a biological or chemical substance or situation that is dangerous to human beings and the environment

The gasoline spill created a serious biohazard.

bio·haz·ard·ous adj
biohazardous materials

bi·o·log·i·cal adj

1 : of or relating to biology or to life and living things
biological processes
biological research

2 : related through birth
used to distinguish the parents who gave birth to a child from the parents who later adopted the child
an adopted child who finally found her biological mother

bi·o·log·i·cal·ly adv
a biologically diverse region

biological clock noun, pl clocks [count]

: a system in the body that controls the occurrence of natural processes (such as waking, sleeping, and aging)

often used to describe a woman's desire to have children before she is too old

She felt her biological clock ticking away and wanted to have a baby as soon as possible.

biological control noun, pl -trols

1 [noncount] : a method of controlling harmful insects, diseases, etc., in an environment (such as a garden or a lawn) by using other insects or natural substances

She practices biological control in her gardening.

2 [count] : an insect or a natural substance that is used to control control harmful insects, diseases, etc.

She uses biological controls in her garden.

biological warfare noun [noncount]

: the use of harmful living things (such as germs that cause disease) as weapons in a war

biological weapon noun, pl -ons [count]

: a harmful living thing (such as a germ that causes disease) used as a weapon in a war

bi·ol·o·gy noun [noncount]

1 : a science that deals with things that are alive (such as plants and animals)

advances in the field of biology
a professor of biology

2 : the plant and animal life of a particular place
the biology of the rain forest

3 : the processes that occur in a living thing
human biology
the biology of tumor cells

bi·ol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

bi·on·ic adj
of body parts : made stronger or more capable by special electronic devices
usually used figuratively
a pitcher with a bionic arm [=a pitcher who throws extremely fast]

bio·pic noun, pl -pics [count]

informal : a biographical movie

We watched a biopic about Beethoven.

bi·op·sy noun, pl -sies [count]

medical : the removal of tissue, cells, or fluids from someone's body in order to check for illness
a skin biopsy

bio·rhythm noun, pl -rhythms [count]

: a natural, repeated pattern of changes that occur in the body and that affect the way a person feels

bio·sphere noun [singular]

: the part of the Earth in which life can exist
usually used with the
the effects of pollution on the biosphere

bio·tech noun [noncount]

: biotechnology

bio·tech·nol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: the use of living cells, bacteria, etc., to make useful products (such as crops that insects are less likely to destroy or new kinds of medicine)

bio·tech·no·log·i·cal adj

bi·par·ti·san Brit adj

: relating to or involving members of two political parties
a bipartisan effort/commission

The bill has bipartisan support.

bi·par·ti·san·ship Brit noun [noncount]

bi·ped noun, pl -peds [count]

: a 2-footed animal

Human beings are bipeds.

compare QUADRUPED

bi·plane noun, pl -planes [count]

: an old type of airplane that has two sets of wings with one placed above the other compare MONOPLANE

bi·po·lar disorder noun [noncount]

medical : manic depression

bi·ra·cial adj

: of, relating to, or involving people from two races
a biracial coalition
a biracial couple
also : having parents from two races
biracial children

birch noun, pl birch·es

1 a [count] : a type of tree that has outer bark which can be pulled off easily called also birch tree

1 b [noncount] : the hard, pale wood of the birch
a cabinet made of birch

2 the birch Brit : the punishment of being hit with a birch stick

In those days, schoolchildren got the birch when they misbehaved.

bird noun, pl birds [count]

1 : an animal that has wings and is covered with feathers

A large bird flew overhead.

The birds were singing outside our window.

a flock of birds
see also BIRD OF PARADISE, BIRD OF PASSAGE, BIRD OF PREY

2 informal : person

He's a tough old bird.

see also RARE BIRD

3 Brit, informal + sometimes offensive : girl

We met some smashing birds at the pub last night.

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

The expression a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush means that it is better to hold onto something you have than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.

(as) free as a bird see 1FREE

birds of a feather flock together see 1FEATHER

for the birds
informal : worthless or ridiculous

This town is for the birds.

give (someone) the bird
informal

1 or flip (someone) the bird US : to make an offensive gesture at someone by pointing the middle finger upward while keeping the other fingers folded down

He flipped them the bird. [=gave them the finger]

2 Brit : to loudly shout at, laugh at, or boo someone (such as a performer) in order to show disapproval

The audience gave him the bird.

kill two birds with one stone see 1KILL

the birds and the bees
informal + humorous : the facts about sex that are told to children

He dreaded having to explain about the birds and the bees [=the facts of life] to his son.

the early bird catches/gets the worm see 2EARLY

bird·bath Brit noun, pl -baths [count]

: a bowl that is filled with water and usually raised above the ground in a yard or garden so birds can bathe in it

bird·brain noun, pl -brains [count]

US informal : a stupid person

Her brother's a real birdbrain.

bird·brained adj
her birdbrained brother

bird·cage noun, pl -cag·es [count]

: a cage for birds

bird dog noun, pl dogs [count]

US : a dog that has been trained to help people hunt birds called also (Brit) gun dog

bird·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: bird-watcher

bird·ing noun [noncount]

She goes birding [=bird-watching] with her friends.

bird·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a small covered box that is made as a place for wild birds to nest

1bird·ie noun, pl -ies

1 [count] : a small bird
used especially by children or when speaking to children

Look at all the little birdies.

2 golf : a score of one stroke less than par on a hole

[count] I made/scored a birdie on the fifth hole.

[noncount] I made birdie on the fifth hole.

compare BOGEY, EAGLE

3 [count] US : shuttlecock

2birdie verb, bird·ies, bird·ied, bird·ie·ing [+ obj]

: to score a birdie on (a hole in golf)

She birdied the second hole.

bird·like adj [more ; most ]

: resembling a bird
a small, birdlike man
birdlike features

bird·life noun [noncount]

: the birds that live in a particular place

The rain forests are rich in birdlife. [=there are many birds in the rain forests]

bird of paradise noun, pl birds of paradise [count]

: any one of many brightly colored birds that live in New Guinea and in nearby islands

bird of passage noun, pl birds of passage [count]

1 : a bird that travels from one location to another when the seasons change

2 literary : a person who wanders to many different places throughout life

bird of prey noun, pl birds of prey [count]

: a bird that hunts and eats other animals
eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey

bird·seed noun [noncount]

: seeds that are used for feeding birds

bird's-eye adj, always used before a noun

: seen from high above

We had a bird's-eye view/perspective of the city as we flew over it.

bird·song noun [noncount]

: the song of a bird or of many birds

The forest was filled with birdsong.

bird-watch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who watches and identifies wild birds called also birder

bird-watch·ing noun [noncount]

She goes bird-watching [=birding] with her friends.

birth noun, pl births

1 : the time when a baby comes out from the body of its mother

[count] He was present at/for the birth of his daughter.

The hospital reported an increase in premature births.

[noncount] Please indicate your date of birth.

the period from birth to adolescence
a disease that is present at birth

She's Canadian by birth. [=she was born in Canada]

often used before another noun

What was the baby's birth weight?

2 [noncount] : the beginning or origin of something
the birth of the solar system
the birth of the blues

We are witnessing the birth of a new era.

3 [noncount]

used to describe the kind of family a person comes from
a person of noble/low/humble birth [=ancestry]

give birth

1 of a mother : produce a baby from the body

Did she give birth in a hospital or at home?

usually + to

He was present when his wife gave birth to his daughter.

Our cat gave birth to four kittens.

2 : to cause the beginning of something

+ to
a revolution that gave birth to a new nation

birth canal noun, pl -nals [count]

: the part of a mother's body that a baby passes through when it is born

birth certificate noun, pl -cates [count]

: an official document that gives information about a person's birth (such as the person's name, the names of the parents, and the time and place where the birth occurred)

birth control noun [noncount]

: things that are done to keep a woman from becoming pregnant
modern methods of birth control [=contraception]

often used before another noun
a birth control pill

birth·day noun, pl -days [count]

1 : the day when someone was born or the anniversary of that day

Her birthday is September 30th.

Today is his 21st birthday.

Happy Birthday!

often used before another noun
a birthday party/gift

2 : the day when something began

The company just celebrated its 50th birthday.

birthday suit
informal + humorous

If you are wearing your birthday suit, you are naked.

We were standing there in nothing but our birthday suits.

birth father noun, pl -ers [count]

: the father of a child when the child is born : the natural father of a child who has been adopted

birth·ing noun [noncount]

: the act of giving birth
pregnancy and birthing
home birthing
often used before another noun
a birthing room/center
the birthing process

birth·mark noun, pl -marks [count]

: an unusual mark that is present on the skin from the time when someone is born

birth mother noun, pl -ers [count]

: the mother of a child when the child is born : a woman who gave birth to a child who has been adopted

birth parent noun, pl -ents [count]

: the natural father or mother of a child who has been adopted

birth·place noun, pl -plac·es [count]

: the place where someone was born or where something began

He visited his grandmother's birthplace.

New Orleans is regarded as the birthplace of jazz.

birth·rate noun, pl -rates [count]

: a number that shows how many babies are born in a particular place or during a particular time
nations with high birthrates

birth·right noun, pl -rights [count]

: a right that you have because you were born into a particular position, family, place, etc., or because it is a right of all people
the freedom that is our birthright

bis·cuit noun, pl -cuits [count]

1 US : a small, light roll that is eaten as part of a meal

2 Brit : cookie

take the biscuit

Brit informal : to win the prize
used to describe something that is extremely surprising, annoying, etc.

I've heard some silly excuses in my time, but this one really takes the biscuit! [=(US) takes the cake]

bi·sect verb, -sects, -sect·ed, -sect·ing [+ obj]

: to divide (something) into two equal parts

Draw a line that bisects the angle.

The city is bisected by the highway.

bi·sex·u·al adj

1 : sexually attracted to both men and women
bisexual people

She's bisexual.

compare HETEROSEXUAL, HOMOSEXUAL

2 : having both male and female sex parts
a bisexual plant

3 : relating to or involving two sexes
bisexual reproduction

bisexual noun, pl -als [count]

He identifies himself as a bisexual.

bi·sex·u·al·i·ty noun [noncount]

bish·op noun, pl -ops [count]

1 : an official in some Christian religions who is ranked higher than a priest and who is usually in charge of church matters in a specific geographical area

Roman Catholic bishops
the Bishop of New York

2 : a piece in the game of chess that moves across the board at an angle

bish·op·ric noun, pl -rics [count]

1 : the area a bishop is in charge of : diocese

2 : the position of bishop

He was elected to the bishopric at the turn of the century.

bis·muth noun [noncount]

: a grayish-white metallic element that is used in alloys and drugs

bi·son noun, pl bison also bi·sons [count]

: a large, hairy wild animal that has a big head and short horns called also (US) buffalo

bisque noun, pl bisques [count, noncount]

: a thick, creamy soup
lobster bisque

bis·tro noun, pl -tros [count]

: a small restaurant or bar
a trendy bistro
a bistro in Paris that serves veal chops and hearty stews

1bit noun, pl bits

1 [count] : a small piece of something

Put all the broken bits back together.

often + of

He ate every last/single bit of the food. [=he ate all of the food]

He ate only a couple of tiny little bits of bread and cheese and drank a drop or two of wine.

We need to get all the bits of dirt out of the carpet.

There were broken bits of glass all over the floor.

see also BITS AND PIECES ((BELOW))

2 [count]

2 a chiefly Brit : a part of something (such as a book, play, etc.)

There are some good bits [=parts] near the end of the story: one is the bit where the hero and the heroine are nearly separated.

2 b chiefly US : a brief comic performance or joke

The comedian did a funny bit about taking his daughter to the dentist.

a corny comedy bit

2 c : a very short performance in a movie, play, etc.

usually used before another noun
a bit part/role
bit players

3 [singular] informal : all the things that are connected to an activity, a process, etc.

He says he's tired of his job, tired of driving to work every day, the whole bit. [=everything]

4 [count] Brit : an old coin with a specified small value
a threepenny bit
see also TWO BITS

a bit

1 : a little : somewhat or rather

I let it bother me a bit. [=slightly]

His house is down the street a bit further.

There's a bit too much sugar in the dessert, which makes it a bit too sweet.

I'm feeling a bit better today.

It's a bit like driving a car.

This one is a bit bigger than that one.

At first, I was a bit confused.

2 : a small amount or quantity : a little of something

They don't understand muchbut they do understand a bit.

They saved money a bit at a time.

“How much cake is left?” “Only a (very little) bit.”

“How old is your daughter?” “She's two and a bit.” [=she's slightly older than two]

often + of

They understand only a bit of [=a little of] what is going on.

There's a bit of both brown sugar and molasses in these cookies.

The job may cause you a bit of trouble.

His mind's already made up. It won't do you a bit of good to argue. [=it won't do you any good to argue]

3 a : a short period of time : a while

Let's wait a (little/wee) bit longer.

Repairs will begin in a bit more than a month.

He left but came back after a bit. [=he came back soon]

3 b : for a short period of time

Please stay here with me a bit.

a bit much
informal
used to describe a person or thing that is regarded as annoying, excessive, or unfair

My mother thinks he's funny, but I find him a bit much.

I find his constant joking a bit much.

It was a bit much to expect us to wait that long.

The hot weather is getting to be a bit much.

a bit of a/an
chiefly Brit
used to make a statement or description less forceful or definite

I had a bit of a shock when I saw him. [=I was somewhat shocked when I saw him]

He's a bit of a rascal. [=he's something of a rascal]

We had a bit of a laugh about it afterwards.

a bit of all right

Brit informal : someone or something very pleasing; especially : a sexually attractive person

His girlfriend's a bit of all right.

a little bit see 3LITTLE

bit by bit

: by small steps or amounts : gradually

The situation improved bit by bit. [=little by little]

I got to know them bit by bit.

bits and pieces

1 : small pieces

There were broken bits and pieces of glass all over the floor.

I finished the project in bits and pieces [=a little at a time] during my spare time.

2 or Brit bits and bobs : things or objects of different kinds

There are just a few bits and pieces of furniture in the office.

No one knows exactly what happened. All we have is a few bits and pieces [=odds and ends] of information so far.

do your bit
chiefly Brit : to do your share of a job or task

We all have to do our bit [=do our part] to help out.

every bit

: in every way

The end of the movie was every bit [=just] as good as the beginning.

This new project seems every bit as ambitious as the first one.

He is every bit the high-powered businessman.

You are every bit as deserving as she is.

not a/one bit or not (in) the least/smallest/slightest/tiniest bit

: not at all

It didn't interest me a bit. = It didn't interest me one (single/little) bit.

I'm not a bit interested in this movie. = I'm not the least bit interested in this movie.

That joke was not a/one bit funny. [=was not funny at all]

We weren't a bit tired. [=we weren't tired at all]

not a bit of it

Brit informal
used to say that something expected or possible did not happen or is not true

Am I tired? Not a bit of it. [=I am not tired at all]

I thought she'd be angry, but not a bit of it. [=she wasn't angry at all]

quite a bit or chiefly Brit a good/fair bit

: a fairly large amount : a lot

He knows quite a bit [=quite a lot] more about it than I do.

The wait was quite a bit [=considerably] longer than I thought it would be.

She lost the race by quite a bit.

We've been seeing quite a bit of each other lately. [=we've been spending a lot of time together lately]

She'd already finished a good bit of the work before I returned.

There's still a fair bit (of the cake) left.

take a bit of doing see DOING

to bits

1 : to pieces : apart

The ball hit the window and smashed it to bits.

The bridge was blown to bits by the explosion.

(chiefly Brit) The pie was falling to bits [=falling apart] as I tried to serve it.

2 informal : to a very great degree

She was thrilled to bits. [=she was very thrilled]

compare 2BIT, 3BIT

2bit noun, pl bits [count]

1 : the part of a tool (such as a drill) that is used for cutting, drilling, etc.

2 : a piece of metal that is put in the mouth of a horse and that is part of the device (called a bridle) that is used to control the horse

champing/chomping at the bit

: waiting in an impatient way to do something

We've all been champing at the bit to get started on the project.

get/take the bit between your teeth

: to start doing something in a very enthusiastic and determined way

He can be lazy about doing his work, but when he gets the bit between his teeth there's no stopping him.

compare 1BIT, 3BIT

3bit noun, pl bits [count]

computers : a single unit of computer information that is represented as either 1 or 0 compare BYTE, see also MEGABIT
compare 1BIT, 2BIT

4bit past tense of 1BITE

1bitch noun, pl bitch·es

1 [count] : a female dog

2 [count] informal + offensive : a very bad or unpleasant woman : a woman you strongly dislike or hate

You stupid bitch!

I hate that bitch.

3 [singular] informal : something that is very difficult or unpleasant

Divorce is a bitch.

That word is a bitch to spell.

see also SON OF A BITCH

2bitch verb, bitches, bitched, bitch·ing [no obj]

informal + disapproving : to complain about something in a repeated and annoying way

He bitched constantly about his old car, but he doesn't like his new one either.

Stop bitching at me.

bitch·in' adj [more ; most ]

US slang : very good or appealing : cool
a bitchin' car
a bitchin' band

bitchy adj, bitch·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : very unpleasant, unfriendly, or rude
a bitchy salesclerk
a bitchy attitude
a bitchy comment

bitch·i·ly adv

bitch·i·ness noun [noncount]

1bite verb, bites, bit , bit·ten , bit·ing

1 of a person or animal

1 a : to press down on or cut into (someone or something) with the teeth

[+ obj] He bit the apple.

The hamster bit the child.

She bit the cookie in half.

Some people bite their nails when they feel nervous.

often + off

The child bit off a corner of the cracker.

[no obj] A wild animal may bite if it is frightened.

often + down, into, or through

He accidentally bit down on his tongue.

She had just bitten into her sandwich when the phone rang.

The dog bit through its leash and ran off.

Go talk to him. He won't bite. [=you should not be afraid to go talk to him]

1 b of an insect or snake : to wound (someone) by pushing a stinger, fang, etc., into the skin

[+ obj] The patient had been bitten by a poisonous snake.

A mosquito bit me.

[no obj] The mosquitoes are biting tonight.

sometimes used figuratively

He was bitten by the travel bug. [=he became very interested in or excited about traveling]

2 [no obj] : to grab and hold something without slipping
usually + into

The anchor bit into the ocean floor.

3 [no obj]

3 a of a fish : to take a fishhook and bait into the mouth and usually to get caught

Are the fish biting today?

3 b somewhat informal : to respond to or accept something that is being offered

Someone gets you to bite by offering something you want so that you will do something desired.

We offered them a great deal, but they wouldn't bite. [=they wouldn't accept the deal]

“I just heard the juiciest piece of gossip!” “OK, I'll bite. [=I'll ask the question you want me to ask] What is it?”

4 [no obj] chiefly Brit : to have a bad effect

With the recession starting to bite, many government-funded programs have had to be eliminated.

5 [no obj] US slang, impolite : to be extremely bad

This movie really bites. [=sucks, stinks]

“They canceled the concert.” “Man, that bites!” [=(politely) that's awful]

bite back [phrasal verb]

informal

1 : to attack or criticize someone who has attacked or criticized you

Weary of her rival's accusations, the candidate bit back [=hit back, fought back] with an aggressive ad campaign.

often + at

She bit back at her rival with an aggressive ad campaign.

2 bite back (something) or bite (something) back : to stop yourself from saying (something)

I attempted to smile sweetly while biting back angry comments.

bite off more than you can chew
informal : to try to do too much : to take on more responsibility than you can handle

I really bit off more than I could chew when I took on this project.

bite someone's head off
informal : to yell at someone or to be very critical of someone especially very suddenly and without a good reason

I asked him one simple question and he bit my head off.

bite the bullet
informal : to do something unpleasant or painful because it is necessary even though you would like to avoid it

We need to bite the bullet and make some budget cuts.

bite the dust
informal : to die or stop functioning

My old car finally bit the dust and I had to buy a new one.

bite the hand that feeds you
informal : to harm someone who has helped or supported you

He was reluctant to criticize his mentor for fear of biting the hand that fed him.

bite your tongue also bite your lip
informal : to not speak : to stop yourself from saying something that you are tempted to say

I thought she was acting foolishly, but I bit my tongue [=held my tongue] and didn't say anything.

often used as a command

“I hope he gets hurt.” “Bite your tongue! [=don't say that] That's a terrible thing to say!”

come back to bite you

If something that you do comes back to bite you, it causes problems for you at a later time.

Their decision not to invest more money in new equipment may come back to bite them eventually.

hair of the dog that bit you see HAIR

once bitten, twice shy

The expression once bitten, twice shy means that a person who has failed or been hurt when trying to do something is careful or fearful about doing it again.

bit·er noun, pl -ers [count]

2bite noun, pl bites

1 [count]

1 a : an act of biting

He ate the candy bar in three quick bites.

She gave her lip a gentle bite.

The fisherman felt a bite at the end of his line and reeled in a fish.

1 b : the way the upper and lower teeth come together

My teenage daughter wears a special device at night to correct her bite.

see also OVERBITE

2 a [count] : the amount of food eaten with a bite

He took several bites (out) of the apple.

She didn't touch/eat a bite. [=she didn't eat anything]

I can't eat another bite. [=I'm completely full; I no longer feel any hunger]

2 b [singular] informal : a small amount of food : a snack or a small informal meal

We grabbed a quick bite (to eat) before the show.

They've gone out for a bite (to eat).

3 [count] : a wound made by biting

Don't scratch that mosquito bite.

see also SNAKEBITE

4 [noncount] : a bad effect : a negative impact

Many agencies have been feeling the bite of budget cuts.

5 [noncount]

5 a : a sharp feeling or taste

We felt the bite of the cold wind on our cheeks.

The soup has a peppery bite.

5 b : a sharp quality in something written, spoken, or performed

Something that has bite usually expresses criticism in a strong and often clever way.

satirical bite
the bite of his humor

your bark is worse than your bite see 2BARK
see also SOUND BITE

bite-size also bite-sized adj

: small enough to be eaten in one bite
bite-size pieces

bit·ing adj [more ; most ]

1 : unpleasantly cold
a biting wind
biting cold

2 : having a sharply critical and often clever quality
biting accusations
biting social commentary
biting wit

bit·map noun, pl -maps [count]

computers : an image which is stored as an arrangement of bits that represent each of the small dots that form the image

bit·mapped adj

bitten past participle of 1BITE

1bit·ter adj [more ; most ]

The form bitterer is almost never used to mean “more bitter,” but the form bitterest is commonly used to mean “most bitter.”

1 : having a strong and often unpleasant flavor that is the opposite of sweet

Cocoa beans have a bitter flavor.

The medicine had a bitter aftertaste.

2 : causing painful emotions
bitter disappointments
a bitter defeat

: felt or experienced in a strong and unpleasant way

We were struck by the bitter irony of the situation.

A bitter pill or a bitter pill to swallow is something that is difficult or painful to accept.

The defeat was a bitter pill for the team to swallow.

3 : angry and unhappy because of unfair treatment

His betrayal had made her bitter.

She was still bitter toward her ex-husband.

He's the bitterest man I know.

4 : feeling or showing a lot of hatred or anger
bitter enemies
a bitter argument
a bitter reply

5 : very cold
a bitter wind
bitter cold

to/until the bitter end

: until the end of something that may be very bad, unpleasant, etc.

I knew she would stand by me to the bitter end.

He vowed that he would keep fighting until the bitter end.

bit·ter·ly adv

We were bitterly disappointed.

He complained bitterly about the crowds.

bitterly cold

bit·ter·ness noun [noncount]

2bitter noun, pl -ters

1 bit·ters [plural] : a bitter alcoholic liquid that is used especially in mixed drinks

The cocktail recipe called for a dash of bitters.

2 Brit : a type of beer that has a slightly bitter flavor

[noncount] a pint of bitter

[count] a good selection of bitters

bittersweet adj [more ; most ]

1 : having both bitter and sweet flavors
bittersweet chocolate

2 : combining sadness and happiness
a bittersweet story
bittersweet memories

bit·ty adj

1 chiefly US, informal : very small
a little bitty [=tiny] room

2 Brit, informal : made up of many small parts that do not seem to fit together well
a bitty and uneven book

bi·valve noun, pl -valves [count]

biology : a sea animal that has a shell with two movable parts connected by a hinge
clams, mussels, oysters, and other bivalves

bivalve adj

Clams and oysters are bivalve mollusks.

biv·ouac noun, pl -ouacs [count]

: a temporary camp or shelter

bivouac verb, -ouacs, -ouacked, -ouack·ing [no obj]

The climbers bivouacked on a ledge of the cliff.

1bi·week·ly adj

1 : happening every two weeks

The biweekly [=(chiefly Brit) fortnightly] sales meeting is scheduled for every other Tuesday.

2 : happening twice a week : semiweekly

She attends biweekly classes and studies at the library every Saturday.

biweekly adv

The class meets biweekly.

2biweekly noun, pl -lies [count]

: a biweekly publication : a magazine or newspaper that is published every two weeks

biz noun [singular]

informal : business
the music biz

She left the farm for a career in show biz. [=show business]

bi·zarre adj [more ; most ]

: very unusual or strange

His behavior was bizarre.

I just heard the most bizarre story.

She wore a bizarre outfit.

bi·zarre·ly adv

bi·zarre·ness noun [noncount]

blab verb, blabs, blabbed, blab·bing
informal

1 : to say something that was supposed to be kept secret

[+ obj] Don't tell Mary. She'll blab it all over town.

[no obj] “How did she find out about the surprise party?” “Tom blabbed.”

2 [no obj] : to talk too much

He kept blabbing on and on about politics.

blab·ber·mouth noun, pl -mouths [count]

informal : someone who reveals secrets or talks too much

1black adj, black·er, -est

1 a : having the very dark color of coal or the night sky
black ink
a black dress

1 b : very dark because there is no light
a black night

2 or Black : of or relating to a race of people who have dark skin and who come originally from Africa
black people
black culture

In the U.S., the term African-American is often preferred over black when referring to Americans of African descent.

3 : very dirty

His hand were black with grime.

4 : served without cream or milk
black coffee

5 literary : evil or wicked
a black deed
see also BLACK ART, BLACK MAGIC

6 a : very sad or hopeless : bleak

The outlook was black.

When they heard the terrible news, they were filled with black despair.

6 b : very tragic or unhappy

That was a black day in our country's history.

7 : marked by anger or hatred

A black [=very angry] look darkened his face.

black resentment
a black mood

8
used to describe humor that deals with subjects which are usually regarded as very serious or unpleasant

The film is a black comedy set in a funeral home.

black humor

black·ly adv
a blackly funny/comic/humorous movie

black·ness noun [noncount]

the blackness of the night

2black noun, pl blacks

1 : the dark color of coal or the night sky

[noncount] The wall was painted in black.

the black of night

[count] a mixture of grays and blacks

2 [noncount] : black clothing

She was dressed in black.

3 [count] : a person belonging to a race of people who have dark skin : a black person

The singular form black in this sense is rarely used and is often considered offensive. It should be avoided. The plural form blacks is commonly used to refer to black people as a group or community.

His policies are supported by both blacks and whites.

in the black

: making a profit

The company is finally in the black. [=the company is profitable]

compare in the red at 2RED

3black verb, blacks, blacked, black·ing [+ obj]

1 old-fashioned + literary : to make (something) black

He blacked his boots with polish.

2 Brit : to refuse to work for or with (a business, employer, etc.) or to buy (goods, services, etc.)

Labor union members have blacked the company.

black out [phrasal verb]

1 : to suddenly become unconscious

What's the last thing you remember before you blacked out? [=passed out, fainted]

2 black (something) out or black out (something)

2 a : to cover (something written) with a black or dark mark so that it cannot be read

Someone had blacked out certain sections of the newspaper.

2 b : to cause (a place) to become dark

They blacked out the stage by turning off all the lights.

2 c : to prevent the broadcast of (a televised sports event)

usually used as (be) blacked out

Last night's game was blacked out in this area, so I couldn't watch it.

see also BLACKOUT

black-and-blue adj

: having dark marks (called bruises) on your skin because of being hit or injured

He beat me black-and-blue. [=he beat me until I was covered with bruises]

She had black-and-blue marks [=dark bruises] all over her legs.

black-and-white adj

1 : partly black and partly white in color
a black-and-white dog

2 : having, showing, or producing pictures that do not have colors except for black, white, and shades of gray

She loves to watch old black-and-white movies.

black-and-white wedding photos
a black-and-white television set

Did you put color or black-and-white film in the camera?

3 : involving a simple choice between things that are clearly opposite and especially between good and bad or right and wrong

You are oversimplifying things if you only look at the situation in black-and-white terms.

The truth is not always black-and-white.

black and white noun

in black and white

1 : in written or printed form

I want to see it in black and white.

2 : in a way that involves a simple choice between two opposite things (such as good and bad or right and wrong)

She sees everything in black and white.

3 : using equipment that produces only black-and-white pictures
a movie filmed in black and white.

black art noun, pl arts [count]

: a skill or ability that seems mysterious or magical
often used humorously

She's trying to master the black art of setting up a computer network.

the black arts

: black magic

She practices the black arts.

black·ball verb, -balls, -balled, -ball·ing [+ obj]

: to prevent (someone) from joining a group, club, etc., by voting against him or her
often used as (be) blackballed

He was blackballed by the fraternity.

black bear noun, pl bears [count]

: a North American bear that usually has black fur

black belt noun, pl belts [count]

: an expert in a martial art such as karate or tae kwon do

She is a karate black belt.

also : the rank of such an expert

He has a black belt in judo.

black·ber·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a black or dark purple berry that is sweet and juicy; also : the plant that blackberries grow on

black·bird noun, pl -birds [count]

1 : any one of several American birds with males that are mostly black

2 : a common European bird with males that have black feathers and an orange bill

black·board noun, pl -boards [count]

: a smooth, dark surface that is used for writing on with chalk in a classroom called also (chiefly US) chalkboard

black box noun, pl boxes [count]

: a device used in an airplane to record flight information (such as altitude or airspeed) or the voices of the pilots and crew

The black boxes were recovered from the crash site and provided useful information about the cause of the crash.

black death noun

the black death or the Black Death

: a deadly disease (called bubonic plague) that spread through Asia and Europe in the 14th century

black·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 : to make something dark or black or to become dark or black

[+ obj] Fire had blackened the field.

[no obj] The sky blackened as the storm approached.

2 [+ obj] : to hurt the reputation of (someone or something)

Their false accusations failed to blacken my reputation/name/character.

a presidency blackened by scandal

black·ened adj
of food : coated with a mixture of hot spices and fried over very high heat
blackened tuna

black eye noun, pl eyes [count]

: a dark area of skin around the eye caused by being hit hard

He gave me a black eye. [=he punched me in the eye causing a dark bruise]

often used figuratively

The scandal gave the team a black eye. [=the scandal caused people to think badly of the team]

black-eyed pea noun, pl peas [count]

chiefly US : a type of small, light bean that has a dark spot on it called also (chiefly Brit) black-eyed bean (chiefly US) cowpea

black-eyed Su·san noun, pl -sans [count]

: a North American flower with yellow or orange petals and a dark center

black·fly noun, pl -flies or -fly [count]

: a small fly that bites

black gold noun [noncount]

informal : petroleum, oil

After months of drilling, they finally hit/struck black gold.

black·guard noun, pl -guards [count]

old-fashioned + literary : a rude or dishonest man : a man who deserves to be hated
a cowardly blackguard

black·head noun, pl -heads [count]

: a small, inflamed area on the skin with a dark spot in the middle

black hole noun, pl holes [count]

: an invisible area in outer space with gravity so strong that light cannot get out of it
often used figuratively

The project turned out to be a financial black hole. [=something that constantly uses up a large amount of money without producing a good result]

black ice noun [noncount]

: a thin layer of ice on a paved road that is very difficult to see

Drivers should beware of black ice.

black·jack noun, pl -jacks

1 [noncount] : a card game in which the players try to get a score that is higher than that of the dealer but less than or equal to 21
often used before another noun
a blackjack table [=a table at which blackjack is played in a casino]

; called also (US) twenty-one

2 [count] : a small leather-covered metal club used as a hand weapon

black·leg noun, pl -legs [count]

Brit disapproving : a person who works while other employees are on strike : scab

1black·list noun, pl -lists [count]

: a list of people, organizations, etc., that are disapproved of or that are to be punished or avoided

He's on the FBI's blacklist.

The rental company has created a blacklist of bad drivers.

2blacklist verb, -lists, -list·ed, -list·ing [+ obj]

: to say that a person, company, etc., should be avoided or not allowed to do something : to place (someone or something) on a blacklist
often used as (be) blacklisted

In the 1950s, many Hollywood film actors were blacklisted for suspected involvement with the Communist Party.

black magic noun [noncount]

: magic that is associated with the devil or with evil spirits : evil magic

He wore a special necklace to protect against black magic.

1black·mail noun [noncount]

1 : the crime of threatening to tell secret information about someone unless the person being threatened gives you money or does what you want

She was a victim of blackmail.

sometimes used figuratively

He used emotional blackmail to get what he wanted from her. [=he unfairly made her feel guilty or upset to get what he wanted]

2 : something (such as money) that is received through blackmail

The servant extorted blackmail from her employer.

2blackmail verb, -mails, -mailed, -mail·ing [+ obj]

: to use blackmail against (someone)

The old man was being blackmailed by his nephew.

black·mail·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Black Ma·ria noun, pl Ma·rias [count]

Brit old-fashioned : patrol wagon

black mark noun, pl marks [count]

: something that makes something else less perfect or less appealing

The suspension was a black mark on her record.

His habitual tardiness was a black mark against him.

black market noun, pl -kets [count]

: a system through which things are bought and sold illegally

The black market in prescription drugs is thriving.

They unloaded the stolen goods on the black market.

black marketeer noun, pl -teers [count]

black·out noun, pl -outs [count]

1 : a period when lights are kept off or are hidden from view to guard against enemy airplane attack in a war
the blackouts of World War II

2 : a period when lights are off because of an electrical power failure

She keeps flashlights and candles handy in case of a blackout.

compare BROWNOUT

3 : a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness, vision, or memory

He told his doctor he had been experiencing blackouts.

4 : a situation in which some kinds of information are deliberately kept from the public

The government imposed a news blackout during the war.

see also black out at 3BLACK

black pepper noun [noncount]

: a food seasoning that is made by grinding the dried berries of an Indian plant along with their hard, black covers compare WHITE PEPPER

black power or Black Power noun [noncount]

: the use of political and economic power by African-Americans especially as part of a social movement to promote equality and racial justice in the 1960s
often used before another noun
the Black Power movement of the 1960s

black pudding noun, pl -dings [count, noncount]

Brit : blood sausage

black sheep noun, pl sheep [count]

: someone who does not fit in with the rest of a group and is often considered to be a troublemaker or an embarrassment

She was the black sheep of the family.

black·smith noun, pl -smiths [count]

: a person who makes or repairs things made of iron (such as horseshoes)

black spot noun, pl spots [count]

Brit : a dangerous place or a place where a particular problem or difficulty is very common

The intersection is a notorious (accident) black spot.

black-tie adj

used to describe a formal social event at which men wear black ties and tuxedos and women wear formal dresses
a black-tie dinner

compare WHITE-TIE

black·top noun [noncount]

chiefly US

1 : black material that is used for making roads
road crews laying down blacktop

2 : a surface that is covered with blacktop
cars lining the blacktop

black widow noun, pl -ows [count]

: a poisonous American spider

The female black widow often kills and eats the male after they have mated.

called also black widow spider

blad·der noun, pl -ders [count]

1 : the organ in the body that holds urine after it passes through the kidneys and before it leaves the body see also GALLBLADDER

2 : a soft bag (such as the rubber bag inside a football) that is filled with water or air

blade noun, pl blades [count]

1 : the flat sharp part of a weapon or tool that is used for cutting
a knife blade
the blade of an ax
see also RAZOR BLADE, SWITCHBLADE

2 : one of the flat spinning parts that are used on some machines to push air or water
a propeller blade

3 : the wide flat part of an oar or paddle

4 : the sharp metal piece on the bottom of an ice skate

5 : a single piece of grass or a similar plant
a blade of grass

6 literary

6 a : sword 1
an opponent worthy of my blade

6 b : swordsman
the best blade in the land

see also SHOULDER BLADE

1blah adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US informal

1 : not interesting or unusual : dull or boring

The hotel room was totally blah.

a blah winter day

2 : without energy or enthusiasm

She sat on the couch all day watching television and feeling blah.

2blah noun, pl blahs
informal

1 the blahs chiefly US : a feeling of being bored, tired, etc.

She had a bad case of the blahs.

2 [noncount] : silly or meaningless talk

Blah is usually repeated to suggest that what someone is saying is unimportant or boring.

He got tired of hearing his mother tell him to brush his teeth, clean his room, blah, blah, blah.

1blame verb, blames, blamed, blam·ing [+ obj]

: to say or think that a person or thing is responsible for something bad that has happened

Don't blame me. You are responsible for your own problems.

Don't blame me for your problems. = Don't blame your problems on me.

The company blames the poor economy for its financial losses. = The company blames its financial losses on the poor economy.

My father always blames everything on me.

I blame the poor harvest on the weather.

blame the messenger see MESSENGER

have yourself to blame

If you have only yourself to blame or have no one to blame but yourself, then something is your fault and nobody else's.

She has only herself to blame for her money problems.

not blame

If you say that you wouldn't/don't/can't blame someone or can hardly blame someone, you think that person has a good reason for doing something.

After the way he treated you, I wouldn't blame you [=I would completely understand] if you never spoke to him again.

You can hardly blame her for being angry.

to blame

: responsible for something bad : deserving to be blamed for something.

Who's to blame for these problems?

He says he's not to blame for the delays. [=he did not cause the delays]

Poor communication is at least partly to blame. [=at fault]

2blame noun [noncount]

: responsibility for something that fails or is wrong

It's not entirely his fault, but he's not completely free of blame, either.

He deserves blame [=deserves to be blamed] for his careless behavior.

usually used with the

The blame lies with me. [=I am at fault; I am to blame]

It's not fairshe gets the credit when things go well, and I get the blame when they fail.

Don't try to put/lay/pin the blame for your problems on me.

The coach took the blame for the defeat. [=the coach said he was responsible for the defeat]

see also the finger of blame at 1FINGER

blame·less adj [more ; most ]

: not responsible for a problem, bad situation, etc. : free from blame or fault

The school is not blameless for the children's poor skills.

An investigation showed that police were blameless in the man's death.

a blameless [=innocent] life

blame·less·ly adv

blame·wor·thy adj [more ; most ]

formal : deserving blame : bad or wrong

His conduct was judged (to be) blameworthy.

Their failure to adequately inform participants of the risks was morally/ethically blameworthy.

blanch Brit verb, blanch·es, blanched, blanch·ing

1 [+ obj] : to put (food items) in boiling water or steam for a short time

Blanch the potatoes before slicing them.

a cup of blanched almonds

2 [no obj] : to suddenly have less color in your face because you are afraid, embarrassed, etc.

She blanched and remained silent when the store owner accused her of taking the money.

often used figuratively

Military leaders blanched at the thought of being asked to accept further funding cuts. [=they reacted in a way that showed they did not want to accept further cuts]

blanche see CARTE BLANCHE

blanc·mange noun [count, noncount]

Brit : a cold, sweet dessert that looks like jelly formed into a shape

bland adj, bland·er, -est

1 : not interesting or exciting
a bland [=dull, boring] film
bland [=uninteresting] architecture

2 : lacking strong flavor

The vegetable soup was rather bland.

a bland diet = a diet of bland foods [=foods that are not spicy]

3 : showing no emotion, concern, etc.

a bland expression/face

The diplomat's bland statement did nothing to calm the situation.

bland·ly adv

bland·ness noun [noncount]

the blandness of the film/food

blan·dish·ments noun [plural]

formal : nice things that you say or do to convince someone to do something

He found it hard to resist her blandishments and almost always ended up doing as she wished.

1blank adj, blank·er, -est

1 a : without any writing, marks, or pictures
a blank sheet of paper

Leave that line blank. [=don't write on that line]

a book with blank pages
a blank wall
see also BLANK SLATE

1 b : having empty spaces to be filled in with information : not yet written in or filled out
a blank passport application/form

Sign your name on the blank line. [=a line that marks a place where you should write something]

see also BLANK CHECK

2 : without any recorded sound or information
a blank tape/disk/CD

3 : not showing any emotion

She gave me a blank look [=did not show any emotion or response] when I asked her where she had been.

a blank expression/stare

4 always used before a noun : stated in a very direct and certain way

I was surprised by her blank refusal to loan me the money.

a blank [=(more commonly) flat] denial
see also POINT-BLANK

go blank

1 : to suddenly stop showing letters, images, etc.

The screen on my computer went blank.

2

If your mind goes blank, you are unable to remember or think of something.

My mind went blank when I heard the question.

blank·ly adv

She stared at him blankly. [=without any expression; her face showed no emotion]

blank·ness noun [noncount]

the wall's blankness = the blankness of the wall

2blank noun, pl blanks

1 [count] : an empty space on a document where you put information

The form has a blank for your signature.

Please fill in the blanks. [=put information in the blank spaces]

sometimes used figuratively

At the end of the movie, the narrator goes back and fills in (all) the blanks. [=the narrator provides missing information about the movie's plot]

2 [singular] : a period of time that you cannot remember anything about

He says that the first hour after the accident is a complete blank. [=he cannot remember anything that happened for an hour after the accident]

If your mind is/draws a blank or if you draw a blank, you are unable to remember or think of something.

I should know the answer, but my mind's a blank.

I drew a blank when I tried to remember his name.

3 [count] : a gun cartridge that is filled with powder but that does not contain a bullet

The actors are shooting/firing blanks.

3blank verb, blanks, blanked, blank·ing [+ obj]

1 US : to keep (the opposing team) from scoring

The goalie blanked the Falcons for two periods in the hockey game.

2 Brit slang : to behave in an unfriendly way toward (someone you have been friendly with in the past) : to ignore or refuse to talk to (someone)

His former friends blanked [=cut, snubbed] him in the street after the scandal.

blank out [phrasal verb]

blank out (something) or blank (something) out

1 : to completely hide or cover (something)

They blanked out [=blacked out] parts of the document before making it public.

2 a : to cause (something) to be forgotten

The injury blanked out parts of his memory.

2 b : to completely forget (something)

She has blanked out [=blocked out] what happened that night.

blank check (US) or Brit blank cheque noun, pl checks [count]

1 : a signed check that does not have the amount of money written on it yet

2 informal : complete control or freedom
often used in the phrase give/hand (someone) a blank check

The director had a lot of creative freedom on this project; the film's backers essentially handed him a blank check. [=let him direct the film exactly the way he wanted to]

1blan·ket noun, pl -kets [count]

1 : a covering made of cloth that is used especially on a bed to keep you warm
a wool blanket

It's going to get cold tonight so you may need extra blankets.

an electric blanket [=a blanket warmed by electricity]

a beach blanket [=a blanket you sit on at the beach]

see also SECURITY BLANKET

2 a : a mass of something that covers an area
a blanket of snow/fog/ice
a blanket of flowers/grass

2 b : a general mood
usually singular

A blanket of gloom spread over the crowd when they realized their team would lose.

see also WET BLANKET

2blanket verb, -kets, -ket·ed, -ket·ing [+ obj]

: to cover (something)

Ice was blanketing the bay.

The fields were blanketed with flowers.

Confetti blanketed the sidewalks.

3blanket adj, always used before a noun

: affecting or applying to everyone or everything
a blanket amnesty for all illegal aliens
a blanket ban on use of the chemical

The witness was given blanket protection from prosecution. [=the witness would not be prosecuted for anything]

blank slate noun, pl slates [count]

1 : someone or something that is still in an original state and that has not yet been changed by people, experiences, etc.

She viewed her students as blank slates, just waiting to be filled with knowledge.

2 : something that does not show or express anything

Her expression was a blank slate. [=it did not show any emotion]

blank verse noun [noncount]

: poetry that is not rhymed but that has a regular rhythm
the blank verse of Shakespeare and Milton
compare FREE VERSE

1blare verb, blares, blared, blar·ing

: to make a loud and usually unpleasant sound

[no obj] Rock music blared through the store from the loudspeakers.

Sirens blared all night.

often + out

Annoying commercials blared out from the television.

[+ obj] Loudspeakers blared rock music through the store.

often + out

The television blared out annoying commercials.

2blare noun [singular]

: a loud and usually unpleasant noise
the blare of electric guitars

blar·ney noun [noncount]

informal : talk that is not true but that is nice and somewhat funny and that may be used to trick you

She was charmed by his blarney.

a tale with more than a hint of blarney

bla·sé Brit adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing a lack of excitement or interest in something especially because it is very familiar
a blasé traveler

People get blasé about their hometown.

a blasé reaction

blas·pheme verb, -phemes, -phemed, -phem·ing
formal : to talk about God or religion in a way that does not show respect

[no obj] He did not curse or blaspheme.

people who have blasphemed against God

[+ obj] people who have blasphemed God

blas·phem·er noun, pl -ers [count]

blas·phe·my noun, pl -mies

1 [noncount] : great disrespect shown to God or to something holy
acts of blasphemy
commit blasphemy
often used figuratively

It's blasphemy to insult the local team.

2 [count] : something said or done that is disrespectful to God or to something holy

She was condemned by the church for uttering blasphemies.

blas·phe·mous adj [more ; most ]

blasphemous language

Religious leaders declared that the book was blasphemous.

blas·phe·mous·ly adv

1blast Brit noun, pl blasts [count]

1 a : a mass of air that moves very quickly and forcefully

She opened the door and felt a cold blast.

a blast of wind

1 b : a mass of water, gas, heat, etc., that moves very quickly and forcefully through the air

He was hit by a blast of water from the hose.

a blast of heat

2 : the loud sound made by a horn or a whistle

The driver gave a long blast on his horn.

the blast of the factory whistle
a bugle blast

3 : a powerful explosion

The bomb blast killed eight people.

a shotgun blast

4 : a sudden powerful force

She got a blast of reality when she returned to school in the fall.

a blast of criticism

5 informal : a very enjoyable and exciting experience

I had a blast at your party.

The wedding was a blast.

blast from the past
informal : something that reminds you of an earlier time

Hearing that old song again was a real blast from the past.

full blast
informal : with as much loudness or power as possible

The engines were running (at) full blast.

She turned up the heat full blast.

The stereo was going full blast. [=the stereo was very loud]

2blast verb, blasts, blast·ed, blast·ing

1 a : to destroy, break apart, or remove (something) with an explosive

[+ obj] Workers were blasting rock where the new highway will go.

The rock has been blasted away.

[no obj] Workers were blasting (away) at the rock.

1 b [+ obj] : to create (a space or opening) with explosives

The explosion blasted a hole in the side of the ship.

blast a tunnel

2 [+ obj] : to strongly criticize (someone or something) especially in public

The mayor was blasted by the local press.

The judge blasted the lawyers for delaying the trial.

Human rights groups have blasted the government for its treatment of political prisoners.

3 : to shoot (something or someone) with a weapon

[+ obj] He blasted his rival with a pistol.

A gunship blasted enemy headquarters.

They blasted the enemy plane out of the sky.

[no obj] Machine guns were blasting.

The soldiers were blasting (away) at the advancing enemy.

4 [+ obj] : to hit (something or someone) with a mass of water, air, etc., that is moving forcefully

She blasted us with water from the hose.

They used an air hose to blast dust off the machine.

5 [+ obj] : to hit or kick (something) with great force

He blasted the puck past the goalie.

She blasted the ball over the fence for a home run.

6 : to make a loud and usually unpleasant sound : blare

[no obj] Their music was blasting all night.

The television was blasting in the other room.

[+ obj] A radio was blasting music in the next room.

blast off [phrasal verb]

of a missile, rocket, or spacecraft : to leave the ground and begin flight

The rocket will blast off tomorrow morning.

see also BLASTOFF

blast·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Blasters were hired to remove the rock.

blasting noun [noncount]

The actual construction of the road will begin after blasting is completed.

3blast interj
informal
used to express anger or annoyance

Blast it! I forgot my keys!

blasted adj
informal

1 always used before a noun : very bad or annoying

I hate this blasted [=damned] weather.

2 : very drunk

He got totally blasted at the party.

blast furnace noun, pl -naces [count]

: a large structure in which rock containing a metal is melted so that the metal can be separated from the rock

blast·off Brit noun, pl -offs [count]

: the time when a rocket, missile, etc., begins to rise into the air : launch
ten minutes until blastoff
see also blast off at 2BLAST

bla·tant adj [more ; most ]

: very obvious and offensive
a blatant lie

He showed a blatant disregard for the safety of other drivers.

a blatant [=flagrant] attempt to bribe the judge
blatant racial discrimination

bla·tant·ly adv

She had blatantly copied the text from another book.

a blatantly false statement

blath·er noun [noncount]

: foolish or dull talk or writing that continues for a long time
listening to a lot of blather from politicians about who's to blame for the bad economy

blather verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

listening to politicians blather (on) about the bad economy

blath·er·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1blaze noun, pl blaz·es

1 [count] somewhat formal : an intense and dangerous fire

The family escaped the blaze.

Two people were injured in a restaurant blaze [=a fire in a restaurant] late last night.

2 [singular] : a very bright area of light or color
a shining blaze of light
a blaze of color in the autumn leaves

3 [singular] : a sudden appearance or expression of something : outburst
a blaze of fury
a blaze of publicity/controversy

A blaze of glory is a final important event just before someone or something is gone or dies.

The soldier went down in a blaze of glory. [=the soldier died doing something important and worthy of great respect]

4 blazes informal + somewhat old-fashioned
used to make a statement or question more forceful

It's hot as blazes. [=it's very hot]

What in blazes are you doing?

(Just) Who the blazes do you think you are?

How the blazes am I going to do that?

compare 3BLAZE

2blaze verb, blazes, blazed, blaz·ing [no obj]

1 : to burn very brightly and intensely

A fire blazed in the stove.

2 a : to shine very brightly

The sun blazed down on us.

2 b : to be extremely bright or colorful like fire

The field was blazing [=ablaze] with flowers.

2 c of the eyes : to show anger

His eyes blazed with anger/fury.

3 : to shoot very quickly and constantly

The assassins rushed into the crowd, with their guns blazing.

often + away

The shooter was still blazing away with an automatic rifle.

4 : to move very quickly

A comet blazed across the sky.

He blazed past the other runners.

The team blazed through the tournament. [=they easily defeated every opponent]

compare 4BLAZE

3blaze noun, pl blazes [count]

1 : a stripe of white fur on the center of an animal's face
a horse with a white blaze

2 : a mark made on a tree to show a trail

The trail was marked with yellow blazes.

compare 1BLAZE

4blaze verb, blazes, blazed, blazing

blaze a trail

1 : to show a trail with marks on trees

We followed a trail that others had blazed.

2 : to be the first one to do something and to show others how to do it

The company blazed a trail with the first small computers.

She blazed a trail for other women in politics.

see also TRAILBLAZER

compare 2BLAZE

blaz·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a jacket that is worn over a shirt and that looks like a suit jacket but is not part of a suit

He wore a blue blazer and khaki pants.

a wool skirt and matching blazer

blazing adj [more ; most ]

: very hot, fast, or powerful
the blazing heat/sun

She runs with blazing speed.

blaz·ing·ly adv
blazingly hot/fast

bla·zon verb, -zons, -zoned, -zon·ing [+ obj]

: emblazon
usually used as (be) blazoned

T-shirts blazoned with the team's name [=T-shirts that have the team's name clearly printed on them]

bldg. abbr
building

1bleach verb, bleach·es, bleached, bleach·ing [+ obj]

: to remove color or dirt and stains from (hair, clothing, etc.) especially through the effect of sunlight or by using chemicals : to make (something) whiter or lighter in color

Those pants will look nicer if you bleach them. [=use bleach to make them cleaner and whiter]

bones bleached white by/in the sun

She bleached her hair blonde.

2bleach noun [noncount]

: a strong chemical that is used to make something clean or white

bleach·ers noun [plural]

US : a set of benches arranged like steps for people to sit on while they are watching a sporting event or performance
stadium bleachers
usually used with the

The ball bounced into the bleachers.

We cheered from our seats in the bleachers.

bleach·er adj, always used before a noun

We cheered from our bleacher seats.

bleak adj, bleak·er, -est

1 : not warm, friendly, cheerful, etc.

The weather is bleak. [=cold, rainy, dark, etc.]

a bleak landscape
a bleak [=dismal] movie about a prison
a bleak [=dreary] concrete building with few windows

2 : not hopeful or encouraging

The future looks bleak. [=grim, depressing]

Their chances of winning the game were bleak. [=it was not likely that they would win the game]

a bleak economic climate

bleak·ly adv

He stared bleakly at the rubble.

bleak·ness noun [noncount]

the bleakness of the landscape

bleary adj, blear·i·er, -est

: very tired and unable to see clearly

She looked at me with bleary eyes.

blear·i·ly adv

She looked at me blearily.

bleary-eyed adj [more ; most ]

: having eyes that look very tired and watery
bleary-eyed travelers

bleat verb, bleats, bleat·ed, bleat·ing

1 [no obj] : to make the sound that a sheep or goat makes

The lamb bleated as I approached.

2 disapproving : to speak or complain in an annoying way : whine

[+ obj] “But why can't I go?” she bleated.

[no obj] The labor union is always bleating about the management.

bleat noun, pl bleats [count]

the bleat of a lamb

bleed verb, bleeds, bled , bleed·ing

1 [no obj] : to lose or release blood because of a cut, injury, etc.

She was bleeding from the/her face and hands.

Her lip is bleeding.

The man almost bled to death. [=almost died because he lost too much blood]

2 [+ obj] : to remove blood from (a person) as part of a medical procedure that was done in past times

Doctors used to bleed their patients in an effort to cure them.

3 [+ obj] : to remove air or liquid from something

We bled air from the tank.

You'll need to bleed the car's brake lines.

4 [no obj]

4 a of dye, ink, paint, etc. : to spread from one area into another

The shirt's colors might bleed [=run] if you wash it in hot water.

4 b : to gradually spread into or become something else
usually + into

Her professional life had begun to bleed [=seep] into her personal life.

Reality bleeds [=blends] into fantasy as the story goes along.

5 [+ obj] informal : to take a lot of money from (someone) over a period of time

He complained that his ex-wife was bleeding him of all his money.

Many businesses complain that the new taxes are bleeding them dry. [=are taking all their money]

The country has been bled white by a greedy dictator. [=all the country's money and resources have been used up by a greedy dictator]

6 [+ obj] informal : to lose (money) continually

The company was bleeding a million dollars a day.

your heart bleeds for see HEART

bleed·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal

1 offensive : a person (especially a man) who is very unpleasant

Don't let those bleeders grind you down.

2 sometimes offensive : a man who you think is lucky, unlucky, etc.

“I've won the lottery.” “You lucky bleeder!”

1bleed·ing noun [noncount]

: the process of losing blood

She pressed on the wound to stop the bleeding.

The procedure may cause internal bleeding. [=loss of blood inside the body]

2bleeding adj, always used before a noun

Brit informal + offensive
used to make an angry or critical statement more forceful

Our neighbor is a bleeding idiot. [=our neighbor is very stupid]

bleeding-heart adj, always used before a noun
disapproving : feeling too much sympathy for people in society who you think do not deserve sympathy or help

The conservative press calls him a bleeding-heart liberal.

1bleep noun, pl bleeps [count]

1 : a short, high sound made by an electronic device : beep
the bleep [=beep] of an answering machine

2 US, informal
used in place of an offensive word

What the bleep was that about?!

2bleep verb, bleeps, bleeped, bleep·ing

1 [+ obj] US : to replace (offensive words on radio or television) with an electronic sound

They bleeped half the words in the interview!

The radio station bleeped (out) the swearwords.

2 [no obj] : to make a short, high sound : beep

The monitor bleeped.

3 [+ obj] Brit : beep 2

The doctor is not in the office today, but I can bleep her for you.

bleep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : pager

1blem·ish noun, pl -ish·es [count]

1 : a mark that makes something imperfect or less beautiful : an unwanted mark on the surface of something

The cream is supposed to prevent blemishes on the skin.

The table had a few scratches and minor blemishes.

2 : a fact or event that causes people to respect someone or something less

The book fails to mention any of the organization's many blemishes.

The incident was/left a blemish on his record/reputation.

2blemish verb, -ishes, -ished, -ish·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) imperfect or less beautiful : to hurt or damage the good condition of (something)

A series of burn marks blemish the table's surface.

The incident blemished his reputation.

usually used as (be) blemished

Her face was wrinkled and blemished.

His reputation was blemished [=marred] by the incident.

1blend verb, blends, blend·ed, blend·ing

1 [+ obj] : to mix (things) thoroughly and usually with good results

Blend the fruit, yogurt, and milk (together).

blend caramel with chocolate

The music blends traditional and modern melodies.

She blends psychology and crime in her new novel.

2 [no obj] : to exist together as a combination

Psychology and crime blend (together) in her new novel.

The flavor of the sauce blends well with the fruit. [=the sauce and fruit taste good together]

blend in [phrasal verb]

1 : to look like what is around you

The fish settles on the sandy ocean bottom where it blends in perfectly.

2 : to look like you belong with a particular group

She tried to blend in by dressing like the other girls.

often + with

I've always found it difficult to blend in with my peers.

3 blend (something) in or blend in (something) : to add (something) to a mixture or substance and mix it thoroughly

Mix the first three ingredients together, then blend in the cream.

Blend the white paint in last.

blend into [phrasal verb]

blend into (something)

1 : to gradually become the same as or part of (something)

One color blends into another.

where the city blends into the suburbs

2 : to look like (what is around you)

The animal's dark fur enables it to blend into its surroundings.

3 : to look like you belong in (something)

He tried to blend into the crowd.

A good journalist can easily blend into a community.

blending noun [singular]

a blending of traditional French songs and punk rock
a seamless blending

2blend noun, pl blends [count]

: something produced by mixing or combining different things
wool and cotton blends [=fabrics that are made of wool and cotton woven together]

a blend of cream and eggs
a blend of traditional and modern melodies

blended adj

1 : made from two or more kinds of a particular substance
blended tobacco/coffee
blended whiskies
blended fabrics

2 : made by mixing substances together
blended fruit drinks

blended family noun, pl -lies [count]

: a family that includes children from a previous marriage of the wife, husband, or both parents

blend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: an electric kitchen machine that is used to cut food and ice into very small pieces and to make soft foods (such as fruits) into a liquid called also (Brit) liquidizer

bless verb, bless·es, blessed , bless·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something or someone) holy by saying a special prayer

The priest blessed their marriage at the wedding.

The water for the baptism has been blessed.

2 : to ask God to care for and protect (someone or something)

The priest blessed the baby I held in my arms.

3 a
used in the phrase God bless to express good wishes or appreciation for someone or something

May God bless this country.

God bless modern medicine. [=thank God for modern medicine]

see also GOD BLESS YOU ((BELOW))

3 b
used in phrases like bless his/her heart and bless him/her to express affection, appreciation, or understanding

She tries so hard, bless her heart.

My aunt Clare, bless her, watched the kids while we went out.

Our cousin, bless his heart, is just so disorganized.

see also BLESS YOU ((BELOW))

4 : to provide (a person, place, etc.) with something good or desirable

Nature has blessed the area with good soil and a sunny climate.

usually used as (be) blessed

I have been blessed with good health and a wonderful wife and children.

He was blessed [=endowed] with great speed as a runner.

5 : to give approval to (something)

The committee has not yet blessed the plan.

bless my soul
old-fashioned
used in speech to express surprise

You decided to come see us after all. Well, bless my soul!

bless you or God bless you

1
used in speech to express thanks or good wishes

“I'll be happy to help in any way I can.” “Oh, bless you! That's very kind of you.”

2 said to someone who has just sneezed

bless·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a sacred nature : connected with God : holy
the blessed Trinity

2 always used before a noun : very welcome, pleasant, or appreciated

The rain brought blessed relief from the heat.

He spent his weekend in blessed freedom.

3 informal + somewhat old-fashioned
used to make a statement more forceful

You don't know a blessed thing.

bless·ed·ly adv

The park was blessedly free of crowds.

bless·ed·ness noun [noncount]

eternal blessedness in heaven

blessing noun, pl -ings

1 [noncount]

1 a : approval that allows or helps you to do something

He gave his blessing to the plan. [=he approved the plan]

Presumably he was acting with the government's blessing.

They got married without their parents' blessing.

1 b : help and approval from God

We asked the Lord's blessing on us and on our project.

2 [count] : something that helps you or brings happiness
usually singular

My daughter is a blessing to me in my old age.

E-mail can be a blessing if you travel a lot in business.

It's a blessing that you came when you did.

Something that is a blessing in disguise seems to be a bad thing at first but actually is a good thing.

Not getting the job turned out to be a blessing in disguise, since she got a much better job soon afterward.

If something is a blessing and a curse or a mixed blessing there are both good and bad things about it.

Being famous can be a blessing and a curse.

The promotion was really a mixed blessing because I'm now so busy that I don't have time to spend the extra income.

3 [count] : a short prayer

He said a blessing before the meal.

4 [noncount] : the act of asking God to care for and protect someone or something

The priest performed the blessing of the fishing boats.

count your blessings

: to make a special effort to appreciate the good things in your life

I try to remember to count my blessings every day.

blether noun [noncount]

Brit : blather

bleu see CORDON BLEU

blew past tense of 1BLOW

1blight noun, pl blights

1 [count] : a disease that makes plants dry up and die
potato blight

2 a [count] : something that causes harm or damage like a disease
usually singular
the blight of poverty in the city

usually + on

The abandoned factory is a blight on the neighborhood.

2 b [noncount] : a damaged condition
the city's spreading urban blight
environmental blight

2blight verb, blights, blight·ed, blight·ing [+ obj]

1 : to damage (plants) with a disease
usually used as (be) blighted

The apple trees were blighted by fungus.

2 : to damage (a thing or place)

Builders blighted the land with malls and parking lots.

blighted adj
blighted areas of the city
a blighted industrial landscape

blight·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal

1 : a person (especially a man) who is unpleasant

Just tell the blighter to leave you alone.

2 : a man who you think is lucky, unlucky, etc.

I feel sorry for the little blighter.

Blighty noun [noncount]

Brit slang
used as a name for England or Britain

She's glad to be back in old Blighty.

bli·mey interj

Brit informal
used to express surprise or amazement

“I've won the lottery.” “Blimey! I can't believe it!”

blimp noun, pl blimps [count]

: a large aircraft without wings that floats because it is filled with gas compare HOT-AIR BALLOON, ZEPPELIN

1blind adj, blind·er, -est

1 : unable to see
a blind person

He was born blind.

She is blind in one eye. [=she can see with one of her eyes but not with the other]

She went blind [=she became unable to see] at age 67.

see also COLOR-BLIND

2 : unable to notice or judge something
usually + to

He is blind to his son's faults.

Each party was blind to the other's concerns.

3 a usually disapproving : accepting the actions or decisions of someone or something without any questions or criticism
blind loyalty/allegiance/obedience

I'm not sure blind faith [=unquestioning belief] in our leaders is wise.

3 b
used to describe strong emotions that make someone unable to think clearly or to act reasonably
a blind fury/rage

4 : done in a way that prevents participants, judges, etc., from seeing or knowing certain things that might influence them
a blind taste test [=a test in which people taste something without knowing what it is, who made it, etc.]

a blind clinical trial for the new medicine
blind auditions
see also BLIND DATE, DOUBLE-BLIND

5 : difficult for a driver to see
a blind driveway/drive
a blind curve
see also BLIND SPOT

(as) blind as a bat
informal : unable to see well at all : having very poor vision

Without glasses I'm blind as a bat.

love is blind see 1LOVE

not a blind bit

Brit informal : not even a very small amount : not the slightest bit

I told them what I wanted, but they didn't take a blind bit of notice. [=they didn't notice at all; they did not listen to me]

It does not make a blind bit of difference what you do. [=it does not matter at all what you do]

the blind

: blind people : people who are not able to see

The agency provides assistance to the blind.

The expression the blind leading the blind is used informally to describe a situation in which someone who is not sure about how to do something is helping another person who also is not sure about how to do it.

I'll try to help, but it's the blind leading the blind because I've never done this before either.

turn a blind eye

: to ignore a problem instead of dealing with it

Corruption in the police force is rampant, but authorities are turning a blind eye.

often + to

Colleges can't afford to turn a blind eye to alcohol abuse.

blind·ness noun [noncount]

a leading cause of blindness

2blind verb, blinds, blind·ed, blind·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to be unable to see : to make (someone) blind

The accident blinded me in one eye. = The accident left me blinded in one eye.

She was blinded as a child in a terrible fire.

2 : to cause (someone) to be unable to see for a short time

I was blinded by the sun as I came around the corner.

3 : to cause (someone) to be unable to think clearly or to act reasonably

He was blinded by love.

often + to

Greed blinds them to everything except money. [=greed causes them to think and care about only money]

3blind noun, pl blinds

1 [count] : something that is used to cover a window from the inside of a room; especially : a roll of cloth or plastic that is hung at the top of a window and pulled down over the window
usually plural

Raise/lower/open/close the blinds.

see also VENETIAN BLIND

2 [count] US : a place where hunters hide from animals while they are hunting
a duck blind [=a place to hide when hunting ducks]

called also (chiefly Brit) hide

3 [singular] : something that is used to trick people or to prevent people from noticing a particular thing

Some say the investigation is a blind to keep the public's attention off the governor.

draw the blinds on see 1DRAW

4blind adv

1 : without seeing outside of an airplane : using only a plane's instruments

They had to fly blind through heavy smoke.

2 informal : to the degree that you are unable to think clearly or to act reasonably

He was blind drunk.

rob someone blind see ROB

blind alley noun, pl -leys [count]

: a narrow path between two buildings that can only be entered at one end
often used figuratively

Police had been down several blind alleys [=they had tried several methods that did not produce useful results] in the murder investigation before they found the evidence they needed.

blind date noun, pl dates [count]

: an occasion for two people who do not know each other to meet and decide if they may want to have a romantic relationship

She went out on a blind date with her friend's cousin.

blind·er noun, pl -ers

1 blinders [plural] chiefly US : leather pieces that are placed on either side of a horse's head next to its eyes in order to keep the horse from seeing what is beside it
a horse wearing blinders
often used figuratively

Many parents put on blinders [=choose not to think about what might be happening] when their teenagers start staying out late.

; called also (chiefly Brit) blinkers

2 [singular] Brit, informal : a very exciting or impressive performance or action in a game such as cricket or soccer

Their team played a blinder to beat us in the closing seconds of the match.

1blind·fold verb, -folds, -fold·ed, -fold·ing [+ obj]

: to cover the eyes of (a person) with a piece of cloth

The kidnappers tied him up and blindfolded him.

2blindfold noun, pl -folds [count]

: a piece of cloth that covers the eyes

blindfolded also blindfold adv

: with the eyes covered by a piece of cloth

He was led blindfolded into the woods.

If you can do something blindfolded, you can do it very well or easily because you have done it many times before.

She could find that house blindfolded.

blindfolded adj
a blindfolded prisoner

blinding adj [more ; most ]

1 : very bright or strong
a blinding color
a blinding headache [=a very painful headache]

especially : so bright or strong that you cannot see
the blinding light of the sun in her eyes
a blinding snowstorm

2 : very fast

His blinding speed makes him a great player.

blind·ing·ly adv
blindingly bright
blindingly fast

blind·ly adv

1 : without seeing

She stumbled blindly in the dark.

2 : without noticing or seeming to see anything

The frightened children ran blindly from the house.

He stared blindly [=blankly] at the wall.

3 : without thinking or questioning

They blindly followed their leaders.

They were taught not to blindly obey, but to consider carefully what they were being told to do.

blind·man's bluff noun [noncount]

: a game for children in which a player whose eyes are covered with a piece of cloth tries to catch and identify the other players called also blindman's buff

blind·side verb, -sides, -sid·ed, -sid·ing [+ obj]

US

1 : to hit (someone who is facing in another direction) suddenly and very hard

The quarterback was blindsided just as he was about to throw a pass.

2 : to surprise or shock (someone) in a very unpleasant way

We were all blindsided by the news of her sudden death.

blind side noun, pl sides [count]

: the side that is not the side you are facing

He was hit on his blind side.

blind spot noun, pl spots [count]

1 : an area around a car, truck, etc., that the driver cannot see

When driving on the highway, you need to make sure no one is in your blind spot before changing lanes.

2 : a tendency to ignore something especially because it is difficult or unpleasant

She has a blind spot concerning her son's behavior.

3 : a small area at the back of the eye that is not sensitive to light

1blink verb, blinks, blinked, blink·ing

1 : to close and then open your eyes very quickly

[no obj] She blinked when the light flashed.

Her eyes blinked when the light flashed.

[+ obj] She blinked her eyes when the light flashed.

compare WINK

2 [no obj] : to shine with a light that goes on and off

The red light was blinking. [=flashing]

3 [no obj] : to show that you are surprised or upset

Laura didn't (even) blink [=did not seem surprised or upset at all] when I told her that the car was gone.

She didn't (even) blink at the news.

4 [no obj] : to show weakness in an argument or disagreement : to show that you are willing to agree to or accept what someone else wants or says

When threatened, the government blinked [=gave in] and agreed to move the missiles.

Both sides in the dispute are determined not to blink first.

before you can blink
informal : very quickly

This may hurt a little, but it'll be over before you can blink.

blink back tears or blink away tears

: to prevent yourself from crying or to make your tears go away by blinking

He blinked back (his) tears as he told us the bad news.

2blink noun, pl blinks [count]

: the act of closing and then opening your eyes very quickly : the act of blinking

in the blink of an eye

: very quickly

He became famous, and then, in the blink of an eye, he was forgotten.

She reappeared in the blink of an eye.

on the blink
informal : not working properly

The TV is on the blink.

blink·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count] US, informal : a light on a car, truck, etc., that goes off and on and that is used as a warning or as a signal that the vehicle will be turning

Use your blinker [=indicator, (US) turn signal] when you turn.

2 blinkers [plural] chiefly Brit : leather pieces that are placed on either side of a horse's head next to its eyes : blinders

blinking adj

1 : shining with a light that goes on and off
a blinking yellow light

2 always used before a noun Brit, informal
used to make an angry or critical statement more forceful

Turn down that blinking music! It's driving me crazy!

blip noun, pl blips [count]

1 : a bright dot on the screen of an electronic device (such as a radar)

The approaching ship appeared as a blip on the screen.

often used figuratively

At that time, the organization was only a blip on the political radar screen.

As a football player he wasn't even a blip on the radar screen. [=he was not important; no one had noticed that he was or could become a good player]

2 : a very short high sound made by an electronic device
the blips, buzzes, and bleeps of a video game

3 : something that is small or unimportant or that does not last a long time

The company's financial problems were just a temporary blip.

bliss noun [noncount]

: complete happiness

Their religion promises eternal bliss [=joy] in heaven.

marital/wedded/domestic bliss [=complete happiness in marriage]

Relaxing on the porch of our private villa was sheer bliss.

ignorance is bliss see IGNORANCE

bliss·ful adj [more ; most ]

: extremely or completely happy : full of or causing bliss

At first, their time together was blissful.

He sat there in a blissful state of comfort.

our blissful beach vacation
a blissful setting for a wedding
existing in blissful ignorance [=a state of not knowing and not wanting to know about unhappy things or possible problems]

bliss·ful·ly adv

They were blissfully happy.

We were blissfully unaware/ignorant of the dangers ahead.

blis·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a raised area on the skin that contains clear liquid and that is caused by injury to the skin

She developed a blister on her heel where her shoe rubbed against it.

2 : a raised area on a surface (such as a painted wall) that is filled with air

blister verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

My feet started to blister. [=to form blisters]

The paint cracked and blistered.

[+ obj]

Her skin was blistered by the hot sun.

blis·ter·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very harsh or powerful
blistering heat/sun

He received a blistering [=scathing] letter from his ex-wife.

a hockey player with a blistering slap shot

blistering adv
a blistering hot day

blis·ter·ing·ly adv
a blisteringly hot day

blithe adj, blith·er, -est

1 : showing a lack of proper thought or care : not caring or worrying

He showed blithe disregard for the rights of others.

He was blithe about the risks to his health.

2 literary : happy and without worry : carefree
a blithe spirit
blithe enjoyment

blithe·ly adv

They blithely assumed there would be someone there to help them.

blith·er·ing adj
informal : very foolish or stupid
pages and pages of blithering nonsense
a blithering idiot

blitz noun, pl blitz·es [count]

1 : a military attack in which many bombs are dropped from airplanes

2 a : a fast and powerful effort

The company is planning an advertising/marketing blitz for the new product.

a blitz of publicity

The movie flopped, despite the media blitz that accompanied its release. [=the movie failed even though a lot of information about it was on television, radio, in magazines, etc., all at once]

2 b Brit : a sudden attack or effort to stop or end something
usually singular
a blitz on tax evaders

One of these days I'll have a blitz on the house. [=I will thoroughly clean the house]

3 American football : a play in which many defensive players rush toward the quarterback

blitz verb, blitzes, blitzed, blitz·ing [+ obj]

The company has blitzed the country with advertising.

The linebackers blitzed the quarterback.

[no obj]

A linebacker blitzed from the right side.

blitzed adj

US slang : very drunk

She was/got totally blitzed that night.

blitz·krieg noun, pl -kriegs [count]

1 : a sudden and overwhelming military attack

2 : a fast and powerful effort : blitz
a promotional blitzkrieg

bliz·zard noun, pl -zards [count]

1 : a severe snowstorm that goes on for a long time

We were snowed in by a raging/fierce blizzard.

2 : a large amount of something that comes suddenly
usually singular
a blizzard of mail

The audience confronted him with a blizzard of questions.

bloat noun [noncount]

chiefly US : too much growth
budget/bureaucratic bloat

The company became an example of corporate bloat. [=it became too big]

bloat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: very swollen : too full of liquid, gas, food, etc.

a bloated body

I felt bloated from eating too much.

often used figuratively

The government is bloated [=too large] and inefficient.

a bloated state budget

He has a bloated ego.

bloat·ed·ness noun [noncount]

blob noun, pl blobs [count]

somewhat informal

1 : a usually small amount of something thick and wet
a blob of paint

2 : something that does not have a regular shape

That blue blob in the corner of the map is the lake we're headed for.

bloc noun, pl blocs [count]

: a group of people or countries that are connected by a treaty or agreement or by common goals
the communist bloc
a voting bloc in the senate

1block noun, pl blocks

1 [count] : a solid piece of material (such as rock or wood) that has flat sides and is usually square or rectangular in shape
a block of ice/cheese
a wall built out of concrete/cinder blocks

(US) kids playing with wooden blocks [=(Brit) bricks]

see also BUILDING BLOCK, CHOPPING BLOCK, STARTING BLOCK

2 [count]

2 a : an area of land surrounded by four streets in a city

We took a walk around the block.

She lived on our block.

2 b US : the length of one city block

The store is three blocks down on the right.

Our hotel is a block from the ocean.

3 [count] : a large building divided into separate units (such as apartments or shops)

an apartment block

This sense of block is more common in British English than in U.S. English.

a high-rise office block

see also BLOCK OF FLATS, CELLBLOCK, TOWER BLOCK

4 [singular] : something that stops the progress or achievement of something

They put a block on future development of the area.

5 [count] sports : an action or movement that stops or slows down an opponent
a shoulder block

(American football) The lineman threw a block. [=the lineman hit an opposing player to prevent him from making a tackle]

6 [singular] : something that stops a person from thinking about certain things
a mental/emotional block
see also STUMBLING BLOCK, WRITER'S BLOCK

7 [count]

7 a : a number of similar things that form a group

We reserved a block of seats.

She bought a large block of stock/shares in the company.

7 b : an amount or section of something

They played a half-hour block of music.

We set aside a big block of time for the project.

a block of text

chip off the old block see 1CHIP

knock someone's block off see 1KNOCK

new kid on the block see 1KID

on the block or on the auction block

: for sale at an auction

Some valuable paintings went on the block today.

broadly : for sale

Their business is now on the block.

2block verb, blocks, blocked, block·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to be placed in front of (something, such as a road or path) so that people or things cannot pass through

There's an accident blocking the road.

The entrance was blocked by a gate.

Blood clots have completely/partially blocked one of his arteries.

sometimes + up

My nose is all blocked [=stuffed] up.

Call a plumber. The sink pipe is blocked [=clogged] up.

1 b : to place something in front of (something, such as a road) so that people or things cannot go into the area

The protesters blocked the road with parked vehicles.

often + off

Main Street has been blocked off [=barricaded] for the parade.

The police blocked off the crime scene with yellow tape.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to stop (someone or something) from moving through or going by

The ambulance was blocked by cars in the road.

An accident was blocking traffic.

2 b : to stop (something) from getting through to someone or something

Could you move to the left, please. You're blocking my light.

a shield that blocks the wind

2 c : to be in front of (something) so that it cannot be seen

The new building blocks [=obstructs] our view of the river.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to not allow (something, such as progress or an action) to occur

Several senators are trying to block the passage of the bill.

His vote blocked the treaty.

The new law blocks the sale of liquor on Sundays.

They made every effort to block her reelection.

3 b : to be in the way of (something)

blocking access to free health care

4 sports : to stop the movement of (an opponent, a shot, etc.).

[+ obj] We practiced blocking our opponents.

She blocked the shot!

[no obj] He's getting better at blocking.

block in [phrasal verb]

block in (someone or something) or block (someone or something) in : to put something in front of (someone or something) so that person or thing cannot leave

My car is blocked in. = Somebody has blocked my car in. [=somebody has parked in a way that makes it impossible for me to move my car]

block out [phrasal verb]

block out (something) or block (something) out

1 : to hide or cover something so that it cannot be seen, felt, or heard

Clouds blocked out the sun.

We put on music to block out the sound of the traffic.

2 : to force yourself not to think about (something)

He tried to block out [=forget] the event.

: to ignore (something)

blocking out distractions

block·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He's one of the league's best blockers.

1block·ade noun, pl -ades [count]

: an act of war in which one country uses ships to stop people or supplies from entering or leaving another country
a naval blockade

2blockade verb, -ades, -ad·ed, -ad·ing [+ obj]

: to place a blockade on (a port or country) : to stop people or supplies from entering or leaving (a port or country) especially during a war

They blockaded the country's ports.

block·age noun, pl -ag·es

1 [count] : something that stops something (such as blood) from moving through something (such as a blood vessel)

He had surgery to open up blockages in his arteries.

2 [noncount] : the state of being blocked
trying to prevent blockage of the artery

block and tackle noun [singular]

: a simple machine that is used to help lift heavy objects and that consists of rope and boxes containing pulleys

block·bust·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: something that is very large, expensive, or successful
a 900-page blockbuster of a novel

The actor starred in a blockbuster [=a very successful movie] last year.

often used before another noun
a blockbuster movie
a blockbuster product

block·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal : a stupid person

Don't be such a blockhead!

block letters noun [plural]

chiefly US : capital letters

The message was written in block letters.

called also (Brit) block capitals

block of flats noun, pl blocks of flats [count]

Brit : apartment building

block party noun, pl -ties [count]

US : a party that is held outdoors for all the people who live in a neighborhood or city block

blocky adj, block·i·er, -est

: short and thick
a baseball player with a blocky [=(more commonly) stocky] body/build
a shoe with a thick, blocky heel

blog noun, pl blogs [count]

: a Web site on which someone writes about personal opinions, activities, and experiences

blog·ger noun, pl -ers [count]

blog·ging noun [noncount]

bloke noun, pl blokes [count]

chiefly Brit informal : a man

I'm just an ordinary bloke. [=guy, fellow, chap]

1blond or blonde adj, blond·er, -est

1 : of a yellow or very light brown color
long blond hair
blonde curls/locks/braids

She has blonde highlights in her hair.

His hair was dyed/bleached blond.

also : having blond hair
a blond actor

She was blonde as a child.

When used to describe a boy or man, the word is spelled blond. When used for a girl or woman, the word is often spelled blonde.

A person with dirty blond hair has very dark blond hair that is almost light brown in color.

see also PLATINUM BLONDE, STRAWBERRY BLONDE

2 : of a very light color
a table made of blond wood

2blond or blonde noun, pl blondes [count]

: a person who has yellow or very light brown hair

The word is spelled blond when used for a boy or man, and it is usually spelled blonde when used for a girl or woman.

He's a tall, blue-eyed blond.

She's a natural blonde. [=her hair has not been dyed blonde]

a bottle/bleached/peroxide blonde [=someone whose hair has been made blond through the use of chemicals]

see also PLATINUM BLONDE, STRAWBERRY BLONDE

blood noun [noncount]

1 : the red liquid that flows through the bodies of people and animals

The accident victim has already lost a lot of blood.

the blood in your veins

She donates/gives blood twice a year. [=twice a year she has blood taken out of her body so that it can be put into the body of a person who needs it]

see also BAD BLOOD, COLD-BLOODED, FULL-BLOODED, HOT-BLOODED, RED-BLOODED, WARM-BLOODED

2
used to say that a person's ancestors were of a particular kind

There's some Italian blood in her family. [=one or more of her family's ancestors was Italian]

a man of royal blood [=a man with kings and queens in his family]

see also BLUE BLOOD, BLUE-BLOODED

3 : members of a team, company, or organization
usually used in the phrases new blood or young blood

Our company could benefit from some new blood. [=new employees]

We've just added some young blood to the team.

blood and guts see 1GUT

blood is thicker than water

The saying blood is thicker than water means that a person's family is more important than a person's other relationships or needs.

blood is up

In British English, when you say that someone's blood is up, you mean that someone is angry and wants to fight or argue.

It's best to avoid her when her blood is up.

blood on your hands

If someone's blood is on your hands, you are responsible for that person's death.

Her blood is on your hands!

by blood

: by a relationship that connects two people through their natural parents, grandparents, etc.

My aunt and I are related by blood. [=my aunt is the sister of one of my parents]

My aunt and I are not related by blood. [=my aunt is/was married to the brother of one of my parents]

draw blood

1 : to take blood from a person's body for medical reasons

We need to draw some blood to test you for the virus.

2 : to cause blood to flow from a person's body

The punch to the nose drew blood. [=caused the nose to bleed]

sometimes used figuratively

Some politicians view debates as chances to draw blood from their opponents.

flesh and blood see 1FLESH

in cold blood

: in a deliberate way : following a plan

They were killed in cold blood by terrorists.

in your blood

If something (such as an ability or activity) is in your blood, it is part of your nature and is often shared by your family members.

With two parents who are painters, art is in her blood.

make someone's blood boil

: to make someone very angry

His hate-filled speeches make my blood boil! [=make me see red]

make someone's blood curdle or make someone's blood run cold

: to cause someone to be very afraid or disgusted

The horrible news made our blood run cold.

a ghost story that will make your blood curdle

The mere sight of a cockroach makes my blood curdle.

out for blood

If you are out for blood or out for someone's blood, you are very angry and you want to kill someone or to cause someone pain or discomfort.

Those soldiers were out for blood.

His ex-wife is out for his blood.

spill/shed blood

: to kill people violently

The blood of too many young people has been spilled/shed.

sweat blood
informal : to care a lot about something and work very hard for it
basketball players who sweat blood for their teams

taste blood
informal : to experience pleasure as a result of defeating an opponent

She has tasted blood now, and can't wait to meet her rival on the court again.

blood bank noun, pl banks [count]

: a place where blood is stored so that it later can be given to people who are ill

blood·bath Brit noun, pl -baths [count]

: a violent and cruel killing of many people

Thousands of people were murdered in the bloodbath.

sometimes used figuratively

The presidential race has become a political bloodbath.

blood brother noun, pl -ers [count]

: a man or boy who has promised to be loyal to another man or boy usually in a ceremony in which they mix their blood

He would never betray mehe's my blood brother.

blood cell noun, pl cells [count]

: a cell that is normally present in blood see also RED BLOOD CELL, WHITE BLOOD CELL

blood clot noun, pl clots [count]

: a thick and sticky clump of dried blood that stops blood from flowing through a blood vessel in a person or an animal

She had a blood clot in her lungs.

called also clot

blood count noun, pl counts [count]

: the number of cells in someone's blood
usually singular

The patient has a low blood count.

blood·cur·dling adj [more ; most ]

: causing great horror or fear

We heard bloodcurdling [=horrifying] stories about the war.

bloodcurdling [=terrifying] screams

blood doping noun [noncount]

: an illegal method for temporarily improving an athlete's performance in a race or competition by increasing the number of red blood cells in the blood

blood feud noun, pl feuds [count]

: a very long fight between two families or groups in which each group kills members of the other group in order to punish the group for earlier murders

blood group noun, pl groups [count]

: blood type

blood heat noun [singular]

Brit : the normal temperature of the human body

In U.S. English, this temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius) is referred to as a person's normal body temperature.

blood·hound noun, pl -hounds [count]

: a large dog that has very long ears and a very good sense of smell and that is often used for finding people and for hunting

blood·ied adj [more ; most ]

: covered in blood : made bloody

Their faces were bloodied and bruised.

blood·less adj [more ; most ]

1 : done without killing people

He fought his bloodless battles in the courtroom.

They took control of the government in a bloodless coup.

2 : lacking feeling or emotion

Her speeches are dull and bloodless.

a bunch of bloodless numbers and statistics

3 : pale in color

His face was bloodless with fear.

blood·less·ly adv

blood·let·ting noun, pl -tings

1 [noncount]

1 a : the former practice of taking some blood out of the bodies of sick people to heal them

1 b : the practice of causing someone to bleed as part of a religious ceremony

They practiced ritual bloodletting.

2 [noncount] : the killing of people

They prayed for an end to the bloodletting. [=(more commonly) bloodshed]

3 : the act of reducing the number of workers in a company

[noncount] We survived last year's bloodletting. [=we were able to keep our jobs]

[count] a corporate bloodletting

blood·line noun, pl -lines [count]

: the ancestors of a person or animal
her family's German bloodlines
the bloodlines of racehorses

blood·lust noun [noncount]

: the desire to kill or to see people killed
soldiers inflamed by bloodlust

blood money noun [noncount]

1 : money wrongly obtained by killing someone or because someone has died
the blood money earned by people who profited from the tragedy

2 : money paid to the family of a person who has been killed

They accepted blood money in exchange for the murderer's execution.

blood orange noun, pl -ang·es [count]

: an orange (sense 1) that is red inside the skin

blood platelet noun, pl -lets [count]

: platelet

blood poisoning noun [noncount]

medical : a serious condition in which harmful bacteria spread throughout a person's blood

blood pressure noun, pl -sures

: the force with which blood moves through a person's body

[noncount] The doctor says he has high blood pressure.

These drugs help lower blood pressure.

[count] She has a blood pressure of 120/80.

blood-red adj

: dark red like the color of blood
blood-red lips

blood relative noun, pl -tives [count]

US : someone who has the same parents or ancestors as you

Your sister is your blood relative, but your brother-in-law is not.

called also (Brit) blood relation

blood sausage noun, pl -sag·es [count]

: a very dark sausage that contains a lot of blood called also black pudding, blood pudding

blood·shed noun [noncount]

: the killing of people especially in a war

Years of violence and bloodshed have left much of the country in ruins.

blood·shot adj [more ; most ]

of eyes : having many red lines from lack of sleep, drunkenness, etc.

He had bloodshot eyes. = His eyes were bloodshot.

blood sport noun, pl sports [count]

: a sport (such as hunting) in which birds or animals are killed

blood·stain noun, pl -stains [count]

: a spot of blood on something (such as a piece of clothing)

blood·stained adj
a bloodstained carpet

blood·stock noun [noncount]

: horses that are bred for racing

blood·stream noun [singular]

: the flow of blood that moves through the heart and body

The drug is now entering the bloodstream.

blood·suck·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : an animal (such as a leech or mosquito) that sucks the blood of other animals

2 informal : a person who unfairly takes or uses things that other people worked for

Our landlord, the bloodsucker, just raised our rent again.

blood·suck·ing adj, always used before a noun
bloodsucking insects
our bloodsucking landlord

blood sugar noun [noncount]

: the amount of sugar in your blood

As a diabetic, he needs his blood sugar to stay at the right levels.

blood test noun, pl tests [count]

: a test of the blood especially to learn if a person has any diseases or conditions (such as AIDS or high cholesterol)

He had a blood test, and the doctor who did it said his cholesterol was too high.

blood·thirsty adj [more ; most ]

: eager to hurt or kill : enjoying the sight of violence or bloodshed
bloodthirsty soldiers

blood·thirst·i·ness noun [noncount]

blood transfusion noun, pl -sions [count]

: a medical treatment in which someone's blood is put into the body of another person

blood type noun, pl types [count]

chiefly US : one of the eight different blood categories into which humans are separated

These categories of blood are labeled A, B, AB, or O and each of these is either Rh-positive or Rh-negative.

Her blood type is B negative.

called also blood group

blood vessel noun, pl -sels [count]

: a small tube that carries blood to different parts of a person or animal's body

Arteries, veins, and capillaries are kinds of blood vessels.

1bloody adj, blood·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : bleeding or covered with blood

He hit me and gave me a bloody nose.

a bloody towel
a bloody knife

2 : violent and causing the death or injury of many people
a bloody battle/war/revolution
see also scream bloody murder at 1SCREAM

3 always used before a noun Brit, informal + sometimes offensive
used to make an angry or critical statement more forceful

He's a bloody [=damned] fool!

We had to read the whole bloody thing.

bloody hell

Brit informal + offensive
used to express anger or annoyance

Bloody hell [=damn it]I've lost my key again!

How the bloody hell did you hear that?

blood·i·ly adv

The battle was won bloodily.

2bloody adv

Brit informal + sometimes offensive : very, extremely
used to make an angry or critical statement more forceful
a bloody awful mistake

We all had a bloody good time.

It was bloody marvellous!

“Can I borrow your car again?” “Not bloody likely!” [=no, absolutely not]

bloody well
informal + sometimes offensive
used before a verb to stress anger, annoyance, or disapproval

I'm your father and you'll bloody well do as you're told!

3bloody verb, blood·ies, blood·ied, bloody·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) bloody

He hit me and bloodied my nose.

see also BLOODIED

Bloody Mary noun, pl Marys [count]

: an alcoholic drink made with vodka, tomato juice, and usually spices

bloody-mind·ed adj [more ; most ]

chiefly Brit informal : difficult to deal with : not willing to help others do things

Stop being so bloody-minded and give me a hand here!

bloody-mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

1bloom noun, pl blooms

1 [count] : 1flower 1

The plant's purple blooms attract butterflies.

He picked a red bloom [=blossom] for her hair.

2 [count] : a time period in which a plant has many open flowers
roses with an early spring bloom

3 [noncount] : a state or time of beauty, health, and strength
the bloom of youth

come in/into bloom see 1COME

in bloom or in full bloom

: having flowers

The bushes should be in bloom [=in flower; flowering; blooming] soon.

These plants are very fragrant when they are in full bloom.

2bloom verb, blooms, bloomed, bloom·ing [no obj]

1 : to produce flowers
trees that bloom [=blossom, flower] in the spring
flowers blooming in the garden

2 : to change, grow, or develop fully

Their love was just beginning to bloom.

their blooming romance

bloom·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a plant that blooms at a specified time

These plants are spring bloomers. [=they have flowers in the spring]

plants that are early/late bloomers

2 Brit, informal + somewhat old-fashioned : an embarrassing mistake

The politician's bloomer [=(US) blooper] was shown on every TV channel.

late bloomer

US : someone who becomes successful, attractive, etc., at a later time in life than other people

She was a late bloomer as a writer.

bloo·mers noun [plural]

: long and loose underpants worn by women and girls especially in the past

bloom·ing adj, always used before a noun

Brit informal
used to make an angry or critical statement more forceful

We had to read the whole blooming thing!

Don't be a blooming idiot!

blooming adv, Brit informal

It's blooming marvellous!

bloop·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : an embarrassing mistake usually made in public

The politician's blooper [=(Brit) bloomer] was shown on every TV channel.

1blos·som noun, pl -soms [count]

: a flower especially of a fruit tree

Her hair smelled of apple/cherry/orange blossoms.

delicate pink blossoms [=blooms]

2blossom verb, -soms, -somed, -som·ing [no obj]

1 : to produce flowers

The trees have finished blossoming. [=blooming, flowering]

2 : to change, grow, and develop fully

Their friendship began to blossom [=bloom, flower, flourish] during the summer.

Their friendship blossomed into romance.

Their business seemed to blossom [=take off] overnight.

a blossoming romance
a blossoming talent

1blot verb, blots, blot·ted, blot·ting [+ obj]

: to dry (something, such as wet ink) by pressing a piece of cloth or paper over it

Don't rub the wine stain. Blot it dry with a paper towel.

Blot your lipstick with a tissue.

blot out [phrasal verb]

blot out (something) or blot (something) out : to hide or block (something): such as
a : to make (something) difficult to see

Clouds blotted out the sun.

b : to try to forget (an event or memory)

blotting out memories of your childhood

blot your copybook

Brit informal : to harm your own reputation

The star football player blotted his copybook by using bad language in an interview.

2blot noun, pl blots [count]

1 a : a spot or stain
a blot of ink [=an ink blot]

1 b : something that makes something else dirty or unattractive

The tower is a blot on the landscape.

2 : a mark of shame or dishonor

Slavery is a blot on the nation's history.

blotch noun, pl blotch·es [count]

: a usually dark-colored spot especially on the skin

She has brown blotches [=splotches] on her hands.

blotches on the tree's leaves

blotched adj, Brit
leaves blotched with brown spots

blotchy adj, blotch·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

blotchy skin

blot·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a large piece of blotting paper that is placed in a stiff frame on top of a desk

2 : a book used in a police station for writing down information about people or events
a police blotter

blotting paper noun [noncount]

: a soft, thick paper used to dry wet ink

blot·to adj [more ; most ]

slang : very drunk

He came home blotto after the party.

She got blotto on cheap wine.

blouse noun, pl blous·es [count]

: an often somewhat formal shirt for women and girls

She wore a blouse and a skirt to work.

1blow verb, blew , blown , blow·ing

1 a [no obj] of air, wind, etc. : to move with speed or force

The wind was blowing earlier but it's not blowing now. [=there was wind earlier but there isn't any wind now]

The wind is blowing hard. = It's blowing hard outside.

The storm is blowing hard/fiercely. = It's blowing up a storm.

A cool breeze blew through the open window.

The wind was blowing from the north.

1 b [+ obj] : to cause (air or something carried by air) to move

The fan blew the air.

The fan blew the smoke out the window.

1 c : to be moved or affected in a specified way by the wind

[no obj] The door blew open/shut in the wind.

The papers blew all over the place!

The sign blew down/over.

The leaves were blowing around in the wind.

His hat blew off/away in the wind.

[+ obj] The breeze blew my wet hair dry.

The wind blew the door open/shut.

The wind blew the sign down/over.

The wind blew the ship off course.

A gust of wind blew the papers all over the room.

The wind blew his hat off/away.

2 a : to create a current of moving air by breathing

[no obj] She blew on her fingers to warm them.

He was blowing on his soup to cool it off.

[+ obj] She blew air into the balloon.

2 b [+ obj] : to produce or shape (something, such as a bubble) by blowing air

The clown was blowing bubbles for the children.

blow beautiful shapes out of glass = blow glass into beautiful shapes
see also GLASSBLOWING

3 a [no obj] of a musical instrument, whistle, etc. : to produce a loud sound

The trumpet/whistle blew loudly.

The siren blew. [=sounded]

3 b [+ obj] : to play or produce a sound with (a musical instrument, whistle, etc.)

blow a trumpet
blow a whistle
blow a siren

4 : to damage or destroy (something) with an explosion

[+ obj] The terrorists rigged a bomb to blow [=(more commonly) blow up] the bridge.

The explosion blew his leg off. = The explosion blew off his leg.

The explosion blew out the window.

The burglar blew the safe open with dynamite.

The bomb blew the bridge to bits/smithereens. [=the bomb completely destroyed the bridge]

[no obj] They ran away when they realized that the bridge was about to blow. [=(more commonly) blow up, explode]

The window blew out in the explosion.

The safe blew open when the burglar dynamited it.

sometimes used figuratively

The election has been blown wide open by the revelation that one of the candidates was lying.

The prosecution's case was blown apart by new evidence.

see also BLOW UP ((BELOW))

5 : to cause (a tire) to suddenly lose air and become flat

[+ obj] He drove over a nail and blew a tire.

often + out

The car blew out a tire.

[no obj] The car crashed because one of its tires had blown.

often + out

One of the car's tires blew out.

see also BLOWOUT 1

6 of an electric fuse : to melt and stop the flow of electricity when an electric current is too strong

[no obj] The light went off because a fuse had blown.

[+ obj] What blew the fuse?

see also blow a fuse at 1FUSE

7 [+ obj] : to clear (your nose) by forcing air through it quickly

He blew his nose into his handkerchief.

8 [+ obj] informal : to spend or waste (a large amount of money) in a foolish way

He blew his whole paycheck on a horse that finished last.

9 [+ obj] informal

9 a : to make a mistake in doing or handling (something)

The actress blew her lines. [=she said her lines incorrectly]

9 b : to lose or miss (an opportunity) by acting in a stupid or clumsy way

He blew an opportunity to make a lot of money in the stock market.

I blew my chance for a big promotion.

They should have won the game but they blew it.

“I have a job interview tomorrow.” “Well, don't blow it.”

I was late for the job interview and that blew it for me. [=that caused me not to get the job]

10 [+ obj] US, informal : to leave (a place) very quickly

Let's blow this joint.

He packed his bags and blew town [=left town] without even saying goodbye.

11 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] US, informal : to throw (a ball) with great force and speed

The pitcher blew a fastball by/past the batter.

12 Brit, informal
used to express surprise, annoyance, etc.

He washed the dishes? Well blow me down!

Blow it! I forgot to buy milk.

blow a gasket see GASKET

blow away [phrasal verb]

blow (someone) away or blow away (someone) informal

1 : to kill (someone) by shooting
a gangster who got blown away by a hit man

2 : to impress (someone) in a very strong and favorable way

I was really blown away by her latest movie.

3 US : to defeat (someone) very badly

They blew their rivals away in the first game 347.

blow hot and cold

: to change repeatedly from liking or favoring something to not liking or favoring it

Local residents have been blowing hot and cold on the question of whether to build a new school.

blow in [phrasal verb]

informal : to arrive in a sudden or unexpected way

He just blew in, asking for a place to stay.

blow into [phrasal verb]

blow into (a place) informal : to arrive at (a place) in a sudden or unexpected way

He just blew into town and needs a place to stay.

blown out of proportion see PROPORTION

blow off [phrasal verb]

US informal

1 blow (someone) off or blow off (someone)

1 a : to refuse to notice or deal with (someone) : to ignore (someone)

I tried to say hello to him, but he just blew me off.

1 b : to fail to meet (someone) at an expected time

He was supposed to meet me for lunch but he blew me off.

2 blow (something) off or blow off (something) : to fail to attend or show up for (something)

He blew off an official dinner.

blow off (some) steam see 1STEAM

blow out [phrasal verb]

1 blow out or blow (something) out or blow out (something) : to go out or to cause (something, such as a candle) to go out by blowing

There was a sudden gust of wind and the candles blew out.

She blew out the candles on her birthday cake.

The wind blew out the candle.

2 of a storm : to come to an end : stop

The storm eventually blew out. [=blew over] = The storm eventually blew itself out. [=the storm eventually ended]

see also BLOWOUT

blow over [phrasal verb]

of a storm : to come to an end : stop

The storm eventually blew over. [=blew itself out, ended]

often used figuratively

The scandal blew over and was forgotten in a few months.

blow smoke see 1SMOKE

blow (someone) a kiss see 2KISS

blow someone's brains out see 1BRAIN

blow someone's cover see 2COVER

blow someone's mind see 1MIND

blow the gaff see GAFF

blow the whistle see 1WHISTLE

blow up [phrasal verb]

1 blow (something) up or blow up (something) : to fill (something) with air or gas : inflate
blow up a balloon
blow up a tire

2 blow up or blow (something) up or blow up (something)

2 a : to explode or to cause (something, such as a bomb) to explode

The bomb blew up.

blow up a bomb

2 b : to be destroyed or to destroy (something) by an explosion

The bridge blew up (in the explosion).

The soldiers blew up the bridge with a bomb.

sometimes used figuratively

The whole situation has blown up in his face [=has gone terribly wrong] and he may well be fired!

3 : to become very angry

The boss blew up when the shipment arrived late.

4 blow (something) up or blow up (something) : to make (a photograph) larger

We had the photograph blown up for framing.

: to make (something) seem larger or more important than it really is : exaggerate

It was just a trivial mistake that got blown up into something much worse. [=got greatly exaggerated]

5 of the wind, a storm, etc. : to begin blowing

A wind blew up but quickly subsided.

A storm blew up suddenly.

see also BLOWUP

blow your cool see 3COOL

blow your own horn see 1HORN

blow your own trumpet see 1TRUMPET

blow your top or US blow your stack
informal : to become very angry

Mom really blew her top when she found out I'd wrecked the car.

2blow noun, pl blows [count]

1 : a strong wind

If the weather reports are right, we're in for a good blow tonight. [=there will be a strong wind tonight; the wind will blow hard tonight]

2 : the act of blowing something (such as your nose)

He gave his nose a good blow. [=he blew his nose]

compare 3BLOW

3blow noun, pl blows [count]

1 : a hard hit using a part of the body or an object

He delivered a mighty blow with a club.

a blow with a hammer = a hammer blow

I caught/got him with a heavy blow in the third round. = I landed a heavy blow on him in the third round.

The two boxers exchanged blows. [=hit each other]

The boxer rained blows on his opponent's head. [=the boxer hit his opponent's head many times]

The falling tile struck him with a glancing blow on the head. [=hit his head with less than full force and fell off to one side]

see also BODY BLOW, LOW BLOW

2 a : something that is done to fight for or against something

They struck a blow for freedom and against tyranny. [=they did something that helped freedom and opposed tyranny]

2 b : a sudden event that causes trouble, damage, sorrow, etc.

Hopes of peace received a mortal blow when negotiations were blocked.

The injury to their best player was a serious blow to the team's chances. [=the injury did serious harm to the team's chances]

The death of his wife was a terrible/shattering blow from which he never really recovered.

She was disappointed not to get the job, but the promise of another job cushioned/softened the blow. [=the promise of another job made her disappointment less painful or severe]

come to blows

: to begin fighting : to begin hitting each other

They almost came to blows during their argument.

deal a blow see 1DEAL
compare 2BLOW

blow-by-blow adj, always used before a noun

: describing each thing that happens in a series

He gave us a blow-by-blow account/description of the meeting.

blow-dried adj

: having blow-dried hair
sometimes used in a disapproving way in U.S. English to describe someone (such as a television personality) who has a neat appearance but is not very intelligent or interesting
a blow-dried newscaster

blow-dry·er noun, pl -dry·ers [count]

: a handheld device that blows air and is used for drying hair

She dried her hair with a blow-dryer.

blow-dry verb, -dries, -dried, -dry·ing [+ obj]

She washed and blow-dried her hair.

[no obj]

Always brush or comb while you blow-dry.

blow-dry noun, pl -dries [count]

She gave her hair a quick blow-dry.

blow·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device that blows air
a leaf blower [=a device that is used for clearing away leaves from the ground by producing a strong current of air]

see also SNOWBLOWER, WHISTLE-BLOWER

on the blower

Brit informal + old-fashioned : on the telephone

When I finally got him on the blower [=(US) on the horn] he said he couldn't come.

blow·gun noun, pl -guns [count]

: a long narrow tube that shoots out an arrow or dart when someone breathes into it quickly and forcefully

blow·hard noun, pl -hards [count]

US informal + disapproving : a person who talks too much and who has strong opinions that other people dislike

She's nice but her husband's a real blowhard. [=windbag]

blow·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

1 : a hole that is on the top of a whale or related animal's head and is used by the animal for breathing

2 : a hole in the ice to which seals and other animals that are living in the water under the ice come to breathe

blow job noun, pl jobs [count]

informal + offensive : the act of stimulating a man's penis with the mouth for sexual pleasure

blow·lamp noun, pl -lamps [count]

Brit : blowtorch

blown past participle of 1BLOW

blow·out noun, pl -outs [count]

1 : a sudden loss of air caused by a hole or cut in a tire

The car crashed after one of its tires had a blowout.

see also 1BLOW 5

2 informal : a large and informal social gathering : a big party

We had a big blowout to celebrate his promotion.

3 US, informal : an easy victory : a game or contest in which the winner defeats the loser by a large amount

The game was expected to be close but it turned out to be a blowout.

a blowout game

see also blow out at 1BLOW

blow·sy also blow·zy adj, blow·si·er, -est [also more ; most ]

of a woman : not neat or clean in her clothing or appearance and usually fat
a blowsy old woman

blow·torch noun, pl -torch·es [count]

US : a device that produces a very hot, narrow flame for doing work (such as melting metal to join pipes together) called also (Brit) blowlamp

blow·up noun, pl -ups [count]

1 : a photograph that has been made larger

The blowup of the photograph was easy to frame.

2 a : an angry argument

The two of them had a big blowup about something trivial.

2 b : an occurrence in which someone becomes very angry : an angry outburst

The coach's latest blowup occurred when one of his players arrived late.

see also blow up at 1BLOW

blowy adj, blow·i·er, -est

: breezy, windy
a blowy March day

BLT noun, pl BLTs [count]

US : a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich

1blub·ber noun [noncount]

: the fat on whales and some other animals that live in the water

2blubber verb, -bers, -bered, -ber·ing [no obj]

: to cry in a noisy and annoying way

Oh, stop blubbering, you big baby!

1blud·geon verb, -geons, -geoned, -geon·ing [+ obj]

1 : to hit (someone or something) very hard

The victim was bludgeoned to death with a hammer.

2 : to use arguments or threats to force (someone) to do something

He was bludgeoned [=bullied] into accepting the deal.

2bludgeon noun, pl -geons [count]

1 : a heavy stick that usually has one thick end and is used as a weapon

2 : something that is used to attack or bully someone
the bludgeon of satire

1blue adj, blu·er, blu·est

1 : having the color of the clear sky
a blue house/car/shirt/pen
his bright blue eyes
the deep blue ocean
see also BABY BLUE, BLACK-AND-BLUE, COBALT BLUE, NAVY BLUE, ROYAL BLUE, SKY BLUE, TRUE-BLUE

2 : sad or unhappy

Are you feeling blue?

see also BLUES

blue in the face

If you do something until you are blue in the face, you do it for a very long time without having any success or making any difference.

I talked to him until I was blue in the face, but he wouldn't listen to me.

blue with cold or blue from the cold
chiefly Brit of a person or body part : blue from being exposed to cold for too long

Her hands and feet are blue with cold.

He was shivering and blue from the cold.

go blue

Brit : to turn blue from being cold or not breathing

The baby stopped breathing and went blue.

talk a blue streak

US : to talk rapidly and without stopping

Sheesh! Your friend really talks a blue streak!

blue·ness noun [noncount]

the blueness of the ocean

2blue noun, pl blues

1 : the color of the clear sky

[noncount] Her favorite color is blue.
shades of blue
He was dressed in blue. [=blue clothing]

The sky was overcast, but here and there I could see a patch of blue. [=blue sky]

[count] a mixture of blues and greens

2 the blue literary : the sky or the sea

They sailed off into the blue.

out of the blue

: without warning : in a surprising or unexpected way

Then, out of the blue, he sold his house and left the country.

blue baby noun, pl -bies [count]

: a baby that has bluish skin usually because its heart is not working correctly

blue·bell noun, pl -bells [count]

: a plant with blue flowers that are shaped like bells

blue·ber·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a small round fruit with blue, purple, or blackish skin

We picked blueberries.

a pie made with blueberries
often used before another noun
blueberry muffins/pie
a blueberry bush

We went blueberry picking.

blue·bird noun, pl -birds [count]

: a small North American bird that is mostly blue with a blue, brown, or orange belly

blue blood noun, pl bloods

1 [noncount] : membership in a royal or socially important family
a woman of blue blood

2 [count] : a member of a royal or socially important family

This is where the city's blue bloods like to gather.

blue-blood·ed adj [more ; most ]

a blue-blooded family
blue-blooded sports like golf and polo

blue book noun, pl books

1 [singular] : a report that is published by the government

The information is listed in the blue book.

2 [count] US : a thin booklet with a blue cover and empty pages that is often used for writing the answers to test questions in college

3 [singular] US : a book that lists the current value of items (such as used cars)

blue cheese noun, pl cheeses [count, noncount]

: a kind of cheese that is white with lines of blue mold and that has a strong flavor

blue-chip adj, always used before a noun

1 : valuable and likely to make a good profit : not likely to cause investors to lose money
blue-chip companies/stocks

2 chiefly US : very good : excellent
a blue-chip [=first-class, first-rate] artist/athlete/wine

blue-col·lar adj

: requiring physical work
blue-collar jobs [=jobs making things in a factory, fixing machines, building things, etc.]

: relating to or having jobs that require physical work
blue-collar [=working-class] workers/families
compare PINK-COLLAR, WHITE-COLLAR

blue·fish noun, pl bluefish [count]

: a type of fish that lives in the ocean and is caught by people for food and for sport

blue·grass Brit noun [noncount]

: a type of traditional American music that is played on stringed instruments (such as banjos and fiddles)

blue jay noun, pl jays [count]

: a common American bird that is mostly blue

blue jeans noun [plural]

: pants made of a strong blue cloth (called denim)

He was wearing (a pair of) blue jeans.

blue law noun, pl laws [count]

US : an old law that forbids people from doing certain things (such as working or selling alcohol) on Sundays

blue moon noun

once in a blue moon

: very rarely

It happens once in a blue moon.

blue·print noun, pl -prints [count]

1 : a photographic print that shows how something (such as a building) will be made

Blueprints are often sheets of blue paper with white lines on them.

architectural blueprints

often used figuratively

Each cell contains the organism's genetic blueprint.

2 : a detailed plan of how to do something
a blueprint for success
a blueprint for reforming the public school system

blue ribbon noun, pl -bons [count]

: a decorative piece of blue cloth that is given to the winner in a contest or competition

Our pumpkin won the blue ribbon at the county fair this year.

called also (Brit) blue rib·and

blue-ribbon adj, always used before a noun

: made up of people who have special knowledge, abilities, etc.

a blue-ribbon committee/panel

blues noun

1 the blues : a feeling of sadness or depression

I've got (a case of) the blues. [=I have been feeling sad/depressed]

2 [noncount] : a style of music that was created by African-Americans in the southern U.S. and that often expresses feelings of sadness
a band that plays blues and jazz
often used with the

She sings the blues.

often used before another noun
a blues singer

sometimes used figuratively

He's been singing the blues [=feeling sad and discouraged] since he lost his job.

see also RHYTHM AND BLUES

blue·sy adj, blues·i·er, -est
bluesy music
a band with a bluesy sound

blue·stock·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

old-fashioned + often disapproving : an educated woman who is interested in books and ideas

blue whale noun, pl whales [count]

: a very large bluish-gray whale

The blue whale is the largest living animal.

1bluff verb, bluffs, bluffed, bluff·ing

1 : to pretend that you will do something or that you know or have something in order to trick someone into doing what you want

[no obj] Don't listen to his threatshe's just bluffing. [=he will not really do what he threatens to do]

She says someone else has made her a higher offer, but I think she's bluffing.

He's a terrible card playeryou can always tell when he's bluffing. [=when he's pretending that he has better cards than he actually has]

[+ obj] Don't listen to his threatshe's just bluffing you.

I managed to bluff my way into the show without a ticket. [=I got into the show by bluffing]

I bluffed my way through the interview.

2 [+ obj] US : to pretend to do or make (something)

The catcher bluffed [=faked, feigned] a throw to first base.

2bluff noun, pl bluffs [count]

: a false threat or claim that is meant to get someone to do something

She says someone else has made her a higher offer, but I think it's just a bluff.

call your bluff

If you have made a bluff or a threat and people call your bluff, they tell you to do the thing you have threatened to do because they do not believe that you will really do it.

When she threatened to quit her job, her boss called her bluff and told her she could leave if she wanted to.

compare 3BLUFF

3bluff noun, pl bluffs [count]

: a high, steep area of land : cliff

They stood on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

compare 2BLUFF

4bluff adj [more ; most ]

: having a very open, honest, and direct way of talking that is friendly but not always polite
a bluff, easygoing fellow

blu·ish adj [more ; most ]

: somewhat blue
a bluish green [=a shade of green that is somewhat blue]

1blun·der verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [no obj]

1 : to move in an awkward or confused way

We blundered along through the woods until we finally found the trail.

Another skier blundered into his path.

often used figuratively
a nation that is blundering into war

2 : to make a stupid or careless mistake

The government blundered by not acting sooner.

blundering adj
a bunch of blundering idiots

2blunder noun, pl -ders [count]

: a bad mistake made because of stupidity or carelessness

The accident was the result of a series of blunders.

a political/tactical blunder

blun·der·buss noun, pl -bus·ses [count]

: an old-fashioned kind of gun with a wide opening at the end

1blunt adj, blunt·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : having a thick edge or point : not sharp
scissors with blunt [=rounded] ends

He was hit over the head with a blunt instrument. [=an object without sharp edges or points]

Blunt trauma is a serious injury caused by being hit by something that does not have sharp edges.

She suffered blunt trauma to the head.

2 : saying or expressing something in a very direct way that may upset some people
blunt language
a blunt statement

To be perfectly blunt, I find her annoying.

He was blunt about needing more privacy.

blunt·ly adv

She bluntly refused their offer.

To put it bluntly, I think he's out of his mind.

blunt·ness noun [noncount]

He replied with characteristic bluntness.

2blunt verb, blunts, blunt·ed, blunt·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) less sharp
a weapon blunted by use
often used figuratively

The stress and fatigue had blunted [=weakened] his reflexes.

They tried to blunt [=soften] their criticism by praising her energy and enthusiasm.

1blur noun, pl blurs

1 [count] : something that you cannot see clearly
usually singular

He passed by in a blur of motion.

As the train sped on, everything outside the window was a blur.

I looked out at the blur of faces in the audience.

The letters are just a blur without my glasses.

2 [singular] : something that is difficult to remember

The whole weekend is just a blur to me. [=I don't remember the events of the weekend very clearly]

blur·ry adj, blur·ri·er, -est [or more ; most ]

a blurry image

She's suffering from blurry vision.

The letters are blurry [=blurred] without my glasses.

2blur verb, blurs, blurred, blur·ring

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) unclear or difficult to see or remember
a technique that blurs the edges of the image [=makes the edges of the image less sharp]

The tears in my eyes blurred the words on the page.

His novel is based on historical occurrences but it blurs the line/distinction between fact and fiction.

2 [no obj] : to become unclear or difficult to see or remember

I was so tired that my vision/eyes started to blur. [=I was not able to see clearly]

The two events have blurred together in my mind.

blurred adj [more ; most ]

The writing is blurred [=blurry] but I think I can read it.

The patient's symptoms include blurred vision.

a blurred memory

blurb noun, pl blurbs [count]

: a short description that praises something (such as a book) so that people will want to buy it
a blurb on a book jacket

blurt verb, blurts, blurt·ed, blurt·ing [+ obj]

: to say (something) suddenly and without thinking about how people will react

“Gosh, you look awful!” she blurted.

usually + out

He accidentally blurted out an obscenity.

She blurted out the answer.

1blush verb, blush·es, blushed, blush·ing [no obj]

1 : to become red in your face because you are ashamed, embarrassed, confused, etc.

He blushed at the compliment.

The unexpected attention made her blush (with embarrassment).

2 : to be embarrassed

I blush to admit it, but you've caught me in an error.

2blush noun, pl blushes

1 [count] : the red color that spreads over your face when you are ashamed, embarrassed, confused, etc.

The comment brought a blush to her cheeks.

2 [count] : a slight red or pink color

The fruit is yellow, with a blush of pink.

3 [noncount] US : a cream or powder that some people put on their cheeks to make their cheeks pink or reddish

She put on a little lipstick and blush.

called also (chiefly Brit) blush·er

at first blush see 1FIRST

spare someone's blushes see 2SPARE

blush wine noun, pl wines [count, noncount]

: wine that has a pink color

1blus·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 : to speak in a loud and aggressive or threatening way

[no obj] He brags and blusters, but he never really does what he says he'll do.

[+ obj] “I don't want to hear it!” he blustered.

2 [no obj] of wind : to blow loudly and violently

The wind blustered through the valley.

blustering adj

The storm brought blustering [=blustery] winds.

a blustering bully

2bluster noun [noncount]

: words that are loud and aggressive

We were all tired of his macho bluster.

blus·tery adj [more ; most ]

: blowing loudly and violently
blustery winds

blvd. abbr
boulevard

The letter was addressed to him at 1066 Sunset Blvd.

B movie noun, pl -ies [count]

: a movie that costs little money to make and that is usually not considered to be very good

BO abbr
body odor

She refused to wear deodorant and had horrible BO. [=her body smelled very unpleasant]

boa noun, pl boas [count]

1 : boa constrictor

2 : a long scarf that is made of fur, feathers, or cloth
a pink feather boa

boa constrictor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a large brown snake that crushes the animals it eats by squeezing them with its body and that lives in the tropical regions of Central and South America

boar noun, pl boars [count]

1 : a male pig

2 : a wild pig called also wild boar

1board noun, pl boards

1 [count] : a long, thin, flat piece of wood

They nailed some boards over the broken window.

Cut the board lengthwise.

2 [count]

2 a : a flat piece of material (such as wood or cardboard) that is used for a special purpose

They covered the board in fabric and pinned some photographs to it.

the board that is used to play games like chess and checkers

2 b : bulletin board 1

I saw a notice on the board calling for volunteers.

see also MESSAGE BOARD

2 c : a large, smooth surface for writing on

Write the answers on the board.

see also BLACKBOARD, WHITEBOARD

3 [count]

3 a : a group of people who manage or direct a company or organization

She sits on the bank's board of directors. = She's a board member at the bank.

3 b : a group of people who have been chosen to learn information about something, to give advice, etc.

a member of the advisory board = a board member

She is on the town's planning/zoning board.

an investigative board [=(more commonly) panel]

The parole board has decided that the prisoner is not yet ready for release.

see also BOARDROOM, SCHOOL BOARD

4 [noncount] : daily meals that you pay for when you are paying to stay at a hotel, school, etc.

He's looking for a place that provides board and lodging in the city.

(Brit) A week at the hotel with half board [=some meals] is of course less expensive than a week with full board. [=all meals]

see also ROOM AND BOARD

5 [count] : circuit board

6 boards [plural] US : special tests that you take when you want to be accepted as a student at a college or medical school

Did you pass the boards?

7 the boards US : the low wooden wall that surrounds the playing surface in ice hockey

He crashed into the boards.

across the board

: in a way that includes or affects everyone or everything

We've been forced to cut spending across the board.

see also ACROSS-THE-BOARD

go by the board or US go by the boards

: to no longer be used or considered : to be discarded, rejected, or abandoned

Many of his original theories have gone by the board in recent years as new evidence has accumulated.

on board

1 : in or on a train, boat, etc. : aboard

She got on board the train.

The ship's passengers are all on board.

Is all the equipment on board (the boat/train/bus/plane)?

2 : included among the group of people who support a particular goal, project, etc.

They needed to get more senators on board for the bill to pass.

sweep the board see 1SWEEP

take (something) on board

Brit : to decide to accept or deal with (something, such as a suggestion or idea)

You will be pleased to note that we have taken your suggestions on board in formulating the present policy.

tread the boards see 1TREAD

2board verb, boards, board·ed, board·ing

1 a : to get into or onto (an airplane, a bus, a train, etc.)

[+ obj] You must have a ticket in order to board the train.

The pirates tried to board the ship, but we fought them off.

[no obj] We're supposed to board at 10:15.

Passengers may now board.

1 b : to put or allow (someone) into or onto an airplane, a bus, a train, etc.

[+ obj] We're now boarding all passengers.

[no obj] The flight is about to begin boarding.

Passengers should remain in the boarding area.

2 [+ obj] : to cover or close (something) with pieces of wood

The caretaker boarded the window.

usually + up

The caretaker boarded up the window.

We decided to board up [=put boards over the windows and doors of] the old shed.

3 a [+ obj] : to provide (someone) with daily meals and a place to live in exchange for money

They board guests during the summer season.

3 b [no obj] : to pay for daily meals and a place to live

Many students board at the college.

see also BOARDINGHOUSE, BOARDING SCHOOL

board·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who pays to live and have daily meals at another person's house or at a school

She decided to take in boarders.

Half of the students are boarders.

2 : a person who uses a snowboard
an amateur boarder [=snowboarder]

board game noun, pl games [count]

: a game (such as chess) that is played by moving pieces on a special board

board·ing·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a house where people pay to live and have daily meals

boarding pass noun, pl passes [count]

US : a special piece of paper that you must have in order to be allowed to get onto an airplane

Please present your boarding pass to the flight attendant.

called also (Brit) boarding card

boarding school noun, pl schools

: a school where students can live during the school term

[count] He attended a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts.

[noncount] She was sent to boarding school when she was nine.

board·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a room where the group of people who manage or direct a company or organization have meetings

The directors are meeting in the boardroom.

often used before another noun

There was lots of boardroom intrigue surrounding the appointment of a new CEO.

board·walk noun, pl -walks [count]

chiefly US : a wooden path along a beach

A boardwalk can be on the ground or raised above the ground several feet.

1boast verb, boasts, boast·ed, boast·ing

1 : to express too much pride in yourself or in something you have, have done, or are connected to in some way

[no obj] They boasted to their friends about their son's salary.

She boasted of having won five games in a row.

That score is nothing to boast about. [=you shouldn't be proud of that score; that score is not very good]

[+ obj] He liked to boast that he was the richest man in town.

“I've sold more paintings than you ever will,” the artist boasted.

2 [+ obj] : to have (something that is impressive)

The museum boasts some of the rarest gems in the world.

The school boasts a number of Nobel laureates among its graduates.

2boast noun, pl boasts [count]

1 : a statement in which you express too much pride in yourself or in something you have, have done, or are connected to in some way

When he says he's the richest man in town, he's not just making an idle/empty boast.

We were offended by his boast that he would easily beat us.

2 : a reason to be proud : something impressive that someone or something has or has done

The museum's proudest boast is its collection of rare gems.

boast·ful adj [more ; most ]

a boastful person/remark

boast·ful·ly adv

boast·ful·ness noun [noncount]

1boat noun, pl boats [count]

1 a : a small vehicle that is used for traveling on water
a fishing boat

He tied the boat to the dock.

1 b : a vehicle of any size that is used for traveling on water

Cruise ships and other boats filled the harbor.

traveling by boat across the ocean
see picture on next page, compare SHIP

2 : a long and narrow container that is used for serving a sauce with a meal
a gravy/sauce boat

fresh/just off the boat
informal : recently arrived in a country

My parents met in New York when my father was fresh off the boat from Italy.

in the same boat
informal : in the same unpleasant or difficult situation : affected by the same problem

We're all in the same boat.

miss the boat
informal : to fail to use an opportunity

If I don't act now I could miss the boat on this investment.

push the boat out

Brit informal : to spend a lot of money : to be extravagant

We're going to push the boat out and throw a big party to celebrate his recovery.

rock the boat
informal : to cause trouble by changing or trying to change a situation that other people do not want to change

Don't rock the boat.

The system isn't perfect, but it's been this way for a long time and nobody wants to rock the boat.

boat·ful noun, pl -fuls [count]

a boatful [=(more commonly) boatload] of passengers

2boat verb, boats, boat·ed, boat·ing [no obj]

: to travel in a boat

We boated over to the island.

boat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who travels in a boat
a favorite spot for pleasure boaters

2 : a stiff straw hat that has a brim and a flat top

boat·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a small building that is used for storing boats near a river or lake

boating noun [noncount]

: the activity of going or traveling in a boat for pleasure

She enjoys hiking, boating, and fishing.

We went boating on the lake.

often used before another noun

They own a store that sells boating equipment.

boat·load noun, pl -loads [count]

: an amount or number that will fill a boat
a boatload of passengers
often used figuratively to refer to a very large number or amount

They made boatloads of money. = They made a boatload of money.

We bought souvenirs by the boatload. [=in large numbers; we bought many souvenirs]

boat·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) who works on, rents, or operates boats; especially : a person who you pay to take you somewhere in a boat

boat people noun [plural]

: people who leave their country in boats in order to get away from a dangerous situation

boat·swain or bo·sun noun, pl -swains or -suns [count]

: an officer on a ship whose job is to take care of the main body of the ship and all the ship's equipment

boat·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

: a place where boats are built, repaired, stored, rented, or sold

1bob verb, bobs, bobbed, bob·bing

: to move up and down quickly or repeatedly

[no obj] A cork was bobbing in the water.

The bird's head bobbed up and down as it searched for food.

[+ obj] The bird bobbed its head up and down as it searched for food.

bob for apples

: to play a children's game in which you try to grab floating or hanging apples with your teeth

bob up [phrasal verb]

informal : to appear suddenly or unexpectedly

The question bobbed up [=(more commonly) popped up] again.

compare 4BOB

2bob noun, pl bobs [count]

: a quick up-and-down motion

He greeted us with a bob of his head.

compare 3BOB, 5BOB

3bob noun, pl bobs [count]

1 : a woman's or child's haircut in which the hair is all one length and usually at about the level of the person's chin

She had her hair cut in a bob.

2 : plumb bob 1

3 : 2float 1a

bits and bobs see 1BIT
compare 2BOB, 5BOB

4bob verb, bobs, bobbed, bob·bing [+ obj]

1 : to cut (something, such as an animal's tail) shorter

They bobbed [=cropped] the horse's tail for the show.

2 : to cut (a person's hair) so that it is all one length and usually at about the level of the person's chin

I hadn't seen her since she bobbed her hair.

compare 1BOB

5bob noun, pl bob [count]

Brit informal : shilling

It costs five bob.

I'm always looking for ways to save a few bob. [=some money]

compare 2BOB, 3BOB

Bob noun

and Bob's your uncle

Brit informal
used to say that something is easy to do or use

Just complete the form, pay the fee, and Bob's your uncle! [=and there you go]

bob·bin noun, pl -bins [count]

: a round object with flat ends and a tube in its center around which thread or yarn is wound

1bob·ble verb, bob·bles, bob·bled, bob·bling

1 [no obj] : to move up and down quickly or repeatedly
a doll with a head that bobbles [=bobs] up and down

2 [+ obj] US : to handle (something, such as a ball) in a clumsy or awkward way : to fail to catch (something) : fumble

The catcher bobbled the ball.

2bobble noun, pl bobbles [count]

1 US : a mistake that occurs when a player fails to catch or handle the ball properly in baseball, football, etc.

a bobble that cost them the game
sometimes used figuratively

The show went well with only a minor bobble. [=mistake]

2 chiefly Brit : a small ball of fabric that is used for decoration

The curtains have a series of bobbles along the edge.

a woolly hat with a bobble [=(US) pom-pom] on top

bob·by noun, pl bob·bies [count]

Brit old-fashioned + informal : police officer
a bobby on his beat

bobby pin noun, pl pins [count]

US : a thin piece of metal that is bent so that the ends are close together and that is used for holding hair in place called also (Brit) hairgrip

bobby socks or bobby sox noun [plural]

US : girls' socks that cover the foot, ankle, and a small part of the lower leg

bob·cat noun, pl -cats [count]

: a kind of large wild cat that has a short tail and that lives in North America

bob·sled noun, pl -sleds [count]

US : a small vehicle for two or four people that slides over snow and ice and is used for racing

He drove a bobsled in the winter Olympics.

often used before another noun
the bobsled competition
an Olympic bobsled team

; called also (Brit) bobsleigh

bob·sled·der noun, pl -ers [count]

an Olympic bobsledder

bob·sled·ding noun [noncount]

He competed in bobsledding at the winter Olympics.

bob·sleigh noun, pl -sleighs [count]

Brit : bobsled

bob·sleigh·er noun, pl -ers [count]

bob·sleigh·ing noun [noncount]

boc·cie or boc·ci or boc·ce noun [noncount]

US : a game in which players roll heavy balls across an area of ground and try to get each ball to stop as near as possible to a smaller ball

bod noun, pl bods [count]

informal

1 chiefly US : a person's body
guys with hot bods

2 Brit : a person : fellow

Some bod from the office rang you.

He's a bit of an odd bod, but I quite like him.

bo·da·cious adj [more ; most ]

US informal

1 : very good or impressive
a singer with a bodacious voice

2 : sexually attractive
bodacious babes

bode verb, bodes, bod·ed, bod·ing [+ obj]

: to be a sign of (a future event or situation)

This could bode disaster for all involved.

If something bodes well or bodes ill, it is a sign that something good or bad will happen.

The news doesn't bode well for us.

Her injury bodes ill for the team.

bod·ice noun, pl -ic·es [count]

: the upper part of a dress

1bodi·ly adj

: relating to the body : having to do with a person's or animal's body
bodily functions/fluids

The victim suffered serious bodily injury/harm.

2bodily adv

1 : by moving someone's body

The police removed them bodily. [=forcibly]

The blast lifted him bodily into the air.

2 : as an entire structure rather than in pieces

The house will have to be moved bodily to the new site.

body noun, pl bod·ies

1 [count]

1 a : a person's or animal's whole physical self
the human body
a part of the body

Her body is very muscular.

A bird's body is covered in feathers.

often used before another noun
body weight/fat
body parts

A person's normal body temperature [=(Brit) blood heat] is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius.

1 b : a dead person or animal

The body [=corpse] was shipped home for burial.

1 c : the main physical part of a person or animal

This species has a black body and a white head.

She held her arms tightly against her body.

2 [count] : the part of a vehicle that does not include the engine, wheels, etc.

There was extensive damage to the truck's body.

The body of the bus is almost entirely rusted out.

3 [count] : the main or most important part of something written

The (main) body of the text/letter is devoted to a description of the author's childhood home.

4 [count] : an object that is separate from other objects
heavenly/celestial bodies, such as the moon, the planets, and the stars

A foreign body is an object that is inside something (such as someone's body) where it should not be.

The X-ray showed a foreign body in his stomach.

Dust particles and other foreign bodies can irritate the eyes.

5 [count] : a large area of water
used in the phrase body of water

This lake is the largest body of water in the state.

6 [count] : a group of people who are involved together in the same job, activity, etc.

a body of troops
the student body
the state's legislative body [=the group of people who make the state's laws]

7 [count] : a group of things that are related or connected in some way

They've accumulated quite a body of evidence.

a writer with an impressive body of work

8 [noncount] of wine : a strong and appealing flavor
a wine with full body

9 [noncount] of hair : a thick and appealing quality
hair that lacks body

10 [count] : the section of a piece of clothing that covers the main part of a person's body
the body of a wetsuit

11 [count] old-fashioned : a human being : person
usually singular

What's a body to do?

It was just some poor body looking for work.

body and soul

: with all of your energy and enthusiasm

He devoted himself body and soul to the cause.

keep body and soul together

: to have or get enough food and money to survive

She kept body and soul together by working two jobs.

over my dead body
informal
used to say that you are very determined to not let something happen

“We're getting married.” “Over my dead body!”

I told her she could go with them over my dead body.

body bag noun, pl bags [count]

: a large bag that a dead person's body is put in to be carried or moved to another place

body blow noun, pl blows [count]

: a hard hit to a person's body
usually used figuratively to describe a sudden event or occurrence that causes severe trouble, damage, sorrow, etc.

The economy has taken some serious body blows in the past few years.

The latest attack has dealt a real body blow to the chances for peace.

body·build·ing noun [noncount]

: the activity of doing exercises (such as lifting weights) to make the muscles of your body larger and stronger

She's been doing competitive bodybuilding for a few years now.

often used before another noun
a bodybuilding competition

body·build·er noun, pl -ers [count]

professional bodybuilders

body clock noun, pl clocks [count]

: a system in the body that controls when you need to sleep, eat, etc.

It takes a while for my body clock to get adjusted when I fly from New York to London.

compare BIOLOGICAL CLOCK

body count noun, pl counts [count]

: the number of people killed in a war, disaster, etc.

The rising body count fueled opposition to the war.

body double noun, pl doubles [count]

: a person who takes an actor's place in a movie or television show for certain scenes (such as sex scenes)

body·guard noun, pl -guards

: a person or group of people whose job is to protect someone

[count] They entered the building surrounded by bodyguards.

[noncount] a member of the royal bodyguard

body language noun [noncount]

: movements or positions of the body that express a person's thoughts or feelings

We could tell from his body language that he was nervous.

body mass index noun, pl indexes [count]

: a measurement that shows the amount of fat in your body and that is based on your weight and height

A person with a body mass index of more than 30 is considered to be obese.

body odor noun [noncount]

: an unpleasant smell from the body of a person who has been sweating or is not clean abbr. BO

body politic noun

the body politic
formal : all the people in a particular country considered as a single group

The article examines the language politicians use to appeal to the body politic.

body shop noun, pl shops [count]

: a place where the bodies of vehicles are repaired

My car is at the body shop having the dent in the door fixed.

body stocking noun, pl -ings [count]

: a piece of clothing that fits tightly and covers the body from the neck to the ankles

body·suit noun, pl -suits [count]

: a piece of clothing that fits tightly and covers the body except for the legs and sometimes the arms
a gymnast's bodysuit

Boer noun, pl Boers [count]

: a South African person of Dutch descent : afrikaner

bof·fin noun, pl -fins [count]

chiefly Brit informal : a research scientist

Our boffins finally broke the enemy's code!

bof·fo adj [more ; most ]

US slang : extremely good or successful
a boffo idea

The store's been doing boffo business this year. [=the store has been very successful]

1bog noun, pl bogs

: an area of soft, wet land : marsh

[count] a kind of plant that commonly grows in bogs
a peat bog

[noncount] areas of bog
bog plants/grasses
often used figuratively to refer to a situation that is complicated or difficult
a bog of anxiety/uncertainty

compare 3BOG

bog·gy adj, bog·gi·er, -est [or more ; most ]

boggy soil

2bog verb, bogs, bogged, bog·ging

bog down [phrasal verb]

1 bog (something) down or bog down (something) : to cause (something) to sink in wet ground

The mud bogged down the car.

usually used as (be) bogged down

The car got bogged down in the mud.

often used figuratively

It's easy to get bogged down in details.

The extra demand can bog down the system.

2 : to become stuck in wet ground

The car bogged down in the mud.

often used figuratively

The story bogs down after the second chapter.

The extra demand can cause the system to bog down.

3bog noun, pl bogs [count]

Brit slang : a room with a toilet
go to the bog [=bathroom, toilet]

We've run out of bog paper. [=toilet paper]

compare 1BOG

1bo·gey also bo·gie or bo·gy noun, pl bo·geys also bo·gies

1 golf : a score that is one more than the official standard score for a particular hole : a score of one stroke over par on a hole

[count] He made/scored a bogey on the second hole.

[noncount] He made bogey on the second hole.

compare BIRDIE, EAGLE, see also DOUBLE BOGEY

2 [count] : something that causes fear or worry

The administration is trying to protect the economy from the bogey of recession. [=the administration is worried that a recession might occur and is trying to prevent one]

3 [count] Brit, informal : booger

2bogey verb, -geys, -geyed, -gey·ing [+ obj]

golf : to score a bogey on (a hole)

She birdied the first hole but bogeyed the second hole.

bo·gey·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : an imaginary monster that is used to frighten children

My aunt used to say to my sister and me, “The bogeyman will get you if you're bad.”

2 : a person who is hated or feared by a group of people
a politician who is the familiar bogeyman of conservatives

bog·gle verb, bog·gles, bog·gled, bog·gling
informal

1 [no obj] : to be unable to think clearly : to be amazed or overwhelmed

The mind boggles at what he has accomplished. = When I think of what he has accomplished, my mind boggles. [=I am amazed by what he has accomplished]

2 [+ obj] : to make (the mind) unable to think clearly : to amaze or overwhelm (the mind)

It boggles the mind to think of what he has accomplished. = His accomplishments boggle my mind.

see also MIND-BOGGLING

bog-standard adj

Brit informal : having no special or interesting qualities : average
a bog-standard speech

It's just a bog-standard school.

bo·gus adj
informal : not real or genuine : fake or false

It was just a bogus claim.

They conducted bogus experiments.

The evidence was completely bogus.

bo·he·mi·an noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person (such as an artist or writer) who does not follow society's accepted rules of behavior

bohemian adj [more ; most ]

an artist known for his bohemian way of life

He lived in the bohemian part of the city.

bo·he·mi·an·ism noun [noncount]

They followed a life of bohemianism.

1boil verb, boils, boiled, boil·ing

1 a [no obj] : to become so hot that bubbles are formed in a liquid and rise to the top

Let the water boil.

Keep the temperature low enough so the mixture will not boil.

a pot of boiling water

The kettle (of water) is boiling. = The water in the kettle is boiling.

french fries cooked in boiling oil

Cook the mixture until the liquid has boiled away. [=until the liquid has gone; until all of the liquid has turned into steam]

1 b [+ obj] : to heat (a liquid or a container with liquid in it) so that bubbles are formed and rise to the top

Boil (up) some water.

Can you boil a kettle (of water) for tea?

2 : to cook (something) in water that is boiling

[+ obj] Boil the eggs/vegetables.

Make sure you boil (up) a lot of potatoes.

boiled eggs/potatoes

[no obj] He put some potatoes on to boil. [=he put a pot with potatoes and water in it on the stove and turned the burner on]

The pasta is boiling.

3 [no obj] : to feel a strong emotion (such as anger)

+ with

The crowd boiled [=seethed] with anger.

a watched pot never boils

The expression a watched pot never boils means that time passes very slowly when you are waiting for something to happen if that is the only thing you are thinking about.

boil down [phrasal verb]

1 a : to become reduced in amount by boiling

Let the sauce boil down and thicken.

1 b boil (something) down or boil down (something) : to reduce the amount of (a liquid) by boiling it

Boil down the sauce so that it thickens.

2 boil (something) down or boil down (something) : to make (something) short or simple by removing the parts that are not important or necessary

He was able to boil down [=condense] the report to a brief summary.

3 boil down to (something) : to have (something) as the main or basic part

His speech boiled down to [=was basically] a plea for more money.

Their objections all boil down to one thing: cost.

You can get advice from many sources, but it all boils down to common sense. [=you should be guided by common sense]

boil over [phrasal verb]

1 : to flow over the side of a container while boiling

The water in the pot is boiling over. = The pot (of water) is boiling over.

2 a : to become violent or to lose control because of anger

He's so mad that he's ready to boil over.

2 b : to change into something more violent

Their disagreement finally boiled over into a fight.

boil up [phrasal verb]

: to grow toward a dangerous level

He could feel the anger boiling up inside him. [=he could feel himself becoming very angry]

Problems have been boiling up in the cities during the hot summer.

make someone's blood boil see BLOOD

2boil noun, pl boils

1 [singular] of a liquid : the act or state of boiling

(US) Bring the water to a boil. = (chiefly Brit) Bring the water to the boil. [=boil the water]

(US) The kettle on the stove came to a boil. = (chiefly Brit) The kettle on the stove came to the boil. [=the kettle began to boil]

She put the kettle (of water) on the boil. [=she put the kettle on a hot burner so that the water in it would boil]

The mixture should be cooked at a slow boil. [=with small bubbles rising slowly to the surface of the liquid]

Bring the pot to a rolling boil. [=to a state where large bubbles rise quickly to the surface of the liquid]

2 [count] US : a dish of shellfish, vegetables, and spices that is cooked by boiling
a crab/shrimp boil
also : a party at which this dish is served

They invited their family and friends to a crab boil on the beach.

off the boil

Brit informal : into a state that is less good than before

After two hit singles, the band went off the boil. [=the band was not as successful]

on the boil

Brit informal : in a state of activity or development

The deal is still on the boil.

kept their romance on the boil

compare 3BOIL

3boil noun, pl boils [count]

: a painful, swollen area under the skin that is caused by infection
compare 2BOIL

boiled sweet noun, pl sweets [count]

Brit : hard candy

boil·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a large container in which water is heated to produce steam in an engine see also DOUBLE BOILER

2 chiefly Brit : furnace b

boil·er·plate noun [noncount]

US : phrases or sentences that are a standard way of saying something and are often used

The last paragraph of the contract was legal boilerplate. [=the last paragraph was exactly the same as paragraphs in other contracts]

often used before another noun
a boilerplate speech that she has given many times

boiler room noun, pl rooms [count]

1 : a room with equipment for heating a building or ship : a room in which a boiler is located

2 US : a room with many telephones that are used by people who call strangers and use dishonest or forceful methods to try to sell them something

boil·er·suit noun, pl -suits

Brit : coverall

1boil·ing adj

: very hot
a boiling sun
a boiling summer day

I'm boiling in this suit.

It is boiling in here.

2boiling adv

: very or extremely

The sun was boiling hot.

He is boiling mad at how he was treated.

boiling point noun, pl points

1 [count] : the temperature at which a liquid begins to boil

The boiling point of water is 212° Fahrenheit or 100° Celsius.

2 : the point at which people might do or say something violent or might take some definite or extreme action because of anger, disagreement, etc.

[count]

usually singular

The incident brought tensions to a boiling point.

He sensed he had reached his boiling point.

(chiefly US) Tempers are reaching the boiling point.

[noncount] (Brit) Tempers are reaching boiling point.

bois·ter·ous adj [more ; most ]

: very noisy and active in a lively way

A large and boisterous crowd attended the concert.

a boisterous drinking party

He had a big, boisterous [=hearty] laugh.

bois·ter·ous·ly adv

They laughed boisterously.

bok choy (US) or Brit pak choi noun [noncount]

: a type of cabbage originally from China that has green leaves with thick, white stems

1bold adj, bold·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 a : not afraid of danger or difficult situations

The area was settled by bold [=brave, courageous] pioneers.

Few politicians have been bold enough to oppose the plan to cut taxes.

1 b : showing or needing confidence or lack of fear

It's a bold plan that might fail.

Hiring a novice was a bold move.

2 : very confident in a way that may seem rude or foolish

He punished the bold child for talking back.

He was/made so bold as to guarantee a victory. [=he confidently guaranteed a victory]

I'd like to offer a few criticisms, if I may be so bold.

3 : very noticeable or easily seen

She wore a dress with bold stripes.

The painting is done in bold colors.

4 literary : very steep
bold cliffs

5 : bold-faced 2

The headline was printed in large, bold type/lettering.

(as) bold as brass

: not afraid at all : very confident or bold

I was too nervous to do it, but my sister went right up to him (as) bold as brass and asked for his autograph.

bold·ly adv

He was boldly direct.

a boldly original painting
a boldly striped shirt

bold·ness noun [noncount]

2bold noun [noncount]

: boldface

bold·face noun [noncount]

: letters that are printed in thick, dark lines

The headline was printed in boldface.

bold-faced adj
chiefly US

1 [more ; most ] disapproving : very obvious and showing no feeling of doing something wrong : blatant
a bold-faced lie

He is a bold-faced [=bald-faced, barefaced] liar.

2 usually bold·faced : having thick dark lines

The headline was printed in boldfaced [=bold] type.

: printed in boldface
a boldfaced headline

bo·le·ro noun, pl -ros [count]

1 : a type of Spanish dance; also : the music for this dance

2 : a short jacket that does not close at the front

boll noun, pl bolls [count]

: the part of the cotton plant that contains the seeds

bol·lard noun, pl -lards [count]

1 Brit : a post that prevents vehicles from going into an area where people can wait in the middle of a road

2 : a post around which a rope may be tied to keep a boat close to land

bol·lix verb, -lix·es, -lixed, -lix·ing [+ obj]

US informal : to make mistakes in doing (something) : to upset or ruin (something)

That delay has bollixed our schedule.

usually + up

I bollixed up my income tax form and had to pay a penalty.

That one delay has bollixed up [=messed up] my whole week.

bol·locks noun

Brit informal + impolite

1 [noncount] : foolish or untrue words or ideas : nonsense

They always say we talk bollocks.

It's all bollocks. I don't believe a word of it.

2 [plural] : testicles

She kicked him in the bollocks.

boll weevil noun, pl -vils [count]

: a small insect that feeds on cotton plants

bo·lo·gna noun [noncount]

: a wide cooked sausage that is cut into thin pieces and eaten in sandwiches
a slice of bologna
a bologna sandwich

bo·lo tie or bo·la tie noun, pl ties [count]

US : a string that is worn around the neck and is held in place by a decorative piece in the front called also bolo

Bolo ties are worn as neckties by men mainly in the western half of the U.S.

Bol·she·vik noun, pl -viks [count]

: a member of the political party that started to rule Russia in 1917 or a member of a similar political party : communist

Bolshevik adj
the Bolshevik leader
the Bolshevik revolution/state

bol·shie or bol·shy adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : refusing to obey or help

He turned bolshie and uncooperative.

The word bolshie is a shortened form of Bolshevik.

1bol·ster verb, -sters, -stered, -ster·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) stronger or better : to give support to (something)

She came with me to bolster my confidence.

a convincing argument that was bolstered by the speaker's reputation

He received news that bolstered [=lifted] his spirits.

She is thinking of ways to bolster her career/image.

2bolster noun, pl -sters [count]

: a long bag of cloth completely filled with soft material : a long pillow or cushion

1bolt noun, pl bolts

1 [count] : a bright line of light that appears in the sky during a storm : a flash of lightning
a bolt of lightning = a lightning bolt
often used figuratively in the phrases a bolt from the blue and a bolt out of the blue

The news of his firing came as/like a bolt from the blue. [=like a bolt of lightning from the sky; it was surprising and unexpected]

2 [count]

2 a : a sliding bar that is used to lock a door or window

2 b : the part of a lock that is moved by a key see also DEAD BOLT

3 [count] : a long, round piece of metal that has a wider part at one end and is like a screw at the other end

A bolt and a nut are used together to hold something in place.

see also nuts and bolts at NUT

4 [singular] Brit : the act of running or moving quickly and suddenly in a particular direction or to a particular place

When he saw the police, he made a bolt for [=made a dash for] the door.

The thief made a bolt for it. [=ran away]

5 [count] : a large roll of cloth

6 [count] : a tube-shaped metal part inside a gun

7 [count] : a short, heavy arrow that is shot from a type of weapon (called a crossbow) used mainly in the past

If you have shot your bolt, you have done or used everything possible to try to do something, and there is nothing more that you can do.

The team had shot its bolt in the first quarter and didn't score again.

2bolt verb, bolts, bolt·ed, bolt·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a always followed by an adverb, adjective, or preposition : to move or go very suddenly and quickly from or to a particular place, position, or condition

He bolted up from the chair.

She bolted awake when the alarm sounded.

She bolted to her feet.

Reporters bolted [=rushed] for the door from which the mayor appeared.

The firefighters bolted [=sprang] into action.

1 b : to run away suddenly and quickly

The horse bolted when it heard the gunfire.

He took the money and bolted.

2 US : to suddenly leave a political party, team, etc.

[no obj] The coach bolted to a new team.

[+ obj] Some unhappy members have threatened to bolt the party and support the opposition.

3 a : to fasten (something) tightly : to lock (something) with a bolt

[+ obj] She closed and bolted the door.

Is the door bolted?

[no obj] The door bolts on the inside.

3 b [+ obj] : to attach (something) firmly : to attach (something) with a bolt

He bolted the panels together.

The bench was bolted to the floor.

4 [+ obj] : to eat (food) quickly

Mom told my brother not to bolt his food.

often + down

He bolted down his dinner and rushed out the door.

3bolt adv

: with the back in a very straight position

She sat bolt upright, staring straight ahead.

bolt-hole noun, pl -holes [count]

Brit : a safe or restful place : a place where you can hide or escape from something that is dangerous or unpleasant

They considered the inn a bolt-hole in times of stress.

1bomb noun, pl bombs

1 a [count] : a device that is designed to explode in order to injure or kill people or to damage or destroy property

A bomb went off downtown.

The bomb is set to detonate at 3:00. = The bomb will blow up at 3:00.

Many bombs were dropped on the city during the war.

They hid/planted a bomb in the building.

a pipe bomb [=a bomb made from a piece of pipe]

a suicide bomb [=a bomb carried by someone who plans to be killed by it when it explodes]

often used before another noun
a bomb explosion/blast
a bomb site [=a place where a bomb has exploded]

Someone called in a bomb threat [=a message saying that a bomb is located in a particular place], so the building was evacuated.

a bomb squad [=a group of people who have the job of preventing bombs from causing damage or injury]

1 b the bomb : nuclear weapons
countries that have the bomb

2 [count] US, informal : something that is a complete failure
usually singular

The movie was a bomb. [=flop]

3 a the bomb US slang : something or someone that is very good

Their new album is the bomb. [=their new album is great]

3 b [singular] Brit, informal : something that is very successful

The party went down/like a bomb [=the party was a success], and everybody enjoyed themselves.

4 [count]

4 a American football : a long pass

The quarterback threw a bomb to the wide receiver.

4 b basketball : a long shot

She's good at shooting three-point bombs.

4 c baseball : a long home run

He hit a three-run bomb over the left field wall.

5 [singular] Brit, informal : a large amount of money

She paid a bomb for the car.

I'm looking for a new computer that doesn't cost a bomb.

drop a bomb or drop the bomb
informal : to do or say something that is very shocking and unexpected

She dropped a bomb with her resignation. [=her resignation was a complete surprise]

She dropped the bomb on her husband and asked for a divorce.

2bomb verb, bombs, bombed, bomb·ing

1 [+ obj] : to attack (a place or people) with a bomb or many bombs

The city was heavily bombed during the war.

The planes flew 200 miles to bomb their target.

2 a [no obj] informal : to fail completely

The plan bombed (out).

The movie bombed at the box office.

The play bombed on Broadway.

He bombed at/in his first performance.

2 b [+ obj] US slang : to fail (a test)

I completely bombed my math exam.

3 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] informal : to move or go very quickly

A car was bombing down the highway.

teenagers bombing around in a convertible

4 [+ obj]

4 a US, sports : to hit (a ball) very hard

He bombed a homer in the ninth inning.

4 b baseball : to score many runs against (a pitcher)

The relief pitcher was bombed in the ninth inning.

bombing noun, pl -ings [noncount]

The city was subjected to heavy bombing during the war.

[count]

The building was destroyed by repeated bombings.

suicide bombings
often used before another noun
a bombing attack/campaign

bom·bard verb, -bards, -bard·ed, -bard·ing [+ obj]

1 : to attack (a place) with bombs, large guns, etc.

The navy bombarded the shore.

2 : to hit or attack (something or someone) constantly or repeatedly

Scientists bombarded the sample with X-rays.

The car was bombarded by rocks as it drove away from the angry crowd.

often used figuratively

He is being bombarded by offers.

We are constantly being bombarded by ads.

The actress was bombarded with questions.

bom·bard·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

During the war, bombardments occurred every night.

[noncount]

The city was subjected to aerial bombardment. [=bombs were dropped on the city from airplanes]

bom·bar·dier noun, pl -diers [count]

1 chiefly US : the person in a military aircraft who controls when the bombs are dropped

2 : an officer who operates large guns and has a low rank in the British Army

bom·bast noun [noncount]

formal : speech or writing that is meant to sound important or impressive but is not sincere or meaningful
political bombast

bom·bas·tic adj [more ; most ]

a bombastic speech/speaker

bom·bas·ti·cal·ly adv

bombed adj, not used before a noun

US informal : affected by alcohol or drugs : very drunk or intoxicated

He was bombed out of his mind. [=he was so drunk that he didn't know what he was doing]

bombed-out adj

1 : destroyed by bombs

We passed many bombed-out buildings in the ruined city.

The factory was completely bombed-out during the war.

2 : forced out of a house or a building by bombing
bombed-out families/workers

bomb·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a military aircraft designed for dropping bombs
a bomber pilot

2 : a person who takes a bomb to a place so that it will explode there : a person who bombs a place
a suicide bomber [=someone who takes a bomb to a place and expects to be killed by it when it explodes]

bomber jacket noun, pl -ets [count]

: a short jacket that is made of leather and fits closely around the waist

bomb·proof adj

: strong enough to protect someone or something from the force of bombs
a bombproof bunker/shelter
sometimes used figuratively
a bombproof investment [=a very safe investment]

bomb·shell noun, pl -shells [count]

1 : something that is very surprising or shocking
usually singular

The book was a political bombshell.

The news of his departure was a bombshell.

She dropped a bombshell [=she surprised everyone] when she said she wouldn't run for reelection.

2 informal : a very attractive woman
usually used in the phrase blond/blonde bombshell to refer to an attractive woman with blonde hair

She's a blonde bombshell who looks like a movie star of the 1950s.

bo·na fide adj

1 : real or genuine

She has established her position as a bona fide celebrity.

His latest record was a bona fide hit.

2 law : made or done in an honest and sincere way
a bona fide offer

They have a bona fide claim for the loss.

bo·na fides noun [plural]

formal : evidence which shows that what you have said about yourself is true : evidence showing that you deserve a position or that you can be trusted

She has worked hard to establish her bona fides with the company. [=to show the company that she can be trusted]

Bona fides can be used with a singular or plural verb.

The lawyer's bona fides was/were questioned.

bo·nan·za noun, pl -zas [count]

1 : something that produces very good results for someone or something
usually singular

The movie turned out to be a box-office bonanza. [=the movie made a great deal of money]

The program has been a ratings bonanza for the network. [=the program has received very high ratings]

The discovery proved to be a bonanza for scientists.

2 : a large amount of something valuable
usually singular

Her research resulted in a bonanza of information.

bon ap·pé·tit interj
used to tell someone to enjoy a meal

The phrase bon appétit comes from French.

bon·bon noun, pl -bons [count]

: a type of candy that usually has a chocolate cover and a soft center
chocolate bonbons

bonce noun, pl bonc·es [count]

Brit slang : a person's head
a bald bonce

1bond noun, pl bonds

1 [count] : something (such as an idea, interest, experience, or feeling) that is shared between people or groups and forms a connection between them
the bonds of friendship
a daughter's bond with her mother
family/kinship bonds

Recent events have helped to strengthen the bonds between our two countries.

My roommate and I share a common bond because we both grew up in the Midwest.

the bonds of holy matrimony [=the connection between two people who are married to each other]

2 [count] finance : an official document in which a government or company promises to pay back an amount of money that it has borrowed and to pay interest for the borrowed money

She has invested most of her money in stocks and bonds.

The city issued bonds [=the city created bonds and sold them to investors] to pay for the new school.

municipal bonds [=bonds issued by a local government]

see also JUNK BOND, SAVINGS BOND

3 [count] formal : a chain or rope that is used to prevent someone from moving or acting freely
usually plural

The prisoner was able to break free from the bonds that held him.

often used figuratively

They struggled to free themselves from the bonds of oppression.

4 [count] : the condition of being held together or joined

The glue provides a good/strong bond between the two pieces of wood.

5 [count] chemistry : a force that holds together the atoms in a molecule
chemical bonds
see also DOUBLE BOND, SINGLE BOND, TRIPLE BOND

6 [count] formal : a promise or agreement to do something

You can believe me when I say I'll help you. My word is my bond. [=I always do what I promise to do]

7 [noncount] chiefly US, law : the amount of money that someone promises to pay if a prisoner who is allowed to leave jail does not return later for a trial or to prison : an agreement to pay bail

The accused was released on $10,000 bond. [=the person accused of a crime was released from jail because someone promised to pay $10,000 if the accused person does not appear for the trial]

8 [noncount] : bond paper
used high-quality bond for the letter

2bond verb, bonds, bond·ed, bond·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to join (things) together

Heat was used to bond the sheets of plastic together.

The poster was bonded to the wall with glue/adhesive.

1 b [no obj] : to join to something else

The pieces of wood bonded (to each other) well.

2 [no obj] : to form a close relationship with someone
often + with

We were strangers at first, but we bonded (with each other) quickly.

A new mother bonds with her baby.

bonding adj, always used before a noun
a bonding agent [=a glue, an adhesive]

bond·age noun [noncount]

1 formal + literary : the state of being a slave : slavery

He delivered the slaves from bondage. [=he freed the slaves]

a population held/kept in bondage
often used figuratively

He struggled in the bondage of drug addiction.

2 : sexual activity that involves tying a person up for pleasure

bonding noun [noncount]

: the process of forming a close relationship with someone
mother-child bonding

He and his dad spent the weekend together for some male bonding.

bond paper noun [noncount]

: a paper that can be used for documents
printed the letter on bond paper
called also bond

bonds·man noun, pl -men [count]

chiefly US law : a person who agrees to make a payment if a prisoner who is released from prison does not return : a person who agrees to pay a bond

1bone noun, pl bones

1 [count] : any one of the hard pieces that form the frame (called a skeleton) inside a person's or animal's body

He broke a bone in his left arm.

The leg bone is connected to the knee bone.

sometimes used figuratively

He doesn't have a selfish/jealous bone in his body. [=he is not selfish/jealous at all]

My bones are aching from working in the garden.

My aching bones! [=my body is tired and sore]

I'll be glad to have a chance to rest my weary bones.

He knew in his bones [=knew in his heart; had a strong feeling] that he was wrong.

She felt in her bones [=she sensed very strongly] that nothing had changed.

see also BAG OF BONES, BARE BONES, FUNNY BONE

2 [noncount] : the hard material that bones are made of
a piece of bone

We are all made of flesh and bone.

The handle of the knife is made from bone.

bone of contention see CONTENTION

bone to pick
informal : something to argue or complain about with someone
usually + with

I have a bone to pick with you!

bred in the bone see 1BREED

close to the bone see 2CLOSE

make no bones about

: to be very sure and definite about (something)

Make no bones about the seriousness of the matter.

He made no bones about his plans to cut expenses.

Make no bones about itwe will win.

off the bone

: with the meat removed from the bone or bones

The pork is served off the bone.

on the bone

: with the meat connected to the bone or bones

The ham was on the bone.

skin and bones see 1SKIN

throw (someone) a bone
informal : to offer (someone) something that is not very important or valuable especially to stop complaints or protests

The boss would not let his workers out early for the holiday but threw them a bone by buying lunch.

to the bone

1 : very much

We were frozen to the bone. [=we were very cold]

The threatening look in his eyes chilled me to the bone. [=made me feel very fearful]

2 : as much as possible

The company has cut costs to the bone in an effort to save money.

work your fingers to the bone see 1FINGER

bone·less adj
boneless ham [=ham from which the bone has been removed]

The chicken breast is boneless.

2bone verb, bones, boned, bon·ing [+ obj]

: to remove the bones from (a fish or meat) : debone
bone a fish
bone a chicken breast

bone up [phrasal verb]

informal

1 : to try to learn a lot of information quickly for a test, exam, etc.

She boned up [=crammed] for the exam.

2 : to study something again

He's going to bone up the night before the test.

usually + on

She boned up on the speech just before giving it.

I have to bone up on [=brush up on] my French for my trip.

3bone adv, always used before an adjective

: extremely or very : completely or totally
bone tired/lazy/idle

The air is bone dry.

often used in combination
a bone-dry desert climate

bone-chill·ing adj [more ; most ]

1 : very cold
a bone-chilling wind

2 : causing strong feelings of fear, terror, etc.

a bone-chilling scream

bone china noun [noncount]

: thin white plates, bowls, cups, etc., made from clay and crushed bones

boned adj

1 : having bones of a specified type
used in combination

She is a small-boned person.

a big-boned horse

2 : with the bones removed
boned chicken
a boned fish

bone·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal : a stupid or foolish person

I told him he was acting like a bonehead. [=numbskull]

often used before another noun
a bonehead [=boneheaded] decision

bone·head·ed adj [more ; most ]

a boneheaded mistake

bone·head·ed·ness noun [noncount]

bone marrow noun [noncount]

: a soft substance that fills the bones of people and animals called also marrow

bone·meal noun [noncount]

: bones that have been crushed or ground and that are added to soil to help plants grow better

bon·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US informal

1 : a foolish or careless mistake

The manager pulled a boner [=made a stupid mistake] and lost the game.

2 impolite : an erection of the penis

bone·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

US informal : cemetery

bon·fire noun, pl -fires [count]

: a large outdoor fire

Bonfire Night noun [count, noncount]

: the night of November 5th observed in Britain with fireworks and bonfires to celebrate the capture in 1605 of a group of people who planned to destroy the buildings of Parliament

1bong noun, pl bongs [count]

: a deep loud sound that is made by a large bell
compare 2BONG

2bong noun, pl bongs [count]

: a device that is used for smoking marijuana in which the smoke is passed through water : water pipe
compare 1BONG

bon·go noun, pl -gos [count]

: one of a pair of small drums that are joined together and played with the hands called also bongo drum

bon·ho·mie Brit noun [noncount]

formal : a feeling of friendliness among a group of people
the bonhomie of strangers singing together around a campfire

bonk verb, bonks, bonked, bonk·ing [+ obj]

informal

1 : to hit (someone or something)

He bonked him on the head.

The golf ball bonked the hood of the car.

2 Brit : to have sexual intercourse with (someone)

bonk·ers adj, not used before a noun
informal : crazy

You have to be bonkers to gamble that much.

I was driven bonkers by the noise.

go bonkers
informal : to become very excited or angry

The fans went bonkers when their team won.

bon mot noun, pl bons mots or bon mots [count]

formal : a clever remark : witticism

She had a sparkling bon mot for every occasion.

This term is from French and literally means “good word.”

bon·net noun, pl -nets [count]

1 : a hat that ties under the chin

Bonnets were worn by women in the past but are now only worn by babies.

2 Brit : 1hood 2b

He lifted the car's bonnet to check the engine.

have a bee in your bonnet see 1BEE

bon·ny also bon·nie adj, bon·ni·er, -est
chiefly Scotland : very pretty or attractive
a bonny lass/baby

bon·sai noun, pl bonsai

1 [count] : a very small tree or bush that is grown in a pot by using special methods to control its growth

2 [noncount] : the art of growing bonsai

bo·nus noun, pl -nus·es [count]

1 : something good that is more than what was expected or required

As a bonus for good behavior you can stay up late.

The product has the added bonus of providing extra vitamins.

2 : an extra amount of money that is given to an employee

Staff members were given a bonus for finishing the project on schedule.

The company offered bonuses to entice new workers.

We receive annual bonuses at the end of the year.

bon vi·vant noun, pl bons vi·vants or bon vi·vants [count]

formal : a person who likes going to parties and other social occasions and who enjoys good food, wine, etc. called also (Brit) bon viveur

bon voy·age noun [noncount]

: 2farewell 1

The crowd waved bon voyage as the ship left the dock.

usually used to say that you hope someone who is leaving on a trip will have a good journey

People in the crowd shouted “Bon voyage!” as the ship left the dock.

Bon voyage. Have a safe trip.

We went with him to the station to wish/bid him bon voyage.

bony adj, bon·i·er, -est [more ; most ]

1 : resembling bone
a hard, bony substance

2 : full of bones
a bony piece of fish

3 : having large or noticeable bones
bony fingers/knees

4 : very thin

I used to be fat but my sister was always bony.

1boo noun, pl boos

1 [count] : a sound that people make to show they do not like or approve of someone or something

A chorus of boos was heard after the shot missed the goal.

The announcement was greeted by/with a mixture of boos and cheers.

2 [noncount] informal : any sound at all
usually used in negative statements

He never said boo [=he never said anything], so I didn't even know he was there.

A person who (US) wouldn't say boo or (Brit) wouldn't say boo to a goose is very quiet and shy.

2boo interj

1
used to show dislike or disapproval of someone or something

The crowd shouted “Boo!” when the announcement was made.

Boo! Get off the stage.

When people say “Boo!” with this meaning, they say it very slowly.

2
used when a person frightens someone

My brother scared me when he jumped out from behind the door and shouted “Boo!”

When people say “Boo!” with this meaning, they say it very quickly.

3boo verb, boos, booed, boo·ing

: to show dislike or disapproval of someone or something by shouting “Boo” slowly

[no obj] Many people in the crowd booed when the announcement was made.

[+ obj] Many people in the crowd booed the announcement, but a few people cheered it.

The crowd booed the singer off the stage. [=the crowd booed so much that the singer stopped singing and left the stage]

booing noun [noncount]

The booing was so loud I could hardly hear the announcement.

1boob noun, pl boobs [count]

US informal : a stupid or foolish person

She's not the helpless boob she seems to be.

an incompetent boob

compare 2BOOB, 3BOOB

2boob noun, pl boobs [count]

informal + sometimes offensive : a woman's breast
a woman with big boobs

She plans to have a boob job. [=a surgical operation to increase the size of a woman's breasts]

compare 1BOOB, 3BOOB

3boob noun, pl boobs [count]

Brit informal : a foolish or careless mistake
compare 1BOOB, 2BOOB

4boob verb, boobs, boobed, boob·ing [no obj]

Brit informal : to make a foolish or careless mistake

Officials really boobed [=(chiefly US) goofed] on handling the situation and made it worse.

boo-boo noun, pl -boos [count]

informal

1 : a small injury (such as a bruise or scratch)

used especially by children or when speaking to children

She fell down and got a boo-boo.

Did you get a boo-boo?

2 : a foolish or careless mistake

I made a slight boo-boo when I added up the numbers.

a major diplomatic boo-boo

boob tube noun, pl tubes

1 the boob tube US, informal + often disapproving : television

They spent the evening in front of the boob tube.

What's on the boob tube tonight?

2 [count] Brit : tube top

1boo·by noun, pl -bies [count]

chiefly Brit informal : a stupid or foolish person
a witless booby

compare 2BOOBY

2booby noun, pl -bies [count]

US informal + sometimes offensive : a woman's breast
compare 1BOOBY

booby hatch noun

the booby hatch
informal + often offensive : a hospital for people who are mentally ill

booby prize noun, pl prizes [count]

informal : a prize that is given as a joke to the person who finishes last in a competition
usually singular

You came in lastyou win/get the booby prize.

booby trap noun, pl traps [count]

1 : a hidden bomb that explodes when the object connected to it is touched, moved, etc.

Someone had rigged a booby trap that blew up the car when the engine was started.

2 : a trap that is set as a joke to shock or frighten someone

We set a booby trap by balancing a bucket of water on top of the door so that it would fall on him when he came in.

boo·by-trap verb, -traps, -trapped, -trap·ping [+ obj]

Someone had booby-trapped the car.

His roommate booby-trapped the door.

booby-trapped adj

The house is booby-trapped.

a booby-trapped car

boog·er noun, pl -gers [count]

US informal : a piece of mucus from the nose used especially by children

boo·gey·man noun, pl -men [count]

US

1 : bogeyman 1

2 : bogeyman 2

1boo·gie Brit noun [noncount]

: boogie-woogie

2boo·gie also boo·gy or boo·gey Brit verb, boo·gies also boo·geys, boo·gied also boo·geyed, boo·gy·ing also boo·gey·ing [no obj]

informal

1 : to dance especially to rock music

Everyone at the disco was just boogying (down) all night.

2 US : to move or go quickly

Let's boogie on out of here.

boo·gie-woo·gie Brit noun [noncount]

: a style of playing a type of music similar to jazz (called the blues) on the piano with a fast, strong, steady beat

1book noun, pl books

1 [count]

1 a : a set of printed sheets of paper that are held together inside a cover : a long written work

The shelves in his office are filled with books.

That's one of the best books I've read in a long time.

a novelist who has written some wonderful books
a book about plumbing

The library has many dictionaries and other reference books.

a hardcover/paperback book
sometimes used figuratively

You can learn many things by studying the great book of nature. [=by studying nature]

1 b : a long written work that can be read on a computer : e-book
an electronic book

2 [count] : a set of sheets of paper that are inside a cover and that you can write information on
an appointment book
an address book
see also NOTEBOOK

3 [count] : a major section of a long written work (such as the Bible)

the books of the Bible
a story that is told in the Book of Job
see also GOOD BOOK

4 [count] : a set of things held together inside a cover like the pages of a book
a book of stamps
a book of matches [=a matchbook]

see also CHECKBOOK

5 books [plural]

5 a : the financial records of a business

The company's books [=accounts] show a profit.

5 b : the official records of a business or organization

I'm sorry, but your name does not appear in/on our books.

6 the book US, informal : the knowledge or information that relates to a particular subject, person, etc.

The book on him is that he can't hit a curveball. [=people have seen and reported that he can't hit a curveball]

7 the book informal : phone book

Give me a call if you need to. I'm in the book. [=my telephone number is listed in the telephone book]

a closed book

: a person or thing that is difficult to understand

Even to his closest friends, he was always something of a closed book.

compare AN OPEN BOOK ((BELOW))

an open book

: a person or thing that is easy to learn about and understand

My life is an open book. I have nothing to hide.

bring (someone) to book
chiefly Brit formal : to require (someone) to explain and accept punishment or criticism for bad or wrong behavior

The people responsible for these crimes must be brought to book. [=brought to account]

by the book

: by following the official rules very strictly

My boss insists on doing everything by the book.

They ran all the investigations by the book.

cook the books see 2COOK

every trick in the book see 1TRICK

hit the books
informal : to study or begin studying very intensely

I've got to hit the books all weekend if I'm going to pass this test.

in my book
informal : in my opinion

She deserves credit, in my book, for much of the company's recent success.

He isn't even a good boss, at least not in my book.

in someone's bad books
chiefly Brit informal : in a state in which you are not liked or treated nicely by someone

He remains in her bad books. [=she is still displeased with him]

in someone's good books
chiefly Brit informal : in a state in which you are liked or are treated nicely by someone

He's trying to get back in his boss's good books by offering to work overtime.

one for the books

: a very unusual, important, or surprising situation, statement, event, etc.

There have been a lot of scandals in local politics over the years, but this is one for the books.

on the books

: part of the set of official laws

It's an outdated law that's still on the books.

read someone like a book see 1READ

suit someone's book see 2SUIT

throw the book at
informal : to punish (someone) as severely as possible

The judge threatened to throw the book at him if he committed another offense.

I thought I would get off with just a warning, but they threw the book at me.

write the book on see WRITE

2book verb, books, booked, book·ing

1 : to make arrangements so that you will be able to use or have (something, such as a room, table, or seat) at a later time

[+ obj] We booked [=reserved] a hotel room.

They booked two seats at the theater.

They booked tickets for a direct flight from London to New York.

I booked a table at our favorite restaurant.

[no obj] She booked through her travel agent.

We will need to book early.

This sense is used in U.S. English, but it is more common in British English. In U.S. English, reserve or make a reservation for is more commonly used.

When a hotel, restaurant, etc., is booked (up), booked solid, or fully booked, there are no more rooms, tables, etc., available. These forms are commonly used in both U.S. and British English.

The hotels in the city were booked solid for the conference.

The flight was fully booked.

The hotel was all booked up for the week.

2 [+ obj] : to make arrangements for (someone) to do, use, or have something at a later time

She booked me on a flight from Oslo to Paris.

He was booked to sail on Monday.

3 [+ obj] : to schedule a performance or appearance by (someone, such as a musician)

The band was booked to play at the reception.

book a singer

4 [+ obj] law : to write down in an official police record the name of (a person who is being charged with a crime)

usually used as (be) booked

She was booked on suspicion of murder.

5 [+ obj] Brit, of a soccer referee : to write down in an official book the name of (a player who has broken the rules in a game)

usually used as (be) booked

He was booked for a late tackle.

book in/into [phrasal verb]

book in or book into (something) Brit : to arrive at and be given a room in a hotel, an inn, etc.

We booked in [=checked in] shortly after noon.

We booked into [=checked into] our hotel shortly after noon.

book·able adj, chiefly Brit
bookable flights/seats
bookable hotel rooms

3book adj, always used before a noun

: learned from reading books and not from experience

His schooling provided him with extensive book knowledge/learning.

She had plenty of book learning but no hands-on experience.

book·bind·ing noun [noncount]

: the process or job of attaching the pages of a book together inside a cover

book·bind·er noun, pl -ers [count]

book·case noun, pl -cases [count]

: a piece of furniture with shelves to hold books

book club noun, pl clubs [count]

1 : an organization that sells books to its members at low prices

2 : a group of people who meet to talk about the books that they are reading

book·end noun, pl -ends [count]

: something placed at the end of a row of books to hold them up
a pair of bookends shaped like horses

He used an empty flowerpot as a bookend.

book·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

informal : bookmaker

Their bookie is giving good odds.

book·ing noun, pl -ings

1 : an arrangement for a person or group (such as a singer or band) to perform at a particular place

[count] She has several concert bookings this fall.

The comedian missed some bookings because of illness.

[noncount] All booking is done by the band's manager.

2 : an arrangement to have something (such as a room) held for your use at a later time

[count] Our hotel register shows no booking [=(US more commonly) reservation] for you.

cruise ship bookings

[noncount] Advance booking [=(US more commonly) reservation] is required.

booking fees
a booking agent

3 [count] Brit, soccer : the act of officially recording the name of a player who has broken the rules in a game

booking office noun, pl -fices [count]

Brit : a place in a train station or bus station where people can buy tickets

book·ish adj [more ; most ]

sometimes disapproving : more interested in reading books and studying than doing more physical activities (such as sports)

Their teacher was a bookish fellow.

book·ish·ness noun [noncount]

book·keep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person whose job is to keep the financial records for a business

book·keep·ing noun [noncount]

He does the bookkeeping.

a bookkeeping error

book·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a book with only a few pages that contains information on one subject

This booklet describes how to set up the DVD player.

The speaker handed out booklets [=pamphlets] on AIDS awareness.

book·mak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who decides how likely it is that an event will occur (such as the winning of a race by a particular horse) and receives and pays off bets about it called also (informal) bookie

book·mak·ing noun [noncount]

1book·mark noun, pl -marks [count]

1 or book·mark·er : something (such as a piece of paper) that is put in a book to show the place where you stopped reading

2 computers : something (such as a menu entry or icon) that allows you to go quickly and directly to something (such as an Internet site) that you have seen before

2bookmark verb, -marks, -marked, -mark·ing [+ obj]

computers : to create a computer bookmark for (something, such as an Internet site)

I bookmarked the site.

book·mo·bile noun, pl -biles [count]

US : a large vehicle that contains many library books and that goes to different places so that people can borrow the books called also (Brit) mobile library

book·plate noun, pl -plates [count]

: a piece of paper stuck on the inside front cover of a book that shows the name of the person who owns the book

book·sell·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or company that sells books

book·sell·ing noun [noncount]

book·shelf noun, pl -shelves [count]

: a shelf that is used for books

book·shop noun, pl -shops [count]

: bookstore

book·stall noun, pl -stalls [count]

Brit : newsstand

book·store noun, pl -stores [count]

chiefly US : a store that sells books

book token noun, pl -kens [count]

Brit : a card that can be used instead of money to pay for books : a gift certificate for buying books

book value noun [noncount]

finance : the amount of money that something (such as a car) is officially worth based on its age, style, condition, etc.

I paid $4,100 for the car four years ago, but its book value is now under $500.

book·worm noun, pl -worms [count]

: a person who likes to read books and who spends a lot of time reading and studying

She was always a bookworm when she was a kid.

1boom verb, booms, boomed, boom·ing

1 a [no obj] : to make a deep and loud sound
the sound of the bass drum booming

His voice boomed out across the congregation.

1 b [+ obj] : to say (something) in a deep and loud voice

She boomed commands from the stern of the ship.

“What's going on here?” he boomed.

2 [no obj] of a business or industry : to grow or expand suddenly

Housing construction has boomed in the past year.

Last year we almost had to close the store, but now business is booming.

2boom noun, pl booms [count]

1 : a deep and loud sound or cry
the boom of a gun
thunderous booms
the rhythmic boom of the waves
often used as an interjection to indicate that something has happened suddenly

The dance club was empty and thenboom!a hundred people were there.

see also SONIC BOOM

2 : a rapid increase in growth or economic success
the population boom
the city's boom years

: a rapid growth of business
a boom in tourism = a tourism boom

Housing costs have skyrocketed since the real estate boom.

a boom economy [=an economy experiencing a boom]

see also BABY BOOM, BOOMTOWN
compare 3BOOM

3boom noun, pl booms [count]

1 : a long pole attached to the bottom of a sailboat's sail

2 : a long pole used to hold a microphone in position from a distance

3 : a floating barrier used on a river, lake, or harbor to catch floating objects, to keep boats from entering, or to prevent an oil spill from spreading

Large booms were brought in to help contain the oil spill.

compare 2BOOM

boom box noun, pl boxes [count]

: a large portable radio and often tape deck or CD player with two attached speakers

boom·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person born during a period of time when many babies were born : a person born during a baby boom
a television program that is popular among boomers [=baby boomers; people who were born during the baby boom after World War II]

1boo·mer·ang noun, pl -angs [count]

: a curved, flat, wooden tool that can be thrown in such a way that it returns to the thrower

Boomerangs were invented in Australia thousands of years ago and were originally used for hunting.

2boomerang verb, -angs, -anged, -ang·ing [no obj]

: to have an effect that is the opposite of the desired or expected effect : backfire

We thought that bringing the issue up would lessen tension, but that plan boomeranged. [=tension has increased]

His attempt to discredit his opponent boomeranged [=it affected him instead of his opponent] when people began questioning his motives.

boom·ing adj

1 : growing or expanding very quickly
booming car sales

We're not benefiting from the country's booming economy.

2 : loud and low : having a low rumbling sound

Suddenly the children heard Grandpa's booming voice demanding that they get down from the roof.

3 : very forceful or powerful
a tennis player with a booming serve

boom·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a sudden and usually brief increase in business activity : a small boom

A few years ago, the town enjoyed a nice boomlet, but since then times have been tough.

boom·town noun, pl -towns [count]

: a town that experiences a sudden growth in business and population : a booming town
a former boomtown

boon noun, pl boons [count]

: something pleasant or helpful : a benefit or advantage
usually singular

What at first looks like an inconvenience can be a boon.

usually + for or to

The new tax cut is a boon for homeowners.

Reliable daycare is a boon to working parents.

boon companion noun, pl -ions [count]

literary : a close friend

boon·docks noun

the boondocks

US informal : an area that is not close to any towns or cities

She grew up in the boondocks so city life came as a real shock to her.

boon·dog·gle noun, pl -dog·gles [count]

US : an expensive and wasteful project usually paid for with public money

Critics say the dam is a complete boondoggleover budget, behind schedule, and unnecessary.

boon·ies noun

the boonies

US informal : boondocks

The school is way out in the boonies.

boor noun, pl boors [count]

: a rude and rough person

I can't invite a boor like him to dinner! He'd offend the other guests.

Do not confuse boor with bore.

boor·ish adj
boorish [=rude, crude] behavior
a boorish tyrant

boor·ish·ly adv
behaving boorishly

boor·ish·ness noun [noncount]

1boost verb, boosts, boost·ed, boost·ing [+ obj]

1 : to increase the force, power, or amount of (something)

The farm has boosted [=increased] wheat production by 25 percent.

boost [=raise] prices

The article discusses a number of ways people can boost [=strengthen] their immune systems.

The company needs to find ways to boost [=improve] morale.

2 : to push or shove (something or someone) up from below

She boosted the boy onto his father's shoulders.

sometimes used figuratively

His work on the high-profile lawsuit has boosted him into the political arena.

2boost noun, pl boosts [count]

1 : an increase in amount
a boost in wheat production
a boost in sales

Exercise can sometimes provide a boost of energy.

After layoffs at the company, employees needed a boost in morale.

2 : help or encouragement

One company's innovation has proven to be a boost to the entire industry.

3 : a push upward

Give the boy a boost onto the stage, will you?

boost·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : something that boosts someone or something: such as

1 a : an action or substance that makes something stronger or more effective

These exercises are real metabolism boosters.

The herb is said to be an immune booster. [=something that strengthens a person's immunity to illness]

1 b : something that helps or encourages someone or something

Music is my favorite mood booster.

A sincere compliment can be a true confidence booster.

1 c : booster shot

2 US : someone who supports an idea or organization

The university has a number of wealthy boosters who contribute generously each year.

the football team's boosters

3 : part of a rocket that provides force for the launch and the first part of the flight
a new design for rocket boosters

see also BOOSTER SEAT

boost·er·ism noun [noncount]

US : enthusiastic and usually excessive support for something or someone

Her article asserts that hometown boosterism keeps people from assessing the crime problem accurately.

nationalistic boosterism

booster seat noun, pl seats [count]

: a high seat that raises a child to a higher position at a table, in a car, etc. called also booster chair (Brit) booster cushion

booster shot noun, pl shots [count]

chiefly US : an extra amount of a substance (called a vaccine) that is injected with a needle into a person or animal to help protect against a particular disease

He had to get two booster shots at his latest checkup.

a tetanus booster shot
called also booster

1boot noun, pl boots

1 [count] : a covering usually of leather or rubber for the entire foot and the lower part of the leg

You'll need a pair of warm boots for winter.

It's been snowing, so you'd better wear your boots.

hiking boots [=boots worn for hiking]

riding boots [=boots worn for horseback riding]

see also BOOTED, COWBOY BOOT, HOBNAIL BOOT, SKI BOOT

2 [count] : a forceful kick with the foot

She gave the ball a boot, and it landed on the other side of the field.

3 the boot informal : a sudden dismissal from a job

He got the boot [=got fired] for talking to the press about company secrets.

I heard they gave her the boot. [=they fired her; they told her she could no longer work for them]

4 [count] Brit : the trunk of a car

5 [count] US : denver boot

as tough as old boots see 1TOUGH

lick someone's boots see 1LICK

the boot is on the other foot see 1FOOT

to boot

: besides, also

He's smart, funny, and handsome to boot.

too big for your boots see 1BIG

to put the boot in

Brit informal

1 : to treat someone in a cruel or critical way

2 : to kick someone again and again

see also BOSSY-BOOTS

2boot verb, boots, boot·ed, boot·ing

1 [+ obj] : to kick (something) forcefully

She booted the ball across the field.

2 [+ obj] informal

2 a : to force (someone) to leave a place or situation

He left public service after voters booted him from the mayor's office. [=he chose not to work for the government after he was not reelected as mayor]

Any players who start a fight will get booted from the game.

often + out

His wife booted him out. [=his wife made him leave their home]

He got booted out of office in the last election.

2 b : to dismiss (someone) suddenly from a job

She got booted [=fired] in May and has been looking for work ever since.

3 : to start a computer

[no obj] The new computer boots much more quickly than the old one did.

often + up

Did you boot up yet?

[+ obj] You don't need all these applications to open every time you boot your computer.

often + up

She booted up the computer.

see also REBOOT

4 [+ obj] US : to lock a special device (called a Denver boot) onto one of the wheels of (a car) so that the car cannot be moved

His car was booted (by the police).

boot camp noun, pl camps [count]

US

1 : a camp where people who have recently joined the U.S. Army, Navy, or Marine Corps receive their basic training

2 : a short but very difficult training program : a program or situation that helps people become much better at doing something in a short period of time
business boot camp
boot camp for artists

boot·ed adj

: wearing boots

She shoved her booted feet under the table.

bootee chiefly Brit spelling of BOOTIE

booth Brit noun, pl booths [count]

1 : a partially enclosed area or a small and usually temporary building where things are sold or displayed or services are provided

A local sheep farmer has a booth at the county fair and is selling wool yarn.

We got hot dogs at one of the food booths.

Someone at the information booth [=a booth at which general information about a place or event is provided] will be able to tell you where to find a bathroom.

2 a : a small area that is enclosed in order to provide privacy for one person
a voting booth
see also PHONE BOOTH, PHOTO BOOTH, POLLING BOOTH

2 b : an enclosed area for some kinds of workers that provides shelter and keeps them separated from the public
a ticket booth

Traffic slowed as we approached the toll booth. [=a booth at which drivers pay a fee for using a particular road or bridge]

Our seats at the baseball game were next to the broadcast booth. [=a booth from which a radio broadcast is made]

3 chiefly US : a table in a restaurant between benches with high backs

They sat at/in a booth next to the window.

boo·tie or chiefly Brit boo·tee noun, pl boo·ties or boo·tees [count]

1 : a short and thick sock for a baby

2 : a sock, slipper, or boot that covers the foot and ankle

3 : 2booty

1boot·leg verb, -legs, -legged, -leg·ging [+ obj]

1 : to illegally copy (a video, CD, etc.) or illegally record (a live performance)

He bootlegged the show and gave copies to several friends.

bootleg a DVD
a bootlegged [=pirated] version of the movie

2 : to make or sell (alcoholic liquor) illegally
bootlegging moonshine

boot·leg·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

a famous bootlegger during the Prohibition period

2bootleg noun, pl -legs

1 [count] : an illegal copy of a video, CD, etc., or an illegal recording of a live performance

She was arrested for selling bootlegs online.

often used before another noun
a bootleg album/DVD
selling bootleg copies of the concert

2 [noncount] : alcohol that is made or sold illegally
usually used before another noun
bootleg whiskey/bourbon

boot·lick·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal + disapproving : a person who praises, helps, or obeys someone in order to gain favors or advantages see also lick someone's boots at 1LICK

boot·lick·ing adj
a bootlicking politician

bootlicking noun [noncount]

His bootlicking [=brownnosing] disgusts me.

boot·straps noun

by your own bootstraps

: without help from other people : as a result of your own hard work

Despite many obstacles, she has pulled herself up by her own bootstraps.

1boo·ty noun [noncount]

1 : money or goods stolen or taken in war
war booty [=loot, plunder, spoils]

2 : a valuable gain or prize

His booty from the auction included several rare antiques.

compare 2BOOTY

2booty also boo·tie noun, pl boo·ties [count]

US slang : buttocks

She was shaking her booty.

compare 1BOOTY

1booze noun [noncount]

informal : alcoholic drinks

We bought some chips and booze for the party.

2booze verb, booz·es, boozed, booz·ing
informal : to drink a lot of alcohol

[no obj] He was out boozing with his friends.

[+ obj] They boozed it up [=got drunk] the night before the wedding.

booz·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal

1 : a person who drinks a lot of alcohol
an unapologetic boozer

2 Brit : pub

They went into the boozer for a beer.

1bop verb, bops, bopped, bop·ping [+ obj]

: to hit (someone or something) especially in a playful way

She bopped him on the head.

compare 4BOP

2bop noun, pl bops [count]

: a hit that is not very forceful

She gave him a playful bop on the head.

compare 3BOP

3bop noun, pl bops

1 [noncount] : a kind of jazz that uses complex melodies and harmonies and that often has a very quick tempo called also bebop

2 [count] Brit, informal : dance

Are you up for a bop? [=would you like to dance?] They're playing my favorite song.

compare 2BOP

4bop verb, bops, bopped, bopping [no obj]

informal

1 : to go for only a short time

She'll be back in a few minutes. She just bopped [=popped] over to the store.

2 US : to walk or move like a person who is dancing to lively music

He was bopping down the street.

3 Brit, informal : to dance to popular music

I think we're going to go bopping tonight. Would you like to join us?

compare 1BOP

bor·age noun [noncount]

: a type of European plant that has blue flowers and hairy leaves

The leaves of this plant are used as medicine and in salads.

bo·rax noun [noncount]

: a mineral that is used especially for cleaning things

Bor·deaux noun, pl Bordeaux [count, noncount]

: a red or white wine from the Bordeaux region of France

bor·del·lo noun, pl -los [count]

somewhat literary : a building in which prostitutes are available : brothel

1bor·der noun, pl -ders

1 a [count] : a line separating one country or state from another
the border between Poland and Slovenia

He grew up in Malaysia, near the Indonesian border.

the border of Pennsylvania
the FloridaGeorgia border
the contested northern border
often used before another noun
border guards
a border dispute
border crossings

1 b [count] : a boundary between places

They live just beyond the western border of the park.

the border of the Sahara

1 c the border : a specific border

They've lived in southern Texas for years, but have never been south of the border. [=the U.S. border with Mexico]

She's from northern Montana, near the border. [=the U.S. border with Canada]

We crossed the border (into France) at Gavarnie.

2 [count] : a decorative design along the edge of something (such as a rug or wallpaper)

The quilt is quite plain except for its colorful border.

a broad red border on each plate
the photograph's white border

3 [count] : a narrow bed of plants along the edge of a garden or walk

He planted pansies in the border.

border plants

2border verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [+ obj]

1 : to be next to (a country, state, or area) : to share a border with (a country, state, or area)

Slovenia borders Poland.

Their property borders the park.

2 : to form a border of (something) : to define the edge of (something)

Tall trees border the avenue.

Two rivers border the city.

usually used as (be) bordered

The neighborhood is bordered by Main Street on the north and the river on the south.

streets bordered by oak trees

3 : to put a border on (something)

usually used as (be) bordered

The scarf is bordered with gold stitching.

border on [phrasal verb]

border on (something)

1 : to have a border on (something) : to lie on a boundary of (something)

The area my ancestors come from borders on the Atacama Desert.

2 : to be very like (something) : to come very close to being (something)

The play's dialog borders on [=verges on] the ridiculous.

an enthusiasm bordering on fanaticism

bor·der·land noun, pl -lands [count]

1 : the land on either side of a border between countries
the Slovenian-Polish borderlands
a borderland province [=a province that is in a borderland]

2 : an unclear state or condition that is between two things and is like each of them in some ways
in the borderland between sleeping and waking

He describes adolescence as the tumultuous borderlands between childhood and adulthood.

1bor·der·line adj

1 : having some but not all characteristics of something

In borderline cases like these, the best course of action is difficult to determine.

Two candidates for the job seem very good, and three others are borderline. [=three may or may not be suitable for the job]

2 : not quite as severe as what is usual or expected

As a borderline diabetic, Lara is able to control her blood sugar levels solely through diet.

borderline alcoholics

3 : existing at or near a border
a borderline town

2borderline noun, pl -lines [count]

: the point at which one thing changes to another thing : the point between two different things

New technology in hearing aids makes the borderline [=distinction] between the deaf and hearing worlds less clear.

the borderline between fact and fiction

3borderline adv

: almost or nearly

The movie is only borderline funny.

She was borderline suicidal.

1bore verb, bores, bored, boring [+ obj]

: to make (someone) tired and annoyed by being uninteresting or too much the same

He was bored by the lecture. = The lecture bored him.

Good writers will avoid boring their readers at any cost.

Eventually she got bored with the party and left.

Someone or something that bores you stiff or bores you to death or bores you to tears is extremely boring.

I was bored stiff during the movie.

I was bored to death the whole time he was talking.

He bores us all to tears by telling the same stories over and over again.

compare 3BORE

bored adj [more ; most ]

a few bored teenagers

I've never been so bored.

2bore noun, pl bores [count]

: an uninteresting person or thing : a person or thing that makes people feel tired and annoyed

They're a bunch of bores!

The lecture was a total bore.

compare 4BORE, 5BORE

Do not confuse bore with boor.

3bore verb, bores, bored, bor·ing

1 : to make (a hole, tunnel, etc.) in something with a tool or by digging

[+ obj] My drill isn't powerful enough to bore a hole through that post.

She designs machines that are used to bore tunnels.

[no obj] Along the trunk of the tree are holes where insects have bored into the tree.

boring deep into the earth
often used figuratively

The teacher's eyes bored into me. [=the teacher stared at me]

2 [no obj] : to move forward steadily

We bored through the crowd and finally got to the gate.

compare 1BORE

4bore noun, pl bores [count]

1 : a hole made by boring called also borehole

2 a : the space inside a gun barrel that is shaped like a tube

2 b : the width of the inside part of a gun barrel
a .22 bore revolver

compare 2BORE, 5BORE

5bore noun, pl bores [count]

: a giant wave that rushes into a river or bay
a tidal bore

compare 2BORE, 4BORE

6bore past tense of 2BEAR

bore·dom noun [noncount]

: the state of being bored

On days when few customers came to shop, Bob felt overwhelmed by boredom.

the boredom of a long car trip

bore·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

: 4bore 1; especially : a hole dug into the earth in order to find water or oil

bor·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: an insect that digs holes in the woody parts of plants

bor·ing adj [more ; most ]

: dull and uninteresting : causing boredom
a boring job/routine

I find her books totally boring.

born adj

1 not used before a noun : brought into life by the process of birth

She was born in a hospital.

He was born on a farm.

She was born in Nigeria in 1911.

The baby was born on July 31st.

Their second son was born prematurely.

see also FIRSTBORN, NEWBORN

2 : having certain qualities or characteristics from the time of birth
born blind/deaf

Both twins were born healthy.

The author Mark Twain was born Samuel Clemens. [=was named Samuel Clemens at birth]

She's a born teacher/leader. [=she was born with the qualities that make someone a teacher/leader]

If you were born to do something or born to be something, you have natural qualities or talents that make you perfectly suited to do or be something.

She was born to teach. = She was born to be a teacher.

3 not used before a noun
used to describe the place where someone was born

He's American born. [=he was born in America]

He's Mexican born and bred. = He was born and bred in Mexico. [=his birth and childhood took place in Mexico]

often used in combination

Maine-born

4 not used before a noun
used to describe the social conditions or situations that exist when people are born

Some are born in slavery, others born merely poor.

She was born to riches/wealth. = She was born into a rich/wealthy family.

see also HIGHBORN

5 not used before a noun : brought into existence

Her dream of owning farm was born when she visited the countryside as a child.

The wine is born [=created] from the union of two very different grapes.

a mentality born in the age of computers

Their relationship was born of necessity [=established because it was necessary in some way], but it has developed into a true and lasting friendship.

Church leaders assert that the recent unrest in the city is born out of [=has occurred because of] years of neglect of the city's poor neighborhoods.

born too late

Someone who is said to be born too late seems to be better suited for life in an earlier time period.

John prefers early jazz music over the modern stuff. I guess he was born too late.

born with a silver spoon in your mouth

If you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, you were born into a very wealthy family.

in all your born days
informal + somewhat old-fashioned : in your entire life
used to express how unexpected or unusual something is

I never saw anything like it in all my born days.

there's one born every minute or there's a sucker born every minute
informal used to say that there are many people in the world who are foolish and can be easily deceived

to the manner born see MANNER

to the manor born see MANOR

wasn't born yesterday

Someone who wasn't born yesterday is unlikely to believe something that is not true or to trust someone who is not trustworthy.

He said he'd pay me back, but I'll believe it when I see it. I wasn't born yesterday.

born-again adj

1 : having a new or stronger belief in the Christian religion

The born-again actor often talks about his faith during interviews.

She's born-again now.

a born-again Christian

2 : newly interested in and enthusiastic about something and eager to make other people think the way you do
a born-again fitness buff

1borne past participle of 2BEAR

2borne adj

: carried by : spread by
used in combination
waterborne

It's an airborne virus.

bor·ough noun, pl -oughs [count]

1 : a village, town, or part of a large city that has its own government

Boroughs are found in a number of English-speaking countries. They are much more common in Great Britain than in the U.S.

the London borough of Brent

2 : one of the five main sections of New York City
the borough of Brooklyn

bor·row verb, -rows, -rowed, -row·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to take and use (something that belongs to someone else) for a period of time before returning it

Can I borrow your camera? [=will you lend me your camera]

The twins often borrow each other's clothes.

I'm borrowing a friend's car for the weekend.

He borrowed the book from the library.

1 b : to take and use up (something) with the promise to give back something of equal value

Will you see if we can borrow a cup of sugar from the neighbors?

She borrowed $20 from me.

When people borrow money from a bank they pay back the same amount over a number of months or years plus an added amount that is called interest.

He borrowed money from the bank to buy the car.

2 : to use (an idea, saying, etc.) that was thought up by someone else

[+ obj] The speech was peppered with phrases borrowed from Winston Churchill.

She borrowed the technique from local artisans.

The company is borrowing a page from [=using a technique or idea first used by] its largest competitor.

[no obj] He borrows heavily [=includes many ideas] from other philosophers in the book.

3 [+ obj] : to use (a word or phrase from another language) in a language

The English word “entrepreneur” was borrowed from (the) French.

4 [+ obj] in subtracting from a number with two or more digits : to take 1 from a digit and add it as 10 to the digit in the next lower place

beg, borrow, or/and steal see BEG

be living on borrowed time

: to continue to be alive after you were expected to die

After his heart attack, my grandfather always felt that he was living on borrowed time.

bor·row·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Each borrower's payments will vary according to the terms of the loan.

the library's borrowers [=people who borrow books from the library]

bor·row·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : something that is borrowed; especially : a word or phrase from one language that is used in another language

He's compiling a list of Japanese borrowings in English.

2 [noncount] : the act of borrowing something

Students must have their own pencils. Borrowing is not allowed.

especially : the act of borrowing money

Economists predict that there will be increases in government borrowing.

borscht noun [noncount]

: a soup made mainly of beets

Bor·stal noun, pl -stals

Brit : a special prison used for people who are too young to go to a regular prison

[noncount] She was sent to Borstal for stealing cars.

[count] He spent a year in a Borstal.

The Borstal system is no longer in use.

bosh noun [noncount]

Brit informal + old-fashioned : foolish words or ideas : nonsense

Don't believe a word she saysit's all bosh.

often used like an interjection

Bosh! That's absurd!

1bos·om noun, pl -oms

1 [count]

1 a : a person's chest

He clutched the flowers to his bosom.

1 b : a person's chest when it is thought of as the place where secret thoughts and feelings are kept

He never spoke of his childhood as an orphan, but kept dark memories of those days in his bosom.

2 [count] somewhat old-fashioned

2 a : a woman's breasts
her large bosom

2 b : one of a woman's breasts
a woman's bosoms

3 [singular] : the part of a piece of clothing that covers the chest

The shirt has a plain color and ruffles at the bosom.

4 [singular] : a safe and comfortable place or situation
usually + of
the bosom of your family

She found comfort in the bosom of the Church.

2bosom adj, always used before a noun

: very close : very dear

They are bosom friends/buddies.

bos·omy adj
informal : having large breasts
a bosomy waitress

1boss noun, pl boss·es [count]

1 : the person whose job is to tell other workers what to do

Why don't you ask your boss for a raise?

Company policy says that vacation time must be cleared with your boss. [=supervisor]

my former boss

Jane started her own business so that she could be her own boss. [=have no boss except for herself]

see also PIT BOSS

2 : a person who has a lot of power in an organization
a union boss
mafia bosses
the movie studio boss

During the campaign, no one was willing to stand up to the party boss. [=the person with the most power in a political party or one branch of a political party]

3 : the person who has more power or control in a relationship

The two oldest children argued over who was boss for the entire hour their mother was out shopping.

He wants to show them who's (the) boss. [=who's in charge]

compare 4BOSS

2boss verb, bosses, bossed, boss·ing [+ obj]

: to give orders to (someone) : to tell (someone) what to do
usually + around or (Brit) about

I wish he wouldn't let his father boss him around like that.

Don't boss me around!

3boss adj
slang : great or excellent
a boss new rock band

4boss noun, pl bosses [count]

: a round raised decoration on a ceiling or shield
compare 1BOSS

bos·sa no·va noun, pl -vas

1 [noncount] : a kind of music that is originally from Brazil

2 [count] : a dance performed to bossa nova music

bossy adj, boss·i·er, -est
informal : tending too often to tell people what to do : often giving orders in a way that people do not like

His advice may be good, but he's much too bossy.

boss·i·ness noun [noncount]

bossy-boots noun, pl bossy-boots [count]

Brit informal : a person who often tells other people what to do : a bossy person

Her mum is a real bossy-boots.

often used before another noun
her bossy-boots mum

Bos·ton cream pie noun, pl pies [count]

US : a round cake that is filled with a custard or cream filling and usually frosted with chocolate

Boston lettuce noun [noncount]

US : a kind of soft lettuce that is often used in salads

bosun variant spelling of BOATSWAIN

bo·tan·i·cal adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to plants or the study of plants
botanical specimens

2 : made from or taken from plants
botanical extracts

bo·tan·i·cal·ly adv

botanical garden noun, pl -dens [count]

: a large usually public garden where plants are grown in order to be studied called also bo·tan·ic garden

bot·a·ny noun [noncount]

: a branch of science that deals with plant life

She's studying botany.

often used before another noun
the university's botany department

She is taking a botany class.

bot·a·nist noun, pl -ists [count]

1botch verb, botch·es, botched, botch·ing [+ obj]

: to do (something) badly : to ruin (something) because of carelessness or a lack of skill

The store botched the orderI received only half the books I paid for.

They clearly botched the investigation.

a botched robbery/experiment
sometimes + up

He really botched up [=messed up] the speech.

2botch noun, pl botches [count]

: a bad job : a poorly done piece of work
a botch job

The plumbers made a botch of the pipes. [=the plumbers did a poor job with the pipes]

1both adj

used to indicate that two things or people are being referred to rather than just one

She put both feet in the stream.

Both countries have agreed to the treaty.

We went to both museums.

I found both these articles to be very helpful.

both his eyes

Both actors have appeared on Broadway before.

2both pronoun

: each one of two things or people

I'd like both, please.

There were two paintings for sale, and he bought (them) both.

We both were tired. = We were both tired. = Both of us were tired.

Arabic and French are both spoken there.

He read both of the books. [=he read both books]

3both conj

used before two words or phrases connected with and to stress that each is included

The show will be in both New York and London.

She is both beautiful and charming.

Both he and his wife play golf.

This product can both clean and protect your floors.

1both·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel troubled, worried, or concerned

He's so easygoing. Nothing seems to bother him.

It didn't bother [=trouble] her in the least that she wasn't offered the job.

It bothers [=worries] them that there's no hospital nearby.

Something he said at the meeting has been bothering me.

To not bother yourself about/with something or not bother your head about/with something is to not worry or be concerned about something.

He decided he wasn't going to bother himself about the opinions of others.

Don't bother your head with those questions right now.

2 [+ obj] : to annoy (someone) : to cause (someone) to feel annoyed

It bothers [=irks] her when people throw trash on the ground.

He's bothered [=annoyed] by drivers who don't use their turn signals.

The entire car trip was filled with complaints like, “Mom, David keeps bothering me!” and “Will you tell him to quit bothering me?”

3 [no obj]

3 a : to take the time to do something : to make an effort to do something

Mother used to cook elaborate dinners, but with only herself to cook for, she doesn't bother anymore.

“Should I call later?” “No, don't bother.”

often followed by to + verb or by -ing verb

Nobody bothered [=took the trouble] to tell me the school would be closed today.

He never bothered to explain what happened.

Don't bother asking him about it. He won't tell you anything.

Why bother talking if no one is listening?

If you can't be bothered to do something, you do not want to make an effort to do it or are not interested in doing it.

The trick is somewhat dangerous, so if you can't be bothered to do it right, then don't even attempt it.

I asked her to send a picture, but apparently she just couldn't be bothered (to send one).

3 b : to be concerned with or about something

I'm not going to bother with the details.

We were told not to bother about the early data [=not to consider or use early data] when writing the report.

4 [+ obj] : to interrupt or talk to (someone who is working or who wants to be alone)

Don't bother your mother right now. She's very tired.

I hate to bother [=trouble] you, but I was wondering if you could help me with something.

Sorry to bother [=inconvenience] you. I just had a quick question.

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to make (someone) feel sick or uncomfortable

He said his stomach was bothering him.

Her arthritis has been bothering her.

5 b : to cause a painful or unpleasant feeling in (part of someone's body)

The camera strap bothers my shoulder.

The bright light bothered her eyes.

6 chiefly Brit, somewhat old-fashioned
used as an interjection to express annoyance or frustration

Bother this car! It won't start!

Oh, bother (it). I forgot my keys.

2bother noun

1 [singular] : someone or something that is annoying or that causes trouble

Replacing the windows could be more of a bother than it's worth.

Sorry to be such a bother [=nuisance], but I was wondering if you could help me with something.

I know what a bother driving into the city can be this time of day.

2 [noncount] : trouble or difficulty : inconvenience

“Sorry to bother you.” “That's okay, it's no bother at all.”

I considered replacing that part of the floor but decided it wasn't worth the bother.

He doesn't want the bother of filling out all those forms again.

Will you mail this for me? It will save me the bother of going to the post office.

both·er·ation noun, pl -tions [count]

old-fashioned : something that is annoying : something that bothers you

I hadn't realized what a botheration putting up a tent in the dark could be!

sometimes used as an interjection

Oh botheration. The radio isn't working again.

both·er·some adj [more ; most ]

: causing trouble or difficulty

The injury isn't too bad. It's more bothersome [=troublesome] than painful.

1bot·tle noun, pl bot·tles

1 [count]

1 a : a glass or plastic container that has a narrow neck and usually has no handle

Bottles are usually used to store liquid or tablets.

Shall I open another bottle of wine?

There's a bottle of aspirin in the cabinet.

empty soda bottles

She kept a bottle [=a bottle of some strong alcoholic drink like whiskey] tucked away in the coat closet.

Be sure to bring a water bottle [=bottle containing water] on your hike.

Would you get me the bottle opener [=a tool used to remove metal tops from some bottles], please?

1 b : the amount contained in a bottle

We drank a bottle of wine.

2 the bottle : alcoholic drink

He says he's lost too many years to the bottle, and that he's giving up alcohol.

Her struggles with the bottle affected her entire family.

I hear he's (gone) off the bottle. [=stopped drinking alcohol]

After his divorce he took to the bottle. [=began to drink a lot of alcohol]

When she gets depressed she hits the bottle. [=begins drinking a lot of alcohol]

3 [count] : a special bottle for feeding babies that contains milk or a drink which contains milk

Has the baby finished her bottle yet?

(US) a baby bottle = (Brit) a baby's bottle
raised on a bottle instead of breast milk
see also BOTTLE-FEED

4 [noncount] Brit slang : courage or strength of spirit

I don't think he's got bottle [=guts] enough to confront them.

bring your own bottle (US) or Brit bring a bottle
used to tell the people who are invited to a party that they should bring their own alcoholic drinks

catch/capture lightning in a bottle see 1LIGHTNING

bot·tle·ful noun [singular]

a bottleful of water

2bottle verb, bottles, bot·tled, bot·tling [+ obj]

1 : to put (something) into a bottle so that it can be sold or so that it is easier to use

The restaurant bottles its own ginger ale.

Near the top of the mountain, the climbers relied on bottled oxygen to breathe.

bottled water
bottled gas [=gas that is stored in containers for people to use in heating their homes or for cooking]

2 Brit : to put (fruit or vegetables) in a jar using a special procedure that preserves them

At the end of summer we bottle [=(US) can, preserve, put up] tomatoes from the garden.

bottle out [phrasal verb]

Brit slang : to become too afraid to do something : to lose your nerve

I was going to ask him but then I bottled out. [=chickened out]

bottle up [phrasal verb]

bottle (something) up or bottle up (something) : to keep (a feeling or emotion) inside of you instead of expressing it : to hide (a feeling or emotion)

She's kept her feelings about the accident bottled up for too long.

I know he's angry, but he bottles it up inside instead of talking to someone about it.

bot·tler noun, pl bot·tlers [count]

soft drink bottlers
the region's best known wine bottler

bottle bank noun, pl banks [count]

Brit : a large container that people put empty bottles in so that the glass or plastic the bottles are made from can be used again

bottle blond noun, pl blonds [count]

: a person whose hair has been made blond by using chemicals

bot·tle-feed verb, -feeds, -fed, -feed·ing [+ obj]

: to feed (a baby or young animal) with a bottle instead of from its mother's breast

All her children were bottle-fed.

We had to bottle-feed the kitten.

compare BREAST-FEED

bottle green noun [noncount]

: a green color

In the U.S., bottle green is usually a medium green color. In British English, it is usually a dark green color.

bottle-green adj

bot·tle·neck noun, pl -necks [count]

1 : a section of road or highway where the traffic moves very slowly

Bridge construction has created a bottleneck on the southern part of Main Street.

2 : something that slows down a process

All decisions must be approved by the committee, and this is where the company runs into bottlenecks.

bot·tle·nose dolphin noun, pl -phins [count]

: a small gray whale that has a long nose called also bottle-nosed dolphin

1bot·tom noun, pl -toms

1 a [count] : the lowest part, point, or level of something
usually singular

He's waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

Our house is at the bottom of the hill.

The top of the wall is painted and the bottom is covered in wood paneling.

the bottom of the page/screen/list

Please fill out this form and sign your name at the bottom.

1 b [count] : the part of something that is below or under the other parts
usually singular
the ship's bottom [=underside]

The bowl was signed on the bottom [=base] by the artist.

There's a small cut on the bottom [=sole] of his foot.

1 c [count] : the lowest point or surface inside something : the part of something hollow that is furthest from the top
usually singular

I think there is still a little sugar left in the bottom of the box/container.

The pool is so deep I could not touch the bottom.

One of the drawers has a false bottom. [=a panel that looks like the drawer's bottom but that can be removed to expose more space]

1 d [singular] chiefly Brit : the part of something that is furthest away

We sailed to the bottom of the bay.

the bottom of the garden

2 [count] : the part of the body on which you sit : buttocks

The poor baby has a rash all over his little bottom.

3 a [singular] : a position of little power in a company or organization

The company's new CEO started at the bottom and worked her way up.

3 b [singular] : a low rank or position

Why do I always find myself rooting for the team at the bottom of the league?

She graduated at the bottom of her/the class. [=her grades were among the lowest in her graduating class]

3 c [noncount] : the worst position, level, or condition
at the bottom of the pay scale

After weeks of losing value, the company's stocks have hit bottom. [=reached the bottom; lost all value]

Jim has finally scraped bottom. [=has finally reached the worst possible condition]

see also ROCK BOTTOM

4 a [singular] : the surface that is under a body of water
the bottom of the ocean
the sandy river/lake bottom

4 b bottoms [plural] : the flat, low land along a river or stream : bottomland
grazing in grassy river bottoms

5 [count] : a piece of clothing that is worn on the lower part of the body
a bikini bottom
often plural
pajama bottoms

6 [singular] : the second half of an inning in baseball

They tied the score in the bottom of the ninth inning.

7 [noncount] chiefly Brit : the lowest gear of a car

Stay in bottom [=bottom gear] until you reach the top of the hill.

at bottom
chiefly Brit : in reality : really

The song is, at bottom [=in truth], a lullaby.

He is very shy, at bottom.

at the bottom of the pile see 1PILE

be/lie at the bottom of
chiefly Brit : to be the source or originator of (something)

I think I know who's at the bottom of [=behind] these pranks.

bottoms up
informal
used as a toast or to tell people to finish their drinks

Here's to the groom-to-be! Bottoms up!

from the bottom of your heart see HEART

from top to bottom see 1TOP

get to the bottom of

: to find out the true reason for or cause of (something)

Police are working furiously to get to the bottom of this recent string of violent crimes.

the bottom drop/fall out

If the bottom drops/falls out of something, it suddenly fails or becomes unable to continue in a normal and effective way.

Analysts warn that recent changes in the region may result in the bottom dropping out of the oil market. [=may cause the oil market to collapse]

When the accident happened, she felt the bottom drop out of her world. [=she felt her world collapse]

the bottom of the barrel

: the lowest possible condition, level, etc.

After the divorce, Tim felt he had reached/hit the bottom of the barrel.

The excessive coverage of the scandal signals that the news media may have finally hit/reached the bottom of the barrel.

Salaries in the industry are scraping/hitting the bottom of the barrel. [=salaries in the industry are very low]

bot·tomed adj
flat bottomed boats

2bottom adj, always used before a noun

1 : in the lowest position
the bottom rung of the ladder
the bottom drawer/shelf
her bottom lip

Somebody's fingerprints are all along the bottom edge of the photograph.

see also BOTTOM LINE

2 : living at the lowest level of an ocean or lake
bottom fish

bet your bottom dollar see 2BET

3bottom verb, -toms, -tomed, -tom·ing

bottom out [phrasal verb]

: to reach a lowest or worst point usually before beginning to rise or improve

Real estate prices seem to have bottomed out, and sellers can expect to get higher prices in coming months.

The team bottomed out in last place.

bottom drawer noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : hope chest

bottom feeder noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a fish that feeds at the bottom of a lake, pond, etc.

2 US, disapproving : someone who uses other people's troubles, weakness, etc., as an opportunity to make money

After his daughter's tragic death, he was hounded by media bottom feeders who demanded exclusive interviews.

3 US, informal : someone or something that has a very low status or rank

In a surprise upset, the all-star team lost to one of the league's bottom feeders.

bottom gear noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : low gear : a vehicle's lowest gear

bot·tom·land noun, pl -lands [count]

: flat low land along a river or stream
usually plural
lush bottomlands

bot·tom·less adj

1 a : having no bottom
a bottomless barrel [=a barrel that has no bottom because it has been removed]

1 b : seeming to have no bottom or limit
a bottomless expense account

The diner serves bottomless cups of coffee. [=allows customers to have as much coffee as they like for one price]

2 : very deep
a bottomless pit

bottom line noun

1 the bottom line

1 a : the most important part of something : the most important thing to consider

The bottom line [=all that matters] is that the product just wasn't practical.

If our flight is late, we will miss our connection. That's the bottom line.

1 b : the final result or outcome

A student with special needs can stress a school's budget, but the bottom line is that the state must provide for the child's education.

2 [singular] : a company's profits or losses

How will these changes affect our bottom line?

He's always got his eye on the bottom line.

3 [singular] : the least amount of money you are willing to consider for something

He says his bottom line is $120,000.

bot·tom-up adj

: progressing upward from the lowest levels : controlled or directed from the lower levels
bottom-up management
opposite TOP-DOWN

bot·u·lism noun [noncount]

: a serious illness that is caused by eating food that has not been preserved correctly and that is filled with bacteria

bou·doir noun, pl -doirs [count]

old-fashioned : a woman's bedroom or private room for dressing or resting

bouf·fant Brit adj

: having a full and rounded shape
a bouffant skirt
usually used to refer to a hairstyle in which the hair is up and away from the head in a full, rounded shape
bouffant hairdos from the 1950s

bou·gain·vil·lea noun, pl -leas [count, noncount]

: a tropical plant that has usually red or purple flowers

bough noun, pl boughs [count]

: a main branch of a tree

bought past tense and past participle of 1BUY

bouil·la·baisse noun

1 [count, noncount] : a stew made with strong spices and two or more kinds of fish

2 [singular] : a mixture of different kinds of things

The book is a bouillabaisse [=(more commonly) potpourri] of stories and poems from around the world.

bouil·lon Brit noun, pl bouillons [count, noncount]

: a clear liquid in which meat, chicken, fish, or vegetables have been cooked and which is eaten as soup or used to make sauces
beef bouillon

Do not confuse bouillon with bullion.

bouillon cube noun, pl cubes [count]

: a small cube of dried meat or vegetables that is used to add flavor to soup called also (Brit) stock cube

boul·der noun, pl -ders [count]

: a very large stone or rounded piece of rock

bou·le·vard noun, pl -vards [count]

: a wide and usually important street that often has trees, grass, or flowers planted down its center or along its sides
walking down the boulevard
often used in names

Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles

abbr. blvd.

1bounce verb, bounc·es, bounced, bounc·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (a ball, rock, etc.) to hit against a surface and quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction

He was bouncing a tennis ball against/off the garage door.

bouncing the ball back and forth

1 b [no obj] : to move in one direction, hit a surface (such as a wall or the floor), and then quickly move in a different and usually opposite direction
usually + off

The ball bounced off the wall.

A rock bounced off the road and hit our car's windshield.

The light will bounce off the mirror and shine into the next room.

2 a [no obj] : to move with a lot of energy and excitement

He bounced [=bounded] into the room to welcome his guests.

The kids are bouncing off the walls. [=the kids are very/too excited and have a lot of energy]

2 b : to move or jump up and down

[no obj] The children love to bounce on the bed/trampoline.

The winner bounced up and down with delight.

Her curls bounced as she jumped.

[+ obj] He bounced the baby on his knee.

3 a [no obj] of a check : to be returned by a bank because there is not enough money in the bank account to pay the amount that is on the check

She gave me a check for 20 dollars, but the check bounced, and I never got the money.

3 b [+ obj] : to write (a check) that is returned without payment by the bank

He bounced a 100-dollar check at the grocery store.

The store charges a $15 fee for a bounced check.

4 [no obj] : to go quickly and repeatedly from one job, place, etc., to another

He bounces back and forth between Miami and Houston.

often + from
bouncing from place to place

She bounces from one job to another.

Our teacher's always bouncing from one subject to another.

5 : to return (an e-mail) to the sender instead of delivering it

[+ obj] I tried to send you an e-mail, but it got bounced back to me. [=the e-mail or computer system was not able to deliver it]

[no obj] I tried to send you an e-mail but it bounced.

bounce around [phrasal verb]

bounce (something) around or bounce around (something) informal : to talk about (something, such as an idea) in an informal way in order to get different opinions about it

We were bouncing some ideas around for the design of the book's cover.

bounce back [phrasal verb]

: to return quickly to a normal condition after a difficult situation or event

She bounced back [=recovered] easily from her surgery.

After losing the first three games of the series, they bounced back to win their next eight games.

bounce into [phrasal verb]

Brit informal bounce (someone) into (something) : to force (someone) to decide to do (something) especially without having time to think about it

The voters were bounced into agreeing to the proposal.

bounce off [phrasal verb]

bounce (something) off (someone) informal : to talk about (something, such as an idea) with (someone) in an informal way in order to get an opinion

I wanted to bounce some ideas off you before the meeting.

2bounce noun, pl bounces

1 [count] : the act or action of bouncing off the ground or another surface

The ball took a high bounce over the shortstop's head.

He caught the ball on the first bounce.

2 [noncount]

2 a : the ability to move quickly in a different direction after hitting a surface : the ability to bounce
a basketball that has lost all its bounce

2 b : a quality that makes a person's hair look healthy, full, and attractive : a bouncy quality

The shampoo promises to give limp hair lots of bounce.

3 [singular] : a sudden increase

Several companies showed a bounce [=upswing, upsurge] in earnings.

After the debates, she enjoyed a big bounce in the election polls.

4 : energy and liveliness

[noncount] He may be 90 years old, but he still has plenty of bounce [=spring] in his step.

[singular] There's still a bounce in his step.

bounc·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person whose job is to force anyone who causes a problem in a bar, nightclub, etc., to leave that place

2 : a ball that bounces on the ground

The batter hit a bouncer to the shortstop.

bounce pass noun, pl passes [count]

basketball : a pass to a teammate that is made by bouncing the ball once

bounc·ing adj, always used before a noun

: very healthy and active
a bouncing baby boy

bouncy adj, bounc·i·er, -est

1 : able to bounce well
a bouncy rubber ball

2 : lively, cheerful, and full of energy
a bouncy host
bouncy dance music

3 : quickly returning to a full, rounded shape after being made flat
a bouncy [=springy] seat cushion
her curly, bouncy hair

bounc·i·ly adv
bouncily energetic

bounc·i·ness noun [noncount]

the music's bounciness

1bound past tense and past participle of 1BIND

2bound adj

1 not used before a noun : very likely or certain to do or to be something

It's bound to rain soon.

It's bound to be a great party.

I knew they would get married. It was bound to happen.

Everyone is bound to make mistakes sometimes.

Such a foolish plan is bound to fail.

2 : unlikely or unable to change, develop, move, etc., because of being held or controlled by something
an organization that is bound by tradition
often used in combination
a tradition-bound organization
a culture-bound philosophy

see also DESKBOUND, FOGBOUND, HOUSEBOUND, ICEBOUND, MUSCLE-BOUND, SNOWBOUND

3 : tied together with something (such as a string or rope)

a neatly/tightly/loosely bound stack of papers
see also 1BIND 1, 2

4 not used before a noun : closely joined or connected to other people

She and I are bound (together) by our shared past. [=we are connected to each other because we have the same past]

family members bound by either blood or marriage
see also 1BIND 7

5 not used before a noun : required by law or duty to do something

The state is legally bound [=obligated] to provide each child with an education.

He was duty bound [=it was his duty] to help.

I felt honor bound to defend them. [=I felt that I had to defend them because it was morally right]

(chiefly Brit) The experiment, I am bound to say [=I must say/admit], seems to have succeeded.

see also 1BIND 5

6 : held together or covered with a particular type of material
often + in
books bound in leather/velvet

often used in combination
leather-bound books [=books with leather covers]

a spiral-bound notebook [=a notebook that has its pages held together with a curving wire]

see also 1BIND 11

bound and determined

: very determined

We were bound and determined to finish the project on time.

bound up

: closely involved or associated : greatly affected

The fates of such projects are always bound up in politics.

usually + with

Their lives are closely bound up with their religion.

These societal changes are inextricably bound up with the development of new technologies.

I'll be bound

Brit old-fashioned
used to stress that you are sure of something you have said

It'll be dark soon, I'll be bound.

compare 3BOUND

3bound adj

: going or planning to go to a specified place

We were homeward bound. [=we were going towards our home]

college-bound teenagers [=teenagers who are planning to go to college]

often + for

She got on a plane bound for [=going to] London.

He was bound for New York.

a ship bound for Africa

see also EASTBOUND, HOMEBOUND, INBOUND, NORTHBOUND, OUTBOUND, SOUTHBOUND, WESTBOUND
compare 2BOUND

4bound noun, pl bounds [count]

: a leap or long jump

He leapt over the puddle in/with a single bound.

by/in leaps and bounds see 2LEAP
compare 6BOUND

5bound verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, bounds, bound·ed, bound·ing [no obj]

: to move by jumping : to walk or run with long, energetic steps

She came bounding down the stairs.

We saw three deer bound over the fence into the woods.

compare 7BOUND

6bound noun, pl bounds

1 bounds [plural] : the point at which something (such as an idea or someone's behavior) stops being good or acceptable : the limit of what is correct or proper

The play goes beyond the bounds of decency. = The play exceeds the bounds of decency.

within the bounds of reason = within reasonable bounds

The police officers exceeded/overstepped their bounds and broke the law.

2 [count] : something that shows where one area ends and another area begins
usually plural
the bounds [=(more commonly) boundaries] of the nature reserve

know no bounds

: to have no limit

His generosity knows no bounds. [=he is extremely generous]

in bounds

: inside the area where players or the ball must stay in sports like basketball and American football

The receiver was still in bounds when he caught the pass.

The referee said the ball landed in bounds.

out of bounds

1 : outside the area where players or the ball must stay in sports like basketball and American football

The ball was kicked out of bounds.

The player stepped out of bounds to avoid being hit.

2 : not good or acceptable

The teacher's comment was completely out of bounds. [=unacceptable, inappropriate]

3
used to describe a place where people are not allowed to go

The auditorium is out of bounds for/to students during the renovations.

4
used to describe something that people are not allowed to discuss or mention

The subject of politics is out of bounds [=off limits] when our family gets together.

compare 4BOUND

7bound verb, bounds, bounded, bounding [+ obj]

: to form a border around (an area)

usually used as (be) bounded
a quiet village bounded [=surrounded, enclosed] by mountains

The city is bounded by two major highways.

compare 5BOUND

bound·ary noun, pl -aries

1 [count] : something (such as a river, a fence, or an imaginary line) that shows where an area ends and another area begins

Those two trees mark the boundary of our property.

The river forms the country's western boundary.

2 [count] : a point or limit that indicates where two things become different
at/on the boundary between fact and fiction

3 boundaries [plural] : unofficial rules about what should not be done : limits that define acceptable behavior

You need to set boundaries with your children.

Did he violate the boundaries of the doctor-patient relationship?

They're pushing the boundaries of [=doing things that are unusual in] traditional French cooking.

know no boundaries

1 : to be capable of affecting people everywhere

This is a disease that knows no boundaries.

2 : to have no limits

My admiration for him knows no boundaries. [=knows no bounds]

bound·less adj

: not limited in any way : having no boundaries
the boundless [=limitless, endless] sky

We were filled with boundless joy.

Her love for her family was boundless.

bound·less·ly adv
a boundlessly generous person

boun·te·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : giving or providing many desired things : bountiful

Together we give thanks for this bounteous harvest.

boun·ti·ful adj
formal

1 : giving or providing many desired things
this bountiful land
bountiful harvests

2 : given or existing in large amounts
a bountiful supply of water
a bountiful meal
bountiful baskets of fruit

boun·ti·ful·ly adv

They were bountifully rewarded.

boun·ty noun, pl -ties

1 literary : good things that are given or provided freely and in large amounts

[noncount] the bounty of nature = nature's bounty
summer's bounty of plump tomatoes

[singular] The cottage is filled with a bounty of fresh flowers.

2 [count] : an amount of money given to someone as a reward for catching a criminal

A bounty of 500 dollars was put on his head. [=anyone who captured him would receive a 500-dollar bounty]

bounty hunter noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who catches criminals who have not been caught by the police in exchange for a reward

bou·quet noun, pl -quets [count]

1 : a group of flowers that are picked and often tied together

The bride carried a bouquet of white and red roses.

2 : a particular and usually pleasant smell of flowers or wine

The wine has a lovely bouquet.

bouquet gar·ni noun, pl bouquets gar·nis [count]

: a bunch of herbs that are tied together or put in a cloth bag and cooked with food to add flavor but removed before the food is served

bour·bon noun, pl -bons

: a type of American whiskey made from corn, malt, and rye

[noncount] a glass of bourbon

I prefer bourbon to Scotch.

[count] We'll have two bourbons [=two glasses of bourbon], please.

bour·geois adj

1 : relating to or belonging to the middle class of society
the bourgeois class
bourgeois families/businessmen

2 [more ; most ] disapproving : having qualities or values associated with the middle class : too concerned about wealth, possessions, and respectable behavior
bourgeois life/culture/society
bourgeois attitudes/values
bourgeois materialism

bourgeois noun, pl bour·geois [count]

He was a bourgeois, not a nobleman.

a philosopher who had no sympathy for the bourgeois
see also PETIT BOURGEOIS

bour·geoi·sie noun

the bourgeoisie

: the middle class of society : the social class of skilled workers, business and professional people, and government officials
members of the bourgeoisie

bout noun, pl bouts [count]

1 : a period of time during which someone suffers from something (such as an illness or disease)

often + of
a bout of fever

She struggles with frequent bouts of depression.

often + with in U.S. English

She survived a 5-year bout with cancer.

a bout with the flu

2 : a short period of time during which something is done or happening
a drinking bout
often + of
a 4-hour bout of reading
a bout of unemployment

3 : a wrestling or boxing contest

He lost his bout [=fight] with the boxing champion.

bou·tique noun, pl -tiques [count]

: a small store that sells stylish clothing or other usually expensive things

bou·ton·niere Brit noun, pl -nieres [count]

US : a flower or small group of flowers that men sometimes wear on their jackets on special occasions (such as weddings) called also (Brit) buttonhole

bo·vine adj

1 technical : relating to cows
a bovine illness
bovine growth hormones

2 disapproving : looking or acting like a cow
his round bovine face

She stared at us with a stupid, bovine expression.

1bow verb, bows, bowed, bow·ing

1 [no obj] : to bend forward at the neck or waist as a formal way of greeting someone or showing respect

He bowed politely and introduced himself to us.

You must bow (down) before the king.

a man bowing to kiss the hand of a woman

The men bowed and the women curtsied as the royal couple walked past.

She bowed down in front of the altar.

often + to

They bowed to each other and began talking.

She bowed to the audience and walked off stage.

2 [+ obj] : to turn (your head) down so that you are looking toward the ground
people bowing their heads in prayer

His head was bowed [=lowered] in shame.

We listened with bowed heads.

3 [no obj] : to stop trying to fight or resist something : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing
usually + to

The President bowed [=gave in, yielded] to political pressure.

They usually bow to his wishes. [=they usually do what he wants]

She finally bowed to the inevitable and accepted their decision.

bow and scrape

: to treat someone who is powerful or wealthy in an extremely respectful way especially in order to get approval, friendship, etc.

She's disgusted by politicians who bow and scrape before wealthy contributors.

bow down to [phrasal verb]

bow down to (someone or something) : to show weakness by agreeing to the demands or following the orders of (someone or something)

I will bow down to no one. [=I will take orders from no one; I will submit to no one]

The government is refusing to bow down to [=give in to] pressure to lift the sanctions.

bow out [phrasal verb]

: to stop doing something : to stop being involved in a contest, an activity, etc.

He knew he would not win the election, so he decided to bow out of the presidential race.

He bowed out [=left, withdrew] gracefully.

She has bowed out of the restaurant business entirely.

compare 5BOW

2bow noun, pl bows [count]

: the act of bending forward at the neck or waist in order to greet someone or show respect : the act of bowing

In some cultures it is polite to greet people with a bow, while in others a handshake is preferred.

He smiled and made/gave a bow.

take a bow

: to bow towards an audience that is applauding for you

When the play has finished, the actors will line up to take a bow.

often used figuratively to say that someone deserves to be praised

The people who organized the festival should take a bow for its remarkable success.

compare 3BOW, 4BOW

3bow noun, pl bows [count]

: the front part of a boat or ship

The deck was cleaned from bow to stern. [=from the front end to the back end]

opposite 2STERN
compare 2BOW, 4BOW

4bow noun, pl bows [count]

1 : a knot that is made by tying a ribbon or string into two or more loops and that is used for tying shoelaces or for decoration

She tied/wore a bow in her hair.

see also BOW TIE

2 : a weapon used for shooting arrows that is made of a long, thin piece of wood which is bent with its ends connected by a tight, strong string

They hunted with bows and arrows.

3 : a tool that is used for playing a violin or similar musical instrument and that is made of a thin stick of wood with its ends connected by stretched pieces of hair or fiber
compare 2BOW, 3BOW

5bow verb, bows, bowed, bow·ing

1 [+ obj] : to use a bow to play (a violin or similar musical instrument)

bowing or plucking the violin strings
see also BOWING

2 : to bend or curve

[no obj] The wall bows out at the bottom.

[+ obj] Years of riding horses has bowed his legs.

People with this disorder often have bowed legs.

see also BOWLEGGED

compare 1BOW

bowd·ler·ize also Brit bowd·ler·ise Brit verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

usually disapproving : to change (a book, play, movie, etc.) by removing parts that could offend people
bowdlerize a classic novel by removing offensive language

bowdlerized also Brit bowdlerised adj
a bowdlerized version of the novel

bow·el noun, pl -els

1 [count] : the long tube in the body that helps digest food and carries solid waste out of the body
a disease of the bowel
often plural
a disease that affects the bowels

To have a bowel movement or to move your bowels or (Brit) open your bowels is to pass solid waste from your body.

The patient made/had a normal bowel movement.

2 the bowels literary : the deep inner parts of something

They dug deep into the bowels of the earth.

The engine room is down in the bowels of the ship.

bow·er noun, pl -ers [count]

literary : a pleasant shady place in a garden or forest
resting in the shade of the bower

bow·ing noun [noncount]

: the style or technique for using a bow when playing a violin or similar musical instrument

1bowl noun, pl bowls

1 [count]

1 a : a round container that has tall, curving sides and that is used for preparing or serving foods and liquids
a soup/salad/pasta bowl [=a bowl used for serving or eating soup/salad/pasta]

the dog's water bowl
see also MIXING BOWL, PUNCH BOWL

1 b : the food or liquid served in a bowl

We gave the kittens a bowl [=bowlful] of milk.

: the amount of food or liquid served in a bowl

I ate two bowls of soup for dinner.

May I have another bowl of ice cream?

2 [count] : a part of something that is shaped like a bowl: such as

2 a : the bottom part of a toilet
a toilet bowl

2 b : the deep, rounded part of a spoon

2 c : the part of a pipe that holds tobacco

3 [singular] : a valley or area of land that is low and that has higher land around it
a town in the bowl of the mountains
see also DUST BOWL

4 [singular] US : a large stadium or theater that is shaped like a bowl
used in names
a concert at the Hollywood Bowl

5 [count] American football : a game that is played after the regular season between college teams that have been specially invited
college bowl games
usually used in names
the Orange Bowl

see also SUPER BOWL

6 a [count] : a ball used in the game of lawn bowling

6 b bowls [plural] Brit : lawn bowling

2bowl verb, bowls, bowled, bowl·ing

1 [+ obj] : to roll (a ball) towards something especially in the game of bowling or lawn bowling

I don't think I can bowl a 12-pound ball.

2 a [no obj] : to play the game of bowling

We bowl every Thursday night.

Do you like to bowl?

I haven't bowled since I was a kid.

2 b [+ obj] : to get (a score) in a game of bowling

She usually bowls around 150.

3 [+ obj] cricket

3 a : to throw (a ball) to the batsman

3 b : to force (a batsman) to leave the field by throwing a ball that hits the wicket behind the batsman

He was bowled (out) for 47.

4 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] chiefly Brit : to move or go very quickly

We were bowling along the motorway in her new car.

bowl over [phrasal verb]

1 bowl (someone or something) over or bowl over (someone or something) : to hit and push down (someone or something) while quickly moving past

We were almost bowled over by the wind.

2 bowl (someone) over or bowl over (someone) : to surprise or impress (someone) very much

He was completely bowled over by the news.

She bowled over [=amazed] the judges with her excellent performance.

bow·leg·ged adj

: having legs that curve outward at the knee

He's short and bowlegged.

a bowlegged woman

bowl·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who plays the game of bowling

She's a great bowler. [=she bowls very well]

2 cricket : the player who throws the ball to the batsman

3 chiefly Brit : derby 4

bowlful noun, pl -fuls [count]

: the amount of food or liquid that fits in a bowl
a bowlful of peanuts

bowl·ing noun [noncount]

: a game played by rolling a large, heavy ball down a smooth floor (called a lane) towards a set of pins in order to knock down as many pins as possible

She watches bowling on TV.

We're going bowling.

often used before another noun
a bowling ball
a bowling lane

see also LAWN BOWLING

bowling alley noun, pl -leys [count]

: a room or building in which people play the game of bowling

bow·string noun, pl -strings [count]

: the strong, tight string that is used on a bow for shooting arrows

bow tie noun, pl -ties [count]

: a narrow length of cloth that is worn by men around the neck and tied into a bow at the throat compare NECKTIE

bow window noun, pl -dows [count]

: a large window or set of windows that curves out from the outside wall of a building

bow·wow noun [noncount]

: the usual sound made by dog : a dog's bark

Bowwow is a word used mainly by children.

“What does the doggy say?” “Bowwow!”

1box noun, pl box·es

1 [count]

1 a : a container that is made of a hard material (such as wood, metal, or cardboard) and that usually has four straight sides
a cardboard box

She kept the letters in an old box.

empty pizza boxes
the cat's litter box
a box of tissues/matches/cigars/tools

1 b : the amount of something inside a box

I ate an entire box of chocolates.

two boxes of cereal

2 [count] : a container used for holding mail or papers especially in an office

I'll put the messages in your box.

The letter was sent to a post office box in New York.

see also IN-BOX, MAILBOX, OUT-BOX

3 a [count] : a piece of electronic equipment that is contained inside a box

Where's the system's control box?

The cable box is on top of the TV.

see also BLACK BOX, GEARBOX

3 b the box Brit, informal : a television

Let's turn on the box and watch the game.

4 [count] : a small area or section of seats that is separated from other seats inside a theater, stadium, or courtroom

She's sitting in the jury box.

see also BOX SEAT, LUXURY BOX, PRESS BOX, SKYBOX

5 [count] : a closed shape with four sides on a piece of paper, a Web page, etc.: such as

5 a : a square in which you make a mark (such as an X) to show that you choose something

If you are over 18 years old, check this box.

Put an X in the correct/appropriate box.

5 b : a square or rectangle around special information in a document, book, etc.

For more information, see box A17.

6 [count] : an area on a sports field that is used for a special purpose; especially : one of six areas on a baseball field that are marked by lines and that show where the batter, pitcher, catcher, and coaches stand

He stepped out of the batter's box to take a practice swing.

see also PENALTY BOX

7 [count] Brit : 1cup 5

8 chiefly Brit : an area where two streets cross that is marked by painted lines to show where cars are not allowed to stop but can only pass through

The sign at the intersection said “Don't Block the Box.”

called also (Brit) box junction

think outside the box

If you think outside the box, your thoughts are not limited or controlled by rules or tradition, and you have ideas that are creative and unusual.

To solve this puzzle, you'll have to think outside the box.

compare 4BOX

2box verb, boxes, boxed, box·ing [+ obj]

: to put (something) in a box

Can you box this for me? It's a gift.

The CDs are sold as a boxed set. [=a set of things that are sold together in a box]

often + up

She was told to box up her things and go home.

box in [phrasal verb]

box (someone or something) in : to surround (someone or something) and make movement difficult

The other bicyclists boxed her in and she couldn't move ahead.

usually used as (be) boxed in

We got boxed in and couldn't get out of our parking space. [=other cars were parked so close to our car that we could not move out of our parking space]

sometimes used figuratively

I feel boxed in by all these rules.

compare 3BOX

3box verb, boxes, boxed, boxing

: to participate in the sport of boxing : to fight with the hands often while wearing very thick gloves

[no obj] His father taught him how to box when he was 12.

[+ obj] Who did he box in his first fight?

see also KICKBOXING, SHADOWBOX

box someone's ears
old-fashioned : to hit someone on the sides of the head or on the ears

His mother threatened to box his ears if he misbehaved again.

compare 2BOX

4box noun, pl box·es [count, noncount]

: boxwood 1
compare 1BOX

box·car noun, pl -cars [count]

US : a section of a train that has a roof and large, sliding doors and that carries goods and supplies rather than people
boxcars filled with lumber/televisions

box cutter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a small tool that is made for opening cardboard boxes and that has a very sharp blade that can be pushed in and out of its case

box·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count] : someone who participates in the sport of boxing

2 [count] : a type of dog that has a short, square face and a tail that is usually cut short when the dog is young

3 boxers [plural] : boxer shorts

boxer shorts noun [plural]

: loose shorts that are worn as underwear by men and boys
a pair of boxer shorts
compare 2BRIEF 4

box·ing noun [noncount]

: the sport of fighting someone with your hands while wearing very thick gloves
often used before another noun
a boxing glove
a boxing match
the heavyweight boxing champion of the world

Boxing Day noun [count, noncount]

chiefly Brit : a holiday that is celebrated especially in England and Canada on the first day after Christmas that is not a Sunday

box junction noun, pl -tions [count]

Brit : 1box 8

box lunch noun, pl lunches [count]

US : bag lunch

box office noun, pl -fices

1 [count] : an area in a theater where tickets are sold for a movie, play, etc.

The box office will open at 10:00 a.m.

2 [singular]

used to describe how many tickets have been sold for a movie, play, etc.

The movie did very well at the box office. [=many people bought tickets to see the movie]

It made over 100 million dollars at the box office.

often used before another noun

The movie is a box office hit/success.

a box office failure/flop

box room noun, pl rooms [count]

Brit : a room in a house where things are stored

box score noun, pl scores [count]

US : a small chart that shows the players, score, and other details of a baseball game
reading the box scores in the newspaper

box seat noun, pl seats [count]

: a seat in a small area or section of seats that is separated from the other seats a theater or stadium

box spring noun, pl springs [count]

US : a wide, flat box that is filled with metal springs and covered with cloth and that is put under a mattress for support

box·wood noun, pl -woods

1 US : an evergreen bush or small tree that has small dark leaves and that is used especially to make hedges or boundaries in gardens

[noncount] a boxwood hedge

[count] We planted a few boxwoods.

called also box

2 [noncount] : the tough, hard wood of the boxwood
a piece of boxwood

1boy noun, pl boys

1 [count]

1 a : a male child

It's a boy! She gave birth to a baby boy this morning.

a nine-year-old boy named David

Okay, boys and girls, it's time to play a game.

Ever since I was a (little/young) boy, I've wanted to fly airplanes.

1 b : son

Is this your little boy?

He's our oldest/youngest boy.

That's my boy! Good job, Son.

2 [count]

2 a : a young man
a group of teenage boys

My parents want me to meet a nice boy and get married.

Don't be so hard on him. He's just a boy.

He's a boy genius.

a boy wonder [=a young man who has achieved many great things]

2 b : a usually young man from a specified kind of place
city/country boys = boys from the city/country
a local/hometown boy
a poor boy from the north
a farm boy [=a young man who lives and works on a farm]

3 a the boys informal : the male friends or work partners of a man viewed as a group

Wait till the boys back home hear about this!

Our boss thinks of himself as just one of the boys.

He went out drinking with the boys.

3 b [singular] chiefly Brit, old-fashioned : a man of any age

The phrases my dear boy and old boy are used as friendly ways for one man to address another man.

Why, my dear boy, of course I want to see you.

Cheer up, old boy.

see also OLD BOY

4 [count] : a man or boy who does a particular job
a messenger boy

Boy is often offensive in this sense when the person being described is an adult.

see also ALTAR BOY, BALL BOY, BATBOY, BELLBOY, BUSBOY, DELIVERY BOY, PAPERBOY

boys will be boys

The expression boys will be boys is used to say that it is not surprising or unusual when men or boys behave in energetic, rough, or improper ways.

You shouldn't be too hard on them for staying out so late. Boys will be boys.

separate the men from the boys see 2SEPARATE
see also BAD BOY, BIG BOYS, GOOD OLD BOY, POSTER BOY, PRETTY BOY

boy·hood noun [noncount]

the president's early boyhood
often used before another noun
his boyhood home [=where he lived when he was a boy]

boyhood heroes/friends

boy·ish adj [more ; most ]

his boyish good looks

He has a boyish charm about him.

a boyish haircut

She's always had a boyish figure.

boy·ish·ly adv
a boyishly handsome actor

boy·ish·ness noun [noncount]

2boy interj

used as a way to express surprise or enthusiasm

Boy, I sure am hungry!

Boy, have I got a story for you!

There's a surprise? Oh, boy! What is it?

Boy, oh, boy. This is great!!

Boy, that test was really hard.

1boy·cott verb, -cotts, -cott·ed, -cott·ing [+ obj]

: to refuse to buy, use, or participate in (something) as a way of protesting
plans to boycott American products

They boycotted the city's bus system.

The country's leaders boycotted [=did not attend] the event in protest.

: to stop using the goods or services of (a company, country, etc.) until changes are made

We boycotted companies that were polluting the environment.

2boycott noun, pl -cotts [count]

: an often organized act of boycotting something
the 1955 bus boycott
often + of, against, or on
the country's boycott of the Olympics
a boycott against/on the company's products

boy·friend noun, pl -friends [count]

: a man that someone is having a romantic or sexual relationship with

My boyfriend and I have only been dating for a couple of months.

compare GIRLFRIEND

Boy Scout noun, pl Scouts [count]

: a member of an organization for boys ages 11 to 17

Boy Scouts participate in group activities, learn skills, and are encouraged to have good morals and be good citizens.

called also Scout compare CUB SCOUT, GIRL SCOUT

boy·sen·ber·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

: a large reddish-black berry that has the flavor of a raspberry

bo·zo noun, pl bo·zos [count]

informal : a stupid or foolish person

Some bozo forgot to shut the door.

Br abbr

1 Britain

2 British

bra noun, pl bras [count]

: a piece of clothing that is worn by women under other clothes to cover and support the breasts called also brassiere

1brace verb, brac·es, braced, brac·ing

1 : to get ready for something difficult or unpleasant

[no obj] (chiefly US)

usually + for

The town is bracing for a busy tourist season.

We braced for the storm.

[+ obj] Brace yourself. [=prepare yourself] I have some bad news.

usually + for

She braced herself for the news.

2 [+ obj] : to give added physical support or strength to (something)

He braced the gate with a piece of wood.

Steel columns brace the structure.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to support (yourself) by leaning against something or holding something

She braced herself with one hand and reached up with the other.

often + against

He braced himself against the wall.

3 b : to place (something, such as your feet or hands) against something for support
usually + against

He braced his foot against the wall.

2brace noun, pl braces

1 [count] : a part that adds physical strength or support

We need to add some sort of brace to hold the shelf in place.

2 [count]

2 a : a device that supports a part of the body

He could walk with braces on his legs.

She wears a back/neck brace.

2 b : a device that is attached to teeth to make them straight

(Brit) He has a brace on his teeth.

plural in U.S. English

He has braces on his teeth.

She needed braces as a child.

3 [count] : either one of the marks { or } that are used as a pair around words or items that are to be considered together
usually plural

Computer codes appear within braces.

; called also curly brace, curly bracket

4 braces [plural] Brit : suspenders

5 pl brace [count] : a pair of birds that have been hunted and killed
several brace [=(more commonly) pairs] of quail

brace·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a piece of jewelry worn on the wrist

brac·ing adj [more ; most ]

: pleasantly cool or cold
clean, bracing air
often used figuratively

Her honest remarks provided a bracing [=refreshing] change from the bland, political commentary.

brac·ing·ly adv
bracingly cool breezes

brack·en noun [noncount]

: a large plant that grows commonly in many places around the world : a large kind of fern

1brack·et noun, pl -ets [count]

1 : an object that is attached to a wall and used to support or hold up something (such as a shelf)

The shelf is held up with two brackets.

There are wall brackets in the garage for the rakes and shovels.

2 : a category that includes a certain range of incomes, ages, etc.

She is taller/shorter than average for her age bracket.

He earned enough to put him in a higher tax bracket.

She is now in a lower/higher income bracket than before.

3 a : either one of a pair of marks [ ] or used to enclose words or mathematical symbols
usually plural

The title appears in/within brackets at the top of the page.

The marks [ ] are also called square brackets and the marks are also called angle brackets.

3 b Brit : parenthesis

2bracket verb, -ets, -et·ed, -et·ing [+ obj]

1 : to place (words, symbols, etc.) within brackets

She bracketed (off) portions of the text.

bracketed information/text/material

2 : to be located at each side of (something)

usually used as (be) bracketed

The front door is bracketed [=flanked] by tall bushes.

3 : to put (two or more people or things) into the same category, group, etc.

Should Haydn and Mozart be bracketed (together/with each other)? = Should Mozart be bracketed (together) with Haydn?

brack·ish adj

: somewhat salty
brackish water
a brackish pond

brag verb, brags, bragged, brag·ging

: to talk about yourself, your achievements, your family, etc., in a way that shows too much pride

[no obj] After winning the race, she couldn't stop bragging.

“I don't mean to brag,” he said, “but I'm an excellent cook.”

often + about

She bragged about winning the race.

They're always bragging about their son's accomplishments.

[+ obj] He bragged that his daughter was the best student in her class.

“I'm the fastest runner on the team,” she bragged.

brag·ga·do·cio noun [noncount]

literary : the annoying or exaggerated talk of someone who is trying to sound very proud or brave
a loudmouthed braggart who hid his cowardice with braggadocio

brag·gart noun, pl -garts [count]

: a person who brags a lot
a loudmouthed braggart

bragging rights noun [plural]

US : a good reason to talk with pride about something you have done

She earned bragging rights for completing the project on time.

Brah·man or Brah·min noun, pl -mans or -mins [count]

1 : a member of the highest priestly class of Hindu society

2 usually Brahmin US, old-fashioned : an educated person who belongs to a high social class

She was the daughter of a Boston Brahmin.

1braid noun, pl braids

1 [count] chiefly US : an arrangement of hair made by weaving three sections together

She wore her hair in a long braid. [=(chiefly Brit) plait]

2 [noncount] : a piece of cord or ribbon made of three or more strands woven together
a hat trimmed with braid

2braid verb, braids, braid·ed, braid·ing [+ obj]

: to form (something, such as hair) into a braid : to weave together (three or more strands or parts of something)

She braids her hair every morning.

They braided the ribbons.

braided adj

1 : formed with three or more parts woven together
braided [=(chiefly Brit) plaited] hair
a braided rug

2 : decorated with a piece of cord or ribbon made of three or more strands woven together : decorated with braid
a hat with braided trim

braille or Braille noun [noncount]

: a system of writing for blind people in which letters are represented by raised dots
a book made available in braille
often used before another noun
a braille book

1brain noun, pl brains [count]

1 : the organ of the body in the head that controls functions, movements, sensations, and thoughts

Scientists are learning more about how the human brain works.

The left and right sides of the brain have different functions.

often used before another noun
a brain injury/tumor
brain damage/surgery
brain cells/tissue

2 informal : the ability to think and reason : intelligence

Don't be such an idiotuse your brain. [=head]

She has a good brain. [=she is smart]

I'm sorryI don't know where my brain is today. [=I'm not thinking clearly today]

If he had half a brain [=if he was at all smart], he would have left a long time ago.

often plural

If he had any brains, he would have left a long time ago.

She has both brains and beauty.

3 informal : a very intelligent person

The other children always teased him about being such a brain.

She is one of the best brains [=intellects, minds] in the field.

If you are the brains of/behind something, you are the person who thinks of plans or makes important decisions for a group.

She's the brains of this organization.

He was the brains behind the scheme.

beat/bash someone's brains out or US beat/bash someone's brains in
informal : to hit someone on the head in a way that causes serious injury or death : to beat someone very badly

They threatened to beat my brains in if I ever came here again.

blow someone's brains out
informal : to kill someone with a shot to the head : to shoot someone fatally in the head

When he refused to hand over the money, the robbers threatened to blow his brains out.

cudgel your brain/brains
informal + old-fashioned : to think very hard : to rack your brain

I cudgeled my brains for a solution to the problem.

on the brain
informal : always in your thoughts

I've had pizza on the brain all day. [=I've been thinking about pizza all day]

He's got sex on the brain. [=he's always thinking about sex]

pick someone's brain/brains
informal : to talk to someone in order to get helpful information or advice

Do you have a moment? I need to pick your brain about a little situation that has come up.

rack your brain/brains see 2RACK

2brain verb, brains, brained, brain·ing [+ obj]

informal : to hit (someone) on the head very hard

The tree limb fell and nearly brained me.

brain·child noun [singular]

: an idea, plan, or creation of one person

The museum is the brainchild of a wealthy art collector.

brain-dead adj

1 medical : showing no sign of activity in the brain : having no brain function

Doctors determined that she was brain-dead.

2 informal : very stupid

You would have to be brain-dead not to see the problem.

: not able to function normally

I'll be brain-dead in the morning if I don't get some sleep.

brain death noun [noncount]

medical : the condition of having no brain function : the end of activity in the brain

brain drain noun [singular]

: a situation in which many educated or professional people leave a particular place or profession and move to another one that gives them better pay or living conditions

Nothing has been done to stop the brain drain as more and more doctors move away from the area.

brain·i·ac noun, pl -acs [count]

informal : a very intelligent person
the class brainiac
often used before another noun
a brainiac scientist

brain·less adj [more ; most ]

informal : very stupid or silly

He thought most of his coworkers were brainless.

The plot of the new movie is brainless and the acting is terrible.

brain·less·ly adv

brain·less·ness noun [noncount]

brain·pow·er noun [noncount]

1 : the ability to think intelligently

The brainpower of the staff constitutes the company's greatest asset.

The product is supposed to boost your brainpower.

2 : people who are very intelligent

The company is increasing efforts to recruit scientific brainpower.

1brain·storm noun, pl -storms [count]

1 US : an idea that someone thinks of suddenly
usually singular

Her latest brainstorm is to convert the garage into an apartment.

; called also (chiefly Brit) brain wave

2 Brit : a temporary state of confusion : a period of unclear thinking

I'm sorryI must have been having a brainstorm when I wrote that.

2brainstorm verb, -storms, -stormed, -storm·ing

: to try to solve a problem by talking with other people : to discuss a problem and suggest solutions

[no obj] We need to brainstorm about this.

[+ obj] They had a meeting to brainstorm some ideas.

brainstorming noun [noncount]

We did some brainstorming and came up with some ideas.

We had a brainstorming session.

brain·teas·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a puzzle that is difficult to figure out or solve

brain trust noun, pl trusts [count]

US : a group of people who give advice to a leader about what should be done

The president's brain trust recommended the action.

called also (Brit) brains trust

brain·wash verb, -wash·es, -washed, -wash·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to think or believe something by using methods that make a person unable to think normally

Terrorists brainwashed the prisoners.

Does advertising brainwash children?

often + into

She was brainwashed into donating all her money to the cult.

brain wave noun, pl waves [count]

1 : a pattern or cycle of electrical activity in the brain
usually plural

Do your brain waves change when you are sleeping?

2 chiefly Brit : 1brainstorm 1

brainy adj, brain·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : very intelligent
a brainy child

brain·i·ness noun [noncount]

She shouldn't hide her braininess.

braise verb, brais·es, braised, brais·ing [+ obj]

: to cook (food) slowly in fat and a small amount of liquid in a covered pot

He braised the beef in a wine sauce.

braised adj
braised chicken/cabbage

1brake noun, pl brakes [count]

1 : a device for slowing or stopping something (such as a wheel or vehicle)

She released the brake slowly.

Take your foot off the brake.

often plural

The car will need new brakes soon.

He slammed/jammed on the brakes [=he applied the brakes very quickly] to avoid hitting the other car.

often used before another noun
brake shoes/fluid

Take your foot off the brake pedal.

I didn't notice that the car in front of me had its brake lights on.

see also DISC BRAKE, EMERGENCY BRAKE, HAND BRAKE, PARKING BRAKE

2 : something used to slow or stop movement or activity
usually + on

They plan to use interest rates as a brake on spending. [=as a way to slow down spending]

trying to put the brakes on crime

2brake verb, brakes, braked, brak·ing [no obj]

: to use the brake on a vehicle

I had to brake suddenly when a cat ran in front of the car.

This car has excellent braking. [=it stops quickly and easily when the brakes are used]

bram·ble noun, pl bram·bles [count]

1 US : a rough bush or vine that usually has sharp thorns on its branches
usually plural
a field filled with brambles

2 Brit : blackberry

bran noun [noncount]

: the outer coat of the seed of a grain

The doctor told me to eat more bran because it is a good source of fiber.

often used before another noun
bran cereal/muffins [=cereal/muffins containing bran]

1branch Brit noun, pl branch·es [count]

1 : a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk
birds singing from the branches of a tree

A large (tree) branch fell into our yard during the storm.

2 a : a local office or shop of a company or organization

The bank has a new branch in our area.

She works at the branch office downtown.

2 b : a major part of a government
often + of
the executive/legislative/judicial branch of the United States government

3 : a part of an area of knowledge or study
often + of

Pathology is a branch of medicine.

4 : a part of a family that is descended from a particular family member in the past
often + of

We don't know much about that branch of the family.

5 : something that goes outward from a main line or source

Some of the river's smaller branches flooded after the heavy rains.

There was a problem with the railroad's branch line.

root and branch see 1ROOT

branched Brit adj

2branch verb, branch·es, branched, branch·ing [no obj]

: to divide into smaller parts : to separate into branches

The stream branches from the river near their house.

branch off [phrasal verb]

: to separate from something and move in a different direction

The stream branched off to the left.

often + from

The stream branches off from the river near their house.

Streets branch off from both sides of the highway.

branch out [phrasal verb]

: to begin to do more different kinds of activities or work

In the beginning the business was highly specialized, but it has since branched out.

often + into

The company specializes in casual clothing but it is branching out into formal wear.

1brand noun, pl brands [count]

1 : a category of products that are all made by a particular company and all have a particular name

What brand are those jeans you are wearing?

The store sells a variety of shoe brands.

The company claims that its product is better than the leading brand. [=the brand that sells the most]

often + of

I'm trying a different brand of soap.

What is your favorite brand of soda?

Brand loyalty is the tendency of a person to continue to buy a particular brand of something.

The company spends a lot of money on advertising to develop brand loyalty.

see also STORE BRAND

2 : a particular kind or type of something

I don't like his brand of humor.

a lively brand of theater

3 : a mark that is burned into the skin of an animal (such as a cow) to show who owns the animal

2brand verb, brands, brand·ed, brand·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put a mark on the skin of (an animal) to show who owns it

They no longer brand their cattle.

2 : to describe or identify (someone or something) with a word that expresses strong criticism

They branded him a coward. [=they said he was a coward]

usually used as (be) branded

He was branded (as) a coward.

The newspaper was branded racist for publishing the article.

brand·ed adj, always used before a noun

: having a well-known brand name

She only buys branded [=brand-name] products.

bran·dish verb, -dish·es, -dished, -dish·ing [+ obj]

: to wave or swing (something, such as a weapon) in a threatening or excited manner

She brandished a stick at the dog.

I could see that he was brandishing a knife.

brand name noun, pl names [count]

: a name that is given to a product by the company that produces or sells it

The drug is sold under several brand names.

a trusted brand name
compare NAME BRAND

brand-name adj

: having a well-known brand name

I buy only brand-name [=branded] products.

brand-new Brit adj

: completely new

She bought a brand-new car.

They have a brand-new baby.

This concept is brand-newno one has ever tried anything like it before.

bran·dy noun, pl -dies [count, noncount]

: an alcoholic drink made from wine

brash adj, brash·er, -est

1 : confident and aggressive in usually a rude or unpleasant way
a brash young executive

She asks such brash questions.

2 : very strong or harsh
brash colors
brash lighting

brash·ly adv

He brashly confronted his boss about a raise.

brash·ness noun [noncount]

brass Brit noun, pl brass·es

1 [noncount] : a yellow metal that is made by combining copper and zinc
a candlestick made of brass
often used before another noun
a brass candlestick

2 : musical instruments (such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas) that are made of brass

[noncount] The whole orchestrathe strings, percussion, woodwinds, and brassbegan to play.

[plural] The brasses began to play.

often used before another noun

He's one of the best brass players in the orchestra.

a brass instrument
the orchestra's brass section [=the group of musicians in an orchestra who play brass instruments]

see also BRASS BAND

3 [noncount] : bright metal objects made of brass
polishing the brass and the silver

4 [noncount] chiefly US, informal : the people in the highest positions in an organization (such as the military or a business)

Navy brass [=top brass] met earlier today.

often used with the

The brass met earlier today.

Brass is used with both plural and singular verbs in this sense.

The company brass have/has decided that no action is necessary at this time.

(as) bold as brass see 1BOLD

get down to brass tacks
informal : to start to discuss or consider the most important details or facts about something

We finally got down to brass tacks and decided to work out a schedule for the project.

brass band noun, pl bands [count]

: a band (such as a marching band or a military band) in which most of the musicians play brass instruments (such as trumpets and trombones)

brassed off adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : annoyed and unhappy
feeling a bit brassed off

bras·siere Brit noun, pl -sieres [count]

formal : bra

brass ring noun

the brass ring

US informal : a very desirable prize, goal, or opportunity

He made his first try for the brass ring when he ran for mayor a few years ago.

often used in phrases like grab the brass ring and go for the brass ring

She's decided to go for the brass ring and start her own business.

brassy Brit adj, brass·i·er, -est

1 : very confident and aggressive in a loud and sometimes annoying way
a brassy woman/reporter

2 : having a loud and often harsh sound
brassy music
a big, brassy voice

3 : resembling or suggesting brass
a brassy shine
brassy colors

brass·i·ly Brit adv

brass·i·ness noun [noncount]

brat noun, pl brats [count]

informal

1 disapproving : a child who behaves very badly : an annoying child
a bunch of ill-mannered little brats

He is a spoiled brat.

2 US : the child of a person whose career is in the army, navy, etc.

I was an army/navy/military brat.

also : the child of a person whose career is in a specified field

His children are typical Hollywood brats.

brat·ty adj, brat·ti·er, -est
a bratty child

brat·ti·ness noun [noncount]

bra·va·do noun [noncount]

: confident or brave talk or behavior that is intended to impress other people

His stories are always told with bravado.

I remember his youthful bravado.

1brave adj, brav·er, -est

: feeling or showing no fear : not afraid

He was a brave [=courageous, fearless] soldier.

She gave us a brave smile.

He lost his brave fight against the disease.

She tried to put on/up a brave face/front [=she tried to appear brave or calm] despite the pain of the injury.

the brave

: brave people
the home of the brave

brave·ly adv

He smiled bravely as he stepped in front of the cameras.

2brave verb, braves, braved, brav·ing [+ obj]

: to face or deal with (something dangerous or unpleasant)

We braved [=went out in] the rain without our umbrellas.

Thousands of fans braved rush-hour traffic to see the concert.

I had to brave the elements [=go out in bad weather] to get to work.

3brave noun, pl braves [count]

old-fashioned : a Native American warrior

brave new world noun [singular]

: a situation or area of activity that is created by the development of something completely new and different

The company was slow to enter the brave new world of computer technology.

often used to suggest that something is both new and possibly dangerous

Are we ready to face the brave new world of human cloning?

brav·ery noun [noncount]

: the quality that allows someone to do things that are dangerous or frightening : the quality or state of being brave : courage

He received a medal for bravery.

She showed great bravery.

an act of bravery [=a brave act]

bra·vo interj

used to express approval of a performance

Shouts of “Bravo!” continued after the curtain fell.

bra·vu·ra noun [noncount]

: great skill and energy in doing something (such as performing on a stage)

usually used before another noun
a bravura performance

brawl verb, brawls, brawled, brawl·ing [no obj]

: to fight noisily in usually a public place

Fans were brawling in the streets after the game.

brawl noun, pl brawls [count]

A brawl broke out among the fans after the hockey game.

a drunken street brawl

He was in a barroom brawl. [=a fight in a bar]

brawl·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Police arrested two of the brawlers.

brawn noun [noncount]

1 : muscular strength
usually used to compare physical strength to intelligence

When it comes to men, she prefers brains over brawn. [=she likes smart men better than muscular ones]

2 Brit : headcheese

brawny adj, brawn·i·er, -est
his brawny [=muscular] arms

bray verb, brays, brayed, bray·ing

1 [no obj] : to make the loud sound that a donkey makes

The donkey brayed loudly (at us) when we approached it.

a braying donkey

2 : to speak or laugh in a very loud and unpleasant way

[no obj] My aunt brayed with laughter when I told her what had happened.

He brayed about what a great player he was.

a braying voice/laugh

[+ obj] “I'm the best!” he brayed.

bray noun, pl brays [count]

the bray of a donkey

1bra·zen adj [more ; most ]

: acting or done in a very open and shocking way without shame or embarrassment

He exhibited a brazen disregard for other people's feelings.

a brazen lie

bra·zen·ly adv

She brazenly ignored his orders.

bra·zen·ness noun [noncount]

2brazen verb, -zens, -zened, -zen·ing

brazen it out

: to continue in a confident way without showing shame or embarrassment

Despite the bad publicity, the candidate decided to brazen it out and stay in the race.

bra·zier Brit noun, pl -ziers [count]

1 : a container for holding burning coals

2 chiefly US : a device on which food is cooked over high heat

Bra·zil nut noun, pl nuts [count]

: a long, white nut that grows on a South American tree called also (Brit) Brazil

1breach noun, pl breach·es

1 : a failure to do what is required by a law an agreement or a duty : failure to act in a required or promised way usually + of

[count] This is clearly a breach of the treaty.

He was fined for committing a breach of the peace. [=for making a lot of noise or behaving violently in public; for disorderly conduct]

Many people consider her decision to be a breach of trust/confidence.

[noncount] They sued him for breach of contract. [=for failing to do what the contract required]

The judge ruled that the doctor's actions were in breach of her contractual duty.

2

A breach of security or a security breach is an occurrence in which someone is able to get into a place that is guarded or is able to get secret information.

The break-in was a serious breach of security.

Allowing such information to be released to the public is considered a security breach.

3 [count] : a break in friendly relations between people or groups
often + between

The breach between them developed years ago.

The misunderstanding had caused a breach between the families.

The decision caused a breach between the two countries.

4 [count] : a hole or opening in something (such as a wall) made by breaking through it

They repaired a breach in the fence.

into the breach

If you step/leap/jump (etc.) into the breach, you provide help that is badly needed, such as by doing a job when there is no one else available to do it.

He stepped into the breach when the company needed new leadership.

2breach verb, breaches, breached, breach·ing [+ obj]

1 : to fail to do what is required by (something, such as a law or agreement) : to break or violate (something)

He claims that the city breached an agreement by selling the property.

Is he going to breach his contract?

2 : to make a hole or opening in (something)

The army breached the castle wall.

1bread noun, pl breads

1 : a baked food made from a mixture of flour and water

[noncount] She bakes bread every day.

a loaf/slice/piece/hunk of bread

[count] The bakery offers a nice selection of breads and pastries.

often used before another noun
bread crumbs
a bread knife [=a knife used for cutting bread]

2 [noncount] old-fashioned, slang : money

I took the job because I needed to earn some bread. [=(more commonly) dough]

break bread

: to have a meal together

He received an invitation to break bread with the president.

know which side your bread is buttered on
informal : to know how to act or how to treat others in order to get what you want

He pretends to be impartial, but believe me, he knows which side his bread is buttered on.

2bread verb, breads, bread·ed, bread·ing [+ obj]

: to cover (food) with bread crumbs before cooking it

She breaded the pork chops before frying them.

breaded adj

She served breaded pork chops.

bread and butter noun [singular]

: a dependable source of income or success

Casual clothing has always been the company's bread and butter.

bread-and-butter adj, always used before a noun

1 : basic and important
bread-and-butter economic issues

2 : dependable as a source of income or success
the company's bread-and-butter products

His bread-and-butter pitch has always been his fastball.

bread·bas·ket Brit noun, pl -kets [count]

: a region that provides large amounts of food
the breadbasket of the world

The area is becoming the nation's breadbasket.

bread·box noun, pl -box·es [count]

chiefly US : a container in someone's kitchen where bread and other baked goods are stored to keep them fresh
often used informally to describe the size of something

The entire stereo system is not much bigger than a breadbox.

; called also (Brit) bread bin

bread·fruit noun, pl -fruit [count, noncount]

: a round fruit that resembles bread when it is baked

bread·line noun, pl -lines

1 [count] chiefly US : a line of people who are waiting to receive free food

2 the breadline Brit : the level of income at which someone is considered poor
people living below/near/on the breadline [=the poverty line]

breadth noun [noncount]

1 : the distance from one side to the other side of something : width

We measured the height, breadth, and depth of each piece of furniture.

Its breadth is five feet. [=(more commonly) it's five feet wide]

see also HAIR'S BREADTH

2 : the quality of including many things : the wide scope or range of something

I admire his breadth of knowledge/experience/achievement. = I admire the breadth of his knowledge/experience/achievement.

the length and breadth of see LENGTH

bread·win·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

: a person who earns money to support a family

He had always been the (family) breadwinner.

1break verb, breaks, broke , bro·ken , break·ing

1 : to separate (something) into parts or pieces often in a sudden and forceful or violent way

[+ obj] She broke the cup when she dropped it on the floor.

I broke the stick in two/half. = I broke the stick into two pieces.

Break the chocolate bar into pieces so that everyone can have some.

It is easiest to break a chain at its weakest link.

[no obj] The cup broke (into bits/pieces) when it fell on the floor.

A chain will break at its weakest link.

2 : to cause (a bone) to separate into two or more pieces

[+ obj] He fell and broke [=fractured] his collarbone.

He broke his arm in the accident. [=one of the bones in his arm was broken in the accident]

The fall broke his arm.

[no obj] His arm broke in three places when he fell.

3 [no obj] : to open suddenly especially because of pressure from inside

The blister broke.

A bruise forms when a blood vessel breaks under the skin.

see also BREAK OPEN ((BELOW))

4 a [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as a machine) to stop working by damaging it

He broke his watch when he dropped it on the floor.

I'm afraid I've broken your phone.

4 b [no obj] : to stop working because of being damaged

His watch broke when he dropped it on the floor.

The pump recently broke.

see also BREAK DOWN ((BELOW))

5 : to split or divide (something) into smaller units or parts

[+ obj] The word “singing” can be broken (up) into the two syllables “sing-” and “-ing.”

They broke the corporation (up) into several smaller companies.

[no obj] The corporation broke (up) into several smaller companies.

see also BREAK INTO ((BELOW))

6 [+ obj]

6 a : to go through or make a hole in (a surface, someone's skin, etc.)

There is no risk of infection if the dog's bite did not break [=puncture] the skin.

A large fish broke the surface of the water.

6 b : to go through (something) by using force

Use a knife to break the seal.

usually used figuratively

The ceremony is to celebrate people who broke racial barriers in the music industry.

see also BREAK DOWN ((BELOW)), BREAK THROUGH ((BELOW))

6 c : to cut into and turn over the surface of (the ground, soil, etc.)

The farmer uses a plow to break the soil.

see also break ground at 1GROUND

7 [+ obj] : to fail to do what is required by (a law, a promise, etc.)

She may not have broken the law, but she acted wrongly.

You broke your promise.

Students who break the rules will be punished.

He broke the contract by failing to make the payments on time.

You can get fined for breaking the speed limit. [=for driving faster than you are legally allowed to drive]

8 a : to destroy or defeat (something) by using force or pressure

[+ obj] They kept putting pressure on him, but they couldn't break his spirit/determination/resistance.

They finally broke his will to resist.

[no obj] His spirit/determination will never break.

8 b [+ obj] : to defeat or ruin (someone) : to cause (someone) to fail or to stop trying or fighting

He swore that he would break his rivals/competitors.

They kept putting pressure on him, but they couldn't break him.

These huge losses are going to break [=ruin] me financially!

This film could make or break her career. [=the success or failure of her career could depend on the success or failure of this film]

see also BREAK DOWN ((BELOW)), MAKE-OR-BREAK

8 c [no obj] : to lose your health, mental or physical strength, or control
usually + under

The witness broke under questioning.

I was afraid I would break under the strain of constant uncertainty.

see also BREAK DOWN ((BELOW))

8 d [+ obj] : to train (a wild animal) to behave in a way that is useful to people
special equipment used to break horses

9 [+ obj]

9 a : to cause the end of (something that is strong or that has continued for a long time)

A group of moderates from both parties are negotiating to break the deadlock in Congress.

Many people in the industry were very upset when the government broke the strike.

He decided to break all ties/links with them. [=to end all connections with them]

She scored a goal in the last minute of the game, breaking a 22 tie.

It's never easy to break [=kick, give up] a bad habit.

9 b : to cause (someone) to give up a habit

+ of

His friends have tried everything to break him of his smoking habit. [=have tried everything to make him stop smoking]

10 [+ obj]

10 a : to interrupt (something)

The peaceful silence of the evening was broken by a sudden shout.

The commotion broke my train of thought.

The sudden noise broke my concentration. [=made it impossible for me to concentrate]

Sometimes I sing while I'm driving, just to break (up) the monotony of my commute.

The horizon line was broken only by a few stands of trees in the distance.

The planes broke formation [=stopped flying together in an organized group] and took off in different directions.

see also BREAK UP 4 (BELOW)

10 b : to cause (something, such as a curse or spell) to no longer be effective
a mystic who claimed to be able to break curses

11 [no obj] : to stop an activity (such as working) for a brief period of time

Let's break for lunch. [=let's take a break for lunch; let's temporarily stop working and eat lunch]

12 a [+ obj] : to tell (bad news) to someone in a kind or gentle way

I know she'll be very upset when she finds out she didn't get the job, so please try to break it to her gently.

12 b [+ obj] : to make (something, such as news) publicly known for the first time

The local TV station was the first to break the news about the President's visit.

12 c [no obj] of news : to become publicly known

The story broke yesterday. [=the story was reported for the first time yesterday]

People were shocked when (news of) the scandal first broke.

13 [+ obj] : to reduce the speed or force of (something)

The bushes beneath the window helped to break his fall. [=helped make his fall less forceful]

She walked straight across the room without breaking (her) stride. [=without pausing or slowing down]

14 [+ obj]

14 a : to be higher or more than (a specified number, measurement, etc.)

The temperature is expected to break 90 (degrees Fahrenheit) today.

14 b : to do better than (a record)

She ran a great race and almost broke the world record. [=she almost ran the race faster than anyone in the world has ever run it]

He set a record that may never be broken.

14 c : to have a score that is lower than or higher than (a specified total)

golfers trying to break 90 [=to have a score below 90]

bowlers trying to break 200 [=to have a score above 200]

15 [+ obj]

15 a : to find or provide an explanation or solution for (something, such as a criminal case)

The detective finally broke [=solved] the case.

The detective found the evidence that broke the case.

15 b : to find the meaning of (a secret code)

A team of experts was finally able to break the code and decipher the meaning of the message.

16 [no obj]

16 a of the weather : to change by becoming rainy, clear, cool, etc., after a long time
waiting for the weather to break

The heat wave should finally break [=end] tomorrow.

16 b of clouds : to separate so that the sky or sun can be seen

The clouds broke and the fog dissipated, revealing blue sky above.

16 c of a storm : to start suddenly

Everyone ran to get indoors when the storm broke. [=when it began to rain]

17 [no obj] literary : to begin when the sun rises

They left just as day was breaking. [=just as the sun was rising]

The dawn was breaking.

see also DAYBREAK

18 [no obj]

18 a : to begin running quickly

Everyone broke [=dashed, ran] for cover.

18 b : to stop fighting and run away

When the enemy charged, our troops broke and ran.

19 [+ obj]

19 a : to give smaller bills or coins for (a large bill)

Can you break [=change] a $20 bill for me?

19 b : to use (a large bill) to pay for something that costs much less than the value of the bill

I didn't want to break a $20 bill just to buy something for a dollar.

20 [no obj] of a wave : to curl over and fall onto or near land
the sound of waves breaking against/over/on the rocks

21 [no obj]

21 a of someone's voice : to change sharply in tone or pitch because of strong emotion

Her voice was breaking with emotion as she said goodbye.

21 b of a boy's voice : to change from the high voice of a boy to the lower voice of a man
an adolescent boy whose voice is breaking

22 [no obj] sports, of a thrown or struck ball : to turn or curve

The putt broke to the left as it neared the hole.

a pitch that breaks away from the batter

The pitcher threw a breaking ball. [=a pitch that curves]

23 tennis : to win against (an opponent who is serving)

[+ obj] The challenger broke the champion in the final set. = The challenger broke the champion's serve in the final set.

[no obj] The challenger broke in the final set but the champion broke back to even the score.

24 [no obj] : to happen or develop

For the team to succeed, everything has to break right for them. [=for the team to succeed, they have to be lucky]

Things have been breaking [=going] well for the company in the past six months.

break a leg see 1LEG

break a sweat see 2SWEAT

break away [phrasal verb]

1 : to get away from someone or something especially by using force or effort

Large pieces of the rock ledge have broken away. [=broken free]

usually + from

He broke away [=broke free/loose] from his captors and escaped.

She broke away [=pulled away] from the other runners to win the race.

often used figuratively

The company has broken away from the competition.

young people breaking away from traditional values

2 : to separate or become separate from a larger group, country, etc.

Three members of the band broke away and formed their own group.

usually + from
a faction that has broken away from the main political party

see also BREAKAWAY

break bread see 1BREAD

break camp see 1CAMP

break cover see 2COVER

break down [phrasal verb]

1 a of a machine : to stop working properly

Our car broke down on the highway.

This old motorcycle is constantly breaking down.

see also 1BREAK 4 (ABOVE)

1 b : to fail or stop usually in a complete and sudden way

Negotiations have broken down. [=collapsed]

The government's argument broke down completely when new evidence came to light.

Their marriage had broken down [=failed], and there was nothing to do about it.

2 a : to become overwhelmed by strong emotions

She broke down and started to cry. = She broke down in tears.

see also 1BREAK 8C (ABOVE)

2 b break down or break (someone) down or break down (someone) : to lose or cause (someone) to lose strength or the ability to resist or fight

The prisoner finally broke down under intensive questioning.

She finally broke down and got a cell phone. [=she bought a cell phone after resisting the desire to buy one for a long time]

Intensive questioning finally broke the prisoner down.

see also 1BREAK 8B (ABOVE)

3 break down or break (something) down or break down (something)

3 a : to become separated or to separate (something) into simpler substances

The foods you eat break down in the body's digestive system.

The body's digestive system breaks food down.

Water can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. = Water can break down into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.

3 b : to be able to be divided or to divide (something) into parts or groups

The report breaks down into three sections. = The report is broken down into three sections. [=the report has three sections]

The author has broken down the nation's history into three distinct periods.

4 break (something) down or break down (something) : to use force to push (something) to the ground
break a door down
break down a barrier
sometimes used figuratively

They are working to break down legal barriers to integration.

see also BREAKDOWN

break even

: to take in as much money as you spend : to operate without either a loss or a profit

After years of losing money the company is starting to break even and hopes to make a profit soon.

see also BREAK-EVEN

break faith with see FAITH

break free

: to become able to move or escape by using force or effort

The prisoner struggled to break free.

: to get away from someone or something that holds or limits you
often + from or of

She wanted to break free from the constraints of her middle-class life.

an animal struggling to break free of a trap

break from [phrasal verb]

break from (someone or something) : to end a relationship, connection, or agreement with (someone or something)

She recently broke from [=broke with] the organization she helped found.

breaking from [=breaking with] tradition/stereotypes

break ground see 1GROUND

break in [phrasal verb]

1 : to enter a house, building, etc., illegally

Someone tried to break in while we were away.

see also BREAK INTO 1 (BELOW), BREAK-IN

2 : to interrupt or disturb someone or something

I was listening to my favorite radio program when a reporter broke in with news about a storm.

We were having a chat when he rudely broke in (on it).

see also BREAK INTO 4 (BELOW)

3 break in or break (someone) in or break in (someone) : to start or help (someone) to start a new activity, job, etc.

Baseball was very different when he first broke in [=started playing] as a catcher in 1962.

The job involves a wide variety of tasks, so we try to break new employees in gradually.

The band is breaking in a new backup singer.

4 break (something) in or break in (something)

4 a : to use (something, such as a new pair of shoes) for a period of time so that it becomes comfortable

The shoes were tight when she first got them, so she broke them in by wearing them around the house for a few days.

4 b : to operate (a new machine) carefully for a period of time until it is ready for regular use

You shouldn't drive a new car too fast while you're breaking it in.

break into [phrasal verb]

break into (something)

1 : to enter (a house, building, etc.) illegally and especially by using force

Someone tried to break into our house while we were away.

see also BREAK IN 1 (ABOVE)

2 : to begin to do or have (something) suddenly

She broke into tears. [=she suddenly began to cry]

The audience broke into applause. [=the audience suddenly began applauding]

His face broke into a smile. [=he suddenly smiled]

The horse broke into a gallop. [=the horse suddenly began to gallop]

She broke into song. [=she suddenly began to sing]

3 : to enter or get started in (something, such as a profession)

I knew her when she was a young actress trying to break into show business.

4 : to interrupt (something)

The network broke into the program with a special news report.

see also BREAK IN 2 (ABOVE)

break loose

1 : to suddenly become loose : to suddenly stop being attached to something

One of the shutters broke loose during the storm.

2 : to get away from someone or something by using force or effort

The prisoner broke loose [=broke free] and ran away.

often + from

The prisoner broke loose from the guards.

She wants to break loose from the constraints of her middle-class life.

see also all hell breaks loose at HELL

break new ground see 1GROUND

break off [phrasal verb]

1 break off or break off (something) or break (something) off or break (something) off (something) : to become separated or cause (something) to become separated because of force or violence

The piece of plaster broke off easily.

The handle broke off when I accidentally dropped the cup.

I accidentally broke the cup's handle off. = I accidentally broke the handle off the cup.

I broke [=tore] a piece of bread off (the loaf) and ate it.

2 break off or break off (something) : to stop or end suddenly or cause (something) to stop or end suddenly

The speaker broke off (speaking) in the middle of a sentence.

At that point the recording suddenly breaks off. [=ends]

The two countries have broken off diplomatic relations.

The negotiations resumed soon after they were broken off.

They had a fight and broke off [=called off] their engagement.

break open [phrasal verb]

break open or break open (something) or break (something) open : to open or to cause (something) to open suddenly

The pods broke open and the seeds scattered on the wind.

The police broke open the door.

The burglars broke open the locked safe.

see also 1BREAK 3 (ABOVE)

break out [phrasal verb]

1 : to begin happening suddenly

A fire broke out in the kitchen.

A riot broke out in the prison.

There is a danger that war could break out soon.

2 a : to suddenly begin to have sweat, a rash, etc., on your skin

He broke out in a sweat. [=he began to sweat]

Eating strawberries makes her break out in hives. = Eating strawberries makes her break out.

2 b : to appear on the skin suddenly

Sweat broke out on his forehead.

A rash broke out on her skin.

3 : to escape from a prison, jail, etc.

Six prisoners were caught attempting to break out.

often + of

Six prisoners attempted to break out of the jail.

often used figuratively

The team is trying to break out of its slump. [=is trying to end its slump]

We need to break out of the financial rut we're in.

4 break (something) out or break out (something) : to take (something) from the place where it is stored so that it can be used

We broke out the champagne to celebrate our victory.

see also BREAKOUT, OUTBREAK

break rank see 1RANK

break someone's heart see HEART

break step see 1STEP

break the back of see 1BACK

break the bank see 1BANK

break the ice see 1ICE

break the mold see 1MOLD

break through [phrasal verb]

break through or break through (something)

1 : to use force to get through (something, such as a barrier)

The enemy attacked our defenses but they weren't able to break through.

The enemy finally broke through our defenses and defeated us.

The prisoners broke through the wall and escaped.

sometimes used figuratively

The organization is committed to breaking through the barriers of poverty.

see also 1BREAK 6B (ABOVE)

2 of the sun : to shine through (clouds)

The sun finally began to break through. = The sun finally began to break through the clouds.

break up [phrasal verb]

1 break up or break (something) up or break up (something)

1 a : to separate into parts or pieces or cause (something) to separate into parts or pieces

The asteroid broke up [=disintegrated] when it hit the Earth's atmosphere.

Enzymes help break up protein molecules.

break up a large estate

1 b : to end or cause (something) to end

The demonstration broke up when the police arrived.

The party began to break up shortly after midnight.

The police broke up the demonstration.

He got hurt while trying to break up a fight.

break up a terrorist organization

2 break up : to end a romantic relationship, marriage, etc.

They dated for years but recently broke up.

I hear that he and his wife have broken up. = I hear that their marriage has broken up.

often + with

He broke up with his girlfriend.

3 break up or break (someone) up US, informal : to begin laughing or cause (someone) to begin laughing suddenly and in a way that is difficult to control

I always break up [=crack up] when I hear that joke.

Everyone broke up [=burst into laughter, busted out laughing] when they saw what he was wearing.

That joke always breaks me up. [=cracks me up]

4 break (something) up or break up (something)

4 a : to change the regular quality or appearance of (something)

break up a dull routine

A chimney breaks up the line of the level roof.

break up a text with pictures
see also 1BREAK 10 (ABOVE)

4 b : to separate the parts of (something) so that it is not complete

The seller was unwilling to break up the dining room set by selling one of the chairs.

The owner broke up the team by trading many of the best players.

5 break up Brit, of a school : to come to the end of a period of instruction (such as a term)

School broke up for the summer last Friday.

see also BREAKUP

break wind see 1WIND

break with [phrasal verb]

break with (someone or something) : to end a relationship, connection, or agreement with (someone or something)

He broke with his former friends and colleagues when he decided to support the conservative candidate.

a strong desire to break with tradition/the past

A number of people have broken with the church over this issue.

2break noun, pl breaks

1 [count]

1 a : a crack, hole, etc., that is caused by damage, injury, or pressure

The tank is reinforced to prevent breaks and leaks.

The break [=fracture] in her arm will take months to heal.

Watch out for breaks [=(more commonly) cracks] in the ice.

1 b : an opening or space in something

There was a break [=gap] in the clouds.

: an opening that makes it possible for someone or something to enter or pass through something

There was a break in the hedge/fence.

We waited for a break in the traffic.

2 [count] : something that causes a change or interruption

She gets upset over any little break in her routine. [=anything that changes/interrupts her routine]

The fields extend for miles without a break.

3 [count]

3 a : a time when something stops

It has rained for five days without a break. [=it has been raining constantly for five days]

We chatted during a break in the game.

It rained all day. We waited for a break in the weather [=we waited for a time when the rain stopped], but it never came.

3 b : a brief period of time during which someone stops an activity

I'm tired. Let's take a break. [=let's stop doing whatever we are doing for a short period of time]

It was a long drive, but we took lots of breaks. [=we briefly stopped driving many times]

a bathroom break [=a brief period of time when you stop doing something in order to use a bathroom]

especially : a brief period of time during which a worker is allowed to rest, eat, etc., instead of working

All employees are entitled to two breaks during the workday.

We've been working all day without a break.

It's only five minutes until break time. [=the time when workers are supposed to stop working for a brief period of time]

see also COFFEE BREAK, LUNCH BREAK

3 c : a longer period of time when someone is not working or doing some other activity

The long weekend provided her with a much-needed break (from her job).

3 d : a time when many people are not working or going to school because of a holiday, vacation, etc.

She went home to visit her parents during (the) winter break.

What are your plans for (the) Thanksgiving break?

see also SPRING BREAK

4 [count] : a planned interruption in a radio or television program
a break for a commercial = a commercial break

We'll be back with more after the break.

see also STATION BREAK

5 [singular] : a sudden fast run : dash

The runner made a break for second base. [=the runner suddenly ran toward second base]

especially : a fast run by someone who is trying to escape

The prisoner made a (sudden) break for the door.

The prisoner made a break for it/freedom and got away.

see also JAILBREAK

6 [count] : a situation or event that is lucky or unlucky
a series of unlucky/bad breaks

Finding a hotel with a vacancy and low prices was a lucky/good break for us.

especially : a lucky situation or event that makes success possible

She's still hoping to get her big/lucky break in show business.

She got the breaks she needed to succeed.

She gets all the breaks. [=she is very lucky]

For the team to succeed, all the breaks will have to go their way. [=they will have to be lucky]

(US) I just can't seem to catch a break. [=I am unlucky; I never have good luck]

Informal expressions like those are the breaks and that's the breaks mean that something bad or unlucky should be thought of or accepted as the kind of thing that often happens to people.

I'm disappointed that I didn't get the job, but those are the breaks. I'll keep trying.

7 [count] : something that helps a particular person or group

Can you give me a break on the price? = Can I get a break on the price? [=can you lower the price for me?]

People with small children are being given a tax break. [=are being required to pay less in taxes than other people]

8 [singular]

8 a : a sudden ending of a relationship

The crisis has caused a break (in diplomatic relations) between the two countries.

If you don't want to keep dating him, you should just make a clean break [=you should end your relationship quickly] instead of dragging it out.

She talked about leaving her husband for years, but she never found the courage to make the break.

8 b : a change from what was done before
usually + with or from

We need to make a clean break with the past. [=we need to stop doing things as they were done in the past and start doing them in a completely new way]

The company has made a sharp break with tradition.

Her latest novel marks a complete break with/from her earlier fiction. [=her latest novel is completely different from her earlier fiction]

9 [noncount] literary
used in the phrase break of day to refer to the time of morning when the sun can first be seen

We left at (the) break of day. [=(more commonly) dawn, sunrise, daybreak]

10 [count] : a sharp change in the tone or pitch of someone's voice

There was a break [=(more commonly) crack] in her voice as she said goodbye.

11 [noncount] sports : a curve in the path of a thrown or hit ball

The batter was fooled completely by the break on the pitch.

The putt had a lot of break. [=the putt curved a lot]

12 [count] tennis : the act defeating an opponent who is serving
a service break

give me a break
informal

1
used to tell someone to stop bothering you or treating you unfairly

“Aren't you finished yet?” “Give me a break! I only started 10 minutes ago!”

2
used to say that you do not believe or are disgusted about what someone has said or done

“He says he went Harvard.” “Give me a break! I doubt he even graduated from high school!”

He wants more money? Give me a break! [=it's ridiculous/outrageous that he wants more money]

give (someone) a break

: to stop treating (someone) in a strict or harsh way

Don't criticize him so much. He's doing the best he can. Why don't you give him a break?

break·able adj [more ; most ]

: possible to break : able to be broken
an easily breakable object
a world record that may not be breakable
opposite UNBREAKABLE

breakable noun, pl breakables [count]

Breakables [=objects that can be broken easily; fragile objects] should be handled with care.

break·age noun, pl -ag·es

: the act of breaking or being broken

[noncount] The cups are very fragile and are prone to breakage. [=they break easily]

The pots are transported carefully to reduce the risk of breakage.

breakage of glass

[count] The pots are transported carefully to reduce the number of breakages.

break·away adj, always used before a noun

: having become separate from a larger group, country, etc. : having broken away

A breakaway faction formed a new party.

a breakaway republic/province
see also break away at 1BREAK

break dancing noun [noncount]

: a type of dancing in which a dancer performs very athletic movements that involve touching the ground with various parts of the body (such as the head or back)

break dancer noun, pl -ers [count]

break·down noun, pl -downs

1 : a failure of a machine to function : an occurrence in which a machine (such as a car) stops working

[count] We had a breakdown on the highway. [=our car broke down on the highway; our car stopped working on the highway]

The factory has had frequent equipment breakdowns.

[noncount] Frequent equipment breakdown [=(more commonly) failure] has been a problem at the factory.

2 a [count] : the failure of a relationship or of an effort to discuss something

There has been a breakdown of/in negotiations. [=negotiations have broken down; negotiations have failed]

Both sides are to blame for the breakdown in communication.

The irretrievable breakdown of a marriage can be grounds for divorce.

2 b : a failure that prevents a system from working properly

[count] trying to prevent a breakdown of the health-care system

[noncount] trying to prevent breakdown of the health-care system

Analysts predict that the country is headed for economic breakdown. [=meltdown]

3 [count] : a sudden failure of mental or physical health that makes someone unable to live normally

He suffered/had a breakdown after his wife died.

a total physical/mental breakdown [=collapse]

see also NERVOUS BREAKDOWN

4 : the process or result of showing the different parts of something in order to understand it more clearly

[count] Doing/Providing a breakdown of the statistics into categories will take time.

I want a detailed breakdown of the statistics into categories.

[noncount] The library's database enables breakdown by title, author, and genre.

5 [noncount] : the process or result of separating a substance into simpler parts
the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen
observing cell/tissue/protein breakdown
a substance that resists breakdown
see also break down at 1BREAK

breakdown lane noun, pl lanes [count]

US : an area along the side of a highway where vehicles are able to stop for an emergency

breakdown truck or breakdown lorry noun, pl trucks or lorries [count]

Brit : tow truck

break·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone or something that breaks something
a breaker of records = a record-breaker
a rule breaker
see also CIRCUIT BREAKER, ICEBREAKER

2 : a wave that is curling over and falling onto the shore, rocks, etc. : a breaking wave
usually plural

We could hear the breakers crashing on the shore.

break-even adj, always used before a noun

: having equal costs and income

After years of losing money the company has finally reached the break-even point [=the point at which the company earns as much as it spends] and we hope to make a profit soon.

see also break even at 1BREAK

1break·fast noun, pl -fasts

: the first meal of the day

[count] a big/good/hearty breakfast
a working/business breakfast [=a breakfast during which you talk with someone about business matters]

(Brit) a cooked breakfast [=a breakfast that includes cooked foods, such as eggs and meat]

[noncount] I had pancakes for breakfast.

Did you have/eat breakfast before you left?

We relaxed/chatted/dawdled over breakfast.

often used before another noun
breakfast cereals

They sat at the breakfast table.

see also BED-AND-BREAKFAST, CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

a dog's breakfast see 1DOG

2breakfast verb, -fasts, -fast·ed, -fast·ing [no obj]

: to eat breakfast

We breakfasted on cereal and toast.

She likes to breakfast early.

break-in noun, pl -ins [count]

: the act or crime of illegally entering a house, building, etc., especially by using force

There was an attempted break-in at our house while we were away.

see also break in at 1BREAK

breaking and entering noun [noncount]

law : the crime of illegally entering a house, building, etc., especially by using force

The thief was arrested and charged with breaking and entering.

breaking point noun

the breaking point (US) or Brit breaking point

1 : the time when a person can no longer accept or deal with a situation because of too much pressure or stress

My nerves were at the breaking point. = I had just about reached the breaking point.

My boss is pushing me to the breaking point.

2 : the time when a situation has become so difficult, dangerous, etc., that it cannot continue

Tensions between the two groups had reached the breaking point.

break·neck adj, always used before a noun

: very fast : dangerously fast
driving at breakneck speed

1break·out noun, pl -outs [count]

: an escape from a prison, jail, etc.

used especially to describe an escape by a group of prisoners

Police report that three people were killed during an attempted breakout (from the prison).

a prison breakout

see also break out at 1BREAK

2breakout adj, always used before a noun

US : having, causing, or marked by sudden and great success that comes usually after a time without much success

The company had a breakout year last year, tripling its profits from the previous year.

an actor's breakout role [=the role that makes an actor famous and successful]

break·through noun, pl - throughs [count]

1 : a sudden increase in knowledge, understanding, etc. : an important discovery that happens after trying for a long time to understand or explain something

Researchers say they have made/achieved a major breakthrough in cancer treatment.

a scientific breakthrough

The police have announced a breakthrough in the murder case.

sometimes used before another noun
breakthrough ideas/products

2 : a person's first important success

This job could be the breakthrough she's been waiting for.

sometimes used before another noun
a breakthrough performance/role/album

see also break through at 1BREAK

break·up noun, pl -ups

1 : the end of a relationship, marriage, etc.

[count] Money problems often lead to marital breakups.

She's just gone through a bad/painful breakup with her boyfriend.

[noncount] He began drinking heavily following the breakup of his marriage.

a couple heading for marital breakup

2 [noncount] : the separation of something into smaller parts or pieces

What caused the breakup of the Roman Empire?

the breakup of a monopoly
the breakup of an asteroid as it hits the Earth's atmosphere
see also break up at 1BREAK

break·wa·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a wall that is built out into the sea to protect a harbor or beach from the force of waves

bream noun, pl bream [count, noncount]

: a kind of fish that people catch for food

1breast noun, pl breasts

1 [count] : either one of the two soft parts on a woman's chest that produce milk when she has a baby
often used before another noun
breast cancer
breast tissue/milk

2 [count]

2 a old-fashioned + literary : the front part of a person's body between the neck and the stomach : chest

She clasped the child to her breast. [=bosom]

My breast heaved with emotion.

2 b literary : the chest thought of as the place where emotions are felt

Dark thoughts lurked within his breast. [=heart]

3 a [count] : the front part of a bird's body below the neck
a bird with an orange breast

3 b : meat from the front part of a bird's or animal's body

[noncount] I ordered the grilled breast of chicken.

a few slices of turkey breast
breast of lamb/veal

[count] Do you prefer a breast or a leg?

4 [count] : the part of a piece of clothing that covers a person's chest
the breast of a jacket
usually used before another noun

He kept a watch in his breast pocket.

make a clean breast of

: to speak openly and honestly about (something that you have previously lied about or kept secret)

I decided to make a clean breast of it/things and admit that I was to blame.

breast·ed adj
used in combination
a red-breasted bird [=a bird with a red breast]

bare-breasted women

see also DOUBLE-BREASTED, SINGLE-BREASTED

2breast verb, breasts, breast·ed, breast·ing [+ obj]

formal : to push against or move through (something) with your chest forward

I was at the race's finish line to see the winner breast the tape.

sometimes used figuratively
a boat breasting the waves

breast·bone noun, pl -bones [count]

: a flat, narrow bone in the middle of the chest to which the ribs are connected called also sternum

breast-feed verb, -feeds, -fed , -feed·ing

: to feed a baby from a mother's breast

[no obj] mothers who breast-feed

[+ obj] mothers who breast-feed [=nurse, suckle] their infants

Only one of her children was breast-fed.

compare BOTTLE-FEED

breast·plate noun, pl -plates [count]

: a piece of metal that covers a person's chest and that was part of the protective clothing (called armor) that soldiers wore in the past

breast·stroke noun [singular]

: a way of swimming in which the swimmer's face is in the water and the arms move in a large motion from front to back as the feet kick outward; also : a race in which the swimmers do the breaststroke

I'll be competing in the 50-meter breaststroke.

breath noun, pl breaths

1 [noncount] : the air that you take into your lungs and send out from your lungs when you breathe : air that is inhaled and exhaled in breathing
gum that freshens your breath

His breath smells like garlic. = He has garlic breath.

It's so cold outside that I can see my breath.

We could smell the alcohol on his breath. [=his breath smelled of alcohol]

He has bad breath. [=breath that smells unpleasant]

sometimes used before another noun

Would you like a breath mint? [=a candy used to make breath smell better]

see also BREATH TEST

2 a [noncount] : the ability to breathe freely

He was fighting/struggling for breath. [=he was having a lot of difficulty breathing]

My mad dash for the bus left me gasping for breath.

To catch your breath or (Brit) get your breath back is to rest until you are able to breathe normally.

Give me a moment to catch my breath.

If you are out of breath, you are breathing very hard because you have been running or doing hard physical work.

I'm a little out of breath from walking up all those stairs.

Someone who is short of breath or who has shortness of breath has difficulty breathing in enough air especially because of a physical or medical condition.

The patient complains that he's short of breath.

The doctor asked if I had been experiencing shortness of breath lately.

2 b [count] : an amount of air that you take into your lungs

I took/drew a long breath before speaking again.

The patient was only able to take shallow breaths. [=only able to take in small amounts of air]

Take a deep breath. [=breathe deeply; take a lot of air into your lungs]

(US) I've barely had time to (stop and/to) take a breath since they got here. = (Brit) I've barely had time to draw breath since they got here. [=I have not been able to pause and rest]

She recited the whole list in one breath. [=she recited it without stopping to breathe]

her last/dying breath [=the breath that she took just before she died]

If you say two different things in the same breath, or if you say one thing and then something else in the next breath, it means that you say these things very close together.

It's unusual to hear “promotions” mentioned in the same breath as “layoffs.”

She praises their work, then criticizes them in the next breath. [=then immediately criticizes them]

If someone says that you are wasting your breath or tells you to save your breath or to not waste your breath, it means that the things you say will not make someone behave or think differently and that you should not bother to try.

He begged her to go with him, but she told him he was wasting his breath.

You're not going to get him to stop drinking, so don't waste your breath.

3 [count] : a slight breeze
usually singular
a hot day with scarcely a breath of wind

4 [singular] : a very small amount of something
a faint breath [=hint] of scandal

There was never even the slightest breath [=suggestion] of suspicion.

a breath of fresh air

1 : clean or cool outside air after you have been in a building for a period of time

We went outside to get a breath of fresh air.

2 : someone or something that is different in a way that is interesting, exciting, enjoyable, etc.

His unusual outlook is a breath of fresh air.

After dealing for so long with a difficult boss, our new supervisor is a breath of fresh air.

hold your breath

1 : to keep the air that you have breathed in your lungs for a short time instead of breathing out

How long can you hold your breath?

2 informal
used to say that you do not believe that something will happen soon or at all

He says he'll do it, but I'm not holding my breath. [=I doubt he will do it]

“She promised to pay me tomorrow.” “Well, don't hold your breath.” [=do not expect her to pay you tomorrow]

take your breath away

Something that takes your breath away is extremely exciting, beautiful, or surprising.

The acrobatic skill of the dancers took my breath away.

under your breath

If you say something under your breath, you say it quietly so that it is difficult to hear.

We heard her mutter something under her breath.

with bated breath see BATED

Breath·a·ly·zer (chiefly US) or Brit Breath·a·ly·ser trademark
used for a device that police use to test someone's breath in order to measure how much alcohol is in that person's blood

breathe verb, breathes, breathed, breath·ing

1 : to move air into and out of your lungs : to inhale and exhale

[no obj] Relax and breathe deeply.

He was breathing hard from running.

The patient suddenly stopped breathing.

I can hardly breathe with all this smoke.

[+ obj] He wants to live where he can breathe clean/fresh air.

2 a : to send (something) out from your lungs through your mouth or nose

[+ obj] a dragon that breathes fire
often + out
breathing out [=exhaling] carbon dioxide

[no obj] He breathed [=blew] on the glass and wiped it clean.

often + out

Breathe out through your nose.

2 b : to take (something) into your lungs through your mouth or nose

[+ obj] You shouldn't be breathing [=inhaling] those fumes.

People usually contract the virus by breathing contaminated air.

often + in

You shouldn't be breathing in those fumes.

[no obj] Breathe deeply and then exhale.

usually + in

Breathe in through your nose.

3 [no obj] : to be alive

I'll never give up as long as I'm still breathing.

a living, breathing human being

4 [no obj] : to pause and rest before continuing

We had barely stopped to breathe before we were on the go again.

5 [+ obj] : to bring (something) into a thing

City leaders hope the project will breathe vitality/energy into the downtown.

Their leadership breathed new life into the movement. [=gave new energy to the movement]

6 [no obj] : to feel able to think or act freely

I need some room to breathe. = I need some breathing room/space.

7 [no obj]

7 a : to allow air to pass through
a fabric that breathes

7 b : to be cooled or refreshed by air that passes through clothing

Cotton clothing lets your skin breathe.

8 [+ obj] : to say (something) very quietly

“It's beautiful,” she breathed.

usually used in the phrase breathe a word

Don't breathe a word of/about this to anyone! [=do not say anything about this to anyone]

9 [no obj] of wine : to develop a better flavor because of contact with air

Open the bottle a few minutes before you want to drink it so that the wine can breathe.

breathe a sigh of relief

: to relax because something you have been worrying about is not a problem or danger anymore : to feel relieved

We all breathed a sigh of relief when we heard that they were safe.

breathe down someone's neck

1 : to chase after someone closely

The cops were breathing down our necks.

2 : to watch someone carefully and constantly

His parents are always breathing down his neck.

breathe easy or breathe easier or breathe easily or breathe freely

: to feel relief from pressure, danger, etc.

I'll breathe easier once this whole ordeal is over.

You can breathe easy knowing that your children are safe.

breathe your last see 4LAST

live and breathe

If you live and breathe something, you spend a great deal of time, thought, or effort on that thing.

She lives and breathes music.

They live and breathe their work.

breath·able adj [more ; most ]

a breathable fabric [=a fabric that allows air to pass through]

breathing noun [noncount]

Her breathing is heavy/shallow/labored.

often used before another noun

We'll begin with some breathing exercises.

He has breathing problems.

see also heavy breathing at 1HEAVY

breath·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a pause for rest : break

Let's take a breather.

He decided to give them a breather.

2 : someone or something that breathes in a specified way
a mouth breather [=a person who breathes through the mouth rather than through the nose]

breath·less adj

1 : unable to take enough air into your lungs : breathing very hard because you are trying to get more air

The workout left me breathless. [=(more commonly) out of breath]

2 a : full of emotion

They were breathless with anticipation.

I watched them in breathless wonder.

She describes the scene in breathless prose.

2 b : very fast

He drove at a breathless pace.

2 c : full of activity
a breathless schedule

breath·less·ly adv

The hike left me panting breathlessly.

He breathlessly reported every detail of the accident.

breath·less·ness noun [noncount]

She complained of breathlessness. [=(more commonly) shortness of breath]

breath·tak·ing adj [more ; most ]

1 : very exciting : thrilling

The train raced past with breathtaking speed.

They gave a breathtaking performance.

The view of the mountains was breathtaking.

a scene of breathtaking beauty

2 : very great or surprising
his breathtaking ignorance

The scope of the error is breathtaking.

breath·tak·ing·ly adv
a breathtakingly beautiful view

breath test noun, pl tests [count]

: a test that is used by the police to measure how much alcohol a person has drunk

breathy adj, breath·i·er, -est

: spoken or sung with the sound of a person's breath
a breathy whisper
the singer's breathy voice/vocals

breath·i·ly adv
singing breathily

breath·i·ness noun [noncount]

bred past tense and past participle of 1BREED

breech birth noun, pl births [count]

: a birth in which a baby is born with the feet or buttocks coming out of the mother first instead of the head called also breech delivery

breech·es noun [plural]

: short pants that are fastened at or just below the knee
riding breeches

Except for its modern use to describe pants that people wear when riding horses, breeches is an old-fashioned word.

compare BRITCHES

1breed verb, breeds, bred , breed·ing

1 [+ obj] : to keep and take care of animals or plants in order to produce more animals or plants of a particular kind

He got into the business of breeding cattle.

The plants are bred to resist disease and drought.

dogs bred for hunting = dogs bred as hunters = dogs bred to hunt
wild horses bred to [=mated to] domestic horses [=wild horses and domestic horses brought together to produce horses that have qualities of both]

2 [no obj] : to produce young animals, birds, etc. : to produce offspring by sexual reproduction
low-lying areas where mosquitoes breed [=reproduce]

3 [+ obj] : to take care of and teach (a child who is growing up)

She believes that we are breeding a generation of children who know nothing about the history of their country.

usually used as (be) bred
children who are bred [=(more commonly) raised, brought up] in conditions of poverty and crime

see also BREEDING, ILL-BRED, WELL-BRED

4 [+ obj] : to cause or lead to (something)

Despair often breeds violence.

scandals that breed cynicism
see also familiarity breeds contempt at FAMILIARITY

bred in the bone

used to describe a personal quality that is a deep or basic part of someone's nature

His love of sports is bred in the bone. [=ingrained]

often used as bred-in-the-bone before another noun

He is a bred-in-the-bone conservative.

breed·er noun, pl -ers [count]

cattle/dog breeders [=people who breed cattle/dogs]

2breed noun, pl breeds [count]

1 : a particular kind of dog, cat, horse, etc. : a kind of animal that has been produced by breeding

The collie is a working breed.

exotic breeds of cats
different breeds of cattle

2 : a kind of person
a new/different breed of athlete

People like them are a dying breed. [=there are not many people like them anymore]

Back then, stay-at-home dads were a rare breed. [=there were not many stay-at-home dads]

see also HALF-BREED

breeding noun [noncount]

1 : the process by which young animals, birds, etc., are produced by their parents
often used before another noun
the breeding season

2 : the activity of keeping and caring for animals or plants in order to produce more animals or plants of a particular kind

She became involved in the breeding of sled dogs.

horse/dog/plant breeding
often used before another noun
a breeding program

3 somewhat old-fashioned : the way a person was taught in childhood to behave

His politeness shows good breeding.

: good manners that come from being raised correctly
a person who lacks breeding

breeding ground noun, pl grounds [count]

1 : a place where animals go to breed
a breeding ground for seals

2 : a place or situation that helps or allows something to grow, develop, etc.

The Gulf of Mexico is a breeding ground for hurricanes.

The company's casual atmosphere serves as a breeding ground for innovation.

1breeze noun, pl breez·es

1 [count] : a gentle wind
a light/gentle/cool breeze

The flag fluttered in the breeze.

2 [singular] informal : something that is easy to do

The test was a breeze.

shoot the breeze see 1SHOOT

2breeze verb, breezes, breezed, breez·ing [no obj]

1 : to move quickly and confidently

Look who just breezed in!

He breezed past/by us without so much as a nod.

2 : to easily succeed at something

She breezed through the test.

The team breezed to victory. [=the team won easily]

breeze-block noun, pl -blocks [count]

Brit : cinder block

breeze·way noun, pl -ways [count]

US : a narrow structure with a roof and no walls that connects two buildings (such as a house and garage)

breezy adj, breez·i·er, -est

1 : having strong winds : windy
a breezy day
a breezy beach

2 : informal and lively
a breezy essay

I enjoy the author's breezy style.

3 : relaxed in way that shows you are not concerned about or interested in something

She listened to their complaints with breezy indifference.

breez·i·ly adv

He breezily dismissed our fears.

breth·ren plural of BROTHER

used especially to begin to talk in a formal way to a group of people or to refer to the members of a particular group

Welcome, brethren.

our church brethren

brev·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality of being brief: such as
a : the use of few words to say something

I've omitted certain passages for the sake of brevity. [=because I want to be brief]

The book's major flaw is its brevity.

“Brevity is the soul of wit” Shakespeare, Hamlet (1600)

b : the quality or fact of lasting only for a short period of time
the brevity of youth

1brew verb, brews, brewed, brew·ing

1 : to make (beer, ale, etc.)

[+ obj] They brew the beer on the premises.

The restaurant also brews its own ginger ale and root beer.

[no obj] They've been brewing in the new brewery since March.

brewing vats
the brewing process

2 : to make (coffee, tea, etc.)

[+ obj] I'll brew another pot of tea.

often + up

She brewed up some coffee while I cooked the bacon and eggs.

[no obj] The coffee is brewing. [=the coffee is being brewed]

3 [no obj] : to start to form

It feels like there's a storm brewing.

Trouble is brewing.

brew·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a brewer of fine ales

2brew noun, pl brews

1 chiefly US : a drink (such as beer or ale) that is made by brewing

[noncount] a bottle of brew

[count] I'll buy you a brew.

a manufacturer of specialty brews

A home brew is beer or ale that you make at home.

Would you like to try one of my home brews?

2 a [noncount] US : coffee
a perfect cup of brew

2 b [count] Brit : a cup of tea
time for a quick brew

3 [count] : a mixture of different things
usually singular
a strange brew of jazz, classical, and bluegrass music

Anger and desperation make for a dangerous brew.

see also WITCHES' BREW

brew·ery noun, pl -er·ies [count]

1 : a place where beer is made

2 : a company that makes beer

1bri·ar also bri·er noun, pl -ars also -ers [count]

: a wild plant that has many sharp points (called thorns) on its branches
a thicket of briars

compare 2BRIAR

2briar noun, pl -ers or -ars [count]

: a tobacco pipe that is made from the root of a European plant called also briar pipe
compare 1BRIAR

1bribe noun, pl bribes [count]

: something valuable (such as money) that is given in order to get someone to do something

I offered the children a bribe for finishing their homework.

Usually a bribe is used to get someone to do something illegal or dishonest.

a police officer accused of taking/accepting bribes

They received more than $10,000 in bribes.

2bribe verb, bribes, bribed, brib·ing [+ obj]

: to try to get someone to do something by giving or promising something valuable (such as money) : to give or offer a bribe to (someone)

She was arrested for attempting to bribe a judge.

They bribed him to keep quiet about the incident.

We bribed the children with candy.

brib·ery noun [noncount]

: the act or crime giving or accepting a bribe

They were arrested on charges of bribery.

often used before another noun
a bribery charge/conviction

bric-a-brac noun [noncount]

: small objects that are used for decoration and are not usually valuable
shelves full of bric-a-brac [=knickknacks]

1brick noun, pl bricks

1 a [count] : a small, hard block of baked clay that is used to build structures (such as houses) and sometimes to make streets, paths, etc.

a pile of bricks

1 b [noncount] : blocks of baked clay used as building material
a house made of brick

Most of the buildings in the town are (made of) brick.

often used before another noun
a brick wall/building/oven
a brick sidewalk

2 [count]

2 a : a block of something
a brick of ice cream
a glass brick

2 b Brit : a child's toy block
children playing with wooden bricks

3 [count] informal + somewhat old-fashioned : a helpful or dependable person

He has been an absolute brick.

bricks and mortar

Brit : houses and other buildings especially when people consider buying them because of their possible future value

Market uncertainties have been driving the rush to invest in bricks and mortar.

see also BRICK-AND-MORTAR

drop a brick see 2DROP

like a ton of bricks
informal : very hard or severely

The loss of his job hit him like a ton of bricks. [=hit him very hard; made him very upset, unhappy, etc.]

Our boss came down on us like a ton of bricks [=got very angry at us] when he found out we had missed the meeting.

2brick verb, bricks, bricked, brick·ing

brick up [phrasal verb]

brick (something) up or brick up (something) : to cover or block (something) with bricks

They bricked up the windows.

brick-and-mortar or bricks-and-mortar adj

used to describe a traditional store or business that is in a building instead of on the Internet

They have a Web site as well as several brick-and-mortar stores.

see also bricks and mortar at 1BRICK

brick·bat noun, pl -bats [count]

: a criticism or rude comment

The candidates resorted to hurling brickbats at one another.

For all the brickbats it has received, it's a good plan.

brick·lay·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person whose job is to build things with bricks

brick·lay·ing noun [noncount]

brick red noun [noncount]

: a brownish-red color

brick red adj
a brick-red scarf

brick·work noun [noncount]

: the part of something that is made with bricks
the building's decorative brickwork

Some of the brickwork is in need of repair.

brid·al adj

: of or relating to a bride or a wedding
a bridal shop/gown
the bridal party [=the bride and groom and the people who stand with them during the wedding ceremony]

the hotel's bridal suite [=a special set of rooms for a couple who have just been married]

hosting a bridal shower [=a party for a woman who is about to be married]

bride noun, pl brides [count]

: a woman who has just married or is about to be married
a new bride
the mother of the bride
compare GROOM

bride·groom noun, pl -grooms [count]

: 1groom 1
the bride and bridegroom

brides·maid noun, pl -maids [count]

: a female friend or relative who helps a bride at her wedding

I was a bridesmaid in my sister's wedding.

compare BEST MAN, GROOMSMAN, MAID OF HONOR, MATRON OF HONOR

bride-to-be noun, pl brides-to-be [count]

: a woman who is going to be married soon

1bridge noun, pl bridg·es [count]

1 : a structure built over something (such as a river) so that people or vehicles can get across
a bridge connecting the island to the mainland
the Brooklyn Bridge
a railroad bridge [=a bridge for trains]

see also DRAWBRIDGE, FOOTBRIDGE, SUSPENSION BRIDGE

2 : something that joins or connects different people or things

Her work serves as a bridge between the past and the present.

They hope to build a bridge between the two cultures. [=they hope to help the people in the two cultures understand each other]

3 : the place on a ship where the ship is steered

4 a : the upper part of the nose

He broke the bridge of his nose.

4 b : the part of a pair of eyeglasses that rests on a person's nose

5 : the part of a guitar, violin, or similar musical instrument that raises the strings away from the surface

6 : part of a song that connects one section to the next section

7 : a false tooth or row of false teeth that fits between two real teeth

burn your bridges see 1BURN

cross that bridge when you come to it

If you say you will cross that bridge when you come to it, you mean that you will not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens.

I don't know how we'll pay the bills if you quit your job, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

water under the bridge see WATER
compare 3BRIDGE

2bridge verb, bridges, bridged, bridg·ing [+ obj]

: to make a bridge over or across (something)

usually used figuratively

We hope to bridge the divisions between the two groups.

often used in the phrase bridge the gap
styles that bridge the gap between fashion and practicality
a book that attempts to bridge the generation gap

3bridge noun [noncount]

: a card game for four players in two teams
compare 1BRIDGE

bridge·head noun, pl -heads [count]

: an area near the end of a bridge that is controlled by an army; also : any area that an army takes from an enemy and from which it can move forward to make an attack
sometimes used figuratively

The company views the project as a bridgehead into the Asian market.

bridge loan noun, pl loans [count]

chiefly US : money that a bank lends you for a short period of time until you receive the money that you are getting from another source (such as from selling your house) called also (Brit) bridging loan

1bri·dle noun, pl bri·dles [count]

: a device that fits on a horse's head and that is used for guiding and controlling the horse

2bridle verb, bridles, bri·dled, bri·dling

1 [+ obj] : to put a bridle on (a horse)

sometimes used figuratively

She was forced to bridle her anger.

2 [no obj] : to react in an angry way
usually + at

He bridled at their criticism of his methods.

bridle path noun, pl paths [count]

: a path that is used for riding horses

1brief adj, brief·er, -est

1 : lasting only a short period of time

The meeting will be brief.

She worked there for only a brief period (of time) in the late 1980s.

They stopped by for a brief [=quick] visit.

2 : using only a few words

I promise to be brief. [=I promise to say what I need to say quickly]

She gave a brief [=concise] description/summary/history of the problem.

The essay is brief but thorough enough.

I'd like to say a brief word [=a few words] about the people who made this event possible.

a few brief words of caution/praise

I'd like to have a brief word with you. [=I would like to have a short conversation with you]

see also in brief at 2BRIEF

3 of clothing : covering less of the body than is usual
brief skirts/shorts
a brief bikini

2brief noun, pl briefs

1 [count] : a brief statement or report
a news brief

2 [count] US, law : a document that states the facts a lawyer plans to use in a court case
a legal brief

3 [count] chiefly Brit : instructions that explain what a person is supposed to do

Her brief is to manage the company's sales department.

4 briefs [plural] : short underpants for men, women, or children that fit close to the body
a pair of briefs
compare BOXER SHORTS

5 [count] Brit, informal : lawyer
the defendant's brief

in brief

: in a few words

Here is today's news in brief. [=here is a brief report of today's news]

Their conclusion, in brief, is that we need more funding.

3brief verb, briefs, briefed, brief·ing [+ obj]

: to give information or instructions to (someone)

The captain briefed the crew on the new safety procedures.

The President has been briefed by his advisers.

compare DEBRIEF

briefing noun, pl -ings [count]

a military briefing

brief·case noun, pl -cas·es [count]

: a flat case that is used for carrying papers or books

brief·ly adv

1 [more ; most ] : in only a few words : in a brief way

Several important issues are only briefly mentioned.

Please briefly describe/summarize your experience.

The party, to put it briefly, was a disaster. = Briefly, the party was a disaster.

2 : for a short period of time

They were briefly married.

We briefly considered canceling the trip.

brier variant spelling of 1BRIAR

1brig noun, pl brigs [count]

: a ship with square sails and two masts
compare 2BRIG

2brig noun, pl brigs [count]

: a jail or prison of the U.S. Navy; especially : one that is on a ship
compare 1BRIG

bri·gade noun, pl -gades [count]

1 : a large group of soldiers that is part of an army

A brigade is part of a division and is made up of regiments.

2 a : a group of people organized to act together
a fire brigade

2 b often disapproving : a group of people who have the same beliefs

The morality brigade insists that the book be censored.

brig·a·dier noun, pl -diers [count]

: a British army officer who is in charge of a brigade; also : the rank of a brigadier

brigadier general noun, pl -rals [count]

: an officer in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps who is ranked above a colonel; also : the rank of a brigadier general

brig·and noun, pl -ands [count]

formal + old-fashioned : a robber who travels with others in a group : bandit

bright adj, bright·er, -est

1 : producing a lot of light
a bright light

The lighting was too bright.

: filled with light
a bright room with lots of windows

It was a bright, sunny day.

2 : having a very light and strong color

The room was decorated in bright colors.

a bright red
bright blue eyes

3 a : able to learn things quickly : intelligent
used especially to describe a young person
a bright child
a bright young journalist

3 b : showing intelligence : clever
a bright idea
often used in a joking or ironic way to describe a foolish idea, action, etc.

Walking on the railroad bridge wasn't too bright.

Who's bright idea was it to leave the refrigerator open?

4 : happy and lively
a bright smile

5 : providing a reason for hope
a young actress with a bright [=promising] future

Brighter days are ahead. [=things will improve in the future]

The prospects for the team are bright. [=good]

bright and early

: very early

We will be getting up bright and early in the morning.

bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
informal : happy and full of energy

He arrived all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

bright spot
informal : a good thing that occurs during a bad or difficult time

Car sales were one of the few bright spots for the economy last year.

on the bright side

used to refer to the good part of something that is mostly bad

(US) He lost the race, but on the bright side, he didn't get hurt.

Your cat is very sick right now, but try to look on the bright side. She can be treated with medicine.

bright·ly adv
a candle glowing brightly
a brightly lit room
brightly colored toys

She smiled brightly [=cheerfully] at her daughter.

bright·ness noun [noncount]

You can adjust the light's brightness.

bright·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 [+ obj] : to add more light to (something)

He brightened the picture on the television.

2 a [+ obj] : to make (something) more colorful or cheerful

Flowers can brighten any room.

The good news brightened her mood.

often + up

She always brightens up a party.

You really brightened up my day.

2 b [no obj] : to become brighter or more cheerful

The sky brightened after the storm.

Her mood brightened.

Her eyes brightened.

Business prospects brightened last month.

Her face brightened in relief when she heard that he was not hurt.

brill adj

Brit informal : brilliant 4

We had a brill [=great] time.

bril·liance noun [noncount]

: the quality or state of being brilliant

The professor was known for his brilliance.

the brilliance of a diamond

bril·liant adj [more ; most ]

1 : very bright : flashing with light
brilliant jewels
a brilliant star in the sky
a store decorated in brilliant colors

2 : very impressive or successful

He pitched a brilliant game.

She gave a brilliant performance.

a brilliant career

3 a : extremely intelligent : much more intelligent than most people
a brilliant scientist

She has a brilliant mind.

3 b : showing extreme intelligence : extremely clever
a brilliant idea
often used in a joking or ironic way to describe a foolish idea, action, etc.

It was brilliant of you to leave your passport at home!

4 Brit, informal : very good : wonderful or excellent

Dinner was brilliant.

It is a brilliant [=fabulous] film. You really must see it.

We had a brilliant time at the circus.

bril·liant·ly adv
a star shining brilliantly
brilliantly colored clothes

She acted brilliantly in her first film.

a brilliantly written essay

Bril·lo trademark
used for a steel wool pad filled with soap and used for scrubbing pots, pans, and other items

1brim noun, pl brims [count]

1 : the top edge of a glass or a similar container

He filled the glass to the brim. [=to the top]

The glass was filled/full to the brim. [=completely full]

often used figuratively

Her heart was filled to the brim with joy.

2 : the part of a hat that sticks out around the lower edge

brim·ful adj

The book is brimful of funny jokes. [=is filled with funny jokes]

brimmed adj
a brimmed hat
often used with another adjective
a wide-brimmed hat

2brim verb, brims, brimmed, brim·ming [no obj]

: to be completely filled with something
a boy brimming (over) with energy

Her heart was brimming with happiness.

The show brims with excitement.

Her eyes brimmed with tears. [=tears filled her eyes]

brim·stone noun [noncount]

old-fashioned : sulfur
now usually used in the phrase fire and brimstone to refer to descriptions of hell

The preacher's sermons were full of fire and brimstone. [=the preacher's sermons warned of the punishment of hell]

brin·dled or brin·dle adj

: having faint dark streaks or spots on a gray or light brown background
a brindled cow

brine noun [noncount]

1 : a mixture of salty water used especially to preserve or add flavor to food

The chicken was soaked in brine before it was roasted.

2 : the salty water of the ocean
ocean brine
see also BRINY

bring verb, brings, brought , bring·ing [+ obj]

1 : to come with (something or someone) to a place

I'll bring a bottle of wine (with me) when I come to your party.

“Should I send you a check?” “Why not just bring me the money when you come?”

Have you brought the money with you from the bank?

She brought her boyfriend home to meet her parents.

You stay where you are and I'll bring you another drink. = I'll bring another drink to you.

2 : to cause (something or someone) to come

Her screams brought [=attracted] help.

Her screams brought the neighbors running. [=the neighbors ran to help her when they heard her screams]

Love of adventure brought her here before taking her to many other places.

This radio station brings you all the news as it happens.

3 : to cause (something) to exist, happen, or start

Can anything bring peace to this troubled region?

In this part of the country, winter brings snow (with it).

The tablets may bring (you) some relief.

Having a baby has brought great happiness into her life.

The sad story brought tears to our eyes [=made us cry] but its happy ending brought smiles to our lips. [=made us smile]

4 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to cause (something or someone) to reach a specified state, place, condition, etc.

The dancer brought his hands up to his face.

(US) Bring the water to a boil. = (Brit) Bring the water to the boil. [=heat the water so that it boils]

The pilot brought them safely out of danger.

Winter snow brought traffic to a stop.

A few steps brought us to the front door.

The thrilling climax brought the audience to its/their feet.

This history book brings us up to the present day.

5 : to have (a particular talent, quality, etc.) when you start to do something (such as a job)

+ to

She brings years of experience to the position. [=she comes to the position with years of experience]

He brings a rare talent for solving problems to his new job as company president.

6 law : to start a case against someone in a court of law

They threatened to bring [=institute] legal action against him.

They are going to bring charges against him. [=they are going to charge him with a crime]

7 : to cause (something) to reach a total

+ to

Last week's sales figures brought our pretax profits for the year to just over $35,000,000.

The donation brought the fund to over a million dollars.

8 : to get (an amount of money) as a price : to be sold for (a price)

The painting ought to bring [=fetch] a high price.

In addition to the phrases shown below, bring occurs in many idioms that are shown at appropriate entries throughout the dictionary. For example, bring to bear can be found at 2BEAR and bring to an end can be found at 1END.

bring about [phrasal verb]

bring about (something) also bring (something) about : to cause (something)

“What brought about the crisis?” “It was brought about by many factors.”

bring around (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit bring round [phrasal verb]

1 bring (someone) around : to cause (someone) to come around: such as

1 a : to cause (someone) to accept and support something (such as an idea) after opposing it

She still says she won't support us, but we'll bring her around eventually. [=we'll convince/persuade her to support us eventually]

often + to

I'm sure we can bring her around to our way of thinking.

1 b : to cause (someone) to become awake again after being unconscious

The boxer was knocked out and it took the doctor several minutes to bring him around. [=bring him to]

1 c : to come with (someone) for a social visit

Why don't you bring your friend around (to my house) after work today?

2 bring (something) around : to cause (something, such as a conversation) to go to a desired subject or area

+ to

We gradually brought the conversation around to the subject of his unpaid bills.

bring back [phrasal verb]

1 bring (something or someone) back or bring back (something or someone)

1 a : to come back with (something or someone)

What did you bring back (with you) from your vacation?

You promised to bring back a present for me. = You promised to bring me back a present.

1 b : to cause (something or someone) to return

The death penalty was done away with in this area many years ago, but some people now want it to be brought back.

The movie is a fantasy about a man who is brought back (to life) from the dead.

The company is doing poorly, and its former president is being brought back to help solve its problems.

1 c : to cause (something or someone) to return to a condition, subject, etc.

That question brings us back (again) to the fundamental problem of world peace.

We gradually brought the conversation back to the subject of his unpaid bills.

2 bring (something) back or bring back (something) : to cause (something) to return to someone's memory

Seeing her again brought back a lot of happy memories.

I had almost forgotten about the time we spent together, but seeing her again brought it all back (to me).

bring before [phrasal verb]

bring (someone or something) before (someone or something) formal : to cause (someone or something) to come to (someone or something) for an official decision or judgment

He was brought (up) before the judge on a charge of obstructing justice.

The case was finally brought before the Supreme Court.

bring down [phrasal verb]

1 bring down (someone or something) or bring (someone or something) down : to cause (someone or something) to fall down onto the ground

The deer was brought down by a single shot.

The plane was brought down by enemy fire.

often used figuratively

The government was brought down by a vote of no confidence.

a famous politician who was brought down by scandal

2 bring (something) down or bring down (something) : to cause (something) to become lower

Will anything ever bring house prices down?

3 bring (someone) down informal : to cause (someone) to become sad or depressed

All this rainy weather is really bringing me down. [=getting me down]

bring forth [phrasal verb]

bring (something) forth or bring forth (something) somewhat formal : to produce (something)

The rosebushes brought forth an abundance of flowers.

He was able to bring forth persuasive arguments in support of his position.

: to cause (something) to occur or exist

Her controversial comments brought forth [=provoked] strong reactions from the public.

bring forward [phrasal verb]

bring (something) forward or bring forward (something)

1 : to talk about or show (something) so that it can be seen or discussed by others

The police have brought new evidence forward.

2 : to make the time of (something) earlier or sooner

We need to bring the meeting forward from Tuesday to Monday so that more people can attend.

bring in [phrasal verb]

1 bring in (someone) or bring (someone) in : to cause (someone) to become involved in a process, activity, etc.

The company has decided to bring in outside experts to help on the project.

2 bring in (something) or bring (something) in

2 a : to produce or earn (an amount of money)

Each sale brought in $5.

He works at a large company and brings in a good salary.

2 b law : to report (an official decision) to a court

The jury brought in [=returned] a verdict of not guilty. [=the jury said that the defendant was not guilty]

2 c chiefly Brit : to introduce (a new law, rule, etc.)

The government is going to bring in legislation to make such practices illegal.

3 bring in (someone or something) or bring (someone or something) in : to cause (someone or something) to come to a place

The store is having a special sale in order to bring in [=attract] new customers/business.

The police brought him in (to the police station) for questioning.

bring off [phrasal verb]

bring (something) off also bring off (something) : to do (something difficult) : to achieve or accomplish (something)

It's a challenging role. She's the only actress I know with enough talent to bring it off.

bring on [phrasal verb]

1 bring on (something) or bring (something) on : to cause (something) to appear or occur

The crisis was brought on by many factors.

2 bring (something) on (someone) : to cause (something bad) to happen to (someone)

You've brought nothing but shame on your family since the day you were born!

I can't help thinking you've brought some of this trouble on yourself.

bring out [phrasal verb]

1 bring out (something) or bring (something) out

1 a : to show (something) : to cause (something) to appear or to be more easily seen

The debate brought out [=highlighted] the differences between the two candidates.

That blue sweater really brings out the color in your eyes.

Our school aims to bring out [=develop] the talents in each of our students.

A crisis brings out the best in some people and brings out the worst in others. [=a crisis causes some people to behave very well and other people to behave very badly]

1 b : to produce (something, such as a book) : to cause (something) to become available or to come out
a writer who's expected to bring out a new novel next year

2 bring (someone) out in (something) Brit : to cause (someone) to begin to have (something, such as a rash) on the skin

Eating strawberries brings me out in spots. [=eating strawberries makes me break out in spots]

bring round see BRING AROUND ((ABOVE))

bring to [phrasal verb]

bring (someone) to : to cause (someone) to become awake again after being unconscious

The boxer was knocked out and it took the doctor several minutes to bring him to. [=bring him around]

bring together [phrasal verb]

bring (people) together or bring together (people) : to cause (people) to join or meet : to cause (people) to come together

She and her husband were brought together by a shared love of the natural world.

The conference has brought together some of the world's leading experts on laser technology.

bring up [phrasal verb]

1 bring (someone) up or bring up (someone) : to take care of and teach (a child who is growing up)

I was born and brought up [=raised, reared] in Chicago.

My grandparents brought me up after my parents died.

My parents brought me up to respect authority. [=my parents taught me to respect authority when I was a child]

2 bring (something) up or bring up (something)

2 a : to mention (something) when talking : to start to talk about (something)

We were waiting for a suitable moment to bring up [=introduce, raise] the subject of his unpaid bills.

I wasn't going to talk about money, but since you've brought it up, I guess it's something we should really discuss.

I'm glad you mentioned money. That brings up the question of how much we can afford to spend.

2 b computers : to cause (something, such as a file or picture) to appear on a computer screen

The system makes it easy to bring up (on the screen) information about any customer.

2 c : 1vomit

The patient tried to eat some breakfast but immediately brought it back up again.

3 bring (someone) up : to cause (someone) to stop suddenly
used in phrases like bring up short and bring up suddenly

He was just starting to argue when her scream brought him up short.

bring yourself

: to force yourself to do something that you do not want to do
usually used in negative statements

He knew that he should apologize, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

bring·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a bringer of good news

bring-and-buy sale noun, pl sales [count]

Brit : a sale to which people bring things for others to buy usually in order to raise money for charity

brink noun

the brink

: the edge at the top of a steep cliff
usually used figuratively to refer to a point that is very close to the occurrence of something very bad or (less commonly) very good

He nearly lost everything because of his drug addiction, but his friends helped to pull him back from the brink.

The two nations are on the brink of war. [=are very close to war]

a city on the brink of financial disaster

Doctors may be on the brink of finding a cure for this disease.

a young actress who is on the brink of a brilliant career

The other team brought them to the brink of defeat. [=came very close to defeating them]

an animal that has been brought/pulled back from the brink of extinction

brink·man·ship also chiefly US brinks·man·ship noun [noncount]

: the practice of causing or allowing a situation to become extremely dangerous in order to get the results that you want
two nations caught up in nuclear brinksmanship
engaging in political brinkmanship

briny adj, brin·i·er, -est

: salty
briny water
oysters with a briny flavor

the briny
old-fashioned : the sea
out on the briny

brio noun [noncount]

: great energy and confidence

She sings with brio.

bri·oche noun, pl brioches [count, noncount]

: a light, sweet type of bread

brisk adj, brisk·er, -est

1 : moving or speaking quickly : quick and efficient
a brisk, no-nonsense manager

She answered the phone in a brisk voice.

2 : pleasantly cool or cold
brisk autumn weather

The wind was brisk.

3 a : done with quickness and energy

They went for a brisk walk in the woods.

She walked at a brisk pace.

3 b : very active and steady

Business is brisk at the store.

brisk economic growth

There is a brisk market in old movie posters.

brisk·ly adv

The wind was blowing briskly off the ocean.

The flowers have been selling briskly.

brisk·ness noun [noncount]

bris·ket noun, pl -kets [count, noncount]

: beef from the chest of a cow

1bris·tle noun, pl bris·tles [count]

: a short, stiff hair, fiber, etc.

a face covered with bristles
the bristles of a brush

bris·tly adj, bris·tli·er, -est
a bristly mustache

2bristle verb, bristles, bris·tled, bris·tling [no obj]

1 of hair : to rise up and become stiff

Electricity makes your hair bristle.

2 : to show signs of anger : to become angry
usually + at

He bristled at the insult.

She bristled at their criticism.

bristle with [phrasal verb]

bristle with (something)

1 : to be covered with (something)

a bush bristling with thorns

The hillside bristled with soldiers.

2 : to be full of (something)

The movie bristles with excitement. [=the movie is very exciting]

He bristles with energy.

Brit noun, pl Brits [count]

informal : a British person

britch·es noun [plural]

chiefly US informal + old-fashioned : pants
an old pair of britches

too big for your britches see 1BIG

Brit·ish adj

: of or relating to Great Britain and especially England

British newspapers
a British port

the British

: the people of Great Britain and especially England
talked about the British

British English noun [noncount]

: the English language used in England

Brit·ish·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US informal + old-fashioned : a British person

British Summer Time noun [noncount]

Brit : a period of the year between spring and fall when clocks in the United Kingdom are set one hour ahead of Greenwich mean time called also (Brit) Summer Time compare DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Brit·on noun, pl -ons [count]

somewhat formal : a British person

brit·tle adj, brit·tler, brit·tlest [or more ; most ]

1 : easily broken or cracked
brittle glass
brittle bones

2 : not strong : easily damaged

The countries formed a brittle [=fragile] alliance.

3 : sharp in sound
a brittle laugh
a high, brittle voice

brit·tle·ness noun [noncount]

bro noun, pl bros [count]

1 informal : brother
my big bro

2 US slang
used as a friendly way of addressing a man or boy

Catch you later, bro.

1broach verb, broach·es, broached, broach·ing [+ obj]

: to introduce (a subject, issue, etc.) for discussion

She broached the idea of getting another cat.

2broach noun, pl broaches [count]

: brooch

1broad adj, broad·er, -est

1 a : large from one side to the other side : wide

He has broad shoulders.

a broad stripe
broad prairies
a broad avenue
opposite NARROW

1 b chiefly Brit : having a specified width
three metres broad [=wide]

2 : including or involving many things or people : wide in range or amount

The store has a broad selection/variety of coats.

a president with broad [=widespread] appeal

There was broad agreement on the new government.

There are three broad categories of industry in the region: computers, finance, and education.

The conference was attended by a broad spectrum [=a range of many different kinds] of religious leaders.

opposite NARROW

3 : relating to the main parts of something : general
the broad outlines of a problem
discusses “family” in its broadest sense

4 : easily seen or noticed

She gave him a broad [=obvious] hint.

He speaks with a broad Midwestern accent.

in broad daylight

: during the day when people and things can be easily seen rather than at night

The crime was committed in broad daylight.

broad·ly adv [more ; most ]

He smiled broadly [=with a big smile] as he greeted us.

The book is broadly [=generally] concerned with the oil industry.

She broadly [=obviously] hinted that she wouldn't be coming back.

a broadly based [=broad-based] political movement

2broad noun, pl broads [count]

US slang old-fashioned + often offensive : woman
a classy broad

broad·band noun [noncount]

: a fast electronic network that carries more than one type of communication (such as Internet and cable television signals)

broadband adj
broadband Internet access

broad-based adj

: involving or attracting many different types of people
a broad-based environmental movement

The show has a broad-based audience.

broad bean noun, pl beans [count]

chiefly Brit : fava bean

broad-brush adj, always used before a noun

: relating to or involving the main or general parts of something rather than the details

The book is a broad-brush treatment of the subject.

1broad·cast Brit verb, -casts, -cast, -cast·ing [+ obj]

1 : to send out (signals, programs, etc.) by radio or television

The station broadcasts the symphony live every Friday night.

The interview was broadcast from London.

2 : to tell (something that is private or secret) to many people

If you tell her anything about your personal life she'll broadcast it to everyone in the office.

3 : to throw (something, such as seeds) across a wide area of the ground
broadcast fertilizer on the lawn

broad·cast·er noun, pl -ers [count]

radio/television broadcasters

broadcasting noun [noncount]

She wants to have a career in broadcasting.

2broadcast noun, pl -casts

1 [count] : a radio or television program
a live/recorded broadcast

Did you hear the broadcast of last night's game?

2 [noncount] : the act of sending out radio or television signals : the act of broadcasting something

The judge decided to allow broadcast of the trial.

sometimes used before another noun

She wants to have a career in broadcast journalism. [=a career in broadcasting]

broad·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) wider or more general

They need to broaden their understanding of other cultures.

The police have broadened the scope of the investigation.

Travel can help to broaden your horizons/mind. [=increase the range of your knowledge, understanding, or experience]

2 [no obj] : to become wider or more general

The road broadens [=widens] near the airport.

Her smile broadened when I told her the good news.

The investigation has broadened to include the mayor's staff.

His interests broadened to include art and music, not just sports.

broad jump noun

the broad jump

US see LONG JUMP

broad jumper noun, pl -pers [count]

broad-mind·ed adj [more ; most ]

: willing to accept opinions, beliefs, or behaviors that are unusual or different from your own

Her mother was broad-minded about religion.

a broad-minded view of racial issues

broad-mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

broad·sheet noun, pl -sheets [count]

chiefly Brit : a newspaper that has large pages and that usually deals with serious subjects compare TABLOID

1broad·side noun, pl -sides [count]

1 : a very strong and harsh spoken or written attack
a broadside of criticism

The senator delivered a broadside [=blast] against the President.

2 : an attack by a ship in which all the guns on one side of the ship are fired together

2broadside adv

1 : with the side facing forward

Turn the ship broadside.

2 chiefly US : directly from the side

The car was hit broadside.

3broadside verb, -sides, -sid·ed, -sid·ing [+ obj]

US : to hit (a vehicle) very hard from the side

His car was broadsided by a truck as he was driving through the intersection.

broad·sword noun, pl -swords [count]

: a large, heavy sword that has a wide blade used for cutting

Broad·way noun [noncount]

: a street in New York City where there are many theaters
used to refer to the world of the theater in New York City

He's starring in a play on Broadway.

She's a big star on Broadway.

often used before another noun
a Broadway play/star

see also OFF-BROADWAY

bro·cade noun [noncount]

: a cloth with a raised design in gold or silver thread

bro·cad·ed adj

broc·co·li noun [noncount]

: a common vegetable that has green branches and many small green or purple flowers

bro·chure Brit noun, pl -chures [count]

: a small, thin book or magazine that usually has many pictures and information about a product, a place, etc.

a travel brochure

1brogue noun, pl brogues [count]

: the way that English is pronounced in Ireland or Scotland : an Irish or Scottish accent

He spoke with an Irish brogue.

compare 2BROGUE

2brogue noun, pl brogues [count]

: a shoe decorated with small holes along the sides and at the toe
compare 1BROGUE

broil verb, broils, broiled, broil·ing

US

1 [+ obj] : to cook (food) directly over or under extremely high heat
broil a chicken
a broiled steak

2 [no obj] informal : to be extremely hot

The farm workers were broiling out in the hot sun.

broil·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 US : a part of an oven that becomes very hot and that food is placed under to be broiled

Put the steaks under the broiler.

2 chiefly US : a young chicken that is suitable for broiling compare FRYER, ROASTER

1broke past tense of 1BREAK

2broke adj, not used before a noun
informal : not having any money

She is broke and homeless.

Can I borrow 10 dollars? I'm broke until payday.

I'm flat broke. = (Brit) I'm stony broke. [=I have no money at all]

go broke
informal : to spend or lose all of your money

He went broke after he lost his job.

The company could go broke if the economy doesn't improve soon.

go for broke
informal : to do something that is dangerous or that could result in complete failure in order to try to achieve success

She decided to go for broke and start her own restaurant.

if it ain't broke, don't fix it
informal used to say that you should not try to change something that is working well

1broken past participle of 1BREAK

2bro·ken adj

1 : separated into parts or pieces by being hit, damaged, etc.

The street was covered with broken glass.

a broken [=cracked] mirror
a broken bone
a broken leg/arm [=a leg/arm that has a broken bone]

2 : not working properly
a broken camera

3 : not kept or honored
a broken promise

4 : without hope or strength because of having suffered very much
a broken spirit

The failure of his business left him a broken man.

a broken heart

5 : spoken with many mistakes : not fluent

He spoke (in) broken English.

6
used to describe a relationship (such as a marriage) that has ended
a broken marriage/engagement
a broken family [=a family in which the parents have divorced]

children from broken homes [=children whose parents are divorced]

broken-down adj

: in a bad or weak condition because of being old, not well cared for, etc.

a broken-down car

bro·ken·heart·ed adj

: filled with great sadness especially because someone you love has left you, has died, etc. : heartbroken

She was brokenhearted when her boyfriend left her.

1bro·ker noun, pl -kers [count]

: a person who helps other people to reach agreements, to make deals, or to buy and sell property (such as stocks or houses)

a real estate broker
an insurance broker
a marriage broker [=a person who helps to arrange the marriages of other people]

see also PAWNBROKER, POWER BROKER, STOCKBROKER

2broker verb, -kers, -kered, -ker·ing [+ obj]

: to help people, countries, etc., to make a deal or to reach an agreement
broker a stock sale

The President has been trying to broker a peace treaty.

bro·ker·age noun, pl -ag·es [count]

: the business of a broker
one of the country's largest brokerages

She works for a brokerage firm.

brol·ly noun, pl -lies [count]

Brit informal : umbrella 1

bro·mide noun, pl -mides

1 [count, noncount] : a drug that makes a person calm

2 [count] : a statement that is intended to make people feel happier or calmer but that is not original or effective

His speech had nothing more to offer than the usual bromides about how everyone needs to work together.

bronc noun, pl broncs [count]

US informal : bronco

bron·chi·al adj

: relating to or involving the tubes that carry air into the lungs
a bronchial infection
bronchial tubes

bron·chi·tis noun [noncount]

medical : an illness in which your bronchial tubes become sore or damaged and you cough a lot
acute/chronic bronchitis

bron·co noun, pl -cos [count]

: a wild horse of western North America
a rodeo featuring bucking broncos

bron·to·sau·rus noun, pl -rus·es [count]

: a very large dinosaur that had a long neck and tail

Bronx cheer noun, pl cheers [count]

US informal : a rude sound made to show that you dislike something : raspberry

1bronze noun, pl bronz·es

1 [noncount] : a metal that is made by combining copper and tin
a statue cast in bronze

2 [count]

2 a : something (such as a statue) that is made of bronze
a bronze of the president

2 b : bronze medal

She won a bronze in skiing.

3 [noncount] : a yellowish-brown color

2bronze adj

1 : made of bronze
a bronze statue

2 : having a yellowish-brown color
bronze curtains

Bronze Age noun

the Bronze Age

: a period of time that began between 4000 and 3000 B.C. in which people used bronze to make weapons and tools

The artifact dates to the Bronze Age.

The Bronze Age preceded the Iron Age.

a Bronze Age weapon/tool
compare IRON AGE, STONE AGE

bronzed adj

1 : having skin that has been made brown by the sun : tanned
a bronzed young swimmer
bronzed bodies

2 : covered with a material that makes something appear to be made of bronze
bronzed baby shoes

bronze medal noun, pl -dals [count]

: a medal made of bronze that is awarded as the prize for third place in a sports competition

The team won the bronze medal in basketball.

compare GOLD MEDAL, SILVER MEDAL

Bronze Star noun, pl Stars [count]

: a U.S. military award called also Bronze Star Medal

brooch noun, pl brooch·es [count]

: a piece of jewelry that is held on clothing by a pin and worn by a woman at or near her neck called also broach

1brood noun, pl broods [count]

1 : a group of young birds (such as chickens) that were all born at the same time
a hen and her brood of chicks

2 informal : the children in someone's family

Mrs. Smith took her brood to church every Sunday.

2brood verb, broods, brood·ed, brood·ing [no obj]

: to think a lot about something in an unhappy way

He brooded over/about/on his mistake.

After the argument, she sat in her bedroom, brooding.

brood·er noun, pl -ers [count]

brooding adj [more ; most ]

: very serious and sad
a brooding artist
a brooding landscape/essay

brood·ing·ly adv

broody adj, brood·i·er, -est

1 : serious and sad : brooding
a movie with a dark and broody atmosphere

2 a of a hen : ready to lay and sit on eggs
a broody hen

2 b Brit, informal, of a woman : wanting to have a baby
a broody wife

1brook verb, brooks, brooked, brook·ing [+ obj]

: to allow (something) to exist or happen
usually used with no

Their coach brooks [=tolerates] no disagreement.

a government that brooks no criticism

2brook noun, pl brooks [count]

: a small stream
a babbling brook

broom noun, pl brooms

1 [count] : a brush that has a long handle and that is used for sweeping floors

2 [noncount] : a type of bush that has long, thin branches and yellow flowers

broom·stick noun, pl -sticks [count]

: the handle of a broom

Bros. abbr
brothers
used in company names

Smith Bros.

broth noun, pl broths [count, noncount]

: liquid in which food (such as meat) has been cooked
chicken broth

broth·el noun, pl -thels [count]

: a building in which prostitutes are available : bordello

broth·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a boy or man who has one or both of the same parents as you
my little/younger brother
her big/older brother

Her brother was adopted.

compare BROTHER-IN-LAW, HALF BROTHER, STEPBROTHER

2 : a man who is from the same group or country as you
his college fraternity brothers

We must support our brothers and sisters fighting overseas.

3 pl broth·ers or breth·ren : a male member of a religious group
the brothers in a monastery
used especially as a title

Brother John

4 US, informal : a black man used especially by African-Americans

5 US, informal
used when talking to a man

Brother, do you have an extra cigarette?

Brother, you have got to relax.

6 chiefly US, informal
used as an interjection to express surprise or annoyance

Brother was I ever sick. [=I was very sick]

Oh, brother!

broth·er·hood noun, pl -hoods

1 [noncount] : feelings of friendship, support, and understanding between people
the brotherhood of humankind

2 [count] : a group or organization of people who have the same interests, jobs, etc.

the musical brotherhood
often used in the names of labor unions
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

broth·er-in-law noun, pl broth·ers-in-law [count]

1 : the brother of your husband or wife

2 : the husband of your sister

broth·er·ly adj [more ; most ]

: showing or suggesting the love and closeness of a brother

He gave his sister a brotherly hug.

He received brotherly support from his fellow priests.

broth·er·li·ness noun [noncount]

brought past tense and past participle of BRING

brou·ha·ha noun
informal + usually disapproving : great excitement or concern about something

[singular] A brouhaha erupted over her statements about the president.

[noncount] There's been a lot of brouhaha about her statements.

brow noun, pl brows [count]

1 : eyebrow

She raised her brows in surprise.

2 : forehead

She wiped the sweat from her brow.

see also HIGHBROW, LOWBROW, MIDDLEBROW

3 : the upper edge of a steep slope
the brow of a high hill

knit your brow see 1KNIT

brow·beat verb, -beats, -beat, -beat·en , -beat·ing [+ obj]

: to use threats or angry speech to make (someone) do or accept something

His father likes to browbeat waiters and waitresses.

often + into

He refuses to be browbeaten into making changes he thinks are not necessary.

1brown adj, -er, -est

1 : having a color like coffee or chocolate
a brown cow

The door was brown.

2 : having dark or tanned skin
workers whose backs are brown from long hours in the sun

2brown noun, pl browns

: a color like the color of coffee or chocolate

[noncount] a shade of brown

The room was decorated in brown.

[count] a mix of browns and reds

brown·ish adj [more ; most ]

brownish eyes

3brown verb, browns, browned, brown·ing

: to make (something) brown or to become brown especially by cooking or heating

[+ obj] Brown the chicken in a pan with butter.

lightly browned sausages

Her skin was browned by the sun.

[no obj] The chicken is browning in the oven.

browned off adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : annoyed and unhappy about something
feeling thoroughly browned off

brown·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

1 Brownie : a member of an organization of Girl Scouts or Girl Guides for girls ages 7 through 10 compare CUB SCOUT

2 : a short, square piece of rich, chocolate cake that often contains nuts

brownie points noun [plural]

informal : praise, credit, or approval that a person gets from someone (such as a boss or a teacher) for doing something good or helpful

He's trying to earn/win/get brownie points (from the boss) by offering to work more overtime.

brown·nose verb, -nos·es, -nosed, -nos·ing [+ obj]

informal + disapproving : to try to get the approval of (an important or powerful person) by praise, flattery, etc.

He has been brownnosing everyone in the company just to get a bigger office.

brown·nos·er noun, pl -ers [count]

That girl is a brownnoser.

brownnosing noun [noncount]

I can't stand his brownnosing.

brown·out noun, pl -outs [count]

chiefly US : a period when the amount of electricity in an area is reduced because there is not enough for everyone who needs it compare BLACKOUT 2

brown·stone noun, pl -stones

1 [noncount] : a reddish-brown type of stone that is used for building

2 [count] US : a house that is covered with a layer of brownstone

She lives in a beautiful brownstone in Manhattan.

brown sugar noun [noncount]

: a type of sugar that is brown because it contains a dark syrup (called molasses)

browse verb, brows·es, browsed, brows·ing

1 : to look at many things in a store, in a newspaper, etc., to see if there is something interesting or worth buying

[no obj] Several customers were browsing in the bookstore.

often + through

He saw her browsing through the magazine section of the store.

He was browsing through the want ads in the newspaper, looking for a job.

[+ obj] He was browsing the want ads in the newspaper.

2 [+ obj] : to use a special program (called a browser) to find and look at information on the Internet
browse [=surf] the Web/Internet

3 [no obj] of an animal : to eat grass, plants, etc. : graze
cows browsing in the pasture

brows·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who looks at the things being sold in a store to see if there is something worth buying : a person who browses

There were a few browsers in the bookstore.

2 : a computer program that is used to find and look at information on the Internet
a Web browser

1bruise noun, pl bruis·es [count]

1 : a dark and painful area on your skin that is caused by an injury

He had a bad bruise on his leg after he fell.

2 : a dark area on a plant or piece of fruit that has been damaged
a bruise on an apple

2bruise verb, bruises, bruised, bruis·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause a bruise on (part of a person's body, a piece of fruit, etc.)

She bruised her knee when she fell.

often used as (be) bruised

His arms and legs were badly bruised in the accident.

1 b [no obj] : to get a bruise

She bruises easily. [=she gets bruises from minor injuries that would not cause bruises in most people]

2 [+ obj] : to hurt (someone's confidence, feelings, etc.) through speech or actions

I don't want to bruise anyone's feelings.

usually used as (be) bruised

His ego was badly bruised when he lost the race.

There were bruised feelings after he was thrown out of the band.

bruising noun [noncount]

I noticed some bruising on his back.

[singular]

His ego took a bruising when he lost.

bruis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal : a large, strong man

That boy is going to be a bruiser when he grows up!

bruising adj [more ; most ]

: extremely rough or painful
a bruising campaign battle
a bruising fight

brûlée see CRÈME BRÛLÉE

brunch noun, pl brunch·es [count]

: a meal that combines breakfast and lunch and that is usually eaten in late morning

bru·nette also bru·net noun, pl -nettes also -nets [count]

: a person who has brown or black hair
a beautiful brunette

This word usually refers to a woman or a girl and is spelled brunette. When it refers to a man or a boy, it is usually spelled brunet.

brunette also brunet adj
brunette hair

brunt noun

the brunt of

: the main force or effect of (something harmful or dangerous)

Cities on the coast felt/bore the brunt of the storm.

His troops took the brunt of the enemy attack.

The brunt of his criticism was directed at the supervisors.

1brush noun, pl brush·es [count]

1 : a tool with many stiff hairs, fibers, etc., that is used for cleaning, smoothing, or painting something

Use a wire brush to get the rust off the metal.

see also HAIRBRUSH, PAINTBRUSH, TOOTHBRUSH

2 a : an act of cleaning or smoothing something with a brush

I gave my daughter's hair a quick brush.

2 b : a quick, light movement

She wiped the crumbs off the table with a brush of her hand.

(as) daft as a brush see DAFT

tar (someone) with the same brush see 2TAR
compare 3BRUSH, 4BRUSH

2brush verb, brushes, brushed, brush·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to clean or smooth (something) with a brush
brush your teeth/hair

1 b : to put (something) on or onto something with a brush

Brush some butter onto the fish before cooking it.

2 : to remove (something) with a brush or with a quick movement of your hand, fingers, etc.

Brush the dirt off your pants.

The camera showed him brushing [=wiping] away a tear.

3 : to touch gently against (something) when going past it

Leaves brushed my cheek.

The two men brushed shoulders [=touched at the shoulders] as they walked past each other.

4 : to move quickly past someone without stopping or paying attention

The governor brushed by/past the reporters.

brush aside [phrasal verb]

brush (something) aside or brush aside (something) : to treat (something) as not important : to ignore or dismiss (something)

He brushed aside [=brushed off] questions about his son's arrest.

brush off [phrasal verb]

1 brush (something) off or brush off (something) : to treat (something) as not important : to refuse to deal with or talk about (something) in a serious way

The company brushed off [=brushed aside] reports that it couldn't pay its bills.

2 brush (someone) off or brush off (someone) : to respond to (someone) in a rude way that shows you are not interested in what is being asked for or suggested

I asked him for some help, but he just brushed me off.

see also BRUSH-OFF

brush up [phrasal verb]

brush up or brush up (something) : to improve your skill at (something) or increase your knowledge of (something)

My Spanish is very rusty. I need to brush up before I go on my vacation to Mexico.

I need to brush up my Spanish.

often + on

I need to brush up on my Spanish.

3brush noun, pl brushes [count]

: a situation in which you briefly experience or almost experience something bad, dangerous, exciting, etc.

+ with

As a teenager he had several brushes with the law. [=was in trouble with police several times]

She had a brush with [=briefly saw or met] a famous actor at a restaurant in New York.

Her brush with fame/greatness came when she sang the national anthem at the football game.

He had a brush with death [=he almost died] when climbing the mountain.

compare 1BRUSH, 4BRUSH

4brush noun [noncount]

1 : wood from small branches on a tree
a pile of brush

2 : small bushes or trees
a hillside covered with dense brush
a lion hiding in the brush
see also UNDERBRUSH
compare 1BRUSH, 3BRUSH

brush-off noun

the brush-off
informal : rude treatment or behavior by someone who is not interested at all in what another person wants or asks for

I wanted to ask him about his decision but he gave me the brush-off.

I got the brush-off when I asked her for help.

see also brush off at 2BRUSH

brush·stroke noun, pl -strokes [count]

: the paint left on a painting by a movement of the artist's brush

brusque adj [more ; most ]

: talking or behaving in a very direct, brief, and unfriendly way

She asked for a cup of coffee and received a brusque reply: “We don't have any.”

The teacher was brusque and impatient.

brusque·ly adv

brusque·ness noun [noncount]

brus·sels sprout or Brus·sels sprout noun, pl sprouts [count]

: a small, green vegetable that looks like a very small cabbage

bru·tal adj [more ; most ]

1 : extremely cruel or harsh
a brutal military dictatorship
a brutal attack/murder/assault
brutal winter weather

Sailors sometimes faced brutal punishments like whipping.

a brutal struggle for survival in the wilderness

2 : very direct and accurate in a way that is harsh or unpleasant

The writer describes the dangers of drugs with brutal honesty.

The movie is a brutal depiction of the war.

3 informal : very bad or unpleasant

The traffic was brutal on the way to work.

I had a brutal headache this morning.

bru·tal·ly adv

He was brutally murdered.

He was brutally honest/frank in his criticism of my work.

bru·tal·i·ty noun, pl -ties

: cruel, harsh, and usually violent treatment of another person

[noncount] police brutality
the brutality of slavery

[count] the brutalities of a prison

bru·tal·ize also Brit bru·tal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to lose ordinary human kindness or feelings
a young man brutalized by the experience of war

2 : to treat (someone) in a very harsh and usually violent way

She claimed she had been sexually brutalized.

bru·tal·i·za·tion also Brit brutalisation noun [noncount]

1brute noun, pl brutes [count]

: a cruel, rough, or violent man

Let go of me, you brute!

Brute originally meant the same as beast but is used now to refer to a person who is like a beast.

2brute adj, always used before a noun

1 : very strong or forceful

They used brute force to open the door.

brute strength

2 : very harsh
the brute fact of getting old
brute necessity

brut·ish adj [more ; most ]

: cruel, violent, and stupid : resembling or suggesting a beast

She is married to a brutish, drunken slob.

brutish behavior

brut·ish·ness noun [noncount]

BS abbr

US

1 or B.S. bachelor of science

She received a B.S. in chemistry from Smith College.

a B.S. degree

2 informal + impolite bullshit
a load of BS

BSc abbr

Brit bachelor of science

bub noun, pl bubs [count]

US informal + old-fashioned : buddy
usually used to address someone

Come on bub, let's get going.

1bub·ble noun, pl bubbles [count]

1 a : a tiny, round ball of air or gas inside a liquid

They saw air bubbles in the water.

champagne bubbles

1 b : a small ball of air in a solid substance

There were bubbles in the ice.

1 c : a very light ball of air inside a thin layer of soap
soap bubbles

The children were blowing bubbles. [=were making soap bubbles by blowing air through a thin layer of soap]

2 : a period when many people invest money in something and cause its value to rise to a level that is much higher than its real value until finally its value drops very suddenly
a stock market bubble

The Internet stock bubble finally burst.

burst someone's bubble
informal : to cause someone to suddenly realize that something is not really good, true, etc.

I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but the job is not really that exciting.

2bubble verb, bub·bles, bub·bled, bub·bling [no obj]

1 : to form or produce bubbles

Water bubbled [=boiled] in the pot.

Oil bubbled (up) through the ground.

2 : to flow with the quiet sound of water moving over rocks
a bubbling brook

3 : to be very happy and excited
usually + with

The children were bubbling with excitement.

often + over

He was bubbling over with enthusiasm for the project.

4 of emotions, feelings, etc. : to exist in a constant way without being openly shown

He seemed calm, but I could feel the tension that was bubbling beneath the surface.

bubble and squeak noun [noncount]

Brit : a meal of potatoes, cabbage, and sometimes meat mixed together and fried

bubble bath noun, pl baths

1 [count] : a bath in which bubbles are made by a special type of soap

She took a bubble bath.

2 [noncount] : the soap that is used to make bubbles in a bath

She bought some bubble bath.

bubble gum noun [noncount]

: a type of gum that you chew and that can be blown into large bubbles

bubble-gum adj, always used before a noun

: intended to appeal to young teenagers
bubble-gum music

1bub·bly adj, bub·bli·er, -est

1 : full of bubbles
a bubbly liquid

2 : very happy, cheerful, and lively

She is pretty, bubbly, and smart.

bubbly music

2bubbly noun [noncount]

informal : champagne
a glass of bubbly

bu·bon·ic plague noun [noncount]

: a very serious disease that is spread especially by rats and that killed many people in the Middle Ages compare BLACK DEATH

buc·ca·neer noun, pl -neers [count]

1 : 1pirate 1

2 : a person who tries to become wealthy or powerful by doing things that are illegal or dishonest
corporate buccaneers

1buck noun, pl bucks [count]

1 informal

1 a : dollar

I owe you a buck.

Those toys are five bucks apiece.

1 b : money

That car costs big bucks. [=a lot of money]

I am just working hard, trying to make a buck. [=to make money]

a fast/quick buck [=money earned or gotten quickly]

2 : a male animal (such as a male deer) compare DOE

He's an outdoorsman who enjoys buck hunting.

3 informal : man
a veteran tennis star competing against an ambitious young buck

bang for the/your buck see 2BANG

look/feel like a million bucks see MILLION

pass the buck

: to avoid a responsibility by giving it to someone else

Stop trying to pass the buck and take responsibility for what you've done.

The federal government passed the buck to the state governments.

the buck stops here

Expressions like the buck stops here are used to say that you accept a responsibility and will not try to give it to someone else.

I'm willing to accept the blame for what happened. The buck stops with me.

2buck verb, bucks, bucked, buck·ing

1 [no obj] of a horse : to jump violently into the air with the back bent upward
a bucking horse/bronco
sometimes used figuratively

The plane bucked when we went through some dark clouds.

2 [+ obj] : to oppose or resist (something or someone)

He is reluctant to buck [=go against, defy] the leaders of his own political party.

The local decline in crime bucked a nationwide trend. [=crime declined locally but is increasing nationally]

He was always trying to buck the system. [=to oppose the rules of the system; to do things that were not allowed]

buck for [phrasal verb]

buck for (something) US, informal : to try very hard or work very hard to get (something)

He is bucking for a promotion at work.

buck up [phrasal verb]

informal

1 : to become happier or more confident

Buck up, buddy. You'll feel better soon.

2 buck (someone) up or buck up (someone) : to cause (someone) to be happier or more confident : to cheer up (someone)

The shows were meant to buck up the soldiers.

trying to buck up [=improve] the morale of the troops

1buck·et noun, pl -ets

1 [count]

1 a : an open container with a handle that is used especially to hold and carry water and other liquids
a bucket and mop

1 b : the amount contained in a bucket
a bucket [=bucketful] of water

We used two buckets of paint to paint the living room.

2 [count] : a large container that is part of a machine (such as a tractor) and that is used for digging or carrying dirt, rocks, and other material

3 buckets [plural] informal : a large amount especially of a liquid

The players were sweating buckets. [=were sweating very much]

crying buckets of tears

It's raining buckets. = The rain is coming down in buckets. [=it's raining very hard]

4 [count] basketball : a successful shot : basket

She scored/sank five buckets in the last five minutes of the game.

a drop in the bucket see 1DROP

kick the bucket see 1KICK

buck·et·ful noun, pl buck·et·fuls also buck·ets·ful [count]

a bucketful [=bucket] of nails

She has bucketfuls [=buckets] of money.

2bucket verb, -ets, -et·ed, -et·ing

bucket down [phrasal verb]

Brit informal : to rain very heavily

The rain is really bucketing down. = It's bucketing down. [=it's pouring]

bucket seat noun, pl seats [count]

: a low, separate seat for one person in a car or other vehicle

bucket shop noun, pl shops [count]

Brit informal : a company that sells cheap airplane tickets

1buck·le noun, pl buck·les [count]

: a metal or plastic device that is attached to one end of a belt or strap and that is used to connect it to the other end
a belt buckle

2buckle verb, buckles, buck·led, buck·ling

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to fasten (something, such as a belt) with a buckle

Buckle your seat belt.

1 b : to attach (something) with a buckle

She buckled the horses into their harness.

2 a [no obj] : to bend or collapse from pressure, heat, etc.

The pavement buckled in the heat.

I suddenly felt dizzy and my knees/legs buckled. [=my knees bent and I began to fall down]

often used figuratively

He finally buckled under the pressure/strain of his job.

2 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to bend or collapse

Heat buckled the pavement.

buckle down [phrasal verb]

informal : to start to work hard

You had better buckle down if you want to get good grades.

buckle up [phrasal verb]

US : to fasten your seat belt in a car or other vehicle

You should always buckle up [=(Brit) belt up] before you start driving.

buck naked adj
informal : completely naked : not wearing any clothes

He was standing in front of the window, buck naked.

buck private noun, pl -vates [count]

US informal : a private in the U.S. Army or Marines
used to stress that a private has the lowest rank in the military

He enlisted as a buck private and rose through the ranks to become a general.

buck·shot noun [noncount]

: small lead balls that are fired by a shotgun called also shot

buck·skin noun [noncount]

: a soft type of leather that is made especially from the skin of a deer or similar animal
often used before another noun
a buckskin jacket

buck teeth noun [plural]

: upper teeth that stick out in the front of the mouth

She wore braces to fix her buck teeth.

buck-toothed adj

buck·wheat noun [noncount]

: a plant with dark seeds that are used to make grain and flour; also : grain or flour made from the seeds of the buckwheat plant

bu·col·ic adj
literary + formal : of or relating to the country or country life : pastoral
a charming bucolic farmhouse
the bucolic English countryside

1bud noun, pl buds [count]

1 : a small part that grows on a plant and develops into a flower, leaf, or new branch

The bush has plenty of buds but no flowers yet.

flower buds

If a plant is in bud it is beginning to grow buds.

The trees are in bud [=budding] now.

2 US, informal : 1buddy

Hey, bud [=pal], how's it going?

nip (something) in the bud see 1NIP
see also COTTON BUD, TASTE BUD

2bud verb, buds, bud·ded, bud·ding [no obj]

: to produce buds

The trees budded early this spring.

Bud·dhism noun [noncount]

: a religion of eastern and central Asia that is based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha

Bud·dhist noun, pl -dhists [count]

She and her husband are Buddhists.

Buddhist adj

Buddhist monks
a Buddhist temple

bud·ding adj

1 : beginning to develop
the couples' budding romance
her budding career as a lawyer

2 always used before a noun : beginning to become successful
a budding singer/actor/writer

1bud·dy noun, pl -dies

1 [count] informal : a close friend
used especially to describe men or boys who are friends

We've been buddies [=pals, (chiefly Brit) mates] since junior high school.

He's one of my old army buddies.

a buddy from college = a college buddy

2 [singular] US, informal + sometimes impolite
used to address a man who you do not know

Hey, buddy, do you know where Maple Street is?

3 [count] : a person who does some activity with you

His fishing buddy just bought a new boat.

her drinking buddies [=the people who often drink alcohol with her]

the buddy system

US : an arrangement in which two people help or protect each other

If your children walk to school, have them use the buddy system. [=have them walk with other children]

2buddy verb, buddies, bud·died, bud·dy·ing

buddy up [phrasal verb]

US informal : to become friendly especially in order to get help or some advantage
often + with

New students are encouraged to buddy up with older students.

often + to
businessmen buddying up to [=cozying up to] politicians to get their support

3buddy adj, always used before a noun
informal : telling a story about a friendship between two usually male characters
a buddy movie/comedy

bud·dy-bud·dy adj [more ; most ]

US informal : very friendly or too friendly

She's been buddy-buddy [=chummy] with the band for several years.

He's a little too buddy-buddy with his professors.

budge verb, budg·es, budged, budg·ing

1 : to move slightly usually used in negative statements

[no obj] Their horses refused to budge.

The door was stuck, and we couldn't even get it to budge.

[+ obj] Could you try opening this jar for me? I can't budge the lid.

2 : to change your opinion or decision usually used in negative statements

[no obj] They wouldn't budge on the issue. = They refused to budge.

He wouldn't budge at all. = He wouldn't budge an inch.

[+ obj] We tried to change her mind, but we couldn't budge her.

bud·ger·i·gar noun, pl -gars [count]

: a small, usually light green and yellow bird that is often kept as a pet called also budgie

1bud·get noun, pl bud·gets

1 a : an amount of money available for spending that is based on a plan for how it will be spent

[count] What's the average weekly/monthly/annual budget for a family of five?

The film has a million-dollar budget.

He's been trying to live on a budget of less than $1,500 a month.

a movie with a big budget = a big-budget movie [=a movie that costs a lot of money to make]

a movie with a low/small budget = a low-budget movie [=a movie that does not cost a lot of money to make]

[noncount] The project was completed on schedule and under budget. [=it was completed for less money than had been planned]

We're still within budget. [=we still are not spending more money than we planned to spend]

The director always goes over budget on his films. [=the director always spends more money than is planned]

often used before another noun

The governor will discuss the state's budget deficit/surplus.

a budget crisis
budget cuts

1 b [count] : a plan used to decide the amount of money that can be spent and how it will be spent

We'll have to work out a budget so we can buy a new car.

The government may have to raise taxes to balance the budget. [=to have enough money to provide the amount that is being spent]

If you are on a budget, you have planned how you will spend your money usually because you do not have a lot to spend and need to save money.

The store has great bargains for people on a budget. [=people who do not have much money to spend]

She started her business on a small/tight/shoestring budget [=she did not have much money when she started her business] and could not afford to overspend.

2 [count] : an official statement from a government about how much it plans to spend during a particular period of time and how it will pay for the expenses

bud·get·ary Brit adj, formal
budgetary plans/matters/issues/constraints/cuts

2budget verb, -gets, -get·ed, -get·ing

1 [+ obj] : to plan to spend (an amount of money) for a particular purpose

They budgeted millions of dollars to make the film.

The project is budgeted at more than $100,000.

He budgets $50 for entertainment each month.

2 [no obj] : to make and follow a plan for spending your money

If we budget carefully, we will be able to go on the trip.

We're budgeting [=saving our money] for a new car.

3 [+ obj] : to plan how to use (something, such as your time)

I need to learn how to budget my time more wisely.

budgeting noun [noncount]

Careful budgeting is essential to running a business.

3budget adj, always used before a noun

: low in price : suitable for someone who is on a budget
budget hotels

bud·gie noun, pl -gies [count]

informal : budgerigar

1buff noun, pl buffs [count]

: a person who is very interested in something and who knows a lot about it

She's a tennis buff. [=fan, enthusiast]

history/movie/music buffs

compare 2BUFF

2buff noun [noncount]

: a light somewhat yellow or orange color

in the buff
informal : not wearing any clothes : naked

They sunbathe in the buff. [=in the nude]

to the buff
informal : to a naked condition

They stripped down to the buff. [=they took all their clothes off]

compare 1BUFF

3buff or buffed adj [more ; most ]

US informal : having a strong, muscular body or form
a buff bodybuilder

He's at the gym every day trying to get buff.

the buff body of an athlete

4buff verb, buffs, buffed, buff·ing [+ obj]

: to make (a surface) smooth and shiny by rubbing it

The floors are waxed and buffed every year.

I buffed [=shined] my shoes.

She is going to the salon to get her nails buffed.

buff up [phrasal verb]

buff up or buff (someone or something) up or buff up (someone or something) informal : to become stronger and more muscular or to make (someone or something) stronger and more muscular by exercising and weight lifting

She is buffing up for her role as a female boxer.

He buffed himself up by going to the gym every day.

often used as buffed-up
buffed-up bodies
a buffed-up actor/athlete

buf·fa·lo noun, pl buffalo or buf·fa·loes [count]

1 US : bison

2 : water buffalo

buffalo wing noun, pl wings [count]

US : a chicken wing that is fried and covered with a spicy sauce and that is usually served with blue cheese dressing

Buffalo wings are named after the city of Buffalo, New York.

1buff·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : something that gives protection by separating things : a protective barrier

Thick walls serve as a buffer from/against the sounds of the city.

often used figuratively

She had to act as a buffer between the two brothers, who wouldn't stop arguing.

It's important to save money as a buffer against times of illness or the loss of your job.

see also BUFFER STATE, BUFFER ZONE

2 computers : a place in the memory of a computer where information is stored for a short time

3 chiefly Brit : either one of two devices with metal springs that are connected to the front and back of railroad cars in order to reduce shock when the train hits things

hit the buffers or run into the buffers

Brit informal : to stop or fail

His acting career hit the buffers.

The project ran into the buffers.

compare 3BUFFER

2buffer verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

1 : to protect (something) from something

The trees help buffer the house from the hot summer sun.

2 : to lessen the harmful effects of (something)

The wall buffers the noise of the traffic.

3 computers : to put (something, such as data) in a buffer

3buffer noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal : an old man

He's a harmless old buffer.

compare 1BUFFER

buffer state noun, pl states [count]

: a country that is located between two larger countries that often fight with each other

buffer zone noun, pl zones [count]

: an area that keeps two things separated

There must be a 500-foot buffer zone between the river and the new buildings.

1buf·fet Brit noun, pl -fets [count]

1 : a meal for which different foods are placed on a table so that people can serve themselves

The restaurant offers a breakfast buffet.

There will be a cold buffet [=a meal of different cold foods set on a table] at the party.

often used before another noun

He went back to the buffet table for a second helping.

a buffet meal/lunch/dinner

2 chiefly Brit : a place in a train, a bus station, etc., where people can buy food and drinks see also BUFFET CAR

3 chiefly US : a piece of furniture that is used in a dining room for holding dishes, silverware, etc. : sideboard

2buffet verb, -fets, -feted, -fet·ing [+ obj]

: to hit (something) with great force many times

The waves buffeted [=battered] the shore.

The strong winds buffeted the ship.

often used as (be) buffeted

The island was buffeted by a tropical storm last month.

often used figuratively

The city's schools are being buffeted by budget cuts.

buffet car noun, pl cars [count]

Brit : dining car

buf·foon noun, pl -foons [count]

: a stupid or foolish person who tries to be funny

Stop acting like a buffoon.

a ridiculous buffoon

buf·foon·ery noun [noncount]

silly buffoonery [=foolish behavior that is meant to be funny]

1bug noun, pl bugs

1 [count] chiefly US, informal : a usually small insect

There's a bug in my soup!

Close the door. You're letting the bugs in.

often used before another noun

Her legs were covered in bug bites. [=itchy or painful wounds from insects]

Use plenty of bug spray/repellent to keep the mosquitoes from biting you.

2 [count] : a usually mild illness (such as a cold) that can be passed from one person to another

He caught some kind of bug from the other kids at school.

There's been a nasty flu bug going around.

I picked up an intestinal/stomach bug.

3 [count] : a problem that prevents a computer program or system from working properly

We found/detected a bug [=glitch] in the program.

The software was full of bugs.

They've been trying to work/get the bugs out of the system. [=trying to fix the system's problems]

4 [count] : a small hidden microphone that is used to secretly listen to and record people : listening device

The government planted/put a bug in her telephone/apartment.

5 the bug informal : a sudden, strong interest in a particular activity

He was first bitten by the acting bug [=he first became interested in acting] when he was 18.

the travel bug

2bug verb, bugs, bugged, bug·ging

1 [+ obj] informal : to bother or annoy (someone)

Quit bugging me!

John, stop bugging your sister.

It really bugs me to see how he treats her.

2 [+ obj] : to put a hidden microphone in (a room, telephone, etc.) in order to secretly hear what people are saying

Is this phone bugged?

The cops bugged his apartment.

a bugging device

3 [no obj] of the eyes : to stick out more than is normal especially because of surprise or fear
usually + out

Their eyes were bugging out as if they saw a ghost.

see also BUG-EYED

bug off [phrasal verb]

US informal : to go away
used in speech as a rude or angry way to tell someone to leave you alone and to stop bothering you

She angrily told him to bug off.

bug out [phrasal verb]

US informal : to leave quickly

Wait here till we get back. Don't bug out (on us).

see also 2BUG 3 (ABOVE)

bug·a·boo noun, pl -boos [count]

US often disapproving : something that makes people very worried or upset
politicians complaining about that old bugaboo, high oil prices

bug·bear noun, pl -bears [count]

: something that causes problems or annoys people

The biggest bugbear of the skiing business is a winter with no snow.

bug-eyed adj

: having eyes that stick far out of the head

The audience was bug-eyed with amazement.

1bug·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

informal

1 : an annoying or difficult but usually small thing

I put down my keys, and now I can't find the buggers.

(Brit) The exam was a bugger. [=the exam was difficult]

2 chiefly Brit

2 a offensive : a person (especially a man) who is strongly disliked

I can't stand that stupid bugger.

2 b : an annoying or playful person or animal

In this sense, bugger is an impolite word that is often used in a loving or friendly way.

Well, you're a cute little bugger [=rascal, critter, guy], aren't you!

You cheeky bugger!

2bugger verb, -gers, -gered, -ger·ing [+ obj]

Brit

1 offensive : to have anal sex with (someone)

2 informal + impolite
used as an interjection to express strong anger, surprise, etc.

Bugger [=damn] this machine!

Bugger it/me!

Well, I'll be buggered. [=damned] I can't believe you did it!

bugger about or bugger around [phrasal verb]

Brit informal + impolite

1 : to spend time in a useless or aimless way

We just buggered about [=messed around] all afternoon.

2 bugger (someone) about/around : to cause problems or trouble for (someone)

I don't like being buggered about by faceless bureaucrats with all their forms.

bugger off [phrasal verb]

Brit informal + impolite : to go away

She angrily told him to bugger off.

bugger up [phrasal verb]

bugger up (something) or bugger (something) up Brit, informal + impolite : to make mistakes in doing or making (something)

The waiter buggered up [=messed up] our order.

bugger all noun [noncount]

Brit informal + impolite : nothing at all

They were wearing bugger all!

bug·gery noun [noncount]

Brit law or slang : anal sex : sodomy

1bug·gy noun, pl -gies [count]

: a light carriage that is usually pulled by one horse

He rode into town on his horse and buggy.

see also BABY BUGGY, BEACH BUGGY, DUNE BUGGY

2buggy adj, bug·gi·er, -est

1 US : having many insects

It's too buggy out herelet's go inside.

a buggy swamp

2 chiefly US, of a computer program, system, etc. : having many problems or errors that prevent proper operation : having many bugs
buggy software
a buggy system

bu·gle noun, pl bu·gles [count]

: a musical instrument like a trumpet that is used especially for giving military signals
blow a bugle

bu·gler noun, pl -glers [count]

He was a bugler in the army.

1build verb, builds, built , build·ing

1 : to make (something) by putting together parts or materials

[+ obj] The house is built (out) of brick/logs.

The bridge was built in the 1890s.

The planes were built in Germany.

The organization helps build houses for poor families.

building more powerful machines/computers/weapons

A family of birds has built a nest on our roof.

She started building a fire in the fireplace.

He built a model airplane from a kit.

He built a dollhouse for the children. = He built the children a dollhouse.

[no obj] You will need permission to build on your property.

2 [+ obj] : to develop or form (something) gradually

I've started building a collection of rare books. [=I've started collecting rare books]

They built the organization from scratch. = They built the organization from the ground/bottom up.

They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry.

scientists building theories about how the universe began

At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime.

She built a successful career in advertising.

He has built a reputation as a talented artist.

building a more peaceful world [=making the world more peaceful]

often + up

Building up a successful business can take many years.

She has built up a large collection of awards.

We've been building up a savings account.

see also BUILD UP ((BELOW))

3 [+ obj] : to increase the amount of (something)

Lifting weights helps build muscle and increase strength.

These programs are designed to help build confidence in young women.

The advertisements are aimed at building support for political candidates.

They thought the army would build character in their son. [=would make their son become a better person]

often + up

She runs a little farther every day to build up (her) endurance.

building up momentum/stamina/energy

He's been trying to build up the courage/confidence to talk to her.

These exercises will help you build up your strength.

see also BUILD UP ((BELOW))

4 [no obj] : to grow or increase to a high point, level, number, etc.

The excitement was beginning to build before the game.

A crowd was building around the accident.

The story slowly builds to a climax. [=the story slowly reaches a climax]

Chemicals in the lake are building to dangerous levels.

often + up

As the water temperature rises, the pressure inside the pot begins to build up.

Their passion/anger/fear/hatred has been building up for years.

see also BUILD UP ((BELOW))

build around [phrasal verb]

build (something) around (something) : to develop or organize (something) by using (something, such as an idea) as its main or central part

We built our program around the idea that people need love and support.

Their lives are built around their children. [=their children are the most important things in their lives]

The textbook builds lessons around grammar topics.

build in/into [phrasal verb]

build in (something) or build (something) in or build (something) in/into (something) : to make (something) a part of (something else)

Carmakers are beginning to build in these new safety features as standard equipment. = Carmakers are building these new safety features into new cars as standard equipment.

We've built bookshelves into the wall.

These ideas are built into the program/system/design.

There are special provisions for bonuses built into the contract.

see also BUILT-IN

build on/upon [phrasal verb]

1 build on/upon (something) : to use (something that has been done in the past) as a basis for further work, development, etc.

Each president builds on/upon the success of each past president.

These classes will help students build on what they already know.

building upon past experiences/successes

2 build (something) on/upon (something) : to develop or create (something) by using (something else) as its basis

He built [=based] his theory on recent studies.

She has built her reputation as a talented artist on the strength of her earlier paintings.

Their theory is built upon her research.

build onto [phrasal verb]

build onto (something) or build (something) onto (something) : to add (a new room) to a structure that already exists

They built a new garage onto their house.

They built onto their house.

build up [phrasal verb]

1 : to increase gradually in amount as time passes : accumulate

They pick up the garbage that builds up [=collects] along the highway.

Dust has begun building up on his piano.

These dangerous chemicals are building up in our lakes and ponds.

2 build (something or someone) up or build up (something or someone) : to say many good things about (something or someone)

Political candidates are trying to build themselves up [=promote themselves] with public speeches and TV commercials.

The movie was built up so much [=we heard so many good things about the movie] that we were disappointed when we actually saw it.

see also 1BUILD 2, 3, 4 (ABOVE), BUILDUP

2build noun, pl builds

: the shape and size of a person's body

[count] people with thin/slender/slight builds

He has a strong, muscular build. [=physique]

[noncount] He is strong and muscular in build.

a man of average build

build·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person or company that builds or repairs things (such as houses, ships, bridges, etc.)

The architect discussed her plans with the builder and the contractor.

We will have to get the builders to repair the wall.

see also SHIPBUILDER

2 : something that helps to develop or increase something

The army is said to be a character builder.

The experience was a real confidence builder.

build·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : a structure (such as a house, hospital, school, etc.) with a roof and walls that is used as a place for people to live, work, do activities, store things, etc.

My office is in that small brick building.

office/apartment buildings [=buildings with offices/apartments inside]

2 [noncount] : the act or process of making structures by putting together materials

We bought the land for building.

often + of

He planned the building [=construction] of the town's roads and bridges.

The building of the bridge took 10 years.

often used before another noun
building materials/supplies
a building contractor [=someone whose business is building structures]

the building site

building block noun, pl blocks [count]

: an important part that is grouped together with many other similar things to form something larger usually plural;
usually + of

Families are the building blocks of our society.

Cells are the building blocks of the body.

building society noun, pl -ties [count]

: a British business that is like a bank, that holds and invests the money saved by its members, and that provides loans and mortgages compare SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION

build·up noun, pl -ups

1 : an increase in something that occurs as time passes

[count] the country's military buildup [=an increase in the size of its military]

There is a big traffic buildup on the highway.

often + of

He had a buildup of fluid in the lungs.

a buildup of tension/pressure/stress

[noncount] You should clean the mechanism regularly to prevent buildup of dirt.

2 : things that are said to cause people to feel excited about something (such as a future event) or someone (such as a performer)

[noncount] After all the buildup [=hype, publicity], I expected the movie to be better than it actually was.

[count] Both players were given big buildups before the game.

3 [noncount] : a series of things that lead to an important event or occurrence

+ to

There have been many news stories during the buildup to the peace talks.

The story/movie/song has a great buildup to a terrific ending.

1built past tense and past participle of 1BUILD

2built adj

1 not used before a noun
used to say that someone or something has the right qualities for or to do something

He was built for fighting.

This horse is built for speed.

These chairs were built for comfort.

These tools are built to last. [=these tools will last a long time]

2 : made, formed, or shaped in a specified way
a powerfully built wrestler
a newly built house
often used in combination
a brick-built house [=a house built of bricks]

a Japanese-built car [=a car made in Japan]

see also CUSTOM-BUILT, JERRY-BUILT

built-in adj, always used before a noun

1 : included as a part of something

His new watch has a built-in calculator.

a camera with a built-in flash
the car's built-in safety features
a built-in bookshelf [=a bookshelf that is built as part of a wall]

2 : forming a natural part of someone or something

All humans have a built-in ability to learn their native language.

Living in warmer climates has many built-in [=(more formally) intrinsic, inherent] advantages.

see also build in/into at 1BUILD

built-up adj [more ; most ]

: having many buildings in a small area

Many people left the more heavily built-up areas of the city and moved to the suburbs.

bulb noun, pl bulbs [count]

1 : light bulb
a 100-watt bulb
fluorescent bulbs
see also DIM BULB

2 : a rounded part of some plants that is under the ground and that grows into a new plant during the growing season
tulip bulbs

3 : a part that has a rounded shape
the bulb of the thermometer/eyedropper

bul·bous adj [more ; most ]

: big and round often in an unattractive way
a big, bulbous nose

Bul·gar·i·an noun, pl -ans

1 [count] : a person born or living in Bulgaria

2 [noncount] : the chief language of the people of Bulgaria

Bulgarian adj

She speaks with a Bulgarian accent.

1bulge noun, pl bulg·es [count]

1 : a rounded lump on the surface of something

“What's in there?” he asked, pointing to the large bulge in my purse.

I'm exercising to get rid of this bulge around my middle.

2 : a sudden increase
a population bulge

2bulge verb, bulges, bulged, bulg·ing [no obj]

1 : to stick out in a rounded lump

His face turned white and his eyes bulged.

middle-aged people bulging at the waist/middle
often + out

Her eyes bulged out (of her head).

2 : to be completely filled with something

Their bags bulged with books and papers.

The squirrel's cheeks were bulging with nuts.

a notebook bulging with ideas

bulging adj
bulging biceps/muscles
big bulging eyes

bu·lim·ia Brit noun [noncount]

: a serious physical and emotional illness in which people and especially young women eat large amounts of food and then cause themselves to vomit in order to not gain weight called also bulimia nervosa compare ANOREXIA

bu·lim·ic Brit adj

She became bulimic in high school.

bulimic noun, pl -ics [count]

She's been a bulimic since high school.

1bulk noun

1 the bulk : most of something : the largest part of something

We spent the bulk of the summer at the beach.

Farming makes up the bulk of the country's economy.

The great bulk of these people are extremely poor.

2 [noncount] : the large size of someone or something

Despite his bulk, he's a very fast runner.

The sheer weight and bulk of the car makes it safe to drive. [=the car is safe because it is heavy and large]

in bulk

: in large containers or in large amounts

The restaurant buys rice and flour in bulk. [=it buys large bags of rice and flour]

2bulk adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to things that are sent or sold in large amounts
bulk foods

They sent bulk shipments of food to the country.

bulk prices/rates
bulk mailings/e-mail

3bulk verb, bulks, bulked, bulk·ing

bulk large

: to have great importance or influence

This is a problem that bulks large [=looms large] in the minds of many people.

bulk out [phrasal verb]

bulk out (something) or bulk (something) out : to make (something) bigger or thicker by adding more material

He bulked out the report with lots of graphs and charts.

bulk up [phrasal verb]

1 : to gain weight often by becoming more muscular

He's bulked up to 200 pounds.

She's been trying to bulk up at the gym.

2 a bulk (someone) up : to cause (someone) to gain weight

They tried to bulk him up with pizza and hamburgers.

2 b bulk up (something) or bulk (something) up : to make (something) bigger or thicker by adding more material

He bulked up the report with lots of graphs and charts.

bulk·head noun, pl -heads [count]

: a wall that separates the different parts of a ship or aircraft

bulky adj, bulk·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : large and difficult to carry or store
a bulky wool sweater
a big, bulky package

2 of a person : large and fat or muscular
a big, bulky football player

bulk·i·ness noun [noncount]

1bull noun, pl bulls [count]

1 a : an adult male animal of the ox and cow family

1 b : an adult male of some other large animals (such as elephants or whales)

often used before another noun
a bull elephant
a bull moose

compare CALF, COW, see also PIT BULL

2 finance : a person who tries to make money by buying stocks and selling them after their price has gone up : a person who expects the price of stocks to go up

The bears outnumbered the bulls on Wall Street today.

compare 1BEAR, see also BULL MARKET

a bull in a china shop

: a person who breaks things or who often makes mistakes or causes damage in situations that require careful thinking or behavior

As a politician, he was a bull in a china shop and often had to apologize for his rough speech.

a red rag to a bull see 1RED

take the bull by the horns

: to deal with a difficult situation in a very direct or confident way

She decided to take the bull by the horns and try to solve the problem without any further delay.

compare 2BULL, 3BULL

2bull noun [noncount]

informal : foolish or untrue words or ideas

That's a lot/load/bunch of bull! [=nonsense, (offensive) bullshit]

see also COCK-AND-BULL STORY
compare 1BULL, 3BULL

3bull noun, pl bulls [count]

: an official command or statement written by the pope

A papal bull was issued in 1582.

compare 1BULL, 2BULL

bull·dog noun, pl -dogs [count]

: a short, strong, muscular dog with short hair, short legs, and a wide square head

bull·doze verb, -doz·es, -dozed, -doz·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to use a bulldozer to move, destroy, or knock down (something)

The crew is bulldozing the trees/forest/field.

Their houses were bulldozed (flat) to make room for a new school.

1 b : to create (something, such as a road) by using a bulldozer

They bulldozed a road through the hills.

2 a : to force (something that others might not want to happen) to be done or accepted in an aggressive or harsh way

The governor bulldozed the law through the legislature.

2 b : to force (someone) to do something

She bulldozed [=bullied] her partners into accepting the agreement even though they didn't like it.

bulldoze your way

: to move forward while forcing other people to move out of your way

They rudely bulldozed their way through the crowd.

often used figuratively

He bulldozed his way to the top and became the company's president.

bull·doz·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a powerful and heavy vehicle that has a large curved piece of metal at its front and that is used for moving dirt and rocks and pushing over trees and other structures

bul·let noun, pl -lets [count]

1 : a small piece of metal or another material that is shot out of a gun

He was hit by a stray bullet. [=the bullet missed its target and hit him instead]

He was killed by an assassin's bullet.

He took a bullet to the head. [=he was shot in the head]

often used before another noun

There are bullet holes in the walls.

a bullet wound

see also MAGIC BULLET, RUBBER BULLET, SILVER BULLET

2 : a large dot in a document, book, etc., that brings attention to separate pieces of information in a list

Bullets were used to separate each item.

see also BULLET POINT

3 US, sports : a hit or thrown ball or puck that is moving very fast

The quarterback threw a bullet to the receiver.

bite the bullet see 1BITE

dodge a/the bullet see 1DODGE

sweat bullets see 1SWEAT

bul·let·ed adj
a bulleted list

bul·le·tin noun, pl -tins [count]

1 : a quick announcement from an official source about an important piece of news

The television/radio program was interrupted for a news bulletin.

We've just received a (news) bulletin: the election has been decided!

2 : a short piece of writing that an organization publishes to give news about itself : newsletter
a church bulletin

bulletin board noun, pl boards [count]

1 US : a board on the wall of a classroom, office, etc., where things (such as written notices or pictures) are put so that they can be seen by many people

Our teacher put our pictures up on the bulletin board.

called also (Brit) noticeboard

2 : message board

bullet point noun, pl points [count]

: an item in a list that has a large dot (called a bullet) in front of it to show that it is important

bul·let·proof adj

: made to stop bullets from going through

The car has bulletproof windows.

The police officer was wearing a bulletproof vest.

bull·fight noun, pl -fights [count]

: an event that is popular especially in Spain in which a person fights with and usually kills a bull for public entertainment

bull·fight·er noun, pl -ers [count]

bull·fight·ing noun [noncount]

bull·finch noun, pl -finches [count]

: a small European bird

bull·frog noun, pl -frogs [count]

: a large frog that makes a loud, deep sound

bull·head·ed adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US disapproving : not willing to change an opinion, plan, etc. : very stubborn in a foolish or annoying way
a bullheaded boss who won't take advice from anyone

bull·horn noun, pl -horns [count]

US : an electrical device that is used for making your voice much louder so that you can be heard over a large distance called also (Brit) loudhailer compare MEGAPHONE

bul·lion noun [noncount]

: bars of gold or silver
gold bullion

Do not confuse bullion with bouillon.

bull·ish adj [more ; most ]

1 : hopeful or confident that something or someone will be successful : optimistic about the future of something or someone

Members of her party are bullish about her reelection.

They are bullish about the future of the product.

often + on

A lot of investors are bullish on the company's future.

2 : expecting the price of stocks to go up
bullish investors

: characterized by rising stock prices
a bullish market
compare BEARISH

bull market noun, pl -kets [count]

technical : a market (such as a stock market) in which prices are going up compare BEAR MARKET

bull·ock noun, pl -ocks [count]

: a young bull that has had part of its sex organs removed so that it cannot breed

bull·pen noun, pl pens [count]

1 : a place on a baseball field where pitchers practice throwing the ball before they start pitching in a game

A relief pitcher is warming up in the bullpen.

2 : the pitchers on a baseball team who can replace another pitcher during a game

The team has a strong bullpen.

bull·ring noun, pl -rings [count]

: a large circular area in which bullfights take place

bull session noun, pl -sions [count]

US informal : an informal conversation in which a group of people talk about something

The governor had a bull session with his staff.

bull's-eye noun, pl -eyes [count]

1 : the small circle at the center of a target toward which people throw darts or shoot arrows or bullets
usually singular

Try to hit the bull's-eye. = Aim for/at the bull's-eye.

often used figuratively

Her comments about our problems hit the bull's-eye. [=her comments were exactly correct]

2 : a shot that hits the center of a target
usually singular

You got/threw/shot/scored a bull's-eye!

1bull·shit noun [noncount]

informal + offensive : foolish or untrue words or ideas

That's (a load of) complete/pure/total/utter bullshit! [=nonsense, bull]

often used before another noun

He told some bullshit story about how he sailed around the world.

2bullshit verb, -shits, -shit, -shit·ting
informal + offensive : to say foolish or untrue things to (someone) : to lie to (someone)

[+ obj] Don't bullshit me. Tell me the truth!

He tried to bullshit his way through the interview. [=to fool the people who were interviewing him by saying things that were not true]

[no obj] Stop bullshitting and tell me the truth.

bull·shit·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

Don't believe him. He's just a bullshitter.

bull terrier noun, pl -ers [count]

: a type of dog that is very strong and has short hair compare PIT BULL

1bul·ly noun, pl bul·lies [count]

: someone who frightens, hurts, or threatens smaller or weaker people

Bullies would often pick on him or beat him up after school.

My sister was the school/class/neighborhood bully.

2bully verb, bullies, bul·lied, bul·ly·ing [+ obj]

1 : to frighten, hurt, or threaten (a smaller or weaker person) : to act like a bully toward (someone)

A group of girls were bullying [=picking on] her at the playground.

He bullied his younger brothers.

2 : to cause (someone) to do something by making threats or insults or by using force
usually + into

His boss bullied him into working overtime.

The kids were often bullied [=forced] into giving up their lunch money.

bullying noun [noncount]

Bullying is not tolerated at school.

verbal/political bullying

3bully adj
informal
used in phrases like bully for you to express approval or praise especially when the approval or praise is not sincere

She won? Well, bully for her.

bul·ly·boy noun, pl -boys [count]

chiefly Brit : an aggressive or violent man
political bullyboys who threaten their opponents
often used before another noun
uses bullyboy [=strong-arm] tactics to get what he wants

bully pulpit noun, pl -pits [count]

US : an important public position that allows a person to express beliefs and opinions to many people

She uses her position as a famous actress as a bully pulpit.

bul·rush noun, pl -rush·es [count]

Brit : cattail

bul·wark noun, pl -warks [count]

1 formal : something that provides protection for or against something
democratic principles that stand as a bulwark against tyranny
a bulwark of freedom [=something that protects freedom]

2 : a wall that is built for protection : rampart

3 : a wall that is part of a ship's sides and that is above the ship's upper deck
usually plural
the ship's high bulwarks

1bum noun, pl bums [count]

1 chiefly US, informal + disapproving : a person who has no place to live and no job and who asks people for money

Bums [=vagrants] often sleep on the park's benches.

a deserted building where bums [=derelicts] sometimes sleep

2 informal : a person who is lazy or who does something badly

Get to work, you lazy bum!

“He didn't even bother to write.” “What a bum!”

3 : a person who spends a lot of time relaxing and doing something fun rather than working
a beach bum [=a person who spends a lot of time at the beach]

a ski bum

compare 5BUM

2bum verb, bums, bummed, bum·ming [+ obj]

informal : to get (something) for free by asking : to ask for and get (something)

Can I bum [=hitch] a ride with you?

She's always bumming cigarettes off people.

bum around or Brit bum about [phrasal verb]

informal

1 bum around/about or bum around/about (a place) : to spend time relaxing in (a place) instead of working

I spent the whole day just bumming around the house.

2 bum around/about (a place) : to spend time living and traveling in (a place) without a job or much money

After graduation, she bummed around Mexico for a while.

compare 3BUM

3bum verb, bums, bummed, bum·ming

US informal

1 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel sad or disappointed
usually + out

The news really bummed me out. = I was really bummed (out) by the news.

2 always used in progressive tenses [no obj] : to feel sad or disappointed about something

She's bumming because she can't go to the concert.

compare 2BUM

bummed adj [more ; most ]

He's pretty bummed about not getting the scholarship.

4bum adj, always used before a noun
informal

1 : of bad quality

We lost money thanks to your bum [=bad] advice.

bum luck

I got a bum deal on this car. [=this car is worth much less than what I paid for it]

see also bum rap at 1RAP

2 : not legally acceptable : not valid

He's known for writing/passing bum checks. [=checks that promise money he does not have; checks that bounce]

3 US : injured or damaged

He has a bum knee/ankle/leg. [=his knee/ankle/leg does not function properly, is painful, etc.]

5bum noun, pl bums [count]

chiefly Brit informal : the part of the body that you sit on : buttocks

He slipped and fell on his bum. [=behind, backside, bottom]

Get off your bum [=butt] and get to work!

get/put bums on seats

Brit informal : to attract people to see a movie, play, game, etc.

She has the looks and voice that really get/put bums on seats.

compare 1BUM

bum·ble verb, bum·bles, bum·bled, bum·bling

1 : to act, move, or speak in an awkward or confusing way

[no obj] I bumbled around in search of my glasses.

He bumbled through the speech.

[+ obj] He bumbled his way through the speech.

2 US : to do, make, or handle (something) badly

[+ obj] I had one chance and I bumbled [=bungled] it.

[no obj] Someone bumbled [=blundered] and told the story to the press.

bum·bler noun, pl -blers [count]

an incompetent bumbler

bumbling adj
a bumbling attempt at a robbery
a bumbling robber/man

bum·ble·bee noun, pl -bees [count]

: a large, hairy bee

bumf also bumph noun [noncount]

Brit informal : material that is not important or interesting
a lot of public relations bumf about the company's new products

bum·mer noun [singular]

informal : something that is unpleasant or disappointing

That was a real bummer of a movie.

You can't go? What a bummer!

1bump verb, bumps, bumped, bump·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to hit (something, such as part of your body) against an object in a sudden and forceful way

I have a bruise from where I bumped my head.

often + against or on

He bumped his head against the shelf.

I fell and bumped my elbow on the floor.

1 b : to hit and move (someone or something)

Be careful not to bump the vase.

You nearly bumped me off/over the edge!

The jolt bumped him right out of his seat.

He accidentally bumped [=knocked] my drink out of my hand when he passed by.

2 [no obj] : to move into or against (someone or something) in a sudden and forceful way

They bumped into us from behind.

The boat bumped against the pier.

often + up

The boat bumped up against the pier.

sometimes used figuratively

They're bumping (up) against the limits of technology.

see also BUMP INTO ((BELOW)), BUMP UP ((BELOW))

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to move (someone or something) to a different level, position, rank, etc.

The TV show will be bumped to a new time.

Increasing fuel costs are bumping the company's prices higher.

3 b : to remove (someone or something) from a group or position

The loss bumped us out of first place.

often used as (be) bumped

The flight was overbooked, and I was the first to be bumped. [=my seat on the flight was the first seat to be given to someone else]

4 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move in an up and down motion over a rough surface

The truck bumped along the dirt road.

bump into [phrasal verb]

bump into (someone) informal : to meet (someone) by chance : to see and usually talk to (someone you did not expect to see)

I bumped into [=ran into] a friend at the store.

see also 1BUMP 2 (ABOVE)

bump off [phrasal verb]

bump (someone) off or bump off (someone) informal : to murder (someone)

He knew too much, so they bumped him off.

bump up [phrasal verb]

bump up (something or someone) or bump (something or someone) up informal : to move (something or someone) to a higher level, position, rank, etc.

Prices are being bumped up. [=raised]

They're bumping her up [=promoting her] to district manager.

see also 1BUMP 2 (ABOVE)

2bump noun, pl bumps [count]

1 : an area of skin that is raised because it was hit, injured, etc.

He wound up with a few minor bumps and bruises from the fight.

Feel this bump [=lump] on the back of my head.

see also GOOSE BUMPS

2 : a small raised area on a surface

The car hit a bump (in the road).

often used figuratively in U.S. English

His career hit a bump in the road. = His career hit a road bump. [=something happened that slowed the progress of his career]

When you're doing something for the first time, you're bound to hit a few bumps along the way.

see also SPEED BUMP

3 : an act of something hitting against something else

Did you feel/hear a bump?

The airplane landed with a bump. [=the airplane went up again and then down when it hit the ground]

4 : the act of pushing the hips forward in a sexual way
a dancer doing the bump and grind
compare GRIND

1bum·per noun, pl -ers [count]

: a bar across the front or back of a car, truck, etc., that reduces the damage if the vehicle hits something
the car's front/rear bumper

2bumper adj, always used before a noun

1 : unusually large

We had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year.

2 : very good or successful

It's a bumper [=(more commonly) banner] year for tomatoes.

a bumper harvest/season

bumper car noun, pl cars [count]

chiefly US : a small electric car that you drive around in a small area at an amusement park and use to try to hit other cars

bumper sticker noun, pl -ers [count]

: a strip of paper or plastic that has a printed message and that is made to be stuck on the bumper of a car, truck, etc.

bumper-to-bumper adj

: made up of long lines of cars that are very close to each other
bumper-to-bumper traffic

The cars on the highway were bumper-to-bumper. [=the cars were very close to each other]

bumph variant spelling of BUMF

bump·kin noun, pl -kins [count]

informal : a person who lives in the country far away from cities and who is regarded as stupid
country bumpkins

bump·tious adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : proud or confident in a loud and rude way that annoys other people
a bumptious young man
bumptious behavior

bumpy adj, bump·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 of a surface : having or covered with bumps

The road is very bumpy.

the bumpy skin of a cucumber
opposite SMOOTH

2 : having sudden up and down movements

The flight was very bumpy.

The road was rough so we had a bumpy ride.

a bumpy journey
opposite SMOOTH

3 : having a lot of problems
a bumpy relationship

The project got off to a bumpy [=rocky] start, but it's back on schedule now.

Production of the movie has been a bumpy ride. [=there have been a lot of problems during the production of the movie]

opposite SMOOTH

bump·i·ness noun [noncount]

bum-rush verb, -rush·es, -rushed, -rush·ing [+ obj]

chiefly US : to attack or move toward (someone or something) in a forceful and violent way

They bum-rushed him from behind.

Angry spectators bum-rushed the stage.

bum's rush noun

the bum's rush
chiefly US informal : the act of forcing someone to leave a position or place

The mayor is likely to get the bum's rush in next year's election.

They gave him the bum's rush.

bun noun, pl buns

1 [count] : a small, round or long bread for one person to eat
tuna salad served on a bun [=roll]

a hamburger/hotdog bun

2 [count] : a small, usually round sweet cake
cinnamon buns
see also STICKY BUN

3 [count] : a way of arranging long hair by twisting it into a round shape at the sides or back of the head

She wears her hair in a bun.

4 buns [plural] US, informal : the two soft parts of the body that you sit on : buttocks

This exercise will firm up your buns.

have a bun in the oven
informal : to be pregnant

Rumor has it, she has a bun in the oven.

1bunch noun, pl bunch·es

1 [count] : a group of things of the same kind that are held or tied together or that grow together
a bunch of flowers/grapes

He always had a bunch of keys on his belt.

Dried herbs hung in bunches from the kitchen rafters.

2 [count] somewhat informal : a group of people or things that are together or are associated with each other in some way
usually singular
a nice bunch of people

A bunch of us are going out for lunch.

They're a pretty wild bunch (of people).

All his books are good, but this one is the best/pick of the bunch.

3 chiefly US, somewhat informal : a large amount : lot

[singular] Thanks a bunch.

usually + of

We spent a bunch of money on our vacation.

having a (whole) bunch of problems

What a bunch of nonsense!

[plural] They make bunches [=lots] of money.

4 bunches [plural] Brit : a way of arranging hair by separating it into two sections and tying these at each side of the head

She wore her hair in bunches. [=(US) ponytails]

2bunch verb, bunches, bunched, bunch·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to put (things or people) together in a group or bunch
usually + together or up

They bunched [=grouped] the rest together under the category of “Miscellaneous.”

She had bunched [=gathered] her curly hair up into a messy ponytail.

often used as (be) bunched

The flowers are bunched together in one corner of the yard.

The words were all bunched together at the bottom of the page.

1 b [no obj] : to form a group
usually + together

The baby birds bunch [=(more commonly) huddle] together for warmth.

2 of clothing : to form a group of tight folds on or around part of your body

[no obj] The child's tights bunched at the ankles.

usually + up or together

The sweater's long sleeves kept bunching up around her wrists.

[+ obj]

usually + up or together; usually used as (be) bunched

The tights were bunched together at the ankles.

The sweater's long sleeves kept getting all bunched up around her wrists.

buncombe variant spelling of BUNKUM

1bun·dle noun, pl bun·dles [count]

1 a : a group of things that are fastened, tied, or wrapped together

He arrived with several bundles [=packages, parcels] under his arms.

often + of
a bundle of straw/newspapers/clothes

1 b : a group of things that are together or are associated with each other in some way

Whoever picks the winning ticket will win a bundle of prizes.

2 informal : a person who has a lot of some quality or who is known for a particular kind of behavior

+ of

You're just a bundle of contradictions! [=you say or do things that seem to go against other things you say or do]

She's a bundle of energy. [=she's very energetic]

I was a bundle of nerves. [=I was very nervous]

The phrase (little) bundle of joy is used as a humorous or affectionate way of referring to a baby.

He's our little bundle of joy.

3 informal : a large amount of money

He made/lost a bundle on the stock market.

A reliable car doesn't have to cost a bundle.

They made bundles of money.

4 : a group of products or services that are sold together at a single price
software bundles

go a bundle on

Brit informal : to like or be interested (something) very much.

usually used in negative statements

I don't usually go a bundle on science fiction, but this book is really good.

2bundle verb, bun·dles, bun·dled, bun·dling

1 [+ obj] : to fasten, tie, or wrap a group of things together : to make (a group of things) into a bundle

Someone had bundled the wet towels into a big pile.

usually + up or together

I bundled the papers together.

Bundle up the newspapers.

2 : to move or push (someone) into a place quickly

[+ obj] She bundled the children into the car.

[no obj] We all bundled into the car.

3 [+ obj] : to include (a product or service) with another product or service so that they are sold together

They've increased sales by bundling their most popular programs.

a computer that comes with bundled software
often + with

The software is bundled with the computer.

bundle off [phrasal verb]

bundle (someone) off or bundle off (someone) : to send (someone) to a place quickly or suddenly

He bundled the children off to school.

She was bundled off to summer camp.

bundle up [phrasal verb]

bundle up or bundle (someone) up or bundle up (someone) : to dress (yourself or someone else) warmly

Be sure to bundle up. It's cold out there.

She bundled up the children.

He was (all) bundled up in a hat and scarf.

1bung noun, pl bungs [count]

1 : a piece of wood, rubber, etc., that is used to close or cover a hole in a barrel

2 Brit, informal : bribe
thousands of pounds in illegal bungs

2bung verb, bungs, bunged, bung·ing [+ obj]

Brit informal : to put (something) in or into a place in a quick and careless way

Just bung [=toss] it in the oven for 20 minutes.

Bung [=throw] all the ingredients into the bowl, stir a bit, and it's done.

bung up [phrasal verb]

bung up (something) or bung (something) up Brit, informal : to block (something) so that liquid, air, etc., cannot move through it

Leaves had bunged up [=plugged up, stopped up] the drain.

My nose is (all) bunged up. [=stuffed up]

bun·ga·low noun, pl -lows [count]

1 : a house that is all on one level

2 US : a house that has one main level and a second smaller level above

bun·gee cord noun, pl cords [count]

: a very strong rope that can be stretched and that has hooks on either end called also bungee

bungee jump verb, jumps, jumped, jumping [no obj]

: to jump from a very high place while you are attached to a strong, long rope that stretches and that keeps you from hitting the ground

A few people were bungee jumping off the bridge while a crowd of people looked on.

bungee jump noun, pl jumps [count]

She did her first bungee jump last summer.

bungee jumper noun, pl -ers [count]

bungee jumping noun [noncount]

He likes daring sports like bungee jumping and skydiving.

bun·gle verb, bun·gles, bun·gled, bun·gling

: to make mistakes in doing (something) : to not do (something) well or successfully

[+ obj] The police bungled [=botched] the investigation and the crime was never solved.

[no obj] The government bungled badly in planning the campaign.

bungle noun, pl bun·gles [count]

They blamed him for the bungle.

bungled adj
a bungled robbery

bun·gler noun, pl -glers [count]

hapless bunglers

bungling adj
a bungling attempt at humor

bungling noun [noncount]

The investigation was ruined by their bungling.

bun·ion noun, pl -ions [count]

: a painful swelling on the side of the big toe

1bunk noun, pl bunks [count]

1 : either one of two single beds that are placed one above the other : either one of the beds in a bunk bed

He sleeps in the top/bottom bunk.

2 : a narrow bed attached to a wall on a ship, train, etc.

compare 3BUNK, 4BUNK

2bunk verb, bunks, bunked, bunk·ing [no obj]

chiefly US : to stay overnight at a place

We'll bunk here for the night.

She was able to bunk with friends.

compare 5BUNK

3bunk noun [noncount]

informal : foolish or untrue words or ideas : nonsense

His story is pure bunk. [=bunkum]

All that talk about ghosts is (just) a lot of bunk.

compare 1BUNK, 4BUNK

4bunk noun

do a bunk

Brit informal : to leave a place suddenly and without telling anyone

They did a bunk to avoid paying the rent.

compare 1BUNK, 3BUNK

5bunk verb, bunks, bunked, bunking

bunk off [phrasal verb]

bunk off or bunk off (something) Brit, informal : to not go to (school, work, etc.)

We used to bunk off school as kids.

: to leave early from school, work, etc.

He bunked off early last Friday.

compare 2BUNK

bunk bed noun, pl beds [count]

: a type of bed for two people that has two single beds placed so that one is above the other

1bun·ker noun, pl -kers [count]

1 : a strong building that is mostly below ground and that is used to keep soldiers, weapons, etc., safe from attacks

The ammunition is stored in concrete bunkers.

see also BUNKER MENTALITY

2 golf : an area on a golf course that is filled with sand : sand trap
a fairway bunker

3 : a container for holding coal, oil, etc., on a ship or outside a house
a coal bunker

2bunker verb, -kers, -kered, -ker·ing [+ obj]

1 golf : to hit (a golf ball) into a bunker

She bunkered her tee shot.

He was bunkered [=his ball was in a bunker] on the second hole.

2 : to place or store (coal, oil, etc.) in a bunker

They bunkered just enough coal to get them to the port.

bunker mentality noun [singular]

disapproving : a very defensive way of thinking by the members of a group who believe that they are being wrongly attacked or criticized by others

Faced with the threat of scandal, the company adopted a bunker mentality and refused to talk with reporters.

bunk·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a building in which workers sleep

bun·kum also bun·combe noun [noncount]

old-fashioned + informal : foolish or untrue words or ideas : nonsense, bunk

What a load of bunkum!

bun·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

informal : a rabbit; especially : a young rabbit
used especially by children or when talking to children

Look at the cute little bunny!

; called also bunny rabbit see also DUST BUNNY

bunny slope noun, pl slopes [count]

US : a hill or part of hill that is not very steep and that is used by people who are learning how to ski called also bunny hill (Brit) nursery slope

Bun·sen burner noun, pl -ers [count]

: a piece of equipment that produces a hot flame and that is used in scientific experiments

bunt verb, bunts, bunt·ed, bunt·ing
baseball : to hit a baseball lightly with the bat so that the ball rolls only for a short distance

[no obj] The batter bunted for a single.

[+ obj] He bunted the ball toward third base.

bunt noun, pl bunts [count]

He dropped/laid (down) a bunt.

bunt·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an expert bunter

1bun·ting noun [noncount]

: flags or decorations that are made of thin cloth or paper

The city decorated its streets and buildings with bunting.

compare 2BUNTING

2bun·ting noun, pl -tings [count]

: any one of several small and often colorful birds
compare 1BUNTING

1buoy noun, pl buoys [count]

: an object that floats on water in a lake, bay, river, etc., to show areas that are safe or dangerous for boats see also LIFE BUOY

2buoy verb, buoys, buoyed, buoy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to feel happy or confident
usually used as (be) buoyed

Buoyed by the success of her first novel, she began work on a second.

often + up

He felt buoyed up by the support and encouragement of his friends and family.

2 : to lift or improve (something)

The tax breaks should help to buoy the economy.

usually used as (be) buoyed

His spirits were buoyed [=uplifted, raised] by the good news.

often + up

The falling leaf was buoyed up by a current of air.

buoy·an·cy noun [noncount]

1 a : the ability of an object to float in water or air
the natural buoyancy of cork

1 b : the power of a liquid to make someone or something float

The swimmer is supported by the water's buoyancy.

2 : the ability of someone or something to continue to be happy, strong, etc., through difficult times

We hope that the economy will maintain its buoyancy.

buoy·ant adj [more ; most ]

1 a : able to float

Cork is very buoyant.

a buoyant material

1 b : able to cause things to float

Warm air is more buoyant than cool air.

2 : happy and confident

The actors were buoyant as they prepared for the evening's performance.

in a buoyant mood

3 : able to stay at a regular or high level
a buoyant economy/market

buoy·ant·ly adv
buoyantly cheerful/confident

bur variant spelling of BURR 1

bur·ble verb, bur·bles, bur·bled, bur·bling [no obj]

1 : to make the quiet sound of water moving over rocks

We heard a fountain burbling [=gurgling, bubbling] nearby.

2 a : to talk foolishly or too much

He burbled [=(more commonly) babbled, chattered, prattled] on for hours about his trip.

2 b of a baby : to make quiet and happy sounds

The baby burbled happily in her crib.

burbs noun

the burbs

US informal : the area around a city in which many people live : the suburbs

They bought a house in the burbs.

1bur·den noun, pl -dens [count]

1 : something heavy that is carried : load

They feared the donkey would collapse under the extra burden.

see also BEAST OF BURDEN

2 : someone or something that is very difficult to accept, do, or deal with
a (heavy) burden of sorrow/guilt

She had to bear/shoulder the burden of caring for her aging parents.

The tax burden has been falling increasingly on the middle class. [=middle class people have been paying a greater portion of taxes]

The burden of proof is on the plaintiff, since the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. [=the plaintiff must prove that the defendant is guilty]

the company's large debt burden [=the large amount of money that the company owes]

often + on

His illness has placed a huge financial burden on the family.

I'm sorry to be such a burden on you.

burden has been lifted from your shoulders/back see 1LIFT

2burden verb, -dens, -dened, -den·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) hold or carry something heavy or accept or deal with something difficult : to put a heavy burden on (someone)

I don't wish to burden you with my problems.

usually used as (be) burdened

Burdened with supplies and equipment, she headed to the camp.

For the rest of his life he was burdened with the knowledge that he had done nothing to help them.

burdened [=weighed down] by guilt

bur·den·some adj [more ; most ]

: causing difficulty or worry
a burdensome task/load

The responsibility has become burdensome.

bu·reau noun, pl -reaus also Brit -reaux [count]

1 a : a government department or part of a government department in the U.S.

the Federal Bureau of Investigation
the Census Bureau

1 b : an office of a newspaper, magazine, etc., that is not the main office but is in an important city
the newspaper's Washington/Moscow bureau

1 c : an office or organization that provides services or information to the public
a credit/travel bureau
the local visitors' bureau

2 a US : a piece of furniture with several drawers in which clothes are kept : chest of drawers

The book is on top of my bureau.

2 b Brit : writing desk

bu·reau·cra·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [count] : a large group of people who are involved in running a government but who are not elected
state/city bureaucracies

2 [noncount] often disapproving : a system of government or business that has many complicated rules and ways of doing things
management by bureaucracy

She was fed up with all the red tape and bureaucracy.

Both candidates pledge to simplify the state's bloated bureaucracy.

bu·reau·crat noun, pl -crats [count]

often disapproving : a person who is one of the people who run a government or big company and who does everything according to the rules of that government or company : a person who is part of a bureaucracy
government bureaucrats

bu·reau·crat·ic adj [more ; most ]

: using or connected with many complicated rules and ways of doing things : of, relating to, or like a bureaucracy or bureaucrat
a bureaucratic institution/organization
bureaucratic hassles/power/procedures

bu·reau·crat·i·cal·ly adv

bur·geon verb, -geons, -geoned, -geon·ing [no obj]

formal : to grow or develop quickly

The market for collectibles has burgeoned in recent years.

burgeoning adj
a burgeoning industry/field/population

bur·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

1 : hamburger
a grilled burger

I'll have a burger with fries, please.

2 : a food that is like a hamburger but that is not made from beef
a turkey/tofu burger
see also VEGGIE BURGER

bur·gher noun, pl -ghers [count]

old-fashioned : a person who lives in a particular town or borough
the burghers of Vienna

bur·glar noun, pl -glars [count]

: a person who illegally enters a building in order to steal things : a person who commits burglary see also CAT BURGLAR

burglar alarm noun, pl alarms [count]

: a device that makes a loud noise (such as a ringing sound) if someone tries to enter a building by using force

bur·glar·ize verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

US : to illegally enter (a building) and steal things

They were caught burglarizing [=burgling] a jewelry store.

Their house was burglarized. = They were burglarized.

bur·glary noun, pl -glar·ies

: the act of illegally entering a building in order to steal things

[count] There have been a number of burglaries in the neighborhood in recent months.

[noncount] He has been charged with attempted burglary.

bur·gle verb, bur·gles, bur·gled, bur·gling [+ obj]

: burglarize

bur·gun·dy noun, pl -dies

1 Burgundy : a red or white wine made in Burgundy, France

[count] a red/white Burgundy

[noncount] a bottle of Burgundy

2 [count, noncount] : a reddish-purple color

burgundy adj
burgundy velvet
a deep burgundy color

buri·al noun, pl -als

1 : the act or ceremony of burying a dead person in a grave

[noncount] They prepared the body for burial.

[count] She wanted to give him a proper burial.

Did you attend the burial?

often used before another noun
a burial chamber/site
ancient burial rites/customs
an ancient burial ground [=an area of land where dead people were buried in ancient times]

2 [noncount] : the act of burying something in the ground

The law prohibits the burial of toxic substances without special permits.

bur·ka or bur·qa noun, pl -kas or -qas [count]

: a long piece of clothing that covers the face and body and that is worn by some Muslim women in public places

bur·lap noun [noncount]

US : a strong, rough fabric that is used mostly for making bags

The bag is made of burlap.

often used before another noun
a burlap bag

; called also (Brit) hessian

bur·lesque noun, pl -lesques

1 : a play, story, novel, etc., that makes a serious subject seem funny or ridiculous

[count] The book is a burlesque of Victorian society.

[noncount] a writer whose burlesque often bordered on cruelty

2 [noncount] : a kind of entertainment that was popular in the U.S. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and that included funny performances, singing, dancing, etc., and sometimes performances in which women took off their clothes

Several important 20th-century performers got their start in burlesque.

burlesque adj
burlesque dancers
a burlesque show

bur·ly adj, bur·li·er, -est [or more ; most ]

of a man : strong and heavy : husky
a big, burly man

1burn verb, burns, burned or burnt , burn·ing

The forms burned and burnt are used in both U.S. and British English. Burned is more common in U.S. English; burnt is more common in British English.

1 [no obj]

1 a of a fire or flame : to give off heat, light, and gases

A flame is kept constantly burning at the monument.

A small fire burned brightly in the fireplace.

1 b always used in progressive tenses : to contain a fire

There was a little stove burning in the front room.

see also BURNING

2 a always used in progressive tenses [no obj] : to be on fire : to have or produce a flame

I could smell smoke and knew that something was burning.

Be sure not to leave any candles burning when you go to bed.

2 b [+ obj] : to set (something) on fire : to make (something) have or produce a flame

We came to the memorial to burn [=light] a candle for the victims of the accident.

3 a : to destroy or damage (something) by fire or heat

[+ obj] I burned the letter when I had finished reading it.

The new town law makes it illegal to burn trash.

The wildfire has burned acres of forest.

Parts of the house were badly burned in the fire.

burnt pieces of wood

[no obj] The wood burned slowly.

a material that burns easily

A building or other structure that burns to the ground or is burned to the ground is completely destroyed by fire.

The house (was) burned to the ground in the fire.

3 b : to injure or damage (someone or a part of the body) by fire, heat, acid, etc.

[+ obj] He was badly burned in the accident.

She burned her hand on the hot stove. = The hot stove burned her hand.

The hot sun burned her skin.

I burned myself on the iron. [=I injured part of my body with the hot iron]

Several people were trapped in the building and were burned to death. [=were killed by fire]

The captives were burned alive. [=killed by being set on fire]

[no obj] She has to stay out of the sun because her skin burns easily. [=she gets sunburned easily]

Several people burned to death in the fire.

4 : to ruin (food) by cooking it too long or with too much heat

[+ obj] I'm afraid I burned the potatoes.

She burned the toast.

burnt toast

[no obj] The toast burned.

5 a of an acid, chemical, etc. : to damage (something) by causing a strong chemical reaction

[+ obj] The acid burned his hand.

[no obj] The acid burned into/through the metal.

sometimes used figuratively

Her words burned themselves into his memory. = Her words were burned into his memory. [=he always remembered her words]

The image is burned in my mind. [=I cannot forget the image]

5 b [+ obj] : to produce (something, such as a hole) by fire, heat, acid, etc.

He dropped his cigarette and accidentally burned a hole in the carpet.

The acid burned a hole in the cloth.

If you have money and you want to spend it, the money is burning a hole in your pocket.

He just got his tax refund and has some extra cash burning a hole in his pocket.

6 always used in progressive tenses [no obj] : to be very hot

The pavement was burning.

see also BURNING

7 a : to have or produce an unpleasantly hot and painful feeling

[+ obj] The hot peppers burned my mouth.

The cigarette smoke burned my throat and made my eyes water.

[no obj] My mouth is still burning from the hot peppers.

The iodine burned a little when I put it on the cut.

7 b [no obj] : to feel a pain that is like being injured by heat or fire

My nose was bright red and my ears were burning from the cold.

7 c always used in progressive tenses [no obj] : to have a high fever

She was burning with fever.

often + up

I'm going to call the doctor: you're burning up!

see also BURN UP ((BELOW)), BURNING

8 [no obj]

8 a : to feel a strong emotion
often + with

She was burning with anger at his rudeness. [=she was very angry because of his rudeness]

As a young man he burned with ambition. [=he was very ambitious]

sometimes + for

She was burning for a chance to prove herself. [=she wanted very much to get a chance to prove herself]

sometimes followed by to + verb

She was burning to prove herself.

8 b : to become hot and red because of a strong emotion

Her cheeks were burning.

often + with

Her cheeks were burning with shame.

His face burned with anger/embarrassment.

9 [+ obj] US, informal

9 a : to cheat or deceive (someone) : to take advantage of (someone)

usually used as (be) burned

He doesn't like giving interviews because he's been/gotten burned by reporters in the past. [=reporters have treated him unfairly in the past]

He's been burned in love before.

9 b : to make (someone) very angry

It really burns me to see people being treated so badly.

usually + up

His arrogance really burns me up!

see also BURN UP ((BELOW))

10 a [no obj] : to be used as fuel

Some kinds of coal burn better than others.

10 b [+ obj] : to use (something) as fuel

This furnace burns oil/gas.

often + up
an engine that burns up more fuel

10 c [+ obj] : to use (food, calories, etc.) as a source of energy

Our bodies burn food/calories.

exercising to burn fat [=exercising to lose fat by using it to produce energy]

often + off or up
exercising to burn off/up calories/fat

Your body burns up more oxygen when you are active than when you are resting.

see also BURN OFF ((BELOW)), BURN UP ((BELOW))

11 [no obj] : to give off light : to shine or glow

There was a light burning in the window.

a star that burns brightly in the evening sky

Lanterns burned in the boats on the canal.

12 [+ obj] computers : to record information or music on a disk
burn a CD/DVD

You can buy the songs online and then burn them onto a CD.

burn away [phrasal verb]

burn away or burn (something) away or burn away (something) : to be removed or to remove (something) by fire or heat

The outer layer of wooden shingles burned away quickly in the fire. = The fire quickly burned the outer layer of wooden shingles away.

burn down [phrasal verb]

1 burn down or burn (something) down or burn down (something) of a building or other structure : to be destroyed or to destroy (something) by fire

The hotel burned down [=burned to the ground] in 1922. = A fire in 1922 burned down the hotel.

2 burn down of a fire : to become smaller : to gradually produce less and less flame

We watched the fire as it slowly burned down.

burn off [phrasal verb]

burn off or burn (something) off or burn off (something)

1 US, of fog, smoke, etc. : to go away because of the sun's heat

We waited for the fog to burn off. = We waited for the sun to burn off the fog.

2 : to be removed or to remove (something) by fire or heat

The hot sun had burned the paint off the sign years before.

see also 1BURN 10C (ABOVE)

burn out [phrasal verb]

1 burn out or burn (itself) out of a fire : to stop burning

The campfire eventually burned out. = The campfire eventually burned itself out.

sometimes used figuratively

His anger finally burned itself out. [=he finally stopped being angry]

2 burn (a building) out or burn out (a building) : to destroy the inside of (a building) by fire

The apartment building was completely burned out by the fire.

see also BURNED OUT 1

3 burn out or burn (something) out or burn out (something) : to stop working or cause (something) to stop working because of too much use or careless use

The engine burned out.

If you keep running the engine like that you're going to burn it out.

4 burn out or burn (someone) out also burn out (someone) : to become or cause (someone) to become very physically and emotionally tired after doing a difficult job for a long time : to suffer burnout or cause (someone) to suffer burnout

Teaching can be very stressful, and many teachers eventually burn out. = Teaching can be very stressful, and many teachers eventually burn themselves out.

All that hard work burned her out eventually.

see also BURNED OUT 2

burn rubber see 1RUBBER

burn the candle at both ends

: to do too much by being active late at night and during the day

She's going to wear herself out if she keeps burning the candle at both ends.

burn the midnight oil

: to work or study until very late at night

The students have been burning the midnight oil as they prepare for their final exams.

burn through [phrasal verb]

burn through (something) informal : to use all of (something) quickly

They've burned through 2 million dollars already, and the renovations are far from complete.

burn up [phrasal verb]

burn up or burn (something) up or burn up (something) : to be destroyed or cause (something) to be destroyed by fire

Most asteroids burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere.

Wildfires have been raging across the region burning up acres of forest.

see also 1BURN 7C 9B 10B (C (ABOVE))

burn your bridges also Brit burn your boats

: to do something that makes you unable to go back to a previous situation

Even after leaving his job, he tried to stay on friendly terms with his former boss because he didn't want to burn his bridges.

crash and burn see 1CRASH

money to burn see MONEY

burn·able adj [more ; most ]

an easily burnable material

2burn noun, pl burns

1 [count]

1 a : an injury caused by fire, heat, acid, etc.

He suffered severe/serious burns on both his legs in the accident.

a second-degree burn

1 b : a burned area : a mark on the surface of something caused by a flame or fire

There's a small burn on the tabletop.

a burn mark

2 [count] : a painful red mark on the skin caused by rubbing against something
rope/friction burns

3 [singular] : a sharp, hot pain : a burning feeling
the burn of iodine on a cut

Continue doing the exercise until you feel the burn in your muscles.

do a slow burn

US informal : to slowly become very angry

The boss did a slow burn when he saw the expense report.

burned out or burnt out adj

1 of a building : having the inside destroyed by fire
usually hyphenated
an empty, burned-out building

see also burn out 2 at 1BURN

2 [more ; most ] : suffering burnout : feeling very physically and emotionally tired after doing a difficult job for a long time

I was burned out after 25 years as a corporate lawyer.

usually hyphenated when used before a noun
a burned-out novelist

see also burn out 4 at 1BURN

burn·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 a : the part of a furnace, stove, etc., where the flame or heat is produced

(chiefly US) The stove has four burners. [=(Brit) rings]

The burner on the furnace isn't working.

1 b : a device that burns something
a propane/gas/oil burner

: a device in which something is burned
an incense burner
see also BACK BURNER, BARN BURNER, BUNSEN BURNER, FRONT BURNER

2 computers : a device that is used to record information or music on a CD or DVD

The computer comes equipped with a CD burner.

burn·ing adj, always used before a noun

1 : on fire : producing or having a flame
a burning fire/candle/city

She stared at the burning embers for a long time.

2 : very strong
a burning hatred of corruption
his burning [=intense] desire to succeed

3 a : very hot
burning sand/pavement

He has a burning fever. [=he has a very high fever]

3 b : similar to the feeling caused by something hot

The medicine produced a burning sensation on my tongue.

Symptoms include itchy, burning eyes.

4 : very important

This is one of the burning issues/questions of our time.

burning adv

The pavement was burning hot. [=extremely hot]

burning noun [noncount]

a sensation of burning on my tongue

Who ordered the burning of the city?

burn·ing·ly adv
burningly hot/intense

bur·nish verb, -nish·es, -nished, -nish·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (something, such as metal or leather) smooth and shiny by rubbing it : polish
often used figuratively

She started a publicity campaign to help burnish [=improve] her image/reputation.

burnished adj
burnished gold/leather

burn·out noun, pl -outs

1 a [noncount] : the condition of someone who has become very physically and emotionally tired after doing a difficult job for a long time

Teaching can be very stressful, and many teachers eventually suffer/experience burnout.

the burnout rate among teachers

1 b [count] : a person who suffers burnout
a novel about academic burnouts
see also BURNED OUT, burn out 4 at 1BURN

2 [noncount] : the time when a jet or rocket engine stops working because there is no more fuel available

burnt past tense and past participle of 1BURN

burnt out variant spelling of BURNED OUT

burp verb, burps, burped, burp·ing

1 [no obj] : to let out air from the stomach through the mouth with a sound

Say “excuse me” when you burp.

compare BELCH

2 [+ obj] : to help (a baby) let out air from the stomach especially by patting or rubbing the baby's back

burp noun, pl burps [count]

He let out a burp.

a loud burp [=belch]

burqa variant spelling of BURKA

burr noun, pl burrs [count]

1 also bur : a rough covering of a nut or seed

Burrs often have small hooks that stick to clothing and fur.

2 : a rough area on a piece of metal that is left after the metal is cut
a tool that can cut through steel leaving a smooth edge and no burrs

3 : a strong way of pronouncing r that is used by some speakers of English especially in northern England and in Scotland
usually singular

He speaks with a Scottish burr.

a burr in/under the saddle

US informal : someone or something that is a constant cause of trouble or annoyance

He was a burr in the saddle of the competition.

She's been a burr under their saddle for many years.

bur·ri·to noun, pl -tos [count]

: a Mexican food that consists of a flour tortilla that is rolled or folded around a filling (such as meat, beans, and cheese)

bur·ro noun, pl -ros [count]

chiefly US : a small donkey

1bur·row noun, pl -rows [count]

: a hole or tunnel in the ground that an animal (such as a rabbit or fox) makes to live in or for safety

2burrow verb, -rows, -rowed, -row·ing

1 : to make a hole or tunnel in the ground by digging usually + into or under

[no obj] The rabbit burrowed into the side of the hill.

The frogs burrow under the mud.

[+ obj] The mole burrowed its way under the ground.

2 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to move or press under, through, or into something

[no obj] She burrowed [=snuggled] deep under the blankets.

I burrowed [=(more commonly) dug] through my purse looking for change.

[+ obj] The baby burrowed [=nestled] her head into/against her mother's chest.

burrowing adj
burrowing animals/rodents [=animals/rodents that make holes or tunnels]

bur·sar noun, pl -sars [count]

: a person whose job is to manage the money of a school, college, or university : treasurer

bur·sa·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

Brit : an amount of money that a student is given to help pay for college or university study : a scholarship or grant

1burst verb, bursts, burst also burst·ed, burst·ing

1 a [no obj] : to break open or into pieces in a sudden and violent way

The balloon burst. [=popped]

We could hear bombs bursting [=exploding] in the distance.

Two of the water pipes burst.

1 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to break open or into pieces

Be careful not to burst [=pop] the balloon.

He burst a blood vessel.

2 : to open suddenly

[no obj] The doors suddenly burst open.

[+ obj] The cops burst the door open.

3 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to come or go very quickly and suddenly

He burst into the room.

The sun burst through the clouds.

She burst through the door and yelled “Surprise!”

They just burst in on us [=they suddenly entered the room we were in] without even knocking on the door.

To burst onto/on/upon the scene is to suddenly become very well known.

They burst onto the music scene in 1995 with a very successful debut album.

when the technology first burst on the scene

4 [+ obj] of a river, stream, etc. : to flow over the surrounding land because of a flood

The stream burst its banks.

be bursting

1 : to be filled with something

The crate was bursting with fruit.

The dish is bursting with flavors.

The kids are just bursting with energy/excitement.

Her parents were practically bursting with pride.

2 : to want very much to do (something you are not yet able to do)

I'm bursting to tell you the news, but I have to talk to Ken first.

3 Brit, informal : to need to urinate very badly

be bursting at the seams

: to be very full or crowded

The nightclub was bursting at the seams.

The garden is bursting at the seams with colorful flowers.

burst into [phrasal verb]

burst into (something) : to begin to produce or do (something) suddenly

She burst into [=broke into] laughter/tears.

The house burst into flame(s).

The entire cast burst into [=broke into] song.

The audience burst into applause.

The flowers were bursting into bloom.

burst out [phrasal verb]

1 burst out (doing something) : to begin (doing something) suddenly

They both burst out [=busted out] laughing.

2 burst out (something) : to say (something) suddenly

Everyone burst out “Surprise!” as he walked through the door.

burst someone's bubble see 1BUBBLE

fit to burst see 1FIT

2burst noun, pl bursts [count]

1 : a short period of producing or doing something that begins suddenly

She ran hard in short bursts toward the end of the race.

often + of
a (sudden) burst of speed/laughter/energy

Bursts of machine-gun fire could be heard in the distance.

2 : an act of breaking open or into pieces
the burst of a bubble

: the result of something breaking open or into pieces

The plumber fixed the burst [=(more commonly) break] in the water pipe.

bur·ton noun

go for a burton

Brit informal + old-fashioned : to be lost, broken, or ruined

Our holiday plans have gone for a burton.

bury verb, bur·ies, bur·ied, bury·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to put (a dead person or animal) in a grave

He was buried with full military honors.

Their ancestors are buried in the local cemetery.

cultures that bury their dead

1 b : to have someone that you love or are related to die

He had three children by two wives and buried [=outlived] them all.

2 a : to hide (something) in the ground

The dog buried her bone.

He buried the money in the backyard.

the search for buried treasure

2 b : to hide (something) so that it cannot be seen or is difficult to see

He has learned to bury his feelings.

She buried her face in her hands.

The disclaimer was buried in the fine print.

The newspaper covered the story, but it was buried in the back of section C.

3 : to cover (someone or something) with something

A blanket of snow had buried the first few flowers of spring.

usually used as (be) buried

Three skiers were buried alive in a massive avalanche on Tuesday.

usually + under or beneath

The car was buried under the snow.

My shoes were buried beneath a pile of clothes.

4 : to push (something) in or into something

He buried his face/head in the pillow.

The splinter buried itself in my thumb.

When you bury yourself in something, you give it all of your attention and ignore everything else.

He buried himself in his studies.

5 : to stop being angry or upset about (something)

We've decided to bury our differences and start working together.

6 sports, informal : to make (a shot) in a very impressive way

He buried the jumper. [=he made the jump shot]

She buried [=holed] the putt.

7 informal : to defeat (a competitor) easily or completely

They buried the other team (by a score of) 152.

bury the hatchet see HATCHET

dead and buried see 1DEAD

1bus noun, pl bus·es also US bus·ses

: a large vehicle that is used for carrying passengers especially along a particular route at particular times

[count] She boarded a bus in Nashville.

[noncount] I usually go to work by bus. = I usually take the bus to work.

Are you traveling by train or by bus?

often used before another noun
a bus driver
a bus station
waiting at the bus stop [=one of the places where a bus stops for passengers to get on or off]

see also SCHOOL BUS

2bus verb, buses also US busses, bused also US bussed, bus·ing also US bus·sing [+ obj]

1 : to transport (someone) in a bus
often used as (be) bused

Students from the other college were bused in for the game.

The children are bused to school.

2 US

2 a : to remove dirty dishes from (a table at a restaurant)

He buses tables at the local diner.

2 b : to remove (something, such as dirty dishes)

We're supposed to bus [=clear] our own trays.

bus·boy noun, pl -boys [count]

: a man or boy whose job is to remove dirty dishes, clean tables, etc., at a restaurant

bus·by noun, pl -bies [count]

: a tall fur hat that is worn by some British soldiers

bush noun, pl bush·es

1 [count] : a plant that has stems of wood and is smaller than a tree
a rose/mulberry bush

The bushes [=shrubs] in my yard need to be trimmed.

2 [count] : a thick growth of hair or fur
a bush of hair

3 the bush : a large area (such as in Australia or Africa) that has not been cleared and that is not used for farming

She recently spent several weeks in the bush.

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush see BIRD

beat around the bush or Brit beat about the bush

: to avoid saying something by talking about other things

Stop beating around the bush and tell me why you're here.

bushed adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

informal : very tired

That hike wore me out. I'm bushed. [=beat, exhausted]

bush·el noun, pl -els

1 [count] : a unit for measuring an amount of fruit and grain that is equal to about 35.2 liters in the U.S. and to about 36.4 liters in the U.K.

a bushel of wheat/apples

2 bushels [plural] US, informal : a large amount of something

The company made bushels [=lots] of money last year.

hide your light under a bushel

: to not tell others about your talents, successes, ideas, etc.

bush league noun, pl leagues [count]

informal : minor league

bush leaguer noun, pl -uers [count]

bush-league adj

US informal : of very low quality
bush-league customer service
a bush-league [=unprofessional] reporter

Bush·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a member of a group of people of southern Africa who live and hunt in a wild area (called the bush)

bush pilot noun, pl -lots [count]

chiefly US : a pilot who flies a small airplane into areas that are hard to reach

bush·whack verb, -whacks, -whacked, -whack·ing

1 [no obj] : to clear a path through thick woods by cutting down bushes and low tree branches

The group bushwhacked through the jungle.

2 [+ obj] : to attack (someone) suddenly

He was bushwhacked [=ambushed] by enemy soldiers.

They used the controversy as an opportunity to bushwhack their political opponents.

bushy adj, bush·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : very thick and full
a bushy beard
bushy hair/eyebrows
an animal with a bushy tail

2 of a plant : having a lot of branches and leaves
a bushy tree

bright-eyed and bushy-tailed see BRIGHT

bush·i·ness noun [noncount]

the bushiness of his eyebrows

busi·ly adv

: in a busy way

He was busily engaged in his work.

They are busily planning next year's event.

busi·ness noun, pl -ness·es

1 [noncount]

1 a : the activity of making, buying, or selling goods or providing services in exchange for money

The store will be open for business next week. [=the store will be ready for customers next week]

The store has lost a significant amount of business since the factory closed.

Allowing customers to leave your store unsatisfied is bad (for) business.

The new Web site has been good for (attracting) business.

What line of business [=work] are you in?

She works in the publishing business.

the fashion/music/restaurant business

We do business with [=sell to or buy from] companies overseas.

David has decided to go into business with his brother.

Remember that your customers can take their business elsewhere. [=your customers can go to another place to do business]

Their publishing company is the best in the business.

a place of business [=a place, such as a store, bank, etc., where business is done]

often used before another noun
business opportunities/contacts/interests

The business world is responding to changes in technology. [=businesses are responding to changes in technology]

Someone will be available to answer your call during regular business hours. [=the hours that the office is open to do business]

a business meeting [=a meeting at which matters of business are discussed]

see also AGRIBUSINESS, BIG BUSINESS, IN BUSINESS ((BELOW)), OUT OF BUSINESS ((BELOW)), SHOW BUSINESS

1 b : work that is part of a job

Is your trip to Miami (for) business or pleasure?

I have to go to New York City on/for business next week.

sometimes used before another noun
a business trip [=a trip that is made in order to do business]

I am flying business class [=in a seating section of an airplane that is more expensive than the main section but less expensive than first class] from Tokyo to New York.

1 c : the amount of activity that is done by a store, company, factory, etc.

Business has been slow/bad lately. [=there have been few customers, sales, etc., lately]

Business was good/booming.

They advertised to increase business.

How is business?

2 [count] : an organization (such as a store, company, or factory) that makes, buys, or sells goods or provides services in exchange for money

He has the skills necessary to run/operate/start a business.

The town is trying to attract new businesses.

local businesses

She joined the family business [=the business owned or operated by her family] after graduating from college.

sometimes used before another noun

I had lunch with some business associates.

In addition to being married, the two are also business partners.

The restaurant is in the business district. [=the part of a city or town where there are many businesses]

the business community [=people involved in the upper levels of businesses]

3 [singular] : something that concerns a particular person, group, etc. : something that needs to be considered or dealt with

Do we have any other business we need to discuss?

Air quality is a serious business. [=air quality is something people should think about seriously]

What's this business [=news] I hear about you moving away?

Educating students is the business [=responsibility] of schools.

No, I didn't ask him what he wanted the car for. That's his business.

I won't answer that question. Who I choose to vote for is my business.

He's decided to make it his business [=make it his goal] to bring more affordable housing to the city.

“Who did you vote for?” “That's none of your business.” [=that's private information that you should not be asking about]

It's no business of yours who I voted for.

The phrase mind your own business is used as an informal and often somewhat impolite way to tell someone to stop watching or asking about something that is private.

Mind your own business and let them talk alone.

To say that you were minding your own business when something happened means that you were doing what you normally do and were not bothering anyone.

I was walking down the street, minding my own business, when all of a sudden some man started yelling at me.

If you say something is nobody's business, you mean that it is private and other people do not need to know about it.

It's nobody's business what we were talking about.

Someone who has no business doing something has no right to do it.

You have no business telling me what I can and cannot wear! I'll wear whatever I like!

4 [noncount] : something that must be done

I have some business in town Friday afternoon. [=I have to do something in town Friday afternoon]

He had to leave the meeting early because he had to attend to some unfinished business. [=something not done that needs to be done]

Now that we've all introduced ourselves, let's get down to business. [=start doing what needs to be done, start working]

I was just going about my business [=doing what I usually do], when I heard a big crash.

Sarah is good at taking care of business [=doing what needs to be done], so she's been put in charge of organizing the event.

The church has hired someone to take care of the bills and all that business. [=everything else that needs to be done]

A public library is in the business of providing information to the public. [=the job/purpose of a public library is to provide information]

I'm not in the business of lending money to people I hardly know. [=I don't lend money to people I hardly know]

5 [singular] : a matter, event, or situation
usually used after an adjective

Divorce can be such a messy business. [=affair]

The earthquake was a terrible business.

Predicting how people will react to something is a tricky business.

Investing all your money in one stock is (a) very risky business.

“How long did the ceremony take?” “Oh, the whole business was over in less than an hour.”

Let's just forget about that business of me being unhappy with my job.

see also MONKEY BUSINESS

business as usual

used to say that something is working or continuing in the normal or usual way

Much of the town lost electricity in the storm, but for people with generators it was business as usual.

As the election nears, both political parties continue to blame each other for all the city's problems. In other words, it's business as usual.

business is business

used to say that in order for a business to be successful it is necessary to do things that may hurt or upset people

I'm sorry I have to let you go, but understand that business is business.

in business

1 : operating as a business

The hotel has been in business for over 150 years.

Customer satisfaction is important if you want to stay in business.

2 informal : ready to begin doing or using something

Just plug in the computer and you're in business! [=you will be able to use the computer]

All the musicians have finally arrived, so we're in business!

He quickly changed the tire, and was back in business [=ready to drive again] in 10 minutes.

like nobody's business
informal : very well or quickly or in very large amounts

She can design computer programs like nobody's business.

It's been raining like nobody's business.

mean business

: to be serious about doing something

We thought he was joking at first, but then we saw that he really meant business.

out of business

: closed down : no longer in business

My favorite flower shop is out of business.

Small grocery stores are being driven/forced/put out of business by large stores. [=small grocery stores cannot compete with large stores and so are closing permanently]

The store has gone out of business. [=has closed]

the business

Brit slang : a very good or impressive person or thing

Since he's won the tournament, he thinks he's the business. [=the best]

You should see their new flat. It's the business.

business administration noun [noncount]

: a program of studies in a college or university that teaches students how to run a business
a degree in business administration

business card noun, pl cards [count]

: a small card printed with a person's name and information about that person's company and job

People give business cards to anyone who they think might want to contact them about their business.

business end noun

the business end
informal : the part of a tool, weapon, or instrument that is used most directly for the object's purpose
the business end of a rifle [=the end where the bullets come out]

busi·ness·like adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing qualities that are considered good in business : serious, polite, and practical

His businesslike approach to the dispute was very helpful.

a businesslike manner

busi·ness·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a man who works in business especially in a high position

2 : a man who is good at dealing with business and financial matters

I know it's hard for him to sell his paintings. He's always been a better artist than businessman.

busi·ness·per·son noun, pl busi·ness·peo·ple [count]

: a man or woman who works in business

business suit noun, pl suits [count]

US : a type of suit that is worn by some people who work in offices and that includes a matching coat and pants or skirt

busi·ness·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

1 : a woman who works in business especially in a high position

2 : a woman who is good at dealing with business and financial matters

Like many musicians, she's found that she has to be a businesswoman as well as a performer.

bus·ing noun [noncount]

US : the act or practice of bringing children by buses to a school that is far from the area where they live so that the school will have many children of different races

busk verb, busks, busked, busk·ing [no obj]

chiefly Brit informal : to play music in a public place in order to earn money from people who are passing by

busk·er noun, pl -ers [count]

bus·load noun, pl -loads [count]

chiefly US : a large group of people that fills a bus
a busload of tourists

People came to the park by the busload. [=many busloads of people came to the park]

bus·man's holiday noun [singular]

: a holiday that you spend doing the same kind of thing that you usually do for your job

1bust noun, pl busts [count]

1 : a sculpture of a person's head and neck and usually a part of the shoulders and chest
a marble/bronze bust
a bust of Albert Einstein

2 a : a woman's breasts

The neckline of the dress is meant to accentuate the bust.

2 b : a measurement taken around a woman's chest and back
bust size

compare 3BUST

2bust verb, busts, bust·ed also Brit bust, bust·ing [+ obj]

informal

1 : to break (something): such as

1 a : to cause (something) to stop working by damaging it

He busted his watch when he fell.

I think the camera is busted.

1 b : to cause (something) to separate into parts or pieces
bust a window

2 a : to arrest (someone)

Police busted 12 gang members on weapons charges.

She got/was busted for drug possession.

2 b : to catch (someone) doing something wrong

Two students got busted by the teacher for smoking in the bathroom.

3 US, impolite
used in phrases like bust your butt/ass to describe working very hard

She's been busting her butt to finish the project on time.

4 US : to hit or punch (someone)

I felt like busting him in the nose.

bust a/your gut see 1GUT

bust out [phrasal verb]

informal

1 bust out (doing something) : to begin (doing something) suddenly : to burst out (doing something)

She just busted out laughing.

2 bust out (something) or bust (something) out : to take (something) from the place where it is stored so that it can be used

He busted out [=broke out] the champagne.

3 : to escape from a prison, jail, etc.

Two prisoners busted out of jail.

bust up [phrasal verb]

informal

1 : to end your relationship with someone

Their marriage busted up after three years.

Didn't you hear? They busted up. [=(more commonly) broke up, separated]

2 bust up (something) or bust (something) up : to cause (something) to end

His gambling problem busted up their marriage.

Police hope to bust up the crime ring for good.

The police busted the party up.

or bust
informal
used to say that you will do everything possible to get somewhere

The sign on the car said “New Orleans or bust!”

3bust noun, pl busts [count]

informal

1 US : a complete failure : flop
usually singular

The new product was a bust.

Although critically acclaimed, the play has been a bust.

2 : an occurrence in which the police catch and arrest people committing a crime
a big drug bust

compare 1BUST

4bust adj

go bust
informal : to spend or lose all of your money : to go broke

The company has gone bust.

bust·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count]

1 a : a person or thing that stops or prevents something
usually used in combination
crime-busters [=people who stop crimes, who catch criminals, etc.]

1 b : a person or thing that breaks something apart
usually used in combination

The new drug acts as a clot-buster. [=it causes blood clots to break apart]

2 US, informal + somewhat old-fashioned
used to address a man who is behaving in a way you do not like

Wait a minute, buster. You're trying to trick me, aren't you?

bus·tier Brit noun, pl -tiers [count]

: a tight piece of clothing that covers the upper part of a woman's body and that is worn by itself or under other clothes

1bus·tle verb, bus·tles, bus·tled, bus·tling [no obj]

1 : to move or go in a busy or hurried way

She bustled around the kitchen getting ready for dinner guests.

2 : to have a lot of busy activity
often + with

The pier is always bustling with people.

bustling adj
a bustling town/pier

2bustle noun [noncount]

: noisy or busy activity

The countryside seems very quiet after the hustle and bustle of the city.

compare 3BUSTLE

3bustle noun, pl bustles [count]

: a frame or pad worn in the past under a skirt or dress to hold it out from the body in the back
compare 2BUSTLE

bust-up noun, pl -ups [count]

informal

1 : the end of a relationship, marriage, etc. : breakup
the bust-up of their marriage

2 Brit : a very bad argument or disagreement : a quarrel or fight

They had a bust-up over money.

busty adj, bust·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal of a woman : having large breasts
a busty blonde

1busy adj, bus·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : actively doing something

She's busy preparing for her test.

Are you busy? Can I talk to you for a minute?

I will be busy cleaning the house.

I'm sorry I haven't called. I've been so busy.

busy people who don't have time to cook

I got enough work to keep me busy for a while.

He is a very busy person.

He's been busy in the kitchen all afternoon.

She's as busy as a bee. [=she's very busy]

often + with

The actress is busy with a new film. [=is working on a new film]

He keeps himself busy with volunteer work.

She is busy with wedding plans.

2 a : full of activity or work

My week has been so busy!

They live/lead busy lives.

Is there any time in your busy schedule for us to have lunch next week?

2 b : full of people or things
a busy street
a busy store

3 chiefly US, of a telephone or telephone line : being used

I tried calling her, but her line/phone is busy. [=(chiefly Brit) engaged]

When you dial a telephone line that is already in use, you hear a sound that is called a busy signal.

4 : full of many details

I like the fabric, but I think the pattern is too busy for this dress.

busy wallpaper

get busy

: to start doing work

We need to finish by 5 o'clock, so we'd better get busy.

busi·ly adv

She is busily preparing for her test.

He is working busily in the kitchen.

busy·ness noun [noncount]

I don't like the busyness of stores around the holidays.

the busyness of the pattern

2busy verb, bus·ies, bus·ied, busy·ing

busy yourself

: to make or keep yourself busy : to occupy (yourself) with work or an activity

The children busied themselves with puzzles all day.

He busied himself in the workshop building things.

busy·body noun, pl -bod·ies [count]

disapproving : a person who is too interested in the private lives of other people

The neighborhood busybody is telling everyone that the couple up the street is getting divorced.

busy·work noun [noncount]

US : work that is given to you only to keep you busy

Students were given busywork for the last few minutes of class.

1but conj

1
used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

I don't know her, but my husband does.

He wants to go to the movies, but I want to go to the museum.

He plans to visit Boston and Chicago, but not New York.

The book is not a biography at all but (instead is) a fictional account.

It's not the music I don't like but (rather) the band themselves.

She got the promotion not by luck but by hard work.

The fighting has been going on for years. But to really understand the current situation, you have to look at the history of the region.

She called his name, but he did not answer.

He fell but (he) wasn't hurt/injured.

I told him to stay, but he refused to.

It might have been raining, but it was still a nice wedding.

I'd love to come to the party, but [=however] I'll be away that weekend.

I'm sorry, but I won't be able to help you.

The dress is quite plain but (it's) pretty.

They were polite, but not really friendly.

Not only was it quite cold on our trip, but it rained the whole time too.

I can't do itbut neither can you.

2 : other than : except

We had no choice but to leave.

They've done nothing but argue all afternoon.

3
used in speech at the beginning of a sentence that expresses surprise, shock, etc.

But you promised (that) you would help me with this.

But it's not fair for them to treat him this way!

They've arrived? But I thought they were coming Tuesday.

4
used with a repeated word for emphasis

Nobody but nobody could solve the riddle.

but then

1
used to introduce a statement that adds another and different thought to a preceding statement

I'm surprised to hear that Tom has left the army. But then I suppose he never was the type to obey orders.

I'm sure she would do a wonderful job on the project, but then I know she's very busy.

sometimes used to introduce an explanation for something

His cakes are amazingbut then he did study with some of the best pastry chefs in the world.

2
used to introduce a statement that tells about something different or surprising that happened next

The team won the first two games, but then failed to win any of the next five.

The disease was said to be untreatable, but then a new medication was introduced.

2but prep

: other than (something or someone) : except

We had nothing but rain all week. [=it rained for the entire week]

There was no one there but him.

I didn't tell anyone but my sister.

Who but you would think that?

No one but you would try that. = No one would try that but you.

I was anything but tired. [=I was not at all tired]

but for

: if not for (something or someone) : without (something or someone)

We would never have visited the town but for [=except for] the newspaper article about local artists.

The score would have been higher but for some excellent goaltending.

3but adv
formal

1 : 2only

They have but two weeks to get ready.

sometimes used for emphasis

If they had but given me a chance, I know I could have done it.

He was here but five minutes ago.

She is still but a child.

This new product offers many advantages: speed, convenience, and durability, to name but a few.

2
used in negative statements to say that something must happen

Anyone who reads the book cannot but feel sympathy for him. [=must feel sympathy for him]

I could not (help) but wonder [=I felt compelled to wonder, I could not help wondering] why she had lied.

see also ALL BUT

4but noun, pl buts [count]

: a reason someone gives for not doing or agreeing with something
usually plural

I want this done today, and I don't want to hear any buts about it.

(US) As far as I'm concerned, she's the most qualified candidate, and there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it! = (Brit) There are no ifs and buts about it! [=it is certain that she is the most qualified candidate]

bu·tane noun [noncount]

: a type of gas that is used in a liquid form as a fuel usually for cooking or heating

butch adj [more ; most ]

informal

1 sometimes offensive : having a very masculine appearance and way of behaving used especially to describe homosexual women and men

2 of hair : cut very short
a butch haircut

1butch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 a : someone who cuts and sells meat in a shop

1 b : someone who kills animals and prepares their meat to be eaten

2 : a shop that sells meat

The town was small but had a grocery store and a butcher (store/shop).

3 : someone who kills a lot of people or animals in a brutal or cruel way

They are a bunch of butchers [=murderers] who gained power by slaughtering their enemies.

4 informal : someone who does something very roughly and badly

That surgeon is a butcher! [=a terrible surgeon]

have/take a butcher's

Brit informal : to look at something

This may be what we need. Have a butcher's.

2butcher verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

1 : to kill (an animal) and prepare its meat for sale

They've hired someone to butcher the hogs.

2 : to kill (people or animals) in a brutal and cruel way

Many innocent people were butchered under his regime.

3 informal : to do (something) very badly : to make a mess of (something)

The band has butchered my favorite song.

butch·ery noun [noncount]

1 : the violent and cruel killing of many people
the butchery of civilians during the war

2 : the work of a butcher : the job of preparing meat for sale

but·ler noun, pl -lers [count]

: the main male servant in the home of a wealthy person

1butt noun, pl butts [count]

1 chiefly US, informal + sometimes impolite : the part of the body you sit on : buttocks

He slipped and landed on his butt. [=(chiefly Brit) bum]

These exercises will make your butt firmer.

Why don't you get off your butt and do something? [=why don't you stop being so lazy and do something?]

used in informal phrases where ass might also be used

Get your butt over here! [=come over here now]

She really saved my butt. [=she helped me out of a difficult situation]

He worked his butt off [=he worked very hard] to finish on time.

2 : the thicker end of a weapon or tool
the butt (end) of a rifle

3 a : the end part of a cigarette or cigar that is not smoked
a cigarette butt

3 b informal : a cigarette

She went out to buy some butts.

kick butt see 1KICK
compare 2BUTT, 4BUTT, 6BUTT

2butt noun, pl butts [count]

: a person who is treated badly or is made fun of usually singular;

+ of

As a child, she was a clumsy girl who was the butt of everyone's jokes. [=people made jokes about her because she was clumsy]

compare 1BUTT, 4BUTT, 6BUTT

3butt verb, butts, butt·ed, butt·ing

: to hit or push (something) forcefully with the head

[+ obj] A few punches were thrown, and then one boy butted the other before a teacher broke up the fight.

She got butted by an angry goat.

[no obj] We saw the goat butt against the gate until it opened.

butt heads
chiefly US informal : to disagree about how something should be done

They've butted heads over the issue a number of times.

butt in [phrasal verb]

informal : to get involved in something (such as a conversation or someone else's activities) especially in a rude way

I realize you're trying to help, but I wish you wouldn't butt in. You're only making things worse.

Sorry to butt in (on you) like this, but I need to ask you a question.

butt out [phrasal verb]

chiefly US informal : to stop being involved in something (such as a conversation or someone else's affairs)

This has nothing to do with you! I wish you would just butt out!

They told me to butt out of the conversation.

compare 5BUTT

4butt noun, pl butts [count]

: a forceful hit or push with the head
a head butt in/to the ribs

compare 1BUTT, 2BUTT, 6BUTT

5butt verb, butts, butted, butting

US : to place something right next to something else or to be right next to something else

[+ obj] We laid the boards so that the ends were butted against the wall.

[no obj] The floorboards are weakest where they butt (against each other). [=where they meet, where the ends of the boards touch each other]

The apartment building butts up against an old church.

compare 3BUTT

6butt noun, pl butts [count]

Brit : water butt
compare 1BUTT, 2BUTT, 4BUTT

butte noun, pl buttes [count]

: a type of hill with a flat top and steep sides that is found in the southwestern U.S.

1but·ter noun, pl -ters

1 [noncount] : a solid yellow substance made from milk or cream that is spread on food or used in cooking
bread and butter

Would you like some butter for your potato?

Sauté the onions in melted butter.

see also BREAD AND BUTTER

2 [count, noncount] : a food made from cooked fruit or roasted nuts that have been ground up
apple butter
see also PEANUT BUTTER

butter wouldn't melt in someone's mouth
chiefly Brit used to say that a person who appears to be innocent, sincere, or kind is really not

like a (hot) knife through butter see 1KNIFE

2butter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

: to spread or put butter on (something)

butter a piece of bread
buttered toast

butter up [phrasal verb]

butter up (someone) or butter (someone) up informal : to treat (someone) very well or kindly in order to get something

He's busy buttering up potential clients.

know which side your bread is buttered on see 1BREAD

but·ter·ball noun, pl -balls [count]

US informal + often impolite : a person who is somewhat fat

I was a little butterball when I was a child.

butter bean noun, pl beans [count]

1 US : a kind of small, flat bean : a small lima bean

2 Brit : a lima bean that is dried before it is sold

but·ter·cream noun [noncount]

: a soft mixture of butter and sugar that is used as a filling or frosting for cakes

but·ter·cup noun, pl -cups [count]

: a wild plant that has small yellow flowers that are shaped like cups

but·ter·fat noun [noncount]

: the natural fat of milk from which butter is made

but·ter·fin·gers noun [singular]

informal : a person who often drops things

I dropped my pen again. Why am I such a butterfingers today?

but·ter·fin·gered adj
a butterfingered ballplayer

1but·ter·fly noun, pl -flies

1 [count] : a kind of insect that has a long thin body and brightly colored wings and that flies mostly during the day compare MOTH

2 [count] often disapproving : a person who goes to many parties and other social events
a social butterfly

3 [singular] : a way of swimming in which the swimmer's face is in the water and the arms move together in a circular motion while the legs kick up and down
swimmers doing the butterfly
also : a race in which the swimmers do the butterfly

They competed in the butterfly.

4 butterflies [plural] informal : a nervous feeling in your stomach

Even experienced musicians sometimes get butterflies before a performance.

I have butterflies in my stomach.

2butterfly verb, -flies, -flied, -fly·ing [+ obj]

: to cut (food) into two pieces that are joined along one edge so that it can be spread apart for cooking

Butterfly the chicken before roasting.

butterflied shrimp

butter knife noun, pl knives [count]

: a small knife with a rounded blade that is used especially for spreading butter on bread during a meal

but·ter·milk noun [noncount]

: the liquid that is left after butter has been made from milk or cream

but·ter·nut squash noun, pl squash or squashes [count, noncount]

: a large vegetable that has a pale, hard shell and yellow or orange flesh

but·ter·scotch noun [noncount]

: a hard candy made by boiling butter, sugar, and water
often used before another noun
a butterscotch sauce
butterscotch pudding

but·tery adj [more ; most ]

1 : resembling butter

The cheese has a buttery flavor.

a smooth, buttery texture

2 : containing or covered with butter
buttery pastries/popcorn

but·tock noun, pl -tocks [count]

: either of the two soft parts of the body that a person sits on
the baby's left/right buttock
usually plural

The shirt is long enough to cover your buttocks.

1but·ton noun, pl -tons [count]

1 : a small, usually round piece of plastic, glass, metal, etc., that is sewn to a piece of clothing and is pushed through a loop or hole to fasten one part of the clothing to another part
a skirt/coat button
a dress with buttons down the back

I lost a button on my jacket.

He took off his tie and undid the top button of his shirt.

2 US : a small, usually round sign that has a picture or words on the front and a pin on the back

People pin buttons to their clothing to show support for a person or idea.

She was wearing a button that read “Support your local library.”

a campaign button [=a button that shows support for someone's political campaign]

called also (Brit) badge

3 a : a small part of a machine that you push to make the machine work
the on/off button

Will you please push/press the ‘play’ button on the CD player?

With a fax machine, you can send a document across the country with the touch/push of a button.

3 b : a small area on a computer screen that you click on to make the computer software do something

If the information on the registration form is correct, click the ‘OK’ button.

see also HOT BUTTON

(as) cute as a button
informal : very cute

Your nephew is cute as a button!

on the button

US informal

1 : exactly at the specified time

They arrived at noon on the button. [=on the dot, precisely]

2 : perfectly accurate

Your guess was (right) on the button. [=on the nose]

push the right buttons
informal : to do the things that are needed to produce a desired effect or result

The coach knows how to push all the right buttons to get his players ready for the game.

push your buttons
informal : to do or say something just to make you angry or upset

Don't pay any attention to her. She's just trying to push your buttons.

Even though they're both adults now, Rita's brother still knows how to push her buttons. [=he is easily able to annoy or frustrate her]

2button verb, -tons, -toned, -ton·ing

1 [+ obj] : to attach (a button) by passing it through a hole

He rarely buttons the top button on his shirt.

2 [+ obj] : to close or fasten (something) with buttons

Will you button the baby's jacket for her?

often + up

Be sure to button up your coat before you go outside.

3 [no obj] : to have buttons for fastening

The skirt buttons on the side.

button it
informal + impolite
used to tell someone to stop talking

She angrily told him to button it.

button your lip/lips or keep your lip/lips buttoned

US informal : to not talk about something

Button your lip. He's coming toward us.

Don't tell him what I said, please. You know he can't keep his lips buttoned.

but·ton-down adj, always used before a noun

1 a of a collar : having the ends fastened to the shirt with buttons

The shirt has a button-down collar.

1 b of a shirt : having a button-down collar
a button-down shirt

2 or but·toned-down [more ; most ] often disapproving : having a very traditional and formal way of dressing, behaving, etc.

a very buttoned-down [=conservative] businessman

but·toned-up adj [more ; most ]

: not friendly and open about showing feelings
a buttoned-up [=reserved] executive

1but·ton·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

1 : a hole in clothing through which a button is passed in order to fasten something

2 Brit : boutonniere

2buttonhole verb, -holes, -holed, -hol·ing [+ obj]

informal : to force (someone who is going somewhere) to stop and talk to you

I'm sorry I'm late. I was buttonholed by a coworker just as I was leaving my office.

button mushroom noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a small, white mushroom that is often eaten as a vegetable

button nose noun, pl noses [count]

: a small, rounded nose

1but·tress noun, pl -tress·es [count]

: a structure built against a wall in order to support or strengthen it see also FLYING BUTTRESS

2buttress verb, -tresses, -tressed, -tress·ing [+ obj]

: to support, strengthen, or defend (something)

The treaty will buttress the cause of peace.

The theory has been buttressed by the results of the experiment.

but·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

Brit informal : a sandwich

bux·om adj
of a woman : healthy and attractive with large breasts
a buxom blonde

1buy verb, buys, bought , buy·ing

1 : to get (something) by paying money for it : purchase

[+ obj] I bought a computer.

I bought this hat for $10.

He bought the quilt from a local artist.

He bought dinner for us. = He bought us dinner.

[no obj] Stock prices are low, so now is a good time to buy.

opposite SELL

2 [+ obj] of money : to be able to get something

A quarter won't buy (you) much these days.

Money can't buy love.

3 [+ obj] informal : to accept or believe (something) as true

He said it was a mistake, but I don't buy it.

4 [+ obj] informal : to give money to someone in order to get that person to do something illegal or dishonest for you : bribe
usually used as (be) bought
an honest policeman who can't be bought

see also BUY OFF ((BELOW))

5 [+ obj] : to get (something) by losing or giving up something
usually used as (be) bought

Peace was finally bought, but at the cost of many lives.

buy a pup see PUP

buy in [phrasal verb]

buy in (something) or buy (something) in Brit : to buy a large amount of (something)

Be sure to buy in a lot of tinned food in case we're snowed up.

buy into [phrasal verb]

buy into (something)

1 : to pay money in order to own part of (something, such as a company or sports team)

Investors are buying into Internet companies.

2 : to accept or believe (something) as true

The book teaches kids not to buy into the notion that money brings happiness.

buy it or US buy the farm
informal : to die

I nearly bought the farm when my car skidded off the road.

buy off [phrasal verb]

buy off (someone) or buy (someone) off : to give money to (someone) for illegal or dishonest help

Many believe that Jones bought off the police so that he would not be investigated for the murder.

see also 1BUY 4 (ABOVE)

buy out [phrasal verb]

buy out (someone) or buy (someone) out : to pay money to (someone) for his or her part of a company or team

She bought out her partners so that she could manage the company the way she wanted to.

see also BUYOUT

buy time

: to get more time for someone or something

The medication won't cure the disease but it will buy patients some time. [=it will allow patients to live longer]

buy up [phrasal verb]

buy up (something) or buy (something) up : to pay money for all or a large part of (something)

The company has bought up the old factories along the river and will convert them into apartments.

She is buying up all the artist's early work.

2buy noun, pl buys [count]

1
used to describe something that is being sold

The toy is a popular buy. [=many people are buying the toy]

The shoes were a great buy [=deal] at 50 percent off the original price.

2 : an act of buying something
an undercover drug buy [=purchase, deal]

buy·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who buys something

The buyer and seller must agree on a price for the property.

He's trying to find a buyer for the restaurant.

2 : someone whose job is to choose and buy the goods that a store will sell

buyer's market noun [singular]

: a situation in which many things of the same kind are for sale, prices are low, and buyers have an advantage over sellers opposite SELLER'S MARKET

buying power noun [noncount]

: purchasing power 1

Inflation decreases consumer buying power.

a multinational corporation with a tremendous amount of buying power

buy·out noun, pl -outs [count]

: the act of gaining control of a company by buying the parts of it you do not own
an employee/management buyout = a buyout by the employees/managers of the company
see also buy out at 1BUY

1buzz verb, buzz·es, buzzed, buzz·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to make the low, continuous sound of a flying insect (such as a bee)

a buzzing bee

Flies were buzzing around the picnic tables.

1 b : to make a low, continuous sound

The doorbell buzzed loudly.

1 c : to be filled with a low, continuous sound

My ears were still buzzing [=ringing] hours after the concert.

2 [no obj] : to be filled with activity, excitement, etc.

The hall buzzed with excitement as the audience waited for the show to start.

My mind is buzzing with ideas.

3 a : to send for or signal (someone) by using an electric device (called a buzzer) that produces a loud, low sound

[+ obj] The nurse buzzed the doctor who was on duty.

She buzzed her secretary to say she was going out for lunch.

[no obj]

often + for

The nurse buzzed for the doctor.

3 b [+ obj] : to let (someone) go into or out of a place by using an electric device that produces a loud, low sound as it unlocks a door, gate, etc.

Ring the bell when you arrive and someone will buzz you into the building.

Let me buzz you out.

4 [+ obj] US, informal : to call (someone) on the telephone

Buzz me when you get there.

5 [+ obj] : to fly an airplane low over (something or someone)

The plane/pilot buzzed the people watching the show.

6 [no obj] : to go or move quickly

The host of the party was buzzing around the room talking to everyone.

buzz off
informal
used as a rude or angry way to tell someone to go away

He told me to buzz off.

Buzz off, will you? I'm busy right now.

buzzing noun [noncount]

hear the buzzing of bees

2buzz noun, pl buzzes

1 [count]

1 a : the low, continuous sound made by a flying insect (such as a bee)

We heard the buzz of the bees as we walked through the garden.

1 b : a low, continuous sound

When the machine is turned on, it makes a quiet buzz.

2 [singular] : a low sound caused by many people talking at the same time

There was a buzz of voices in the hall as the audience waited for the show to start.

3 informal

3 a [noncount] : the things that are being said about something

What's the latest buzz about their marriage?

The buzz is that she turned down the job because the pay was too low.

3 b : excited talk about something

[singular] There's been quite a buzz about the new movie.

The team's new players are creating a buzz among baseball fans.

[noncount] There's been a lot of buzz about the new movie.

4 [singular] informal

4 a : a feeling of excitement

Kids love the new game, and adults get a buzz [=kick] out of it too.

4 b : a feeling of being somewhat drunk or intoxicated

He had a buzz after only two drinks.

see also BUZZED

5 [singular] informal : a telephone call

Give me a buzz [=call me] when you get there.

buz·zard noun, pl -zards [count]

1 US : a kind of large bird that eats animals that are already dead

2 Brit : a kind of large hawk

buzz cut noun, pl cuts [count]

US : crew cut

buzzed adj
informal : slightly drunk or intoxicated

He was buzzed after only two drinks.

buzz·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: an electric device that makes a loud sound

Their team was ahead by two points when the buzzer signaled the end of the game.

buzz saw noun, pl saws [count]

US : circular saw

buzz·word noun, pl -words [count]

: a word or phrase that becomes very popular for a period of time

Buzzwords are often related to a particular business or field of study.

At that time, the new buzzword in the tourism industry was “ecotourism.”

1by prep

1 : close to or next to (something or someone) : near

She was standing by [=beside] the window.

His wife was sitting by him.

They have a house by the lake.

2 a : up to and beyond (something or someone) : past

The bus went right by him without stopping.

2 b : at or to (someone's home)

Some friends stopped/came by our house for a chat.

Why don't you come by my place later?

3 a
used following a passive verb to indicate the person or thing that does something

The decision was made by the company president. [=the company president made the decision]

Coal has been replaced by oil. [=oil has replaced coal]

He was killed by a falling rock. [=a falling rock killed him]

I was greatly surprised by the result. [=the result surprised me greatly]

3 b
used to indicate the thing that is used to do something

He opened the door by (using) force. [=he used force to open the door]

She succeeded by pure determination.

3 c
used to indicate an action that is done for a particular purpose

You can reset the machine by pressing this button. [=you can press this button to reset the machine]

He began his speech by thanking the President and ended it by telling a joke.

4
used to indicate the person who wrote or created something
a play (written) by William Shakespeare

This is a portrait of Gaugin (that was painted) by Van Gogh.

5 a
used to indicate the method used to go somewhere, send something, etc.

Some people came by [=via] train while others came by car.

He returned by [=on, via] the last train.

They sent him a message by [=via] e-mail.

We drove here by the back roads.

5 b
used to indicate the method used to enter or leave a place

We entered by [=through, via] the front door.

6 a
used to indicate the name that is used for someone or something

The American writer Samuel L. Clemens was known by the name “Mark Twain.”

Her full name is Elizabeth but she goes by (the nickname) “Lizzie.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is usually referred to by its initials “FBI.”

6 b
used to indicate how someone is spoken to, identified, etc.

He called her by name. [=he used her name when he spoke to her]

I know her by sight but not by name. [=I know what she looks like but I don't know her name]

6 c
used to introduce the name of someone or something important as proof that you are speaking the truth

I swear by [=in the name of] all that's sacred that everything I've said is true.

often used in phrases like by God to add emphasis

He always said he'd retire to Hawaii, and by God, he did it!

6 d : when using (a specified word or phrase)

What do you mean by “acceptable levels?” [=what levels do you consider acceptable?]

She called my theory “interesting,” but I don't know what she meant by that. [=I don't know whether she was being sincere, polite, etc.]

It's hard to know what the author intended by this phrase.

7
used to indicate the part of something or of a person's body that is held, grasped, etc.

He grasped the shovel by the/its handle. [=he grasped the handle of the shovel]

She grabbed him by the arm. [=she grabbed his arm]

He held/took his daughter by the/her hand. [=he held/took his daughter's hand]

8 a : during the time of (day or night)

New York by night [=at night, during the night] is very different from New York by day. [=during the day]

8 b
used to indicate the kind of light that occurs or is used when something is being looked at, read, etc.

The landscape looked very different when we saw it by daylight than it had by moonlight.

She was trying to read by the light of a single candle.

9 a : not later than (a specified time) : at, in, on, or before (a specified time)

We need to leave by noon at the latest.

They should be here by tomorrow.

I don't know where she is. She should have been back by now.

By this time next year she hopes to have a new job.

She's planning to get married next year, by which time she hopes to have a new job.

9 b : during the time until (a specified time)

By 2000 the U.S. had been an independent country for more than 200 years.

10 a : in a way that agrees with or follows (something, such as a rule)

They didn't play by the rules.

10 b : in a way that is based on (something)

You shouldn't judge other people by (their) appearances.

10 c : according to (something)

By my watch it's nearly noon. [=my watch says that it's nearly noon]

11 a
used to indicate units of measurement or quantity

The eggs are sold by the dozen.

She gets paid by the hour.

They have been making progress by small degrees.

11 b
used to indicate the number that multiplies or divides another number
multiply 8 by 12
divide 10 by 4

11 c
used to indicate the numbers of a measurement

The room measures 15 feet by 20 feet.

12
used to indicate an amount, length, etc.

The horse won the race by a nose.

She's taller than I am by several inches. [=she's several inches taller than I am]

The price has been increased by five dollars.

This one is better by far than that one. [=this one is much better than that one]

13
used to indicate someone's job, origin, character, etc.

She's a lawyer by profession.

He's French by birth, although he has lived in America for many years.

I'm an optimist by nature. [=it is my nature to be optimistic]

14 a
used in phrases to describe the speed at which something happens or changes

The work is getting done bit by bit. [=the work is getting done gradually in small amounts]

He's getting better little by little.

His health is growing worse day by day. = His health is growing worse by the day. [=his health is growing worse every day]

The situation is getting more dangerous by the second/minute/hour.

14 b
used in phrases to describe how a series of people or things proceed or are dealt with

They entered the room two by two. [=two at a time] [=two of them entered the room, then two more entered the room, etc.]

I solved the problems one by one. [=I solved the first problem, then the second one, etc.]

15 informal : in the opinion of (someone)

Whatever you want to do is fine/okay by me. [=I am willing to agree to whatever you want to do]

16 somewhat formal

16 a : on behalf of (someone)

He always did right by his children. [=he always did the right things to help his children]

16 b
used to indicate the husband or wife who is the parent of someone's child

He had two daughters by his first wife and a son by his second wife. [=his first wife was the mother of his two daughters and his second wife was the mother of his son]

She has two children by her first husband.

by the by or by the bye
old-fashioned
used to introduce a statement that provides added information or that mentions another subject

I recently met his wife who, by the by [=by the way, incidentally], is a well-known author.

by yourself

: without others : alone

He sat (all) by himself, reading the newspaper.

The new law will help, but it can't solve the problem (all) by itself.

You shouldn't lift that heavy box (all) by yourself. Let me help you.

2by adv

1 : 4past

The bus went right by without stopping.

We stood and applauded as the parade went/passed by.

The last few years have gone by [=have passed] so quickly.

2
used with put to describe something that is being kept or saved for a future use

You should be putting some money by [=aside] for your old age. [=you should be saving some money for your old age]

3 : at or to someone's home

Some friends stopped/came by for a chat. [=some friends came by our house for a chat]

Why don't you come by later?

4 : close or near

He did it when nobody was by. [=(more commonly) around]

She lives close by. [=nearby]

by and by
literary + old-fashioned : before too long : eventually

I feel sure that we'll succeed by and by. [=ultimately, in the end]

by and large

1 : in a general way : in general

By and large [=generally, for the most part], I like the way things have gone.

2 : in most cases : in general

By and large [=generally, usually] it takes a month for the shipment to arrive.

1bye interj
informal : 1goodbye

Bye. I'll see you tomorrow.

often + now

“See you later.” “OK. Bye now.”

2bye noun, pl byes [count]

sports : a situation in which a player or team is allowed to go forward to the next level in a competition without having to play against and defeat an opponent

She got a bye into the second round of the tennis tournament.

bye-bye interj
informal : 1goodbye

Bye-bye! See you later!

often used by children or when speaking to children

Say/Wave bye-bye, darling: it's time to go home.

go bye-bye
informal

1 or Brit go bye-byes : to go to bed
used when speaking to children

It's time to go bye-bye, darling: it's way past your bedtime!

2 US : to go away
used in imitation of children's speech

When the company went bankrupt, investors watched their money go bye-bye.

by-elec·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

Brit : a special election that is held between regular elections to replace someone who has died or resigned from office

by·gone adj, always used before a noun

: gone by : from a time in the past
the bygone days of our ancestors

The stone wall is from a bygone age/era.

by·gones noun

let bygones be bygones

: to forgive someone for something done to you or for a disagreement with you and forget about it

I know we've had our fights over the years, but I think it's time we let bygones be bygones.

by·law noun, pl -laws [count]

1 US : a rule that an organization (such as a club or company) makes and that its members must follow

2 : a law or regulation that is made by a local government and that applies only to the local area

by·line noun, pl -lines [count]

: a line at the beginning of a newspaper or magazine article that gives the writer's name

1by·pass Brit noun, pl -pass·es [count]

1 : a road that goes around a blocked or very crowded area

The bridge is being rebuilt so we'll have to take the bypass.

2 medical : a procedure done to allow blood to flow past a blocked blood vessel to reach the heart
heart bypass surgery
a double/triple/quadruple bypass [=a procedure done when two/three/four blood vessels are blocked]

2bypass verb, -passes, -passed, -pass·ing [+ obj]

1 : to go around or avoid (a place or area)

To bypass the city, take the highway that circles it.

Is there a way to bypass the bridge construction?

2 : to avoid or ignore (someone or something) especially to get something done quicker

He bypassed the manager and talked directly to the owner.

She managed to bypass the usual paperwork.

by-prod·uct noun, pl -ucts [count]

1 : something that is produced during the production or destruction of something else
often + of

The chemical is a by-product of the oil-refining process.

Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning fuel.

2 : something that happens as a result of something else
often + of

The loss of jobs was an unfortunate by-product of the industry's switch to new technology.

by·stand·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who is standing near but not taking part in what is happening

Two innocent bystanders were injured in the shooting.

byte noun, pl bytes [count]

: a unit of computer information that is equal to eight bits see also GIGABYTE, KILOBYTE, MEGABYTE

by·way noun, pl -ways

1 [count] : a road that is not used very much

I prefer to take byways to town.

He's traveled the highways and byways of this country.

2 byways [plural] : the parts of a subject that are not commonly known
the byways of the art world

The book chronicles some of the interesting byways of legal history.

by·word noun, pl -words [count]

: someone or something that is closely connected with a particular quality usually singular;
usually + for

The new luxury hotel is fast becoming a byword for hospitality.

Her name has become a byword for wit.

byz·an·tine Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal + disapproving : very complicated, secret, and hard to understand

The company's byzantine accounting practices have gotten it into trouble with the government.

c or C noun, pl c's or cs or C's or Cs

1 : the third letter of the English alphabet

[count] The word “access” is spelled with two cs.

[noncount] Many English words begin with c.

2 [count] : the Roman numeral that means 100

CCV [=205]

3 : a musical note or key referred to by the letter C : the first tone of a C-major scale

[count] play/sing a C

[noncount] a song in the key of C

4 [count] : a grade that is given to a student for doing average work

She got a C on the exam.

He's a C student. [=a student who gets C's for his schoolwork]

5
used to refer to the third of three or more people, places, or things that are being considered

If A, B, and C divide the coins equally, how many does each person get?

c. abbr

1 also ca. circa
used to indicate that a date is not exact
c. 1600 = ca. 1600 [=approximately in 1600]

2 US cup

2 c. flour

C abbr

1 Celsius

2 centigrade

3 copyright

CA abbr

California

cab noun, pl cabs [count]

1 : 1taxi

Do you want to catch/get a cab? [=to get a taxi to stop and give you a ride]

2 : the part of a truck, tractor, etc., in which the driver sits

ca·bal Brit noun, pl -bals [count]

formal + disapproving : a small group of people who work together secretly
a cabal plotting to overthrow the government

ca·bana Brit noun, pl -ban·as [count]

: a small, simple building that has a roof and usually walls and is often used by people at a beach or swimming pool

cab·a·ret noun, pl -rets

1 [count] : a restaurant where you can buy alcohol and see a musical show

2 [count, noncount] : entertainment provided at a such a restaurant
often used before another noun
a cabaret act/singer

cab·bage noun, pl -bag·es

1 [count, noncount] : a leafy vegetable that has several forms; especially : one that grows in a tight round shape (called a head)

2 [count] Brit, informal : vegetable 2

cab·bie or cab·by noun, pl -bies [count]

informal : cabdriver

cab·driv·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who drives a taxi

cab·in noun, pl -ins [count]

1 : a small, simple house made of wood
a cabin in the woods
a log cabin [=a cabin made of logs]

2 a : a room that you can sleep in on a ship or boat

2 b : the part of an airplane in which the passengers sit

Don't unbuckle your seat belt until the flight attendant says it is safe to move around the cabin.

cabin cruiser noun, pl -er [count]

: cruiser 3

cab·i·net noun, pl -nets [count]

1 : a piece of furniture that is used for storing things and usually has doors and shelves
a kitchen/medicine cabinet
see also FILE CABINET

2 or Cabinet : a group of people who give advice to the leader of a government
the British cabinet
a member of the President's Cabinet

In British English, cabinet in this sense is sometimes used with a plural verb.

The Cabinet are meeting now.

cab·i·net·mak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who makes fine wooden furniture

cab·i·net·mak·ing noun [noncount]

cabin fever noun [noncount]

: an unhappy and impatient feeling that comes from being indoors for too long

She suffered from cabin fever during the long winter.

a bad case of cabin fever

1ca·ble noun, pl ca·bles

1 a : a thick, strong rope made of wires that are twisted together

[count] The bridge is held up by cables.

[noncount] Their company supplied cable for the project.

1 b [count] : a wire that moves a part in a machine
a brake cable

2 : a group of wires, glass fibers, etc., covered in plastic or rubber and used to carry electricity or electrical signals

[count] battery cables
computer cables
a fiber-optic cable

[noncount] We need more cable to hook up the computers.

3 [count] : a message sent by telegraph : telegram

4 [noncount] : cable television

Does our hotel room have cable?

The game will be shown on cable.

cable news
the big cable networks/companies
a cable box [=a box that sends television signals from a cable into the television]

2cable verb, cables, ca·bled, ca·bling

: to send a message by telegraph : telegraph

[+ obj] She cabled the news to the United States.

She cabled her parents for money.

[no obj] The soldiers cabled back to headquarters.

cable car noun, pl cars [count]

1 : a vehicle that hangs in the air from a cable that pulls it up and down mountains

The skiers took a cable car to the top of the mountain.

2 : a vehicle that is pulled along tracks by a cable

Tourists packed the cable cars on the hilly streets of San Francisco.

cable modem noun, pl -dems [count]

: a device that connects a computer to a network (such as the Internet) through the same kind of cable used for cable television

cable television noun [noncount]

: a system in which television signals are sent through cables rather than through the air called also cable, cable TV

ca·boo·dle noun

the whole (kit and) caboodle

US informal : everything

Her father owned 5 houses and 12 cars, and when he died he left her the whole caboodle.

You can buy one of the books every month, or buy the whole kit and caboodle at the same time.

ca·boose noun, pl -boos·es [count]

US : a part of a train that is attached at the back end and is used by people who work on the train called also (Brit) guard's van

ca·cao noun [noncount]

: the dried seeds of a tropical tree that are used to make cocoa and chocolate
a farmer who grows cacao
a cacao-producing region
often used before another noun
cacao seeds/beans [=(more commonly) cocoa beans]

a cacao tree

cache noun, pl cach·es [count]

1 : a group of things that have been hidden in a secret place because they are illegal or have been stolen
a weapons cache used by terrorists

Police found a cache of stolen cars in the woods.

2 technical : a part of a computer's memory where information is kept so that the computer can find it very quickly

Her new laptop has one megabyte of cache.

called also cache memory

ca·chet noun
used to say that someone or something is liked or respected by people

[noncount] a movie director with great artistic cachet
social cachet

[singular] His research in Antarctica gave him a certain cachet among other scientists.

cack-hand·ed adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : clumsy or awkward
a cack-handed [=ham-handed] attempt at being funny

cack·le verb, cack·les, cack·led, cack·ling [no obj]

1 of chickens, geese, etc. : to make loud, unpleasant sounds

The hens were cackling in the henhouse.

Geese cackled by the pond in the park.

2 : to laugh noisily

I could hear my aunts cackling in the next room.

cackle noun, pl cackles [count]

a cackle of laughter/delight
the cackle of a chicken

ca·coph·o·ny noun [singular]

: unpleasant loud sounds

The sounds of barking dogs and sirens added to the cacophony on the streets.

usually + of
a cacophony of voices

ca·coph·o·nous adj [more ; most ]

a cacophonous birthday party

cac·tus noun, pl cac·ti or cac·tus·es also US cactus [count]

: a plant that lives in the desert and that has many sharp points (called spines)

cad noun, pl cads [count]

old-fashioned : a rude and selfish man

He is a cad, not a gentleman.

cad·dish adj [more ; most ]

caddish behavior
her caddish husband

ca·dav·er noun, pl -ers [count]

formal : a dead body : corpse

ca·dav·er·ous adj [more ; most ]

: looking very thin and pale : resembling a corpse

A tall, cadaverous man led us into the library.

We saw a cadaverous [=emaciated] heroin addict sitting in the park.

1cad·die or cad·dy noun, pl -dies [count]

: a person who carries a golfer's clubs on the golf course

2caddie or caddy verb, caddies, cad·died, cad·dy·ing [no obj]

: to carry a golfer's clubs on the golf course

I caddied for Mr. Brewer yesterday.

cad·dy noun, pl -dies [count]

: a small box or chest
an antique tea caddy [=a small box to keep tea in]

ca·dence noun, pl -denc·es

1 : a regular beat or rhythm

[count] the steady cadence of the drums

[noncount] Oars moved back and forth in smooth cadence.

2 [count] : the way a person's voice changes by gently rising and falling while he or she is speaking

He speaks with a soft Southern cadence.

3 [count] : an ending part of a piece of music

ca·den·za noun, pl -zas [count]

: a difficult part of a piece of classical music that is performed by only one person near the end of the piece

ca·det noun, pl -dets [count]

: a student at a military school who is preparing to be an officer
a naval cadet
see also SPACE CADET

cadge verb, cadg·es, cadged, cadg·ing [+ obj]

: to persuade someone to give you (something) for free

He spent his time trying to cadge [=beg, bum, scrounge] drinks from the customers.

She cadged money from her sister.

cad·mi·um noun [noncount]

: a bluish-white metal that is used especially in protective coatings and in batteries

caesarean, caesarean section variant spellings of CESAREAN, CESAREAN SECTION

ca·fé also ca·fe Brit noun, pl -fés also -fes [count]

: a small restaurant where you can get simple meals and drinks (such as coffee)

sidewalk café or Brit pavement café

: a café that has tables and chairs outside near the street

caf·e·te·ria noun, pl -rias [count]

: a place (such as a restaurant or a room in a school) where people get food at a counter and carry it to a table for eating
a school cafeteria

caff noun, pl caffs [count]

Brit informal : café

caf·fein·at·ed adj

: containing caffeine
caffeinated beverages
opposite DECAFFEINATED

caf·feine Brit noun [noncount]

: a substance that is found especially in coffee and tea and that makes you feel more awake

Her doctor told her to avoid caffeine.

caffeine-free [=decaffeinated] coffee/soda

caf·fe lat·te Brit noun, pl -tes [count]

: a drink that is made by mixing a type of strong coffee (called espresso) with hot milk called also latte

caf·tan or kaf·tan noun, pl -tans [count]

: a long piece of clothing with long sleeves that is worn by men in countries that are just east of the Mediterranean Sea

cage noun, pl cag·es [count]

: a box made of wire or metal bars in which people keep animals or birds
a hamster/monkey/parrot cage
see also BIRDCAGE, RIB CAGE

rattle someone's cage
informal : to make someone feel worried or upset

Don't worry about what he said. He was just trying to rattle your cage.

caged adj

: kept in a cage
a caged lion

He felt like a caged animal at his old job.

ca·gey also ca·gy adj, ca·gi·er, -est

1 : not willing to say everything that you know about something
often + about

Officials are cagey about saying who met with the mayor.

2 : careful to avoid being trapped or tricked
a cagey [=crafty] lawyer
cagey [=savvy] consumers
a cagey old farmer

3 : very clever
a cagey prisoner
a cagey move

ca·gi·ly adv

cag·i·ness noun [noncount]

ca·hoots noun

in cahoots
informal : working together or making plans together in secret
usually + with

He was robbed by a man who was in cahoots with the bartender.

Cain
see raise Cain at 1RAISE

cairn noun, pl cairns [count]

: a pile of stones that marks a place (such as the place where someone is buried or a battle took place) or that shows the direction of a trail

ca·jole verb, -joles, -joled, -jol·ing [+ obj]

: to persuade someone to do something or to give you something by making promises or saying nice things
often + into

She had to cajole [=coax] her husband into going with her.

My roommate cajoled me into lending him money for pizza.

often + from

My roommate cajoled [=wheedled] money from me.

The reporter cajoled information from the hospital staff.

1Ca·jun noun, pl -juns [count]

: a person from Louisiana whose ancestors were French Canadian

2Cajun adj

1 : made by or relating to the Cajuns

Cajun music

Cajun culture

2 : prepared in a cooking style developed by the Cajuns and usually including spicy seasonings

Cajun chicken

Cajun food/cuisine

1cake noun, pl cakes

1 : a sweet baked food made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and other ingredients (such as eggs and butter)

[count] I made/baked three cakes for the party.

He blew out the candles on his birthday cake.

a wedding cake

[noncount] a slice/piece of chocolate cake
often used before another noun

(US) a cake pan = (Brit) a cake tin
cake mix [=a combination of all the dry ingredients needed to make a cake]

see also FRUITCAKE, POUND CAKE, SPONGE CAKE, TEA CAKE, UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

2 [count] : a mixture of food that has been shaped into a ball or a flat round shape and baked or fried
crab/clam/rice cakes
potato cakes
see also FISH CAKE, PANCAKE

3 [count] : something that is shaped like a rectangular block
a cake of soap = a soap cake

4 [noncount] US, informal : something that is very easy to do

That test was cake.

see also PIECE OF CAKE

a slice of the cake

Brit : a portion or share of something

My business partner agreed to split the profits equally, but I know he wanted a bigger slice of the cake. [=piece/slice/share of the pie]

have your cake and eat it too (US) or Brit have your cake and eat it

: to have or enjoy the good parts of something without having or dealing with the bad parts

They seem to think they can have their cake and eat it too by having excellent schools for their son without paying high taxes.

icing on the cake see ICING

take the cake
chiefly US : to win the prize in a contest
used to describe something that is extremely surprising, foolish, annoying, etc.

You've done some silly things, but this one really takes the cake! [=(Brit) takes the biscuit] [=this is the silliest thing you have ever done]

2cake verb, cakes, caked, cak·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cover something with an outer layer that becomes hard as it dries
usually used as (be) caked

Mud was caked all over the sides of his truck. = The sides of his truck were caked [=covered] in/with mud.

2 [no obj] : to become dry and hard

The mud had caked on his boots.

cake·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

Brit informal : someone's mouth

Shut your cakehole! [=(US) pie hole]

cake·walk noun [singular]

1 : an easy contest to win

She expected the election to be a cakewalk.

2 : an easy task : piece of cake

Reducing the state budget is not going to be a cakewalk.

cal·a·mine noun [noncount]

: a pink liquid that is used to treat skin that is sore, itchy, sunburned, etc. called also calamine lotion

ca·lam·i·tous adj [more ; most ]

formal : causing great harm or suffering : disastrous
a calamitous oil spill
the calamitous state of the nation's economy

ca·lam·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal : an event that causes great harm and suffering : disaster

[count] floods, earthquakes, and other calamities
an economic calamity

[noncount] He predicted calamity for the economy.

cal·ci·um noun [noncount]

: a substance that is found in most plants and animals and that is especially important in people for strong healthy bones

Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.

cal·cu·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to find (a number, answer, etc.) by using mathematical processes
calculate the volume of a cylinder
calculate mass/area/distance/speed

I need to calculate how long it will take me to drive to Chicago.

We calculated the cost of new carpeting for the whole house.

2 : to get a general idea about the value, size, or cost of (something) : estimate

We need to calculate our chances of success before we invest more money in the business.

cal·cu·lat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: carefully planned for a particular and often improper purpose

The TV ads were a calculated [=deliberate] attempt to deceive voters.

A calculated risk is one that is accepted after careful thought about the possible good and bad results of a particular action.

The army took a calculated risk when it attacked the enemy's capital without using planes.

cal·cu·lat·ing adj [more ; most ]

: carefully thinking about and planning actions for selfish or improper reasons
a cold and calculating [=scheming] criminal

cal·cu·la·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : a process or result of calculating something

[count] According to experts' calculations, that star will explode within two billion years.

The computer can do millions of calculations each second.

[noncount] Careful calculation is required to determine the required amount of fuel.

2 : careful thought and planning that is done usually for selfish reasons

[count] The book reveals the cold calculations that were behind the government's policies.

[noncount] His positions are based on political calculation of what voters want to hear.

cal·cu·la·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a small electronic device that is used for adding, subtracting, etc.

a pocket calculator [=a calculator that can fit in a shirt pocket]

cal·cu·lus noun [noncount]

: an advanced branch of mathematics that deals mostly with rates of change and with finding lengths, areas, and volumes

caldron variant spelling of CAULDRON

cal·en·dar noun, pl -dars [count]

1 : a document, chart, etc., that shows the days, weeks, and months of a year
a wall/desk calendar
an appointment/engagement calendar

2 : a list or schedule of events or activities that occur at different times throughout the year

The university's academic calendar runs from September to May.

3 : a particular system for organizing the days of the year by month
the Jewish calendar
the Mayan calendar

calendar year noun, pl years [count]

: the period of time from January 1 to December 31 compare FISCAL YEAR

1calf Brit noun, pl calves Brit [count]

1 : a very young cow

2 : the young of various other large animals (such as the elephant or whale)

compare 2CALF

2calf noun, pl calves [count]

: the muscular back part of the leg below the knee
compare 1CALF

calf·skin Brit noun [noncount]

: leather made from the skin of a calf

Her boots are made of calfskin.

calfskin gloves

cal·i·ber (US) or Brit cal·i·bre noun, pl -bers

1 [noncount] : level of excellence, skill, etc.

The school will only hire teachers of the highest caliber. [=will only hire the best teachers]

I was impressed by the high caliber of the team's work.

It is exciting to meet a writer of his caliber. [=a writer as good/skillful as he is]

The two colleges are not of the same caliber. [=one of the colleges is better than the other]

2 [count] : a measurement of the width of a bullet or a gun barrel
a .22-caliber bullet [=a bullet that is 22 hundredths of an inch in diameter]

a high-caliber bullet

cal·i·brate verb, -brates, -brat·ed, -brat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to adjust or mark (something, such as a measuring device) so that it can be used in an accurate and exact way
calibrate a thermometer

2 : to measure (something) in an exact and precise way
carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine

cal·i·bra·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

cal·i·co noun, pl -coes or -cos

1 [noncount] US : a light, printed cotton cloth

2 [noncount] Brit : a heavy, plain white cotton cloth

3 [count] US : a cat that has white, brown, and black fur called also calico cat

calico adj
a calico dress

cal·i·per (US) or Brit cal·li·per noun, pl -pers

1 [count] : a tool that has two narrow legs which can be adjusted to measure the thickness or width of something
usually plural
a pair of calipers

2 callipers [plural] Brit : metal devices that are worn to support legs that have been weakened by injury or disease
recovered enough to walk without callipers [=(US) braces]

ca·liph or ca·lif noun, pl -liphs or -lifs [count]

: an important Muslim political and religious leader

cal·is·then·ics (chiefly US) or Brit cal·lis·then·ics noun [plural]

: physical exercises that are done without special equipment

The players warmed up for the game by doing calisthenics.

cal·is·then·ic (chiefly US) or Brit cal·lis·then·ic adj
calisthenic exercises

1call verb, calls, called, call·ing

1 a always followed by an adverb or preposition : to speak in a loud voice

[no obj] He called to passersby for help.

She called up to her husband, who was at the top of the stairs.

Her husband called back down to her.

She saw her friends across the street and called over/across to them.

[+ obj] He called her name in his sleep.

see also CALL OUT 1 (BELOW)

1 b [+ obj] : to announce or read (something) in a loud voice
call the roll
call (off) a row of figures

They're calling [=announcing] our flight: it's boarding at gate 57.

see also CALL OUT 1 (BELOW)

1 c [no obj] of a bird or animal : to make the sound that is usual for a particular type of bird or animal

The birds were calling as the sun rose.

2 : to make a telephone call

[no obj] I call once a week to talk to my parents.

Where are you calling from?

May I say who's calling?

Thank you for calling.

Please call back/again later.

She called long-distance.

[+ obj] I try to call my parents at least once a week.

She called me long-distance.

I called the office to get some information.

Please call us back/again later.

Don't call uswe'll call you.

In an emergency you should call [=dial] 911.

Call me when you get back from your vacation.

see also CALL 3B (BELOW), CALL IN 1 (BELOW), CALL UP 1 (BELOW)

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to tell, order, or ask (someone or something) to come

I called the waiter over (to my table) and asked for the check, and then I called him back to order something else.

My dog comes running when he's called.

She was called to court to testify.

He was called to the office for an interview.

soldiers who have been called to active duty

He's not home because he was called away on business.

3 b : to make a telephone call to tell, order, or ask (someone or something) to come

We had to call an ambulance.

He called a taxi but it still hasn't come.

He called a taxi for me. = He called me a taxi.

see also CALL 2 (ABOVE)

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to give a name to (someone or something)

Her parents called [=named] her Katherine after/for her grandmother.

The immigrants settled along the river and called their new town “Brookhaven.”

4 b : to talk to or refer to (someone or something) with a specified name

Her name is Katherine but her friends all call her “Kitty.”

This part of the city is called “The Old Town.”

It's important to call things by their right names.

Human beings belong to a large group of animals called “mammals.”

The other children called him (bad) names. [=the other children spoke to him with cruel and insulting words in place of his name]

see also NAME-CALLING

4 c : to regard or think of (someone or something) in a certain way

Some people say he's a good man, but I call him a fool. [=I consider him to be a fool]

She went out in the rain without an umbrella? I call that pretty foolish.

He's not what you would call a generous man. [=he's not a generous man]

Her sense of humor is what you might call subtle. [=she has a subtle sense of humor]

(You can) Call me foolish if you like, but I still think people are basically good.

It costs 99 cents: let's call it an even dollar for simplicity's sake.

You may not agree with him, but he calls them like he sees them! [=he states his opinion in an open, honest, and direct way]

You did me a favor and I did you a favor, so let's call it even.

5 [+ obj] : to give the order for (something, such as a meeting)

call [=convene] a meeting
call an election

The union has threatened to call a strike against the company.

The chairman called a halt to [=stopped] the discussion.

6 [no obj] : to make a brief visit

He called to pay his respects.

We're planning to call [=stop] at a friend's house on the way home.

see also CALL AT ((BELOW)), CALL FOR 2 (BELOW), CALL IN 2 (BELOW), CALL ON 5 (BELOW)

7 [+ obj] : to say or guess what the result of something will be

Nobody else thought the election would turn out as it did, but he called [=predicted] it exactly right!

You called it! [=you correctly said what would happen]

call the toss of a coin

We flipped a coin; he called heads, and heads it was!

The election is still too close to call. [=the election is too close to say who will win]

8 [+ obj] sports

8 a : to stop or cancel (something, such as a baseball game) because of bad conditions

The game was called on account of rain.

8 b : to make an official ruling or decision about (something, such as a pitched ball or a player's action)

Only the umpire has the right to call balls and strikes.

The pitch was called a strike. [=the umpire said that the pitch was a strike]

The umpire called the runner safe/out.

call a serve in/out

She was called for being offside. [=the official said that she was offside]

8 c American football : to say or decide what kind of play will be used

The quarterback called a running play.

9 poker : to require (a player) to show a hand by making an equal bet

[+ obj] I call you.

[no obj] I call.

call a spade a spade see SPADE

call at [phrasal verb]

call at (a place) of a boat or ship : to stop at (a place) briefly

The ship called at the port.

call down [phrasal verb]

call down (something) or call (something) down literary : to pray or ask God to do something to someone

He called down a blessing/curse on the king. [=he prayed that the king would be blessed/cursed]

call for [phrasal verb]

1 call for (something)

1 a : to say or demand publicly that something is needed or should be done

The opposition has called for an investigation.

The government has called for [=asked for] calm and restraint.

1 b : to indicate that something is needed or should be done

The plan calls for three windows to be added.

You've won! That calls for a celebration! [=we should celebrate because you've won]

1 c : to require or demand (something) as necessary or proper

The job calls for typing skills. [=you must have typing skills to do the job]

Action is urgently called for [=needed] in order to avert catastrophe!

These new problems call for [=require] further investigation.

His rude behavior was not called for. [=his behavior was uncalled-for/inappropriate]

2 call for (someone or something) : to go to a place to get (someone or something)

I'll call for you (at your house) after dinner.

call forth [phrasal verb]

call forth (something) or call (something) forth : to bring (a memory, image, etc.) into the mind

These events call forth [=elicit, evoke] strong feelings.

call in [phrasal verb]

1 a : to make a telephone call to a place (such as the place where you work)

She called in sick yesterday. [=she telephoned the place where she works to say that she was sick and would not be coming to work]

1 b : to make a telephone call to a radio or television program

Thousands of people called in to make a donation.

Many people have called in (to the show) with questions about the new law.

see also CALL-IN

1 c call (something) in or call in (something) : to deliver (something, such as a message) by making a telephone call

He called in an order for pizza.

2 : to go in somewhere to make a visit
often + on

I called in on an old friend [=I visited an old friend] while I was in New York on business.

3 call (something) in or call in (something)

3 a : to say that something that has been given or sent should be returned

The manufacturer has called in all its defective products.

3 b : to demand payment of (a loan)

The bank has called in the loan.

4 call (someone) in or call in (someone) : to ask for the help or services of (someone)

They may have to call in a mediator to settle the strike.

Rescue workers have been called in to help search for survivors.

call into action see ACTION

call into question also US call into doubt

: to make people doubt something

His report calls into question the earlier reports we had. [=his report makes us feel not certain that the earlier reports were true]

This news calls her loyalty into question. [=makes people doubt that she is loyal]

call it a day/night

: to stop an activity (such as work) for the remainder of the day or night

We've done enough work for now: let's call it a day.

It's getting late. I think we should call it a night.

call it quits see QUITS

call off [phrasal verb]

1 call off (something) or call (something) off : to stop doing or planning to do (something)

We had to call off [=cancel] our trip.

The police have decided to call the investigation off. [=to stop the investigation]

2 call off (someone or something) or call (someone or something) off : to cause or tell (a person or animal) to stop attacking, chasing, etc.

The dog was barking and growling at me until its owner called it off.

call on/upon [phrasal verb]

1 call on/upon (someone or something) : to ask (someone or something) to do something : to say that someone or something should do something
followed by to + verb

The opposition has called on/upon the governor to resign. [=the opposition has said that the governor should resign]

You may be called upon to do several jobs.

Universities are called upon to produce trained professionals. [=it is the job of universities to produce trained professionals]

2 call on/upon (someone) : to ask for help from (someone)

Is there anyone you can call on in an emergency?

3 call on/upon (something) : to use (something, such as a talent or skill)

She had to call on/upon all her reserves of strength and skill to meet the challenge.

4 call on (someone) : to ask for a response from (someone, such as a student)

I was hoping the teacher wouldn't call on me, because I didn't know the answer.

5 call on (someone) : to make a brief visit to (someone)

I'm planning to call on an old friend after I leave here.

6 call (someone) on (something) US, informal : to directly criticize (someone) for (something, such as bad behavior)

He's incredibly rude, but no one ever calls him on it. [=no one ever tells him that he should stop being so rude]

call out [phrasal verb]

1 call out or call (something) out or call out (something) : to speak in a loud voice

He called out to passersby for help.

He called out in his sleep.

: to say (something) in a loud voice

He called out her name in his sleep.

He called out a cry for help.

: to announce or read (something) in a loud voice
call out a number

2 call out (someone) or call (someone) out

2 a : to order or tell (a group of people, such as soldiers) to come or go somewhere

The governor has called out troops to help control the riot.

Emergency workers were called out to help with efforts to control the flood.

2 b : to order or tell (workers) to go on strike

Factory workers are expected to be called out on strike if a new contract isn't signed by tomorrow.

call (someone) on the carpet see 1CARPET

call (something) to order see 1ORDER

call the shots see 1SHOT

call the tune see 1TUNE

call time see 1TIME

call to account see 1ACCOUNT

call to mind see 1MIND

call up [phrasal verb]

1 call (someone) up or call up (someone) chiefly US : to make a telephone call to (someone)

I haven't spoken to her in years, but I called her up last night and we talked for hours.

Call me up when you get back from your vacation.

I called up my doctor and made an appointment.

2 call (something) up or call up (something)

2 a : to bring (something, such as a memory) into the mind

The sound of the ocean called up [=brought back] memories of my childhood.

2 b : to bring (strength, courage, etc.) from within yourself

He will have to call up all his reserves of strength to meet this challenge.

2 c : to get (something) from the memory of a computer and show it on the screen
call up an old document for revision

3 call (someone) up or call up (someone)

3 a : to order or tell (someone) to come or appear

The prisoner was called up before a magistrate.

3 b : to bring (an athlete) to a higher league
a minor-league player who is being called up to the major leagues

3 c : to order (soldiers) to come for active military duty
call up the reserves
see also CALL-UP

call your bluff see 2BLUFF

2call noun, pl calls

1 [count] : an act of using the telephone : an act of calling someone on the telephone
a phone/telephone call

A local call costs less than a long-distance or an international call.

If there are any calls for me during the meeting, say that I'll call back later.

I got a call from my brother last night.

incoming/outgoing calls

“There's someone on the phone for you, sir.” “Tell them I can't take their call now [=I can't speak to them on the phone now] but I'll return their call [=I'll call them back] as soon as I can.”

Give me a call when you get back from your trip. [=call me when you get back]

see also TOLL CALL, TRUNK CALL, WAKE-UP CALL

2 [count]

2 a : an act of calling with the voice : a loud cry or shout

He gave a call to passersby for help.

2 b : the sound made by an animal or bird

We heard a bird that had a very loud and unusual call.

2 c : an imitation of the sound made by a bird or animal

He's an expert at doing bird calls.

2 d : a device that is used to imitate the sound made by a bird

He has a large collection of duck calls.

2 e : a loud sound or signal made with a musical instrument
a bugle call
the call of a trumpet

3 a [count] : a public request or statement that asks or tells people to do something

The government has issued a call to its supporters to defend it and hopes they will answer/heed its call.

issue a call = put out a call

The campaigners renewed their calls for reform.

Their calls have gone unheeded.

The political party has issued a call to action.

see also CLARION CALL, CURTAIN CALL, call to arms at 2ARM

3 b : a request for something

[count] We get many calls for Christmas stories.

[noncount] There's not much call for ice cream at this time of year. [=not many people want ice cream at this time of year]

There is very little call for his services during the summer.

3 c [noncount] : a reason for doing something
used in negative statements to criticize someone's behavior

There was no call for your rudeness. = There was no call for you to behave so rudely. [=you were wrong to behave so rudely; your rudeness was uncalled-for]

4 [count] : a brief visit

I made/paid a brief social call on an old friend. = I paid an old friend a brief social call.

The ship made a call at Newport [=the ship stopped briefly at Newport] before proceeding to New Orleans.

The doctor was on a call when her patient came to the office.

see also HOUSE CALL, PORT OF CALL

5 [count] : something that is called or announced

I flipped a coin, and the call was heads.

especially : an announcement telling passengers to get on a plane, train, etc., that will be leaving soon

This is the last call for Flight 139, now boarding at Gate 57. = This is the last call for passengers to board Flight 139 at Gate 57.

see also LAST CALL

6 [count]

6 a : a decision made by an official in a sports contest

The runner was called out at home plate, and the manager came out to argue about the call.

6 b chiefly US : a decision

“Should we stay or go?” “I don't know. It's a tough call (to make).”

I'll let you make the call.

“How should we deal with this problem?” “I don't know: it's your call.” [=you can decide how we should deal with this problem]

see also CLOSE CALL, JUDGMENT CALL

7 [singular] : the appeal or attraction of something that makes a person want to go somewhere
sailors who cannot resist the call of the open ocean

He heard the call of the wild. [=he felt the desire to go out to wild places far away from most people]

see also CALL OF NATURE

8 [count] : something that requires a person's attention or effort

+ on

There are many calls [=demands] on the time of a busy housewife. [=there are many things that a busy housewife must spend time doing]

at someone's beck and call see 1BECK

on call

: available to be called when needed : ready to come when needed
a doctor who is on call throughout the day

call·back noun, pl -backs [count]

1 : a return telephone call

She got constant callbacks from the salesman even after she asked him to stop calling.

2 : an official request or order for someone or something to return: such as

2 a : a call for employees to come back to work

With the latest callback, the factory will employ 30,000 workers.

2 b : a request to a worker to come back and fix problems

If he used better materials, he wouldn't have so many callbacks.

call box noun, pl boxes [count]

1 US : a telephone that is located on the side of a road and that is used for reporting emergencies

2 Brit : a public telephone booth

call·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who calls: such as
a : a person who makes a telephone call

The police have received information from an anonymous caller.

b : a person who comes to visit someone

She's had several callers at her house in the past few days.

caller display noun [noncount]

Brit : caller id

caller ID noun [noncount]

: a service that allows you to see who is calling before you answer a telephone call
a phone system with caller ID
called also (Brit) caller display

call forwarding noun [noncount]

: a service that allows you to have a telephone call sent to a different number

call girl noun, pl girls [count]

: a prostitute who arranges to meet with men who call her on the telephone

cal·lig·ra·phy noun [noncount]

: the art of making beautiful handwriting

Arabic calligraphy

cal·lig·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

call-in noun, pl -ins [count]

US : a radio or television show in which telephone calls from members of the audience are included as part of the broadcast
usually used before another noun
a call-in radio show

; called also (chiefly Brit) phone-in see also call in 1b at 1CALL

call·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : a strong desire to spend your life doing a certain kind of work (such as religious work)

He had always felt a calling to help others.

He experienced a calling to enter the priesthood.

For Mary, teaching wasn't a job, it was a calling. [=vocation]

2 : the work that a person does or should be doing

She discovered architecture as her true calling [=vocation] while in college.

He feels he missed his calling [=did not have the career he should have] by not becoming a doctor.

calling card noun, pl cards [count]

US

1 : a plastic card that allows a person to charge telephone calls to an account called also phone card

2 old-fashioned : a small card presented when making a formal visit to someone that has the name and sometimes the address of the visitor
often used figuratively to describe something that identifies a particular person or group

The young actor's bright smile is his calling card.

; called also (Brit) visiting card

call letters noun [plural]

: call sign

call number noun, pl -bers [count]

: a combination of numbers and letters that is used to show where a book is located in a library

call of nature noun

the call of nature
humorous : the need to use a toilet

He had to leave suddenly to answer/obey the call of nature.

cal·lous adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : not feeling or showing any concern about the problems or suffering of other people
a selfish and callous young man
a callous refusal to help the poor
a very callous remark

cal·lous·ly adv

Some of us were treated callously.

cal·lous·ness noun [noncount]

callousness toward the poor

cal·loused adj [more ; most ]

: having hard and thick skin : having calluses
calloused hands/feet

cal·low adj, cal·low·er, -est [also more ; most ]

often disapproving
used to describe a young person who does not have much experience and does not know how to behave the way adults behave
a callow [=immature] youth
training callow [=inexperienced] recruits for the army

cal·low·ness noun [noncount]

call sign noun, pl signs [count]

: a combination of letters and numbers that is used to identify someone or something in a radio broadcast

call-up noun, pl -ups

1 [count] sports

1 a : a decision to bring an athlete to play in a higher league
a minor-league baseball player who is hoping for a call-up to the major leagues

1 b : a player who is brought up to a higher league

The pitcher in tonight's game is a recent call-up from the minors.

2 : an order telling someone to report for military service

[count] military call-ups

[noncount] He opposes the call-up of more troops.

often used before another noun

They received their call-up notices.

see also call up at 1CALL

cal·lus noun, pl -lus·es [count]

: a hard and thickened area on the skin and especially on the hands or feet

call waiting noun [noncount]

: a service that makes it possible for someone who is speaking on the telephone to receive another call without ending the first one

Do you have call waiting?

1calm adj, calm·er, -est

1 : not angry, upset, excited, etc.

The teacher asked us to remain/stay calm after the fire alarm went off.

The capital city was calm despite rumors of a possible terrorist attack. [=people in the city behaved in the usual way; there was not a lot of excited or fearful activity in the city]

Let's try to have a calm discussion about your grades.

My brother is always calm, cool, and collected. [=he never gets very upset]

2
used to describe weather that is not windy, stormy, etc.

a calm day

They're predicting calm winds today.

a calm sea [=a sea that has no waves or only very small waves]

calm·ly adv [more ; most ]

The coach calmly told her players what to do next.

calm·ness noun [noncount]

I suddenly had a great feeling of calmness.

2calm noun

1 : a quiet and peaceful state or condition

[noncount] After two days of violent protests, the mayor appealed/pleaded for calm.

The calm was broken by another terrorist bombing.

the calm of a church

Police tried to restore calm after the riot.

[singular] A quiet calm settled over the city.

2 [count] : a peaceful mental or emotional state
usually singular

The coach was able to keep his calm during the game.

Everyone noticed her outward calm at the funeral.

the calm before the storm see 1STORM

3calm verb, calms, calmed, calm·ing

1 : to become or to cause (someone) to become less upset, emotional, excited, etc.

[+ obj] The mayor tried to calm [=quiet, settle] the protesters.

His words were effective in calming her fears.

often + down

The mayor tried to calm down the crowd.

[no obj]

+ down

The mayor asked the protesters to calm down so he could speak.

He needs to calm down enough to tell police about the accident.

2 : to become or to cause (something) to become less active, violent, forceful, etc.

[no obj] The winds calmed overnight.

usually + down

The winds calmed down overnight.

The dispute over the new factory has finally calmed down.

[+ obj] The medicine helped calm her breathing.

often + down

We need to calm the situation down a little.

cal·o·rie noun, pl -ries [count]

: a unit of heat used to indicate the amount of energy that foods will produce in the human body
foods with high/low calories

You should try to eat fewer calories [=eat less food with high calories] and exercise more.

a low-calorie diet

No dessert for meI'm watching/counting my calories. [=being careful not to eat too much]

ca·lo·ric adj [more ; most ]

caloric intake/restriction/values
caloric foods [=foods that contain many calories]

cal·o·rif·ic adj, technical
the calorific content of fat

cal·um·ny noun, pl -nies

[count] formal : an untrue statement that is made to damage someone's reputation

They uttered calumnies against him.

also [noncount] : the act of making such statements

He was the target of calumny for his unpopular beliefs.

calve verb, calves, calved, calv·ing [no obj]

of a cow : to give birth to a calf

The cow calved in the barn.

calves plural of CALF

Cal·vin·ism noun [noncount]

: a Christian set of beliefs that is based on the teachings of John Calvin and that stresses God's power and the moral weakness of human beings

Cal·vin·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

Calvinist adj

Cal·vin·ist·ic adj

ca·lyp·so noun, pl -sos

[noncount] : a lively musical style from the West Indies that usually has humorous lyrics concerning current topics (such as politics); also [count] : a song of this style

cal·zone noun, pl calzone or cal·zones [count]

chiefly US : a food originally from Italy that consists of baked or fried dough folded over and filled with tomato sauce, cheese, etc.

cam noun, pl cams [count]

technical : a part of a machine (such as an engine) that changes circular motion into another type of motion (such as forward motion)

ca·ma·ra·de·rie Brit noun

: a feeling of good friendship among the people in a group

[noncount] There is great camaraderie among the teammates.

[singular] They have developed a real camaraderie after working together for so long.

cam·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

: a slight downward curve from the middle to the sides of a surface (such as a road)

cam·bric noun [noncount]

: a light, thin, white linen or cotton cloth

cam·cord·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small video camera for personal use

came past tense of 1COME

cam·el noun, pl -els [count]

: a large animal of Africa and Asia that has a long neck and one or two large humps on its back and that is often used for desert travel

the straw that breaks the camel's back see STRAW

Cam·em·bert noun [noncount]

: a type of soft yellow cheese from France

cam·eo noun, pl -eos [count]

1 : a small role in a movie, play, etc., that is performed by a well-known actor

He has a brief cameo in the film.

a cameo role

2 : a piece of jewelry that has a carved design shown against a background of a different color

cam·era noun, pl -er·as [count]

: a device that is used for taking photographs or for making movies, television programs, etc.

off camera

: away from a television or movie camera : not on television or in a movie

He is a different person (when he's) off camera.

on camera

: within the range of a television or movie camera : on television or in a movie

He looks very relaxed (when he's) on camera.

His attempt to break into the store was caught on camera. [=a camera recorded his attempt to break into the store]

cam·era·man noun, pl -men [count]

: someone (especially a man) who uses a camera to film something (such as a movie or television show)

cam·era·per·son noun, pl -peo·ple [count]

: a cameraman or camerawoman

cam·era·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who uses a camera to film something (such as a movie or television show)

cam·i·sole noun, pl -soles [count]

: a light piece of clothing for women that is worn on the top part of the body, does not have sleeves, and is often worn alone or under a blouse

camo noun [noncount]

US informal : 1camouflage
often used before another noun
a camo jacket
camo pants

camomile variant spelling of CHAMOMILE

1cam·ou·flage noun

1 [noncount]

1 a : a way of hiding something (such as military equipment) by painting it or covering it with leaves or branches to make it harder to see

The army tanks were painted green and brown for camouflage.

1 b : the green and brown clothing that soldiers and hunters wear to make them harder to see

Troops in full camouflage.

often used before another noun
a camouflage jacket
camouflage pants
camouflage gear

2 : something (such as color or shape) that protects an animal from attack by making the animal difficult to see in the area around it

[singular] The rabbit's white fur acts as a camouflage in the snow.

[noncount] Rabbits use their white fur as camouflage in the snow.

3 : behavior that is meant to hide something or convince another of something that is not true

[singular] Her so-called charity work was a camouflage for her own self-interest.

[noncount] His tough attitude served as camouflage.

2camouflage verb, -flag·es, -flaged, -flag·ing [+ obj]

: to hide (something) by covering it up or making it harder to see

The swimming pool was camouflaged [=hidden] by a hedge.

The makeup camouflages blemishes.

camouflaged soldiers/animals

She camouflaged [=hid] her feelings well.

It was impossible to camouflage the facts.

1camp noun, pl camps

1 a : a place that is usually far away from cities and that has tents, small houses, etc., that people can live in for a short period of time

[count] Fishing camps are located all along the river.

army camps
a refugee camp

[noncount] The soldiers were confined to camp.

The hikers decided to pitch/make camp just before sunset.

They set up camp for the night.

see also BOOT CAMP, CONCENTRATION CAMP, DEATH CAMP, LABOR CAMP, PRISON CAMP

1 b : a town that has been set up so people can live there and work nearby
a logging/mining camp

2 a : a place usually in the mountains or by a lake where young people can do different activities during the summer

[noncount] With the kids away at camp, the house is very quiet.

The children have fond memories of summer camp.

[count] a music camp

There are several day camps [=camps where children spend the day and then return home at the end of the day] in the area.

often used before another noun
a camp counselor/director

2 b : a place where athletes train before the beginning of a season

[count] The sports writer visited a few training camps.

[noncount] Our star pitcher injured his arm in camp this spring.

3 [count] : a group of people who support or believe in certain ideas

There are two proposals to consider, one from each camp.

the Democratic/Republican camp

Even within the conservative camp, there is quite a wide range of opinion.

We are in the same camp. [=we have the same opinions, ideas, etc.]

break camp

: to take down the tents and other parts of a camp in order to leave

The soldiers broke camp at dawn.

compare 3CAMP

2camp verb, camps, camped, camp·ing [no obj]

: to sleep outdoors usually in a tent

The hikers camped by the lake.

camp out [phrasal verb]

1 : to sleep outdoors usually in a tent

We camped out [=camped] under the stars.

Fans camped out [=spent the night outside] in huge numbers to purchase tickets in the morning.

see also CAMPOUT

2 informal

2 a : to live in a place for a short period of time

I camped out at a friend's apartment until I found a place of my own.

2 b US : to stay in a place for a period of time

He camped out in the library for the afternoon.

compare 4CAMP

3camp noun [noncount]

used of art and entertainment when qualities that are normally considered bad (such as excessive emotion and bad acting) are exaggerated so much that they become interesting and funny
movie-goers who appreciate camp

compare 1CAMP

camp adj

We went to see the movie for its camp value.

The performance has become a camp classic.

camp·i·ly adv

The movie was campily outrageous.

camp·i·ness noun [singular]

the campiness of the movie

campy adj, camp·i·er, -est US
a campy comedy/movie

4camp verb, camps, camped, camping

camp it up
informal : to act with exaggerated speech or gestures

He really camped it up on stage.

compare 2CAMP

1cam·paign noun, pl -paigns [count]

1 : a series of activities designed to produce a particular result
an election campaign [=a campaign to win a political election]

a presidential campaign

The group launched/mounted/led a campaign to protect the area from commercial development.

the campaign against drugs
an expensive advertising campaign

The university is organizing a campaign to attract a more diverse student population.

often used before another noun
campaign contributions

She kept/broke her campaign promises.

a campaign slogan

2 : a series of military battles, attacks, etc., designed to produce a particular result in a war
a bombing campaign

2campaign verb, -paigns, -paigned, -paign·ing [no obj]

: to lead or take part in a campaign to support or oppose someone or something or to achieve something

She campaigned to save the town library.

He campaigned hard to get more funding.

a time when women were campaigning for the right to vote

I campaigned for/against her when she ran for governor.

He campaigned for president/governor/mayor. = He campaigned for the presidency/governorship/mayoralty. [=he tried to be elected president/governor/mayor]

cam·paign·er noun, pl -ers [count]

civil rights campaigners

campaigning noun [noncount]

cam·pa·ni·le noun, pl -les [count]

: a tall tower with a bell in it

camp bed noun, pl beds [count]

Brit : cot 1

camp·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who sleeps outdoors, in a tent, or in a simple shelter usually for enjoyment for a short period of time

Rangers warned campers that leaving food outside might attract bears.

A careless camper accidentally started a fire in the woods.

see also HAPPY CAMPER

2 US : a type of vehicle or special trailer that people can live and sleep in when they are traveling or camping called also (Brit) camper van (Brit) caravan

3 : a young person who goes to a camp during the summer to do different activities

camp·fire noun, pl -fires [count]

: a fire that is built outdoors at a camp or picnic area

We gathered around a campfire and shared stories.

Camp Fire girl noun, pl girls [count]

US : a girl who is a member of a national organization for young people from ages 5 to 18

camp follower noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who spends time with or near a group or person in order to gain some advantage
media camp followers
the famous boxer and his camp followers

2 : a person who follows a group of soldiers as they move to different areas and sells goods and services to them

camp·ground noun, pl -grounds [count]

chiefly US : an area or place that is used for camping : a place where people can put up a tent or park a camper and that usually has toilets and showers for campers to use

cam·phor noun [noncount]

: a white substance with a strong smell that is used in medicine and to keep insects away

camping noun [noncount]

: the activity of sleeping outdoors in a tent usually for enjoyment

Camping is one of our favorite things to do.

She likes to go camping on weekends.

camping adj
camping equipment/gear
a camping trip

camp meeting noun, pl -ings [count]

US : a religious meeting that is held outdoors and is often attended by people who camp nearby

camp·out noun, pl -outs [count]

US : an occasion when people go camping together
our annual campout in Vermont
see also camp out at 2CAMP

camp·site noun, pl -sites [count]

1 US : a place where people can put up a tent

The campsite includes a picnic table and a grill for cooking.

2 Brit : campground

cam·pus noun, pl -pus·es

: the area and buildings around a university, college, school, etc.

[count] Visitors crowded the campus on graduation day.

Rallies were held on college/university campuses across the country.

We walked around the campus on our first day.

[noncount] How do you like living on campus? [=in the dormitories/housing provided by the school]

She prefers living off campus. [=she prefers not living in the dormitories/housing provided by the school]

(US, somewhat old-fashioned) The quarterback of the football team is a real big man on campus. [=he is important and well-known]

often used before another noun
campus events/life
campus politics

cam·shaft Brit noun, pl -shafts [count]

technical : a metal shaft or bar to which a cam is attached

1can verb, past tense could , present tense for both singular and plural can, negative can·not Brit or can't Brit [modal verb]

1 : to be able to (do something)

I don't need any help. I can do it myself.

I can't decide what to do.

All we can do [=the only thing we can do] now is wait.

: to know how to (do something)

She can read, can't she?

I can whistle.

: to have the power or skill to (do something)

A weight lifter can lift a very heavy weight.

She can play the piano.

Only Congress can do that.

: to be designed to (do something)

a car that can hold five people [=a car that has enough room for five people]

How fast can [=does, will] the car go?

sometimes used without a following verb

I visit her whenever I can.

I don't know if I'll be able to fix the problem, but I'll do what I can.

Please help us if you can.

2
used to describe what someone sees, feels, thinks, etc.

“Can you see him yet?” “Yes, I can see him clearly.”

I can barely hear you.

Can [=do] you remember/understand how to do it?

3 a
used to say that something is or is not possible

Do you think he can still be alive? [=do you think it is possible that he is still alive?]

I don't think he can still be alive. [=I think he must be dead]

These problems can be dealt with more easily at the local level.

You can't always get what you want in life.

At this time of year many birds can be found on the island. [=there are many birds on the island at this time of year]

If you don't tell me what the problem is, I can't help you.

You can't be very smart [=you aren't very smart] if you believe that!

He was supposed to be here an hour ago. Where can he (possibly) be? [=where is he?]

sometimes used in the emphatic phrase asas can be

I want a cake as big as can be! [=I want the biggest cake possible]

They seemed as happy as can be [=they seemed extremely happy] when I last saw them.

3 b
used in speech to express surprise or disbelief

You must be joking! You can't/cannot (possibly) be serious!

He can't really have meant that. [=I don't believe that he meant that]

You can't (possibly) believe that!

The price is $50? That can't be right. [=that must be wrong]

4 a : to have permission to (do something)

You can do it tomorrow if you like.

“Can I leave now?” “No, you can't.”

You can't leave until you finish washing the dishes.

compare MAY 4

4 b
used in speech to make a request or suggestion

Can [=could] I have another cookie?

Can [=could] you open the window a little more, please?

You can sit here if you like.

If you're not sure what to do, you can always ask for help.

We can leave early if you're feeling tired.

compare MAY 3

5 a
used to say what should or should not be done

You can't leave now! The party is just getting started!

Why can't you be more polite? [=you should be more polite; why aren't you more polite?]

5 b
used in angry speech to tell someone to do something

If you don't like it here, you can just leave!

6 a
used to describe the way a person sometimes behaves

She can be very rude at times. [=she is sometimes very rude]

6 b
used to describe something that sometimes or often happens

In this part of the country the weather can change quickly. [=the weather often changes quickly]

usage

Could is used as the past tense of can to describe an ability that someone had in the past or to say that something was possible in the past.

I could run fast when I was young, but I can't run fast now.

It used to be that you could drive for miles here without seeing another person, but now there are houses and people everywhere.

To describe a specific occurrence in the past, use was/were able to instead of could.

By working long hours, we were able to finish the project on time.

In the future tense, will be able to is used.

If you keep practicing, you'll be able to play the piano someday.

She believes that someday people will be able to vote at home on their computers.

Can can be used to suggest something that might happen in the future.

If we save enough money, we can go to Hawaii for our vacation next year.

no can do
informal + humorous
used in speech to say that you cannot do something that you have been asked or told to do

“Can you give me a ride to work tomorrow?” “Sorryno can do. My car is in the shop.”

compare 3CAN

2can noun, pl cans [count]

1 a : a closed metal container that is usually shaped like a cylinder and that holds food or drink

Open a can [=(Brit) tin] of beans.

a can of tomatoes
a soda/beer can

1 b : the food or drink that is in a can

He ate the whole can of beans.

2 a : a metal or plastic container that has a removable top and that is used for holding liquid, trash, etc.

a can of oil = an oil can
a garbage can
a trash can

2 b : spray can
a can of deodorant

can of worms

: a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems

We thought the project would be simple, but it turned out to be a real can of worms.

Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn't want to open a can of worms.

carry the can

Brit informal : to accept blame or responsibility for something that you did not cause

He made the error, but she was left to carry the can.

Taxpayers will carry the can for the renovations.

in the can
of a film, recording, etc. : completed and ready to be released
a movie that is in the can

the can

US informal

1 : the part of the body that you sit on : buttocks

If you ask me, what he needs is a good kick in the can.

2 a : a room with a toilet : bathroom

He locked himself in the can and wouldn't come out.

2 b : toilet
sitting on the can

3 : a prison or jail

The cops threw him in the can.

can·ful noun, pl -fuls
a canful of beans

3can verb, cans, canned, can·ning [+ obj]

1 chiefly US : to preserve food by putting it in a metal or glass container
a factory where meats are canned [=(Brit) tinned]

canning tomatoes

2 US, informal : to dismiss (someone) from a job

He got canned [=fired, sacked] for being late to work.

3 US, informal : to stop or end (something)

The boss angrily told him to can the jokes. [=to stop making jokes]

Just can it! [=stop talking; shut up]

compare 1CAN see also CANNED

can·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

canning noun [noncount]

The tomatoes are fine for canning.

a canning jar

Can·a·da goose noun, pl geese [count]

: a goose of North America that is mostly gray and brown with a black head and neck

Ca·na·di·an noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person born, raised, or living in Canada see also FRENCH CANADIAN

Canadian adj
the Canadian government
a Canadian accent
a Canadian artist/author/film

Canadian bacon noun [noncount]

US : bacon from the back part of a pig that has little fat and that is cut into round slices

Canadian football noun [noncount]

: a game that is like American football and is played on a field between two teams of 12 players each

ca·nal noun, pl -nals [count]

1 : a long narrow place that is filled with water and was created by people so that boats could pass through it or to supply fields, crops, etc., with water
irrigation canals
the Panama Canal

2 medical : a tube or passageway in the body see also BIRTH CANAL, ROOT CANAL

can·a·pé noun, pl -pés [count]

: a small piece of bread or a cracker that has cheese, meat, fish, etc., on top of it and that is often served at a party
platters of canapés

ca·nard noun, pl -nards [count]

formal : a false report or story : a belief or rumor that is not true

The book repeats some of history's oldest canards.

the widespread canard that every lawyer is dishonest

ca·nary noun, pl -nar·ies [count]

: a small usually yellow or green tropical bird that is often kept in a cage

like the cat that ate the canary see CAT

ca·nas·ta noun [noncount]

: a type of card game that is played with two decks of cards

can·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: a woman's dance of French origin that involves kicking the legs while holding up the front of a full skirt

can·cel verb, -cels, US -celed or Brit -celled, US -cel·ing or Brit -cel·ling

1 : to stop doing or planning to do (something) : to decide that something (such as a game, performance, etc.) will not happen

[+ obj] The event was canceled at the last minute when the speaker didn't show up.

We canceled our dinner reservation.

My flight was canceled because of the storm.

She canceled her appointment with the dentist.

[no obj] I'm sorry, but I have to cancel. Can we meet next week?

2 : to cause (something) to end or no longer produce a certain effect : to stop (something) from being effective or valid

[+ obj] He canceled his insurance policy last month.

We canceled our magazine subscription when we moved.

Please cancel my order.

The bank canceled my credit card.

[no obj] If you subscribe online, you can cancel at any time.

3 [+ obj] : to put a mark with a set of ink lines on something (such as a stamp) so that it cannot be used again
a canceled stamp

cancel out [phrasal verb]

cancel out (something) or cancel (something) out : to reduce the effect of (something) : to be equal to (something) in force or importance but have an opposite effect

The costs cancel out the benefits.

The two arguments cancel each other out.

can·cel·la·tion also US can·cel·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : a decision to stop doing or planning to do something : the act of canceling something (such as a game, performance, etc.)

[count] The storm caused delays and flight cancellations.

[noncount] In case of cancellation, the game will be played at a later date. [=if the game is canceled, it will be rescheduled for later]

2 : the act of causing something to end or no longer produce a certain effect : a decision to stop something from being effective or valid

[noncount] Notice of cancellation should be given 30 days in advance.

There is a fee for cancellation.

[count] Cancellations increased when rates doubled.

often used before another noun
cancellation fees

The contract includes a cancellation clause.

can·cer noun, pl -cers

1 : a serious disease caused by cells that are not normal and that can spread to one or many parts of the body

[noncount] breast/lung cancer

He was diagnosed with cancer.

She learned that she has cancer.

Eating certain foods may help reduce the risk of cancer.

[count] Advanced cancers are more difficult to treat.

often used before another noun
cancer patients
cancer prevention
cancer treatments

2 [count] : something bad or dangerous that causes other bad things to happen
usually singular

Her jealousy was a cancer that slowly destroyed her marriage.

Drugs and violence have become a cancer in the city.

3 Cancer

3 a [noncount] : the fourth sign of the zodiac that comes between Gemini and Leo and has a crab as its symbol

3 b [count] : a person born under the sign of Cancer : a person born between June 22nd and July 22nd

I'm a Taurus, but my best friend is a Cancer.

can·cer·ous adj
a cancerous growth/lump

The tumor is not cancerous.

can·de·la·bra noun, pl -bras [count]

: an object with several branches for holding candles or lights

can·de·la·brum noun, pl -bra also -brums [count]

: candelabra

can·did adj [more ; most ]

1 : expressing opinions and feelings in an honest and sincere way

He was quite candid about his past.

a candid confession
a refreshingly/remarkably candid interview

She gave us her candid opinion on the matter.

2 photography : showing people acting in a natural way because they do not know that they are being photographed
a candid snapshot

can·did·ly adv

He stated his opinion candidly.

She spoke candidly about some of the difficulties she had been experiencing.

can·did·ness noun [noncount]

He responded to the question with surprising candidness. [=(more commonly) candor]

can·di·da·cy noun, pl -cies [count, noncount]

: the position of a person who is trying to be elected : the state of being a candidate

He withdrew his candidacy after the scandal damaged his reputation.

often + for

She is expected to announce her candidacy for president.

can·di·date noun, pl -dates [count]

1 : a person who is trying to be elected
a presidential candidate
the leading Democratic/Republican candidates
often + for
a candidate for governor

2 a : a person who is being considered for a job, position, award, etc.

Candidates can apply in person or send a resume.

often + for

He seemed like an unlikely candidate for the job.

Our son is a candidate for the Player of the Year award.

2 b : a person who meets all the requirements for something
often + for

She is a good candidate for laser surgery. [=she meets all the conditions to have laser surgery]

3 : a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree
a Ph.D. candidate in linguistics

The program has several doctoral candidates.

4 Brit : someone who is taking an exam

Three out of four candidates passed the exam.

can·di·da·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

Brit : candidacy

can·died adj, always used before a noun

: cooked in or covered with sugar
candied fruit/ginger
candied yams

can·dle noun, pl candles [count]

: wax that has been formed into a stick or another shape and has a string in the middle that can be burned

burn the candle at both ends see 1BURN

hold a candle to

: to be on the same level as or as good as (something or someone)

used in negative statements

The new movie doesn't hold a candle to [=it is not as good as] the original version.

not worth the candle
chiefly Brit old-fashioned : not worth the necessary effort, cost, or trouble

The car is so old that replacing the engine is not worth the candle. [=the effort isn't worth the cost]

can·dle·hol·der noun, pl -ders [count]

US : candlestick

can·dle·light noun [noncount]

: the light of a candle

We dined/read by candlelight.

can·dle·lit adj

: lit with the light of candles
a romantic candlelit dinner

Candlelit tables [=tables with lit candles] created a warm atmosphere.

can·dle·stick noun, pl -sticks [count]

: an object with a small hole in the middle for holding a candle
a pair of candlesticks

can-do adj, always used before a noun
informal : having or showing an ability to do difficult things

I admire her for her energy and can-do attitude.

can-do spirit

can·dor (US) or Brit can·dour noun [noncount]

: the quality of being open, sincere, and honest

She spoke with candor about racism.

I was impressed by the candor of his statement.

can·dy noun, pl -dies

US : a sweet food made with sugar or chocolate

[noncount] a box/bowl/piece of candy

The children are fond of candy. [=(Brit) sweets]

The cough syrup tastes like candy.

[count] chewy candies
often used before another noun
a candy bar

see also COTTON CANDY, ROCK CANDY

candy apple noun, pl apples [count]

US : an apple that is covered with a sugary mixture that becomes hard

candy cane noun, pl canes [count]

US : a stick of hard red and white candy with a curve at the top

candy floss noun [noncount]

Brit : cotton candy

candy-striped adj

: having a pattern of colored stripes and white stripes that look like the stripes on some sticks of candy
a candy-striped shirt

candy strip·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a usually female teenage volunteer who works at a hospital

The word comes from the candy striper's striped uniform, which looks like the stripes on some sticks of candy. Candy stripers are not as common in hospitals today as they once were, and they are less likely to wear the striped uniform.

1cane noun, pl canes

1 [count] : a short stick that often has a curved handle and is used to help someone to walk
a wooden cane

2 the cane : a form of punishment in which a person is hit with a cane or stick

In the past, some teachers would resort to the cane when students misbehaved.

3 [noncount] : the hard hollow stem of a plant (such as bamboo or reed) that is used to make furniture and baskets

The chair seat is made of cane.

woven strips of cane

4 [count] : sugarcane

2cane verb, canes, caned, can·ing [+ obj]

: to hit (someone) with a cane or stick as a form of punishment

In the past, some teachers would cane students who misbehaved.

cane sugar noun [noncount]

: sugar from sugarcane

1ca·nine adj

: of or relating to dogs
canine behavior
canine loyalty
the police department's canine unit [=the part of a police department that has dogs that are trained for various purposes]

a canine companion [=a dog that is kept as a pet]

2canine noun, pl -nines [count]

1 formal : a dog
poodles and other canines

2 : a pointed tooth called also canine tooth

can·is·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a container with a lid that is used for keeping dry products
a flour/sugar/tea canister

2 : a plastic or metal container that is used for keeping a roll of film
a film canister

3 : a metal case that contains gas or chemical substances and that bursts when it is fired from a gun
tear gas canisters

can·ker noun, pl -kers [count]

1 : something that causes bad things to happen
usually singular

Poverty is the canker of this neighborhood.

2 : any of various plant diseases

canker sore noun, pl sores [count]

US : a small painful sore inside the mouth called also mouth ulcer

can·na·bis noun [noncount]

: a drug (such as marijuana or hashish) that comes from the hemp plant and is smoked illegally

canned adj

1 : preserved in a metal or glass container
canned [=(Brit) tinned] goods
canned food
canned soup
canned tomatoes
canned tuna
canned beans

2 a : prepared or recorded at an earlier time for use in television, radio, etc.

canned laughter

2 b US : not original or special
a canned speech

The salesperson kept using the same canned phrases.

can·nel·lo·ni noun [noncount]

: tubes of pasta that are filled with meat, fish, cheese, or vegetables and baked in a sauce

can·nery noun, pl -ner·ies [count]

: a factory where food is put into cans

can·ni·bal noun, pl -bals [count]

: a person who eats the flesh of human beings or an animal that eats its own kind

can·ni·bal·ism noun [noncount]

can·ni·bal·is·tic adj

can·ni·bal·ize also Brit can·ni·bal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to remove parts from a machine, car, etc., to repair or build another one

He cannibalized one washing machine to fix another.

Many parts of the engine were cannibalized from older cars.

can·no·li noun, pl cannoli or can·no·lis [count]

: a type of pastry filled with sweetened cheese

1can·non noun, pl can·nons or cannon [count]

1 : a large gun that shoots heavy metal or stone balls and that was once a common military weapon see also CANNON FODDER, LOOSE CANNON

2 : a large automatic gun that is shot from an aircraft

2cannon verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, -nons, -noned, -non·ing [no obj]

Brit : to suddenly and forcefully hit or move into or against someone or something

The ball cannoned off the goalpost and into the net.

can·non·ade noun, pl -ades [count]

: an attack with cannons that continues for a long time

The French directed a cannonade at the British for three hours.

can·non·ball noun, pl -balls [count]

: a heavy metal or stone ball that is shot from a cannon

cannon fodder noun [noncount]

: soldiers who are sent into battle even though it is likely that they will die

The poorly trained forces are little more than cannon fodder.

sometimes used figuratively

The tabloids have been using her love life as cannon fodder for years.

can·not Brit

used as the negative form of can

We cannot [=can't] allow that to happen.

I cannot [=can't] believe that he would do such a thing.

usage

In speech, can't is much more common than cannot. In formal writing, cannot is much more common than can't.

can·ny adj, can·ni·er, -est

: very clever and able to make intelligent decisions : shrewd
a canny lawyer
canny investors/investments

can·ni·ly adv

can·ni·ness noun [noncount]

1ca·noe noun, pl -noes [count]

: a long narrow boat that is pointed at both ends and that is moved by a paddle with one blade

2canoe verb, -noes, -noed, -noe·ing

: to go or travel in a canoe

[no obj] He canoed down the river to the camp.

[+ obj] They canoed part of the Colorado River this summer.

canoeing noun [noncount]

In the summers we like to swim and go canoeing.

ca·noe·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

an experienced canoeist

canoer noun, pl -ers [count] US
an experienced canoer

ca·no·la oil noun [noncount]

chiefly US + Canada : a type of oil that is obtained from the seeds of a plant (called the rape plant) and used for cooking

1can·on noun, pl -ons [count]

1 formal : an accepted rule or guide about how people should behave or about how something should be done

Anyone who violates every canon of decency as she has done should be dismissed immediately.

the canons of good taste

By the canons of science, the experiment was not valid.

2 a : a group of books, poems, plays, etc., that are traditionally considered to be very important
the canon of American literature = the American literary canon

She argues that the canon excludes too many women and minority writers.

2 b : the group of books, poems, plays, etc., that a particular author is known to have written
the small canon of Alcott novels

2 c : a list of books that are considered to be part of a religion's official text
writings that are outside the Jewish canon

3 : a piece of music in which the same melody is started at different times by each of the different groups of voices or instruments
compare 2CANON

2canon noun, pl -ons [count]

: a Christian priest who works in a cathedral
compare 1CANON

ca·non·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

1 : connected with or allowed by the laws of the Christian church
canonical procedures

2 a : of or relating to the books that are considered to be part of a religion's official text
canonical scriptures
the Jewish canonical texts

2 b : of or relating to the group of books, plays, poems, etc., that are traditionally considered to be very important
canonical literature

ca·non·i·cal·ly adv

can·on·ize also Brit can·on·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

in the Roman Catholic Church : to officially give a dead person a special status as someone very holy : to declare (someone) to be a saint

She died 100 years ago and was canonized in Rome last year.

can·on·i·za·tion also Brit can·on·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

a saint's canonization

canon law noun [noncount]

: the laws of a religion
a marriage valid under Catholic canon law

ca·noo·dle verb, -noo·dles, -noo·dled, -noo·dling [no obj]

informal + old-fashioned : to hug and kiss another person in a sexual way

Two lovers were canoodling on a park bench.

can opener noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US : a device that is used in the kitchen to open cans of food

can·o·py noun, pl -pies [count]

1 : a piece of cloth that hangs over a bed, throne, etc., as a decoration or shelter

A canopy hung over the altar.

a canopy bed [=a bed that has a piece of cloth above it like a roof]

2 a : something that hangs or spreads out over an area

A crowd had gathered under the theater canopy. [=the part of the theater building that extends over the sidewalk]

sometimes used figuratively
the canopy of the sky

2 b : the highest layer of branches in a forest or on a tree
the jungle's thick canopy

3 : a clear section that covers the part where the pilot sits in some airplanes

can·o·pied adj
a canopied bed/throne
a canopied forest

1cant noun [noncount]

: words that are supposed to sound like serious statements about important issues (such as religion or morality) but that are not honest or sincere

I think the people are sick of hypocrisy and cant from their leaders.

2cant verb, cants, cant·ed, cant·ing

: to lean : to be positioned at an angle

[no obj] The legs cant slightly to increase the chair's stability.

[+ obj]

usually used as (be) canted

The legs of the chair are canted slightly to increase stability.

the chair's slightly canted legs

can't Brit

used as a contraction of cannot

I can't do it.

usage see cannot

can·ta·loupe also can·ta·loup Brit noun, pl -loupes also -loups [count, noncount]

: a type of large fruit (called a melon) that has a hard, rough skin and orange flesh

can·tan·ker·ous adj [more ; most ]

: often angry and annoyed
a cantankerous [=cranky] old man

can·ta·ta noun, pl -tas [count]

: a piece of music for singers and instruments that usually has several parts (called movements) and often has a religious subject

can·teen noun, pl -teens [count]

1 : a store in a camp, school, etc., in which food, drinks, and small supplies are sold

2 a chiefly US : a place where drinks and entertainment are provided for soldiers at a military base or camp

2 b chiefly Brit : a place where food is served in a factory, school, etc.

the school canteen [=(US) cafeteria]

3 : a small container for carrying water or other liquids
a hiker's canteen

4 Brit : a box for storing knives, forks, spoons, etc.

1can·ter noun, pl -ters

1 [singular] : the way a horse moves when it is running fairly fast

He set off at a canter towards the stable.

2 [count] : a ride or run at a canter
usually singular
a canter through the fields

compare 1GALLOP, 2TROT

2canter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

1 of a horse : to run fairly fast : to run at a canter

The horses cantered across the grass.

2 : to ride on a horse that is running fairly fast : to ride a horse at a canter

We cantered off toward the lake.

can·ti·cle noun, pl -ti·cles [count]

: a song that has words from the Bible and that is used in Christian church services

1can·ti·le·ver noun, pl -vers [count]

: a long piece of wood, metal, etc., that sticks out from a wall or other structure to support something above it (such as a balcony or bridge)

The porch is supported by steel cantilevers.

a cantilever bridge [=a bridge that uses cantilevers to support the main part]

2cantilever verb, -vers, vered, ver·ing

1 [+ obj] : to support (something) with a cantilever
usually used as (be) cantilevered
cantilevered beams/floors

2 [no obj] of a structure : to extend out over an area

The balcony cantilevers over the terrace below.

can·to noun, pl can·tos [count]

: a major section of a long poem
the first canto of Dante's “Inferno”

can·ton noun, pl -tons [count]

: one of the sections into which some countries (such as Switzerland) are divided

can·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who sings and leads people in prayer in a Jewish religious service

2 : a person who leads a group of singers in a church

Ca·nuck noun, pl -nucks [count]

informal : a person born, raised, or living in Canada : a Canadian

can·vas noun, pl -vas·es

1 : a strong, rough cloth that is used to make bags, tents, sails, etc.

[noncount] a tent made of canvas
a canvas chair/bag
canvas shoes

[count] Use a canvas to cover the boat.

2 [count]

2 a : a specially prepared piece of cloth on which a picture can be painted by an artist
a fresh/blank canvas

2 b : a painting made on a piece of cloth

The museum has several canvases by Rubens.

under canvas
chiefly Brit : in a tent
a night under canvas [=a night sleeping in a tent]

can·vass verb, -vass·es, -vassed, -vass·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to ask (the people in an area) what they think about a candidate, project, idea, etc.

A team of volunteers is canvassing the city for the Republican Party.

We go to every house to canvass voters.

1 b : to talk to the people in an area in order to get them to support a candidate, project, idea, etc.

[no obj] She is canvassing for one of the presidential candidates this year.

[+ obj] The group has been canvassing neighborhoods to ask people to vote for him.

2 [+ obj] somewhat formal : to look at or consider (something) carefully

The company canvassed several sites for a new factory.

can·vass·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a paid canvasser for a senate candidate

can·yon noun, pl -yons [count]

: a deep valley with steep rock sides and often a stream or river flowing through it
the Grand Canyon

1cap noun, pl caps [count]

1 a : a small, soft hat that often has a hard curved part (called a visor) that extends out over your eyes
a Harvard University cap [=a cap that has the name or symbol of Harvard University on it]

a knit/knitted cap
his wool/tweed cap
see also BASEBALL CAP

1 b : a covering for a person's head that is worn for a special purpose
a shower/bathing cap [=a head covering that people wear to keep their hair dry when they are showering/swimming]

see also THINKING CAP

1 c : a hat that people with particular jobs wear while working
a painter's cap
a surgeon's cap, gown, and gloves

2 : a part or object that covers the end or top of something
a bottle cap
a lens cap
a pill bottle with a childproof cap

Put the cap back on the marker when you are done using it.

3 : a part that forms the top of something
a bird with a black cap [=a black section of feathers on the top of its head]

a mushroom cap [=the top part of a mushroom]

4 : a limit on the amount of money that can be spent, given, charged, etc., for something
a spending cap
a cap on political donations
a cap on doctor's fees

5 : a paper or metal container that holds an explosive substance
a blasting cap

6 informal : a capital letter
usually plural
e-mails written in all caps

She signed the letter with her name in caps: KIM.

7 : a hard substance that is shaped to look like a healthy tooth and used to cover a damaged tooth

8 Brit, sports

8 a : an opportunity to play for your school or country

He won his first cap against Columbia when he was 22.

8 b : a player chosen to play for a country's team

9 Brit : diaphragm 3

a feather in your cap see 1FEATHER

cap in hand see 1HAND

if the cap fits or if the cap fits, wear it

Brit
used to say that something said about a person is true and the person should accept it as true

They may not like being called careless, but if the cap fits, wear it. [=(US) if the shoe fits, wear it]

tip your cap see 1TIP

2cap verb, caps, capped, cap·ping [+ obj]

1 : to cover the top or end of (something)

a pipe capped at one end
a mountain capped with snow = a snow-capped mountain

: to put a cap on (something)

Be sure to cap the pen/marker when you are done using it.

2 a : to end (something) in usually an exciting or impressive way

The report caps a ten-year study of lung cancer among nonsmokers.

often + off in U.S. English

The band capped off the show with an extended version of their classic hit.

The victory caps off the career of a coach who's brought her team to the championships five times.

2 b : to follow (something) with something that is better, worse, etc.

a concert capped by a fantastic fireworks display

The car was filthy when he returned it to me, and to cap it off [=to top it off], there was almost no fuel left in the tank.

3 a : to prevent (something) from increasing : to put an upper limit on (something)

If the teams don't cap player salaries, the league won't survive.

capping interest rates

The law would cap legal immigration.

3 b Brit : to put a limit on the amount of money that can be spent by (a group)

The government wants to cap councils that spend too much.

4 : to cover (a tooth) with a hard material that is shaped to look like a healthy tooth : to put a cap on (a tooth)

He had two of his teeth capped.

5 Brit, sports : to choose (someone) to play for a national team
usually used as (be) capped

He was first capped for Ireland at age 22.

ca·pa·bil·i·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

: the ability to do something

The device has the capability of recording two television channels at once.

That kind of job is beyond my capability. [=it is too difficult for me]

The company doesn't have any manufacturing capability. [=capacity]

The country's military capability is unclear. [=the country's ability to fight a war is unclear]

The country does not have nuclear capability. [=does not have nuclear weapons]

often plural

Students are expected to participate in sports according to their capabilities. [=abilities]

a computer program's search capabilities
a cell phone with video game and Internet capabilities

ca·pa·ble adj

1 : able to do something : having the qualities or abilities that are needed to do something

+ of
a new train capable of (reaching) very high speeds

Many new cell phones are capable of connecting to the Internet.

He is not capable of making those medical decisions himself. [=he cannot make the decisions by himself because he cannot think clearly, he is too sick, etc.]

I don't believe that she's capable of murder. [=that she is the kind of person who could murder someone]

a storm capable of (causing) widespread destruction

2 [more ; most ] : skilled at doing something : able to do something well

She is one of the most capable [=skilled] and versatile actresses in Hollywood.

a capable student
a very capable pilot

Something that is in capable hands is being done or dealt with by someone who has the skill and knowledge to do it well.

I will leave the store in your capable hands while I am gone.

ca·pa·bly adv

He was assisted capably by one of the other students.

ca·pa·cious adj [more ; most ]

formal : able to hold or contain a lot : large in capacity
the museum's capacious [=spacious] rooms

The van is capacious [=roomy] enough to hold eight passengers easily.

ca·pa·cious·ness noun [noncount]

ca·pac·i·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

technical : a device that is used to store electrical energy

ca·pac·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 a [count] : the ability to hold or contain people or things
usually singular

The restaurant has a large seating capacity. [=many people can sit in the restaurant; it has many seats]

What is the hard drive's storage capacity?

1 b : the largest amount or number that can be held or contained

[count] The nightclub has a 1,000-person capacity.

a bottle with a capacity of two liters

[noncount] The prison has reached capacity. [=the prison is full]

The auditorium was filled to capacity. [=was completely full]

2 : the ability to do something : a mental, emotional, or physical ability

[noncount] Some species of birds do not have the capacity [=ability] to fly.

Does he have the capacity to handle this job?

The disease causes a deterioration of breathing capacity.

[count] the machine's computational capacities [=capabilities]

usually singular
a character with a great capacity for love [=a character who is able to love people very deeply]

3 [count] : a usually official position or job : role

He was acting in his capacity as judge.

She's worked for the company in various capacities over the years. [=she has had various jobs at the company]

serving in a supervisory capacity

4 [noncount] : the amount of something that can be produced or managed by a factory, company, etc.

a plan to double the factory's capacity

We can't hire more people because we lack the training capacity.

the nation's oil refining capacity
also : the largest amount that a factory, company, etc., can produce or manage

The factory is currently running at three-quarter capacity. [=the factory is producing three quarters of what it can produce]

The airport is not expected to reach capacity [=the highest number of planes it can deal with] for several years.

1cape noun, pl capes [count]

1 : a large area of land that sticks out into a sea, bay, etc.

often used in proper names
the Cape of Good Hope

Cape Cod

2 US : a small house that has one or one-and-a-half levels and a steep roof called also Cape Cod cottage
compare 2CAPE

2cape noun, pl capes [count]

: a piece of clothing that does not have sleeves and that fits closely at the neck and hangs over the shoulders, arms, and back : a short cloak
a superhero's mask and cape

compare 1CAPE

caped adj
a caped superhero

1ca·per noun, pl -pers [count]

1 informal : an illegal or improper activity that is usually seen as amusing or not very serious

She has a long record of small-time capers [=crimes] that include everything from shoplifting to fraud.

a jewelry caper [=theft, heist]

2 : an amusing movie, story, etc., about tricks or crimes
a crazy caper about a bank robbery that goes wrong

3 : a lively jump or dance

He was so happy, he cut a caper [=did a short dance] on the steps of Town Hall.

compare 2CAPER

2caper noun, pl -pers [count]

: a small flower bud that comes from a kind of bush and that is preserved in vinegar and used to flavor food
a pasta salad made with artichokes, olives, and capers

compare 1CAPER

3caper verb, -pers, -pered, -per·ing [no obj]

: to jump around in a lively way
a young goat capering in its pen

cap·il·lary Brit noun, pl -lar·ies [count]

: one of the many very small tubes that carry blood within the body : the smallest kind of blood vessel

capita see PER CAPITA

1cap·i·tal adj

1 of a letter : in the form A, B, C, etc., rather than a, b, c : uppercase
capital letters
a capital D

His handwritten capital S's look a lot like lowercase/small s's.

sometimes used informally to give emphasis to a description

He is conservative with a capital C! [=he is very conservative]

The sauce is spicy with a capital S. [=it is very spicy]

2 : having the main offices of a government
the state's capital city

3 of a crime : having death as a possible punishment

Homicide that occurs during the course of an attempted kidnapping is a capital crime in some states.

capital murder/rape charges
see also CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

4 chiefly Brit, old-fashioned : excellent
a capital idea

2capital noun, pl -tals

1 [noncount]

1 a : money, property, etc., that is used to start or operate a business

Does he have the capital to start a new business?

see also VENTURE CAPITAL

1 b : the money, property, etc., that a person or business owns
capital accumulation = the accumulation of capital

Like most homeowners, her house is her biggest capital asset.

sometimes used figuratively

The governor wasted his political capital on an unpopular issue.

She's been accused of trying to make capital out of the tragedy. [=of trying to use the tragedy to her advantage; of trying to benefit from the tragedy]

see also CAPITAL GAINS, CAPITAL GOODS, WORKING CAPITAL

2 [count] : a letter in the form A, B, C, etc. : a capital letter

3 [count]

3 a : a city in which the main offices of a government are located : a capital city
the state/provincial capital

Austin is the capital of Texas.

Beijing is China's capital.

3 b : the most important city for an activity or product

New York City is the media capital of the United States.

This town is the region's cultural capital.

Do not confuse capital with capitol.

capital gains noun [plural]

: money that you get by selling property at a higher price than the price that you paid to buy it

Stock sales resulted in millions of dollars in capital gains for the company.

the capital gains tax

capital goods noun [plural]

business : products (such as factory equipment and tools) that are used to make other products compare CONSUMER GOODS

capital-intensive adj [more ; most ]

business : requiring the payment or investment of a very large amount of money
a capital-intensive industry

The airport expansion is a very capital-intensive project.

compare LABOR-INTENSIVE

cap·i·tal·ism noun [noncount]

: a way of organizing an economy so that the things that are used to make and transport products (such as land, oil, factories, ships, etc.) are owned by individual people and companies rather than by the government compare COMMUNISM, SOCIALISM

1cap·i·tal·ist also cap·i·tal·is·tic adj

: of or relating to capitalism
a capitalist society
capitalist values
capitalist ideology

: using capitalism as an economic system
the world's capitalist nations

2capitalist noun, pl -ists [count]

1 : a person who has a lot of money, property, etc., and who uses those things to produce more money
a wealthy capitalist

2 : a person who believes that capitalism is the best kind of economic system

cap·i·tal·ize also Brit cap·i·tal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to use a capital letter to write, print, or type (a letter of the alphabet)

Remember to capitalize the I in Internet.

1 b : to begin (a word or name) with a capital letter

Capitalize the first word of your sentence.

She rarely capitalizes her name when she signs her e-mails.

2 a : to provide the money that is needed to start or develop (a business)

They're seeking investors (in order) to capitalize the business.

The venture was capitalized with a loan of one million dollars.

2 b : to sell (something valuable, such as property or stock) in order to get money : to convert (something) into capital

You can capitalize your investment at any time.

capitalize on [phrasal verb]

capitalize on (something) : to use (something, such as an event or situation) in a way that helps you : to get an advantage from (something)

They were able to capitalize on [=take advantage of] our mistakes.

She capitalized on her new fame by writing a book.

cap·i·tal·i·za·tion also Brit cap·i·tal·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

Please check your spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. [=use of capital letters]

capital punishment noun [noncount]

: punishment by death : the practice of killing people as punishment for serious crimes
an opponent of capital punishment

cap·i·tol noun, pl -tols

1 [count] : the building in which the people who make the laws of a U.S. state meet
the dome of the state capitol

2 the Capitol : the building in which the U.S. Congress meets in Washington, D.C.

Do not confuse capitol with capital.

Capitol Hill noun [singular]

: the group of people who make the federal laws in the United States : the U.S. Congress

The organization is lobbying Capital Hill to increase funding for AIDS research.

The U.S. Congress is called Capitol Hill because that is the name of the area in Washington, D.C., where the Capitol building is located.

an apartment near/on Capitol Hill

ca·pit·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [no obj]

formal

1 : to stop fighting an enemy or opponent : to admit that an enemy or opponent has won : surrender

The country still refuses to capitulate despite its weakening army and dwindling resources.

2 : to stop trying to fight or resist something : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing

The teacher refused to capitulate: no calculators were to be used during the exam.

often + to

The company capitulated [=gave in] to the labor union to avoid a strike.

Officials eventually capitulated to the protesters' demands.

ca·pit·u·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ca·pon noun, pl -pons [count]

: a male chicken whose sex organs have been removed

cap·puc·cino noun, pl -nos

: a drink of strong coffee (called espresso) that has a bubbly layer of hot milk on top

[noncount] She loves cappuccino.

[count] We stopped for dessert and cappuccinos.

ca·price noun, pl -pric·es

: a sudden change

[count] the caprices of the weather

especially : a sudden change in someone's mood or behavior

[count] Employees have complained of being at the mercy of the manager's every whim and caprice.

[noncount] policy changes that seem to be motivated by nothing more than caprice

ca·pri·cious adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : changing often and quickly
capricious weather/winds
especially : often changing suddenly in mood or behavior
employees who are at the mercy of a capricious manager

2 : not logical or reasonable : based on an idea, desire, etc., that is not possible to predict

The court ruled that the punishment was arbitrary and capricious.

ca·pri·cious·ly adv
a manager who acts capriciously

ca·pri·cious·ness noun [noncount]

Cap·ri·corn noun, pl -corns

1 [noncount] : the 10th sign of the zodiac : the sign of the zodiac that comes between Sagittarius and Aquarius and that has a goat as its symbol

2 [count] : a person born under the sign of Capricorn : a person born between December 22 and January 19

I'm a Capricorn. What are you?

ca·pri pants noun [plural]

: close-fitting women's pants that end above the ankle called also capris

cap·size verb, -siz·es, -sized, -siz·ing
of a boat : to turn over : to turn so that the bottom is on top

[no obj] The canoe suddenly capsized.

[+ obj] They were fooling around and accidentally capsized the canoe.

cap·stan noun, pl -stans [count]

: a machine that turns so that rope or a cable can wind around it and move or lift heavy weights (such as a ship's anchor)

1cap·sule Brit noun, pl -sules [count]

1 a : a very small container that is filled with medicine and swallowed whole

1 b : a small glass or plastic container that has something (such as a liquid) inside of it

2 : a small part of a spacecraft that is separate from the rest of the spacecraft and that is where people live and work
see also TIME CAPSULE

2capsule adj, always used before a noun

: very short
a capsule [=brief] history of the world
capsule biographies

Capt. abbr
captain

1cap·tain noun, pl -tains [count]

1 : a person who is in charge of a ship or an airplane

The captain has turned off the “fasten seat belt” sign.

Captain Ahab

2 : an officer of high rank in some branches of the military
an army/navy captain

3 chiefly US : an officer of high rank in a police or fire department

4 : an athlete who is chosen to be the leader of a team

She was the captain of our team. = She was our team captain.

2captain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing [+ obj]

: to be the captain of (something): such as
a : to be in charge of (a ship or airplane)

The ship was captained by John Smith.

b : to lead (a team)

She captained last year's team.

cap·tain·cy noun, pl -cies

1 : the position of being captain of a team

[noncount] In college sports, captaincy is usually given to seniors.

[count] He was promoted to a captaincy.

2 [count] : the period of time during which someone is a captain
usually singular

Under/during his captaincy, the team won nearly every game.

captain of industry noun, pl captains of industry [count]

: someone who owns or manages a large, successful business or company

cap·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a sentence or group of words that is written on or next to a picture to explain what is being shown

The caption on the picture says “This year's contest winners.”

caption verb, -tions, -tioned, -tion·ing [+ obj]

usually used as (be) captioned

The picture is captioned “This year's contest winners.”

cap·ti·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

: to attract and hold the attention of (someone) by being interesting, pretty, etc.

The play has been captivating audiences for years.

often used as (be) captivated

We were captivated by her beauty.

captivating adj [more ; most ]

: attractive and interesting in a way that holds your attention
a captivating [=fascinating] story
a captivating smile

1cap·tive adj

1 : captured and kept in a prison, cage, etc.

The captive soldiers planned their escape.

captive animals

Enemy forces took/held them captive. [=took or kept them as prisoners]

2 always used before a noun : forced to watch or listen to something because you cannot leave

The passengers on the plane were a captive audience. [=the passengers on the plane could not leave and had to listen to what was being said]

2captive noun, pl -tives [count]

: someone who is captured and kept as a prisoner

They set their captives free.

cap·tiv·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the state of being kept in a place (such as a prison or a cage) and not being able to leave or be free : the state or condition of being captive

The prisoners were released from captivity.

The lions were bred in captivity. [=while living in a zoo]

cap·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: someone who has captured a person and is keeping that person as a prisoner

The men fought their captors and escaped.

1cap·ture verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to take and hold (someone) as a prisoner especially by using force

They were captured by enemy soldiers.

1 b : to catch (an animal)

using traps to capture mice

2 a : to get control of (a place) especially by using force

The city was captured by the Romans.

2 b : to win or get (something) through effort

She captured 60 percent of the vote in the last election.

The company plans on capturing a larger segment of the market.

3 : to get and hold (someone's attention, interest, etc.)

The show has captured the attention/interest of teenagers.

The story captured our imaginations. [=the story was very interesting and exciting]

4 : to describe or show (someone or something) in a very accurate way by using writing, painting, film, etc.

The story captures the essence of the holiday.

The biography captured her perfectly.

The beauty of the landscape was captured perfectly by the artist.

5 a : to record (something) in a picture, film, etc.

The robbery was captured (on film) by the security cameras.

5 b : to get and put (information) into a form that can be read or used by a computer

The system is used to capture data relating to the buying habits of young people.

a digital camera that captures 1.2 million pixels

6 : to take (something, such as a chess piece) by following the rules of a game

In the game of chess, the goal is to capture your opponent's king.

capture lightning in a bottle see 1LIGHTNING

2capture noun [noncount]

: the act of capturing someone or something: such as
a : the act of taking and holding someone as a prisoner or of being taken as a prisoner

They avoided/eluded/escaped capture.

b : the act of getting control of something
the capture of the city by enemy forces

c : the act of putting information in a form that a computer can use or read
data/image capture

car noun, pl cars

1 : a vehicle that has four wheels and an engine and that is used for carrying passengers on roads

[count] I'll wait in the car.

He got into the car and drove away.

She bought a new car.

drive/park a car

[noncount] We can go by car or by bus. [=we can travel in a car or in a bus]

often used before another noun
a car manufacturer/dealer/accident/crash

; called also (US) automobile

2 [count] US : a separate section of a train
a railroad car

The train has 20 cars. [=(Brit) carriages, coaches]

see also CABLE CAR, DINING CAR, SLEEPING CAR, TROLLEY CAR

ca·rafe noun, pl -rafes [count]

: a glass container that has a wide mouth and that is used to serve drinks (such as water or wine) during a meal; also : the amount in a carafe

We drank a carafe of wine.

car·a·mel noun, pl -mels

1 : a light brown candy made from butter, sugar, and milk or cream

[noncount] a piece of caramel

[count] a bag of caramels

2 [noncount] : sugar that is cooked until it is burnt and that is used to give color and flavor to food see also CRÈME CARAMEL

3 [noncount] : a light brown color

car·a·mel·ize also Brit car·a·mel·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing

1 : to cook (something, such as a fruit or vegetable) slowly until it becomes brown and sweet

[+ obj] She caramelized the apples.

caramelized onions

[no obj] The onions will take five minutes to caramelize.

2 : to change (sugar) into caramel by cooking it

[+ obj] Caramelize two cups of sugar.

[no obj] Continue stirring until the sugar caramelizes.

car·a·pace noun, pl -pac·es [count]

technical : a hard shell on the back of some animals (such as turtles or crabs)

1car·at noun, pl -ats [count]

: a unit for measuring the weight of jewels (such as diamonds) that is equal to 200 milligrams

2carat chiefly Brit spelling of KARAT

1car·a·van noun, pl -vans [count]

1 a : a group of people or animals traveling together on a long journey especially through the desert

1 b : a group of vehicles (such as cars or wagons) traveling together

2 Brit : camper 2

2caravan verb, -vans, -vaned or -vanned, -van·ing or -van·ning [no obj]

US : to travel from one place to another in a group of vehicles

We caravaned to the campsite.

caravanning noun [noncount]

Brit : the activity of taking a vacation in a trailer or camper

Camping and caravanning are popular in this area.

car·a·way noun [noncount]

: the seeds of a plant related to the carrot that are used to flavor foods
caraway seeds

carb noun, pl carbs [count]

US informal : carbohydrate
a diet low in carbs = a low-carb diet

car·bine noun, pl -bines [count]

: a short, light rifle

car·bo·hy·drate noun, pl -drates

: any one of various substances found in certain foods (such as bread, rice, and potatoes) that provide your body with heat and energy and are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen

[count] Pasta has a lot of carbohydrates. [=(US) carbs]

He's trying to lose weight by cutting down on carbohydrates. [=foods that contain a lot of carbohydrates]

[noncount] a food that is low in protein but high in carbohydrate

car bomb noun, pl bombs [count]

: a bomb that is hidden inside or underneath a vehicle

car·bon noun, pl -bons

1 [noncount] : a chemical element that forms diamonds and coal and that is found in petroleum and in all living plants and animals

2 [count] : carbon copy 1
a carbon of the document

car·bon·ated adj
of a liquid : having many tiny bubbles that rise to the top : containing carbon dioxide
soda and other carbonated beverages

car·bon·ation noun [noncount]

a bottle of water with no carbonation

carbon copy noun, pl copies [count]

1 : a copy of a document, letter, etc., that is made by using carbon paper

I'll need a carbon copy of that receipt.

2 : a person or thing that is very similar to another person or thing

She's a carbon copy of her mother.

carbon dating noun [noncount]

technical : a scientific way of finding the age of something that is very old (such as a dinosaur bone) by measuring the amount of certain forms of carbon in it

carbon dioxide noun [noncount]

: a gas that is produced when people and animals breathe out or when certain fuels are burned and that is used by plants for energy

carbon mon·ox·ide noun [noncount]

: a poisonous gas that is formed when carbon is not completely burned and especially when gasoline is burned in car engines

carbon paper noun [noncount]

: paper with a dark substance on one side that is placed between two other pieces of paper and used to make copies of documents

car boot sale noun, pl sales [count]

Brit : a sale in which people gather to sell items that they bring to the sale in their cars

car·bun·cle noun, pl -bun·cles [count]

1 : a large painful swelling under the skin

2 : a jewel (such as a garnet) that is cut into a rounded shape

car·bu·re·tor (US) or Brit car·bu·ret·tor Brit noun, pl -tors [count]

: the part of an engine in which gasoline is mixed with air so it will burn and provide the engine with power

car·cass also Brit car·case noun, pl -cass·es [count]

1 : the body of a dead animal

2 informal + humorous : a person's body

It was almost noon before he finally hauled his carcass out of bed. [=before he finally got out of bed]

3 : the remaining parts of an old vehicle, structure, etc.

the rusting carcass of an old truck

car·cin·o·gen noun, pl -gens [count]

medical : a substance that can cause cancer

Cigarette smoke contains known carcinogens.

car·ci·no·gen·ic adj [more ; most ]

medical : likely or able to cause cancer
a carcinogenic substance/compound/chemical
the carcinogenic effects of this chemical

car·ci·no·ma noun, pl -mas
medical : a type of cancer

[noncount] four deaths attributable to carcinoma

[count] cervical carcinomas [=tumors]

1card noun, pl cards

1 a [count] : a small piece of stiff paper that is marked with symbols or pictures to show its value, comes in a set, and is used for playing games (such as poker)

Each player is dealt five cards.

Shuffle the cards.

card tricks

He bought a deck/pack of cards.

poker and other card games [=games that use a deck of cards]

called also playing card see also CARDSHARP, CARD TABLE, FACE CARD, HOUSE OF CARDS, PICTURE CARD

1 b cards [plural] : a game played with a deck of cards : a card game

Do you want to play (a game of) cards?

We played cards until midnight.

1 c [count]

used figuratively to refer to something that gives you an advantage when you are trying to make a deal or reach an agreement

The fact that he was supported by big firms was his strongest/best card during the negotiations.

1 d [singular]

used figuratively to refer to an emotional issue (such as race) that is mentioned in a particular situation in order to give you an advantage

She used/played the gender card and said we didn't hire her because she's a woman.

She was accused of playing the race card to defend her client. [=she was accused of saying that her client was treated unfairly because of his race]

2 [count]

2 a : a thick piece of paper that is usually folded in half and decorated on one side and that contains a greeting, an invitation, etc.

He sent me a card for my birthday. = He sent me a birthday card.

a get well card
a card shop/store
see also CHRISTMAS CARD, GREETING CARD

2 b : postcard

She sent us a card from Japan.

3 [count] : a rectangular piece of plastic that is used to buy goods or services or to get money from a bank or a machine

“Will you be paying cash?” “No, please put it on my card.” [=I will pay for it using my credit/debit card]

an ATM card

Insert your card into the machine. = Swipe/Pass your card through the machine.

4 [count]

4 a : a rectangular piece of paper or plastic with information about a person written on it
a membership/library/appointment card

Let me give you my card. [=business card]

4 b : a small piece of paper that is used for writing down information

He wrote his notes on 3 x 5 cards. [=cards that are 3 inches tall and 5 inches wide]

You may use note cards [=cards with notes on them] during your speech.

5 [count] : trading card
a collection of baseball/football/basketball cards

6 [count] : a thin, hard board that has small electronic devices on it and that can be added to the inside of a computer to make the computer perform different tasks
a memory/sound/video card
an expansion card [=a device that allows a computer to do more things than it originally could]

7 [count] : a list of the individual competitions that will happen at a sports event : a sports program
a racing card [=a list of races]

a boxing card [=a list of boxing matches]

Three fights are on the card tonight.

8 [count] old-fashioned : a funny or amusing person

He's such a card!

9 [noncount] Brit : cardboard
a piece of card

get your card or be given your card

Brit : to be told that you no longer have a job

Thousands of factory workers have been given their cards [=have been laid off; have lost their jobs] in recent months.

hold (all/all of) the cards

: to be in control of a situation and have the power to make decisions

It's your decision. You're holding all the cards.

in the cards (US) or Brit on the cards

: certain or likely to happen in the future

No one knows what's in the cards for the economy next year. [=what will happen to the economy next year]

often used in negative statements

It's not in the cards for him to win the election. [=he's not going to win the election]

Success just wasn't in the cards for her. [=she wasn't meant/supposed to succeed]

lay/put (all/all of) your cards on the table

: to be honest with other people and to tell them your thoughts, plans, etc., in a very open way

Before we can talk further, you need to put all your cards on the table. [=you need to tell me what you are really thinking]

overplay your cards see OVERPLAY

play/hold/keep your cards close to the/your chest/vest

: to keep your plans, ideas, etc., hidden from other people

No one knows if he's going to run for reelection. He's still playing his cards close to his chest.

play your cards right

: to do things in an intelligent and well-planned way

If I play my cards right, I'll be able to graduate next year.

2card verb, cards, card·ed, card·ing [+ obj]

1 US, informal : to ask (someone) to show a form of identification (such as a driver's license) in order to prove that the person is old enough to do something (such as to drink alcohol)

We all got carded. [=someone asked to see our IDs]

He carded me when I bought cigarettes/beer.

2 : to achieve (a score) in golf

She carded [=scored] a 75.

He carded a birdie on the second hole.

car·da·mom noun [noncount]

: the seeds of an Asian plant that are used as a spice in cooking and baking
a tablespoon of ground cardamom

1card·board noun [noncount]

: a stiff and thick kind of paper that is used especially for making boxes

Cover the windows with cardboard.

a piece of cardboard

2cardboard adj

1 : made out of cardboard
cardboard boxes

2 : not acting or seeming real : having an obviously false or fake quality

The play had cardboard characters.

card-car·ry·ing adj, always used before a noun

: known as an active member of a group or organization
a card-carrying liberal/conservative
a card-carrying union member

card catalog noun, pl -logs [count]

US : a set of cards in a library that have information about books, journals, etc., written on them and are arranged in alphabetical order called also (Brit) card index

card·hold·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who has a credit card

Cardholders are required to make a minimum payment each month.

car·di·ac adj, always used before a noun
medical : of or relating to the heart
cardiac problems/disease/surgery
cardiac patients [=people with heart disease or heart problems]

She went into cardiac arrest. [=her heart stopped beating]

car·di·gan noun, pl -gans [count]

: a sweater that opens like a jacket and that is fastened in the front with buttons called also (US) cardigan sweater

1car·di·nal noun, pl -nals [count]

1 : a priest of the Roman Catholic Church who ranks immediately below the Pope

The Pope appointed two new cardinals this year.

Cardinal Newman

2 : a common North American bird

The male cardinal is red and the female is mostly light brown.

2cardinal adj, always used before a noun
formal : basic or most important
the cardinal principles of news reporting

My cardinal rule is to always be honest.

The cardinal points [=the four main directions] on a compass are North, South, East, and West.

cardinal number noun, pl -bers [count]

: a number (such as 1, 2, or 3) that is used in simple counting and shows quantity compare ORDINAL NUMBER

cardinal sin noun, pl sins [count]

: a very bad or serious sin in Christianity
often used figuratively or humorously

Giving false information is a cardinal sin in news reporting.

He committed the cardinal sin of criticizing his boss.

card index noun, pl -dexes [count]

chiefly Brit : a set of cards that have information written on them and are arranged in alphabetical order; especially : card catalog

car·dio noun [noncount]

US informal : any type of exercise that causes the heart to beat faster and harder for a period of time

After weightlifting, she does 40 minutes of cardio.

often used before another noun
cardio [=cardiovascular] exercises/fitness
a cardio workout

cardio- combining form
medical : heart : cardiac
cardiology
cardiopulmonary [=relating to the heart and the lungs]

car·di·ol·o·gy noun [noncount]

medical : the study of the heart and of diseases that affect the heart
a doctor who specializes in cardiology

car·di·ol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

car·dio·pul·mo·nary resuscitation Brit noun [noncount]

medical : cpr

car·dio·vas·cu·lar adj

1 medical : of or relating to the heart and blood vessels
the cardiovascular system
cardiovascular disease

2 : causing the heart to beat faster and harder for a period of time
running, swimming, and other cardiovascular exercises
a cardiovascular workout

card·play·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who plays card games

card·sharp noun, pl -sharps [count]

: someone who makes money by cheating at card games called also card shark

card table noun, pl tables [count]

: a small table that is used for playing card games and that often has legs that fold up

1care noun, pl cares

1 [noncount] : effort made to do something correctly, safely, or without causing damage

She used care in selecting a doctor for her son.

a box marked “Handle With Care” [=handle carefully]

2 [noncount]

2 a : things that are done to keep someone healthy, safe, etc.

The children have inadequate medical care and little formal education.

We need to provide poor people with better dental care.

He is under a doctor's care. [=is being treated by a doctor]

The boys were in the care of [=being looked after by] their grandparents.

see also DAY CARE, HEALTH CARE, INTENSIVE CARE, PRIMARY CARE, acute care at ACUTE

2 b : things that are done to keep something in good condition

She wrote a book about car care.

With proper care, the machine should last a decade or more.

She is an expert on skin/hair care.

She knows a lot about the care and feeding of horses.

These machines don't need a lot of care and feeding. [=maintenance]

3 [count] : something that causes you to feel worried or unhappy

He acts as if he doesn't have a care in the world. [=as if he has no worries]

She looks as if all the cares of the world are on her shoulders.

care of

: at the address of

You can write to him care of his fan club. [=you can write to him by sending a letter to his fan club]

abbr. c/o

in/into care

Brit
used to describe children who are being cared for by a government organization because their parents have died or are unable to care for them properly

The children had to be taken into care because of parental failure.

The youngest child was in care for several years.

take care

: to be careful : to use caution

He took care not to upset anyone.

Take care when you cross the street.

often used informally to express good wishes when someone is leaving or at the end of a letter

I'll see you next week. Take care!

take care of

1 : to do the things that are needed to help or protect (someone) or to keep (something) in good condition : to care for (someone or something)

He takes care of [=looks after] his brother after school.

They took care of a ten-room house without help.

He is home taking care of a sick child.

Each worker takes care of [=is responsible for] three machines.

Their family doctor has been taking care of them for 20 years.

You really ought to take better care of yourself. If you don't get some rest and start eating better, you are bound to get sick.

I'm old enough to take care of [=look out for] myself.

2 : to deal with or do (something that requires effort or attention)

My assistant takes care of [=makes] all our travel arrangements.

Don't worry about that mess. I'll take care of it. [=I'll clean it up]

He offered to take care of [=pay] the bill.

2care verb, cares, cared, car·ing

1 : to feel interest in something : to be interested in or concerned about something

[no obj] He doesn't care if he gets fired.

often + about

I don't care about your little problems.

He cares deeply about religion.

[+ obj] I care what happens to her.

2 [no obj] : to feel affection for someone

On Valentine's Day, send her flowers to show that you care.

I didn't know you cared.

3 [no obj] somewhat formal : to want to do something or to be something

I wouldn't care [=like] to have to make that decision.

I wouldn't care to be in your shoes right now.

I'm going for a walk. Would you care to join me?

He'll show the photos to anyone who cares to see them.

More factors influenced her decision than she cares to admit.

as if I cared
informal
used in angry speech to say that you do not care at all about something

“She says she doesn't want to talk to you.” “As if I cared!”

care a damn see 3DAMN

care for [phrasal verb]

1 care for (someone or something) : to do the things that are needed to help and protect (a person or animal) : to look after (someone or something)

She cares for [=takes care of] elderly patients.

Who is caring for your son while you are at work?

I cared for his cat while he was away.

2 care for (someone) : to feel affection for (someone)

He sent flowers to show that he cares for you.

I got the feeling he never really cared for me.

3 care for (something) somewhat formal

3 a : to like or enjoy (something)

often used in negative statements

I don't care for [=like] jelly beans.

He doesn't care for sports.

I don't care for your tone of voice.

3 b : to want (something)

Would you care for some pie?

I don't care for any more coffee.

could/couldn't care less
informal

If you could care less (US) or couldn't care less, you are not at all concerned about or interested in something.

I could care less what happens. [=I don't care what happens]

He says he couldn't care less if he gets fired.

for all (someone) cares
informal
used to say that someone does not care at all about something

For all I care, he can leave today. [=I don't care if he leaves today]

She could quit the whole thing, for all he cares.

see if I care
informal
used in angry speech to say that you do not care at all about something

Go ahead and call her. See if I care!

what does (someone) care?

informal
used to say that you do not think someone should have any interest in something

“She said we should go.” “Well, what does she care?”

who cares?

informal
used to stress that something is not important.

He can't carry a tune, but who cares? He's having fun and that's what matters.

Who cares what she says? [=what she says is not important]

ca·reen verb, -reens, -reened, -reen·ing [no obj]

US : to go forward quickly without control

The car careened [=careered] down the hill.

1ca·reer noun, pl -reers [count]

1 : a job or profession that someone does for a long time

I want to make teaching my career. = I want to have a career as a teacher. [=I want to be a teacher]

She hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

often used before another noun

He was a career diplomat/soldier. [=he was a diplomat/soldier for all or most of his working life]

2 : a period of time spent in a job or profession

My career as a waitress lasted one day.

During his long career in advertising he won numerous awards and honors.

2career verb, -reers, -reered, -reer·ing [no obj]

: careen

ca·reer·ism noun [noncount]

disapproving : an attitude or way of behaving that involves trying to do whatever you can to make more money or get promoted at your job

She was appalled by his careerism.

ca·reer·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

a ruthless careerist

care·free adj [more ; most ]

: having no worries or problems : free from care

She has a carefree attitude toward life.

They spent a carefree day at the lake.

care·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : using care

He is a careful driver.

You can never be too careful about these things.

Be careful! The stove is hot!

They are very careful with their money. [=they only spend what they can afford]

She was careful of their feelings.

The police were careful to leave the room exactly as they found it.

see also (be) careful what you wish for at 1WISH

2 always used before a noun : made, done, or said with care

Police made a careful examination of the scene.

We kept careful [=meticulous] records of the project.

They produced a careful study of the building.

care·ful·ly adv

He opened the door carefully.

She carefully picked up the vase.

Drive carefully.

care·ful·ness noun [noncount]

care·giv·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a person who gives help and protection to someone (such as a child, an old person, or someone who is sick)

When she got sick her husband became her primary caregiver.

called also (Brit) carer

care·less adj [more ; most ]

1 : not using care : not careful

He is a careless worker.

She was careless with my things.

2 : done, made, or said without enough thought or attention

It was a careless mistake.

I made a careless [=rude, thoughtless] remark.

a newspaper known for careless reporting

care·less·ly adv

She carelessly left the stove on.

care·less·ness noun [noncount]

The mistake was the result of carelessness.

care package noun, pl -ages [count]

US : a package of useful or enjoyable items (such as candy or baked goods) that is sent or given as a gift to someone who is away from home

car·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : caregiver

1ca·ress noun, pl -ress·es [count]

: a gentle or loving touch

She gave the baby's cheek a gentle caress.

2caress verb, -resses, -ressed, -ress·ing [+ obj]

: to touch (someone or something) in a gentle way

She caressed the baby's cheek.

A warm breeze caressed her face.

1care·tak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who takes care of buildings or land while the owner is not there

We have a caretaker who watches the place for us while we are away.

2 chiefly US : a person who gives physical or emotional care to someone (such as a child, an old person, or someone who is sick)

I asked her caretaker [=caregiver] if there was anything I could do to help.

3 Brit : janitor

2caretaker adj, always used before a noun

: doing a job for a short time before another is chosen to take the job officially
a caretaker [=interim, temporary] government
the caretaker President

care worker noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : a person whose job is to give care to people who are ill, disabled, etc.

care·worn adj [more ; most ]

: looking sad, tired, or worried

He has a careworn face.

He looks tired and careworn.

car·fare noun, pl -fares [count]

: the money a person pays to travel by bus, taxi, etc.

car·go noun, pl -goes also -gos

: something that is carried from one place to another by boat, airplane, etc.

[count] The ship was carrying a cargo of crude oil.

[noncount] Workers unloaded cargo [=freight] quickly on the dock.

often used before another noun
a cargo ship/plane

Her new minivan has a lot of cargo space.

Ca·rib·be·an adj

: of or relating to the Caribbean Sea or its islands or to the people of the islands
the Caribbean islands

Caribbean food/customs

car·i·bou noun, pl -bou or -bous [count]

: a large type of deer that lives in northern parts of the world
a herd of caribou

The word caribou is used especially to refer to these animals when they live in North America. The word reindeer is used for these animals when they live in other parts of the world.

1car·i·ca·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

1 : a drawing that makes someone look funny or foolish because some part of the person's appearance is exaggerated

An artist was doing caricatures in the park.

2 : someone or something that is very exaggerated in a funny or foolish way

His performance in the film was a caricature of a hard-boiled detective.

The interview made her into a caricature of a struggling artist.

car·i·ca·tur·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

an artist who's a talented caricaturist

2caricature verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing [+ obj]

: to do a caricature of (someone or something) : to draw or describe (someone or something) in a funny or exaggerated way

The press caricatured him as clumsy and forgetful.

car·ies noun [noncount]

technical : tooth decay

caring adj

1 [more ; less ] : feeling or showing concern for other people
a caring parent/child/teacher
a caring gesture

2 always used before a noun Brit : of or relating to work that involves helping people
the caring professions

car·jack·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: the crime of using violence or threats to steal a car from its driver or to force the driver to take you someplace

The police are investigating another carjacking.

car·jack verb, -jacks, -jacked, -jacking [+ obj]

She claimed to have been carjacked.

car·jack·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Police apprehended the carjackers.

car·load noun, pl -loads [count]

: the amount of people or things that will fit in a car : a car full of people or things

She brought home a carload of books.

People were arriving by the carload.

car·mak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a company that makes and sells cars

American carmakers [=(US) automakers] face stiff competition from Japan.

car·nage noun [noncount]

: the killing of many people

Years of violence and carnage [=bloodshed] have left the country in ruins.

Reporters described the highway accident as a scene of carnage.

car·nal adj
formal : of or relating to the body : sexual or sensual
carnal desires/pleasures
often used in the phrase carnal knowledge to refer to sexual intercourse
carnal knowledge of a woman [=sexual intercourse with a woman]

car·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a pink, white, yellow, or red flower that has a sweet smell

The groom wore a carnation in his buttonhole.

car·ni·val noun, pl -vals

1 or Carnival [count, noncount] : a festival held before Lent that includes music and dancing [=count]

Will you be in town for (the) Carnival this year?

2 [count] US

2 a : a form of entertainment that travels to different places and includes rides and games you can play to win prizes

Are you going to the carnival [=(Brit) funfair] this weekend?

2 b : an event where many people gather to celebrate something : festival
the school's annual winter carnival

3 [count] : a time or place that is exciting, lively, colorful, etc.

That part of town is a carnival on Friday and Saturday nights.

There is a carnival atmosphere in the office.

The garden became a carnival of color.

car·ni·vore noun, pl -vores [count]

: an animal that eats meat : a meat eater
sometimes used humorously to refer to people who eat meat

Many of my friends are vegetarians, but I'm a carnivore.

car·niv·o·rous adj
a carnivorous animal

car·ob noun [noncount]

: the fruit of a Mediterranean tree that can be prepared to taste similar to chocolate and is used in various foods
often used before another noun
carob beans/pods
carob powder

1car·ol noun, pl -ols [count]

: a song sung during the Christmas season

We sang our favorite carols while we decorated the tree.

called also Christmas carol

2carol verb, -ols, US -oled or chiefly Brit -olled, US -ol·ing or chiefly Brit -ol·ling [no obj]

: to go from place to place singing Christmas carols

Last night, we went caroling with our friends.

carol·er (US) or chiefly Brit carol·ler noun, pl -ers [count]

Christmas carolers making their rounds

ca·rot·id artery noun, pl -teries [count]

medical : either one of the two arteries in the neck that supply blood to the head

ca·rouse verb, -rous·es, -roused, -rous·ing [no obj]

: to drink alcohol, make noise, and have fun with other people

My brother and his friends went out carousing last night.

car·ou·sel also car·rou·sel noun, pl -sels [count]

1 : merry-go-round 1

He loves to ride on the carousel at the park.

2 : a machine or device with a moving belt or part that carries things around in a circle
the luggage carousel at the airport
a dessert carousel
a CD player with a six-disk carousel

1carp verb, carps, carped, carp·ing [no obj]

: to complain in an annoying way

He's always carping about his boss.

He's tired of always being carped at by his critics.

carping noun [noncount]

I'm tired of all his carping.

carping adj
carping critics

2carp noun, pl carp or carps [count]

: a type of large fish that lives in rivers and lakes and is often used for food

car·pal tunnel syndrome noun [singular]

medical : a condition that causes pain and weakness in the wrist, hand, and fingers

car park noun, pl parks [count]

Brit

1 : parking lot

2 : parking garage

car·pen·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a person whose job is to make or fix wooden objects or wooden parts of buildings

car·pen·try noun [noncount]

: the skill or work of making or fixing wooden objects or wooden parts of buildings : the skill of a carpenter or the work done by a carpenter

He learned carpentry from his father.

When the carpentry is finished, the cabinets will be installed.

see picture on next page

1car·pet noun, pl -pets

1 : a heavy fabric cover for a floor

[count] We bought a new carpet for the bedroom.

[noncount] Which brand of carpet did you choose?

compare RUG, see also MAGIC CARPET

2 [count] : a thick covering : a thick layer of something

The ground was covered by a carpet of leaves/snow/grass.

call (someone) on the carpet

US informal : to criticize someone for doing something wrong

He was/got called on the carpet for missing the deadline.

sweep (something) under the carpet see 1SWEEP

2carpet verb, -pets, -pet·ed, -pet·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put a carpet on the floor of a room

We decided to carpet the bedroom.

carpet the floor

2 : to cover (something) with a thick layer

Leaves carpeted the lawn. = The lawn was carpeted with leaves.

3 Brit, informal : to criticize (someone) for doing something wrong
often used as (be) carpeted

He was carpeted for missing the deadline.

carpeted adj
a carpeted room

car·pet·bag·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

disapproving

1 : a person from the northern United States who went to the South after the American Civil War to make money

2 : a political candidate who runs for office in a place where he or she has lived only for a short time

carpet-bomb verb, -bombs, -bombed, -bomb·ing [+ obj]

: to drop many bombs in order to cause great destruction over (an area)

a city that was carpet-bombed during World War II
often used figuratively

Television viewers are being carpet-bombed with political advertisements as election day approaches.

carpet-bombing noun [noncount]

a city destroyed by carpet-bombing

car·pet·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [noncount] : carpets or the material used for carpets

The house has wall-to-wall carpeting in the bedrooms.

2 [count] Brit, informal : an act of criticizing someone for doing something wrong

The boss gave him a good carpeting [=scolding] for missing the deadline.

carpet slipper noun, pl -pers [count]

Brit old-fashioned : slipper

carpet sweeper noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device with a long handle and a rolling brush that is used for cleaning carpets

car pool noun, pl pools [count]

: a group of people who regularly share a car when they are going to and from their jobs or who take turns driving each other other's children to school, activities, etc.

car·pool verb, -pools, -pooled, -pool·ing [no obj]

She carpools to work every day with her neighbor.

car·pool·er noun, pl -ers [count]

car·port noun, pl -ports [count]

: a shelter for a car that has open sides and that is usually attached to the side of a building compare 1GARAGE

car·riage noun, pl -riag·es

1 : a large vehicle with four wheels that is pulled by a horse and that carries people

[count] They rode to the city in carriages.

[noncount] They rode by carriage.

called also coach

2 [count] : a wheeled structure that is used to carry and move something heavy (such as a large gun)

an artillery carriage

3 [count] US : baby carriage

I took the baby to the park in the carriage.

4 [count] Brit : a separate section of a train
a passenger carriage [=(US) car, (Brit) coach]

5 [count] : a moving part of a machine that supports or carries some other movable object or part
a typewriter carriage

6 [noncount] somewhat old-fashioned : the way in which a person's body is positioned when the person is moving, standing, etc.

a dancer noted for her elegant carriage [=posture]

7 [noncount] Brit : the process or cost of carrying or transporting goods
the carriage of goods
payment of carriage charges

car·ri·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone or something that carries something: such as

1 a : mail carrier

1 b : a container used to move something from one place to another

I put the pet carrier in the car.

The equipment comes with its own carrier. [=carrying case]

1 c : aircraft carrier see also PEOPLE CARRIER, PERSONNEL CARRIER

2 : a company that moves people or goods from one place to another

The airline is the nation's largest carrier.

3 : a person or animal that can give a disease or a gene to others but is not affected by it

Mosquitoes can be carriers of malaria.

4 US : a company that provides a specified service (such as insurance or long-distance telephone service)

We switched to a different long-distance carrier to save money on our phone bill.

5 Brit : carrier bag

carrier bag noun, pl bags [count]

Brit : a bag that a store gives you to carry any items you have bought there
a plastic carrier bag from the supermarket

carrier pigeon noun, pl -geons [count]

: a type of pigeon that is trained to carry messages

car·ri·on noun [noncount]

: the flesh of dead animals

Vultures live chiefly on carrion.

car·rot noun, pl -rots

1 : the long orange root of a plant that is eaten as a vegetable

[count] She chopped some carrots for the soup.

[noncount] He added some grated carrot to the soup.

2 [count] informal : something that is offered as a reward or advantage to persuade a person to do something

The company offered a carrot in the form of additional vacation time to workers who met their deadlines.

This sense of carrot is often contrasted with stick, which suggests a punishment for not doing something.

He'll have to choose between the carrot and the stick.

The administration was criticized for its carrot-and-stick approach to foreign policy.

car·rot·top noun, pl -tops [count]

informal : a person with red hair : redhead

1car·ry verb, -ries, -ried, -ry·ing

1 [+ obj] : to move (something) while holding and supporting it

She helped me carry [=transport] the boxes out to my car.

I'll carry your luggage to your room.

He was carrying his baby daughter in his arms.

For two months, I carried the book around with me everywhere I went.

The waitress carried away our empty dinner plates.

The wind carried the smoke away from the campsite.

These planes can carry up to 300 passengers.

a ship carrying thousands of gallons of oil
sometimes used figuratively

Your talent will carry you far. [=it will make you very successful]

She intended the play to carry audiences toward a sense of peace and understanding.

She still carries the memories of an unhappy childhood.

The song carries me back to [=it makes me remember] my first year of college.

2 [+ obj] : to contain and direct the flow of (water, electricity, etc.)

Oil is carried to the factory through these pipes.

We installed gutters that will carry water away from the house.

blood vessels that carry blood to the heart

These cables carry electricity to hundreds of homes.

The bridge carries traffic in two directions.

3 [+ obj] : to have (something) with you or on your body

Do police officers carry guns when they're off duty?

This bus driver doesn't carry change, so please have the exact fare ready.

I always carry $20 in case of an emergency.

tourists carrying cameras

4 [+ obj] : to be able to give (a disease or a gene) to others even though you may not be affected by it

One percent of the population now carries the virus, and one in three will suffer symptoms of the disease.

5 [+ obj] : to be pregnant with (a baby)

She's carrying her second child.

6 [+ obj] : to hold (your body or your head) in a particular way

He's over 80 years old and still carries himself erect/upright like a soldier.

Be proud of yourself. Walk tall and carry your head high!

She always carries [=(more formally) comports] herself with dignity and grace.

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to have (something) in a store and ready to be sold : to keep (something) in stock

Our grocery store carries a good selection of wines.

We no longer carry that brand.

7 b : to have (someone or something) on a list or record

The company carries nearly 200 employees on its payroll.

8 [+ obj]

8 a : to have (something) as a quality or characteristic

All of our products carry a lifetime guarantee.

Your promises would carry more weight [=they would be more meaningful] if you didn't break them so often.

8 b : to be marked or labeled with (something)

Cigarettes are required to carry a government health warning.

men who carry the physical scars of war

9 [+ obj] : to have (something) as a result or consequence

Such crimes carry [=entail, involve] a heavy penalty.

The surgery does carry certain risks.

often + with

You must understand that the job carries with it great responsibility.

10 [+ obj] : to have (something) as a duty or responsibility

I'm carrying a full course load this semester.

He carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. [=he feels much pressure because he has great responsibilities]

11 [+ obj] : to be responsible for the success of (something or someone)

He's a player that's capable of carrying a team on his own.

Her spectacular performance as Carmen carried the opera.

12 a [+ obj] : to make (something) continue

They carried [=took, extended] the game into the 10th inning.

The newspaper carried the story over to the following page.

The design calls for the columns to be carried all the way up to the top of the building.

carrying the war to another continent

12 b [no obj] : to travel a long distance

His deep voice carries well.

Baseballs don't carry well in cold weather.

13 [+ obj] : to continue (something) beyond a normal or acceptable limit

He realized that he had carried the joke too far and hurt her feelings.

see also carry (something) to extremes at 2EXTREME

14 [+ obj] : to sing (a tune) correctly

I've never been able to carry a tune.

15 [+ obj] : to present (a story, sports event, TV show, etc.) to the public

Channel 9 will carry the game.

Every local newspaper carried [=ran] the photograph.

The trial was carried live [=broadcast as it was happening] on television.

16 a : to cause (a bill or an official proposal) to be passed or adopted

[+ obj]

often used as (be) carried

The bill was carried in the Senate by a vote of 7525.

[no obj] He called for a motion to stop debate, but the motion did not carry.

The motion carried unanimously. [=everyone voted to pass it]

16 b [+ obj] chiefly US : to win a majority of votes in (a state, legislature, etc.)

The bill carried the Senate by a vote of 7525.

In the presidential election of 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt carried [=won, took] all the states except Maine and Vermont.

17 [+ obj] : to move (a number) from one column to another when you are adding numbers together

When you added these two numbers, you forgot to carry the 1.

be/get carried away

: to be so excited that you are no longer in control of your behavior

I shouldn't have behaved like that. I just got carried away.

Just relax! There's no need to get carried away.

They allowed themselves to be carried away by fear.

carry all/everything before you
literary : to be completely successful

This young boxer has the talent to carry all before him.

carry a torch for see 1TORCH

carry coals to Newcastle see COAL

carry into effect see 1EFFECT

carry off [phrasal verb]

carry off (something) or carry (something) off

1 : to do (something difficult) successfully : to achieve or accomplish (something)

He tried to look cool but couldn't carry it off. [=pull it off]

She's the only actress I know with enough talent to carry this off.

2 : to win (something)

We carried off the prize.

carry on [phrasal verb]

1 : to continue to do what you have been doing

I didn't mean to interrupt youplease carry on.

She carried on as if nothing had happened.

: to continue despite problems

I know it's difficult, but you need to carry on as best you can.

2 : to behave or speak in an excited or foolish way

They laughed and carried on like they were old friends.

We were embarrassed by the way he was carrying on.

She's always carrying on [=talking in an excited way] about her neighbors.

screaming, crying, and carrying on
see also CARRYINGS-ON, CARRY-ON

3 carry on (something)

3 a : to manage or participate in (an activity)

She carried on an affair with her boss.

It's too noisy in here to carry on a conversation.

The police are carrying on [=conducting] an investigation into his murder.

carrying on a campaign against illegal drug use

3 b : to continue doing (something)

The money allows us to carry on our research.

Although the teacher spoke to them, they just carried on [=went on, kept on] talking.

3 c : to cause (something, such as a tradition) to continue

We were the only ones left to carry on the tradition.

carrying on the family name

4 carry on with (something) : to continue doing or participating in (an activity)

Please carry on with what you were doing.

They carried on with their conversation.

5 carry on with (someone) chiefly Brit, old-fashioned : to have an often immoral sexual relationship with (someone)

I found out that he had been carrying on with [=(more commonly) fooling around with] my sister.

carry out [phrasal verb]

carry (something) out or carry out (something)

1 : to do and complete (something)

We carried out several experiments to test the theory.

An investigation carried out several years ago revealed no new information.

2 : to act on (a promise, plan, etc.) : to do something that you said you would do or that someone has asked you to do

She failed to carry out [=fulfill] her promise.

The town has plans to build a new school, but it currently lacks the money to carry them out.

You'll be paid when you've carried out [=executed] your instructions/orders/duties.

see also CARRYOUT

carry over [phrasal verb]

1 : to continue to exist or be seen in another place or situation

His unhappiness at home carried over into/to his work.

Her abilities in singing didn't carry over to acting.

2 carry (something) over or carry over (something) : to cause or allow (something) to continue in another place or situation

People can carry bad eating habits learned in childhood over to/into adulthood.

see also CARRYOVER

carry the ball see 1BALL

carry the can see 2CAN

carry the day see DAY

carry the torch see 1TORCH

carry through [phrasal verb]

1 a : to continue to exist or happen
usually + to

The yellow and blue theme in the kitchen carries through to the rest of the house.

Our conversation carried through to dessert.

1 b : to continue to do something
usually + to

Though extremely tired, she managed to carry through to the finish.

2 carry through with/on (something) US : to do (something that you said you would do)

The mayor carried through [=followed through] on her promise to clean up the city.

We're beginning to carry through with [=carry out] our plans.

3 carry (something) through : to successfully finish or complete (something that you have begun or said you will do)

Whatever project you begin, you must carry it through to completion.

4 a carry (someone) through : to help or allow (someone) to survive or continue

We had enough supplies to carry us through (until spring).

His faith carried him through.

4 b carry (someone) through (something) : to help or allow (someone) to survive or continue during (a period of time)

We had enough supplies to carry us through the winter.

His faith carried him through a difficult time in his life.

I borrowed a few more books to carry me through the summer.

fetch and carry see FETCH

2carry noun, pl -ries [count]

American football : the act of running with the ball

He averaged four yards per carry this season.

car·ry·all noun, pl -alls [count]

US : a large bag or carrying case called also (Brit) holdall

car·ry-cot noun, pl -cots [count]

Brit : a small bed that is used for carrying a young baby

carrying case noun, pl cases [count]

: a container that usually has a handle and that is made for carrying something with your hand

The guitar had a plastic carrying case.

carryings-on noun [plural]

: foolish, excited, or improper actions
the questionable carryings-on of politicians
the carryings-on of teenage boys
see also carry on at 1CARRY

1car·ry-on noun, pl -ons

1 [count] US : a small piece of luggage that a passenger can carry onto an airplane

I packed the book in my carry-on.

2 [singular] Brit, informal : a moment of excitement or silly behavior

She makes such a big carry-on [=fuss, stir] about everything.

What a carry-on!

see also carry on at 1CARRY

2carry-on adj, always used before a noun

: small enough to be carried onto an airplane by a passenger
carry-on baggage/luggage

car·ry·out noun, pl -outs
chiefly US

1 [noncount] : takeout 1

We ordered Chinese carryout.

2 [count] : takeout 2

She works in a Chinese carryout.

carryout adj, chiefly US
carryout food
a carryout restaurant

car·ry·over noun, pl -overs [count]

: something that existed in one time or place and continues in another

His tendency to eat everything on his plate is a carryover [=holdover] from his childhood.

superstitions that are carryovers from ancient times
see also carry over at 1CARRY

car seat noun, pl seats [count]

: a special seat for a baby or a small child that can be attached to an automobile seat and that holds the child safely

car·sick adj

: feeling sick while riding in a car because of the movement of the vehicle

car·sick·ness noun [noncount]

1cart noun, pl carts [count]

1 : a wagon with two wheels that is pulled by an animal (such as a horse or donkey)

2 : a small wheeled vehicle that is pushed: such as

2 a US : a metal basket on wheels used to hold groceries while you are shopping
a grocery cart
called also shopping cart (Brit) trolley

2 b US : a table with wheels used especially for serving food
a dessert cart
called also (Brit) trolley

3 : golf cart

put the cart before the horse

: to do things in the wrong order : to do something first instead of waiting until something else has been done

People are putting the cart before the horse by making plans on how to spend the money before we are even certain that the money will be available.

upset the apple cart see 2UPSET

2cart verb, carts, cart·ed, cart·ing [+ obj]

1 : to carry or move (something) in a cart

We carted some dirt to the garden.

2 : to carry or move (something)

I carted all the books home.

He carted the bags away.

3 : to take (someone) away by force
usually + off

They carted him off to jail.

carte blanche noun [noncount]

: permission to do something in any way you choose to do it

We gave the decorator carte blanche to furnish the house.

car·tel noun, pl -tels [count]

: a group of businesses that agree to fix prices so they all will make more money
an illegal drug cartel

car·ti·lage noun [noncount]

: a strong but flexible material found in some parts of the body (such as the nose, the outer ear, and some joints)

She fell and damaged some cartilage in her knee.

car·ti·lag·i·nous adj
cartilaginous tissue

car·tog·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

: a person who makes maps

car·tog·ra·phy noun [noncount]

: the process or skill of making maps

She studied cartography in college.

car·tog·ra·phic adj
cartographic skills
cartographic data

car·ton noun, pl -tons [count]

1 : a light box or container usually made of cardboard or plastic

She got a carton of ice cream out of the freezer.

a carton of orange juice
a milk carton

2 US : a box containing things that have been packed together so they can be sold or moved

He bought a carton of cigarettes.

Several cartons of books arrived yesterday.

car·toon noun, pl -toons [count]

1 a : a drawing in a newspaper or magazine intended as a humorous comment on something
a political cartoon

1 b : a series of drawings that tell a story : comic strip

She enjoys reading the cartoons in the Sunday paper.

2 : a film or television show made by photographing a series of drawings : an animated film or television show

The kids are watching cartoons.

a cartoon character

3 technical : a design, drawing, or painting made by an artist as a model for the finished work

car·toon·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

car·tridge noun, pl -tridg·es [count]

1 : a tube which you put into a gun and which contains a bullet and explosive material

2 : a case or container that you put into a machine to make it work
a video game cartridge

The printer needs a new ink cartridge.

1cart·wheel noun, pl -wheels [count]

: an athletic movement in which you move sideways by placing one hand and then the other on the ground, lifting your feet into the air, and then landing on one foot and then the other foot

The children turned/did cartwheels and somersaults on the grass.

2cartwheel verb, -wheels, -wheeled, -wheel·ing [no obj]

1 : to do a cartwheel

She cartwheeled across the floor.

2 : to spin or turn over in a violent and uncontrolled way

The car hit the pole and then cartwheeled across the road.

carve verb, carves, carved, carv·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a sculpture or design) by cutting off pieces of the material it is made of

We carved an ice sculpture.

a carved object
often + out of or from

He carved the sculpture out of marble.

She carves figures from wood.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to cut (something, such as a pattern or design) into a surface
often + into or on

He carved his name on/into the table.

Their initials are carved into the tree.

2 b : to create (something) by cutting into a surface
often + out

The Colorado River carved out the Grand Canyon.

3 : to cut (cooked meat) into pieces or slices

[+ obj] Who is going to carve the turkey?

Would you carve me another slice of turkey, please? = Would you carve another slice of turkey for me?

[no obj] He carved while I made the gravy.

4 [+ obj] : to create (a job, a fortune, a way of life, etc.) for yourself usually through hard work

He carved a new life for himself after the divorce.

often + out

She worked hard to carve out a career in education.

carved in stone see 1STONE

carve up [phrasal verb]

carve up (something) or carve (something) up usually disapproving : to divide something into small parts

The once beautiful countryside has been carved up by developers.

carv·er noun, pl -vers [count]

a talented carver

carv·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : a carved object, design, or figure

She bought a small wooden carving of a Buddha.

2 [noncount] : the act or skill of creating carved objects, designs, or figures
an ancient people proficient in stone carving
see also WOOD CARVING

carving knife noun, pl knives [count]

: a sharp knife that is used to cut cooked meat

car wash noun, pl washes [count]

1 : an area or building with equipment for washing cars
a drive-through car wash

2 US : an event at which people pay to have their cars washed in order to raise money for some purpose

Our church is having a car wash tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Ca·sa·no·va noun, pl -vas [count]

: a man who has many lovers

He has a terrible reputation as a Casanova.

1cas·cade noun, pl -cades [count]

1 : a small, steep waterfall; especially : one that is part of a series of waterfalls

2 : a large amount of something that flows or hangs down
a cascade of water

Her hair was arranged in a cascade of curls.

3 : a large number of things that happen quickly in a series

That decision set off a cascade of events.

2cascade verb, -cades, -cad·ed, -cad·ing [no obj]

: to flow or hang down in large amounts

The water cascades over the rocks.

Her hair cascaded down around her shoulders.

1case noun, pl cas·es

1 [count] : a situation or occurrence that is an instance or example of something

That was true in all three cases. [=instances]

We usually ask for a 100-dollar deposit, but in this case we'll make an exception.

They might not let you buy the tickets yet, in which case [=and if that is true] you should try again tomorrow.

It was a case of mistaken identity. [=a situation in which someone or something is mistakenly thought to be someone or something else]

a classic case [=a typical example] of sibling rivalry

2 [count] : a situation that is being investigated or managed by someone (such as a police officer or social worker) in an official way

Her disappearance is a case for the police.

Detectives are on the case.

a murder/rape/kidnapping case

The abused child's case was turned over to state authorities.

3 [count] grammar : a form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective showing its relationship to other words in a sentence

The word “child's” in “a child's shirt” is in the possessive case.

4 the case : what actually exists or happens

A lot of people have had trouble working with him, and that was certainly the case with me. [=I also had trouble working with him]

She had expected him to come home, but that was not to be the case. [=but that didn't happen]

The doctor may or may not have been at fault, but whatever the case (may be) [=either way] the patient almost died.

Is it not the case [=isn't it true] that she took the car without permission?

5 [count] law : a situation that will be talked about and decided in court
a court case
a civil/criminal case

The lawyer agreed to take/handle the case.

The phrase I rest my case can be used to say that you have finished an argument or to suggest that something proves that what you are saying is true.

I said that it wouldn't work and it didn't. I rest my case.

see also TEST CASE

6 [count] : a convincing argument

He makes a good case for cutting expenses.

7 [count]

7 a : an occurrence of a disease or an injury
an AIDS case

He has a bad/severe/slight case of the flu.

7 b : an occurrence of discomfort, fear, etc.

She had a bad case of the nerves/jitters/butterflies [=she was very nervous] before she gave her report.

8 [singular] : a particular person and his or her condition or character

You are a sad case.

see also BASKET CASE, HEAD CASE

in any case

used to indicate that something is true or certain regardless of what else has happened or been said

I'm not sure if I'll be at the next meeting, but I'll see you Sunday in any case. [=I may or may not see you at the next meeting, but I'll definitely see you Sunday]

In any case, you still owe me five dollars.

in case

1 : for the purpose of being ready for something that might happen

Bring an umbrella in case it rains.

We brought extra money just in case.

2
used to talk about something that might have happened or that might be true

Today is our anniversary, in case you've forgotten.

In case [=if] you're wondering, I'm looking for my glasses.

in case of

: if (something) happens

That door is for use in case of [=in the event of] fire.

in that case

: when that is considered : because of that

“The traffic could be heavy tomorrow.” “In that case, we better leave early.”

on/off your case
informal

Someone who is always or frequently criticizing you or telling you what to do is on your case and won't get off your case.

Her brother is always on her case about the clothes she wears.

Get off my case! I'm working as hard as I can!

compare 2CASE

2case noun, pl cases [count]

1 : a box or container to hold something
a cigarette/pencil case
see also CARRYING CASE

2 : the contents of a box

They drank a case [=four six-packs; 24 bottles] of beer.

compare 1CASE

3case verb, cases, cased, cas·ing [+ obj]

: to study or watch (a house, store, etc.) with plans to rob it
often used in the phrase case the joint

A couple of robbers decided to case the joint.

case history noun, pl -ries [count]

: a record that shows a person's past illnesses, treatments, and other information for use by doctors, social workers, etc.

The patient's case history showed recurring fits of depression.

case in point noun [singular]

: a specific example used to show that something you have said is true

He spends a lot of money on unnecessary things. A case in point is his collection of rare sports cars.

case law noun [noncount]

: law that is based on decisions that judges have made in past cases

Case law says that a person has a right to privacy.

case·load noun, pl -loads [count]

: the number or amount of cases handled by a court, social worker, etc.

We have a heavy/light caseload today.

case·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a window that opens on hinges like a door called also casement window

case study noun, pl -ies [count]

: a published report about a person, group, or situation that has been studied over time
a case study of prisoners
also : a situation in real life that can be looked at or studied to learn about something

The company's recent history is a case study in bad management.

case·work noun [noncount]

: the work done by a social worker to help fix the problems of a person or family

case·work·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1cash noun [noncount]

1 : money in the form of coins and bills

The vending machine only accepts cash.

The fine may be paid by check or in cash.

He offered to pay cash for the truck.

often used before another noun
cash payments/prizes/sums

2 : money along with other things (such as stocks) that can be quickly changed into money

The company has $4 million in cash.

2cash verb, cash·es, cashed, cash·ing [+ obj]

: to give or get cash for (a check)

The store wouldn't cash the check.

He cashed his paycheck at the bank.

cash in [phrasal verb]

1 cash in (something) or cash (something) in : to obtain money for (something that you own)

She cashed in her stocks.

cash in an insurance policy

2 a cash in on (something) : to take advantage of something in order to make money

The magazine is planning to cash in on the hype surrounding the celebrity's wedding by publishing exclusive photos of the ceremony.

Carpenters cashed in on the construction boom.

stores cashing in on Christmas

2 b cash in : to make money from something

He is going to cash in big [=make a lot of money] when he sells his house at the beach.

cash-and-car·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a store where businesses and other customers can pay cash for goods at low prices and take them away instead of having them delivered

cash-and-carry adj, always used before a noun
items sold on a cash-and-carry basis

cash bar noun, pl bars [count]

: a place at a party where guests can buy drinks

They had a cash bar at their wedding reception.

cash card noun, pl cards [count]

Brit : a card that is used to get money from an ATM : an ATM card compare BANK CARD

cash cow noun, pl cows [count]

: someone or something that makes a lot of money for a business, organization, etc.

The football team was a cash cow for the university.

The movie studio saw the actress as a cash cow.

cash crop noun, pl crops [count]

: a crop (such as tobacco or cotton) that is grown to be sold rather than for use by the farmer

cash desk noun, pl desks [count]

Brit : a checkout counter in a store : the place in a store where you pay for the things you are buying

cash dispenser noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : atm

cash·ew noun, pl -ews [count]

: a type of roasted nut that has a curved shape called also cashew nut

cash flow noun

: the movement of money in and out of a business

[singular] We were able to maintain a steady cash flow.

[noncount] The company is looking at new ways to generate cash flow.

1cash·ier noun, pl -iers [count]

: a person whose job is to take in or give out money in a store, bank, etc.

2ca·shier verb, -shiers, -shiered, -shier·ing [+ obj]

: to remove (a person) from a position for doing something wrong

He was cashiered from the army.

cashier's check noun, pl checks [count]

: a check that is written by a bank and signed by a cashier compare BANK DRAFT

cash machine noun, pl -chines [count]

Brit : atm

cash·mere noun [noncount]

1 : fine wool from a kind of goat from India

2 : a soft fabric made from cashmere wool
often used before another noun
a cashmere sweater

cash·point noun, pl -points [count]

Brit : atm

cash register noun, pl -ters [count]

: a machine used in a store, restaurant, etc., that calculates the amount of cash due for a sale and has a drawer for holding money

cas·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : a layer on the outside of something that covers and protects it
a sausage casing
a casing for a shotgun shell

2 : a frame around a door or window

ca·si·no noun, pl -nos [count]

: a building or room that has games (such as roulette or blackjack) for gambling

cask Brit noun, pl casks [count]

: a container that is shaped like a barrel and is used for holding liquids
an oak cask for wine
also : the contents of a cask

They drank a cask of wine.

cas·ket Brit noun, pl -kets [count]

1 chiefly US : coffin

2 : a small chest or box for jewelry or other valuable things

This sense is no longer common in U.S. English.

cas·sa·va noun, pl -vas [count, noncount]

: a tropical plant with thick roots that are used to make small white grains (called tapioca) that are used in cooking

cas·se·role noun, pl -roles

1 : food (such as meat, noodles, and vegetables) baked together and served in a deep dish

[count] a seafood casserole

[noncount] I made tuna casserole for dinner.

2 [count] : a deep dish used for baking
meat and noodles served in a casserole
called also casserole dish

cas·sette noun, pl -settes [count]

: a thin case that holds audio tape or videotape and in which the tape passes from one reel to another when being played
a cassette player/recorder

The songs are available on cassette.

see also VIDEOCASSETTE

cas·sock noun, pl -socks [count]

: a long gown worn by a priest

1cast Brit verb, casts, cast, cast·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to throw or move (something) in a forceful way
cast [=throw, toss] a stone

Seaweed was cast up by the waves.

1 b : to throw (a fishing line, hook, etc.) into the water by using a fishing pole

2 a : to send or direct (something) in the direction of someone or something

He cast a glance toward the door. [=he glanced at the door]

The witch cast [=put] a spell on him.

2 b : to send (something) out or forward

The fire casts [=gives off] a warm glow.

The tree cast a long shadow on the lawn.

often used figuratively

The trial casts a harsh light on [=reveals bad things about] the banking industry.

Their argument cast a pall on the party. [=gave the party an unhappy mood]

The incident casts doubt on her honesty.

3 : to make (a vote) formally

How many votes were cast?

cast a ballot

4 a : to assign roles for (a play, movie, etc.) to actors
cast a play

4 b : to assign (an actor or actress) a role in a film, play, etc.

She was cast as a college professor who becomes a spy.

see also TYPECAST

5 a : to shape (a substance) by pouring it into a mold and letting it harden

The metal was cast into candlesticks.

molds used for casting steel

5 b : to form (something, such as a sculpture) by casting metal, plaster, etc.

The statue will be cast in bronze.

6 : to arrange (something) into parts or into a proper form

He cast the story in the form of a diary.

7 : to talk about or think of (someone or something) in a particular way

The war was cast as a battle against terrorism.

Health care issues are often cast in economic terms.

cast about/around for [phrasal verb]

cast about/around for (something) : to look in many places for (something)

They cast about for new ways to make money on the farm.

She is still casting around for [=seeking] someone to watch her son while she is at work.

cast a (dark) cloud see 1CLOUD

cast adrift [phrasal verb]

1 cast (a boat) adrift : to cause (a boat) to float on the water without being tied to anything or controlled by anyone
often used as (be) cast adrift
a small lifeboat cast adrift in the open sea

2 cast (someone) adrift : to cause (someone) to float on the water in a boat that is not tied to anything or controlled by anyone
often used as (be) cast adrift

They were cast adrift in a small, leaky boat.

often used figuratively

I was cast adrift in a sea of confusion.

cast aside [phrasal verb]

cast aside (something) or cast (something) aside : to stop thinking about (something)

She tried to cast aside her worries and enjoy the party.

cast aspersions see ASPERSIONS

cast away [phrasal verb]

cast away (someone) or cast (someone) away : to leave (someone) alone somewhere (such as on an island) as a result of a storm, shipwreck, etc.

usually used as (be) cast away

The crew was cast away on a desert island.

see also CASTAWAY

cast caution to the wind see 1CAUTION

cast light on see 1LIGHT

cast lots see LOT

cast off [phrasal verb]

1 cast off (something) or cast (something) off : to get rid of (something)

The snake casts off [=sheds] its skin.

They wanted to cast off their fears.

see also CASTOFF, CAST-OFF

2 : to untie the rope that is holding a boat near the land

We decided to cast off and head out to sea.

3 : to remove stitches from a knitting needle in a way that does not cause them to become loose

When I finish this row, can you show me how to cast off?

cast on [phrasal verb]

: to place stitches on a knitting needle

I was having trouble casting on, but I think I have it now.

cast out [phrasal verb]

cast out (someone or something) or cast (someone or something) out : to force (someone or something) to go away

He was cast out of [=expelled from] the tribe.

They tried to cast out the spirits from the haunted house.

cast pearls before swine see PEARL

cast your eye over see 1EYE

cast your lot see LOT

cast your mind back see 1MIND

cast your net wide see 1NET

the die is cast see 2DIE

2cast noun, pl casts

1 [count] : the actors in a play, film, or television show
members of the cast = cast members

The show features an all-star cast. [=a cast that includes many famous actors]

a strong supporting cast [=the actors other than the main stars]

The phrase cast of characters is sometimes used to refer to a group of people who have important roles in a book, story, or event.

The cast of characters includes President Johnson and his top advisers during the Vietnam War.

2 [count] : a hard covering that is put on an arm, leg, etc., so that a broken bone can heal

She has a cast on her arm.

called also plaster cast

3 [count] : a container that is used to give its form or shape to something that is poured or pressed into it : mold; also : an object that is made by using such a container

They made a mask from a wax cast of her face.

4 [singular] literary : the shape or appearance of something

His face had a rugged cast.

5 [singular] : a slight bit of color
old photographs with a reddish cast

6 [singular] : a characteristic of a person or thing : a distinctive quality

She has a skeptical cast of mind. [=she tends to be skeptical]

7 [count] : the act of throwing a fishing line into water with a pole

cas·ta·nets noun [plural]

: a musical instrument that consists of two small, round parts that are clicked together by the fingers

cast·away Brit noun, pl -aways [count]

: a person who is left alone in a place (such as an island) as a result of a storm, shipwreck, etc. see also cast away at 1CAST

caste Brit noun, pl castes

1 [count] : one of the classes into which the Hindu people of India were traditionally divided

2 : a division of society based upon differences of wealth, rank, or occupation

[count] He was from a higher caste.

[noncount] a system of caste = a caste system

cast·er (US) or Brit cas·tor Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small wheel attached to the bottom of something (such as a piece of furniture) to make it easier to move

cas·ti·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to criticize (someone) harshly

The author castigated the prime minister as an ineffective leader.

often + for

The judge castigated the lawyers for their lack of preparation.

He was castigated in the media for making millions of dollars while the company went bankrupt.

cas·ti·ga·tion noun [noncount]

cast·ing Brit noun, pl -ings [count]

: something made from material that hardens in a mold

The workers make metal castings for truck engines.

cast iron noun [noncount]

: a very hard type of metal that is made into different shapes by being melted and poured into special containers (called casts or molds)

The fence is made of cast iron.

cast-iron adj

1 : made of cast iron
a cast-iron stove

2 : very strong or tough

I have a cast-iron stomach. [=I can eat anything spicy, hot, etc.]

a cast-iron will

3 Brit : not likely to fail or be broken

You had better have a cast-iron [=(US) airtight] excuse for missing the meeting.

a cast-iron promise

cas·tle Brit noun, pl cas·tles [count]

1 : a large building usually with high, thick walls and towers that was built in the past to protect against attack

2 informal : a large expensive house

Millionaires built their castles along the lake.

3 : a piece in the game of chess that looks like a castle tower : rook

castle in the air also castle in Spain

: a dream, plan, or idea that can never become real
usually plural

He's just building castles in the air if he thinks he can open a restaurant without any money.

cast·off Brit noun, pl -offs [count]

: something or someone that is thrown out or replaced

The books were mostly castoffs from other schools.

He assembled a bunch of castoffs [=players fired by other teams] into a good football team.

a social castoff [=reject]

see also cast off 1 at 1CAST

cast-off Brit adj

: thrown or given away

She had to wear her sister's cast-off clothes.

cast-off players
see also cast off 1 at 1CAST

castor Brit spelling of CASTER

cas·tor oil Brit noun [noncount]

: a thick oil made from a tropical plant and used in the past as a medicine

cas·trate Brit verb, -trates, -trat·ed, -trat·ing [+ obj]

: to remove the testes of (a person or animal)

Farmers castrated the bull calf.

a castrated horse

cas·tra·tion noun [noncount]

ca·su·al adj

1 always used before a noun : happening by chance : not planned or expected
a casual encounter on the sidewalk

2 [more ; most ] : designed for or permitting ordinary dress, behavior, etc. : not formal
casual clothes
a casual restaurant

The atmosphere at the meeting was quite casual.

Casual days are days (such as casual Fridays) when a company allows workers to dress in casual clothes.

3 [more ; most ]

3 a : done without much thought, effort, or concern

She takes a casual [=nonchalant] approach to her homework.

He made a casual remark about her shoes.

3 b : not involving a close or serious relationship
casual sex

They are only casual acquaintances. [=they know each other but not very well]

Their relationship was casual.

3 c : having some interest but not a lot : not serious

He's a casual sports fan.

4 : happening at certain times but not on a regular basis

She found only casual work.

ca·su·al·ly adj

I looked casually down at my watch.

He was dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt.

ca·su·al·ness noun [noncount]

ca·su·al·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

1 : a person who is hurt or killed during an accident, war, etc.

a low number of casualties

The army suffered/took/sustained heavy casualties [=many soldiers were killed or wounded] in the town.

casualty rates [=the number of people or wounded killed each day]

2 : a person or thing that is harmed, lost, or destroyed : victim
usually + of

The tree was a casualty of the high winds.

The factory was a casualty of the depression.

cat noun, pl cats [count]

1 a : a small animal that is related to lions and tigers and that is often kept by people as a pet

I have two dogs and a cat.

often used before another noun
cat food

see also TOMCAT

1 b : a lion, tiger, leopard, or similar wild animal

2 old-fashioned slang : a man

He's a cool cat.

You cats are crazy!

see also FAT CAT, HEPCAT, SCAREDY-CAT

Cat got your tongue?

informal
used to ask someone why he or she is not saying anything

“You've been unusually quiet tonight,” she said. “What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?”

curiosity killed the cat see CURIOSITY

fight like cats and dogs see 1FIGHT

let the cat out of the bag

: to reveal a secret

We wanted the party to be a surprise, but he let the cat out of the bag.

like something the cat brought/dragged/drug in

If you look or feel like something the cat brought/dragged/drug in, you are very dirty or untidy.

I need to take a showerI look like something the cat dragged in.

like the cat that ate/got/swallowed the canary (US) or Brit like the cat that got the cream

used to say that someone looks very proud or satisfied about something he or she has done

After pointing out his teacher's mistake, he smiled like the cat that ate the canary.

Look what the cat dragged in!

informal used to call attention to someone who has entered the room or area

rain cats and dogs see 2RAIN

the cat's meow (US) or the cat's pajamas or Brit the cat's whiskers
old-fashioned + informal
used to say that someone or something is very appealing

That car is the cat's meow. [=I really like that car]

Going to the movies was the cat's pajamas when I was a kid.

cat·like adj
a catlike appearance
catlike movements

cat·a·clysm noun, pl -clysms

: something that causes great destruction, violence, etc.

[count] floods, earthquakes, and other cataclysms

The country barely survived the cataclysm of war.

[noncount] The revolution could result in worldwide cataclysm.

cat·a·clys·mic adj [more ; most ]

a cataclysmic event

cat·a·comb Brit noun, pl -combs [count]

: an underground place where people are buried
usually plural
ancient Roman catacombs

1cat·a·log (chiefly US) or cat·a·logue noun, pl -logs or -logues [count]

1 : a book containing a list of things that you can buy, use, etc., and often pictures

She ordered clothes from a (mail-order) catalog.

a college/course catalog
see also CARD CATALOG

2 : a group of similar or related things

The band played many songs from their catalog of hits.

a catalog of failures/disasters/mistakes

2catalog (US) or catalogue verb, -logs or -logues, -loged or -logued, -log·ing or -logu·ing [+ obj]

: to list or describe (something) in an organized way

They use the computer to catalog books.

The chart catalogs the results of each test.

cat·a·log·er (US) or cat·a·logu·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a book cataloger

cat·a·lyst noun, pl -lysts [count]

1 technical : a substance that causes a chemical reaction to happen more quickly

2 : a person or event that quickly causes change or action

The bombing attack was the catalyst for war.

She was proud to be a catalyst for reform in the government.

cat·a·lyt·ic converter noun, pl -ers [count]

: a part of an automobile exhaust system that removes harmful chemicals

cat·a·ma·ran noun, pl -rans [count]

: a boat with two hulls

cat and mouse noun [noncount]

: behavior that is like the way a cat chases a mouse or plays with a mouse before killing it used especially to describe a situation in which someone says or does different things to deceive or control other people, to avoid being caught, etc.;
usually used with play

The governor has been playing (a game of) cat and mouse with the media, refusing to say definitely whether he will run for reelection.

The thieves played cat and mouse with the police for several days before they were caught.

cat-and-mouse adj
a cat-and-mouse routine

1cat·a·pult noun, pl -pults [count]

1 a : an ancient weapon used for throwing large rocks

1 b Brit : slingshot

2 : a device for launching an airplane from the deck of an aircraft carrier

2catapult verb, -pults, -pult·ed, -pult·ing

1 [+ obj] : to throw (something) with a catapult

They catapulted rocks toward the castle.

2 a [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to quickly move up or ahead or to a better position

The publicity catapulted her CD to the top of the charts.

The novel catapulted him from unknown to best-selling author.

2 b [no obj] : to quickly move up or ahead : to quickly advance to a better position

He catapulted to fame after his first book was published.

Her career was catapulting ahead.

cat·a·ract noun, pl -racts [count]

1 medical : a condition in which a part of your eye (called the lens) becomes cloudy and you cannot see well
often plural

His grandmother developed cataracts.

2 literary : a large waterfall

ca·tarrh noun, pl -tarrhs [count]

medical : a condition in which the nose and air passages become filled with mucus

ca·tas·tro·phe noun, pl -phes

: a terrible disaster

[count] The oil spill was an environmental catastrophe.

Experts fear a humanitarian catastrophe if food isn't delivered to the refugees soon.

a global/nuclear/economic catastrophe

[noncount] an area on the brink of catastrophe

cat·a·stroph·ic adj [more ; most ]

The effect of the war on the economy was catastrophic.

a catastrophic drought

cat·a·stroph·i·cal·ly adv

The dam failed catastrophically, flooding the entire valley.

cat·bird seat noun

(sitting) in the catbird seat

US informal : in a very good position

The team was (sitting) in the catbird seat after winning 10 games in a row.

cat burglar noun, pl -lars [count]

: a thief who enters buildings by climbing up a wall and going in through a window without being seen

cat·call noun, pl -calls [count]

: a sound or noise that someone (such as an audience member) makes toward a speaker, performer, athlete, etc., that he or she does not like

The pitcher heard angry catcalls as he walked off the field.

1catch verb, catch·es, caught , catch·ing

1 a : to use your hands to stop and hold (an object that is moving through the air)

[+ obj] Catch the ball and throw it to first base.

She caught the ball with one hand.

I dropped the book but managed to catch it before it hit the ground.

[no obj] I'll throw you the keys. Ready? Catch!

1 b [+ obj] : to use your hands to grasp and hold onto (someone or something)

He caught [=grabbed, seized] her by the wrist.

He caught hold of her wrist.

2 [+ obj] : to capture and not allow (a person, animal, or fish) to escape

The police are working hard to catch the criminals and put them in jail.

“I bet you can't catch me!” she yelled to her brother.

I once caught 10 fish in a single day.

In the summer, we would catch fireflies and put them in jars.

catching mice in traps
lions catching their prey

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to manage to find, meet, or reach (someone) at a particular time or in a particular state or condition

I caught her just as she was leaving for work.

I'm afraid you've caught me at a bad time.

3 b : to find (someone who is doing something wrong)

The police caught him trying to steal the painting.

My teacher caught me cheating on a test.

Her father caught her smoking in the basement.

You'd never catch me doing that! [=I would never do that]

They caught him in the act (of stealing the painting). = He was caught red-handed.

4 [+ obj] : to affect (someone) in a sudden and surprising way

They were caught unprepared by the crisis. = The crisis caught them unawares. [=they were not prepared when the crisis occurred]

The announcement caught me by surprise. [=I was surprised by the announcement]

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to suddenly stop (yourself) before you do something

Luckily, he caught himself before he gave away the secret.

5 b : to suddenly become aware that you are doing something

He caught himself staring at her.

6 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to be stopped, delayed, etc.

usually used as (be/get) caught

We got caught in a rain storm and had to find shelter.

I'm sorry I'm late. I was caught in traffic.

We got caught up in traffic and were late for our flight.

see also CAUGHT UP IN 1 (BELOW)

7 : to cause (something) to become stuck and unable to move

[+ obj] I caught my sleeve on a nail.

The kite got caught [=tangled] in the tree.

She tried to stand up, but her foot was caught in the strap.

[no obj] My sleeve caught on a nail.

8 [no obj] : to have the parts connect firmly

I tried to lock the door, but the lock wouldn't catch.

9 [+ obj]

9 a : to stop and hold (falling water)

They kept a bucket outside to catch the rain.

9 b : to become covered with (something that moves through the air)

These curtains catch a lot of dust.

10 [+ obj]

10 a : to hit or touch (someone or something)

The bullet caught him in the leg.

His last punch caught me in the jaw.

Isn't it beautiful the way the setting sun catches the tips of the trees?

10 b : to be hit or touched by (something)

He caught a bullet in the leg.

The tips of the trees catch the light as the sun sets.

11 [+ obj] : to become affected with (a sickness or disease)

We both caught [=contracted] the flu.

I seem to catch a cold every winter.

children catching colds from each other

When people say that you will catch your death (of cold), they mean that you will become sick or catch a very bad cold.

It's freezing! You'll catch your death if you go out without a coat!

see also CATCHING

12 [+ obj] : to begin to feel excitement or interest about something

I haven't caught the holiday spirit yet this year.

People are getting really interested in the sport. The whole country is starting to catch the fever.

13 [+ obj] : to attract and hold (someone's attention, interest, etc.)

I tried to catch the waiter's attention, but I guess he didn't see me.

The show is more likely to catch the interest of an older audience.

Her books have caught the imagination of children from around the world. [=children find her books very exciting and enjoyable]

If someone or something catches your eye, you notice that person or thing.

There was one dress in particular that caught my eye.

see also EYE-CATCHING

14 [+ obj] : to see, smell, or notice (something)

I caught [=got] a faint whiff of her perfume.

While you're in Hollywood, you might catch a glimpse of some movie stars.

I caught sight of his red shirt and started calling to him.

15 [+ obj] informal : to hear or understand (something)

What was that again? I didn't quite catch [=hear, get] what you said.

I didn't catch your name.

Do you catch my drift? [=do you understand what I mean?]

16 [+ obj] : to become aware of (something, such as an illness)

The disease is curable if caught [=detected] early.

17 [+ obj] : to have or do (something)

You can catch [=take] a quick nap on the train.

18 [+ obj] : to get (something) through effort

I managed to catch [=get] a ride into town with some friends.

19 [+ obj] informal : to meet with (someone)

“See you soon.” “Yup. Catch you later.”

20 [+ obj] : to move fast enough to be next to or in front of (someone)

She caught [=overtook] the leader in the final meters of the race.

He left before I did so I had to hurry to catch him. [=to catch up with him]

21 [+ obj] : to get on a bus, train, etc., before it leaves

If you miss the first bus, you can catch the next one in 15 minutes.

If you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch.

22 [+ obj] : to see or hear (a show, game, etc.)

I only caught the last few minutes of the game.

Did you catch the show on Channel 4 last night?

23 [+ obj] : to describe or show (someone or something) in an accurate way in art

The new portrait catches her likeness perfectly.

The novel successfully catches the atmosphere of 19th-century Paris.

24 [no obj] baseball : to play the position of catcher

He catches for the New York Yankees.

If you pitch, I'll catch.

catch at [phrasal verb]

catch at (something) : to reach for and try to hold (something)

The baby caught at my dress as I walked past.

catch fire

1 or US catch on fire : to begin to burn

Newspaper catches fire [=ignites] easily.

Their house caught fire and burned to the ground.

Don't leave the towel on the stove. It could catch fire.

2 : to become very popular or effective

The idea failed to catch fire.

The singer hasn't caught fire in this country yet.

a new technology that has caught fire with the public

catch hell see HELL

catch it
chiefly Brit informal : to be punished or scolded

He's really going to catch it [=(US) catch hell] (from his boss) if he comes in late again!

catch lightning in a bottle see 1LIGHTNING

catch on [phrasal verb]

1 : to become popular

This trend is catching on with/among college students.

Soccer is finally starting to catch on in America.

2 : to learn or understand something

Once you start playing the game, the kids will catch on pretty quickly.

It took her a while to catch on, but she eventually got the joke.

catch out [phrasal verb]

catch (someone) out chiefly Brit : to show that (someone) does not know something or is doing something bad

She loved catching teachers out by asking tough questions.

The police tried to catch him out in a lie.

catch (someone) dead see 1DEAD

catch up [phrasal verb]

1 : to move fast enough to join someone or something that is in front of you

They went so fast we couldn't catch up.

often + with or to

Slow down so that I can catch up with you.

She ran as fast as she could, but she couldn't catch up with her brother. = (US) She couldn't catch up to him.

often used figuratively

In order to catch up with its competitors in the industry, the company will need to start using more advanced technologies.

She missed several months of school and may never catch up with the other children in her class. = (US) She may never catch up to them.

2 : to learn about recent events

We haven't seen each other in such a long time; we've got lots of catching up to do!

catching up with old friends
often + on

He reads the newspaper on Sunday mornings to catch up on the news.

3 catch up on (something) : to do (something) that you could have done earlier

She has to catch up on her homework.

I hope to catch up on some much-needed sleep this weekend.

4 catch (someone) up Brit : to join someone who is ahead of you

He was ahead of me for most of the race, but I caught him up [=I caught up with him] at the end.

Go on ahead: I'll catch you up later.

5 catch up with (someone)

5 a : to begin to affect (someone) usually in a bad way

All those late nights are really starting to catch up with me!

Old age catches up with everyone in the end.

5 b : to find and arrest (someone)

The police eventually caught up with him in Texas.

5 c informal : to meet with (someone)

I've got to go. I'll catch up with you later.

catch your breath see BREATH

caught in the middle see 2MIDDLE

caught short

1 : not having enough of something

Don't be caught short! Make sure you stock up on supplies before you set out on your trip.

2 Brit, informal : having a sudden urge to use the toilet

caught up in

1 : involved in (a difficult or confusing situation)

Several members of Congress were caught up in the scandal.

How did you get caught up in this mess?

see also 1CATCH 6 (ABOVE)

2 : excited about something and having trouble thinking about anything else

Everyone was caught up in the excitement.

Try not to get too caught up in the moment.

catch·able adj
a catchable ball

2catch noun, pl catch·es

1 [count] : a hidden problem that makes something more complicated or difficult to do
usually singular

The phone only costs $20, but there's a catch: you have to sign a two-year contract with the phone company.

He said he would let me borrow his car, but I knew there had to be a catch.

What's/Where's the catch?

2 a [count] : the act of stopping a moving object (such as a ball) and holding it in your hands : the act of catching something

Great catch!

The shortstop made a tough catch.

2 b [noncount] : a game in which two or more people throw and catch a ball

She used to play catch with her dad.

Let's play a game of catch.

3 [count] : an amount of fish that has been caught
a catch of about 20 fish

She ordered the catch of the day. [=the fish offered on a particular day at a restaurant]

4 [count] old-fashioned : a person who would be very desirable as a husband or wife

He was an excellent catch.

5 [count] : something that holds an object or stops the parts of an object from moving

She fastened the catch on her purse.

The catch on my grandmother's pin broke.

a safety catch on a gun

6 [singular] : a short, sharp change or stop in a person's voice or breath while speaking

I could hear the catch in his voice when he said his dead wife's name.

catch·all noun [singular]

: something that holds or includes many different things

They used the drawer as a catchall for kitchen items.

“The arts” is a catchall for a variety of activities from painting to music.

often used before another noun
a catchall phrase/term

catch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone or something that catches something
a dog catcher

The cat is a good mouse catcher.

2 baseball : the player who plays behind home plate and catches the pitches thrown by the pitcher

catching adj, not used before a noun

: able to be passed quickly from one person or animal to another : contagious

“I have a cold.” “Is it catching?”

His enthusiasm is catching.

see also EYE-CATCHING

catch·ment area noun, pl areas [count]

1 technical : the area from which water flows into a river, stream, etc.

2 chiefly Brit : the area that a school, hospital, etc., provides a service to

catch·phrase noun, pl -phras·es [count]

: a word or phrase that is easy to remember and is commonly used to represent or describe a person, group, idea, etc.

popular catchphrases like “politically correct”

The politician asked his writers to come up with new catchphrases. [=slogans]

catch-22 or Catch-22 noun, pl -22's or -22s [count]

: a difficult situation for which there is no easy or possible solution

I'm in a catch-22: to get the job I need experience, but how do I get experience if I can't get the job?

often used before another noun
a catch-22 dilemma/situation

catch-up noun

play catch-up

: to try to reach the same position, score, etc., as a competitor after you have fallen behind

The team fell behind in the second inning and has had to play catch-up ever since.

The company has been trying to play a difficult game of catch-up ever since its competitor introduced the new product.

see also catch up at 1CATCH

catch·word noun, pl -words [count]

: catchphrase

catchy adj, catch·i·er, -est

: appealing and easy to remember

I can't think of a catchy name/title for my blog.

The new slogan isn't as catchy as the old one.

a catchy song/tune

cat·e·chism noun, pl -chisms

1 [noncount] : a collection of questions and answers that are used to teach people about the Christian religion

They went to school to learn their catechism.

He taught catechism at Sunday school.

2 [count] : a book that explains the beliefs of the Christian religion by using a list of questions and answers

cat·e·gor·i·cal also cat·e·gor·ic adj

: said in a very strong, clear, and definite way

He issued a categorical denial about his involvement in the deal.

a categorical statement

cat·e·gor·i·cal·ly adv

She categorically denied the accusation.

The statement is categorically false/untrue.

cat·e·go·rize also Brit cat·e·go·rise verb, -riz·es, -rized, -riz·ing [+ obj]

: to put (someone or something) into a group of similar people or things : to put (people or things) into categories

This software lets you categorize your photographs in many different ways.

Would you categorize [=classify] this book as science fiction?

Their opinions can be categorized as conservative.

Birds are categorized by type in this field guide.

cat·e·go·ri·za·tion also Brit cat·e·go·ri·sa·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

cat·e·go·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

: a group of people or things that are similar in some way

The cars belong to the same category.

Taxpayers fall into one of several categories.

She competed for the award in her age category.

ca·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

: to provide food and drinks at a party, meeting, etc., especially as a job

[no obj] The restaurant caters for parties/banquets/receptions.

[+ obj] A local restaurant catered the banquet/meal/reception.

The awards ceremony will be a catered event/affair.

cater to (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit cater for [phrasal verb]

cater to/for (someone or something) : to provide what is wanted or needed by (someone or something)

The inn caters exclusively to foreign tourists.

The library caters to [=serves] scientists.

That store caters to middle-class taste.

The hotel caters to your every need. [=the hotel provides everything that you need]

(disapproving) As a child he was spoiled by parents who catered to his every need.

ca·ter·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a successful cook and caterer

The party was serviced by the best caterer in the area.

catering noun [noncount]

Who did the catering for the party?

She runs a catering business.

cat·er·cor·ner adv

US : kitty-corner

cat·er·pil·lar noun, pl -lars [count]

: a small creature that is like a worm with many legs and that changes to become a butterfly or moth

cat·er·waul verb, -wauls, -wauled, -waul·ing [no obj]

1 : to make a very loud and unpleasant sound

Some animal was caterwauling in my backyard last night.

2 : to protest or complain noisily

He continues to caterwaul about having to take the blame.

caterwaul noun, pl -wauls [count]

cat·fight noun, pl -fights [count]

informal : an angry fight or argument between two women

cat·fish noun, pl cat·fish [count, noncount]

: a type of fish that has a large head and long thin parts that look like a cat's whiskers around its mouth

cat·gut noun [noncount]

: a tough cord made from the intestines of animals (such as sheep) and used as strings for musical instruments, tennis rackets, etc.

ca·thar·sis noun
formal : the act or process of releasing a strong emotion (such as pity or fear) especially by expressing it in an art form

[noncount] Acting is a means of catharsis for her.

[singular] Painting/music/writing is a catharsis for me.

ca·thar·tic adj [more ; most ]

a cathartic experience

ca·the·dral noun, pl -drals [count]

: the main church of an area that is headed by a bishop

cathedral ceiling noun, pl -ings [count]

: a high ceiling that has two sides that slant downwards from a pointed top

Cath·er·ine wheel noun, pl wheels [count]

Brit : pinwheel 2

cath·e·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

medical : a thin tube that is put into the body to remove or inject a liquid or to keep a passage open

cath·e·ter·i·za·tion also Brit cath·e·ter·i·sa·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [noncount]

The patient underwent cardiac catheterization.

[count]

The surgeon has performed hundreds of catheterizations over the years.

cath·ode noun, pl -odes [count]

technical : the part of an electrical device (such as a battery) where electrons enter compare ANODE

cathode-ray tube noun, pl tubes [count]

: a large tube that shows a picture on a screen (such as a television or computer screen) abbr. CRT

cath·o·lic adj

1 Catholic : of or relating to the Roman Catholic Church
a Catholic bishop/nun/priest

My son goes to a local Catholic school. [=a school run by the Roman Catholic Church]

2 formal : including many different things

She is a novelist who is catholic in her interests.

He has catholic tastes in art and music. [=he likes many different things in art and music]

Cath·o·lic noun, pl -lics [count]

: a person who is a member of the Roman Catholic Church

Ca·thol·i·cism noun [noncount]

: the Roman Catholic religion

He converted to Catholicism.

cat·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

US slang : a place where prostitutes are available : brothel

cat·kin noun, pl -kins [count]

: a bunch of flowers that grow in close rows on the branches of trees (such as willows or birches)

cat·nap noun, pl -naps [count]

: a short period of sleep : a brief nap

He took/had a catnap.

cat·nap verb, -naps, -napped, -nap·ping [no obj]

She closed her eyes to catnap while her friend drove the car.

cat·nip noun [noncount]

: a type of mint that has a strong smell which is attractive to cats

CAT scan noun, pl scans [count]

medical : a picture of the inside of a part of your body that is made by a computerized machine called also CT scan

CAT scanner noun, pl -ners [count]

cat's cradle noun

1 [noncount] : a game played with a string that is wrapped around your fingers in complex patterns

2 [singular] : something that is very complicated
a cat's cradle of government regulations

cat's-eye noun, pl -eyes [count]

1 : a jewel that has a pale stripe running down its middle which makes it look like the eye of a cat

2 US : a marble with round circles that look like eyes

Cats·eye trademark

Brit used for an object that is placed on the surface of a road and which reflects light from a car's headlights to make the road easier to see

cat·suit noun, pl -suits [count]

: a tight piece of clothing that covers the body and legs and sometimes the arms

cat·sup noun [noncount]

US : ketchup

cat·tail noun, pl -tails [count]

US : a tall plant that has long flat leaves and that grows in wet areas called also (Brit) bulrush

cat·tery noun, pl -ter·ies [count]

chiefly Brit : a place where cats are kept while their owners are away compare KENNEL

cat·tle noun [plural]

: cows, bulls, or steers that are kept on a farm or ranch for meat or milk
a herd of cattle

His family used to raise cattle.

The people in the crowd were treated like cattle as they tried to leave the stadium.

often used before another noun
cattle feed
a cattle herd
the cattle industry

My uncle has a cattle ranch.

cattle call noun, pl calls [count]

US informal : an audition for actors in a movie, television show, etc.

cattle guard noun, pl guards [count]

US : a set of bars placed over a shallow hole that is used to stop cattle from crossing a road called also (Brit) cattle grid

cat·tle·man noun, pl -men [count]

chiefly US : a person who raises or takes care of cattle

cattle prod noun, pl prods [count]

: a device that is used to make cattle move by giving them an electric shock

cat·ty adj, cat·ti·er, -est
disapproving : unkind or critical
used especially to describe a comment made by a woman

She said something catty about the way they were dressed.

catty comments/remarks

cat·ti·ly adv

cat·ti·ness noun [noncount]

cat·ty-cor·ner or cat·ty-cor·nered adv

US : kitty-corner

CATV abbr
cable television

cat·walk noun, pl -walks [count]

1 : a narrow structure for people to walk on along a bridge or high up on the side of a building

2 : the raised structure that models walk along in a fashion show

Cau·ca·sian Brit noun, pl -sians [count]

: a person who has white or pale skin : a white person

The disease is largely associated with Caucasians.

Caucasian adj

The police were looking for a Caucasian [=white] male.

1cau·cus noun, pl -cus·es [count]

1 : a meeting of members of a political party for the purpose of choosing candidates for an election
a presidential caucus [=a meeting to decide who the party's candidate for the presidential election will be]

2 : a group of people (such as members of the U.S. Congress) who meet to discuss a particular issue or to work together for a shared, usually political goal
the Congressional Arts Caucus
the National Women's Political Caucus

2caucus verb, -cuses, -cused, -cus·ing [no obj]

US : to meet in a caucus

Democrats/Republicans caucused last week to choose their candidates.

caught past tense and past participle of 1CATCH

caul·dron also US cal·dron noun, pl -drons [count]

: a large pot
a witch's cauldron
often used figuratively

The area was a cauldron of violence.

a seething cauldron of intense emotions

cau·li·flow·er noun, pl -ers [count, noncount]

: a vegetable that is grown for its head of white flowers

cauliflower ear noun, pl ears [count]

: an ear that is permanently damaged and swollen after being hit many times

caulk verb, caulks, caulked, caulk·ing [+ obj]

: to fill the cracks or holes in (something) with a substance that keeps out water

He carefully caulked the area around the windows.

caulk noun [noncount]

He filled the cracks with caulk.

caus·al adj
formal

1 : relating to or showing the cause of something

No causal connection/relationship between the events was found.

There is a causal link between poverty and crime.

2 : making something happen : causing something

The causal [=causative] agent of the disease is a fungus.

caus·al·ly adv

The events are causally related.

cau·sal·i·ty noun [noncount]

formal

1 : the relationship between something that happens or exists and the thing that causes it

Scientists found no causality between the events.

2 : the idea that something can cause another thing to happen or exist
the principle of causality

cau·sa·tion noun [noncount]

formal

1 : the act or process of causing something to happen or exist
the role of heredity in the causation of cancer

2 : the relationship between an event or situation and a possible reason or cause

He claimed that the accident caused his injury, but the court ruled that he did not provide sufficient evidence of causation.

caus·a·tive adj
formal : making something happen or exist : causing something

A virus was found to be the causative agent of smallpox.

Speed was a causative factor in the accident. [=speed helped to cause the accident]

1cause noun, pl caus·es

1 [count] : something or someone that produces an effect, result, or condition : something or someone that makes something happen or exist

His symptoms had no apparent physical causes.

She is the cause of all their problems.

He died of/from natural causes. [=he died because of old age or an illness]

often + of

The doctor determined the cause of death.

The exact cause of the accident/fire is not known.

2 : a reason for doing or feeling something

[noncount] The medicine was prescribed without good cause.

often + for

There is some cause for concern. [=some reason to be concerned/worried]

[singular] Their marriage was a cause for celebration.

see also PROBABLE CAUSE

3 [count] : something (such as an organization, belief, idea, or goal) that a group or people support or fight for

I can support a cause that means something to me.

I'm willing to donate money as long as it's for a good/worthy cause.

lost cause

: a person or thing that is certain to fail

She decided her acting career was a lost cause.

I'm a lost cause when it comes to anything technical.

make/find common cause
formal : to join together with someone in order to achieve a shared goal

He has made common cause with political rivals to defeat the proposed new law.

2cause verb, causes, caused, caus·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) happen or exist : to be the cause of (something)

He swerved and caused an accident.

The flood caused great hardship.

The illness is caused by a virus.

2 : to make (someone) feel, have, or do something

The flood caused the town great hardship.

You caused us a lot of extra work.

often followed by to + verb

His boss caused him to resign. [=his boss made him resign]

His nervous behavior caused me to question his innocence.

'cause conj

: because
used in informal speech

“Why did he do that?” “'Cause I told him to.”

cause cé·lè·bre also cause ce·le·bre noun, pl causes cé·lè·bres also causes ce·le·bres [count]

formal : a legal case or an event that a lot of people become interested in
usually singular

The case became a cause célèbre for/among environmentalists.

cause·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: a raised road or path that goes across wet ground or water

The island is linked by a causeway to the mainland.

caus·tic adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to destroy or burn something by chemical action

The chemical was so caustic that it ate through the pipes.

2 : very harsh and critical
caustic film reviews

She wrote a caustic report about the decisions that led to the crisis.

caustic humor/wit

caus·ti·cal·ly adv

caustic soda noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : lye

cau·ter·ize also Brit cau·ter·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

medical : to burn (something, such as a wound) with heat or a chemical substance in order to destroy infected tissue

The doctors cauterized the wound.

cau·ter·i·za·tion also Brit cau·ter·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

1cau·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : care taken to avoid danger or risk : a careful attitude or way of behaving

You should use caution when operating the electric saw.

He injected a note/word of caution in his talk.

Her financial adviser urged caution before investing in the project.

Investors should exercise caution.

The roads are slippery: drive with extreme caution.

2 : a warning telling someone to be careful

[count] Her comments were intended as a caution to us to protect our property.

[noncount] A note/word of caution: be sure that the electricity is off before you install the ceiling fan.

3 [count] Brit, law : a spoken official warning given to someone who has done something illegal but has not committed a serious crime

She was given a caution by the magistrate.

throw/fling/cast caution to the wind

: to stop being careful and do something that is dangerous or that might result in failure

After thinking about it for years, he finally threw/flung/cast caution to the wind, quit his job, and started his own company.

2caution verb, -tions, -tioned, -tion·ing

1 : to warn or tell (someone) about a possible danger, problem, etc.

[+ obj] She cautioned me not to decide too quickly. = She cautioned (me) that I shouldn't decide too quickly.

Officials are cautioning that the war may continue for years.

“Don't decide too quickly,” she cautioned.

[no obj]

+ against

I would caution against getting involved with him.

2 [+ obj] Brit, law : to give a caution to (someone)

He was cautioned for speeding.

cau·tion·ary Brit adj

: giving a warning about a possible danger, problem, etc.

The story is a cautionary tale of what can happen when greed takes over.

cau·tious adj [more ; most ]

: careful about avoiding danger or risk

Any cautious tourist will guard her passport.

You cannot be overly/too cautious when you're driving in snow.

He answered the question with a cautious reply.

cau·tious·ly adv [more ; most ]

She cautiously moved down the dark hall.

cau·tious·ness noun [noncount]

They proceeded with cautiousness. [=caution]

cav·al·cade noun, pl -cades [count]

1 : a line of riders, vehicles, etc., moving along in the same direction

The cavalcade arrived at the hotel.

a cavalcade of antique cars

2 literary : a series of related things
the cavalcade of years
a cavalcade of natural disasters

cav·a·lier adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : having or showing no concern for something that is important or serious

They are too cavalier in their treatment of others.

The writer is very cavalier [=careless] about the truth.

She has a cavalier attitude about/towards spending money.

He has a cavalier disregard for the rights of others.

cav·a·lier·ly adv

He cavalierly disregarded their advice.

cav·al·ry noun

: the part of an army that in the past had soldiers who rode horses and that now has soldiers who ride in vehicles or helicopters

[noncount] Cavalry is used to perform reconnaissance.

[plural] The cavalry were brought in to support the mission.

often used before another noun
cavalry forces/officers/troops

compare INFANTRY

cav·al·ry·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a soldier who is in the cavalry

1cave noun, pl caves [count]

: a large hole that was formed by natural processes in the side of a cliff or hill or under the ground

2cave verb, caves, caved, cav·ing

cave in [phrasal verb]

1 a : to fall down or inward

We need to keep the walls from caving in. [=collapsing]

The roof caved in on them.

1 b cave (something) in or cave in (something) : to cause (something) to fall down or inward

The weight of the snow caved in the roof.

2 informal : to stop trying to resist or oppose something : to give in or submit to pressure

We kept asking her to come and she finally caved in.

He caved in to the pressure to resign.

sometimes used in U.S. English without in

We kept asking her to come and she finally caved.

see also CAVE-IN

ca·ve·at Brit noun, pl -ats [count]

formal : an explanation or warning that should be remembered when you are doing or thinking about something

His investment advice comes with a caveat: that the stock market is impossible to predict with absolute accuracy.

ca·ve·at emp·tor noun [noncount]

law : the principle that a person who buys something is responsible for making sure that it is in good condition, works properly, etc.

cave-in noun, pl -ins [count]

: an occurrence in which something (such as the roof or walls of a building or cave) suddenly falls down or inward

There are important safety procedures to prevent cave-ins in mines.

They explored the area of the cave-in.

see also cave in at 2CAVE

cave·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a person who lived in a cave in ancient times

2 informal : a man who acts in a very rude and aggressive way

cav·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who explores caves : spelunker

cav·ern noun, pl -erns [count]

: a large cave

cav·ern·ous adj [more ; most ]

of a building or room : resembling a large cave : very large

We toured the cavernous airplane hangar.

The dance was held in a cavernous hall.

a cavernous auditorium

cav·i·ar noun [noncount]

: the eggs of a large fish (such as the sturgeon) that are salted and eaten as food

cav·il verb, cav·ils, US cav·iled or Brit cav·illed, US cav·il·ing or Brit cav·il·ling [no obj]

formal : to complain about things that are not important

I don't intend to cavil or compromise.

A customer caviled about/over/at the price.

cavil noun, pl -ils [count]

The reviewer had only a few cavils [=small criticisms] about the book.

[noncount]

The need for these changes is beyond cavil. [=cannot be doubted or argued about]

cav·ing noun [noncount]

: the sport of exploring caves : spelunking

cav·i·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

1 : a hole or space inside something

Some birds nest in tree cavities.

the abdominal/chest/nasal cavity

2 : a hole formed in a tooth by decay

I had two cavities filled at the dentist's.

ca·vort verb, -vorts, -vort·ed, -vort·ing [no obj]

1 : to jump or move around in a lively manner

Otters cavorted in the stream.

2 : to spend time in an enjoyable and often wild or improper way
usually + with

The governor has been criticized for cavorting with celebrities.

caw noun, pl caws [count]

: the loud sound made by a crow or a similar bird

caw verb, caws, cawed, caw·ing [no obj]

Crows cawed in the trees.

cawing noun [noncount]

I heard the cawing of a crow.

cay noun, pl cays [count]

: a low island made of sand or coral

cay·enne pepper noun [noncount]

: a red powder that is made from hot peppers and that is used as a spice to give a hot taste to food
a dash/pinch of cayenne pepper

CB noun [noncount]

: a range of radio frequencies that people and especially truck drivers use to talk to each other over short distances often while driving
often used before another noun
a CB radio

; also : a radio that uses this range of frequencies

We heard the truckers talking on the CB.

CB is an abbreviation of “citizens band.”

CBS abbr

Columbia Broadcasting System

CBS is one of the major television networks in the U.S.

1cc abbr

1 cubic centimeter
a 250cc engine

2 carbon copy
used to show that a copy of a business letter or an e-mail is also being sent to someone else
to Meg Thomas, cc Ben Phipps

2cc verb, cc's, cc'd, cc'ing [+ obj]

: to send a copy of a business letter or an e-mail to someone in addition to the person addressed

Please cc the letter to me.

He cc'd the entire staff.

CCTV abbr
closed-circuit television

1CD noun, pl CDs

: a small plastic disk on which information (such as music or computer data) is recorded

[count] The singer released her new CD [=a new set of songs recorded on CDs for people to buy] last month.

a four-CD set

The car stereo includes a CD player.

[noncount] The band's early albums are now available on CD.

called also compact disc

compare 2CD

2CD noun, pl CDs [count]

: certificate of deposit
compare 1CD

CD-ROM noun, pl -ROMs

: a small plastic disk on which large amounts of information (such as books, pictures, or computer programs) are stored in a form that cannot be changed

[count] The dictionary comes with a free CD-ROM.

[noncount] The dictionary is available on CD-ROM.

CD-ROM is an abbreviation of “compact disc read-only memory.”

CE or chiefly US C.E. abbr

Christian Era; Common Era
used to refer to the years that come after the birth of Jesus Christ
the first century C.E.

883 C.E.

C.E. has the same meaning as A.D. C.E. is now often used instead of A.D. especially in scientific writing.

compare A.D., B.C., B.C.E.

cease verb, ceas·es, ceased, ceas·ing
formal

1 [no obj] : to stop happening : to end

The fighting along the border has temporarily ceased.

The conversation abruptly ceased. [=halted]

The noise ceased [=stopped] altogether.

when the weary cease from their labors [=when people who are very tired stop working]

The company was ordered by the court to cease and desist from selling the photographs. [=was ordered to immediately stop selling the photographs]

see also CEASE AND DESIST ORDER

2 [+ obj] : to stop doing (something)

The factory ceased operations last year.

The child would not cease his constant whining/complaining.

The soldiers were ordered to cease fire. [=to stop shooting their weapons]

often followed by to + verb

The program would cease to exist without private funding.

He had long ceased to have any regrets.

Her courage never ceases to amaze me. [=I am always amazed by her courage]

see also CEASE-FIRE

wonders never cease see 1WONDER

cease and desist order noun, pl -ders [count]

law : an official order to stop doing something immediately

A cease and desist order was issued by the state.

cease-fire noun, pl -fires [count]

: an agreement to stop fighting a war for a period of time so that a permanent agreement can be made to end the war : truce

The countries each sent representatives to negotiate a cease-fire.

a cease-fire agreement

cease·less adj
somewhat formal : seeming to never stop : continuous or constant
her ceaseless efforts to build and improve the business
his ceaseless complaints

cease·less·ly adv

He complained ceaselessly. [=constantly, endlessly]

ce·dar noun, pl -dars

1 [count] : a very tall evergreen tree

2 [noncount] : the hard, reddish, and pleasant-smelling wood of a cedar
a chair made of cedar
often used before another noun
cedar shingles
a cedar chest/closet

cede verb, cedes, ced·ed, ced·ing [+ obj]

formal : to give control of (something) to another person, group, government, etc.

Russia ceded Alaska to the U.S. in 1867.

The state had to cede [=relinquish] part of their territory.

The country had no choice but to cede [=surrender] control of the canal.

They ceded their authority.

ce·dil·la noun, pl -las [count]

: a mark ¸ placed under the letter c (as in façade) to show that it is pronounced like s and not k

In English, the cedilla is mostly used in words that come from French.

ceil·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : the inside surface at the top of a room

The house has low ceilings.

a plaster ceiling
a ceiling fan [=a fan that hangs from the ceiling of a room]

sometimes used figuratively
a ceiling of stars/clouds

opposite FLOOR

2 : an upper limit
usually singular
a price ceiling

The government has put/set/imposed a ceiling on automobile emissions.

Fuel prices are going through the ceiling. [=fuel prices are quickly getting much higher]

opposite FLOOR, see also GLASS CEILING

3 technical : the greatest height at which an aircraft can fly

The airplane has a ceiling of 32,000 feet.

hit the ceiling see 1HIT

ceilinged adj
used in combination
a high-ceilinged room [=a room with a high ceiling]

ce·leb noun, pl -lebs [count]

informal : celebrity 2

Hollywood celebs

cel·e·brant noun, pl -brants [count]

formal

1 a : a person who performs or leads a religious ceremony

The bishop will be the main celebrant.

the celebrant of the service/Mass

1 b : a person who participates in a religious ceremony

The celebrants lit their candles.

2 US : a person who celebrates something

The city streets were crowded with celebrants. [=(more commonly) revelers, celebrators]

cel·e·brate verb, -brates, -brat·ed, -brat·ing

1 : to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc.

[+ obj] We are celebrating my birthday by going out to dinner.

The family gathered to celebrate Christmas.

We are celebrating our anniversary next week.

They are celebrating the birth of their third child.

[no obj] We won! Let's celebrate!

2 [+ obj] formal : to praise (someone or something) : to say that (someone or something) is great or important

The book celebrates the movies of the past.

Her lecture celebrated the genius of the artist.

We should celebrate diversity.

He is celebrated for his contributions to modern science.

3 [+ obj] formal : to perform (a religious ceremony)

A priest celebrates Mass at the church daily.

cel·e·bra·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

The dance floor was packed with celebrators. [=revelers]

a celebrator of fine wine

ce·leb·ra·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ] formal

The tone of the article was celebratory.

a celebratory drink/dinner

celebrated adj [more ; most ]

: known and praised by many people : famous

He is one of today's most celebrated young writers.

a celebrated book

cel·e·bra·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a party or other special event that you have for an important occasion, holiday, etc.

a victory/birthday/holiday celebration
the town's bicentennial celebrations

2 [noncount] : the activity of doing special, enjoyable things for an important occasion, achievement, etc. : the activity of celebrating

It was a night of celebration.

We're having a dinner in celebration of their anniversary. [=as a way of celebrating their anniversary]

Your promotion is (a) cause for celebration.

3 [count] : the performance of a religious ceremony
usually singular
a celebration of Mass

célèbre see CAUSE CÉLÈBRE

ce·leb·ri·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] formal : the state of being famous or celebrated : fame

The actress lived a life of celebrity.

2 [count] : a person who is famous

There were many celebrities at the party.

She's become something of a local celebrity. [=someone who everyone in the area knows or recognizes]

often used before another noun
a celebrity chef [=a chef who is famous]

celebrity interviews [=interviews with famous people]

cel·ery noun [noncount]

: a vegetable that is grown for its long light green stems

Celery is eaten raw or cooked.

a stalk of celery

ce·les·tial Brit adj

1 : of or relating the sky
stars, planets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies

Sailors still use celestial navigation. [=they still navigate by using the positions of the sun and stars in the sky]

2 : of or relating to heaven : heavenly

Angels are celestial beings.

The late afternoon sunlight gave the room a celestial glow.

celestial music

cel·i·bate adj

used to describe a person who is not married and does not have sex
celibate monks and nuns

They have chosen to lead celibate lives.

He was celibate for many years following the death of his wife.

cel·i·ba·cy noun [noncount]

a vow of celibacy

celibate noun, pl -bates [count]

The monks and nuns are celibates.

cell noun, pl cells [count]

1 a : a room in a prison, jail, etc., where prisoners live or are kept
a prison/jail cell

The suspect was in the police station's holding cell overnight.

1 b : a small room that one person (such as a monk or a nun) lives in

2 : any one of the very small parts that together form all living things
blood/brain cells
cancer cells
often used before another noun

The nucleus splits during cell division.

Her white blood cell count is low.

the cell walls of plants

3 : any one of many similar sections that together form a larger structure
a honeycomb cell

4 technical

4 a : a container for holding substances that are used for producing electricity by chemical action
dry cell battery
a fuel cell

4 b : a device for changing light (such as sunlight) into electricity
a solar cell

5 : a small group of people who work together secretly as part of a larger organization or group
terrorist cells

6 US, informal : cell phone

7 computers : a space where information can be entered in an organized arrangement of rows and columns : a unit in a table or spreadsheet

celled adj
used in combination
single-celled organisms

cel·lar noun, pl -lars [count]

1 : the part of a building that is entirely or partly below the ground : basement

The cellar has a dirt floor.

see also ROOT CELLAR

2 : the wines that are stored in a restaurant, in someone's home, etc. : wine cellar
a restaurant with an impressive cellar

cellblock noun, pl -blocks [count]

: a group of prison cells that make up a section of a prison

cel·list noun, pl -lists [count]

: a person who plays the cello

cell·mate noun, pl -mates [count]

: someone who shares a prison cell with another prisoner

cel·lo noun, pl -los [count]

: a large musical instrument like a violin that is held between the player's knees while the player sits

cel·lo·phane noun [noncount]

: a thin transparent material that is used for wrapping things

He wrapped the gift basket in cellophane.

cell phone noun, pl phones [count]

chiefly US : a small telephone that people can take with them and use outside their homes

Call me on my cell phone.

called also mobile phone (chiefly US) cellular phone (US, informal) cell (Brit) mobile

cel·lu·lar adj

1 : of, relating to, or made of the cells of living things

Researchers are observing the course of the disease at the cellular level.

a cellular membrane

2 : relating to a system that uses radio waves instead of wires to send telephone signals
a cellular network
cellular telephone service

cellular phone noun, pl phones [count]

chiefly US : cell phone

cel·lu·lite noun [noncount]

: fat that is close to the surface of the skin and that makes the skin slightly bumpy

cel·lu·loid noun [noncount]

1 : a tough kind of plastic that was used in the past to make photographic film and other products

2 : the film used to make movies

The event was captured on celluloid. [=was filmed]

often used before another noun to refer to movies in general

The new movie is about the celluloid stars of the past.

a celluloid portrait of an aging athlete [=a movie about an aging athlete]

cel·lu·lose noun [noncount]

: a substance that is the main part of the cell walls of plants and that is used in making various products (such as paper)

Cel·si·us adj

: relating to or having a scale for measuring temperature on which the boiling point of water is at 100 degrees and the freezing point of water is at 0 degrees
the Celsius scale

The temperature reached 23 degrees Celsius.

abbr. C compare FAHRENHEIT

Celt noun, pl Celts [count]

1 : a member of a group of people (such as the Irish or Welsh) who lived in ancient Britain and parts of western Europe

The Celts defended their lands against the Romans.

2 : a person whose ancestors were Celts

Celt·ic adj

: of or relating to the Celts or their languages

Celtic music/history

Celtic languages

1ce·ment noun [noncount]

1 a : a soft gray powder that is mixed with water and other substances to make concrete
a bag of cement
cement mix

1 b : the hard substance that is made when cement is mixed with water and allowed to dry : concrete

There is a layer of cement under the bricks.

cement blocks
a cement floor

2 : a substance that is used to make things stick together : glue
rubber cement
sometimes used figuratively

Tradition is the cement that holds this community together.

2cement verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [+ obj]

1 : to join (things) together with cement
usually used as (be) cemented

The parts are then cemented together.

A thick post was cemented to the floor.

2 : to make (something) stronger

A win would cement her reputation as a strong competitor.

The many hours they spent working together helped to cement their relationship. [=to make their relationship strong]

cement mixer noun, pl -ers [count]

: a truck that has a large container which turns when it is filled with wet cement so that the cement will not become hard called also (Brit) concrete mixer

cem·e·tery Brit noun, pl -ter·ies [count]

: a place where dead people are buried : graveyard

ceno·taph Brit noun, pl -taphs [count]

: a special structure or statue that is built to remind people of a dead person who is buried somewhere else; especially : a structure built to honor the people who were killed in a war

1cen·sor noun, pl -sors [count]

: a person who examines books, movies, letters, etc., and removes things that are considered to be offensive, immoral, harmful to society, etc.

Government censors deleted all references to the protest.

2censor verb, -sors, -sored, -sor·ing [+ obj]

: to examine books, movies, letters, etc., in order to remove things that are considered to be offensive, immoral, harmful to society, etc.

The station censored her speech before broadcasting it.

His report was heavily censored.

The government censored [=removed] all references to the protest.

Do not confuse censor with censure.

cen·so·ri·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : having or showing a tendency to criticize someone or something severely : very critical

The stunt earned her the scorn of her censorious older sister.

I was surprised by the censorious tone of the book review.

cen·sor·ship noun [noncount]

: the system or practice of censoring books, movies, letters, etc.

censorship of the press/media

They oppose government censorship.

1cen·sure noun [noncount]

formal : official strong criticism

The country faces international censure for its alleged involvement in the assassination.

2censure verb, -sures, -sured, -sur·ing [+ obj]

formal : to officially criticize (someone or something) strongly and publicly

He was censured by the committee for his failure to report the problem.

Do not confuse censure with censor.

cen·sus noun, pl -sus·es [count]

: the official process of counting the number of people in a country, city, or town and collecting information about them

According to the latest census, the racial makeup of the town has changed dramatically in the last 50 years.

often used before another noun
census figures/data

cent noun, pl cents [count]

: a unit of money that is equal to 1/100 of the basic unit of money in many countries : one percent of a dollar, euro, rupee, etc.

A dime is worth 10 cents.

The car isn't worth a cent. [=the car is not worth anything]

not one red cent
informal : no money at all

I would not pay one red cent for that car. [=I would not pay any money at all for that car]

two cents

US informal : someone's opinion about something

He's always ready to offer his two cents on any topic, whether he knows anything about it or not.

Can I put/throw in my two cents? [=can I give my opinion?]

If I can, I'd like to offer my two cents' worth. [=my opinion]

cent. abbr
century

cen·taur noun, pl -taurs [count]

: a creature in Greek mythology that is part human and part horse

cen·te·nar·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person who is 100 years old or older

cen·ten·a·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

Brit : centennial

This year marks the centenary of the building's construction.

centenary adj, always used before a noun
a centenary year/celebration

cen·ten·ni·al noun, pl -als [count]

US : the 100th anniversary of something (such as an important event)

We're celebrating the museum's centennial [=(Brit) centenary] this summer. [=celebrating the fact that it is 100 years old]

Next year will be the centennial of the town's founding. [=the day/year 100 years after the town was officially begun]

compare BICENTENNIAL

centennial adj, always used before a noun
a centennial year/celebration

1cen·ter (US) or Brit cen·tre noun, pl -ters

1 [count] : the middle point or part of something
the center of the room/circle

The candies have a soft center. [=middle]

The staircase is in the center of the building.

often used before another noun
the center aisle/lane

2 [singular]

2 a : a person or thing that is causing a lot of interest, argument, etc.

The proposed memorial has become a center of controversy. [=there is a lot of controversy about the proposed memorial]

He likes to be the center of attention. [=he likes to be noticed and watched by many people]

2 b : the position of a person or thing that is causing a lot of interest, argument, etc.

They are at the center of a furious debate over whether or not to expand the city's public transportation system.

If you are at the center of things, you are closely involved in things that are happening.

He always likes to be at the center of things.

3 [count] : a building or set of buildings used by the people of a city, town, area, etc., for a particular purpose
a communications/conference center
a day-care center

The vaccine is being tested at several medical centers around the country.

see also COMMUNITY CENTER

4 [count] : a place where a particular activity happens
the financial/business/cultural center of the city

The university is becoming a center of excellence for genetic engineering. [=becoming a place where genetic engineering is done very well]

see also NERVE CENTER, SHOPPING CENTER

5 [count] : an area where many people live
a population/urban center

6 [count] : the main part of a town or city where there are many stores, restaurants, offices, etc.

the town/city center
efforts to rebuild the city's center [=downtown]

7 [singular] : the political position of people who support ideas that are not extreme : a moderate political position between the positions of people who are conservative and liberal

The party's new policies show a shift toward the center.

His political views are slightly right/left of center. [=are slightly conservative/liberal]

8 [count] sports : someone who plays a middle position on a team in sports like basketball, hockey, football, and soccer

front and center see 2FRONT

left, right, and centre see 2LEFT

2center (US) or Brit centre verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 [+ obj] : to place (something) in the middle of something

Center the picture on the wall.

often used as (be) centered

The sign isn't centered. Move it a little to the left.

The pain is centered around/in his lower back.

2 a [no obj] : to be mainly concerned about or involved with someone or something
usually + around, round, on, or upon

Her life centers on/around her children. [=her children are the most important part of her life]

The story centers on/upon a teenage girl.

The investigation has centered [=focused] mainly on/upon the alleged misuse of public funds.

2 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to be mainly concerned about or involved with something
usually + around, round, on, or upon,

She centers her life on/around her children. = Her life is centered on/around her children.

You should center your attention on the most important problems.

The group is centering its efforts on getting food to the poor.

3 [+ obj] : to have the main or most important part of (something, such as an organization or activity) in or at a specified place
usually used as (be) centered
an industry that is centered in the country's north

The organization has members worldwide but is centered in Cairo.

a series of arts events centered at the city park

see also CENTERED

cen·tered (US) or Brit cen·tred adj

1 : mainly concerned about or involved with something specified
used in combination with a noun
a family-centered hotel
a nature-centered religion

see also SELF-CENTERED

2 : having a specified kind of center
used in combination with an adjective
a dark-centered flower

3 [more ; most ] : emotionally healthy and calm

She struggled with depression for years, but she's more centered now and able to live a full life.

center field (US) or Brit centre field noun [noncount]

: the part of the baseball outfield between right field and left field
a fly ball to center field
also : the position of the player defending center field

She used to be a shortstop but now she plays center field.

center fielder (US) or Brit centre fielder noun, pl -ers [count]

a good center fielder

cen·ter·fold (US) or Brit cen·tre·fold noun, pl -folds [count]

1 : the pages that face each other in the middle of a magazine or newspaper

2 a : a picture of a person (such as a woman who is not wearing clothes) that is in the centerfold of a magazine

2 b : a person whose picture is the centerfold of a magazine

center forward (US) or Brit centre forward noun, pl -wards [count]

: someone who plays in the middle of the front line of players in field hockey, soccer, and other sports

center ice (US) or Brit centre ice noun [noncount]

: the middle section of an ice hockey rink

She skated back to center ice.

center of gravity (US) or Brit centre of gravity noun [singular]

: the point at which the entire weight of something can be balanced

Its low center of gravity makes the car very stable.

cen·ter·piece (US) or Brit cen·tre·piece noun, pl -piec·es

1 [count] : a decoration (such as a group of flowers) that is placed in the center of a table

2 [noncount] : the most important part of something
usually + of

He made tax reform the centerpiece of his speech.

Her voting record is the centerpiece of her campaign.

center stage (US) or Brit centre stage noun [singular]

1 : the middle section of a theater's stage

The actor stood alone at center stage.

2 : a main or very important position

As we wrap up work on the old project, a new one moves to center stage.

The issue is expected to take center stage in the elections.

cen·ti- combining form

1 : hundred
centipede

2 : one hundredth part of something
centimeter

cen·ti·grade adj

: celsius

cen·ti·gram noun, pl -grams [count]

: a weight equal to 1/100 gram

cen·ti·li·ter (US) or Brit cen·ti·li·tre noun, pl -ters [count]

: a unit for measuring the volume of a liquid or gas that is equal to 1/100 liter or 10 cubic centimeters

cen·ti·me·ter (US) or Brit cen·ti·me·tre noun, pl -ters [count]

: a length equal to 1/100 meter

cen·ti·pede noun, pl -pedes [count]

: a small creature that is like an insect and that has a long, thin body and many legs

1cen·tral adj

1 always used before a noun : in the middle of something : located in the center of a thing or place

The country is in central Africa. [=the area that is in the middle of Africa]

The house has four rooms and a central chimney.

City planners are looking for a central location for the new hospital.

2 : main or most important

The novel's central [=main] character is an orphan.

The professor has become a central [=key] figure in the controversy.

The evidence was central to the defense's case.

a central belief/claim

3 always used before a noun : controlling all other parts : having power over the other parts

The country's schools are financed by both local and central governments.

The central authority of the company's board is being challenged.

4 : designed to reach all parts of a building

The apartment has both central air-conditioning and central heating.

cen·tral·i·ty noun [noncount]

We should emphasize the centrality of this evidence to our case.

cen·tral·ly adv

The new hospital will be centrally located.

2central noun [singular]

US informal : a place where an activity takes place or a group meets : a place that is a center for an activity or group

The resort is party central for college students on spring break. [=college students on spring break have many parties at the resort]

Our family room becomes kid central on weekends.

central bank noun, pl banks [count]

: a bank that does business with other banks and with the government and that controls a country's money supply and interest rates

central banker noun, pl -ers [count]

central casting noun [noncount]

informal : the department at a movie company that chooses which actor will play each part

Someone who is said to be from/out of central casting is a person whose appearance, behavior, or nature seem to be typical for their job or position.

The physics professor looks like he's right out of central casting: his white hair is disheveled, his suit rumpled, and he looks a little lost.

central city noun, pl cities [count]

: the center part of a large city

The central city is losing population, while the suburbs are expanding.

cen·tral·ism noun [noncount]

: a way of organizing a political or educational system in which a single authority has power and control over the entire system

centralist adj

cen·tral·ize also Brit cen·tral·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to bring (things that are in different places) together at a single point or place

The city's hospitals hope to centralize [=consolidate] medical records in a single database.

All shipping operations have been centralized at the Miami office.

2 : to bring (something) under the control of one authority
centralize control

The controversial reforms could be used to further centralize power in the hands of one party.

a centralized authority/government
opposite DECENTRALIZE

cen·tral·i·za·tion also Brit cen·tral·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

central locking noun [noncount]

Brit : an electronic system that locks all the doors of a car at the same time

central nervous system noun, pl -tems [count]

: the part of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord

central processing unit noun, pl units [count]

: cpu

central reservation noun, pl -tions [count]

Brit : median strip

centre Brit spelling of CENTER

-cen·tric adj combining form

1 : having (something) at the center

The solar system is heliocentric, meaning that the sun is at its center.

2 : having (something) as a central interest, influence, subject, etc.

a Eurocentric way of thinking [=a way of thinking that treats Europe and Europeans as most important]

sometimes hyphenated

(informal) a kid-centric movie [=a movie for children]

cen·trif·u·gal Brit adj
technical : moving away from a center : acting in a direction away from a center

centrifugal force noun, pl forces [count, noncount]

physics : a force that causes an object moving in a circular path to move out and away from the center of its path compare CENTRIPETAL FORCE

cen·tri·fuge noun, pl -fug·es [count]

: a machine that uses centrifugal force to separate substances or parts of substances

A centrifuge spins substances inside a container around very fast, causing the heavier substances to move to the bottom or sides of the container.

cen·trip·e·tal adj
technical : moving toward a center : acting in a direction toward a center

centripetal force noun, pl forces [count, noncount]

physics : a force that pulls an object moving in a circular path toward the center of its path compare CENTRIFUGAL FORCE

cen·trist noun, pl -trists [count]

: a person whose political opinions are not extreme : a person whose beliefs fall between those of liberals and conservatives

The candidate hopes to appeal to centrists nationwide.

centrist adj
centrist political views

cen·tu·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : a period of 100 years

It took more than a century to complete the cathedral.

This photograph was taken half a century [=50 years] ago.

The herb has been used to treat headaches for centuries. [=hundreds of years]

a centuries-old tradition

2 : a period of 100 years counted from the beginning of the Christian era

Millions of people celebrated the beginning of the 21st century on January 1, 2000.

the third century A.D.

The pottery dates back to the sixth century B.C.E.

When the prince got married, it was called the wedding of the century.

CEO noun, pl CEOs [count]

: the person who has the most authority in an organization or business

CEO is an abbreviation of “chief executive officer.”

ce·ram·ic adj

: made of clay that has been heated to a very high temperature so that it becomes hard
a ceramic bead/bowl
ceramic tiles

ce·ram·ics noun

1 [noncount] : the art of making things out of clay

She studied ceramics in Japan.

a ceramics class

2 [plural] : things made out of hardened clay : ceramic objects
the museum's collection of ancient Greek ceramics

ce·re·al noun, pl -als

1 [count] : a plant (such as a grass) that produces grain that can be eaten

Wheat and barley are common cereals.

2 : a breakfast food made from grain

Cereal is usually eaten in a bowl with milk poured over it.

[noncount] a bowl of cereal

Some kinds of cereal have a lot of added sugar.

[count] Some cereals have a lot of added sugar.

breakfast cereals

cer·e·bel·lum noun, pl -lums or -la [count]

medical : the back part of the brain that controls balance and the use of muscles

ce·re·bral adj

1 always used before a noun medical : of or relating to the brain
the cerebral cortex/hemisphere
a cerebral hemorrhage

2 [more ; most ] : related to the mind rather than to feelings : intellectual and not emotional

He's a very cerebral comedian.

The novel was a little too cerebral [=highbrow] for me.

cerebral palsy noun [noncount]

medical : a disease that causes a person to have problems moving and speaking

ce·re·brum noun, pl -brums or chiefly Brit -bra [count]

medical : the front part of the brain that is believed to be where thoughts occur

1cer·e·mo·ni·al adj

1 a : used in or done as part of a ceremony

The tribe has different ceremonial masks for each ceremony.

a ceremonial dance

1 b : including a ceremony : marked by a ceremony
a ceremonial occasion

2 : without real power or influence

His new position is largely ceremonial because all the decisions are actually made by a committee.

cer·e·mo·ni·al·ly adv

The swords are now used only ceremonially. [=only as part of a ceremony]

2ceremonial noun, pl -als [count]

: a special ceremony
a number of religious ceremonials

cer·e·mo·ni·ous adj [more ; most ]

: formal and serious : suitable for a ceremony

She read the announcement in a very ceremonious way.

a ceremonious entrance
compare UNCEREMONIOUS

cer·e·mo·ni·ous·ly adv

cer·e·mo·ny noun, pl -nies

1 [count] : a formal act or event that is a part of a social or religious occasion
graduation/wedding ceremonies

There will be a ceremony honoring the town's veterans next week.

see also MASTER OF CEREMONIES

2 [noncount] : very polite or formal behavior

With great ceremony, the children presented each of the visitors with a gift.

He told them abruptly and without ceremony that they would have to leave.

stand on ceremony

: to insist on doing the things that are usual or expected in polite or formal behavior
usually used in negative statements

He doesn't stand on ceremony, he gets the job done.

cert noun [singular]

Brit informal : someone or something that is sure to be successful

I've got a cert [=sure thing] for the next race.

He's a dead cert [=sure bet] for player of the year.

1cer·tain adj

1 not used before a noun [more ; most ] : not having any doubt about something : convinced or sure

Are you certain [=sure] you want to leave today?

I feel less than certain about it. [=I am not sure about it]

She's certain (that) she can do the job despite her lack of experience.

I'm fairly certain that I'll be on time.

2
used with it to say that something is known to be true or correct

Although little is known about these ancient people, it is certain that they grew a number of crops.

It's not certain [=definite] that the company will lay off workers. [=the company may lay off workers, but it also may not]

It seems certain that the jury will convict him.

3
used to say that something will definitely happen or that someone will definitely do something

Before the game was half over our team's defeat was nearly certain.

Contact with the poison means certain death.

Her victory seems certain.

often followed by to + verb

As technology develops, the rates of success with the procedure are certain to improve.

Health-care costs are certain [=sure] to increase in coming years.

She is almost certain to win.

He's all but certain to say no. [=he will almost surely say no]

4 always used before a noun
used to refer to something or someone that is not named specifically

Each employee will receive a certain share of the profits.

Building even a simple bookcase takes a certain amount of skill. [=takes some skill]

Certain people are always late for dinner.

On certain days there is no parking on the street.

The new technology has certain limitations.

Students must fulfill certain requirements to graduate.

She's allergic to certain [=particular] foods.

The contract can be extended under certain circumstances. [=in some special cases]

To a certain extent [=up to a point] he's right.

The movie will appeal to people of a certain age. [=people who are no longer young]

a certain

1
used to refer to a quality that is noticed but that is difficult to explain or describe

She has a certain elegance about her.

The house has a certain charm.

2 formal
used with the name of a person you do not know

In 1889, a certain Mr. Kelly made a large donation to the church.

for certain

: without a doubt : definitely or certainly

No one knows for certain what the outcome will be.

We'll need more than an hour to get there for certain. [=for sure]

make certain

: to do something or find out something so that you have no doubt about whether something is true, correct, will happen, etc.

Make certain (that) you lock the door when you leave. = Make certain to lock the door when you leave.

We must make certain [=make sure] this doesn't happen again.

She made certain she thanked each of them for coming.

sometimes + of

Make certain of your flight times [=be sure that you definitely know your flight times] before you leave for the airport.

2certain pronoun
formal : certain ones : particular members of a group : some

+ of

Certain of his assumptions are simply not true.

We know that certain of his classmates walk to school every day.

cer·tain·ly adv

1 : without doubt : definitely

It will certainly rain tomorrow.

This year's festival was certainly much better than last year's.

Certainly [=surely] you can do a better job than that!

I'm certainly going to try.

The new version is most certainly easier to use.

The snake that bit her was almost certainly poisonous.

sometimes used for emphasis

He didn't get the raise he was hoping for, but he's certainly not complaining.

I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone.

2 : of course
used to answer questions

“Can I speak to you for a moment?” “Certainly.”

“Did I offend you?” “Oh, certainly not.” [=no, you did not offend me at all]

“May I join you?” “You most certainly may.”

cer·tain·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the state of being or feeling certain about something

Scientists still do not know with any degree of certainty why the disease spread so quickly.

We cannot predict the outcome with absolute/any certainty.

There was no certainty that the package would arrive in time.

Her certainty about these complex moral issues is surprising.

It is difficult to say with certainty [=in a certain or definite way] which of the plays was written first.

2 [count] : something that is certain : a fact about which there is no doubt

We live in a world without certainties. [=a world in which things are not certain]

His victory in the election is almost a certainty. [=it is nearly certain/definite that he will win the election]

cer·ti·fi·able adj

1 informal : crazy or insane

Anyone who would run in front of a car like that is certifiable.

certifiable behavior

2 always used before a noun chiefly US : real or genuine : authentic

We called in a certifiable expert on legal issues.

A handful of cinema's certifiable masterpieces are in need of restoration.

a certifiable liar

cer·tif·i·cate noun, pl -cates [count]

1 : a document that is official proof that something has happened see also BIRTH CERTIFICATE, DEATH CERTIFICATE, MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

2 : a document that is official proof that you have finished school or a course of training

She has a certificate in midwifery.

He earned his teaching certificate last year.

3 : a document which shows that you own something
a stock certificate
see also GIFT CERTIFICATE

cer·tif·i·cat·ed adj

Brit : certified 1
a certificated teacher

certificate of deposit noun, pl certificates of deposit [count]

chiefly US : an official document in which a bank promises to pay a specified amount of interest when you deposit money in the bank for a specified period of time called also CD

cer·ti·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of making something official : the act of certifying something
the certification of the vote

She had to wait until her certification as a nurse before she could start her new job.

2 : official approval to do something professionally or legally

[count] The certifications of nine teachers were revoked.

[noncount] instructor certification

The school offers scuba diving certification.

cer·ti·fied adj

1 : having met the official requirements that are needed to do particular type of work
a certified instructor

You must be certified in order to practice medicine.

The carpentry work must be done by someone who is certified for the job.

nationally certified [=(Brit) certificated] teachers
a board-certified doctor [=a doctor whose qualifications have been approved by an official group]

2 chiefly US

2 a : officially approved as having met a standard

The food/restaurant is certified kosher.

certified organic vegetables

2 b informal : real or genuine
a certified celebrity

Her boyfriend's a certified weirdo.

certified check (US) or Brit certified cheque noun, pl checks [count]

: a check that is guaranteed by a bank

certified mail noun [noncount]

US : mail for which a person must sign an official document stating that it has been received

He sent the contract by certified mail.

called also (Brit) recorded delivery compare REGISTERED MAIL

certified public accountant noun, pl -tants [count]

US : an accountant who has finished the schooling or tests required by law abbr. CPA ; called also (Brit) chartered accountant

cer·ti·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say officially that something is true, correct, or genuine

A judge must certify the contract.

The document has been certified by the court.

2 : to say officially that something or someone has met certain standards or requirements

The car dealer certifies each car before it is sold.

Has your doctor been certified?

3 chiefly Brit : to say officially that someone is insane and in need of treatment
often used as (be) certified

They were both certified and spent the next year in hospital.

cer·ti·tude Brit noun [noncount]

: the state of being or feeling certain : freedom from doubt
moral certitude

cer·vi·cal adj
medical

1 : of or relating to a cervix of the uterus
cervical cancer

2 : of or relating to the neck
cervical vertebrae

cervical smear noun, pl smears [count]

Brit : pap smear

cer·vix noun, pl -vi·ces or -vix·es [count]

medical : the narrow end at the opening of a woman's uterus

ce·sar·e·an or cae·sar·e·an noun, pl -ans [count]

medical : cesarean section

cesarean or caesarean adj
a cesarean birth

cesarean section also caesarean section noun, pl -tions [count]

medical : a surgical operation for giving birth in which a cut is made in the mother's body so that the baby can be removed through the opening called also C-section

ces·sa·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : a stopping of some action : a pause or stop often + of

[count] With news of the treaty came a cessation of hostilities. [=fighting stopped when the treaty was announced]

[noncount] Relapses after cessation of treatment are common.

ces·sion noun, pl -sions
formal : the act of giving up something (such as power, land, or rights) to another person, group, or country

[count] territorial cessions from one state to another
a temporary cession [=yielding] of local control

[noncount] The law required cession of the land to the heirs.

cess·pit noun, pl -pits [count]

chiefly Brit : cesspool

cess·pool noun, pl -pools [count]

1 : an underground hole or container for holding liquid waste (such as sewage) from a building

2 : a place or situation that is very dirty, evil, or corrupt

The region had become a cesspool of pollution.

a cesspool of corruption
called also (chiefly Brit) cesspit

ce·ta·cean noun, pl -ceans [count]

technical : a mammal (such as a whale, dolphin, or porpoise) that lives in the ocean

cetacean adj

cf abbr
compare
used to direct a reader to another idea, document, etc.

This article takes a new approach to the problems of today's inner cities. (Cf Smith's earlier article on the topic.)

Cf comes from the Latin conferre, which means “to compare.”

CFC abbr
chlorofluorocarbon

CFO abbr
chief financial officer

CFS abbr
chronic fatigue syndrome

cg abbr
centigram

ch abbr
chapter

Cha·blis noun, pl Chablis [count, noncount]

: a type of white wine from France

cha-cha noun, pl -chas [count]

: a fast dance from Latin America called also cha-cha-cha

chafe verb, chafes, chafed, chaf·ing

1 [no obj] : to become irritated or annoyed : to feel impatient
usually + against, at, or under

After working outdoors for years, he chafed at being stuck in an office all day.

Local builders are chafing under the new regulations.

She chafed against the strict policies of the school.

2 a : to cause soreness or damage by rubbing against something (such as your skin)

[+ obj] When the strap is too tight, it chafes the baby's skin.

[no obj] If my boots aren't laced up tight they chafe.

2 b [no obj] : to become sore or damaged from rubbing

The baby's skin will chafe if the strap is too tight.

chaff Brit noun [noncount]

: the seed coverings and other plant parts that cannot be eaten and are removed from grain

separate the wheat from the chaff see 2SEPARATE

chaf·finch noun, pl -finches [count]

: a small European bird

chaf·ing dish noun, pl dishes [count]

: a dish that is used for cooking or warming food at the table

cha·grin Brit noun [noncount]

: a feeling of being frustrated or annoyed because of failure or disappointment

The fact that he'd been unable to attend the funeral was a source of chagrin for Ted.

She had gained five pounds over the winter, much to her chagrin.

He decided to get a tattoo, to the chagrin of his parents.

cha·grined also cha·grinned Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal : frustrated or annoyed : feeling chagrin

They were chagrined to find (that) no more rooms were available at the hotel.

1chain noun, pl chains

1 a : a series of usually metal links or rings that are connected to each other in a line and used for supporting heavy things, for holding things together, for decoration, etc.

[count] The neighbor's dog is kept on a chain. [=is connected to a chain that keeps it from getting away]

She wore a beautiful gold chain [=necklace] around her neck.

the ship's anchor chain
a bicycle chain

[noncount] We'll need 25 feet of chain for the pulley.

see pictures on page C11 and at BICYCLE, see also CHOKE CHAIN, KEY CHAIN

1 b [count] : a chain that is attached to the arms or legs of a prisoner
usually plural

The prisoners were kept in chains while being transferred to the new jail.

often used figuratively

The contract would keep the employees in chains, unable to leave the company for at least five years.

see also BALL AND CHAIN

2 [count] : a series or group of things or people that are connected to each other in some way
a chain of islands

The world's longest mountain chain [=group of mountains that form a long line] is the Andes.

The new book chronicles the chain of events leading up to the crime.

Protesters formed a human chain [=they stood next to each other with their arms linked] around the ancient tree to prevent it from being cut down.

see also DAISY CHAIN, FOOD CHAIN

3 [count] : a group of businesses (such as stores, restaurants, or hotels) that have the same name and basic appearance and sell the same products or services

They own a chain of organic grocery stores.

fast-food/clothing chains
also : the company that owns such a group of businesses

The hotel chain recently opened a new hotel in Hong Kong.

see also CHAIN STORE

4 [count] Brit : a number of people who each want to buy a house but must first sell their current house before moving to the next one
usually singular

Both houses are currently vacant so there is no chain to worry about.

pull the chain

Brit : to flush a toilet

pull/yank someone's chain

US informal : to deceive someone in a friendly or playful way

I thought he really won the lottery but he was only pulling my chain. [=he was only playing a joke on me]

2chain verb, chains, chained, chain·ing [+ obj]

: to fasten, hold, or connect (someone or something) with a chain

She chained her bicycle to the post and went inside.

often used as (be) chained

The neighbor's dog is kept chained (up) in the yard.

The prisoners were chained together.

often used figuratively

Many office workers spend the day chained to the computer. [=they work with a computer all day]

He hopes to spend less time chained to his desk.

chain gang noun, pl gangs [count]

: a group of prisoners who are chained together while they do work outside the prison

chain letter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a letter that is sent to a certain number of people and that asks each of those people to send a copy of the letter to the same number of people

chain-link fence noun, pl fences [count]

: a fence of heavy steel wire that is woven to form a pattern of large diamond-shaped spaces

chain mail noun [noncount]

: a kind of protective clothing (called armor) that is made up of many tiny metal rings that are linked together and that was worn by knights and soldiers in the Middle Ages

chain of command noun, pl chains of command [count]

: a series of positions of authority or rank within an organization that are ordered from lowest to highest

In the United States, the President as the commander in chief is at the head of the military chain of command.

chain reaction noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : a series of events in which each event causes the next one : a series of events caused by one single event

Increased oil prices could trigger a chain reaction in the economy.

2 technical : a chemical or nuclear change that causes other changes of the same kind to happen

chain saw noun, pl saws [count]

: a tool that cuts wood with a circular chain that is driven by a motor and made up of many connected sharp metal teeth

chain-smoke verb, -smokes, -smoked, -smoking

: to smoke cigarettes continuously one after another

[no obj] He chain-smokes when he's under a lot of stress.

[+ obj] She's been chain-smoking cigarettes for years.

chain-smok·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chain store noun, pl stores [count]

: a store that has the same name and basic appearance as other stores that sell the same kind of goods and are owned by the same company

1chair noun, pl chairs

1 [count] : a seat for one person that has a back and usually four legs
a chair by the window

We'll need a table and four chairs for the dining room.

Please pull up a chair [=bring a chair to where we are] and join us.

2 [count]

2 a : the person who is the leader of a department at a college or university

He is now chair of the English department.

2 b : the person who is the leader of a meeting, organization, committee, or event

She's chair of the school board this year.

Address any questions to the committee chair.

see also CHAIRMAN, CHAIRPERSON, CHAIRWOMAN

3 the chair US, informal : electric chair
a murderer who was sentenced/sent to the chair

2chair verb, chairs, chaired, chair·ing [+ obj]

: to be in charge of a meeting, organization, committee, or event : to be the chairperson of (something)

He's been chosen to chair the task force on school violence.

chair·lift noun, pl -lifts [count]

: a series of seats that hang from a moving cable and that carry people (such as skiers) up and down a mountain

chair·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : the person (especially a man) who is in charge of a meeting, committee, or event

He's the new chairman [=chair, chairperson] of the task force on school violence.

2 : the person who is in charge of a company or organization
the chairman of the airline company

chair·man·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

: the position of a chairperson : the position of being the leader of an organization, committee, etc.

He volunteered for the committee chairmanship.

She took over the chairmanship of the company from her father.

chair·per·son noun, pl -sons [count]

: the person who leads a meeting, organization, committee, or event : chair

A new chairperson for the committee has not yet been appointed.

chair·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who leads a meeting, organization, committee, or event : chair

chaise longue noun, pl chaise longues or chaises longues [count]

1 : a long low chair with a back along half its length and one arm

2 US : a long chair with a back that can be moved so that you can sit up or lie down called also (US) chaise lounge

cha·let noun, pl -lets [count]

1 : a type of house that has a steep roof that extends past the walls

We stayed overnight at a ski chalet.

Chalets were originally built in Switzerland and are common where there are mountains and a lot of snow.

2 Brit : a small house often in a group of similar houses where people go for vacations

chal·ice noun, pl chal·ic·es [count]

: a special cup for holding wine; especially : the cup used in the Christian ceremony of Communion

poisoned chalice
chiefly Brit : something that seems attractive at first but becomes unpleasant

Working as store manager was a poisoned chalice as it became more and more difficult to be the boss of her friends.

1chalk noun, pl chalks

1 [noncount] : a type of soft, light-colored rock

Chalk is a kind of limestone.

2 a [noncount] : a substance that is made into white or colored sticks and used for writing or drawing

The teacher handed her a piece of chalk and asked her to write the answer on the chalkboard.

He put chalk marks on the stage to show the actors where they should stand.

a chalk drawing [=a drawing done with chalk]

2 b [count] : a piece of chalk

They drew pictures on the sidewalk with colored chalks.

not by a long chalk

Brit : not at all

Our work isn't done yet, not by a long chalk. [=(US) not by a long shot; we still have a lot more work to do]

chalky adj, chalk·i·er, chalk·i·est [also more ; most ]

chalky white [=the color of white chalk]

chalky soil [=soil that has chalk in it]

2chalk verb, chalks, chalked, chalk·ing [+ obj]

1 : to write or draw (something) with chalk

She chalked a message on the side of the barn.

2 : to mark (something) with chalk

He chalked the stage to show the actors where they should stand.

chalk up [phrasal verb]

chalk (something) up or chalk up (something)

1 : to earn or achieve (something) : to accumulate (something)

As a runner, he's chalked up about 1,000 miles on the track.

The company has chalked up huge losses this quarter.

2 Brit : to charge (the cost of drinks or food) to your account to be paid for later

Chalk up these drinks to my account, please.

3 chalk (something) up to (something) chiefly US : to explain (something) by stating its cause : to say that (something) was caused by (something)

Chalk it up to bad timing.

Her early mistakes can be chalked up to inexperience.

chalk·board noun, pl -boards [count]

chiefly US : blackboard

1chal·lenge verb, -leng·es, -lenged, -leng·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say or show that (something) may not be true, correct, or legal : dispute

A number of doctors are challenging the study's claims.

The new lawsuit challenges the lower court's decision.

The new data challenges many old assumptions. [=the new data gives people reasons to doubt many old assumptions]

2 a : to question the action or authority of (someone)

She's been challenged on her handling of the problem.

None of them were willing to challenge the referee on the call.

2 b law : to question whether (someone) should serve on a jury
challenge a juror

3 : to test the ability, skill, or strength of (someone or something) : to be difficult enough to be interesting to (someone)

It's a game that will challenge a child's imagination.

The work doesn't challenge him anymore, and he's often bored.

4 : to invite (someone) to compete in a game, fight, etc.

usually + to

I challenge you to a game of chess.

The duke challenged him to a duel.

5 : to order (someone) to stop and prove who he or she is

The sentry challenged the stranger at the gate.

chal·leng·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He hopes to be the governor's challenger in the next election. [=the candidate running against the governor]

The boxing match pitted the two-time champion against his challenger.

2challenge noun, pl challenges

1 : a difficult task or problem : something that is hard to do

[count] The next major challenge for the company is to improve its distribution capabilities.

Teaching adolescents can be quite a challenge.

The band feels ready for new challenges.

If he takes on the new project he will face the greatest challenge of his career.

Passing the test was hardly a challenge [=was very easy] for her.

The coach is confident that you will rise to the challenge. [=the coach is confident that you will succeed]

Management is seeking ways to better meet the challenge of future growth.

[noncount] The ski slope offers a high degree of challenge.

2 [count] : an action, statement, etc., that is against something : a refusal to accept something as true, correct, or legal
often + to

The lawsuit is a challenge to the lower court's decision.

Both teachers have had to deal with many challenges to their authority.

3 [count]

3 a : an invitation to compete in a game, fight, etc.

Do you accept my challenge to a game of chess?

3 b : an attempt to defeat someone in a competition

The senator may face a challenge from within her own party.

4 [count] : an order to someone to stop and say who he or she is

The intruder fled at the sentry's challenge.

challenged adj
chiefly US : having a physical or mental problem that makes it difficult to do things as easily as other people do
used as a polite way to say that a person has a disability

She has worked as an advocate for the mentally and physically challenged. [=disabled]

sometimes used in a joking way

People call me short, but I prefer the term “vertically challenged.”

chal·leng·ing adj [more ; most ]

: difficult in a way that is usually interesting or enjoyable

I find the job challenging and fun.

Teaching is challenging but rewarding work.

It's a challenging book that requires careful reading.

The slope was challenging for even the most experienced climbers.

chal·leng·ing·ly adv

cham·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

1 : a small space inside something (such as a machine or your body)

He put three bullets into the chamber of the gun.

the chambers of the heart

2 : a usually large room where members of a government group (such as a legislature) have meetings

We waited for the senator outside the Senate chamber.

3 : a group of people who form part of a government

The U.S. legislature is separated into two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

the upper and lower chambers of the British Parliament [=the House of Lords and the House of Commons]

see also CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

4 : a room where a judge goes to do official business or to discuss cases with lawyers outside of the courtroom
usually plural
the judge's chambers

5 formal + old-fashioned : a person's bedroom or other private room
the queen's personal chambers
a bridal chamber [=a bedroom used by two people who have just been married]

the temple's inner chambers

6 : a room used for a special purpose
the burial chambers inside an Egyptian pyramid
a torture chamber
see also GAS CHAMBER

cham·bered adj
a six-chambered gun [=a gun with six chambers]

cham·ber·maid noun, pl -maids [count]

: a woman who cleans bedrooms in hotels

chamber music noun [noncount]

: classical music written for a small number of musicians

chamber of commerce noun, pl chambers of commerce [count]

: a group of businesspeople who work together to try to help businesses in their town or city

The event is sponsored by your local chamber of commerce.

chamber orchestra noun, pl -tras [count]

: a small group of musicians who play classical music together

chamber pot noun, pl pots [count]

: a container that is kept in a bedroom and that is used as a toilet

cha·me·leon noun, pl -leons [count]

1 : a type of lizard that can change the color of its skin to look like the colors that are around it

2 usually disapproving : a person who often changes his or her beliefs or behavior in order to please others or to succeed

She's a political chameleon. [=she often changes her political beliefs]

cham·ois noun, pl chamois

1 /æmw/ [count] : a small animal that looks like a goat and that lives on mountains in Europe and western Asia

2 /æmi/

2 a [noncount] : soft leather that is made from the skin of goats, sheep, or chamois called also (Brit) chamois leather

2 b [count] : a piece of chamois used especially for cleaning windows and cars
a bucket of water and a chamois

3 /æmi/ [noncount] US : a type of cotton cloth that looks or feels like soft leather
often used before another noun
a chamois shirt

cham·o·mile or cam·o·mile noun [noncount]

: a plant that has a strong smell and small white and yellow flowers that are often used in making tea and medicine
chamomile tea

1champ noun, pl champs [count]

informal : champion
this year's national basketball champs

2champ verb, champs, champed, champ·ing

: to bite and chew on (something) in a noisy way : chomp

[+ obj] He champed his pipe angrily.

The horse was champing its bit.

[no obj] He champed on his pipe angrily.

champing at the bit

: waiting in an impatient way to do something

We've all been champing at the bit to get started on the project.

cham·pagne noun, pl -pagnes [count, noncount]

: a French white wine that has many bubbles and that people often drink on special occasions

cham·pers noun [noncount]

Brit informal : champagne
a glass of champers

1cham·pi·on noun, pl -ons [count]

1 : someone or something (such as a team or an animal) that has won a contest or competition especially in sports
tennis champions
the heavyweight boxing champion of the world

Our team will play the defending/reigning/current champions next week.

the newly crowned national/world/Olympic champions
often used before another noun
a champion boxer/skier/swimmer
champion racehorses

2 : someone who fights or speaks publicly in support of a person, belief, cause, etc.

He was a champion for the working classes.

often + of

She was a lawyer and a champion of children's rights.

2champion verb, -ons, -oned, -on·ing [+ obj]

: to fight or speak publicly in support of (a person, belief, cause, etc.)

She is a lawyer who champions children's rights.

Our senator championed the idea of lowering taxes.

cham·pi·on·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

1 : an important competition that decides which player or team is the best in a particular sport, game, etc.

the heavyweight boxing championship
often plural

We made it to the basketball championships this year, but we lost in the final game.

often used before another noun
a championship game/race/match/competition

2 : the title of champion in a sport or game

The team hasn't won a championship in 30 years.

This year she'll be defending the championship. = She'll try to win the championship again.

1chance Brit noun, pl chanc·es

1 : an opportunity to do something : an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

[count] I wanted to call you, but I never got/had the chance (to).

I go to the beach every chance I get. [=I go whenever I can]

This is the chance of a lifetime!

You missed your chance.

Everyone deserves a fair chance of winning the award.

If you give me a chance, I know I can do a good job.

He doesn't give second chances. [=opportunities to try something again after failing one time]

If given half a chance [=if given some opportunity], she could show everyone how talented she is.

often followed by to + verb

Here's your chance to try something new.

Give me a chance to explain.

You have to give the wound a chance to heal. [=you have to allow time for the wound to heal]

[noncount] We didn't have much chance to talk about it.

To jump/leap/grab at the chance to do something is to have an opportunity to do something and to say in an excited way that you will do it or to do it in a very eager way.

She jumped at the chance to go to New York City.

If you have a fighting chance to do something, you may be able to do it by making a great effort.

The patient still has a fighting chance to survive.

Their help gave us a fighting chance to finish the project on time.

2 : the possibility that something will happen

[count] There's a good chance that we'll finish on time.

There's still a slim chance [=a small possibility] that we can win.

There's an outside chance [=a small possibility] that something could go wrong.

Chances are [=it is very likely that] she has already heard the news.

often + of

It increases/reduces the chance of getting the disease.

There's a 50 percent chance of rain this afternoon.

(Brit, informal) The challenger may not have much experience, but I still think he's in with a chance of winning. [=he has a possibility of winning]

often plural

What are the chances [=how likely is it] that we'll have nice weather today?

I think her chances of winning the election are good.

“How do you think the team will do this year?” “I like their chances.” [=I think they have a good chance of succeeding/winning]

[noncount] If you are free tonight, is there any chance you could join me for dinner?

often + of

If you want to have any chance of getting the job, you'll have to dress nicely.

The prisoners had little/no chance of escape/escaping.

The phrase by any chance is used when asking questions in a polite way.

Are you free tonight, by any chance?

The informal phrases fat chance and not a chance are used as a forceful way of saying that there is no possibility that something will happen.

“He says that he'll get here on time.” “Fat chance!”

“Do you think they'll win?” “Not a chance!”

Fat chance of that happening!

3 [noncount] : the way that events happen when they are not planned or controlled by people : luck

There is an element of chance [=luck] to winning a card game.

Which cards you're given is simply a matter of chance.

We planned for everything and left nothing to chance. [=we prepared for everything possible]

That's not the kind of thing you want to leave to chance. [=that's not the kind of thing you don't want to plan or prepare for]

If something happens by chance, people have not planned it or tried to make it happen.

By (pure/sheer) chance, I saw him again at the grocery store.

We found the house entirely by chance.

The phrase as chance would have it is used to say that something happened because of good or bad luck.

Our car broke down on the road, but as chance would have it [=as it turned out], there was a garage nearby.

A game of chance is a game (such as a dice game) in which luck rather than skill decides who wins.

Games of chance are illegal in some states.

chance would be a fine thing

Brit informal
used to say that something good or desirable is not likely to happen

This candidate promises to solve all the country's financial problems in six months. Chance would be a fine thing! [=if only that were possible]

on the off chance

used to talk about something that might happen or be true but that is not likely

I called his office on the off chance that he would still be there [=I called because I thought there was a slight chance that he would still be there], but he had already left.

stand a chance

: to have a possibility of succeeding

The team stands a chance of doing well this year.

I think she stands a good chance of winning the election.

often used in negative statements

He doesn't stand a chance against the champion.

She stands no chance of winning. [=she has no chance of winning]

take a chance

: to do something that could have either good or bad results

She's trying to find a publisher who will take a chance on her book. [=will publish her book without knowing for certain that it will succeed]

It might not work, but it's a chance we'll have to take.

I'm not willing to take that chance.

He said he couldn't afford to take any chances.

He's not afraid to take chances. [=to do things that are risky or dangerous]

She was taking no chances. = She wasn't taking any chances.

“You might not succeed.” “I know, but I'll take my chances anyway.”

2chance verb, chances, chanced, chanc·ing

1 [+ obj] : to accept the danger of (doing something) : risk

We knew that the trip was dangerous, but we decided to chance it. [=we decided to go on the trip]

He couldn't chance playing with a broken toe.

2 [no obj] formal used to describe something that happens because of luck or chance;
followed by to + verb

It chanced [=(more commonly) happened] to rain that day.

We chanced to arrive at the same time.

a conversation that chanced to take place outside my apartment

chance upon also chance on [phrasal verb]

chance upon/on (someone or something) formal : to find (something) or meet (someone) by chance

She chanced upon an original copy of the book in her grandfather's attic.

We chanced upon a good restaurant.

chance your arm

Brit informal : to take a chance : to do something that could have bad results

The newspaper chanced its arm by printing the story.

3chance adj, always used before a noun

: happening without being planned or controlled by people : happening by chance

It was a chance encounter/meeting between the two men.

a chance event/occurrence/discovery

chan·cel Brit noun, pl -cels [count]

: the part of a church that contains the altar and seats for the priest and choir

chan·cel·lery or chan·cel·lory Brit noun, pl -ler·ies or -lor·ies [count]

1 : the department of a chancellor or the building where a chancellor's office is located

The prime minister will speak at the State Chancellery this afternoon.

2 : the people who work in the department of a chancellor
greeted by members of the chancellery

chan·cel·lor Brit noun, pl -lors [count]

1 : the highest government official in Germany and Austria

Germany's Chancellor Helmut Kohl

2 a : the head of some U.S. universities
the new chancellor of the university

2 b : the head of a British university who represents the school but who does not have many responsibilities

3 Brit : chancellor of the exchequer

4 : a judge in some U.S. courts

Chancellor of the Exchequer noun, pl Chancellors of the Exchequer [count]

: an official in the British government who is in charge of taxes and the money that the government spends

chanc·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal + disapproving : someone who takes chances and often does improper things to get an advantage over other people

chan·cery Brit noun [singular]

1 : a government office where public documents are kept

2 a : a type of court in the U.S.

2 b Chancery : a part of the High Court in England and Wales

3 : the office of a group of people who represent their country in a foreign country : the office of an embassy

chancy Brit adj, chanc·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : possibly having a bad result : involving chance or risk : risky

Building your own home is a chancy business.

Opening a new restaurant can be chancy.

chan·de·lier noun, pl -liers [count]

: a large, decorated light that hangs from a ceiling and has branches for holding many light bulbs or candles
the dining room chandelier

1change verb, chang·es, changed, chang·ing

1 a [no obj] : to become different

Her mood changes every hour.

He's changed in appearance. = His appearance has changed.

The leaves change (in color) from green to red in the fall.

The cars were stopped, waiting for the light/lights to change (from red to green).

My, how you've changed!

He changed from an optimist to/into a pessimist.

The town has changed little in recent years.

the changing times
the ever-changing [=constantly changing] fashions of teenagers

1 b [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) different

These events have changed me in my attitude to/toward life.

He's changed his appearance with a new haircut. = His new haircut has changed his appearance.

You can't change human nature.

Life changed him from an optimist into a pessimist.

The leaves change color from green to red in the fall.

sometimes + up in informal U.S. English

She changed up her daily routine.

We need to change things up a little.

1 c [no obj] : to become something else
usually + to or into

Winter changed to/into spring.

The magician made the rope change into a ribbon and then change back into a rope.

2 a : to replace one thing or person with another

[+ obj] She changed her name when she got married.

We'll have a better view if we change our seats for better ones. [=if we move to better seats]

Could you change my appointment (from Monday) to Friday?

change a record/CD

France has changed its monetary unit from the franc to the euro.

She's thinking about changing jobs/dentists. [=about leaving her current job/dentist and going to a new one]

change the channel on the TV
change a (flat) tire [=replace a flat tire with one that is not flat]

Let's change the subject. [=let's talk about a different subject]

I've changed my opinion/views on that subject. [=my opinion on that subject is different now from what it was before]

The police did not believe her because she had changed her story. [=she said something different from what she had said before]

[no obj] While watching TV, he would constantly change from one channel to another.

France has changed from the franc to the euro.

The U.S. has been slow to change to the metric system.

2 b : to move from one position, place, etc., to another

[+ obj] Mary changed [=exchanged, switched] places/seats with John. = John and Mary changed places/seats (with each other).

He may be rich and famous but I wouldn't change places with him for anything in the world.

He was opposed to the project at first, but then he changed sides and voted in favor of it.

[no obj] Neither of them liked his seat so they changed with each other.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to exchange one kind of money for another kind
change money from dollars into pounds = change dollars into/for pounds

3 b : to exchange a larger bill for an equal amount in smaller bills or coins

I need to change [=break] a $10 bill: can you give me a five and five ones?

4 a : to put on different clothes

[no obj] Let me change out of this suit into something more comfortable.

Do they still change (to more formal clothes) for dinner?

I'll need a few minutes to change before we go out.

[+ obj] I'll need a few minutes to change my clothes before we go out.

4 b [+ obj] : to put clean clothes on (a baby)

change a baby = change a baby's diaper [=remove a baby's dirty diaper and replace it with a clean one]

4 c [+ obj] : to put a fresh covering on (a bed)

change a bed = change the sheets on a bed [=remove dirty sheets from a bed and replace them with clean ones]

5 : to move from one plane, train, etc., to another in order to continue a journey

[+ obj] We'll have to change planes in Chicago. [=we'll have to get on another plane in Chicago]

[no obj] On the bus trip he had to change twice.

change around or Brit change round [phrasal verb]

change (something) around/round or change around/round (something) : to change the order or positions of the parts of (something)

When I got back everything in my office had been changed around.

The schedule has been changed around a little.

change down [phrasal verb]

Brit : to change to a lower gear in a motor vehicle : downshift

Change down to go uphill.

change gear/gears see 1GEAR

change hands

: to go from one owner to another

The property has changed hands many times in recent decades. [=the property has been sold many times]

The restaurant recently changed hands. [=the restaurant was recently bought by a new owner]

change horses in midstream see 1HORSE

change over [phrasal verb]

change over or change (something) over or change over (something) : to go from one system, method, etc., to another or to change (one system, method, etc.) to another

It will take a week to change over from the old computer network to the new one.

It will take a week to change the old computer network over to the new one.

see also CHANGEOVER

change someone's/your mind see 1MIND

change up [phrasal verb]

Brit : to change to a higher gear in a motor vehicle : upshift

Change up on the highway.

see also 1CHANGE 1B (ABOVE)

change your tune see 1TUNE

change your ways see 1WAY

chang·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a CD changer
a money changer

2change noun, pl changes

1 : the act, process, or result of changing: such as

1 a : the act of becoming different or of causing someone or something to become different

[noncount] There has been little if any change in her daily routine.

You shouldn't be afraid of change. Change is a natural part of life.

The terms of this contract are subject to change without notice. [=the terms can be changed at any time]

[count] The years have brought many changes to the town's economy.

We need to make some changes in/to the system.

Many voters believe that it's time for a change.

We've had to make a slight change in the schedule.

There has been a change in/to our plans. = There's been a change of plan. [=we have changed our plans]

a change for the better [=an improvement]

a change for the worse
see also SEA CHANGE

1 b [count] : the act of replacing one thing with another
a change of address/name
changes of mood/attitude/tone

I enjoy the change of seasons every year. [=I enjoy seeing the seasons change from winter to spring, etc.]

The car needs an oil change. [=needs to have the old, dirty oil removed and replaced with clean oil]

1 c [count] : the act of moving from one plane, train, etc., to another in order to continue a journey

If you take this flight you'll need to make a change (of planes) in Chicago. [=you'll need to change planes in Chicago]

2 [singular] : something that is different from what is usual or expected

We've been so busy that a quiet day at home was a welcome change.

We eat at home a lot, so dining out sometimes is/makes a nice change.

(chiefly Brit) So you've done the cooking for once in your life! Well, that makes a change!

I've been stuck here in the city for months. I could really use a change of scene/scenery. = (chiefly Brit) I could really use a change of air. [=I would like to go somewhere else for a time]

see also FOR A CHANGE ((BELOW))

3 [noncount]

3 a : smaller bills or coins that are given for a larger bill

Have you got change for a $10 bill?

3 b : the money returned when a payment is more than the amount needed

It cost $9 and I gave you $10, so I should be getting $1 in change.

“It costs $9.” “Here's $10. You can keep the change.”

(US) Can you make change for a twenty? [=can you give me change if I pay with a $20 bill?]

3 c : money in the form of coins

I've got a $10 bill and about $3 in change. [=coins]

a pocketful of loose change

The beggar asked us if we had any spare change. [=a small amount of money that we did not need]

see also CHANGE PURSE, SMALL CHANGE

3 d US, informal : money
used in the phrase chunk of change

She inherited a large/hefty/nice chunk of change [=a large amount of money] from her aunt.

4 [count] : a clean set of clothes that someone can wear if they are needed

For a weekend in the country you'll need several changes of clothes.

The only extra clothes he took with him were a pair of socks and a change of underwear.

5 [count] baseball, informal : changeup

The batter struck out on a straight change.

6 the change informal + old-fashioned : change of life
women who are going through the change

and change

US informal : and a very small additional amount

There's only six minutes and change left in the game. [=there's only a little more than six minutes left in the game]

for a change

: as something different from what is usual

Let's eat out for a change.

Why don't you help me out for a change instead of me always helping you?!

ring the changes see 3RING

change·able adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to change or to be changed

The terms of this contract are easily changeable.

2 : changing often or suddenly
changeable weather
changeable and unreliable people

change·abil·i·ty also change·able·ness noun [noncount]

the changeability of the weather

change·less adj

: never changing : always staying the same
the changeless [=unchanging] rhythms of nature
changeless [=constant] values

change·less·ly adv

change·less·ness noun [noncount]

change·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

in stories : a baby that is secretly left to replace another baby

change of heart noun [singular]

: an important change in the way a person feels or thinks about something

He had planned to retire but he had a sudden change of heart and decided to continue working.

change of life noun

the change of life
somewhat old-fashioned : menopause
women approaching or going through the change of life

change of pace noun, pl changes of pace [count]

1 : a new activity or situation that comes after another activity or situation which has lasted for long time
usually singular

He took a few days off work to give himself a welcome and much-needed change of pace.

2 baseball : changeup
usually singular

The batter struck out on a change of pace.

change·over noun, pl -overs [count]

: a change from one condition, system, method, etc., to another

Were there any problems during the changeover from the franc to the euro?

see also change over at 1CHANGE

change purse noun, pl purses [count]

US : a very small bag for carrying coins

change·up noun, pl -ups [count]

baseball : a slow pitch that is thrown with the same motion as a fastball in order to fool the batter

The batter struck out on a changeup.

changing room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a room where people can change their clothes in a public place (such as a store); especially Brit : locker room

changing table noun, pl tables [count]

: a table used for changing a baby's clothes or diapers

1chan·nel noun, pl -nels [count]

1 : a television or radio station

The TV program airs at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 5.

Change the channel, please.

What is your favorite radio channel?

a movie/news/sports channel

2 a : a system used for sending something (such as information or supplies) from one place or person to another

E-mail is a channel of communication.

often plural

To make a complaint, you will need to go through (the) official/proper channels.

the ordinary channels of trade
the army's distribution/supply channels

2 b : a way of expressing your ideas, feelings, etc., to other people

Art provides a channel for creativity.

Music became a channel for her emotions.

3 : a path, tube, or long narrow place where water flows

A system of irrigation channels brings water to the fields.

4 : a deep part of a river, harbor, or other body of water where ships can go
a narrow channel of the Mississippi River

5 : a narrow area of the sea between two large areas of land that are close together

We took a ferryboat across the English Channel to France.

2channel verb, -nels, US -neled or Brit -nelled, US -nel·ing or Brit -nel·ling [+ obj]

1 : to express (your ideas, thoughts, feelings, energy, etc.) through a particular behavior or action

She's started channeling her anger towards me.

often + into

His aggression was channeled into playing football.

Actors learn how to channel their own emotions into their characters.

2 : to send (food, money, etc.) to someone or something

He channeled millions of dollars into/to the program.

often + through

Food, clothes, and money were channeled through churches to the poor people of the village.

3 : to carry and move (something, such as water) in or through a tube, passage, etc.

Their irrigation system channels water to the corn fields.

4 : to allow (the spirit of a dead person) to enter your body in order to talk with living people

She said that she was channeling my father and that he had a message for me.

channel surfing noun [noncount]

: the activity of using a remote control to change television stations quickly as you look for something to watch called also channel-hopping

1chant Brit verb, chants, chant·ed, chant·ing

1 : to say (a word or phrase) many times in a rhythmic way usually loudly and with other people

[+ obj] The crowd began chanting her name.

They chanted “Sara, Sara” until she came back on stage.

[no obj] Protesters were chanting outside the governor's home.

2 : to sing words and especially religious prayers by using a small number of musical notes that are repeated many times

[no obj] They were chanting in Arabic/Latin/Hebrew/Sanskrit.

[+ obj] Priests chanted the Catholic Mass in Latin.

2chant noun, pl chants

1 [count] : a word or phrase that is repeated in a rhythmic way usually loudly and by a group of people

Our chant was “Peace now, peace now!”

2 : a kind of singing using a small number of musical notes that are repeated many times

[count] a religious chant

[noncount] Chant is often used as a form of meditation and prayer.

see also GREGORIAN CHANT

chan·tey or chan·ty noun, pl chan·teys or chan·ties [count]

US : shanty 2

Chanukah variant spelling of HANUKKAH

cha·os noun [noncount]

1 : complete confusion and disorder : a state in which behavior and events are not controlled by anything

The loss of electricity caused chaos throughout the city.

When the police arrived, the street was in total/complete/absolute chaos.

The country had descended into economic chaos.

2 : the state of the universe before there was any order and before stars and planets were formed

cha·ot·ic adj [more ; most ]

: in a state of complete confusion or disorder
a chaotic political race

After he became famous, his life became even more chaotic.

cha·ot·i·cal·ly adv

chap noun, pl chaps [count]

chiefly Brit informal + somewhat old-fashioned : a man

He's a friendly sort of chap. [=fellow, guy]

Don't worry old chap. It'll be all right.

see also CHAPS

chap. abbr
chapter

chap·ar·ral noun [noncount]

US : an area of dry land especially in southern California that is covered with bushes and short trees

chap·el noun, pl -els

1 [count] : a small church
a country chapel
a wedding chapel in Las Vegas

2 [count] : a room or small building that is used for private church services or prayer by a family or group
school/hospital/prison chapels
the family's private chapel

3 [count] : a room or area in a church that is used for prayer or small religious services

Church services will be held in the chapel this week.

4 [noncount] : Christian religious services held in a chapel

At our school, we always went to chapel twice a day.

1chap·er·one also chap·er·on noun, pl -ones also -ons [count]

1 US : someone (such as a teacher or parent) who goes with children on a trip or to a school dance to make sure that the children behave properly

I was a chaperone on one of my son's school trips.

2 : a person in the past who went with a young unmarried woman to social events in order to make sure that the woman behaved properly

2chaperone also chaperon verb, -ones or -ons, -oned, -on·ing [+ obj]

: to be a chaperone to or for (someone or something)

Two parents chaperoned the children.

My mom always chaperoned the school dances.

chap·lain noun, pl -lains [count]

: a priest or other Christian religious leader who performs religious services for a military group (such as the army) or for a prison, hospital, etc.

chap·lain·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

1 : the position or work of a chaplain

He accepted the chaplaincy.

2 : the place where a chaplain works

chapped adj [more ; most ]

of the skin or lips : red, dry, and cracked usually because of cold air or wind
chapped lips/skin

chaps noun [plural]

: leather coverings for the legs that cowboys and cowgirls wear over their pants when they ride horses
a pair of chaps

chap·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : one of the main sections of a book

Chapter three deals with the country's economy.

Please read the first two chapters of your textbook for our next class.

2 : a period of time that is very different from the period of time before it

Becoming a parent opened up a whole new chapter in my life.

a difficult chapter in European history

3 : the people in a certain area who make up one section of a large organization
local/regional chapters [=branches] of the American Red Cross

a chapter of accidents

Brit informal : a series of bad or unfortunate events

chapter and verse

: exact information or details about something

He can give chapter and verse about/on the dangers of smoking.

1char verb, chars, charred, char·ring

: to burn or cook (something) until it is black

[+ obj] Thousands of trees were charred in the fire.

Dad charred the hamburgers on the grill.

[no obj] The hamburgers charred on the grill.

see also CHARRED

compare 2CHAR

2char verb, chars, charred, charring [no obj]

Brit old-fashioned : to work as a cleaner especially in a large house or building
compare 1CHAR

3char noun, pl chars [count]

Brit old-fashioned : charwoman

char·ac·ter noun, pl -ters

1 [count] : the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves : someone's personality
usually singular

He rarely shows his true characterthat of a kind and sensitive person.

This is a side of her character that few people have seen.

the different aspects/facets of her character

often used before another noun

Certain character traits are helpful in the teaching profession.

Pride, his one character flaw, caused his downfall.

2 [count] : a set of qualities that are shared by many people in a group, country, etc.

usually singular
the character of the American people
the character of a nation
the French/Japanese/Mexican national character

3 a : a set of qualities that make a place or thing different from other places or things

[count] the wine's distinctive character
the unique character of the town/city/region

[noncount] The building is very simple in character.

If something is in character with something else, it has the same qualities or characteristics as something else.

This room is not really in character with the rest of the house.

3 b [noncount] : the qualities or characteristics that make something interesting or special

The room lacks character. [=there's nothing special about the room]

Their house has a lot of character.

4 [count] : a person who appears in a story, book, play, movie, or television show

The film's main characters are a woman in her late 30s and her elderly neighbor.

She plays the film's lead/main/central character.

a fictional character [=a character in a work of fiction]

a popular cartoon character
the title character of the book Tom Sawyer [=the character named Tom Sawyer]

see also cast of characters at 2CAST

5 [count] informal

5 a : a particular type of person

He's a strange/interesting character.

5 b : a person who says or does funny or unusual things

That husband of yours is a real character!

She's quite a character.

6 [noncount]

6 a : the good qualities of a person that usually include moral or emotional strength, honesty, and fairness

She's a kind and honest person of good character.

They believe that going to church will improve the moral character of their children.

He is admired for his strength of character in stressful situations.

Playing sports is seen as a way to build character in young people. = Playing sports is seen as character-building for young people.

A test of (your) character is something that is difficult and that requires you to show that you are a good and emotionally strong person.

These past few days have been a real test of my character.

6 b : the usually good beliefs or opinions that most people have about a particular person

They defended the character [=reputation] of their friend.

an attack on his character

7 [count] : a symbol (such as a letter or number) that is used in writing or printing
the Chinese character for “water”

The line is 30 characters long.

in character, out of character

used to say that some action or behavior is or is not like someone's usual way of behaving

It was entirely in character for a generous person like her to give him the money.

His rudeness was completely out of character. [=he is not usually rude]

character actor noun, pl -tors [count]

: an actor who is known for playing many different and unusual characters

character assassination noun [noncount]

: the act of saying false things about a person usually in order to make the public stop liking or trusting that person

None of those rumors are true. She's been the victim of character assassination.

char·ac·ter·ful adj [more ; most ]

chiefly Brit : having interesting or unusual qualities : having character
a characterful old house

1char·ac·ter·is·tic adj [more ; most ]

: typical of a person, thing, or group : showing the special qualities or traits of a person, thing, or group

He responded to their comments with characteristic good humor.

the herb's characteristic flavor
often + of

Such behavior is not characteristic of a good neighbor.

char·ac·ter·is·ti·cal·ly adv

She was characteristically modest when she accepted the reward.

2characteristic noun, pl -tics [count]

: a special quality or trait that makes a person, thing, or group different from others
physical/genetic characteristics
often + of

What are some of the characteristics of this breed of dog?

the distinctive/unique characteristics of the population

char·ac·ter·i·za·tion Brit noun, pl -tions

1 somewhat formal : the act of describing the character or qualities of someone or something

[count] The reporter was criticized for his characterization of the people of the town as poor and uneducated.

[noncount] News reporting requires accurate characterization.

2 : the way a writer makes a person in a story, book, play, movie, or television show seem like a real person

[count] The class discussed the author's characterization of the boy as someone who wanted to be accepted by others.

[noncount] The story has good characterization.

char·ac·ter·ize also Brit char·ac·ter·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal

1 : to describe the character or special qualities of (someone or something)

How would you characterize the situation/problem?

I would characterize this as a positive change for our company.

She had difficulty characterizing their relationship.

His personality is hard to characterize.

The newspaper article characterizes [=portrays] the people of the town as poor and uneducated.

2 : to be a typical feature or quality of (someone or something)

Humor and intelligence characterize [=mark, distinguish] his writing.

Farms and large flat fields characterize most of the area.

the beliefs that characterized Europe in the 15th century
often used as (be) characterized

The disease is characterized by a rise in blood pressure.

char·ac·ter·less adj [more ; most ]

: not having any interesting or unusual qualities : lacking character
rows of characterless houses

Their food is bland and characterless.

cha·rade Brit noun, pl -rades

1 [count] : something that is done in order to pretend something is true when it is not really true

Her concern was just a charade. [=she pretended to be concerned but she was not]

We've grown tired of your charades.

an empty charade

2 charades [plural] : a game in which players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who is not allowed to speak

Let's play charades!

a game of charades

char·broil verb, -broils, -broiled, -broil·ing [+ obj]

US : to cook (something) on a rack above charcoal

I am going to charbroil the chicken.

charbroiled adj
charbroiled steak/chicken/salmon

char·coal noun [noncount]

1 : a hard black material that is made by burning wood with a small amount of air

Charcoal is burned for cooking food and is also made into sticks that are used for drawing pictures.

hamburgers cooked over charcoal
a charcoal grill
charcoal drawings

2 : a dark gray color

chard noun [noncount]

: a plant with large leaves that are eaten as a vegetable called also Swiss chard

Char·don·nay noun, pl -nays [count, noncount]

: a type of dry white wine

1charge verb, charg·es, charged, charg·ing

1 [+ obj] : to give an amount of electricity to (something) : to put electricity into a battery so that a machine or device will run

We tried to charge the car's battery.

My cell phone needs to be charged. = The battery in my cell phone needs to be charged.

2 [+ obj] formal : to give a job or responsibility to (a person or group) : to make (a person or group) responsible for something usually used as (be) charged;
usually + with

The board was charged with deciding where to build a new school.

the department charged with helping war veterans

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to formally accuse (someone) of a crime
usually + with

They charged him with theft.

She was charged with murder.

3 b : to say that someone has done something wrong

The government charged that he had not paid taxes for five years.

It is not clear if he violated the rules, as his critics have charged.

3 c : to say that a player has broken the rules in a game

The basketball player was charged with a foul.

4 a [+ obj] : to rush toward (a person, place, etc.)

The bull charged the matador.

Fans charged [=rushed] the stage but were stopped by the security guards.

4 b [no obj] : to rush in a particular direction

People charged toward the stage.

She came charging into the room.

The bull charged right at me.

a charging rhinoceros

5 [+ obj] : to create a record of an amount of money that is owed

The clerk charged the purchase to my account.

The expenses were charged against the company's earnings.

6 a : to ask for money in return for providing or doing something

[no obj] Do you charge for fixing flat tires?

[+ obj] They charge a fee for late payment.

charge tuition

6 b [+ obj] : to ask for (a specific amount of money) as a price, rate, or fee

The shop charged $100 for repairs.

The bank charged eight percent interest on the loan.

6 c [+ obj] : to ask for payment from (a customer, client, etc.)

They charged me $500 to fix the engine.

She charged the city thousands of dollars for her work.

2charge noun, pl charges

1 [count]

1 a : an amount of electricity
an electrical charge

1 b : the amount of an explosive material (such as dynamite) that is used in a single blast

He set off a charge that destroyed the mountain.

compare DEPTH CHARGE

2 [noncount] : the responsibility of managing or watching over something

He has charge of the building.

He wanted to take charge [=take control] of the organization.

3 [count] : an amount of money that someone asks for in return for providing or doing something : the price charged for something

There is no charge for fixing the tire.

a delivery charge for the refrigerator
a monthly charge
an admission charge at the fair

The concert at the school is free of charge. [=costs nothing to attend]

A second member of your family can join at no charge. [=without paying]

synonyms see 1PRICE

4 [count]

4 a law : a formal accusation that someone committed a crime
a charge of burglary

They dropped the charges against him.

She pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

He decided not to bring/press charges. [=to formally accuse someone of a crime]

Will she face charges? [=will she be charged?]

4 b : a statement that criticizes someone or says that someone has done something wrong : an accusation or criticism

The senator rejects charges that he is too liberal.

She responded to the charges of plagiarism.

5 [count] formal : a person (such as a child) that another person must guard or take care of

She loved to play with her young charges at the day-care center.

6 [count] : a judge's instructions to a jury before it begins deciding a verdict

The judge delivered his charge to the jury.

7 [count] : an act of running or rushing forward especially in order to make an attack
a cavalry charge

Tennyson's poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade”

8 [singular] US, informal : a feeling of joy or excitement

The children got a charge out of [=were amused by] the juggler.

He gets a charge out of teasing his sister.

in charge

: having control of or responsibility for something

She is in charge of hiring new employees.

I am not sure who is in charge at the restaurant.

reverse the charges see 1REVERSE

charge·able adj

1 : able to be charged

The business lunch was chargeable to the company.

chargeable interest

2 : able to be treated as a crime
an act chargeable under federal law
a chargeable offense

charge account noun, pl -counts [count]

US : an arrangement in which a bank, store, etc., allows a customer to buy things with a credit card and pay for them later called also (Brit) credit account

charge card noun, pl cards [count]

: credit card

charged adj

1 technical : having an amount of electricity
a charged particle

2 [more ; most ] : showing or causing strong feelings

The singer gave an emotionally charged interview.

a politically charged subject
often + up

The crowd was all charged up [=was very excited] during the game.

char·gé d'af·faires noun, pl char·gés d'af·faires [count]

1 : a person who takes the place of an ambassador when the ambassador is away

2 : a person with a lower rank than an ambassador who works as a diplomat in countries where no ambassador is assigned

charge nurse noun, pl nurses [count]

: a nurse who is in charge of one section of a hospital

charg·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a device that is used to add electricity to batteries

2 literary : a horse that a knight or soldier rides in battle

charge sheet noun, pl sheets [count]

Brit : rap sheet

The suspect already has a long charge sheet.

char·i·ot noun, pl -ots [count]

: a carriage with two wheels that was pulled by horses and was raced and used in battle in ancient times
a chariot race

char·i·o·teer noun, pl -teers [count]

: a driver of a chariot

cha·ris·ma noun [noncount]

: a special charm or appeal that causes people to feel attracted and excited by someone (such as a politican)

The candidate was lacking in charisma.

His success is largely due to his charisma.

char·is·mat·ic adj

1 [more ; most ] : having great charm or appeal : filled with charisma

He is a charismatic leader.

2
used to describe Christian religious groups whose members believe that they can communicate directly with God to receive help and guidance and the power to heal others
charismatic sects

char·i·ta·ble adj

1 : done or designed to help people who are poor, sick, etc.

She makes a charitable donation/contribution every year.

He performs charitable work to help the poor.

charitable organizations

They give money to charitable causes.

2 [more ; most ] : showing kindness in talking about or judging other people : not very critical

She has tried to be charitable about her sister's problems.

They tried to find a charitable explanation for his actions. [=an explanation that assumes that there was a good reason for his actions]

Half of the class has a chance at passing the test, and that is a charitable estimate.

char·i·ta·bly adv

His paintings could charitably be described as unique. [=they are unique even though they are not very good]

To put it charitably, she is not the most talented actress I've ever seen. [=she is not a talented actress]

char·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the act of giving money, food, or other kinds of help to people who are poor, sick, etc.

The holidays are a time for charity and good will.

also : something (such as money or food) that is given to people who are poor, sick, etc.

She refused to accept charity.

The phrase charity begins at home means you should take care of yourself and your family before helping others.

2 a [count] : an organization that helps people who are poor, sick, etc.

The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities.

She runs a local charity that gives books to children.

2 b [noncount] : the organizations that help people in need

All the money will go to charity.

often used before another noun
a charity concert/dinner/event [=a concert/dinner/event held to raise money for a charity]

charity shop noun, pl shops [count]

Brit : a store that sells used clothes, goods, etc., in order to raise money for people who are poor, sick, etc. compare THRIFT SHOP

char·la·tan noun, pl -tans [count]

: a person who falsely pretends to know or be something in order to deceive people

Some people thought he was a great leader, but others saw him as just a charlatan. [=fake, fraud]

Charles·ton noun

the Charleston

: a lively dance that became popular in the 1920s

char·ley horse noun, pl horses [count]

US : a painful cramp in the front of the thigh

1charm noun, pl charms

1 [count] : something that is believed to have magic powers and especially to prevent bad luck

He keeps a horseshoe as a good luck charm.

2 [count] : a small object that is worn on a chain or bracelet
a gold charm
a charm bracelet

3 : a quality that causes someone or something to be very likeable : an attractive quality

[count] He fell under the spell of her charms.

The resort has many charms.

The inn has a quaint charm.

[noncount] The island possesses great charm.

The new curtains add charm to the room.

The seaside location is a big part of the house's charm.

He won her over with his charm.

the third time is the charm see 1THIRD

work like a charm

: to produce a desired result very easily and effectively : to work very well

The cleaning fluid worked like a charm on the carpet stain.

charm·less adj [more ; most ]

The new building is completely charmless. [=unattractive]

2charm verb, charms, charmed, charm·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put a spell on (someone or something)

The snake was charmed by the music.

2 a : to cause (someone) to like you or to do what you want by being nice, friendly, etc.

He was known for his ability to charm voters.

She charmed [=captivated] everyone with her warm smile.

He charmed the committee into approving his proposal.

2 b : to attract (someone) by being beautiful or welcoming

I was charmed by the cozy country inn.

charm·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Your little girl is a real charmer. [=she is sweet, cute, etc.]

a snake charmer

charmed adj [more ; most ]

: very lucky : having good luck

She has always lived/led a charmed life.

charmed circle noun, pl circles [count]

: a group of people who are special or powerful in some way
a famous writer and her charmed circle in Paris

charm·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very pleasing or appealing : full of charm
a charming little café by the sea
a charming young man

charm·ing·ly adv
a charmingly decorated room

charred adj

: made black from burning

The remains of the house were charred.

charred wood
see also CHAR

1chart noun, pl charts [count]

1 a : information in the form of a table, diagram, etc.

a chart showing the number of cars sold each month
see also BAR CHART, FLOW CHART, PIE CHART

1 b : a record of information about a medical patient

The doctor consulted the patient's chart.

2 : a map of an area (such as the sky or ocean) used by pilots, sailors, etc.

3 : a list that shows which music recordings have sold the most during a recent period of time
a chart-topper [=a recording that is bought more than any other recording during a particular time]

usually plural; usually used with the

The record went to the top of the charts.

the country music charts

2chart verb, charts, chart·ed, chart·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make a chart of (an area)

They charted the bay.

also : to mark (something) on a chart

They charted the course of the ship.

2 : to make a plan for (something)

She wanted to chart her own career path.

He will try to chart a new course for the company.

3 : to note the changes, progress, etc., in (something)

a book that charts [=chronicles] the rise and fall of the Roman Empire
analysts charting trends in the stock market

1char·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a document issued by a government that gives rights to a person or group

The charter allows for unrestricted trading.

2 a : a document which declares that a city, town, school, or corporation has been established
the town charter
a corporate charter

2 b : a document that describes the basic laws, principles, etc., of a group
the United Nations Charter

2charter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give a charter to (a government, corporation, etc.)

a royally chartered bank

The city was chartered in 1837.

2 : to hire (a ship, bus, etc.) for temporary use

The team chartered a plane.

charter a flight

3charter adj, always used before a noun

: hired for temporary use
a charter flight
a charter plane

chartered adj, always used before a noun

Brit : allowed to work in a certain job because you have passed a test or qualified in some other way
a chartered engineer

chartered accountant noun, pl -tants [count]

Brit : certified public accountant

charter member noun, pl -bers [count]

US : founding member

charter school noun, pl schools [count]

US : a school that is established by a charter, is run by teachers, parents, etc., and uses tax money but does not have to be run according to the rules of a city or state

char·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

old-fashioned : a woman who cleans houses or office buildings

chary adj, char·i·er, -est

: cautious about doing something

+ about or of

She is chary about spending money.

He is chary of expressing his emotions.

1chase noun, pl chas·es

1 [count] : the act of following and trying to catch a person, animal, etc.

Police caught the bank robbers after a high-speed chase on the highway.

a car chase

2 [singular] : an eager attempt to get something

Though she has repeatedly failed to capture the world record, she refuses to give up the chase. [=she keeps trying]

He was always trying to find a new girlfriend and seemed to enjoy the thrill of the chase.

see also WILD GOOSE CHASE

3 [count] chiefly Brit : steeplechase

cut to the chase

: to go directly to the important points of a story, argument, etc.,

She urged him to skip the details and cut to the chase. [=get to the point]

give chase

: to chase someone or something

The officer saw the thief and gave chase.

often + to

Police gave chase to the suspect as he fled the scene.

2chase verb, chases, chased, chas·ing

1 : to follow and try to catch (someone or something)

[+ obj] The cops chased the thief.

a child chasing a balloon

[no obj]

+ after

My dog chases after butterflies.

2 a : to try very hard to get (someone or something)

[+ obj] a journalist who is chasing a big story

[no obj]

+ after

He's been chasing after the world record all season.

2 b : to try to attract (someone) for a romantic or sexual relationship

[+ obj] He was always chasing women half his age.

[no obj]

+ after

He was always chasing after women half his age.

3 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to go away

She chased a dog off the lawn.

He chased the kids away from his new car.

She chased the cats out of her garden.

Our last mayor was chased from office by political enemies.

Her reassuring letter helped to chase away my fears.

chase down [phrasal verb]

chase (someone or something) down or chase down (someone or something)

1 : to follow and catch (someone or something)

Police chased down the robber in an alley.

2 : to search for and find (someone or something)

I finally chased down [=tracked down, found, (Brit) chased up] that recipe I promised you.

chase up [phrasal verb]

Brit

1 chase (something) up or chase up (something) : to search for and find (someone or something)

Can you chase up those files for me?

2 chase (someone) up or chase up (someone) : to contact or find (someone) usually in order to get something

His landlord had to chase him up for his rent.

chas·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a different alcoholic drink that is drunk immediately after you have drunk a stronger or weaker one

He ordered whiskey with a beer chaser.

beer with a whiskey chaser

chasm noun, pl chasms [count]

1 : a deep hole or opening in the surface of the earth : gorge

2 : a major division, separation, or difference between two people, groups, etc.

Leaders tried to bridge a chasm [=split, divide] between the two religious groups.

a racial/cultural/economic chasm

chas·sis noun, pl chas·sis [count]

: a frame upon which the main parts of an automobile are built

chaste adj, chast·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 old-fashioned : not having sex
a chaste young woman

2 : morally pure or decent : not sinful
a chaste kiss on the cheek

3 : simple or plain
a chaste design

chaste·ly adj
a chastely dressed girl

chas·ten verb, -tens, -tened, -ten·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel sad or embarrassed about something that has happened
usually used as (be) chastened

He was chastened [=humbled] by his team's defeat.

chastening adj [more ; most ]

Having her proposal criticized was a chastening [=humbling] experience.

chas·tise verb, -tis·es, -tised, -tis·ing [+ obj]

formal : to criticize (someone) harshly for doing something wrong

The waiter was chastised for forgetting the customer's order.

The coach is always chastising the players for minor mistakes.

chas·tise·ment noun [noncount]

chas·ti·ty noun [noncount]

: the state of not having sex with anyone : the quality or state of being chaste

The priest took a vow of chastity. [=made a promise never to have sex]

1chat verb, chats, chat·ted, chat·ting [no obj]

1 : to talk with someone in a casual way

We chatted about our plans for the summer.

called him up to chat

2 : to talk over the Internet by sending messages back and forth in a chat room

She stayed up all night chatting with her friends online.

chat up [phrasal verb]

chat (someone) up or chat up (someone) informal : to talk informally with (someone, such as someone you are attracted to)

He tried to chat up a girl at the dance.

2chat noun, pl chats

1 [count] : a light and friendly conversation

We enjoyed a chat over coffee.

2 : a talk held over the Internet by people using a chat room

[count] live chats

[noncount] software used for e-mail and chat
often used before another noun
chat sessions
chat software

see also CHAT ROOM

châ·teau Brit noun, pl châ·teaus or châ·teaux Brit [count]

: a castle or a large house especially in France

chat line noun, pl lines [count]

Brit : a telephone service that people call in order to speak with other people about a certain topic

chat room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a Web site or computer program that allows people to send messages to each other instantly over the Internet

chat show noun, pl shows [count]

Brit : talk show

chat·tel noun, pl -tels
old-fashioned : something (such as a slave, piece of furniture, tool, etc.) that a person owns other than land or buildings

[count] personal chattels

[noncount] slaves treated as chattel

1chat·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

1 : to talk in a quick or casual way

Children chattered in the middle of the playground.

He was chattering [=jabbering] away on a cell phone.

2 : to make clicking sounds by knocking together rapidly

My teeth were chattering from the cold.

3 : to make fast and usually high-pitched sounds

Birds chattered in the trees.

2chatter noun [noncount]

1 : casual talk that is usually not important or interesting

He couldn't stand their endless chatter [=prattle] about celebrities and movies.

the chatter of schoolchildren

2 : a series of fast usually high-pitched sounds
heard the chatter of squirrels

chat·ter·box noun, pl -box·es [count]

informal : a person who talks a lot

That little girl is a chatterbox.

chattering classes noun

the chattering classes

Brit disapproving : educated people who like to talk about politics, culture, society, etc.

chat·ty adj, chat·ti·er, -est

1 : tending to talk a lot : fond of chatting
a chatty neighbor

I'm feeling chatty today.

2 : having an informal style that is similar to friendly speech
a chatty book about his life in politics

She writes with a chatty [=casual] style.

chat·ti·ly adv [more ; most ]

She remarked chattily about the weather.

chat·ti·ness noun [noncount]

He was known for his chattiness.

1chauf·feur noun, pl -feurs [count]

: a person whose job is to drive people around in a car

chauffeured adj

We rented a chauffeured limousine. [=a limousine driven by a chauffeur]

2chauffeur verb, -feurs, -feured, -feur·ing

1 : to drive (someone) around in a car as a job : to work as a chauffeur

[no obj] He chauffeurs for a millionaire.

[+ obj] He chauffeurs a millionaire.

2 [+ obj] : to drive (someone) in a car to a certain place

She was chauffeured to the airport.

He chauffeured his client to the hotel.

They have to chauffeur [=drive] their children to soccer games every week.

chau·vin·ism noun [noncount]

disapproving

1 : an attitude that the members of your own sex are always better than those of the opposite sex
male chauvinism [=a belief that men are superior to women]

2 : the belief that your country, race, etc., is better than any other

American chauvinism

chau·vin·ist or chau·vin·is·tic adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : believing that your country, sex, etc., is better than any other : showing or filled with chauvinism

She called him a chauvinist pig.

chauvinist attitudes

chauvinist noun, pl -ists [count]

a male chauvinist

chaw noun, pl chaws

US informal : a piece or amount of chewing tobacco

[count] enjoyed a chaw of tobacco

[noncount] a lump of chaw

1cheap adj, cheap·er, -est

1 a : not costing a lot of money

I always buy the cheapest brand of cereal.

a place where you can get a cheap [=inexpensive] meal

Rent isn't cheap here.

cheap imported goods
see also DIRT CHEAP

1 b : of low quality : not worth a lot of money
curtains made of cheap material

He wears a cheap watch that's always breaking.

cheap perfume

2 : charging low prices

This gas station is cheaper than the one by the highway.

We ate at a cheap [=inexpensive] restaurant.

3 : not willing to share or spend money

He was too cheap [=stingy] to pay for the dinner.

Don't be cheapbuy good quality tires for your car.

often + with

My uncle is cheap with his money.

4 : not hard to do or get

It was a cheap [=easy] victory over a lousy team.

He likes to harass the neighbor's dog as a cheap thrill. [=a minor thing done for entertainment]

5 : having little or no self-respect : ashamed of being used, abused, etc., by other people

He felt cheap letting other people treat him like that.

on the cheap
informal : at the lowest possible cost : in a cheap way

The movie was made on the cheap.

They built the house on the cheap.

cheap·ly adv [more ; most ]

It is not easy to live cheaply in this city.

The radio was cheaply made and didn't last long.

cheap·ness noun [noncount]

The cheapness of the stock made it an appealing buy.

My mother-in-law's cheapness [=stinginess] can be annoying.

2cheap adv

: at a low cost

They were able to build a house cheap. [=cheaply]

The film was made cheap.

: for a low price

The house sold cheap.

come cheap

: to be available at a low price
usually used in negative statements

His services don't come cheap. [=his services are not cheap; his services are expensive]

These materials don't come cheap.

cheap·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to be of lower quality

Using plastic instead of steel will cheapen [=lower] the quality of the car.

products cheapened by sloppy workmanship

2 : to cause (something) to have or to seem to have less value, meaning, or importance

Using the national flag in advertising only cheapens it.

Poor marketing can cheapen a brand name.

I thought that the show cheapened the lives of the people it portrayed.

The wedding ceremony was cheapened by the best man's tasteless jokes.

cheap·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

informal : something that is cheap and usually of low quality

Her first camera was a cheapie.

cheapie adj

The camera was a cheapie model.

cheapo adj [more ; most ]

informal : 1cheap
a cheapo radio
a cheapo horror film

cheap shot noun, pl shots [count]

disapproving

1 sports : an unfair hit made against an opponent

He took a cheap shot at the quarterback.

a cheap shot to the back of the head

2 : something that one person says about another that is not kind or fair : a critical and unfair comment

The remark about his weight was a cheap shot.

cheap·skate noun, pl -skates [count]

informal : a person who does not like to spend money

He is a cheapskate [=miser, skinflint] who almost never gives tips.

1cheat verb, cheats, cheat·ed, cheat·ing

1 [no obj] : to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something

The players were accused of cheating.

I had to cheat in order to solve the puzzle.

often + on or at

She was caught cheating on a test.

They cheated on their taxes.

He cheats at cards.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to take something from (someone) by lying or breaking a rule

The store cheats its customers through false advertising.

usually + out of

He cheated [=tricked, swindled] the elderly couple out of their property.

I was cheated out of 20 dollars.

2 b : to prevent (someone) from having something that he or she deserves or was expecting to get

They cheated him out of a fair deal.

usually used in the phrase feel cheated

Tourists felt cheated when they arrived and found out the cathedral was closed.

3 [+ obj] : to avoid (something bad, dangerous, etc.) by being clever or lucky
a heroin addict who has cheated death many times

They tried to cheat fate. [=they took a risk and hoped be lucky]

cheat on [phrasal verb]

cheat on (someone) informal : to break a promise made to (someone, such as your wife or husband) by having sex with someone else

He cheated on his wife/girlfriend.

cheat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

2cheat noun, pl cheats [count]

: a person who cheats

He's a liar and a cheat. [=cheater]

tax cheats

1check verb, checks, checked, check·ing

1 : to look at (something) carefully to find mistakes, problems, etc., or to make sure there is nothing wrong with it

[+ obj] Make sure to check your spelling.

She checked her makeup in the mirror.

We should check the equipment to make sure that it's working properly.

I checked the tires for wear. [=to see if they are worn down/out]

The guards checked my passport.

[no obj]

+ for

Be careful to check for any mistakes.

The border guards checked in my luggage for contraband.

see also CROSS-CHECK, DOUBLE-CHECK, SPOT-CHECK

2 a : to get information by looking at something, asking about something, etc.

[+ obj] He checked his watch and saw that it was almost noon.

I'll just check the map to see where we are.

I'll check the newspaper to see when the movie starts.

[no obj] We were out of milk last time I checked. [=looked]

“Do you have these shoes in a larger size?” “I don't know. Let me check.” [=take a look]

I think the door is locked, but I'll have to check (to be sure).

often followed by to + verb

Did you check to see where the movie was playing?

I checked to make sure the door was locked.

2 b : to look at or in (a place) in order to find or get something or someone

[+ obj] If you're looking for a spoon, check the top drawer.

I checked his office but he wasn't there.

[no obj] If you're looking for the umbrella, check in the closet.

2 c [+ obj] : to find out if you have any (mail, messages, etc.)

Did you check the mail yet today?

She checked [=listened to] her phone messages when she got home.

He logged on and checked [=read] his e-mail.

3 : to talk with someone in order to get approval, information, etc., about something

[no obj] I'll have to check with the manager before I can let you in.

Check with your doctor to find out which drugs are safe.

[+ obj] I'm not sure when you should arrive. I'll have to check that with my wife.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to slow or stop (something or someone) from doing something

She started to speak but then checked [=stopped] herself.

The batter checked his swing. [=the batter started to swing and then stopped]

4 b hockey : to stop or hit (an opponent) in order to steal the ball or puck, defend the goal, etc.

He was checked by the defender.

5 [+ obj] US

5 a : to leave (something you own) with a worker at a restaurant, hotel, etc., who keeps it in a special area or room (called a checkroom) while you are there

I checked my hat and coat in the restaurant's checkroom.

5 b : to give (your bags, suitcases, etc.) to a worker so that they can be loaded onto a plane or train

We checked our bags before boarding.

5 c : to take (someone's bags, suitcases, etc.) to load them onto a plane or train

The airline checked our bags before we boarded.

see also CHECK IN 3 (BELOW)

6 [+ obj] US : to mark (something) with a check () to show that it has been done, approved, etc.

You should check [=(chiefly Brit) tick] each item on the list after you've completed it.

often + off

You should check off [=(chiefly Brit) tick off] each item on the list after you've completed it.

7 [no obj] US, informal : to be proven to be true, accurate, etc.

usually used in negative statements

Her story didn't check. [=the evidence did not support her story]

see also CHECK OUT 2 (BELOW)

check back [phrasal verb]

informal : to return to a place, person, etc., in order to try something again or to get additional information

We are not hiring today, but check back next month.

I'll check back with you [=talk to you again] in about a week.

check in [phrasal verb]

1 : to report to someone when you arrive at a place (such as an airport or convention) to let them know you are there

Passengers must check in one hour before the flight leaves.

Where do I have to check in?

especially : to arrive at and be given a room in a hotel, motel, etc.

check in [=register] at a hotel

Guests cannot check in before 4:00 PM.

see also CHECK-IN

2 US, informal : to talk with someone in order to report or find out new information

I'm just checking in to see how things are going.

usually + with

I have to go to a meeting now, but I'll check in with you later.

3 check (something) in or check in (something) : to leave or take bags, suitcases, etc., so that they can be loaded onto a plane or train

We checked our bags in at the station.

The airline checked in our luggage.

check into [phrasal verb]

check into (something)

1 : to arrive at and be given a room in (a hotel, motel, etc.)

We checked into a hotel.

2 : to look for information about (something) : to find out the truth about (something) by getting information

The police are checking into [=checking on, checking up on] his activities. [=the police are investigating his activities]

A problem like that should really be checked into carefully.

check off on [phrasal verb]

check off on (something) US, informal : to give official approval for (something)

My boss will have to check off on [=authorize, approve] my decision.

check on [phrasal verb]

check on (someone or something)

1 : to look at or examine (someone or something) to see if there are any problems

The nurse checked on the patients regularly.

2 : to look for information about (someone or something) : to find out the truth about (someone or something) by getting information

The police are checking on [=checking up on] him.

I asked the waiter to check on [=find out what was happening with] my order.

check out [phrasal verb]

1 a : to leave and pay for your room at a hotel, motel, etc.

We checked out (of the hotel) early.

see also CHECKOUT

1 b US, informal : to die

There are still a lot of things I want to accomplish in life before I finally check out.

2 US, informal

2 a : to be proven to be accurate, true, etc.

I didn't believe her at first, but her story checked out.

The description checked out when we compared it with the photograph. [=we saw that the description was accurate when we compared it with the photograph]

2 b check out (something) or check (something) out : to find out if (something) is true

The police are still trying to check out [=investigate, confirm] his alibi.

3 check out (something or someone) or check (something or someone) out

3 a : to look at (something or someone) in order to find problems, mistakes, etc.

We carefully checked out the car for defects.

He had problems with his computer and asked the technician to check it out.

He needs to get checked out by a doctor.

3 b informal : to look at (someone or something that is attractive or interesting)

When she walked into the room, all the guys were checking her out.

Just check out his new car!

We're going to the mall to check out that new clothing store.

often used in the phrase check it out to direct someone's attention to something

Check it outthey've got that new book in stock.

4 check out (something) or check (something) out

4 a : to borrow (something) from a library

He checked out [=took out, borrowed] a book on farming.

4 b US : to add up the cost of the goods that someone buys in a store (such as a supermarket) and accept payment for them

She got a job checking out groceries at the supermarket.

also : to pay for the goods that you buy in a store

There was a long line of people waiting to check out their groceries.

She was able to check out quickly using her debit card.

see also CHECKOUT

check over [phrasal verb]

check (something or someone) over or check over (something or someone) : to look at (something or someone) in a careful way to find problems, mistakes, etc.

checking the new cars over

The doctors checked him over for bruises.

Be sure to check over each item on the list for any mistakes.

She checked herself over [=she looked at herself carefully] in the mirror before going to the party.

check through [phrasal verb]

check through (something) : to look at the parts of (a group of things)

I checked through all his letters but found nothing useful.

check up on [phrasal verb]

check up on (someone or something) : to find or look for information about (someone or something) often in order to find out the truth

My parents are always checking up on me.

The police are checking up on his alibi.

check·able adj
an easily checkable fact

2check noun, pl checks

1 [count] : the act or process of looking at or examining something to find out information or see if there is anything wrong with it

Please give the schedule a check to see if the times are correct.

I gave the ingredients list a quick check to see if the cereal contained any sugar.

She ran/did a quick check of the computer to make sure it was working properly.

They did a sound check [=tested the sound equipment] before the concert.

All government employees are subject to a security check. [=all government employees are investigated to see if they can be trusted]

You should keep a close check on your blood pressure. [=you should watch your blood pressure closely]

The police ran a check on the license plate and found out that the car had been stolen.

2 [count]

2 a : something that stops or limits another thing
usually + on
a system that acts/serves as a check on the governor's power [=a system that limits the governor's power]

The store hired a guard to put a check on shoplifting. [=to reduce or stop shoplifting]

The government has lowered interest rates in an attempt to put a check on inflation.

see also CHECKS AND BALANCES

2 b hockey : an act of hitting or stopping a player in order to steal the ball or puck, defend a goal, etc.

He was penalized for an illegal check.

a hip check [=an act of hitting by bumping with the hips]

3 US check or Brit cheque [count] : a piece of paper that is used to make a payment to someone using the money in a bank account

He made out the check to me and signed it, and I deposited it in my account.

Do you want to pay in cash, by check, or by credit card?

write/cash/draw a check
compare MONEY ORDER, see also BLANK CHECK, TRAVELER'S CHECK

4 [count] US : a bill for the food and drinks that are served in a restaurant

She asked the waiter for the check.

5 a [count] US : a mark that is used to show that something (such as an item on a list) has been noted, done, etc. called also (US) check mark (chiefly Brit) tick

5 b informal
used in speech to say that something has been noted, done, etc.

“So you'll be here at 6 o'clock on the dot.” “Check.” [=yes, I will be here at 6 o'clock]

“Do you have the camera?” “Check.” “The umbrella?” “Check.”

6 [count] US

6 a : a room in a restaurant, theater, etc., where you can leave something that you do not want to carry or wear

He left his coat at the coat check. [=checkroom, coatroom, (chiefly Brit) cloakroom]

a hat check

When she was younger she worked as a coat-check/hat-check girl. [=a woman whose job is to take and return the things that people leave in a checkroom]

6 b : a ticket that is given to you when you leave something (such as a hat or a coat) that you will return for later
a baggage check
see also RAIN CHECK

7 [noncount] : a situation in the game of chess in which a player's king can be captured on the opponent's next turn and must be protected or moved

He moved his bishop and said, “Check!” to show that my king was in check.

compare CHECKMATE

cut a check see 1CUT

in check

: under control
used with keep or hold

He's trying to hold his emotions in check. [=he is trying to control his emotions]

The government has lowered interest rates in an attempt to keep inflation in check.

compare 3CHECK

3check noun, pl checks [count]

: a pattern of squares in different colors
a fabric with a blue and yellow check
often used before another noun
a check [=checked, checkered] fabric
a tablecloth with a check [=checked, checkered] pattern

compare 2CHECK

check·book (US) or Brit cheque·book noun, pl -books [count]

: a book containing checks for use with a checking account

checked adj

: having a pattern made up of squares of different colors
a checked shirt
a checked [=checkered] pattern/fabric/tablecloth

1check·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 US : a person in a store whose job is to add up the cost of customers' purchases and take payment for them
a grocery/supermarket checker

2 : someone or something that looks at things to find errors or problems

She is a careful checker of details.

a fact checker [=a person whose job is to make sure that the facts in a book, magazine, etc., are correct]

The word processing software includes a grammar checker. [=a feature that finds grammatical errors]

see also SPELL-CHECKER
compare 2CHECKER

2checker noun, pl -ers [count]

US : any one of the round pieces that are used in the game of checkers called also (Brit) draught
compare 1CHECKER

check·er·board noun, pl -boards [count]

US

1 : a board that is marked with squares of two different colors (such as white and black) and that is used in various games (such as checkers) called also (Brit) draughtboard

2 : something that has a pattern or arrangement of squares that looks like a checkerboard

The fields formed a checkerboard of light and dark squares.

a checkerboard pattern

check·ered (chiefly US) or Brit che·quered adj

1 : having a pattern made up of squares of different colors
a checkered [=checked] pattern/fabric/tablecloth

2 a : including good parts and bad parts

He has had a checkered career with many ups and downs.

2 b [more ; most ] : including many problems or failures

The senator has a checkered past. [=he has done bad things or been in trouble in the past]

When it comes to labor relations, the company has a somewhat checkered history. [=the company has sometimes had problems with labor relations]

check·ers noun [noncount]

US : a game played on a board (called a checkerboard) by two players who each have 12 round pieces called checkers called also (Brit) draughts see also CHINESE CHECKERS

check-in noun, pl -ins

1 [noncount] : the act or process of reporting that you have arrived at a hotel, an airport, etc. : the act or process of checking in

Check-in was delayed.

also : the time when people are allowed to check in

When is check-in? = When is check-in time?

2 [count] : the place where people go when they arrive at a hotel, airport, etc.

When we got to the airport there was a long line at the check-in.

often used before another noun
the check-in desk/counter

see also check in at 1CHECK

checking account noun, pl -counts [count]

US : a bank account from which you can take money by writing checks called also (Brit) current account

check·list noun, pl -lists [count]

1 : a list of things to be checked or done

Before takeoff the pilot went down/through his checklist of safety precautions.

I still have one thing left to do on my checklist.

2 : a list that includes many or all things of a certain kind
a checklist of bird species

check mark noun, pl marks [count]

US : 2check 5a

check·mate noun, pl -mates

: a situation in chess in which a player loses the game because that player's king is in a position from which it cannot escape

[noncount] a brilliant move that resulted in checkmate

[count] The challenger can force a checkmate with his next move.

compare 2CHECK 7, STALEMATE 2

check·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing [+ obj]

The challenger checkmated the champion and won the tournament.

His king was checkmated.

check·out noun, pl -outs

1 a : the action or an instance of leaving your room in a hotel, motel, etc., after you are finished staying there

[noncount] She paid for the room at checkout.

[count] an early checkout
often used before another noun
the checkout desk

1 b [noncount] : the time by which you must leave your room when you have finished staying in a hotel, motel, etc.

When is checkout? = When is checkout time?

Checkout is at 11:00.

see also check out 1a at 1CHECK

2 [count] : the place or area where goods are paid for in a store (such as a supermarket)

There was a long line at the checkout.

often used before another noun
the checkout counter

see also check out 4b at 1CHECK

check·point noun, pl -points [count]

: a place where people, cars, etc., are searched by someone (such as a police officer) before being allowed to continue

Our car was stopped at a police checkpoint before we were permitted to cross the border.

a military/security checkpoint

check·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

US : a room in a restaurant, theater, etc., where you can leave something that you do not want to carry or wear while you are there

I got my bag out of the checkroom when the performance ended.

called also (chiefly Brit) cloakroom (US) coatroom compare 2CHECK 6

checks and balances noun [plural]

: a system in which the different parts of an organization (such as a government) have powers that affect and control the other parts so that no part can become too powerful

check·up noun, pl -ups [count]

: an examination of a person made by a doctor to make sure the person is healthy

She goes for a checkup every year.

The doctor/dentist gave me a checkup.

also : an instance of looking at the parts of a machine to make sure it is working properly

She brought in her car for a 30,000-mile checkup.

ched·dar noun, often Cheddar [noncount]

: a type of hard yellow, white, or orange cheese that is smooth

cheek noun, pl cheeks

1 [count] : the part of the face that is below the eye and to the side of the nose and mouth
rosy/chubby cheeks

He kissed her on the cheek.

They were sitting/dancing/posing cheek to cheek. [=with their cheeks touching]

see also TONGUE IN CHEEK

2 Brit : an attitude or way of behaving that is rude and does not show proper respect

[noncount] He had the cheek [=nerve] to complain that our gift was cheap.

[singular] He's got a cheek ignoring us like that.

3 [count] informal : one of the two parts of the body that a person sits on : buttocks

cheek by jowl

: very close together

We sat cheek by jowl [=side by side] with the city's elite.

cheap knickknacks displayed cheek by jowl with fine antiques

turn the other cheek

: to choose not to try to hurt or insult someone who has hurt or insulted you

cheek·bone noun, pl -bones [count]

: a bone of the face that is located below the eye

He suffered a broken cheekbone.

She has high cheekbones, like her father.

cheeky adj, cheek·i·er, -est
chiefly Brit informal : rude and showing a lack of respect often in a way that seems playful or amusing
cheeky humor
a cheeky grin

cheek·i·ly adv

cheek·i·ness noun [noncount]

cheep verb, cheeps, cheeped, cheep·ing [no obj]

of a bird : to make a quick high sound
chicks cheeping for food

cheep noun, pl cheeps [count]

the cheeps of newly hatched chicks

1cheer noun, pl cheers

1 [count] : a shout of praise or encouragement

The audience let out a cheer.

Loud cheers were coming from the bleachers.

The star was greeted with cheers.

Three cheers for our team! [=hooray for our team]

2 [noncount] somewhat formal : a happy feeling or attitude
faces full of cheer

Let's spread a little holiday cheer.

Be of good cheer. [=be happy]

3 [count] : a special song or chant that is performed to encourage a team during a game in sports like American football and basketball

The cheerleaders did/led a cheer for the home team.

see also BRONX CHEER

2cheer verb, cheers, cheered, cheer·ing

1 a : to shout with joy, approval, or enthusiasm

[no obj] The crowd cheered as he crossed the finish line.

We were cheering for you all the way!

[+ obj] The crowd cheered him as he crossed the finish line.

Their fans cheered them to victory.

1 b [+ obj] : to express enthusiastic approval of or support for (something)

Supporters cheered the court's decision.

2 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel happier or more hopeful

Investors were cheered by good economic news.

cheer on [phrasal verb]

cheer (someone) on or cheer on (someone) : to encourage (someone) with shouts or cheers

Their fans cheered them on from the sidelines.

cheer up [phrasal verb]

1 cheer up or cheer (someone) up or cheer up (someone) : to become happier or to make (someone) happier

They cheered up at the mention of her name.

Cheer upthings will get better!

We tried our best to cheer her up.

2 cheer (something) up or cheer up (something) : to make (something) more cheerful or pleasant

Bright colors really cheer up a room.

cheer·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 a : feeling or showing happiness
a cheerful face/person

She has a cheerful outlook on life.

He seems a little more cheerful today.

1 b : feeling or showing that you are willing to do something without complaining
cheerful obedience

2 a : causing good feelings or happiness
cheerful words/news

2 b : bright and pleasant to look at
cheerful colors
a sunny cheerful room

cheer·ful·ly adv

He cheerfully admitted that he was wrong.

She greeted us cheerfully.

cheer·ful·ness noun [nouncount]

cheer·io interj

Brit informal + somewhat old-fashioned : 1goodbye

cheer·lead·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who is a member of a group (typically a group of young women) who shout out special songs or chants to encourage the team and entertain the crowd during a game in sports like American football and basketball

2 : a person who encourages other people to do or support something
a politician who is a cheerleader for the government's new economic plan

cheer·lead·ing noun [noncount]

She participates in both soccer and cheerleading at school.

often used before another noun
cheerleading tryouts/practice
a cheerleading team/squad

cheer·less adj [more ; most ]

: not causing happiness or warm feelings : bleak or gloomy
a cheerless day/place

The room was surprisingly bare and cheerless.

cheers interj

1
used as a toast to wish everyone happiness

Drink up, everybody. Cheers!

2 Brit

2 a used as an informal way to say “thank you”

2 b used as an informal way to say “goodbye”

cheery adj, cheer·i·er, -est

: having or causing happy feelings : cheerful
cheery words/colors

cheer·i·ly adv

cheer·i·ness noun [noncount]

cheese noun, pl chees·es

: a yellow or white solid food that is made from milk

[noncount] a piece of cheese
Sprinkle the casserole with cheese.
grated/melted cheese

[count] imported cheeses
a mild cheese
often used before another noun
cheese sandwiches/omelets
a cheese [=cheesy] sauce/spread

say cheese

If you say the word “cheese” in an exaggerated way, you look like you are smiling, so someone who is taking your photograph and wants you to smile will tell you to say cheese.

see also BIG CHEESE

cheese·burg·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a hamburger with a piece of cheese on top of the meat

cheese·cake noun, pl -cakes

1 [count, noncount] : a cake with a sweet filling usually made of cheese, eggs, and sugar

2 [noncount] informal : pictures of attractive young women who are wearing little clothing
advertisers who rely on cheesecake to sell products
often used before another noun
cheesecake photos/posters/calendars

compare BEEFCAKE

cheese·cloth noun [noncount]

: a very thin cotton cloth that is used especially in preparing food

cheesed off adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : angry or annoyed
feeling a bit cheesed off

cheese·steak noun, pl -steaks [count]

US : a sandwich made with thin slices of beef and melted cheese

cheesy adj, chees·i·er, -est

1 a : resembling cheese; especially : looking or smelling like cheese
a cheesy texture/odor

1 b : containing cheese
a cheesy sauce

2 informal : of poor quality : lacking style or good taste
a cheesy [=cheap, shabby] motel
a cheesy movie
cheesy [=corny] pop songs

chee·tah noun, pl -tahs [count]

: a large wild cat that lives in Asia and Africa and that can run very fast

chef noun, pl chefs [count]

1 : a professional cook who usually is in charge of a kitchen in a restaurant

The hotel's chef trained at the finest culinary institutes in Europe.

He's the head chef at a five-star restaurant.

a celebrity chef with her own TV show

2 : a person who prepares food for people to eat : cook

My friend is an excellent chef.

1chem·i·cal adj

1 : of or relating to chemistry
a chemical analysis
chemical elements/bonds

They studied the compound's chemical structure/composition/properties.

a chemical laboratory

2 : working by means of chemicals
chemical pesticides/weapons/agents
see also CHEMICAL WARFARE

chem·i·cal·ly adv

The wood is chemically treated.

drugs that are chemically related

2chemical noun, pl -cals [count]

: a substance (such as an element or compound) that is made by a chemical process
toxic/hazardous/industrial chemicals

chemical engineering noun [noncount]

: a type of engineering that deals with the use of chemistry in industry

chemical engineer noun, pl -neers [count]

chemical reaction noun, pl -tions [count]

: reaction 5a

chemical warfare noun [noncount]

: the use of chemical substances (such as poisonous gases) as weapons in a war

che·mise noun, pl -mis·es [count]

1 : a piece of clothing that looks like a light, loose dress and that is worn by women as underwear or in bed

2 : a loose dress that hangs straight

chem·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

1 : a person who studies or does research in the science of chemistry

2 Brit : pharmacist

chem·is·try noun [noncount]

1 : a science that deals with the structure and properties of substances and with the changes that they go through
a professor of chemistry
see also INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

2 : the structure and properties of a substance : the way a substance changes and reacts with other substances
studying the chemistry of gasoline/iron
blood/body chemistry

3 a : a strong attraction between people

They tried dating, but there was no chemistry between them.

3 b : the way the people in a group work together and feel about each other
the chemistry of the office

The team lacks chemistry.

chemistry set noun, pl sets [count]

: a set of equipment that a child can use to learn about chemistry by doing simple experiments

che·mo·ther·a·py noun [noncount]

medical : the use of chemicals to treat or control a disease (such as cancer)

She underwent (a course of) chemotherapy.

che·nille noun [noncount]

: a thick, soft cloth
a chenille bedspread

cheque Brit spelling of 2CHECK 3

cheque·book Brit spelling of CHECKBOOK

cheque card noun, pl cards [count]

Brit : a card that you show when you pay for something with a cheque to prove that the bank will pay the amount of the cheque

che·quered Brit spelling of CHECKERED

cher·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing [+ obj]

1 : to feel or show great love for (someone or something)

She cherishes her friends/family.

a book cherished by many

synonyms see APPRECIATE

2 : to remember or hold (an idea, belief, etc.) in a deeply felt way

I will always cherish that memory.

cherished adj [more ; most ]

a cherished friend
my most cherished and deeply held beliefs

Cher·o·kee noun, pl -kee or -kees [count]

: a member of a Native American people originally from Tennessee and North Carolina

cher·ry noun, pl -ries

1 a [count] : a small round fruit that is usually red or black

1 b [count] : a tree on which this fruit grows called also cherry tree

1 c [noncount] : the wood of a cherry tree

The kitchen cabinets are made of cherry.

called also cherry wood

2 [noncount] : a bright red color called also cherry red

cherry adj
cherry juice/pie
a cherry table [=a table made of cherry wood]

cherry [=red] lips

cherry bomb noun, pl bombs [count]

US : a round firecracker that makes a loud noise when it explodes

cher·ry-pick verb, -picks, -picked, -pick·ing

: to pick or accept the best people or things in a group

[+ obj] Hollywood's biggest stars can cherry-pick the best projects and directors.

[no obj] elite colleges that can cherry-pick from the best students available

cherry tomato noun, pl -toes [count]

: a very small red or orange tomato or a plant that produces such tomatoes

cher·ub noun [count]

1 pl cherubs or cherubim : a type of angel that is usually shown in art as a beautiful young child with small wings and a round face and body

2 pl cherubs : someone (such as a child) who is thought of as being like a small angel

My little cherub!

sometimes used in combination
a cherub-faced toddler

che·ru·bic adj
a child with a cherubic face

cher·vil noun [noncount]

: an herb that is often used in cooking and salads

chess noun [noncount]

: a game for two players in which each player moves 16 pieces across a board and tries to place the opponent's king in a position from which it cannot escape

We played (a game of) chess.

often used before another noun
a chess player/champion
a chess match/tournament

chess·board noun, pl -boards [count]

: a board used in chess that has 64 squares in two colors

chess·man noun, pl -men [count]

: any of the playing pieces used in chess : a chess piece

chest noun, pl chests [count]

1 : a container (such as a box or case) for holding things or moving them from place to place
a linen chest
a tool chest
a treasure chest
a medicine chest [=a cabinet on a bathroom wall that is used for storing medicine and small items]

see also CHEST OF DRAWERS, HOPE CHEST, WAR CHEST

2 : the front part of the body between the neck and the stomach

He has a broad chest.

The pain is in my upper chest.

often used before another noun
the chest cavity
a chest X-ray

She's been complaining of chest pains.

close to your chest see 2CLOSE

get (something) off your chest

: to tell someone about something that has been making you upset or unhappy

You've been a little cold to me lately. Is there something you'd like to get off your chest?

chest·ed adj
used in combination
flat-chested
bare-chested

1chest·nut noun, pl -nuts

1 a [count] : a type of tree that produces large, sweet nuts that can be eaten called also chestnut tree

1 b [count] : the nut of a chestnut tree
roasted chestnuts

1 c [noncount] : the wood of a chestnut tree see also HORSE CHESTNUT, WATER CHESTNUT

2 [count] : a brown or reddish-brown horse

2chestnut adj

: of a reddish-brown color
chestnut hair
a chestnut stallion

chest of drawers noun, pl chests of drawers [count]

: a piece of furniture that contains drawers for storing clothes called also (US) bureau

chev·ron noun, pl -rons [count]

1 : a shape, pattern, or object in the form of a V or an upside-down V

2 : a piece of cloth that is shaped like a V and that is worn on the sleeve of a military or police uniform to show a person's rank

1chew verb, chews, chewed, chew·ing

1 a : to use your teeth to cut food into small pieces before you swallow it

[+ obj] We were taught to chew our food thoroughly before swallowing.

[no obj] He chews with his mouth open.

1 b : to bite on (something) repeatedly with the teeth

[+ obj] You're not allowed to chew gum in class.

chew tobacco

Stop chewing [=biting] your nails.

[no obj] A mouse chewed through the cord.

often + on

The dog was chewing on a bone.

2 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a hole) by chewing

The dog chewed a hole in the rug.

bite off more than you can chew see 1BITE

chew off [phrasal verb]

chew off (something) or chew (something) off : to remove (something) by chewing

The dog chewed the doll's eyes off.

chew on [phrasal verb]

chew on (something) informal : to think about (something)

Chew on it for a while before you decide.

That should give you something to chew on.

see also 1CHEW 1B (ABOVE)

chew out [phrasal verb]

chew (someone) out or chew out (someone) US, informal : to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone)

I got chewed out [=reprimanded] for leaving early.

The coach chewed him out.

chew over [phrasal verb]

chew (something) over or chew over (something) informal : to think about (something)

He chewed the problem over in his mind.

Chew it over for a while before you decide.

chew the fat also chew the rag
informal : to talk together in a friendly and casual way

They would sit for hours and chew the fat. [=chat, shoot the breeze]

chew up [phrasal verb]

chew (something) up or chew up (something)

1 : to destroy (something) by chewing it

My new puppy chewed up my shoes.

2 informal : to destroy or defeat (someone or something)

The truck chewed up the grass.

The gears got all chewed up.

They chewed up the competition.

Don't mess with hershe'll chew you up and spit you out.

chew·able adj
chewable vitamins

chew·er noun, pl -ers [count]

gum chewers

2chew noun, pl chews [count]

1 : the act of chewing something
a quick chew

2 : something that a person or animal chews
a chew of tobacco
a rawhide chew

chewing gum noun [noncount]

: a type of soft candy that you chew on but do not swallow
a piece/stick of chewing gum

chewing tobacco noun [noncount]

: a type of tobacco that is chewed rather than smoked

chew toy noun, pl toys [count]

US : a toy that is designed to be chewed by a dog

chewy adj, chew·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: requiring a lot of chewing
chewy meat
a chewy candy/cookie

Chey·enne noun, pl -ennes [count]

: a member of a Native American people of the western U.S.

Chi·an·ti Brit noun, pl -tis [count, noncount]

: a dry red wine from Italy

1chic adj [more ; most ]

: following the current fashion or style : fashionable and appealing
chic clothes

The café has a chic new look.

She looked very chic.

2chic noun [noncount]

: fashionable style

French chic

It's the height of chic this year.

chi·ca·nery noun [noncount]

formal : actions or statements that trick people into believing something that is not true : deception or trickery

He wasn't above using chicanery to win votes.

Chi·ca·na noun, pl -nas [count]

: an American woman or girl whose parents or grandparents came from Mexico

Chicana adj
a Chicana writer

Chi·ca·no noun, pl -nos [count]

: an American (especially a man or boy) whose parents or grandparents came from Mexico

Chicano adj

Chicano artists
the Chicano community

chi·chi adj [more ; most ]

usually disapproving : fashionable or showy especially in a way that is meant to impress people or to attract attention
a chichi restaurant/nightclub

chick noun, pl chicks [count]

1 : a baby bird
eagle chicks
especially : a baby chicken
a mother hen and her chicks

2 informal : a woman or girl
a cute chick

This sense of chick is somewhat old-fashioned and is now sometimes considered offensive.

chick·a·dee noun, pl -dees [count]

: a common, small American bird

1chick·en noun, pl -ens

1 a [count] : a bird that is raised by people for its eggs and meat

1 b [noncount] : the meat of the chicken used as food

We had chicken for dinner.

fried/roasted/grilled chicken
often used before another noun
chicken soup/broth
chicken salad

2 [count] informal : a person who is afraid : coward

It's just a spider, you chicken!

Don't be such a big chicken.

count your chickens

If you count your chickens or (US) count your chickens before they hatch or (Brit) before they're hatched, you believe that something you want to happen will definitely happen before you know for certain that it really will.

Don't count your chickens before they hatchwe don't know yet if she will accept our offer.

your chickens come home to roost see 2ROOST
see also SPRING CHICKEN

2chicken adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

informal : too afraid to do something

He's too chicken [=cowardly] to stand up to them.

You're chicken, aren't you?

3chicken verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

chicken out [phrasal verb]

informal : to decide not to do something because you are afraid

He was going to ask her on a date, but he chickened out at the last minute.

chicken-and-egg adj

used to describe a situation in which it is difficult to tell which of two things happened first
a chicken-and-egg situation/dilemma

chicken feed noun [noncount]

informal : an amount of money that is too small to be considered important

The project cost almost a million dollars, which isn't exactly chicken feed.

Ten bucks? That's chicken feed!

chick·en-fried steak noun, pl steaks [count, noncount]

US : a steak that is coated with flour, fried, and served with gravy

chicken pox noun [noncount]

: a disease that often affects children and that causes a fever and red spots on the skin

chick·en·shit adj [more ; most ]

US slang offensive : weak and cowardly

That guy likes to make threats but he's too chickenshit to act on them.

chickenshit noun, pl -shits US slang offensive [count]

a bunch of chickenshits. [=cowards]

[noncount]

a load of chickenshit [=nonsense, bullshit]

chicken wire noun [noncount]

: a type of strong wire that is used especially to make fences

chick flick noun, pl flicks [count]

informal : a movie that is intended to appeal to women

chick·pea noun, pl -peas [count]

: a pale round seed that is cooked and eaten as a vegetable called also (US) garbanzo (US) garbanzo bean

chic·o·ry noun, pl -ries [count, noncount]

: a European plant that has bitter-tasting leaves that are often used in salads

The dried, ground root of the chicory plant is sometimes used as a flavoring in or substitute for coffee.

compare BELGIAN ENDIVE

chide verb, chides, chid·ed , chid·ing [+ obj]

: to express mild disapproval of (someone) : to scold (someone) gently

She chided us for arriving late.

“You really should have been here on time,” she chided.

1chief noun, pl chiefs [count]

: the person who is the leader of a group of people, of an organization, etc.

She's the chief of surgery [=the doctor who is in charge of the surgical department] at the hospital.

the police chief = the chief of police
the fire chief [=the head of a department of firefighters]

an Indian chief [=the leader of a tribe of Native Americans]

2chief adj, always used before a noun

1 : highest in rank or authority
the chief engineer on the project
the company's chief executive
see also COMMANDER IN CHIEF, EDITOR IN CHIEF

2 : most important : main

Her job is their chief source of income.

their chief accomplishment
our chief competitor

He has many concerns, chief among them his health.

chief constable noun, pl -stables [count]

Brit : a police officer who is in charge of a police force

chief executive noun, pl -tives [count]

1 : ceo

2 a : the president of a country

The President is the chief executive of the U.S.

2 b : the governor of a U.S. state

chief executive officer noun, pl -cers [count]

: ceo

chief justice or Chief Justice noun, pl -tices [count]

: the most important and powerful judge of a court of law and especially of the U.S. Supreme Court

chief·ly adv

: mainly or mostly
used to identify the most important part of something, reason for something, etc.

We're chiefly concerned with protecting the environment.

His greatest workschiefly those written between 1640 and 1685are still read today.

an animal that hunts chiefly by smell

The disease occurs chiefly in children.

The rock is composed chiefly of quartz.

chief of staff noun, pl chiefs of staff [count]

1 : a person of high rank in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines who advises the person in charge of military operations see also JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF

2 : a person of high rank who advises a leader (such as the U.S. President) on important matters
the White House Chief of Staff

chief of state noun, pl chiefs of state [count]

: a person who is formally recognized as the leader of a country
a meeting with foreign chiefs of state

chief·tain noun, pl -tains [count]

: a leader of a tribe or clan

chif·fon noun [noncount]

: a very thin cloth made especially of silk
a chiffon dress/scarf

chig·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

US : a small insect that bites people and causes painful swelling on the skin

chi·gnon noun, pl chi·gnons [count]

: a way of arranging a woman's hair by twisting it into a round shape at the back of the head or neck

Chi·hua·hua noun, pl -huas [count]

: a type of very small dog with large ears and usually short hair

chil·blain noun [count]

: a red and painful swollen area on the feet, hands, etc., that is caused by being exposed to cold usually plural

child noun, pl chil·dren [count]

1 : a young person
the birth of a child

She's pregnant with their first child.

a play for both children and adults

I went there once as a child. [=when I was a child]

often used before another noun.

a child prodigy
a child actor
child development
child psychologists

2 : a son or daughter

All of their children are grown now.

an elderly couple and their adult children

3 : an adult who acts like a child : a childlike or childish person

I'm a child when it comes to doing taxes. [=I need to be told or shown what to do]

Men are such children sometimes.

4 : a person who has been strongly influenced by a certain place or time or by the events happening during that time

She's a child of her time.

a child of the Depression

children should be seen and not heard
used to say that children should be quiet and well-behaved

with child
old-fashioned : pregnant

She found herself with child. [=she discovered that she was pregnant]

see also BRAINCHILD

child·bear·ing noun [noncount]

: the process of giving birth to children
women who delay childbearing

childbearing adj
women of childbearing age [=women who are old enough to give birth to children]

child benefit noun, pl -fits [count]

Brit : money that the government pays to families with children

child·birth noun, pl -births

: the act or process of giving birth to children

[count] the total number of childbirths [=(more commonly) births]

[noncount] advocates of natural childbirth

child·care noun [noncount]

: the things that are done to take care of children especially when their parents are away or at work

The cost of childcare can be expensive.

Childcare is available for children under five.

often used before another noun
childcare centers/workers

child·hood noun, pl -hoods

: the period of time when a person is a child

[noncount] I remember this place from (my) childhood.

diseases that can occur in childhood

[count] Both men had unhappy childhoods.

often used before another noun
childhood heroes/friends/memories
my childhood home

see also SECOND CHILDHOOD

child·ish adj [more ; most ]

: of a child or typical of a child

She has a childish face.

a letter written in childish scrawl

He opened the gifts with childish delight.

especially disapproving : having or showing the unpleasant qualities (such as silliness or lack of maturity) that children often have
a childish prank

We're tired of their childish games.

I find his humor very childish.

compare CHILDLIKE

child·ish·ly adv
a childishly simple idea

child·ish·ness noun [noncount]

She was annoyed by the childishness of his behavior.

child·less adj

: having no children
childless couples

child·less·ness noun [noncount]

child·like adj [more ; most ]

: resembling or suggesting a child : like that of a child
a childlike drawing/voice
a grown woman with a childlike face
especially : having or showing the pleasing qualities (such as innocence) that children often have
childlike faith/enthusiasm

We gazed at it in childlike wonder.

She took a childlike glee in describing every detail.

compare CHILDISH

child·mind·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : a person who is paid to take care of children usually in his or her home while the parents are at work
a registered childminder

1child·proof adj [more ; most ]

1 : made so that a child cannot open it
a childproof bottle

2 : made safe for children
a childproof home [=a home where dangerous objects, chemicals, etc., have been removed or placed where children cannot get them]

2childproof verb, -proofs, -proofed, -proof·ing [+ obj]

: to make (a place) safe for children

The article has tips on how to childproof a home.

child-rearing noun [noncount]

: the process of taking care of and raising children

Her husband is actively involved in child-rearing.

often used before another noun
child-rearing practices/methods

children plural of CHILD

child's play noun [noncount]

: something that is very easy to do

Landing a job should be child's play for someone with his skills.

child support noun [noncount]

: money that a former husband or wife must pay regularly to help raise a child called also (Brit) maintenance

chili (US) or Brit chil·li also US chile noun, pl chil·ies also chil·es or Brit chil·lies

1 [count, noncount] : a small pepper with a very hot flavor called also chili pepper

2 [noncount] : a spicy dish made of ground beef, hot peppers or chili powder, and usually beans
a bowl of chili
called also chili con car·ne

chili dog noun, pl dogs [count]

US : a hot dog with chili on top of it

chili powder (US) or Brit chilli powder noun [noncount]

: a dry powder that is made of chilies and other spices and that is used to give food a hot flavor

chili sauce noun [noncount]

US : a spicy sauce that is made with tomatoes and hot red and green peppers

1chill noun, pl chills

1 [singular] : a cold feeling : a degree of cold that can be felt and that is usually unpleasant

There was a chill in the autumn air.

He closed the windows to keep out the chill.

I'll turn on the heat for a bit, just to take the chill off. [=raise the temperature slightly to a comfortable level]

see also WINDCHILL

2 [count]

2 a : a feeling of being cold

Her symptoms include chills and a fever.

2 b : an illness that makes you feel cold

He caught a chill that turned into a bad cold.

3 [count] : a sudden feeling of fear

I feel a chill (of fear) every time I look at the photograph.

The novel's final scene gave him the chills.

Her words sent chills down my spine.

4 [singular]

4 a : a cold and unfriendly quality

I felt the chill of my opponent's stare.

4 b : a change that causes less friendly relations between people, countries, etc.

There has been a chill in diplomatic relations. [=diplomatic relations have grown colder]

2chill verb, chills, chilled, chill·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) cold or cool

Chill the dessert for one hour before serving it.

often used as (be) chilled

The spectators were chilled by the cold wind.

chilled wine
a chilled soup

I was chilled to the bone/marrow. [=very cold]

1 b [no obj] : to become cold or cool

Let the dessert chill for one hour before serving it.

2 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel afraid

Here's a ghost story that will chill you.

Her screams chilled me to the bone/marrow.

a horrible sight that chilled my bones/blood

3 [no obj] informal

3 a : to become more relaxed : to become less tense, anxious, or angry

He thinks his parents are way too uptight and says they should just chill.

often + out

They should just chill out.

often used as a command

Chill (out), man.

3 b : to spend time in a relaxed manner

I decided to stay home and chill.

often + out

She's been chilling out with her girlfriends.

3chill adj
somewhat formal : unpleasantly cold : chilly

The nights grew chill.

The chill weather kept us indoors.

a chill wind

chilli chiefly Brit spelling of CHILI

chill·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very disturbing or frightening
a chilling tale

chill·ing·ly adv
chillingly cruel
a chillingly accurate description of the murderer

chilly adj, chill·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : noticeably cold
a chilly morning
a chilly breeze

It's a little chilly outside.

2 : feeling cold

I was getting chilly.

You must be chilly without a coat on.

3 : noticeably unfriendly

They gave him a chilly reception.

chill·i·ness noun [noncount]

the chilliness of the air

[singular]

She felt a chilliness in his voice.

1chime noun, pl chimes [count]

1 : a device that produces a sound like the sound made by a set of bells

The clock chime struck four.

usually plural

We bought a set of door chimes.

see also WIND CHIME

2 : the sound made by a set of bells
the chime of church bells
usually plural

We awoke to the chimes of a nearby church.

2chime verb, chimes, chimed, chim·ing

1 [no obj] : to make the sound of a ringing bell

The door bell chimed.

2 of a clock : to make a ringing sound that indicates the time

[+ obj] The clock chimed midnight.

[no obj] The clock chimed.

3 [no obj] : to agree : to be in harmony

The music and the mood chimed well together.

often + with

His opinion doesn't chime with mine.

chime in [phrasal verb]

1 : to add your comment or opinion to a conversation or discussion that you have been listening to

He kept chiming in with his opinions.

“He left hours ago,” Janet chimed in.

2 : to be in agreement or harmony with something

The illustrations chimed in perfectly with the story.

chi·me·ra noun, pl -ras [count]

1 Chimera : a monster from Greek mythology that breathes fire and has a lion's head, a goat's body, and a snake's tail

2 formal : something that exists only in the imagination and is not possible in reality

Economic stability in that country is a chimera.

chi·mer·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

chimerical [=imaginary] dreams of economic stability

chi·mi·chan·ga noun, pl -gas [count]

: a food that consists of a tortilla which is wrapped around a filling (such as seasoned meat) and deep-fried

chim·ney noun, pl -neys [count]

1 : a part of a building through which smoke rises into the outside air; especially : the part that sticks up above the roof see also smoke like a chimney at 2SMOKE

2 : a tall narrow opening through a large piece of rock (such as a cliff) that can be used for climbing the rock

chimney breast noun, pl breasts [count]

Brit : a part of a wall that extends out into a room to cover a chimney

chim·ney·piece noun, pl -piec·es [count]

Brit : mantelpiece 1

chimney pot noun, pl pots [count]

chiefly Brit : a clay or metal pipe on top of a chimney

chimney stack noun, pl stacks [count]

Brit

1 : the part of a chimney that is above the roof of a building

2 : smokestack

chimney sweep noun, pl sweeps [count]

: a person who cleans the insides of chimneys

chimp noun, pl chimps [count]

: chimpanzee

chim·pan·zee noun, pl -zees [count]

: an intelligent animal that is a type of ape and that lives mostly in trees in Africa

chin noun, pl chins [count]

: the part of the face below the mouth and above the neck see also DOUBLE CHIN

keep your chin up

: to stay cheerful and hopeful during difficult times

He's still keeping his chin up despite all his health problems.

(Keep your) chin up! Everything will work out for the best.

take it on the chin
informal

1 US : to be badly damaged or affected by something : to be hit hard by something

Many investors took it on the chin yesterday as the stock market dropped sharply.

2 Brit : to accept something difficult or unpleasant without complaining

The criticism was harsh but he took it on the chin and didn't try to blame anyone else.

chi·na noun [noncount]

1 : a hard white material that is made of baked clay and used to make plates, bowls, etc.

This vase is (made of) china.

often used before another noun
a china teapot

see also BONE CHINA

2 : plates, bowls, cups, etc., that are made of china

She uses her good china when she has company for dinner.

a bull in a china shop see 1BULL

Chi·na·town noun, pl -towns

: the area of a city where many Chinese people live

[noncount] We had dinner in Chinatown.

[count]

usually singular

There is a Chinatown in San Francisco.

chi·na·ware noun [noncount]

: china 2

chin·chil·la noun, pl -las

1 [count] : a small South American animal that has soft gray fur

2 [noncount] : the fur of a chinchilla

The collar of the coat is chinchilla.

1Chi·nese noun

1 the Chinese : the people of China : Chinese people
the customs of the Chinese

2 [noncount] : any one of a group of closely related languages that are spoken in China

He is learning to speak Chinese.

2Chinese adj

: of or relating to China, its people, or their languages

Chinese history/food

She is Chinese.

The custom is Chinese.

the Chinese writing system

Chinese cabbage noun [noncount]

1 : bok choy

2 : a type of cabbage from Asia that has a long head and pale, wrinkled leaves

Chinese checkers (US) or Brit Chinese chequers noun [noncount]

: a game in which players move marbles from one hole to another across a playing surface that is shaped like a star

Chinese whispers noun [noncount]

Brit : a situation in which a piece of information is passed from one person to the next and is changed slightly each time it is told

1chink noun, pl chinks [count]

1 : a small crack : a narrow opening or space
usually + in

We peeked through a chink in the fence.

2 chiefly Brit : a small amount of light shining through a crack
a chink of daylight

chink in someone's or something's armor see ARMOR
compare 2CHINK

2chink noun, pl chinks [count]

: the short sharp sound made when objects made of metal or glass hit each other

We heard the chink of coins from the slot machine.

the chink [=clink] of her glass against mine

compare 1CHINK

Chink noun, pl Chinks [count]

informal + offensive : a Chinese person

The word Chink is very offensive and should be avoided.

chi·nos noun [plural]

: pants that are made of a somewhat stiff fabric and that are usually very light brown in color

chintz noun [noncount]

: a shiny cotton fabric with a flowery pattern printed on it
often used before another noun
chintz curtains
a chintz sofa

chintzy adj, chintz·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 US, informal

1 a : not showing good taste : not tasteful or stylish

The decorations were very chintzy. [=tacky]

1 b : poorly or cheaply done or made : of low quality
chintzy toys
a chintzy low-budget film

2 US, informal : not willing to spend money or give anything away : stingy or cheap

The boss is chintzy about raises.

3 chiefly Brit : decorated in or covered with chintz
a chintzy cottage
chintzy furniture

chin-up noun, pl -ups [count]

US : pull-up

chin-wag noun [singular]

Brit informal : a friendly conversation : chat

My mother and aunt were having a chin-wag in the kitchen.

1chip noun, pl chips [count]

1 : a small piece that has been broken off from something larger
wood chips
chips of stone

2 : a place where a small piece of something has broken off

The cup has a chip in/on it.

3 : a small piece of candy or chocolate used in baking
chocolate chips
chocolate chip cookies [=cookies with small bits of chocolate in them]

4 a : a thin, hard, and usually salty piece of food
tortilla chips
especially US : potato chip
a bag of chips
see also CORN CHIP

4 b Brit : french fry see also FISH AND CHIPS

5 : a small, flat, round piece of plastic that is used to represent an amount of money in gambling games like poker see also BARGAINING CHIP

6 : a very small piece of hard material (called silicon) in a computer or other device that contains many electronic circuits
computer/silicon chips
see also MICROCHIP

7 US, informal : a piece of dried waste matter from an animal
buffalo/cow chips

8 : chip shot 1 2

chip off the old block
informal : someone who looks or behaves like his or her parent

His son is a real chip off the old block.

have a chip on your shoulder
informal : to have an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that you have been treated unfairly in the past

He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he didn't get the promotion he was expecting.

let the chips fall where they may

US informal : to allow events to happen without trying to change them

This phrase usually suggests that you are willing to accept a result, whatever it may be.

I will run the best campaign I can, then let the chips fall where they may.

when the chips are down
informal : in a difficult situation : when things are not good

True friends will stand by you when the chips are down.

2chip verb, chips, chipped, chip·ping

1 a [+ obj] : to break off a small piece from (something)

I bit into something hard and chipped my tooth.

He fell and chipped a bone in his knee.

She chipped a nail. [=she broke a small piece of hardened nail polish off a fingernail]

a chipped cup/tooth

1 b [no obj] : to break or come off in small pieces

China chips easily.

The paint had chipped off/away.

2 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to break off (something) especially with a tool

He chipped away the ice from the car's windshield.

The sculptor chipped away/off bits of stone.

The geologist chipped [=cut] the specimen out of the rock face.

2 b [no obj] : to hit something with a tool in order to break off small pieces
usually + away

The sculptor chipped away at the stone/marble.

often used figuratively

There have been endless efforts to chip away at [=gradually reduce] social prejudice.

His failures chipped away at his self-confidence.

3 : to hit or kick (a ball) so that it goes a short distance : to hit or kick a chip shot

[+ obj] The golfer chipped the ball onto the green.

She chipped the soccer ball over the goalie's head.

He chipped a pass to his teammate.

[no obj] The golfer chipped onto the green.

She chipped in for par. [=she made a par by hitting a chip shot that went into the hole]

chip in [phrasal verb]

1 chip in or chip in (something) : to give something (such as money) to help a person, group, or cause

We all chipped in [=contributed] to buy him a gift.

If we all chip in [=help (out)], the work will get done quickly.

We each chipped in 10 dollars.

2 chiefly Brit : to add your comment or opinion to a conversation or discussion

“He left hours ago,” Sue chipped in. [=chimed in]

chip·board noun [noncount]

1 : particleboard

2 US : a type of cardboard made from paper that had been thrown away

chip·munk noun, pl -munks [count]

: a small North American animal that is related to the squirrel

chip·o·la·ta noun, pl -tas [count]

Brit : a small thin sausage

chipped beef noun [noncount]

US : smoked dried beef that is sliced thin

1chip·per adj [more ; most ]

informal + somewhat old-fashioned : cheerful and lively

My, you're looking chipper this morning.

She greeted me in a chipper voice.

2chipper noun, pl -pers [count]

: a piece of equipment that is used to cut wood (such as tree branches) into small pieces
a wood chipper

chip·py also chip·pie noun, pl -pies [count]

Brit informal : chip shop

chip shop noun, pl shops [count]

Brit : a restaurant that sells fish and chips and other fried foods for people to take away and eat somewhere else

chip shot noun, pl shots [count]

1 golf : a very short shot that is made from an area near the green

She hit a chip shot onto the green.

2 soccer + rugby : a short kick that lifts a ball high in the air

He kicked a chip shot over the goalie's head.

3 American football : a short and easy field goal

chi·rop·o·dist noun, pl -dists [count]

chiefly Brit : podiatrist

chi·ro·prac·tic noun [noncount]

: a method of treating people who are sick or in pain by pushing and moving bones in the spine and joints

chiropractic adj
chiropractic care
chiropractic adjustments of/to the spine

chi·ro·prac·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

My sister goes to a chiropractor for her back pain.

chirp verb, chirps, chirped, chirp·ing

1 [no obj] : to make a short high-pitched sound

The birds were chirping in the trees.

We heard the crickets chirping.

2 [+ obj] : to say (something) in a cheerful and lively way

“Good morning!” she chirped.

chirp noun, pl chirps [count]

the chirps of the birds

chirpy adj, chirp·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

informal : cheerful and lively
a chirpy, bright-eyed student

chirp·i·ly adv

chirp·i·ness noun [noncount]

chir·rup verb, -rups, -ruped, rup·ing [no obj]

: chirp

chirrup noun, pl -rups [count]

1chis·el noun, pl -els [count]

: a metal tool with a flat, sharp end that is used to cut and shape a solid material (such as stone, wood, or metal)

2chisel verb, -els, US -eled or Brit -elled, US -el·ing or Brit -el·ling [+ obj]

: to cut or shape (something) with a chisel

She chiseled the stone/wood/marble.

He chiseled off a corner of the block.

Letters were chiseled into a wall.

chis·eled (US) or Brit chis·elled adj [more ; most ]

1 : having an attractive well-formed shape
used especially to describe a man's face and its features
a handsome actor's chiseled face/jaw/nose

2 : having a strong, muscular body or form
a chiseled bodybuilder

He has the chiseled body of an athlete.

chit noun, pl chits [count]

: an official note that shows an amount of money that is owed or gives someone permission to have or do something

chit·chat noun
informal : friendly conversation about things that are not very important

[noncount] We exchanged some chitchat about the weather.

[singular] I just had a chitchat [=chat] with my neighbor.

chitchat verb, -chats, -chat·ted, -chat·ting [no obj]

I was just chitchatting [=chatting] with my neighbor.

chit·ter·lings or chit·lins noun [plural]

chiefly US : the intestines of hogs eaten as food

chi·val·ric adj

: of or relating to the knights who fought in the Middle Ages
chivalric adventures/codes

chiv·al·rous adj [more ; most ]

1 : behaving in an honorable or polite way especially toward women
a kind and chivalrous man

2 : showing respect and politeness especially toward women
chivalrous behavior
a chivalrous act

chiv·al·rous·ly adv

He acted chivalrously.

chiv·al·ry noun [noncount]

1 : the system of values (such as loyalty and honor) that knights in the Middle Ages were expected to follow

Medieval chivalry
the knight's code of chivalry

2 : an honorable and polite way of behaving especially toward women

He paid her fare as an act of chivalry.

chive noun, pl chives

1 [count] : a plant that is related to the onion

2 chives [plural] : the long thin leaves of the chive plant that are cut into small pieces and used for flavoring food

Do you want chives on your baked potato?

chive adj, always used before a noun
chive sauce/butter

chiv·vy verb, chiv·vies, chiv·vied, chiv·vy·ing [+ obj]

Brit informal : to try to make (someone) do something more quickly especially in an annoying way

The parents chivvied the children along.

They chivvied us to finish the job quicker.

chlo·ride noun, pl -rides [count, noncount]

technical : a chemical compound of chlorine with another element or group
sodium chloride

chlo·ri·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

technical : to add chlorine to (something, such as water)

chlorinated water

chlo·ri·na·tion noun [noncount]

Chlorination will kill the bacteria in the water.

chlo·rine noun [noncount]

: a chemical that in its natural form is a greenish-yellow gas and has a strong smell

Chlorine in a liquid or solid form is often added to water (such as the water in a swimming pool) to keep it clean.

chlo·ro·flu·o·ro·car·bon noun, pl -bons [count]

technical : a gas that was once commonly used in various products (such as aerosols) but that is believed to cause damage to the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere

Many nations have banned the production of chlorofluorocarbons.

abbr. CFC

chlo·ro·form noun [noncount]

: a colorless poisonous liquid

In the past, chloroform was used to make patients unconscious during medical operations. It is now usually used to dissolve other substances.

chloroform verb, -forms, -formed, -form·ing [+ obj]

The doctor chloroformed the patient.

chlo·ro·phyll noun [noncount]

: the green substance in plants that makes it possible for them to make food from carbon dioxide and water

choc noun, pl chocs [count]

Brit informal : chocolate 2
a box of chocs

chock·a·block adj, not used before a noun

: very full
usually + with

The shelves are chockablock with books.

chock-full or chock·ful adj, not used before a noun

: completely full
usually + of

This book is chock-full of good information.

choc·o·hol·ic also choc·a·hol·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

informal : a person who likes to eat chocolate very much

choc·o·late noun, pl -lates

1 [noncount] : a food that is made from cacao beans and that is eaten as candy or used as a flavoring ingredient in other sweet foods
a bar of chocolate
chocolate-covered raisins

The cake recipe calls for four squares of chocolate.

see also DARK CHOCOLATE, HOT CHOCOLATE, MILK CHOCOLATE, WHITE CHOCOLATE

2 [count] : a candy made or covered with chocolate

She gave me a box of chocolates for my birthday.

3 [noncount] : a dark brown color called also chocolate brown

chocolate adj
a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
chocolate ice cream
chocolate sauce/milk

choc·o·laty also choc·o·lat·ey adj [more ; most ]

a chocolaty flavor

chocolate-box adj, always used before a noun

Brit informal : pretty in a way that seems too perfect to be true or real
a chocolate-box house

choc·o·la·tier noun, pl -tiers [count]

: a person who makes or sells chocolate candy

Choc·taw noun, pl -taws [count]

: a member of a Native American people of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana

1choice noun, pl choic·es

1 [count] : the act of choosing : the act of picking or deciding between two or more possibilities

He knew he had to make a choice. [=choose one thing or another]

He has some important choices to make.

You made a good/bad choice.

She was faced with a difficult choice.

You can either accept the job or not. It's your choice.

I read about the various options so that I could make an informed choice.

2 : the opportunity or power to choose between two or more possibilities : the opportunity or power to make a decision

[singular] Given the choice, I'd rather stay home tonight.

He had no choice in the matter. = He did not have a choice in the matter.

You leave me (with) no choice.

They gave/offered me a choice between an automatic or standard transmission.

[noncount] A flexible health insurance plan gives patients more choice about doctors and coverage.

He had little choice in the matter. = He did not have much choice in the matter.

see also HOBSON'S CHOICE

3 a : a range of things that can be chosen

[singular]

often + of

The plan has a wide choice of options. [=there are many options that can be chosen]

You have the choice of coffee or tea.

[noncount] The menu does not have much choice. [=selection]

(chiefly Brit) Customers are spoiled for choice [=customers have a lot of choices] when buying a new car.

3 b [count] : one of the things that you can choose

She wanted pizza, but that wasn't a choice. [=option]

There is a wide range of choices.

Other choices on the menu looked equally tempting.

see also MULTIPLE-CHOICE

4 [count] : the person or thing that someone chooses

He is happy with his choice.

She is my first choice for the job. [=she is the one I most want for the job]

I don't like her choice of friends.

Selling our car was the right choice.

by choice also out of choice

If you do something by choice or out of choice, you choose to do it.

I live here by choice. [=I live here because I want to]

No one forced them to do it. They acted out of choice.

of choice

: favorite or most liked : chosen most often

Wine was his beverage of choice.

of your choice

A person or thing of your choice is a person or thing that you have chosen.

They said I could bring a guest of my choice to the party.

The meal is served with a beverage of your choice.

2choice adj, always used before a noun, choic·er, -est

1 : very good

The store sells only the choicest [=best] fruits.

2 US, of meat : of a quality that is good but not the best

Choice beef is not as expensive as prime beef.

3 of words or phrases : carefully chosen especially for the purpose of expressing anger or disapproval

I had a few choice words for him. [=I said a few angry words to him]

choir noun, pl choirs [count]

1 : a group of singers especially in a church

2 : the part of a church where the singers sit

preach to the choir see PREACH

choir·boy noun, pl -boys [count]

: a boy who is a member of a church choir

choir·mas·ter Brit noun, pl -ters [count]

: the director of a choir

1choke verb, chokes, choked, chok·ing

1 [no obj] : to become unable to breathe usually because something gets stuck in your throat or because the air is not good for breathing

Chew your food well so you don't choke.

She choked to death. = She died by choking.

We were choking on fumes.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to cause (someone) to stop breathing by squeezing the throat

The murderer choked his victim (to death).

2 b : to make (someone) unable to breathe in a normal way

The thick smoke was choking me.

If you or your voice is choked with emotion, rage, etc., you are feeling emotion in such a strong way that it is hard for you to talk.

When she was presented with the award, she was so choked with emotion that she couldn't say her thank-you speech.

3 [+ obj] : to stop (something) from growing or developing

The flowers were choked by the weeds.

often + out

The flowers were choked out by the weeds.

4 [+ obj] : to fill (something) completely so that movement is stopped or slowed

Leaves choked [=clogged, blocked] the drain.

The streets were choked with traffic.

often + up

Logs were choking up the stream.

5 [no obj] informal : to fail to do something well because you are very nervous

When the pressure was on, the tennis star choked and lost the match.

choke back [phrasal verb]

If you are choking back tears, rage, anger, etc., you are finding it very hard not to cry or express emotion.

He was choking back tears as he talked about his late wife.

She struggled to choke back her anger as she listened to their criticisms.

choke down [phrasal verb]

choke down (something) or choke (something) down informal : to eat (something) with difficulty or without enjoyment

The meal was overcooked, but I managed to choke down a few bites.

choke off [phrasal verb]

choke off (something) also choke (something) off

1 : to make (something) smaller, weaker, or less powerful : to cause (something) to slow down or stop

Rising interest rates may choke off consumer spending.

Attempts have been made to choke off debate on the issue.

2 : to prevent (something) from flowing or getting through

A growth on the artery wall is choking off the blood supply.

choke out [phrasal verb]

choke (something) out or choke out (something) : to say (something) with difficulty because of strong emotion

She tearfully choked out an apology.

choke up [phrasal verb]

1

If you choke up or get/become (all) choked up, you are almost crying and have trouble talking because of strong emotion.

He chokes up whenever he tries to talk about the accident.

She got all choked up when she saw her daughter in her wedding dress.

2 baseball : to move your hands to a higher position on a baseball bat
often + on

He choked up on the bat and took a short swing.

2choke noun, pl chokes [count]

: a part in a vehicle that controls the flow of air into the engine

choke chain noun, pl chains [count]

: a chain for controlling a dog that is put around the dog's neck and that tightens when the end of the chain is pulled called also choke collar

choke hold noun, pl holds [count]

chiefly US

1 : a method of holding someone by putting your arm around the person's neck with enough pressure to make breathing difficult or impossible

He put the suspect in a choke hold. = He used/placed a choke hold on the suspect.

2 : a force or influence that stops something from growing or developing : stranglehold
usually singular

The state has a choke hold on the city's finances.

The tariffs have put a choke hold on the economy.

chok·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a necklace that fits closely around the neck

2 informal : a person who fails to do something because of nervousness : a person who chokes

They called him a choker when he missed the shot that would have won the game.

chol·era noun [noncount]

: a serious disease that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea and that often results in death

cho·ler·ic adj [more ; most ]

formal : made angry easily : hot-tempered
a choleric temperament

cho·les·ter·ol noun [noncount]

: a substance that is found in the bodies of people and animals

Did your doctor check your cholesterol?

She is on medication to lower her cholesterol. = She is on medication to lower her cholesterol level. [=to lower the amount of cholesterol in her blood]

My doctor told me that high cholesterol [=having too much cholesterol in your blood] can lead to serious medical problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

chomp verb, chomps, chomped, chomp·ing
informal : to chew or bite on something

[no obj]

often + on

He was chomping on a bagel.

The dog chomped down on its bone.

often + away

The children were sitting at the table, happily chomping away.

The bug chomped away at the leaf.

sometimes used figuratively

Lawmakers have been chomping away at the state budget.

[+ obj] They were chomping burgers at a picnic.

chomping at the bit

: waiting in an impatient way to do something

We've all been chomping [=champing] at the bit to get started on the project.

choo choo noun, pl choos
informal

1 [count] : 1train 1
used by young children or by adults speaking to young children

Here comes the choo choo!

; called also choo choo train

2 [noncount] : the sound a train makes used by young children or by adults speaking to young children

choose verb, choos·es, chose , cho·sen , choos·ing

1 : to decide that a particular person or thing is the one that you want

[+ obj] The political party chose a leader.

They chose her as the team captain.

We've chosen a different time to go.

He was chosen because he's qualified for the job.

She was chosen from a long list of people.

He chose his words carefully.

Which shirt would you choose?

[no obj] How do I choose when there's so much available?

Let everyone choose for themselves.

You can choose from among a number of alternatives.

You'll have to choose between the two of them.

There are several books available to choose from.

2 : to make a choice about what to do : decide

[+ obj]

usually followed by to + verb

They chose to go by train.

They chose not to believe it.

They chose to keep quiet.

She chooses to work in the city.

[no obj] You can do as you choose. [=you can do what you want to do]

choose sides

: to divide a group into two teams that will play against each other

When we chose sides in gym class, I was always the last person to be picked to be on a team.

often used figuratively

They are forcing us to choose sides in the dispute.

pick and choose see 1PICK

choos·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a careful chooser
see also beggars can't be choosers at BEGGAR

choosy also choos·ey adj, choos·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: very careful in choosing : liking only certain things

She's pretty choosy [=picky] about her clothes/friends.

You can't be too choosy if you want a job right away.

We could afford to be as choosy as we wanted to be.

1chop verb, chops, chopped, chop·ping [+ obj]

: to cut (something) into pieces by hitting it with the sharp edge of an ax, knife, etc.

She's in the kitchen chopping vegetables.

They chopped wood for the fireplace.

often used figuratively

They intend to chop [=lower] prices for the sale.

Our budget was chopped [=cut] in half. [=it is now half of what it was]

chop and change

Brit informal : to keep changing your mind, your way of doing something, etc.

You have to make a decision and stick with it. You can't chop and change all the time.

chop down [phrasal verb]

chop (something) down or chop down (something) : to cut (a tree, bush, etc.) at the bottom so that it falls to the ground

He chopped the tree down.

She chopped down some thick grape vines.

chop off [phrasal verb]

chop (something) off or chop off (something) : to remove (something) by cutting

She'd had her ponytail chopped off.

He used his knife to chop off a hunk of bread.

chop up [phrasal verb]

chop (something) up or chop up (something) : to cut (something) into small pieces

She chopped up the nuts and added them to the cookie dough.

chopped adj
two cups of chopped onions

2chop noun, pl chops [count]

1 : a small piece of meat that usually includes a bone from an animal's side
lamb/pork chops

2 a : the act of hitting something with the sharp edge of an ax, knife, etc.

He cut off the branch with a single chop.

2 b : the act of hitting someone or something with the side of your hand

He broke the boards with a karate chop.

for the chop

Brit informal
used to say that someone is going to lose a job or that something is being stopped or canceled

More than 100 jobs are for the chop. [=are going/likely to be eliminated]

social programs that are for the chop [=(US) on the chopping block]

get the chop

Brit informal : to lose your job

The employees with less experience got the chop. [=were fired; got the ax]

give (someone) the chop

Brit informal : to take someone's job away

His boss gave him the chop. [=his boss fired him; his boss gave him the ax]

chop-chop interj
informal
used to tell someone to hurry

Let's go! Chop-chop!

chop house noun, pl hous·es [count]

chiefly US informal : a restaurant that serves steaks, chops, and other meats compare STEAK HOUSE

chopped liver noun [noncount]

US slang : someone or something that is not important or appealing

“Wow, she's gorgeous!” “And what am Ichopped liver?”

chop·per noun, pl -pers

1 [count] : someone or something that chops something
a food/wood chopper

2 [count] informal : helicopter

The sound of choppers filled the sky.

a chopper pilot

3 [count] chiefly US, informal : a motorcycle that has a front wheel which is farther forward than the handlebars called also chopper bike

4 choppers [plural] chiefly US slang : teeth

The dentist checked my choppers and said they look fine.

chopping block noun, pl blocks [count]

US : a hard wooden block on which things (such as meat, wood, or vegetables) are chopped or cut compare CUTTING BOARD

on the chopping block
informal : likely to be fired, removed, etc.

There were several government programs on the chopping block. [=several government programs that were going to be cut/eliminated]

chopping board noun, pl boards [count]

chiefly Brit : cutting board

chop·py adj, chop·pi·er, -est

1 : rough with small waves

The lake was choppy.

choppy conditions/seas/waters

2 : marked by sudden stops and starts : not connected smoothly

She tended to write in short choppy sentences.

The video appeared choppy and jerky.

He walked with quick choppy strides.

chop·pi·ness noun [noncount]

chops noun [plural]

1 a : the part of an animal's face that covers the jaws

The dog was licking its chops.

1 b informal : a person's jaw

I'm going to break/bust your chops if you do that again.

often used figuratively

My brother likes to bust my chops. [=he teases me; he criticizes me in a playful way]

2 chiefly US, informal : skill or excellence in a particular field or activity (such as acting or playing music)

It's a challenging role that will give him a chance to show off his acting chops. [=to show his talents as an actor]

lick your chops see 1LICK

chop·stick noun, pl -sticks [count]

: either one of a pair of thin sticks that are used especially by people in Asia to pick up and eat food

chop su·ey noun [noncount]

: a combination of vegetables and meat or fish that is served with rice

Chop suey is mainly served in Chinese restaurants and was probably invented in the U.S. by Chinese immigrants to suit American tastes.

cho·ral adj

: of or relating to a choir or chorus
a choral group
choral singing

: sung by a choir or chorus
choral music

cho·rale Brit noun, pl -rales [count]

1 : a song that is sung in a church service by a large group of singers

2 : a chorus or choir

1chord noun, pl chords [count]

: a group of three or more musical notes that are played or sung at the same time
compare 2CHORD

2chord noun, pl chords [count]

mathematics : a straight line that joins two points on a curve

strike/touch a chord

If something strikes/touches a chord in/with you, you think that it is true and have strong feelings about it.

Her comments about political corruption clearly struck a chord with many voters.

compare 1CHORD

chore noun, pl chores [count]

1 : a small job that is done regularly

The children were each assigned different household chores.

farm chores

I liked the simple chore of bringing in the firewood.

synonyms see 1TASK

2 : a dull, unpleasant, or difficult job or experience

Doing taxes can be a real chore.

That movie is a chore to sit through.

cho·reo·graph Brit verb, -graphs, -graphed, -graph·ing [+ obj]

: to decide how a dancer or group of dancers will move during a performance

She was hired to choreograph the ballet routines.

often used figuratively

He carefully choreographed the meeting. [=he arranged the details of the meeting very carefully]

The group had choreographed all aspects of the banquet.

cho·re·og·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

cho·re·og·ra·phy noun [noncount]

: the art or job of deciding how dancers will move in a performance

She studied choreography.

He has an interest in choreography.

also : the movements that are done by dancers in a performance
a show with excellent choreography

cho·re·o·graph·ic adj

cho·ris·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a singer in a choir

cho·ri·zo noun, pl -zos [count, noncount]

: a spicy pork sausage

chor·tle verb, chor·tles, chor·tled, chor·tling

: to laugh because you are amused or pleased by something

[no obj] She chortled [=chuckled] with delight.

[+ obj] He chortled, “You're going to love this.”

chortle noun, pl chortles [count]

The gift was received with chortles of delight.

1cho·rus noun, pl -rus·es [count]

1 a : a group of singers and dancers in an ancient Greek play who take part in or talk about the things that are happening on stage

1 b : a group of singers and dancers in a modern play, musical show, etc.

1 c : a large group of singers : choir

2 a : a part of a song that is repeated between verses : refrain

2 b : a piece of music that is sung by a large group of singers

Handel's “Hallelujah Chorus”

3 a : a sound made by many people or animals at the same time

We awoke to a chorus of birdsong.

The announcement was met by a loud chorus of boos. [=people booed when they heard the announcement]

3 b : a group of people or animals that are all heard at the same time

The President's policies have been questioned by a growing chorus of critics.

a chorus of frogs

in chorus

: all together : all at the same time

The phones in the room rang in chorus.

2chorus verb, -ruses, -rused, -rus·ing [+ obj]

: to say (something) all together : to say (something) in chorus

The class chorused “Good morning!”

chorus girl noun, pl girls [count]

: a girl or young woman who sings or dances in a chorus

chose past tense of CHOOSE

1chosen past participle of CHOOSE

2cho·sen adj

: selected to do or receive something special

Only the/a chosen few will get to go on the trip. [=only a few people will get to go]

1chow noun [noncount]

informal : food 1

Ample chow will be available.

Let's grab some chow.

2chow verb, chows, chowed, chow·ing

chow down [phrasal verb]

US informal : eat 1

It's time to chow down.

often + on

The kids chowed down on hamburgers and french fries.

chow chow noun, pl chows [count]

: a type of dog that has thick fur and a short curled tail called also chow

chow·der noun, pl -ders [count, noncount]

: a thick soup or stew made of seafood or corn with potatoes and onions and milk or tomatoes
a bowl of clam chowder

chow·der·head noun, pl -heads [count]

US informal : a stupid person

Any chowderhead [=idiot, knucklehead] could have told you the answer.

chowd·er·head·ed adj [more ; most ]

chow·hound noun, pl -hounds [count]

US informal : a person who likes to eat

My dad doesn't eat much, but my brother is a real chowhound. [=a big eater]

chow mein noun [noncount]

: a combination of meat, mushrooms, and vegetables with fried noodles that is served in Chinese restaurants in the U.S. compare LO MEIN

Christ noun [singular]

: jesus christ

Christ·like adj

Christ·ly adj

chris·ten verb, chris·tens, chris·tened, chris·ten·ing [+ obj]

1 : to baptize (someone)

He was christened when he was three months old.

2 a : to name (someone) at baptism

They christened the baby Anna.

2 b : to officially give (something, such as a ship) a name in a ceremony that often involves breaking a bottle of champagne

The politician was chosen to christen a new ship.

2 c : to give (someone or something) a nickname or an unofficial title

The newspaper has christened her as the reigning Queen of Tennis.

3 : to use something for the first time

They christened the new ball park with a win.

Chris·ten·dom noun [noncount]

1 : people who are Christians

2 : the part of the world where most people are Christians
sometimes used in the old-fashioned phrase in all of Christendom

You will not find a better man in all of Christendom. [=anywhere]

chris·ten·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : the ceremony of baptizing and naming a child

The whole family was invited to the christening.

2 : the official ceremony in which something (such as a ship) is named
a ship's christening

1Chris·tian noun, pl -tians [count]

: a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ

2Christian adj

1 : of or relating to Jesus Christ or the religion based on his teachings

Christian scriptures

Christian ethics
a Christian burial

2 : of, relating to, or being Christians
a Christian country
a Christian household

Many of my friends are Christian.

3 [more ; most ] : treating other people in a kind and generous way

He showed a very Christian concern for others.

Christian era noun [noncount]

: the time starting from the birth of Jesus Christ abbr. CE

Chris·ti·an·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ

Christian name noun, pl names [count]

: a person's first name : the name given to a person when the person is born or christened

Her Christian name is Anna.

Christ·mas noun, pl -mas·es

: a Christian holiday that is celebrated on December 25 in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ or the period of time that comes before and after this holiday

[noncount] We're spending Christmas with my parents.

[count] We had a very happy Christmas this year.

I wish you all a merry Christmas.

often used before another noun
a Christmas present

She finished her Christmas shopping.

What are you serving for Christmas dinner?

the rush of the Christmas season [=the time of year when people are getting ready for Christmas]

Christmas cake noun, pl cakes [count, noncount]

Brit : a cake that contains nuts and fruits and that is served at Christmas

Christmas card noun, pl cards [count]

: a greeting card sent at Christmastime

Christmas carol noun, pl -ols [count]

: 1carol

Christmas cracker noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : a paper tube that has a toy or other small object inside it and makes a loud sound when its ends are pulled apart

Christmas Day noun, pl Days [count, noncount]

: the day on which Christmas is celebrated : December 25

Christmas Eve noun, pl Eves [count, noncount]

: the day before Christmas : December 24

Christmas pudding noun, pl -dings [count]

Brit : plum pudding

Christmas stocking noun, pl -ings [count]

: stocking 3

Christ·mas·sy also Christ·masy adj [more ; most ]

: typical of or suitable for Christmas

The house looks more Christmassy now that the decorations are up.

Christ·mas·time noun [noncount]

: the time of year when people get ready for and celebrate Christmas : Christmas day and the days and weeks before it

It's fun to be in a large city at Christmastime. [=during the Christmas season]

Christmas tree noun, pl trees [count]

: an evergreen tree that is decorated in people's houses at Christmastime

We hung the lights on the Christmas tree.

chro·mat·ic adj
music : of or relating to a musical scale that has all semitones
chromatic harmonies/notes
the chromatic scale
compare DIATONIC

chro·mat·i·cal·ly adv

chrome noun [noncount]

: a type of metal that is used to cover other metals in order to make them shiny

chro·mi·um noun [noncount]

: a blue-white metallic element that is combined with other metals and used to cover other metals with a shiny surface

chro·mo·some noun, pl -somes [count]

: the part of a cell that contains the genes which control how an animal or plant grows and what it becomes

chro·mo·som·al adj
a test to detect chromosomal abnormalities

chron·ic adj

1 medical : continuing or occurring again and again for a long time
a chronic disease

He suffers from chronic arthritis/pain.

chronic health problems
compare ACUTE

2 a : happening or existing frequently or most of the time
chronic [=habitual] lateness
a chronic need for attention

Inflation has become a chronic condition in the economy.

chronic warfare

2 b : always or often doing something specified

He is a chronic complainer/grumbler. [=he complains/grumbles all the time]

a chronic gambler/offender

3 Brit, informal : very bad

Don't bother seeing that filmit's chronic.

chron·i·cal·ly adv

She has a chronically bad knee.

He is chronically short of money.

chronic fatigue syndrome noun [noncount]

medical : an illness that makes you feel very tired for a very long time and that often includes other symptoms such as headaches and weakness abbr. CFS

1chron·i·cle noun, pl -i·cles [count]

: a description of events in the order that they happened : history
early medieval chronicles
a chronicle of the American Civil War
a chronicle of the President's years in office

2chronicle verb, -icles, -i·cled, -i·cling [+ obj]

: to describe a series of events in the order that they happened

The book chronicles the events that led to the American Civil War.

She intends to chronicle the broad social changes that have occurred in this part of the country.

a magazine that chronicles the lives of the rich and famous

chron·i·cler noun, pl -clers [count]

chro·no·graph noun, pl -graphs [count]

: a device (such as a stopwatch) that is used for measuring and recording time in a very exact way

chro·no·log·i·cal adj

1 : arranged in the order that things happened or came to be

His art is displayed in roughly chronological order.

a chronological account of their trip
a chronological list/table

2 : using time as a measurement

His chronological age is five, but his mental age is three. [=he is five years old but he thinks and behaves like a three-year-old]

chron·o·log·i·cal·ly adv

The book treats the subject chronologically.

The events were discussed chronologically.

chro·nol·o·gy noun, pl -gies

1 a [noncount] : the order in which a series of events happened

We tried to reconstruct the chronology of the accident.

1 b [count] : a record of the order in which a series of events happened

The book provides a chronology of the events leading up to the American Civil War.

2 [noncount] : a science that deals with measuring time and finding out when events happened

chro·nom·e·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a watch or clock that measures time very exactly

chrys·a·lis noun, pl chry·sal·i·ses also chrys·a·lid·es [count]

biology

1 : a moth or butterfly at the stage of growth when it is turning into an adult and is enclosed in a hard case

2 : a hard case that protects a moth or butterfly while it is turning into an adult compare 1COCOON 1

chry·san·the·mum noun, pl -mums [count]

: a plant that has brightly colored flowers and that is often grown in gardens; also : the flower of this plant called also (US) mum

chub·by adj, chub·bi·er, -est

: somewhat fat

He was always chubby as a child.

a baby with chubby [=plump, full] cheeks

chub·bi·ness noun [noncount]

1chuck verb, chucks, chucked, chuck·ing [+ obj]

informal

1 : to throw or toss (something)

Someone chucked a snowball at me.

She chucked the papers into the wastebasket.

2 : to get rid of (something)

You can save some of it, but chuck the rest.

sometimes + out

She finally chucked out her old college notebooks.

see also CHUCK OUT ((BELOW))

3 : to give up (something)

He decided to chuck [=abandon, leave] his career/job.

often + in

He grew tired of his job and decided to just chuck it (all) in. [=quit, give it up]

4 : to touch or tap (someone) in a light and gentle way

He affectionately chucked her under the chin.

chuck out [phrasal verb]

chuck (someone) out or chuck out (someone) : to force (someone) to leave

If they don't pay their rent, the landlord will have to chuck them out.

He was chucked out of the bar for being too noisy.

see also 1CHUCK 2 (ABOVE)

2chuck noun, pl chucks

1 [noncount] : a piece of beef that comes from the area of a cow's neck and shoulders

I'll get some chuck for dinner.

a chuck roast

2 [count] : a part of a machine that holds something so that it does not move

To remove the drill bit, loosen the chuck.

chuck·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

US : a hole in a road : pothole

chuck·le verb, chuck·les, chuck·led, chuck·ling [no obj]

: to laugh in a quiet way

She chuckled at the memory of what he had said.

chuckle noun, pl chuckles [count]

I got a chuckle out of the joke.

He said it with a chuckle. = He gave a chuckle when he said it.

chuck·le·head noun, pl -heads [count]

US informal : a stupid person

Who was the chucklehead [=idiot] who came up with this idea?

chuck·le·head·ed adj [more ; most ]

He made a chuckleheaded decision.

chuck wagon noun, pl -ons [count]

US old-fashioned : a wagon carrying a stove and food for cooking for a group of people (such as cowboys)

chuffed adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : very pleased : delighted

She's (feeling) quite/very chuffed.

1chug verb, always followed by a preposition or adverb, chugs, chugged, chug·ging [no obj]

: to move or go while making a sound like the engine on a train

The train chugged up the hill.

The boats were chugging across the bay.

The car chugged down the street.

sometimes used figuratively

Business is chugging along quite nicely.

compare 2CHUG

2chug verb, chugs, chugged, chugging [+ obj]

US informal : to drink all the beer, soda, etc., in a can or bottle without stopping

He chugged a few beers at the party.

compare 1CHUG

chug·a·lug verb, -lugs, -lugged, -lug·ging [+ obj]

US informal : 2chug

He chugalugged a few beers.

1chum noun, pl chums [count]

informal + old-fashioned : a close friend

They were talking together like a couple of old chums. [=pals]

compare 3CHUM

2chum verb, chums, chummed, chum·ming [no obj]

chiefly US informal : to spend time with someone as a friend
usually + around
a politician who is often seen chumming around [=palling around] with celebrities

chum up [phrasal verb]

Brit informal : to become friendly
often + to
businessmen chumming up to [=(US) buddying up to] politicians to get their support

compare 4CHUM

3chum noun [noncount]

: pieces of fish thrown off a boat as bait to attract other fish
compare 1CHUM

4chum verb, chums, chummed, chum·ming [no obj]

US : to throw pieces of fish off a boat as bait to attract other fish
often + for

They were chumming for sharks. [=throwing chum into the water to attract sharks]

compare 2CHUM

chum·my adj, chum·mi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal + old-fashioned : very friendly

She was getting chummy with the reporters.

chump noun, pl chumps [count]

informal : a person who is easy to trick : a stupid or foolish person

Don't be a chump.

chump change noun [noncount]

US informal : a small amount of money : an amount of money that is not important or impressive

His share of the profits was chump change. [=his share of the profits was not very big]

chunk noun, pl chunks [count]

1 : a thick piece of something

She cut the fruit into large chunks.

chunks of meat/ice/wood/pineapple

2 somewhat informal : a large amount or part of something

She spends a good chunk of her day on the phone.

He devoted a large chunk of time to the project.

(US) He spent a big/hefty chunk of change [=a lot of money] on that car.

chunky adj, chunk·i·er, -est

1 : heavy, thick, and solid

She wore chunky earrings.

The shoes have chunky heels.

2 a : somewhat fat

She was a bit chunky [=chubby, overweight] as a child.

2 b : having a short and strong body
an athlete with a chunky build
a chunky [=stocky] defensive lineman

3 : full of chunks : containing many solid pieces
chunky peanut butter

church noun, pl church·es

1 a [count] : a building that is used for Christian religious services

This is the oldest church in town.

They would like to be married in a church.

often used before another noun
church bells/weddings/services

1 b [noncount] : religious services held in a church

They go to church [=attend church services] every Sunday.

I didn't see you at/in church last Sunday.

2 or Church [count] : a particular Christian group

He is a member of the Catholic/Baptist/Anglican Church.

What church do you belong to?

3 [noncount] : the Christian religion seen as an organization : the institution of the Christian religion
the church's attitude toward divorce
the separation of church and state

church·go·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who regularly goes to church

church·go·ing adj
churchgoing people

churchgoing noun [noncount]

a decline in churchgoing

church·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a man who is a priest, minister, etc. : clergyman

2 : a man who is a member of a church

Church of England noun

the Church of England

: the official state church in England

church·war·den noun, pl -dens [count]

Brit : someone who is in charge of the property and money of an Anglican church

church·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who is a member of a church

church·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

: a piece of land that belongs to and is usually close to a church and that is often used as a place to bury people

churl·ish adj [more ; most ]

formal : not polite : rude

It would be/seem churlish not to congratulate him.

churlish behavior

1churn verb, churns, churned, churn·ing

1 : to stir or mix something (such as water or mud) with force

[+ obj] The motorboats churned the water.

often + up

The horse's hooves churned up the sod.

[no obj] The water churned all around us.

2 [no obj] : to move in a circle : turn

The wheels/gears began to slowly churn.

3 [+ obj] : to make (butter) by stirring or shaking cream in a churn

He showed them how to churn butter.

4 [no obj] : to experience a lot of confused activity

My mind was churning as I tried to think of what to say.

Her emotions were churning inside her.

If your stomach churns or something churns your stomach, you feel sick from nervousness, disgust, etc.

Just thinking about the test made my stomach churn.

The violence in the movie churned my stomach.

churn out [phrasal verb]

churn out (something) or churn (something) out informal + often disapproving : to produce (something, especially something of low quality) quickly as part of a continuous process

He churns out [=grinds out] a new novel every year.

the latest graduates churned out by the college

2churn noun, pl churns [count]

: a container in which cream is stirred or shaken to make butter

chute noun, pl chutes [count]

1 : a narrow tube or passage that things and people go down or through

She dropped the towels into the laundry chute.

a mail chute
children sliding down a water chute

The skiers came racing down the chute.

2 informal : 1parachute

His chute opened automatically.

out of the chute

US informal : since the very beginning

He was successful (right) out of the chute.

chut·ney noun, pl -neys [count, noncount]

: a thick sauce that is made from fruits, vinegar, sugar, and spices

chutz·pah noun [noncount]

approving : personal confidence or courage that allows someone to do or say things that may seem shocking to others

It took a lot of chutzpah [=nerve] to stand up to him the way she did.

CIA abbr

Central Intelligence Agency

The group is being investigated by the CIA.

a CIA agent

The Central Intelligence Agency is a part of the U.S. federal government that is responsible for collecting information about other countries or foreign groups.

ciao interj
informal : 1goodbye
usually spoken

“See you later.” “Ciao.”

ci·ca·da noun, pl -das [count]

: a large insect

The male cicada makes a loud, high-pitched sound.

ci·der noun, pl -ders [count, noncount]

: a drink made from apples
a cup of apple cider

In U.S. English, cider when used by itself usually refers to a drink that does not contain alcohol. In British English, cider refers to an alcoholic drink, which is usually called “hard cider” in U.S. English.

cider vinegar noun [noncount]

: a type of vinegar that is made from apple cider

cig noun, pl cigs [count]

informal : cigarette

ci·gar noun, pl -gars [count]

: a roll of tobacco leaves that is longer and thicker than a cigarette and that is smoked

close but no cigar see 2CLOSE

cig·a·rette noun, pl -rettes [count]

: a small roll of paper that is filled with cut tobacco and smoked
a pack of cigarettes
often used before another noun
a cigarette butt/holder/lighter
cigarette smoke

cigarette paper noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small, thin piece of paper that is used for making a cigarette

cig·gie or cig·gy noun, pl -gies [count]

Brit informal : cigarette

ci·lan·tro noun [noncount]

US : leaves of the coriander plant that are used in cooking especially in Asian and Mexican food

C in C abbr
commander in chief

1cinch noun, pl cinch·es

1 [singular] informal : something that is very easy to do

This recipe is a cinch.

This dish is a cinch to make.

2 [singular] chiefly US, informal
used to say that something will certainly happen or that someone will easily do something

It's a cinch that he'll win the election. = He's a cinch to win the election.

3 [count] US : a strap that holds a saddle on a horse

2cinch verb, cinches, cinched, cinch·ing [+ obj]

US

1 : to fasten (something, such as a belt or strap) tightly around someone or something

He cinched his belt.

The coat is cinched at the waist.

The rider cinched the saddle.

2 informal : to make (something) certain to happen

The candidate cinched the nomination by winning the major primary elections.

The home run cinched the victory.

Cinco de Mayo noun [noncount]

US : a Mexican and Mexican-American holiday on May 5 that celebrates the Mexican army's victory over the French in 1862

cin·der noun, pl -ders [count]

: a very small piece of burned material (such as wood or coal)

Cinders from the campfire floated through the air.

The house was burned to a cinder. [=was completely destroyed by fire]

cinder block noun, pl blocks [count]

US : a block that is made of cement and coal cinders and that is used in building called also (Brit) breeze-block

Cin·der·el·la noun, pl -las [count]

Cinderella is the name of a girl in a fairy tale who is treated badly by her stepmother and stepsisters but who marries a prince in the end.

1 : someone or something that is ignored but that deserves attention or credit
a company that is the Cinderella of the computer industry

2 chiefly US : someone or something (such as a sports team) that is not expected to do well but that succeeds or wins in a very exciting way

The team is the Cinderella of the tournament.

often used before another noun
a Cinderella team that surprisingly took the championship

Their win was a classic Cinderella story.

cin·e·ma noun, pl -mas

1 [noncount]

1 a : the film industry

She had a long career in (the) cinema.

1 b : the art or technique of making movies
a student of French cinema

2 [count] chiefly Brit : a movie theater

We drove by the cinema to see what was playing.

They are going to the cinema [=(US) going to the movies] tonight.

cin·e·mat·ic adj

: of or relating to movies
a common cinematic [=film] technique
the actor's first cinematic [=movie] role
a director who has produced some great cinematic moments

cin·e·mat·i·cal·ly adv

Cinematically, the film was excellent, but it failed at the box office.

cin·e·ma·tog·ra·phy noun [noncount]

: the art, process, or job of filming movies : motion-picture photography

The film's cinematography is breathtaking.

Who did the cinematography for this film?

cin·e·ma·tog·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

He was one of the best cinematographers in the movie industry.

cin·na·mon noun [noncount]

: a sweet spice made from the bark of an Asian tree and used in cooking and baking
two teaspoons of cinnamon
often used before another noun
a cinnamon roll/stick

ci·pher also chiefly Brit cy·pher noun, pl -phers

1 technical : a way of changing a message to keep it secret : code

[count] a cipher that can't be decoded

[noncount] The message was written in cipher. [=the message was coded]

2 [count] formal + disapproving : a person who has no power or is not important

She was nothing more than a cipher.

cir·ca prep
formal : about or around

He was born circa 1600.

abbr. c., ca.

cir·ca·di·an adj, always used before a noun
technical : relating to the regular changes in a person or thing that happen in 24-hour periods
circadian rhythms in activity

1cir·cle noun, pl circles [count]

1 a : a perfectly round shape : a line that is curved so that its ends meet and every point on the line is the same distance from the center

She drew a circle around the correct answer.

1 b : a path that goes around a central point

She walked (around) in a circle.

often used figuratively

We've been walking/driving in circles [=along the same path or course] for hours!

We've been trying to decide how to improve the system, but we just keep going around in circles. [=we are not making any progress toward making a decision]

I feel like I have been running around in circles with this project.

The company has come up with some new products that will run circles around the competition. [=that will be much better than the competition; that will easily beat the competition]

Those little kids can ski circles around me. [=can ski much better than I can]

see also FULL CIRCLE, TRAFFIC CIRCLE, VICIOUS CIRCLE, WINNER'S CIRCLE

2 a : an arrangement of people or things that forms a circle

She arranged the stones in a circle. = She made a circle out of/with the stones.

a circle of stones

We formed a circle around the campfire.

2 b : something that is shaped like part of a circle

He looked old and tired, with dark circles under his eyes.

3 : a group of people who do something together, are friends, belong to the same profession, etc.

a sewing circle

She has a large/wide circle of friends.

the family circle [=the people in a family]

She is well-known in banking/literary/professional/political circles.

see also CHARMED CIRCLE, INNER CIRCLE

4 chiefly Brit : a balcony or upper level of seats in a theater

2circle verb, cir·cles, cir·cled, cir·cling

1 a : to form a circle around (something)

[+ obj] There are trees circling [=encircling, surrounding] our little house.

He circled his arms around his wife's waist.

[no obj] His arms circled around his wife's waist.

1 b [+ obj] : to draw a circle around (something)

She circled the correct answer.

2 : to move or go around (someone or something) in a circle

[+ obj] The pilot circled the airport before landing.

We had to circle [=go around] the block again to find the house.

[no obj] The hawk circled overhead.

The halfback circled to the left.

I circled back [=returned] to the house to get my briefcase.

circle the/your wagons see WAGON

cir·clet noun, pl -clets [count]

: a band made of metal, flowers, etc., that is usually worn on the head

cir·cuit noun, pl -cuits [count]

1 : a series of performances, sports events, lectures, etc., that are held or done at many different places
usually singular

She will be on a lecture circuit [=she will be traveling from place to place giving lectures] promoting her new book.

He is one of the most popular drivers on the (racing) circuit.

the women's tennis circuit

2 : a path or trip around something

It takes a year for the Earth to make one circuit around the sun.

often + of

She made a circuit of the museum.

3 : the complete path that an electric current travels along
electric/electronic circuits
a 120-volt circuit
see also CLOSED-CIRCUIT, INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, PRINTED CIRCUIT, SHORT CIRCUIT

4 US, law

4 a or Circuit : a legal district that is established within a state or within the federal judicial system

She was appointed chief judge for the circuit.

The case will be heard by a court in the Third Circuit.

4 b Circuit : a court of appeals for a particular circuit in the federal judicial system

The Second Circuit ruled today against the plaintiff.

circuit board noun, pl boards [count]

: a board that has many electrical circuits and that is used in a piece of electronic equipment (such as a computer)

circuit breaker noun, pl -ers [count]

: a switch that automatically stops the flow of electricity to a place or device if the current becomes too strong or another dangerous problem occurs

circuit court noun, pl courts [count]

US law : a court of law that meets at two or more places within a particular area

circuit judge noun, pl judges [count]

US law : a judge who hears and tries cases in a circuit court

cir·cu·i·tous adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : not straight, short, and direct

He took a circuitous [=roundabout] route to town.

2 : not said or done simply or clearly
a circuitous explanation

Their logic seems a bit circuitous.

cir·cu·i·tous·ly adv

cir·cuit·ry noun [noncount]

: a system or group of electric circuits
computer circuitry

1cir·cu·lar adj

1 [more ; most ] : shaped like a circle or part of a circle
a circular [=round] table

They have a circular driveway. [=their driveway is curved like part of a circle]

That planet has a more circular orbit than our planet does.

2 : moving or going around in a circle
circular motion

A circular [=spiral] staircase leads up to the loft.

3 [more ; most ] : incorrectly using a statement that may not be true to prove an idea or thought that would be false if the original statement was not true

He used circular logic/reasoning/thinking.

a circular argument/explanation

cir·cu·lar·i·ty noun [noncount]

the circularity of her argument

2circular noun, pl -lars [count]

: a printed sheet (such as an advertisement) that is given or sent to many people at the same time

According to the circular, eggs are on sale this week.

circular file noun, pl files [count]

US informal + humorous : wastebasket

I tossed/threw his letter in the circular file. [=I threw away his letter]

circular saw noun, pl saws [count]

: a tool used for cutting wood that has a sharp round blade which is spun quickly by a motor

cir·cu·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

1 : to move without stopping though a system, place, etc.

[no obj] Blood circulates through the body.

Steam circulates in the pipes.

[+ obj] A pump circulates the water through the filter.

Fans circulate the air.

2 a [no obj] : to go or spread from one person or place to another

Rumors are circulating around town.

The report circulated among the students.

2 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to go or spread from one person or place to another

Stories were circulated about mismanagement.

He is circulating a petition asking for a new election.

3 [no obj] : to go from group to group at a party or social gathering in order to talk to different people

She circulated among her guests.

cir·cu·la·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount]

1 a : the movement of blood through the body that is caused by the pumping action of the heart

He has bad circulation in his legs.

The drug improves blood circulation.

1 b : movement of air, water, etc., through the different parts of something

The attic has poor air circulation.

the circulation of ocean waters

Let's open the windows to get some circulation in here.

2 [noncount] : the act of passing something (such as money, information, etc.) from person to person or place to place

This memo is not meant for circulation.

: the state of being passed from person to person or place to place

The coins have recently entered circulation.

That rumor has been in circulation [=has been going around] for a long time.

The magazine has been taken out of circulation. [=the magazine will no longer be made and sold]

3 [noncount] : the state of being actively involved in social activities (such as parties or dates)

She's finally getting back in/into circulation after her divorce. [=she has started dating and going out again after her divorce]

He'll be out of circulation [=unable to go out socially] for a while after the surgery.

4 [count] : the average number of copies of a newspaper, magazine, etc., that are sold over a particular period

The newspaper has the largest circulation in the country.

The magazine has a weekly circulation of about 70,000 subscribers nationwide.

cir·cu·la·to·ry Brit adj, always used before a noun
medical : of or relating to the circulation of blood through the body
the circulatory system
circulatory failure/problems

cir·cum·cise verb, -cis·es, -cised, -cis·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cut off the skin (called the foreskin) at the end of the penis of (a man or boy)

often used as (be) circumcised

He was circumcised in accordance with religious practice.

2 : to cut off the clitoris or outer sexual organs of (a woman or girl)

often used as (be) circumcised

Most of the girls in the village were circumcised.

cir·cum·ci·sion noun, pl -sions [noncount]

Circumcision is an important rite in some religions.

[count]

How many circumcisions has he performed?

cir·cum·fer·ence noun, pl -enc·es

1 : the length of a line that goes around something or that makes a circle or other round shape

[count] Calculate the circle's circumference.

What is the circumference of the Earth at the equator?

[noncount] The circle is 38 inches in circumference.

2 [count] : the outer edge of a shape or area

The fence marks the circumference of the field.

cir·cum·flex noun, pl -flex·es [count]

: a mark used in some languages (such as French) to show how a vowel should be pronounced

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : the use of many words to say something that could be said more clearly and directly by using fewer words

[noncount] He was criticized for his use of circumlocution.

[count] I'm trying to avoid circumlocutions in my writing.

cir·cum·nav·i·gate verb, -gates, -gated, -gat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to travel all the way around (something) in a ship, airplane, etc.

The ship circumnavigated the world.

cir·cum·nav·i·ga·tion noun [count, noncount]

cir·cum·scribe verb, -scribes, -scribed, -scrib·ing [+ obj]

1 formal : to limit the size or amount of (something)

usually used as (be) circumscribed

His role as president was carefully circumscribed by the board.

plants that are found only in a circumscribed [=limited] area

2 technical : to draw a shape around (another shape)

The circle is circumscribed by a square.

cir·cum·spect adj [more ; most ]

formal : thinking carefully about possible risks before doing or saying something

They are circumspect [=cautious] in all their business dealings.

cir·cum·spec·tion noun [noncount]

a scholar known for her circumspection

cir·cum·spect·ly adv

cir·cum·stance noun, pl -stanc·es

1 [count] : a condition or fact that affects a situation

I can't imagine a circumstance in/under which I would do that.

usually plural

If our business is to survive, we must be able to adapt to changing circumstances.

It is impossible under these circumstances to meet our deadline.

Do not, under any circumstances, open that door. = Under no circumstances are you to open that door. [=no matter what happens, do not open that door]

Due to circumstances beyond our control [=things that have happened that we cannot change or influence], the flight is canceled.

There is nothing we can do under the circumstances. [=in this specific situation]

Given the circumstances, I think we did well. [=when you consider how everything went, I think we did well]

2 circumstances [plural] : the way something happens : the specific details of an event

The circumstances of his death are suspicious.

3 : an event or situation that you cannot control

[noncount] She says that her client is a victim of circumstance and should not be blamed for the accident.

[plural] He was a victim of circumstances.

4 circumstances [plural] : the conditions in which someone lives

Their circumstances changed dramatically after she lost her job.

I don't know anything about his financial circumstances. [=about how much money he has]

They have been forced to live in reduced circumstances. [=to live with less money]

pomp and circumstance see POMP

cir·cum·stan·tial adj [more ; most ]

1 law : based on information which suggests that something is true but does not prove that it is true

The evidence is purely circumstantial.

The case against him is circumstantial.

2 formal : providing or including the details of a particular situation or event
a circumstantial account of the meeting

cir·cum·vent verb, -vents, -vent·ed, -vent·ing [+ obj]

formal : to avoid being stopped by (something, such as a law or rule) : to get around (something) in a clever and sometimes dishonest way

We circumvented the problem by using a different program.

He found a way to circumvent the law.

cir·cum·ven·tion noun [noncount]

The circumvention of tax laws is illegal.

cir·cus noun, pl -cus·es [count]

1 : a traveling show that is often performed in a tent and that typically includes trained animals, clowns, acrobats, etc.

He worked for a small circus.

We're going to the circus.

She always wanted to join the circus. [=to become a performer in a circus]

often used before another noun
circus clowns/animals/performers

2 informal : a situation or event that is very busy, lively, and confusing and that attracts a lot of attention
usually singular

The town meeting quickly became a circus.

The trial has become a media circus.

see also THREE-RING CIRCUS

3 Brit : a circular area where several streets meet
usually used in proper names

Piccadilly Circus in London

4 : a large outdoor theater in ancient Rome where shows and sports events were held
the Circus Maximus

cir·rho·sis noun [noncount]

medical : a serious disease of the liver that can be caused by drinking too much alcohol

cir·rus noun [noncount]

technical : a thin type of cloud that forms high in the sky

cissy Brit spelling of SISSY

cis·tern noun, pl -terns [count]

: a container that holds a supply of water: such as
a US : an underground container that is used for collecting and storing rainwater
b Brit : a tank that holds the water for a toilet
c Brit : a tank on the roof of a building that holds water for the building

cit·a·del noun, pl -dels [count]

: a castle or fort that in past times was used to protect the people of a city if the city was attacked

We visited a medieval citadel in Italy.

often used figuratively

The magazine has become a citadel [=stronghold] of liberalism/conservatism.

the citadels of power

In the U.S., The Citadel is the name of a well-known military college.

ci·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 US : an official order to appear before a court of law : summons

He was issued a citation.

He received a citation for reckless driving.

2 : a formal public statement that praises a person for doing something good or brave
gave her a citation for bravery

3 : a line or short section taken from a piece of writing or a speech

She includes citations [=quotations] from the article in her report.

cite verb, cites, cit·ed, cit·ing [+ obj]

1 : to write or say the words of (a book, author, etc.) : quote

The article cites several experts on the subject.

2 : to mention (something) especially as an example or to support an idea or opinion

The museum had often been cited as an example of successful fund-raising.

He cited evidence suggesting she was in the area when the crime was committed.

3 law : to order (someone) to appear before a court of law

She was cited for reckless driving.

4 : to officially and publicly honor (someone) for something done

She was cited for bravery.

cit·i·zen noun, pl -zens [count]

1 : a person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country

She was a United States citizen but lived most of her life abroad.

a group of Japanese citizens

I've been treated like a second-class citizen. [=someone who is not given the same rights as other people]

2 : a person who lives in a particular place
the citizens of Boston
see also SENIOR CITIZEN

cit·i·zen·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

formal : all the citizens of a place
usually singular
an educated citizenry
the citizenry of Boston

citizen's arrest noun, pl -rests [count]

: an arrest made by a citizen rather than by the police

citizens band noun [noncount]

: cb

cit·i·zen·ship noun [noncount]

1 : the fact or status of being a citizen of a particular place

She applied for Polish citizenship.

He was granted U.S. citizenship.

the rights of citizenship

She has dual citizenship. [=she is a citizen of two countries]

2 : the qualities that a person is expected to have as a responsible member of a community

The students are learning the value of good citizenship.

She is an example of what true citizenship is all about. [=her behavior is an example of how a good citizen should act]

cit·ric acid noun [noncount]

: an acid that occurs naturally in the juices of oranges, lemons, limes, etc., and that can also be made from sugar

cit·ron noun, pl -rons [count]

: a fruit that is like a large lemon

cit·ro·nel·la noun [noncount]

: an oil that smells somewhat like lemons and that is used in candles, lamps, etc., to keep bugs away
a citronella candle

cit·rus noun, pl citrus or cit·rus·es [count]

: a juicy fruit (such as an orange, grapefruit, or lemon) that has a thick skin and that comes from a tree or shrub that grows in warm areas
often used before another noun
citrus trees/fruits/farmers

cit·rusy adj [more ; most ]

a citrusy flavor

city noun, pl cit·ies

1 [count] : a place where people live that is larger or more important than a town : an area where many people live and work
major/big cities like London, Tokyo, and Rome
ancient/modern cities
the city of Boston
city dwellers/streets
a city government

We spent the weekend in the city. [=in the nearest big city]

This sense is sometimes used in the name of a city.

New York City

Mexico City

Kansas City

2 a [count] : the people in a city
usually singular

I think the entire city has heard the news by now.

The whole city was excited about the football game.

2 b the city : the government of a city

The city is working to make the streets safer.

a lawsuit against the city

3 the City : the section of London that is Great Britain's financial and business center

4 [noncount] chiefly US, informal
used to describe a place where there is a lot of a particular thing or activity

Their house was pet city. [=there were a lot of pets in their house]

It was celebration city [=there was a lot of celebration going on] at campaign headquarters last night!

the big city

used to refer to a particular city without naming it

I grew up on a farm, so my move to the big city was a big change.

life in the big city

see also BIG-CITY

city centre noun, pl centres [count]

Brit : the main or central part of a city : the part of a city where there are tall buildings, stores, offices, etc. compare DOWNTOWN, TOWN CENTRE

city council noun, pl -cils [count]

: the group of people who make and change the laws of a city

He's running for city council.

city desk noun, pl desks [count]

1 US : the area in a newspaper's office where stories about local news are written and edited

2 Brit : the area in a newspaper's office where stories about financial news are written and edited

city editor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 US : a newspaper editor who is responsible for stories about local news

2 Brit : a newspaper editor who is responsible for financial news

city father noun, pl -thers [count]

somewhat old-fashioned : someone who works for a city government
usually plural

The city fathers have banned smoking in public places.

city hall or City Hall noun, pl halls or Halls

US

1 [count] : a city government's main building
usually singular

The mayor will be giving a speech on the steps of City Hall this afternoon.

2 [noncount] : the government of a city

You can't fight city hall. [=the city government always wins]

city·scape noun, pl -scapes [count]

1 : the area where a city is and the way it looks

The cityscape is cluttered with factories.

the cityscape of Philadelphia

2 : a picture that shows part or all of a city
a photographer who does mostly cityscapes

city slicker noun, pl -ers [count]

informal + often disapproving : someone who lives in a city and does not understand what life outside a city is like
city slickers who've never seen a real farm

city-state noun, pl -states [count]

: a state that has its own government and consists of a city and the area around it
the city-states of ancient Greece

city·wide adj

: including or involving all parts of a city
a citywide blackout

The ban on smoking in public places is citywide.

civ·et noun, pl -ets

1 [count] : a wild animal that is like a cat and that has a long body, short legs, and a long tail

Civets live in parts of Africa, southern Europe, and Asia.

called also civet cat

2 [noncount] : a substance from the body of the civet that has a strong smell and is sometimes used to make perfume

civ·ic adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to a city or town or the people who live there

Recent improvements to the downtown area are a point of civic pride.

the library association and other civic groups/organizations/institutions
civic leaders

2 : relating to citizenship or being a citizen

Voting is your civic duty/responsibility.

civic center (US) or Brit civic centre noun, pl -ters [count]

1 US : a large public building for sports events, concerts, etc.

2 Brit : a section of a city or town where the public buildings are

civ·ic-mind·ed adj

: tending to do things that help your city or town and the people who live there

Town officials are hoping that some civic-minded person will volunteer to organize the parade.

civic-minded businesses/organizations/individuals

civ·ic-mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

civ·ics noun [noncount]

chiefly US : the study of the rights and duties of citizens and of how government works

Students will be studying civics this semester.

often used before another noun
a civics class/project

civ·il adj

1 always used before a noun : of or relating to the people who live in a country
civil liberties/duties
a period of civil unrest [=a time when groups of people in a country fight one another]

see also CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, CIVIL WAR

2 always used before a noun : of or relating to the regular business of the people in a city, town, state, etc. : not connected to the military or to a religion

They got married in a civil ceremony at city hall.

civil institutions

3 not used before a noun [more ; most ] : polite but not friendly : only as polite as a person needs to be in order to not be rude

It was hard to be civil when I felt so angry.

She was barely civil to me.

opposite UNCIVIL

4 [more ; most ] : caring about art, science, government, people's well-being, etc.

She argues that a civil [=(more commonly) civilized] society takes care of its weakest members.

opposite UNCIVIL

5 always used before a noun law : relating to laws that describe a person's rights rather than to laws about crime

The couple filed a civil suit against the company that made the crib.

civil cases
rules of civil procedure
compare 1CRIMINAL 2, see also CIVIL LAW, CIVIL LIBERTY, CIVIL RIGHTS

civ·il·ly adv

The couple couldn't even discuss things civilly [=politely] anymore.

“Thank you for helping me, sir,” she said civilly.

civil defense (US) or Brit civil defence noun [noncount]

: a group of people who are not part of the military but are trained to protect and help people if an enemy attacks their country or if there is a natural disaster (such as a flood or earthquake)

She's in training to be part of the local civil defense.

the head of civil defense

civil disobedience noun [noncount]

: refusal to obey laws as a way of forcing the government to do or change something

In an act of civil disobedience, the family sent its tax money to an antiwar organization.

A student organization is encouraging civil disobedience as a way to get the university to change its policies.

civil engineering noun [count]

: a type of engineering that deals with the science of designing and building roads, bridges, large buildings, etc.

He has a degree in civil engineering.

civil engineer noun, pl -neers [count]

ci·vil·ian noun, pl -ians [count]

: a person who is not a member of the military or of a police or firefighting force

The bomb injured 12 civilians.

civilian adj, always used before a noun
civilian casualties

She left the army and began a civilian career as an airplane mechanic for a commercial airline.

ci·vil·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal

1 [noncount] : polite, reasonable, and respectful behavior

Everyone should be treated with civility. [=courtesy, politeness]

codes/standards of civility

2 civilities [plural] : polite actions and words

They greeted each other with the usual exchange of civilities.

civ·i·li·za·tion also Brit civ·i·li·sa·tion Brit noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the condition that exists when people have developed effective ways of organizing a society and care about art, science, etc.

modern civilization
the impact of technical advancements on civilization

2 : a particular well-organized and developed society

[count] ancient/modern civilizations

[noncount] We are studying ancient Greek/Egyptian civilization.

3 [noncount] : all the societies of the world
a book about life on the planet after wars have destroyed civilization

4 [noncount] informal : a place that has the things that modern cities and towns have : a place where there is electricity, hot water, etc.

He was sick of camping with his family and wanted to get back to civilization and his video games.

civ·i·lize also Brit civ·i·lise verb, -liz·es, -lized, -liz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to teach (a person or group of people) to behave in a way that you think is more polite and gentle

Her parents hoped that boarding school might civilize her some.

a teacher who had a civilizing influence on the students

2 : to make (something) more gentle, fair, reasonable, etc.

He is credited with civilizing the treatment of people with mental illnesses.

efforts to civilize the health-care system

3 : to cause (a group of people) to have a more highly organized and modern way of living

They believed it was their duty to civilize the native people.

civilized also Brit civilised adj [more ; most ]

1 : marked by well-organized laws and rules about how people behave with each other

A civilized society must respond to crime with fairness and justice.

a more civilized culture
a person known throughout the civilized world [=everywhere people live in well-organized and developed societies]

opposite UNCIVILIZED

2 : polite, reasonable, and respectful

Stop yelling. We have to be more civilized about this.

a civilized conversation

Try to act like a civilized human being!

civilized behavior
opposite UNCIVILIZED

3 a : pleasant and comfortable

With my new job, I'll be able to start my day at a more civilized hour. [=at a time that is not so early in the morning]

a civilized way to spend the evening

3 b : showing concern for what is correct according to social rules

They lived in a more civilized era. [=a time when people were more concerned with what was proper]

opposite UNCIVILIZED

civil law noun [noncount]

: laws that deal with the rights of people rather than with crimes compare CRIMINAL LAW

civil liberty noun, pl -ties [count]

: the right of people to do or say things that are not illegal without being stopped or interrupted by the government

Freedom of speech is a civil liberty.

usually plural

Opponents said the law would threaten civil liberties.

civil marriage noun, pl -riages [count]

: a marriage performed by a person (such as a justice of the peace) who is not a religious leader
a mayor who has officiated at several civil marriages this year

civil rights noun [plural]

: the rights that every person should have regardless of his or her sex, race, or religion

Martin Luther King, Jr., fought for civil rights.

The U.S. civil rights movement achieved equal rights legislation for African-Americans.

civil servant noun, pl -vants [count]

: a person who works for the government : a person who works in the civil service

civil service noun

the civil service

: the part of a government that takes care of the government's basic business : the administrative part of a government
often used before another noun
a civil service employee
the civil service system

I took the civil service exam. [=I took a test to get a job in the civil service]

civil union noun, pl unions [count]

US : a legal relationship between two people of the same sex that gives them some of the same rights and responsibilities that married people have

civil war noun, pl wars

: a war between groups of people in the same country

[count] a region that has had many civil wars

[noncount] The country is on the brink of civil war.

Civil war is capitalized when it refers to a specific war.

the Spanish/American/Greek Civil War
a Civil War battlefield [=a battlefield of the American Civil War]

civ·vies noun [plural]

informal : clothing worn by people who are not on military duty : clothing that is not part of a military uniform

I didn't recognize the general in his civvies.

civ·vy street noun [noncount]

Brit informal : civilian life : life outside the military

He was trying to make some money in civvy street.

CJD noun [noncount]

: creutzfeldt-jakob disease

cl abbr
centiliter

clack verb, clacks, clacked, clack·ing

: to make or cause something to make a short sharp sound or series of short sharp sounds

[no obj] I heard her heels clacking down the hall.

An old fan clacked (away) somewhere in another room.

[+ obj] He clacked his teeth together.

clack noun, pl clacks [count]

usually singular
the clack of typewriter keys
the clack of her heels

1clad adj [more ; most ]

literary + formal

1 : covered with something specified
usually used in combination
ivy-clad buildings
snow-clad mountains

2
used to describe the way someone is dressed
graduating students clad in black robes
scantily clad dancers

often used in combination
denim-clad cowboys
the team's red-clad fans

2clad past tense and past participle of CLOTHE

clad·ding noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : siding 1

1claim verb, claims, claimed, claim·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say that (something) is true when some people may say it is not true

The man claimed (that) he was a long-lost relative.

They claim (that) the drug prevents hair loss.

She claims (that) the landlord owes her money.

often followed by to + verb

He claims to know nothing about the robbery.

He claims to be an expert.

2 a : to say that you have (something)

He claims a connection to British royalty.

The organization claims 10,000 members.

He claimed ignorance of the robbery. [=he said that he had no knowledge about the robbery]

2 b : to say that (something) belongs to you or that you deserve (something)

The terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack.

New Yorkers proudly claim the artist as one of their own.

Both of them claimed credit for the idea.

No one ever claimed authorship for the poem.

3 : to say that you have a legal right to be given (something)

You should claim compensation for the hours you worked.

No heirs came forward to claim the inheritance.

They claimed asylum.

You can claim these expenses as tax deductions. [=you can say that you should be able to pay less money in taxes because of these expenses]

4 : to take (something that belongs to you or that you deserve)

She claimed her baggage and left the airport.

The exiled king returned to claim his rightful place on the throne.

5
used to say that someone's attention, time, etc., is being given to something

An urgent message claimed [=required, demanded] his attention.

This issue has already claimed too much of our time. [=we have already spent too much time on this issue]

6 : to cause the end of someone's life

The accident claimed seven victims. [=seven people were killed in the accident]

the fatal illness that claimed her life [=caused her death]

claim·able adj
claimable expenses

2claim noun, pl claims [count]

1 : a statement saying that something happened a certain way or will happen a certain way : a statement saying that something is true when some people may say it is not true

She makes the claim that sea levels will actually go down.

He made false claims about his past job experience.

The book makes some extravagant claims. [=it includes statements that many people will not agree with]

She disputes/denies the claim [=she says it isn't true] that she was unfaithful to her husband.

I make no claim to be an expert. [=I don't say that I am an expert]

2 : an official request for something (such as money) that is owed to you or that you believe is owed to you

You'll need to file an insurance claim to pay for the damage.

make a claim on your insurance policy

All claims must be made in writing.

Please fill out this claim form. [=a document with information about why you should be given money]

3 : a right to have something
usually + on or to

The bank has a claim on/to their house and land.

The book would have little claim on our attention if not for the fact that its story is true.

the family's claim to the name

To lay claim to (something) is to say that it belongs to you or that you have a right to it.

She laid claim to the ring.

The community lays claim to (the honor of) being the oldest city in the country. [=it claims to be the oldest city in the country]

4 : an area of land that you take as your own often for a specified use
a mining/timber claim

baggage claim or baggage claim area

: the area in an airport or bus station where you pick up your luggage after traveling

Call when your plane gets in and I'll meet you at (the) baggage claim.

at the baggage claim area

claim to fame

: something that someone or something is famous for or that makes someone or something important or interesting

His claim to fame is the invention of the stapler.

The restaurant's claim to fame is its barbecue sauce.

stake (out) a claim see 2STAKE

claim·ant noun, pl -ants [count]

formal : a person who believes that he or she has a right to something (such as an amount of money) : a person who claims something

They are claimants to the dead man's estate.

Claimants will need to fill out the appropriate paperwork.

a dispute between two claimants to the throne

clair·voy·ance noun [noncount]

: an ability to communicate with dead people, to predict future events, or to know about things that you did not actually see happen or hear about

I don't believe in clairvoyance, but I can't explain how he knew those things about my grandmother.

clair·voy·ant adj
clairvoyant powers
a clairvoyant man/woman

clairvoyant noun, pl -ants [count]

psychics and clairvoyants

1clam noun, pl clams

1 [count] : a type of shellfish that lives in sand or mud, has a light-colored shell with two parts, and is eaten both cooked and raw
steamed clams
clam chowder

2 clams [plural] US slang, somewhat old-fashioned : dollars

He won 20 clams [=(more commonly) bucks] playing poker.

(as) happy as a clam

US informal : very happy

She spent the afternoon reading and was as happy as a clam.

2clam verb, clams, clammed, clam·ming

clam up [phrasal verb]

informal : to stop talking

They clammed up when the detectives started asking questions.

: to refuse to talk

A bunch of people saw what happened, but they all clammed up about it.

clam·bake noun, pl -bakes [count]

US : an outdoor party especially on a beach where clams and other foods are cooked and eaten

clam·ber verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, -bers, -bered, -ber·ing [no obj]

: to climb or crawl in an awkward way

The children clambered over the rocks.

We clambered up the steep hill.

The passengers clambered aboard.

clam·my adj, clam·mi·er, -est

: unpleasantly wet and cold

His hand was cold and clammy.

clammy air

clam·mi·ness noun [noncount]

the clamminess of the air

1clam·or (US) or Brit clam·our noun

1 : a loud continuous noise (such as the noise made when many people are talking or shouting)

[singular] A clamor outside woke them in the night.

a clamor of voices
a clamor of bells

[noncount] city streets filled with clamor

2 : a loud or strong demand for something by many people

[singular] a public clamor for an arrest in the case

[noncount] There is growing clamor for reform.

2clamor (US) or Brit clamour verb, -ors, -ored, -or·ing [no obj]

1 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to be loud and noisy

The children clamored around them, singing songs and laughing.

2 : to ask for or demand something in a loud way

Everyone clamored to know what he had decided to do.

usually + for

Fans clamored for autographs outside the stadium.

People were clamoring for news about the trial.

clam·or·ous adj [more ; most ]

a clamorous [=noisy] restaurant
clamorous customers/children

1clamp noun, pl clamps [count]

1 : a device that holds or presses parts tightly together
a hose clamp

2 Brit : denver boot

2clamp verb, clamps, clamped, clamp·ing [+ obj]

1 : to hold or press (things or parts of a thing) tightly together with a device : to fasten or tighten (something) with a clamp

The surgeon clamped the vein.

He clamped the two pieces of wood together.

2 : to press or squeeze (something)

The bit was clamped firmly between the horse's teeth.

He clamped his mouth shut and refused to speak.

3 Brit : 2boot 4

clamp down on [phrasal verb]

clamp down on (someone or something) : to try harder to punish (people who are doing something that is not legal or proper)

Customs officials are clamping down on [=cracking down on] smugglers.

The school should clamp down on students who cut classes.

: to work harder to stop (a crime)

The state is clamping down on [=cracking down on] drug trafficking.

see also CLAMPDOWN

clamp on [phrasal verb]

chiefly US clamp (something) on (something or someone) : to officially set (a limit, rule, punishment, etc.) for (someone or something)

The mayor clamped [=imposed] a curfew on the area after the riots.

The new law clamps limits on the amount of money candidates can spend on election campaigns.

clamp·down noun, pl -downs [count]

: an increased effort to make sure that people obey laws and rules
usually singular
a security clampdown in the city's subway system

usually + on
a clampdown on drug trafficking
a clampdown [=crackdown] on weapons smugglers

see also clamp down on at 2CLAMP

clan noun, pl clans [count]

1 : a large group of people who are related

The tribe is divided into clans.

rival clans

People in clans often have the same last name.

the McDonald clan

2 informal : a large family

The whole clan gets together for the holidays.

3 informal : a group of people who are similar or who are interested in the same thing
the country club clan [=people who are members of country clubs]

clan·des·tine adj
formal : done in a private place or way : done secretly
a clandestine [=secret] meeting
a clandestine marriage
the spy's clandestine [=covert] operation

clan·des·tine·ly adv
spies working clandestinely [=in secret, covertly]

clang verb, clangs, clanged, clang·ing

: to make or cause (something) to make the loud, ringing sound of metal hitting against something

[no obj] His fork clanged against the plate.

The bells clanged.

The pots clanged together.

The prison door clanged shut.

[+ obj] children clanging cowbells

The guard clanged the door shut.

clang noun, pl clangs [count]

usually singular
a dull clang
the clang of cymbals

clanging noun [singular]

the clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen

clang·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal : a bad and embarrassing mistake : blunder
a verbal clanger

They lost the game after a defensive clanger.

see also drop a clanger at 2DROP

clank verb, clanks, clanked, clank·ing

: to make or cause (something) to make the loud, sharp sound of metal hitting against something solid

[no obj] The radiator hissed and clanked.

The empty can clanked along the sidewalk.

the factory's clanking machinery

[+ obj] a ghost clanking its chains

clank noun, pl clanks [count]

usually singular

The hammer fell with a clank on the floor.

We heard the clank of chains.

clanking noun [singular]

We heard the clanking of chains.

clan·nish adj [more ; most ]

often disapproving : not showing interest in people who are not part of your group or who are not similar to you
a clannish fishing community

The college faculty can be pretty clannish, so it's difficult to be an outsider there.

clans·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) who is a member of a clan (sense 1)

clans·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who is a member of a clan (sense 1)

1clap verb, claps, clapped, clap·ping

1 : to hit the palms of your hands together usually more than once

People often clap to show approval or pleasure.

[no obj] They cheered and clapped [=applauded] for the band.

She clapped in delight when she heard the news.

The audience clapped to the beat of the music.

[+ obj] Clap your hands!

The conductor clapped her hands twice, and the musicians stopped talking and prepared to play.

2 [+ obj] : to suddenly put the palm of your hand on someone or something

He clapped his friend on the shoulder.

He clapped his hand over his mouth when he realized what he had said.

3 [+ obj] : to quickly or forcefully put someone or something in a place or position

He clapped his hat on his head and went out the door.

He clapped the book shut. [=he closed the book quickly or forcefully]

She clapped a muzzle on the dog.

The prisoners were clapped in irons/chains.

4 : to hit (something, such as two hard surfaces) together in a way that makes a loud noise

[+ obj] She clapped [=banged] the two boards together.

[no obj] The tree branches clapped against the house.

5 [+ obj] informal : to suddenly put (someone) in prison, jail, etc.

The police clapped him in jail for drug smuggling.

clap eyes on see 1EYE

clapping noun [noncount]

The clapping [=applause] increased as the lead actors bowed to the audience.

2clap noun, pl claps

1 [count]

1 a : a sound made by clapping your hands
a series of drum beats and hand claps

1 b : a loud, sharp sound

The board fell with a clap on the floor.

a clap of thunder

2 [count] : a friendly hit with the palm of your hand
usually singular

He gave his friend a clap on the back.

3 [singular] Brit : the act of hitting the palms of your hands together again and again to show approval or pleasure

They gave the speaker a long clap. [=round of applause]

compare 3CLAP

3clap noun

the clap
slang : gonorrhea

He got the clap.

compare 2CLAP

clap·board noun, pl -boards
chiefly US

1 [count] : a narrow board that is thicker at one edge than at the other and that is used to cover the outsides of buildings called also (Brit) weatherboard

2 [noncount] : a set of narrow boards covering the outside of a building
the house's decaying clapboard

clapboard adj, always used before a noun
clapboard siding
a clapboard house/building [=a house/building that is covered in clapboards]

clapped-out adj

Brit informal : old or damaged from being used too much
a clapped-out [=worn-out] car/machine
clapped-out [=tired, hackneyed] clichés

clap·per noun, pl -pers [count]

: a metal ball that hangs inside a bell and hits the inside of the bell to make it ring

like the clappers

Brit informal : very fast

We drove/ran like the clappers.

clap·trap noun [noncount]

informal : words, ideas, etc., that are very foolish or stupid : nonsense

His entire speech was nothing but claptrap.

I'm tired of hearing all that claptrap about how hard her life is.

romantic claptrap

clar·et noun, pl -ets [count, noncount]

1 : a type of red wine made in Bordeaux, France

2 : a dark purplish-red color

claret adj
a claret gown
a claret-colored coat

clar·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) clear or clearer: such as
a : to make (something) easier to understand

Can you clarify exactly what it is you're proposing?

Her explanation did not clarify matters much.

The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.

The committee clarified the manager's duties.

b : to make (a liquid) purer or easier to see through
a substance used to clarify wine

clar·i·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

Your argument needs some clarification.

[count]

The newspaper printed a clarification [=a statement making the facts clearer] about yesterday's story.

clarified adj
clarified butter [=butter that is made purer by a process that involves heating it]

clar·i·fi·er noun, pl -ers [count]

water clarifiers

clar·i·net noun, pl -nets [count]

: a musical instrument that is shaped like a tube and that is played by blowing into the top of the tube through a special mouthpiece

clar·i·net·ist or clar·i·net·tist noun, pl -ists or -tists [count]

clar·i·on call noun, pl calls [count]

: a strong request for something to happen
usually singular

He used his speech to sound a clarion call for affordable health care.

the leader's clarion call to action

clar·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality of being clear: such as
a : the quality of being easily understood

The essays are edited for clarity.

There is a lack of clarity in many legal documents.

b : the quality of being expressed, remembered, understood, etc., in a very exact way

She remembered what happened that day with surprising clarity.

I'm looking for greater clarity about what is expected of our students.

The committee lacked clarity of purpose. [=the committee did not have a clearly stated purpose]

a moment of clarity [=a time when you suddenly understand something]

c : the quality of being easily seen or heard

The clarity of the photographs was amazing.

The DVD has excellent clarity of sound.

visual clarity

d : the quality of being easily seen through
the clarity of the lake's water
glass with exceptional clarity

e : a lack of marks or spots

The vitamin is believed to improve skin clarity.

1clash verb, clash·es, clashed, clash·ing

1 [no obj] : to be in a situation in which you are fighting or disagreeing : to come into conflict with someone

Police and protesters clashed yesterday.

The brothers often clash [=argue] over politics.

often + with

Protesters clashed with the police yesterday.

2 [no obj]

2 a : to look bad or ugly together

Some colors clash.

The sofa and the chair clash.

She wore clashing colors.

often + with

This shirt clashes with these pants.

2 b : to be very different in a way that makes being or working together difficult

Their personalities clash.

clashing personalities/ideas
often + with

So many of his ideas clash with mine.

3 : to make or cause (something) to make the loud sound of a metal object hitting another metal object

[no obj] The cymbals clashed.

Their swords clashed.

[+ obj] She ended the song by clashing the cymbals.

4 [no obj] of events : to happen at the same time so that you cannot do or see both
usually + with

The time of the picnic clashes [=(more commonly) conflicts] with another picnic I'm invited to.

2clash noun, pl clashes [count]

1 a : a short fight between groups of people

Hundreds were killed in ethnic clashes in the region last month.

often + between or with

Clashes broke out between the police and protesters.

Several protesters were injured in a recent clash with the police.

violent clashes between the factions

1 b : an argument or disagreement between people
often + between or with
a clash between the two leaders

The company has had many clashes with environmentalists.

2 : a difference that makes it difficult for people or things to be together or work together
a clash of opinions/cultures

We have a personality clash. [=we often annoy each other or disagree; we do not get along]

often + of
a clash of opinions/cultures

3 : a loud sound made by hitting a metal object against another metal object
the clash of swords/cymbals

4 : a situation in which two events happen at the same time so that you cannot do or see both

The date of the debate had to be changed because of scheduling clashes. [=(more commonly) conflicts]

1clasp Brit noun, pl clasps [count]

1 : a device for holding together objects or parts of something (such as a purse, necklace, belt, etc.)

Can you fasten the clasp on this bracelet for me?

a tie clasp

2 : a strong hold with your hands or arms
usually singular

She took her son's hand in a gentle/firm clasp.

2clasp verb, clasps, clasped, clasp·ing [+ obj]

1 : to fasten (something) with a clasp

She clasped her purse shut.

He clasped the keys to his belt.

2 : to hold (someone or something) tightly with your hands or arms

He clasped her hand gently/firmly.

She clasped her son in her arms.

She clasped her hands tightly in her lap. = Her hands were clasped tightly in her lap. [=she held her hands tightly together in her lap]

1class Brit noun, pl class·es

1 a [count] : a group of students who meet regularly to be taught a subject or activity

There are 20 students in the class.

Several people in the class are absent today.

In U.S. English, class is used with a singular verb.

The class is going on a field trip.

In British English, class can also be used with a plural verb.

The class are going on a field trip.

1 b [count] : a series of meetings in which students are taught a particular subject or activity : a course of instruction

This class is really difficult.

He will be teaching an American history class next semester.

The college offers classes in computer programming and engineering.

She is taking a class on psychology.

taking dance class

What classes are you taking this semester?

1 c : one of the meetings in which students are taught a particular subject or activity

[count] I have an English class this morning.

My class got out early today.

I have already missed two classes.

Read chapters 10 through 20 for the next class.

[noncount] I'm late for class.

Let's meet after class.

Class starts at 8:00 a.m.

What did you learn in class today?

He got in trouble for talking during/in class.

1 d [count] US : a group of students who finish their education at a particular school at the same time : students who graduate together

She's a member of the class of 2006.

the freshman class [=the group of students who are freshmen this year and will eventually graduate together]

She's running for class president.

2 a [count] : a group of people in a society who are at the same economic and social level
the ruling/professional class
the higher/lower social classes
often used before another noun
class distinctions
a class struggle

2 b [noncount] : the way people in a society are divided into different social and economic groups
a discussion about class and race

3 [noncount]

3 a : a quality that makes something or someone seem special and attractive

The hotel has class. [=it is very elegant]

The candles on the table added a touch of class.

see also FIRST-CLASS, HIGH-CLASS, WORLD-CLASS

3 b : a quality that makes someone seem very good, kind, etc.

She showed a lot of class by donating her prize money to charity.

see also CLASS ACT, CLASSY

4 [count]

4 a : a group of people or things that are similar in some way

Do you have a license to drive this class of vehicle?

a new class [=kind, type] of nuclear submarine

There are many good players here, but she is in a different class altogether. [=she is far better than the other good players]

If you are in a class by yourself or in a class of your own, you are very different from others in a good or bad way.

There have been a lot of corporate scandals but this one is in a class by itself. [=worse than all the others]

As an architect, she is in a class by herself. [=she has exceptional talent as an architect]

4 b : one of the sections of seats on an airplane, train, etc.

I am traveling business class. [=in a section of an airplane that is more comfortable and expensive than the main section but less comfortable and expensive than first class]

see also FIRST CLASS, SECOND CLASS, THIRD CLASS, TOURIST CLASS

5 [count] Brit : one of the levels of a university degree

2class verb, classes, classed, class·ing [+ obj]

: to decide that (someone or something) belongs to a particular group : classify usually used as (be) classed;
often + as

The animal has been classed as a fish by some scientists and as a reptile by others.

He was classed as a part-time worker.

class act noun, pl acts [count]

informal : someone who is admirable and usually very fair or polite

She's a real class act on and off the soccer field.

class action noun, pl -tions [count]

US law : a lawsuit in which many people join together to sue because they all say they were harmed by the same person or group

class-action adj, always used before a noun
a class-action suit against a car company

class-conscious adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing a lot of awareness about which economic or social level a person is in : thinking that a person's economic or social class is important

She was never very class-conscious, so it surprised her when her classmates talked about the “rich kids” and “poor kids” on campus.

We live in a class-conscious society.

class-consciousness noun [noncount]

1clas·sic adj [more ; most ]

1 a
used to say that something has come to be considered one of the best of its kind
classic novels/movies
a classic case study on hysteria

He collects classic cars.

1 b
used to say that something is an example of excellence

His winning goal was classic.

1 c
used to describe something that has been popular for a long time
classic board games

The recipe is a new version of a classic dish.

a radio station that plays classic rock [=rock music from the past that is still popular]

2 : having a graceful design with simple lines

She prefers classic furniture designs.

It's a classic suit that won't go out of style.

I like the car's classic contours.

3 : very typical

The battle was a classic example/case of poor planning.

a classic error

(informal) She lost the tickets? How classic. [=it is not surprising that she lost the tickets; she often loses things]

2classic noun, pl -sics

1 [count] : something that has been considered to be excellent for a long time

That car is a classic.

film/literary classics

I like to read the classics.

Their latest album is destined to become a classic. [=it is very good and will still be admired many years from now]

2 classics [noncount] : the study of the literature, language, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome

He teaches classics at the local university.

She studied classics in college.

an interest in the classics

3 [count] : a traditional event

The football game is a Thanksgiving classic.

clas·si·cal adj

1 [more ; most ] : of a kind that has been respected for a long time
the classical [=traditional] idea of beauty
classical ballet

2 : of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its language, literature, art, etc.

the classical [=ancient] and medieval worlds
classical literature/art
the classical tradition
a classical scholar

3 : relating to music in a European tradition that includes opera and symphony and that is generally considered more serious than other kinds of music
classical music/composers

4 : teaching ideas about literature, art, science, etc., rather than practical skills
a classical curriculum/education

5 : very typical : classic
a classical example of propaganda
the classical symptoms of the disease

clas·si·cal·ly adv
a classically trained actress [=an actress who was trained in traditional methods of acting]

a classically furnished house

Symptoms classically include fatigue and muscle soreness.

clas·si·cism noun [noncount]

formal

1 : the ideas and styles that are common in the literature, art, and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome

Roman classicism
a return to classicism in modern architecture

2 : a traditional style of art, literature, music, architecture, etc., that is usually graceful and simple with parts that are organized in a pleasing way

French classicism
classicism in literature
the classicism of the building

clas·si·cist noun, pl -cists [count]

formal

1 : an expert in ancient Greek and Roman language, literature, art, architecture, or culture

2 : someone who prefers a traditional and usually graceful and simple style in art, literature, music, architecture, etc. : a person who favors classicism

clas·si·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or process of putting people or things into groups based on ways that they are alike
a system of classification
the classification of diseases/drugs
biological classification
the classification of new species

2 [count] : an arrangement of people or things into groups based on ways that they are alike
job classifications for government workers
racial/ethnic classifications

1clas·si·fied adj

1 : arranged in groups with similar things
a classified directory

2 : kept secret from all but a few people in the government
classified documents

The memo is classified.

The part of the report that includes classified information was removed before the report was made public.

2classified noun, pl -fieds [count]

: a small advertisement that is grouped with others that are like it in a special section of a newspaper or magazine or on a Web site
usually plural

I've been looking through the classifieds for a car I can afford.

job/online classifieds

; called also classified ad, classified advertisement (Brit) small ad compare WANT AD

clas·si·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to arrange (people or things) into groups based on ways that they are alike

Students will be learning about the ways scientists classify animals.

The online system can classify books by subject.

often used as (be) classified

Drugs are classified into different categories.

classified according to size/weight

2 : to consider (someone or something) as belonging to a particular group

As a singer, she is hard to classify. = It is hard to classify her as a singer [=to decide what type of singer she is]

often + as

The movie had some funny parts, but I wouldn't classify it as a comedy.

often used as (be) classified

The vehicle is classified as a truck.

clas·si·fi·able adj [more ; most ]

She's one of those singers who are not easily classifiable.

class·ism Brit noun [noncount]

: unfair treatment of people because of their social or economic class
a society plagued by racism and classism

class·ist Brit adj [more ; most ]

classist views

class·less Brit adj

1 : without social or economic classes : not grouping people according to their social or economic level
the goal of a classless society

2 : not connected to a particular social or economic class
classless foods like pizza and ice cream

3 : rude in a way that is annoying
classless behavior

class·less·ness noun [noncount]

class·mate Brit noun, pl -mates [count]

: a member of the same class in a school, college, or university

Classmate can refer to someone who is taking the same class as you or to someone who will graduate from your school or college in the same year as you.

We were classmates in high school.

She invited all of her classmates to her birthday party.

class·room Brit noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a room where classes are taught in a school, college, or university

class·work Brit noun [noncount]

: the part of a student's work that is done in a class and not at home

All of the students have finished their classwork for today.

compare HOMEWORK

classy Brit adj, class·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 : having qualities that make someone or something special and attractive
a classy [=fancy, high-class, upscale] hotel
the classiest nightclub in Madrid

The spa boasts some very classy clients.

2 : showing impressive character : very good, kind, etc.

a classy guy

Donating her salary bonus to charity was a really classy thing to do.

class·i·ness noun [noncount]

the hotel's classiness

clat·ter verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

: to make a quick series of short loud sounds

The shutters clattered against the house.

He heard dishes clattering in the kitchen.

The box dropped and dozens of marbles clattered across the floor.

The wagon clattered down the road.

clatter noun, pl -ters [count]

usually singular
the clatter of dishes

clattering noun [singular]

the clattering of dishes

clause noun, pl claus·es [count]

1 grammar : a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb

The sentence “When it rained they went inside” consists of two clauses: “when it rained” and “they went inside.”

2 : a separate part of a legal document
a clause in a will/contract
see also GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

claus·tro·pho·bia noun [noncount]

1 : a fear of being in closed or small spaces

She doesn't go in elevators because of her claustrophobia.

compare AGORAPHOBIA

2 : an unhappy or uncomfortable feeling caused by being in a situation that limits or restricts you
the claustrophobia of small-town life

claus·tro·pho·bic adj [more ; most ]

1 of a room, space, etc. : not having enough space for people to feel comfortable : causing claustrophobia

The theater can be a little claustrophobic when it's full.

2 : having a fear of being in closed or small spaces : having claustrophobia

She doesn't go in elevators because she is claustrophobic.

3 : not having or providing enough freedom
a very claustrophic relationship

claus·tro·pho·bi·cal·ly adv
a claustrophobically small room

clav·i·chord noun, pl -chords [count]

: a musical instrument that is similar to a piano and was played mostly in the past before the piano was invented

clav·i·cle noun, pl clav·i·cles [count]

medical : collarbone

1claw noun, pl claws [count]

1 : a sharp curved part on the toe of an animal (such as a cat or bird)

The eagle was carrying a mouse in its sharp claws.

the bear's claws
often used figuratively

They've only been dating for a few months and already she's got her claws into him! [=she already has control over him]

(chiefly Brit) The press has been getting its claws into him. [=has been attacking/criticizing him]

They're still trying to get their claws on her money. [=to get her money]

2 : a body part of an animal (such as a lobster or crab) that is used for gripping and holding things

3 : a part on a tool or machine that is used for gripping, digging, etc.

The excavating machine's claw dug into the earth.

the claw of a hammer

see also BEAR CLAW

clawed adj
a clawed foot

2claw verb, claws, clawed, claw·ing

: to scratch, grip, or dig with claws or fingers

[no obj]

usually + at

The cat claws at the door when she wants to go outside.

The dog was clawing at the dirt.

She desperately clawed at her attacker's face.

[+ obj] How can we stop the cat from clawing the drapes/curtains?

The dog clawed a hole in the carpet.

She tried to claw his face with her fingernails.

claw back [phrasal verb]

claw (something) back or claw back (something) chiefly Brit : to get back (something, such as money or business) by acting in a forceful way or by doing something that requires a lot of effort

With budget cuts looming, the government is trying to claw back some of the money it promised to state agencies.

claw your way

: to move ahead slowly by grabbing onto things

The climbers clawed their way up the steep terrain.

often used figuratively

The company is clawing its way out of bankruptcy.

He clawed his way to the top of his profession.

claw hammer noun, -mers [count]

: a hammer with a head that is curved and partially split in the back so that it can be used for pulling out nails

clay noun, pl clays [count, noncount]

: a heavy, sticky material from the earth that is made into different shapes and that becomes hard when it is baked or dried

Clay is used to make pots, bricks, tiles, etc.

often used before another noun
a clay pot/pipe/tablet

feet of clay see 1FOOT

claylike adj [more ; most ]

a claylike substance

clay·ey adj

: containing a lot of clay
a clayey soil

clay pigeon noun, pl -geons [count]

: a circular object made of baked clay that people throw into the air and shoot at to practice their shooting skills

1clean adj, clean·er, -est

1 : free from dirt, marks, etc. : not dirty
a clean floor

This table isn't clean. There's a sticky spot where something spilled.

He keeps a very clean house.

The janitor does a good job of keeping the office clean.

clean laundry/socks/towels/sheets

I wiped the baby's face clean.

2 : tending to keep clean

He's a clean young man.

Cats are very clean animals.

3 a : free from pollution or other dangerous substances
clean air/water

3 b : not causing pollution

Solar power provides clean energy.

a clean fuel

4 a : not yet used
a clean [=blank, fresh] piece/sheet of paper

4 b of a document : not having any mistakes

We need a clean copy of the document.

5 : not infected
a clean wound

6 : pleasingly simple

I like the clean simplicity of the chair's design.

She wore a formal wool suit with clean lines.

7 : having edges that are straight and smooth
a clean cut

The vase was broken, but it was a clean break and easily repaired with a little glue.

8 : completely and quickly done

The bank robbers made a clean getaway.

When he left home, he made a clean break with the past. [=he completely separated himself from everything that had been part of his life]

9 sports : done in a skillful and impressive way without mistakes or awkwardness
a clean dive/catch/hit

The gymnast made a clean landing.

10 : not showing evidence of any broken rules or laws

She has a clean driving record.

see also CLEAN SLATE ((BELOW))

11 a : not connected with or involving anything illegal or morally wrong
a clean candidate

They believe in hard work and clean living.

The party was good, clean fun.

11 b : not referring to anything sexual or offensive

Only clean jokes, please. There are children here.

clean language

12 not used before a noun : no longer using drugs : not addicted to drugs

He's been clean for five years.

clean and sober

13 not used before a noun informal : not carrying any weapons, drugs, etc.

All visitors to the prison are searched to make sure they're clean.

I checked her; she's clean.

clean as a whistle see 1WHISTLE

clean slate also Brit clean sheet

1 : a person's record (as from a school or a job) that shows no evidence of any problems, broken rules, etc. : a clean record

Everyone who comes to this school starts with a clean slate.

2 clean sheet Brit : a game in which the opposing team is prevented from scoring

The team's star goalie has had five clean sheets [=(US) shutouts] this season. [=has prevented the other team from scoring in five games]

clean sweep

1 : a victory in which one side or team wins every game, contest, etc.

The Red Sox won the series in a clean sweep.

The election was a clean sweep for local Democratic candidates.

2 : a complete change in something

The new governor has made a clean sweep of the staff in the governor's mansion. [=the new governor completely replaced the former governor's staff]

come clean
informal : to tell the truth about what happened : to stop hiding the truth

Eventually she came clean and helped the police recover the goods she'd stolen.

He's finally come clean about his role in the scandal.

give (someone or something) a clean bill of health see 1BILL

keep your nose clean see 1NOSE

make a clean breast of see 1BREAST

wipe the slate clean see 1WIPE

clean·ness noun [noncount]

the cleanness of the image

2clean verb, cleans, cleaned, clean·ing

1 a : to make (something) clean : to remove dirt, marks, etc., from (something)

[+ obj] The carpet needs to be cleaned.
clean your fingernails
clean [=brush] your teeth
clean [=wash] the windows

[no obj] They divide household duties so that she cleans and her husband cooks.

see also CLEAN UP 1A (BELOW)

1 b [no obj] : to become clean

The pan has a surface that cleans easily. [=that is easy to clean]

2 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a room) neat and orderly

Clean your room.

see also CLEAN OUT 1 (BELOW), CLEAN UP 1B (BELOW)

3 [+ obj] : to remove the organs from the inside of (an animal) before cooking

They cleaned the fish and cooked them on the campfire.

skin and clean a rabbit/deer

clean house see 1HOUSE

clean out [phrasal verb]

1 clean (something) out or clean out (something) : to remove unwanted things from (a room, closet, etc.)

We spent the weekend cleaning out the garage. [=clearing unwanted items from the garage]

I need to clean out my purse.

2 clean (someone or something) out or clean out (someone or something) informal : to steal or take everything from (someone or something)

The thieves broke in and cleaned out the store.

She fell for the scheme and was cleaned out. [=all her money was taken]

3 clean (someone) out or clean out (someone) informal : to use up all or most of someone's money

Buying the house really cleaned us out. Now we're broke.

clean up [phrasal verb]

1 clean (something) up or clean up (something)

1 a : to remove (dirt, spilled substances, etc.)

Would you mind cleaning up the spilled milk?

It will only take a moment to clean this mess up.

1 b or clean up : to make (a room or space) clean and orderly

Would you mind helping me clean up the kitchen after dinner?

We stayed late to help them clean up.

To clean up after someone is to make a place clean after someone has made it dirty or messy.

His mother is always cleaning up after him.

You should learn to clean up after yourself.

1 c : to remove pollution from (something)

The city has cleaned up the bay in recent years.

see also CLEANUP

2 clean up or clean (yourself) up : to make yourself clean : to wash your face and hands

I'm sure you'll want to clean up after a full day of traveling.

I just need a few minutes to clean myself up before dinner.

The children are inside getting cleaned up.

3 clean (something) up or clean up (something)

3 a : to remove whatever is illegal or immoral from (something)

The new mayor has really cleaned up city hall. [=has made the city government less corrupt]

3 b : to make (something) clearer or more acceptable

We were able to clean up the sound on the recording using special equipment.

He's cleaned up his image since his early rock music days.

4 clean (something) up or clean up (something) informal : to eat all of (something)

The teenagers cleaned up [=(more commonly) polished off] the pizza in a matter of minutes.

5 informal : to make a large amount of money

She really cleaned up last year in the stock market.

6 clean up your act informal : to behave in a way that is more acceptable

After years of drug abuse, she finally got treatment and cleaned up her act.

clean your plate

: to eat all the food on your plate

The children were not allowed to have dessert until they had cleaned their plates.

usage see cleanse

3clean adv
informal : all the way : completely or entirely

Somehow, the top of the machine came clean off.

The nail went clean through the wall.

The fish were jumping clean out of the water.

4clean noun [singular]

informal : an act of removing dirt from something

She gave the tub a good clean. [=she cleaned the tub thoroughly]

clean-cut adj [more ; most ]

: having a neat appearance that suggests you are someone who does not break rules or cause trouble
a polite, clean-cut young man

clean·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count] : a person whose job is to clean something
street/window cleaners

They have hired a house cleaner. [=a person whose job is to keep the rooms in a house or apartment clean]

2 [count] : a substance used for cleaning things

He recommends using baking soda as a general household cleaner.

3 [count] : a device or machine used for cleaning things
an air cleaner
see also PIPE CLEANER, VACUUM CLEANER

4 the cleaners or the cleaner's : a shop where clothes are cleaned : dry cleaner

I took my suit to the cleaners.

take (someone) to the cleaners
informal : to get all or most of someone's money or possessions usually in a dishonest or unfair way

I heard that his ex-wife really took him to the cleaners [=cleaned him out] in the divorce.

cleaning noun [noncount]

: the act or process of cleaning something

She needs someone to help her with the cleaning [=housecleaning] while she is recovering from surgery.

cleaning lady noun, pl ladies [count]

: a woman whose job is to clean offices or houses called also cleaning woman

cleaning person noun, pl -sons [count]

: a woman or man whose job is to clean offices or houses

clean·li·ness noun [noncount]

1 : the state of being clean

The restaurant's kitchen is regularly inspected for cleanliness.

2 : the practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean
the virtues of cleanliness and honesty

clean·ly adv [more ; most ]

: in a clean manner: such as
a : easily and completely

A sharp knife will cut through the skin of a tomato cleanly.

b : without causing pollution

This fuel burns more cleanly than other fuels.

clean room noun, rooms [count]

: a room that is kept extremely clean so that certain products can be made in it

The microchips are manufactured in a clean room.

cleanse verb, cleans·es, cleansed, cleans·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone or something) clean

The cut should be cleansed gently with mild soap and water.

cleansed of all impurities
see also ETHNIC CLEANSING
usage

The verbs clean and cleanse both mean “to make (something or someone) clean.” Cleanse usually refers to making the body or part of the body clean.

cleansing the skin

The herb is believed to cleanse the body of toxins.

It can also refer to making a person's mind, soul, reputation, etc., clean.

The ceremony is meant to cleanse people of their guilt and sin.

Try to cleanse your mind through meditation.

Clean is more common than cleanse and its use is less specific.

cleans·er noun, pl -ers

: a substance (such as a powder or cream) that is used for cleaning something

[count] a skin cleanser

[noncount] Sprinkle some cleanser on the floor and let it sit for a while before you start scrubbing.

clean-shaven adj
of a man : having a shaved face : having no beard or mustache

The waiters were clean-shaven.

1clean·up noun, pl -ups [count]

: the process of cleaning something

The children helped with the cleanup [=helped to clean up] after the meal.

often used before another noun

The cleanup costs of the oil spill will be in the millions of dollars.

The company's cleanup efforts have been applauded by the town.

2cleanup adj, always used before a noun

: fourth in the batting order of a baseball team
a cleanup hitter

cleanup adv

He's batting cleanup.

1clear adj, clear·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : very obvious : not causing or allowing doubt

The show was a clear failure. [=it was clearly a failure; there is no doubt that the show was a failure]

There are clear differences between the two candidates.

She's the clear favorite to win the election.

I'm not completely happy with the plan, but I see no clear alternative.

He was the clear winner.

It has become clear [=evident] to me that changes are necessary.

She has made it abundantly/painfully/very clear that she does not support us.

It's not clear how much longer we'll have to wait.

She made (it) clear to me that she was unhappy. [=she told/showed me in a very definite way that she was unhappy]

“Changes will have to be made.” “Yes, that's clear.”

The sign said/read “Keep Out” as clear as day/daylight/anything. [=the sign very clearly said “Keep Out”]

sometimes used in spoken phrases that express anger

I want this work finished by this afternoon. Do I make myself clear? [=do you understand me?]

The work needs to be finished by this afternoon. Is that clear?

Let's get one thing perfectly clear: I want this work finished by this afternoon.

2 : easily understood

She's a clear writer. [=she writes clearly]

Her writing has a clear style.

a clear definition/explanation
a clear message

The instructions weren't very clear about when we were supposed to begin.

(informal) The explanation was as clear as mud. [=extremely unclear]

3 a : free from doubt or confusion

I think I have a clear understanding of the problem.

Are you clear on/about what you need to do? [=do you understand what you need to do?]

He has clear ideas about what he hopes to accomplish.

3 b : able to think in an accurate way without confusion

She's a clear thinker.

This job requires someone with a clear head. [=someone who can think clearly]

see also CLEARHEADED

4 : easily seen : having small parts and details that can be easily seen and identified

This picture is blurry, but that one is clear.

Our TV has a beautifully clear picture/image.

5 : easily heard
a very clear sound

: easily heard and understood
clear pronunciation

The teacher has a very clear speaking voice.

6 : easily seen through
clear [=transparent] glass
a clear liquid
a glass of cool, clear water
clear plastic bags
clear soup/broth
clear air

The water in the lake is crystal clear. = The water in the lake is (as) clear as crystal.

7 : not blocked by anything

I had a clear view of the accident. [=I was able to see the accident clearly]

The aisles must be kept clear during the show. [=no people or things can be in the aisles during the show]

a clear path

: not covered by anything

You should keep your work area clear.

often + of

You should keep your work area clear of clutter.

Don't try to cross the street until it's clear of traffic. [=until there is no traffic on the street]

see also CLEAR OF ((BELOW)), the coast is clear at 1COAST, clear sailing at SAILING

8 of weather or the sky : not having any clouds, fog, etc.

It was a beautifully clear, sunny day.

a clear blue sky

You can see thousands of stars on a clear night.

9 a : free of marks or spots
an actress with beautifully/perfectly clear healthy skin

9 b : having a distinct and bright color

She has clear blue eyes.

9 c medical : free of abnormal signs or symptoms

After treatment, all his tests were clear. [=his tests did not show any problems]

10 : free from feelings of guilt or blame
used with conscience

The accident wasn't my fault. My conscience is clear. = I have a clear conscience.

If your conscience is clear, you do not feel guilty because you do not believe that you have done anything wrong.

11 finance
used to describe the amount that remains after costs, taxes, etc., have been paid

We made a clear [=net] profit of $500.

12 : not having any planned or scheduled activities

Wednesday afternoon is clear [=free], so let's meet then.

I like to keep my schedule clear on Friday afternoons.

(as) clear as a bell

: very clear

It was clear as a bell that morningnot a cloud in the sky.

The water was as clear as a bell.

Clear as bell, I heard him say my name.

a sound as clear as a bell

clear of

: away from (something dangerous, harmful, etc.)

Keep/Stay clear of [=out of] trouble!

Stand clear of the closing doors!

We'll pick up speed once we get clear of the heavy traffic.

see also 1CLEAR 7 (ABOVE)

see your way clear see 1SEE

steer clear (of) see 2STEER

clear·ness noun [noncount]

I was impressed by the clearness [=(more commonly) clarity] of his explanation.

the clearness of the water

2clear verb, clears, cleared, clear·ing

1 [no obj] : to become clear: such as

1 a of weather or the sky : to change so that there are no clouds, fog, etc.

The sky cleared after the rain.

The weather is cloudy now, but it's clearing gradually.

see also CLEAR UP ((BELOW))

1 b of clouds, fog, smoke, etc. : to go away

The clouds cleared (from the sky) after the rain.

The morning fog gradually cleared.

When the smoke cleared, we could see that the building had been completely destroyed.

1 c of a liquid : to change by becoming easier to see through : to become transparent or more transparent

The water cleared after the mud had settled.

1 d of the skin : to become free of marks or spots

My skin cleared when I started using the cream.

see also CLEAR UP ((BELOW))

1 e

When your head clears or when something clears your head, you become more awake or alert and are able to think in a normal way without confusion.

My head cleared after a good night's sleep. = A good night's sleep cleared my head. [=I was able to think clearly again after a good night's sleep]

1 f

When your vision/eyesight clears you become able to see things correctly.

When I woke up everything was blurry at first, but then my vision gradually cleared.

2 a [+ obj] : to remove something entirely from an area or place

He used a shovel to clear the snow off/from the driveway. = He used a shovel to clear the driveway of snow.

They cleared timber from/off the land.

She cleared everything out of the closet.

I'll clear those books out of the/your way.

She cleared [=removed] the dishes from the table. = She cleared the table (of dishes).

2 b : to cause the people in an area or place to leave

[+ obj] clear a room of unwanted visitors = clear unwanted visitors from a room

The alarm cleared [=emptied] the room (of people).

[no obj] The room cleared quickly when the alarm sounded. [=the people in the room left quickly when the alarm sounded]

2 c [+ obj] : to leave (an area or place) so that it is empty

The police ordered the crowd to clear the area.

3 [+ obj] : to make (a path, road, open space, etc.) by removing things that block or cover an area or surface

The guide cleared a path for us through the jungle.

I cleared a space on the desk for my new computer.

4 [+ obj] : to go over, under, or past (something) without touching

The horse cleared [=jumped over] the fence easily.

The pole-vaulter cleared 15 feet on his first try.

The boat's sail just/narrowly cleared [=passed under] the bottom of the bridge.

5 [+ obj] : to prove that (someone) is not guilty of a crime

The investigation cleared him officially of all the charges against him.

He says he's innocent and he wants an opportunity to clear himself. = He wants an opportunity to clear his name. [=to prove that he is innocent]

6 [+ obj]

6 a : to get approval for (something)

You should clear the article with your boss before trying to get it published.

6 b : to give approval for (something)

Her boss cleared [=approved] the article for publication.

6 c : to say that (someone) has official permission to do something

The head of the agency has cleared her to see classified information.

The flight/plane/pilot was cleared to land. = The flight/plane/pilot was cleared for landing. [=the flight/plane/pilot was given official permission/clearance to land]

We were cleared (to go) through customs. = We cleared customs.

6 d : to be passed or officially approved by (a group)

The bill has finally cleared the Senate. [=the Senate has finally passed the bill]

7 [+ obj] finance

7 a : to pay all the money that is owed for (a debt or loan)

clear a debt

7 b : to gain (an amount of money) after paying all costs, taxes, etc.

After paying our expenses we cleared almost 1,000 dollars on the deal.

clear a profit

7 c

When a check clears or is cleared, it goes through the process of being reviewed and accepted by a bank, and the money for the check is taken from the bank's account.

Checks can take up to four days to clear. = Checks can take up to four days to be cleared.

The check failed to clear. [=the check bounced]

clear away [phrasal verb]

clear (something) away or clear away (something) : to remove (something) from an area or surface

Just give me a moment to clear away all these papers, then we can sit down at the table.

sometimes used figuratively

They had a long talk and were able to clear away [=clear up, resolve] all their misunderstandings.

clear off [phrasal verb]

1 clear off (something) or clear (something) off (something) : to remove things from (an area or surface)

It took her a few minutes to clear off the dinner table.

It took her a few minutes to clear the dishes off the dinner table.

I'll clear off my desk so that you can use it.

2 chiefly Brit, informal

2 a : to go away or run away : to leave quickly

When we heard the night watchman, we cleared off as quickly as we could.

I told him to clear off [=get lost] and leave me alone.

2 b clear off (a place) : to leave (a place) quickly

I ordered the hikers to clear off [=get off] my land at once.

clear out [phrasal verb]

1 : to leave quickly

He cleared out without paying his rent.

2 clear (something) out or clear out (something) : to remove unwanted things from (an area or place)

clear out a cluttered closet
see also CLEAROUT

clear the air see 1AIR

clear the deck/decks see 1DECK

clear up [phrasal verb]

1 : to become clear: such as

1 a of weather or the sky : to change so that there are no clouds, fog, etc.

The sky cleared up after the rain.

It's cloudy now, but it's clearing up gradually.

1 b of the skin : to become free of marks or spots

My skin cleared up when I started using the cream.

2 clear up or clear (something) up or clear up (something) : to go away or cause (something) to go away

My symptoms cleared up once I started using the cream.

The cream has cleared up my symptoms.

3 clear (something) up or clear up (something)

3 a : to make (something) clear by explaining it
clear up a mystery

3 b : to cause the end of (something) by talking about it or dealing with it

We need to clear up [=resolve] these misunderstandings.

If we try I'm sure we can clear up these problems quickly.

4 Brit : to make an area clean or tidy

Let's clear up [=clean up, tidy up] before we leave.

clear your throat

: to make a noise in your throat for attention or to be able to speak more clearly

He cleared his throat and began to speak.

3clear adv

1 : in a clear manner
used in the phrase loud and clear

“Can you hear me now?” “Loud and clear.” [=I can hear you very clearly]

2 chiefly US, informal : all the way : completely or entirely

We drove clear across the state.

The ball rolled clear across the street.

free and clear see 2FREE

4clear noun

in the clear

: free from guilt or suspicion

The investigation/jury considered all the charges against him and concluded that he was in the clear. [=that he was not guilty]

He's not in the clear yet. The police still consider him a suspect.

clear·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 a : an official decision saying that someone has permission to do something

[noncount] You'll have to get clearance [=approval] from management to go ahead with the project.

The documents are only available to people with security clearance [=special permission given only to people who are approved to know or see secret things] from the government.

[count] She has a security clearance that allows her to see the classified information.

1 b : official permission for an aircraft, pilot, etc., to do something

[noncount] The pilot got clearance to land.

That flight has not received clearance for landing/takeoff.

[count] a clearance for landing/takeoff

2 : the amount of space between two things

[noncount] There was only 10 inches of clearance between the car and the side of the tunnel.

[count] The car has a road/ground clearance of seven inches. [=the bottom of the car is seven inches above the road/ground]

a bridge with a 100-foot clearance above the water

3 [noncount] : the act or process of removing things (such as trees or old buildings) from an area
the clearance of forests for farming
slum clearance to make room for new housing

clearance sale noun, pl sales [count]

: a sale in which prices are lowered in order to sell things quickly and make room for new items

The store is having/holding a clearance sale this weekend.

1clear-cut adj [more ; most ]

: very obvious and sharp
a clear-cut distinction

: free from doubt or uncertainty : very definite
a clear-cut victory/decision

The difference between their views on this issue is not clear-cut.

2clear-cut noun, pl -cuts [count]

US : an area of land in which all the trees have been cut down

The law limits the size of clear-cuts.

3clear-cut verb, -cuts, -cut, -cut·ting [+ obj]

US : to cut down all the trees in (an area)

Ten years ago the lumber company clear-cut this hillside.

clear-cutting noun [noncount]

Clear-cutting has led to mudslides in many regions.

clear-eyed adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing an ability to think clearly

She provided a clear-eyed [=clear-sighted, clearheaded] assessment of the problem.

clear·head·ed adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing an ability to think clearly

He remains calm and clearheaded in tense situations.

a clearheaded analysis

clear·head·ed·ly adv

clear·head·ed·ness noun [noncount]

clear·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [noncount] : the act or process of making something clear or of becoming clear
the clearing of the table
the clearing of wood and brush from part of the forest

2 [count] : an open area of land in which there are no trees

We found a clearing in the forest.

clearing bank noun, pl banks [count]

Brit : any bank that uses a clearinghouse

clear·ing·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

1 : a business that banks use to exchange checks and money between them

2 : an organization that collects and gives out information about a specific thing
an online clearinghouse for information on museums around the world

clear·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : in a clear manner : in a way that is easy to see, hear, or understand

You should try to speak more clearly.

She writes very clearly.

The mountain was clearly visible in the distance.

2 : in a way that is certain : without doubt : obviously

The project was clearly a failure. [=the project was a clear failure]

The problem is very clearly getting worse.

Clearly, a new approach is needed. = A new approach is clearly needed. [=it is clear that a new approach is needed]

“A new approach is needed.” “Clearly.”

“The current method isn't working.” “Clearly not.”

clear·out noun, pl -outs [count]

Brit : the act of removing all unwanted material from a place

We gave the house the first thorough clearout it's had/gotten for years.

see also clear out 2 at 2CLEAR

clear-sight·ed adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing an ability to think clearly

He provided a clear-sighted [=clear-eyed, clearheaded] appraisal of the problem.

a clear-sighted commentator

clear-sight·ed·ness noun [noncount]

clear·way noun, pl -ways [count]

Brit : a major road on which cars are not usually allowed to stop

cleat noun, pl cleats

1 [count] : a metal or wooden object that is attached to something (such as a boat or dock) and around which a rope can be tied

2 a [count] : a piece of rubber, wood, or metal that is fastened to the bottom of a shoe or boot to prevent slipping
usually plural
cleats on a football shoe

2 b cleats [plural] US : shoes that have cleats on them
a football player wearing cleats

cleav·age noun, pl -ag·es

1 [noncount] informal : the space between a woman's breasts especially when it can be easily seen

The dress is cut low enough to reveal a lot of cleavage.

2 : a division between two things or groups

[noncount] the cleavage between the rich and poor

[count] social cleavages

3 [count] technical : the act of splitting apart
the cleavages of an egg as an embryo develops

1cleave verb, cleaves, cleaved also cleft or clove , cleaved also cleft or clo·ven , cleav·ing
formal + literary

1 a : to split (something) by hitting it with something heavy and sharp

[+ obj] The ax easily cleaves the log.

[no obj] The wood is old and cleaves [=splits] easily.

1 b : to pass easily and quickly through (something)

[+ obj] The bow of the ship cleaved the water.

The darkness was cleft by the lantern's beam.

[no obj] The ship's bow cleaved through the water.

2 [+ obj] : to separate (something) into parts

The country was cleaved [=divided] in two by civil war.

compare 2CLEAVE

2cleave verb, cleaves, cleaved or clove , cleaved, cleav·ing

cleave to [phrasal verb]

formal + literary

1 cleave to (someone) : to stay very close to (someone)

children cleaving to their families

2 cleave to (something) : to stick closely to (something)

usually used figuratively

He continued to cleave to the beliefs of his childhood.

compare 1CLEAVE

cleav·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a heavy knife with a wide blade used for cutting up large pieces of meat

clef noun, pl clefs [count]

music : a sign that is placed at the beginning of a line of written music to show the pitch of the notes
the treble/bass clef

cleft noun, pl clefts [count]

1 : a narrow space in the surface of something

The river begins as a trickle of water from a cleft in the rock.

2 : a narrow area that looks like a small dent in someone's chin

He has a distinctive cleft in his chin.

cleft adj

The plant has deeply cleft leaves.

a cleft chin

cleft lip noun, pl lips [count]

medical : a split in the upper lip that some people are born with

cleft palate noun, pl -ates [count]

medical : a split in the roof of the mouth that some people are born with

clem·a·tis noun, pl -tis·es [count, noncount]

: a climbing plant that has large pink, purple, red, or white flowers

clem·en·cy noun [noncount]

: kind or merciful treatment of someone who could be given harsh punishment

The judge ignored the prisoner's pleas for clemency. [=mercy]

The President has granted clemency to several people this month.

clem·ent adj [more ; most ]

formal : not too hot or too cold

The country is known for its clement [=(more commonly) mild] weather.

compare INCLEMENT

clem·en·tine noun, pl -tines [count]

: a kind of orange that is small and sweet

clench verb, clench·es, clenched, clench·ing

1 : to set (something) in a tightly closed position

[+ obj] He clenched his teeth and continued to look straight ahead.

He clenched his fists in anger.

She was angry and spoke quietly through clenched teeth.

[no obj] His jaw/fists clenched and unclenched as he listened to the speech.

2 [+ obj] : to hold (something) tightly

She danced alone, with a rose clenched in her teeth.

He was clenching a cigarette in his teeth.

clere·sto·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

technical : the upper part of a wall that rises above a roof and that has windows

cler·gy noun [plural]

: people (such as priests) who are the leaders of a religion and who perform religious services

Local clergy have been invited to participate in an interfaith service.

a member of the clergy

Clergy is used most often to refer to priests and ministers in a Christian church.

compare LAITY

cler·gy·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a man who is a member of the clergy especially in a Christian church

cler·gy·per·son noun, pl -sons [count]

: a person who is a member of the clergy especially in a Christian church

cler·gy·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who is a member of the clergy especially in a Christian church

cler·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

: a member of the clergy in any religion

cler·i·cal adj

1 : of or relating to a clerk or office worker

She spent the summer doing clerical work for a lawyer.

a member of our clerical staff

The mistake was due to a clerical error.

2 : of or relating to members of the clergy
clerical celibacy
a clerical collar [=a narrow and stiff white collar that is worn by some clergy]

1clerk Brit noun, pl clerks [count]

1 : a person whose job is to keep track of records and documents for a business or office
a bank/office clerk
a law clerk [=a person whose job is to assist a judge]

2 : an elected or appointed official whose job is to take care of official papers and business for a court or government

Have the court clerk file your request with the judge.

a city/town clerk [=a person whose job is to record what happens at city or town meetings and to keep special information about the city or town]

3 US

3 a : a person who works in a store

He works as a clerk in a local pet store.

a grocery clerk
a sales clerk at a women's clothing store

3 b : a person who works at the main desk of a hotel assisting the people who are staying there
a hotel clerk = a desk clerk

2clerk verb, clerks, clerked, clerk·ing [no obj]

US : to work as a clerk
usually used of law clerks

After graduating from law school, she clerked for a judge for several years.

clev·er adj, clev·er·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : intelligent and able to learn things quickly

A few clever [=smart, bright] students have started a business recycling old computers.

Some cats are clever enough to figure out how to operate doorknobs.

2 : showing intelligent thinking
a clever design/invention

That's the cleverest idea I've heard yet!

She found a clever hiding place for the letter.

often used in a joking or ironic way to describe a foolish idea, action, etc.

Whose clever idea was it to leave the window open?

3 : funny in a way that shows intelligence

I enjoyed the play's clever [=witty] dialogue.

4 Brit, informal : talking in a rude way that is meant to show you are smart

Don't you start getting clever [=(US) fresh] with me! [=don't speak to me in a disrespectful way]

5 : good at doing things with your hands : skillful

Even as a little boy playing with blocks he was clever with his hands.

a clever machinist

6 Brit, informal
used in various negative expressions to suggest that someone is not feeling well

I'd had a few drinks and wasn't feeling very clever.

For someone who hasn't been feeling too clever lately, he just played a great round of golf.

too clever by half
chiefly Brit informal : clever in a way that is annoying or that causes problems
an arrogant politician who is too clever by half
a complex computer program that is too clever by half

clev·er·ly adv
a cleverly designed gadget
cleverly written dialogue

clev·er·ness noun [noncount]

the cleverness of the idea
a cat's cleverness

clever dick noun, pl dicks [count]

Brit informal + disapproving : a person who is clever in a way that is annoying called also clever clogs

cli·ché noun, pl -chés [count]

1 : a phrase or expression that has been used so often that it is no longer original or interesting
a speech filled with clichés about “finding your way” and “keeping the faith”

2 : something that is so commonly used in books, stories, etc., that it is no longer effective

The macho cop of Hollywood movies has become a cliché.

cli·chéd adj [more ; most ]

a clichéd phrase

The movie's characters are clichéd and uninteresting.

1click verb, clicks, clicked, click·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to make a short, sharp sound

He clicked his heels together and saluted the officer.

click your tongue/fingers

1 b [no obj] : to make a short, sharp sound : to make a click

Her heels clicked on the marble floor.

a clicking noise/sound

Press the door until you hear the latch click.

The last piece of the puzzle clicked [=snapped] into place.

2 computers : to press a button on a mouse or some other device in order to make something happen on a computer

[+ obj] To open the program, point at the icon and click the left mouse button.

click the icon

[no obj] Click here to check spelling in the document.

often + on

Click on the icon to open the program.

I got to the Web site by clicking on a link at another site.

see also RIGHT-CLICK

3 [no obj] informal : to become friends : to like and understand each other

They met at a party and clicked [=hit it off] right away.

I know him fairly well, but we've never really clicked.

4 [no obj] informal : to get the attention or interest of people
usually + with

This is the issue that has really clicked with the voters this year.

5 [no obj] informal
used to describe what happens when you suddenly understand or remember something

I worked on the problem for days, until finally one day something clicked and I knew what I had to do.

click·able adj, computers

The names in the list are all clickable. [=you can click on the names with your mouse to cause something to happen]

a clickable image on a Web page

2click noun, pl clicks [count]

1 : a short, sharp sound
the click of her heels on marble

There was a click as the door closed behind him.

2 : the act of selecting something on a computer screen by pressing a button on a mouse or some other device

You can order movie tickets on the Internet with just a few clicks of your mouse.

click·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US informal : remote control

cli·ent noun, pl -ents [count]

1 : a person who pays a professional person or organization for services
a lawyer's clients

The accountant is meeting with another client right now, but she'll be able to see you later this afternoon.

2 : a customer in a shop or hotel
the spa's wealthy clients

3 computers : a computer in a network that uses the services provided by a server

cli·en·tele noun [singular]

: the group of people who are regular customers at a particular business

The restaurant generally attracts an older clientele.

the boutique's wealthy clientele

client state noun, pl states [count]

: a country that depends on another country for military, economic, or political support

cliff noun, pl cliffs [count]

: a high, steep surface of rock, earth, or ice

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we watched the waves crash on the shore far below.

rock climbers scaling steep cliffs

cliff-hang·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a story, contest, or situation that is very exciting because what is going to happen next is not known

The election was a real cliff-hanger. No one knew who was going to win until the very end.

cli·mac·tic adj [more ; most ]

: most exciting and important : forming a climax

At the climactic moment, the main character of the novel finds herself face to face with the thief.

the movie's climactic chase scene

Do not confuse climactic with climatic.

cli·mate noun, pl -mates [count]

1 a : a region with particular weather patterns or conditions
living in a cold/dry/mild/hot climate

These trees only grow in humid climates.

1 b : the usual weather conditions in a particular place or region

The country's climate is ideal for growing grapes.

the humid climate of Malaysia
increasing concerns about climate change [=changes in the Earth's weather patterns]

2 : the usual or most widespread mood or conditions in a place

A climate of fear prevails in the city.

the country's changing economic/political climate

The company is trying to develop a positive climate for innovation.

cli·mat·ic adj

The climatic conditions in the region make it an ideal place to grow grapes.

Do not confuse climatic with climactic.

cli·ma·tol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: the scientific study of climates

cli·ma·tol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

1cli·max noun, pl -max·es [count]

1 a : the most exciting and important part of a story, play, or movie that occurs usually at or near the end

The movie's climax is a fantastic chase scene.

At the novel's climax, the main character finds herself face to face with the thief.

1 b : the most interesting and exciting part of something : the high point
the tournament's climax
the climax of her career

The protest in May was the climax of a series of demonstrations in the nation's capital.

2 : the most intense point of sexual pleasure : orgasm
able/unable to reach climax

2climax verb, -maxes, -maxed, -max·ing

1 a [no obj] : to reach the most exciting or important part in something

The movie climaxes with a fantastic chase scene.

1 b [+ obj] : to occur at the end as the most exciting or important part of (something)

The May protest climaxed a series of demonstrations in the nation's capital.

2 [no obj] : to have an orgasm
able/unable to climax

1climb verb, climbs, climbed, climb·ing

1 [+ obj] : to move or go up (something) using your feet and often your hands
climb a ladder/tree
climb the stairs

2 : to go up mountains, cliffs, etc., as a sport

[+ obj] He dreams of climbing Kilimanjaro.

It took them six days to climb the mountain.

[no obj] She has climbed seriously for several years now.

3 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move yourself in a way that usually involves going up or down

The actors were climbing down from the stage.

He climbed over the fence.

The passengers of the sailboat climbed aboard.

The pilot climbed into the cockpit.

I think she climbed in through the window.

He climbed out of the car with a box in his hands.

The players climbed into their uniforms [=put on their uniforms] and headed for the field.

4 a [no obj] : to go higher : to go upward

The plane rapidly climbed up above the clouds.

We watched the smoke climb [=rise] into the night sky.

The trail climbs steeply as it nears the summit of the mountain.

4 b : to move to a higher position in a ranking or list

[no obj] The book has climbed to number 2 on the bestsellers list.

[+ obj] Their second album is climbing the charts.

4 c : to move to a social or professional position that is more respected or powerful

[no obj] The book describes how the senator climbed [=rose] to power.

[+ obj] He was hired right out of business school and started climbing the corporate ladder.

5 [no obj] : to increase in amount, value, or level

Divorce rates have climbed in recent decades.

The company's earnings have climbed 13 percent this year.

The temperature keeps climbing.

6 of plants : to grow up or over something

[+ obj] There is ivy climbing the walls of the old building.

[no obj] a climbing plant [=a plant that attaches itself to something, such as a wall, as it grows up it]

climb down [phrasal verb]

chiefly Brit : to admit that you have made a mistake and change your position or opinion

His statement is seen as an attempt to climb down [=back away] from the strong denial he made yesterday.

see also CLIMBDOWN

climbing the walls
informal : feeling very anxious or frustrated because you have a lot of energy but are unable to do something you want to do

Being stuck at home all weekend had me climbing the walls.

climbing noun [noncount]

She enjoys mountain climbing.

We're going to go climbing this weekend.

see also ROCK CLIMBING

2climb noun, pl climbs [count]

: the act of climbing: such as
a : the act or process of climbing a mountain, hill, etc.

It's a 20-minute climb to the ridge from here.

He's planning to attempt one of the most difficult climbs in South America this summer.

b : the act or process of moving upward

The plane made a steep climb [=ascent] to 30,000 feet.

c : the act or process of going to a higher level or position

The book chronicles her climb [=ascent] to political power.

The book made a rapid climb to the top of the best-seller list.

climb·down noun [singular]

Brit : an act of admitting that you have made a mistake and are changing your position or opinion

His statement is seen as a climbdown from the strong denial he made yesterday.

see also climb down at 1CLIMB

climb·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who climbs mountains, cliffs, etc., as a sport
a mountain climber

2 : an animal that climbs a lot or very well

Chimpanzees are excellent climbers and spend a lot of their lives in trees.

3 : a plant that grows up walls, poles, etc.,
climbers like clematis and ivy

see also SOCIAL CLIMBER

climbing frame noun, pl frames [count]

Brit : play structure

climbing wall noun, pl walls [count]

: a wall that is specially designed to be climbed and that is used to develop the skills needed for climbing mountains and cliffs

clime noun, pl climes [count]

literary : a climate : a place with a particular climate
usually plural

They traveled south in search of warmer climes.

1clinch verb, clinch·es, clinched, clinch·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to make (something) certain or final

His home run clinched the victory.

The new evidence clinches the case.

Her work on the project should clinch her a promotion.

The photos of the city have clinched it for me. I have to visit Prague.

1 b : to make certain the winning of (something)

If they win tonight's game they'll clinch the pennant.

2 [no obj] : to hold each other closely during a fight

The boxers clinched.

2clinch noun, pl clinches [count]

: a position in which two people (such as two boxers) are holding each other very closely

The referee told the boxers to break their clinch.

The movie ended with the hero and heroine locked in a passionate clinch. [=(more commonly) embrace]

clinch·er noun [singular]

informal : a fact or statement that makes something certain or final

This delicious soup is bound to impress guests. And here's the clincher: it's very easy to make. [=the fact that the soup is easy to make makes it especially appealing]

cling verb, clings, clung , cling·ing [no obj]

1 : to hold onto something or someone very tightly

The children clung together under the little umbrella waiting for the storm to pass.

usually + to or onto

The little cat clung to the narrow branch.

The boy clung onto his mother's hand as they walked through the crowd.

The little boy clung to his mother when it was time for her to leave.

2 often disapproving : to stay very close to someone for emotional support, protection, etc.

a clinging child
usually + to
parents who cling to their children instead of allowing them to be independent

He clung to his friends for support.

3 : to stick to something or someone
usually + to

The shirt clung to his wet shoulders.

4 : to continue to believe in or depend on something

+ to

He is still clinging to the idea that his marriage can be saved.

5 : to try very hard to keep something that you are in danger of losing
usually + to
an aging leader clinging to power

clingy adj, cling·i·er, -est
a clingy dress

He was a clingy child.

cling film noun [noncount]

Brit : plastic wrap

clin·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

1 : a place where people get medical help

The clinic is offering free screening for diabetes.

a family-planning clinic

He checked into a drug rehab clinic.

2 : an event at which a doctor is available to talk to people about a particular health matter

The hospital is holding/having a pain clinic on Tuesday night for anyone interested in learning how to deal with chronic pain.

3 : a meeting during which a group of people learn about a particular thing or work on a particular problem
a reading clinic

A local club is giving a fishing clinic on Saturday.

4 : a place where professional services are offered to people for a lower cost than is usual

A legal clinic in the city provides poor families with advice on legal matters.

put on a clinic

US informal : to perform or play extremely well

The quarterback really put on a clinic in the second half, throwing four touchdown passes.

clin·i·cal adj

1 always used before a noun : relating to or based on work done with real patients : of or relating to the medical treatment that is given to patients in hospitals, clinics, etc.

Both experimental and clinical evidence show that the treatment is effective.

She enjoys her clinical practice but is looking forward to working in a laboratory.

Three hundred patients were involved in the clinical study.

a drug that is undergoing clinical trials [=scientific tests to see the effect of a drug by using it with real patients]

He's a clinical psychologist [=a psychologist who works with patients] and professor of psychology at the university.

2 : requiring treatment as a medical problem

Clinical depression [=depression that is a medical condition] is more serious than the occasional bouts of sadness that most people deal with.

3 always used before a noun : of or relating to a place where medical treatment is given : of or relating to a clinic
clinical offices

She has been the clinical director [=the director of a clinic] here for five years.

4 [more ; most ] : not showing emotion or excitement

Her voice was calm, almost clinical [=cold], as she told us what happened.

5 : very exact or skillful

He did the work with clinical precision.

clin·i·cal·ly adv
clinically depressed patients

cli·ni·cian noun, pl -cians [count]

: a person (such as a doctor or nurse) who works directly with patients rather than in a laboratory or as a researcher

1clink verb, clinks, clinked, clink·ing

: to make or cause (something) to make a short, sharp sound that is made when glass or metal objects hit each other

[no obj] The bottles clinked together.

[+ obj] When she'd completed the toast, they clinked glasses.

clinking noun [noncount]

I could hear the clinking of glasses coming from the dining room.

2clink noun, pl clinks [count]

: a short, sharp sound made when glass or metal objects hit each other
the clink of glasses

compare 3CLINK

3clink noun

the clink
slang : a jail or prison

I spent a night in the clink. [=in jail]

compare 2CLINK

clink·er noun, pl -kers [count]

US informal

1 : something that fails completely

All his recent movies have been real clinkers. [=flops]

2 : a wrong note in a musical performance

Somebody in the orchestra hit a clinker.

1clip noun, pl clips [count]

1 : a usually small piece of metal or plastic that holds things together or keeps things in place
hair clips
a tie clip [=a piece of metal that holds together the ends of a necktie]

He uses a money clip instead of a wallet.

see also PAPER CLIP

2 : a container that is filled with bullets and that is placed inside a gun so that the bullets can be fired
an ammunition clip

compare 3CLIP

2clip verb, clips, clipped, clip·ping

1 [+ obj] : to hold (two or more things) together with a clip
clip the papers together

2 : to attach (something) to or onto something else with a clip

[+ obj] He clipped the keys to her belt.

Clip this microphone onto your shirt.

[no obj] The radio clips to/onto a belt.

compare 4CLIP

3clip noun, pl clips

1 [count] : a short section of a movie, TV show, etc.

Here's a clip from his new movie.

video/audio clips

2 [count] US : an article that has been cut out of a newspaper or magazine : clipping
a pile of press clips about her son

3 [singular] : the speed at which something happens

The market is growing at a clip [=rate] of five percent a year.

If something moves or happens at a fast/rapid/steady/good clip, it moves or happens quickly.

The train was moving at a good clip.

4 [singular] US, informal : one time or instance

He makes up to $1,000 a clip.

usually used in the phrase at a clip

She can bicycle 30 miles at a clip.

5 [singular] Brit, informal : a quick and painful hit with the hand

She gave him a clip round the ear. [=she hit him on the ear]

compare 1CLIP

4clip verb, clips, clipped, clipping [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) shorter or neater by cutting off small pieces

She's outside clipping [=trimming] the hedges/bushes.

clipping the tips of their cigars
closely clipped grass

The bird's wings have been clipped so that it can't fly away.

see also clip someone's wings at 1WING

2 : to cut (an article, a picture, etc.) out of a newspaper or magazine

She clipped (out) several recipes from the magazine.

clipping coupons

3 : to hit the side of (something) while going past it

The car skidded off the road and clipped a tree.

compare 2CLIP

clip·board noun, pl -boards [count]

1 : a small board that has a clip at the top for holding papers

2 : a feature of a computer program that holds a copy of some data (such as words or a picture) and allows the user to move the data to another document or program

Copy the sentence to the clipboard and paste it in a new document.

clip-clop noun [noncount]

: the sound made by a horse that is walking on a hard surface
the slow clip-clop of the horses as the parade passed by

clip-clop verb, -clops, -clopped, -clop·ping [no obj]

The horse-drawn carriage clip-clopped down the street.

clip joint noun, pl joints [count]

slang : a business (such as a bar or nightclub) that makes its customers pay too much money

clip-on adj, always used before a noun

: attached to something with a clip
a clip-on necktie
clip-on earrings

clipped adj [more ; most ]

used to describe speech that is fast, that uses short sounds and few words, and that is often unfriendly or rude

She answered their questions in a clipped voice/tone.

the police officer's clipped speech

clip·per noun, pl -pers [count]

1 : a device used for cutting something
a hedge clipper
usually plural
fingernail clippers
wire clippers
hedge clippers

She cut his hair with electric clippers.

2 : a person who clips something
a coupon clipper

3 : a very fast type of sailing ship that was used especially in the 1800s

clip·ping noun, pl -pings [count]

1 chiefly US : something (such as an article or a picture) that has been cut out of a newspaper or magazine
a newspaper/magazine clipping
an old news clipping
called also press clipping (Brit) cutting

2 : a small piece that has been cut off of something
a fingernail clipping
usually plural
grass clippings

clique noun, pl cliques [count]

disapproving : a small group of people who spend time together and who are not friendly to other people
high school cliques

cliqu·ish also cliqu·ey adj [more ; most ]

The students in the high school are very cliquish and unfriendly.

cliquish attitudes

cli·to·ris noun, pl -ri·ses [count]

: a female sexual organ that is small, sensitive, and located on the outside of the body in front of the opening of the vagina

cli·to·ral adj

Cllr abbr

Brit councillor

1cloak noun, pl cloaks

1 [count] : a piece of clothing that is used as a coat, that has no sleeves, and that is worn over the shoulders and attached at the neck

2 [singular] : a thing that hides or covers someone or something

The soldiers began their attack under (the) cloak of darkness.

Their plans were shrouded in a cloak of secrecy.

2cloak verb, cloaks, cloaked, cloak·ing [+ obj]

literary

1 : to cover (someone or something)

usually used as (be) cloaked
a field cloaked in snow

2 : to hide or disguise (something)

usually used as (be) cloaked

His caring personality was cloaked [=hidden, concealed] by shyness.

usually + in

The plans were cloaked [=shrouded] in secrecy.

a company cloaked in mystery

cloaked adj

A cloaked figure [=a person wearing a cloak] entered the room.

cloak-and-dagger adj

: relating to or showing actions or behavior in which people or governments try to protect their important secrets or try to learn the secrets of others
a cloak-and-dagger novel
cloak-and-dagger [=undercover, secret] operations

cloak·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

1 Brit : a room in a public building that has toilets and sinks

The ladies' cloakroom [=(US) bathroom, restroom] is down the hall.

2 chiefly Brit : checkroom

We left our things in the cloakroom.

1clob·ber verb, -bers, -bered, -ber·ing [+ obj]

informal

1 : to hit (someone) very hard

Some guy was clobbering [=beating] him in the parking lot.

If you say anything I'll clobber you.

2 : to defeat (a person or team) very easily in a competition

We clobbered them in our last game.

She was/got clobbered in the election. [=she lost by a large number of votes]

3 : to have a very bad effect on (someone or something)

Businesses are being/getting clobbered by the bad economy.

2clobber noun [noncount]

Brit informal : someone's clothes, supplies, or equipment

Just dump your clobber anywhere.

1clock noun, pl clocks

1 [count] : a device that shows what time it is and that is usually placed in a room or attached to a wall

She looked/glanced at the clock on the wall. It was now 2:30.

the hands/face of the clock
a digital clock
often used before another noun
a clock tower [=a tower with a clock on at least one of its sides]

a clock face

compare WATCH, see also ALARM CLOCK, ATOMIC CLOCK, BIOLOGICAL CLOCK, BODY CLOCK, CUCKOO CLOCK, GRANDFATHER CLOCK

2 the clock : a clock that is used in sports and that shows how much time remains for a particular part of a game

They were winning by 2 points with 10 seconds (left) on the clock.

They stopped the (game) clock with eight seconds remaining.

In U.S. English, to eat up the clock or run out the clock or kill the clock is to keep control of the ball or puck near the end of a game so that your opponent will not have a chance to score.

We kept moving the ball to try to eat up the clock.

If we can run out the clock, we can keep our lead and win.

see also SHOT CLOCK

3 the clock : time clock

I punched the clock at 8:45 and started working right away.

4 the clock chiefly Brit, informal : a device that shows how far a vehicle has traveled : odometer
a car with 100,000 miles on the clock

against the clock

1 : in order to do or finish something before a particular time

On our last project, we were working/racing against the clock.

It was a race against the clock to finish the job on time.

2

If a race is against the clock, the time of each racer is measured and the racer with the fastest time wins.

One by one the skiers sped downhill, racing against the clock.

around the clock also round the clock

: throughout the entire day and night : every hour of the day

Our stores are now open around the clock. [=our stores are open 24 hours a day]

Reporters worked around the clock to cover the story.

beat the clock

: to do or finish something quickly before a particular time

In a desperate attempt to beat the clock, I raced to mail my tax return before midnight.

put/turn back the clock also put/turn the clock back

: to return to a condition that existed in the past

This new decision has effectively turned back the clock on 20 years of progress.

I wish that we could turn back the clock and start all over again.

2clock verb, clocks, clocked, clock·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to measure the amount of time it takes for (a person) to do something or for (something) to be completed
usually + at

She clocked [=timed] her first mile at 5 minutes and 20 seconds.

He clocked me at 30 seconds.

1 b : to finish a race in (an amount of time)

He clocked 3 hours and 15 minutes in his last marathon.

2 a [+ obj] : to measure or show (the speed of something) with a measuring device

His fastest pitch was clocked at 91 miles per hour.

The cop said she clocked me going 95 miles per hour.

2 b [no obj] : to have a particular speed or to continue for a particular amount of time

+ in

The movie clocked in at just under three hours. [=the movie was almost three hours long]

3 [+ obj] informal : to hit (someone or something) very hard

I was so angry I wanted to clock him.

4 [+ obj] Brit, informal : to look at or notice (someone or something)

Just clock [=get a load of] that new motor of his.

clock in/on [phrasal verb]

chiefly Brit : to record on a special card the time that you start working

What time did you clock on?

I clocked in [=(US) punched in] 10 minutes late.

clock off/out [phrasal verb]

chiefly Brit : to record on a special card the time that you stop working

What time did you clock off yesterday?

I clocked off [=(US) punched out] 10 minutes late.

clock up [phrasal verb]

clock up (something) chiefly Brit : to gain or reach (a particular number or amount)

Our company clocked up a record number of sales this year.

clock radio noun, pl -dios [count]

: a radio that includes a clock and that can be set so that the radio turns on at a particular time

clock·wise adv

: in the direction that the hands of a clock move when you look at it from the front

Turn the screw clockwise to tighten it.

opposite COUNTERCLOCKWISE

clockwise adj
in a clockwise direction

clock·work noun [noncount]

1 : the system of moving wheels inside something (such as a clock or an old-fashioned toy) that makes its parts move
the clockwork inside a mechanical toy soldier

2
used to describe something that happens or works in a very regular and exact way

Every morning, like clockwork, customers line up outside the front door of the bakery.

Their wedding went (off) like clockwork. [=their wedding went very smoothly; everything in the wedding happened the way they planned]

The birds return each year, (as) regular as clockwork.

often used before another noun

The work was done with clockwork precision.

They return with clockwork regularity.

a clockwork operation

clod noun, pl clods [count]

1 : a lump of dirt or clay

2 informal : a person who is stupid and dull

Her husband's such a clod.

clod·dish adj [more ; most ]

his typically cloddish behavior

clod·hop·per noun, pl -ers [count]

informal

1 : a person from the country who is clumsy or who has bad manners

2 : a large heavy shoe or boot
usually plural
a pair of old clodhoppers

1clog verb, clogs, clogged, clog·ging

: to slowly form a block in (something, such as a pipe or street) so that things cannot move through quickly or easily

[+ obj] The sink was clogged by/with dirt and grease.

Traffic starts clogging (up) the streets at around five o'clock.

Something's clogged (up) the pipes.

[no obj] The drain clogs easily because the opening is so small.

His arteries clogged (up) again five years after his surgery.

often used figuratively

There are too many legal cases clogging up the court system.

clogged adj
a clogged pipe
clogged pores
clogged arteries
clogged blood vessels

2clog noun, pl clogs [count]

1 : a shoe or sandal that has a thick usually wooden sole
a pair of clogs

2 : something that blocks or clogs a pipe

There's a clog in the kitchen sink.

a liquid chemical that gets rid of clogs

clois·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a place where monks or nuns live : a monastery or convent

2 : a covered path or hall with arches that is on the side of a building (such as a monastery or church) and that has one open side usually facing a courtyard

clois·tered adj [more ; most ]

: separated from the rest of the world

She leads a private, cloistered life in the country.

: protected from the problems and concerns of everyday life

He spent most of his adult life cloistered in universities.

clomp verb, clomps, clomped, clomp·ing [no obj]

chiefly US : to walk with loud, heavy steps

He was clomping [=clumping] around in his big rubber boots.

1clone noun, pl clones [count]

1 biology : a plant or animal that is grown from one cell of its parent and that has exactly the same genes as its parent
the clone of an adult female sheep

2 : a product (such as a computer) that is a copy of another product produced by a well-known company
a company that manufactures computer clones = a clone-maker

3 : a person or thing that appears to be an exact copy of another person or thing

I am not a clone [=duplicate] of my father. He and I are very different people.

2clone verb, clones, cloned, clon·ing

: to make an exact copy of (a person, animal, or plant) : to make a clone of (something or someone)

[+ obj] Do you think scientists should clone humans?

[no obj] a plant produced by cloning

1close verb, clos·es, closed, clos·ing

The opposite of close is open in every sense except senses 3b and 9.

1 : to move (a door, window, etc.) so that things cannot pass through an opening : shut

[+ obj] Please close the door.

We had better close the windows; it looks like it's going to rain.

I forgot to close the gate.

She was having trouble closing the drawer.

Close the lid on the box tightly.

[no obj] The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.

The box's lid closed with a bang.

2 [+ obj] : to cover the opening of (something) : shut

Remember to close the box of cereal when you're done.

3 a : to bring together the parts or edges of (something open)

[+ obj] Please close your books and put them under your desks.

Close your mouth.

Close your eyes and go to sleep.

I closed my fists and got ready to fight.

close an umbrella

[no obj] This suitcase just won't close!

Her eyes closed, and she drifted off to sleep.

My throat closed and I felt like I couldn't breathe.

3 b : to bring together the edges of (a wound) so that it can heal

[+ obj] It took 10 stitches to close the wound on his head.

[no obj] The cut eventually closed [=closed up, healed over] on its own.

4 : to not allow (a road, park, etc.) to be used for a period of time

[+ obj] The city closed [=closed off] the beach during the storm.

They closed the bridge to traffic. [=they did not allow cars to use the bridge]

[no obj] The park closes every evening at dusk.

5 a : to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) for a period of time

[+ obj] They closed the school today because of the storm.

We'll be closing the theater while we make the necessary repairs.

[no obj] The store closes for lunch from 1 to 2 p.m.

The airport closed for two hours yesterday due to icy conditions.

The bank closes at noon on Saturdays.

What time does the library close?

5 b : to stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.) permanently

[+ obj] They closed [=closed down, shut down] the school/factory/office last year.

[no obj] The restaurant has closed for lack of business.

The play closed [=it stopped being performed] after 112 performances.

6 : to end (something)

[+ obj] The minister closed [=concluded] the services with a short prayer.

She closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their help.

Investigators closed the case after concluding that his death was an accident.

[no obj] The services closed [=concluded] with a short prayer.

I'd like to close by thanking you all for your help.

7 [+ obj] : to stop keeping money in (an account at a bank)

I closed [=closed out] my savings account and opened up a new one at another bank.

8 [+ obj] : to end the use of (a file, document, or program) on a computer

Remember to save the file before closing it.

9 [+ obj] : to formally accept (an agreement)

They just closed a deal to take ownership of a new restaurant.

the custom of closing a deal by shaking hands
see also CLOSE ON ((BELOW))

10 [no obj] : to reach a specified price or level at the end of the day

The stock opened at $19 a share and closed at $22.

Stocks opened weak but closed strong.

11 : to reduce the amount of distance or difference between two things, people, or groups

[+ obj] The challenger has closed [=narrowed] the champion's lead to within two points.

closing the distance to the lead runner

These changes will help close the gap between the richest and the poorest countries.

[no obj] She has closed to within two points of the champion.

close down [phrasal verb]

1 a : to permanently stop operating : close

The factory closed down in the 1980s.

1 b Brit : to stop broadcasting from a radio or television station for the day

We're closing down for the night: tune in again tomorrow morning!

2 close down (something) or close (something) down : to permanently stop the services or activities of (a business, school, etc.)

They closed down [=closed, shut down] the school due to financial problems.

see also CLOSEDOWN

close in [phrasal verb]

: to come or move nearer or closer

The storm is closing in [=approaching] fast.

Enemy troops are closing in all around us!

The lions closed in for the kill.

I felt that the world was closing in around me.

The air became colder as night/darkness closed in. [=as darkness fell, as the night became dark]

often + on

The fire was closing in on their neighborhood.

The camera slowly closed in on the actor's face.

Police were closing in on the two men.

Researchers are closing in on [=they are close to finding] a cure for the disease.

She's closing in on 40. [=she is almost 40 years old]

close off [phrasal verb]

close off (something) or close (something) off : to not allow (something) to be used for a period of time : close

The city closed off the beach to tourists.

closing off a road with barriers

Half of the museum was closed off while they made the changes.

sometimes used figuratively

He closes himself off to new experiences. [=he does not allow himself to have new experiences]

close on [phrasal verb]

close on (something) US : to formally and legally agree to and complete (an important financial arrangement, such as the purchase of a house)

We're going to close on our house next Friday.

They closed on the deal.

see also 1CLOSE 9 (ABOVE)

close out [phrasal verb]

close out (something)

1 US : to quickly sell (all of a particular type of product in a store) at a lower price

We're closing out our entire stock of children's clothing! Come and pick up some bargains!

see also CLOSEOUT

2 : to stop keeping money in (a bank account)

She withdrew all her money and closed out [=closed] her account.

3 : to end (something) in a specified way

The team closed out the series with a 21 win over New York.

She closed out her remarkable career with a final grand performance.

close ranks see 1RANK

close the door on see DOOR

close up [phrasal verb]

1 a : to close and lock all the doors of a building usually for a short period of time

Businesses closed up [=closed] early so employees could attend the parade.

We've closed up for the day. Please come back tomorrow.

1 b close (something) up or close up (something) : to close and lock all the doors of (a house, store, etc.)

They closed up the house and left town.

To close up shop is to go out of business forever or stop performing all services or activities for a period of time.

Rather than closing up shop entirely, the company laid off half of its workers.

The restaurant has already closed up shop for the winter.

2 : to move closer together

The troops closed up and prepared to begin the attack.

3 of a wound : to become completely healed

The cut eventually closed up [=closed] on its own.

4 : to become quiet : to stop talking about your thoughts or emotions with other people

She closes up when people ask her about her parents.

5 close (something) up or close up (something) : to bring (people or things) closer together

Close up the spaces between the lines.

close your doors see DOOR

close your eyes to see 1EYE

2close adj, clos·er, -est

1 : near in space : not far away or distant

We're not there yet, but we're getting close.

We stood close together to stay warm.

often + to

New York is much closer to Chicago than it is to Los Angeles.

Don't get too close to the fire.

Stay close to me, children!

Let's try to sit close to the front.

The trees were planted in close proximity to [=near] the building.

The gun is made for shooting at close range. [=from a short distance]

We were able to observe their behavior at close quarters. [=from a short distance]

Over 200 people lived in close quarters [=very close together] on the ship.

see also close encounter at 2ENCOUNTER

2 : near in time

Christmas is getting closer and will soon be here.

She had her two children very close together. [=her second child was born soon after her first]

often + to

You shouldn't snack so close to dinnertime.

It's getting close to midnight.

My birthday is close to Thanksgiving.

3 not used before a noun : very similar : almost the same

Their daughters are close in age.

close in size and shape
often + to
a sound close to the sound of breaking glass

He bears a close resemblance to his father. [=he looks very much like his father]

4 not used before a noun : almost correct

“I'd guess that you're 29 years old.” “You're close. I'm 30.”

It's not exactly right, but it's close.

You're way off! Not even close! [=you are completely wrong]

The informal phrase close but no cigar is used to say that a guess was almost correct or that an effort was almost good enough.

“Was I right?” “Close, but no cigar.”

We were close but no cigar.

5 a used to say that someone or something has almost reached a particular condition;

+ to

He was close to death when they brought him to the hospital.

These rare birds are close to extinction.

His reply left her close to tears. [=his reply almost made her cry]

5 b : almost doing something

+ to

She was close to crying.

The bridge came dangerously close to collapsing. [=the bridge almost collapsed]

6
used to say that something bad almost happened

That was close! We almost missed our plane.

That was a close one. [=close call, close shave]

see also too close for comfort at 1COMFORT

7
used to describe the people you are most directly related to (such as your parents, children, sisters, brothers, etc.)

She had no close relatives nearby.

We're only inviting close family members to our wedding.

compare DISTANT

8
used to describe people who know each other very well and care about each other very much

They were close friends in high school, but they've since grown apart.

My sister and I have always been very close.

We have a very close relationship.

often + to

We've always felt very close to each other.

He's very close to his grandparents.

9 : connected in a direct way

Sources close to the president say that he is willing to make a deal.

She stays in close touch/contact with her friends back home.

Authorities claim he has close ties to terrorist organizations.

sometimes used figuratively

This idea lies close to the heart of Democracy. [=it has an important connection to Democracy]

Animal rights is a cause that is close to my heart. [=I care very much about animal rights]

10 : very careful, complete, or precise

It's important to pay close attention to the details.

Take a closer look at the evidence.

On closer examination, it appeared that something was missing.

We worked under the close supervision of a trained professional.

a close study of the Greek classics
a close reading of a text

Keep (a) close watch on the baby. = Keep a close eye on the baby. [=watch the baby closely]

11
used to describe a race, contest, game, etc., in which one person, group, or team defeats the other or is leading the other by only a small amount

That was a close game. We only beat them by one point.

It was the closest election in recent history.

a close race

At this point, the election is too close to call. [=it is not clear who will win]

When you are a close second, there is a small difference between you and the winner.

Vanilla is the most popular flavor while chocolate is/finishes/runs a close second.

She won the race while her teammate came in a close second. [=her teammate finished soon after her]

12 : very short or near to the skin
a close haircut/shave

13 : fitting tightly : having no extra space

I think there's enough room in the car for all of us, but it'll be a close [=tight] fit.

see also CLOSE-FITTING

14 : warm in an uncomfortable way : not having enough fresh air

It's very close in here: let's open a window.

close to home

If something is close to home, it affects you in a strong and personal way.

I'm a teacher, so their criticisms of our educational system hit close to home.

People are usually not concerned about crime until it comes close to home. [=until it affects them directly]

close to the bone

If something is close to the bone, it is very honest and deals with sensitive issues that can shock people or hurt their feelings.

His joke about racism in America cut pretty close to the bone.

close to the edge see 1EDGE

close to the mark see 1MARK

close to your chest or US close to the vest

If you hold, keep, or play something close to your chest or close to the vest, you do not tell other people about it.

It's better to hold such information close to the vest.

She tends to keep her opinions close to her chest.

close·ly adv [more ; most ]

Don't drive too closely behind the car in front of you.

The houses on our street are crowded very closely together.

She closely resembles her mother.

The suspects were watched closely by the police.

We've been studying their behavior very closely.

closely related family members

close·ness noun [noncount]

the closeness of the election results
the closeness felt by a parent and child

3close adv, clos·er, -est

: at or to a short distance or time away

Don't drive so close to the car in front of you.

He told me to stay/keep close as we walked through the crowd.

Come close, everyone.

Look close [=closely] and tell me what you see.

She drew me close (to her) and held me.

The time for a decision is drawing closer.

My teammate came in third, and I finished close behind.

They sat close together at the dinner table.

close at hand

: near in time or place

I always keep a few tissues close at hand [=near me] just in case.

The time for us to leave was close at hand.

close by

: at a short distance away

Don't worry: if anything happens I'll be (standing) close by (you).

They're building a school close by.

close on

Brit : almost or nearly

We walked for close on [=close to] five miles.

close to

1 : almost or nearly

They spent close to half a million dollars on the project.

Our company employs close to a thousand workers.

I haven't seen her in close to a year.

I sat there for close to an hour.

2 Brit : from a short distance

She's even more beautiful when seen close to. [=close up]

close up or up close

: from a short distance : at close range

You have to look at the painting close up to really appreciate its detail.

It looks very different up close.

see also CLOSE-UP

come close

1 : to almost do something

We didn't win, but we came close.

often + to

The band came very close to breaking up.

We came close to winning the championship this season.

2 : to be similar to something or as good as expected

She said they taste just like real hot dogs, but they don't even come close (to the real thing).

cut it close see 1CUT

4close noun [singular]

formal : the end of an activity or a period of time

Students vote for their favorite teacher at the close of each year.

At the close of trading, the stock market was two percent lower than yesterday.

As the year drew to a close, the debate over the new project grew more intense.

The war finally appears to be coming to a close.

She brought the show to a close with a performance of her most famous song.

see also COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE
compare 5CLOSE

5close noun, pl clos·es [count]

Brit

1 : the area and buildings that are around a cathedral
a cathedral close

2 : a road that is closed at one end
used in street names

Turn into Bloomhill Close.

compare 4CLOSE

close call noun, pl calls [count]

: an escape that was almost not successful

We nearly didn't get out of the burning building. It was a pretty close call, let me tell you!

called also close shave

close-cropped adj

: cut very short
his close-cropped hair
the close-cropped grass of the golf course

closed adj

1 : covering an opening

All the windows in the house are closed. [=shut]

: having an opening that is covered

Keep your eyes closed.

He looked at me through half-closed eyes.

a closed container
a closed umbrella

2 : not operating or open to the public

The store is closed for lunch between 1 and 2 p.m.

The beach is closed this time of night.

These restrooms are closed for cleaning.

a closed road/bridge

3 a : having ended : not being worked on anymore

The case is closed.

3 b : no longer able to be discussed

The question is closed.

The chairman declared the discussion closed and allowed no further speeches.

4 : including only people from a particular group

There was a closed circle of advisers protecting the President.

clubs with closed memberships

5 : happening in private : not allowing the public to participate or know what is being said or done

The meeting was closed to the public.

The Prime Minister said that today's closed meeting with the President was particularly constructive.

a closed session of Congress

6 : not willing to listen to or accept different ideas or opinions
closed societies

I had a closed mind at first, but now I understand the need for change.

behind closed doors

: in a private room or place : in private

All of their meetings are held behind closed doors.

They seemed like the perfect couple, but you never know what goes on behind closed doors.

The decisions are made behind closed doors.

with your eyes closed see 1EYE

closed-cap·tioned adj
of a television show or movie : having written words that appear on the screen to describe what is being said for people who do not hear well and that can only be seen if you are using a special device

closed-cap·tion·ing noun [noncount]

closed-cir·cuit adj, always used before a noun

used to describe a television system that sends its signal through wires to a limited number of televisions

The store uses closed-circuit television to monitor the activities of shoppers.

closed-door adj, always used before a noun

: held secretly or privately

The council held a closed-door session in Washington.

closed-door meetings

closed-mind·ed adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US disapproving : not willing to consider different ideas or opinions : having or showing a closed mind

He's becoming increasingly closed-minded in his old age.

a closed-minded refusal to listen
opposite OPEN-MINDED

closed-mind·ed·ly adv

closed-mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

closed-mouthed adj [more ; most ]

US : close-mouthed

He remains closed-mouthed about his plans.

close·down noun, pl -downs

1 [count] chiefly Brit : an occurrence or situation in which work is stopped for a long time or permanently in a business, factory, etc. : shutdown
plant closedowns
a government closedown

2 [singular] Brit : the end of television or radio broadcasts for the day see also close down at 1CLOSE

close-fit·ting adj [more ; most ]

of clothes : fitting tightly to the body : not baggy or loose
a close-fitting pair of pants

close-knit adj [more ; most ]

used to describe a group of people who care about each other and who are very friendly with each other
a close-knit family
close-knit communities/towns

close-mind·ed adj [more ; most ]

US : closed-minded
close-minded people
a very close-minded attitude

close-mouthed adj [more ; most ]

US : not saying very much especially about a secret or about a particular subject
close-mouthed officials

They've been close-mouthed [=secretive] about the settlement.

close·out noun, pl -outs [count]

US

1 a : a sale in which a store tries to sell all of its products because the store is going out of business
a store closeout

1 b : a sale to sell all of the old models of a product so that a store can sell the new models

2 : a product that is being sold at a closeout
a store that sells closeouts
see also close out at 1CLOSE

clos·er noun, pl -ers [count]

baseball : a pitcher who specializes in finishing games

close-set adj [more ; most ]

of eyes : close together
her close-set eyes

close shave noun, pl shaves [count]

: close call

I've had a few close shaves in my lifetime, but this one was the scariest.

1clos·et noun, pl -ets

1 [count] chiefly US : a usually small room that is used for storing things (such as clothing, towels, or dishes)

The sheets and blankets are in the hall closet.

He has a closet full of new clothes.

broom/coat closets
a walk-in closet [=a large closet usually for clothes]

see also WATER CLOSET

2 [noncount] : a state in which someone will not talk about something or admit something; especially : a state in which someone will not admit being a homosexual
usually used in the phrases in the closet or out of the closet

He's still in the closet. [=he has not told people that he is gay]

She came out of the closet in college.

skeleton in the/your closet see 1SKELETON

2closet adj, always used before a noun

: hiding the fact that you are a particular type of person

She's a closet racist. [=she does not want people to know that she is a racist]

Some people think he's a closet homosexual.

3closet verb, -ets, -et·ed, -et·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put (yourself) in a room in order to be alone

He closeted himself in his apartment for several days.

2 : to bring (someone) into a room in order to talk privately
usually used as (be) closeted

The manager was closeted with one of her employees for several hours.

close-up noun, pl -ups

: a photograph or movie picture taken very close to an object or person

[count] “Move in for a close-up,” said the film's director.

a close-up of her face

[noncount] The scene was shot in close-up.

close-up adj, always used before a noun

Get a close-up shot of them kissing.

1clos·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : a situation or occurrence in which a business or organization shuts down and stops its operations
factory/plant/store closings
the closing of the local school/hospital

2 : the last part of a letter or speech
a very brief/abrupt closing

3 : a meeting in which the owners of a house formally give ownership of the house to other people

We met with our lawyer before the closing on our new house.

closing costs [=the extra amounts of money that people need to pay when they buy a house]

in closing
formal : at the end of a speech, letter, etc.

“Thank you all for your help, and for making the fair such a big success,” she said in closing.

used to introduce the final remarks in a speech, letter, etc.

In closing [=in conclusion], I would like to make one final point.

2closing adj, always used before a noun

: forming the last part or end of something
the book's closing chapters/pages/lines
the closing days/years of his life

In her closing arguments, the lawyer repeated that her client was not guilty.

his closing remarks in the debate
the closing ceremonies of the Olympics

His name's listed in the movie's closing credits.

closing date noun, pl dates [count]

Brit : the last day that something (such as applying for a job or entering a contest) can be done : deadline

The closing date for entries is October 1st.

closing price noun, pl prices [count]

: the price of a stock or bond at the end of a day
the previous day's closing price

closing time noun [noncount]

: the time when businesses (such as banks and bars) close for the day

clo·sure noun, pl -sures

1 [count] : a situation or occurrence in which something (such as a business or factory) closes forever
business closures [=closings]

a school closure = the closure of a school

The government forced the closure of the factory.

2 [noncount]

2 a : a feeling that something has been completed or that a problem has been solved

I need to talk to him and get some closure on this issue.

2 b : a feeling that a bad experience (such as a divorce or the death of a family member) has ended and that you can start to live again in a calm and normal way

Going to the memorial service for his late wife made it possible for him to achieve closure.

We all felt a sense of closure after our sister's murderer was sent to jail.

trying to bring closure to the victim's family

3 [count] : the way that something (such as a jacket) is closed together
usually singular

The coat has a zipper closure. [=the coat is closed with a zipper]

1clot noun, pl clots [count]

1 : blood clot

We were told that his stroke was caused by a clot in his brain.

2 Brit, informal : a stupid person

That stupid little clot!

2clot verb, clots, clot·ted, clot·ting

: to become thick and partly solid : to develop clots

[no obj] medications that prevent blood from clotting

[+ obj] substances that help to clot blood

clotted adj
clotted blood
clotted arteries [=arteries that are blocked by blood clots]

sometimes used figuratively

The streets are clotted [=clogged] with traffic.

see also CLOTTED CREAM

clotting noun [noncount]

I take a drug to prevent (blood) clotting.

cloth noun, pl cloths

1 : material that is made by weaving together threads of cotton, wool, nylon, etc., and that is used to make clothes, sheets, etc.

[noncount] a piece of cloth [=fabric]

[count] The dress is made out of a beautiful silk cloth.

often used before another noun
cloth napkins/diapers
a cloth bag

2 [count] : a piece of cloth that is used for a particular purpose (such as cleaning things)

Wipe the surface with a clean dry cloth.

a damp/wet cloth
see also DISHCLOTH, FACECLOTH, LOINCLOTH, TABLECLOTH, WASHCLOTH

3 the cloth : Christian priests and ministers : clergy

He has great respect for the cloth.

a man of the cloth [=a priest or minister]

cut from the same cloth

If people or things are cut from the same cloth, they are very similar to each other.

Our mothers were cut from the same cloth.

The country's new president is cut from the same cloth as his predecessor.

out of whole cloth

US informal

If something is created out of whole cloth, it is invented in order to trick someone into believing something.

He would make up stories out of whole cloth just to stir up trouble.

clothe verb, clothes, clothed also clad , cloth·ing [+ obj]

1 : to provide (someone) with clothes
the cost of feeding and clothing your children

2 formal : to dress (someone) in a particular type of clothing
people who clothe themselves in designer fashions [=people who wear expensive clothes]

clothed adj

1 : wearing clothes

He fell into the swimming pool fully clothed.

scantily clothed [=(more commonly) clad] young women
often + in

The men were clothed entirely in black.

She answered the door clothed only in her bathrobe.

2 : covered in something

The land is clothed in dense green forests.

a bird clothed in bright yellow feathers

clothes noun [plural]

: the things that people wear to cover their bodies and that are usually made from cloth
heavy winter clothes [=clothing]

I need some new clothes for the summer.

My sister and I borrow each other's clothes all the time.

Always wear your best clothes for interviews.

dress clothes [=fancy or formal things to wear]

work clothes [=items that are appropriate to wear at work]

He changed his clothes.

I bought a new clothes dryer/washer.

a clothes hamper
see also plain clothes at 1PLAIN

synonyms see CLOTHING

clothes hanger noun, pl -ers [count]

: coat hanger

clothes·horse noun, pl -hors·es [count]

informal + sometimes disapproving : a person who likes to wear stylish clothing

My teenage daughter's a real clotheshorse.

clothes·line noun, pl -lines [count]

: a piece of rope or a wire that people hang wet clothes on to dry

clothes·pin noun, pl -pins [count]

US : a small object used for holding clothes on a clothesline called also (Brit) clothes peg

cloth·ier noun, pl -iers [count]

somewhat old-fashioned : a person or business that makes or sells clothing
the city's finest clothiers

cloth·ing noun [noncount]

: the things that people wear to cover their bodies
an expensive article/item/piece of clothing
winter clothing
women's/men's/children's clothing [=clothes]

We're collecting food and clothing for the poor.

Only people wearing protective clothing may enter the room.

often used before another noun
clothing stores
a clothing company/manufacturer
the clothing industry

see pictures of clothing starting on page C13

a wolf in sheep's clothing see 1WOLF
synonyms

CLOTHING and CLOTHES both refer to the things that people wear to cover their bodies. Clothing tends to be used when discussing a particular type of clothes or talking about clothes in general.

a shop that sells vintage clothing

Food, clothing, and shelter are things that every person needs.

Clothes is usually used when you are talking about the things that someone is wearing.

I need to put on some clean clothes.

He's wearing fancy clothes today.

Clothing is somewhat more formal than clothes and is not used in speech as often as clothes. There is no singular form of clothes, but you can talk about an article/piece/item of clothing if you want to refer to one thing that you wear.

clotted cream noun [noncount]

: a very thick kind of cream that is made and eaten especially in England

1cloud noun, pl clouds [count]

1 : a white or gray mass in the sky that is made of many very small drops of water

The sun is shining and there's not a cloud in the sky.

a rain cloud
flying high above the clouds

It stopped raining and the sun poked through the clouds.

Thick cloud cover [=a large number of clouds in the sky] hid the moon.

see also MUSHROOM CLOUD, STORM CLOUD

2 a : a large amount of smoke, dust, etc., that hangs in the air
a cloud of cigarette smoke
clouds of steam/gas
dust clouds

2 b : a large number of things (such as insects) that move together through the air in a group
a cloud [=swarm] of bees

3 : a feeling or belief that a person or organization has done something wrong

The company remains under a cloud of suspicion. [=people believe the company did something wrong]

The team has been under a cloud since its members were caught cheating.

There's a cloud of controversy/uncertainty/doubt hanging over the election.

cast a (dark) cloud

: to cause people to stop trusting something

The scandal cast a cloud over his presidency. [=people thought the President did something wrong]

Several problems have cast a cloud on the program's future.

cloud on the horizon

: a problem that could appear in the future

The only cloud on the horizon for the team is the age of its key players.

every cloud has a silver lining see SILVER LINING

in the clouds

If you are in the clouds or you have your head in the clouds, you spend too much time thinking about love or about ideas that are not practical.

Since he met Sara, he's been walking around with his head in the clouds.

on cloud nine
informal : very happy

He's been on cloud nine ever since she agreed to marry him.

2cloud verb, clouds, cloud·ed, cloud·ing

1 [+ obj] : to confuse (a person's mind or judgment)

The alcohol must have clouded my judgment. [=made me unable to think clearly]

greed clouding the minds of men

2 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as an issue or situation) difficult to understand

These new ideas only cloud the issue further.

3 [+ obj] : to affect (something) in a bad way
a scandal that continues to cloud [=tarnish, taint] his reputation

The final years of her life were clouded by illness.

4 [no obj] of the sky : to become covered with clouds
usually + over

The sky had clouded over, and it was beginning to rain.

5 [+ obj] : to cover or fill (a room, the sky, etc.) with large amounts of smoke, dust, etc.

The room was clouded with cigarette smoke.

smog clouding the sky

6 [+ obj] : to cover (glass, a window, etc.) with many very small drops of water

Steam clouded [=fogged up] the bathroom mirror.

clouding the camera lens

7 [no obj] of a person's face or eyes : to show that someone is worried or unhappy

Her face clouded with concern.

Her eyes clouded over with tears.

cloud·burst noun, pl -bursts [count]

: a brief time when it rains very hard : a sudden downpour

A cloudburst caused the river to flood.

cloud-cuckoo-land noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit informal : la-la land 1

If he really thinks he can win the election, he's living in cloud-cuckoo-land. [=he's crazy or foolish]

cloud·less adj

: without clouds
a cloudless [=clear] blue sky

cloudy adj, cloud·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : having many clouds in the sky

Tomorrow will be cloudy and cold.

a cloudy day
cloudy weather

: covered with clouds
partly cloudy skies

2 : not clean or clear
a puddle of cloudy [=dirty, murky] water
cloudy eyes

cloud·i·ness noun [noncount]

We'll have clear skies in the morning with increasing cloudiness in the afternoon.

1clout noun, pl clouts

1 [noncount] : the power to influence or control situations

She used her political clout to have another school built.

the country's economic/financial clout

2 [count] chiefly Brit, informal : a hit especially with the hand
usually singular

When she was naughty, she would get a clout from her mother.

2clout verb, clouts, clout·ed, clout·ing [+ obj]

1 baseball : to hit (the ball) very hard

He clouted 19 home runs last year.

2 chiefly Brit : to hit (someone or something) hard especially with your hand

He'll clout me around the head if he finds out what I've done.

1clove noun, pl cloves [count]

: any one of the small sections that are part of a large head of garlic
a garlic clove = a clove of garlic

compare 2CLOVE

2clove noun, pl cloves [count]

: a small, dried flower bud that is used in cooking as a spice
two teaspoons of ground cloves

Add four whole cloves.

compare 1CLOVE

3clove past tense of CLEAVE

cloven past participle of 1CLEAVE

cloven hoof noun, pl hooves also hoofs [count]

: a foot of some animals (such as sheep, goats, or cows) that is divided into two parts

clo·ver noun, pl -vers

: a small plant that has usually three leaves on each stem and that usually has round flowers that are white, red, or purple

[noncount] a field of clover

[count] It's good luck to find a four-leaf clover. [=a clover with four leaves instead of three]

1clown noun, pl clowns [count]

1 : someone who performs in a circus, who wears funny clothes and makeup, and who tries to make people laugh
a circus clown

Those big shoes make you look like a clown!

a rodeo clown [=a person in a rodeo who dresses like a circus clown]

sometimes used before another noun

She came dressed in a clown suit/costume.

a big red clown nose

2 : someone who often does funny things to make people laugh

His classmates remember him as the class clown. [=a student who tried to make other students laugh]

He was always playing the clown. [=trying to make people laugh]

3 informal : a rude or stupid person

Who's the clown standing in the middle of the road?

those clowns at the state capital

2clown verb, clowns, clowned, clown·ing [no obj]

: to act like a clown : to say funny things or act in a silly way
often + around

Stop clowning around. We've got work to do.

clown·ish adj [more ; most ]

: like a clown
his clownish red nose

: acting in a silly or funny way
clownish behavior
her clownish coworkers

cloy·ing adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : too sweet, pleasant, or emotional
a cloying romantic comedy

After a while, the softness of his voice becomes cloying.

cloy·ing·ly adv
a cloyingly sweet wine
cloyingly cute pink dresses

1club noun, pl clubs

1 [count]

1 a : a group of people who meet to participate in an activity (such as a sport or hobby)

an exclusive social/men's club

Do you belong to any clubs?

My friends and I formed/started a chess club. [=a group of people who play chess together]

She's the club president. = She's the president of the club.

see also FAN CLUB, GLEE CLUB, GOLF CLUB 2

1 b : the place where the members of a club meet

I'll see you at the club.

see also COUNTRY CLUB, HEALTH CLUB

2 [count] : a sports team or organization
the president of a major-league baseball club

He spent five years with the club.

a ball club
a boxing/football/hockey club

3 [count] : an organization in which people agree to buy things (such as books or CDs) regularly in order to receive a benefit (such as lower prices)

Join our movie club now and receive four free DVDs.

see also BOOK CLUB

4 [count] : a business that provides entertainment (such as music, dancing, or a show) and that usually serves food and alcohol : nightclub
a dance club
jazz clubs
comedy clubs [=clubs in which people perform comedy shows]

They went club-hopping. [=they went to several different clubs in one night]

often used before another noun
club owners
club music [=dance music that is played in clubs]

see also STRIP CLUB

5 [count] : a special metal stick used for hitting a golf ball : golf club

I just bought a new set of clubs.

6 [count] : a heavy usually wooden stick that is used as a weapon

In battle, they used swords and wooden clubs.

see also BILLY CLUB

7 a [count] : a playing card that is marked with a black shape that looks like three round leaves
one heart, two diamonds, and two clubs

7 b clubs [plural] : the suit in a deck of playing cards that consists of cards marked by a black shape that looks like three round leaves
the nine of clubs
compare DIAMOND, HEART, SPADE

8 [count] informal : club sandwich

She ordered a turkey club with French fries.

in the club

Brit informal : pregnant

join the club also welcome to the club
informal
used to say that the problems or feelings someone is having are problems or feelings that you have had yourself

If you don't understand the rules, join the club: no one else does either!

often used to suggest that a person's problems or feelings are not unusual and do not deserve much sympathy

So you think you deserve to be paid more money for your work? Well, join the club. [=lots of people think they deserve more money]

“My son won't do what I tell him to do.” “Join the club. I can't get my daughter to obey me, either.”

2club verb, clubs, clubbed, club·bing [+ obj]

: to hit (a person or animal) with a heavy stick or object

They clubbed him with a baseball bat.

He was clubbed to death. [=killed by being hit him with a heavy object]

club together [phrasal verb]

Brit : to combine your money with the money of other people

If a group of people club together to do something, each member of the group gives some money to pay for something.

We clubbed together to buy him a new watch.

club·bing noun [noncount]

: the activity of going to nightclubs in order to dance, drink alcohol, etc.

a night of clubbing
often used in the phrases go clubbing or go out clubbing

Friday night, we went out clubbing in the city.

club·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

A line of clubbers [=people who go to nightclubs] was waiting at the door.

club·by adj, club·bi·er, -est

US : friendly only to people who belong to a high social class
the restaurant's clubby [=exclusive, elite] atmosphere
the clubby world of New York's social elite

club·bi·ness noun [noncount]

club·foot noun, pl -feet

[count] : a foot that does not have a normal shape : a badly twisted or deformed foot that someone is born with; also [noncount] : the medical condition of having such a foot
clubfoot and other major birth defects

club-foot·ed adj

club·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

1 : a building used by a club for its activities

2 : a building that has lockers and showers and that is used by a sports team

3 : a building at a golf course that usually has a locker room, a store that sells golf equipment, and a restaurant

club sandwich noun, pl -wiches [count]

: a sandwich that has three slices of bread with two layers of meat (such as turkey) and other cold foods (such as lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise) between them

club soda noun [noncount]

US : soda water

1cluck noun, pl clucks [count]

1 a : a short, low sound that is made by a chicken

1 b : a short, low sound that is used to show disapproval or sympathy
clucks of disapproval

2 US, informal : a stupid or foolish person

Don't be such a dumb cluck.

2cluck verb, clucks, clucked, cluck·ing

1 [no obj] of a chicken : to make a low sound

The hen clucked at her chicks.

2 : to make a low sound with the tongue

[no obj] The driver clucked at the horses to get them moving.

She clucked in sympathy/disappointment.

[+ obj] He clucked his tongue.

3 [no obj] informal : to talk about something in an excited and often disapproving way

Commentators have been clucking over/about his lack of experience.

clucking noun [noncount]

the clucking of chickens in the coop

1clue noun, pl clues

1 [count] : something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle

The book gives the reader plenty of clues to solve the mystery.

Science gives us clues about the origin of the universe.

“Guess who I met today.” “Can you give me a clue?”

It gives a clue as to how to proceed.

a crossword puzzle clue

2 [singular] informal : an understanding of something : knowledge about something : idea

Get a clue! [=don't be so stupid or clueless]

usually used in negative statements

I had no clue what he meant. [=I didn't understand what he meant at all]

He doesn't have a clue when it comes to fixing cars. [=he knows nothing about fixing cars]

Do you have any clue about what's going on here?

When it comes to computers, I don't have a clue. [=I'm clueless]

2clue verb, clues, clued, clue·ing or clu·ing

clue in [phrasal verb]

clue (someone) in also clue in (someone) informal : to give information to (someone)

The public should be clued in to what's happening. [=should be told about what's happening]

often + on

She'll clue you in on the latest news.

often used as clued in

He's totally clued in on [=he knows a lot about] the latest computer developments.

clued up adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : having a lot of information about something

He's totally clued up [=clued in] (on/about the latest computer developments).

clue·less adj [more ; most ]

informal : not having knowledge about something : unable to understand something

When it comes to computers, I'm clueless.

her clueless kid brother

They were clueless about what to do.

1clump noun, pl clumps [count]

1 a : a small ball or mass of something
a clump of roots/grass/mud

1 b : a group of things or people that are close together

There is a clump of bushes/trees at the edge of the field.

a clump of spectators

2 : a loud, heavy sound made by footsteps

I could hear the clump of his footsteps as he came down the stairs.

2clump verb, clumps, clumped, clump·ing

1 : to form a mass or clump

[no obj] The virus causes the cells to clump (together).

[+ obj] The virus clumps the cells together.

2 [no obj] : to walk with loud, heavy steps

I could hear him clumping [=clomping] down/up the stairs.

clumpy adj, clump·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: having many small clumps
clumpy soil

clum·sy adj, clum·si·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : moving or doing things in a very awkward way and tending to drop or break things

I'm sorry about spilling your winethat was very clumsy of me.

I have very clumsy hands and tend to drop things.

He is very clumsy. = He is a very clumsy person.

2 : badly or awkwardly made or done

She made a clumsy attempt at a joke.

3 : hard to use : awkward to handle
a clumsy tool

clum·si·ly adv

They dealt with the situation clumsily.

clum·si·ness noun [noncount]

It was my own clumsiness that caused the accident.

clung past tense and past participle of CLING

clunk noun, pl clunks [count]

: a loud, dull sound that is made when a heavy object hits another object or a surface

The book hit the floor with a loud clunk.

clunk verb, clunks, clunked, clunk·ing [no obj]

The car door clunked shut.

[+ obj]

The ball clunked [=hit] him on the head.

clunk·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US informal

1 : an old car or machine that does not work well

My first car was an old clunker that kept breaking down.

2 : something that is a complete failure

That joke was a real clunker.

The director's recent films have all been clunkers.

clunky adj, clunk·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal

1 : large and awkward in form or appearance
clunky shoes

2 : old and not working well

I drive a clunky old station wagon.

a clunky old computer

3 : badly or awkwardly made or done

His act was full of clunky one-liners.

clunky dialogue

1clus·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a group of things or people that are close together
a flower cluster
a cluster of cottages along the shore

A small cluster of people had gathered at the scene of the accident.

clusters of grapes

2cluster verb, always followed by a preposition or adverb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

: to come together to form a group

The children clustered around the storyteller.

cluster bomb noun, pl bombs [count]

: a type of bomb that is dropped from an airplane and that contains many small bombs

1clutch verb, clutch·es, clutched, clutch·ing

1 [+ obj] : to hold onto (someone or something) tightly with your hand

I had to clutch the counter to keep from falling.

The child clutched her mother's hand firmly.

He had a book clutched in his hand.

2 [no obj] : to try to hold onto someone or something by reaching with your hand
usually + at

She clutched at his shoulder.

clutch at straws see STRAW

2clutch noun, pl clutches [count]

1 : the act of holding or gripping something or someone tightly
usually plural

She struggled to escape his clutches. [=he was holding her and she struggled to get away]

The hawk had the mouse in its clutches. [=in its claws]

often used figuratively

They were powerless to oppose them. He had them in his clutches. [=he had control of them]

2 a : a pedal that is pressed to change gears in a vehicle

I have to learn how to let the clutch out smoothly.

2 b : the part of a vehicle that is controlled by a clutch

The car needs a new clutch.

3 : clutch bag

in the clutch

US : in a very important or critical situation especially during a sports competition

He is known for his ability to come through in the clutch.

She scored a basket in the clutch.

compare 4CLUTCH

3clutch adj [more ; most ]

US

1 always used before a noun : happening during a very important or critical time especially in a sports competition

She scored a clutch basket.

a clutch hit/play/goal
a clutch performance/situation

2 : able to perform well in a very important or critical situation especially in a sports competition

He is a clutch hitter/player. = He is clutch.

4clutch noun, pl clutches [count]

1 a : a group of eggs that is laid by a bird at one time
a clutch of eggs

1 b : a group of young birds produced by a single group of eggs
a clutch of chicks

2 : a small group of things or people
a clutch of buildings/onlookers

compare 2CLUTCH

clutch bag noun, pl bags [count]

: a small bag that women use especially on formal occasions : a small handbag

1clut·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

: to fill or cover (something) with many things : to fill or cover (something) with clutter

Tools cluttered the garage.

The garage was cluttered with tools.

Try to avoid cluttering your desk with books and papers.

often + up

Too many signs were cluttering up the street corner.

cluttered adj [more ; most ]

a very cluttered attic/desk/office/room

2clutter noun [noncount]

: a large amount of things that are not arranged in a neat or orderly way : a crowded or disordered collection of things

There's a lot of unnecessary clutter in the house.

a pile of clutter
desktop clutter

Clydes·dale noun, pl -dales [count]

: a type of very large, heavy horse that is used to pull wagons

cm abbr
centimeter

Cmdr. abbr
commander

c'mon
informal
used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase come on when it is spoken quickly

C'mon, everybody, let's go!

see come on 3 at 1COME for situations in which c'mon is used

CNN abbr

Cable News Network

C-note noun, pl -notes [count]

US informal : a 100-dollar bill

co. abbr

1 company

2 county

CO abbr

1 Colorado

2 commanding officer

c/o abbr
care of

This abbreviation is used in addresses when you are sending a letter or package to a person by using someone else's address or the address of a company.

The letter was addressed to “John Smith c/o Merriam-Webster, Inc.”

co- prefix

1 : with : together
coexist

2 : associated with another
coworker
coauthor
copilot

1coach noun, pl coach·es

1 [count]

1 a : a person who teaches and trains an athlete or performer
a track/tennis star who has been working with a new coach
a vocal/voice/drama coach

1 b : a person who teaches and trains the members of a sports team and makes decisions about how the team plays during games
a football/basketball/soccer coach

2 [count] Brit : a private teacher who gives someone lessons in a particular subject

3 : a large four-wheeled vehicle that is pulled by horses : carriage

[count] In those days, people usually traveled long distances in coaches.

[noncount] traveling by coach
see also STAGECOACH

4 chiefly Brit : a large bus with comfortable seating that is used for long trips

[count] The company hired two coaches for the trip.

[noncount] We traveled by coach to London.

often used before another noun
a coach driver/tour/party

5 [noncount] US : the section of least expensive seats on an airplane or train

We reserved two seats in coach.

I usually fly coach, but on this trip I'm flying first-class.

often used before another noun
coach fares/passengers/seats

6 [count] Brit : a separate section of a train
a passenger coach [=(US) car, (Brit) carriage]

2coach verb, coaches, coached, coach·ing

1 a : to teach and train (an athlete or performer)

[+ obj] She coaches young actors/singers.

He coaches the tennis star.

[no obj] He coaches in singing.

1 b : to teach, train, and direct (a sports team)

[+ obj] He has coached the team for several years.

She coached the U.S. gymnastics team at the Olympics.

He coaches football and basketball. [=he coaches football and basketball teams]

[no obj] He has coached at the college level for many years.

2 [+ obj] chiefly Brit : to teach (a student) privately rather than in a class

3 [+ obj] : to give (someone) instructions on what to do or say in a particular situation

The lawyer admitted to coaching the witness.

It was clear that the witness had been coached by her lawyer on how to answer the questions.

coaching adj
a coaching job/career
the team's coaching staff

coaching noun [noncount]

She got into coaching a couple years ago.

He can pass the test with a little coaching.

The lawyer's coaching helped the witness.

coach·able adj [more ; most ]

: capable of being easily taught and trained to do something better

The player/singer is very coachable.

coach·load noun, pl -loads [count]

Brit : a large group of people that fills a coach (sense 4)

two coachloads [=(chiefly US) busloads] of tourists

coach·man noun, pl -men [count]

in the past : a man whose job was driving a carriage pulled by horses

co·ag·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

: to become thick and partly solid

[no obj] The blood coagulated.

The eggs coagulate when heated.

[+ obj] The medicine helps coagulate blood.

co·ag·u·la·tion noun [noncount]

coal noun, pl coals

1 [noncount] : a black or brownish-black hard substance within the earth that is used as a fuel
a bin of coal

The furnace burns coal.

a lump of coal
often used before another noun
a coal bin/mine/bed/stove
the coal industry

2 [count]

2 a : a piece of coal or charcoal especially when burning

When the coals are red, they are very hot.

2 b US : a glowing piece of wood from a fire : ember

I toasted one last marshmallow over the coals of the campfire.

carry/take coals to Newcastle

Brit : to take something to a place where it is not needed because a large amount of it is already there

haul/rake (someone) over the coals
informal : to criticize (someone) very severely

I arrived late for the meeting and was immediately hauled over the coals by my boss.

co·a·lesce verb, -lesc·es, -lesced, -lesc·ing [no obj]

formal : to come together to form one group or mass
a group of young reformers who gradually coalesced into a political movement

The ice masses coalesced into a glacier over time.

co·ales·cence noun [noncount]

a glacier formed by coalescence of ice masses

[singular]

a coalescence of forces

coal·face noun, pl -fac·es [count]

Brit : the place inside a mine where the coal is cut out of the rock

at the coalface

Brit : at the place where the actual work of an activity is done
teachers working at the coalface in inner-city schools

coal·field noun, pl -fields [count]

: a large area where there is a lot of coal under the ground

co·a·li·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a group of people, groups, or countries who have joined together for a common purpose

The groups united to form a coalition.

A multiparty coalition ruled the country.

a coalition of businesses
often used before another noun
coalition forces
a coalition government/party

2 [noncount] : the action or process of joining together with another or others for a common purpose

The group is working in coalition with other environmental groups.

coal tar noun [noncount]

: a black, sticky liquid made from coal that is used as a fuel and to make various products (such as soap)

coarse adj, coars·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : made up of large pieces : not fine
coarse sand/salt

2 : having a rough quality
coarse wild grass

The dog has a thick, coarse coat.

The fabric varies in texture from coarse to fine.

He has coarse hands.

3 : rude or offensive
a coarse joke
coarse behavior
coarse [=vulgar] language

coarse·ly adv
coarsely chopped vegetables
coarsely ground pepper

coarse·ness noun [noncount]

We were shocked by the coarseness of his behavior.

coars·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to make (something) rough or rougher

Coarsen [=roughen] the surface with a file before you apply the glue.

Her hands were coarsened by years of hard work.

1 b [no obj] : to become rough or rougher

His hands coarsened [=roughened] from years of hard work.

2 a [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to become rude or offensive

He was coarsened by his time in prison.

offensive words that coarsen the English language

2 b [no obj] : to become rude or offensive

The book describes how popular culture has coarsened in recent decades.

1coast noun, pl coasts

1 : the land along or near a sea or ocean

[count] sea/rocky coasts [=shores]
the west/east coast
He lives on the coast.

[noncount] We drove along a long stretch of coast. [=shore]

2 the Coast US, informal : the area along or near the Pacific Ocean

He's flying out to the Coast tomorrow.

from coast to coast

: from one coast to the other coast of a country or continent

They traveled from coast to coast across the U.S.

The space shuttle launch was on television stations from coast to coast. [=throughout the country]

see also COAST-TO-COAST

the coast is clear

When the coast is clear you can go somewhere or do something without being caught or seen because no one is in the area.

OK, the coast is clearyou can come out now!

coast·al adj
coastal areas/regions/waters
coastal mountains

2coast verb, coasts, coast·ed, coast·ing [no obj]

1 a : to move forward using no power or very little power

The car coasted to a stop.

The airplane coasted down the runway.

1 b : to move downhill by the force of gravity

The children coasted on sleds down the snowy hill.

They came coasting down the hill on bicycles.

2 : to progress or have success without special effort

After taking a big lead, the team coasted to victory.

He was accused of trying to coast through school.

She decided she could coast along without a job for the next few months.

The company is coasting on its good reputation.

coast·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a small, flat object on which a glass, cup, or dish is placed to protect the surface of a table

Set the glass on a coaster.

2 chiefly US : roller coaster 1

3 : a ship that sails along a coast or that is used in trade between ports of the same country

coast guard (US) or Brit coast·guard noun, pl guards

1 US the Coast Guard or Brit the Coastguard : an organization that has the job of guarding the area along a country's coast and helping people, boats, and ships that are in danger on the sea

The U.S. Coast Guard is a military organization.

Their son joined the Coast Guard last year.

often used before another noun

Coast Guard officials

2 [count] Brit : a member of the Coastguard

coast·guards·man noun, pl -men [count]

US : a member of the Coast Guard

coast·line noun, pl -lines

: the land along the edge of a coast

[count] a rocky/sandy coastline [=shoreline]

The plane flew along the eastern coastline.

[noncount] miles of beautiful coastline

coast-to-coast adj

1 : going across an entire nation or continent from one coast to another
a coast-to-coast flight/broadcast

2 US, informal

2 a : going from one end of a playing surface (such as a basketball court) to the other
a coast-to-coast play

2 b : resulting from a coast-to-coast play
a coast-to-coast layup

coast-to-coast adv

The event was televised coast-to-coast.

1coat noun, pl coats [count]

1 a : an outer piece of clothing that can be long or short and that is worn to keep warm or dry

She put on her coat, hat, and gloves, and then she went outside.

a winter/fur/wool coat

1 b chiefly US : a piece of clothing that is worn over a shirt as part of a suit : jacket

He was wearing a coat and tie.

a sport coat

2 : the outer covering of fur, hair, or wool on an animal

The dog has a thick/smooth/shaggy coat.

3 : a thin layer of paint covering a surface
a coat of paint

The house needed three coats to cover the original paint.

coatless adj
a shivering, coatless child

2coat verb, coats, coat·ed, coat·ing [+ obj]

: to cover (something or someone) with a thin layer of something

Rock dust coated his hair.

My shoes are coated with mud.

Ice coated the deck.

Coat the chicken with flour.

coat hanger noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device that is used for hanging clothes in a closet : hanger

coat·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: a thin layer or covering of something

The fabric has a coating that prevents liquids from soaking through.

A light coating of snow had fallen.

There was a coating of ice on the pond.

coat of arms noun, pl coats of arms [count]

: a special group of pictures that belong to a person, family, or group of people and that are shown on a shield

coat·rack noun, pl -racks [count]

: a stand or pole that has pegs, hooks, or hangers that can be used for hanging coats and other clothes

coat·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

chiefly US : checkroom

coat·tail noun, pl -tails

1 [count] : a long piece of cloth that hangs down at the back of a man's formal coat
usually plural

He caught his coattails in the door.

2 coattails [plural] : the help or influence of another person's work, ideas, or popularity

They were elected to Congress by riding (on) the coattails of the President. = They were swept into office on the coattails of the President. [=they were elected because they belong to the same political party as the President, who is very popular]

co·au·thor noun, pl -thors [count]

: someone who writes a book, article, etc., with another person

He and his colleague were the coauthors of the study.

coax verb, coax·es, coaxed, coax·ing [+ obj]

1 : to influence or persuade (a person or animal) to do something by talking in a gentle and friendly way

It took almost an hour to coax the cat down from the tree.

often + into

He wanted to stay home, but I coaxed him into going out.

Can we coax her into singing?

sometimes followed by to + verb

The ad coaxes customers to try the new product.

2 : to get (something) by talking in a gentle and friendly way

She tried to coax a raise from her boss.

He was unable to coax an answer out of her.

3 : to cause (something) to do something by making a careful and continual effort

He coaxed the fire to burn by blowing on it.

The plant is difficult to coax into bloom.

coaxing noun [noncount]

He agreed to go after a little gentle coaxing.

co·ax·i·al cable noun, pl cables [count]

technical : a type of electric cable that is used to send telegraph, telephone, and television signals

cob noun, pl cobs [count]

1 : corncob

She used a knife to cut the corn from the cob.

We had corn on the cob.

2 : a type of horse that has short legs

3 : a male swan

co·balt noun [noncount]

: a hard, shiny, silver-white metal that is often mixed with other metals

cobalt blue noun [noncount]

: a deep blue color

cob·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

Australia + New Zealand informal : a male friend
remembering his mates and cobbers back home

1cob·ble verb, cob·bles, cob·bled, cob·bling [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) by putting together different parts in a quick way
usually + together or up

The diplomats rushed to cobble together a treaty.

The speech was cobbled together from papers and lectures.

They worked quickly to cobble up a temporary solution.

2 old-fashioned : to make or repair (shoes)

expensive leather shoes cobbled in Italy

2cobble noun, pl cobbles [count]

: cobblestone
a street paved with cobbles

cobbled adj

: covered with cobblestones
a cobbled street

cob·bler noun, pl -blers

1 [count] old-fashioned : a person who makes or repairs shoes

2 [count, noncount] US : a dessert made of cooked fruit covered with a thick crust
peach cobbler

cob·ble·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

: a round stone that is used in paving streets

cob·ble·stoned adj
cobblestoned streets

co·bra noun, pl -bras [count]

: a very poisonous snake found in Asia and Africa

cob·web noun, pl -webs [count]

: the threads of old spider webs that are found in areas that have not been cleaned for a long time

Dirt and cobwebs filled the corners of the room.

The barn is filled with cobwebs.

sometimes used figuratively

She took a walk to clear the cobwebs from her mind. [=to clear her mind]

cob·webbed adj
a cobwebbed attic

co·caine noun [noncount]

: a powerful drug that is used in medicine to stop pain or is taken illegally for pleasure called also (informal) coke

coc·cyx noun, pl coc·cy·ges also coc·cyx·es [count]

technical : the small bone at the end of the spine : tailbone

co·chlea noun, pl co·chle·as or co·chle·ae [count]

technical : the part of the inner ear that contains the endings of the nerve that carries information about sound to the brain

coch·le·ar adj
the cochlear canal/duct/nerve
a cochlear implant [=an electronic device that allows people with hearing loss to hear some sounds]

1cock noun, pl cocks [count]

1 : an adult male chicken : rooster

The cock was crowing.

2 : a device for stopping or slowing the flow of a liquid or gas through a pipe : stopcock

3 informal + impolite : penis

cock of the walk

A man who is described as (the) cock of the walk is very proud and successful or acts in a very proud way.

He was strutting around like the cock of the walk after he got a promotion.

2cock verb, cocks, cocked, cock·ing [+ obj]

1 : to pull back the hammer of (a gun) to get ready to shoot

He cocked the pistol/weapon.

2 : to pull or bend back (something) to get ready to throw or hit a ball

The quarterback was tackled just as he cocked his arm to throw the ball.

The hitter stood with the bat cocked, waiting for a pitch.

3 : to turn, tip, or raise (part of your body or face) upward or to one side

He cocked his head to one side.

She cocked an eyebrow in disbelief.

The dog sat with one ear cocked.

If you cock an ear/eye or cock your ear/eye, you listen to or look at someone or something with a lot of attention.

If the politicians would cock an ear to/toward what voters are saying, they'd realize that the new law isn't working.

4 : to move (a hat) so that it is tilted on your head

His hat was cocked to one side.

cock a snook at

Brit informal : to show that you do not respect or value (something)

He never misses a chance to cock a snook at [=thumb his nose at] modern art.

cock up [phrasal verb]

Brit informal

1 : to make a mistake : to do something incorrectly

Someone had cocked up [=screwed up, messed up] badly, and the party was a disaster.

2 cock up (something) or cock (something) up : to make mistakes in doing or making (something)

Someone had cocked up [=screwed up, messed up] the arrangements.

see also COCK-UP

see also HALF-COCKED

cock·ade noun, pl -ades [count]

: a decoration that is worn on a hat especially as part of a uniform to show a person's status, rank, etc.

cock-a-doo·dle-do noun [singular]

: the loud sound that a rooster makes

I was awakened by the rooster's cock-a-doodle-do at dawn.

cock-a-hoop adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

chiefly Brit informal : very excited and happy about something done

The team was cock-a-hoop about/over winning the game.

cock·a·ma·my or cock·a·ma·mie adj [more ; most ]

US informal : ridiculous or silly

Who dreamed up this cockamamie idea/scheme?

What cockamamie excuse will he come up with this time?

cock-and-bull story noun, pl stories [count]

informal : a ridiculous story that is is used as an explanation or excuse

Do you think I'm going to fall for that cock-and-bull story?

cock·a·tiel noun, pl -tiels [count]

: a type of small parrot from Australia that has a yellow head and is often kept as a pet

cock·a·too noun, pl -toos [count]

: a type of large parrot from Australia that has a large colorful bunch of feathers on top of its head

cocked hat noun, pl hats [count]

old-fashioned : a hat with the edges turned up on two or three sides

into a cocked hat
informal

1 US : into a state of confusion, ruin, etc.

The discovery has knocked/thrown all our old assumptions into a cocked hat. [=has completely destroyed all our old assumptions]

2 Brit
used to say that one person or thing is much better than another

The old design was good, but this new one knocks/beats it into a cocked hat.

cock·er·el noun, pl -els [count]

: a young male chicken

cocker spaniel noun, pl -iels [count]

: a type of small dog that has long ears and long fur

cock·eyed adj [more ; most ]

informal

1 : turned or tilted to one side : not straight

The windows of the house look cockeyed.

a cockeyed grin

2 : crazy or foolish

Where did you get those cockeyed ideas?

She is full of cockeyed optimism.

cock·fight noun, pl -fights [count]

: a fight between roosters that people watch for entertainment

cock·fight·ing noun [noncount]

Many countries have outlawed cockfighting.

cock·le noun, pl cock·les [count]

: a type of shellfish with a shell that has two parts and is shaped like a heart

warm the cockles of your heart

If something warms the cockles of your heart, it makes you have warm and happy feelings.

It is a story with a happy ending to warm the cockles of your heart.

cock·le·shell noun, pl -shells [count]

: the shell of a cockle

cock·ney or Cock·ney noun, pl -neys

1 [count] : a person from the East End of London

2 [noncount] : the way of speaking that is typical of cockneys

cockney adj

He has a cockney accent.

cockney slang

cock·pit noun, pl -pits [count]

: the area in a boat, airplane, etc., where the pilot or driver sits

cockpit voice recorder noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device that records the voices of the pilots and crew in the cockpit of an airplane

If an airplane crashes, its cockpit voice recorder can be used to help find out what caused it to crash.

cock·roach noun, pl -roach·es [count]

: a black or brown insect that is sometimes found in people's homes called also (US) roach

cock·suck·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal + offensive : a very stupid or annoying person (especially a man)

This is a very offensive word that should be avoided.

cock·sure adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing confidence in a way that is annoying to other people
a cocksure, know-it-all attitude
cocksure arrogance

cock·tail noun, pl -tails

1 [count] : an alcoholic drink that is a mixture of one or more liquors and other ingredients (such as fruit juice)

We had cocktails before dinner.

often used before another noun
a cocktail waiter/waitress/bar
a cocktail glass

A cocktail hour [=an hour when people drink cocktails] preceded the dinner.

2 [count] : a mixture of different things

The disease is being treated with a cocktail of powerful drugs.

a dangerous cocktail of chemicals
see also MOLOTOV COCKTAIL

3 [count, noncount] : a small dish of a particular food that is served usually at the beginning or end of a meal
a shrimp cocktail
fruit cocktail

cocktail dress noun, pl dresses [count]

: a usually short dress that is suitable for formal occasions

cocktail lounge noun, pl -lounges [count]

: a room in a hotel, restaurant, etc., where cocktails and other drinks are served

cocktail party noun, pl -ties [count]

: a usually formal party at which alcoholic drinks are served called also (Brit) drinks party

cock-up noun, pl -ups [count]

Brit informal : a situation that is complicated, unpleasant, or difficult to deal with because of someone's mistake
an administrative/bureaucratic cock-up [=mess]

see also cock up at 2COCK

cocky adj, cock·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : having or showing confidence in a way that is annoying to other people
a cocky young athlete

Don't get too cocky about your chances of getting the job.

cock·i·ly adv

She's cockily confident about getting the job.

cock·i·ness noun [noncount]

co·coa noun, pl -coas

1 [noncount] : a brown powder made from roasted cocoa beans that is used to give a chocolate flavor to foods

The recipe calls for three tablespoons of cocoa.

called also cocoa powder

2 [count, noncount] : a hot drink of milk or water mixed with cocoa
a cup of cocoa

cocoa bean noun, pl beans [count]

: the seed of a tropical tree (called the cacao) that is used in making cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa butter

cocoa butter noun [noncount]

: a pale fat made from cocoa beans that is used in making chocolate and in various products (such as soaps and skin lotions)

co·co·nut noun, pl -nuts

1 [count] : a large fruit that has a thick shell with white flesh and liquid inside it and that grows on a palm tree

2 [noncount] : the white flesh of a coconut

The pastry is covered with shredded coconut.

a piece of coconut

coconut milk noun [noncount]

: the liquid that is inside a coconut

coconut oil noun [noncount]

: an oil taken from coconuts that is used especially in making soaps and food products

coconut shy noun [noncount]

Brit : an outdoor game in which players throw balls at coconuts set up on poles in order to knock them down

1co·coon noun, pl -coons [count]

1 : a covering usually made of silk which some insects (such as caterpillars) make around themselves to protect them while they grow

2 : something that covers or protects a person or thing

The child was wrapped in a cocoon of blankets.

The movie star was surrounded by a protective cocoon of bodyguards.

2cocoon verb, -coons, -cooned, -coon·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cover or protect (someone or something) completely
usually used as (be) cocooned

We were comfortably cocooned in our sleeping bags.

2 [no obj] chiefly US : to spend time at home instead of going out for other activities

Americans are spending more time cocooning at home in recent years.

co·coon·ing noun [noncount]

Americans are doing more cocooning in recent years.

cod noun, pl cod [count, noncount]

: a large fish that lives in the northern Atlantic Ocean and is often eaten as food

COD or C.O.D. abbr
cash on delivery; collect on delivery
used to indicate that payment must be made when something is delivered

The merchandise was shipped C.O.D.

co·da noun, pl -das [count]

formal

1 : an ending part of a piece of music or a work of literature or drama that is separate from the earlier parts

The movie's coda shows the main character as an adult 25 years later.

2 : something that ends and completes something else
often + to

In a fitting coda to his career, he served as ambassador to China.

cod·dle verb, cod·dles, cod·dled, cod·dling [+ obj]

disapproving : to treat (someone) with too much care or kindness

She coddles [=pampers] her children.

The judges were accused of coddling criminals.

1code noun, pl codes

1 [count]

1 a : a set of laws or regulations
the state's criminal code
the tax code
the city's plumbing/electrical/building codes

The school has a dress code. [=rules about what a person can wear]

see also PENAL CODE

1 b : a set of ideas or rules about how to behave
a moral code

Everyone in the organization has to follow its code of ethics.

The army has a strict code of conduct/behavior.

2 a : a set of letters, numbers, symbols, etc., that is used to secretly send messages to someone

[count] The enemy was unable to break/crack the army's secret code.

[noncount] The message was sent in code.

see also MORSE CODE

2 b [count] : a set of letters, numbers, symbols, etc., that identifies or gives information about something or someone

Every item in the store has a product code.

Enter your security code to access the computer.

Each employee is given a code number.

see also AREA CODE, BAR CODE, DIALLING CODE, POSTCODE, ZIP CODE

3 [noncount] : a set of instructions for a computer

He was hired to write programming code.

lines of code

2code verb, codes, cod·ed, cod·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put (a message) into the form of a code so that it can be kept secret

The message was coded.

The general sent a coded message.

compare DECODE

2 : to mark (something) with a code so that it can be identified

Each product has been coded.

The trails on the mountain are all color coded. [=each trail is marked by a particular color]

3 : to change (information) into a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be read by a computer

Programmers coded the data.

co·deine noun [noncount]

: a drug used to reduce pain

code name noun, pl names [count]

: a name that is used to keep someone's or something's real name a secret

Every secret agent has a code name.

code-name verb, -names, -named, -nam·ing [+ obj]

The military operation is code-named “Clean Sweep.”

co·de·pen·den·cy noun [noncount]

: a psychological condition in which someone is in an unhappy and unhealthy relationship that involves living with and providing care for another person (such as a drug addict or an alcoholic)

co·de·pen·dent adj
the codependent spouse of an alcoholic

codependent noun, pl -dents [count]

providing help for codependents

cod·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a computer programmer

code word noun, pl words [count]

: a word or phrase that has a secret meaning or that is used instead of another word or phrase to avoid speaking directly

The code word “conflict” has been used for what some people are calling a war.

cod·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

informal : an old man

Her father is a feisty old codger.

cod·i·cil Brit noun, pl -cils [count]

law : a document that adds or changes something in a will

cod·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put (laws or rules) together as a code or system

The convention codified the rules of war.

2 : to put (things) in an orderly form

The author tries to codify important ideas about language.

cod·i·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

cod-liver oil noun [noncount]

: an oil from the liver of cod that is used in medicine as a source of vitamin A and D

cods·wal·lop noun [noncount]

Brit informal : nonsense

That is a load of codswallop.

1co·ed noun, pl -eds [count]

US somewhat old-fashioned : a female student at a college that has both male and female students

2coed adj

1 : coeducational
a coed university/dormitory

The college became/went coed this year.

2 US : having or including both men and women

The softball team is coed.

a coed health club

co·ed·u·ca·tion·al adj
formal : having both male and female students
a coeducational institution

co·ef·fi·cient noun, pl -cients [count]

1 mathematics : a number by which another number or symbol is multiplied

5 is the coefficient of y in the term 5y.

2 physics : a number that is used to measure some property or characteristic of a substance
a coefficient of friction
the metal's coefficient of expansion

co·equal adj
formal : equal with each other
coequal branches of government

co·erce verb, -erc·es, -erced, -erc·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) do something by using force or threats
usually + into

He was coerced into signing the confession.

Soldiers coerced the residents into giving them food.

The singer was coerced into a contract with the record company.

2 : to get (something) by using force or threats

A confession was coerced from the suspect by police.

co·er·cion noun [noncount]

They used coercion to obtain the confession.

co·er·cive adj [more ; most ]

formal : using force or threats to make someone do something : using coercion
coercive measures/techniques/policies

co·er·cive·ly adv

co·ex·ist verb, -ists, -ist·ed, -ist·ing [no obj]

1 : to exist together or at the same time

They found proof that dinosaurs and turtles coexisted (with each other).

The species coexist in the same environment.

2 : to live in peace with each other

Can the two countries peacefully coexist?

co·ex·is·tence noun [noncount]

the coexistence of dinosaurs and turtles

The countries live in peaceful coexistence.

C of C abbr

Chamber of Commerce

C of E abbr

Church of England

cof·fee noun, pl -fees

1 : a dark brown drink made from ground coffee beans and boiled water

[noncount] a cup of coffee
iced/decaffeinated coffee
I'll make/brew some coffee.

[count] Would you like another coffee? [=another cup of coffee]

often used before another noun
a coffee cup
coffee mugs
coffee ice cream [=ice cream that has the flavor of coffee]

2 [noncount] : coffee beans

I bought a pound of coffee.

wake up and smell the coffee see 1WAKE

coffee bar noun, pl bars [count]

: a place where coffee and usually other drinks and refreshments are sold

coffee bean noun, pl beans [count]

: the bean of a tropical tree or bush from which coffee is made

coffee break noun, pl breaks [count]

: a short period of time in which you stop working to rest and have coffee or some other refreshment

coffee cake noun, pl cakes [count]

US : a sweet, rich bread usually made with fruit, nuts, and spices and often eaten with coffee

cof·fee·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a business that sells coffee and usually other drinks and refreshments

coffee machine noun, pl machines [count]

1 : a machine that you can buy cups of coffee from

2 Brit : coffeemaker

cof·fee·mak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small electrical machine that makes coffee

cof·fee·pot noun, pl -pots [count]

: a pot that is used for making and pouring coffee

coffee shop noun, pl shops [count]

: a small restaurant that serves coffee and other drinks as well as simple foods

We bought a muffin at the hotel's coffee shop.

coffee table noun, pl tables [count]

: a long, low table that is usually placed in front of a sofa in someone's home

coffee-table book noun, pl books [count]

: a large expensive book with many pictures that is typically placed on a table for people to look at in a casual way

cof·fer noun, pl -fers

1 [count] : a box for holding money or other valuable things

2 coffers [plural] : money that is available for spending
the city's coffers [=treasury]

corporate coffers [=funds]

cof·fin noun, pl -fins [count]

: a box in which a dead person is buried

a nail in the/someone's coffin see 1NAIL

cog noun, pl cogs [count]

1 a : any one of the small parts that stick out on the outer edge of a wheel or gear and that allow it to turn along with another wheel or gear

1 b : cogwheel

2 : someone or something that is thought of as being like a part of a machine

He was an important cog on that championship team.

often used to describe someone who is regarded as an unimportant part of a large business or organization

My brother is just a minor cog in the Hollywood machine. He works as an electrician for a film studio.

He's just a cog in the machine.

co·gent adj [more ; most ]

formal : very clear and easy for the mind to accept and believe

She offers some cogent [=convincing, persuasive] reasons for building new schools.

a cogent [=reasonable] argument

co·gen·cy noun [noncount]

I was impressed by the cogency of his arguments.

co·gent·ly adv

cog·i·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -ta·ting [no obj]

formal : to think carefully and seriously about something

I was cogitating about/on my chances of failing.

cog·i·ta·tion noun [noncount]

a problem that requires further cogitation [=thought]

[count]

the cogitations of his mind

co·gnac noun, pl -gnacs [count, noncount]

: a kind of brandy that is made in France

cog·nate adj
linguistics : having the same origin

English “eat” and German “essen” are cognate.

Spanish and French are cognate languages.

cognate noun, pl -nates [count]

“Eat” and “essen” are cognates.

cog·ni·tion noun [noncount]

technical : conscious mental activities : the activities of thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering
disabilities affecting cognition and judgment

cog·ni·tive adj
technical : of, relating to, or involving conscious mental activities (such as thinking, understanding, learning, and remembering)

cognitive development/psychology/impairment

cog·ni·tive·ly adv
cognitively impaired

cog·ni·zance also Brit cog·ni·sance noun [noncount]

formal : knowledge or awareness of something

They seemed to have no cognizance of the crime.

take cognizance of

: to notice or give attention to (something)

He should take cognizance of those who disagree with his theory.

cog·ni·zant also Brit cog·ni·sant adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

formal : aware of something

He is cognizant of his duties as a father.

cog·no·scen·ti noun

the cognoscenti

: the people who know a lot about something
the jazz cognoscenti
the cognoscenti of the art world

cog·wheel noun, pl -wheels [count]

: a wheel with cogs : gear

co·hab·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [no obj]

formal : to live together and have a sexual relationship

They cohabited in a small apartment in the city.

co·hab·i·ta·tion noun [noncount]

co·here verb, -heres, -hered, -her·ing [no obj]

formal : to be combined or united in a logical and effective way

There are several themes in the story but they never cohere (with one another).

co·her·ent adj [more ; most ]

1 : logical and well-organized : easy to understand

He proposed the most coherent plan to improve the schools.

a coherent argument/essay

2 : able to talk or express yourself in a clear way that can be easily understood

The drunk man was not coherent. [=understandable]

3 : working closely and well together

They are able to function as a coherent group/team.

co·her·ence noun [noncount]

His films are confusing and have little coherence.

You make some interesting points, but the essay as a whole lacks coherence. [=it moves in a disorganized or confusing way from one idea to another]

The team lacks coherence.

co·her·ent·ly adv

The student has trouble expressing his ideas coherently.

They work coherently together.

co·he·sion noun [noncount]

: a condition in which people or things are closely united : unity

There was a lack of cohesion in the rebel army.

social cohesion

co·he·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : closely united

Their tribe is a small but cohesive group.

2 : causing people to be closely united

Religion can be used as a cohesive social force.

co·he·sive·ly adv

co·he·sive·ness noun [noncount]

co·hort noun, pl -horts [count]

1 often disapproving : a friend or companion

The police arrested the gang's leader and his cohorts.

2 technical : a group of people used in a study who have something (such as age or social class) in common

Depression was a common problem for people in that age cohort.

coif verb, coifs, coiffed also coifed, coif·fing also coif·ing [+ obj]

: to cut and arrange someone's hair
usually used as coiffed
a carefully coiffed man
her perfectly coiffed hair

coif·fure noun, pl -fures [count]

formal : a way of cutting and arranging someone's hair : hairdo
a fancy/stylish/elaborate coiffure

1coil verb, coils, coiled, coil·ing

: to wind (something) into circles

[+ obj] She coiled the loose thread around her finger.

The cat coiled herself (up) into a ball on the rug.

A long scarf was coiled around her neck.

[no obj] The cat coiled up into a ball.

The snake coiled around its prey.

coiled adj
coiled wire

2coil noun, pl coils [count]

1 : a long thin piece of material (such as a wire, string, or piece of hair) that is wound into circles
a coil of wire

2 technical : a wire wound into circles that carries electricity

3 : intrauterine device

1coin noun, pl coins [count]

: a small, flat, and usually round piece of metal issued by a government as money
gold/silver/copper coins

I have a dollar in coins.

the other/opposite/flip side of the coin

: a different way of looking at or thinking about a situation

The economy is improving, but the other side of the coin is that inflation is becoming a bigger problem.

toss/flip a coin

: to decide something by throwing a coin up in the air and seeing which side is shown after it lands

Let's toss a coin. Heads, we don't go; tails, we do.

two sides of the same coin

: two things that are regarded as two parts of the same thing

These problems may seem unrelated but they are really two sides of the same coin.

2coin verb, coins, coined, coin·ing [+ obj]

1 : to create (a new word or phrase) that other people begin to use

The coach coined the phrase “refuse to lose.”

William Shakespeare is believed to have coined many words.

The phrase to coin a phrase is sometimes used in a joking way to say that you know you are using a very common expression.

The couple lived happily ever after, to coin a phrase.

2 : to make (money in the form of coins)

The nation plans to coin more money.

coin it or coin money

Brit informal : to earn a lot of money quickly or easily

They are really coining it/money with their new CD.

coin·age noun, pl -ag·es

1 a [noncount] : the act of creating a new word or phrase that other people begin to use

“Blog” is a word of recent coinage. [=a word that was recently created]

1 b [count] : a word that someone has created

The word “blog” is a recent coinage.

2 [noncount]

2 a : money in the form of coins

Coinage was scarce in the colonies.

an expert in Chinese coinage

2 b : the act or process of creating coins
the coinage of money

co·in·cide verb, -cides, -cid·ed, -cid·ing [no obj]

1 : to happen at the same time as something else

The earthquakes coincided.

often + with

The population increase coincided with rapid industrial growth.

The parade is scheduled to coincide with the city's 200th birthday.

2 : to agree with something exactly : to be the same as something else

The goals of the business partners coincide.

often + with

Her job coincided well with her career goals.

co·in·ci·dence noun, pl -denc·es

1 : a situation in which events happen at the same time in a way that is not planned or expected

[noncount] It was mere/pure/sheer coincidence that brought them together so far from Chicago.

By coincidence, every man in the room was named Fred.

Our meeting happened by coincidence. [=by chance]

[count] “I'm going to Boston this weekend.” “What a coincidence! I am too.”

It was no coincidence that he quit his job at the bank a day after the robbery.

a series of strange coincidences

By a fortunate/happy coincidence, we arrived at the theater at the same time.

2 [singular] formal : the occurrence of two or more things at the same time

Scientists have no explanation for the coincidence of these phenomena.

3 [singular] formal : the state of two or more things being the same
often + of

There is a coincidence of interests between the companies. [=the companies share the same interests]

co·in·ci·dent adj
formal : happening at the same time
coincident events
usually + with

Animal hibernation is coincident with the approach of winter.

co·in·ci·den·tal adj [more ; most ]

: happening because of a coincidence : not planned

The fact that he and his boss went to the same college was purely/entirely/completely coincidental.

a coincidental meeting

co·in·ci·den·tal·ly adv

Not coincidentally, they were both graduates of the same college.

co·i·tus noun [noncount]

technical : sexual intercourse

co·i·tal adj

co·jo·nes noun [plural]

US slang

1 : boldness or courage needed to do something

You don't have the/enough cojones [=guts, nerve] to fight me.

2 : a man's testicles
threatened to kick him in the cojones

1coke noun [noncount]

: a black material made from coal that is used as fuel for heating
compare 2COKE

2coke noun [noncount]

informal : cocaine

He had a great career before he started snorting/using/taking coke.

compare 1COKE

Coke trademark
used for a cola drink

coke·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal : a person who uses cocaine as an illegal drug : a cocaine addict

col. abbr
column

Col. abbr
colonel

co·la noun, pl -las [count, noncount]

: a sweet brown drink that contains many bubbles
a glass of cola

col·an·der noun, pl -ders [count]

: a bowl that has many small holes and that is used for washing or draining food

1cold adj, cold·er, -est

1 : having a very low temperature

The water was too cold for swimming.

The weather has been unusually cold this spring.

a country with a cold climate

It was a long, cold winter.

It's cold outside, but the wind makes it feel even colder.

It's bitterly/freezing cold out there!

a cold, rainy day
metal that is cold to the touch

Her hands were icy cold. = They were as cold as ice.

2 : having a feeling of low body heat

Are you cold? I could turn up the temperature if you'd like.

3 a of food : not heated
a bowl of cold cereal

He ate cold pizza for breakfast.

We were happy to eat a hot meal rather than cold sandwiches.

cold meats

3 b of drinks : served at a very low temperature or with ice

They're serving coffee, tea, and cold drinks.

a cold glass of milk
a cold beer

4 : not appealing or pleasant : causing a cold or unhappy feeling
the cold gray sky
the harsh cold lights of the hospital

5 : not friendly or emotional : lacking emotional warmth

Why is he so cold and distant toward me?

She gave me a cold stare and turned away.

I got a cold reception when I came home.

6 : not changed or affected by personal feelings or emotions

Like them or not, these are the cold facts!

It's time they took a cold, hard look at the situation.

7 : learned or memorized exactly
used with have

Keep repeating the lines until you have them (down) cold. [=until you have memorized them perfectly]

8 : unconscious or sleeping very deeply

He passed out cold.

usually used in the phrase out cold

She was out cold by eight o'clock.

see also knock cold at 1KNOCK

9 : not fresh or strong : no longer easy to follow

The dogs picked up a cold scent.

The police had been hot on the trail of the escaped prisoners, but then the trail went cold.

10 : not close to finding something or solving a puzzle
used especially in children's games

You're getting warmer! You're getting hot! Oh, now you're getting colder!

11 : not having success or good luck

The team was hot in the first half, but their shooting turned cold in the second half. [=they missed a lot of shots in the second half]

blow hot and cold see 1BLOW

cast a cold eye on see 1EYE

in cold blood see BLOOD

in the cold light of day

: in the day when things can be seen clearly rather than at night

The house that had looked so sinister at night seemed much less frightening in the cold light of day.

sometimes used figuratively

She forced me to look at myself in the cold light of day, and I didn't like what I saw.

leave you cold

Something that leaves you cold does not interest or excite you.

His movies leave me cold.

make someone's blood run cold see BLOOD

pour/throw cold water on see WATER

cold·ly adv

“Your application has been denied,” he said coldly.

She looked at me coldly and turned away.

cold·ness noun [noncount]

the icy coldness of winter

Why does he treat me with such coldness and reserve?

2cold noun, pl colds

1 [noncount] : a cold condition

I mind cold more than heat.

They died of exposure to cold.

She was shivering with cold. [=because she was cold]

2 the cold : cold weather

The cold really sets in around late November and doesn't let up until April.

I stood there shivering in the cold.

He waited outside for her in the bitter cold.

Come in out of the cold.

3 [count] : a common illness that affects the nose, throat, and eyes and that usually causes coughing, sneezing, etc.

It's not the flu, it's just a cold.

He got/caught a cold. = He came down with a cold. = (Brit) He went down with a cold.

the common cold
often used before another noun
the cold virus
cold symptoms/remedies

see also HEAD COLD

blue with cold, blue from the cold see 1BLUE

come in from the cold

: to become part of a group or of normal society again after you have been outside it
a former spy who has come in from the cold

leave (someone) out in the cold

: to leave (someone) in a bad position : to not give (someone) the rights or advantages that are given to others

The changes benefit management but leave the workers out in the cold.

3cold adv

1 chiefly US

1 a : in a very clear, complete, and definite way

She turned their offer down cold. [=flat]

1 b : in a sudden way

He was telling me a story but stopped cold [=abruptly] when the door opened.

2 : without practicing or preparing before doing something

She was asked to perform the song cold.

cold-blood·ed adj

1 [more ; most ] : showing no sympathy or mercy
cold-blooded [=ruthless] murderers

: done in a planned way without emotion
a cold-blooded killing

2 [more ; most ] : based on facts : not affected by emotions

A cold-blooded [=cold-eyed, dispassionate] assessment of the situation showed that we had to take harsh measures.

3 biology : having cold blood : having a body temperature that is similar to the temperature of the environment

Reptiles are cold-blooded.

compare WARM-BLOODED

cold-blood·ed·ly adv

cold-blood·ed·ness noun [noncount]

cold call noun, pl calls [count]

: a telephone call made by a business to try to sell something

Cold calls are made to people who have not been contacted before and have not asked to be called.

cold-call verb, -calls, -called, -call·ing [+ obj]

I cold-called the people on the list.

cold cash noun [noncount]

: money that a person has and can use immediately

He paid $500 for it in cold cash. [=in cash and not with a check or credit card]

cold·cock verb, -cocks, -cocked, -cock·ing [+ obj]

US informal : to hit (someone) very hard : to knock out (someone) with a hard punch

He got coldcocked by some guy in a bar.

cold comfort noun [noncount]

: something that is good for a situation but does not make someone happy because the whole situation is still bad

The good news about the economy is cold comfort to people who have lost their jobs.

cold cream noun [noncount]

: a cream that people use to clean the face or soften the skin

She uses cold cream to remove her eye makeup.

cold cuts noun [plural]

chiefly US : cold cooked meats (such as turkey, roast beef, or ham) that have been cut into thin slices

cold-eyed adj [more ; most ]

1 : not affected by emotions

Unlike her sentimental sister, she has a cold-eyed [=cold-blooded, dispassionate] view of reality.

a cold-eyed analysis of the data

2 : having a cold or unfriendly appearance
a cold-eyed businessman

cold feet noun [plural]

: a feeling of worry or doubt that is strong enough to stop you from doing something that you planned to do

He was going to ask her to marry him, but he got cold feet and couldn't do it.

cold fish noun, pl fish [count]

: a cold and unfriendly person

She's a lovely person, but her husband's a bit of a cold fish.

cold frame noun, pl frames [count]

: a small wooden or metal frame covered with glass or plastic that is used for growing and protecting plants in cold weather

cold front noun, pl fronts [count]

: the front edge of a moving mass of cold air

A cold front will move in tomorrow, bringing with it clear skies.

compare WARM FRONT

cold·heart·ed adj [or more ; most ]

: lacking kindness, sympathy, or sensitivity

She's a beautiful but coldhearted [=heartless] woman.

a coldhearted criminal

People are criticizing the government's coldhearted plans to stop funding programs for the poor.

a coldhearted refusal
opposite WARMHEARTED

cold·heart·ed·ly adv

cold·heart·ed·ness noun [noncount]

cold shoulder noun

the cold shoulder

: cold and unfriendly treatment from someone who knows you

He got the cold shoulder from his former boss when he saw him at a restaurant.

Most of the other professors gave him the cold shoulder.

cold-shoul·der verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [+ obj]

He was cold-shouldered by his former boss.

cold sore noun, pl sores [count]

: a small sore area around or inside the mouth that is caused by a virus

cold storage noun [noncount]

: the state of being kept in a cold place for later use
food that has been taken out of cold storage
often used figuratively

They put/kept the project in cold storage until funds were obtained for it.

cold sweat noun [singular]

: a condition in which someone is sweating and feeling cold at the same time because of fear, illness, etc.

The patient feels faint and is in a cold sweat.

I break out in a cold sweat when I think about asking my boss for a pay raise.

cold turkey noun [noncount]

informal : the act of stopping a bad habit (such as taking drugs) in a sudden and complete way

I tried lots of ways to stop smoking, even cold turkey.

cold turkey adv

Instead of trying to quit cold turkey, why don't you slowly decrease the amount that you smoke?

Some people have to go cold turkey to stop.

cold war noun, pl wars

1 the Cold War : the nonviolent conflict between the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R. after 1945
the era of the Cold War

2 [count] : a conflict or dispute between two groups that does not involve actual fighting
the cold war between the party's more liberal and conservative members

cold-war or Cold-War adj, always used before a noun
cold-war diplomacy
the Cold-War era

cold warrior noun, pl -riors [count]

: a person who supported or participated in the Cold War between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.

cole·slaw noun [noncount]

: a salad made with chopped raw cabbage

col·ic noun [noncount]

1 : a sharp sudden pain in the stomach

2 : a physical condition in which a baby is very uncomfortable and cries for long periods of time

col·icky adj [more ; most ]

a colicky baby

col·i·se·um noun, pl -ums [count]

chiefly US : a large stadium or building for sports or entertainment

co·li·tis noun [noncount]

medical : an illness that causes pain and swelling in the colon

col·lab·o·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [no obj]

1 : to work with another person or group in order to achieve or do something

The two companies agreed to collaborate.

often + on or in

They collaborated on a book about dogs.

The pair collaborated with each other on the film.

Several doctors collaborated in the project.

sometimes followed by to + verb

They collaborated to write a book.

2 disapproving : to give help to an enemy who has invaded your country during a war

He was suspected of collaborating with the occupying army.

col·lab·o·ra·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The book is the product of a collaboration between two writers. = The book is a collaboration between two writers.

an artistic collaboration

[noncount]

The writers worked in collaboration to produce the book.

He worked in close collaboration with French scientists.

He was accused of collaboration with the enemy.

col·lab·o·ra·tive adj

: involving or done by two or more people or groups working together to achieve or do something
a collaborative project/study/effort
collaborative research

col·lab·o·ra·tive·ly adv

They worked collaboratively on the project.

col·lab·o·ra·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who works with another person or group in order to achieve or do something

She thanked her collaborators on the project.

2 : a person who helps an enemy who has invaded his or her country during a war

He was accused of being a Nazi collaborator. [=someone who collaborated with the Nazis in World War II]

col·lage noun, pl -lag·es

1 a [count] : a work of art that is made by attaching pieces of different materials (such as paper, cloth, or wood) to a flat surface

We made collages in art class.

1 b [noncount] : the art or method of making collages
an artist known for her use of collage

2 [count] : a collection of different things

The album is a collage of several musical styles.

col·la·gen noun [noncount]

: a substance that occurs naturally in the bodies of people and animals and is often put into creams and other products that are sold to make a person's skin smoother and less wrinkled

1col·lapse verb, -laps·es, -lapsed, -laps·ing

1 [no obj] : to break apart and fall down suddenly

The bridge/building collapsed.

The roof collapsed under a heavy load of snow.

The chair he was sitting in collapsed.

2 [no obj]

2 a : to fall down or become unconscious because you are sick or exhausted

He collapsed on stage during the performance and had to be rushed to the hospital.

2 b : to completely relax the muscles of your body because you are very tired, upset, etc.

She came home from work and collapsed on the sofa.

The crying child ran to his mother and collapsed in her arms.

3 [no obj]

3 a : to fail or stop working suddenly : to break down completely

The civilization collapsed for reasons that are still unknown.

He warned that such measures could cause the economy to collapse.

Negotiations have completely collapsed.

3 b : to lose almost all worth : to become much less valuable

The country's currency collapsed.

Oil prices had collapsed.

4 [no obj] medical : to become flat and empty
a blood vessel that collapsed
a collapsed lung

5 : to fold together

[no obj] The stroller collapses easily.

[+ obj] You can collapse the stroller easily and store it in the trunk of your car.

col·laps·ible adj
a collapsible chair/table/stroller

2collapse noun, pl -lapses

1 : a situation or occurrence in which something (such as a bridge, building, etc.) suddenly breaks apart and falls down

[count]

usually singular
a fatal bridge collapse

The earthquake caused the collapse of several homes.

the collapse of the roof

[noncount] The structure is in danger of collapse.

2 : a situation or occurrence in which someone suddenly falls down or becomes unconscious because of being sick or exhausted

[count]

usually singular

After her collapse she was rushed to the hospital.

He suffered a collapse at work.

[noncount] She was on the verge of collapse.

3 : a situation or occurrence in which something (such as a system or organization) suddenly fails : a complete failure or breakdown

[count]

usually singular
the collapse of the Soviet Union
the collapse of negotiations

She moved to the city after the collapse of her marriage.

[noncount] The country has endured civil war and economic collapse.

4 : a situation or occurrence in which something loses almost all of its worth or value

[noncount] The country's currency is in danger of collapse.

[count]

usually singular
a collapse in the value of their currency

1col·lar noun, pl -lars [count]

1 : a part of a piece of clothing that fits around a person's neck and is usually folded down

He wore a shirt with a tight-fitting collar.

She grabbed me by the collar.

He loosened his collar. [=unbuttoned the top button of his shirt]

see also BLUE-COLLAR, PINK-COLLAR, WHITE-COLLAR

2 : a band of leather, plastic, etc., worn around an animal's neck

I bought a new collar for the dog.

see also FLEA COLLAR

3 technical : a ring or band used to hold something (such as a pipe or a part of a machine) in place

hot under the collar see 1HOT

2collar verb, -lars, -lared, -lar·ing [+ obj]

informal

1 : to catch or arrest (someone)

The police collared the guy a few blocks from the scene.

2 : to stop (someone) in order to talk : to force (someone) to have a conversation

He collared me on my way out the door.

col·lar·bone noun, pl -bones [count]

: a bone that connects the shoulder to the base of the neck called also clavicle

col·lard greens noun [plural]

US : the dark green leaves of a plant that is grown especially in the southern U.S.

Collard greens are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

col·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to gather together information from different sources in order to study it carefully

They are still collating the data.

2 : to arrange (sheets of paper) in the correct order

The photocopier will collate the pages of the report.

col·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

1col·lat·er·al noun [noncount]

: something that you promise to give someone if you cannot pay back a loan

She put up her house as collateral for the loan. [=she agreed that she would give up her house if she did not repay the loan]

2collateral adj
formal : related but not in a direct or close way
collateral relatives
the collateral effects of the government's policies

collateral damage noun [noncount]

: deaths, injuries, and damage to the property of people who are not in the military that happens as a result of the fighting in a war

col·league noun, pl -leagues [count]

somewhat formal : a person who works with you : a fellow worker

A colleague of mine will be speaking at the conference.

1col·lect verb, -lects, -lect·ed, -lect·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to get (things) from different places and bring them together

They hope to collect over 1,000 signatures on the petition.

He collected stories from all over the world.

They collected information about the community.

We collected soil samples from several areas on the site.

1 b : to get (one or more things) from a place

We collected our baggage from/at the baggage claim at the airport.

I left my suit at the cleaners and I have to collect it today.

2 : to get (similar things) and bring them together as a hobby

[+ obj] He collects postage stamps.

She enjoys collecting antique teapots.

[no obj] He has an impressive stamp collection, though he has been collecting for only a few years.

3 [+ obj] : to get control of (your thoughts, emotions, etc.)

I took a minute to collect my thoughts.

She stopped briefly to collect [=calm] herself.

4 a [+ obj] : to ask for and get (money that someone owes you)

I collected the rent from the tenants.

The city collects property taxes.

4 b : to be given or paid (money)

[+ obj] She collects social security benefits.

[no obj]

+ on

He is collecting on his disability insurance.

5 : to ask people to give (money or other things) to a group that helps people, a political candidate, etc.

[+ obj] She has begun collecting contributions from supporters.

often + for

We collected $5,000 for the hospital.

[no obj] I am collecting for the local women's shelter.

6 : to come together in a large amount as time passes

[no obj] Junk started collecting in the attic soon after they moved in.

Dust had collected on the dashboard.

Snow was collecting on the driveway.

[+ obj] Garbage can collect germs.

see also collect dust at 1DUST

7 [+ obj] : to go somewhere in order to get (someone you will bring or take to another place)

She collected [=picked up] the children after school.

I'm going to collect him from the airport.

collect up [phrasal verb]

collect up (something) or collect (something) up Brit : to gather (things) together

I collected up [=picked up] the dishes and brought them to the kitchen.

The children collected their toys up and put them away.

2collect adj

US of a telephone call : paid for by the person who is receiving the call
a collect phone call

The operator asked me if I would accept a collect call from John Smith.

collect adv

You can call me collect. [=you can call me and reverse the charges]

col·lect·ed adj

1 always used before a noun : brought together in a group
the collected works of Shakespeare

2 not used before a noun [more ; most ] : calm and in control of your emotions

She seemed completely cool, calm, and collected during her speech.

1col·lect·ible or chiefly Brit col·lect·able adj [more ; most ]

: good for a collection : considered valuable by collectors

The shop sells antiques and various collectible items.

That kind of toy is very collectible [=popular with collectors] right now.

2collectible or chiefly Brit collectable noun, pl -ibles [count]

: something that is considered valuable by collectors and usually kept as part of a group of similar things : a collectible thing

She displays her collectibles in a glass case.

col·lec·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : the act or process of getting things from different places and bringing them together

[noncount] a system of tax collection

The technology makes data collection easier.

[count] There will be a trash collection this week.

2 [count] : a group of interesting or beautiful objects brought together in order to show or study them or as a hobby

The museum's collection is one of the best in the country.

his baseball card collection
often + of

He has a huge collection of CDs.

She has an impressive collection of modern art.

He has quite a collection of exercise equipment.

sometimes used figuratively

She has acquired quite a collection of friends/contacts/experiences/stories.

3 [count] : a request for money in order to help people or to pay for something important

We took up a collection for the school renovations.

also : the money collected in this way

Ten percent of the collection goes to the city's shelters for homeless people.

often used before another noun
a collection plate/box

4 [count] : a group of clothes that a fashion designer has created
a fashion show featuring his spring collection

5 [count] : a group of different writings that are brought together in one book

You should consider publishing these stories as a collection.

often + of

I have a collection of her short stories.

1col·lec·tive adj, always used before a noun

: shared or done by a group of people : involving all members of a group

We made a collective decision to go on strike.

The incident became part of our collective memory.

a collective effort
the collective wisdom of generations
a collective noun [=a noun like “team” or “flock” that refers to a group of people or things]

col·lec·tive·ly adv
the group of languages known collectively as Romance languages

2collective noun, pl -tives [count]

: a business or organization that is owned by the people who work there; also : the people who own such a business or organization

collective bargaining noun [noncount]

: talks between an employer and the leaders of a union about how much a group of workers will be paid, how many hours they will work, etc.

The next round of collective bargaining is scheduled for September.

often used before another noun
the collective bargaining process
collective bargaining talks
a collective bargaining agreement

collective farm noun, pl farms [count]

: a farm that is run by several farmers and controlled by the government

col·lec·tiv·ism noun [noncount]

: a political or economic system in which the government owns businesses, land, etc.

col·lec·tiv·ist adj
collectivist ideology

collective noun noun, pl nouns [count]

technical : a word (such as family or herd) that names a group of people or things

col·lec·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who collects certain things as a hobby

He is an avid stamp collector.

The painting was purchased by a private collector.

2 : a person whose job is to collect something (such as trash or money)

The trash collectors came early today.

a tax/bill/debt collector

collector's item noun, pl items [count]

: an object that people want because it is rare or valuable

Her paintings have become collector's items.

col·lege noun, pl -leg·es

1 : a school in the U.S. that you go to after high school : a school that offers courses leading to a degree (such as a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree)

[count] She teaches art at a local college.

He graduated from one of the country's best colleges.

She attended a business college.

[noncount] He attended college for several years, but didn't graduate.

She dropped out of college.

Where did you go to college? [=what college did you attend?]

I went to Mount Holyoke College.

When I was a junior in college, I spent a semester in Spain.

often used before another noun
college students/courses/professors

He is a college graduate.

She was the first in her family to get a college education.

a college campus
college athletic programs

compare UNIVERSITY, see also COMMUNITY COLLEGE, JUNIOR COLLEGE, STATE COLLEGE

2 [count] : a part of an American university that offers courses in a specified subject
often + of

He attended the university's college of dentistry/engineering/medicine.

3 a : a school in Britain that offers advanced training in a specified subject

[count] an arts college
the Edinburgh College of Art
the London College of Fashion

[noncount] She is attending fashion college.

3 b [count] : a separate part of a large British university where students live and take courses

Balliol College at Oxford

4 [count] formal : an organized group of people who have similar jobs or interests

She is a member of the American College of Cardiology.

the college of cardinals
see also ELECTORAL COLLEGE

col·le·giate adj

: of or relating to a college or its students
collegiate athletics

col·lide verb, -lides, -lid·ed, -lid·ing [no obj]

1 : to hit something or each other with strong force : to crash together or to crash into something

Two football players collided on the field.

often + with

Two football players collided with each other on the field.

The car collided with a truck/tree.

2
used of situations in which people or groups disagree or are very different from each other

Their ideas for the company often collide. [=clash]

Two worlds collide in a new novel about an American family living in Japan.

often + with

The candidate's opinions sometimes collided with his party's agenda.

col·lie noun, pl -lies [count]

: a large type of dog with long hair and a long pointed nose

col·lier noun, pl -liers [count]

chiefly Brit old-fashioned : a coal miner

col·liery noun, pl -lier·ies [count]

chiefly Brit : a coal mine and the buildings that are near it

col·li·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

: an act of colliding: such as
a : a crash in which two or more things or people hit each other

The car was destroyed in the collision.

There was nothing I could do to avoid a head-on collision. [=a crash of two vehicles that are moving directly toward each other]

often + between or with

He was injured in a collision between a car and an SUV.

She hurt her shoulder in a collision with another player.

b : a situation in which people or groups disagree : a clash or conflict
often + between

He reported on the latest collision between the two leaders.

collision course noun

on a collision course

Two people or things that are on a collision course are moving and will crash into each other if one of them doesn't change direction.

The two airplanes were on a collision course.

The comet was on a collision course with the planet.

often used figuratively

The decision put us on a collision course with economic disaster.

col·lo·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [no obj]

technical : to appear often with another word

The word “college” collocates with “student.”

col·lo·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : use of certain words together
patterns of collocation

2 [count] : a particular combination of words
a common collocation

col·lo·qui·al adj [more ; most ]

1 : used when people are speaking in an informal way
a colloquial word/expression

2 : using an informal style
a colloquial writer

col·lo·qui·al·ly adv

The phrase is used colloquially but not in writing.

The drink is known colloquially as a “brown cow.”

col·lo·qui·al·ism noun, pl -isms [count]

: a word or phrase that is used mostly in informal speech : a colloquial expression

His English is very good, but he has trouble understanding certain colloquialisms.

col·lude verb, -ludes, -lud·ed, -lud·ing [no obj]

: to work with others secretly especially in order to do something illegal or dishonest

The two companies had colluded to fix prices.

often + in or with

She colluded in misleading the public.

He is accused of colluding with criminals.

col·lu·sion noun [noncount]

: secret cooperation for an illegal or dishonest purpose

The company was acting in collusion with manufacturers to inflate prices.

often + between

She uncovered collusion between city officials and certain local businesses.

co·logne noun, pl -lognes

: a liquid that has a light, pleasant smell and that people put on their skin : a light kind of perfume that does not have a strong smell

[noncount] She put on some cologne and combed her hair.

a TV commercial for men's cologne

[count] TV commercials for men's colognes
called also eau de cologne

1co·lon noun, pl -lons [count]

medical : the main part of the large intestine

He died of colon cancer.

compare 2COLON

2colon noun, pl -lons [count]

: the punctuation mark : used in writing and printing to direct attention to what follows it (such as a list, explanation, or quotation)

compare 1COLON

col·o·nel noun, pl -nels [count]

: an officer of high rank in the army, air force, or marines : a military officer who ranks above a major

He retired as a colonel in the air force.

1co·lo·nial adj

1 a : of or relating to a colony
colonial possessions/administration
a colonial city

1 b : owning or made up of colonies

The country was a colonial power.

a colonial nation and its colonial empire

2 or Colonial : of or relating to the original 13 colonies forming the United States

The book describes life in Colonial America.

an example of colonial architecture/furniture

The port had been very important in colonial times.

3 : in a style that was popular in the U.S. during the American colonial period (before 1776)

They live in a colonial (style) house.

2colonial noun, pl -nials [count]

1 or Colonial : a two-story house built in a style that was first popular in the U.S. during the American colonial period (before 1776)

They bought a Colonial on a quiet street.

2 : a person who is part of a colony : colonist
increasing tension between colonials and the mother country

co·lo·nial·ism noun [noncount]

: control by one country over another area and its people

co·lo·nial·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

colonialist adj
the colonialist past

col·o·nist noun, pl -nists [count]

1 : a person who lives in a colony

2 : a person who helps to create a colony

British colonists settled the area in the 18th century.

col·o·nize also Brit col·o·nise verb, -niz·es, -nized, -niz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to create a colony in or on (a place) : to take control of (an area) and send people to live there

England colonized Australia.

The area was colonized in the 18th century.

2 : to move into and live in (a place) as a new type of plant or animal

Weeds quickly colonized the field.

The island had been colonized by plants and animals.

col·o·ni·za·tion also Brit col·o·ni·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

European colonization of Asia

col·o·niz·er also Brit col·o·nis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Certain plants are prolific colonizers.

the influence of Dutch and French colonizers

col·on·nade noun, pl -nades [count]

: a row of columns usually holding up a roof

A colonnade surrounds the courtyard.

co·lo·nos·co·py noun, pl -pies [count]

medical : a medical procedure in which a special tube-shaped instrument is used to take pictures of the inside of someone's colon

col·o·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

1 a : an area that is controlled by or belongs to a country and is usually far away from it

Massachusetts was one of the original 13 British colonies that later became the United States.

a former French colony in Africa

1 b : a group of people sent by a country to live in such a colony
a colony of settlers

2 : a group of plants or animals living or growing in one place
an ant colony
a colony of bacteria

3 : a group of people who are similar in some way and who live in a certain area
an artist colony
a leper colony
also : the land or buildings used by such a group

1col·or (US) or Brit col·our noun, pl -ors

1 : a quality such as red, blue, green, yellow, etc., that you see when you look at something

[count] The color of blood is red.

What color are your eyes?

What color paint shall we use?

Blue and green are my favorite colors.

The pillows are all different colors.

[noncount] The room needs more color.

In early summer the garden is full of color.

She added color to her outfit with a bright scarf.

The leaves are starting to change color. [=turn from green to orange, yellow, red, etc.]

His eyes were bluish-green in color.

She used red peppers in the salad for color. [=to make it more colorful]

see pictures of colors starting on page C1

2 : something used to give color to something : a pigment or dye

[count] She's using a new lip/nail color.

The color bled when I washed the shirt.

[noncount] a brand of hair color

3 [noncount]

3 a : the use or combination of colors
a painter who is a master of color

3 b
used to describe a photograph, televison picture, etc., that includes colors and that is not black and white

The book includes over 100 photographs in (full) color. [=not black and white]

often used before another noun
a color photograph
color printing/television

see also in living color at LIVING

4 [noncount] : the color of a person's skin as a mark of race
discrimination on the basis of sex or color

A person of color is a person who is not white.

The book is about her experience as a woman of color in a mostly white community.

5 [noncount] : a pink or red tone in a person's face especially because of good health, excitement, or embarrassment

His color is not good. [=he looks ill]

She has some good color in her cheeks.

He could feel the color rising in his cheeks. [=he could feel himself blushing]

The color drained from her face. [=the blood left her face; she became very pale]

6 colors [plural] : something (such as a flag) that shows that someone or something belongs to a specific group

The ship sails under Swedish colors.

7 [noncount] : interest or excitement

Her comments added color to the broadcast. [=made the broadcast more enjoyable or entertaining]

see also LOCAL COLOR, OFF-COLOR

a horse of a different color see 1HORSE

show your true colors

: to show what you are really like : to reveal your real nature or character

He seemed nice at first, but he showed his true colors during the crisis.

with flying colors see 1FLYING

2color (US) or Brit colour verb, -ors, -ored, -or·ing

1 [+ obj] : to give color to (something) : to change the color of (something)

We colored the water with red ink.

Does she color [=dye] her hair?

2 : to draw with crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc. : to fill in a shape or picture using markers, crayons, colored pencils, etc.

[no obj] The children were busy coloring in their coloring books.

[+ obj] My nephew colored a picture for me.

The child colored the sky blue and the sun yellow.

see also COLOR IN ((BELOW))

3 [+ obj] : to change (someone's ideas, opinion, attitude, etc.) in some way

He never lets rumors color [=influence, affect] his opinion of anyone.

often used as (be) colored

Her judgment was colored by reports of the student's behavioral problems.

His feelings about divorce are colored by his own experience as a child.

4 [no obj] literary : to become red in the face especially because of embarrassment

She colors [=blushes] easily.

often + at

She colored at the mention of his name.

color in [phrasal verb]

color in (something) or color (something) in : to add color to (a shape or picture) by using markers, crayons, colored pencils etc.

She colored in the picture.

see also 2COLOR 2 (ABOVE)

col·or·ant (US) or Brit col·our·ant noun, pl -ants [count, noncount]

: coloring 2

col·or·a·tion (chiefly US) or Brit col·our·a·tion noun

1 [noncount] biology : the color or patterns of color on an animal or plant
the bird's brilliant coloration [=coloring]

the coloration of a flower

2 : the colors of an object (such as a piece of artwork or furniture)

[noncount] the bright yellow coloration of the curtains

[count] wine glasses with circle designs and blue and green colorations

3 : a quality or characteristic

[noncount] the novel's political coloration

[count] He attempted to give a religious coloration to the war.

col·or·a·tu·ra Brit noun, pl -ras

1 [noncount] : a style of singing usually in opera that contains a lot of high notes sung very fast
a performance without much coloratura

2 [count] : a singer who is able to perform this type of music
often used before another noun
a coloratura soprano
coloratura roles

col·or-blind (US) or Brit col·our-blind adj

1 : unable to see the difference between certain colors

Many color-blind people cannot distinguish between red and green.

2 : treating people of different skin colors equally : not affected by racial prejudice

The company claims to be color-blind.

color-blind policies

color blindness (US) or Brit colour blindness noun [noncount]

He has a common form of color blindness.

co·lo·rec·tal adj, always used before a noun
medical : of or relating to the lower part of the large intestine : of or relating to the colon and the rectum
colorectal cancer

col·ored (US) or Brit col·oured adj

1 : having color : not black or white

We decorated the Christmas tree with colored lights.

colored glass/pencils

2 : influenced by a person's feelings or prejudices

He gave a highly colored account of the events.

3 old-fashioned + sometimes offensive

3 a : of a race other than white; especially : 1black 2
a colored man/woman/child
colored people/folks

3 b : of or relating to people who are not white

The town she grew up in had a colored church and a white church. [=a church attended by black people and a church attended by white people]

col·or·fast (US) or Brit col·our·fast Brit adj

: able to keep the same color even if washed, placed in light, etc.

a colorfast carpet
colorfast printing ink

col·or·ful (US) or Brit col·our·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a bright color or a lot of different colors : full of color

I wore a colorful outfit.

the bird's colorful feathers

2 : interesting or exciting

He gave a colorful account of his travels.

She has a colorful [=bright, cheerful] personality.

He was a colorful character. [=a very unusual person]

3

If you use colorful language you use words that are usually considered rude or offensive.

He's been known to use some colorful language when he starts talking about politics.

col·or·ful·ly (US) or Brit col·our·ful·ly adv

The room was colorfully decorated.

color guard (US) or Brit colour guard noun [count]

: a person in uniform who holds a flag in a ceremony or parade

col·or·ing (US) or Brit col·our·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [noncount] : the act of adding colors to something (such as a picture in a coloring book)

Her favorite activities include playing with stuffed animals and coloring.

2 : something that produces color

[noncount] Our product contains no artificial coloring or flavoring.

She added some blue food coloring to the icing.

[count] artificial colorings

(US) a variety of hair colorings [=(Brit) colourants]

3 [noncount]

3 a : the color of a person's skin and hair

This scarf will look great with your coloring.

He has very light coloring.

3 b : the color of an animal or plant
a bird's bright coloring [=coloration]

4 [noncount] : the way color is used

His paintings are notable for their bright coloring.

coloring book (US) or Brit colouring book noun, pl books [count]

: a book of pictures that you color in with crayons, markers, etc.

I bought my son a new coloring book.

col·or·ist (US) or Brit col·our·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

1 : a painter who uses color in interesting and effective ways

2 : a person who dyes people's hair

col·or·less (US) or Brit col·our·less adj

1 : lacking color
a colorless liquid/gas

2 [more ; most ] : dull or boring : not interesting
colorless writing

color line noun, pl lines [singular]

US : a set of customs or laws that does not allow black people to do the same things or be in the same places as white people

Jackie Robinson broke American baseball's color line. [=he was the first black man to play professional baseball with white players]

called also (Brit) colour bar

color scheme (US) or Brit colour scheme noun, pl schemes [count]

: a particular combination of colors

They chose an unusual color scheme for the living room.

co·los·sal adj

: very large or great
a colossal [=gigantic] statue

Their business partnership turned out to be a colossal [=massive] failure.

The meeting was a colossal [=huge, enormous] waste of time.

col·os·se·um noun, pl -ums

1 Colosseum [singular] : an outdoor arena built in Rome in the first century A.D.

2 [count] chiefly US : a large stadium or building for sports or entertainment : coliseum

co·los·sus noun, pl -los·si [count]

1 : a huge statue
an ancient Egyptian colossus

2 : a very large or important person or thing

The building is a colossus of steel and glass.

a corporate colossus

colour Brit spelling of COLOR

colour supplement noun, pl -ments [count]

Brit : a magazine printed in color that is added to a newspaper usually on a Saturday or Sunday

colt noun, pl colts [count]

1 : a young male horse compare FILLY, FOAL

2 Brit : a member of a sports team for young people

col·um·bine noun, pl -bines [count, noncount]

: a plant that has flowers with five petals that are thin and pointed

Co·lum·bus Day noun [singular]

: the second Monday in October observed as a legal holiday in many states of the U.S. in honor of the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Bahamas in 1492

col·umn noun, pl -umns [count]

1 : a long post made of steel, stone, etc., that is used as a support in a building
a facade with marble columns

2 a : a group of printed or written items (such as numbers or words) shown one under the other down a page

Add the first column of numbers.

2 b : any one of two or more sections of print that appear next to each other on a page and are separated by a blank space or a line

The article takes up three columns.

The error appears at the bottom of the second column.

3 : an article in a newspaper or magazine that appears regularly and that is written by a particular writer or deals with a particular subject
a sports/gossip column

She writes a weekly column for the paper.

see also ADVICE COLUMN

4 : something that is tall and thin in shape
often + of

Columns of smoke rose from the chimneys.

see also STEERING COLUMN

5 : a long row of people or things
often + of
a column of troops/cars

col·um·nist noun, pl -nists [count]

: a person who writes a newspaper or magazine column
a gossip/sports columnist

com abbr
commercial organization
used in an Internet address to show that it belongs to a company or business
www.Merriam-Webster.com

compare DOT-COM

co·ma noun, pl -mas

: a state in which a sick or injured person is unconscious for a long time

[count] He went into a coma.

She was in a coma for a year.

[noncount] patients in (a state of) coma

Co·man·che noun, pl Comanche or Co·man·ches [count]

: a member of a Native American people of the southwestern U.S.

co·ma·tose adj

: in a coma

She lay in a comatose state.

comatose patients

1comb noun, pl combs [count]

1 a : a flat piece of plastic or metal with a row of thin teeth that is used for making hair neat

1 b : a device that is used for separating or straightening fibers (such as wool fibers)

2 : a soft part on top of the head of some birds (such as chickens)

Roosters have red combs.

3 : honeycomb

go over/through with a fine-tooth comb see FINE-TOOTH COMB

2comb verb, combs, combed, comb·ing

1 [+ obj] : to smooth, arrange, or separate (hair or fibers) with a comb

Go comb your hair.

He combed back his hair.

The wool is combed before being spun into yarn.

2 : to search (something) very thoroughly in order to find something

[+ obj] We combed the beach for shells.

[no obj]

usually + through

They got the information by combing through old records.

comb out [phrasal verb]

comb out (hair) or comb (hair) out : to make (hair) neat and smooth with a comb

She sat in front of the mirror combing out her hair.

Her mother combed the tangles out.

1com·bat noun [noncount]

: active fighting especially in a war
troops ready for combat

Some of these soldiers have never seen combat.

He was killed in combat.

armed/unarmed combat
often used before another noun
combat operations/missions
combat boots
a combat zone

2com·bat verb, -bats, -bat·ed also -bat·ted, -bat·ing also -bat·ting [+ obj]

1 : to try to stop (something) from happening or getting worse

The drug helps combat infection.

She dedicated her life to combating poverty.

Exercise can help combat the effects of stress.

The mayor pledged to combat crime.

2 formal : to fight against (someone) : to engage in combat against (an enemy)

They have been combating the rebels for months.

com·bat·ant Brit noun, pl -ants [count]

: a person, group, or country that fights in a war or battle

Britain was a main/major combatant in World War II.

often used before another noun
combatant ships/nations

combat fatigue noun [noncount]

: battle fatigue

com·bat·ive Brit adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing a willingness to fight or argue
a combative attitude/style

When the police tried to arrest him, he became combative.

com·bat·ive·ness noun [noncount]

a lawyer known for his combativeness

com·bi·na·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a result or product of combining two or more things or people

Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen.

The car's interior is available in various/different color combinations.

It's an unusual combination.

A combination of factors led to her decision.

The milkshakes come in chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla, or any combination of these.

He has the right combination of talent and experience.

Together on one team they are a winning combination. [=they work, perform, etc., very well together]

2 : an act of combining two or more things

[count] The combination of these two chemicals can cause an explosion.

[noncount] The drugs should not be taken in combination. [=should not be taken together]

It can be used by itself or in combination with [=together with] our other products.

3 [count] : a particular series of numbers or letters that is used to open a lock

What is the combination to the safe?

4
used to describe something that can be used in more than one way

The tool is a combination jackknife and bottle opener.

The book is a combination dictionary and thesaurus.

combination lock noun, pl locks [count]

: a lock that can only be opened by using a particular series of numbers of letters

combination therapy noun, pl pies [count, noncount]

medical : the use of more than one method and especially more than one drug to treat a disease

1com·bine verb, -bines, -bined, -bin·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (two or more things) to be together or to work together

We decided to combine both methods/techniques.

The groups have combined forces to lobby for reform.

often + with

The drug may be combined with other treatments.

2 a [+ obj] : to mix (two or more things) together to form a single thing

Combine the ingredients (together) in a large bowl.

combining oxygen and/with hydrogen

2 b [no obj] : to come together and form a single thing or group

Atoms combine [=unite] to form molecules.

The two companies combined [=merged] under his leadership.

3 [+ obj] : to have (two or more different things) at the same time
a writer whose novels combine imagination and scholarship

She found it difficult to combine a career and family.

This method of payment combines the advantages of cash with the convenience of a check.

4 [no obj] : to act together

Many factors combined to cause the recession.

All of these elements combine to make a wonderfully entertaining movie.

2com·bine noun, pl -bines [count]

1 : a group of people or organizations that work together

The teams belong to a combine that scouts new players.

a political combine

2 : a machine that cuts crops (such as corn or wheat) and separates the seeds of the plant from the rest of the plant

com·bined adj, always used before a noun

1 : formed or produced by adding two or more things or amounts together

They've raised a combined total of one thousand dollars.

The combined population of the two cities is over half a million.

2 : acting together

She is suffering from the combined effects of stress and fatigue.

The company succeeded thanks to the combined efforts of all its employees.

combining form noun, pl forms [count]

linguistics : a form of a word (such as electro- in electromagnetic or mal- in malodorous) that only occurs as a part of other words

com·bo noun, pl -bos [count]

1 : a small musical group that plays jazz or dance music
a three-piece jazz combo

2 informal : a combination of different things

The carpet design comes in three different color combos.

a washer-dryer combo

I ordered the seafood combo. [=a dish that includes different kinds of seafood]

com·bus·ti·ble adj [more ; most ]

: able to be burned easily
combustible gases/materials

The fuel is highly/very combustible.

sometimes used figuratively
a combustible situation [=a situation in which people are angry and could become violent]

combustible noun, pl -tibles [count]

combustibles such as coal and gasoline

com·bus·tion noun [noncount]

technical

1 : the act of burning

Combustion may occur at high temperatures.

see also SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

2 technical : a chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen combines with other substances to produce heat and usually light

This ratio of air to fuel results in better combustion.

see also INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

combustion chamber noun, pl -bers [count]

: a closed space inside an engine in which fuel is burned

1come verb, comes, came , come, com·ing [no obj]

1 : to move toward someone or something

Please come here for a minute. I want to show you something.

Don't come near me.

She came quietly into the room.

He came home late again last night.

The dog began to growl as we came closer.

Here he comes. [=he is approaching us]

The captain of the ship invited us to come aboard.

The dog came running when she called it. [=the dog ran to her when she called it]

If you need me I'll come running. [=I'll come to you very quickly]

2 : to go or travel to a place

People come from all over the country to see him.

Some people came by car while others came by plane.

Why don't you come and/to stay with us for a while?

My parents are coming for a visit. = My parents are coming to visit.

I hope you'll come (to/and) visit us soon.

About a hundred people are coming to the wedding.

People come many miles to visit the shrine.

They came very far [=they traveled a long way] to see you.

My brother is coming down [=traveling south] to visit me this week, and I'll be going up to visit him next month.

She lives uptown and rarely comes down to this part of the city.

My parents are coming up [=traveling north] to visit me this weekend.

She lives downtown and rarely comes up to this part of the city.

often used figuratively

We've come so far [=we've made so much progress]; we can't stop now.

It's remarkable to think of how far she's come since she started her career.

see also COME A LONG WAY ((BELOW))

3 of mail : to be delivered to a place

Did/has the mail come yet?

The mail comes every day at four o'clock.

A letter came for you.

4 a : to have or form an opinion, attitude, etc., after time passes
followed by to + verb

I didn't like him at first, but I eventually came to regard him as a friend.

He has come to be considered one of the leading candidates for the job.

They came to believe that no one would help them.

She came to be known [=she became known] as the world's greatest dancer.

The food wasn't as good as I've come to expect.

4 b : to do something specified
followed by to + verb

I don't know how he came to acquire the property. [=I don't know how he acquired the property]

How did you come to have such an idea? [=what caused you to have such an idea?]

How did she come to be there? [=why was she there?]

5 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to reach a specified level, part, etc.

Her dress came (down) to her ankles.

The water came almost up to the window.

6 [linking verb] : to reach a specified state or condition

My shoe came untied.

The screw came loose.

Things will come [=become] clear if we are patient.

The party suddenly came alive. [=the party suddenly became lively]

The rent is coming due next week. [=the rent will be due next week]

7 a : to happen or occur

These changes couldn't have come at a better time.

I promise that no harm will come to you. [=I promise that you will not be harmed]

Her success came at a high price. [=she paid a high price for her success]

It's important for children to learn about the people and things that came before us.

Success didn't come easy for her. [=she did not achieve success easily]

7 b : to arrive or happen after time has passed

The days will be longer when spring comes. = Come spring the days will be longer.

She'll be back in school come September. = She'll be back in school when September comes.

This war will end eventually, and when that day comes, we will all be profoundly thankful.

The time has come to stop hesitating and make a decision.

8 not used in progressive tenses of a product that is being sold

8 a : to be available

This model comes in several sizes. [=this model can be bought in several sizes]

a product that comes in a variety of colors and shapes
when the product first came on the market [=when the product was first being sold]

8 b : to have something as a feature, quality, ability, etc.

The car comes (equipped/complete) with air-conditioning.

9 a : to have a specified position or place in a series

I don't know which came first.

The letter D comes after C and before E.

He cares about his job, but his family comes first. [=his family is more important than his job]

9 b Brit : to end a race or competition in a specified position

Joan won the race and her sister came [=finished, came in] second.

10 somewhat old-fashioned

10 a
used in speech as a mild way to urge someone to do something or to become less upset, angry, etc.

Come, it's not that bad. I'm sure you'll feel better soon.

Come now, there's no reason to be so upset.

10 b
used in speech as a mild way to show that you do not approve of or agree with what someone has said

Come, come. You know as well as I do that he never said that.

11 informal + impolite : to experience an orgasm

asas they come

used to describe someone or something as very good, bad, etc.

Their daughter is as clever as they come. [=their daughter is very clever]

The movie was as boring as they come. [=the movie was extremely boring]

come about [phrasal verb]

1 : to happen

Their meeting came about by accident/chance.

I don't know how it came about that she overheard our conversation.

2 of a boat or ship : to turn to a different direction

The captain gave the order to come about.

come a cropper see CROPPER

come across [phrasal verb]

1 : to seem to have a particular quality or character : to make a particular impression

How did he come across? [=what kind of impression did he make?]

usually + as

He comes across as (being) a good speaker. [=he seems to be a good speaker; people think that he is a good speaker when they hear him talk]

He came across as a nice guy. [=he seemed to be a nice guy]

2 : to be expressed to someone

She says she was trying to be helpful, but that's not what came across when I talked to her. [=I did not get the feeling that she was trying to be helpful when I talked to her]

Her enthusiasm really came across [=came through] when she talked about her job. [=we could see that she was really enthusiastic when she talked about her job]

3 come across (something or someone) : to meet or find (something or someone) by chance

Researchers have come across important new evidence.

As I was walking through the town, I came across a group of street performers.

4 informal : to pay money that someone wants or demands

They threatened to hurt him if he doesn't come across (with the money).

come adrift see ADRIFT

come after [phrasal verb]

come after (someone) : to chase (someone) : to try to find or capture (someone you want to hurt or punish)

They're worried that the government might be coming after them.

come again
informal
used to ask someone to repeat something that was not heard or understood clearly

“Her name is Hermione.” “Come again? I didn't quite hear you.” “I said her name is Hermione.”

come along [phrasal verb]

1 : to go somewhere with someone

They asked me to come along (with them) on the trip. [=they asked me to go with them on the trip]

I'm going to the museum tomorrow. Would you like to come along?

2 : to make progress : to get better or to proceed in a desired way

The project started slowly, but now the work is coming along.

: to proceed in a specified way

The work is coming along well.

The investigation is coming along slowly, and there's still a lot more work to be done.

3 : to happen or appear as someone or something that might be used, chosen, etc.

She says she won't just marry the first man that comes along.

An opportunity like this doesn't come along [=occur] too often.

come a long way

1 : to rise to a much higher level of success : to become very successful

He's come a long way from his days as a young reporter. Now he's one of the country's most respected journalists.

2 : to make a great amount of progress

Medicine has come a long way in recent years.

come and go

1
used to talk about time that has passed

More than a hundred years have come and gone since the day of that famous battle.

2
used to talk about people who appear and then leave as time passes

She's seen a lot of employees come and go during her time in the company.

Politicians come and go. They all seem pretty much the same to me.

come apart

: to break into parts or pieces
an old house that is coming apart at the seams [=an old house that is in very bad condition]

often used figuratively
a coalition that is coming apart

Their marriage is coming apart at the seams. [=their marriage is failing]

come around or chiefly Brit come round [phrasal verb]

1 : to start to accept and support something (such as an idea) after opposing it : to stop opposing or disagreeing with something or someone

She still says she won't support us, but she'll come around eventually. [=she'll support us eventually]

often + to

She'll come around to our side eventually.

People are starting to come around to the idea.

2 : to become conscious

He took a bad fall and knocked himself out. When he came around [=woke up, came to], he didn't remember what had happened.

3 : to go to visit someone

Why don't you come around [=come over] (to my house) after work today?

4 : to occur in the usual way as time passes

I always feel a little sad when the end of the school year comes around.

see also what goes around comes around at 1GO

5 of a boat or ship : to turn to a different direction

The sailboat came around [=came about] and began to head east.

come as

used to describe the effect that something has when people first learn about it

Their decision came as a surprise (to me). [=their decision was a surprise to me]

It should come as no surprise that many people oppose the plan.

It came as a shock to me [=I was shocked] to see how old he looks now.

The news of her recovery came as a great relief to all of us.

come at [phrasal verb]

1 come at (someone)

1 a : to move toward (someone) in a threatening or aggressive way

They kept coming at me.

1 b : to be directed at or toward (someone)

The questions kept coming at him so quickly that he didn't know how to respond to them.

2 come at (something) : to begin to deal with or think about (something)

We need to come at [=approach] these problems from a different angle.

come away from [phrasal verb]

come away from (something) : to move away from (an area, place, etc.)

The guard told him to come away from the door.

often used figuratively

Most readers come away from the book feeling reassured. [=most readers feel reassured when they finish the book]

It was a difficult experience, but she came away from it a stronger and more confident person.

come back [phrasal verb]

1 : to return to a place

I hope you'll come back and see us again soon.

sometimes used figuratively
a decision that may come back to haunt us [=a decision that may cause problems for us in the future]

2 a : to return to a former good condition : to become strong, successful, or effective again after a time of weakness, failure, etc.

It can be difficult for an athlete to come back [=recover] from an injury like this.

a species that was nearly extinct but that has been coming back

2 b : to become popular or fashionable again

Short skirts were out of fashion for many years, but now they're coming back.

2 c : to be successful in a game, sport, etc., after being behind

The team was trailing after the first half, but they came back and won in the second half.

3 : to return to someone's memory
usually + to

I had forgotten a lot of what I learned about music, but it's all coming back to me now. [=I am beginning to remember it now]

4 : to make a reply or response
usually + with

When questioned about his involvement, he came back with an angry denial.

see also COMEBACK

come between [phrasal verb]

come between (people or groups) : to cause disagreement between (people or groups)

We shouldn't let these problems come between us.

come by [phrasal verb]

1 : to make a visit to someone

Why don't you come by [=come over] for a while after dinner?

2 come by (something) : to get or acquire (something)

I asked him how he came by the money, but he wouldn't tell me.

A good job is hard to come by. [=it's hard to get a good job]

come cheap see 2CHEAP

come clean see 1CLEAN

come close see 3CLOSE

come down [phrasal verb]

1 a : to move or fall downward

The crowd erupted in applause as the curtain came down.

One of the tree's branches came down during the storm.

1 b of rain, snow, etc. : to fall from the sky

She stood at the window, watching the rain come down.

The rain was coming down in sheets. [=it was raining very heavily]

2 : to go to a lower level

Stock prices have continued to come down [=fall] this week. = Stocks have continued to come down in price this week.

It's sad to see how he has come down in the world. [=how he has fallen to a lower position or status after being wealthy, successful, etc.]

see also COMEDOWN

3 : to decide or say in an official or public way that you support or oppose someone or something

The committee came down in favor of the proposal. = The committee came down on the side of the proposal. [=the committee approved the proposal]

Some of his former supporters have come down against him.

4

An announcement or decision that comes down is an announcement or decision from someone who has power or authority.

Word came down that the strike was over.

The decision came down in his favor.

5

Something that comes down from the past is something that has existed for a very long time.

This is a story that has come down from ancient times.

6 informal : to stop feeling the effect of an illegal drug : to stop being high on a drug
an addict who is coming down from heroin

come down on [phrasal verb]

1 come down on (someone) : to criticize or punish (someone)

The governor has promised to come down hard on corrupt officials. [=to severely punish corrupt officials]

Her boss came down on her pretty hard when she didn't finish the report on time.

2 come down on (something) : to make a strong effort to stop or oppose (something)

The governor has promised to come down hard on corruption.

come down to [phrasal verb]

come down to (something) : to have (something) as the most important part

People talk about various reasons for the company's failure, but it all comes down to one thing: a lack of leadership.

The election is going to come down to which candidate seems most trustworthy to the voters. [=the candidate who seems most trustworthy will win the election]

It's nice to be rich, but when you come (right) down to it, it's more important to be healthy and happy.

come down with [phrasal verb]

come down with (an illness) : to begin to have or suffer from (an illness)

She came down with [=contracted] measles.

I think I may be coming down with [=getting, catching] a cold.

come forward [phrasal verb]

: to say openly or publicly that you are the person who should get something or who can do something

No one has yet come forward to claim the reward.

Several people came forward to offer their assistance.

come from [phrasal verb]

1 come from (something)

1 a : to have (a specified origin or source)

Wine comes from grapes. [=wine is made from grapes]

English words come from a wide variety of sources.

1 b
used to describe a person's family

She comes from a wealthy family. [=her family is wealthy]

He comes from a long line of entertainers. [=the people in his family have been entertainers for many years]

1 c : to be the result of (something)

I'm not surprised that you don't feel well. That's what comes from not eating the right kinds of food.

2 come from (a place) : to be from (a place): such as

2 a of a person : to have been born or raised in (a place)

She comes (originally) from a small southern town.

: to live in (a place)

The people who attend the convention come from countries all around the world.

sometimes used figuratively

(informal) I understand where you're coming from. [=I understand why you feel or think the way you do; I understand your point of view]

2 b of a thing : to be produced in (a place)

Where did this wine come from? [=where is this wine from?]

There was a bad smell coming from the basement.

A sob came from her throat. [=she sobbed]

3 come from (someone) : to be said or told by (someone)

This information comes from a person I trust.

(informal) Those comments are pretty surprising, coming from you. [=it is surprising that you would make those comments]

come full circle see FULL CIRCLE

come hell or high water see HELL

come home to see 2HOME

come in [phrasal verb]

1 a : to enter a place

Welcome. Please come in.

1 b : to arrive at a place

The store will have some exciting new products coming in next week.

2 : to be received

The election results should start coming in soon. [=we should start receiving/getting the election results soon]

The broadcast was coming in loud and clear. [=we could hear the broadcast very clearly]

3 : to end a race or competition in a specified position

Joan won the race and her sister came in [=finished] second.

He came in first/last.

4 : to have a particular role or function

We're going to need someone to help with the cooking, and that's where you come in. [=your job will be to help us with the cooking]

5

Something that comes in handy or (less commonly) comes in useful/helpful turns out to be useful when it is needed.

A pocketknife can come in handy.

A little extra money would come in useful right now.

come in/into bloom or come into flower
of a plant : to begin to produce flowers : to start to bloom
in early spring, when the forsythias are coming into bloom

The lilacs have begun to come into flower.

come in for [phrasal verb]

come in for (something) : to get or be given (something unpleasant, such as criticism) : to be subjected to (something)

The government's policies are coming in for increasing criticism. [=more people are beginning to criticize the government's policies]

come in from the cold see 2COLD

come in on [phrasal verb]

come in on (something) informal : to become involved in (something)

He says he'd like to come in (with us) on the deal.

come into [phrasal verb]

come into (something)

1 : to enter (a place)

Everyone watched her as she came into the room.

2 : to get (something) as a possession

He came into a fortune when he inherited his father's estate.

3 : to be involved in (something)

Deciding who to hire should be a business decision. You shouldn't allow personal feelings to come into it. [=you shouldn't allow personal feelings to affect your decision]

come into effect see 1EFFECT

come into your own

: to begin to have the kind of success that you are capable of having : to become very skillful, successful, etc.

She has really started to come into her own recently.

The company was struggling for many months, but now it really seems to be coming into its own.

come in/into view/sight

: to appear : to begin to be seen

Another ship suddenly came into view.

As we turned the corner, the distant mountains came in sight.

come naturally see NATURALLY

come of [phrasal verb]

come of (something) : to be the result of (something)

the excitement that comes of meeting people who share your interests

They had discussions about possible new products, but nothing came of it. [=no new products resulted from their discussions]

come of age see 1AGE

come off [phrasal verb]

1 come off or come off (something) : to stop being attached to something

When I tried to pick up the suitcase, the handle came off. = The handle came off the suitcase.

2 : to produce a desired result : to succeed

His plans to start his own business never came off.

3 : to happen

The meeting came off as scheduled. [=the meeting happened when it was scheduled to happen]

4 : to do or perform well or badly

She came off well in the contest.

He came off badly/poorly in the debate.

5 : to seem to have a specified quality or character
usually + as

He's really just shy, but he comes off as a little arrogant. [=he seems a little arrogant]

He came off as a stuffy old man.

6 come off (something)

6 a US : to have recently completed or recovered from (something)

a company that is coming off a very successful year
an athlete who is coming off a serious injury

6 b : to have recently stopped using (an illegal drug)

an addict who is coming off heroin

7 US, informal
used in phrases like where do you come off? to express anger or annoyance at what someone has said or done

Where do you come off talking to me like that? [=you have no right to talk to me like that; how dare you talk to me like that?]

I don't know where he comes off making those kinds of accusations. [=he has no right to make those kinds of accusations]

come off it
informal : to stop talking or acting in a foolish way
usually used as an interjection

“I could be a pro golfer if I really tried.” “Oh, come off it! You're not even close to being that good!”

come on [phrasal verb]

1 a : to happen or progress as time passes

Darkness came on rapidly/gradually [=it rapidly/gradually became dark] as the sun went down.

1 b : to begin to happen

Rain came on toward noon. [=it began to rain when it was almost noon]

I feel a headache coming on.

It looks like it might be coming on to rain. [=it looks like it might start to rain soon]

2 a of an electrical machine, light, etc. : to begin to work or function

The lights came on briefly and then went out again.

2 b of a TV or radio program : to start

That program you like is coming on in a few minutes.

3 informal

3 a
used in speech to ask or urge someone to do something

“I don't feel like going out tonight.” “Oh, come on! It'll do you good to get out of the house for a while.”

“I don't think I can go any further.” “Come on! You can do it if you keep trying!”

3 b
used in speech to tell someone to hurry or to go faster

Come on, let's go.

3 c
used in speech to express surprise, disbelief, etc.

“I think she could win the election.” “Come on! She doesn't have a chance!”

4 : to have or seem to have a certain quality or nature

He comes on [=comes across] as a conservative.

come on strong

1 : to be very forceful or too forceful in talking to someone or dealing with someone

She didn't like him because she felt that he came on too strong.

2 : to become stronger or more successful in a continuing contest, race, etc.

The team was playing poorly in the early part of the season, but it has been coming on strong lately.

a political candidate who has been coming on strong in the polls as the day of election draws closer

come on to [phrasal verb]

1 come on to (someone) informal : to show sexual interest in (someone) : to try to start a sexual relationship with (someone)

She complained that her boss has been coming on to her.

2 come on to (something) Brit : to start to talk about or deal with (something)

We'll come on to [=come to, get to] that question later.

come out [phrasal verb]

1 : to become available : to begin to be produced or sold

A new magazine is coming out next week.

The book/movie comes out next month.

2 a : to become obvious : to be clearly shown

His pride came out in his refusal to accept help. [=his refusal to accept help showed his pride]

2 b : to become known

The truth finally came out. [=people finally learned the truth]

It came out that he had known about these problems all along, but he hadn't said anything.

3 : to say something openly

Why don't you just come out and say what you really think?

4 : to say publicly that you support or oppose someone or something

She came out in favor of the proposal.

Some of his former supporters have come out against him.

5 : to say openly that you are a homosexual

Many gay entertainers have been reluctant to come out.

Last year she came out (as a lesbian) to her parents. [=she told her parents that she is a lesbian]

6 a : to appear after being hidden

The rain stopped and the sun/moon/stars came out as the clouds cleared away.

: to appear in the open
animals that only come out at night

6 b of a flower : to open : to blossom
in the spring, when the flowers are beginning to come out (in bloom)

7 a : to end or finish in a specified way

How did the game come out? [=turn out] [=who won the game?]

Everything came out [=ended up, turned out] all right.

She expects to come out ahead in the end.

He's confident that he'll come out a winner.

He's confident that he'll come out on top [=that he'll win] when all the votes have been counted.

7 b of a photograph : to produce a good picture

Those pictures I took at the game yesterday didn't come out.

7 c
used to describe the quality that something has when it is finished

The picture came out blurry.

The brownies came out a little too dry.

8 : to be said, expressed, or understood in a particular way

That's not what I meant to say. It didn't come out right.

He was trying to make a joke, but it came out wrong.

come out of [phrasal verb]

come out of (something)

1 : to result from (something)

It's hard to see how anything good can come out of this.

2 : to go through the experience of (something)

I was lucky to come out of [=come through] the accident alive.

3

To come out of nowhere is to be very surprising and unexpected or to become successful, popular, etc., in a very sudden and surprising way.

That question came out of nowhere.

a company that has come out of nowhere to become one of the leaders in the industry

see also come out of left field at LEFT FIELD

come out with [phrasal verb]

come out with (something)

1 : to say or express (something, such as an idea)

She came out with a new proposal.

He's always saying ridiculous things. You never know what he'll come out with next.

Why don't you just come out with it and say what you really think?

2 : to publish or produce (something that will be sold to the public)

a publisher that is coming out with a new series of children's books
a car company that is coming out with several new models next year

come over [phrasal verb]

1 : to make a social visit to someone

Why don't you come over [=come around] (to my place) after work?

2 : to change from one side to the other in a disagreement, competition, etc.

usually + to

I've been trying to persuade her to come over to our side, but I haven't convinced her yet.

3 Brit, informal : become

He suddenly came over all bashful. [=he suddenly became very bashful]

4 come over (someone) : to affect (someone) in a sudden and strong way

A sudden feeling of dread came over me. [=I felt a sudden feeling of dread]

He's behaving so strangely. I don't know what's come over him lately. [=I don't know what has caused him to behave so strangely]

come round see COME AROUND ((ABOVE))

come through [phrasal verb]

1 : to succeed in doing something : to do what is needed or expected
an athlete who is known for coming through in the clutch

“I managed to get the tickets.” “Great! I knew you'd come through.”

2 a : to be received and understood

The message came through loud and clear.

The signal wasn't coming through. [=we weren't receiving the signal]

2 b : to be expressed to someone

Her enthusiasm really came through [=came across] when she talked about her job. [=we could see that she was really enthusiastic when she talked about her job]

3 : to be given or made official in a formal and final way

We're still waiting for approval of our loan application to come through.

4 come through (something) : to have the experience of living through (something)

It was a very difficult illness, but he came through it in pretty good shape.

come to [phrasal verb]

1 : to become conscious

He took a bad fall and knocked himself out. When he came to [=woke up, came around], he didn't remember what had happened.

2 come to (something)

2 a : to reach (a place) while traveling

We came to a fork in the road.

2 b : to reach (a particular point or step in a process)

Deciding to buy a new car was easy. Now we come to the hard part: finding the money.

I can't believe that it has come to this.

2 c : to approach or reach (a specified condition)

The water came slowly to a boil. [=the water slowly began to boil]

The project suddenly came to a stop/halt. [=the project suddenly stopped]

The work has finally come to an end. [=has finally ended]

see also come to a bad end at 1END

2 d : to result in (something)

usually used in negative statements

His ambitious plans never came to much.

She talked about learning to fly, but it all came to nothing in the end. [=she never did learn to fly]

2 e : to make or reach (something, such as a decision or an agreement) after thinking or talking

The two sides finally came to an agreement/understanding after many hours of discussion.

I've been thinking about what to do next, and I've come to a decision. [=I've made a decision]

I've come to the conclusion [=I've decided] that we need to try a different method.

3

People say that they don't know what the world is coming to or they ask What is the world coming to? when they are shocked or disgusted by something that has happened in the world.

I don't know what the world is coming to when so many poor children have to go to bed hungry every night.

4

The phrase when it comes to is used to identify the specific topic that is being talked about.

When it comes to playing chess, he's the best I know.

5

The phrase if it comes to that means “if that is necessary.”

I'm willing to pay more money if it comes to that.

6 come to (an amount) : to produce (an amount) when added together

The bill came to [=amounted to] 10 dollars.

7 come to (someone) : to be thought of by (someone) : to occur to (someone)

The answer suddenly came to me. [=I suddenly thought of the answer]

8

Something that is coming to you is something that is owed to you.

I have another dollar coming to me. [=I am owed another dollar]

He wants all the credit that's coming to him. [=he wants all the credit that he deserves]

If you get what's coming to you, you get the punishment that you deserve.

He's a dirty cheat, and I'm going to see that he gets what coming to him.

If you have it coming (to you) you deserve to get something bad, such as punishment.

I'm not sorry to hear that he lost his job. He had it coming.

come to blows see 3BLOW

come together [phrasal verb]

1 : to join or meet
the place where two rivers come together

2 : to form a group

People from many different areas have come together to try to find a solution.

3 : to begin to work or proceed in the desired way

The project started slowly, but everything is finally starting to come together now.

come to grief see GRIEF

come to grips with see 2GRIP

come to life see 1LIFE

come to light see 1LIGHT

come to mind see 1MIND

come to pass
formal + literary : to happen

Many of the things he predicted have come to pass.

come to rest see 2REST

come to terms see 1TERM

come to think of it

used in speech to say that you have just remembered or thought of something

The meeting is next Tuesday, which, come to think of it, is also the date of my doctor's appointment.

come to your senses see 1SENSE

come true see 1TRUE

come under [phrasal verb]

come under (something)

1 : to be subjected to (something)

The troops were resting when they suddenly came under attack. [=when they were suddenly attacked]

His policies have been coming under attack/criticism/fire from conservatives. [=conservatives have been attacking/criticizing his policies]

Many people feel that their civil rights are coming under threat. [=are being threatened]

Some of the governor's recent proposals are now coming under increased scrutiny. [=people are now looking more closely and critically at the proposals]

The school is coming under pressure to change its policies.

2 : to be affected, controlled, or influenced by (something)

an area that has come under the control of rebel forces [=an area that is now controlled by rebel forces]

He was 30 years old when he first came under the care of a psychiatrist. [=when he first began to be treated by a psychiatrist]

Many young people have come under his influence. [=many young people have been influenced by him]

areas that come under his authority

3
used to identify the group or category that something belongs to

These matters come under the heading of classified information.

come up [phrasal verb]

1 : to move near to someone or something : to approach someone or something

He came (right) up (to me) and introduced himself.

2 a : to be mentioned or thought of

That issue never came up. [=arose]

A question has come up about the budget.

I was surprised when his name came up as a possible candidate for the job.

2 b : to occur in usually a sudden or unexpected way

She seems to be ready to deal with any problem that may come up. [=arise]

Something has come up and I won't be able to attend the meeting.

We need to be ready to take action if an opportunity comes up.

3 of the sun or moon : to become visible in the sky : to rise

She was already awake when the sun came up.

4 of a plant : to first appear above the ground
in the spring, when the daffodils and tulips are coming up

5 : to finish in a specified condition or state

I flipped the coin and it came up heads/tails.

The shot came up short. [=the shot did not go far enough]

6 : to move up in rank or status
an officer who came up from/through the ranks [=who started as an ordinary soldier and rose to become an officer]

7

Something that is coming up will happen soon or will appear soon.

With the election coming up, both candidates are spending all their time on the campaign trail.

Our interview with the mayor is coming (right) up after this commercial.

“I'd like a turkey sandwich and a glass of lemonade, please.” “Coming right up!” [=the sandwich and lemonade will be served to you very quickly]

come up against [phrasal verb]

come up against (something) : to be stopped or slowed by (something)

The proposal has come up against some opposition. [=there is some opposition to the proposal]

come up empty

: to fail to get or find something or someone

The police searched the area for clues but came up empty. [=they did not find any clues]

come upon [phrasal verb]

somewhat formal

1 come upon (someone or something) : to meet or find (someone or something) by chance

As they turned the corner, they came upon an unexpected scene.

While researching the town's history, she came upon some surprising new information about its first mayor.

2 come upon (someone) of a feeling : to affect (someone) suddenly

An urge to travel suddenly came upon him. [=he suddenly felt an urge to travel]

come up to [phrasal verb]

come up to (something) : to be as good as (something)

The movie didn't come up to our expectations. [=was not as good as we expected it to be]

come up with [phrasal verb]

come up with (something) : to get or think of (something that is needed or wanted)

We finally came up with a solution (to our problem).

He came up with an interesting new method of improving the factory's efficiency.

He'll be in a lot of trouble if he doesn't come up with the money he owes.

come what may

: regardless of what happens

He promised to support her, come what may.

easy come, easy go see 2EASY

first come, first served see 2FIRST

how come see 1HOW

to come

: existing or arriving in the future

No one knows what will happen in the days to come.

There will be more trouble to come.

2come noun [noncount]

impolite : semen

come·back noun, pl -backs [count]

1 a : a return to a former good position or condition

The species was nearly extinct but is now making/staging a comeback.

1 b : a return to being popular or fashionable

Short skirts were out of fashion for many years, but now they're making/staging a comeback.

1 c : a new effort to win or succeed after being close to defeat or failure

The team was trailing after the first half, but they made/staged a comeback and won in the second half.

The team mounted a comeback in the second half of the season.

2 : a quick reply or response

She seemed to have a clever comeback [=retort] for everything I said.

see also come back at 1COME

co·me·di·an noun, pl -ans [count]

1 : a person who performs in front of an audience and makes people laugh by telling jokes or funny stories or by acting in a way that is funny : an actor who plays roles that make people laugh

2 : a person who is funny or makes people laugh

You'll like my friend. He's a real comedian.

co·me·dic adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

: of, relating to, or like a comedy

She has a lot of comedic talent.

a drama with comedic elements

co·me·di·enne noun, pl -ennes [count]

: a woman who is a comedian

come·down noun, pl -downs [count]

: a situation in which a person falls to a lower level of importance, popularity, etc. : a fall in status or position

For a man who was once a very popular actor, working in a nightclub is quite a comedown.

see also come down 2 at 1COME

com·e·dy noun, pl -dies

1 [count] : a play, movie, television program, novel, etc., that is meant to make people laugh

The new comedy is the network's most popular television show.

see also MUSICAL COMEDY, SITUATION COMEDY

2 [noncount] : things that are done and said to make an audience laugh : comic entertainment

The movie includes a lot of physical comedy.

She had always dreamed of a career in comedy. [=a career as a comedian]

often used before another noun
comedy clubs
a comedy show

3 [noncount] : the funny or amusing part of something : humor

We couldn't help laughing out loud at the comedy of the situation.

comedy of manners noun, pl comedies of manners [count]

: a humorous play, movie, novel, etc., about the way a particular group of people behave

come-hith·er adj, always used before a noun

: attracting someone especially in a sexual way

She gave him a come-hither look.

come·ly adj, -li·er, -est [also more ; most ]

old-fashioned + literary : pleasing in appearance : pretty or attractive
used to describe a girl or woman
a comely young lady

come-on noun, pl -ons [count]

1 informal : something that a person says or does to try to start a sexual relationship with someone

When he told her she looked familiar, she assumed it was just a come-on and ignored him.

see also come on to at 1COME

2 : something that is done to get customers for a business

This special sale is a come-on to bring in new customers.

com·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 a : a person who goes to a place to take part in an activity
usually plural

The class is open to all comers.

1 b : a person who arrives at a place

We're giving free T-shirts away to the first comers.

see also LATECOMER, NEWCOMER

2 US, informal : someone who is making progress quickly and is likely to be successful

She's regarded as a comer in political circles.

a young comer

com·et noun, pl -ets [count]

: an object in outer space that develops a long, bright tail when it passes near the sun

come·up·pance noun [singular]

: punishment that someone deserves to receive

One of these days, he'll get his comeuppance for treating people so arrogantly.

1com·fort noun, pl -forts

1 [noncount] : a state or situation in which you are relaxed and do not have any physically unpleasant feelings caused by pain, heat, cold, etc.

These boots provide warmth and comfort in the coldest temperatures.

The car's seats are designed for comfort.

The suites combine comfort with convenience.

The drug gave some comfort to the patient.

I found a cozy chair where I could read in comfort.

We like to watch movies in the comfort of our own home. [=in our own home where we can relax and be comfortable]

2 [noncount] : a state or feeling of being less worried, upset, frightened, etc., during a time of trouble or emotional pain

He turned to her for comfort and support when he lost his job.

We found little/no comfort in their words. [=their words did not make us feel better]

If it is any comfort to you, I've made the same mistake myself. = It might give you comfort to know that I've made the same mistake myself.

I take comfort in the knowledge that I'm not alone. [=I feel less worried/upset because I know that I am not alone]

see also COLD COMFORT

3 [count] : a person or thing that makes someone feel less worried, upset, frightened, etc.

They were great comforts to each other during that difficult time.

usually singular

Her grandchildren were always a great comfort to her.

It's a comfort to know that you are nearby.

4 comforts [plural] : the things that make you more comfortable and that make your life easier and more pleasant
domestic comforts
a country inn with all the comforts of home
see also CREATURE COMFORT

5 [noncount] : a state or situation in which you have all the money and possessions that you need

They lived a life of comfort and ease.

too close for comfort also too near for comfort

Something or someone that is too close/near for comfort is close enough to make you feel nervous, worried, or upset.

That bus came a little too close for comfort!

When we went out for drinks together, I realized we were getting too close for comfort. [=we were getting closer than I wanted to be]

2comfort verb, -forts, -fort·ed, -fort·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel less worried, upset, frightened, etc. : to give comfort to (someone)

She did her best to comfort [=console] the crying child.

Our family was comforted by the outpouring of support from the community.

We can comfort ourselves with the thought that the worst is over.

comforting adj [more ; most ]

Knowing that I can rely on your help is a comforting thought. = It is comforting to know that I can rely on your help.

com·fort·ing·ly adv
a comfortingly familiar face

com·fort·able adj [more ; most ]

1 a : not causing any physically unpleasant feelings : producing physical comfort
a comfortable chair/bed
a comfortable home
comfortable clothes
a comfortable temperature

These shoes aren't very comfortable for walking.

I can't seem to find a comfortable position in this chair.

1 b not used before a noun : not having any physically unpleasant feelings : experiencing physical comfort

Are you comfortable enough in that chair?

The nurse turned the patient on his side and asked him if he was comfortable.

I was just getting comfortable when the phone rang.

2 a : allowing you to be relaxed : causing no worries, difficulty, or uncertainty
a comfortable routine

They stayed at a comfortable distance from the crowd.

She walked along at a comfortable [=easy] pace.

The team has a comfortable 60 lead. [=a large lead that makes a victory seem certain]

It was a comfortable victory. [=an easy victory that was never in doubt]

2 b : feeling relaxed and happy : not worried or troubled

He is most comfortable working outdoors. [=working outdoors suits him best]

often + with

I'm not very comfortable with the idea of flying.

I felt comfortable with her as soon as I met her. [=it was easy to talk and do things together]

3 : having or providing enough money for everything you need to live well

He has a comfortable job/income.

She makes a comfortable living as a journalist.

They enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

com·fort·ably adv

The suit fits comfortably.

Is everyone seated comfortably?

They have enough money to live comfortably. = They are comfortably off.

com·fort·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who helps you to feel less worried, upset, frightened, etc. : someone who comforts you

He was her longtime confidant and comforter.

2 US : a thick bed covering that is filled with a soft light material (such as feathers)

a down comforter

comfort food noun, pl foods

: food that is satisfying because it is prepared in a simple or traditional way and reminds you of home, family, or friends

[count] Pot roast and fried chicken are my favorite comfort foods.

[noncount] a restaurant that serves comfort food

comfort zone noun, pl zones [count]

: a place, situation, or level where someone feels confident and comfortable

He pushes the players to perform beyond their comfort zone.

I need to expand my comfort zone and try new things.

com·fy adj, -fi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : physically comfortable
a big, comfy armchair

Is everybody comfy?

1com·ic adj

1 : of or relating to a comedy
a comic actor/writer

2 : causing laughter or amusement
a comic monologue

The drama has some comic moments.

His comic timing is impeccable.

The scene was included for comic effect.

2comic noun, pl -ics

1 [count] : a person who performs in front of an audience and makes people laugh by telling jokes or funny stories or by acting in a funny way : comedian
a talented comic

2 US

2 a [count] : comic strip
sometimes used before another noun
the comic section of the newspaper

2 b the comics : the comic strips in a newspaper : the part of a newspaper that has comic strips

Did you read the comics [=the funnies] today?

3 [count] chiefly Brit : comic book

com·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

: causing laughter especially by being unusual or unexpected
a comical performance

I must have looked comical in that big hat.

The way they argue is almost comical.

There's nothing comical [=funny] about someone getting hurt.

com·i·cal·ly adv
comically inappropriate remarks

comic book noun, pl books [count]

: a magazine that is made up of a series of comic strips
often used as comic-book before another noun
comic-book heroes

comic strip noun, pl strips [count]

: a series of cartoon drawings that tell a story or part of a story

1com·ing adj, always used before a noun

1 : happening soon or next

The company has many plans for the coming year.

An official announcement will be made in the coming days.

2 : becoming more important or popular
new technology that's considered the coming [=up-and-coming] thing/trend in the industry

coming attraction see ATTRACTION

2coming noun, pl -ings [count]

: the time when something begins
usually singular

We eagerly awaited the coming [=arrival] of spring.

see also SECOND COMING

comings and goings

: the activity of people arriving at and leaving a place

He sat in the café watching the comings and goings of the customers.

coming-of-age noun [noncount]

: the time when a person becomes an adult

The film is about a young man's coming-of-age.

often used figuratively

The album marked her coming-of-age as a singer. [=the album showed that she had developed her talents fully as a singer]

see also come of age at 1AGE

com·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

: a punctuation mark , that is used to separate words or groups of words in a sentence

1com·mand verb, -mands, -mand·ed, -mand·ing

1 : to give (someone) an order : to tell (someone) to do something in a forceful and often official way

[+ obj] She commanded us to leave.

Military leaders commanded the troops to open fire.

She commanded that work on the bridge cease immediately.

[no obj] We had no choice but to do as they commanded.

2 [+ obj] : to have authority and control over (a group of people, such as soldiers)

He commands a platoon of 60.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to deserve or be able to get or receive (something)

She has a reputation that commands attention/respect. [=people give her respect/attention because of her reputation]

With his skills and experience, he can command a high salary.

3 b : to have and be able to use or control (something)

The company commands much power and influence in the business world.

They command many resources.

4 [+ obj] formal : to be in a place in which you can clearly see (something)

Their house is on a hill that commands an excellent view of the valley.

2command noun, pl -mands

1 : an order given to a person or animal to do something

[count] We are expected to obey his commands.

She shouted out commands to the crew.

Begin on/at my command.

We started to teach the dog simple commands like “sit” and “lie down.”

The dog will only attack on my command. [=will only attack when I tell it to]

[noncount] The soldiers marched on command. [=they marched when they were ordered to march]

see also your wish is my command at 2WISH

2 [count] : an instruction in the form of a code or signal that tells a computer to do something

You can perform several actions with keyboard commands.

The system recognizes voice commands.

3 [noncount]

3 a : the power that someone (such as a military officer) has to give orders and to control a group of people

He was relieved of his command after being charged with misconduct.

He has command of 100 troops. = He has 100 troops under his command.

Who is the officer in command of the unit?

see also CHAIN OF COMMAND

synonyms see 1POWER

3 b : control of something (such as a situation, activity, or feeling)

I assumed command of the business after my father's death.

He immediately took command of the situation.

She seems to be in (full) command of the situation. [=she seems to have complete control of the situation]

He finally felt in command of his life.

She stayed in command of herself [=she did not lose control of her emotions] during the trial.

4 [singular] : knowledge and skill that allows you to do or use something well

+ of

She has a good command of French. [=she speaks French well]

His command of the piano is impressive.

5 [count] : a group of people or an area that is under the control of a military officer

He is an officer in the Middle East command.

He quickly earned the respect of his command.

6 [count] : a group of military officers of high rank who give orders

The order came down from Naval Command.

see also HIGH COMMAND, SECOND-IN-COMMAND

at your command

: available for your use

They used every resource at their command. [=at their disposal]

If you need anything, please ask me. I am at your command. [=I am available to help you at any time]

com·man·dant Brit noun, pl -dants [count]

: an officer who is in charge of a group of soldiers in the military

com·man·deer verb, -deers, -deered, -deer·ing [+ obj]

formal : to take (something, such as a vehicle or building) by force especially for military purposes

The soldiers commandeered civilian vehicles to help transport the injured.

com·mand·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who is in charge of a group of people
the platoon/battalion commander
the city's police commander
often used as a title

Commander John/Jane Smith

2 : an officer of high rank in the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the British Royal Navy

commander in chief noun, pl commanders in chief [count]

: a person who is in charge of all the armed forces of an entire country

The President exercised his power as commander in chief to deploy forces in the region.

com·mand·ing adj

1 [more ; most ] : having a powerful or important quality that attracts attention, respect, etc.

He is a commanding figure in American literature. [=he is an important and respected figure in American literature]

He has a very commanding voice/manner.

He has a commanding presence when he speaks. [=he attracts attention when he speaks]

2 always used before a noun [more ; most ] : very likely to result in victory in a race, competition, etc.

She holds a commanding lead in the polls.

Our team was in a commanding position as the game neared its end.

3 always used before a noun : allowing you to see an area very well

The castle is in a commanding position at the top of the hill.

The hill provides a commanding view of the surrounding countryside.

commanding officer noun, pl -cers [count]

: an officer who is in charge of a group of people in the military or of a military camp or base

He reported the incident to his commanding officer.

com·mand·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: an important rule given by God that tells people how to behave
a commandment from God
the Ten Commandments in the Bible
the First Commandment

com·man·do noun, pl -dos or -does [count]

: a soldier who is trained to carry out surprise attacks on an enemy
an army commando
often used before another noun
a commando raid/force

command performance noun, pl -mances [count]

: a special performance of a concert, play, etc., that is done at the request of an important person (such as a king)

com·mem·o·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to exist or be done in order to remind people of (an important event or person from the past)

The festival commemorates the town's founding.

The plaque commemorates the battle that took place here 200 years ago.

2 : to do something special in order to remember and honor (an important event or person from the past)

Each year on this date we commemorate our ancestors with a special ceremony.

All of the director's films will be shown to commemorate [=observe] the 50th anniversary of his death.

com·mem·o·ra·tion noun, pl -tions

: something (such as a special ceremony) that is intended to honor an important event or person from the past

[count] Several well-known celebrities attended the commemoration.

[noncount] A service was held in commemoration of the battle. [=was held to commemorate the battle]

com·mem·o·ra·tive adj

: intended to honor an important event or person from the past
a commemorative postage stamp
a commemorative ceremony

com·mence verb, -menc·es, -menced, -menc·ing
formal : to begin

[no obj] The festivities will commence with a parade.

Their contract commences in January.

They commenced to argue. = They commenced arguing.

[+ obj] The court commenced criminal proceedings.

The country has commenced preparations for war.

com·mence·ment noun, pl -ments
formal

1 [noncount] : the time when something begins : beginning
usually + of

They awaited the commencement of the trial.

It's the first attempt at peace since the commencement [=start] of hostilities.

2 US : a ceremony during which degrees or diplomas are given to students who have graduated from a school or college

[noncount] the week before commencement [=graduation]

[count] A poet will speak at the commencement.

often used before another noun
a commencement speech/address/ceremony
commencement exercises

com·mend verb, -mends, -mend·ed, -mend·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to praise (someone or something) in a serious and often public way

He commended her honesty.

His poetry is highly commended by other writers.

often + for

He commended her for her honesty.

They should be commended for their bravery.

2 : to mention (someone or something) as deserving attention or approval : recommend

I commend this book to anyone interested in learning more about American history.

Their theory has much to commend it. [=there are many good things about it]

His ideas are not likely to commend themselves to most voters. [=most voters will not like and approve of his ideas]

com·mend·able adj [more ; most ]

formal : deserving praise and approval
a commendable effort

Your honesty is commendable.

com·mend·ably adv

He did a commendably thorough job.

com·men·da·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 [noncount] : the act of praising or approving of someone or something
words of commendation [=approval, praise]

Their hard work deserves commendation.

2 [count] : something (such as an official letter) that praises someone publicly

The President issued a commendation praising the volunteers for their exceptional work during the relief effort.

often + for

He was awarded a commendation for bravery.

com·men·su·rate adj
formal : equal or similar to something in size, amount, or degree

The increase in demand caused a commensurate [=proportionate] increase in prices.

Her new position came with a commensurate level of responsibility.

often + with

The punishment should be commensurate with the offense.

com·men·su·rate·ly adv
a luxury hotel with commensurately high prices

1com·ment noun, pl -ments

1 a : a spoken or written statement that expresses an opinion about someone or something

[count] The most frequent comment was that the service was slow.

I find your comments offensive.

I'd like to begin with a few general comments.

We have no further comments. [=we have nothing more to say]

Comments or suggestions can be sent to our main Web address.

She heard him making rude comments [=remarks] about the neighbors.

We haven't gotten any comments on/about the new design.

I'd appreciate your comments on this issue.

We've received positive comments from many of our readers.

[noncount] She couldn't be reached for comment.

We let the remark pass without comment. [=we did not respond to the remark]

The phrase no comment is used to tell someone (such as a reporter) that you do not wish to answer a question.

“Did you know the defendant well?” “No comment.”

synonyms see 1REMARK

1 b [count] : a written note that explains or discusses the meaning of something (such as a piece of writing)

The new edition includes the translator's comments.

2 [noncount] : spoken or written discussion about something (such as an event in the news)

The radio program offers news and comment.

The trial drew widespread comment.

3 [count] : something that shows or makes a statement about the true state or condition of something usually singular;

+ on

Their case is a sad comment [=commentary] on the current state of the justice system.

She sees the film as a comment on modern values.

2comment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing

: to make a statement about someone or something : to make a comment

[no obj] When asked about his involvement in the scandal, he refused/declined to comment.

usually + on

Several people have commented on my new dress.

He declined to comment on the matter.

[+ obj] She commented that the service seemed slow.

“The service seems slow today,” she commented. [=remarked]

com·men·tary Brit noun, pl -tar·ies

1 : spoken or written discussion in which people express opinions about someone or something

[noncount] The television show features political commentary by well-known journalists.

The magazine includes humor and social commentary.

[count] The book is a commentary on her experiences abroad.

I like listening to his social commentaries.

2 : a spoken description of an event (such as a sports contest) as it is happening

[noncount] He provided commentary during the game.

[count] The major television stations provided running commentaries on the election results.

3 [count] : something that shows or makes a statement about the true state or condition of something usually singular;

+ on

The students' poor performance on the tests is a sad commentary [=comment] on the current state of education in this country.

com·men·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

: to provide a description on a radio or television program of an event (such as a sports contest) as it is happening

He will be commentating on tomorrow night's game.

com·men·ta·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who discusses important people and events on television, in newspapers, etc.

a political commentator
social commentators

2 : a person who provides a description on a radio or television program of an event (such as a sports contest) as it is happening
a sports commentator

(US) a color commentator [=a person whose job is to make interesting comments on a radio or television broadcast about the things that are happening in a sports contest]

com·merce noun [noncount]

: activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services
interstate commerce [=trade]

major centers of commerce

He was the Secretary of Commerce under the last President.

see also CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1com·mer·cial adj

1 : related to or used in the buying and selling of goods and services
commercial property/regulations/vehicles
a commercial airliner

The city wanted to encourage commercial rather than residential development along the river. [=the city wanted businesses rather than apartments or houses to be built along the river]

a commercial and industrial city [=a city with many businesses and factories]

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : concerned with earning money

Their music is too commercial.

commercial artists

2 b always used before a noun : relating to or based on the amount of profit that something earns

The play was a commercial success but an artistic failure. [=the play earned a lot of money but did not show artistic skill]

3 always used before a noun : paid for by advertisers
commercial television/broadcasting

The average American sees and hears thousands of commercial messages each day.

com·mer·cial·ly adv

He produced several commercially successful films.

commercially available software

The album did well commercially. [=the album earned a lot of money; many people bought the album]

2commercial noun, pl -cials [count]

: an advertisement on radio or television
a commercial for a new kind of soap

We'll be back after the commercial break. [=the time when advertisements are broadcast during a radio or television program]

com·mer·cial·ism noun [noncount]

disapproving : the attitude or actions of people who are influenced too strongly by the desire to earn money or buy goods rather than by other values
the commercialism of modern society
the increasing commercialism of the Christmas holiday

com·mer·cial·ize also Brit com·mer·cial·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

1 disapproving : to use (something) as an opportunity to earn money
usually used as (be) commercialized

She hates to see Christmas commercialized.

The beach resort has been commercialized and has none of its original charm.

2 business : to make (something) available to customers

The company hopes to commercialize the drug next year.

com·mer·cial·i·za·tion also Brit com·mer·cial·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the commercialization of Christmas

com·mie or Com·mie noun, pl -mies [count]

chiefly US informal + disapproving : communist

com·min·gle verb, -min·gles, -min·gled, -min·gling
formal : to join or mix together : combine

[no obj] Fact and fiction commingle in the story.

[+ obj] He commingled his personal funds with money from the business.

often used as (be) commingled

Fact and fiction are commingled in the story.

commingling noun [noncount]

the commingling of fact and fiction

com·mis·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [no obj]

formal : to express sadness or sympathy for someone who has experienced something unpleasant

Friends called to commiserate [=sympathize] when they heard that he had to cancel the trip.

The players commiserated over/about their loss in the championship game.

often + with

The players commiserated with each other.

com·mis·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

Friends offered words of commiseration.

[plural]

It's still not clear whether congratulations or commiserations are in order.

com·mis·sary Brit noun, pl -sar·ies [count]

US : a store that sells food and basic household supplies on a military base or in a prison

1com·mis·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] : a group of people who have been given the official job of finding information about something or controlling something : committee

She served on the city's water commission.

the Federal Elections Commission

Both states set up commissions to examine their public schools.

2 : an amount of money paid to an employee for selling something

[count] She gets a commission for each car she sells.

[noncount] She sells cars on commission. [=she receives an amount of money for each car that she sells]

The salespeople in that store all work on commission.

3 [noncount] formal : the act of committing a crime
a weapon used in the commission of a crime

4 : a request or order for someone to do something for money

[count] He received a commission from the king to paint the queen's portrait.

[noncount] an artist working on commission [=an artist doing work that has been specifically requested or ordered]

5 [count] : a position of high rank in the military

He received his commission in the Army as a colonel.

in commission or into commission

: able to function properly : ready for use

The Internet connection is back in commission. [=is working again]

out of commission

: not able to function properly

The elevator/doorbell was out of commission. [=broken, out of order]

often used figuratively

He was out of commission [=unable to work, travel, etc.] for three days with the flu.

2commission verb, -sions, -sioned, -sion·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to order or request (something) to be made or done

A portrait of the queen was commissioned.

The magazine commissioned a story about the world's best beaches.

The report on poverty was commissioned by the governor.

1 b : to order or request (someone) to make or do something

The king commissioned the artist to paint his portrait.

2 : to make (someone) an officer in the military

She was commissioned in the Navy as a captain.

3 : to make (a ship) officially active and ready for use

The ship was commissioned in 2004.

opposite DECOMMISSION

commissioned adj

The ship remained a commissioned ship for more than 30 years. [=the ship was officially in use for more than 30 years]

a commissioned officer [=a military officer of high rank; an officer whose rank is higher than sergeant]

com·mis·sion·aire noun, pl -aires [count]

chiefly Brit old-fashioned : doorman

com·mis·sion·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a member of a commission : one of a group of people who have been given the official job of finding information about something or controlling something
the city's library commissioners

2 : an official who is in charge of a government department or part of a government department
the mental health commissioner
the police commissioner

3 US : an official who is in charge of a major professional sport (such as baseball, football, or hockey)

The baseball commissioner decided to suspend the players for 10 games.

com·mit verb, -mits, -mit·ted, -mit·ting

1 [+ obj] : to do (something that is illegal or harmful)

commit [=perpetrate] a crime
commit suicide/murder/rape/adultery

The massacre was committed by the rebel army.

2 [+ obj] : to decide to use (a person, money, etc.) for some particular purpose or use
often + to or for

The army committed two divisions to the battle.

The city committed millions of dollars for the housing project.

3 : to say that (someone or something) will definitely do something : to make (someone or something) obligated to do something

[+ obj] I've committed myself to a meeting on Thursday. = I'm committed to a meeting on Thursday. [=I have said that I will definitely go to a meeting on Thursday]

The contract commits the company to finishing the bridge by next fall.

He keeps delaying his decision because he doesn't want to commit himself.

[no obj] Many companies are reluctant to commit to the new technology. [=to say that they will definitely use it]

They have not yet committed to a particular course of action.

4 : to decide to give your love, support, or effort to someone or something in a serious or permanent way

[no obj] My girlfriend just can't seem to commit!

[+ obj] He won't commit himself to a long-term relationship.

Many local officials have not yet committed themselves to a presidential candidate.

They are committing themselves to the pursuit of truth.

5 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to be put in a prison or a mental hospital
usually used as (be) committed

She was committed to a state mental hospital.

6 [+ obj] Brit, law : to order (someone) to be tried in a court of law

The magistrate committed him to stand trial at the Bristol Crown Court.

commit (something) to memory

: to learn (something) so that you remember it perfectly : to memorize (something)

I committed the poem to memory.

commit (something) to paper/writing

: to write (something) down

She committed her thoughts to writing.

com·mit·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : a promise to do or give something

We've got commitments from several charities to donate food and clothing.

the government's commitment of troops to the region

I can't coach my daughter's basketball team. I have too many commitments already. [=I have too many things that I have promised to do]

It's been a struggle to balance my professional and family commitments. [=to do both what I have promised to do for my job and what I have promised to do for my family]

The church has a commitment to helping the poor.

Getting a dog is a big commitment. [=something that requires you to do a lot]

Opening your own business requires a significant financial commitment. [=it requires you to spend a lot of money over a long time]

2 : a promise to be loyal to someone or something

[count]

usually + to

She isn't ready to make a lifelong commitment to another person.

Are you willing to make a commitment to our cause?

He questions the company's commitment to safety.

[noncount] He's afraid of commitment. [=he's afraid of committing himself to a serious relationship with one person]

3 [noncount] : the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something

Some of his teammates said he showed a lack of commitment (to the team).

The boss noticed her strong commitment to her work.

No one doubts your commitment to the cause.

com·mit·tal noun, pl -tals [count]

1 formal : the act of burying someone's body in a grave
a funeral service, followed by committal in the family plot
a private committal service = a private service of committal

2 chiefly Brit, law : the act or process of ordering someone to be put in a prison or a mental hospital

She argued against the committal of the defendant to a mental hospital.

committal proceedings

committed adj [more ; most ]

: willing to give your time, energy, etc., to something : loyal, dedicated

We're very committed to the cause.

a committed environmentalist
committed [=faithful] Christians

I'm not married but I'm in a committed relationship. [=I'm in a serious and lasting romantic relationship with someone]

com·mit·tee noun, pl -tees

: a group of people who are chosen to do a particular job or to make decisions about something

[count] the Senate Judiciary Committee
the Olympic Committee

We're waiting for recommendations from the advisory/ethics committee.

a planning/congressional/legislative committee

[noncount] management by committee

The bill has been referred back to committee.

see also SCHOOL COMMITTEE, SUBCOMMITTEE

com·mode noun, pl -modes [count]

1 : a low piece of furniture with drawers or sometimes a door and shelves

2 a : a chair with a hole in the seat and a pot underneath that is used as a toilet

2 b US : toilet

There are towels in the cabinet above the commode.

com·mod·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

disapproving : to treat (something that cannot be owned or that everyone has a right to) like a product that can be bought and sold

Do we really want to commodify our water supply?

I feel like our culture is being commodified.

com·mod·i·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

commodified adj
our increasingly commodified culture

com·mo·di·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : having a lot of space
a commodious apartment/room/house

com·mod·i·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

1 : something that is bought and sold
agricultural commodities like grain and corn

Oil is a commodity in high demand.

commodity prices

2 : something or someone that is useful or valued

Patience is a rare commodity.

an actor who is a hot commodity [=who is very popular] in Hollywood right now

com·mo·dore noun, pl -dores [count]

1 : a high-ranking officer in the navy

2 : the person who is in charge of a yachting or boating club

1com·mon adj

1 : belonging to or shared by two or more people or groups

They have a common ancestor.

The people on the island have a sense of common identity.

a common goal/interest

The pool at the condominiums is common property. [=the pool is owned by all of the condominium owners]

The organization works for the common good. [=the public good; the advantage of everyone]

He was chosen as the leader by common consent. [=everyone agreed that he should be the leader]

see also COMMON GROUND, common knowledge at KNOWLEDGE

2 commoner, -est [or more ; most ]

2 a : done by many people

It is common practice for one town's fire department to help another town when there is a big fire.

a common spelling mistake

2 b : occurring or appearing frequently : not rare
a common [=widespread] disease

Buffalo were once a common [=familiar] sight on the American plains.

Electric windows are a common feature in new cars.

“Smith” is a common name.

The problem is common to laptop computers. = It's common for laptop computers to have this problem.

I think some of the most common flowers are also some of the prettiest.

3 : of a type that is regularly seen and not considered special or unique
the common housefly
cures for the common cold

4 a : without special rank or status
a common soldier

You're nothing but a common [=ordinary] thief!

4 b : not having power, wealth, or high status

My parents were common [=ordinary, regular] folk.

the common people
the common man
see also COMMON SENSE

5 : expected from polite and decent people

He didn't even have the common decency to apologize.

It is common courtesy to say “thank you.”

6 commoner, -est [or more ; most ] Brit, old-fashioned + disapproving : of or belonging to a low social class

His manners are very common.

She thought him common and uneducated.

common-or-garden
chiefly Brit informal : not unusual : garden-variety

This is not just your common-or-garden nightclub.

com·mon·ly adv [more ; most ]

He is commonly believed to be the discoverer of electricity.

a medicine commonly used to treat the flu
commonly held beliefs/notions

The kangaroo is commonly associated with Australia.

com·mon·ness noun [noncount]

The team showed a commonness of purpose.

the commonness of the name “Smith”

2common noun, pl -mons

1 [count] : a public area or park usually in the center of a town or city
the town common

Boston Common

2 commons US : a place where meals are served at a school, college, etc.

[singular] a dining commons

[plural] The campus has several dining commons.

3 the Commons : house of commons

in common

: shared together

Intersecting lines have one point in common.

People who have something in common share interests, beliefs, attitudes, opinions, etc.

We have a lot (of things) in common (with each other).

You're a musician too? I guess we have a lot in common.

She's very nice, but we have nothing in common.

Things that have something in common share features or characteristics.

The cameras have/share some basic features in common.

The two cultures have a lot in common (with each other).

The film has more in common with the director's earlier works than with his most recent projects.

(formal) The town, in common with [=like] others in the region, depends on the tourism industry.

com·mon·al·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal

1 [noncount] : the fact of sharing features or qualities
commonality of origin

2 [count] : a shared feature or quality
commonalities among the various religions [=features or qualities that the religions have in common]

The plans share important commonalities.

We have/share a commonality of purpose. [=our purpose is the same]

common denominator noun, pl -tors [count]

1 mathematics : a number that can be divided by each of the denominators of a group of fractions

36 is a common denominator of 1/4 and 1/3.

2 : something (such as a feature or quality) that is shared by all the members of a group of people or things

Drugs seem to be the common denominator in these crimes.

see also LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR

com·mon·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who is not a member of the nobility
a prince who married a commoner

Common Era noun [noncount]

: christian era

common ground noun [noncount]

: something that people agree about even if they disagree about other things

Hunters and environmentalists found common ground in their opposition to the new law.

common law noun [noncount]

: the laws that developed from English court decisions and customs and that form the basis of laws in the U.S.

com·mon-law adj, always used before a noun

used to describe a relationship between a man and a woman that is considered to be a marriage because the man and woman have lived together for a long period of time
a common-law marriage
his common-law wife
her common-law husband

common market noun, pl -kets [count]

: a group of countries that allows free trade among its members

common noun noun, pl nouns [count]

: a word (such as “singer,” “ocean,” or “car”) that refers to a person, place, or thing but that is not the name of a particular person, place, or thing compare PROPER NOUN

1com·mon·place adj [more ; most ]

: happening or appearing in many places and not unusual : very common or ordinary

Drug use has become commonplace at rock concerts.

He photographed commonplace objects like lamps and bowls.

Much of her writing was commonplace [=unoriginal, unremarkable] and boring.

2commonplace noun, pl -plac·es [count]

formal

1 : an idea, expression, remark, etc., that is not new or interesting

It is a commonplace that we only use a small part of our brain's capacity.

2 : something that happens or appears in many places and is not unusual

We now accept cell phones and laptop computers as commonplaces of everyday life.

common room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a room that may be used by all members of a group of people in a school, residential community, etc.

common sense noun [noncount]

: the ability to think and behave in a reasonable way and to make good decisions

You really should go to see a doctor if your leg hurts that much. It's just common sense!

Obey the laws and use common sense when operating your boat.

She's very smart but she doesn't have a lot of common sense.

com·mon·sense adj, always used before a noun

He says there are commonsense solutions to social problems.

commonsense wisdom

common touch noun

the common touch

: the ability of someone in a position of power or authority to attract the support of ordinary people

He is a politician with the common touch.

com·mon·weal noun [noncount]

old-fashioned + formal : the happiness, health, and safety of all of the people of a community or nation
a President who promotes the commonweal [=common good]

com·mon·wealth noun, pl -wealths

1 [count] : a group of countries or states that have political or economic connections with one another
often + of
a commonwealth of states

2 a the Commonwealth : a U.S. state
used officially of Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia
the Commonwealth of Kentucky

2 b [count] : a political unit that is like a U.S. state but that pays no federal taxes and has only a representative in Congress who does not vote used officially of Puerto Rico and of the Northern Mariana Islands

3 the Commonwealth : the countries that were once part of the British Empire

com·mo·tion noun

: noisy excitement and confusion

[noncount] I went outside to see what all the commotion [=hubbub] was about.

[singular] There was a sudden commotion when the actress entered the restaurant.

com·mu·nal adj

1 a : shared or used by members of a group or community
a communal meal/bathroom

The tribe lived in communal huts.

communal property

1 b : relating to or involving members of a commune (sense 1)

a communal living arrangement
communal life
a communal farm

2 [more ; most ] : relating to a situation in which you are doing something with other people
the communal experience of riding on the train
a communal atmosphere

3 formal : involving people from different racial or cultural groups
communal violence

com·mu·nal·ly adv

Nuns live communally.

1com·mune verb, -munes, -muned, -mun·ing [no obj]

formal : to communicate with someone or something in a very personal or spiritual way
commune with God
a psychic who communes with the dead
often used figuratively

I like to be outside to commune with nature. [=to spend time experiencing and appreciating nature]

2com·mune noun, pl -munes [count]

1 : a group of people who live together and share responsibilities, possessions, etc.

He's living in a religious commune.

hippie communes

2 : the smallest division of local government in some countries especially in Europe

com·mu·ni·ca·ble adj
medical : able to be passed to another person
communicable [=infectious] diseases

There is no evidence that the virus is communicable. [=contagious, catching]

com·mu·ni·cant noun, pl -cants [count]

: a person who is a member of a usually specified Christian church

He was a communicant of Holy Cross Church.

com·mu·ni·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing

1 : to give information about (something) to someone by speaking, writing, moving your hands, etc.

[+ obj] He was asked to communicate the news to the rest of the people.

His book communicates [=conveys] the harsh realities of war.

She communicated her ideas to the group.

[no obj] Good teachers communicate effectively.

She likes to communicate [=(more informally) keep in touch] with her sister through/by/via e-mail.

The two computers are able to communicate directly with one another.

The pilot communicated with the airport just before the crash.

2 : to get someone to understand your thoughts or feelings

[no obj] The couple has trouble communicating.

the challenge of getting the two groups to communicate with each other

[+ obj] We communicate a lot of information through body language.

He communicated his dissatisfaction to the staff.

If you're excited about the product, your enthusiasm will communicate itself to customers.

3 [+ obj] medical : to pass (a disease) from one person or animal to another

One monkey communicated [=transmitted, spread] the disease to the others.

The disease is communicated through saliva.

4 [no obj] formal, of rooms, parts of a building, etc. : to have openings to each other

The rooms communicate [=connect] through a secret passage.

com·mu·ni·ca·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

The president was an effective communicator.

a good/poor communicator

com·mu·ni·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else
human communication
nonverbal communication

He is studying insect communication.

Parents need to have good communication with their children. [=they need to be able to understand and be understood by their children]

communication problems/skills

There was a breakdown in communication between members of the group.

(formal) We are in communication by e-mail. [=we are communicating with each other by e-mail]

television and other means of mass communication

2 [count] formal : a message that is given to someone : a letter, telephone call, etc.

usually singular

The captain received an important communication.

3 communications [noncount]

3 a : the ways of sending information to people by using technology
radio/wireless/electronic communications

Communications is a growing industry.

communications systems/technology
a communications satellite [=a satellite that is used to send signals for television, radio, etc., to people around the world]

3 b : the study of how information is sent to people by using technology

He majored in communications in college.

com·mu·ni·ca·tive adj
formal

1 [more ; most ] : willing to talk to people

He wasn't very communicative. [=talkative]

2 : relating to communication
communicative disorders

com·mu·nion noun, pl -nions

1 Communion [noncount] : a Christian ceremony in which bread is eaten and wine is drunk as a way of showing devotion to Jesus Christ

She went to the front of the church for Communion.

take/receive Communion
celebrate Communion
called also Holy Communion, the Eucharist

2 [noncount] formal : a close relationship with someone or something
usually + with

He sat alone on the mountain, in communion with the wilderness.

3 [count] formal : a group of Christians who have the same beliefs
the Anglican communion [=denomination]

Christian communions

com·mu·ni·qué noun, pl -qués [count]

formal : an official announcement about a usually very important piece of news

The news station received a communiqué [=bulletin] after the bombing.

com·mu·nism or Communism noun [noncount]

: a way of organizing a society in which the government owns the things that are used to make and transport products (such as land, oil, factories, ships, etc.) and there is no privately owned property compare CAPITALISM, SOCIALISM

com·mu·nist or Communist noun, pl -nists [count]

: a person who believes in communism or is a member of a political party that supports communism

communist or Communist adj
communist ideology/leaders
a communist country
the Communist Party

com·mu·ni·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] : a group of people who live in the same area (such as a city, town, or neighborhood)

a respectable member of the community

The festival was a great way for the local community to get together.

Many communities are facing budget problems.

People in the community wanted better police protection.

a rural community
community leaders

2 [count] : a group of people who have the same interests, religion, race, etc.

an artistic/business/medical community
the town's Jewish community
ethnic/religious communities
the scientific community

3 [count] : a group of nations
usually singular
the international community

4 [noncount] : a feeling of wanting to be with other people or of caring about the other people in a group

The school encourages a sense/feeling of community in its students.

community spirit

5 [count] biology : a group of animals or plants that live in the same place
a community of bacteria

community center (US) or Brit community centre noun, pl -ters [count]

: a building or group of buildings where there are classes and activities for the people who live in a community

community college noun, pl -leges [count]

US : a school that you go to after high school : a school that offers courses leading to an associate's degree

A community college offers two years of studies similar to those in the first two years of a four-year college.

community service noun [noncount]

: work that is done without pay to help people in a community

People do community service because they want to or because a court of law has ordered them to do it as a form of punishment for a crime.

She was sentenced to 100 hours of community service.

community theater noun, pl -ters

US

1 [noncount] : the activity of acting in or producing a play in the theater for enjoyment and not as a job

She spends her free time acting in community theater.

He's done school plays and community theater.

a community theater group/production
called also (Brit) amateur dramatics

2 [count] : a small theater where community theater is performed
performing at the/a local community theater

com·mu·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

law : a change of a punishment to a less severe one

He appealed for a commutation of his death sentence to life imprisonment.

1com·mute verb, -mutes, -mut·ed, -mut·ing

1 [no obj] : to travel regularly to and from a place and especially between where you live and where you work

He commutes to work every day by train.

She commutes 400 miles a week.

compare TELECOMMUTE

2 [+ obj] law : to change (a punishment) to a less severe one

The judge commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment.

com·mut·er noun, pl -ers [count]

busy commuters on their way to work
a commuter train

2commute noun, pl -mutes [count]

: the journey that you make when you travel to or from a place that you go to regularly (such as the place where you work)

usually singular

She has a long commute to work/school.

There is always a lot of traffic on my morning commute.

comp noun, pl comps [count]

US informal : something that is given to someone (such as a customer) for free

The tickets were comps.

comp verb, comps, comped, comp·ing [+ obj]

They comped us the tickets. [=they gave us the tickets for free]

Our meals were comped.

1com·pact adj [more ; most ]

1 a : smaller than other things of the same kind

The camera is compact.

The drill has a compact design.

a compact car

1 b : using little space and having parts that are close together
the apartment's compact floor plan

The cabin was compact but perfectly adequate.

2 : closely or firmly packed or joined together
compact dirt

3 of a person or animal : short but solid and strong

He is compact and muscular.

He has a compact body.

com·pact·ly adv

The crib folds compactly for traveling. [=the crib can be folded so that its parts are close together]

a compactly built hockey player
compactly designed computers

com·pact·ness noun [noncount]

The computer offers power as well as compactness. [=it is both powerful and small]

2com·pact verb, -pacts, -pact·ed, -pact·ing

: to press (something) so that it is harder and fills less space

[+ obj] Tractors had compacted [=compressed] the soil.

[no obj] The snow had compacted into a hard icy layer.

com·pact·ed adj
compacted snow/soil

com·pac·tor also com·pact·er noun, pl -tors also -ters [count]

a trash compactor [=a machine that presses trash together]

3com·pact noun, pl -pacts [count]

1 : a small flat case containing powder or makeup for a woman's face

2 US : a small car
a new line of compacts [=compact cars]

compare SUBCOMPACT
compare 4COMPACT

4com·pact noun, pl -pacts [count]

formal : an agreement between two or more people or groups

States created a compact to control milk prices.

compare 3COMPACT

compact disc noun, pl discs [count]

: cd

com·pa·dre noun, pl -dres [count]

chiefly US informal : a close friend : buddy

How are you doing, compadre?

com·pan·ion noun, pl -ions [count]

1 a : a person or animal you spend time with or enjoy being with

She has been my closest companion since childhood.

his longtime companion

The old dog had been her constant companion for over 12 years. [=had been with her most of the time for 12 years]

sometimes used figuratively

Pain was his constant companion. [=he felt pain all the time]

1 b : someone you are with
my dinner companion [=the person I was eating dinner with]

traveling companions

2 a : something that is meant to be used with something else
often + to

The book is a companion to the television series with the same name.

The book is the companion volume to his previous book on jazz.

The table is a companion piece to the two chairs.

2 b
used in the titles of books that give information about a particular subject

The Gardener's Companion

3 : a person who is paid to live with and help someone who is older or sick

We've hired a companion for my elderly mother.

com·pan·ion·able adj [more ; most ]

formal + literary : friendly
a companionable young man
companionable laughter

com·pan·ion·ably adv
chatting/talking companionably

com·pan·ion·ship noun [noncount]

: the good feeling that comes from being with someone else

She missed her husband's companionship after he died. [=she missed being with her husband]

He had only a dog for companionship. [=his only companion was his dog]

com·pan·ion·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: a stairway on a ship that connects one deck to another

com·pa·ny noun, pl -nies

1 [count] : a business organization that makes, buys, or sells goods or provides services in exchange for money

He runs his own trucking company.

She joined the company last year.

record/insurance/computer companies

The company is based in Paris.

often used before another noun
company policy/profits
the company director
company executives/officials

2 [noncount] : the state or condition of being with another person

I enjoy her company. [=I enjoy being with her]

I would love for you to come over. I could really use the company. [=I really want to spend time with someone; I do not want to be alone]

I turned the radio on for company. [=so that I wouldn't be lonely]

I felt nervous being in the company of [=around, with] such important people.

(chiefly Brit) She arrived in company with the mayor. [=she was with the mayor when she arrived]

I'll keep you company [=I'll stay with you] while you wait for your mom.

He has been keeping company with [=associating with] a gang of known criminals.

(chiefly Brit) The children have no idea how to behave in company. [=with a group of people]

It's not something you should talk about in polite company. [=in formal settings; with people you do not know well]

see also in mixed company at MIXED

3 [noncount]

3 a : someone or something you spend time with or enjoy being with

He's good company. [=he's enjoyable to be around]

I'm lousy company tonight. [=I'm not enjoyable to be around tonight; I'm in a bad mood]

Her dogs/sisters/books/thoughts are her only company these days.

3 b : the people you spend time with

You can tell a lot about people by the company they keep.

She's been keeping bad company. [=spending time with people who are not morally good]

If you are in good company or have plenty of company, you are in the same situation or have the same problem or opinion as many other people.

If you're confused about the new system, you're in good company. [=other people are also confused]

Do you know now what you will do when you retire? If not, you have plenty of company.

If you think health-care costs are out of control, you've got plenty of company.

4 [noncount] : guests or visitors especially at your home

We are having company for dinner. [=guests or visitors will be eating dinner with us at our home]

Are you expecting company?

5 [count]

5 a : a group of soldiers
the soldiers of Company C

5 b : the officers and crew of a ship
the ship's company

6 [count] : a group of actors, dancers, singers, etc., who perform together
a theater/ballet company

7 [noncount] : people who are not named but are part of a group
the law firm of Smith and Company

(informal) John and company got to the party pretty late.

part company see 2PART

two's company, three's a crowd

used to say that a third person is not welcome when two people (such as two lovers) want to be alone with each other

Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. Two's company, three's a crowd.

company car noun, pl cars [count]

: a car that an employer gives an employee to use for driving that relates to the employee's work

com·pa·ra·ble adj [more ; most ]

used to say that two or more things are very similar and can be compared to each other

A comparable refrigerator today would cost a lot more than the one I bought 10 years ago.

The two houses are comparable in size.

Their salaries are comparable with those of other managers.

The school's test scores were comparable [=close] to the national average.

The situations aren't at all comparable. [=alike]

com·pa·ra·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

com·pa·ra·bly adv

The two cars are comparably equipped. [=they have similar features]

1com·par·a·tive adj, always used before a noun

1 : seeming to be something when compared with others

She is a comparative [=relative] newcomer to the industry. [=she is not really a newcomer but is much more of a newcomer than many others]

We dropped anchor in the comparative [=relative] safety of the harbor. [=the harbor was not completely safe but it was safer than the area outside the harbor]

2 : involving the act of looking at the ways that things are alike or different

She did a comparative study of classical and modern art.

I'm taking a class in comparative anatomy/literature.

a comparative analysis of the roles of women in different cultures

3 grammar : of or relating to the form of an adjective or adverb that is used to indicate more of a particular quality

The comparative form of “happy” is “happier”; the comparative form of “good” is “better”; the comparative form of “clearly” is “more clearly.”

compare SUPERLATIVE

2comparative noun, pl -tives [count]

: the comparative form of an adjective or adverb : the form of an adjective or adverb that is used to indicate more of a particular quality

“Taller” is the comparative of “tall.”

compare SUPERLATIVE

com·par·a·tive·ly adv

: when measured or judged against something else : in comparison with something else

These prices are comparatively [=relatively] high.

a comparatively [=relatively] small amount

The phrase comparatively speaking is used to suggest that what is being said involves a comparison to something else.

Comparatively speaking, the movie wasn't bad. [=the movie was better than some other movie]

1com·pare verb, -pares, -pared, -par·ing

1 [+ obj] : to say that (something) is similar to something else

The poet compared [=likened] his sweetheart to a beautiful rose.

The singer's voice has been compared to that of Elvis.

2 [+ obj] : to look at (two or more things) closely in order to see what is similar or different about them or in order to decide which one is better

We each did the homework assignment, then compared answers.

I compared several bicycles before buying one.

For our assignment we must compare and contrast the two poets. [=say what is similar and different about them]

3 [no obj] : to be as good or as bad as something else : to be on the same level or in the same category as something else
usually + with or to

He says skiing is fun enough but it can't compare with snowboarding. [=he says skiing is fun but snowboarding is better]

Spraining an ankle hurts but doesn't compare to breaking a leg. [=breaking a leg is worse than spraining an ankle]

4 [no obj] : to seem better or worse in comparison to something else : to be good or bad when measured against something else

How do the restaurants compare?

usually + with or to

How does your new job compare to the last one? [=is your new job better or worse than the last one?]

Her scores compare well with those of the rest of the class.

compare apples and/to/with apples

: to compare things that are very similar

The article compares apples to apples, grouping wines of the same variety and price together.

compare apples and/to/with oranges

: to compare things that are very different

To compare large trucks with compact cars is to compare apples with oranges.

compared to or compared with

: in relation to (something else) : measured or judged against (something else)

I'm a slob compared to my roommate.

This rain is nothing compared to what we got yesterday. [=yesterday's rain was worse than today's rain]

Today's quiz was easy compared with the last one.

compare notes

: to talk to someone about something that you and that person have each done, experienced, etc.

The parents compared notes on raising children.

I phoned a coworker after the meeting to compare notes.

2compare noun

beyond compare also without compare

: better or greater than any other : having no equal

The singer's voice is beyond compare.

beauty beyond compare

com·par·i·son noun, pl -sons

1 : the act of looking at things to see how they are similar or different

[count] a comparison of the data from the two studies

[noncount] a wine that stands/bears comparison with [=it is as good as] wines that are much more expensive

2 : the act of suggesting that two or more things are similar or in the same category

[count] the comparison of monkeys to humans

I don't think comparisons of her situation and/with mine are appropriate.

[noncount] His poetry evokes/invites comparison with [=it is similar to] the work of Robert Frost.

by/in comparison

: when compared with another : when looked at or thought about in relation to someone or something else

Yesterday's weather was very cold. Today's weather is mild by comparison.

often + with

He's a well-behaved child in comparison with his brother.

draw a comparison or draw comparisons

: to say that two or more things or people are similar

The brochure draws a comparison between the hotel and a medieval palace.

The writer draws unflattering comparisons between the mayor and a dictator.

make a comparison or make comparisons

1 : to say that two or more things or people are similar

His work has been widely praised. Comparisons have been made to the great painters of past centuries.

2 : to look at similarities and differences between two or more things or people

The Web site allows consumers to make direct comparisons between competing products.

no comparison

used to suggest that two or more things are very different

There's really no comparison between the two models. [=one is much better than the other]

comparison shop verb, shops, shopped, shopping [no obj]

: to compare items while shopping in order to see which one is the best or has the lowest price

The Internet allows consumers to comparison shop with ease.

comparison shopper noun, pl -ers [count]

com·part·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

1 : an enclosed space or area that is usually part of something larger and is often used to hold a specific thing

The suitcase has a zippered compartment for personal items.

The refrigerator has a separate compartment for meats.

2 : one of the separate areas of an automobile, train, or airplane
the baggage compartments
the passenger compartment
the engine compartment
see also GLOVE COMPARTMENT

com·part·men·tal adj
a compartmental design

com·part·ment·ed adj
compartmented metal trays [=metal trays that have separate compartments]

com·part·men·tal·ize also Brit com·part·men·tal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal

1 : to separate (something) into sections or categories

He compartmentalizes his life by keeping his job and his personal life separate.

2 : to separate (two or more things) from each other

The company has compartmentalized its services.

3 : to put (something) in a place that is separate from other things

A soldier must be able to compartmentalize [=isolate] his emotions to focus on the mission.

com·part·men·tal·i·za·tion also Brit com·part·men·tal·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the compartmentalization of ideas/responsibilities

com·part·men·tal·ized adj [more ; most ]

a compartmentalized box
a compartmentalized life

com·pass noun, pl -pass·es

1 [count] : a device that is used to find direction by means of a needle that always points north

He always carries a compass when he walks in the woods.

Guests arrived from all points of the compass. [=directions]

2 [count] : something that helps a person make choices about what is right, effective, etc.

His religion is the compass that guides him.

Interest rates serve as a compass for determining whether to buy or sell stocks.

The character in the movie had no moral compass to tell him that stealing was wrong.

3 [count]

3 a : a tool that consists of two pointed sticks joined at the top and that is used for measuring distances
often plural
a pair of compasses [=dividers]

3 b : a tool that consists of a pen or pencil attached to a pointed stick and that is used for drawing circles

4 [noncount] : a specialized area of knowledge, skill, experience, etc.

often used after beyond or within

That topic falls beyond the compass [=beyond the scope] of my research.

com·pas·sion noun [noncount]

: a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.

He felt compassion for the lost child.

She shows compassion to the sick.

She had the compassion to offer help when it was needed most.

com·pas·sion·ate adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing concern for someone who is sick, hurt, poor, etc. : having or showing compassion
a very compassionate person
a compassionate act

com·pas·sion·ate·ly adv

compassionate leave noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : a period of time when a person is allowed to stay home from work because a family member is sick or has died

He has three days of compassionate leave for the funeral.

com·pat·i·ble adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to exist together without trouble or conflict : going together well
compatible colors
two people with compatible personalities

My roommate and I are very compatible. [=we get along very well]

Our tastes are not compatible. [=we like very different things]

a policy that is compatible with my beliefs [=that agrees with my beliefs]

opposite INCOMPATIBLE

2 of devices and especially computers : able to be used together
compatible computers
compatible systems

This printer is compatible with most PCs.

opposite INCOMPATIBLE

com·pat·i·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

com·pa·tri·ot Brit noun, pl -ots [count]

1 : a person from the same country as someone else

We watched our compatriots compete in the Olympics.

2 US : a friend or colleague : someone who belongs to the same group or organization as someone else
the famous actor and his theater compatriots

com·pel verb, -pels, -pelled, -pel·ling [+ obj]

1 : to force (someone) to do something

Illness compelled him to stay in bed.

Public opinion compelled [=obliged] her to sign the bill.

I feel compelled to leave. [=I feel that I must leave]

2 : to make (something) happen : to force (something)

We took steps to compel their cooperation.

com·pel·ling adj [more ; most ]

1 : very interesting : able to capture and hold your attention

The novel was so compelling that I couldn't put it down.

2 : capable of causing someone to believe or agree
compelling evidence

He made a compelling argument.

3 : strong and forceful : causing you to feel that you must do something

I would need a very compelling reason to leave my job.

She had a compelling need to share what she had heard.

a compelling desire

com·pel·ling·ly adv

The novel was compellingly written.

com·pen·di·um noun, pl -ums [count]

: a collection of things (such as photographs, stories, facts, etc.) that have been gathered together and presented as a group especially in the form of a book
a one-volume compendium of information

He published a compendium of folk tales.

com·pen·sate verb, -sates, -sat·ed, -sat·ing
somewhat formal

1 [no obj] : to provide something good as a balance against something bad or undesirable : to make up for some defect or weakness

His enthusiasm compensates for his lack of skill.

The price of the item has been reduced to compensate for a defect.

2 [+ obj] : to give money or something else of value to (someone) in return for something (such as work) or as payment for something lost, damaged, etc.

compensate workers for their labor

She was not compensated for the damage done to her car.

com·pen·sa·to·ry Brit adj
a compensatory refund

The patient sued for compensatory damages. [=money awarded to a victim to make up for an injury, damage, etc.]

com·pen·sa·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a [noncount] : something that is done or given to make up for damage, trouble, etc.

The court awarded the victims millions of dollars in compensation.

She offered to pay for lunch as compensation for keeping me waiting.

see also WORKERS' COMPENSATION

1 b [count] : something good that acts as a balance against something bad or undesirable

Moving to the coast had some drawbacks, but there were also compensations.

2 [noncount] US : payment given for doing a job
annual compensation
executive compensation

com·pete verb, -petes, -pet·ed, -pet·ing [no obj]

1 : to try to get or win something (such as a prize or reward) that someone else is also trying to win : to try to be better or more successful than someone or something else

Thousands of applicants are competing for the same job.

She competed against students from around the country.

We are competing with companies that are twice our size.

Did you compete in the track meet on Saturday?

2 : to try to be noticed, accepted, or chosen over something else

The radio and the television were both on, competing for our attention.

competing teams/products/theories

can't compete

used to say that one person or thing is much better than another

Store-bought cookies can't compete with homemade ones. [=homemade cookies are much better than store-bought cookies]

com·pe·tence noun [noncount]

: the ability to do something well : the quality or state of being competent

He trusts in the competence of his doctor.

Students must demonstrate competence in all subjects. [=must show that they have learned all subjects]

opposite INCOMPETENCE

com·pe·ten·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [noncount] : competence

Critics have questioned the director's competency.

2 [count] formal : an ability or skill
usually plural

The task is well within the range of her competencies. [=she is able to do the task]

com·pe·tent adj [more ; most ]

1 : having the necessary ability or skills : able to do something well or well enough to meet a standard
a competent [=capable] teacher

She is a competent [=adequate] portrait painter but she excels with landscapes.

opposite INCOMPETENT

2 law : able to take part in a trial

The defendant was declared competent to stand trial.

a competent witness
opposite INCOMPETENT

com·pe·tent·ly adv

He answered all our questions competently.

com·pe·ti·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount]

1 a : the act or process of trying to get or win something (such as a prize or a higher level of success) that someone else is also trying to get or win : the act or process of competing

The school fosters an atmosphere of competition rather than cooperation. [=it encourages students to compete against each other instead of work together]

There will be intense/fierce competition for the top spots. [=many people will be trying to get the top spots]

These products are in competition with each other. [=these products are competing with each other]

1 b : actions that are done by people, companies, etc., that are competing against each other

Prices are lower when there is competition among/between the stores.

often + from

The industry has been affected by competition from new technologies.

We're up against some stiff/tough competition from our rivals.

Downtown stores are looking for new ways to attract customers in the face of competition from the stores at the mall.

2 the competition : a person or group that you are trying to succeed against : a person or group that you are competing with

He sized up the competition. [=looked at who he was competing against]

Don't let the competition know our trade secrets.

Someone or something that has no competition is much better than others.

In my opinion, this restaurant has no competition.

3 [count] : a contest in which people try to win by being better, faster, etc., than others : an event in which people compete

They had/held/staged a competition to see who could sell the most lemonade.

a gymnastics/dance/talent competition

She won/lost the competition.

com·pet·i·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : of or relating to a situation in which people or groups are trying to win a contest or be more successful than others : relating to or involving competition
competitive sports

It is a very competitive job market. [=a situation in which a lot of people are trying to get jobs]

The new technology gave them a competitive advantage/edge. [=a better chance than others of winning or succeeding]

2 : having a strong desire to win or be the best at something

She is a very competitive player.

He has a competitive nature. [=he likes to compete and to win]

3 : as good as or better than others of the same kind : able to compete successfully with others

We offer great service at competitive rates. [=rates that are close to those of other companies]

You need a degree to be competitive in today's job market.

a competitive team [=a team with a good chance to win]

com·pet·i·tive·ly adv

Our products are competitively priced.

com·pet·i·tive·ness noun [noncount]

com·pet·i·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: someone who is trying to win or do better than all others especially in business or sports : someone who is competing

We offer better rates than our competitors.

There were more than 500 competitors in the race.

She is a fierce competitor. [=she is someone who tries very hard to win]

com·pi·la·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a group of things (such as songs or pieces of writing) that have been gathered into a collection

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits.

a video compilation

2 [noncount] : the act or process of gathering things together
the slow compilation of data

com·pile verb, -piles, -piled, -pil·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to create (a CD, book, list, etc.) by gathering things (such as songs or pieces of writing or information)

He compiled a book of poems.

She compiled a list of names.

1 b : to put together (various songs, pieces of writing, facts, etc.) in a publication or collection

They took the best submissions and compiled them in a single issue of the magazine.

We compiled our findings in the report.

2 computers : to change (computer programming instructions) into a form the computer can understand and use
a compiled program

com·pil·er noun, pl -ers [count]

com·pla·cen·cy noun [noncount]

: a feeling of being satisfied with how things are and not wanting to try to make them better : a complacent feeling or condition

The public was lulled into complacency.

The stock market crash rattled/shattered/shook our complacency. [=took away our feeling that everything was fine]

com·pla·cent adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : satisfied with how things are and not wanting to change them

The strong economy has made people complacent.

We have grown too complacent over the years.

a complacent [=self-satisfied] smirk

We can't afford to be complacent about illiteracy.

com·pla·cent·ly adv

com·plain verb, -plains, -plained, -plain·ing

1 [no obj] : to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, etc., or that you do not like something

He works hard but he never complains.

If you're unhappy with the service, you should complain to the manager.

often + about or of

Customers are sure to complain about the price increase.

In her letters, she complains of loneliness. [=she says that she is lonely]

She complained of a sore throat. [=she said she had a sore throat]

“How are you feeling?” “I can't complain.” [=I am not unhappy or ill; I am fine]

2 [+ obj] : to say (something that expresses annoyance or unhappiness)

The students complained that the test was too hard.

“These shoes are too tight,” he complained.

com·plain·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He's a chronic complainer. [=he complains constantly or often]

com·plain·ing·ly adv

com·plain·ant noun, pl -ants [count]

law : a person who makes a formal charge in court saying that someone has done something wrong

The judge ruled in favor of the complainant. [=plaintiff]

com·plaint noun, pl -plaints

1 a [count] : a statement that you are unhappy or not satisfied with something

We lodged a complaint with the hotel manager. [=we complained to the hotel manager]

The board has received a number of complaints about the new policy.

The company has a system to handle customer complaints.

1 b [noncount] : the act of saying or writing that you are unhappy or dissatisfied with something

She did her chores without complaint. [=without complaining]

a letter of complaint [=a letter in which you complain about something]

You have no grounds for complaint. [=no reasons to complain]

2 [count] : something to be unhappy about : something that people complain about

The lack of parking spaces is a common complaint among the city's residents.

The lack of financial support is our biggest/only complaint.

I have no complaints with/about the service. [=I am happy with the service]

3 [count] : a pain or sickness in the body : a symptom of a disease

He is being treated for a stomach complaint.

Shortness of breath was a common complaint among the patients.

4 [count] law : a formal charge saying that someone has done something wrong

He filed a complaint against his employer.

The court dismissed her complaint.

com·plai·sant Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal : willing or eager to please other people
a complaisant young man

: easily convinced to do what other people want

He was too complaisant [=compliant] to say no to his brother's demands.

com·plai·sance Brit noun [noncount]

He took advantage of her complaisance.

1com·ple·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

1 : something that completes something else or makes it better

The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit.

2 : the usual number or quantity of something that is needed or used
a full complement of farm animals
her usual complement of attendants
a ship's complement of officers

3 grammar : a word or group of words added to a sentence to make it complete

“President” in “they elected her president” and “to work” in “he wants to work” are different kinds of complements.

Do not confuse complement with compliment.

2com·ple·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [+ obj]

: to complete something else or make it better

The shirt complements the suit nicely.

a delicious dinner complemented by a splendid dessert

The soup and salad complement each other well.

Do not confuse complement with compliment.

com·ple·men·ta·ry adj [more ; most ]

1 : completing something else or making it better : serving as a complement

She wore a new outfit with a complementary scarf.

2
used of two things when each adds something to the other or helps to make the other better

The print and online publications are complementary, not competitive.

The company owes its success to the complementary talents of its co-owners.

3 : going together well : working well together

My spouse and I have complementary goals.

complementary flavors

4 : not traditional : alternative
complementary medicine [=alternative medicine; methods of healing or treating disease that are different from the usual methods taught in Western medical schools]

Do not confuse complementary with complimentary.

complementary angles noun [plural]

mathematics : two angles that add up to 90 degrees

complementary color noun [count]

technical : one of two colors (such as red and green) that are very different from each other and produce a dull color (such as brown or gray) when they are mixed together

1com·plete adj, -plet·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 : having all necessary parts : not lacking anything
a complete [=entire; whole] set of encyclopedias

He spoke in complete sentences.

This list of names is not complete. [=it is missing some names]

She gave us a complete [=thorough] description of the events.

often used in book titles

The Complete Works of Charles Dickens

The Complete Guide to Organic Gardening

opposite INCOMPLETE

2 : not limited in any way

She wants complete [=total, absolute] control of all aspects of the project.

He gave the car a complete overhaul. [=made repairs to almost every part of the car]

They sat in complete silence.

often used for emphasis

The movie was a complete [=total] failure.

3 not used before a noun : not requiring more work : entirely done or completed

By autumn, the road construction should be complete. [=finished]

opposite INCOMPLETE

4 American football, of a forward pass : caught by the player the ball was thrown to

The pass to the receiver was complete for a gain of 10 yards.

complete with

: having or including (something good or desirable)

a birthday cake complete with candles

The school has built a new sports complex, complete with a skating rink.

The car comes complete with [=includes] air-conditioning and a CD player.

com·plete·ly adv

Her news took me completely by surprise.

I completely agree.

We are completely different. [=we are different in every way]

com·plete·ness noun [noncount]

2complete verb, -pletes, -plet·ed, -plet·ing [+ obj]

1 : to finish making or doing (something) : to bring (something) to an end or to a finished state

I have completed my research. = My research is now completed.

We completed the job.

The project took four months to complete.

He has completed the ninth grade. [=he has satisfied all the requirements for the ninth grade]

I completed the form. [=I wrote all the required information on the form]

2 : to make (something) whole or perfect

Her latest purchase completes her collection.

The new baby completed their family.

3 American football : to throw (a forward pass) to a teammate who catches it

The quarterback completed 12 out of 15 passes.

com·ple·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or process of completing or finishing something : the state of being complete or finished

He will receive his degree upon completion of his studies.

The project is near completion. [=almost finished]

2 [count] American football : a forward pass made to a teammate who catches it

The quarterback has 11 completions in 20 attempts for 80 yards.

1com·plex Brit adj

1 [more ; most ] : having parts that connect or go together in complicated ways
a complex system

The house's wiring is complex.

2 [more ; most ] : not easy to understand or explain : not simple
a complex problem

The situation is more complex than you realize.

Her poetry is too complex [=complicated] for my taste.

3 grammar : consisting of a main clause and one or more additional clauses
a complex sentence

com·plex·ly adv

The rules are complexly written.

2com·plex noun, pl -plex·es [count]

1 : a group of buildings, apartments, etc., that are located near each other and used for a particular purpose
a sports complex
an industrial/apartment complex

2 : an emotional problem that causes someone to think or worry too much about something

She has a complex about her appearance.

see also INFERIORITY COMPLEX, OEDIPUS COMPLEX

3 : a group of things that are connected in complicated ways
a complex [=system] of welfare programs
a complex of protein molecules

com·plex·ion noun, pl -ions [count]

1 : the color or appearance of the skin especially on the face

She has a dark/fair/light/ruddy complexion.

a glowing complexion

All of the children had healthy complexions.

2 : the general appearance or character of something

The complexion of the neighborhood has changed over the years.

put a new/different complexion on

: to change the appearance of (something) : to cause (something) to be seen or thought about in a new way

That information puts a whole new complexion on the case.

com·plex·ioned adj
usually used in combination
a fair-complexioned child [=a child with light-colored skin]

com·plex·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality or state of not being simple : the quality or state of being complex

He was impressed by the complexity of the music.

The diagram illustrates the complexity of the cell's structure.

He doesn't grasp/understand the complexity of the situation.

2 [count] : a part of something that is complicated or hard to understand
usually plural
the complexities of the English language

com·pli·ance noun [noncount]

formal : the act or process of doing what you have been asked or ordered to do : the act or process of complying

She was rewarded for her compliance.

There has been a low/high rate of compliance with the new law.

in compliance with

: in the way that is required by (a rule, law, etc.)

In compliance with a court order, the company has ceased operations.

The workers were not in full compliance with the rules. [=were not following the rules exactly]

com·pli·ant adj

1 [more ; most ] : willing to do whatever you are asked or ordered to do : ready and willing to comply

I asked him for a favor, and he was compliant.

a compliant young reporter
a compliant servant

2 : agreeing with a set of rules, standards, or requirements

The student's shirt was not compliant with the school's dress code.

The software is compliant with the latest standards.

com·pli·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) more difficult or less simple

Changing jobs now would complicate her life.

This complicates things. [=this makes the situation more difficult]

To complicate matters further, his train is running late. [=his train is running late, which makes the situation even more complicated or difficult]

2 : to cause (a medical problem) to become more dangerous or harder to treat
a disease complicated by infection

com·pli·cat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: hard to understand, explain, or deal with

The game's rules are too complicated.

a complicated situation
a very complicated issue

: having many parts or steps

The machine has a complicated design.

a complicated plan
a complicated mathematical formula

com·pli·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : something that makes something harder to understand, explain, or deal with

The negotiations stalled when complications arose.

2 medical : a disease or condition that happens in addition to another disease or condition : a problem that makes a disease or condition more dangerous or harder to treat

Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS.

She experienced complications during her pregnancy.

The patient died of complications from surgery.

com·plic·it adj
formal : helping to commit a crime or do wrong in some way

He was complicit in the cover-up. [=he helped with the cover-up]

com·plic·i·ty noun [noncount]

formal : the act of helping to commit a crime or do wrong in some way

There's no proof of her complicity in the murder.

He acted with his brother's complicity.

1com·pli·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : a remark that says something good about someone or something

She gave/paid me a compliment. [=she said something nice about me]

He told her he admired her paintings and she returned/repaid the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.

I received a nice compliment yesterday. [=someone said something nice about me yesterday]

I'll take that as a compliment. [=I'll regard what was said as praise, whether or not the speaker meant it as praise]

When I called you a perfectionist, I meant it as a compliment. [=I wanted what I said to be understood as praise]

She is always fishing for compliments. [=she is always trying to get people to say nice things about her]

2 [count] : an action that expresses admiration or approval

When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest/best compliment we can get.

3 compliments [plural]

used politely to express praise, welcome, or good wishes to someone

Our compliments to the chef! [=we praise the chef for preparing a fine meal]

Please accept this gift with our compliments.

A free sample is enclosed with the compliments of the manufacturer.

The phrase compliments of is often used to identify the giver of something that has been provided for free.

We were served free drinks, compliments of [=provided without charge by] the casino.

Compliments of is also used in a joking way to refer to the source of something that is not wanted.

I woke up with a stiff neck, compliments of that uncomfortable mattress in their guest room. [=sleeping on the uncomfortable mattress gave me a stiff neck]

He received an audit, compliments of the IRS.

Do not confuse compliment with complement.

2com·pli·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [+ obj]

: to say nice things about (someone or something) : to pay a compliment to (someone or something)

She complimented my outfit.

often + on

We complimented the pianist on his performance.

Do not confuse compliment with complement.

com·pli·men·ta·ry adj

1 : expressing praise or admiration for someone or something

She made complimentary remarks about his work.

2 : given for free

They handed out complimentary brochures.

complimentary tickets

The restaurant offers valet parking as a complimentary service.

Do not confuse complimentary with complementary.

complimentary close noun, pl closes [count]

US : the words (such as sincerely yours) that come before the signature of a letter

com·ply verb, -plies, -plied, -ply·ing [no obj]

: to do what you have been asked or ordered to do

I asked the waitress to refill my coffee cup and she happily complied.

There will be penalties against individuals who fail to comply.

often + with

You still have not complied with our request. [=have not done what we requested you to do]

We have complied with federal law [=we have done what federal law requires] every step of the way.

The devices comply with [=are in agreement with] industry standards.

1com·po·nent noun, pl -ments [count]

: one of the parts of something (such as a system or mixture) : an important piece of something
the components of an electric circuit

He sells spare computer components.

The interview is a key component in the hiring process.

Hard work has been a major component of his success.

2component adj, always used before a noun

: helping to make up the whole of something (such as a system or a mixture) : forming or being a part of something
the component parts of a machine

com·port verb, -ports, -port·ed, -port·ing

comport with [phrasal verb]

comport with (something) US, formal : to be in agreement with (something)

Her actions comport with [=match] her ideals.

comport yourself
formal : to behave in a certain way
used especially in situations where the behavior is admirable or appropriate

He comported himself with dignity.

She comported herself well during the crisis.

com·port·ment noun [noncount]

formal : the way in which someone behaves
the comportment of a gentleman

com·pose verb, -pos·es, -posed, -pos·ing

1 [+ obj] : to come together to form or make (something)

Minorities composed [=made up] about a third of the attendees at the conference.

usually used as (be) composed of
a stew composed of [=made from/with] many ingredients

Our group is composed of [=is made up of; consists of] travelers from 7 countries.

The clouds are composed of water vapor.

2 a [+ obj] : to create and write (a piece of music or writing)

compose a song/symphony
compose music

She composed a letter to her sister.

2 b [no obj] : to practice the art of writing music

He is in his studio composing.

3 [+ obj] : to arrange the appearance of (something, such as a picture or image) in an orderly or careful way
an elegantly composed photograph

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to make (yourself) calm

Take a moment to compose yourself before you pick up the phone.

4 b : to gain control of (your emotions)

She sat quietly on the bench outside the courthouse, trying to compose her feelings.

com·posed adj [more ; most ]

: calm and in control of your emotions : not feeling or showing anger, fear, etc.

He had told us he felt nervous about the performance, but he seemed perfectly composed when he walked onto the stage.

They tried to remain composed throughout the ordeal.

com·pos·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who writes music

She prefers Mozart and Beethoven to modern composers.

1com·pos·ite Brit adj

: made of different parts or elements
a composite photograph
a composite material

2composite noun, pl com·pos·ites [count]

1 : something that is made up of different parts
a composite of minerals
a composite of diverse communities

2 US : a drawing of someone who is wanted by the police that is made using descriptions given by witnesses

He spotted a man who resembled the police composite.

com·po·si·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the way in which something is put together or arranged
the painting's unique composition

: the combination of parts or elements that make up something

Each rock has a slightly different composition. [=makeup]

the changing composition of the country's population
the composition of a chemical compound

2 [count] : a piece of writing

Is this poem an original composition? [=did you write this poem yourself?]

especially : a brief essay written as a school assignment

The teacher reminded us to hand in our compositions at the end of class.

3 [count] : a written piece of music and especially one that is very long or complex
a famous classical composition

4 [noncount] : the art or process of writing words or music

She studies musical theory and composition.

1com·post Brit noun [noncount]

: a decayed mixture of plants (such as leaves and grass) that is used to improve the soil in a garden
a compost heap = (chiefly US) a compost pile [=a pile of plant materials that are kept in a garden and allowed to decay to create compost]

2compost verb, -posts, -post·ed, -post·ing [+ obj]

: to change (plant materials) into compost

We compost leaves in our backyard.

com·po·sure noun [noncount]

: calmness especially of mind, manner, or appearance

She never loses her composure. [=she always appears calm]

He kept/maintained his composure.

After the initial shock she regained/recovered her composure.

He answered with composure.

com·pote noun, pl -potes [count, noncount]

: a dessert made of fruits cooked with sugar
blueberry compote

1com·pound noun, pl -pounds [count]

1 : something that is formed by combining two or more parts; especially technical : a substance created when the atoms of two or more chemical elements join together
chemical/organic compounds
a compound of sodium and chlorine

The metal reacts with the gas to form a compound.

2 : a word formed by combining two or more words

“Rowboat,” “high school,” and “light-year” are compounds.

compare 4COMPOUND

2com·pound verb, -pounds, -pound·ed, -pound·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as an error or problem) worse : to add to (something bad)

He compounded [=exacerbated] his mistake by announcing it to the whole table.

2 finance : to pay interest on both an amount of money and the interest it has already earned

[+ obj] The interest is compounded at regular intervals.

[no obj] The interest compounds quarterly.

3 [+ obj] : to form (something) by combining separate things
compound a medicine
usually used as (be) compounded
an attitude compounded of [=made up of] equal parts greed and arrogance

3com·pound adj

1 : made up of two or more parts
a compound leaf
a compound microscope

2 a : made by combining two or more words

“Steamboat” is a compound noun.

2 b : consisting of two or more main clauses

“I told him to leave and he left” is a compound sentence.

4com·pound noun, pl -pounds [count]

: an enclosed area that contains a group of buildings
a prison compound

compare 1COMPOUND

compound fracture noun, pl -tures [count]

medical : a broken bone in which a part of the bone sticks out through the skin

compound interest noun [noncount]

finance : interest paid both on the original amount of money and on the interest it has already earned compare SIMPLE INTEREST

com·pre·hend verb, -hends, -hend·ed, -hend·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal : to understand (something, such as a difficult or complex subject)

He is able to fully comprehend [=understand completely] what is happening and react appropriately.

often used in negative statements

They are unable to comprehend what had happened.

We can scarcely comprehend how it all ended.

I find his attitude impossible/difficult to comprehend.

com·pre·hen·si·ble adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : able to be understood
a comprehensible [=intelligible] explanation

They spoke in barely comprehensible slang. [=slang that was extremely difficult to understand]

opposite INCOMPREHENSIBLE

com·pre·hen·si·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

com·pre·hen·si·bly adv

com·pre·hen·sion noun

: ability to understand

[noncount] He has not the slightest comprehension of the subject. [=he does not understand the subject at all]

The students showed excellent reading/language comprehension.

The war caused suffering beyond comprehension. [=suffering that is impossible to imagine]

mysteries that are beyond our comprehension [=mysteries that we cannot understand]

[singular] I don't have a clear comprehension [=understanding] of how it works.

1com·pre·hen·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : including many, most, or all things
a comprehensive list
comprehensive insurance [=insurance that covers all kinds of risks]

a comprehensive [=thorough] course of study

2 Brit : of or relating to a comprehensive school
comprehensive education

com·pre·hen·sive·ly adv

Each patient was comprehensively [=completely, thoroughly] evaluated.

Trade was comprehensively regulated by the authorities.

(Brit) The team was comprehensively [=soundly] beaten/defeated.

com·pre·hen·sive·ness noun

2comprehensive noun, pl -sives [count]

Brit : comprehensive school

comprehensive school noun, pl schools [count]

Brit : a school in Britain for children of all different levels of ability who are over the age of 11

Some of his friends attended the local comprehensive school.

1com·press verb, -press·es, -pressed, -press·ing

1 : to press or squeeze (something) so that it is smaller or fills less space

[+ obj] compress the air in a closed chamber

She compressed her lips.

[no obj] Her lips compressed into a frown.

a material that compresses easily

2 [+ obj] : to make (something) shorter or smaller
compress a chapter

The author compressed [=condensed] 80 years of history into 15 pages.

3 computers : to reduce the size of (a computer file) by using special software

[+ obj] compress a digital photograph

[no obj] This type of file compresses easily.

opposite DECOMPRESS

compressed adj
a bottle of compressed air

com·press·ible adj [more ; most ]

This type of file is easily compressible.

com·pres·sion noun [noncount]

compression of air
file/data compression

2com·press noun, pl -press·es [count]

: a folded cloth that is pressed against a part of the body to reduce pain or stop bleeding from an injury
a cold compress

com·pres·sor noun, pl -sors [count]

: a machine that compresses air or gas

com·prise verb, -pris·es, -prised, -pris·ing [+ obj]

1 : to be made up of (something) : to include or consist of (something)

Each army division comprised 4,500 troops.

The play comprises three acts.

2 : to make up or form (something)

Nine players comprise [=make up] a baseball team.

Plants comprise [=constitute, form] the bulk of their diet.

often used as (be) comprised

The play is comprised of [=is composed of] three acts.

1com·pro·mise noun, pl -mis·es

1 : a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute

[noncount] the art of political compromise

To avoid an argument, always be ready to seek compromise.

[count] Both boys will have to make compromises if they are to share the room. [=they will each have to give up something in order to get along]

The two sides were unable to reach a compromise. [=unable to come to an agreement]

often used before another noun
a compromise agreement/amendment/verdict/measure

2 [count] : something that combines the qualities of two different things
often + between

The style is a happy compromise between formal and informal.

3 : a change that makes something worse and that is not done for a good reason

[noncount] a director who will not tolerate artistic compromise

[count] She says that accepting their proposal would be a compromise of her principles.

2compromise verb, -mises, -mised, -mis·ing

1 [no obj] : to give up something that you want in order to reach an agreement : to settle differences by means of a compromise

The two sides were unwilling/unable to compromise.

often + on

They are unwilling to compromise (with each other) on this issue.

2 [+ obj] : to expose (something) to risk or danger : endanger

We can't reveal that information without compromising national security.

3 [+ obj] : to damage or weaken (something) : impair
a dangerous drug that can further compromise an already weakened immune system

4 [+ obj] : to damage (your reputation, integrity, etc.) by doing something that causes people to lose respect for you

He refused to do anything that might compromise his reputation/integrity/principles.

She had already compromised herself by refusing to answer their questions.

com·pro·mis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

compromising adj [more ; most ]

: revealing something that is improper or embarrassing
a compromising letter/situation

He and his secretary were caught in a compromising position. [=they were caught having sexual relations]

comp·trol·ler noun, pl -lers [count]

: a person who is in charge of the financial accounts of a company or organization : controller

com·pul·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] : a very strong desire to do something

I gave in to one of my compulsions and ordered the chocolate dessert.

often followed by to + verb

He felt a compulsion to say something.

2 [noncount]

2 a : the act of using force or pressure to make someone do something

We should be able to get them to cooperate without using compulsion.

legal compulsion

2 b : the state of being forced to do something

He was acting under compulsion. [=he was being forced to act]

Their children read only under compulsion. [=only when they are forced]

We are under no compulsion to decide immediately. [=we are not required to decide immediately]

com·pul·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 a : caused by a desire that is too strong to resist : impossible to stop or control
compulsive behavior

1 b : not able to stop or control doing something
a compulsive gambler/liar

2 chiefly Brit : very interesting

Her most recent article made compulsive [=compelling] reading.

com·pul·sive·ly adv

He cleans compulsively.

a compulsively readable story

com·pul·sive·ness noun [noncount]

com·pul·so·ry adj

1 : required by a law or rule
compulsory [=mandatory] education/retirement

2 : having the power of forcing someone to do something
a compulsory law

com·pul·so·ri·ly adv

com·punc·tion noun, pl -tions

: a feeling of guilt or regret : remorse

[noncount] a brutal murderer who killed without compunction

He feels/has no compunction about his crimes.

[count] (chiefly US) He has no compunctions about his crimes.

com·pu·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

: the act or process of computing or calculating something : calculation

[noncount] methods used for the computation of taxes

[count] simple mental computations

The solution required a series of computations.

com·pu·ta·tion·al adj
a computational model

com·pute verb, -putes, -put·ed, -put·ing [+ obj]

: to find out (something) by using mathematical processes : calculate
compute a batting average
compute your income tax

In informal U.S. English, something that does not compute does not make sense.

She said they made a mistake but that does not compute. [=does not seem true or possible]

com·put·able adj

com·put·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: an electronic machine that can store and work with large amounts of information

He works all day on/with a computer.

a personal/desktop/laptop computer
often used before another noun
a computer program/game/virus
computer software

com·put·er·ize also Brit com·put·er·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to use a computer to make, do, or control (something)

We plan to computerize our billing system.

2 : to provide (something) with computers

The office is being computerized.

3 : to put (something) into a form that a computer can use

Libraries are computerizing their records.

com·put·er·i·za·tion also Brit com·put·er·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the computerization of patient records

computerized also Brit computerised adj
a computerized billing system
a computerized office/database

computer science noun [noncount]

: the study of computers and their uses

She has a degree in computer science.

computer scientist noun, pl -tists [count]

computing noun [noncount]

: the use of computers
business computing

computing adj
computing power
a computing system

com·rade Brit noun, pl -rades [count]

1 : a close friend you have worked with, been in the military with, etc.

He enjoys spending time with his old army comrades.

He spoke fondly of his old comrades in arms. [=the people he fought with or worked together with to achieve something]

2 Comrade used as a title for a member of a communist party

com·rade·ly adj
a warm and comradely feeling

com·rade·ship Brit noun [noncount]

1con noun, pl cons [count]

informal : a dishonest trick that is done to get someone's money

It was not a good investment but a con [=swindle, scam] to rob them of their savings.

called also (US) confidence game (US) con game (Brit) confidence trick (Brit) con trick
compare 3CON, 4CON

2con verb, cons, conned, con·ning [+ obj]

informal : to deceive or to trick (someone) : to persuade (someone) by telling lies

We don't like being conned. [=swindled]

They are accused of conning retirees out of their savings. [=of deceiving retired people in order to take their savings]

She was conned into volunteering.

He conned his way into the job. [=he lied about his qualifications to get the job]

3con noun, pl cons [count]

informal : a person in prison : convict
a tough con
an ex-con [=a former prisoner]

compare 1CON, 4CON

4con noun, pl cons [count]

1 : a person who is opposed to something

When the new law was proposed, we began hearing arguments from both the pros and the cons. [=from the people who supported it and the people who opposed it]

2 : an argument against something

Each technology has its pros and cons. [=has its good parts and its bad parts]

: a reason for not doing something

They carefully considered the pros and cons of starting their own business. [=considered the arguments for and against starting their own business]

Buying a home can be risky, but the pros outweigh the cons. [=the advantages outweigh the disadvantages]

compare 1CON, 3CON

5con adv

: against something

A lot has been written pro and con about the new law. [=both for and against the new law]

con artist noun, pl -tists [count]

: a person who tricks other people in order to get their money

The couple lost their savings to a con artist who told them he was an investment broker.

called also con man (US) confidence man

con·cat·e·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a group of things linked together in a series

An extraordinary concatenation of factors led to his victory.

con·cave adj [more ; most ]

: having a shape like the inside of a bowl : curving inward
a concave lens
opposite CONVEX

con·cav·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality or state of being concave : the quality of being curved inward
the concavity of the lens

2 [count] : a shape that is curved inward : a concave shape

The lower back forms a concavity.

The large concavities along the wall of the restaurant are like private rooms.

con·ceal verb, -ceals, -cealed, -ceal·ing [+ obj]

1 : to hide (something or someone) from sight

The sunglasses conceal her eyes.

The controls are concealed behind a panel.

The defendant is accused of attempting to conceal evidence.

opposite REVEAL

2 : to keep (something) secret

The editorial accused the government of concealing the truth.

She could barely conceal her anger.

opposite REVEAL

concealed adj

He was carrying a concealed [=hidden] weapon.

a concealed compartment

con·ceal·ment noun [noncount]

concealment of evidence

con·ceal·er noun [noncount]

: a type of makeup that is used to hide small marks or dark areas on your face

con·cede verb, -cedes, -ced·ed, -ced·ing

1 [+ obj] : to say that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) : to admit (something) usually in an unwilling way

I concede that the work has been slow so far, but it should speed up soon.

When she noted that the economy was actually improving, he grudgingly/reluctantly conceded the point. [=he admitted that she was right]

“Your plan might work,” she conceded, “but I still think mine is better.”

It is generally conceded [=acknowledged, agreed] that they are the superior team. [=most people agree that they are the superior team]

2 : to admit that you have been defeated and stop trying to win

[no obj] Although it seems clear that he has lost the election, he still refuses to concede.

[+ obj] He's not ready to concede the election.

They were forced to concede defeat. [=to admit that they were defeated]

3 [+ obj] : to give away (something) usually in an unwilling way

The former ruler was forced to concede power to a new government.

The company says that workers are not conceding enough in negotiations.

4 [+ obj] sports : to allow an opponent to score (a point, goal, etc.)

The team has not conceded [=allowed] a goal this half.

con·ceit noun, pl -ceits

1 [noncount] : too much pride in your own worth or goodness

His conceit has earned him many enemies.

2 [count] literary : an idea that shows imagination
an artistic conceit
a clever conceit

con·ceit·ed adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing too much pride in your own worth or goodness
a brilliant but conceited [=vain] musician

con·ceit·ed·ly adv

con·ceit·ed·ness noun [noncount]

con·ceiv·able adj

: able to be imagined : imaginable or possible

They discussed the question from every conceivable angle.

It is conceivable that she will refuse to go.

con·ceiv·ably adv

Conceivably, the date could be moved up a week.

We could conceivably [=possibly] finish tomorrow.

con·ceive verb, -ceives, -ceived, -ceiv·ing

1 : to think of or create (something) in the mind

[+ obj] conceive an idea
a writer who has conceived [=imagined] an entire world of amazing creatures

When the writer conceived this role, he had a specific actor in mind to play the part.

The system was conceived [=invented] by a Swedish engineer.

As conceived by the committee, the bill did not raise taxes.

[no obj]

+ of

They conceived of [=thought of, regarded] her as a genius.

I can't conceive of [=imagine] a reason for not supporting this policy.

2 : to become pregnant

[no obj] a woman who has been unable to conceive

[+ obj] a woman who has been unable to conceive a child

1con·cen·trate verb, -trates, -trat·ed, -trat·ing

1 [no obj] : to think about something : to give your attention to the thing you are doing, reading, etc.

All that noise makes it hard to concentrate.

The student has difficulty concentrating.

often + on

All that noise makes it hard to concentrate on the book I'm trying to read.

We need to concentrate [=focus] on this problem.

We need to concentrate on finding ways to work more efficiently.

He thought about becoming a lawyer, but he has decided to concentrate on a medical career instead. [=he has decided to direct his efforts toward a medical career instead]

2 [+ obj] : to cause (attention, efforts, strength, etc.) to be used or directed for a single purpose
usually + on

She is concentrating her attention on her studies. [=she is giving her attention to her studies]

We need to concentrate our efforts on finding ways to work more efficiently.

3 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a liquid) stronger by removing water
concentrate syrup

The sauce should be simmered for a few minutes to concentrate its flavors.

concentrate the/your mind

Something that concentrates the/your mind makes you think very clearly.

Working under a tight deadline can concentrate the mind wonderfully.

2concentrate noun, pl -trates

: a substance that is made stronger or more pure by removing water

[count] a frozen orange juice concentrate

[noncount] Is this orange juice fresh or is it made from concentrate?

concentrated adj [more ; most ]

1 : made stronger or more pure by removing water
concentrated orange juice

2 : existing or happening together in one place : not spread out
a highly concentrated beam of light

3 always used before a noun : done in a way that involves a lot of effort and attention
a concentrated [=concerted] effort

be concentrated

Something that is concentrated in a specified place is mainly found in that place.

The population is concentrated near the coast. [=most of the population is near the coast]

Wealth is concentrated in the cities. [=most of the wealthy people live in the cities]

Power was concentrated in the hands of a few rich men. [=a few rich men had most of the power]

con·cen·tra·tion noun

1 [noncount] : the ability to give your attention or thought to a single object or activity : the ability to concentrate
the power of concentration

All that noise is disturbing my concentration.

The job required her full concentration.

When you're tired it's easy to lose your concentration.

2 : the act of giving your attention to a single object or activity

[singular] There was a concentration on ethics within the agency.

His concentration [=focus] was on gathering evidence for the trial.

[noncount] a student who chose law as his field/area of concentration [=his main area of study]

3 a : a large amount of something in one place

[count] There is a concentration of wealth in the cities.

[noncount] He objects to the concentration of power in the hands of a few rich men.

3 b [count] : a large number of people in one place

Officials are expecting a heavy/high concentration of tourists [=are expecting many tourists] for the festival.

4 [count] : the amount of an ingredient in a mixture

Contaminants were found in low concentrations. [=amounts]

measuring the concentration of salt in a solution

They detected high concentrations of pollutants in the water.

concentration camp noun, pl camps [count]

: a type of prison where large numbers of people who are not soldiers are kept during a war and are usually forced to live in very bad conditions

con·cen·tric adj

: having the same center
concentric circles

1con·cept noun, pl -cepts [count]

: an idea of what something is or how it works

She is familiar with basic concepts of psychology.

not a new concept
a concept borrowed from computer programming

She seems to be a little unclear on the concept of good manners. [=she seems not to understand what good manners are]

2concept adj, always used before a noun

1 : organized around a main idea or theme
a concept album [=a collection of songs about a specific theme or story]

2 : created to show an idea
a concept car [=a car built to test or show a new design]

con·cep·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or process of conceiving something: such as

1 a : the process of forming an idea

He directed the project from conception to production.

the conception of a new device

1 b : the process that occurs within a woman's body when she becomes pregnant
the moment of conception

2 : an idea of what something is or should be : concept

[count] They have a clear conception of how the process works.

a child's conception of responsibility

They have very different conceptions of the proper role of government.

[noncount] He has no conception of the problems we have to face. [=he does not understand or realize the problems we have to face]

con·cep·tu·al adj

: based on or relating to ideas or concepts
a conceptual framework/model

The plans have both conceptual and practical difficulties.

conceptual art [=art that expresses an idea]

con·cep·tu·al·ly adv

The software is conceptually similar to an earlier product but is much easier to use.

con·cep·tu·al·ize also Brit con·cep·tu·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -izing

: to form (an idea, picture, etc.) of something in your mind

[+ obj] She described her plans to me, but I found them hard to conceptualize.

He conceptualizes the family as an economic unit.

[no obj] A programmer needs to analyze and conceptualize in order to solve problems.

con·cep·tu·al·i·za·tion also Brit con·cep·tu·al·i·sa·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

1con·cern noun, pl -cerns

1 a : a feeling of worry usually shared by many people

[noncount] They have expressed/voiced concern about the cost of the project.

There is much/great concern among voters about/over the economy. = The economy is a matter of much/great concern to/for many voters.

There is some concern that the economy might worsen.

I share your concern about these problems.

Their friend's health is a constant source/cause of concern.

There is no cause for concern. [=there is no reason to worry]

[count] The governor needs to address voters' concerns about/over the economy.

They have raised concerns about the cost of the project.

1 b [count] : something that causes people to worry

The economy is one of our main concerns. [=the economy is one of the things that we are most worried/concerned about]

Their friend's health is a constant concern.

2 : a feeling of being interested in and caring about a person or thing

[noncount] His concern with/for the well-being of his family is obvious.

She has always shown genuine/deep concern for the poor.

I appreciate your concern, but there's really nothing you can do to help.

[singular] She has always shown a genuine/deep concern for the poor.

3 [count] : something that is regarded as important

She articulated the major concerns of the administration.

Our main/primary/principal concern is to assure that these problems do not occur again.

4 [count] : something that a person is responsible for or involved in
usually singular

Paying for the tickets is your concern [=responsibility], not mine.

It's not our concern. = It's none of our concern. = It's no concern of ours. [=it's not our business; it doesn't involve/concern us]

5 [count] formal : a business or company
a banking concern
a going concern [=a successful business]

2concern verb, -cerns, -cerned, -cern·ing [+ obj]

1 : to relate to (something or someone) : to be about (something or someone)

The novel concerns three soldiers.

This study concerns the noise levels in cities.

2 : to affect or involve (someone) : to be the business or interest of (someone)

The problem concerns [=affects] us all.

This conversation doesn't concern you.

The phrase To whom it may concern is used at the beginning of a formal letter (such as a letter written to a company) when the name of the person who will read the letter is not known.

3 : to make (someone) worried : to cause concern for (someone)

Our mother's illness concerns us.

concern yourself

: to become involved or interested in something : to give your attention to something

She can handle the problem alone. There's no need for you to concern yourself.

There's no need for you to concern yourself with/in her problem.

They shouldn't concern themselves with/about small details.

concerned adj [more ; most ]

1 : feeling worry or concern

The school's decision is being questioned by a group of concerned parents.

Her family was very concerned for/about her safety.

Voters are deeply concerned about the economy.

I was concerned (to hear) that they stayed out too late.

2 a : having an interest or involvement in something
a discussion that will be of interest to everyone concerned

The lawyers called a meeting of all the concerned parties.

She was more concerned with [=interested in] flirting than with getting the job done.

(chiefly Brit) She was concerned to show that she could do the job. [=she thought it was important to show that she could do it]

2 b : having a relation to something

The memo is chiefly concerned with hiring policies. [=the memo chiefly concerns hiring policies; the memo is chiefly about hiring policies]

as far as (someone) is concerned

: in the opinion of (someone)

As far as I'm concerned [=in my opinion], everything he says is a lie.

As far as she's concerned, he is perfect.

as far as (something) is concerned

: about (something) : with regard to (something)

He has no worries as far as money is concerned. [=he has no worries about money]

As far as the weather is concerned [=as for the weather], we've been having nothing but rain for the past week.

concerning prep

: relating to (something or someone) : about
news concerning friends

There is some confusion concerning [=regarding] his current whereabouts.

con·cert noun, pl -certs [count]

: a public performance of music
a rock concert
a classical concert

The orchestra will be giving/having/holding a free concert.

sometimes used before another noun
a live concert performance
a concert pianist
a concert hall

in concert

1 formal : together

The FBI and the local police acted in concert to solve the murder.

often + with

The FBI acted in concert with the local police to solve the murder.

2 : performing at a concert

I went to hear them in concert. [=in a public performance]

con·cert·ed adj, always used before a noun

: done in a planned and deliberate way usually by several or many people

They made a concerted effort to make her feel welcome.

a concerted action/campaign
a concerted attack

con·cert·goer noun, pl -goers [count]

: a person who often goes to concerts or who is at a particular concert
a large crowd of concertgoers

1con·cer·ti·na noun, pl -nas [count]

: a musical instrument that resembles a small accordion and that is played by pressing the ends together

2concertina verb, -nas, -naed, -na·ing [no obj]

Brit : to fold or collapse together

The car concertinaed on impact.

con·cert·mas·ter Brit noun, pl -ters [count]

chiefly US : a musician who is the leading violin player and the assistant conductor of an orchestra called also (Brit) leader

con·cer·to noun, pl -ti or -tos [count]

: a piece of music for one or more main instruments with an orchestra
a violin concerto

con·ces·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] : the act of conceding something: such as

1 a : the act of giving up something or doing something in order to reach agreement

The company has been unwilling to make concessions (to the strikers) during negotiations.

1 b : the act of admitting that you have been defeated in a contest

We are waiting for his concession of the election.

The candidate made an emotional concession speech when it was clear that he had lost.

2 [count] : something that you allow or do to end a conflict or reach an agreement

The strikers have won/gained/secured some important/major concessions from the company.

3 [count] : something that is done because a particular situation makes it necessary or desirable

+ to

Her sensible shoes are a concession to comfort. [=she wears sensible shoes because they are comfortable]

He takes afternoon naps now in/as a concession to his old age.

4 US

4 a [count] : the right to sell something or do business on property that belongs to the government or to another company or person
a mining concession

4 b [count] : a small business or shop where things are sold in a public place (such as a sports stadium)

He runs a concession that sells hot dogs and hamburgers at the ballpark.

We got hot dogs at the concession stand.

4 c concessions [plural] : things sold at a concession stand

He has a license to sell concessions at the ballpark.

5 [count] Brit : a special lower price or rate
tax concessions [=tax breaks]

student concessions [=discounts]

con·ces·sion·aire noun, pl -aires [count]

: a person or business that has been given the right to sell something on property owned by someone else : a person or business that has been given a concession (sense 4a)

conch noun, pl conchs or conch·es [count]

: a type of shellfish that lives in a large shell which has the form of a spiral; also : the shell of a conch

con·cierge noun, pl -cierg·es [count]

1 : a person in an apartment building especially in France who takes care of the building and checks the people who enter and leave

2 chiefly US : an employee at a hotel whose job is to provide help and information to the people staying at the hotel

con·cil·i·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (someone) more friendly or less angry

The company's attempts to conciliate the strikers have failed.

con·cil·i·a·tion noun [noncount]

con·cil·i·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

con·cil·ia·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

: intended to make someone less angry
a conciliatory note/message/statement

She tried to sound conciliatory in discussing the current controversy.

con·cise adj [more ; most ]

: using few words : not including extra or unnecessary information
a clear and concise account of the accident
a concise summary
a concise definition

con·cise·ly adv

con·cise·ness noun [noncount]

synonyms

CONCISE, TERSE, SUCCINCT, LACONIC, and PITHY mean expressing or stating an idea by using only a few words. CONCISE is the most general of these words and suggests a lack of extra or unnecessary information.

She provided a concise description of the problem.

TERSE suggests that you are using very few words in a way that may seem rude.

“I'm not interested” was his terse reply.

SUCCINCT suggests that the words you use are clear and helpful in explaining something.

The article provides a succinct overview of the region's history.

LACONIC suggests the use of words that may seem rude, indifferent, or mysterious.

an aloof and laconic stranger

She is known for her laconic style of writing.

PITHY suggests the skillful or meaningful use of a small number of words.

a comedy sharpened by pithy one-liners
pithy prose

con·clave noun, pl -claves [count]

formal : a private or secret meeting or group
a conclave of bishops

con·clude verb, -cludes, -clud·ed, -clud·ing

1 a [no obj] : to stop or finish : to come to an end

The investigation has not yet concluded.

: to end in a particular way or with a particular action

The meeting concluded at noon.

The chairman concluded by wishing us all a happy holiday.

1 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to stop or finish
conclude [=end] a speech

: to end (something) in a particular way or with a particular action

We concluded the meeting on a happy note.

The chairman concluded his speech by wishing us all a happy holiday.

2 [+ obj] : to form or state (an opinion) : to decide (something) after a period of thought or research

We conclude from our review of the evidence that they are right.

Many studies have concluded that smoking is dangerous.

The speech, many historians concluded, was the most important of his career.

3 [+ obj] : to complete (something, such as a business deal) : to bring about (something) as a result

Their effort to conclude an agreement was a success.

conclude a sale

concluding adj

: coming at the end of something : final
the book's concluding chapter
the concluding [=last] days of the campaign
a concluding remark

con·clu·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] : a final decision or judgment : an opinion or decision that is formed after a period of thought or research

What is your conclusion? [=what do you conclude?]

The evidence does not support the report's conclusions.

The evidence points/leads to the inescapable conclusion that she was negligent.

The logical/obvious conclusion is that she was negligent.

What led/brought you to that conclusion?

After thinking about it, we came to the conclusion [=we decided] that we shouldn't go.

Scientists haven't yet reached a conclusion [=made a judgment/decision] on/about the causes of this illness.

They haven't yet arrived at a conclusion.

Is it possible to draw conclusions [=make judgments] from this evidence?

To jump/leap to conclusions is to make judgments too quickly before knowing all the facts.

The evidence suggests that he's to blame, but let's be careful not to jump to conclusions. He may have a good explanation for what happened.

We should hear his explanation before we jump to the conclusion that he's to blame.

2 [count] : the last part of something : end
usually singular

Many people were upset at the conclusion of the meeting. [=when the meeting concluded/ended]

a satisfactory conclusion to the negotiations

The conclusion of her speech contained some surprising news.

The strike has finally reached its conclusion. [=has finally ended]

At this point, his victory seems to be a foregone conclusion. [=his victory seems certain; there seems to be no doubt that he will win]

3 : the act of concluding or finishing something or the state of being finished

[singular] We had hoped for a quick conclusion of/to the war. [=had hoped that the war would end quickly]

The case was finally brought to a conclusion [=was finally concluded] last week.

[noncount] the conclusion of a business deal

The case was finally brought to conclusion last week.

in conclusion

used to introduce the final comments at the end of a speech or a piece of writing

In conclusion, I would like to thank you for inviting me to speak tonight.

con·clu·sive adj [more ; most ]

: showing that something is certainly true
conclusive evidence/proof
opposite INCONCLUSIVE

con·clu·sive·ly adv

They proved conclusively that they can compete with the best teams.

con·clu·sive·ness noun [noncount]

con·coct verb, -cocts, -coct·ed, -coct·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (a food or drink) by mixing different things together

The drink was first concocted by a bartender in New York.

She concocted a stew from the leftovers.

2 : to invent or develop (a plan, story, etc.) especially in order to trick or deceive someone

They had concocted [=devised] a scheme/plan to steal money from the company.

He concocted [=fabricated, invented] an elaborate excuse for why he couldn't come in to work today.

con·coc·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: something (such as a food or drink) that is made by mixing together different things

Would you like to try my new concoction?

1con·com·i·tant adj
formal : happening at the same time as something else

The drug's risks increase with the concomitant use of alcohol.

often + with
changes that are concomitant with population growth

con·com·i·tant·ly adv

2concomitant noun, pl -tants [count]

formal : something that happens at the same time as something else : a condition that is associated with some other condition
hunger, a lack of education, and other concomitants of poverty

con·cord noun [noncount]

1 formal : a state in which people or things agree with each other and exist together in a peaceful way

They lived in peace and concord. [=harmony]

2 grammar : a state in which the different parts of a sentence or phrase agree with each other
grammatical concord
subject and verb concord [=(more commonly) agreement]

con·cord·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 [noncount] formal : a state in which things agree and do not conflict with each other

There is little concordance between the two studies.

The witness's testimony was not in concordance with [=did not agree with] the rest of the evidence.

2 [count] : an alphabetical list of all of the words in a book or in a set of works written by an author
a concordance of Shakespeare's plays

con·cord·ant adj
formal : in agreement : having the same characteristics

All three tests have concordant results.

often + with

His views are concordant with those of the president.

con·course noun, pl -cours·es [count]

: a large open space or hall in a public building
the concourse of the bus terminal
an airport concourse

1con·crete noun [noncount]

: a hard, strong material that is used for building and made by mixing cement, sand, and broken rocks with water
slabs of concrete
see also REINFORCED CONCRETE

2con·crete adj

1 : made of concrete
a concrete floor/wall
concrete blocks
concrete structures

2 [more ; most ] : relating to or involving specific people, things, or actions rather than general ideas or qualities

It's helpful to have concrete examples of how words are used in context.

The police suspected that he was guilty, but they had no concrete evidence against him. [=the police had no clear and definite proof that he committed the crime]

concrete facts

Does anyone have any concrete [=specific] suggestions for how we can fix this?

We hope the meetings will produce concrete results.

opposite ABSTRACT

con·crete·ly adv

Countries must deal with the problem more concretely. [=countries must develop more specific ideas for how they will deal with the problem]

con·crete·ness noun [noncount]

3con·crete verb, -cretes, -cret·ed, -cret·ing [+ obj]

Brit : to cover or form (something) with concrete

They concreted (over) their drive.

concrete jungle noun, pl jungles [count]

informal : a modern city or part of a city regarded as an unpleasant place filled with large, ugly buildings
usually singular

I finally got out of the concrete jungle and moved to the country.

concrete mixer noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : cement mixer

con·cu·bine noun, pl -bines [count]

: an unmarried woman who has sex with a man and lives with the man and his wife or wives

Concubines were common in many different societies in the past.

the king's concubines

con·cur verb, -curs, -curred, -cur·ring [no obj]

formal : to agree with someone or something

We concur that more money should be spent on education.

“I think more time is needed.” “I concur.”

often + with

She concurred with the judge's ruling. = She concurred with the judge.

con·cur·rence noun, pl -renc·es
formal

1 [noncount] : the state of agreeing with someone or something : agreement

The bill was passed with the full concurrence of the Senate. [=everyone in the Senate agreed to pass the bill]

2 [count] : a situation in which two or more things happen at the same time : a situation in which things are concurrent
usually singular
an unlikely concurrence of events

con·cur·rent adj
formal : happening at the same time
the concurrent use of two medications

He's currently serving two concurrent life sentences for murder.

con·cur·rent·ly adv

The two sentences will be served concurrently.

con·cuss verb, -cuss·es, -cussed, -cuss·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to suffer a concussion
often used as (be) concussed

He lay concussed on the ground.

con·cus·sion noun, pl -sions

: an injury to the brain that is caused by something hitting the head very hard

[count] (US) She suffered a severe concussion after falling on the ice.

[noncount] (Brit) He went to hospital with concussion.

con·demn verb, -demns, -demned, -demn·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say in a strong and definite way that someone or something is bad or wrong

We strongly condemn this attack against our allies.

The government condemns all acts of terrorism.

The country condemns the use of violence on prisoners.

The school condemns cheating, and any student caught cheating will be expelled.

often + for

People are condemning him for supporting the old government.

Voters condemned her for lying about her past.

often + as

They were condemned as criminals/heretics/rebels/traitors.

The policy was condemned as racist.

2 a : to give (someone) a usually severe punishment
usually + to

The jury quickly convicted her and condemned [=sentenced] her to death.

often used as (be) condemned

She was condemned to death.

a condemned man [=a man who has been sentenced to death]

2 b : to cause (someone) to suffer or live in difficult or unpleasant conditions

+ to

His lack of education condemned him to a life of poverty.

often used as (be) condemned

She was condemned to [=forced to live] a life of loneliness and suffering.

3 : to close (a building, house, etc.) for not being safe or clean enough for people to use

City officials condemned our apartment building and forced us to leave.

often used as (be) condemned

The houses were condemned after floods caused extensive damage.

The condemned building was torn down.

con·dem·na·tion noun, pl -tions

: a statement or expression of very strong and definite criticism or disapproval

[noncount] The plan has drawn condemnation from both sides.

[count] The government's statement was a condemnation of all acts of terrorism.

con·den·sa·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : small drops of water that form on a cold surface

When we heat the house in the winter, condensation forms on the windows.

Condensation dripped from the air conditioner.

2 [noncount] technical : the process by which a gas cools and becomes a liquid
the processes of evaporation and condensation

3 a [noncount] : the act or process of making something (such as a piece of writing) shorter : the act or process of condensing something

The editor found condensation of the play very difficult.

3 b [count] : a piece of writing that has been made shorter : a condensed piece of writing
a condensation of one of Shakespeare's plays

con·dense verb, -dens·es, -densed, -dens·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) shorter or smaller by removing parts that are less important

The information is collected and then passed on to the CEO in condensed form.

a condensed [=abridged] version of the story
often + to or into

We've condensed the most important news down to a few paragraphs.

Every week, they condense several hours of videotape into a one half-hour TV show.

The book condenses nearly 50 years of history into 200 pages.

2 [no obj] : to change from a gas into a liquid

The cooler temperatures cause the gas to condense into a liquid.

Moisture in the air condenses to form tiny drops of water.

3 [+ obj] : to remove water from (something) to make it thicker

Condense the milk by cooking it slowly.

a can of condensed soup [=soup that has had much of the water removed and that is served by heating it with milk or water]

condensed milk noun [noncount]

: canned milk with sugar added and much of the water removed
a can of sweetened condensed milk
compare EVAPORATED MILK

con·dens·er noun, pl -ers [count]

technical

1 : a device used for changing a gas into a liquid
a steam condenser

2 : a device used for storing electrical energy

con·de·scend verb, -scends, -scend·ed, -scend·ing [no obj]

formal + disapproving

1 : to show that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people

The author treats her readers as equals and never condescends (to them).

2 : to do something that you usually do not do because you believe you are too important to do it
usually followed by to + verb

She condescends to speak to me only when she needs something.

condescending adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : showing that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people

She spoke to us in a condescending [=patronizing] tone.

His comments were offensive and condescending to us.

a condescending attitude

con·de·scend·ing·ly adv

con·de·scen·sion noun [noncount]

: the attitude or behavior of people who believe they are more intelligent or better than other people

The author discusses the politics of the region without condescension. [=without suggesting that he is more intelligent than the readers]

con·di·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: something (such as salt, mustard, or ketchup) that is added to food to give it more flavor

1con·di·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : a way of living or existing

Happiness is the state or condition of being happy.

The need to be loved is simply part of the human condition. [=being human]

2 : the state in which something exists : the physical state of something

[count] The museum restores paintings to their original conditions. [=the museum makes the paintings look the way they were originally]

[noncount] The car is in excellent/perfect (physical) condition.

Both clocks are still in good working condition. [=both clocks still work well]

3 [singular] : the physical or mental state of a person or animal

The driver was taken to the hospital where he was reported to be in (a) good/stable/critical condition.

Their weakened condition makes them more likely to get sick.

He can't drive in that condition. [=he is too drunk, ill, upset, etc., to drive]

The players are all in excellent physical condition. [=shape]

If you are in no condition to do something, you are not physically or mentally able to do it.

I was in no condition to go to work yesterday. [=I was too sick to go to work]

He is in no condition to drive. [=he is too drunk, ill, etc., to drive]

If you are in condition or in good/excellent (etc.) condition, you are strong and healthy.

She was running every evening to stay/keep in condition.

The players are all in good condition.

If you are out of condition or in poor/bad (etc.) condition, you are not strong and not ready to work or play a sport.

He's overweight and out of condition.

She hasn't been taking care of herself and is in poor condition.

4 [count] : a sickness or disease that a person has for a long time

He was born with a serious heart condition.

hereditary/genetic conditions

The condition is often fatal.

Her medical condition made it impossible for her to walk.

5 conditions [plural]

5 a : the situation in which someone or something lives, works, etc.

The organization is working to improve conditions for the poor by providing them with jobs, health care, and better housing.

They need better living conditions.

Companies must provide safe working conditions for their employees.

This type of plant can live in very dry conditions.

Both teams had trouble with the difficult playing conditions.

dangerous driving conditions

5 b : the things that affect the way something is or happens : the characteristics of a situation

The President discussed the social and economic conditions of the country.

New policies have made conditions more favorable for small businesses.

Scientists controlled the conditions of the experiment.

Under certain conditions [=in certain circumstances], it is possible to take the test at a later date.

I will only take the job under the right set of conditions.

5 c : the type of weather that occurs at a particular time
weather/atmospheric conditions

The area is experiencing cold/dry conditions.

severe drought conditions

6 [count] : something that you must do or accept in order for something to happen

The buyer must meet the terms and conditions of the contract.

It was a condition of employment that I join the union. [=I had to join the union in order to get the job]

You can go on one condition: you have to finish your homework. [=you can go only if you finish your homework]

If you agree to do something on (the) condition that something happens, you will do it only if that thing happens.

She spoke on the condition that she not be identified. = She spoke on condition of anonymity.

He taught me the trick on condition that I never tell anyone else how to do it.

7 [count] : something that must happen or exist in order for something else to happen
usually + for or of

Hard work is a necessary condition for/of success.

under no condition

used to say that something is definitely not allowed

Under no condition are you to answer the phone. [=you are not to answer the phone at all]

2condition verb, -tions, -tioned, -tion·ing [+ obj]

1 : to train or influence (a person or an animal) to do something or to think or behave in a certain way because of a repeated experience
often used as (be) conditioned
an experiment in which mice are conditioned to press a button in order to receive food

People have been conditioned to expect immediate results.

conditioned behavior/responses/reflexes

2 : to make (something, such as hair or leather) softer and less dry by applying a liquid

She shampoos and conditions [=uses conditioner on] her hair daily.

be conditioned on/upon
formal
used to say that something will happen only if something else also happens

Payment is conditioned on/upon completion of the project. [=if you complete the project, you will be paid]

1con·di·tion·al adj

1
used to describe something (such as an agreement) that will happen only if something else also happens

She had a conditional agreement with her father that she could use the car if she paid for the gas.

a conditional sale of land

often + on or upon

Our agreement is conditional on/upon your raising the needed money.

compare UNCONDITIONAL

2 grammar : showing or used to show that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens

“If she speaks, you must listen” is a conditional sentence.

The sentence contains the conditional clause “if she speaks.”

con·di·tion·al·ly adv

The company has conditionally agreed to sell 20 percent of its stock.

2conditional noun, pl -als
grammar

1 [count] : a word, clause, or sentence that shows that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens

The clause “if she speaks” is a conditional.

2 the conditional : the mood or form that is used to say that something is true or happens only if something else is true or happens

The conditional is often marked by the word “if.”

con·di·tion·er noun, pl -ers [count, noncount]

1 : a thick liquid that you put on your hair after washing it to make it softer and less dry

2 Brit : fabric softener
see also AIR CONDITIONER

con·di·tion·ing noun [noncount]

1 chiefly US : the process of becoming stronger and healthier by following a regular exercise program and diet
the team's excellent physical conditioning
aerobic conditioning [=training]

often used before another noun

After a three week conditioning program, he was ready to compete.

strength and conditioning workouts

2 : the act or process of training a person or animal to do something or to behave in a certain way in a particular situation
social conditioning

With the proper conditioning, the horse will learn to trust and obey its handler.

see also AIR-CONDITIONING

con·do noun, pl -dos [count]

US : condominium

con·do·lence noun, pl -lenc·es

: a feeling or expression of sympathy and sadness especially when someone is suffering because of the death of a family member, a friend, etc.

[noncount] The governor issued a statement of condolence to the victims' families.

a letter of condolence

[plural] We wish to express/offer/send our sincere condolences to your family.

Please accept my condolences.

con·dom noun, pl -doms [count]

: a thin rubber covering that a man wears on his penis during sex in order to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant or to prevent the spread of diseases called also rubber (Brit) sheath

con·do·min·i·um noun, pl -ums [count]

chiefly US

1 : a room or set of rooms that is owned by the people who live there and that is part of a larger building containing other similar sets of rooms compare APARTMENT

2 : a building that contains condominiums

con·done verb, -dones, -doned, -don·ing [+ obj]

: to forgive or approve (something that is considered wrong) : to allow (something that is considered wrong) to continue
a government that has been accused of condoning racism
often used in negative statements

We cannot condone [=excuse] that kind of behavior.

con·dor noun, pl -dors [count]

: a very large black bird from South America or a related bird from North America

con·du·cive Brit adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

formal : making it easy, possible, or likely for something to happen or exist

+ to

The school tries to create an atmosphere (that is) conducive to learning. [=an atmosphere that makes learning easier]

Hot, dry weather is conducive to the spread of forest fires.

1con·duct verb, -ducts, -duct·ed, -duct·ing

1 [+ obj] : to plan and do (something, such as an activity)

The police are conducting an investigation into last week's robbery.

scientists conducting research/experiments

I like the way the company conducts business.

The magazine conducted a survey.

Who will be conducting the meeting?

The committee is expected to conduct hearings in May.

2 : to direct the performance of (musicians or singers)

[+ obj] He conducts the choir with great skill and emotion.

conducting the music of Mozart

[no obj] She conducts extremely well.

3 always followed by a preposition or adverb [+ obj] formal : to guide or lead (someone) through or around a place

Our guide slowly conducted us through the museum.

Our guide conducted us along the path.

4 [+ obj] technical : to allow (heat or electricity) to move from one place to another

Metals conduct electricity well.

conduct yourself

: to behave especially in a public or formal situation

The way you conduct yourself in an interview often determines whether or not you get the job.

She conducted herself as a professional and earned the respect of her coworkers.

I don't approve of the way he conducts himself.

2con·duct noun [noncount]

somewhat formal

1 : the way that a person behaves in a particular place or situation

A panel investigated her conduct and she was subsequently fired.

His personal conduct reflected poorly on the company. [=he behaved in a way that made the company look bad]

professional/sexual conduct

2 : the way that something is managed or directed

+ of

Laws and regulations control the conduct [=management] of business and trade.

con·duc·tion noun [noncount]

technical : the movement of heat or electricity through something (such as metal or water)

the conduction of electricity

con·duc·tiv·i·ty noun [noncount]

technical : the ability to move heat or electricity from one place to another : the power to conduct heat or electricity
measuring the conductivity of different metals

con·duc·tive adj [more ; most ]

Copper is a conductive material.

con·duc·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who stands in front of people while they sing or play musical instruments and directs their performance

2 : a person who collects money or tickets from passengers on a train or bus called also (Brit) guard

3 : a material or object that allows electricity or heat to move through it

Metal is a good conductor of electricity.

con·duc·tress noun, pl -tress·es [count]

: a woman who is a conductor

con·duit Brit noun, pl -duits [count]

1 technical : a pipe or tube through which something (such as water or wire) passes

2 formal : someone or something that is used as a way of sending something (such as information or money) from one place or person to another

The council serves as a conduit [=channel] of information between the school and the children's parents.

often + for
a port that has been a conduit for the trade of illegal weapons

1cone noun, pl cones [count]

1 : a shape that has a pointed top and sides that form a circle at the bottom

2 : a hard and dry part that is the fruit of a pine tree or other evergreen plant and contains many seeds

3 a : something that looks like a cone

He scooped out the popcorn with a paper cone.

see also TRAFFIC CONE

3 b : the top of a volcano

4 : a thin crisp cookie that is usually shaped like a cone and that is used to hold ice cream

Would you like your ice cream in a dish or a cone?

also : a cone filled with ice cream

I'd like two ice-cream cones, please.

see also SNOW CONE

2cone verb, cones, coned, coning

cone off [phrasal verb]

cone off (something) Brit : to close off (a road or part of a road) with traffic cones

The road was partially coned off while the repairs were being made.

con·fec·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a very sweet food
an assortment of delicious cakes and other confections
often + of
a confection of cream, chocolate, and nuts

sometimes used figuratively
a delightful literary confection

con·fec·tion·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or business that makes or sells confections (such as chocolates and candies)

confectioners' sugar noun [noncount]

US : powdered sugar

con·fec·tion·ery Brit noun [noncount]

somewhat formal : sweet foods (such as fudge and candy)

often used before another noun
a confectionery shop

con·fed·er·a·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [count] : a group of people, countries, organizations, etc., that are joined together in some activity or effort
a confederacy of native tribes

2 the Confederacy : the group of 11 southern states that separated themselves from the U.S. during the American Civil War
the last state to join the Confederacy

con·fed·er·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

1 formal : a person who helps someone do something

He turned to his confederates [=allies, accomplices] for help.

2 Confederate : a soldier, citizen, or supporter of the Confederacy during the American Civil War
the Yankees and the Confederates

Con·fed·er·ate adj

: of or relating to the Confederacy of the American Civil War

Confederate states/soldiers/money
the Confederate flag/army

con·fed·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a group of people, countries, organizations, etc., that are joined together in some activity or effort
a loose confederation [=coalition] of businesses

con·fer verb, -fers, -ferred, -fer·ring
formal

1 [no obj] : to discuss something important in order to make a decision

The lawyer and judge conferred about the ruling.

often + with

I'll confer with [=consult] my wife and let you know what we decide.

2 [+ obj] : to give (something, such as a degree, award, title, right, etc.) to someone or something
usually + on or upon

The university will confer an honorary degree on the governor.

The law conferred upon people over the age of 18 the right to vote.

con·fer·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

US formal : someone who participates in a conference
usually plural

Conferees from the Senate and the House will begin debating the issue next week.

con·fer·ence noun, pl -enc·es

1 [count] : a formal meeting in which many people gather in order to talk about ideas or problems related to a particular topic (such as medicine or business) usually for several days

The organization held/hosted its annual conference in New York this year.

national conferences on women's health
an international peace conference [=a meeting in which leaders of many countries talk about peace]

a conference of foreign ministers
sometimes used before another noun
a conference center [=a large building where conferences are held]

2 : a formal meeting in which a small number of people talk about something

[count] Our boss called a conference to discuss the new changes.

[noncount] He spent an hour in conference with the president.

often used before another noun
a conference room/table

see also CONFERENCE CALL, NEWS CONFERENCE, PRESS CONFERENCE

3 [count] US : a group of sports teams that play against each other and that are part of a larger league of teams
a football conference
the champions of the American Football Conference
often used before another noun
the conference champions/championship

conference call noun, pl calls [count]

: a telephone call in which someone talks to several people at the same time

con·fer·ment noun [noncount]

formal : the act of giving something (such as a degree, award, title, or right) to someone : the act of conferring something
the conferment of degrees/privileges

con·fess verb, -fess·es, -fessed, -fess·ing

1 : to admit that you did something wrong or illegal

[no obj] He confessed after being questioned for many hours.

often + to

He's still refusing to confess to the murder.

No one confessed to taking the pen.

She confessed to having lied to me in the past. [=she told me that she lied to me]

[+ obj] She confessed [=admitted] that she stole the necklace.

He willingly confessed his crime/guilt.

2 : to talk about or admit something that makes you embarrassed, ashamed, etc.

[+ obj] He confessed (that) he got lost and had to ask for directions.

I have to confess that I was afraid at first.

I must confess [=I am a little embarrassed to say] that I know nothing about computers.

He never confessed his love for her. [=he never told her that he loved her]

[no obj]

usually + to

She confessed to a love of trashy romance novels. [=she admitted that she loves trashy romance novels]

I confess to being a little unsure about what to do.

3 : to tell (your sins) to God or to a priest

[+ obj] I confessed my sins to the priest.

[no obj] I haven't confessed [=gone to confession] in three months.

confessed adj
a confessed murderer
see also SELF-CONFESSED

con·fes·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] : a written or spoken statement in which you say that you have done something wrong or committed a crime

She went to the police station and made/gave a full confession.

a written/signed confession

2 [count] : the act of telling people something that makes you embarrassed, ashamed, etc.

I have a confession to make: I have never done this before.

a confession of weakness/failure/error

3 a [count] : the act of telling your sins to God or to a priest

The priest will hear confessions after mass today.

3 b [noncount] : the activity of telling a priest your sins

I haven't gone/been to confession in three years.

4 [count] : a formal statement in which you express your religious beliefs
a confession of faith

1con·fes·sion·al noun, pl -als [count]

: a private place inside a church where a priest hears confessions

2confessional adj [more ; most ]

: telling private information about a person's life
confessional interviews of famous actors
confessional poetry/writing

con·fes·sor noun, pl -sors [count]

: a priest who listens to a person's confession

con·fet·ti noun [noncount]

: small pieces of brightly colored paper that people often throw at celebrations (such as weddings and parties)

con·fi·dant noun, pl -dants [count]

: a trusted friend you can talk to about personal and private things

He is a trusted confidant of the president.

con·fi·dante noun, pl -dantes [count]

: a woman who is a trusted friend : a female confidant

She was her closest friend and confidante.

con·fide verb, -fides, -fid·ed, -fid·ing [+ obj]

: to tell (something that is secret or private) to someone you trust

He confided that he was very unhappy with his job.

often + to

She confided to me that she couldn't read.

He confided his secret to a friend.

see also CONFIDING

confide in [phrasal verb]

confide in (someone) : to tell personal and private things to (someone)

She often confides in me.

He had no one to confide in.

con·fi·dence noun, pl -denc·es

1 [noncount] : a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something

The class gave me more confidence.

He lacked the confidence to succeed.

The experience gave her the confidence to start her own business.

Good grades boosted/bolstered her confidence.

It takes time to build/gain confidence when you are learning a new skill.

He's brimming with confidence. = He's full of confidence.

They have an air of confidence about them.

often + in

He has a lot of confidence in himself.

see also SELF-CONFIDENCE

2 [noncount] : a feeling or belief that someone or something is good or has the ability to succeed at something

The candidate has won/lost the confidence [=trust] of voters.

She has done little to gain/earn their confidence.

There is a recent increase in consumer confidence. [=the good feelings that people have about the economy]

often + in

They have complete/full confidence in their coach.

His parents had confidence in their son's ability to succeed.

The case inspired/restored confidence in our system of justice.

Recent scandals have undermined confidence in the city's public officials.

see also VOTE OF CONFIDENCE, VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE

3 [noncount] : the feeling of being certain that something will happen or that something is true

School officials express confidence that the problem will soon be resolved.

We still can't talk about the future with any degree of confidence. [=we don't know what will happen in the future]

We have every confidence [=we are sure] that you'll make the right decision.

4 [noncount] : a relationship in which you tell personal and private information to someone

Doctors cannot betray the confidence of their patients. [=cannot reveal their patients' personal information to other people]

She accused him of a betrayal/breach of confidence.

He told me in confidence that he didn't know how to read.

Your personal information will be kept in strict/strictest confidence. [=no one will be told your personal information]

If you take someone into your confidence, you tell someone secrets or private information about your life.

She took me into her confidence and told me all about her health problems.

5 [count] : a secret that you tell someone you trust
close friends sharing confidences

She accused him of betraying a confidence. [=she said that he told her secret to other people]

confidence game noun, pl games [count]

US : 1con

confidence man noun, pl men [count]

US : con artist

confidence trick noun, pl tricks [count]

Brit : 1con

confidence trickster noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : con artist

con·fi·dent adj [more ; most ]

1 a : having a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something : having confidence

The class made me more confident (about myself).

a confident young businesswoman

I am confident about my ability to do the job.

The players seem more relaxed and confident this season.

He has become more confident in his Spanish-speaking skills.

see also OVERCONFIDENT, SELF-CONFIDENT

1 b : showing that you have confidence
a confident smile

They have a confident air about them.

His voice sounded confident.

2 not used before a noun : certain that something will happen or that something is true

We are confident that conditions will improve soon.

He seemed confident of success. [=sure that he would succeed]

con·fi·dent·ly adv

“I know the answer,” she said confidently.

We can confidently state that the product is safe.

con·fi·den·tial adj

1 [more ; most ] : secret or private

These documents are completely/strictly confidential.

confidential medical records

Someone was leaking confidential information [=telling secrets] to the press.

2 [more ; most ] : showing that you are saying something that is secret or private

“I have something to tell you,” John said in a confidential tone/voice.

Her voice was quiet and confidential.

3 always used before a noun : trusted with secret or private information

She worked as a confidential secretary to the mayor for many years.

con·fi·den·tial·ly adv

Students can confidentially report any problems they see in their schools.

He leaned forward confidentially and began telling his story.

Confidentially, I don't think she's very good at her job.

con·fi·den·ti·al·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality or state of being private or confidential

All medical records are treated with complete confidentiality. [=are kept completely private]

The doctor committed a breach of confidentiality. [=the doctor told another person private information about a patient]

con·fid·ing adj [more ; most ]

: showing that you trust someone not to tell secret or private information

He spoke in a confiding voice.

They've developed a very confiding relationship over the years.

con·fid·ing·ly adv

con·fig·u·ra·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : the way the parts of something are arranged
a truck's gear configuration
airplane seating configurations
the configuration [=layout] of the room

2 computers : the way a computer system or program is prepared for a particular use

We'll have to change the configuration of the system to accommodate the new server.

con·fig·ure Brit verb, -ures, -ured, -ur·ing [+ obj]

technical : to arrange or prepare (something) so that it can be used

The instructions tell you how to configure the kit correctly.

The plane is configured for military use.

configure a computer

The system is configured [=set up] to allow access only to people who know the password.

con·fine verb, -fines, -fined, -fin·ing [+ obj]

1 : to keep (someone or something) within limits : to prevent (someone or something) from going beyond a particular limit, area, etc.

usually + to

Please confine [=restrict, limit] your comments to 200 words.

The cancer was confined to the lung. [=the cancer was only in the lung; the cancer had not spread to any other parts of the body]

We must confine ourselves to the agenda we've agreed on for this meeting. [=we must only talk about what is on the agenda]

The town would like to confine commercial development to an area by the highway.

Students need not confine themselves to a single area of study.

The city's poverty is not confined to just one neighborhood.

2 : to keep (a person or animal) in a place (such as a prison)

usually used as (be) confined

Violent criminals are sometimes confined for life.

a camp where prisoners were confined during the war

often + to or in

She was confined to a psychiatric hospital for a year.

The bull was confined in a pen behind the barn.

3 : to force or cause (someone) to stay in something (such as a bed or wheelchair)

usually used as (be) confined

I regularly visit a sick neighbor who is confined at home. [=who cannot leave home because of being sick]

often + to

He was confined to a wheelchair.

She was confined to bed for a week with the flu.

confined adj [more ; most ]

of a space or area : very small

She gets uncomfortable in confined spaces.

con·fine·ment noun [noncount]

1 : the act of confining someone or something : the state of being confined
the confinement of violent criminals [=the act of keeping violent criminals in prison]

years of confinement
his confinement to a wheelchair [=his state of being forced to stay in a wheelchair]

The dog was kept in confinement until it was determined to be healthy.

see also SOLITARY CONFINEMENT

2 old-fashioned : the time when a woman is giving birth to a baby

He remained with his wife during her confinement.

con·fines noun [plural]

formal : the limits or edges of something

He is probably somewhere within the confines [=(more commonly) borders] of the city.

The children were told not to venture beyond the confines of the camp.

There is no room for negotiation within the confines of this contract.

the narrow confines of academia

confining adj [more ; most ]

: limiting or preventing movement or freedom

She thinks the corporate world is dull and confining. [=restrictive]

This coat feels too confining. [=tight]

con·firm verb, -firms, -firmed, -firm·ing

1 [+ obj] : to state or show that (something) is true or correct

The tests confirmed the doctors' suspicions of cancer.

The attack confirmed her worst fears about the neighborhood.

Police would not confirm [=verify] reports of a shooting.

The award confirmed her status as one of the great movie actresses.

Medical tests confirmed (that) he did not have a heart attack.

2 : to tell someone that something has definitely happened or is going to happen : to make (something) definite or official

[+ obj] The dentist's office called to confirm your appointment for tomorrow.

Please confirm [=acknowledge] receipt of the shipment.

confirm a hotel reservation

[no obj] We have a reservation for you for tomorrow night. Please call to confirm.

3 [+ obj] formal : to make (something) stronger or more certain : to cause (someone) to believe (something) more strongly

Her parents' attitude only confirmed [=strengthened, reinforced] her resolve to get her own apartment.

often + in

She was confirmed in her determination to get a higher-paying job.

4 : to give official approval to (something or someone)

[+ obj] They voted to confirm [=ratify] the treaty.

The Senate has confirmed him as a Supreme Court justice.

[no obj] The Senate is expected to vote to confirm.

5 [+ obj] : to make (someone) a full member of a church or synagogue : to administer confirmation to (someone)

usually used as (be) confirmed

Our son will be confirmed in the spring.

What year were you confirmed?

con·firm·able adj [more ; most ]

Reports of a battle in the city were not confirmable today.

The judicial nominee should be easily confirmable.

con·fir·ma·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : proof which shows that something is true or correct

Reporters awaited confirmation from the army about the battle.

We don't have independent confirmation of the facts.

Final confirmation came only after the investigation was completed.

often + of

The customs officers will need to see confirmation [=proof] of your identity.

confirmation of a scientific theory

2 : a response which shows that information is received and understood; especially : a response that makes a purchase, appointment, etc., definite or official

[count] You will receive an e-mail confirmation of your order.

[noncount] You will receive confirmation of your order by e-mail.

waiting for written confirmation

3 [noncount] : the act of giving official approval to something or someone

Many senators are opposed to his confirmation as a federal judge.

often used before another noun

Senate confirmation hearings
the confirmation process

4 : a ceremony in which someone becomes a full, adult member of a religion

[noncount] They are preparing for confirmation.

[count] He attended both of his children's confirmations.

con·firmed adj, always used before a noun

: not likely to change
a confirmed [=habitual, chronic] optimist
a confirmed baseball fanatic
a confirmed bachelor [=a man who seems happy to remain unmarried]

con·fis·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

: to take (something) away from someone especially as punishment or to enforce the law or rules

Guards confiscated knives and other weapons from the prisoners.

The police have the authority to confiscate [=seize] the drug dealer's property.

The teacher confiscated all cell phones for the duration of the field trip.

con·fis·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the confiscation of terrorists' assets

con·fla·gra·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal

1 : a large destructive fire
a massive conflagration

2 : a war or conflict

The treaty is the latest attempt to resolve the ten-year conflagration.

a regional conflagration

1con·flict noun, pl -flicts

1 : a struggle for power, property, etc.

[count] an armed conflict
violent border conflicts
a conflict between two gangs

[noncount] years of armed conflict [=battle]
recent violent conflict in the region
conflict between (forces of) good and evil

2 : strong disagreement between people, groups, etc., that results in often angry argument

[noncount] Everyone in my family always tries to avoid conflict.

There was inevitable conflict over what to name the group.

[count] They're having serious conflicts over the budget.

A few students are being trained to resolve conflicts [=arguments, disputes] between other students.

3 : a difference that prevents agreement : disagreement between ideas, feelings, etc.

[count] I don't see any conflicts between the theories.

exploring the character's inner conflicts [=ideas, feelings, etc., that disagree with one another]

[noncount] You'll need to resolve the conflict between your parents' plans for you and your own ambitions.

see also CONFLICT OF INTEREST

4 [count] chiefly US : a situation in which you are unable to do something because there is something else you have already agreed to do at that same time

He has a conflict and can't attend tomorrow's meeting.

a scheduling conflict

come into conflict

1 : to be different in a way that prevents agreement

Unfortunately, their goals for the project came into conflict.

often + with

There are cases in which these rules come into conflict with [=contradict] one another.

2 : to enter a situation in which there is a struggle for power, property, etc.

often + with
groups coming into conflict with neighboring tribes

in conflict

1 : different in a way that prevents agreement

They're in conflict over which car to buy. [=they disagree about which car to buy]

usually + with

The law is in conflict with [=does not agree with] the state's constitution.

Her ideas were in direct conflict with those of her professor.

2 : in a struggle for power, property, etc.

The two clans were in constant conflict (with one another).

2con·flict verb, -flicts, -flict·ed, -flict·ing [no obj]

1 : to be different in a way that prevents agreement : to say or express opposite things

Their versions of what happened conflict. [=do not agree]

Their goals for the project conflict. [=clash, disagree]

Reports conflicted on how many people were involved.

often + with

His statement conflicts with the facts.

Their research conflicts with [=contradicts] what other scientists have found.

2 : to happen at the same time as something else
usually + with

The appointment conflicts with an important meeting I have to go to.

conflicting adj

We heard conflicting reports about how many people were involved.

the candidates' conflicting views
our conflicting schedules

con·flict·ed adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US : having or showing feelings that disagree with one another

She was still conflicted about her ex-husband's remarriage.

the novel's conflicted characters

conflict of interest noun, pl conflicts of interest [count]

formal : a problem caused by having official responsibilities that involve things that might be helpful or harmful to you

Critics say the senator created a conflict of interest when she recommended a change to the law that could benefit her husband's company.

con·flu·ence noun [singular]

1 technical : a place where two rivers or streams join to become one
the Mississippi River's confluence with the Missouri River

2 somewhat formal : a situation in which two things come together or happen at the same time
usually + of
a confluence of musical styles
a rare confluence of events

con·form verb, -forms, -formed, -form·ing [no obj]

1 : to be similar to or the same as something
usually + to or with

The animals' behavior conforms to a common pattern.

Our budget numbers conform with official estimates.

2 : to obey or agree with something

There are new security rules and all airlines are required to conform. [=(more commonly) comply]

usually + to or with

The building doesn't conform to local regulations.

She refuses to conform to society's traditional image of a mother.

Employees have to conform with company rules.

The priest's teachings do not conform with church doctrine.

3 : to do what other people do : to behave in a way that is accepted by most people

Most teenagers feel pressure to conform.

con·for·ma·tion noun, pl -tions
technical : the way in which something is formed or shaped

[noncount] The dogs will be judged on conformation tomorrow.

[count] protein conformations

con·form·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

often disapproving : a person who behaves in a way that is considered acceptable by most people and who avoids doing things that could be considered different or unusual : a person who conforms

They went from being angry punk rockers to bland conformists.

They like to travel, but they're conformists who go to only the most popular destinations.

opposite NONCONFORMIST

conformist adj [more ; most ]

a conformist society [=a society in which everyone behaves the same way]

conformist attitudes

con·for·mi·ty noun [noncount]

1 : behavior that is the same as the behavior of most other people in a society, group, etc.

religious conformity
mindless conformity

The corporate culture demands a certain conformity of appearance.

conformity [=obedience] to social customs

2 : the fact or state of agreeing with or obeying something
usually + to or with
the building's conformity to state specifications

The state's traffic laws were changed to bring them into conformity with the rest of the country.

We removed our shoes, in conformity with tradition.

con·found verb, -founds, -found·ed, -found·ing [+ obj]

1 : to surprise and confuse (someone or something)

The strategy confounded our opponents.

The murder case has confounded investigators.

often used as (be) confounded

Investors were confounded by the conflicting reports.

2 : to prove (someone or something) wrong

The school's team confounded all predictions and won the game.

The success of the show confounded critics.

3 informal + old-fashioned
used as an interjection to express anger or annoyance

Confound it! I can't find my keys!

confounded adj, always used before a noun
informal + old-fashioned : very bad or annoying

I can't close this confounded window!

con·front verb, -fronts, -front·ed, -front·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to oppose or challenge (someone) especially in a direct and forceful way

They confronted the invaders at the shore.

often used as (be) confronted

He was confronted by a security guard when he tried to leave the store.

The mayor was confronted by a group of angry protesters.

1 b : to directly question the action or authority of (someone)

She confronted him about his smoking.

No one was willing to confront [=challenge] the company president on that point.

2 a : to deal with (something, such as a problem or danger)

Firemen regularly confront danger.

They confronted [=(more commonly) encountered] many obstacles along the way.

especially : to deal with (something) in an honest and direct way

The country is reluctant to confront its violent past.

The treatment center helps people confront [=face] their addictions.

confront an illness

It's better to confront [=address] a problem than to avoid it.

2 b : to force (someone) to see or deal with (something, such as a problem) in a direct way

The photographs confront the viewer with images of desperate poverty.

I confronted her with the evidence.

often used as (be) confronted

The country again finds itself confronted by water shortages.

They were confronted with many problems during the project.

2 c : to be a problem for (someone or something)

We know of the financial problems confronting [=facing] local schools.

con·fron·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

: a situation in which people, groups, etc., fight, oppose, or challenge each other in an angry way

[count] There were several violent confrontations between rival gangs.

He would prefer not to have a confrontation with the authorities.

a series of confrontations between residents and police

[noncount] We want cooperation, not confrontation.

We seek to avoid military confrontation at all costs.

con·fron·ta·tion·al adj [more ; most ]

: challenging or opposing someone especially in an angry way
a confrontational interview

I think we should take a less confrontational approach.

She's become increasingly confrontational with her parents and teachers.

opposite NONCONFRONTATIONAL

con·fuse verb, -fus·es, -fused, -fus·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) uncertain or unable to understand something

The city's winding streets confuse [=perplex] most visitors.

The general was trying to confuse the enemy.

often used as (be) confused

She was confused by many of the scientific terms in the article.

2 : to make (something) difficult to understand

Stop confusing [=blurring] the issue.

The new evidence only confused matters further.

3 : to mistakenly think that one person or thing is another person or thing : to mistake (one person or thing) for another

I always confuse [=(informal) mix up] your car and mine.

You must be confusing me with someone else.

Some people confuse money with happiness. [=think that having a lot of money will make them happy]

con·fused adj [more ; most ]

1 : unable to understand or think clearly

I've never been so confused.

We're confused about what to do next.

2 : difficult to understand : not clearly organized, expressed, etc.

He gave a confused speech denying the accusations.

My feelings were hopelessly confused. [=jumbled]

con·fused·ly adv

confusing adj [more ; most ]

: difficult to understand

I find the whole political situation so confusing! [=perplexing]

The instructions were confusing.

The city's winding streets are confusing to most visitors.

confusing terms

con·fus·ing·ly adv

The city's streets are confusingly arranged.

Even more confusingly, they have the same first name.

con·fu·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : a situation in which people are uncertain about what to do or are unable to understand something clearly

[noncount] The detour caused much confusion. [=the detour confused many people; the detour made many people uncertain about which roads to use]

There is still some confusion as to the time of the meeting.

There is a great deal of confusion about how the system works.

Changing the name of the company will only lead to confusion. [=make people uncertain]

[count] the anxieties and confusions of teenage life

2 [noncount] : the feeling that you have when you do not understand what is happening, what is expected, etc.

Her confusion was obvious.

He stared in confusion and disbelief.

3 [noncount] : a state or situation in which many things are happening in a way that is not controlled or orderly
a scene of confusion

There was total/mass confusion when the truck hit the restaurant.

4 [noncount] : the act of mistakenly thinking that one person or thing is another

Write clearly on the labels to avoid confusion.

Confusion between/of the words “affect” and “effect” is common.

con·ga noun, pl -gas

1 [singular] : a dance in which people follow each other in a long, curving line
a conga line [=a line of people dancing the conga]

2 [count] : a tall drum that is shaped like a barrel and played with the hands called also conga drum

con game noun, pl games [count]

US : 1con

con·geal verb, -geals, -gealed, -geal·ing [no obj]

of a liquid : to become thick or solid

The gravy began to congeal in the pan.

often used figuratively

His anger congealed into bitterness.

congealed adj
congealed fat/blood

con·ge·nial adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal

1 a : suitable or appropriate

The town is a congenial place for raising children.

We studied in the congenial atmosphere of the library.

often + to
a style congenial to modern tastes

The library offers an atmosphere congenial to learning.

1 b : pleasant and enjoyable

He found the work to be congenial.

2 : very friendly
a congenial [=genial] host/companion

She was congenial and easygoing.

con·ge·ni·al·i·ty noun [noncount]

The club encouraged congeniality among its members.

Someone who is described as Miss Congeniality or Mr. Congeniality is a very friendly person who could win a contest for having the best personality. These phrases are often used in a negative or ironic way to say that someone is not friendly.

The teacher wasn't exactly Miss Congeniality. [=she was very unfriendly]

con·gen·i·tal adj

1 : existing since birth
congenital blindness/heart disease
a congenital defect

The irregularity in my backbone is probably congenital.

2 always used before a noun informal : naturally having a specified character

He's a congenital liar. [=he's a liar by nature; he has always lied a lot and is likely to continue to lie]

con·gen·i·tal·ly adv

con·gest·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : too full or crowded with something (such as vehicles or people)

congested highways/stores

The house was located in a congested area. [=an area with a lot of traffic]

Traffic still gets congested because of the bridge construction.

2 of a part of the body : blocked with fluid (such as blood or mucus)

a congested nose [=a nose blocked with mucus]

con·ges·tion noun [noncount]

nasal congestion
traffic/airport congestion

con·glom·er·ate noun, pl -ates

1 [count] : a large business that is made of different kinds of companies
a news and entertainment conglomerate

Our small company must compete with the big conglomerates.

2 [count, noncount] technical : a kind of rock that is made from many stones of different sizes held together with hardened clay

con·glom·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a group or mixture of different things
a conglomeration of shops and restaurants
microscopic conglomerations of proteins

2 [noncount] : a process in which different things come together to form a single thing
phases of conglomeration
the age of corporate conglomeration [=a time when many conglomerates are being formed]

con·grats noun [plural]

informal : congratulations

Congrats on your promotion!

con·grat·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to tell (someone) that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck
congratulate the winner

I'd like to congratulate you on/for your success.

She congratulated us on our test results.

You are to be congratulated [=you should be congratulated; you deserve praise] on/for your excellent work.

2 : to feel pleased with (yourself)

She congratulated herself for getting the best grade in her class.

con·grat·u·la·tion noun, pl -tions

1 congratulations [plural]

1 a : a message telling someone that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck : words that congratulate someone

Let me offer you my congratulations for/on being elected.

Please send her my congratulations.

1 b
used to tell someone that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck

“I got promoted!” “Congratulations!”

often + on

Congratulations on your promotion!

Congratulations on a job well done.

2 formal : the act of telling someone that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck : the act of congratulating someone

[plural] I sent her a letter/message of congratulations.

[noncount] a letter/message of congratulation

con·grat·u·la·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal : showing someone that you are happy because of his or her success or good luck : expressing congratulations

The team got a congratulatory phone call from the president.

a congratulatory handshake
see also SELF-CONGRATULATORY

con·gre·gant noun, pl -gants [count]

chiefly US : a person who is part of a congregation : a person who is attending religious services or who regularly attends religious services

A small number of congregants had assembled for Midnight Mass.

The church depends on the financial support of its congregants.

con·gre·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [no obj]

: to come together in a group or crowd

Students began to congregate [=assemble] in the hall.

It's a place where the homeless congregate.

Skiers congregated around the lodge's fireplace.

con·gre·ga·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : the people who are attending a religious service

The priest addressed the congregation.

2 : the people who regularly attend religious services

She is a member of a small congregation.

con·gre·ga·tion·al adj

1 : involving or done by the people who attend religious services : relating to a congregation
congregational singing

2 Congregational : relating to a group of Christian churches that believe that the people who attend each church should make their own decisions, rules, etc.

a Congregational church

Con·gre·ga·tion·al·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

an active Congregationalist

Congregationalist adj
a Congregationalist minister

con·gress Brit noun, pl -gress·es

1 [count] : a formal meeting in which representatives or experts discuss important matters, make decisions, etc.

a Communist Party congress
an annual academic congress

2 a : the group of people who are responsible for making the laws of a country in some kinds of government

[count] She was recently elected to the country's congress.

the congresses of Mexico and Chile

[noncount] acts of congress

2 b Congress [singular] : a particular congress; especially : the congress of the United States that includes the Senate and the House of Representatives

The bill easily passed both houses of Congress.

Congress is not currently in session.

3 [singular]

used in the names of some political parties
the Indian National Congress

con·gres·sion·al adj
a congressional committee
congressional investigators

con·gress·man noun, pl -men [count]

: someone (especially a man) who is a member of a congress and especially of the U.S. House of Representatives
a former congressman who is now a senator

Congressman Smith

con·gress·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who is a member of a congress and especially of the U.S. House of Representatives
a former congresswoman

Congresswoman Jones

con·gru·ent adj [more ; most ]

1 mathematics : having the same size and shape
congruent triangles

2 formal : matching or in agreement with something

Their goals are not congruent with the goals of the team.

con·gru·ence noun [noncount]

con·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

: shaped like a cone
a conical cap

The tree has a conical shape.

con·i·fer noun, pl -fers [count]

biology : a bush or tree (such as a pine) that produces cones and that usually has leaves that are green all year

Most conifers are evergreen.

co·nif·er·ous adj
coniferous trees
coniferous and deciduous forests

conj abbr
conjunction

1con·jec·ture noun, pl -tures
formal : an opinion or idea formed without proof or sufficient evidence : guess

[count] The biography includes conjectures about the writer's earliest ambitions.

a conjecture about the extent of the injury

[noncount] Your plan is based on (nothing more than) conjecture.

Most of the book is conjecture, not fact.

The criminal's motive remains a matter of conjecture. [=people can only guess about the criminal's motive; no one knows the criminal's motive]

con·jec·tur·al adj [more ; most ]

Most of the book is conjectural.

2conjecture verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing
formal : to form an opinion or idea without proof or sufficient evidence

[+ obj] Some have conjectured that the distant planet could sustain life.

[no obj] We only conjecture about his motives.

con·join verb, -joins, -joined, -join·ing
formal

1 [no obj] : to join together

The two rivers eventually conjoin.

2 [+ obj] : to join (two or more people or things) together
their attempts to conjoin two very different concepts

conjoined twin noun, pl twins [count]

: either one of a pair of twins who are born with their bodies joined together in some way

She gave birth to conjoined twins.

called also Siamese twin

con·ju·gal adj [more ; most ]

formal : relating to marriage or to a married couple
conjugal bliss/happiness

Conjugal is often used to refer to the sexual relationship between a married couple.

conjugal relations

The prisoner is allowed conjugal visits from his wife. [=visits in which he is able to have sexual relations with his wife]

con·ju·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [+ obj]

grammar : to list the different forms of a verb that show number, person, tense, etc.

Can you conjugate the verb “to go”?

con·ju·ga·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the way a verb changes form to show number, person, tense, etc. : the way a verb is conjugated
a lesson on French verb conjugation

2 [count] : a group of verbs that change in the same way to show number, person, tense, etc. : a set of verbs that are conjugated in the same way

Latin conjugations

con·junc·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 grammar : a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words

Some common conjunctions are “and,” “but,” and “although.”

2 formal : a situation in which two or more things happen at the same time or in the same place
an unfortunate conjunction [=concurrence] of events

in conjunction with
formal : in combination with : together with

The concert will be held in conjunction with the festival.

The medicine is typically used in conjunction with other treatments.

con·junc·ti·vi·tis noun [noncount]

medical : a disease that causes the eye to become pink and sore called also pinkeye

con·jure Brit verb, -jures, -jured, -jur·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) appear or seem to appear by using magic
a magician who conjures live doves from silk scarves
usually + up

In the movie she has the power to conjure up storms, fires, and earthquakes.

2 a : to make you think of (something)

The title of the book conjures [=evokes] images of politics, protest, and war.

usually + up

The photos conjure up memories of a simpler time.

For many, the word “Greenland” conjures up images of vast, icy plains.

2 b : to create or imagine (something)

The students conjured a clever scheme to raise the money they needed.

usually + up

Her imagination conjured up a summer scene.

a name to conjure with
chiefly Brit
used to say that someone is an important person

He has become a name to conjure with in the business world.

con·jur·er or con·ju·ror Brit noun, pl -ers or -ors [count]

: a person who performs magic tricks

1conk noun, pl conks [count]

Brit slang : 1nose
a big conk

2conk verb, conks, conked, conk·ing [+ obj]

informal : to strike or hit (someone or something) hard

He conked his brother on the head with the toy.

conk out [phrasal verb]

informal

1 of a machine : to stop working properly

My car's engine conked out [=(more commonly) broke down] this morning.

2 : to fall asleep

I conked out early last night.

con man noun, pl men [count]

: con artist

con·nect verb, -nects, -nect·ed, -nect·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to join (two or more things) together

Can you connect the hose to the sprinkler?

Connect the cable to the battery.

A hallway connects the two rooms.

It's the major highway connecting the two towns.

A common theme connects the stories.

often used as (be) connected

The two rooms are connected by a hallway.

The stories are connected by a common theme.

They are somehow connected to the royal family. [=they are related in some way to the royal family]

people connected by a common language

The schools are closely connected. [=they are closely involved with one another]

1 b [no obj] : to join with or become joined to something else

The two bones connect at the elbow.

The hose connects easily to the sprinkler.

The bedroom connects to the kitchen.

opposite DISCONNECT

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to think of (something or someone) as being related to or involved with another person, thing, event, or idea

People usually connect [=associate] clowns with the circus.

I never connected you with that group of people.

often used as (be) connected

In my mind, the two places are connected. [=I think of the two places as being related to each other]

2 b : to show or prove that a person or thing is related to or involved with something

Police were unable to connect [=link] her to the crime.

There's no evidence connecting the company directly to the scandal.

often used as (be) connected

Many people still believe she is somehow connected to the crime.

3 : to join or become joined to something (such as a system or network) through a telephone, computer, or other device usually + to

[no obj] Guests can connect to the Internet from their hotel rooms.

The computer connects to the fax machine.

[+ obj] “Operator, can you connect me to the front desk?” [=can you link my telephone with the telephone at the front desk so that I can talk to the person there?]

opposite DISCONNECT

4 [no obj]

used to say that an airplane, train, etc., stops at a particular place where passengers get onto another airplane, train, etc., in order to continue their journey

Our flight to New York connects in Chicago.

We leave from Boston and then connect in New York with a flight bound for China.

I took an early flight to connect with a train to the coast.

passengers connecting to/with international flights

5 [no obj] chiefly US, informal : to have or share a feeling of affection and understanding

We really connected on our first date.

She truly connects with her audience in concert.

6 [no obj] chiefly US, sports : to make a successful shot, hit, or throw

He connected for a home run.

She failed to connect on the shot. = The shot failed to connect. [=the shot missed]

connect the dots
chiefly US informal : to learn or understand how different things are related

The information about these events is not new but no one had ever connected the dots until today.

connect up [phrasal verb]

connect up (something) or connect (something) up : to join or link (a device, piece of equipment, etc.) to something

I'm having trouble connecting the speakers up to the TV.

An electrician will be connecting up the new lights tomorrow. [=joining the lights to a source of electricity]

con·nect·able adj [more ; most ]

The devices are connectable. [=they can be connected]

con·nect·ing adj

I missed my connecting flight in Detroit.

connected adj

1 : joined or linked together
a series of connected rooms

2 : having useful social, professional, or commercial relationships
a politically connected businessman [=a businessman who has relationships with people who have political power]

see also WELL-CONNECTED

con·nect·ed·ness noun [noncount]

: the state of being closely joined or linked especially in an emotional way

She has a strong feeling of connectedness to her hometown.

connectedness with nature

con·nec·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something that joins or connects two or more things

The state plans to improve roads that serve as connections between major highways.

pipe/hose connections

2 [noncount] : the act of connecting two or more things or the state of being connected

There is a fee for connection to the town's water supply.

All classrooms will be wired for connection to the Internet.

3 [count]

3 a : a situation in which two or more things have the same cause, origin, goal, etc.

connections between thought and language

Investigators found no connection between the two fires.

The school has no connection with the museum.

Evidence suggests there's a connection between the languages.

I'm not sure I see the connection.

Our family feels a deep connection to the land.

3 b : a situation in which one thing causes another
the connection between smoking and lung cancer

The study suggests a connection between small class sizes and higher reading scores.

4 [count]

4 a : something that allows you to become connected to a system, network, etc., through a telephone, computer, or other device
a high-speed Internet connection

The company provides telephone connections for most of the city's residents.

I can't hear you very well. We must have a bad connection. [=a problem with the way our phones are connected]

4 b : a place where two parts or wires meet and touch
an electrical connection

I fixed the loose connection and now the speaker works fine.

5 [count] : a train, bus, or airplane that you get onto after getting off another train, bus, or airplane as part of the same journey

We fly out of Oslo and then have a connection [=connecting flight] in London.

We don't have a direct flight to Boston. We have to make a connection in Chicago.

6 [count]

6 a : a relationship between people who are part of the same family, who do business together, etc.

He has no connection with his former law firm.

They are proud of their connection to the royal family.

Family connections can make getting a job much easier.

6 b : a shared feeling of affection and understanding

We didn't know each other for very long, but we had a real connection.

They're working hard to make an emotional connection with their adopted children.

a performer's connection with the audience

7 [count]

7 a : a powerful person who you know and who can help you
usually plural

She has some connections in the banking industry.

7 b informal : a person who sells something illegal
a drug connection

in connection with

: in relation to (something) : for reasons that relate to (something)

used especially in journalism

Police arrested four men in connection with the robbery.

make a/the connection

: to understand that there is a relationship between two or more things

It didn't take long for us to make the connection between the missing money and our partner's new car.

con·nec·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

grammar : a word (such as and) that connects words or groups of words

connective tissue noun, pl -sues [count, noncount]

medical : the parts of the body (such as ligaments, tendons, and cartilage) that support and hold together the other parts of the body (such as muscles, organs, and bones)

con·nec·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a device or a part of a device that connects two computers, pieces of equipment, etc.

an electrical connector

2 : a road that connects two places, roads, etc.

The road is a major connector from the highway to the town's commercial district.

Take the airport connector from the main highway.

a connector road/highway/bridge

con·ning tower noun, pl -ers [count]

: a raised structure on the deck of a submarine

con·nip·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

US informal : behavior that shows that you are suddenly very angry, upset, etc.

Mom really had/threw a conniption [=fit] when I told her I got arrested.

He goes into conniptions [=becomes very upset] if you disagree with him about politics.

con·nive verb, -nives, -nived, -niv·ing [no obj]

disapproving : to secretly help someone do something dishonest or illegal

She connived [=conspired] with him to fix the election.

He accused his opponents of conniving [=secretly working together] to defeat the proposal.

con·niv·ance noun [noncount]

He stole millions of dollars with the connivance of his partner.

conniving adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : acting in a dishonest way : using or controlling other people for selfish reasons

He plays a conniving swindler who charms people into giving him money.

con·nois·seur noun, pl -seurs [count]

: a person who knows a lot about something (such as art, wine, food, etc.) : an expert in a particular subject
wine connoisseurs

She is a connoisseur of African art.

con·nois·seur·ship noun [noncount]

con·no·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: an idea or quality that a word makes you think about in addition to its meaning
a word with negative/positive connotations

For many people, the word “fat” has negative connotations.

The word “childlike” has connotations of innocence.

compare DENOTATION

con·note verb, -notes, -not·ed, -not·ing [+ obj]

formal of a word : to make you think about (something) in addition to the word's meaning

The word “childlike” connotes innocence.

For her, the word “family” connotes love and comfort.

compare DENOTE 1

con·quer verb, -quers, -quered, -quer·ing [+ obj]

1 : to take control of (a country, city, etc.) through the use of force

The city was conquered by the ancient Romans.

Napoleon conquered vast territories.

a conquered city

2 : to defeat (someone or something) through the use of force

They conquered all their enemies.

see also divide and conquer at 1DIVIDE

3 : to gain control of (a problem or difficulty) through great effort

She has been unable to conquer [=overcome] her fear of heights.

He finally conquered his drug habit.

Scientists believe the disease can be conquered.

4 : to become successful in (a place, situation, etc.)

She has conquered Hollywood and now has her sights set on Broadway.

The company hopes to conquer new markets abroad.

5 : to succeed in climbing (a mountain)

He was one of the first climbers to conquer Mount Everest.

conquering adj, always used before a noun
the conquering nation/hero

con·quer·or noun, pl -ors [count]

the Roman conquerors

William the Conqueror

con·quest noun, pl -quests

1 : the act of taking control of a country, city, etc., through the use of force

[count] tales of the ancient army's conquests
the Norman Conquest [=the conquest of England by the Normans in 1066]

[noncount] tales of military conquest

2 [count] : a country, city, etc., that an army has taken control of through the use of force

Napoleon's conquests

3 [count] : a person someone has succeeded in having a romantic and especially a sexual relationship with

She was one of his many conquests.

people who boast about their sexual/amorous conquests

4 [noncount] : success in defeating or dealing with something difficult or dangerous
usually + of
the conquest of space/nature/disease

con·quis·ta·dor Brit noun, pl con·quis·ta·do·res Brit or con·quis·ta·dors [count]

: a leader in the Spanish conquests of America, Mexico, and Peru in the 16th century

con·science noun, pl -scienc·es

1 : the part of the mind that makes you aware of your actions as being either morally right or wrong

[count]

usually singular

You should decide what to do according to your own conscience.

Her conscience was bothering her, so she finally told the truth.

He doesn't seem to have a conscience. [=doesn't seem to know or care about what is morally right]

I cannot do anything that is/goes against my conscience. [=that I believe is morally wrong]

After searching my conscience, I realized that I could not accept their offer.

At least now I can face him with a clear conscience. [=without guilt]

She had a guilty/troubled conscience. [=she had a feeling of guilt about something she had done]

I urged the senator to vote his conscience [=vote as he felt he should], even if it was at odds with the party line.

[noncount] The issue is a matter of (individual) conscience. [=something that people must decide about according to what they believe is morally right]

I can't work for a company that has no social conscience. [=a company that does not care about important social issues]

see also PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE

2 [noncount] : a feeling that something you have done is morally wrong

She felt a pang/prick of conscience [=guilt] about not inviting him.

The thief must have had an attack of conscience, because he returned the wallet with nothing missing from it.

in (all/good) conscience
formal

If you cannot do something in (all/good) conscience, you cannot do it because you think that it is morally wrong.

I cannot in good conscience allow this situation to continue.

She could not in all conscience remain silent.

on your conscience

If something is on your conscience, it makes you feel guilty.

I have to tell you the truth, because I don't want this on my conscience any longer.

conscience-stricken adj

: feeling very bad or guilty because of something you have done
the story of a conscience-stricken thief who repays all she's stolen

con·sci·en·tious adj [more ; most ]

: very careful about doing what you are supposed to do : concerned with doing something correctly

She has always been a very conscientious worker.

He was conscientious about following the doctor's orders.

con·sci·en·tious·ly adv

He followed his doctor's orders conscientiously.

con·sci·en·tious·ness noun [noncount]

conscientious objector noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who refuses to serve in the military because of moral or religious beliefs

He registered as a conscientious objector.

conscientious objection noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

con·scious adj

1 [more ; most ] : awake and able to understand what is happening around you

Is the patient conscious yet?

He was fully conscious when we found him.

opposite UNCONSCIOUS

2 not used before a noun [more ; most ] : aware of something (such as a fact or feeling) : knowing that something exists or is happening
usually + of or that

She was very conscious of how late it was.

We are conscious of the risks involved in the procedure.

He is conscious of being a role model for children.

I was conscious of the fact that I had to do well on the test to pass the course.

He was conscious that they were watching him closely.

opposite UNCONSCIOUS

3 : known or felt by yourself
conscious guilt
the capacity for conscious thought
opposite UNCONSCIOUS

4 [more ; most ] : caring about something specified

He is environmentally conscious. [=he thinks and cares about the health of the environment]

a cost-conscious shopper [=a shopper who is concerned about the price of things]

see also SELF-CONSCIOUS

5 : done after thinking about facts and reasons carefully

I made a conscious [=deliberate] effort/attempt to be more compassionate.

a conscious decision
opposite UNCONSCIOUS

con·scious·ly adv

Becoming CEO of the company was a goal she had consciously pursued for 10 years.

someone who craves attention, whether consciously or unconsciously

I wasn't consciously aware of having laughed.

con·scious·ness noun, pl -ness·es

1 [noncount] : the condition of being conscious : the normal state of being awake and able to understand what is happening around you

She experienced a brief loss of consciousness. = She lost consciousness [=became unconscious] briefly.

He slowly regained consciousness [=became conscious again; woke up] after the surgery.

2 a : a person's mind and thoughts

[count]

usually singular

The realization first entered my consciousness when I was a young child.

The memory was forever etched in her consciousness.

[noncount] The medication caused her to enter an altered state of consciousness.

see also STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS

2 b [noncount] : knowledge that is shared by a group of people

The events have become part of the national consciousness.

a crisis that has faded from the public consciousness [=that the public no longer remembers or thinks about]

3 : awareness or knowledge of something specified

[count]

usually singular
a magazine that aims to raise the political consciousness of teenagers [=to make teenagers more aware of political issues]

I was impressed by his consciousness of our situation.

She developed a strong social consciousness. [=she became aware of important social issues]

[noncount] He hopes that he can raise public consciousness of the disease.

consciousness-raising noun [noncount]

: the process of making people understand and be interested in important social or political issues
often used before another noun
a consciousness-raising group/effort

1con·script verb, -scripts, -script·ed, -script·ing [+ obj]

: to force (someone) to serve in the armed forces : draft

The government is conscripting men for the army.

He was conscripted into the army.

2con·script noun, pl -scripts [count]

: a person who is forced to serve in the armed forces : draftee

con·script adj, always used before a noun
conscript soldiers
a conscript army [=an army made up of conscripts]

con·scrip·tion noun [noncount]

: the practice of ordering people by law to serve in the armed forces : draft
young people who face conscription into the army
a campaign to end conscription [=(US) the draft]

con·se·crate verb, -crates, -crat·ed, -crat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to officially make (something, such as a place or building) holy through a special religious ceremony
usually used as (be) consecrated

The church was consecrated in 1856.

The bones are buried in consecrated ground.

2 : to officially make (someone) a priest, bishop, etc., through a special religious ceremony
usually used as (be) consecrated

He was recently consecrated (as) a priest.

consecrate yourself
formal : to officially promise that you will give your time and attention to something (especially a religion)

They consecrated themselves to the church.

con·se·cra·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

the consecration of the church/bishop

con·sec·u·tive adj

: following one after the other in a series : following each other without interruption

We had unusually cold temperatures for five consecutive [=successive] days.

The team has lost three consecutive games. [=three games in a row]

con·sec·u·tive·ly adv

The prints are signed by the artist and numbered consecutively. [=the prints are each given a number 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.]

con·sen·su·al adj

: agreed to by the people involved : done with the consent of the people involved
consensual sex
a consensual decision/act

She claims their relationship was consensual.

con·sen·su·al·ly adv

The decision was made consensually.

con·sen·sus noun

: a general agreement about something : an idea or opinion that is shared by all the people in a group

[singular] The (general) consensus (of the group) was to go ahead with the plan.

Scientists have not reached a consensus on the cause of the disease. [=scientists do not yet agree about the cause of the disease]

There is a growing consensus [=more and more people agree] about/on the need for further investigation.

What is the consensus of opinion among the experts? [=what do the experts all say?]

[noncount] Everyone on the council seems to understand the need for consensus.

There is a lack of consensus among the citizens.

The decision was made by consensus.

1con·sent verb, -sents, -sent·ed, -sent·ing [no obj]

formal : to agree to do or allow something : to give permission for something to happen or be done

He was reluctant at first but finally consented.

often + to

He consented to the plan.

Her father consented to the marriage.

She consented to a meeting.

sometimes followed by to + verb

The builder consented to do the repairs at no additional charge.

2consent noun [noncount]

somewhat formal

1 : permission for something to happen or be done

He did not give his consent for the use of his name in the advertisement.

No one may use the vehicle without the consent of the owner.

Students must have the consent of their parents to go on the trip. = Students must have parental consent to go on the trip.

We need written consent [=a document giving permission] before we can publish the photograph.

A consent form is a document that you sign in order to officially give your permission for something to happen or be done.

Patients must sign a consent form before having surgery.

see also AGE OF CONSENT, INFORMED CONSENT

2 : agreement about an opinion or about something that will happen or be done

This restaurant is, by common consent, the best in the city. [=people agree that this restaurant is the best in the city]

The contract was canceled last month by mutual consent. [=the people involved agreed to cancel the contract]

consenting adult noun, pl adults [count]

law : a person who is legally considered old enough to decide to have sex : an adult who has consented to have sex

con·se·quence noun, pl -quenc·es

1 [count] : something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions

The slightest error can have serious consequences.

What were the economic consequences of the war?

The decrease in sales was a consequence of some bad publicity about the company.

Some say many jobs will be lost as a consequence of the trade agreement.

He weighed/considered the consequences of making a career change.

If you face/suffer the consequences of something, you deal with the results of something that you have done.

When he made the decision to leave, he knew he would have to face the consequences.

She suffered the consequences of her error.

2 [noncount] formal : importance or value

He was a man of consequence. [=he was an important man]

The outcome of the election will be of little consequence (to me). [=will not matter much to me]

The style you choose is of no consequence.

“What happened?” “Nothing of (any/great) consequence.”

in consequence or as a consequence
formal : as a result of something

She made some risky investments and in consequence [=consequently] lost a lot of money. = She lost a lot of money in consequence of some risky investments.

Hundreds of people became sick as a consequence [=as a result] of the poor sanitary conditions.

con·se·quent adj, always used before a noun
somewhat formal : happening as a result of a particular action or set of conditions

Weather forecasters predict heavy rains and consequent flooding.

Falling sales and a consequent loss of profits forced the company to lay off more workers.

con·se·quent·ly adv

The state's economy was poor. Consequently, many college graduates were forced to move elsewhere in order to find jobs.

con·se·quen·tial adj
formal

1 [more ; most ] : important

There have been several consequential innovations in their computer software.

The change to the schedule is not consequential.

opposite INCONSEQUENTIAL

2 : happening as a result : consequent

The company is considering layoffs but hopes to avoid a consequential loss in productivity. [=a loss in productivity because of the layoffs]

con·se·quen·tial·ly adv

con·ser·van·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [count] : an organization that works to protect animals, plants, and natural resources especially by purchasing and caring for areas of land

The land was recently donated to a local conservancy.

usually used in the names of organizations

She works for the Nature Conservancy.

2 [count] Brit : a group of officials who control and protect a river or port

3 [noncount] : conservation
raising money for the conservancy of natural resources
water conservancy

con·ser·va·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources
wildlife conservation

They are trying to raise money for conservation.

the conservation of the environment
often used before another noun
a conservation commission
a local group's conservation efforts
the efforts of a local conservation group

The property borders a conservation area. [=an area of land that is protected and that cannot be built on or used for certain purposes]

2 : the careful use of natural resources (such as trees, oil, etc.) to prevent them from being lost or wasted
water/forest/energy conservation

3 : the things that are done to keep works of art or things of historical importance in good condition
art conservation

She specializes in the conservation of furniture.

the conservation of religious shrines

con·ser·va·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: someone who works to protect animals, plants, and natural resources or to prevent the loss or waste of natural resources : a person who is involved in conservation

con·ser·va·tism noun [noncount]

1 : belief in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society
political conservatism
compare LIBERALISM

2 : dislike of change or new ideas in a particular area
cultural/religious conservatism

1con·ser·va·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : believing in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society : relating to or supporting political conservatism
a conservative newspaper columnist
conservative politicians/policies

She is a liberal Democrat who married a conservative Republican.

compare 1LIBERAL

2 Conservative : of or relating to the conservative party in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada

Conservative voters/policies
the Conservative candidate

3 [more ; most ] : not liking or accepting changes or new ideas

He had some pretty conservative [=traditional, conventional] ideas about the way life should be.

She's more conservative now than she was in college.

4 [more ; most ]

used to describe a guess, estimate, etc., that is probably lower than the actual amount will be

He gave me a conservative estimate of how much repairs will cost.

She predicts that the total cost will be around 500 dollars, and that's a conservative guess. [=the total cost will probably be higher than that]

5 [more ; most ] : traditional in taste, style, or manners

Her taste in art is fairly conservative.

He is a conservative dresser.

a conservative suit

6 [more ; most ] : not willing to take risks
a conservative investor

7 or Conservative : accepting and following many of the traditional beliefs and customs of a religion

Conservative Judaism

con·ser·va·tive·ly adv

The collection is conservatively valued at three million dollars.

He dresses conservatively.

2conservative noun, pl -tives [count]

1 : a person who believes in the value of established and traditional practices in politics and society : a person who is politically conservative

His message is being well received by conservatives.

compare 2LIBERAL

2 Conservative : a member or supporter of a conservative political party in countries like the United Kingdom and Canada

con·ser·va·toire noun, pl -toires [count]

Brit : conservatory 1

con·ser·va·to·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

1 US : a school in which students are taught music, theater, or dance
a theater conservatory
the Peabody Conservatory of Music

2 : a room or building with glass walls and a glass roof that is used for growing plants

1con·serve verb, -serves, -served, -serv·ing [+ obj]

1 : to keep (something) safe from being damaged or destroyed

The organization works to conserve [=save] our national forests/wildlife.

a scientist who is studying ways to conserve [=preserve] biological diversity

2 : to use (something) carefully in order to prevent loss or waste

With so little rain, everyone had to conserve water.

We need to conserve our natural resources.

Don't run around too muchyou need to conserve your strength.

conserving fuel/energy

2con·serve noun, pl -serves [count, noncount]

: a sweet food made by cooking pieces of fruit with sugar

con·sid·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing

1 a : to think about (something or someone) carefully especially in order to make a choice or decision

[+ obj] We are considering you for the job.

She refused to consider my request.

He seriously considered changing careers.

The jury has considered the evidence and reached a verdict.

The policy was well researched and well considered.

Please consider what I've said.

We never considered the possibility that the plan could fail.

[no obj] He paused a moment to consider before responding.

1 b [+ obj] : to think about (something that is important in understanding something or in making a decision or judgment)

You have to consider that he is only three years old.

When you consider how long she worked there, it's surprising that she would leave so suddenly.

His achievements are very impressive when you consider the fact that he never graduated from high school.

2 [+ obj] : to think about (a person or a person's feelings) before you do something in order to avoid making someone upset, angry, etc.

You have to learn to consider other people.

You never consider my feelings.

3 [+ obj] : to think of or regard (someone or something) in a specified way

I consider the price (to be) too high.

We consider careful work (to be) essential.

We consider it an honor to have you here with us tonight.

a television program that is considered one of the best comedies ever

He considers himself to be a great writer.

Consider yourself lucky/fortunate that you survived the accident. [=you are lucky to have survived the accident]

4 [+ obj] formal : to look at (someone or something) carefully and thoughtfully

He stepped back to consider the whole painting.

all things considered

used for saying that a statement is true when you think about all the good and bad parts or results of something

All things considered, we're pleased with how the project turned out.

It was a pretty good vacation, all things considered.

consider it done
informal
used to say that you will gladly do something that someone has asked you to do

“Can you mail this letter for me?” “Consider it done.”

con·sid·er·able adj [more ; most ]

: large in size, amount, or quantity

We received a considerable number of complaints.

She was in considerable pain.

We have already wasted a considerable amount of time and money.

The murder trial attracted considerable public attention.

Damage to the vehicle was considerable.

con·sid·er·ably adv

The house was considerably more expensive than what we could afford.

con·sid·er·ate adj [more ; most ]

: thinking about the rights and feelings of other people : showing kindness toward other people

She is one of the most considerate people I know.

He was considerate and turned down the stereo when we asked him to.

often + of

He is always considerate of other people's feelings.

It was very considerate of you to offer to help.

opposite INCONSIDERATE

con·sid·er·ate·ly adv

He always treats people considerately.

con·sid·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : careful thought : the act of thinking carefully about something you will make a decision about

You should give some serious consideration to your retirement plans.

After careful consideration, he agreed to their requests.

Her suggestion is still under consideration by the committee. [=the people on the committee are still thinking about and discussing her suggestion]

2 [noncount] : a desire to avoid doing something that will make another person sad, upset, angry, etc.

Show/have some consideration and turn down that radio.

often + for

He has no consideration for her feelings.

Out of consideration for the victim's family, no photos will be shown.

3 [count] : something that you think about when you make a choice or decision

Finding a house close to work was an important consideration for them.

Economic/practical considerations forced her to delay her education.

The tent weighs 10 pounds, which is no small consideration [=which is something that is important to think about] when you're going to be hiking.

4 formal : payment for something

[count]

usually singular

She offered to do the job for a small consideration.

[noncount] He charged a small fee in consideration of [=as payment for] his many services.

take (something) into consideration

: to think about (something) before you make a decision or form an opinion

We will take your experience into consideration [=we will think about how much experience you have] when we decide who will get the job.

Results of the study should be taken into consideration before the medication is prescribed to patients.

When you take everything into consideration [=when you think about both the good and bad things], it really wasn't a bad deal.

Taking everything into consideration [=all things considered], we're probably better off now.

con·sid·ered adj, always used before a noun
formal : resulting from careful thought

It's my considered opinion that she was not guilty of the crime.

Their actions were a considered response to the violence.

con·sid·er·ing prep

: when you think about or consider (something)

used to indicate a fact or situation that is being thought of when a statement is made

He did very well in the campaign, especially considering his lack of experience.

Considering the damage to the car, it's a miracle that no one was hurt in the accident.

sometimes used informally in speech without a following object to suggest something that is being thought of without being specifically mentioned

He didn't win, but he did very well, considering. [=he did well when you consider the situation or circumstances]

considering conj

He did well, considering (that) he had no experience.

She surprised us when she left the company so suddenly, especially considering (that) she had worked here for 20 years.

con·sign verb, -signs, -signed, -sign·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to put (someone) in a usually unpleasant place or situation

+ to

Survivors described how they were consigned to labor camps.

The accident left him consigned [=(more commonly) confined] to a wheelchair.

When she first started working, she was consigned to a small, windowless office.

often used figuratively

He was consigned by fate to a life of poverty.

2 : to put (something that is not wanted or used) in a place where old things are stored or thrown away

+ to
old clothes that have been consigned to the attic

She consigned his letter to the wastebasket. [=she threw away his letter]

often used figuratively
a political movement that has been consigned to the dustbin of history [=a political movement that has been forgotten]

His career has been consigned to a mere footnote in the history books.

3 : to send (something) to a person or place to be sold

She consigned the painting to an auction house.

The goods were consigned to him.

con·sign·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : a quantity of goods that are sent to a person or place to be sold
a consignment of books/goods/cars
large consignments of grain

2 [noncount] : the act or process of sending goods to a person or place to be sold
the consignment of goods

on consignment

used to describe a situation in which goods are sent to a person who pays only for what is sold and who may return what is not sold

The goods were shipped/sold on consignment.

consignment store noun, pl stores [count]

US : a store to which people bring items that they no longer want (such as old clothes, shoes, and equipment) to have them sold

When an item at a consignment store is sold, the person who brought it to the store gets a portion of the money paid for it.

con·sist verb, not used in progressive tenses, -sists, -sist·ed, -sist·ing

consist in [phrasal verb]

consist in (something) formal : to have (something) as an essential or main part

Happiness consists in being satisfied with what you have.

consist of [phrasal verb]

consist of (something) : to be formed or made up of (specified things or people)

Breakfast consisted of cereal, fruit, and orange juice.

Coal consists mostly of carbon.

His wardrobe consists almost entirely of jeans and T-shirts.

The crowd consisted mainly/largely of teenage girls.

The job mainly consists of classifying evidence.

a museum with a collection consisting entirely of portraits

con·sis·ten·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [noncount] : the quality or fact of being consistent: such as

1 a : the quality or fact of staying the same at different times

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency.

especially : the quality or fact of being good each time

He's a good pitcher, but he lacks consistency. [=his pitching is good in some games and bad in other games]

Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive.

Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance.

1 b : the quality or fact of having parts that agree with each other

Her argument lacks consistency. [=her argument is not logical because its ideas do not agree with each other]

2 : the quality of being thick, firm, smooth, etc.

[count] paints of varying consistencies
usually singular

She mixed the dough to the right consistency.

The batter should have/be the consistency of pudding.

Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.

[noncount] The paints vary in consistency.

con·sis·tent adj [more ; most ]

1 a : always acting or behaving in the same way

He is a consistent supporter of the museum.

We need to be more consistent in handling this problem.

Data from recent experiments show consistent results. [=results that do not change]

1 b : of the same quality; especially : good each time

His pitching has always been very consistent. [=reliable]

Customers expect that the quality of service they receive will be consistent.

opposite INCONSISTENT

2 : continuing to happen or develop in the same way

The pain has been consistent.

Your grades have shown consistent improvement this school year.

You need to exercise on a more consistent [=regular] basis.

opposite INCONSISTENT

3 : having parts that agree with each other

Their descriptions of the accident were consistent.

She is not being consistent in her argument. [=her argument includes parts that do not agree with one another]

: in agreement with something

His statements were not consistent with the truth. [=were not true]

His symptoms are consistent with heart disease. [=the symptoms he has are symptoms of heart disease]

The decision was consistent with the company's policy.

opposite INCONSISTENT

con·sis·tent·ly adv

The technique is now being used consistently.

He consistently earned high grades all through high school.

She has played consistently all season.

The store has consistently low prices.

con·so·la·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.

[noncount] His apology was of little/no consolation (to me). [=his apology did not make me feel much/any better]

She found/took great consolation [=comfort] in all the cards and letters she received.

If it's any consolation (to you) [=if it helps you to feel better], no one else got much of a raise this year, either.

[count] His kind words were a consolation to/for me.

2 [count] : a contest in which people or teams that have previously lost compete against each other
usually used before another noun
a consolation game/match/race

consolation prize noun, pl prizes [count]

: a prize that is given to someone who has not won a contest

con·so·la·to·ry Brit adj
formal : intended to make someone who is sad or disappointed feel better
consolatory words
a consolatory pat on the shoulder

1con·sole verb, -soles, -soled, -sol·ing [+ obj]

: to try to make (someone) feel less sadness or disappointment

She consoled [=comforted] him after his wife died.

Nothing could console her after his death.

often + with

I consoled myself with the thought that things could be much worse.

consolable adj [more ; most ]

barely consolable

consoling adj
consoling words
a consoling smile/hug

2con·sole noun, pl -soles [count]

1 : a flat surface that contains the controls for a machine, for a piece of electrical equipment, etc.

2 : a cabinet for a stereo or television that stands on the floor

con·sol·i·date verb, -dates, -dat·ed, -dat·ing

1 : to join or combine together into one thing

[no obj] The two funds will consolidate into one.

The two companies consolidated. [=merged]

[+ obj] I consolidated my loans.

2 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a position of power or control) stronger or more secure

The team consolidated [=strengthened] their lead with another touchdown during the fourth quarter.

The administration hopes that such measures will consolidate its position.

Rebel forces have consolidated their hold on the region.

con·sol·i·da·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

the consolidation of power

con·som·mé Brit noun [noncount]

: a clear soup that is usually made with seasoned meat

1con·so·nant noun, pl -nants [count]

1 : a speech sound (such as /p/, /d/, or /s/) that is made by partly or completely stopping the flow of air breathed out from the mouth

2 : a letter that represents a consonant; especially : any letter of the English alphabet except a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y compare VOWEL

2consonant adj [more ; most ]

1 formal : in agreement with something
often + with

The decision was consonant with [=consistent with] the company's usual practice.

2 music : in harmony
consonant chords
opposite DISSONANT

con·so·nance noun, pl -nanc·es [noncount]

musical consonance

His beliefs are in consonance with [=agree with] the political party's views.

[count]

the pleasing consonances of the symphony

1con·sort verb, -sorts, -sort·ed, -sort·ing

consort with [phrasal verb]

consort with (someone) formal + disapproving : to spend time with (someone)

There is evidence that he has consorted with criminals.

2con·sort noun, pl -sorts [count]

formal : a wife or husband of a king, queen, emperor, etc.

con·sor·tium noun, pl con·sor·tia also con·sor·tiums [count]

: a group of people, companies, etc., that agree to work together

A Japanese consortium invested millions in the technology.

a consortium of universities/banks/newspapers

con·spic·u·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : very easy to see or notice

There were a number of conspicuous changes to the building.

The sign was placed in a very conspicuous spot/position.

The bird has a conspicuous red head.

She felt very conspicuous in her pink coat.

He was uncomfortable about his conspicuous weight gain.

The President was conspicuous by his absence at the peace talks. [=his absence was very noticeable; people had expected him to be there and noticed that he wasn't]

opposite INCONSPICUOUS

2 : attracting attention by being great or impressive

The business was a conspicuous success.

conspicuous bravery

con·spic·u·ous·ly adv

The sign was placed very conspicuously.

He was conspicuously [=noticeably] absent from the meeting.

con·spic·u·ous·ness noun [noncount]

conspicuous consumption noun [noncount]

: the act or practice of spending money on expensive things that are not necessary in order to impress other people
a culture of conspicuous consumption

con·spir·a·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [count] : a secret plan made by two or more people to do something that is harmful or illegal

The CIA uncovered a conspiracy against the government.

2 [noncount] : the act of secretly planning to do something that is harmful or illegal

They were accused of conspiracy to commit murder.

conspiracy of silence noun [singular]

: a secret agreement made between two or more people to not talk about something

There seems to be a conspiracy of silence as far as his resignation is concerned.

conspiracy theory noun, pl -ries [count]

: a theory that explains an event or situation as the result of a secret plan by usually powerful people or groups

Conspiracy theories sprung up soon after the leader's assassination.

conspiracy theorist noun, pl -rists [count]

Conspiracy theorists believe the government is hiding evidence of UFOs.

con·spir·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who is involved in a secret plan to do something harmful or illegal : a person who is involved in a conspiracy

con·spir·a·to·ri·al adj

1 : involving a secret plan by two or more people to do something that is harmful or illegal : of or relating to a conspiracy
conspiratorial plots/plans

2 [more ; most ] : suggesting that something secret is being shared

She gave me a conspiratorial smile/wink across the table.

His voice became low and conspiratorial.

con·spir·a·to·ri·al·ly adv

He winked conspiratorially.

con·spire verb, -spires, -spired, -spir·ing [no obj]

1 : to secretly plan with someone to do something that is harmful or illegal
often followed by to + verb

They were accused of conspiring to overthrow the government.

She conspired with him to smuggle the paintings out of the country.

often + against

He thought that they were conspiring against him.

2 : to happen in a way that produces bad or unpleasant results
often followed by to + verb

My illness and the bad weather conspired to ruin my vacation.

Several things conspired to force them to change the policy.

often + against

The organizer of the festival thinks the weather has conspired against him.

con·sta·ble noun, pl -stables [count]

1 US : a public official whose job is similar to that of a police officer but who is elected or appointed rather than hired

2 chiefly Brit : police constable

con·stab·u·lary Brit noun, pl -lar·ies [count]

Brit : the police force of a particular area

con·stan·cy noun [noncount]

formal

1 : the quality of staying the same : lack of change
the constancy of the Earth's rotation
maintaining constancy of speed

2 : the quality of being loyal to a person or belief

There was no doubt of his constancy [=fidelity] to his wife.

1con·stant adj

1 : happening all the time or very often over a period of time

He suffers from constant headaches.

The noise from the construction was constant [=continuous] from early morning until evening.

Her constant chatter was a nuisance.

The house is in constant need of repairs.

The scar serves as a constant reminder of the accident.

a problem demanding constant attention/care
opposite INCONSTANT

2 [more ; most ] : staying the same : not changing

The equipment should be stored at a constant temperature.

He kept the car's speed constant.

She has struggled to maintain a constant weight.

opposite INCONSTANT

3 formal + literary : always loyal

They remained constant friends throughout their lives.

Their friendship was constant.

opposite INCONSTANT

con·stant·ly adv

He talked constantly all through the movie.

They complained constantly about the noise.

2constant noun, pl -stants [count]

1 : something that stays the same : something that does not change

Her job was the one constant in her life.

2 technical : a quantity or number whose value does not change

con·stel·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : a group of stars that forms a particular shape in the sky and has been given a name

The constellation Ursa Major contains the stars of the Big Dipper.

2 formal : a group of people or things that are similar in some way

A large constellation of relatives and friends attended the funeral.

The patient presented a constellation of symptoms.

con·ster·na·tion noun [noncount]

formal : a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion

The candidate caused consternation among his supporters by changing positions on a key issue.

Much to her parents' consternation, she had decided to not go to college.

They stared at each other in consternation [=dismay], not knowing what to do.

con·sti·pat·ed adj

: unable to easily release solid waste from your body : unable to have a bowel movement easily

con·sti·pa·tion noun [noncount]

: the condition of being unable to easily release solid waste from your body : the condition of being unable to have a bowel movement easily

A side effect of the drug is constipation.

con·stit·u·en·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

1 : a group of people who support or who are likely to support a politican or political party
the governor's conservative/liberal constituency
the party's core constituencies

Analysts say she has a good chance of being elected because she appeals to a broad constituency. [=many different kinds of people like her and will vote for her]

2 a : the people who live and vote in an area

The senator's constituency includes a large minority population.

2 b Brit : a voting area : a district with an elected representative

He was elected to represent a Liverpool constituency.

3 : a group of people who support, are served by, or are represented by an organization, business, etc.

a corporation's constituency

1con·stit·u·ent noun, pl -ents [count]

1 : any one of the people who live and vote in an area : a member of a constituency

She's pledged to help her elderly constituents.

Many senators have received calls from constituents who want them to vote in favor of the law.

2 : one of the parts that form something
the chemical constituents of the liquid

2constituent adj, always used before a noun

: forming part of a whole

The company can be separated into several constituent parts/elements.

con·sti·tute Brit verb, -tutes, -tut·ed, -tut·ing
formal

1 not used in progressive tenses [linking verb] : to make up or form something

Women constitute 70 percent of the student population at the college.

Twelve months constitute a year. [=a year is made up of 12 months]

2 not used in progressive tenses [linking verb] : to be the same as something : to be equivalent to something

The court determined that the search of their house constituted [=amounted to] a violation of their rights.

3 [+ obj] : to establish or create (an organization, a government, etc.)

usually used as (be) constituted

The recently constituted government will hold elections in May.

con·sti·tu·tion Brit noun, pl -tions

1 [count]

1 a : the system of beliefs and laws by which a country, state, or organization is governed

The state's constitution has strict rules about what tax money can be used for.

The right to free speech is guaranteed by the (U.S.) Constitution.

Members of the club have drafted a new constitution.

1 b : a document that describes this system

The state's original constitution is on display at the museum.

2 [count] : the physical health and condition of a person or animal

He has a robust/weak/tough constitution.

Only animals with strong constitutions are able to survive the island's harsh winters.

3 [noncount] formal : the form or structure of something

What is the molecular constitution of the chemical?

1con·sti·tu·tion·al Brit adj

1 always used before a noun : of or relating to the system of beliefs and laws that govern a country : of or relating to a constitution

She is in favor of a constitutional amendment [=an amendment to the constitution] to overturn the unpopular law.

constitutional law

2 : allowed by a country's constitution

That kind of punishment is not constitutional. [=is not allowed by the constitution]

the constitutional guarantee of free speech
a constitutional right to vote
opposite UNCONSTITUTIONAL

3 a : of or relating to the health and strength of a person's body

Constitutional symptoms of the disease include headache and fever.

3 b : of or relating to a person's basic nature or character

He has a constitutional dislike of controversy.

con·sti·tu·tion·al·ly adv

Free speech is a constitutionally guaranteed right in the U.S.

He is constitutionally incapable of sitting still for more than a minute. [=it is not his nature to be able to sit still for more than a minute.]

2constitutional noun, pl -als [count]

old-fashioned : a brief walk that you take to improve your health

She's gone out for her morning constitutional.

con·sti·tu·tion·al·ism Brit noun [noncount]

: the belief that a government should be based on a constitution
the doctrine of constitutionalism

con·sti·tu·tion·al·ist Brit noun, pl -ists [count]

con·sti·tu·tion·al·i·ty Brit noun [noncount]

: the state of being allowed by or in agreement with a constitution : the state of being constitutional

He questions the constitutionality of the proposed law.

constitutional monarchy noun, pl -chies [count]

: a system of government in which a country is ruled by a king and queen whose power is limited by a constitution

con·strain verb, -strains, -strained, -strain·ing [+ obj]

1 : to limit or restrict (something or someone)

She believes that too much instruction constrains [=limits] an artist's creativity.

People with criminal backgrounds are legally constrained [=restricted] from working for some government agencies.

often used as (be) constrained

We were constrained [=limited] by the short amount of time we had.

Teenagers often feel constrained [=limited] by rules.

2 formal : to use pressure to force (someone) to do something
usually used as (be) constrained

She felt constrained [=(more commonly) felt compelled] to apologize for the harm she'd done.

constrained adj [more ; most ]

formal : not done or happening naturally

It was obvious from his constrained [=forced] smile that he was not enjoying himself.

constrained behavior

con·straint noun, pl -straints

1 [count] : something that limits or restricts someone or something

Lack of funding has been a major constraint on the building's design.

usually plural

Budget constraints [=restrictions] have forced me to revise my travel plans. [=I've changed my travel plans because I do not have enough money]

Because of time constraints [=limitations], speeches will be limited to five minutes.

Tradition puts/places/imposes constraints on [=puts limits on] people and their actions.

2 [noncount] : control that limits or restricts someone's actions or behavior

They demand freedom from constraint.

They refuse to work under constraint any longer.

con·strict verb, -stricts, -strict·ed, -strict·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to make (something) narrower, smaller, or tighter

These shoes are too small and constrict [=squeeze] my feet.

The drug is used to constrict blood vessels.

1 b [no obj] : to become narrower, smaller, or tighter

The drug causes the blood vessels to constrict. [=contract]

2 [+ obj] : to prevent or keep (something or someone) from developing freely

The declining economy has constricted job opportunities.

a life constricted by poverty and disease

He felt constricted by their notions of what was proper.

con·stric·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

The drug causes constriction of blood vessels.

[count]

constrictions in blood vessels

constrictor see BOA CONSTRICTOR

1con·struct verb, -structs, -struct·ed, -struct·ing [+ obj]

1 : to build or make (something physical, such as a road, bridge, or building)

They plan to construct a barn behind the house.

a newly constructed bridge/building

The table is constructed [=made] of wood and steel.

2 : to make or create (something, such as a story or theory) by organizing ideas, words, etc.

The author constructs all the stories around one theme.

a well-constructed argument

3 mathematics : to draw (a shape) according to a set of instructions or rules

Construct a triangle that has sides of equal length.

con·struc·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

a constructor of sound arguments

2construct noun, pl -structs [count]

formal : something (such as an idea or a theory) that is formed in people's minds

He argues that time is a subjective construct with no objective existence.

Class distinctions are a social construct. [=an idea that has been created and accepted by the people in a society]

con·struc·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount]

1 a : the act or process of building something (such as a house or road)

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.

Construction on the bridge will occur daily from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

The new school is now under construction. [=is now being built]

often used before another noun
construction costs/equipment/materials

They haven't chosen a construction site for the building yet. [=they haven't decided where the building will be built yet]

1 b : the business of building things (such as houses or roads)

“What do you do for a living?” “I'm in construction.” [=I do work that involves building things]

the construction industry

2 [noncount] : the way something is built or made

Note the similar construction of the buildings.

I like these binoculars because of their sturdy construction. [=because they are strongly built]

3 [count] : the way words in a sentence or phrase are arranged

Some people think it is wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but the construction is quite common in English.

That verb is commonly used in passive constructions.

This word is used in positive/negative constructions.

4 [noncount] : the process of organizing ideas or thoughts into a new theory, statement, etc.

His ideas were pivotal in the construction of a new way to understand time and space.

5 [count] formal : a way of understanding something

Don't put a negative construction on what I said: [=don't understand what I said in a negative way]

a broad/strict construction [=interpretation] of the Constitution

construction paper noun [noncount]

US : a kind of thick paper that comes in many colors and is used especially by children in school to create art

con·struc·tive adj [more ; most ]

: helping to develop or improve something : helpful to someone instead of upsetting and negative

I tried to offer constructive criticism/suggestions/comments.

Your feedback was not very constructive.

The program helps people recently released from prison figure out how they can play a constructive role in society.

con·struc·tive·ly adv

con·strue verb, -strues, -strued, -stru·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal

1 : to understand (an action, event, remark, etc.) in a particular way
usually + as

He construed my actions as hostile.

often used as (be) construed

Her frustration was construed [=perceived, interpreted] as anger.

compare MISCONSTRUE

2 : to understand the meaning of (a word, phrase, or sentence)

The way the court construes various words has changed over time.

con·sul noun, pl -suls [count]

1 : a government official whose job is to live in a foreign country and protect and help the citizens of his or her own country who are traveling, living, or doing business there compare AMBASSADOR

2 : either one of two chief officials of the ancient Roman republic who were elected every year

con·sul·ar Brit adj
a consular official

con·sul·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: the building where a consul lives and works
the Russian consulate in Washington, D.C.

con·sult verb, -sults, -sult·ed, -sult·ing

1 [+ obj] : to go to (someone, such as a doctor or lawyer) for advice : to ask for the professional opinion of (someone)

consult a lawyer/accountant about a business matter

You should not attempt these exercises without first consulting your doctor.

2 : to talk about something with (someone) in order to make a decision

[+ obj] He made the decision without consulting me.

I expect to be consulted on important decisions.

[no obj]

+ with

I'll need to consult with my husband before I can sign the papers.

3 [+ obj] : to look for information in (something, such as a book or map)

consult a dictionary

I don't remember that part of the meeting; I'll have to consult my notes.

4 [no obj] chiefly US : to give professional advice to a person, organization, or company for a fee : to work as a consultant

She consults for a living.

consulting noun [noncount]

Since she retired, she's done some consulting for the company.

He works for a consulting company. [=a company that gives professional advice to other companies for a fee]

con·sul·tan·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

: a company that gives professional advice to other companies for a fee : a consulting company

The company has hired an excellent marketing consultancy.

con·sult·ant noun, pl -ants [count]

1 : a person who gives professional advice or services to companies for a fee
an advertising/management consultant

They've hired a computer consultant to assess how the company can upgrade its system.

2 Brit : a hospital doctor of the highest rank who is an expert in a particular area of medicine
a cardiology consultant [=specialist]

con·sul·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a meeting in which someone (such as a doctor or lawyer) talks to a person about a problem, question, etc.

Many accountants offer a free consultation before charging for their work.

telephone consultations

After a series of consultations with doctors, a date for the operation was set.

2 : a discussion about something that is being decided

[count] The group had a series of consultations with members of Congress.

[noncount] The town decided to close the park without any consultation with town residents.

After consultation with the judge, lawyers decided to drop the case.

The book was chosen in consultation with [=after consulting] a panel of experts.

a consultation period/process

3 : the act of looking for information in a book, on a map, etc.

[noncount] Consultation of city records confirms that she lived there in the 1950s.

Several dictionaries are available for consultation.

[count] a quick consultation of the city records

con·sul·ta·tive adj
formal

1 : giving advice
a consultative document

2 : having power only to give advice and not to make decisions
a consultative committee/council

consulting room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a room where a doctor examines and talks to patients

Consulting room is more common in British English than in U.S. English.

con·sum·able Brit adj

used to describe products that need to be replaced after they have been used for a period of time
paper, pencils, and other consumable goods

consumable noun, pl -ables [count]

usually plural
paper, pencils, and other consumables

con·sume Brit verb, -sumes, -sumed, -sum·ing [+ obj]

1 : to eat or drink (something)

The dogs consume [=eat] a bag of dog food each week.

They consumed [=drank] a lot of beer at the party.

sometimes used figuratively

He consumes [=devours] 10 novels a month.

synonyms see EAT

2 : to use (fuel, time, resources, etc.)

The new lights consume less electricity.

She's making an effort to live more simply and consume less.

Most of our time was consumed [=taken up] by the search.

The car repair consumed [=used up] his entire paycheck.

see also TIME-CONSUMING

3 : to destroy (something) with fire

Hundreds of books were consumed in the fire.

Fire consumed the building.

4 : to take all of a person's attention, energy, time, etc.

Work on the project has consumed his attention for many months. = Work on the project has consumed him.

usually used as (be) consumed

The movie tells the story of a woman consumed by ambition/hatred.

He was consumed with/by jealousy.

consuming adj

He has a consuming interest in politics. [=he is extremely interested in politics]

Her all-consuming passion was music. [=music was an interest that took all of her time and attention; music was the only thing she thought about]

con·sum·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who buys goods and services

Many consumers are still not comfortable making purchases on the Internet.

often used before another noun

Consumer spending is increasing.

consumer services
consumer demands/preferences

consumer durables noun [plural]

Brit : durable goods

consumer goods noun [plural]

: products that people buy for personal use or for use at home
a range of consumer goods, from clothing to cameras to food

con·sum·er·ism Brit noun [noncount]

often disapproving

1 : the belief that it is good for people to spend a lot of money on goods and services

2 : the actions of people who spend a lot of money on goods and services
concerns about increasing consumerism among teenagers

con·sum·er·ist Brit adj
a consumerist culture

consumer price index noun

the consumer price index

US : a list of prices of goods and services that shows how much prices have changed in a given period of time abbr. CPI ; called also (Brit) retail price index

1con·sum·mate adj, always used before a noun

1 : very good or skillful
a consummate politician/actor/professional

She's a consummate storyteller.

He plays the piano with consummate skill.

2 : very bad
consummate cruelty/evil
a consummate liar

con·sum·mate·ly adv
a consummately skillful pianist

2con·sum·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to make (a marriage or romantic relationship) complete by having sex

They were married for three months before the marriage was consummated. [=before they had sex]

2 : to make (something) perfect or complete
consummate an alliance

The bargaining process went on for a few days, but the deal was never consummated.

Their happiness was consummated when their son was born.

con·sum·ma·tion noun [noncount]

Without consummation, the marriage can be annulled by the church.

the consummation of their happiness

con·sump·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the act of eating or drinking something
alcohol/milk/chocolate consumption = the consumption of alcohol/milk/chocolate

Farms in the area grow food mostly for local consumption. [=they sell most of the food they grow to people who live nearby]

This food is not fit for human consumption. [=not fit to be eaten by people]

The doctor recommended that she reduce her consumption of sugar. [=that she eat less sugar]

2 : the use of something (such as fuel)

electricity/gas consumption = the consumption of electricity/gas

The jet's high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.

3 : use by a particular group of people

The governor said that the report was not for public consumption. [=it was not meant to be seen by the general public; it was intended only for a few people]

4 : the act of buying things

Rates of consumption typically rise as income increases.

see also CONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION

5 old-fashioned : tuberculosis

He died of consumption.

con·sump·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

old-fashioned : a person who has tuberculosis
a hospital for consumptives

consumptive adj
consumptive patients

cont. also cont'd abbr
continued
cont. on page 15
listings cont'd on pg. 4

1con·tact noun, pl -tacts

1 [noncount] : the state or condition that exists when two people or things physically touch each other : a state of touching

Physical contact between a mother and child is very important.

the point of contact between the bat and the ball [=the point where the bat and ball touch each other]

a disease that is spread by sexual contact

The players made contact [=touched or hit each other] and a foul was called.

The train's wheels should make contact with [=touch] the track continuously.

Do not let your skin come in/into contact with [=touch] the acid.

The chemical kills germs on contact [=as soon as the chemical touches the germs]

2 a [noncount] : the state or condition that exists when people see and communicate with each other

The actor has had little contact with the public [=has not interacted much with the public] in recent years.

It was during that time that native people first came into/in contact with [=first saw and began communicating with] the settlers.

She joined a book club to get a little human contact [=interaction with other people] while the kids were in school.

Your contact information is the information (such as your telephone number, address, or e-mail address) that tells someone how to communicate with you.

Don't forget to put your contact information on the application.

If you are in contact with someone, you communicate with them sometimes.

“Are you in contact [=in touch] with them?” “No, I haven't been in contact with them for years. I don't even know where they live anymore.”

We kept/stayed in close contact [=we communicated often] after college.

He's been in direct contact with the president. [=he has communicated directly with the president]

We'd lost touch, but a mutual friend put us in contact (with each other) again.

If you lose contact with someone or something, you are no longer able to communicate with that person or thing.

I lost contact [=lost touch] with her years ago, but recently got her e-mail address through a mutual friend.

We lost radio contact with the ship for a short time. [=we could not communicate with the ship using their radio]

If you make/establish contact, you have succeeded in communicating with someone.

She's been trying to make contact with distant relatives.

The phone system wasn't working so we weren't able to make contact.

We were finally able to establish contact with them.

2 b [count] : an occurrence in which people communicate with each other

Contacts between the two leaders have been frequent in recent weeks.

see also EYE CONTACT

3 [count] : a person who you know and who can be helpful to you especially in business

I applied for a job at that law firm because I have a contact there.

business contacts

Someone who is listed as a contact in information from a company or organization is the person you can write to or call with questions about that company or organization.

4 [count] : contact lens

He lost one of his contacts in the swimming pool.

5 [count]

5 a : the connection of two objects (such as pieces of metal) that allows an electrical current to pass through them

The contact must be maintained for the current to flow.

5 b : a part through which electricity passes from one object to another

The camera's flash isn't working because the electrical contacts need to be cleaned.

2contact verb, -tacts, -tact·ed, -tact·ing [+ obj]

: to call or write to (someone or something) : to communicate with (someone or something)

For more information, contact the city's tourism office.

We were able to contact them by radio.

She contacted everyone on the list.

3contact adj, always used before a noun

1 sports : allowing players to touch or hit each other

Ice hockey is a contact sport.

2 : acting when physical contact occurs
contact insecticides/poisons

contact lens noun, pl lenses [count]

: a thin piece of round plastic that is worn on the eye to improve vision

She wears contact lenses more often than glasses.

called also contact

con·ta·gion noun, pl -gions
medical

1 [noncount] : the process by which a disease is passed from one person or animal to another by touching
a disease that spreads by contagion

People have been warned to keep out of the area to avoid contagion.

2 [count] : a disease that can be passed from one person or animal to another by touching : a contagious disease
a deadly contagion
often used figuratively

The news created a contagion of fear that spread through the country.

con·ta·gious adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to be passed from one person or animal to another by touching
a contagious disease

It's a highly contagious virus.

compare INFECTIOUS

2 : having a sickness that can be passed to someone else by touching

I have a cold and I'm still contagious.

I'm sick, but the doctor says I'm not contagious.

3 : capable of being easily spread to others : causing other people to feel or act a similar way

She has a contagious smile. [=her smile makes other people smile; her smile makes other people happy]

contagious enthusiasm/laughter

con·ta·gious·ly adv
a contagiously enthusiastic person

con·ta·gious·ness noun [noncount]

con·tain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing [+ obj]

1 : to have (something) inside

The box contains [=holds] an assortment of old papers.

The room was barely big enough to contain everyone who came to the meeting.

2 : to have or include (something)

The book contains over 200 recipes.

The article contains information on how to plan your retirement.

foods that contain a high level of fat

The movie contains something for both children and adults.

3 : to keep (something) from spreading : to keep (something) within limits

Firefighters contained the wildfires.

State health officials have succeeded in containing the virus.

4 : to keep (a feeling or yourself) under control

The children could barely contain their excitement as the day of the festival drew near.

When she saw that they were all safe, she could not contain herself [=control her feelings] and broke into tears of relief.

see also SELF-CONTAINED

con·tain·able adj

Health officials believe the virus is containable and are doing what they can to keep it from spreading.

barely containable excitement

con·tain·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : an object (such as a box or can) that can hold something

The tea leaves come in a small metal container.

bowls, boxes, jars, and other containers

2 : a large box that goods are placed in so that they can be moved from one place to another on a ship, airplane, train, or truck

The shipment of tools arrived at the dock in cargo containers yesterday.

container ship noun, pl ships [count]

: a large ship made to carry cargo containers

con·tain·ment noun [noncount]

1 : the act of preventing the spread of something

The company's hazardous waste containment plan is being reviewed.

trying to achieve cost containment [=trying to prevent costs from becoming too high]

2 : actions that are intended to keep an unfriendly government from getting more power

The government needs to adopt a containment strategy.

con·tam·i·nant noun, pl -nants [count]

: something that makes a place or a substance (such as water, air, or food) no longer suitable for use : something that contaminates a place or substance
a water contaminant

con·tam·i·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) dangerous, dirty, or impure by adding something harmful or undesirable to it

The water was contaminated [=polluted] with chemicals.

Be careful not to allow bacteria to contaminate the wound.

Don't touch the microchip or the oil on your hands will contaminate it.

Make sure the white paint is not contaminated by any of the other colors.

often used figuratively

The election process has been contaminated by corruption.

Racist ideas have contaminated their minds.

contaminated adj [more ; most ]

contaminated food/water

con·tam·i·na·tion noun [noncount]

contamination of the water by chemicals

Clean the wound and bandage it to prevent contamination.

cont'd see CONT.

con·tem·plate verb, -plates, -plat·ed, -plat·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to think deeply or carefully about (something)

I stopped to contemplate [=ponder] what might have happened.

He contemplated the meaning of the poem for a long time.

Life without them is too awful to contemplate. [=too awful to even think about]

1 b [no obj] : to think deeply

I'd like some time to just sit and contemplate.

2 [+ obj] : to think about doing (something) : consider

She's contemplating moving to the city. = She's contemplating a move to the city.

They're contemplating marriage. [=they're thinking about getting married]

3 [+ obj] : to look carefully at (something)

She stood and quietly contemplated the scene that lay before her.

con·tem·pla·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the act of thinking deeply about something

He made his decision after many hours of contemplation. [=thought, consideration]

contemplation of the meaning of life

2 : the act of looking carefully at something

He goes to the forest to spend time in contemplation of nature.

She was lost in quiet contemplation of the scene.

in contemplation
formal : being thought about or considered

A lawsuit against the company is in contemplation.

con·tem·pla·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : involving, allowing, or causing deep thought

She's in a contemplative mood today. [=she is quiet and thoughtful today]

He has lived a quiet, contemplative life.

a contemplative book

2 : devoted to religious thought and prayer

She joined a contemplative order of nuns.

con·tem·pla·tive·ly adv

con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous adj
formal : existing or happening during the same time period
the contemporaneous publication of the two articles
contemporaneous events in the past = events in the past that were contemporaneous with each other

con·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ly adv

The articles were published contemporaneously. [=at the same time]

1con·tem·po·rary Brit adj

1 : happening or beginning now or in recent times
contemporary [=modern] jazz/poetry/art/furniture

The story is old, but it has importance to contemporary [=current] audiences.

2 : existing or happening in the same time period : from the same time period

The book is based on contemporary accounts of the war. [=accounts of the war that were written when the war was happening]

2contemporary noun, pl -rar·ies [count]

: a person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another person

He was a contemporary of George Washington.

She is politically very different from most of her contemporaries.

con·tempt noun

1 : a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval

[noncount] He feels that wealthy people view/regard him with contempt because he is poor.

He spoke with contempt in his voice.

She has contempt for them. = She holds them in contempt.

[singular] She has displayed a profound contempt for her opponents.

2 : a lack of respect for or fear of something that is usually respected or feared

[noncount] They have acted with contempt for public safety. [=they have completely ignored public safety]

[singular] He has contempt for danger. [=he ignores danger; he is not afraid of doing things that other people are afraid to do]

3 [noncount] law : speech or behavior that does not show proper respect to a court or judge

She was arrested for contempt of court.

He was held in contempt [=considered by the court to have broken the law by disobeying or disrespecting the judge] for his outbursts during the trial.

beneath contempt

: completely bad or worthless
used to describe someone or something that is too bad to deserve any respect

She's a liar who is beneath contempt.

familiarity breeds contempt see FAMILIARITY

con·tempt·ible adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : not worthy of respect or approval : deserving contempt
a contemptible [=despicable] lie

I've never met a more selfish, contemptible person.

con·tempt·ibly adv
a contemptibly selfish person

con·temp·tu·ous adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : feeling or showing deep hatred or disapproval : feeling or showing contempt
a contemptuous [=disdainful] attitude/smile/remark
often + of

Scholars were contemptuous [=scornful] of the theory until recent scientific developments proved it possible.

con·temp·tu·ous·ly adv

con·tend verb, -tends, -tend·ed, -tend·ing

1 [+ obj] : to argue or state (something) in a strong and definite way

These people contend that they have earned the right to the land.

She contends [=maintains, asserts] the new law will only benefit the wealthy.

2 [no obj] : to compete with someone or for something

A number of groups are contending (with each other) for power in the new government.

: to compete with a good chance of winning

The team is expected to contend for the championship this year.

contend with [phrasal verb]

contend with (something) : to deal with (something difficult or unpleasant)

Customers should not have to contend with the problems caused by these delays.

He's had a lot to contend with recently. [=he's had many problems to deal with]

con·tend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who tries to win something in a contest; especially : a person who has a good chance of winning

There are several contestants, but only two real contenders.

the top/leading presidential contenders

This latest defeat means that she's no longer a contender for the world title.

1con·tent noun, pl -tents

1 contents [plural] : the things that are in something

He poured/dumped/emptied the contents of the package/box/drawer onto the floor.

The bedroom's contents have all been packed.

The brochure describes the contents of the museum.

a summary of the book's contents

A table of contents is a list that is placed at the beginning of some books. It shows how the book is divided into sections and at which page each section begins.

The stories included in the book can be found in the table of contents.

2 [noncount] : the ideas, facts, or images that are in a book, article, speech, movie, etc.

In terms of content, the article is good, but it is written poorly.

a summary of the book's content

The children aren't allowed to watch movies with violent content. [=movies in which violent things happen]

Some of the program's content may offend certain viewers.

3 [noncount] : the amount of something that is in something else

This beer is low in alcohol content. [=does not have a lot of alcohol]

the fat/fiber content of food

compare 4CONTENT

2con·tent adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

: pleased and satisfied : not needing more

The baby looks content in her crib.

A fancy hotel is not necessary; I'd be content with a warm meal and a clean place to sleep.

No, I don't want to play. I'm content to watch.

Not content to stay at home, she set off to see the world at the age of 16.

Polls show that voters are growing less and less content with the current administration.

3con·tent verb, -tents, -tent·ed, -tent·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (someone) pleased and satisfied : to make (someone) content

The toys contented the children, at least for a little while.

content yourself with

: to be satisfied with (something that is less than or different from what you really want) : to accept (something) as being enough

The rainy weather spoiled our plans for the beach, so we had to content ourselves with a relaxing day at home.

4con·tent noun [noncount]

literary : a feeling of being pleased and satisfied : the state of being content

He'd finished his dinner and now there was a look of perfect content [=(more commonly) contentment] on his face.

to your heart's content see HEART
compare 1CONTENT

con·tent·ed adj [more ; most ]

: happy and satisfied : showing or feeling contentment
a contented smile

He's a contented fellow.

She felt peaceful and contented.

con·tent·ed·ly adv
smiled contentedly

con·ten·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated

It is her contention [=she believes and says] that the new law will only benefit the wealthy.

Evidence supports the contention [=claim] that the island was uninhabited before the 18th century.

2 [noncount] : anger and disagreement

There has been too much contention [=discord] in this family in recent years.

The main point of contention [=the point that is being argued over] is who has the rights to the land.

That has been a source of contention for years.

an issue that is still in contention [=that is still being argued about; that has not yet been decided]

A bone of contention is something that causes anger and disagreement.

The tariffs have been a bone of contention between the two nations.

3 [noncount] : a situation in which you have a chance to win something that you are trying to win

This latest defeat means that she's now out of contention for the world title. [=there is no longer a chance that she will win the world title]

He is in contention for the Olympic medal.

con·ten·tious adj [more ; most ]

1 a : likely to cause people to argue or disagree

I think it's wise to avoid such a highly contentious [=controversial] topic/issue at a dinner party.

1 b : involving a lot of arguing

After a contentious debate, members of the committee finally voted to approve the funding.

They have a contentious relationship. [=they argue with each other a lot]

2 : likely or willing to argue
a contentious student

The dispute involves one of the region's most contentious leaders.

con·ten·tious·ly adv

con·ten·tious·ness noun [noncount]

con·tent·ment noun [noncount]

: the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content

He believes that people can find peace and contentment in living simply.

There was a look of perfect contentment on her face.

a sigh of contentment

1con·test noun, pl -tests [count]

1 : an event in which people try to win by doing something better than others
a fiddle/fishing/singing contest [=competition]

He won the contest for best photograph. = He won the contest to see who could take the best photograph.

Contest winners receive a cash prize.

Will you enter the contest?

see also BEAUTY CONTEST, POPULARITY CONTEST

2 : a struggle or effort to win or get something

She hopes to win the contest for mayor.

the presidential contest

Democrats and Republicans are engaged in a contest for control of the House of Representatives.

no contest

1 informal
used to say that someone or something is much better than another or can easily defeat another

When you compare the old version of the movie with the new one, it's no contest. The old one is much better.

The last time I played him it was no contest. I won easily.

2 US, law : a statement in a court of law in which someone who has been charged with a crime does not admit guilt but also does not dispute or argue with the charge

He pleaded no contest to (the charge of) driving while intoxicated.

2con·test verb, -tests, -test·ed, -test·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) the subject of an argument or a legal case : to say that you do not agree with or accept (something)

Several of the dead man's relatives are contesting [=disputing, challenging] his will (in court).

The losing candidate is contesting the results of the election. = (US) The losing candidate is contesting the election.

The rule is being contested by a number of students at the university. [=students are formally complaining about the rule]

2 [+ obj] : to try to win (something)

She plans to contest a seat in Congress next year.

Both candidates have agreed to another debate before this hotly/bitterly contested election.

3 [no obj] : to struggle or fight for or against something
contesting for power

con·test·ant noun, pl -ants [count]

: a person who takes part in a contest

The contestant who catches the most fish wins.

The winning contestants will receive a cash prize.

a game-show contestant

con·text noun, pl -texts [count]

1 : the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning

To really know a word, you must be able to use it in context. [=in a sentence with other words]

If the words that someone has said are taken or quoted out of context, they are repeated without explaining the situation in which they were said so that their meaning is changed.

When taken out of context, his comments sound cruel, but he was really only joking.

The actor claimed he'd been quoted out of context.

2 : the situation in which something happens : the group of conditions that exist where and when something happens

We need to look at the event within the larger/broader context of world history.

The book puts these events in their proper historical and social contexts.

We need to consider these events in context.

con·tex·tu·al adj
contextual information

To find the meaning of an unknown word you should look at the contextual clues provided by the words that are around it.

con·tex·tu·al·ly adv

con·tex·tu·al·ize also Brit con·tex·tu·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

formal : to think about or provide information about the situation in which something happens

When the rebellion is historically contextualized, it becomes clear that there were many factors contributing to it.

con·tex·tu·al·i·za·tion also Brit con·tex·tu·al·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

historical contextualization

con·tig·u·ous adj
formal
used to describe things that touch each other or are immediately next to each other

She's visited each of the 48 contiguous states in the U.S., but she hasn't been to Alaska or Hawaii yet.

the mountains contiguous to/with our border

con·ti·gu·i·ty noun [noncount]

the contiguity of the lands

1con·ti·nent noun, pl -nents

1 [count] : one of the great divisions of land (such as North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, or Antarctica) of the Earth
the African continent = the continent of Africa

2 the Continent chiefly Brit : the countries of Europe except for Great Britain and Ireland

The book provides information on hotels in Britain and on the Continent.

2con·ti·nent adj
medical : able to control your bladder and bowels

Most children are continent by age three.

opposite INCONTINENT

con·ti·nence noun [noncount]

urinary continence

1con·ti·nen·tal adj

1 : of, relating to, or located on a continent
continental glaciers [=glaciers that cover a large portion of a continent]

the continental U.S. [=the part of the U.S. that is on the North American continent; the states of the U.S. except for Hawaii]

2 Continental : of or relating to the countries of Europe except for Great Britain and Ireland

They will be touring Continental Europe.

differences between Britain and its Continental neighbors

3 : characteristic of Europe

The hotel combines American comfort with continental elegance.

2continental noun, pl -tals [count]

Brit somewhat old-fashioned : a person from Continental Europe

continental breakfast noun, pl -fasts [count]

: a light breakfast in a hotel, restaurant, etc., that usually includes baked goods, jam, fruit, and coffee compare ENGLISH BREAKFAST

continental drift noun [noncount]

technical : the very slow movement of the continents on the surface of the Earth

continental shelf noun, pl shelves [count]

technical : the part of a continent that lies under the ocean and slopes down to the ocean floor

con·tin·gen·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

: something (such as an emergency) that might happen

In making our business plans, we tried to prepare for any contingency that might hurt sales.

a contingency plan [=a plan that can be followed if an original plan is not possible for some reason]

a contingency fund [=an amount of money that can be used to pay for problems that might happen]

contingency fee noun, pl fees [count]

US : a payment that you make to a lawyer only if the lawyer wins your case in court

1con·tin·gent adj
formal : depending on something else that might or might not happen
usually + on or upon

Our plans are contingent on the weather.

con·tin·gent·ly adv

2contingent noun, pl -gents [count]

1 : a group of people who go to a place together, do something together, or share some quality, interest, etc.

The group that makes up the largest contingent of voters in this area is the elderly.

A contingent of reporters waited in front of the court for the defendant to appear.

2 : a group of soldiers who come from a particular army and are working together with soldiers from other armies

A British contingent was sent to assist the security forces.

con·tin·u·al adj

1 : happening without interruption : not stopping or ending

This week we experienced days of continual sunshine.

The country has been in a continual state of war since it began fighting for its independence.

2 : happening again and again within short periods of time

The continual interruptions by the student were annoying the teacher.

con·tin·u·al·ly adv

He is continually experimenting with new recipes.

con·tin·u·ance noun, pl -anc·es
formal

1 [noncount] : the act of continuing for a long period of time

They are making efforts to promote the continuance [=continuation] of good relations between the two countries.

2 [noncount] : the period of time when something continues

No changes to the property are allowed during the continuance of the lease.

3 [count] US, law : a legal decision that a court case will continue at a later date

The lawyer asked the judge for a continuance.

con·tin·u·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something that starts where something else ends and adds to or continues the first part
usually + of

This book is a continuation of her first novel. [=it continues the story where the first novel ended]

The class is a continuation of the introductory class taught last semester.

The road was built as a continuation of the state highway.

2 [noncount] : the act of continuing or of causing something to continue
usually + of

His counselor felt the continuation of therapy would be worthwhile. [=felt that he should continue to receive therapy]

3 [count] : the act of beginning again after an interruption usually singular;
usually + of

The continuation of the meeting was postponed until the next day.

con·tin·ue verb, -ues, -ued, -u·ing

1 a : to do something without stopping : to keep doing something in the same way as before

[no obj] The team will continue with their drills until the coach is satisfied with their performance.

[+ obj] Do you plan to continue working after the baby is born? = Do you plan to continue to work?

The world's population continues to grow.

I continue to believe [=I still believe] that we can win this election.

1 b [no obj] : to stay in a job or position

+ as

She has announced that she will continue as director [=stay in her job as the director] for another year.

2 [no obj] : to keep happening or existing : to remain active or in existence without changing or stopping

The traditions will continue only as long as the next generations keep them alive.

The good weather continued for several days.

The lecture continued for another hour after we left.

3 [no obj]

3 a : to go or move ahead in the same direction

Exit the highway, take a right off the ramp, then continue down the street until you get to the first traffic light.

Continue along this path until you come to the end.

The boat continued downstream.

3 b : to go onward : progress

The plot gets more and more intricate as the story continues.

4 : to start again after an interruption or pause : resume

[no obj] The article continues in the second section of the newspaper.

The play continued after the intermission.

We will continue on our journey in the morning. = Our journey will continue in the morning.

[+ obj] The board continued their meeting after a short break.

We will continue our journey in the morning.

When Mom left the room, we continued arguing.

When the words to be continued appear at the end of something (such as a story or television program), it has not really ended and will continue again at a later time.

5 : to begin speaking again after an interruption or pause

[no obj] The teacher continued only when all the students were sitting quietly in their seats.

[+ obj] “I understand what you're saying,” she continued, “but I'm not convinced your idea will work.”

continuing adj

We are thankful for your continuing [=continued, ongoing] support.

I'm surprised by the film's continuing popularity.

continued adj, always used before a noun

: lasting or happening for a long time without interruption

Please accept our best wishes for your continued success.

The colors of the paint will fade with continued exposure to the sun.

continuing education noun [noncount]

: classes taken by adult students usually in the evenings called also continuing ed, adult education

con·ti·nu·i·ty Brit noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality of something that does not stop or change as time passes : a continuous quality

The new owners have ensured the continuity of the company's commitment to protecting the environment. [=have assured that the company's commitment will continue]

The candidate attacked the incumbent for the lack of continuity [=consistency] in foreign policy under his presidency.

2 [count] formal : something that is the same or similar in two or more things and provides a connection between them

The art historian is studying the continuities between the painter's works and those of her followers.

3 [noncount] : the arrangement of the parts in a story, movie, etc., in a way that is logical

There's a problem with the movie's continuity.

con·tin·u·ous adj

1 [more ; most ] : continuing without stopping : happening or existing without a break or interruption

The album is divided into different tracks, but it is really one continuous song.

The fan keeps a continuous [=uninterrupted] stream of fresh air flowing through the car.

a continuous line of traffic

The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.

2 grammar : progressive 4

The phrases “am seeing,” “had been seeing,” and “is being seen” are all in continuous tenses.

con·tin·u·ous·ly adv

The volcano has been erupting almost continuously since 1980.

con·tin·u·um noun, pl -ua also -u·ums [count]

formal : a range or series of things that are slightly different from each other and that exist between two different possibilities

His motives for volunteering lie somewhere on the continuum between charitable and self-serving.

a continuum of temperatures ranging from very cold to very hot

con·tort verb, -torts, -tort·ed, -tort·ing

: to twist into an unusual appearance or shape

[no obj] His body contorted with/in pain.

[+ obj] The boy contorted his body to squeeze through the gate.

Her face was contorted with/in rage/anger.

contorted adj [more ; most ]

the fossil's contorted limbs

We could not follow her contorted [=twisted, convoluted] reasoning/logic.

con·tor·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : the act of twisting something into an unusual shape : the act of contorting something

The clown amused the children with funny facial contortions.

The gymnast performed amazing contortions (with her body).

sometimes used figuratively

His story was a blatant/obvious contortion [=(more commonly) distortion] of the truth.

2 : a difficult action

The baby's mom went through the usual contortions to get him to eat.

con·tor·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a performer who twists his or her body into unusual positions

con·tour noun, pl -tours [count]

: the outline or outer edge of something

He loved the sleek/smooth/flowing contours of the car.

The map showed the contour of the coastline.

con·toured adj

1 : shaped to fit the outline of something (such as the human body)

The car's contoured seats were very comfortable.

a dress with a contoured waist

2 : having a smooth shape or outer edge
a nicely contoured vase
the contoured wing of the aircraft
the contoured hills of her native land

con·tra·band noun [noncount]

: things that are brought into or out of a country illegally

The border police searched the car for drugs and other contraband.

con·tra·bass noun, pl -bass·es [count]

: double bass

con·tra·cep·tion noun [noncount]

: things that are done to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant : birth control

con·tra·cep·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

: a drug or device (such as birth control pills or a condom) that is used to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant

contraceptive adj, always used before a noun
a contraceptive device/method/pill

1con·tract noun, pl -tracts [count]

1 a : a legal agreement between people, companies, etc.

The contract requires him to finish work by the end of the year.

If he breaks the contract [=if he does not abide by the agreement], he will get sued.

The company won a multi-million-dollar contract to build a new courthouse. = The company was awarded a multi-million-dollar contract to build a new courthouse.

a marriage contract [=an agreement to marry someone]

often used before another noun
contract negotiations
contract law

1 b : a document on which the words of a contract are written

I tore up the contract.

Have you signed the contract yet?

2 informal : an agreement to kill a person for money

His enemies put/took out a contract on him. [=paid someone to kill him]

by contract

: according to the terms stated in a contract : by a legal agreement

We are bound by contract to pay the full price.

under contract

: required to provide something (such as work or a service) according to the terms stated in a contract

She is under contract with the TV station for three more years.

2con·tract verb, -tracts, -tract·ed, -tract·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to make (something) smaller or shorter

She contracted her lips into a frown.

contract a muscle

1 b [no obj] : to become smaller

The muscle expands and then contracts.

The hot metal contracted as it cooled.

2 [+ obj] somewhat formal : to become ill with (a disease)

He contracted [=(more commonly) caught] a cold.

She contracted chicken pox.

They contracted malaria.

3 : to make an agreement by contract to work or to pay someone to work

[no obj] The carpenter contracted (with them) to do the work on their house.

[+ obj] We contracted [=hired] a lawyer.

4 /kntrækt/ [+ obj] formal : to agree to (a marriage, an alliance, etc.) formally
a legally contracted marriage

The company contracted an alliance with a former competitor.

contract out [phrasal verb]

contract (something) out or contract out (something) : to agree by contract to pay someone to perform (a job)

The company contracted out its manufacturing jobs. [=the company paid another company to do its manufacturing jobs instead of doing them itself]

con·trac·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or process of making something smaller or of becoming smaller

The hot metal undergoes contraction as it cools.

Two teams were eliminated in the contraction of the baseball league.

2 [count] medical : a movement of a muscle that causes it to become tight and that is sometimes painful; especially : a movement of muscles in the womb when a woman is giving birth to a child

She felt contractions every two minutes.

3 [count] : a short form of a word or word group that is made by leaving out a sound or letter

The word don't is a contraction of do not.

con·trac·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who is hired to perform work or to provide goods at a certain price or within a certain time

They hired a contractor to remodel the kitchen.

a building contractor

con·trac·tu·al adj

: of or relating to the things that are required by a contract

They had to fulfill their contractual obligations/requirements before they could get paid.

con·trac·tu·al·ly adv

The company is contractually obligated to pay the union.

con·tra·dict verb, -dicts, -dict·ed, -dict·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to say the opposite of (something that someone else has said) : to deny the truth of (something)

contradict a rumor

He contradicted the charges of his critics.

1 b : to deny or disagree with what is being said by (someone)

My sister doesn't like being contradicted.

2 : to not agree with (something) in a way that shows or suggests that it is false, wrong, etc.

She has made statements that contradict each other. [=statements that do not agree and that cannot both be true]

The evidence contradicts his testimony. [=the evidence does not support or agree with his testimony]

The mayor's actions in office contradicted the promises he made during the campaign.

contradict yourself

: to say or do something that is opposite or very different in meaning to something else that you said or did earlier

The witness contradicted herself when she insisted she could identify the thief even though she had said that the night was too foggy to see clearly.

con·tra·dic·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : the act of saying something that is opposite or very different in meaning to something else

[count] No one was surprised by the defendant's contradiction of the plaintiff's accusations.

Her rebuttal contained many contradictions to my arguments.

[noncount] I think I can say without fear of contradiction [=I can say with absolute certainty] that this year has been very successful for our company.

2 : a difference or disagreement between two things which means that both cannot be true

[count] There have been some contradictions in his statements.

There is a contradiction between what he said yesterday and what he said today.

[noncount] Her statements are mired in contradiction.

What he said yesterday is in direct contradiction to what he said today.

contradiction in terms

: a phrase that contains words which have very different or opposite meanings

I think “working vacation” is a contradiction in terms.

con·tra·dic·to·ry adj [more ; most ]

: involving or having information that disagrees with other information : containing a contradiction

The witnesses gave contradictory accounts/statements/descriptions of the accident. [=they described the accident in ways that did not agree with each other]

con·trail noun, pl -trails [count]

: a stream of water or ice particles created in the sky by an airplane or rocket

con·tra·in·di·cat·ed adj
medical
used to say that something (such as a treatment, procedure, or activity) should not be done or used in a particular situation for medical reasons

Strenuous exercise is contraindicated for patients with severe heart conditions. [=patients who have severe heart conditions should not do strenuous exercise]

The drug is contraindicated in patients with certain allergies.

con·tra·in·di·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

medical : something (such as a symptom or condition) that is a medical reason for not doing or using something (such as a treatment, procedure, or activity)

The article stated that diabetes was not a contraindication to breastfeeding. [=it stated that women who have diabetes can breastfeed]

con·tral·to noun, pl -tos [count]

: the lowest female singing voice
usually singular
a singer with a beautiful contralto

; also : a female singer with such a voice
a duet performed by a soprano and a contralto

con·trap·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a piece of equipment or machinery that is unusual or strange

The people wondered how the contraption worked.

con·trar·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person who takes an opposite or different position or attitude from other people

As an investor, he's a contrarian, preferring to buy stocks when most people are selling.

contrarian adj [more ; most ]

a contrarian view/position/attitude

con·trari·wise adv
formal : in an opposite or very different way
used especially to introduce a statement that contrasts with a preceding statement

Her opponent has little knowledge of foreign policy. Contrariwise, she herself has many years of experience in this area.

1con·trary Brit noun

on the contrary also quite the contrary

used to state that the opposite of what was said before is true

The test will not be easy; on the contrary, it will be very difficult.

The lecture was not boring. Quite the contrary, it was very informative and interesting.

the contrary

: an opposite or different fact, event, or situation

He was sure his sister had made a mistake, but the contrary was true: she was right and he was wrong.

to the contrary

: stating or proving the opposite of something

He was no fool, despite talk to the contrary.

Unless there is evidence to the contrary, we have to believe them.

2con·trary Brit adj

1 : exactly opposite to something else : entirely different from something else

The sisters gave contrary answers: one said “yes” and one said “no.”

We had contrary opinions/views on the issue.

2 : against or opposed to something

Without contrary evidence, the jury will find her guilty.

often + to

Going over the speed limit is contrary to traffic laws. [=it is illegal; it is against the law]

3 : not favorable or helpful

The boat sailed against a contrary wind.

Contrary weather impeded the rescue efforts.

4 /kntreri/ : unwilling to obey or behave well
a contrary child

contrary to

: in a way or manner that is against (something)

Contrary to orders, he left the campsite.

Contrary to popular belief [=despite what many people believe], these animals are not really dangerous to humans.

con·trar·i·ly adv

The child acted contrarily.

con·trar·i·ness noun [noncount]

the child's contrariness

1con·trast Brit verb, -trasts, -trast·ed, -trast·ing

1 [no obj] : to be different especially in a way that is very obvious

Her black dress and the white background contrast sharply.

often + with

Her black dress contrasts sharply with the white background.

Her actions contrasted with her promises.

2 [+ obj] : to compare (two people or things) to show how they are different

We compared and contrasted the two characters of the story.

often + with or to

His essay contrasted his life in America with/to life in India.

contrasting adj [more ; most ]

He wore a dark suit with a necktie in a contrasting color.

contrasting opinions/views/ideas

con·trast·ing·ly adv

2con·trast Brit noun, pl -trasts

1 [count] : something that is different from another thing

+ to

Today's weather is quite a contrast to yesterday's. [=today's weather is very different from yesterday's weather]

2 : a difference between people or things that are being compared

[count] I observed an interesting contrast in/between the teaching styles of the two women.

We talked about the contrasts between his early books and his later books. [=the ways in which his early and later books are different]

[noncount] His comments were in stark/marked/sharp contrast with/to his earlier statements. [=his comments were very different from his earlier statements]

3 [noncount] : the act of comparing people or things to show the differences between them

Careful contrast of the twins shows some differences.

In contrast to/with last year's profits, the company is not doing very well.

The queen's wit and humor made the prince seem dull by contrast.

They spent millions of dollars on advertising. By way of contrast, our small company spent under 5,000 dollars.

4 [noncount] : the difference between the dark and light parts of a painting or photograph
a painting with a lot of contrast

She was wearing a black dress, so the photographer suggested using a white background for contrast.

contrasting adj [more ; most ]

They have very contrasting [=different] styles.

con·tras·tive Brit adj [more ; most ] formal
contrastive styles

con·tra·vene verb, -venes, -vened, -ven·ing [+ obj]

formal : to fail to do what is required by (a law or rule) : violate

The overcrowded dance club contravened safety regulations.

con·tra·ven·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

Plagiarism is a contravention of school policy.

[noncount]

He cut off trade with the country in contravention of their treaty. [=he cut off trade in a way that was not allowed by the treaty]

con·tre·temps noun, pl con·tre·temps [count]

: an unfortunate or embarrassing event, argument, or disagreement

The senator dismissed his disagreement with the President as a minor contretemps.

con·trib·ute verb, -utes, -ut·ed, -ut·ing

1 : to give (something, such as money, goods, or time) to help a person, group, cause, or organization usually + to or toward

[+ obj] He contributed [=donated] 100 dollars to the charity.

The volunteers contributed their time towards cleaning up the city.

She contributed [=added] little to the discussion.

[no obj] We're trying to raise money for a new school, and we're hoping that everyone will contribute.

He did not contribute to the project.

2 [no obj] : to help to cause something to happen

In order for the team to win, everyone has to contribute.

usually + to

Many players have contributed to the team's success.

Heavy drinking contributed to her death. [=heavy drinking helped to cause her death]

3 : to write (something, such as a story, poem, or essay) for a magazine

[+ obj] He contributed many poems to the magazine.

[no obj] Ten scientists contributed to the special edition of the journal.

contributing adj

The coach's positive attitude was a contributing factor to/in the team's success. [=the coach's positive attitude was a reason for the team's success]

She has been a contributing writer/editor for the magazine for 10 years.

con·trib·u·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

She is a regular/frequent contributor to the magazine.

a list of contributors who have donated more than one thousand dollars

con·tri·bu·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : something that is contributed: such as

1 a : something that is given to help a person, a cause, etc.

She made a 100-dollar contribution [=donation] to breast cancer research.

They thanked him for his contribution of time and money.

He made an important contribution to the debate.

1 b : something that is done to cause something to happen

She's honored for her contributions [=efforts, work] towards finding a cure for AIDS.

As mayor, he made many positive contributions to the growth of the city.

1 c : a piece of writing that is published as part of a larger work (such as a magazine, newspaper, or book)

a book of essays including contributions from several well-known political columnists

2 [count] : a regular payment that is made to an employer or government for something (such as health insurance or a pension)

3 [noncount] : the act of giving something : the act of contributing

The money was raised by voluntary contribution.

con·trib·u·to·ry Brit adj, always used before a noun

1 : helping to cause something

Car exhaust is a major contributory factor in air pollution. [=car exhaust is a major cause of air pollution]

2 : paid for by both the employee and employer
a contributory pension
contributory insurance

con trick noun, pl tricks [count]

Brit : 1con

con·trite adj [more ; most ]

formal : feeling or showing regret for bad behavior
a contrite [=remorseful] criminal
a contrite apology

con·trite·ly adv

“I should have been more careful,” he said contritely.

con·tri·tion noun [noncount]

formal : the state of feeling sorry for bad behavior : the state of being contrite

Were her tears a true sign of contrition?

con·triv·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 usually disapproving

1 a [count] : something that causes things to happen in a story in a way that does not seem natural or believable

The story is filled with plot contrivances that do not fit the ending.

1 b [noncount] : the use of contrivances in a story

He told the story honestly and without contrivance.

2 [count] : a machine or piece of equipment made with skill and cleverness
modern contrivances [=devices] to cook food faster
a clever contrivance

3 : a clever plan or trick

[count] a contrivance to get out of doing the work

[noncount] He convinced her to go without using contrivance.

con·trive verb, -trives, -trived, -triv·ing [+ obj]

1 : to form or think of (a plan, method, etc.)

The prisoners contrived a way to escape.

2 : to form or make (something) in a skillful or clever way

Native Americans contrived [=designed] weapons out of stone, wood, and bone.

3 : to make (something) happen in a clever way or with difficulty

He contrived a meeting with the president.

often followed by to + verb

She contrived [=managed] to make it to the airport in time.

contrived adj [more ; most ]

: having an unnatural or false appearance or quality

The movie's contrived ending was a big disappointment.

The results of the test seemed somewhat contrived.

1con·trol verb, -trols, -trolled, -trol·ling [+ obj]

1 : to direct the behavior of (a person or animal) : to cause (a person or animal) to do what you want

The parents could not control their child.

The police controlled the crowd.

The small boy could not control the big dog.

2 : to have power over (something)

Her family controls the business.

One country controls the whole island.

The rebel army now controls nearly half the country.

3 a : to direct the actions or function of (something) : to cause (something) to act or function in a certain way

The lights on stage are controlled by this computer.

She struggled to control the cart as it rolled before her down the steep, bumpy road.

3 b : to set or adjust the amount, degree, or rate of (something)

He controlled the volume by turning the radio's knob.

A thermostat controls the room's temperature.

The dam controls the flow of the river.

4 : to limit the amount or growth of (something)

The farmer used insecticides to control the pests.

The state allowed hunting in the area to control the deer population.

The government made new laws to control pollution.

The firefighters worked all night to control the fire.

5 a : to keep (emotions, desires, etc.) from becoming too strong or from being shown

Please control your temper. [=keep yourself calm]

He tried hard to control his laughter. [=to avoid laughing]

I was hungry, but I controlled my appetite [=I resisted the desire to eat] and waited for dinner.

5 b : to keep or make (yourself) calm especially when you are angry, upset, or excited

He couldn't control himself any longer.

con·trol·la·ble adj [more ; most ]

The temperature of the room is controllable.

The lighter drill was more controllable than the heavier one.

2control noun, pl -trols

1 [noncount] : the power to make decisions about how something is managed or done

The city wanted local control of education.

The troops had no control [=choice] over where they would be stationed.

The tribes fought for control over the territory.

He took control of the family farm.

She hired an accountant to take control of her money.

Two-thirds of the market is in the control of three companies. [=is controlled by three companies]

He always wants to be in control. [=he wants to be the one who makes decisions]

The team is under the control of a new coach. [=a new coach is in charge of the team; the team has a new coach]

The weather is not in/under our control. = The weather is beyond our control. [=we cannot control the weather]

2 [noncount] : the ability to direct the actions of someone or something

He lost all muscle control in his left arm.

She no longer has control of her (mental) faculties. [=she is no longer able to think clearly or make rational decisions]

The soccer player showed good control of the ball.

a teacher with good control of her students

The driver lost control (of the car) and hit a tree.

If you lose control or lose control of yourself, you become very angry, upset, or excited.

He lost control of himself and yelled at his students.

If people or things are out of control, they cannot be handled or managed with success.

The car went out of control and crashed.

The child was out of control. She ran around the store screaming.

The campfire got out of control and started a forest fire.

The situation got out of control, and a fight started.

3 : an action, method, or law that limits the amount or growth of something

[count] The farmer used an organic pest control on his crops.

To cut down on competition, the government passed price controls on prescription drugs.

The President wants stricter controls on immigration.

[noncount] The two nations talked about arms control. [=control of the amount of weapons a country has]

population control
see also BIOLOGICAL CONTROL, BIRTH CONTROL, GUN CONTROL, QUALITY CONTROL, RENT CONTROL, damage control at 1DAMAGE

4 [count] : a device or piece of equipment used to operate a machine, vehicle, or system
the volume control on a television
the controls of the aircraft
a car with manual controls
a control panel

If you are at the controls, you are controlling a vehicle.

The copilot was at the controls when the plane landed.

see also REMOTE CONTROL

5 [singular] : the group of people who direct or control something (such as the flight of an aircraft)

pilots communicating with air traffic control
a control tower/room
see also MISSION CONTROL

6 [count] : a person, thing, or group that is not treated with something that is being tested in an experiment in order to allow comparison with a treated person, thing, or group

The effects of the drug were clear when the test group was compared with the control group.

in control

1 : having control of something

She will still be in control of the sales department.

He managed to stay in control of his emotions.

2 : not overly upset or excited : calm and able to think and act in a sensible way

In spite of the pressure to pass the test, he felt calm and in control.

under control

: able to be handled or managed with success : not out of control

She remained calm and kept the situation under control.

A year after the divorce, he finally got his life back under control. [=he finally regained control of his life]

The firefighters got the fire under control.

You need to get your drinking/gambling/anger under control.

Don't worryI have everything under control.

control freak noun, pl freaks [count]

informal : a person who has a strong need to control people or how things are done

My boss is a real control freak.

con·trolled adj

1 [more ; most ] : not overly angry or emotional

Instead of arguing, they talked in a calm, controlled manner.

2 [more ; most ] : done or organized according to certain rules, instructions, or procedures

The test was done under controlled conditions.

The polar bears at the zoo live in a controlled environment.

3
used to describe a drug that is illegal to have or use without permission from a doctor
a controlled drug/substance

con·trol·ler noun, pl -lers [count]

1 : a person who is in charge of the money received and paid out by a business or college

2 : a person who directs the action of something
an air traffic controller

3 : a device or piece of equipment used to operate a machine, vehicle, or system
a volume controller

controlling adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a need to control other people's behavior
a controlling parent

She is very strict and controlling.

2 a : having the power to control how something is managed or done

The larger bank remained the controlling party when it took over the smaller banks.

controlling shareholders

2 b : giving someone the power to control how something is managed or done

He paid over 40 million dollars for a controlling interest/share in the company.

con·tro·ver·sial adj [more ; most ]

: relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument : likely to produce controversy

Abortion is a highly controversial subject/issue/topic.

a decision that remains controversial

He is a controversial author/director/figure.

con·tro·ver·sial·ly adv

con·tro·ver·sy Brit noun, pl -sies

: argument that involves many people who strongly disagree about something : strong disagreement about something among a large group of people

[noncount] The decision aroused/created much controversy among the students.

The new movie is a subject/topic of controversy.

There is controversy surrounding the team's decision to trade the star pitcher.

The controversy is over whether he should be fired or not.

[count] A controversy arose over the new law.

con·tro·vert verb, -verts, -vert·ed, -vert·ing [+ obj]

formal : to say or prove that (something) is untrue

The attorney offered evidence that controverted the plaintiff's allegations.

con·tus·ion Brit noun, pl -ions [count]

medical : an injury that usually does not break the skin : bruise

He suffered multiple contusions of the leg.

co·nun·drum noun, pl -drums [count]

: a confusing or difficult problem

He is faced with the conundrum [=dilemma] of trying to find a job without experience.

an ethical conundrum

con·ur·ba·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

chiefly Brit : a large area consisting of cities or towns that have grown so that there is very little room between them
a conurbation of cities along the river

con·va·lesce verb, -lesc·es, -lesced, -lesc·ing [no obj]

: to become healthy and strong again slowly over time after illness, weakness, or injury

She spent two months convalescing [=recuperating, recovering] at home after her surgery.

He is convalescing from his leg injuries.

con·va·les·cence noun

: the process or period of becoming well again after an illness or injury

[singular] a prolonged convalescence

We visited her during her convalescence from surgery.

[noncount] a period of convalescence

con·va·les·cent adj

1 : going through the process of becoming well again after an illness or injury
the convalescent stage of his treatment

The nurse tended to the convalescent patients/soldiers.

2 : used for patients who are becoming well again after an illness or injury

He spent six months recuperating in a convalescent home/hospital.

a convalescent ward

convalescent noun, pl -cents [count]

The nurse took care of the convalescents.

con·vec·tion noun [noncount]

technical : movement in a gas or liquid in which the warmer parts move up and the colder parts move down
convection currents
also : the transfer of heat by this movement
foods cooked by convection

convection oven noun, pl -ens [count]

: an oven with a fan that moves hot air around so that food cooks evenly

con·vene verb, -venes, -vened, -ven·ing

: to come together in a group for a meeting

[no obj] The students convened [=assembled] in the gym.

We convened at the hotel for a seminar.

This class convenes twice a week.

[+ obj] convene a meeting

A panel of investigators was convened by the president to review the case.

1con·ve·nience noun, pl -nienc·es

1 [noncount] : a quality or situation that makes something easy or useful for someone by reducing the amount of work or time required to do something

An elevator was available for the shoppers' convenience.

I enjoy the convenience of living near a post office.

For your convenience, we have added a feature that allows you to pay your bills over the Internet.

opposite INCONVENIENCE, see also MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE

2 [noncount] : a time that is appropriate for doing something or that is suitable for someone

I'll be happy to meet with you at your convenience. [=at a time that is convenient for you; at a time that will not cause you too much trouble or effort]

Please come to my office at your earliest convenience.

3 [count] : something (such as a device) that makes you more comfortable or allows you to do things more easily

Our hotel room was equipped with all the modern conveniences.

They enjoyed the conveniences of flying first class.

2convenience adj, always used before a noun

: designed for quick and easy preparation

Frozen pizza is a popular convenience food.

convenience snacks

convenience store noun, pl stores [count]

chiefly US : a small store that is open for many hours of the day

con·ve·nient adj [more ; most ]

1 : allowing you to do something easily or without trouble

When is a convenient time for you to meet?

The controls are located in a convenient spot on the dashboard.

It might be more convenient to use a calculator, rather than adding the numbers yourself.

a convenient method/way/means of cleaning windows
opposite INCONVENIENT

2 : located in a place that is nearby and easy to get to
a convenient drugstore

Schools, churches, and stores are all convenient from here.

3 : giving you a reason to do something that you want to do

The power failure was a convenient excuse to leave work early.

The economic recession gave lawmakers a convenient pretext for passing the bill.

con·ve·nient·ly adv

Several restaurants are conveniently located nearby.

con·vent noun, pl -vents [count]

: a group of nuns who live together

She joined a convent.

also : the house or buildings they live in compare MONASTERY

con·ven·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a large meeting of people who come to a place for usually several days to talk about their shared work or other interests or to make decisions as a group

We go to the weeklong annual teachers' convention every summer.

He bought some new books at the science fiction convention.

a constitutional convention [=a meeting in which political leaders create a constitution]

The Democratic National Convention will meet next week to announce their party's candidate for president.

The conference was held at the new convention center. [=a building or set of buildings designed to hold many people and meetings]

2 : a custom or a way of acting or doing things that is widely accepted and followed

[count] It's important to follow the conventions of punctuation in a paper for school.

They say school is just as important for teaching children social codes and conventions as for teaching math.

Many sports shows have recently adopted the conventions of the talk show.

[noncount] a poet who rebels against literary convention

The award that by convention should have gone to the student with the highest grade went instead to the teacher's favorite.

a director who has always defied convention [=done unexpected or unusual things] in his movies

As a matter of convention, the oldest members speak first.

3 [count] : a traditional or common style often used in literature, theater, or art to create a particular effect
artistic conventions

The director's use of the usual romantic conventions made the film boring and predictable.

His latest novel uses the conventions of early 19th-century literature.

4 [count] formal : a formal agreement between two groups (such as countries or political organizations)

an international convention banning the spread of nuclear weapons
the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea

con·ven·tion·al adj

1 always used before a noun

1 a : used and accepted by most people : usual or traditional

The number sign is the conventional symbol for labeling something measured in pounds.

Today, many patients seek healing through both alternative medicine and conventional medicine. [=the usual methods of healing or treating disease that are taught in Western medical schools]

1 b : of a kind that has been around for a long time and is considered to be usual or typical

While microwaves heat up food more quickly, most food tastes better when it is cooked in a conventional oven.

2 [more ; most ] : common and ordinary : not unusual

Most of her books are conventional detective stories.

His views on dating are more conventional than those of some of his friends.

3 always used before a noun : not nuclear
conventional weapons
conventional forces/warfare/war

con·ven·tion·al·i·ty noun [noncount]

The conventionality of his views on economics surprised us.

con·ven·tion·al·ly adv

He's not conventionally attractive, but he has an interesting face that is not at all unpleasant to look at.

conventional wisdom noun [noncount]

: opinions or beliefs that are held or accepted by most people

Conventional wisdom in Hollywood says that a movie can't succeed unless it stars a famous actor or actress.

con·ven·tion·eer noun, pl -eers [count]

US : a person who goes to a convention (sense 1)

con·verge verb, -verg·es, -verged, -verg·ing [no obj]

1 : to move toward one point and join together : to come together and meet

The two roads converge in the center of town.

opposite DIVERGE

2 : to meet or come together to form a crowd or group

Students converged in the parking lot to say goodbye after graduation.

often + on

Six police cars converged on the accident scene.

Reporters from five different news sources converged on her after the game.

3 : to come together and have one interest, purpose, or goal

Economic forces converged to bring the country out of a recession.

Many companies are combining rapidly converging communication technology into one device that can act as a phone, take photographs, and send e-mail.

con·ver·gence noun [noncount]

The convergence of political corruption and religious oppression led to civil war.

con·ver·gent adj
convergent lines

The meeting focused on the companies' convergent interests.

con·ver·sant adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

1 formal used to say that someone knows about something or has experience with it;

+ with

He is (thoroughly) conversant with the facts of the case.

They're conversant with the issues.

2 US : able to talk in a foreign language

She's conversant in several languages.

con·ver·sa·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : an informal talk involving two people or a small group of people : the act of talking in an informal way

[count] a casual/telephone/private conversation

He mentioned it during (the course of) our conversation.

Do you remember our conversation about that new movie?

The conversation turned to music. = Music became the topic of the conversation.

We got into a long conversation about his behavior.

I had a nice conversation [=(less formally) chat] with your mother.

They were engaged in a lengthy conversation about politics.

It was so noisy that we could hardly carry on a conversation. [=talk]

a perfect spot to hold a quiet conversation [=talk]

She often strikes up conversations with strangers. [=she often talks to strangers]

[noncount] The topic came up in conversation.

They were so deep in conversation that they barely noticed me.

He kept trying to engage me in conversation.

She's skilled in the art of conversation.

an interesting topic of conversation

“Where are you from?” he asked, trying to make conversation. [=start a conversation]

2 [count] : something that is similar to a spoken conversation

We had a conversation by e-mail.

con·ver·sa·tion·al adj [more ; most ]

: relating to or suggesting informal talk : relating to or suggesting conversation
conversational skills

The article is written in a conversational [=informal] style/tone.

The class was in conversational French. [=the informal French that is used when people talk to each other]

con·ver·sa·tion·al·ly adv

con·ver·sa·tion·al·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who likes or is good at conversation
a good/lively/witty conversationalist

She's not much of a conversationalist.

conversation piece noun, pl pieces [count]

: something new or unusual that gives people a subject to talk about

The exotic plant in our living room is a conversation piece that guests always ask about.

1con·verse verb, -vers·es, -versed, -vers·ing [no obj]

formal : to talk usually informally with someone : to have a conversation

They conversed quietly in the corner of the room.

At home we often converse in Spanish.

often + with

He knows enough German to converse with the locals.

2con·verse noun

the converse
formal : something that is the opposite of something else

They need our help, but the converse is also true: we need their help as well.

3con·verse adj
formal : opposite or reverse

One must also consider the converse case/problem.

a converse effect

con·verse·ly adv
formal : in a way that is the opposite of something else

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

con·ver·sion Brit noun, pl -sions

1 a : the act or process of changing from one form, state, etc., to another often + to or into

[count] The company is undergoing a conversion to a new computer system.

[noncount] They have suggested conversion of the old school into apartments.

Conversion to gas heating will continue over the next few years.

1 b : the act or process of changing from one religion, belief, political party, etc., to another often + to

[count] a conversion from Catholicism to Judaism

[noncount] He is thinking about conversion to Buddhism.

2 [count]

2 a : a successful attempt at scoring extra points in rugby or American football
a 2-point conversion

2 b American football : a successful attempt to move the ball forward 10 yards
a third-down conversion

1con·vert verb, -verts, -vert·ed, -vert·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to change (something) into a different form or so that it can be used in a different way
usually + to or into

The cells absorb light and convert it to energy.

How do you convert pounds to grams?

I need to convert my pesos back into dollars. [=I need to exchange my pesos for dollars]

We converted the attic into a bedroom.

1 b [no obj] : to change to a different system, method, etc.

usually + to

The factory converted to newer machinery.

1 c [no obj] : to change from one form or use to another
usually + to or into

The sofa converts easily into a bed.

2 a [no obj] : to change from one religion, belief, political party, etc., to another
often + to

He converted to Islam.

2 b [+ obj] : to persuade (someone) to change from one religion, belief, political party, etc., to another
often + to

The missionaries converted the native people to Christianity.

They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.

see also preach to the converted at PREACH

3 a : to score extra points after a goal or touchdown in rugby or American football

[no obj] They tried for two points but could not convert.

[+ obj] (rugby) They failed to convert the try.

3 b : to use (an opportunity, such as an opportunity to score points) successfully

[+ obj] They had many chances to score but they couldn't convert their opportunities.

[no obj] They had chances to score but couldn't convert.

2con·vert noun, pl -verts [count]

: a person who has changed to a different religion, belief, political party, etc.

a religious convert

I didn't think I'd like paying my bills online, but now I'm a convert.

con·vert·er also con·vert·or noun, pl -ers also -ors [count]

technical : a piece of equipment that changes something (such as radio signals, radio frequencies, or data) from one form to another see also CATALYTIC CONVERTER

1con·vert·ible adj

: able to be changed into another form
a convertible sofa [=a sofa that converts into a bed]

a convertible currency

The bonds are convertible into stock.

con·vert·ibil·i·ty noun [noncount]

2convertible noun, pl -ibles [count]

: a car with a roof that can be lowered or removed compare HARDTOP

con·vex adj [more ; most ]

: having a shape like the outside of a bowl : curving outward
a convex lens/mirror
opposite CONCAVE

con·vex·i·ty noun, pl -ties
technical

1 [noncount] : the quality or state of being curved outward : the quality or state of being convex
the convexity of the lens

2 [count] : a shape that is curved outward : a convex shape
the convexities along the surface

con·vey verb, -veys, -veyed, -vey·ing [+ obj]

1 formal : to take or carry (someone or something) from one place to another : transport

The singer was conveyed from her hotel to the airport by limousine.

They conveyed the goods by ship.

The pipes convey water to the fields.

2 : to make (something) known to someone

Words convey [=communicate] meaning.

Mere words could not convey his joy. [=he could not express his joy in words]

The painting conveys [=expresses] a sense/feeling of motion.

Her appearance conveys self-confidence.

The message conveyed a sense of urgency.

3 law : to change the ownership of (property) from one person to another

He conveyed the estate to his son.

con·vey·ance noun, pl -anc·es
formal

1 [noncount] : the act of taking or carrying someone or something from one place to another
the conveyance of goods/passengers

2 [count] : something that carries people or things from one place to another : vehicle
public conveyances

3 [noncount] : the act of making something known to someone
the conveyance of meaning

4 [count] law : a legal document that changes the ownership of property from one person to another

con·vey·anc·ing noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit law : the act or business of preparing deeds, leases, or other documents to change the ownership of property from one person to another

con·vey·or also con·vey·er noun, pl -ors also -ers [count]

: someone or something that conveys something: such as
a : a long strip of material (such as canvas or rubber, etc., that moves continuously and carries objects (such as packages or luggage) from one place to another called also conveyor belt
b formal : someone who makes something known to someone else
the conveyor of good news

1con·vict verb, -victs, -vict·ed, -vict·ing
law : to prove that someone is guilty of a crime in a court of law

[no obj] There is sufficient evidence to convict.

[+ obj] He was convicted in federal court.

The jury convicted them on three counts of fraud.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime?

a convicted criminal
compare ACQUIT

2con·vict noun, pl -victs [count]

: a person who has been found guilty of a crime and sent to prison : prisoner
an escaped convict

con·vic·tion noun, pl -tions

1 law : the act of proving that a person is guilty of a crime in a court of law

[noncount] She hopes to avoid conviction.

[count] In light of the evidence, a conviction seems certain.

He has three prior/previous drunk-driving convictions.

Convictions for shoplifting have made it difficult for her to get a job.

2 a [count] : a strong belief or opinion
religious convictions
a person of deep convictions

They share my strong/firm conviction that the policy is misguided.

2 b [noncount] : the feeling of being sure that what you believe or say is true

She spoke with conviction.

His words lacked conviction.

con·vince verb, -vinc·es, -vinced, -vinc·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to believe that something is true

He convinced me that the story was true.

They convinced us of their innocence.

I managed to convince myself that I was doing the right thing.

2 : to cause (someone) to agree to do something : persuade

We convinced them to go along with our scheme.

I was unable to convince her to stay.

convinced adj [more ; most ]

1 not used before a noun : completely certain or sure about something

I was never fully convinced of his innocence. [=I always believed that he might be guilty]

You still don't sound convinced.

She's still convinced that we're wrong.

opposite UNCONVINCED

2 always used before a noun : believing strongly in something
a convinced Christian

convincing adj [more ; most ]

1 : causing someone to believe that something is true or certain

Your argument/story isn't very convincing.

They make a convincing case for reform.

There is no convincing evidence to support his theory.

opposite UNCONVINCING

2 of a victory : easily achieved : clearly showing that one person or team is better than the other
a convincing [=decisive] victory/win

con·vinc·ing·ly adv

She argued convincingly [=persuasively] that more money should be given to public schools.

They won convincingly.

con·viv·i·al adj [more ; most ]

formal : of or relating to social events where people can eat, drink, and talk in a friendly way with others
a convivial [=lively] atmosphere
a convivial gathering
a convivial [=cheerful, friendly] host

con·viv·i·al·i·ty noun [noncount]

an atmosphere of conviviality

con·vo·ca·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 [count]

1 a : a large formal meeting of people (such as church officials)

1 b US : a meeting of the members of a college or university to observe a particular ceremony (such as the beginning of the school year or the announcing of awards and honors)

often used before another noun
a convocation center
a convocation address/ceremony

2 [noncount] : the act of calling a group of people to a formal meeting

They called for the immediate convocation of the council.

con·voke verb, -vokes, -voked, -vok·ing [+ obj]

formal : to call a group of people to a formal meeting or convocation

The assembly was convoked for a special session.

They convoked a meeting of the delegates.

con·vo·lut·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : very complicated and difficult to understand
convoluted logic
a convoluted plot

The argument was so convoluted [=intricate, involved] that most people missed the point.

2 formal : having many twists and curves
a convoluted structure

con·vo·lu·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 : something that is very complicated and difficult to understand

[count] I found it hard to follow the convolutions of the book's plot.

[noncount] a plot full of convolution and confusion

2 [count] : a twist or curve
usually plural
the convolutions of the road

1con·voy noun, pl -voys

: a group of vehicles or ships that are traveling together usually for protection

[count] a military convoy
a long convoy of trucks
The President always travels in a convoy.

The United Nations is sending an aid/relief convoy. [=a group of vehicles carrying food and supplies]

[noncount] The ships were sailing in convoy. [=together in a line]

2convoy verb [+ obj]

formal : to travel with and protect (someone or something)

The tankers were convoyed by warships.

Police and FBI agents convoyed the President to the White House.

con·vulse verb, -vuls·es, -vulsed, -vuls·ing

1 a [no obj] medical : to have an experience in which the muscles in your body shake in a sudden violent way that you are not able to control : to experience convulsions

The patient reacted to the medication and began convulsing.

1 b used when something (such as laughter) causes a person's whole body to shake

[no obj] The audience convulsed [=shook] with/in laughter.

[+ obj]

usually used as (be) convulsed

The audience was convulsed with/by laughter.

2 [+ obj] formal : to affect (someone or something) suddenly and violently

The country was convulsed by war.

Riots convulsed the nation.

con·vul·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

1 a medical : a sudden violent shaking of the muscles in your body that you are unable to control
usually plural

The patient suffers from convulsions.

He suddenly went into convulsions.

1 b : a sudden experience of something (such as laughter) that shakes or moves your body
usually plural

The joke sent the audience into convulsions of laughter.

2 : a sudden change or disturbance that affects a country, organization, etc.

usually plural
an era of political convulsions [=upheavals]

The controversial exhibit caused convulsions in the artistic community.

con·vul·sive adj

1 : involving or causing a sudden violent shaking of the muscles in your body that you are unable to control
a convulsive seizure/attack
a convulsive disorder

2 : causing the entire body to shake
convulsive laughter

con·vul·sive·ly adv

His body shook convulsively.

They laughed convulsively.

coo verb, coos, cooed, coo·ing

1 [no obj] : to make the soft sound of a dove or pigeon; also : to make a similar sound

The baby cooed quietly in her crib.

The baby was making a cooing sound.

2 : to talk in a soft, quiet, and loving way

[no obj] They all cooed over the baby pictures.

[+ obj] “Oh, how sweet,” she cooed.

coo noun, pl coos [count]

We listened to the coos of the pigeons.

1cook noun, pl cooks [count]

: someone who prepares and cooks food for eating at home, in a restaurant, etc.

He's a good cook. [=he cooks well]

2cook verb, cooks, cooked, cook·ing

1 : to prepare (food) for eating especially by using heat

[+ obj] Cook the onions over low/medium/high heat.

She cooked a great meal.

I'll cook dinner tonight.

The fish was cooked in a white wine sauce.

Carrots can be cooked, but they are often eaten raw.

a cooked chicken

Are the potatoes cooked through? [=done] = Are the potatoes fully/thoroughly cooked?

[no obj] We're too busy to cook at home.

He enjoys cooking on the weekends.

2 [no obj] : to go through the process of being cooked

The rice is still cooking, but it will be ready in 10 minutes.

3 [no obj] informal : to happen or take place

What's cooking?

There's something cooking, but he won't say what.

be cooking
informal : to be performing or doing something well

The economy is really cooking.

That's it! Now you're cooking!

cook someone's goose
informal : to make it certain that someone will fail, lose, etc.

They were already trailing, and that last goal really cooked their goose.

Their goose was cooked after that last goal.

cook the books
informal : to dishonestly change official records of how much money was spent and received

They cooked the books to drive up the company's stock prices.

cook up [phrasal verb]

cook up (something) or cook (something) up

1 : to prepare (food) for eating especially quickly

I can cook up some hamburgers.

2 : to invent (something, such as an idea, excuse, etc.) to deal with a particular situation

They cooked up [=devised, hatched] a scheme to fool their neighbor.

You'll have to cook an excuse up quickly.

cook·book noun, pl -books [count]

chiefly US : a book of recipes : a book of directions explaining how to prepare and cook various kinds of food called also (Brit) cookery book

cook·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 US : a piece of equipment that is used to cook food
a slow cooker [=an electric pot that slowly cooks food]

a rice cooker [=an electric pot that is used for cooking rice]

a pasta cooker [=a pot that is used for cooking pasta on a stove]

see also PRESSURE COOKER

2 Brit : a large piece of kitchen equipment that consists of an oven and a stove
a gas cooker [=(US) range]

cook·ery noun [noncount]

: the art or activity of cooking food

Mexican cookery [=cooking, cuisine]

the basics of fish cookery

cookery book noun, pl books [count]

Brit : cookbook

cook·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

1 chiefly US : a sweet baked food that is usually small, flat, and round and is made from flour and sugar

This recipe makes about two dozen cookies.

She put a batch of cookies into the oven.

chocolate chip cookies
often used before another noun
a cookie jar
cookie dough

see also FORTUNE COOKIE

2 informal : person

Don't worry about hershe's a tough cookie.

You are one smart cookie.

3 computers : a file that may be added to your computer when you visit a Web site and that contains information about you (such as an identification code or a record of the Web pages you have visited)

that's the way the cookie crumbles
informal
used when something bad has happened to say that you must accept things the way they are

I'm disappointed that I didn't get the job but that's the way the cookie crumbles. [=that's how it goes]

cookie cutter noun, pl -ters [count]

chiefly US : a metal or plastic object that is pressed into the dough that is used to make cookies to give them a certain shape

cookie-cutter adj

US disapproving : very similar to other things of the same kind : not original or different
a neighborhood of cookie-cutter houses

Opponents accused the candidate of taking a cookie-cutter approach to the problem. [=of not coming up with new ideas to deal with the problem]

cookie sheet noun, pl sheets [count]

chiefly US : baking sheet

1cooking noun [noncount]

1 : the act of preparing and cooking food

I do most of the cooking in our house.

2 : food that is cooked

Don't you like my cooking?

a spice used in Indian cooking [=cuisine]

delicious home cooking [=food cooked at home]

2cooking adj, always used before a noun

: suitable for or used in cooking : involving or having to do with cooking

Cooking time is about 20 minutes.

cooking techniques/methods
cooking oil

I've been taking cooking classes.

cook-off noun, pl -offs [count]

US : a competition in cooking

cook·out noun, pl -outs [count]

US : a meal or party at which food is cooked and served outdoors
a backyard cookout

cook·stove noun, pl -stoves [count]

US : a usually old-fashioned stove that burns wood and can be used for cooking; also : a small stove that is used to cook food outdoors

cook·top noun, pl -tops [count]

US : a flat piece of equipment for cooking that is built into a kitchen countertop and that usually has four devices (called burners) that become hot when turned on compare STOVETOP

cook·ware noun [noncount]

: the pots, pans, etc., that are used in cooking
a set of cookware
stainless steel cookware

1cool adj, cool·er, cool·est

1 [or more ; most ] : somewhat cold : not warm or hot
a cool breeze

The weather is cool today.

The surface is cool to the touch.

The plant grows best in cool climates.

I'm feeling a little cool.

a cool refreshing drink

It's cooler [=less warm or hot] in the shade.

This is the coolest [=least warm or hot] summer on record.

2 : made of a light, thin material that helps you stay cool

We changed into some cooler clothes.

3 [or more ; most ] : able to think and act in a calm way : not affected by strong feelings

It is important to keep a cool head in a crisis. = It is important to keep/stay cool in a crisis. [=it is important to remain calm in a crisis]

She remained calm, cool, and collected.

He is a cool customer. [=he is someone who remains calm and is not easily upset]

If you are (as) cool as a cucumber, you are very calm and able to think clearly often in a difficult situation.

Even in the emergency, she remained as cool as a cucumber.

The reporter was cool as a cucumber despite the confusion all around her.

4 [or more ; most ] : not friendly
a cool reply

He replied with a cool “I don't think so.”

She was always cool toward strangers.

We were surprised by the cool reception we got.

5 [or more ; most ] informal

5 a : very fashionable, stylish, or appealing in a way that is generally approved of especially by young people
cool sunglasses

The car has a cool new look.

You look cool in those jeans.

a magazine article about the coolest places to live/work
often used to show approval in a general way

Your brother is so cool.

That was a really cool [=good, excellent] movie.

“I got a job as a lifeguard this summer.” “Cool.”

5 b
used to suggest acceptance, agreement, or understanding

“I'm sorry I'm late.” “It's/That's cool [=okay, all right]don't worry about it.”

“Is getting together Friday cool with you?” “Yeah, I'm cool with that.”

I thought she'd be mad, but she was cool about it.

6 of a color : suggesting cool things

Blue and green are cool colors, but red and orange are warm colors.

7 informal
used for emphasis in referring to a large amount of money

He's worth a cool million.

cool·ish adj
a coolish day
coolish colors

He was a little coolish towards us.

cool·ly adv

“Is that so?,” she asked coolly.

My idea was received coolly.

cool·ness noun [noncount]

the coolness of the mountain air

I was surprised by his coolness towards us.

He always displays coolness under pressure.

2cool verb, cools, cooled, cool·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) cool

The fan cools the engine.

the cooling effect of the breeze
the car's cooling system
often + off or down

A swim cooled us off/down a little.

The rain should help to cool things off/down.

1 b [no obj] : to become cool : to lose heat or warmth

Allow the cake to cool before slicing.

the cooling of the ocean waters
often + off or down

We went for a swim to cool off/down.

The weather has cooled off/down a little.

2 a [no obj] : to become less strong or intense especially in emotion

I took a break from the discussion to allow my anger to cool.

His interest in her has cooled somewhat.

often + off or down

You need to cool off/down before I talk to you.

Their relationship has cooled off/down a bit.

2 b [+ obj] : to make (an emotion) less strong or intense

He couldn't cool [=calm] his anger.

often + off or down

You need to cool off/down your anger.

cool it
informal : to stop being excited, angry, noisy, etc.

They were being too noisy, so he told them to cool it.

cool your heels
informal : to wait for someone or something : to take a break from doing something or going someplace

Passengers had no choice but to cool their heels when their flight was delayed yet again.

3cool noun

keep your cool also chiefly US maintain your cool
informal : to remain calm

He kept/maintained his cool [=he didn't get angry or upset] even though it was clear that he was being unfairly treated.

lose your cool also US blow your cool
informal : to suddenly become very angry

She rarely loses her cool. [=she controls her feelings well]

He lost his cool and yelled at me.

After listening patiently, he finally blew his cool.

the cool

: a cool time or place
usually + of

It was good to be outdoors in the cool of the evening/night.

We relaxed in the cool of an air-conditioned room.

4cool adv
informal : in a calm manner : in a way that does not seem unusual or excited

Here comes Mom. Act cool and she won't suspect a thing.

She didn't want to seem too eager, so she tried to play it cool. [=to pretend to be calm even though she wasn't feeling calm]

cool·ant noun, pl -ants [count, noncount]

: a liquid that is used to cool an engine or machine

cool·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a container for keeping food or drinks cool

The sodas are in the cooler.

called also (Brit) cool bag (Brit) cool box

2 US : a cold drink that usually contains alcohol
a wine cooler

3 the cooler informal + somewhat old-fashioned : a prison or jail

They threw him in the cooler. [=(more commonly) the slammer]

cool·head·ed adj [more ; most ]

: not easily excited : able to think and act in a calm way
a coolheaded leader

coo·lie noun, pl -lies [count]

offensive + old-fashioned : an unskilled Asian worker who is paid low wages

cooling-off period noun, pl -ods [count]

: a period of time that must pass before you can do something or before an agreement becomes final

The law requires a cooling-off period between the time a gun is purchased and when it may be possessed.

The workers have agreed to a 30-day cooling-off period before they strike.

Once you join the pension plan, you have a 14-day cooling-off period within which to change your mind.

coon noun, pl coons [count]

US informal : raccoon

in a coon's age see 1AGE

coon·skin noun, pl -skins [count, noncount]

: the skin and fur of a raccoon
often used before another noun
a coonskin cap/coat

1coop noun, pl coops [count]

: a cage or small building in which chickens or other small animals are kept
a chicken coop

fly the coop see 1FLY

2coop verb, coops, cooped, coop·ing

coop up [phrasal verb]

coop up (someone or something) or coop (someone or something) up : to keep (a person or animal) inside a building or in a small space especially for a long period of time
usually used as (be) cooped up

The children were cranky after being cooped up in the house all day.

The dog is cooped up in a cage.

co-op noun, pl -ops [count]

: a business or organization that is owned and operated by the people who work there or the people who use its services : cooperative
a farmers' co-op

coo·per noun, pl -pers [count]

: a person who makes or repairs wooden casks or barrels

co·op·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [no obj]

1 : to work together : to work with another person or group to do something

It will be much easier if everyone cooperates.

Several organizations cooperated in the relief efforts.

The country agreed to cooperate with the other nations on the trade agreement.

2 a : to be helpful by doing what someone asks or tells you to do

The mother asked the child to put on his pajamas, but the child refused to cooperate.

Witnesses were willing/unwilling to cooperate.

often + with

They said they would cooperate fully with the investigation.

He agreed/refused to cooperate with the police.

2 b : to act in a way that makes something possible or likely : to produce the right conditions for something to happen

We can barbecue on Sunday if the weather cooperates. [=if the weather is good enough]

co·op·er·a·tion noun [noncount]

1 : a situation in which people work together to do something

The report cited a lack of cooperation between state and local officials.

The fair was organized in cooperation with local businesses. = The fair was organized with the cooperation of local businesses.

2 : the actions of someone who is being helpful by doing what is wanted or asked for

Thank you for your cooperation.

We are asking for your full cooperation.

1co·op·er·a·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : willing to be helpful by doing what someone wants or asks for
cooperative children

The witness was very cooperative.

opposite UNCOOPERATIVE

2 : involving two or more people or groups working together to do something
a cooperative [=joint, combined] effort/venture

3 : relating to a business or organization that is owned and operated by the people who work there or the people who use its services
a cooperative store

co·op·er·a·tive·ly adv

The group acted cooperatively.

a cooperatively owned store

co·op·er·a·tive·ness noun [noncount]

He demonstrated his cooperativeness on many occasions.

2cooperative noun, pl -tives [count]

: a business or organization that is owned and operated by the people who work there or the people who use its services
the local farmers' cooperative

co-opt verb, -opts, -opt·ed, -opt·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to cause or force (someone or something) to become part of your group, movement, etc.

The national organization has co-opted many formerly independent local groups.

2 : to use or take control of (something) for your own purposes

Advertisers co-opted the team's slogan.

The candidate has been accused of co-opting his opponent's message to serve his own election campaign.

1co·or·di·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

1 a : to make arrangements so that two or more people or groups of people can work together properly and well

[+ obj] She'll be coordinating the relief effort.

[no obj] You'll have to coordinate with the sales department.

1 b [no obj] : to act or work together properly and well

National and international relief efforts must coordinate if the operation is to be successful.

2 [+ obj] : to cause (two or more things) to be the same or to go together well : to cause (two or more things) to not conflict with or contradict each other

We need to coordinate our schedules.

Dancers need to coordinate their moves.

3 [+ obj] : to move (different parts of your body) together well or easily

Since his illness, he has had trouble coordinating his arms and legs.

4 : to look good with another color, pattern, style, etc.

[no obj] This color coordinates with your outfit.

The shirt and pants are available in three coordinating styles/colors.

coordinating patterns

[+ obj] We coordinated the curtains and the fabric of the furniture.

coordinated adj [more ; most ]

a coordinated effort/attack

I would take dance lessons, but I am not very coordinated.

A more coordinated approach will improve productivity.

often used in combination
a color-coordinated wardrobe
a well-coordinated athlete

2co·or·di·nate noun, pl -nates

1 [count] technical : one of a set of numbers that is used to locate a point on a map, graph, etc.

latitude and longitude coordinates

We calculated its exact coordinates.

2 coordinates [plural] : articles of clothing that are made to be worn together
coordinates in basic colors

coordinate clause noun, pl clauses [count]

grammar : one of two or more clauses in a sentence that are of equal importance and usually joined by and, or, or but compare MAIN CLAUSE, SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

coordinating conjunction noun, pl -tions [count]

grammar : a conjunction (such as and, or, or but) that joins together words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance

co·or·di·na·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the process of organizing people or groups so that they work together properly and well

The new agency will oversee the coordination of the various departments.

The manager is in charge of project coordination.

There needs to be better coordination between departments.

The FBI worked in coordination with local police. [=the FBI worked with local police]

2 : the process of causing things to be the same or to go together well
the coordination of our schedules
better coordination of the dancers' moves

3 : the ability to move different parts of your body together well or easily

Playing sports improves strength and coordination.

The illness causes a loss of coordination.

poor coordination

co·or·di·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who organizes people or groups so that they work together properly and well

She is the program/project coordinator.

coot noun, pl coots [count]

1 : a type of black and gray bird that lives on or near the water

2 US, informal : a strange and usually old man

Don't mind himhe's just a crazy old coot.

coo·tie noun, pl -ties [count]

US informal : a type of small insect that lives in people's hair

Cootie is used especially by children.

Don't touch him or you'll get cooties!

co-owner noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who owns something together with another person

1cop noun, pl cops [count]

informal : police officer

He threatened to call the cops on us.

see also COPS AND ROBBERS, TRAFFIC COP

it's a fair cop

Brit informal
used to admit that you did something wrong and were caught fairly

I'm annoyed about the speeding ticket, but it's a fair cop.

not much cop

Brit informal : not very good

She's not much cop as an actress.

I'm not much cop at sports.

2cop verb, cops, copped, cop·ping [+ obj]

1 US, informal : to get (something desirable)

I managed to cop an invitation.

She copped [=took] first prize in the competition.

2 US, informal : to steal or take (something) from someone

Somebody copped my watch.

He copped the idea from me.

3 chiefly Brit, informal : to receive (something undesirable)

They expected me to cop all the blame!

He copped the full force of the blow.

cop a feel

US slang : to touch someone in an unwanted and unexpected sexual way

Some guy on the bus tried to cop a feel! [=some guy on the bus tried to grope me]

cop an attitude

US informal : to show that you believe you are more important or better than other people by behaving in a rude or unpleasant way

The students tried to cop an attitude with the new teacher.

cop a plea

US informal : to admit to doing a less serious crime than the one you are accused of : to agree to a plea bargain

Her lawyers convinced her to cop a plea.

cop hold of

Brit informal : to grab or take hold of (something)

Cop hold of this part while I tighten the screw.

cop it

Brit informal : to be punished for doing something wrong

When dad gets home, you're going to cop it! [=(US) get it]

cop off [phrasal verb]

Brit slang : to have sexual intercourse with someone

He copped off with one of the girls at the party.

cop out [phrasal verb]

informal

1 : to not do something that you are expected to do

She said she would come, but then she copped out at the last minute.

You'd better not cop out on me!

2 : to fail to deal with a problem or situation

He accused the mayor of copping out on the issue of homelessness.

see also COP-OUT

cop to [phrasal verb]

cop to (something) US slang : to admit to doing (something)

He agreed to cop to a misdemeanor.

co-pay noun, pl -pays [count]

: co-payment

co-pay·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: an amount of money that a person with health insurance is required to pay at the time of each visit to a doctor or when purchasing medicine

1cope verb, copes, coped, cop·ing [no obj]

: to deal with problems and difficult situations and try to come up with solutions

The trial has been difficult, but I'm learning to cope.

often + with

You'll just have to cope with the situation.

The book is about coping with stress.

He says he can no longer cope with the demands of the job.

coping adj, always used before a noun
coping skills/strategies [=skills/strategies that help a person cope]

2cope noun, pl copes [count]

: a long, loose piece of clothing that is worn by a priest on special occasions

copi·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a machine that makes paper copies of printed pages, pictures, etc. called also copy machine, photocopier, photocopy machine

co·pi·lot noun, pl -lots [count]

: a pilot who helps the main pilot operate an airplane, helicopter, etc.

cop·ing noun, pl -ings [count, noncount]

architecture : the top layer of a brick or stone wall that is usually higher on one end than the other to allow rain to be carried off easily

co·pi·ous adj, always used before a noun

: very large in amount or number

The storm produced a copious amount of rain.

She sat in the front row and took copious notes during the lecture.

co·pi·ous·ly adv
a copiously illustrated book

He wrote/drank copiously.

cop-out noun, pl -outs [count]

informal + disapproving

1 : an excuse for not doing something

He played poorly and used his recent illness as a cop-out.

She says she doesn't have the time, but that's just a cop-out. [=she really does have the time]

2 : something that avoids dealing with a problem in an appropriate way

The ending of the book is a disappointing cop-out.

see also cop out at 2COP

1cop·per noun, pl -pers

1 [noncount] : a reddish-brown metal that allows heat and electricity to pass through it easily

The wires are (made of) copper.

often used before another noun
copper wire/pipes
a copper mine

2 [noncount] : a reddish-brown color
usually used before another noun
copper hair
copper skin

3 [count] chiefly Brit, informal : a copper or bronze coin that has little value

She gave the child a few coppers.

compare 2COPPER

cop·pery adj [more ; most ]

coppery hair
a coppery red

2copper noun, pl -pers [count]

chiefly Brit informal : police officer
compare 1COPPER

copper-bottomed adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a copper coating on the bottom
a copper-bottomed pan

2 Brit, informal : deserving to be trusted
a copper-bottomed guarantee

: certain to succeed

The film is a copper-bottomed [=surefire] hit.

cop·per·head noun, pl -heads [count]

: a poisonous reddish-brown snake of the eastern and central U.S.

cop·pice noun, pl -pic·es [count]

: a group of small trees growing very close together

cops and robbers noun [noncount]

: a children's game in which the players imitate the way police chase and shoot at criminals in movies, on television, etc.

copse noun, pl copses [count]

: coppice

cop shop noun, pl shops [count]

Brit slang : police station

cop·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

chiefly US informal : helicopter

cop·u·la noun, pl -las [count]

grammar : linking verb

cop·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [no obj]

formal : to have sexual intercourse

Some animals have complex mating rituals before they copulate.

cop·u·la·tion noun [noncount]

1copy noun, pl cop·ies

1 [count] : something that is or looks exactly or almost exactly like something else : a version of something that is identical or almost identical to the original

The paintings at the museum are originals, not copies. [=reproductions]

often + of

Can you make me a copy of the letter/receipt?

Be sure to make backup copies of any important files.

I need 10 copies [=photocopies] of this page.

It is a cheap copy [=imitation, knockoff] of a designer dress.

It's an exact copy [=replica, reproduction] of a medieval sword.

see also CARBON COPY, HARD COPY

2 [count] : one of the many books, magazines, albums, DVDs, etc., that are exactly the same and are produced to be sold or given to the public

The novel/album has sold more than a million copies.

often + of

Here's a free copy of our catalog/brochure.

3 [noncount] : written information that is to be published in a newspaper, magazine, etc.

She got a job writing advertising copy.

All copy must be submitted by 5 p.m.

Political scandals make good copy. [=interesting news stories]

2copy verb, copies, cop·ied, copy·ing

1 : to make a version of (something) that is exactly or almost exactly like the original : to make a copy or duplicate of (something)

[+ obj] She copied the design on a piece of paper.

Copy the file to your hard drive.

Would you copy [=photocopy] these pages for me?

The program allows you to copy and paste text. [=to copy text and insert it somewhere else in the document]

[no obj] The page did not copy [=photocopy] well.

The bills are designed to prevent copying by counterfeiters.

2 a : to write (something) down exactly as it appears somewhere else

[+ obj] We caught him copying the answers out of the book.

[no obj] We caught him copying out of the book.

2 b [+ obj] : to use (someone else's words or ideas) as your own

The speech was copied word for word.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to do the same thing as (someone)

She's always copying [=imitating] her older sister.

3 b : to make or do something the same way as (something else)

His music was copied widely.

Their competitors soon copied the idea.

copy down/out [phrasal verb]

copy (something) down/out or copy down/out (something) : to write down (words that you are hearing or reading)

Are you copying all of this down?

I copied out the equations on a piece of paper.

copy·cat noun, pl -cats [count]

1 informal : a person who does the same thing as someone else : a person who adopts the behavior, style, etc., of someone else

She called me a copycat for wearing the same dress.

2 : something that is very similar to another thing

The product has inspired a lot of copycats. [=imitations]

often used before another noun
a copycat crime
copycat drugs

copy editor noun, pl -tors [count]

US : a person whose job is to prepare a book, newspaper, etc., for printing by making sure the words are correct called also (Brit) subeditor

copy·ed·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

He copyedits the dictionary.

copy·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

1 : someone who made copies of documents or maps by hand before printing became common

2 : someone who copies the style or design of something (such as a work of art or piece of clothing)

copy machine or copying machine noun, pl -chines [count]

: copier

1copy·right noun, pl -rights

: the legal right to be the only one to reproduce, publish, and sell a book, musical recording, etc., for a certain period of time

[count] His family still holds the copyright to his songs.

laws that protect copyrights

[noncount] The book is under copyright.

2copyright verb, -rights, -right·ed, -right·ing [+ obj]

: to get a copyright for a book, musical recording, etc., for a certain period of time

He has copyrighted all of his plays.

These are copyrighted materials.

3copyright adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to a copyright
copyright law/infringement
copyright protection

The copyright date is 2005.

2 : not allowed to be copied without permission from the author, composer, etc.

copyright material

copy·writ·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone whose job is to write the words for advertisements

coq au vin noun [noncount]

: chicken that is cooked in red wine

co·que·try Brit noun [noncount]

literary : the behavior of a coquette

Her behavior was mistaken for coquetry. [=(more commonly) flirtation]

co·quette noun, pl -quettes [count]

literary + formal : a woman who likes to win the attention or admiration of men but does not have serious feelings for them : flirt

She was a bit of a coquette.

co·quett·ish adj [more ; most ]

a coquettish grin/smile
a coquettish young woman

co·quett·ish·ly adv

She smiled coquettishly at him.

co·quett·ish·ness noun [noncount]

cor·a·cle noun, pl -acles [count]

: a very small type of boat that has been used in parts of Great Britain since ancient times

cor·al noun [noncount]

1 : a hard material formed on the bottom of the sea by the skeletons of small creatures
brightly colored fishes swimming among the coral

2 : an orange pink color

coral adj
coral deposits

coral reef noun, pl reefs [count]

: a long line of coral that lies in warm, shallow water

cor an·glais noun, pl cors an·glais [count]

Brit : english horn

1cord noun, pl cords

1 : a long, thin material that is usually thicker than a string but thinner than a rope

[count] She wore the key on a cord around her neck.

They used cords to tie the tent to the trees.

[noncount] a piece of cord
see also BUNGEE CORD, RIP CORD

2 [count] : an electrical wire that is wrapped in a protective covering and used to connect a device to a power source
a telephone cord
a lamp cord
a power cord
called also (Brit) flex see also EXTENSION CORD

3 [count] : a part of the body that is like a string or rope
a nerve cord
see also SPINAL CORD, UMBILICAL CORD, VOCAL CORDS

4 [count] US : an amount of wood that has been cut for burning in a fireplace, stove, etc. : a pile that contains 128 cubic feet of firewood
a cord of wood
compare CORDWOOD

5 cords [plural] : pants made of corduroy
a pair of black cords [=corduroys]

2cord adj

: made of corduroy
a cord jacket

cord·age noun [noncount]

: ropes or cords
a company that produced cordage for ships

1cor·dial Brit adj [more ; most ]

: politely pleasant and friendly

We received a cordial greeting from our hostess at the party.

The two nations have maintained cordial relations.

cor·di·al·i·ty Brit noun [noncount]

They greeted the ambassador with cordiality.

cor·dial·ly adv

You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of our daughter on May 14.

2cordial noun, pl -dials [count, noncount]

1 US : a sweet alcoholic drink : liqueur

2 Brit : a drink of heavy fruit juice that is mixed with water

cord·less adj

: powered by a battery rather than by electricity through a cord
a cordless phone/drill

1cor·don noun, pl -dons [count]

: a line of people or objects that are placed around or in front of a person or place to keep people away

A cordon of police kept protesters away from the building.

2cordon verb, -dons, -doned, -don·ing

cordon off [phrasal verb]

cordon off (something) or cordon (something) off : to prevent people from getting into (an area) by putting a line of people or objects around or in front of it

Police cordoned off the street.

cor·don bleu adj

: having, showing, or requiring great skill at cooking
a cordon bleu chef
a cordon bleu meal

cor·du·roy noun

1 [noncount] : a strong cotton cloth with straight raised lines on it
a jacket made of corduroy
often used before another noun
a corduroy skirt

2 corduroys [plural] : pants made of corduroy
a pair of corduroys [=cords]

cord·wood noun [noncount]

US : wood used for fires that is piled or sold in cords (sense 4)

1core noun, pl cores [count]

1 : the central part of a fruit (such as an apple) that contains the seeds
an apple core

2 : the central part of something
the core of a golf ball

The pads have a foam core.

the engine core
the core of the galaxy

The Earth's core is very different from its crust.

the urban core [=the central part of a city]

3 : the most important or basic part of something

Lack of money is the core of the problem.

The core of the government's plan is to provide loans for small businesses.

voters who form the core of the party

The economy is at the very core of this year's election.

see also HARD CORE

4 technical : a part that has been removed from a material for scientific study
took a core sample of rock
an ice core from the glacier

5 technical : the place in a nuclear reactor where the reaction takes place
the reactor core

to the core

: in a very complete or extreme way
used for emphasis

He is patriotic to the core. [=he is extremely patriotic]

Her family is English to the core.

He's rotten to the core. [=he's a very bad/dishonest person]

They were shaken to the core. [=extremely shaken/upset]

2core adj, always used before a noun

1 : most important or most basic

The company's core business is lending money.

Stealing would go against his core beliefs. [=his basic principles]

the core responsibilities of the police force
the core vocabulary of a language

2 : of or relating to the classes that all the students in a school are required to take or the skills that all students are required to learn
the core curriculum
core courses/subjects

3core verb, cores, cored, cor·ing [+ obj]

: to remove a core from (a fruit)

core an apple

cor·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an apple corer [=a device that is used to remove the core from an apple]

co·ri·an·der noun [noncount]

1 : a plant whose leaves and seeds are used in cooking

2 chiefly Brit : cilantro

3 : the dried seed of the coriander plant used as a flavoring called also coriander seed

1cork noun, pl corks

1 [noncount] : a material that is made from the soft bark of a kind of oak tree
a piece of cork
a cork bulletin board
shoes with cork heels

2 [count] : a piece of cork or another material (such as plastic) that is put in the end of bottle to close it
the cork of a wine bottle

She popped the cork on the champagne. [=she opened the bottle of champagne by removing the cork]

After their championship victory, the team was ready to pop the cork. [=to begin celebrating by opening and drinking bottles of champagne]

put a cork in it
chiefly US informal
used as a rude way to tell someone to stop talking and especially to stop complaining

Why don't you put a cork in it! [=shut up] I am sick of your whining!

2cork verb, corks, corked, cork·ing [+ obj]

1 : to close (something, such as a bottle) with a cork

Please cork the wine.

a corked bottle of wine
opposite UNCORK, see also CORKED

2 : to put cork inside (something, such as a baseball bat)

a player who has been accused of illegally corking his bats
a corked bat

corked adj
of wine : having an unpleasant taste because of a damaged or decayed cork
corked wine

cork·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal + old-fashioned : a very good or amusing person or thing

Last week's episode was good, but this one is a real corker!

cork·ing adj
informal + old-fashioned : very good
an absolutely corking idea

corking adv
a corking good story

cork·screw noun, pl -screws [count]

: a tool that is used to pull corks from bottles

cor·mo·rant noun, pl -rants [count]

: a type of dark-colored bird that has a long neck and that eats fish that it catches in the ocean

1corn noun [noncount]

1 US

1 a : a tall plant that produces yellow seeds (called kernels) that are eaten as a vegetable, used to produce many food products, and used as food for animals
driving past fields of corn
called also (US) Indian corn, maize

1 b : the seeds of the corn plant eaten as a vegetable
a dish of buttered corn
a can of corn

We ate corn on the cob. [=kernels still attached to the cob/corncob]

called also (Brit) sweetcorn

2 Brit, somewhat old-fashioned : a plant (such as wheat or barley) that produces seeds which are used for food; also : the seeds of such a plant : grain

3 US, informal : something (such as writing, music, or acting) that is old-fashioned and silly or sentimental : something that is corny

The movie's humor is pure corn. [=is very corny]

compare 2CORN

2corn noun, pl corns [count]

: a painful hard spot on the skin of the foot
compare 1CORN

corn·ball adj [more ; most ]

US informal : old-fashioned and silly or sentimental : corny
a cornball musical about farmers
a cornball sense of humor

corn bread noun, pl breads [count, noncount]

: a kind of bread or cake that is made with cornmeal

corn chip noun, pl chips [count]

: a small, flat piece of fried cornmeal that is eaten cold as a snack

corn·cob noun, pl -cobs [count]

: the long, hard, center part of corn (sense 1) : the part of corn that the kernels grow on

corn dog noun, pl dogs [count]

US : a hot dog covered with a mixture of cornmeal that is fried and served on a stick

cor·nea noun, pl -neas [count]

technical : the clear outer covering of the eyeball

cor·ne·al adj

corned beef noun [noncount]

: beef that has been preserved in salt water
a slice of corned beef
a corned beef sandwich

1cor·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

1 : the point or area where two lines, edges, or sides of something meet
the corner of a box/table/tablecloth

A post marks the corner of the property.

Write your name in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

He caught the ball in the corner of the end zone.

the northeast corner of the state

We sat at a table in a corner of the room.

2 a : the place where two streets or roads meet
a street corner

The hotel is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street.

A group of teenagers were hanging around on the corner.

He went to the grocery store around/round the corner from the bank.

2 b : a curve in a road

She knew there was a gas station just around the corner. [=after the curve]

The car took the corner [=drove around the curve in the road] too fast and went off the road.

see also (JUST) AROUND THE CORNER ((BELOW)), TURN THE CORNER ((BELOW))

3 : the side of your mouth or eye

He said something out of the corner of his mouth to the person standing next to him.

There was a tear in the corner of her eye.

I saw something out of the corner of my eye. [=I saw something to the side of where I was looking]

4 : one of four parts of a boxing ring where the sides meet

The boxers returned to their corners when the round ended.

often used figuratively to describe people, groups, etc., that are opposing or fighting each other

In one corner you have the music industry, and in the other, those who want music but don't want to pay for it.

Someone who gives you help and support is in your corner.

I am going to need you in my corner when I go to court.

5 a : a place that is private or secret or that few people know about or visit

They live in a quiet corner of the town.

often used figuratively
a memory that lies in some dark corner of his mind

5 b : a place that is far away

His influence extends to every corner of the state.

She is famous in every corner of the world. [=throughout the world]

People came from the four corners of the earth [=from everywhere; from all over] to see the sight.

6 : a position that you cannot easily get out of : a difficult situation

The city is in a tight corner financially. [=is in a bad financial position]

The candidate backed/painted himself into a corner [=put himself in a bad position] by proposing a tax increase.

7 soccer : corner kick

cut corners
often disapproving : to save time or money by doing less than you usually do or than you should do

We don't have enough money to pay for everything, so we'll have to cut corners somewhere.

You should never cut corners on safety.

have/get a corner on

: to have or get enough of (something) to be able to control its price

He has a corner on the silver market.

often used figuratively

He acts like he has a corner on new ideas. [=like he is the only person who has new ideas]

(just) around the corner

: coming or happening very soon

The politicians say that a stronger economy is just around the corner. [=that the economy will become stronger very soon]

Summer vacation is around the corner.

turn the corner

: to get past the most difficult area or period in something and begin to improve

The company claims it has turned the corner and will be profitable soon.

2corner adj, always used before a noun

: located at a corner
a corner office

We ate in a corner booth at the restaurant.

a corner shop/store

3corner verb, -ners, -nered, -ner·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to force (a person or animal) into a place or position from which escape is very difficult or impossible

Police cornered the suspect in a backyard.

A cornered animal can be dangerous.

1 b : to force (someone who wants to avoid you or get away from you) to stop and talk with you

He cornered the actress and demanded her autograph.

The interviewer cornered the politician with some probing questions.

2 [+ obj] : to get control of a particular type of product that is being bought and sold
used in the phrase corner the market

They have cornered the market in wheat. = They have cornered the wheat market.

sometimes used figuratively

He acts as if he's cornered the market on new ideas.

3 [no obj] of a vehicle : to turn a corner

This car corners well.

corner kick noun, pl kicks [count]

soccer : a free kick from the corner of the field near the opponent's goal

cor·ner·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

1 : a stone that forms part of a corner in the outside wall of a building and that often shows the date when the building was built

Officials held a ceremony to lay the cornerstone for a new library.

2 : something of basic importance

Trust is the cornerstone of their relationship.

cor·net Brit noun, pl -nets [count]

1 : a brass musical instrument that is similar to a trumpet but smaller

2 Brit, old-fashioned : an ice-cream cone

corn-fed adj

: fed with grain
corn-fed pigs
sometimes used figuratively in U.S. English
a big, corn-fed farm boy
corn-fed [=corny] humor

corn·field noun, pl -fields [count]

: a field in which corn is grown

corn·flakes noun [plural]

: toasted flakes made from kernels of corn (sense 1) and used as a breakfast cereal

corn flour noun [noncount]

Brit : cornstarch

corn·flow·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a wild plant that usually has blue flowers

cor·nice noun, pl -nic·es [count]

1 : the decorative top edge of a building or column

2 : a decorative strip of wood or some other material used at the top of the walls in a room

Cor·nish adj

: of or relating to Cornwall or the people of Cornwall
the Cornish coast

Cornish miners

Cornish culture

Cornish pasty noun, pl -ties [count]

: a small pie that is filled with meat and vegetables

corn·meal noun [noncount]

: a coarse flour made from crushed corn (sense 1)

corn oil noun [noncount]

: a type of oil made from corn (sense 1) and used in foods and soap

corn·pone adj

US informal : of, relating to, or appealing to people who live on farms away from big cities
cornpone charm
cornpone humor

corn·rows noun [plural]

: a hair style in which hair is twisted together in tight rows that lie close to the skin

corn·stalk noun, pl -stalks [count]

: the long stem of a corn plant (sense 1)

corn·starch noun [noncount]

US : a fine powder made from corn (sense 1) that is used in cooking especially to make liquids thicker

I used some cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

called also (Brit) corn flour

corn syrup noun [noncount]

: a sweet, thick liquid made from corn (sense 1)

cor·nu·co·pia noun, pl -pi·as

1 [count] : a container that is shaped like a horn and is full of fruits and flowers

2 [singular] : a great amount or source of something

The market is/offers a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables.

The book includes a cornucopia of wonderful stories.

corny adj, corn·i·er, -est
informal + usually disapproving : old-fashioned and silly or sentimental
a corny joke
corny greeting cards

cor·ol·lary Brit noun, pl -lar·ies [count]

formal : something that naturally follows or results from another thing

A corollary [=result, by-product] of increased poverty is more crime.

corollary adj
a corollary assumption

co·ro·na noun, pl -nas [count]

technical : a bright circle seen around the sun or the moon

1cor·o·nary Brit adj

: of or relating to the heart and especially to the vessels that supply blood to the heart
a coronary artery
coronary surgery
coronary heart disease
coronary thrombosis [=a dangerous condition in which an artery to the heart is blocked by a blood clot]

2coronary noun, pl -nar·ies [count]

informal : heart attack

I almost had a coronary when I heard the news.

cor·o·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a ceremony in which a crown is placed on the head of a new king or queen
the coronation of Queen Elizabeth

cor·o·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

: a public official whose job is to find out the cause of death when people die in ways that are violent, sudden, etc.

The coroner examined the body but found no evidence of foul play.

cor·o·net Brit noun, pl -nets [count]

: a small crown

Corp. abbr
corporation

Chrysler Corp.

corpora plural of CORPUS

cor·po·ral noun, pl -rals [count]

: an officer in the army or marines with a rank below sergeant see also LANCE CORPORAL

corporal punishment noun [noncount]

: punishment that involves hitting someone : physical punishment

The school banned corporal punishment many years ago.

cor·po·rate adj

1 a : involving or associated with a corporation

We have to change the corporate structure to survive.

A bunch of corporate types in suits were sitting at the table in the conference room.

corporate debt/bonds/taxes

1 b : consisting of or including large corporations

He is one of the most powerful men in corporate America.

1 c often disapproving : produced by or associated with large corporations
corporate rock music
corporate art

2 : formed into a legal corporation

The business is a corporate entity.

cor·po·ra·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a large business or organization that under the law has the rights and duties of an individual and follows a specific purpose

He works as a consultant for/to several large corporations.

a community development corporation

cor·po·re·al adj [more ; most ]

formal : having or consisting of a physical body or form
corporeal existence
the corporeal nature of matter
opposite INCORPOREAL

corps noun, pl corps [count]

1 a : an organized part of the military
used in proper names
the U.S. Marine Corps
the Army Corps of Engineers
the Signal Corps

1 b : a large military group consisting of two or more divisions

2 : a group of people who are involved in some activity
members of the press corps
a corps of volunteers
see also DIPLOMATIC CORPS, PEACE CORPS

corpse noun, pl corps·es [count]

: a dead body
a battlefield strewn with corpses

cor·pu·lent adj [more ; most ]

formal : fat
a corpulent [=obese] man
her large, corpulent body

cor·pu·lence noun [noncount]

cor·pus noun, pl cor·po·ra [count]

1 : a collection of writings, conversations, speeches, etc., that people use to study and describe a language
a computerized corpus of English

2 : a collection of poems, paintings, songs, etc.

the painter's corpus of work [=all the paintings the painter has done]

see also HABEAS CORPUS

cor·pus·cle noun, pl -pus·cles [count]

biology : one of the cells that move in the body; especially : a blood cell
a red/white blood corpuscle

1cor·ral Brit noun, pl -rals [count]

: an area that is surrounded by a fence and that is used for holding animals (such as cows and horses) on a farm or ranch

2corral verb, -rals, -ralled, -ral·ling [+ obj]

: to gather and put (cows, horses, etc.) into a corral
corralling cattle
often used figuratively

He corralled us all into his office for a quick meeting.

corralling [=collecting, gathering] votes for next month's election

1cor·rect adj

1 : true or accurate : agreeing with facts : right

What's the correct answer/response to this question?

She is correct (in saying) that more money is needed.

Yes, that's correct.

Her watch never tells the correct time.

an anatomically correct drawing of the human body

2 : having no errors or mistakes
a grammatically correct sentence
correct pronunciation/punctuation/spelling/usage

3 : proper or appropriate in a particular situation

Did I give you the correct change?

With the correct amount of water and sunlight, the plant will grow well.

We're trying to find the correct [=right] way to deal with the problem.

He was correct to do what he did. = He did the correct thing.

4 [more ; most ] sometimes disapproving : considered proper by people with a strict set of beliefs or values

We need to find a more environmentally correct way of disposing these materials. [=a way that does not damage the environment]

see also POLITICALLY CORRECT

5 [more ; most ] somewhat old-fashioned : careful about behaving in a polite and socially accepted way
a very correct young man

cor·rect·ly adv

You answered correctly.

If I remember correctly, he was a good baseball player in high school.

Did I spell your name correctly?

cor·rect·ness noun [noncount]

anatomical correctness

We question the correctness of his actions.

2correct verb, -rects, -rect·ed, -rect·ing

1 [+ obj] : to change (something) so that it is right, true, proper, etc. : to make (something) correct
a computer program that corrects [=fixes] spelling errors

I hate it when she corrects my grammar.

These errors are easily corrected. = These errors can be corrected easily.

Please correct your essay for punctuation errors.

To correct someone is to say that someone has made a mistake and to give the correct information.

“I use the title ‘Ms.’ not ‘Mrs.,’” she corrected him.

He quickly corrected himself and said that it cost two dollars, not four.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you owe me another dollar. [=do you owe me another dollar?]

The phrase I stand corrected is a somewhat formal way of saying that you have learned that you were wrong about something.

“He's four years old, not five.” “Well, then, I stand corrected.”

I stand corrected. The meeting is on Monday, not Tuesday as I'd thought.

2 [+ obj] : to mark the errors on (something that a person has written)

Our teacher hasn't finished correcting our tests yet.

He corrects papers with a red pen.

3 [+ obj] : to deal with or take care of (a problem, bad situation, etc.) successfully

We are finding ways to correct this difficult situation.

We'll correct the problem with the circuit as soon as possible.

These medicines are used for correcting chemical imbalances in the brain.

She's having surgery that will correct her vision. [=that will make her bad vision good/better]

4 : to make an amount or number more accurate by considering other information usually + for

[no obj] The measurements are not accurate because I didn't correct for the change in temperature.

[+ obj] We need to correct the measurements for the change in temperature.

cor·rect·able adj
a correctable error
a problem that is correctable by surgery

cor·rec·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a change that makes something right, true, accurate, etc.

They ran/published a correction in today's paper. [=there was a statement in the newspaper saying that something printed in an earlier newspaper was not accurate]

The teacher marked corrections on his students' tests.

Please make corrections before handing in your compositions.

2 [noncount] : the act of making something (such as an error or a bad condition) accurate or better : the act of correcting something
the correction of your mistakes
people in need of vision correction

3 : the act or process of punishing and changing the behavior of people who have committed crimes

[noncount] (old-fashioned) correction of criminals

[plural] (US)

used to refer to government systems and actions that relate to punishing and dealing with criminals

The state's overall spending on corrections has increased rapidly in recent years.

the state Department of Corrections

often used before another noun
a corrections officer [=an official in a jail or prison]

cor·rec·tion·al adj, always used before a noun, chiefly US
the state's correctional facilities/institutions [=prisons or jails]

correction fluid noun [noncount]

: a liquid used to cover typing or writing errors

1cor·rec·tive adj

: meant to correct a problem : intended to make something better

She had corrective surgery on her knee this past summer.

People with bad eyesight usually need to wear corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses.

2corrective noun, pl -tives [count]

formal : something that helps to make a problem or bad situation better

The President's speech was intended to be a corrective [=remedy] to the country's feelings of fear and uncertainty.

1cor·re·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing
formal

1 [no obj] : to have a close connection with something : to have a correlation to something

If two things correlate, a change in one thing results in a similar or an opposite change in the other thing.

In general terms, brain size correlates with intelligence. [=a larger brain generally suggests greater intelligence]

Some studies have shown that the success of students correlates negatively with the number of students in a class. [=when more students are in a class, the students are less successful]

In this case, a difference in height correlates [=corresponds] to a difference in weight.

2 [+ obj] : to show that a close connection exists between (two or more things)

There is no evidence correlating height and intelligence.

be correlated

: to have a close connection : to correlate

Brain size is correlated with intelligence.

2cor·re·late noun, pl -lates [count]

technical : either one of two things that are closely connected or correlated with each other
brain size as a correlate of intelligence

cor·re·la·tion noun, pl -tions

: the relationship between things that happen or change together

[noncount] the correlation of brain size and/with intelligence
often + between
the high/strong correlation between poverty and crime [=the fact that crime is more common when there is more poverty]

[count] Researchers have found a direct correlation between smoking and lung cancer.

She says that there's no correlation between being thin and being happy.

cor·rel·a·tive adj
formal : existing because something else exists : closely connected
a doctor's duties and a patient's correlative rights

As demand increases, we'll see a correlative increase in price.

correlative noun, pl -tives [count]

cor·re·spond verb, -sponds, -spond·ed, -spond·ing [no obj]

1 : to be similar or equal to something

In some countries, the role of president corresponds to that of prime minister.

the joints on a horse that correspond to the human knees

2 : to have a direct relationship to or with something

Each number corresponds to a location on the map.

His statements do not correspond to/with the facts. [=do not match the facts]

We'll revise the schedule to correspond with the school calendar.

see also CORRESPONDING

3 somewhat formal : to write to someone or to each other

We haven't corresponded in years. [=we have not written letters/e-mails to each other for years]

often + with

She still corresponded regularly with friends she met in college.

cor·re·spon·dence noun, pl -denc·es

1 : the activity of writing letters or e-mails to someone

[noncount] They communicated by telephone and correspondence.

E-mail correspondence has become extremely important for modern businesses.

[singular] The two men began a correspondence that would continue throughout their lives.

2 [noncount] : the letters or e-mails that people write to each other

A book of the author's personal correspondence was published early last year.

A formal tone is always used in business correspondence.

I have a pile of correspondence [=letters from people] on my desk.

3 : a direct relationship to or with something or between two things

[noncount] Note the correspondence of each number to a location on the map.

Sometimes there is little correspondence between the way a word is spelled and the way it is pronounced in English.

[count] Sometimes there are few correspondences between spelling and pronunciation.

4 : the fact of being similar or equal to something

[noncount] The degree of correspondence between the two texts is startling. [=it is startling to see how closely they resemble each other]

[count] There is a close correspondence between the two texts.

There are many correspondences between them.

correspondence course noun, pl courses [count]

: a class in which students receive lessons and assignments in the mail or by e-mail and then return completed assignments in order to receive a grade

She took a correspondence course in world religions.

cor·re·spon·dent noun, pl -dents [count]

1 somewhat formal : someone who writes letters or e-mails to another person

When writing to business correspondents, use a formal tone.

2 : a person whose job is to send news to a newspaper, radio station, or television program often from different places around the world

We now turn to our political correspondent [=a person who sends news about politics] reporting from the nation's capital.

a war correspondent [=a reporter who sends news from places where there are wars] for an American newspaper
foreign correspondents [=reporters who send news from other countries]

corresponding adj, always used before a noun

1 : having the same characteristics as something else : matching something else

The store earned 20 percent more this month than it did in the corresponding [=same] month last year.

“Robert” is a boy's name, and the corresponding name for a girl is “Roberta.”

2 : directly related to something
a test question and its corresponding chapter in the textbook

As the cost of steel goes up, expect to see a corresponding increase in building costs.

cor·re·spond·ing·ly adv

As the cost of steel goes up, building costs will rise correspondingly.

cor·ri·dor noun, pl -dors [count]

1 : a long, narrow passage inside a building or train with doors that lead to rooms on each side

She slowly walked down the long, dark corridor. [=hall, hallway]

They pushed me down the hospital corridor to the operating room.

2 a : a long narrow piece of land

A corridor of land lies between the two mountain ranges.

2 b : a narrow area of land that is known for something specified
a transportation corridor

the corridors of power see 1POWER

cor·rob·o·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to support or help prove (a statement, theory, etc.) by providing information or evidence

Two witnesses corroborated [=confirmed] his story.

often used as (be) corroborated

The theory has been corroborated by recent studies.

corroborating adj

No corroborating evidence was found.

cor·rob·o·ra·tion noun [noncount]

the corroboration of his story

cor·rob·o·ra·tive adj
corroborative evidence/testimony

cor·rode verb, -rode, -rod·ed, -rod·ing

1 : to slowly break apart and destroy (metal, an object, etc.) through a chemical process

[+ obj] Rainwater may corrode the steel containers.

Over time, the pipes become corroded and need to be replaced.

[no obj] After a few weeks in the ocean, the boat began to corrode.

2 [+ obj] : to gradually destroy or weaken (something)

Years of lies and secrets had corroded their relationship.

cor·ro·sion noun [noncount]

a material that is resistant to corrosion [=that cannot be corroded easily]

cor·ro·sive adj [more ; most ]

: causing corrosion: such as
a : causing damage to metal or other materials through a chemical process
highly corrosive chemicals/gases/liquids

b : causing someone or something to become weak and damaged
the corrosive [=destructive] effects of drug use

She argues that racism is dangerous and corrosive to society.

cor·ru·gat·ed adj

: having a wavy surface
used to describe thin sheets of material (such as metal or cardboard) that have a surface in which there are many folds that look like a series of waves

Their house had a dirt floor and a corrugated metal roof.

corrugated boxes = boxes made out of corrugated cardboard

1cor·rupt verb, -rupts, -rupt·ed, -rupt·ing

1 : to cause (someone or something) to become dishonest, immoral, etc.

[+ obj] He believes that violence on television and film is corrupting our children. [=teaching bad beliefs and behaviors to our children]

a politician corrupted by greed
music that corrupts the morals of children
corrupting the country's legal system

[no obj] the corrupting influence/effects of power

2 [+ obj] : to change (something) so that it is less pure or valuable

He's convinced that the Internet is corrupting [=ruining] the English language.

Their idealism has been corrupted by cynicism.

3 [+ obj] : to change (a book, computer file, etc.) from the correct or original form

The file has been corrupted and no longer works properly.

corrupted databases/files
a corrupted version of the ancient text

cor·rupt·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a corrupter of our nation's youth

cor·rupt·ibil·i·ty noun [noncount]

cor·rupt·ible adj [more ; most ]

young people who are easily corruptible

2corrupt adj [more ; most ]

1 a : doing things that are dishonest or illegal in order to make money or to gain or keep power

The country's justice system is riddled with corrupt judges who accept bribes.

corrupt politicians/officials
corrupt cops who sell drugs

1 b : done or controlled by dishonest and immoral people
corrupt governments
the country's corrupt legal system

2 : dishonest, evil, or immoral
society's corrupt values

3 : changed or damaged : not in a correct or original form
a corrupt version of the text

The document is corrupt.

a corrupt computer file that no longer works properly

cor·rupt·ly adv

cor·rupt·ness noun [noncount]

the corruptness of the local government

cor·rup·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : dishonest or illegal behavior especially by powerful people (such as government officials or police officers)

There are rumors of widespread corruption in the city government.

2 : the act of corrupting someone or something

[noncount] the mafia's corruption of public officials
corruption of the English language
computer software that is supposed to prevent the corruption of files
database corruption
the corruption of a text

[count] file corruptions

3 [count] : something that has been changed from its original form
usually singular

The phrase “an apron” is a corruption of the original English phrase “a napron.”

cor·sage noun, pl -sag·es [count]

: a flower or small group of flowers that a woman sometimes wears on her clothing or attached to her wrist on special occasions (such as weddings)

cor·sair noun, pl -sairs [count]

literary + old-fashioned : 1pirate 1

cor·set noun, pl -sets [count]

: a tight, stiff piece of clothing worn by women under other clothing to make their waists appear smaller

Corsets are no longer commonly worn.

cor·set·ed adj
tightly corseted ladies

cor·tege also cor·tège Brit noun, pl -teg·es also -tèg·es [count]

: a line of people or cars moving slowly at a funeral
a funeral cortege [=procession]

cor·tex noun, pl cor·ti·ces or cor·tex·es [count]

medical : the outer layer of an organ in the body and especially of the brain
the cerebral cortex = the brain's cortex

cor·ti·cal adj
cortical thickness

cor·ti·sone noun [noncount]

medical : a hormone that is used to treat arthritis and other diseases

1cosh noun, pl cosh·es [count]

Brit : a small, heavy weapon that is shaped like a stick

under the cosh

Brit informal : in a difficult situation

They put us under the cosh for most of the game.

2cosh verb, coshes, coshed, cosh·ing [+ obj]

Brit informal : to hit (someone) with a cosh

He was coshed on the head.

co·sign verb, -signs, -signed, -sign·ing

: to sign a document saying that you agree to share the responsibility for a loan or contract with another person

[+ obj] My mother cosigned the loan on my car.

cosign a lease

[no obj] She cosigned for my car.

co·sig·na·to·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

formal : cosigner

co·sign·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who signs an official document (such as a loan, contract, or law) with another person

Both senators are cosigners of the bill.

: a person who cosigns something

My mother agreed to be a cosigner on my car loan.

co·sine noun, pl -sines [count]

geometry : the ratio between the long side (called the hypotenuse) and the side that is next to an acute angle in a right triangle

cos lettuce noun [noncount]

Brit : romaine

1cos·met·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

: a substance (such as a cream, lotion, or powder) that you put on your face or body to improve your appearance

Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.

usually plural
lipstick, nail polish, and other cosmetics
shopping for cosmetics [=makeup]

2cosmetic adj

1 always used before a noun : used or done in order to improve a person's appearance
cosmetic creams

Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.

medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes/reasons

She says she's never had/undergone cosmetic surgery. [=surgery done to improve a person's appearance]

2 : done in order to make something look better

The house just needs some paint and a few other cosmetic [=decorative] changes.

3 [more ; most ] : not important or meaningful

They made a few cosmetic [=superficial] changes to the deal, but they didn't change anything of real importance.

The changes were purely cosmetic.

cos·me·tol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

US : beautician

cos·me·tol·o·gy noun [noncount]

US : the job or skill of giving beauty treatments to women by washing and cutting hair, applying makeup, etc.

a school of cosmetology

cos·mic adj

1 always used before a noun : of or relating to the universe or outer space
cosmic theories
cosmic dust/radiation

2 : relating to spiritual matters
cosmic beauty/wisdom

3 [more ; most ] : very large or important

The discovery caused a cosmic shift in people's views of the world.

a book of cosmic [=great, major, profound] significance

cos·mi·cal·ly adv
cosmically significant

cosmic ray noun, pl rays [count]

technical : a stream of energy that enters the Earth's atmosphere from outer space usually plural

cos·mol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: the scientific study of the origin and structure of the universe

cos·mo·log·i·cal adj
cosmological data

cos·mol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

cos·mo·naut noun, pl -nauts [count]

: an astronaut in the space program of Russia or the former Soviet Union

1cos·mo·pol·i·tan adj [more ; most ]

1 : showing an interest in different cultures, ideas, etc.

cosmopolitan [=worldly, sophisticated] writers

Greater cultural diversity has led to a more cosmopolitan attitude among the town's younger generations.

the cosmopolitan taste/sophistication of the store's customers

2 : having people from many different parts of the world

It's one of the country's more cosmopolitan cities.

the community's cosmopolitan atmosphere

cos·mo·pol·i·tan·ism noun [noncount]

2cosmopolitan noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person who has lived in and knows about many different parts of the world
a young cosmopolitan

cos·mos Brit noun, pl cosmos

1 the cosmos : the universe especially when it is understood as an ordered system
the origins of the cosmos

2 [count] : a tall plant that has usually white, pink, or red flowers

cos·set verb, -sets, -set·ed, -set·ing [+ obj]

formal : to give (someone) a lot of care and attention or too much care and attention : pamper

The hotel cossets its guests with friendly service.

She had a safe, cosseted childhood.

1cost noun, pl costs

1 : the price of something : the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something

[count] The original cost [=price] of the house was $200,000.

She attends college at a cost of $15,000 a year.

The average cost of raising a family has increased dramatically.

We offer services at a fraction of the cost of other companies.

bringing/driving down the cost of computers = lowering/reducing the cost of computers

The person at fault in the accident is expected to bear the cost of repairs. [=is expected to pay for the repairs]

[noncount] What's the difference in cost?

We were able to update the room for very little cost. [=money, expense]

They believe that everyone should have access to adequate medical care, regardless of cost.

synonyms see 1PRICE

2 [count] : an amount of money that must be spent regularly to pay for something (such as running a business or raising a family)

The cost of doing business in this area is high.

We need better cost control.

The company needs to do some cost cutting. [=needs to find ways to save money]

usually plural
production/manufacturing/operating costs

By keeping costs down, the company will make larger profits from its products.

the firm's efforts to control costs

Those are just some of the hidden costs [=expenses] of owning a house.

The government covers most of the costs of the program. [=pays for most of the program]

The family's medical costs have increased in the past year.

The company has tried to cut costs [=spend less money] in several areas.

see also COST OF LIVING

3 : something that is lost, damaged, or given up in order to achieve or get something

[noncount] Winning the war, he believes, was worth the cost in lives.

often used after at

They had won the battle, but at what cost? Far too many people had died.

He had achieved fame, but at a cost; he'd lost many friends and no longer talked to anyone in his family.

She completed the project on time but at the cost of her health. [=the work she did to complete the project on time damaged her health]

He always says what he thinks, even at the cost of hurting someone's feelings.

[count] What are the costs and benefits of the new law?

To do something at all costs or (less commonly) at any cost is to do it even if you have to suffer, work very hard, lose everything you have, etc.

She was determined to win at all costs. [=no matter what]

Obscene language should be avoided at all costs. [=never use obscene words]

He is determined to preserve his reputation at any cost.

4 costs [plural] : the money used to pay for a court case

She was fined 50 dollars and ordered to pay court costs.

at cost

US

If you buy or sell something at cost, you buy or sell it for the amount of money that was needed to make it or get it.

We sold the books at cost. [=we sold the books for the same amount of money we paid to buy them; we did not make a profit from selling the books]

at no cost

used to say that something is free

Improvements have been made at no cost to taxpayers.

Club members can bring a friend at no extra cost.

count the cost see 1COUNT

to your cost
chiefly Brit : from your own bad experience

I found out to my cost that he was a liar. [=I found out that he was a liar when I was hurt by his lies]

2cost verb, costs, cost, cost·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to have (an amount of money) as a price

If something costs a certain amount of money, you have to pay that amount of money in order to buy it, use it, or do it.

Each ticket costs one dollar.

How much does it cost? = What does it cost?

This house costs more/less than most of the other houses in the area.

It costs more than $300,000.

(informal) New equipment costs money. [=is expensive]

(informal) I want a new car that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. [=that is not too expensive]

1 b : to cause (someone) to pay an amount of money

The trip will cost you about $100 each way.

The project will end up costing the government an estimated 3.5 billion dollars.

It will cost you a lot of money, but it'll be worth it.

(informal) I can get the part you need, but it'll cost you. [=you will have to pay a lot of money for it]

If something does not cost (you) a penny or (US) cost (you) a dime/nickel, you do not need to pay any money for it; it is free.

Come to my party. It won't cost a dime. = It won't cost you a penny.

2 a : to cause (someone) to lose something

Her mistakes cost them the game. [=they lost the game because of her mistakes]

The decision to drive that night nearly cost him his life. [=he almost died because of it]

His frequent absences ended up costing him his job.

If something costs you dearly/dear, it causes you to lose something or to suffer a lot.

Changing your mind now could cost you dearly.

2 b : to cause (someone) to experience something unpleasant

The error cost me a reprimand, but nothing more serious than that.

a blunder that has cost her considerable embarrassment

3 past tense costed Brit, business : to determine how much money will be needed to pay for (something)

usually used as (be) costed

The project was originally costed at 3 million pounds.

often + out

The project has yet to be costed out.

see also COSTING

cost accounting noun [noncount]

business : a system of recording and studying how much money a company spends

co·star noun, pl -stars [count]

: one of two or more main actors in a movie, television show, or play
the actress and her two costars

costar verb, -stars, -starred, -star·ring [+ obj]

The film costarred Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy.

[no obj]

He costarred in her most successful film.

cost-ben·e·fit adj, always used before a noun
business : of or relating to the study of how much money a company earns compared to how much money it spends
cost-benefit analysis
cost-benefit calculations

cost-ef·fec·tive adj [more ; most ]

: producing good results without costing a lot of money

They need a more cost-effective [=economical] way to store data.

It's just not cost-effective for us to have two cars.

cost-ef·fec·tive·ness noun [noncount]

cost-ef·fi·cient adj [more ; most ]

: cost-effective

cos·ter·mon·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

Brit old-fashioned : a person who sells fruit and vegetables outside rather than in a store

costing noun, pl -ings

Brit business

1 [noncount] : the process of determining how much money will be needed to pay for something

Costing of the project will be completed early next month.

2 [count] : a plan or an estimate of how much money something will cost
a lack of accurate financial costings

cost·ly adj, cost·li·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : having a high price : costing a lot : expensive
costly jewelry

We use less costly materials in our products.

It was too costly to fix her car after the accident, so she decided to buy a new car instead.

2 : causing people to lose something or to suffer

They won the game, but their best player was injured, so it was a costly victory.

The decision to wait could be a costly mistake.

cost·li·ness noun [noncount]

cost of living noun, pl costs of living [count]

: the amount of money that is required in a particular area or society to pay for the basic things that people need (such as food, clothing, and housing)

The city has one of the highest costs of living in the world.

usually singular

Every year or so, we get a pay raise to compensate for the rising cost of living.

The cost of living is much higher in that area.

cost price noun [noncount]

Brit : the amount of money that is needed to make or get something that you are going to sell

The company has agreed to sell the vaccine at cost price. [=(US) at cost]

1cos·tume Brit noun, pl -tumes [count]

1 : the clothes that are worn by someone (such as an actor) who is trying to look like a different person or thing
children in their Halloween costumes
a colorful clown costume

2 : the clothes worn by a group of people especially during a particular time in the past
a formal 18th-century Japanese costume

The dancers were dressed in their national costumes. [=the clothing that is traditional in their countries]

3 Brit : swimsuit

in costume

: wearing a costume

If all the actors are in costume, we're ready to begin.

The waiters were all in ancient Roman costume.

cos·tumed Brit adj
costumed actors

2costume adj, always used before a noun

: involving people wearing costumes

You're invited to a costume party!

a costume ball
costume dramas [=movies that are set in the past in which the actors are dressed like people from the past]

costume jewelry noun [noncount]

: fancy jewelry that is usually made of inexpensive materials rather than real gold, diamonds, etc.

cos·tum·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a person or company that makes, rents, or sells costumes

cos·tu·mi·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : costumer

cosy Brit spelling of COZY

cot noun, pl cots [count]

1 US : a narrow, light bed often made of cloth stretched over a folding frame called also (Brit) camp bed

2 Brit : 1crib 1a

cot death noun, pl deaths [count, noncount]

Brit : sudden infant death syndrome

co·te·rie noun, pl -ries [count]

formal : a small group of people who are interested in the same thing and who usually do not allow other people to join the group
her coterie of fellow musicians

His films are admired by a small coterie of critics.

co·til·lion noun, pl -lions [count]

chiefly US formal : a large formal party for dancing : ball

cot·tage noun, pl -tag·es [count]

: a small house especially in the country

We rented a cottage for the weekend.

She owns a cottage at the beach.

cottage cheese noun [noncount]

: a type of soft white cheese that has a mild flavor

cottage hospital noun, pl -tals [count]

Brit : a small hospital in the country

cottage industry noun, pl -tries [count]

: a system for making products to sell in which people work in their own homes and use their own equipment
weaving, pottery, and other cottage industries

cot·tag·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who lives in a cottage

1cot·ton noun, pl -tons

1 [noncount] : a soft, white material that grows on the seeds of a tall plant and that is used to make cloth

They are in the field picking cotton.

bales of cotton
also : the plants on which this material grows

He grows cotton.

fields of cotton

2 [count, noncount] : cloth that is made of cotton
shirts/sheets made from cotton
also : clothing that is made of this cloth

She doesn't wear cotton in the winter.

3 [noncount] chiefly Brit : yarn that is made of cotton

4 [noncount] US : cotton wool

cotton adj
cotton fabrics/dresses

The dress is cotton.

2cotton verb, -tons, -toned, -ton·ing

cotton on [phrasal verb]

informal : to begin to understand something : to catch on

It took a while, but they are finally starting to cotton on.

often + to

She cottoned on to the fact that I like her.

cotton to [phrasal verb]

cotton to (someone or something) US, informal : to begin to like someone or something

We cottoned to our new neighbors right away.

He doesn't cotton to the idea of having children.

cotton ball noun, pl balls [count]

US : a small ball of cotton that can be used for a variety of purposes (such as removing makeup or cleaning a wound) and that is usually used once and then thrown away
a bag of cotton balls
called also (Brit) cotton wool ball

cotton bud noun, pl buds [count]

Brit : cotton swab

cotton candy noun [noncount]

US : candy made from sugar that is boiled, spun into a soft material using a special machine, and then wound around a stick called also (Brit) candy floss

cotton gin noun, pl gins [count]

: a machine that separates the seeds of cotton plants from the cotton

cot·ton·mouth noun, pl -mouths [count]

: water moccasin

cottonmouth moccasin noun, pl -sins [count]

: water moccasin

cot·ton-pick·ing adj, always used before a noun

US old-fashioned + informal
used to make a statement more forceful

She didn't do a cotton-picking [=damned, darned] thing all day.

Now wait one cotton-picking minute!

He is a cotton-picking [=damned] hypocrite.

cotton swab noun, pl swabs [count]

: a short stick that has round pieces of cotton at both ends called also (Brit) cotton bud compare Q-TIPS

cot·ton·tail noun, pl -tails [count]

: a small rabbit with a white tail

cot·ton·wood noun, pl -woods [count]

: a type of tree that grows in the U.S. and has seeds that look like they are covered with cotton

cotton wool noun [noncount]

Brit : a mass of cotton that is used especially for cleaning the skin or wounds

cotton wool ball noun, pl balls [count]

Brit : cotton ball

cot·tony adj [more ; most ]

: like cotton : soft, fluffy, or covered with small soft hairs

The toys are stuffed with a cottony material.

cottony clouds

The flowers are small and cottony.

1couch noun, pl couch·es [count]

1 : a long piece of furniture on which a person can sit or lie down : sofa

2 : a piece of furniture for a patient to lie on at a doctor's office
a psychiatrist's couch

2couch verb, couches, couched, couch·ing [+ obj]

formal : to say or express (something) in a particular way usually used as (be) couched;
usually + in

The letter was couched in polite terms.

couch potato noun, pl -toes [count]

informal + disapproving : someone who spends a lot of time sitting and watching television

cou·gar noun, pl cou·gars also cougar [count]

: a large brownish cat that was once common in North and South America called also mountain lion (US) panther, puma

1cough verb, coughs, coughed, cough·ing [no obj]

1 : to force air through your throat with a short, loud noise often because you are sick

She was coughing and sneezing all day.

The dust made him cough.

2 : to make a noise like that of coughing

The engine coughed and sputtered and then stopped.

cough up [phrasal verb]

cough up (something) or cough (something) up

1 : to have (something, such as blood) come up through your throat and out of your mouth when you cough

He was coughing up blood.

2 informal : to give (something, such as money or information) to someone especially when you do not want to

We had to cough up an extra hundred dollars for the car rental.

The police made the suspect cough up the names of his accomplices.

3 US, sports : to fail to keep or hold (something)

The quarterback coughed up [=fumbled] the ball.

They coughed up [=lost, gave up] the lead in the second half.

2cough noun, pl coughs [count]

1 : a physical condition or illness that causes someone to cough

He has a cough and a cold.

They both have bad coughs.

He has a terrible smoker's cough. [=a cough caused by smoking]

see also WHOOPING COUGH

2 : an act of coughing or the sound made when someone coughs

I heard a cough from the back of the church.

He gave a cough [=he coughed] to get my attention.

dry/hacking coughs

cough drop noun, pl drops [count]

: a small piece of candy that contains medicine to prevent coughing

cough syrup noun [noncount]

: a usually sweet liquid that contains medicine used to stop coughing called also cough medicine (Brit) cough mixture

could verb [modal verb]

1
used as the past tense of can

When I was younger I could run fast, but I can't run fast now.

Years ago you could buy a record album for a quarter.

The car cost more than I could afford, so I bought a cheaper model.

From where we stood, we could see for miles.

She could be very rude at times. [=she was sometimes very rude]

He never could quite fit in with the group.

She said we could do whatever we wanted. [=she said, “You can do whatever you want.”]

How could something like this happen?

usage see 1can

2 a
used to say that something is possible

You could [=might, may] be making the biggest mistake of your life!

This could be our only chance to get our of here.

His recovery could take months.

This medicine could help your cold.

The evidence is not conclusive, but he could (very well) be right.

This news could mean trouble.

Did you think he could still be alive?

That kind of thing could happen to anyone.

They could still succeed, although it's not likely.

I think he could be trying to cheat us.

Do you think he could [=can] really be serious?

Could this be our ride? [=is this our ride?]

2 b
used with have to say that something was possible but did not actually happen

You could have been seriously hurt.

The accident could have been worse.

The movie could have been better. [=the movie wasn't very good]

They could have succeeded if they had worked harder.

The error could have lost the game for them.

We could just as easily have fixed the engine ourselves.

2 c
used to talk about something that is not possible but that is hoped or wished for

We would go if only we couldbut unfortunately we can't.

We would have gone if only we could havebut unfortunately we couldn't.

I wish I could fly! = (formal) Would that I could fly!

3
used in speech to make a polite request or suggestion

Could you please pass me the salt?

Could [=can] I leave a little early today?

If you could come early, we would be pleased.

“Could I do it tomorrow instead of today?” “Yes, you can.”

Could I get you a cup of coffee? [=do you want a cup of coffee?]

If tape doesn't work, you could try glue.

“Where can I stay?” “Well, you could always stay with me.”

4
used to say that you are annoyed by something that was or was not done

He could have at least paid for dessert!

Why are you always late? You could try being on time for once!

If she wasn't going to make it, she could have called.

You could at least tell me why you were late!

5
used in statements that express a strong emotional reaction

I could have died of embarrassment! [=I was very embarrassed]

I could just kill him! [=I am very angry at him]

When she told me I'd won, I could almost have hugged her! [=I felt like hugging her]

I'm so frustrated I could scream! [=I feel like screaming]

6
used in statements that describe something as very bad, good, etc.

What could be better than this?

Registering could not be simpler. [=registering is very simple]

I could hardly be more pleased [=I'm very pleased] with the way things are going.

The situation couldn't be worse/better. [=the situation is as bad/good as it can be]

I couldn't be happier [=I'm very happy] with the way our new kitchen looks.

could care less see 2CARE

could do with

If you could do with something, you need it or would be helped by getting or having it.

Is there a restaurant nearby? I could do with something to eat.

This room could do with a fresh coat of paint.

couldn't

used as a contraction of could not

I tried but I couldn't do it.

couldn't care less see 2CARE

could've

used as a contraction of could have

I could've done it if I had more time.

cou·lis noun, pl cou·lis [count, noncount]

: a thick sauce made from vegetables or fruit
raspberry coulis

1coun·cil noun, pl -cils [count]

1 : a group of people who are chosen to make rules, laws, or decisions about something

The city council is considering a ban on smoking in restaurants.

the town/parish council
a national security council
a tribal council

2 : a group of people who provide advice or guidance on something
the governor's council on physical fitness
the king's council

Do not confuse council with counsel.

2council adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to a council
a council member/meeting

2 Brit : provided by a local government council for people to live in for low rent
council estates/houses/flats

coun·cil·lor or US coun·cil·or noun, pl -cil·lors or US -cil·ors [count]

: a member of a council
a city councillor

Do not confuse councillor with counselor.

coun·cil·man noun, pl -men [count]

US : a person (especially a man) who is a member of a council
a city councilman

council·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

US : a woman who is a member of a council
a town councilwoman

1coun·sel noun, pl counsel

1 [noncount] formal : advice given to someone

You were unwise to reject my counsel.

The student sought counsel from her teacher.

2 law : a lawyer who represents a person or group in a court of law

[noncount] She is serving as counsel for the defendant.

On the advice of counsel [=because of the lawyer's advice], she refused to answer the question.

[count] the company's chief/general counsel
a defense/legal counsel

All counsel are expected to obey the rules of the court.

Do not confuse counsel with council.

2counsel verb, -sels, US -seled or Brit -selled, US -sel·ing or Brit -sel·ling [+ obj]

formal

1 a : to give advice to (someone)

She counseled [=advised] him not to accept the offer.

1 b : to listen to and give support or advice to (someone) especially as a job

He counsels people who are trying to quit drinking.

2 : to suggest or recommend (something)

The President's advisers counseled [=advised] restraint until the incident had been investigated.

counseling (US) or Brit counselling noun [noncount]

: advice and support that is given to people to help them deal with problems, make important decisions, etc.

She is receiving counseling to cope with the death of her husband.

The college offers career counseling.

drug/debt counseling

coun·sel·or (US) or chiefly Brit coun·sel·lor noun, pl US -sel·ors or chiefly Brit -sel·lors [count]

1 : a person who provides advice as a job : a person who counsels people
a marriage counselor
a school guidance counselor [=a person who gives students advice about school, college, etc.]

2 US : a person who is in charge of young people at a summer camp

He works as a camp counselor.

3 US : lawyer
a counselor at law
often used as a form of address

I'd like to speak with you, Counselor.

Do not confuse counselor with councillor.

1count verb, counts, count·ed, count·ing

1 a : to add (people or things) together to find the total number

[+ obj] Count the plates on the table.

She made sure to count her change.

Count how many fingers I am holding up.

He counted seven deer in the field.

When it comes to books, I have too many to count. [=I have a lot of books]

She is counting calories. [=she counts the number of calories in the food she eats so that she won't eat too much]

often + up

She was counting up the money in the envelope.

All the votes were counted up, and he was the winner.

[no obj] There are 10 days left until the end of school, counting from today.

Keep counting until there are no more left to count.

Don't interrupt me. I'm counting.

1 b [no obj] : to say numbers in order

Can your daughter count yet?

The teacher taught the students to count by 10s. [=to say “10, 20, 30, etc.”]

often + to or up to

My son can count to one hundred.

He counted up to 10 and then stopped.

2 [+ obj] : to include (someone or something) in a total

She counts [=numbers] several musicians among her friends. [=her friends include musicians]

There will be 150 people at the wedding, not counting children.

3 [no obj] : to be accepted or allowed officially

There was a penalty on the play, so the goal does not count. [=the goal is not allowed]

4 a [+ obj] : to consider or regard (someone or something) in a specified way

I count myself lucky.

often + as

I don't count him as my friend anymore.

She was counted as absent from school that day.

4 b [no obj] : to be considered or regarded as something

A laptop computer counts as a piece of luggage on the plane.

The job is so easy that it hardly counts as work. [=it can hardly be considered to be work]

5 [no obj] : to have value or importance

Every vote counts.

He played well in the play-offs, when it really counted. [=mattered]

often + for

My effort in class has to count for something!

Her promises don't count for much. [=his promises don't have much value]

6 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to be considered in a specified way when a person or thing is being judged

[no obj] His experience counts in his favor. [=his experience is a good thing that is in his favor]

His lack of experience counts against him.

A wrong answer on the quiz will not count against [=will not hurt] your final grade.

[+ obj] They counted his lack of job experience against him.

A wrong answer on the quiz will not be counted against your final grade.

and counting

: with more to come

He is 47 years old and counting.

They have been in business for 50 years and counting.

count down [phrasal verb]

1 : to count numbers in a reverse order from higher numbers to lower ones

He counted down from 10 to 1.

2 count down (something) also count (something) down : to pay close attention to the number of (days, miles, etc.) that remain until a particular moment or event is reached

He is counting down the days left in the school year. [=he is eagerly looking forward to the end of the school year]

We were counting down the miles as we approached our destination.

count heads

: to count how many people are present at a place

The coach counted heads before the bus left.

count in [phrasal verb]

count (someone) in : to plan to include (someone) in an activity : to consider (someone) as one of the people who will be doing something

“Do you want to go to the beach with us?” “Yes! Count me in!”

count off [phrasal verb]

1 : to count numbers that are spaced a certain number apart

The students counted off by twos. [=counted 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.]

2 count off (something) or count (something) off : to list (something) out loud

She counted off all the things she wanted to do.

count on/upon [phrasal verb]

1 count on/upon (someone)

1 a : to trust (someone) : to rely or depend on (someone) to do something

He isn't someone you can count on all the time.

I am counting on you to help me through this difficult time.

She is counted on [=trusted] as a leader.

1 b : to expect (someone) to do something

I wouldn't count on him to win the match.

2 count on/upon (something) : to expect (something) to happen

My parents might loan me some money, but I can't count on it.

She is counting on a big tax refund this year.

The kids are counting on going to the movies. Don't disappoint them!

They were not counting on getting a flat tire on the way to the restaurant.

count out [phrasal verb]

1 count (someone) out : to not include (someone) in an activity

If you are looking for people to help you clean the house today, count me out. [=don't include me; I won't be helping you]

2 count (someone or something) out or count out (someone or something) : to decide that (someone or something) cannot win or succeed

Don't count out our team just yet. They could still win.

count the cost

: to feel the bad effects of a mistake, accident, etc.

He was careless and now he's counting the cost. = Now he's counting the cost of his carelessness.

count toward/towards [phrasal verb]

count toward/towards (something) or count (something) toward/towards (something) : to have value as a credit or payment in relation to (something)

The credits you earned for this class count toward your degree. [=they are added to the total number of credits you have earned for your degree]

often used as (be) counted toward/towards

Fifty dollars will be counted towards [=credited to] your next bill.

count your blessings see BLESSING

count your chickens before they hatch see 1CHICKEN

stand up and be counted see 1STAND

who's counting?

informal + humorous
used to say that you do not care about how large a number is

Tomorrow's my 80th birthday, but who's counting?

2count noun, pl counts

1 [count]

1 a : an act or process of adding people or things together to find the total number : an act or process of counting
usually singular

They completed the ballot count late last night.

At (my) last count [=the last time I counted], I had 50 responses to the invitation.

According to the last count, he still needs many more votes.

The official count showed that 40 people were killed in the hurricane.

The teacher took/did a quick count of the students. [=the teacher quickly counted the students]

see also HEAD COUNT

1 b : the total number that is counted
usually singular

The final count [=tally] of people at the conference was over 200.

see also BLOOD COUNT, BODY COUNT, POLLEN COUNT

2 [singular] : an act or process of saying numbers in order until a particular number is reached

The boxer took an eight-count before getting up again. [=the referee counted to eight before the boxer got up again]

usually + of

I'll give you a count of three to get out of here. = I'll give you until the count of three to get out of here.

If you're not out of here by the count of three [=by the time I count to three], I'm calling the police.

Jump off the diving board at the count of 10. [=when I say “10” after counting “one, two, three,” etc.]

Hold your breath for a count of 10. [=for the amount of time that it takes to count to 10]

3 [count] law : one of the crimes that someone is charged with
often + of

She was charged with two counts of theft, and she was found guilty on both counts.

4 [count] : an idea or opinion that is expressed in a statement, argument, etc.

The theory is wrong on all/several counts. [=all/several parts of the theory are wrong]

I agree with you on both counts. [=I agree with both the points you have made]

5 the count baseball : the number of balls and strikes that have been pitched to a batter

The count is two balls, two strikes.

He was behind/ahead in the count. [=he had more/fewer strikes than balls against him]

A full count is a situation in baseball in which a batter has three balls and two strikes.

down for the count (US) or out for the count
of a boxer : knocked down and unable to get up again while the referee counts to 10

The boxer was down for the count. [=knocked out]

often used figuratively

The company may be about to go down for the count. [=may be about to fail completely and go out of business]

Two minutes after getting into bed, I was out for the count. [=I was sleeping deeply]

keep count

: to remember or keep a record of a number or total

He's has had so many different girlfriends lately that I no longer can keep count.

She is keeping count [=keeping track] of the hours she spends watching TV.

lose count

: to forget a number or total

I've lost count [=lost track] of how many different girlfriends he's had.

I was counting the money when he interrupted me and made me lose count.

compare 3COUNT

3count noun, pl counts [count]

: a nobleman in some European counties who has a high rank similar to a British earl
compare 2COUNT

count·down noun, pl -downs [count]

1 : the act of counting down the number of seconds that remain before something (such as the launch of a rocket) happens
usually singular

Begin the countdown.

The engineers stopped the countdown because something was wrong with the engine.

2 : the period of time before an important or special event usually singular;
usually + to
the countdown to summer vacation
the steady countdown to war

1coun·te·nance noun, pl -nanc·es [count]

formal + literary : the appearance of a person's face : a person's expression

The photograph showed his somber countenance.

2countenance verb, -nances, -nanced, -nanc·ing [+ obj]

formal : to accept, support, or approve of (something)

The city would not countenance [=permit] a rock concert in the park.

The leader did not officially countenance [=encourage] negotiations with the rebels.

1count·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a piece of furniture with a flat surface that workers and customers stand on opposite sides of when doing business in a store, restaurant, etc.

He walked up to the counter and ordered his food.

There was a long line at the sales/checkout counter.

I put my money down on the counter.

She recognized the man behind the counter.

see also LUNCH COUNTER

2 US

2 a : a long, flat surface on which food is prepared in a kitchen
a kitchen counter

I wish my kitchen had more counter space. [=I wish it had more counters or a bigger counter]

called also countertop (Brit) worktop

2 b : a flat surface around a sink in a bathroom
a bathroom counter
called also countertop

3 : a small object that is used in some board games

over the counter

: without a special note (called a prescription) from a doctor

The drug is available over the counter.

under the counter

: secretly and usually illegally

The workers were paid under the counter. [=under the table]

compare 2COUNTER, 4COUNTER

2counter noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or device that counts something

The counter records how many people visit the Web site.

see also BEAN COUNTER, GEIGER COUNTER
compare 1COUNTER, 4COUNTER

3coun·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 a [no obj] : to do something in defense or in response to something
often + with

She countered with some of the most brilliant chess moves ever seen.

He countered with a punch to the other fighter's head.

1 b [+ obj] : to make (something) less effective or ineffective

This pill will counter [=counteract] the side effects of the other one.

2 : to say (something) in response to something that another person has said

[+ obj] When they blamed him for the collapse of the bridge, he countered that his warnings about the bridge had been ignored.

“I could say the same thing about you,” she countered.

[no obj] After she made her point, he could not counter with anything.

4counter noun, pl -ters [count]

formal : something that is made or done as a defense against or response to something else : something that makes something else less effective or ineffective usually singular;
usually + to

The policy is intended as a counter to efforts to decrease spending on education.

compare 1COUNTER, 2COUNTER

5counter adv

: in a way that goes against or does not agree with something

+ to

The soldier acted counter to his orders. [=he did something that was against his orders]

His theory ran counter to [=was opposed to; did not agree with] the beliefs of his time.

Such behavior runs counter to the values of society.

coun·ter- prefix

1 : in a direction opposite to
counterclockwise

2 : as a reaction against
counteroffensive

coun·ter·act verb, -acts, -act·ed, -act·ing [+ obj]

: act against (something) : to cause (something) to have less of an effect or to have no effect at all

The drug will counteract the poison.

The new fees will counteract [=offset] state cuts in the school's budget.

coun·ter·at·tack noun, pl -tacks [count]

: an attack that is made in response to an attack by an enemy or opponent

They launched a fierce counterattack by air once the fog cleared.

The team finally mounted a counterattack in the last quarter of the game.

counterattack verb, -tacks, -tacked, -tack·ing [no obj]

The enemy counterattacked [=retaliated] at dawn.

[+ obj]

He quickly counterattacked his opponent.

coun·ter·bal·ance verb, -anc·es, -anced, -anc·ing [+ obj]

formal : to have an effect that is opposite but equal to (something) : to balance (something) by being opposite

Improved services for phone customers have been counterbalanced [=offset] by higher fees.

The author's wry humor counterbalances the book's serious subject matter.

counterbalance noun, pl -ances [count]

The author's wry humor is a good counterbalance to the book's serious subject matter.

coun·ter·clock·wise adv

US : in the direction opposite to movement of a clock's hands

Turn the screw counterclockwise [=(Brit) anticlockwise] one full turn.

opposite CLOCKWISE

counterclockwise adj
a counterclockwise [=(Brit) anticlockwise] direction

coun·ter·cul·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

: a culture with values and customs are very different from and usually opposed to those accepted by most of society
the counterculture of the hippies
also : the people who make up a counterculture

He was part of the antiwar counterculture.

the drug counterculture
often used before another noun
counterculture heroes/publications/struggles

coun·ter·cul·tur·al adj
countercultural movements/values/ideas

coun·ter·es·pi·o·nage noun [noncount]

formal : the activity of preventing or stopping enemies from spying

He was involved in counterespionage against Germany in World War II.

1coun·ter·feit verb, -feits, -feit·ed, -feit·ing [+ obj]

: to make an exact copy of (something) in order to trick people

They were counterfeiting money in his garage.

He counterfeited [=forged] the documents.

counterfeiting noun [noncount]

He was sent to jail for counterfeiting.

coun·ter·feit·er noun, pl -ers [count]

2counterfeit adj

: made to look like an exact copy of something in order to trick people
counterfeit money/bills/currency

The concert ticket is counterfeit.

3counterfeit noun, pl -feits [count]

: something that is made to look like an exact copy of something else in order to trick people

The 100-dollar bill turned out to be a counterfeit. [=fake, phony]

coun·ter·foil noun, pl -foils [count]

chiefly Brit : the part of a check, ticket, etc., that can be kept as a record when it is torn off : stub

coun·ter·in·sur·gen·cy noun, pl -cies
formal : action by a group, army, etc., against people who are fighting to take control of a government

[count] The military has launched a counterinsurgency.

[noncount] an expert in counterinsurgency
often used before another noun
a counterinsurgency operation

coun·ter·in·sur·gent noun, pl -gents [count]

a band of counterinsurgents

coun·ter·in·tel·li·gence noun [noncount]

formal : activity meant to hide the truth from an enemy or to prevent the enemy from learning secret information
often used before another noun
counterintelligence agents/operations

coun·ter·in·tu·i·tive Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal : different from what you would expect : not agreeing with what seems right or natural

It may seem counterintuitive, but we do burn calories when we are sleeping.

counterintuitive results

coun·ter·mand Brit verb, -mands, -mand·ed, -mand·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cancel (an order) especially by giving a new order

Orders to blow up the bridge were countermanded.

coun·ter·mea·sure noun, pl -sures [count]

: an action or device that is intended to stop or prevent something bad or dangerous
usually plural
new countermeasures against terrorism

The army used electronic countermeasures to block enemy radar.

coun·ter·of·fen·sive noun, pl -sives [count]

: an attack made in order to defend against an enemy or opponent

They mounted/launched a counteroffensive against the enemy.

coun·ter·of·fer noun, pl -fers [count]

: an offer that is made by someone in response to a previous offer

He turned down the deal and came back with a counteroffer asking for more money.

coun·ter·part noun, pl -parts [count]

: someone or something that has the same job or purpose as another

The secretary of defense met with his counterparts in Asia to discuss the nuclear crisis.

Metal tools replaced their stone counterparts many, many years ago.

the lead actress and her male counterpart

1coun·ter·point noun, pl -points

1 music

1 a : a combination of two or more melodies that are played together

[count] a two-person counterpoint

[noncount] The guitar and bass are played in counterpoint.

1 b [count] : a melody played in combination with another

2 formal : something that is different from something else in usually a pleasing way

[count] The dressing is a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy chicken.

The painting is a pleasant counterpoint to his earlier works.

[noncount] The music works in counterpoint to the images on the screen.

2counterpoint verb, -points, -point·ed, -point·ing [+ obj]

formal : to put two things together in a way that shows how different they are from each other : contrast

The violence of the movie is counterpointed by/with ironic humor.

coun·ter·pro·duc·tive adj [more ; most ]

: not helpful : making the thing you want to happen less likely to happen

His uncontrollable anger is very counterproductive to his attempt at saving his marriage.

a counterproductive approach

coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion noun, pl -tions

: action by a group, army, etc., that is done to overthrow a government that is in power because of an earlier revolution

[noncount] The leader vowed to stop any attempt at counterrevolution.

[count] Soldiers loyal to the President led the counterrevolution.

coun·ter·rev·o·lu·tion·ary Brit adj
counterrevolutionary forces

counterrevolutionary noun, pl -ar·ies [count]

coun·ter·sign verb, -signs, -signed, -sign·ing [+ obj]

: to sign (a document) after another person has already signed it especially to show that it is valid or authentic

The order has to be countersigned by a doctor.

coun·ter·ter·ror·ism noun [noncount]

: actions by a group, army, etc., that are done to prevent terrorist attacks and destroy terrorist networks
often used before another noun
a counterterrorism agency

coun·ter·ter·ror·ist adj
counterterrorist strategy

coun·ter·top noun, pl -tops

US : 1counter 2

coun·ter·vail·ing adj, always used before a noun
formal : having an equal but opposite effect
countervailing influences

The policy has many faults and many countervailing virtues.

coun·ter·weight noun, pl -weights [count]

: a weight that provides a balance against something of equal weight

The crane has a heavy counterweight on the back.

often used figuratively

Their liberal views act as a counterweight to/against the governor's conservatism.

count·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

1 : the wife of a count or an earl

2 : a woman who has the rank of count or earl

count·less adj

: too many to be counted : very many

He has written countless [=numerous] magazine and newspaper articles.

There are countless reasons why that would not be a good idea.

I've been there countless times.

count noun noun, pl nouns [count]

grammar : a noun (such as bean or ball) that has both a singular and plural form and can be used after a numeral, after words such as many or few, or after the indefinite article a or an compare NONCOUNT NOUN

coun·tri·fied adj [more ; most ]

informal

1 : suited to the country instead of the city
a countrified man
a restaurant with a countrified atmosphere

2 : played or sung like country music
countrified rock

1coun·try noun, pl -tries

1 a [count] : an area of land that is controlled by its own government : nation

The two countries have a lot in common.

European/foreign countries

They drove across the country from California to New York.

They are living in different parts of the country.

see also MOTHER COUNTRY, OLD COUNTRY

1 b the country : the people who live in a country

The whole country was stunned by the news.

The President has the support of most of the country.

2 [noncount] : an area or region that has a particular quality or feature or is known for a particular activity.

He moved to the north country to fish and hunt.

We went camping in the hill country.

They drove through miles of open country.

We took a trip to wine country. [=an area where grapes are grown and wine is made]

3 the country : land that is away from big towns and cities : countryside

She lives out in the country.

They prefer the country to the city.

4 [noncount] : country music

She loves country and rock.

across country

1 : from one side of a country to the other.

They drove across country.

2 : from one side of the countryside to the other

The river runs across country.

: by a course going directly over the countryside rather than by roads

The group walked across country.

see also CROSS-COUNTRY

go to the country

Brit : to call for a general election to be held

He went to the country and won.

2country adj, always used before a noun

1 : of, relating to, or characteristic of the country
a country town/road
country living/comforts
country folk

2 : of or relating to country music
a country singer
country radio

country and western noun [noncount]

: country music

country club noun, pl clubs [count]

: a private club where people go for social events and to play golf, tennis, etc.

coun·try dance Brit noun [noncount]

: a dance in which couples dance in long lines or circles

country dancing noun [noncount]

country house noun, pl houses [count]

: a large house in the country typically owned by someone who also has a home in a city

coun·try·man noun, pl -men [count]

formal

1 : a person who lives in or comes from the same country as you : compatriot
my fellow countrymen

2 Brit : a person who lives in the countryside

country mile noun [singular]

informal : a long distance

He lives a country mile from the nearest store.

She beat the other swimmers by a country mile.

country music noun [noncount]

: a style of music that developed in the southern and western U.S. and that often contains lyrics relating to the lives of people who live in the country

country rock noun [noncount]

: a type of rock music that sounds similar to country music

country seat noun, pl seats [count]

chiefly Brit : a large house that is built on a large piece of land

coun·try·side noun [noncount]

: land that is away from big towns and cities

She lives in the countryside. [=country]

We took a long drive through the open countryside.

coun·try·wide adj

: happening or existing in all parts of a country : nationwide

The murders attracted countrywide attention.

countrywide adv

The company has opened several stores countrywide.

coun·try·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

1 : a woman born or living in the same country as someone else

2 Brit : a woman who lives in the countryside

coun·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

: an area of a state or country that is larger than a city and has its own government to deal with local matters
the largest school district in the county
often used before another noun
the county sheriff
a county fair

county court noun, pl courts [count]

: a court of law for cases within a county

county seat noun, pl seats [count]

US : the town or city in a county where the government offices and buildings are located

county town noun, pl towns [count]

Brit : county seat

coup noun, pl coups [count]

1 : coup d'état
a military coup
a coup attempt

2 : an impressive victory or achievement that usually is difficult or unexpected

It was a major coup when they got the Vice President to appear on their show for an interview.

coup de grâce or coup de grace noun, pl coups de grâce or coups de grace [count]

formal

1 : an action or event that finally ends or destroys something that has been getting weaker or worse

The legislature's decision to cut funding has administered the coup de grâce to the governor's proposal.

2 : a hit or shot that kills a person or animal that is suffering

coup d'état or coup d'etat noun, pl coups d'état or coup d'etat [count]

: a sudden attempt by a small group of people to take over the government usually through violence
a military coup d'état
a bloody coup d'état

coupe (US) or chiefly Brit cou·pé Brit noun, pl coupes [count]

: a car that has two doors and that has room for four or sometimes only for two people compare SEDAN

1cou·ple noun, pl couples [count]

1 : two people who are married or who have a romantic or sexual relationship
a happily married couple

“Are they a couple?” “No, they are just good friends.”

Seventeen couples participated in the survey.

The romance had gone out of their relationship, so they signed up for couples therapy. [=therapy in which a psychologist helps couples solve problems with their relationships]

2 : two people or things that are together : pair
usually used in the phrase in couples

The people were lined up in couples.

a couple
informal

1 : two or a few of something

Can you give me a couple more examples?

This one costs a couple less dollars than that one.

In informal U.S. English, a couple can be used like a couple of before a plural noun.

I lost interest in the book after a couple chapters.

We owned a couple dogs.

We stopped for a couple drinks after work.

It is often used with periods of time and numbers.

I saw the movie a couple nights ago.

We met a couple years ago.

I took a couple weeks off.

a couple hundred people
a couple dozen

2 : two or a few

“How many drinks have you had?” “Oh, just a couple.”

a couple of

: two of or a few of : two (things) or a few (things)

It happened a couple of days ago. [=two days ago]

I only had a couple of sips.

Can you loan me a couple of dollars?

I have a couple of favorite restaurants I go to.

I'll be ready in a couple of minutes. [=I'll be ready soon]

Our schedule is booked solid for the next couple of weeks. [=for the next two weeks]

They've lost the last/previous couple of games.

cou·ple·dom noun [noncount]

They are breaking up after eight years of coupledom. [=after eight years of being a couple]

2couple verb, couples, cou·pled, cou·pling [+ obj]

1 : to join (two things) together : connect
a device that makes it possible to couple the pieces

The coils are loosely/tightly coupled.

2 : to join (something) to something else : connect

The wire is coupled to the terminal.

It took an hour to couple the trailer to the truck.

couple with [phrasal verb]

couple (something) with (something) : to join or combine (something) with (something else)

The exhibit couples poems with paintings.

usually used as (be) coupled with

An oil spill coupled with [=combined with, together with] strong winds brought disaster.

The team's win, coupled with a loss by their rivals, put them in first place.

cou·pler noun, pl -plers [count]

The company manufactures trailer couplers. [=couplings, hitches]

cou·plet noun, pl -plets [count]

: two lines of poetry that form a unit
a rhyming couplet
a poem made up of six couplets

cou·pling noun, pl -plings [count]

1 : a device that connects two parts or things
hose couplings [=couplers]

the couplings between railroad cars

2 formal : the act of having sex
erotic/illicit couplings

3 : the act of combining two things
a/the coupling of literature and science

cou·pon noun, pl -pons [count]

1 : a usually small piece of printed paper that lets you get a service or product for free or at a lower price

Bring in this coupon for a free oil change.

I'm always clipping coupons from the newspaper to use at the grocery store.

The coupon is good for one free ice-cream cone.

2 chiefly Brit : a section of an advertisement that you can cut out and mail to a company in order to request information or to order a product or service

Send in this coupon for more information.

cour·age noun [noncount]

: the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous

The troops showed great courage [=bravery] in battle.

She has the courage to support unpopular causes.

It takes courage to stand up for your rights.

I finally worked/got up the courage [=nerve] to tell him the bad news.

They showed great courage [=fearlessness] and determination.

Eventually she summoned (up) the courage to confront him.

They showed courage under fire. [=they were brave while they were being shot at or while they were being strongly criticized]

He has the courage of his convictions. [=he is not afraid to do what he believes is right]

cou·ra·geous adj [more ; most ]

: very brave : having or showing courage
a courageous soldier

She was a courageous woman who wasn't afraid to support unpopular causes.

a courageous act/decision
a courageous [=fearless] companion

cou·ra·geous·ly adv

They have fought courageously for their rights.

cou·ra·geous·ness noun [noncount]

a leader admired for his courageousness

cour·gette noun, pl -gettes [count]

Brit : zucchini

1cou·ri·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person whose job is to carry messages, packages, etc., from one person or place to another

A courier [=messenger] will deliver the photo this afternoon.

Police recently arrested a drug courier in our neighborhood.

He worked as a bicycle courier in the city. [=a courier who uses a bicycle]

2 : a business that is used to send messages, packages, etc.

The documents were sent by overnight courier.

3 Brit : a person who is employed by a travel company and whose job is to help people who are on holiday

2courier verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : to use a courier to send (a message, package, etc.) to a person or place

The package was couriered overnight to our offices.

1course noun, pl cours·es

1 [count]

1 a : the path or direction that something or someone moves along
the course of a river
a ship's course

The pilot brought the plane back on course.

The ship was blown off course by a storm.

often used figuratively

This win puts the team back on course for the championship.

The book is generally well written but it occasionally veers off course. [=it has some parts that do not seem to be about what the rest of the book is about]

a battle that altered/changed the course of history [=that changed the way things happened in the years that followed]

see also COLLISION COURSE

1 b : a path or route that runners, skiers, bikers, etc., move along especially in a race
a cross-country/marathon/ski course
see also OBSTACLE COURSE, RACECOURSE

2 [count]

2 a : a series of classes about a particular subject in a school
an introductory/training course

I'm taking a few writing courses [=classes] at the university.

She's taking a chemistry course this semester.

often used before another noun
course materials
course work/requirements

I have a light/full course load this semester. [=I am taking few/many classes this semester]

2 b : a group of classes that lead to a degree (sense 5)

(chiefly Brit) She's beginning a four-year course in chemistry. [=(US) a four-year chemistry program]

Students earn the degree after a two-year course of study.

see also CORRESPONDENCE COURSE, CRASH COURSE, REFRESHER COURSE, SANDWICH COURSE, SURVEY COURSE

3 [noncount] : the normal or regular way that something happens over time

There is no cure, but the treatment will slow the course of the disease.

It's something you would never see in the normal/ordinary course of events. [=if things were happening as they usually happen]

payments made in the usual/normal/ordinary course of business [=as part of doing regular business]

The disease usually runs its course in a few days. [=develops in the usual way; begins, gets worse, and ends]

4 [noncount]

used to describe what happens during a period of time or when something is being done

They met 12 times during/in/over the course of a year.

facts discovered in the course of research

Things will get better in the course of time. [=things will get better as time passes]

5 [count] : a way of behaving or proceeding that you choose

Our wisest course is to retreat.

We're trying to determine the best course of action [=the best actions; the best things to do] at this point.

6 [count] medical : a series of medicines or medical treatments that are given to someone over a period of time
a new course of medication

The doctor prescribed a 10-day course of antibiotics.

a short/intensive course of therapy

7 [count] : a part of a meal that is served separately from other parts

We had salad for the first course.

You can choose what you want for the main course.

A different wine was served with each course.

a five-course dinner [=a dinner served in five separate parts]

8 [count] : golf course
an 18-hole course

in due course

: after a normal amount of time has passed : in the expected time

His discoveries led, in due course, to new forms of treatment.

The reasons will become apparent in due course. [=eventually]

let nature take its course see NATURE

of course

1
used to show that what is being said is very obvious or already generally known

We're talking, of course, about what happened last night.

She was late and rudeso of course she didn't get the job.

Of course, it wasn't easy for me to admit I was wrong.

“Has the bus already left?” “Of course.”

2
used informally to give permission or say yes in a way that shows you are very certain

“May I borrow this book?” “Of course!” [=absolutely, certainly]

“Will you go?” “Of course!”

“Are you angry with me for being late?” “Of course not!” [=I am not at all angry]

“Did you take the money?” “Of course not!” [=I definitely did not]

3
used to stress that what you are saying is true and you feel no doubt about it

Of course we'll be there. We wouldn't miss it for the world!

Of course I don't hate you! How could you think such a thing?

see also as a matter of course at 1MATTER

par for the course see PAR

pervert the course of justice see 1PERVERT

stay the course see 1STAY

2course verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, courses, coursed, cours·ing [no obj]

: to move or flow quickly
the blood coursing through my veins

Tears were coursing down his cheeks.

1court noun, pl courts

1 a [noncount] : a formal legal meeting in which evidence about crimes, disagreements, etc., is presented to a judge and often a jury so that decisions can be made according to the law

Court is now in session.

Court is adjourned for the day.

often used before another noun
a court battle/fight
court cases/records/costs

1 b : a place where legal cases are heard

[count] There was a large group of protesters outside the court.

a lawyer who has appeared in courts around the country

[noncount] His landlord threatened to take him to court. [=to start a lawsuit against him; to sue him]

The organization is prepared to go to court [=to start a lawsuit] to stop construction from proceeding.

They were able to settle/resolve the case out of court. [=without going to court]

1 c [count] : an official group of people (such as a judge and jury) who listen to evidence and make decisions about legal cases

The case is before the state's highest court.

She's a judge on an appellate court.

state/federal courts

The prosecution has new evidence to submit to the court.

Please explain to the court what happened that night.

The court ruled/declared the law unconstitutional.

The court reversed/rejected the lower court's decision.

2 [count] : a large flat surface that is shaped like a square or rectangle and that is used for playing games like tennis and basketball
a basketball/tennis court

3 a : the place where the leader of a country and especially a king or queen lives and works

[count] the courts of Europe

[noncount] He spent a lot of time at court.

3 b [count] : a king or queen and the people who live and work with him or her

The queen assembled her court.

a member of the king's court

4 [count]

4 a
used in the names of short streets

My sister lives on Brynhurst Court.

abbr. Ct.

4 b
used in the names of apartment buildings or groups of apartment buildings

I live in the Franklin Court apartments on Main Street.

see also MOTOR COURT

4 c : courtyard
the villa's inner court
an interior court garden
see also FOOD COURT

hold court

: to talk to a group of people who listen to what you say because it is funny or interesting

The restaurant's owner was holding court at his usual table in the corner.

laugh out of court see 1LAUGH

pay court to
formal + old-fashioned : to give a lot of attention to (someone) in order to get approval, affection, etc.

He does not approve of the young man who has been paying court to his daughter. [=who has been courting his daughter]

the ball is in your court see 1BALL

the court of public/world opinion

: the beliefs and judgment of most people

The statement was quickly condemned in the court of public opinion. [=was condemned by the public]

2court verb, courts, court·ed, court·ing

1 somewhat old-fashioned : to act in a way that shows that you want or intend to get married

[no obj] The couple courted for two years before marrying.

[+ obj] He was courting his college sweetheart.

2 of an animal : to perform the actions that lead to sexual activity

[no obj] a pair of robins courting

[+ obj] The male will sometimes court the female for hours.

3 [+ obj] : to give a lot of attention and praise to (someone) in order to get approval, support, etc.

college teams courting high school basketball stars

The government is courting [=wooing] investors from around the globe.

The speech was clearly intended to court middle-class voters.

If you court someone's favor or court favor with someone, you try to get someone's approval.

The company is courting favor with consumers by portraying itself as socially responsible.

4 [+ obj] : to act in a way that is likely to cause (something unpleasant) to happen to you

Anyone who refuses to evacuate is courting disaster. [=flirting with disaster]

They knew they were courting danger/trouble by accepting donations from a convicted felon.

court card noun, pl cards [count]

chiefly Brit : face card

cour·te·ous adj [more ; most ]

: very polite in a way that shows respect

The clerks were helpful and courteous.

a courteous manner
opposite DISCOURTEOUS

cour·te·ous·ly adv

He answered my questions courteously.

cour·te·ous·ness noun [noncount]

I appreciated his courteousness.

cour·te·san Brit noun, pl -sans [count]

old-fashioned : a woman who has sex with rich or important men in exchange for money : a prostitute who has sex with wealthy and powerful men

1cour·te·sy noun, pl -sies

1 [noncount] : polite behavior that shows respect for other people

They treated us with courtesy and kindness.

He didn't even have the common courtesy [=he was not even as polite as people can usually be expected to be] to say goodbye when he left.

2 [count]

2 a : something that you do because it is polite, kind, etc.

She did it as a courtesy, not because she had to.

2 b : something that you say to be polite especially when you meet someone

Everyone knows each other here, so we won't bother with the usual courtesies.

They shook hands and exchanged courtesies before beginning their discussion.

courtesy of

If you say that something has been provided through the courtesy of or (by) courtesy of a person, organization, business, etc., you are politely saying that they paid for it, gave it, or let it be used.

The flowers were provided through the courtesy of a local florist.

This program is brought to you courtesy of our sponsors. [=it has been paid for by our sponsors]

The word courtesy is sometimes used informally by itself in this way.

Photo courtesy Helen Jones. [=Helen Jones is allowing the photograph to be used]

The phrase courtesy of is sometimes also used informally to indicate the cause of something.

I have a bad cold now, courtesy of my brother. [=I have a bad cold that I caught from my brother]

2courtesy adj, always used before a noun

1 : done in order to be polite

They paid a courtesy call on the ambassador. [=they visited the ambassador because it was the polite thing to do]

2 : provided for free

Important visitors to the conference were provided with courtesy cars.

He picked up the airport courtesy phone [=a telephone that customers can use to call the company that provides it] to call for a car.

courtesy title noun, pl titles [count]

: a polite and formal word that is used in place of someone's name or as part of someone's name
the courtesy titles “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “Ms.,” “Dr.,” etc.

As a child, he was taught to address his elders with the courtesy titles “sir” and “ma'am.”

court·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

US : a building in which legal cases are heard

court·ier noun, pl -iers [count]

: a member of a royal court (sense 3b)

court·ly adj, court·li·er, -est [or more ; most ]

: polite and graceful in a formal way
courtly manners
a courtly gentleman

court·li·ness noun [noncount]

1court-mar·tial noun, pl courts-martial also court-mar·tials

1 : a military court : a court for people in the military who are accused of breaking military law

[noncount] The officers will be tried by court-martial.

[count] They will appear before a court-martial.

2 [count] : a trial in a military court

The sergeant is facing a court-martial for failure to obey orders.

2court-martial verb, -tials, US -tialed or Brit -tialled, US -tial·ing or Brit -tial·ling

[+ obj]

: to present evidence against (someone) in a military court : to put (someone) on trial in a military court

He was court-martialed for failure to obey orders.

court of appeals (US) or chiefly Brit court of appeal noun, pl courts of appeals [count]

law

1 : a court that studies the decisions made by a lower court and decides if they were correct called also (US) appeals court (chiefly Brit) appeal court

2 Court of Appeals US : any one of 13 courts in the U.S. below the Supreme Court
the 9th/Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

3 Court of Appeal Brit : the highest court in Britain below the House of Lords

court of law noun, pl courts of law [count]

: 1court 1a

You have the right to a fair trial in a court of law.

court order noun, pl -ders

: a formal statement from a court that orders someone to do or stop doing something

[count] He received a court order barring him from entering the building.

[noncount] He is barred by court order from entering the building.

The town is under court order to fix the problem.

court reporter noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person whose job is to write down exactly what is said and done during a legal trial

court·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a room in which legal cases are heard

court·ship noun, pl -ships

1 somewhat old-fashioned : the activities that occur when people are developing a romantic relationship that could lead to marriage or the period of time when such activities occur

[count] They had a two-year courtship before marrying.

[noncount] the formalities of courtship

2 [noncount] : the behavior of animals that leads to sexual activity or the period of time when such behavior occurs

The male of the species often displays aggression during courtship.

often used before another noun
courtship behavior
courtship displays/rituals

3 [noncount] : an attempt to convince someone to support you or to choose you or your organization
the President's courtship of middle-class voters

court shoe noun, pl shoes [count]

Brit : 3pump 1

court·side noun [noncount]

chiefly US : the area at the edge of a tennis or basketball court

Our seats were located a few rows (up) from courtside.

courtside adj
courtside seats

courtside adv

We got to sit courtside. [=we got to sit in the seats that are closest to the court]

court·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

: an open space that is surrounded completely or partly by a building or group of buildings
the palace courtyards

The apartment overlooks a courtyard.

cous·cous noun [noncount]

: a North African food that is made from wheat and is in the form of very small, round pieces; also : a dish of this food served with meat or vegetables
lamb and vegetable couscous

cous·in noun, pl -ins [count]

1 a : a child of your uncle or aunt called also first cousin see also SECOND COUSIN

1 b : a person who is related to you but not in a close or direct way

Everyone came to the wedding, including a distant cousin no one had heard from in years.

see also KISSING COUSIN

2 : a person who is from another country but whose culture is similar to your own
our English cousins

3 : something that is similar or related to something else

The cricket is a cousin of the grasshopper.

hurricanes and their cousins, typhoons

cou·ture Brit noun [noncount]

somewhat formal

1 : the business of designing, making, or selling women's clothes; also : women's clothes in general

The book discusses the relationship between culture and couture.

2 : haute couture

I can't afford to wear couture.

cou·tu·ri·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or business that designs and makes clothes for women

1cove noun, pl coves [count]

: a small area of ocean that is partly surrounded by land : a small, sheltered inlet or bay
a coastline dotted with coves

compare 2COVE

2cove noun, pl coves [count]

Brit old-fashioned : a man : chap
a genial cove

compare 1COVE

cov·en noun, pl -ens [count]

: a group of witches

cov·e·nant noun, pl -nants [count]

1 formal : a formal and serious agreement or promise
a covenant with God
the covenant of marriage

2 law : a formal written agreement between two or more people, businesses, countries, etc.

an international covenant on human rights

The restrictive covenants of the building development prohibit the construction of buildings over 30 feet tall.

1cov·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing

1 : to put something over, on top of, or in front of (something else) especially in order to protect, hide, or close it

[+ obj] The gardener covered the soil with mulch.

The furniture had been covered in a protective cloth.

Be sure to cover the pot. [=put a cover on the pot]

He covered his face with his hands. [=he put his hands over his face; he hid his face behind his hands]

We covered the stains on the wall with a fresh coat of paint.

You should cover your mouth when you cough.

She covered her head with a scarf.

tables covered with white linen

He wears a hair piece to cover [=hide, conceal] his bald spot.

[no obj]

used in recipes and instructions

The recipe said: “Reduce heat. Cover [=put a cover/lid on the pot/pan] and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.”

Place the seed in the hole and cover with soil.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to be spread over or on top of (something)

Water covered the floor.

Snow covered the hills.

2 b : to be over much or all of the surface of (something)

Lakes cover much of the state.

usually used as (be) covered

Much of the state is covered with lakes.

The wall is completely covered with graffiti.

His legs were covered in mosquito bites.

3 [+ obj] : to pass over or through (an area, distance, etc.)

The hikers covered long distances every day.

The bird may cover thousands of miles during its migration.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to have (something) as a subject : to relate to or provide information about (a particular subject)

The course will cover the country's early history.

an exam covering a semester's worth of material

This material was covered in the book's first chapter.

We'd better get started because we have a lot (of information) to cover in one hour.

4 b : to relate to or have an effect on (something)

The patent covers [=applies to] both kinds of devices/systems.

The term “house” covers a wide array of buildings. [=many different kinds of buildings can be called houses]

5 [+ obj] : to report news about (something)

He is an experienced journalist who has covered several presidential campaigns.

She covers political news for the network.

6 [+ obj] of insurance

6 a : to protect (someone) by promising to pay for loss, damage, etc. : to provide financial protection to (someone)

The policy covers the traveler in any accident.

6 b : to provide protection by promising to pay for (a problem, accident, etc.) : to provide financial protection against (something)

The policy covers water damage.

a policy covering loss by fire

6 c : to provide payment for (something)

My health insurance doesn't cover this treatment/drug.

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to have enough money for (something)

Your checking account balance will not cover the check. [=there is not enough money in your checking account to pay for the amount of the check]

7 b : to pay for (something)

He has enough money to cover tuition, but he can't afford to buy the textbooks he needs.

This money should cover the cost of repairing the wall.

8 [+ obj]

8 a : to guard or protect (something or someone) by being ready to shoot a gun or fire a weapon

The ships were covering approaches to the harbor.

Officer Blake's partner yelled “Cover me!” and ran for the door.

8 b : to protect (yourself or someone else) from possible trouble or danger

He was trying to cover himself by lying about his involvement in the scandal.

(US, informal + impolite) He was trying to cover his ass/butt by lying.

9 [+ obj]

9 a sports : to guard (an opponent) as part of your team's effort to prevent the other team from scoring

He was assigned to cover the tight end.

9 b baseball : to be in a position to receive a throw to (a base)

The shortstop was covering second base.

see also cover all the bases at 1BASE

10 [no obj]

10 a : to help you by doing your job when you are away or not able to do it

+ for

A coworker covered for me during my vacation.

She'll be out for a week, so the rest of us will have to cover for her.

10 b : to hide the truth or lie for someone

+ for

He covered for his friend, insisting that he hadn't seen him all day.

11 [+ obj]

11 a : to be responsible for selling or providing something to all the people in (an area) for a company, organization, etc.

One salesperson covers the whole state.

11 b : to provide something to (a group of people)

There should be enough of the vaccine to cover everyone.

12 [+ obj] : to record or perform (a song that was previously recorded by someone else)

The band has covered many hits from the 1980s.

cover up [phrasal verb]

1 cover up or cover (something) up or cover up (something) : to cover yourself, part of your body, etc., with something (such as clothing or a blanket)

She quickly covered up with a robe.

She quickly covered herself up.

2 cover (something) up or cover up (something) : to prevent people from learning the truth about (something, such as a crime) : to hide (something)

They tried to cover up the crime/mistake/problem/scandal.

I think they stole the money and then lied about it to cover up their guilt.

see also COVER-UP

cover your tracks see 1TRACK

have (got) someone or something covered (informal)

: to have done, gotten, or provided whatever is needed

Don't worry about a thing. We've got you covered. [=we have taken care of everything that you might need]

You don't need to buy soda for the party. We've already got that covered. [=we already have enough soda]

2cover noun, pl -ers

1 [count] : something that is put around or on top of another thing especially to protect, hide, or close it

She placed a cover over the pan so that the oil wouldn't spatter.

I put a cover on the sofa to protect it.

a mattress cover

I lifted the cover of the box and peaked inside.

He unscrewed the cover [=top, lid] of the jar.

2 [count] : a blanket or sheet on a bed
usually plural

She was in bed lying under the covers.

He threw off the covers and rose to begin the day.

3 [count]

3 a : the outer part of a book or magazine

There's a picture of the author on the book's back/front cover.

The model appeared on the (front) covers of many weeklies.

She read the book from cover to cover. [=she read all of the book]

see also COVER GIRL, COVER STORY

3 b : the part of the case of a record album, CD, DVD, etc., that is seen from the outside

The singer is posing in jeans and cowboy boots on the album cover.

4 : something that covers the ground or the sky

[singular] The ground was hidden under a cover of snow.

The moon was hidden behind a thick cloud cover. [=behind thick clouds]

[noncount] areas of light plant cover [=areas in which there are few plants]

see also GROUND COVER

5 [noncount] : a place or situation in which you are protected

The roof provided cover from the rain.

The soldiers sought cover behind the wall.

The officer ordered the soldiers to take cover as the enemy began shooting.

The hikers took cover under a tree and waited for the storm to pass.

The hikers ran/dashed/headed for cover as the storm approached.

If you break cover, you come out from a place where you have been safe or hidden.

The rabbit suddenly broke cover and ran across the field.

6 [noncount] : something that prevents actions, information, etc., from being seen or known

The crime was committed under (the) cover of darkness/night. [=when it was dark; at night]

an official speaking to a reporter under cover of anonymity [=with the understanding that the reporter would not reveal the official's name]

7 [count] : something that is not what it seems to be but is actually used to hide something else
usually singular

The business was a cover for a criminal gang.

Her job as a consultant was just a cover for her true identity as a secret agent.

He acts tough, but that's just a cover. He's a real softy underneath.

A person who is under cover has his or her true identity hidden. The phrase usually describes a person (such as a police officer) who pretends to be someone else in order to get information.

The policeman went under cover to collect more evidence.

The agent was working under cover.

To blow someone's cover is to reveal someone's true identity.

The agent posed as a consultant until someone blew her cover.

see also UNDERCOVER

8 [count] : a recording or performance of a song that was previously recorded by someone else
a cover (version) of a popular song
a cover band [=a band that plays songs previously recorded by other performers]

9 [count] informal : cover charge

The nightclub has a $5 cover.

10 [noncount] Brit : insurance coverage
a policy that provides cover [=(US) coverage] for loss by fire

11 [noncount] : protection from danger, an attack, etc.

They had to land in enemy territory without any air cover. [=protection by military airplanes]

traveling with the benefit of diplomatic cover [=the special protection that is given to a diplomat]

12 [noncount] Brit : work done by someone other than the person who usually does it

A small crew will provide emergency cover during the strike.

under separate cover

: in a separate envelope

The manuscript is being sent to you under separate cover.

cov·er·age noun, pl -ag·es

1 [noncount] : the activity of reporting about an event or subject in newspapers, on television news programs, etc.

The issue is not getting much coverage in the mainstream press.

There was massive/extensive TV coverage of the funeral.

The network will have live coverage of the game. [=it will broadcast the game as it is happening]

2 [noncount] : discussion of a subject in a book, class, etc.

For more complete coverage of this issue, see Chapter Six.

The book gives full coverage to the history of the word.

3 US

3 a [noncount] : the financial protection that is provided by an insurance policy

She has no insurance coverage. [=she does not have insurance]

affordable health/medical coverage [=insurance that will pay for medical care; health insurance]

My health insurance company has denied coverage for the treatment. [=it will not pay the cost of the treatment]

3 b [count] : something that an insurance company will pay for : something that is covered by an insurance policy

Fire/liability insurance coverages varied.

optional/additional coverages

4 chiefly US, sports : the act of guarding an opponent as part of your team's effort to prevent the other team from scoring : the act of covering an opponent

[noncount] He was responsible for coverage of the tight end.

[count] The team uses a variety of defensive coverages.

5 [noncount]

used to describe how much of an area or surface is covered by something

Heavy cloud coverage is expected over the lake.

uniform paint coverage

There is no cell phone coverage in this valley. [=cell phone service is not available]

cov·er·all noun, pl -alls [count]

US : a piece of clothing that is worn over other clothes to protect them
usually plural

The mechanic was dressed in (a pair of) coveralls. [=(Brit) overalls]

cover charge noun, pl charges [count]

: an amount of money that must be paid to go into a nightclub or restaurant in addition to the charge for food and drink

The nightclub has a $5 cover charge.

covered adj

1 : having a cover or lid
a covered dish/container/jar/bowl

2 a : having a layer of something specified on top
usually used in combination
snow-covered hills
sugar-covered cookies

2 b : having something specified over much or all of the surface
usually used in combination
a graffiti-covered wall
chocolate-covered pretzels

3 : having a roof
a covered walkway/entrance/porch
a covered bridge
see also COVERED WAGON

4 US, insurance : paid for by an insurance policy
covered medical expenses

covered wagon noun, pl -ons [count]

: a large wagon with a rounded top made of heavy cloth that was used in the past by people traveling to the western parts of North America

cover girl noun, pl girls [count]

: an attractive young woman whose picture is on the front of a magazine

cov·er·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: an object or substance that goes over or on top of something especially in order to hide or protect it

The ground was hidden under a covering [=cover] of snow.

floor/wall/window coverings

cov·er·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a decorative cover for a bed : bedspread

cover letter noun, pl -ters [count]

US : a letter that is sent with something to explain the reason for it or to give more information about it

Always include a cover letter with your résumé.

called also (Brit) covering letter

cover story noun, pl -ries [count]

: an important story or article that is the main subject shown on the cover of a magazine

The magazine recently did/had a cover story on/about diabetes.

co·vert adj [more ; most ]

: made, shown, or done in a way that is not easily seen or noticed : secret or hidden
a covert glance/look

He has taken part in a number of covert military operations.

spy agencies taking covert action
opposite OVERT

cov·ert·ly adv

cov·ert·ness noun [noncount]

cov·er-up noun, pl -ups [count]

1 : a planned effort to hide a dishonest, immoral, or illegal act or situation

The book describes the burglary and its ensuing cover-up.

The report exposes an attempted cover-up of the accident.

2 : an action or a way of behaving that is meant to prevent people from knowing about something

His brash manner is just a cover-up for his insecurity.

see also cover up at 1COVER

cov·et verb, -ets, -et·ed, -et·ing [+ obj]

: to want (something that you do not have) very much

All his life he has coveted [=craved, desired] success.

a coveted prize

His religion warns against coveting material goods.

cov·et·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : feeling or showing a very strong desire for something that you do not have and especially for something that belongs to someone else

The expensive car drew many covetous looks.

They were covetous of his success. [=they envied his success]

cov·et·ous·ly adv

They eyed her jewelry covetously.

cov·et·ous·ness noun [noncount]

cov·ey noun, pl -eys [count]

1 : a small flock of birds
a covey of quail

2 : a small group of people or things

A covey of schoolchildren approached.

A covey of reporters came to the event.

1cow noun, pl cows [count]

1 a : a large animal that is raised by people for milk or meat usually on a farm
horses, chickens, and cows
especially : the adult female of this animal

The cows need to be milked twice a day.

compare BULL, CALF

1 b : an adult female of some other large animals (such as elephants, whales, and seals)

2 chiefly Brit slang, offensive : a woman who is stupid or annoying

You stupid cow!

have a cow
slang : to become very angry, upset, etc.

Don't have a cow! I said I'd take care of the problem and I will.

holy cow
informal
used as an interjection to express surprise or excitement

Holy cow! That car almost ran into us!

till/until the cows come home
informal : for a very long time

They'll be arguing about this till the cows come home.

see also CASH COW, SACRED COW

2cow verb, cows, cowed, cow·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) too afraid to do something : intimidate

I refuse to be cowed by their threats.

They were cowed into silence by threats. [=they did not complain, publicly say anything, etc., because they had been threatened]

cow·ard noun, pl -ards [count]

: someone who is too afraid to do what is right or expected : someone who is not at all brave or courageous
a proven coward who had deserted his troops

cow·ard·ice noun [noncount]

: fear that makes you unable to do what is right or expected : lack of courage
soldiers accused of cowardice
acts of cowardice

cow·ard·ly adj [more ; most ]

: afraid in a way that makes you unable to do what is right or expected : lacking courage

He insisted on avoiding a cowardly retreat.

She made a cowardly decision to go along with the group.

a cowardly thief
a cowardly attack from behind

cow·ard·li·ness noun [noncount]

cow·bell noun, pl -bells [count]

: a bell that you hang around the neck of a cow so that you can tell where the cow is

cow·bird noun, pl -birds [count]

: a brown and black North American bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds

1cow·boy noun, pl -boys [count]

1 : a man who rides a horse and whose job is to take care of cows or horses especially in the western U.S.

a movie about cowboys in the old West

He worked for several years as a cowboy on a ranch in Texas.

2 : a man who performs in a rodeo

3 usually disapproving : someone who has qualities that are commonly associated with the cowboys in movies; especially : someone who does things that other people consider foolish and dangerous
political cowboys

We've got a bunch of risk-taking cowboys running this project.

sometimes used before another noun
cowboy diplomacy

2cowboy verb, -boys, -boyed, -boy·ing [no obj]

US : to work as a cowboy

He cowboyed in Texas and Oklahoma.

cowboy boot noun, pl boots [count]

: a type of boot that has a thick heel and often a decorative design on the upper part and that is worn especially by cowboys and cowgirls

cowboy hat noun, pl hats [count]

: a type of soft hat that has a wide brim and that is worn especially by cowboys and cowgirls

cow·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

: to move back or bend your body down because you are afraid

They cowered at the sight of the gun.

She was cowering in the closet.

I cowered behind the door.

cowering before a bully

cow·girl noun, pl -girls [count]

1 : a woman who rides a horse and whose job is to take care of cows or horses especially in the western U.S.

2 : a girl or woman who performs in a rodeo

cow·hand noun, pl -hands [count]

: 1cowboy 1

cow·herd noun, pl -herds [count]

: a person whose job is to take care of cows especially in the western U.S.

cow·hide noun [noncount]

: the skin of a cow or leather made from it
a cloth made of cowhide

cowl noun, pl cowls [count]

1 : a loose piece of clothing with a hood that a monk wears over other clothes; also : the hood itself

2 a : a covering for a chimney that controls the way smoke flows out

2 b : cowling

cowled adj
cowled monks

cow·lick noun, pl -licks [count]

chiefly US : a small bunch of hair on a person's head that sticks up above the hair around it : a small bunch of hair that will not lie flat

cowl·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: a metal covering for the engine of an airplane

co·work·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who works at the place where you work : someone you work with

cow·pat noun, pl -pats [count]

chiefly Brit : cow pie

cow·pea noun, pl -peas [count]

chiefly US : black-eyed pea

cow pie noun, pl pies [count]

chiefly US : a piece of solid waste from a cow

cow·poke noun, pl -pokes [count]

US informal : 1cowboy 1
a movie about a couple of old cowpokes

cow·punch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal + old-fashioned : 1cowboy 1

cow·rie also cow·ry noun, pl cow·ries [count]

1 : a small snail that is found in warm seas

2 : the shiny and often brightly colored shell of the cowrie

Cowrie shells have been used as money in Africa and other places.

cow·shed noun, pl -sheds [count]

: a building where cows are kept

cow·slip noun, pl -slips [count]

: a wild plant with small yellow flowers that smell sweet

cox noun, pl cox·es [count]

: a person who steers a rowing boat in races

cox verb, coxes, coxed, cox·ing [+ obj]

I'm not sure who will be coxing the boat in this race.

[no obj]

He coxes for the racing crew.

cox·swain noun, pl -swains [count]

1 : a person who is in charge of and usually steers a boat (such as a ship's lifeboat)

2 : cox

coy adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a shy or sweetly innocent quality that is often intended to be attractive or to get attention
a coy flirt

I didn't like her coy manner.

a coy glance/smile

2 : not telling or revealing all the information that could be revealed

He gave a coy answer.

often + about

Both companies are being coy about the merger deal.

play coy

US : to avoid giving a direct or complete answer

When asked about his next book, he played coy.

coy·ly adv

She smiled coyly.

She coyly refused to say anything more about it.

coy·ness noun [noncount]

coy·ote noun, pl coy·ot·es or coyote [count]

: a small wild animal that is related to dogs and wolves and that lives in North America

1co·zy (US) or Brit co·sy adj, co·zi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 a : small, comfortable, and warm
a cozy restaurant/cottage

The room was warm and cozy.

sometimes used in a joking or ironic way to describe a place that is not pleasant or comfortable

She glanced around the cramped apartment and said, “Well, isn't this cozy?”

1 b : friendly and pleasant

We had a cozy dinner with the whole family.

I spent a cozy evening reading in front of the fire.

a cozy chat

2 often disapproving : suggesting or showing a closeness between two people, groups, businesses, etc. : very close

He claims that there is a cozy arrangement/relationship between the police and the drug dealers.

often + with

His political opponents accuse him of getting/being too cozy with powerful companies.

co·zi·ly (US) or Brit co·si·ly adv

The children were snuggled cozily in their beds.

co·zi·ness (US) or Brit co·si·ness noun [noncount]

We were charmed by the coziness of the little cottage.

2cozy (US) or Brit cosy noun, pl -zies [count]

: a cloth cover that is placed over a teapot to keep the tea hot
a tea cozy

3cozy (US) or Brit cosy verb, -zies, -zied, -zy·ing

cozy up [phrasal verb]

informal : to become or try to become friendly with someone in order to get help or some advantage
usually + to

He has been cozying up to the boss lately in hopes of getting a promotion.

CPA abbr
certified public accountant

CPI abbr
consumer price index

Cpl. abbr
corporal

Cpl. Jones

CPR noun [noncount]

medical : a way of trying to save the life of someone who has stopped breathing and whose heart has stopped beating

They pulled her out of the swimming pool and began CPR.

CPR is an abbreviation for “cardiopulmonary resuscitation.”

Cpt. abbr
captain

Cpt. Smith

CPU noun, pl CPUs [count]

computers : the part of a computer system that performs the computer's main functions and controls the other parts of the system called also processor

CPU is an abbreviation for “central processing unit.”

1crab noun, pl crabs

1 a [count] : a sea animal that has a hard shell, eight legs, and two large claws see also HERMIT CRAB, KING CRAB

1 b [noncount] : the meat of a crab eaten as food

We had crab for dinner.

2 crabs [plural] medical : a medical problem in which very small insects (called lice) live in the hair surrounding a person's sexual organs

3 [count] US, informal : an unhappy person who complains a lot : grouch

I don't know why she's been such a crab lately.

2crab verb, crabs, crabbed, crab·bing [no obj]

1 : to catch or try to catch crabs

We crabbed in the bay on Saturday.

2 US, informal : to complain about something in a way that annoys people

He's been crabbing about the weather all afternoon.

crabbing noun [noncount]

We went crabbing in the bay on Saturday.

I'm tired of listening to his crabbing about the weather.

crab apple noun, pl apples [count]

: a small, sour apple or the kind of tree that produces it

crab·bed adj [more ; most ]

1 : difficult to read or understand
crabbed handwriting

2 : very negative : full of unhappy ideas

Her crabbed [=morose] view of human nature makes it hard for her to trust people.

crab·by adj, crab·bi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : unhappy and tending to complain a lot : grouchy

She gets crabby if she doesn't get enough sleep.

a crabby old man

crab·grass Brit noun [noncount]

US : a thick type of grass that often grows and spreads quickly in places where it is not wanted

crab·meat noun [noncount]

: the meat of a crab eaten as food
mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat

1crack verb, cracks, cracked, crack·ing

1 : to break (something) so that there are lines in its surface but it is usually not separated into pieces

[+ obj] The hailstones were big enough to crack some windows.

He cracked his collarbone in a skiing accident.

[no obj] The mirror/glass cracked when she dropped it.

A piece of the statue cracked off. [=broke off]

2 [+ obj] : to hit or press (something) so hard that it breaks apart or opens suddenly

Workers cracked the large rock into three pieces so it could be moved.

The bird cracked the seed on a tree branch.

a tool used for cracking nuts

He cracked open the eggs.

3 [+ obj] : to hit (someone or something) hard and usually suddenly

Someone cracked him over the head with a beer bottle.

The baby cracked her chin pretty hard when she fell.

He fell and cracked his elbow on/against the ice.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to open (a bottle or can) for drinking
usually + open

He cracked open a beer.

4 b : to open (a book) for studying or reading

He hardly cracked a book his whole first semester of college.

usually + open

It's a perfect day to relax and crack open a good book.

5 [+ obj] : to open (a safe) illegally without having a key, combination, etc.

Any good thief could crack this safe.

6 [+ obj]

6 a : to find an answer or solution to (something)

Scientists have cracked [=solved] an ancient mystery using new technology.

The police finally cracked [=broke] the case and arrested the murderer.

6 b : to find the meaning of (a secret code)

He was able to crack [=break] the enemy's secret code.

7 [+ obj] : to open (something, such as a door or window) a small amount
usually + open

She cracked open the door and peeked into the room.

8 : to cause (something) to make a sudden loud sound

[+ obj] When the sled dogs heard her crack the whip, they broke into a run.

His habit of cracking his knuckles bothered her.

[no obj] The sled dogs are trained to run when they hear the whip crack.

see also CRACK THE WHIP ((BELOW))

9 [no obj] of a voice : to change sharply in tone or pitch especially because of strong emotion

Her voice cracked (with emotion) as she told them what had happened.

10 [+ obj] informal : to tell (a joke)

The two of them crack jokes all the time. = The two of them are always cracking jokes.

11 [no obj] : to lose strength or the ability to resist or fight

After hours of questioning by the police, the suspect finally cracked. [=finally told the police what they wanted to know]

often + under

He cracked under the pressure/stress of the job.

a tough/hard nut to crack see NUT

crack a smile

: to smile

I tried to get him to laugh, but he never even cracked a smile.

crack down [phrasal verb]

: to start to be strict about punishing people for doing something that is illegal or not allowed : to enforce a law or rule more strictly

People have been violating this law for years, and now the government is finally starting to crack down.

often + on

Authorities are cracking down on companies that pollute.

see also CRACKDOWN

crack into [phrasal verb]

crack into (something) informal : to enter or get started in (something, such as a profession)

Its not easy to crack into [=break into] professional football.

crack the whip

: to force people to work very hard

The team needs a coach who isn't afraid to crack the whip.

crack up [phrasal verb]

informal

1 crack up or crack (someone) up or crack up (someone) : to begin laughing or cause (someone) to begin laughing suddenly and in a way that is difficult to control

When we saw the picture, we both cracked up.

That joke really cracks me up. [=I think that joke is very funny]

2 : to become mentally ill : to lose control of your thoughts and emotions so that you cannot continue to live in a normal way

The stress was getting worse, and she felt herself cracking up. [=going crazy]

3 crack up or crack up (something) also crack (something) up US, informal : to damage (a vehicle) by crashing

I cracked up [=crashed] on a curve in the road.

I cracked up [=crashed] the car.

see also CRACK-UP

4

Something that is what/all/everything (etc.) it's cracked up to be is as good as people say it is.

Is the movie really all it's cracked up to be? = Is it really as good as it's cracked up to be?

This phrase is usually used in negative statements.

The new restaurant is not all it's cracked up to be. When we went, the service was awful and our food was cold.

crack wise

US informal : to say something that is funny and smart : to make a wisecrack

She's always cracking wise.

get cracking
informal : to start doing something

You ought to get cracking [=get going; get moving] on that assignment. [=you should start working on that assignment right away]

2crack noun, pl cracks

1 [count] : a thin line in the surface of something that is broken but not separated into pieces

The crack runs all the way from the top of the wall to the bottom.

an old patio with grass growing up through the cracks

The vase has a few fine cracks, but it is still usable.

often + in

There were cracks in the ice.

There is a crack in the mirror/windshield/glass.

Grass is growing up through the cracks in the old patio.

see also crack in someone's or something's armor at ARMOR

2 [count] : a very narrow space or opening between two things or two parts of something

I could see them through the crack in the doorway.

Light came through the cracks in the walls of the barn.

Could you please open the window a crack? [=open it slightly] It's getting hot in here.

3 [count] : a sudden loud, sharp sound
usually singular

We heard a loud crack as the ice broke.

The horse was frightened by the crack of the whip.

a crack of thunder

4 [count] : a brief change in the sound of a person's voice especially because of strong emotion
usually singular

There was a crack in her voice as she told us her story.

5 [count] : a weakness or problem

Your theory/argument has a few cracks.

often + in

The cracks in their relationship were becoming evident.

6 [count] informal : a joke or rude remark
often + about

They're always making cracks [=wisecracks] about their teacher.

I didn't appreciate your crack about my weight.

7 [count] : a hard and sudden hit
usually singular

Someone gave him a crack on the head with a beer bottle.

8 [count] informal : an effort or attempt to do something
usually + at

She succeeded in her first crack at writing a novel.

If he's lucky, he'll get to take a crack at (a career in) professional baseball.

Let me have a crack at it.

9 [noncount] : an illegal drug that is a form of cocaine

He is addicted to crack.

They were smoking crack.

called also crack cocaine

a fair crack of the whip

Brit informal

If you are given a fair crack of the whip, you are given the same chance as other people to do something.

They might have succeeded if they'd been given a fair crack of the whip.

at the crack of dawn

: very early in the morning : at dawn

We got up at the crack of dawn to go fishing.

fall through/between the cracks also slip through/between the cracks

: to fail to be noticed or included with others

Parents are concerned that children who have trouble in school will fall through the cracks in the school system. [=will not be given the help they need; will graduate without anyone noticing that they are unable to do the work]

The program is meant to help workers who may have slipped through the cracks [=who may have not been included in other programs] because of their age.

3crack adj, always used before a noun

: very good : of excellent quality or ability
crack troops

The company has a crack sales force.

I hear she's become a crack shot. [=a person who is very good at shooting a gun]

crack baby noun, pl -bies [count]

chiefly US : a baby who is not strong and healthy at birth and whose mother used crack cocaine while she was pregnant

crack·brained adj [more ; most ]

informal : very silly or foolish
a crackbrained artist

They've devised some crackbrained [=harebrained, crazy] scheme.

crack cocaine noun [noncount]

: 2crack 9

crack·down noun, pl -downs [count]

: a serious attempt to punish people for doing something that is not allowed : an increased effort to enforce a law or rule

Companies that pollute are the target of a new crackdown.

often + on

There's been a federal crackdown on smuggling in recent years.

see also crack down at 1CRACK

cracked adj

1 : having a crack or many cracks : having a damaged surface but usually not broken into pieces
a cracked windshield

The vase is cracked but it can still hold water.

2 : having deep lines in the surface
the cracked leather of the old chair

His hands were sore and cracked from working long hours in the cold.

Her lips are dried and cracked.

3 : broken into pieces
cracked wheat/pepper/corn

4 not used before a noun informal : crazy

Don't pay any attention to her. She's a little cracked.

crack·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a dry, thin baked food that is made of flour and water and is often eaten with cheese
a plate of cheese and crackers
see also ANIMAL CRACKER, GRAHAM CRACKER, OYSTER CRACKER, SODA CRACKER

2 : a person who can crack something (such as a safe or a secret code)

a safe cracker [=a criminal who can opens a safe illegally]

a code cracker

3 chiefly Brit : a colorful paper tube that holds small gifts and that opens with a loud noise when the ends are pulled

Crackers are commonly used in Britain at Christmas.

a Christmas cracker

4 Brit, informal : a very good, amusing, or attractive person or thing

The match should be real cracker.

The guitarist played a cracker of a solo.

5 US, informal + offensive : a poor usually Southern white person

crack·er·jack adj, always used before a noun

US informal : excellent or great

They did a crackerjack job.

crack·ers adj, not used before a noun
chiefly Brit informal : crazy

This new computer program is driving me crackers!

I think he's gone a little crackers.

crack·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal : a person who smokes the illegal drug crack

crack house noun, pl houses [count]

: a house or apartment where the illegal drug crack is made, used, or sold

crack·ing adj, always used before a noun

Brit informal : very good or impressive

I think it's a cracking story.

The horses set off at a cracking [=very fast] pace around the track.

cracking adv, always used before a noun, Brit informal

I think it's a cracking good story.

crack·le verb, crack·les, crack·led, crack·ling [no obj]

: to make a series of short, sharp noises

The logs crackled in the fire.

The leaves crackled under our feet.

a crackling fire
often used figuratively

The air crackled [=sparkled] with excitement as we prepared for the festival.

crackle noun, pl crackles [count]

You could hear the crackle of distant gunfire.

crackling noun, pl -lings

1 [count] : a series of short, sharp noises
usually singular

We heard a crackling of leaves behind us.

2 [count, noncount] : the crisp skin of a roasted animal (such as a pig) eaten as food
pork/duck cracklings

crack·ly adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or making a series of short, sharp noises
a crackly voice
the crackly sound of the old record

2 US : thin and easily cracked

The bread has a crackly [=crisp] crust.

crack·pot noun, pl -pots [count]

informal : a person who is crazy or very strange

Some crackpot in a clown suit is out there directing traffic.

crackpot adj, always used before a noun
a crackpot philosophy/idea

crack-up noun, pl -ups [count]

US informal

1 : an accident in which a vehicle is badly damaged

She got into a crack-up on her way back from the city.

2 : nervous breakdown

He had a crack-up in his late 50s and never quite recovered.

see also crack up at 1CRACK

1cra·dle noun, pl cra·dles [count]

1 : a bed for a baby that is usually designed to rock back and forth when pushed gently

She rocked the cradle.

sometimes used figuratively

He learned to play chess when he was barely out of the cradle. [=when he was very young]

2 formal : the place where something begins usually singular;
usually + of
the cradle of civilization/liberty

3 : something that is used to hold or support something else

She placed the phone back on its cradle.

A number of ships were resting in their cradles in the shipyard.

4 Brit : a platform designed to move up and down the sides of a building so that workers can paint, clean, etc.

from (the) cradle to (the) grave

: from the beginning until the end of life

He led a life of hardship from the cradle to the grave.

The book describes her life from cradle to grave.

rob the cradle

US informal : to date or marry someone who is much younger than you

His friends accused him of robbing the cradle when they saw how young his girlfriend was.

see also CAT'S CRADLE

2cradle verb, cra·dles, cra·dled, cra·dling [+ obj]

: to hold (something or someone) gently in your arms or hands

He cradled her face in his hands.

She was cradling the injured man's head in her arms.

cradle a baby

1craft Brit noun, pl crafts

1 [count] : an activity that involves making something in a skillful way by using your hands

The potter has been studying his craft [=handicraft] for two decades.

the craft of pottery/basketry

2 [count] : a job or activity that requires special skill
the craft of songwriting/acting
a photographer's craft

3 crafts [plural] : objects made by skillful use of the hands

The store sells crafts [=handicrafts] from around the world.

There's a crafts fair [=an event at which crafts are sold] at the school this Saturday.

see also ARTS AND CRAFTS

4 pl craft [count]

4 a : a usually small boat
a fishing craft

We saw many fishing boats and pleasure craft [=boats used for pleasure rather than work] on the bay.

4 b : an airplane, helicopter, or spacecraft

The craft landed safely despite engine trouble.

see also HOVERCRAFT, LANDING CRAFT

2craft verb, crafts, craft·ed, craft·ing [+ obj]

: to make or produce (something) with care or skill

The furniture is crafted from bamboo.

He is crafting a new sculpture.

beautifully crafted wine/shoes/stories

She crafted a strategy to boost the company's earnings.

craft·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a crafter of arguments/fiction

crafts·man Brit noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a person (especially a man) who makes beautiful objects by hand

Skilled craftsmen carved the enormous mantel.

He is a master craftsman who works with marble.

2 : a person (especially a man) who is very skilled at doing something

As a writer/photographer/musician, he has developed into a true craftsman.

crafts·man·like Brit adj [more ; most ]

his craftsmanlike approach to songwriting

crafts·man·ship Brit noun [noncount]

1 : skillful work

The table is a fine piece of craftsmanship.

The poem is a fine example of literary craftsmanship.

2 : the quality of something made with great skill

The fine craftsmanship of the table is remarkable.

Critics have admired the craftsmanship of her poetry.

crafts·per·son Brit noun, pl -people [count]

: a person who makes beautiful objects by hand : a craftsman or craftswoman

crafts·wom·an Brit noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who makes beautiful objects by hand

crafty Brit adj, craft·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: clever in usually a deceptive or dishonest way
a crafty schemer/plotter
a crafty scheme

craft·i·ly Brit adv
a craftily designed plan

craft·i·ness noun [noncount]

crag noun, pl crags [count]

: a high and very steep area of rock on a mountain or cliff

The goat stood on the mountain crag.

crag·gy adj, craggier, -est

1 : having many crags
a craggy island

2 : rough in a way that suggests strength
a famous actor who is known for his craggy good looks
his white hair and craggy face
a craggy voice

1cram verb, crams, crammed, cram·ming

1 [+ obj] : to fill (something) so that there is no room for anything else : to fill (something) completely

He crammed the suitcase with his clothes.

Before the trip I crammed my head with information about Spain.

Protesters crammed the streets.

often used as (be) crammed

With so many guests, the house was really crammed. [=packed]

The little store is crammed full of books.

The museum felt crammed with statues.

My schedule is totally crammed [=full] this week. Can we meet next week?

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to push or force (someone or something) into a space that is tight or crowded
usually + into or in

He tried to cram all his clothes in/into one suitcase.

We can cram [=pack, squeeze] six people into my car.

The instructor crammed a lot of information into one week.

see also CRAM IN ((BELOW))

2 b [no obj] : to push or force yourself into a space that is tight or crowded
usually + into

We all crammed into one car.

Thousands of people crammed into the stadium.

3 a [no obj] : to prepare for a test, exam, etc., by learning a lot of information quickly
usually + for

He's cramming for the exam tomorrow.

3 b [+ obj] chiefly Brit : to prepare (someone) for a test, exam, etc., by teaching a lot of information quickly
usually + for

The class crams students for the exam.

cram in [phrasal verb]

cram in (someone or something) or cram (someone or something) in : to make a special effort to meet with (someone) or to do (something) although you are very busy

I can cram you in this afternoon.

We crammed in as much sightseeing as possible on our trip to New York City.

2cram noun, pl crams [count]

US : a quick period of study in order to learn a lot of information quickly for a test, exam, etc.

usually used before another noun

We're having a cram session tonight to prepare for tomorrow's test.

She's taking a cram course.

A cram school is a school designed to help students prepare for exams and get into better schools.

Like many Japanese students, she attends a cram school in the evening.

cram·mer noun, pl -mers [count]

1 US : a person who prepares for a test, exam, etc. by learning a lot of information quickly : a person who crams for a test
a group of last-minute crammers

2 Brit : a special school or book that prepares people for a test, exam, etc., by teaching a lot of information quickly

1cramp noun, pl cramps

1 : a sudden painful tightening of muscle in a part of the body

[count] (US) I got a cramp in my leg while running.

[noncount] (Brit) I got cramp in my leg while running.

see also WRITER'S CRAMP

2 cramps [plural] chiefly US : sharp pains in the stomach and the area near it especially because of menstruation

She gets bad cramps every month.

crampy adj
crampy abdominal pain

2cramp verb, cramps, cramped, cramp·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (a part of the body) to feel pain because of tight muscles : to cause a cramp in (your hand, foot, etc.)

Writing for such a long time may cramp your hand.

1 b [no obj] : to have a sudden painful tightening of muscles : to experience a cramp or cramps

His leg was cramping so badly he could hardly move it.

often + up

My hand kept cramping up.

2 [+ obj] : to prevent (something) from developing or growing freely

The new regulations may cramp the company's financial growth.

3 [+ obj] : to prevent (someone) from behaving or expressing emotions freely
usually used as (be) cramped

She felt cramped [=hemmed in] by the school's strict regulations.

Someone or something that cramps your style prevents you from behaving the way you want.

He's not used to formality and finds that formal settings cramp his style.

cramping noun [noncount]

The medication may cause abdominal cramping.

cramped adj [more ; most ]

1 a : not having enough space inside : too small and crowded

The family has been living in the cramped apartment for three months.

They have been working in cramped conditions.

1 b : not having enough space to move freely : feeling crowded and uncomfortable

We were pretty cramped inside the tiny cabin.

2 : small and having parts too close together

It's impossible to read his cramped handwriting.

The keyboard is too cramped to be used by someone with normal-sized hands.

cram·pon noun, pl -pons [count]

: a piece of metal with sharp points on the bottom that is worn by mountain climbers on the bottom of boots to make it easier to walk on ice and snow
usually plural
a pair of crampons

cran·ber·ry Brit noun, pl -ries

1 [count] : a small, dark red berry or the plant that produces it
often used before another noun
cranberry sauce/juice
cranberry bogs

2 [noncount] : a dark red color

cranberry adj
a cranberry [=dark red] sweater

1crane noun, pl cranes [count]

1 : a big machine with a long arm that is used by builders for lifting and moving heavy things
a crane operator [=a person who operates a crane]

2 : a type of tall bird that has a long neck and long legs and lives near water

2crane verb, cranes, craned, cran·ing

: to stretch out (your neck) in order to see better

[+ obj] We craned our necks toward the stage.

[no obj] Everyone in the crowd was craning forward (to see her).

crane fly noun, pl flies [count]

Brit : a type of fly that has a long thin body, two wings, and long legs called also (Brit) daddy longlegs

cra·ni·al adj, always used before a noun
medical : of or relating to the bones of the head that cover the brain : of or relating to the skull or cranium
cranial capacity/injuries

cra·ni·um noun, pl -ni·ums or -nia [count]

technical : skull

1crank noun, pl cranks [count]

1 : a machine part with a handle that can be turned in a circular motion to move something

To open the car window, turn the crank on the door.

2 informal + usually disapproving

2 a : a person who has strange ideas or thinks too much about one thing

He was dismissed as a crank until his article was published.

Most people think she's just a harmless crank.

2 b US : a person who is often angry or easily annoyed : grouch
a bad-tempered old crank

2crank verb, cranks, cranked, crank·ing [+ obj]

1 : to move (something) by turning a crank
usually + up or down

Will you crank up/down [=roll up/down] the window?

2 informal : to increase (something) especially by a large amount

He cranked the temperature to 75 degrees.

usually + up

Crank up [=turn up] the volume.

The company is looking for new ways to crank up production.

3 : to start or try to start (an engine) by using a crank or some other method to get it moving

Crank the engine to see if it will start.

4 US, informal : to move (something) in a circular motion

He cranked [=turned] the steering wheel quickly to the left.

crank out [phrasal verb]

crank out (something) or crank (something) out informal : to produce (something) quickly or carelessly

The factory cranks out hundreds of cars every day.

Not many musicians are able to crank out an album in just six months.

He cranked out the report in less than an hour.

3crank adj, always used before a noun

: made or sent as a joke or to cause harm
an anonymous crank call

He received a threatening crank letter.

crank·case noun, pl -cas·es [count]

technical : the part of an engine that contains the crankshaft

crank·shaft Brit noun, pl -shafts [count]

technical : a long metal piece that connects a vehicle's engine to the wheels and helps turn them

cranky adj, crank·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal

1 chiefly US : easily annoyed or angered

I've been cranky all day because I didn't get enough sleep.

bored and cranky kids
a cranky baby [=a baby that cries and wants a lot of attention]

2 Brit : strange or weird
cranky ideas/theories

crank·i·ness noun [noncount]

I apologize for my crankiness yesterday.

cran·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

: a small opening or space

We saw strange, colorful creatures in the crannies of the reef while scuba diving.

We explored every cranny of the old castle.

sometimes used figuratively

The book explores every cranny of her life.

see also every nook and cranny at NOOK

1crap noun
informal + impolite

1 [noncount] : something that is worthless, unimportant, or of poor quality

She treats him like (a piece of) crap.

We have a lot of crap [=junk] in the garage.

2 [noncount] : foolish or untrue words or ideas : nonsense

You don't believe all that crap, do you?

“Do you think they're telling the truth?” “No, I think they're full of crap.”

I heard what they said to you, and I think it's a load/pile of crap.

(US) It's all a bunch of crap.

Cut the crap [=stop lying] and tell me what really happened.

3 [noncount] : bad or unfair behavior or treatment

Do what I say, and don't give me any crap.

He's a tough teacher who won't take crap from anyone.

I won't stand for your crap any longer. = I won't put up with your crap any longer.

4 a [noncount] : solid waste passed out of the body : feces

4 b [singular] : the act of passing solid waste from the body used in the phrases take a crap and (Brit) have a crap

5
used for emphasis after words like scare, frighten, and beat

That movie scared the crap out of me. [=scared me very badly]

The boxer beat the crap out of his opponent.

give a crap

: to care at all about someone or something

Who gives a crap? [=who cares?]

usually used in negative statements

She doesn't give a crap about us.

like crap

: very badly

I sing like crap. [=I am a terrible singer]

If you feel like crap, you feel very sick, unhappy, etc.

I got drunk at the party, and the next morning I felt like crap. [=I felt sick]

2crap verb, craps, crapped, crap·ping [no obj]

informal + impolite : to pass solid waste from the body : defecate

The puppy crapped on the floor.

3crap adj
chiefly Brit slang impolite : of poor quality : not good

The DJ played some crap [=crappy] music.

I'm crap at golf.

compare 4CRAP

4crap adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to the game of craps
a crap game/table

compare 3CRAP

crap·o·la noun [noncount]

US slang

1 : something that is useless or unimportant : crap

The furniture in the garage is crapola.

2 : foolish or untrue words or ideas : crap

Everything he says is just a bunch of crapola.

crap·per noun

the crapper
informal + impolite : a toilet

crap·py adj, crap·pi·er, -est
informal + impolite : of poor quality : not good : lousy
crappy music/weather

I think that was the crappiest movie I've ever seen.

I felt crappy all day yesterday.

craps noun [plural]

: a game played for money with two dice

They were playing/shooting craps in the back of the room.

crap·shoot noun, pl -shoots [count]

US : something that could produce a good or bad result
usually singular

Choosing a restaurant can be a real crapshoot when you're in an unfamiliar city.

1crash verb, crash·es, crashed, crash·ing

1 a [no obj] : to hit something hard enough to cause serious damage or destruction

Investigators are still trying to determine why the airplane crashed. [=why the airplane hit the ground]

often + into

The car crashed into the fence/wall/guardrail.

She crashed into another car.

A large meteorite may have crashed into the Earth 65 million years ago.

1 b [+ obj] : to damage (a vehicle) by causing it to hit something

She crashed the car into a tree, but no one was hurt.

He has crashed two cars, a truck, and a motorcycle.

2 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to make a loud noise by falling, hitting something, etc.

We listened to the waves crashing against the shore.

The stuntman crashed through the window on a motorcycle.

The walls crashed down around them.

He came crashing [=tearing] through the woods.

The books crashed to the floor.

The whole stack of cans came crashing down. [=fell down with a lot of noise and force]

sometimes used figuratively

The whole theory came crashing down when it was revealed that some of the supporting evidence had been falsified.

His world came crashing down when he lost his job.

2 b [no obj] : to make a loud noise

The cymbals crashed and the trumpets blew.

Thunder crashed as the rain started to pour.

2 c [+ obj] : to cause two things to hit against each other and make a loud noise

He crashed the cymbals together.

4 a [no obj] of a computer : to stop working suddenly

My computer keeps crashing.

4 b [+ obj] : to cause (a computer) to stop working suddenly

This program always crashes my computer.

5 [no obj] informal

5 a : to go to sleep

I was exhausted after the long flight, so I just checked into the hotel and crashed.

5 b : to stay or live for a short time with someone

You can crash [=sleep] here tonight.

She's crashing with friends for a few days while her apartment is being repaired.

6 [no obj] of a business, price, market, etc. : to go down in value very suddenly and quickly

They lost thousands of dollars when the stock market crashed.

7 [+ obj] informal : to go to (a party) without being invited

He tried to crash the party but they wouldn't let him in.

8 [+ obj] US, sports : to move very quickly and forcefully toward (something, such as the goal in ice hockey)

The players crashed the net.

crash and burn

US informal : to fail completely

The company crashed and burned after only two years in business.

crash·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a party crasher

2crash noun, pl crashes [count]

1 : an accident in which a vehicle is seriously damaged or destroyed by hitting something

He was injured in a car crash.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the crash.

a train/airplane crash

An ambulance arrived at the crash site/scene within minutes.

2 : a very loud noise
usually singular

The pot/glass fell to the floor with a crash.

We listened to the crash of waves in the distance.

He ended the song with a crash of cymbals.

a crash of thunder

3 : an occurrence in which a computer suddenly stops working

I am always experiencing computer crashes.

4 : a sudden and extreme fall or drop in amount or value

They lost thousands of dollars in the stock market crash.

a species of fish that has undergone a population crash

crash barrier noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : guardrail

crash course noun, pl courses [count]

: a class in which a lot of information is taught in a short period of time

Before her trip, she took a crash course in Russian culture and history at the local university.

sometimes used figuratively

Taking care of his sister's children was a crash course in parenting for him.

crash diet noun, pl -ets [count]

: a way of losing a lot of weight very quickly by limiting how much you eat

He went on a crash diet and lost 20 pounds in a month.

crash helmet noun, pl -mets [count]

: a very strong, hard hat that is worn to protect your head when you are riding a bicycle, motorcycle, etc.

crashing adj, always used before a noun
informal : very bad
used to make a negative statement more forceful

The book is a crashing bore. [=the book is extremely boring]

The movie was a crashing failure.

a crashing halt
chiefly US : a complete and sudden end

When news of the scandal broke, her career came to a crashing halt.

Construction of the tunnel was brought to a crashing halt when the funds ran out.

crash-land verb, -lands, -land·ed, -land·ing

: to land (an airplane, helicopter, etc.) in an unusual way because of an emergency

[+ obj] The pilot crash-landed the plane in the field.

[no obj] The pilot crash-landed in the field.

crash landing noun, pl -ings [count]

The pilot had to make a crash landing.

crass adj, crass·er, -est [also more ; most ]

disapproving : having or showing no understanding of what is proper or acceptable : rude and insensitive

A few people seemed shocked by her crass comments.

crass·ly adv

They were joking crassly about her appearance.

crass·ness noun [noncount]

1crate noun, pl crates [count]

1 a : a large wooden or plastic box used for moving things from one place to another

The bear arrived at the zoo in a crate.

packing/shipping crates
crates of apples/equipment

1 b : a metal or plastic container that is used to hold bottles

Each milk crate holds nine bottles.

1 c : the amount of something contained in a crate

They used a crate of oranges to make enough juice for everyone.

2 old-fashioned : an old car or airplane that is in bad condition

One day the old crate just wouldn't start.

2crate verb, crates, crat·ed, crat·ing [+ obj]

: to pack (something) in a crate

The equipment was crated today and will be shipped tomorrow.

often + up

The bear was crated up and shipped to the zoo.

1cra·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a large round hole in the ground made by the explosion of a bomb or by something falling from the sky

Scientists believe the enormous crater was created by the impact of a meteorite thousands of years ago.

2 : the area on top of a volcano that is shaped like a bowl

We flew over the crater of the volcano in a helicopter.

cratered adj
a cratered moon/surface

2crater verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

US informal : to fail or fall suddenly

The deal cratered when neither party could agree on the final price.

Stock prices cratered after the companies' merger.

cra·vat noun, pl -vats [count]

: a short, wide piece of cloth that is worn around the neck by men with its ends tucked inside the collar of a shirt or sweater

crave verb, craves, craved, crav·ing [+ obj]

: to have a very strong desire for (something)

Like many celebrities, he craves attention.

I was craving french fries, so I pulled into the nearest fast-food restaurant.

cra·ven adj [more ; most ]

formal : having or showing a complete lack of courage : very cowardly
a craven decision
craven compromises

cra·ven·ly adv

He cravenly fled from the scene.

crav·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: a very strong desire for something

I had/felt a sudden craving for french fries, so I pulled into the nearest fast-food restaurant.

craw noun, pl craws [count]

: an area in a bird's throat in which food can be kept : crop

stick in your craw
informal

If something sticks in your craw you are very annoyed by it or cannot accept it because you think it is wrong or unfair.

What really sticks in my craw is the way he acts as if he's done nothing wrong.

craw·dad noun, pl -dads [count, noncount]

US informal : crayfish used especially in the southern U.S.

craw·fish noun, pl crawfish [count, noncount]

US : crayfish

1crawl verb, crawls, crawled, crawl·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to move on your hands and knees

Does the baby crawl yet?

We got down on our knees and crawled through a small opening.

The baby crawled across the floor toward her mother.

1 b : to move with the body close to or on the ground

The soldiers crawled forward on their bellies.

The snake crawled into its hole.

There's a spider crawling [=moving forward on its legs] up the wall.

2 a [no obj] : to move slowly

They're doing construction on the road, so traffic is crawling.

I worked late into the night, and it was 2 a.m. before I finally crawled into bed.

The bus crawled along the rough and narrow road.

The days slowly crawled by.

Traffic has crawled to a stop/standstill. [=has come to a complete stop after moving very slowly]

Work on the project has crawled to a standstill.

2 b [+ obj] : to move slowly on, across, or through (something)

We all got into the old truck and crawled the streets of the city looking for him.

3 [no obj] : to be full of many people, insects, animals, etc.

usually used in the phrase be crawling with

The courthouse is crawling [=teeming] with reporters today.

The table was crawling with ants.

4 [no obj] Brit, informal + disapproving : to be extremely nice to someone in order to get approval or some advantage for yourself

He's been crawling [=creeping] to the boss for months, so it's no surprise he got a promotion.

come/go crawling to
informal

If you come/go crawling (back) to someone, you go to someone for help or approval in a way that shows you are weak or sorry for what you have done.

Don't come crawling to me for help later if you aren't going to listen to me now.

He's gone crawling back to his old girlfriend.

crawl out of the woodwork see WOODWORK

make your skin/flesh crawl

If something makes your skin/flesh crawl, it causes you to have an uncomfortable feeling of fear or disgust.

Just thinking about being down in that dark cave makes my skin crawl.

crawl·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Both babies are crawlers now.

see also NIGHT CRAWLER

2crawl noun [singular]

1 : a very slow speed

Near the construction site, traffic had slowed to a crawl.

The bus was moving along at a crawl.

2 : a way of swimming in which the swimmer lies facing down in the water and moves first one arm over the head and then the other while kicking the legs

Her strongest stroke is the crawl.

see also PUB CRAWL

crawl space noun, pl spaces [count]

US : a space under the first floor or roof of a building that is not high enough to stand up in

cray·fish noun, pl crayfish [count]

: an animal that looks like a small lobster and lives in rivers and streams

cray·on noun, pl -ons

: a stick of colored wax that is used for drawing

[count] a box of crayons

[noncount] The drawing is done in crayon.

often used before another noun
crayon drawings

crayon verb, -ons, -oned, -on·ing [+ obj]

Which one of you children crayoned the wall? [=drew on the wall with a crayon]

[no obj]

Which child crayoned on the wall?

craze noun, pl craz·es [count]

: something that is very popular for a period of time
the latest dance/fashion/music craze
often + for

I don't understand the current craze for low-fat diets.

crazed adj [more ; most ]

: wild and uncontrolled
a crazed killer

The crazed look in his eyes frightened me.

the crazed ramblings/rantings of a lunatic
an addict crazed with drugs [=made crazy by drugs]

The prisoner was crazed [=made crazy] by pain and fear.

1cra·zy adj, cra·zi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : not sane: such as

1 a usually offensive : having or showing severe mental illness
a hospital for crazy people

This sense is no longer used in a serious way and is now usually considered offensive. The phrase mentally ill is preferred.

1 b : unable to think in a clear or sensible way

She's crazy with jealousy.

He's been acting kind of crazy lately.

1 c
used in the phrase drive/make (someone) crazy to describe annoying or bothering someone very much

It makes me crazy [=I feel very annoyed] when people drive like that.

That noise is driving me crazy. [=it is really annoying me]

The kids were driving the teacher crazy.

see also STIR-CRAZY

2 : wild and uncontrolled

He had a crazy [=crazed, insane, wild] look in his eyes.

3 : very foolish or unreasonable

He likes to drive at crazy [=insane] speeds.

There are a lot of crazy drivers on the streets.

You are crazy to have paid so much for this car.

You would be crazy not to accept their offer!

What a crazy thing to do!

4 : very strange or unusual

She likes crazy hair colors, like pink and blue.

How do you think of all these crazy ideas?

I love to listen to my uncle's crazy stories about his job.

5 : liking someone or something very much : very fond of or enthusiastic about someone or something

She's crazy for anything having to do with Japanese animation.

teenagers who are girl/boy crazy [=very interested in girls/boys]

often + about

They are crazy about each other. [=they like each other a lot]

He wasn't crazy about making the trip, but was glad he did in the end.

She is crazy about baseball.

go crazy

1 : to become mentally ill : to go insane

She went crazy and started to think everyone was trying to kill her.

usually used in an exaggerated way

I must be going crazy. I can't find my car keys anywhere.

He kept honking his horn, and I thought I would go (completely) crazy if he didn't stop.

2 : to act in a way that is out of control : to act wildly

We were just talking when he suddenly went crazy and started screaming and breaking things.

Everybody at the party was dancing and basically going crazy.

The crowd went crazy [=became very excited] when the team won the championship.

like crazy
informal

1 : with a lot of energy and speed

They've been working like crazy [=very hard] since dawn.

2 : very quickly

Cars were selling like crazy.

He's been spending money like crazy.

3 : very much

When I broke my leg it hurt like crazy.

cra·zi·ly adv
behaving crazily

cra·zi·ness noun [noncount]

the craziness [=insanity] of war

2crazy noun, pl -zies [count]

chiefly US informal : a person who is crazy

A bunch of crazies live there.

3crazy adv

US informal : very or extremely

I bought some crazy good/cheap stuff there.

crazy bone noun, pl bones [count]

US : funny bone

crazy golf noun [noncount]

Brit : miniature golf

crazy paving noun [noncount]

Brit : many pieces of stone of different shapes and sizes that are placed together to form a path or other surface

crazy quilt noun, pl quilts [count]

US

1 : a covering for a bed that is made of many pieces of cloth in different sizes without a regular design

2 : a confused mix of things
a crazy quilt [=hodgepodge] of regulations
a crazy quilt of streets

crazy-quilt adj, always used before a noun
a crazy-quilt pattern
crazy-quilt streets

creak verb, creaks, creaked, creak·ing [no obj]

: to make a long, high sound : to make a sound like the sound made by an old door when it opens or closes

The door creaked open. = The door made a creaking sound as it opened.

The old floorboards creaked under our feet.

The porch roof creaked with the heavy weight of the snow.

creak noun, pl creaks [count]

We heard the creak of door as it opened.

creaky adj, creak·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : making a creaking sound
creaky floorboards

2 : no longer working well : old and in bad condition

The new governor promises to work to revive the state's creaky economy.

a computer system that is creaky with age

1cream noun, pl creams

1 [noncount] : the thick part of milk that rises to the top : the part of milk that contains fat

Would you like some cream in your coffee?

strawberries and cream
hot chocolate with whipped cream
see also CLOTTED CREAM, HEAVY CREAM, SOUR CREAM, WHIPPING CREAM

2 : a food that is made with cream

[noncount] cream of tomato soup
a chocolate candy with a vanilla cream center

[count] a box of coconut creams [=chocolate candies filled with a coconut and cream mixture]

see also CREAM CHEESE, CREAM OF TARTAR, CREAM PUFF, ICE CREAM

3 : a very thick liquid or soft substance that is rubbed into the skin to make it softer or is used as a medicine for the skin

[noncount] The doctor prescribed a new cream for the rash.

Do you have any hand cream? [=hand lotion]

[count] a cabinet full of special creams and pills
see also COLD CREAM, SHAVING CREAM, SUN CREAM

4 the cream : the best part of something
a party attended by the cream of society
see also the cream of the crop at 1CROP

5 [count, noncount] : a pale yellowish color that is close to white

like the cat that got the cream see CAT

cream adj
a cream [=cream-colored] sweater

2cream verb, creams, creamed, creaming [+ obj]

1 : to stir or mix (ingredients) until they are soft and smooth

Cream the butter and sugar, and then add the eggs.

2 US, informal

2 a : to defeat (a person or team) easily and completely
usually used as (be/get) creamed

Our team got creamed in the play-offs.

2 b : to hit (someone) very hard
usually used as (be/get) creamed

She was creamed by another skier as she was coming down the slope.

The surfer got creamed by a huge wave.

cream off [phrasal verb]

cream off (someone or something) or cream (someone or something) off chiefly Brit : to remove (the best part) from something : to take (someone or something) away for yourself

Most of the profit was creamed off by the government.

The best students are creamed off to attend other schools.

creamed adj
creamed corn/spinach/onions [=corn/spinach/onions in a sauce made with cream]

cream cheese noun [noncount]

: a soft white cheese made from milk and cream

cream-colored adj

: having a pale yellowish color that is close to white

The sheets are cream-colored.

cream·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count] US : a small container that is used for serving cream
a matching sugar bowl and creamer

2 [count, noncount] : a liquid or powder that is used instead of cream in coffee or tea
a nondairy creamer

cream·ery noun, pl -er·ies [count]

: a place where butter and cheese are made or where milk and cream are prepared or sold

cream of tartar noun [noncount]

: a type of white salt that is used especially in cooking and baking

cream puff noun, pl puffs [count]

US

1 : a type of light pastry that is filled with whipped cream or a sweetened cream filling and often topped with chocolate called also (Brit) profiterole

2 informal : a weak person : a person who can be easily controlled or defeated

We'll never win with a bunch of cream puffs on our team!

3 informal : a used car that is in very good condition

cream soda noun, pl -das [count, noncount]

: a type of sweet, bubbly soft drink that is flavored with vanilla

cream tea noun, pl teas [count]

Brit : a small meal eaten in the afternoon that includes tea with scones, jam, and cream

creamy adj, cream·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 a : made with cream or tasting like cream
a rich, creamy flavor

1 b : thick and smooth
a creamy salad dressing

The sauce has a smooth, creamy texture.

Do you prefer creamy or crunchy peanut butter?

2 : smooth and soft

She sings with a creamy voice.

3 : having a color like cream
a creamy yellow
creamy skin

cream·i·ness noun [noncount]

the creaminess of the sauce
the creaminess of her skin

1crease noun, pl creas·es

1 [count]

1 a : a line or mark made by folding, pressing, or crushing something (such as cloth or a piece of paper)

He ironed his pants to make the creases sharp.

a crease in the paper

1 b : a line or fold in someone's skin : wrinkle
tiny creases at the corners of his eyes

2 the crease : an area around or in front of a goal in some games (such as hockey)

Players from the opposing team may not enter the crease.

3 [singular] Brit : the line where the batsman stands in cricket

The batsman moved out of the/his crease.

2crease verb, creases, creased, creas·ing

1 [+ obj] : to fold, press, or crush (something, such as cloth or a piece of paper) so that a line or mark is formed : to put a crease in (something)

a neatly creased pair of pants

The pages of the book were stained and creased.

2 : to make a line or fold in (someone's skin)

[+ obj] A frown creased [=wrinkled] his forehead

Their faces were creased with worry. [=they had lines on their faces because they were worried]

[no obj] She looked up, her face creasing into a smile.

cre·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make or produce (something) : to cause (something new) to exist

Several new government programs were created while she was governor.

The President has announced a plan to create new jobs.

the scientists who created the world's first atomic bomb

The machine creates a lot of noise.

According to the Bible, the world was created [=made] in six days.

2 : to cause (a particular situation) to exist

You created [=made, caused] this mess, and now you'll have to fix it.

We need everyone's help in creating [=developing] a better society.

It can be hard to create a balance between work and family.

She creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for her guests.

The advertisements are intended to create demand for the product.

3 : to produce (something new, such as a work of art) by using your talents and imagination

He creates beautiful paintings.

I've been creating music for over 30 years.

She enjoys creating new dishes by combining unusual ingredients.

4 chiefly Brit : to give (someone) a new title or rank

She was created (the) Duchess of Cornwall.

cre·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of making or producing something that did not exist before : the act of creating something

The play continues to entertain audiences 25 years after its creation.

Job creation will be an important issue in next year's elections.

These changes will lead to the creation of new businesses.

2 [count] : something new that is made or produced : something that has been created

The company was largely the creation of one woman.

his latest artistic creation

Come taste our chef's delicious new creations.

She's wearing one of her original fashion creations.

3 [noncount] : everything in the world

How are humans different from the rest of creation?

the whole of creation [=all of the world]

They've traveled all over creation. [=they've traveled everywhere]

4 or Creation [noncount] : the act of making the world
the biblical story of Creation
creation myths [=stories about how people and the world were first created]

cre·a·tion·ism noun [noncount]

: the belief that God created all things out of nothing as described in the Bible and that therefore the theory of evolution is incorrect

cre·a·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

cre·a·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : having or showing an ability to make new things or think of new ideas

He was more creative [=imaginative] than the other students.

She's a very creative person.

She has one of the most creative minds in the business.

a burst of creative energy [=energy that you use to make or think of new things]

They've come up with some creative new ways to make money.

a creative solution to a difficult problem
creative thinking

2 always used before a noun : using the ability to make or think of new things : involving the process by which new ideas, stories, etc., are created

He teaches creative writing at the university.

the first step in the creative process
the show's creative director/team

3 always used before a noun usually disapproving : done in an unusual and often dishonest way

It turns out that the company's report of record profits last year was due to some creative accounting.

cre·a·tive·ly adv [more ; most ]

Try to think more creatively.

solving problems creatively

cre·a·tive·ness noun [noncount]

I admire her creativeness. [=(more commonly) creativity]

cre·a·tiv·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the ability to make new things or think of new ideas
her intelligence and artistic creativity

cre·a·tor noun, pl -tors

1 [count] : a person who makes something new
the creator of the popular television show
the Web site's creators

2 Creator [singular] : god 1

“all menare endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights” U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776)

crea·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

1 a : an animal of any type
rabbits, squirrels, and other furry creatures

They say that these forests are filled with wild creatures. [=beasts]

Few living creatures can survive without water.

1 b : an imaginary or very strange kind of animal
fantastic/mythical/legendary creatures [=beasts, monsters]

strange sea creatures
a giant hairy apelike creature

2 : a person usually of a specified type

She's a creature of rare beauty.

A social creature by nature, he loves working with people.

The poor creature had no way to get home.

3 : a person or thing that is influenced or controlled by something specified

+ of

She's a creature of politics.

The industry is still a creature of the 1930s. [=it began in the 1930s and has not changed]

I'm a creature of habit. [=I always do the same things in the same way]

creature comfort noun, pl -forts [count]

: something that makes life easier or more pleasant
usually plural
a hotel with all the creature comforts [=amenities] of home

crèche noun, pl crèch·es [count]

1 US : a set of statues that represents the scene of Jesus Christ's birth and that is displayed during Christmas called also (chiefly Brit) crib

2 Brit : a place where young children are cared for during the day while their parents are working : a day care center

cred noun [noncount]

informal : the fact of being accepted and respected as a member of a social group or class
geek/hipster cred

Cred is an abbreviation of credibility.

see also STREET CRED

cre·dence noun [noncount]

1 : belief that something is true

I place/put little credence in statistics. [=I generally do not believe statistics]

Don't give credence to [=don't believe] their gossip.

2 : the quality of being believed or accepted as something true or real

This new evidence gives/adds/lends (some) credence [=credibility] to their theory. [=makes their theory believable]

The theory is gaining credence among scientists.

cre·den·tial noun, pl -tials [count]

1 : a quality, skill, or experience that makes a person suited to do a job

My experience as a manager is my strongest credential.

usually plural

What are your credentials? [=qualifications]

her impressive academic/professional credentials

2 : a document which shows that a person is qualified to do a particular job

(US) a teaching credential [=(more commonly) certificate]

usually plural

The doctor showed us her credentials.

press credentials [=documents which show that a person is a journalist]

credentialed adj, US
a credentialed teacher

cred·i·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality of being believed or accepted as true, real, or honest

The new evidence lends credibility to their theory.

a lack/loss of credibility

The scandal undermined/damaged her credibility as an honest politician.

In this instance, the lawyer's job is to make the jury doubt/question the witness's credibility.

They doubted the credibility of the witness's story. [=they doubted that the story was true]

credibility gap noun, pl gaps [count]

: a situation in which the things that someone says are not believed or trusted because of the difference between what is said and what seems to be true

There is a credibility gap between what the mayor says and what the people see happening in the city.

The fact that the new estimates are so wildly different from the initial numbers has created a credibility gap.

cred·i·ble adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to be believed : reasonable to trust or believe

Their story seemed credible [=believable, plausible] at first.

We've received credible information about the group's location.

credible evidence/witnesses

2 : good enough to be effective

She does a credible job of playing the famous singer.

cred·i·bly adv

She can talk credibly about the difficulties of being poor in this country.

1cred·it noun, pl -its

1 [noncount]

1 a : money that a bank or business will allow a person to use and then pay back in the future
banks that extend credit to the public

Some banks will charge a fee if you go over your credit limit. [=if you spend more money than the bank has agreed to let you use]

If you buy something on credit, you take it and promise to pay for it later.

Back then, stores allowed their customers to buy food on credit.

1 b : a record of how well you have paid your bills in the past

How's your credit?

Do you have good credit? [=have you paid back money you owe, paid your bills when they are due, etc.?]

You need to have a strong credit history and a good job in order to get a mortgage.

2 [count]

2 a : an amount of money that is added to an account

A credit of $50 was added to your account.

opposite DEBIT

2 b : an amount of money that is subtracted from the amount that must be paid

Families with children in college will receive a tax credit this year. [=the amount that they owe in taxes will be reduced]

3 [noncount] : praise or special attention that is given to someone for doing something or for making something happen

All the credit must go to the play's talented director.

She's finally getting the credit she deserves.

He shared the credit with his parents.

You've got to give her credit; she knows what she's doing.

often + for

They were given credit for the discovery.

He didn't actually write the essay, but he got credit for it.

You have to give us credit for trying. We did the best we could.

She never took credit for her achievements.

Party leaders took/claimed full credit for the country's progress. [=they claimed that they alone caused the country's progress]

If you give credit where credit is due you praise someone who deserves to be praised.

In receiving this award, I must give credit where credit is due and acknowledge all the people who helped me.

4 [noncount] : a good opinion that people have about someone or something

Someone or something that brings credit to you or does you credit causes people to think of you in favorable way.

She is a talented journalist who has brought credit to the newspaper.

The fact that administrators fired the offending teacher immediately does the school credit.

Something that is to your credit causes people to have a more favorable opinion of you.

It's to her credit that she admitted her mistake.

To his credit, Mr. Smith has offered to pay for the damages.

Something that does you no credit causes people to have a less favorable opinion of you.

It does them no credit to continue fighting over this issue.

5 [singular] : a source of honor or pride for someone or something
used in the phrase a credit to

You are a credit to your family and your country.

He's an excellent athlete and a credit to the sport.

6 credits [plural] : a list of the names of the people who have worked on or performed in a movie, television program, etc.

the movie's opening/closing credits

Her name was listed in the credits.

We always stay to watch the credits.

7 a : a unit that measures a student's progress towards earning a degree in a school, college, etc.

[count] So far, you've earned a total of 12 credits.

[noncount] Our program gives academic credit for working with several social service organizations.

7 b [noncount] : the amount of points earned for work done on a test, exam, project, etc.

Students will only receive partial credit for correct answers that are not written as complete sentences.

To earn full credit [=the total amount of points possible] you must include at least three maps with your project.

Answer this last question correctly for extra credit.

sometimes used figuratively.

They deserve respect for making the event happen, and they get extra credit for doing it in a way that included everyone.

on the credit side

1 chiefly Brit : in the section of a financial record where credits are written

Enter these amounts on the credit side.

2
used when mentioning the things that you like about something

On the credit side, the restaurant offers a wide range of choices.

2credit verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to add (an amount of money) to a total

Your payment of $38.50 has been credited to your account.

opposite DEDUCT

1 b : to add money to (an account)

The bank is crediting your account for the full amount.

opposite DEBIT

2 a : to give honor or recognition to (someone or something) for doing something or for making something happen

The team's players all credit their coach [=they say their coach is responsible] for helping them succeed.

often + with

She credits her family with her success.

He was credited with saving their lives.

2 b : to say that (something) is because of someone or something : to give credit for (something) to someone or something

She credits [=attributes] her success to her family's support.

They credited the rescue to his quick thinking.

3 : to think of (someone) as having a particular quality or effect
usually used as (be) credited

She is credited as (being) the first woman to play the sport professionally.

4 chiefly Brit : to believe that (something) is true

It's hard to credit that anyone would want to buy this old car.

cred·it·able adj [more ; most ]

: good enough to be praised
a creditable [=estimable] performance

cred·it·ably adv

He performed the part creditably.

credit account noun, pl accounts [count]

Brit : charge account

credit card noun, pl cards [count]

: a small plastic card that is used to buy things that you agree to pay for later called also charge card compare DEBIT CARD

credit line noun, pl lines [count]

: line of credit

cred·i·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person, bank, or company that lends money to someone

She owes thousands of dollars to creditors.

opposite DEBTOR

credit rating noun, pl ratings [count]

: a score or grade that a company or organization gives to a possible borrower and that indicates how likely the borrower is to repay a loan

Credit ratings are based on how much money, property, and debt a borrower has and on how well the borrower has paid past debts.

credit union noun, pl unions [count]

: an organization that gives small loans to its members at low interest rates and that offers savings and checking accounts

cred·it·wor·thy adj [more ; most ]

: considered able to repay borrowed money
creditworthy customers

cred·it·wor·thi·ness noun [noncount]

the company's creditworthiness

cre·do noun, pl cre·dos [count]

: an idea or set of beliefs that guides the actions of a person or group

Our credo [=creed, philosophy] is “better safe than sorry.”

my personal credo

cre·du·li·ty Brit noun [noncount]

formal : ability or willingness to believe something

Although most of the book is believable, its ending tests/strains credulity. [=its ending is difficult to believe; its ending does not seem true or possible]

cred·u·lous Brit adj [more ; most ]

: too ready to believe things : easily fooled or cheated

Few people are credulous enough to believe such nonsense.

a credulous audience

cred·u·lous·ly adv

cred·u·lous·ness noun [noncount]

creed noun, pl creeds [count]

1 : a statement of the basic beliefs of a religion
the religion's creed
people of different races and creeds [=religions]

2 : an idea or set of beliefs that guides the actions of a person or group
a political creed [=credo]

creek noun, pl creeks [count]

1 US : a small stream

The children waded in the creek.

2 Brit : inlet

The coast is dotted with tiny creeks.

up the creek or up the creek without a paddle
informal : in a very difficult situation that you cannot get out of

If you hadn't helped us, we would've been up the creek.

creel noun, pl creels [count]

: a basket that is used for carrying fish that have just been caught

1creep verb, creeps, crept , creep·ing [no obj]

1 : to move slowly with the body close to the ground

A spider was creeping [=crawling] along the bathroom floor.

She crept toward the edge of the roof and looked over.

2 always followed by an adverb or preposition

2 a : to move slowly and quietly especially in order to not be noticed

I caught him creeping down the stairs to the kitchen.

She crept into bed next to her sleeping husband.

2 b : to go or seem to go very slowly

The hours crept by as we waited for morning.

a train creeping through the town

3 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to appear gradually and in a way that is difficult to notice

The price of gasoline has crept back up to three dollars a gallon.

A few mistakes crept in during the last revision of the paper.

new words creeping into the language

4 of a plant : to grow along the ground or up a surface (such as a tree or wall)

ivy creeping up a wall
a creeping vine

5 Brit, informal + disapproving : to be extremely nice to someone in order to get approval or some advantage for yourself

He's been creeping (up) to the boss for months, so it's no surprise he got a promotion.

creep out [phrasal verb]

creep (someone) out or creep out (someone) US, informal : to cause (someone) to have an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or fear : to give (someone) the creeps

That guys really creeps me out.

I felt creeped out being alone in the office at night.

creep up on [phrasal verb]

creep up on (someone) informal : to slowly and quietly move closer to (someone) without being noticed

We tried to creep up on [=sneak up on] them but they heard our footsteps.

often used figuratively

Old age creeps up on us.

The deadline had crept up on them.

make your skin/flesh creep

If something makes your skin/flesh creep, it causes you to have an uncomfortable feeling of fear or disgust.

The thought of touching that slimy mess makes my skin creep.

2creep noun, pl creeps
informal

1 [count] : a strange person who you strongly dislike

Leave me alone, you creep! [=jerk, weirdo]

2 the creeps : an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or fear

I get the creeps every time he walks by.

I hate snakes. They give me the creeps.

That guy gives me the creeps.

creep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a plant that grows along the ground or up surfaces (such as trees or walls)

creepy adj, creep·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

informal : strange or scary : causing people to feel nervous and afraid
a creepy movie
a creepy old house

There's something creepy about that guy.

creep·i·ly adv

creep·i·ness noun [noncount]

creepy-crawly noun, pl -lies [count]

informal : an unpleasant worm, insect, or spider
a basement full of creepy-crawlies

cre·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing [+ obj]

: to burn (the body of a person who has died)

He wants to be cremated when he dies.

cre·ma·tion noun [noncount]

Some religions do not allow cremation.

cre·ma·to·ri·um Brit noun, pl -to·ria Brit or -to·ri·ums [count]

: crematory

cre·ma·to·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

chiefly US : a place where the bodies of dead people are cremated

crème an·glaise noun [noncount]

: a sweet sauce made with cream that is usually served with desserts

crème brû·lée noun, pl -lées [count, noncount]

: a sweet dessert made of a smooth, thick custard covered with a hard top of cooked sugar

crème car·a·mel noun, pl -mels [count, noncount]

: a sweet dessert made of a smooth, thick custard covered in a caramel sauce

crème de la crème noun

the crème de la crème

: the very best people or things in a group

These actors are the crème de la crème [=the cream of the crop] of American theater.

crème de menthe Brit noun [noncount]

: a sweet and often green alcoholic drink with a mint flavor

crème fraîche noun [noncount]

: a thick cream that is slightly sour and often served on fruit

cren·el·lat·ed adj

: having open spaces at the top of a wall so that people can shoot guns and cannons outward
the castle's crenellated walls
a crenellated tower

Cre·ole noun, pl -oles

1 [count] : a person who has African and French or Spanish ancestors; especially : such a person who lives in the West Indies

2 [count] : a person whose ancestors were some of the first people from France or Spain to live in the southeastern U.S.

Creoles continue to have the same language and culture as their French or Spanish ancestors.

3 a [noncount] : a language that is based on French and that uses words from African languages

Some people in Louisiana speak Creole.

Haitian Creole [=a type of Creole spoken in Haiti]

3 b creole [count] linguistics : a language that is based on one language but that has some words from another language

cre·ole or Creole adj

1 : relating to people who are Creoles or to their language

Creole music
a Creole woman
a creole word

2 used to describe spicy food that is usually made with rice, okra, tomatoes, and peppers

Creole is used for the traditional food of the Creoles from the southeastern U.S.

He ordered the shrimp creole.

creole dishes such as gumbo

cre·o·sote noun [noncount]

: a brown, oily liquid used to keep wood from rotting

creosote verb, -sotes, -sot·ed, -sot·ing [+ obj]

creosoted wood

crepe or crêpe noun, pl crepes or crêpes

1 [count] : a very thin pancake

2 [noncount] : a thin often silk or cotton cloth that has many very small wrinkles all over its surface

3 [noncount] : a thin, hard type of rubber that has a bumpy surface and that is used especially for the bottoms of shoes
crepe-soled shoes

crepe paper noun [noncount]

: a type of colorful paper that has a wrinkled surface

People often use colorful strips of crepe paper to make decoratations for a party, celebration, etc.

a room decorated with balloons and strands of crepe paper

crept past tense and past participle of 1CREEP

cre·scen·do noun, pl -dos also -does [count]

1 : a gradual increase in the loudness of a sound or section of music

2 : the highest or loudest point of something that increases gradually

The excitement reaches its crescendo [=climax, peak] when he comes on stage.

The noise rose to a crescendo.

cres·cent noun, pl -cents

1 [singular] : the shape of the visible part of the moon when it is less than half full
the crescent moon

2 [count] : a shape that is curved, wide at its center, and pointed at its two ends like a crescent moon

The crescent is used as a symbol of Islam.

see also RED CRESCENT

cress noun, pl cress·es [count, noncount]

: a small plant that has spicy leaves that are eaten especially in salads see also WATERCRESS

1crest noun, pl crests [count]

1 : the highest part or point of something (such as a hill or wave)

wave crests
usually + of

The boat rose up on the crest of the wave.

We stood on the crest of the hill/mountain.

the crest of the flood

often used figuratively

They're still riding the crest of the wave of their success. [=they are still very happy, excited, etc., because of their success]

He was at the crest of his fame when he died tragically.

2 : a group of decorative feathers at the top of a bird's head; also : a decorative bunch of hair on the head of another animal

3 : a special symbol used especially in the past to represent a family, group, or organization
her family's crest
compare COAT OF ARMS

2crest verb, crests, crest·ed, crest·ing

1 [+ obj] : to reach the highest part or point of (a mountain, wave, etc.)

We crested the hill and looked out around us.

2 [no obj] US : to rise to a high level before going back down

The river crested [=reached its highest level] at 10 feet above its normal level.

often used figuratively

His acting career crested in the mid-1940s.

crest·ed adj

: having a decorative bunch of feathers or hair : having a crest
a crested bird

crest·fall·en adj [more ; most ]

: very sad and disappointed

After losing its last game, the team was crestfallen. [=dejected, depressed]

my crestfallen [=downcast] teammates

cre·tin Brit noun, pl -tins [count]

informal + offensive : a stupid or annoying person

Let me know if these cretins [=jerks, idiots] bother you.

cre·tin·ous adj [more ; most ]

a cretinous lout

Creutz·feldt-Ja·kob disease noun [noncount]

medical : a disease of the brain that causes people to lose their memory, to no longer be able to control their muscles, and eventually to die called also CJD

cre·vasse noun, pl -vas·ses [count]

: a deep, narrow opening or crack in an area of thick ice or rock

crev·ice noun, pl -ic·es [count]

: a narrow opening or crack in a hard surface and especially in rock

1crew noun, pl crews

1 [count]

1 a : the group of people who operate a ship, airplane, or train
a skilled member of a ship's crew
flight crews
the flight's passengers and crew
crew members

1 b : the people who work on a ship except the officers and captain
the ship's captain and crew

2 [count] : a group of people who do a specified kind of work together

A construction crew will begin work on the house next week.

the restaurant's kitchen crew
television/news/film crews
the film's camera crew

We spoke with members of the show's original cast and crew. [=actors and other people who work to produce a show]

the driver's pit crew [=people who fix a race car during a race]

one of the factory's crew chiefs [=people in charge of a group of workers]

see also GROUND CREW

3 [singular] informal : a group of people who are friends or who are doing something together

He and his crew [=gang] used to hang out at the bowling alley.

We were a motley crew [=an unusual mixed group] of musicians and athletes.

4 a [count] : a team that rows a boat in a race against other boats

Crews from several colleges will be competing in today's race.

4 b [noncount] US : the sport of racing in long, narrow boats that are moved by rowing with oars : rowing

In college, she participated in both crew and tennis.

2crew verb, crews, crewed, crew·ing

: to work as a member of a crew that operates a ship or airplane

[no obj] She spent a couple of years crewing on a British ship.

[+ obj] The ship was crewed by 12 men.

crew cut noun, pl cuts [count]

: a very short haircut usually for men or boys called also (US) buzz cut

crew·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a member of a crew: such as
a : a person who helps operate a ship, airplane, or train

Eight crewmen were wounded in the attack.

b : a person who is part of a group of people who work together

TV crewmen

crew neck noun, pl necks [count]

1 : a plain, round neck on a T-shirt, sweater, etc.

often used before another noun
a cotton crew neck sweatshirt

2 usually crewneck : a sweater with a crew neck

1crib noun, pl cribs [count]

1 a US : a small bed with high sides for a baby called also (Brit) cot

1 b Brit : 1cradle 1

2 chiefly Brit : crèche 1

3 : a long open box that holds food for farm animals

4 informal : something used for cheating on a test
usually used before another noun
crib notes

He got caught using a crib sheet. [=a piece of paper with answers to test questions]

5 US slang : a usually small room, apartment, or house

How about coming up to my crib? [=place]

2crib verb, cribs, cribbed, crib·bing

: to copy an idea, a piece of writing, etc., from someone else

[+ obj] She cribbed a line or two from her favorite poet.

[no obj] students cribbing off each other's papers

crib·bage noun [noncount]

: a card game for two players in which a special board is used to count each player's points

crib death noun, pl deaths [count, noncount]

US : sudden infant death syndrome

1crick noun, pl cricks [count]

: a sudden pain especially in your neck or back that is caused by tight muscles usually singular;
usually + in

I got a crick in my neck from looking up at the stars too long.

2crick verb, cricks, cricked, crick·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : to develop a crick in (your neck or back)

He cricked his back sleeping on the sofa.

a cricked neck

1crick·et noun, pl -ets [count]

: a small black insect that jumps high and that makes loud, high-pitched noises
compare 2CRICKET

2cricket noun [noncount]

: a game played on a large field by two teams of 11 players who try to score runs by hitting a small ball with a bat and then running between two sets of wooden sticks
often used before another noun
a cricket match

see pictures at BALL, BAT, GLOVE

not cricket

Brit old-fashioned : not fair, polite, or proper

You can't keep ignoring her. It just isn't cricket.

compare 1CRICKET

crick·et·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who plays cricket

cri·key interj
chiefly Brit
used to express mild surprise

Crikey, that was close!

crime noun, pl crimes

1 [count] : an illegal act for which someone can be punished by the government

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? = Were you ever found guilty of a crime?

a very serious crime

She paid dearly for her crimes.

The punishment didn't fit the crime. [=the punishment was too mild/severe]

evidence that helped them solve the crime
a federal crime
weapons used to commit crimes [=to do something illegal]

I've committed no crime. = I haven't committed any crime.

He was punished for a crime that he didn't commit.

laws against hate crimes [=crimes that people commit because they hate the victim's race, religion, etc.]

He thought he had committed a/the perfect crime. [=a crime that leaves no evidence]

see also WAR CRIME, WHITE-COLLAR CRIME

2 [noncount] : activity that is against the law : illegal acts in general
poverty and crime

Hiring more police officers would help prevent/deter/reduce (the amount of) crime in our city.

leaders who are tough on crime = leaders who work hard to fight crime

He turned to a life of crime [=he became a criminal] as a teenager.

He has links to organized crime. [=a group of professional criminals who work together as part of a powerful and secret organization]

the recent increase in violent crime
often used before another noun
high crime rates
crime novels/stories

We found your wallet at the crime scene. [=the place where a crime happened]

a crime wave [=a sudden increase in the amount of crime in an area]

Someone's partner in crime is a person who helps someone commit a crime.

He was her partner in crime for most of the robberies.

3 [singular] : an act that is foolish or wrong

It's a crime [=sin] to let food go to waste.

Being single is not a crime.

There's no greater crime than forgetting your anniversary.

crime against humanity

: a very cruel or terrible illegal act that is directed against a group of people

The country's former leader was tried for crimes against humanity.

1crim·i·nal adj

1 : involving illegal activity : relating to crime
committing criminal acts/activities
a criminal organization
a history of criminal behavior

We're trying to understand how the criminal mind [=the mind of someone who commits crimes] works.

The captain of the wrecked boat was accused of criminal negligence.

2 always used before a noun : relating to laws that describe crimes rather than to laws about a person's rights
the criminal justice system
a criminal court/case/trial
criminal proceedings
criminal lawyers [=lawyers who represent people accused of a crime]

The company brought/filed criminal charges against her.

Using this drug is a criminal offense. [=it is illegal to use this drug]

The police are conducting a criminal investigation. [=they are investigating a crime]

compare CIVIL 5, see also CRIMINAL LAW

3 not used before a noun [more ; most ] : morally wrong

It's criminal that the government is doing nothing to stop the problem.

often used in a joking way to say that someone should not do something

In my opinion, it would be criminal to miss seeing this movie. [=I think everyone should see this movie]

crim·i·nal·i·ty noun [noncount]

the criminality of his actions

crim·i·nal·ly adv
criminally liable/responsible

2criminal noun, pl -nals [count]

: a person who has committed a crime or who has been proved to be guilty of a crime by a court

She's a convicted criminal.

violent/white-collar/common criminals
a hardened criminal
career criminals [=people who have committed many crimes throughout their lives]

crim·i·nal·ize also Brit crim·i·nal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) illegal
a law that criminalized alcohol
opposite LEGALIZE

crim·i·nal·i·za·tion also Brit crim·i·nal·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the criminalization of alcohol

criminal law noun [noncount]

: laws that deal with crimes and their punishments compare CIVIL LAW

criminal record noun, pl -cords [count]

: a known record of having been arrested in the past for committing a crime

Do you have a criminal record? [=have you ever been arrested for a crime?]

someone with no criminal record
called also record

crim·i·nol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: the study of crime, criminals, and the punishment of criminals
a professor of criminology

crim·i·nol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

1crimp verb, crimps, crimped, crimp·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make the surface or edge of (hair, cloth, metal, etc.) have many small waves or folds

She crimps her hair with a curling iron.

Crimp the edges of the pie crust with a fork.

2 : to press (parts or pieces) tightly together

Crimp the pieces of foil together.

3 US : to prevent (something) from happening or proceeding in the usual or desired way
economic problems that have been crimping [=putting a crimp in] sales in the computer industry

2crimp noun, pl crimps [count]

: a small wave or fold in the surface of something (such as hair or cloth)

put a crimp in

US : to prevent (something) from happening or proceeding in the usual or desired way : to affect (something) badly

The storm put a crimp in our travel plans.

The extra expenses put a crimp in the company's budget.

crim·son noun [noncount]

: a deep purplish-red color

crimson adj
a crimson dress

cringe verb, cring·es, cringed, cring·ing [no obj]

1 : to feel disgust or embarrassment and often to show this feeling by a movement of your face or body

Many English teachers cringe when their students use the word “ain't.”

I always cringe when I hear that song.

Just the thought of eating broccoli makes me cringe.

2 : to make a sudden movement from fear of being hit or hurt

The dog cringed at the noise.

1crin·kle verb, crin·kles, crin·kled, crin·kling

: to form small, thin lines on the surface

[no obj] The corners of his eyes crinkle when he smiles.

[+ obj] an old crinkled newspaper
often + up

She crinkled up her nose in disgust.

2crinkle noun, pl crinkles [count]

: a small, thin line that appears on a surface
usually plural
the crinkles at the corners of his eyes

crin·kly adj, crin·kli·er, -est [also more ; most ]

dry, crinkly leaves
the crinkly fabric of her dress

1crip·ple noun, pl crip·ples [count]

1 old-fashioned + offensive : a person who cannot move or walk normally because of a permanent injury (such as a damaged leg or foot) or other physical problem

He returned from war a cripple.

Cripple is an old-fashioned word. People now usually use the less offensive term disabled person.

2 informal : a person who has emotional problems that prevent normal behavior with other people

She's an emotional cripple. [=she's unable to express her emotions normally]

social cripples

2cripple verb, cripples, crip·pled, crip·pling [+ obj]

1 : to cause (a person or animal) to be unable to move or walk normally
usually used as (be) crippled

Thousands of people have been crippled by the disease.

The car accident left him crippled. [=disabled]

2 : to make (something) unable to work normally : to cause great damage to (something)

Higher taxes could cripple small businesses.

an economy crippled by inflation

The disease cripples the body's immune system. [=it makes the body unable to heal itself]

crippling adj
crippling diseases
the crippling effects of the disease
the crippling effects of inflation

cri·sis noun, pl -ses

: a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention

[count] the AIDS crisis

She was dealing with a family crisis at the time.

Most people blame the government for the country's worsening economic/financial/fiscal crisis.

last year's state budget crisis
an energy/fuel/water crisis [=a time when there is not enough energy/fuel/water]

a hostage crisis [=a situation in which someone is holding people as hostages]

[noncount] In times of national crisis, we need strong leaders we can trust.

A year ago, both companies were in crisis.

see also IDENTITY CRISIS, MIDLIFE CRISIS

1crisp adj, crisp·er, -est

1 a : dry, hard, and easily broken
the pie's deliciously crisp [=crispy] crust
a crisp cookie

The fish is fried until crisp. [=until its outer layer is brown and crunchy]

crisp bacon

1 b : pleasantly firm and making a sharp sound when chewed or crushed
fresh, crisp lettuce
crisp celery

2 : clean, smooth, and somewhat stiff

I put on a crisp shirt and tie.

clean, crisp bedsheets
a crisp $100 bill

3 : having details that are easily seen or heard
crisp black-and-white photographs

The stereo's sound is crisp and clear.

4 : pleasantly cool, fresh, and dry
a crisp autumn day
crisp winter air

She chose a crisp white wine for dinner.

5 : moving or speaking quickly and directly

We were impressed by her crisp, businesslike manner.

He issued a series of crisp commands.

He responded with a crisp [=terse] “No. Thank you.”

6 : done in a very confident and skillful way
a crisp tennis serve

crisp·ly adv [more ; most ]

crisply fried fish
a crisply dressed man

crisp·ness noun [noncount]

the crispness of the vegetables

2crisp noun, pl crisps

1 [count] : a thin, hard, and usually salty piece of food
corn crisps
especially Brit : potato chip
usually plural
a bag of crisps

2 [count, noncount] US : a dessert made of cooked fruit with a sweet, dry topping
a hot apple crisp
called also (chiefly Brit) crumble

to a crisp

: to a state of being hard, dry, and easily broken

The toast had been burned to a crisp.

3crisp verb, crisps, crisped, crisp·ing

: to make (something) crisp or to become crisp

[+ obj] Crisp the celery in ice water.

[no obj] The crust crisped (up) nicely in the oven.

crispy adj, crisp·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: pleasantly thin, dry, and easily broken
crispy [=crisp] crackers

: having a pleasantly crisp outer layer
crispy fried chicken

Fry the potatoes until they are brown and crispy.

crisp·i·ness noun [noncount]

the crispiness of the potatoes

1criss·cross noun [singular]

: a pattern that is formed by lines crossing each other

She pointed toward the crisscross of trees that had fallen on the path.

crisscross adj
a crisscross pattern on her dress

2crisscross verb, -cross·es, -crossed, -cross·ing

1 : to form a pattern on (something) with lines that cross each other

[+ obj] Several highways crisscross the state.

[no obj] shoelaces that crisscross over the top of the shoe

2 [+ obj] : to go from one side of (something) to the other side and come back again

Tourists crisscrossed the lake from morning until night.

Scientists have been crisscrossing the country to collect data.

cri·te·ri·on noun, pl -te·ria [count]

: something that is used as a reason for making a judgment or decision

High test scores are one criterion [=standard] used by universities to determine which students to admit.

What were the criteria used to choose the winner?

often + for
the university's criteria for admission

Our main criterion for hiring new employees is that they have a lot of past work experience.

crit·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

1 : a person who gives opinions about books, movies, or other forms of art
a film/theater/art critic

He is an influential literary critic.

Critics praised the book.

2 : a person who disapproves of someone or something : a person who criticizes someone or something

Critics of the new law say that it will not reduce crime.

The actor had to answer many charges from his critics.

He is a fierce/loud/outspoken critic of tax reform.

crit·i·cal adj

1 [more ; most ] : expressing criticism or disapproval

You're always so critical.

They are often critical of the mayor's policies. [=they often criticize the mayor's policies]

2 : of or relating to the judgments of critics about books, movies, art, etc.

The book received much critical acclaim. [=many critics said good things about the book]

critical writings/theory

The movie was a critical success [=critics liked the movie], but it didn't make much money.

3 : using or involving careful judgment about the good and bad parts of something

The program presents a critical analysis of the government's strategies.

She has a talent for critical thinking.

We need to look at these proposed changes with a critical eye before we accept them.

4 [more ; most ] : extremely important

We have reached a critical phase of the experiment.

It is absolutely critical [=vital, essential] for us to remain together.

This is a matter of critical importance to the future of our country.

5 [more ; most ] medical : relating to or involving a great danger of death

He suffered critical injuries in the accident.

The patient is in critical condition. = The patient is critical. [=the patient is very sick or injured and may die]

a nurse who specializes in critical care [=the care of patients who are in critical condition]

patients who are on the critical list
sometimes used figuratively
a government program that is on the critical list [=that is in danger of failing or being eliminated]

crit·i·cal·ly adv

He spoke critically of the mayor's policies. [=he criticized the mayor's policies]

The movie was critically acclaimed.

She taught me to think critically about books.

This matter is critically important to the future of our country.

a critically ill person

critical mass noun, pl masses [count, noncount]

1 technical : an amount of material (such as plutonium) that is large enough to allow a nuclear reaction to occur

2 : the size, number, or amount of something that is needed to cause a particular result

Production of the show stopped after complaints from viewers reached (a) critical mass.

crit·i·cism noun, pl -cisms

1 [noncount] : the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing : the act of criticizing someone or something

There was much public criticism directed/leveled at the senator.

The new law attracted/drew widespread criticism. [=many people criticized the new law]

In this job you need to be able to take/face/accept criticism.

I asked my sister for some constructive criticism of my essay before I tried to revise it.

opposite PRAISE

2 [count] : a remark or comment that expresses disapproval of someone or something

I had one minor criticism about her design.

3 [noncount] : the activity of making careful judgments about the good and bad qualities of books, movies, etc.

literary criticism

crit·i·cize also Brit crit·i·cise verb, -ciz·es, -cized, -ciz·ing

1 : to express disapproval of (someone or something) : to talk about the problems or faults of (someone or something)

[+ obj] His boss criticized him for his sloppy work habits.

The judge was widely/roundly criticized for his verdict.

The editor criticized the author's work as trite.

[no obj] It seems as though all he ever does is criticize.

opposite PRAISE

2 [+ obj] : to look at and make judgments about (something, such as a piece of writing or a work of art)

He asked me to criticize [=critique] his drawings.

1cri·tique noun, pl -tiques [count]

: a careful judgment in which you give your opinion about the good and bad parts of something (such as a piece of writing or a work of art)

She wrote a radical critique of the philosopher's early essays.

They gave a fair and honest critique of her art.

2critique verb, -tiques, -tiqued, -tiqu·ing [+ obj]

: to express your opinion about the good and bad parts of (something) : to give a critique of (something)

The class convened to critique the student's latest painting.

crit·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

US informal : a usually small creature or animal

The woods are filled with skunks, raccoons, and other critters.

croak verb, croaks, croaked, croak·ing

1 [no obj] : to make the deep, harsh sound that a frog makes

We could hear the frogs croaking by the pond.

2 : to say (something) in a rough, low voice that is hard to understand

[+ obj] The man could only croak his name.

[no obj] He tried to speak but could barely croak.

3 [no obj] slang : to die

He had a heart attack and croaked.

croak noun, pl croaks [count]

the croaks of the frogs

croc noun, pl crocs [count]

informal : crocodile 1

cro·chet noun [noncount]

: a method of making cloth or clothing by using a needle with a hook at the end to form and weave loops in a thread

She learned basic crochet stitches from her mother.

a crochet hook

crochet verb, -chets, -cheted, -chet·ing [+ obj]

She crocheted an afghan.

[no obj]

She enjoys crocheting.

cro·chet·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1crock noun, pl crocks

1 [count] : a pot or jar made of baked clay
chili served in a crock

2 [singular] US, informal : something that is impossible to believe because it is untrue or ridiculous

We could tell that the salesman's claims about his product were a crock.

She thinks horoscopes are a crock.

This use of crock comes from its use in phrases with similar meanings such as a crock of baloney or (offensive) a crock of shit.

compare 2CROCK

2crock noun, pl crocks [count]

Brit informal : an old, ill, or unhappy person

He's an old crock who complains about everything.

compare 1CROCK

crocked adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

US slang : very drunk or intoxicated

He was half-crocked when he came home.

crock·ery noun [noncount]

1 US : pots or jars made of baked clay used for cooking : earthenware

2 chiefly Brit : plates, dishes, and cups used in dining

croc·o·dile noun, pl -diles

1 a [count] : a large reptile that has a long body, thick skin, and a long, thin mouth with sharp teeth and that lives in the water in regions with hot weather

1 b [noncount] : the skin of the crocodile used for making shoes and others products
often used before another noun
a crocodile purse

2 [count] Brit : a line of people and especially of schoolchildren who are walking in pairs

crocodile tears noun [plural]

: a false expression of sadness or regret about something

The company shed/cried crocodile tears for the workers who were laid off.

The phrase crocodile tears comes from the belief that crocodiles make false sounds of distress to attract the animals that they kill and eat.

cro·cus noun, pl -cus·es [count]

: a small purple, yellow, or white flower that blooms in the early spring

croft noun, pl crofts [count]

Brit : a small farm usually with a house on it in Scotland

croft·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : a person who owns or works on a croft

crois·sant Brit noun, pl -sants [count]

: a type of roll that has a curved shape and that is usually eaten at breakfast

crone noun, pl crones [count]

literary : a cruel or ugly old woman

The old crone lived alone.

cro·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

disapproving : a close friend of someone; especially : a friend of someone powerful (such as a politician) who is unfairly given special treatment or favors

The mayor rewarded his cronies with high-paying jobs after he was elected.

cro·ny·ism noun [noncount]

disapproving : the unfair practice by a powerful person (such as a politician) of giving jobs and other favors to friends

The mayor has been accused of cronyism.

1crook noun, pl crooks [count]

1 informal

1 a : a dishonest person

He thinks politicians are just a bunch of crooks.

1 b : a criminal
a small-time crook

2 a : the place where part of the body (such as an arm, leg, or finger) bends
the crook of his arm

2 b : a curved or hooked part of something

The squirrel sat in the crook of the tree.

the crook of the cane

3 : a long stick with one end curved into a hook that is used by a shepherd

by hook or by crook see 1HOOK

2crook verb, crooks, crooked, crook·ing [+ obj]

: to bend (your finger, neck, or arm)

He crooked his finger at us and led us to the table.

crook·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : not straight
a crooked smile/grin

: having bends and curves
a crooked path

2 : not set or placed straight
a crooked tooth

The picture is crooked.

3 informal

3 a : not honest
crooked [=corrupt, dishonest] politicians

3 b : done to trick or deceive someone
a crooked card game

crook·ed·ly adv

The picture hung crookedly.

crook·ed·ness noun [noncount]

croon verb, croons, crooned, croon·ing

: to sing (a song) in a low soft voice

[+ obj] croon a lullaby

[no obj] The mother crooned as she rocked the baby.

croon·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a male singer who sings slow, romantic songs in a soft, smooth voice

1crop noun, pl crops

1 [count]

1 a : a plant or plant product that is grown by farmers
corn crops
an apple crop

Tobacco is their main crop.

They sprayed the crops with a pesticide.

sometimes used before another noun

Crop production was low last year because of the lack of rain.

crop disease/damage

see also CASH CROP

1 b [count] : the amount of a crop that is gathered at one time or in one season

The second crop [=harvest] was not as good as the first.

The drought caused a fall in this year's corn crop. [=the drought caused the amount of corn grown this year to be lower than it was last year]

We produced a bumper crop of tomatoes [=a very large crop of tomatoes] this year.

2 [singular]

2 a : a group of people who begin to do something at the same time

The teachers got ready for a new crop of students.

2 b : a group of things that happen or are produced at the same time
a new crop of horror movies

People or things that are the cream of the crop are the best of their kind or in their group.

There were many good candidates for the job, but he was the cream of the crop.

3 [count] : a short whip used in horse riding
a riding crop

4 [count] : a short and thick quantity of hair on a person's head

He has a thick crop of hair.

a crop of red, curly hair

5 [count] : an area in the throat of a bird where food is stored for a time

2crop verb, crops, cropped, crop·ping

1 [+ obj] : to cut off the upper or outer parts of (something)

crop [=trim] a hedge [=make a hedge neat by cutting it]

crop a dog's ears

2 [+ obj] : to cut off part of (a picture or photograph)

The picture was cropped badly.

We had to crop the image to fit it into the frame.

3 [+ obj] : to cut (someone's hair) short

Her hair was cropped short.

closely cropped hair

4 [+ obj] : to bite off and eat the tops of (grass or plants)

The sheep were cropping the grass in the meadow.

5 [no obj] : to produce or make a crop

The apple trees cropped well.

crop up [phrasal verb]

: to come or appear when not expected

New problems crop up every day.

His name crops up frequently as a potential candidate.

crop circle noun, pl circles [count]

: a large round shape or pattern in a field that is made by cutting or flattening grass or crops

Some people believe that crop circles are made by creatures that come from another world.

crop·land noun, pl -lands

: land on which crops are grown

[plural] plowing the croplands

[noncount] acres of cropland

crop·per noun

come a cropper
informal

1 : to fail completely in a sudden or unexpected way

Her careful plan came a cropper.

2 Brit : to have a very bad fall

He came a cropper on the ski slopes.

cro·quet Brit noun [noncount]

: a game in which players use wooden mallets to hit balls through a series of curved wires that are stuck into the ground

cro·quette noun, pl -quettes [count]

: a roll or ball of meat, fish, or vegetables that is covered with egg and bread crumbs and fried in oil
chicken croquettes

1cross noun, pl cross·es

1 a [count] : a long piece of wood with a shorter piece across it near the top that people were once fastened to and left to die on as a form of punishment

1 b the Cross : the cross on which Jesus Christ died

1 c [count] : an object or image in the shape of a cross that is used as a symbol of Christianity
a necklace with a gold cross
see also SIGN OF THE CROSS

2 [count] : a decoration in the shape of a cross that is given to someone as an honor especially for military courage

3 [count] : a mark formed by two lines that cross each other

The teacher marked the absent students on her list with crosses.

Those who could not write signed their names with a cross.

4 [count] : a mixture of two different things, types, or qualities

Snowboarding is a cross between surfing and skiing.

The play is a cross between comedy and romance.

The dog is a cross of hunting dog and sheepdog.

5 [count] boxing : a punch that goes over an opponent's punch
a right cross

6 [count] soccer : a kick or hit of the ball that goes across the field from one side to another or to the middle of the field

cross to bear

: a problem that causes trouble or worry for someone over a long period of time

We all have our crosses to bear. [=we all have problems to deal with]

The loss was a heavy cross to bear. [=the loss was hard to deal with]

2cross verb, crosses, crossed, cross·ing

1 : to go from one side of (something) to the other : to go across (something)

[+ obj] We crossed the state border hours ago.

The dog crossed the street.

The highway crosses the entire state.

He was the first runner to cross the finish line.

[no obj] The train crosses through France.

2 : to go or pass across each other

[no obj] the point at which two lines cross [=intersect]

Put a nail where the boards cross.

[+ obj] One line crossed the other.

3 [+ obj] : to place one arm, leg, etc., over the other
cross your arms/legs/fingers

If you cross your fingers or keep your fingers crossed, you hope that you will be lucky and that something you want to happen will happen.

I crossed my fingers and hoped that I would be chosen.

Keep your fingers crossed. I just sent out my college applications.

4 [+ obj] : to draw a line across (something)

Remember to cross your t's. [=to put a line across the top of the letter “t” when you write it]

see also dot your i's and cross your t's at 2DOT

5 [no obj] : to pass in opposite directions

Our letters crossed in the mail. [=my letter was going to you while your letter was coming to me]

6 [+ obj] : to turn (your eyes) inward toward your nose

He crossed his eyes.

7 [+ obj] : to act against the wishes, plans, or orders of (someone)

My boss is usually nice, but she has a terrible temper and you don't want to cross her.

see also DOUBLE-CROSS, STAR-CROSSED

8 [+ obj]

8 a : to make two different kinds of animals breed together

The breeders crossed [=crossbred, interbred] the bison with domestic cattle.

often used figuratively to describe someone or something that combines the qualities of two different people or things

As our leader, she was like a drill sergeant crossed with a camp counselor.

8 b : to mix two kinds of plants to form a new one

The farmers crossed two different types of corn together.

9 [no obj] soccer : to kick or hit the ball sideways across the field

+ to

He crossed to his teammate.

cross my heart

The phrases cross my heart or cross my heart and hope to die are used in informal speech to stress that you are telling the truth and will do what you promise.

I'll clean my room tomorrowcross my heart. [=I promise that I'll clean my room tomorrow]

cross off [phrasal verb]

cross (someone or something) off or cross off (someone or something) : to draw a line through (a name or item on a list)

They crossed off the names of the people who had already been invited.

We can cross her off our list of potential donors.

cross out [phrasal verb]

cross (something) out or cross out (something) : to draw a line through (something) to show that it is wrong
cross out a mistake

cross over [phrasal verb]

cross over or cross over (something)

1 : to move or go from one side of (something) to the other

The deer crossed over to the other side of the river.

The bridge crosses over the river.

2 : to change from one type of character or condition to another

People were crossing over to vote for the other party's candidate. [=people in one political party were voting for the other party's candidate]

The singer crossed over from country to pop. [=the singer changed his style of music from country to pop]

see also CROSSOVER

cross paths

When people cross paths or when their paths cross, they meet each other at a time that was not planned or expected.

After they left college, it was many years before they crossed paths again. = It was many years before their paths crossed again.

I crossed paths with an old friend on a business trip.

cross someone's face

: to appear briefly on someone's face

A smile crossed her face.

cross someone's mind

: to come into someone's mind : to be thought of by someone

Losing never crossed her mind. [=she was sure that she would win]

Did it ever cross your mind that I could be right?

cross swords

: to fight or argue
often + with

I didn't want to cross swords with him about who was right.

cross that bridge when you come to it see 1BRIDGE

cross the line

: to go beyond what is proper or acceptable

Her criticism crossed the line from helpful to just plain hurtful.

The magazine crossed the line when they printed the nude photos.

cross up [phrasal verb]

US

1 cross (someone) up or cross up (someone) : to make (someone) confused

The team crossed up their opponent by throwing the ball instead of running it.

2 cross (something) up or cross up (something) : to ruin (something) completely

His failure to meet the deadline crossed up the deal.

cross yourself

: to make the sign of the cross on your head and chest

I crossed myself as I entered the church.

cross·er noun, pl -ers [count]

3cross adj, cross·er, -est

: annoyed or angry

I didn't mean to make you cross.

I was cross with her for being so careless.

cross·ly adv

“Stop teasing your sister,” she said crossly.

cross·bar noun, pl -bars [count]

1 : a bar that joins two posts (such as goalposts in soccer or hockey)

2 : the bar that goes between the seat and the handlebars of a bicycle

crossbones see SKULL AND CROSSBONES

cross·bow noun, pl -bows [count]

: a weapon that shoots arrows and that consists of a short bow attached to a longer piece of wood

cross·breed verb, -breeds, -bred , -breed·ing

1 : to make two different kinds of animal breed together

[+ obj] crossbreed [=cross, interbreed] sheep

[no obj] Some birds may crossbreed [=interbreed] freely with other species.

2 [+ obj] : to mix two kinds of plant to form a new one
crossbreed [=cross] wheat and rye

crossbred adj, always used before a noun
crossbred [=hybrid] sheep/roses

crossbreed noun, pl -breeds [count]

cross-check verb, -checks, -checked, -check·ing [+ obj]

: to use a different source or method to check (something, such as information or calculations)

I cross-checked the changes against the original copy. [=I looked at the original copy to make sure that the changes were correct]

You should cross-check your answers with a calculator.

cross-check noun, pl -checks [count]

1cross-coun·try adj, always used before a noun

1 : going or moving across a country
a cross-country railroad
a cross-country concert tour

2 : going over the countryside rather than by roads or over a track

They ran in a cross-country race.

3 : relating to or used in a kind of skiing that is done over the countryside instead of down a mountain
cross-country skiing
cross-country skis
a cross-country champion/competition
compare 2DOWNHILL 3

cross-country adv

We traveled cross-country.

2cross-country noun [noncount]

: cross-country skiing or racing

She has done cross-country for 10 years.

He won a medal in cross-country.

cross·court adv

: to or toward the opposite side of a tennis or basketball court

She hit/passed the ball crosscourt.

crosscourt adj, always used before a noun
a crosscourt pass/shot

cross-cul·tur·al adj [more ; most ]

: relating to or involving two or more different cultures or countries
a cross-cultural study
a menu featuring cross-cultural cuisine

cross-cul·tur·al·ly adv

cross·cur·rent noun, pl -rents [count]

: a current of water that flows against or across the main current
sometimes used figuratively
the political crosscurrents that interfere with the passing of laws

cross-curricular adj

Brit : relating to or involving different courses offered by a school
cross-curricular activities

cross-dress·ing noun [noncount]

: the act or practice of wearing clothes made for the opposite sex

cross-dress·er noun, pl -ers [count]

cross-ex·am·ine verb, -ines, -ined, -in·ing [+ obj]

law : to ask more questions of (a witness who has been questioned by another lawyer)

The defendant's attorney cross-examined the witness and tried to show that his earlier testimony was false.

cross-ex·am·i·na·tion noun [noncount]

While he was under cross-examination, the defendant admitted that he had lied earlier in court.

cross-ex·am·in·er noun, pl -ers [count]

This lawyer is a tough cross-examiner.

cross-eyed adj [more ; most ]

: having one or both eyes turned inward toward the nose
a cross-eyed drunk

He gave her a cross-eyed look.

cross-eyed adv

He looked at her cross-eyed.

cross-fer·til·ize also Brit cross-fer·til·ise verb, -liz·es, -lized, -liz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to combine sex cells from (two separate plants) to produce a new plant

Scientists cross-fertilized the two plants.

2 : to combine (two different ideas, style, etc.) in a good or creative way
a musical style that cross-fertilizes jazz and rock

cross-fer·til·i·za·tion also Brit cross-fer·til·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

cross·fire noun [singular]

: shots that come from two or more places so that the bullets cross through the same area

Several civilians were killed in the crossfire during the battle.

The war volunteers were at risk of being caught in the crossfire.

sometimes used figuratively

She was caught in the crossfire between her quarrelling sisters. [=she became involved in the quarrel between her sisters and they became angry at her]

a presidential candidate who has become caught in a political crossfire after making comments that angered both liberals and conservatives

cross·hair noun, pl -hairs [count]

: a very thin wire or thread that is seen when you look into a microscope, telescope, etc., and that is used for precisely viewing or aiming at something

in the crosshairs

: being aimed at by a gun (such as a rifle) that has an aiming device with crosshairs
often used figuratively

The senator's voting record was in the crosshairs of his political rivals. [=was being targeted by his political rivals]

cross·hatch verb, -hatch·es, -hatched, -hatch·ing [+ obj]

: to mark or draw (something) with sets of lines that cross each other

The fields were crosshatched by plowed paths.

cross-hatching noun [noncount]

The artist used cross-hatching to fill in the shaded areas.

cross·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : a place where two things (such as a street and a railroad track) cross each other

Stop at the railroad crossing.

Federal agents questioned us at the border crossing. [=the place where people go across the border between two countries]

2 : a place where you can cross a street, stream, etc.

a crossing for ferry boats
see also PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, PELICAN CROSSING, ZEBRA CROSSING

3 a : the act of going across something
the crossing of a mountain range

3 b : a voyage across water
a weeklong crossing of the Atlantic Ocean

crossing guard noun, pl guards [count]

: a person whose job is to help people (such as schoolchildren) go across busy streets safely

cross-legged adj

: having the legs crossed

She curled up into a cross-legged position.

cross-legged adv

She sat cross-legged.

The kids sat on the floor cross-legged. [=with their legs crossed and their knees spread wide apart]

cross·over noun, pl -overs [count]

: a change from one style or type of activity to another

The actor made a smooth crossover to politics.

a rock musician's crossovers into jazz and soul music
often used before another noun
a successful crossover artist/star/celebrity
a romantic movie that has crossover appeal to fans of science fiction

see also cross over at 2CROSS

cross·piece noun, pl -piec·es [count]

: something (such as a piece of wood) that is placed or that lies across something else

The carpenter attached a crosspiece to each side of the frame to give extra support to the roof.

cross-pol·li·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

1 botany : to move pollen from one flower to another

2 : cross-fertilize 2
cross-pollinating different musical styles

cross-pol·li·na·tion noun [noncount]

cross-pur·pos·es noun

at cross-purposes

: in a way that causes confusion or failure because people are working or talking with different goals or purposes

We'll never succeed together if we continue to work at cross-purposes (with each other).

It became clear that they were talking at cross-purposes.

cross-re·fer verb, -fers, -ferred, -fer·ring

: to direct a reader to more information that can be found in another place

[+ obj] The entry for “gram” cross-refers you to a table of weights.

[no obj] The entry cross-refers to a table of weights.

1cross-ref·er·ence noun, pl -enc·es [count]

: a note in a book (such as a dictionary) that tells you where to look for more information

The almanac includes cross-references to a map and timeline for each country.

2cross-reference verb, -ences, -enced, -enc·ing

1 [+ obj] : to supply (something, such as a book) with cross-references

The book is heavily cross-referenced.

2 : cross-refer

[no obj] The article on alligators in the encyclopedia cross-references to the entry on crocodiles.

[+ obj] The census figures are cross-referenced to more detailed information about each state.

cross·road noun, pl -roads [count]

1 : a place where two or more roads cross

Traffic was stopped at the crossroad.

often plural in form

They arrived at a crossroads marked by a signpost.

often used figuratively to refer to a place or time at which a decision must be made

The industry is at a critical crossroad.

We've reached a crossroads [=turning point] in our relationship.

2 : a road that crosses a main road or that runs across land between main roads

We turned onto a crossroad.

cross section noun, pl -tions

1 : a view or drawing that shows what the inside of something looks like after a cut has been made across it

[count] a detailed cross section of the human brain

[noncount] The drawing showed the human brain in cross section.

2 [count] : a small group that includes examples of the different types of people or things in a larger group

The class surveyed a cross section of the student body.

The people in our neighborhood are/form a representative cross section of American society.

cross-sec·tion·al adj
a cross-sectional view of the brain

cross-stitch noun, pl -stitch·es [count]

: a stitch in the shape of an X

The blouse had cross-stitches around the neckline.

cross·town adj, always used before a noun

1 : located on different sides of a town or city

The two schools were crosstown rivals in baseball.

2 : going across a town or city

We rode a crosstown bus.

crosstown traffic

crosstown adv

He drove crosstown to pick up his daughter.

cross·walk noun, pl -walks [count]

US : a marked path where people can safely walk across a street or road called also pedestrian crossing

cross·wind noun, pl -winds [count]

: a wind that blows across the direction that something (such as an airplane) is moving in

1cross·wise adv

: from one side or corner to the other : across

Cut the potato crosswise rather than lengthwise into thin slices.

2crosswise adj

1 : going from one side or corner to another
a crosswise cut

2 US, informal : involved in a conflict or disagreement

He got crosswise with his boss and nearly lost his job.

cross·word puzzle noun, pl puzzles [count]

: a puzzle in which words that are the answers to clues are written into a pattern of numbered squares that go across and down

My father does the crossword puzzle every morning.

called also crossword

crotch noun, pl crotch·es [count]

: the part of the body where the legs join together; also : the part of a piece of clothing that covers this part of the body
the crotch of the pants/shorts/pajamas
called also (Brit) crutch

crotch·et noun, pl -ets [count]

Brit : quarter note

crotch·ety adj [more ; most ]

: often annoyed and angry : grouchy

None of the students dared to talk back to the crotchety old teacher.

crouch verb, crouch·es, crouched, crouch·ing [no obj]

1 : to lower your body to the ground by bending your legs

She crouched down, trying to get a closer look at the spider.

2 of an animal : to lie on the stomach close to the ground with the legs bent

The lion crouched in the tall grass, waiting to attack the gazelle.

crouch noun, pl crouches [count]

The runner was in a tense crouch, waiting for the signal to start the race.

crouched adj
a crouched position

croup noun [noncount]

: a sickness that young children sometimes get that makes them cough a lot and have trouble breathing

croupy adj
a croupy cough

crou·pi·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person whose job is to collect and pay out money in a casino

crou·ton noun, pl -tons [count]

: a small piece of bread that is toasted or fried until it is crisp

Croutons are usually served on salads or in soups.

1crow noun, pl crows [count]

1 : a large black bird that has a loud and harsh cry

2 Crow : a member of a Native American people of the western U.S.

as the crow flies

: in a straight line

They live about three miles from here as the crow flies, though the actual drive is more like six (miles).

eat crow see EAT
compare 2CROW see also JIM CROW

2crow noun, pl crows [count]

: the loud, high sound a rooster makes or a similar sound
the cock's/rooster's loud crow

The boy gave a little crow of delight when he mastered the puzzle.

compare 1CROW

3crow verb, crows, crowed, crow·ing

1 [no obj] : to make the loud, high sound that a rooster makes or a similar sound

The cock/rooster crowed as the sun began to rise.

The boy crowed with delight.

2 : to talk in a way that shows too much pride about something you have done : to brag loudly or joyfully

[no obj] The rest of us were sick of hearing her crow about/over her success.

[+ obj] “I've won three times in a row,” he crowed. = He crowed that he had won three times in a row.

crow·bar noun, pl -bars [count]

: a metal bar that has a thin flat edge at one end and is used to open or lift things

1crowd verb, crowds, crowd·ed, crowd·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to fill (something) so that there is little or no room for anyone or anything else : to take up much or most of the space in (an area or space)

College students crowded [=packed] the little bar on the night of the poetry reading.

Boxes crowded the floor of my apartment.

There are too many products crowding the market.

The hall was crowded [=crammed, packed] with scientists from around the world
streets crowded with traffic

1 b [+ obj] : to push or force (something) into a small space

The club has been accused of crowding too many people into too small a space.

1 c [no obj] : to move into a small space

+ into or onto

The four of us crowded into a little booth at the restaurant.

We crowded onto the bus.

2 [+ obj] : to form a tight group around (something or someone)

Several horses were crowding [=crowding around] the water trough.

By the end of the 10th mile, three bicyclists were crowding the racer in front.

3 [+ obj] chiefly US : to stand very close or too close to (someone or something)

Please move back. You're crowding me.

(baseball) The batter was crowding the plate.

sometimes used figuratively

He said he broke up with his last girlfriend because she was beginning to crowd him. [=she was not allowing him enough privacy and independence]

crowd around/round [phrasal verb]

crowd around/round or crowd around/round (something) : to form a tight group around (something or someone)

A small group of people crowded around the car.

When one of the protesters began to speak, the people crowded around (him) to hear what he had to say.

crowded together

If a group of people or things are crowded together, they are next to and usually touching each other in a space that is too small.

We need to organize the closet so that the shoes aren't crowded together.

crowd in [phrasal verb]

1 : to move as a group into a small space

When we got to the elevator, everybody tried to crowd in.

2 of thoughts, memories, etc. : to come into your mind : to occupy your thinking
often + on

When I smell a pie baking, memories of childhood holidays crowd in on me. [=memories fill my mind]

crowd out [phrasal verb]

crowd out (something or someone) or crowd (something or someone) out : to push, move, or force (something or someone) out of a place or situation by filling its space

The quick-growing grass is crowding out native plants.

She worries that junk food is crowding fruits and vegetables out of her children's diet.

2crowd noun, pl crowds

1 [count] : a large group of people who are together in one place

The President will address the crowd later.

The crowd is restless. = (Brit) The crowd are restless.

a crowd of kids/reporters/shoppers

The formerly unknown singer now regularly performs to crowds of 10,000 (people).

Crowds lined the street to watch the parade.

His speeches always draw a big/large crowd. [=a lot of people come to hear him speak]

You can avoid the crowds by visiting a popular resort area in the off-season.

police trained in crowd control

2 the crowd : ordinary people : people who are not special or unusual
kids trying to distinguish themselves from the crowd

She prefers to be one of the crowd. [=she prefers to not to be noticed or treated in any special way]

Someone who is just another face in the crowd is not famous or well-known.

Until her book became a best seller, she was just another face in the crowd.

Someone or something that stands out from the crowd is unusual in a good way.

As a teacher, he always stood out from the crowd.

The high quality of these tools makes them stand out from the crowd.

Someone who follows the crowd or goes with the crowd does whatever most other people are doing.

He was never one to follow the crowd, so we weren't surprised when he dropped out of college to start his own business.

3 [singular] : a group of people who spend time together or have something in common

Her parents are concerned that she's been hanging out with a bad crowd. [=with people who do illegal or immoral things]

usually used with the

Her parents are concerned that she's been hanging out with the wrong crowd.

The new dance club caters to the under-18 crowd. [=to people who are less than 18 years old]

join the crowd

1 : to become part of a larger group : to do what most other people are doing

You can find a private hideaway or join the crowd at the beach.

2 informal
used to say that the problems or feelings someone is having are problems or feelings that you have had yourself

If you don't understand the rules, join the crowd [=(more commonly) join the club]: no one else does either!

two's company, three's a crowd see COMPANY

crowded adj [more ; most ]

: filled with too many people or things
a crowded bar/lobby/waiting room

The library was so crowded today!

often + with

The room was crowded [=crammed, packed] with people.

crowd-pleas·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person, performance, or food that most people like

The play is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. [=it is certain that many people will like the play]

crowd-pleas·ing adj
a crowd-pleasing show

1crown noun, pl crowns

1 [count]

1 a : a decorative object that is shaped like a circle and worn on the head of a king or queen for special ceremonies

Crowns are usually made of gold or silver and decorated with jewels.

1 b : a similar object worn by someone who is not an actual king or queen

The winner of the beauty pageant walked down the runway wearing her sparkling crown.

1 c : a ring of leaves or flowers worn on the head of someone who has won a game, contest, or award

2 the crown or the Crown : the government of a country that is officially ruled by a king or queen
the blessing of the Spanish crown
allegiance to the crown

She was appointed by the Crown.

3 the crown : the position of power that a king or queen has

When the king died childless, his brother assumed the crown. [=his brother became king]

4 [count] : something (such as a badge or decoration) in the shape of a king's or queen's crown
a jacket with a crown insignia on the pocket

5 [count] : the title or position held by the person who has won a particular competition : championship
usually singular

If he loses this match, he'll lose the heavyweight boxing crown. [=he will no longer be the champion]

6 [count] : the part of a tooth that can be seen
an artificial crown made of porcelain

7 [count] : the top of the head
usually singular

She has a big bump on the crown [=top] of her head.

8 [count] : the part of a hat that covers the top of the head
usually singular

The hat has a rounded crown and a wide brim.

9 [count] : the highest part of something (such as a tree or mountain)

From the tower, we could see the crowns of the trees below.

10 [count]

10 a : a unit of money used in several European countries

Norwegian crowns

10 b : an old British coin worth five shillings

crown adj, always used before a noun
a crown appointee [=someone appointed by the government of a king or queen]

2crown verb, crowns, crowned, crown·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put a crown on (a new king, queen, etc.) : to give (someone) the power and title of a king or queen
usually used as (be) crowned

She was crowned queen at the age of 18.

2 : to officially or formally give (someone) the title or position of a champion, winner, etc.

The U.S. Open will crown a new champion Sunday. [=someone will be proclaimed champion at the U.S. Open championship]

The magazine crowned her the new queen of rock-and-roll music.

3 : to end (something) in a successful and impressive way

She crowned her long and distinguished career by designing the city's beautiful new bridge.

4 literary : to be on top of (something) : to form the top of (something)

Snow crowns the mountain year-round.

usually used as (be) crowned

The mountain is crowned with snow all year round.

a hill crowned with yellow daffodils

Her head is crowned by/with thick red hair.

5 : to put an artificial crown on (a tooth)

I broke a tooth and I'll have to have it crowned.

6 informal : to hit (someone) on the head

He got crowned with a beer bottle.

to crown it all

Brit
used to indicate the last and usually worst thing in a series of bad things that have happened

It rained, it snowed, and, to crown it all [=to top it off], our flight was canceled.

crown colony noun, pl -nies [count]

: a colony (such as Gibraltar or the Falkland Islands) that is under the control of the British government

crowning adj, always used before a noun

: greatest or most complete

The bridge is the architect's crowning achievement.

His refusal to see me was the crowning [=worst, ultimate] insult.

The town's crowning glory is its old cathedral. [=the cathedral is the town's best feature]

Her hair is her crowning glory.

crown jewel noun, pl -els

1 the crown jewels : the crown, scepter, and other jeweled objects that a king or queen uses on formal occasions

2 [count] : the most valuable or attractive thing in a collection or group

The painting is the crown jewel of the museum's collection.

one of the company's crown jewels

crown molding noun, pl -ings [count, noncount]

US : a long, narrow decorative piece of wood that is used in some rooms to cover the place where the walls and ceiling come together

crown prince noun, pl princes [count]

1 : a prince who is expected to become king when the current king or queen dies

Crown Prince George
the Crown Prince of Spain

2 : a man or boy who people expect to become a leader in some field

He's been heralded as the crown prince of jazz.

crown princess noun, pl -cesses [count]

1 : the wife of a crown prince

2 : a princess who is expected to become queen when the current king or queen dies

Crown Princess Lydia

3 : a woman or girl who people expect to become a leader in some field

She is ice-skating's new crown princess.

crow's-feet noun [plural]

: wrinkles around the outer corners of a person's eyes
a new cream that is supposed to get rid of crow's-feet

crow's nest noun, pl nests [count]

: a platform with short walls that is high on a ship's mast and from which you can see things (such as land and other ships) that are far away

CRT abbr
cathode-ray tube

cru·cial adj [more ; most ]

: extremely important

Vitamins are crucial for maintaining good health.

Eggs are a crucial [=essential] ingredient in this recipe.

a crucial distinction/difference

It's crucial that we arrive before 8 o'clock.

Teachers are crucial to the success of the school.

She played a crucial role in the meeting.

Tonight's game is the crucial [=decisive] game of the series. [=whoever wins this game will win the series]

a crucial decision

cru·cial·ly adv
crucially important

cru·ci·ble noun, pl -ci·bles [count]

1 : a pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted

2 formal + literary : a difficult test or challenge

He's ready to face the crucible of the Olympics.

3 formal + literary : a place or situation that forces people to change or make difficult decisions

His character was formed in the crucible of war.

cru·ci·fix noun, pl -fix·es [count]

: a model of a cross with a figure of Jesus Christ crucified on it

He wears a crucifix on a chain around his neck.

cru·ci·fix·ion noun, pl -ions

1 [noncount] : an act of killing someone by nailing or tying his or her hands and feet to a cross : an act of crucifying someone
the crucifixion of the rebel Spartacus

2 the Crucifixion : the killing of Jesus Christ on a cross

cru·ci·form adj

: in the shape of a cross
a cruciform church

cru·ci·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to kill (someone) by nailing or tying his or her hands and feet to a cross

Jesus Christ was crucified.

2 informal : to criticize (someone or something) very harshly

They crucified her in the newspapers for having an affair.

crud noun [noncount]

informal

1 : a dirty or greasy substance

I spent an hour scrubbing the crud off the old stove.

2 chiefly US : something unpleasant or worthless

He complains that there's too much crud on TV these days.

crud·dy adj, crud·di·er, -est
informal

1 : dirty or greasy
a cruddy old stove

2 US

2 a : not of good quality

They did a cruddy [=lousy] job with the repairs.

2 b : not well or happy

I felt cruddy [=lousy, sick] the day after the party.

I feel cruddy [=sorry, bad] about what I said.

1crude adj, crud·er, crud·est [also more ; most ]

1 : very simple and basic : made or done in a way that does not show a lot of skill
crude tools
a crude instrument/drawing

They built a crude shelter out of branches.

2 : rude in a way that makes people uncomfortable; especially : talking about sexual matters in a rude way

They tell a lot of crude [=vulgar] jokes.

3 : very simple and basic in a way that is true but not complete
a crude summary of the country's history
a crude theory
a crude [=rough] estimate

She first described the procedure in crude terms, and then went into more detail.

crude·ly adv
a crudely drawn picture

To put it crudely [=bluntly], I just don't like you.

crude·ness noun [noncount]

He doesn't appreciate the crudeness of their jokes.

2crude noun [noncount]

: oil as it exists in the ground : petroleum that is not yet ready to be used as fuel called also crude oil

cru·di·tés noun [plural]

: pieces of raw vegetables (such as carrots and celery) that are served before a meal usually with a sauce for dipping

cru·di·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality or state of being crude
the crudity of the drawing

2 [count] : something that is crude

The movie's crudities were supposed to be funny, but they didn't make me laugh.

cru·el adj, US cru·el·er or Brit cru·el·ler, US cru·el·est or Brit cru·el·lest [also more ; most ]

1
used to describe people who hurt others and do not feel sorry about it
a cruel dictator/tyrant

Children can be cruel, as any child who has been made fun of by others knows.

He says he can't trust people who are cruel to animals.

a cruel smile [=the smile of a cruel person]

2 : causing or helping to cause suffering : terrible and unfair
a cruel joke

It was a very cruel [=hurtful] thing to say.

I thought it was rather cruel [=unkind] of them to give her all the dirty work.

a cruel twist of fate

Hunger is a cruel fact of nature.

Life has dealt them some cruel blows in recent years. [=some very bad things have happened to them in recent years]

The law forbids cruel and unusual punishment. [=punishment that is very harsh and inappropriate for the crime]

cru·el·ly adv
treated cruelly

He was cruelly beaten.

cru·el·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : a desire to cause others to suffer : the quality or state of being cruel
a dictator/tyrant known for his cruelty

The cruelty of children can be surprising.

2 a [noncount] : actions that cause suffering

They protested against cruelty to animals.

physical and emotional cruelty

2 b [count] : an act or occurrence that causes suffering
usually plural

The prisoners endured awful cruelties.

the cruelties of life/nature/war

cru·et noun, pl -ets [count]

1 US : a small glass bottle that is used at the table during meals to hold vinegar, oil, or sauce

2 Brit : a container or set of containers used at the table during meals to hold salt, pepper, oil, etc.

1cruise verb, cruis·es, cruised, cruis·ing

1 : to travel on a boat or ship to a number of places as a vacation

[no obj] We cruised for a week down the Yangtze River.

[+ obj] He dreams of cruising the Mediterranean.

2 [no obj] of a car, airplane, etc. : to move along at a steady speed

The bus was cruising at 55 miles per hour.

We were cruising along/down the highway.

The plane was cruising at 30,000 feet.

3 : to drive or be driven slowly

[+ obj] On Friday nights, teenagers cruise the main street in town to show off their cars.

[no obj] A car cruised past us.

4 [no obj] : to do something easily : to easily succeed at something

She cruised [=waltzed, breezed] through the exam.

The team cruised to victory in the last game.

5 [+ obj] : to move around in (a place) without a specific purpose but usually with the hope of finding something interesting

I cruised the mall for a couple hours on Saturday.

often used figuratively

She spent hours cruising [=(more commonly) surfing] the Internet.

He's always cruising the radio dial for new music.

6 slang : to go (somewhere) in search of a sexual partner

[+ obj] They're out cruising bars.

[no obj] a group of teenage guys out cruising for girls

2cruise noun, pl cruises [count]

: a journey on a boat or ship to a number of places as a vacation

We went on a weeklong cruise down the Yangtze River.

They went on a cruise for their honeymoon.

a Mediterranean cruise
sometimes used before another noun

Which cruise line should I book my trip with?

see also CRUISE SHIP

cruise control noun [noncount]

1 : a device in a vehicle that a driver turns on to make the vehicle continue at whatever speed the driver has chosen

2 : a relaxed pace that does not require a lot of effort

She admits that she's been doing the job so long that she's on cruise control. [=she does not put a lot of effort into the job]

cruise missile noun, pl -siles [count]

: a large military weapon that flies close to the ground and is directed to a specific place to explode

cruis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 US : police car

2 : a large and fast military ship

3 : a boat that has room to live on and that is used for pleasure called also cabin cruiser

cruise ship noun, pl ships [count]

: a large ship that takes many people on a cruise at one time : a large ship that stops at different ports and carries passengers who are traveling for pleasure called also cruise liner

cruising altitude noun, pl -tudes

: the height in the sky at which an airplane stays for most of a flight

[noncount] The pilot announced that we'd reached cruising altitude.

[count] a cruising altitude of 40,000 feet

cruising speed noun, pl speeds

: the speed at which an airplane, a boat, etc., usually moves when it is traveling at a fast speed for a long distance

[count] The boat has a cruising speed of 25 knots.

[noncount] The boat handled well at cruising speed.

crul·ler noun, pl -lers [count]

US : a sweet food made from a piece of dough that has been twisted and fried

crumb noun, pl crumbs [count]

1 : a very small piece of food

He swept the crumbs from under the table.

Crumbs are usually pieces of baked foods like bread or cake. They are sometimes used in cooking.

The pie's crust is made with cookie crumbs.

Coat the fish in bread crumbs before frying it.

2 informal : a very small amount of something
usually + of
hoping for any crumb of affection

They couldn't find a crumb of evidence against her.

1crum·ble verb, crum·bles, crum·bled, crum·bling

1 [+ obj] : to break (something) into small pieces

Crumble the cookies into small bits.

The recipe calls for the herbs to be crumbled.

2 [no obj] : to separate into many small pieces : to fall apart

The arch had crumbled [=disintegrated] under the weight of all those stones.

bones so old they had crumbled to dust
crumbling buildings/monuments/walls

3 [no obj] : to break down completely : to stop functioning

Peace talks between the two parties have crumbled. [=collapsed]

She was extremely depressed after her marriage crumbled.

their crumbling marriage

that's the way the cookie crumbles see COOKIE

2crumble noun, pl crumbles

1 crumbles [plural] US : small pieces of something that has been crumbled
crumbles of blue cheese

2 [count, noncount] chiefly Brit : 2crisp 2
an apple crumble

crum·bly adj, crum·bli·er, -est

: easily broken into small pieces
crumbly soil
a crumbly cheese

crumbs interj

Brit informal
used to express surprise

Crumbs! I can't believe he did it!

crum·my adj, crum·mi·er, -est
informal

1 : not pleasant

We've had crummy [=lousy] weather all week.

2 : not of good quality

The plumbers did a crummy [=lousy] job putting in the new sink.

a crummy story

3 chiefly US : not well or happy

I felt crummy [=sick, lousy] all day yesterday.

I feel crummy [=bad, sorry] about the way I treated her.

crum·pet noun, pl -pets

Brit

1 [count] : a small round bread that has a smooth bottom and holes in the top and that is eaten hot with butter

2 informal + sometimes offensive : a sexually attractive person

[noncount] He's looking for a bit of crumpet. [=he's looking for an attractive woman to have sex with]

[count] Because he is brainy as well as handsome, the actor is often referred to as “the thinking woman's crumpet.”

crum·ple verb, crum·ples, crum·pled, crum·pling

1 a [+ obj] : to press or squeeze (something) so that it is no longer flat or smooth

She crumpled the piece of paper into a ball and tossed it into the garbage can.

The car's fender was crumpled in the accident.

a crumpled napkin/suit/bill
often + up

He crumpled up the note and threw it away.

1 b [no obj] : to become wrinkled or bent : to stop being smooth or flat

The fabric is stiff and does not crumple [=wrinkle, rumple] easily.

Her face crumpled [=she looked like she was going to cry] when we told her that she couldn't come with us.

2 [no obj] : to suddenly bend and fall

At the sight of blood, he crumpled to the floor.

crumple zone noun, pl zones [count]

technical : the front part of a vehicle that is designed to bend easily in an accident so that the people inside are protected

1crunch verb, crunch·es, crunched, crunch·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to make the loud sound of something being crushed

The snow crunched underfoot.

1 b : to move along a surface that makes the loud sound of something being crushed

We could hear the truck's tires crunching along the gravel road.

2 [+ obj] : to process (numbers, information, etc.) : to examine and analyze (numbers, information, etc.)

When she crunched the numbers, she found that the business's profits were actually much lower than the company had said.

see also NUMBER CRUNCHER

crunch on [phrasal verb]

crunch on (something) : to chew (a piece of food) in a way that makes a loud sound

She crunched on a carrot while watching TV.

crunching on potato chips

2crunch noun, pl crunches

1 a [count] : the sound made when something hard is being chewed or crushed : a crunching sound
the crunch of someone eating a carrot

We could hear the crunch of the truck's tires on the gravel road.

1 b [noncount] : the quality of a food that produces a loud sound when it is chewed : a crunchy quality

The nuts give the salad crunch. [=the nuts make the salad somewhat crunchy]

2 the crunch : a very difficult point or situation

The crunch came when the computer stopped working.

see also CRUNCH TIME

3 [count] US : a situation in which there is not enough of something
usually singular

The city's budget crunch means that streets will not be repaired this spring. [=because the city does not have enough money, streets will not be repaired]

The project is facing a time crunch.

an energy crunch [=(more commonly) crisis]

4 [count] : a stomach exercise in which you lie on your back, raise the top part of your body until your shoulders are off the floor, and then lower it
usually plural

I try to do 50 crunches a day.

compare SIT-UP

crunch time noun [noncount]

informal : the most important time in a game, event, etc. : a critical moment

The team had trained well, but at crunch time they just couldn't perform.

crunchy adj, crunch·i·er, -est

: having a hard texture and making a loud sound when chewed or crushed : not soft or mushy
crunchy chips/cereal/vegetables
crunchy snow

These cookies are very crunchy.

1cru·sade noun, pl -sades [count]

1 Crusade : any one of the wars that European Christian countries fought against Muslims in Palestine in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries usually plural

2 : a major effort to change something
usually + for or against

She has devoted herself to the crusade for equal rights for all people.

a crusade [=campaign] against crime/pollution
a politician conducting/waging a crusade against organized labor

2crusade verb, -sad·ed, -sad·ing [no obj]

: to take part in a major effort to change something
usually + for or against

She has crusaded for equal rights for all people.

They are crusading [=campaigning] against crime/pollution.

cru·sad·er or Crusader noun, pl -ers [count]

human rights crusaders
the Crusaders of the Middle Ages

1crush verb, crush·es, crushed, crush·ing [+ obj]

1 : to press or squeeze (something) so hard that it breaks or loses its shape

Unfortunately some of the flowers got crushed when we were moving them.

crushing grapes

The bicycle was crushed under the truck's tires.

The machine crushes the cans so that they can be stored until they are recycled.

Her arm was crushed in the accident.

Several people were crushed to death [=killed by being crushed] as the crowd rushed for the exit doors.

2 : to break (something) into a powder or very small pieces by pressing, pounding, or grinding it

Crush the nuts and sprinkle them on top of the cake.

The rocks were crushed into dust.

crushed herbs/ice/garlic

3 : to defeat (a person or group that opposes you) by using a lot of force

The king sent out his special forces to crush [=quash] the rebellion.

4 : to make (someone) feel very unhappy, upset, etc.

The novelist was crushed by the editor's comments.

A string of bad luck had crushed his spirit.

He was crushed by regret.

She owed many people money, and felt crushed [=overwhelmed] by the debt.

crush·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a garlic crusher

They used an electric crusher to crush the grapes.

2crush noun, pl crushes

1 [count]

1 a : a strong feeling of romantic love for someone that is usually not expressed and does not last a long time

The person who has a crush is usually young or is behaving or feeling like a young person.

a childhood crush
a schoolgirl crush [=romantic feelings felt by a schoolgirl or by someone who is being compared to a schoolgirl]

often + on

All through high school I had a crush on the art teacher.

I think he's got a crush on her.

1 b : the person on whom you have a crush

Yesterday I saw my old high school crush for the first time in five years.

2 [count] : a crowd of people who are pressed close together

The crush in the train station is at its worst during the afternoon rush hour.

Outside the hotel stood a crush of reporters waiting for her arrival.

3 [noncount] chiefly Brit : a drink made from fruit juice
orange crush

crushing adj

: very bad, harmful, or severe

The team suffered a crushing loss.

They are struggling to escape the crushing poverty they've known all their lives.

The news came as a crushing blow.

a crushing insult

crust noun, pl crusts

1 : the hard outer surface of bread

[count] Her children prefer to eat their sandwiches with the crusts [=the outer edges of the bread slices] cut off.

a crunchy/chewy crust

[noncount] Her children prefer to eat their sandwiches with the crust cut off.

2 : the outside part of a pie : piecrust

[count] Bake the pie until the crust [=top] is golden brown.

[noncount] a pie with flaky crust

3 [count, noncount] : the bread that is used to make a pizza

He likes pizza with thin/thick crust.

She ate three slices of pizza, but left the crusts [=the thick, outer pieces of the crust] on her plate.

4 [count, noncount] : a hard layer on the surface of something

Our feet broke through the thin crust of ice and into the snow below.

the Earth's crust

earn a/your crust

Brit informal : to earn the money that you need to live : to earn a living

I'm really a poet, but I've got to earn my crust as an accountant.

see also UPPER CRUST

crus·ta·cean noun, pl -ceans [count]

technical : a type of animal (such as a crab or lobster) that has several pairs of legs and a body made up of sections that are covered in a hard outer shell

Crustaceans usually live in the water.

crustacean adj

crust·ed adj

: having a hard surface layer
crusted snow
mud-crusted shoes [=mud-encrusted shoes]

often + with
fish crusted with blackened spices

crusty adj, crust·i·er, -est

1 : harsh and unfriendly
a crusty old man

A crusty person often seems unfriendly at first but is really kinder and more caring than he or she seems. Crusty is usually used to describe old people.

2 of food : having a thick or crisp crust
a basket of warm, crusty bread

3 : having a crust : having a hard surface layer

We could see deer tracks in the crusty snow bank.

crust·i·ness noun [noncount]

crutch noun, pl crutch·es [count]

1 : a long stick with a padded piece at the top that fits under a person's arm usually plural

People who have difficulty walking often use crutches to help them walk.

He's able to walk short distances with crutches but prefers his wheelchair.

I was on crutches [=I was using crutches to walk] for six weeks after I broke my leg.

2 usually disapproving : something that a person uses too much for help or support

She eventually realized that alcohol had become a crutch. [=that she was drinking too much alcohol as a way of dealing with her problems]

3 Brit : crotch

crux noun

the crux

: the most important part of something (such as a problem, issue, puzzle, etc.)

usually + of

The crux of the matter is that people are afraid of change.

It's taken a while to get to the crux of the problem, but I think I finally understand it.

1cry verb, cries, cried, cry·ing

1 : to produce tears from your eyes often while making loud sounds because of pain, sorrow, or other strong emotions

[no obj] The baby is crying. Is she okay?

a crying baby

Some people cry more easily than others.

He cried silently while the song played.

She cried all the way home from school that day.

He cried (for) the whole day.

She couldn't imagine why anyone would cry over a stupid movie.

She was crying with relief/frustration/anger.

The first day of camp, a number of children cried for their parents. [=cried because they wanted their parents]

[+ obj] They cried tears of joy.

If you cry yourself to sleep, you cry until you have fallen asleep.

If you cry your eyes out or cry your heart out, you cry a lot.

I cried my eyes out when I found out they had left without saying goodbye.

2 : to shout or say something loudly

[+ obj] “We've won!” they cried.

“Help,” he cried, “Get a doctor! Quick!”

I heard someone cry “Wait!” but the train pulled away anyway.

[no obj] She cried [=called out] to the others to come and see what she'd found.

often + for

I heard someone crying for help.

sometimes used figuratively

Various groups have been crying for [=calling for] his resignation.

3 [no obj] of a bird or animal : to make the loud sound that is usual for a particular type of bird or animal

She'd never heard the sound of sea gulls crying by the shore.

a shoulder to cry on see 1SHOULDER

cry for [phrasal verb]

cry for (something) : to need or require (something) very much

This problem is crying for a solution.

The old house is crying for a new coat of paint.

cry foul
chiefly US : to complain that someone has done something that is not fair

When Mika's parents gave her a new bicycle, her sisters cried foul.

cry off [phrasal verb]

Brit : to say that you will not do something you have promised to do

He said he would help me move into my new apartment but then he cried off [=begged off] at the last minute.

cry out [phrasal verb]

1 : to make a loud sound because of pain, fear, surprise, etc.

She cried out in pain.

2 cry out or cry out (something) : to speak in a loud voice : to say (something) loudly or from a distance

We could hear them on the shore crying out [=calling out] to us, so we waved.

She cried out for help.

“I'm stuck,” she cried out.

She cried out that she was stuck.

3 cry out against (something) : to say publicly that (something) is wrong or unfair : to protest (something)

People around the world are crying out against the government's civil rights abuses.

4 used to say that something clearly needs or should have a particular thing, person, use, etc.;
often + to be

A chair like this cries out to be used [=should definitely be used], not kept in some museum.

The meal cried out to be eaten with a nice white wine. [=it was obvious that the meal should be served with a white wine]

often + for

The meal cried out for a nice white wine.

The job cries out for someone who's not afraid to take chances.

cry over spilled milk (US) or chiefly Brit cry over spilt milk
informal : to be upset about something that has happened and that cannot be changed

You made a mistake, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.

cry wolf

: to make people think there is danger when there is really none

News organizations have been warned not to cry wolf. If people hear too many warnings that turn out to be nothing, they won't listen to the important warnings when they come.

for crying out loud
informal
used to show anger, annoyance, etc.

Why won't they let me in? It's my house, for crying out loud!

crying noun [noncount]

We heard (the sound of) crying in the next room.

a crying fit/jag/spell

2cry noun, pl cries

1 [count] : a loud sound that someone makes to express pain, hunger, sadness, etc.

cries of pain

The baby's cry woke me out of a deep sleep.

2 [count] : something that is said loudly : a shout or call

There was a cry of “Fire” and we all rushed for the exits.

The children were playing a game and their happy cries echoed through the house.

sometimes used figuratively

The verdict has been met with cries of outrage. [=people are very angry and upset about the verdict]

There have been loud cries [=calls] for his resignation from various groups.

see also HUE AND CRY

3 [count] : a loud sound made by an animal or bird
the wild cry of a coyote

The birds' loud cries [=calls] startled me.

4 [singular] : an act of crying or a period of time spent crying

By the end of the movie, we'd all had a good cry. [=we had all cried for a while]

5 [count] : an act or way of behaving which shows that someone wants help, attention, etc.

The doctor thinks the boy's bad behavior at school is a cry for help.

6 [count] : a word or phrase that a group of people uses to express a common idea or goal or to unite them

“Free speech” is the cry of the protesters.

see also BATTLE CRY, RALLYING CRY, WAR CRY

a far cry from

: very different from (something or someone)

The movie is a far cry from the book.

He's a far cry from the idealistic young writer he once was.

in full cry

1 : full of anger, excitement, etc., especially in reaction to something

The school's budget is being cut, and teachers and parents are in full cry. [=are very angry and upset]

2 of hunting dogs : in the act of chasing an animal : in full pursuit

cry·ba·by noun, pl -bies [count]

informal : a person who cries easily or complains often

“Don't be such a crybaby,” she told her little sister.

cry·ing adj

a crying need

: a very obvious need : a serious and important need

There's a crying need for reform in this city.

a crying shame

: a situation that makes you feel sad or disappointed

It's a crying shame [=it's upsetting to me] that movies are often so violent these days.

It'd be a crying shame to miss the beginning of the show.

cryo·gen·ics noun [noncount]

technical : a science that deals with how very low temperatures are produced and how they affect other things

cry·on·ics noun [noncount]

medical : a procedure in which a person's body is frozen just after he or she has died so that the body can be restored if a cure for the cause of death is found

crypt noun, pl crypts [count]

: a room under a church in which people are buried after they have died

cryp·tic adj [more ; most ]

: difficult to understand : having or seeming to have a hidden meaning
a cryptic message/title/remark

His instructions were cryptic. He said only to wait until we felt certain the answer was clear.

cryp·ti·cal·ly adv

She smiled cryptically.

cryp·to- combining form

: hidden or secret
a crypto-anarchist [=a person who does not seem to support anarchy but secretly holds anarchist beliefs]

cryp·to·gram noun, pl -grams [count]

: a message that is written in code

cryp·tog·ra·phy noun [noncount]

: the process of writing or reading secret messages or codes

Companies often use cryptography to protect private information.

cryp·tog·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

He was hired as a cryptographer to break the enemy's secret code.

crys·tal noun, pl -tals

1 [count] : a small piece of a substance that has many sides and is formed when the substance turns into a solid
ice/salt crystals
a crystal of quartz
the crystal structure of minerals

2 : a clear hard mineral that is either colorless or very light in color and that is used in making jewelry

[noncount] a necklace made of crystal

[count] Some of the crystals used in the necklace are a pale pink color.

3 [noncount]

3 a : a special type of glass that is very clear

The wine glasses are made of the finest crystal.

often used before another noun
a crystal chandelier/vase

3 b : objects made of this glass

She inherited her mother's crystal.

their wedding crystal

4 [count] US : the clear glass or plastic cover on a watch or clock

I broke the crystal on my watch.

crystal ball noun, pl balls [count]

: a clear glass ball in which some people say they can see the future by using magic

crystal clear adj

1 : perfectly clear : able to be seen through completely
crystal clear water

2 : perfectly easy to understand

“Was my request clear?” “Yes, crystal clear.”

Eventually it became crystal clear that something had to change.

crys·tal·line Brit adj

1 : clear and shining like crystal
the island's crystalline waters
sometimes used figuratively
a singer with a crystalline voice [=a beautifully clear voice]

2 technical : made of or similar to crystal or crystals
a crystalline solid
the rock's crystalline structure

crys·tal·lize also Brit crys·tal·lise verb, -liz·es, -lized, -liz·ing

1 technical : to change into a solid form that is made up of crystals

[no obj] Eventually the paint will start to crystallize.

Certain conditions can cause carbon to crystallize into diamonds.

[+ obj] Certain conditions can crystallize carbon into diamonds.

2 : to cause (something, such as an idea, belief, etc.) to become clear and fully formed

[+ obj] The final paragraph of the essay crystallizes her theory.

He tried to crystallize his thoughts.

[no obj] Her theory crystallizes in the final paragraph of the essay.

The plan crystallized slowly.

crys·tal·li·za·tion also Brit crys·tal·li·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the crystallization of the liquid
the crystallization of her theory

crystallized also Brit crystallised adj

: covered in sugar
crystallized ginger/grapes

crystal meth noun [noncount]

: an illegal drug in the form of crystals that causes you to feel more energetic and alert when you smoke it

C-sec·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

medical : cesarean section

ct. abbr
carat

Ct. abbr
court

CT abbr

Connecticut

CT scan noun, pl scans [count]

medical : cat scan

cub noun, pl cubs [count]

1 : a young animal that eats meat
a bear/fox/lion cub

2 Cub Brit : cub scout
see also CUB REPORTER

cub·by noun, pl -bies [count]

: cubbyhole

cub·by·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

1 : a small hole or space for storing things

The car has lots of cubbyholes for small items.

He keeps the key in a cubbyhole in his desk.

2 : a place (such as a room) that is very small

He worked in a cubbyhole under the stairs.

1cube noun, pl cubes [count]

1 : an object that has six square sides
an ice cube

Cut the onion into half-inch cubes.

2 mathematics : the number that results from multiplying a number by itself twice

The cube of 2 [=2 3] is 8. [=2 x 2 x 2 = 8]

compare 1SQUARE 3

3 US, informal + humorous : cubicle 1

She decorated her cube with pictures of her children.

2cube verb, cubes, cubed, cub·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cut (food) into small cubes

Cube the carrots and potatoes.

three slices of bread, cubed

2 mathematics : to multiply (a number) by itself twice
usually used as cubed

2 cubed equals 8. [=2 x 2 x 2 = 8]

compare 3SQUARE 3

cube root noun, pl roots [count]

mathematics : a number that produces a specified number when it is multiplied by itself twice

The cube root of 8 is 2.

compare SQUARE ROOT

cu·bic adj [more ; most ]

1
used to describe a measurement that is produced by multiplying something's length by its width and its height
one cubic centimeter [=a measure of volume that is one centimeter long, one centimeter wide, and one centimeter high]

three cubic feet of space

compare 2SQUARE 2

2 : in the shape of a cube
cubic crystals/shapes
a cubic structure

cu·bi·cle noun, pl -bi·cles [count]

1 chiefly US : a work space in a large office with a desk that is usually surrounded by low walls
an office cubicle

2 Brit : a small space in a public room (such as a bathroom) that has walls for privacy
a shower/toilet cubicle [=(US) stall]

Cub·ism noun [noncount]

: a style of art that originated in the early 20th century in which objects are divided into and shown as a group of geometric shapes and from many different angles at the same time

Cub·ist adj
a Cubist painting
the Cubist movement

Cubist noun, pl -ists [count]

cub reporter noun, pl -ers [count]

: a young newspaper reporter who does not have much experience

Cub Scout noun, pl Scouts [count]

: a member of an organization of Boy Scouts for boys ages 7 through 10 compare BROWNIE

1cuck·old noun, pl -olds [count]

old-fashioned : a man whose wife has sex with someone else : a man's whose wife commits adultery

2cuckold verb, -olds, -old·ed, -old·ing [+ obj]

old-fashioned

1 : to have sex with someone other than (your husband)

There were rumors that his wife had cuckolded him.

2 : to have sex with the wife of (another man)

He was cuckolded by his best friend.

1cuck·oo Brit noun, pl -oos [count]

: a type of bird that lays its eggs in the nests of other birds and that has a call that sounds like its name

2cuckoo adj [more ; most ]

informal + old-fashioned

1 : silly or crazy

They told me that he's a little cuckoo. [=nutty]

a cuckoo idea

2 : very enthusiastic

I'm not cuckoo [=(more commonly) wild, crazy] about the idea.

cuckoo clock noun, pl clocks [count]

: a clock that has a toy bird inside of it that comes out and makes a sound like a cuckoo to tell what time it is

cu·cum·ber noun, pl -bers [count, noncount]

: a long vegetable with dark green skin and crisp flesh that is often used in salads or for making pickles

(as) cool as a cucumber see 1COOL

cud noun [noncount]

: the food that an animal (such as a cow) brings back up from its stomach into its mouth to be chewed again
a cow chewing its cud

cud·dle verb, cud·dles, cud·dled, cud·dling

1 [+ obj] : to hold (someone or something) in your arms in order to show affection

He cuddled the puppy.

2 [no obj] : to lie or sit close together

Let's cuddle by the fire.

often + up

They cuddled up under the blanket.

They cuddled up to each other.

He cuddled up with a good book. [=he sat down in a comfortable position and began reading a good book]

cuddle noun, pl cuddles [count]

She gave the children a cuddle.

cud·dly adj, cud·dli·er, -est
informal

1 : having the soft or appealing quality of a thing or person that you would like to cuddle
cuddly teddy bears

He is so big and cuddly.

a soft, cuddly fabric

2 : designed to be easy to like and not to offend people
their cuddly brand of commercialism

1cud·gel noun, pl -gels [count]

: a short heavy club

pick/take up the cudgels for
somewhat old-fashioned : to fight in defense or support of (someone or something)

She took up the cudgels for women's rights.

2cudgel verb, -gels, US -geled or Brit -gelled, US -gel·ing or Brit -gel·ling [+ obj]

: to hit (someone or something) with a club
usually used figuratively
a politician who is being cudgeled in the press for his failure to support tax cuts

cudgel your brain/brains see 1BRAIN

1cue noun, pl cues [count]

1 : a word, phrase, or action in a play, movie, etc., that is a signal for a performer to say or do something

That last line is your cue to exit the stage.

2 : a sign that tells a person to do something

I'll take that yawn as my cue to leave.

Their silence was a cue for him to speak.

3 : something that indicates the nature of what you are seeing, hearing, etc.

The expressions on people's faces give us visual cues about their feelings.

auditory cues

on cue

When something happens (right) on cue or as if on cue, it happens at the exact moment you would expect it to.

She arrived right on cue at the mention of her name.

As if on cue, the entire group burst into laughter.

take a/your cue from

: to do what is done or suggested by (someone or something)

Take a cue from the experts and get your taxes done early this year.

We should take our cue from their example.

compare 3CUE

2cue verb, cues, cued, cu·ing [+ obj]

: to give (someone) a signal to do something during a performance

Cue the band.

Cue the lights/sound. [=give a signal to the person running the lights/sound]

3cue noun, pl cues [count]

: a long, thin stick that is used in playing pool, billiards, and snooker
a pool cue

compare 1CUE

cue ball noun, pl balls [count]

: the white ball that a player hits with the cue in pool, billiards, and snooker

cue card noun, pl cards [count]

: a large card that can be seen by someone (such as an actor) who is performing or speaking on a stage or on television and that shows the words that the person is supposed to say

1cuff noun, pl cuffs

1 [count] : the part of a sleeve, glove, etc., that covers the wrist

2 [count] US : a piece of cloth at the bottom of a pant leg that is folded up called also (Brit) turn-up

3 [count] : something that goes around a person's arm like the cuff of a sleeve

She wore a cuff bracelet.

The nurse put a blood-pressure cuff [=a cuff that measures blood pressure] on his arm.

see also ROTATOR CUFF

4 cuffs [plural] : handcuffs

The police led him away in cuffs.

off the cuff

: without being prepared in advance : without planning or preparation

He talked/spoke off the cuff about his work on the project.

I had to give the speech off the cuff.

see also OFF-THE-CUFF

cuffed adj
a blouse with cuffed sleeves
cuffed pants

2cuff verb, cuffs, cuffed, cuff·ing [+ obj]

: to put (someone) in handcuffs

He was cuffed and led away.

compare 3CUFF

3cuff verb, cuffs, cuffed, cuffing [+ obj]

: to hit (someone or something) with the palm of your hand

She cuffed the boy on the head/ear.

compare 2CUFF

cuff noun, pl cuffs [count]

She gave him a cuff on the head/ear.

cuff link noun, pl links [count]

: a piece of jewelry that is used to fasten the cuff of a sleeve on a man's shirt

cui·sine noun, pl -sines

1 : a style of cooking

[noncount] I like gourmet/vegetarian/ethnic cuisine.

a cooking method used in French cuisine

[count] regional cuisines
a cuisine based on local ingredients
see also HAUTE CUISINE, NOUVELLE CUISINE

2 [noncount] : food that is cooked in a particular way

This restaurant is famous for its spicy cuisine.

cul-de-sac noun, pl cul-de-sacs also culs-de-sac [count]

: a street that is designed to connect to another street only at one end

Our house is located on a quiet cul-de-sac.

cul·i·nary Brit adj, always used before a noun

: used in or relating to cooking
culinary herbs
the culinary arts

They serve a variety of culinary delights.

cull verb, culls, culled, cull·ing [+ obj]

1 : to select or choose (someone or something) from a group

Damaged fruits are culled (out) before the produce is shipped.

usually + from

They've culled some of the best poems from her collected works.

She culled the information from newspaper articles.

2 : to control the size of (a group of animals) by killing some animals

He culls his herd annually.

The town issued hunting licenses in order to cull the deer population.

cull noun, pl culls [count]

the annual cull of the herd

cul·mi·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

1 [no obj] : to reach the end or the final result of something
usually + in or with

She had a long acting career that culminated in two Oscar nominations.

The investigation culminated with several arrests.

Their efforts have culminated in the discovery of a new cancer treatment.

2 [+ obj] somewhat formal : to be the end or final result of (something)

A bitter feud culminated months of tension.

cul·mi·na·tion noun [noncount]

: the end or final result of something

This study is the culmination of years of research.

cu·lottes noun [plural]

: short pants for women or girls that are shaped like a skirt
a pair of culottes

cul·pa·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : deserving blame : guilty of doing something wrong

They held her culpable for the accident.

He's more culpable than the others because he's old enough to know better.

(law) The defendant is charged with culpable negligence. [=negligence that is regarded as a crime]

cul·pa·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

She refused to acknowledge her own culpability.

cul·pa·bly adv

The defendant was culpably negligent.

cul·prit noun, pl -prits [count]

: a person who has committed a crime or done something wrong

The police eventually located the culprits.

often used figuratively

Lack of exercise and poor diet are the chief/main/real culprits in heart disease.

1cult noun, pl cults [count]

1 : a small religious group that is not part of a larger and more accepted religion and that has beliefs regarded by many people as extreme or dangerous
a satanic cult
cult members

2 : a situation in which people admire and care about something or someone very much or too much

He criticizes the way journalists promote the cult of celebrity in modern America. [=the tendency of people to care too much about famous people]

a cult of personality = a personality cult

3 : a small group of very devoted supporters or fans
a cult of admirers

She has developed a cult following.

4 formal : a system of religious beliefs and rituals
an ancient fertility cult

2cult adj, always used before a noun

: very popular among a group of people
a cult film/novel

Her works have achieved cult status.

The movie is a cult hit/classic/favorite.

cul·ti·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to prepare and use (soil) for growing plants

Prehistoric peoples settled the area and began to cultivate the land.

Some of the fields are cultivated while others lie fallow.

2 a : to grow and care for (plants)

a plant that is cultivated for its fruit

They survived by cultivating vegetables and grain.

2 b : to grow or raise (something) under conditions that you can control
pearls from cultivated oysters

3 : to improve or develop (something) by careful attention, training, or study

He has carefully cultivated his image/reputation.

She cultivated a taste for fine wines.

4 : to try to become friendly with (someone) usually to get some advantage for yourself

They're always looking for influential people to cultivate as friends.

cul·ti·va·tion noun [noncount]

the cultivation of crops

cultivated adj

1 a : raised or grown on a farm or under other controlled conditions
cultivated fruits/vegetables
compare WILD

1 b : prepared and used for growing crops
cultivated fields

2 [more ; most ] : having or showing good education, taste, and manners
a very cultivated gentleman
a person of cultivated [=refined] taste

cul·ti·va·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who prepares land for planting

2 : a tool or machine that is used to prepare the soil and kill weeds around growing plants

cul·tur·al adj [more ; most ]

1 : of or relating to a particular group of people and their habits, beliefs, traditions, etc.

cultural studies

We studied our cultural heritage.

There are some cultural differences between us.

2 : of or relating to the fine arts (such as music, theater, painting, etc.)

We attended several cultural events over the weekend.

The center provides a wide range of cultural activities.

The city is the cultural center of the state.

cul·tur·al·ly adv
a culturally diverse population
culturally defined social roles

1cul·ture noun, pl -tures

1 a [noncount] : the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time
a study of Greek language and culture
today's youth culture

Her art shows the influence of pop/popular culture.

1 b [count] : a particular society that has its own beliefs, ways of life, art, etc.

an ancient culture

It's important to learn about other cultures.

2 [count] : a way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or organization (such as a business)

The company's corporate/business culture is focused on increasing profits.

There was a culture of success at the school. [=the school's policies and environment encouraged its students' success]

3 [noncount]

3 a : artistic activities (such as music, theater, painting, etc.)

an area that has been criticized for its lack of culture

3 b : appreciation and knowledge of music, theater, painting, etc.

She is a person of culture. [=a cultured person]

4 technical

4 a [noncount] : the act or process or growing living material (such as cells or bacteria) in controlled conditions for scientific study

Scientists have been refining techniques for the culture of living tissue.

4 b [count] : a group of cells, bacteria, etc., grown in controlled conditions for scientific study
bacterial/tissue cultures

5 [noncount] technical : the act or process of raising or growing plants, insects, etc., in controlled conditions
bee culture
the culture of grapes

2culture verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing [+ obj]

technical : to grow (something) in controlled conditions

The virus is cultured in the laboratory from samples of infected tissue.

cultured adj

1 [more ; most ] : having or showing good education, tastes, and manners
a cultured person

2 : grown or made under controlled conditions
cultured cells/pearls

culture shock noun

: a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to

[noncount] Foreign students often experience culture shock when they first come to the U.S.

[singular] Moving to the city was a huge culture shock for him.

cul·vert noun, pl -verts [count]

: a drain or pipe that allows water to flow under a road or railroad

cum conj

used in hyphenated phrases to link nouns that describe a person or thing with two jobs, uses, etc.

He was hired as a cook-cum-dishwasher.

a patio-cum-sunroom

cum·ber·some adj [more ; most ]

1 : hard to handle or manage because of size or weight
a cumbersome package

2 : complicated and hard to do

The application process is cumbersome and time-consuming.

3 : long and difficult to read, say, etc.

a cumbersome name

Her expanded job title is really cumbersome.

cum·in noun [noncount]

: dried seeds that are used as a spice in cooking and that come from a plant related to the carrot

cum lau·de adv
formal : with honor
used in the U.S. to indicate that a student has graduated from a college or university at the third highest of three special levels of achievement

She graduated cum laude.

compare MAGNA CUM LAUDE, SUMMA CUM LAUDE

cum·mer·bund noun, pl -bunds [count]

: a wide piece of cloth (such as silk) that is worn around the waist beneath the jacket of a man who is formally dressed

cu·mu·la·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : increasing or becoming better or worse over time through a series of additions
the cumulative effect(s) of smoking on the body [=the effect(s) produced by smoking over a long period of time]

2 : including or adding together all of the things that came before

Their cumulative [=total, overall] scores will determine the winner.

cu·mu·la·tive·ly adv

They have cumulatively spent more than a million dollars on the renovations.

cu·mu·lus noun, pl cu·mu·li [count]

technical : a type of thick cloud that is rounded on top and has a flat base

cu·ne·i·form Brit adj

: relating to or written in a system of writing used in parts of the ancient Middle East
cuneiform characters/writing
an ancient cuneiform text

cuneiform noun [noncount]

cun·ni·lin·gus noun [noncount]

: the act of stimulating a woman's sexual organs with the mouth for sexual pleasure

1cun·ning adj [more ; most ]

: getting what is wanted in a clever and often deceptive way
a cunning criminal

She was cunning enough to fool me.

a cunning plan

cun·ning·ly adv

They cunningly dodged our questions.

2cunning noun [noncount]

: cleverness or skill especially at tricking people in order to get something

He may be a fraud, but you have to admire his cunning.

(chiefly Brit) He succeeded through a combination of charm and low cunning. [=clever but morally bad and dishonest methods]

cunt noun, pl cunts [count]

offensive + obscene

1 : a woman's sexual organs

2 a US used as an offensive way to refer to a woman

2 b Brit used as an offensive way to refer to a stupid or annoying person

Cunt is an extremely offensive word in all of its uses and should be avoided.

1cup noun, pl cups [count]

1 a : a small round container that often has a handle and that is used for drinking liquids (such as tea and coffee)

a coffee cup
a paper/plastic cup
see also TEACUP

1 b : the liquid that is contained in a cup

How many cups (of water/coffee/tea) did you drink?

Would you like another cup of tea?

2 US : a unit of measurement that is used when you are cooking

A cup is used to measure both dry and liquid ingredients. It is equal to half a pint or 237 milliliters.

two cups of flour
four cups of milk

see also MEASURING CUP

3 : a large gold or silver cup that is given as a prize for winning a competition or game

The winner will take home the cup.

used in the names of some sports competitions in which a cup is the prize

His goal is to win the America's Cup.

Our team won the Stanley Cup.

4 : something that is shaped like a cup
a custard cup
see also EGGCUP, SUCTION CUP

5 chiefly US : a food that is served in a cup or small bowl
a fruit cup [=a mixture of chopped fruits that is served usually as a dessert]

6 US : a hard piece of plastic that men and boys wear to protect and support their sexual organs while playing a sport
a protective cup
called also (Brit) box

7 : either one of the parts of a bra that cover the breasts
used especially to describe the size of a bra
a bra with C cups

She wears a B cup.

8 US, golf : the metal or plastic case that is placed in the hole on a putting green; also : the hole itself

The shot landed within inches of the cup.

in the cup of your hand

If you hold something in the cup of your hand, you hold it in your palm with your hand curved like a cup.

He held the seeds in the cup of his hand. [=he cupped the seeds in his hand]

not your cup of tea

If something is not your cup of tea, you do not like it very much or you are not very good at it.

I'm afraid that skiing just isn't my cup of tea.

She admits that stamp collecting isn't everyone's cup of tea.

2cup verb, cups, cupped, cup·ping [+ obj]

1 : to curve (your hand) into the shape of a cup

He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted at us.

I had to cup my hand to my ear in order to hear him.

2 : to put your hand in a curved shape around (something)

He cupped his mouth with his hands and shouted at us.

I sat with my chin cupped in my hand.

cup·board noun, pl -boards [count]

1 : a piece of furniture used for storage that has doors and contains shelves
a jelly cupboard
kitchen cupboards [=cabinets]

2 US : a small room with shelves where you keep cups, dishes, or food

3 Brit : a small room where things are stored : closet

skeleton in the/your cupboard see 1SKELETON

cup·cake noun, pl -cakes [count]

: a very small cake that is baked in a pan shaped like a cup

cup·ful noun, pl cup·fuls also cups·ful [count]

: the amount held by a cup
a cupful of sugar

cu·pid noun, pl -pids

1 Cupid [singular] : the god of sexual love in ancient Rome

2 [count] : a picture or statue of Cupid usually shown as a naked boy with wings who is holding a bow and arrow
a valentine decorated with hearts and cupids

play Cupid

: to try to get two people to become romantically involved with each other

The movie is about a woman who plays Cupid with her brother and her best friend.

cu·pid·i·ty noun [noncount]

formal : a strong desire for money or possessions : greed

The evidence revealed the cupidity of the company's directors.

cu·po·la noun, pl -las [count]

1 : a rounded roof or part of a roof : dome

2 US : a small structure that is built on top of a roof

cup·pa noun, pl -pas [count]

Brit informal : a cup of tea

I could use a good cuppa.

cur noun, pl curs [count]

old-fashioned : a dog that is a mix of different breeds : a low, bad, or disliked dog
a worthless cur [=mutt, mongrel]

cur·able adj [more ; most ]

: possible to cure

Most cases are curable with proper treatment.

a curable disease

Is the patient curable?

opposite INCURABLE

cu·rate noun, pl -rates [count]

: a member of the clergy in certain churches (such as the Anglican church) who assists the priest in charge of a church or a group of churches

curate's egg

Brit : something that has both good and bad parts or qualities

The concert was a bit of a curate's egg: good in some parts, bad in others.

cu·ra·tive adj [more ; most ]

: able to cure diseases or heal people
an herb believed to have curative powers/properties

cu·ra·tor Brit noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who is in charge of the things in a museum, zoo, etc.

1curb noun, pl curbs [count]

1 US curb or Brit kerb : a short border along the edge of a street that is usually made of stone or concrete

We sat on the curb eating our ice cream.

2 : something that controls or limits something else
usually plural

Many companies are protesting the new price/trade curbs. [=(more commonly) checks, restrictions]

often + on
government policies that are designed to put a curb on spending [=to limit/reduce spending]

2curb verb, curbs, curbed, curb·ing [+ obj]

: to control or limit (something)

The legislation is intended to curb price and wage increases.

pills designed to curb your appetite

curb·side (US) or Brit kerb·side noun, pl -sides [count]

: sidewalk
often used before another noun
a curbside vendor
curbside recycling programs

curd noun, pl curds

: a thick substance that forms when milk becomes sour and that is used to make cheese

[plural] The curds have separated from the whey.

[noncount] The curd has separated from the whey.

see also BEAN CURD, LEMON CURD

cur·dle verb, cur·dles, cur·dled, cur·dling

: to thicken and separate into liquids and solids : to form curds

[no obj] The milk has curdled. [=the milk is sour]

Too much heat will make the custard curdle.

[+ obj] Too much heat will curdle the custard.

make someone's blood curdle see BLOOD

1cure noun, pl cures [count]

1 : something (such as a drug or medical treatment) that stops a disease and makes someone healthy again

The disease has no cure. [=the disease cannot be cured; the disease is incurable]

often + for

There is no cure for the common cold.

The drug was sold as a cure for a variety of ailments.

2 : something that ends a problem or improves a bad situation : solution

This is a problem that has no easy cure.

often + for

The highway construction program was presented as a cure for unemployment.

Exercise is a good cure for stress.

3 : the act of making someone healthy again after an illness

The doctors were unable to effect a cure because the disease had spread too far.

2cure verb, cures, cured, cur·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to make (someone) healthy again after an illness

Her doctors have pronounced her cured. [=have said that she is no longer ill]

often + of

A team of doctors cured him of a rare blood disease.

1 b : to stop (a disease) by using drugs or other medical treatments

Doctors cured his disease.

The infection can be cured with antibiotics.

2 [+ obj] : to provide a solution for (something)

Drinking won't cure [=solve] any of your problems.

3 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to stop having a harmful habit, wrong idea, etc. : to make (someone) free of something

She was cured of any illusions she had about college after her first semester.

My wife cured me of most of my bad habits.

4 : to change something through a chemical or physical process so that it can be preserved for a long time

[+ obj] cure bacon/meat
The fish was cured with salt.
olives cured in brine

[no obj] The hay is curing in the sun.

5 [no obj] : to dry and become hard

It takes several days for concrete to cure. [=harden, set]

cure-all noun, pl -alls [count]

: a cure or solution for any illness or problem

The drug is effective, but it is not a cure-all.

often + for

There is no cure-all for these problems.

cur·few noun, pl -fews

1 a : an order or law that requires people to be indoors after a certain time at night

[count] The teens were stopped by police for violating the curfew.

The city ordered/imposed a curfew soon after the rioting started.

[noncount] The town was placed under curfew.

1 b [noncount] : the period of time when such an order or law is in effect

No one is allowed on the streets during the curfew.

2 [count] chiefly US : the time set by a parent at which a child has to be back home after going out

He has a 10 o'clock curfew.

cu·rio noun, pl -ri·os [count]

: a small and unusual object that is considered interesting or attractive

She loves to browse the shops in small towns, looking for curios.

cu·ri·os·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the desire to learn or know more about something or someone

Her natural curiosity led her to ask more questions.

The arrival of a construction crew at their house attracted/sparked/aroused the curiosity of their neighbors.

The movie failed to satisfy her curiosity about the assassination.

intellectual curiosity

He went into the store out of curiosity. [=because he was curious to see what was in the store]

The expression curiosity killed the cat is used to warn people that too much curiosity can be dangerous.

2 [count] : something that is interesting because it is unusual

Tobacco was once a curiosity in Europe.

The antique shop was full of curiosities.

cu·ri·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a desire to learn or know more about something or someone

The cat was naturally curious about its new surroundings.

They were curious to find out who won the game.

We're curious about why you never called us.

The curious [=inquisitive] reader can find more information in the back of the book.

I'm curious to know more about her.

2 : strange, unusual, or unexpected

She found a curious old clock in the attic.

That's curious [=weird, strange, odd]I thought I left my keys right here.

The birds were engaged in some curious behavior.

Their music is a curious blend of disco and rock.

By a curious coincidence, they bought a house the same day their old one burned down.

The story of what really happened to them that day gets curiouser and curiouser. [=stranger and stranger]

cu·ri·ous·ly adv

She was curiously uninterested in what other people thought was important.

Curiously [=strangely] (enough), the dog returned to its home 70 miles away.

He looked at the strange object curiously.

1curl verb, curls, curled, curl·ing

1 : to twist or form (something) into a round or curved shape

[+ obj] The boy curled [=wound] the spaghetti around his fork.

She curls her hair every morning.

She took off her shoes and curled (up) her toes.

Can you curl your tongue?

The baby's fingers were tightly curled.

She curled (up) her legs under her.

The snake curled itself around its prey.

[no obj] My hair curls naturally.

The cat curled into a ball and went to sleep.

2 [no obj] : to become curved or rounded

The old posters were curling (up) at the edges.

3 always followed by a preposition or adverb [no obj] : to move in curves or circles

We saw smoke curling from the cottage chimney.

A snake curled around his leg.

curl up [phrasal verb]

: to lie or sit with your back bent forward and with your legs pulled up close to your body

She curled up on the couch for a nap.

It's a good night to stay home and curl up with a book and a cup of tea.

see also CURL 1, 2 (ABOVE)

curl your lip

: to move the corner of your lip up in an expression that usually shows disgust or disapproval

She curled her lip when his name was mentioned.

Her lip curled in disgust.

make your hair curl see HAIR

make your toes curl see 1TOE

2curl noun, pl curls

1 a [count] : a piece of hair that is formed into a round shape

Her daughter has cute blonde curls.

She likes to wear her hair in curls.

1 b [singular] : the ability of hair to form curls

The conditioner will help you keep the curl of your hair.

His hair has a natural curl.

2 [count] : something that is curved or has a round shape
chocolate curls
a curl of smoke

3 [count] : an exercise in which a weight held in the hands is brought toward the shoulders and down again by bending either the wrists or the elbows

He did 12 wrist/bicep curls.

curl·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a small plastic or metal tube around which hair is wrapped to make it curl

Her hair was in curlers. [=rollers]

2 : a device that curls something
an eyelash curler

cur·lew Brit noun, pl cur·lews or cur·lew [count]

: a large brown bird with long legs and a long thin bill that lives near the water

cur·li·cue noun, pl -cues [count]

: a decoratively curved line or shape
round loops and curlicues

Curlicues were carved into the wood.

curl·ing noun [noncount]

: a game in which two teams of four players slide special stones over ice toward a circle

curling iron noun, pl irons [count]

US : a device with a long metal part that is heated to curl hair called also (Brit) curling tongs

curly adj, curl·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : having curls

She has curly hair and blue eyes.

2 : formed into a round shape
curly french fries

The dog's tail is curly.

curly brace noun, pl braces [count]

: 2brace 3

curly bracket noun, pl -ets [count]

: 2brace 3

cur·mud·geon noun, pl -geons [count]

old-fashioned : a person (especially an old man) who is easily annoyed or angered and who often complains
a lonely old curmudgeon

cur·mud·geon·ly adj [more ; most ]

a curmudgeonly [=bad-tempered] old man

cur·rant noun, pl -rants [count]

1 : a small seedless raisin that is used in baking and cooking

2 : a small red, black, or white berry that is often used in making jams and jellies
black/red currants

Do not confuse currant with current.

cur·ren·cy noun, pl -cies

1 a : the money that a country uses : a specific kind of money

[count] A new currency has been introduced in the foreign exchange market.

foreign currencies

[noncount] paper currency

They were paid in U.S. currency.

see also HARD CURRENCY

1 b [noncount] : something that is used as money

Furs were once traded as currency.

2 [noncount] : the quality or state of being used or accepted by many people

His ideas are gaining currency [=are becoming widely accepted] in the government.

The word has not yet won/achieved widespread currency.

3 [noncount] : the quality or state of being current

I'm not sure about the accuracy and currency of their information.

1cur·rent adj [more ; most ]

1 always used before a noun : happening or existing now : belonging to or existing in the present time
the current month
the magazine's current issue

The dictionary's current edition has 10,000 new words.

the current political crisis

By current [=present-day] standards, they were very young when they got married.

Who is your current employer?

current trends/fashions
current ideas about education

2 not used before a noun chiefly US : aware of what is happening in a particular area of activity

As a teacher I have to stay current [=up-to-date] in my field, which is biology.

We need to keep current with the latest information.

cur·rent·ly adv

She is currently [=presently] living in Texas.

The product is not currently available.

Currently [=at the present time], police have no suspects in the case.

2current noun, pl -rents

1 [count] : a continuous movement of water or air in the same direction

Strong currents pulled the swimmer out to sea.

Air currents carried the balloon for miles.

2 : a flow of electricity

[count] a strong/weak electrical current

[noncount] The circuit supplies current to the saw.

see also ALTERNATING CURRENT, DIRECT CURRENT

3 [count] formal : an idea, feeling, opinion, etc., that is shared by many or most of the people in a group
general currents in politics
intellectual currents
often + of

He is going against the current of public opinion.

There was a current of discontent within the company.

Do not confuse current with currant.

current account noun, pl -counts [count]

Brit : checking account

current events noun [plural]

chiefly US : important events that are happening in the world

She reads several newspapers so she can keep track of current events.

Contestants are quizzed on current events.

called also current affairs

cur·ric·u·lum noun, pl -la also -lums [count]

formal : the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc.

the undergraduate/mathematics curriculum

The college has a liberal arts curriculum.

cur·ric·u·lar adj, always used before a noun
curricular changes in the science program
curricular materials
see also EXTRACURRICULAR

cur·ric·u·lum vi·tae noun, pl vitae [count]

chiefly Brit : a short document that describes your education, work experience, etc. : résumé called also CV (US) vita

In U.S. English, a person who is applying for a job as a scientist, doctor, or professor at a college or university is asked to submit a curriculum vitae. For other jobs, the usual word in U.S. English is résumé.

curried adj, always used before a noun

: cooked with curry powder
curried chicken

1cur·ry noun, pl -ries

1 : a food, dish, or sauce in Indian cooking that is seasoned with a mixture of spices

[noncount] We had chicken curry for dinner.

[count] a delicious lamb curry
often used before another noun
curry sauce/paste

2 [noncount] : curry powder

The recipe calls for a tablespoon of curry.

2curry verb, -ries, -ried, -ry·ing

curry favor
disapproving : to try to get the support or approval of a person or group in order to get some advantage for yourself
often + with

He is trying to curry favor with the voters by promising a tax cut if he's elected.

curry powder noun [noncount]

: a mixture of spices that are used in Indian cooking to give a hot flavor to food

1curse noun, pl curs·es

1 [count] : an offensive word that people say when they are angry : swearword

I heard him utter a curse before the microphone was shut off.

2 [count] : magical words that are said to cause trouble or bad luck for someone or the condition that results when such words are said

The witch pronounced a curse in some strange language.

People believe that someone put a curse on the house.

There is a curse on that old house. = That old house is under a curse.

3 [count] : a cause of trouble or bad luck

His fame turned out to be a curse, not a blessing.

4 the curse old-fashioned + informal : menstruation

2curse verb, curses, cursed, curs·ing

1 a [no obj] : to use offensive words when you speak

He always starts cursing [=swearing] when he gets drunk.

1 b [+ obj] : to say offensive words to (someone)

She angrily cursed him [=swore at him] as he turned and walked away.

1 c [+ obj] : to say or or think bad things about (someone or something)

He cursed himself for being so careless.

She cursed her bad luck.

2 [+ obj] : to say words that are believed to have a magical power to cause trouble or bad luck for (someone or something) : to put a curse on (someone or something)

In the book the evil witch curses the villagers.

curse out [phrasal verb]

curse (someone) out US, informal : to say angry and offensive words to (someone)

My boss cursed me out.

cursed before nouns elsewhere adj

1 : affected by a curse that causes bad things to happen

Some people think the old house is cursed.

2 : affected by something bad

The team has been cursed [=plagued] by injuries all year.

a people cursed with famine

3 always used before a noun informal + old-fashioned : annoying or unpleasant

His cursed stupidity got him in trouble again.

I can't get this cursed radio to work.

cur·sive noun [noncount]

: a type of handwriting in which all the letters in a word are connected to each other

He writes in cursive when he takes notes.

cursive adj
cursive handwriting

cur·sor noun, pl -sors [count]

: a mark on a computer screen that shows the place where information is being entered or read

cur·so·ry adj [more ; most ]

formal + often disapproving : done or made quickly

Only a cursory inspection of the building's electrical wiring was done.

The mayor gave a cursory glance at the report.

Even the most cursory look at the organization's records shows problems.

cur·so·ri·ly adv

The battle is only mentioned cursorily in the book.

curt adj, curter, -est [also more ; most ]

: said or done in a quick and impolite way

He gave only a curt reply to the question.

a curt refusal
a curt nod

curt·ly adv

He curtly dismissed the question.

curt·ness noun [noncount]

I was offended by his curtness.

cur·tail verb, -tails, -tailed, -tail·ing [+ obj]

formal : to reduce or limit (something)

The new laws are an effort to curtail illegal drug use.

We have to severely/drastically curtail [=cut back] our expenses.

School activities are being curtailed due to a lack of funds.

cur·tail·ment noun, pl -ments [count, noncount]

1cur·tain noun, pl -tains

1 [count] : a piece of cloth that hangs down from above a window and can be used to cover the window

She opened/closed the curtains.

She drew/pulled the curtains (open/closed).

2 [count] : a piece of cloth or other material that is hung to protect or hide something
a shower curtain

Curtains separated the hospital beds.

see also IRON CURTAIN

3 a [count] : a very large piece of cloth that hangs at the front of a stage and that is raised when a performance begins and lowered when a performance ends

When the curtain rises after intermission, the set is bare and the main character finds himself alone.

As the curtain falls for the last time, we see a young woman holding a dying man in her arms.

often used figuratively

The curtain came down on his film career [=his film career ended] after a lifetime in show business.

His injury brought down the curtain on his remarkable career. = His injury brought the curtain down on his remarkable career. [=his injury ended his career]

3 b [singular] : the time when a curtain is raised or lowered at the beginning or end of a performance

The audience applauded enthusiastically after the final curtain. [=after the curtain was lowered at the end of the performance]

Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. [=the performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday]

4 [count] : something that covers or hides something else
usually + of

A curtain of smoke hung at the edge of the forest.

It was hard to see their faces through the curtain of darkness.

be curtains for
informal : to be the end, failure, or death of (someone or something)

It looks like it's curtains for the mayor after this election. [=the mayor will not be elected again]

If they don't win today's game, it'll be/mean/spell curtains for their hopes of winning the championship. [=their hopes will be ended]

2curtain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing

curtain off [phrasal verb]

curtain (something) off or curtain off (something) : to separate or cover (something) by using a curtain

The booth was curtained off on three sides.

The back of the room was curtained off for privacy.

cur·tained adj, always used before a noun

: decorated or covered with curtains
curtained windows
a curtained booth

curtain call noun, pl calls [count]

: the time when a performer returns to the stage at the end of a performance in response to the applause of the audience

The singer came back for one more curtain call.

cur·tain-rais·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a short performance or event that comes before the main performance or event

The magic act was just a curtain-raiser for the circus performers.

curt·sy also curt·sey noun, pl curt·sies also curt·seys [count]

: a formal way of greeting an important person (such as a king or queen) in which a woman shows respect by placing one foot slightly behind the other and bending her knees

curtsy also curtsey verb, curtsies also curtseys, curt·sied also curt·seyed, curt·sy·ing also curt·sey·ing [no obj]

She curtsied before the queen.

cur·va·ceous adj [more ; most ]

of a woman : having an attractively curved body
a curvaceous young actress
a curvaceous figure

cur·va·ture noun

1 technical : the amount that something is curved

[count] The lenses have different curvatures.

often + of the curvature of the earth

[noncount] The machine measures the eyeball's degree of curvature.

2 [noncount] medical : a condition in which your spine is curved in an abnormal way
a disease that can cause curvature of the spine

1curve noun, pl curves [count]

1 : a smooth, rounded line, shape, path, etc.

The dog's tail has a slight curve.

There is a sharp/gentle curve coming up in the road.

2 technical : a curved line on a graph that shows how something changes or is affected by one or more conditions
the price curve in relation to inflation
the population growth curve
see also LEARNING CURVE

3 : a curving line or shape of the human body and especially of a woman's body
usually plural

The dress follows the curves of the body.

voluptuous curves

4 baseball : curveball

The pitcher threw him a curve.

often used figuratively

Life has thrown him some curves [=thrown him some curveballs] over the years but he's never given up. [=he has had some difficult and unexpected problems in his life]

The reporter threw the actress a curve [=surprised her with a difficult and unexpected question] when he asked about her past drug use.

ahead of the curve
chiefly US approving : faster about doing something than other people, companies, etc.

The company has been ahead of the curve in adopting new technologies. [=has adopted new technologies faster than other companies]

behind the curve
chiefly US disapproving : slower about doing something than other people, companies, etc.

We are behind the curve when it comes to advances in medicine. [=we have not been keeping up with the latest advances as well as others]

2curve verb, curves, curved, curv·ing

1 [no obj] : to form a curve : to turn or change from a straight line, shape, or path to a smooth, rounded one

The tail curves over the dog's back.

The road curves to the left.

The fence curves in toward the side of the house.

The railing curves out near the observation platform.

a curving path

2 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to form a curve

He curved [=bent] the wire slightly.

curve·ball noun, pl -balls [count]

baseball : a pitch that is thrown with spin so that the ball curves in the air

The batter struck out on a curveball.

often used figuratively

Life has thrown him a few curveballs in recent years. [=he has had some difficult and unexpected problems in his life]

; called also curve

curved adj [more ; most ]

: having a rounded shape
a curved wall/blade
curved handlebars

The animal's horns are slightly curved.

curvy adj, curv·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: having many curves
a curvy road
curvy lines

1cush·ion noun, pl -ions [count]

1 : a soft object or part that is used to make something (such as a seat) more comfortable or to protect a surface from damage : a soft pillow, pad, etc.

a seat/sofa cushion

There is a cushion under the rug to protect the floor.

a cushion of air [=a layer of air that provides support or protection to something]

2 : any one of the rubber parts that the ball bounces off along the inner edges of a billiard table

3 : something (such as an extra amount of money) that you can use to reduce the bad effect of something (such as an unexpected problem or expense)

We didn't have a financial cushion when my husband lost his job.

often + against

We use our savings as a cushion against major expenses.

4 : a lead in a game or competition that is large enough to allow the leader to feel confident about winning
usually singular

The team enjoyed a 60 cushion in the last inning.

2cushion verb, -ions, -ioned, -ion·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something, such as a fall or collision) less severe or painful : to soften or reduce the bad effect of (something)

The pile of leaves helped cushion his fall.

The tires help cushion the ride. [=help make the ride smoother]

The tax cut is meant to cushion the blow/impact of soaring gas prices.

often + against or from

The helmet cushions the head against violent collisions.

The tax cut should cushion the economy from the effect of soaring gas prices.

cushioned adj
a cushioned seat/chair

cu·shion·ing noun [noncount]

: soft material that is used for comfort or protection

The padded insert in the sneaker provides extra cushioning.

cushy adj, cush·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : very easy and pleasant : involving little difficulty or effort

His uncle got him a cushy job in the city government.

cusp noun, pl cusps [count]

technical : a pointed end or part where two curves meet
the cusp of a tooth

on the cusp

: at the point when something is about to change to something else

She is on the cusp [=on the verge] of being a star.

on the cusp between childhood and adolescence

I was born on the cusp between Leo and Virgo.

cus·pi·dor noun, pl -dors [count]

chiefly US : spittoon

cuss verb, cuss·es, cussed, cuss·ing [no obj]

US informal : to use offensive words when you speak : curse

She started to yell and cuss as soon as she saw him.

cuss out [phrasal verb]

cuss (someone) out or cuss out (someone) US, informal : to say angry and offensive words to (someone)

He cussed me out for crashing his pickup truck.

We got cussed out [=cursed out] by the boss for missing the deadline.

cuss·word noun, pl -words [count]

US informal : an offensive word that people say when they are angry : curse, swearword

cus·tard noun, pl -tards [count, noncount]

: a type of sweet food that is made with eggs and milk

cus·tardy adj [more ; most ]

a custardy dessert/filling

cus·to·di·al adj, always used before a noun

1 law : having the responsibility for taking care of a child : having custody of a child

Her mother is the custodial parent.

2 US : relating to the care of a building, equipment, or land
custodial duties

3 Brit, law : involving punishment that requires a criminal to spend time in a prison
a custodial sentence

cus·to·di·an noun, pl -ans [count]

1 formal : someone who keeps and protects something valuable for another person
often + of

The court appointed him custodian of the dead author's manuscripts.

often used figuratively

The museums are custodians of culture.

2 US : a person who cleans and takes care of a building : janitor
a school custodian

cus·to·dy noun [noncount]

1 law : the legal right to take care of a child (such as a child whose parents are divorced)

She has sole custody of her daughter.

The judge granted/awarded custody to the grandparents.

The parents have joint custody. [=both parents have custody]

a bitter custody battle [=a legal fight between divorced parents about who will take care of a child]

2 : the state of being kept in a prison or jail
used after in or into

Several suspects in the killing are in custody.

He was taken into (police) custody last night and will be charged with murder today.

The witness is in protective custody. [=is being kept in a safe place by the police]

3 formal : the act of protecting or taking care of something

The bank provides safe custody for valuables.

often + of

The artist's paintings are in the custody of the museum.

1cus·tom noun, pl -toms

1 : an action or way of behaving that is usual and traditional among the people in a particular group or place

[count] tribal/local/family/ancient customs
social customs
an English/Indian custom

It is the custom for the bride to wear a white dress on her wedding day.

[noncount] According to custom, the festivities begin at dusk.

It's a matter of custom.

2 [singular] : something that is done regularly by a person

She had breakfast in bed, as was her custom. [=habit]

3 customs [plural]

3 a : taxes or fees that are paid to the government when goods come into or go out of a country
often used before another noun
customs duties

3 b : the place at an airport, border, etc., where government officers collect customs on goods and look for things that people are trying to bring into a country illegally

We went through customs at the airport without any difficulty.

It took us a long time to clear customs at the border.

often used before another noun
a customs agent/officer/inspector

4 [noncount] Brit, formal : the practice of regularly going to the same shop or business to buy things or services

As new shops have opened people have been taking their custom [=business] elsewhere.

2custom adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US

1 : made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person
custom furniture

The new kitchen will have custom cabinets.

custom designs
custom [=custom-made] clothes
a custom [=custom-built] home/motorcycle

2 : doing work that fits the needs or requirements of a particular person
a custom tailor
a custom furniture shop

cus·tom·ary Brit adj

1 : usually done in a particular situation or at a particular place or time

He forgot the customary “thank you.”

It is customary to hold the door open for someone who is entering a building behind you.

2 always used before a noun : usual or typical of a particular person

She dressed in her customary fashion.

He did the work with his customary efficiency.

cus·tom·ar·i·ly Brit adv

Customarily, people wear black to funerals.

Our families customarily get together for a camping trip each summer.

cus·tom-built adj

: built to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person
a custom-built home

The car is custom-built.

cus·tom·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who buys goods or services from a business

She is one of our best/regular customers.

Remember, the customer is always right. [=never argue with a customer]

often used before another noun

The company has good/poor customer service.

customer satisfaction

2 informal : a person who has a particular quality

He is one tough/tricky customer. [=he is a tough/tricky person]

She's a pretty cool customer.

cus·tom·ize also Brit cus·tom·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to change (something) in order to fit the needs or requirements of a person, business, etc.

The telephone company has offered to customize a plan for our business.

The program can be customized to serve different purposes.

cus·tom·iz·able also Brit cus·tom·is·able adj [more ; most ]

a customizable van
customizable software

customized adj
a customized van

cus·tom·i·za·tion also Brit cus·tom·i·sa·tion noun [noncount]

software customization

cus·tom-made adj

: made to fit the needs or requirements of a particular person

All his clothes are custom-made.

custom-made curtains/furniture

1cut verb, cuts, cut, cut·ting

1 a : to use a sharp tool (such as a knife) to open or divide (something, such as paper or wood)

[+ obj] Cut the paper along/on the dotted line (with a pair of scissors).

cutting a piece of string

He uses the ax to cut wood.

The meat is so tender you can cut it with a fork.

sometimes used figuratively

The excitement/tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. [=there was a lot of excitement/tension in the room]

[no obj] Cut along/on the dotted line.

The saw easily cuts through metal.

She cut into the melon with a knife.

1 b [+ obj] : to make a hole or wound in (a person's skin)

I cut myself while shaving.

I cut my finger on a sharp piece of metal. = A sharp piece of metal cut me (on the finger).

I had a cut finger.

We were fighting, and he tried to cut me with his knife.

Pieces of broken glass cut her face and arms.

He fell and cut his head open on a sharp rock.

1 c [+ obj] : to make (a hole) in something by using a sharp tool

They cut a hole in the wall for the new window.

Doctors begin by cutting a small incision in the chest.

Cut several slits in the top of the crust to allow air to escape.

1 d [+ obj] : to divide or separate parts of (something) by using a sharp tool

It's time to cut [=slice] the cake!

I'll cut the apple in half so you both can have some.

Would you cut me a slice of bread? = Would you cut a slice of bread for me?

often + into

Add one large onion that has been cut into one-inch pieces.

The chicken is cut into long strips and served on top of the salad.

often + from

Her walls were covered with pictures cut from magazines.

a piece of meat that is cut from the hind end of the animal

often + off

She was cutting off pieces of watermelon and giving them to the children.

2 [no obj]

2 a : to be able to cut something

This knife doesn't cut well.

2 b : to be able to be cut

Aluminum foil cuts easily with scissors.

3 [+ obj] : to make (hair, grass, etc.) shorter by using a sharp tool (such as scissors)

I cut my hair short for the summer.

Where'd you get your hair cut?

I need to cut [=trim] my nails; they're way too long.

She keeps her nails cut short.

The grass in our yard needs to be cut. [=mowed]

the smell of fresh-cut grass

The wood is already cut to size/length. [=it has already been cut so that it is the proper size/length]

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to give (hair or clothing) a certain style by cutting it
usually used as (be) cut

Her hair is light brown and cut in a short bob.

She was wearing a dress that was cut low at the neck. [=she was wearing a low-cut dress]

4 b : to give (something) a new shape by using a sharp tool
a beautifully cut diamond

5 [+ obj] : to make or form (something) by cutting or removing material

We all cut [=carved] our names on/into the tree.

The stream cuts a path through the woods.

builders cutting new roads in the forest
often + out

At the center of the table was a statue cut out of ice.

6 [+ obj] : to make the amount of (something) smaller : reduce

Our benefits were recently cut at work.

The drug has been shown to cut the risk of heart attack by half.

In just three years, the mayor has cut the city's crime in half.

The President has promised to cut government spending.

Cutting taxes can have positive and negative effects on the economy.

measures that are designed to cut costs = cost-cutting measures

The company's expenses had been cut to the bone. [=reduced to their lowest possible amount]

often + off

This route can cut as much as five minutes off your driving time.

The experience cut 20 years off (of) his life. [=shortened his life by 20 years]

We've cut 20 percent off the regular retail price.

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to make (a book, film, etc.) shorter by removing parts

His article was cut [=shortened] by about 500 words.

The movie had to be cut because it was too long.

7 b : to remove (something) from a book, film, etc.

The movie's director decided to cut [=cut out, omit] my part.

often + from

The director cut the scene from the final version of the film.

They decided to cut her report from the newscast.

About 500 words were cut from his article.

8 [+ obj] : to remove (something) from a computer document in a way that allows you to move it to another part of the document or to another document

After you select the text with your mouse, you can cut it and then paste it at the beginning of the paragraph.

You can cut and paste the picture into your file.

see also CUT-AND-PASTE

9 [+ obj] : to remove (a plant or part of a plant) by cutting it

It's illegal to cut [=cut down] trees in this forest.

We'll start cutting and harvesting the wheat next week.

A cut flower is a flower that has been cut off the plant that it grew on.

He brought her a bouquet of cut flowers.

10 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to no longer be connected

The enemy has cut [=severed] our supply lines.

He wanted to cut all ties with his past and start a new life.

11 [+ obj] : to allow (someone or something) to be free, loose, etc., by cutting something that stops movement

They were trapped inside the crushed car and had to be cut free. = They had to be cut from the car.

The boat was cut loose from the pier and allowed to drift away.

see also cut loose at 2LOOSE

12 [+ obj] : to remove (someone) from a team, organization, etc.

I was on the team for two weeks before I got cut.

often + from

The coach cut two players from the team.

The band was cut from the show at the last minute.

13 : to divide (a pack of cards) into two piles

[+ obj] You cut the deck and I'll deal.

[no obj] You cut and I'll deal.

14 [+ obj] : to divide (an area of land) into two parts

The river cuts the city in half.

The mountain ridges are cut by deep valleys.

15 [no obj] : to move or go across or through something

Let's take a shortcut and cut across this field.

We cut through the park on our way home.

The boundary line between the two countries cuts directly through the group's traditional homeland.

often used figuratively to describe something that is not limited in the usual way

National security is an issue that cuts across party lines. [=an issue that is important to both political parties]

Child abuse cuts across all economic and racial lines/boundaries. [=it occurs in all economic and racial groups]

Her academic interests cut across [=involve or relate to] many disciplines.

16 [no obj]

16 a : to move quickly
a fast ship cutting through the waves

16 b : to move suddenly in a different direction

The driver cut across three lanes of traffic to get to his exit and nearly caused an accident.

(American football) The runner cut to his left to avoid being tackled.

17 [no obj] : to move in front of other people in a line

That guy cut to the head of the line.

She cut in front of us. = She cut ahead of us.

often + in

Our friends let us cut in in front of them.

Celebrities are allowed to cut in line at popular restaurants.

Hey, no cutting (in line)!

18 [+ obj] chiefly US : to not go to (school or a class) when you should go to it

We used to cut [=skip] school together and hang out at the beach.

She would take notes for me when I cut class.

19 [+ obj] informal : to record (a song, album, etc.)

She's in the studio cutting a new track/song for her next album.

Elvis Presley cut his first record in 1954.

20 [no obj] : to suddenly move from one image or scene to another in a movie, television program, etc.

The movie cuts quickly from one scene to the next.

The camera cut back to the actor's face.

To explain the present situation, the film cuts back to the hero's childhood.

often + away

They quickly cut away to the announcer when he appeared on stage.

21 [no obj] : to stop filming a scene in a movie or television show
usually used as a command

“Cut!” yelled the director.

22 [+ obj] : to stop saying or doing (foolish or annoying things)

usually used in phrases like cut the nonsense and (less politely) cut the crap

Let's cut the nonsense and get down to business.

Cut the crap, Jen! I know you're lying.

23 [+ obj] : to stop (a motor) by moving a switch

We cut the engine and drifted into shore.

I parked and cut the ignition.

often + off

The pilot cut off the engine after the plane had come to a stop.

24 [no obj] : to go to or deal with something in a very direct way
usually + to

Her question cut to the heart of the issue.

This research cuts to the very core of who we are as human beings.

Let me cut to the real reason why I'm here.

25 : to cause painful feelings or emotions

[no obj] His words cut deeply.

The disappointment cut like a knife.

[+ obj] His harsh words cut me very deeply.

She was cut to the quick [=she was very badly hurt] by their insults.

26 [+ obj]

26 a US : to make (alcohol) less strong by adding water or another liquid

They cut [=diluted] the wine with water.

26 b : to make (a drug, such as heroin) less strong by mixing it with another substance

The substance is used to cut cocaine.

27 [+ obj] : to cause (dirt, grease, etc.) to break apart and be removed
soap that cuts grease and grime

cut a check

US : to write a check and give it to someone

The company cut him a check and he cashed it.

cut a dash see 2DASH

cut a deal

: to make an agreement usually about business : to make a deal

The band cut a deal with a recording company.

cut a figure

If you cut a fine/dashing/heroic (etc.) figure, you look very good and impressive.

He cut a fine figure in his officer's uniform.

cut and run

: to leave quickly in order to avoid danger or trouble

You can't just cut and run when your friends are in trouble.

cut a rug
old-fashioned slang : to dance in an energetic way

He's not young anymore, but he can still cut a rug on the dance floor.

cut a tooth
of a baby : to have a tooth begin to come through the gums

Their baby daughter cut her first tooth yesterday.

cut away [phrasal verb]

cut away (something) or cut (something) away : to remove (something that is not needed) by cutting

They cut away [=cut off] a few of the tree's lower branches.

see also 1CUT 20 (ABOVE), CUTAWAY

cut back [phrasal verb]

1 : to use less or do less of something

We've been spending too much money and we need to cut back [=we need to spend less money]

often + on

I've been trying to cut back on smoking.

He's cut back on the time he spends in front of the TV.

2 cut (something) back or cut back (something)

2 a : to make (a plant) smaller or shorter by cutting its branches

Cut back [=prune] the shrub in the late fall.

2 b : to reduce the size or amount of (something)

We ran out of time and had to cut back our plans.

They've cut back my hours at work.

see also CUTBACK

cut both ways

: to have both good and bad results, effects, etc.

He knows that his extreme competitiveness cuts both ways.

These changes in the economy cut both ways.

cut corners see 1CORNER

cut down [phrasal verb]

1 : to use less or do less of something

I haven't been able to quit smoking completely, but at least I've cut down. [=cut back]

often + on

I've had to cut down on [=reduce, cut back on] the amount of money I spend on clothes.

She suggested he cut down on his drinking.

a building material that helps cut down on noise

2 cut (something) down or cut down (something)

2 a : to remove (a tree or bush) by cutting through its trunk or base

Most of the tree was dead, so we had to cut it down.

Much of the forest has been cut down for firewood.

2 b : to reduce the size or amount of (something)

We used a shortcut that cut down our traveling time by 15 minutes.

The machine significantly cuts down the amount of work necessary to harvest crops.

3 cut (someone) down or cut down (someone) : to kill or wound (someone)

She was cut down by a stray bullet.

The composer Schubert was cut down in his prime by illness. [=he died because of illness when he was in his prime]

cut from the same cloth see CLOTH

cut ice see 1ICE

cut in [phrasal verb]

1 : to join a conversation suddenly : interrupt

We were trying to have a conversation, but she kept cutting in.

“What are you guys talking about?” he cut in.

often + on

He's always cutting in on our conversations.

2 : to stop two people who are dancing and take the place of one of them

He went up to the dancing couple and said, “May I cut in?”

3 of a machine : to begin to work

Once the heater cuts in [=kicks in], it'll be a lot more comfortable in here.

4 cut (someone) in : to include (someone) in a group of people who are receiving money or other benefits

They'll help you start your business provided that you cut them in when you start making a profit.

often + on

They want you to cut them in on [=to give them some of] the profits.

5 cut (something) in or cut in (something) : to add (something, such as butter) to dry ingredients (such as flour) by making cutting motions with a knife or other sharp tool

After sifting the flour into a mixing bowl, use two knives to cut in the butter.

see also 1CUT 17 (ABOVE)

cut into [phrasal verb]

cut into (something) : to reduce the amount of (something)

Although it would cut into profits, we were forced to lower our prices.

The extra time I was spending at work was cutting into my time with my family.

cut it
informal

1 : to be able to do something well enough
usually used in negative statements

After two weeks at the new job, he decided that he just couldn't cut it. [=that he couldn't do the job well enough to succeed]

They didn't think that I would cut it as an actress.

Everyone's using bold colors to decorate their homes. Plain white walls just don't cut it anymore. [=plain white walls are not acceptable anymore]

2

People use the informal phrase any way you cut it to say that something is true no matter how you look at it or think about it.

Any way you cut it, it was a pretty good year for our company.

She's one of the world's best tennis players any way you cut it.

cut it close (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit cut it fine

: to almost not be able to do something : to almost fail, lose, etc.

They ended up winning the game, but they really cut it close [=they almost lost the game] at the end

It's cutting it a bit fine to get to the station at 9:45 when the train leaves at 9:50!

cut off [phrasal verb]

1 of a machine : to stop working suddenly : to turn off

The engine suddenly cut off. [=cut out]

The air-conditioning cut off, and the room was silent.

2 cut (something) off or cut off (something)

2 a : to remove (something) by cutting

Cut off dead flowers to promote new growth.

I had very long hair, but I cut most of it off in college.

He decided to cut off his beard.

He was running around like a chicken with its head cut off. [=he was acting in a very excited and confused way]

2 b : to stop or end (something)

They had a vote to cut off debate on the budget.

The organization cut off its ties with the country's government.

His family cut off all communication/contact with him after the incident.

2 c : to stop people from seeing or using (something) : to block (something)

Their fence cuts off our view of the ocean.

Many of the town's roads were cut off when the river overflowed.

The army cut off all escape routes.

2 d : to stop the movement or supply of (something)

The power was cut off to our apartment building.

The earthquake cut off our water supply.

They've decided to cut off funding/aid to the group.

His main source of income had been cut off.

3 cut (someone or something) off or cut off (someone or something) : to cause (someone or something) to be separate or alone
often + from
an island nation geographically cut off from the rest of the world

They are cut off from (contact with) the outside world.

She cut herself off from her family.

He's emotionally cut off from his wife.

4 cut (someone) off or cut off (someone)

4 a : to stop (someone) from talking

I was in the middle of telling a story when she cut me off [=she interrupted me] to ask about dinner.

He spoke for 12 minutes until his teacher finally cut him off.

If you get cut off when you are using the telephone, the telephone connection suddenly ends and you can no longer hear the other person.

I called him, but we got cut off [=we got disconnected; the telephone connection ended] two minutes into our conversation.

4 b US : to drive in front of (someone in another vehicle) in a sudden and dangerous way

He shouted at a driver who cut him off.

Hey, that guy/car just cut me off!

4 c : to move ahead and force (someone) to stop

“Sheriff, they're getting away!” “Don't worry, we'll take a shortcut and cut them off.”

4 d : to decide not to give money or property to (someone) after your death

In her will, she cut off her son without a cent/penny.

She cut him off completely.

4 e : to refuse to allow (someone) to drink more alcohol

He's had too much to drink. We'd better cut him off.

see also 1CUT 1D 6 (ABOVE), CUTOFF

cut off your nose to spite your face see 1NOSE

cut out [phrasal verb]

1 of a machine : to stop working suddenly

The plane's engines suddenly cut out. [=cut off]

2 chiefly US : to leave quickly and suddenly

We were in a hurry to get home, so we cut out before the performance ended.

3 chiefly US : to move out of a line of traffic

The other car/driver cut out from behind and sped ahead of us.

4 cut (something) out or cut out (something)

4 a : to form (something) by cutting with a sharp tool

He got a piece of red paper and cut out a big heart. = He cut a big heart out of a piece of red paper.

sometimes used figuratively

She cut out [=carved out] a place for herself in history. [=she caused herself to be important in history]

see also 1CUT 5 (ABOVE), CUTOUT

4 b : to remove (something) by cutting

I cut out the recipe from a magazine.

cutting out newspaper articles

Doctors cut out the lump from her chest.

4 c : to remove (something) from something

Fortunately, they cut [=took] that scene out of the movie.

He cut out sugar from his diet and began eating more fruits and vegetables.

I focused on my work and cut out everything else in my life.

4 d : to stop doing (something)

I've cut down on the number of cigarettes I smoke, but I'd like to cut out [=give up] smoking altogether.

I told you to cut that out! [=I told you to stop that]

That's enough, kids. I mean it! Cut it out!

4 e

If your legs, feet, or knees are cut out from under you, you are knocked down by something that hits your legs very hard. This phrase is often used figuratively.

When I learned that I was seriously ill, I felt like my feet were cut out from under me.

The financial legs had been cut out from under the program. [=the program lost money and could not do what it needed to do]

5 cut (someone) out or cut out (someone) : to cause (someone) to no longer be included in something

She cut all of her children out of her will and left everything to her grandchildren.

Don't cut me out of your life completely!

We can save money by cutting out the middleman and ordering our supplies directly from the manufacturer.

6

If you are cut out for (something) or cut out to do/be (something), you are naturally able or suited to do or be something.

Why do you think that you're cut out for this job? [=why would you be good at this job?]

I'm really not cut out for this kind of work. [=I'm not naturally good at it]

He's not cut out to be a teacher. = He's not cut out to teach.

see also have your work cut out for you at 2WORK

cut short see 2SHORT

cut (someone) dead

: to pretend not to see (someone you know) : to deliberately ignore (someone)

When I saw her on the street yesterday, she cut me dead.

cut (someone) some slack see 2SLACK

cut the Gordian knot see GORDIAN KNOT

cut the mustard see MUSTARD

cut through [phrasal verb]

cut through (something) : to get through or past (something that blocks you or slows you down) quickly and directly

We were able to start the project once she told us how to cut through the red tape.

It took some time to cut through the lies and get to the truth.

cutting through all the nonsense
often + to
cutting through to the heart/essence of the problem

see also 1CUT 15 (ABOVE)

cut to the chase see 1CHASE

cut up [phrasal verb]

1 US, informal : to behave in a silly or rude way

I was sent to the principal's office for cutting up [=clowning around] in class.

see also CUTUP

2 cut (something) up or cut up (something) : to cut (something) into parts or pieces

He cut up the candy into little pieces and gave it to the child.

often + into

The area was cut up [=divided] into three separate farms.

They cut up the wood into small pieces.

We made sandwiches and cut them up into triangles.

3 cut (someone or something) up or cut up (someone or something)

3 a : to hurt or damage (someone or something) by cutting

He got cut up pretty badly in the fight.

His face and arms were all cut up.

3 b informal : to criticize (someone or something) in a harsh way

The critics really cut up his last play.

3 c

In informal British English, to be cut up about something is to be very sad or upset about something.

I was pretty cut up about the way the critics treated my last play.

She's really cut up about losing her job.

cut up rough

Brit informal : to behave in an angry or violent way

He got drunk and started to cut up rough.

cut your losses see LOSS

cut your own throat see THROAT

cut your teeth

used to describe the things that people do when they are starting their careers

He cut his teeth performing at local bars and nightclubs.

She cut her political teeth [=she began her political career] as a volunteer during the 1992 presidential elections.

often + on

Many television and movie stars cut their teeth on soap operas.

fish or cut bait see 2FISH

2cut noun, pl cuts [count]

1 a : an opening or hole made with a sharp tool (such as a knife)

Make a few small cuts in the crust to let the air escape.

a two-inch cut in the cloth

1 b : a wound on a person's body that is made by something sharp

She had a small cut [=gash] above her left eye.

He came home covered in cuts and bruises.

a deep/superficial cut

2 : an act of making something smaller in amount : reduction

Further cuts in spending are needed.

He had to accept a cut in pay. = He had to accept a pay cut.

a tax cut

3 : the act of removing something from a book, movie, etc.

You'll have to make a few cuts in your manuscript if you want us to publish it.

4 : a version of a movie at a particular stage of being edited

Fortunately, that scene didn't make the film's final cut. [=that scene did not appear in the final version of the film]

I saw a rough cut [=a version that is not yet finished] of the movie.

a director's cut [=a special version of a movie that is created by the director and that usually includes scenes that are not included in other versions]

5 : a song on a record, tape, or CD

We listened to the same cut [=track] over and over.

6 : the shape and style of a piece of clothing
the cut of his pants

7 : the act or result of cutting someone's hair : haircut

I had a shampoo and a cut.

see also BUZZ CUT, CREW CUT

8 : a piece of meat that is cut from a particular part of an animal's body
a thick/tender/expensive cut of meat

9 : a part of something that is divided and shared among people
usually singular

We each got a cut [=share] of the profits.

see also a cut of the action at ACTION

10 : the act of reducing the size of a group (such as a group of competitors) by removing the ones that are not good enough or that have not done well enough
usually used with make or miss

He has to birdie the last hole in order to make the cut. [=in order to have a score that is low enough to be among the players allowed to continue playing]

If he doesn't birdie this hole, he'll miss the cut.

Only the best players are good enough to make the cut when the team is being chosen.

a cut above

: better than other people or things

All of his books are good, but this one is a cut above (the rest).

She's a cut above the other competitors and should win easily.

cut and thrust
chiefly Brit : the lively and exciting quality of an activity in which people compete or argue with each other

He has always enjoyed the cut and thrust of politics.

cut-and-dried also US cut-and-dry adj [more ; most ]

: having a clear and definite quality that does not allow doubt or that cannot be changed

The situation wasn't as cut-and-dried as we had thought.

a cut-and-dried example
a cut-and-dried decision

cut-and-paste adj, always used before a noun

: made up of parts taken from many different sources

The book was an unprofessional cut-and-paste job.

cut·away adj

: having the top or outside removed so the inside parts can be seen

The diagram shows a cutaway view of an engine.

see also cut away at 1CUT

cutaway noun, pl -aways [count]

cut·back noun, pl -backs [count]

: the act of reducing the number or amount of something : reduction
often + in

He is opposed to further cutbacks [=cuts] in military spending.

see also cut back at 1CUT

cute adj, cut·er, cut·est

1 : having a pleasing and usually youthful appearance

What a cute [=adorable] little baby!

a cute [=pretty] pink dress
cute puppies

She's as cute as a button! [=she's very cute]

2 chiefly US, informal : attractive in a sexual way

Who's that cute [=hot, sexy] guy/girl you were with?

3 chiefly US, informal

3 a : clever in an appealing way
a cute idea

3 b : clever in a way that annoys people

Don't get cute [=smart, fresh] with me!

4 chiefly US, informal : trying too hard to be pleasant or likable

The movie's too cute [=cutesy] to be taken seriously.

cute·ly adv

She was dressed cutely in a little pink outfit.

cute·ness noun [noncount]

their annoying cuteness

cute·sy adj, cute·si·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal + disapproving : trying very hard or too hard to be appealing : too cute in an annoying way
cutesy cartoon characters
cutesy pop music

cut glass noun [noncount]

: glass with patterns cut into its surface for decoration
often used before another noun
a cut-glass vase

cu·ti·cle noun, pl -ti·cles [count]

: the layer of dead or hard skin around the base of a fingernail or toenail

cut·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

informal : an attractive person : a cute person

Her boyfriend's a real cutie.

cut·ie-pie noun, pl -pies [count]

US informal : an attractive person : cutie
often used as an informal way of addressing a lover, a small child, etc.

Hey there, cutie-pie. [=honey, sweetie]

cut·lass noun, pl -lass·es [count]

: a short, heavy sword with a curved blade that was used by sailors and pirates in the past

cut·lery noun [noncount]

1 US : sharp tools made of metal (such as knives and scissors) that are used for cutting things

2 : forks, spoons, and knives used for serving and eating food : silverware
plastic cutlery

cut·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a small, thin slice of meat
veal/chicken cutlets

2 chiefly Brit : chopped vegetables, nuts, etc., that are pressed together into a flat shape, covered with bread crumbs, and fried in oil
a nut cutlet
vegetable cutlets

cut·off noun, pl -offs

1 [count] : the act of stopping the movement or supply of something
a cutoff of the water supply

2 [count] : the time when something must be done or completed

The cutoff for new applications is next Wednesday.

3 cutoffs [plural] : short pants that are made from long pants by cutting off the legs at the knees or higher
a pair of cutoffs

see also cut off at 1CUT

cutoff adj, always used before a noun

We are approaching the cutoff point of the negotiations but no agreement has been reached.

The cutoff date for new applications is next Wednesday.

She was wearing cutoff jeans/pants.

cut·out noun, pl -outs [count]

: a shape or picture that is cut from a piece of paper, cardboard, etc.

a cardboard cutout of a famous actor
see also cut out at 1CUT

cut-price adj
chiefly Brit : cut-rate
a cut-price ticket

cut-rate adj
chiefly US

1 : selling goods or services at very low prices
cut-rate supermarkets
cut-rate airlines and hotels

2 of a price : very low

They sell wine at cut-rate prices.

cut·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a person, machine, or tool that cuts something
a diamond cutter
a pizza cutter
sometimes plural
a pair of wire cutters

see also BOX CUTTER, COOKIE CUTTER

2 a : a boat on a ship that is used for carrying supplies or passengers to and from the shore

2 b : a small sailing boat with one mast

2 c : a small military ship
a Coast Guard cutter

cut·throat adj [more ; most ]

used to describe a situation in which people compete with each other in an unpleasant and often cruel and unfair way
cutthroat [=ruthless] competition

It's a cutthroat business we're in.

cut-throat razor noun, pl -zors [count]

Brit : straight razor

1cut·ting noun, pl -tings [count]

1 : a stem, leaf, or root that is cut from a plant and used to grow a new plant

Take some cuttings from the plant and put them in water.

2 Brit : clipping 1

She kept a collection of (press) cuttings about the war.

2cutting adj [more ; most ]

1 always used before a noun : used for cutting things
a cutting blade

2 a : unpleasantly cold
a raw cutting [=biting] wind

2 b : causing great physical pain
a sharp, cutting [=piercing, stabbing] pain

3 : very harsh and critical : intended to hurt someone's feelings

He made a cutting remark about my family, and I haven't spoken to him since.

cutting board noun, pl boards [count]

US : a wooden or plastic board on which foods (such as meats and vegetables) are cut called also (chiefly Brit) chopping board compare CHOPPING BLOCK

cutting edge noun, pl edges

1 [count] : the sharp edge of something that is used to cut things
the cutting edge of a knife

2 the cutting edge : the newest and most advanced area of activity in an art, science, etc.

He's a director who tries to keep his films right on the cutting edge.

often + of

The research we're doing now is at/on the cutting edge of medical technology.

the cutting edge of youth culture

cutting-edge adj [more ; most ]

cutting-edge technology

cutting room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a room where movies or television shows are edited and put into their final form
usually singular

He worked in the cutting room.

on the cutting-room floor

: removed from a movie or television show

The scene ended up on the cutting-room floor. [=the scene ended up being removed]

often used figuratively

A lot of good ideas are rejected and end up on the cutting-room floor. [=end up not being used]

cut·up noun, pl -ups [count]

US informal : a person who behaves in a silly way and tries to make other people laugh

In school he was always a/the cutup, telling jokes and acting silly.

see also cut up at 1CUT

CV noun, pl CVs [count]

: curriculum vitae

cwt abbr
hundredweight

-cy noun suffix

1 : the state of having a particular quality
bankruptcy
normalcy
accuracy

2 : the action or practice of a particular type of person
candidacy
piracy
prophecy

3 : the state of having a particular role or rank
occupancy
captaincy

cy·an noun [noncount]

technical : a greenish-blue color

cy·a·nide noun [noncount]

: a very poisonous chemical

cyber- combining form

: computer
cybercafé
cyberspace

cy·ber·ca·fé Brit noun, pl -fés [count]

: a café or coffee shop where customers can use computers to search the Internet

cy·ber·net·ics noun [noncount]

: the scientific study of how people, animals, and machines control and communicate information

cy·ber·net·ic adj
cybernetic theory

cy·ber·punk noun [noncount]

: stories about future societies that are controlled by computer technology
often used before another noun
cyberpunk novels/authors

cy·ber·sex noun [noncount]

: activity in which people become sexually excited by sending messages about sex to each other over the Internet

cy·ber·space noun [noncount]

: the online world of computer networks and the Internet

We send e-mails through cyberspace.

cy·borg noun, pl -borgs [count]

in stories : a person whose body contains mechanical or electrical devices and whose abilities are greater than the abilities of normal humans

cy·cla·men Brit noun, pl cyclamen or cyclamens [count]

: a plant that has flowers with large white, pink, or red petals that hang downward

1cy·cle noun, pl cycles [count]

1 : a set of events or actions that happen again and again in the same order : a repeating series of events or actions
the female menstrual cycle

These plants have a 2-year growth cycle. [=the plants live and die within two years]

often + of
the annual cycle of the seasons
the cycle of life and death

World leaders must do more to stop/break this cycle of violence.

see also LIFE CYCLE

2 : a set of regular and repeated actions that are done by a machine as part of a longer process

We have to wait for the dishwasher's wash and dry cycles to end.

the spin cycle on a washing machine

3 chiefly Brit : a bicycle or motorcycle

He rode his cycle into town.

often used before another noun
a cycle lane/path/route

4 : a group of poems, plays, songs, etc., that relate to the same subject and that together form a larger work
a cycle of 15 poems
a song cycle

2cycle verb, cycles, cy·cled, cy·cling

1 US : to go through a repeated process or to cause (something) to go through a repeated process

[+ obj] The water is cycled back into/through the system after it has been used.

[no obj] The water cycles back into/through the system.

2 [no obj] : to ride a bicycle

He cycled [=biked, bicycled] across town to the library.

cy·clist noun, pl -clists [count]

a group of cyclists [=bicyclists]

cy·clic or cy·cli·cal adj [more ; most ]

: happening again and again in the same order : happening in cycles
cyclic changes in the weather
the cyclical nature of history

cy·cli·cal·ly adv

These events occur cyclically.

cycling noun [noncount]

: the sport or activity of riding a bicycle

My doctor recommends aerobic activities such as running, cycling, [=biking, bicycling] and swimming.

He does a lot of cycling.

cycling shorts

The town is within easy cycling distance.

cy·clone noun, pl -clones [count]

1 : an extremely large, powerful, and destructive storm with very high winds that turn around an area of low pressure compare ANTICYCLONE

2 chiefly US : tornado

cy·clon·ic adj
cyclonic winds

Cy·clops noun [singular]

: a giant man in stories told by the ancient Greeks who had a single eye in the middle of his forehead

cyg·net noun, pl -nets [count]

: a young swan

cyl·in·der noun, pl -ders [count]

1 : a shape that has straight sides and two circular ends

2 : something that is shaped like a cylinder: such as

2 a : a tube in which a piston of an engine moves
a four-cylinder engine

2 b : the part of a gun that turns and that holds the bullets
the cylinder of a revolver

on all cylinders
informal : with the greatest possible amount of effort, power, or speed : at full capacity or speed

The economy is running on all cylinders.

The team didn't seem to be firing/hitting on all cylinders.

cy·lin·dri·cal adj [more ; most ]

: shaped like a cylinder
a cylindrical oil tank
a cylindrical tower

cym·bal noun, pl -bals [count]

: a musical instrument in the form of a slightly curved thin metal plate that is played by hitting it with a drumstick or with another cymbal and that makes a very loud metallic sound

cyn·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

: a person who has negative opinions about other people and about the things people do

He's too much of a cynic to see the benefits of marriage.

especially : a person who believes that people are selfish and are only interested in helping themselves

A cynic might think that the governor visited the hospital just to gain votes.

Reporters who cover politics often become cynics.

cyn·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

1 : believing that people are generally selfish and dishonest

Cynical people say there is no such thing as true love.

People are so cynical nowadays.

She's become more cynical in her old age.

often + about

He's cynical about marriage.

Many young people today are cynical about politics.

2 : selfish and dishonest in a way that shows no concern about treating other people fairly

Some people regard the governor's visit to the hospital as a cynical attempt to win votes.

We live in a cruel, cynical [=uncaring] world.

cyn·i·cal·ly adv

The character talks cynically about love.

cyn·i·cism noun [noncount]

: cynical beliefs : beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest

Nothing could change her cynicism about politics.

cy·no·sure noun, pl -sures [count]

formal : a person or thing that attracts a lot of attention or interest

She was the cynosure of all eyes [=everyone was looking at her] as she walked into the room.

cypher chiefly Brit spelling of CIPHER

cy·press noun, pl -press·es [count, noncount]

: a tall and narrow evergreen tree

cyst noun, pl cysts [count]

medical : a growth filled with liquid that forms in or on your body
an ovarian cyst [=a cyst on a woman's ovary]

cys·tic fi·bro·sis noun [noncount]

medical : a very serious disease that usually appears in young children and that makes it hard to breathe and to digest food properly

cys·ti·tis noun [noncount]

medical : infection of the bladder

cy·tol·o·gy noun [noncount]

biology : the study of plant and animal cells

cy·tol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

czar also tsar or tzar noun, pl czars also tsars or tzars [count]

1 : the title of the ruler of Russia before 1917

Russia's Czar Nicholas II

2 chiefly US

2 a : a very powerful person in a particular business or activity
a banking czar

2 b
used as an unofficial title for the person who is in charge of a government office or department

The President has appointed a new drug czar.

the education/housing/terrorism czar

cza·ri·na also tsa·ri·na or tza·ri·na noun, pl -nas [count]

: the wife of a Russian czar

czar·ist also tsar·ist or tzar·ist adj

: of or relating to the government of Russia when it was controlled by czars
czarist Russia
the czarist capital of St. Petersburg

Czech noun, pl Czechs

1 [count] : a person born, raised, or living in Czechoslovakia or the Czech Republic
the customs of the Czechs

2 [noncount] : the Slavic language of the Czechs

He learned to speak Czech.

Czech adj
the Czech people/language

d or D noun, pl d's or ds or D's or Ds

1 : the fourth letter of the English alphabet

[count] Many people who are learning to read confuse b's and d's.

[noncount] names that start with d

2 : a musical note or key referred to by the letter D : the second tone of a C-major scale

[count] play/sing a D

[noncount] The song is in the key of D.

3 [count] : a grade that is given to a student for doing poor work

She got a D on her chemistry test.

4 : the Roman numeral that means 500

CD [=400]

d. abbr
died

Thomas Jefferson, d. 1826

D abbr

Democrat

'd after or elsewhere

used as a contraction of had, would, and did

When they arrived, we'd [=we had] already left.

If you'd [=you would] like to learn more, go to our Web site.

Where'd [=where did] he go?

DA abbr
district attorney

1dab verb, dabs, dabbed, dab·bing

1 : to lightly touch (something) usually with quick, small motions

[+ obj] She dabbed [=patted] her eyes with a handkerchief.

[no obj]

usually + at

He politely dabbed at the corners of his mouth with his napkin.

2 [+ obj] : to put something on something with quick, small motions

He dabbed [=daubed] a little paint on the canvas.

She was dabbing [=daubing] her lips with dark red lipstick.

2dab noun, pl dabs [count]

1 : a quick, small touch

She gave her eyes a few dabs [=pats] with a handkerchief.

2 : a small amount of something
a dab of paint

You've got a dab of ice cream on your shirt.

a dab of butter/perfume
see also DAB HAND, SMACK-DAB

dab·ble verb, dab·bles, dab·bled, dab·bling

1 [no obj] : to take part in an activity in a way that is not serious
usually + in

She works as an accountant but dabbles in poetry.

He dabbled in politics as a college student.

2 : to play or move around in water

[no obj] The ducks dabbled in the stream.

[+ obj] She sat by the pool, dabbling her feet in the cool water.

dab·bler noun, pl -blers [count]

a dabbler in politics

dab hand noun, pl hands [count]

Brit informal : a person who is very good at doing something : expert

He's a dab hand at cooking.

She's a dab hand in the kitchen.

She's always been a dab hand with a paint brush.

da·cha noun, pl -chas [count]

: a small Russian house in the countryside that is used especially in the summer

dachs·hund Brit noun, pl -hunds [count]

: a small type of dog that has a long body, very short legs, and long ears

Da·cron trademark
used for a type of cloth or thread that is made from an artificial material

dad noun, pl dads [count]

informal : a person's father

Her mom and dad both said she can't go.

often used as a form of address

Dad, can I borrow the car tonight?

dad·dy noun, pl -dies [count]

informal : a person's father
used especially by young children

Where's my daddy?

often used as a form of address

Daddy, can you read me a story?

see also SUGAR DADDY

dad·dy long·legs noun, pl -legs [count]

1 US : a small insect that looks like a spider and that has a small round body and long thin legs

2 Brit : crane fly

dae·mon noun, pl -mons [count]

1 : a creature in ancient Greek stories that is more powerful than a person but not as powerful as a god

2 : demon 1
angels and daemons

daf·fo·dil noun, pl -dils [count]

: a yellow flower that blooms in the spring and that has a center that is shaped like a long tube

daf·fy adj, daf·fi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

US informal : silly or strange often in a way that is funny

The actress is starring in a daffy new comedy this summer.

The book is filled with daffy characters.

daft Brit adj, daft·er, -est [also more ; most ]

Brit informal

1 : strange often in a way that is funny

He's got a daft [=silly, daffy] sense of humor.

2 : crazy or foolish

Don't be daft!

Your idea seems a bit daft to me.

She looked at us as if we'd gone daft.

(as) daft as a brush

: very silly or somewhat crazy

The professor is perfectly nice but she's daft as a brush.

daft·ly adv

daft·ness noun [noncount]

dag·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

: a sharp pointed knife that is used as a weapon

at daggers drawn
chiefly Brit : angry and ready to fight
political parties that are at daggers drawn (with each other)

look/shoot/stare daggers at

: to look at (someone) in an angry way

They looked daggers at each other across the table.

see also CLOAK-AND-DAGGER

da·go or Da·go noun, pl -gos [count]

informal + offensive : a person who is from Italy, Spain, or Portugal

The word dago is very offensive and should be avoided.

da·guerre·o·type noun, pl -types [count]

: an old type of photograph that was made on a piece of silver or a piece of copper covered in silver

dahl·ia Brit noun, pl -ias [count]

: a type of plant that is grown in gardens and has large flowers with white, yellow, red, pink, or purple petals

1dai·ly adj, always used before a noun

1 : happening, done, made, used, or existing every day

Television has become a part of our daily [=day-to-day] lives.

It has changed every aspect of daily life/existence.

I started eating healthier and added exercise to my daily routine/schedule.

daily activities such as eating breakfast and washing your face

There's not enough water to meet the daily needs of the city's people.

daily commuters

He visits them on a daily basis. [=every day]

people working to earn their daily bread [=the food they need each day]

2 : published every day or every day except Sunday
daily newspapers

She reads the daily paper each morning.

3 : of or relating to one day

Their average daily wage is only five dollars.

She had been taking more than the recommended daily dose of the medicine.

Our daily lunch specials [=the special lunch items offered on particular days of the week] are listed on the back of the menu.

daily adv

Take one pill/capsule twice daily. [=two times every day]

The Web site is updated daily. [=every day]

2daily noun, pl dai·lies

1 [count] : a newspaper that is published every day or every day except Sunday
the city's two largest dailies

2 dailies [plural] US : the first prints of a movie showing the scenes that are filmed each day

The director watches the dailies [=rushes] every evening.

3 [count] Brit, old-fashioned : a person who you pay to clean your house and do other jobs for you every day called also daily help

dain·ty adj, dain·ti·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : small and pretty

Her hair was decorated with dainty pink flowers.

the girl's dainty little hands
dainty teacups

2 : done with small and careful movements

The dancers' dainty steps were followed by a series of leaps.

She took a dainty sip of tea from her teacup.

3 of food : attractive and served in small amounts

They served dainty sandwiches on silver trays.

The food was served in dainty portions.

dain·ti·ly adv

She sipped daintily from her teacup.

dain·ti·ness noun [noncount]

He commented on the daintiness of my hands.

dai·qui·ri noun, pl -ris [count]

: an alcoholic drink that is usually made of rum, crushed fruit or fruit juice, and sugar
frozen strawberry daiquiris

1dairy noun, pl dair·ies [count]

1 : a farm that produces milk

2 : a place where milk is kept and butter or cheese is made

3 : a company that sells milk and foods made from milk (such as butter and cheese)

2dairy adj, always used before a noun

1 : made from milk
dairy products/foods such as cheese and ice cream

: relating to foods made from milk

You'll find yogurt in the dairy section of the grocery store.

2 : of or relating to a type of farming that deals with the production of milk and foods made from milk
dairy farms/farmers
dairy cows/cattle [=cows that are raised to produce milk]

the dairy industry

dairy·ing noun [noncount]

: the business of managing a farm or company that produces or sells milk and foods made from milk

dairy·maid noun, pl -maids [count]

old-fashioned : a woman who works in a dairy

dairy·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a man who manages or works in a dairy

da·is noun, pl -is·es [count]

: a raised platform in a large room or hall that people stand on when performing or speaking to an audience

dai·sy noun, pl -sies [count]

: a type of white flower that has a yellow center

be pushing up daisies
informal + humorous : to be dead

We'll all be pushing up daisies by the time the government balances the budget.

daisy chain noun, pl chains [count]

1 : a string of daisies that you make by tying the stems together

She wore a daisy chain around her neck.

2 : a group of things or people that are connected in a series
a daisy chain of electronic devices

The children linked arms forming a daisy chain.

Da·lai La·ma Brit noun, pl -mas [count]

: the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism

dale noun, pl dales [count]

old-fashioned : valley
the beautiful hills and dales of our county

dal·li·ance noun, pl -anc·es [count]

1 : an action that is not serious
often + with

After a brief dalliance with acting, she pursued a law career.

2 literary : a romantic or sexual relationship that is brief and not serious

He had dalliances [=(more commonly) affairs, (less formally) flings] with several women before he met his wife.

sexual dalliances

dal·ly verb, dal·lies, dal·lied, dal·ly·ing [no obj]

: to do something slowly or too slowly

Don't dally [=dawdle] on the way home.

Please don't dally. We need you here right away.

The two of us dallied over our coffee that morning.

see also DILLYDALLY

dally with [phrasal verb]

1 dally with (something) : to do or think about (something) in a way that is not serious

He's been dallying [=toying] with the idea of running for office.

2 dally with (someone) old-fashioned : to have a casual romantic or sexual relationship with (someone)

a married man who has been dallying with another woman

dal·ma·tian or Dal·ma·tian noun, pl -tians [count]

: a type of dog that has short white fur with many black or brown spots

1dam noun, pl dams [count]

: a structure that is built across a river or stream to stop water from flowing

The government has plans to build a dam and flood the valley.

There's a beaver dam [=a dam built by beavers] in the stream behind my house.

compare 3DAM

2dam verb, dams, dammed, dam·ming [+ obj]

: to build a dam across (a river or stream)

Beavers dammed the stream.

often + up

They created a reservoir by damming up the river.

3dam noun, pl dams [count]

technical : the female parent of some animals (such as horses)

the foal's dam
compare 1SIRE
compare 1DAM

1dam·age noun, pl dam·ag·es

1 [noncount] : physical harm that is done to something or to someone's body

The items were carefully wrapped to protect them from damage during shipping.

The city sustained heavy damage during the war.

water/sun/frost damage = damage caused by water/sun/frost

Fortunately the boat suffered no serious damage in the storm.

The fall caused/did considerable/extensive/severe damage to her knee.

The disease is known to cause permanent/irreversible brain/liver/kidney damage.

Few people were hurt during the storm, but property damage was great. [=many houses, cars, etc., were damaged or ruined]

see also COLLATERAL DAMAGE

2 [noncount] : emotional harm that is done to someone

Traumatic events can cause serious psychological damage. [=can make someone mentally or emotionally unhealthy]

3 [noncount] : problems that are caused by a mistake, wrong action, etc. : bad or harmful effects on a situation, a person's reputation, etc.

The scandal caused significant damage to her career.

You've said enough. Please leave before you do any more damage.

He tried to repair the damage by apologizing, but it was too late.

He apologized, but the damage was already done.

4 damages [plural] law : an amount of money that a court requires you to pay to someone you have treated unfairly or hurt in some way

The judge awarded her $5,000 in damages. [=the judge said that the people who hurt her must pay her $5,000]

sometimes used in the form damage before another noun

She won a $5,000 damage award.

5 the damage informal : the amount of money that something costs

“What's the damage?” he asked the mechanic.

damage control or Brit damage limitation

: things that are done or said to prevent a bad situation from becoming worse or to limit the bad effect of something

The governor keeps making outrageous statements, forcing his staff to spend most of their time doing damage control.

2damage verb, damages, dam·aged, dam·ag·ing [+ obj]

: to cause damage to (something): such as
a : to physically harm (something)

Please return any items that are damaged during shipping.

Many homes were damaged or completely destroyed in the fire.

The fall severely damaged her knee.

Smoking can seriously damage your lungs.

badly damaged property

synonyms see INJURE
b : to cause problems in or for (something) : to have a bad effect on (a situation, a person's reputation, etc.)

The scandal significantly damaged her career.

This news will undoubtedly damage the governor's reputation.

He was worried that his comments had seriously damaged their relationship.

He's trying to repair his damaged reputation.

see also DAMAGED GOODS

damaged goods noun [plural]

1 : products that are broken, cracked, scratched, etc.

2 informal : a person who is considered to be no longer desirable or valuable because of something that has happened : a person whose reputation is damaged

This sense of damaged goods is used with a singular verb.

She hasn't been charged with a crime, but politically she's damaged goods and will never get elected.

damaging adj [more ; most ]

: causing or able to cause damage
the damaging effects of the sun on your skin

The storm may produce damaging winds.

The chemical is damaging to the lungs. [=it will make a person's lungs less healthy]

He says he has damaging information about the candidate.

The evidence was very damaging to their case.

dam·ask noun, pl -asks [count, noncount]

: a thick usually shiny cloth that has patterns woven into it

damask adj
damask curtains

The tablecloth is damask.

dame noun, pl dames [count]

1 US slang, old-fashioned : woman

She's one classy dame.

a dignified old dame

Dame is sometimes used to refer to a woman in an offensive or negative way.

He married some rich dame for her money.

“Who's the dame?” he asked rudely.

2 Brit : a woman who has been given a title as an honor for something she has done

She was made/created a dame the year before she died.

used as a title

Dame Myra Hess

see also GRANDE DAME

dam·mit
informal + impolite used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase damn it

as near as dammit see 1NEAR

1damn interj
informal + impolite
used to show that you are angry, annoyed, surprised, etc.

Damn! That really hurt!

Well, damn. Why didn't you say you wouldn't be able to come?

Damn! I had no idea you were planning a party for me!

2damn verb, damns, damned, damn·ing [+ obj]

1 informal + impolite

1 a
used to show that you are angry or annoyed at a person, thing, or situation

Damn them! They've ruined everything!

Damn this rain. We haven't had a nice day in weeks.

Damn it! I forgot my keys!

Damn it all!

1 b
used to say in a forceful way that you do not care about something

I'm going to do it, damn the consequences. = I'm going to do it, the consequences be damned. [=I'm going to do it despite the possible consequences]

2 : to send (someone) to hell as punishment after death
usually used as (be) damned

He said that they would be damned (to hell) for all eternity. [=that God would force them to be in hell forever]

sometimes used figuratively

She was damned [=(more commonly) doomed] by her own lack of foresight.

3 : to say or think bad things about (someone or something) : to strongly criticize (someone or something)

He damned them for their stupidity.

as near as damn it see 1NEAR

damn with faint praise

: to give praise without enthusiasm in a way that shows you really dislike someone or something

I'll be damned
informal + impolite

1
used to show that you are very surprised about something

Well I'll be damned! Our team actually won!

often + if

I spent an hour putting the machine together and I'll be damned if it didn't fall apart as soon as I tried to use it. [=I was very surprised that it fell apart]

sometimes shortened to damned if

I told them they wouldn't enjoy the trip but damned if they didn't come anyway.

2 used to say that you cannot or will not do something;

+ if

I'll be damned if I can remember where I left my keys. [=I cannot remember where I left my keys]

I'll be damned if I'm going to eat any more of that disgusting food. [=I will not eat any more of it]

the damned

: the people who have been sent to hell as punishment after their death
the souls of the damned

(you're) damned if you do and damned if you don't
informal used to say that you will be blamed or considered wrong no matter what you do

damning adj [more ; most ]

A damning piece of evidence showed that he had been at the crime scene.

3damn noun [singular]

informal + impolite : anything at all
usually used in negative statements

This computer's not worth a damn. [=it has no value; it is worthless]

His promises don't mean a damn. [=don't mean anything]

see also TINKER'S DAMN

give a damn also care a damn

: to care at all about someone or something
used in negative statements

He doesn't give a damn what people think about him.

Nobody gives a damn about us.

I don't want to hear about her problems. I just don't give a damn.

They don't seem to care a damn about their future.

4damn also damned adj, always used before a noun
informal + impolite

1
used to show that you are angry, annoyed, surprised, etc.

Turn the damn TV off and listen to me!

The damned car won't start again.

That's none of your damn business.

The damn thing never worked right.

2
used to make a statement more forceful

If you believe that, you're a damn/damned fool.

It's a damn shame that she couldn't afford to go to college.

She's a damned liar!

There's not a damn thing you can do about it. [=you cannot do anything about it]

see also DAMNEDEST

5damn also damned adv
informal + impolite : very or extremely

That was a damn good movie.

You did a damned fine job on that project.

You'd better make damn sure that it doesn't happen again.

“You seem angry.” “You're damn right I am! That's for damn sure!”

Some people just talk too damn much. [=talk far too much]

The idea's pretty damn smart, if you ask me.

He damn near killed us! [=he almost killed us]

You know damn well what happened.

You damn well better finish the job. [=you must finish the job]

He does whatever he damn/damned well pleases. [=he does whatever he wants to do]

see also DAMNEDEST

dam·na·ble adj [more ; most ]

old-fashioned : deserving strong criticism : very bad, wrong, annoying, etc.

damnable lies
damnable stupidity

dam·na·bly adv
damnably difficult

dam·na·tion noun [noncount]

: the state of being in hell as punishment after death

The minister spoke about death and damnation.

living in eternal damnation

1damned·est adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US informal + impolite : most unusual or surprising

It was the damnedest [=(more politely) darnedest] thing you ever saw.

He said the damnedest thing the other day.

2damnedest noun

do your damnedest or try your damnedest
chiefly US informal + impolite : to try very hard to do something

He's doing his damnedest to win.

I'll try my damnedest [=hardest, best] to be there on time.

Damocles

sword of Damocles see SWORD

1damp adj, damp·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: somewhat or slightly wet

Wipe up the mess with a damp cloth.

Her forehead was damp with perspiration.

My hair's still damp from the rain.

a damp spring day
damp [=humid] weather

synonyms see MOIST

damp squib see SQUIB

damp·ness noun [noncount]

2damp noun [noncount]

: slight wetness in the air

The books from her basement still smelled of damp. [=dampness]

The boxes were left outside in the damp.

the damp of the night

3damp verb, damps, damped, damp·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) somewhat or slightly wet : dampen

His hands were damped with sweat.

2 : to make (something) less strong or active

Nothing could damp [=(more commonly) dampen, depress] his spirits.

damp·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) somewhat or slightly wet : to make (something) damp

Dampen the spot with a wet cloth.

The shower barely dampened the ground.

2 : to make (something) less strong or active

We wouldn't let the bad weather dampen our excitement/enthusiasm/spirits.

The experience dampened her interest [=made her less interested] in becoming a doctor.

damp·en·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: something that reduces the force or effect of something
a noise dampener

put a dampener on

Brit : to make (something) less strong, active, or exciting : to put a damper on (something)

His bad mood put a dampener on the celebration.

damp·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a flat piece of metal in a fireplace, furnace, etc., that controls the amount of air that can enter

Close the damper.

2 : a small piece of wood inside a piano that is covered with cloth and that stops the movement of a piano string

put a damper on

: to make (something) less strong, active, or exciting

His bad mood put a damper on the celebration.

The rain put a damper on our plans for a picnic.

He was putting a bit of a damper on her spirits.

dam·sel noun, pl -sels [count]

old-fashioned : a young woman who is not married

The phrase damsel in distress is used often humorously in modern speech and writing to refer to a woman who needs to be rescued.

The novel comes complete with a knight in shining armor and a damsel in distress.

1dance Brit verb, danc·es, danced, danc·ing

1 a [no obj] : to move your body in a way that goes with the rhythm and style of music that is being played

He never learned how to dance.

She has always loved to dance.

I like the song but it's really hard to dance to.

Would you like to dance with me? = (more formally) Shall we dance?

We danced the night away. [=we danced the entire evening]

1 b [+ obj] : to move with and guide (someone) as music plays : to dance with (someone)

He danced her across the floor.

2 [+ obj] : to perform (a particular type of dance)

dancing the waltz/polka/twist

3 [no obj] : to perform as a dancer

She dances with a famous ballet company.

She's a great actress, and she can dance and sing, too.

4 [no obj] : to move quickly up and down, from side to side, etc.

We danced for joy when we heard the news.

He sat watching the leaves dancing in the breeze.

The boxer danced around his opponent.

dance to someone's tune

: to do what someone wants or forces you to do

The boss has got everyone dancing to her tune.

The senators are dancing to the tune of the President.

danc·er noun, pl -ers [count]

I'm a terrible dancer.

ballet dancers

dancing adj

We're taking dancing lessons.

dancing shoes

dancing noun [noncount]

They went out for dinner and dancing.

She's always loved dancing.

Would you like to go dancing tonight?

see also BALLROOM DANCING, BREAK DANCING, LAP DANCING

2dance noun, pl dances

1 [count] : a series of movements that are done as music is playing : a way of dancing
a slow dance

They can do all the popular dances.

The only dance he knows how to do is the twist.

often used before another noun
a dance move
dance classes

It's the latest dance craze.

see also BARN DANCE, BELLY DANCE, LINE DANCE, SQUARE DANCE, TAP DANCE, WAR DANCE

2 [count] : an act of dancing

How about one more dance?

He stopped right in the middle of the dance to tie his shoe.

Will you save a dance for me? [=will you dance with me during one song?]

He did a celebration dance in the end zone after scoring the touchdown.

3 [noncount] : the art or activity of dancing

She studied dance in college.

4 [count] : a social event at which people dance

The church held a dance to raise money.

Your father and I met at a dance.

high school dances

5 [count] : a song or piece of music (such as a waltz) to which people dance

The band can play all sorts of dances.

see also SONG AND DANCE

lead someone a (merry) dance see 1LEAD

dance·able Brit adj [more ; most ]

: able to be used for dancing : having a rhythm and style that people can dance to
a danceable song

dance card noun, pl cards [count]

old-fashioned : a card on which you write the names of people you are going to dance with at a social event
often used figuratively

Her dance card has been filling up quickly. [=she has been busy going to parties, on dates, etc.]

dance floor noun, pl floors [count]

: an area where people can dance inside a restaurant, club, hall, etc.

dance hall noun, pl halls [count]

: a large building or room in which people pay to go dancing

Their song is being played in dance halls across the country.

dan·de·li·on noun, pl -ons [count]

: a very common wild plant that has bright yellow flowers

dan·der noun

get someone's dander up
informal : to cause someone to become angry

Her rudeness really got my dander up.

dan·dle verb, dan·dles, dan·dled, dan·dling [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : to move (a baby) up and down in your arms or on your knee as a way of playing

He was sitting in a corner dandling [=bouncing] his baby daughter on his knee.

dan·druff noun [noncount]

: very small white pieces of dead skin that form especially on a person's head

The shampoo is supposed to help control dandruff.

1dan·dy adj, dan·di·er, -est
chiefly US informal + somewhat old-fashioned : very good

This looks like a dandy [=fine, splendid] place to have lunch.

We thought something was wrong, but he said everything was just fine and dandy.

2dandy noun, pl -dies [count]

1 old-fashioned : a man who cares too much about his clothing and personal appearance

2 chiefly US, informal : something that is very good or impressive : a very good example of something

Have you seen the new boat? It's a dandy. [=(more commonly) beauty]

That was a dandy of a game.

dan·dy·ish adj, old-fashioned

He had a dandyish manner about him.

Dane noun, pl Danes [count]

: a person born, raised, or living in Denmark see also GREAT DANE

1dang interj

US informal
used as a more polite form of damn

Dang! That hurt!

Dang! She sure looked surprised, didn't she?

2dang verb

US informal
used as a more polite form of damn

Dang them! They're late again!

Dang it. It's raining!

I'll be danged! You found it!

3dang also danged adj

US informal
used as a more polite form of damn or damned

Those dang kids stepped on our flowers!

a dang/danged fool

The whole dang city knows now.

There's not a dang thing you can do about it.

dang also danged adv

What's so dang/danged funny, huh?

She's too dang skinny.

You know dang well where the key is. [=I am certain that you know where it is]

dan·ger noun, pl -gers

1 a [noncount] : the possibility that you will be hurt or killed

I was unaware of the danger that lay ahead.

She was fearless in the face of danger.

None of us had any real sense of danger. [=we did not think that we might be hurt or killed]

It was a journey fraught with danger. [=a very dangerous journey]

Patients need to be informed about the danger posed by the drug. [=about the ways the drug could possibly hurt them]

The sign on the door read “Danger. Keep out.”

Their lives are in (grave/great/serious) danger.

We're not out of danger yet. [=there is still a chance that we could be hurt or killed]

1 b : the possibility that something unpleasant or bad will happen

[noncount] There's less danger that you'll lose your money if you have a wide variety of investments.

We're all in danger of losing our jobs. [=we may all lose our jobs]

These animals are in danger of becoming extinct. = They are in danger of extinction.

(humorous) Don't worry about being ready for us by noon. There's no danger [=no chance] that we'll actually be there on time.

[singular] There's a danger that your apology will be taken as a sign of weakness.

The danger is that we'll become careless as the process becomes more familiar.

A danger zone is a place or situation in which you may be hurt or killed or in which something unpleasant or bad may happen.

The doctor warned that too much exertion could push my heart rate into the danger zone.

The houses are in a danger zone for wildfires. [=an area in which wildfires sometimes happen]

2 [count] : a person or thing that is likely to cause injury, pain, harm, or loss

It's important to teach your children about the dangers of smoking.

Here is a list of possible dangers associated with the procedure.

We believe it poses a serious danger to our national security.

He is a danger to himself and others. [=he might hurt himself and other people]

danger money noun [noncount]

Brit : hazard pay

dan·ger·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : involving possible injury, harm, or death : characterized by danger

Mining is dangerous [=hazardous] work.

They complained to their boss about the dangerous [=unsafe] working conditions.

She got into a car accident while driving through a dangerous intersection.

He often drives at dangerous speeds.

The city can be a dangerous place to live.

dangerous neighborhoods
often + to

Smoking is dangerous [=hazardous] to your health.

2 : able or likely to cause injury, pain, harm, etc.

The storms may cause dangerous flooding.

He is wanted for assault with a dangerous weapon.

dangerous animals
the most dangerous of drugs
a dangerous enemy

The police say that the man is armed and dangerous. [=he has a gun and he might try to shoot someone]

dangerous ground/territory

: a situation in which you may do or say something that will have a bad result, make people angry, etc.

As the conversation turned to politics, I knew we were heading into dangerous territory.

You know you're treading on dangerous ground, don't you?

dan·ger·ous·ly adv

She suddenly became dangerously ill.

dangerously high levels of pollution

They came dangerously close to being caught.

He has always enjoyed living dangerously.

dan·ger·ous·ness noun [noncount]

danger pay noun [noncount]

US : hazard pay

dan·gle verb, dan·gles, dan·gled, dan·gling

1 : to hang down loosely especially in a way that makes it possible to swing freely

[no obj] Let your arms dangle at your sides.

dangling earrings
often + from

Diamonds and pearls dangled from her ears.

Wires were dangling dangerously from the ceiling.

A cigarette dangled from his lips.

[+ obj] She sat on the edge of the pool, dangling her feet in the water.

He dangled a piece of string in front of the cat.

2 [+ obj] informal : to offer (something) in order to persuade someone to do something

The money she dangled in front of him wasn't enough to convince him to sell.

They refused to accept the money that was dangled before their eyes.

leave someone dangling also keep someone dangling
informal : to force someone to be in an uncertain position or to wait for a decision

We were kept dangling for weeks while the bank reviewed our loan application.

1Dan·ish adj

: of or relating to Denmark, its people, or their language
the Danish countryside

Danish customs

She knows a few Danish phrases.

2Danish noun, pl Danish also Dan·ish·es

1 [noncount] : the language of the Danes

2 US : danish pastry

[noncount] We had cheese Danish for breakfast.

[count] two raspberry Danish/Danishes

Danish pastry noun, pl -tries [count, noncount]

: a sweet pastry that often has fruit, icing, etc., on top

dank adj, dank·er, -est

: wet and cold in a way that is unpleasant
a dark dank cave

synonyms see MOIST

dap·per adj [more ; most ]

somewhat old-fashioned

1 : having a neat appearance : dressed in attractive clothes

The students all looked very dapper in their uniforms.

a dapper old gentleman

2 of clothing : attractive and of high quality
a dapper [=smart] suit

dap·pled also dap·ple adj [more ; most ]

: marked with many spots of color or light
a dappled gray horse
dappled shade

1dare verb, dares, dared, dar·ing

1 [no obj] : to have enough courage or confidence to do something : to not be too afraid to do something

Try it if you dare.

We wanted to laugh but didn't dare.

often followed by to + verb

We didn't dare to stop.

No one dared to say anything.

It was more than I had dared to hope for.

She won their respect by daring to ask questions.

often followed by an infinitive verb without to

We didn't dare stop. = We dared not stop.

No one dared say anything.

It was more than I had dared hope for.

I need to know, but I don't dare ask.

I wouldn't dare do it alone. = (formal) I dare not do it alone.

Do we dare ask why? = Dare we ask why?

2 [+ obj] : to do (something that is difficult or that people are usually afraid to do)

The actress dared a new interpretation of the classic role.

3 [+ obj] : to tell (someone) to do something especially as a way of showing courage

She dared him to dive off the bridge.

She dared me to ask him out on a date. I did, and he said yes.

don't you dare

used in speech to forcefully tell someone not to do something

Don't you dare do that again, or you'll be sorry!

“I'm going to tell mom that you got an ‘F’ on your test.” “Don't you dare!”

how dare you

used in speech to show that you are angry about what someone has done or said

How dare you touch me!

How dare he speak to you like that!

I dare say or chiefly Brit I daresay
somewhat formal + old-fashioned
used when you are stating your opinion about something

I dare say he's right.

This is, I dare say, one of the most beautiful places in the world.

2dare noun, pl dares [count]

: the act of telling someone to do something as a way of showing courage
usually singular

He dared her to go, but she refused to take/accept the dare.

(US) He jumped from the bridge on a dare. = (Brit) He jumped from the bridge for a dare. [=someone dared him to jump from the bridge]

dare·dev·il noun, pl -ils [count]

: a person who does dangerous things especially in order to get attention

He has always been a bit of a daredevil.

daredevil adj, always used before a noun
a daredevil driver/pilot

daren't
chiefly Brit
used as a contraction of dare not or dared not

I daren't tell her what really happened.

dare·say verb

I daresay see 1DARE

1daring adj [more ; most ]

1 : willing to do dangerous or difficult things
a daring reporter who has covered several wars

She's a daring innovator in the field of biotechnology.

2 : showing a lack of fear

Emergency crews quickly planned a daring [=bold] rescue to get the people out of the burning building.

a daring plan to steal the famous painting

She decided to wear a daring dress to the party.

ideas that are new and daring
the artist's daring use of color

dar·ing·ly adv
a daringly original idea

2daring noun [noncount]

: the quality of being willing to do dangerous or difficult things : courage or fearlessness

Skydiving requires both skill and daring.

He performs the trick with the daring of a stuntman.

1dark adj, dark·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : having very little or no light

She sat in the dark room alone.

It gets dark early in winter. [=the sun sets early; night comes sooner]

It's getting darker outside.

Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.

It was a dark and stormy night.

Suddenly the room went dark. [=suddenly there was no light in the room]

opposite LIGHT

2 : not light in color : of a color that is closer to black than white

Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.

She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.

a man wearing dark clothing

You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.

dark spots/lines on the skin

3 of a color : having more black than white : not light
dark blue
a dark green shirt
opposite LIGHT

4 of a person's hair, eyes, skin, etc. : black or brown in color
a person with a dark complexion = a dark-skinned person

He is tall, dark, and handsome. [=he is a tall, handsome man with dark hair and eyes]

opposite FAIR

5 : less light in color than other things of the same kind
dark rum
dark roasted coffee beans
see also DARK CHOCOLATE, DARK MEAT

6 : lacking hope or happiness

She had a rather dark [=gloomy, dismal] view of the future.

I met her during a very dark time in my life.

These are dark days for many companies.

7 : bad or evil

The movie follows three heroes who fight the dark forces/powers that threaten the world.

his darker side = the darker side of his personality

He told no one his deep, dark secret.

Drowning is his darkest [=worst] fear.

8 : dealing with unpleasant subjects such as crime, war, unhappy relationships, etc.

a dark [=black] comedy about drug abuse
dark humor

It's a good movie, but it's really dark.

9 : full of mystery
the government's dark secrets
see also DARK HORSE

10 of a place : not known or explored because it is far from where most people live
the darkest regions of the continent

11 of a voice : low and full in sound
his deep, dark voice

cast a dark cloud see 1CLOUD

darkest hour see HOUR

dark·ish adj [more ; most ]

Her hair was a darkish red color.

2dark noun, pl darks

1 the dark

1 a : a state in which no light can be seen

She stumbled around in the dark [=darkness] until she finally found the light switch.

He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.

1 b : a place where little or no light can be seen

The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.

He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.

2 [noncount] : the time of day when night begins : the time when the sky becomes dark for the night

We'd better get home before dark.

They waited until after dark to begin their escape.

3 darks [plural]

3 a : dark colors : colors that are more black than white

He uses lots of darks in his decorating.

3 b : dark clothes : clothes that are black, dark brown, etc.

Wash the lights and the darks separately.

in the dark

1 : in a state in which something is hidden or kept secret

Most of their deals were made in the dark.

2 : in a state of not knowing about something

The public was kept in the dark about the agreement.

They kept us all in the dark.

see also leap in the dark at 2LEAP, shot in the dark at 1SHOT, whistle in the dark at 2WHISTLE

Dark Ages noun

1 the Dark Ages : the period of European history from about A.D. 500 to 1000 : the first 500 years of the Middle Ages

2 the Dark Ages or the dark ages often humorous : the period of time before things developed into their modern form

In the dark ages before computers, we often wrote our letters by hand.

Her father's ideas about women are from the Dark Ages.

dark chocolate noun, pl -lates [count, noncount]

US : a kind of chocolate that is a very dark brown color and that is made without milk called also (Brit) plain chocolate compare MILK CHOCOLATE, WHITE CHOCOLATE

dark·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 : to make (something) dark or to become dark or darker in color

[+ obj] Clouds darkened the sky.

The hours I spent in the sun darkened [=tanned] my skin.

[no obj] The sky darkened and it started to rain.

Her face darkens to a deep red when she gets angry.

The wood will darken as it ages.

2 : to make (something) less happy or to become less happy

[+ obj] The bad news darkened his mood.

The last days of her life were darkened by illness.

[no obj] His mood darkened after he heard the bad news.

darken someone's door/doors

: to go to or appear at a place where you are not welcome anymore

She told him to leave and to never darken her door again. [=to never go to her house/apartment again]

darkened adj

He was sitting in a darkened [=dark] corner of the room.

a car with darkened [=dark] windows

dark glasses noun [plural]

: sunglasses

dark horse noun, pl -es [count]

1 : a person (such as a politician), animal, or thing that competes in a race or other contest and is not expected to win

The Democrat from Utah has gone from being a dark horse to the front-runner in the campaign for President.

The movie is a dark horse for the award.

2 Brit : a person who has interesting qualities or abilities that most people do not know about

He is a dark horse, but I did find out that he once played football professionally.

dark·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : in dark colors

They were both darkly dressed in business suits. [=they were wearing dark suits]

darkly colored clothing/fabric

2 : having black or brown eyes, hair, or skin
a darkly handsome man

3 : in a way that shows a lack of hope or happiness

He spoke darkly of the coming war.

“We're heading for trouble,” she warned darkly.

4 : in a way that is threatening

She hinted darkly that they might regret not helping her.

5 : in a way that relates to unpleasant subjects (such as crime, war, unhappy relationships, etc.)

His movie is a darkly comic portrayal of a troubled family.

a darkly humorous/amusing story

6 : without being able to see clearly

“For now we see through a glass, darkly” 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)

dark meat noun [noncount]

: the meat that comes from the legs and thighs of chickens, turkeys, ducks, etc.

Would you like white meat or dark meat?

compare WHITE MEAT

dark·ness noun [noncount]

1 : a state in which little or no light can be seen : a dark state or condition

We tried to find our way through the darkness. [=dark]

the darkness of the movie theater

He escaped under cover of darkness. [=while it was dark outside; at night]

in the early morning darkness = in the darkness of early morning

We watched the mountains fade into the darkness.

12 hours of darkness

Although the picture was taken in near darkness, you can still see her white dress.

absolute/complete/total darkness
opposite LIGHT

2 : the state of having a color or shade that is closer to black than white

The darkness of the clouds warned us that rain was coming.

the rich darkness of his skin

3 : a state in which information is hidden from most people

The family's secret remained hidden/shrouded in darkness [=secrecy] and mystery.

4 literary

4 a : evil or wickedness

They set off to fight the forces/powers of darkness.

4 b : a lack of knowledge, understanding, or education : a state in which little is known or understood
people living in darkness [=ignorance] and sin

dark·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a room that is used for making photographs and that is lit with a special kind of red light

1dar·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

1 a : a person you love very much

She was mother's little darling.

often used to address someone you love

How was your day, darling? [=sweetheart, dear]

Darling, what's the matter?

1 b : a kind and helpful person

Be a darling [=dear, sweetie] and carry this inside for me.

2 : someone who is liked very much by a person or group
a media darling
often + of

They are the newest darlings of the pop rock world.

an actress who is the darling of critics

2darling adj [more ; most ]

1 always used before a noun : greatly loved

This is my darling daughter, Sara.

2 informal : very pleasing or attractive

What a darling [=cute, adorable] dress!

He told the children a darling [=charming] story after dinner.

That dress is just darling.

1darn verb, darns, darned, darn·ing [+ obj]

: to fix (a piece of clothing, a hole, etc.) by sewing

Would you darn these socks, please?

She is darning a tear in the dress.

compare 4DARN

2darn noun, pl darns [count]

: a hole or tear that has been fixed by sewing

The old sweater is full of darns.

compare 5DARN

3darn interj

US informal
used as a more polite form of damn

Darn! That hurt!

Darn! We missed meeting them.

4darn verb
chiefly US informal
used as a more polite form of damn

Darn him! Why won't he call?

Darn this car. It never starts right anymore.

Darn it! I forgot to call them!

Darn it all!

Be quiet, gosh darn it! I can't hear myself think!

Well I'll be darned! You actually showed up! [=I am very surprised that you showed up]

I'll be darned if the train didn't leave until an hour later.

I offered to help, but darned if she didn't do the whole thing herself. [=I was very surprised that she did the whole thing herself]

see also DARNEDEST
compare 1DARN

5darn noun
chiefly US informal
used as a more polite form of damn

His opinion isn't worth a darn. [=it has no value; it is worthless]

I don't give a darn [=I do not care at all] what people say about me.

Nobody cares a darn [=cares at all] about them.

compare 2DARN

6darn or darned adj
chiefly US informal
used as a more polite form of damn

Shut your darn mouth and pay attention!

This gosh darn computer isn't working right.

I didn't learn a darn thing in class today.

This darned window won't open!

It's a darn shame that they couldn't stay longer. [=it is a complete shame; it is very unfortunate]

If he believes that, he's a darn fool! [=he is very foolish to believe that]

There's not a darn thing anyone can say to make her do it.

That was the best darn pie I ever ate.

see also DARNEDEST

darn or darned adv

That was a darn good meal.

I spent the summer learning how to play chess and got pretty darn good at it.

He's too darned nice.

We darn near [=very nearly] didn't get there in time.

You darn well know what happened. [=you know exactly what happened]

I'll do whatever I darn well please. [=I will do whatever I want to do]

darned·est adj
chiefly US informal
used as a more polite form of damnedest

It was the darnedest thing I ever saw.

Kids do and say the darnedest things.

darnedest noun [noncount]

He was doing/trying his darnedest to please everyone.

1dart noun, pl darts

1 [count] : a small object that has a sharp point at one end and that is thrown in the game of darts or used as a weapon
throwing darts

He was hit with a poisoned dart.

often used figuratively

She frequently uses her editorials to hurl/throw darts at the White House. [=to sharply criticize the White House]

He'd been sending darts of sarcasm in her direction all evening.

2 darts [noncount] : a game in which darts are thrown at a board that is marked with circles

Her favorite game is darts.

Let's play darts.

see also DARTBOARD

3 [singular] : a quick movement
a quick dart to the left

(chiefly Brit) The cat made a dart for the door.

4 [count] : a sudden, sharp pain

A dart of pain ran through his back.

5 [count] : a small fold that is sewn into a piece of clothing

She sewed a couple of darts in the skirt to make it fit better.

2dart verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, darts, dart·ed, dart·ing

: to run or move quickly or suddenly in a particular direction or to a particular place

[no obj] We saw a deer dart across the road.

I darted [=dashed] inside to get some ice.

Her eyes darted from the door to the window. [=she looked suddenly and briefly at the door and then at the window]

[+ obj] The frog darted its tongue at a fly.

dart a glance/look at

: to look suddenly and briefly at (something or someone)

She darted a suspicious glance at her sister.

dart·board noun, pl -boards [count]

: a round board that is marked with circles, lines, and numbers and that is used as a target in the game of darts

Dar·win·ian adj

1 : of or relating to Charles Darwin or to the ideas and theories of Charles Darwin
a Darwinian theory/principle
a Darwinian approach to evolution

2 : of or relating to a situation in which only people, businesses, etc., with the strongest skills or abilities are successful

The competition among manufacturers is very Darwinian.

the Darwinian world of professional sports

Darwinian noun, pl -ians [count]

The scientist considers himself a Darwinian. [=a person who agrees with the ideas of Charles Darwin]

Dar·win·ism noun [noncount]

: the theory of Charles Darwin about how plant and animal species develop : evolution

Dar·win·ist adj

Darwinist noun, pl -ists [count]

1dash verb, dash·es, dashed, dash·ing

1 [no obj] : to run or move quickly or suddenly

I'm sorry, but I must dash. I'm late.

She dashed down the hallway to the bathroom.

People were dashing inside to get out of the rain.

The dog dashed [=darted] across the busy street.

often + off

She dashed off [=left suddenly and quickly] without finishing her breakfast.

2 always followed by an adverb or preposition

2 a [no obj] : to hit something in a violent and forceful way

The waves dashed [=smashed] against the rocks.

2 b [+ obj] : to break or destroy (something) by throwing or hitting it against something

The waves dashed the boat against the rocks.

In her anger, she dashed [=smashed] the plate to pieces on the floor.

3 [+ obj] : to destroy or ruin (something, such as a hope or an expectation)

Her hopes of winning a medal were dashed after she broke her leg.

our dashed expectations/dreams

dash it (all)

Brit informal + old-fashioned
used in speech to express anger, frustration, etc.

Dash it all! I've forgotten my keys!

dash off [phrasal verb]

dash off (something) or dash (something) off : to write (something) in a very quick and hurried way

I have just enough time to dash off a letter.

see also 1DASH 1 (ABOVE)

2dash noun, pl dashes

1 [count] : a punctuation mark that is used especially to show a break in thought or in the structure of a sentence (as in “We don't know whereor howthe problem began.”)

2 [count] : a small amount of something that is added to something else
usually singular

Add some salt, but just a dash.

usually + of

The soup needs a dash of salt.

Add a couple dashes [=splashes] of wine or lemon juice.

Red roses can bring a dash [=touch] of romance to your evening.

The essay has a dash of humor.

3 [singular] : the act of running or moving quickly or suddenly in a particular direction or to a particular place

We made a dash for the exit.

In his mad dash [=mad rush] to the store, he forgot his wallet.

4 [count] : a short, fast race

She ran in the 50-meter dash.

5 [noncount] old-fashioned : a way of behaving that is full of energy and spirit

She was a leader with dash and confidence.

He had daring and dash.

6 [count] informal : dashboard

The map is on the dash.

7 [count] : a long signal (such as a sound or a flash of light) that represents a letter or part of a letter in Morse code

The Morse code for the letter u is two dots and a dash.

compare 1DOT 3

cut a dash

Brit informal + old-fashioned : to look attractive in the clothes you are wearing

He really cuts a dash in his new suit.

dash·board noun, pl -boards [count]

: the part of the inside of a car, truck, etc., that is below the windshield and that has the controls on it called also (Brit) fascia compare INSTRUMENT PANEL

dashed adj

: made up of a set of dashes (sense 1)

a dashed line

dashing adj [more ; most ]

of a man or a man's appearance : attractive and impressive in a way that shows confidence

She married a dashing young lawyer from the city.

a brave and dashing soldier
his dashing good looks

The actor cuts a dashing figure as a young Jack Kennedy.

dash·ing·ly adv

He is dashingly handsome.

das·tard·ly adj [more ; most ]

old-fashioned : very cruel : using tricks to hurt people
a dastardly villain
dastardly deeds
a dastardly attack on innocent civilians

da·ta noun

1 [plural] : facts or information used usually to calculate, analyze, or plan something

She spent hours reviewing the data from the experiment.

They made their decisions based on the survey data.

Much of the data is inconclusive.

The company has access to your personal data.

usage

Data is plural in form but is used with both plural and singular verbs.

Is this data accurate?

Are these data reliable?

When used with plural verbs, data is thought of as the plural form of the noun datum. It is usually used with plural verbs only in formal or technical writing.

Many of these data are incorrect.

2 [noncount] : information that is produced or stored by a computer

She works as a data entry clerk.

There was too much data for the computer to process.

He is an expert in data retrieval. [=finding information stored on a computer]

da·ta·base noun, pl -bas·es [count]

: a collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer

All of our customers' information was kept in/on a database.

an online database
called also data bank

data processing noun [noncount]

: the process of putting information into a computer so that the computer can organize it, change its form, etc.

often used before another noun
data-processing software

1date noun, pl dates [count]

1 a : a particular day of a month or year

The date of the party is March 1.

What's today's date?

They announced June 10th as their wedding date. [=they announced that they would get married on June 10th]

They have not yet set a date for the trial. [=they have not decided what day the trial will start on]

The decision will be made at a later/future date. [=at some time in the future]

your date of birth = your birth date [=the day you were born]

see also DUE DATE, OUT-OF-DATE, UP-TO-DATE

1 b : writing that shows when something was done or made

The date on the letter was the 26th of April.

a coin with a date of 1902

2 : an agreement to meet someone at a particular time or on a particular day

He set up a date [=(more commonly) appointment] to meet with his professor.

“So we'll meet for coffee next Tuesday?” “Yes. It's a date.” [=I agree to meet you then]

3 a : an occasion when two people who have or might have a romantic relationship do an activity together

We went (out) on a few dates last year.

She asked him (out) on a date.

They went to an Italian restaurant on their first date.

I'm going (out) on a date with him tomorrow night. = I have a date with him tomorrow night.

see also BLIND DATE, DOUBLE DATE

3 b chiefly US : a person you have a date with

I have to pick up my date at seven o'clock.

Are you bringing a date to the dance?

He has a different date every night. [=he dates a different person every night]

to date

: up to now : until the present time

We've received no complaints to date. [=yet]

This is their greatest success to date.

To date, most of their work has been preparatory.

up to date

1
used to say that something or someone has or does not have the newest information

These textbooks are not up to date.

usually used with bring or keep

They needed to bring the first edition of the textbook up to date.

It's hard to keep all our records up to date.

This memo should bring everyone up to date on the latest changes. [=give everyone the newest information about the most recent changes]

She reads the magazines to keep up to date on the latest fashions. [=to know what is fashionable]

2
used to say that something is or is not modern or new

The styles are not up to date.

usually used with bring or keep

The book brings the familiar fable up to date by setting it in the present day.

see also UP-TO-DATE

compare 3DATE

date·less adj
a dateless letter/photo
another dateless Friday night

2date verb, dates, dat·ed, dat·ing

1 chiefly US : to do an activity with someone you have might have a romantic relationship with : to go on a date or several dates with (someone)

[+ obj] She dated a couple guys during college.

He only dates younger women.

[no obj] They dated a couple of times. [=they went on a couple of dates]

They've been dating for six months.

I haven't dated [=gone on a date] in 20 years.

see also DOUBLE-DATE

2 [+ obj] : to write the date on (something)

Don't forget to sign and date the application.

The letter was not dated.

a memo dated July 12th, 2003
a coin dated 1902
see also ANTEDATE, BACKDATE, POSTDATE, PREDATE

3 [+ obj] : to show or find out when (something) was made or produced

Historians date the document to the early 1700s.

The ancient building was dated by a coin found in one of the rooms.

Scientists use various techniques to date fossils.

see also CARBON DATING, RADIOCARBON DATING

4 [+ obj] : to show or prove that (someone or something) is old or from a long time ago : to make (someone or something) seem old-fashioned or out-of-date

The decor really dates the house.

I'm dating myself in saying this, but I remember when cell phones were rare.

5 [no obj] : to begin to exist : to appear for the first time

This bowl dates from the sixth century. [=this bowl was made in the sixth century]

a custom that dates back [=goes back] 400 years [=a custom that began 400 years ago]

They found jewelry dating back to [=that was made in] the 1700s.

a set of rules dating as far back as the Middle Ages

dat·able also date·able adj

All the furniture is datable to the 1800s.

3date noun, pl dates [count]

: a small, sweet, brown fruit from a kind of palm tree
compare 1DATE

date·book noun, pl -books [count]

: a small book or calendar in which people write dates, appointments, etc., that they have planned or scheduled called also (Brit) diary

dated adj [more ; most ]

: coming from or belonging to a time in the past : old-fashioned or out-of-date
the restaurant's dated decor

The band's music sounds dated now.

The information was quite dated and no longer useful.

date line noun [singular]

: international date line

date rape noun [noncount]

: the crime of forcing someone you know to have sex with you especially while on a date

He was accused of date rape.

date rapist noun, pl -ists [count]

dating service noun, pl -vices [count]

: a business that introduces people to each other so that they can decide if they want to date each other
online dating services
called also (Brit) dating agency

da·tive noun [noncount]

grammar : the form of a noun or pronoun when it is the indirect object of a verb
a noun in the dative

dative adj
words in the dative case
a dative ending

da·tum noun, pl da·ta or da·tums [count]

formal + technical : a single piece of information
an important historical datum [=fact]

usage see data

1daub verb, daubs, daubed, daub·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to put something on something with quick, small motions : dab

He daubed some cologne on his neck.

Daub the potatoes with a little butter.

1 b : to write (something) on a surface

Various political slogans had been daubed on the walls.

2 : to lightly touch (something) usually with quick, small motions : dab

[+ obj] He sighed deeply and daubed his eyes with a tissue.

[no obj]

usually + at

She daubed at the wound with a wet cloth.

2daub noun, pl daubs [count]

: a small amount of something : dab

She added a few daubs of color to the painting.

daugh·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a female child

We have a daughter and two sons.

my 20-year-old daughter
an adopted daughter
see also GODDAUGHTER, GRANDDAUGHTER, STEPDAUGHTER

daugh·ter·ly adj
daughterly love

daugh·ter-in-law noun, pl -ters-in-law [count]

: the wife of your son see also IN-LAW

daunt verb, daunts, daunt·ed, daunt·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal : to make (someone) afraid or less confident

The project doesn't seem to daunt [=intimidate] them. [=they seem to be undaunted by the project]

often used as (be) daunted

She was not daunted by the difficult task.

nothing daunted

Brit old-fashioned
used to say that someone is not afraid at all

It was a difficult situation, but nothing daunted, she refused to quit.

daunting adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : tending to make people afraid or less confident : very difficult to do or deal with
a daunting [=intimidating, overwhelming] task

Few things are more daunting than having to speak in front of a large crowd.

Shakespeare's plays can be daunting for a young reader.

daunt·ing·ly adv

The system is dauntingly complex.

daunt·less adj [more ; most ]

formal + literary : very brave
dauntless [=fearless] heroes

daunt·less·ly adv

daunt·less·ness noun [noncount]

daw·dle verb, daw·dles, daw·dled, daw·dling [no obj]

: to move or act too slowly

Hurry up! There's no time to dawdle.

Come home immediately after school, and don't dawdle.

She dawdled [=lingered] over her breakfast.

daw·dler noun, pl daw·dlers [count]

1dawn noun, pl dawns

1 : the time of day when sunlight first begins to appear

[noncount] We arrived at/before/after dawn. [=sunrise, daybreak]

We danced till dawn.
the dawn's clear light
as dawn breaks over the city

He woke up at the crack of dawn. [=very early in the morning]

She drove from dawn to/until dusk. [=from early morning until early evening]

[count] Winter brings late dawns and early sunsets.

compare DUSK

2 [count] : the beginning of something usually singular;
usually + of

People have fought with each other since the dawn of history/time/civilization.

the dawn of a new era/age
at the dawn of the 21st century

2dawn verb, dawns, dawned, dawn·ing [no obj]

1 : to begin to become light as the sun rises

They waited for the day to dawn.

2 : to start or begin

A new age/era is dawning.

3 : to begin to be understood

Suddenly, the truth dawns.

see also light dawns at 1LIGHT

dawn on [phrasal verb]

dawn on (someone) : to begin to be understood or realized by (someone) for the first time

The solution finally dawned on him. [=he finally saw the solution]

It suddenly dawned on me that I hadn't eaten all day.

It began to dawn on her that she was lost.

dawn·ing noun [noncount]

the dawning [=beginning] of a new day/age/era

day noun, pl days

1 [count] : a period of 24 hours beginning at midnight : one of the seven time periods that make up a week

We're open seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Payment is due on the first day of every month.

“What day is (it) today?” “Tuesday.”

“What day [=date] is Friday?” “It's the 28th.”

“What day of the week is the 28th?” “It's a Friday.”

He spent five days in the hospital.

She left on Thursday and came back four days later.

The baby is due (to be born) in three days.

That was the happiest day of my life.

Parenthood gets better every day.

We'll be finished in a day or two. = We'll be finished in a couple of days.

It rained for a day and a half. [=it rained for about 36 hours]

The office is closed for the day.

I call him every (single) day.

Tomorrow is another day. [=there will be more opportunities to do things tomorrow]

a day of celebration/mourning [=a day for people to celebrate/mourn]

Take one pill two times a day. [=each day]

She works eight hours a day.

It costs 10 dollars a day to park there.

The party is the day after tomorrow. = The party is in two days.

It happened the day before yesterday. = It happened two days ago.

Sometimes they didn't speak to each other for days on end. [=several days]

From that day forth/forward [=(less formally) from then on], I was determined to do better.

If you do not look a day over a particular age, you appear to be that age.

“Today's my 50th birthday.” “Really? I'm surprised. You don't look a day over 40.” [=you don't look any older than 40 years old]

If you say that someone is a particular age if he/she is a day, you mean that the person is that age or older.

The man she's dating is 60 if he's a day. [=he is at least sixty years old]

2 : the time of light between one night and the next : the part of the day when light from the sun can be seen

[count] What a beautiful summer day!

a cold/wet/rainy day

The shortest day of the year is usually December 22, and June 22 is usually the longest.

[noncount] He sleeps during the day [=daytime] and works at night.

You can call me any time, day or night.

These animals are mostly active during the day.

I work during the day. [=I work days]

She's a student by day [=during the day] and a waitress by night.

I woke at (the) break of day. [=(more commonly) dawn, daybreak, sunrise]

day workers [=people who work during the day]

opposite NIGHT

3 : the part of the day when people are usually most active and when most businesses are open

[singular] I like to start my day with a cup of coffee. [=I like to drink a cup of coffee as soon as I wake up]

We decided to rent a car for the day.

How was your day?

By the end of the day, we were all exhausted.

Our neighbors play their loud music at all hours of the day. [=throughout the day]

Let's go to bed. We have an early day [=we will get out of bed early] tomorrow.

I needed to relax after a long day at work/school. [=after working/being at school for a long time]

“Thank you, ma'am. Have a nice day!”

[noncount] I'll be gone all day.

It rained all day long.

People sometimes say that they can't wait all day or don't have all day when they are in a hurry and need someone to move or act more quickly. These phrases are usually used in a rude way.

Hurry up! I can't wait all day! = I don't have all day. = I haven't got all day.

4 [count] : the hours during a day when a person works or goes to school or when a company does business

I put in four twelve-hour days [=workdays] this week.

She makes about 50 dollars a/per day.

He was late for his first day on the job.

They collected a full day's pay for half a day's work.

We had a busy couple of days at the store.

We have a short day tomorrow. [=we have to work fewer hours tomorrow than usual]

The school committee is pushing for a longer school day.

Tomorrow's our last day of school (for the school year).

Please allow 14 business days [=days when most businesses are open; weekdays that are not holidays] for delivery.

If something is all in a day's work for someone, it is part of a person's typical work.

Solving violent crimes is all in a day's work for these police detectives.

To take a/the day off is to decide not to work on a particular day.

He took the day off to go fishing.

5 [count] : the day on which something specified happens or is expected to happen

It rained on their wedding day.

the day of his birth

This Sunday is family day [=a day for families especially with young children] at the amusement park.

If you've been waiting for the perfect skiing conditions, today's the day. [=the conditions are perfect today]

So, when's the big day? When are you getting married?

Did you ever think you'd see the day when he would apologize? [=did you believe he would ever apologize?]

I never thought I would live to see the day when you would graduate from college. [=I did not think I would live long enough to see you graduate]

Let her have her day in court [=let her defend herself in a court of law] before you pass judgment on her.

This is your lucky day. [=a day when something good happens to you]

If a day is your day, something good will happen to you on that day.

You never know. Maybe today will be my day. [=maybe I will succeed, win, etc., today]

I'm sorry you lost. I guess it just wasn't your day.

People sometimes use the phrase that'll be the day to say that they think something will not happen.

“Do you think he'll ever admit he made a mistake?” “That'll be the day!”

6 [count] : a particular period of time

She was the most talented actress of her day. [=during the time when she lived and worked as an actress]

In my day [=when I was young], boys asked girls out on dates, not the other way around.

Life was simpler in my grandmother's day, but it wasn't easier.

We sell books dating from 1875 to the present day. [=today]

often plural

He often spoke about his days as a soldier.

I was quite an athlete in my younger days. [=when I was young]

The practice dates back to the days of ancient Rome.

the olden days
my college days [=when I was in college]

the days of stagecoaches [=when stagecoaches were used]

In those days many factory workers were children.

The saying those were the days is sometimes used to say that a period of time in the past was pleasant and often better than the present time.

When I was a kid, we spent our summers at the beach. Those were the days!

In the 1960s, everything seemed possible. Those were the good old days.

(all) the livelong day see LIVELONG

any day now

: within the next few days : soon

We're expecting a phone call from him any day now. [=in the near future]

Any day now, the decision could be made.

at the end of the day see 1END

call it a day see 1CALL

carry/win the day

: to win or be successful

The “no” vote carried the day. [=prevailed]

We believe that truth and justice will carry/win the day.

day after day

: for several days without stopping or changing

She wore the same pants day after day.

Day after day, we hear the same complaints from our customers.

day and night or night and day

1 : all the time : without stopping

We've been working on it day and night. = We've been working on it night and day.

2 : complete or total

The difference between them is day and night. = The difference between them is night and day. [=they are completely different]

day by day

: in small amounts every day

Day by day, the situation is becoming more complex.

She felt herself growing stronger day by day. [=every day]

If you take it/things day by day, you make progress in a slow and careful way by dealing with each day as it comes.

He hopes to make a full recovery after his surgery, but right now he's just taking it day by day. [=taking it one day at a time, taking each day as it comes]

I don't know if our relationship is going to work out. I'm taking things day by day at this point.

day in, day out or day in and day out

: every day for many days : for a long time without stopping or changing

She does the same thing at her job day in, day out.

It can be difficult to spend all of your time with one person day in and day out.

days are numbered see 2NUMBER

early days (yet) see 2EARLY

every dog has its day see 1DOG

for a rainy day see RAINY

from day to day

: every day

His opinions seem to change from day to day. [=from one day to the next]

see also DAY-TO-DAY

from one day to the next

: every day

She changes her mind from one day to the next. [=from day to day]

: as one day becomes another day

You never know from one day to the next what's going to happen to you.

give (someone) the time of day
chiefly US informal : to pay attention to someone
usually used in negative statements

No one would give us the time of day.

I needed their help, but they wouldn't give me the time of day.

glory days see 1GLORY

have seen/known better days see 1BETTER

in all your born days see BORN

in the cold light of day see 1COLD

in this day and age

: at the present time in history

Computers are essential to getting work done in this day and age. [=nowadays]

It's unbelievable that in this day and age people are still dying from hunger.

it is not every day

used to say that something happens very rarely

It's not every day that I get to meet the President.

Go ahead and spend the extra money. It's not every day that you get married.

late in the day see 1LATE

make someone's day

: to cause someone's day to be pleasant or happy

Thanks for the compliment. You've really made my day!

It made my day to see his smiling face.

of the day

1 : served in a restaurant as a special item on a particular day

What's the fish/vegetable of the day?

Our soup of the day [=du jour] is vegetable beef.

2 : of a particular period of time

What were some of the popular movies of the day? [=that were popular during that time]

the important issues of the day

one day

1 : at some time in the future

One day, it'll happen. You'll see.

People may one day [=someday] be able to take vacations to the moon.

2 : on a day in the past

I went to her house one day and had lunch with her.

One day, we had a terrible argument.

on the day

Brit : on the day that an event happens

I know we seem a bit disorganized now, but we'll be all right on the day.

Whether we win or not depends on which players are healthy on the day.

save the day see 1SAVE

see the light of day see 1LIGHT

some day

: at some time in the future : someday

Some day I may be rich enough to own two houses.

I'd like to return there some day.

take each day as it comes or take one day at a time or take it/things one day at a time

: to deal with each day's problems as they come instead of worrying about the future

There's no way to know what the future will bring, so just take each day as it comes and hope for the best.

Take one day at a time and don't expect things to change overnight.

It's important to take things one day at a time so you don't feel too overwhelmed.

the other day see 1OTHER

these days

: at the present time

It seems that everyone has a cell phone these days. [=nowadays]

What kind of music are you listening to these days?

These days, she has a very busy social life.

The phrase one of these days means at some time in the future.

One of these days, [=one day] I'm going to buy myself a boat.

those days

: a period of time in the past

Remember when we were kids and life was easy? Well, those days are gone.

In those days, women weren't allowed to own property.

No one knew in those days what caused the disease.

If it is (just) one of those days, it is a day in which many bad or unpleasant things happen.

It's just one of those days when everything seems to go wrong.

I missed the bus and sprained my ankle; it was one of those days when nothing was going right.

to the day

: to exactly a specified number of years

It's been 100 years to the day since their great discovery.

Soon after their wedding, almost a year to the day, they got divorced.

to this day

: up to now : continuing until today

To this day, I still don't know what happened.

The belief persists to this day.

day·bed noun, pl -beds [count]

: a bed that is made to be used also as a seat or couch

day·break noun [noncount]

: the time of day when sunlight first begins to appear

She left at daybreak [=dawn, the break of day]

day care noun [noncount]

: a place, program, or organization that takes care of children or sick adults during the day usually while their family members are at work

She left work early to pick up her son from day care.

often used before another noun

He works for/at a day care center.

1day·dream noun, pl -dreams [count]

: pleasant thoughts about your life or future that you have while you are awake

I drifted off in a daydream during the class.

2daydream verb, -dreams, -dreamed, -dream·ing [no obj]

: to think pleasant thoughts about your life or future while you are awake

Instead of studying, he spent the afternoon daydreaming about his vacation.

day·dream·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Day-Glo trademark
used for materials or colors that are very bright

day laborer noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who is hired for a day or more to do work that usually does not require special skills

They hire day laborers to pick the apples.

day·light noun, pl -lights

1 [noncount] : the light of the sun and sky during the day : the natural light of day

Open up the curtains and let some daylight into the room.

As daylight fades into darkness, everyone returns to their homes.

For pictures taken in daylight, use a different film.

We could see daylight through the cracks in the wall.

They stole my car in broad daylight. [=during the day; without darkness to hide them]

Some of the stuff in that closet hasn't seen daylight [=seen the light of day] since the 1970s.

2 [noncount]

2 a : the time of day when the sky is light

It's almost daylight. [=daytime]

during the hours of daylight = during daylight hours

2 b : the time of day when sunlight first begins to appear

I arrived before daylight. [=dawn, daybreak]

The accident happened just after daylight.

3 [noncount] informal : distance or difference between people or things

They said there was no daylight between the two governments' positions.

The team has won five straight games to put some daylight between themselves and their nearest rivals. [=to gain a larger lead over their nearest rivals]

4 daylights [plural] informal

To scare/frighten the (living) daylights out of someone is to frighten someone very much.

You scared the daylights out of me!

To beat/kick/knock the (living) daylights out of someone is to hit or kick someone very badly.

They beat the daylights out of that guy.

daylight saving time noun [noncount]

US : a period of the year between spring and fall when clocks in the U.S. are set one hour ahead of standard time called also daylight savings time compare BRITISH SUMMER TIME

day·lily noun, pl -lilies [count]

: a kind of plant that has long thin leaves and usually yellow or orange flowers that bloom for a short time

day·long adj

: lasting an entire day
a daylong tour of the city

day one or Day One noun [singular]

: the first day or very beginning of something

We've known this about the project since/from Day One.

The new governor will start implementing these changes on day one. [=the first day of the governor's term]

day·pack noun, pl -packs [count]

: a bag for carrying things that has two shoulder straps and is carried on the back : a usually small backpack

day·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a room in a hospital, prison, etc., where people can watch television, talk, etc.

days adv
chiefly US : during the day : in the daytime

She works days and goes to school nights.

compare NIGHTS

day·time noun [noncount]

1 : the time of day when the sky is light

These animals are active during the daytime.

daytime [=daylight] hours

2 : television that is shown during the day

It's the best new show on daytime.

usually used before another noun
daytime talk shows
daytime TV

day-to-day adj, always used before a noun

1 : done or happening every day

She is in charge of the company's day-to-day operations.

day-to-day activities

Little is known about his day-to-day [=everyday] life.

our day-to-day problems/concerns/worries
people who use computers on a day-to-day basis [=every day]

2 : preparing for one day at a time without thinking about the future

He had been living a day-to-day existence.

day trader noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who tries to earn money by buying stocks and then selling them very quickly after they increase slightly in value

day trading noun [noncount]

daze noun [singular]

: a state in which someone (such as a person who has been surprised or injured) is not able to think or act normally
used in the phrase in a daze

After the test, I spent the rest of the day in a daze.

lost in a daze

dazed adj [more ; most ]

: not able to think or act normally because you have been surprised, injured, etc.

She was dazed and confused after being hit on the head with a golf ball.

He had a dazed [=stunned] look on his face.

daz·zle verb, daz·zles, daz·zled, daz·zling

1 [+ obj] of a bright light : to cause (someone) to be unable to see for a short time

He was dazzled [=blinded] by the camera flash.

2 : to greatly impress or surprise (someone) by being very attractive or exciting

[+ obj] Elvis always dazzled his audiences.

Visitors were dazzled by the mansion's ornate rooms.

often + with

She dazzled us with her wit.

[no obj] She truly dazzles in her live concerts.

see also RAZZLE-DAZZLE

dazzle noun [noncount]

the dazzle [=sparkle] of the diamonds

daz·zler noun, pl daz·zlers [count]

He's a real dazzler.

dazzling adj [more ; most ]

a dazzling array/variety of jewelry
the most dazzling display of color
her dazzling smile

daz·zling·ly adv [more ; most ]

Her teeth were dazzlingly white.

dB abbr
decibel

DC abbr

1 direct current

2 or D.C. District of Columbia

D-day noun [singular]

: a day on which something important is planned or expected to happen

The day after Thanksgiving is D-day for many retail stores.

D-day is most commonly used to refer to the specific date of June 6, 1944, when Allied forces began the invasion of France in World War II.

DDS abbr
doctor of dental surgery

DDT noun [noncount]

: a poisonous chemical that was used especially in the past to protect plants from insects and that is now banned in the U.S.

DE abbr

Delaware

de- prefix

1 : do the opposite of
decode
deactivate

2 a : remove (a specified thing) from something
declaw a cat
defrost a windshield

2 b : remove someone or something from something

The king was dethroned.

2 c : leave or get off something
derail
deplane

3 : reduce
devalue currency

dea·con noun, pl -cons [count]

1 : an official in some Christian churches whose rank is just below a priest

2 : a member of some Christian churches who has special duties

dea·con·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

: a woman in some Christian churches who has special duties : a female deacon

de·ac·ti·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) no longer active or effective

They were able to deactivate [=(more commonly) disarm] the bomb.

deactivate an alarm

1dead adj

1 : no longer alive or living : no longer having life

Her husband is dead. He died last year.

She's been dead for over 10 years now. [=she died more than 10 years ago]

a dead insect/bird/dog
dead trees/leaves/skin
the dead [=lifeless] bodies of the soldiers

He was found dead in his apartment yesterday.

He lay dead on the floor.

The lost mountain climbers were believed/presumed dead.

She shot him dead. [=she killed him by shooting him]

When we found her, she was more dead than alive. [=almost dead; very close to death]

The poster said that the robbers were wanted dead or alive.

He was as good as dead. [=he was almost dead]

She taught her dog to play dead. [=to lie on its back and pretend to be dead]

usage see deceased

To leave (someone or something) for dead is to leave a person or animal that you know will probably die instead of trying to help.

They hit the dog with their car and left it for dead on the side of the road.

He had been badly beaten and left for dead.

2 a dead·er, -est [or more ; most ] : not able to feel or move

My hand was dead [=numb] after holding the bag for so long.

2 b : very tired

Our legs were completely dead after hiking all day.

I arrived home from work half dead. [=exhausted]

By the end of the day the workers were dead on their feet. [=very tired but still standing, working, etc.]

2 c : feeling no emotions

After the war, I was emotionally dead. [=I was no longer able to feel happiness, sadness, etc.]

3 informal : certain to be punished or hurt

I'm dead if I come in late for work again.

If I ever get my hands on you, you're dead!

4 of a machine or device : no longer working especially because of not having electricity

The car's battery is dead.

dead electrical outlets
a dead telephone line

The phones went dead during the storm.

5 : no longer active or operating
a dead [=extinct] volcano
dead companies

That plan is dead for now. We've started developing a new one.

a dead deal

6 : naturally not living
rocks and other dead [=inanimate] matter

7 deader, -est [or more ; most ] : lacking in activity or excitement

The store's been dead [=quiet] all day.

This party's completely dead. [=it is not lively]

The audience was kind of dead tonight.

8
used to describe a time when nothing is being said or done

We played cards to fill in the dead time between the two performances.

9 : no longer performed or enjoyed

He says that disco is dead.

a dead art form

10 of a language : no longer spoken

Latin is a dead language.

11 sports
used to describe a situation in which play stops during a game

In American football, the ball is dead [=out of play] after an incomplete forward pass.

The ball is dead if it goes beyond the white line.

12 a : complete, total, or absolute

There was dead silence in the room.

She spoke with dead certainty.

I chased them at a dead run for three miles.

The camera is a dead giveaway [=clearly shows] that you're a tourist.

She fell to the floor in a dead faint.

The evening wasn't all I had hoped for, but is wasn't a dead loss. [=it wasn't completely bad]

He's a dead ringer for [=he looks exactly like] his father.

(Brit, informal) They're a dead cert [=a sure thing, a sure bet] to win. [=they are certain to win]

12 b : sudden and complete

The bus came to a dead [=abrupt] stop.

13 : perfect or exact

Her arrow hit the dead [=very] center of the target.

(as) dead as a doornail (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit (as) dead as a dodo
informal
used to stress that someone or something is dead

The old captain was dead as a doornail.

often used figuratively

The negotiations are as dead as a doornail.

The deal is dead as a doornail.

beat a dead horse or flog a dead horse see 1HORSE

catch/see (someone) dead
informal

If you say that people wouldn't/won't catch/see you dead or that you wouldn't/won't be caught/seen dead doing something, you refuse to let others see you doing it because it would cause you to be embarrassed.

I wouldn't be caught/seen dead wearing that hideous outfit.

She won't be caught dead going to the movies with her obnoxious brother.

dead and buried or dead and gone

1 : no longer living : dead

He's been dead and buried for 50 years.

relatives long dead and gone

2 : no longer used or accepted

Those old family traditions are dead and buried.

That idea is dead and buried.

The days of our childhood are dead and gone.

dead from the neck up
informal : very stupid or foolish

Most of his friends are dead from the neck up.

dead in the water
informal : not making any progress : not having any chance of success

The peace talks were dead in the water.

His election campaign is dead in the water.

dead men tell no tales see TALE

dead on arrival

: having died before getting to a hospital, emergency room, etc.

The victim was dead on arrival at the hospital.

often used figuratively

Some are saying that any new tax proposal would be dead on arrival. [=would have no chances of being approved]

dead to rights see 3RIGHT

dead to the world
informal : sleeping very deeply

You can't wake him up. He's dead to the world.

drop dead
informal

1 : to fall to the ground and die very suddenly

She dropped dead while playing basketball.

2
used as a rude way to tell someone to leave you alone

“He asked you for help after being such a jerk? You should have told him to drop dead!”

see also DROP-DEAD

knock dead see 1KNOCK

over my dead body see BODY

dead·ness noun [noncount]

2dead noun, pl dead

1 [plural] : people who have died

By the end of the war, there were over two million dead.

usually used with the
the living and the dead

His mother and brother were among the dead.

the souls/spirits of the dead

2 the dead : the state of being dead
usually used in the phrases rise from the dead or come back from the dead or return from the dead to mean to become alive again after dying

For a moment, I thought that my grandfather had come back from the dead.

They believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead.

3 [noncount] : the time in the middle of the night or winter

She left in the dead of the night. = She left at dead of night. [=she left very late at night]

He began his journey in the dead of winter.

3dead adv

1 : completely or totally

I think you're dead [=absolutely, utterly] wrong.

She's dead certain that she can finish the job.

We were dead tired by the end of the day.

He's not joking. In fact, he's dead serious.

They were both dead drunk and passed out on the floor.

She finished the race dead last.

The mayor was dead set against [=strongly opposed to] the plan.

She was dead set on going to college. [=she was completely certain she wanted to go to college]

2 : in a sudden and complete way

He stopped dead in his tracks. [=stopped suddenly]

3 : directly or exactly

The island is dead ahead of us. [=the island is right in front of us]

She hung the picture dead center on the wall. [=she hung the picture in the exact center of the wall]

dead air noun [noncount]

: a period of silence especially during a radio broadcast

After the commercial, there were a few seconds of dead air before the show continued.

dead·beat noun, pl -beats [count]

disapproving

1 : a lazy person : a person who does not work

His friends are just a bunch of deadbeats.

2 chiefly US : a person who does not pay money that is owed

He was accused of being a deadbeat.

often used before another noun
a deadbeat dad [=a father who owes money to his former wife to help raise their children but does not pay it]

dead bolt noun, pl bolts [count]

chiefly US : a lock with a heavy sliding bar that is moved by turning a knob or key called also (Brit) deadlock, mortise lock

dead duck noun, pl ducks [count]

informal + humorous : a person or thing that is certain to fail, suffer, or be punished

If they find out what I did, I'm a dead duck!

dead·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) weaker or less noticeable

All the different perfumes deadened [=dulled] her sense of smell.

He took aspirin to deaden the pain.

The new insulation will help to deaden the noise from the street outside.

deadening adj [more ; most ]

All the different perfumes had a deadening effect on her sense of smell.

dead end noun, pl ends [count]

1 : a street that ends instead of joining with another street so that there is only one way in and out of it

We came to a dead end and had to turn around.

2 : a situation, plan, or way of doing something that leads to nothing further

My career has hit a dead end.

political dead ends

dead-end adj, always used before a noun
dead-end streets/roads

He's stuck in a dead-end job. [=a job that does not pay you very much and does not give you a chance to get a better job]

a dead-end relationship

dead·head verb, -heads, -head·ed, -head·ing [+ obj]

: to remove dead flowers from (a plant)

She's out in the garden deadheading the rosebushes.

dead heat noun, pl heats [count]

: a contest in which two or more competitors earn the same score or finish at the same time
usually singular

The two horses finished in a dead heat.

The election poll showed a statistical dead heat. [=showed that the two candidates were equally popular]

dead letter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a letter that cannot be delivered or returned by the post office because of an incorrect address or other problem

2 : a law or agreement that has lost its force or authority
usually singular

Unfortunately, the treaty is now a dead letter in this country.

dead·line noun, pl -lines

: a date or time when something must be finished : the last day, hour, or minute that something will be accepted

[count] She worked on her composition right up until the deadline.

We had to hurry to meet/make the deadline.

We missed the deadline.

The project was completed a week past its deadline.

The deadline for submitting college applications is April 19th.

They're working under/with a deadline.

[noncount] They're working under deadline.

1dead·lock noun, pl -locks [count]

1 : a situation in which an agreement cannot be made : a situation in which ending a disagreement is impossible because neither side will give up something that it wants

The jury was unable to break/end the deadlock. [=unable to agree on a verdict]

City councilors reached a deadlock over the law.

2 US : a situation in which players, teams, etc., have the same score : tie

His goal broke a 33 deadlock.

3 Brit : dead bolt

2deadlock verb, -locks, -locked, -lock·ing

1 [no obj] : to be unable to end a disagreement

The jury deadlocked [=failed to agree on a verdict] after three days of deliberations.

2 US : to have the same number of points, votes, etc., as your opponent

[no obj] The two teams deadlocked [=tied] in a scoreless match.

[+ obj] Her home run deadlocked [=tied] the game at 33.

deadlocked adj

City councilors are deadlocked over the budget.

a deadlocked jury
a deadlocked game

1dead·ly adj, dead·li·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 : causing or able to cause death
deadly weapons
the world's most deadly snake
a more deadly form of the disease

They launched a deadly attack.

Officers are allowed to use deadly force if necessary.

compare DEATHLY

2 : extremely accurate and effective

She shoots with deadly accuracy.

a basketball player with deadly aim

3 always used before a noun : extreme or complete

A deadly silence followed his question.

The two gang leaders are deadly enemies.

He spoke with deadly seriousness.

4 informal : very boring

The lecture was pretty deadly.

dead·li·ness noun [noncount]

the deadliness of the disease

synonyms

DEADLY, MORTAL, FATAL, and LETHAL mean causing or able to cause death. DEADLY describes something that is very dangerous and likely or able to cause death.

deadly diseases
deadly weapons

MORTAL describes a wound or injury that has already caused death or will soon cause death.

She received a mortal wound and died the next day.

FATAL describes something that has actually caused a person's death.

The disease is sometimes fatal.

The wounds later proved to be fatal.

LETHAL usually describes something like a poison that is used for the purpose of destroying life.

a lethal gas

2deadly adv, deadlier, -est [or more ; most ]

: extremely or completely

He's deadly [=dead] serious about finding another job.

a deadly boring/dull meeting

deadly night·shade noun, pl -shades [count]

: belladonna

deadly sin noun, pl sins [count]

: one of seven sins that in the Christian religion are considered to be very serious and are believed to cause other sins

The seven deadly sins are usually considered to be pride, envy, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, and sloth.

dead meat noun [noncount]

informal + humorous : a person or thing that is certain to fail, suffer, or be punished

Politically, she's dead meat. [=her political career is ruined]

If they find out what you did, you're dead meat!

dead-on adj
somewhat informal : exactly correct or accurate

His impersonation of the President was dead-on.

She was dead-on about what was going to happen.

a dead-on analysis

1dead·pan adj [more ; most ]

: showing no feeling or emotion
used to describe humor that is done or said in a serious way
deadpan humor
a deadpan comedian
the deadpan delivery of his jokes

deadpan adv

“We're not interested,” she said deadpan.

2deadpan noun [noncount]

: a way of saying funny things without showing any feeling or emotion

He tells the joke in his best deadpan.

She's a master of deadpan.

the art of deadpan

3deadpan verb, -pans, -pan·ned, -pan·ning [+ obj]

: to say (something funny) in a way that shows no feeling or emotion

“I went back to doing push-ups again, and this time I almost completed one,” he deadpanned.

dead presidents noun [plural]

US slang : U.S. money in the form of paper bills
a briefcase full of dead presidents

dead weight noun, pl weights

1 : something heavy that is being carried

[count] The injured child was a dead weight in her arms.

[noncount] carrying 150 pounds of dead weight

2 : someone or something that makes success more difficult

[count] He was a dead weight on the team this year.

[noncount] The company has a lot of dead weight [=deadwood] it needs to get rid of.

dead·wood noun [noncount]

1 : people or things that are not useful or helpful in achieving a goal

She's determined to get the deadwood out of the company.

the government's bureaucratic deadwood

2 : dead wood on a tree
a healthy tree with no deadwood

deaf adj [more ; most ]

1 : not able to hear

He has been deaf since birth.

a deaf child

She's completely/partially deaf in her right ear.

a disease that caused her to go deaf [=become unable to hear]

He's going a little deaf so you'll have to speak up.

(informal) My grandmother's a sweet old lady, but she's as deaf as a post. [=she's very deaf]

see also TONE-DEAF

2 : not willing to listen to or consider something
usually + to

They were deaf to all of our suggestions.

deaf to reason

fall on deaf ears see 1EAR

the deaf

: deaf people : people who are not able to hear

She goes to a school for the deaf.

turn a deaf ear see 1EAR

deaf·ness noun [noncount]

The disease can cause blindness and deafness.

deaf·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) unable to hear

We were deafened by the explosion.

deafening adj [more ; most ]

: extremely loud

The sign fell with a deafening [=earsplitting] crash.

the deafening roar of the planes

The music was deafening.

If there is a deafening silence or the silence is deafening, there is a lack of sound or speech that is very noticeable.

The silence was deafening as they both sat there stubbornly refusing to apologize.

As the controversy rages on, the deafening silence from the White House is drawing increasing criticism.

deaf·en·ing·ly adv
deafeningly loud music

deaf-mute noun, pl -mutes [count]

old-fashioned + often offensive : a deaf person who cannot speak

1deal verb, deals, dealt , deal·ing

1 : to give cards to the players in a card game

[no obj] It's your turn to deal.

[+ obj] Each player is dealt five cards.

She was dealt a full house.

dealing out the cards for a game of poker
often used figuratively

She was dealt a bad/cruel/terrible hand in life. [=many bad things happened to her throughout her life]

You have to play the hand you're dealt. [=you must accept and deal with the things that happen to you in your life]

2 [+ obj] : to give (something or an amount of something) to someone

The offending players were dealt harsh penalties.

The team was dealt another loss last night. [=the team lost another game]

usually + out

The teacher dealt [=handed] out three books to each of us.

The author deals [=doles] out advice on all kinds of subjects.

3 : to buy and sell (drugs, art, etc.) as a business

[+ obj] She got caught dealing drugs in school.

[no obj] (informal) How long has he been dealing? [=dealing drugs]

see also wheel and deal at 2WHEEL

deal a blow

To deal a blow to someone means to hit someone.

(formal) He dealt his enemy a mighty blow. [=he hit his enemy hard]

usually used figuratively

The factory closing will deal a serious/severe/devastating/crushing blow to the town's economy.

Her career as an ice skater was dealt a fatal blow [=her career was ruined] when she broke her leg.

deal in [phrasal verb]

1 deal in (something)

1 a : to buy and sell (something) as a business

He deals in rare books.

1 b : to use or be involved in (something)

tales dealing in myth and mystery

We don't deal in rumor or gossip.

2 deal (someone) in : to include someone in a card game

“Do you want to play cards with us?” “Sure, deal me in.”

deal with [phrasal verb]

deal with (someone or something)

1 : to be about (something) : to have (something) as a subject

The book deals with World War II.

Her speech dealt with health care and the nation's economy.

The film deals with some serious issues.

2 : to make business agreements with (someone)

He deals fairly with all his customers.

Their salespeople are very easy to deal with.

3 : to do something about (a person or thing that causes a problem or difficult situation)

The government dealt harshly with the rebels.

I'll deal with you later.

Who's going to deal with this mess?

I dealt with the problem myself.

Can you suggest some ways of dealing with a difficult child?

We weren't able/equipped/prepared to deal with such a large crowd of people.

He needs to learn how to deal with his anger.

4 : to accept or try to accept (something that is true and cannot be changed) : to control your feelings about (something)

She's still trying to deal with his death.

I'm still dealing with the fact that we lost the game.

The weather is bad, but we'll just have to deal with it.

deal·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a used car dealer
drug dealers

2deal noun, pl deals

1 [singular] : a large number or amount : a lot
used in the phrases a good deal or a great deal

It doesn't cost a great deal of money. [=doesn't cost much money]

I spent a good deal of time [=a lot of time] thinking about it.

It would mean a great deal to us if you would come.

I learned a great deal from my mistakes.

It's a good deal [=much] faster to go by bus.

I felt a great deal better after the surgery.

The town hasn't changed a great deal since we left.

2 [count] : the act of giving cards to each player in a card game
usually singular

It's your deal. [=it's your turn to deal]

I have time for one more deal. [=hand, round]

compare 3DEAL

3deal noun, pl deals

1 [count] : an agreement between two or more people or groups that helps each in some way
business deals

I'll make you a deal. If you help me fix my flat tire, I'll buy you dinner.

The company made/negotiated a new 10-million-dollar deal with the government.

We were about to close/seal the deal [=make the agreement official] when we realized that there was a mistake in the contract.

The two sides finally struck a deal [=came to an agreement] after weeks of negotiations.

an arms deal [=an agreement to buy or sell weapons] between two countries

The band got/landed/signed a record deal. = The band cut a deal with the record company.

She got a book deal with a major publisher.

We were offered a package deal [=a single price for a set of items or services] that included plane tickets, hotel accommodations, and tickets to shows in the area.

We think it's a fair/square deal. [=a fair agreement]

see also DONE DEAL, SWEETHEART DEAL

2 [singular] : a way of treating someone

He was going to take the promotion here but another company offered him a better deal. [=offered him more money, benefits, prestige, etc.]

see also BIG DEAL, RAW DEAL

3 [count] : a price that is fair or lower than the usual price

We got a (good) deal on a new car.

I think we can get a better deal somewhere else.

Now that's a great deal!

4 the deal informal : basic information about a person, thing, or situation

What's the deal [=story, situation] with that guy?

Here's the deal. You're going to stay here while I go find help.

What's the deal with those shoes you're wearing? [=Why are you wearing those shoes?]

one-shot deal

: something that happens only one time

This offer is a one-shot-deal.

We don't want this to be a one-shot deal. We hope to have the festival every year.

the real deal
informal : something or someone that is real or genuine : a thing or person that is not a copy or imitation

These diamonds aren't fake. They're the real deal.

That guy looked so much like Elvis, I almost thought he was the real deal. [=I almost thought he was Elvis]

compare 2DEAL

deal·er·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

: a business that sells a specified kind of product
a car dealership

dealing noun, pl -ings

1 deal·ings [plural] : the actions that are a main part of the relationship between people, groups, organizations, etc. : social or business interactions

There were reports of shady dealings between the two sides.

often + with

They were honest in their dealings with other nations.

her financial dealings with the company

2 [noncount] : a way of behaving or of doing business

He has a reputation for fair dealing.

dealt past tense and past participle of 1DEAL

dean noun, pl deans [count]

1 : a person who is in charge of one of the parts of a university (such as a college or school)

She's the dean of the university's business school.

the dean of liberal arts

2 : a person whose job is to give advice to the students in a college or high school and to make sure that they obey the school's rules
the dean of students

3 US : a person who has more experience in or knowledge about a particular profession, subject, etc., than anyone or almost anyone

She's considered the dean [=doyen] of American architecture.

4 : a Christian priest who is in charge of several other priests or churches

dean·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

She recently resigned her deanship.

dean's list noun, pl lists [count]

US : a list of students at a college or university who have earned high grades compare HONOR ROLL

1dear adj, dear·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : loved or valued very much

He's a dear [=precious] friend of mine.

my dearest friend

Our neighbor is a dear old lady.

often + to

My grandmother was very dear to me.

The book is dear to the hearts of many young readers.

2
used in writing to address someone

Dear Sir or Madam

Dear Jane

3 chiefly Brit : having a high price : expensive

Peaches are dear this time of year.

for dear life see 1LIFE

2dear adv

: with love and respect
used in the phrase hold dear

She lost her family, her homeeverything that she held dear. [=loved and valued most]

the way of life they hold dear

see also cost you dear at 2COST

3dear noun, pl dears [count]

1
used to address someone you love

Hello, dear. [=darling, sweetheart]

Yes, my dear?

John, dear, what time will you be home?

2 : a kind and helpful person

Be a dear and take this for me.

4dear interj

used especially to express surprise, fear, or disappointment

Oh dear! What a mess!

Oh, dear me!

Dear God! What are we going to do?

dear·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : very much

She loved him dearly.

I would dearly love to see them again.

He dearly wanted to believe that it was true.

her dearly beloved husband [=her husband, whom she loved very much]

see also dearly beloved at BELOVED

2 : in a way that is difficult or severe

The men paid dearly for their crimes. [=they were punished severely]

see also cost you dearly at 2COST

dearth noun [singular]

formal : the state or condition of not having enough of something : lack

+ of

The dearth [=scarcity] of jobs in the city forced many families to leave the area.

a dearth of evidence

death noun, pl deaths

1 a [noncount] : the end of life : the time when someone or something dies
birth, life, and eventual death
fear of death

She is close to death. [=she will die soon]

death threats

The hostage managed to escape death. [=avoid being killed]

The newspaper did not report the cause of death.

She was convicted of murder and sentenced/condemned to death. [=told that she would be killed as punishment]

see also BRAIN DEATH, death knell at KNELL

1 b [count] : the ending of a particular person's life

People around the world mourned his death.

She worked at the newspaper until her death at (age) 74.

The accident resulted in two deaths.

The number of deaths from cancer is rising.

He died a violent/tragic death.

There has been a death in the family.

She survived the plane crash and many years later died a natural death. [=from natural causes; because she was old]

The general met his death on the battlefield.

2 [count] : the permanent end of something that is not alive : the ruin or destruction of something
the death of innocence
the death of vaudeville
the death of a marriage

3 Death [noncount] literary : the force that ends life and is often shown in art or literature as a skeleton

Death could be seen lurking in the corner of the painting.

when Death comes to take me away

a matter of life and death see 1LIFE

at death's door

: about to die : very sick and in danger of dying

He is sick, but he's not at death's door.

be the death of

: to cause (someone) to die

I worry that his drug addiction will be the death of him.

often used figuratively

Those kids will be the death of me! [=they worry and upset me very much]

catch your death (of cold) see 1CATCH

like death warmed over (US) or Brit like death warmed up
informal : very tired or sick

We worked through the night, and by morning we looked like death warmed over.

put to death

A person or animal that is put to death is killed at a scheduled time by someone who is legally allowed to do so.

a serial killer who was put to death [=executed] for the murder of 28 people

The dog that attacked the children was later put to death.

to death

1
used to say how someone died or was killed

He was shot/stabbed to death.

They froze/starved to death.

She drank herself to death. [=drank a lot of alcohol until it made her so sick that she died]

2 : very much : to a great degree

We were bored/scared to death. [=extremely bored/scared]

That teacher works her students to death. [=she makes them work too hard]

He's wonderful! I just love him to death!

I'm sick to death of hearing about the scandal. [=I don't want to hear anything more about the scandal; I've heard too much about it]

That song has been done to death. [=many musicians have performed that song]

to the death

1 : until someone is dead

The warriors would fight to the death.

a battle to the death

2 : with all of your energy and effort

Some parents do not want the school to be closed, and say they'll fight to the death for it.

see also BLACK DEATH, KISS OF DEATH, SUDDEN DEATH

death·like adj
a deathlike state

death·bed noun, pl -beds

on your deathbed

: in the bed that you will soon die in

She made a startling confession on her deathbed. [=just before she died]

often used figuratively to say that someone is very close to dying or very sick

She's convinced that the old man is on his deathbed, but he looks healthy enough to me.

I was so sick with the flupractically on my deathbed.

deathbed adj, always used before a noun
a deathbed confession [=a confession made just before someone dies]

death benefit noun, pl -fits [count]

: money that an insurance company pays to the family of someone who has died because that person had life insurance

death blow noun, pl blows [count]

1 : an act that kills a person or animal

The general received his death blow in battle.

2 : an act or event that causes the end of something

Recent declines in the economy have dealt the ailing company its final death blow.

death camp noun, pl camps [count]

: a place where large numbers of prisoners are taken to be killed during a war : a concentration camp where many people are killed

Nazi death camps

death certificate noun, pl -cates [count]

: an official document that gives information about a person's death (such as when and how the death happened)

death-defying adj

: very dangerous
death-defying stunts

death duty noun, pl duties [count]

Brit : estate tax

death grip noun [singular]

: a very tight hold on something

He drove straight through the storm, never loosening his death grip on the steering wheel.

often used figuratively to suggest that something has a powerful and harmful effect on something else

The group is trying to release the death grip [=hold] that drugs have on their neighborhood.

death·less adj

used to describe something that will never end or be forgotten
deathless [=immortal] fame

often used in a joking or ironic way to describe writing that is very bad

The band's deathless lyrics still haunt the airwaves.

deathless prose

1death·ly adj

: relating to or seeming like death : causing you to think of death
a deathly fear

A deathly silence filled the room.

compare 1DEADLY

2deathly adv

1 : in a way that is close to death or dying

He became deathly ill.

2 : in a way that makes you think of death

The room was deathly [=utterly] quiet.

She's deathly afraid of snakes.

death mask noun, pl masks [count]

: a mask of a person's face that is created just after the person has died by pressing a substance over the face and leaving it there until it becomes hard

death penalty noun

the death penalty

: death as a punishment given by a court of law for very serious crimes

If convicted, he could face the death penalty. [=his punishment may be that he will be killed]

She opposes the death penalty. [=capital punishment]

death rate noun, pl rates [count]

1 : a number that shows how many people died in a particular place or during a particular time

There was a decline in the country's death rate after its health care improved.

compare BIRTHRATE

2 : the number of deaths from a specific cause in a particular area during a particular time period

Lung cancer death rates are up.

The death rate from accidents is rising.

death rattle noun, pl rattles [count]

: a sound that is sometimes heard coming from a dying person's throat or chest
often used figuratively
the death rattle of a dying industry

death ray noun, pl rays [count]

in stories : a weapon that sends out a very strong beam of energy that usually looks like light and that is able to destroy almost anything

death row noun [noncount]

: the part of a prison where prisoners who will be killed as punishment for their crimes live until they are killed
death row inmates
often used after on

He was on death row for 12 years before he was executed.

death sentence noun, pl -tences [count]

1 : the decision by a court of law that the punishment for someone's crime will be death

She received a death sentence for the murders.

2 a : something (such as a disease) that is sure to cause death
usually singular

With the new medicines available, AIDS is no longer an automatic death sentence.

2 b : an act or event that ends something permanently
usually singular

The cut in funding was a death sentence for the school's music program.

death's-head noun, pl -heads [count]

: a picture of the bones of a human head : a human skull used as a symbol for death
a black shirt with a white death's-head on the back

death squad noun, pl squads [count]

: a group of people who kill people who oppose a particular ruler or political group

death tax noun, pl taxes [count]

chiefly US : estate tax

death throes noun [plural]

: the violent movements and noises that are sometimes made by a person who is about to die

The opera ends with the hero in his death throes.

often used figuratively
the death throes of a failing industry
a sinking ship in its death throes

death toll noun, pl tolls [count]

: the number of people who die in an accident, disaster, war, etc.

usually singular

Three people who were injured in the accident have died, pushing the death toll up to 116.

The virus's death toll is expected to rise.

death trap noun, pl traps [count]

informal : a building, vehicle, etc., that is very dangerous and could cause someone's death

That old elevator is a death trap.

The factory was a death trap with too few exits for the workers to use in case of a fire.

death warrant noun, pl -rants [count]

: an official document ordering a person to be killed as a punishment
often used figuratively

The law suit was the company's death warrant.

If you share needles with other drug users, you're signing your own death warrant. [=you are doing something that will cause your own death]

death·watch noun, pl -watch·es [count]

: a situation in which people stay with someone who is dying while waiting for death to occur
usually singular

Her family gathered for the deathwatch.

sometimes used figuratively

It looked like his acting career was over, but this new movie suggests that it is time to call off the deathwatch. [=the actor may become successful again]

death wish noun [singular]

: a desire to die

Have you seen the way she drives? She must have a death wish.

deb noun, pl debs [count]

informal : debutante

de·ba·cle Brit noun, pl de·ba·cles [count]

: a great disaster or complete failure

After the debacle of his first novel, he had trouble getting a publisher for his next book.

a military debacle
an economic debacle

de·bar verb, -bars, -barred, -bar·ring [+ obj]

formal : to officially prevent (someone) from having or doing something
usually + from

The law debars him from running for reelection.

often used as (be) debarred

She was debarred from receiving the scholarship when her criminal record came to light.

de·bar·ment noun [noncount]

de·bark verb, -barks, -barked, -bark·ing [no obj]

: to leave a ship or plane

The passengers debarked [=(more commonly) disembarked] in Miami.

opposite EMBARK

de·base verb, -bas·es, -based, -bas·ing [+ obj]

: to lower the value or reputation of (someone or something) : to make (someone or something) less respected

The governor debased himself by lying to the public.

The holiday has been debased by commercialism.

debased adj [more ; most ]

a debased form of entertainment
a debased coin/currency

de·base·ment noun [noncount]

the debasement of women

debasing adj [more ; most ]

Those ads are debasing [=insulting] to women.

a debasing comment

de·bat·able adj [more ; most ]

used to say that something may or may not be true or real

The benefit of the tax cuts is highly debatable.

The vaccine is of debatable [=questionable] valueit has been known to make some people quite sick.

Whether the report is entirely accurate is debatable.

1de·bate noun, pl -bates

: a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something

A debate can be an organized event, an informal discussion between two or more people, or a general discussion that involves many people.

[count] The candidates participated in several debates before the election was held.

Our polite chat about politics slowly turned into a heated debate. [=argument]

At the center/core/heart of the debate [=controversy] is the question of responsibility.

often + on, about, or over

The university is hosting a debate on gun control.

current debates on/about the value of public schools

The town held a debate over what to do about the recent traffic problems.

The court decision sparked a raging/furious debate over property rights.

[noncount] The meaning of the text has been the subject of considerable/intense/lively debate among scholars for many years.

What topics will be under debate? [=debated]

often + on, about, or over

There was much debate on/about/over whether the new program was worth the cost.

There's little debate [=controversy] about the health benefits of moderate exercise.

The book traces centuries of debate over the origins of language.

If something is a matter of debate or open to debate, people have different ideas and opinions about it.

Whether or not the tax cuts benefit the poor is still a matter of debate. [=debatable]

The accuracy of the report is open to debate.

2debate verb, -bates, -bat·ed, -bat·ing

1 [+ obj] : to discuss (something) with people whose opinions are different from your own

Scholars have been debating the meaning of the text for years.

Whether or not the tax cuts benefit the lower classes is still hotly debated among economists.

The energy bill is currently being debated in Congress.

2 : to compete against (someone) in a debate : to argue against another person's opinions as part of an organized event

[+ obj] The President debated his challenger in front of a live audience on Tuesday.

[no obj] The students debated for an hour.

She was on the debating team [=a group that competes against other teams in formal debates] at school.

3 [+ obj] : to think about (something) in order to decide what to do

I debated [=considered] moving to the city, but eventually decided against it.

often + whether, what, etc.

I am still debating (with myself) whether to attend the wedding or not.

She is still debating what to do.

de·bat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He is one of the best debaters in on our school's team.

de·bauched adj [more ; most ]

formal : behaving in an immoral way that involves drinking too much alcohol, taking drugs, having sex with many people, etc.

a debauched poet
a debauched society

de·bauch·ery noun, pl -er·ies
formal : bad or immoral behavior that involves sex, drugs, alcohol, etc.

[noncount] He later regretted the debauchery of his youth.

drunken debauchery

[count] He recalled the evening's debaucheries with regret.

de·bil·i·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

formal + technical : to make (someone or something) weak : to reduce the strength of (someone or something)

The virus debilitates the body's immune system.

usually used as (be) debilitated

His body was debilitated [=weakened] by the disease.

The country's economy has been debilitated by years of civil war.

debilitating adj [more ; most ]

a debilitating condition/disease/illness

The symptoms can be debilitating.

de·bil·i·ta·tion noun [noncount]

physical debilitation

de·bil·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal : physical weakness caused by illness or old age

[noncount] The disease leads to debility but rarely kills.

[count] the debilities of elderly people

1deb·it noun, pl -its [count]

: an amount of money that is taken from an account

I forgot to enter some of the debits in my bank account register.

The account's credits were added and the debits subtracted.

a $30 debit for groceries
opposite CREDIT, see also DIRECT DEBIT

on the debit side

1 chiefly Brit : in the section of a financial record where debits are written

Enter these amounts on the debit side.

2
used when mentioning the things that you do not like about something

On the debit side, there have been a number of complaints about noise from the restaurant.

2debit verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

: to take money from (an account)

The bank mistakenly debited my account $200!

Your account will automatically be debited for the amount of your insurance bill every month.

opposite CREDIT

debit card noun, pl cards [count]

: a small plastic card that is used to buy things by having the money to pay for them taken directly from your bank account compare BANK CARD, CASH CARD, CREDIT CARD

deb·o·nair adj [more ; most ]

somewhat old-fashioned of a man : dressing and acting in an appealing and sophisticated way : fashionable, attractive, and confident
a debonair man in a suit and top hat

His handsome face and debonair [=suave, urbane] manner made him very popular with the ladies.

de·bone verb, -bones, -boned, -bon·ing [+ obj]

: to remove the bones from (something) : bone

Have the butcher debone the lamb for you.

a deboned chicken breast

de·brief verb, -briefs, -briefed, -brief·ing [+ obj]

formal : to officially question (someone) about a job that has been done or about an experience

Police debriefed the hostages upon their return.

The pilot was debriefed after his flight.

compare 3BRIEF

debriefing noun [count]

the debriefings of hostages
a full debriefing

[noncount]

The crew met for debriefing.

de·bris Brit noun [noncount]

1 : the pieces that are left after something has been destroyed

After the earthquake, rescuers began digging through the debris in search of survivors.

Everything was covered by dust and debris.

sometimes used figuratively

She sifted through the debris of her broken marriage.

2 : things (such as broken pieces and old objects) that are lying where they fell or that have been left somewhere because they are not wanted

The crew cleaned up cigarette butts and other debris. [=trash, rubbish]

debt noun, pl debts

1 [count] : an amount of money that you owe to a person, bank, company, etc.

He is trying to pay off gambling debts.

The company has run up huge debts.

Their debts are piling up.

She's finally paid off her mortgage debt. [=the money that she owed the bank to pay for her house]

the nation's growing foreign debt [=the amount of money that a country owes other countries]

Most of his debts are consumer debts. [=most of his debts are from buying things at stores]

see also NATIONAL DEBT

2 [noncount] : the state of owing money to someone or something

He is drowning in a sea of debt. [=he owes a very large amount of money]

a mountain of debt

He's been working three jobs in an attempt to get out of debt.

The company was in debt but is now turning a profit.

I am deep/heavily in debt.

I'm thousands of dollars in debt.

She went into debt to pay for college.

I'm worried that we will fall into debt.

banks with millions of dollars of bad debt [=banks that have loaned millions of dollars that will not be repaid]

a debt-ridden country [=a country with more debt than it can pay]

3 [count] : the fact that you have been influenced or helped by someone or something
usually singular

The photographer has acknowledged a/his debt to Andy Warhol. [=the photographer has said that his work was influenced by the photographs made by Andy Warhol]

debt to society

used in phrases like pay your debt to society to refer to being punished for committing a crime
after 10 years in prison, he has paid his debt to society and is a free man.

in someone's debt

If you are in someone's debt, you are very thankful for something that someone has done for you.

I am in your debt for your help and support.

owe a debt of gratitude/thanks to

: to have a good reason to be very grateful to (someone)

The whole town owes a debt of gratitude to the people who organized the parade.

debt·or noun, pl -ors [count]

: a person, organization, government, etc., that owes money

The debtor agrees to pay the debt over a three-year period.

opposite CREDITOR

de·bug verb, -bugs, -bugged, -bug·ging [+ obj]

technical : to remove the mistakes from (something, such as a computer program)

She's been hired to write and debug computer programs.

de·bunk verb, -bunks, -bunked, -bunk·ing [+ obj]

: to show that something (such as a belief or theory) is not true : to show the falseness of (a story, idea, statement, etc.)

The article debunks the notion that life exists on Mars.

The results of the study debunk his theory.

de·bunk·er noun, pl -ers [count]

debunkers of the myth

1de·but noun, pl -buts [count]

: the first time an actor, musician, athlete, etc., does something in public or for the public
my debut as a pianist

He made his singing debut at a very young age.

She is making her television/film debut.

sometimes used to refer to the first appearance of a product, sport, event, etc.

the debut of a new car

The sport's Olympic debut took place in 1980.

often used before another noun
her debut album/film/novel

2debut verb, de·buts, de·buted, de·but·ing

1 [no obj] : to appear in public for the first time : to make a debut

The singer debuted 10 years ago, at the age of 15.

The car debuted 30 years ago.

The computer will soon be debuting in stores across the country.

2 [+ obj] : to show or provide (something, such as a product, television show, etc.) to the public for the first time

The network debuts a new sitcom tonight.

deb·u·tante noun, pl -tantes [count]

: a young upper-class woman who has begun going to special parties where she will meet and be seen by other people from the upper class

Dec. abbr

December

Dec. 1, 2004

de·cade noun, pl -cades [count]

: a period of 10 years

The war lasted nearly a decade.

a decade of drought [=a drought that lasted 10 years]

The bridge was built a decade ago.

especially : a 10-year period beginning with a year ending in 0

The decade of the 1920s runs from January 1, 1920 to December 31, 1929.

the first decade of the 21st century

There have been a lot of changes during/in/over the past two decades.

dec·a·dence noun [noncount]

disapproving : behavior that shows low morals and a great love of pleasure, money, fame, etc.

The book condemns the decadence of modern society.

Western decadence

dec·a·dent adj [more ; most ]

1 disapproving

1 a : having low morals and a great love of pleasure, money, fame, etc.

The book condemns some of society's wealthiest members as decadent fools.

1 b : attractive to people of low morals who are only interested in pleasure
the city's decadent nightclubs

2 : extremely pleasing
a wealthy and decadent lifestyle
the restaurant's decadent desserts
rich, decadent pastries
a decadent hotel room, complete with a hot tub

We relaxed in decadent luxury.

dec·a·dent·ly adv
decadently rich pastries

de·caf noun, pl -cafs

: coffee that does not contain caffeine : decaffeinated coffee

[noncount] Would you like regular coffee or decaf?

[count] Can I have a decaf, please?

They ordered two decafs and a regular (coffee).

de·caf·fein·at·ed adj

: not containing caffeine : having the caffeine removed
decaffeinated coffee/tea
decaffeinated cola

de·cal noun, pl -cals [count]

US : a picture, design, or label that will stick to the surface on which it is placed after the paper on the back of it is removed

She put some new decals [=stickers, (Brit) transfers] on her car window.

de·camp verb, -camps, -camped, -camp·ing [no obj]

: to leave a place suddenly and secretly

She took the papers and decamped.

He decamped to/for Europe soon after news of the scandal broke.

de·cant verb, -cants, -cant·ed, -cant·ing [+ obj]

formal : to pour (a liquid, especially wine) from one container into another

The bottles were uncorked and the wine was decanted an hour before the meal.

de·cant·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a special glass bottle into which wine, whiskey, etc., is poured from its original bottle and from which it is served

The waiter served us wine from an elegant decanter.

a decanter of port

de·cap·i·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

: to cut off the head of (a person or animal)

Hundreds were decapitated [=beheaded] by the guillotine.

the monster's decapitated body

de·cap·i·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

death by decapitation

[count]

gruesome decapitations

de·cath·lon noun, pl -lons [count]

: a sports contest for men that consists of 10 different events
the Olympic decathlon

de·cath·lete noun, pl -letes [count]

1de·cay verb, -cays, -cayed, -cay·ing

1 : to be slowly destroyed by natural processes : to be slowly broken down by the natural processes that destroy a dead plant or body

[no obj] Tomatoes that fall off the vine will decay [=rot] on the ground.

a dead fish decaying [=decomposing] on the beach
the smell of decaying/decayed rubbish

[+ obj] dead plants and leaves decayed by bacteria

2 [no obj] : to slowly lose strength, health, etc.

She believes that the moral fiber of our society is decaying.

our decaying public school system

His mind/health is beginning to decay. [=decline]

3 [no obj] of a building, area, etc. : to go slowly from a bad condition to a worse condition : to slowly enter a state of ruin

The city's neighborhoods are decaying.

synonyms

DECAY, DECOMPOSE, ROT, PUTREFY, and SPOIL mean to slowly fall apart and become destroyed by natural processes. DECAY is the most general of these terms. It often suggests a slow change from a state of strength or perfection.

a decaying mansion

DECOMPOSE stresses that bacteria, worms, insects, etc., are destroying and breaking apart something that is dead.

the animal's decomposing flesh

Eventually the vegetation decomposes and is mixed with dirt and used in the garden.

ROT is a close synonym of DECOMPOSE but also suggests a bad smell.

Flies swarmed around the rotting fruit.

PUTREFY is very similar to DECOMPOSE and ROT but is used to refer to dead people or animals and not to plants. It suggests that something is extremely unpleasant to see or smell.

corpses putrefying on the battlefield

SPOIL is used when talking about food that is no longer safe to eat.

The meat will spoil if it is not kept cold.

2decay noun [noncount]

: the process or result of decaying: such as
a : the process or result of being slowly destroyed by natural processes
the decay of dead plants and leaves
tooth decay

b : the slow loss of strength, health, etc.

She writes about the moral decay of our society.

We're concerned about the decay [=deterioration] of our public school system.

the patient's physical and mental decay

c of a building, area, etc. : the process or result of going slowly from a bad condition to a worse condition

The city's neighborhoods are in slow decay.

She wants to restore an old theater that is falling into decay. [=falling into ruin]

de·cease noun [noncount]

formal : the death of a person

He had many debts at the time of his decease.

de·ceased adj

: no longer living

Both his parents are deceased. [=dead]

his deceased aunt
usage

Dead and deceased both mean “no longer living,” but deceased is a gentler term, and people often use it when the person who died was close to them or when they are talking to someone who knew the person who died.

My mother is deceased.

Is your grandfather alive or deceased?

the deceased
formal : a dead person or dead people
a relative of the deceased

Three of the deceased are being buried today.

de·ce·dent noun, pl -dents [count]

US law : a dead person
a tax on the estate of the decedent

de·ceit noun, pl -ceits

: dishonest behavior : behavior that is meant to fool or trick someone

[noncount] He achieved his goals through lies and (a web of) deceit. [=deception]

I began to suspect them of deceit. [=deceitfulness]

[count] We were angry when we discovered that her excuse was really a deceit. [=lie]

de·ceit·ful adj [more ; most ]

: not honest : making or trying to make someone believe something that is not true
a scheming, deceitful [=dishonest] person
a deceitful answer
deceitful [=deceiving] advertisements

de·ceit·ful·ly adv

He acted deceitfully.

de·ceit·ful·ness noun [noncount]

He was surprised by the child's deceitfulness.

de·ceive verb, -ceives, -ceived, -ceiv·ing

: to make (someone) believe something that is not true

[+ obj] Her parents punished her for trying to deceive them.

The wall doesn't look realit wouldn't deceive [=fool] a child.

He was accused of deceiving the customer about the condition of the car.

People who think they can eat whatever they want without harming their health are deceiving themselves.

Unless my eyes deceive me [=unless I am mistaken about what I am seeing], there are no children in the room.

It's no use deceiving ourselves into thinking [=it will not be helpful if we pretend] that everything will be fine.

[no obj] Remember that appearances can deceivejust because something looks good doesn't mean it is good.

de·ceiv·er noun, pl -ers [count]

de·ceiv·ing adj [more ; most ]

Appearances can be very deceiving. [=deceptive]

de·ceiv·ing·ly adv

The game is deceivingly [=deceptively] easy.

de·cel·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 : to move slower : to lose speed

[no obj] He decelerated [=slowed down] as he neared the exit on the highway.

The car slowly decelerated.

[+ obj] decelerate an airplane/automobile
opposite ACCELERATE

2 : to cause (something) to happen more slowly

[+ obj] decelerate soil erosion
decelerate economic growth

[no obj] Economic growth is decelerating. [=happening more slowly]

de·cel·er·a·tion noun [noncount]

the airplane's deceleration
the deceleration of soil erosion

De·cem·ber noun, pl -bers

: the 12th and last month of the year

[noncount] Her birthday is in late December.

The first snow of that winter came in (early/mid-/late) December.

The party is on the 10th of December. = (US) The party is on December 10th. = The party is on December the 10th.

[count] This December was not as cold as the past few Decembers have been.

abbr. Dec.

de·cen·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [noncount] : polite, moral, and honest behavior and attitudes that show respect for other people

Decency, not fear of punishment, caused them to do the right thing.

Their behavior goes beyond the bounds of decency. [=it is not decent or acceptable]

Sending aid to the victims was simply a matter of common decency.

If you're going to be late, please have the decency to call and let me know.

Have you no sense of decency?

2 decencies [plural] formal : the behaviors that people in a society consider to be proper or acceptable

He had been taught to observe the ordinary decencies.

de·cent adj [more ; most ]

1 a : polite, moral, and honest

I don't understand how so decent a person could be involved with this kind of crime.

decent, hardworking people

He is a decent guy who would help anyone in need.

You need to do the decent thing and tell her what happened.

1 b somewhat informal : showing kindness : seeming to care about the feelings or problems of other people

It's really decent [=nice, thoughtful] of them to help us like this.

I apologized for the damage to his car, and he was pretty decent [=understanding] about it.

2 : good enough but not the best : adequate or acceptable

She's a decent [=fairly good] tennis player.

They can't afford decent [=adequate] housing.

Are there any decent schools in that area?

They served us a decent (enough) meal.

I've got to get some decent clothes.

He makes a decent living. = He has a job making/earning decent money.

a halfway decent [=pretty good] movie

3 : appropriate or suitable

I know you've got a lot to do, but try to get to bed at a decent hour. [=at a time that is not too late at night]

We were asked to wait a decent interval [=wait for an appropriate amount of time] before making the announcement.

opposite INDECENT

4 : not using language that offends people : not including behavior or ideas that people commonly find offensive

Please keep your jokes decentthere are children in the room.

opposite INDECENT

5 informal : wearing enough clothes : wearing clothes that cover enough of your body so that you are not embarrassed if someone sees you

I can't come to the door right nowI'm not decent. Wait a minute, OK?

Can I come in? Are you decent?

de·cent·ly adv

He's fair and always treats everyone decently.

The book is selling decently [=fairly well; well enough] but we were expecting it to sell better.

decently dressed

de·cen·tral·ize also Brit de·cen·tral·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing

: to change (something) by taking control, power, etc., from one person or group and giving it to many people or groups throughout an area

[+ obj] The plan is to decentralize the school system and give each district control over its own policies.

a highly decentralized organization [=an organization in which many people have power]

[no obj] The organization has decided to decentralize.

de·cen·tral·i·za·tion also Brit de·cen·tral·i·sa·tion Brit noun [singular]

a decentralization of power

[noncount]

government decentralization

de·cep·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of making someone believe something that is not true : the act of deceiving someone

She accuses the company of willful deception in its advertising.

The article describes the government's use of deception [=deceit] to gain public support for the program.

She practiced deception on her unsuspecting clients. [=she deceived them]

2 [count] : an act or statement intended to make people believe something that is not true

His many deceptions did not become known until years after he died.

It was a misunderstanding on her part, not a deliberate deception on his (part). [=he didn't try to deceive her or lie to her]

a clever deception [=trick]

see also SELF-DECEPTION

de·cep·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : intended to make someone believe something that is not true

The article accuses the company of deceptive [=misleading] advertising.

The low price is deceptive. [=deceiving, misleading] Many fees are added to it before the purchase is complete.

2 : likely to make someone believe something that is not true
the deceptive simplicity of the lyrics [=the lyrics are not as simple as they seem]

Don't buy the car without driving it firstappearances can be deceptive. [=something can look much better than it actually is]

de·cep·tive·ly adv
deceptively simple lyrics
deceptively low prices

deci·bel noun, pl -bels [count]

technical : a unit for measuring how loud a sound is
a rock concert blasting music at 110 decibels
suffered hearing loss from repeated exposure to high decibels [=to loud sounds]

abbr. dB

de·cide verb, -cides, -cid·ed, -cid·ing

1 a : to make a choice about (something) : to choose (something) after thinking about it

[+ obj] He decided that dinner would be at 7 o'clock, and asked guests to arrive at 6.

often followed by to + verb

She decided to go along with us.

They have decided not to leave.

often + what, where, whether, if, etc.

Have you decided what you'd like for breakfast?

He is having trouble deciding which school to go to.

She says she'll decide by January whether (or not) to run for office.

We are deciding if we should stay.

[no obj] She is having difficulty deciding about the offer.

I decided in favor of the other candidate. [=I chose the other candidate]

Voters must decide between the two candidates. [=voters must choose one or the other candidate]

You have to decide for yourself. [=you are the only one who can decide]

I decided against telling her. [=I decided not to tell her]

1 b : to choose whether or not to believe (something) after thinking about it : to reach a conclusion about (something) because of evidence

[+ obj] They decided that he was right.

I am trying to decide if it's warm enough for swimming.

[no obj] “Do you think she is telling the truth?” “I'm not sure. I'm still trying to decide.”

2 : to cause (something) to end in a particular way : to determine what the result of (something) will be

[+ obj] A few hundred votes could decide the election.

One blow decided the fight.

This battle could very well decide the war.

[no obj] Will the business be successful? Let the public decide.

often used as deciding
the deciding game in the series [=the game that determines who wins the series]

The vice president will cast the deciding vote.

3 law : to end (a court case) in a particular way : to make a judgment in a court of law

[+ obj] The case will be decided by the Supreme Court.

[no obj] The court decided against the defendant. [=the defendant was found guilty]

The court decided in favor of the plaintiff. = (less commonly) The court decided for the plaintiff. [=the plaintiff won the case]

decide on/upon [phrasal verb]

decide on/upon (something) : to choose (something) after thinking about the possible choices

He decided on blue rather than green.

We looked at all the cats in the pet store and finally decided on a little black-and-white one.

I am having trouble deciding on a gift for them.

deciding factor

1 : something that causes you to make a particular decision

The deciding factor was cost. [=the decision was based on cost; the least expensive option was chosen]

His lack of experience was the deciding factor in my decision not to hire him.

2 : something that causes something to end a particular way

His home run was the deciding factor in the game. [=his home run won the game]

decided adj, always used before a noun

: clear and definite : easy to notice

The team has a decided [=clear, obvious] advantage in this competition.

The new paint on the house is a decided [=definite] improvement.

de·cid·ed·ly adv

1 : clearly and definitely : in a way that is easy to notice

The phrases have decidedly different meanings.

The movie received decidedly mixed reviews. [=received very good reviews and very bad reviews]

2 chiefly Brit : in a way that shows that you are certain : in a way that shows that you have no doubt

She answered the question decidedly: “No, I will not lie for him.”

de·cid·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: the last part of a game or competition that will decide a winner
usually singular

The series is tied 33, and the decider [=the last game of the series; the deciding game] will be played tonight.

de·cid·u·ous adj
of a tree, bush, etc. : having leaves that fall off every year
the bare branches of a deciduous tree in winter
the region's deciduous forests [=forests that are made up of deciduous trees]

deciduous and coniferous trees/forests

1dec·i·mal adj
mathematics : based on the number 10
the decimal system
a number with three decimal places [=a number with three digits that follow the decimal point; a number like 1.234 or .567]

In the number 8.901, the 9 is in the first decimal place.

2decimal noun, pl -mals [count]

mathematics : a number that is written with a dot between the part of the number that is equal to 1 or more and the part of the number that is less than 1

The number 67.398 is a decimal. It is equal to the whole number 67 plus the decimal.398.

Seven-tenths written as a decimal is .7. Seven-tenths written as a fraction is 7/10.

The decimal.2 is equal to the fraction 2/10.

called also decimal fraction

decimal point noun, pl points [count]

mathematics : the dot (as in .678 or 3.678) that separates a whole number from tenths, hundredths, etc.

dec·i·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to destroy a large number of (plants, animals, people, etc.)

This kind of moth is responsible for decimating thousands of trees in our town.

usually used as (be) decimated

The bay's lobsters have been decimated by disease.

The village/population was decimated by plague.

2 : to severely damage or destroy a large part of (something)

Budget cuts have decimated public services in small towns.

usually used as (be) decimated

The landscape is decimated by pollution.

the company's decimated stock prices

dec·i·ma·tion noun [noncount]

de·ci·pher verb, -phers, -phered, -pher·ing [+ obj]

: to find the meaning of (something that is difficult to read or understand)

decipher [=decode] a secret message

The ancient scrolls were recently deciphered. [=translated]

We spent hours trying to decipher [=figure out] the lyrics to the song.

I couldn't decipher his sloppy handwriting.

de·ci·pher·able adj [more ; most ]

barely decipherable handwriting

de·ci·pher·ment noun [noncount]

the decipherment of the ancient scrolls

de·ci·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] : a choice that you make about something after thinking about it : the result of deciding

She announced her decision to go to medical school.

a big/controversial/final decision

Have you made/reached a decision?

After weeks of deliberation, he finally came to a decision. = After weeks of deliberation, he finally arrived at a decision.

He based his decision on facts, not emotions.

She made a conscious decision to leave the painting unfinished.

(Brit) The government has taken a decision to withdraw all troops. [=the government has made an important and official decision to withdraw all troops]

an informed decision [=a decision based on facts or information]

a split-second decision [=a decision that must be made in an instant]

In informal spoken English, someone who says “Decisions, decisions” is having difficulty making a decision, usually about an unimportant matter.

“Decisions, decisions. I can't decide which flavor of ice cream to get.”

2 [noncount] formal : the ability to make choices quickly and confidently
a leader of courage and decision [=decisiveness]

We need someone who will act with decision even under pressure.

opposite INDECISION

3 [count]

3 a : the particular end of a legal or official argument : a legal or official judgment

The U.S. Supreme Court's 1954 decision brought an end to racial segregation in public schools.

The Supreme Court handed down a 54 decision. [=five members of the court voted one way, and the other four members voted the opposite way, and the side with the five votes won]

The appeals court upheld the decision. [=the appeals court agreed with the decision made earlier by a lower court]

The appeals court overturned the decision. [=the appeals court disagreed with the decision made earlier by a lower court]

3 b : a report explaining why a legal or official judgment was made in a particular way
the court's ten-page decision

4 [noncount] : the act of deciding something

The moment of decision has come. You must decide.

The judge has the power of decision. [=the judge has the power to make the decision]

decision-making noun [noncount]

: the act or process of deciding something especially with a group of people

The project will require some difficult decision-making.

All members of the organization have a role in decision-making.

often used before another noun
the company's decision-making process

de·ci·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to make choices quickly and confidently

You must be decisive and persistent to succeed in this competitive field.

I stood there wondering what to do, but my sister was more decisive and immediately went to the phone.

a decisive leader

In emergency situations, one must be able to take decisive action. [=to act quickly and with confidence]

opposite INDECISIVE

2 : causing something to end in a particular way : determining what the result of something will be

She cast the decisive [=deciding] vote.

The fight ended with a decisive blow.

the decisive battle of the war

The poverty of his childhood played a decisive role in his adult life.

The meeting is seen as a decisive step toward a peace treaty.

A decisive factor is a reason to make a particular choice or decision.

The decisive factor [=deciding factor] was cost.

His lack of experience was the decisive factor in my decision not to hire him.

3 : very clear and obvious
a decisive victory/win/advantage

de·ci·sive·ly adv

You must be able to act decisively to succeed in this competitive field.

She decisively rejected their proposal.

de·ci·sive·ness noun [noncount]

The job requires decisiveness [=decision] and persistence.

1deck noun, pl decks

1 : a flat surface that forms the main outside floor of a boat or ship

[count] We stood on the deck and watched dolphins swim near the ship.

[noncount] A number of passengers had come on deck.

When you are below deck or below decks, you are in the section of a boat or ship that is under the deck.

We went below deck to our cabin.

I stowed my gear below decks.

The phrase all hands on deck is used to call all people on a boat or ship to the deck to do work that must be done.

We heard the captain shout “All hands on deck!” as waves crashed over the boat's bow.

2 [count]

2 a : one of the levels on a bus, ship, etc.

the lower/middle/upper deck
a seat on the streetcar's top deck
a cabin on B deck

2 b : one of the seating levels in a sports stadium

We sat in the lower/upper deck.

3 [count] chiefly US : a wood structure that has a floor but no walls or roof, is attached to a house or other building, and is used for sitting and relaxing

We ate out on the deck.

You can see into three different states from the mountaintop restaurant's observation deck. [=a platform built so that people can see or watch something]

4 [count] chiefly US : a complete set of playing cards : a group of 52 playing cards

The dealer shuffled the deck (of cards).

called also pack

In informal U.S. English, someone who is not playing with a full deck is not able to think or act in a normal way.

“He seemed a little weird.” “Yeah, he's not playing with a full deck.”

5 [count] : tape deck

clear the decks also clear the deck

: to get ready for action or for something new : to get rid of something to make room for something else

He wants to clear the decks before the election campaign starts.

Firing the CEO will clear the decks for change within the company.

hit the deck see 1HIT

on deck

US

1 baseball : waiting to bat next

Smith is batting and Jones is on deck.

2 informal : next in a series

The band's new song is on deck [=next] after this commercial break.

see also 1DECK 1 (ABOVE)

2deck verb, decks, decked, deck·ing [+ obj]

1 : to decorate (something)

We spent hours decking the chapel with flowers before the wedding.

see also DECKED OUT 2 (BELOW)

2 informal : to knock (someone) down by hitting very hard

He decked him with one punch.

decked out

1 : dressed in a very fancy way

We got all decked out for the occasion.

often + in

She was decked out in furs.

guys decked out in fancy tuxedos

She was all decked out in a new dress.

2 : decorated in a fancy way
often + with
a room decked out with hundreds of little lights

deck chair noun, pl chairs [count]

: a chair that can be folded up and that is used for sitting outside on the deck of a ship, on a beach, etc.

deck·hand noun, pl -hands [count]

: a worker on a ship who does work that does not require special training

deck·ing noun [noncount]

: material that is used to build a deck (sense 3)

wooden decking

deck shoe noun, pl shoes [count]

: a flat shoe that is usually made of thick cloth and has a rubber bottom

de·claim verb, -claims, -claimed, -claim·ing
formal : to say (something) in usually a loud and formal way

[+ obj] The actress declaimed her lines with passion.

[no obj] The speakers declaimed on a variety of issues.

dec·la·ma·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

de·clam·a·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal : expressing feelings or opinions in a way that is loud and forceful
declamatory speeches/statements

dec·la·ra·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : the act of making an official statement about something : the act of declaring something

The government has made/issued a declaration of war on/against its enemies.

[noncount] We awaited the declaration [=announcement] of the results.

The case was ended by declaration of a mistrial.

2 [count] : something that is stated or made known in an official or public way
a declaration of love

You will need to make a declaration of your income.

3 [count] : a document that contains an official statement : a document that makes a declaration
usually singular

The museum has a copy of the country's declaration of independence/sovereignty.

the American Declaration of Independence

Every 4th of July, we read a copy of the Declaration. [=the U.S. Declaration of Independence]

de·clar·a·tive adj
grammar : having the form of a statement rather than a question or a command

“They went to school” is a declarative sentence.

compare IMPERATIVE, INTERROGATIVE

the declarative
grammar : the form that a phrase or sentence has when it is stating something

“They went to school” is in the declarative.

de·clare verb, -clares, -clared, -clar·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say or state (something) in an official or public way

She publicly declared [=announced] her opposition to the plan.

The government has just declared a state of emergency.

The company was forced to declare bankruptcy. [=to formally say in a legal document that it was bankrupt]

He declared himself the winner. = He declared that he was the winner. = He declared victory.

2 : to say (something) in a strong and confident way

He still declares [=affirms, asserts] his innocence.

She declared [=announced] that she would not attend the party under any circumstances.

He openly declared his love for her.

synonyms see ASSERT

3 a : to tell the government about (money you have earned or received) in order to pay taxes

They failed to declare all of their earnings on their tax return.

3 b : to list and show the cost of (something bought in a different country) so that you can pay taxes on it

Large purchases must be declared at customs.

Do you have anything to declare?

declare against [phrasal verb]

declare against (someone or something) Brit, formal : to officially say that you oppose (someone or something)

She declared against the government's policies.

declare for [phrasal verb]

1 declare for (something) US : to officially say that you will take part in (something)

a college basketball player who declared for the NBA draft after his junior year

2 declare for (someone or something) Brit, formal : to officially say that you support (someone or something)

He declared for the plan.

declare war

: to officially decide to fight or go to war

Congress has the power to declare war on/against other countries.

often used figuratively

The state has declared war on illiteracy.

declared adj

His declared [=publicly stated] aim/goal/intention is to improve the city's downtown area.

de·clas·si·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to allow the public to see or learn about (something that has been a secret)

The government has not yet declassified that information.

de·clas·si·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the declassification of a secret document

declassified adj
a declassified document

de·claw verb, -claws, -clawed, -claw·ing [+ obj]

: to permanently remove the claws of (a cat)

We had our cats declawed.

1de·cline verb, -clines, -clined, -clin·ing

1 [no obj] : to become lower in amount or less in number

Oil prices continue to decline. [=decrease, fall]

The construction of new houses declined five percent this year.

The animal's numbers are declining rapidly.

2 [no obj] : to become worse in condition or quality

The patient's condition has declined. [=worsened, deteriorated]

My grandmother's health has been declining since she broke her hip.

The civilization began to decline around 1000 B.C.

3 somewhat formal

3 a [+ obj] : to say that you will not or cannot do something

The company declined comment on the scandal.

usually followed by to + verb

The company declined to comment on the scandal.

She declined to run for a second term as governor.

3 b : to say no to something in a polite way

[+ obj] Regretfully, we have to decline [=turn down] the invitation to your wedding.

He changed his mind and declined the company's offer.

[no obj] I invited him, but he declined.

opposite ACCEPT

4 [+ obj] grammar : to list the different forms of (a noun, pronoun, or adjective)

We had to decline the Latin adjective “brevis” on our test.

de·clin·er noun, pl -ers [count]

There were more advancers than decliners [=stocks that decreased in value] in the stock market today.

de·clin·ing adj
declining health
in her declining years [=in the last years of her life]

2decline noun, pl -clines

1 : the process of becoming worse in condition or quality

[noncount] a period of economic decline

He says that American industry is in a state of decline.

There was a general feeling that the country was in decline. [=was becoming less powerful, wealthy, etc.]

The town fell/went into decline after the factory closed down.

[count]

usually singular

He has experienced a decline in health.

the decline and fall of the Roman empire

The company's products suffered a decline in quality.

a gradual physical/mental decline

2 : a change to a lower number or amount

[count] The economy experienced a decline of two million jobs.

We saw a sharp/steep decline in sales this month.

Declines led advances at the end of the trading day.

[noncount] There was some decline in stock prices at the end of the trading session.

on the decline

: becoming worse in condition or less in size, amount, number, etc. : declining

His health is on the decline.

Sales are on the decline.

de·code verb, -codes, -cod·ed, -cod·ing [+ obj]

1 : to change (secret messages, documents, etc.) from a set of letters, numbers, symbols, etc., you cannot understand into words you can understand

The government agents finally decoded [=deciphered] the message.

compare CODE, ENCODE

2 : to find or understand the true or hidden meaning of (something)

Readers can easily decode the novel's imagery.

I'm trying to decode the expression on her face.

3 technical : to change signals for a radio, television, etc., to a form that can be heard or seen correctly

The box decodes the digital signal for your CD player.

de·cod·er noun, pl -ers [count]

technical : an electronic device that changes signals for a radio, television, etc., to a form that can be heard or seen correctly

dé·col·le·tage noun [noncount]

: the top of a woman's dress, blouse, etc., that is cut very low so the top of the woman's breasts can be seen

dé·col·le·té adj
a décolleté dress

de·col·o·ni·za·tion also Brit de·col·o·ni·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

: the process of making a colony or a group of colonies independent
the British decolonization of India

de·com·mis·sion verb, -sions, -sioned, -sion·ing [+ obj]

: to officially stop using (a ship, weapon, dam, etc.) : to remove (something) from service

Several military bases are scheduled to be decommissioned.

The government is decommissioning the nuclear power plant.

de·com·pose verb, -pos·es, -posed, -pos·ing

1 : to cause something (such as dead plants and the bodies of dead animals) to be slowly destroyed and broken down by natural processes, chemicals, etc.

[+ obj] Bacteria and fungi help decompose organic matter.

partially decomposed bodies

[no obj] The wood on our deck is beginning to decompose. [=(less formally) rot]

the smell of decomposing leaves

synonyms see 1DECAY

2 technical : to cause something (such as a chemical) to be separated into smaller or simpler parts

[+ obj] decompose a chemical compound

[no obj] The compound will decompose in the presence of light.

de·com·po·si·tion noun [noncount]

The wood is already showing signs of decomposition.

the decomposition of organic matter

de·com·press verb, -press·es, -pressed, -press·ing

1 : to release or reduce the physical pressure on something

[+ obj] Surgery decompressed the vertebrae.

[no obj] Once pressure was released, the vertebrae decompressed.

2 [+ obj] computers : to change (a computer file that has been made smaller) back to its original size by using special software

The file must be decompressed before it can be read.

3 [no obj] US, informal : to rest and relax

After their busy week, they needed some time to decompress. [=unwind]

de·com·pres·sion noun [noncount]

The divers underwent decompression. [=a process in which air pressure is slowly decreased to allow a person who has been deep underwater to adapt safely to the pressure at the surface]

data/file decompression

decompression chamber noun, pl -bers [count]

: a small room that allows a person (such as an ocean diver) to slowly experience lower amounts of air pressure until normal air pressure is reached

decompression sickness noun [noncount]

medical see the bends at 2BEND 3

de·con·ges·tant noun, pl -tants [count, noncount]

: a medicine that helps stop thick fluid from building up in your nose, throat, or chest when you have a cold or similar illness

de·con·struc·tion noun [noncount]

technical : a theory used in the study of literature or philosophy which says that a piece of writing does not have just one meaning and that the meaning depends on the reader

de·con·struct verb, -structs, -struct·ed, -struct·ing [+ obj]

deconstruct a literary passage

de·con·tam·i·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

: to remove dirty or dangerous substances (such as radioactive material) from (a person, thing, place, etc.)

Special workers were called in to decontaminate the area after the oil spill.

de·con·tam·i·na·tion noun [noncount]

the decontamination of drinking water

de·cor or dé·cor noun, pl -cors

: the way that a room or the inside of a building is decorated

[count]

usually singular

We loved the decor of the restaurant.

It had a very elegant décor.

[noncount] The store offers a lot in home decor.

dec·o·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing

1 : to make (something) more attractive usually by putting something on it

[+ obj] Several expensive paintings decorate [=adorn] the walls.

I always enjoy decorating the Christmas tree.

I decorated my apartment in dark colors.

a beautifully decorated box
often + with

We're going to decorate the room with balloons and flowers for her birthday party.

The gift was beautifully decorated with lace and ribbons.

[no obj] I love decorating [=putting up decorations] for the holidays.

2 [+ obj] : to give a medal or award to (someone, such as a soldier)

usually used as (be) decorated

He was decorated for courage during the war.

a decorated war veteran

dec·o·ra·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : something that is added to something else to make it more attractive

[count] The vase has a fancy decoration on one side.

a box of Christmas decorations [=ornaments]

[noncount] a plain sweater knit without decoration

The handles are not just for decoration [=are not just decorative], they serve a practical purpose.

2 [noncount] : the act of decorating something (such as a room)

He's a genius at home decoration.

a unique style of decoration

She is certified to do interior decoration. [=interior design]

3 [count] : a medal or award that is given to someone for doing something brave or honorable (such as fighting bravely in a war)

He received a decoration from the President.

dec·o·ra·tive adj [more ; most ]

: used to make something more attractive : used for decoration

We added some decorative details/elements/touches to the room.

decorative [=ornamental] shrubs

The handles are decorative and practical.

dec·o·ra·tive·ly adv

Arrange the fruit decoratively in the bowl.

dec·o·ra·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who decorates something especially as a job
a cake decorator

They hired a decorator to redesign their dining room.

She became an interior decorator. [=interior designer]

dec·o·rous adj [more ; most ]

formal : correct and polite in a particular situation

We expect decorous [=proper] behavior/conduct from our students.

a decorous [=civilized, respectable] young woman

dec·o·rous·ly adv

de·co·rum noun [noncount]

formal : correct or proper behavior that shows respect and good manners

He has no sense of decorum.

Court decorum [=proper behavior in a courtroom] requires that all parties address the judge as “Your Honor.”

de·coy noun, pl -coys [count]

1 : a wooden or plastic bird (such as a duck) that is used by hunters to attract live birds

2 : a person or thing that attracts people's attention so they will not notice someone or something else

He had a decoy distract the guard while he jumped over the fence.

de·coy verb, -coys, -coyed, -coy·ing [+ obj]

Hunters decoyed the ducks to the pond.

1de·crease verb, -creas·es, -creased, -creas·ing

1 [no obj] : to become smaller in size, amount, number, etc.

Sales decreased by five percent this year.

The population is decreasing steadily. = The population is steadily decreasing in size.

2 [+ obj] : to make (something) smaller in size, amount, number, etc.

By exercising often, you can decrease [=reduce, lower] your chance of developing heart disease.

The driver decreased her speed as she approached the curve.

These changes will decrease our expenses.

opposite INCREASE

decreased adj

The patient has a decreased appetite.

a decreased risk of heart disease

decreasingly adv

The medication has been decreasingly effective. [=has gradually been becoming less effective]

2de·crease noun, pl -creas·es

1 : the act of becoming smaller or of making something smaller in size, amount, number, etc.

[count] Studies report a recent decrease in traffic accidents.

We've had a decrease [=reduction] in the number of students enrolling in the school.

significant decreases in activity

[noncount] Because of the injury, some decrease in mobility is to be expected.

2 [count] : the amount by which something is made smaller

The report showed decreases [=reductions] of between 20 and 30 percent.

a decrease of three dollars
opposite INCREASE

on the decrease

: becoming less in size, amount, number, etc. : decreasing

The number of college applications is on the decrease. [=on the decline]

1de·cree noun, pl -crees

1 : an official order given by a person with power or by a government

[count] The President issued a decree making the day a national holiday.

The soldiers read the people a royal decree. [=an order given by a king or queen]

a papal decree [=a decree from a Pope]

[noncount] He took his position by decree [=because of a decree] of the national government.

by royal decree

2 : an official decision made by a court of law

[count] She tried to have the court's decree [=judgment, ruling] reversed.

a divorce decree

[noncount] Their marriage was annulled by judicial decree.

2decree verb, -crees, -creed, -cree·ing

: to order or decide (something) in an official way

[+ obj] The government decreed a national holiday.

The change was decreed by the President.

The City Council has decreed that all dogs must be kept on a leash.

[no obj] He was favored to win, but fate decreed otherwise. [=it was not his fate to win; he did not win]

de·crep·it adj [more ; most ]

: old and in bad condition or poor health

The decrepit [=run-down, dilapidated] building was badly in need of repair.

My decrepit car barely starts.

a decrepit old man

de·crep·i·tude Brit noun [noncount]

formal : the state of being old and in bad condition or poor health

The house has fallen into decrepitude.

de·crim·i·nal·ize also Brit de·crim·i·nal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something that is illegal) legal by changing the law

He believes that the government should decriminalize [=legalize] the use of marijuana.

de·crim·i·nal·i·za·tion also Brit de·crim·i·nal·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the decriminalization of marijuana

de·cry verb, -cries, -cried, -cry·ing [+ obj]

formal : to say publicly and forcefully that you regard (something) as bad, wrong, etc.

In her article, she decries the pollution of the environment by manufacturers.

Parents decried [=condemned] the movie's emphasis on sex.

Violence on television is generally decried as harmful to children.

ded·i·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

: to officially make (something) a place for honoring or remembering a person, event, etc.

The new park was dedicated today.

often + to

The memorial is dedicated to all the soldiers who died in the war.

dedicate to [phrasal verb]

1 dedicate (something) to (something) : to decide that (something) will be used for (a special purpose) : to use (time, money, energy, attention, etc.) for (something)

She dedicates 10 percent of each paycheck to her savings.

He dedicated [=devoted] his life/time to helping the poor. = He dedicated himself to helping the poor. [=he used his time, energy, etc., to help the poor]

After graduating from college, he dedicated himself to his career.

2 dedicate (something) to (someone) : to say that (a book, song, etc.) was written or is being performed to honor or express affection for (someone)

She dedicated her first novel to her father.

I would like to dedicate this next song to my mother.

dedicated adj

1 [more ; most ] : having very strong support for or loyalty to a person, group, cause, etc.

the band's most dedicated [=devoted] fans

They are a group of highly dedicated [=committed, enthusiastic] individuals.

He is a dedicated teacher. = He is dedicated to the teaching profession.

2 always used before a noun technical : used only for one particular purpose

We have a dedicated phone line for our computer. [=a phone line that we use only for our computer]

ded·i·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : a feeling of very strong support for or loyalty to someone or something : the quality or state of being dedicated to a person, group, cause, etc.

It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but we managed to finish the project on time.

often + to

We admire her dedication to helping the poor.

his tireless/unwavering dedication to the cause

2 [count] : a message at the beginning of a book, song, etc., saying that it was written or is being performed in order to honor or express affection for someone
often + to

His novel includes a brief dedication to his family.

3 [count] : the act of officially saying that something (such as a new building) was created for a particular purpose (such as worship) or to remember or honor a particular person
the dedication of the temple

They celebrated the dedication of the new building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

sometimes used before another noun
dedication ceremonies

de·duce Brit verb, -duc·es, -duced, -duc·ing [+ obj]

formal : to use logic or reason to form (a conclusion or opinion about something) : to decide (something) after thinking about the known facts

Scientists use several methods to deduce [=determine] the age of ancient objects.

They deduced [=concluded] that he was present at the scene of the crime.

often + from

A word's meaning can often be deduced from its context.

de·duct verb, -ducts, -duct·ed, -duct·ing [+ obj]

: to take away (something, especially an amount of money) from a total

When paying our taxes, can we deduct [=subtract] the cost of our child's education?

You can deduct up to $500 for money given to charity.

often + from

Deduct the points from the total score.

Payments are directly deducted from [=taken out of] your bank account.

opposite CREDIT

1de·duct·ible adj

: able to be subtracted from an amount of money

The trip was deductible as a business expense.

All donations to charities are deductible. [=taxes do not have to be paid on money given to charities]

tax-deductible expenses/donations

2deductible noun, pl -ibles [count]

US : an amount of money that you have to pay for something (such as having your car fixed after an accident) before an insurance company pays for the remainder of the cost

I have an insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible.

de·duc·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a [noncount] : the act of taking away something (such as an amount of money) from a total

He pays for his insurance by automatic payroll deduction. [=the money for his insurance is automatically taken out of his paycheck]

1 b [count] : something (such as an amount of money) that is or can be subtracted from a total

The government is offering new tax deductions for small businesses.

What is your pay after the deductions have been taken out?

2 a [noncount] : the act or process of using logic or reason to form a conclusion or opinion about something : the act or process of deducing something

His guess was based on intuition rather than deduction.

2 b [count] : a conclusion or opinion that is based on logic or reason

Our deduction was based on the information given to us at the time.

It was a logical deduction.

de·duc·tive adj

: using logic or reason to form a conclusion or opinion about something
a conclusion based on deductive reasoning/logic

1deed noun, pl deeds

1 : something that is done : an act or action

[count] They taught their children to be kind and to do good deeds.

evil/dirty deeds

We are judged by our deeds. [=we are judged by what we do]

News of their heroic deeds spread far and wide.

It's too late now. The deed is done.

[noncount] He is honest in word and in deed. [=he says things that are true and does the things he says he will]

2 : a legal document that shows who owns a building or piece of land

[noncount] The land was transferred by deed.

[count] He gave them the deed to the property.

often plural in British English

The bank holds the deeds to your property.

2deed verb, deeds, deed·ed, deed·ing [+ obj]

US : to give someone ownership of (a building or piece of land) by means of a deed

She deeded the house to her children.

1dee·jay noun, pl -jays [count]

informal : disc jockey

2deejay verb, -jays, -jayed, -jay·ing
informal : to play popular recorded music on the radio or at a party, nightclub, etc., especially as a job : to work as a disc jockey

[no obj] He has deejayed at the radio station for over 20 years.

[+ obj] Who is deejaying your wedding?

deem verb, deems, deemed, deem·ing [+ obj]

formal : to think of (someone or something) in a particular way

The building was deemed [=considered, judged] unsafe after the fire.

We deemed [=believed, thought] it wise to wait.

Do whatever you deem (to be) necessary.

The principal will take whatever action she deems appropriate in this case.

1deep adj, deep·er, -est

1 a : having a large distance to the bottom from the surface or highest point

We walked in the deep snow.

a deep well/pool/hole
a deep valley between the mountains

The water is deepest in the middle of the lake.

She's afraid of swimming in deep water.

a plant with deep roots
often used figuratively

The tradition has deep roots in our culture.

opposite SHALLOW

1 b : going far inward from the outside or the front edge of something

The house has lots of deep closets.

deep shelves

She has a small but deep wound on her arm.

opposite SHALLOW

1 c : located far inside something
usually + in or within

The animals live deep in/within the forest/jungle/mountains, far from any people.

His hands were deep in his pockets.

The sound came from deep within his throat.

often used figuratively

The memories were hidden deep in his mind. [=he had not thought about the memories in a long time]

I knew deep in my heart [=I believed very strongly] that we would succeed.

2 not used before a noun : having a specified measurement downward, inward, or backward

This enormous canyon is over a mile deep.

The shelves are 10 inches deep.

We walked through knee-deep snow [=snow as high as our knees] to get to school.

The basement was waist-deep in water. [=the top of the water that filled the basement was as high as a person's waist]

He stepped into an ankle-deep puddle of mud.

see also SKIN-DEEP

3 a : located near the outside edges of an area

(baseball) He hit a fly ball to deep right field.

3 b : hit, thrown, or kicked a long distance

The quarterback threw a deep [=long] pass into the end zone.

4 : done by taking in or breathing out a large amount of air

Take a deep breath and try to relax.

a deep sigh

5 : low in sound or musical pitch

I could hear my father's deep voice from down the street.

a deep bass line
opposite HIGH

6 : having a dark, strong color

She painted white clouds in a deep blue sky.

The walls were a deep red.

deep rich colors
opposite LIGHT, PALE

7 : very intelligent and serious but complex or difficult to understand

She's always been a deep [=profound] thinker. = She's very deep.

This book is far too deep for me.

He has some very deep thoughts on the issue.

a deep discussion on the meaning of life

8 : full of mystery

The main character has a deep, dark secret that is revealed at the end of the movie.

9 a : completely involved in an activity : concentrating and giving all of your attention to something

+ in

He was so deep in thought that he didn't hear us come in.

We spent the next few hours deep in conversation.

9 b : affected by something in a very serious way

+ in

They found themselves deep in debt. [=they had a lot of debt; they owed a large amount of money]

10 : very bad, serious, or severe

The country's economy fell into a deep depression/recession.

There are still deep divisions within the group. [=people in the group have very different opinions and can't agree]

Many people here live in deep poverty. [=many people are very poor]

The entire family was in deep shock after hearing about the accident.

I got in deep trouble with my parents for staying out too late.

11 : very strongly felt

I offered them my deepest sympathy.

They shared a deep [=profound] concern for the environment.

She felt a deep [=heartfelt] connection with the culture.

a deep sense of happiness and well-being
the deep emotional bond between parent and child
deep feelings of loss

The book made a deep impression on his young mind.

12 : full, complete, or thorough

She has a deep understanding of the company's needs.

If you are in a deep sleep, you are thoroughly asleep and it is hard to wake you up.

He fell into a deep sleep and didn't wake up until the afternoon.

13 US : going down to a very low price, level, etc.

a deep reduction in price

The store offered deep discounts during the grand opening sale.

14 US, sports : having many good players

The team is very deep this year.

The baseball team has a deep bullpen.

in deep water

: in a difficult situation : in trouble

I thought I could handle the work, but I soon found myself in deep water.

the deep end
informal

1
used in phrases like throw in (at) the deep end and jump in (at) the deep end to describe starting a new and difficult activity when you are not fully prepared or ready to do it

After graduating, he was not afraid to jump in at the deep end and start his new business alone.

Teachers are thrown in the deep end when they first start teaching.

2

To go off the deep end is to go crazy, such as by behaving foolishly or by becoming very angry or upset.

Her friends thought she had gone off the deep end when she suddenly decided to quit her job.

After his wife died, he started going off the deep end.

I understand that you're angry, but there's no reason to go off the deep end.

deep·ness noun [noncount]

the deepness [=depth] of the water

2deep adv, deeper, -est

1 a : far into or below the surface of something

The ship now lies deep below/beneath the water's surface.

Our feet sank deeper into the mud.

The treasure was buried deep within the ground.

Their secret offices were located deep underground.

often used figuratively

Her angry words hurt/cut him deep. [=deeply]

He stared deep into her eyes.

The detective dug deeper into the murder case.

1 b : far into or inside something

We walked deep into the forest.

The soldiers are operating deep within enemy territory.

2 not used before a noun : at a specified measurement downward, inward, or backward

I stood three feet deep in the water.

They parked the cars three deep [=three cars in a row], and our car was stuck in the middle.

We walked knee-deep in the snow. [=we walked in snow that was deep enough to reach our knees]

He stepped ankle-deep into a puddle of mud.

3 : to a late time

They danced deep [=late, well, far] into the night. [=they danced until it was very late at night]

4 sports

4 a : near the outside edges of a playing area

The outfielder was playing deep.

4 b : for a long distance

He hit/threw/kicked the ball deep down the field.

5

If you breathe deep, you take a large amount of air into your lungs.

The doctor told her to breathe deep. [=breathe deeply]

deep down (inside)

If you feel or believe something deep down or deep down inside, you feel or believe it completely even if you do not say it or show it to other people.

He knew deep down inside that she was right.

I believed deep down that we were going to win.

Deep down, I think we all felt the same way.

He might look like a mean old man, but deep down inside he is a very kind person.

in (too) deep
informal : in a difficult situation that you cannot get out of

He wanted to get out of the deal, but he was in too deep.

run deep

: to be felt very strongly

Fear runs deep in this small town.

Her love for her family runs deep.

see also still waters run deep at 2STILL

3deep noun

the deep

1 literary + formal : the ocean
the briny deep
creatures of the deep

2 literary : the middle part of something

He left home in the deep of the night. [=the dead of the night]

the deeps
literary + formal : the deep parts of the ocean
the ocean deeps

deep-dish adj, always used before a noun

US : baked in a dish that has high sides
deep-dish pizza
a deep-dish apple pie

deep·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 : to become or to cause (something) to become deep or deeper

[+ obj] They deepened the river so that larger boats could sail through.

Age had deepened the lines in his face.

[no obj] The water deepens toward the center of the river.

2 : to become or to cause (something, such as a feeling or emotion) to become stronger or more powerful

[+ obj] The experience deepened [=strengthened] his love for acting.

Her powerful words deepened our commitment to the cause.

The vacation together deepened their relationship with each other.

The mystery was deepened by her silence.

[no obj] Their friendship deepened [=grew deeper] with time.

3 [+ obj] : to make (your knowledge, understanding, etc.) fuller or more complete

This class will deepen your understanding of economics.

Living in the country's capital had deepened her knowledge of politics.

4 : to become or to cause (something) to become worse or more severe

[+ obj] The government's policies have deepened the country's economic recession.

The situation is deepening the divisions between the two groups.

[no obj] These divisions have deepened over the years.

5 : to become or to cause (something, such as a person's voice) to become lower in sound

[no obj] His voice has deepened over the years.

[+ obj] Time has deepened his voice.

6 [no obj] : to become darker or stronger in color

The sunset deepened from a pale yellow to a bright orange.

Rather than fading, the colors deepened in tone.

The sky deepened to a dark blue.

7

To deepen your breathing is to take more air into your lungs when you breathe.

deep·en·ing adj

It confirmed our deepening suspicions that she was planning to leave.

A deepening [=worsening] financial crisis threatened the economy.

the country's deepening poverty
deepening shadows [=shadows that are becoming darker]

deep fat noun [noncount]

: a deep layer of oil or fat that is heated in a pan or machine and used to fry food
a deep-fat fryer [=a machine used to fry food in deep fat]

deep freeze noun, pl freezes

1 : a state of extreme cold

[count] This part of the world experienced a deep freeze for several thousand years.

[noncount] a period of deep freeze
sometimes used figuratively

Their relationship went into a deep freeze when she left for school.

2 [count] Brit : freezer

deep-fry verb, -fries, -fried, -fry·ing [+ obj]

: to cook (food) in a deep layer of oil or fat

Deep-fry the chicken in two inches of oil.

deep-fried adj
deep-fried chicken/potatoes

deep·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : in a way that is very complete, extreme, strongly felt, etc. : in a deep way

They fell deeply in love.

The car expenses sent him even more deeply into debt.

He asked us to think deeply [=to think seriously and for a long time] about the issue, because he felt it was very important.

I'm deeply [=very, extremely] sorry.

He came from a deeply religious family.

They're deeply [=sharply] divided on the issues.

I thought the movie was deeply moving/disturbing. = I was deeply moved/disturbed by the movie.

a deeply flawed design

The senator gave a deeply personal speech last night.

We are all deeply committed to peace.

The beliefs are deeply ingrained/embedded/entrenched in American culture.

deeply held beliefs/values
deeply felt emotions

She cares very deeply about/for him.

These traditions are deeply rooted in the past. = They are rooted deeply in the past.

2 : far into or below the surface of something

The designs are carved/cut deeply into the wooden chairs.

deeply buried beneath the snow
often used figuratively

You'll have to dig/delve deeply into the library to find that information.

3

If you breathe deeply or sigh deeply, you take a large amount of air into your lungs when you breathe or sigh.

4

If you are sleeping deeply, you are thoroughly asleep and it is hard to wake you up.

deep pockets noun [plural]

somewhat informal : large amounts of money that can be used : great financial resources
a company with deep pockets

deep-pock·et·ed adj
deep-pocketed companies

deep-root·ed adj [more ; most ]

: existing for a long time and very difficult to change : firmly established

The country's economic troubles are deep-rooted. [=deep-seated]

deep-rooted beliefs

deep-sea adj, always used before a noun

: living in, relating to, or done in the deep parts of the ocean
deep-sea creatures

We went deep-sea fishing/diving.

deep-seat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: existing for a long time and very difficult to change : firmly established

She has a deep-seated fear of flying.

The problems are far more deep-seated [=deep-rooted] than we thought.

deep-six verb, -six·es, -sixed, -six·ing [+ obj]

US informal : to get rid of (something) : to no longer use or consider (something)

The government plans to deep-six [=eliminate] the program next year.

The committee deep-sixed the plan.

Deep South noun

the Deep South

: the states in the most southern and eastern part of the U.S. and especially Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi

deer noun, pl deer [count]

: a large wild animal that has four long thin legs, brown fur, and antlers if male

deer tick noun, pl ticks [count]

US : a very small insect found in the eastern U.S. and in Canada that usually feeds on deer and that can give the person or animal it bites various diseases (such as Lyme disease)

DEET noun [noncount]

chiefly US : a chemical that is used to keep insects away from people and animals

de·face verb, -fac·es, -faced, -fac·ing [+ obj]

: to ruin the surface of (something) especially with writing or pictures

The building was defaced with graffiti.

He was fined for defacing public property.

de·face·ment noun [noncount]

de fac·to Brit adj, always used before a noun
formal
used to describe something that exists but that is not officially accepted or recognized

She became the de facto leader of the group. [=she was the unofficial leader]

a de facto state of war
de facto government policies

compare DE JURE

de facto adv

She became the leader de facto.

def·a·ma·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : the act of saying false things in order to make people have a bad opinion of someone or something : the act of defaming someone or something

[noncount] He sued the newspaper for defamation (of character).

[count] The article was full of lies and defamations.

de·fam·a·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal : meant to hurt the reputation of someone or something
defamatory statements [=statements that defame someone]

de·fame verb, -fames, -famed, -fam·ing [+ obj]

formal : to hurt the reputation of (someone or something) especially by saying things that are false or unfair

He says he was defamed by reports that falsely identified him as a former gangster.

1de·fault noun, pl -faults

1 [noncount] used to describe something that happens or is done when nothing else has been done or can be done;
usually used in the phrase by default

No one else wanted the job, so he became the club's president by default.

Their decision was made by default. All of the other options were no longer possible.

We won the game by default when the other team failed to show up.

sometimes used before another noun
the default winner

2 a : a failure to make a payment (such as a payment on a loan)

[noncount] She's in default on her loan. [=she missed a payment on her loan]

[count] mortgage defaults

2 b [noncount] law : failure to appear in court

The defendant has made no appearance in the case and is in default.

3 [count] computers : a setting, option, etc., that a computer uses if you do not choose a different one

You can enter your own settings or use the defaults.

Which font is the default in that computer program?

often used before another noun
the computer's default settings

in default of
formal : in the absence of (something) : without (something)

In default of evidence, there can be no trial.

2default verb, -faults, -fault·ed, -fault·ing [no obj]

1 : to fail to do something that legally must be done; especially : to fail to make the payments you must make on a loan, mortgage, etc.

He defaulted on his loan (payments).

If the borrower defaults, the bank can take the house.

2 of a computer : to automatically use a particular setting, option, etc., unless you choose a different one

The program defaults to a standard font.

de·fault·er noun, pl -ers [count]

loan defaulters

1de·feat verb, -feats, -feat·ed, -feat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to win a victory over (someone or something) in a war, contest, game, etc.

We lost to their team last year, but this year we're going to defeat [=beat] them.

We must be ready to defeat our enemies in battle.

Our candidate defeated him in the last election.

He defeated his opponent.

2 a : to cause (someone or something) to fail

She finally found a solution to a problem that had defeated many other researchers.

The bill was defeated in the state senate.

It would defeat the purpose of having a nice car if you never got to drive it. [=there would be no reason to have a nice car if you did not drive it]

2 b : to control or overcome (something)

Scientists from around the world are working to defeat the disease.

see also DEFEATED

2defeat noun, pl -feats

1 : failure to succeed or to win

[noncount] We weren't prepared for defeat.

One small error could make the difference between success and defeat.

After several tries we were forced to accept/admit/concede defeat.

The bill suffered defeat [=the bill was defeated] in the state senate.

Even in defeat [=even when he didn't win], he was a hero to those who loved the sport.

[count]

usually singular

The passage of the law represented a defeat for their cause.

Her basketball team suffered a bitter/crushing/devastating defeat. [=loss]

That was his first defeat as a professional boxer.

opposite VICTORY

2 [count] : the act of winning a victory over someone or something

They celebrated their defeat of the enemy.

their 63 defeat of their rivals [=their 63 victory over their rivals]

go down to defeat

: to fail or lose : to be defeated

The bill went down to defeat in the House.

defeated adj

1
used to describe someone or something that has lost a contest, game, etc.

our defeated opponents

2 [more ; most ] : feeling unable to succeed or to achieve something

She felt very/utterly defeated when she found out she didn't get the job.

de·feat·ism noun [noncount]

formal : a way of thinking in which a person expects to lose or fail

We must not give in to defeatism. We must be optimistic.

de·feat·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

He was seen as an intellectual defeatist.

defeatist adj [more ; most ]

their defeatist attitudes

def·e·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [no obj]

formal : to pass solid waste from the body

def·e·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

1de·fect noun, pl -fects [count]

: a problem or fault that makes someone or something not perfect: such as
a : a physical problem that causes something to be less valuable, effective, healthy, etc.

This small defect [=flaw] greatly reduces the diamond's value.

They examine their products for defects.

a minor/major defect

She was born with a heart defect.

a birth defect [=a physical problem that someone is born with]

b : something that causes weakness or failure

We had to point out the defect [=flaw] in their logic.

Vanity and pride were his two worst character defects.

2de·fect verb, -fects, -fect·ed, -fect·ing [no obj]

formal : to leave a country, political party, organization, etc., and go to a different one that is a competitor or an enemy

The Russian scholar defected in 1979.

She defected from the conservative party.

He defected to the West before the war began.

The reporter defected to another TV network.

de·fec·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

de·fec·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

the party's defectors

de·fec·tive adj [more ; most ]

: having a problem or fault that prevents something from working correctly : having a defect or flaw

Our car had defective [=faulty] brakes, so we had them replaced.

This computer is defective. I want my money back.

defective products/merchandise

The disease is caused by a defective gene.

de·fend verb, -fends, -fend·ed, -fend·ing

1 : to fight in order to keep (someone or something) safe : to not allow a person or thing to hurt, damage, or destroy (someone or something)

[+ obj] We are prepared to defend [=protect, guard] our country.

often + from or against

They have every right to defend themselves from those who would hurt them.

The army defended the territory against invaders.

Her body was no longer able to defend itself against disease.

[no obj]

usually + against

These new weapons will make us better able to defend against attack.

The body's immune system defends against illness.

2 [+ obj] : to fight or work hard in order to keep (something, such as a right, interest, cause, etc.) from being taken away

The group defends [=protects] the rights of the poor.

The company must defend its own interests.

3 [+ obj] : to speak or write in support of (someone or something that is being challenged or criticized)

As a U.S. senator, it is my responsibility to defend [=uphold] the Constitution.

We believed it was a cause worth defending.

She defended her friend's behavior.

Stop defending him. What he did was wrong.

4 sports : to try to stop opponents from scoring

[+ obj] Your job is to defend the goal.

Focus on defending the basket.

[no obj] He defended well throughout the game.

often + against

She tried to defend against the jump shot.

5 [+ obj] : to compete in order to try to keep (a title, championship, etc.)

The team is looking to defend its national title. [=to win the national title again]

She successfully defended her championship. [=she won the championship again]

6 [+ obj] : to work as a lawyer for (someone who is being sued or accused of a crime)

They hired a famous lawyer to defend their son.

She defended herself during her trial.

de·fend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

The player got past two defenders.

She's a staunch/tireless defender of human rights.

see also PUBLIC DEFENDER

defending adj

He lost to the defending champ. [=to the person who won last year]

This year, we are the defending world/national champions.

de·fend·ant noun, pl -ants [count]

: a person who is being sued or accused of a crime in a court of law

The jury believed that the defendant was guilty.

compare PLAINTIFF

de·fense (US) or Brit de·fence noun, pl -fens·es

1 : the act of defending someone or something from attack

[noncount] weapons of defense = weapons used for defense

They fought in defense of their country. [=they fought to defend their country]

the body's first line of defense [=way of defending itself] against illness

[count] They put up a good defense, but the city ultimately fell to the invaders.

They mounted a good defense.

see also SELF-DEFENSE

2 [count] : something that is used to protect yourself, your country, etc.

The best defense is a good offense. [=the best way to defend something is to try to beat the opposite side]

The city's defenses were not strong enough to keep out the invaders.

We need to improve our defenses.

the nation's air and ground defenses
often + against

We have no defense against such powerful weapons. [=we have no way to defend ourselves against such powerful weapons]

the body's natural defenses against disease and infection

3 : the act of speaking or writing in support of someone or something that is being attacked or criticized

[noncount] His friends quickly came/jumped to his defense. [=his friends began saying that he was right or good]

often used in the phrase in defense

She spoke out in defense of justice. [=she defended justice]

Let me say, in her defense, that I would have done the same thing that she did.

He spoke up in his own defense. [=he defended himself]

[count]

usually singular

She offered no defense [=justification] for her actions.

We listened to a passionate/spirited defense of the governor's decision.

4 [noncount] : the things that are done by a country to protect itself from enemies

In my view, the most important issue facing our country today is national defense.

The candidates accused each other of being soft/weak on defense.

The President wants to increase spending on defense.

He was the Secretary of Defense under the last President.

often used before another noun

He proposed an increase in defense spending.

the defense secretary/minister/department

They signed a billion-dollar defense contract with the company.

cuts in the defense budget

5 a [singular] : the side of a legal case which argues that a person who is being sued or accused of a crime is innocent : the lawyer or lawyers who represent the defendant in a court case

His friends are raising money (to pay) for his defense.

The defense rests, Your Honor.

The defense told the jury that the prosecution had not proved its case.

often used before another noun
defense attorneys/lawyers
a defense witness [=a person who speaks to support the defense's case]

He had three lawyers on his defense team.

compare PROSECUTION

5 b [count] : the method that is used in a court case to prove that someone is innocent

Her lawyers plan to use an insanity defense. [=they will say that she was not sane when she committed the crime]

It's a valid defense, and I think we should be able to win the case.

6 /difns/

6 a : the group of players on a team who try to stop an opponent from scoring

[count] He ran through the defense and scored a touchdown.

Our team has the best defense in the league.

a talented defense

[noncount] She began the season on defense [=playing on the part of the team that defends the goal], but her coach later put her on offense.

6 b [noncount] : the way that players on a team try to stop an opponent from scoring

The team needs some work on its defense.

These guys play good/strong/tough defense.

compare OFFENSE 4

de·fense·less (US) or Brit de·fence·less adj [more ; most ]

: not able to defend yourself, your country, etc.

Without weapons of any kind, the people of the town were completely defenseless.

Don't hurt them. They're just poor, defenseless [=helpless] animals.

often + against

The disease leaves the body defenseless against infection.

de·fense·man (US) or Brit de·fence·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a player in a sport (such as hockey) who tries to stop the other team from scoring

defense mechanism (US) or Brit defence mechanism noun, pl -nisms [count]

technical

1 : a process in the brain that makes you forget or ignore painful or disturbing thoughts, situations, etc.

She is projecting her anger on you as a defense mechanism.

2 : a reaction in your body that protects against disease or danger
the cell's normal defense mechanisms against infection

de·fen·si·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : able to be thought of as good or acceptable

Both candidates hold defensible positions on the issue.

Under those circumstances, her actions were completely defensible.

Slavery is not morally defensible.

2 : able to be defended or protected : able to be kept safe from damage or harm

The city has a defensible location.

a defensible bridge

1de·fen·sive adj

1 always used before a noun : defending or protecting someone or something from attack : helping to keep a person or thing safe

The city began building a defensive wall around its borders.

The government decided to join a defensive alliance with several other nations.

Defensive driving classes [=classes that teach you how to be a safe driver] can help you avoid accidents.

We have taken many defensive measures [=we have done things to protect ourselves] against terrorist attacks.

defensive actions
compare 1OFFENSIVE 4

2 [more ; most ] : behaving in a way that shows that you feel people are criticizing you

I was surprised by his defensive reaction to my suggestion.

defensive behaviors/attitudes

There's no need to get so defensive. I was only making a suggestion.

When we asked her about the mistakes, she became defensive.

often + about

He can be a bit defensive about his work as an artist.

3 always used before a noun sports : of or relating to the way that players try to stop an opponent from scoring in a game or contest

The coach has a strong defensive strategy.

a defensive player/lineman
compare 1OFFENSIVE 3

de·fen·sive·ly adv

“It wasn't my fault,” she said defensively.

The team needs to improve its game defensively. [=it needs to make its defense better]

de·fen·sive·ness noun [noncount]

There was a bit of defensiveness in his answer.

2defensive noun

on/onto the defensive

1 : in or into a situation in which you are forced to defend or protect someone or something

We won after keeping the other team on the defensive for most of the game.

Their soldiers appear to be on the defensive.

The company was pushed/forced onto the defensive in the lawsuit.

2 : in or into a position in which you have to argue that something (such as one of your actions or beliefs) is good or correct when others say that it is bad or wrong

The reporter often asks questions that put/place people on the defensive.

He found himself on the defensive when the subject of the environment was discussed.

The company is now on the defensive for its illegal business dealings.

de·fer verb, -fers, -ferred, -fer·ring [+ obj]

: to choose to do (something) at a later time

She deferred work on her book.

The accountant advised us not to defer our taxes. [=not to pay our taxes later]

She'll defer her decision.

see also TAX-DEFERRED

defer to [phrasal verb]

1 defer to (someone) : to allow (someone else) to decide or choose something

You have more experience with this, so I'm going to defer to you.

deferring to the experts

2 defer to (something) : to agree to follow (someone else's decision, a tradition, etc.)

The court defers to precedent in cases like these.

He deferred to his parents' wishes.

def·er·ence noun [noncount]

formal : a way of behaving that shows respect for someone or something

Her relatives treat one another with deference.

He is shown much deference by his colleagues.

often + to

The children were taught to show proper deference to their elders.

in deference to or out of deference to

: in order to show respect for the opinions or influence of (someone or something) : out of respect for (someone or something)

He decided not to get a tattoo in deference to his mother.

The police have not yet revealed the victim's name out of deference to his family.

customs used in deference to tradition

def·er·en·tial adj [more ; most ]

The class listened with deferential [=respectful] attention.

deferential to tradition

def·er·en·tial·ly adv

She bowed deferentially.

de·fer·ment noun, pl -ments

: the act of allowing something to be delayed or deferred: such as
a : official permission to pay for something at a later time

[count] She requested a six-month deferment on her loan.

[noncount] She requested deferment of her loan.

b : official permission to do required military service at a later time

[count] a draft deferment

He received a college/student deferment. [=permission to finish school before entering the military]

[noncount] the policies of military deferment

de·fer·ral noun, pl -rals

: the act of delaying or deferring something

[count] a tax deferral

[noncount] He applied for deferral.

de·fi·ance noun [noncount]

: a refusal to obey something or someone : the act of defying someone or something
acts of defiance
often + of

He was jailed for his defiance of the law.

in defiance of

: against or despite the wishes, rules, or laws of (someone or something)

The group is acting in defiance of a government order.

She married him in defiance of her parents.

The dancers leap in seeming defiance of the laws of gravity.

de·fi·ant adj [more ; most ]

: refusing to obey something or someone : full of defiance
defiant rebels
a defiant act

He's taken a defiant stand/stance on the issue.

de·fi·ant·ly adv

He's spoken out defiantly against the new law.

de·fi·bril·la·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

medical : a device that gives an electric shock to a person's heart in order to make it beat normally again especially after a heart attack

de·fi·cien·cy noun, pl -cies

1 : a lack of something that is needed : the state of not having enough of something necessary

[count] The disease may be caused by nutritional deficiencies.

The book's major deficiency is its poor plot.

a deficiency of vitamin C

[noncount] vitamin deficiency

2 [count] : a problem in the way something is made or formed

There are several deficiencies in his plan.

The accident was caused by deficiencies in the engine.

de·fi·cient adj [more ; most ]

1 : not having enough of something that is important or necessary
a nutritionally deficient diet
usually + in
a diet deficient in certain vitamins
a man who is deficient in judgment [=a man whose judgment is poor]

students who are deficient [=lacking] in their knowledge of history

2 : not good enough : not as good as others
mentally deficient

Several bridges in the city are structurally deficient.

def·i·cit noun, pl -cits [count]

1 : an amount (such as an amount of money) that is less than the amount that is needed

The government is facing a deficit of $3 billion.

We will reduce the federal budget deficit.

Some economists advocate deficit spending [=spending borrowed money] to boost a slumping economy.

opposite SURPLUS, see also TRADE DEFICIT

2 : the amount by which a person or team is behind in a game or contest

The team overcame a four-point deficit to win the game.

3 chiefly US : a problem that causes a decrease in some ability

She has a slight hearing deficit in her left ear.

see also ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER

1de·file verb, -files, -filed, -fil·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to make (something) dirty

The lake has been defiled by polluters.

2 : to take away or ruin the purity, honor, or goodness of (something or someone important)

She thinks slang defiles the language.

defiling the country's flag

Vandals defiled the holy shrine.

de·file·ment noun [noncount]

the defilement of the shrine

2defile noun, pl -files [count]

formal : a narrow passage through mountains : gorge

de·fine verb, -fines, -fined, -fin·ing [+ obj]

1 : to explain the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.)

How would you define (the word) “grotesque”?

a term that is difficult to define

2 : to show or describe (someone or something) clearly and completely

The government study seeks to define urban poverty.

Her book aims to define acceptable social behavior.

He was defined by his passions. [=his passions showed what kind of person he was]

She believes that success should be defined in terms of health and happiness.

Tigers are broadly/loosely defined [=described very generally] as large cats.

He narrowly defines [=describes very specifically] a hero as someone who has earned a medal in battle.

3 : to show the shape, outline, or edge of (something) very clearly

That fence defines the far edge of the property.

de·fin·able adj [more ; most ]

an easily definable word
definable risk factors

defined adj [more ; most ]

a clearly defined neighborhood

Her cheekbones are well-defined.

defining adj, always used before a noun

That was the campaign's defining moment. [=the moment that showed very clearly what kind of campaign it was]

def·i·nite adj [more ; most ]

1 : said or done in a such way that others know exactly what you mean

We'll need a definite answer by Tuesday.

The answer is a definite no.

2 : not likely to change : already set or decided

Are her plans definite?

I don't know anything definite yet.

The teacher sets definite standards for her students.

3 not used before a noun : confident or certain about doing something or that something will happen

She seems to be pretty definite about leaving.

I am definite that we will win.

definite article noun, pl articles [count]

grammar : the word the used in English to refer to a person or thing that is identified or specified; also : a word that is used in a similar way in another language compare INDEFINITE ARTICLE

def·i·nite·ly adv [more ; most ]

: without doubt : in a way that is certain or clear

The new model is definitely an improvement.

The party will definitely be next week.

The room is definitely not ready.

“Will you come over on Saturday?” “Definitely!” [=yes]

def·i·ni·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count]

1 a : an explanation of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc. : a statement that defines a word, phrase, etc.

dictionary definitions

1 b : a statement that describes what something is

What is the legal definition of a corporation?

a definition of happiness

2 [singular] : a clear or perfect example of a person or thing

He was the very definition of a gentleman. [=he was a perfect gentleman]

A week of fishing is my definition of a vacation.

3 [noncount] : the quality that makes it possible to see the shape, outline, and details of something clearly
muscle definition

The picture lacks definition. [=the picture is not sharp/clear]

a monitor with good definition and vibrant colors
see also HIGH-DEFINITION

by definition

: because of what something or someone is : according to the definition of a word that is being used to describe someone or something

A volunteer by definition is not paid.

A glider is by definition an aircraft with no engine.

de·fin·i·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : not able to be argued about or changed : final and settled

We need a definitive answer to this question.

The court has issued a definitive ruling.

2 : complete, accurate, and considered to be the best of its kind
a definitive biography
a definitive collection of the band's albums

de·fin·i·tive·ly adv
a virus definitively linked to some stomach diseases

de·flate verb, -flates, -flat·ed, -flat·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to release air or gas from (something, such as a tire or balloon) and make it smaller
deflate the tires
a deflated football

1 b [no obj] : to lose air or gas from inside

The birthday balloons deflated after a few days.

opposite INFLATE

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to make (someone) lose confidence or pride

The harsh criticism left him utterly deflated.

an insult that would deflate their egos

2 b : to show that (something) is not important or true
deflate [=defuse] an argument

He has worked to deflate popular myths about investing.

3 [+ obj] : to cause (prices, costs, etc.) to decrease : to cause (something, such as money or real estate) to lose value
economic polices that could deflate (the value of) the dollar

Deflated prices mean that farmers are getting less for their products.

de·fla·tion noun [noncount]

1 : a decrease in the amount of available money or credit in an economy that causes prices to go down

Economists worry that deflation will bring the country into recession.

compare INFLATION

2 : the act or process of letting air or gas out of (something)

deflation of a balloon

de·fla·tion·ary Brit adj [more ; most ]

a deflationary period in the economy

de·flect verb, -flects, -flect·ed, -flect·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something that is moving) to change direction
armor that can deflect bullets

The goalie deflected the ball with his hands.

1 b [no obj] : to hit something and suddenly change direction

The ball deflected off the goalie's shoulder.

2 [+ obj] : to keep (something, such as a question) from affecting or being directed at a person or thing

She's skilled at deflecting [=avoiding] questions/criticism.

They are trying to deflect attention from the troubled economy.

The blame was deflected from the chairman.

de·flec·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

a wind deflector

de·flec·tion noun, pl -tions

: the act of changing or causing something to change direction

[noncount] measuring the angle of deflection

[count] He scored with a deflection off another player's stick.

de·flow·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

literary : to have sex with (someone who has not had sex before)

de·fog verb, -fogs, -fogged, -fog·ging [+ obj]

US : to remove mist from (a window, mirror, etc.) by using dry heat
defog [=(Brit) demist] the windshield
compare DEFROST, DEICE

de·fog·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

a window defogger

de·fo·li·ant noun, pl -ants [count]

technical : a chemical that is sprayed on plants to make their leaves fall off

de·fo·li·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

technical : to cause the leaves of (a plant) to fall off
a chemical used to defoliate trees

Insects are defoliating the trees.

de·fo·li·a·tion noun [noncount]

de·for·es·ta·tion noun [noncount]

: the act or result of cutting down or burning all the trees in an area
the deforestation of the island
mudslides caused by deforestation
compare REFORESTATION

de·for·est verb, -ests, -est·ed, -est·ing [+ obj]

usually used as (be) deforested
regions that have been deforested
deforested areas

de·form verb, -forms, -formed, -form·ing

: to change something so that it no longer has its normal or original shape

[+ obj] The disease eventually deforms the bones.

a face deformed [=distorted, contorted] by hatred

[no obj] The disease eventually causes the bones to deform.

de·for·ma·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

skeletal deformations [=(more commonly) deformities]

[noncount]

the deformation of steel

deformed adj [more ; most ]

: not having the normal or expected shape especially because of a problem in the way something has developed or grown
deformed frogs
a deformed [=misshapen] hand

de·for·mi·ty noun, pl -ties

: a condition in which part of the body does not have the normal or expected shape

[count] facial deformities

[noncount] a disease causing deformity of the spine

de·frag verb, -frags, -fragged, -frag·ging [+ obj]

chiefly US computers informal : defragment

de·frag·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [+ obj]

chiefly US computers : to use a special program to move data on (a computer disk) so that related information is stored together

I defragmented my hard drive.

de·fraud verb, -frauds, -fraud·ed, -fraud·ing

: to trick or cheat someone or something in order to get money : to use fraud in order to get money from a person, an organization, etc.

[+ obj] They were accused of trying to defraud the public.

They conspired to defraud the government.

[no obj] She was convicted of writing bad checks with intent to defraud.

de·fray verb, -frays, -frayed, -fray·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal : to pay for (something)

This will defray the costs/expenses.

de·frock verb, -frocks, -frocked, -frock·ing [+ obj]

: to officially remove (a priest) from his or her job as punishment for doing something wrong
usually used as (be) defrocked

He was defrocked last year.

a defrocked priest

de·frost verb, -frosts, -frost·ed, -frost·ing

1 : to warm something that is frozen until it is no longer frozen

[+ obj] You can defrost the soup in the microwave.

[no obj] He took some fish out of the freezer to defrost [=thaw] in the fridge.

sometimes used figuratively

It took a while for her to defrost [=to stop being unfriendly] and open up to us.

2 : to melt ice that has built up on the inside of a freezer or refrigerator

[+ obj] defrost the freezer

[no obj] Has the refrigerator defrosted yet?

3 [+ obj] : to melt ice on a car's windows by using heat
defrost the windshield
compare DEFOG, DEICE

de·frost·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a device that uses heat or hot air to melt ice on or remove moisture from a surface
the car's rear defroster
a freezer with a built-in defroster

deft adj, deft·er, deft·est [or more ; most ]

1 : skillful and clever
a deft politician

The photographer is known for her deft use of lighting.

2 : able to do something quickly and accurately
the trumpeter's deft fingers

deft·ly adv
a deftly played symphony

deft·ness noun [noncount]

political deftness
the deftness of the surgeon

de·funct adj [more ; most ]

formal : no longer existing or being used
a defunct steel company

She wrote for the now-defunct newspaper.

de·fuse verb, -fus·es, -fused, -fus·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) less serious, difficult, or tense

Skilled negotiators helped defuse the crisis/situation.

Her joke diffused the tension in the room.

2 : to remove the part of (an explosive) that makes it explode : to remove the fuse from (an explosive)

defuse a bomb

de·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to refuse to obey (something or someone)

She defied her parents and dropped out of school.

2 : to make (something) very difficult or impossible

The article defies a simple summary. [=the article cannot be explained by a simple summary]

views of nature that defy belief/description [=that are hard to believe/describe]

3 : to resist or fight (something)

The group has continued to defy all efforts to stop them.

4 : to go against (something)

The team defied the odds [=did something that was very unlikely] and won the championship.

an explanation that defies all logic [=an explanation that does not make any sense]

5 : to tell (someone) to do something that you think cannot be done

I defy you to prove that I lied.

I defy anyone to name a better film. [=I do not think that anyone can name a better film; I do not think that there is a better film]

deg. abbr
degree

1de·gen·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [no obj]

: to change to a worse state or condition : to become worse, weaker, less useful, etc.

As the disease progresses, the patient's health will degenerate [=deteriorate] rapidly.

often + into

Experts fear that the country is degenerating into chaos.

The meeting degenerated into a shouting match.

de·gen·er·a·tion noun [noncount]

muscle tissue degeneration

Experts fear the degeneration of the country into chaos.

2de·gen·er·ate adj [more ; most ]

: having low moral standards : not honest, proper, or good

He criticizes what he believes is a degenerate society.

de·gen·er·a·cy noun [noncount]

moral degeneracy

3de·gen·er·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

disapproving : a person whose behavior is not morally right or socially acceptable
a couple of degenerates on a crime spree

de·gen·er·a·tive adj [more ; most ]

medical : causing the body or part of the body to become weaker or less able to function as time passes
a degenerative disease/disorder

de·grad·able adj [more ; most ]

technical : capable of being slowly broken down into simple parts
plastic that is not degradable
compare BIODEGRADABLE

deg·ra·da·tion noun, pl -tions
somewhat formal

1 : the act or process of damaging or ruining something

[noncount] degradation of the environment

[count] There has been a slight degradation [=decline] in the car's performance.

2 : the act of treating someone or something poorly and without respect

[noncount] the degradation of women

He was forced to live a life of degradation. [=a life in which he suffered and was treated very poorly]

[count] He was forced to suffer the degradations [=indignities] of poverty and abuse.

de·grade verb, -grades, -grad·ed, -grad·ing

1 [+ obj] : to treat (someone or something) poorly and without respect

The group accuses the company of degrading women in its ads.

I am not going to degrade [=lower] myself by responding to these baseless accusations.

He felt degraded by their remarks.

2 [+ obj] : to make the quality of (something) worse

Scratches on a camera lens will degrade the image.

Pollution has degraded air quality.

3 technical : to cause (something complex) to break down into simple substances or parts

[+ obj] enzymes that degrade proteins

[no obj] plastics that don't degrade [=decompose] easily

degrading adj [more ; most ]

a degrading job

He made a degrading remark about my weight.

de·gree noun, pl -grees

1 [count] : a unit for measuring temperature

Bake the bread at 350 degrees (Fahrenheit) for 35 minutes.

20 degrees Fahrenheit/Celsius [=20° F/C]

abbr. deg.

2 [count] : a unit for measuring the size of an angle

There are 360 degrees in a circle.

47 degrees latitude/longitude
a 15 degree angle [=a 15° angle]

abbr. deg.

3 : an amount or level that can be measured or compared to another amount or level

[noncount] These trees will thrive, to a greater or lesser degree, in a number of climates.

To what degree [=how much] is she interested in finance?

We don't yet know the degree to which [=how much] the roof is damaged.

[count]

usually + of
a high degree of difficulty/skill

They have had varying degrees of success.

We can now predict the weather with a greater degree of accuracy. [=with more accuracy]

4 [noncount] : a measure of how severe or serious something is

He was accused of murder in the first degree. = He was accused of first-degree murder. [=the most serious kind of murder]

a second-degree burn
see also FIRST-DEGREE, SECOND-DEGREE, THIRD-DEGREE

5 [count] : an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university

She has a degree in engineering.

a four-year degree [=a degree that is given to someone who has completed four years of study]

a bachelor's/master's degree

She received an honorary degree. [=a degree given by a college or university to someone who is not a student but who has done something important]

by degrees

: very slowly : by a series of small changes

The tomatoes changed by degrees from green to red.

to some degree also to a (certain) degree

: not completely but partly

To some degree, they're right.

We simplified the process to a certain degree. [=somewhat]

to the nth degree see NTH

de·hu·man·ize also Brit de·hu·man·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to treat (someone) as though he or she is not a human being

Inspectors have observed terrible factory conditions that dehumanize workers.

The government's propaganda is meant to dehumanize the enemy. [=to make the enemy seem less human]

the dehumanizing nature of torture

de·hu·man·iz·a·tion also Brit de·hu·man·is·a·tion Brit noun [noncount]

de·hu·mid·i·fi·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a machine that takes moisture out of the air compare HUMIDIFIER

de·hy·drate verb, -drates, -drat·ed, -drat·ing
somewhat technical

1 [+ obj] : to remove water or moisture from (something, such as food)

Salt dehydrates the meat and keeps it from spoiling.

2 : to lose too much water

[no obj] Athletes drink lots of water so they don't dehydrate.

[+ obj] Exercising in this heat will dehydrate you.

dehydrated adj [more ; most ]

dehydrated fruit
dehydrated athletes

de·hy·dra·tion noun [noncount]

Athletes drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.

de·ice verb, -ic·es, -iced, -ic·ing [+ obj]

: to remove ice from (something)

We watched while they deiced the plane before takeoff.

compare DEFOG, DEFROST

de·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to treat (someone or something) like a god or goddess

The people deified the emperor.

Our society deifies [=worships] money.

de·i·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the deification of celebrities

deign verb, deigns, deigned, deign·ing [no obj]

formal + disapproving : to do something that you think you should not have to do because you are too important
usually followed by to + verb

She finally deigned to speak to me.

The actor walked by, not even deigning [=stooping, condescending] to acknowledge his fans.

de·i·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

: a god or goddess
ancient Greek deities
a reference to the Deity [=God]

dé·jà vu noun [noncount]

1 : the feeling that you have already experienced something that is actually happening for the first time

I entered the room and immediately felt a sense of déjà vu.

2 chiefly US, informal : something that has happened many times before : something that is very familiar

When the car broke down again, it was déjà vu.

The rise in housing costs is déjà vu all over again.

de·ject·ed adj [more ; most ]

: sad because of failure, loss, etc.

The dejected players left the field.

She's been so dejected [=depressed, unhappy] since her sister moved away.

de·ject·ed·ly adv

The players dejectedly walked off the field.

de·jec·tion noun [noncount]

: sadness that is caused by failure, loss, etc.

You could see the dejection [=unhappiness] on her face.

de ju·re adj, always used before a noun
law : based on or according to the law
the end of de jure segregation
de jure authority
compare DE FACTO

de jure adv

The UN has recognized the country de jure.

Del. abbr

US Delaware

1de·lay noun, pl -lays

1 : a situation in which something happens later than it should

[count] Do you know what's causing the delay?

The nurse apologized for the delay [=wait] and said that the doctor would be in shortly.

a number of flight delays

[noncount] After months of delay, construction on the new school began.

The roof must be repaired without delay. [=immediately]

2 [count] : the amount of time that you must wait for something that is late

Airline travelers are experiencing delays of up to three hours.

2delay verb, -lays, -layed, -lay·ing

1 : to wait until later to do something : to make something happen later

[+ obj] The doctor wants to delay surgery for a few weeks.

They delayed [=put off] having children until their late 30s.

She's planning to delay her retirement.

[no obj] He delayed too long, and now it's too late.

“Don't delay! Sale ends Saturday.”

2 [+ obj] : to make (something or someone) late : to make (something or someone) take longer than expected or planned

Production problems delayed the introduction of the new model by several months.

often used as (be) delayed

We were delayed by traffic.

Many flights were delayed.

delayed adj [more ; most ]

He had a very delayed reaction to the medication. [=a reaction that did not happen immediately]

delaying tactic noun [count]

: something that is done in order to delay a decision, an occurrence, etc. called also (chiefly US) delay tactic

de·lec·ta·ble adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal

1 : very pleasant to taste or smell : delicious
the restaurant's delectable food

The meals he prepares are always delectable.

2 humorous : very attractive
one of the most delectable men she's ever met

de·lec·ta·bly adv
a delectably seasoned steak

de·lec·ta·tion noun [noncount]

formal : pleasure or enjoyment

Here is some chocolate for your delectation.

1del·e·gate noun, pl -gates [count]

: a person who is chosen or elected to vote or act for others : representative
the U.N. delegates from African countries

He's been chosen as a delegate to the convention.

2del·e·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing

1 : to give (control, responsibility, authority, etc.) to someone : to trust someone with (a job, duty, etc.)

[+ obj] A manager should delegate authority to the best employees.

Those chores can be delegated to someone else.

[no obj] He doesn't delegate very well.

2 [+ obj] : to choose (someone) to do something
often used as (be) delegated

He was delegated by the town to take care of the monument.

del·e·ga·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a group of people who are chosen to vote or act for someone else
a delegation of diplomats

He's been chosen to lead the delegation to the conference.

the state's congressional delegation [=the group of officials elected to the U.S. Congress from a particular state]

2 [noncount] formal : the act of giving control, authority, a job, a duty, etc., to another person
usually + of
the delegation of responsibilities

de·lete verb, -letes, -let·ed, de·let·ing [+ obj]

: to remove (something, such as words, pictures, or computer files) from a document, recording, computer, etc.

Delete this name from the list.

When the movie was shown on TV all the swearwords had been deleted.

She accidentally deleted [=erased] the file/e-mail.

de·le·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The deletions shouldn't affect the meaning of the letter.

[noncount]

The deletion of that paragraph makes your letter read better.

del·e·te·ri·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : damaging or harmful

The chemical is deleterious to the environment.

The drug has no deleterious effects on patients.

deli noun, pl del·is [count]

: a store where you can buy foods (such as meats, cheese, salads, and sandwiches) that are already cooked or prepared

We bought sandwiches and drinks at the deli.

called also delicatessen

1de·lib·er·ate adj [more ; most ]

1 : done or said in a way that is planned or intended : done or said on purpose

I don't think that was a mistake; I think it was deliberate. [=intentional]

a deliberate [=planned] attempt to trick people

2 : done or decided after careful thought
a deliberate choice/decision

3 : slow and careful

She spoke in a clear, deliberate manner/way.

He advocates a slow and deliberate approach to the problem.

2de·lib·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

: to think about or discuss something very carefully in order to make a decision

[no obj] The jury deliberated for two days before reaching a verdict.

[+ obj] They will deliberate the question.

often + whether, what, etc.

I've been deliberating [=debating] whether or not to accept the job offer.

de·lib·er·ate·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : in a way that is meant, intended, or planned

He deliberately tricked them.

2 : slowly and carefully : in a way that is not hurried

She spoke clearly and deliberately to the audience.

de·lib·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : careful thought or discussion done in order to make a decision

[noncount] After hours of deliberation, the council came to a decision.

[count] Jury deliberations lasted two days.

2 [noncount] : the quality of being slow and careful

She spoke to the audience with clarity and deliberation.

de·lib·er·a·tive adj [more ; most ]

formal : created or done in order to discuss and consider facts and reasons carefully

Congress is a deliberative body.

a deliberative process

del·i·ca·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [count] : a food that people like to eat because it is special or rare

The restaurant serves delicious sausages and other regional delicacies.

2 [noncount] : the quality of being delicate: such as

2 a : the quality of being easily broken or damaged
the delicacy of the glassware

2 b : the quality of being easily injured, hurt, or made sick
the delicacy [=frailty] of his health

2 c : the attractive quality of something that is formed from many small or fine parts

The curtains were made from fine lace of great delicacy.

a musician known for the delicacy of her compositions
the delicacy of the young boy's features

2 d : the appealing quality of something that is not too strong
the delicacy of the perfume
the delicacy of the wine's flavor

3 [noncount]

3 a : special care or skill that is needed to prevent people from becoming upset or angry

This is a difficult situation that should be handled with delicacy. [=tact]

3 b : the quality of requiring special care or skill

Because of the delicacy of the situation, we needed to speak privately.

del·i·cate adj [more ; most ]

1 a : easily broken or damaged

The cup is very delicate [=fragile], so please handle it carefully.

delicate flowers

1 b : easily injured, hurt, or made sick

Her health is very delicate. [=frail]

He has a delicate stomach and often gets sick when traveling.

2 a : attractive and made up of small or fine parts

The fabric has a delicate floral print.

a small boy with delicate (facial) features

She has delicate hands. [=small and attractive hands]

2 b : very carefully and beautifully made

We hung delicate lace curtains in the windows.

The tomb was adorned with delicate carvings.

3 : attractive because of being soft, gentle, light, etc. : pleasant or attractive in a way that is not too strong
the delicate flavor of the wine
a delicate perfume/sauce
a delicate color

4 : easily disturbed or upset

Many people struggle to maintain the delicate balance between work and family.

The violence in the film offended her delicate sensibilities.

The movie is not for delicate [=squeamish] people.

5 : requiring special care or skill : difficult to manage or do well

The doctor performed the delicate operation.

This is a delicate situation that needs to be handled carefully.

The situation calls for a very delicate approach.

del·i·cate·ly adv
a delicately carved tomb
a delicately flavored ginger sauce

This situation must be handled delicately.

del·i·cates noun [plural]

: clothes made of delicate material that must be washed carefully

del·i·ca·tes·sen noun, pl -sens [count]

: deli

de·li·cious adj [more ; most ]

1 a : very pleasant to taste

Dinner was delicious.

This is the most delicious ice cream I have ever eaten.

1 b : having a smell that suggests a very pleasant taste

The bread smells delicious.

Delicious aromas were floating from the kitchen.

2 literary : very pleasing or enjoyable
a delicious [=delightful] comedy about parenthood
a delicious bit of gossip

de·li·cious·ly adv

They served a deliciously fruity dessert.

a deliciously witty writer

de·li·cious·ness noun [noncount]

1de·light noun, pl -lights

1 [noncount] : a strong feeling of happiness : great pleasure or satisfaction

His expression when he saw the baby was one of pure delight. [=joy]

We watched the fireworks with delight.

The kids screamed in delight as they chased one another around the park.

To our delight, our guests decided to stay another night. [=we were very happy that our guests decided to stay another night]

To the delight of the children, there were enough cookies for everyone to have two.

She takes delight in [=very much enjoys] her new job.

Some people seem to take great delight in hearing about the misfortunes of others.

2 [count] : something that makes you very happy : something that gives you great pleasure or satisfaction

The trip was a delight.

a garden full of tasty delights

The magazine is a cook's delight.

The stories are a delight to read.

see also TURKISH DELIGHT

2delight verb, -lights, -light·ed, -light·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) very happy : to give (someone) great pleasure or satisfaction

The toy delighted the children.

The stories will delight readers of all ages.

delight in [phrasal verb]

delight in (something) : to be very happy because of (something) : to enjoy (something) very much

I walked slowly, delighting in the crisp autumn air.

He delights in meeting new people.

delighted adj [more ; most ]

: made very happy : full of great pleasure or satisfaction

I am delighted [=very pleased] to meet you.

the delighted [=joyful] expression on his face

The children were especially delighted that there were enough cookies for each of them to have two.

She's delighted with her new job. [=she likes her new job very much]

We were delighted by the performance.

They are delighted at the prospect of a visit from their grandchildren.

de·light·ed·ly adv

He laughed delightedly.

de·light·ful adj [more ; most ]

: very pleasant : giving or causing delight

It has been delightful meeting you.

It is delightful [=wonderful, great] to be here.

That was a delightful party.

She's a delightful person.

de·light·ful·ly adv
a delightfully sunny day

de·lim·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

formal : to officially set or state the limits of (something)

Strict guidelines delimit his responsibilities.

de·lin·eate verb, -eates, -eat·ed, -eat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to clearly show or describe (something)

The report clearly delineates the steps that must be taken.

The characters in the story were carefully delineated.

de·lin·ea·tion noun [noncount]

de·lin·quen·cy noun, pl -cies

1 : crimes or other morally wrong acts : illegal or immoral behavior especially by young people

[noncount] They tried to steer him away from delinquency by giving him a job in their store.

She's been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

[count] a series of minor delinquencies
see also JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

2 US : the condition of someone who owes money and is not making payments at the required or expected time

[count] Loan delinquencies are on the rise. [=an increasing number of people are failing to make their loan payments on time]

[noncount] a high rate of delinquency

Delinquency rates are soaring.

1de·lin·quent noun, pl -quents [count]

: a young person who regularly does illegal or immoral things : juvenile delinquent
a group of violent delinquents

2delinquent adj

1 : doing things that are illegal or immoral
a school for delinquent children

His delinquent behavior could lead to more serious problems.

2 US

2 a : not paid at the required or expected time

Her credit card account was delinquent. [=she had not made the payments that were due on her credit card account]

The town is trying to collect delinquent taxes.

2 b : failing to pay an amount of money that is owed
people who are delinquent in their loan payments [=people who have not been paying back their loans when they said they would]

delinquent borrowers

de·lir·i·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : not able to think or speak clearly especially because of fever or other illness

As the child's temperature went up, he became delirious and didn't know where he was.

He was delirious with fever.

2 : very excited
a group of delirious fans celebrating the team's victory
often + with

We were delirious with happiness when we heard the news.

de·lir·i·ous·ly adv
deliriously happy
deliriously in love

He spoke deliriously.

de·lir·i·um noun, pl -iums

1 : a mental state in which you are confused and not able to think or speak clearly usually because of fever or some other illness

[noncount] In her delirium, nothing she said made any sense.

a period of delirium

[count] drug deliriums

2 [noncount] : a state of wild excitement and great happiness

The team's victory sent fans into (a state of) delirium.

delirium tre·mens noun [noncount]

medical : d.t.'s

de·lish adj [more ; most ]

US informal : delicious

The whole meal was delish.

de·list verb, -lists, -list·ed, -list·ing [+ obj]

formal : to remove (something) from a list

The company has been delisted from the stock exchange. [=the company is no longer one of the companies listed on the stock exchange]

de·liv·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing

1 : to take (something) to a person or place

[+ obj] The package was delivered to the office this morning.

She delivers the mail on my street.

They are having the furniture delivered next week.

The supermarket delivers groceries for free within 30 miles of the store.

[no obj] “Does the restaurant deliver?” “No, you have to pick up the food yourself.”

2 [+ obj] : to say (something) officially or publicly : to present (a speech, statement, etc.) to a group of people

He will deliver the speech at noon.

The actors delivered their lines with passion.

The jury is expected to deliver a verdict later today.

The judge delivered a warning to the protesters.

3 a [no obj] : to do what you say you will do or what people expect you to do : to produce the promised, wanted, or expected results

We gave her the job because we know she'll deliver. [=come through]

He failed to deliver on his promise. [=he failed to do what he promised to do]

3 b [+ obj] : to provide or produce (something)

The novel delivers an inspiring look into the life and ideas of Gandhi.

The company charges too much for what it delivers.

The car delivers excellent/poor gas mileage.

see also deliver the goods at 2GOOD

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to give birth to (a baby)

She delivered healthy twin girls early this morning.

(technical) The patient was delivered of [=gave birth to] healthy twin girls this morning.

4 b : to help someone give birth to (a baby)

The doctor is delivering a baby right now.

5 [+ obj] : to give control of (someone or something) to another person or group

+ to or into

He argues that by letting children watch too much television, we are delivering them into the hands of advertisers.

A group of soldiers were delivered up to [=handed over to] the enemy at the border.

The agreement delivered over [=transferred] the documents into the possession of the museum.

6 [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as a punch, a thrown ball, etc.) to hit or go to a person or place

The boxer delivered a crushing blow to his opponent's head.

He delivered [=threw] a fastball right over the plate.

The country is believed to have the ability to deliver nuclear warheads. [=to attack other countries with nuclear warheads]

7 [+ obj] chiefly US : to get (votes) for a particular person or issue in an election

She is doing her best to deliver the college student vote. [=to convince college students to vote a particular way]

8 [+ obj] formal + literary : to free (someone) from something
all those who long to be delivered from slavery/tyranny

“deliver [=save] us from evil.” Matthew 6:13 (KJV)

deliver yourself of
formal : to make, create, or produce (something)

She has finally delivered herself of her long-awaited third novel.

de·liv·er·able adj
a deliverable product

deliverable noun, pl -ables [count]

usually plural
computer software deliverables [=products that can be delivered to customers]

de·liv·er·er noun, pl -ers [count]

When are the deliverers bringing the sofa?

de·liv·er·ance noun [noncount]

formal : the state of being saved from something dangerous or unpleasant

She prayed for deliverance as the famine got worse.

often + from

He knew that his retirement would bring deliverance from the worries and stresses of his job.

de·liv·ery noun, pl -er·ies

1 a : the act of taking something to a person or place

[count] The delivery is scheduled for this morning.

The supermarket makes deliveries [=takes goods to customers] for free within 30 miles of the store.

The restaurant doesn't do deliveries. [=does not take food to customers]

[noncount] The company offers free delivery with orders over $100.

She does the mail delivery [=she delivers the mail] on my street.

a delivery truck/service [=a truck/service that delivers something]

Someone has to be home to accept/receive delivery of the package.

Payment is due on delivery of the goods. [=when you receive the goods]

Allow six weeks for delivery.

see also SPECIAL DELIVERY

1 b [count] : something that is taken to a person or place : something that is delivered

The store got a delivery [=shipment] of shirts yesterday.

2 : the act or process of giving birth

[noncount] The baby weighed almost seven pounds at the time of delivery.

the delivery room [=a special room in a hospital where women give birth to babies]

[count] The doctor expects it to be a routine delivery.

The doctor has had three deliveries today.

3 [singular] : the way someone says something officially or publicly : the way someone delivers a speech, statement, etc., to a group of people

The joke was funny, but his delivery was terrible.

I need to work on my delivery before I give the speech.

4 [count] sports : the way a ball is thrown in baseball or cricket

The pitchers have similar deliveries.

a high delivery

take delivery of
formal : to receive (something that is being delivered to you)

The city will take delivery of the vehicles tomorrow.

delivery boy noun, pl boys [count]

somewhat old-fashioned : a boy or young man who delivers goods to customers from a store or restaurant

de·liv·ery·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a man who delivers goods to customers

dell noun, pl dells [count]

formal + literary : a small valley with trees and grass growing in it

de·louse verb, -lous·es, -loused, -lous·ing [+ obj]

: to remove lice from (someone or something)

delouse clothing

del·ta noun, pl -tas

1 [count] : the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet or

2 [count] : a piece of land shaped like a triangle that is formed when a river splits into smaller rivers before it flows into an ocean
a river delta
the Ganges/Nile Delta

3 or Delta [singular] US : an area of low land along the Mississippi River that is mainly in the state of Mississippi
the Mississippi Delta
delta blues [=blues music that comes from the Mississippi delta]

del·toid noun, pl -toids [count]

: a large muscle of the shoulder
well-developed deltoids
the deltoid muscles

de·lude verb, -ludes, -lud·ed, -lud·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to believe something that is not true

If she thinks I care, she's deluding [=fooling] herself.

He was deluded [=deceived] by their lies.

often + into

They deluded themselves into believing their team would win.

deluded adj [more ; most ]

His deluded family believed everything he said.

a very deluded way of thinking

1del·uge noun, pl -ug·es [count]

1 a : a large amount of rain that suddenly falls in an area

The deluge caused severe mudslides.

1 b : a situation in which a large area of land becomes completely covered with water : flood
the biblical deluge

2 : a large amount of things that come at the same time
an advertising deluge [=many advertisements]

often + of

The office receives a deluge of mail every day.

a deluge of phone calls

2deluge verb, -uges, -uged, -ug·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give or send (someone) a large amount of things at the same time
usually used as (be) deluged

The family was deluged [=inundated, swamped] with calls about the free puppies.

The office is deluged with mail every day.

2 : to flood (a place) with water

Heavy rains deluged the region.

de·lu·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

1 : a belief that is not true : a false idea

He has delusions about how much money he can make at that job.

He is living/laboring under the delusion that he is incapable of making mistakes.

She is under the delusion that we will finish on time.

2 : a false idea or belief that is caused by mental illness

As the illness progressed, his delusions took over and he had violent outbursts.

If you have delusions of grandeur, you believe that you are much more important than you really are.

The patient is suffering from hallucinations and delusions of grandeur.

a young actress with delusions of grandeur

de·lu·sion·al adj [more ; most ]

He showed signs of delusional thinking near the end of his life.

If you think we can afford a new car, you are delusional.

de·luxe adj [more ; most ]

: of better quality and usually more expensive than the usual ones of its kind : very luxurious

We stayed at a deluxe [=fancy] hotel.

the deluxe model of the car

The deluxe edition of the book includes many more illustrations.

delve verb, delves, delved, delv·ing [no obj]

1 : to search for information about something

He tried to delve inside his memory for clues about what had happened.

usually + into

Before the trip, I delved into the history of the city.

Now is not the time to delve into the past.

He delved deeply/further into his research.

2 chiefly Brit : to reach into a bag, container, etc., in order to find something
usually + in or into

He delved in the drawer for a torch.

She delved into her handbag in search of a pen.

Dem. abbr

US Democrat

dem·a·gogue noun, pl -gogues [count]

disapproving : a political leader who tries to get support by making false claims and promises and using arguments based on emotion rather than reason

His opponent called him a bigoted demagogue.

dem·a·gog·ic adj [more ; most ]

a demagogic politician

dem·a·gogu·ery also dem·a·gogy noun [noncount]

political demagoguery

1de·mand Brit noun, pl -mands

1 [count] : a forceful statement in which you say that something must be done or given to you

The committee is considering her demand that she be given more time to complete the study.

The workers said they would not end the strike until their demands were met/satisfied.

often + for

The store refused to meet the customer's demand for a refund.

Parents made demands for the teacher's resignation.

2 [singular] : a strong need for something

The demand for low-income housing is increasing as the economy gets worse.

We are seeing an increased demand for hospital beds.

3 : the ability and need or desire to buy goods and services

[noncount] The company increased production to meet demand.

often + for

Demand for fresh milk has surpassed supply in the region. [=people want to buy more milk than is available]

[singular]

often + for

Local farmers say they will increase the number of peach trees they grow in order to meet a rising demand for peaches. [=in order to have as many peaches as customers want to buy]

see also SUPPLY AND DEMAND

4 demands [plural]

4 a : difficult things you have to do because someone requires you to do them or because they are part of a job, activity, etc.

often + of

He wasn't sure he could handle the physical demands of the work.

The demands of the job became too much for him.

New parents are sometimes overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood.

4 b
used to describe something that requires a large amount of energy, time, etc.

Record high temperatures have placed heavy demands on the nation's energy supplies. [=because of the high temperatures, a lot of the nation's energy is being used]

A full-time job in addition to school puts great demands on her time. [=most of her time is spent working and going to school]

His novels make many demands on the reader. [=his novels are difficult for people to read and understand]

in demand

: needed or wanted by many people

Tickets for her concerts are always in great demand.

Good plumbers are in demand in our town.

on demand

: when needed or wanted

Help is available 24 hours a day on demand.

The debt is payable on demand. [=it must be paid whenever the person who is owed the money wants it]

see also ON-DEMAND

popular demand

: a request made by or a desire shared by many people

Because of popular demand, the restaurant has published a cookbook of favorite recipes.

The show will continue for another week due to popular demand.

The circus will be back by popular demand [=because many people want it to come back] later this summer.

2demand verb, -mands, -mand·ed, -mand·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say in a forceful way that something must be done or given to you : to say that you have a right to (something)

The customer demanded a refund.

He demanded an apology.

Parents have demanded that the teacher resign.

The reporter demanded to see the documents.

I demand to know what is going on here!

2 : to say or ask (something) in a very forceful way

“Come here at once!” he demanded.

“Why won't you answer me?” she demanded.

3 : to require (something)

He is very sick and demands constant care. [=he has to be given constant care]

The situation demands immediate action.

A certain standard of dress is demanded by some professions. [=some people have to dress a certain way because of their jobs]

The job demands too much of him. [=the job requires him to do too much]

The group demands [=insists on] total honesty from its members.

demanding adj [more ; most ]

1 : requiring much time, attention, or effort

She had a demanding schedule with little free time.

Factory work can be physically demanding.

I have heard it is one of the most demanding courses at the university.

2 : expecting much time, attention, effort, etc., from other people : hard to satisfy

Their boss was really demanding, often expecting them to work long into the night.

opposite UNDEMANDING

de·mar·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to show the limits or edges of (something)

The plot of land is demarcated by a low brick wall.

The bounardy between the countries must be clearly demarcated.

de·mar·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

the demarcation of the boundary

Troops are positioned on either side of the line of demarcation. = Troops are positioned on either side of the demarcation line.

[count]

The media has blurred the demarcations [=lines, boundaries] between news and entertainment.

de·mean verb, -means, -meaned, -mean·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone or something) to seem less important or less worthy of respect

He was careful not to demean [=debase, put down] his opponent, choosing instead to show him respect.

Her statement demeans the hard work the group has done.

Their casual reaction demeans the seriousness of the problem. [=fails to treat the problem in an appropriately serious way]

I refuse to demean myself by replying to these unjust accusations.

demeaning adj [more ; most ]

Our petty arguments are demeaning to us both.

His comment is demeaning to women.

He found the work demeaning. [=degrading]

demeaning stereotypes

de·mean·or (US) or Brit de·mean·our noun, pl -ors [count]

: a person's appearance and behavior : the way someone seems to be to other people
usually singular

She has a shy/friendly/warm demeanor.

His quiet demeanor [=manner, bearing] had a calming effect on us.

They maintained a solemn demeanor as they told us the bad news.

de·ment·ed adj [more ; most ]

: not able to think clearly or to understand what is real and what is not real : crazy or insane

Many of the patients there were demented.

In the movie, he plays a demented man trying to survive on the streets of Los Angeles.

Her demented ramblings are a symptom of her illness.

He gave me a demented little smile.

parents who are almost demented with worry

de·men·tia noun, pl -tias
medical : a mental illness that causes someone to be unable to think clearly or to understand what is real and what is not real

[noncount] This patient suffers from dementia.

[count] a new study on age-related dementias
see also SENILE DEMENTIA

dem·e·rara sugar noun [noncount]

Brit : a kind of light brown sugar

de·mer·it noun, pl -its [count]

1 US : a mark that is made on the school record of a student who has done something wrong

Students are given demerits if they arrive late for classes.

2 formal : a bad quality in something or someone : a feature or part of something or someone that is unpleasant
usually plural

The demerits of that job outweigh the benefits.

We considered both the merits and demerits of the plan.

demi- prefix

: half or partly
demigod

demi·god noun, pl -gods [count]

1 : an extremely impressive or important person : a person who seems like a god in some way
the demigods of jazz

2 : a person in mythology who has some of the powers of a god : a being in mythology who is part god and part human
the Greek demigod Triton

de·mil·i·ta·rize also Brit de·mil·i·ta·rise verb, -riz·es, -rized, -riz·ing [+ obj]

: to remove weapons and military forces from (an area)

usually used as (be) demilitarized

Analysts predict that the area will not be fully demilitarized this year.

the demilitarized zone [=DMZ] between North and South Korea

opposite MILITARIZE

de·mil·i·ta·ri·za·tion also Brit de·mil·i·ta·ri·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

de·mise noun [singular]

formal

1 : an end of life : death

She had/owned no property at the time of her demise.

The musician met an untimely demise.

There are several theories about what caused the demise [=extinction] of the dinosaurs.

2 : the end of something that is thought of as being like a death

We have not had truly local news coverage since the town newspaper's demise three years ago.

the company's imminent demise

Losing this game will mean/spell the team's demise.

de·mist verb, -mists, -mist·ed, -mist·ing [+ obj]

Brit : defog

demi·tasse noun, pl -tass·es [count]

chiefly US : a small amount of black coffee that is served in a small cup; also : the cup used to serve it

demo noun, pl dem·os [count]

1 : an example of a product that is not yet ready to be sold

She will be showing a demo of the company's new alarm system.

a demo version of the software

2 : an act of showing someone how something is used or done : demonstration

I saw a demo on how to use the computer program.

The salesman gave us a demo of the vacuum cleaner, and it seemed to work very well.

3 : a recording that musicians make in order to show what their music is like

They sent the demo to several record companies.

She cut/made a demo last week.

4 Brit, informal : demonstration 2
an antiwar demo

de·mob verb, -mobs, -mobbed, -mob·bing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : demobilize

de·mo·bi·lize also Brit de·mo·bi·lise verb, -liz·es, -lized, -liz·ing [+ obj]

: to release (someone or something) from military service

Both leaders agreed to demobilize their armies and sign the peace treaty.

Ships returned to port to be demobilized. [=to be changed so that they were no longer ready for war]

de·mo·bi·li·za·tion also Brit de·mo·bi·li·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

de·moc·ra·cy noun, pl -cies

1 a [noncount] : a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting

The nation has chosen democracy over monarchy.

the principles of democracy

1 b [count] : a country ruled by democracy

In a democracy, every citizen should have the right to vote.

Western democracies

2 : an organization or situation in which everyone is treated equally and has equal rights

[count] The company is not a democracy; decisions are made by a board of directors, not the workers.

[noncount] There is democracy within the company.

see also SOCIAL DEMOCRACY

dem·o·crat noun, pl -crats [count]

1 : a person who believes in or supports democracy

2 Democrat : a member of the Democratic Party of the U.S.

a lifelong Democrat
compare REPUBLICAN

dem·o·crat·ic adj

1 : based on a form of government in which the people choose leaders by voting : of or relating to democracy

The dictatorship gave way to a democratic (form of) government.

Democratic elections were held there today for the first time.

the country's new democratic constitution

Debates are an important part of the democratic process.

2 Democratic : of or relating to one of the two major political parties in the U.S.

The Democratic candidate for governor won the debate.

Most of these policies appeal to Democratic voters.

an interview with a leader of the Democratic Party
compare REPUBLICAN

3 [more ; most ] : relating to the idea that all people should be treated equally
democratic principles

The organization works to promote democratic reforms/changes around the world.

a more democratic society

4 [more ; most ] formal : designed for or liked by most people
democratic art

Her article extols the benefits of democratic education.

dem·o·crat·i·cal·ly adv
a democratically elected leader

Decisions in the company are made democratically.

de·moc·ra·tize also Brit de·moc·ra·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing

1 : to make (a country or organization) more democratic

[+ obj] Community leaders have had some success in democratizing the organization.

[no obj] There is internal pressure on the government to democratize.

2 [+ obj] formal : to make (something) available to all people : to make it possible for all people to understand (something)

The magazine's goal is to democratize art.

an effort to democratize politics

de·moc·ra·ti·za·tion also Brit de·moc·ra·ti·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

1de·mo·graph·ic noun, pl -ics

1 demographics [plural] : the qualities (such as age, sex, and income) of a specific group of people

The town's demographics suggest that the restaurant will do well there.

The newspaper will be making some changes in order to adapt to the region's shifting demographics.

The demographics of the disease are changing, and we are seeing much younger people being affected by it.

2 [count] : a group of people that has a particular set of qualities
usually singular

The magazine is trying to reach a younger/older demographic.

2demographic adj

: of or relating to the study of changes that occur in large groups of people over a period of time : of or relating to demography

The demographic information shows that the population increased but the average income went down.

demographic trends/changes

de·mog·ra·phy noun [noncount]

: the study of changes (such as the number of births, deaths, marriages, and illnesses) that occur over a period of time in human populations; also : a set of such changes
the shifting demography of Europe

de·mog·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

de·mol·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to destroy (a building, bridge, etc.) : to forcefully tear down or take apart (a structure)

The old factory was demolished to make way for a new parking lot.

Tons of explosives were used to demolish the building.

The town hopes to restore the old theater rather than have it demolished.

1 b : to damage (something) so that it cannot be repaired

The car was demolished in the accident.

often used figuratively

His professional reputation was demolished [=ruined] by the scandal.

The research demolished several myths about the disease.

Her study demolished a theory that had gone unquestioned for years.

2 informal : to eat all of (something) quickly

We demolished [=devoured] the pie in only a few minutes.

3 informal : to defeat (a person or team) easily or completely

They demolished the other team 517.

de·mo·li·tion noun, pl -tions

: deliberate destruction of a building or other structure

[noncount] The old factory is scheduled for demolition next week.

[count] The demolitions should be complete by the end of the year.

often used before another noun

He is part of the demolition crew/team.

a demolition project
a demolitions expert

sometimes used figuratively
the demolition of several myths about the disease

demolition derby noun, pl -bies [count]

chiefly US : a contest in which drivers in old cars crash into each other until only one car is still running

de·mon noun, pl -mons [count]

1 : an evil spirit
angels and demons [=devils]

2 informal : a person who has a lot of energy or enthusiasm

She is a demon for work. = She works like a demon. [=she works very hard]

see also SPEED DEMON

3 : something that causes a person to have a lot of trouble or unhappiness
usually plural

She spent her whole life battling the demons of drug and alcohol addiction.

He finally was able to face the demons from his unhappy childhood.

his inner demons

demon drink noun

the demon drink

Brit usually humorous : alcoholic drink
slave to the demon drink [=unable to resist drinking alcohol]

de·mo·ni·ac also de·mo·ni·a·cal adj [more ; most ]

: demonic
demoniac possession
demoniac fury/energy

de·mon·ic adj [more ; most ]

: caused or done by a demon
demonic possession

: of, relating to, or like a demon
demonic cruelty/laughter/energy

de·mon·stra·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : able to be proven or shown : possible to demonstrate

There is no demonstrable evidence that the treatment is effective.

a clearly demonstrable improvement

de·mon·stra·bly adv

The statements are demonstrably untrue/false.

dem·on·strate verb, -strates, -strat·ed, -strat·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to prove (something) by showing examples of it : to show evidence of (something)

Each student must demonstrate mastery of the subject matter in order to pass the class.

Employees must demonstrate competence in certain skills before they can work independently.

The medication will not be marketed until it is demonstrated to be safe.

1 b : to prove (something) by being an example of it : to be evidence of (something)

The town's crowded classrooms demonstrate [=point to] the need for more schools in the area.

The latest test results clearly demonstrate that the vaccine works.

The group's failed efforts demonstrate how difficult it is to convince people to change their habits.

2 [+ obj] : to show (a quality, feeling, etc.) clearly to other people

They have demonstrated a willingness to negotiate.

3 [+ obj] : to show or explain how something is used or done : to show or explain the function or use of (something)

Several people will be demonstrating traditional farming techniques.

The instructor demonstrated the correct procedure for pruning a tree.

Would you mind demonstrating how the machine works?

4 [no obj] : to take part in an event in which people gather together in order to show that they support or oppose something or someone

A large crowd was demonstrating [=protesting] downtown.

Protesters demonstrated against the war.

dem·on·stra·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : an act of showing someone how something is used or done

[count] I went to a sculpture demonstration last weekend.

One of the instructors gave/did a demonstration of how to prune a tree.

Would you mind giving us a demonstration so that we can see how the machine works?

[noncount] He brought along a copy of the software for demonstration.

sometimes used before another noun

We saw a demonstration [=demo] version of the new software.

2 : an event in which people gather together in order to show that they support or oppose something or someone

[count] Students took part in several nonviolent/peaceful demonstrations against the government.

demonstrations against the war = antiwar demonstrations
demonstrations for women's rights

[noncount] Protesters marched in demonstration.

3 : an act of showing or proving something

[count] The latest tests are a clear demonstration that the vaccine works.

often + of
a demonstration of their power/loyalty/skill
a demonstration of grief/bravery

They brought some bread to share as a demonstration [=token] of goodwill.

[noncount] Many people sent cards and flowers in demonstration of their sympathy.

dem·on·stra·tion·al adj
a demonstrational video

1de·mon·stra·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] formal : freely and openly showing emotion or feelings

She is more demonstrative (about her feelings) than I am. [=she shows her feelings more openly than I do]

2 grammar : showing who or what is being referred to

In the phrase “this is my hat,” the word “this” is a demonstrative pronoun.

In the phrase “give me that book,” the word “that” is a demonstrative adjective.

2demonstrative noun, pl -tives [count]

: a word (such as “this,” “that,” “these,” or “those”) that tells who or what is being referred to

dem·on·stra·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who is part of an event in which people gather together in order to show that they support or oppose something or someone : a person who participates in a demonstration

Thousands of demonstrators marched through the streets.

antiwar demonstrators

2 : a person who shows other people how something is used or done
a product demonstrator

de·mor·al·ize also Brit de·mor·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to lose hope, courage, or confidence : to weaken the morale of (a person or group)

They demoralized [=discouraged, disheartened] the other team by scoring three goals in a row.

de·mor·al·i·za·tion Brit noun [noncount]

demoralized adj [more ; most ]

The troops were completely demoralized.

demoralizing adj [more ; most ]

They suffered a series of demoralizing defeats.

de·mote verb, -motes, -mot·ed, -mot·ing [+ obj]

: to change the rank or position of (someone) to a lower or less important one

Teachers can choose to demote a student to a lower grade.

The army major was demoted to captain.

opposite PROMOTE

de·mo·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

de·mot·ic adj [more ; most ]

formal : popular or common
a more demotic way of speaking
demotic culture

1de·mur verb, -murs, -murred, -mur·ring [no obj]

formal

1 : to disagree politely with another person's statement or suggestion

She suggested that he would win easily, but he demurred, saying he expected the election to be close.

2 : to politely refuse to accept a request or suggestion

A number of people wanted her to run for governor, but she demurred. [=declined]

2demur noun [count]

chiefly Brit formal : an act of disagreeing about something
usually used in the phrase without demur

She accepted the group's decision without demur. [=(more commonly) without protest]

de·mure adj [more ; most ]

1 : quiet and polite
usually used to describe a woman or girl
a demure young lady

2 : not attracting or demanding a lot of attention : not showy or flashy

She was wearing a demure gray suit.

the demure charm of the cottage
a demure personality

de·mure·ly adv
a demurely dressed young woman

She smiled demurely.

de·mure·ness noun [noncount]

de·mur·ral noun, pl -als [count]

formal : an act of disagreeing politely about something : an act of demurring

Suggestions that she run for president have been met with repeated demurrals.

de·mys·ti·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) clear and easy to understand : to explain (something) so that it no longer confuses or mystifies someone

The class is intended to demystify the process of using a computer.

de·mys·ti·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

den noun, pl dens [count]

1 : the home of some kinds of wild animals
a fox's den [=lair]

The bears will spend most of the winter in their den.

see also LION'S DEN

2 a US : an informal and comfortable room in a house

The TV is in the den.

2 b chiefly Brit, informal + old-fashioned : a small and quiet room in a house where someone goes to read, work, etc.

He spent most evenings in the den reading and smoking his pipe.

3 : a secret place where people meet especially to do things that are illegal or immoral
a den of thieves
a gambling den
an opium den
the club's reputation as a den of iniquity [=a place where immoral or illegal things are done]

4 Brit : a small often secret structure that children play in

The children had built themselves a den in the woods.

5 US : a group of Cub Scouts see also DEN MOTHER

de·na·tion·al·ize also de·na·tion·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

Brit : privatize

de·ni·able adj

: possible to deny

The failure of the policy is no longer deniable. [=it is no longer reasonable to say that the policy is not failing]

opposite UNDENIABLE

de·ni·al noun, pl -als

1 [count] : a statement saying that something is not true or real : a statement in which someone denies something

She issued a flat/absolute/outright denial of the charges made against her.

The accusations have met with angry denials from school officials.

The city government has been heavily criticized for its denial of the seriousness of the situation.

her denial of responsibility

2 [noncount] psychology : a condition in which someone will not admit that something sad, painful, etc., is true or real

I think she's still in a state of denial about her husband's death. [=she still has not fully accepted that her husband is dead]

often used in the phrase in denial

He's in denial about his drinking problem. [=he will not admit that he drinks too much alcohol]

3 : the act of not allowing someone to have something

[noncount] The hardest part of the punishment was the denial of his right to see his children.

The group is protesting the denial of voting rights to convicted felons.

The lawyers were disappointed by the court's denial of their motion to dismiss the case.

[count]

usually singular

Making false statements on a job application will result in a denial of employment.

The court has issued a denial of their motion.

see also SELF-DENIAL

den·i·grate verb, -grates, -grat·ed, -grat·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to say very critical and often unfair things about (someone)

Various groups denigrated [=slandered, maligned] both candidates throughout the presidential campaign.

Her story denigrates him as a person and as a teacher.

2 : to make (something) seem less important or valuable

Such behavior denigrates [=belittles] the value of honesty in the workplace.

No one is trying to denigrate the importance of a good education. We all know that it is crucial for success.

denigrating the talents and achievements of women

den·i·gra·tion noun [noncount]

den·im noun, pl -ims

1 [noncount] : a strong usually blue cotton cloth that is used especially to make jeans
often used before another noun
denim jeans
a denim skirt/jacket

2 denims [plural] : pants that are made of denim

He's wearing faded denims and cowboy boots.

den·i·zen noun, pl -zens [count]

: a person, animal, or plant that lives in or often is found in a particular place or region
the city's nightclub denizens [=people who often go to nightclubs]

usually + of
the denizens of the forest

He was well known among the denizens of the city's criminal underworld.

denizens of the deep [=plants and animals that live in the deepest parts of the ocean]

den mother noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a woman who is the leader of a group of Cub Scouts

de·nom·i·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : a religious group

People from several different religious denominations participated in the event.

Methodists, Baptists, and other Christian denominations

It's one of the more conservative denominations.

2 a : the value that a particular coin or bill has
coins of different denominations [=pennies, nickels, dimes, etc.]

The kidnappers asked for bills in small denominations.

2 b : an amount of money that something is worth

The gift certificates are available in $5 and $10 denominations.

3 formal : a general name for a group or kind

She spoke with people of many different political denominations.

de·nom·i·na·tion·al adj
denominational differences

de·nom·i·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

mathematics : the number in a fraction that is below the line and that divides the number above the line

In the fraction 2/3, the numerator is 2 and the denominator is 3.

compare NUMERATOR, see also COMMON DENOMINATOR

de·no·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: the meaning of a word or phrase

The word has one literal denotation but several different connotations.

The definition provides the word's denotation.

compare CONNOTATION

de·note verb, -notes, -noted, -not·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 of a word : to have (something) as a meaning : to mean (something)

The word “derby” can denote a horse race or a kind of hat.

compare CONNOTE

2 : to show, mark, or be a sign of (something)

The symbol · next to a name denotes [=indicates] a contest finalist.

Her death denoted the end of an era.

de·noue·ment also dé·noue·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

formal : the final part of something (such as a book, a play, or a series of events)

In the play's denouement, the two lovers kill themselves.

the competition's exciting denouement

de·nounce verb, -nounc·es, -nounced, -nounc·ing [+ obj]

1 : to publicly state that someone or something is bad or wrong : to criticize (someone or something) harshly and publicly

The government called on the group to denounce the use of violence.

denouncing their political enemies

The film was denounced for the way it portrayed its female characters.

often + as

The film was denounced [=condemned] as sexist.

His former followers now denounce him as a traitor.

The plan was denounced as risky and dangerous.

2 : to report (someone) to the police or other authorities for illegal or immoral acts
often + as

She had to flee the country after being denounced as a spy to government authorities.

dense adj, dens·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 : having parts that are close together

They cut a path through the dense jungle.

dense undergrowth

The book's pages were dense [=packed, filled] with helpful ideas.

the cat's dense [=thick] coat of fur
a dense tangle of wires
heavy, dense bread
a dense cluster of stars

2 : crowded with people

That part of the city has a dense population of immigrants.

A dense mass of spectators filled the courtroom.

3 informal : not smart : not able to understand things easily

I'm sorry to be so dense [=slow-witted, stupid, dumb] this morning.

In the movie, she plays his kind but somewhat dense aunt.

4 : difficult to see through

We drove though dense [=thick] fog/smoke.

5 : difficult to understand; especially : hard to read

The book's technical subject and dense prose will discourage many readers.

6 technical : heavier than most things of the same size
a dense substance like lead or mercury
a disease that causes bones to become less dense [=to become less solid and heavy]

dense·ly adv
a densely populated area [=an area in which many people live]

densely forested mountains
a densely packed sports arena

dense·ness noun [noncount]

den·si·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality or state of being dense: such as

1 a : the quality of having parts that are close together
the jungle's density

1 b : the quality of being difficult to see through

We were surprised by the fog's density.

1 c : the quality of being difficult to understand
the density of her writing style

2 : the amount of something in a particular space or area

[count] This part of the country has a high population density. [=many people live in this part of the country]

[noncount] There has been an increase in (population) density in this area.

3 technical : the amount of matter in something that is shown by the relationship between its weight and size

[count] metals with different densities

These instruments are used for measuring the density of the atmosphere.

[noncount] older women who have lost bone density [=whose bones are less solid and heavy]

1dent noun, pl dents [count]

: an area on a surface that is lower than the rest of the surface especially because of being hit or pushed in

The accident left/made a small dent in the car's fender.

a few small dents in the wall

make/put a dent

In figurative use, to make a dent (in something) or to put a dent in something is to decrease something slightly or to make it somewhat weaker.

We tried our best to fix the problem, but nothing we did seems to have made a dent. [=nothing we did has had any effect]

It's going to take more than a new law to make a dent in the city's drug crime. [=a new law is not enough to decrease the city's drug crime]

The $10,000 payment hardly makes a dent in the amount the company owes.

a vacation that won't put too big a dent in your wallet [=a vacation that will not cost a lot of money]

2dent verb, dents, dent·ed, dent·ing

1 : to make a dent in (something)

[+ obj] I'm afraid I dented the wall pretty badly when I was hammering in that nail.

He dented his (car's) fender in the accident.

Many of the cans were badly dented.

[no obj] Some types of metal dent more easily than others.

2 [+ obj] : to decrease (something) : to make (something) weaker

The team's confidence has been dented by a recent series of losses.

den·tal adj

: of or relating to teeth or to the work dentists do
dental decay
your dental records [=the information about your teeth that your dentist has]

She decided to go to dental school. [=a school where you are trained to be a dentist]

dental floss noun [noncount]

: a special thread that is used to clean between your teeth

dental hygienist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who works with a dentist and whose job includes cleaning people's teeth

dente see AL DENTE

den·tist noun, pl -tists [count]

1 : a person whose job is to care for people's teeth

I have an appointment with my dentist today. = I have a dentist appointment today.

2 the dentist or the dentist's : the place where a dentist works

I saw her at the dentist last week.

He goes to the dentist's for a check-up every six months.

den·tist·ry noun [noncount]

: the work that a dentist does
a career in dentistry

den·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

: a set of artificial teeth
usually plural

She takes out her dentures before going to bed.

a new pair of dentures [=false teeth]

partial dentures [=a partial set of artificial teeth]

de·nude Brit verb, -nudes, -nud·ed, -nud·ing [+ obj]

: to remove all the trees from (an area) or all the leaves from (a tree)

Excessive logging has denuded the hillside of trees.

usually used as (be) denuded
a countryside denuded by wildfires
a landscape of denuded trees

sometimes used figuratively
people denuded of hope [=people who have lost all hope]

de·nun·ci·a·tion noun, pl -tions

: a public statement that strongly criticizes someone or something as being bad or wrong : a statement that denounces something or someone

[count] The attack drew strong denunciations from leaders around the world.

a denunciation of violence

[noncount] a letter of denunciation

Den·ver boot noun, pl boots [count]

US : an object that the police lock onto one of the wheels of a car so that the car cannot be moved

A Denver boot is usually placed on a car in order to force the car's owner to pay money that is owed for parking illegally.

called also (US) boot (Brit) clamp (Brit) wheel clamp

de·ny verb, -nies, -nied, -ny·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to say that something is not true

He denied the report that he would be quitting his job.

She denies all the charges that have been made against her.

I don't deny that I have made some mistakes. [=I admit that I have made some mistakes]

They are still denying (that) the problem exists.

The police deny that racism is a problem in the department.

Yes, I was there. I don't deny it.

There's no denying [=it is clearly true] that he knows how to run a successful company.

1 b : to refuse to accept or admit (something)

You can't deny her beauty. = You can't deny that she is beautiful.

She denied responsibility [=she said that she was not responsible] for the error.

2 : to refuse to give (something) to someone : to prevent someone from having or receiving (something)

The banks denied [=refused] them credit.

The judge denied their request.

I don't want to deny them this pleasure. = I don't want to deny this pleasure to them.

a government that denies its citizens basic freedoms
see also denied bail at 1BAIL

deny yourself

: to not allow yourself to enjoy things or to have the things that you want

On this diet, I don't feel like I'm denying myself.

I'm not denying myself the foods that I love, I'm just eating smaller amounts.

He's always denied himself the simple pleasures in life.

de·odor·ant noun, pl -ants [count, noncount]

: a substance that you put on your body and especially under your arms to prevent, remove, or hide unpleasant smells compare ANTIPERSPIRANT

deodorant adj, always used before a noun
deodorant soap

de·odor·ize also Brit de·odor·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to remove an unpleasant smell from (something)

We had the carpet cleaned and deodorized.

de·odor·iz·er also Brit de·odor·is·er noun, pl -ers [count]

room deodorizers

de·oxy·ri·bo·nu·cle·ic acid noun [noncount]

technical : dna

dep. abbr
depart; departure
flight 348 dep. 8:30 a.m.

de·part verb, -parts, -part·ed, -part·ing

1 somewhat formal

1 a : to leave a place especially to start a journey

[no obj] The group is scheduled to depart tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.

Our flight departs at 6:15 a.m.

The train departed (from the station) on time.

[+ obj] (US) The train departed the station on time.

1 b [no obj] : to leave a job or position

He is departing after 20 years with the company.

She is replacing the departing manager. [=the manager who is leaving that job]

2 [no obj] : to change something or do something in a different way
usually + from

The river departs [=turns, deviates] from its original course a few miles downstream.

The actors were not allowed to depart from the script. [=they were not allowed to say anything that was not in the script]

The company's managers don't want to depart from an approach that has worked well in the past. [=they do not want to change their approach]

depart this life
formal : to die

My aunt departed this life at the age of 92.

departed adj

1 somewhat formal : no longer living
used as a polite way to say that someone is dead

We have come to say goodbye to our dear departed friend.

his recently departed father

2 literary : existing in the past

These clothes recall the elegance of a departed [=bygone] era.

the departed

: people who have died

They left flowers at the graves of the departed.

the spirits of the departed

de·part·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

1 : one of the major parts of a company, organization, government, or school

Your letter has been forwarded to our sales department.

When you get to the hospital, go directly to the X-ray department.

the country's energy department
the Department of Defense = the Defense Department
the county sheriff's department
the university's math and science departments
the department of modern languages
the college's athletic department

She joined the town's police department.

abbr. dept. see also FIRE DEPARTMENT

2 : an area in a store where a particular kind of product is sold
the toy department

“Which department should we go to first?” “I'd like to start in the men's department.” [=the part of the store that sells clothing for men]

3 informal

3 a : a subject or activity that a person is interested in or responsible for

Taking care of the cat is not my department. [=responsibility]

3 b often humorous
used to say that someone or something has or does not have a particular quality

She's sweet, but she's somewhat lacking in the intelligence department. [=she is not very intelligent]

He does pretty well in the looks department. [=he is attractive]

Both cars do well in the safety department. [=both cars are safe to drive]

de·part·men·tal adj
departmental responsibilities
the departmental budget

de·part·men·tal·ize also Brit de·part·men·tal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to divide (something, such as a company) into departments

The organization is highly departmentalized.

department store noun, pl stores [count]

: a large store that has separate areas in which different kinds of products are sold

de·par·ture noun, pl -tures

1 : the act of departing: such as

1 a : the act of leaving a place especially to start a journey

[noncount] What is your time of departure?

Our departure is scheduled for 5 p.m. = Our departure time is 5 p.m.

They had to postpone (their) departure because of bad weather.

You should plan to arrive at the airport an hour before departure.

the ferry's departure point

[count] a schedule of arrivals and departures

1 b [count] : the act of leaving a job, an organization, etc.

The departures of several key employees have caused problems for the company.

her sudden departure from the company

The team has struggled since the departure of its head coach.

2 [count] : a new or different way of doing something

His previous movies have all been comedies, so this dramatic role is a real departure for him.

often + from

These new techniques are major/dramatic/radical departures from standard practices.

a departure from tradition

see also POINT OF DEPARTURE

de·pend verb, -pends, -pend·ed, -pend·ing [no obj]

informal
used in speech in phrases like it depends and that depends to say that the answer to a question will be different in different situations

“Are you going to the party?” “I might. It depends.” [=I do not know yet; there may be something that prevents me from being able to go or from wanting to go]

“Do you think you'll go back to college?” “It all depends. I will if I can afford it.”

“Which team do you think will win?” “That depends. If all of our players are healthy, I think we'll win.”

(very informal) “How long does it take to get to the airport?” “Depends. If you're going during rush hour it'll take at least an hour. If not, you can probably be there in 20 minutes.”

depend on/upon [phrasal verb]

depend on/upon (someone or something)

1 : to be determined or decided by (something)

We're not sure if we'll have the picnic. It depends on the weather. [=if the weather is good we will have the picnic]

“Will you go back to college?” “I don't know. It depends on whether or not I can afford it.”

The stamp's value depends on how rare it is.

Depending upon your child's weight and height, she or he may have to sit in the back seat of the car.

It's not clear how many people were at the rally. Reports vary between 10,000 and 20,000, depending on who's counting. [=some people report that there were 10,000 people at the rally, others report that there were 20,000]

sometimes used informally without on or upon

“Are you happy?” “It depends what you mean by ‘happy.’”

see also life depends on at 1LIFE

2 : to need (someone or something) for support, help, etc.

He no longer depends on [=relies on] his parents for money.

They depend heavily/largely/solely/entirely on her income to pay the bills. [=without her income they would not be able to pay their bills]

3 : to be sure about (someone or something) : to trust (someone or something)

She's someone you can always depend on. [=count on]

She will be remembered as a woman upon whom people could depend.

The manufacturer promises quality you can depend on.

sometimes used humorously

You could always depend on him to disagree. [=you could always be sure that he would disagree]

I can always depend on it to rain on days when I forget my umbrella.

de·pend·able adj [more ; most ]

: able to be trusted to do or provide what is needed : able to be depended on

The old well is a dependable source of water. [=there is always water in the old well]

a dependable [=reliable] old car

He's the team's most dependable [=consistent] player.

de·pend·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

the car's proven dependability [=reliability]

de·pend·ably adv
a plant that will bloom dependably [=reliably], year after year

de·pen·dence noun

: the state of being dependent: such as
a : the state of needing something or someone else for support, help, etc. + on or upon

[noncount] The company was hurt by its dependence on government loans.

Our dependence upon foreign oil makes our economy vulnerable.

[singular] a harmful dependence on foreign oil

b : the state of being addicted to alcohol or a drug

[noncount] drug and alcohol dependence [=addiction, dependency]

[singular]

usually + on

She eventually developed a dependence on the painkillers she was taking.

de·pen·den·cy noun, pl -cies

1 : the quality of being dependent : dependence

[noncount] the country's dependency on foreign oil
drug/chemical dependency [=addiction]

[singular] a dependency on foreign oil

2 [count] : an area that is controlled by a country but that is not formally a part of it

1de·pen·dent adj [more ; most ]

1 : decided or controlled by something else

+ on or upon

The stamp's value is dependent on how rare it is.

She believes that success is dependent upon hard work.

Whether or not we go is entirely dependent on the weather.

2 : needing someone or something else for support, help, etc.

soldiers with dependent children [=soldiers who have children whose food, clothing, etc., they are responsible for providing]

usually + on or upon

The region's economy is heavily/highly/largely dependent on tourism.

They're entirely dependent on her income to pay the bills.

He remained financially dependent on his parents even as an adult.

children who are emotionally dependent on their mothers

The theater is dependent upon the generosity of its patrons to pay for basic operating expenses.

3 : addicted to alcohol or a drug

He has been alcohol dependent for several years.

chemically dependent patients [=patients who are addicted to a drug]

2dependent also Brit de·pen·dant noun, pl -ents [count]

: a person (such as a child) whose food, clothing, etc., you are responsible for providing

The insurance provides coverage for workers and their dependents.

a person's spouse and dependents

Do you have any dependents?

dependent clause noun, pl clauses [count]

grammar : subordinate clause

de·pict verb, -picts, -pict·ed, -pict·ing [+ obj]

1 : to show (someone or something) in a picture, painting, photograph, etc.

The wall was painted with a large mural depicting famous scenes from American history.

Several of the architect's most famous buildings will soon be depicted on postage stamps.

The photograph depicts the two brothers standing in front of a store.

Angels are usually depicted with wings.

In the drawing, the magic cap was depicted as a soft, black hat.

2 : to describe (someone or something) using words, a story, etc.

The movie depicts the life of early settlers.

I like the way she depicts the characters in her novels.

His enemies depict [=portray] him as a cruel and dangerous leader.

de·pic·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

an honest depiction of life in the city

[noncount]

The book is fascinating in its depiction of the country's early history.

de·pil·a·to·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

: a substance that removes body hair you do not want

depilatory adj, always used before a noun
a depilatory cream

de·plane verb, -planes, -planed, -plan·ing [no obj]

chiefly US : to get out of an airplane after it arrives at an airport

We were the last passengers to deplane. [=get off the plane]

de·plete verb, -pletes, -plet·ed, -plet·ing [+ obj]

: to use most or all of (something important) : to greatly reduce the amount of (something)

Activities such as logging and mining deplete our natural resources.

We completely depleted our life savings when we bought our new house.

often used as (be) depleted

The soil has been depleted by years of drought.

lakes and rivers that are depleted of fish
depleted soil
the country's badly depleted resources

de·ple·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

a depletion of the water supply

[noncount]

the depletion of the ozone layer = ozone depletion

de·plor·able adj [more ; most ]

: very bad in a way that causes shock, fear, or disgust : deserving to be deplored

The company has shown a deplorable [=appalling, unconscionable] lack of concern for the environment.

children living in deplorable [=horrible, disgusting, terrible] conditions
deplorable ignorance

de·plor·ably adv
deplorably cruel

de·plore verb, -plores, -plored, -plor·ing [+ obj]

: to hate or dislike (something) very much : to strongly disapprove of (something)

We deplore the development of nuclear weapons.

Many people deplored the change.

Although deplored by many, her decisions have greatly benefited the company.

de·ploy verb, -ploys, -ployed, -ploy·ing

1 [+ obj] : to organize and send out (people or things) to be used for a particular purpose

The troops were deployed for battle.

They plan to deploy more American soldiers over the next six months.

Two scientists were deployed to study the problem.

Both campaigns are deploying volunteers to the cities to encourage people to vote.

Equipment and supplies have been deployed across the country.

He deploys several arguments to prove his point.

2 : to open up and spread out the parts of (something, such as a parachute)

[+ obj] Wait several seconds before deploying the parachute.

The boat's sails were not fully deployed.

[no obj] The parachute failed to deploy properly.

de·ploy·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

additional troop deployments
a monthlong deployment

[noncount]

the deployment of ground troops

de·po·lit·i·cize also Brit de·po·lit·i·cise verb, -ciz·es, -cized, -ciz·ing [+ obj]

: to change (something) so that it is no longer influenced or controlled by politics

She says we need to depoliticize the process by which judges are chosen.

The humanitarian aid groups want to see foreign aid depoliticized.

opposite POLITICIZE

de·po·lit·i·ci·za·tion also Brit de·po·lit·i·ci·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

de·pop·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

: to greatly reduce the number of people living in (a city, region, etc.)

Large areas of the country had been depopulated by disease.

an empty, depopulated landscape

de·pop·u·la·tion noun [noncount]

de·port verb, -ports, -port·ed, -port·ing [+ obj]

: to force (a person who is not a citizen) to leave a country

Thousands of immigrants had been illegally deported.

de·por·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

She is now facing deportation. [=she may be forced to leave the country]

a deportation hearing

[count]

The government has ordered thousands of deportations.

de·por·tee noun, pl -tees [count]

thousands of deportees [=people who have been deported]

de·port·ment noun [noncount]

formal : the way that a person behaves, stands, and moves especially in a formal situation

The new students were instructed in proper dress and deportment.

His stiff deportment matched his strict demeanor.

de·pose verb, -pos·es, -posed, -pos·ing [+ obj]

: to remove (someone) from a powerful position

The group is plotting to depose [=overthrow] the king.

a deposed military leader

1de·pos·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put (money) in a bank account

Your paycheck will be automatically deposited into your account.

I deposited over $3,000 this afternoon.

2 somewhat formal : to put or leave (someone or something) in a particular place

He carefully deposited [=(more commonly) put, placed] the tools in the trunk of his car.

Please deposit your things in your room and return to the hotel lobby.

The taxi deposited us at the train station.

3 : to leave an amount of (something, such as sand, snow, or mud) on a surface or area especially over a period of time
layers of mud deposited by flood waters

The storm may deposit [=leave] up to three feet of snow in some areas.

de·pos·i·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

bank depositors [=people who put money in a bank account]

2deposit noun, pl -its [count]

1 : an amount of money that is put in a bank account
a bank deposit
a deposit of $3,000
savings deposits [=money put into savings accounts]

I need to make a deposit [=put some money in a bank account] this afternoon.

Our records show that she made a large deposit to her account earlier in the month.

opposite WITHDRAWAL, see also DIRECT DEPOSIT, SAFE-DEPOSIT BOX

2 a : money that you give someone when you agree to buy something (such as a house or car)

A deposit shows that there is an agreement between a buyer and seller. When the sale is made final, the seller keeps the deposit as the first payment.

He just put a deposit on a new house.

The company will refund your deposit since they are unable to do the project for you.

2 b : money that you pay when you buy or rent something and that you can get back if you return the thing or leave it in good condition

If you return that empty soda can, you'll get back the five-cent deposit you paid when you bought the soda.

The rental car company requires a deposit for drivers under the age of 25.

see also SECURITY DEPOSIT

3 a : an amount of something (such as sand, snow, or mud) that has formed or been left on a surface or area over a period of time
a deposit of mud left by the flood

He had surgery to remove calcium deposits from his knee.

the buildup of fat/fatty deposits in the arteries

3 b : an amount of a substance (such as oil or coal) that exists naturally in the ground

Their company has discovered new oil deposits below the ocean floor.

mineral deposits

on deposit

Money that has been put in a bank is on deposit.

The company has millions of dollars on deposit with several foreign banks.

money/funds on deposit in/at the bank

deposit account noun, pl -counts [count]

chiefly Brit : savings account

de·po·si·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] law : a formal statement that someone who has promised to tell the truth makes so that the statement can be used in court; especially : a formal statement that is made before a trial by a witness who will not be present at the trial

She gave a videotaped deposition about what she saw that night.

His attorneys took depositions from the witnesses.

2 [noncount] technical : the action of depositing something (such as sand, snow, or mud) on a surface or area especially over a period of time
the deposition of sand and gravel on the river bed

3 [count, noncount] formal : the act removing someone from a powerful position : the act of deposing someone
deposition of the king

de·pos·i·to·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

: a place where something is put so that is can be kept safe
a book/food depository

The bank is used as a depository for government funds.

deposit slip noun, pl slips [count]

US : a piece of paper that you give with a bank deposit to show how much money you are putting in an account called also (Brit) paying-in slip

de·pot noun, pl depots [count]

1 US : a train or bus station
the train/bus depot

2 : a place where military supplies are kept or where soldiers are trained
supply/weapons depots

3 : a place where goods are stored : storehouse
a storage depot

de·praved adj [more ; most ]

: very evil : having or showing an evil and immoral character
a depraved criminal
the work of depraved minds

He acted with depraved indifference to human suffering.

de·prav·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : a very evil quality or way of behaving

He was sinking into a life of utter depravity.

moral/sexual depravity

People were shocked by the depravity of her actions.

2 [count] : an evil or immoral act
the depravities of war

dep·re·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to criticize or express disapproval of (someone or something)

I don't mean to deprecate [=belittle, minimize] his accomplishments.

deprecating adj [more ; most ]

Her office issued an apology after she made some deprecating remarks about her opponent.

see also SELF-DEPRECATING

dep·re·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the deprecation of old methods

dep·re·ca·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

She had made some deprecatory remarks about her opponent.

de·pre·ci·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to have a lower price or value

These changes have greatly depreciated the value of the house.

1 b [no obj] : to decrease in value

New cars depreciate rapidly.

The value of the house has depreciated greatly.

opposite APPRECIATE

2 [+ obj] formal : to describe (something) as having little value

He often depreciates [=disparages, belittles] the importance of his work.

de·pre·ci·a·tion noun [noncount]

1 : a decrease in the value of something

You'll need to estimate the car's depreciation.

currency depreciation
opposite APPRECIATION

2 formal : the act of making a person or a thing seem less valuable
the depreciation of the role of art in our schools

dep·re·da·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : a usually violent act in which something is damaged or destroyed or in which a person or animal is killed

[count]

usually plural

The town had somehow escaped the depredations of enemy soldiers.

[noncount] a brutal act of depredation
trying to prevent livestock depredation by wolves

de·press verb, -press·es, -pressed, -press·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) feel sad : to make (someone) depressed

The news seemed to depress him a little.

I don't mean to depress you, but there's no way we can win.

We were all depressed by the loss.

You shouldn't let this kind of problem depress you.

2 : to decrease the activity or strength of (something)

This medicine may depress [=decrease] your appetite. [=it may make you less hungry]

These changes could depress the economy.

Market conditions are likely to depress earnings in the next quarter.

depressing the price of a stock

3 formal : to press (something) down

Slowly depress the car's brake pedal.

Depress the “shift” key on your keyboard.

The doctor will depress your tongue and look at your throat.

de·pres·sant noun, pl -sants [count]

: a chemical substance (such as a drug) that makes a body's systems less active
alcohol and other depressants
see also ANTIDEPRESSANT

depressant adj
the depressant effects of alcohol

de·pressed adj [more ; most ]

1 a : feeling sad

I've been feeling a little depressed [=(informally) down, blue] lately.

The rainy weather had her feeling lonely and depressed.

He was depressed about having to return to school.

in a depressed mood

1 b : having a serious medical condition that causes a person to feel very sad, hopeless, and unimportant : suffering from mental depression

The new drug is being tested on a group of severely depressed patients.

2 : having little economic activity and few jobs : suffering from economic depression
living in a depressed area
a depressed economy

3 : less strong, active, high, etc., than usual

The patient has a somewhat depressed appetite.

Prices have remained at a depressed level.

depressing adj [more ; most ]

: causing someone to feel sad or without hope : causing depression

This rainy weather is depressing.

He paints a depressing picture of modern life.

a very/deeply depressing movie

de·press·ing·ly adv
depressingly bad weather
a depressingly familiar situation

de·pres·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [noncount]

1 a : a state of feeling sad
anger, anxiety, and depression

1 b : a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way

She has been undergoing treatment for severe/deep depression.

Many people suffer from clinical depression for years before being diagnosed.

bouts/periods of depression
see also MANIC DEPRESSION

2 : a period of time in which there is little economic activity and many people do not have jobs

[count] After several years of an economic boom, it looks as though we may be heading toward a depression.

He grew up during the (Great) Depression. [=the 1930s, when the U.S. and many other countries were in a very bad depression]

[noncount] periods of economic depression

3 [count] : an area on a surface that is lower than other parts : a low spot

The photographs show depressions in the moon's surface.

4 [count] weather : a large area where there is low pressure in the atmosphere with usually clouds and rain
a tropical depression

de·pres·sive adj
medical : of or relating to the medical condition of depression
a depressive disorder/illness
see also MANIC-DEPRESSIVE

depressive noun, pl -sives [count]

treatment of depressives [=people who suffer from depression]

dep·ri·va·tion noun, pl -tions

: the state of not having something that people need : the state of being deprived of something

[noncount] She is studying the effects of sleep deprivation.

social/emotional deprivation

[count] She eventually overcame the deprivations of her childhood.

de·prive verb, -prives, -prived, -priv·ing

deprive of [phrasal verb]

deprive (someone or something) of (something) : to take something away from someone or something : to not allow (someone or something) to have or keep (something)

The change in her status deprived her of access to classified information.

The new environmental law will deprive some fishermen of their livelihood.

They're depriving him of a chance to succeed.

I don't want to deprive you of this opportunity to meet new people.

often used as (be) deprived of

The children are being deprived of a good education.

The study is examining what happens to people when they are deprived of sleep.

deprived adj [more ; most ]

: not having the things that are needed for a good or healthy life
emotionally deprived children

The diet allows you to eat small amounts of your favorite foods, so you won't feel deprived.

people who are sleep-deprived [=people who do not get enough sleep]

dept. abbr
department

depth noun, pl depths

1 a : a distance below a surface

[count] These fish typically live at depths of 500 feet or more.

Students will test the temperature of the water at different/varying/various depths.

shallow/great depths

The boat sank to a depth of several hundred feet.

measuring the depth of the water/river/sea
the depth of a hole
The pool has a depth of 12 feet.

[noncount] The pool is 12 feet in depth. [=12 feet deep]

1 b [count] : the distance from the front of something to the back
usually singular

Measure the height, width, and depth of the cabinet.

The bench's depth is 22 inches.

2 [count] : an area that exists far below a surface or far inside something : a deep place or area
usually plural

They disappeared into the depths of the forest.

Scientists have begun using the machine to explore the ocean depths.

the black depths of outer space

often used figuratively

The actress must examine her own emotional depths to perform the role successfully.

Around midnight, a loud noise woke us from the depths of sleep.

I knew in the depths of my heart/soul/being [=I believed very strongly] that we would survive.

The memory lies hidden in the depths of her mind. [=she has not thought about the memory in a long time]

in the depths of winter [=in the middle of winter; in the coldest part of winter]

3 [count]

3 a : a very low or bad state or condition
usually plural

After losing his job, he sank into the depths of misery/despair/depression.

The film portrays a family's difficult climb from the depths of poverty.

I can't believe he lied. He's really sunk to new depths.

The team is reaching/plumbing new depths this season. [=the team is playing worse than it ever has before]

3 b : the worst part of something

I began working at the factory during the depth/depths of the Depression.

4 [noncount] : the quality of being deep: such as

4 a : the quality of being strongly felt

We were surprised by the depth of her anger/pain/shame.

He wanted to express the depth of his love for her.

No one doubted the depth of his faith. [=they all knew that his faith was strong]

the depth of her commitment to the project

The dancers expressed great depth of feeling/emotion.

4 b : the quality of being very bad or serious

I was shocked when I realized the depth of the problem.

4 c : the quality of being complete or thorough

We were impressed by the depth [=extent] of her experience/knowledge.

Your essay lacks depth. [=it does not cover its topic in a complete way]

4 d : the quality of being strong in color, taste, etc.

the depth of a color

The wine has great depth of flavor.

4 e : the quality of being low in sound
the depth of his voice

4 f US, sports : the quality of having many good players on a team

The team lacks depth this year.

in depth

: in a thorough or complete way

The problem has yet to be examined/explored/studied in depth. [=thoroughly]

These topics need to be discussed in (more/greater) depth.

see also IN-DEPTH

out of your depth also beyond your depth

1 : dealing with a situation or subject that is too difficult for you

When the debate turned to physics, I knew that I was out of my depth. [=in over my head]

2 chiefly Brit : in water that is deeper than your height

He is just getting used to swimming in water that is out of his depth. [=over his head]

depth charge noun, pl charges [count]

: a bomb that is made to explode under water at a particular depth in order to destroy submarines

depth perception noun [noncount]

: the ability to see how far away something is or how much space is between things

dep·u·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a group of people who are sent to a place to represent other people

Many countries will be sending deputations to the peace conference.

de·pute verb, -putes, -put·ed, -put·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit formal : to give (someone) a job or responsibility

Several officers were deputed to guard the building.

I've been deputed to meet them at the airport.

dep·u·tize also Brit dep·u·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing

1 [+ obj] chiefly US : to give (someone) the power to do something in place of another person : to make (someone) a deputy
often followed by to + verb

The new system deputizes the nurses to perform some of the doctors' duties.

2 [no obj] Brit : to act in place of another person : to act for someone as a deputy

I deputize for the newspaper's editor on the weekends.

dep·u·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

1 : an important assistant who helps the person who the leader of a government, organization, etc.

(US) a sheriff's deputy [=an assistant who helps a sheriff enforce the law]

often used before another noun
a deputy sheriff

She's now the department's deputy director.

a deputy mayor

2 : a member of Parliament in some countries

de·rail verb, -rails, -railed, -rail·ing

1 [no obj] of a train : to leave its tracks

The train derailed in heavy snow.

2 [+ obj] : to cause (a train) to leave its tracks

The train was derailed by heavy snow.

often used figuratively

His plans for becoming a professional football player were derailed [=ruined] by several injuries in college.

The incident threatened to derail her career.

de·rail·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

train derailments

[noncount]

the threat of derailment
derailment of the peace process

derailleur noun, pl -leurs [count]

: a part on a bicycle that is used to change gears by moving the chain from one gear to another one

de·ranged adj [more ; most ]

: unable to think or act in a normal or logical way especially because of severe mental illness : crazy or insane

The actor was being followed by a (mentally) deranged fan.

deranged criminals
a deranged mind

de·range·ment noun [noncount]

mental derangement

der·by Brit noun, pl -bies [count]

1 : a type of horse race that takes place every year
used especially in proper names
the Kentucky Derby

2 : a race or contest
a fishing derby
see also DEMOLITION DERBY, ROLLER DERBY

3 Brit : a game between local sports teams
a derby between Manchester United and Manchester City

4 US : a hard usually black cloth hat that has a round top and that was worn by men especially in the 1800s called also (US) derby hat (chiefly Brit) bowler

de·reg·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, lat·ing [+ obj]

: to give up control of (something, such as an industry) by removing laws : to remove regulations or restrictions from (something)

The government plans to further deregulate the oil industry.

de·reg·u·la·tion noun [noncount]

1der·e·lict adj
formal

1 : no longer cared for or used by anyone
a derelict house/ship/place
a slum filled with derelict [=run-down, dilapidated] warehouses

2 [more ; most ] US, formal : failing to do what should be done : negligent

The officer was charged with being derelict in his duty.

2derelict noun, pl -licts [count]

formal + disapproving : a person who has no money, job, home, etc.

a drunken derelict [=vagrant, bum]

It was a run-down neighborhood filled with drugs addicts and derelicts.

der·e·lic·tion noun
formal

1 [noncount]

1 a : the act of no longer caring for, using, or doing something : the act of abandoning something
the dereliction of a cause by its leaders

1 b : the condition of being no longer cared for

The building is in a state of dereliction. [=is in poor condition from being abandoned]

2 [singular] law : failure to do your job or duty : failure to do what you should do

The officer was formally charged with dereliction of duty.

a serious dereliction of duty

Dereliction is usually used to refer to the crime that is committed when a military officer or police officer fails to do an important part of his or her job.

de·ride verb, -rides, -rid·ed, -rid·ing [+ obj]

formal : to talk or write about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way : to say that (someone or something) is ridiculous or has no value
politicians attempting to win votes by deriding [=belittling] their opponents
often + as

One critic derides the book as dull and predictable.

often used as (be) derided

For years women were derided as the weaker sex.

de ri·gueur adj
formal : necessary if you want to be fashionable, popular, socially acceptable, etc.

Dark sunglasses are de rigueur these days.

The phrase de rigueur comes from French.

de·ri·sion noun [noncount]

formal : the feeling that people express when they criticize and laugh at someone or something in an insulting way
yells of derision

The governor's plan was greeted with derision [=ridicule] by most journalists and pundits.

One of the students laughed/snorted in derision at my error.

The team's awful record has made it an object of derision in the league.

“Nerd” is a term of derision.

de·ri·sive adj [more ; most ]

derisive [=scornful] laughter
a derisive [=derogatory] term

de·ri·sive·ly adv
laughing derisively [=scornfully]

de·ri·so·ry adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : of too little value to be considered seriously : ridiculously small

He offered to buy the car for some derisory [=paltry, measly] sum/amount, but I turned him down.

2 : expressing a belief that something or someone is ridiculous or without value : expressing derision

The presentation was so bad that it received only a few derisory [=(more commonly) derisive] comments.

der·i·va·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a : the origin of a word

[count] It is a word for which several derivations [=etymologies] have been suggested.

He is doing research into the derivation of “Yankee.”

[noncount] words of Latin derivation

1 b [noncount] : the act of forming a word from another word

“Childish” was formed by derivation from “child.”

2 a [noncount] : the source or origin of something
foods of Indian derivation [=foods originally from India]

2 b [count] : an act or process by which one thing is formed or created from another

Scientists are debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs.

1de·riv·a·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

1 : a word formed from another word

The word “childish” is a derivative of “child.”

2 : something that comes from something else : a substance that is made from another substance

Tofu is one of many soybean derivatives.

Petroleum is a derivative of coal tar.

2derivative adj

1 [more ; most ] usually disapproving : made up of parts from something else : not new or original
derivative poetry

A number of critics found the film derivative and predictable.

His style seems too derivative of Hemingway.

2 : formed from another word
a derivative term

de·rive verb, -rives, -rived, -riv·ing

1 [+ obj] : to take or get (something) from (something else)

The river derives its name from a Native American tribe.

She derived [=received, took] great satisfaction from their friendship.

often used as (be) derived

Many English words are derived from French.

Petroleum is derived from coal tar and used to make gasoline.

2 [no obj] : to have something as a source : to come from something

Much of the book's appeal derives from the personality of its central character.

de·riv·able adj
a substance derivable from coal tar

der·ma·ti·tis noun [noncount]

medical : a disease in which the skin becomes red, swollen, and sore

der·ma·tol·o·gy noun [noncount]

medical : the scientific study of the skin and its diseases

One of the doctors at the clinic specializes in dermatology.

der·ma·tol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

The dermatologist said that the baby's rash was nothing to worry about.

der·o·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to insult (someone or something) : to say or suggest that (something or someone) is not important or worthy of respect

The title of the book derogates the people it is about.

Her parents are constantly derogating her achievements.

derogate from [phrasal verb]

derogate from (something or someone) formal : to lessen the importance or value of (something or someone)

These criticisms are not meant to derogate from [=detract from] the excellent work they have done.

de·rog·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

de·rog·a·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

: expressing a low opinion of someone or something : showing a lack of respect for someone or something

He was accused of making derogatory [=insulting, disrespectful] remarks about her.

a derogatory [=disparaging] term/word

der·rick noun, pl -ricks [count]

1 : a tall machine with a long part like an arm that is used to move or lift heavy things especially on ships

2 : a tall tower that is built over an oil well and used to support and guide the tool that is used to dig the hole and get oil out of the ground

der·ri·ere or der·ri·ère noun, pl -eres or -ères [count]

humorous : the part of the body you sit on : buttocks

I slipped on the ice and fell on my derriere.

der·ring-do noun [noncount]

old-fashioned + humorous : brave acts : behavior that requires courage

She is known for her spectacular feats of derring-do. [=bravery]

Derring-do suggests the brave acts of characters in movies and stories about adventure.

der·vish noun, pl -vish·es [count]

: a member of a Muslim religious group that is known for its customs including a fast spinning dance that is done as part of worship

In U.S. English, dervish is most common in figurative uses where it describes someone or something that is spinning or moving very fast.

The actor whirled like a dervish on stage.

de·sa·li·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

technical : to remove salt from (something, such as water)

The company is building a plant that will desalinate seawater.

de·sa·li·na·tion noun [noncount]

de·scale verb, -scales, -scaled, -scal·ing [+ obj]

Brit technical : to remove the hard white substance that forms on the inside of something (such as pipes or a boiler) that heats water

des·cant noun, pl -cants [count]

music : a high melody that is sung or played along with the main melody of a song

de·scend verb, -scends, -scend·ed, -scend·ing
formal

1 : to go down : to go or move from a higher to a lower place or level

[no obj] Wait for the elevator to descend.

The workers descended into the hole.

The submarine was descending.

They descended from [=got down from] the platform.

A herd of goats descended into the valley.

The airplane will descend to a lower altitude soon.

[+ obj] Descending the mountain was even more dangerous than climbing/ascending it.

The children descended the staircase silently.

descend a ladder
opposite ASCEND

2 [no obj] : to slope or lead downward

The path descends to the river.

The stairs descended into the tunnel.

opposite ASCEND

3 [no obj] : to go or change to a worse state or condition

+ into

After his wife died, he descended [=sank] into a deep depression.

The classroom descended into chaos after the teacher left.

4 [no obj] : to appear or happen like something that comes down from the sky

As night descended, the campers built a fire.

usually + on or upon

The invaders descended on the village without warning. [=the invaders attacked without warning]

In autumn/fall, thousands of students descend on/upon [=visit] our town.

Silence descended upon the crowd. [=the crowd became silent]

descend from [phrasal verb]

descend from (something or someone) : to have (something or someone in the past) as an origin or source

Recent evidence supports the theory that birds descended from dinosaurs.

The plants descend from a common ancestor.

The tradition descends from [=comes from] an ancient custom.

They claim to be descended from a noble British family.

descend to [phrasal verb]

1 descend to (someone) formal : to become owned by (someone) when the former owner has died

The estate descended to her from her grandparents. [=she inherited the estate from her grandparents]

2 descend to (something) : to lower yourself by doing (something)

She was desperate for money, but she would not descend to [=(more commonly) stoop to] asking her friends for help.

see also descend to someone's level at 1LEVEL

in descending order

If people or things are in descending order, they are are arranged in a series that begins with the greatest or largest and ends with the least or smallest.

The states are listed in descending order of population size.

The sale items are arranged in descending order according to price.

de·scen·dant noun, pl -dants [count]

1 : someone who is related to a person or group of people who lived in the past

One of the famous inventor's descendants is also an inventor.

Many people in this area are descendants of German immigrants.

2 : a plant or animal that is related to a particular plant or animal that lived long ago

Recent evidence supports the theory that birds are the modern descendants of dinosaurs.

3 : something that developed from another thing that was made or existed earlier

The Italian language is one of Latin's descendants.

de·scent noun, pl -scents
formal

1 [count] : the act or process of descending: such as

1 a : the act or process of going from a higher to a lower place or level
usually singular

The climbers were faced with a dangerous descent in bad weather.

the submarine's descent

After only an hour of flight, the pilot announced our descent.

opposite ASCENT

1 b : the act or process or changing to a worse state or condition

The book describes his descent into a deep depression after the death of his wife.

her slow descent to a life of addiction

2 [count] : a way of going down something : a downward slope, path, etc.

The only path that goes down to the river is a rather steep descent, so be careful.

3 [noncount] : the people in your family who lived before you were born : your ancestors

Many people in this area are of German descent. [=ancestry]

They claim to be of royal descent. [=they say that their ancestors were kings, queens, etc.]

de·scribe verb, -scribes, -scribed, -scrib·ing [+ obj]

1 : to tell someone the appearance, sound, smell, events, etc., of (something or someone) : to say what something or someone is like

The witness wasn't able to describe the robber.

He described the house in perfect detail.

The article describes how the experiment was done.

She described watching dolphins play beside the ship.

Please describe what happened next.

Can you describe the lost dog to me?

often + as

He was described by his friends as generous and loyal.

Reporters described the scene as a disaster area.

2 formal : to make a motion or draw a line that shows the shape of (something)

She used a stick to describe a circle on the ground.

de·scrib·able adj

The process is not easily describable.

de·scrip·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : a statement that tells you how something or someone looks, sounds, etc. : words that describe something or someone

[count] Reporters called the scene “a disaster area,” and I think that was an accurate description.

I applied for the position after reading the job description.

We are looking for someone with experience and a sense of humor. Do you know anyone who fits/matches that description? [=anyone who has those qualities]

often + of
a brief/general description of the process

The witness was unable to give/provide a description of the robber. [=was unable to describe the robber]

Someone fitting/answering/matching the witness' description of the burglar has been arrested.

[noncount] a writer with a gift of/for description

The landscape is beautiful beyond description. [=is extremely beautiful]

2 [count] : type or kind
used after of

We saw people of every description. [=sort]

The museum features toys of all descriptions. [=kinds]

The store sells hats, gloves, and things of that description. [=nature, ilk]

de·scrip·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : giving information about how something or someone looks, sounds, etc. : using words to describe what something or someone is like

She gave a descriptive account of the journey.

a talent for descriptive writing
a poem full of descriptive detail

The black cat was given the descriptive name “Midnight.”

often + of

They chose a name descriptive of the company's philosophy.

2 technical : providing facts about how a language is actually used rather than rules that tell people how it should be used

The book is a descriptive grammar.

descriptive dictionaries
opposite PRESCRIPTIVE

de·scrip·tive·ly adv [more ; most ]

des·e·crate verb, -crates, -crat·ed, -crat·ing [+ obj]

: to damage (a holy place or object) : to treat (a holy place or object) with disrespect

The vandals were accused of desecrating graves.

a desecrated church

des·e·cra·tion noun [noncount]

The law forbids desecration of the flag.

de·seg·re·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing

: to end a policy that keeps people of different races apart : to end a policy of segregation

[+ obj] efforts to desegregate the town's buses
usually used as (be) desegregated

The city's schools were finally desegregated in the 1960s.

[no obj] Eventually the city's schools desegregated.

de·seg·re·ga·tion noun [noncount]

de·se·lect verb, -lects, -lect·ed, -lect·ing [+ obj]

1 computers : to remove (something) from a list of choices especially by clicking with a computer mouse

If you don't want the computer program to automatically correct your spelling, you will have to deselect that option.

2 Brit, politics : to choose not to have (a current member of Parliament) as a candidate again at the next election

de·se·lec·tion noun [noncount]

de·sen·si·tize also Brit de·sen·si·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone or something) to react less to or be less affected by something : to cause (someone or something) to be less sensitive

The shot will help to desensitize the nerve.

usually + to;
often used as (be/become) desensitized

People can become desensitized to violence by endless images of war.

Her body has become desensitized to the medication.

de·sen·si·ti·za·tion also Brit de·sen·si·ti·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

1des·ert noun, pl -erts

1 : an area of very dry land that is usually covered with sand and is very hot

[count] Many settlers died while trying to cross the desert.

the Arabian and African deserts

[noncount] The region is mostly desert.

often used before another noun
the shifting desert sands
a study of desert plants
stranded on a desert island [=an island where no people live]

2 [count] : a place or area that does not have something interesting or important

For many years, the city was a cultural desert, but now there are several museums and also a concert hall.

see also DESERTS

Do not confuse desert with dessert.

2de·sert verb, -serts, -sert·ed, -sert·ing

1 [+ obj] : to go away from (a place) : to leave (a place)

The inhabitants had deserted the town.

If the nest is disturbed, the bird may desert [=abandon] it.

2 [+ obj] : to leave and stop helping or supporting (someone or something)

She had been married for just over a year when her husband deserted her.

He was deserted by his friends and family.

He vowed that he would never desert [=abandon] a friend in trouble.

He urged people not to desert the cause. [=not to stop supporting the cause]

3 [+ obj] of a useful quality or ability : to no longer be with (someone) in a time of need

The soldiers prayed that their courage would not desert them. [=that they would not lose their courage]

She was a respected academic until late in life when her memory deserted her. [=she lost her ability to remember things]

4 [no obj] of a soldier : to leave the military without permission and without intending to return

Many soldiers deserted during the first weeks of the war.

deserted adj

The town was deserted. [=there were no people in the town]

We came upon a deserted [=abandoned] old hotel.

a deserted street/road
deserted wives/husbands/children

de·ser·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

the mysterious desertion of the town by its inhabitants

He was guilty of desertion during wartime.

[count]

The military has reported 350 desertions.

de·sert·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a soldier who leaves without permission : a military person who deserts

de·sert·i·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

technical : the process by which an area becomes a desert

The organization was awarded for its efforts to prevent further desertification in Africa.

de·serts noun [plural]

: punishment that someone deserves

We all want to see this criminal get/receive his just deserts.

de·serve verb, -serves, -served, -serv·ing [+ obj]

used to say that someone or something should or should not have or be given something

She deserves another chance.

He doesn't deserve the award.

Every defendant deserves a fair trial.

The newspaper deserves a lot of credit for calling attention to the problem.

I think the idea deserves [=merits] consideration.

The story deserves telling. [=the story should be told; the story is important enough to tell]

What did I do to deserve this kind of harsh treatment? [=you should not treat me this way]

She believes that people eventually get what they deserve.

He deserves a medal for coming up with a solution so quickly. [=he did something very good and impressive by coming up with a solution so quickly]

often followed by to + verb

Anyone who will not use a map deserves to get lost.

They deserve to be punished.

He deserves to win.

deserved adj
a well-deserved vacation/break
a deserved win/victory/reputation

The award/criticism was not deserved.

de·serv·ed·ly adv

She was deservedly praised for her generosity.

He has been accused of being selfish, and deservedly so. [=he deserves to be called selfish; it is reasonable to call him selfish because of his behavior]

deserving adj [more ; most ]

1 always used before a noun : having good qualities that deserve praise, support, etc.

He's a very deserving young man.

The church provides aid to deserving families.

2 not used before a noun used to say that someone or something should have or be given something;

+ of

She was deserving of praise. [=she deserved praise]

criminals deserving of harsh punishment
an idea that is deserving of attention

des·ic·cat·ed adj

1 technical : having had the water removed
desiccated [=(more commonly) dried, dehydrated] coconut

2 formal : very dry
desiccated land

des·ic·ca·tion noun [noncount]

technical : the process by which something becomes completely dry
desiccation of soil

de·sid·er·a·tum noun, pl -ta [count]

formal : something that is needed or wanted
a list of political desiderata

1de·sign verb, -signs, -signed, -sign·ing [+ obj]

1 : to plan and make decisions about (something that is being built or created) : to create the plans, drawings, etc., that show how (something) will be made

A team of engineers designed the new engine.

a badly designed building

She designs clothes.

Who designed the book's cover?

2 : to plan and make (something) for a specific use or purpose

He designed the chair to adjust automatically.

usually used as (be) designed

The course is designed to teach beginners. [=the purpose of the course is to teach beginners]

The book is designed as a college textbook.

The shoes are designed to keep your feet warm and dry.

The book is specially designed for learners.

The new models have been designed for easier use.

3 : to think of (something, such as a plan) : to plan (something) in your mind

They thought they could design the perfect crime.

design a strategy for battle

2design noun, pl -signs

1 : the way something has been made : the way the parts of something (such as a building, machine, book, etc.) are formed and arranged for a particular use, effect, etc.

[noncount] There are problems with the design of the airplane's landing gear.

I like the design of the textbook.

I love the sculpture's design.

[count] The machine had a flawed design.

2 [noncount] : the process of planning how something will look, happen, be made, etc. : the process of designing something

She is studying furniture/Web design. [=how to design furniture/Web sites]

the design and development of new products

The new model is still in the design stage. [=is still being designed]

Correcting mistakes is part of the design process.

a number of design concepts/ideas
see also INTERIOR DESIGN

3 [count] : a drawing of something that is being planned or created
often + for

We reviewed the preliminary design for the new stadium.

Can I see the designs [=plans] for both bridges?

4 [count] : a decorative pattern that covers something : a repeating picture, shape, etc., on something

The wallpaper in the bedroom has a floral design.

a skirt with a paisley design
fabric sold in a variety of colors and designs

5 : something that you plan to do : intention

[count] My design [=(more commonly) purpose] in writing to you is to ask for your support.

[noncount] The motor is loud by design. [=because it was intended to be loud]

The meeting happened by accident, not by design. [=on purpose]

have designs on

1 : to have a secret desire and plan to get (something)

She had designs on my job.

2 formal + humorous : to want to date or have a sexual relationship with (someone)

You can deny it all you want, but I think it's pretty obvious that you have designs on her.

1des·ig·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to officially choose (someone or something) to do or be something : to officially give (someone or something) a particular role or purpose

It might be difficult to designate [=select] an appropriate place for the event.

We need to designate [=appoint] a new leader.

often used as (be) designated
money designated [=set aside] for the scholarship fund

He was designated team captain. = He was designated as team captain. [=he was made team captain]

The park has been designated as a wildlife refuge.

often followed by to + verb

He was designated to be team captain.

2 a : to call (something or someone) by a particular name or title

We designated [=named] the first one “alpha.”

often used as (be) designated

The four parts were designated A, B, C, and D in the diagram.

2 b : to be used as a name for (something or someone)

The word eventually came to designate [=refer to] any kind of mistake.

3 : to mark, show, or represent (something)

The wooden stakes designate the edge of the building site.

usually used as (be) designated

Free items are designated by blue stickers.

The state capital is designated [=indicated] by a star.

designated adj

We all agreed to meet at a designated time. [=a specific time that we agreed on]

18 years old is the designated age to vote.

see also DESIGNATED DRIVER, DESIGNATED HITTER

des·ig·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

2designate adj, not used before a noun
formal : chosen for a particular job but not officially doing that job yet
the governor designate [=the governor elect]

designated driver noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who agrees not to drink alcohol on a particular occasion so that he or she will be able to safely drive around other people who will be drinking alcohol

designated hitter noun, pl -ters [count]

baseball : a player who is chosen at the beginning of a game to bat in the place of the pitcher and who does not play a position in the field called also DH

des·ig·na·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 [noncount] : the act of officially choosing someone or something to do or be something

+ as

Everyone supported the park's designation as a wildlife refuge.

The committee favors designation of the house as an historic building.

2 [count] : a name or title that identifies someone or something

Though many people call her a liberal, it is not a designation she uses herself.

des·ig·nee noun, pl -nees [count]

chiefly US formal : a person who has been officially chosen to do or be something : a person who has been designated
the President's designees for Cabinet positions

1de·sign·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who plans how something new will look and be made : a person who creates and often produces a new product, style, etc.

She is one of the leading designers in the fashion world.

He is a designer and engineer for a car company.

She was the designer of the book's jacket.

a boat/clothing/computer/costume designer
a Web (site) designer
see also INTERIOR DESIGNER

2designer adj, always used before a noun

1 : created by a famous designer
designer jeans/fashions
designer wallpaper

2 : very fashionable and popular
designer coffee drinks
designer perfumes

3 technical : scientifically changed from the usual or natural form
designer foods
designer estrogen

designer drug noun, pl drugs [count]

1 : a drug that is created to be only slightly different from an illegal drug so that it will not be considered illegal

2 : an artificially made drug that is used for pleasure

Ecstasy is a designer drug.

de·sign·ing adj [more ; most ]

old-fashioned : having plans to get something in a way that is not honest or fair
a plot by a group of wicked and designing [=crafty, scheming] men

de·sir·able adj [more ; most ]

1 : having good or pleasing qualities : worth having or getting

The house is in a highly desirable location/neighborhood.

desirable jobs

The new stove has many desirable features/characteristics.

the qualities that make a desirable business partner

The experiment did not achieve a desirable result.

It is desirable [=(more commonly) advisable, smart] to talk with a lawyer before signing any contract.

opposite UNDESIRABLE

2 : sexually attractive
a beautiful and desirable woman

de·sir·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

Housing prices vary according to the desirability of the location.

de·sir·ably adv [more ; most ]

a desirably located apartment

1de·sire verb, not used in progressive tenses, -sires, -sired, -sir·ing [+ obj]

1 somewhat formal : to want or wish for (something) : to feel desire for (something)

Many people desire wealth.

He desired her approval more than anything.

The apartment has modern amenities, a great locationeverything you could desire.

Those desiring [=looking for] a more relaxed atmosphere will prefer the pub in the restaurant's lower level.

sometimes followed by to + verb

I have always desired [=wanted] to go to France.

2 : to want to have sex with (someone)

She knew that men still desired her.

3 formal : to express a wish for (something)

The committee desires [=requests] an immediate answer.

leave much to be desired or leave a lot to be desired or leave a great deal to be desired

used to say that something is not very good at all or is not close to being good enough

Your work leaves much to be desired.

Although her education left much to be desired, she was an extremely intelligent person.

The working conditions here leave a lot to be desired.

desired adj
an artist mixing paints to get a desired color
a desired effect/result

2desire noun, pl -sires

1 a [noncount] : the feeling of wanting something

Desire is a common theme is music and literature.

an object of desire [=something that people want to have]

1 b [count] : a strong wish

It is our desire that all of you be treated fairly. [=we want all of you to be treated fairly]

The magazine tries to attend to the needs and desires of its readers.

: a wish for something or to do something

Both sides feel a real desire for peace.

His decisions are guided by his desire for land/money/power/change.

They expressed a desire to go with us.

They have a desire to have children.

a strong/burning/aching desire to travel around the world

2 : a feeling of wanting to have sex with someone

[count] He had/felt a strong (sexual) desire for her.

[noncount] He was overcome with desire for her.

3 [count] : someone or something that you want or wish for
usually singular

He worried that he might never achieve his desire. [=might never do the thing that he wanted to do]

A good education had always been her heart's desire. [=something she wanted very much]

“You are my heart's desire,” he told her.

de·sir·ous adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : wanting or wishing for something very much : feeling desire for something
usually + of
parents desirous of a better way to educate their children [=parents who want a better way to educate their children]

consumers desirous of saving money [=consumers who want to save money]

de·sist verb, -sists, -sist·ed, -sist·ing [no obj]

formal : to stop doing something

Despite orders from the police, the protesters would not desist.

often + from

They were ordered to desist from using the symbol as a logo.

The court ordered the company to cease and desist from selling the photographs. [=to immediately stop selling the photographs]

see also CEASE AND DESIST ORDER

desk noun, pl desks [count]

1 : a piece of furniture that is like a table and often has drawers

People often sit at desks when they are writing or using a computer.

a cluttered desk
a classroom with desks arranged in rows

Often desk refers specifically to the desk a person uses to do his or her job.

I'm sorry I missed your call. I've been away from my desk.

often used before another noun
a desk lamp/calendar/chair

She left her desk job [=the job that she did while sitting at a desk] to become a farmer.

2 : a place where people can get information or be served at an office, a hotel, etc.

an information desk at an airport

We will ask for directions to the restaurant at the front desk.

We went to the reception desk to check into our room.

3 : the part of a company or organization that deals with a particular subject
the television network's financial/foreign desk [=department]

the newspaper's sports desk
the news desk [=the office where news is gathered to be reported in a newspaper, on television, etc.]

see also CITY DESK

desk·bound adj

: having a job that requires you to be at a desk
deskbound office workers

1desk·top noun, pl -tops [count]

1 : the top surface of a desk

The desktop was covered with books and stacks of papers.

2 a : a computer that is designed to be used on a desk or table : a desktop computer compare LAPTOP, NOTEBOOK

2 b : an area or window on a computer screen in which small pictures (called icons) are arranged like objects on top of a desk

He created a new folder on his desktop.

2desktop adj, always used before a noun

1 : of a size that is suitable to be used on a desk or table
a desktop computer

2 : done using a personal computer

She is working on a desktop video project.

Do you have any experience in desktop publishing? [=the use of a computer to design and produce magazines, books, etc.]

1des·o·late adj [more ; most ]

1 : lacking the people, plants, animals, etc., that make people feel welcome in a place
a landscape as desolate [=barren, lifeless] as the moon

We drove for hours along a desolate [=deserted] stretch of road.

2 : very sad and lonely especially because someone you love has died or left
desolate [=grief-stricken] parents grieving over the death of their son
desolate thoughts and memories

2des·o·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

formal + literary

1 : to make (someone) feel very sad and lonely for a long time
usually used as (be) desolated

They were desolated [=(more commonly) devastated] by the death of their son.

2 : to damage (a place) in such a way that it is no longer suitable for people to live in

The constant bombings had desolated [=(more commonly) destroyed, devastated] the town.

desolated adj
a desolated village

des·o·la·tion noun [noncount]

1 : extreme sadness caused by loss or loneliness

She sank into a state of desolation and despair.

2 : the condition of a place or thing that has been damaged in such a way that it is no longer suitable for people to live in : the state or condition of being desolate
photos that show the desolation of war

It was a scene of utter desolation. [=ruin, devastation]

1de·spair noun [noncount]

1 : the feeling of no longer having any hope

His despair nearly drove him mad.

She let out a cry of despair. [=desperation]

I was overcome by despair at being unable to find them.

She finally gave up in despair.

The people were driven to despair by the horrors of war.

This latest setback has brought/carried/driven her to the depths of despair.

2 : someone or something that causes extreme sadness or worry

+ of

He was the despair of his parents.

2despair verb, -spairs, -spaired, -spair·ing [no obj]

: to no longer have any hope or belief that a situation will improve or change

Things look bad now, but don't despair.

often + of

We had begun to despair of ever finding a house we could afford.

despairing adj [more ; most ]

: feeling very sad and without hope : showing or feeling despair

He plays the role of a lonely and despairing [=despondent] widower.

a despairing cry/look

de·spair·ing·ly adv

They cried out despairingly.

despatch Brit spelling of DISPATCH

des·per·a·do noun, pl -dos or -does [count]

old-fashioned : a violent criminal who is not afraid of getting hurt or caught
the notorious desperados of the Wild West

des·per·ate adj [more ; most ]

1 : very sad and upset because of having little or no hope : feeling or showing despair

The collapse of her business had made her desperate.

As the supply of food ran out, people became desperate.

We could hear their desperate cries for help.

a desperate phone call

2 : very bad or difficult to deal with

The building is in desperate [=terrible, awful] shape and may have to be demolished.

desperate [=hopeless] situations

The outlook was desperate.

3 : done with all of your strength or energy and with little hope of succeeding
a desperate struggle to defeat the enemy

He made a desperate bid/attempt to save his job.

They made one last desperate attempt to fight their way out.

4 : having a strong need or desire for something or to do something

He is desperate for money/attention/work.

After traveling all night, they were desperate for sleep.

She was desperate to prove that she was right.

5 : very severe or strong

The animals were in desperate need of food and water when they were found.

a desperate shortage of medical supplies

The situation called for desperate measures.

des·per·ate·ly adv

We are trying desperately to find a solution.

They desperately struggled to defeat the enemy.

They were desperately [=extremely, terribly] unhappy/poor.

desperately ill patients

We were desperately in need of food and water.

des·per·a·tion noun [noncount]

: a strong feeling of sadness, fear, and loss of hope

She felt overcome by desperation.

a life of desperation
the desperation of severe poverty

The robbery was an act of desperation. [=a desperate act]

They hired me out of desperation, because they couldn't get anyone else.

Finally, in desperation, he tried to flee the country.

de·spi·ca·ble adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : very bad or unpleasant : deserving to be despised

She is a despicable traitor.

It was a despicable [=contemptible] act of racism.

de·spi·ca·bly adv

He behaved despicably.

de·spise verb, -spis·es, -spised, -spis·ing [+ obj]

: to dislike (something or someone) very much

He despises [=hates, loathes] pop music.

Although despised [=scorned, disdained] by critics, the movie attracted a wide audience.

She was despised as a hypocrite.

de·spite prep

: without being prevented by (something)

used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Despite [=in spite of] our objections, he insisted on driving.

She ran the race despite an injury.

Despite our best efforts to save him, the patient died during the night.

They are not getting married, despite rumors to the contrary. [=even though there have been rumors saying they are getting married]

Despite its small size, the device is able to store thousands of hours of music.

The law has yet to be passed, despite the fact that most people are in favor of it.

despite yourself

: even though you do not want to

She stared at the couple despite herself.

Despite myself, I began to enjoy the movie.

They grew to love each other, almost despite themselves.

de·spoil verb, -spoils, -spoiled, -spoil·ing [+ obj]

literary

1 : to severely damage or ruin (a place)

The landscape has been despoiled by industrial development.

2 : to forcefully take what is valuable from (a place)

The invaders despoiled [=plundered] the village.

de·spoil·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He sees human beings as despoilers of nature.

de·spond·ent adj [more ; most ]

formal : very sad and without hope

I had never seen them looking so despondent.

a group of despondent fans
often + over or about

She is despondent over losing her job.

He grew increasingly despondent about her illness.

de·spond·en·cy also de·spon·dence noun [noncount]

He went through a period of deep despondency after his divorce.

des·pot noun, pl -pots [count]

1 : a ruler who has total power and who often uses that power in cruel and unfair ways
medieval despots [=tyrants]

2 formal : a person who has a lot of power over other people

He was a successful basketball coach, but many people regarded him as a petty despot.

The company is run by a benevolent despot.

des·pot·ic adj [more ; most ]

a despotic government

des·po·tism noun [noncount]

: rule by a despot

The people have had to endure many years of despotism. [=(more commonly) tyranny]

des·sert noun, pl -serts

: sweet food eaten after the main part of a meal

[count] She doesn't care for rich desserts.

a chocolate dessert

[noncount] Coffee and tea will be served with dessert.

We had ice cream and apple pie for dessert.

sometimes used before another noun

They asked to look at the dessert menu.

dessert plates

Do not confuse dessert with desert.

des·sert·spoon noun, pl -spoons [count]

Brit

1 : a spoon of medium size that is used to eat desserts and other foods

2 : the amount that a dessertspoon will hold
a dessertspoon of sugar

des·sert·spoon·ful noun, pl -fuls [count]

Brit : dessertspoon 2

dessert wine noun, pl wines [count, noncount]

: a sweet wine that people drink with dessert or after dessert

de·sta·bi·lize also Brit de·sta·bi·lise verb, -liz·es, -lized, -liz·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (something, such as a government) to be unable to continue existing or working in the usual or desired way : to make (something) unstable

The group hoped the assassination of the new President would destabilize the government.

Economists warn that the crisis could destabilize the nation's currency.

de·sta·bi·li·za·tion also Brit de·sta·bi·li·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

destabilizing also Brit destabilising adj
a destabilizing influence/force/factor

des·ti·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a place to which a person is going or something is being sent

After stopping for lunch, we continued on toward/to our destination.

The package reached its destination two days later.

He enjoys traveling to remote and exotic destinations.

a popular tourist destination

We traveled through three states before reaching our final destination.

a destination restaurant/resort [=a restaurant/resort that people are willing to travel a long distance to go to]

des·tined adj, not used before a noun

1 a : certain to do or to be something

Without the support of the unions, the plan seems destined to fail.

He is destined to be famous.

She felt that she was destined [=fated, meant] to become a writer.

1 b : certain to achieve or experience something : certain to have a particular job, status, etc.

+ for
a nation destined for greatness

They believed that their son was destined for the priesthood.

a technology that is destined for a short life

2 : going or traveling to a particular place

+ for

The ship was destined [=headed, heading, bound] for New York.

The shipment is destined for Bombay.

des·ti·ny noun, pl -nies

1 [count] : what happens in the future : the things that someone or something will experience in the future

They believed it was their destiny to be together.

His parents believed that the priesthood was his destiny. [=that he would or should become a priest because fate or God intended it]

The factory's closing shaped the destiny [=fate] of the entire town.

She believes that people can choose/control their own destinies. [=that people can control what will happen to them]

2 [noncount] : a power that is believed to control what happens in the future

She felt that destiny [=fate] had decided that she would one day be President.

motivated by a sense of destiny
see also MANIFEST DESTINY
synonyms

DESTINY, FATE, and LOT mean a future that someone or something will have. DESTINY and FATE both suggest that the future has been decided or planned by God or by some godlike power. DESTINY often suggests a future that includes something great and important.

He was a great leader whose destiny was to free the people of his country.

FATE often suggests a future that cannot be avoided and that is usually sad or unpleasant.

It was the explorer's fate to die lost and alone.

LOT suggests that someone's future has been decided by luck.

It was not their lot in life to have children.

des·ti·tute Brit adj [more ; most ]

1 : extremely poor

His business failures left him destitute.

2 formal + literary : without something that is needed or wanted

+ of
a lake destitute of fish
a man destitute of wisdom

the destitute

: people who are extremely poor : destitute people

The charity provides food and clothing for the destitute. [=the needy]

des·ti·tu·tion Brit noun [noncount]

lives of destitution [=poverty]

de-stress verb, -stress·es, -stressed, -stress·ing [no obj]

: to relax your body or mind : to stop feeling the effects of stress

Taking a hot bath is a good way to de-stress [=unwind] after a busy day.

de·stroy verb, -stroys, -stroyed, -stroy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to end or no longer exist : to cause the destruction of (something)

Eventually our problems with money destroyed our marriage.

All the files were deliberately destroyed.

The disease destroys the body's ability to fight off illness.

: to damage (something) so badly that it cannot be repaired

The bomb blast destroyed the village.

The scandal destroyed [=ruined] his reputation.

The building was partially destroyed [=demolished] by fire.

2 : to kill (an animal) especially because it is sick, injured, or dangerous

The dog had to be destroyed since its owner could not prevent it from attacking people.

3 informal : to defeat (someone or something) easily or completely

They destroyed [=demolished] the other team 517.

de·stroy·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a small and fast military ship that protects bigger ships

2 : something that causes the destruction of something

The pamphlet describes alcohol as a destroyer of families.

de·struc·tion noun [noncount]

: the act or process of damaging something so badly that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired : the act or process of destroying something
a scene of destruction

War results in death and widespread destruction.

We are trying to save the building from destruction.

weapons of mass destruction [=weapons that can destroy entire buildings, cities, etc.]

His phenomenal success carried within it the seeds of its own destruction. [=the thing that made him successful eventually caused him to fail]

often + of
the destruction of documents/evidence

The storm caused the destruction of many homes.

see also SELF-DESTRUCTION

de·struc·tive adj [more ; most ]

: causing a very large amount of damage : causing destruction or harm

It was one of the most destructive storms in recent memory.

She argued that the law was destructive of personal liberties.

The school is concerned about the destructive behavior of a few students.

These kinds of budget cuts can be destructive to morale. [=can damage morale]

destructive criticism [=harsh criticism that hurts someone]

compare CONSTRUCTIVE, see also SELF-DESTRUCTIVE

de·struc·tive·ly adv

The dog behaves destructively.

de·struc·tive·ness noun [noncount]

the destructiveness of the storm

des·ul·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : not having a plan or purpose
desultory [=aimless] conversation.

2 : done without serious effort

He made a desultory [=halfhearted] attempt to study.

des·ul·to·ri·ly Brit adv

Talk drifted desultorily from one topic to another.

de·tach verb, -tach·es, -tached, -tach·ing

1 : to separate (something) from something larger

[+ obj] Detach the upper part of the form and return it with your payment.

During the accident the trailer was detached from the car.

[no obj] The brush detaches from the vacuum cleaner for easy cleaning.

opposite ATTACH

2 [+ obj] : to separate (yourself) from someone or something

It can be difficult to detach yourself from the chaos of the situation.

She has been trying to detach herself from an abusive relationship.

de·tach·able adj

The stereo is equipped with detachable speakers.

detached adj

1 [more ; most ] : not emotional : not influenced by emotions or personal interest

They wanted the opinion of a detached [=impartial, unbiased] observer.

The article takes a detached [=objective] view of the issue.

He watched them work with a detached [=indifferent] amusement.

2 : not joined or connected : separate from another part or thing

The house has a detached garage.

a detached house [=a house that is not connected to any other house or building]

see also SEMIDETACHED

de·tach·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : lack of emotion or of personal interest

I wish the article had approached the issue with a bit more detachment.

In her films she views the modern world with an air/sense of detachment. [=aloofness]

He was able to discuss their concerns with cool detachment. [=impartiality]

2 [noncount]

2 a : the act or process of separating something from a larger thing

The form is perforated to make detachment of the bottom section easier.

2 b : a condition in which something has become separated from something else
a patient diagnosed with retinal detachment [=a condition in which the retina of the eye is no longer connected to the eye as it should be]

3 [count] : a group of soldiers who have a special job or function

A detachment of soldiers was called to assist the police.

helicopter detachments [=groups of soldiers traveling in helicopters]

1de·tail noun, pl -tails

1 [count]

1 a : a small part of something

Every/each detail of the wedding was carefully planned.

They designed every detail of the house.

He planned the party down to the smallest/last/tiniest detail. [=he planned everything about the party]

Don't sweat the details. [=don't worry about minor things]

1 b [noncount] : the small parts of something
the wooden box's fine carved detail

We admired the detail of the artist's work.

Use a small paintbrush for the detail work. [=decorative work or work done using small pieces]

The job requires attention to detail.

If you have an eye for detail or a fine/good/keen eye for detail, you are good at noticing small but important things that other people might not notice.

It is helpful to have a good eye for detail when you are building a house.

a filmmaker with an eye for detail

2 a [count] : a particular fact or piece of information about something or someone

The article provides further details.

You left out an important detail about their new baby: is it a girl or boy?

The novel is full of historical details.

2 b [noncount] : information about something or someone that is often specific or precise

The book includes a wealth of detail on living conditions aboard ships at that time.

The novel is full of historical detail.

The book covers the topic of grammar at a level of detail that most people would find boring.

3 [count] : a special job that is given to a soldier or group of soldiers
usually singular

They were assigned to security/maintenance/kitchen detail.

go into detail

: to discuss or describe everything about something including the small or unimportant parts

The newspaper reports went into (great) detail about his political background.

I will try to tell the story without going into too much detail.

in detail

: including a lot of information about something : without leaving out any important parts

She explained in detail how they met.

We will discuss/examine/explore the plan in detail.

Please describe the scene in as much detail as you can. [=in a way that includes as much information as possible]

We will talk about this issue in more/further/greater detail tomorrow.

2detail verb, -tails, -tailed, -tail·ing [+ obj]

1 : to state particular facts or information about (something) : to describe or discuss the details of (something)

The book details the series of events that led to the tragedy.

She wrote a letter detailing her complaints.

2 US : to thoroughly clean (a car) in an attempt to make it look new

I am going to have the car detailed [=(Brit) valeted] before I try to sell it.

3 formal : to choose (a person or group of people) to do a special job

The Army has detailed him to investigate the complaints.

often used as (be) detailed

The infantry officer was detailed to another unit during maneuvers.

detailed adj [more ; most ]

: including many details : including a lot information
a detailed report/analysis

We need a more detailed comparison of the available options.

a detailed account/description

He gave us very detailed instructions.

detailed maps/pictures

detailing noun [noncount]

1 : small decorative parts : details added to a building, piece of clothing, etc.

the building's fine architectural detailing
a bowl with gold detailing

2 US : the act or process of thoroughly cleaning a car in an attempt to make it look new called also (Brit) valeting

de·tain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing [+ obj]

1 : to officially prevent (someone) from leaving a place : to hold or keep (someone) in a prison or some other place

They were detained by the police for questioning.

He claimed he had been illegally detained.

2 formal : to keep or prevent (someone) from leaving or arriving at the expected time

We were detained [=delayed] for 15 minutes by a flat tire.

Unexpected business had detained her.

de·tain·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

He demanded to be released after two hours of detainment.

[count]

He ordered the detainments of two suspects.

de·tain·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

: a person who is being kept in a prison especially for political reasons : a person who is being detained

de·tect verb, -tects, -tect·ed, -tect·ing [+ obj]

: to discover or notice the presence of (something that is hidden or hard to see, hear, taste, etc.)

The test is used to detect the presence of alcohol in the blood.

This type of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages.

He thought he detected [=sensed] a note of irony in her comments.

de·tect·able adj
a dim star that is only detectable with a powerful telescope
sounds barely detectable by the human ear

de·tec·tion noun [noncount]

: the act or process of discovering, finding, or noticing something

I don't know how the errors managed to avoid/escape detection for so long.

methods of crime detection
sometimes used before another noun
a detection system/device

1de·tec·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

1 : a police officer whose job is to find information about crimes that have occurred and to catch criminals

She is a detective on the police force.

Detective Sgt. Lee is working on the case.

a homicide detective

2 : a person whose job is to find information about something or someone : private investigator

She hired a detective to follow her husband.

2detective adj, always used before a noun

1 : done in order to find out hidden or unknown information

We had to do some detective work to find out who used to own the property.

2 : of or relating to crimes and detectives
a detective story

He enjoys reading detective novels.

de·tec·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a device that can tell if a substance or object is present : a device that detects the presence of something
a smoke/radar detector
using metal detectors to improve safety at airports
see also LIE DETECTOR

dé·tente or de·tente noun
formal : an ending of unfriendly or hostile relations between countries

[noncount] as the countries move toward détente
a period of détente

[count] the start of a détente

de·ten·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a : the act of keeping someone in a prison or similar place

[noncount] the detention of suspected terrorists
detention camps/facilities

[count] The jail is only used for brief detentions.

1 b [noncount] : the state of being kept in a prison or similar place

Dozens of protesters were held/kept in detention for six hours. [=were detained for six hours]

2 : a punishment in which a student is required to stay at school after the rest of the students have left

[count] They both got/received three detentions this year.

[noncount] He got detention for being late to class.

detention center (US) or Brit detention centre noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a place where people who have entered a country illegally are kept for a period of time

2 : a place where people who have committed crimes are kept as punishment

She spent several months in a detention center for women.

a juvenile detention center

de·ter verb, -ters, -terred, -ter·ring [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to decide not to do something

Some potential buyers will be deterred by the price.

often + from

They hoped that the new law would deter advertisers from making false claims.

The heavy fines should deter [=discourage] people from dumping garbage here.

2 : to prevent (something) from happening

He played an important role in international efforts to deter [=prevent] nuclear war.

Painting the metal will deter rust.

de·ter·gent noun, pl -gents

: a powder or liquid that is used to clean clothes, dishes, etc. : a chemical substance that is like soap

[count] We have tried different laundry detergents.

[noncount] a box of detergent

de·te·ri·o·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing

1 [no obj] : to become worse as time passes

The weather gradually deteriorated [=worsened] as the day went on.

Her health continues to deteriorate. [=decline]

efforts to save a deteriorating rain forest

The disagreement deteriorated into a fight. [=the disagreement got worse and eventually became a fight]

2 [+ obj] : to make (something) worse

Exposure to rain and sun will gradually deteriorate the paint.

deteriorated adj
a deteriorated [=run-down, dilapidated] building
a badly deteriorated part of the city

de·te·ri·o·ra·tion noun [singular]

: the act or process of becoming worse
economic deterioration
the gradual deterioration of the weather
a deterioration of academic standards
a deterioration in quality

de·ter·min·able adj
formal : possible to know or calculate : able to be determined
a determinable amount/value

The cause of the accident is not determinable at this time.

de·ter·mi·nant noun, pl -nants [count]

formal : a thing that controls or influences what happens
often + of

Level of education is often a determinant of income.

de·ter·mi·nate adj
formal : definitely known or decided
a determinate period of time
opposite INDETERMINATE

de·ter·mi·na·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult

What he lacked in talent he made up for in determination.

dogged/fierce/steely/stubborn determination
often followed by to + verb

We all respected her fierce determination to succeed.

see also SELF-DETERMINATION

2 formal : the act of finding out or calculating something

[count] age determinations
often + of

They were unable to make an accurate determination of the ship's position.

[noncount] The new instruments allow for more precise determination of the size of the tumor.

3 formal : the act of officially deciding something

[noncount] The document will be used for determination of ownership.

[count] judicial determinations

The inspectors made the determination that the building was unsafe. [=they determined/decided that the building was unsafe]

de·ter·mine verb, -mines, -mined, -min·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to officially decide (something) especially because of evidence or facts : to establish (something) exactly or with authority

The town has finally determined ownership of the land. = The town has finally determined who owns the land.

The new policy will be determined by a special committee.

1 b : to be the cause of or reason for (something)

The demand for a product determines its price.

He believes that one's personality is determined mostly by genetics.

A determining factor is a reason to make a particular choice or decision.

Price was the determining factor in their decision.

2 : to learn or find out (something) by getting information

An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

They are unable to accurately determine the ship's position at this time.

Scholars have determined that the book was written in the late 16th century.

I am trying to determine what happened and when.

3 formal : to make a decision : decide

They are determining if/whether they should stay.

They determined to leave immediately.

He determined [=resolved] that he would learn a foreign language.

determined adj [more ; most ]

1 not used before a noun : having a strong feeling that you are going to do something and that you will not allow anyone or anything to stop you
often followed by to + verb

They are determined to find out the cause of the accident.

Her early failures made her even more determined to succeed.

We are determined not to let it happen again.

We were bound and determined [=very determined] to finish the project on time.

often + that

We are determined that it will never happen again.

2 : not weak or uncertain : having or showing determination to do something

He is a very determined [=resolute] opponent.

We are making a determined effort to correct our mistakes.

a determined smile

de·ter·mined·ly adv

They fought determinedly for a new trial.

She is a determinedly cheerful hostess.

de·ter·mi·ner noun, pl -ers [count]

grammar : a word (such as “a,” “the,” “some,” “any,” “my,” or “your”) that comes before a noun and is used to show which thing is being referred to

de·ter·min·ism noun [noncount]

philosophy : the belief that all events are caused by things that happened before them and that people have no real ability to make choices or control what happens

de·ter·min·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

de·ter·min·is·tic or determinist adj
a deterministic view of life
determinist philosophers

de·ter·rence noun [noncount]

formal

1 : the act of making someone decide not to do something : the act of preventing a particular act or behavior from happening
the deterrence of crime

2 politics : the policy of developing a lot of military power so that other countries will not attack your country

The author argues that deterrence is no longer the best way to prevent war.

nuclear deterrence

de·ter·rent noun, pl -rents [count]

: something that makes someone decide not to do something

We would like to go, but cost is a major deterrent.

The security alarm is a theft deterrent.

a crime deterrent
often + to or against

They argued over whether the death penalty is an effective deterrent to murder.

They hope that the new law will be a deterrent against false advertising.

deterrent adj [more ; most ]

They hope that the new law will have a deterrent effect.

de·test verb, -tests, -test·ed, -test·ing [+ obj]

formal : to dislike (someone or something) very strongly

Those two really seem to detest [=hate, despise] each other.

She detested [=loathed] living in the city.

de·test·able adj [more ; most ]

formal : causing or deserving strong dislike : deserving to be detested

He found her selfish attitude detestable. [=contemptible, despicable]

He is a detestable villain.

de·test·ably adv
a detestably cruel act

de·throne verb, -thrones, -throned, -thron·ing [+ obj]

: to take away the power and authority of (a king or queen) : to remove (a king or queen) from power
now usually used figuratively

Last year's champion was dethroned in the first round of the play-offs.

de·throne·ment noun [noncount]

the dethronement of the queen/champion

det·o·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

: to explode or to cause (something, such as a bomb) to explode

[no obj] They knew that the bomb could detonate [=blow up] at any time.

[+ obj] The first atomic bomb was detonated in 1945.

det·o·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

det·o·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a device that is used to make a bomb explode

1de·tour noun, pl -tours [count]

1 : the act of going or traveling to a place along a way that is different from the usual or planned way

After a number of unexpected detours, we finally arrived at our destination.

The little restaurant is worth a detour.

We had to make a detour around the heaviest traffic.

We took a detour from the main streets.

often used figuratively

After teaching for many years, he made a brief detour into professional cooking. [=he worked as a cook for a short period of time]

The conversation took a detour onto another topic.

2 US : a road, highway, etc., that you travel on when the the usual way of traveling cannot be used

The road is closed ahead, so traffic will have to follow the detour.

a detour sign/route
called also (Brit) diversion

2detour verb, -tours, -toured, -tour·ing

US

1 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to go along a way that is different from and usually longer than the usual or planned way

We detoured around the heaviest traffic.

often used figuratively

After teaching for many years, he briefly detoured into professional cooking.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to make (someone or something) go in a direction that is not planned or expected

A police officer was detouring traffic around the scene of the accident.

Traffic will be detoured to 72nd Street.

often used figuratively

Her athletic career was detoured by a series of injuries.

2 b : to avoid (something) by going around it

Commuters are being advised to detour [=bypass] this section of the road.

often used figuratively

You can detour the whole process by applying online.

de·tox noun, pl -tox·es
informal : special treatment that helps a person to stop using drugs or alcohol

[noncount] He spent one week in detox.

The famous writer recently went into detox.

[count] She has been through two detoxes in the past year.

often used before another noun
a detox center/clinic/program

de·tox·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to remove a poisonous or harmful substance from (something)

a special tea that is supposed to detoxify the body

2 : to cause (someone) to stop using drugs or alcohol by providing special help and treatment
a drug addict who is being detoxified

de·tox·i·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the detoxification of drug addicts
often used before another noun
a detoxification [=detox] process/program

de·tract verb, -tracts, -tract·ed, -tract·ing

detract from [phrasal verb]

detract from (something) formal : to reduce the strength, value, or importance of (something)

They worried that the scandal would seriously detract from [=diminish, hurt] her chances for reelection.

The overcooked vegetables detracted somewhat from an otherwise fine meal.

de·trac·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

formal : a person who criticizes something or someone

Despite his popularity, his many detractors [=critics] still think his work is overrated.

Even her detractors had to admit that she had made the company successful.

de·train verb, -trains, -trained, -train·ing [no obj]

: to get off a train

They were the first passengers to detrain.

det·ri·ment noun
formal

1 [count] : something that will cause damage or injury to something or someone usually singular;
often + to

He saw the new regulations as a detriment to progress.

2 [noncount] : the act of causing damage or injury to something or someone

He puts all his time into his career, to the detriment of [=in a way that is harmful to] his personal life.

relying on bad advice, much to your detriment [=in a way that is harmful to you]

often + to

She was able to work long hours without detriment to her health. [=without harming her health]

det·ri·men·tal adj [more ; most ]

formal : causing damage or injury

The detrimental [=harmful] effects of overeating are well known.

often + to

She argues that watching too much TV is detrimental to a child's intellectual and social development.

det·ri·men·tal·ly adv

de·tri·tus noun [noncount]

formal : the pieces that are left when something breaks, falls apart, is destroyed, etc.

the detritus of ancient civilizations

As he packed, he sifted through the detritus of a failed relationship.

deuce Brit noun, pl deuc·es

1 [count] chiefly US, informal : a playing card that has the number two on it or two symbols on it
a pair of deuces [=twos]

2 tennis : a situation in which each side has a score of 40

[count] She beat her opponent after eight deuces.

[noncount] The score is deuce.

3 [singular] old-fashioned + informal
used to make a question or statement more forceful

Who the deuce [=devil, hell] was that?

We've had a deuce of a time finding a good doctor. [=it has been very difficult to find a good doctor]

de·us ex ma·chi·na noun [singular]

: a character or thing that suddenly enters the story in a novel, play, movie, etc., and solves a problem that had previously seemed impossible to solve

deutsche mark or deutsch·mark noun, pl marks [count]

: a basic unit of money that was formerly used in Germany; also : a coin or bill representing one deutsche mark called also mark, German mark

de·val·ue verb, -ues, -ued, -u·ing

1 finance : to lower the value of a country's money so that it is worth less when it is traded with another country's money

[+ obj] The government has decided to devalue its currency.

[no obj] Economic woes forced the government to devalue.

2 [+ obj] : to cause (something or someone) to seem or to be less valuable or important

He argues that placing too many requirements on schools devalues the education they provide.

Domestic work is often devalued. [=undervalued]

de·val·u·a·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

attempts to avoid devaluation

[count]

currency devaluations

dev·as·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to destroy much or most of (something) : to cause great damage or harm to (something)

The flood devastated the town.

The disease has devastated the area's oak tree population.

The hurricane left the island completely devastated.

The town was devastated [=ruined] when the factory closed.

2 : to cause (someone) to feel extreme emotional pain
usually used as (be) devastated

She was devastated by the breakup of her marriage.

dev·as·ta·tion noun [noncount]

economic devastation
the devastation of war [=the damage and destruction caused by war]

devastating adj [more ; most ]

1 : causing great damage or harm

It was a devastating flood.

a rare but devastating disease
devastating consequences
often + to

The fall in prices dealt a devastating blow to the company.

2 : causing extreme emotional pain

The news was devastating.

They suffered a devastating loss.

3 : extremely effective or powerful

The movie is a devastating satire of the current political scene.

a writer known for his devastating wit

dev·as·tat·ing·ly adv
a devastatingly accurate portrayal

de·vel·op verb, -ops, -oped, -op·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to grow or become bigger or more advanced

She has been exercising regularly to develop her back muscles.

The story was later developed into a novel.

The island has developed its economy around tourism.

The course is designed to develop your writing skills.

1 b [no obj] : to grow or become bigger or more advanced

A blossom develops from a bud.

The doctor says that the child is developing normally.

In this class, we will be learning about how languages develop.

often + into

In a short time, the town developed into a city.

2 [+ obj] : to create (something) over a period of time

Scientists are developing a treatment for the disease.

The company has developed a new method for recycling old tires.

3 [+ obj] : to make (an idea, argument, theory, etc.) easier to understand by giving more information

He develops the concept/theory more fully in his book.

You need to develop your argument more.

4 [no obj] : to gradually begin to exist

A dangerous situation is developing.

Romantic relationships often develop between coworkers.

Towns developed along this trade route hundreds of years ago.

5 [+ obj] : to gradually begin to have (something)

As he grew older he developed [=acquired] a taste for expensive wines.

She developed an interest in music when she was just a child.

He developed a close relationship with her.

6 [+ obj] : to begin to suffer from or be affected by (an illness, problem, etc.)

people who develop cancer late in life

The patient later developed a cough.

At some point the pipe developed a leak.

7 [no obj] chiefly US : to become known or understood

The facts of what had happened slowly developed over the next several days.

It eventually developed [=turned out] that he had forgotten to mail the package.

8 [+ obj]

8 a : to build houses or other buildings on (land)

A builder wants to develop a large piece of land along the river.

8 b : to make (something) available for use

The government plans to develop the natural resources of this region.

9 [+ obj] : to make a photograph from (film) by using special chemicals and a special process

Our vacation pictures should be developed by tomorrow.

Did you get the film developed yet?

de·vel·op·able adj
developable land

developed adj [more ; most ]

1 of a country, society, etc. : having many industries and relatively few poor people who are unable to buy the things they need

The disease is almost unheard of in developed countries.

opposite DEVELOPING, UNDERDEVELOPED

2 : larger or more advanced

Many dogs have a highly developed sense of smell. [=a very strong sense of smell]

The younger plant has a less developed root system.

de·vel·op·er noun, pl -ers

: a person or thing that develops something: such as
a [count] : a person or company that builds and sells houses or other buildings on a piece of land
a real estate developer

b [count] : a person or company that creates computer software
a software developer

c [noncount] : a chemical that is used to develop photographs

developing adj, always used before a noun

1 : having few industries and many poor people who are unable to buy the things they need
international programs to assist developing [=underdeveloped] nations
opposite DEVELOPED

2 : growing larger or more advanced
a developing embryo
the developing crisis

de·vel·op·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the act or process of growing or causing something to grow or become larger or more advanced

Good nutrition is important for proper muscle development.

efforts to promote economic development [=growth]

experts in child development

The company offers many opportunities for professional/personal/career development.

often + of
the development of the English language

The vitamin may help prevent the development of cancer.

2 [noncount]

2 a : the act or process of creating something over a period of time

The software is still in the early stages of development.

often + of

The company is working on (the) development of a new method for recycling old tires.

see also RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

2 b : the state of being created or made more advanced

The new system is still under development. [=being developed]

She has a number of projects in development. [=(informal) in the works]

3 [count] : something that has happened or has become known

I try to keep up with the latest developments in computer technology.

Have there been any new developments in the case?

4 a [count] : an area of land with buildings that were all built at around the same time
a condominium development
new commercial and industrial developments
see also HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

4 b [noncount] : the process of building a group of houses or other buildings on an area of land

A large piece of land along the river was sold for development.

5 [noncount] : the chemical process by which photographic film is used to make a photograph
chemicals used for the development of film

de·vel·op·men·tal adj

1 : of or relating to the growth or development of someone or something

A drop in temperature can slow the plant's developmental process.

developmental biology/psychology
a child with developmental abnormalities/defects/disabilities/problems

My theory is still in its developmental stage.

2 : designed to help a child grow or learn
developmental toys

de·vel·op·men·tal·ly adv
a developmentally disabled child [=a child who is not able to develop in the normal way because of a physical or mental problem]

1de·vi·ant adj [more ; most ]

: different from what is considered to be normal or morally correct
a deviant lifestyle
a study of deviant behavior among criminals

de·vi·ance also de·vi·an·cy noun [noncount]

sexual deviance/deviancy

2deviant noun, pl -ants [count]

: a person who behaves in a way that most people consider to be not normal or morally correct
a sexual deviant

de·vi·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [no obj]

: to do something that is different or to be different from what is usual or expected
usually + from

He almost never deviates from his usual routine.

The investigation showed that the airplane had deviated [=strayed] from its scheduled route.

This pattern of behavior deviates slightly from the norm.

de·vi·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : an action, behavior, or condition that is different from what is usual or expected

[count] There have been slight deviations in the satellite's orbit.

Having juice instead of coffee was a deviation from his usual routine.

[noncount] The pattern's deviation from the norm is significant.

The book discusses sexual deviation [=deviance] in serial killers.

2 [count] technical : the difference between the average of a group of numbers and a particular number in that group

de·vice noun, pl -vic·es [count]

1 : an object, machine, or piece of equipment that has been made for some special purpose
mechanical devices

The store sells TVs, VCRs, and other electronic devices.

a hidden recording device

2 : a weapon that explodes
an explosive device [=a bomb]

agreeing to dismantle all nuclear devices

3 : something that is done in order to achieve a particular effect
a marketing device
a useful mnemonic device for remembering the names of the planets

The company's method of tracking expenses is just a device to make it seem more profitable.

4 : something in a book, play, poem, movie, etc., that is used to achieve a particular effect

He is known for his use of irony and other literary devices.

a contrived plot device
the play's use of traditional comic devices such as slapstick

leave you to your own devices

If someone leaves you to your own devices or you are left to your own devices, you are allowed to do what you want or what you are able to do without being controlled or helped by anyone else.

The students were left to their own devices when the teacher failed to appear on time.

Left to its own devices, the school would accept only the most advanced students.

dev·il noun, pl -ils

1 a the Devil : the most powerful spirit of evil in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam who is often represented as the ruler of hell

He went to the Halloween party dressed up as the Devil. [=Satan]

1 b [count] : an evil spirit
an imaginary world haunted by ghosts and devils [=demons]

2 [count] informal

2 a : a person who does bad things or causes trouble usually in a way that is not too serious

She is a tricky devil, so be careful.

Those kids can be little devils sometimes.

2 b : a person (especially a man) who is lucky, unlucky, etc.

The poor devil [=poor guy] broke his leg on the first day of his skiing vacation.

He's such a lucky devil that he'll probably win the lottery someday.

3 the devil informal
used to make a statement or question more forceful

What the devil are you talking about?

Where the devil have you been?

4 [singular] informal : something that is very difficult or that causes a lot of trouble

The shoes look great, but they're the devil to walk in. [=they are very difficult to walk in]

usually used in the phrase a devil of

The new regulations have created a devil of a problem [=a very difficult problem] for many small businesses.

He had a devil of a time getting another job. [=he found it very difficult to get another job]

see also the devil to pay at 1PAY

be a devil

Brit informal
used to tell someone who is not sure about doing something to go ahead and do it

“I don't know if I should eat anything else.” “Oh, go on, be a devil, order dessert!”

better the devil you know than the devil you don't
used to say that it is better to deal with a difficult person or situation you know than with a new person or situation that could be worse

between the devil and the deep blue sea
old-fashioned : in a situation that is difficult because you must choose between two unpleasant things

She felt caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. [=in a very bad situation]

go to the devil
informal
used to forcefully and rudely tell someone to go away and leave you alone

She angrily told him to go to the devil. [=(more commonly) go to hell]

like the devil
informal

1 : very much

I'm sorry to hear about your injury. It must hurt like the devil.

2 : with a lot of energy and speed

He ran like the devil. [=he ran very fast]

speak/talk of the devil
informal
used in speech to say that someone you have been talking about has unexpectedly appeared

“Well, speak of the devil! We were just talking about you!”

dev·iled (US) or Brit dev·illed adj, always used before a noun

: spicy or highly seasoned
deviled eggs/ham

dev·il·ish adj [more ; most ]

1 : evil and cruel
a devilish [=sinister] villain
devilish [=diabolical] tricks

2 : showing a desire to cause trouble but in a way that is not serious

She was attracted by his devilish charm.

There was a devilish look of mischief in her eyes.

a devilish [=mischievous] grin

have a devilish time
informal + somewhat old-fashioned : to have a difficult time doing something

We had a devilish time finding a parking space.

dev·il·ish·ly adv
a devilishly cruel villain
a devilishly attractive man
a devilishly [=very] hard/difficult problem

dev·il-may-care adj [more ; most ]

: relaxed and without worry

He has a devil-may-care attitude about life.

dev·il·ment noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit formal : behavior that causes trouble
engaging in all kinds of devilment [=mischief]

: a desire to cause trouble

Ruffians were breaking windows out of sheer devilment.

devil's advocate noun, pl -cates [count]

: a person who expresses an opinion that disagrees with others so that there will be an interesting discussion about some issue

Teachers often play devil's advocate to provoke discussion in the classroom.

devil's food cake noun, pl cakes [count, noncount]

US : a sweet chocolate cake compare ANGEL FOOD CAKE

de·vi·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : willing to lie and trick people in order to get what is wanted
a dishonest and devious politician

The company was accused of using devious [=dishonest, deceptive] methods/ways to get the contract.

2 formal : not straight or direct : having many twists and turns

He took us by a devious route to the center of the city.

de·vi·ous·ly adv

de·vi·ous·ness noun [noncount]

de·vise verb, -vis·es, -vised, -vis·ing [+ obj]

: to invent or plan (something that is difficult or complicated)

They have devised a new method for converting sunlight into electricity.

She is accused of devising [=hatching] a plot to overthrow the government.

de·void adj

devoid of

: not having (something usual or expected) : completely without (something)

He is devoid of (any) ambition. [=he has no ambition]

The landscape seems to be completely devoid of life.

de·vo·lu·tion noun [noncount]

: the act or process by which a central government gives power, property, etc., to local groups or governments
devolution of power

de·volve verb, -volves, -volved, -volv·ing
formal

1 [no obj] chiefly US : to gradually go from an advanced state to a less advanced state

She cynically asserts that our species is devolving.

Somehow the debate devolved into a petty competition to see who could get more applause.

opposite EVOLVE

2 : to pass (responsibility, power, etc.) from one person or group to another person or group at a lower level of authority + to, on, or upon

[+ obj] Community leaders hope that the new government will devolve more power to/on/upon the community itself.

[no obj] Responsibility has devolved to/upon the individual teachers.

3 [no obj] : to be given to someone after the owner has died

+ to, on, or upon

Upon his death, the estate devolved to/on/upon a distant cousin. [=a distant cousin inherited the estate]

de·vote verb, -votes, -vot·ed, -vot·ing

devote to [phrasal verb]

devote (something) to (something or someone) : to decide that (something) will be used for (a special purpose) : to use (time, money, energy, attention, etc.) for (something)

They devote [=dedicate] an hour every day to worship.

She plans to devote part of her vacation to reading.

Some of the money they raise will be devoted to repairing the church's roof.

Part of the class was devoted to questions from last week's reading.

The magazine will devote an entire issue to this year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

He devoted [=dedicated] his life/time to helping the poor. = He devoted himself to helping the poor. [=he used his time, energy, etc., to help the poor]

She devoted herself to her family.

devoted adj [more ; most ]

: having strong love or loyalty for something or someone
a rock star's most devoted fans

The author's devoted [=loyal, faithful] readers have been eagerly waiting for the new book.

The TV show has a devoted following.

often + to

He remains devoted to his wife.

Her grandchildren are devoted to her.

de·vot·ed·ly adv

They worked devotedly [=faithfully] to help him win reelection.

dev·o·tee noun, pl -tees [count]

1 : a person who enjoys or is interested in something very much

The nightclub is popular among jazz devotees.

often + of

She is a devotee of Italian cooking.

a devotee of the arts

2 : a person who has very strong loyalty to a particular religion or religious figure
a group of religious devotees

de·vo·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [singular] : a feeling of strong love or loyalty : the quality of being devoted
acts of devotion

She has cared for the poor with selfless devotion.

The devotion they felt for each other was obvious.

often + to

I admire his devotion to his wife.

She has a strong devotion to the cause.

2 [noncount] : the use of time, money, energy, etc., for a particular purpose

The project will require the devotion of a great deal of time and money.

3 devotions [plural] : prayer, worship, or other religious activities that are done in private rather than in a religious service

They spend an hour each morning at their devotions.

de·vo·tion·al adj

: relating to or used in religious services
devotional music/literature

de·vour verb, -vours, -voured, -vour·ing [+ obj]

1 : to quickly eat all of (something) especially in a way that shows that you are very hungry

He devoured everything on his plate.

The lions devoured their prey.

synonyms see EAT

2 : to enjoy (something) in a way that shows you are excited about it: such as

2 a : to read (something) quickly and with much enthusiasm

She devoured every golf magazine she could find.

2 b : to look at (something) with much enjoyment or enthusiasm

He watched intently, devouring the scene before him with his eyes.

3 : to destroy (something) completely

The forest was devoured [=consumed] by fire.

4 of an emotion : to greatly affect or control (someone)

Jealousy devoured [=consumed] him.

usually used as (be) devoured

She was devoured by guilt/remorse.

de·vout adj [more ; most ]

1 : deeply religious : devoted to a particular religion

They are devout Catholics.

2 a : loyal to something : devoted to a particular belief, organization, person, etc.

His parents are devout [=staunch] believers in the value of a good education.

2 b : serious and sincere

It is his devout wish to help people in need.

de·vout·ly adv
a devoutly religious family

It is a thing devoutly to be wished. [=a thing worth wishing for; a thing you want very much to happen]

dew Brit noun [noncount]

: drops of water that form outside at night on grass, trees, etc.

The grass was wet with the morning dew.

dew·drop Brit noun, pl -drops [count]

: a drop of dew

dew point noun [count]

technical : the temperature at which the moisture in the air forms visible drops of water : the temperature at which dew forms

It's 78° outside and the dew point is 63°.

dewy Brit adj

: wet with dew or with something like dew
a dewy meadow
dewy eyes

dewy-eyed Brit adj
usually disapproving

1 : showing too much emotion
the author's dewy-eyed [=sentimental] nostalgia

He gets annoyed by people who get all dewy-eyed [=teary-eyed] at weddings.

2 : young and innocent
a dewy-eyed adolescent

dex·ter·i·ty noun [noncount]

1 a : the ability to use your hands skillfully

The job requires manual dexterity.

He has the dexterity needed to deal cards quickly.

1 b : the ability to easily move in a way that is graceful

The amazing dexterity of the acrobat.

2 formal : clever skill : the ability to think and act quickly and cleverly

He's a teacher known for his imagination and verbal dexterity.

political dexterity [=adroitness]

dex·ter·ous also dex·trous adj [more ; most ]

formal : having or showing great skill or cleverness : showing dexterity

They praised her dexterous handling of the crisis.

The movie is a dexterous retelling of a classic love story.

a dexterous maneuver
a dexterous carpenter

dex·ter·ous·ly also dex·trous·ly adv

The various elements of the book have been dexterously combined.

dex·trose noun [noncount]

technical : a kind of sugar found in fruits, plants, etc. : a form of glucose

DH noun, pl DHs [count]

baseball : designated hitter

dhow noun, pl dhows [count]

: an Arab boat that is low in the front, high in the back, and that usually has one or two sails that are shaped like triangles

di- prefix
chemistry : containing two atoms or groups of a specified kind
carbon dioxide

di·a·be·tes noun [noncount]

medical : a serious disease in which the body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in your blood because it does not have enough insulin

1di·a·bet·ic adj

1 : affected with diabetes
new drugs for treating diabetic patients

He became diabetic [=he developed diabetes] in his old age.

2 : caused by diabetes
a diabetic coma

3 : suitable for people with diabetes
a diabetic diet

2diabetic noun, pl -ics [count]

: a person who has diabetes

di·a·bol·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

1 also di·a·bol·ic : extremely evil
a diabolical [=fiendish, devilish] enemy

Diabolical often describes a plot, scheme, etc., that is very clever and that is intended for an evil purpose.

a diabolical plot to overthrow the government

2 Brit, informal : very unpleasant, bad, or annoying

The party was awful: the guests were boring and the food was diabolical. [=awful, terrible]

di·a·bol·i·cal·ly adv
a diabolically clever plan

di·a·crit·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

technical : a mark that is placed over, under, or through a letter in some languages to show that the letter should be pronounced in a particular way

Two diacritics appear in the word “déjà vu.”

di·a·dem noun, pl -dems [count]

literary : a crown that is worn especially by a king or queen as a symbol of royalty

di·ag·nose verb, -nos·es, -nosed, -nos·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to recognize (a disease, illness, etc.) by examining someone

The test is used to help in diagnosing heart disease.

Thousands of new cases have been diagnosed in the past year.

The doctor was unable to diagnose the skin condition.

often + as

The tumor was diagnosed as benign.

Her illness was incorrectly diagnosed as a bacterial infection.

1 b : to recognize a disease, illness, etc., in (someone)

a new doctor with little experience diagnosing patients

She was diagnosed as having cancer. = She was diagnosed with cancer.

2 : to find the cause of (a problem)

The mechanic was unable to diagnose the problem.

often + as

The mechanic diagnosed the problem as a faulty spark plug.

di·ag·no·sis noun, pl -no·ses

1 [noncount] : the act of identifying a disease, illness, or problem by examining someone or something

The unusual combination of symptoms made accurate diagnosis difficult.

She is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.

2 [count] : a statement or conclusion that describes the reason for a disease, illness, or problem

The diagnosis was a mild concussion.

His doctor made an initial diagnosis of pneumonia.

The committee published its diagnosis of the problems affecting urban schools.

compare PROGNOSIS

di·ag·nos·tic adj
technical : of, relating to, or used in diagnosis : used to help identify a disease, illness, or problem
diagnostic tests for cancer

Ultrasound is now widely used as a diagnostic tool.

One important diagnostic feature of this condition is a mild rash.

di·ag·nos·tics noun [plural]

technical : the skill or practice of identifying illnesses or problems : methods used for diagnosis

This technology could revolutionize medical diagnostics.

automotive diagnostics

1di·ag·o·nal adj

1 of a straight line : joining two opposite corners of a shape (such as a square or rectangle) especially by crossing the center point of the shape

Draw a diagonal line.

compare HORIZONTAL, VERTICAL

2 : not going straight across or up and down

The blanket is covered with diagonal stripes.

a diagonal pattern

di·ag·o·nal·ly adv
diagonally striped

The stone wall runs diagonally across the field.

2diagonal noun, pl -nals [count]

: a diagonal line, direction, or pattern
a design with strong diagonals

The stone wall cuts across the field on a diagonal. [=diagonally]

Slice the vegetables on the diagonal. [=diagonally]

1di·a·gram noun, pl -grams [count]

: a drawing that explains or shows the parts of something
a diagram of the nervous system

This diagram shows how the clock operates.

di·a·gram·mat·ic adj
a diagrammatic representation of the nervous system

di·a·gram·mat·i·cal·ly adv

2diagram verb, -grams, -grammed or -gramed, -gram·ming or -gram·ing [+ obj]

US : to show or explain (something) in a diagram

The coach diagrammed the new play on the blackboard.

The students were required to diagram a sentence.

1di·al noun, pl di·als [count]

1 a : the part of a clock or watch that has the numbers on it
a clock with a shiny silver dial [=face]

see also SUNDIAL

1 b : the part of a piece of equipment that shows the measurement of something with a moving piece (such as a needle) that points to a number
the dial of a pressure gauge

2 : a round part on a piece of equipment that you turn to operate something: such as

2 a : a round control on a radio or television that you use to select a station or channel or to make the volume louder or quieter

I had to keep adjusting the radio dial to make the station come in clearly.

We'll be back right after this commercial, so don't touch that dial! [=don't change the channel/station]

2 b : a round part of some telephones that you move to select numbers

2dial verb, di·als, US di·aled or Brit di·alled, US di·al·ing or Brit di·al·ling [+ obj]

1 : to select (a series of numbers) on a telephone by turning a dial or pushing buttons

In an emergency you should dial [=call] 911.

I'm sorry. I must have dialed the wrong number.

2 : to make a telephone call to (a person, business, etc.)

She dialed [=(more commonly) called] her office as soon as she got home.

He dialed (up) a friend to say he was in town.

di·a·lect noun, pl -lects

: a form of a language that is spoken in a particular area and that uses some of its own words, grammar, and pronunciations

[count] They speak a southern dialect of French.

peasant/regional/local dialects

[noncount] The author uses dialect in his writing.

The play was hard to understand when the characters spoke in dialect.

di·a·lec·tal adj
the many dialectal forms of English

di·a·lec·tic also di·a·lec·tics noun [noncount]

philosophy : a method of examining and discussing opposing ideas in order to find the truth

di·a·lec·ti·cal adj
a dialectical method/philosophy

dialling code noun, pl codes [count]

Brit : area code

dialling tone noun, pl tones [count]

Brit : dial tone

dialog box noun, pl boxes [count]

computers : a box that appears on a computer screen with a question inside asking the user to make a choice or give information

di·a·logue also US di·a·log noun, pl -logues also -logs

1 : the things that are said by the characters in a story, movie, play, etc.

[noncount] He is an expert at writing dialogue.

There's very little dialogue in the film.

The best part of the book is the clever dialogue.

[count] Students were asked to read dialogues from the play.

2 formal

2 a : a discussion or series of discussions that two groups or countries have in order to end a disagreement

[count] The two sides involved in the labor dispute are trying to establish a dialogue.

[noncount] The two parties have been in constant dialogue with each other.

2 b [count] : a conversation between two or more people

They had a lengthy dialogue [=(more commonly) talk] about her plans for college.

dial tone noun, pl tones [count]

US : the sound that comes from a telephone when it is ready for a call to be made called also (Brit) dialling tone

dial-up adj, always used before a noun
computers : done using an ordinary telephone line
dial-up Internet access
a dial-up connection

di·al·y·sis noun [noncount]

medical : the process of removing some of a person's blood, cleaning it, and then returning it to the person's body
patients undergoing/receiving dialysis
a dialysis machine

People usually receive dialysis when they have damaged kidneys.

di·am·e·ter noun, pl -ters

1 [count] : a straight line from one side of something (such as a circle) to the other side that passes through the center point

The dotted line indicates the diameter of the circle.

2 : the distance through the center of something from one side to the other

[count] What is the diameter of the tree trunk?

a pipe with a diameter of two inches = a pipe with a two-inch diameter

[noncount] Dig a hole that's two feet deep and three feet in diameter.

compare RADIUS

di·a·met·ri·cal·ly adv

: completely or entirely

His position on the issue is diametrically opposed to that of his partner. [=his position is the exact opposite of his partner's position]

They grew up in diametrically opposite [=completely different] environments.

1di·a·mond noun, pl -monds

1 : a very hard usually colorless stone that is a form of carbon and is used especially in jewelry

[count] a necklace studded with diamonds and rubies

Her husband gave her a diamond [=a diamond ring] for her birthday.

[noncount] The ruby was surrounded by a ring of diamond.

often used before another noun
a diamond mine/ring

2 [count] : a shape that is formed by four equal straight lines and that has two opposite angles that are smaller than a right angle and two opposite angles that are larger than a right angle

The children cut the fabric into diamonds.

compare SQUARE

3 a [count] : a playing card that is marked with a red diamond shape
one heart, two diamonds, and two clubs

3 b diamonds [plural] : the suit in a deck of playing cards that is marked by red diamond shapes

He played the queen of diamonds.

compare CLUB, HEART, SPADE

4 [count]

4 a : the part of a baseball field that includes the area within and around the three bases and home plate : infield

The infielders warmed up by throwing the ball around the diamond.

4 b : the entire playing field in baseball

It's sad to see the town's old baseball diamond deserted.

2diamond adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to the 60th or 75th anniversary of an important event (such as a marriage)

The couple celebrated their diamond (wedding) anniversary a few months ago. = (Brit) They celebrated their diamond wedding.

the celebration of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897

It is more common for diamond to refer to the 60th anniversary of something.

compare GOLDEN, SILVER

diamond in the rough noun, pl diamonds in the rough [count]

US

1 : a person who has talent or other good qualities but who is not polite, educated, socially skilled, etc. called also (Brit) rough diamond

2 : something that is in poor condition but that is likely to become valuable with appropriate care or attention

The house is a diamond in the rough, and with some hard work it will be really beautiful.

1di·a·per noun, pl -pers [count]

US : a piece of cloth or other material that is placed between a baby's legs and fastened around the waist to hold body waste
disposable diapers
changing a baby's diaper
called also (Brit) nappy

2diaper verb, -pers, -pered, -per·ing [+ obj]

US : to put a diaper on (someone)

diaper a baby

diaper rash noun [noncount]

US : sore red spots that sometimes form on the area of a baby's skin that a diaper covers called also (Brit) nappy rash

di·aph·a·nous adj
formal
used to describe cloth that is very thin and light
a diaphanous scarf
diaphanous fabrics

di·a·phragm noun, pl -phragms [count]

1 medical : a large flat muscle that separates the lungs from the stomach area and that is used in breathing

2 technical : a device that controls the amount of light passing through the lens of a camera

3 : a device shaped like a cup that is placed in the vagina to prevent pregnancy called also (Brit) cap

4 technical : a thin disk that is used in microphones, telephones, speakers, etc., to help reproduce sound or make sounds louder

di·a·rist noun, pl -rists [count]

: a person who writes a diary

di·ar·rhea (US) or chiefly Brit di·ar·rhoea noun [noncount]

medical : an illness that causes you to pass waste from your body very frequently and in liquid rather than solid form

The symptoms of the disease include fever, nausea, and diarrhea.

di·a·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : a book in which you write down your personal experiences and thoughts each day

His diaries [=journals] were published after his death.

She kept a diary [=wrote regularly in her diary] while she was traveling in Europe.

2 Brit : datebook

di·as·po·ra or Di·as·po·ra noun, pl -ras [count]

formal : a group of people who live outside the area in which they had lived for a long time or in which their ancestors lived
usually singular
the art of the African/Chinese diaspora
members of the Diaspora [=Jewish people throughout the world who do not live in Israel]

dia·ton·ic adj
music : of or relating to a musical scale that has five whole steps and two semitones
diatonic harmonies/notes
the diatonic scale
compare CHROMATIC

di·a·tribe noun, pl -tribes [count]

formal : an angry and usually long speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes someone or something

The article is a diatribe against mainstream media.

a bitter diatribe about/on how unfair the tax system is

dibs noun [plural]

US informal : the right to have or choose something
usually + on

We stood in line for hours to get/have dibs on the best seats in the theater.

The farm always gives first dibs on its vegetables to local families. [=the farm sells its vegetables to local families before anyone else]

“Dibs on the front seat!” [=I am claiming the front seat for myself]

1dice noun, pl dice

1 [count] : a small cube that is made of plastic, wood, etc., that has one to six dots on each side, and that is used usually in pairs in various games
a pair of dice

Throw the dice.

In this game, each player rolls the dice to see who plays first.

He was caught using a pair of loaded dice. [=dice used for cheating]

2 [noncount] : a gambling game played with dice

They were shooting dice in one of the bar's back rooms.

3 [count] : a small cube

Chop the onions into 1/4-inch dice.

a roll of the dice
informal
used to say that something could have either a good result or a bad result

Opening a new restaurant is always a roll of the dice.

It's a roll of the dice whether we succeed or fail.

load the dice
informal : to unfairly make one possible result more likely than another

We received information that would load the dice in favor of our arguments.

The dice were loaded against them but they still managed to win.

no dice

US informal
used to say that something hoped for or wanted was not possible to do or to get

We hoped that tickets would still be available, but no dice, they were all sold.

I've proposed several different deals, but their response continues to be no dice. [=their response continues to be no]

roll the dice
informal : to do something that may have a good result or a bad result : to take a chance

They decided to roll the dice and start their own business.

2dice verb, dic·es, diced, dic·ing [+ obj]

: to cut (food) into small cubes

Dice the potatoes and add them to the soup.

slice and dice see 2SLICE

diced adj
diced carrots

dic·er noun, pl -ers [count]

dic·ey adj, dic·i·er, -est
informal : involving a chance that something bad or unpleasant could happen : risky

Starting a business can be quite a dicey proposition.

The weather looks a little dicey this morning. I hope it doesn't rain.

di·chot·o·my noun, pl -mies [count]

formal : a difference between two opposite things : a division into two opposite groups

Her essay discusses the dichotomy between good and evil in the author's novels.

dick noun, pl dicks [count]

1 informal + offensive : penis

2 informal + offensive : a mean, stupid, or annoying man

3 US, informal + old-fashioned : detective
a private dick
see also CLEVER DICK

dick·ens noun

the dickens
informal + old-fashioned
used to make a statement or question more forceful

What the dickens [=the devil] do you mean?

We'll have to work like the dickens [=very hard] to finish this project.

(US) It scared/frightened the dickens out of people. [=scared people very badly]

(US) She's as cute as the dickens. [=she's very cute]

dick·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

chiefly US : to talk or argue with someone about the conditions of a purchase, agreement, or contract

I tried to dicker for a discounted price.

often + with or over

I don't have time to dicker with you.

They spent hours dickering [=haggling] over the car's price.

dick·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal + offensive : a mean, stupid, or annoying man

dicta plural of DICTUM

Dic·ta·phone trademark
used for a machine that records a person's spoken words so that the words can be written down later

1dic·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to speak or read (something) to a person who writes it down or to a machine that records it

She's dictating a letter to her secretary.

2 : to say or state (something) with authority or power

They insisted on being able to dictate the terms of surrender.

3 : to make (something) necessary

Our choice of activities will likely be dictated [=determined, controlled] by the weather.

His health dictates [=requires] that he work at home.

Tradition dictates that the youngest member should go first.

The basket's function dictates its size and shape.

dictate to [phrasal verb]

dictate to (someone) : to give orders to (someone)

usually used as (be) dictated to

I resent being dictated to by someone with half my experience.

2dictate noun, pl -tates [count]

formal

1 : an order or direction given with authority
usually plural

They don't allow any disagreement with the dictates of the party.

2 : a rule or principle that guides something (such as an activity or a person's behavior)

usually plural

She tried to live her life according to the dictates of her conscience.

We pay no attention to the dictates of fashion.

the dictates of common sense

dic·ta·tion noun [noncount]

: the act of speaking words that someone writes down or that a machine records : the act of dictating words

He used a tape recorder for dictation.

writing from dictation

take dictation

: to write down the words that someone says so that they can be used in a letter, report, etc.

Her secretary's very good at taking dictation.

dic·ta·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person who rules a country with total authority and often in a cruel or brutal way

The country was ruled by a military dictator.

fascist dictators

dic·ta·to·ri·al adj

1 : of, relating to, or ruled by a dictator
a dictatorial ruler [=a ruler who is a dictator]

He was given dictatorial powers.

a dictatorial government
dictatorial regimes

2 [more ; most ] disapproving
used to describe a person who tries to control other people in a forceful and unfair way
a dictatorial boss [=a boss who acts like a dictator]

All his students resented his harsh, dictatorial manner.

dic·ta·to·ri·al·ly adv
behaving dictatorially

dic·ta·tor·ship noun, pl -ships

1 [noncount] : rule by a dictator : rule, control, or leadership by one person with total power

The country suffered for many years under his dictatorship.

2 [count] : a government or country in which total power is held by a dictator or a small group

His enemies accused him of establishing a dictatorship.

a military dictatorship

dic·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the clearness of a person's speech

The actor's diction was so poor I could hardly understand what he was saying.

2 : the way in which words are used in speech or writing

The student's essay was full of careless diction.

dic·tio·nary Brit noun, pl -nar·ies [count]

1 : a reference book that contains words listed in alphabetical order and that gives information about the words' meanings, forms, pronunciations, etc.

an English dictionary

Look it up in the dictionary.

2 : a reference book that lists in alphabetical order the words of one language and shows their meanings or translations in a different language
an English-French dictionary

3 : a reference book that lists in alphabetical order words that relate to a particular subject along with their definitions and uses
a law dictionary
a dictionary of medicine

dic·tum noun, pl dic·ta also dic·tums [count]

formal : a statement or well-known remark that expresses an important idea or rule

A doctor must follow the dictum of “First, do no harm.”

did past tense of DO

di·dac·tic adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : designed or intended to teach people something
didactic poetry

2 usually disapproving
used to describe someone or something that tries to teach something (such as proper or moral behavior) in a way that is annoying or unwanted

Audiences were turned off by the movie's didactic quality.

di·dac·ti·cal·ly adv

did·dle verb, did·dles, did·dled, did·dling
informal

1 [no obj] US : to spend time doing something or handling something in an aimless way

He spent hours diddling [=fiddling] with the car's engine.

2 [+ obj] Brit : to steal money from (someone) by cheating

He had tried to diddle his insurance agency.

She felt she had been diddled out of her inheritance.

did·dly noun [noncount]

US slang : diddly-squat

Her contributions don't amount to diddly. [=anything]

He helped us a lot, but she didn't do diddly.

did·dly-squat noun [noncount]

US slang : the least amount : anything at all

You don't know diddly-squat about sports.

He loved his job even though it didn't pay diddly-squat.

didn't

used as a contraction of did not

I didn't know you were coming.

1die verb, dies, died, dy·ing

1 a [no obj] : to stop living

She claims she's not afraid to die.

More than a hundred people died [=were killed] in the crash.

He died in 1892 at the age of 37.

His mother died [=passed away, passed on] on April 15.

People in the town began dying suddenly/unexpectedly.

He died in his sleep. [=he died while he was sleeping]

She died in childbirth. [=she died while giving birth to a baby]

1 b [no obj] : to end life in a specified state or condition
followed by an adjective, noun, or noun phrase

He died happy.

They both died young.

She died a hero.

One day, you're going to die a lonely and bitter old man.

1 c [+ obj] : to have or suffer (a specified kind of death)

He died a violent and painful death.

dying a natural death

2 [no obj] : to wish strongly or desperately for something or to do something
used as (be) dying

I'm dying for a cold drink.

They were dying to leave.

We've been dying to see that movie.

3 [no obj]

3 a : to pass out of existence : to come to an end

Her secret died with her.

He's the last of a dying breed.

3 b : to disappear gradually or become less strong

The wind gradually died. [=died away, died down]

4 [no obj]

4 a : to stop working or running

The motor died.

4 b : to end in failure

The bill died in committee. [=the bill was considered and rejected by a committee]

die away [phrasal verb]

: to disappear gradually or become less strong

The echo slowly died away.

die back [phrasal verb]

of a plant : to die in the parts that are above the ground but to remain alive in the roots

The plant dies back every winter and sends up new shoots each spring.

die down [phrasal verb]

: to gradually become less strong

The wind will die down in the evening.

She waited for the noise to die down before she started singing.

die hard

: to take a long time to die or end : to continue for a long time

Such rumors die hard.

That kind of determination dies hard.

see also DIE-HARD

die in bed or die in your bed

: to die of disease or old age

After a long and adventurous life, he ended up dying in his bed.

die laughing
informal : to laugh for a long time in an uncontrollable way : to laugh very hard

If the guys hear about this, they're going to die laughing.

die of [phrasal verb]

die of (something) : to die because of (something)

My uncle died of cancer.

She died of old age.

They say that he died of a broken heart.

I almost died of embarrassment. [=I was extremely embarrassed]

People often say that they are dying of something that causes a lot of discomfort, distress, etc.

Would you like some water? You must be dying of thirst. [=you must be very thirsty]

We're all dying of the heat. [=we're all very hot and uncomfortable]

die off [phrasal verb]

: to die one after another so that fewer and fewer are left

The remaining members of her family gradually died off.

The animals died off one by one.

die on the vine
informal : to fail at an early stage because of a lack of support or enthusiasm

Her plan to run for public office died on the vine.

die out [phrasal verb]

: to disappear gradually

Like most fads, this one eventually died out.

The disease gradually died out over the last two generations.

Many more species are expected to die out completely [=to become extinct] unless we do something to help.

never say die

used to encourage someone to continue something or to remain hopeful

It doesn't look good for the team, but never say die. [=but don't give up hope] They could pull off a miracle.

to die for
informal : worth dying for : extremely desirable or appealing

Dinner was nothing special, but the dessert was to die for.

The apartment has a view to die for. [=has a great view]

2die noun [count]

1 pl dice : 1dice 1

Each player throws/rolls one die.

2 pl dies : a tool that is used for cutting, shaping, or stamping a material or an object

the die is cast

used to say that a process or course of action has been started and that it cannot be stopped or changed

Once we signed the contract, the die was cast, and there was no turning back.

die-hard adj [more ; most ]

: very determined or loyal
die-hard fans
especially : very loyal to a set of beliefs and not willing to change those beliefs
a die-hard conservative
see also die hard at 1DIE

die·hard noun, pl -hards [count]

a bunch of conservative diehards

diem see PER DIEM

die·sel noun, pl -sels

1 [count] : a vehicle (such as a truck or bus) that has a diesel engine

His truck's a diesel.

2 [noncount] : diesel fuel

Does your car take diesel or gasoline?

diesel engine noun, pl -gines [count]

: a type of engine that uses diesel fuel rather than gasoline and that is used especially in large vehicles (such as trucks and buses)

diesel fuel noun [noncount]

: a type of fuel that is used in vehicles with diesel engines

1di·et noun, pl -ets

1 : the food that a person or animal usually eats

[count] Diets that are rich in fruits and vegetables have been shown to help prevent disease.

a balanced diet
often + of

Many birds live on a diet of insects.

[noncount] studying the association between diet and disease

2 : the kind and amount of food that a person eats for a certain reason (such as to improve health or to lose weight)

[noncount] She lost a lot of weight through diet and exercise.

[count] a low-fat diet
a liquid diet

He's on a diet. [=he is eating less food or only particular kinds of food in order to lose weight]

He went on a diet and lost 30 pounds in six months.

3 [singular] : something that is provided or experienced repeatedly

+ of

We've been given a steady diet of political scandals in recent months.

2diet verb, -ets, -et·ed, -et·ing [no obj]

: to eat less food or to eat only particular kinds of food in order to lose weight : to be on a diet

I've been dieting for two months.

3diet adj, always used before a noun

1 : having a smaller number of calories than usual
a diet soda

2 : intended to help people lose weight
diet pills

di·e·tary Brit adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to a diet

Many of our patients have special dietary needs.

dietary deficiencies

di·et·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who is trying to lose weight : a person who is dieting

I've been an unsuccessful dieter for years.

chronic dieters
called also (Brit) slimmer

di·eti·tian or di·eti·cian noun, pl -tians or -cians [count]

: a person whose job is to give people advice about what to eat in order to be healthy

dif·fer verb, -fers, -fered, -fer·ing [no obj]

1 : to be different

Their styles differ.

The two schools differ in their approach to discipline.

often + from

The new version differs significantly from the old one.

2 : to have opinions that don't agree

We differ [=disagree] on/about/over how best to raise the money.

often + with

They differed with each other on religious matters.

agree to differ see AGREE

beg to differ see BEG

differing adj [more ; most ]

The students had widely differing [=different] interpretations of the poem.

differing views

dif·fer·ence noun, pl -enc·es

1 : the quality that makes one person or thing unlike another

[noncount] She knows the difference between right and wrong.

There's no difference between the two houses. They look exactly the same.

[singular] There's a striking difference in the sisters' looks. [=they look very different from each other]

To tell the difference between two people or things is to see how they are unlike each other.

It's hard to tell the difference [=distinguish] between one action movie and another.

The new version is supposed to be much better than the old one, but I can't tell the difference (between them).

2 [count] : something that people do not agree about : a disagreement in opinion

They've always had their differences. [=they have always disagreed about some things]

The debate gave them a chance to air their differences. [=to discuss the things that they disagree about]

We need to find a way to resolve/settle our differences. [=to stop disagreeing, arguing, etc.]

There seems to be a difference of opinion [=people disagree] about what we should do next.

They divorced because of irreconcilable differences. [=serious disagreements that they were not able to settle]

3 [count] : the degree or amount by which things differ

There's a big difference in price.

There's a 15-year age difference between her oldest and youngest children. [=her oldest child is fifteen years older than her youngest child]

make a difference

1 : to cause a change : to be important in some way

Cost can make a difference in deciding on a college.

“When would you like to leave?” “It makes no difference (to me).” [=it doesn't matter to me; I don't care]

The weather didn't make any difference in our plans. [=didn't change our plans]

It would make a lot of difference if you came.

Your help made a big difference.

It makes very little difference. [=it matters very little]

The size of the engine can make all the difference. [=can be very important; can matter most]

It may not matter to you, but it makes all the difference in the world to me. = It makes a world of difference to me. [=it matters very much to me]

2 : to do something that is important : to do something that helps people or makes the world a better place

She says that she got into politics because she wanted to make a difference.

same difference
chiefly US informal
used to say that two things are not really different in any important way

“They lost 100 games last year.” “Actually, they only lost 96 games.” “Same difference. The point is, they were awful.”

split the difference see 1SPLIT

what's the difference?

1
used to ask how one thing is different from another

“I like this one a lot more than that one.” “Why? What's the difference (between them)?”

2 or what difference does it/that make?

used to ask why something is important or to suggest that something is not important

What's the difference whether I go or not?

What difference does it make [=what does it matter] if I go with you?

dif·fer·ent adj

1 [more ; most ] : not of the same kind : partly or totally unlike

The two brothers could not have been more different.

The students come from (very) different backgrounds.

We need to try an entirely different approach.

often + from, than, or to

Our house is different from the others on our street.

(US) The movie was different than I expected.

(Brit) Her dress is different to mine.

usage

In both U.S. English and British English, one person or thing is said to be different from another. Different is also often followed by than in U.S. English. Some people believe that different than is incorrect, but it is very common. In British English, different can be followed by to. Different to is not used in U.S. English.

The old house looks different from what I remember. = (Brit) The old house looks different to what I remember. = (US) The old house looks different than I remember.

2 always used before a noun : not the same

They met with each other on several different occasions.

3 [more ; most ] : not ordinary or common : unusual
advertising that tries to be different

That movie certainly was different.

He has a very different style of dressing.

a horse of a different color see 1HORSE

different drummer see DRUMMER

put a different complexion on see COMPLEXION

dif·fer·ent·ly adv

She sees the situation a little differently.

He dresses differently now that he's out of college.

1dif·fer·en·tial adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

formal : relating to or based on a difference : treating some people or groups differently from others

The law is intended to prevent differential [=discriminatory] treatment of women in the workplace.

dif·fer·en·tial·ly adv

2differential noun, pl -tials [count]

1 : a difference between people or things

Although there is a small price differential [=a small difference in price], we believe it's worth buying the computer with a faster processor.

2 technical : a gear or an arrangement of gears in a vehicle that allows one wheel to turn faster than another when the vehicle is going around a curve called also differential gear

dif·fer·en·ti·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) different in some way

The only thing that differentiates the twins is the color of their eyes.

often + from

Our excellent customer service differentiates us from our competitors.

2 : to see or state the difference or differences between two or more things

[no obj]

often + between

We've been learning how to differentiate between different types of plants.

[+ obj]

often + from

It's sometimes hard to differentiate one action movie from all the others.

dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion noun [noncount]

dif·fi·cult adj [more ; most ]

1 : not easy : requiring much work or skill to do or make

Our last test was extremely difficult. [=hard, tough]

We were asked lots of difficult questions.

I had to make a very difficult decision/choice.

We'll be hiking over difficult terrain.

It's more difficult than it sounds.

often followed by to + verb

It's difficult to imagine why she would do that.

often + for

It is difficult for me to say this, but you have to leave.

She has a cold, which makes it difficult for her to breathe.

2 : not easy to deal with or manage

He gave a good performance under difficult [=trying] circumstances.

I found myself in a difficult position/situation.

Some difficult days lie ahead of us.

He's been having a difficult time coping [=he has not been dealing well] with his father's death.

These changes will make life/things difficult for everyone involved.

3 : not willing to help others by changing your behavior : stubborn or unreasonable

My parents tell me that I was a difficult child. [=I did not obey my parents]

Why do you have to be so difficult? [=uncooperative]

dif·fi·cul·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality of something that makes it hard to do : the difficult nature of something

He has difficulty [=trouble] reading without his glasses. [=it is difficult for him to read without his glasses]

She underestimated the difficulty of saving so much money.

They had some difficulty (in) explaining their behavior.

If something can be done with difficulty, it is difficult to do.

It was only with (great/considerable) difficulty that we were able to continue.

To do something without difficulty is to do it easily or without problems.

I couldn't breathe without difficulty.

2 [count] : something that is not easy to do or to deal with : a difficult situation
usually plural

He had to overcome many difficulties. [=hardships]

Since the election, the country has been facing serious economic/financial difficulties.

This television station is currently experiencing technical difficulties. [=having technical problems]

3 [count] : a disagreement in opinion
usually plural

The partners have been unable to iron out their difficulties. = They haven't been able to resolve their difficulties.

dif·fi·dent adj [more ; most ]

1 : lacking confidence : not feeling comfortable around people

He becomes diffident [=shy, timid] around girls.

2 : very careful about acting or speaking

She has a diffident [=reserved] manner.

She was diffident about stating her opinion.

dif·fi·dence noun [noncount]

dif·fi·dent·ly adv

He asked diffidently about her family.

dif·fract verb, -fracts, -fract·ed, -fract·ing [+ obj]

technical : to cause (a beam of light) to bend or spread

Light is diffracted when it passes through a prism.

dif·frac·tion noun [noncount]

a light undergoing diffraction

1dif·fuse adj [more ; most ]

: spread out over a large space : not concentrated in one area

The forest was filled with a soft, diffuse light.

diffuse pain

dif·fuse·ly adv

The pain spread diffusely through his legs.

dif·fuse·ness noun [noncount]

2dif·fuse verb, -fus·es, -fused, -fus·ing

1 a : to spread out : to move freely throughout a large area

[no obj] The heat from the radiator diffuses throughout the room.

[+ obj] The heat was diffused throughout the room.

1 b : to exist or be known throughout an area

[no obj] Their culture gradually diffused [=spread] westward.

[+ obj] diffusing their ideas

2 [+ obj] : to cause (light) to be soft and spread out

The photographer uses a screen to diffuse the light.

an area of diffused light

dif·fu·sion noun [noncount]

1dig verb, digs, dug , dig·ging

1 a [no obj] : to move soil, sand, snow, etc., in order to create a hole

Some animal has been digging in the garden.

They dug into the sand with their hands.

He dug down about 10 feet before he hit water.

1 b [+ obj] : to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by removing soil, sand, snow, etc.

Dig a hole three feet deep.

The first step in building a house is to dig the foundation.

The prisoners escaped by digging a tunnel under the fence.

2 [+ obj] : to uncover (something that is underground) by moving earth, soil, sand, etc.

digging potatoes
digging clams on the beach
see also DIG FOR ((BELOW))

3 [no obj] : to look for information about something

These detectives won't stop digging until they find out what happened.

4 slang

4 a [+ obj] : to like or admire (someone or something)

I really dig this music.

4 b : to understand or appreciate (someone or something)

[+ obj] You dig me?

[no obj] We don't want you here. You dig?

4 c [+ obj] : to pay attention to or look at (someone or something)

Hey, dig that hat.

Senses 4b and 4c have an old-fashioned quality. They are still used, but they are often intended to suggest the language of the 1950s and '60s. Sense 4a is somewhat more common.

5 : to reach for something

[no obj] She dug (around) in her purse for her keys.

: to put (your hand) into something

[+ obj] He dug his hands into his pockets.

dig for [phrasal verb]

dig for (something) : to search for (something) by digging
miners digging for coal
often used figuratively

The police have been digging for clues to help solve this murder.

dig in [phrasal verb]

1 dig (something) in or dig in (something) : to mix (something) into the soil in the ground by digging
dig the compost in

2 dig in or dig (yourself) in : to dig a trench and take position inside it

The soldiers dug in and waited for the enemy to approach.

The soldiers dug themselves in.

often used figuratively

We just have to dig in and prepare ourselves for the tough times ahead.

3 informal : to begin eating

Just grab a plate and dig in.

4 dig in your heels or dig your heels in : to behave in a stubborn way : to refuse to change

The salesman dug in his heels and refused to lower the price any further.

dig into [phrasal verb]

1 dig (something) into (something) : to mix (something) into (soil) by digging
dig the compost into the soil

2 dig into (something)

2 a informal : to begin eating (something)

The family was digging into a delicious meal.

They dug into their steaks.

2 b somewhat informal : to try to learn or uncover information by studying (something)

The detectives dug into his past and learned that he had once lived in another country.

3 dig (something) into (something) or dig into (something) : to push against (a body part) in a sharp and painful way

The bed's springs are digging into my back.

Her fingernails dug into my hand. = She dug her fingernails into my hand.

He dug his elbow into my ribs.

dig out [phrasal verb]

dig (something) out or dig out (something)

1 : to get (something) by searching

I dug some old books out of the attic.

She dug out some change from her purse.

2 : to get (something) out of soil, sand, snow, etc., by digging

We had to dig the car out of the snow after the storm.

We spent the afternoon digging out [=shoveling snow] after the blizzard.

dig up [phrasal verb]

dig up (something) or dig (something) up

1 : to uncover or find (something) by digging

They dug up [=unearthed] buried treasure.

digging up large rocks

I want to move this bush. Will you help me dig it up?

2 informal : to discover (information)

The investigators did a lot of research to dig up the facts.

dig up (the) dirt see DIRT

dig your own grave

: to behave in a way that will cause you to lose or fail

The coach dug his own grave when he publicly insulted the team's owner.

2dig noun, pl digs

1 [count] : a push with a body part (such as your elbow) : a poke or thrust

She gave me a dig in the ribs to get my attention.

2 [count] : a criticism or insult that is directed toward a particular person or group
a personal dig
often + at

Her comments have been interpreted as a sly dig at her former husband.

3 [count] : a place where scientists try to find buried objects by digging
archaeological digs
also : the act of digging for buried objects

She participated in a dig last summer.

4 digs [plural] informal

4 a US : the place where someone lives

She's buying furniture for her new digs in the city.

4 b Brit, old-fashioned : a room rented in another person's home

He still lives in digs [=in a rented room] just outside the city.

1di·gest verb, -gests, -gest·ed, -gest·ing

1 : to change (food that you have eaten) by a biological process into simpler forms that can be used by the body

[+ obj] He has trouble digesting certain foods.

an easily digested protein

[no obj] Soft-boiled eggs digest easily.

2 [+ obj] : to think over and try to understand (news, information, etc.)

It will take me a while to digest this news.

di·gest·ible adj [more ; most ]

easily digestible foods

di·gest·ibil·i·ty noun [noncount]

2di·gest noun, pl -gests [count]

: information or a piece of writing that has been made shorter
a digest of the laws

Digest is often used in the names of magazines, such as “Reader's Digest” and “Architectural Digest.”

di·ges·tion noun [noncount]

: the process by which food is changed to a simpler form after it is eaten
an enzyme that aids in the digestion of protein

She began to suffer from poor digestion as she grew older.

di·ges·tive adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to digestion
the digestive system of the body

2 : having the power to cause or help digestion
digestive enzymes

dig·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

: a large machine that digs and moves dirt, rocks, etc. see also GOLD DIGGER

dig·it noun, pl -its [count]

1 : a written symbol for any of the numbers 0 to 9
a three-digit number like 507
a five-digit zip code

2 : a finger or toe

She suffered several broken digits.

dig·i·tal adj

1 : showing the time with numbers instead of with hour and minute hands
a digital watch
digital clocks
compare ANALOG

2 : of or relating to information that is stored in the form of the numbers 0 and 1

You can transfer digital images/pictures from your camera to your computer.

a digital radio broadcast
a digital recording of a sound

3 : using or characterized by computer technology
laptop computers and other digital [=electronic] devices

In this new digital age, computers and the Internet are part of our everyday lives.

4 : of or relating to the fingers or toes
digital dexterity

dig·i·tal·ly adv
digitally recorded music

digital camera noun, pl -eras [count]

: a camera that takes pictures without using film : a camera that records images as digital data

digital computer noun, pl -ers [count]

: a computer that works with numbers that are represented by the digits 0 and 1

dig·i·tize also Brit dig·i·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing [+ obj]

: to change (information or pictures) to digital form

The record company digitized the songs and made them available on the Internet.

dig·ni·fied adj [more ; most ]

: serious and somewhat formal : having or showing dignity

She has a kind but dignified manner.

He looked very dignified in his new suit.

The hotel's lobby is dignified but inviting.

dig·ni·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to have more serious and important quality : to give dignity or importance to (something)

She felt that formal clothing would help dignify the occasion.

2 : to treat (something or someone) with respect or seriousness that is not deserved

He said he wouldn't dignify his opponents' accusations by responding to them.

dig·ni·tary Brit noun, pl -tar·ies [count]

: a person who has a high rank or an important position

The dinner was attended by many foreign dignitaries.

dignitaries of the church

dig·ni·ty noun [noncount]

1 : a way of appearing or behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control

She showed dignity in defeat.

The ceremony was conducted with great dignity.

2 : the quality of being worthy of honor or respect

Theirs is a country that cherishes freedom and human dignity.

beneath your dignity

: suitable for someone who is less important than you

He thought washing dishes was beneath his dignity. [=he thought that he was too good or important to wash dishes]

di·gress verb, -gress·es, -gressed, -gress·ing [no obj]

: to speak or write about something that is different from the main subject being discussed

He digressed so often that it was hard to follow what he was saying.

If I can digress for a moment, I'd like to briefly mention her earlier films.

di·gres·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

The story is filled with humorous digressions.

dike (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit dyke noun, pl dikes [count]

1 : a long narrow hole that is dug in the ground to carry water : a ditch or trench

2 : a bank or mound of earth that is built to control water and especially to protect an area from flooding : levee

dik·tat noun, pl -tats [count]

disapproving : an order that must be followed

The company president issued a diktat that employees may not wear jeans to work.

di·lap·i·dat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: in very bad condition because of age or lack of care

She was living in a dilapidated [=run-down] old apartment building.

a dilapidated neighborhood

di·lap·i·da·tion noun [noncount]

: a bad condition caused by age or lack of care : a dilapidated condition

The old houses were in various stages of dilapidation.

di·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

: to become larger or wider

[no obj] The drug causes the blood vessels to dilate.

During labor, a woman's cervix will dilate to about 10 centimeters.

[+ obj] The drug dilates the blood vessels.

dilate on/upon [phrasal verb]

dilate on/upon (something) formal : to talk about (a subject) for a long time

We spent a long evening listening to him dilate on the need for tax relief.

dilated adj [more ; most ]

dilated pupils

di·la·tion noun [noncount]

dilation of the arteries

dil·a·to·ry Brit adj
formal

1 : causing a delay

The committee's dilatory [=delaying] actions caused the loss of hundreds of jobs.

2 [more ; most ] : tending to be late : slow to do something

She tends to be dilatory [=slow] about answering letters.

dil·a·to·ri·ness noun [noncount]

dil·do noun, pl -dos [count]

: an artificial penis that is used to give sexual pleasure

di·lem·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

: a situation in which you have to make a difficult choice

The country's decision to go to war has caused a major dilemma for its allies.

We're facing a terrible dilemma.

I don't know what to do; it's a real dilemma.

a moral dilemma

on the horns of a dilemma see 1HORN

dil·et·tante Brit noun, pl -tantes also -tan·ti Brit [count]

: a person whose interest in an art or in an area of knowledge is not very deep or serious

You can always tell a true expert from a dilettante.

dil·et·tant·ish adj [more ; most ]

a dilettantish interest in the arts

dil·et·tan·tism Brit noun [noncount]

dil·i·gence noun [noncount]

: careful hard work : continued effort

The reporter showed great diligence in tracking down the story.

The company's success reflects the diligence of its employees.

dil·i·gent adj [more ; most ]

Many hours of diligent [=painstaking, careful] research were required.

a diligent worker

dil·i·gent·ly adv

dill noun [noncount]

: an herb with leaves that are used in cooking and with seeds that are used in flavoring foods such as pickles called also (US) dill weed

dill pickle noun, pl pickles [count]

: a pickle that is flavored with dill

dil·ly·dal·ly verb, -dal·lies, -dal·lied, -dal·ly·ing [no obj]

informal : to move or act too slowly : to waste time

We need to stop dillydallying [=dawdling, fooling around] and get to work.

1di·lute verb, -lutes, -lut·ed, -lut·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (a liquid) thinner or less strong by adding water or another liquid

You can dilute the medicine with water.

2 : to lessen the strength of (something)

The hiring of the new CEO diluted the power of the company's president.

diluting the quality of our products

diluted adj
diluted wine

di·lu·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

lower dilutions of the medicine

[noncount]

There's been some dilution in the stock's value.

2dilute adj [more ; most ]

technical : reduced in strength as a result of containing an added liquid
a dilute solution of acid

1dim adj, dim·mer, dim·mest

1 : not bright or clear

I found her sitting in a dim [=dark] corner of the restaurant.

a dim [=obscure, faint] light
dim stars

: not seen clearly

Just the dim outline of the building could be seen through the fog.

2 : not understood or remembered in a clear way

We had only a dim [=faint, vague] notion of what was going on.

I have a dim memory of your last visit.

see also the dim and distant past at DISTANT

3 : not likely to to be good or successful

Prospects for a quick settlement of the strike appear dim. [=unlikely]

(US) The industry faces a dim [=grim] future.

4 : not good or favorable
used in the phrase dim view

The author's dim view [=bad opinion] of politicians is apparent throughout the book.

She takes a dim view of human nature. [=she believes that people are naturally bad]

Many fans take a dim view of [=many fans are unhappy about] recent changes in the team.

5 informal : not intelligent : stupid or dim-witted

She found him pretty dim at times.

dim·ly adv

The lights were shining dimly.

a dimly lit room

I dimly remember him.

dim·ness noun [noncount]

the gray dimness of dawn

2dim verb, dims, dimmed, dim·ming

1 : to make (a light) less bright or to become less bright

[+ obj] Dim the lights.

The car's headlights were dimmed. [=(Brit) dipped]

[no obj] The lights dimmed.

2 : to make (something) less strong or clear or to become less strong or clear

[+ obj] The latest setback has dimmed hopes of an early settlement.

[no obj] Hopes of an early settlement have dimmed.

Her beauty dimmed rapidly.

dim bulb noun, pl bulbs [count]

US informal : a person who is not very smart

He was considered something of a dim bulb by his coworkers.

dime noun, pl dimes [count]

: a U.S. or Canadian coin that is worth 10 cents

a dime a dozen

US informal : too common to be valuable or interesting

Beautiful actresses are a dime a dozen.

on a dime
informal

1 : very quickly

My new car can stop on a dime.

2 : in a very small space
turn on a dime
see also FIVE-AND-DIME, NICKEL-AND-DIME

di·men·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

1 : the length, width, height, or depth of something : a measurement in one direction (such as the distance from the ceiling to the floor in a room)

She carefully measured each dimension of the room.

The room's dimensions [=its length, width, and height] were surprisingly small.

2 : the amount or number of things that something affects or influences
usually plural

We underestimated the dimensions [=extent, range] of this problem.

the vast dimensions [=magnitude, scope] of the disaster

3 : a part of something

There are many dimensions [=aspects] to the problem.

The social/political/religious dimensions of the problem must also be taken into account.

The more powerful engine gives this car a (whole) new dimension. [=makes the car very different]

di·men·sion·al adj
usually used in combination
a multi-dimensional problem

see also ONE-DIMENSIONAL, TWO-DIMENSIONAL, THREE-DIMENSIONAL

dime store noun, pl stores [count]

US old-fashioned : a store that sells inexpensive goods : five-and-dime

dime-store adj, always used before a noun
informal : poor or inferior in quality
dime-store [=cheap] perfume

They regarded him as just another dime-store [=second-rate] philosopher.

di·min·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing

1 : to become or to cause (something) to become less in size, importance, etc.

[+ obj] The passing years did nothing to diminish [=decrease, lessen] their friendship.

The strength of the army was greatly diminished by outbreaks of disease.

[no obj] My interest in the subject has steadily diminished. [=dwindled]

The drug's side effects should diminish over time.

2 [+ obj] : to lessen the authority or reputation of (someone or something)

Nothing could diminish the importance of his contributions.

: to describe (something) as having little value or importance

I don't mean to diminish [=belittle, disparage] her accomplishments.

di·min·ish·ment noun [noncount]

the diminishment of her reputation

di·min·u·en·do noun, pl -dos [count]

music : a gradual decrease in the loudness of a section of music

dim·i·nu·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : the act or process of becoming less

[singular] a diminution [=(more commonly) decrease] of power

[noncount] the diminution of wealth

1di·min·u·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : very small
a diminutive actor
a radio with a diminutive set of speakers

2 linguistics : indicating small size
the diminutive suffixes “-ette” and “-ling”

the diminutive noun “duckling”

A diminutive word or suffix is usually used in describing something small, often with the added suggestion that it is appealing or lovable in some way.

di·min·u·tive·ness noun [noncount]

2diminutive noun, pl -tives [count]

1 : a word or suffix that indicates that something is small
the diminutives “-ette” and “kitchenette”

2 : an informal form of a name

Diminutives can be a shortened form of a name (such as “Jen” for “Jennifer” and “Dick” for “Richard”) or a name with a diminutive suffix added to it (such as “Bobby” for “Bob”).

dim·mer noun, pl -mers [count]

: a device that allows you to control the brightness of a light

All the lights in the room are on dimmers. [=all the lights can be made brighter or dimmer because they have special switches]

a dimmer switch

dim·ple noun, pl dim·ples [count]

1 : a small area on a part of a person's body (such as the cheek or chin) that naturally curves in

She noticed his dimples when he smiled.

2 : a small area on a surface that curves in
the dimples on a golf ball

dim·pled adj [more ; most ]

: having dimples
her dimpled face/smile
a dimpled chin
the baby's chubby, dimpled hands

dim·wit noun, pl -wits [count]

informal : a stupid person
a harmless dimwit

dim-wit·ted adj [more ; most ]

informal : not intelligent

In the comedy, he plays the part of a bumbling, dim-witted salesman.

din noun [singular]

: a loud, confusing mixture of noises that lasts for a long time

It was hard to hear anything above/over the din in the restaurant.

dine verb, dines, dined, din·ing [no obj]

somewhat formal : to eat dinner : to have the main meal of the day

We'll be dining at six o'clock.

She likes to dine at/in expensive restaurants.

I will be dining alone tonight.

We hope you have an enjoyable dining experience.

dine in [phrasal verb]

: to have dinner at home

I'm tired of dining in. [=eating in] Let's go out to eat tonight.

dine on [phrasal verb]

dine on (something) : to eat (something) for dinner

We dined on pasta and fresh vegetables.

They dined on chicken every day for a month.

animals dining on fruits, leaves, and insects

dine out [phrasal verb]

: to have dinner at a restaurant

We always dine out [=eat out] on Fridays.

wine and dine see 2WINE

din·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who is eating dinner in a restaurant
wealthy diners

2 chiefly US : a small, informal, and inexpensive restaurant that looks like a railroad car
a roadside diner

di·nette noun, pl -nettes [count]

: a small room or an area near a kitchen that is used for dining

The apartment includes a dinette.

a cheap dinette set [=a small dining table and chairs]

ding·bat noun, pl -bats [count]

US informal : a stupid or crazy person

I told you it wouldn't work, you dingbat!

ding-dong noun, pl -dongs [count]

1 : the sound of a bell ringing

We were startled by the ding-dong of the doorbell.

2 Brit, informal : a noisy argument

They were having another ding-dong about money.

din·ghy noun, pl -ghies [count]

1 : a small boat that is often carried on or towed behind a larger boat

2 : a small rubber boat that is used by people escaping from a sinking boat

din·go noun, pl -goes [count]

: a wild dog of Australia

din·gy adj, din·gi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: dark and dirty : not fresh or clean

He's been staying in a dingy motel.

a dingy room
dingy colors

din·gi·ness noun [noncount]

dining car noun, pl cars [count]

: a railroad car in which meals are served called also (Brit) buffet car

dining hall noun, pl halls [count]

: a large room where meals are served at a school, college, etc.

dining room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a room that is used for eating meals

din·ky adj, din·ki·er, -est
informal

1 US : very small and not appealing
a dinky apartment

I used to drive a dinky little car.

2 Brit : small and appealing
wearing nice shoes and dinky [=cute] accessories

din·ner noun, pl -ners

1 : the main meal of the day

[count] We had many pleasant dinners together.

a steak/lobster dinner

[noncount] What's for dinner?

They had dinner early.

We're planning to ask them to dinner soon.

Dinner is served. [=dinner is ready; it's time to come to the table for dinner]

often used before another noun
dinner guests
dinner rolls
an enjoyable dinner companion

My new boyfriend and I had a dinner date [=a date to eat dinner together] last night.

She hosted a dinner party [=a party at which dinner is served] at her apartment.

the dinner table [=the table where people eat dinner]

To go out to dinner is to have dinner at a restaurant.

We haven't gone out to dinner in weeks.

He took her out to dinner several times.

usage

Most Americans have dinner in the evening, although if the main meal of the day is served in the afternoon it is also referred to as dinner. When referring to the evening meal, dinner and supper are basically synonyms in U.S. English. Dinner is a somewhat more formal word than supper and it tends to describe a somewhat more formal meal.

2 [count] : a usually large formal event at which dinner is eaten

Two hundred people attended his retirement dinner.

the club's annual dinner [=banquet]

an awards dinner [=a dinner at which awards are given]

3 [count] : a cooked and packaged meal that usually only needs to be heated before it is eaten
a frozen dinner
see also TV DINNER

dinner jacket noun, pl -ets [count]

: a jacket that is worn by men on formal occasions : the jacket of a tuxedo

dinner suit noun, pl suits [count]

Brit : tuxedo

dinner theater noun, pl -aters [count]

US : a restaurant in which a play is presented after the meal is over

din·ner·time noun [noncount]

: the usual time for dinner

I hate getting phone calls at dinnertime.

din·ner·ware noun [noncount]

chiefly US : plates, bowls, glasses, etc., that are used for serving and eating dinner

di·no·saur noun, pl -saurs [count]

1 : one of many reptiles that lived on Earth millions of years ago

2 : someone or something that is no longer useful or current : an obsolete or out-of-date person or thing

The old factory is now a rusting dinosaur.

The character she plays is a dinosaura former beauty queen who is living in the past.

dint noun

by dint of
formal : because of (something) : by means of (something)

They succeeded by dint of hard work.

di·o·cese noun, pl -ces·es [count]

: the area that is controlled by a bishop in a Christian church
a Catholic diocese

di·oc·e·san adj
diocesan priests

di·ode noun, pl -odes [count]

technical : an electronic device that allows an electric current to flow in one direction only

di·ox·ide noun, pl -ides [count]

chemistry : a molecule that has two atoms of oxygen and one atom of another element (such as carbon) see also CARBON DIOXIDE, SULFUR DIOXIDE

di·ox·in noun, pl -ins [count]

: a poisonous chemical that is sometimes used in farming and industry

1dip verb, dips, dipped, dip·ping

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to put (something) into a liquid and pull it out again quickly
usually + in or into

Lightly dip the paintbrush into the paint.

We dipped our toes into the water to see how cold it was.

The shrimp are dipped in batter and then fried.

a dipping sauce [=a sauce that food is dipped into]

1 b : to move (something) into and out of something

+ in or into

He dipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out a key.

2 [+ obj] : to lift (liquid) out from a container

Use a ladle to dip some water out of the pot.

dipping water from a well

3 : to move downward

[no obj] The sun dipped below the horizon.

The road dips over the hill.

I saw his head dip below the surface of the water.

[+ obj] He dipped his head.

4 [no obj] : to decrease somewhat usually for a short time

Gasoline prices have dipped again.

The temperature could dip below freezing tonight.

5 [+ obj] Brit : to reduce the amount of light coming from (headlights)

Dip [=(US) dim] the car's headlights.

6 [+ obj] : to put (an animal) into a liquid containing a chemical that kills insects
dipping sheep

dip into [phrasal verb]

dip into (something)

1 a : to take out an amount of money from (something)

They had to dip into their savings to pay for the repairs.

Consumers are dipping into their pocketbooks [=they are spending money] this season.

1 b : to use part of (something)

He dipped into his knowledge of history to reconsider the present political situation.

a company dipping into its pool of job applicants

2 : to read parts of (something) in a casual or brief way
dip into a book of poetry
see also 1DIP 1 (ABOVE)

2dip noun, pl dips

1 [count] : a brief swim

They went for a quick dip in the pool.

2 [count] : a low place in a surface

There's a dip in the road just beyond the curve.

3 [count] : a decrease that continues usually for a short time

There's been a slight dip [=drop] in the unemployment rate.

a dip in prices

4 [count] : an amount of something (such as food) that is taken by dipping into a container
a dip [=scoop] of ice cream

5 : a sauce or soft mixture into which food (such as raw vegetables) may be dipped

[noncount] All they had to eat were crackers and cheese dip.

potato chips and onion dip

[count] a delicious bean dip

6 [count, noncount] : a liquid into which an animal is dipped in order to kill insects
sheep dip

7 [count] US slang : a stupid person

That guy's a complete dip.

diph·the·ria noun [noncount]

medical : a serious disease that makes breathing very difficult

diph·thong noun, pl -thongs [count]

linguistics : two vowel sounds joined in one syllable to form one speech sound

The sounds of “ou” in “out” and of “oy” in “boy” are diphthongs.

di·plo·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

: a document which shows that a person has finished a course of study or has graduated from a school

He earned his high school diploma by attending classes at night.

di·plo·ma·cy noun [noncount]

1 : the work of maintaining good relations between the governments of different countries

She has had a long and distinguished career in diplomacy.

The government avoided a war by successfully resolving the issues through diplomacy.

international diplomacy
see also gunboat diplomacy at GUNBOAT

2 : skill in dealing with others without causing bad feelings

This is a situation that calls for tactful diplomacy.

dip·lo·mat noun, pl -mats [count]

1 : a person who represents his or her country's government in a foreign country : someone whose work is diplomacy

The President will be meeting with foreign diplomats.

2 : a person who has skill in dealing with other people

He's a talented architect but a poor diplomat.

dip·lo·mat·ic adj

1 : involving the work of maintaining good relations between the governments of different countries : of or relating to diplomats or their work

Negotiators are working to restore full diplomatic relations.

diplomatic credentials
a diplomatic career

2 [more ; most ] : not causing bad feelings : having or showing an ability to deal with people politely

We need to find a diplomatic [=tactful] way to say no.

dip·lo·mat·i·cal·ly adv

The situation was resolved diplomatically.

One critic diplomatically described the show as “interesting.”

diplomatic corps noun, pl diplomatic corps [count]

: all of the foreign diplomats in a country

She is an important member of the diplomatic corps.

diplomatic immunity noun [noncount]

: an international law that gives foreign diplomats special rights in the country where they are working

Under diplomatic immunity, diplomats cannot be arrested and do not have to pay taxes while working in other countries.

dip·per noun, pl -pers [count]

: a large spoon with a long handle that is used for dipping liquids : ladle see also BIG DIPPER, LITTLE DIPPER

dip·py adj, dip·pi·er, -est
informal : silly or foolish in usually an appealing way
a dippy comedy
a movie about a slightly dippy young musician

dip·so noun, pl -sos [count]

informal + old-fashioned : dipsomaniac

dip·so·ma·ni·ac noun, pl -acs [count]

: a person who has an extreme and uncontrollable desire for alcohol : alcoholic

dip·stick noun, pl -sticks [count]

1 : a long thin piece of metal with marks that are used to show how much of a fluid (such as motor oil) is in a container or an engine

2 informal : a stupid person

Some dipstick cut in front of me on the highway.

dip switch noun, pl switches [count]

Brit : a switch for dimming or lowering the headlights of an automobile

dire adj, dir·er, dir·est [or more ; most ]

1 : very bad : causing great fear or worry

Even the smallest mistake could have dire [=terrible, dreadful] consequences.

a dire emergency

The circumstances are now more dire than ever.

With its best player out of the game, the team found itself in dire straits. [=in a very bad or difficult situation]

The company now finds itself in dire financial straits. [=the company is having bad financial problems]

2 : warning of disaster : showing a very bad future

Some analysts are issuing dire economic forecasts.

a dire prediction/warning

3 a : requiring immediate action : very urgent

The government is in dire [=desperate] need of reform.

dire necessity

3 b : very serious or extreme

They live in dire poverty.

1di·rect verb, -rects, -rect·ed, -rect·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to turn, move, or point in a particular way

Lights were directed [=aimed] toward the paintings on the wall.

Be sure that the water nozzle is directed downward.

The sloping ground helps direct water away from the home.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to cause (someone's attention, thoughts, emotions, etc.) to relate to a particular person, thing, goal, etc.

Let me direct your attention to the book's second chapter.

We were asked to direct our thoughts and prayers to the people who survived the disaster.

The students directed their efforts/energies/talents toward improving their community.

He directed [=aimed] much of his anger at his coworkers.

A lot of the criticism has been directed toward the concert's organizers.

2 b : to say (something) to a particular person or group

I'd like to direct [=address] my opening comments to the younger members of the audience.

3 [+ obj] : to guide, control, or manage (someone or something)

She's been chosen to direct [=handle] the project.

He is responsible for directing the activities of the sales team.

In my current position, I direct a staff of over 200 employees.

We need someone to direct traffic.

4 : to lead a group of people in performing or filming (a movie, play, etc.)

[+ obj] They're still looking for someone to direct the show.

She has directed over 20 films in her career.

The play was poorly directed.

[no obj] She enjoys both acting and directing.

I think I'd like to direct some day.

5 [+ obj] : to show or tell (someone) how to go to a place : to give (someone) directions

The signs directed [=guided] us to the museum.

Could you please direct me to the office? [=please tell me where the office is]

6 [+ obj] somewhat formal

6 a : to ask or tell (a person or group) to do something

He directed [=instructed, ordered] the workers to stop what they were doing.

The judge directed the jury to disregard several of the attorney's comments.

The resolution directed the commission to prepare proposals.

6 b : to order (something) to be done

+ that

His will directed that the money be used to support local schools.

7 [+ obj] : to send (a letter, note, etc.) to a specified person or place

Please direct [=address, send] your letters to my office.

The letter was directed to the company's president.

2direct adj

1 [more ; most ] : going the shortest distance from one place to another : going straight without turning or stopping

I found a more direct route to the city.

We'll be taking a direct [=nonstop] flight from New York to Los Angeles.

That way is more direct.

opposite INDIRECT

2 always used before a noun [more ; most ] : coming straight from a source

Keep these plants out of direct sunlight.

The coastline was exposed to the direct force of the hurricane.

opposite INDIRECT

3 always used before a noun [more ; most ] : coming straight from a cause or reason : connected or related to something in a clear way

These problems are a direct result of poor planning. [=poor planning was the cause of these problems]

The weather had a direct effect/impact on our plans.

There's a direct connection between the two events.

The investigation began in direct response to the newspaper story.

opposite INDIRECT

4 always used before a noun [more ; most ] : having no people or things in between that could have an effect

His position gives him direct access to the president. [=he can talk to the president face-to-face]

This is a direct order from the General.

The board of directors has direct control of the company's future.

Her theory was based on direct observation.

There's no direct evidence to support his claims.

direct knowledge/experience
opposite INDIRECT

5 always used before a noun : related in a line from your parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.

She's my direct ancestor.

He claims to be a direct descendant of George Washington.

6 always used before a noun : perfect or exact

The word has no direct translation in English.

The building took a direct hit from an enemy plane.

7 [more ; most ]

7 a : said or done in a clear and honest way : sincere and straightforward

We need a direct answer. Are you coming or not?

The candidate made a direct appeal to the voters.

7 b : speaking in a clear and honest way

I wish you would be more direct.

She has a very direct way of dealing with customers.

opposite INDIRECT

8 always used before a noun grammar : consisting of the exact words of a speaker or writer

She used several direct quotations from the artist in her article.

opposite INDIRECT

3direct adv

: in a direct way: such as
a : in a straight line without turning or stopping

We flew direct [=straight, nonstop] from Chicago to Paris.

b : straight from a source with nothing and nobody in between

The company sells its product direct [=directly] to customers on the streets.

It costs less if you buy it direct from the manufacturer.

direct current noun [noncount]

: an electric current that is flowing in one direction only abbr. DC compare ALTERNATING CURRENT

direct debit noun, pl -its [count, noncount]

chiefly Brit : a way of paying bills by allowing people or companies to take money directly from your bank account on a particular day
paying your bills by direct debit

direct deposit noun [noncount]

US : a way of paying someone so that the money is sent directly into the person's bank account without the use of checks or cash

Our employees are paid by direct deposit.

di·rec·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : the course or path on which something is moving or pointing

The army attacked from three different directions.

Down the road, he could see a bus coming from the opposite direction.

The wind changed direction and started blowing in our faces.

I've got a bad sense of direction. [=I become lost frequently; I often don't know which way to go]

often used after in

She and I were walking in the same direction.

You're headed in the wrong direction.

The top of the hill provides a view in all directions.

The car was last seen headed in the direction of [=towards] the stadium.

She started walking in my direction. [=toward me]

2 directions [plural]

2 a : a statement that tells a person what to do and how to do it : an order or instruction

Carefully read the directions before you begin the test.

Directions appear on the package.

You have to learn to follow directions. [=do what you are told or are instructed to do]

2 b : instructions that tell you how to go to a place

We had to stop to ask for directions to the beach.

Excuse me. Could you please give me directions to the movie theater?

3 [noncount]

3 a : control or management of someone or something

He was put in charge and given overall direction of the program.

Twenty-three employees work under her direction.

Several nurses working under the direction of this doctor have made complaints.

3 b : the act or process of directing a play, movie, television show, or musical performance

The play's unusual direction demanded much from the actors.

4 a [count] : the way that something is progressing or developing

These discoveries have given a new direction to their research.

Our business is expanding in all directions.

He hasn't yet decided what direction he should take as a writer. [=hasn't decided exactly what he should try to do as a writer]

4 b [noncount] : a goal or purpose that guides your actions or decisions

Her life seemed to lack direction after she left school.

di·rec·tion·less adj
a talented but directionless musician

di·rect·ness noun [noncount]

the directness of the route/connection

He answered their questions with honesty and directness.

di·rec·tion·al adj

1 : relating to or showing direction

We work with maps to improve the students' directional skills.

directional stability
the directional signal lights on an automobile

2 technical : used for receiving sounds, radio signals, etc., that are coming from a particular direction
a directional microphone

The radio has a directional antenna.

di·rec·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

formal : an official order or instruction

They received a written directive instructing them to develop new security measures.

a presidential directive

1di·rect·ly adv

1 [more ; most ] : in a direct way

He refused to answer the question directly.

She said that she wanted to speak to you directly.

The package will be sent directly to your home.

The two accidents are directly related.

Thousands of people were directly affected by the disaster.

Antonyms are words that are directly opposite in meaning.

2 : in a straight or direct line from a particular position

We parked directly behind the store.

He sat directly across from me at the dinner table.

Their house is directly ahead. = It's directly in front of us.

3 : without delay

The second game followed directly [=immediately] after the first.

4 somewhat old-fashioned : in a little while

We'll be leaving directly. [=soon, shortly]

2directly conj

Brit : immediately after : as soon as

I came directly I received your message.

directly proportional adj

: related so that one becomes larger or smaller when the other becomes larger or smaller

His earnings are directly proportional to the number of units he sells.

compare INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL

direct mail noun [noncount]

: papers containing advertisements that are mailed directly to people's homes

direct marketing noun [noncount]

: a way of selling things by calling people on the telephone or mailing them advertisements or catalogs

direct object noun, pl -jects [count]

grammar : a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase which indicates the person or thing that receives the action of a verb

“Me” in “He likes me” is a direct object.

In the sentence “They built a house for her,” the direct object is “house” and the indirect object is “her.”

compare INDIRECT OBJECT

di·rec·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who manages an organized group of people or a part of an organization (such as a school or business)

the choir director

The company will hire a new director of marketing.

She's the director of graduate studies at the university.

the school's athletic director
see also FUNERAL DIRECTOR

2 : one of a group of managers who control a company or corporation
executive/deputy/associate directors

She's on the board of directors [=a group of people who make decisions] for a large corporation.

see also MANAGING DIRECTOR

3 : a person who directs a play, movie, etc.

She's considered one of the best young directors in Hollywood.

a movie/film/theater director

di·rec·tor·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

1 : a group of managers who control a company or corporation : a board of directors
the corporation's eight-member directorate

2 : a group of people who are in charge of a program or department
the government's agricultural directorate

di·rec·to·ri·al adj

: of or relating to a director and especially to the director of a play, movie, etc.

her directorial style

A movie director's first film is often called a directorial debut.

He made his directorial debut with a film that he also wrote and produced.

di·rec·tor·ship noun, pl -ships

1 [count] : a position as a director of a company or corporation

He holds directorships at several banks.

2 [noncount] : the time when a person holds the position of director

The museum has flourished under her directorship.

di·rec·to·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a book that contains an alphabetical list of names of people, businesses, etc.; especially : phone book

directory assistance noun [noncount]

US : a service that people can call to get the telephone number for a person or organization : information called also (Brit) directory enquiries

dirge noun, pl dirg·es [count]

: a slow song that expresses sadness or sorrow
a funeral dirge

dirt noun [noncount]

1 : loose earth or soil

Pack dirt loosely around the base of the plant.

mounds/piles of dirt

2 : a substance (such as mud or dust) that makes things unclean

You've got some dirt on your face.

Their shoes were covered with dirt.

No amount of cleaning will get rid of all this dirt.

3 informal : a person or thing that has no value

He treated me like dirt. [=he treated me very badly]

4 informal : information about someone that could harm the person's reputation

She's been spreading dirt [=gossip] about her ex-husband.

To dig up (the) dirt on someone is to find out information that is harmful to that person's reputation.

He's been digging up dirt on his political rivals.

To dish (the) dirt is to spread harmful gossip or information.

He seems to have written his memoirs mainly so that he can dish the dirt on all his former lovers.

hit the dirt see 1HIT

in the dirt

In baseball, a pitch is in the dirt when it hits the ground near home plate before reaching the catcher.

He swung and missed at a curveball in the dirt.

see also PAY DIRT

dirt·bag noun, pl -bags [count]

chiefly US informal : a very bad and unpleasant person
a sleazy dirtbag

dirt bike noun, pl bikes [count]

: a small motorcycle that is designed to be used on rough surfaces

dirt cheap adj
informal : very cheap or inexpensive

The tickets were dirt cheap.

dirt cheap prices

dirt cheap adv

I can get you a stereo system dirt cheap.

dirt farmer noun, pl -ers [count]

US informal : a poor farmer who lives by farming the land usually without the help of paid workers

dirt floor noun, pl floors [count]

: a floor with a hard dirt surface

dirt-poor adj
informal : very poor : suffering extreme poverty

When I was growing up, my family was dirt-poor.

dirt road noun, pl roads [count]

: a road with a hard dirt surface : an unpaved road

1dirty adj, dirt·i·er, -est

1 : not clean

All my socks are dirty.

Try not to get your clothes dirty.

dirty dishes

I can't breathe this dirty city air.

The baby has a dirty diaper.

2 a : indecent and offensive
dirty language
see also DIRTY WORD

2 b : relating to sex in an indecent or offensive way
dirty [=pornographic] movies/magazines/pictures

I hate listening to his dirty jokes.

He has a dirty mind. [=he often thinks about sex]

see also DIRTY OLD MAN

3 : not fair or honest

He has a reputation as a dirty player. [=he cheats; he tries to hurt his opponents]

a criminal's dirty money [=money earned in an illegal activity]

That was a dirty trick! [=an unkind thing to do]

4 a : very bad : deserving to be hated or regretted

War is a dirty business.

It's a dirty shame that nobody tried to help him.

That's a dirty lie!

He's a dirty liar!

4 b : likely to cause shame or disgrace

That's the dirty [=shameful] little secret that the industry doesn't want you to know.

5 : difficult or unpleasant

Why do I always get stuck doing the dirty work?

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.

To get your hands dirty is to do difficult and often unpleasant work.

Our boss isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and help us finish the work on time.

6 : showing dislike or anger

She gave me a dirty look.

7 : not clear or bright in color
a dirty [=dull] red
see also dirty blond at 1BLOND

dirt·i·ness noun [noncount]

the dirtiness of the house

2dirty verb, dirt·ies, dirt·ied, dirty·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) dirty

Take off your shoes to keep from dirtying the floor.

Her fingers were dirtied with ink.

The baby just dirtied [=soiled] her diaper.

The river was dirtied [=polluted] with industrial waste.

3dirty adv

1 : in an unfair or dishonest way

Watch out for her. She plays dirty.

He usually wins because he fights dirty.

2 : in an indecent or offensive way
talking dirty

dirty bomb noun, pl bombs [count]

: a bomb that is designed to spread a large amount of radioactive material

dirty laundry noun [noncount]

: private information that causes shame and embarrassment when it is made public

The company is trying to keep its dirty laundry from being aired/washed in public.

Let's not air our dirty laundry [=discuss our problems, make our problems known] in public.

called also dirty linen

dirty old man noun, pl men [count]

disapproving : an old man who is too interested in sex

dirty tricks noun [plural]

: secret and dishonest activities that are done to ruin someone's or something's chance of success
political dirty tricks

dirty word noun, pl words

1 [count] : an offensive word

The movie is just a lot of sex, violence, and dirty words.

2 [singular] : a word, subject, or idea that is disliked by some people

They regard “taxes” as a dirty word.

Politics is a dirty word [=they don't talk about politics] in their home.

The way he acts, you'd think compassion was a dirty word.

dis also diss verb, dis·ses, dissed, dis·sing [+ obj]

US slang

1 : to treat (someone) with disrespect : to be rude to (someone)

He got dissed [=insulted] by the other guys on the team.

2 : to criticize (something) in a way that shows disrespect

Don't dis my car.

dis also diss noun, pl disses [count]

It's not a dis. [=not an insult]

dis- prefix

1 in verbs : to do the opposite of
disagree
disappear
disapprove

2 in nouns : opposite or absence of
disbelief
discomfort
dishonor

3 in adjectives : not
disagreeable
disconnected
disinterested

dis·abil·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] : a condition (such as an illness or an injury) that damages or limits a person's physical or mental abilities

She has learned to keep a positive attitude about her disability.

disabilities such as blindness and deafness
a program for children with disabilities
see also LEARNING DISABILITY

2 [noncount] : the condition of being unable to do things in the normal way : the condition of being disabled

It's a serious disease that can cause disability or death.

3 [noncount] US : a program that provides financial support to a disabled person

After he injured his back he had to quit his job and go on disability.

dis·able verb, -ables, -abled, -abling [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to be unable to work in the normal way
disable a bomb
disable an alarm
disable a computer program

2 : to make (someone) unable to do something (such as use part of the body) in the usual way
often used as (be) disabled

He was disabled by the accident.

dis·able·ment noun [noncount]

disabling adj

He suffered a disabling illness when he was in college.

a disabling injury/condition

The patient was experiencing severe, disabling pain.

disabled adj [more ; most ]

: having a physical or mental disability : unable to perform one or more natural activities (such as walking or seeing) because of illness, injury, etc.

The organization is working to protect the rights of disabled veterans.

special classes for learning disabled children [=for children who have a learning disability]

the disabled

: people who are disabled : people who have a disability

She's always been an effective spokesperson for the disabled.

disabled list noun

the disabled list

US sports : a list of players on a team (such as a baseball team) who are unable to play because of injury or illness

The team has had to place several key players on the disabled list.

abbr. DL

dis·abuse verb, -abus·es, -abused, -abus·ing [+ obj]

formal : to show or convince (someone) that a belief is incorrect

+ of

He offered to disabuse us of what he called our “cherished myths.”

Anyone expecting a romantic story will be quickly disabused of that notion by the opening chapter.

dis·ad·van·tage noun, pl -tag·es

1 [count]

1 a : something that causes difficulty : something that makes someone or something worse or less likely to succeed than others

This program has the disadvantage [=shortcoming] of being more expensive than the others.

She had the disadvantage of growing up in a poor community.

He felt that his lack of formal education put/placed him at a disadvantage [=made it harder for him to succeed] in the business world.

They argued that the new regulations would place their company at a competitive disadvantage in the marketplace.

1 b : a bad or undesirable quality or feature

There are advantages and disadvantages to the new system.

2 [noncount] : loss, damage, or harm

The deal worked to our disadvantage. [=the deal was harmful to us in some way]

opposite ADVANTAGE

dis·ad·van·taged adj [more ; most ]

: lacking the things (such as money and education) that are considered necessary for an equal position in society

The program provides aid for economically disadvantaged groups/communities.

disadvantaged [=underprivileged] children

the disadvantaged

: disadvantaged people
protecting the rights of the disadvantaged

dis·ad·van·ta·geous adj [more ; most ]

formal : making it harder for a person to succeed or to do something : causing someone to have a disadvantage

They might have to resell the property at a disadvantageous time.

Minority groups find themselves in a disadvantageous position.

The current system is disadvantageous to women.

opposite ADVANTAGEOUS

dis·ad·van·ta·geous·ly adv [more ; most ]

dis·af·fected adj [more ; most ]

formal : no longer happy and willing to support a leader, government, etc.

bored and disaffected youth

The troops had become disaffected.

Both political parties are looking for ways to regain the trust of disaffected voters.

dis·af·fec·tion noun [noncount]

There was widespread disaffection among the troops.

dis·agree verb, -agrees, -agreed, -agree·ing [no obj]

1 : to have a different opinion : to fail to agree

I think that I should sell my car, but he disagrees.

often + with

I strongly disagree with that statement.

She disagrees with him on almost every subject.

often + on, about, or over

They disagreed about the price.

We disagree on the best way to raise the money.

We found ourselves disagreeing over the meaning of the poem.

2 : to be different

The two descriptions disagree. [=they do not match]

often + with

Her story disagrees with the facts of the case.

3 : to not be suitable for or pleasing to someone

+ with

Fried foods disagree with me. [=make me feel unwell]

agree to disagree see AGREE

dis·agree·able adj [more ; most ]

1 : not pleasing : unpleasant or offensive

The medicine had a disagreeable taste.

the disagreeable odor of the garbage

Some of her duties are very disagreeable (to her).

2 of a person : difficult to deal with : easily angered or annoyed

His health problems made him surly and disagreeable. [=irritable, querulous]

I've never known her to be so disagreeable.

opposite AGREEABLE

dis·agree·ably adv
a disagreeably bitter taste

dis·agree·ment noun, pl -ments

1 a [noncount] : failure to agree

There's been a lot of disagreement about/on/over how best to spend the money.

He has expressed disagreement [=he has said that he disagrees] with some aspects of the proposal.

1 b [count] : a difference of opinion : an argument caused by people having different opinions about something

We've had a number of serious disagreements [=disputes, arguments] over the years.

Several disagreements have yet to be resolved.

2 [noncount] : the state of being different or unalike

There's considerable disagreement between the descriptions given by the two witnesses. [=the two descriptions do not agree/match]

dis·al·low verb, -lows, -lowed, -low·ing [+ obj]

: to refuse to allow (something) : to officially decide that (something) is not acceptable or valid

The court disallowed [=rejected] their claim.

The touchdown was disallowed because of a penalty.

dis·al·low·ance noun [noncount]

disallowance [=rejection] of the tax deductions

dis·ap·pear verb, -pears, -peared, -pear·ing [no obj]

1 : to stop being visible : to pass out of sight

The moon disappeared [=vanished] behind a cloud.

The two men disappeared around the corner.

2 a : to stop existing : to die or go away completely

The dinosaurs disappeared millions of years ago.

Their original enthusiasm has all but disappeared. [=vanished]

These problems won't just disappear by themselves.

2 b : to become lost : to go to a place that is not known

My car keys have disappeared again. [=I can't find them]

He disappeared without a trace two years ago.

The speaker suddenly disappeared just before the beginning of the ceremony.

dis·ap·pear·ance noun, pl -anc·es [noncount]

We're witnessing the gradual disappearance of an old way of life.

[count]

Police are investigating several mysterious disappearances.

dis·ap·point verb, -points, -point·ed, -point·ing

: to make (someone) unhappy by not being as good as expected or by not doing something that was hoped for or expected

[+ obj] The team disappointed its fans.

The show may disappoint some viewers.

[no obj] The novel disappoints by being predictable and overly long.

dis·ap·point·ing adj [more ; most ]

Dinner was disappointing.

The team had a very disappointing season.

dis·ap·point·ing·ly adv
a disappointingly poor performance

dis·ap·point·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : feeling sad, unhappy, or displeased because something was not as good as expected or because something you hoped for or expected did not happen

We were disappointed that they couldn't go.

Disappointed fans slowly left the ballpark.

I was disappointed to see that my suggestions had been ignored.

They were deeply disappointed by her lack of interest.

Don't be too disappointed if everything doesn't go as planned.

2 : unhappy because someone has behaved badly

Your father and I are very disappointed in/with you.

dis·ap·point·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the state or feeling of being disappointed

She couldn't hide her disappointment.

To our disappointment, the game was rained out. [=we were disappointed that the game was rained out]

2 [count] : someone or something that disappoints people : a disappointing person or thing

The play was a (big) disappointment. [=it was very disappointing]

He's a disappointment to his parents.

dis·ap·pro·ba·tion noun [noncount]

formal : disapproval
the constant disapprobation of critics

dis·ap·prov·al noun [noncount]

: lack of approval : the belief that someone or something is bad or wrong

The plan met with disapproval. [=opposition]

I could sense her disapproval.

They made their disapproval of our behavior very clear.

opposite APPROVAL

dis·ap·prove verb, -proves, -proved, -prov·ing

1 : to believe that someone or something is bad or wrong : to not approve of someone or something

[no obj] She married him even though her parents disapproved.

often + of

She disapproves of smoking.

Some people may disapprove of the government's actions.

I disapproved of [=I disagreed with] their decision, but I said nothing against it.

[+ obj] The word “ain't” is disapproved [=criticized] by most teachers.

2 [+ obj] : to officially refuse to approve or accept (something)

They disapproved [=rejected] the architect's plans.

The treaty was disapproved by the Senate.

opposite APPROVE

dis·ap·prov·ing adj [more ; most ]

She gave him a disapproving look.

a disapproving frown

He felt uncomfortable in the presence of his disapproving parents.

dis·ap·prov·ing·ly adv

She shook her head disapprovingly.

dis·arm verb, -arms, -armed, -arm·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to take weapons from (someone or something)

disarm a prisoner

The government has been unsuccessful at disarming the rebels.

1 b [no obj] : to give up weapons

The terrorists have refused to disarm.

opposite ARM

2 [+ obj] : to make (a bomb, mine, etc.) harmless

It took more than an hour to disarm the bomb.

opposite ARM

3 [+ obj] : to make (someone) friendly or less suspicious

He has a way of disarming [=winning over] his critics by flattering them.

We were disarmed [=charmed, captivated] by her sense of humor.

dis·ar·ma·ment noun [noncount]

: the process of reducing the number of weapons controlled by a country's military
nuclear disarmament
opposite ARMAMENT

disarming adj [more ; most ]

: tending to remove any feelings of unfriendliness or distrust

We were all charmed by his disarming openness and modesty.

a disarming smile

dis·arm·ing·ly adv

Her answers were disarmingly [=surprisingly] honest.

dis·ar·range verb, -rang·es, -ranged, -rang·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (something) messy or untidy

The wind disarranged my hair.

His bed was disarranged and clothes were strewn on the floor.

dis·ar·ray noun [noncount]

: a lack of order : a confused or messy condition

The room was in disarray.

The company has fallen into complete/total disarray.

dis·as·sem·ble verb, -sem·bles, -sem·bled, -sem·bling

1 [+ obj] : to disconnect the pieces of (something)

disassemble [=take apart] an engine

2 [no obj] : to come apart into smaller pieces

The bookshelf disassembles for easy storage.

dis·as·sem·bly noun [noncount]

dis·as·so·ci·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: dissociate

di·sas·ter Brit noun, pl -ters

1 [count] : something (such as a flood, tornado, fire, plane crash, etc.) that happens suddenly and causes much suffering or loss to many people

The program examined several bridge failures and other engineering disasters.

a nuclear disaster

The earthquake was one of the worst natural disasters [=a disaster caused by natural forces] of this century.

The state is asking for federal disaster relief. [=money to help rebuild an area after a disaster]

2 a : something that has a very bad effect or result

[count] The new regulations could be a disaster for smaller businesses.

Opponents say the government's policy is a disaster waiting to happen. [=something that will probably have a very bad or tragic result]

[noncount] They're trying to find a way to avoid disaster.

They narrowly escaped disaster.

The new regulations could spell disaster [=result in serious problems] for smaller businesses.

The government's policy is a recipe for disaster. = The government is flirting with disaster by pursuing this policy.

When disaster strikes, [=when something very bad happens] we will be prepared.

2 b [count] : a complete or terrible failure
economic/financial disasters

The dinner party was a complete disaster.

disaster area noun, pl areas [count]

1 : an area where there has been a major disaster (such as a flood, tornado, or earthquake) and where people can receive special help from the government (such as money to rebuild homes or emergency supplies)

After the hurricane, the state was declared a disaster area.

2 informal : a place that is very messy or dirty

His office is a disaster area. How can he find anything in all this clutter?

di·sas·trous Brit adj [more ; most ]

1 : causing great suffering or loss

Half the city was destroyed by a disastrous fire.

2 : very bad or unfortunate

The bad weather could have a disastrous effect on the area's tourism industry.

His failure to back up the computer files had disastrous consequences.

The strike was economically disastrous.

di·sas·trous·ly adv
a disastrously bad choice/idea

dis·avow verb, -avows, -avowed, -avow·ing [+ obj]

formal : to say that you are not responsible for (something) : to deny that you know about or are involved in (something)

He disavowed the actions of his subordinates.

She now seems to be trying to disavow her earlier statements.

dis·avow·al noun, pl -als [count, noncount]

dis·band verb, -bands, -band·ed, -band·ing

: to end an organization or group (such as a club)

[+ obj] They've decided to disband the club.

[no obj] The members of the organization have decided to disband.

dis·band·ment noun [noncount]

dis·bar verb, -bars, -barred, -bar·ring [+ obj]

: to take away the right of (a lawyer) to work in the legal profession
often used as (be) disbarred

She was disbarred for unethical practices.

dis·bar·ment noun [noncount]

The charges could lead to his disbarment.

dis·be·lief noun [noncount]

: a feeling that you do not or cannot believe or accept that something is true or real

The initial reports were met with widespread disbelief. [=many people did not believe the reports]

She stared at him in utter disbelief.

If you want to enjoy this story, you have to suspend your disbelief. [=allow yourself to believe things that cannot be true]

compare UNBELIEF

dis·be·lieve verb, -lieves, -lieved, -liev·ing
formal : to not believe (someone or something)

[+ obj] Several jurors disbelieved the witness's testimony.

[no obj]

+ in

She disbelieves in the value of exercise.

disbelieving adj

The announcement was met with shocked and disbelieving silence.

dis·be·liev·er noun, pl -ers [count]

dis·burse verb, -burse, -bursed, -burs·ing [+ obj]

formal : to pay out (money) from a fund that has been created for a special purpose

The money will be disbursed on the basis of need.

The government has disbursed millions of dollars in foreign aid.

dis·burse·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

disbursement of government funds

[count]

The company has made large disbursements for research.

disc or disk noun, pl discs or disks [count]

1 : a flat, thin, round object
a plastic disc
a cracker topped with a thin disk of sausage

2 disk : a flat, thin, round object that is used to store large amounts of information (such as computer data)

Insert the disk into the CD drive.

There isn't much disk space [=room for storage on a computer disk] left.

see also DISK DRIVE, FLOPPY DISK, HARD DISK, OPTICAL DISK

3 disc

3 a : cd

I don't have that recording on vinyl, but I have it on disc.

3 b old-fashioned : 1record 4 see also DISC JOCKEY

4 medical : one of the flat, rubbery pieces that separate the bones of the backbone called also intervertebral disc see also SLIPPED DISC

1dis·card verb, -cards, -card·ed, -card·ing [+ obj]

1 : to throw (something) away because it is useless or unwanted

Remove and discard the stems.

a pile of discarded tires
often used figuratively

Many of his original theories have been discarded [=rejected] in recent years.

2 : to remove (a playing card) from your hand in a card game

She discarded the six of hearts.

2dis·card noun, pl -cards [count]

: something (such as a playing card) that has been discarded

disc brake noun, pl brakes [count]

: a brake that works by two plates pressing against the sides of a disc that is connected to the center of a wheel

dis·cern verb, -cerns, -cerned, -cern·ing [+ obj]

1 : to see, hear, or notice (something) with difficulty or effort

We could just discern [=distinguish, make out] the ship through the fog.

2 : to come to know, recognize, or understand (something)

The reasons behind this sudden change are difficult to discern.

The purpose of the study is to discern [=identify] patterns of criminal behavior.

unable to discern [=distinguish] right from wrong

dis·cern·ible adj [more ; most ]

There is no discernible difference between the original and the copy.

dis·cern·ibly adv [more ; most ]

The original and copy aren't discernibly different.

discerning adj [more ; most ]

: able to see and understand people, things, or situations clearly and intelligently
a discerning critic

She has a discerning eye for good art.

dis·cern·ing·ly adv

dis·cern·ment noun [noncount]

: the ability to see and understand people, things, or stituations clearly and intelligently

His lack of discernment led to his disastrous choice of business partners.

1dis·charge verb, -charg·es, -charged, -charg·ing

1 [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to leave a hospital, prison, etc.

She's due to be discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.

Discharge the prisoners.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to take away the job of (someone) : to end the employment of (someone)

The company illegally discharged [=fired] several union organizers.

We had to discharge several employees last week.

2 b : to end the service of (someone) in a formal or official way

Thousands of soldiers were discharged after the war.

: to release (someone) from duty

The judge discharged the jury.

3 : to shoot or fire (a weapon)

[+ obj] The ship discharged missiles against enemy targets.

discharging a firearm

[no obj] The gun failed to discharge.

4 [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to get out of a vehicle

The bus had stopped to discharge [=let off] passengers.

5 a : to send out (a liquid, gas, or waste material)

[+ obj] Smokestacks from the factory discharge [=emit] chemicals into the air.

discharging pollution into a lake

The wound began to discharge pus.

[no obj] a river that discharges [=flows] into the ocean

5 b : to send out (electricity)

[+ obj] discharge electricity from a battery

[no obj] allowing the electricity to discharge safely

6 [+ obj] formal

6 a : to do what is required by (something)

He vowed to faithfully discharge [=fulfill] the duties/responsibilities of his office.

discharging an obligation

6 b : to pay (a debt)

They have failed to discharge their debts.

2dis·charge noun, pl -charg·es

1 : the release of someone from a hospital, prison, etc.

[noncount] The doctors approved her discharge from the hospital.

[count] early hospital discharges

2 a : the act of firing or dismissing someone from a job

[noncount] Several former employees are suing the company for wrongful discharge.

[count] a discharge from employment

2 b [count] : the act of ending a person's service to the military

After his discharge from the military, he went to college to become a teacher.

A dishonorable discharge is given to a soldier who has done something wrong and is forced to leave the military.

He was court-martialed for improper conduct and left the navy with a dishonorable discharge.

An honorable discharge is given to a soldier who has not done anything wrong and is not being forced to leave.

He went to college after receiving an honorable discharge from the army.

3 : the act of firing a weapon

[noncount] The damage was caused by accidental discharge of a hunting rifle.

[count] a rapid discharge from a gun

4 a [count] : a liquid or gas that flows out of something
a clear discharge from the nose and eyes
nasal discharges

4 b [noncount] : the movement of a liquid or gas from something

The factory was charged with the illegal discharge of pollution into a stream.

the discharge of pus from a wound

5 [count] : a flow of electricity
an electrical discharge

6 formal : the act of doing what is required or of paying a debt

[noncount] the discharge of debts/obligations

[count] a discharge of debt

dis·ci·ple noun, pl -ci·ples [count]

1 : someone who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of a famous person
a disciple of Sigmund Freud

2 : one of a group of 12 men who were sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ : apostle

dis·ci·ple·ship noun [noncount]

dis·ci·pli·nar·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person who is very strict about punishing bad behavior : a person who uses discipline as a way of making sure that rules or orders are obeyed

The school's principal is a strict/rigid disciplinarian.

dis·ci·plin·ary Brit adj

: intended to correct or punish bad behavior : of or relating to discipline
a disciplinary hearing
taking disciplinary action

The committee is considering disciplinary measures against him.

1dis·ci·pline noun, pl -plines

1 [noncount]

1 a : control that is gained by requiring that rules or orders be obeyed and punishing bad behavior

The teacher has a hard time maintaining discipline in the classroom.

1 b : a way of behaving that shows a willingness to obey rules or orders

The troops were praised for their dedication and discipline.

1 c : behavior that is judged by how well it follows a set of rules or orders
poor discipline
maintaining good discipline

1 d : punishment for bad behavior

Some parents feel that the school's principal has been too harsh in meting out discipline.

2 [noncount] : the ability to keep working at something that is difficult

I tried learning the piano, but I lacked the discipline [=self-discipline] to stick with it.

He doesn't have the discipline [=self-control] to stay on his diet.

3 [count] : an activity that is done regularly as a way of training yourself to do something or to improve your behavior

Keeping a journal is a good discipline for a writer.

4 [count] : a field of study : a subject that is taught

She has received training in several academic disciplines.

2discipline verb, -plines, -plined, -plin·ing [+ obj]

1 : to punish (someone) as a way of making sure that rules or orders are obeyed

She was disciplined for misbehaving in class.

He seems unwilling or unable to discipline his children.

disciplining the troops

2 : to train (yourself) to do something by controlling your behavior

I'm trying to discipline myself to eat less.

disciplined adj [more ; most ]

I'm not disciplined enough to exercise everyday.

We need a more disciplined approach if the program is to be successfully implemented.

an orderly and disciplined mind

disc jockey noun, pl -eys [count]

: a person who plays popular recorded music on the radio or at a party or nightclub called also DJ (informal) deejay

dis·claim verb, -claims, -claimed, -claim·ing [+ obj]

formal : to say that you do not have (something, such as knowledge, responsibility, etc.)

The government disclaimed [=disavowed] any knowledge of his activities.

She disclaimed [=(less formally) denied] all responsibility for the accident.

dis·claim·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a statement that is meant to prevent an incorrect understanding of something (such as a book, a movie, or an advertisement)

The documentary opens with a disclaimer that many of its scenes are “fictional re-creations” of real events.

dis·close verb, -clos·es, -closed, -clos·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) known to the public

He refused to disclose the source of his information.

The company has disclosed that it will be laying off thousands of workers later this year.

The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed.

dis·clos·er noun, pl -ers [count]

dis·clo·sure noun, pl -sures

1 [noncount] : the act of making something known : the act of disclosing something

We demand full disclosure of the facts.

2 [count] : something (such as information) that is made known or revealed : something that is disclosed

This is just the latest in a series of shocking disclosures [=revelations] about his criminal past.

dis·co noun, pl -cos

1 [count] : a nightclub where people dance to recorded popular music

2 [noncount] : a type of popular dance music

dis·col·or (US) or Brit dis·col·our verb, -ors, -ored, -or·ing

: to change in color especially in a bad way

[no obj] The fabric is guaranteed not to discolor.

[+ obj] The wine stain discolored the rug.

discolored adj [more ; most ]

badly discolored teeth

dis·col·or·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of changing color in a bad way

The medicine may cause discoloration [=staining] of the teeth.

2 [count] : a discolored spot or area

His shirt has a small discoloration [=stain] on the sleeve.

dis·com·fit verb, -fits, -fit·ed, -fit·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (someone) confused or upset
often used as (be) discomfited

The governor was clearly discomfited [=disconcerted] by the question.

discomfiting adj [more ; most ]

She bears a discomfiting resemblance to one of my old teachers.

dis·com·fi·ture noun [noncount]

His discomfiture was obvious.

1dis·com·fort noun, pl -forts

1 : an uncomfortable or painful feeling in the body

[noncount] The patient is still experiencing some discomfort.

[count] the discomforts of pregnancy

2 [noncount] : a feeling of being somewhat worried, unhappy, etc.

These new developments are being watched with discomfort by many of our allies.

2discomfort verb, -forts, -fort·ed, -fort·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (someone) uncomfortable, worried, etc.

often used as (be) discomforted

Some audience members were discomforted by the graphic violence.

discomforting adj [more ; most ]

discomforting questions/thoughts

dis·con·cert verb, -certs, -cert·ed, -cer·ting [+ obj]

somewhat formal : to make (someone) upset or embarrassed

News of his criminal past has disconcerted even his admirers.

often used as (be) disconcerted

I was disconcerted by her tone of voice.

disconcerted adj [more ; most ]

We were very disconcerted to learn that our flight had been canceled.

disconcerting adj [more ; most ]

I found it disconcerting to be left alone in her office.

He has a disconcerting habit of answering a question with another question.

dis·con·cert·ing·ly adv

dis·con·nect verb, -nects, -nect·ed, -nect·ing [+ obj]

1 : to separate (something) from something else : to break a connection between two or more things
disconnect a hose

The hose and faucet had been disconnected.

often + from

Disconnect the hose from the faucet.

2 a : to stop or end the supply of electricity, water, gas, etc., to (something, such as a piece of electronic equipment)

Disconnect the old printer and connect the new one.

The alarm system had been disconnected.

2 b : to stop or end the supply of (electricity, water, gas, etc.)

Before starting, be sure to disconnect the power supply.

Our landlord threatened to disconnect our electricity.

3 : to end the connection to a system, network, etc., through a telephone, computer, or other device

We were talking on the phone but suddenly we got disconnected.

I got disconnected when I was surfing the Internet. [=I lost my Internet connection]

opposite CONNECT

dis·con·nec·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

telephone disconnections

[noncount]

disconnection from a power source

disconnected adj

1 : not connected to something (such as a power source)

The phone lines are all disconnected.

a disconnected television set

2 [more ; most ] : not having parts joined together in a logical way

Her biography reads like a series of disconnected stories.

a disconnected [=incoherent] speech

dis·con·nect·ed·ness noun [noncount]

dis·con·so·late adj [more ; most ]

formal : very unhappy or sad

Campaign workers grew increasingly disconsolate as the results came in.

dis·con·so·late·ly adv

1dis·con·tent noun [noncount]

: a feeling of unhappiness or disapproval : a lack of contentment

The survey indicates public discontent [=dissatisfaction] with the current administration.

There was widespread discontent [=(less commonly) discontentment] over the court's ruling.

opposite CONTENTMENT

2discontent adj [more ; most ]

: not pleased or satisfied : discontented

Polls show that voters are growing increasingly discontent.

dis·con·tent·ment noun [noncount]

dis·con·tent·ed adj [more ; most ]

: not happy with your situation, position, etc. : not contented
discontented employees
often + with

She's been feeling discontented with life in general.

dis·con·tent·ed·ly adv

dis·con·tin·ue verb, -tin·ues, -tin·ued, -tin·u·ing [+ obj]

1 : to end (something) : stop

He discontinued his visits to the psychiatrist.

She chose to discontinue her studies.

often used as (be) discontinued

The treatment has been discontinued.

2 : to stop making or offering (a product, service, etc.)

The company has announced that the current model will be discontinued next year.

They are planning to discontinue bus service between the two towns.

discontinued adj

They're having a sale on discontinued models.

a discontinued line of products

dis·con·tin·u·a·tion noun [noncount]

the discontinuation of services

dis·con·ti·nu·i·ty Brit noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality or state of not being continuous : lack of continuity

There is a sense of discontinuity between the book's chapters.

2 [count] : a change or break in a process

Some patients have experienced delays or discontinuities [=gaps] in their care.

dis·con·tin·u·ous adj [more ; most ]

: not continuous : having interruptions or gaps
discontinuous sleep
a discontinuous series of events

dis·cord noun, pl -cords
formal

1 [noncount] : lack of agreement between people, ideas, etc.

marital discord [=conflict]

discord between political parties

The city has long been known as a scene of racial intolerance and discord.

2 : an unpleasant combination of musical notes

[count] The song ends on a discord.

[noncount] musical discord

dis·cord·ant adj [more ; most ]

1 : harsh or unpleasant in sound
discordant music

2 : not agreeing : not in harmony

She has the difficult task of bringing together a number of discordant elements.

discordant opinions

To strike/sound a discordant note means to express an opinion that disagrees with what other people are saying.

Most reviewers loved the show, but one critic struck a discordant note, finding it “trite and predictable.”

dis·co·theque noun, pl -theques [count]

: disco 1

1dis·count noun, pl -counts [count]

: an amount taken off a regular price : a price reduction

The store offers a two percent discount when customers pay in cash.

We were able to buy our tickets at a discount. [=for less than the usual price]

2discount adj, always used before a noun

1 : selling goods or services at reduced prices
a discount store/chain/retailer
discount airlines

2 : offered or sold at a reduced price
discount tickets

3 : cheaper than usual
discount prices/rates

3discount verb, -counts, -count·ed, -count·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to lower the amount of (a bill, price, etc.)

The vacation plan included a discounted price/rate on our hotel room.

1 b : to lower the price of (a product)

Car dealers are heavily discounting last year's unsold models.

2 a : to think of (something) as having little importance or value

You shouldn't discount [=minimize] the importance of studying.

2 b : to believe that (something, such as information, a rumor, etc.) is not worth serious attention

We can't discount [=dismiss, disregard] the possibility that the economy will worsen in the near future.

These threats cannot be entirely discounted.

dis·cour·age verb, -ag·es, -aged, -ag·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) less determined, hopeful, or confident

Try not to let losing discourage you.

often used (be/get) discouraged

We were discouraged by their lack of enthusiasm.

Students may get discouraged by activities that are too advanced.

2 a : to make (something) less likely to happen

The area's dry climate discourages agriculture.

He claims the new regulations will discourage investment.

2 b : to try to make people not want to do (something)

The purpose of the law is to discourage [=deter] speeding.

That type of behavior ought to be discouraged.

To discourage (someone) from doing (something) is to tell or advise someone not to do something.

His parents discouraged him from watching too much television. [=told him he should not watch too much television]

They discouraged her from going. [=they told her why she should not go]

opposite ENCOURAGE

discouraged adj [more ; most ]

The team's losing streak has left many fans feeling hopeless and discouraged. [=downhearted, disheartened]

dis·cour·age·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the act of making something less likely to happen or of making people less likely to do something
the discouragement of drug use among teenagers

He joined the army despite discouragement from his parents. [=despite being discouraged from joining by his parents]

2 [noncount] : a feeling of having lost hope or confidence

She expressed discouragement over the difficulty of finding a good job.

The team's losses have left fans with a feeling of discouragement.

3 [count] : something (such as a failure or difficulty) that discourages someone

He says that the tax is a discouragement to doing business in this state.

Despite the discouragements of the past week, we need to continue moving forward.

discouraging adj [more ; most ]

: causing loss of hope or confidence

The team suffered another discouraging loss.

The latest test results were very discouraging.

opposite ENCOURAGING

dis·cour·ag·ing·ly adv
discouragingly expensive

1dis·course noun, pl -cours·es
formal

1 [noncount] : the use of words to exchange thoughts and ideas

It's a word that doesn't have much use in ordinary discourse. [=conversation]

He likes to engage in lively discourse with his visitors.

public/political discourse

2 [count] : a long talk or piece of writing about a subject

She delivered an entertaining discourse on the current state of the film industry.

2dis·course verb, -cours·es, -coursed, -cours·ing [no obj]

formal : to talk about something especially for a long time

She could discourse for hours on/about almost any subject.

dis·cour·te·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : rude or impolite : not showing good manners

The waiter was discourteous to me.

It was thoughtless and discourteous to leave us waiting so long.

opposite COURTEOUS

dis·cour·te·ous·ly adv

They treated us discourteously.

dis·cour·te·ous·ness noun [noncount]

dis·cour·te·sy noun, pl -sies
formal

1 [noncount] : rude or impolite behavior

They've received many complaints about customers being treated with disrespect and discourtesy. [=rudeness]

2 [count] : a rude act

His tardiness was just another in a series of small discourtesies.

dis·cov·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

1 : to see, find, or become aware of (something) for the first time

Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492.

Several new species of plants have recently been discovered.

Scientists claim to have discovered [=found] a new way of controlling high blood pressure.

It took her several weeks to discover the solution.

His life was never the same after he discovered sailing. [=after he first went sailing; after he found how much he enjoyed sailing]

2 : to show the presence of (something hidden or difficult to see) : to make (something) known

The autopsy discovered [=revealed, uncovered] traces of poison in the victim's blood.

The tests have discovered problems in the current design.

3 : to learn or find out (something surprising or unexpected)

I was surprised to discover [=realize] that I had lost my keys.

She soon discovered what had been going on.

4 : to find out about and help (a talented new performer, writer, etc.)

During her career she was responsible for discovering many now famous musicians.

dis·cov·er·er noun, pl -ers [count]

The species is named for its discoverer.

dis·cov·ery noun, pl -er·ies

1 : the act of finding or learning something for the first time : the act of discovering something

[count] Scientists announced the discovery of a new species of plant.

Her research led to a number of important discoveries about the disease.

Reporters made the shocking discovery that the governor had been unfaithful to his wife.

the discovery of pollution in the river
the discovery of a talented musician

[noncount] voyages of discovery [=voyages that are done to discover and learn about new places, people, etc.]

sailors during the age of discovery

2 [count] : something seen or learned for the first time : something discovered
recent archaeological discoveries

It was one of the most important discoveries in the history of medicine.

1dis·cred·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone or something) to seem dishonest or untrue

The prosecution discredited the witness by showing that she had lied in the past.

Many of his theories have been thoroughly discredited.

2 : to damage the reputation of (someone)

an attempt to discredit the governor

dis·cred·it·able adj [more ; most ]

discreditable conduct

dis·cred·it·ably adv

2discredit noun [noncount]

: loss of reputation or respect
often used with bring

His criminal activities brought discredit on/upon/to his family.

This scandal has brought the whole enterprise into lasting discredit.

Something that is to your discredit causes people to have a less favorable opinion of you.

To our discredit, we failed to offer help when it was most needed.

dis·creet adj [more ; most ]

1
used to suggest that someone is being careful about not allowing something from being known or noticed by many people
a discreet way to handle the problem

She was always very discreet about her personal life.

He made discreet inquiries about the job.

He maintained a discreet silence.

opposite INDISCREET

2 : not likely to be seen or noticed by many people

A photographer followed the bride and groom at a discreet [=unobtrusive] distance.

Do not confuse discreet with discrete.

dis·creet·ly adv
a letter discreetly hidden in the pages of an old book

dis·crep·an·cy noun, pl -cies

: a difference especially between things that should be the same

[count] Discrepancies in the firm's financial statements led to an investigation.

There were discrepancies between their accounts of the accident.

[noncount] There is some discrepancy [=disagreement] between the results of the two studies.

dis·crete adj
formal : separate and different from each other

The process can be broken down into a number of discrete [=separate, individual] steps.

Do not confuse discrete with discreet.

dis·crete·ly adv

dis·cre·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the right to choose what should be done in a particular situation

Each artist in the gallery has discretion over the price that will be charged for his or her work.

The coach used/exercised his own discretion to let the injured quarterback play.

The amount each person contributes will be left to the discretion of the individual. [=each person will decide how much he or she will contribute]

Because of the violence in the movie, parental discretion is advised. [=parents are advised to think about whether or not they want their children to see the movie]

Something that is done at your discretion is done if, how, when, etc., you choose to do it.

You can cancel the service at your (own) discretion. [=you can cancel the service whenever you choose]

Exactly how much to tip a server is at the discretion of the customer.

2 : the quality of being careful about what you do and say so that people will not be embarrassed or offended : the quality of being discreet

He always uses care and discretion when dealing with others.

She handled the awkward situation with great discretion.

She is the soul of discretion. [=she is very discreet]

opposite INDISCRETION

discretion is the better part of valor
used to say that it is better to be careful than to do something that is dangerous and unnecessary

dis·cre·tion·ary Brit adj

1 : available to be used when and how you decide

She has enough discretionary income [=income that is left after paying for things that are essential, such as food and housing] to pay for a nice vacation each year.

2 : done or used when necessary
the governor's discretionary power

dis·crim·i·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

1 [no obj] : to unfairly treat a person or group of people differently from other people or groups

The school is not allowed to discriminate.

It is illegal to discriminate on the grounds/basis of race/sex. [=it is illegal to treat someone differently because of his or her race/sex]

often + against

The firm discriminated against him because of his race.

2 somewhat formal : to notice and understand that one thing is different from another thing : to recognize a difference between things

[+ obj] He is old enough to discriminate [=distinguish, tell] right from wrong.

I can discriminate [=differentiate] the individual voices in the choir.

[no obj]

often + among or between

He could discriminate among the birds by their calls.

She can discriminate between ripe and unripe fruit by smell alone.

discriminating adj [more ; most ]

approving : liking only things that are of good quality : able to recognize the difference between things that are of good quality and those that are not
a discriminating audience

Those with more discriminating [=discerning] tastes are likely to find the movie dull and clichéd.

dis·crim·i·na·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the practice of unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people
racial/sexual/religious discrimination = discrimination based on race/sex/religion = discrimination on the basis of race/sex/religion

The law prohibits discrimination in hiring.

He sued the company for age discrimination.

blatant forms of discrimination
often + against

Company policy does not allow discrimination against women.

2 [noncount] formal

2 a : the ability to recognize the difference between things that are of good quality and those that are not

Those with more discrimination [=discernment] are likely to find the movie dull and clichéd.

2 b : the ability to understand that one thing is different from another thing
the animal's impressive scent/visual discrimination

3 [count] : a difference that is understood or recognized

He was able to make discriminations among/between the birds by their calls. [=able to distinguish the birds by their calls]

dis·crim·i·na·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

: not fair : unfairly treating a person or group of people differently from other people or groups of people

The law prohibits discriminatory hiring practices.

discriminatory treatment of minorities

dis·cur·sive adj [more ; most ]

formal : talking or writing about many different things in a way that is not highly organized

The instructor gave a discursive [=rambling] lecture that wandered from one topic to another.

discursive prose

dis·cur·sive·ly adv

He writes discursively.

dis·cus noun, pl -cus·es

1 [count] : a heavy flat round object that people throw as far as they can as a sport
a discus thrower

2 the discus : an athletic event in which people compete by trying to throw a discus farther than everyone else
winner of the discus

dis·cuss verb, -cuss·es, -cussed, -cus·sing [+ obj]

1 : to talk about (something) with another person or group

She discussed the plan with several colleagues.

They held a meeting to discuss the future of the company.

We'll discuss where to meet later.

Have you discussed the matter with your family?

2 : to give information, ideas, opinions, etc., about (something) in writing or speech

In the first chapter, the author discusses childcare issues.

The article discusses the theory in depth.

dis·cus·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : the act of talking about something with another person or a group of people : a conversation about something

[count] The class was involved in a heated discussion about politics.

I hope to have a discussion with them about the matter soon.

[noncount] After much discussion of the plan, the idea was rejected entirely.

She usually has an opinion about whatever subject/topic/issue is under discussion. [=being talked about]

During the period under discussion, the town grew in size.

The smoking ban is a major topic of discussion these days.

The proposal is up for discussion [=the proposal will be talked about] at today's meeting.

2 [count] : a speech or piece of writing that gives information, ideas, opinions, etc., about something

The article is an in-depth discussion of his theories.

The first chapter includes a discussion of childcare issues.

1dis·dain noun [singular]

: a feeling of strong dislike or disapproval of someone or something you think does not deserve respect

He glared at the waiter with a look of disdain [=contempt, scorn] on his face.

He regarded their proposal with disdain.

I have a healthy disdain for companies that mistreat their workers.

2disdain verb, -dains, -dained, -dain·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to strongly dislike or disapprove of (someone or something)

They disdained him for being weak.

teenagers who disdain [=loathe, detest] authority
a critic who disdains [=abhors, hates] all modern art

She disdains gambling.

2 : to refuse to do (something) because of feelings of dislike or disapproval

She disdained to answer their questions.

dis·dain·ful adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : felling strong dislike or disapproval for something or someone you think does not deserve respect : feeling or showing disdain

He looked at the waiter with a disdainful glare.

a disdainful attitude toward authority
often + of
a critic who is disdainful of all modern art

dis·dain·ful·ly adv

He glared disdainfully at the waiter.

dis·ease noun, pl -eas·es

1 : an illness that affects a person, animal, or plant : a condition that prevents the body or mind from working normally

[count] infectious/contagious diseases
He suffers from a rare genetic disease.
a deadly/debilitating disease
a disease of the mind/kidneys
diseases of poultry

[noncount] Thousands die of heart disease each year.

They are working to stop the spread of disease in rural areas.

gum/liver disease

2 [count] : a problem that a person, group, organization, or society has and cannot stop

The article cites intolerance as one of the most dangerous of society's diseases.

He sees crime as a disease that too often plagues the poor and disadvantaged.

dis·eased adj [more ; most ]

She removed the diseased tree limbs.

diseased cells/lungs/plants
a diseased mind

dis·em·bark verb, -barks, -barked, -bark·ing

1 [no obj] : to leave a ship or airplane

The plane's crew members were the last ones to disembark.

Passengers disembarked [=debarked] from the ship.

opposite EMBARK

2 [+ obj] : to remove (something or someone) from a ship or airplane

They disembarked [=(more commonly) unloaded] the cargo at the dock.

dis·em·bar·ka·tion noun [noncount]

dis·em·bod·ied adj

1 : not having a body
disembodied spirits

: not attached to a body
a disembodied head

2 : coming from a person who cannot be seen

We heard disembodied voices coming over the speakers.

dis·em·bow·el verb, -els, US -eled or Brit -elled, US -el·ing or Brit -el·ling [+ obj]

: to take the stomach, intestines, etc., out of (an animal or person) : to remove the bowels of (an animal or person)

The fierce cat uses its claws to disembowel its prey.

sometimes used figuratively

Critics say that the spending cuts will disembowel the program.

dis·em·bow·el·ment noun [noncount]

dis·em·pow·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (a person or a group of people) to be less likely than others to succeed : to prevent (a person or group) from having power, authority, or influence

They have been disempowered by a society that believes they are intellectually inferior.

disempowered minorities
opposite EMPOWER

dis·em·pow·er·ment noun [noncount]

the disempowerment of minorities

dis·en·chant·ed Brit adj [more ; most ]

: no longer happy or satisfied with something
disenchanted voters
often + with

He became more disenchanted [=dissatisfied] with his job every day.

dis·en·chant·ment Brit noun [noncount]

voter disenchantment

He talked about his growing disenchantment with his job.

dis·en·fran·chise verb, -chis·es, -chised, -chis·ing [+ obj]

: to prevent (a person or group of people) from having the right to vote

They disenfranchised poor people by making property ownership a requirement for registering to vote.

disenfranchised minorities
opposite ENFRANCHISE

dis·en·fran·chise·ment noun [noncount]

the disenfranchisement of minorities

dis·en·gage verb, -gag·es, -gaged, -gag·ing

1 : to separate from someone or something

[no obj] The two dancers moved together in a series of quick movements before disengaging and leaping apart.

[+ obj]

usually + from

I was trying to disengage [=free] myself from the safety harness.

2 [no obj] : to stop being involved with a person or group : to stop taking part in something
usually + from

He began to disengage [=(more commonly) withdraw] from the family when he was 15 or so.

3 : to move (a mechanism or part of a machine) so that it no longer fits into another part

[+ obj] Put the car in gear, and then slowly disengage the clutch while pressing on the gas pedal.

[no obj] If there is a malfunction, the gears will automatically disengage.

opposite ENGAGE

4 military : to order (a group of soldiers) to stop fighting and move away from an area

[+ obj] The government says it will gradually disengage [=withdraw] soldiers from the region.

[no obj] Troops in the area have begun to disengage. [=withdraw]

dis·en·gaged adj [more ; most ]

She became more and more disengaged [=withdrawn] as her depression worsened.

dis·en·gage·ment noun [noncount]

emotional disengagement [=withdrawal]

disengagement of the clutch
the disengagement of troops from the region

dis·en·tan·gle verb, -tan·gles, -tan·gled, -tan·gling [+ obj]

1 : to separate (things that are twisted together or caught on one another)

I can't disentangle [=untangle] the wires/hangers.

often + from

She was trying to disentangle her hair from her necklace.

often used figuratively

She finally disentangled herself from a bad relationship.

2 : to remove the twists or knots in (something)

disentangle [=untangle] a knotted string/rope

dis·en·tan·gle·ment noun [noncount]

dis·equi·lib·ri·um noun [singular]

formal + technical : a loss or lack of balance

The condition is caused by a disequilibrium in the brain's chemistry.

the disequilibrium of power

dis·es·tab·lish verb, -lish·es, -lished, -lish·ing [+ obj]

formal : to take away a particular church's status as the official church of a nation or state
efforts to disestablish the Church of England

dis·es·tab·lish·ment noun [noncount]

1dis·fa·vor (US) or Brit dis·fa·vour noun [noncount]

formal

1 : a feeling of disapproval or dislike

He regarded their proposal with disfavor.

They looked with disfavor upon her.

2 : the condition of being disapproved of or disliked

The theory has long been in disfavor. [=the theory has been unpopular for a long time]

The style fell into disfavor [=became unpopular] a decade ago.

2disfavor (US) or Brit disfavour verb, -vors, -vored, -vor·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to disapprove of or dislike (someone or something)

Some bar owners disfavor [=(more commonly) are against] the ban on smoking.

2 : to make it more difficult for (a person, organization, etc.) to succeed or achieve something than it is for another person, organization, etc.

The current laws favor large businesses and disfavor smaller businesses.

dis·fig·ure Brit verb, -ures, -ured, -ur·ing [+ obj]

: to spoil or damage the appearance of (something or someone)

His face was disfigured by a scar.

Vandals disfigured [=(more commonly) defaced] the wall with graffiti.

disfigured adj [more ; most ]

The fire left her horribly disfigured.

dis·fig·ure·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

His disfigurements were caused by an accident.

[noncount]

The lifesaving operation will cause some disfigurement.

disfiguring adj
disfiguring surgery

dis·gorge verb, -gorg·es, -gorged, -gor·ging

1 [+ obj] somewhat formal : to empty whatever is in the stomach through the mouth

The cat coughed and then disgorged [=(more commonly) vomited, threw up] a wad of hair.

2 a [+ obj] : to let out or release (something)

We watched the airplane disgorging its passengers at the gate.

The damaged ship disgorged thousands of gallons of oil into the bay.

2 b [no obj] : to flow out

The river disgorges into the ocean just south of the city.

1dis·grace verb, -grac·es, -graced, -grac·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to feel ashamed

Her behavior disgraced [=shamed] the whole family.

2 : to cause (someone or something) to lose or become unworthy of respect or approval

Many feel that the mayor has disgraced the town government by accepting personal favors from local businesspeople.

He felt he had disgraced himself by failing at school.

often used as (be) disgraced

The administration was disgraced by the scandal.

2disgrace noun

1 [noncount] : the condition of feeling ashamed or of losing or becoming unworthy of respect or approval

The secret was protected out of a fear of political disgrace.

The family is enduring the disgrace [=dishonor, shame] of scandal/suicide.

Many feel that the mayor has brought disgrace upon/on the town.

She was forced to leave in disgrace.

2 [singular] : something that you are or should be ashamed of

His table manners are a disgrace.

It is an absolute/utter disgrace [=shame] that the city has ignored the problem for so long.

The health-care system is a national disgrace.

It is no disgrace to be poor. [=you should not feel ashamed because you are poor]

often + to

The politicians responsible for this scandal are a disgrace to their country.

dis·grace·ful adj [more ; most ]

her disgraceful behavior

His table manners are disgraceful.

It's disgraceful that the city has ignored the problem for so long.

dis·grace·ful·ly adv

He behaved disgracefully.

disgracefully selfish

dis·grun·tled adj [more ; most ]

: unhappy and annoyed

She has to deal with disgruntled customers all day.

disgruntled employees

He was disgruntled over the lack of recognition he received.

1dis·guise verb, -guis·es, -guised, -guis·ing [+ obj]

1 : to change the usual appearance, sound, taste, etc., of (someone or something) so that people will not recognize that person or thing

He tried to disguise his voice on the phone but I could tell it was him.

She disguised herself in a wig and glasses.

often + as

The journalist traveled the city disguised as [=dressed like; pretending to be] a beggar.

She disguised herself as a musician to get into the concert hall early.

2 : to hide (something) so that it will not be seen or noticed

I could not disguise [=hide] my surprise.

They disguised [=masked] their true feelings.

We disguised the fact that we were disappointed.

I was aware of her thinly disguised [=poorly hidden] hostility.

2disguise noun, pl -guis·es

1 [count] : clothes or other things that you wear so that people will not recognize you

He wore a disguise of glasses, a fake mustache, and a cap.

2 [noncount] : the act of changing your appearance so that people will not recognize you

The famous thief is known to be a master of disguise.

a blessing in disguise see BLESSING

in disguise

1 : wearing a disguise

I've heard that she sometimes travels around the country in disguise.

2 : made to look like something else : presented as another thing

He says that the new fee is really just a tax increase in disguise.

1dis·gust noun [noncount]

1 : a strong feeling of dislike for something that has a very unpleasant appearance, taste, smell, etc.

He eyed the greasy food with disgust.

As the smell of garbage drifted through the air, she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

2 : annoyance and anger that you feel toward something because it is not good, fair, appropriate, etc.

He talked about his disgust with/at the way the news media focuses on celebrities.

Much to the disgust of some listeners, the speech was interrupted several times by a few people in the audience.

She shook her head in disgust when I described the scene.

2disgust verb, -gusts, -gust·ed, -gust·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to have a strong feeling of dislike for something especially because it has a very unpleasant appearance, taste, smell, etc.

The greasy food they were serving disgusted [=repulsed] him.

She's a vegetarian because the idea of eating meat totally disgusts her.

2 of something bad, unfair, improper, etc. : to cause (someone) to feel very annoyed and angry

The way the news media focuses on celebrities disgusts [=revolts] me.

The photographs disgust some people.

disgusted adj [more ; most ]

: very annoyed or angry about something : feeling or showing disgust

He's disgusted by all the attention people give to celebrities.

He had a disgusted expression on his face.

She was disgusted with herself for not knowing the answer.

dis·gust·ed·ly adv

He turned away disgustedly and walked out the door.

disgusting adj [more ; most ]

1 : so unpleasant to see, smell, taste, consider, etc., that you feel slightly sick

The food was disgusting. [=(informally) gross]

She finds the idea of eating meat totally disgusting. [=repulsive]

a disgusting [=repugnant] photograph

2 : so bad, unfair, inappropriate, etc., that you feel annoyed and angry

I think the way the news media focuses on celebrities is disgusting. [=repugnant]

What a disgusting way to treat people.

dis·gust·ing·ly adv
disgustingly greasy food
disgustingly filthy

(informal + humorous) a disgustingly good player [=an extremely good player]

1dish noun, pl dish·es

1 [count]

1 a : a shallow container that you cook or serve food in
a baking/serving dish [=a container used to bake/serve food]

a casserole/pie dish [=a container used to bake a casserole/pie]

specifically : a shallow bowl
a candy dish [=a container used to serve candy]

the cat's food/water dish

1 b : the food served in a dish
a dish of strawberries
a small dish of ice cream

2 [count] : food that is prepared in a particular way

Each person made a dish for the potluck supper.

The restaurant serves some of my favorite dishes.

a fish/pasta/potato dish [=food that has fish/pasta/potatoes as a main ingredient]

The main dish [=the biggest dish of a meal] was poached salmon, and it was served with a side dish [=a food that is served at the same time as the main dish] of spinach.

3 dishes [plural] : all the things (such as plates, forks, glasses, pans, cooking utensils, etc.) that are used to prepare, serve, and eat a meal

We piled all the dishes in the sink after dinner.

Will you wash the breakfast dishes, please?

a sink full of dirty dishes

It's your turn to do the dishes. [=wash the dishes]

4 [count]

4 a : a shallow container that holds something other than food
a soap dish

4 b : something that is shaped like a shallow bowl

Do you have cable TV or a dish? [=an antenna shaped like a dish that receives television signals from a satellite]

a dish antenna
see also PETRI DISH, SATELLITE DISH

5 [singular] informal + old-fashioned : a sexually attractive person

I hear your cousin is a dish. [=hottie]

2dish verb, dishes, dished, dish·ing [no obj]

slang : to talk about the personal life of someone else : gossip

The two of them are always dishing about their coworkers.

dish out [phrasal verb]

dish out (something) also dish (something) out informal

1 : to serve (food)

The restaurant dishes out more than 500 meals every night.

2 : to give (something) freely or in large amounts

She dishes out advice to anyone who'll listen.

He's always dishing out money and gifts to his grandchildren.

3 dish it out : to criticize other people

He can dish it out, but he can't take it. [=he likes to criticize other people, but he doesn't like being criticized]

dish (the) dirt see DIRT

dish up [phrasal verb]

dish up (something) also dish (something) up informal : to put (food) into a dish or dishes for serving or eating
dish up some soup
sometimes used figuratively

The movie dishes up [=serves up] a wild mix of sex and violence.

dis·har·mo·ny noun [noncount]

somewhat formal : lack of agreement that often causes unhappiness or trouble
a period of disharmony [=discord] between the two groups

Money problems are often a source of marital disharmony. [=strife]

dis·har·mo·ni·ous adj
a disharmonious relationship

dish·cloth noun, pl -cloths [count]

: a cloth that is used for washing dishes called also (US) dish rag

dish detergent noun, pl -gents [count, noncount]

US : liquid soap that is used for washing dishes called also (US) dishwashing detergent (US) dishwashing liquid (Brit) washing-up liquid

dis·heart·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (a person or group of people) to lose hope, enthusiasm, or courage : to discourage (someone)

The conflict between their families disheartened them.

often used as (be) disheartened

I was disheartened by the news.

disheartened adj [more ; most ]

I felt very disheartened.

disheartening adj [more ; most ]

a disheartening failure

It was disheartening to hear the news.

dis·heart·en·ing·ly adv

di·shev·eled (US) also Brit di·shev·elled adj [more ; most ]

: not neat or tidy

His wrinkled suit gave him a disheveled appearance.

disheveled hair

They looked dirty and disheveled.

dis·hon·est adj [more ; most ]

: not honest: such as
a : saying or likely to say things that are untrue

I think he is being dishonest [=untruthful] about what he knows.

a dishonest car dealer

b : containing information that is untrue
dishonest advertising

She gave dishonest answers to our questions.

c : used to deceive someone
dishonest [=deceitful] business practices

dis·hon·est·ly adv

I think she answered our questions dishonestly.

They have been running their business dishonestly.

dis·hon·es·ty noun [noncount]

: lack of honesty : the quality of being untruthful or deceitful
dishonesty in advertising

Are you accusing him of dishonesty?

her dishonesty about what happened

1dis·hon·or (US) or Brit dis·hon·our noun [noncount]

somewhat formal : loss or lack of honor : damage to your reputation and loss of respect from other people
warriors who choose death before dishonor

She found it difficult to endure the dishonor [=disgrace] of being involved in a scandal.

He is afraid that his confession will bring dishonor on/upon the family.

There's no dishonor in doing manual labor. [=doing manual labor does not make you unworthy of respect]

2dishonor (US) or Brit dishonour verb, -ors, -ored, -or·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal

1 : to cause (someone or something) to lose honor : to cause (someone or something) to no longer be respected

His actions dishonored [=brought dishonor on] the family.

Quitting now would dishonor [=disgrace] the memory of our predecessors.

2 : to fail to do what is required by (a promise, contract, etc.) : to fail to honor (something)

She dishonored her oath of office.

3 of a bank : to refuse to give out the money promised by (a check)

The bank dishonored my check.

a dishonored check

dis·hon·or·able (US) or Brit dis·hon·our·able adj [more ; most ]

: not deserving honor or respect : not morally or socially acceptable

His dishonorable behavior has shamed the family.

dishonorable [=shameful] conduct

Her military career ended with a dishonorable discharge. [=she was forced to leave the military because of unacceptable behavior]

opposite HONORABLE

dis·hon·or·ably (US) or Brit dis·hon·our·ably adv

He behaved dishonorably.

dish·pan noun, pl -pans [count]

US : a large usually plastic container with a flat bottom that holds water to wash dishes in

dishpan hands noun [plural]

chiefly US : hands that are red, rough, and sore because of washing a lot of dishes

dish rack noun, pl racks [count]

US : a rack that you place dishes on so they can dry

dish·rag noun, pl -rags [count]

US : dishcloth

dish towel noun, pl -els [count]

US : a cloth that is used for drying dishes called also (Brit) tea cloth (chiefly Brit) tea towel

dish·ware noun [noncount]

chiefly US : plates, bowls, cups, etc., that are usually part of a set

dish·wash·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person whose job is to wash dishes in a restaurant

2 : a machine that is used to wash dishes

dish·wash·ing adj
dishwashing soap

dishwashing detergent noun, pl -gents [count, noncount]

US : dish detergent

dishwashing liquid noun, pl -quids [count, noncount]

US : dish detergent

dish·wa·ter noun [noncount]

: water in which dishes have been or are going to be washed

(as) dull as dishwater

US informal : very boring or dull

The conversation was as dull as dishwater. [=(Brit) as dull as ditchwater]

like dishwater
informal : having very little flavor
used to describe soups or drinks

This coffee is like dishwater!

dishy adj, dish·i·er, -est
informal

1 : sexually attractive
a dishy actor

2 US : containing gossip or information about a usually famous person's private life
a dishy new biography

dis·il·lu·sion verb, -sions, -sioned, -sion·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to stop believing that something is good, valuable, true, etc.

Working at that store for six months was enough to disillusion me about retail work.

disillusion noun [noncount]

His disillusion [=disillusionment] with the job was obvious.

disillusioning adj [more ; most ]

a very disillusioning experience

dis·il·lu·sion·ment noun [noncount]

Disillusionment with the city government grew as conditions worsened.

disillusioned adj [more ; most ]

: having lost faith or trust in something : disappointed that something is not as good, valuable, true, etc., as it had seemed
a disillusioned journalist
often + with

She became more and more disillusioned with politics.

dis·in·cen·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

: something that causes or that could cause a person to decide not to do something

We considered volunteering, but the complicated application process was a disincentive.

The complicated application process was a disincentive to volunteering our time.

opposite INCENTIVE

dis·in·cli·na·tion noun [singular]

formal : a feeling of not wanting to do something : a tendency to avoid a particular activity
usually followed by to + verb

Her disinclination [=reluctance] to talk about her past made them all the more curious.

sometimes + for
a disinclination for [=dislike of] outdoor work

dis·in·clined adj [more ; most ]

formal : not wanting to do something : not inclined to do something
usually followed by to + verb

I'm disinclined [=reluctant] to accept her explanation.

He seemed disinclined [=hesitant] to take part in the discussion.

dis·in·fect verb, -fects, -fect·ed, -fect·ing [+ obj]

1 : to clean (something) especially by using a chemical substance that kills all germs and bacteria

Chemicals were added to disinfect the water.

The wound needs to be disinfected.

a clean, disinfected knife

2 computers : to remove a virus from (a computer) by using a special program

dis·in·fec·tion noun [noncount]

methods of water disinfection

dis·in·fect·ant noun, pl -ants

: a chemical substance that is used to kill harmful germs and bacteria : a substance that disinfects something

[count] They use a strong disinfectant on the medical equipment.

[noncount] a bottle of disinfectant

Clean the area with disinfectant.

dis·in·for·ma·tion noun [noncount]

: false information that is given to people in order to make them believe something or to hide the truth

The government used disinformation to gain support for the policy.

a campaign of disinformation = a disinformation campaign
compare MISINFORMATION

dis·in·gen·u·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : not truly honest or sincere : giving the false appearance of being honest or sincere

Her recent expressions of concern are self-serving and disingenuous.

a disingenuous response
compare INGENUOUS

dis·in·gen·u·ous·ly adv

He claims disingenuously to have supported the plan from the beginning.

dis·in·gen·u·ous·ness noun [noncount]

dis·in·her·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

: to prevent (someone, such as your daughter or son) from having the legal right to receive your money or property after you die

She threatened to disinherit her son and leave him penniless.

dis·in·te·grate verb, -grates, -grat·ed, grat·ing

: to break apart into many small parts or pieces

[no obj] The old iron hinge rusted and eventually disintegrated [=crumbled] into dust.

The paper will disintegrate if it gets wet.

often used figuratively

Their relationship gradually disintegrated.

With the rise of nationalism, the colonial empires began to disintegrate.

[+ obj] The laser can disintegrate most kinds of rock.

dis·in·te·gra·tion noun [noncount]

dis·in·ter verb, -ters, -terred, -ter·ring [+ obj]

formal : to take (a body) out of a grave or tomb : to dig up (a body)

The body was disinterred for further study.

sometimes used figuratively
disinter an old manuscript

dis·in·ter·est noun [noncount]

1 : lack of interest

His proposal was met with complete disinterest.

often + in

Their disinterest in politics is obvious.

2 : the quality or state of not being influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or concerns

The jurors must look at the facts of the case with complete disinterest. [=objectivity, impartiality]

dis·in·ter·est·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : not influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or concerns

A disinterested [=unbiased, impartial] third party mediated the dispute.

the disinterested pursuit of truth

2 : having no desire to know about a particular thing : not interested
often + in

They are obviously disinterested [=uninterested] in politics.

This sense is commonly used but some people consider it to be incorrect and say that “uninterested” should be used instead.

dis·in·ter·est·ed·ly adv
observing disinterestedly

dis·in·ter·est·ed·ness noun [noncount]

the disinterestedness of judges

dis·in·vest verb, -vests, -vest·ed, -vest·ing [no obj]

finance : to take your money out of an area, industry, company, etc., by selling property, shares, or stock

Several companies have disinvested from the country to protest its human rights policies.

disinvesting in real estate

dis·in·vest·ment noun [noncount]

disinvestment in real estate

dis·joint·ed adj [more ; most ]

: lacking order and organization

She could hardly follow their disjointed [=incoherent, disconnected] conversation.

a disjointed narrative/book

dis·junc·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a lack of connection between things that are related or should be connected
often + between

It is difficult to reconcile the disjunction between what he says and what he does.

dis·junc·tive adj
grammar : showing choice or opposition

“Or” and “but” are disjunctive conjunctions.

disjunctive noun, pl -tives [count]

“Or” and “but” are disjunctives.

dis·junc·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

formal : disjunction

disk variant spelling of DISC

disk drive noun, pl drives [count]

: a computer part that holds a computer disk or set of disks and that reads data from and copies data to disks

dis·kette noun, pl -kettes [count]

computers : floppy disk

1dis·like verb, -likes, -liked, -lik·ing [+ obj]

: to not like (something or someone) : to feel dislike for (something or someone)

I dislike basketball, but I enjoy baseball.

She dislikes [=she does not like] the cold weather.

He dislikes being interviewed.

Most people dislike it when they are told what to do.

2dislike noun, pl -likes

1 [singular] : a feeling of not liking or approving of something or someone
often + of or for

His dislike of cats was obvious.

She developed a general dislike for journalists.

If you take a dislike to someone or something, you begin to not like that person or thing.

They took an instant dislike to the new neighbors.

2 [count] : something that you do not like, approve of, or enjoy
usually plural
among his dislikes

He soon knew all of her likes and dislikes.

dis·lo·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

1 medical : to move (a bone) out of its normal location or position in a joint

She fell and dislocated her shoulder.

2 chiefly US, formal : to force (someone or something) to move from a place or position

The new hotel will dislocate several businesses.

Thousands of workers have been dislocated by the latest economic crisis.

3 formal : to cause (a business, system, etc.) to change in some major way : to stop (something) from functioning as it used to function
economies dislocated [=disrupted] by war

dislocated adj
a dislocated shoulder/finger/hip/wrist

(US) thousands of dislocated workers

dis·lo·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

patients with fractures and dislocations
the dislocations of war

[noncount]

The brace will prevent recurring hip dislocation.

social and economic dislocation

dis·lodge verb, -lodg·es, -lodged, -lodg·ing [+ obj]

: to forcefully remove (something or someone) from a place or position

The earthquake dislodged several boulders from the cliff.

He kicked at the stone to dislodge it.

The army has dislodged enemy forces from their stronghold.

dis·loy·al adj [more ; most ]

: failing to support or be true to someone or something : not loyal or faithful to your friends, family, country, etc.

It would be disloyal to abandon them.

disloyal employees
often + to
a traitor disloyal to his country

dis·loy·al·ty noun [noncount]

His disloyalty to the company led to his dismissal.

dis·mal adj [more ; most ]

1 : showing or causing unhappiness or sad feelings : not warm, cheerful, etc.

a dark, dismal room
dismal [=gloomy, dreary] weather

The barren landscape looks dismal [=bleak, desolate] in winter.

2 : very bad or poor

The show was a dismal failure.

a dismal performance

The team's record is dismal.

dis·mal·ly adv

The show failed dismally.

dis·man·tle verb, -man·tles, -man·tled, -man·tling [+ obj]

1 : to take (something, such as a machine or structure) apart so that it is in separate pieces

The mechanic dismantled the engine to repair it.

When will they dismantle the old bridge?

a dismantled power plant

2 : to destroy (something) in an orderly way : to gradually cause (something) to come to an end

The after-school program was dismantled due to lack of funding.

He accuses them of trying to dismantle the country's legal system.

dis·man·tle·ment noun [noncount]

the dismantlement of the power plant

dismantling noun [noncount]

the dismantling of old factories
the dismantling of government programs

1dis·may verb, -mays, -mayed, -may·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel very worried, disappointed, or upset

Her choice of career dismays her parents.

What especially dismayed [=upset, bothered] me was that no one else protested.

dismayed adj [more ; most ]

She was very dismayed to learn/discover that he was so ill.

I was dismayed by/at his indifference.

dismaying adj [more ; most ]

her dismaying indifference

dis·may·ing·ly adv
dismayingly indifferent

2dismay noun [noncount]

: a strong feeling of being worried, disappointed, or upset

His comments were met with cries of dismay.

They watched in dismay as the house burned.

Much to the dismay of her fans, she announced her retirement immediately after the book's release.

To my dismay, I did not get chosen for the job.

We listened with dismay to the news of the accident.

dis·mem·ber verb, -bers, -bered, -ber·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cut or tear (a body) into pieces

The victims' bodies had been dismembered and buried in the basement.

a dismembered corpse

2 formal : to separate (something) into smaller parts
dismembering a corporate empire

dis·mem·ber·ment noun, pl -ments [count, noncount]

dis·miss verb, -miss·es, -missed, -mis·sing [+ obj]

1 : to decide not to think about or consider (something or someone)

We dismissed his accusations.

We can't completely dismiss [=discount] the possibility that she's right.

I don't think we should dismiss the matter lightly.

often + as

His idea was dismissed as impractical.

For a long time they dismissed her as a silly old woman.

2 : to send (someone) away : to cause or allow (someone) to leave

The students were dismissed early because of the snowstorm.

Class is dismissed. [=the class is over and students are free to leave]

3 : to officially make (someone) leave a job : to end the employment or service of (someone)

He was dismissed [=fired] from his job.

Several employees were recently dismissed.

4 law : to officially end or stop (something, such as a legal case)

The judge dismissed the case/suit.

All charges were dismissed. [=dropped]

dis·miss·al noun, pl -als [count]

I was surprised by his dismissal of the idea.

A small group is protesting the dismissals of several employees.

the dismissal of the lawsuit

[noncount]

He still hopes to win his claim for unfair dismissal.

dis·miss·ive adj

1 : refusing to think about or consider something or someone
usually + of

He was dismissive of my idea.

2 : showing that you do not think something or someone is worth thinking about or considering
a dismissive remark
a dismissive wave of the hand

dis·miss·ive·ly adv

He spoke dismissively about the accident.

She laughed dismissively [=scornfully] when I expressed admiration for the book.

dis·mount verb, -mounts, -mount·ed, -mount·ing [no obj]

: to get down from something (such as a horse or bicycle)

The cyclist dismounted and walked her bike across the street.

The gymnast dismounted from the parallel bars.

opposite MOUNT

dismount noun, pl -mounts [count]

the gymnast's perfect dismount

dis·obe·di·ence noun [noncount]

: refusal or failure to obey rules, laws, etc. : a lack of obedience

The student's disobedience shocked the teacher.

The dog was punished for its disobedience.

see also CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

dis·obe·di·ent adj [more ; most ]

: not doing what someone or something with authority tells you to do : refusing or failing to obey rules, laws, etc.

The disobedient soldier was given cleanup duty.

The dog was being disobedient.

opposite OBEDIENT

dis·obe·di·ent·ly adv

dis·obey verb, -obeys, -obeyed, -obey·ing

: to not do what someone or something with authority tells you to do : to refuse or fail to obey rules, laws, etc.

[no obj] If you disobey, you will be severely punished.

[+ obj] The soldier disobeyed the general's orders.

He was afraid to disobey his father.

The driver had disobeyed the law.

dis·or·der noun, pl -ders

1 [noncount] : a confused or messy state : a lack of order or organization

People who witnessed the tragedy describe a scene of disorder [=chaos] as rescuers tried to find survivors.

The filing system was thrown into disorder [=was disrupted or upset] when the computer program malfunctioned.

often used with in

His finances were in complete disorder. [=his finances were not organized]

The clothes/papers were in (a state of) disorder.

opposite ORDER

2 [noncount] : a state or situation in which there is a lot of noise, crime, violent behavior, etc.

The mayor is concerned that a rally could create/cause public disorder.

problems of crime and social disorder
opposite ORDER

3 medical : a physical or mental condition that is not normal or healthy

[count] A dermatologist treats disorders [=diseases] of the skin.

an eating disorder
a disorder of the blood = a blood disorder

[noncount] Millions of people suffer from some form of personality/mental disorder.

dis·or·dered adj

1 [more ; most ] : in a confused or messy state : having a lack of order or organization

The project was in a disordered state.

The file was completely disordered.

opposite ORDERED

2 medical : not working in a normal, healthy way
a disordered mind

The child is emotionally disordered. [=(more commonly) disturbed]

dis·or·der·ly adj [more ; most ]

1 : causing a problem especially in a public place by making a lot of noise, behaving violently, etc.

Two disorderly [=unruly] persons were arrested.

She was charged with being drunk and disorderly.

He was found guilty of disorderly conduct.

2 : not neat or orderly

A disorderly [=disordered] pile of papers covered most of her desk.

dis·or·ga·nized also Brit dis·or·ga·nised adj [more ; most ]

: not organized: such as
a : not arranged or planned in a particular way

The meeting was very disorganized.

b : not having parts arranged in a neat and effective way
a disorganized essay
a disorganized desk

c : not able to keep things arranged in a neat or effective way

He is very disorganized.

disorganized students

dis·or·ga·ni·za·tion also Brit dis·or·ga·ni·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

dis·ori·ent verb, -ents, -ent·ed, -ent·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) lost or confused

Thick fog can disorient even an experienced hiker.

compare ORIENT

dis·ori·en·ta·tion noun [noncount]

The medication may cause drowsiness and disorientation.

disoriented adj [more ; most ]

The patient became increasingly disoriented as the illness progressed.

a disoriented hiker

disorienting adj [more ; most ]

It's disorienting to wake up in total darkness.

dis·ori·en·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : disorient

dis·own verb, -owns, -owned, -own·ing [+ obj]

: to say or decide that you will no longer be connected with, associated with, or responsible for (someone or something)

Her parents threatened to disown her if she didn't go back to school.

He was disowned for bringing shame to the family.

dis·par·age verb, -ag·es, -aged, -ag·ing [+ obj]

formal : to describe (someone or something) as unimportant, weak, bad, etc.

Voters don't like political advertisements in which opponents disparage one another.

It's a mistake to disparage their achievements.

The article disparaged polo as a game for the wealthy.

dis·par·age·ment noun [noncount]

a term of disparagement
the author's relentless disparagement of politicians

disparaging adj [more ; most ]

I heard her making disparaging remarks about her coworkers.

dis·par·ag·ing·ly adv

He referred disparagingly to his car as “an old clunker.”

dis·par·ate adj [more ; most ]

formal : different from each other

The conversation covered topics as disparate [=diverse] as fashion and biology.

disparate cultures
music that combines/blends disparate [=dissimilar] elements

dis·par·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal : a noticeable and often unfair difference between people or things

[count] problems that exist when there is a disparity of power [=when one person, group, etc., has much more power than another]

There is a great disparity between (the) rich and (the) poor in this country.

The age disparity between the players is obvious.

[noncount] the region's increasing income disparity

dis·pas·sion·ate adj [more ; most ]

: not influenced or affected by emotions

Journalists aim to be dispassionate observers.

He spoke in a dispassionate tone about the accident.

dis·pas·sion·ate·ly adv [more ; most ]

1dis·patch also Brit des·patch verb, -patch·es, -patched, -patch·ing [+ obj]

1 : to send (someone or something) quickly to a particular place for a particular purpose

Rescue workers were immediately dispatched to the area.

The hotel dispatched a limo to pick us up from the airport.

(formal) The message was dispatched to the general.

2 : to defeat (a person or team) in a game, contest, etc.

She easily dispatched [=(more commonly) beat] her opponent.

3 old-fashioned : to kill (a person or animal) quickly

He dispatched the guard with one bullet.

2dispatch also Brit despatch noun, pl -patches

1 [count] : an important official message

The general sent a dispatch to headquarters.

In British English, a soldier who is mentioned in dispatches is noted for bravery.

2 [noncount] somewhat formal : the act of sending someone or something to a particular place for a particular purpose

He requested the immediate dispatch of supplies/troops.

3 [count] : a news story that a reporter sends to a newspaper usually from a foreign country

The reporter sent many dispatches from the war zone.

with dispatch
formal : in a quick and efficient way

The problem was handled with dispatch.

dispatch box also despatch box noun, pl boxes

Brit

1 the Dispatch Box : a box on a table in the House of Commons that important government officials stand behind when speaking

2 [count] : a container for holding important documents

dis·patch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US

1 : someone whose job is to talk by radio with people in vehicles (such as police cars, ambulances, or taxis) in order to send them to a particular place

2 : someone who is in charge of the departure of trains, airplanes, buses, trucks, etc.

dispatch rider also Brit despatch rider noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly Brit : someone who delivers messages or packages especially by traveling on a motorcycle

dis·pel verb, -pels, -pelled, -pel·ling [+ obj]

: to make (something, such as a belief, feeling, or idea) go away or end

This report should dispel any doubts you have about the plan.

She made an official statement to dispel any rumors about her retirement.

The experience dispelled some of our fears about the process.

dis·pens·able adj [more ; most ]

: not necessary or required

Computers have made typewriters dispensable.

Do you consider any of the staff to be dispensable?

dispensable luxuries
opposite INDISPENSABLE

dis·pen·sa·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a place where medicine or minor medical treatment is given
a hospital dispensary

dis·pen·sa·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 : permission to break a law or an official promise you have made : release from a rule, vow, or oath

[noncount] The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.

[count] The state gave the town a special dispensation, allowing it to ignore the law in this case.

2 [singular] : an act of providing something to people

The ship's doctor handled the dispensation [=distribution] of medicine.

a speedy dispensation [=administration] of justice

dis·pense verb, -pens·es, -pensed, -pens·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give or provide (something)

The ATM only dispenses $20 bills.

A judge's job is to dispense [=administer] justice.

a newspaper columnist who dispenses advice to millions of readers each week

2 : to prepare and give (medicine)

Pharmacists are certified to dispense medication.

dispense with [phrasal verb]

dispense with (something) formal : to no longer use or require (something) : to get rid of (something)

Let's dispense with the usual introductions and get down to business.

The new cleaning process will dispense with the need for ventilation.

dis·pens·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a machine or container that lets you take small amounts of something
a paper towel dispenser
a soap/tape dispenser

2 : a person or organization that gives or provides something to people
hospitals and other health-care dispensers
often + of

A teacher should be more than a dispenser of knowledge.

dis·perse verb, -pers·es, -persed, -pers·ing

: to go or move in different directions : to spread apart

[no obj] Police ordered the crowd to disperse.

The clouds dispersed [=broke], revealing blue sky above.

The fog gradually dispersed [=dissipated, vanished] as the day grew warmer.

[+ obj] Police dispersed the protesters.

dis·per·sal noun [noncount]

The police are trained in crowd dispersal.

dis·per·sion noun [noncount] technical

Laws were established to limit the dispersion of pollutants.

dis·pir·it·ed adj [more ; most ]

: feeling unhappy and without hope or enthusiasm

The loss left the team dispirited. [=disheartened, discouraged]

dispirited supporters
opposite SPIRITED

dis·pir·it·ed·ly adv

The team sat dispiritedly on the bench.

dis·pir·it·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing a loss of hope or enthusiasm

It was very dispiriting [=discouraging, disheartening] to lose yet another game.

a dispiriting failure

dis·place verb, -plac·es, -placed, -plac·ing [+ obj]

1 : to take the job or position of (someone or something)

Many of the company's workers were displaced [=replaced] by machines.

Some say football has displaced [=replaced, supplanted] baseball as America's national pastime.

2 a : to force (people or animals) to leave the area where they live

The war has displaced thousands of people.

The hurricane displaced most of the town's residents.

animals displaced by wildfire

2 b chiefly US : to remove (someone) from a job or position

The closing of the factory has displaced many workers.

3 : to move (something) so that it is no longer in its original or regular location or position
farming practices that displace large amounts of soil

(technical) The ship displaces 20,000 tons (of water).

displaced adj
a crisis involving thousands of displaced persons/people [=people who have been forced to leave the area/country where they live]

dis·place·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : the act of displacing something: such as

1 a : the act of forcing people or animals to leave the area where they live

[noncount] The war has caused the displacement of thousands of people.

[count] population displacements

1 b : the movement of something from its original or regular position

[count] displacements in the Earth's crust

[noncount] soil displacement caused by farming

2 [count] technical : the amount of water that is moved by an object when it is placed in water
usually singular

The ship has a very large displacement.

1dis·play verb, -plays, -played, -play·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put (something) where people can see it

Students displayed their projects at the science fair.

The results are displayed [=shown] on the computer screen.

Toys were displayed in the store window.

Her awards are prominently/proudly displayed on the mantel.

The museum displays relics found during the excavation of the site.

sometimes used figuratively

The tree displays pretty pink flowers in the spring.

2 : to show that you have (an emotion, quality, skill, etc.)

He displayed no emotion when I told him the news.

I was impressed by the care she displayed in making the flower arrangements.

The children displayed [=exhibited] no interest in learning how to play the piano.

The rookie player displayed great skill.

The company has displayed exceptional dedication to this community.

2display noun, pl -plays [count]

1 : an arrangement of objects intended to decorate, advertise, entertain, or inform people about something

Each table had a beautiful display of flowers. = Each table had a beautiful flower display.

the bookstore's display of dictionaries = the bookstore's dictionary display

The library's current display features locally made crafts.

There is a display [=exhibit, exhibition] of his early paintings at the museum.

Her trophies are in a display case/cabinet.

a store's window display [=a display of products shown in a store's window]

2 : an event at which something is done or shown to impress or entertain people

The celebration ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

3 : an action, performance, etc., which shows very clearly that you have some ability, feeling, quality, etc.

usually + of
a display of anger

In a remarkable display of generosity, the students gave the money they had raised for the class trip to their sick classmate.

the soccer player's impressive display of footwork
shocking displays of wealth in a country of extreme poverty

He disapproved of their public displays of affection. [=hugging, kissing, etc., in public]

4 : an electronic device (such as a computer monitor) that shows information

The computer comes with a high-resolution color display.

The display showed an error message.

a calculator's display screen

5 biology : a way of behaving that a bird or animal uses to show another bird or animal that it wants to mate, fight, etc.

courtship/threat displays

on display

: put somewhere for people to see : in a display

Autographed baseballs are on display at the show.

Only a few of the artifacts will be put on display. = Only a few of the artifacts will go on display.

dis·please verb, -pleas·es, -pleased, -pleas·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) feel unhappy or annoyed

What I said obviously displeased her. = She was obviously displeased by what I said.

opposite PLEASE

displeased adj [more ; most ]

She looked displeased when I told her about it.

We're very displeased with the delays.

displeasing adj [more ; most ]

visually displeasing buildings

dis·plea·sure noun [noncount]

: a feeling of unhappiness or annoyance

The meeting will give people who object to the policy a chance to voice/express their displeasure.

Fans showed their displeasure at the umpire's call by booing loudly.

1dis·pos·able adj

1 : made to be used once or only a few times : made to be thrown away after one use or several uses
disposable diapers/razors

2 somewhat formal : available to be used
disposable resources/assets

I don't have enough disposable income [=income that is left after paying taxes and for things that are essential, such as food and housing] to buy such luxuries.

2disposable noun, pl -ables [count]

: something that is made to be thrown away after it is used once
usually plural

Do you use cloth diapers or disposables? [=disposable diapers]

dis·pos·al noun, pl -als

1 [noncount] : the act of disposing of something: such as

1 a : the act of throwing something away
trash disposal
the disposal of nuclear waste

1 b law : the act of giving control or ownership of land, possessions, etc., to someone
the disposal of property

2 [count] US : garbage disposal

at someone's disposal

: available for someone to use

We had plenty of money at our disposal.

I'm at your disposal. [=I'm ready to do whatever you would like me to do]

They are using every legal tool at their disposal to prevent the bridge from being built.

dis·pose verb, -pos·es, -posed, -pos·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to cause (someone) to be likely to do or have something

+ to or toward

His upbringing disposes him to question authority.

people whose genes dispose them toward a particular disease

2 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to put (someone or something) in a particular position or place

The troops/cottages were disposed [=(more commonly) arranged] along either side of the river.

dispose of [phrasal verb]

1 dispose of (something)

1 a : to throw (something) away : to get rid of (something)

The waste was not properly disposed of.

Please dispose of your cigarette butts in one of the ashtrays available.

1 b formal : to deal with and finish (something)

I have some business to dispose of [=(less formally) wrap up, take care of] before we meet.

1 c law : to give control or ownership of (land, possessions, etc.) to someone

A will is a legal document that is used to dispose of property.

2 dispose of (someone or something)

2 a : to defeat (a person or team) in a game, contest, etc.

She easily disposed of her opponent.

2 b : to kill (a person or animal)

The article includes a list of the weapons the soldiers used to dispose of their enemies.

disposed adj, not used before a noun
formal

1 : wanting to do something or likely to do something

Join us for dinner if you feel so disposed. [=if you want to]

dogs that are naturally disposed toward fighting
usually followed by to + verb

He disagreed but was not disposed [=inclined] to argue.

Many people seem disposed to distrust salespeople.

2 : feeling or thinking in a specified way about something
usually + to or toward

They were favorably/unfavorably disposed to/toward the idea. [=they liked/disliked the idea]

see also ILL-DISPOSED, WELL-DISPOSED

dis·po·si·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : the usual attitude or mood of a person or animal

He always had a cheerful/nervous disposition. [=temperament, personality]

It's nice to work with someone who has such a sunny disposition. [=who is usually cheerful]

a dog with an excellent disposition

2 formal

2 a [singular] : a tendency to act or think in a particular way

Her disposition was to always think negatively.

He has a disposition toward criminal behavior.

2 b [count] : a tendency to develop a disease, condition, etc.

people with a genetic disposition toward a particular disease

3 formal : the act or power of officially or legally giving land, possessions, etc., to someone

[count] the philanthropist's charitable dispositions [=(less formally) donations]

[noncount] A will is a legal document that is used in the disposition of property.

4 [count] formal : the way things are placed or arranged usually singular;
often + of

The map showed the disposition of troops on the border.

dis·pos·sess verb, -sess·es, -sessed, -sess·ing [+ obj]

formal : to take land, possessions, etc., from (someone)

The land was settled by dispossessing the native people who lived here.

often + of

The new regime dispossessed many people of their land.

dis·pos·ses·sion noun [noncount]

dispossessed adj, always used before a noun
formal : having had your land, possessions, etc., taken away from you

The organization helps dispossessed people rebuild their lives.

the dispossessed

: people whose land, possessions, etc., have been taken away from them
helping the poor and the dispossessed

dis·pro·por·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : a difference that is not fair, reasonable, or expected

[count] The author does not explain the disproportion [=(more commonly) disparity] between the value of the stones.

[noncount] His salary is in disproportion to what people who have similar jobs earn.

dis·pro·por·tion·al adj [more ; most ]

The punishment was disproportional [=(more commonly) disproportionate] to the crime.

dis·pro·por·tion·al·ly adv [more ; most ]

dis·pro·por·tion·ate adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing a difference that is not fair, reasonable, or expected : too large or too small in relation to something

He believes that middle-class people bear a disproportionate share of the tax burden.

A disproportionate number of the students are poor.

often + to

The organization's political influence is disproportionate to its size.

dis·pro·por·tion·ate·ly adv [more ; most ]

A disproportionately high number of the students are poor.

dis·prove verb, -proves, -proved or chiefly US -prov·en , -prov·ing [+ obj]

: to show that (something) is false or wrong
disprove [=refute] an argument/claim
often used as (be) disproved

The theory has been disproved.

opposite PROVE

dis·put·able adj [more ; most ]

: not yet proved or shown to be true : likely to be questioned or doubted

The source of the text is disputable. [=debatable]

a disputable claim

The conclusion was based on disputable [=questionable] evidence.

opposite INDISPUTABLE

dis·put·ably adv

It's been proved indisputably.

dis·pu·tant Brit noun, pl -tants [count]

formal : a person who is involved in a dispute and especially in a legal dispute

dis·pu·ta·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : a disagreement or argument

[count] legal disputations

[noncount] years of debate and disputation

dis·pu·ta·tious adj [more ; most ]

a disputatious person [=a person who often disagrees and argues with other people]

1dis·pute noun, pl -putes

: a disagreement or argument

[count] They could not settle their dispute.

legal disputes

There is a labor dispute between workers and management.

The two farmers are involved in a land dispute.

a domestic dispute [=an argument between people who live together]

often + over or about

There was a dispute [=disagreement] over/about what to do with the extra money.

[noncount] There is dispute [=debate] among scholars as to the source of the text. = The source of the text is a matter/subject of dispute among scholars.

The matter/issue is still in dispute. [=people still disagree about it]

The drug's effectiveness is beyond dispute. [=it is certain that the drug is effective]

How it happened is open to dispute. [=people disagree about how it happened]

2dispute verb, -putes, -put·ed, -put·ing

1 [+ obj] : to say or show that (something) may not be true, correct, or legal

The lawyer disputed [=challenged] the witness's statement.

You can dispute your bill if you believe it is inaccurate.

She disputed the claim.

These estimates are hotly/much disputed by scientists.

No one ever disputed that it was the right decision.

There is no disputing the drug's effectiveness. [=it is certain that the drug is effective]

2 : to argue about (something)

[+ obj] The source of the text has been disputed for centuries.

We were disputing [=debating] whether we should call the police or look for the thief ourselves.

[no obj] It's no use disputing [=(more commonly) arguing] with them.

3 [+ obj] formal : to fight in order to take control of (something)

a part of the city where two drug gangs are disputing territory

disputed adj
a disputed phone bill
various disputed claims/questions
the disputed territory/area/land

dis·qual·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to stop or prevent (someone) from doing, having, or being a part of something

His poor eyesight disqualified him from becoming a pilot.

The judge might disqualify [=bar] her from serving on the jury.

usually used as (be) disqualified

The winner was later disqualified for cheating.

(Brit) He was disqualified from driving for three months. [=he was not allowed to drive for three months]

dis·qual·i·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

A positive drug test is grounds/reason for disqualification.

[count]

What are the disqualifications for military service?

1dis·qui·et verb, -ets, -eted, -et·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (someone) worried or nervous
usually used as (be) disquieted

We were disquieted by the news.

disquieting adj [more ; most ]

We found the news disquieting.

The letter gave disquieting news of the war.

2disquiet noun [noncount]

formal : a feeling of worry or nervousness

There is increasing public disquiet about/over the number of violent crimes in the city.

The falling stock prices have caused great disquiet [=concern] among shareholders.

dis·qui·si·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

formal : a long speech or written report on a subject
a lengthy disquisition on foreign policy

1dis·re·gard verb, -gards, -gard·ed, -gard·ing [+ obj]

: to ignore (something) or treat (something) as unimportant

Please disregard what I said before.

He disregarded his father's advice and left school.

Some students completely disregard the rules of the school.

2disregard noun

: the act of ignoring something or treating something as unimportant

[noncount] They treated the rules with complete/total disregard.

usually + for or of
the government's casual disregard for the rights of its citizens

The terrorists acted in complete/total disregard of human life.

The judge found that the statements were made with reckless disregard for/of the truth.

[singular]

usually + for or of

Some students show a complete disregard for the rules of the school.

a disregard of the evidence

dis·re·pair noun [noncount]

: the state of needing to be repaired : bad condition

The lighthouse was in disrepair until the volunteers cleaned it up.

A number of major bridges are in (states of) disrepair.

After years of neglect, the house fell into disrepair.

dis·rep·u·ta·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : not respected or trusted by most people : having a bad reputation
disreputable people

The company was using disreputable [=dishonest] hiring practices.

opposite REPUTABLE

dis·re·pute noun [noncount]

formal : a state of not being respected or trusted by most people : a state of having a bad reputation

The theory has been in disrepute for years.

The star player's drug use will bring the game into disrepute. [=give the game a bad reputation; make people not respect the game]

The technique has fallen into disrepute. [=it is no longer respected or trusted]

1dis·re·spect noun

: speech or behavior which shows that you do not think someone or something is valuable, important, etc. : lack of respect

[noncount] The student treated the teacher with disrespect.

With no disrespect to the other players [=I do not mean to say that other players are not good], he is clearly the star of the team.

I'm sorry. I meant no disrespect.

[singular] He showed a shocking disrespect for authority.

dis·re·spect·ful adj [more ; most ]

She was very disrespectful to the teacher.

disrespectful behavior

dis·re·spect·ful·ly adv

2disrespect verb, -spects, -spect·ed, -spect·ing [+ obj]

: to say or do something that shows a lack of respect for (someone or something)

He disrespected [=insulted] the police officer.

He was angry because he felt he had been disrespected. [=treated with disrespect]

dis·robe verb, -robes, -robed, -rob·ing
formal

1 [no obj] : to remove your clothes : undress

She disrobed and stepped into the bathtub.

2 [+ obj] : to remove the clothes of (someone) : undress

She disrobed herself.

dis·rupt verb, -rupts, -rupt·ed, -rupt·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (something) to be unable to continue in the normal way : to interrupt the normal progress or activity of (something)

Protesters disrupted the conference.

The barking dogs disrupted my sleep.

The weather disrupted our travel plans.

a chemical that disrupts cell function

dis·rup·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The construction caused disruptions in bus service.

The chemical causes a disruption of cell function.

[noncount]

The change will be made with minimal disruption of service.

dis·rup·tive adj [more ; most ]

disruptive behavior

She has a disruptive influence on the other students.

dis·rup·tive·ly adv

diss variant spelling of DIS

dis·sat·is·fac·tion noun, pl -tions

: a feeling of unhappiness or disapproval

[count]

usually singular

We're aware of a growing dissatisfaction among group members.

She expressed her dissatisfaction with the restaurant's service.

[noncount] There was widespread dissatisfaction with the President and his administration.

a source of dissatisfaction
opposite SATISFACTION

dis·sat·is·fied adj [more ; most ]

: not happy or pleased
dissatisfied customers
often + with

He was dissatisfied with his job.

opposite SATISFIED, compare UNSATISFIED

dis·sat·is·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to fail to make (someone) happy or pleased

Their final decision dissatisfied [=displeased] everyone.

She was dissatisfied by the poor service.

opposite SATISFY

dissatisfying adj [more ; most ]

a dissatisfying experience

The movie was dissatisfying.

dis·sect verb, -sects, -sect·ed, -sect·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cut (a plant or dead animal) into separate parts in order to study it

We dissected a frog in science class.

2 : to study or examine (something) closely and carefully : analyze

She dissected each point of his argument.

We dissected the poem in class.

3 : to divide (something) into parts

Streams dissect the land.

The city is dissected by a network of highways.

dis·sec·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The students performed a dissection.

Her essay includes an excellent dissection of the poem.

[noncount]

a process of careful dissection

dis·sem·ble verb, -sem·bles, -sem·bled, -sem·bling [no obj]

formal + literary : to hide your true feelings, opinions, etc.

It's now clear that he dissembled about the risks involved. [=he did not tell the truth about the risks involved]

dissembling noun [noncount]

Such dissembling from a politician is nothing new.

dis·sem·i·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause (something, such as information) to go to many people

The Internet allows us to disseminate information/news/ideas faster.

The findings were widely disseminated.

dis·sem·i·na·tion noun [noncount]

the dissemination of information

dis·sem·i·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

disseminators of information

dis·sen·sion noun [noncount]

formal : disagreement that causes the people in a group to argue about something that is important to them

The incident has caused a lot of dissension within/in the police department.

Religious dissension threatened to split the colony.

1dis·sent verb, -sents, -sent·ed, -sent·ing [no obj]

formal : to publicly disagree with an official opinion, decision, or set of beliefs

The Supreme Court, with two justices dissenting, ruled that the law was constitutional.

often + from

Several scientists dissented from the decision.

dis·sent·er noun, pl -ers [count]

dissenting adj
dissenting opinions/views

There are few dissenting voices within the party.

2dissent noun, pl -sents

1 formal : public disagreement with an official opinion, decision, or set of beliefs

[noncount] Church leaders permitted no dissent from church teachings.

He did everything in his power to suppress political dissent.

[count] These dissents come from prominent scientists and should not be ignored.

2 [count] US, law : a statement by a judge giving reasons why the judge does not agree with the decision made by the other judges in a court case

She argued in her dissent that Congress had exceeded its authority.

dis·ser·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a long piece of writing about a particular subject that is done to earn an advanced degree at a university

He wrote his dissertation on an obscure 16th-century poet.

dis·ser·vice noun [singular]

: something that harms or damages someone or something

Her comments were a disservice to those volunteers.

usually used in the phrase do a disservice

He did a disservice to readers by providing wrong information.

Her behavior has done the sport a great disservice. [=her behavior has hurt the sport]

dis·si·dent noun, pl -dents [count]

: someone who strongly and publicly disagrees with and criticizes the government

Many political dissidents were arrested.

dis·si·dence noun [noncount]

political/religious dissidence [=dissent]

dissident adj, always used before a noun
dissident scholars/students
the dissident movement

dis·sim·i·lar adj [more ; most ]

: not the same : different or unalike

The two movies are very dissimilar.

The writers have dissimilar backgrounds.

A not dissimilar [=similar] situation has occurred overseas.

The question is not dissimilar to one asked earlier.

opposite SIMILAR

dis·sim·i·lar·i·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

dissimilarities in the writers' backgrounds

[noncount]

I could see no dissimilarity between the twins.

dis·si·pate verb, -pates, -pat·ed, -pat·ing
formal

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to spread out and disappear

The morning sun dissipated the fog.

1 b [no obj] : to separate into parts and disappear or go away

The fog should dissipate soon.

By noon the crowd had dissipated. [=(more commonly) dispersed]

often used figuratively

Her anger began to dissipate after a while.

2 [+ obj] : to use all or a lot of (something, such as money or time) in a foolish way

He had dissipated [=squandered] his family's fortune in only a few years.

dis·si·pa·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 [noncount] : the process of slowly disappearing or becoming less

Insulation helps prevent the dissipation of heat from houses in the winter.

2 [noncount] : the act of using all or a lot of money, time, etc., in a foolish way
a movie about the dissipation of a famous heir's fortune
the dissipation of resources

3 disapproving : behavior that shows you are interested only in pleasure, money, etc.

[noncount] He lived a life of dissipation.

[count] her gambling and dissipations

dis·so·ci·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to end your relationship with or connection to someone or something : to separate (yourself) from someone or something

She became famous and dissociated [=disassociated] herself from her past.

The director has tried to dissociate himself from his earlier films.

Why is the organization choosing to dissociate itself from its founder?

dis·so·ci·a·tion noun [noncount]

dis·so·lute adj [more ; most ]

formal + disapproving
used to describe someone (such as a person who often gets drunk) whose way of living is considered morally wrong
a dissolute drunk

She has led a dissolute life.

dis·so·lu·tion noun [noncount]

formal

1 : the act of officially ending a marriage, organization, agreement, etc.

the dissolution of the marriage/business/contract

2 : the process of making something slowly end or disappear
the dissolution of old beliefs

The treatment is used for the dissolution of kidney stones.

dis·solve verb, -solves, -solved, -solv·ing

1 of something solid : to mix with a liquid and become part of the liquid

[no obj] Sugar/salt dissolves in water.

[+ obj] Dissolve the tablet in water.

2 [+ obj] formal : to officially end (something, such as a marriage, organization, or agreement)

She dissolved [=terminated] their partnership.

often used as (be) dissolved

The marriage/business/government was dissolved.

The company has been dissolved.

3 somewhat formal : to end or disappear or cause (something) to end or disappear

[no obj] His smile dissolved [=disappeared] when I told him the news.

Hopes for peace dissolved in renewed violence.

[+ obj] His kind words dissolved her sadness.

The treatment is used to dissolve kidney stones.

If you dissolve in/into tears/laughter, etc., you start to cry, laugh, etc., in an uncontrolled way.

The audience dissolved into tears during the play's final scene.

The children dissolved into laughter/giggles.

dis·solv·able adj

The doctor used dissolvable stitches to close the wound.

dis·so·nant adj [more ; most ]

1 formal : not in agreement with something : discordant
dissonant views

2 music : not in harmony : discordant
dissonant chords
opposite CONSONANT

dis·so·nance noun, pl -nanc·es [noncount]

The dissonance [=conflict] between the truth and what people want to believe.

When played together, the chords create dissonance.

[count]

The composer uses dissonances freely.

dis·suade verb, -suades, -suad·ed, -suad·ing [+ obj]

: to convince (someone) not to do something

Our warnings did not dissuade them.

often + from

He tried to dissuade them from going.

compare PERSUADE

dis·taff Brit adj, always used before a noun
formal : of, relating to, or being a woman : female
the distaff [=maternal] side of the family
distaff executives

1dis·tance noun, pl -tanc·es

1 : the amount of space between two places or things

[count] What is the distance between the Earth and the Sun?

The gas station is a short distance away.

He spotted the group at a distance of one mile. [=he saw the group when they were one mile away from him]

[noncount] Speed is measured in time and distance.

The nearest gas station is some distance away. [=it is not nearby]

Her house is within walking/striking distance of the school. [=she lives very close to the school]

see also LONG DISTANCE, MIDDLE DISTANCE

2 [singular] : a point or place that is far away from another point or place

She kept the children a safe distance from the road.

The sign was hard to read from a distance.

We followed them at a distance.

He saw a light in the distance. [=he saw a light that was far away]

often used figuratively

After observing politics from a distance for years, I've decided to run for office.

(Brit) The book is better than the movie by some distance. [=the book is much better than the movie]

3 : a state in which people are not involved with or friendly toward each other

[singular] She feels a distance from her brother that wasn't there before.

He heard the distance [=unfriendliness] in her voice.

[noncount] Although they were once good friends, there was now considerable distance between them.

He wants to put distance between himself and his former boss.

go the distance also last the distance

: to complete something you have started

Even with an injured elbow, he went/lasted the distance and pitched the rest of the game.

Don't volunteer for the job if you can't go the distance.

keep (someone) at a distance

: to be unfriendly toward (someone)

She always kept her coworkers at a distance.

keep your distance

1 : to stay far enough away from someone or something to be safe

Visitors are told to keep their distance from the monkeys.

2 : to avoid getting involved in something or becoming friendly with someone

He tried to keep his distance from the scandal.

After their break-up, she thought it was wise to keep her distance.

2distance verb, -tances, -tanced, -tanc·ing [+ obj]

: to show that you are not involved with someone or something : to end a connection to or relationship with someone or something
usually + from

She has tried to distance herself from her family.

They all want to distance themselves from the scandal.

distance learning noun [noncount]

: a method of study where teachers and students do not meet in a classroom but use the Internet, e-mail, mail, etc., to have classes called also distance education

dis·tant adj

1 [more ; most ] : existing or happening far away in space : separated by space
astronomers studying distant galaxies

They visited all sorts of distant [=far-off] places.

He finished the race a distant second. [=he was the second person to finish the race but he was far behind the winner]

The town is about 30 miles distant. [=(more commonly) away]

2 always used before a noun [more ; most ] : far away in time : happening far in the past or far into the future

In the distant past, dinosaurs roamed the earth.

The day I left home is now a distant memory.

the distant future

We're expecting major changes in the not too distant future. [=soon]

3 always used before a noun [more ; most ]

used to describe a relative who is not closely related to you

She's a distant cousin of mine.

Some of my more distant relatives still live there.

opposite CLOSE, compare IMMEDIATE

4 : having to do with something that is not related to what is happening where you are or at the present time

His mind drifted to distant thoughts.

I remember when the restaurant's opening was nothing more than a distant possibility.

She has a distant look in her eye. [=the look on her face shows that she is thinking about something that is not related to what is happening now]

5 [more ; most ] somewhat formal : not friendly or showing emotion

People did not like her distant manner.

He was cold and distant.

6 [more ; most ] : not like someone or something else
usually + from

The values of that time seem very distant [=different] from our own.

the dim and distant past
chiefly Brit : a time that is so far in the past it is difficult to remember

I remember the dim and distant past when the town was much smaller.

dis·tant·ly adv

We are distantly related to each other.

She stared distantly out the window.

dis·taste noun, pl -tastes

: a strong feeling of not liking someone or something

[count]

usually singular

I've developed a real distaste [=dislike] for paperwork.

[noncount] “I see you still smoke,” she said with distaste.

dis·taste·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : not pleasant or enjoyable

The work was distasteful, but it was the best I could find at the time.

It was a distasteful subject to him.

2 : morally offensive
distasteful jokes/behavior

dis·taste·ful·ly adv

dis·tem·per noun [noncount]

medical : a serious disease of animals (such as dogs and cats) that is easily passed to other animals

dis·tend verb, -tends, -tend·ed, -tend·ing
medical + formal : to become larger and rounder because of pressure from inside

[no obj] The illness can cause the stomach to distend. [=swell]

[+ obj] an abdomen distended by disease
a distended abdomen/stomach

dis·ten·sion or US dis·ten·tion noun [noncount]

abdominal distension [=swelling]

dis·till (US) or chiefly Brit dis·til verb, -tills, -tilled, -till·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to make (a liquid) pure by heating it until it becomes a gas and then cooling it until it is a liquid again : to purify (a liquid) by distillation
distilled water

1 b : to make (a strong alcoholic drink) by using this process

They distill the whiskey from malted barley.

2 : to take the most important parts of something and put them in a different and usually improved form

He has perfectly distilled the meaning of the holiday into a poem.

Her wisdom is distilled from [=her wisdom comes from] many years of experience.

dis·til·la·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

the distillation of brandy from wine
the distillation of experience

[count]

The poem is a perfect distillation of the meaning of the holiday.

dis·till·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or company that produces strong alcoholic drinks (such as whiskey) by distilling them

dis·till·ery noun, pl -er·ies [count]

: a place where alcoholic drinks (such as whiskey) are produced

dis·tinct adj [more ; most ]

1 : different in a way that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : noticeably different

There are three distinct categories/classes/groups/types.

The two plants are quite distinct (from one another).

Each herb has its own distinct flavor.

The phrase has three distinct meanings.

The class focuses on U.S. English, as distinct from British English. [=the class focuses on U.S. English and not on British English]

2 : easy to see, hear, smell, feel, etc.

He speaks with a distinct [=noticeable] Southern accent.

There was the distinct smell of something burning.

The outline became less and less distinct as the light faded.

3 : strong and definite

A flight cancellation is a distinct [=real] possibility.

We had the distinct impression that they were lying.

dis·tinct·ly adv

Each island has a distinctly different character.

I distinctly told you not to call me.

a distinctly American phenomenon [=something that happens only in America]

dis·tinct·ness noun [noncount]

distinctness of form

dis·tinc·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : a difference that you can see, hear, smell, feel, etc. : a noticeable difference between things or people

These dogs are different breeds, but this distinction is lost on most people. [=most people do not see a difference between these dogs]

There are no obvious distinctions between the two designs.

distinctions between social classes

She made/drew a distinction between the words “less” and “fewer.”

2 [noncount] : the separation of people or things into different groups

The law should be enforced without distinction as to race, sex, or religion. [=the law should not treat people of different races, sexes, or religions differently]

3 [noncount] : importance, excellence, or achievement

He was raised in a small town of no great distinction.

Her talents gave distinction to the work.

She was a politician of some distinction. [=she was a distinguished politician]

4 : a special honor, recognition, or award

[count] She's won many distinctions.

(Brit) She was awarded a distinction for her dissertation.

[noncount] They should give him the distinction he deserves.

He graduated with distinction. [=with special awards or recognition]

5 [noncount] : the quality that makes a person or thing special or different

+ of

It had the distinction of being the oldest house in the city.

The city bears the dubious distinction of being the most polluted in the nation.

dis·tinc·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a quality or characteristic that makes a person or thing different from others : different in a way that is easy to notice

He had a very distinctive walk.

This wine has a more distinctive flavor than that one.

a cooking style that is distinctive [=characteristic] of this region

2 : appealing or interesting because of an unusual quality or characteristic

The store sells only the most distinctive chocolates.

dis·tinc·tive·ly adv
a distinctively regional cooking style

dis·tinc·tive·ness noun [noncount]

the distinctiveness of the store's chocolates

dis·tin·guish verb, -guish·es, -guished, -guish·ing

1 : to notice or recognize a difference between people or things

[no obj] You're old enough to distinguish between fact and fantasy.

I have trouble distinguishing between the two of them.

[+ obj] Their voices are hard to distinguish. [=tell apart]

I have trouble distinguishing the difference between the two of them.

You should be able to distinguish fact from fantasy.

2 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) different or special in some way

The only thing that distinguishes the dogs is their bark.

The recipe is distinguished by its simplicity. [=the unusual or interesting thing about the recipe is its simplicity]

The singer's voice is what distinguishes the band.

often + from

Our excellent customer service distinguishes us from our competitors.

The law affects private property as distinguished from public property. [=the law affects private property and not public property]

3 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to see or hear (someone or something) clearly

You can't distinguish the detail from this distance.

distinguish yourself

: to do something very well or in a way that deserves special recognition

She has distinguished herself as a leader in the community.

He distinguished himself in the war.

dis·tin·guish·able adj [more ; most ]

The plant is distinguishable by its oddly shaped leaves.

There are four distinguishable types.

The copy is clearly/barely distinguishable from the original.

distinguishing adj [more ; most ]

The plant has several distinguishing characteristics/features.

dis·tin·guished adj [more ; most ]

1 : known by many people because of some quality or achievement
a distinguished scientist/career

She is distinguished for her achievements in genetic research.

2 : making someone seem important and worth respect
the professor's distinguished appearance

He's a distinguished-looking gentleman.

dis·tort verb, -torts, -tort·ed, -tort·ing

1 : to change the natural, normal, or original shape, appearance, or sound of (something) in a way that is usually not attractive or pleasing

[+ obj] Her face was distorted by pain.

The odd camera angle distorted her figure in the photograph.

The sound of the guitar was distorted.

[no obj] Heat caused the plastic to distort.

2 [+ obj] : to change (something) so that it is no longer true or accurate

She felt he was distorting the facts.

The story was distorted by the press.

The loss of both her parents at an early age distorted her outlook on life.

distorted adj [more ; most ]

a distorted face/image

He had a distorted view of the situation.

His voice sounded distorted over the phone.

dis·tor·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The statement was an intentional distortion of the facts.

Curved mirrors cause image distortions.

[noncount]

an image/sound that is free of distortion

dis·tract verb, -tracts, -tract·ed, -tract·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to stop thinking about or paying attention to someone or something and to think about or pay attention to someone or something else instead

You sneak into his room while I distract him.

He was distracted from his studies.

The students are easily distracted, especially when they're tired.

I was distracted by a loud noise.

2 : to take (attention) away from someone or something

The local story distracted attention from news of the war overseas.

distracting adj [more ; most ]

The music was very distracting.

a distracting noise

distracted adj [more ; most ]

: unable to think about or pay attention to something : unable to concentrate

If you're feeling distracted, take a break.

dis·tract·ed·ly adv

“I wonder if it's going to snow,” she said distractedly. [=absentmindedly]

dis·trac·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : something that makes it difficult to think or pay attention

[count] It was hard to work with so many distractions.

One of them created a distraction while the other grabbed the money.

[noncount] He worked without distraction.

2 [count] : something that amuses or entertains you so that you do not think about problems, work, etc.

He found reading to be a good distraction. [=diversion]

A weekend at the beach was a good distraction from her troubles.

3 [noncount] : a state in which you are very annoyed or upset

Their endless chatter drove her to distraction.

dis·traught adj [more ; most ]

: very upset : so upset that you are not able to think clearly or behave normally

Distraught relatives are waiting for news of the missing children.

She was distraught over the death of her partner.

1dis·tress noun [noncount]

1 : unhappiness or pain : suffering that affects the mind or body

Citizens voiced their distress over delays in fixing the problem.

The patient showed no obvious signs of distress.

He suffered severe emotional distress as a result of the accident.

The new drug can cause abdominal/gastric distress. [=stomach pain]

a cry of distress

He was clearly in distress [=very upset] upon hearing the news.

2 : a very difficult situation in which you do not have enough money, food, etc.

She's chosen to devote her life to helping those in distress. [=in trouble, in need]

Donations were given to families in (financial) distress.

3 of a boat, airplane, etc. : a state of danger or desperate need

The ship was in distress. [=the ship was possibly going to sink]

The Coast Guard responded to the ship's distress signal/call. [=signal or call for help]

damsel in distress see DAMSEL

2distress verb, -tress·es, -tressed, -tress·ing [+ obj]

: to worry or upset (someone)

The news distressed [=disturbed] her.

usually used as (be) distressed

I was distressed to learn that the hospital had closed.

distressing adj [more ; most ]

I heard some distressing news.

It was distressing to learn that the hospital had closed.

dis·tress·ing·ly adv

distressed adj

1 [more ; most ] : feeling or showing extreme unhappiness or pain

He was very distressed [=upset] about the accident.

She felt emotionally and physically distressed.

2 [more ; most ] somewhat formal : not having enough money : experiencing financial trouble

The government provided funds to the economically distressed city.

Donations were given to financially distressed families.

3
used to describe something (such as a piece of clothing or furniture) that has been made to look old or to look like something that has been used a lot
a distressed pair of jeans
distressed leather
a distressed oak table

dis·trib·ute verb, -utes, -ut·ed, -ut·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to give or deliver (something) to people

She distributes [=hands out] the paychecks every week.

usually + to

He'd been hired to distribute leaflets to people who passed by.

The organization distributes food and clothing to needy families.

1 b : to deliver (something) to a store or business
usually + to

The trucking company distributes goods to stores throughout the state.

One million copies of the CD were distributed to stores.

2 : to divide (something) among the members of a group usually + between or among;
often used as (be/get) distributed

The profits are evenly distributed between them.

The work for the project gets distributed among the editors.

3 : to spread or place (something) over an area

The machine distributes [=scatters] the seeds evenly on the ground.

often used as (be/get) distributed

Make sure the paint is distributed evenly over the surface area.

often used figuratively

The player's 200 pounds are evenly distributed over his six-foot frame.

The plant is widely distributed throughout the world. [=the plant grows throughout the world]

dis·tri·bu·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount]

1 a : the act of giving or delivering something to people

The group collects food and clothing for distribution to needy families.

The distribution of paychecks will happen every other Friday.

The university does not permit distribution of leaflets on campus.

1 b : the act of delivering something to a store or business

She was responsible for product distribution.

The company handles the distribution of goods to stores nationwide.

often used before another noun

The company acquired U.S. distribution rights.

distribution costs
a distribution company/center

2 : the way that something is divided or spread out

[count] He complained that the distribution of work was unfair.

He studies the distributions of wildcats in North America.

[noncount] The new design provides better weight distribution.

dis·trib·u·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person or company that supplies stores or businesses with goods
a software distributor

2 technical : a device that sends electricity to the spark plugs of an engine

dis·trict noun, pl -tricts [count]

: an area or section of a country, city, or town: such as
a : an area established by a government for official government business
postal/election districts

Six police officers are in charge of the district.

She represents the eighth congressional district.

see also SCHOOL DISTRICT
b : an area or section that has some special characteristic or purpose
a church/sales district
the city's entertainment/shopping district

He was promoted to district manager. [=he was put in charge of that company's activities in a particular district]

district attorney noun, pl -neys [count]

: a lawyer who works for the U.S. government in a state, county, etc., and who is responsible for starting a criminal case against someone abbr. DA

district court noun, pl courts [count]

law : a court in the U.S. in which cases in a particular area are brought to trial; especially : one of the trial courts for cases involving federal law

1dis·trust verb, -trusts, -trust·ed, -trust·ing [+ obj]

: to have no trust or confidence in (someone or something) : mistrust

He generally distrusts doctors.

She's always distrusted their promises.

2distrust noun

: lack of trust or confidence : a feeling that someone or something is not honest and cannot be trusted

[noncount] He regards doctors with distrust. [=mistrust]

[singular] He has a distrust of doctors.

dis·trust·ful adj [more ; most ]

He is generally distrustful [=mistrustful] of doctors.

dis·trust·ful·ly adv

He looked distrustfully at them.

dis·turb verb, -turbs, -turbed, -turb·ing [+ obj]

1 : to stop (someone) from working, sleeping, etc. : to interrupt or bother (someone or something)

I'm sorry to disturb you at such a late hour.

She doesn't want to be disturbed while she's working.

Don't disturb the baby when he's sleeping.

The noise disturbed my concentration.

They were arrested for disturbing the peace. [=behaving in a violent or noisy manner in public]

2 : to worry or upset (someone)

The news disturbed [=distressed] him.

His behavior disturbs me.

often used as (be) disturbed

I am disturbed at/by his behavior.

She was disturbed to learn that her son was failing one of his classes.

3 : to change the position, arrangement, or order of (something)

The police ordered that nothing be disturbed in the room. [=that nothing be touched or moved]

His visit disturbed [=disrupted] our morning routine.

disturbing adj [more ; most ]

It was a deeply disturbing sight.

I thought the movie was very disturbing.

dis·turb·ing·ly adv

There was a disturbingly high number of crimes last year.

Disturbingly, the story is true.

dis·turb·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 a : something that stops you from working, sleeping, etc. : the act of disturbing someone or something

[count] She doesn't want any more disturbances while she is studying.

She suffered from frequent sleep disturbances. [=disruptions]

[noncount] He reacts badly to disturbance of his daily routine.

1 b : a change in the position, arrangement, or order of something

[count] Fish are able to detect even slight disturbances in the water.

[noncount] Disturbance of the river's sediment causes cloudy water.

2 : violent or noisy behavior especially in public

[count] Neighbors called the police to report a disturbance.

They were arrested for creating/causing a disturbance.

[noncount] He was arrested for disturbance of the peace. [=behaving in a violent or noisy way in public]

3 : an unhealthy physical or mental condition in which something is not normal

[count] heart rhythm disturbances
visual/emotional/mental disturbances

[noncount] The violence that soldiers experience in war can lead to emotional disturbance in later years.

disturbed adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or showing evidence of a mental or emotional illness
mentally/emotionally disturbed children

2 : worried and unhappy

He seems very disturbed about his work lately.

3 of sleep : affected by a disturbance

She'd been experiencing disturbed sleep. [=sleep that is interrupted]

dis·unit·ed adj
chiefly Brit : not able to work or agree with other people within the same group, organization, etc.

The rebels seem to be increasingly disunited.

a disunited political party

dis·uni·ty noun [noncount]

: the state of not being able to agree about important things : lack of unity

They are concerned about disunity [=dissension, disagreement] within the party.

dis·use noun [noncount]

: the state of not being used : lack of use

The room was dusty from/with disuse.

The word fell into disuse [=people stopped using it] many years ago.

dis·used adj, always used before a noun

: no longer used
disused buildings/mines
a disused word

1ditch noun, pl ditch·es [count]

: a long narrow hole that is dug along a road, field, etc., and used to hold or move water
irrigation ditches

He drove the car into the ditch.

see also LAST-DITCH

2ditch verb, ditches, ditched, ditch·ing

1 [+ obj] informal : to stop having or using (something you no longer want or need) : to get rid of (something)

The thief ditched the purse in an alley.

They ditched the car in a vacant lot.

We've ditched [=abandoned] plans to open a café together.

2 [+ obj] informal : to end a relationship with (someone)

His girlfriend ditched him. = He got ditched by his girlfriend.

The team's owner ditched [=fired, dismissed] the head coach.

3 [+ obj] US, informal : to get away from (someone you do not want to be with) without saying that you are leaving

They ditched me at the concert.

4 [+ obj] US, informal : to not go to (something, such as school, work, etc.)

Let's ditch [=skip] school today.

He ditched [=left, quit] school to join the army.

5 : to land an aircraft on water because of an emergency : to crash-land on water

[no obj] Engine trouble forced the pilot to ditch.

[+ obj] He had to ditch the helicopter.

ditch·wa·ter noun

(as) dull as ditchwater

Brit informal : very boring

The book is as dull as ditchwater. [=(US) (as) dull as dishwater]

1dith·er noun [singular]

informal : a very nervous, confused, or excited state
usually used in the phrase in a dither

They're in a dither over what to do next.

The news of his arrival had us (all) in a dither.

2dither verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

informal : to delay taking action because you are not sure about what to do

We don't have time to dither.

She did not dither about/over what to do next.

dith·er·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1dit·to adv
informal

1
used to say that whatever you have said about one person or thing is also true of another person or thing

Boston is getting a lot of rain. Ditto New York. [=New York is also getting a lot of rain]

He is good at baseball, ditto at golf.

2
used in speech to show you agree with what someone has just said or have the same opinion

“I don't like spinach.” “Ditto.” [=I don't like spinach either]

2ditto noun, pl -tos [count]

: a pair of marks " used underneath a word to save space and show that the word is repeated where the marks are called also ditto marks

dit·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

sometimes humorous : a short and simple song

Play us a little ditty.

ditz noun, pl ditz·es [count]

chiefly US informal + sometimes disapproving : a silly person who often forgets things

His girlfriend is nice but she's a bit of a ditz. [=his girlfriend is somewhat ditzy]

dit·zy or dit·sy adj, ditz·i·er or dits·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

chiefly US informal : silly and tending to forget things : dizzy
used especially of a woman
a ditzy blonde

di·uret·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

medical : a substance that increases the amount of urine you pass from your body

The drug is a diuretic.

diuretic adj
a diuretic drug/effect

di·ur·nal adj
technical

1 : active mainly during the day
diurnal animals
opposite NOCTURNAL

2 : happening every day
diurnal tides

div. also div abbr
division

di·va noun, pl -vas [count]

1 : the main female singer in an opera company

2 : a famous and successful woman who is very attractive and fashionable; especially : an attractive and successful female performer or celebrity
pop divas
a fashion diva

di·van noun, pl -vans [count]

1 : a long, low seat that has no back or arms or only part of a back and one arm

2 Brit : a bed that has a thick base and usually no footboard

1dive verb, dives, dived or chiefly US dove , div·ing [no obj]

1 : to jump into water with your arms and head going in first

She dove into the swimming pool.

The children like to dive off the boat.

The competitors will be diving from the highest platform.

2 : to swim underwater usually while using special equipment to help you breathe

Many people enjoy diving on the island's coral reefs.

You can't dive in this water without a wet suit.

He dives for pearls. [=he dives in order to find pearls]

see also SCUBA DIVE, SKIN-DIVE

3 : to go underwater or down to a deeper level underwater

The submarine can dive to 3,000 feet.

The whale dove down to deeper water.

4 : to move down through the air at a steep angle

We watched the hawk dive for its prey.

The plane suddenly dove.

see also DIVE-BOMB, NOSE-DIVE, SKYDIVE

5 : to fall suddenly and quickly in amount, value, etc.

The temperature dived [=(more commonly) plunged, dropped] down below zero.

The stock's value dove to an all-time low.

6 : to suddenly jump toward something that is on or near the ground

The goalie dove in front of the goal.

often + for

He dove for the ball.

He dove for cover. [=he suddenly jumped to a place where he would be safe or protected]

sometimes used figuratively

Her books always have me diving for my dictionary. [=I often need a dictionary to understand the words she uses in her books]

7 informal : to start doing something with enthusiasm
usually + into or in

They dove into their work.

I'm just not ready to dive (right) into another romantic relationship.

They sat down at the dinner table and dove (right) in. [=started eating immediately]

We have a lot of things to discuss, so let's dive right in. [=let's get started immediately]

8 informal : to quickly reach into (a bag, pocket, etc.)

She dove into her purse to find some change.

2dive noun, pl dives [count]

1 : a jump into water with your arms and head going in first

She practiced her dives for the competition.

a perfect dive

2 : an act of swimming underwater usually while using special equipment (such as a snorkel or air tank) to help you breathe

This will be my first dive on a coral reef.

She has done dives all around the world.

3 : a usually steep downward movement of a submarine, airplane, bird, etc.

The crew of the submarine prepared for a dive.

The jet rolled into a dive.

4 : a sudden quick fall in amount, value, etc.

Temperatures across the region will take a dive tonight.

The stock market took a dive.

5 informal : a bar, nightclub, etc., that is cheap and dirty

That bar is a real dive.

6 : a sudden jump or movement toward something that is on or near the ground

He made a dive for the ditch/ball/gun.

He made a dive for cover. [=he suddenly jumped to a place where he would be safe or protected]

dive-bomb verb, -bombs, -bombed, -bomb·ing [+ obj]

1 : to drop a bomb from an airplane on (something) after approaching it at a sharp or steep angle

The pilots/planes dive-bombed the enemy ships.

2 : to attack (someone or something) from the air at a sharp or steep angle

We were dive-bombed by seagulls at the beach.

div·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who dives into water
competitive divers

2 : a person who swims underwater usually while using special equipment to breathe
pearl divers
a deep-sea diver
see also SCUBA DIVER, SKIN DIVER, SKYDIVER

di·verge verb, -verg·es, -verged, -verg·ing [no obj]

formal

1 : to split and move out in different directions from a single point

A prism causes rays of light to diverge.

“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood” Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken” (1916)

opposite CONVERGE

2 : to be or become different

They were close friends in college, but after graduation, their lives diverged.

When it comes to politics, their opinions/views diverge. [=they have different opinions/views]

di·ver·gence noun, pl -genc·es [count]

divergences between dialects

There is a wide divergence of opinion between the parties.

[noncount]

He is studying the levels of divergence between the species.

di·ver·gent adj [more ; most ]

divergent lines/opinions/cultures

Their views are widely divergent.

di·verse adj [more ; most ]

1 : different from each other

The magazine covers topics as diverse [=varied] as chemistry and sculpture.

people with diverse interests

2 : made up of people or things that are different from each other

His message appealed to a diverse audience.

The group of students is very diverse. [=the students are different ages, races, etc.]

a diverse group of subjects

di·verse·ly adv

di·verse·ness noun [noncount]

di·ver·si·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing

1 : to change (something) so that it has more different kinds of people or things

[+ obj] The country is diversifying its energy sources.

farmers who want to diversify their crops

You should diversify your investments. = Your investments should be diversified. [=you should invest your money in several different ways instead of investing it all in one thing]

[no obj] Investors should diversify.

2 : to produce or sell more kinds of products : to increase the variety of goods or services produced or offered by (someone or something)

[+ obj] The new CEO's chief aim is to diversify the company.

[no obj] The company needs to diversify.

Many publishing companies have diversified into online services.

di·ver·si·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

The company's efforts at diversification have been successful.

di·ver·si·fied adj [more ; most ]

a diversified company
a diversified economy [=an economy that has a variety of industries]

di·ver·sion noun, pl -sions

1 formal : the act of changing the direction or use of something : the act of diverting something

[count] The bad weather forced the diversion of several flights. [=several flights had to land somewhere else because of bad weather]

small diversions of river water for irrigation

[noncount] The officials were charged with illegal diversion of public funds. [=they were charged with using public money illegally for some improper purpose]

2 formal : something that people do because it is enjoyable, entertaining, or pleasant

[count] Hiking is one of my favorite diversions.

Our town offers few diversions.

Sports provide him with a welcome diversion from the pressures of his job.

[noncount] We're in need of some diversion. [=amusement, entertainment]

3 [count] : something that takes attention away from what is happening

He created a diversion while his partner stole her pocketbook.

4 [count] Brit : 1detour 2

The road is closedplease follow the diversion.

di·ver·sion·ary Brit adj
formal : tending or intended to take attention away from someone or something important

This is nothing more than a diversionary tactic to distract attention from the issues.

di·ver·si·ty noun, pl -ties

1 : the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc.

[noncount] The island has more diversity in plant life than other islands nearby.

biological/genetic/linguistic diversity

There was some diversity of opinion about what should be done. [=people had different opinions about what should be done]

[count]

usually singular

The area has a great diversity [=variety] of birds.

She has a wide diversity of interests. [=she has many different interests]

2 : the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization

[noncount] The city is known for its cultural/ethnic diversity.

The school aims for diversity in its student population.

[count]

usually singular

There is a greater diversity in the city's population now.

di·vert verb, -verts, -vert·ed, -vert·ing [+ obj]

1 : to change the direction or use of (something)

Police diverted traffic to a side street.

The stream was diverted toward the farmland.

They were charged with illegally diverting public funds for private use.

2 a : to take (attention) away from someone or something

He lied to divert attention from the real situation.

They're only proposing the law to divert attention from important issues.

2 b : to take the attention of (someone) away from something or someone

Nothing can divert [=distract] me from my goal.

3 formal : to entertain (someone)

The children diverted [=(more commonly) amused] themselves with games.

diverting adj [more ; most ]

some fairly/mildy diverting [=(more commonly) amusing, entertaining] books/movies/evenings

di·vest verb, -vests, -vest·ed, -vest·ing [+ obj]

finance : to sell (something valuable, such as property or stocks)

The company is divesting 8 of its 20 stores.

We may have to divest assets to raise capital/money.

divest of [phrasal verb]

formal

1 divest (someone or something) of (something) : to take (something) away from (someone or something else) : to cause (someone or something) to lose or give up (something)

The document does not divest her of her right to use the property.

often used as (be) divested

He was divested of his title/power/dignity.

2 divest (yourself) of (something)

2 a : to sell or give away (possessions, money, etc.)

She divested herself of most of her possessions.

2 b old-fashioned : to remove (clothing, equipment, etc.) from your body

He divested himself of his coat.

di·vest·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

asset divestments

[noncount]

the divestment of assets

di·ves·ti·ture noun, pl -tures
finance : the act of selling stock, property, etc., because of a government order

[count] Divestitures are used to break up monopolies.

[noncount] Before divestiture, the telephone company monopolized the state.

1di·vide verb, -vides, -vid·ed, -vid·ing

1 a : to separate (something) into two or more parts or pieces

[+ obj] He divided [=split] the loaf in half.

The river divides the town. [=parts of the town are on both sides of the river]

She divided the pie into eight pieces.

The equator divides the Earth into two hemispheres.

The teacher divided the class (up) into four groups. = The teacher divided (up) the class into four groups.

often used as (be) divided

The class was divided (up) into four groups.

The book is divided into three sections.

[no obj] The cells divide rapidly.

The river divides after the bridge.

1 b [+ obj] : to separate (something) into classes or categories

We divided (up) the beads according to size and color.

The author divides literature into three categories. [=the author says that there are three categories of literature]

often used as (be) divided

Animals can be divided into several major types.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to give (something) out in usually equal amounts

They divided [=distributed] the profits between/among themselves.

We divided the work (up) equally.

They divided (up) [=shared] the remaining food.

2 b : to use (your time, energy, etc.) for two or more purposes or activities
usually + between

He divides his energy between sports and school.

Her time is divided between home, work, and school.

3 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to be separate or apart from something else

A tall fence divides the two yards.

often + from

Her cubicle is divided from his by a low wall.

A screen divides (off) the dining area from the living room.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to separate (people) into groups that disagree

The war divided the nation.

The divorce divided the family.

often used as (be) divided

The nation was divided by war. = We were a nation divided by war.

4 b : to cause (opinions, views, etc.) to not agree
usually used as (be) divided

Opinions on the issue are divided. [=people do not agree about the issue]

5 mathematics : to calculate how many times one number contains another number

[+ obj] Divide 8 by 2.

Eight divided by two is four. [=8 ÷ 2 = 4; 8/2 = 4]

[no obj] The teacher taught the children how to divide.

Two divides evenly into eight. [=eight can be divided into two an exact number of times with nothing left over]

compare MULTIPLY

divide and conquer or divide and rule

: to make a group of people disagree and fight with one another so that they will not join together against you

His military strategy is to divide and conquer.

2divide noun, pl -vides [count]

1 chiefly US : a line of hills or mountains from which rivers drain : a ridge between two rivers : watershed

2 : a separation of people into two or more groups that is caused by different opinions or beliefs or by a disagreement
usually singular

The argument created a divide within the group.

usually + among or between

We must bridge the divide among races.

the divide between generations

divided adj

1 [more ; most ] : separated by different opinions : in a state of disagreement

Experts are sharply divided on/over the issue.

The issue has created a deeply divided nation.

2 : given to two or more people or things rather than to just one person or thing

She feels like she only gets her mother's divided attention.

He has divided loyalties. [=he is trying to be loyal to opposing groups, ideals, etc.]

divided highway noun, pl -ways [count]

US : a major road that has something (such as a guardrail or an area with grass and trees) that separates lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions called also (Brit) dual carriageway

div·i·dend noun, pl -dends [count]

1 finance : an amount of a company's profits that the company pays to people who own stock in the company

Profits are distributed to shareholders/stockholders as dividends.

2 : an advantage or benefit that you get because of something you have done
usually plural

Eating healthy and exercising yields big dividends.

Our efforts are finally paying dividends. [=we are finally benefiting from our efforts]

3 mathematics : a number that is being divided by another number

In the equation 8 ÷ 2 = 4, eight is the dividend.

compare DIVISOR

di·vid·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count]

1 a : a thing that keeps two spaces or areas separate

Concrete barriers are used as highway dividers.

1 b : someone or something that causes people to disagree with one another

She has proven to be a divider of people.

He says that he's a uniter, not a divider.

2 dividers [plural] : a tool that consists of two pointed sticks joined at the top and that is used for measuring or marking lines and angles
a pair of dividers

dividing line noun, pl lines [count]

: a line or object that separates two areas

The dividing lines on the street were newly painted.

A fence marked the dividing line between the two properties.

often used figuratively
the dividing line between right and wrong

div·i·na·tion noun [noncount]

: the practice of using signs (such as an arrangement of tea leaves or cards) or special powers to predict the future
the art of reading tea leaves and other forms of divination

1di·vine adj

1 : relating to or coming from God or a god
divine will/law/love/inspiration

They prayed for divine intervention/help.

The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were considered divine. [=were considered to be gods]

a divine ruler [=a ruler who is believed to be a god]

divine beings

2 [more ; most ] informal + somewhat old-fashioned : very good

This pie is divine. [=heavenly]

You look divine.

di·vine·ly adv
a divinely inspired prophet
divinely [=wonderfully] clever

2divine verb, -vines, -vined, -vin·ing [+ obj]

formal + literary : to discover or understand (something) without having direct evidence

He divined [=(more commonly) sensed] her unhappiness before she said a word.

divine the answer to a question

di·vin·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 formal + literary : a person who uses special powers to predict future events

Diviners foretold of the event.

2 : a person who searches for water under the ground by using a special stick (called a divining rod)

a water diviner

divine right noun [singular]

1 : the right that is supposedly given to a king or queen by God to rule a country

He ruled by divine right.

2 informal : the right to do or have something without having to ask permission

My boss seems to think he has a divine right to order people around.

diving noun [noncount]

1 : a sport or activity in which people dive into water from a diving board or a platform

He won a gold medal in diving.

2 : a sport or activity in which people swim underwater while using special equipment to breathe

He likes deep-sea diving.

We went diving on the coral reef.

often used before another noun
diving equipment
diving lessons

see also SCUBA DIVING

diving bell noun, pl bells [count]

: a large container that is open at the bottom, filled with air, and lowered into deep water to provide a dry place for underwater workers

diving board noun, pl boards [count]

: a board above a swimming pool, lake, etc., that people can jump off of to dive into the water

divining rod noun, pl rods [count]

: a stick that is usually shaped like a Y and is used by some people to search for an underground source of water called also dowsing rod

di·vin·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the state of being a god : the state of being divine

Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ.

2 [count] : a god or goddess

Hindu divinities
the divinities of ancient Greece

3 [noncount] : the formal study of religion, religious practices, and religious beliefs
a doctor of divinity
a divinity student

She attends the divinity school. [=a professional school that teaches religious subjects and trains people for religious jobs]

di·vis·i·ble adj, not used before a noun

: able to be divided

9 is divisible by 3

(formal) The piece of land is divisible into three small lots.

di·vi·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : the act or process of dividing something into parts : the way that something is divided

[noncount] the process of cell division

[singular] a division of profits into equal shares

Their society has a clear division of labor between men and women. [=in their society, the men do one kind of work and the women do another kind of work]

2 [count] : something that physically divides or separates something else
often + between

A line of trees served as a division between our property and theirs.

3 [noncount] mathematics : the process of finding out how many times one number is contained in another

After learning multiplication, the students were taught division.

see also LONG DIVISION

4 [count] : a group of people who do a particular job within a larger organization (such as a government, business, or school)

She was transferred to a different division within the company.

He worked for many years in the news division [=department] of a major television network.

5 [count] : a large military group

The infantry division is made up of five brigades.

6 [count]

6 a : a group of teams that form one section of a sports league

There are five teams in the league's western division.

Both divisions in the league have agreed to the new rules.

teams that are in the first/second division

6 b : a group of people who are similar in age, size, etc., and who compete against each other
usually singular

She finished third in her division at the national championships.

boxers competing in the heavyweight division

7 : a situation in which different groups, countries, etc., have different opinions, beliefs, or ways of life that separate them from each other

[count] We're attempting to resolve the divisions [=disagreements] between our two countries.

There were serious divisions within the party on a number of issues.

The book explores the racial and economic divisions in/of our society.

[noncount] The issue caused division within the group.

8 [count] : any one of the parts or groups that form something : section
a major division of the earth's surface

di·vi·sion·al adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to a large division of a business or a branch of the military
the divisional manager/commander

2 : of or relating to a group of teams that make up one part of a sports league
the divisional champion/play-offs

division sign noun, pl signs [count]

mathematics : the symbol ÷ that is used to show that two numbers are to be divided into each other usually singular

di·vi·sive adj [more ; most ]

formal : causing a lot of disagreement between people and causing them to separate into different groups
divisive issues like abortion

di·vi·sive·ness noun [noncount]

di·vi·sor noun, pl -sors [count]

mathematics : the number by which another number is being divided
usually singular

In the equation 8 ÷ 2 = 4, two is the divisor.

compare DIVIDEND

1di·vorce noun, pl -vorc·es

1 : the ending of a marriage by a legal process

[count] Since getting a divorce, she has been raising her children alone.

They went through a lengthy/messy divorce.

[noncount] Their marriage ended in divorce.

They are filing for divorce. [=they are filing a paper with the courts asking that their marriage be legally ended]

Financial problems are a leading cause of divorce.

often used before another noun
a divorce lawyer/court
a high divorce rate
divorce proceedings

2 [count] formal : a complete separation between two things
usually singular
a divorce between theory and practice

2divorce verb, -vorces, -vorced, -vorc·ing

1 : to legally end your marriage with (your husband or wife)

[+ obj] After years of unhappiness, she decided to divorce him.

[no obj] They both agreed it was best to divorce.

2 [+ obj] formal : to make or keep (something) separate

Their constitution divorces church and state.

often + from

The organization hasn't yet fully divorced itself from its troubled past.

divorced adj

They're getting divorced.

He's been divorced since 2003.

a divorced man = a man who is divorced
a theory that is completely divorced from reality [=a wrong theory that shows no connection to reality]

di·vor·cé noun, pl -cés [count]

chiefly US : a man who is divorced

di·vor·cée noun, pl -cées [count]

: a divorced person; especially : a woman who is divorced

div·ot noun, pl -ots [count]

: a loose piece of grass and dirt that is dug out of the ground when the ground is struck by something (such as a golf club)

di·vulge verb, -vulg·es, -vulged, -vulg·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (information) known : to give (information) to someone

She refused to divulge [=reveal, tell] the name of her informant.

The company will not divulge its sales figures.

div·vy verb, -vies, -vied, -vy·ing

divvy up [phrasal verb]

divvy (something) up or divvy up (something) informal : to divide or share (something)

We divvied up the money.

Dix·ie·land noun [noncount]

: a type of traditional American jazz music that was popular in the 1920s

DIY adj, always used before a noun

: do-it-yourself
a DIY home improvement project

DIY home repair

diz·zy adj, diz·zi·er, -est

1 : feeling that you are turning around in circles and are going to fall even though you are standing still

The children were dizzy after spinning in circles.

I'm feeling a bit weak and dizzy. I think I'm having a dizzy spell.

2 : mentally or emotionally upset or confused

Complex math problems make me dizzy.

dizzy with anger/relief

3 always used before a noun : causing you to feel dizzy: such as

3 a : very high
looking down from dizzy heights
sometimes used figuratively

She has reached the dizzy heights of vice president.

3 b : very fast

Prices rose at a dizzy rate.

the dizzy pace of our lives

4 informal : very silly and tending to forget things
used especially of a woman
an actress who is known for playing dizzy [=ditzy] blondes

diz·zi·ly adv

He staggered dizzily toward the couch.

diz·zi·ness noun [noncount]

This medicine may cause dizziness and nausea.

diz·zy·ing adj, always used before a noun

: causing or likely to cause dizziness

The cars move at dizzying speeds around the track.

a dizzying array of choices
the skyscraper's dizzying heights

DJ noun, pl DJs [count]

: disc jockey

djinn variant spelling of JINNI

DL abbr
disabled list

He was put on the DL for the remainder of the season.

DMV abbr

US Department of Motor Vehicles

I'm going to the DMV this afternoon to get my driver's license renewed.

DMZ abbr
demilitarized zone

Forces were not allowed in the DMZ.

DNA noun [noncount]

: a substance that carries genetic information in the cells of plants and animals
often used before another noun

DNA analysis

DNA testing
a DNA fingerprint [=a sample of a person's DNA that can be used to identify someone, such as a criminal]

DNA fingerprinting

DNA is an abbreviation of “deoxyribonucleic acid.”

compare NUCLEIC ACID, RNA

1do verb, does , did , done , do·ing

1 a : to perform (an action or activity)

[+ obj] We should do something special to celebrate your birthday.

This crime was done deliberately.

I have to do some chores this afternoon.

Tell me what to do and I'll do it.

I'm obliged to do my duty.

He does his work without complaining.

I do the ironing on Wednesdays and the cooking on Thursdays. [=I iron on Wednesdays and cook on Thursdays]

I did a favor for him. = I did him a favor.

“What do you do with this lever? = What does this lever do?” “It operates the pump.”

He did a lot for us.

What can I do to help you? = What can I do for you? [=how can/may I help you?]

What have I done to you to make you so angry?

Have you done something to/with this room? [=have you changed this room in some way?] It looks different.

My knee is sore. I must have done something to it [=I must have hurt it] when I fell.

Don't just stand there: do something! [=take some sort of action to stop what is happening]

We need to do something about this problem. [=we need to take some action to correct this problem]

All we can do is hope for the best. [=there is no other action we can take except to hope for the best]

I didn't do it! = I didn't do anything! [=I didn't do what you said I did]

Are you doing anything right now? [=are you busy right now?]

If you're not doing anything this evening [=if you're not busy this evening], why not come over for dinner?

“What are you doing this weekend?” “I'm just relaxing at home.”

What is the stock market doing now: rising or falling?

What have I done with my keys? [=where did I put my keys?]

My hair is a mess. I can't do anything with it.

There's nothing to do in this town on a Saturday night!

[no obj] Do as I say, not as I do. [=do the things that I say you should do, not the things that I do myself]

Shut up and do as you're told! [=do what I tell you to do]

1 b [+ obj]

used with what to ask or talk about a person's job

“What does your husband do?” “He's a writer.”

She's a lawyer. I'm not sure what her husband does.

What does she do for a living? [=what is her job?]

2 [+ obj] : to finish working on (something)

His mother won't let him watch television until he has done his homework.

I've only done three of the walls so farI'll paint the last one tomorrow.

compare 2DONE 1

3 [no obj]

used to describe the success or progress of someone or something

“How is she doing in school?” “She did badly/poorly at first, but now she's doing much better.”

She does well in math but badly in history.

The company is doing well.

How is the stock market doing these days?

He started out poor, worked hard, did very well (for himself) in business [=was very successful in business], and died rich.

How are you doing? or (very informally) How you doing? is used as a greeting.

“Hi, Dave. How are you doing?” “I'm fine, thanks. How are you?”

4 [+ obj]

used to describe the effect that something has

You've been working too hard. A few days off will do you (some) good. [=a few days off will be good for you]

We didn't mean to do him (any) harm. [=to harm him]

Criticism can do people a lot of harm/damage; praise can do people a lot of good.

The new design doesn't do much for me. [=I don't like the new design very much]

That hat does nothing for you. [=that hat does not look good on you]

5 used to describe the amount of effort someone makes

[+ obj] She did nothing to help us. [=she did not try to help us at all]

I did my best. = I did my utmost. = I did all that I could. = I did everything I could.

[no obj] I did as well as I could.

6 [+ obj]

6 a : to create or produce (something)

a writer who is doing a new biography on Abraham Lincoln
a painter who has done some beautiful landscapes

6 b : to perform in or be the producer or director of (a movie, play, etc.)

an actress who has done several hit movies
a director who is doing a play on Broadway

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to play (a role or character)

an actor who did Hamlet on Broadway

7 b : to pretend to be (someone, such as a famous person) : to copy the speech and appearance of (someone)

a comedian who does a great George Bush [=a comedian who does a very good and entertaining imitation of George Bush]

7 c informal : to behave like (someone)

I wish he'd do a Houdini and disappear. [=I wish he'd go away]

8 [+ obj]

8 a : to wash or clean (something)

It's your turn to do [=wash] the laundry.

The woman we hired to clean our house doesn't do windows.

8 b : to decorate (a place)

They did the bedroom in blue and the living room in green.

see also DO OVER 2 (BELOW)

8 c : to make (someone's face, hair, etc.) more attractive by putting on makeup, etc.

She wanted to do her face before the party.

She had her hair done [=styled] at the beauty parlor.

She was doing her fingernails/nails.

8 d : to put on (makeup)

It took her a few minutes to do her makeup.

9 [+ obj] : to cook or prepare (food)

I like my steak done rare.

I'll do the salad while you do the pasta.

compare 2DONE 2

10 [+ obj] : to make or sell (a product)

This is the company's most popular computer, but they also do a less expensive model.

11 [+ obj] chiefly US, informal : to participate in (an activity) with other people

We should do dinner some time. [=we should have dinner together some time]

do a meeting [=have a meeting]

We should do a movie [=go to a movie] this weekend.

see also do lunch at 1LUNCH

12 [+ obj] : to go to (a place) when traveling
a group of tourists who are doing [=visiting] 12 countries in 30 days

13 [+ obj]

13 a : to move or travel (a distance)

We did [=traveled] 500 miles yesterday.

13 b : to move at (a speed)

They were doing [=going, driving] 85 on the turnpike.

That plane can do [=go] 1,400 mph!

14 [+ obj] : to be in a place for (a period of time)

He did [=spent] two years in college before he dropped out.

especially : to be in a prison for (a period of time)

He did [=served] five years (in prison) for robbery.

He has been doing time in a federal penitentiary.

sometimes used figuratively

I've done my time at that terrible job, and now it's time to move on.

15 a : to be enough : to be adequate

[no obj] I don't need any more cake, thank you. One piece will do. [=one piece is enough]

I'd prefer to use glue, but tape will/would do.

[+ obj] (informal) One piece of cake will do me. [=one piece of cake is enough for me]

15 b

Phrases like that will do (it) and that should do (it) are used in informal speech to tell someone that you do not want or need anything more.

“Would you like anything else?” “No, that'll do it.” = “No, that should do it.”

That will do it and that should do it are also used to say that you have finished doing something or are about to finish doing something.

I just have one more letter to sign and that should do it. [=and then I'll be finished]

That will do is also sometimes used to tell someone (such as a child) to stop doing or saying something that is bothering you or making you angry.

That will do [=that's enough], young man: one more word out of you and you're grounded!

15 c

The phrase that does it is used to say that you have finished doing something.

I just need to sign one more letterThere, that does it.

That does it is also used in angry speech to say that you will not accept or allow something anymore.

“They say we'll have to wait another hour.” “That does it! We're leaving right now!”

16 [no obj] : to be proper
used in negative statements

It doesn't do for a doctor to become too friendly with his patients. = It won't/wouldn't do for a doctor to become too friendly with his patients. [=a doctor should not become too friendly with his patients]

Such behavior will never do! [=such behavior should not be allowed]

We should leave soon. It won't do to be late.

This is a formal occasion, so jeans simply won't do. [=jeans are not appropriate]

In U.S. English, this sense of do has a somewhat formal or old-fashioned quality.

compare 2DONE 3

17 [+ obj] informal : to use (illegal drugs)

He says that he doesn't do drugs anymore.

18 [no obj] informal

18 a : to happen

Is there anything doing tomorrow?

There is nothing doing around here.

Let's find out what's doing downtown.

18 b

People ask what is something/someone doing? when they are surprised or upset about where someone or something is.

What are all my clothes doing (lying/scattered) on the floor? [=why are all my clothes on the floor?]

What were you doing (standing) outside in the rain? [=why were you outside in the rain?]

People ask what is someone doing with (something)? when they are surprised or upset because someone has something.

What are you doing with my notebook? = What do you think you're doing with my notebook? [=why do you have my notebook?]

19 [+ obj] informal + offensive : to have sex with (someone)

be to do with see HAVE TO DO WITH ((BELOW))

do a number on see 1NUMBER

do away with [phrasal verb]

1 do away with (someone) : to kill (someone)

She's accused of hiring a hit man to do away with [=murder, do in] her husband.

2 do away with (something) : to cause the end of (something) : to get rid of (something)

The struggling company had to do away with a number of jobs.

do battle see 1BATTLE

do by [phrasal verb]

do by (someone) : to deal with or treat (someone) well or badly

She feels that they did poorly/badly by her. [=that they treated her poorly/badly]

They did pretty well by me when I retired. [=they treated me pretty well when I retired]

see also hard done by at 2HARD

do down [phrasal verb]

do (someone) down Brit, informal : to talk about (someone) in an insulting or critical way

She thinks that if she does everybody else down, people will think more highly of her.

Stop doing yourself down: you've got a lot to offer!

do for [phrasal verb]

do for (someone) Brit, informal

1 : to cause the death or ruin of (someone)

All that hard work nearly did for him. [=nearly killed him]

see also done for at 2DONE

2 : to do the cleaning and cooking for (someone)

Mrs. Jones does for the vicar now his wife's passed on.

do good see 2GOOD

do in [phrasal verb]

do (someone) in informal

1 a : to kill (someone)

They threatened to do him in if he didn't pay the money he owed them.

He's been so depressed lately that his friends are afraid he might do himself in. [=he might kill himself]

: to cause the death of (someone)

He struggled with lung disease for many years, but it was a heart attack that finally did him in.

1 b : to cause the failure of (someone)

His inability to attract Southern voters is what finally did him in as a presidential candidate. [=he failed because he was unable to attract Southern voters]

a businessman who was done in by greed

2 : to make (someone) very tired

Working in the garden all day really did me in. = After working in the garden all day, I was/felt done in. [=exhausted]

see also done in at 2DONE

do it
informal : to have sex

They've kissedbut have they actually done it?

do justice see JUSTICE

do out of [phrasal verb]

do (someone) out of (something) informal : to unfairly prevent (someone) from getting or having (something)

I've been done out of what was rightfully mine!

They did [=cheated] him out of his inheritance.

do over [phrasal verb]

1 do (something) over US : to do (something) again

I made a mistake when I measured the window and I had to do it over (again).

If I had to do it (all) over again, I would have stayed in college.

2 do (something) over or do over (something) : to decorate or change a room, house, etc., so that it looks very different

We're planning to do over the kitchen next year.

3 do (someone) over or do over (someone) Brit, informal : to attack and beat (someone)

He got done over by a gang of teenagers.

do someone proud see PROUD

do the trick see 1TRICK

do up [phrasal verb]

1 do up (something) or do (something) up

1 a : to decorate (something)

They did up the room in bright colors for the party. = The room was all done up in bright colors for the party.

1 b : to adjust (something, such as your hair) in a particular way

She did up her hair in a ponytail.

1 c chiefly Brit : to wrap (something)

packages done up [=wrapped up] in paper and ribbon

1 d chiefly Brit : to repair (something)

do up [=fix up] old furniture
do up an old house

2 do (someone) up : to dress (someone) up : to put attractive clothes, makeup, etc., on (someone)

She really did herself up for the party. = She was all done up for the party.

3 do up or do (something) up or do up (something) of clothing : to be fastened or to fasten (something) with buttons, a zipper, etc.

a dress that does up at the back = a dress that is done up at the back

She did up her dress.

buttons that do up easily = buttons that you can do up easily [=buttons that can be easily buttoned]

do well

If you would do well to do something, you should do it.

You would do well to avoid him right now. [=you should avoid him right now]

If you did well to do something, you were correct to do it.

You did well to avoid him when he was in a bad mood.

If you did well to escape, survive, etc., you were lucky to escape, survive, etc.

When the tornado hit, they did well to escape uninjured.

do with [phrasal verb]

do with (something) : to be helped by having (something)

I could (really) do with a cup of hot coffee right now! [=I could use a cup of coffee; I would like/appreciate a cup of coffee]

I could do with a little less criticism right now, if you don't mind!

do without [phrasal verb]

do without or do without (something or someone) : to not have (something) : to live, work, etc., without having (something)

If you can't afford a new car, you'll just have to do without (one).

I don't know how we ever did without computers.

I'd like to get a new car, but I can do without it for now.

The phrase can/could do without is often used to say that you do not like or approve of something.

I enjoy traveling, but I can do without having to wait around in crowded airports. [=I don't like having to wait around]

He was late again. That's the kind of selfish behavior I could do without.

do your bit see 1BIT

easy does it see 2EASY

have to do with

1 or chiefly Brit be to do with

1 a : to relate to (something) : to be about (something)

The problem has to do with fishing rights. = (chiefly Brit) The problem is to do with fishing rights.

“What does her husband do?” “I think it has something to do with computers.” = “I think it's got something to do with computers.” [=it involves computers in some way]

1 b : to relate to or involve (someone)

That's your problem: it has nothing to do with me! = (chiefly Brit) It's nothing to do with me! [=it doesn't involve me in any way; it's not my problem]

You're wrong. It's got everything to do with you: you're legally responsible for what went wrong.

2 : to be involved in or in some way responsible for (something)

He claims that he had nothing to do with the accident. = He claims that he didn't have anything to do with the accident. [=that he was not involved in the accident]

He claims he wasn't involved, but I know he had something to do with it.

3

If you do not want to have anything to do with someone or if you want nothing to do with someone, you do not want to be involved with that person in any way.

She thinks he's a liar and she refuses to have anything to do with him. [=she refuses to talk to him, to see him, etc.]

After the way he's treated me, I want nothing (further) to do with him. = I don't want (to have) anything (further) to do with him.

how do you do? see 1HOW

make do see 1MAKE

nothing doing see 1NOTHING
compare 2DO

2do verb, does, did, doing, negative forms do not or don't, did not or didn't, does not or doesn't [auxiliary verb]

1 a
used before the subject in a question

Do you play the piano?

How well do you play the piano?

What did he say?

What does her husband do for a living?

When does the train leave?

1 b
used to form brief questions (called tag questions) that come at the end of a statement

You play the piano, don't you?

So you play the piano, do you?

Her husband works with computers, doesn't he?

2 a
used with not to form negative statements

I do not know. = I don't know.

I don't believe anything he says.

2 b
used with not to form commands

Do not lie to me! = (more commonly) Don't lie to me!

Don't touch the stove.

Don't be afraid. Everything will be all right.

2 c somewhat formal
used before the subject in a statement after words like never, seldom, and rarely

Never did he see his native land again. [=he never saw his native land again]

Seldom do we experience such joy! [=we seldom experience such joy]

3
used to replace another verb or verb phrase

“May I come in?” “Yes, (please) do.”

You work harder than I do.

“Do you play the piano?” “No, I don't, but my sister does.”

He works hard and I do, too. = He works hard and so do I.

Don't touch the stove: if you do, you'll burn yourself!

She asked me to open the window, which I did. = What I did was (to) open the window when she asked me to.

(informal) “Can you finish it by tomorrow?” “Sure, boss, will do!” [=I will finish it by tomorrow]

(informal) “Can you finish it by tomorrow?” “Sorry, boss, no can do!” [=I can't finish it by tomorrow]

(Brit) “Are you going to the party?” “I might do.” [=I might]

(Brit) He can work hard and I can do too. [=I can too]

(Brit) Would you mind feeding the dog if nobody else already has done? [=if nobody else already has]

4 a
used to make a statement stronger

You really do look lovely today!

“It hurts!” “Well, I did warn you it would sting a little!”

I never did like him much.

Oh, do be quiet!

4 b somewhat formal
used as a polite way to tell or urge someone to do something

Do come in and have a seat.

Do come and see us again soon.

Do be careful.

compare 1DO

3do noun, pl dos [count]

informal

1 : something that a person should do
usually used in the phrase dos and don'ts

She told her daughter about the dos and don'ts of dating. [=about the things that she should and should not do when dating someone]

2 US : a way of cutting and arranging a person's hair : hairdo

She was worried that the wind might mess up her do.

3 : a party or social gathering

We threw a big do for her after graduation.

compare 4DO

4do or chiefly Brit doh noun [noncount]

: the first note of a musical scale
do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti

compare 3DO

DOA abbr
dead on arrival

In U.S. English, people who are dead when brought to a hospital are said to be DOA.

The patient was DOA.

sometimes used figuratively

Because of budget cuts, the proposed park is DOA.

do·able adj [more ; most ]

: able to be done

It will be difficult, but it's still doable.

DOB abbr
date of birth

Do·ber·man pin·scher noun, pl -schers [count]

: a type of tall, thin, muscular dog with short hair that is usually black and tan called also Doberman

doc noun, pl docs [count]

informal : doctor

Am I going to be OK, doc?

doc. abbr
document

doc·ile Brit adj [more ; most ]

: easily taught, led, or controlled

His students were docile and eager to learn.

a docile, well-behaved pet

doc·ile·ly adv

The horses behaved docilely.

do·cil·i·ty Brit noun [noncount]

This breed is known for its gentleness and docility.

1dock noun, pl docks

1 a : an area of water in a port where ships are loaded, unloaded, or repaired

[count] A crowd was waiting at the dock to greet them.

[noncount] The ship is in dock for repairs.

see also DRY DOCK

1 b the docks : the area in a town or city that has rows of docks, offices, and other buildings

We went down to the docks to watch the ships come in.

2 [count] US : a long structure that is built out into water and used as a place to get on, get off, or tie up a boat

Tie the boat to the dock.

3 [count] US : a place for loading materials onto ships, trucks, trains, etc.

a loading dock

4 [count] : the place in a court of law where a person who is accused of a crime stands or sits during a trial

in the dock

: on trial for committing a crime

He was arrested and is in the dock on charges of assault and battery.

2dock verb, docks, docked, dock·ing

1 : to bring a ship or boat into a dock

[no obj] We spent two days at sea before docking in Miami, Florida.

[+ obj] The captain was forced to dock the ship.

2 : to join together (two spacecraft) while in space

[no obj] The shuttle was scheduled to dock with the space station.

[+ obj] They docked the spaceship with the satellite.

3 [+ obj] : to connect an electronic device (such as a computer or a digital camera) to another device

You can dock the camera directly to the printer and download the pictures.

The handheld PC can be docked into/with your desktop computer.

a docking station

compare 3DOCK

3dock verb, docks, docked, dock·ing [+ obj]

1 : to take away part of (the money that is paid to someone)

Her boss docked her pay/wages for coming in late.

2 : to cut off the end of (an animal's tail)

The puppy's tail was docked.

compare 2DOCK

dock·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : dockworker

dock·et noun, pl -ets [count]

US

1 : a list of the legal cases that will be tried in a court of law

The judge had to postpone some of the cases on the docket.

2 : a list of things to do or discuss

The new library will be the first item on the committee's docket. [=on the committee's agenda]

dock·land noun, pl -lands

Brit : the part of a port where there are docks

[noncount] an area of dockland

[count] an old dockland
called also docklands

dock·side noun [singular]

: the area along a shore next to a dock

The fish are unloaded at dockside and taken right to the market.

often used before another noun
dockside warehouses/restaurants

dock·work·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a person who loads and unloads ships at a port : longshoreman

dock·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

: a place where ships are built and repaired : shipyard

1doc·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

The abbreviation Dr. is usually used in writing when doctor is being used as a title for a specific person.

I have an appointment with Dr. Brown.

1 a : a person who is skilled in the science of medicine : a person who is trained and licensed to treat sick and injured people

I think you should see a doctor. [=physician]

He needed medicine but refused to go to a doctor.

a visit to the doctor's office = a doctor's visit

She was under doctor's orders not to return to work.

Most of her money goes to paying doctors' bills. [=bills for visits to doctors and medical treatment]

1 b the doctor or the doctor's : the place where a doctor works

I saw her at the doctor's last week.

How long will you be at the doctor?

2 US

2 a : a dentist
used chiefly as a title or as a form of address

My dentist is Dr. Smith.

2 b : a person who is trained to treat sick and injured animals : veterinarian
an animal doctor
used chiefly as a title or as a form of address

We took our dog to Dr. Jones.

3 : a person who has the highest degree (such as a PhD) given by a university

Most of the faculty members at this college are doctors in their fields.

a Doctor of Philosophy

Dr. Smith, can you explain the exam requirements again?

just what the doctor ordered
informal : exactly what is wanted or needed

A day at the beach was just what the doctor ordered.

see also SPIN DOCTOR, WITCH DOCTOR

2doctor verb, -tors, -tored, -tor·ing [+ obj]

1 : to change (something) especially in order to trick or deceive people

They were accused of doctoring the company's financial records.

a doctored photo of the actress

2 : to add something (such as alcohol or drugs) to (a food or drink)

I think somebody doctored the punch.

3 : to give medical treatment to (an injury, a person, etc.)

He had time to doctor his wounds.

She doctored the sick child until the physician arrived.

doc·tor·al adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to the highest degree that is given by a university
a doctoral degree

He wrote his doctoral dissertation/thesis on William Shakespeare.

doctoral candidates [=students trying to earn their doctorates]

see also POSTDOCTORAL

doc·tor·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: the highest degree that is given by a university

She got a job teaching at the university after earning her doctorate. [=PhD]

doc·tri·naire adj [more ; most ]

formal + disapproving
used to describe a person who has very strong beliefs about what should be done and will not change them or accept other people's opinions

The senator is less doctrinaire than generally believed.

a doctrinaire conservative/socialist

doc·trine noun, pl -trines

1 : a set of ideas or beliefs that are taught or believed to be true

[count] The government was founded on a doctrine of equality for all people.

Many psychologists now question the doctrines of Sigmund Freud.

[noncount] teaching religious doctrine to young people

2 [count] US : a statement of government policy especially in international relations
the Truman/Monroe doctrine

doc·tri·nal Brit adj

The group split into two parties as a result of doctrinal differences.

doc·tri·nal·ly adv

do·cu·dra·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

: a movie that is usually made for television and that tells a story about real events that have happened recently

They are making a docudrama about the controversial court case.

1doc·u·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

1 : an official paper that gives information about something or that is used as proof of something

It is important to keep all of your financial documents in a safe place.

legal/official/historical documents

An important classified document has been leaked to the media.

2 : a computer file that contains text that you have written
creating a new document on your computer

I lost the document when the hard drive crashed.

2doc·u·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [+ obj]

1 : to create a record of (something) through writing, film, photography, etc.

Her study was the first to document this type of behavior in gorillas.

He wrote a book documenting their struggle.

2 : to prove (something) by using usually written evidence

Can you document the claims you're making?

The charges are well/fully documented.

doc·u·ment·able adj
documentable evidence

1doc·u·men·ta·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a movie or television program that tells the facts about actual people and events

We watched a documentary on the early history of jazz.

often used before another noun
a documentary filmmaker

She has produced several award-winning documentary films.

2documentary adj, always used before a noun

: consisting of documents : written down

You must present documentary proof of your residence.

documentary evidence

doc·u·men·ta·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the documents, records, etc., that are used to prove something or make something official

You cannot visit the country unless you have the proper documentation.

Keep your receipts as documentation of your purchases.

written documentation

Can you provide documentation of the claims you're making?

2 : written instructions for using a computer or computer program

The program's documentation is poorly written.

DOD abbr

US Department of Defense

dod·der·ing adj

: walking and moving in a slow and unsteady way because of old age
a doddering old man

dod·dle noun [singular]

Brit informal : something that is very easy to do

This machine makes cleaning your home a doddle. [=cinch]

1dodge verb, dodg·es, dodged, dodg·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to move quickly to one side in order to avoid being hit by (someone or something)

He dodged the first punch but was hit by the second.

dodging traffic

1 b always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move quickly in order to avoid being hit, seen, stopped, etc.

She dodged through the crowds as she hurried home.

He dodged [=ducked] behind the bushes.

We dodged between the cars as we raced across the street.

2 [+ obj] : to get away from or avoid (someone or something) in a skillful or dishonest way

She dodged [=evaded] the question by changing the subject.

They managed to dodge the reporters by leaving through the back exit.

She accused him of dodging his responsibilities as a parent.

Many young men tried to dodge the draft [=to avoid being drafted into the military] by leaving the country.

dodge a/the bullet
chiefly US informal : to barely avoid being hit or affected by something harmful

The island dodged a bullet when the hurricane turned south.

2dodge noun, pl dodges [count]

: a clever or dishonest trick done in order to avoid something

It was just another dodge to get out of working.

a tax dodge

dodge·ball noun [noncount]

: a game in which players try to hit their opponents with an inflated ball in order to get them removed from the game

dodg·em car noun, pl cars [count]

Brit : bumper car

dodg·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who avoids doing something by being dishonest
tax dodgers [=evaders]

a draft dodger [=a person who illegally avoids being drafted into the military]

dodgy adj, dodgier, -est [also more ; most ]

chiefly Brit informal

1 a : false or dishonest
dodgy business deals
a dodgy insurance claim

1 b : causing a lack of trust or confidence

I heard he has a pretty dodgy [=questionable] reputation.

2 : in bad condition

The car's got a dodgy engine.

my dodgy knees

3 : difficult or risky

They got into a dodgy situation.

do·do noun, pl -does or -dos [count]

1 : a type of bird that lived in the past and that was large, heavy, and unable to fly

2 US, informal + humorous : a stupid or silly person

That dodo can't do anything right.

I feel like a complete dodo.

(as) dead as a dodo see 1DEAD

doe noun, pl does or doe [count]

: a female animal (such as a deer, rabbit, or kangaroo) compare BUCK, see also JANE DOE, JOHN DOE

doe-eyed adj

: having large eyes that make you look innocent
a doe-eyed little boy

do·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who actively does things instead of just thinking or talking about them

I'm more of a thinker than a doer.

does see DO

doesn't

used as a contraction of does not

She doesn't like cake.

This shirt doesn't fit.

doff verb, doffs, doffed, doff·ing [+ obj]

old-fashioned : to take off or remove (a hat or a piece of clothing)

He doffed his cap as he introduced himself.

They doffed their coats when they came inside.

1dog noun, pl dogs

1 [count]

1 a : a type of animal that is often kept as a pet or trained to work for people by guarding buildings, hunting, etc.

That dog barks all day long.

children playing with the family dog
a guard dog
a hunting dog
wild dogs such as the Australian dingo
often used before another noun
a dog collar
dog food/shows

I'm not really a dog person. [=I don't particularly like dogs]

1 b : a male dog

2 [count] informal

2 a : a person who is regarded as lucky, unlucky, etc.

You lucky dog!

see also TOP DOG

2 b : a person who is lazy or who is not liked

He's a lazy dog.

He's a worthless dog. [=bum]

2 c offensive : an unattractive girl or woman

They say she's a real dog.

3 [count] US, informal : something that is poor in quality

Her latest book turned out to be a real dog.

That was a dog of a movie.

4 [count] US, informal : hot dog

Would you like another dog?

see also CHILI DOG, CORN DOG

5 dogs [plural] US, informal + old-fashioned : feet

My dogs were tired from standing all day.

a dog's breakfast

Brit informal : something that is messy or poorly done

It was a dog's breakfast of a match, and our coach was understandably upset.

a dog's life

: a difficult, boring, and unhappy life

Everyone knows it's a dog's life in this business.

(as) sick as a dog
informal : very sick

I'm sick as a dog.

dog and pony show

US usually disapproving : a very fancy and elaborate event that is done to sell something, to impress people, etc.

The sales presentation was a real dog and pony show.

every dog has his/its day
informal used to say that every person has a successful moment in life

go to the dogs
informal : to become ruined : to change to a much worse condition

Our favorite restaurant has gone to the dogs lately.

The economy is going to the dogs.

hair of the dog (that bit you) see HAIR

in a dog's age see 1AGE

let sleeping dogs lie

: to ignore a problem because trying to deal with it could cause an even more difficult situation

I thought about bringing up my concerns but decided instead to let sleeping dogs lie.

put on the dog

US informal + old-fashioned : to pretend that you are very stylish or rich

They really put on the dog for their daughter's wedding.

rain cats and dogs see 2RAIN

the tail wagging the dog see 1TAIL

you can't teach an old dog new tricks

used to say that a person who is old or is used to doing things in a certain way cannot learn or does not want to learn a new way

I tried to get my mother to start using a computer, but she says you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

2dog verb, dogs, dogged, dog·ging [+ obj]

1 : to follow (someone) very closely

He dogged her every move.

2 : to ask (someone) about something or for something constantly or frequently

Creditors dogged him until he finally paid his bills.

Reporters kept dogging [=pestering] her for information.

3 : to cause problems for (someone) for a long time
often used as (be) dogged

His career has been dogged [=plagued] by controversy.

an athlete dogged by injuries [=an athlete who has had many injuries]

dog biscuit noun, pl -cuits [count]

: a hard, dry cracker for dogs

dog·catch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a public official who is responsible for catching dogs that do not have homes called also (Brit) dog warden

dog days noun [plural]

: the hottest time of the year

The kids used to go swimming every afternoon during the dog days of summer.

dog-eared adj [more ; most ]

: having some pages with the top corners folded down

All I had was a few old dog-eared copies of my favorite books.

a dog-eared magazine
sometimes used figuratively
dog-eared jokes [=old jokes that have been told many times]

dog-eat-dog adj

used to describe a situation in which people compete with each other for success in a cruel and selfish way

It's a dog-eat-dog business we're in.

dog-eat-dog competitions

dog·fight noun, pl -fights [count]

1 : a fight between dogs

2 : a fight between fighter planes that are flying close to each other

He was shot down in a dogfight over enemy territory.

3 : a fierce fight or struggle between people or groups

The election has turned into a real dogfight.

dog·ged adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing the attitude of a person who wants to do or get something and will not stop trying : stubborn and determined

Her dogged efforts eventually paid off.

a dogged pursuit of power

dog·ged·ly adv

He worked doggedly to maintain his lead.

The press doggedly pursues him wherever he goes.

dog·ged·ness noun [noncount]

dog·ger·el noun [noncount]

: poetry that is poorly written and that often is not meant to be taken seriously
a few lines of doggerel

doggie bag also doggy bag noun, pl bags [count]

: a bag that is used for carrying home food that is left over from a meal eaten at a restaurant

1dog·gone interj

US informal + somewhat old-fashioned
used as a more polite form of damn

Doggone! That hurt!

2doggone verb

US informal + somewhat old-fashioned [+ obj]

used as a more polite form of damn

Doggone it! I forgot my keys!

Listen to me, doggone it!

(I'll be) Doggoned if he didn't leave early. [=I'm surprised that he left early]

3doggone or doggoned adj

US informal + somewhat old-fashioned
used as a more polite form of damn

Those doggone kids stepped on our flowers!

He didn't do a doggone thing today.

It's a doggone shame that you missed it.

If you believe that, you're a doggoned fool!

doggone or doggoned adv

What's so doggone funny?

She's too doggoned skinny.

dog·gy or dog·gie noun, pl -gies [count]

informal : a dog

Doggy is used especially by children or when talking to children.

Oh, what a cute little doggy!

doggy adj [more ; most ]

a doggy smell

dog·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

US : an outdoor shelter with a roof for a dog

in the doghouse
informal : in a bad situation because someone is angry at you : in trouble

He's in the doghouse with his wife [=his wife is angry at him] for being late.

dog·leg noun, pl -legs [count]

: a place where a road, golf course, etc., bends or turns sharply
a sharp dogleg to the left

dogleg adj, always used before a noun
dogleg fairways

dogleg verb, -legs, -legged, -leg·ging [no obj]

a fairway that doglegs to the left

dog·ma noun, pl -mas [count, noncount]

formal

1 usually disapproving : a belief or set of beliefs that is accepted by the members of a group without being questioned or doubted

These new findings challenge the current dogma in the field.

political dogma

2 : a belief or set of beliefs that is taught by a religious organization

dog·mat·ic adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : expressing personal opinions or beliefs as if they are certainly correct and cannot be doubted

She's become so dogmatic lately that arguing with her is pointless.

dogmatic critics
dogmatic statements

dog·mat·i·cal·ly adv [more ; most ]

dog·ma·tism noun [noncount]

moral/religious/political dogmatism

dog·ma·tist noun, pl -tists [count]

a political dogmatist [=a person with dogmatic political opinions]

do-good·er noun, pl -ers [count]

disapproving : someone whose desire and effort to help people (such as poor people) is regarded as wrong, annoying, useless, etc.

He dismisses his critics as a bunch of politically correct do-gooders.

dog-paddle also doggy-paddle verb, -pad·dles, -pad·dled, -pad·dling [no obj]

: to swim like a dog with your head above water and your arms and legs paddling under the water

When she first learned to swim, all she could do was dog-paddle.

dog paddle also doggy paddle noun [singular]

doing a/the dog paddle

dog·sled noun, pl -sleds [count]

chiefly US : a type of sled that is pulled by dogs

dogsled verb, -sleds, -sled·ded, -sled·ding [no obj]

He dogsledded across the tundra.

[+ obj]

They dogsledded supplies to the fort.

dogsledding noun [noncount]

She likes to go dogsledding in the winter.

dog tag noun, pl tags [count]

: a small, thin piece of metal that is worn around the neck of an American soldier and that lists the soldier's name, service number, and other information

dog-tired adj [more ; most ]

informal : very tired : exhausted

I was dog-tired and ready for bed.

dog warden noun, pl -dens [count]

Brit : dogcatcher

dog·wood noun, pl -woods

1 [count] : a type of bush or small tree with groups of small flowers

We planted two dogwoods.

a dogwood tree

2 [noncount] : the hard wood of a dogwood

The furniture is made of dogwood.

doh chiefly Brit spelling of 4DO

DoH abbr

Brit Department of Health

d'oh interj
informal + humorous used when you realize that you have just said or done something stupid or foolish

doi·ly noun, pl -lies [count]

: a usually round cloth or paper that has a decorative pattern made of many small holes

Doilies are typically placed on top of something (such as a piece of furniture) to protect it or for decoration.

She placed a lace doily under the vase.

do·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [noncount] : the act of making something happen through your own action

It's the doing of the good deed that is important, not the thanks you receive.

Informal phrases like take a bit of doing, take some doing, and take a lot of doing are used to say that something is difficult to do and requires a lot of effort or work.

Finishing the work on time may take a bit of doing.

It will take some doing to win the game.

Getting the project done on time will take a lot of doing.

If something is your doing, you did it.

Is this mix-up your doing? [=did you cause the mix-up?]

The surprise party was not all our doing; we had lots of help.

2 doings [plural] : things that someone does

I've been reading about the governor's latest doings. [=activities]

: things that happen

There have been some strange doings [=goings-on, occurrences] lately.

do-it-yourself adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to work (such as fixing or building something) that you do yourself instead of hiring someone to do it
a do-it-yourself [=DIY] home improvement project
do-it-yourself home repair
do-it-yourself stores [=stores where you buy materials to fix or build things]

do-it-your·self·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a how-to guide for do-it-yourselfers

do·jo noun, pl -jos [count]

: a school for teaching people karate, judo, etc.

Dol·by trademark
used for an electronic device that removes unwanted noise from recorded or broadcast sound

dol·drums noun [plural]

1 : a state or period of sadness or depression

We watched movies to fight off the winter doldrums.

often used in the phrase in the doldrums

She has been in the doldrums since her best friend moved away.

2 : a state or period in which there is no activity or improvement

The company is slowly climbing out of its economic doldrums.

often used in the phrase in the doldrums

The market is in the doldrums.

1dole noun [noncount]

: money that a government (especially the British government) gives to people who do not have jobs or who are very poor
dole money
usually used as the dole

The government is changing the rules for receiving the dole. [=(US) welfare]

They've been on/off the dole for a year.

They're going on/off the dole.

2dole verb, doles, doled, dol·ing

dole out [phrasal verb]

dole out (something) also dole (something) out : to give (something) to people

She is always doling out advice on relationships.

The organization has doled out millions of dollars in grants.

The nurse doles the pills out carefully.

The agency doles out [=hands out, distributes] food to thousands of needy families each year.

dole·ful adj [more ; most ]

: very sad

The girl had a doleful look/expression on her face.

You sounded so doleful about your future that night.

dole·ful·ly adv

1doll noun, pl dolls [count]

1 : a child's toy in the form of a baby or small person

The child was busy playing with her (baby) dolls.

My aunt collects porcelain dolls.

see also RAG DOLL

2 chiefly US, informal : a kind and helpful person
usually singular

Thanks for the help. You're a doll. [=dear]

3 informal + old-fashioned : a woman; especially : an attractive woman

This sense of doll is now often considered offensive especially when it is used as a way to address a woman.

2doll verb, dolls, dolled, doll·ing

doll up [phrasal verb]

doll (yourself) up informal : to make (yourself) attractive with makeup and fancy or stylish clothes

She dolled herself up for the party. = She got (all) dolled up for the party.

dol·lar noun, pl -lars

1 [count]

1 a : a basic unit of money in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and other countries that is equal to 100 cents

The shirt costs 20 dollars. [=$20]

She had to pay hundreds of dollars in auto repairs.

The property is worth a million dollars. = It's a million-dollar property.

Do you have a 20-dollar bill? [=a twenty]

It costs 500 pesos. How much is that in dollars? [=how many dollars equals 500 pesos?]

1 b : a bill or coin that is worth one dollar

I found a dollar on the sidewalk. = I found a dollar bill on the sidewalk.

She put a wrinkled dollar down on the counter.

see also HALF-DOLLAR, TOP DOLLAR

2 the dollar technical : the value of a dollar when it is compared to another unit of money

The dollar dropped sharply against the pound.

the strength/weakness of the dollar

The dollar is worth more in Mexico.

3 [count] : money that is from a specified source or used for a specified purpose

You want to know how the state spends every federal dollar [=money from the federal government] it receives?

usually plural

Should a program like this be paid for with tax/taxpayer dollars? [=with money the government collects through taxes]

tourist/tourism dollars [=money that an economy gets because of the money tourists spend there]

The company needs to invest its advertising dollars wisely.

bet your bottom dollar see 2BET

look/feel like a million dollars see MILLION
see also SAND DOLLAR

dollar sign noun, pl signs [count]

: a symbol $ placed before a number to show that it represents an amount of dollars
often used figuratively

Where other people saw junk, she saw dollar signs. [=she saw a way to earn money]

investors with dollar signs in their eyes [=investors who want very much to earn money]

doll·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

US : a small toy house that is used by children for playing with dolls called also (Brit) doll's house

dol·lop noun, pl -lops [count]

1 : a small amount of soft food

My piece of pie was served with a dollop of whipped cream.

a dollop of ketchup

2 : a usually small amount of something

A dollop of milk was left in the container.

large dollops of wit and humor

doll's house noun, pl dolls' houses [count]

Brit : dollhouse

dol·ly noun, pl -lies [count]

1 : a child's toy doll

Dolly is usually used by children or by adults speaking to children.

2 : a piece of equipment that has wheels and that is used for moving heavy objects

We'll need a dolly to move the refrigerator.

dol·men noun, pl -mens [count]

technical : an ancient structure made of two or more upright stones and a single stone lying across them

Dolmens are believed to be tombs.

dol·phin noun, pl -phins [count]

: a small usually gray whale that has a pointed nose compare PORPOISE

dolt noun, pl dolts [count]

informal : a stupid person

What a dolt I've been!

dolt·ish adj [more ; most ]

a doltish person
doltish behavior

-dom noun suffix

1 : the state of being (something)

freedom

2 : the rank of
dukedom

3 : the area ruled by
kingdom

4 : the group having a specified job, position, interest, or character
officialdom

do·main noun, pl -mains [count]

1 : the land that a ruler or a government controls : territory

The forest is part of the king's domain.

the British/Ottoman imperial domain
see also EMINENT DOMAIN, PUBLIC DOMAIN

2 : an area of knowledge or activity

My sister is the math expert in the family, but literature is my domain.

Childcare is no longer solely a female domain.

often + of

Federal crimes are outside the domain of city police.

3 computers

3 a : a section of the Internet that is made up of computers or sites that are related in some way (such as by use or source)

An abbreviation of an Internet site's domain (such as .gov, .org, and .com) is included in its address: www.Merriam-Webster.com.

3 b : domain name

domain name noun, pl names [count]

computers : the characters (such as Merriam-Webster.com or Whitehouse.gov) that form the main part of an Internet address

dome noun, pl domes [count]

1 : a large rounded roof or ceiling that is shaped like half of a ball
the dome of the Capitol building
the church's high dome

2 : a structure that looks like the dome of a building
a dome of ice

3 : a stadium that is covered by a roof

The team's new stadium is a dome.

4 informal : a person's head

He wears a hat to protect his bald dome from the summer sun.

domed adj

: shaped like or covered with a dome

The dog's skull is slightly domed.

a domed ceiling/church/stadium

1do·mes·tic adj

1 : of, relating to, or made in your own country
the domestic economy/market
foreign and domestic affairs/policy
international and domestic politics

The company hopes to attract both foreign and domestic investors.

The wine is domestic.

domestic and imported cheeses

The airline only offers domestic flights. [=flights to and from places within the country]

opposite FOREIGN

2 always used before a noun : relating to or involving someone's home or family
domestic happiness

His domestic [=home] life was not very happy.

domestic abuse/violence [=physical harm done to a member of a family or household by another member of the same family or household]

3 a always used before a noun : relating to the work (such as cooking and cleaning) that is done in a person's home
domestic chores/duties/work/services/help
a domestic worker/servant [=a worker/servant who is hired to work in someone's home]

3 b [more ; most ]

used to describe a person who enjoys work and activities that are done at home

I'm not a domestic person.

She is not very domestic.

3 c always used before a noun : used in the home
domestic furniture/appliances

4 of an animal : living with people : bred or trained to need and accept the care of human beings : domesticated

The wolf is related to the domestic dog.

wild and domestic cats
domestic animals/cattle

do·mes·ti·cal·ly adv

It is a domestically produced wine.

Domestically, the economy is not doing well.

2domestic noun, pl -tics [count]

1 old-fashioned : a servant who is hired to work in someone's home : a domestic servant

2 Brit, informal : a fight between members of a family or household

She got in a domestic with her husband.

do·mes·ti·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to breed or train (an animal) to need and accept the care of human beings : to tame (an animal)

Humans have domesticated dogs/cattle/chickens.

Horses and oxen have been domesticated to work on farms.

1 b : to grow (a plant) for human use

Native Americans domesticated corn.

2 humorous : to train (someone) to behave in an appropriate way at home (such as by using good manners, being polite, being helpful, etc.)

She jokes that dogs are easier to domesticate than men.

domesticated adj [more ; most ]

domesticated animals

do·mes·ti·ca·tion noun [noncount]

the domestication of animals

do·mes·tic·i·ty noun [noncount]

formal : life inside a home : the activities of a family or of the people who share a home

We got married and settled into a life of comfortable domesticity.

domestic partner noun, pl -ners [count]

US formal : a person you live with and have a sexual relationship with but are not married to

Domestic partner is usually used in legal situations.

The organization is trying to get tax and insurance benefits for domestic partners.

domestic partnership noun, pl -ships [count]

People in domestic partnerships qualify for insurance benefits.

domestic science noun [noncount]

old-fashioned : home economics

dom·i·cile noun, pl -ciles
law : the place where you live : your home

[noncount] You will need to report your change of domicile to your insurance company.

[count] Students must establish a domicile in the state to be eligible for reduced tuition.

dom·i·ciled adj, not used before a noun
law : living or established in a particular place

The defendant/corporation is domiciled in Texas.

students domiciled outside the state

dom·i·nant adj

1 [more ; most ] : more important, powerful, or successful than most or all others

The university has/plays a dominant [=major] role in the local economy.

Money is the dominant [=main] force in consumer societies.

The company is now dominant in its market.

What is the dominant [=major, predominant] theme of the play?

It is the dominant culture/tribe in the region.

She has a very dominant [=domineering] personality.

the dominant female/male of the pack

2 : most common
the dominant [=prevailing] language/religion of the country

3 biology : causing or relating to a characteristic or condition that a child will have if one of the child's parents has it
dominant genes

Brown hair is a dominant trait. = Brown hair is dominant.

opposite RECESSIVE

dom·i·nance noun [noncount]

The companies are competing for dominance in the market. = The companies are competing for market dominance.

military/political dominance [=predominance]

male dominance [=the state of men or male animals having more power than women or female animals]

the French language's dominance in the region = the regional dominance of the French language

[singular]

The company has established a dominance in the market.

the team's dominance over its rivals
a neighborhood with a dominance [=predominance] of older homes

dom·i·nant·ly adv

The population is dominantly [=(more commonly) predominantly] Catholic.

a dominantly inherited disease

dom·i·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

1 [+ obj] : to have control of or power over (someone or something)

The king dreamed of dominating [=ruling] the world.

One company has dominated the market for years.

Men dominate the field. = It's a male-dominated field.

He dominated her life for many years.

2 [+ obj] : to be the most important part of (something)

His work dominated the art scene last year.

The business dominated her life. [=most of her life/time was devoted to the business]

The topic of her arrest dominated the conversation. [=most of the conversation was about her arrest]

3 : to be much more powerful or successful than others in a game, competition, etc.

[no obj] Our team dominated throughout the game.

[+ obj] Our team dominated play throughout the game.

She dominated the match.

4 [no obj] : to be most common

Pine trees dominate in the eastern part of the forest.

French dominates throughout the region, but German is also spoken.

5 [+ obj] : to be the largest or most noticeable object in (a place)

The statue dominates the town's square.

The room was dominated by a large table.

dominating adj [more ; most ]

He has had a dominating influence in her life.

a very dominating team

dom·i·na·tion noun [noncount]

The king had dreams of world domination.

market domination

dom·i·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

The company is a market dominator.

do·mi·na·trix noun, pl -tri·ces also -trix·es [count]

: a woman who controls and hurts her partner during sexual activity in order to give her partner sexual pleasure

dom·i·neer·ing adj [more ; most ]

: tending too often to tell people what to do : often trying to control the behavior of others
a domineering [=controlling] parent

Their manager is much too domineering. [=(informal) bossy]

Do·min·i·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: a member of a Roman Catholic group of friars founded in 1215 by St. Dominic

Dominican adj
the Dominican order

Dominican friars

do·min·ion noun, pl -ions
formal

1 [noncount] : the power to rule : control of a country, region, etc.

The U.S. has/holds dominion over the island.

The countries fought for dominion of the territory.

synonyms see 1POWER

2 [count] : the land that a ruler or government controls

The whole island is the king's dominion. [=domain]

the dominions of the empire

3 Dominion [count] : a country that was part of the British Empire but had its own government

Countries that were formerly Dominions are now members of the Commonwealth.

dom·i·no noun, pl -noes or -nos

1 [count] : a small flat rectangular block made of wood or plastic that has one or more dots on one side and that is used in playing games

2 dominoes [noncount] : a game played with dominoes

Dominoes is one of my favorite games.

domino effect noun [singular]

: a situation in which one event causes a series of similar events to happen one after another

The delay created a domino effect [=ripple effect], disrupting deliveries around the country.

1don noun, pl dons [count]

1 Brit : a teacher in a college or university; especially : a teacher at Oxford or Cambridge University

2 informal : a powerful Mafia leader

2don verb, dons, donned, don·ning [+ obj]

formal + old-fashioned : to put on (a piece of clothing)

He donned his gloves and hat.

She donned her jacket.

do·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

1 : to give (money, food, clothes, etc.) in order to help a person or organization

[+ obj] The computers were donated by local companies.

We donated our old clothes to charity.

people who donate money to political candidates

He donates some of his free time to volunteer work.

[no obj] Everyone is encouraged to donate.

2 : to give (blood, a body organ, etc.) to a hospital or other medical organization so that it can be given to someone who needs it

[+ obj] People are encouraged to donate blood.

Please sign this form if you would like to donate your organs when you die.

[no obj] You can donate at the blood bank every eight weeks.

do·na·tor noun, pl -ors [count]

The donators [=(more commonly) donors] of the money did not give their names.

do·na·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : something (such as money, food, clothes, etc.) that you give in order to help a person or organization

[count] All donations are appreciated.

They thanked her for the generous donation. [=gift]

The organization is funded by private donations.

Would you like to make a donation? [=make a contribution; give money]

[noncount] We are grateful for the donation of whatever you can afford to give.

2 : something (such as blood or a body organ) that you give to a hospital or clinic so that it can be given to someone who needs it

[count] blood/organ donations

[noncount] trying to encourage the donation of blood/organs

1done past participle of 1DO

2done adj, not used before a noun

1
used to say that an activity, job, etc., has ended

One more question and we're done.

He'll travel many miles before he's done. [=through]

My work is never done. [=finished, completed]

I'm (almost) done reading this book.

Turn out the light when you're done.

Are you done with the scissors?

When will you be done with [=finish, complete] the project? = (Brit) When will you have done with the project?

Just call her and be done with it. [=get it over with] = (Brit) Just call her and have done with it.

compare 1DO 2

2 : cooked completely or enough

The cake is done.

Check to see if the meat is done.

see also OVERDONE, UNDERDONE, WELL-DONE

3 : socially acceptable or fashionable

Getting a divorce just wasn't done at the time.

consider it done see CONSIDER

done for
informal

1 : in a very bad situation : certain to fail, lose, be punished, etc.

If she finds out we cheated, we're done for. [=in trouble]

We'll never catch up now. We're done for.

2 : certain to die or be killed

When we saw the explosion, we thought she was done for.

see also do for 1 at 1DO

done in
informal : very tired

After working in the garden all day, I was/felt completely done in. [=exhausted]

see also do in 2 at 1DO

hard done by see 2HARD

no harm done see 1HARM

over and done with see 1OVER

when all is said and done see 3ALL

3done interj

used to say that you agree with the conditions of a deal or accept an offer

“I'll offer you $5,000 for the car.” “Done.”

done deal noun [singular]

informal : something that has been done and that cannot be changed

It's a done deal.

The sale is far from a done deal. [=it is very possible that it will not happen]

done·ness noun [noncount]

: the state of being cooked completely or enough

Cover the pan and cook to (the) desired doneness.

Don Juan noun, pl Juans [count]

: a man who has sexual relationships with many women

She was wined and dined by the local Don Juan. [=Casanova]

don·key noun, pl -keys [count]

: an animal that is like a small horse with large ears

donkey work noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit informal : hard work that is not interesting

I had to do the donkey work.

donkey's years noun [plural]

chiefly Brit informal : a very long time

It's been donkey's years [=ages] since I saw her.

don·nish adj [more ; most ]

chiefly Brit : like a typical don (sense 1)

a donnish [=bookish] manner
a donnish old professor

don·ny·brook noun, pl -brooks [count]

1 : a public argument
a political donnybrook [=dispute]

A donnybrook has erupted over the court's decision.

2 : an uncontrolled fight

A donnybrook [=brawl, free-for-all] broke out at the end of the game.

do·nor noun, pl -nors [count]

1 : a person or group that gives something (such as money, food, or clothes) in order to help a person or organization

The money was raised from individual donors.

She is one of the charity's/cause's major donors.

2 : a person who gives something (such as blood or a body organ) so that it can be given to someone who needs it
blood/organ donors
a kidney donor
a donor organ
a donor card [=a card that says that you want to donate your organs when you die]

1do-noth·ing adj, always used before a noun

1 : not willing to work, help, etc. : lazy
a do-nothing husband

2 : failing to achieve or do anything important
a do-nothing policy/government/politician

2do-nothing noun, pl -ings [count]

informal : someone who is lazy

He's a no-good do-nothing.

1don't

used as a contraction of do not

I don't like it.

The shoes don't fit.

usage

Don't is also sometimes used as a contraction of “does not.”

She don't like it.

This use is usually regarded as an error, but it is common in the very informal speech of some people. It is often used in stories in the speech of characters who do not have much education.

2don't noun, pl don'ts [count]

informal : something that a person should not do
usually used in the phrase dos and don'ts

We each got a long list of dos and don'ts. [=things we should and should not do]

donut chiefly US spelling of DOUGHNUT

doo·bie noun, pl -bies [count]

US slang : a marijuana cigarette

He lit up a doobie. [=joint]

doo·dad noun, pl -dads [count]

US informal

1 : a usually small object that is used as a decoration
usually plural
a shelf cluttered with doodads [=knickknacks]

2 : a small useful device : gadget
usually plural

The shop sells all kinds of nifty doodads.

doo·dah noun, pl -dahs [count]

Brit informal : doodad 2

doo·dle verb, doo·dles, doo·dled, doo·dling [no obj]

: to draw something without thinking about what you are doing

She doodled in her notebook instead of taking notes.

doodle noun, pl doodles [count]

Her notebook was full of doodles.

doo-doo noun [noncount]

informal : solid waste discharged from the body

I stepped in dog doo-doo. [=poop]

in deep doo-doo
informal : in a very bad situation

If the car won't start, we're in deep doo-doo. [=in deep trouble]

doo·fus noun, pl -fus·es [count]

US slang : a stupid or foolish person

Don't be such a doofus.

doo·hick·ey noun, pl -eys [count]

US informal : an object or device whose name you do not know or have forgotten

I need one of those doohickeys [=thingamajigs, whatchamacallits] with the long handles.

1doom noun [noncount]

1 : very bad events or situations that cannot be avoided

The sailors had a sense/feeling of (impending) doom as the storm approached. [=they sensed or felt that something very bad was going to happen]

The prophets of doom [=people who predict that bad things will happen] say that the Internet will kill off print newspapers.

The papers are filled with stories of gloom and doom.

2 : death or ruin
the story of a mysterious creature who lures travelers to their doom

Prepare to meet your doom. [=die]

The poor economy spelled doom for many small businesses. [=many small businesses would fail because of the poor economy]

2doom verb, dooms, doomed, doom·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone or something) certain to fail, suffer, die, etc.

A criminal record will doom your chances of becoming a politician.

usually used as (be) doomed

The plan was doomed from the start.

The treaty is doomed [=destined] to failure/fail.

If no one rescues us, we are doomed.

a project doomed by the poor/weak economy

The species is doomed to extinction.

doomed adj
a doomed plan/mission/ship

doom·say·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who predicts that bad things will happen

Don't listen to the doomsayers.

dooms·day noun [singular]

: the day the world ends or is destroyed
a warning that doomsday is near
doomsday predictions

The book explores a doomsday scenario in which an asteroid hits the Earth.

a doomsday machine [=a machine that will destroy the world]

It'll be like that from now until doomsday. [=for a very long time; forever]

doom·ster noun, pl -sters [count]

Brit informal : doomsayer

door noun, pl doors [count]

1 a : a movable piece of wood, glass, or metal that swings or slides open and shut so that people can enter or leave a room, building, vehicle, etc.

open/shut/slam/lock/bolt the door

I heard a knock on/at the door.

the bedroom/bathroom/cellar door

The car has four doors. = It's a four-door car.

Leave the package at the front/back/side door. [=the door at the front/back/side of the house, building, etc.]

Can you answer the door? [=open the door to see who is knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell]

Is somebody at the door? [=knocking on the door or ringing the doorbell]

Let me open the door for you. = (US) Let me get the door for you.

(US) Can you get the door? [=can you open or close the door for me?] My hands are full.

an exterior/outside door [=a door that can be used to enter or leave a building]

an interior door [=a door inside a building; a door that connects rooms]

a garage door [=a large door that covers the opening through which a car enters and leaves a garage]

turn/pull the door handle
a large brass door knocker [=knocker]

see also BACK DOOR, DUTCH DOOR, FRENCH DOOR, REVOLVING DOOR, STORM DOOR, TRAPDOOR

1 b : a part of an object (such as piece of furniture or an appliance) that swings or slides open and shut
the cupboard/closet/refrigerator/oven door

2 : the opening for a door : the entrance to a room or building : doorway

Please don't block the door.

I peeked through the open door.

He stood at/before the door.

He greeted his guests as they came in/through the door. = He greeted his guests at the door.

She walked out the door [=left] without saying goodbye.

standing (just/right) inside/outside the door [=inside/outside the room, building, etc., near the door]

3 : a house, building, apartment, office, etc.

used with an adverb to indicate where something is in relation to something else

She lives in a house two doors down/up from me. [=there is one house between our houses]

The library is a few doors down from the bank. [=there are several buildings between the library and the bank]

We grew up two doors apart. [=with one house/apartment between our houses/apartments]

If you do something (from) door to door, you do it at each of the houses, apartments, or buildings in an area.

Girl Scouts are selling cookies door to door. = Girl Scouts are going door to door selling cookies.

She went (from) door to door looking for her cat.

see also DOOR-TO-DOOR, NEXT DOOR

4
used especially with open or unlock to describe an opportunity or possibility

The grant will open new doors for our town. [=will give our town new opportunities]

The discovery may unlock the door to a cure for the disease.

The door is open (to you) if you want a better job.

A good education can open/unlock the door of success. [=can make success possible]

The patent on the product has expired, which leaves the door open for [=makes it possible for] other companies to make it.

see also OUT OF DOORS

at death's door see DEATH

behind closed doors see CLOSED

close the door on

: to no longer think about, consider, or accept (something)

I'd like to close the door on that chapter in my life.

The former senator says she hasn't closed the door on politics.

Don't close the door on your options.

close your doors

1 : to not allow someone to enter

The country has closed its doors to immigrants.

2 of a business or organization : to close permanently : to stop operating

The museum may be forced to close its doors.

The store closed its doors (for the last time) last fall.

darken someone's door/doors see DARKEN

get your foot in the door see 1FOOT

keep the wolf from the door see 1WOLF

lay the blame for (something) at someone's door

: to blame someone for (something)

They laid the blame for the book's failure at my door.

open doors for see 2OPEN

open the door see 2OPEN

open your doors

1 : to allow someone to enter

The country has opened its doors to immigrants.

local churches that open their doors to the homeless in the winter months [=that let homeless people stay there]

2 of a business or organization : to open for business : to begin operating

The new store will be opening its doors next month.

show (someone) the door

: to tell or force (someone) to leave

We don't tolerate bad behavior. If you cause trouble, we'll show you the door.

If the coach doesn't win this year, they'll show him the door. [=they'll fire him]

show/see (someone) to the door

: to go to the door with (someone who is leaving)

My secretary will show you to the door. [=show you out]

doorless adj
a doorless cubicle

door·bell noun, pl -bells [count]

: a bell inside a house or building that is rung usually by pushing a button beside an outside door

We rang the doorbell until someone came to let us in.

do-or-die adj

1 always used before a noun : very determined

Her do-or-die attitude is inspiring.

2
used to describe a situation in which you have to do something or you will fail, lose, etc.

With only 10 seconds left, this is a do-or-die situation for the team. If they don't score, the game is over.

It is do-or-die for the team.

door·frame noun, pl -frames [count]

: a door's frame : the structure around the opening of a door

door·jamb noun, pl -jambs [count]

: an upright piece that forms the side of a door's frame

door·keep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who guards a door and checks people to see if they are allowed to enter the building

door·knob noun, pl -knobs [count]

: a round handle that you turn to open a door see pictures at DOOR, KNOB

door·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) whose job is to stand next to the main door of a building (such as a hotel or apartment building) and help people by opening the door, calling taxis, etc.

door·mat noun, pl -mats [count]

1 : a mat that you put on the floor or ground on one side of a door so that people can wipe the bottoms of their shoes on it

2 informal : someone who is treated badly by other people and does not complain

She was tired of being a doormat and decided it was time to stand up for herself.

door·nail noun

(as) dead as a doornail see 1DEAD

door·post noun, pl -posts [count]

: doorjamb

door prize noun, pl prizes [count]

US : a prize that you get at a social event if you were given the winning ticket when you arrived

door·step noun, pl -steps [count]

: a step or series of steps leading up to one of the doors that is used to enter or leave a building

We sat on the doorstep.

The police were at my doorstep.

often used figuratively

The beach is right at your doorstep. [=the beach is very close]

Bars and restaurants are on the doorstep of the hotel. [=bars and restaurants are very close to the hotel]

door·stop noun, pl -stops [count]

1 : an object that is attached to a wall or the floor to prevent a door from hitting and damaging the wall

2 : something (such as a wedge or weight) that is used to hold a door open

door-to-door adj, always used before a noun

: going or made by going to each house, apartment, or building in an area
a door-to-door salesman
a door-to-door survey
see also (from) door to door at DOOR

door·way noun, pl -ways [count]

1 : the opening where a door is

Please don't block the doorway.

She stepped through the doorway.

the castle's arched doorways
sometimes used figuratively

We hope that these talks will be a doorway to peace. [=will lead to peace]

2 : the space in front of a door

He stood in the doorway, wondering if he should go in.

Homeless people sleep in the doorways of the shops.

door·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

US : a yard next to the door of a house
flowers blooming in the dooryard
dooryard gardens

doo-wop noun [noncount]

: a style of popular music that involves singing nonsense syllables

doo·zy or doo·zie noun, pl -zies [count]

US informal : something that is unusually good, bad, big, severe, etc.

They say the snowstorm tonight is going to be a doozy.

Watch out for that first step. It's a doozy.

Some of her comments have been real doozies.

a doozy of a year

1dope noun, pl dopes
informal

1 [noncount] : an illegal drug (such as marijuana or heroin)

They were caught smoking dope.

a dope addict/dealer

2 [count] : a stupid or annoying person

What a dope he is.

3 the dope : information about someone or something that is not commonly or immediately known

What's the dope [=skinny, scoop] on the new guy? [=what do you know about him?]

The magazine claims to have the inside dope [=information known only by those involved] on her new romance.

Give me the straight dope on it. [=tell me the truth about it]

2dope verb, dopes, doped, dop·ing [+ obj]

informal

1 : to give a drug to (a person or animal) especially to cause unconsciousness

They tried to dope him.

often used as (be) doped

She was doped and kidnapped.

2 : to put a drug in (something, such as food or a drink) to make a person or animal unconscious

They doped his food.

often used as (be) doped

She began to feel sleepy and suspected that her drink had been doped.

dope out [phrasal verb]

dope out (something) or dope (something) out US : to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking : to figure out (something)

She's still trying to dope out exactly what happened.

dope up [phrasal verb]

dope up (someone) or dope (someone) up : to give (someone) a drug that affects the ability to think or behave normally
usually used as (be) doped up

I was doped up with/on painkillers after my surgery.

3dope adj [more ; most ]

US slang : great or excellent

That movie was so dope.

Check out this dope new song.

dope·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal : a person who uses a lot of illegal drugs : a drug addict

dop·ey adj, dop·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal

1 a : feeling the effects of a drug

I'm still a little dopey from the painkillers.

1 b : slow because you are tired

After being up all night I was pretty dopey at work.

2 : foolish or stupid
a dopey movie

He's a little dopey.

doping noun [noncount]

: the illegal use of a drug (such as a steroid) to improve an athlete's performance
increased efforts to detect doping at the Olympic Games
doping tests/scandals
see also BLOOD DOPING

dop·pel·gäng·er or dop·pel·gang·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who looks like someone else

I saw your doppelgänger [=(more commonly) double] yesterday.

2 literary : a ghost that looks like a living person

In the story, the character is haunted by a doppelgänger.

Dopp·ler radar noun [noncount]

: a radar system that is used especially for predicting the weather

do-rag noun, pl -rags [count]

US informal : a piece of cloth that is worn on the head to cover the hair

dork noun, pl dorks [count]

informal : a person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish clothes, hair, etc.

Back in high school, all the kids thought he was a dork. [=nerd, loser]

I look like a complete dork in these clothes.

dorky adj, dork·i·er, -est

He's that tall, dorky [=nerdy] guy with the glasses.

dorm noun, pl dorms [count]

informal : dormitory

We all lived in the same dorm during our sophomore year.

my old dorm room

dor·mant adj [more ; most ]

: not doing anything at this time : not active but able to become active
a dormant volcano

The seeds will remain/lie dormant until the spring.

Her emotions have lain dormant for many years.

dor·man·cy noun [noncount]

The volcano has been in a state of dormancy for many years.

a period of dormancy

dor·mer noun, pl -mers [count]

1 : a window that is in a part of a building that sticks out from a slanted roof called also dormer window

2 : the part of a building that contains a dormer

dor·mered adj
dormered windows

1dor·mi·to·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

1 US : a building on a school campus that has rooms where students can live
a college dormitory [=dorm, residence hall]

2 : a large room with many beds where people can sleep

Guests at the camp can stay in private cabins or for a smaller fee in the dormitories.

2dormitory adj, always used before a noun

Brit : lived in by people who go to another town or city to work
a dormitory town [=(US) bedroom community]

dor·mouse noun, pl -mice [count]

: a European animal that looks like a small squirrel

dor·sal fin noun, pl fins [count]

: a flat thin part on the back of some fish (such as sharks)

do·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a boat that has a flat bottom and high sides and that is used especially for fishing

dos·age noun, pl -ag·es [count]

: the amount of a medicine, drug, or vitamin that should be taken at one time or regularly during a period of time
usually singular

Each pill/tablet has the dosage necessary to reduce pain and swelling.

Some patients may benefit from a larger dosage of this medication.

Do not exceed the recommended dosage. [=do not take more than doctors recommend]

1dose noun, pl dos·es [count]

1 : the amount of a medicine, drug, or vitamin that is taken at one time

I've been taking the same dose for five years.

a large dose of vitamin C

2 : an amount of a substance

The drug is lethal even in small doses.

a large dose of sugar
a high dose of radiation

3 : an amount of something that a person experiences

Her parents hoped a daily dose of hard work would keep her out of trouble.

He needs a good dose of reality.

a dose of your own medicine see MEDICINE

2dose verb, doses, dosed, dos·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give a dose of medicine to (someone or something)

Most patients are dosed at 50 milligrams per day.

often + with

She dosed herself daily with aspirin.

2 : to give an amount of a substance to (someone or something)

usually + with

The victims were dosed with poison.

3 US : to add something to (something)

usually + with

The pasta sauce was heavily dosed with garlic. [=there was a lot of garlic in the pasta sauce]

dosh noun [noncount]

Brit informal : money
earning lots of dosh

doss verb, doss·es, dossed, doss·ing [no obj]

Brit informal : to sleep in a usually uncomfortable place that does not have a bed
usually + down

We'll have to doss down [=bed down] in the car for the night.

doss·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal : a person who does not have a home to sleep in : a homeless person

doss-house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

chiefly Brit informal : flophouse

dos·sier noun, pl -siers [count]

: a group of papers that contain detailed information about someone or something
the patient's medical dossier [=(more commonly) file]

often + on

Investigators began compiling a dossier on him after he was suspected of stealing.

1dot noun, pl dots [count]

1 : a small round mark

Put a dot over the i.

The dots on the map represent cities.

She said, “Go to Learners Dictionary dot com [=the Web site www.learnersdictionary.com] for more information.”

see also POLKA DOT

2 : a small spot : a small area that is different in color from the main part

You have a dot of ketchup on your shirt.

As we drove away, the house became just a dot on the horizon.

3 : a short signal (such as a sound or a flash of light) that represents a letter or a part of a letter in Morse code

The Morse code for the letter v is three dots and a dash.

compare 2DASH 7

connect the dots see CONNECT

on the dot
informal : exactly at a particular time

She arrived at 3 o'clock on the dot. = She arrived on the dot of 3. [=she arrived exactly at 3 o'clock]

since the year dot see YEAR

2dot verb, dots, dot·ted, dot·ting [+ obj]

1 : to mark (something) with a dot

Don't forget to dot the i.

If you dot the/your i's and cross the/your t's, you make sure that all of the small details in something have been completed.

We need some extra time to dot the i's and cross the t's on the report.

2 : to appear at many different places on the surface of (something)

Quaint cottages dot the countryside.

The fields were dotted with wildflowers.

3 : to put a small amount of something on different parts of (a surface)

Dot the cream all over your face.

dot·age noun [noncount]

: the period of old age : the time when a person is old and often less able to remember or do things
often used after in or into

He has become friendlier in his dotage.

The actress continued to work well into her dotage.

dot-com noun, pl -coms [count]

: a company that sells its products or services only on the Internet
a successful dot-com
often used before another noun

She owned thousands of dollars in dot-com stock.

the dot-com boom of the 1990s

dote verb, dotes, dot·ed, dot·ing

dote on/upon [phrasal verb]

dote on/upon (someone or something) : to give a lot of love or attention to (someone or something)

She doted on her new grandchild.

doting adj, always used before a noun

: showing a lot of love or attention
the child's doting grandmother

dot·ing·ly adv

She smiled dotingly at the baby.

dot matrix noun, pl matrices or matrixes [count]

: a pattern of dots that form letters, numbers, etc., on a computer screen or on something printed from a computer
often used before another noun

Dot matrix printers have been largely replaced with laser printers.

dotted adj

: covered with dots
the plant's dotted green and white leaves [=leaves covered with green and white dots]

He drew a dotted line. [=a line that is made up of a series of dots]

Dotted line is often used to refer to the place at the bottom of a document where a person signs and agrees to the terms in the document.

Just sign on the dotted line and we'll have a deal.

dot·ty adj, dot·ti·er, -est
old-fashioned + informal : somewhat crazy
my dotty old grandparents

1dou·ble adj

1 : made of two parts that are similar or exactly the same

One of the eggs had a double yolk.

The truck crossed the double yellow line and entered the other lane.

My name is “Allison,” with a double “l.”

The band is releasing a double album [=a set of two records, CDs, etc.] later this year.

Go through those double doors and walk to the end of the hall.

He was convicted of a double murder. [=of killing two people at the same time]

2 : having two very different parts or qualities

He served a double [=dual] role as both king and servant to his people.

His statement has a double meaning. [=it means two different things]

In this film, he does double duty [=performs two roles] as both actor and director.

If you are leading/living a double life, you have something secret that you do as an important part of your life in addition to the regular parts of your life that other people know about.

She was a newspaper reporter who led/lived a double life as a spy.

3 a : of a size that is twice as big as usual : of an amount that is twice as much as usual

I'll have a double espresso, please.

two double martinis
a double dose of medicine

Line the pan with a double thickness [=two layers] of foil.

a double order of fries

3 b : coming from two different places or sources
families with a double income [=two incomes]

4 : two times as great or as many as the number, amount, size, etc., of something else

The college had double [=twice] the number of expected applicants.

Our new car was double the price of our last one.

The CEO's salary is nearly double that of the president.

5 : made for two people to use

We'll need a double room.

a room with a double bed

6 of a flower : having more than the usual number of petals
double flowers/blooms

2double verb, dou·bles, dou·bled, dou·bling

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to become two times as great or as many

They doubled their winnings.

1 b [no obj] : to become two times as great or as many

The price of the house had doubled. = The house had doubled in price.

2 [no obj] : to have a second job or use

+ as

Our couch often doubles as a bed. [=is often used as a bed]

Their living room doubles as a home office.

3 a [+ obj] : to bend or fold (something, such as a piece of paper) usually in the middle
usually + over or up

I doubled over the paper and put it in my notebook.

3 b : to bend forward at the waist usually + over or up

[no obj] We all doubled over laughing.

He doubled up in pain.

[+ obj] The pain doubled him over. = He was doubled over with pain.

4 [no obj] baseball : to hit a double : to hit the ball so that you can reach second base

He doubled to left field.

double back [phrasal verb]

: to turn around and return on the same path

I'm going to double back to see if I dropped the ring on the way here.

double up [phrasal verb]

: to share a place to live or sleep that is made for one person or one family

Some families have to double up [=live with another family] in crowded apartments.

There was only one bed, so we had to double up.

see also 2DOUBLE 3B (ABOVE)

double up on [phrasal verb]

double up on (something) : to use or do two times as many of (something)

I'm going to have to double up on [=take twice as many] classes this semester if I want to graduate this year.

3double noun, pl doubles

1 [singular] : something that is two times the usual size, strength, or amount

I'll have one more glass of vodka. Make it a double, please.

2 [count]

2 a : someone who looks very much like another person

People often tell me that I'm his double.

2 b : a person who looks like an actor and takes the actor's place in some scenes in a movie or TV show

The actress's double did all of the dangerous scenes.

Can you tell if it's the actor or his double in that shot?

see also BODY DOUBLE, STUNT DOUBLE

3 [count] baseball : a hit in baseball that allows a batter to reach second base

He hit a double in the eighth inning.

compare HOME RUN, SINGLE, TRIPLE

4 doubles [plural] : a game of tennis or a similar sport that is played between two pairs of players

We play doubles with another couple on the weekends.

He's my doubles partner.

5 [count] : a room in a hotel, inn, etc., for two people

We'll need a double for the night.

compare SINGLE

double or nothing (US) or Brit double or quits

: a gambling bet in which you could win two times as much money as you have already won or you could lose all of the money

I won $20 on the first game but lost it on the second game going double or nothing.

on the double (US) or Brit at the double
informal : very quickly : as soon as possible

I need you back here on the double. [=immediately]

4double adv

1 : two times as many or as much

The last question on the exam counts double. [=is worth twice as many points]

I was charged/billed double. [=twice the usual amount]

2 : two times
usually used in combination

I was double-charged/billed. [=I was charged/billed twice for the same product or service]

bend double

: to fold in the middle.

I held on tight as my fishing rod bent double.

He bent double [=doubled over] in pain.

Bend double is used more frequently in British English than in U.S. English.

see double

: to see two things when only one thing is present

As her eyesight got worse, she began seeing double.

that goes double for
informal
used to say that something you have just said about one person or thing relates even more strongly to another

You're in trouble, Steven. And that goes double for you, John. [=you, John, are in even more trouble than Steven]

double agent noun, pl agents [count]

: a spy who pretends to spy for one government while actually spying for another

He was secretly working as a double agent for the Americans during the war.

dou·ble-bar·reled (US) or Brit dou·ble-bar·relled adj

1 of a gun : having two tubes (called barrels) that bullets or pellets are shot through
a double-barreled shotgun

2 US : having two parts or purposes

She made a double-barreled announcement that she was both leaving the company and getting married.

a double-barreled question

double bass noun, pl basses [count]

: a very large musical instrument that is shaped like a violin called also contrabass

double bill noun, pl bills [count]

: two movies, plays, concerts, etc., that are seen one after the other compare DOUBLE FEATURE

double bind noun, pl binds [count]

: a very difficult situation that has no good solution
usually singular

He finds himself caught in a double bind: By doing his job, he could end up hurting his family.

dou·ble-blind adj
technical
used to describe an experiment that is done so that neither the people who are doing the experiment nor the people who are the subjects of the experiments know which of the groups being studied is the control group and which is the test group
a double-blind drug trial

double bogey noun, pl -geys [count]

golf : a score that is two more than the official standard score for a particular hole : a score of two strokes over par on a hole

He made/scored a double bogey on the fourth hole.

double bogey verb, -geys, -geyed, -geying [+ obj]

He double bogeyed the fourth hole.

double boiler noun, pl -ers [count]

: a pair of deep cooking pans that fit together so that the contents of the top pan can be cooked or heated by boiling water in the bottom pan

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

double bond noun, pl bonds [count]

technical : a chemical bond in which two atoms in a molecule share two pairs of electrons compare SINGLE BOND, TRIPLE BOND

double-book verb, -books, -booked, -book·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make plans for (someone or something) to be in two different places at the same time

My husband and I are double-booked for/on Friday night. [=we are scheduled to go to two different places at the same time on Friday night]

2 : to promise a room, seat, table, etc., to two different people or groups at the same time

The airline double-booked my seat. = The airline double-booked me.

compare OVERBOOK

dou·ble-breast·ed adj
of a coat or jacket : having two rows of buttons

He is wearing a tan double-breasted jacket.

compare SINGLE-BREASTED

dou·ble-check verb, -checks, -checked, -check·ing

: to check (something) again in order to be certain

[+ obj] Be sure to double-check your answers before handing in your test.

[no obj] I thought I mailed the letter already, but let me double-check.

double check noun, pl checks [count]

Did you do a double check of the list?

double chin noun, pl chins [count]

: a fold of fat that some people have under their chin and that looks like a second chin

double-click verb, -clicks, -clicked, -click·ing

: to choose something on a computer screen by quickly pressing a button on a computer mouse or other device two times

[+ obj] Double-click the icon to start the program.

[no obj]

often + on

Double-click on the icon.

double click noun, pl clicks [count]

A double click with the mouse will start the program.

double cream noun [noncount]

Brit : heavy cream

dou·ble-cross verb, -cross·es, -crossed, -cross·ing [+ obj]

: to cheat or deceive (someone) especially by doing something that is different from what you said you would do

I thought I could trust her, but she double-crossed me.

double cross noun, pl crosses [count]

He accused his manager of a dirty double cross.

lies and double crosses

dou·ble-cross·er noun, pl -ers [count]

They're a couple of dirty double-crossers.

double date noun, pl dates [count]

: an activity (such as going to the movies or going out to eat) that two couples do together

Would you two ladies like to go on a double date with me and my friend?

double-date verb, -dates, -dated, -dat·ing [no obj]

My boyfriend and I often double-date with a couple that we met in college.

dou·ble-deal·ing noun [noncount]

: the practice of pretending to do or think one thing while really doing or thinking something different : dishonest or deceptive behavior

His double-dealing [=duplicity, deceitfulness] has caused many of his former friends to distrust him.

dou·ble-deal·er noun, pl -ers [count]

double-dealing adj

He could no longer trust his double-dealing friend.

dou·ble-deck·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: something that has two levels or layers

The bus we rode on was a double-decker.

usually used before another noun

We took a tour of London on a double-decker bus.

double-decker trains
a double-decker sandwich

compare SINGLE-DECKER, TRIPLE-DECKER

double digits noun [plural]

chiefly US : a number or percentage that is 10 or greater

They won the game by double digits. [=by 10 or more]

The state's unemployment rate remains in the double digits.

called also double figures

dou·ble-dig·it adj, always used before a noun
the state's double-digit unemployment rate
double-digit price increases

double dribble noun, pl dribbles [count]

basketball : an illegal action that happens when a player dribbles the ball with two hands at the same time or starts to dribble again after stopping

double Dutch noun [noncount]

1 US : the activity of jumping over two jump ropes that two people are swinging in circles in opposite directions

The girls were playing double Dutch on the sidewalk.

2 chiefly Brit, informal : language that cannot be understood

It was all double Dutch [=nonsense, gibberish] to me.

dou·ble-edged adj

1 : having two sharp edges
a double-edged knife

2 : having two different and opposite parts
a double-edged problem/strategy

3 : able to be understood in two different ways
double-edged remarks
a double-edged description

double-edged sword noun, pl swords [count]

1 : a sword that has two sharp edges

2 : something that has both good and bad parts or results

Freedom of expression can be a double-edged sword.

dou·ble en·ten·dre noun, pl -dres [count]

: a word or expression that can be understood in two different ways with one way usually referring to sex

The song's title is a double entendre.

double fault noun, pl faults [count]

tennis : two bad serves that result in the loss of a point

double feature noun, pl -tures [count]

US : two movies that are shown one after the other compare DOUBLE BILL

double figures noun [plural]

: double digits

double glazing noun [noncount]

technical : two layers of glass that are set in a window to keep heat inside and reduce noise

double-glazed adj
double-glazed windows

dou·ble·head·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US : two games (especially baseball games) that are played one after the other on the same day

The two teams will meet in a doubleheader this Saturday.

double helix noun, pl helices also helixes [count]

technical : the shape formed by two parallel lines that twist around each other

The strands of DNA are arranged in a double helix.

double-hung window noun, pl -dows [count]

US : a window that can be opened either by sliding the bottom half up or by sliding the top half down called also (Brit) sash window

double jeopardy noun [noncount]

US law : the act of causing a person to be put on trial two times for the same crime
constitutional protections against double jeopardy

dou·ble-joint·ed adj

: having a joint that allows body parts to move in ways that are not typical

His right shoulder is double-jointed.

double-jointed fingers

double knit noun, pl knits

1 [noncount] : a type of cloth that is made with two sets of needles and has two connected layers

2 [count] US : a piece of clothing that is made of double knit

1960s-style double knits

dou·ble-knit adj
a pair of polyester double-knit pants

double negative noun, pl -tives [count]

grammar : a clause that has two negative words (such as “nothing” and “don't”) when only one is necessary

Double negatives are usually considered incorrect in English.

“I didn't do nothing” is a double negative. If you want to be correct, you should say “I didn't do anything.”

dou·ble-park verb, -parks, -parked, -park·ing

: to park (a car or other vehicle) beside a row of vehicles that are already parked on the side of the street

[+ obj]

usually used as (be) double-parked

My truck is double-parked outside.

[no obj] If you double-park, you will get a ticket.

double play noun, pl plays [count]

baseball : a play in which the team in the field causes two runners to be put out

The batter hit into a double play.

They turned a double play to end the inning.

compare TRIPLE PLAY

dou·ble-quick adj, always used before a noun
chiefly Brit informal : extra fast or quick

They've been working in double-quick time [=they've been working very quickly] to finish the project.

double-quick adv

We have to get this done double-quick.

double-sided adj

: having two sides that can be used

Fill out this double-sided form.

double-sided adhesive tape

dou·ble-space verb, -spac·es, -spaced, -spac·ing

: to write or type (a paper, letter, etc.) so that each line of words is followed by a line without words

[+ obj]

often used as (be) double-spaced

All essays must be typed and double-spaced.

[no obj] Be sure to double-space. It makes reading much easier.

dou·ble·speak noun [noncount]

disapproving : language that can be understood in more than one way and that is used to trick or deceive people
political doublespeak

double standard noun, pl -dards [count]

: a situation in which two people, groups, etc., are treated very differently from each other in a way that is unfair to one of them

She argued that society applies a double standard in dealing with women who commit adultery.

double take noun, pl takes [count]

: an act of quickly looking at something that is surprising or unusual a second time after looking at it a moment earlier

His parents did a double take when he came home with a tattoo.

dou·ble-talk noun [noncount]

disapproving : language that uses many words but has very little meaning

We asked for a clear and honest answer, but all we got was a bunch of meaningless double-talk.

double-team verb, -teams, -teamed, -team·ing [+ obj]

US sports : to block or guard (an opponent) with two players at one time

He was double-teamed [=two players guarded him] in the first half of the game.

double time noun [noncount]

: payment of a worker at two times the usual rate

She was paid double time [=she was paid twice as much as usual] for working on Thanksgiving.

compare TIME AND A HALF

double vision noun [noncount]

: a problem with the eyes that causes a person to see two objects when only one is present

He wore special glasses to correct his double vision.

double wham·my noun, pl -mies [count]

informal : a situation that is bad in two different ways : a situation in which two bad conditions exist at the same time or two bad things happen one after the other

With the cold weather and the high cost of heating fuel, homeowners were hit with a double whammy this winter.

dou·ble-wide noun, pl -wides [count]

US : a mobile home that is made of two units that have been connected together side by side called also double-wide trailer

dou·bly adv, always used before an adjective

1 : much more than usual or previously : to a much higher degree than usual

We did the test again because we wanted to be doubly [=extra, especially, very] sure the results were accurate.

I had to work doubly [=twice as] hard after my partner left the competition.

2 : in two ways : for two reasons

Her grades and musical talent make her parents doubly proud of her.

1doubt verb, doubts, doubt·ed, doubt·ing [+ obj]

1 : to be uncertain about (something) : to believe that (something) may not be true or is unlikely

She began to doubt [=question] everything he said.

I have always doubted the existence of life on other planets.

No one doubts that the mission will be a success.

I seriously doubt my parents will let me go.

“Do you think you can come tonight?” “I doubt it.”

2 : to have no confidence in (someone or something)

I began to doubt [=question] my own judgment.

She doubted his ability to succeed.

He said he could do it, but I couldn't help doubting him.

doubt·er noun, pl -ters [count]

He did everything he could to reassure the doubters.

2doubt noun, pl doubts

: a feeling of being uncertain or unsure about something

[noncount] I still have moments of doubt.

There can be little doubt that smoking is bad for your health.

There is no doubt [=question] in my mind that he is best candidate.

These mistakes cast/throw doubt on her ability. = They cast/throw into doubt her ability. [=they make people question or lose confidence in her ability]

(US) The results of the study have been called into doubt. [=people are expressing doubts about the results]

often + about

She was filled with doubt [=uncertainty] about the future.

The evidence against her leaves little room for doubt about her guilt. [=the evidence shows that she is guilty]

[count] I had a nagging doubt in the back of my mind.

often + about

He still has doubts about his chances of success.

I've always had my doubts about him.

Two separate studies have raised doubts about the car's safety.

beyond doubt

If something is beyond doubt, it is definitely true.

The test results proved beyond (all/any) doubt that he was not the child's father.

If she is to be found guilty, the charges against her must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that everything was going to be okay.

in doubt

: in a state of being uncertain or unsure

The outcome was in doubt [=not known with certainty] until the final seconds of the game.

The future of the company remains very much in doubt.

When/if in doubt, please contact us with your questions.

no doubt

: without doubt or with very little doubt
used when you are making a statement that you think is certainly or almost certainly true

She was no doubt [=certainly, doubtless, unquestionably] the smartest person in her class.

No doubt many readers will find the book too long.

By now, you have no doubt heard the news.

“He'll probably blame someone else.” “No doubt.” [=I agree that he'll blame someone else]

no doubt about it

used to stress that something is true

No doubt about it, the fans are disappointed in the team.

the benefit of the doubt see 1BENEFIT

without (a) doubt

used to stress that something is true

They are, without doubt, the nicest people I've ever met.

doubt·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : uncertain or unsure about something

I tried to reassure them, but they remained doubtful.

She gave him a doubtful look. [=a look that shows doubt]

often + about or of

They were doubtful about the benefits of the new system. = They were doubtful of its benefits.

2 : not likely to be true : not probable

He made the doubtful [=dubious] claim that he had never been sick a day in his life.

The truth of the statements was doubtful.

often + that, if, or whether

It's highly doubtful [=unlikely, improbable] that anyone will notice.

It is doubtful if she really meant what she said.

The situation is bad and it's doubtful whether it will get better soon.

3 : likely to be bad : not worthy of trust

The water available in the village is of doubtful [=questionable] quality.

Their decisions were based on data of doubtful accuracy.

4 : not certain : unknown or undecided

The outcome of the election remains doubtful.

The company is facing a doubtful future.

doubt·ful·ly adv

She looked at him doubtfully.

doubting Thom·as noun, pl -as·es [count]

somewhat old-fashioned : someone who rarely trusts or believes things before having proof : a doubtful or skeptical person

She kept trying, hoping to prove all those doubting Thomases wrong.

doubt·less adv [more ; most ]

: without doubt or with very little doubt
used when you are making a statement that you think is certainly or almost certainly true

She was doubtless [=unquestionably, no doubt] the smartest person in her class.

There will doubtless be many more issues to deal with before this is over.

The car accident will doubtless result in a lawsuit.

douche noun, pl douch·es [count]

: a liquid that a woman squirts into her vagina to wash it; also : an object used to squirt such a liquid into the vagina

douche verb, douches, douched, douch·ing [no obj]

She advises her patients not to douche because doing so can lead to infections.

dough noun, pl doughs

1 [count, noncount] : a mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients that is baked to make bread, cookies, etc.

2 [noncount] informal : money

I don't have much dough.

dough·nut or chiefly US do·nut noun, pl -nuts [count]

1 : a piece of sweet fried dough that is often shaped like a ring
powdered doughnuts
a jelly donut

2 : something that has a round shape like a doughnut
drawing doughnuts in the sand
a foam doughnut

dough·ty adj, always used before a noun, dough·ti·er, -est [also more ; most ]

old-fashioned : brave, strong, and determined
a doughty fighter

doughy adj [more ; most ]

: resembling dough: such as
a : not completely baked

High humidity can make your loaves turn out doughy.

b : not hard or firm
a doughy consistency

c : pale in color and unhealthy
her doughy [=pasty] white skin

Doug·las fir noun, pl firs [count]

: a very tall evergreen tree that grows in the western U.S.

dou·la noun, pl -las [count]

medical : a woman whose job is to give advice and comfort to a woman who is giving birth

dour adj, dour·er, -est [also more ; most ]

formal : serious and unfriendly
a dour politician
a dour manner

She had a dour expression on her face.

: silent and gloomy
the dour mood of the crowd

dour·ly adv [more ; most ]

dour·ness noun [noncount]

douse verb, dous·es, doused, dous·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to cause (a fire) to stop burning by pouring or spraying water on it : to extinguish (a fire) with water

It took firefighters 15 minutes to douse the blaze.

She managed to douse the flames with water.

1 b : to turn off (a light)

Don't forget to douse the lights before coming to bed.

2 : to cover (someone or something) with a liquid
usually + in or with

The books were doused in gasoline and set on fire.

She doused herself with perfume.

1dove noun, pl doves [count]

1 : a small wild bird that is related to pigeons

Doves are often used as a symbol of peace.

2 : a person who does not want war and does want peace

The President sided with the doves and worked to avoid war.

compare HAWK

dov·ish adj [more ; most ]

a dovish politician

2dove past tense and past participle of 1DIVE

dove·cote also dove·cot noun, pl -cotes also -cots [count]

: a small house or box for pigeons to live in

1dove·tail noun, pl -tails [count]

: a type of joint that is used to connect two pieces of wood together called also dovetail joint

2dovetail verb, -tails, -tailed, -tail·ing

1 [+ obj] : to join (two pieces of wood) with dovetail joints

The carpenter dovetailed (together) the corners (of the boards) for extra strength.

2 [no obj] formal : to fit together in a pleasing or satisfying way

She found that the positions of the party and her own opinions dovetailed [=agreed, corresponded] nicely.

often + with

His research dovetails with other similar studies.

Dow noun

the Dow

US : dow jones industrial average

dow·a·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

1 : a woman who has inherited property or a title from her dead husband
often used before another noun
the dowager Duchess

2 : an old woman who is very formal or serious

The estate is owned by a wealthy dowager.

dowdy adj, dowd·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

: having a dull or uninteresting appearance : not attractive or stylish

She played a dowdy old woman in the film.

a dowdy [=frumpy, drab] gray dress

dow·el noun, pl -els [count]

: a pin or peg that is used for joining together two pieces of wood, metal, plastic, etc.

wooden/steel dowels

Dow Jones Industrial Average noun

the Dow Jones Industrial Average

: the daily average of the stock prices of a group of large American companies

1down adv

1 a : from a higher to a lower place or position

The land slopes down to the sea.

Please pull down the window shade. = Please pull the window shade down.

I'll come down [=downstairs] in a minute.

She called down to her friends in the street below.

They set/put the cake down on the table.

Lay down your book for a minute.

We watched the sun go down.

1 b : in a low position or place

Keep your head down.

We keep our wine collection down in the basement.

What's going on down there?

2 : to or toward the ground or floor

He fell down and hurt his knee.

Climb down out of that tree!

He knocked him down with one punch.

Don't look down!

Brightly colored flags hang down from the ceiling.

3 : to a lying or sitting position

Please, sit down.

Lie down and go to sleep.

4 a : to or toward the south

They went down to Florida for two weeks.

We drove down from New York.

The weather's much warmer down south.

4 b informal : to or toward a place that is thought of as below or away from another place

She drove down to our house.

Come on down and see us sometime.

4 c : to or toward a place that is away from the speaker

He is heading down to the store.

Would you mind moving (further) down so that we can sit here, too?

5 : on a piece of paper

Write down everything he says.

Take down this number.

Did you get that down?

6 : at a lower or lesser important position in a list or series

Supporting public education seems to be far down [=low] on the government's agenda.

Cleaning my house ranks pretty far down on my list. [=there are many other things I'd rather do]

opposite UP

7 : to a lower or lesser degree, level, or rate

Slow down.

Could you turn the volume down, please?

We should give them some time to cool down.

We should wait for the winds to calm down before we set sail.

The company's stock went down last week.

The team was 10 points down [=it had 10 fewer points than the other team] in the third quarter.

The price of gasoline is starting to go down again.

opposite UP

8 : to a smaller or weaker state

We have scaled down our plans for the new building.

Some people want to use the budget surplus to pay down the national debt. [=to make payments that will reduce the a national debt]

They have cut/whittled down the number of candidates.

often + to

He finally got his report down to three pages.

9 : to a state of failure or defeat

The school board voted the budget down 55 to 15. [=it voted not to pass the budget]

10 : in a way that causes someone or something to be less able to move

Remember to tie down the load.

They had to strap the patient down to his bed.

11 : in a thorough or complete way

The car needs to be washed down.

Hose the dog down outside.

12 : to the place where a person or thing is or came from

They use dogs to hunt down escaped prisoners.

He chased the ball down and threw it to third base.

Every attempt to pin down the cause of the disease has proved unsuccessful.

I haven't been able to track down that quotation.

13 : from a past time

This vase has been handed down in our family for several generations.

Most of these stories were passed down by word of mouth.

14 : as a first payment : as a down payment

We put 10 percent down [=we made a 10 percent down payment] on the house.

Buy a car now with no money down. [=without making a down payment]

15 : in the stomach

The baby is having trouble keeping food down.

16 Brit : away from a school or university

He was sent down for misconduct and never earned his degree.

down in the mouth see 1MOUTH

down to

1 : in a way that includes even (the smallest or least important part)

Our work must be accurate down to the last detail.

They knew everything about him down to the cologne he wore.

2 : to the last person or thing that can be used

It looks like it's down to you and me. [=we are the last two people that are available]

I'm down to my last dollar. [=I have only one dollar left]

down with

used to say that you do not like something and want it to stop or fail

Down with racism!

Down with the government!

keep your head down see 1HEAD

let your hair down see HAIR

put your foot down see 1FOOT

up and down see 1UP

with your pants down see PANTS

2down adj

1 : in a low place or position

The window shades were down.

The candy is down on the bottom shelf.

: on the ground or floor

There was a pile of dirty clothes down on the floor.

2 : going downward

She took the down escalator.

3 : lower in price or value

These changes should help keep prices down.

Stocks are down again today.

4 : less than an earlier or normal level

Attendance has been down lately.

New construction is down sharply this month.

5 : having a lower level of activity

Our business is having a down year.

a down market/economy

6 : having fewer points than an opponent

His team was down by 10 points [=trailed by 10 points] in the third quarter.

We're down two runs.

7 : not operating properly : not able to function

We can't get any work done while the network/system is down.

8 [more ; most ] : sad or unhappy

You look pretty down. What's the matter?

She was feeling down.

9 : finished or completed

I've got eight down and only two more to go. [=I've finished eight and have two more to do]

10 : learned in a complete way

Do you all have your lines down? [=memorized]

We have our routine down pat. [=we have mastered our routine; we can do it easily]

11 : having something written or recorded in an official way

You are down for two tickets. [=you are signed up to get two tickets]

12 US slang used to say that you understand or approve of something;
usually + with

I told them I wasn't down with lying to people. [=I don't think that lying to people is right]

Yeah, I'm down with that.

13 baseball
used to say how many outs have been made in the inning by the team that is batting

There are now two (men) down in the top of the third inning.

14 American football
used to say that the ball or the player who has the ball is on the ground and the play has ended

The runner was down on the fify-yard line.

The ball was down.

down for the count see 2COUNT

down on
informal : having a bad opinion of someone or something

My coach has been down on me lately.

down on your luck see 1LUCK

down with

: affected by (an illness)

She has been down with the flu for a week.

when the chips are down see 1CHIP

3down prep

1 : from a higher to a lower part of (something)

Sweat dripped down her neck.

The children ran down the hill.

She fell down the stairs.

He climbed down the ladder.

He spilled mustard down the front of his shirt.

Her hair hung loosely down her back.

2 : along the course or path of (something)

Go down the road/street and turn left.

We grew up down the block from each other.

There's a bridge three miles down the river. [=three miles in the same direction that the water is going in the river]

ships sailing down the coast [=along the coast usually toward the south]

The bathroom is halfway down the hall on the right.

His pitches were right down the middle of the plate.

I usually part my hair down the center.

He is still pacing up and down [=back and forth in] the room.

4down noun, pl downs

1 [count] : a period or state of failure, trouble, etc.

usually plural

The company has had more downs than ups this year.

We have had our ups and downs.

2 American football : one of a series of four chances that a team has to move the ball forward 10 yards in order to keep the ball and begin a new series

[noncount] He caught the ball on second/third down.

[count] a series of downs
see also FIRST DOWN

compare 5DOWN, DOWNS

5down noun [noncount]

1 : small and very soft feathers
goose down
a pillow filled with down
often used before another noun
a down pillow/comforter/jacket

2 : small soft hairs

The young man had just a light trace of down on his cheeks.

the down of a peach

compare 4DOWN, DOWNS

6down verb, downs, downed, down·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to fall to the ground

He downed [=shot down] four enemy planes.

The storm downed power lines throughout the city.

a downed bird/plane
a large number of downed power lines

2 informal : to eat or drink (something) especially quickly

She quickly downed [=took, swallowed] the pills I gave her.

They were downing beers and watching the game on TV.

3 American football : to cause (a football) to be out of play

The quarterback downed the ball to stop the clock.

4 informal : defeat

Smith downed Jones in the first round of the tournament.

The Cardinals downed the Braves by a score of 52.

down-and-dirty adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US informal

1 : involving methods that are regarded as harsh, unfair, etc.

down-and-dirty business practices
down-and-dirty competition

2 : dirty and in poor condition

The story takes place on the down-and-dirty [=seedy, decrepit] streets of the city.

3 : relating to harsh and unpleasant subjects in an honest and often shocking way

I told them the down-and-dirty truth.

a down-and-dirty interview

4 : basic and practical

We have to get down to the down-and-dirty [=nitty-gritty] details.

get down and dirty

: to do or say harsh and unpleasant things

Sometimes you have to get down and dirty with your competitors.

down-and-out adj [more ; most ]

informal : very poor and without hope : having no money, job, etc.

No one would help him when he was down-and-out.

a movie about a down-and-out musician living on the streets

down-at-the-heels (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit down-at-heel adj

: looking or seeming cheap or poor and dirty or worn

We got a room at a down-at-the-heels [=dingy, seedy] motel.

a down-at-heel traveler

1down·beat noun, pl -beats [count]

music

1 : the downward movement that a conductor makes to show which note is played with the greatest stress or force

2 : the first beat of a measure of music

2downbeat adj [more ; most ]

: sad or depressing : not happy or hopeful

Many will be surprised by the movie's unusually downbeat [=pessimistic, gloomy] ending.

opposite UPBEAT

down·cast Brit adj

1 [more ; most ] : not happy, confident, or hopeful

I've never seen her looking so downcast. [=depressed, unhappy, sad]

There were a lot of downcast faces in the crowd.

2 of eyes : looking downward
downcast eyes

down·court adv

: into or toward the opposite end of a basketball court

He passed the ball downcourt.

running downcourt

down·draft Brit noun, pl -drafts [count]

technical : a downward flow of air
a strong downdraft from the thunderstorm

down·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal

1 : a drug that makes the body relax; especially : barbiturate

I took some downers to help me sleep.

compare UPPER

2 : something that is unpleasant or depressing

“His cat just died.” “Oh, that's a real downer.”

Our conversation about death was a bit of a downer.

down·fall noun, pl -falls [count]

1 : a sudden loss of power, happiness, success, etc.

She was blamed for the company's downfall. [=decline, ruin]

Their downfall was the result of several bad decisions.

2 : something that causes failure

In the end, gambling proved to be his downfall. [=ruin, undoing]

Bad decision-making was their downfall.

down·field adv
sports : into or toward the part of the field toward which a team is headed

He threw/kicked the ball downfield.

downfield adj
a downfield pass

1down·grade verb, -grades, -grad·ed, -grad·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give (someone or something) a lower rank or grade

If you confess to the crime, we may be able to downgrade [=reduce] the charge.

The restaurant was downgraded from three to two stars.

a soldier downgraded [=demoted] in rank for misconduct
opposite UPGRADE

2 : to cause (someone or something) to be thought of as less valuable, important, etc.

She didn't intend to downgrade the importance of her colleague's work.

2downgrade noun, pl -grades [count]

chiefly US

1 : an area or surface that goes downward : a downward slope
a steep downgrade

2 : an occurrence in which something becomes worse, less valuable, etc.

a downgrade in the company's stock prices
slight downgrades in quality

down·heart·ed adj [more ; most ]

: not happy, confident, or hopeful

Everyone was downhearted [=sad, depressed] about the decision to close the factory.

1down·hill adv

1 : toward the bottom of a hill or mountain

It is easier to ride a bike downhill than uphill.

2 : toward a worse state

Her career/health is heading downhill.

After his divorce, he went downhill fast.

The service has gone downhill under the new owner.

2down·hill adj

1 : going or sloping down toward the bottom of a hill or mountain

The second half of the hike is mostly downhill.

a downhill path/slope

2 not used before a noun

2 a : not difficult : easy to do, deal with, etc.

The worst part is over. It's all downhill from here.

2 b : becoming worse or less successful

The first part of the movie was pretty good, but after that it was all downhill.

His career has been all downhill in recent years.

3 always used before a noun : relating to or used in a kind of skiing that is done down a mountain or hill instead of over the countryside

I enjoy downhill skiing.

a downhill skier/competition
downhill skis
compare 1CROSS-COUNTRY 3

3down·hill noun, pl -hills [count]

: a downhill skiing race
usually singular

He finished first in the downhill.

down-home adj [more ; most ]

US : simple and informal in a way that reminds people of life in a small town or in the country especially in the southern U.S.

She's very famous but there is something quiet and down-home about her.

down-home cooking

Dow·ning Street noun [singular]

: the British Prime Minister or the British government

Downing Street and the White House are currently discussing the issue.

The term Downing Street comes from the address of the official home of the British Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street in London.

1down·load verb, -loads, -load·ed, -load·ing
computers : to move or copy (a file, program, etc.) from a usually larger computer system to another computer or device

[+ obj] He downloaded the files onto his computer.

She downloads songs from/off the Internet.

[no obj] The software downloads quickly.

The new program makes downloading faster.

compare UPLOAD

down·load·able adj
downloadable files

2download noun, pl -loads
computers

1 : an act of moving or copying a file, program, etc., from a usually larger computer system to another computer or device

[count] The modem is capable of high-speed downloads.

The download will take about three minutes.

[noncount] The program is available for download at the company's Web site.

2 [count] : a file, program, etc., that is downloaded

The downloads are all in this folder.

down-mar·ket adj [more ; most ]

chiefly Brit : made for or appealing to people who do not have much money
a down-market [=(US) downscale] store/hotel
also : of low quality
down-market tabloids/products

down-market adv

The store is going/moving down-market. [=starting to sell products for people with less money]

down payment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a first payment that you make when you buy something with an agreement to pay the rest later

She made a 10 percent down payment on the car.

We put/made a down payment on the house.

downpipe noun, pl -pipes [count]

Brit : downspout

down·play verb, -plays, -played, -play·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) seem smaller or less important

She downplayed [=played down] her role in the research.

Athletes often downplay their injuries.

down·pour noun, pl -pours [count]

: a sudden heavy rain
usually singular

We got caught in a torrential downpour.

down·right adv

: to the fullest degree : completely or totally

The movie was downright stupid/bad/scary.

It's very difficult, if not downright impossible.

They were downright overjoyed.

downright adj, always used before a noun
a downright [=absolute, outright] lie

I was met with downright hostility.

down·riv·er adv

: in the direction in which a river flows : downstream

The raft drifted downriver.

downs noun [plural]

: a high area of land that has low hills and no trees

Sheep graze on the grassy downs.

the South Downs of Southern England

Downs often appears in the names of racetracks that are used for horseracing.

His horse won the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Down's noun [noncount]

medical : down syndrome

He has Down's.

(informal) a Down's baby

1down·scale verb, -scales, -scaled, -scal·ing [+ obj]

US : to make (something) smaller

The company has downscaled production. [=the company is making fewer products]

The festival will have to be downscaled this year.

2downscale adj [more ; most ]

US : relating or appealing to people who do not have much money
an apartment in a downscale neighborhood

The company aims to reach a more downscale market with its new stores.

also : of low quality
downscale [=(chiefly Brit) down-market] products

down·shift verb, -shifts, -shift·ed, -shift·ing [no obj]

1 : to put the engine of a vehicle into a lower gear

You can downshift to slow the car down.

opposite UPSHIFT

2 : to begin to work or happen at a level that is slower, easier, or more relaxed

Several employees will be downshifting from full-time to part-time. [=will start working less than the regular number of hours]

Expect the real estate market to downshift in the next few months. [=expect that fewer people will be buying and selling houses, buildings, etc.]

downshift noun, pl -shifts [count]

a downshift into first gear
downshifts in economic growth

down·side noun, pl -sides [count]

: a part of something that you do not want or like : a drawback or disadvantage

He could find no downside to the car.

On the downside [=when you consider the disadvantages], the car does not have much trunk space.

often + of

The downside of the camera is that the batteries have to be replaced often.

opposite UPSIDE

down·size verb, -siz·es, -sized, -siz·ing

1 : to make (something) smaller

[+ obj] They have downsized the car's engine in the new model.

[no obj] We downsized to a smaller apartment last year. [=we moved to a smaller apartment]

2 : to make a company smaller and more efficient by reducing the number of workers

[no obj] The company is planning to downsize next year.

[+ obj] The company will be downsized next year.

The company has downsized [=reduced] its staff.

She was downsized [=she was dismissed from her job] after 15 years with the company.

downsizing noun, pl -ings [count]

He lost his job in a recent downsizing at the company.

corporate downsizings

[noncount]

problems caused by corporate downsizing

down·slide noun, pl -slides [count]

US : a situation in which something decreases or becomes worse
usually singular
an economic downslide [=(more commonly) downturn]

Her career has been on a/the downslide.

down·slope adv

US : toward the bottom of a hill or mountain : down a slope

We slowly walked downslope. [=(more commonly) downhill]

opposite UPSLOPE

downslope adj
downslope winds

downslope noun, pl -slopes [count]

We'll stop to rest on the downslope.

down·spout noun, pl -spouts [count]

US : a pipe that carries rainwater from the roof of a building to the ground called also drainpipe (Brit) downpipe

Down's syndrome noun [noncount]

medical : down syndrome

down·stage adv

: toward the front part of a stage

The actress walked downstage to address the audience.

1down·stairs adv

: on or to a lower floor of a building

He ran downstairs to answer the door.

He lives downstairs from us.

“Where are the kids?” “They're downstairs.”

2down·stairs adj, always used before a noun

: located on a lower, main, or first floor of a building
the downstairs bathroom

There are five downstairs rooms.

3down·stairs noun

the downstairs

: the lower and usually main floor of a building

The downstairs needs to be cleaned.

We painted the downstairs.

down·state noun [noncount]

US : the southern part of a state

He is from downstate.

downstate adj
downstate New York

down·state adv

She moved downstate last year.

He lives downstate.

down·stream adv

: in the direction in which a stream, river, etc., flows

The next town is six miles downstream.

float downstream

down·swing noun, pl -swings [count]

1 : a situation in which something decreases or becomes worse

The company is experiencing a financial downswing. [=(more commonly) downturn]

The company's sales are on a/the downswing. [=are decreasing]

2 golf : a forward and downward movement of a club as a golfer hits a shot

Down syndrome noun [noncount]

medical : a condition that someone is born with and that causes below average mental abilities and problems in physical development. called also Down's, Down's syndrome

down·time noun [noncount]

1 US : time when you are not working or busy

After a busy day at work, I look forward to some downtime at home.

The kids napped during their downtime.

2 : time during which a computer or machine is not working

We need to minimize network downtime.

down-to-earth adj [more ; most ]

1 : informal and easy to talk to
a down-to-earth person

He's very down-to-earth despite his fame.

2 : practical and sensible
down-to-earth advice

Students liked the teacher's down-to-earth approach.

1down·town noun, pl -towns [count]

chiefly US : the main or central part of a city or town : the part of a city or town where there are tall buildings, stores, offices, etc.

usually singular

I live close to downtown.

The city's downtown is thriving.

compare UPTOWN

2downtown adv
chiefly US : to, toward, or in the main or central part of a city or town

Does this bus go downtown?

We went shopping downtown.

downtown adj, always used before a noun
downtown stores/restaurants
downtown Boston

down·trod·den adj
somewhat formal : without hope because of being treated badly by powerful people, governments, etc.

downtrodden people

They were poor and downtrodden.

the downtrodden

: downtrodden people

He showed compassion for the downtrodden.

down·turn noun, pl -turns [count]

: a situation in which something (such as business or economic activity) decreases or becomes worse
usually singular
an economic downturn = a downturn in the economy

There's been a downturn in the housing market.

1down·ward (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit down·wards adv

1 : from a higher place or level to a lower place or level

The mountain streams flow downward to the lake.

Heating costs rise as the temperature heads downward. [=as the weather becomes colder]

2 : toward the ground, floor, etc. : not up

The hawk flew downward.

The arrow pointed downward.

Mud covered his pants from the knees downward.

3 : toward people with less power, money, etc.

Everyone in the company, from the president downward, has been involved in these decisions. [=the president and all the employees with less authority, power, etc., have been involved]

4 : to a smaller amount : to a lower number

We received an estimate, but the number has since been revised downward.

2downward adj, always used before a noun

1 : moving or going from a higher place or level to a lower place or level
a downward slope

Sales continued their downward trend.

Her life was in a downward spiral [=a process of constantly getting worse] as she battled depression and addiction.

2 : moving or going toward the ground, floor, etc.

the hawk's downward flight

3 : changing to a smaller amount or lower number
the downward revision of an estimate

down·wind adv

: in the direction that the wind is moving

We sailed downwind.

often + of or from

His clothes smelled like smoke after standing downwind of the campfire.

Pollution from the factory affects those who live downwind from it.

downwind adj
the downwind side of a campfire

downy adj, down·i·er, -est

1
used to describe small, soft feathers or something that resembles such feathers
the down feathers of a baby bird
her soft downy hair

2 : covered or filled with small, soft feathers or something like them
downy chicks/leaves/pillows

dow·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: money or property that a wife or wife's family gives to her husband when the wife and husband marry in some cultures

dowse verb, dows·es, dowsed, dows·ing [no obj]

: to search for an underground supply of water by using a special stick that leads you to it
usually + for
dowse for water

dows·er noun, pl -ers [count]

dowsing rod noun, pl rods [count]

: divining rod

doy·en noun, pl -ens [count]

formal : a person who has a lot of experience in or knowledge about a particular profession, subject, etc.

a fashion doyen

He is considered the doyen of political journalists/journalism.

doy·enne noun, pl -ennes [count]

: a woman who has a lot of experience in or knowledge about a particular profession, subject, etc.

the doyenne of the fashion industry

doz. abbr
dozen

doze verb, doz·es, dozed, doz·ing [no obj]

: to sleep lightly especially for a short period of time

He was dozing [=napping] on the sofa when I got home.

doze off [phrasal verb]

: to fall asleep especially for a short period of time

A few students dozed off [=nodded off, dropped off] during the movie.

doze noun [singular]

He drifted into a light doze.

doz·en noun, pl doz·ens or dozen

1 pl dozen [count] : a group of 12 people or things
a dozen eggs [=12 eggs]

half a dozen eggs = a half-dozen eggs [=six eggs]

two dozen roses [=24 roses]

We'll need a couple dozen hot dogs for the party. [=we will need about 24 hot dogs]

A few dozen people were at the party. [=about 36 people were at the party]

She has published several dozen [=many, probably more than 36] poems.

see also BAKER'S DOZEN

2 dozens [plural] : large numbers of people or things

People entered the park by/in the dozens. [=large groups of people entered the park]

often + of

Dozens of [=many] people were at the park.

The shop sells dozens and dozens of [=very many] kinds of tea.

a dime a dozen see DIME

six of one, half a dozen of the other see SIX

dozy adj, doz·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal

1 : tired or sleepy

I feel dozy.

2 Brit : stupid or silly

He's a dozy old chap.

He's a little dozy.

dpi abbr
dots per inch
an image with 72 dpi [=an image that is made of 72 dots of ink in each inch]

Dr. (US) or Brit Dr abbr

1 doctor

Dr. Jones

2 drive

The reception will be held at 27 Chestnut Dr.

drab adj, drab·ber, drab·best [also more ; most ]

: not bright or colorful : too plain or dull to be interesting
drab buildings/clothes/offices/rooms

He lives a drab life.

see also OLIVE DRAB

drab·ly adv
a drably dressed woman

drab·ness noun [noncount]

the drabness of the buildings

drabs noun

dribs and drabs see DRIBS

dra·co·ni·an adj [more ; most ]

formal + disapproving : very severe or cruel

The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease.

draconian punishments

1draft Brit noun, pl drafts

1 [count] : a version of something (such as a document) that you make before you make the final version

The published poem differs quite a bit from earlier drafts.

I just completed a rough draft [=a first version that needs a lot of editing and rewriting] of my speech.

The final draft [=the final version] is due tomorrow.

2 US draft or Brit draught [count] : cool air moving in a closed space (such as a room)

You may want to seal the windows with plastic to stop drafts.

3 [count] US

3 a : a system in which young people are required to join the armed forces of a country for a period of service
usually singular

There is debate about whether the country needs a draft.

Congress reinstated the draft.

often used before another noun

He burned his draft card.

He's a draft dodger. [=a person who illegally avoids joining the armed forces]

3 b : a system by which professional sports teams choose players from college or high school teams
usually singular

He was chosen in the first round of the draft.

often used before another noun
draft day

He was a first-round draft pick.

4 US draft or Brit draught [count] formal + literary : an act of drinking something; also : the amount swallowed at one time

He took a big draft of beer.

5 US draft or Brit draught [count] : a beer that is stored in and poured from a large container

The bar has 15 different drafts on tap.

6 : an order for the payment of money from a person or bank to another person or bank

[count] The bank issued a draft.

[noncount] Payment must be made by bank draft.

7 US draft or Brit draught technical

7 a : the depth of water that a boat needs in order to be able to float

[count]

usually singular
a boat with a deep/shallow draft

[noncount] a ship with 45 feet of draft

7 b [noncount] : the depth of the water in a river, channel, etc.

a canal/channel that provides 60 feet of draft

8 draught [count] Brit : 2checker

on draft (US) or Brit on draught
of beer : stored in and poured from a large container instead of in individual bottles or cans

The bar has beer on draft. [=on tap]

2draft adj, always used before a noun

1 US draft or Brit draught of an animal : used for pulling heavy loads
draft animals/horses

2 US draft or Brit draught of beer : stored in and poured from a large container
draft beer

3 : not yet in the final form
a draft law/constitution/treaty

3draft verb, drafts, draft·ed, draft·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make a version of (something, such as a document or plan) that will need more work in order to be finished

He drafted a speech.

The two countries are drafting a treaty.

2 a : to choose (someone) for a special purpose

The drama club drafted three teenagers to be in the parade.

often used as (be/get) drafted

A few of us were drafted to help distribute flyers.

He got drafted for the fall play.

2 b US : to officially order (someone) to join the armed forces

The legislature debated drafting more soldiers.

often used as (be/get) drafted

He was drafted for the war.

He got drafted into the army.

2 c US : to choose (someone) to play on a professional sports team

The new rule prohibits teams from drafting players under 18.

often used as (be/get) drafted

He was drafted in the first round.

He got drafted by the Jets.

draft·ee Brit noun, pl -ees [count]

US

1 : someone who is officially ordered to join the armed forces

2 : someone who is chosen to play on a professional sports team

draft·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who writes an official or legal document (such as a law) based on the ideas that have been officially discussed
the drafters of the amendment/constitution

2 : a person whose job is to make drawings that will be used to make machines, buildings, etc. : draftsman

3 : someone who makes a version of something (such as a document or plan) that will need more work in order to be finished

She spoke to the drafter of the report.

drafts·man Brit noun, pl drafts·men Brit [count]

1 US draftsman or Brit draughtsman : a person whose job is to make drawings that will be used to make machines, buildings, etc.

2 : someone who writes an official or legal document (such as a law) based on the ideas that have been officially discussed
the draftsmen [=(more commonly) drafters] of the U.S. Constitution

3 US draftsman or Brit draughtsman : an artist who draws well

Her use of color is not outstanding, but she is a first-rate draftsman.

drafts·man·ship (US) or Brit draughts·man·ship Brit noun [noncount]

Her work shows sophisticated draftsmanship.

drafts·per·son (US) or Brit draughts·per·son Brit noun, pl drafts·peo·ple Brit [count]

: draftsman

She was one of the bill's draftspeople.

drafty (US) or Brit draughty Brit adj, draf·ti·er, -est

: having cold air moving through in a way that is unpleasant or uncomfortable
a drafty room

The house is very drafty.

draft·i·ness (US) or Brit draught·i·ness Brit noun [noncount]

1drag verb, drags, dragged, drag·ging

1 [+ obj] : to pull (someone or something that is heavy or difficult to move)

She dragged one of the other tables over to ours.

Firefighters dragged the man to safety.

One of the parents eventually dragged the screaming toddler out of the store.

often used figuratively

She practically had to drag her husband to the opera.

You drag me all the way out here only to tell me that the store is closed!?

She was dragged kicking and screaming into the family business. [=she was forced to join the family business]

2 a [no obj] : to move along the ground, floor, etc., while being pulled

Your scarf is dragging.

The broken muffler dragged behind the car.

The dog's leash was dragging along the ground.

2 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to move along the ground, floor, etc., by pulling it

The child is always dragging his blanket.

The puppy ran up to us, dragging her leash behind her.

3 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to force (yourself) to move or to go to a place when you are tired, busy, etc.

He dragged himself up the stairs and climbed into bed.

Can you drag yourself away from that computer?

I could barely drag myself out of bed. [=I had a hard time waking up]

3 b [no obj] : to go or move more slowly than others

Quit draggingwalk faster.

The nation's economy is dragging [=(more commonly) lagging] behind the rest of the world.

4 [+ obj] : to bring (an unpleasant or complicated subject, fact, etc.) into a discussion or argument

+ up or into

Do you always have to drag [=dredge] up the past?

They can't seem to avoid dragging religion into politics. [=mentioning religion in a discussion about politics]

5 [no obj] : to go on for a long time in a way that seems slow and boring

The movie was good, but I thought it dragged at the end.

The hours seemed to drag (by) as the day went on.

6 [+ obj] : to pull a net or set of hooks through (a river, lake, pond, etc.) in order to search for or collect something

Searchers used three boats to drag the river.

They dragged [=trawled] the waters for fish.

7 [+ obj] computers : to move (items on a computer screen) by using a computer mouse

Drag the file/picture to this folder.

drag down [phrasal verb]

1 drag (someone) down or drag down (someone) : to force (someone) into a bad situation or condition

We cannot let our enemies drag us down to their level. [=we should not let their bad behavior convince us to behave badly]

2 drag (someone) down : to make (someone) unhappy

You can't let her bad moods drag you down.

3 drag down (something) or drag (something) down : to make (something) lower in amount or quality

High energy costs are dragging down profits.

drag into [phrasal verb]

drag (someone) into (something) : to involve (a person, group, etc.) in (a difficult or complicated situation)

I'm sorry for dragging you into this.

Don't drag the children into this.

We will not let the country be dragged into another war.

see also 1DRAG 4 (ABOVE)

drag on [phrasal verb]

disapproving : to go on for a long time : to progress slowly

The meeting dragged on until almost midnight.

The lawsuit dragged on for years.

drag out [phrasal verb]

1 drag out (something) or drag (something) out : to cause (something) to take more time than necessary

He dragged out the speech much too long.

Stop dragging the story out and get to the point.

2 drag (something) out of (someone) : to force (something, such as a confession) from (someone) : to make (someone) tell you (something)

The teacher eventually dragged a confession out of one of the students.

Doctors sometimes have to drag information out of their patients.

drag someone's name through the mud

: to publicly say false or bad things that harm someone's reputation

My opponent has dragged my name through the mud.

drag your feet also drag your heels

: to avoid doing something for a long time because you do not want to do it

Quit dragging your feet and make a decision!

After months of dragging its heels, Congress voted on the bill.

like something the cat dragged in see CAT

Look what the cat dragged in! see CAT

2drag noun, pl drags

1 [singular] informal : someone or something that is boring, annoying, or disappointing

My parents can be such a drag. They won't let me do anything.

These meetings are a total drag.

2 [singular] informal : someone or something that makes action or progress slower or more difficult
usually + on

High taxes have been a drag on the economy.

The senator should resign before she becomes a drag on the party. [=before she causes people to vote for candidates in another political party]

3 [count] informal : the act of breathing in smoke from a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc.

Let me have a drag from your cigarette.

He took a long drag on the cigarette.

4 [noncount] physics : the force of air that pushes against an airplane, a car, etc., as it moves forward

The jet's sleek design reduces drag.

in drag

: wearing clothes that are usually worn by the opposite sex

They went to the party (dressed) in drag.

She's in drag. [=dressed as a man]

see also MAIN DRAG

drag·net noun, pl -nets [count]

1 : a series of actions that are done by the police in order to catch criminals

Nine suspects were caught in the police dragnet.

2 : a net that is pulled along the bottom of a river, lake, pond, etc., to search for or collect something

drag·on noun, pl -ons [count]

: an imaginary animal that can breathe out fire and looks like a very large lizard with wings, a long tail, and large claws

drag·on·fly noun, pl -flies [count]

: a large insect that has a long thin body and four wings and that is often seen near water

dragon lady noun, pl ladies [count]

chiefly US informal + disapproving : a woman who is often angry or cruel especially when people do not do what she wants

The new boss is a real dragon lady.

1dra·goon noun, pl -goons [count]

chiefly Brit : a soldier especially in the past who rode a horse and carried a gun

2dragoon verb, -goons, -gooned, -goon·ing

dragoon into [phrasal verb]

dragoon (someone) into (something) : to force or convince (someone) to do (something)

Somehow I was dragooned into working overtime.

drag queen noun, pl queens [count]

informal : a homosexual man who dresses as a woman especially to entertain people

drag race noun, pl races [count]

: a contest in which people race cars at very high speeds over a short distance

drag racer noun, pl -ers [count]

He is one of the best drag racers in the country.

drag racing noun [noncount]

He likes drag racing.

drag·ster noun, pl -sters [count]

: a car that is made for drag racing

drag strip noun, pl strips [count]

: a place where drag races happen

1drain verb, drains, drained, drain·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to remove (liquid) from something by letting it flow away or out

Drain the canned tomatoes before adding them to the pot.

The swamp has been drained.

often + from

Drain the fat/grease from the pan.

We have to drain some water from the pool.

1 b [no obj] of a container : to become empty of a liquid

I was waiting for the bathtub to drain.

The sink won't drain.

1 c [no obj] of a liquid : to flow into, away from, or out of something

The river drains into a lake.

The blood/color drained from her face. [=she got pale]

2 a [+ obj] : to cause (something) to lose something important

+ of

Years of civil war have drained the country of its resources. [=have used up the country's resources]

Overuse has drained the phrase of all meaning.

2 b : to slowly be used up or to cause (something) to slowly be used up

[+ obj] Years of civil war have drained the country's resources.

The city's emergency fund has been drained.

[no obj]

usually + away

She felt her anger drain away.

3 [+ obj] : to make (someone) very physically or mentally tired

The work drained [=exhausted] me.

I feel totally drained of energy this evening.

Her work is very draining. [=tiring]

4 [+ obj] : to drink all of the liquid in (something)

He drained the mug and left.

5 [+ obj] US, sports, informal : to make (a successful shot) in a very skillful and impressive way

(basketball) She took a long jump shot and drained it.

(golf) He drained the putt for a birdie.

drain off [phrasal verb]

drain off (something) or drain (something) off
a : to cause (a liquid) to flow away from something or to leave the surface of something

When the beans have cooked long enough to be tender, drain off the water and set them aside.

b : to take (something important or valuable) from something

An independent candidate could drain off [=siphon off] votes from either party.

2drain noun, pl drains [count]

1 : something (such as a pipe) that is used for removing a liquid from a place or container

He poured the spoiled milk down/into the drain. [=(Brit) plughole]

The drain in the bathtub/sink is blocked/clogged.

(chiefly Brit) They are repairing the drains. [=sewer system]

2 : something that uses a lot of time, money, etc. usually singular;
usually + on

Tuition costs are a drain on the family income.

The war has been a big drain on the country's resources.

see also BRAIN DRAIN

down the drain
informal

1
used to describe something that is being wasted or lost

All my hard work went down the drain.

You're pouring your money down the drain. [=you're wasting your money]

2
used to describe something that is getting much worse

The public schools are going down the drain.

drain·age noun [noncount]

: the act or process of draining something : the act or process of removing water or liquid from a place or thing
the drainage of swamps

The soil has good drainage. [=extra water does not stay in the soil]

The holes in the bottom of the flower pot are for drainage. [=are for the extra water to flow out]

often used before another noun
a drainage system/basin/ditch/channel

drain·board noun, pl -boards [count]

US : a sloping area near a kitchen sink used for drying dishes called also (Brit) draining board

drained adj

1 : with the water or liquid removed
a drained swamp

Add one cup tomatoes, drained.

well-drained soil

2 not used before a noun [more ; most ] : very tired : exhausted

I feel totally drained.

drain·pipe noun, pl -pipes [count]

1 : a pipe that carries rainwater from the roof of a building to the ground : downspout

2 US : a pipe that carries liquid waste and water away from buildings

drake noun, pl drakes [count]

: a male duck

dram noun, pl drams [count]

: a small amount of an alcoholic drink
a dram of whiskey

dra·ma noun, pl -mas

1 a [count] : a piece of writing that tells a story and is performed on a stage

He is reading an ancient Greek drama.

1 b : a play, movie, television show, or radio show that is about a serious subject and is not meant to make the audience laugh

[count] a television/radio drama
a police drama [=a serious show about police work]

[noncount] I prefer drama to comedy.

2 [noncount] : the art or activity of performing a role in a play, show, etc. : acting

His interest in drama began at a very young age.

She studied drama in college.

drama school
a drama teacher/student

3 : a situation or series of events that is exciting and that affects people's emotions

[count] the dramas of teenage life

She watched the drama unfold as they began screaming at each other.

[noncount] a competition full of drama
the drama of the courtroom proceedings
a moment of high drama [=a very exciting and dramatic moment]

Dram·a·mine trademark
used for a drug that people take to prevent nausea

drama queen noun, pl queens [count]

disapproving : a person (especially a woman) who acts as though things are much worse than they really are

dra·mat·ic adj

1 [more ; most ]

1 a : sudden and extreme

His parents noticed a dramatic change/improvement/difference in his behavior.

There was a dramatic increase/decrease/rise/fall in prices.

1 b : greatly affecting people's emotions
the team's dramatic [=exciting] overtime victory

The book tells the dramatic story of her battle with cancer.

1 c : attracting attention : causing people to carefully listen, look, etc.

She made a dramatic entrance wearing a bright red dress.

There was a dramatic pause before his big announcement.

The painter used dramatic colors/accents.

1 d : often showing a lot of emotion : tending to behave and react in an exaggerated way

Oh, you're finedon't be so dramatic. [=melodramatic]

2 always used before a noun : of or relating to plays and the performance of plays

They are members of the local dramatic society.

dra·mat·i·cal·ly adv [more ; most ]

His behavior has improved dramatically. [=very much]

They called to us from shore, waving their arms dramatically. [=using large motions]

dra·mat·ics noun

1 [plural] : behavior that is very emotional in a way that does not seem sincere : exaggerated behavior
a child prone to dramatics

2 [noncount] : the study or practice of acting in or producing plays

She is studying/learning dramatics in school.

see also AMATEUR DRAMATICS

dra·ma·tis per·so·nae noun [plural]

formal : the characters or actors in a play, movie, etc.

dram·a·tist noun, pl -tists [count]

1 : someone who writes plays : playwright
the American dramatist Arthur Miller

2 : someone who writes dramas (sense 1b)

a radio/television dramatist

dram·a·tize also Brit dram·a·tise verb, -tiz·es, -tized, -tiz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (a book, an event, etc.) into a play, movie, television show, etc.

The movie dramatizes her early life.

The book is dramatized in a new play.

2 : to make a situation seem more important or serious than it really is

I know I tend to dramatize things but it really was awful.

3 : to show (something that might not be noticed) in a clear and effective way

She cited a series of statistics to dramatize the seriousness of the problem.

This tragedy dramatizes the need for improvements in highway safety.

dram·a·ti·za·tion also Brit dram·a·ti·sa·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [count]

often + of
a radio dramatization of the novel

The TV show included many dramatizations of actual events.

[noncount]

The novel is not fit for dramatization.

drank past tense of 1DRINK

drape verb, drapes, draped, drap·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to loosely place or hang (something)

We'll drape strings of lights between the trees for the party.

often + over or around

He had one leg draped over the arm of the sofa.

She draped the coat around my shoulders.

He had a scarf draped around his neck.

1 b [no obj] of cloth : to hang in a pleasing way

This silk drapes beautifully.

2 [+ obj] : to cover (someone or something) with a cloth
usually + with or in

The police draped the body with a blanket.

The tables were draped in linen.

sometimes used figuratively

She was draped in gold chains. [=she was wearing many gold chains]

drap·ery noun, pl -er·ies

1 US : long heavy curtains

[plural] We bought new draperies [=(more commonly) drapes] for the room.

[noncount] (somewhat formal) I'd like to replace the drapery in the living room.

2 [noncount] : a decorative cloth that is arranged or hung in loose folds

The painter arranged several items among drapery and began to work.

drapes noun [plural]

chiefly US : long heavy curtains

This room needs new drapes.

dras·tic adj [more ; most ]

: extreme in effect or action : severe or serious

The situation calls for drastic measures/action.

drastic cuts/reductions in spending

Maybe we should try something less drastic first.

dras·ti·cal·ly adv

In recent years, the town's population has declined drastically. [=(more commonly) dramatically]

The neighborhood has drastically changed.

drat interj
informal + old-fashioned
used to show that you are annoyed or disappointed

Drat! I forgot the tickets.

drat·ted adj, always used before a noun
informal + old-fashioned : annoying or disappointing

That dratted [=darn, darned] dog is back again.

1draught Brit spelling of DRAFT

2draught Brit noun, pl draughts [count]

Brit : 2checker

draught·board Brit noun, pl -boards [count]

Brit : checkerboard

draughts Brit noun [noncount]

Brit : checkers

draughtsman, draughtsperson, draughty Brit spellings of DRAFTSMAN, DRAFTSPERSON, DRAFTY

1draw verb, draws, drew , drawn , draw·ing

1 : to make (a picture, image, etc.) by making lines on a surface especially with a pencil, pen, marker, chalk, etc., but not usually with paint

[+ obj] He drew me a picture of the bike. = He drew a picture of the bike for me.

The computer can draw the graph for you.

Students drew maps of the states and labeled them.

[no obj] You draw very well.

She sat down and began to draw.

compare PAINT

2 [+ obj] : to cause (attention) to be given to someone or something

The case has drawn attention to the fact that many athletes never graduate.

I would like to draw your attention to the third line.

He didn't want to draw attention to himself. [=he did not want to cause people to notice him]

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to cause (someone or something) to come : to attract (someone or something)

The band always draws a large crowd.

She felt drawn [=attracted] to the young man.

The college draws students from around the world.

The animals were drawn to the campsite by the smell of food.

We hope the display in the window will draw customers in from the street.

The lure of city life has drawn away many of the town's young people.

My eye was drawn to the painting. [=some characteristic of the painting made me want to look at it]

3 b : to cause (someone) to become involved or interested in something or someone

+ in, into, or to

What first drew you to teaching?

A good writer knows how to draw readers in. [=how to make readers interested; how to make people want to read something]

often used as (be/get) drawn

She was drawn in by his friendly manner. [=she wanted to know and talk to him because he was friendly]

She got drawn into the conversation.

4 [+ obj] : to get or receive (something)

a television show that has drawn consistently high ratings

The player drew a foul.

: to get (a particular response or reaction)

His speech drew cheers from the crowd.

The movie has drawn much criticism/praise from critics.

He is a talented high school athlete who has drawn the interest of several major colleges.

The principal's remarks have drawn fire [=attracted angry criticism] from both parents and teachers.

5 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move in a specified direction

She drew away from the spider.

He opened the door and drew back in horror/shock/fear.

The car drew (up) alongside us.

The train drew [=pulled] into the station.

She drew her eyebrows together in a frown of concentration.

sometimes used figuratively

He drew away [=(more commonly) withdrew] from his family.

5 b [+ obj] : to move (something) by pulling
a carriage drawn by horses = a horse-drawn carriage

Draw the curtains/blinds/shades. [=open or close the curtains/blinds/shades]

a special fabric that draws moisture away from the skin

She drew the blanket over her head.

Draw up a chair and join us. [=bring a chair to where we are and sit down with us]

She sat down in the chair and drew up her knees/legs. [=she bent her legs and moved her knees toward her chest]

sometimes used figuratively

The tragedy drew us closer together. [=made us emotionally closer]

6 [no obj] : to move gradually or steadily in time or space

The lion drew closer to its prey.

The sun is setting and the day is drawing to a close. [=ending]

Spring is drawing near/nigh. [=approaching]

The car drew to a halt/stop. [=the car slowed down and stopped]

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to form (something, such as an idea or conclusion) after thinking carefully about information you have

You can draw your own conclusions.

often + from
a writer who draws ideas from newspaper stories

We can draw lessons from past mistakes. [=we can learn from past mistakes]

7 b : to describe how two or more things are similar or different : to make (a comparison, distinction, etc.) between two or more things

Many people have been drawing comparisons between the two movies. [=have been saying that the movies are similar]

She drew important distinctions between the two methods. [=described important ways that the two methods are different]

8 a [+ obj] : to take (something) out of a container, pocket, etc.

They were arguing, and then one of them drew [=pulled] a gun.

One of the thieves drew a knife on her. [=one of the thieves took a knife out of a pocket, container, etc., and pointed it at her]

She drew water from the well.

see also at daggers drawn at DAGGER

8 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to come out of a source

He drew [=ran] water for a bath.

8 c [+ obj] : to get (something) from a source

The car also draws power from a battery.

She draws strength/inspiration from her loving family.

8 d : to take (a card) from a group of cards

[+ obj] Draw four cards.

[no obj] You haven't drawn yet.

9 a [+ obj] : to choose (a thing) from a group without knowing which one you are choosing

She drew the winning number/ticket.

We drew names from a hat to decide who would go on the trip.

(Brit) The U.S. team have been drawn against [=chosen to play against] Greece in the first round.

see also draw lots at LOT

9 b [no obj] : to decide something by choosing something from a group

We'll draw to see who will drive.

see also DRAW STRAWS ((BELOW))

10 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a legal document) in a proper or legal form

We hired a lawyer to draw a will.

often + up

They drew up a contract/proposal/plan/list.

11 a [+ obj] : to take (something, such as air or smoke) into your lungs by breathing

She drew a deep breath before responding.

often + in

He drew the fresh air in. = He drew in the fresh air.

11 b [no obj] : to let air flow through

Make sure the chimney is drawing properly.

The pipe draws well.

12 [+ obj]

12 a : to take (money) from a bank account : withdraw
usually + from or out

He drew $100 from the bank.

She drew out the money.

12 b : to receive (money) regularly from an employer, government, bank, etc.

He draws a salary of about $100,000.

He draws unemployment benefits.

She has started to draw her pension.

12 c : to write (a check) and have money taken from a bank account

You are now authorized to draw checks from the corporate account.

13 Brit : to finish a game, contest, etc., without having a winner : tie

[+ obj] We drew [=(US) tied] the game 33.

[no obj] The teams drew [=(US) tied] 33. [=each team scored three points]

often + against

The teams have drawn against each other.

14 [+ obj] archery : to bend (a bow) by pulling back the string

He drew his bow and aimed at the target.

15 [+ obj] Brit : to cause (someone) to say more about something especially by questioning often used as (be) drawn;
usually + on

She refused to be drawn on whether the company is considering a merger.

16 [+ obj] technical, of a boat : to need (a particular depth of water) in order to float

The ship draws 45 feet of water.

draw a bead on see BEAD

draw a blank see 2BLANK

draw a/the line see 1LINE

draw blood see BLOOD

draw in your horns see 1HORN

draw off [phrasal verb]

draw off (something) or draw (something) off : to take or remove (something) from a source or supply

They illegally drew off thousands of dollars that had been donated to the charity.

draw on/upon [phrasal verb]

1 draw on literary : to come closer in time

It became colder as night drew on. [=approached]

2 draw on/upon (something)

2 a : to use (something) as a source or supply

The family is drawing on/upon the community for support.

2 b : to use (information, experience, knowledge, etc.) to make something

Her new book draws on her personal experience as a firefighter.

The report draws upon several recent studies.

3 draw on (something) : to breathe in smoke from (a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc.)

He drew on his cigarette.

draw out [phrasal verb]

1 draw (something) out or draw out (something) : to cause something to leave a source or supply

Trees draw water out of the soil.

Salt will draw out moisture from the vegetables.

2 draw (something) out or draw out (something) : to cause (something) to last longer than the usual or expected amount of time

Questions drew the meeting out for another hour.

The movie's love scene was drawn out.

see also DRAWN-OUT, LONG-DRAWN-OUT

3 draw (someone) out or draw out (someone) : to cause (someone) to talk freely

She tried to draw the frightened child out by asking him questions about his toys.

The reporter had an ability to draw out people.

draw straws

If you draw straws, you choose a stick from a group of sticks that are different sizes but that are being held in such a way that they look like they are all the same size. Usually, whoever chooses the shortest stick or gets/draws the short straw will have to do a particular thing.

Let's draw straws to see who will drive.

He drew the short straw so he has to drive.

draw the blinds/curtain/shades on

: to end (something that has been continuing for a long time)

Let's draw the curtain on this investigation.

see also 1DRAW 5B (ABOVE)

draw up [phrasal verb]

1 of a vehicle : to approach and stop at a place

A car drew up [=pulled up] in front of the house.

2 draw (yourself) up : to stand as straight and tall as you can

He drew himself up to (his) full height.

see also 1DRAW 10 (ABOVE)

2draw noun, pl draws [count]

1 : someone or something that causes a lot of people to come to a place : attraction

Their band is the main draw at the festival.

The festival is always a big draw.

2 : the final result of a game, contest, etc., that does not have a winner : tie

The game ended in a draw. = The game was a draw. [=both teams/players had the same score]

They played to a 33 draw. [=each team/player had 3 points when the game ended]

3 chiefly Brit : drawing

Who won the (prize) draw?

often + for

The draw for the raffle will take place in one hour.

4 : an act of breathing in smoke from a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc. : drag
often + on or from

He took a long draw on/from his cigarette.

be quick on the draw

: to be quick about removing a gun from where it is kept : to quickly draw a gun and be ready to shoot it
often used figuratively

When the huge crowd suddenly became unruly, security was quick on the draw. [=security reacted very quickly]

Critics may have been a little too quick on the draw.

the luck of the draw see 1LUCK

draw·back noun, pl -backs [count]

: something that causes problems : disadvantage

The only drawback [=downside] to the plan is that we don't have the time it requires.

The trip sounds great, but cost is a major drawback.

draw·bridge noun, pl -bridg·es [count]

: a bridge that can be raised up so that people cannot cross it or so that boats can pass under it
raise/lower the drawbridge

draw·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count] : a box that slides into and out of a piece of furniture (such as a desk) and that is used to store things
the top/middle/bottom drawer of the desk/dresser

There are some pens in my desk drawer.

a sock/cash drawer [=a drawer for storing socks/cash]

see also CHEST OF DRAWERS

2 drawers [plural] old-fashioned + humorous : underwear for the lower part of the body

He stood there in only his drawers.

often used informally in the phrase drop your drawers

At least the doctor didn't make me drop my drawers. [=pull down my underpants]

draw·ing noun, pl -ings

1 a [count] : a picture, image, etc., that is made by making lines on a surface with a pencil, pen, marker, chalk, etc., but usually not with paint

She made a drawing of my house.

pencil drawings of flowers
see also LINE DRAWING

1 b [noncount] : the act or art of making a picture, image, etc., with a pencil, pen, marker, chalk, etc., but usually not with paint

I've always loved drawing.

see also MECHANICAL DRAWING

2 [count] US : an act of choosing something (such as a winning ticket) from a group without knowing which one you are choosing

Who won the (prize) drawing?

often + for

The drawing for the raffle will take place in one hour.

; called also (chiefly Brit) draw

drawing board noun, pl boards

1 [count] : a large flat board that is used for holding paper for drawing; also : drawing table

2 [noncount] : the time during which something is being planned : the planning stage of something

Plans for the new stadium are on the drawing board. [=are being created]

The project will never get off the drawing board. [=will never go beyond the planning stage]

The company went back to the drawing board [=started over] to make a better product.

drawing pin noun, pl pins [count]

Brit : thumbtack

drawing power noun [noncount]

: the ability to attract a lot of people to a performance, event, etc.

The team has a lot of drawing power.

called also (chiefly Brit) pulling power

drawing room noun, pl rooms [count]

formal + old-fashioned : a formal room that is used for spending time with guests or relaxing

drawing table noun, pl -bles [count]

: a table that has a surface that can be raised up or down or turned to different angles and that is used for drawing

drawl verb, drawls, drawled, drawl·ing

: to speak slowly with vowel sounds that are longer than usual

[+ obj] “Well, hello there,” she drawled.

He drawled his name in a Southern accent.

[no obj] a drawling voice

drawl noun, pl drawls [count]

usually singular

He had a charming Southern drawl.

She spoke with a drawl.

1drawn past participle of 1DRAW

2drawn adj [more ; most ]

: looking very thin and tired especially from worry, pain, or illness

His illness left him looking very pale and drawn.

She had a drawn face.

drawn-out adj [more ; most ]

: continuing for or taking a long time

We're trying to avoid a drawn-out process.

compare LONG-DRAWN-OUT

draw·string noun, pl -strings [count]

: a string that can be pulled to close or tighten something (such as a bag or a piece of clothing)

a drawstring bag
drawstring pants [=pants that have a drawstring at the waist]

1dread verb, dreads, dread·ed, dread·ing [+ obj]

: to fear something that will or might happen

He can't swim and dreads going in the water.

She dreaded making speeches in front of large audiences.

I dread the day I will have to leave my friends.

I dread the thought of moving next week.

I dread to think about what they might do next.

dreaded adj [more ; most ]

The dreaded moment had arrived.

a dreaded disease
the dreaded word “cancer”

2dread noun, pl dreads

1 : a strong feeling of fear about something that will or might happen

[singular] She has a dread of failure.

He lives with the/a constant dread of rejection.

[noncount] She awaited her punishment with dread.

The news about the war fills me with dread.

They live in constant dread of another attack.

synonyms see 1FEAR

2 [count] : a person or thing that causes fear
usually singular

They lived in tight rows of wooden houses, and fire was a constant dread.

3 dreads [plural] informal : dreadlocks

3dread adj, always used before a noun
formal : causing great fear
a dread [=dreaded] disease

dread·ful adj [more ; most ]

: very bad or unpleasant

Her performance was absolutely/simply dreadful.

She has a dreadful [=awful, terrible] cold.

Those children have such dreadful manners.

What dreadful weather!

a dreadful mistake/accident
a dreadful storm/scream

dread·ful·ly adv
a dreadfully bad performance
dreadfully [=extremely] dull

He was dreadfully lonely.

I miss you dreadfully. [=very much]

dread·locks noun [plural]

: hair that is twisted together into long pieces that hang down around your shoulders

Dreadlocks are often worn by people who are Rastafarians.

called also dreads

1dream noun, pl dreams

1 [count] : a series of thoughts, visions, or feelings that happen during sleep

He had a dream about climbing a mountain.

You were in my dream last night.

Scary movies always give me bad dreams. [=nightmares]

“Good night, my love. Sweet dreams.” [=I hope you will sleep well and have pleasant dreams]

see also WET DREAM

2 [count] : an idea or vision that is created in your imagination and that is not real

She indulged in dreams [=fantasies] of living in a palace.

I've found the man/woman of my dreams.

They succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would be so much fun.

If you think the work will be easy, you're living in a dream world.

3 a [count] : something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time

He has had a lifelong dream of becoming an actor.

It's a dream of mine to own a house in the country.

Tell me your hopes and dreams.

She followed/fulfilled her dreams.

Making it to the Olympics was a dream come true.

Many believe that worldwide peace is an impossible dream.

see also AMERICAN DREAM, PIPE DREAM

3 b [singular] : someone or something that has the qualities that a person wants most

The meal was a garlic lover's dream.

He's every woman's dream.

usually used before another noun

She's still trying to find her dream husband.

Managing a professional baseball team is his dream job.

They just moved into their dream home.

see also DREAM TEAM

4 [singular] informal : something that is beautiful, excellent, or pleasing

It's a dream of a house.

The new car is a dream to drive. = The new car drives like a dream.

My new computer works like a dream. [=works very well]

5 [singular] : a state or condition in which you are not thinking about or aware of the real things that are around you

He was walking around in a dream.

in your dreams
informal
used to say that you do not think something that another person wants or expects will ever happen

“Maybe my parents will lend me the car tonight.” “In your dreams.”

2dream verb, dreams, dreamed or dreamt , dream·ing

1 : to have visions and thoughts in your sleep : to have a dream while you are sleeping

[no obj]

often + of or about

He dreamed of drowning and woke up trembling.

I have trouble remembering the things I dream about.

[+ obj] Last night I dreamed (that) you were here talking to me.

Did it really happen or did I just dream it?

2 : to think about something that you wish would happen or something that you want to do or be

[no obj] He tends to dream big but he never really does the things he dreams of doing.

She stared out the window dreaming. [=daydreaming]

You're dreaming [=you're completely wrong] if you think being a parent is going to be easy.

often + of

She spent hours reading love stories and dreaming of romance.

They dreamed of success.

He dreamed of becoming a teacher.

[+ obj] As a child, I always dreamed (that) I would be an astronaut when I grew up.

I sat on the porch and dreamed away the day. [=I spent the whole day thinking and dreaming]

I never dreamt that it would be so difficult. [=it was much more difficult than I expected it to be]

dream on
informal
used to say that you do not think something that another person wants or expects will ever happen

“I think my band will be famous one day.” “Dream on.”

dream up [phrasal verb]

dream up (something) also dream (something) up : to think of or invent (something) in your mind

He dreams up all sorts of fantastic adventures.

She tries a lot of new recipes that she dreams up herself.

They dreamed up a plan to get the information.

never/not dream of

used to say that you would never do something or think of doing something

I would never dream of asking for more money.

“Did you ever do anything to hurt her?” “I wouldn't dream of it!”

dream·boat noun, pl -boats [count]

informal + old-fashioned : a very attractive person
usually used of a man
an actor who's a real dreamboat

dream·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 disapproving : a person whose ideas and plans are not practical or based in reality

I am a realist, but my sister is a dreamer.

2 : a person who dreams while sleeping

Some dreamers talk in their sleep to the people in their dreams.

dream·land noun
informal : a pleasant place or situation that exists only in the mind

[noncount] Bored with the classroom lecture, she drifted off to dreamland. [=she started daydreaming]

(disapproving) He's in dreamland [=he's dreaming] if he thinks he can get by without a full-time job.

[singular] He's living in a dreamland.

dream·less adj
of sleep : without dreams : deep and peaceful

She fell into a dreamless sleep.

dream·like adj

: seeming to exist in a dream : like a dream

Her photographs have a dreamlike quality.

dreamt past tense and past participle of 2DREAM

dream team noun, pl teams [count]

: a group of people who work or play a sport together and who are the best at what they do
usually singular

She got a legal dream team to work on the case.

dreamy adj, dream·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : tending to dream instead of thinking about what is real or practical

She was a dreamy young woman who never gave much serious thought to her future.

2 : having a quality which shows or suggests that you are not noticing or thinking about what is happening around you

He gazed at me with a dreamy look in his eyes.

3 : pleasant, peaceful, and relaxing
dreamy music

4 informal + old-fashioned : very attractive

Her boyfriend is so dreamy.

dream·i·ly adv

She spoke dreamily of traveling around the world.

They stared dreamily into each other's eyes.

dream·i·ness noun [noncount]

drea·ry adj, drea·ri·er, -ri·est [or more ; most ]

: causing unhappiness or sad feelings : not warm, cheerful, etc.

It was a gray, dreary morning.

She longed to leave her dreary [=gloomy, dismal] hometown.

The family struggled through dreary economic times.

drea·ri·ly adv [more ; most ]

He spoke drearily of his meager job prospects.

drea·ri·ness noun [noncount]

dreck noun [noncount]

US informal : something that is of very bad quality : trash or rubbish

The movie was pure dreck.

1dredge verb, dredg·es, dredged, dredg·ing

1 : to remove mud from the bottom of (a lake, river, etc.) in order to deepen it or to search for something

[+ obj] They dredged the river.

[no obj] They are dredging for oysters.

2 [+ obj] : to dig (something) out of the bottom of a lake, river, etc.

They dredged sand from the river to add to the eroding beach.

They dredge oysters in the bay.

often + up

They are dredging up silt from the canal bottom.

dredge up [phrasal verb]

dredge up (something) or dredge (something) up : to start talking or thinking again about (something unpleasant that happened a long time ago)

Reporters dredged up the fact that the senator avoided the military draft.

She didn't like to dredge up bad memories.

compare 3DREDGE

2dredge noun, pl dredges [count]

: a machine or boat that removes mud, sand, etc., from the bottom or a lake, river, etc. called also dredger

3dredge verb, dredges, dredged, dredg·ing [+ obj]

: to lightly cover (food) with a dry substance (such as sugar or flour)

often + with or in

Dredge the fish in flour before frying it.

The cookies had been dredged with powdered sugar.

compare 1DREDGE

dredg·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: 2dredge

dregs noun [plural]

1 : solid materials that fall to the bottom of a container full of a liquid
the dregs in a bottle of wine

He discarded the dregs of his coffee.

2 : the worst or most useless part of something
people who were regarded as the dregs of society

drench verb, drench·es, drenched, drench·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone or something) completely wet
often + with or in

She drenched him with a bucket of cold water.

often used as (be) drenched

The players were drenched in sweat after the game.

pancakes drenched in syrup

She was drenched in perfume. [=she was wearing a lot of perfume]

sometimes used figuratively
a beach drenched in sunlight

Her novels are drenched in history.

see also SUN-DRENCHED

1dress verb, dress·es, dressed, dress·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to put clothes on (yourself or someone else)

They dressed themselves in a hurry.

He dressed the child in a snowsuit.

opposite UNDRESS

1 b [no obj] : to put clothes on yourself

She showered, dressed, and ate breakfast.

opposite UNDRESS

2 [no obj]

2 a : to put on or wear a particular type or style of clothes

She dressed warmly for skiing.

He dresses fashionably/well.

She always dresses in black (clothes).

2 b : to put on or wear formal clothes

She is dressing for the opera.

They always dress for dinner.

3 [+ obj] : to clean, put medicine on, and cover (a wound)

The nurse dressed the cut on my knee.

4 [+ obj] : to prepare (food) for cooking or eating
dress the chicken/salad

5 [+ obj] : to decorate (something, especially a window) for display

His job is to dress the store window for the holiday.

6 [+ obj] technical : to prepare (wood, stone, leather, etc.) for use

dress down [phrasal verb]

1 : to wear informal clothes

Most of the students dress down for class, usually wearing jeans and T-shirts.

On Fridays everyone in the office dresses down.

see also DRESS-DOWN

2 dress (someone) down or dress down (someone) : to speak angrily to (someone) for doing something wrong

He was/got dressed down for failing to follow orders.

see also DRESSING-DOWN

dress up [phrasal verb]

1 a : to put on or wear formal clothes

We dressed up for the awards banquet.

Do I need to dress up for the party?

1 b dress (someone) up or dress up (someone) : to put formal or fancy clothes on (someone)

She dressed up the children for the wedding.

2 a : to put on a costume

We dressed up like/as ghosts for Halloween.

2 b dress (someone) up or dress up (someone) : to put a costume on (someone)

We dressed the baby up as a lion.

3 dress up (something) or dress (something) up : to make (something) more attractive, impressive, or fancy
dress up a plain dessert with a rich chocolate sauce

2dress noun, pl dresses

1 [count] : a piece of clothing for a woman or a girl that has a top part that covers the upper body and a skirt that hangs down to cover the legs

She wore dresses only on special occasions.

She wore a short/long black dress to the party.

Her wedding dress was decorated with lace.

see also HOUSEDRESS, SUNDRESS

2 [noncount] : a particular type of clothing

The guests were clothed in traditional Indian dress.

It is wise to wear conservative dress to an interview.

3dress adj, always used before a noun

: suitable or required for a formal event

I wore dress pants and a nice sweater.

uncomfortable dress shoes

dres·sage Brit noun [noncount]

: a competition in which horses perform special movements in response to signals from their riders
a dressage horse

dress circle noun, pl circles [count]

chiefly Brit : the lowest section of seats above the main floor in a theater or opera house
sitting in the dress circle

dress code noun, pl codes [count]

: a set of rules about what clothing may and may not be worn at a school, office, restaurant, etc.

The school imposed a new dress code that forbids students from wearing jeans.

a casual dress code

dress-down adj, always used before a noun

used to describe a day during which people are allowed to wear informal clothes at work or school

Friday is dress-down day at the office.

dress-down Friday

see also dress down at 1DRESS

dressed adj

: wearing clothes

Don't come in. I'm not dressed yet.

It's time to get out of bed and get dressed. [=put on clothes]

: wearing clothes of a particular type

She wasn't dressed for such a fancy restaurant.

He is usually dressed in black.

She was dressed (up) as a ladybug.

a well-dressed young man

dressed to kill
informal : wearing very fancy or attractive clothes

We attended the party dressed to kill.

dress·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who dresses in a particular way

She is a stylish/sloppy dresser.

2 US : a piece of furniture that has drawers for storing clothes : chest of drawers

3 Brit : hutch 1
see also HAIRDRESSER, WINDOW DRESSER

dress·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count, noncount] : a usually seasoned mixture of liquids that is added to a salad called also salad dressing see also FRENCH DRESSING, ITALIAN DRESSING, RANCH DRESSING, RUSSIAN DRESSING, THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

2 US : stuffing 2

[noncount] We had turkey with dressing and potatoes for dinner.

[count] bread dressings

3 [count] : special material that is used to cover a wound

The nurse cleaned the cut and applied a dressing.

4 [noncount] : the act or process of putting on clothes

After breakfast, there will still be enough time for bathing and dressing.

see also CROSS-DRESSING, WINDOW DRESSING

dres·sing-down noun [singular]

: the act of speaking angrily to someone about something done wrong

He received a furious dressing-down from his boss in front of his colleagues.

see also dress down at 1DRESS

dressing gown noun, pl gowns [count]

: a loose piece of clothing that is worn indoors while relaxing, getting ready for bed, etc.

Dressing gown is more common in British English than in U.S. English. In U.S. English, robe and bathrobe are more commonly used.

dressing room noun, pl rooms [count]

1 : a room where performers, actors, etc., can change their clothes

He waited in his dressing room until it was time for him to appear on stage.

2 US : fitting room

dressing table noun, pl tables [count]

: a table often with drawers and a mirror in front of which you sit while dressing, putting on makeup, etc.

dress·mak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who makes dresses and other clothes as a job

dress·mak·ing noun [noncount]

dress rehearsal noun, pl -als [count]

: the final practice of a play that is done with all the costumes, scenery, etc., that will be used in the first real performance before an audience
often used figuratively

The local election is a dress rehearsal for the national election that will take place later this year.

dress shirt noun, pl shirts [count]

1 US : a man's shirt that is usually worn with a necktie

2 : a man's formal white shirt that is worn with a bow tie

dress uniform noun, pl -forms [count]

: a military uniform that is worn at formal events

dressy adj, dress·i·er, -est

1 : suitable for formal events

Those shoes are so dressy, I rarely wear them.

She wore an outfit that was much too dressy for the occasion.

2 : requiring fancy or formal clothes
a dressy affair/restaurant

3 : liking to wear fancy or formal clothes
a dressy chap

drew past tense of 1DRAW

1drib·ble verb, drib·bles, drib·bled, drib·bling

1 always followed by an adverb or preposition

1 a [no obj] : to fall or flow in small drops

Coffee dribbled [=trickled] down the side of the mug.

Juice dribbled down his chin.

1 b [+ obj] : to let (a liquid) fall in small drops

She accidentally dribbled wine onto the rug.

Dribble olive oil over the warm bread before serving.

2 [no obj] : to let saliva or another liquid drip or trickle from your mouth

The baby dribbled [=drooled] down the back of her dad's shirt.

3 : to move a ball or puck forward by tapping, bouncing, or kicking it

[no obj] She dribbled across the basketball court.

[+ obj] He skillfully dribbled the soccer ball towards the goal.

2dribble noun, pl dribbles [count]

1 : a small flow of liquid

He wiped a dribble of juice from the corner of the baby's mouth.

dribbles of blood

2 : an act of moving a ball or puck forward by tapping, bouncing, or kicking it

She gave the ball a dribble before passing it.

see also DOUBLE DRIBBLE

dribs noun

dribs and drabs
informal : small amounts that come or happen over a period of time

They received donations in dribs and drabs.

dried adj

used to describe foods and plants that have had all their liquid removed so that they will last for a long time
dried beans/mushrooms/pasta
dried milk/fish
a mixture of nuts and dried fruit
an arrangement of dried flowers
sun-dried tomatoes

drier variant spelling of DRYER

1drift noun, pl drifts

1 [singular] : a slow and gradual movement or change from one place, condition, etc., to another
the slow drift of the clouds

As she got older, you could observe a drift in her writing towards more serious subjects.

the government's drift towards a centralization of power
a population drift [=a gradual movement of people that lowers the population in one area and increases it in another]

see also CONTINENTAL DRIFT

2 [count] : a large pile of snow or sand that has been blown by the wind

We sped over the drifts [=snowdrifts] on our skis.

3 [singular] informal : the general or basic meaning of something said or written

I don't get your drift. [=I don't understand what you're saying]

I won't tell you his name, but he's someone you know very well, if you catch my drift. [=if you understand what I'm suggesting]

4 [noncount] : movement of an airplane or a ship in a direction different from the one desired because of air or water currents

2drift verb, drifts, drift·ed, drift·ing [no obj]

1 : to move slowly on water, wind, etc.

The boat slowly drifted out to sea.

The clouds drifted across the sky.

2 of snow or sand : to form a pile by being blown by the wind : to form a drift

The snow drifted against the side of the house.

Drifting snow covered most of the car.

3 a : to move smoothly or easily in a way that is not planned or guided

The party guests drifted from room to room, eating and mingling.

Her eyes drifted across the crowd.

The conversation drifted from topic to topic.

My thoughts drifted back to the time when we first met.

3 b : to behave or live in a way that is not guided by a definite purpose or plan

After he left the army he just drifted for a few years.

She drifted from job to job.

He has always drifted through life without a care.

see also DRIFTER

4 : to change slowly from one state or condition to another

The patient drifted in and out of consciousness all day.

drift apart [phrasal verb]

: to stop having a close relationship

They used to be great friends, but they've gradually drifted apart over the years.

drift off [phrasal verb]

informal : to fall asleep

She drifted off while I was still talking.

He gradually drifted off to sleep.

drift·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who moves from one place or job to another without a purpose or plan

He was a drifter who hitchhiked from state to state.

drift net noun, pl nets [count]

: a large fishing net that floats in the water or is pulled behind a boat

drift·wood noun [noncount]

: wood that is floating in water or carried to the shore by water

1drill noun, pl drills

1 [count] : a tool used for making holes in hard substances
an electric/power drill
the dentist's drill
see also PNEUMATIC DRILL

2 a : an exercise done to practice military skills or procedures

[count] During basic training, the recruits spent hours a day doing drills.

a drill sergeant [=a sergeant who trains new soldiers]

[noncount] (chiefly Brit) soldiers doing drill

2 b : a physical or mental activity that is done repeatedly in order to learn something, become more skillful, etc.

[count] The students do vocabulary/multiplication drills every Monday.

The players are doing their drills.

[noncount] The students were taught by drill.

see also FIRE DRILL

know the drill
informal : to know how something is done : to be familiar with a regular process, procedure, etc.

You don't have to tell us what to do. We all know the drill by now.

compare 3DRILL, 5DRILL

2drill verb, drills, drilled, drill·ing

1 : to make a hole in something with a drill

[+ obj] He drilled a hole in the back of the cabinet.

The dentist drilled the tooth.

[no obj] They are planning to drill for oil here.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to teach or train (someone) by repeating a lesson or exercise again and again

We drilled the children on their multiplication tables.

The players were drilled in practice.

2 b : to train (soldiers) by making them practice military procedures and exercises

The commander drilled the troops.

3 [+ obj] US, sports, informal : to hit (someone or something) very hard

He drilled a single to right field.

The quarterback got drilled.

drill into [phrasal verb]

drill (something) into (someone) : to force (something) to be learned very well by (someone) by repeating it again and again

Our teacher drilled the lesson into our heads.

The importance of saying “please” and “thank you” was drilled into us as children.

compare 4DRILL

drill·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an oil driller

3drill noun, pl drills [count]

1 : a row of seeds planted by a special machine

2 : a special machine that plants seeds in rows
compare 1DRILL, 5DRILL

4drill verb, drills, drilled, drilling [+ obj]

: to plant (seeds) in a row with a special machine
compare 2DRILL

5drill noun [noncount]

: a type of strong cotton cloth
compare 1DRILL, 3DRILL

drily variant spelling of DRYLY

1drink verb, drinks, drank , drunk , drink·ing

1 : to take a liquid into your mouth and swallow it

[no obj] The baby still drinks from a bottle.

What would you like to drink?

[+ obj] We drank orange juice with breakfast.

I drink lots of water when I'm hiking.

2 a [no obj] : to drink alcohol

She drank too much last night and woke up sick this morning.

I don't drink. [=I never drink alcohol]

It's not safe to drink and drive.

Someone who drinks like a fish regularly drinks too much alcohol.

When he was younger he used to drink like a fish.

2 b [+ obj] : to put (yourself) into a specified state by drinking alcohol

She drank herself into a stupor.

He nearly drank himself to death.

see also drink someone under the table at 1TABLE

drink in [phrasal verb]

drink in (something) or drink (something) in : to stop and look at or listen to something in order to enjoy it fully

The view is so beautiful. Let's just take a minute to drink it all in.

drink to [phrasal verb]

drink to (someone or something) : to speak words that honor or express good wishes for (someone or something) and then take a drink : to make a toast to (someone)

We drank to their 30th anniversary. = We drank a toast to their 30th anniversary.

We drank to their health.

I'll drink to that! means that you agree completely with something that someone has said.

“It will be the best vacation of our lives.” “I'll drink to that!”

drink up [phrasal verb]

drink up or drink up (something) or drink (something) up : to drink all of (something)

They drank up (all) the orange juice.

Here's a glass of the vineyard's latest wine. Drink up!

drinking noun [noncount]

Drinking is not allowed in the park. [=you are not allowed to drink alcohol in the park]

a night of heavy drinking
often used before another noun
a drinking buddy/partner

(US) She has a drinking problem. [=(Brit) drink problem; she regularly drinks too much alcohol]

The drinking age [=the age at which a person can legally buy and drink alcohol] in the U.S. is 21.

2drink noun, pl drinks

1 : a liquid that you can drink : beverage

[count] We serve coffee, tea, and other hot drinks.

[noncount] Food and drink will be provided.

see also SOFT DRINK

2 a [count] : an alcoholic beverage

They went to the bar for a few drinks.

Can I get you another drink?

He poured himself a stiff drink. [=a strong alcoholic drink]

2 b [noncount] : the habit or practice of drinking a lot of alcohol

It was during this period that she took to drink. [=began drinking lots of alcohol]

The stress of the job drove him to drink. [=caused him to drink lots of alcohol]

(Brit) She has a drink problem. [=(US) drinking problem; she regularly drinks too much alcohol]

see also DEMON DRINK, MIXED DRINK

3 [singular] : an act of drinking

He took a long drink from his glass.

4 [count] : an amount of liquid for drinking

Give the dog a drink of water.

the drink
old-fashioned : an area of water (such as a lake or pond)

The ball rolled down the hill and into the drink.

drink·able adj

1 : able to be drunk

They boiled the water to make it drinkable. [=safe for drinking]

This coffee is so hot it's not drinkable.

2 [more ; most ] : having a pleasant taste
a very drinkable wine

drink-driver noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : drunk driver

drink-driv·ing noun [noncount]

Brit : drunk driving

drink·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who drinks alcohol especially in large amounts

He's a heavy/moderate drinker.

I'm not much of a drinker.

Most of his friends are drinkers.

2 : a person who drinks a particular beverage

She's a big beer/wine/coffee drinker. [=she drinks a lot of beer/wine/coffee]

drinking fountain noun, pl -tains [count]

: a device in a public place that produces a stream of water for people to drink from called also (chiefly US) water fountain

drinking water noun [noncount]

: water that is clean enough for people to drink

Pollution is seeping into our drinking water.

drinks party noun, pl ties [count]

Brit : cocktail party

1drip verb, drips, dripped, drip·ping

1 [no obj] : to fall in drops

Water dripped from a leak in the ceiling.

Blood dripped down his leg from the cut.

Hot wax dripped onto my fingers.

2 : to let drops of (a liquid) fall

[+ obj] The pine trees dripped sap onto the cars.

The kids dripped water all over the house.

[no obj] The faucet is dripping. [=water is dripping from the faucet]

a dripping faucet
often + with

His face was dripping with sweat. [=sweat was dripping from his face]

The toast was dripping with butter.

If you are dripping wet you are so wet that drops of water are falling off you.

The kids were dripping wet.

3 [no obj] : to have or show a large amount of something
usually + with

Her voice dripped with contempt/charm.

She was dripping with diamonds. [=she was wearing a lot of diamonds]

2drip noun, pl drips

1 a [count] : a drop of liquid that falls from something

Drips of water fell from a leak in the ceiling.

1 b [singular] : the sound of liquid falling in drops

We heard the drip of the rain.

the steady drip, drip, drip of the faucet

1 c [singular] : the act or action of falling in drops

Water fell from the ceiling in a steady/slow drip.

2 [count] medical : a device used in hospitals to pass fluid slowly through a tube into a patient's blood

The doctor put the patient on a morphine drip to manage the pain.

3 [count] informal + old-fashioned : a dull and often weak person

Don't invite that drip to your party!

1drip-dry verb, -dries, -dried, -dry·ing

: to dry wet clothing by hanging it so that water drips from it

[no obj] I washed the shirt and hung it on the line to drip-dry.

[+ obj] I drip-dried the shirt.

2drip-dry adj

: able to dry with few or no wrinkles when hung up while wet
a drip-dry shirt

drip·ping noun, pl -pings

: the fat and juices that come out of meat during cooking

[plural] (US) He cooked a turkey and made gravy from the drippings.

[noncount] (Brit) Pour the dripping from the pan.

1drive verb, drives, drove , driv·en , driv·ing

1 a : to direct the movement of (a car, truck, bus, etc.)

[+ obj] He drove the car down a bumpy road.

She drives a taxi. [=her job is driving a taxi]

[no obj] Do you want to drive or should I?

He is learning to drive.

1 b always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] of a car, truck, etc. : to move in a specified manner or direction

The car stopped and then drove off.

A car drove by us slowly.

The bus slowly drove away.

1 c : to travel in a car

[no obj] We drove all night and arrived at dawn.

Are you driving or flying to Canada? [=will you travel to Canada by car or airplane?]

We drove (for) eight hours yesterday.

We drove 160 miles to get here.

I drive on/along this route every day.

[+ obj] I drive this route every day.

1 d [+ obj] : to take (someone or something) to a place in a car, truck, etc.

I drove her to the train station this morning.

I had to drive myself to the hospital.

Her mom drove us home.

1 e [+ obj] : to own and use (a vehicle of a specified kind)

He drives a pickup/motorcycle.

She drives a Ford.

2 [+ obj] : to move (people or animals) to or from a place by using force

Cowboys drove the herds across the prairie.

They drove the invaders back across the border.

Thousands of people have been driven from their homes. [=have been forced to leave their homes]

3 [+ obj] : to push (something) with force
drive a nail with a hammer
often + into

He drove a nail into the wall.

She drove the sword into her enemy's side.

4 [+ obj] : to make (a machine or vehicle) work or move : to provide power for (something)

Electricity drives the machinery.

a steam-driven turbine [=a turbine that gets its power from steam]

often used figuratively

What drives the economy?

a market-driven industry

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to cause (someone) to behave in a particular way

They were driven [=motivated] by hunger to steal.

Poverty drove them to a life of crime.

Ambition drove her to succeed.

5 b : to force (someone) to work very hard

The sergeant drove the recruits.

The team was driven hard by the coach.

He's been driving himself too hard. [=he's been working too hard]

6 [+ obj] : to bring (someone) into a particular condition

That noise is driving me insane/crazy.

The new store drove him out of business. [=caused him to go out of business]

Her perfume drives me wild. [=gets me sexually excited]

7 [+ obj] : to cause (a price, number, etc.) to increase or decrease

+ up or down

The government report drove stock prices up.

An increase in investments is driving down interest rates.

8 [no obj] sports : to move toward or through something with a lot of force or speed

He took a pass and drove to/toward the basket/net.

The running back drove through the line of scrimmage.

9 [+ obj] sports : to hit or kick (a ball or puck) with a lot of force or speed

She drove the (golf) ball down the fairway.

He drove the puck into the net.

see also DRIVING RANGE

10 [no obj] of rain, wind, etc. : to fall or blow with great force

The rain drove against the windows.

see also DRIVING

drive a hard bargain see 1BARGAIN

drive at [phrasal verb]

drive at (something) : to attempt to say or do (something)

usually used as (be) driving at

I have no idea what he was driving at.

I think I see what you're driving at.

drive away [phrasal verb]

drive (someone) away or drive away (someone) : to cause or force (someone) to leave especially by making a situation unpleasant or unattractive

The store's high prices are driving away customers.

drive a wedge between see 1WEDGE

drive in [phrasal verb]

drive (someone or something) in or drive in (someone or something) baseball : to cause (a run or runner) to score

He drove in another run.

The hit drove him in for a 54 lead.

drive off [phrasal verb]

drive (someone or something) off or drive off (someone or something) : to cause or force (someone or something) to leave

They drove off the invaders.

drive out [phrasal verb]

drive (someone or something) out or drive out (someone or something) : to cause or force (someone or something) to leave

They drove out the invaders.

The family was driven out of the neighborhood by rising real estate prices.

drive (someone) up a/the wall see 1WALL

drive your point home see 2HOME

2drive noun, pl drives

1 [count] : a journey in a car

It's a two-hour drive to the beach.

Her house is an hour's drive east of Los Angeles.

We took a pleasant drive in the country.

Would you like to go for a drive?

see also TEST DRIVE

2 [count] : a hard area or small road outside of a house where cars can be parked : driveway

A white car was parked in the drive.

3
used in the name of some public roads

Morningside Drive

They live at 156 Woodland Drive.

abbr. Dr.

4 [count] : an effort made by a group of people to achieve a goal, to collect money, etc.

a fund-raising drive

The school holds a canned food drive every winter.

a membership drive [=an effort to get more people to join a group, club, etc.]

5 : a strong natural need or desire

[count] The need for food and water are basic drives for all living things.

[noncount] Sex drive [=the desire to have sex] generally decreases as you get older.

6 [noncount] : a strong desire for success

She is an ambitious young woman, full of drive and determination.

see also DRIVEN

7 [count] : a device in a computer that can read information off and copy information onto disks or tape

Insert the disk into the floppy drive.

a CD-ROM drive
see also DISK DRIVE, HARD DRIVE

8 [noncount]

8 a : the way power from an engine controls and directs the movement of a vehicle

The car has front-wheel/rear-wheel drive.

see also FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE

8 b chiefly US : a condition in which the gears of a vehicle are working in a way that allows the vehicle to move forward

He put the car in/into drive and pulled onto the street.

9 [count]

9 a sports : a ball, puck, etc., that is hit very hard

He hit a hard/long drive down the left-field line.

see also LINE DRIVE

9 b golf : a long shot that is hit from a tee

She hit her drive into the rough.

10 [count] : a long or forceful military attack on an enemy
an armored drive into enemy territory

11 [count] American football : a series of plays that move the ball down the field toward the opponent's end zone

They scored a touchdown following a ten-play drive.

12 [count] : an act of leading cattle or sheep over land and keeping them in a group
a cattle drive

drive-by adj, always used before a noun

: done from a moving vehicle
a drive-by shooting/killing

drive-by noun, pl -bys [count]

They were both shot in a drive-by. [=a drive-by shooting]

drive-in noun, pl -ins [count]

1 : a place where people can watch movies outdoors while sitting in their cars called also drive-in theater

2 : a restaurant at which people are served in their cars called also drive-in restaurant

1driv·el noun [noncount]

: foolish writing or speech

I'm not going to waste my time reading this drivel. [=nonsense]

2drivel verb, -els, US -eled or Brit -elled, US -el·ing or Brit -el·ling [no obj]

informal : to talk in a very foolish or silly way

What is he driveling about now?

driveling (US) or Brit drivelling adj
a driveling idiot

1driven past participle of 1DRIVE

2driven adj

: very determined to succeed

They are driven, successful people.

driv·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 a : a person who drives a car, truck, etc.

Who was the driver at the time of the accident?

He's a good/careful/fast/bad driver.

The front door on the driver's side [=the side of the car where the driver sits] is scratched.

see also BACKSEAT DRIVER

1 b : a person whose job is to drive a vehicle (such as a taxi, truck, or bus)

We told the taxi driver to take us to the library.

He likes to sit at the front of the bus, near the driver.

an ambulance/truck driver

2 technical : a piece of computer software that controls a device (such as a mouse or printer) that is attached to the computer

There's a problem with the printer's driver.

3 golf : a club that is used for hitting long shots off a tee

in the driver's seat

: in a position in which you are able to control what happens

When his boss went on vacation, he suddenly found himself in the driver's seat.

see also PILE DRIVER

driver's license noun, pl -censes [count]

US : an official document or card which shows that you have the legal right to drive a vehicle called also (Brit) driving licence

drive·shaft Brit noun, pl -shafts [count]

technical : a part of a vehicle that carries power from the gears to the wheels

drive-through also drive-thru noun, pl -throughs also -thrus [count]

: a business (such as a bank or restaurant) that is designed so that customers can be served while remaining in their cars; also US : the window from which people are served

I ordered a salad and fries at the drive-through.

drive-through also drive-thru adj, always used before a noun
a drive-through restaurant

(US) the drive-through window

drive time noun [noncount]

chiefly US : the time when people are driving to or from work and are listening to the radio in their cars

Her show airs during the morning drive time.

a drive-time radio show

drive-up adj, always used before a noun

US : designed to allow people to remain in their cars while being served
a bank with a drive-up window

drive·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: a short private road from a street to a house or other building where cars can usually be parked

A long driveway led to the mansion.

We shoveled the driveway [=drive] after the snowstorm.

1driving adj, always used before a noun

1 : falling or blowing with great force and speed
a hard driving rain/wind

2
used in the phrase driving force to describe the person or thing that causes or controls something

He has been the driving force behind these changes. [=he has been the person who has caused these changes to happen]

She believes that greed is the driving force behind our economy.

see also HARD-DRIVING

2driving noun [noncount]

1 : the act of operating a vehicle

I enjoy driving in good weather.

She doesn't like night driving. [=driving at night]

(US) He was arrested for driving under the influence. = He was arrested for driving while intoxicated. [=for driving when he was drunk]

often used before another noun
a driving school

He failed his driving test.

2 : the way someone operates a vehicle

I don't trust her driving and would rather take my own car.

He got pulled over for reckless driving.

see also DRUNK DRIVING, driving to endanger at ENDANGER

driving licence noun, pl -cences [count]

Brit : driver's license

driving range noun, pl ranges [count]

: a place where people can practice hitting golf balls

1driz·zle verb, driz·zles, driz·zled, driz·zling

1 [no obj] : to rain in very small drops

It was beginning to drizzle, so she pulled on her hood.

2 [+ obj] : to pour a small amount of liquid onto or over something

She drizzled syrup on her pancakes. = She drizzled her pancakes with syrup.

The vegetables were drizzled with olive oil.

2drizzle noun [singular]

: rain that falls lightly in very small drops

Yes, it's raining, but it's only a drizzle.

driz·zly adj, driz·li·er, -est

It was a drizzly, gray weekend.

droll adj, droll·er, -est

: having an odd and amusing quality
a droll little man with a peculiar sense of humor
a book of droll stories

drom·e·dary Brit noun, pl -dar·ies [count]

: a camel of western Asia and northern Africa that has one hump on its back

1drone noun, pl drones [count]

: a deep continuous sound : hum
usually singular
the endless drone of washing machines at the laundry
the drone of passing traffic

compare 3DRONE

2drone verb, drones, droned, dron·ing [no obj]

: to make a continuous low humming sound

A plane droned overhead.

We could hear wasps droning in the garden.

drone on [phrasal verb]

informal : to speak for a long time in a dull voice without saying anything interesting

She had trouble keeping awake as he droned on about himself.

3drone noun, pl drones [count]

1 : a type of male bee that does not gather honey

2 chiefly US, informal : a person who does work that is boring and not very important
one of many office drones

compare 1DRONE

1drool verb, drools, drooled, drool·ing [no obj]

1 : to let saliva flow out from the mouth
a drooling baby

2 : to show admiration or desire for something in an exaggerated way
usually + over

Everyone was drooling over his new car.

2drool noun [noncount]

chiefly US : saliva that drips from the mouth

He wiped the drool from the baby's face.

droop verb, droops, drooped, droop·ing [no obj]

1 : to sink, bend, or hang down

The flowers were drooping in the hot sun.

Her eyelids drooped as she grew tired.

The tree's branches drooped under the weight of the snow.

2 : to become sad or weak

His spirits drooped when he didn't get the job.

droop noun [singular]

the sad droop of the dog's tail

droopy adj, droop·i·er, -est
a droopy mustache

1drop noun, pl drops

1 [count] : a very small amount of liquid that falls in a rounded shape

He squeezed the bottle until a few drops came out.

She knew rain was coming when she felt a drop [=raindrop] land on her arm.

often + of

Drops of water fell from the leaky faucet.

a drop of blood

see also DEWDROP, RAINDROP, TEARDROP

2 [count] informal : a small amount of a drink
usually singular

I didn't have a drop of your orange juice.

I'd just like a drop of brandy, please.

He used to have a drinking problem but he hasn't touched a drop [=hasn't drunk any alcohol] in years.

3 [singular] : a small amount of something (such as a quality)

She doesn't have a single drop of selfishness in her.

The poet wrings the last drop of meaning from every word.

4 drops [plural] : liquid medicine that is measured in drops and put into your eyes, ears, or nose

The doctor prescribed daily drops for the child's ears.

eye/ear drops

5 [count] : a usually small, round piece of candy with a particular flavor

We sucked on lemon drops.

see also COUGH DROP, GUMDROP

6 [count]

6 a : the distance from a higher to a lower level
usually singular

It is a 50-foot drop from the cliff to the ground below.

6 b : an area that goes downward suddenly

A steep drop in the river forms a waterfall.

7 [count] : a decrease in amount or quality
usually singular

His income took a sudden drop.

often + in

He had a sudden drop in income.

The patient experienced a sharp drop in blood pressure.

a drop [=decline] in prices/sales
a four percent drop in body weight

8 [count] informal

8 a : the act of taking something (such as something secret or illegal) to a place and leaving it there

He made the drop.

8 b : a place where something is taken to and left to be picked up

I left the package at the drop.

see also AIRDROP, MAIL DROP

9 [count] American football : a move back from the line of scrimmage
usually singular

The quarterback made a quick three-step drop.

a drop in the bucket (US) or Brit a drop in the ocean
informal : an amount that is so small that it does not make an important difference or have much effect

They need to raise thousands of dollars for this project, so our 20-dollar donation is just a drop in the bucket.

at the drop of a hat

: very quickly and immediately

He says he's ready to help us at the drop of a hat.

She loses her temper at the drop of a hat.

2drop verb, drops, dropped, drop·ping

1 a [+ obj] : to let (something) fall

Be careful not to drop the chair on your foot.

She dropped the apple core into the trash can.

They dropped bombs on the city.

He dropped the vase and it shattered into pieces.

The player dropped the ball.

The trees drop their needles in the winter. [=the needles fall off the trees in the winter]

1 b [no obj] : to fall

The pen rolled to the edge of the table and dropped to the floor.

The book dropped from my hand.

The ball dropped between the right and center fielders.

2 [no obj]

2 a : to lie down or fall down suddenly

He dropped (down) to the floor and hid under the bed.

2 b : to lie down or become unconscious because you are sick or exhausted : collapse

She was so tired she felt she would drop.

He worked until he dropped.

(informal) We're going to the mall to shop till we drop.

3 [no obj] : to go down suddenly and form a steep slope

The road drops into the valley.

The cliff drops almost vertically.

4 a [no obj] : to change to a lower level, amount, position, etc.

The temperature dropped (to 50 degrees).

His voice dropped [=became quieter] as he told us the secret.

Increased competition has caused prices to drop. [=decline, go down]

Production has dropped. [=decreased]

The team has dropped [=fallen] to third place.

He dropped [=fell] behind the other runners when he hurt his ankle.

4 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to lessen or decrease in level or amount

He dropped [=lowered] his voice.

She dropped [=reduced] her speed when she saw the patrol car.

5 [+ obj] : to send (someone) a letter, note, etc.

I'll drop you an e-mail when I know my schedule.

Drop me a line [=write me a letter] sometime.

6 a [+ obj] : to stop talking or thinking about (something)

You can drop that idea right now.

Let's just drop the subject.

Just drop it. I don't want to talk about it any more.

6 b [no obj] : to stop being talked about

Please let the matter drop.

Once he starts talking about a subject he just won't let it drop.

7 [+ obj] : to stop doing or continuing with (something)

I'm going to drop my calculus class and take a biology course instead.

New evidence was found and the case was dropped.

The prosecutors dropped the charges against her.

I dropped everything [=stopped what I was doing] and ran to the window to see what was going on.

8 [+ obj] : to not include (someone or something)

You should drop [=cut, omit] this sentence from your essay.

The newspaper decided to drop the story.

He was dropped from the team.

9 [+ obj] : to suddenly end a relationship or connection with (someone)

They dated for a while, but then she suddenly dropped him.

She moved away and dropped her old friends.

10 [+ obj] : to take (someone or something) to a place and then leave

She dropped him in front of the library.

He dropped the package at the post office this morning.

often + off

I drop the kids off at school in the morning.

I'll drop off the paperwork as soon as it's all filled out.

11 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to make a brief social visit
usually + by or in or over

His sister dropped by unexpectedly.

They dropped in for a chat.

Drop over sometime!

We were in the neighborhood and thought we would drop in on you.

see also DROP-IN

12 [+ obj] : to say (something) in an informal or casual way

He casually dropped the news that they are getting married.

She's always dropping names. [=saying the names of famous people she knows to try to impress others]

She has been dropping hints that she is looking for another job.

13 [+ obj] informal : to lose (a game)

They dropped the first game but won the next two.

14 [+ obj] informal : to spend (an amount of money)

usually + on

She dropped $300 on a new suit.

15 [+ obj] informal : to lose (an amount of weight)

Through diet and exercise, I managed to drop 20 pounds in a year.

16 : to move down

[+ obj] When the teacher became angry at her, she dropped her eyes/head. [=she looked down]

[no obj] His gaze dropped to the floor in embarrassment.

17 [+ obj] knitting : to let (a loop of yarn) fall off a knitting needle

Count the stitches on the needle to make sure you didn't drop one.

Be careful you don't drop a stitch.

18 [+ obj] : to not pronounce (a letter) when you speak

When she spoke quickly, she dropped the “g” in “running.”

19 [+ obj] informal : to take (a drug) by swallowing it

They dropped acid. [=they took LSD]

drop a brick or drop a clanger

Brit informal : to make a very bad or embarrassing mistake

drop back [phrasal verb]

American football : to move straight back from the line of scrimmage

The quarterback dropped back and threw a long pass down the field.

drop dead see 1DEAD

drop in/into/on your lap see 1LAP

drop off [phrasal verb]

1 : to decrease in amount

After the holidays, business usually drops off.

2 : to fall asleep

The baby tends to drop off after he eats.

She lay down and dropped off to sleep.

see also 2DROP 10 (ABOVE)

drop out [phrasal verb]

1 : to stop attending a school or university before you have completed your studies

He dropped out after 10th grade.

often + of

He dropped out of [=quit] college/school and began working full-time.

2 : to stop being part of a group
usually + of

She was the first to drop out of the band.

3 : to stop being involved in regular society because you do not agree with or support its rules, customs, and values

Back in the sixties he dropped out and lived as a hippie for several years.

see also DROPOUT

drop out of sight

: to stop being seen

The house dropped out of sight as we drove over the hill.

a famous and successful actor who suddenly dropped out of sight

drop the ball see 1BALL

jaw drops see 1JAW

the bottom drop out see 1BOTTOM

the penny drops see PENNY

you could hear a pin drop see 1PIN

drop cloth noun, pl cloths [count]

US : a sheet of cloth or plastic that is used to cover the floor and furniture while you are painting a room compare DUST SHEET

drop-dead adj
informal : very attractive or impressive
a drop-dead evening gown

drop-dead adv
an actress who is drop-dead gorgeous

drop-dead date noun, pl dates [count]

US : a date by which something must be done or finished : a deadline that must be met

They were given a drop-dead date of June 30 to accept or reject the contract.

drop-down menu noun, pl menus [count]

computers : a list of choices that appears on a computer screen when a person clicks on the menu's title

To print the document, click on “print” in the “file” drop-down menu.

called also drop-down list, pull-down menu

drop goal noun, pl goals [count]

rugby : a goal that is made by a dropkick

drop-in adj, always used before a noun

1 of a place : able to be visited without an appointment
a drop-in clinic/lab/restaurant
a drop-in medical center

2 of a person : visiting a place without an appointment
drop-in customers/clients

drop·kick noun, pl -kicks [count]

: a kick that is made by dropping a ball to the ground and kicking it as it begins to bounce back up

drop-kick verb, -kicks, -kicked, -kick·ing [+ obj]

He drop-kicked the ball.

drop·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a very small drop of liquid

Droplets of water collected on the windows.

drop-off noun, pl -offs [count]

1 : a very steep downward slope

The drop-off along the trail is very steep.

2 : a very large decrease in level or amount

There has been a drop-off in attendance this year.

see also drop off at 2DROP

3 : the act of taking someone or something to a place and then leaving : the act of dropping someone or something off

This area is for student drop-offs.

drop·out noun, pl -outs [count]

1 : a person who stops going to a school, college, etc., before finishing : a person who drops out of school

The program is designed for dropouts who wish to get high school equivalency certificates.

a high school dropout

2 : a person who stops being involved in society because he or she does not believe in its rules, customs, and values see also drop out at 2DROP

drop pass noun, pl passes [count]

ice hockey : a pass in which a player stops the puck and skates past it in order to leave it for another player who is close behind

dropped adj, always used before a noun
of clothing : made to be in a lower position on the body than is usual
a dress with a dropped waist
dropped shoulders

drop·per noun, pl -pers [count]

: a glass or plastic tube that is used to measure out liquids by drops

He put drops in his eyes with a dropper.

called also eyedropper, medicine dropper

drop·ping noun, pl -pings [count]

: a piece of solid waste from an animal or bird
usually plural
bird droppings

drop shot noun, pl shots [count]

: a softly hit shot in tennis or a similar game that falls quickly after passing over the net

dross noun [noncount]

1 technical : unwanted material that is removed from a mineral (such as gold) to make it better

2 : something of low value or quality

There is quite a lot of dross on TV these days.

His editor has a talent for turning literary dross into gold.

drought noun, pl droughts

: a long period of time during which there is very little or no rain

[count] The drought caused serious damage to crops.

[noncount] a period of drought that lasted several years

1drove noun, pl droves [count]

: a large group of people or animals that move or act together
a drove of cattle
usually plural
droves of students

People came in droves [=many people came] to hear her sing.

2drove past tense of 1DRIVE

drov·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly Brit : a person who moves groups of animals (such as cattle or sheep) from one place to another

drown verb, drowns, drowned, drown·ing

1 a [no obj] : to die by being underwater too long and unable to breathe

Four people drowned in the flood.

She fell in the river and drowned.

1 b [+ obj] : to hold (a person or animal) underwater until death occurs

She claims that he tried to drown her.

He tried to drown himself.

2 [+ obj] : to cover (something) completely with a liquid

The river overflowed, drowning whole villages.

The food was drowned in sauce.

3 [+ obj] : to cause (something or someone) not to be heard by making a loud noise

The loud music drowned the sound of their conversation.

usually + out

Noise from the passing airplane drowned out our conversation.

He talked loudly to try to drown her out.

4 : to experience or be affected by too much of something : to be overwhelmed by something usually + in

[no obj] Many young people today are drowning in credit card debt.

She was drowning in sadness.

[+ obj] I'm being drowned in paperwork. [=I'm being overwhelmed by paperwork]

5 [+ obj] : to forget about (unpleasant feelings or thoughts) by getting drunk

He went to the bar to drown his sorrows.

He was trying to drown his fears. [=to get drunk so that he wouldn't be afraid]

drowning noun, pl -ings [count, noncount]

drowse verb, drows·es, drowsed, drows·ing [no obj]

: to sleep lightly or to almost be asleep

She drove while I drowsed [=(more commonly) dozed] in the back seat.

drowsy adj, drows·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : tired and ready to fall asleep

I started feeling drowsy [=sleepy] and decided to take a nap.

2 : causing you to feel relaxed and ready to sleep

We spent a drowsy afternoon by the pool.

drows·i·ly adv

drows·i·ness noun [noncount]

These medications may cause drowsiness.

drub·bing noun, pl -bings [count]

informal : an occurrence in which one person or team easily beats another person or team

She withdrew after her drubbing [=after she was badly beaten] in the New Hampshire primary.

Our team took a drubbing. = They gave us a drubbing. [=they beat us very easily]

drudge noun, pl drudg·es [count]

: a person who does boring, difficult, or unpleasant work

She was tired of working as an office drudge.

often used before another noun
drudge work
a drudge job

drudg·ery noun [noncount]

: boring, difficult, or unpleasant work

He hated the drudgery of his job.

1drug noun, pl drugs [count]

1 : a substance that is used as a medicine
a new drug used to treat people with high blood pressure
an experimental drug for the treatment of AIDS
prescription drugs [=drugs that people are allowed to use only if they have a note from a doctor]

a miracle/wonder drug [=a drug that is very effective]

often used before another noun
drug treatment/therapy
drug companies

2 : an illegal and often harmful substance (such as heroin, cocaine, LSD, or marijuana) that people take for pleasure

Have you ever taken/used any illegal drugs?

He got hooked on drugs [=he became addicted to drugs] at an early age.

I don't smoke, drink, or do drugs.

She looks like she's on drugs. [=like she uses drugs or is high on a drug]

often used before another noun
intravenous drug users [=people who inject drugs into their veins]

She died of a drug overdose.

drug-treatment programs
drug addiction/addicts/abuse

see also DESIGNER DRUG, GATEWAY DRUG

2drug verb, drugs, drugged, drug·ging [+ obj]

1 : to give a drug to (a person or animal) in order to make that person or animal very sleepy or unconscious

He looks like he's been drugged.

2 : to add a drug to (a food or drink) in order to make someone sleepy or unconscious

Someone could have drugged your drink.

drug dealer noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who sells illegal drugs

drug·gie noun, pl -gies [count]

informal : a person who often uses illegal drugs

drugging noun [noncount]

chiefly US informal : use of illegal drugs

His drinking and drugging will kill him one day.

drug·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

US somewhat old-fashioned : a person who prepares and sells medicines : pharmacist

Your local druggist can fill the prescription.

drug·store noun, pl -stores [count]

US : a store that sells medicines and various other products (such as newspapers, candy, soap, etc.)

dru·id or Druid noun, pl -ids [count]

: a member of a group of priests in an ancient British religion

1drum noun, pl drums

1 [count] : a musical instrument that is made with a thin layer of skin or plastic stretched over the end of a round frame and that is played by hitting the skin or plastic with sticks or with your hands
a child beating on a drum

We heard the rhythmic beating of drums.

She plays the drums.

That was Miles Davis on trumpet and Max Roach on drums. [=playing the drums]

see also KETTLEDRUM, SNARE DRUM, STEEL DRUM

2 [noncount] : the sound that is made when something hits a surface over and over again

He lay listening to the steady drum of the rain on the roof.

3 [count]

3 a : a large usually metal container for liquids
oil drums
a 55-gallon drum

3 b : a machine or part of a machine that is shaped like a cylinder
the drum of a clothes dryer

beat/bang the drum for

: to say or write things that strongly support (someone or something)

They joined together to beat the drum for their candidate.

banging the drum for human rights

2drum verb, drums, drummed, drum·ming

1 [no obj] : to beat or play a drum or set of drums

She drummed while he played the guitar.

2 : to make a sound by hitting a surface over and over again

[no obj] Rain drummed [=beat] on the roof.

Her fingers drummed nervously on the table.

[+ obj] He was nervously drumming a pencil on the desk.

She was drumming her fingers [=rapidly tapping her fingertips] on the table.

drum into [phrasal verb]

drum (something) into (someone) : to force (something) to be learned by (someone) by repeating it over and over again

Our teacher drummed the lesson into our heads.

The importance of saying “please” and “thank you” was drummed into us as children.

drum out of [phrasal verb]

drum (someone) out of (something) : to force (someone) to leave (a place or organization)

They drummed her out of the club.

He got drummed out of the military.

drum up [phrasal verb]

drum up (something) also drum (something) up : to get or create (support, business, etc.) through hard work and a lot of effort

They sent out flyers to drum up support for their candidate.

Somehow, we need to drum up some new business.

The company is trying to drum up demand for a new product.

drum·beat noun, pl -beats [count]

: the sound made by beating a drum

I could hear the drumbeat of a parade down the street.

hard and fast drumbeats
a rock-and-roll drumbeat
often used figuratively

The constant drumbeat for better working conditions [=the constant effort and complaints from people who demanded better working conditions] finally made a difference.

The drumbeat of opposition has increased in recent months.

We have been subjected to a steady drumbeat [=barrage] of bad news.

drum kit noun, pl kits [count]

: a set of drums and cymbals

drum machine noun, pl -chines [count]

: an electronic device that makes sounds like the sounds of a drum

drum major noun, pl -jors [count]

: the leader of a marching band

drum majorette noun, pl -ettes [count]

: majorette

drum·mer noun, pl -mers [count]

: a person who plays a drum or a set of drums

The band got a new drummer.

different drummer

US
used in phrases like march to the beat of a different drummer to describe a person who thinks, lives, or behaves in an unusual way

His strange behavior was no surprisehe had always marched to (the beat of) a different drummer. [=done things differently from other people]

Her friends went to college, but she heard a different drummer and moved to the city to be an actor.

drum roll noun, pl rolls [count]

: a continuous sound made by a series of very quick hits on a drum especially in order to introduce an exciting public announcement, act, etc.

drum·stick noun, pl -sticks [count]

1 : the lower part of the leg of a bird (such as a chicken or turkey) that is eaten as food

2 : a stick used for playing a drum

1drunk past participle of 1DRINK

2drunk adj, drunk·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : having drunk so much alcohol that normal actions (such as talking, thinking, and moving) become difficult to do

I don't like being around drunk people.

She was so drunk that she could barely walk.

I was drunk and couldn't think straight.

We got drunk on wine.

He was blind drunk. = He was roaring drunk. = (chiefly US) He was stinking drunk. [=he was extremely drunk]

(US) He was (as) drunk as a skunk. = (Brit) He was (as) drunk as a lord. [=he was extremely drunk]

2 : behaving in an unusual or improper way because of excitement, anger, etc.

usually + with

He was drunk with power/anger/excitement.

see also PUNCH-DRUNK

3drunk noun, pl drunks [count]

1 disapproving : a person who is drunk or who often gets drunk
the town drunk

2 informal : a period of time when someone drinks too much alcohol

They went on a two-day drunk. [=bender, binge]

drunk·ard noun, pl -ards [count]

disapproving : a person who is drunk or who often gets drunk

Her father was a drunkard.

drunk driver noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US : a person who drives a vehicle while drunk

He was killed by a drunk driver.

called also drunken driver (Brit) drink-driver

drunk driving noun [noncount]

chiefly US : the act of driving a vehicle while drunk

He was arrested for drunk driving.

called also drunken driving (Brit) drink-driving

drunk·en adj, always used before a noun

1 : drunk or often becoming drunk

The streets were filled with drunken revelers on New Year's Eve.

He lives in an apartment with his drunken mother.

2 : caused by drinking too much alcohol

He fell into a drunken stupor.

3 : involving people who are drunk

A drunken brawl broke out at the bar.

drunk·en·ly adv

She staggered drunkenly to a chair.

drunk·en·ness noun [noncount]

drunk tank noun, pl tanks [count]

US informal : a large jail cell where drunk people who have been arrested are kept

druth·ers noun [plural]

US informal : the power or opportunity to choose

If I had my druthers, [=if I could choose what to do] I would travel all the time.

Given her druthers, she would play tennis every day.

1dry adj, dri·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 a : having no or very little water or liquid
a dry riverbed

Mix the dry ingredients first, then add the milk and eggs.

a cool, dry place

Wipe the surface dry. [=wipe the surface until it is dry]

The air is usually dry during the winter. [=there is very little moisture in the air]

the dry heat of the desert

We tried to stay/keep dry in the rain by standing under a tree.

The stream is usually (as) dry as a bone [=completely dry] this time of year.

The stream is bone dry.

1 b : no longer wet

Are the clothes dry yet?

The paint should be dry in a few hours.

2 : having no rain or little rain

This has been an unusually dry summer. [=there has been little rain this summer]

a stretch of dry weather
a dry spell/season
a country with a very dry climate

This plant does well in dry conditions.

3 a : not having the usual or desired amount of moisture

My throat is dry.

My lips are dry.

dry, itchy skin
dry hair

The medication can cause dry mouth. [=a condition in which the inside of your mouth become very dry]

3 b : having the moisture removed by cooking or some other process

The chicken was dry and tasteless.

dry [=powdered] milk

4 : not producing a wet substance
a dry cough [=a cough that does not produce any phlegm]

The baby stayed dry all night. [=the baby did not urinate all night]

His eyes were dry. [=there were no tears in his eyes]

If there is not a dry eye in the house/room (etc.), everyone in a place is emotional or is affected deeply by something.

When the hero proclaimed his love for the heroine at the end of the play, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

5 : no longer producing water, oil, etc.

a dry well
a dry oil well

The well went/ran dry.

(chiefly US) They drilled for oil but the well came up dry.

often used figuratively

The author went through a dry [=unproductive] period and couldn't write anything.

The group stayed together despite several dry [=unsuccessful] years.

They went searching for clues but came up dry. [=came up empty]

6 : served or eaten without butter, jam, etc.

a breakfast of dry toast and coffee

7 of wine, sherry, etc. : not sweet
a very dry red wine
dry sherry

8 : not interesting, exciting, or emotional

The novel included several long, dry [=boring] passages.

His lectures were usually very dry.

9 : funny or clever but expressed in a quiet or serious way

He has a very dry sense of humor.

a dry wit

10 a : not having or offering alcoholic beverages
a dry party

10 b : not allowing alcoholic beverages

The college campus has been dry for 10 years.

a dry state/county [=a state/county where alcoholic beverages cannot be sold]

10 c : not drinking alcoholic beverages

He's been dry [=sober] for several years now.

high and dry see 2HIGH

home and dry see 2HOME

keep your powder dry see 1POWDER

milk/bleed/suck (someone or something) dry
informal : to take or use up everything from (someone or something)

He married her for her money and then bled her dry.

She milked the system dry.

dry·ness noun [noncount]

2dry verb, dries, dried, dry·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to remove water or moisture from (something or someone) : to make (something or someone) dry

I'll wash the dishes if you dry them.

Make sure you dry your hands.

He dried himself with the towel.

Stop crying and dry your eyes.

1 b [no obj] : to make plates, dishes, pots, etc., dry by rubbing them with a towel

I'll wash and you dry, okay?

2 [no obj] : to become dry

Your shirt is drying on the clothesline.

The paint dried overnight.

see also AIR-DRY, DRIP-DRY, FREEZE-DRY

dry off [phrasal verb]

1 a : to become dry

My umbrella's drying off in the hall.

1 b : to make your body dry

We got out of the pool and dried off.

2 dry off (someone or something) or dry (someone or something) off : to make (someone or something) dry

He dried off the bench and sat down.

Dry yourself off and get dressed.

dry out [phrasal verb]

1 : to become dry

Water the plant every week; don't allow the soil to dry out completely.

2 dry out (something) or dry (something) out : to make (something) dry

The wind dries out my eyes.

Baking at a high temperature will dry the meat out.

We dried out our shoes near the fire.

3 informal : to stop using drugs or alcohol for a period of time especially by going to a special kind of hospital

After years of alcoholism, he went to a clinic to dry out.

dry up [phrasal verb]

1 : to become completely dry

The river/well is drying up.

The stream dries up every summer.

2 dry up (something) or dry (something) up : to make (something) dry

The sun had dried up the roads an hour after it stopped raining.

3 informal : to go away or disappear completely

Interest in the project dried up when he withdrew his support.

After several months, new leads in the murder investigation dried up.

4 dry up (something) or dry (something) up : to cause the supply of (something) to go away or disappear

Closing the factory dried up local job opportunities.

5 informal + impolite
used as a command to tell someone to stop talking

Oh, dry up! [=shut up] I'm sick of hearing what you have to say.

He told her to dry up.

hang (someone or something) out to dry see hang out at 1HANG

dry cell noun, pl cells [count]

: a sealed container that holds chemicals which are used for producing electricity called also dry battery

dry-clean verb, -cleans, -cleaned, -clean·ing [+ obj]

: to clean (clothing, curtains, etc.) by using special chemicals instead of water

His suit was dry-cleaned.

dry cleaner noun, pl -ers [count]

: a shop where clothes and other cloth items are dry-cleaned

I take my clothes to a local dry cleaner.

My wool coat is still at the dry cleaner's/cleaners.

dry cleaning noun [noncount]

1 : the process of cleaning cloth with special chemicals instead of water

Dry cleaning is recommended.

a dry-cleaning shop [=a shop that does dry cleaning]

2 : clothing or cloth items that have been dry-cleaned

I can pick up the dry cleaning on my way home.

dry dock noun, pl docks

: a dock that can be kept dry and that is used for building or repairing boats or ships

[count] The dry dock is full.

[noncount] The ship is in dry dock.

dry·er also dri·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device that is used for drying something (such as clothes or hair) by using heat or air

He threw his wet clothes in the dryer.

Her hair dryer broke.

see also BLOW-DRYER

dry-eyed adj

: not crying

She was dry-eyed during the funeral but cried all the way home afterwards.

dry goods noun [plural]

1 : items (such as tobacco, tea, and coffee) that do not contain liquid

2 US, old-fashioned : items made of cloth (such as fabrics, lace, and ribbon)

dry heaves noun [plural]

US : a condition in which someone is vomiting but nothing is coming up from the stomach

He had a case of (the) dry heaves.

dry ice noun [noncount]

: solid carbon dioxide that is used mainly to keep food and other things cold and to create the appearance of smoke and fog in plays, movies, etc.

dry land noun [noncount]

: land that is not covered with water : land as opposed to the ocean, a lake, etc.

The sea was rough and we couldn't wait to get back to dry land.

dry·ly also dri·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : in a funny but quiet or serious way

“I love this store!” “I couldn't tell,” she said dryly.

2 : without excitement or emotion

“If that's the way it must be,” he remarked dryly, “that's the way it will be.”

dry rot noun [noncount]

: a condition in which wood is destroyed by a type of fungus

The windowsill was badly damaged by dry rot.

Dry rot had eaten away part of the beam.

dry run noun, pl runs [count]

: a practice event that is done to prepare for the actual event that will happen in the future

We did a dry run of the experiment.

After several dry runs, she was ready to give the speech.

called also (Brit) dummy run

dry·stone wall noun, pl walls [count]

Brit : a stone wall that is made without mortar to hold the stones together

dry·wall noun [noncount]

US : building material that is used for making walls and ceilings and that is made of large sheets of plaster covered with thick paper : plasterboard

DSL abbr
digital subscriber line
high-speed DSL Internet access

DSL refers to a system that uses telephone lines to allow you to connect to the Internet at high speeds.

DSS abbr

Department of Social Services

In the U.S., a state's Department of Social Services is usually responsible for protecting children from harmful treatment, helping people to adopt children, and providing advice and support to families and children who need it.

DTP abbr

1 desktop publishing

2 or DTaP diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis

You need to have the DTaP vaccine before you can enroll in school.

D.T.'s noun [plural]

: a condition that is caused by drinking too much alcohol for a very long time and that causes a person to shake and see things that are not real
usually used with the
an alcoholic who has the D.T.'s

; called also delirium tremens

du·al Brit adj, always used before a noun

1 : having two different parts, uses, etc.

the dual purpose of the study

The song's lyrics have a dual [=(more commonly) double] meaning.

a dual function

She held dual citizenship in France and the United States. [=she was a citizen of both countries]

2 : having two of something

Our car has dual air bags. [=has two air bags]

She pursued dual careers in music and acting.

families with dual incomes

du·al·ly adv

He is dually certified to teach math and science.

dual car·riage·way noun, pl -ways [count]

Brit : divided highway

du·al·ism Brit noun [noncount]

1 philosophy : the idea or belief that everything has two opposite parts or principles

2 formal : the quality or state of having two different or opposite parts or elements
the dualism of human nature
the dualism of good and evil

du·al·ist Brit noun, pl -ists [count]

du·al·is·tic Brit adj
a dualistic view/approach

du·al·i·ty Brit noun, pl -ties
formal : the quality or state of having two parts

[noncount] the duality of human nature

[count] They discussed the dualities of the novel's characters.

1dub verb, dubs, dubbed, dub·bing [+ obj]

1 : to give (someone or something) a name or title

The actress was dubbed “America's sweetheart.”

Critics dubbed him the new king of rock ‘n’ roll.

2 : to give (someone) the title of a knight

The queen dubbed him Sir Philip.

compare 2DUB

2dub verb, dubs, dubbed, dub·bing [+ obj]

1 : to replace the original recorded speech in a movie or television show with speech recorded in another language

He was hired to dub the dialogue for a foreign film.

often used as (be) dubbed

The film was dubbed in/into French and Spanish.

2 : to add (speech or other sounds) to a movie or television show
usually + in

They dubbed in the music. = They dubbed the music in.

3 : to make a copy of (a movie, piece of music, etc.) that has already been recorded
dub a CD

compare 1DUB

du·bi·ous Brit adj [more ; most ]

1 not used before a noun : unsure or uncertain : feeling doubt about something
usually + about

I was dubious [=doubtful] about our chances for success.

2 : causing doubt, uncertainty, or suspicion : likely to be bad or wrong

Her conclusions are pretty dubious, if you ask me. [=her conclusions are probably wrong]

He made the highly dubious claim that Elvis is still alive and living in Hawaii.

She was a dubious choice for the job. [=she was not a good choice for the job]

They got their money through dubious means/methods. [=methods that were probably dishonest or illegal]

a man of dubious character

3
used ironically in phrases like dubious honor and dubious distinction to describe something bad or undesirable as if it were an honor or achievement

He is the lawyer with the dubious honor of having lost the most cases in the firm.

We had the dubious distinction of losing 12 games in a row.

du·bi·ous·ly adv

He looked at me dubiously when I explained why I was late.

du·bi·ous·ness noun [noncount]

du·cal Brit adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to a duke
the ducal palace
a ducal title

duch·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

1 : the wife or widow of a duke

2 : a woman who has the same rank as a duke

duchy noun, pl duch·ies [count]

: an area of land that is controlled by a duke or duchess

1duck noun, pl ducks

1 [count] : any one of many different kinds of birds that swim and have a flat beak, a short neck, a heavy body, short legs, and webbed feet
often used before another noun
duck eggs/feathers
a duck pond
duck hunting

2 [count] : a female duck compare DRAKE

3 [noncount] : the meat of a duck used as food
crispy roast duck

4 [count] informal : a person who you think is lucky, unusual, etc.

He's an odd duck. [=a strange person]

You lucky duck!

5 or ducks Brit, informal
used to address someone you love

How was your day, ducks? [=sweetheart, darling]

like a duck to water
informal : very quickly or easily

She took to dancing like a duck (takes) to water. [=she learned to dance very quickly and easily]

He took to her like a duck to water. [=he liked her immediately]

water off a duck's back see 1WATER
see also DEAD DUCK, LAME DUCK, SITTING DUCK

2duck verb, ducks, ducked, duck·ing

1 a [no obj] : to lower your head or body suddenly to avoid being seen or hit

The ceiling was so low I had to duck.

often + down

Quick, duck down before they see us!

1 b [+ obj] : to lower (your head) suddenly

The ceiling was so low I had to duck my head.

He ducked his head so they wouldn't see him.

1 c [+ obj] : to avoid (something, such as a punch) by lowering your head or body suddenly

He ducked the punch.

2 [+ obj] : to avoid (something or someone you do not want to see or deal with)

We can't afford to duck the issue any longer.

He managed to duck [=evade] the question.

They've been ducking each other for months.

3 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move quickly

She ducked into a store when it started to rain.

He ducked around a corner.

4 [+ obj] Brit : to push (someone or something) underwater : dunk

The children were ducking each other in the pool.

duck out [phrasal verb]

informal : to leave suddenly and usually without telling anyone that you are leaving

We ducked out after the first act of the play.

often + on or of

They ducked out on us without even saying goodbye.

I had to duck out of the meeting to take a phone call.

often used figuratively

He wants to duck out of the contract. [=to get out of the contract]

She ducked out on paying the bill for the meal. [=she avoided paying the bill in a sneaky or improper way]

duck-billed platypus noun, pl -puses [count]

: platypus

duck·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

1 : a young duck see also UGLY DUCKLING

2 : the meat of a young duck that is used as food
roast duckling

duck sauce noun [noncount]

US : a sweet, thick sauce that is used in Chinese cooking

duck soup noun [noncount]

US informal + old-fashioned : something that is very easy to do

The trip was duck soup for experienced travelers.

1ducky adj, duck·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

US informal + somewhat old-fashioned : very pleasing, delightful, or attractive

Everything is just ducky. [=satisfactory, fine]

often used ironically to describe something that is bad or unpleasant

“Our flight is delayed.” “Well, isn't that just ducky!”

2ducky noun, pl duck·ies [count]

chiefly US informal

1 : a duck

Ducky is used especially by children or when talking to children.

Look at the cute little ducky!

2 : a toy duck
a rubber ducky [=a rubber toy that looks like a duck]

duct noun, pl ducts [count]

1 : a pipe or tube for air, water, electric power lines, etc., to pass through
a building's air/heating/ventilation ducts

2 : a tube in the body that carries a particular liquid
tear ducts
the bile duct

duc·tile adj
technical of a metal : capable of being bent or pulled into different shapes
ductile iron

duct·ing noun [noncount]

technical

1 : the material used to make ducts
a piece of ducting

2 chiefly Brit : ductwork

duct tape noun [noncount]

: a wide, sticky, and usually silver tape that is made of cloth and that is used especially to repair things

duct·work noun [noncount]

chiefly US : a system of ducts

1dud noun, pl duds

1 [count] : something that does not do what it is supposed to do : something that is a complete failure

The movie was a box office dud. [=few people went to see the movie]

The seeds must have been duds because the plants never grew.

The firework was a dud. [=the firework did not explode]

2 duds [plural] informal : clothes

She put on her new duds for the party.

2dud adj, always used before a noun

used to describe something that fails completely or does not work properly
a dud grenade [=a grenade that does not explode]

a dud movie [=a movie that fails]

(Brit) a dud cheque [=a bad check, a check that cannot be cashed]

dude Brit noun, pl dudes [count]

chiefly US slang : a man
used especially by young people

He's a cool dude. [=guy]

Ask that dude over there.

a surfer dude

Hey, dude, what's up?

dude ranch noun, pl ranches [count]

: a large farm especially in the western U.S. where people on vacation can ride horses and do other activities that cowboys typically do

dud·geon noun

in high dudgeon
formal : feeling and usually showing that you are angry or offended

She walked out of the meeting in high dudgeon.

1due Brit adj

1 not used before a noun : required or expected to happen : expected to be in a particular place at a particular time

When is the assignment due? [=when are you supposed to give the completed assignment to your teacher?]

Your books are due back to the library (by/on) May 15. [=you must return your books to the library by May 15]

The movie is due out this summer. [=the movie is supposed to be released in theaters this summer]

often followed by to + verb

They are due to arrive any minute now.

2 not used before a noun

2 a : expected to be born

The baby is due [=the baby will probably be born] in three weeks.

2 b : expected to give birth

When is she due?

My wife is due in three weeks.

3 not used before a noun : having reached the date by which payment is required

The bill is due at the end of the month.

The balance is now due.

The amount due is 45 dollars.

The bill is past due. [=it is late; it should have been paid before now]

4 not used before a noun
used to say that someone should be given something or has earned something

He is due a full day's pay.

Teachers are not always accorded the respect due (to) them. = They are not always given the respect they are due.

He finally got the recognition he was due.

I will give credit where credit is due.

5 always used before a noun : appropriate or proper

She accepted the compliment with due modesty.

The issue demands due consideration.

I will answer all of your questions in due time. [=eventually at an appropriate time]

The court agreed that he failed to exercise due care/caution/diligence in trying to prevent the accident. [=he should have done more to prevent the accident from happening]

due for

: needing, requiring, or expecting something to happen

I'm due for a dentist's appointment. [=I need to go to the dentist soon]

He will be due for another raise in June.

due to

: because of (something)

The accident was primarily due to her carelessness.

Due to the bad weather, the game was canceled.

Their success is due to a lot of hard work. = They are successful due to the fact that they work hard.

Traffic was slow due to roadwork.

The pool is closed due to the approaching storm.

in due course see 1COURSE

with (all) due respect see 1RESPECT

2due noun, pl dues

1 dues [plural] : a regular payment that you make to be a member of an organization

Membership dues are $45.

Dues are increasing this year.

Workers are required to join the union and pay dues.

2 [noncount] : something that someone should be given : something that a person has earned

He deserves to be given his due.

She has yet to receive her due. = She is still being denied her due.

People use the phrase to give someone his/her due when they are going to say something good about someone they have criticized.

I can't say that I like him, but to give him his due [=to be fair to him], I trust him completely.

pay your dues

: to work hard and have difficult experiences in order to become successful

I've paid my dues. It's time that I began reaping some benefits.

3due adv

: directly or exactly
followed by north, south, east, or west

The lake is due north of the city.

The road runs due south.

due date noun, pl dates [count]

: the day when someone or something is due: such as
a : the day by which something must be done, paid, etc.

The due date for the assignment is Friday.

Tomorrow's the due date for our electricity bill. [=the bill must be paid by tomorrow]

b : the day when a woman is expected to give birth

She started having contractions two weeks before her due date.

1du·el Brit noun, pl -els [count]

1 : a fight between two people that includes the use of weapons (such as guns or swords) and that usually happens while other people watch

Duels were used in the past to settle arguments or protect someone's honor.

I challenge you to a duel.

2 : a situation in which two people or groups argue or compete with each other

They engaged in a duel of wits.

The baseball game turned into a duel between the teams' pitchers. = The game turned into a pitching duel.

2duel verb, duels, US du·eled or Brit du·elled, US du·el·ing or Brit du·el·ling [no obj]

: to fight a duel: such as
a : to fight with someone using weapons (such as guns or swords) while other people watch

He accepted the challenge to duel.

b : to compete or argue with someone

Legislators dueled over the tax increases.

The two runners dueled for the lead.

due process noun [noncount]

US law : the official and proper way of doing things in a legal case : the rule that a legal case must be done in a way that protects the rights of all the people involved

Due process requires that evidence not be admitted when it is obtained through illegal methods.

du·et Brit noun, pl -ets [count]

: a piece of music that is performed by two singers or musicians

They sang the duet beautifully.

a piano and flute duet

duff noun, pl duffs [count]

US informal : the part of the body you sit on : buttocks

Get off your duff [=butt, rear] and help me!

duf·fel bag or duf·fle bag noun, pl bags [count]

: a large cloth bag that is held by a strap or handles and is used to carry personal belongings

duf·fer noun, pl -fers [count]

informal

1 chiefly US : a person who plays golf without much skill

We joined the other duffers at the course.

a weekend duffer

2 Brit : a clumsy or awkward person

He's a lovable old duffer.

dug past tense and past participle of 1DIG

dug·out noun, pl -outs [count]

1 : a low shelter that faces a baseball field and contains the bench where the players and coaches of a team sit

2 : a shelter that is made by digging a hole in the ground or into the side of a hill

3 : a small boat that is made by cutting out the center of a large tree trunk called also dugout canoe

duh usually with a prolonged vowel interj

US informal

1
used in an angry or annoyed way to show that something just said is already known or is obvious

“It sure is dark out.” “Duh, it's the middle of the night.”

“You have to turn the key to start the car.” “Well, duh.” [=I know that]

2
used to show or pretend that you do not know something

“Why didn't you leave earlier?” “Duh, I don't know.”

DUI noun, pl DUIs

US : the crime of driving a vehicle while drunk

[noncount] He was arrested for DUI.

[count] She was in jail on a DUI.

often used before another noun
a DUI arrest/conviction

; also [count] : a person who is arrested for driving a vehicle while drunk

He is a convicted DUI.

called also DWI

DUI is an abbreviation of “driving under the influence.”

du jour adj, not used before a noun

1 : served in a restaurant as a special item on a particular day

Our soup du jour is chicken noodle.

the vegetable/dessert du jour

2 formal : happening or popular at a particular time

Long hair was the style du jour.

the crisis du jour

Du jour is a French phrase that means “of the day.”

1duke Brit noun, pl dukes

1 [count] : a man of very high rank in the British nobility

2 [count] : the ruler of an independent area of land especially in some parts of Europe in the past compare DUCHESS, see also ARCHDUKE

3 dukes [plural] US slang, old-fashioned : fists or hands

Put up your dukes and fight, you coward!

2duke verb, dukes, duked, duk·ing

duke it out

US informal : to fight with your fists

A couple of drunks were duking it out.

often used figuratively

Scientists duked it out [=argued] over the causes of global warming.

Airlines are duking it out [=competing] for customers by lowering airfares.

duke·dom Brit noun, pl -doms [count]

1 : an area of land that is controlled by a duke or duchess : duchy

2 : the rank of a duke

dul·cet adj [more ; most ]

formal : pleasant to hear
the dulcet [=melodious] sounds of the piano
her dulcet [=sweet] voice
the dulcet tones of her voice

dul·ci·mer noun, pl -mers [count]

1 : a flat musical instrument that has strings stretched across it and is played with two light hammers

2 : an instrument used in American folk music that has three or four strings, is held on the lap, and is played with the fingers, a pick, or a small stick

1dull adj, dull·er, -est

1 : not exciting or interesting : boring
a dull lecture/speaker

There's never a dull moment in our house. [=our house is always very busy or exciting]

2 : having an edge or point that is not sharp
a dull [=blunt] knife
a dull pencil

3 of a sound : not clear and loud
the dull roar of the crowd

He heard a dull [=muffled] thud.

4 of pain : constant but not sharp or severe

She complained of a dull ache/pain in her knee.

5 : not shiny

The paint has a dull finish.

The dog had no appetite and its eyes were dull.

6 : not sunny : having a lot of clouds
a dull winter sky

7 : slightly grayish or dark : not bright
a dull light

The sky was a dull blue.

8 old-fashioned : stupid or slow in understanding something
a dull student

9 : not having a lot of business or financial activity
a dull [=slow, sluggish] market

(as) dull as dishwater see DISHWATER

(as) dull as ditchwater see DITCHWATER

dull·ness noun [noncount]

I couldn't get past the dullness of the book's topic.

dul·ly adv

He sat staring dully into the distance.

2dull verb, dulls, dulled, dull·ing

: to become dull or to make (something) dull: such as
a : to become or cause (something) to become less clear, distinct, bright, or shiny

[+ obj] Fog dulled the morning sunlight.

Special earplugs dulled the sound of the chain saw.

[no obj] His hair dulled as he aged.

The dog's eyes dulled as he got sick.

b [+ obj] : to make (something, such as a feeling) less sharp, strong, or severe

She takes medicine to dull the pain.

Fear dulled his need for adventure.

(formal) Her mind was dulled by the medication.

c : to become or cause (something, such as a knife or blade) to become less sharp

[+ obj] The knife was dulled from use.

[no obj] The blade should be replaced as soon as it dulls.

dull·ard noun, pl -ards [count]

old-fashioned : a stupid and uninteresting person

The company is run by a bunch of dullards.

du·ly Brit adv
formal

1 : in the proper or expected way

They were duly impressed by her speech.

The objections were duly noted.

2 : at the correct or expected time

The singer duly appeared back on stage for an encore.

1dumb adj, dumb·er, -est

1 informal

1 a : not showing or having good judgment or intelligence : stupid or foolish

I'm not dumb enough to believe that.

It was a dumb idea in the first place.

He just stood there with a dumb grin on his face.

This is one of the dumbest TV shows I've ever seen.

She played/acted dumb [=pretended to know or understand less than she really did] so we would assign her the easier tasks.

1 b : not requiring or resulting from intelligence

It was dumb luck that we found this place at all.

His success is just a matter of dumb luck.

2 a : not able to speak especially after being shocked or surprised

I was struck dumb [=made speechless] by the surprise.

see also DUMBSTRUCK

2 b old-fashioned + often offensive : not having the ability to speak

He was born deaf and dumb.

dumb·ly adv

He stared dumbly at the test.

dumb·ness noun [noncount] informal

The movie's dumbness [=stupidity] is actually pretty funny.

2dumb verb, dumbs, dumbed, dumb·ing

dumb down [phrasal verb]

dumb down (something) or dumb (something) down usually disapproving

1 : to make (something) easier to understand

She refused to dumb down the language in her report.

The movie was a dumbed down version of the play.

2 : to make (a group of people) less intelligent or educated

Cutting training programs will dumb down the American workforce.

dumbing down noun [noncount]

She thinks television is contributing to the dumbing down of America.

dumb·bell noun, pl -bells [count]

1 : a short bar with weights at the ends that is used to make muscles stronger

2 US, informal : a stupid or foolish person

I feel like a dumbbell for making such a stupid mistake.

dumb·found·ed adj [more ; most ]

: very shocked or surprised

We were dumbfounded at what we saw.

I was dumbfounded to hear that she resigned.

dumb·found verb, -founds, -found·ed, -found·ing [+ obj]

It dumbfounded me to hear that she had resigned.

dumb·struck adj

: so shocked or surprised that you cannot speak

The people in the courtroom were dumbstruck by his confession.

dumb·wait·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small elevator for carrying food or goods from one floor of a building to another

dum·dum noun, pl -dums [count]

: a bullet that expands or explodes when it hits an object in order to cause greater damage called also dumdum bullet

1dum·my noun, pl dum·mies

1 [count] chiefly US, informal : a stupid person

He's no dummy. [=fool]

She loves you, you dummy.

2 [count] : a doll that is shaped like and is as large as a person
a tailor's/dressmaker's dummy

They practiced CPR on a dummy.

a crash test dummy [=a life-size model of a person used in tests to see what happens to people when a car gets in an accident]

3 [count] : a copy of a finished object that is used during practice or training

The bomb was just a dummy.

4 [count] : a large doll with a movable mouth that is used by a performer
a ventriloquist's dummy

5 [noncount] : the set of cards in a game of bridge that are played faceup so everyone can see them

6 [count] Brit : pacifier

2dummy adj, always used before a noun

: looking real but not functioning or able to be used

They took apart a dummy bomb.

a dummy corporation [=a corporation that is not real]

a dummy pill [=placebo]

dummy run noun, pl runs [count]

Brit : dry run

1dump verb, dumps, dumped, dump·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put (something) somewhere in a quick and careless way

You can dump the coats on the bed.

I dumped the coffee down the drain.

The murderer dumped the body in the river.

sometimes used figuratively

The blizzard dumped three feet of snow in one night.

2 : to leave or get rid of (something or someone) quickly or without concern

They dumped [=left] their friends at the party and went home.

The team's coach was dumped [=fired] after a season of losses.

They had to dump [=quickly sell] most of their stock to pay off their debts.

3 informal : to end a romantic relationship with (someone)

My girlfriend dumped me.

I got dumped yesterday.

4 : to get rid of (waste or garbage) especially in a secret and illegal way

The factory has been dumping waste into the river.

5 : to sell (goods) in foreign countries for less than what they would sell for in your own country

The company dumped its unsold parts on the U.S. market.

6 computers : to copy or move (data) from a computer's memory to a disk, another computer, etc.

Dump the file to a disk.

dump in your lap see 1LAP

dump on [phrasal verb]

informal

1 dump on (someone) US : to criticize (someone) severely

I'm tired of getting dumped on every time I make a little mistake.

2 dump (something) on (someone) : to give (something) to (someone else) to do, deal with, or think about because you do not want to

She dumped her chores on her little brother.

I can't stand it when he dumps all his problems on me.

I hate to dump this on you.

2dump noun, pl dumps [count]

1 : a place where waste (such as trash) is taken and left

We bring our trash to the town dump on Saturdays.

(US) a garbage dump

The site has become a toxic (waste) dump. [=a place where dangerous waste is left usually illegally]

2 : a place where military supplies are stored
an ammunition dump

3 informal : a messy, dirty, and unpleasant place

I can't believe you live in this dump. [=pigsty]

What a dump!

4 computers : an act of sending data stored in a computer to another place
a screen dump to the printer

down in the dumps
informal : feeling very sad

I guess I'm just down in the dumps.

take a dump
informal + impolite : to pass solid waste from the body

dump·er noun, pl -ers
chiefly US

1 [count] : a person who leaves waste where it is not supposed to be left

The cops caught the illegal dumpers.

2 the dumper informal : a state of failure

The economy is in the dumper.

His career has gone down the dumper. [=his career has been ruined]

dumper truck noun, pl trucks [count]

Brit : dump truck

dump·ing noun [noncount]

: the act of getting rid of waste or garbage especially in an illegal way

No dumping allowed.

laws that prohibit the dumping of toxic materials

dumping ground noun, pl grounds [count]

: a place where people or things that are not wanted are sent
often + for

The class became a dumping ground for students with behavioral problems.

dump·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

1 : a small lump of dough that is boiled or steamed
chicken and dumplings

2 : a piece of food that is wrapped in dough and cooked

We had vegetarian/pork dumplings as an appetizer.

an apple dumpling

Dump·ster trademark
used for a large trash container

dump truck noun, pl trucks [count]

US : a large truck usually with a container on the back of it that is used for carrying and unloading loose material called also (Brit) dumper truck

dumpy adj, dump·i·er, -est
informal

1 : short and fat
a dumpy guy in his forties

2 US : dirty and in bad condition
dumpy hotel rooms

dunce noun, pl dunc·es [count]

old-fashioned : someone who is stupid or slow at learning things

Don't be a dunce.

a dunce/dunce's cap [=a tall pointy hat worn in the past by students as a punishment for failing to learn their lessons]

dune Brit noun, pl dunes [count]

: a hill of sand near an ocean or in a desert that is formed by the wind

We wandered over the dunes.

called also sand dune

dune buggy noun, pl -gies [count]

: a small vehicle with very large tires for driving on sand called also beach buggy

dung noun [noncount]

: solid waste from an animal
cow/cattle dung

dun·ga·rees noun [plural]

1 US, old-fashioned : pants or work clothes made of usually blue denim
a new pair of dungarees [=(more commonly) jeans]

2 Brit : overalls

dun·geon noun, pl -geons [count]

: a dark underground prison in a castle

The king threw them in/into the dungeon.

1dunk verb, dunks, dunked, dunk·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to dip (food) quickly into a liquid (such as coffee or milk) while eating

I like to dunk my doughnut in my coffee.

1 b chiefly US : to push (someone or something) under water or other liquid for a short amount of time

She dunked him while they were swimming.

He dunked the ladle into the soup.

2 basketball : to jump high in the air and push (the ball) down through the basket

[+ obj] He dunked the ball.

[no obj] He could dunk when he was 16.

2dunk noun, pl dunks [count]

basketball : a shot that is made by jumping high in the air and pushing the ball down through the basket

The pass led to a dunk.

called also dunk shot, slam dunk

dun·no

used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase don't know or I don't know when it is spoken quickly

“What do you want to do today?” “I dunno.”

“Where did he go?” “Dunno.”

The pronunciation represented by dunno is common in informal speech. The written form should be avoided except when you are trying to represent or record such speech.

duo Brit noun, pl du·os [count]

1 : two people who perform together, are usually seen together, or are associated with each other

The comedy duo will perform tonight.

The author-illustrator duo will be signing their books tomorrow.

He and his partner make/form quite a duo.

2 : a piece of music that is performed by two musicians

They sang a duo. [=(more commonly) duet]

du·o·de·num Brit noun, pl -de·na or -de·nums [count]

medical : the part of the small intestine that is right below your stomach

du·o·de·nal Brit adj
duodenal ulcers

1dupe Brit verb, dupes, duped, dup·ing [+ obj]

: to deceive or trick (someone) into believing or doing something

They duped her out of $300.

usually used as (be) duped

He was duped into buying a phony watch.

We were duped by the con artist.

2dupe noun, pl dupes [count]

: a person who is easily deceived or tricked

He was an unwitting dupe in the scheme.

du·plex Brit noun, pl -plex·es [count]

US

1 : a building that is divided into two separate homes

We live in the brick duplex.

2 : an apartment with two floors
a duplex penthouse

1du·pli·cate Brit adj, always used before a noun

: exactly the same as something else

I began receiving duplicate copies of the magazine every month.

: made as an exact copy of something else

I had a duplicate key made.

compare TRIPLICATE

2du·pli·cate Brit verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make an exact copy of (something)

She duplicated the video to give to family and friends.

Unfortunately, the results of the first study could not be duplicated.

2 : to produce (something) in another form

They tried to duplicate [=repeat] last year's performance.

If we both do the project, we'll just be duplicating the work. [=doing the same work twice; doing more work than we need to]

3du·pli·cate Brit noun, pl -cates [count]

: something that is exactly the same as something else : an exact copy of something else

In case you lose your keys, keep a set of duplicates somewhere safe.

often + of

He made duplicates of the forms before mailing them.

an exact duplicate of the original

in duplicate

1 : two times so that there are two copies

We were required to fill out the paperwork in duplicate.

2 : with an exact copy

Please send the contract in duplicate.

du·pli·ca·tion Brit noun

1 [noncount] : the act or process of copying something

He sent the manuscript out for duplication.

2 : the state of containing copies of something or being a copy of something

[noncount] Please eliminate duplication when combining the lists.

[count] It was a needless duplication of work. [=they did the work twice though they did not need to]

du·plic·i·ty Brit noun [noncount]

formal : dishonest behavior that is meant to trick someone

He exposed the spy's duplicity.

du·plic·i·tous Brit adj
duplicitous [=deceptive] tactics

du·ra·ble Brit adj [more ; most ]

: staying strong and in good condition over a long period of time
durable fabric
often used figuratively

She is one of Hollywood's most durable stars.

a durable athlete
durable myths

du·ra·bil·i·ty Brit noun [noncount]

cars known for their durability

du·ra·bly Brit adv
durably built homes

durable goods noun [plural]

US : products (such as cars and stoves) that that usually last a very long time called also (Brit) consumer durables

du·ra·tion Brit noun [noncount]

: the length of time that something exists or lasts

You should gradually increase the duration of your workout.

for the duration

: until the end of something

He was living in England when the war began and remained there for the duration.

often + of

The camera remained on the President for the duration of his speech.

du·ress Brit noun [noncount]

formal : force or threats meant to make someone do something

He gave the information under duress.

dur·ing Brit prep

1 : throughout the entire time of (an event, period, occurrence, etc.)

She swims every day during the summer.

We got along well during the trip.

He worked in the field during most of the day.

2 : at some time in the course of (something)

You can call me during the day. [=at some time in the day]

During the interview, they asked about my previous jobs.

The fire alarm went off during the ceremony.

dusk noun [noncount]

: the time when day changes into night and the sky begins to get darker

The park closes at dusk.

compare 1DAWN

dusky adj, dusk·i·er, -est

: somewhat dark
a dusky brown
in the dusky firelight

1dust noun [noncount]

1 : fine dry powder that builds up inside buildings on surfaces that have not recently been cleaned

The floor was covered with dust.

You can see the dust particles floating through the air.

There is not a speck of dust in that house.

Something that is collecting/gathering dust is not being used.

The book just sat on the shelf gathering dust.

2 : fine powder made up of very small pieces of earth or sand

As the car sped down the dirt road, it left a cloud of dust behind.

The wind kicked up dust. [=blew dust into the air]

3 : fine powder made from a particular substance
coal/gold dust

He wiped the chalk dust off his hands.

see also SAWDUST

bite the dust see 1BITE

eat dust

US informal : to breathe the dust that has been raised into the air by the vehicle that is moving in front of you

He said, “Eat my dust!” as he jumped in his car and drove away.

often used figuratively

They've left other companies eating their dust. [=they have gone far ahead of other companies]

leave (someone) in the dust

US informal : to go far ahead of (someone) : to be much more advanced than (someone)

The company has left its competitors in the dust.

the dust settles

used to talk about what happens when things become clear or calm after a period of change or confusion

I'll call you as soon as the dust settles from the move. [=as soon as I am not busy with moving]

When the dust settled [=when the situation became less confusing] and the votes were recounted, she had won the election.

You should let the dust settle before you make any big decisions.

2dust verb, dusts, dust·ed, dust·ing

1 : to make (something) clean by brushing or wiping dirt and dust from the surface

[+ obj] He dusted the furniture.

often + off or down

She dusted the sand off her leg.

(US) He stood up and dusted himself off. = (Brit) He stood up and dusted himself down. [=he brushed the dirt/dust off his clothes]

[no obj] I dust at least once a week.

2 [+ obj] : to cover (something) with a fine powder

Dust the pan with flour.

The police dusted the table for fingerprints. [=they put a fine powder on the table so that any fingerprints could be seen]

The crops will be dusted with pesticide.

dust off [phrasal verb]

dust (something) off or dust off (something) : to use (something) again after not using it for a long time

For his comeback tour, the comedian dusted off some of his old jokes.

see also 2DUST 1 (ABOVE)

dust·bin noun, pl -bins [count]

Brit : a can for trash or garbage : a garbage can or trash can

dust bowl noun, pl bowls [count]

: an area of land that was once used for farming but that has become a desert because of a lack of rain

They left the dust bowl and moved west.

dust bunny noun, pl -nies [count]

US informal : a ball of dust that forms in places that are not swept or dusted often

I swept the dust bunnies from under the bed.

dust·cart noun, pl -carts [count]

Brit : garbage truck

dust cover noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : dust jacket

2 : a piece of cloth, plastic, etc., that covers and protects something from dust

dust devil noun, pl -ils [count]

chiefly US : a small area of rapidly spinning wind that contains sand or dust

dust·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : something that removes dust
a feather duster [=a tool with feathers at one end used to remove dust]

2 US : a device that is used by farmers to spray chemicals (such as pesticides) over a large area
a crop duster

3 US, somewhat old-fashioned : a long light coat

He wore a tan duster.

dusting noun [singular]

1 : the act of making something clean by brushing or wiping away dirt and dust from the surface

The table needs dusting.

The shelves need a good dusting.

2 : a small amount of something that falls over a surface

There was a light dusting of snow on the ground.

dust jacket noun, pl -ets [count]

: a paper cover that protects a book and can be removed

The dust jacket was torn.

called also dust cover, jacket

dust·man noun, pl -men [count]

Brit : garbageman

dust mite noun, pl mites [count]

: a very small creature that lives in the dust in your house and that can cause an allergic reaction

dust·pan noun, pl -pans [count]

: a flat pan that is open on one side and into which dirt from the floor is swept

Here's a broom and dustpan. Go sweep the kitchen.

dust sheet noun, pl sheets [count]

Brit : a large piece of cloth that is used to protect furniture from dust, paint, etc. compare DROP CLOTH

dust storm noun, pl storms [count]

: a very strong wind that carries clouds of dust across a large area

dust·up noun, pl -ups [count]

informal : a fight or loud argument

He had a dustup with a guy in the bar.

dusty adj, dust·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : filled or covered with dust

He pulled dusty candlesticks from the shelf.

a dusty basement
a dusty road/town

2 : slightly gray : somewhat dark or dull in color

His new tie is a dusty blue.

1Dutch adj

: of or relating to the Netherlands

Dutch history

Her family is Dutch.

a Dutch woman

2Dutch noun

1 [noncount] : the language of the Netherlands

He speaks Dutch fluently.

2 the Dutch : the people of the Netherlands

He loves learning about the Dutch.

3Dutch adv

go Dutch

: to go to a movie, restaurant, etc., as a group with each person paying for his or her own ticket, food, etc.

We went Dutch on dinner.

I'll go Dutch with you on the movie if you want.

Dutch courage noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit informal : courage or confidence that a person gets from drinking alcohol

Dutch door noun, pl doors [count]

US : a door that is divided into a top and bottom half that open and close separately

Dutch elm disease noun [noncount]

: a disease that kills elm trees and that is caused by a fungus

Dutch·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a Dutch man

Dutch oven noun, pl -ens [count]

US : a large covered pot

Dutch treat noun [noncount]

chiefly US : something (such as a dinner or movie) for which each person pays his or her own share of the cost

It was Dutch treatwe each bought our own ticket.

a Dutch treat luncheon

du·ti·ful Brit adj [more ; most ]

: doing what is expected of you
a dutiful servant/daughter/father
the dutiful way he took care of his sick mother

du·ti·ful·ly Brit adv

He dutifully answered my questions.

du·ty Brit noun, pl -ties

1 : something that is done as part of a job

[count] His primary/main duty at the event is to take attendance.

If new employees are unable to carry out their duties, they may be fired.

She has a variety of adminsitrative duties.

[noncount] Please report for duty [=show up for work] at 7 a.m.

This year no firefighters/police were killed in the line of duty. [=while they were doing their jobs]

In helping them, he went beyond the call of duty. [=did more than he was required or expected to do]

synonyms see 1TASK

2 : something that you must do because it is morally right or because the law requires it

[count] We felt it was our duty to help.

He has a duty to support his family.

[noncount] They helped her out of a sense of duty.

I'll be ready when duty calls.

He was selected for jury duty. [=to serve on a jury]

3 [noncount] : active military service

Her brother returned from duty overseas.

a twelve-month tour of duty

Many reserve troops were called into active duty.

4 : a tax on goods that are being brought into a country

[count] All goods had a 15 percent (import) duty.

customs duties

[noncount] We had to pay duty on our souvenirs.

do duty as

1 : to do the work of (someone or something)

He did (double) duty as the star and director of the film.

2 : to be used as (something)

The backpack she uses at school also does duty as an overnight bag.

off duty

: not working at a particular time

I go off duty in two hours.

on duty

: working at a particular time

I can't take any personal calls while I'm on duty.

see also HEAVY DUTY

duty-free Brit adj

1 : not taxed when taken into another country
duty-free goods

2 : selling goods that will not be taxed when taken into another country

I bought chocolate at the duty-free shop at the airport.

duty-free adv

A certain amount of liquor can be imported duty-free.

du·vet noun, pl -vets [count]

chiefly Brit : comforter

DVD noun, pl DVDs [count]

: a computer disk that contains a large amount of information (such as a movie)

a DVD player

The movie just came out on DVD.

also : a movie that is recorded on a DVD

Do you want to pick up a few DVDs for the weekend?

DVD is an abbreviation of “digital video disc” or “digital versatile disc.”

DVR noun, pl DVRs [count]

: a machine that is used to make and watch recordings of television programs

DVR is an abbreviation of “digital video recorder.”

1dwarf noun, pl dwarfs also dwarves [count]

1 in stories : a creature that looks like a small man and that often lives underground and has magical powers

2 sometimes offensive : a person who is much smaller than most people because of a medical condition
see also WHITE DWARF

dwarf·ish adj

2dwarf verb, dwarfs, dwarfed, dwarf·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) look very small or unimportant when compared with something else
usually used as (be) dwarfed

The bike was dwarfed by the truck next to it. [=the bike looked very small compared to the truck]

3dwarf adj, always used before a noun
of a plant or animal : smaller than normal size
dwarf evergreens
a dwarf porcupine

dwarf·ism noun [noncount]

medical : a condition that causes a person to stop growing before reaching normal adult size

dweeb noun, pl dweebs [count]

US informal : a person who behaves awkwardly around other people and usually has unstylish hair, clothes, etc.

She's such a dweeb.

dweeby adj

I was a dweeby kid.

dwell verb, dwells, dwelled or dwelt , dwell·ing [no obj]

literary + formal : to live in a particular place
a cave where bats dwell

He dwelled [=lived] in the same town for years.

In ancient Greek mythology, Mount Olympus was the dwelling place of the gods. [=the place where the gods lived]

dwell on/upon [phrasal verb]

dwell on/upon (something) : to think or talk about (something) for a long time

There is no need to dwell on the past.

Don't dwell upon your mistakes.

dwell·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or animal that lives in a particular place
a city dweller
cave dwellers

dwelling noun, pl -ings [count]

formal : a place where a person lives
cave dwellings

Sales of single-family dwellings [=houses] are improving.

DWI noun, pl DWIs [count, noncount]

US : DUI

DWI is an abbreviation of “driving while intoxicated.”

dwin·dle verb, dwin·dles, dwin·dled, dwin·dling [no obj]

: to gradually become smaller

Our energy dwindled as the meeting dragged on.

The town's population is dwindling away.

dwindling resources/numbers

1dye noun, pl dyes [count, noncount]

: a substance used for changing the color of something (such as hair or cloth) usually permanently
purple dye
hair dye

2dye verb, dyes, dyed, dye·ing [+ obj]

: to change the color of (something, such as hair or cloth) by using a dye

She had been dyeing her hair for years.

The fabric is bleached, dyed, and then washed.

dyed hair
see also TIE-DYEING

dyed-in-the-wool adj, always used before a noun
often disapproving : having very strong beliefs, opinions, etc., that you are not willing to change

He is known as a dyed-in-the-wool conservative.

1dying present participle of 1DIE

2dy·ing adj, always used before a noun

: happening as someone dies : relating to someone's death

It was her dying wish [=her last wish] to see them married.

I will remember his words until my dying day. [=until I die]

1dyke chiefly Brit spelling of DIKE

2dyke noun, pl dykes [count]

informal + offensive : lesbian

1dy·nam·ic adj

1 [more ; most ]

1 a : always active or changing
a dynamic city
a dynamic relationship

1 b : having or showing a lot of energy
a dynamic [=enthusiastic] speaker
an exciting and dynamic performance

2 technical : of or relating to energy, motion, or physical force
the dynamic theory of heat
dynamic and potential energy

dy·nam·i·cal·ly adv

The camera moves dynamically around the actors.

2dynamic noun, pl -ics

1 : the way that two or more people behave with each other because of a particular situation

[singular] the dynamic between a doctor and a patient
the teacher-student dynamic

[plural] Group dynamics are important to consider.

The dynamics of this class are different from those of other classes.

2 [count] : something that causes change or growth in something else

Disease was a central dynamic in the decrease in population.

a study on famine and population dynamics

3 dynamics [noncount] technical : the science that studies motion and the forces that cause or stop motion
molecular/fluid dynamics

4 dynamics [plural] music : changes in how loudly a piece of music is played or sung

Dynamics greatly affect the impact of the music.

dy·na·mism noun [noncount]

somewhat formal : energy and a strong desire to make something happen

He has the dynamism of a natural leader.

1dy·na·mite noun [noncount]

1 : a powerful explosive that is often used in the form of a stick
a stick of dynamite

2 : someone or something that may cause arguments or trouble

The death penalty is political dynamite.

2dynamite verb, -mites, -mit·ed, -mit·ing [+ obj]

: to blow up (something) using dynamite

They plan to dynamite the old building.

3dynamite adj
informal : exciting and very impressive or pleasing

Her new album is dynamite! [=terrific, wonderful]

They put on a dynamite performance.

dy·na·mo noun, pl -mos [count]

1 : a machine that produces electricity : generator

2 informal : someone who has a lot of energy

He's a dynamo on-screen.

a human dynamo

dy·nas·ty Brit noun, pl -ties [count]

1 : a family of rulers who rule over a country for a long period of time
a dynasty that ruled China for nearly 300 years
also : the period of time when a particular dynasty is in power

There was a civil war during the dynasty.

2 : a family, team, etc., that is very powerful or successful for a long period of time

She was born into a powerful political dynasty.

a baseball dynasty

dy·nas·tic Brit adj, always used before a noun
dynastic succession

dys·en·tery Brit noun [noncount]

medical : a serious disease that causes severe diarrhea and a loss of blood

dys·func·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the condition of having poor and unhealthy behaviors and attitudes within a group of people
family dysfunction

2 medical : the state of being unable to function in a normal way

[noncount] treatment for erectile/sexual dysfunction

[count] The disease causes gastrointestinal dysfunctions.

dys·func·tion·al adj [more ; most ]

He hated spending holidays with his girlfriend's dysfunctional family.

a dysfunctional kidney

dys·lex·ia noun [noncount]

medical : a condition in the brain that makes it hard for a person to read, write, and spell

dys·lex·ic adj
a dyslexic child

dyslexic noun, pl -ics [count]

a dyslexic [=a person with dyslexia] who overcame early problems with reading

dys·pep·sia noun [noncount]

medical : pain in the area of your stomach caused by a difficulty in digesting food : indigestion

He is suffering from dyspepsia.

dys·pep·tic adj

1 : suffering from pain caused by digestive problems
dyspeptic patients

2 formal + old-fashioned : having a bad temper
a dyspeptic old man

dys·to·pia noun, pl -pias [count]

: an imaginary place where people are unhappy and usually afraid because they are not treated fairly compare UTOPIA

dys·to·pi·an adj
a dystopian society

dystrophy see MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

e or E noun, pl e's or es or E's or Es

1 : the fifth letter of the English alphabet

[count] a word that begins with an e

[noncount] a word that begins with e

2 : the musical note or key referred to by the letter E : the third tone of a C-major scale

[count] play/sing an E

[noncount] a song in the key of E

an E for effort see EFFORT

E abbr
east, eastern

e- combining form

: electronic : Internet : online
e-mail
e-commerce [=commerce on the Internet]

e-retailing

1each adj

: every one of two or more people or things considered separately

A rope was tied to each end of the boat.

Each student had a different explanation.

Each student has done his best. = Each student has done his or her best. = (informal) Each student has done their best.

Each one of them has done his/her best. = (informal) Each one of them has done their best.

Each one of us took a turn. [=we each took a turn]

Each one of them costs 50 cents. [=they each cost 50 cents]

each and every

used as a more forceful way of saying each

I want to thank each and every person who has contributed to this project.

2each pronoun

: each one

Each of us took a turn. = We each took a turn.

Each (of them) costs 50 cents.

They each have done their best. = They have each done their best.

He took shot after shot, each missing by inches.

to each his own or each to his own

used to say that other people are free to like different things than you do

I don't care for football, but to each his own.

3each adv

: to or for each : apiece

They cost 50 cents each.

We were allowed two tries each.

each other pronoun

: each of two or more people, animals, etc., who are doing something together or in relationship to the other or others in the group

My brother and I looked at each other. [=we looked at one another; he looked at me and I looked at him]

The twins can wear each other's clothes. [=each one can wear the other's clothes]

made for each other see 2MADE

ea·ger adj [more ; most ]

: very excited and interested
an eager student
eager enthusiasm/anticipation

: feeling a strong and impatient desire to do something or for something

She was eager to get started.

They were eager to hear the latest news. = They were eager for the latest news.

The crowd was eager for more.

ea·ger·ly adv

The news was eagerly awaited.

His offer was eagerly [=enthusiastically] accepted.

ea·ger·ness noun [noncount]

In their eagerness to leave they forgot to lock the door.

eager beaver noun, pl -vers [count]

informal : a person who is very enthusiastic about doing something : a hardworking and eager person

When she first started working she was a real eager beaver.

1ea·gle noun, pl ea·gles

1 [count] : a large bird that has very good eyesight and that kills other birds and animals for food

2 golf : a golf score of two strokes less than par on a hole

[count] She made/scored an eagle on the fourth hole.

[noncount] She made eagle on the fourth hole.

compare BIRDIE, BOGEY

2eagle verb, eagles, ea·gled, ea·gling [+ obj]

: to score an eagle on (a hole in golf)

She eagled the fourth hole.

eagle eye noun

1 eagle eyes [plural] : eyes that watch or look carefully and see or notice many things
watching with eagle eyes
students working under the eagle eyes of the teacher

2 [count] : an unusually good ability to see or notice things
an editor with an eagle eye
an editor with eagle eyes

3 [singular] : close watch

The guard kept an eagle eye on the prisoner. [=the guard watched the prisoner very closely]

ea·gle-eyed adj [more ; most ]

an eagle-eyed [=sharp-eyed] proofreader

Eagle Scout noun, pl Scouts [count]

: a Boy Scout who has reached the highest level of achievement in scouting

ea·glet noun, pl -glets [count]

: a young eagle

-ean see 1-AN

1ear noun, pl ears

1 [count] : the part of the body that you hear with

He was whispering something in her ear.

a dog with floppy ears
pierced ears [=ears with earlobes that have been pierced for wearing earrings]

2 [singular]

2 a : an ability to understand and appreciate something heard

He has a good ear for music/languages.

2 b
used to describe the way something sounds to you

It sounds a little old-fashioned to my ear. [=it sounds old-fashioned to me]

3 [count] : attention that is shown or given by listening to what someone says

Thanks for your ear. [=thanks for listening]

When I told my story, my brother listened with only half an ear. [=did not listen closely]

To lend an ear or, in literary language, to lend someone your ears is to listen to what someone has to say.

She's always willing to lend a sympathetic ear.

“Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.” Shakespeare, Julius Caesar (1599)

all ears
informal
used to say that someone is listening very closely

As I told the story, my daughter was all ears.

a word in someone's ear see 1WORD

bend someone's ear see 1BEND

box someone's ears see 3BOX

can't believe your ears see BELIEVE

cock an/your ear see 2COCK

ears are burning

If your ears are burning or you feel your ears burning, you have the feeling that other people are talking about you.

(humorous) “We were talking about you last night.” “That explains why I felt my ears burning.”

ears pop see 1POP

fall on deaf ears

: to fail to be heard : to be ignored

Her pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears.

grin/smile from ear to ear

: to smile widely : to have a big smile on your face

He was grinning from ear to ear.

have someone's ear

If you have someone's ear you can talk and give advice to that person because you are trusted.

an adviser who has the President's ear

in one ear and out the other

: through someone's mind without being remembered or noticed

Everything you say to him goes in one ear and out the other. [=he doesn't listen to or remember what you say]

out on your ear
informal : forced out : thrown out

If you're late to work again, you'll be out on your ear! [=you'll be fired]

play by ear

1

To play a song or a piece of music by ear is to play it after hearing it without looking at written music.

He could play any tune by ear after hearing it only once.

2

To play it by ear is to do something without special preparation.

I don't know how they'll react to our proposal, so we'll just have to play it by ear [=improvise, (informal) wing it] and hope for the best.

set (something) on its ear
informal : to cause something to be in a state of great excitement or shock

She set the racing world on its ear [=she surprised and shocked the racing world] by winning several major races.

His early recordings set the jazz world on its ear. [=his recordings caused a sensation in the jazz world]

talk someone's ear off see 1TALK

turn a deaf ear

: to refuse to listen to what someone says

The company president turned a deaf ear to my proposals.

up to your ears

: deeply involved in something

They are up to their ears in debt. [=they are deeply in debt]

We're up to our ears in work. [=we are very busy]

wet behind the ears see 1WET
compare 2EAR

eared adj
a long-eared dog

ear·less adj

2ear noun, pl ears [count]

: the part of a corn plant on which the seeds grow
an ear of corn

compare 1EAR

ear·ache noun, pl -aches

: an ache or pain in the ear

[count] He has/gets frequent earaches.

[noncount] (chiefly Brit) He has/gets frequent earache.

ear canal noun, pl -nals [count]

: the tube that leads into the ear

ear candy noun [noncount]

US informal : music that is pleasing to listen to but is not serious or interesting

ear·drum noun, pl -drums [count]

: a thin, tightly stretched piece of tissue in the ear that vibrates when sound waves hit it

ear·ful noun [singular]

informal : a lot of angry talk

I got an earful about what a bad job I had done.

He gave me an earful.

earl noun, pl earls [count]

: a high-ranking member of the British nobility

earliest noun

at the earliest

used to indicate the earliest possible time when something will happen or be done

The job will not be finished until next year at the (very) earliest. [=it will not be finished before next year]

compare LATEST

ear·lobe noun, pl -lobes [count]

: the soft part of the ear that hangs down from the bottom

1ear·ly adv, ear·li·er, -est

1 : at or near the beginning of a period of time or a process, activity, series, etc.

Early in his career he moved to the city.

a word first recorded early in the 17th century

They were trailing by a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

We learned early [=early on] not to question his decisions.

The package should be arriving early next week.

opposite LATE

2 : before the usual or expected time

She arrived early to help with the preparations.

I got up early to finish packing.

I got up bright and early. [=very early]

opposite LATE

early on

: at or during an early point or stage

The reasons were obvious early on [=early] in the experiment.

Early on originated in British English. Some American writers have objected to it, but it is now very common in the U.S. Note that unlike early, early on can appear at the beginning of a sentence.

Early on, the project was in trouble.

2early adj, earlier, -est

1 a : existing or happening near the beginning of a period of time
early morning
the early 20th century

He is in his early thirties. [=he is about 31 or 32 years old]

She works the early shift. [=the shift that is in the early part of the day]

It was still early (in the morning) when she got out of bed.

opposite LATE

1 b always used before a noun : happening near the beginning of a process, activity, series, etc.

the early symptoms of the disease
the composer's early works [=works created at the beginning of the composer's career]

The early part of the book is better than the later part.

2 a : coming or happening before the usual or expected time

We had an early spring this year.

an early bedtime

We're early. The show doesn't start for half an hour.

opposite LATE

2 b : doing something before the usual time or before others usually do

I've always been an early riser.

My daughter was an early reader. [=she learned to read at a young age]

The expression the early bird catches/gets the worm means that people who start or arrive before others are more likely to succeed.

opposite LATE

early days (yet)

Brit
used to say that it is too soon to know how something will turn out

Things haven't gone well so far, but it's early days yet.

early hours see HOUR

get/make an early start

: to get started on a journey, activity, etc., early in the day

We want to make an early start tomorrow.

make an early night of it

: to go home or go to bed early

They decided to make an early night of it.

1ear·mark noun, pl -marks [count]

: a mark or quality that shows what something is or what it could be

The business plan had (all) the earmarks of success. [=it seemed likely to succeed]

compare HALLMARK

2earmark verb, -marks, -marked, -mark·ing [+ obj]

1 : to say that something will be used or treated in a specified way
often used as (be) earmarked

The old building has been earmarked for demolition.

2 : to put (money) aside for a special purpose

The project uses funds that had been earmarked for education.

ear·muff noun, pl -muffs [count]

: either one of a pair of pads that cover the ears to keep them warm and that are connected by a flexible band
wearing a pair of earmuffs

earn verb, earns, earned, earn·ing [+ obj]

1 : to get (money, a salary, etc.) for work that you have done

She earns a good salary.

I need to earn some money.

He will do anything to earn his keep. [=to earn what is needed to support himself]

She's just trying to earn a living. [=to earn the money needed for food, clothing, etc.]

2 a : to deserve or get (something) because of something you have done

He earned a promotion through hard work.

The team has earned [=gained] a reputation for poor sportsmanship.

She needs to earn [=gain, win] their trust/respect.

2 b : to make (someone) worthy or deserving of (something)

His hard work earned [=gained] him a promotion.

Her honesty earned [=gained, won] her their trust/respect.

earn a/your crust see CRUST

earn your spurs see 1SPUR

earn your stripes see 1STRIPE

earn·er noun, pl -ers [count]

high earners on Wall Street

1ear·nest adj [more ; most ]

: serious and sincere : not lighthearted or playful
an earnest plea for help
an earnest young journalist

ear·nest·ly adv
speaking earnestly

ear·nest·ness noun [noncount]

2earnest noun

in earnest

1 : in an earnest or serious way

The search began in earnest when the police arrived.

It began to rain in earnest [=heavily] in the evening.

It's hard to tell if he's making this proposal in earnest.

2 : not fooling : serious and sincere

We thought he was joking at first, but then we realized that he was in earnest. [=he was being serious]

compare for real at 1REAL

earn·ings noun [plural]

: money received as wages or gained as profit
corporate earnings

ear·phone noun, pl -phones [count]

: a device that is worn over or inserted into the ear and is used for listening to something (such as music or a radio) without having other people hear it

ear·piece noun, pl -piec·es [count]

1 : a part of a device that is placed in the ear for listening to something
the earpiece of a stethoscope

2 : either one of the two pieces that support eyeglasses by resting on the ears

ear·plug noun, pl -plugs [count]

: a piece of soft material that you put in your ear to keep out water, noise, etc.

ear·ring noun, pl -rings [count]

: a piece of jewelry that is worn on the ear and especially on the earlobe

ear·shot noun [noncount]

: the distance within which someone's voice can be heard

They were within earshot of each other.

We waited until he was out of earshot [=until he could no longer hear us] before speaking again.

ear·split·ting adj [more ; most ]

of a sound : extremely loud or harsh

The train's whistle made an earsplitting noise.

1earth noun

1 or Earth [singular] : the planet on which we live

(The) Earth is the third planet from the sun.

life on earth
the planet Earth

Many species are in danger of vanishing from (the face of) the earth.

2 [noncount] : land as opposed to the sea, the air, etc.

The moisture will eventually fall to earth in the form of rain or snow.

We could feel the earth shake.

3 [noncount] : the material in which plants grow : soil
a mound of earth

4 [count] Brit : 1ground 10

5 [singular] chiefly Brit, informal : a large amount of money
furniture that looks good and that doesn't cost the earth
pay the earth

(a) heaven on earth see HEAVEN

move heaven and earth see 1MOVE

on earth

1 : in the world

It's the tallest building on earth.

She said she wouldn't marry him if he were the last man on earth.

He says that nothing on earth will change his mind.

2
used to make a question more forceful

Why on earth [=in the world, ever] did you do that?

What on earth is he talking about?

Where on earth are my keys?

promise someone the earth see 2PROMISE

the ends of the earth see 1END

the salt of the earth see 1SALT

2earth verb, earths, earthed, earth·ing [+ obj]

Brit : 2ground 5

The appliance is dangerous unless properly earthed. [=(US) grounded]

earth·bound adj

1 : located on the surface of the earth : not able to fly or to go to outer space
earthbound astronomers

2 : not having or showing imagination
a dull and earthbound mind

earth·en adj, always used before a noun

: made of earth or of baked clay
an earthen dam
earthen [=earthenware] dishes

earth·en·ware noun [noncount]

: a heavy substance that is made by baking clay and that is usually covered with another substance (called a glaze) before it is baked so that it will not absorb water

The dish is made of/from earthenware.

earthenware pottery

earth·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

: a human being living on Earth

Earthling is usually used in stories and movies that involve creatures from outer space.

earth·ly adj, always used before a noun

1 : having to do with life on the Earth
earthly joys/delights/pleasures
our earthly existence
compare EARTHY

2 : imaginable or possible
used to make a question or a negative statement more forceful

What earthly [=possible, conceivable] good could it do him?

There is no earthly reason [=there is no reason on earth; there is no reason at all] for feeling that way.

earth mother noun, pl -thers [count]

: a woman who takes care of other people and has qualities that are associated with being a mother in a traditional culture where people live in a simple and natural way

earth·quake noun, pl -quakes

: a shaking of a part of the earth's surface that often causes great damage

[count] a devastating earthquake

[noncount] a building destroyed by earthquake
called also quake

earth·shak·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very important
an earthshaking [=momentous] decision/event

earth·shat·ter·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very important : earthshaking

There haven't been any earthshattering developments lately.

earth tone noun, pl tones [count]

chiefly US : a color that contains some brown

She wears a lot of earth tones.

earth-toned adj

earth·work noun, pl -works [count]

: a raised bank or wall made of soil
usually plural
prehistoric earthworks

earth·worm noun, pl -worms [count]

: a long worm that lives in damp soil

earthy adj, earth·i·er, -est

1 : suggesting earth or soil in texture, odor, color, etc.

earthy aromas
a blend of earthy colors

The wine had an earthy flavor.

compare EARTHLY

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : practical and straightforward : open and direct

Critics were impressed by the movie's earthy realism.

an earthy [=down-to-earth] person

2 b chiefly US : plain and simple in style
food made with simple, earthy ingredients

2 c : not polite : somewhat rude or crude
earthy humor

earth·i·ness noun [noncount]

the earthiness of the ingredients/humor

ear·wax noun [noncount]

: a waxlike substance produced inside the ear

ear·wig noun, pl -wigs [count]

: an insect that has long, thin feelers and two curved, pointed parts at the end of the body

1ease noun [noncount]

1 : freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind
a life of ease

2 : lack of difficulty

The program is known for its ease of use. [=it is easy to use]

I was able to do it with (surprising) ease. [=easily]

These features can be modified with the greatest of ease. [=very easily]

3 : a relaxed and informal way of behaving

He delighted people with his charm and ease of manner. [=his relaxed and easy manner]

at ease

1 also at your ease : in a relaxed and comfortable state

Her relaxed manner at the meeting put/set everyone at (their) ease.

They no longer felt at ease [=comfortable] with each other.

You can set/put your mind at ease. [=you can relax and stop worrying]

see also ILL AT EASE

2 : standing silently with the feet apart and one or both hands behind the body

The troops stood at ease.

often used as a military command

At ease!

compare at attention at ATTENTION

take your ease

: to rest or relax

I found him taking his ease on the front porch.

2ease verb, eas·es, eased, eas·ing

1 [+ obj] : to free (someone or something) from trouble or worry
trying to ease my troubled mind

2 [+ obj] : to make (something) less painful

We were unable to ease [=alleviate] their suffering.

3 a [+ obj] : to make (tension, a problem, etc.) less severe or troubling

The diplomats failed to ease tensions between the two nations.

Authorities are looking for ways to ease prison overcrowding.

The government is expected to ease travel restrictions.

3 b [no obj] : to become less severe or troubling

Tensions have eased [=moderated] in recent weeks.

4 always followed by an adverb or preposition

4 a [+ obj] : to move (someone or something) gently or carefully

He eased the car into the parking space.

She eased herself into the driver's seat.

They eased the heavy block into position.

4 b [no obj] : to move or pass slowly or easily

The car eased out into traffic.

She wants to ease into her new job slowly.

ease off or ease up [phrasal verb]

: to become less severe

The slope gradually eased off.

The pressure should ease up soon.

ease up on [phrasal verb]

1 a ease up on (someone) : to treat (someone) in a less harsh or demanding way

The students might respond better if the teacher eased up on them a little.

1 b ease up on (something) : to apply less pressure to (something)

ease up on the accelerator

2 ease up on (something) : to do or use less of (something)

My doctor told me I should ease up on fatty foods.

ea·sel noun, pl -sels [count]

: a frame for supporting an artist's painting

eas·i·ly adv

1 [more ; most ] : in an easy manner : without difficulty

We won the game easily. [=with ease]

These ingredients are easily obtained.

I'm too heavy to be carried easily.

2 : by a great extent or degree : by far

She's easily the best player on the team. [=she is much better than the other players]

breathe easily see BREATHE

1east noun

1 [noncount] : the direction where the sun rises : the direction that is the opposite of west

The city is framed by mountain ranges to the east and west.

The wind blew from the east.

Which way is east?

2 the east or the East : regions or countries east of a certain point: such as

2 a : the eastern part of the U.S.

This summer has been unusually hot in the East.

2 b : the countries of Asia (such as Japan, China, and Korea) see also FAR EAST, MIDDLE EAST

2east adj, always used before a noun

1 : lying toward or at the east
the east side of town

2 : coming from the east
an east wind

3east adv

: to or toward the east

The ships sailed east. [=easterly, eastward]

back East or back east

US informal : in or toward the eastern part of a country or region

She attended college back East.

east·bound adj

: going toward the east
an eastbound train

Eas·ter noun, pl -ters [count, noncount]

: a Christian church festival that celebrates the return of Jesus Christ to life following his death; also : the Sunday in early spring on which this festival is observed
often used before another noun

Easter Sunday
an Easter egg [=an egg that is specially decorated at Easter]

an Easter basket [=a basket of candy, toys, etc., that is given to children at Easter]

Easter lily noun, pl lilies [count]

: a white garden flower that blooms in spring

east·er·ly adj [more ; most ]

1 : located or moving toward the east

They sailed in an easterly direction.

2 : blowing from the east
an easterly wind

east·ern adj

1 [more ; most ] : located toward the east

They live in the eastern part of the state.

the eastern shore of the river

Eastern Europe

2 Eastern : of or relating to the countries of Asia : asian

Eastern philosophy

east·ern·most adj

East·ern·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person born or living in the East; especially : a person born or living in the eastern U.S. compare WESTERNER

east·ward also chiefly Brit east·wards adv [more ; most ]

: toward the east

We sailed eastward. [=east]

eastward adj
an eastward course

1easy adj, eas·i·er, -est

1 : not hard to do : not difficult
an easy lesson

It's surprisingly easy to use.

It was an easy decision to make.

They scored an easy goal late in the game.

It wasn't easy for her to leave home.

He's an easy person (for other people) to like. = It's easy (for other people) to like him.

There are no easy solutions to this problem.

He likes to keep a dictionary within easy reach [=nearby] when he's writing.

2 a : free from pain, trouble, or worry

He's had an easy life.

This new schedule should make our lives easier.

I hope this will make things easier for you.

I won't feel easy until I know that she arrived safely.

an easy mind

2 b : not hurried

We proceeded at an easy [=leisurely] pace.

2 c : not requiring much strength or energy
easy, gentle movements

3 a : not harsh or severe in punishing or criticizing someone

I think they're being too easy on him. [=they're not criticizing/punishing him harshly enough]

3 b : not hard to please
an easy [=lenient] teacher

The informal phrase I'm easy is used as a way of saying that you are easy to please and will accept what someone else decides.

“Should we stay at home or go out?” “Whatever you like: I'm easy.”

4 : not steep
easy slopes

5 informal : not hard to get
easy money
easy pickings [=things that are easy to get]

6 : relaxed and informal

He has an easy [=easygoing] manner.

an easy smile
see also free and easy at 1FREE

7
used to describe someone or something that is easy to attack, trick, criticize, etc.

His lack of experience makes him an easy target for his political enemies.

insects that are easy prey for many birds

(US) He's an easy mark for anyone needing a loan.

8 informal : lightly pleasant and enjoyable
music for easy listening

9 informal + old-fashioned : not sexually respectable
an easy woman [=a woman who has sex with many men]

easy morals
a woman of easy virtue

(as) easy as ABC or (as) easy as pie or (as) easy as falling off a log
informal : very easy

Getting the permit turned out to be as easy as pie.

easy on the eye or US easy on the eyes
informal : easy or pleasant to look at

The monitor's display is easy on the eyes.

She's very easy on the eyes. [=pretty, good-looking]

over easy see 3OVER

eas·i·ness noun [noncount]

2easy adv, easier, -est

: without difficulty or stress

He just wants to take life easy now.

The repairs will cost $100, easy. [=the repairs will cost at least $100]

“We just need to raise the money.” “That's easier said than done.” [=that will not be easy to do]

Success hasn't come easy for her. [=success has not been easy to achieve]

breathe easy see BREATHE

easy come, easy go
informal
used to say that you are not bothered about losing something

His attitude toward money has always been, easy come, easy go.

easy does it
informal
used to tell someone to move slowly and carefully

Easy does it! We don't want anyone to get hurt.

go easy
informal

1 go easy on (someone) : to treat (someone) in a way that is not harsh or demanding

The students might respond better if the teacher went (a little) easy on them.

2 go easy on/with (something) : to use less of (something)

My doctor said to go easy on fatty foods.

nice and easy see NICE

rest easy see 3REST

take it easy
informal

1 : to relax and avoid hard work or strain

The doctor told her she should take it easy for a while.

2 : to stay or become calm and unexcited
usually used as a command

Take it easy, Joe. Everything is going to be just fine.

easy chair noun, pl chairs [count]

: a chair that is large, soft, and very comfortable

easy·go·ing adj [more ; most ]

: relaxed and informal
an easygoing boss
a boss with an easygoing [=easy] manner

easy street noun [singular]

: a situation with no worries : a situation of wealth and ease

If I'd been smarter about investing my money, I could be on easy street now. [=I could be rich now]

eat verb, eats, ate Brit , eat·en , eat·ing

1 : to take food into your mouth and swallow it

[+ obj] You'll feel better if you eat something.

I ate a big breakfast so I'm not very hungry.

Let's grab a bite to eat. = Let's get something to eat.

I've been trying to watch what I eat. [=to be more careful about eating healthy foods and not eating too much]

[no obj] I'm hungry. Let's eat.

They like to eat at home.

It's important to eat right. [=to eat healthy foods]

To eat out is to dine at a restaurant rather than at home.

We like to eat out on Fridays.

To eat in is to dine at home.

Let's eat in tonight.

2 : to gradually destroy, use, or take away something : to wear something away

[+ obj]

usually + away

The rocks were eaten away by erosion.

[no obj]

usually + into, away at, or at

Marketing costs ate into their profits.

The acids were eating away at the metal finish.

The failure of his business has eaten away at his confidence.

3 [+ obj] informal : to bother or annoy (someone)

What's eating you?

be eating out of someone's hand

: to be completely controlled by someone

He had them eating out of his hand. [=he controlled them completely]

eat a horse see 1HORSE

eat crow (US) or eat humble pie
informal : to admit that you were wrong or accept that you have been defeated

He was forced to eat crow when the company fired him.

They had to eat humble pie when the rumors they were spreading were proved false.

eat light see 5LIGHT

eat (someone or something) alive

1 of insects : to bite (someone or something) many times

The mosquitoes were eating us alive. [=we were being bitten frequently by many mosquitoes]

2 : to badly defeat or harm someone or something

Their competitors are going to eat them alive if they don't cut their prices.

If this story gets out, the press will eat him alive.

eat someone's or something's lunch see 1LUNCH

eat up [phrasal verb]

1
used to tell someone to start or continue eating

Eat up! Your dinner is getting cold.

2 eat up (something) or eat (something) up

2 a : to eat all of (something)

Eat your dinner up before it gets cold.

2 b : to use up (time, resources, etc.)

This project has been eating up a large part of the budget.

Your savings may be eaten up by inflation.

3

A person who is eaten up with or by jealousy, bitterness, etc., cannot escape that feeling and is made unhappy by it.

He was eaten up with envy of his brother's success.

4 eat (something) up informal : to enjoy (something) greatly

I thought the speech was stupid, but the audience ate it up.

eat up the clock see 1CLOCK

eat your fill see 2FILL

eat your heart out

: to be jealous

“Eat your heart out,” he jokingly told his friend before getting on his new boat.

eat your words

: to take back what you have said : to admit that you were wrong about something

She said she would eat her words if the wedding was called off.

They promised success, but if things don't get better soon, they may have to eat their words.

have your cake and eat it too or have your cake and eat it see 1CAKE

I'll eat my hat
informal + old-fashioned
used to say that something will not happen or cannot be true

If he wins the election, I'll eat my hat! [=I don't believe he has any chance to win the election]

the proof of the pudding is in the eating see PUDDING

eat·able adj
an eatable [=(more commonly) edible] plant

eat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a picky eater [=someone who dislikes many kinds of food]

a big eater [=someone who eats a lot]

synonyms

EAT, CONSUME, and DEVOUR mean to chew and swallow food. EAT is a general word that can apply to any manner of taking in food.

Eat your dinner.

CONSUME suggests completely eating something up so that none is left.

By noon they had consumed all of their food supplies.

DEVOUR suggests eating quickly and greedily.

The hungry children devoured the grapes.

eat·ery noun, pl -er·ies [count]

chiefly US informal : a usually small and informal restaurant

eats noun [plural]

informal : food
cheap eats
good eats

eau de co·logne noun, pl eaux de cologne or eau de colognes [count, noncount]

: cologne

eaves noun [plural]

: the lower edge of a roof that sticks out past the wall

eaves·drop verb, -drops, -dropped, -drop·ping [no obj]

: to listen secretly to what other people are saying
usually + on

He was eavesdropping [=listening in] on his sister and her friends in the next room.

She was accused of eavesdropping on private telephone conversations.

eaves·drop·per noun, pl -pers [count]

eavesdropping noun [noncount]

electronic eavesdropping

1ebb noun, pl ebbs [count]

1 : the time when the tide flows out from the land

2 : a low point or condition : a condition of weakness, failure, etc.

Morale seems to have reached its lowest ebb.

often used after at

Our spirits were at a low ebb. [=were very low]

His fortunes were at their lowest ebb.

ebb and flow

used to describe something that changes in a regular and repeated way
the ebb and flow of fashion
the ebb and flow of human history

2ebb verb, ebbs, ebbed, ebb·ing [no obj]

1 of a tide : to flow outward from the land
waiting for the tide to ebb

2 : to get worse

Their fortunes had already begun to ebb. [=decline]

ebb tide noun, pl tides [count]

1 : the tide while it is flowing outward from the land

2 : a low point or condition
the empire's ebb tide

1eb·o·ny noun [noncount]

: a hard, heavy wood that comes from tropical trees

2ebony adj

1 : made of or resembling ebony

2 : very dark or black
ebony skin

e-book noun, pl -books [count]

: a book that is read on a computer or other electronic device

ebul·lient adj [more ; most ]

: lively and enthusiastic
her ebullient charm
an ebullient entertainer

ebul·lience noun [noncount]

her delightful ebullience

ebul·lient·ly adv
speaking ebulliently

1ec·cen·tric adj [more ; most ]

1 a : tending to act in strange or unusual ways

He was a kind but eccentric man.

an eccentric inventor

She's become more eccentric over the years.

1 b : strange or unusual
eccentric behavior/ideas
eccentric clothes

2 technical : not following a perfectly circular path
an eccentric orbit

ec·cen·tri·cal·ly adv
behaving eccentrically

2eccentric noun, pl -trics [count]

: a person who acts in strange or unusual ways : an eccentric person
a wealthy eccentric

ec·cen·tric·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality of being strange or unusual in behavior

Some people weren't very tolerant of his eccentricity.

2 [count] : an act or habit that is strange or unusual

Talking to her plants is one of her many eccentricities.

ec·cle·si·as·tic noun, pl -tics [count]

formal : a Christian priest or minister

ec·cle·si·as·ti·cal also ecclesiastic adj

: of or relating to the Christian church or clergy
ecclesiastical history
civil or ecclesiastical authorities

ECG noun, pl ECGs [count]

: ekg

ech·e·lon noun, pl -lons [count]

: a level in an organization : a level of authority or responsibility
the lower echelons of the bureaucracy
the industry's top echelon

We heard stories of corruption in the upper/higher echelons of the firm.

1echo noun, pl ech·oes [count]

1 : a sound that is a copy of another sound and that is produced when sound waves bounce off a surface (such as a wall)

We shouted into the canyon and listened to the echo of our voices.

the echo of footsteps in the hall
faint echoes

2 a : something (such as a feature or quality) that repeats or resembles something else

His work contains echoes of older and greater poets.

The book's title is an echo of a line from an old folk song.

2 b : something that is similar to something that happened or existed before

The crime is a chilling echo of the murders that shocked the city two years ago.

2echo verb, echoes, ech·oed, echo·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to be filled with sounds and especially with echoes

The stadium echoed [=resounded] with cheers.

1 b : to fill a space, area, etc., with sounds and especially with echoes

The music echoed through the church.

Laughter echoed across the lake.

Their voices echoed in/along the hall.

sometimes used figuratively

His words echoed in my head/ears. [=I kept thinking about what he had said]

2 [+ obj] : to repeat (what someone else has said or written)

His warnings are echoed by many other experts in the field.

“It's in Rome.” “In Rome?” she echoed.

Others have echoed her criticisms.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to have a feature or quality that repeats or resembles (something else)

The book's title echoes a line from an old folk song.

The color of the sofa is echoed in the painting above it. = The painting echoes the color of the sofa. [=the color of the painting is like the color of the sofa]

3 b : to be similar to something that happened or existed before

The crime echoes last year's shocking murders.

éclair noun, pl éclairs [count]

: a type of long pastry that is filled with whipped cream or a sweet cream filling and usually topped with chocolate

eclec·tic adj [more ; most ]

: including things taken from many different sources

The collection includes an eclectic mix of historical artifacts.

a person with eclectic tastes [=a person who likes many different kinds of things]

eclec·ti·cal·ly adv
an eclectically decorated room

eclec·ti·cism noun [noncount]

the eclecticism of her tastes

1eclipse noun, pl eclips·es

1 [count]

1 a : an occasion when the sun looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the moon is between the sun and the Earth
a total/partial solar eclipse
an eclipse of the sun

1 b : an occasion when the moon looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the Earth's shadow is on it
a total/partial lunar eclipse

2 : a loss of power, success, popularity, etc.

[singular] the civilization's sudden/eventual eclipse

The popularity of television led to the eclipse of the radio drama.

[noncount] an author who has fallen/gone into eclipse [=who has become much less popular]

an artist whose reputation/career has long been in eclipse

2eclipse verb, eclipses, eclipsed, eclips·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause an eclipse of (the sun or moon)

The sun was partially eclipsed by the moon.

2 a : to make (something) less important or popular

Train travel was eclipsed by the growth of commercial airlines.

2 b : to do or be much better than (someone or something)

Her sister's accomplishments always seemed to eclipse [=outshine] her own.

The new runner's time eclipsed [=surpassed] the old record.

eco- combining form

: ecology : ecological
eco-friendly technologies [=technologies that do not harm the environment]

eco-politics [=politics that relate to ecology]

E. coli noun [noncount]

: a kind of bacteria that is sometimes in food and water and that can make people sick

ecol·o·gy noun, pl -gies

1 [noncount] : a science that deals with the relationships between groups of living things and their environments

She studies plant/marine ecology.

2 [count] : the relationships between a group of living things and their environment
usually singular
the behavior and ecology of the great white shark
the fragile ecology of the desert = the fragile desert ecology

eco·log·i·cal adj
the ecological consequences of water pollution

The organization promotes ecological awareness.

eco·log·i·cal·ly adv
ecologically sound technologies
an ecologically stable environment

ecol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

e-com·merce noun [noncount]

: activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet

ec·o·nom·ic adj

1 a : relating to an economy : relating to the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought
a program to prevent inflation and economic collapse
the country's economic growth
the President's chief economic adviser

1 b : relating to the science of economics
controversial economic theories

2 [more ; most ] : economical 1

We're looking for a more economic way of doing business.

ec·o·nom·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

1 : using money, resources, etc., carefully
an economical way to heat your house
a practical and economical solution to the problem
an economical cook [=a cook who does not waste food]

The author is often praised for her simple, economical writing style. [=a way of writing that uses only the words that are most necessary]

We offer quality products at economical prices. [=prices that many people can afford]

2
used to describe a product that is not expensive to own and use

The company is making smaller, more economical cars. [=cars that do not use a lot of fuel]

ec·o·nom·i·cal·ly adv

1 : in a way that relates to an economy

An increase in tourism will help the city economically. [=will help the city's economy]

an economically depressed area
economically disadvantaged people [=poor people]

2 : in an economical way
a way to economically heat your house

She writes simply and economically.

ec·o·nom·ics noun

1 [noncount] : a science concerned with the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought

She studied economics before becoming a banker.

a professor of economics

Economics is my least favorite subject.

2 [plural] : the part of something that relates to money
the economics of buying a house [=the financial aspects of buying a house]

The economics of this agreement are complicated.

see also HOME ECONOMICS

econ·o·mist noun, pl -mists [count]

: a person who studies or specializes in economics (sense 1)

Economists are predicting rapid inflation.

econ·o·mize also Brit econ·o·mise verb, -miz·es, -mized, -miz·ing

: to use money, resources, etc., carefully

[no obj] He was born into a wealthy family and never learned to economize.

often + on

We're finding new ways to economize [=save] on fuel.

[+ obj] (chiefly US) efforts to economize [=save] fuel/time

1econ·o·my noun, pl -mies

1 [count] : the process or system by which goods and services are produced, sold, and bought in a country or region

The war altered the country's economy.

An increase in tourism will help the city's economy.

We currently have a strong/weak economy. [=many/few goods and services are being produced, sold, and bought]

the Mexican economy = Mexico's economy
the world/global economy
the region's fishing/information/retail economy

People are worried about (the state of) the economy. [=their country's economy]

changes in the economy

2 [noncount] : careful use of money, resources, etc.

We must learn to practice economy.

a writer known for her economy of language [=her careful use of language; her use of only the words that are most necessary]

cars with better fuel economy [=cars that use less fuel]

3 : something that makes it possible for you to spend less money

[count] We'll also benefit from the economies provided by more efficient energy sources.

Mass production creates economies of scale. [=situations in which it costs less to produce something because you are producing a lot at one time]

Using cheap materials proved to be a false economy. [=it cost less at first but resulted in more money being spent later]

[noncount] It would be false economy to repair the leak without replacing the pipe.

2economy adj, always used before a noun

: designed to cost less money
an economy car [=a car that costs less to buy, drive, maintain, etc.]

an economy class ticket [=the least expensive kind of airline ticket]

often used in combination
an economy-size bottle/bag/box [=a large bottle/bag/box that you buy for less money than it would cost to get the same amount in several smaller containers]

eco·sys·tem noun, pl -tems [count]

: everything that exists in a particular environment

An ecosystem includes living things, such as plants and animals, and things that are not living, such as rocks, soil, sunlight, and water.

the forest's ecosystem

eco·tour·ism noun [noncount]

: the practice of traveling to beautiful natural places for pleasure in a way that does not damage the environment there

ecru noun, pl ecrus [count, noncount]

: a pale color that is slightly yellow or brown

ecru adj

ec·sta·sy noun, pl -sies

1 : a state of very great happiness : extreme delight

[noncount] shouts of pure/sheer ecstasy
shrieking with/in ecstasy

[count] His performance sent the audience into ecstasies.

2 or Ecstasy [noncount] : an illegal drug that is used to produce a feeling of excitement and pleasure

ec·stat·ic adj [more ; most ]

: very happy or excited : feeling or showing ecstasy

He was ecstatic when he heard that he was going to be a father.

ecstatic applause

ec·stat·i·cal·ly adv

She was ecstatically happy.

ECT noun [noncount]

medical : shock therapy

ec·u·men·i·cal adj

: involving people from different kinds of Christian churches
an ecumenical council/service

ec·u·men·i·cal·ly adv

ec·ze·ma noun [noncount]

medical : a skin disease that causes areas of the skin to become red, rough, and itchy

ed noun [noncount]

informal : education
driver's ed [=classes or lessons that teach students to drive]

ed. abbr
edited, edition, editor

-ed after or after or elsewhere exceptions are pronounced at their entries verb suffix or adj suffix

1
used to form the past tense and past participle of regular verbs

It ended.

It has ended.

clapped
tried
patted

2 : having : characterized by
domed
cultured
two-legged
blue-eyed

1ed·dy noun, pl ed·dies [count]

: a circular movement of air or water

The boat was caught in a powerful eddy.

2eddy verb, ed·dies, ed·died, ed·dy·ing [no obj]

: to move in a circle : to form an eddy

The wind gusted and eddied around us.

The waves swirled and eddied against the pier.

Eden noun, pl Edens

1 [singular] in the Bible : the garden where Adam and Eve first lived called also Garden of Eden

2 a [count] : a very beautiful natural place
a tropical Eden

2 b [singular] : a place that is perfect for a particular activity or for a person who enjoys that activity : paradise

The new store is an Eden for book lovers.

1edge noun, pl edg·es [count]

1 : the line or part where an object or area begins or ends

They peered over the edge of the roof.

The fabric was frayed at the edge.

He made us all nervous by standing so close to the edge of the cliff.

We sat at the water's edge. [=where the water touched the land]

She sat on the edge of the counter, swinging her legs.

2 a : the part of a blade that cuts
the edge of an ax
a razor's edge

2 b : the sharpness of a blade

This knife has no edge. [=this knife is not sharp]

3 a : a harsh or unkind quality

His voice/comments had a sarcastic/sardonic edge.

3 b : force or effectiveness

Her writing seem to have lost its edge.

These amendments will blunt the edge of the legislation.

4 : an advantage over others

Our experience gave us an/the edge.

You need to get/gain an edge on your competition.

The company still has/holds an edge over its competitors.

a competitive edge
see also CUTTING EDGE, LEADING EDGE

close to the edge or on the edge

Someone who lives (life) on the edge or lives close to the edge often deals with dangerous situations and takes many risks.

He likes to live on the edge.

on edge

: feeling nervous : not calm or relaxed

She was on edge [=edgy] before her exam. = Her nerves were on edge before her exam.

on the edge of

: very close to (something)

a species on the edge of extinction

The company was teetering on the edge of disaster/bankruptcy.

They were poised on the edge of success.

He was on the edge of saying something when the phone rang.

on the edge of your seat

If you are on the edge of your seat, you are watching or listening to something with great interest especially because you do not know what is going to happen.

It's a thrilling movie that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

on the ragged edge see RAGGED

over the edge

: into a mental or emotional state that makes someone completely lose control

His friends worried that the news might send/drive/push him over the edge.

razor/razor's edge see RAZOR

set your teeth on edge see TOOTH

take the edge off

: to make (something) weaker or less severe
a medication that takes the edge off the pain

A glass of milk will take the edge off your hunger/appetite. [=will make you feel less hungry]

edged adj
an edged weapon [=a weapon with a sharp edge, such as a sword or knife]

see also TWO-EDGED

2edge verb, edg·es, edged, edg·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to give an edge to (something)

Edge the sleeve with lace.

usually used as (be) edged

The sleeve was edged with/in lace. [=it had a lace edge]

1 b : to be on the edge of (something)

Trees edge the lake.

usually used as (be) edged

The garden is edged [=fringed, bordered] with/in/by flowers.

2 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to move slowly or with small movements in a specified direction

[no obj] She edged away from him.

Gasoline prices have been edging upward.

[+ obj] I edged my chair closer to the table.

3 [+ obj] : to defeat (someone) by a small amount

(chiefly US) He was edged in the semifinals by the defending champion.

usually + out

He was edged out in the semifinals.

She barely/narrowly edged out her opponent.

edge out [phrasal verb]

edge (someone or something) out or edge out (someone or something) : to slowly become more successful, popular, etc., than (someone or something)

The company is gradually edging out the competition.

Efficiency has edged out price as the top reason people give for buying the car.

see also 2EDGE 3 (ABOVE)

edge·wise (US) or chiefly Brit edge·ways adv

: sideways

If you can't get a word in edgewise it means that someone else is talking so much that you are not able to say anything.

I wanted to explain what had happened but I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

edg·ing noun, pl -ings

: something that forms an edge or border

[count] sleeves with lace edgings

[noncount] sleeves with lace edging

edgy adj, edg·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : nervous and tense

Too much coffee makes me edgy.

Why are you so edgy?

People are starting to get edgy [=on edge] about rising prices.

2 : having or showing a harsh or unkind quality
edgy humor
an edgy scene/situation

Their relationship has always been edgy.

3 : new and unusual in a way that is likely to make some people uncomfortable
one of the director's edgier films
an edgy artist

edg·i·ly adv
edgily funny

edg·i·ness noun [noncount]

the excitement and edginess in the artist's work

[singular]

There was an edginess [=a harsh quality] in her voice.

ed·i·ble adj

: suitable or safe to eat
edible fruit
a plant with edible leaves

All of the decorations on the gingerbread house were edible.

opposite INEDIBLE

ed·i·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

edibles noun [plural] informal
cheese, crackers, and other edibles

edict noun, pl edicts [count]

: an official order given by a person with power or by a government : decree

The government issued an edict banning public demonstrations.

a royal/religious edict

ed·i·fice noun, pl -fic·es [count]

: a large and usually impressive building (such as a church or government building)

a magnificent edifice with a domed ceiling

ed·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to teach (someone) in a way that improves the mind or character

These books will both entertain and edify readers.

ed·i·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

books that provide both entertainment and edification

edifying adj [more ; most ]

an edifying sermon/experience

The books are both entertaining and edifying.

ed·it verb, ed·its, ed·it·ed, ed·it·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to prepare (something written) to be published or used : to make changes, correct mistakes, etc., in (something written)

edit a poem

This chapter needs to be edited.

The book was poorly edited.

The stories have been edited for a younger audience.

Students learn to edit their essays for grammar and punctuation.

1 b : to prepare (a film, recording, photo, etc.) to be seen or heard : to change, move, or remove parts of (a film, recording, photo, etc.)

The software allows you to edit videos on your computer.

This film has been edited for television.

2 : to be in charge of the publication of (something)

edit a magazine/daily newspaper
an anthology of ancient poetry edited by a local professor

edit out [phrasal verb]

edit out (something) or edit (something) out : to remove (something, such as an unwanted word or scene) while preparing something to be seen, used, published, etc.

They edited out the scene.

Write freely. You can always edit things out later.

edit yourself

: to change what you were going to say or would normally say

I feel like I have to edit myself when I talk to them.

“I never saw it,” she said before quickly editing herself, “or at least I don't remember seeing it.”

editing noun [noncount]

The editing was done poorly.

editing techniques

edi·tion noun, pl edi·tions [count]

1 a : a particular version of a book
an illustrated edition [=a version that has pictures]

a hardcover/paperback edition

1 b : a particular version of a product
the latest edition of the software

2 : all the copies of a book that are printed or published at one time

The errors were corrected in the book's second edition.

see also FIRST EDITION, LIMITED EDITION

3 : one of the several versions of a newspaper that are printed for a single day
the late edition
the city edition

4 : something that is presented as one of a series
the most recent edition of the city's film festival
tonight's edition [=episode] of the show

ed·i·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person whose job is to edit something
the editor of the city paper
working as a film editor
the fiction editor of a magazine [=the person who decides what fiction pieces get published]

2 : a computer program that is used to create and make changes to data (such as words or pictures)

a text editor

ed·i·tor·ship noun [noncount]

The magazine has done well under her editorship.

1ed·i·to·ri·al adj

: of or relating to an editor
editorial offices

He got an editorial job at the newspaper.

ed·i·to·ri·al·ly adv

2editorial noun, pl -als [count]

: an essay in a newspaper or magazine that gives the opinions of its editors or publishers

The paper published an editorial strongly criticizing the mayor's actions.

called also (Brit) leader (Brit) leading article

editor in chief noun, pl editors in chief [count]

: a person whose job is to be in charge of a group of editors
the magazine's editor in chief = the editor in chief of the magazine

ed·u·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing

1 : to teach (someone) especially in a school, college, or university

[+ obj] Parents trust schools to educate their children.

often used as (be) educated

She was educated at private schools.

[no obj] The job of our public schools is to educate.

2 [+ obj] : to give (someone) information about something : to train (someone) to do something

It takes time to educate [=train] new workers on how to use the machines.

We need to educate [=inform] the public about this dangerous disease.

sometimes followed by to + verb
educating consumers to use these products more effectively

educated adj [more ; most ]

1 a : having an education and especially a good education

These companies want an educated work force.

an educated woman with an impressive career
opposite UNEDUCATED

1 b : having a particular kind of education

He is poorly/well educated.

sometimes used in combination
college-educated people
a Harvard-educated economist

see also SELF-EDUCATED

2 : showing education (sense 1b)

educated speech/tastes
opposite UNEDUCATED, see also educated guess at 2GUESS

ed·u·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a [noncount] : the action or process of teaching someone especially in a school, college, or university

The school is devoted to the education of children with reading difficulties.

see also ADULT EDUCATION, HIGHER EDUCATION, PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1 b : the knowledge, skill, and understanding that you get from attending a school, college, or university

[count] a college education

She received her education at private schools.

The applicants had comparable educations.

[noncount] He had little formal education. [=schooling]

2 [noncount] : a field of study that deals with the methods and problems of teaching

She earned her master's degree in education.

a school of education

ed·u·ca·tion·al adj

1 : having to do with education
educational theorists
a leading educational institution

2 [more ; most ] : teaching something
an educational film
educational television

Our vacation turned out to be a very educational experience.

ed·u·ca·tion·ist or ed·u·ca·tion·al·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

Brit : educator

ed·u·ca·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

chiefly US : a person (such as a teacher or a school administrator) who has a job in the field of education

The conference will attract many leading scholars and educators.

ed·u·tain·ment noun [noncount]

: entertainment (such as through games, films, or shows) that is designed to teach something

-ee noun suffix

1 : a person who gets or is affected by a specified action or thing
appointee
trainee

2 : a person who does a specified action
escapee
standee

EEG noun, pl EEGs [count]

medical

1 : a printed recording of the brain's electrical activity made by a special machine called also electroencephalogram

2 : a machine that detects and records the electrical activity of the brain called also electroencephalograph

eek interj

used to express surprise and fear

Eek! There's a mouse in the cupboard!

eel noun, pl eels [count]

: a long fish that looks like a snake and has smooth slippery skin

eel·like adj

-eer noun suffix

: a person who is connected with or who operates or produces something
auctioneer
puppeteer

ee·rie adj, ee·ri·er, -est [or more ; most ]

: strange and mysterious
a coyote's eerie howl

The flames cast an eerie glow.

a land of eerie beauty
an eerie coincidence

ee·ri·ly adv

The two towns are eerily similar.

ee·ri·ness noun [noncount]

the eeriness of the coyote's howl

[singular]

There is an eeriness about that coincidence.

ef·face verb, -fac·es, -faced, -fac·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause (something) to fade or disappear
coins with dates effaced by wear
a memory effaced by time
see also SELF-EFFACING

ef·face·ment noun [noncount]

1ef·fect noun, pl -fects

1 : a change that results when something is done or happens : an event, condition, or state of affairs that is produced by a cause

[count] The defeat had a terrible effect [=impact] on the team's spirits.

He now needs more of the drug to achieve/get/produce the same effect.

The experience has had a bad/adverse/negative effect on him.

a good/beneficial/positive effect

Computers have had a profound/significant effect on our lives.

The effects of the drug soon wore off.

He was able to stop taking the drug with no ill effects. [=with nothing bad happening]

This treatment causes fewer ill effects.

[noncount] The change in policy had little effect on most people.

the effect [=influence] of climate on growth

He was able to stop taking the drug without ill effect.

If something has an effect on something or someone, it changes or influences that thing or person in some way.

The new regulations may have an effect on small businesses.

It could have effects on other businesses as well.

see also DOMINO EFFECT, GREENHOUSE EFFECT, RIPPLE EFFECT, SIDE EFFECT, SNOWBALL EFFECT, placebo effect at PLACEBO

2 [count] : a particular feeling or mood created by something

The total effect of the painting was one of gloom.

The color gives the effect of being warm.

He achieves/gets amazing effects with wood.

Something that is done for effect is done in a deliberate way to produce a particular feeling or reaction.

Her tears were only for effect. [=she was crying or pretending to cry to make people feel sympathy for her]

The movie exaggerates his odd habits for comic/humorous effect.

Before making the announcement, he paused for dramatic effect. [=he paused to make the announcement more dramatic]

3 [count] : an image or a sound that is created in television, radio, or movies to imitate something real : special effect
usually plural

Computers are essential now in creating effects for the movies.

sound effects
visual effects

4 [noncount] : the state of something that is actually working or operating

The policy will be in effect next year.

If a law or something like a law takes effect, comes into effect, or goes into effect, it begins to work or to be enforced.

The law went/came into effect today.

The new regulations will take effect next year.

If a drug or something like a drug takes effect, it begins to produce the results it is meant to produce.

The medication should take effect half an hour after you take the pills.

To give effect to something or to carry/bring/put something into effect is to make it begin doing what it was intended to do.

The court refused to give effect to that part of the document.

The company has not yet carried these plans into effect. [=the company has not yet acted on these plans]

The new regulations will be put into effect next year.

5 effects [plural] : personal property or possessions
household effects

Pick up your (personal) effects before you leave.

in effect

used to say that one thing has the same effect or result as something else

The suggestion was in effect an order.

to good effect

If you use something to good/great/fine/outstanding (etc.) effect, you use it in a way that produces good results.

The city has used these resources to good effect.

These changes have been implemented to great effect.

to little/no effect

If something is done to little effect or to no effect, it produces little or no change.

His doctors have repeatedly adjusted his medication to little effect.

to that effect or to the effect that

used to indicate that the meaning of words is roughly correct even if the words themselves are not completely accurate

He said more time was needed to reach a decision, or words to that effect. = He said something to the effect that more time was needed to reach a decision.

2effect verb, -fects, -fect·ed, -fect·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to cause (something) : to make (something) happen

The president could not effect [=bring about] a change in policy.

They are trying to effect a settlement of the dispute.

2 : to cause (something) to produce the desired result

The duty of the legislature is to effect the will of the people.

usage see affect

ef·fec·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : producing a result that is wanted : having an intended effect
drugs effective in the treatment of a disease = drugs effective in treating a disease = drugs effective against a disease

It's a simple but effective technique.

He gave an effective speech.

opposite INEFFECTIVE

2 of a law, rule, etc. : in use : active

The law becomes effective [=the law takes effect; the law will start to be used] next year.

the effective date of the law [=the day when the law starts to be used]

3 : starting at a particular time
used to introduce a clause

Effective [=starting, as of] tomorrow, the store will be open until 8:00 p.m. every day.

Effective next month, the landfill will no longer accept old televisions.

4 always used before a noun
used to describe something that exists or has an effect but that is not officially stated or recognized
the effective tax rate

The army has taken effective control of the city.

ef·fec·tive·ness noun [noncount]

The effectiveness of the drug was questioned.

ef·fec·tive·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : in a way that produces a desired result : in an effective manner

Try to communicate your ideas more effectively.

2 : in an indirect way
used to say that one thing has the same effect or result as something else

By turning down the permit they effectively [=in effect, for all practical purposes] ended the housing plans.

ef·fec·tu·al adj [more ; most ]

formal : producing a desired result or effect
an effectual [=effective] remedy
opposite INEFFECTUAL

ef·fec·tu·al·ly adv

The law would effectually bar new development in the neighborhood.

ef·fem·i·nate adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing qualities that are considered more suited to women than to men : not manly
an effeminate manner

He had a high and somewhat effeminate voice.

ef·fem·i·na·cy noun [noncount]

ef·fem·i·nate·ly adv
dressed effeminately

ef·fer·ves·cence noun [noncount]

1 : an exciting or lively quality

The actress's effervescence was charming.

the effervescence of his writing style

2 : bubbles that form and rise in a liquid

ef·fer·ves·cent adj [more ; most ]

her effervescent [=bubbly] personality
an effervescent drink

ef·fer·ves·cent·ly adv

ef·fete adj [more ; most ]

disapproving

1 : lacking strength, courage, or spirit
effete intellectuals
effete members of the aristocracy

2 : resembling a woman : effeminate
an effete young man

ef·fi·ca·cious adj [more ; most ]

formal : having the power to produce a desired result or effect : effective
an efficacious remedy

ef·fi·ca·cious·ly adv

ef·fi·ca·cious·ness noun [noncount]

ef·fi·ca·cy noun [noncount]

formal : the power to produce a desired result or effect

The efficacy [=effectiveness] of this treatment has not yet been proved.

ef·fi·cien·cy noun, pl -cies

1 : the ability to do something or produce something without wasting materials, time, or energy : the quality or degree of being efficient

[noncount] Because of her efficiency, we got all the work done in a few hours.

The factory was operating at peak efficiency.

a car with greater fuel efficiency [=a car that uses fuel more efficiently]

A furnace with 80 percent fuel efficiency wastes 20 percent of its fuel.

[plural] (technical) The company is trying to lower costs and improve efficiencies.

2 [count] US : efficiency apartment

efficiency apartment noun, pl -ments [count]

US : a small apartment that usually includes furniture and has a small and simple kitchen area

ef·fi·cient adj [more ; most ]

: capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy
an efficient worker
efficient machinery

ef·fi·cient·ly adv
learning to work more efficiently

ef·fi·gy noun, pl -gies [count]

: an image of a person

An effigy is often a large doll made to look like someone who is disliked or hated.

The governor was hanged/burned in effigy by a mob of protesters. [=a large doll that looked like the governor was hanged or burned by the mob]

ef·flu·ent noun, pl -ents
formal : liquid (such as sewage or industrial chemicals) that is released as waste

[noncount] The factory has been accused of discharging effluent into the river.

[count] industrial effluents

ef·fort noun, pl -forts

1 : work done by the mind or body : energy used to do something

[noncount] He put a lot of effort into finishing the project on time.

It wasn't easy, but it was worth the effort.

We need to expend more/extra effort.

The job will require/take a great deal of time and effort.

a lack of effort

She seems to do everything without effort. [=effortlessly; very easily]

[count] Our success is due to the combined/concerted efforts of many people.

Her efforts were rewarded with a new contract.

He lost the campaign despite the best efforts of his supporters.

If you get an A for effort or an E for effort or (Brit) full marks for effort, you are given credit for working hard to do something, even though the result of the work was not successful.

His novel's surprise ending is not really convincing, but we'll give him an A for effort.

2 [count] : a serious attempt to do something

Even though they didn't win, the team made a good/valiant effort.

a determined/desperate effort
a last-ditch effort

Her early efforts at writing a novel were awkward.

The project is a team effort. [=is being done by a group of people]

Despite my best efforts, I never found out who she was.

often followed by to + verb

He made no effort to hide his feelings. [=he showed his feelings openly]

In an effort to avoid further delays, the delivery process has been simplified.

I had to make a conscious/deliberate effort not to laugh.

The school makes every effort [=the school does all that it can] to help new students become adjusted to college life.

3 [count] : something produced by work

This painting was one of my best efforts.

It wasn't bad for a first effort.

4 [singular] : something that is hard to do

I was so tired this morning that is was an effort (for me) to get out of bed.

5 [noncount] : all that is being done to achieve a particular goal

He wanted to contribute in some way to the war effort. [=to the effort to win the war]

ef·fort·less adj [more ; most ]

: showing or needing little or no effort : appearing very easy

She walked with effortless grace.

His writing is known for its seemingly effortless style.

Effortless usually describes something that appears to be easy because of the skill of the person who is doing it.

The skier made a series of effortless turns.

ef·fort·less·ly adv
gliding effortlessly across the ice

ef·fort·less·ness noun [noncount]

ef·fron·tery noun [noncount]

formal : a very confident attitude or way of behaving that is shocking or rude : nerve

Effrontery describes the attitude of a person who does something very boldly and without shame even though it is wrong or offensive in some way.

He had the effrontery to deny doing something that we saw him do.

ef·fu·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [count] formal : something that is said or expressed too much or with a lot of emotion

Her poetic effusions became tiresome.

2 [count, noncount] technical : a flow of liquid or gas

ef·fu·sive adj [more ; most ]

: expressing a lot of emotion

They offered effusive thanks for our help.

He was effusive in praising their work. = He gave their work effusive praise.

an effusive welcome

ef·fu·sive·ly adv
praising their work effusively

ef·fu·sive·ness noun [noncount]

EFL noun [noncount]

: the teaching of English as a foreign language

e.g. abbr
for example
products imported from many countries, e.g., France, Germany, and Japan

The abbreviation e.g. comes from the Latin phrase “exempli gratia,” which means “for example.”

egal·i·tar·i·an adj [more ; most ]

formal : aiming for equal wealth, status, etc., for all people
egalitarian policies for the redistribution of wealth

egalitarian noun, pl -ans [count]

He is a committed egalitarian.

egal·i·tar·i·an·ism noun [noncount]

1egg noun, pl eggs

1 [count] : a hard-shelled oval thing from which a young bird is born

The egg will hatch about 10 days after it is laid.

also : an oval or round thing from which a snake, frog, insect, etc., is born

2 : the egg of a bird (especially a chicken) eaten as food

[count] poached/fried/boiled eggs
hard-boiled/soft-boiled eggs
the smell of rotten eggs
(US) scrambled eggs
I bought a carton of eggs.

(US) They served us bacon and eggs for breakfast. = (Brit) They served us eggs and bacon for breakfast.

an Easter egg [=an egg that is specially decorated at Easter]

[noncount] (Brit) scrambled egg
a batter made from flour and egg
egg white(s)/yolk

3 [count] biology : a cell that is produced by the female sexual organs and that combines with the male's sperm in reproduction

The egg is fertilized by the sperm.

called also ovum

4 [count] : something that is shaped like a bird's egg
a chocolate egg

bad egg
informal + somewhat old-fashioned : someone who does bad things

He was dishonest, but he was the only bad egg in the group.

curate's egg see CURATE

egg on your face

If you have egg on your face you appear foolish, usually because something that you said would happen has not happened.

The unexpected election result left a lot of journalists with egg on their faces.

good egg
informal + somewhat old-fashioned : a likeable person

I've known Jim for years. He's a good egg.

lay an egg

US informal : to fail completely : to fail in a very obvious or embarrassing way

He used to be a very popular star, but his last two movies have laid an egg.

put all your eggs in one basket

If you put all your eggs in one basket, you risk all you have on the success or failure of one thing (such as an investment), so that if something goes wrong you could lose everything.

Investors should diversify their investments instead of putting all their eggs in one basket. [=instead of investing all their money in one company or one kind of company]

the goose that lays the golden egg see 1GOOSE

walk on eggs see 1WALK
see also NEST EGG

2egg verb, eggs, egged, egg·ing

egg on [phrasal verb]

egg (someone) on : to urge or encourage (someone) to do something that is usually foolish or dangerous

He continued to take off his clothes while the crowd egged him on.

eggbeater noun, pl -ers [count]

: a tool that is used by cooks to mix eggs very thoroughly

egg·cup noun, pl -cups [count]

: a cup-shaped device which holds an egg that is being eaten

egg·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal + usually disapproving : a highly educated person who may not know much about real life

He dismissed all scientists as a bunch of eggheads.

egg·head·ed adj [more ; most ] informal
eggheaded scientists

egg·nog noun, pl -nogs [count, noncount]

: a drink made of eggs beaten with sugar, milk or cream, and often alcoholic liquor

Eggnog is a traditional drink at Christmastime.

egg·plant noun, pl -plants [count, noncount]

chiefly US : a somewhat egg-shaped vegetable with usually purple skin called also (Brit) aubergine

egg roll noun, pl rolls [count]

US : a very thin flat piece of dough that is wrapped around a mixture of chopped vegetables and often meat and then usually fried called also spring roll

Egg rolls are served in Chinese restaurants.

egg·shell noun, pl -shells [count]

: the hard outside part of an egg : the shell of an egg

walk on eggshells see 1WALK

ego noun, pl egos [count]

1 : the opinion that you have about yourself

Winning was good for our egos. = Winning boosted our egos. [=winning made us proud of ourselves]

He has a big/inflated/enormous ego. [=he has an overly high opinion of himself]

She has a fragile ego. [=she lacks confidence in herself]

a bruised ego [=a feeling that you are not as important as you thought you were]

a healthy/strong ego

2 psychology : a part of the mind that senses and adapts to the real world compare ID, SUPEREGO

massage your ego see 2MASSAGE
see also ALTER EGO

ego·cen·tric adj [more ; most ]

: caring too much about yourself and not about other people : self-centered
an egocentric movie actor

ego·ism noun [noncount]

: egotism

ego·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

ego·is·tic adj [more ; most ]

ego·ma·ni·ac noun, pl -acs [count]

: someone who does not care about other people and thinks that their problems and concerns are not important : a very egotistical person
an insufferable egomaniac

ego·ma·nia noun [noncount]

ego·tism noun [noncount]

: the feeling or belief that you are better, more important, more talented, etc., than other people : conceit

In his egotism he thought everyone was coming just to see him.

ego·tist noun, pl ego·tists [count]

a selfish egotist

ego·tis·tic or ego·tis·ti·cal adj [more ; most ]

an egotistical person

She had an egotistic obsession with her looks.

ego·tis·ti·cal·ly adv

ego trip noun, pl trips [count]

informal : something that someone does to feel more important or better than other people

He's on a self-indulgent ego trip with his latest movie, which he wrote, directed, and starred in himself.

egre·gious adj [more ; most ]

formal : very bad and easily noticed

The article contains a number of egregious [=glaring, obvious] errors.

an egregious example of political bias
egregious misconduct

egre·gious·ly adv

egre·gious·ness noun [noncount]

egress noun [noncount]

formal : a way to get out of a place or the act of leaving a place : exit

The auditorium is designed to provide easy egress in an emergency.

compare INGRESS

egret noun, pl egrets [count]

: a large, long-legged bird that has a long neck and bill and usually white feathers

Egyp·tian noun, pl -tians

1 [count] : a person born or living in Egypt

2 [noncount] : the language spoken by ancient Egyptians

Egyptian adj

Egyptian culture

eh interj

1
used to ask someone to repeat something

“He's only three feet tall!” “Eh? How's that again?” [=please repeat what you said because it seems wrong]

2
used to urge someone to agree

Let's have another drink, eh?

This use of eh occurs especially in British and Canadian English.

ei·der·down noun, pl -downs

1 [noncount] : soft feathers that come from ducks and that are used in warm clothing and bed covers

2 [count] : a bed cover made with eiderdown

eight noun, pl eights

1 [count] : the number 8

2 [count] : the eighth in a set or series
the eight of hearts

3 [noncount] : eight o'clock

Dinner is at eight.

He's working until eight.

eight adj
eight cars

eight pronoun

Eight (of them) passed the test.

eight ball noun, pl balls [count]

: a black ball that is numbered 8 in the game of pool

behind the eight ball
informal : in a bad position

The loss of this contract puts the company behind the eight ball.

eigh·teen noun, pl -teens [count]

: the number 18

eighteen adj
eighteen years

eighteen pronoun

Eighteen (of them) were present.

eigh·teenth noun, pl -teenths [count]

one eighteenth of the total

eighteenth adj
the eighteenth day

eighteenth adv

He finished eighteenth in the race.

eight·fold adj

: eight times as great or as many

There has been an eightfold increase in membership in the past year.

eight·fold adv

Membership has increased eightfold.

1eighth noun, pl eighths

1 [singular] : number eight in a series

My appointment is on the eighth (of the month).

2 [count] : one of eight equal parts of something
one eighth of the pie

An eighth of a pound is two ounces.

2eighth adj

: occupying the number eight position in a series
the eighth car in line
the eighth edition

Her son is in (the) eighth grade.

eighth adv

She finished eighth (in the race).

eighth note noun, pl notes [count]

music : a musical note that lasts to 1/8 of the length of a whole note called also (Brit) quaver

800 number noun, pl -bers [count]

US : a telephone number that people can use to call a distant place (such as a business) for free

In the U.S. 800 numbers usually have 800 as an area code.

Call our 800 number to place an order or ask questions.

eighty noun, pl eight·ies

1 [count] : the number 80

2 eighties [plural]

2 a : the numbers ranging from 80 to 89

The temperature rose to the high eighties.

2 b : a set of years ending in digits ranging from 80 to 89

She is in her mid-eighties.

a television show from the (nineteen) eighties [=from 19801989]

eight·i·eth noun, pl -eths [count]

one eightieth of the total

eightieth adj
the eightieth day

eighty adj
eighty days

eighty pronoun

Eighty (of them) were rejected.

1ei·ther Brit adj

1 : one and the other of two

Flowers bloomed on either side [=on both sides] of the walk.

Either [=each] answer is correct. [=both answers are correct]

I don't like either book. [=I like neither book]

French and English are closer to each other than either language is to Chinese.

I haven't written to either parent. [=I haven't written to the mother or the father]

2 : one or the other of two

You may take either road.

You may choose either answer.

Either way/option is all right with me.

It's all right with me either way. = I don't mind either way. = Either way, I don't mind. [=both possibilities are okay to me]

2either pronoun

: the one or the other

Either (of the two answers) is correct. [=both answers are correct]

I don't think that either of the two answers is correct. = Of the two answers, I don't think that either is correct.

I don't like either of the answers. [=I like neither of the answers]

I haven't written to either of my parents.

French and English are closer to each other than either (of the two languages) is to Chinese.

usage

According to the rules of grammar, the pronoun either is singular and requires a singular verb.

Either is correct.

However, in informal writing and speech, a plural verb is common when either is followed by of.

Either of the answers is/are correct.

This was not something that either of them was/were happy about.

3either conj

used with or to indicate choices or possibilities

You can either go or stay.

I can't remember her name. It's either Marie or Mary.

He will give the money either to his son or his daughter. = He will give the money to either his son or his daughter.

A statement is either true or false. [=no statement is both true and false]

They can either be black, brown, or blue. = They can be either black, brown, or blue.

When either and or are used to join two subjects in a sentence, the verb should agree with the subject that is closer to it.

Either the professor or the students are wrong.

Either you or I am wrong.

4either adv

: in addition
used after a negative statement

The cars are reliable and are not expensive either.

He is not wise or handsome either. [=he is neither wise nor handsome]

The phrase me either is used in informal U.S. speech to say that you agree with a negative statement that someone has made.

“I didn't like the movie.” “Me either.” [=I also didn't like the movie]

The phrase me neither is used in the same way.

“I don't like that guy.” “Me neither.”

ejac·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

1 medical : to release semen from the penis

[+ obj] ejaculate semen

[no obj] He was unable to ejaculate.

2 [+ obj] old-fashioned : to say (something) suddenly and forcefully

“Good God!” he ejaculated.

ejac·u·la·to·ry adj, medical
ejaculatory ducts

ejac·u·la·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count, noncount] medical : the release of semen from the penis
premature ejaculation

2 [count] old-fashioned : a short and sudden expression of emotion

He was greeted with ejaculations of surprise.

eject verb, ejects, eject·ed, eject·ing

1 [+ obj] : to force (someone) to leave
often + from

They ejected him from the game for hitting another player.

She was ejected from the restaurant.

When someone is ejected from a place, it often means that physical force was used to make that person leave.

Several drunks had to be physically ejected from the bar.

2 [+ obj] : to push (something) out

The machine automatically ejected the CD.

3 [no obj] : to use a special device that throws you out and away from an airplane in an emergency : to use an ejection seat

The pilot ejected when his plane caught fire.

ejec·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

protesting their ejections from the game
the foul meant an automatic ejection

[noncount]

automatic ejection of the CD

ejection seat (US) or ejec·tor seat noun, pl seats [count]

: a special seat in an airplane that is used to throw you out and away from the plane when the plane is going to crash

eke verb, ekes, eked, ek·ing

eke out [phrasal verb]

eke out (something) also eke (something) out

1 : to get or achieve (a living, a victory, etc.) with great difficulty

They eked out a living from the poor soil of the family's farm. [=they could grow only enough food to survive]

It looks like he has narrowly eked out a win in the election.

The company eked out a tiny profit last year.

2 : to increase (something) by a small amount

He eked out [=(more commonly) supplemented] his small income by working for neighbors.

3 : to make (a limited amount of something) last by using it carefully in small amounts
eke out food supplies

EKG noun, pl EKGs [count]

medical

1 : a printed recording of the heart's electrical activity made by a special machine called also ECG, electrocardiogram

2 : a machine that detects and records the electrical activity of the heart called also ECG, electrocardiograph

1elab·o·rate adj [more ; most ]

: made or done with great care or with much detail : having many parts that are carefully arranged or planned

They made elaborate preparations for his visit.

I see now that her behavior was all part of an elaborate plan/plot/scheme.

The dancers were wearing elaborate costumes.

He told the story in elaborate detail.

an elaborate meal

elab·o·rate·ly adv

The room was elaborately decorated.

elab·o·rate·ness noun [noncount]

2elab·o·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing

1 [no obj] : to give more details about something : to discuss something more fully

I'll be glad to elaborate if you want to hear more.

She was asked to say more about her earlier statements, but she declined/refused to elaborate.

often + on

She refused to elaborate on her earlier statements.

2 [+ obj] : to bring (something, such as an idea or a plan) to a more advanced or developed state

The philosopher spent years elaborating [=developing] his ideas.

elab·o·ra·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

The design requires further elaboration.

[count]

his elaborations of the basic design

élan noun [noncount]

literary : energy and enthusiasm

The dancer performed with great élan.

elapse verb, elaps·es, elapsed, elaps·ing [no obj]

of time : to pass by

Weeks elapsed [=passed] before he returned home.

1elas·tic adj [more ; most ]

1 : able to return to an original shape or size after being stretched, squeezed, etc.

elastic fibers
an elastic bandage
pants with an elastic [=stretchable] waist

2 : able to be changed
an elastic [=flexible] plan
an elastic concept

elas·tic·i·ty noun [noncount]

the elasticity of the fibers

2elastic noun, pl -tics

1 [noncount] : material that can be stretched : elastic fabric
the elastic in socks

2 [count] US : rubber band

She wrapped an elastic around the cards.

elas·ti·cat·ed adj

Brit : elasticized

elastic band noun, pl bands [count]

Brit : rubber band

elas·ti·cized adj

US : containing something that returns to an original shape or size after being stretched : made with an elastic material inside
an elasticized waistband

elate verb, elates, elat·ed, elat·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) very happy and excited

The discovery has elated researchers.

ela·tion noun [noncount]

her feelings of elation at being chosen for the job

elat·ed adj [more ; most ]

: very happy and excited

She was elated at/about/over the news.

She was elated to be chosen for the job. = She was elated that she was chosen for the job.

1el·bow noun, pl -bows [count]

1 a : the joint where your arm bends

1 b : the part of a piece of clothing that covers the elbow

He wore a tattered coat with holes in the elbows.

2 : something (such as a pipe or a piece of food) that is bent like an elbow
elbow macaroni

at someone's elbow

: next to someone : at someone's side

His assistant is always at his elbow.

The drink at her elbow was untouched.

give (someone) the elbow

Brit informal : to end a relationship with someone : to tell someone to go away

She gave her boyfriend the elbow after he lied to her.

rub elbows see 1RUB

2elbow verb, elbows, el·bowed, el·bow·ing

: to push or shove (someone) with your elbow

[+ obj] The actor's bodyguards rudely elbowed everyone out of the way.

I quietly elbowed [=nudged] my friend to get his attention.

sometimes used figuratively

Some of the older workers are being elbowed [=pushed] aside as the company tries to attract young employees.

[no obj] Everyone was shoving and elbowing to get a good position.

If you elbow your way through a crowd, you move ahead by pushing and forcing people to move out of the way.

He elbowed his way through the crowd to get closer to the stage.

elbow grease noun [noncount]

informal : physical effort : hard work

It's going to take some elbow grease to get this counter clean.

Elbow grease usually refers to the effort needed to clean or polish something.

elbow room noun [noncount]

: room or space to move or work freely

It's a small kitchen with very little elbow room.

often used figuratively

The company provides its workers with elbow room to try new ideas.

1elder adj, always used before a noun

: of greater age : older

Elder is usually used to describe people who are members of the same family.

my elder brother/sister [=my brother/sister who is older than I am]

my elder son/daughter [=the older one of my two sons/daughters]

the elder

1
used in comparing the ages of two people who are members of the same family

He's the elder of her two brothers.

2
used to refer to the older of two people (such as a father and son) who have the same name

Pliny the Elder and his nephew Pliny the Younger

2elder noun, pl el·ders

1 [count] : a person who is older
usually plural

He was told to respect his elders. [=people who were older than he was]

She learned from her elders.

(formal) He was my elder by 11 months. [=he was 11 months older than I was]

(chiefly Brit) You should respect your elders and betters. [=people who are older and more important than you]

2 [count] : a person who has authority because of age and experience
a village elder

Traditions passed down by elders in the tribe.

3 elders [plural] : old people
day care for elders [=the elderly]

4 [count] : an official in some Christian churches
compare 3ELDER

3elder noun, pl elders [count]

: elderberry 2
compare 2ELDER

el·der·ber·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : a black or red berry that comes from a type of bush or tree with bunches of white or pink flowers

2 : a tree or bush that produces elderberries

elder care noun [noncount]

US : the care of old people
an elder care facility [=a place that provides care for elderly people]

: the care of elderly parents by their children
resources for childcare and elder care

el·der·ly adj [more ; most ]

: old or rather old : past middle age

The program is intended to provide medical care for elderly people.

an elderly couple

the elderly

: elderly people
providing care for the elderly

elder statesman noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a retired government leader who gives advice to current leaders

2 : a respected man who has been a member of a group or organization for a long time
an elder statesman of baseball coaches

el·dest adj, always used before a noun

: of the greatest age : oldest

Eldest is usually used to describe people who are members of the same family.

my eldest brother/sister/son/daughter/child

the eldest

used in comparing the ages of people who are members of the same family

He's the eldest of her three brothers.

1elect verb, elects, elect·ed, elect·ing [+ obj]

1 : to select (someone) for a position, job, etc., by voting

She was elected (as) senator. = She was elected to the Senate.

He hopes to be elected to the committee.

an elected official

2 somewhat formal : to choose to do (something)

followed by to + verb

We elected [=decided] to stay home.

2elect noun [plural]

: people who belong to a special group and have privileges that other people do not have

His new status earned him a place among the city's elect. [=(more commonly) elite]

3elect adj, always used after a noun

: having been elected : chosen for a public office but not yet holding that office
the governor elect
often hyphenated
the president-elect

elec·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : the act or process of choosing someone for a public office by voting
a presidential/gubernatorial election

He's favored to win the election.

often used before another noun

The election results are in.

(US) Today is election day. [=(Brit) polling day]

see also GENERAL ELECTION

2 : the fact of being elected

The scandal may affect his chances for election.

Her election to the Senate was a surprise to many.

elec·tion·eer·ing noun [noncount]

: the things that are done and said to help a political candidate or party to win an election

Her tireless electioneering won her the election.

1elec·tive adj

1 : held by a person who is elected

He's never held an elective office.

2 : done or taken by choice: such as

2 a : not medically necessary

Plastic surgery is elective surgery.

2 b chiefly US : not required in a particular course of study

She took three elective courses last term.

2elective noun, pl -tives [count]

US : a class that is not required in a particular course of study

She's taking several electives this year.

called also (Brit) option

elec·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a member of the Electoral College in the U.S.

2 formal : someone who can vote in an election : voter

elec·tor·al adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to an election or to the process by which people are elected
electoral politics
an electoral district
an electoral system

Electoral College noun

the Electoral College

: a group of people chosen from each U.S. state who meet to elect the President and Vice President of the U.S. based on the votes of all the people in each state

elec·tor·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: the people who can vote in an election
usually singular

The candidates try hard to appeal to the electorate. [=voters]

electr- or electro- combining form

1 : electricity
electromagnet

2 : electric
electrode

: electric and
electrochemical

elec·tric adj

1 or elec·tri·cal

1 a : of or relating to electricity
an electric/electrical current

The device administers a mild electric shock.

1 b : operated by electricity
an electric motor/heater/blanket/razor/appliance

The pasture was surrounded by an electric fence. [=a fence that has an electrical current passing through it]

1 c : providing electricity

It plugs into any electric socket.

The electrical cord is damaged.

There's a problem with the building's electrical wiring.

compare ELECTRONIC

2 : producing sound by using electricity
an electric piano
electric guitars

3 [more ; most ] : very exciting or thrilling

The pianist gave an electric performance.

also : filled with tension or excitement

The atmosphere in the room was electric.

elec·tri·cal·ly adv
an electrically operated switch

electrical engineering noun [noncount]

: a type of engineering that deals with the uses of electricity

electrical engineer noun, pl -neers [count]

electrical storm noun, pl storms [count]

: a storm that has a lot of lightning called also electric storm

electric chair noun [singular]

: a special chair in which a criminal who has been sentenced to death is killed by using a strong electric current

electric eel noun, pl eels [count]

: a long, thin South American fish that is able to give a severe electric shock

elec·tri·cian noun, pl -cians [count]

: a person who works on and repairs electrical equipment

elec·tric·i·ty noun [noncount]

1 : a form of energy that is carried through wires and is used to operate machines, lights, etc.

Electricity can be dangerous.

see also STATIC ELECTRICITY

2 : electric current or power

The electricity went off during the storm.

an old building with no plumbing or electricity

3 : a feeling of excitement or tension

You could feel the electricity in the room.

elec·trics noun [plural]

Brit : the electrical parts of something (such as a machine or a house)

electric storm noun, pl storms [count]

: electrical storm

elec·tri·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to pass electricity through (something)

an electrified fence [=a fence that has electricity running through it]

1 b : to supply (an area, building, etc.) with electric power

Many of the rural areas still aren't electrified.

2 : to cause (someone) to feel great excitement

The news electrified the nation.

elec·tri·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

rural electrification programs [=programs for supplying electricity to rural areas]

electrifying adj [more ; most ]

His performance was electrifying. [=very exciting]

electrifying news

electro- see ELECTR-

elec·tro·car·dio·gram noun, pl -grams [count]

medical : ekg

elec·tro·car·dio·graph Brit noun, pl -graphs [count]

medical : ekg

elec·tro·con·vul·sive therapy noun [noncount]

medical : shock therapy

elec·tro·cute verb, -cutes, -cut·ed, -cut·ing [+ obj]

: to kill (a person or animal) by electric shock
usually used as (be/get) electrocuted

He stepped on the power line and was nearly electrocuted.

elec·tro·cu·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

There is a risk of electrocution.

[count]

There have been two electrocutions this year.

elec·trode noun, pl -trodes [count]

: one of the two points through which electricity flows into or out of a battery or other device

elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·gram noun, pl -grams [count]

medical : eeg

elec·tro·en·ceph·a·lo·graph Brit noun, pl -graphs [count]

medical : eeg

elec·trol·y·sis noun [noncount]

1 : the process of removing unwanted hair by killing the hair root with an electric current

She had electrolysis done on her upper lip.

2 chemistry : the process of separating a liquid into its different chemical parts by passing an electric current through it

elec·tro·lyte noun, pl -lytes [count]

1 chemistry : a liquid (such as the liquid in a battery) through which electricity can pass

2 technical : any one of various substances in the fluid of your body that control how your body processes waste and absorbs vitamins, minerals, etc.

The drink will replenish your electrolytes.

elec·tro·lyt·ic adj, technical
electrolytic processes

elec·tro·mag·net noun, pl -nets [count]

: a piece of metal that becomes magnetic when an electric current is passed through or near it

elec·tro·mag·ne·tism noun [noncount]

technical : a magnetic field that is produced by a current of electricity

elec·tro·mag·net·ic adj
the electromagnetic spectrum
electromagnetic waves

elec·tron noun, pl -trons [count]

physics : a very small particle of matter that has a negative charge of electricity and that travels around the nucleus of an atom

elec·tron·ic adj

1 : operating through the use of many small electrical parts (such as microchips and transistors)

electronic devices such as televisions and computers
an electronic circuit
compare ELECTRIC

2 : produced by the use of electronic equipment
electronic music

3 a : operating by means of a computer : involving a computer or a computer system
an electronic dictionary

We did an electronic funds transfer. [=moved money from one bank to another using their computer systems]

3 b : done over the Internet

Sign up for electronic banking.

electronic messaging services

elec·tron·i·cal·ly adv

We transferred the money electronically from one bank to another.

elec·tron·i·ca noun [noncount]

: a kind of popular dance music that is produced using electronic equipment (such as synthesizers)

electronic mail noun [noncount]

: e-mail

They communicate frequently by electronic mail.

elec·tron·ics noun

1 [plural]

1 a US : devices (such as televisions, radios, and computers) that operate using many small electrical parts

Sales of consumer electronics are up.

1 b : electronic parts

There are problems with the system's electronics.

2 [noncount] technical : a science that deals with the uses and effects of electrons

electron microscope noun, pl -scopes [count]

technical : a very powerful microscope that uses a beam of electrons to produce a large image of a very small object

elec·tro·plate verb, -plates, -plat·ed, -plat·ing [+ obj]

: to coat (something) with a thin layer of metal (such as silver) by using electrolysis (sense 2)

usually used as (be) electroplated

The platter has an electroplated finish.

el·e·gant adj [more ; most ]

1 : showing good taste : graceful and attractive
elegant clothes
elegant prose
an elegant dinner

2 : simple and clever
an elegant solution to the problem

el·e·gance noun [noncount]

She's known for her elegance.

the elegance of the solution

el·e·gant·ly adv
elegantly dressed
an elegantly simple solution

el·e·gy noun, pl -gies [count]

literary : a sad poem or song : a poem or song that expresses sorrow for someone who is dead compare EULOGY

el·e·gi·ac adj [more ; most ]

elegiac poetry

The passage has an elegiac tone.

el·e·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] chemistry : one of the basic substances that are made of atoms of only one kind and that cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances
chemical elements

Water is composed of the elements hydrogen and oxygen.

2 [count] : a particular part of something (such as a situation or activity)

Self-confidence was a key/vital element [=factor] in her success.

There's always an element of risk [=there's always some risk] in starting a new business.

There's a large element of truth [=there's a great deal of truth] in what she says.

The attackers were relying on the element of surprise. [=they were relying on their attack being a surprise]

3 [count] : a part of an electrical device that produces heat
the (heating) element of an electric iron

4 elements [plural] : the most basic parts of a subject of study
the elements [=rudiments] of grammar

5 [count] : a group of people that form part of a larger group
the different elements of society
the criminal element

6 elements [plural] : the weather and especially stormy or cold weather

The deck's bare wood was exposed to the elements.

The climbers battled/braved the elements to reach the summit.

7 [singular] : the state or place that is normal or suited to a person or thing

At school she was (really) in her element. [=in a place where she was comortable and did well]

I tried living in the city, but I was/felt out of my element there. [=living in the city did not suit me]

8 [count] : one of the four substances (air, water, fire, and earth) that were believed in the past to make up every physical thing in the universe

el·e·men·tal adj

1 [more ; most ] somewhat formal : basic and important : fundamental
elemental human needs
an elemental difference between the two
compare ELEMENTARY

2 [more ; most ] literary : having the power of a force of nature

Their elemental passion led to tragedy.

the elemental power/violence/fury of the storm

3 technical : of or relating to a chemical element
elemental components
an elemental analysis of the solution

el·e·men·tal·ly adv
an elementally [=fundamentally] simple notion

el·e·men·ta·ry adj

1 [more ; most ] : basic and simple
an elementary principle

He is lacking even the most elementary notions of fairness.

The researchers made an elementary error.

: involving the simplest parts of a subject

He has an elementary understanding of calculus.

elementary arithmetic
compare ELEMENTAL

2 always used before a noun chiefly US : of or relating to elementary school
elementary [=grade-school] students
elementary education

elementary particle noun, pl -cles [count]

physics : a particle (such as an electron or proton) that is smaller than an atom and does not appear to be made up of a combination of more basic things

elementary school noun, pl schools [count, noncount]

: a school in the U.S. for young children

Children in the U.S. attend elementary school for their first four to eight years of schooling.

called also grade school, grammar school, primary school

el·e·phant noun, pl -phants [count]

: a very large gray animal that has a long, flexible nose and two long tusks see also WHITE ELEPHANT

el·e·phan·tine Brit adj [more ; most ]

1 : very large like an elephant
a problem of elephantine [=massive] proportions

He has an elephantine ego.

2 : not graceful : awkward or clumsy
elephantine movements

el·e·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to lift (something) up

The doctor told her to elevate [=raise] her leg.

2 : to increase the level of (something) : to make (something) higher
exercises that elevate the heart rate

3 : to raise (someone) to a higher rank or level

He was elevated to (the position of) chairman. = He was elevated to the chairmanship.

4 somewhat formal : to improve the mind or mood of (someone)

A great book can both elevate and entertain its readers.

A great book can elevate the human spirit.

It was an elevating [=uplifting] experience.

elevate something to an art (form) see ART

el·e·vat·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 : raised above the ground
an elevated highway

2 : higher than normal
elevated blood pressure

3 : having an intelligent and usually formal tone or quality
an elevated mind
elevated discourse

Her poetry is known for its elevated style/tone.

el·e·va·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : the height of a place
a plant species found only at higher/lower elevations
an elevation [=altitude] of 4,000 feet (above sea level)

2 : an act or result of lifting or raising someone or something

We charted the elevations in her temperature.

His elevation to (the position of) chairman was a surprise to many.

3 : a place (such as a hill) that is higher than the area around it

el·e·va·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

US

1 : a machine used for carrying people and things to different levels in a building

We took/rode the elevator to the 10th floor.

called also (Brit) lift

2 : a tall building for storing grain called also grain elevator

elevator music noun [noncount]

US : instrumental versions of popular songs that are often played in elevators, offices, etc.

elev·en noun, pl -ens

1 [count] : the number 11

2 [count] : the eleventh in a set or series
page eleven
item/question number eleven

3 [noncount] : eleven o'clock

I got home last night at eleven.

eleven adj
eleven turtles

eleven pronoun

Eleven (of them) were absent from the ceremony.

elev·enth noun, pl -enths [count]

one eleventh of the total

eleventh adj
the eleventh person in line

eleventh adv

He finished eleventh in the race.

eleventh hour noun [singular]

: the latest possible time
usually used in the phrase at the eleventh hour

The killer's life was spared at the eleventh hour. [=at the last minute]

elf noun, pl elves [count]

: a small creature in stories usually with pointed ears and magical powers
a mischievous elf

elf·ish adj [more ; most ]

an elfish face

elf·in adj [more ; most ]

: having to do with elves : looking like an elf

They were delighted with the child's elfin charm.

a cute, elfin face

elic·it verb, elic·its, elicit·ed, elicit·ing [+ obj]

formal : to get (a response, information, etc.) from someone

She's been trying to elicit the support of other committee members.

My question elicited no response.

She's been unable to elicit much sympathy from the public.

el·i·gi·ble adj

1 : able to be chosen for something : able to do or receive something

I'd like to join but I'm not eligible yet.

eligible voters
often followed by to + verb

She is eligible to be (elected) president.

He won't be eligible to retire until next year.

often + for

He's eligible for health insurance through his employer.

eligible for a loan

2 [more ; most ] : suitable and desirable for marriage

He's an eligible bachelor. [=an unmarried man who would make a good husband]

el·i·gi·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

eligibility for a loan

elim·i·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to remove (something that is not wanted or needed) : to get rid of (something)

Doctors seek to eliminate the causes of the epidemic.

The body naturally eliminates waste products.

The company plans to eliminate more than 2,000 jobs in the coming year.

The regime has ruthlessly eliminated [=killed] the leaders of the opposition.

She's trying to eliminate fatty foods from her diet.

2 : to defeat and remove (a team, player, etc.) from a competition
often used as (be/get) eliminated

The team was eliminated in the first round of the play-offs.

elim·i·na·tion noun [noncount]

: the act or process of removing something or someone
the elimination of waste products from the body

They arrived at their decision by a process of elimination. [=by considering and rejecting each possible choice until only one was left]

elite noun, pl elites [count]

1 : the people who have the most wealth and status in a society : the most successful or powerful group of people
usually singular
a store that caters to the (social) elite
the intellectual/political/academic elite

Elite can be used with either a singular or, more commonly, a plural verb.

The country's elite is/are opposed to the new ruler.

2 US : a person who is a member of an elite : a successful and powerful person
usually plural

Many business elites oppose the new policy.

elite adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

elite members of the division
an elite corps/club/university

elit·ist adj [more ; most ]

disapproving

1 : giving special treatment and advantages to wealthy and powerful people
elitist colleges

The country club is very elitist.

2 : regarding other people as inferior because they lack power, wealth, etc.

She's an elitist snob.

elit·ism noun [noncount]

the elitism of top colleges

elitist noun, pl -ists [count]

a country club full of elitists

elix·ir noun, pl -irs [count]

: a magical liquid that can cure illness or extend life
the elixir of life

Eliz·a·be·than adj

: relating to Queen Elizabeth I of England or the time when she ruled (1558 to 1603)

Elizabethan poetry

Elizabethan noun, pl -thans [count]

Shakespeare and other great Elizabethans

elk noun, pl elk or elks [count]

1 US : a large kind of North American deer with big antlers compare RED DEER

2 Brit : a European or Asian moose

el·lipse noun, pl -lips·es [count]

: a shape that resembles a flattened circle : oval

el·lip·sis noun, pl -lip·ses

1 [noncount] : the act of leaving out one or more words that are not necessary for a phrase to be understood

“Begin when ready” for “Begin when you are ready” is an example of ellipsis.

2 [count] : a sign (such as ) used in printed text to show that words have been left out

el·lip·ti·cal or el·lip·tic adj [more ; most ]

1 : shaped like a flattened circle : oval

The moon follows an elliptical path around the Earth.

2 : using few words and therefore hard to understand
a writer with an elliptical style

el·lip·ti·cal·ly adv

elm noun, pl elms

1 [count, noncount] : a tall shade tree with spreading branches

2 [noncount] : the wood of an elm

El Ni·ño noun, pl Ni·ños [count]

: a flow of unusually warm water along the western coast of South America that causes many changes in weather in other places (such as a lot of rain in areas that are usually dry)

el·o·cu·tion noun [noncount]

formal : the study of how to speak clearly and in a way that is effective and socially acceptable

He took lessons in elocution.

el·o·cu·tion·ary adj
her elocutionary skill

el·o·cu·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

He took lessons from an elocutionist.

elon·gate Brit verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing

: to make (something) longer or to grow longer : lengthen

[+ obj] These stretching exercises can help elongate your leg muscles.

New medical procedures have elongated the careers of many athletes.

[no obj] an elongating cell

elon·gat·ed Brit adj [more ; most ]

an elongated pause
an elongated [=long and thin] figure

elon·ga·tion noun [noncount]

muscular elongation

elope verb, elopes, eloped, elop·ing [no obj]

: to run away secretly to get married

The couple eloped in the middle of the night.

elope·ment noun, pl -ments [count, noncount]

el·o·quence noun [noncount]

: the ability to speak or write well and in an effective way

The senator's eloquence is well known.

She spoke with eloquence on the need for better schools.

We were moved by her eloquence. = We were moved by the eloquence of her words.

el·o·quent adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or showing the ability to use language clearly and effectively
an eloquent speech/speaker
an eloquent essay

He waxed eloquent [=he said many things] on/about the pleasures of gardening.

2 : clearly showing feeling or meaning

His success serves as an eloquent reminder of the value of hard work.

el·o·quent·ly adv [more ; most ]

She spoke eloquently about the need for better schools.

1else adv

: in a different or additional manner or place

How else could it be done? [=in what other way could it be done?]

Where else can we meet? [=at what other place can we meet?]

“Where did you meet that actor?” “In Hollywoodwhere else?” [=at what other place would I be likely to meet an actor?]

We decided to go someplace else for dinner.

: at a different or additional time

I don't know when else we could go. [=don't know another time when we could go]

or else

1
used to say what will happen if something is not done

You have to leave or else you will be arrested for trespassing.

2
used to say what another possibility is

He either thinks he can't do it or else he just isn't interested.

3 informal
used in angry speech to express a threat without saying exactly what the threat is

Do what I say or else!

2else adj

used to refer to a different or additional person or thing

He values friendship more than anything else. = He values friendship above all else.

That's somebody else's [=some other person's] problem.

If all else fails, surgery is an option.

Someone else in addition to him will have to do it.

What else did he say?

There was nothing else to be done.

Who else is coming to the party?

Would you like anything/something else?

There isn't much else [=more] going on.

The food was cheap, if nothing else. [=the food was not very good, but at least it was cheap]

nothing else for it see 1NOTHING

something else see 1SOMETHING

what else is new?

informal
used to say that you are not surprised by something you have been told

“They lost again.” “So what else is new?”

else·where adv

: in or to another place

The angry customer said he would take his business elsewhere.

Elsewhere in the same book she gives another date.

The parts are produced elsewhere.

elu·ci·date verb, -dates, -dat·ed, -dat·ing
formal : to make (something that is hard to understand) clear or easy to understand

[+ obj] The spokesman was asked to elucidate [=clarify, explain] the government's policies (to/for us).

[no obj] When asked for details, he declined to elucidate further.

elu·ci·da·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

notes providing elucidation of the text
reporters seeking elucidation of the government's policy

[count]

reporters seeking elucidations of the government's policy

elude verb, eludes, elud·ed, elud·ing [+ obj]

1 : to avoid or escape (someone or something) by being quick, skillful, or clever

The killer was able to elude the police.

The killer has eluded capture.

(American football) The running back eluded five tacklers.

2 a : to fail to be understood or remembered by (someone)

The cause of the disease continues to elude researchers.

The name of the author eludes me for the moment. [=I don't remember the name of the author]

2 b : to fail to be achieved by (someone)

Victory has eluded us. [=we have been unable to achieve victory]

2 c

When something eludes detection/discovery, people try to find it but are unable to.

The cause of the disease has eluded detection/discovery.

Do not confuse elude with allude.

elu·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : hard to find or capture
elusive creatures

The solution remains elusive.

The truth may prove elusive.

2 : hard to understand, define, or remember
an elusive concept/idea/name

elu·sive·ly adv

elu·sive·ness noun [noncount]

the elusiveness of truth

elves plural of ELF

em- see EN-

'em pronoun
informal : them
used to represent an informal pronunciation of “them”

He said, “Let 'em think what they want.”

ema·ci·at·ed adj [more ; most ]

: very thin because of hunger or disease

The illness left her in an emaciated condition. = The illness left her emaciated.

ema·ci·a·tion noun [noncount]

1e-mail noun, pl -mails

1 [noncount] : a system for sending messages from one computer to another computer

They communicate with each other by e-mail.

an e-mail message

2 a [noncount] : messages that are sent electronically from one computer to another

I seem to spend most of my time these days reading e-mail.

2 b [count] : an e-mail message

She sent me an e-mail.

2e-mail verb, -mails, -mailed, -mail·ing [+ obj]

: to send e-mail to (someone)

I'll e-mail you tomorrow.

: to send (a message) to someone by e-mail

I'll e-mail my response to you tomorrow. = I'll e-mail you my response tomorrow.

em·a·nate verb, -nates -nat·ed, -nat·ing

1 [no obj] : to come out from a source

Good smells emanated from the kitchen.

Constant criticism has emanated from her opponents.

Happiness seems to emanate from her.

2 [+ obj] : to send (something) out : to give out (something)

Some radioactive substances can emanate [=(more commonly) emit] radiation for many years.

She seems to emanate happiness.

em·a·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

radioactive emanations

[noncount]

the continuous emanation of new ideas

eman·ci·pate verb, -pates, -pat·ed, -pat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to free (someone) from someone else's control or power
emancipate a slave

He felt the only way to emancipate himself from his parents was to move away.

emancipated adj
an emancipated slave

She considers herself an emancipated woman. [=a woman who is free from old social limitations and customs]

eman·ci·pa·tion noun [noncount]

the emancipation of the slaves

eman·ci·pa·tor noun, pl -tors [count] chiefly US
an emancipator of slaves

Abraham Lincoln is sometimes called the Great Emancipator.

emas·cu·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (a man) feel less masculine : to deprive (a man) of his male strength, role, etc.

He plays the role of a meek husband who has been emasculated by his domineering wife.

2 : to make (something) weaker or less effective

Critics charged that this change would emasculate the law.

emas·cu·la·tion noun [noncount]

em·balm verb, -balms, -balmed, -balm·ing [+ obj]

: to treat (a dead body) with special chemicals to keep it from decaying

em·balm·er noun, pl -ers [count]

em·bank·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a raised bank or wall that is built to carry a roadway or hold back water

em·bar·go noun, pl -goes [count]

: a government order that limits trade in some way
often + on

The government has placed/put an embargo on arms shipments.

The embargo on oil will be lifted.

an embargo on oil/arms = an oil/arms embargo

embargo verb, -goes, -goed, -go·ing [+ obj]

The government has embargoed all arms shipments.

em·bark verb, -barks, -barked, -bark·ing [no obj]

: to begin a journey especially on a ship or airplane

The troops are waiting to embark.

Millions of Europeans embarked for America in the late 19th century.

opposite DEBARK, DISEMBARK

embark on also embark upon [phrasal verb]

embark on/upon (something)

1 : to begin (a journey)

They embarked on their trip to America with high hopes.

2 : to begin (something that will take a long time or happen for a long time)

She's embarking on a new career.

The company has embarked upon a risky new project.

em·bar·ka·tion noun [noncount]

a port of embarkation

em·bar·rass verb, -rass·es, -rassed, -rass·ing

1 : to make (someone) feel confused and foolish in front of other people

[+ obj] Unexpected laughter embarrassed the speaker.

She's worried about embarrassing herself in front of such a large audience.

[no obj] She doesn't embarrass easily. [=she is not easily embarrassed]

2 [+ obj] : to make (a person, group, government, etc.) look foolish in public

I would never do anything to embarrass my family.

The protest was staged as a deliberate attempt to embarrass the government.

embarrassed adj [more ; most ]

I've never been more embarrassed in my life.

I'm embarrassed (to admit) that I've never actually read the book.

embarrassing adj [more ; most ]

It was one of my most embarrassing moments.

a very embarrassing scandal for the government

em·bar·rass·ing·ly adv

He was embarrassingly unprepared for the job interview.

em·bar·rass·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the state of feeling foolish in front of others

She couldn't hide her embarrassment.

Much to my embarrassment, I realized that I had forgotten his name. [=I was very embarrassed when I realized that I had forgotten his name]

2 [count] : something or someone that causes a person or group to look or feel foolish

The scandal was a major embarrassment for the government.

He's an embarrassment to his family.

3 [count] : a very large number of things from which to choose usually singular;

+ of

We have an embarrassment of choices/options. [=we have a very large number of choices/options]

With so many fine restaurants in the city, diners are faced with an embarrassment of riches. [=there are so many fine restaurants that it is difficult to choose one]

em·bas·sy noun, pl -sies [count]

1 : a group of people who work under an ambassador and represent their country in a foreign country
embassy officials

2 : the building where an ambassador lives and works

Protesters marched outside the American embassy.

em·bat·tled adj

1 : engaged in battle or conflict : surrounded by enemies
an embattled city

2 [more ; most ] : constantly criticized or attacked
the embattled coach of a losing team
the company's embattled president

em·bed also im·bed verb, -beds, -bed·ded, -bed·ding [+ obj]

: to place or set (something) firmly in something else
embed a post in concrete
often used figuratively
deeply embedded dislikes [=dislikes that have been felt for a long time and that are very deep]

values and beliefs that are embedded in our culture [=that are established as part of our culture]

em·bel·lish verb, -lish·es, -lished, -lish·ing [+ obj]

: to decorate (something) by adding special details and features : to make (something) more appealing or attractive
a book embellished with colorful illustrations

He embellished his speech with a few quotations.

(humorous) I didn't lie, I just embellished the story a little bit.

em·bel·lish·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

a story that doesn't require embellishment

[count]

architectural embellishments

em·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

: a glowing piece of coal or wood from a fire
usually plural

He sat staring at the embers in the fireplace.

em·bez·zle verb, -bez·zles, -bez·zled, -bez·zling

: to steal money that you have been trusted with

[+ obj] He was caught embezzling money/funds from his clients.

[no obj] He was convicted of embezzling.

em·bez·zle·ment noun [noncount]

the embezzlement of funds

em·bez·zler noun, pl -zlers [count]

a convicted embezzler

em·bit·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

: to cause bitter feelings in (someone)

The soldier was embittered by the war.

embittered adj [more ; most ]

The war left him angry and embittered.

em·bla·zon verb, -zons, -zoned, -zon·ing [+ obj]

1 : to write or draw (a name, picture, etc.) on a surface so that it can be seen very clearly
usually used as (be) emblazoned

The team's name was emblazoned on their helmets.

slogans and portraits emblazoned on banners

2 : to decorate (a surface) with something (such as a name or a picture)

usually used as (be) emblazoned

The helmets were emblazoned with the team's name.

banners emblazoned with slogans and portraits

em·blem noun, pl -blems [count]

1 : an object or picture used to suggest a thing that cannot be shown

The flag is the emblem of our nation.

our national emblem

2 : a person or thing that represents an idea

He has come to be regarded as an emblem of conservatism.

em·blem·at·ic adj [more ; most ]

: representing something (such as an idea, state, or emotion) that cannot be seen by itself
an emblematic image
usually + of

The crown is emblematic of royalty.

The project's failure is now seen as emblematic of poor corporate judgment.

em·bod·i·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

somewhat formal : someone or something that is a perfect representative or example of a quality, idea, etc.

She's the embodiment of all our hopes.

Some consider him the (very) embodiment of evil.

em·body verb, -bod·ies, -bod·ied, -body·ing [+ obj]

1 : to represent (something) in a clear and obvious way : to be a symbol or example of (something)

He is a leader who embodies courage. [=he is a very courageous leader]

2 formal : to include (something) as a part or feature

The legislature embodied a revenue provision in the new law.

The new law embodies a revenue provision. = A revenue provision is embodied in the new law.

em·bold·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) more confident
usually used as (be) emboldened

He was emboldened by the success of his speech.

em·boss verb, -boss·es, -bossed, -boss·ing [+ obj]

: to decorate a surface with a raised pattern or design
usually used as (be) embossed

His stationery was embossed with his initials.

His initials were embossed on his stationery.

embossed adj
embossed stationery/paper/leather
an embossed pattern/image

1em·brace verb, -brac·es, -braced, -brac·ing

1 : to hold someone in your arms as a way of expressing love or friendship

[+ obj] He embraced her warmly/lovingly/tenderly.

two old friends (warmly) embracing [=hugging] each other

[no obj] They embraced one last time before going their separate ways.

Although embrace and hug each describe holding another person in your arms, embrace usually suggests deeper or stronger feelings than hug does.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to accept (something or someone) readily or gladly
a politician who has been embraced by conservatives
embrace [=adopt] a cause/religion

These ideas have been (widely) embraced by a the scientific community.

2 b : to use (an opportunity) eagerly

She gladly/eagerly embraced [=welcomed] the opportunity/chance to study abroad.

3 [+ obj] formal : to contain or include (something) as a part of something larger

Charity embraces all acts of generous giving.

It's a subject that embraces many areas of learning.

4 [+ obj] literary : to enclose (something) on all sides
usually used as (be) embraced
a town embraced [=surrounded] by low hills

em·brace·able adj [more ; most ]

em·brac·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an embracer of new technology

2embrace noun, pl embraces [count]

: the act of holding someone in your arms : the act of embracing someone

He held her in a warm/loving/tender embrace.

em·broi·der verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [+ obj]

1 : to sew a design on a piece of cloth

She embroidered tiny flowers on the baby's scarf.

a scarf embroidered with tiny flowers
an embroidered scarf

2 : to make (a story, the truth, etc.) more interesting by adding details that are not true or accurate

He is known to embroider the truth about his service in the army.

em·broi·der·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a skillful embroiderer

em·broi·dery noun, pl -der·ies

1 [noncount] : the process or art of sewing a design on cloth

She learned embroidery from her grandmother.

2 : cloth decorated by sewing : embroidered material

[count] a beautiful embroidery

[noncount] her collection of embroidery

3 [noncount] : extra details that are added to make a story more interesting and that are not true or accurate

His stories about his travels include a good deal of embroidery.

em·broil verb, -broils, -broiled, -broil·ing [+ obj]

: to involve (someone or something) in conflict or difficulties

His stand on this issue has embroiled him in controversy.

The new drug has been embroiled in controversy.

They were embroiled in a complicated lawsuit.

em·broil·ment noun [noncount]

em·bryo noun, pl -bry·os [count]

: a human or animal in the early stages of development before it is born, hatched, etc. compare FETUS

in embryo
formal : in an early or undeveloped stage

The ideas he explored fully in his later work can be seen in embryo in his early books.

em·bry·on·ic adj

1 : of or relating to an embryo
human embryonic development
embryonic tissue/cells

2 : in an early or undeveloped stage
an embryonic plan

The tourism industry there is still in/at an embryonic stage.

1em·cee noun, pl -cees [count]

US : master of ceremonies

It was his third appearance as emcee [=host] of the awards dinner.

2emcee verb, -cees, -ceed, -cee·ing

US : to be the master of ceremonies for something

[+ obj] She agreed to emcee [=host] an awards dinner.

[no obj] She agreed to emcee at an awards dinner.

emend verb, emends, emend·ed, emend·ing [+ obj]

: to correct errors in (something written)

emend a text
compare AMEND

emen·da·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

em·er·ald noun, pl -alds

1 [count] : a bright green stone that is used in jewelry

2 [noncount] : a bright or rich green color called also emerald green

emerald adj
emerald [=bright green] eyes

emerge verb, emerg·es, emerged, emerg·ing [no obj]

1 a : to become known or apparent

The facts emerged after a lengthy investigation.

A simple pattern has emerged. [=become clear]

Several possible candidates have emerged.

1 b : to become known or regarded as something

She has emerged as a leading contender in the field.

His war record has emerged as a key issue in the election.

The movie has (suddenly/quickly/rapidly) emerged as one of the year's most surprising hits.

2 : to rise or appear from a hidden or unknown place or condition : to come out into view
when land first emerged from the sea

The cat emerged from its hiding place behind the couch.

animals emerging from a long period of inactivity

3
used to indicate the usually good state or condition of someone or something at the end of an event, process, etc.

Both sides in the election remain confident that they will emerge victorious/triumphant. [=that they will win]

He emerged unharmed from the accident. [=he was not harmed in the accident]

emer·gence noun [noncount]

: the act of becoming known or coming into view : the act of emerging
his surprising emergence [=arrival, appearance] as a leader
the emergence of the Internet as an important means of communication
the economy's emergence from a recession

emer·gen·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

: an unexpected and usually dangerous situation that calls for immediate action

Her quick thinking in an emergency saved the baby's life.

Here's a phone number where I can be reached in (the event of) an emergency.

often used before another noun
emergency vehicles/procedures/exits

The pilot was forced to make an emergency landing when one of the engines failed.

A state of emergency is declared to give the government special powers to deal with an emergency.

The government declared a state of emergency to deal with all damage caused by the hurricane.

emergency brake noun, pl brakes [count]

chiefly US : a special brake (such as a parking brake in an automobile) that can be used for stopping when the main brakes fail

emergency medical technician noun, pl -cians [count]

US : emt

emergency room noun, pl rooms [count]

US : a hospital room or area that is used for treating people who need immediate medical care abbr. ER ; called also (Brit) casualty

emer·gent adj, always used before a noun

: emerging
newly emergent nations

emerging adj, always used before a noun

: newly created or noticed and growing in strength or popularity : becoming widely known or established
an emerging breed/group of new filmmakers [=a group of filmmakers who are becoming well known]

There is an emerging consensus that the war will end soon.

newly emerging countries/markets

emer·i·tus adj

: retired with an honorary title from an office or position especially in a university
a professor emeritus of American history = an emeritus professor of American history

em·ery board noun, pl boards [count]

: a piece of cardboard that is covered with a rough material and that is used for smoothing and shaping fingernails

em·i·grant noun, pl -grants [count]

: a person who leaves a country or region to live in another one : a person who emigrates

Millions of European emigrants came to America in the 19th century.

emigrants from Europe
emigrants to America
compare IMMIGRANT, MIGRANT

em·i·grate verb, -grates, -grat·ed, -grat·ing [no obj]

: to leave a country or region to live elsewhere
often + from

My grandparents emigrated from Hungary.

sometimes + to

My grandparents emigrated to America.

compare IMMIGRATE, MIGRATE

em·i·gra·tion noun [noncount]

Political unrest caused mass emigration following the war.

émi·gré also US emi·gré noun, pl -grés [count]

: emigrant; especially : a person who is forced to leave a country for political reasons

He was one of a group of Soviet émigrés living in New York.

em·i·nence noun, pl -nenc·es

1 [noncount] : a condition of being well-known and successful
literary/social eminence [=prestige]

Many of his students have achieved eminence [=distinction] in their fields.

2 [count] formal : a person of high rank or achievements
a literary eminence
used as a title for a cardinal in the Roman Catholic church

His Eminence, Cardinal Cushing

Will Your Eminence please step this way.

3 [count] formal : an area of high ground

He built his home on an eminence [=height, hill] overlooking the city.

em·i·nent adj [more ; most ]

: successful, well-known and respected
an eminent physician

Do not confuse eminent with imminent.

eminent domain noun [noncount]

law : a right of a government to take private property for public use

The state took the homes by eminent domain to build the new road.

em·i·nent·ly adv [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : to a high degree

It was an eminently [=extremely, very] enjoyable evening.

an eminently sensible plan

emir noun, pl emirs [count]

: a ruler, chief, or commander in an Islamic country

emir·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: the country or position of an emir

em·is·sary Brit noun, pl -sar·ies [count]

: a person who is sent on a mission to represent another person or organization
government emissaries [=envoys] trying to negotiate a settlement

She acted as the president's personal emissary to the union leaders.

emis·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [noncount] : the act of producing or sending out something (such as energy or gas) from a source
emission of light
trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases

2 [count] : something sent out or given off

The new regulations are intended to reduce auto emissions. [=harmful substances released into the air by automobiles]

emit verb, emits, emit·ted, emit·ting [+ obj]

1 : to send (light, energy, etc.) out from a source

The telescope can detect light emitted by distant galaxies.

chimneys emitting thick, black smoke

The flowers of this plant emit [=give off] a powerful odor.

2 : to make (a certain sound)

The brakes emitted a loud squeal.

The students emitted [=let out] a (collective) groan as the test results were announced.

Em·my noun, pl -mys [count]

: a small statue that is awarded each year to the best actors, programs, etc., in American television

She won an Emmy for that role.

emote verb, emotes, emot·ed, emot·ing [no obj]

: to express emotion in a very dramatic or obvious way

He stood on the stage, emoting and gesturing wildly.

emo·ti·con noun, pl -cons [count]

: a group of keyboard characters that are used to represent a facial expression (such as a smile or frown)

Emoticons are used by people writing on computers to indicate the tone or attitude of what is written. People often use a smiling emoticon like :-) to show that their comments are meant in a friendly or joking way.

emo·tion noun, pl -tions

: a strong feeling (such as love, anger, joy, hate, or fear)

[count] He's always found it hard to express (his) emotions. [=to show his feelings]

strong/deep emotions
negative/positive emotions

I have mixed emotions [=mixed feelings] about doing this. [=I'm not sure if I want to do this or not]

[noncount] He spoke with great emotion. [=passion]

a display of raw emotion

The defendant showed/displayed no emotion when the verdict was read.

She was overcome with/by emotion at the news of her friend's death.

emo·tion·al adj

1 : relating to emotions
an emotional disorder

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : likely to show or express emotion : easily upset, excited, etc.

He's a very emotional person.

2 b : showing emotion
used especially to describe someone who is crying because of strong emotion

He tends to get emotional at weddings.

3 [more ; most ] : causing a person to feel emotion

He gave an emotional [=moving] speech.

an emotional experience

Abortion is an emotional issue. [=an issue that causes people to feel strong emotions]

emo·tion·al·ly adv [more ; most ]

He wasn't emotionally ready to become a father.

an emotionally disturbed person

emo·tion·less adj [more ; most ]

: showing, having, or expressing no emotion

She did her job with emotionless efficiency.

emotionless eyes

emo·tive adj [more ; most ]

1 : of or relating to emotions
emotive language

2 Brit : causing strong emotions for or against something

Abortion is a very emotive [=(US) emotional] issue.

empanel variant spelling of IMPANEL

em·pa·thize also Brit em·pa·thise verb, -thiz·es, -thized, -thiz·ing [no obj]

: to have the same feelings as another person : to feel empathy for someone
often + with

He learned to empathize with the poor.

compare SYMPATHIZE

em·pa·thy noun [noncount]

: the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions

He felt great empathy with/for/toward the poor.

: the ability to share someone else's feelings

His months spent researching prison life gave him greater empathy towards/for convicts.

compare SYMPATHY

em·per·or noun, pl -ors [count]

: a man who rules an empire

Roman emperors
compare EMPRESS

em·pha·sis noun, pl -pha·ses

1 [noncount] : a forceful quality in the way something is said or written

You need to state your arguments with greater emphasis. [=state your arguments more forcefully]

2 [noncount] : added force that is given to a word or syllable when speaking

The emphasis [=stress] in the word “happiness” is on the first syllable.

3 : special importance or attention given to something

[noncount]

usually + on

The emphasis in this drill is on using proper technique.

She puts/places/lays (particular/special/great) emphasis on developing good study habits.

[count] Our candidate's plan has a different emphasis.

em·pha·size also Brit em·pha·sise verb, -siz·es, -sized, -siz·ing [+ obj]

: to give special attention to (something) : to place emphasis on (something)

Their father always emphasized [=stressed] the importance of discipline. [=always said that discipline was important]

He wanted to emphasize (to us) that he hadn't meant to offend anyone.

em·phat·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : said or done in a forceful or definite way

Her answer was an emphatic [=resounding] “Yes!”

a man with emphatic [=strong, definite] opinions
an emphatic victory

2 : speaking or acting in a forceful way

They were emphatic about their political differences.

em·phat·i·cal·ly adv

He declared emphatically [=forcefully] that he did not believe them.

This is emphatically [=definitely] not the right thing to do.

em·phy·se·ma Brit noun [noncount]

medical : a disease in which the lungs become stretched and breathing becomes difficult

em·pire noun, pl -pires [count]

1 : a group of countries or regions that are controlled by one ruler or one goverment; especially : a group of countries ruled by an emperor or empress
the Roman Empire

2 : a very large business or group of businesses under the control of one person or company

She built a tiny business into a worldwide empire.

He controlled a cattle empire in the heart of Texas.

a media empire

em·pir·i·cal also em·pir·ic adj

: based on testing or experience

They collected plenty of empirical data/evidence from their experiments.

empirical laws

em·pir·i·cal·ly adv

Her theory had not yet been tested empirically.

em·pir·i·cism noun [noncount]

: the practice of basing ideas and theories on testing and experience

em·pir·i·cist noun, pl -cists [count]

em·place·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : a position that is specially prepared for a weapon
machine-gun emplacements

2 [noncount] : the act of putting something (such as a weapon) into position
secret emplacement of missiles on the island

1em·ploy verb, -ploys, -ployed, -ploy·ing [+ obj]

1 somewhat formal

1 a : to use (something) for a particular purpose or to do something

She employed [=used] a pen for sketching wildlife.

a method (widely/commonly/frequently) employed to improve garden soil

The company is accused of employing questionable methods to obtain the contract.

1 b : to use or direct (something, such as your time or effort) in order to achieve a particular goal

You should find better ways to employ your time.

Your time could be better employed [=spent] in learning a new skill.

2 a : to use or get the services of (someone) to do a particular job

I had to employ a lawyer to review the contract.

2 b : to provide (someone) with a job that pays wages or a salary

It's a small company, employing a staff of only 20.

He's employed by the local drugstore. [=he has a job at the local drugstore]

She hasn't been gainfully employed [=hasn't had a job that pays wages or a salary] for a few years.

often + as

She's been employed as a gardener for many years.

em·ploy·able adj [more ; most ]

He lacks the skills needed to be employable.

2employ noun

in someone's employ
formal : employed by someone for wages or a salary

The company has been generous to people in their employ. [=generous to their employees]

The defendant was at that time in the employ of [=employed by] a trucking company.

em·ploy·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

: a person who works for another person or for a company for wages or a salary

A good boss listens to his employees.

The company has more than 2,000 employees worldwide.

employee benefits

em·ploy·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person or company that has people who do work for wages or a salary : a person or company that has employees

It was the employer's responsibility to improve workplace safety.

Your travel expenses should be paid for by your employer.

em·ploy·ment noun [noncount]

1 : the act of employing someone or something: such as

1 a : the act of using something

We object to the company's employment [=use, utilization] of pesticides.

1 b : the act of paying someone to do a job
laws that have encouraged the employment of women

2 a : work that a person is paid to do

I've been looking for employment in the machine trade.

The new factory should provide employment for hundreds of workers.

unskilled workers trying to find paid/gainful employment
full-time/part-time employment

She hopes to find employment as a teacher.

often used before another noun
an employment contract
my employment history

2 b : the state of being employed : the state of being paid to do a job

The magazine did well during the course of her employment as editor.

2 c : the number of people who have jobs in a particular place or area

Employment is at an all-time high in this part of the state.

2 d : jobs that are available for workers

The city is faced with inadequate housing and a lack of employment.

employment agency noun, pl -cies [count]

: a company whose business is to find jobs for people

He found work as a mechanic through an employment agency.

em·po·ri·um noun, pl -po·ri·ums also -po·ria [count]

old-fashioned : a store or shop
a furniture emporium
a men's clothing emporium

em·pow·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give power to (someone)

seeking changes in the workplace that will empower women

2 : to give official authority or legal power to (someone)

followed by to + verb

Congress has empowered state legislatures to set educational standards.

often used as (be) empowered

His attorney was empowered to act on his behalf.

opposite DISEMPOWER

em·pow·er·ment noun [noncount]

empowerment of women

em·press noun, pl -press·es [count]

1 : the wife or widow of an emperor
the Emperor and Empress of Japan

2 : a woman who rules an empire

Catherine the Great was Empress of Russia.

compare EMPEROR

emptor see CAVEAT EMPTOR

1emp·ty adj, emp·ti·er, -est

1 : containing nothing

The box was empty.

an empty beer can
vast empty spaces
empty shelves

This medication should not be taken on an empty stomach. [=you should eat something before taking this medication]

2 : not having any people : not occupied
an empty house
an empty beach/street
empty beds/seats
an empty factory

The arena was completely empty.

3 : having no real purpose or value

She felt trapped in an empty marriage.

unhappy people leading empty lives

4 : having no effect : not sincere or meaningful
an empty [=hollow, idle] threat
an empty promise

Her apology was just an empty gesture.

Their promises are just a lot of empty talk/words.

5 : not showing emotion or life

She looked at me with empty eyes.

a crowd of empty faces

come up empty see 1COME

empty of

: completely without (something)

The arena was empty of spectators.

The streets are now empty of traffic.

emp·ti·ly adv

He stared emptily out the window.

emp·ti·ness noun [noncount]

the vast emptiness of outer space

2empty verb, emp·ties, emp·tied, emp·ty·ing

1 [+ obj] : to remove the contents of (something) : to make (something) empty
empty (out) a bag

She emptied her purse (out) onto the table.

The bomb threat emptied the crowded theater. [=caused everyone to leave the theater]

He emptied his glass. [=he drank everything that was in his glass]

She tried to empty her mind (of thoughts).

He emptied his gun. [=he shot all the bullets in his gun]

2 [+ obj] : to remove all of (something) from a container

She emptied the contents of her purse onto the table.

It's your turn to empty the trash.

3 [no obj] : to become empty

The theater emptied (out) quickly after the show.

empty into [phrasal verb]

empty into (something) of a river, stream, etc. : to flow into (something)

The river empties into the Indian Ocean.

3empty noun, pl empties [count]

: an empty bottle or can
usually plural

Return your empties here.

emp·ty-hand·ed adj

: without having, carrying, or bringing anything

I don't want to show up (at the party) empty-handed.

She came back (from the conference) empty-handed.

emp·ty-head·ed adj [more ; most ]

: not intelligent : stupid

He thinks all athletes are just empty-headed jocks.

emp·ty-head·ed·ness noun [noncount]

empty nester noun, pl -ers [count]

: a parent whose children have grown up and moved away from home

EMT noun, pl EMTs or EMT's [count]

: a person who is trained to provide emergency medical services to patients who are being taken to a hospital called also emergency medical technician

emu noun, pl emus [count]

: an Australian bird that does not fly but is a very fast runner

em·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

: to try to be like (someone or something you admire)

She grew up emulating her sports heroes.

artists emulating the style of their teachers

em·u·la·tion noun [noncount]

em·u·la·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who tries to be like someone else
great artists and their emulators [=imitators]

2 computers : a program or device that permits programs written for one kind of computer to be used on another kind of computer

emul·si·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing
technical : to mix liquids together to form an emulsion

[+ obj] emulsify oil and vinegar

[no obj] mix the oil and vinegar until they emulsify

emul·si·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

emul·si·fi·er noun, pl -ers [count, noncount]

emul·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

technical

1 : a mixture of liquids

In an emulsion, small drops of one liquid are mixed throughout another liquid.

an emulsion of oil in water

2 : a thin coating on photographic film or paper that contains chemicals which are sensitive to light

en- also em- prefix

In all senses em- is usually used before words starting with b, m, or p.

1 : to put into or onto
encode
endanger
enthrone
embed

2 : to cause to be
enrich
enslave

3 : to provide with
empower
embody

4 : to cover with
enshroud

5 : thoroughly
ensnare
entangle

1-en adj suffix

: made of : consisting of
earthen
woolen

2-en verb suffix

1 : to become or cause to be
sharpen
whiten
sadden
broaden

2 : to cause or come to have
lengthen
strengthen

en·able verb, -ables, -abled, -abling [+ obj]

1 a : to make (someone or something) able to do or to be something

The machine enables us to create copies without losing quality.

The system enables students to access class materials online.

These choices are part of what enabled the company to be successful.

1 b : to make (something) possible, practical, or easy
a filing system that enables easy access to information

The proposed tax will enable [=facilitate] the hiring of more police officers.

2 technical : to cause (a feature or capability of a computer) to be active or available for use

Be sure to enable your computer's firewall.

often used in combination
a wireless-enabled laptop [=a laptop that is able to send and receive wireless signals]

en·act verb, -acts, -act·ed, -act·ing [+ obj]

1 somewhat formal : to perform (something, such as a scene in a play)

We will enact [=act out] parts of three plays.

2 : to make (a bill or other legislation) officially become part of the law

Congress will enact legislation related to that issue.

The law was finally enacted today.

en·act·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

The enactment [=passage] of this law will save lives.

[count]

legislative enactments

enam·el noun, pl -els

1 a : a material like colored glass that is heated until it is liquid and then used to decorate the surface of metal, glass, or pottery

[noncount] The tea set is decorated with enamel.

[count] an artist who works with enamels

1 b [count] : something decorated with enamel

The museum has a fine collection of enamels.

2 [noncount] : the very hard outer layer of a tooth

3 : a kind of paint that is shiny and very hard when it dries

[noncount] We painted the doors with enamel (paint).

[count] enamels and acrylics

enam·eled (US) or Brit enam·elled adj
colorful enameled jewelry [=jewelry that is decorated with enamel]

an enameled pot

enam·e·ling (US) or Brit enam·el·ling noun [noncount]

1 : decoration done with enamel

The box was covered with elaborate enameling.

The enameling on the teapot is beautiful.

2 : the act or technique of decorating things with enamel

He studied enameling with a master craftsman.

en·am·or (US) or Brit en·am·our verb, -ors, -ored, -or·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to be loved or admired usually used in negative statements;
usually + to

His bad temper did not enamor [=endear] him to his employees. [=his bad temper made his employees dislike him]

enamored (US) or Brit enamoured adj [more ; most ]

: in a state in which you love, admire, or are very interested in something or someone
the movie star's enamored fans
usually + of or with

I became completely enamored of [=fascinated with] the island and its people.

He was enamored with her [=in love with her] from the day they met.

She is less than enamored with her new job. [=she does not like it]

en bloc adv
chiefly Brit : as or in a united group : all together

The amendments were accepted en bloc.

enc. abbr
enclosure

en·camp verb, -camps, -camped, -camp·ing
formal : to set up and use a camp

[no obj] Napoleon's troops encamped there.

[+ obj]

usually used as (be) encamped
the location where Napoleon's troops were encamped

Refugees are encamped along the border.

sometimes used figuratively

Reporters were encamped [=(more commonly) camped out] in front of the courthouse.

en·camp·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

a military encampment

en·cap·su·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to show or express the main idea or quality of (something) in a brief way
a phrase that perfectly encapsulates [=sums up] my feelings about the day

The first song encapsulates [=captures] the mood of the whole album.

2 : to completely cover (something) especially so that it will not touch anything else

The contaminated material should be encapsulated and removed.

en·cap·su·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The book is an encapsulation of the history of marathons.

[noncount]

a complex subject that resists encapsulation

en·case verb, -cas·es, -cased, -cas·ing [+ obj]

: to completely cover (something)

Ice encased the trees and power lines after the storm.

often used as (be) encased

The package is encased in plastic.

His feet were encased in heavy boots.

-ence noun suffix

1 : the state of having a particular quality
confidence
dependence
despondence

2 : the action or process of doing something
emergence
reference
reminiscence

en·chant Brit verb, -chants, -chant·ed, -chant·ing

1 : to attract and hold the attention of (someone) by being interesting, pretty, etc.

[+ obj] The book has enchanted children for almost a century.

often used as (be) enchanted

Visitors will be enchanted [=captivated, charmed] by the beauty of the place.

[no obj] The beauty of the place enchants.

2 [+ obj] : to put a magic spell on (someone or something)

a tale about a wizard who enchants [=bewitches] a princess

enchanted adj

It's a beautiful, enchanted [=enchanting, captivating] place.

The story takes place in an enchanted forest.

enchanting adj [more ; most ]

an enchanting book
the enchanting beauty of the place

en·chant·ing·ly adv
an enchantingly beautiful place

en·chant·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who uses spells or magic : a sorcerer or wizard

en·chant·ment Brit noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : a feeling of being attracted by something interesting, pretty, etc. : the state of being enchanted

Our enchantment faded when we found that the house needed even more repairs.

often + with

My enchantment [=fascination] with the place continues to grow.

compare DISENCHANTMENT

2 : a quality that attracts and holds your attention by being interesting, pretty, etc.

[noncount] the enchantment of a snowy field bathed in moonlight

[count] He writes about the dangers as well as the enchantments of sailing.

3 [count] : a magic spell
stories about wizards and enchantments

en·chant·ress Brit noun, pl -ress·es [count]

1 : a woman who uses spells or magic : a sorceress or witch

2 : a very interesting or beautiful woman

en·chi·la·da noun, pl -das [count]

: a Mexican food that consists of a flat piece of bread (called a tortilla) that is rolled around a meat, bean, or cheese filling and covered with a sauce

the big enchilada

US informal : the most important issue, person, etc.

She's won many awards for her writing in the past, but this one is the big enchilada.

the whole enchilada

US informal : the entire thing : everything

The celebration included music, food, fireworksthe whole enchilada.

The team may win the whole enchilada [=the championship] this year.

en·cir·cle verb, -cir·cles, -cir·cled, -cir·cling [+ obj]

: to form a circle around (someone or something)

A fence encircles the field. = The field is encircled by a fence.

: to surround (someone or something)

A crowd of reporters encircled the mayor.

encl. abbr
enclosure

en·clave noun, pl -claves [count]

: an area with people who are different in some way from the people in the areas around it

The city has a large Chinese enclave. [=an area where many Chinese people live]

one of the city's wealthy enclaves [=one of the areas in the city where only wealthy people can afford to live]

en·close verb, -clos·es, -closed, -clos·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to surround (something)

High walls enclose the courtyard. = The courtyard is enclosed by high walls.

The pie's flaky crust encloses a fruit filling.

1 b : to put something around (something)

We want to enclose the porch [=build walls around the porch] and use it as a dining room.

Enclose the fish in foil and bake.

2 : to include (something) with a letter or in a package

She enclosed a photo with the card.

Please enclose a check with your application.

Enclosed with this letter are the tickets you ordered.

enclosed adj
an enclosed porch/courtyard

The enclosed tickets are for you.

en·clo·sure noun, pl -sures

1 [count] : an area that is surrounded by a wall, fence, etc. : an enclosed space

During the day the horses are kept in an enclosure.

a garden enclosure

2 [count] : something that is included with a letter or in a package
a letter with two enclosures

One of the enclosures was a photograph.

abbr. enc. or encl.

3 [noncount] : the act of enclosing something
the enclosure of a photograph with a letter
the enclosure of the garden

en·code verb, -codes, -cod·ed, -cod·ing [+ obj]

1 : to put (a message) into the form of a code so that it can kept secret : code
an encoded message
compare DECODE

2 : to put information in the form of a code on (something)

Credit cards are encoded with cardholder information.

3 : to change (information) into a set of letters, numbers, or symbols that can be read by a computer
a technology that encodes images/files

en·cod·er noun, pl -ers [count]

en·com·pass verb, -pass·es, -passed, -pass·ing [+ obj]

1 : to include (something) as a part

My interests encompass [=cover, include] a broad range of topics.

The district encompasses most of the downtown area.

see also ALL-ENCOMPASSING

2 : to cover or surround (an area)

A thick fog encompassed [=enveloped] the city.

a neighborhood encompassed by a highway

1encore interj

used by an audience to call for another song, dance, etc., when a performance has ended

The audience shouted “Encore!” as the singer left the stage.

2encore noun, pl en·cores [count]

1 : an extra piece of music performed in response to a request from the audience

He sang a folk song as/for an encore.

2 : something that follows a success

Her first novel was a best sellerbut what is she going to do for an encore?

1en·coun·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

1 : to have or experience (problems, difficulties, etc.)

We encountered problems early in the project.

The pilot told us that we might encounter turbulence during the flight.

Her suggestion has encountered a lot of opposition.

2 formal : to meet (someone) without expecting or intending to

I encountered [=ran into] an old friend on a recent business trip.

2encounter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 a : a meeting that is not planned or expected
an accidental encounter
a chance encounter with a famous writer

1 b : a usually brief experience with another person
a brief/painful encounter

He's accused of having had sexual encounters with several young women.

They had a romantic encounter [=a brief romantic relationship] several years ago.

1 c : a violent or very unfriendly meeting

Two protesters were arrested during an encounter [=clash] with police.

There was a violent encounter between fans of the opposing teams.

2 : an occasion when you deal with or experience something

It was her first encounter with cigarettes.

To have a close encounter with something is to come very close to being hurt or damaged by it.

The island has had several close encounters with major hurricanes in recent years.

en·cour·age verb, -ag·es, -aged, -ag·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident

They encouraged us in our work.

Encourage each other with kind words.

often used as (be) encouraged

We were encouraged by their enthusiasm.

Researchers are encouraged by the findings.

I am encouraged that the project seems to be moving ahead.

sometimes followed by to + verb

We were encouraged to learn of their enthusiasm.

opposite DISCOURAGE

2 a : to make (something) more appealing or more likely to happen

The program is meant to encourage savings.

Warm weather encourages plant growth.

He claims the new regulations will encourage investment.

2 b : to make (someone) more likely to do something

He claims the new regulations will encourage people to invest.

We want to encourage students to read more.

: to tell or advise (someone) to do something

My parents encouraged me to go back to college.

They encouraged her to go.

opposite DISCOURAGE

encouraged adj [more ; most ]

Our early success left us feeling hopeful and encouraged.

en·cour·age·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : the act of making something more appealing or more likely to happen

Our aim is the encouragement of investment.

the encouragement of plant growth

2 a : something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident

[noncount] teachers who give their students a lot of encouragement
words of encouragement

With support and encouragement from their parents, the students organized a fundraiser.

[count] kind words and encouragements

2 b [count] : something that makes someone more likely to do something

They offered him gifts of money and other encouragements.

en·cour·ag·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing a hopeful feeling

We've just heard some encouraging news.

an encouraging smile
opposite DISCOURAGING

en·cour·ag·ing·ly adv

She smiled encouragingly at the new student.

en·croach verb, -croach·es, -croached, -croach·ing [no obj]

1 : to gradually move or go into an area that is beyond the usual or desired limits

The suburbs encroach further into the rural areas each year.

usually + on or upon

People are encroaching on the animal's habitat.

The ocean is slowly encroaching upon the shoreline.

2 : to gradually take or begin to use or affect something that belongs to someone else or that someone else is using
usually + on or upon

He argues that the law would encroach on/upon states' authority.

The new company is encroaching on their traditional market.

en·croach·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

the gradual encroachment of the ocean

[count]

the encroachments of neighboring countries

en·crusted adj

: coated or covered with something

The crown is encrusted with jewels.

mud-encrusted shoes

en·crypt verb, -crypts, -crypt·ed, -crypt·ing [+ obj]

: to change (information) from one form to another especially to hide its meaning

The software will encrypt the message before it is sent.

The passwords are encrypted.

en·cum·ber verb, -bers, -bered, -ber·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal

1 : to make (someone or something) hold or carry something heavy
usually used as (be) encumbered

We were encumbered by our heavy coats and boots.

encumbered [=burdened] by equipment and supplies

often used figuratively

The company is encumbered with debt.

2 : to cause problems or difficulties for (someone or something)

These rules will only encumber the people we're trying to help.

Lack of funding has encumbered the project.

usually used as (be) encumbered

Peace talks have been encumbered by a mutual lack of trust.

en·cum·brance noun, pl -branc·es [count]

the encumbrances of equipment and supplies

These rules will only be an encumbrance.

-en·cy noun suffix

: the quality or state of being (something)

used to form nouns from adjectives that end in -ent
dependency
efficiency
frequency

en·cyc·li·cal noun, pl -cals [count]

: an official letter from the Pope to the Roman Catholic bishops

en·cy·clo·pe·dia also en·cy·clo·pae·dia noun, pl -pe·dias also -pae·dias [count]

: a reference work (such as a book, series of books, Web site, or CD-ROM) that contains information about many different subjects or a lot of information about a particular subject
a general encyclopedia
an encyclopedia of literature

en·cy·clo·pe·dic also en·cy·clo·pae·dic adj [more ; most ]

: dealing with or knowing a subject thoroughly or completely

She published an encyclopedic study of ancient Egypt.

The event was described in encyclopedic detail.

his almost encyclopedic knowledge of movies

1end noun, pl ends

1 [singular]

1 a : a point that marks the limit of something : the point at which something no longer continues to happen or exist

The report is due at/by the end of the month.

She interviewed several players at the end of the game.

There is no end [=limit] to their generosity. [=they are extremely generous]

I'm at the end of my patience. = I've reached the end of my patience. [=I can no longer be patient; I have run out of patience]

1 b : the last part of a story, movie, song, etc.

I liked most of the book, but I didn't like the end. [=ending]

He read the book from beginning to end [=he read the entire book] in one day.

2 [count]

2 a : the part at the edge or limit of an area

The restaurant is in the north end of the city.

We biked from one end of the island to the other.

The house is at the end of the road.

They live at opposite ends of town.

He left the car at the far end [=most distant part] of the parking lot.

the deep/shallow end of a swimming pool
see also DEAD END, REAR END

2 b : the first or last part or section of something that is long

She drove the end of the stake into the ground.

The car's front/rear/back end was damaged.

One end of the rope was tangled.

Smoke curled off the end of the cigarette.

The hose is leaking at both ends.

the pointed end of the knife

2 c : either limit of a scale or range

The car was in the high/low end of the price range.

The candidates represent opposite ends of the political spectrum.

The resort attracts tourists from the upper end of the social scale.

3 [count] : the stopping of a condition, activity, or course of action

The agency's goal is the end of world hunger.

The treaty marked the end of the war.

His death marks the end of an era.

When something is at an end it is finished or completed.

The battle was at an end. [=over]

We would like to see this matter at an end.

If you bring something to an end or bring an end to something, you stop, finish, or complete it.

She brought the concert to an end with a piano solo.

Negotiations brought an end to the conflict.

If you put an end to something, you cause it to stop or prevent it from continuing.

They promise to put an end to unfair policies.

The new mayor vowed to put an end to the violence.

Something comes to an end when it stops or finishes.

After three weeks the strike finally came to an end.

Summer always seems to come to an end much too quickly.

The curtain fell as the play came to an end.

If there is no end in sight, the point at which something will be finished is not known.

There is no end in sight to this heat wave.

Prices continue to go up with no end in sight.

4 [count] : the point at which someone is no longer living : death

He came to a tragic end [=he died] in a freak accident.

The doctors told her that the end was near. [=that she would die soon]

sometimes used with meet

He met his end [=he died] in the icy water.

She met an untimely end.

5 [count] : a goal or purpose

Our ultimate end [=aim] in sponsoring the event is to raise money for charity.

corrupt leaders who use their power for their own ends

There are several ways to achieve/accomplish the same end.

If something is an end in itself, it is something that you do because you want to and not because it will help you achieve or accomplish something else.

She started exercising for her health, but she enjoyed it so much that exercising became an end in itself.

For him, taking classes was an end in itself.

If the end justifies the means, a desired result is so good or important that any method, even a morally bad one, may be used to achieve it.

They believe that the end justifies the means and will do anything to get their candidate elected.

6 [count] American football : a player whose position is at the end of the line of scrimmage see also END RUN, SPLIT ENDS, TIGHT END

7 [count] : a specific part of a project, activity, etc.

She is in the creative end of the business.

It's important to know what's going on in all ends of a business.

especially : the part of a project, activity, etc., that you are responsible for

Let me know if you have any problems at your end.

usually used with keep up or hold up

He promised to keep up his end of the agreement. [=he promised to do what he had agreed to do]

You can count on her to hold up her end. [=to do what she is supposed to do]

8 [count] : any one of the places connected by a telephone call

She picked up the phone and heard an unfamiliar voice at the other end.

I can't hear you very wellthere is a lot of noise at this end.

9 ends [plural] : parts of something that are left after the main part has been used
a quilt made from bits and ends of fabric
see also LOOSE END, ODDS AND ENDS

a light at the end of the tunnel see 1LIGHT

at the end of the day
informal : when all things are considered : in the end

It was a difficult decision, but at the end of the day, we knew we made the right choice.

at (your) wits'/wit's end see WIT

burn the candle at both ends see 1BURN

come to a bad end

1 : to end up in a bad situation because of your actions

If he keeps living this way he's sure to come to a bad end.

2 : to die in an unpleasant way

According to legend, more than one person came to a bad end because of her.

end to end

: with ends touching each other

Put the two small tables end to end.

railroad cars lined up end to end

go off the deep end see 1DEEP

in the end

1 : finally or after a long time

We worked hard, and in the end [=ultimately], we achieved our goal.

2 : when all things are considered

He thought about moving to the city, but in the end, decided to stay where he was.

In the end, what really matters in a relationship is trust.

make ends meet

: to pay for the things that you need to live when you have little money

We had a hard time making ends meet.

make your hair stand on end see HAIR

never/not hear the end of it see HEAR

not the end of the world
informal

If something is not the end of the world, it is not as terrible or unpleasant as it seems to be.

It won't be the end of the world if it rains on the day of the wedding.

Losing your job does not have to be the end of the world.

on end

1 : without interruption

For days on end [=for many days] she didn't answer the phone.

2 : in an upright position : not lying flat

We set the bricks on end around the garden.

His skis stood on end in the corner.

on/at the receiving end see RECEIVE

the end of the line or the end of the road
informal : the point or time when someone or something stops or cannot continue : the end

A loss in the primary elections will mean the end of the road for his campaign.

It will be the end of the line for me unless there are some changes around here.

They reached the end of the road as a couple [=their relationship was over] a long time ago.

the end of time

: forever, always
used figuratively after to, till, or until

He promised to love her to the end of time.

Their heroism will be remembered until the end of time.

the end of your rope or chiefly Brit the end of your tether
informal : a state in which you are not able to deal with a problem, difficult situation, etc., any longer

It was clear from her outburst that she was at the end of her rope.

I've been dealing with their lies for too long. I'm at the end of my rope.

the ends of the earth

: places in the world that are very far away from cities, large groups of people, etc. : the most remote places in the world
used figuratively

He would go to the ends of the earth [=he would do anything] to please her.

We will search the ends of the earth [=everywhere; for a long time] if we have to.

the short end of the stick see 1STICK

the wrong end of the stick see 1STICK

(to) no end

: a lot : a great deal

It pleases me to no end [=very much] to see you so happy.

We've had no end of trouble finding somewhere to live.

to that/this end
formal : as a way of dealing with or doing something

We want to save the building. To this end, we have hired someone to assess its current state.

to/till/until the bitter end see 1BITTER

2end verb, ends, end·ed, end·ing

1 a [no obj] : to stop or finish : to no longer continue to happen or exist

The meeting ended [=concluded] at noon.

The line of people ended around the corner.

The road ends at the top of the hill.

As soon as school ends [=(Brit) breaks up] she'll start her summer job.

The demonstration ended peacefully.

The meeting ended on a positive note.

She started out poor but ended (up) a rich woman.

1 b [+ obj] : to stop or finish (something) : to cause (something) to no longer continue to happen or exist

They ended [=concluded] the meeting at noon.

The allegations could end his career.

Her speech ended the convention.

The argument ended their friendship.

The company claims that its new product will be a/the computer to end all computers. [=a computer that is the ultimate or perfect computer]

World War I was supposed to be the war to end all wars.

: to come to the end of (something)

She ended her career (as) a rich woman. [=she was rich at the end of her career]

He ended his life/days (living) in a nursing home. [=he spent the last part of his life in a nursing home]

2 [+ obj] : to be the final part of (something)

The letters “ing” end the word “going.”

A wedding scene ends the film.

A marching band will end the parade.

Her speech will end the convention.

end in [phrasal verb]

end in (something) : to have (something) at the end

The word ends in a suffix. [=the last part of the word is a suffix]

The knife ends in a sharp point.

Their marriage ended in divorce.

The race ended in a tie.

The demonstration ended in chaos.

end up [phrasal verb]

end up or end up (something) or end up (doing something) : to reach or come to a place, condition, or situation that was not planned or expected

The book ended up in the trash.

He didn't want to end up [=wind up] like his father.

She ended up rich. = She ended up a rich woman.

He ended up (living) in a nursing home.

The movie we wanted to see was sold out so we ended up seeing a different one.

end with [phrasal verb]

1 end with (something) : to have (something) at the end

The film ends with a wedding scene. [=the last part of the film is a wedding scene]

The convention will end with her speech.

The parade will end with a marching band.

2 end (something) with (something) : to cause (something) to have (something) at the end

She will end the convention with her speech. [=the convention will be over after her speech]

He ended the concert with one of his new songs.

end your life or end it all

: to kill yourself : to commit suicide

He tried to end his life by taking an overdose of pills.

She thought about ending it all after her baby died.

3end adj, always used before a noun

: 1final
the end product/result of a process
the end point/stage of the operation
see also END USER

en·dan·ger verb, -gers, -gered, -ger·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone or something) to be in a dangerous place or situation

Parents feared that the dog could endanger their children.

The severe drought has endangered crops throughout the area.

The controversy endangered [=threatened] his chances for reelection.

In the U.S., if you drive in a way that is not safe the police may officially accuse you of driving to endanger.

endangered adj [more ; most ]

used to describe a type of animal or plant that has become very rare and that could die out completely
endangered plants

Two more species have been added to the endangered list. [=a list of plant and animal species that are protected by law because there are very few of them]

The bald eagle is no longer considered an endangered species. [=a species that is in danger of becoming extinct]

sometimes used figuratively

She claims that honest politicians are an endangered species.

en·dear verb, -dears, -deared, -dear·ing

endear to [phrasal verb]

endear (someone) to (someone or something) : to cause (someone) to be loved or admired by (someone or something)

They endeared themselves to the whole town.

His generosity has endeared him to the public. [=the people in his country, city, etc., love and admire him because he is generous]

Her bad temper did not endear her to her coworkers. [=her bad temper made it difficult for people to like her]

endearing adj [more ; most ]

Good humor is one of your most endearing traits.

en·dear·ing·ly adv [more ; most ]

an endearingly good-humored person

en·dear·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a word or phrase that shows love or affection
two lovers whispering endearments to each other

A special word or name that friends or lovers use when they speak to each other is sometimes called a term of endearment.

“honey,” “sweetie,” and other terms of endearment

1en·deav·or (US) or Brit en·deav·our verb, -ors, -ored, -or·ing [+ obj]

formal : to seriously or continually try to do (something)

The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens.

They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people.

synonyms see 1ATTEMPT

2endeavor (US) or Brit endeavour noun, pl -ors
formal : a serious effort or attempt

[count] His endeavors have gone unrewarded.

He failed despite his best endeavors. [=efforts]

She is involved in several artistic endeavors.

[noncount] Technology is the fastest-changing area/field of human endeavor.

en·dem·ic adj

1 : growing or existing in a certain place or region
endemic diseases
endemic wildlife
often + to or in

A wide variety of animal and plant species are endemic to this area.

The disease is endemic in parts of northern Europe.

2 : common in a particular area or field
often + to or in

A distrust of strangers is endemic in/to this community.

Sentimentality is endemic to that style of writing.

end·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : the final part of something

The movie has a happy ending. [=end, conclusion]

I didn't like the book's ending.

2 : a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word : suffix

Common verb endings in English are “-s,” “-ed,” and “-ing.”

You can often recognize an English adverb by its “-ly” ending.

en·dive noun, pl -dives [count, noncount]

1 : a plant with curly green leaves that are eaten raw

2 US : belgian endive

end·less adj

: having no end : seeming to have no end : lasting or taking a long time

We endured endless meetings.

The flight seemed endless.

There was an endless line at the bank.

There is endless work to do on the house.

end·less·ly adv

She talks about it endlessly.

end·less·ness noun [noncount]

en·dorse also in·dorse verb, -dors·es, -dorsed, -dors·ing [+ obj]

1 : to publicly or officially say that you support or approve of (someone or something)

The newspaper has endorsed the conservative candidate for mayor.

The committee must endorse [=approve] the decision.

We do not endorse their position.

2 : to publicly say that you like or use (a product or service) in exchange for money

She endorses a line of clothing.

That brand of sneaker is endorsed by several basketball stars.

3 : to write your name on the back of (a check)

You must endorse the check before you deposit it in the bank.

4 Brit : to put information about a driving offense on (a person's driver's license)

usually used as (be) endorsed

His driving license was endorsed for speeding.

en·dors·er noun, pl -ers [count]

en·dorse·ment also in·dorse·ment noun, pl -ments

: the act or result of endorsing someone or something: such as
a : a public or official statement of support or approval

[count] The newspaper has announced its political endorsements.

We're pleased that the project has received your endorsement.

[noncount] Without official endorsement, the project cannot proceed.

b [count] : the act of publicly saying that you like or use a product or service in exchange for money

Many retired athletes are able to make a lot of money by doing product endorsements.

c [count] : the act or result of writing your name on the back of a check

The bank requires that someone witness the endorsement of the check.

We need your endorsement before we can cash this check.

d Brit : the act or result of putting information about a driving offense on a person's driver's license

[noncount] the endorsement of a license

[count] receive/get an endorsement for speeding

en·dow verb, -dows, -dowed, -dow·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give a large amount of money to a school, hospital, etc., in order to pay for the creation or continuing support of (something)

The wealthy couple endowed a new wing of the hospital.

She plans to endow a faculty position at the university.

The money will be used to endow the museum and research facility.

2 : to freely or naturally provide (someone or something) with something
usually used as (be) endowed

Human beings are endowed with reason. [=they naturally have reason; they are naturally able to think in a logical way]

The country is richly endowed with mineral deposits.

“all menare endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776)

see also WELL-ENDOWED

en·dow·ment noun, pl -ments

1 a [count] : a large amount of money that has been given to a school, hospital, etc., and that is used to pay for its creation and continuing support

The hospital's endowment was established by a local family.

The college has a large endowment.

an endowment fund

1 b : the act of providing money to create or support a school, organization, etc.

[noncount] the endowment of a hospital wing

[count] generous endowments

2 [count] : a person's natural ability or talent
an athlete's physical endowments

end run noun, pl runs [count]

American football : a play in which the player carrying the ball tries to run around the line of defensive players
often used figuratively in U.S. English to describe a secret or dishonest attempt to avoid a rule, problem, etc.

They tried to make/do an end run around the law but they failed.

end table noun, pl tables [count]

US : a small table next to a sofa or chair

en·dur·ance Brit noun [noncount]

1 a : the ability to do something difficult for a long time

The exercise program is designed to increase both strength and endurance.

a test of endurance = an endurance test [=a task that tests your ability to do something difficult for a long time]

endurance training

1 b : the ability to deal with pain or suffering that continues for a long time

The overseas flight tested our (powers of) endurance.

children who are teased beyond endurance [=for such a long time or to such a great degree that they can no longer deal with it]

2 : the quality of continuing for a long time

We need to assure the endurance [=survival] of this tradition.

en·dure Brit verb, -dures, -dured, -dur·ing

1 [no obj] : to continue to exist in the same state or condition

This tradition has endured [=lasted] for centuries.

She wants to make sure her legacy will endure.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to experience (pain or suffering) for a long time

The refugees have endured [=suffered] more hardship than most people can imagine.

He endured five years as a prisoner of war.

2 b : to deal with or accept (something unpleasant)

We endured the lecture for as long as we could.

often used in negative statements

I cannot endure [=(more commonly) stand] the sound of her voice.

I refuse to endure [=(more commonly) put up with, stand for] such behavior any longer.

en·dur·able Brit adj

Such behavior is no longer endurable. [=it is unendurable]

enduring adj
enduring [=lasting] friendships
an enduring tradition/legacy

en·dur·ing·ly adv
an enduringly popular tradition

end user noun, pl users [count]

: the person who will eventually use a product

Programmers should always keep the end user in mind when designing a new piece of software.

end zone noun, pl zones [count]

: the area beyond the goal line at each end of the field in American football

en·e·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

medical : a procedure in which liquid is forced into the intestines through the anus in order to make solid waste pass from the body

The nurse gave the patient an enema.

also : the liquid that is used for an enema

en·e·my noun, pl -mies [count]

1 : someone who hates another : someone who attacks or tries to harm another

They are sworn/bitter enemies.

He made a lot of enemies during the course of his career.

If you are your own worst enemy you act in a way that causes harm to yourself or to the people or things that you care about.

2 : something that harms or threatens someone or something

Tradition is the enemy of progress.

In many countries today, drug abuse is public enemy number one. [=the most dangerous threat to society]

3 a : a group of people (such as a nation) against whom another group is fighting a war
usually singular

Some of the soldiers went over to the enemy.

He found himself behind enemy lines.

The plane was shot down by enemy fire.

3 b : a military force, a ship, or a person belonging to the other side in a war
usually singular

They targeted the enemy at close range.

en·er·get·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or showing a lot of energy

She has an energetic personality.

The children are energetic workers.

2 : involving a lot of effort

They mounted an energetic campaign.

en·er·get·i·cal·ly adv [more ; most ]

They were working energetically.

en·er·gize also Brit en·er·gise verb, -giz·es, -gized, -giz·ing [+ obj]

: to give energy or excitement to (someone or something)

His rousing speech energized the crowd.

You'll feel more energized after a bit of exercise.

en·er·giz·er also Brit en·er·gis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

energizing also Brit energising adj [more ; most ]

Our vacation was a very energizing experience.

en·er·gy noun, pl -gies

1 : ability to be active : the physical or mental strength that allows you to do things

[noncount] The kids are always so full of energy.

They devoted all their energy to the completion of the project.

I have a lot of nervous energy. [=energy that comes from being nervous]

[plural] They devoted all their energies to the completion of the project.

2 [noncount] : natural enthusiasm and effort

She puts a lot of energy into her work.

3 [noncount] : usable power that comes from heat, electricity, etc.

The newer appliances conserve more energy.

an energy crisis
renewable energy
see also NUCLEAR ENERGY

4 technical : the ability of something (such as heat, light, or running water) to be active or do work

[noncount] kinetic energy

[plural] particles with high kinetic energies

5 [noncount] informal : a type of power that some people believe a person or place produces

I sense a lot of negative/bad energy coming from her right now.

There's good/positive energy in this room.

en·er·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to make (someone or something) very weak or tired
usually used as (be) enervated

The government was enervated by corruption.

enervating adj [more ; most ]

The heat was enervating.

en·er·va·tion noun [noncount]

en·fant ter·ri·ble noun, pl en·fants ter·ri·bles [count]

formal : a young and successful person who is sometimes shocking and does things in a way that is very different from normal

He is the enfant terrible [=bad boy] of daytime television.

en·fee·bled adj [more ; most ]

formal : made very weak or tired

They took measures to stabilize the enfeebled economy.

a patient enfeebled by illness

en·fee·ble·ment noun [noncount]

en·fold verb, -folds, -fold·ed, -fold·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to cover (someone or something) completely

The dish is made of vegetables enfolded in a pastry crust.

We watched as darkness enfolded the city.

2 : to hold (someone or something) in your arms

He enfolded the child in his arms. [=he hugged the child]

en·force verb, -forc·es, -forced, -forc·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (a law, rule, etc.) active or effective : to make sure that people do what is required by (a law, rule, etc.)

Police will be enforcing the parking ban.

enforce a contract

2 : to make (something) happen : to force or cause (something)

trying to enforce obedience/cooperation

en·force·able adj [more ; most ]

This is not an enforceable contract.

en·force·ment noun [noncount]

the enforcement of the treaty

She works in law enforcement. [=she works for the police]

en·forc·er noun, pl -ers [count]

law enforcers [=police officers]

en·fran·chise verb, -chis·es, -chised, -chis·ing [+ obj]

formal : to give (someone) the legal right to vote
newly enfranchised voters
opposite DISENFRANCHISE

en·fran·chise·ment noun [noncount]

She was a leader in the movement for the enfranchisement of women in the early 20th century.

Eng. abbr

English

en·gage verb, -gag·es, -gaged, -gag·ing

1 [+ obj] formal : to hire (someone) to perform a particular service

He was engaged as a tutor.

: to pay for (help, services, etc.)

I suggest you engage the services of a lawyer. [=I suggest you hire a lawyer]

2 [+ obj] : to get and keep (someone's attention, interest, etc.)

He sure can engage an audience.

The story engaged my interest.

3 : to start fighting against (an opponent)

[+ obj] The troops prepared to engage the enemy.

[no obj] (formal) The troops prepared to engage with the enemy.

opposite DISENGAGE

4 : to move (a mechanism or part of a machine) so that it fits into another part

[+ obj] He engaged the clutch and drove away.

[no obj] As I released the clutch, the gears engaged.

opposite DISENGAGE

engage in [phrasal verb]

1 engage in (something) : to do (something)

At college she engaged in various sports.

We don't engage in that sort of behavior.

2 engage (someone) in (something) : to cause (someone) to take part in (something)

She engaged him in conversation. [=she started a conversation with him]

engage with [phrasal verb]

engage with (someone or something) formal : to give serious attention to (someone or something)

The book fails to engage with the problems of our time.

: to become involved with (someone or something)

a teacher who will not engage with the students

en·gaged adj

1 : promised to be married

They recently got engaged (to be married).

She's engaged to him.

an engaged couple

2 : busy with some activity

(US) He is engaged in research. = (Brit) He is engaged on research.

He won't be able to attend because he's otherwise engaged. [=he is busy doing something else]

3 a chiefly Brit, of a telephone or telephone line : being used

The line is still engaged. [=(US) busy]

I keep getting the engaged tone. [=(US) busy signal]

3 b Brit, of a public toilet : being used

Is the bathroom engaged? [=(US) occupied]

en·gage·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : an agreement to be married : the act of becoming engaged or the state of being engaged to be married

The couple recently announced their engagement.

She surprised everyone by breaking off her yearlong engagement.

often used before another noun

We're invited to their engagement party.

an engagement ring

2 [count]

2 a : a promise to meet or be present at a particular place and time

He was forced to decline due to a previous engagement. [=commitment, appointment]

We have a dinner engagement this weekend.

2 b : a job as a performer

She's been offered several speaking engagements.

3 : the act or state of being involved with something : involvement

[singular] his lifelong engagement with politics

[noncount] a lack of emotional engagement

4 : a fight between military forces

[count] a naval engagement

[noncount] the rules of engagement

5 [noncount] formal : the act of hiring someone to do work or to perform a service
engagement of a lawyer

6 [noncount] : the act or result of moving a mechanism or part of a machine so that it fits into another part
engagement of the gears/clutch

engaging adj [more ; most ]

: very attractive or pleasing in a way that holds your attention
an engaging smile
a very engaging story

en·gag·ing·ly adv
an engagingly sweet song

en·gen·der verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [+ obj]

formal : to be the source or cause of (something)

The issue has engendered a considerable amount of debate.

en·gine noun, pl -gines [count]

1 : a machine that changes energy (such as heat from burning fuel) into mechanical motion

The car has a four-cylinder engine.

jet/diesel engines

2 : the vehicle that pulls a train : locomotive

3 formal + literary

3 a : something that is used for a particular purpose
tanks, planes, and other engines of war/destruction

3 b : something that produces a particular and usually desirable result

The tax cut could be an engine of economic growth.

see also FIRE ENGINE, SEARCH ENGINE

1en·gi·neer noun, pl -neers [count]

1 : a person who has scientific training and who designs and builds complicated products, machines, systems, or structures : a person who specializes in a branch of engineering

Design engineers are working on ways to make the cars run more efficiently.

a mechanical/civil/electrical engineer
a software engineer

2 a : a person who runs or is in charge of an engine in an airplane, a ship, etc.

a flight engineer

2 b US : a person who runs a train

The engineer stopped the train.

2 c Brit : a person who is trained to repair electrical or mechanical equipment

The telephone engineer [=(US) repairman] soon got my phone working again.

3 : a soldier who builds roads, bridges, etc.

Army engineers were called in to construct the canal.

2engineer verb, -neers, -neered, -neer·ing [+ obj]

1 : to plan, build, or manage (something) by using scientific methods
usually used as (be) engineered

The system is engineered [=designed] for maximum efficiency.

a well-engineered highway
engineered materials

2 : to produce or plan (something) especially in a clever and skillful way
a brilliantly engineered [=crafted] plan

She managed to engineer [=finagle] a deal.

The rebels engineered a successful attack.

3 technical : to change the genetic structure of (a plant or animal)

usually used as (be) engineered

These soybeans were engineered for greater yield.

genetically engineered crops

engineering noun [noncount]

1 : the work of designing and creating large structures (such as roads and bridges) or new products or systems by using scientific methods

She studied mechanical/civil/chemical engineering.

software engineering

This control panel is a good example of smart engineering.

2 : the control or direction of something (such as behavior)

social engineering
see also GENETIC ENGINEERING

1En·glish adj

1 : of or relating to England or its people
an English town/poet/garden

English customs

2 : of or relating to the chief language of Great Britain, the U.S., etc.

They're studying English grammar.

the English language
an English dictionary

2English noun

1 [noncount]

1 a : the chief language of Great Britain, the U.S., and many areas now or formerly under British control

Do you speak English?

the grammar of English

1 b : a particular type of English

American/British/Indian/Irish English

1 c : English language, literature, or writing as a subject of study

I teach high-school English.

2 the English : the people of England

The English traditionally have afternoon tea.

3 [noncount] : normal English that is not difficult to understand

I asked the doctor to give me my diagnosis in English, not medical jargon.

often used in the phrase in plain English

She's good at explaining difficult scientific concepts in plain English.

The contract is written in plain English.

English breakfast noun, pl -fasts [count]

chiefly Brit : a large breakfast that usually includes eggs, meat, toast, and coffee or tea compare CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

English horn noun, pl horns [count]

chiefly US : a musical instrument that is similar to the oboe but lower in pitch called also (Brit) cor anglais

English ivy noun, pl ivies [count, noncount]

US : ivy

En·glish·man noun, pl -men [count]

: an English man

English muffin noun, pl -fins [count]

US : a type of flat, round bread that is split and toasted just before it is eaten

We had coffee and English muffins for breakfast.

En·glish·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: an English woman

en·gorged adj [more ; most ]

: swollen and filled completely with a liquid (such as blood)

engorged tissue

en·gorge·ment noun [noncount]

en·grave verb, -graves, -graved, -grav·ing [+ obj]

: to cut or carve lines, letters, designs, etc., onto or into a hard surface

They will engrave your initials on the ring for free.

She had the ring engraved with her initials.

The image was engraved on the plaque.

often used figuratively

That incident was engraved in my memory. = That incident engraved itself on my memory. [=I will never forget that incident]

engraved adj
engraved wedding invitations [=wedding invitations that are printed from a surface that has letters, designs, etc., engraved into it]

en·grav·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He is a skillful engraver.

engraving noun, pl -ings

1 [noncount] : the art of cutting something into the surface of wood, stone, or metal

She studied engraving in an art class.

2 [count] : a picture made from an engraved surface
a wood engraving

en·gross verb, -gross·es, -grossed, -gross·ing [+ obj]

: to hold the complete interest or attention of (someone)

usually used as (be/get) engrossed

She gets completely engrossed in her work.

They were engrossed in conversation.

engrossing adj [more ; most ]

The book explains the sequence of events in engrossing detail.

an engrossing story/account/study

en·gulf verb, -gulfs, -gulfed, -gulf·ing [+ obj]

: to flow over and cover (someone or something)

The valley was engulfed in a thick fog.

Flames engulfed the building.

often used figuratively

The city threatens to engulf the nearby suburbs.

The entire country has been engulfed by chaos/crisis/violence.

He found himself engulfed by fear.

en·hance Brit verb, -hanc·es, -hanced, -hanc·ing [+ obj]

: to increase or improve (something)

You can enhance the flavor of the dish by using fresh herbs.

The image has been digitally enhanced to show more detail.

The company is looking to enhance its earnings potential.

drugs that enhance [=improve] performance = performance-enhancing drugs

enhanced adj

The new version includes many enhanced features.

She approached the meeting with an enhanced understanding of the issues.

en·hance·ment Brit noun, pl -ments [noncount]

techniques for color enhancement

[count]

software enhancements

en·hanc·er noun, pl -ers [count]

flavor enhancers

enig·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

: someone or something that is difficult to understand or explain

To his friends, he was always something of an enigma.

one of the great enigmas of our time

en·ig·mat·ic also en·ig·mat·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

: full of mystery and difficult to understand
an enigmatic answer/smile

en·ig·mat·i·cal·ly adv
smiling enigmatically

en·join verb, -joins, -joined, -join·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to direct or order (someone) to do something
usually followed by to + verb

The court enjoined the debtors to pay.

2 : to prevent (someone) from doing something

He was enjoined by his conscience from telling a lie.

especially : to give a legal order preventing (someone) from doing something

The judge enjoined them from selling the property.

en·joy verb, -joys, -joyed, -joy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to take pleasure in (something)

Did you enjoy [=like] the movie?

Relax and enjoy the view.

He always enjoys a good laugh.

No one enjoys being teased.

In speech, enjoy is sometimes used by itself as an informal way of saying that you hope someone will enjoy something.

Here is your pie. Enjoy! [=enjoy it; enjoy yourself]

2 : to have or experience (something good or helpful)

She enjoyed great success in her new business.

The show enjoyed a brief surge of popularity.

They enjoyed a large income from their investments.

enjoy yourself

: to have a good time : to spend time doing something that gives you pleasure

He really enjoyed himself at the party.

en·joy·able adj [more ; most ]

We had an enjoyable time.

en·joy·ably adv

The book is enjoyably silly.

en·joy·ment noun

1 [noncount] : a feeling of pleasure caused by doing or experiencing something you like

She always found sports to be a source of great enjoyment.

I read the book strictly for my own enjoyment.

2 [noncount] : the condition of having and using something that is good, pleasant, etc.

the enjoyment of good health

This is land set aside for the public's enjoyment.

3 enjoyments [plural] : things that give you pleasure
life's simple enjoyments [=(more commonly) pleasures]

en·large verb, -larg·es, -larged, -larg·ing

: to make (something) larger or to become larger

[+ obj] We had the photograph enlarged.

The company is in the process of enlarging [=expanding] its offices.

[no obj] The glands enlarge [=swell] when you have an infection.

enlarge on/upon [phrasal verb]

enlarge on/upon (something) formal : to give more information about (something)

Would you kindly enlarge [=elaborate] on that point?

en·larg·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a photo enlarger

en·large·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : the act of making something larger or of becoming larger

[noncount] Symptoms include enlargement of the lymph nodes.

[count] The plans call for an enlargement of the company's offices.

2 [count] : a larger copy of a photograph

I ordered several enlargements.

en·light·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

: to give knowledge or understanding to (someone) : to explain something to (someone)

I don't understand what's going on; can someone please enlighten me?

enlightening adj [more ; most ]

We found the talk very enlightening. [=informative]

enlightened adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing a good understanding of how people should be treated : not ignorant or narrow in thinking
an enlightened people/attitude/society
an enlightened approach to prison reform

en·light·en·ment noun [noncount]

1 : the state of having knowledge or understanding
the search for spiritual enlightenment

His comments failed to provide enlightenment.

: the act of giving someone knowledge or understanding
the enlightenment of the public through education

2 the Enlightenment : a movement of the 18th century that stressed the belief that science and logic give people more knowledge and understanding than tradition and religion

3 Buddhism : a final spiritual state marked by the absence of desire or suffering

en·list verb, -lists, -list·ed, -list·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to get the support and help of (someone or something)

They're enlisting volunteers for an experiment.

We enlisted all available resources.

1 b : to get (help, support, sympathy, etc.) from someone

I enlisted the help of our neighbors.

We enlisted the services of a professional.

2 a [+ obj] : to sign up (a person) for duty in the army, navy, etc.

They enlisted several new recruits.

2 b [no obj] : to become a member of the army, navy, etc.

After graduating, I enlisted in the navy.

3 [no obj] : to become involved with a large group of people in a cause, movement, etc.

He enlisted in the cause of world peace.

en·list·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

Army enlistees

en·list·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

Enlistments in the armed forces have increased this year.

[noncount]

Military enlistment is voluntary.

enlisted adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US : serving in the armed forces in a rank below the rank of officers
an enlisted man/woman
enlisted personnel

en·liv·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) more interesting, lively, or enjoyable

He enlivened his speech with a few jokes.

a soup enlivened by chili peppers

A few touches of color will enliven the room.

en masse adv

: as a single group : all together

Her supporters arrived en masse for the rally.

en·mesh verb, -mesh·es, -meshed, -mesh·ing [+ obj]

: to wrap or tangle (someone or something) in a net
usually used as (be) enmeshed

The dolphin was enmeshed [=entangled] in/by the net.

often used figuratively

The committee was enmeshed [=entangled] in a series of disputes.

en·mi·ty noun, pl -ties
formal : a very deep unfriendly feeling

[noncount] There's a long history of enmity between them.

His comments earned him the enmity of his coworkers.

[count] We need to put aside old enmities for the sake of peace.

en·no·ble verb, -no·bles, -no·bled, -no·bling [+ obj]

formal

1 : to make (someone or something) better or more worthy of admiration
a life ennobled by suffering

Her skill and talent ennoble her profession.

2 : to make (someone) a member of the nobility

He was ennobled by the queen.

en·no·ble·ment noun [noncount]

ennobling adj [more ; most ]

Volunteering is an ennobling experience.

en·nui noun [noncount]

: a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or interest

He suffered from a general sense of ennui. [=boredom]

enor·mi·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] formal : a shocking, evil, or immoral act
usually plural
the enormities of war

2 [noncount] : great evil or wickedness

We were shocked at the enormity of the crime.

3 [noncount]

3 a : great size

I was overwhelmed by the enormity [=immensity] of the task at hand.

3 b : great importance

They didn't fully grasp the enormity of their decision.

Although senses 3a and b are sometimes criticized, they are commonly used.

enor·mous adj [more ; most ]

: very great in size or amount

They live in an enormous house.

We chose not to undertake the project because of the enormous costs involved.

He enjoys enormous popularity.

enor·mous·ly adv

Their new album is enormously popular.

He enjoyed himself enormously. [=very much]

enor·mous·ness noun [noncount]

the enormousness of the house

1enough adj

: equal to what is needed

Have you got enough money?

That's enough talk for now; let's get started.

There's enough food for everyone.

There's enough room for five people. = There's room enough for five people.

2enough adv, always used after an adjective, adverb, or verb

1 : in the amount needed : to the necessary degree

I couldn't run fast enough to catch up with her.

She's old enough to know better.

Are you rich enough to retire?

That's good enough for me.

Oddly/curiously/strangely/amazingly/surprisingly enough, they've never actually met.

As if the crowds aren't bad enough, the parking situation is terrible.

You're always ready enough [=always very or too ready] to blame someone else for your mistakes.

I was happy/willing enough [=I was happy/willing] to go along with his plan.

We can do it if they help enough.

2 : to a degree that is not very high or very low : to a reasonable extent

He sings well enough. [=he sings fairly well]

The solution seems simple enough. [=the solution seems fairly simple]

fair enough see 1FAIR

sure enough see 2SURE

3enough pronoun [noncount]

: an amount that provides what is needed or wanted : an amount that is enough

There's enough for everyone.

Have you had enough to eat?

He hasn't had much Spanish, but he knows enough to get by.

The crowds are enough of a problem as it is, without having to worry about parking as well!

It's enough to drive you crazy!

I've had (more than) enough of their foolishness. [=I'm sick of their foolishness]

That's enough, young lady! [=stop behaving or talking in that way]

enough is enough

used to say that you want something to stop because you can no longer accept or deal with it

I don't mind loaning her a bit of money now and then, but enough is enough!

enough said
informal
used in speech to say that you understand what someone is telling you and no further information is needed

“Is he in good condition?” “Well, he ran in the Boston Marathon last month.” “Enough said.”

enquire, enquiring, enquiry chiefly Brit spellings of INQUIRE, INQUIRING, INQUIRY

en·rage verb, -rag·es, -raged, -rag·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) very angry : to fill (someone) with rage

His thoughtless behavior enraged us.

People were enraged by/at/over the decision.

en·rap·ture verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing [+ obj]

formal : to fill (someone) with delight

Her melodious voice enraptured the audience.

usually used as (be) enraptured

The children were enraptured by his stories.

en·rich verb, -rich·es, -riched, -rich·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) rich or richer

They tried to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor.

2 : to improve the quality of (something) : to make (something) better

Their lives were enriched by the experience. = It was a life-enriching experience for them.

Their research has enriched [=improved] our understanding of the problem.

How can I enrich my vocabulary?

3 : to improve the usefulness or quality of (something) by adding something to it

He used manure to enrich the soil.

The drink is enriched with vitamin C.

enriched flour

en·rich·ment noun [noncount]

after-school enrichment programs
uranium enrichment

en·roll (US) or chiefly Brit en·rol verb, -rolls, -rolled, -roll·ing

1 [+ obj] : to enter (someone) as a member of or participant in something
usually + in

They enrolled their children in a private school.

He enrolled himself in a weight-loss program. [=he joined a weight-loss program]

2 a [+ obj] : to take (someone) as a member or participant

The college enrolls about 25,000 students.

They enrolled several volunteers for the study.

2 b [no obj] : to become a member or participant
usually + in

After graduating from high school he enrolled in the army.

We enrolled in the history course.

en·roll·ment (US) or chiefly Brit en·rol·ment noun, pl -ments [noncount]

the enrollment of volunteers

School enrollment is up this year.

[count]

School enrollments are up this year.

en route adv

: on or along the way when you are going to a place

We stopped to eat en route to the museum.

en route adj

They arrived early despite several en route delays.

en·sconce verb, -scon·ces, -sconced, -sconc·ing [+ obj]

: to firmly place or hide (someone or something)

The sculpture is safely ensconced behind glass.

He ensconced himself in front of the television.

She's already ensconced in her new job. [=she is comfortably settled into her new job]

en·sem·ble noun, pl -sem·bles [count]

: a group of people or things that make up a complete unit (such as a musical group, a group of actors or dancers, or a set of clothes)

We went to listen to a new jazz ensemble.

She wore an elegant three-piece ensemble.

The actor performed an ensemble piece.

en·shrine verb, -shrines, -shrined, -shrin·ing [+ obj]

formal : to remember and protect (someone or something that is valuable, admired, etc.)

usually used as (be) enshrined

The artifacts are now safely enshrined in a museum.

great players enshrined in the Hall of Fame

These rights are enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

en·shroud verb, -shrouds, -shroud·ed, -shroud·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cover (something or someone) in a way that makes seeing or understanding difficult

The details of his life are enshrouded [=(more commonly) shrouded] in mystery.

Darkness enshrouded the earth.

en·sign noun, pl -signs [count]

1 : an officer of the lowest rank in the U.S. Navy

2 : a flag that is flown on a ship to show what country the ship belongs to

en·slave verb, -slaves, -slaved, -slav·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) a slave
usually used as (be) enslaved

Her ancestors were enslaved during the war.

sometimes used figuratively

She felt like she was enslaved in a loveless marriage.

en·slave·ment noun [noncount]

en·slav·er noun, pl -ers [count]

en·snare verb, -snares, -snared, -snar·ing [+ obj]

: to catch (an animal or person) in a trap or in a place from which there is no escape

The animals got ensnared in the net.

The police successfully ensnared the burglar.

often used figuratively

He was ensnared [=trapped, caught] in/by his own web of lies.

The project became hopelessly ensnared [=entangled] in red tape.

en·sue Brit verb, -sues, -sued, -su·ing [no obj]

: to come at a later time : to happen as a result

When the news broke, a long period of chaos ensued. [=followed]

ensuing adj

In the ensuing weeks, [=in the weeks afterward] her health gradually improved.

en suite adj or adv

used to describe a bedroom to which a bathroom is directly connected or a bathroom that is directly connected to a bedroom
an en suite bedroom/bathroom

The bathroom is en suite.

en·sure verb, -sures, -sured, -sur·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) sure, certain, or safe

They took steps to ensure the safety of the passengers.

We want to ensure [=make certain/sure] that it doesn't happen again.

en·tail verb, -tails, -tailed, -tail·ing [+ obj]

: to have (something) as a part, step, or result

I'll need to know a little more about what the job entails. [=involves]

The procedure does entail [=carry] certain risks.

He accepted the responsibility, with all that it entails.

en·tan·gle verb, -tan·gles, -tan·gled, -tan·gling [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to get caught in or twisted with something else : tangle
usually used as (be/get) entangled

The kite got entangled in the tree.

She tried to get up, but her foot was entangled in the strap.

The birds fly into the net and become entangled.

2 : to get (someone) involved in a confusing or difficult situation
usually used as (be/get) entangled

They were entangled in a messy lawsuit.

He was/got romantically entangled with the girl next door.

en·tan·gle·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

romantic/legal entanglements

[noncount]

the entanglement of his kite in the tree

en·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 : to go or come into (something)

[+ obj] Knock on the door before you enter the room.

The medication will quickly enter the blood stream.

The river enters the sea near here.

[no obj] Knock before you enter. = Knock before entering. [=knock on the door before you open it to go into the room]

You may enter now.

opposite EXIT

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to begin to be in (an organization, school, etc.)

Our son will be entering college next year.

2 b : to cause (someone) to be in an organization, school, etc.

enter a child in kindergarten

(Brit) We entered him for a good school.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to start to do something

He was a teacher before he entered politics. [=before he began his political career]

He's been faced with many scandals since he entered office. [=since he began his term in office]

The new battleship is scheduled to enter service next spring.

3 b : to begin to be in (a particular situation, period of time, etc.)

enter middle age
an actor who's just now entering his prime

The strike has now entered its second week.

We've entered a new phase in our relationship.

The country is entering a period of prosperity.

Entering [=at the start of] the season, he was expected to be an important part of the team.

The word has entered common usage [=become commonly used] in recent decades.

3 c : to appear for the first time in (something)

He entered the game in the fifth inning.

The company has several new products now entering the marketplace.

4 a : to officially say that you will be in a race, competition, etc.

[+ obj] She entered every race.

Several leading players have entered the tournament.

[no obj] She won the race last year, but this year she decided not to enter.

(Brit) He entered for the tournament.

4 b [+ obj] : to officially say that (someone) will be in a race, competition, etc.

Her coach entered her in every race.

If you are entered in a race, competition, etc., you are one of the people who are competing in it.

She was entered in every race.

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to include (something) in a book, list, etc.

The teacher entered my name on the roster.

enter an item in a journal

These words are not yet entered in the dictionary. [=they do not yet appear in the dictionary]

5 b : to type in (words, data, etc.) on a computer

You need to enter your password in order to log on.

Please enter the new data in the spreadsheet.

6 [+ obj] : to make or state (something) in a formal and official way
enter a complaint

The defendant entered a guilty plea to a lesser charge of manslaughter.

enter into [phrasal verb]

enter into (something)

1 : to begin to be in or to take part in (something)

enter into a discussion
enter into an agreement

The two companies finally entered into a partnership.

2 : to be a part of or to influence (something, such as a choice or decision)

You shouldn't allow your prejudices to enter into your decision.

3 : to share or become involved in (something)

You need to enter into the spirit of the occasion.

enter on/upon [phrasal verb]

enter on/upon (something) : to begin to be in or to take part in (something)

She will soon be entering on [=starting] a new career.

The country is entering upon a period of prosperity.

enter the picture/scene

1 : to become involved in something

The company went through many drastic changes after its new owner entered the scene.

2 or enter (into) the equation : to become something that must be considered or dealt with

Once politics enters the picture, chances for a quick settlement are greatly reduced.

Money didn't enter the equation when he offered to help. [=he didn't expect to be paid for helping]

enter your mind/head

: to occur in your thoughts

The idea of quitting never entered my mind. [=I never thought of quitting]

en·ter·prise noun, pl -pris·es

1 [count] : a project or activity that involves many people and that is often difficult

Moving the drilling rig offshore was a costly enterprise.

a criminal enterprise

Agriculture is the main economic enterprise among these people.

2 [count] : a business organization

When he purchased the company it was a thriving commercial enterprise.

The new regulations are intended to encourage the growth of small, independent enterprises. [=companies]

3 [noncount] : the ability or desire to do dangerous or difficult things or to solve problems in new ways

She showed great enterprise [=initiative] as a young reporter.

He was criticized for his lack of enterprise in dealing with the crisis.

see also FREE ENTERPRISE, PRIVATE ENTERPRISE

en·ter·pris·ing adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing the ability or desire to do new and difficult things

As an enterprising young reporter, she covered many important stories.

en·ter·tain verb, -tains, -tained, -tain·ing

1 : to have people as guests in your home or in a public place (such as a restaurant)

[+ obj] They like to entertain their friends at their summer home.

Much of his job as a salesman involves entertaining clients.

[no obj] They enjoy cooking and entertaining. [=hosting dinner parties and other social occasions]

2 a [+ obj] : to perform for (an audience) : to provide amusement for (someone) by singing, acting, etc.

Jugglers were on hand to entertain the crowd.

Our father entertained us with stories.

2 b : to provide or be entertainment for (someone)

[+ obj] Our father's stories entertained us.

[no obj] Our father's stories never failed to entertain. [=his stories were always enjoyable]

3 [+ obj] : to have (a thought, idea, etc.) in your mind

She was so unhappy with her job that she entertained thoughts of quitting. [=she thought about quitting]

It now seems possible to entertain hopes [=to hope] that the strike will be settled soon.

en·ter·tain·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person (such as a singer, an actor, or a comedian) who entertains other people : a professional performer
a singer regarded as one of the great entertainers of our time

entertaining adj [more ; most ]

: amusing and enjoyable : providing entertainment
an entertaining book
an entertaining speaker

en·ter·tain·ing·ly adv

She wrote an entertainingly honest account of her childhood.

en·ter·tain·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : amusement or pleasure that comes from watching a performer, playing a game, etc.

[noncount] Entertainment was provided by jugglers.

plays, movies, and other forms of entertainment

They played games in the evening for entertainment.

[count] plays, movies, and other entertainments

2 [noncount] : the act of amusing or entertaining people

They hired a band for the entertainment of the guests. [=to entertain the guests]

en·thrall (chiefly US) or Brit en·thral verb, -thralls, -thralled, -thrall·ing [+ obj]

: to hold the attention of (someone) by being very exciting, interesting, or beautiful

The movie has enthralled [=charmed, captivated] audiences across the country.

often used as (be) enthralled

I was enthralled by/with the beauty of the landscape.

enthralling adj [more ; most ]

The movie is an enthralling adventure story.

en·throne verb, -thrones, -throned, -thron·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) a king, queen, bishop, etc., in a formal ceremony
usually used as (be) enthroned

The archbishop was enthroned last year.

en·throne·ment noun, pl -ments [count, noncount]

en·thuse Brit verb, -thus·es, -thused, -thus·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to say (something) with enthusiasm

“This dinner is wonderful!” he enthused.

1 b [no obj] : to show enthusiasm : to talk about something with enthusiasm
usually + over or about

She enthused over/about the variety of flowers in the garden.

2 [+ obj] : to make (someone) enthusiastic

His presentation failed to enthuse the committee.

enthused adj [more ; most ]

The committee members are not enthused [=enthusiastic] about the project.

en·thu·si·asm Brit noun, pl -asms

1 [noncount] : strong excitement about something : a strong feeling of active interest in something that you like or enjoy

The party supported its candidate with enthusiasm.

He seems to lack enthusiasm for the work he's doing.

2 [count] : something causing a feeling of excitement and active interest : a hobby that someone feels enthusiastic about

Among his latest enthusiasms are sailing and fishing.

en·thu·si·ast Brit noun, pl -asts [count]

: a person who feels enthusiasm for something : a person who enjoys something very much
a golf enthusiast

en·thu·si·as·tic Brit adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing strong excitement about something : filled with or marked by enthusiasm

They were enthusiastic supporters of the president.

I'm not wildly enthusiastic about your latest idea.

They were less than enthusiastic. = They were far from enthusiastic.

She received an enthusiastic welcome.

en·thu·si·as·ti·cal·ly Brit adv

They welcomed her enthusiastically.

en·tice verb, -tic·es, -ticed, -tic·ing [+ obj]

: to attract (someone) especially by offering or showing something that is appealing, interesting, etc.

The store hopes to entice [=tempt, lure] shoppers with attractive window displays.

en·tice·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

The city offered the company tax breaks as an enticement [=inducement] to build a factory there.

[noncount]

using attractive displays for the enticement of customers

enticing adj [more ; most ]

an enticing display of merchandise

en·tic·ing·ly adv [more ; most ]

en·tire adj

: complete or full : not lacking or leaving out any part

We spent the entire [=whole] day at the beach.

He had entire [=complete, total] control of the project.

The war affected an entire generation of young Americans.

the entire community

The fence runs along the entire length of the building.

She has dedicated her entire life to helping others.

He was listening the entire time. [=the whole time, all the time]

en·tire·ly adv

The decision is entirely yours.

That's an entirely different question. = That's a different question entirely.

en·tire·ty noun [noncount]

: the whole or total amount of something
the entirety of an estate

in its/their entirety

: with nothing left out

He played the song in its entirety. [=he played the entire song]

His comments will be broadcast in their entirety. [=all of his comments will be broadcast]

en·ti·tle verb, -ti·tles, -ti·tled, -ti·tling [+ obj]

1 : to give a title to (something, such as a book) : title

He entitled his book “My Life on Mars.”

2 : to give a right to (someone)

+ to

The card entitles us to a discount. [=we can get a discount because we have this card]

often used as (be) entitled

I'm entitled to a refund. [=I should be given a refund]

You're entitled to your opinion. [=I don't agree with you, but you are free to think what you want]

en·ti·tle·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount]

1 a : the condition of having a right to have, do, or get something
my entitlement to a refund

1 b : the feeling or belief that you deserve to be given something (such as special privileges)

celebrities who have an arrogant sense of entitlement

2 [count] US : a type of financial help provided by the government for members of a particular group
entitlements such as medical aid for the elderly and poor

en·ti·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

formal : something that exists by itself : something that is separate from other things

One division of the company was broken off as a separate entity.

a business/commercial/corporate entity
government/political/legal entities
distinct/independent entities

en·tomb verb, -tombs, -tombed, -tombing [+ obj]

: to place (someone or something) in a tomb
often used as (be) entombed

The remains of former kings are entombed there.

sometimes used figuratively
fossils entombed in sediment

en·tomb·ment noun, pl -ments [count, noncount]

en·to·mol·o·gy noun [noncount]

: a branch of science that deals with the study of insects

en·to·mo·log·i·cal adj
entomological studies

en·to·mol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

en·tou·rage noun, pl -rag·es [count]

: a group of people who go with and assist an important person
the President and his entourage

en·trails noun [plural]

: the internal organs of an animal
sheep entrails
sometimes used figuratively
examining the entrails of a computer

1en·trance noun, pl -tranc·es

1 [count] : the act of entering something
the entrance of the army into the city
the country's entrance into war

The book describes his entrance into politics.

The thieves gained entrance to/into our house by breaking a window.

She always knew how to make a grand entrance.

Everyone noticed when she made her entrance. [=when she entered]

2 [count] : something (such as a door) that is used for entering something

The main entrance is on the left side.

There are two entrances to the park.

The ship passed through the narrow entrance to the bay.

a building's front/back/side/main entrance
a large entrance hall [=a hall located near an entrance to a building]

compare 1EXIT 1

3 [noncount] : the right to enter something

We gained entrance [=entry, admission] to the club.

He was denied entrance into the country.

She applied for entrance at/to several colleges.

often used before another noun
a college entrance exam
an entrance fee

2en·trance Brit verb, -tranc·es, -tranced, -tranc·ing [+ obj]

: to fill (someone) with delight and wonder
usually used as (be) entranced

We were entranced by/with the magnificent view.

en·trance·ment Brit noun [noncount]

entrancing adj [more ; most ]

an entrancing view

en·trant noun, pl -trants [count]

: a person who enters something (such as a competition)

Each entrant had to agree to the contest rules.

new entrants into a highly competitive field

en·trap verb, -traps, -trapped, -trap·ping [+ obj]

formal : to catch (someone or something) in a trap or in something like a trap : trap

We used the net to entrap a school of fish.

The air bubbles were entrapped in ice.

She felt that she was entrapped in an unhappy marriage.

en·trap·ment noun [noncount]

1 : the act of entrapping someone or something or the condition of being entrapped
her entrapment in an unhappy marriage

2 : the illegal act of tricking someone into committing a crime so that the person you have tricked can be arrested

His lawyer argued that he was a victim of police entrapment.

en·treat verb, -treats, -treat·ed, -treat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to ask (someone) in a serious and emotional way

I entreat you to help me.

His parents entreated [=implored, begged] him to return to school.

en·treaty noun, pl -treat·ies [count]

formal : a serious request for something

The senator has resisted repeated entreaties [=appeals] to run for president.

He finally succumbed to their entreaties. [=he did what they asked]

en·trée or en·tree noun, pl -trées or -trees

1 [count] : the main dish of a meal especially in a restaurant

We had steak as an entrée.

2 formal

2 a [count] : the act or manner of entering something

She made a graceful entrée [=entrance] into the ballroom.

His entrée [=entry] into the restaurant business was unexpected.

2 b [noncount] : the right to enter something

His family connections have given him entrée [=entry] into the most exclusive clubs in the city.

en·trench verb, -trench·es, -trenched, -trench·ing [+ obj]

: to place (someone or something) in a very strong position that cannot easily be changed
officials who have tried to entrench themselves in office

entrenched adj [more ; most ]

These attitudes are (deeply/firmly) entrenched in our culture.

Computers are now an entrenched part of modern life.

en·trench·ment noun [noncount]

the entrenchment of certain attitudes

en·tre·pre·neur noun, pl -neurs [count]

: a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money

en·tre·pre·neur·ial adj
entrepreneurial skills

en·tre·pre·neur·ship noun [noncount]

admired for her entrepreneurship

en·trust verb, -trusts, -trust·ed, -trust·ing [+ obj]

: to give someone the responsibility of doing something or of caring for someone or something

She was entrusted with the job of organizing the reception.

entrust your car to a friend = entrust a friend with your car

en·try noun, pl -tries

1 [noncount] : the act of entering something

His parents tried to make his entry into school life as smooth as possible.

His friends were surprised by his entry into politics.

The thieves gained entry [=they entered] through a back window.

2 [noncount] : the right to enter something

He was able to gain entry [=entrance, admission] to an exclusive club.

She was denied entry into the courtroom.

students competing for entry into the college

The sign read “No Entry.” [=“do not enter”]

often used before another noun
an entry fee/form

3 [count] : a place for entering something

He hung up his hat in the entry. [=entryway]

the south entry [=entrance] of the church
see also PORT OF ENTRY

4 a [noncount] : the act of entering something in a book, list, etc.

The word is not common enough for entry in the dictionary.

She was hired to do data entry. [=to enter data on a computer]

4 b [count] : something that is entered in a book, list, etc.

dictionary entries
a diary entry
a database entry

5 [count]

5 a : a person or thing that is entered in a contest

Her pie was the winning entry in the baking competition.

The race has attracted a record number of entries.

5 b chiefly Brit : the number of people or things entered in a contest

The race has attracted a record entry.

entry-level adj

: at the lowest level : at the level of someone who is just starting a job or career

The company is looking to fill several entry-level positions.

en·try·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: a place for entering something

A truck was blocking the entryway. [=entry, entrance]

en·twine verb, -twines, -twined, -twin·ing

: to twist together or around

[+ obj] The snake entwined itself around the branch.

often used as (be) entwined

The roses were entwined in an iron fence.

often used figuratively

Their lives were tragically entwined. [=intertwined]

The themes in the novel are closely entwined.

[no obj] Their lives entwined tragically.

enu·mer·ate Brit verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to name (things) one after another in a list

Let me enumerate my reasons for doing this.

enu·mer·a·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

enun·ci·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 [+ obj] formal : to make a clear statement of (ideas, beliefs, etc.)

He set out to enunciate the basic principles of his system.

enunciate a basic set of beliefs

2 : to pronounce words or parts of words clearly

[+ obj] Be sure to enunciate [=articulate] every syllable.

[no obj] Children should be taught to enunciate clearly.

enun·ci·a·tion noun [noncount]

the enunciation of principles
precise enunciation

enun·ci·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

a careful enunciator

en·vel·op verb, -ops, -oped, -op·ing [+ obj]

: to completely cover (someone or something) : to completely enclose or surround (someone or something)

She enveloped [=wrapped] the baby in a large towel.

Mist enveloped the mountains. = The mountains were enveloped by/in mist.

en·vel·op·ment noun [noncount]

en·ve·lope noun, pl -lopes [count]

: an enclosing cover for a letter, card, etc.

push the envelope

: to go beyond the usual or normal limits by doing something new, dangerous, etc.

a director who has pushed the envelope in his recent films
a new airplane design that pushes the envelope

en·vi·able adj [more ; most ]

: causing envy : very desirable

The company is in the enviable position of having no real competitors.

an enviable task

She has an enviable reputation for honesty.

compare UNENVIABLE

en·vi·ably adv

The company has had enviably high profits.

en·vi·ous adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing a desire to have what someone else has : feeling or showing envy
envious neighbors
an envious look
often + of

His neighbors were envious [=jealous] of his success.

en·vi·ous·ly adv

We looked enviously at his new car.

en·vi·ron·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : the conditions that surround someone or something : the conditions and influences that affect the growth, health, progress, etc., of someone or something

[count] He grew up in a loving environment.

an informal office environment

We're trying to create a better business/learning environment.

These animals were raised in a controlled environment.

Many plants are unable to survive in such a harsh/hostile environment.

[noncount] Heredity and environment are both important.

2 the environment : the natural world

Pollution is bad for the environment.

protecting the (natural) environment

en·vi·ron·men·tal adj

The chemical refinery explosion was an environmental disaster.

environmental laws
environmental protection

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ly adv
environmentally safe methods of waste disposal

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who works to protect the natural world from pollution and other threats

en·vi·ron·men·tal·ism noun [noncount]

en·vi·rons noun [plural]

: the area that is around a place (such as a city)

We bought a guide to New York and (its) environs.

a town and its immediate environs

en·vis·age verb, -ag·es, -aged, -ag·ing [+ obj]

: to picture (something) in your mind : envision

I envisage a day when proper health care will be available to everyone.

Envisage is used in U.S. English but it is more common in British English.

en·vi·sion verb, -sions, -sioned, -sion·ing [+ obj]

chiefly US : to think of (something that you believe might exist or happen in the future) : to picture (something) in your mind

The inventor envisioned many uses for his creation.

She envisioned a better life for herself.

en·voy noun, pl en·voys [count]

: a person who is sent by one government to represent it in dealing with another government
diplomatic envoys
a special envoy

1en·vy noun [noncount]

1 : the feeling of wanting to have what someone else has
my envy of his success

Their exotic vacations inspired envy in/among their friends.

We watched with envy as the yacht slid past us.

They were green with envy. [=they were filled with envy; they were very envious]

Her beautiful hair was an object of envy. [=people felt envy because of her beautiful hair]

sometimes used humorously after a noun that indicates an object of envy

My neighbor's new lawn mower has given me a bad case of lawn mower envy. [=I'm very envious of my neighbor's new lawn mower]

2 : someone or something that causes envy
used in the phrase the envy of

She was the envy of all her friends. [=all her friends envied her]

Our car was the envy of the neighborhood. [=the neighbors envied us for our car]

2envy verb, -vies, -vied, -vy·ing [+ obj]

: to feel a desire to have what someone else has : to feel envy because of (someone or something)

I envy you for your large group of friends.

They envied his success. = They envied him for his success.

I envy the way you've made so many friends.

I don't envy you your dental problems. [=I'm glad that I don't have your dental problems]

en·zyme noun, pl -zymes [count]

technical : a chemical substance in animals and plants that helps to cause natural processes (such as digestion)

en·zy·mat·ic adj

eon (US) or chiefly Brit ae·on noun, pl eons [count]

: a very long period of time
usually plural

Over the eons, the river changed its course many times.

(informal) How have you been? I haven't seen you in eons! [=ages]

ep·au·let (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit ep·au·lette noun, pl -lets [count]

: a decorative piece on the shoulder of a uniform

ephem·era noun [plural]

: things that are important or useful for only a short time : items that were not meant to have lasting value

He has a large collection of old menus and other ephemera.

ephem·er·al adj [more ; most ]

: lasting a very short time

His fame turned out to be ephemeral. [=short-lived]

1ep·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

1 : a long poem that tells the story of a hero's adventures

Homer's ancient Greek epic “The Odyssey”

2 : a long book, movie, etc., that usually tells a story about exciting events or adventures

2epic adj

1 : telling a story about a hero or about exciting events or adventures
an epic poem
an epic film/novel

2 [more ; most ] : very great or large and usually difficult or impressive

The football game was an epic battle between two great teams.

The bridge was an epic achievement.

The company is engaged in an epic struggle for survival.

an accomplishment of epic proportions
undertaking an epic journey

epi·cen·ter (US) or Brit epi·cen·tre noun, pl -ters [count]

: the part of the earth's surface that is directly above the place where an earthquake starts

ep·i·cure noun, pl -cures [count]

formal : a person who appreciates fine food and drink : gourmet

ep·i·cu·re·an adj

: involving an appreciation of fine food and drink : of or relating to an epicure
a person of epicurean tastes
epicurean delights/pleasures

epicurean noun, pl -reans [count]

affluent epicureans [=epicures]

ep·i·dem·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

1 medical : an occurrence in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects a large number of people
a flu epidemic
the AIDS epidemic

2 : a sudden quickly spreading occurrence of something harmful or unwanted
a crime epidemic
an epidemic of bankruptcies

epidemic adj
an epidemic disease

The violence has now reached epidemic proportions.

ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gy noun [noncount]

medical : the study of how disease spreads and can be controlled

ep·i·de·mi·o·log·i·cal also US ep·i·de·mi·o·log·ic adj

ep·i·de·mi·ol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

epi·der·mis noun [noncount]

medical : the outer layer of skin

epi·der·mal adj
epidermal tissues

epi·du·ral Brit noun, pl -rals [count]

medical : an injection of a substance into a person's spine to cause the lower part of the body to become unable to feel pain

Many women undergoing childbirth are given epidurals.

ep·i·gram noun, pl -grams [count]

: a short and clever poem or saying

ep·i·gram·mat·ic adj
epigrammatic poetry

ep·i·gram·ma·tist noun, pl -tists [count]

ep·i·lep·sy noun [noncount]

medical : a disorder of the nervous system that can cause people to suddenly become unconscious and to have violent, uncontrolled movements of the body

1ep·i·lep·tic adj
medical : having epilepsy
epileptic patients

: resulting from epilepsy
an epileptic seizure

2epileptic noun, pl -tics [count]

medical : a person who has epilepsy

ep·i·logue noun, pl -logues [count]

: a final section or speech after the main part of a book, play, or musical composition
sometimes used figuratively

His final years were a peaceful epilogue to a life of adventure.

compare PROLOGUE

epiph·a·ny noun, pl -nies

1 Epiphany [singular] : a Christian festival held on January 6 in honor of the coming of the three kings to the infant Jesus Christ

2 [count] : a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way

Seeing her father again when she was an adult was an epiphany that changed her whole view of her childhood.

She experienced an epiphany.

epis·co·pal adj

1 : of or relating to a bishop or to bishops as a group
an episcopal conference
episcopal teachings

2 Episcopal : of or relating to either the Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S. or the Episcopal Church in Scotland
an Episcopal [=Episcopalian] church/clergyman

Epis·co·pa·lian noun, pl -lians [count]

: a member of either the Protestant Episcopal Church in the U.S. or the Episcopal Church in Scotland

She was raised as an Episcopalian.

Episcopalian adj
an Episcopalian family
an Episcopalian [=Episcopal] church/clergyman

Epis·co·pa·lian·ism noun [noncount]

ep·i·sode noun, pl -sodes [count]

1 : an event or a short period of time that is important or unusual

It was a brief romantic episode in a life devoted to work.

He tried to forget the whole embarrassing episode.

a painful episode from my childhood

2 : a television show, radio show, etc., that is one part of a series

Millions of people are expected to watch the show's final episode.

a special holiday episode

3 : an occurrence of an illness

The patient has experienced recurrent/repeated episodes [=bouts] of severe infection.

a fainting episode

ep·i·sod·ic adj
formal

1 a : made up of many different events or episodes

He led an episodic life. [=a life in which many different and unusual things happened]

1 b : telling about many separate events
an episodic novel

2 : happening or appearing at different times
an episodic illness

epis·tle noun, pl epis·tles [count]

1 Epistle in the Bible : any one of the letters to the early Christians that are part of the New Testament

St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans

2 formal : letter

He penned lengthy epistles to her.

epis·to·lary Brit adj
formal

1 : of or relating to a letter : suitable to a letter
an epistolary writing style

2 : written in the form of a series of letters
an epistolary novel

ep·i·taph noun, pl -taphs [count]

: something written or said in memory of a dead person; especially : words written on a gravestone

The epitaph reads “In loving memory of John Gray: husband, father, soldier.”

ep·i·thet noun, pl -thets [count]

1 : a word or phrase that describes a person or thing

His charitable works have earned him the epithet “Mr. Philanthropy.”

2 : an offensive word or name that is used as a way of abusing or insulting someone

Many were offended by her use of racial epithets.

a group of angry people hurling epithets at one another

epit·o·me noun, pl -mes [count]

: a perfect example : an example that represents or expresses something very well
usually used in the phrase the epitome of

Your response was the epitome of good sense.

In his tailored suit and fashionable haircut, he was the (very) epitome of style.

epit·o·mize also Brit epit·o·mise verb, -miz·es, -mized, -miz·ing [+ obj]

: to be a perfect example or representation of (something) : to be the epitome of (something)

He epitomizes laziness.

This student's struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools.

ep·och Brit noun, pl -ochs [count]

: a period of time that is very important in history

The Civil War era was an epoch in 19th-century U.S. history.

The development of the steam engine marked an important epoch in the history of industry.

compare ERA

ep·och·al Brit adj
an epochal [=epoch-making] invention/event

epoch-making adj

: very important in history : causing an important change in history

The steam engine was an epoch-making [=epochal] development in the history of industry.

ep·oxy noun [noncount]

: a type of glue called also epoxy resin

Ep·som salt noun, pl salts [count]

: a bitter salt that is used in medicine usually plural

equa·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : tending to remain calm : free from sudden or harsh changes
an equable temperament
an equable [=mild] climate
a calm, equable fellow
compare EQUITABLE

eq·ua·bly adv

He accepted the criticism equably. [=he was not upset by the criticism]

1equal adj

1 a : the same in number, amount, degree, rank, or quality
an equal number of apples and oranges
officers of equal rank
issues of equal importance = issues that are equal in importance

We divided the profits into three equal shares.

The play combines tragedy and comedy in equal measure/proportions.

The opposing candidate has demanded equal time on television.

“all men are created equal” U.S. Declaration of Independence (1776)

people from different cultures learning to live together on equal terms [=learning to live together as equals]

making it possible for poor children to compete on an equal footing [=in conditions where they have an equal chance] with other children
often + to

In one night he earned an amount equal to an entire month's salary.

issues that are equal in importance to the most serious problems we face

1 b : having the same mathematical value

The fractions 1/2 and 2/4 are equal.

often + to

1/2 is equal to 2/4.

2 : not changing : the same for each person
providing equal opportunities for children of all races

We need to have equal academic standards for male and female students.

equal rights

(US) an equal opportunity employer = (Brit) an equal opportunities employer [=an employer who does not discriminate against people because of their race, religion, etc.]

3 formal : able to do what is needed

+ to

He says that he's equal to the task. [=he's capable of completing the task]

all/other things being equal see THING

2equal noun, pl equals [count]

: someone or something that is as good, skillful, valuable, etc., as another person or thing

I consider him my equal.

They say they are producing wine that is the equal of the best wines in the world. [=that is as good as the best wines in the world]

We are all equals here.

He has no equal at chess. = He is without equal at chess. [=no one plays chess as well as he does]

first among equals see 1FIRST

3equal verb, equals, US equaled or chiefly Brit equalled, US equal·ing or chiefly Brit equal·ling

1 [linking verb]

used to say that one amount or number is the same as another

His salary equals mine.

Three plus two equals five.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to be as good as (something else)

Nothing can ever equal that experience.

2 b : to produce something that is as good as (something else) or to do something as well as (someone else)

See if you can equal that!

a weight lifter attempting to equal his rival's performance

No one can equal him in chess.

3 [+ obj] : to have the same force, effect, etc., as (something else)

usually used as (be) equaled

His arrogance is equaled only by his vanity. [=he is both extremely arrogant and vain]

equal·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality or state of being equal : the quality or state of having the same rights, social status, etc.

racial/gender equality
the ideals of liberty and equality
women's struggle for equality
opposite INEQUALITY, compare EQUIVALENCE

equal·ize also Brit equal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing

1 : to make (something) equal or to become equal

[+ obj] They are hoping to equalize pay for workers with similar jobs.

We need to equalize educational opportunities for all children. [=to give equal educational opportunities to all children]

[no obj] Educational opportunities have not yet equalized.

2 : to make (something) even or to become even

[+ obj] trying to equalize the pressure

[no obj] The pressure soon equalized.

3 [no obj] Brit, sports : to tie the score

Their best chance to equalize [=(US) tie] came in the 60th minute.

see also EQUALIZER

equal·i·za·tion also Brit equal·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

equal·iz·er also Brit equal·is·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : something that makes people or things equal

Education can be the great equalizer. [=education can give poor people an equal chance]

2 sports : a score (such as a point, goal, or run) that ties a game

He scored the equalizer in the 60th minute.

equal·ly adv

1 : in an equal or even manner

The money will be distributed equally among the winners.

sharing the work equally

2 : to an equal degree or extent

My opinions are equally valid.

She's respected equally by the young and old.

The two projects are equally important.

Equally is sometimes used to introduce a statement that is added to and just as important as a previous statement.

We need to be concerned about his rise to power. Equally, the influence of his opponents cannot be ignored.

equally as
informal
used to say that one thing is as important, good, etc., as another thing

One project is equally as [=just as] important as the other.

equal sign noun, pl signs [count]

: a symbol = used to show that two numbers are equal

1/2 = 2/4
called also equals sign

equa·nim·i·ty noun [noncount]

formal : calm emotions when dealing with problems or pressure

She accepted her misfortunes with equanimity. [=she did not become upset; she remained calm]

equate verb, equates, equat·ed, equat·ing [+ obj]

: to say or think that (two things) are equal or the same

You shouldn't equate those two things.

often + with or and

He equates disagreement with/and disloyalty.

You shouldn't equate material wealth with happiness.

equate to [phrasal verb]

equate to (something) : to be the same as or similar to (something)

Disagreement doesn't equate to [=equal] disloyalty.

equa·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] mathematics : a statement that two expressions are equal (such as 8 + 3 = 11 or 2x 3 = 7)

solve an equation

2 [count] : a complicated situation or issue
usually singular

Helping a troubled teenager is more difficult when drugs are part of the equation. [=when drugs are involved]

The southern states will be an important part of the election equation.

3 [noncount] : the act of regarding two things as the same : the act of equating things
the equation of material wealth with/and happiness

equa·tor noun

the equator

: an imaginary circle around the middle of the Earth that is the same distance from the North Pole and the South Pole

The city of Quito, Ecuador, lies very close to the equator.

Is it near the equator?

equa·to·ri·al adj

: of or relating to the equator : located at or near the equator
equatorial regions/countries
equatorial Africa
the equatorial climate

1eques·tri·an adj

: of or relating to the riding of horses
equestrian sports
an equestrian competition

2equestrian noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person who rides horses

equi·dis·tant adj

: of equal distance : located at the same distance

Points on a circle are equidistant from its center.

Montreal is roughly equidistant from New York, Boston, and Toronto.

equi·lat·er·al triangle noun, pl -angles [count]

mathematics : a triangle in which all three sides are the same length

equi·lib·ri·um noun [noncount]

1 : a state in which opposing forces or actions are balanced so that one is not stronger or greater than the other

Supply and demand were in equilibrium.

chemical equilibrium

2 : a state of emotional balance or calmness

It took me several minutes to recover my equilibrium. [=composure]

1equine adj

1 : of or relating to horses
an equine disease
equine grace

2 : resembling a horse
an equine face
compare EQUESTRIAN

2equine noun, pl equines [count]

formal : horse

equi·nox noun, pl -nox·es [count]

: a day when day and night are the same length

There are two equinoxes in the year: the spring (or vernal) equinox, which occurs around March 21, and the autumn (or autumnal) equinox, which occurs around September 23.

compare SOLSTICE

equip verb, equips, equipped, equip·ping [+ obj]

1 a : to provide (someone) with necessary materials or supplies

More money was needed to train and equip the troops.

Equipped with a hoe and a shovel, I headed for the garden.

1 b : to provide (something) with a particular feature or ability

All of the buses are equipped with air-conditioning. [=all of the buses have air-conditioning]

specially/fully equipped aircraft

2 : to prepare (someone) for a particular activity or problem

Her training has equipped her to deal with emergencies.

She is well-equipped to deal with emergencies.

Those students are not equipped for the challenges of college.

equip·ment noun [noncount]

1 : supplies or tools needed for a special purpose
sports/stereo/laboratory equipment

The photographer came early to set up his equipment.

I'm looking for a hobby that doesn't require a lot of fancy equipment.

an expensive piece of medical equipment

2 : the act of equipping someone or something

Not enough funds were provided for the equipment of the troops.

eq·ui·ta·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : just or fair : dealing fairly and equally with everyone

They reached an equitable settlement of their dispute.

fighting for a more equitable distribution of funds
an equitable system of taxation
compare EQUABLE

eq·ui·ta·bly adv

eq·ui·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] formal : fairness or justice in the way people are treated

In making these decisions we should be governed by the principle of equity.

2 finance

2 a [noncount] : the value of a piece of property (such as a house) after any debts that remain to be paid for it (such as the amount of a mortgage) have been subtracted

We've been slowly paying off our mortgage and building up equity in our house.

a home equity loan [=a loan based on the amount of equity you have in your home]

2 b [count] : a share in a company : a share of a company's stock
usually plural

Half of his money is invested in bonds and the other half in equities.

equiv·a·lence noun [noncount]

formal : the quality or state of being alike : the quality or state of having the same value, function, meaning, etc.

the equivalence of the two propositions
compare EQUALITY

equiv·a·len·cy noun [noncount]

1 : equivalence

2 chiefly US : a level of achievement that is considered to be on the same level as finishing a course of study
often used before another noun

He went to night school and got his high school equivalency certificate. [=a certificate that is equivalent to a high school degree]

1equiv·a·lent adj

: having the same value, use, meaning, etc.

Those less-known companies manufacture equivalent products at cheaper prices.

I haven't taken English 202, but I took an equivalent course at another university.

an equivalent amount of money
two words of equivalent meaning = two words that are equivalent in meaning
often + to

100 milligrams of calcium, which is equivalent to three glasses of milk

Allowing him to leave prison now would be equivalent to [=would amount to, would be the same as] saying that his crime was not serious.

equiv·a·lent·ly adv

The two products are priced equivalently.

2equivalent noun, pl -lents [count]

: something that has the same value, use, meaning, etc., as another thing
a Chinese word for which English has no (exact) equivalent

His newspaper column is the journalistic equivalent of candy.

equiv·o·cal adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : having two or more possible meanings : ambiguous
an equivocal term

He responded to reporters' questions with equivocal answers.

opposite UNEQUIVOCAL

2 : not easily understood or explained

The experiment produced equivocal results.

equivocal evidence
equivocal behavior

equiv·o·cal·ly adv

equiv·o·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [no obj]

formal : to use unclear language especially to deceive or mislead someone

The applicant seemed to be equivocating when we asked him about his last job.

When asked about her tax plan, the candidate didn't equivocate.

equiv·o·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

The candidate spoke without equivocation about her tax plan.

[count]

His answers were filled with evasions and equivocations.

equiv·o·ca·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

er usually with a prolonged vowel interj

used when you are speaking and you are not sure what to say

“What's the answer?” “Well, er, I just don't know.”

ER abbr
emergency room

1-er adj suffix or adv suffix

used to form the comparative form of adjectives and adverbs of one syllable
faster
hotter
drier

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables
shallower
earlier

compare -EST

2-er also -ier or -yer noun suffix

1 a : person having a particular job
hatter
furrier
lawyer
jailer

1 b : person or thing belonging to or associated with something
old-timer
high schooler
prisoner

1 c : native of : resident of

New Yorker
cottager

1 d : thing that has
double-decker

2 : person or thing that does or performs a specified action
reporter
player
sharpener
do-gooder

3 : person who is
foreigner

Westerner

era Brit noun, pl eras [count]

: a period of time that is associated with a particular quality, event, person, etc.

the Victorian era
the Christian era
the era of the horse and buggy

We're just now entering an era of great prosperity.

His death marks the end of an era.

compare EPOCH

erad·i·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to remove (something) completely : to eliminate or destroy (something harmful)

The disease has now been completely eradicated.

His ambition is to eradicate poverty in/from his community.

erad·i·ca·tion noun [noncount]

working for the eradication of poverty

erase Brit verb, eras·es, erased, eras·ing

1 [+ obj] : to remove (something that has been recorded) from a tape (such as a videotape or audiotape) or a computer disk

The recording can be erased and the tape used again.

Several important files were accidentally erased.

also : to remove recorded material from (a tape or disk)

You can erase the tape/disk and use it again.

2 chiefly US

2 a : to remove (something written) by rubbing or scraping so that it can no longer be seen

[+ obj] She erased the wrong answer from her paper and filled in the correct one.

I erased the chalk marks from the blackboard.

[no obj] These marks won't erase. [=can't be erased]

2 b : to remove something written from (a surface)

erase [=clean] the blackboard

3 [+ obj] : to remove any thought or memory of (something)

Time has erased the event from her memory. [=she has completely forgotten the event]

eras·able Brit adj
an erasable tape

eras·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US : a small piece of rubber or other material that is used to erase something you have written or drawn called also (Brit) rubber

era·sure Brit noun, pl -sures

: an act of erasing something

[noncount] accidental erasure of the tape

[count] (chiefly US) There were many errors and erasures in the typescript.

ere prep or conj
old-fashioned or literary : before
ere nightfall
ere long [=soon]

1erect adj

1 [more ; most ] : straight up and down
an erect [=upright] pole
erect trees

She sat erect, listening for her name.

The soldiers stood erect.

2 : in a state of erection because of sexual excitement : swollen and stiff
an erect penis
erect nipples

erect·ly adv
standing/sitting erectly

erect·ness noun [noncount]

the erectness of her posture

2erect verb, erects, erect·ed, erect·ing [+ obj]

1 : to build (something) by putting together materials

The settlers erected [=built] a stone wall.

The city erected a statue in his honor.

sometimes used figuratively

He has had to overcome many obstacles erected by his political enemies.

erect a civilization

2 : to set or place (something) so that it stands up
erect a flagpole

They erected a marker over the grave.

erec·tile adj
technical : of or relating to an erection (sense 1)

erectile dysfunction [=a problem that makes a man unable to get an erection]

erec·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count] : the state in which a body part (such as the penis) becomes firm and swollen because of sexual excitement; also : the penis when it is in such a state
get/have an erection

2 [noncount] : the act or process of building or erecting something
the erection of a new apartment building

er·go adv
formal : therefore, hence

The products are poorly constructed; ergo, they break easily.

er·go·nom·ics noun

1 [noncount] : a science that deals with designing and arranging things so that people can use them easily and safely

2 [plural] : the parts or qualities of something's design that make it easy to use

Ergonomics are a crucial consideration when designing an office

The car's ergonomics are outstanding.

er·go·nom·ic adj [more ; most ]

ergonomic chairs/injuries/factors

The binoculars have a comfortable ergonomic shape.

er·go·nom·i·cal·ly adv
ergonomically designed office furniture

er·mine noun, pl ermine or er·mines

1 [count] US : a small animal that has a long body and fur that turns white in winter compare STOAT

2 [noncount] : the white fur of an ermine
an ermine coat

erode verb, erodes, erod·ed, erod·ing

: to gradually destroy (something) or to be gradually destroyed by natural forces (such as water, wind, or ice)

[+ obj] Crashing waves have eroded the cliffs along the beach.

often used as (be) eroded

The shoreline was badly eroded by last winter's storms.

often used figuratively

Years of mismanagement have eroded the quality of their products.

The value of your savings can be eroded by inflation.

[no obj] The shoreline has eroded badly.

often used figuratively

Support for the new law has been eroding steadily.

erog·e·nous adj [more ; most ]

: producing sexual excitement or pleasure when touched : sexually sensitive
erogenous zones [=sensitive areas on the body that cause sexual arousal when they are touched]

ero·sion noun [noncount]

: the gradual destruction of something by natural forces (such as water, wind, or ice) : the process by which something is eroded or worn away

Landscapers planted grass to stop the erosion of the hillside.

Centuries of erosion by wind have carved grooves in the rocks.

often used figuratively
the erosion of moral standards
an erosion of support for the new law

Many companies fear further erosion of liberal trade policies.

ero·sion·al adj, technical
erosional areas/periods/processes

ero·sive adj [more ; most ] technical
the erosive effect of water
erosive processes

erot·ic adj [more ; most ]

: relating to sex
erotic dreams/fantasies/feelings
an erotic [=sexual] relationship

: causing sexual feelings
erotic literature/art
erotic beauty
an erotic dance

erot·i·cal·ly adv

erot·ica noun [noncount]

: works of art or literature that deal with sex and are meant to cause sexual feelings : erotic works
a collection of erotica

erot·i·cism noun [noncount]

: a quality that causes sexual feelings
the subtle eroticism of his films
an actress known for her smoldering eroticism

err verb, errs, erred, err·ing [no obj]

formal : to make a mistake

I may have erred in my calculations.

The court erred in refusing to allow bail.

To err is human. [=it is normal for people to make mistakes]

err on the side of

To err on the side of something, such as caution, is to use or show more of it than may be needed so that you can be sure that you are using or showing enough of it.

It's better to err on the side of generosity [=to be too generous] than to be too stingy.

We chose to err on the side of caution [=to be very cautious] when planning our investments.

er·rand noun, pl -rands [count]

: a short journey that you take to do or get something

He was sent out on an urgent errand.

We were there on an errand of mercy to help provide medical care for the refugees.

often used with run

I have to run some errands for my mom this afternoon.

sometimes used with do

She had a bunch of errands to do before dinner.

A fool's errand is an errand that does not need to be done or that cannot be done successfully.

errand boy noun, pl boys [count]

US : a person whose job is to run errands for important people

He worked his way up from errand boy to regional sales manager.

Errand boy is often used figuratively to criticize people by suggesting that they are controlled by someone more powerful.

The governor is nothing more than an errand boy for the big companies in his state.

er·rant adj

1 always used before a noun

1 a : behaving wrongly
an errant [=unfaithful] husband
an errant cop [=a policeman who has broken the law]

1 b US : going outside the proper area
an errant calf
an errant motorboat

1 c US, sports : not going in the intended direction : not accurate
an errant throw/pass/shot

2 : wandering to different places in search of adventure
an errant knight
see also KNIGHT-ERRANT

Do not confuse errant with arrant.

er·rat·ic adj [more ; most ]

: acting, moving, or changing in ways that are not expected or usual : not consistent or regular

His behavior seemed erratic.

The light flashes at erratic [=irregular, random] intervals.

He's an erratic [=inconsistent] shooter.

erratic [=fluctuating] oil prices

er·rat·i·cal·ly adv
behaving/moving/acting erratically

er·ro·ne·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : not correct

We received erroneous information.

an erroneous diagnosis/theory

er·ro·ne·ous·ly adv

The paper reported erroneously [=incorrectly] that he had died.

er·ror noun, pl -rors

1 : something that is not correct : a wrong action or statement : mistake

[count] I made an error in my calculations.

They uncovered several errors in his report to the committee.

The paper contains numerous spelling errors.

The computer displayed an error message. [=a message indicating that an error has occurred]

The project was a comedy of errors. [=there were many errors made throughout the project]

The company has admitted that it made an error in judgment [=a poor decision] in trying to expand too quickly.

[noncount] horrifying cases of hospital error

The accident was caused by human error. [=by a mistake made by a person]

see also trial and error at 1TRIAL

2 [count] : a mistake made by a person who is playing a sport (such as baseball or tennis)

The shortstop was charged with an error.

in error

1 : not correct

I believe your conclusion is in error. [=incorrect, mistaken]

The judge was in error when she allowed the evidence to be admitted.

2 : in a way that is not correct

My earlier statement was made in error. [=my earlier statement was incorrect]

The evidence was admitted in error. [=incorrectly, mistakenly]

margin of/for error see MARGIN

the error of your ways

To see, recognize, acknowledge, etc., the error of your ways is to admit that you have been doing something wrong or behaving badly and to stop doing it.

Congress recognized the error of its ways and repealed the law.

He publicly acknowledged the error of his ways and asked for forgiveness.

er·ror·less adj

er·satz Brit adj [more ; most ]

: copied from something else and usually not as good as the original : fake
an apartment complex designed as an ersatz Mediterranean villa

erst·while adj, always used before a noun
formal : in the past : former
erstwhile friends [=people who were friends in the past]

erstwhile allies/enemies/lovers

er·u·dite adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing knowledge that is learned by studying
an erudite [=learned] scholar/professor/librarian
an erudite essay

er·u·dite·ly adv

er·u·di·tion noun [noncount]

: impressive knowledge that is learned by studying
a scholar of remarkable erudition
an amazing display of erudition [=learning]

erupt verb, erupts, erupt·ed, erupt·ing [no obj]

1 : to send out rocks, ash, lava, etc., in a sudden explosion

The volcano erupted with tremendous force.

also : to come out in a sudden explosion

+ from

Tons of ash erupted from the volcano.

Steam erupted from the geyser.

2 : to happen or begin suddenly and violently

War could erupt [=break out] in that part of the world at any time.

Riots erupted last summer.

A bitter dispute has erupted among the members of the team.

3 : to begin doing something (such as shouting or applauding) suddenly
usually + in, into, or with

The crowd erupted in applause when she finished her speech.

The audience erupted into/with laughter.

4 : to appear suddenly on the skin

A rash has erupted on his back.

5 of a tooth : to come out through the gum
permanent teeth erupting

erup·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

a volcanic eruption
a sudden eruption of violence
a skin eruption [=a rash that has erupted on the skin]

[noncount]

trying to prevent eruption of violence

erup·tive adj, technical
eruptive volcanic activity

-ery noun suffix

1 : qualities considered as a group : character
snobbery

2 : place of doing, keeping, producing, or selling (something)

fishery
bakery

3 : collection
finery

4 : state or condition
slavery

1-es after after or a vowel noun plural suffix

used to form the plural of most nouns that end in s, x, z, sh, ch, or a final y that changes to i
glasses
boxes
waltzes
bushes
peaches
ladies

compare 1-S

2-es verb suffix

used to form the third person singular present tense of most verbs that end in s, x, z, sh, ch, or a final y that changes to i
blesses
mixes
fizzes
hushes
catches
defies

compare 2-S

es·ca·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing

1 : to become worse or to make (something) worse or more severe

[no obj] The conflict has escalated into an all-out war.

a time of escalating tensions/violence

[+ obj] We are trying not to escalate the violence.

2 : to become greater or higher or to make (something) greater or higher

[no obj] Salaries of leading executives have continued to escalate.

an effort to combat escalating [=rising] costs

[+ obj] The cold weather has escalated fuel prices.

es·ca·la·tion noun [count, noncount]

es·ca·la·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a moving set of stairs that carries people up or down from one level of a building to another

es·ca·pade noun, pl -pades [count]

: an exciting, foolish, or dangerous experience or adventure
a madcap/drunken/comic escapade

As a teenager he embarked on a series of ill-advised escapades.

sexual/erotic escapades

1es·cape verb, -capes, -caped, -cap·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to get away from a place (such as a prison) where you are being held or kept

The prisoner escaped (from jail).

an escaped convict [=a convict who has escaped from prison]

1 b : to get away from a dangerous place or situation

The boat sank but the crew escaped (unharmed).

They managed to escape from the burning building.

2 : to get away from something that is difficult or unpleasant

[+ obj] He needed a vacation to escape the routine of daily life.

She moved to the city to escape the memory of her mother's death.

trying to help people to escape poverty

[no obj] trying to help people to escape from poverty

This vacation will give us a chance to escape (from the routine of daily life).

escape from reality

3 : to avoid something : to not experience something (such as disease or injury)

[+ obj] He succeeded in escaping punishment for many years.

A few passengers somehow escaped injury.

escaped being injured

She barely/narrowly escaped death/disaster when her car slid off the road.

Many cases of fraud escape detection. [=are not detected]

[no obj] Several passengers escaped without injury.

She narrowly escaped with her life. [=she narrowly avoided death]

4 [+ obj] : to fail to be remembered or noticed by (someone)

His name escapes me. [=I can't remember his name]

Nothing escapes her. = Nothing escapes her notice.

5 [no obj] : to come out from somewhere

A bit of light escaped through the cracks.

: to leak out

Gas is escaping from the tank.

6 literary : to come out or be spoken without being intended

[+ obj] A sigh of relief escaped her. [=she sighed in relief without realizing that she was doing it]

[no obj] A sigh escaped from her lips.

escape the ax see 1AX

there is no escaping

used to say that something is certainly true, real, etc., and cannot be avoided or denied

There's no escaping the conclusion [=it is necessary to conclude] that he lied about his involvement.

There's no escaping the fact that this system needs to be replaced.

2escape noun, pl -capes

1 [count] : an act of escaping from a place, situation, etc.

The prisoners attempted a daring escape.

He celebrated his escape from his boring job with a long vacation.

He made his escape. = He made good his escape. [=he succeeded in escaping]

She had a lucky escape when she wasn't injured in the accident.

She managed to avoid serious injury, but it was a narrow escape.

2 [count] : a way of escaping from a place, situation, etc.

The door was locked; there was no escape.

Gardening offered an escape from her busy life.

see also FIRE ESCAPE

3 : an occurrence in which an amount of liquid or gas passes out through a hole or crack in a container

[count] an accidental escape of poisonous gases

[noncount] trying to prevent further escape of liquid

escape artist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person (such as an entertainer) who is good at escaping

Harry Houdini became famous as an escape artist.

escape clause noun, pl clauses [count]

: a part of a contract that allows you to get out of the contract in a particular situation

es·cap·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

: a person who has escaped : a prisoner who has escaped
an escapee from the local jail

escape hatch noun, pl hatches [count]

: a door or hatch that can be used to get out of something in an emergency
the escape hatch of a submarine

escape mechanism noun, pl -nisms [count]

: a way of behaving or thinking that is used to avoid unpleasant facts or problems

She uses humor as an escape mechanism.

Football gives him an escape mechanism for his anger.

es·cap·ism noun [noncount]

: an activity or form of entertainment that allows people to forget about the real problems of life

The movie is pure escapism. [=fantasy]

Reading romantic novels is for her a form of escapism.

es·cap·ist adj
escapist fiction
the film's escapist appeal

es·carp·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a long cliff or steep slope that separates two flat or slightly sloped areas

es·chew verb, es·chews, es·chewed, es·chew·ing [+ obj]

formal : to avoid (something) especially because you do not think it is right, proper, etc.

They now eschew the violence of their past.

a psychologist who eschews the traditional methods of psychotherapy

1es·cort noun, pl -corts [count]

1 a : a person or group of people who go with someone to give protection guidance

Visitors are not allowed to enter the building without an escort.

a police escort
sometimes used after under

The prisoner was taken to the court under police escort. [=with a police escort]

1 b : a group of vehicles, ships, or planes that provide protection

The bombers were protected by a fighter escort.

2 a formal : a man who goes with a woman to a social event

Everyone was surprised when she arrived at the party without an escort.

2 b : a woman or a man who is hired to go with someone to a social event
often used before another noun
an escort agency/service

2es·cort verb, -corts, -cort·ed, -cort·ing [+ obj]

: to go with (someone or something) to give protection or guidance

He escorted [=guided, led] me to the library upstairs.

Several fighters escorted the bombers back to base.

Es·ki·mo noun, pl Eskimo or Es·ki·mos [count]

: a member of a group of people of Alaska, northern Canada, Greenland, and northeastern Siberia

The word Eskimo is now considered offensive by some people.

compare INUIT

ESL noun [noncount]

: the teaching of English to people who speak a different language and who live in a country where English is the main language spoken

ESL is an abbreviation of “English as a second language.”

esoph·a·gus (US) or Brit oe·soph·a·gus noun, pl -a·gi [count]

medical : the tube that leads from the mouth through the throat to the stomach

es·o·ter·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : only taught to or understood by members of a special group
esoteric knowledge

: hard to understand
esoteric subjects/concepts

2 : limited to a small number of people
esoteric pursuits
esoteric religious sects

es·o·ter·i·cal·ly adv

esp. abbr
especially

ESP noun [noncount]

: extrasensory perception

es·pe·cial adj, always used before a noun
formal : more than usual : special

This is a matter of especial importance.

es·pe·cial·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : more than usually : very, extremely

He was especially concerned about the contract.

an especially good essay

There is nothing especially radical about that idea.

Winning this tournament was especially satisfying.

The food was not especially good. [=not very good]

2 a
used to indicate something that deserves special mention

She can't be sure she will win, especially at this early stage of the campaign.

The appetizers and especially [=particularly] the soup were delicious.

Especially in the beginning, they had many doubts.

2 b : for a particular purpose or person

The facility was built especially [=specifically] for research.

I made this pie especially for you.

not especially
informal
used to say that you are not very interested in doing something

“Would you like to go to a movie?” “No, not especially.”

es·pi·o·nage noun [noncount]

: the things that are done to find out secrets from enemies or competitors : the activity of spying

He was charged with several counts of espionage.

international/industrial espionage
an espionage novel/thriller

es·pla·nade Brit noun, pl -nades [count]

: a level, open area; especially : an area for walking or driving along a shore
a tree-lined esplanade by the river

es·pous·al noun [singular]

formal : the act of expressing support for a cause or belief : the act of espousing something

+ of

His espousal of socialism has been a surprise to many former colleagues.

es·pouse verb, -pous·es, -poused, -pous·ing [+ obj]

formal : to express support for (a cause, belief, etc.)

The new theory has been espoused by many leading physicists.

Those espousing unpopular views were often excluded.

es·pous·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an espouser [=supporter, proponent] of liberal causes

espres·so noun, pl -sos

: strong coffee that is made by forcing steam through finely ground roasted coffee beans

[noncount] a cup of espresso

[count] Two espressos, [=cups of espresso] please.

es·prit de corps noun [noncount]

: feelings of loyalty, enthusiasm, and devotion to a group among people who are members of the group

The troops showed great esprit de corps.

es·py verb, -pies, -pied, -py·ing [+ obj]

formal + literary : to see or notice (someone or something)

“the next thing he espies may be the lady.” Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream (1595)

Esq. abbr
esquire

es·quire Brit noun, pl -quires [count]

used as a title of courtesy after a name;
in writing usually used in its abbreviated form Esq.

John Smith, Esq.

The use of Esq. after a man's name was once common in British English but is now considered somewhat old-fashioned. In U.S. English, Esq. is used in writing after the name of an attorney, and it is used for both men and women.

Sheila Jones, Esq.

1es·say noun, pl -says [count]

: a short piece of writing that tells a person's thoughts or opinions about a subject

Your assignment is to write a 500-word essay on one of Shakespeare's sonnets.

The book is a collection of his previously unpublished essays on/about a variety of topics.

2es·say verb, -says, -sayed, -say·ing [+ obj]

formal : to try to do, perform, or deal with (something)

He at first essayed [=tried, attempted] a career as a writer.

There is no hint as to which of the approaches essayed in this book will prove most useful.

sometimes followed by to + verb

He essayed [=tried, attempted] to restore an emphasis on classical languages.

es·say·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a writer of essays
a 17th-century essayist

es·sence noun

1 [singular] : the basic nature of a thing : the quality or qualities that make a thing what it is

The essence of love is unselfishness.

The book's illustrations capture the essence of the story.

Competition is the (very) essence of capitalism.

2 [noncount] : a substance that contains in very strong form the special qualities (such as the taste and smell) of the thing from which it is taken
essence of peppermint/lemon

in essence

: at the most basic level

He was in essence [=basically, essentially, fundamentally] an honest person.

In essence, I believe that a real solution is not possible.

of the essence

: of the greatest importance

Time/speed is of the essence when dealing with a medical emergency.

1es·sen·tial adj [more ; most ]

1 : extremely important and necessary

As a fighter pilot, he knows that good vision is essential.

Reservations are essential [=necessary, needed] if you plan to eat there on a Saturday.

often + to or for

The river is essential to the region's economy.

Food is essential [=necessary] for life.

often followed by to + verb

It is essential to use the proper technique.

It's essential to arrive on time.

often + that

It's essential that we arrive on time.

2 : very basic : fundamental

Free speech is an essential right of citizenship.

The essential problem with this plan is that it will cost too much.

There's no essential difference between the two products.

es·sen·tial·ly adv [more ; most ]

All action movies have essentially [=basically, fundamentally] the same plot.

What he says is essentially true.

es·sen·tial·ness noun [noncount]

2essential noun, pl -tials [count]

: something that is basic or necessary : something essential
usually plural
the essentials for success

He tried to teach them the essentials of physics in just a week.

a computer stripped down to its essentials

We only had enough room to pack the bare essentials. [=the things that are absolutely necessary]

essential oil noun, pl oils [count]

: an oil that comes from a plant, that smells like the plant it comes from, and that is used in perfumes and flavorings

-est adj suffix or adv suffix

used to form the superlative of most adjectives and adverbs of one syllable
sweetest
fattest
latest

used to form the superlative of some adjectives and adverbs of two or more syllables
luckiest
oftenest

compare -ER

es·tab·lish verb, -lish·es, -lished, -lish·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to cause (someone or something) to be widely known and accepted
establish a claim

The film established her as a star.

She established a reputation as a hard worker.

The word is now established as part of the English language.

The company has established itself as a leader in the industry.

1 b : to put (someone or something) in a position, role, etc., that will last for a long time

As a young doctor he worked hard to establish himself in the community.

They want to establish their children in the family business.

2 a : to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time)

establish [=found] a school

The city was established [=founded] in the 18th century.

2 b : to succeed in making or creating (something)

He was never able to establish [=build, forge] a close relationship with his son.

She established a system of tracking expenses more accurately.

We need to establish [=set] more realistic goals for ourselves.

The two countries established a mutual trade agreement.

3 a : to make the truth or existence of (something) clear or certain : to show that (something) is true or real

He was unable to establish [=prove] his innocence.

Research has established [=demonstrated, shown] that he played an important role in the negotiations.

establishing a link between diet and cancer

3 b : to find out (something)

Investigators are trying to establish if/whether anyone knew about these problems before the accident.

I was unable to establish why these changes were made.

established adj

1 : accepted and used by many people

You need to follow established [=standard] procedures/practices.

a well-established principle

He challenged the established order. [=the way things are usually done in society, in an organization, etc.]

2 : successful for a long period of time
an established author/artist
an established law firm

3 of a church or religion : officially recognized and accepted by the government of a country
an established church
often used in British English to refer to the Church of England
a leader of the Established Church

es·tab·lish·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : a place or organization where people live or do business
a dry-cleaning establishment
a business establishment

2 [noncount] : the act of establishing something or someone: such as

2 a : the act of starting something that will last for a long time
the establishment of a business/school/church/settlement

2 b : the act of causing something or someone to be widely known and accepted
the establishment of a scientific fact

3 a or Establishment [singular] often disapproving : the people in business, government, etc., who have power over the other people in a society

She dislikes establishment types.

an antiestablishment campaign
usually used with the

We spent our youth rebelling against the Establishment.

He accepted a boring job and became a member of the Establishment.

3 b the establishment : the part of a particular group that has power or control

His novels were disliked by the literary establishment.

the medical establishment

es·tate noun, pl es·tates

1 [count]

1 a : all of the things that a person owns

His estate is worth millions of dollars.

1 b : the things left by someone who has died

He inherited the estate from his parents.

2 [count] : a large piece of land with a large house on it
a country estate
the grounds of the estate
see also REAL ESTATE

3 [count] Brit : a group of buildings that were built for a particular purpose (such as housing or industry) on an area of land
a council estate [=buildings built by a local government council]

see also INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

4 [count] Brit : estate car, station wagon

5 [noncount] formal : a particular state or condition
the estate [=state] of matrimony

see also FOURTH ESTATE

estate agent noun, pl agents [count]

Brit : real estate agent

estate car noun, pl cars [count]

Brit : station wagon

estate tax noun, pl taxes [count, noncount]

: a tax that you pay on the money and other property that comes to you because someone has died : a tax on an estate that you inherit called also (Brit) death duty (chiefly US) death tax

1es·teem noun [noncount]

formal

1 : respect and affection

She has won esteem for her work with cancer patients.

His movies have always enjoyed critical esteem. [=have always been praised by critics]

Please accept this gift as a token of my esteem. [=as a sign of my affection and respect]

2
used to say how much someone or something is admired and respected

His movies have fallen in critical esteem. [=are admired less now than they were before]

often used after hold

He holds his father in high esteem. [=he respects and admires his father]

That type of job is held in low esteem [=is poorly regarded] by most people.

see also SELF-ESTEEM

2esteem verb, es·teems, es·teemed, es·teem·ing [+ obj]

formal : to think very highly or favorably of (someone or something)

usually used as (be) esteemed

She is (highly) esteemed for her work with cancer patients.

an actor esteemed [=admired] by all his peers
an esteemed author/artist/colleague

esthete, esthetic variant spellings of AESTHETE, ASTHETIC

es·ti·ma·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : deserving respect : admirable

She has written an estimable novel.

We owe thanks to our estimable colleague.

1es·ti·mate noun, pl -mates

1 [count] : a guess that you make based on the information you have about the size, amount, etc., of something

According to government estimates, current oil reserves are 10 percent lower than they were a year ago.

One conservative estimate is that he stole five million dollars.

At a (very) rough estimate, the job will take three months.

2 [count] : a statement about how much a job will cost

We solicited several estimates for the project.

The contractor's estimate for the job seemed high.

3 : an opinion or judgment about how good or bad something is

[singular] He has a high estimate [=opinion, estimation] of his own abilities.

[noncount] The company's products are, by general estimate, poorly made.

2es·ti·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing [+ obj]

: to give or form a general idea about the value, size, or cost of (something) : to make an estimate of (something)

They estimated the distance at/as about three miles.

We need to estimate how much paint we'll need for the job.

The cost of the project has been estimated at/as about 10 million dollars.

He estimates that current oil reserves are 20 percent lower than they were a year ago.

Damage from the hurricane is estimated (to be) in the billions of dollars.

estimated adj

An estimated 50,000 people were in attendance.

es·ti·ma·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

es·ti·ma·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [singular] formal : a judgment or opinion about something

My estimation of his films was never very high. [=I never thought his films were very good]

This is not, in my estimation, an efficient use of our resources.

She went down in her supporters' estimation after she voted against the plan.

2 a [noncount] : the act of judging the size, amount, cost, etc., of something : the act of estimating something

Planning the project requires careful cost estimation.

By his own estimation [=estimate] he had wrecked six different cars.

2 b [count] : a guess about the size, amount, cost, etc., of something

My estimation [=(more commonly) estimate] of the amount of materials we needed was wrong.

es·trange verb, -trang·es, -tranged, -trang·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to cause someone to be no longer friendly or close to another person or group
usually + from

His political beliefs have estranged him from his family.

often used as (be) estranged

They are estranged from their children.

an estranged couple [=a married couple who no longer live together]

her estranged husband [=her husband, who no longer lives with her]

an estranged wife [=a wife who no longer lives with her husband]

2 : to cause someone to be no longer involved or connected with something
usually + from

This decision estranged her from the church.

He felt estranged from his past life.

es·trange·ment noun [noncount]

His estrangement from his family was deeply painful.

es·tro·gen (US) or Brit oes·tro·gen Brit noun [noncount]

medical : a substance (called a hormone) that occurs naturally in women

Estrogen plays an important role in the development of the female characteristics of a woman's body.

es·tro·gen·ic (US) or Brit oes·tro·gen·ic Brit adj, technical
estrogenic chemicals

es·tu·ary Brit noun, pl -ar·ies [count]

: an area where a river flows into the sea

ETA abbr
estimated time of arrival

The flight's ETA is 5:00 p.m. [=the flight is expected to arrive at around 5:00 p.m.]

e-tail noun [noncount]

: the business of using the Internet to sell products directly to the people who will use them
growing opportunities in e-tail
often used before another noun
an e-tail store/site
e-tail sales

e-tail·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a book e-tailer [=an online bookstore]

et al. abbr
and others
used to shorten a list of names
a paper written by Jones, Smith, et al.

The abbreviation et al. comes from a Latin phrase that means “and others.”

etc. abbr
et cetera

et cet·era

: and other things of the same kind : and so forth
in writing usually used in its abbreviated form etc.

They accuse us of being fat, stupid, lazy, etc.

He brought a tent, sleeping bag, etc., when he came to visit.

etch verb, etch·es, etched, etch·ing [+ obj]

: to produce a pattern, design, etc., by using a powerful liquid (called an acid) to cut the surface of metal or glass
etched an identification number on the back of the television
glass that has been etched with an identification number
often used figuratively

That trip is etched in her memory. [=she will never forget that trip]

Pain/sorrow was etched [=was shown very clearly] on his face.

etch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a skillful painter and etcher

etching noun, pl -ings [count]

: a picture made by putting ink on an etched piece of metal and then pressing paper against the metal

eter·nal adj

1 : having no beginning and no end in time : lasting forever
eternal life
eternal damnation
eternal bliss
the eternal flames of hell
light an eternal flame [=a small fire that is kept burning as a symbol to show that something will never end]

2 : existing at all times : always true or valid
eternal [=timeless] truths
in search of eternal wisdom

3 : seeming to last forever

When will his eternal whining stop?

eter·nal·ly adv

I will be eternally grateful for your help.

eternally young

eter·ni·ty noun

1 [noncount] : time without an end

She promised to love him for all eternity. [=to love him forever]

2 [noncount] : a state that comes after death and never ends

They believed that sinners would spend eternity in hell.

3 [singular] : time that seems to be without an end

I waited (for) an eternity for my car to be fixed.

We suffered through an eternity of delays during the lawsuit.

-eth see -TH

eth·a·nol noun [noncount]

technical : alcohol 1
used especially to refer to alcohol when it is used as a fuel
a car that uses a mixture of ethanol and gasoline for fuel

ether noun [noncount]

1 : a liquid that burns easily, that is used to turn solid substances into liquid, and that was used in medicine in the past to prevent patients from feeling pain during operations

2 the ether : the air : the sky

The balloon disappeared into the ether.

plucked an answer out of the ether [=out of thin air]

used especially when describing electronic signals that travel through the air
broadcasting radio signals into the ether
sent a message over/through the ether

ethe·re·al adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 a : in heaven
ethereal heights

1 b : resembling heaven : seeming to belong to another world

The windows give the church an ethereal glow.

ethereal music

2 : very delicate
an ethereal ballet dancer
ethereal elegance

His writing is filled with ethereal [=airy] abstractions.

ethe·re·al·ly adv
an ethereally beautiful image

Ether·net noun [noncount]

technical : a system of wires and devices for connecting computers so that they can work together

eth·ic noun, pl -ics

1 [count] : rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good and bad
the Protestant/Puritan ethic
usually plural
legal/medical ethics
government/journalistic/professional ethics

His ethics are questionable. [=some of the things he does may be morally wrong]

The company has its own code of ethics. [=its own set of rules about good and bad behavior]

2 ethics [noncount] : an area of study that deals with ideas about what is good and bad behavior : a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong

Ethics is his chosen field of study.

3 [count] : a belief that something is very important
usually singular
a peace ethic

People here have a strong work ethic. [=a strong belief in the importance and value of work]

eth·i·cal adj

1 : involving questions of right and wrong behavior : relating to ethics
ethical [=moral] principles/standards
ethical theories/problems

2 [more ; most ] : following accepted rules of behavior : morally right and good

Some doctors feel that this procedure is not medically ethical.

favoring the ethical [=humane] treatment of animals
opposite UNETHICAL

eth·i·cal·ly adv
behaving ethically [=in a way that is right and good]

ethically dubious behavior [=behavior that may be morally wrong]

Her involvement in the case was ethically wrong.

1eth·nic adj

1 : of or relating to races or large groups of people who have the same customs, religion, origin, etc.

The U.S. has a wide variety of ethnic groups made up of immigrants or their descendants.

ethnic Germans/Chinese [=people whose culture or background is German/Chinese]

ethnic violence/fighting [=violence/fighting between different ethnic groups]

ethnic minorities [=people who belong to an ethnic group that is a relatively small part of a population]

2 : associated with or belonging to a particular race or group of people who have a culture that is different from the main culture of a country
an ethnic neighborhood
ethnic customs

I love ethnic food/restaurants.

eth·ni·cal·ly adv
an ethnically diverse population

eth·nic·i·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

people of different ethnicities [=people who belong to different ethnic groups]

[noncount]

groups separated by race and ethnicity

2ethnic noun, pl -nics [count]

chiefly US : a person who belongs to a particular ethnic group
used chiefly in newspapers and magazines
trying to win the votes of blacks and of white ethnics
urban ethnics

ethnic cleansing noun [noncount]

: the practice of removing or killing people who belong to an ethnic group that is different from the ruling group in a country or region

eth·no·cen·tric adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : having or based on the idea that your own group or culture is better or more important than others

The review was criticized for its ethnocentric bias.

eth·no·cen·tric·ity noun [noncount]

eth·no·cen·trism noun [noncount]

eth·nog·ra·phy noun [noncount]

: the study of human races and cultures

eth·nog·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

eth·no·graph·ic adj
ethnographic research

eth·no·graph·i·cal·ly adv

ethos noun [singular]

formal : the guiding beliefs of a person, group, or organization

The company made environmental awareness part of its business ethos.

They are working to keep a democratic ethos alive in the community.

an ethos of arrogance

eth·yl alcohol noun [noncount]

technical : ethanol

et·i·quette noun [noncount]

: the rules indicating the proper and polite way to behave

Her failure to respond to the invitation was a serious breach of etiquette.

a book of etiquette
telephone etiquette [=the proper way to behave when speaking on the telephone]

-ette noun suffix

1 : little one
kitchenette

2 : female
majorette

et·y·mol·o·gy noun, pl -gies

1 [count] : an explanation of where a word came from : the history of a word

According to its etymology, the English word “dope” comes from the Dutch word “doop” (which means “sauce”).

Several different etymologies have been proposed.

2 [noncount] : the study of word histories
an expert in etymology

et·y·mo·log·i·cal adj
etymological research
an etymological dictionary/expert

et·y·mo·log·i·cal·ly adv

The words are related etymologically.

et·y·mol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

a brilliant etymologist

EU abbr

European Union

eu·ca·lyp·tus noun, pl -tus·es also -ti [count]

: a type of tree that grows naturally in western Australia and that is grown in other places for the products (such as wood and oil) that it provides

Eu·cha·rist noun

the Eucharist

: a Christian ceremony in which bread is eaten and wine is drunk as a way of showing devotion to Jesus Christ : communion
celebrate the Eucharist

Eu·cha·ris·tic adj

eu·gen·ics noun [noncount]

: a science that tries to improve the human race by controlling which people become parents

eu·lo·gize also Brit eu·lo·gise verb, -giz·es, -gized, -giz·ing [+ obj]

: to say or write good things about (someone or something); especially : to praise (someone who has died) in a eulogy

He was eulogized at his funeral as a great actor and a good friend.

eu·lo·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

described by his eulogist as a great actor

eu·lo·gy noun, pl -gies [count]

: a speech that praises someone who has died

He delivered a moving eulogy at his father's funeral.

Eulogy can refer to any speech expressing praise, but it almost always refers to a funeral speech.

compare ELEGY

eu·nuch noun, pl eu·nuchs [count]

: a man who has had his sexual organs removed

eu·phe·mism noun, pl -misms [count]

: a mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive
using “eliminate” as a euphemism for “kill”

eu·phe·mis·tic adj [more ; most ]

euphemistic language

eu·phe·mis·ti·cal·ly adv

The prison was euphemistically referred to as a “correctional facility.”

eu·pho·ni·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : having a pleasant sound
a euphonious name
euphonious harmonies

eu·pho·ria noun [noncount]

: a feeling of great happiness and excitement

The initial euphoria following their victory in the election has now subsided.

The drug produces intense feelings of euphoria.

eu·phor·ic adj [more ; most ]

a euphoric mood
feeling euphoric
euphoric effects of a drug

eu·phor·i·cal·ly adv

Eur·asian adj

1 : of or relating to both Europe and Asia
a Eurasian empire
a Eurasian species of bird

2 : having ancestors from both Europe and Asia
a Eurasian child

Eurasian noun, pl -asians [count]

eu·re·ka interj

used to express excitement when a discovery has been made

He held up the gold and shouted “Eureka! I have found it!”

eu·ro noun, pl -ros also -ro [count]

: a monetary unit used by countries of the European Union since 1999
was sold for 100,000 euros

Euro- or Eur- combining form

: Europe : European : European and

Euro-American relations

Eurasian

Eu·ro·pe·an noun, pl -ans [count]

1 : a person born, raised, or living in Europe; also : a native or resident of the continent of Europe rather than Britain

2 : a person who is descended from Europeans

European adj

European history

eu·tha·na·sia noun [noncount]

: the act or practice of killing someone who is very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering
a physician who refuses to practice euthanasia
called also mercy killing

evac·u·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 [+ obj] : to remove (someone) from a dangerous place

People who live along the coast are being evacuated as the hurricane approaches.

During World War II, children were evacuated from London to the country.

2 : to leave (a dangerous place)

[+ obj] Residents were ordered to evacuate the building.

[no obj] Residents have been ordered to evacuate.

3 [+ obj] medical : to pass (solid waste) from your body
evacuate your bowels

evac·u·a·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

Many nations are assisting in the evacuation of the refugees.

[count]

repeated evacuations of the embassy

evac·u·ee noun, pl -ees [count]

: a person who has been removed from a dangerous place : a person who has been evacuated

One hundred evacuees spent the night at a school during the storm.

evade verb, evades, evad·ed, evad·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to stay away from (someone or something) : to avoid (someone or something)

The criminals have so far managed to evade the police.

They have evaded capture/arrest. [=have avoided being captured/arrested]

His criminal activities somehow evaded detection. [=were not detected]

1 b : to avoid dealing with or facing (something)

a politician skilled at evading difficult questions

The governor has been accused of evading the issue.

1 c : to avoid doing (something required)

illegally evading taxes [=failing to pay taxes]

2 a : to not be understood by (someone)

Their purpose in doing this evades me. [=I don't understand their purpose]

2 b : to fail to be achieved by (someone)

Up to now, success has evaded [=eluded] me.

evad·er noun, pl -ers [count]

tax evaders

eval·u·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to judge the value or condition of (someone or something) in a careful and thoughtful way

We need to evaluate our options.

evaluate a job candidate
evaluate a training program as effective/ineffective

eval·u·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

make/do an evaluation of the program

He's been ordered to undergo/have/get a psychiatric evaluation.

teacher evaluations

[noncount]

The program will be undergoing careful evaluation.

eval·u·a·tive Brit adj, formal
evaluative procedures/criteria

eval·u·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

ev·a·nes·cent adj [more ; most ]

formal + literary : lasting a very short time
evanescent fame

ev·a·nes·cence noun [noncount]

evan·gel·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

1 : of or relating to a Christian sect or group that stresses the authority of the Bible, the importance of believing that Jesus Christ saved you personally from sin or hell, and the preaching of these beliefs to other people
the evangelical movement

She is an evangelical Christian.

2 : having or showing very strong and enthusiastic feelings

He spoke about the project with evangelical zeal.

evangelical or Evangelical noun, pl -cals [count]

She is an Evangelical.

evan·gel·i·cal·ly adv

evan·ge·list noun, pl -lists [count]

1 : a person and especially a preacher who tries to convince people to become Christian see also TELEVANGELIST

2 : someone who talks about something with great enthusiasm
an evangelist of space exploration
software evangelists

3 or Evangelist : a writer of any of the Gospels in the Bible

St. John the Evangelist

evan·ge·lism noun [noncount]

television evangelism

evan·ge·lis·tic adj [more ; most ]

He spoke with evangelistic [=evangelical] zeal.

the evangelistic movement

evan·ge·lize also Brit evan·ge·lise verb, -liz·es, -lized, -liz·ing

: to try to convert (a group or area) to a different religion (especially Christianity)

[+ obj] The missionaries set out to evangelize the world.

often used figuratively

They evangelized their neighbors about the importance of saving energy.

[no obj] They were evangelizing about the importance of saving energy.

evan·ge·li·za·tion also Brit evan·ge·li·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

evap·o·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing

1 : to change from a liquid into a gas

[no obj] Let the liquid start to evaporate.

[+ obj] The heat evaporated the water.

2 [no obj] : to go away suddenly : to disappear or vanish

The opportunity evaporated before he could act on it.

evap·o·ra·tion noun [noncount]

water loss through evaporation

evap·o·ra·tive adj, technical
evaporative cooling

evap·o·ra·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

The boiling takes place in machines called evaporators.

evaporated milk noun [noncount]

: canned milk from which most of the water has been removed compare CONDENSED MILK

eva·sion noun, pl -sions

1 a [noncount] : the act of avoiding something that you do not want to do or deal with : the act of evading something

He was arrested for tax/draft evasion.

1 b [count] : a way of avoiding something

They came up with an evasion of the law to keep all the land for themselves.

2 [count] : a statement or action that avoids directly dealing with something (such as a difficult problem or question)

His reply was nothing but careful evasions.

eva·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : not honest or direct

She gave an evasive answer.

2 : done to avoid harm, an accident, etc.

They took evasive action to avoid capture.

an evasive maneuver

eva·sive·ly adv

She answered evasively.

eva·sive·ness noun [noncount]

eve noun, pl eves [count]

1 literary : evening
one pleasant summer's eve

“from noon to dewy eve” John Milton, Paradise Lost (1667)

2 : the evening or the day before a special day
usually singular

New Year's Eve

Christmas Eve

3 : the period of time just before an important event
used in the phrase on the eve of

The students were nervous on the eve of their graduation.

1even adj

1 [more ; most ]

1 a : having a flat, smooth, or level surface

We finally reached even ground after the long climb.

The ground became more even. [=level]

1 b : not having breaks or bumps
an even coastline

The transition was even [=smooth] and slow.

2 : located next to someone or something else

They slowed down and waited for him to draw even.

often + with

The houses are lined up even with each other. [=lined up so that neither one is in front of or behind the other]

3 : not changing : staying the same

She spoke with a calm, even voice.

the even beat of the drum

He was maintaining an even [=constant] speed.

4 a [more ; most ] : equal and fair : not giving an advantage to one side or group
an even trade

He favors a more even distribution of wealth.

Everyone should have an even chance.

4 b : having nothing owed by either side

Here's the money I owe you. Now we're even. [=now we don't owe each other anything]

4 c : not likely to be won easily by one side or another
an even match

5 a of a number : able to be divided by two into two equal whole numbers

2, 4, 6, and 8 are even numbers; 1, 3, 5, and 7 are odd numbers.

5 b : marked by an even number
the even and odd pages of a book

5 c always used before a noun : not more or less than a stated amount

That'll cost you an even dollar. [=that'll cost you exactly one dollar]

an even dozen

6
used to say that something is as likely to happen as to not happen

He stands an even [=fifty-fifty] chance of winning.

Our chances of success or failure are about even.

break even see 1BREAK

get even

: to do something bad or unpleasant to someone who has treated you badly or unfairly

He vowed that he would get even (with them) for the way he'd been treated.

on an even keel see 1KEEL

even·ly adv

The money was distributed evenly.

The committee was evenly divided.

The two teams are evenly matched.

Apply pressure slowly and evenly.

even·ness noun [noncount]

the evenness of the lighting/distribution/match

2even adv

1
used to stress something that is surprising or unlikely

It's so simple that even a child can do it.

Not only did she stay in business, she even managed to make a profit.

They've changed everything about the place, even the color!

They've changed the doors, the carpets, the color, even!

2
used to stress the difference between two things that are being compared

His first book was good, but this one is even better.

An even bigger change came the next year.

3
used after a negative word (such as not or a contraction of not) to stress the smallness of an amount or effort

Not only didn't they help, they didn't even offer to help!

We thought he'd be interested in the painting, but he didn't even glance at it.

She didn't even give him a second thought.

4
used to stress something that goes beyond what has just been mentioned in some way (such as by being stronger or more specific)

They were willing, even eager, to help.

The disease can cause brain damage and even death.

even as

: at the same time as

They are finishing the job even as we speak. [=they are finishing the job right now]

even if

used to stress that something will happen despite something else that might prevent it

I'm going to the party even if it rains. [=whether or not it rains]

even now/then

1
used to stress that something is or was happening at a particular time

They are even now preparing for his arrival. [=they are preparing for his arrival right now]

Enemy troops were even then approaching the city.

2
used to stress that something (such as a person's attitude or behavior) was or is very surprising and unexpected

We showed her the proof, but even then, she wouldn't admit she was wrong.

Despite all that went wrong, he insists even now that he would do it again.

even so

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

even though

used as a stronger way to say “though” or “although”

She stayed with him even though he often mistreated her.

I'm going even though it may rain.

3even verb, evens, evened, even·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) equal

He evened [=tied] the set at two games apiece.

see also even the score at 1SCORE

even out [phrasal verb]

1 : to become level

After a long climb the ground evened out. [=leveled out]

2 even (something) out or even out (something) : to make (something) even and smooth

Let me even out the rug.

3 even out or even (something) out or even out (something) : to reach a balanced or middle state between extremes over a period of time

The economy had good periods and bad periods, but it all evened out by the end of the year.

Any variations will be evened out eventually.

even·hand·ed adj [more ; most ]

: not favoring one side or group over another : fair
evenhanded justice

I thought it was an evenhanded assessment/analysis/treatment of her performance.

even·hand·ed·ly adv

even·hand·ed·ness noun [noncount]

1eve·ning noun, pl -nings [count]

1 : the last part of the day and early part of the night

We're going out to dinner this evening.

He devotes his evenings to charity work.

They left on the evening of July 26.

often used before another noun
an evening walk

We watched the evening news. [=a news program broadcast in the evening]

I'm taking two evening classes. [=classes for adult students that are scheduled in the evening]

2 : an event or activity that happens during an evening

We're looking forward to an evening at the theater.

several fun-filled evenings of poker

3 literary : a late part of something (such as a person's life)

He met her in the evening of his life.

2evening present participle of 3EVEN

evening gown noun, pl gowns [count]

: a long, formal dress that is worn to evening parties or events called also evening dress

evenings adv

US : in the evening

He has to work evenings.

evening star noun

the evening star

: the planet Venus when it can be seen in the western sky at sunset or just after sunset compare MORNING STAR

event noun, pl events [count]

1 a : something (especially something important or notable) that happens

The article recounted the events of the past year.

the last major/big event of the summer

He had no memory of the events that happened afterwards.

The accident was caused by an unusual sequence/chain/series of events.

It's difficult to predict the course of events [=to predict what will happen] with any confidence.

see also CURRENT EVENTS

1 b : a planned occasion or activity (such as a social gathering)

She likes to arrive at social events early.

upcoming events
a sporting event
a calendar of events
see also MEDIA EVENT, NONEVENT

2 : any one of the contests in a sports program
track-and-field events

It's the only event on the golf tour that she hasn't yet won.

the main event

at all events or in any event

used to say that what is being said is true no matter what other things may or may not happen or be true

It's possible that she was too nervous to pay close attention. At all events [=in any case, anyway], she does not have all the details quite right.

It is curious, in any event, why their decision bothers him so much.

in the event
chiefly Brit : when something that was planned or thought about actually happened

We thought the weather might delay us, but, in the event [=as it turned out], we were able to leave on time.

in the event of

: if (something) happens

In the event of rain [=if it rains], the ceremony will be held indoors.

I can call for help in the event of an emergency.

in the event (that)

: if it happens that (something occurs) : if

In the event you (should) decide not to continue your subscription, you may cancel it at any time.

The insurance policy will provide you with a regular income in the (unlikely) event that you are injured.

overtaken by events see OVERTAKE

even-tempered adj [more ; most ]

: not easily upset or made angry
a very even-tempered girl

event·ful adj [more ; most ]

: having many important things happening
an eventful [=busy] day

He led a short but eventful life.

It was an extremely eventful period in American history.

event·ful·ly adv

The day began eventfully.

event·ful·ness noun [noncount]

even·tu·al adj

: coming or happening at a later time
our eventual success

She lost to the eventual champion. [=the person who would later become champion]

This plant reaches an eventual height of 15 feet. [=this plant will grow to be 15 feet high]

even·tu·al·i·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

formal : something that might happen : a possible event or occurrence

He planned carefully and was ready for any eventuality.

even·tu·al·ly adv

: at some later time : in the end

Eventually, I did get better and returned to work.

I am sure that we'll succeed eventually.

Her constant campaigning eventually got her the nomination.

This plant eventually reaches a height of 15 feet.

ev·er adv

1 : at any time

The crime rate is higher now than it has ever been.

He's forgotten all he's ever learned about history.

Have you ever been to France?

She's doing fine and is as pretty as ever.

No one has ever seen a better example of woodwork.

We need your help now more than ever (before).

Has this ever been done before?

That was my best vacation ever. [=the best vacation I have ever had]

Did it ever occur to you that I might like more myself?

He's a born politician if ever I saw one. [=he is certainly a born politician]

That was the worst movie I ever saw.

I don't ever want to do that again. = (informal) I don't want to ever do that again. = I don't want to do that again, ever!

2 formal : at all times

He is ever [=always] faithful.

moving ever westward
a guard who is ever watchful = an ever-watchful guard

3 : to a greater degree

Technology in recent years has become ever more sophisticated.

The deadline draws ever closer.

Millions of farmers were forced into ever-deeper debt during the Great Depression.

4
used after words like where, who, how, and why to make a question more forceful

How ever can I (possibly) thank you?

What ever happened to my former classmates?

Where ever did I put my keys?

“I can't do that.” “Why ever not?”

Who ever would want to go there?

also used in indirect questions

I can't imagine who ever would want to go there!

5 US, informal
used to give stress to what follows

Wow, was he ever funny! [=he was very funny]

Am I ever embarrassed! [=I am very embarrassed]

as ever

: as has always been true : as usual

The problem, as ever, is to find a better way to control spending.

ever after
old-fashioned : from that time forward

She remembered him fondly ever after.

Fairy tales sometimes end by saying that the characters in the story lived happily ever after.

The prince saved the queen and they all lived happily ever after.

The phrase live happily ever after is also used to describe real people who are being compared in some way to characters in a fairy tale.

His biography tells the story of a poor boy who grew up to be a millionaire and lived happily ever after.

ever and anon
old-fashioned + literary : at different times : now and then

Ever and anon [=every so often] there came the sound of bells.

ever since

1 : continually or often from a past time until now

We both liked the idea and have been working on it ever since. [=since then]

I went to the festival its first year and have been returning ever since.

2 : continually from the time in the past when : since

She's wanted to be a firefighter ever since she was a young girl.

ever so
informal : very

Thank you ever so much.

I'm ever so glad that you got better.

The violin was ever so slightly out of tune.

ever such
chiefly Brit informal
used as a more forceful way to say “such”

He's ever such a nice person! [=he's a very nice person]

for ever (and ever)

: forever

I'll love you for ever and ever!

hardly/scarcely ever

: almost never : rarely

She hardly ever sings anymore.

I scarcely ever think of them now.

never ever
informal
used especially in speech as a more forceful way to say “never”

He never ever wanted to grow up.

I promise to never ever do it again.

rarely/seldom ever

: almost never : rarely

We seldom ever dine out these days.

She rarely ever drinks wine.

Some people regard rarely ever and seldom ever as incorrect, but these phrase are common in speech and in informal writing.

rarely/seldom if ever

used as a more forceful way to say “rarely” or “seldom”

I have seldom if ever been so embarrassed.

Rarely if ever and seldom if ever can be written both with or without commas

Such radical opinions have rarely, if ever, been heard here before.

She rarely if ever sings anymore.

Yours ever or Ever yours

Brit
used as a way to end an informal letter

Yours ever, Robert

ev·er·green adj

: having leaves that remain green all year long

Most pines are evergreen trees.

evergreen forests/leaves

evergreen noun, pl -greens [count]

Most pine trees are evergreens.

ev·er·last·ing Brit adj

: lasting forever
everlasting love = love everlasting

To his everlasting credit, he never once gave in to temptation.

ev·er·last·ing·ly adv

We are everlastingly hopeful.

ev·ery adj

1 : including each person or thing in a group or series

I heard every word you said.

He devotes every spare moment to his hobby.

His every move was carefully watched.

She's beautiful in every way/respect.

Ceramics of every kind were on display.

We have every reason to believe (that) he's telling the truth. [=we have no reason not to believe him]

He looked closely at every last one [=every one] of them.

They were questioning every little thing [=everything] she said.

He provided them with guidance every step of the way. [=throughout the entire process]

Every time [=whenever] I go there I learn something new.

We're making every effort [=we're doing all that we can] to solve the problem.

2 a
used to describe how often some repeated activity, event, etc., happens or is done

She drives to town every few days.

Every day she starts work at 8 a.m.

The fair is held every other/second year. [=the fair is held one year, not held the next year, held the following year, and so on]

2 b
used to describe how far apart the things in a series of things are placed from each other

They placed a marker every 20 yards or so.

2 c
used in phrases like one in every three to describe how common something is
problems that affect one in every three people

3 : not lacking in any way

I have every [=complete, total] confidence in you.

at every turn see 2TURN

each and every see 1EACH

every bit see 1BIT

every expectation of see EXPECTATION

every man for himself see 1MAN

every now and then/again or every once in a while or every so often

: sometimes but not often : from time to time : occasionally

We still see each other every now and then.

They would get together every now and again.

Every so often she'd come in to check on him.

every which way

US informal

1 : in every direction

Bullets were flying every which way.

2 : in a disorderly manner

The papers were stacked every which way.

ev·ery·body Brit pronoun

1 : every person : everyone

The president waved to everybody in the crowd.

Everybody hates to hear bad news.

2 : every important person

Everybody will be there.

ev·ery·day adj, always used before a noun

: used or seen every day : suitable for every day
everyday clothes

Don't let the problems of everyday life get you down.

She uses a variety of everyday [=familiar, ordinary] objects in her art.

everyday [=ordinary] people

ev·ery·man or Ev·ery·man noun [singular]

: the typical, ordinary person
an actor who is seen as the image of everyman

ev·ery·one pronoun

: every person : everybody

He hated the movie but everyone else enjoyed it.

Not everyone got the joke.

ev·ery·place adv

US : everywhere

We've been seeing them everyplace.

We see them everyplace we go.

ev·ery·thing pronoun

1 a : every thing there is : all that exists

People will buy everything she paints.

I didn't agree with everything he said.

What do you buy for the man who has everything?

1 b : all that is related to a particular subject

Tell us everything that happened.

He denied everything about the incident.

The phrase everything from (something) to (something) is used to show the wide range of things that are included in something.

The company makes everything from golf tees to diapers.

Her paintings have been called everything from childish to brilliant.

2 : all that is important

To him, money is everything. [=he only cares about money]

She means everything to me.

3 informal : the things that are happening in a person's life

How's everything?

Everything is fine.

We're pretty happy with everything right now.

Phrases like How's everything? and How's everything going? are used, especially in U.S. English, as informal ways to say “How are you?”

and everything
informal : and other things like that

I like being out in the forest with all the birds and trees and everything.

He has a lot on his mind, what with his health problems and everything.

carry everything before you see 1CARRY

ev·ery·where adv

: in or to every place

Everywhere we went, people were friendly.

His new book is anxiously awaited by fans everywhere.

I seem to hear his music everywhere these days!

We went everywhere we could.

evict verb, evicts, evict·ed, evict·ing [+ obj]

: to force (someone) to leave a place

His landlord has threatened to evict him if he doesn't pay the rent soon.

They were evicted from their apartment.

evic·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

He was threatened with eviction for failing to pay the rent.

[count]

unlawful evictions

1ev·i·dence noun, pl -denc·es

1 a [noncount] : something which shows that something else exists or is true

There is no evidence that these devices actually work.

He has been unable to find evidence to support his theory.

She first showed/gave evidence of her abilities [=she first showed her abilities] at an early age.

Investigators could find no evidence linking him to the crime.

He denies that he was involved, despite (abundant/ample) evidence to the contrary. [=despite evidence indicating that he was involved]

1 b [count] chiefly US, somewhat formal : a visible sign of something
usually plural

They found many evidences of neglect.

2 [noncount] : material that is presented to a court of law to help find the truth about something

The jury had a great deal of evidence to sort through before reaching a verdict.

There is not a scrap/shred of evidence in her favor.

circumstantial evidence

Anything you say may be used as/in evidence against you.

The letter was admitted in evidence. = (chiefly US) The letter was admitted into evidence. [=the letter was accepted by the court as evidence]

You may be asked to give evidence [=testify] at the trial.

see also STATE'S EVIDENCE

in evidence

: easily seen

Her charm was very much in evidence throughout the meeting.

Their former confidence is now nowhere in evidence. [=nowhere to be seen, entirely absent]

2evidence verb, -denc·es, -denced, -denc·ing [+ obj]

formal : to offer or show evidence of (something) : to show or indicate (something)

certificates evidencing stock ownership
often used as (be) evidenced

The effectiveness of the program is clearly evidenced [=shown] by the recent decrease in drug-related crimes throughout the city.

as (is) evidenced by

: as is clearly shown by

She has become known for the power of her writing, as (is) evidenced by the popularity of her new book.

There clearly were settlements here, as evidenced by these remains.

ev·i·dent adj [more ; most ]

: clear to the sight or mind : obvious

She spoke with evident anguish about the death of her son.

The problems have been evident for quite some time.

compare SELF-EVIDENT

ev·i·dent·ly adv

1 : in a way that can be easily seen or noticed : in an evident way

He was evidently [=obviously] uncomfortable.

Evidently you and I have different feelings on this issue.

“We seem to have different feelings on this issue.” “Evidently!”

2
used to describe something that appears to be true based on what is known

Ancient Spartans were evidently taught to prefer death to dishonor.

Evidently [=apparently] nobody saw them leave.

1evil adj, evil·er, evil·est [or more ; most ]

1 : morally bad
an evil villain
evil spirits
evil deeds

2 a : causing harm or injury to someone

She drank an evil potion.

2 b : marked by bad luck or bad events

The city has fallen on evil days/times.

2 c : very unpleasant or offensive
an evil smell
an evil temper

2 d : showing that something bad will happen

It was an evil omen.

evil·ly adv

He grinned evilly.

evil·ness noun [noncount]

2evil noun, pl evils

1 [noncount] : the force of things that are morally bad
the battle of good versus evil

He believed that the world was full of evil. [=wickedness]

2 [count] : something that is harmful or bad
usually plural

They were talking about the evils of alcohol.

all the evils that plague us

The lesser of two evils or the lesser evil is the better choice between two unpleasant choices.

Since neither candidate is appealing, voters are forced to choose the lesser of two evils.

Which candidate would be the lesser evil?

A necessary evil is a bad or unwanted thing that has to be done or accepted to achieve some good result.

He thinks of taxes as a necessary evil.

evil·do·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who does bad or evil things

The sheriff is protecting the community from evildoers.

evil·do·ing noun, pl -ings [noncount]

no evidence of evildoing [=wrongdoing]

[count]

his defense of his evildoings

evil eye noun

the evil eye

: a look that is thought to be able to harm someone

He gave her the evil eye.

evil-mind·ed adj [more ; most ]

: thinking bad or evil thoughts : having a morally bad mind or character
an evil-minded villain

evil-mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

evince verb, evinc·es, evinced, evinc·ing [+ obj]

formal : to show (something) clearly

She evinced an interest in art at an early age.

evis·cer·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to take out the internal organs of (an animal) : disembowel
tools used for eviscerating [=gutting] fish
often used figuratively

Opponents charge that the amendment would eviscerate [=badly weaken] the new law.

evo·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

: the act of bringing something into the mind or memory : the act of evoking something

[count] rich evocations of the sights, sounds, and smells of the carnival

[noncount] the evocation of a simpler time

evoc·a·tive adj [more ; most ]

: bringing thoughts, memories, or feelings into the mind

He wrote a powerful and evocative biography.

often + of

His photographs are evocative of the solitude of the desert.

evoke verb, evokes, evoked, evok·ing [+ obj]

1 : to bring (a memory, feeling, image, etc.) into the mind

The old house evoked memories of his childhood.

His photographs evoke the isolation and solitude of the desert.

2 : to cause (a particular reaction or response) to happen

His wisecrack evoked [=elicited] snickers from around the classroom.

Her remarks have evoked [=provoked] an angry response.

ev·o·lu·tion noun [noncount]

1 biology

1 a : a theory that the differences between modern plants and animals are because of changes that happened by a natural process over a very long time
the theory of evolution

1 b : the process by which changes in plants and animals happen over time
changes brought about by evolution

2 : a process of slow change and development
an important step in the evolution of computers

We have been able to watch her evolution [=growth] into a world-class runner.

ev·o·lu·tion·ary adj
evolutionary changes/development/history

ev·ol·u·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

a brilliant evolutionist

evolve verb, evolves, evolved, evolv·ing

: to change or develop slowly often into a better, more complex, or more advanced state : to develop by a process of evolution

[no obj] Some believe that birds evolved from dinosaurs. = Some believe that dinosaurs evolved into birds.

Her company has evolved from a hobby into a thriving business.

[+ obj] Some flowers have evolved remarkable means of insect pollination.

ewe noun, pl ewes [count]

: a female sheep compare 1LAMB, 1RAM

ew·er noun, pl ew·ers [count]

: a type of pitcher or jug that is shaped like a vase and that was used in the past for holding water

ex noun, pl ex·es [count]

informal : a former husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend

I ran into my ex at the mall yesterday.

ex- prefix

: former
ex-president
ex-girlfriend
ex-husband

ex·ac·er·bate verb, -bates, -bat·ed, -bat·ing [+ obj]

: to make (a bad situation, a problem, etc.) worse

The proposed factory shutdown would only exacerbate our unemployment problems.

His angry comments have exacerbated tensions in the negotiation process.

ex·ac·er·ba·tion noun [noncount]

the exacerbation of symptoms/problems/tensions

1exact adj

1 : fully and completely correct or accurate
the exact time
an exact copy/duplicate/replica/reproduction

Those were his exact words.

The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.

We don't know the exact nature of the problem.

Predicting the path of hurricanes is not an exact science.

2 [more ; most ] : very careful and accurate

The police have an exact description of the killer.

Please take the most exact measurements possible.

exact [=precise] instruments

He is very exact in the way he solves a problem.

exact opposite

: the complete opposite

I realize now that I have tried to make my work the exact opposite of my father's. [=to make my work as different as possible from my father's]

He used to be romantic, but now he's the exact opposite. [=now he is not at all romantic]

exact same or US same exact

used as a more forceful way to say “same”

We grow the exact same vegetables in our garden every year.

They showed up at the party in the same exact outfits.

to be exact

used to indicate that a statement is accurate and specific
that afternoon, June 22, to be exact

They had many childrenseven, to be exact.

He came a long wayfrom Nome, Alaska, to be exactto attend the wedding.

exact·ness noun [noncount]

mathematical exactness [=precision]

2exact verb, -acts, -act·ed, -act·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to demand and get (something, such as payment or revenge) especially by using force or threats

They would not rest until they had exacted revenge.

He was able to exact a promise from them.

2
used in phrases like exact a terrible toll and exact a high/heavy price to say that something has caused a lot of suffering, loss, etc.

The war has exacted a terrible toll.

These mistakes have exacted a heavy price.

ex·act·ing adj [more ; most ]

: requiring much time, attention, or effort from someone : very difficult or demanding
an exacting process/teacher/task

He has very exacting standards/requirements.

ex·act·ing·ly adv
exactingly high standards

ex·ac·ti·tude Brit noun [noncount]

formal : the quality or state of being accurate and correct

She was able to recall the event with remarkable exactitude. [=exactness, precision]

ex·act·ly adv [more ; most ]

1
used to stress that something is accurate, complete, or correct

The mansion has exactly 33 rooms.

I know exactly where they went.

The two rooms are exactly the same size.

When exactly are they supposed to arrive? = Exactly when are they supposed to arrive?

2 informal
used in speech to say that what someone has said is exactly correct or that you agree with it completely

“So you think we should take an earlier flight?” “Exactly.” [=yes, that's exactly what I think]

“It's just not worth the trouble.” “Exactly.”

see also NOT EXACTLY ((BELOW))

3 : in a correct or precise way

The levers need to be exactly positioned.

: in a way that agrees completely with what is needed

You need to do exactly [=just, precisely] as you're told.

4 : in every way

That was exactly the wrong thing to do.

He is exactly what a good student ought to be.

not exactly
informal

1
used in speech as a mild way of saying “no” especially to indicate that what someone has said is not completely correct or true

“He's your boss, isn't he?” “Not exactly.”

“Did everything go the way you planned it?” “Not exactly.”

2
used as a humorous or ironic way to say “not”

He's not exactly the smartest guy I've ever met. [=he is not very smart]

ex·ag·ger·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 : to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is

[+ obj] The book exaggerates the difficulties he faced in starting his career.

It's impossible to exaggerate the importance of this discovery.

[no obj] He tends to exaggerate when talking about his accomplishments.

2 [+ obj] : to make (something) larger or greater than normal

He exaggerated his movements so we could see them more clearly.

exaggerated adj [more ; most ]

He has a very/greatly exaggerated idea of his own importance.

a very exaggerated gesture

ex·ag·ger·at·ed·ly adv [more ; most ]

an exaggeratedly large gesture

ex·ag·ger·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The report was filled with exaggerations and outright lies.

[noncount]

She told us what happened without exaggeration. [=without exaggerating]

ex·ag·ger·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

He's an exaggerator, if not an outright liar.

ex·alt verb, -alts, -alt·ed, -alt·ing [+ obj]

1 formal : to raise (someone or something) to a higher level

His behavior has exalted the power and prestige of his office.

2 a formal : to praise (someone or something) highly

The essay exalts the simple beauty of the country.

We exalt thee, O Lord.

2 b : to present (something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable

His new film exalts [=glorifies] military power.

He shamelessly exalts his own role in the peace process.

Do not confuse exalt with exult.

exalted adj [more ; most ]

She rose to an exalted [=very high] position in the company.

an exalted feeling [=a very happy feeling]

He had an exalted [=very high] opinion of his own work.

exalting adj [more ; most ]

The movie is an exalting [=uplifting] experience.

ex·al·ta·tion noun [noncount]

formal

1 : the act of raising someone or something in importance : the act of exalting someone or something or the state of being exalted
the exaltation [=glorification] of athletic skill

2 : a strong sense of happiness, power, or importance
feelings of joy and exaltation

ex·am noun, pl -ams [count]

1 US : examination 1b
an annual physical exam

2 : examination 2

Your final exam will count for half of the semester's grade.

ex·am·i·na·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a : the act of looking at something closely and carefully : the act of examining something

[noncount] On closer/further examination, the painting appears to be a fake.

The victim's clothes were sent to the lab for examination.

The policy is under examination. [=is being examined]

[count] The police made/performed a rigorous examination of the evidence at the crime scene.

1 b [count] : a close and careful study of someone or something to find signs of illness or injury
medical/eye examinations

The court ordered that the defendant undergo a psychiatric examination.

an examination table [=a table in a doctor's office on which a patient lies to be examined]

2 [count] : a test to show a person's progress, knowledge, or ability

I have to study for the history examination.

an examination in/on history

I took an examination. = (Brit) I did/sat an examination.

an entrance examination [=a test to see if someone should be admitted to a school]

3 [noncount] law : the act of questioning a witness in a court of law
procedures that are not allowed during examination of witnesses
see also CROSS-EXAMINATION

ex·am·ine verb, -ines, -ined, -in·ing [+ obj]

1 : to look at (something) closely and carefully in order to learn more about it, to find problems, etc.

An accountant has been hired to examine the company's books.

We need to examine [=consider] this question more carefully.

The police examined the evidence carefully.

2 : to test or look carefully at (something or someone) for signs of illness or injury

You should have your eyes examined.

He was examined by several doctors, who found nothing wrong with him.

the examining room [=a room in a doctor's office where the doctor examines patients]

3 law : to question (someone) closely
examine a witness
see also CROSS-EXAMINE

ex·am·in·er noun, pl -ers [count]

photo examiners
see also MEDICAL EXAMINER

ex·am·ple noun, pl -am·ples

1 : a person or way of behaving that is seen as a model that should be followed

[count] He was inspired by the example of his older brother. [=he wanted to do what his older brother did]

You should try to follow her example. [=try to do as she does]

Let that be an example to you! [=let that show you what you should or should not do]

He set a good/bad example for the rest of us.

It's up to you to set an example. [=to behave in a way that shows other people how to behave]

[noncount] She chooses to lead by example. [=to lead by behaving in a way that shows others how to behave]

2 [count]

2 a : someone or something that is mentioned to help explain what you are saying or to show that a general statement is true

She gave/offered several examples to show that the program is effective.

2 b : something or someone chosen from a group in order to show what the whole group is like

We've chosen three examples of contemporary architecture for closer study.

a classic example of a Persian rug
a fine/prime example of the artist's work

3 [count]

3 a : a phrase or sentence that shows how a word is used

The dictionary includes thousands of examples.

3 b : something (such as a problem that a student has to solve) that is used to teach how a rule or process works
arithmetic examples

for example

used when you are mentioning a specific person or thing that helps to explain what you are saying or to show that a general statement is true

Things are getting better. Last year, for example [=for instance], the company achieved record sales in Europe.

It was obvious that her memory was failing. For example, she would often forget where she put her car keys.

A lot of my friends were thereJohn and Linda, for example.

make an example of

If you make an example of a person who has done something wrong, you punish that person as a way of warning other people not to do the same thing.

Although it was only his first offense, the judge decided to make an example of him and sentence him to prison.

ex·as·per·ate Brit verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) very angry or annoyed

The criticism of his latest movie is sure to exasperate his admirers.

We were exasperated by the delays.

exasperated adj [more ; most ]

The delays left us feeling tired and exasperated.

an exasperated smile

ex·as·per·at·ed·ly adv
smiling/sighing exasperatedly

exasperating adj [more ; most ]

exasperating delays

He wants everyone to know how exasperating his job can be.

ex·as·per·at·ing·ly adv

His lectures were exasperatingly dull.

ex·as·per·a·tion Brit noun [noncount]

: the state of being very annoyed or upset

They had all experienced the exasperation and frustration of holiday shopping.

He sighed in exasperation.

ex·ca·vate verb, -vates, -vat·ed, -vat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to uncover (something) by digging away and removing the earth that covers it

They excavated an ancient city.

It is the first site to be excavated in this area.

2 a : to dig a large hole in (something)

They began excavating the backyard for their new pool.

2 b : to form (a hole, tunnel, etc.) by digging
excavate a tunnel

2 c : to dig out and remove (dirt, soil, etc.)

The excess dirt was carefully excavated.

ex·ca·va·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·ca·va·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : a person who digs up things that have been buried for a long time

The excavators found ancient tools at the site.

2 : steam shovel

ex·ceed verb, -ceeds, -ceed·ed, -ceed·ing [+ obj]

1 : to be greater or more than (something)

The cost must not exceed 10 dollars.

The cost exceeded our estimate.

The demand for new housing has already exceeded the supply.

: to be better than (something)

Their accomplishments far exceeded [=surpassed] our expectations.

He's trying to match or exceed last year's sales.

2 : to go beyond the limit of (something)

Lawyers argue that the court exceeded [=overstepped] its authority in ordering a new trial.

ex·ceed·ing·ly adv
somewhat formal : very, extremely
an exceedingly fine job

The weather was exceedingly cold.

The crime rate is exceedingly high.

ex·cel verb, ex·cels, ex·celled, ex·cel·ling

1 [no obj] : to be better than others
usually + at or in

He excelled at whatever role he played.

She excels in sports.

2 [+ obj] : to be or do better than (others)

She excels everyone else in sports.

(Brit) She really excelled herself [=she did much better than usual] in her last race!

ex·cel·lence noun [noncount]

: extremely high quality

The school is known for the excellence of its teachers.

an award for academic excellence
setting a high standard of excellence
see also PAR EXCELLENCE

Ex·cel·len·cy noun, pl -cies [count]

used as a title for some high government and church officials
your Excellency
their Excellencies the Ambassadors of India and Indonesia

ex·cel·lent adj

: very good : extremely good

Her new movie has received excellent reviews.

He is an excellent role model for young men everywhere.

That dinner was excellent.

The car is in excellent condition.

She enjoys excellent health.

“At last we're making a profit!” “(That's) Excellent!”

ex·cel·lent·ly adv

The food was delicious and excellently prepared.

1ex·cept also ex·cept·ing prep

: not including (someone or something) : other than (something or someone)

The stores will be open daily except Sundays.

Excepting [=with the exception of] one student, no one could answer the questions correctly.

Everyone was invited except [=but] me.

except for

1 : not including (someone or something) : other than (someone or something)

I got all As on my report card, except for a B in Latin.

Except for that one typo, there were no mistakes.

Everyone was invited except for [=but] me.

2 : if not for (someone or something)

They would all have died except for [=but for] her and her quick thinking. [=it was only because of her that they did not die]

2except conj

1
used to introduce a statement that indicates the only person or thing that is not included in or referred to by a previous statement

Take no orders except from me. [=take orders only from me]

Employees were not allowed to leave except in an emergency. [=unless there was an emergency]

She didn't leave the house all weekend, except to go to church. [=she only left the house to go to church]

He does nothing except [=but] complain. [=all he does is complain]

2
used to introduce a statement that explains the reason why something is not possible, will not happen, etc.

We'd go, except (that) it's too far.

I would buy a new suit, except I don't have enough money.

3except verb, -cepts, -cept·ed, -cept·ing [+ obj]

formal : to leave out (someone or something) : to not include (someone or something)

Children were excepted from the study.

Everyone was included in the studychildren excepted. [=except for children]

I don't like lawyerspresent company excepted, of course! [=although I don't like lawyers, I make an exception in your case]

ex·cep·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : someone or something that is different from others : someone or something that is not included

I like all his books, with one exception. [=I like all but one of his books]

The decision was supported by almost everyone, the single/sole exception being me. [=everyone supported the decision but me]

Her parties are always elegant, and last night's party was no exception. [=last night's party was also elegant]

2 : a case where a rule does not apply

There will be no exceptions to this rule.

We'll make an exception [=allow the rule not to be followed] this time.

take exception

: to object to something : to feel or express disagreement with or opposition to something
usually + to

I take exception to the tone of her remarks. [=I am offended by the tone of her remarks]

without exception

used to say that a statement is true in all or almost all cases

Without exception, his books have been widely read and admired.

The critics have praised her films almost without exception. [=the critics have praised almost every one of her films]

with the exception of

: not including (someone or something)

It's all here, with the exception of [=except for, except] the sweater.

With the (notable) exception of the bland soup, the food was very good.

Everyone should be there, with the (possible) exception of my brother.

ex·cep·tion·able adj [more ; most ]

formal : likely to cause objection or offense
an unpleasant and highly exceptionable [=objectionable] piece of writing
opposite UNEXCEPTIONABLE

ex·cep·tion·al adj [more ; most ]

1 : not usual : unusual or uncommon
an exceptional [=unusually large] amount of rain

We're bending the rules for this exceptional situation.

exceptional circumstances

2 : unusually good : much better than average
an exceptional student in math

The seafood dishes at this restaurant are exceptional.

exceptional skill

3 : mentally or physically disabled
a separate school for exceptional children

ex·cep·tion·al·ly adv
an exceptionally hardy plant

The film was exceptionally good.

1ex·cerpt noun, pl -cerpts [count]

: a small part of a longer written work

She read an excerpt from the play.

I've read only excerpts of/from Moby-Dick, never the whole book.

2ex·cerpt verb, -cerpts, -cerpt·ed, -cerpt·ing [+ obj]

: to include (part of a longer written work) in something else
usually used as (be) excerpted

This article was excerpted from the New York Times.

Portions of her novel were excerpted in a literary magazine.

1ex·cess noun, pl -cess·es

1 [singular] : an amount that is more than the usual or necessary amount

They were equipped with an excess of provisions.

The tests found an excess of sodium in his blood.

an excess of enthusiasm/zeal

There was an excess of 10 bushels (over what was needed to fill the bin).

Eating anything in excess [=in overly large amounts] can be bad for you.

2 a [noncount] : behavior that is considered wrong because it goes beyond what is usual, normal, or proper

He lived a life of excess.

2 b excesses [plural] : actions or ways of behaving that go beyond what is usual or proper

The movie embraces all the worst excesses of popular American culture.

the violent excesses of the military regime

He apologized for his past excesses.

in excess of

: more than (an amount)

Annual repairs cost in excess of [=over] $50,000.

traveling at speeds in excess of 100 mph

to excess

: more than is usual, normal, or proper

He often eats to excess. [=excessively]

college students who drink to excess [=who drink too much]

2excess adj, always used before a noun

: more than is usual, allowed, or needed
excess baggage

Basketball provided an outlet for their excess energy.

She is trying to eliminate excess fat and calories from her diet.

ex·ces·sive adj [more ; most ]

: going beyond what is usual, normal, or proper
an excessive display of wealth

She was reprimanded for her excessive tardiness. [=for being tardy too often]

High fever, nausea, and excessive sweating are some of the symptoms.

He drinks excessive amounts of coffee. [=he drinks too much coffee]

ex·ces·sive·ly adv
a dog who barks excessively
drinking excessively [=to excess]

1ex·change noun, pl -chang·es

1 : an occurrence in which people give things of similar value to each other : the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another thing

[noncount] the exchange [=exchanging] of goods

[count] an exchange of goods
an exchange of prisoners
an even/fair exchange of property

2 [count]

2 a : an occurrence in which people direct something at each other
an exchange of glances
an angry exchange of insults
an exchange of blows [=a fistfight]

2 b : an occurrence in which people give information to each other
a useful exchange of information/knowledge/ideas

2 c : an occurrence in which people use weapons against each other
an exchange of gunfire
threats of a nuclear exchange

3 [count] : an occurrence in which people talk to each other for a short time : a brief conversation
a friendly exchange
especially : an angry conversation
a heated exchange
a bitter exchange

4 [count]

4 a : a place where things or services are traded
the student book exchange

4 b : an office or building in which telephone calls are connected
a telephone exchange

in exchange

If you give something to a person and get something in exchange, that person also gives something of similar value to you.

If I give you this, what will you give me in exchange?

She bought me dinner in exchange for helping her move. [=she bought me dinner as a way of paying me for helping her move]

see also FOREIGN EXCHANGE, STOCK EXCHANGE

2exchange verb, -changes, -changed, -chang·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give something and receive something in return

We exchanged addresses and promised we'd write each other often.

We exchange gifts [=give gifts to each other] at the holidays.

These coupons can be exchanged for food.

I'll exchange [=trade, swap] my orange for your pear.

2 : to direct (words, looks, etc.) at each other

They exchanged glances. [=they looked quickly at each other]

They exchanged greetings [=they greeted each other] when they met.

They exchanged insults/blows. [=they insulted/hit each other]

soldiers exchanging fire [=shooting at each other]

3 : to return (a product) to a store and have it replaced by another product : to trade (something that has been purchased) for something else

I'd like to exchange this sweater for a smaller one.

The vase had a crack in it, so he exchanged it (for an unbroken one).

Can I exchange this vase? = Can you exchange this cracked vase for me?

ex·change·able adj
exchangeable merchandise

exchange rate noun, pl rates [count]

: a number that is used to calculate the difference in value between money from one country and money from another country called also rate of exchange

exchange student noun, pl -dents [count]

: a student from one country who attends a school in another country

I went to Germany as an exchange student.

Ex·che·quer noun [singular]

: a department of the British government which manages the money that is used to run the government : treasury now used chiefly in the title the Chancellor of the Exchequer

1ex·cise noun, pl -cis·es [count]

: a tax on certain things that are made, sold, or used within a country
an excise imposed on a number of goods
called also excise tax

2ex·cise verb, -cis·es, -cised, -cis·ing [+ obj]

formal : to remove (something) by cutting it out
excise a tumor

All of the scandalous parts had been excised [=deleted] from the diary.

ex·ci·sion noun, pl -sions [noncount]

surgical excision of the tumor

[count]

The diary was published with numerous excisions. [=deletions]

excise tax noun, pl taxes [count]

: 1excise

ex·cit·able adj [more ; most ]

: easily excited
an excitable dog/child

ex·cit·abil·i·ty noun [noncount]

ex·cite verb, -cites, -cit·ed, -cit·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause feelings of enthusiasm in (someone) : to make (someone) feel energetic and eager to do something
ideas that excite young people

Our announcement excited the children.

It excites me [=it arouses me sexually] when you dress like that.

2 : to cause (a particular emotion or reaction) to be felt or to happen
excite admiration/suspicion/discussion

The posters excited much interest in the show.

3 : to increase the activity of (something, such as nerve tissue)

a chemical that excites [=stimulates] the nerve cells in the brain

excited adj [more ; most ]

: very enthusiastic and eager about something

They were excited about/over the trip.

We were excited (to hear) that they were getting married.

The children were excited before the school play.

ex·cit·ed·ly adv

He talked excitedly about visiting his old friends.

ex·cite·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [noncount] : a feeling of eager enthusiasm and interest : the state of being excited

Our excitement was building/growing/mounting as the end of the game approached.

His hands shook with excitement.

The child cried out in excitement.

2 a : exciting activity

[noncount] a trip filled with excitement and adventure

We had some excitement this morning. [=something exciting happened this morning]

[count] She talked about the excitements of her new life.

2 b [singular] : a quality that causes feelings of eager enthusiasm : an exciting quality

This job loses its excitement after a while.

exciting adj [more ; most ]

: causing feelings of interest and enthusiasm : causing excitement
an exciting discovery
an exciting trip to Africa
an exciting account of her adventures

This isn't a very exciting book.

ex·cit·ing·ly adv
an excitingly close election

ex·claim verb, -claims, -claimed, -claim·ing

1 [+ obj] : to say (something) in an enthusiastic or forceful way

“I won!” she exclaimed.

“Here he comes!” someone exclaimed.

2 [no obj] : to cry out or speak suddenly or with strong feeling

She exclaimed in delight over/at the Christmas tree.

The children exclaimed with wonder when they saw the elephant.

ex·cla·ma·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a sharp or sudden cry : a word, phrase, or sound that expresses a strong emotion

Her unexpected announcement caused a few exclamations of surprise.

an exclamation of pain
exclamations of delight

ex·clam·a·to·ry Brit adj
exclamatory outbursts

exclamation point noun, pl points [count]

US : a punctuation mark ! used to show a forceful way of speaking or a strong feeling
often used figuratively

His victory in the final game put an exclamation point on a brilliant year. [=ended a brilliant year in a very exciting way]

; called also (chiefly Brit) exclamation mark

ex·clude verb, -cludes, -clud·ed, -clud·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to prevent (someone) from doing something or being a part of a group

You can share files with some people on the network while excluding others.

often + from

Don't exclude your little sister from the game.

Until 1920, women were excluded from the right to vote in the U.S.

opposite INCLUDE

1 b : to leave out (something) : to not include (something)

The prices on the menu exclude tax.

often + from

Certain words should be excluded from polite conversation. [=should not be used in polite conversation]

opposite INCLUDE

2 : to think that (something, such as a possibility) is not worth attention

We can't altogether/entirely exclude [=discount] the possibility that the economy will soon improve.

ex·clu·sion noun, pl -sions [noncount]

the exclusion of women from the priesthood

He spent all his time with colleagues to the exclusion of [=in a way that excluded] his own family.

[count]

exclusions noted in the insurance policy

excluding prep

: not including (someone or something)

The store is open all week, excluding [=except for] Sundays.

1ex·clu·sive adj

1 : not shared : available to only one person or group

We have exclusive use of the beach. [=we are the only ones who can use the beach]

The company has exclusive rights to (use) the logo.

an exclusive interview

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : only allowing in people from a high social class

He belongs to an exclusive club.

an exclusive hotel
an exclusive party
opposite INCLUSIVE

2 b : available to only a few people because of high cost
exclusive suburban neighborhoods

She attended an exclusive private school.

one of the city's most exclusive restaurants

3 : full and complete

They gave their exclusive attention to the job.

exclusive of
formal : not including (something)

for five days exclusive of today

There is a sale on all merchandise exclusive of jewelry.

see also MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE

ex·clu·sive·ly adv
a restaurant that exclusively [=only] serves vegetarian cuisine = a restaurant that serves vegetarian cuisine exclusively

The store's customers were almost exclusively [=all] male.

ex·clu·sive·ness noun [noncount]

The club has been criticized for its exclusiveness. [=exclusivity]

2exclusive noun, pl -sives [count]

: a news story that appears in only one newspaper or that is broadcast by only one television or radio station

ex·clu·siv·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality or state of being exclusive : the quality of being limited to people of wealth or high social class

The private school's exclusivity [=exclusiveness] was part of its appeal for many parents.

a symbol of wealth and exclusivity

ex·com·mu·ni·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

: to not allow (someone) to continue being a member of the Roman Catholic church

He was excommunicated (from the church) for his radical practices.

ex·com·mu·ni·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·co·ri·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to criticize (someone or something) very harshly

He was excoriated as a racist.

The candidates have publicly excoriated each other throughout the campaign.

ex·co·ri·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·cre·ment noun [noncount]

formal : solid waste passed out of the body : feces

ex·crete verb, -cretes, -cret·ed, -cret·ing [+ obj]

formal : to pass (waste matter) from the body or from an organ in the body
excrete sweat

The kidneys excrete toxins.

ex·cre·tion noun, pl -tions
formal

1 [noncount] : the act or process of passing waste from the body : the process of excreting waste

The kidneys are organs of excretion.

excretion of sweat

2 [count] : waste passed from the body : excreted matter
bodily excretions

ex·cre·to·ry adj
formal : of or relating to excretion
excretory organs
excretory functions

ex·cru·ci·at·ing adj [more ; most ]

1 : very painful : causing great mental or physical pain

I have an excruciating headache.

an excruciating moment of embarrassment

2 a : very severe
excruciating shyness

2 b : extreme or excessive

They described their vacation in excruciating detail.

ex·cru·ci·at·ing·ly adv
an excruciatingly painful condition

The speech was excruciatingly long.

excruciatingly slow

ex·cul·pate verb, -pates, -pat·ed, -pat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to prove that someone is not guilty of doing something wrong

The court exculpated him after a thorough investigation.

ex·cul·pa·tion noun [noncount]

ex·cul·pa·to·ry Brit adj
exculpatory evidence

ex·cur·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

: a short trip especially for pleasure
a fishing excursion

They went on a brief excursion to the coast.

often used figuratively

Her brief excursion into politics [=her brief political career] ended badly.

1ex·cuse verb, -cus·es, -cused, -cus·ing [+ obj]

1 : to forgive someone for making a mistake, doing something wrong, etc.,

Please excuse [=pardon] my clumsiness.

His boss excused the mistake but told him to be more careful next time.

Please excuse me for not calling sooner.

2 a : to say that (someone) is not required to do something

I was excused from jury duty.

The teacher excused the class from homework that day.

2 b : to allow (someone, such as a child) to leave

I've finished my dinner. May I (please) be excused? [=allowed to leave the dinner table]

3 : to be an acceptable reason for (something) : justify

Nothing can excuse that kind of rudeness.

Her father's illness excused her absence.

excuse me

Excuse me is used as a polite way of starting to say something. It can be used when you are interrupting someone, trying to get someone's attention, or disagreeing with someone.

Excuse me, but may I say something?

Excuse me, but do you mind if I shut the window?

Excuse me, do you know where I can find Maple Street?

Excuse me, but I don't think those figures are entirely accurate.

It is also used as a polite apology for a minor fault or offense, such as laughing, coughing, or burping, and, in U.S. English, for getting in someone's way or bumping into someone.

Oh, excuse me. [=pardon me, I beg your pardon] I didn't notice you standing there.

The phrase is also used, especially in U.S. English, as a polite way of asking someone to repeat something.

Excuse me? [=pardon me?; I beg your pardon?] I didn't hear the last part of what you were saying.

In informal use, excuse me is often used in an annoyed way when someone has suggested that you have done something wrong and you do not feel that you have.

“You were supposed to be home an hour ago.” “Well, excuse me! I had to fix a flat tire.”

excuse yourself

: to say politely that you have to leave

Excusing himself, he quickly rose from the table and left the room.

ex·cus·able adj

Such minor errors are excusable.

2ex·cuse noun, pl -cus·es

1 a [count] : a reason that you give to explain a mistake, bad behavior, etc.

What's your excuse for being so late?

She had no valid excuse for not finishing her homework.

He's always making excuses for himself.

a lame/flimsy excuse

1 b excuses [plural] : reasons that you give to explain politely why you cannot do something, why you have to leave, etc.

I won't be able to come to the wedding. Please give my excuses to your cousin. [=please tell your cousin that I'm sorry I won't be able to come]

I made my excuses and left.

2 [count] : something (such as a condition or set of conditions) that explains improper behavior and makes it acceptable
usually used in negative statements

There is no excuse for child abuse.

His youth is no excuse for his irresponsible behavior.

3 [count] : a reason for doing something

His birthday gives us a good excuse for a party.

She'll use any excuse [=pretext] to wallow in self-pity.

4 [count] : a poor example

+ for

He's a poor/sad excuse for a father. [=he's a bad father]

That pile of junk is a sorry excuse for a car!

ex-di·rec·to·ry Brit adj

Brit of a telephone number : not shown in a telephone directory : unlisted
an ex-directory number

ex-directory adv

He went ex-directory after becoming famous.

ex·e·cra·ble adj [more ; most ]

formal : very bad

Living conditions in the slums were execrable.

execrable taste

ex·e·cra·bly adv
an execrably written novel

ex·e·crate verb, -crates, -crat·ed, -crat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to dislike and criticize (someone or something) very strongly

She came to execrate the hypocritical values of her upper-class upbringing.

ex·e·cra·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·e·cute verb, -cutes, -cut·ed, -cut·ing [+ obj]

1 : to kill (someone) especially as punishment for a crime

He was captured, tried, and executed for murder.

2 a : to do (something that you have planned to do or been told to do) : carry out

They carefully executed the plan.

execute an order

2 b : to do or perform (an action or movement that requires skill)

The pilot executed an emergency landing.

The quarterback executed the play perfectly.

3 law : to do what is required by (a legal document or command)

execute a decree
execute the provisions of the will

4 : to make or produce (a work of art)

a statue executed in bronze
a painting executed in bright colors

ex·e·cu·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : the act of killing someone especially as punishment for a crime

[noncount] execution by lethal injection

He is in prison awaiting execution.

[count] gangland executions [=murders done by gangsters]

2 [noncount] : the act of doing or performing something

We put the plan into execution. [=we executed the plan]

The quarterback's execution of the play was perfect.

Her ideas were brilliant, but her execution (of them) was sloppy.

skillful execution of the dance steps

(law) the execution of a will [=the act of doing the things that are required by a will]

ex·e·cu·tion·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who performs executions : a person who executes people who have been sentenced to death

1ex·ec·u·tive noun, pl -tives

1 [count] : a person who manages or directs other people in a company or organization
a sales executive

The television network's executives decided not to air the controversial show.

a phone company executive

The President is the chief executive of the U.S.

2 the executive : the executive branch of a government
matters of policy controlled by the executive

2executive adj, always used before a noun

1 a : relating to the job of managing or directing other people in a company or organizaton

She has good executive skills.

He has an executive position in the company.

1 b : of, relating to, or used by the people who manage or direct a company or organization
the executive committee
the executive dining room
executive offices
an executive jet [=a private jet airplane used by important executives]

2 : responsible for making sure laws are carried out and for managing the affairs of a nation

In the U.S., the President is the head of the executive branch of government.

compare JUDICIAL, LEGISLATIVE

executive order noun, pl -ders [count]

: an order that comes from the U.S. President or a government agency and must be obeyed like a law

ex·ec·u·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: someone who is named in a will as the person who will make sure that the instructions in the will are properly followed

He named his daughter as his executor.

ex·em·plar noun, pl -plars [count]

formal

1 : an admired person or thing that is considered an example that deserves to be copied
cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

2 : a typical example

He is an exemplar of this new breed of politician.

ex·em·pla·ry adj [more ; most ]

1 : extremely good and deserving to be admired and copied

We congratulated him on his exemplary [=outstanding, excellent] work.

an exemplary school
an exemplary citizen

2 formal : serving as an example of something

+ of
a style exemplary of romanticism

ex·em·pli·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to be a very good example of (something) : to show (something) very clearly

His works exemplify the taste of the period.

a style exemplifying romanticism

The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.

ex·em·pli·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

1ex·empt adj

: not required to do something that others are required to do
usually + from

He was exempt from military service.

She was exempt from physical education requirements because of her health problems.

see also TAX-EXEMPT

2exempt verb, -empts, -empt·ed, -empt·ing [+ obj]

: to say that (someone or something) does not have to do something that others are required to do : to make (someone or something) exempt
usually + from

He was exempted from military service because of his heart condition.

ex·emp·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : freedom from being required to do something that others are required to do usually + from

[noncount] They were granted exemption from military service [=they were not required to join the military] because of their religious beliefs.

[count] They were granted exemptions from military service.

2 [count] : a source or amount of income that is not taxed

You can claim a tax exemption for each of your dependents.

1ex·er·cise noun, pl -cis·es

1 a [noncount] : physical activity that is done in order to become stronger and healthier

Get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Swimming is my favorite kind of exercise.

I need to get more exercise. [=I need to exercise more frequently]

She plays tennis chiefly for (the) exercise.

often used before another noun
an exercise class/video/machine
exercise balls/mats

1 b [count] : a particular movement or series of movements done to become stronger and healthier
knee exercises

She did stretching exercises before her daily run.

2 [count] : something that is done or practiced to develop a particular skill
arithmetic exercises
vocal exercises

Do the writing exercise at the end of each chapter.

3 [count] : an activity that has a specified quality or result

The negotiations have gotten nowhere, and I see no reason to continue with this pointless exercise.

usually + in

Waiting for the letter to come was an exercise in patience.

an exercise in public relations

The negotiations turned out to be an exercise in futility. [=the negotiations were not successful or worthwhile]

4 exercises [plural]

4 a chiefly US : a ceremony for students who have graduated from a school
graduation/commencement exercises

4 b : military activities done for training
conducting naval exercises in the Mediterranean

5 [noncount] somewhat formal : the use of an ability or power that you have

We can avoid these problems by the exercise of a little common sense. [=by using a little common sense]

the exercise of self-control

2exercise verb, -cis·es, -cised, -cis·ing

1 [no obj] : to do physical activities in order to make yourself stronger and healthier

It's important to exercise every day.

He eats right and exercises regularly.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to use (a body part) again and again in order to make it stronger
exercise a muscle

Bicycle riding exercises the leg muscles.

2 b : to cause (an animal) to walk, run, etc., : to give exercise to (an animal)

The stable boys exercise the horses every morning.

3 [+ obj] : to use (an ability, power, etc.)

He didn't exercise good judgment.

We just need to exercise common sense.

She has been reluctant to exercise her authority.

Exercise caution when using these chemicals.

exercise bike noun, pl bikes [count]

: stationary bike called also exercise bicycle

ex·ert verb, -erts, -ert·ed, -ert·ing [+ obj]

1 : to use (strength, ability, etc.)

He had to exert all of his strength to move the stone.

She hasn't been reluctant to exert [=exercise] her authority.

2 : to cause (force, effort, etc.) to have an effect or to be felt

The company exerted [=put] pressure on local politicians.

He exerts a lot of influence on the other members of the committee.

the force exerted by the machine

exert yourself

: to make an effort to do something

Don't exert yourself too much.

She's always willing to exert herself to help other people.

ex·er·tion noun, pl -tions

: physical or mental effort

[noncount] He was panting from the exertion of climbing the stairs.

an easy sport that requires little physical exertion

[count] Their exertions [=efforts] were rewarded when they won the championship.

ex gra·tia adj or adv
chiefly Brit
used to describe something that is done or given freely rather than because it is required by a law

They made an ex gratia payment to the accident victim.

ex·hale verb, -hales, -haled, -hal·ing

: to breathe out

[no obj] She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, trying to relax.

[+ obj] He exhaled a sigh.

sometimes used figuratively

The pipe exhaled a cloud of smoke.

opposite INHALE

ex·ha·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

(an) exhalation of breath

1ex·haust verb, -hausts, -haust·ed, -haust·ing [+ obj]

1 : to use all of someone's mental or physical energy : to tire out or wear out (someone) completely

If you keep working these long hours, you're just going to exhaust yourself. = Working these long hours will just exhaust you.

2 a : to completely use up (something, such as supplies or money)

If they keep spending this way, they'll exhaust their savings.

2 b : to try all of (something)

They've exhausted (all) the possibilities. [=they've tried everything they can]

3 : to consider or talk about (a subject) thoroughly or completely

He can talk about baseball for hours and still feel that he hasn't exhausted the subject/topic.

exhausted adj [more ; most ]

The children were exhausted after their day at the beach.

She collapsed on her bed, totally exhausted.

exhausting adj [more ; most ]

It was an exhausting day at the beach.

We have an exhausting amount of work to do.

ex·haust·ing·ly adv

They worked exhaustingly long hours.

2exhaust noun, pl -hausts

1 [noncount] : the mixture of gases produced by an engine
diesel exhaust from passing trucks
exhaust fumes
smog from automobile exhaust

2 [count] : a pipe or system of pipes through which exhaust is released

There's a problem with the car's exhaust.

called also exhaust pipe (chiefly US) tailpipe

ex·haus·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the state of being extremely tired : the state of being exhausted
physical/nervous exhaustion

She collapsed in exhaustion.

He worked to the point of complete/total exhaustion.

see also HEAT EXHAUSTION

2 : the act of using all of something : the act of exhausting something
the exhaustion of our natural resources

ex·haus·tive adj [more ; most ]

: including all possibilities : very thorough
exhaustive research
an exhaustive study/search

The list was long but not exhaustive.

ex·haus·tive·ly adv
an exhaustively researched report

ex·haus·tive·ness noun [noncount]

1ex·hib·it verb, -its, -it·ed, -it·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (a painting, sculpture, etc.) available for people to see

They will be exhibiting a collection of paintings.

He proudly exhibited his trophy.

2 somewhat formal : to show or reveal (something)

He first exhibited an interest in music when he was very young.

The patient exhibited signs of the disease.

She exhibited no fear.

ex·hib·i·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

The craft show attracts exhibitors from around the country.

2exhibit noun, pl -its [count]

1 a : an object or a collection of objects that have been put out in a public space for people to look at : something shown in an exhibition

The show includes dozens of interesting exhibits.

1 b chiefly US : exhibition 2a

Have you seen the new photography exhibit?

a school art exhibit

2 : an object that is used as evidence in a court of law
introduced the weapons into evidence as exhibits A and B

The phrase exhibit A is sometimes used to refer to someone or something that is being mentioned as evidence or proof of something, as if in a court of law.

He says that the new regulations have hurt small businesses, and he offers his own company as exhibit A.

on exhibit

: being publicly shown in an exhibition

The photographs are on exhibit in the museum's west wing.

The painting went on exhibit last week.

The painting was put on exhibit.

ex·hi·bi·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [singular] : an act of showing some quality or trait

+ of
a notable exhibition of courage
give/provide an exhibition of bad manners

2 a [count] : an event at which objects (such as works of art) are put out in a public space for people to look at : a public show of something

There were several famous paintings at the exhibition.

an exhibition of early American crafts

2 b [noncount] : the act of showing something in public
helping to promote artists by exhibition of their paintings

3 [count] : a public display of athletic skill
a fencing exhibition
an exhibition baseball game [=an unofficial game that does not count in the standings]

make an exhibition of yourself

: to behave in a foolish or embarrassing way in public

He got drunk at the wedding and made an exhibition of himself in front of everyone.

on exhibition

: being publicly shown in an exhibition

The coin collection will be (placed/put) on exhibition [=on exhibit] next week.

ex·hi·bi·tion·ism noun [noncount]

disapproving : behavior that is meant to attract attention to yourself
shameless exhibitionism

ex·hi·bi·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

exhibitionist or ex·hi·bi·tion·ist·ic adj [more ; most ]

exhibitionist behavior

ex·hil·a·rate verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel very happy and excited
usually used as (be) exhilarated

We were exhilarated by the news of his success.

exhilarated adj [more ; most ]

I feel exhilarated!

exhilarating adj [more ; most ]

an exhilarating ski trip
exhilarating news

ex·hil·a·ra·tion noun [noncount]

: a feeling of great happiness and excitement

I felt a kind of exhilaration when I reached the top of the mountain.

ex·hort verb, -horts, -hort·ed, -hort·ing [+ obj]

formal : to try to influence (someone) by words or advice : to strongly urge (someone) to do something

He exhorted his people to take back their land.

She exhorted her listeners to support the proposition.

ex·hor·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·hume Brit verb, -humes, -humed, -hum·ing [+ obj]

formal : to remove (a body) from the place where it is buried

The victim's body will be exhumed [=disinterred] so that a new autopsy can be performed.

ex·hu·ma·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·i·gen·cy noun, pl -cies
formal : something that is necessary in a particular situation

[count]

usually plural

Administrative exigencies [=needs] have led to some changes in the structure of the committee.

the exigencies of war

[noncount] They are motivated by political exigency [=necessity] rather than by principal.

ex·i·gent adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : requiring immediate attention : needing to be dealt with immediately
exigent circumstances

2 : expecting much time, attention, effort, etc., from other people : demanding
exigent bosses/clients

1ex·ile noun, pl -iles

1 a [noncount] : a situation in which you are forced to leave your country or home and go to live in a foreign country

They hoped that his exile would be temporary.

often used after in or into
forced into exile

He went into exile to avoid capture and execution by the government.

He now lives in exile in the United States.

sometimes used figuratively

She went into political exile [=she stopped being involved in politics] after the last election.

1 b [count] : a period of time during which someone has lived in exile
a five-year exile

2 [count] : a person who has been forced to live in a foreign country : a person who is in exile

Many chose to live as exiles rather than face persecution.

see also TAX EXILE

2exile verb, -iles, -iled, -il·ing [+ obj]

: to force (someone) to go to live in a distant place or foreign country : to force (someone) into exile
usually used as (be) exiled

The President was exiled by military rulers soon after the coup.

an exiled writer
dissidents exiled to Siberia

ex·ist verb, -ists, -ist·ed, -ist·ing [no obj]

1 : to have actual being : to be real

She believes that ghosts really do exist.

It's the largest galaxy known to exist.

Does life exist on Mars?

The Internet didn't exist then.

Those ideas only exist in your mind. [=they are only in your mind]

We shouldn't ignore the problems that exist in our own community.

2 : to continue to be or to live
as long as doubt exists [=persists]

Racism still exists in our society.

The organization may soon cease to exist if more funding isn't provided.

We cannot exist [=live] without oxygen.

They exist [=survive, subsist] on a diet of fruit, nuts, and leaves.

existing adj
ignore existing problems
making changes to the existing structure [=the structure that is there now]

ex·ist·ence noun, pl -enc·es

1 [noncount] : the state of existing: such as

1 a : the fact of having actual being : the state of being real
the existence of ghosts

She began to doubt the existence of God.

the largest animal/building in existence [=the largest animal/building that exists]

We shouldn't deny the existence of these problems. [=we shouldn't deny that these problems are present or real]

long before the country had come into existence [=begun to exist; come to have actual being]

The company has since gone out of existence. [=it no longer exists]

1 b : the state of continuing to be or to live

The organization is engaged in a struggle for (its) existence.

I owe my very existence [=life] to their courage. [=I am alive because of their courage]

2 [count] : a particular way of living
usually singular

They enjoyed a comfortable existence.

They pursued their meager existence in a poor rural area.

ex·ist·ent adj
formal : having existence : present or real

The resort is no longer existent. [=it doesn't exist anymore]

: existing now

I think we should improve existent parks rather than create new ones.

opposite NONEXISTENT

1exit noun, pl exits [count]

1 : something (such as a door) that is used as a way to go out of a place

Use the emergency exit in case of fire.

There are 12 exits in the building.

We can't get out this way: the sign says “No Exit.”

the exit door
sometimes used figuratively

The deal provides an exit for the company. [=a way for the company to stop being involved in something]

compare 1ENTRANCE 2

In U.S. English a door or passage that leads outside or to an exit door is marked Exit, while in British English it is often marked Way Out.

2 a : the act of going out or away from something

Her exit [=departure] was not noticed at the time.

He made a quick exit. [=he left quickly]

We made an early exit from the show. [=we left the show early]

2 b : the act of leaving a situation, competition, etc.

Most fans were surprised by the team's early exit from the tournament. [=surprised that the team lost and was out of the tournament at an early stage]

The company needs to have an exit strategy. [=a plan for ending its involvement when it wants or needs to end it]

3 : a special road by which vehicles leave a highway

Take the first exit.

exit ramps

2exit verb, exits, exit·ed, exit·ing

1 : to go out of a place or situation : to make an exit

[no obj] We can exit (out) through the back door.

[+ obj] exit a building
exit the parking lot
The team exited the tournament early.

opposite ENTER

2 [+ obj] : to cause (a computer program) to stop when you have finished using it

Save your work and then exit the program.

exit poll noun, pl polls [count]

: a method of predicting the result of an election by asking people who they voted for as they leave the place where they voted

ex·o·dus noun, pl -dus·es [count]

: a situation in which many people leave a place at the same time
usually singular

The war caused a mass exodus of refugees.

ex of·fi·cio adv
formal : because of your job, office, or position

The Vice President serves ex officio as president of the Senate. [=being vice president means that you are also the president of the Senate]

ex officio adj
ex officio members of the council

ex·on·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to prove that someone is not guilty of a crime or responsible for a problem, bad situation, etc.

Her attorney claims that this new evidence will exonerate [=clear] the defendant completely.

sometimes + of or from
evidence that will exonerate her of/from the charges

ex·on·er·a·tion noun [noncount]

A review of the evidence led to her complete exoneration.

ex·or·bi·tant adj [more ; most ]

: going far beyond what is fair, reasonable, or expected : too high, expensive, etc.

exorbitant fees/costs/prices/expenses

They were charged exorbitant rates for phone calls.

ex·or·bi·tant·ly adv
exorbitantly expensive meals
exorbitantly high prices

ex·or·cise also ex·or·cize verb, -cis·es also -ciz·es, -cised also -cized, -cis·ing also -ciz·ing [+ obj]

: to force (an evil spirit) to leave

The movie is about a priest who tries to exorcise demons from a young girl.

often used figuratively

She tried hard to exorcise her feelings of guilt.

His charitable works seem to be an effort to exorcise the ghosts/demons of his past. [=to make up for the bad things he did in the past]

ex·or·cism noun, pl -cisms [noncount]

the exorcism of demons

[count]

a priest performing exorcisms

ex·or·cist noun, pl -cists [count]

1ex·ot·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : very different, strange, or unusual
exotic colors/flavors
an exotic locale

She's known for her exotic tastes.

2 of a plant or animal : not living or growing naturally in a particular area : from another part of the world
exotic plants
exotic fish/birds

ex·ot·i·cal·ly adv
exotically flavored teas

ex·ot·i·cism noun [noncount]

ex·ot·ic·ness noun [noncount]

2exotic noun, pl -ics [count]

: a plant or animal that does not live or grow naturally in a particular area

Some native species are being crowded out by exotics.

ex·pand verb, -pands, -pand·ed, -pand·ing

1 a [no obj] : to increase in size, range, or amount : to become bigger

The liquid expands and contracts with changes in temperature.

the expanding universe

His business has expanded to serve the entire state.

The coffee shop may expand into a full restaurant.

1 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to increase in size, range, or amount : to make (something) bigger

He has expanded his business to serve the entire state.

There are plans to expand the airport.

The police have decided to expand their investigation.

She plans to expand the lecture series into a book.

This trip will give you an opportunity to expand [=broaden] your horizons. [=to learn more about the world]

expand your knowledge

2 [+ obj] : to write (something) in full form

Expand the abbreviation “deg.” to “degree.”

expand on/upon [phrasal verb]

expand on/upon (something) : to speak or write about (something) in a more complete or detailed way

She declined to expand on her earlier statement.

Please expand [=elaborate] on that idea.

Researchers will expand upon their data in a new study.

ex·pand·able adj [more ; most ]

expandable computer memory [=computer memory that can be easily increased]

ex·panse noun, pl -pans·es [count]

: a large and usually flat open space or area

The explorer gazed across the vast Arctic expanse.

usually + of
the vast/broad expanse of the ocean
an expanse of desert
great expanses of pavement

ex·pan·sion noun, pl -sions

1 [noncount] : the act of becoming bigger or of making something bigger : the act of expanding
territorial expansion

The league is undergoing expansion.

economic expansion
the expansion of a lecture series into a book

2 [count] : a more complete and detailed written work or set of comments based on something shorter

This book is an expansion of a lecture series.

often + on or upon

Her remarks today were an expansion on her earlier comments regarding the budget.

ex·pan·sion·ism noun [noncount]

: the belief that a country should grow larger : a policy of increasing a country's size by expanding its territory

ex·pan·sion·ist adj
expansionist policies

expansionist noun, pl -ists [count]

ex·pan·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 formal : talking a lot

He was unusually expansive at the press conference.

She was in an expansive mood.

2 a : covering or including many things : very broad or wide

The law was expansive in its scope.

a more expansive treatment of the topic

2 b : covering a large space or area
the hotel's expansive dining room

The house has expansive views of the valley.

an expansive gesture [=a broad gesture]

3 : growing quickly or steadily : marked by expansion
an expansive economy

ex·pan·sive·ly adv

ex·pan·sive·ness noun [noncount]

ex·pat noun, pl -pats [count]

informal : expatriate

ex·pa·ti·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [no obj]

formal : to speak or write about something in a way that includes a lot of details or uses many words
usually + on or upon
an essay expatiating on/upon the legislative process

ex·pa·tri·ate Brit noun, pl -ates [count]

: a person who lives in a foreign country

American expatriates living in Paris

expatriate adj, always used before a noun
expatriate writers

ex·pect verb, -pects, -pect·ed, -pect·ing

1 [+ obj] : to think that something will probably or certainly happen

We expect (that) the economy will improve. = We expect the economy to improve.

As expected, the election was very close.

Costs have been higher than expected. = Costs have been higher than they were expected to be.

It's expected that the new products will be available next month.

Prices are expected to rise.

He's opposed to the new law, as you might expect.

I expect (that) she won't like the news.

We were half/fully expecting [=we thought there was a reasonable/good chance] that the game would be canceled.

Good things sometimes happen when you least expect them.

often followed by to + verb

She expects to go to college.

I expect to do well on the exam.

Who do you expect to win? = Who do you expect will win?

2 [+ obj] : to think that (someone or something) will arrive or that (something) will happen

We expect them (to arrive) any minute now.

We expect rain tomorrow. = We expect it to rain tomorrow.

I'll expect your letter (to arrive) next week.

I'm expecting a phone call.

The expected delivery date is next month.

3 [+ obj] : to consider (something) to be reasonable, required, or necessary

He's a teacher who expects hard work from his students.

Her latest film lacks the quality that we've come to expect (from her).

We expected more from/of you.

This is not the kind of behavior I expected of you.

He expects a great deal from/of himself and from/of other people.

I don't think it's too much to expect that you should get to work on time.

The supplier expects to be paid on time.

We expect you to pay your debts.

“England expects every man to do his duty.” Lord Nelson (1805)

4 always used in progressive tenses [no obj] : to be pregnant

She's expecting.

: to be due to give birth

She's expecting next month. [=she will probably give birth next month; her baby will probably be born next month]

5 [+ obj] informal : to suppose or think
usually used after I

I expect [=guess] that these problems occur in other places too.

She feels the same way, I expect.

“Does she feel the same way?” “I expect so/not.”

ex·pect·able adj [more ; most ]

an expectable [=predictable] reaction

ex·pect·an·cy noun [noncount]

: a feeling that something is going to happen : the feeling that you have when you are expecting something

We were all in a state of (nervous) expectancy, awaiting the results of the vote.

an air of expectancy
see also LIFE EXPECTANCY

ex·pect·ant adj

1 [more ; most ] : feeling or thinking that something will happen : expecting something

An expectant crowd waited for her arrival.

2 always used before a noun : expecting the birth of a child : soon to become a parent
expectant parents
an expectant mother

ex·pect·ant·ly adv

The crowd waited expectantly for her arrival.

ex·pec·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : a belief that something will happen or is likely to happen

[count] Their expectation was [=they expected] that the plan would succeed.

The company has expectations of making a profit next year.

[noncount] I saved the files in the expectation that they would be useful in the future.

There is widespread expectation that the strike will be settled soon.

The crowd waited in expectation of her arrival.

To have every expectation of something is to feel very sure that it will happen.

They have every expectation of success. [=they believe they will succeed]

2 [count] : a feeling or belief about how successful, good, etc., someone or something will be
usually plural

Expectations for the team were high. [=people expected the team to do very well]

We've had to lower our expectations for the festival. [=to expect that the festival will not be as successful, big, etc., as we originally thought it would be]

We need to have more realistic expectations about when the house will be finished. [=to accept that the house will not be finished as soon as we thought it would be]

We're living in a time of diminished/rising expectations.

He found it hard to live up to their expectations. [=to do as well as they expected him to do]

The company failed to match/meet expectations. [=to be as successful as people thought it would be]

The restaurant has succeeded beyond (all) expectations. = The restaurant has exceeded expectations. [=it is more successful than people thought it would be]

Company earnings were not up to expectations. = Earnings fell short of expectations. [=the company did not earn as much money as people thought it would earn]

Contrary to expectations, all of the birds survived. = Against (all) expectations, the birds survived. [=the birds survived although people did not think they would]

1ex·pe·di·ent adj [more ; most ]

often disapproving : providing an easy and quick way to solve a problem or do something

They found it expedient to negotiate with the terrorists.

a politically expedient solution

Do the right thing, not the expedient thing.

ex·pe·di·ent·ly adv

We want to resolve this issue as expediently [=quickly] as possible.

ex·pe·di·ence or ex·pe·di·en·cy noun [noncount]

political expedience/expediency
for reasons of expediency

2expedient noun, pl -ents [count]

: an easy and quick way to solve a problem or do something : an expedient solution

The government chose short-term/temporary expedients instead of a real economic policy.

We can solve this problem by the simple expedient of taking out another loan.

ex·pe·dite verb, -dites, -dit·ed, -dit·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause (something) to happen faster

They've asked the judge to expedite the lawsuits.

We'll do what we can to expedite the processing of your insurance claim.

compare EXPEDITIOUS

ex·pe·di·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 : a journey especially by a group of people for a specific purpose (such as to explore a distant place or to do research)

organize/mount/launch a mountain-climbing expedition
a scientific expedition to Antarctica
also used in a playful way to refer to a short trip for a specific purpose
a shopping expedition
fishing expeditions

The phrase fishing expedition is sometimes used in a disapproving way, especially in U.S. English, to describe a situation in which a person or group looks for evidence that someone has done something wrong without having a good reason to believe the evidence exists.

Critics charge that the government investigation is a politically motivated fishing expedition.

2 : a group of people who travel together to a distant place : a group of people who go on an expedition

The (members of the) expedition discovered an ancient burial site.

ex·pe·di·tion·ary Brit adj

1 : relating to an expedition
expeditionary missions

2 : sent to fight in a foreign country
an expeditionary force

ex·pe·di·tious adj [more ; most ]

formal : acting or done in a quick and efficient way

Both sides hoped for an expeditious [=prompt] resolution of the dispute.

ex·pe·di·tious·ly adv

The insurer handled the claim expeditiously. [=promptly]

ex·pel verb, -pels, -pelled, -pel·ling [+ obj]

1 : to officially force (someone) to leave a place or organization

The club may expel members who do not follow the rules.

She was expelled from school for bad behavior.

2 : to push or force (something) out
expel air from the lungs

ex·pend verb, -pends, -pend·ed, -pend·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to use or spend (something)

You can only lose weight by expending [=using, using up] more calories than you take in.

expend [=spend] funds

2 : to use (time, energy, effort, etc.) for a particular purpose

Are we willing to expend the time and resources required to solve the problem?

often + on

We need to expend more time and resources on solving the problem.

sometimes followed by in + -ing verb

We need to expend more time and resources in finding a solution to the problem.

ex·pend·able adj

: easily replaced : not worth saving
employees whose jobs are considered expendable

: not meant to be saved : meant to be used and thrown away
an expendable rocket
expendable [=disposable] supplies

ex·pen·di·ture noun, pl -tures
formal

1 a : an amount of money that is spent on something

[count] Your income should exceed your expenditures. [=you should earn more money than you spend]

an increase in military expenditures

[noncount] an increase in military expenditure

1 b : an amount of time, energy, effort, etc., that is used to do something

[count] vast expenditures of time and effort

[noncount] The energy expenditure was significant.

2 a [noncount] : the act of spending money
the expenditure of funds for the new school

2 b : the act of using something (such as time or effort) for a particular purpose

[noncount] greater expenditure of effort

[count] The project will require an expenditure of effort on everyone's part.

ex·pense noun, pl -pens·es

1 [noncount] : the amount of money that is needed to pay for or buy something

I'd like to save the time and expense [=cost] of redoing the whole thing.

I don't think a first-class ticket is worth the added/extra expense.

often used after at

These items were imported at great/considerable/enormous expense. [=it cost a lot to import them]

We were able to fix the problem at very little expense. [=for very little money]

The repairs were made at no expense to us. [=without costing us anything]

see also AT SOMEONE'S EXPENSE ((BELOW))

If you spare no expense, you spend as much money as you need to in order to make something as good as possible.

When they go on vacation, they spare no expense.

They spared no expense in building the house.

2 [count] : an amount of money that must be spent especially regularly to pay for something

The annual fee is simply an expense of doing business.

usually plural

Their expenses [=expenditures] were getting far ahead of their income.

We need to find a way to control expenses.

cutting back on expenses
legal/medical/household expenses [=costs]

I'm concerned about the project's hidden expenses.

You'll have to pay your own travel/traveling expenses.

an all-expenses paid trip [=a journey for which all costs are already paid]

3 [count] : something on which money is spent

A new car is a major expense.

My new computer was a business expense. [=something I had to buy in order to do business]

at someone's expense

1 : paid for by someone
a fancy dinner at my parents' expense
a stadium built at the taxpayers' expense = a stadium built at taxpayer expense [=with money from taxes]

The tour is free, but all meals are at your own expense. [=you must pay for your meals]

2

If someone makes a joke about you or laughs at you, the joke or laughter is said to be at your expense.

Everyone had a good laugh at my expense.

at the expense of

: in a way that harms (something or someone)

Malls flourished at the expense of small stores downtown.

She acquired power at the expense of friendships.

He argues that the tax cut will benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.

go to (the) expense

: to spend money on something

Why go to the expense of installing something you'll never use?

She went to great expense to have this party.

expense account noun, pl accounts [count]

: an arrangement that allows an employee (such as someone who is traveling for business) to pay for things using the company's money instead of the employee's money

He charged dinner to his expense account.

She put the tickets on her expense account.

ex·pen·sive adj [more ; most ]

: costing a lot of money
an expensive hobby
an expensive car
expensive clothes

The lights were expensive to install.

They live in an expensive neighborhood. [=a neighborhood in which houses, apartments, etc., cost a lot to buy or rent]

Her decision to leave the company proved to be an expensive mistake. [=a mistake that caused her to lose a lot of money]

an expensive shop [=a shop that sells expensive things]

He has expensive tastes. [=he likes expensive things]

ex·pen·sive·ly adv

He dresses expensively.

1ex·pe·ri·ence noun, pl -enc·es

1 [noncount] : the process of doing and seeing things and of having things happen to you

The best way to learn is by experience.

the experience of pain/love

2 [noncount]

2 a : skill or knowledge that you get by doing something

We need someone with experience.

She gained/acquired a lot of experience at that job.

I know that from personal/firsthand experience.

Do you have experience doing this kind of work? [=have you done this kind of work?]

I have little experience (dealing) with these kinds of issues.

2 b : the length of time that you have spent doing something (such as a particular job)

She has five years' experience as a computer programmer.

3 [count] : something that you have done or that has happened to you

He wrote about his experiences as a pilot.

That experience is one I'd rather forget!

She had a frightening experience.

2experience verb, -enc·es, -enced, -enc·ing [+ obj]

: to do or see (something) or have (something) happen to you

Have you ever experienced [=suffered] the loss of a pet?

That was one of the worst days I've ever experienced.

: to feel or be affected by (something)

The patient has been experiencing pain in her left shoulder.

experienced adj [more ; most ]

: having skill or knowledge from doing something : having experience
an experienced driver

The job calls for someone who is more experienced.

experienced at/in teaching

1ex·per·i·ment noun, pl -ments

1 : a scientific test in which you perform a series of actions and carefully observe their effects in order to learn about something

[count] Students will carry out simple laboratory experiments.

perform/conduct/do/run an experiment
a failed experiment
They did some experiments with magnets.

a series of experiments on rats [=done to rats]

[noncount] These theories have not yet been confirmed by experiment.

2 [count] : something that is done as a test : something that you do to see how well or how badly it works

I'd like to paint the room a different color, just as an experiment. [=to see if it looks good or not]

an experiment in living more frugally
the city's experiment with a longer school year

2ex·per·i·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [no obj]

: to make or do an experiment: such as
a : to do a scientific test in which you perform a series of actions and carefully observe their effects

They experimented with magnets.

researchers experimenting on rats

b : to try a new activity or a new way of doing or thinking about something
an artist who's always experimenting [=trying new things]

usually + with

He's been experimenting with various materials.

She experimented with different kinds of weaving.

The school is experimenting with a longer school year.

teenagers experimenting with drugs [=using illegal drugs to find out if they like them]

ex·per·i·men·ta·tion noun [noncount]

scientific experimentation with/on rats
artistic experimentation

ex·per·i·ment·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ex·per·i·men·tal adj [more ; most ]

1 : relating to a scientific experiment or to scientific experiments in general
experimental data/evidence
experimental approaches/conditions
experimental animals [=animals that are used in experiments]

2 : made or done in order to see how well something works
an experimental treatment
experimental drugs/techniques

Plans for new city bus routes are still in the experimental stage. [=they are not final yet; they are being tested]

The fuel is being used on an experimental basis.

3 : using a new way of doing or thinking about something
experimental art/films

ex·per·i·men·tal·ly adv

The theory was only recently experimentally confirmed. [=confirmed in an experiment]

The technique/fuel is being used experimentally.

1ex·pert noun, pl -perts [count]

: a person who has special skill or knowledge relating to a particular subject
a computer expert

She was an acknowledged expert on/in child development.

an expert at planning dinner parties

2expert adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing special skill or knowledge because of what you have been taught or what you have experienced

We received some expert advice.

an expert poker player
an expert opinion

The company has become expert at/in adapting its products for new clients.

expert testimony
an expert witness [=a witness in a court of law who is an expert on a particular subject]

ex·pert·ly adv

The furniture was expertly constructed.

ex·pert·ness noun [noncount]

ex·per·tise noun [noncount]

: special skill or knowledge : the skill or knowledge an expert has

His expertise on defense will help the team.

her expertise in legal matters

The company has no environmental expertise. [=the company does not have experience with environmental problems, matters, etc.]

This question falls outside my area of expertise. [=the subject area I know a lot about]

ex·pi·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to do something as a way to show that you are sorry about doing something bad
trying to find a way to expiate [=atone for] his guilt/sin

ex·pi·a·tion noun [noncount]

expiation of his guilt/sin

ex·pi·ra·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the fact of coming to an end or no longer being valid after a period of time : the fact of expiring
the patent's expiration
one month after the expiration of the contract

2 medical : the act of breathing out
inhalation and expiration [=exhalation]

expiration date noun, pl dates [count]

1 : the date when something (such as a credit card or driver's license) can no longer legally or officially be used

What is the expiration date on your credit card? [=when does your credit card expire?]

called also (Brit) expiry date

2 : the date when something (such as milk or medicine) can no longer be sold because it may no longer be good or effective

Check the expiration date on the bottle to make sure the medicine is still good.

called also (Brit) expiry date

ex·pire verb, -pires, -pired, -pir·ing

1 [no obj] : to end : to no longer be valid after a period of time

This offer expires (on) March 1.

My driver's license has expired.

2 [no obj] formal : to die

She expired after a long illness.

3 /kspaj/ [+ obj] medical : to breathe out (air) : exhale
measuring the volume of air expired from the lungs

time expires

When time expires in a game, the clock shows that there is no more time and play stops.

They scored seconds before time expired.

ex·pi·ry noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : the fact of expiring : expiration
the expiry of the waiting period

expiry date noun, pl dates [count]

Brit : expiration date

ex·plain verb, -plains, -plained, -plain·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) clear or easy to understand

I need a lawyer to explain this contract to me.

The professor explained the poem to the class.

She explained how the machine worked.

I explained to them that I would be available by phone.

2 : to tell, show, or be the reason for or cause of something

[+ obj] Scientists could not explain the strange lights in the sky.

I don't know how to explain the dog's strange behavior.

“I need to rest,” I explained to them. = I explained to them that I needed to rest.

We asked him to explain his reasons to us.

Can you explain why no one was informed earlier?

Well, that explains it!

That explains why we we're so far behind schedule.

[no obj] Give me a chance to explain.

explain away [phrasal verb]

explain away (something) or explain (something) away

1 : to make (something) seem less important by telling how it happened, what caused it, etc.

It will be hard for his lawyers to explain away this new evidence.

She tried to explain her symptoms away by insisting she was just overtired.

2 : to give a reason for (a fault, a mistake, etc.) so that you will not be blamed for it

They've tried to explain away the delays, citing computer problems.

explain yourself

1 : to give a reason for your behavior

She had a hard time explaining herself after the theft was revealed.

I don't think that I should have to explain myself to you.

2 : to say something clearly so that it can be understood

Let me try to explain myself more clearly.

hasten to explain see HASTEN

ex·plain·able adj [more ; most ]

He thought all behavior was explainable in terms of genetics.

ex·pla·na·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act or process of making something clear or easy to understand

Some of the more technical terms need/require explanation. [=they need to be explained]

: the act or process of telling, showing, or being the reason for or cause of something

She declined the offer without (further) explanation.

Some of his actions defy explanation. [=cannot be explained]

The company offered little by way of explanation for the delays. [=as a way of explaining why there were delays]

2 [count] : something (such as a statement or fact) that explains something

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.

often + for or of

Did the company offer an explanation for the delays?

There are several possible explanations for the current oil shortage.

a likely/probable/possible/plausible explanation of how the accident occurred

ex·plan·a·to·ry Brit adj

: made or included in order to explain something

There are explanatory notes at the front of the book.

compare SELF-EXPLANATORY

ex·ple·tive Brit noun, pl -tives [count]

: a word or phrase (such as “Damn it!”) that people sometimes say when they are angry or in pain; especially : one that is offensive

Angry expletives filled the air.

Expletives were deleted from the transcript of their conversation.

ex·pli·ca·ble adj
formal : possible to explain : explainable
phenomena explicable by the laws of physics
his least explicable mistake
opposite INEXPLICABLE

ex·pli·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to explain or analyze (something, such as an idea or work of literature)

an essay explicating a theory
explicate a poem

ex·pli·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·plic·it adj [more ; most ]

1 : very clear and complete : leaving no doubt about the meaning

They were given explicit instructions.

Changes to the property can't be done without their explicit consent.

The law is very explicit about how these measures should be enacted.

opposite IMPLICIT

2 a : showing or referring very openly to nudity, violence, or sexual activity
explicit photographs

They're concerned about exposing children to (sexually) explicit films.

a song with explicit lyrics

2 b : openly shown

The movie contains scenes of explicit violence.

two people engaging in explicit sex
sexually explicit conduct

ex·plic·it·ly adv

We explicitly asked for a room with a view.

The building was explicitly restricted to official personnel.

ex·plic·it·ness noun [noncount]

sexual explicitness

ex·plode verb, -plodes, -plod·ed, -plod·ing

1 : to suddenly break apart in a violent way with parts flying outward

[no obj] The bomb could explode [=blow up, detonate] at any minute.

One of the shells failed to explode.

an exploding volcano

[+ obj] explode [=blow up, detonate] a bomb
compare IMPLODE

2 [no obj]

2 a : to change in a very sudden and violent way

These occasional skirmishes may soon explode into all-out war.

2 b : to move with sudden speed and force

The horses exploded [=burst] out of the starting gate.

The birds suddenly exploded into flight.

We exploded [=burst] into action.

2 c : to be affected by something very suddenly

The building exploded in/into flames/fire.

The audience exploded with/in/into laughter. [=everyone burst out laughing]

3 a [no obj] : to express emotion in a sudden and violent way

She looked like she was ready to explode with anger.

3 b [+ obj] : to say (something) in a sudden and angry way

“Damn you!” she exploded.

4 [+ obj] : to show that (something, such as a belief or theory) is false

Science has exploded many old theories.

The book explodes a number of myths/legends about his youth.

5 [no obj] : to increase very quickly

The deer population has recently exploded.

the exploding [=soaring, rising] costs of childcare

The book has exploded in popularity.

exploded adj
technical : showing the parts of something separately but in correct relationship to each other
an exploded view/diagram of an engine

1ex·ploit noun, pl -ploits [count]

: an exciting act or action
usually plural
performing heroic exploits [=feats]

He enjoys talking about his youthful exploits. [=adventures]

a book about his sexual exploits

2ex·ploit verb, -ploits, -ploit·ed, -ploit·ing [+ obj]

1 : to get value or use from (something)

He has never fully exploited his talents.

Top athletes are able to exploit their opponents' weaknesses.

We need to exploit [=take advantage of] this opportunity/situation.

exploit natural resources

2 : to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly

They were accused of exploiting [=taking advantage of] migrant workers.

She said the tragedy had been exploited by the media.

ex·ploit·able adj [more ; most ]

exploitable resources

ex·ploi·ta·tion noun [noncount]

a victim of exploitation

ex·ploit·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ex·plo·ra·tion noun, pl -tions

: the act of exploring something

[noncount] space exploration
a topic for scholarly exploration
the early exploration of the West

[count] early explorations of the West

ex·plor·a·to·ry Brit adj [more ; most ]

: done or created to find something or to learn more about something
exploratory drilling for oil
an exploratory committee

He underwent exploratory surgery. [=surgery done to find and identify a problem]

ex·plore verb, -plores, -plored, -plor·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to look at (something) in a careful way to learn more about it : to study or analyze (something)

Researchers are exploring how language is acquired by children.

1 b : to talk or think about (something) in a thoughtful and detailed way

The book explores a number of controversial issues.

You need to explore your feelings on this subject more carefully.

We explored various options/alternatives/possibilities.

1 c : to learn about (something) by trying it
an opportunity to explore different activities

The children were encouraged to explore mathematics.

2 [+ obj] : to travel over or through (a place) in order to learn more about it or to find something

I decided to go out and explore the town.

They were sent to explore unknown regions of Africa.

3 [no obj] : to make a careful search for something by traveling to different places
companies exploring for oil

4 [+ obj] : to touch (something) to learn more about it

The doctor explored the wound.

ex·plor·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Arctic explorers

ex·plo·sion noun, pl -sions [count]

1 : the sudden, loud, and violent release of energy that happens when something (such as a bomb) breaks apart in a way that sends parts flying outward

The filmmakers staged the car's explosion.

The island was rocked by a series of volcanic explosions.

set off an explosion

2 a : a sudden and very fast increase

The region has experienced a population explosion.

an explosion of interest

2 b : a sudden expression of some strong emotion
an explosion of anger

2 c : a sudden occurrence of laughter

His comments prompted an explosion of laughter from the crowd.

1ex·plo·sive adj

1 a [more ; most ] : able to cause an explosion
a highly explosive substance

: used for exploding something
an explosive charge
explosive devices

1 b : relating to an explosion or caused by an explosion
the bomb's explosive force

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : tending to get angry very easily
an explosive personality

He has an explosive temper.

2 b : likely to become violent very suddenly

The police are trying to defuse a very explosive [=volatile] situation.

2 c : happening suddenly and quickly

The region has experienced explosive [=rapid] population growth.

2explosive noun, pl -sives [count]

: a substance (such as dynamite) that is used to cause an explosion : an explosive substance
the danger of working with high explosives [=very powerful explosives]

ex·po·nent noun, pl -nents [count]

1 a : someone who supports a particular cause, belief, etc.

He was a leading exponent [=supporter, proponent] of the civil rights movement.

1 b : someone who is known for a particular method, style, etc.

She has become one of America's foremost exponents of the romantic style in interior design.

2 mathematics : a symbol that is written above and to the right of a number to show how many times the number is to be multiplied by itself

The exponent 3 in 10 3 indicates 10 x 10 x 10.

ex·po·nen·tial adj

1 [more ; most ] : very fast : increasingly rapid

The business has experienced several years of exponential growth.

Prices have increased at an exponential rate.

Exponential growth is literally growth that becomes faster and faster as it continues. In ordinary use, however, exponential is understood to mean simply “very fast” when it is used with words like growth and increase.

2 mathematics : including or using an exponent

10 3 is an exponential expression.

ex·po·nen·tial·ly adv

Prices have increased exponentially.

exponentially rapid growth

1ex·port verb, -ports, -port·ed, -port·ing [+ obj]

: to send a product to be sold in another country
countries that export oil to the U.S.

opposite IMPORT

ex·port·able adj
exportable goods

ex·por·ta·tion noun [noncount]

the exportation [=export] of oil

ex·port·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a leading exporter of soybeans

2ex·port noun, pl -ports

1 [count] : something that is exported : a product that is sent to another country to be sold there

Exports to China have risen this year.

2 [noncount] : the act of exporting something
goods for export [=exportation]

the export of wines

export adj, always used before a noun
the export market
export crops

ex·pose verb, -pos·es, -posed, -pos·ing [+ obj]

1 : to leave (something) without covering or protection

The shingles had fallen off, exposing the wood underneath.

often + to

The colors will fade if they are exposed to sunlight.

2 : to cause (someone) to experience something or to be influenced or affected by something

+ to

He wants to expose his students to great works of literature.

The workers were exposed to dangerous chemicals. [=they were placed in conditions that left them unprotected from dangerous chemicals]

She hasn't yet been exposed to measles.

Children are being exposed to violence on television.

His mistakes have exposed him to ridicule. [=he has been ridiculed because of his mistakes]

3 a : to reveal (something hidden, dishonest, etc.)

Undercover investigators exposed the scam.

3 b : to reveal the crimes or faults of (someone)

They threatened to expose him.

often + as

They exposed him as a fraud.

4 : to let light fall on (film in a camera) in order to create a photograph

The film had not been properly exposed.

compare OVEREXPOSE, UNDEREXPOSE

expose yourself

: to show your sexual organs in public

He was arrested for exposing himself (to women) in the park.

ex·po·sé Brit noun, pl -sés [count]

: a news report or broadcast that reveals something illegal or dishonest to the public
a newspaper exposé of government corruption

The show aired an exposé on the candidate's financial indiscretions.

exposed adj

: not protected or covered
an exposed hillside
exposed wiring
an exposed beam

ex·po·si·tion noun, pl -tions

1 formal : the act of explaining something : clear explanation

[noncount] The subject requires some exposition.

[count] a clear exposition of his ideas

2 [count] : a public show or exhibition
the great Paris Exposition of 1899
have/hold/mount an international exposition

ex·pos·i·to·ry Brit adj
chiefly US somewhat formal
used to describe writing that is done to explain something
expository prose

I'm taking an expository writing class this semester.

ex·pos·tu·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [no obj]

formal : to disagree with something or argue against it

She expostulated (with us) at length on/about/concerning the proposed law.

ex·pos·tu·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·po·sure noun, pl -sures

1 [noncount] : the fact or condition of being affected by something or experiencing something : the condition of being exposed to something
exposure to heat/cold
exposure to infection/danger
children's exposure to violence on television

He risks exposure to ridicule by saying such things in public.

2 [noncount] : the act of revealing secrets about someone or something

They threatened him with (public) exposure.

often + of
exposure of his criminal past.

3 [noncount] : public attention and notice

The candidates are competing for television/media exposure.

4 [count] photography

4 a : the amount of time during which light is allowed to enter a camera in order to produce a photograph
a three-second exposure

4 b : a section of a film used for a single photograph

This roll of film has 24 exposures.

5 [noncount] medical : a condition that results from being outside in cold weather for a long time

The climbers nearly died of exposure.

6 [count] : a position that provides a view in a specified direction

The room has a southern exposure.

see also INDECENT EXPOSURE

ex·pound verb, -pounds, -pound·ed, -pound·ing
formal : to explain or state (something) : to give details about (something)

[+ obj] The article expounds the virtues of a healthy diet.

[no obj] When asked to expound, he had no comment.

often + on

The article expounds on the virtues of a healthy diet.

1ex·press verb, -press·es, -pressed, -press·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to talk or write about (something that you are thinking or feeling)

He expressed an interest in meeting her.

We expressed (to them) our thoughts/feelings/views on the subject.

She expressed surprise at his rude behavior.

1 b : to make (your thoughts and feelings) known by doing something other than talking or writing

Her love of nature is expressed [=shown, reflected] in her paintings/music.

Words can't (even begin to) express how grateful I am.

2 : to show (an amount, quantity, etc.) by a sign or a symbol

The results can be expressed as a percentage.

The length, expressed in centimeters, is 29.

3 chiefly US : to send (a package, letter, etc.) so that it will be delivered more quickly than usual : to send (something) by express

They expressed the package to us.

4 : to cause (something) to come out by squeezing or pressing
a room where nursing mothers can express [=pump] milk for their babies

express itself/themselves
of feelings : to become known or seen as the result of a particular action

His rage and frustration expressed [=showed, manifested] themselves as/in/through temper tantrums.

express yourself

: to say or show your thoughts and feelings

He has a hard time expressing himself.

She felt that she hadn't expressed herself correctly.

He expressed himself in song.

ex·press·ible adj

The depth of my gratitude is not expressible in words.

2express adj, always used before a noun

1 : said or given in a clear way

My express [=explicit] orders were for you to go directly home.

2 : of a particular kind

I came for that express [=specific] purpose.

3 a : traveling at high speed with few stops
an express train/bus/elevator
compare 1LOCAL 2

3 b : delivered faster than usual
an express shipment

3 c : designed or intended to be used for fast movement or travel
express roads
the express lane at the grocery store

ex·press·ly adv

Smoking is expressly [=explicitly] forbidden.

3express noun, pl -presses

1 [noncount] : a system for delivering things (such as letters and packages) quickly

He sent the package to us by express.

2 [count] : a train or bus that travels quickly with few stops

He takes the express to work.

compare 2LOCAL 1

4express adv

: by a system that delivers letters and packages quickly : by express

They sent the package express.

ex·pres·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : the act of making your thoughts, feelings, etc., known by speech, writing, or some other method : the act of expressing something

[noncount] freedom of expression [=freedom to say and show what you feel and believe]

Dance is a form of artistic/creative expression.

She is always looking for new ways to give expression to [=to express] her ideas.

Her competitive spirit found expression [=was expressed] in sports.

[count] an expression of affection
expressions of anger
see also SELF-EXPRESSION

2 [count] : a word or phrase
a slang expression

He uses some very odd expressions.

The expression “to make fun of” means “to ridicule.”

People say excuse/pardon/forgive the expression when they are using a word or phrase that might offend or annoy someone.

When you first told me your plan, I thought you were, pardon the expression, crazy.

I'm so glad that you've decided to join us. In fact, I'm tickled pink, (if you'll) excuse the expression.

3 [count] : the way someone's face looks that shows emotions and feelings

Judging from her expression, I think the gift was a complete surprise.

We saw his expression change from angry/anger to sad/sadness.

facial expressions

She wore/had a smug expression.

4 [noncount] : a way of doing something (such as speaking or singing) that shows emotions and feelings

I told him to read the poem with more expression.

5 [count] mathematics : a symbol or a combination of symbols and signs representing a quantity or process

10 3 is an exponential expression.

ex·pres·sion·less adj
an expressionless face

ex·pres·sion·less·ly adv
staring expressionlessly at the camera

ex·pres·sion·less·ness noun [noncount]

ex·pres·sive adj [more ; most ]

1 : showing emotions and feelings clearly and openly
an expressive performance

She has very expressive features. [=her feelings are shown very clearly on her face]

an expressive silence/gesture

2 : showing or expressing something

+ of

His work is expressive of his personality. [=his work epxresses his personality]

3 : of or relating to expression
the expressive function of language

ex·pres·sive·ly adv
singing expressively

ex·pres·sive·ness noun [noncount]

the expressiveness of her features

ex·press·way noun, pl -ways [count]

US : a large highway that may be entered and left only at certain places

ex·pro·pri·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to take (someone's property)

used especially when a government takes property for public use

The land was expropriated by the state.

ex·pro·pri·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·pul·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : the act of forcing someone to leave a place (such as a country or a school) : the act of expelling someone

[count] The government engaged in mass expulsions.

[noncount] He was threatened with expulsion (from the school) if his grades didn't improve.

2 [noncount] : the act of forcing something out : the act of expelling something
the expulsion of air from the lungs

ex·punge verb, -pung·es, -punged, -pung·ing [+ obj]

formal : to remove (something) completely

The criminal charges were expunged [=deleted, erased] from his record.

They hoped to expunge [=erase] the memory of that tragic event.

ex·pur·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to change (a written work) by removing parts that might offend people

They felt it was necessary to expurgate his letters before publishing them.

expurgated adj
an expurgated edition of his letters

ex·pur·ga·tion noun [count, noncount]

ex·quis·ite adj [more ; most ]

1 : finely done or made
exquisite workmanship
a move executed with exquisite precision

: very beautiful or delicate
exquisite flowers

Her singing voice is truly exquisite.

2 : very sensitive or fine

They have exquisite [=excellent] taste in furniture.

The scenes are described in exquisite detail. [=with a lot of very fine details]

3 : extreme or intense
exquisite pain/agony

He chose his words with exquisite care.

ex·quis·ite·ly adv
an exquisitely prepared meal

ex·quis·ite·ness noun [noncount]

ex·tant Brit adj
formal : in existence : still existing
extant bird species

: not destroyed or lost

There are few extant records from that period.

one of the oldest buildings still extant

ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous adj [more ; most ]

: made up or done without special preparation
usually used to describe public speaking

He made an extemporaneous speech.

extemporaneous remarks

ex·tem·po·ra·ne·ous·ly adv
speaking extemporaneously

ex·tend verb, -tends, -tend·ed, -tend·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as your arm or leg) to straighten out or to stretch out

Extend your arms (out) in front of you.

He extended a hand in greeting.

sitting with both legs fully extended

The table measures eight feet long when it is fully extended.

1 b [no obj] : to become longer or to be able to become longer

The table extends to eight feet in length.

The table extends easily.

2 [no obj] : to continue in a specified direction or over a specified distance, space, or time

Their jurisdiction extended over the whole area. [=included the whole area]

The woods extend for miles to the west.

Their knowledge of the family's history extends back to colonial times.

Their influence extends well beyond their immediate circle of friends.

The organization soon extended [=reached] across the country.

His popularity extends from coast to coast.

3 [no obj] : to involve or include a specified person or thing

+ to

His interests extend to art and literature.

The offer doesn't extend to nonmembers.

4 [+ obj] : to make (something) longer or greater

She extended her visit by a couple of weeks.

measures that might extend [=prolong] the patient's life

They scored twice in the third inning to extend [=increase] their lead to 60.

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to offer (something, such as an apology) to someone
extend an invitation
usually + to

I'd like to extend my apologies [=I'd like to apologize] to everyone here.

They extended a warm welcome to us. [=they welcomed us warmly]

5 b : to make (something) available
usually + to

The store extends credit only to its regular customers.

It was many years before these rights were extended to women.

They plan to extend the service to people in rural areas.

extend yourself

: to work hard : to do things that require effort

She's always willing to extend herself for others.

an actor who extends himself by choosing difficult roles

ex·tend·able or ex·tend·ible adj
a two-year contract, extendable to five years
a chair with extendable legs

ex·tend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ex·tend·ed adj, always used before a noun

1 : longer than usual or typical : unusually long

We went on an extended [=lengthy] vacation.

a period of extended hospitalization = an extended period of hospitalization

2 : going beyond the usual, original, or basic version of something

Do you want the extended service warranty? [=a warranty that covers more things or lasts for a longer period of time]

The word has developed several extended [=additional] meanings/senses.

extended family noun, pl -lies [count]

: a family that includes not only parents and children but also other relatives (such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles) compare NUCLEAR FAMILY

ex·ten·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : the act of extending something: such as

1 a : the act of making something longer or greater

[noncount] extension of the patient's life

[count] He's asking for a contract extension.

1 b : the act of straightening or stretching something (such as an arm or a leg)

[count] He did some leg extensions. [=exercises in which you extend your legs]

[noncount] Make sure that the muscles get the proper amount of extension.

2 [count] : extra time allowed for doing something

I missed the deadline but was granted an extension.

3 [count] : something (such as an interest or activity) that develops from something else

+ of

Writing screenplays was a natural/logical extension of his career as a novelist and his longtime interest in film.

The phrase by extension is used to say that what follows comes from or is connected with something that has already been mentioned.

The new measures benefit taxpayers and, by extension, the economy.

He disliked authority and, by extension, all government officials.

4 [count]

4 a : a part that is added on to something to make it larger or longer

They built an extension on their house.

a road extension

4 b : extension cord

5 [count] : an extra telephone that is connected to the main line

We've added another extension in our daughter's bedroom.

also : a telephone number that connects to a particular extension

I dialed her extension, but she wasn't at her desk.

Extension 365, please.

extension cord noun, pl cords [count]

US : an electric cord that is used to make another electric cord reach farther called also extension (Brit) extension lead

ex·ten·sive adj [more ; most ]

: large in size or amount : very full or complete
an extensive [=comprehensive] reading list

He's had extensive [=considerable] training in this area.

The storm caused extensive damage.

extensive repairs
an extensive series of tests

ex·ten·sive·ly adv

She has written extensively on this subject.

ex·ten·sive·ness noun [noncount]

ex·tent noun [noncount]

1 : the range, distance, or space that is covered or affected by something or included in something

She tried to determine the extent of the damage.

the full extent of human knowledge

They underestimated the extent [=size] of the problem.

He questions the extent to which these remedies are needed.

2 : the point or limit to which something extends or reaches

We reached the southernmost extent [=end] of the peninsula.

He swore to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. [=as fully as the law allows]

To what extent [=how far, how much] can they be trusted?

3 used to indicate the degree to which something exists, happens, or is true

If you say that something is true to an extent, to some extent, or to a certain extent, you mean that it is partly but not completely true.

To an extent, they're both right.

Some critics claim that the government is at fault, and, to a certain extent, that's true.

Something that is true to a large extent or to a great extent is mostly true.

These traits are to a large extent inherited. [=these traits are mostly inherited]

The phrases to the extent that, to that extent, and to a greater/lesser extent are often used to describe the effect or importance of something in relation to something else.

To the extent that he encouraged their bad behavior, he's to blame for it. [=he's partly to blame for their bad behavior because he encouraged it]

He encouraged their bad behavior, and to that extent he's to blame for it.

He studied only to the extent that was required to pass the exam. [=he studied just enough to pass the exam]

This new tax affects the middle class and, to a lesser extent, the rich.

This new tax affects everyone to a greater or lesser extent. [=it affects some people more than it does other people]

To the extent that or to such an extent that can also be used to say that something is true to a very extreme degree.

He was fearful to the extent that he refused to leave his house. [=he was so fearful that he refused to leave his house]

She has changed to such an extent that you wouldn't recognize her.

ex·ten·u·at·ing adj
used to describe something (such as an unusual situation) that makes something (such as a crime or a mistake) seem less serious or deserving of blame;
usually used in the phrase extenuating circumstances

The company claims that its failure to deliver the materials on time is due to bad weather and other extenuating circumstances.

1ex·te·ri·or adj

1 a : located on the outside of something
an exterior [=outer] surface
exterior walls

1 b : suited for use on outside surfaces
exterior paint
exterior lights

2 : shown on the outside or surface

They're more concerned with exterior [=external] beauty than interior/inner strength.

opposite 1INTERIOR

2exterior noun, pl -ors [count]

1 : an outer part or surface

The building has a rather plain exterior.

opposite 2INTERIOR

2 : the way someone looks or seems to other people : a person's outward appearance
usually singular

Although she was nervous, she maintained a calm exterior. [=she looked calm]

Underneath that tough exterior, he's really very sentimental.

ex·ter·mi·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat-ing [+ obj]

: to destroy or kill (a group of animals, people, etc.) completely

We made arrangements to have the termites exterminated.

The invaders nearly exterminated the native people.

ex·ter·mi·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

extermination of household pests

ex·ter·mi·na·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

We hired an exterminator to get rid of the termites.

ex·ter·nal adj

1 : located, seen, or used on the outside or surface of something
the external features of the building
the external signs of the disease

This medication is intended only for external use. [=for use on the skin]

opposite INTERNAL

2 : coming from outside
external pressures
external stimuli
opposite INTERNAL

3 : existing or occurring outside your mind
external reality
opposite INTERNAL

4 : concerning relationships with foreign countries
external [=foreign, international] affairs
opposite INTERNAL

ex·ter·nal·ly adv

ex·ter·nals noun [plural]

formal : the way something looks on the surface or from the outside : external appearances

We should not judge them solely on the basis of externals.

ex·tinct adj

1 : no longer existing
an extinct (species of) animal

Many of these old traditions have since become extinct.

2 : no longer active
an extinct volcano

ex·tinc·tion noun, pl -tions

: the state or situation that results when something (such as a plant or animal species) has died out completely

[noncount] the extinction of all life in the region

Several bird species are threatened with extinction. = Several bird species are on the brink of extinction.

the extinction of many old traditions

[count] Mass extinctions of prehistoric animals are known to have occurred.

ex·tin·guish verb, -guish·es, -guished, -guish·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to stop burning

The fire department was called in to extinguish the blaze.

He extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray.

2 : to cause the end or death of (something)

They ruthlessly extinguished all resistance.

News of the conflict extinguished our hopes for a peaceful resolution.

ex·tin·guish·er noun, pl -ers [count] see also FIRE EXTINGUISHER

ex·tir·pate verb, -pates, -pat·ed, -pat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to destroy or remove (something) completely

Such ingrained behavior can never be completely extirpated. [=eradicated]

ex·tir·pa·tion noun [noncount]

ex·tol also US ex·toll verb, -tols also US -tolls, -tolled, -tol·ling [+ obj]

: to praise (someone or something) highly

They extolled [=lauded] the virtues of education.

The health benefits of exercise are widely extolled.

ex·tort verb, -torts, -tort·ed, -tort·ing [+ obj]

: to get (something, such as money) from a person by the use of force or threats

The criminals extorted large sums of money from their victims.

He was arrested for extorting bribes.

He claimed that the confession had been extorted (from him) by the police.

ex·tort·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ex·tor·tion noun [noncount]

: the crime of getting money from someone by the use of force or threats

He was arrested and charged with extortion.

committing/practicing extortion

ex·tor·tion·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

1ex·tra adj

1 always used before a noun : more than is usual or necessary : additional
a sandwich with extra mayonnaise

She got a part-time job to earn some extra money.

He gave us an extra week to finish the job.

There's no extra charge for breakfast.

Room service is/costs an extra $5. = You have to pay an extra $5 for room service.

2 : costing more : requiring additional payment

Breakfast is included in the price, but room service is extra. [=you have to pay more for room service]

go the extra mile see MILE

2extra adv

1 : beyond the usual size or amount
extra long
extra large eggs

You have to pay $5 extra for room service.

2 somewhat informal : very or unusually

The food was extra good.

The roads are slippery, so be extra careful.

This is an extra special occasion.

She tried extra hard.

3extra noun, pl -tras [count]

1 : something that is added especially to make a product, service, etc., more appealing

The package deal includes some nice extras.

The bill doesn't include any hidden extras. [=extra costs]

2 : a person hired to act in a group scene in a movie

Thousands of extras were hired for the battle scene.

extra- prefix

: outside or beyond
an extramarital affair
opposite INTRA-

extra-base hit noun, pl hits [count]

baseball : a double, triple, or home run

1ex·tract verb, -tracts, -tract·ed, -tract·ing [+ obj]

1 : to remove (something) by pulling it out or cutting it out

He extracted a credit card from his wallet.

I had to have a tooth extracted.

The tumor was surgically extracted.

2 a : to get (information, a response, etc.) from someone who does not want to give it

We finally extracted a confession from him.

extract a promise

2 b : to get (something, such as information) from something

Investigators were able to extract useful information from the company's financial records.

They are hoping to extract new insights from the test results.

3 : to get (a substance) from something by the use of a machine or chemicals

The machines extract the juice from the apples.

oil extracted from sunflower seeds
venom extracted from poisonous snakes

4 : to choose and take out (parts of a written work) for a separate use

He extracted [=excerpted] a few lines from a favorite poem for use in his speech.

extract yourself

: to remove yourself from a difficult situation

He has been unable to extract himself from his legal difficulties.

ex·tract·able adj

ex·trac·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

a tooth extractor
a juice extractor

2ex·tract noun, pl -tracts

1 : a substance that you get from something by using a machine or chemicals

[noncount] The recipe calls for a tablespoon of vanilla extract.

[count] herbal extracts

2 [count] : a short piece of writing that is taken from a longer work (such as a book)

The anthology includes extracts [=excerpts] from the works of several well-known authors.

ex·trac·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : the act or process of getting something by pulling it out, forcing it out, etc. : the act of extracting something

[count] tooth extractions and other dental procedures

[noncount] the extraction of teeth by dentists
the extraction of juices from plant matter

2 [noncount]

used after of to describe the origin of a person or family
a family of Italian extraction [=a family whose ancestors came to another country from Italy]

ex·tra·cur·ric·u·lar adj

used to describe extra activities (such as sports) that can be done by the students in a school but that are not part of the regular schedule of classes
extracurricular activities

extracurricular noun, pl -lars [count]

The school offers a variety of extracurriculars. [=extracurricular activities]

ex·tra·dite verb, -dites, -dit·ed, -dit·ing [+ obj]

law : to send (a person who has been accused of a crime) to another state or country for trial

He will be extradited from the U.S. to Canada to face criminal charges there.

The prisoner was extradited across state lines.

ex·tra·di·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

The accused terrorists are awaiting extradition.

[count]

The government has agreed to the extraditions of the accused terrorists.

ex·tra·mar·i·tal adj

: happening outside of a marriage
used to describe sexual relations between a married person and someone who is not that person's husband or wife
an extramarital [=adulterous] affair

ex·tra·ne·ous adj

: not forming a necessary part of something

She sped up the process by eliminating all extraneous steps.

: not important
extraneous [=irrelevant] information/details

ex·traor·di·nary Brit adj [more ; most ]

1 : very unusual : very different from what is normal or ordinary

The researchers made an extraordinary discovery.

It's an extraordinary situation.

extraordinary rudeness/insensitivity

The race is an extraordinary event.

They convened an extraordinary [=special] meeting of the Security Council.

2 : extremely good or impressive

She was a woman of extraordinary [=great, remarkable] intelligence.

The child has extraordinary [=exceptional] abilities.

The food was extraordinary.

ex·traor·di·nar·i·ly Brit adv
an extraordinarily intelligent person
extraordinarily good/bad weather

extra point noun, pl points [count]

American football : a point scored after a touchdown by kicking the ball between the goalposts or by carrying or throwing it a short distance into the end zone

ex·trap·o·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing
formal : to form an opinion or to make an estimate about something from known facts

[+ obj] We can extrapolate the number of new students entering next year by looking at how many entered in previous years.

often + from

They extrapolated these results from their research.

[no obj] With such a small study it is impossible to extrapolate accurately.

often + from

She extrapolated from last year's data to arrive at her estimate.

ex·trap·o·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

ex·tra·sen·so·ry perception noun [singular]

: the ability to know things (such as what another person is thinking or what will happen in the future) that cannot be known by normal use of the senses called also ESP

ex·tra·ter·res·tri·al adj

: coming from or existing outside the planet Earth
extraterrestrial life
extraterrestrial beings/intelligence

extraterrestrial noun, pl -als [count]

a movie about an extraterrestrial [=an extraterrestrial being]

ex·trav·a·gance noun, pl -ganc·es

1 [noncount] : the act or practice of spending a lot of money : wasteful or careless spending

The reorganization of the department was aimed at reducing extravagance.

his extravagance with money

2 [count] : a special purchase that costs more than you usually spend

That coat is an extravagance that you can't afford.

Going to the play will be our one extravagance for this vacation.

3 [noncount] : the quality of something that is very expensive or fancy : an extravagant quality

I was shocked by the extravagance of their lifestyle.

The church is known for the extravagance of its architecture.

ex·trav·a·gant adj [more ; most ]

1 a : more than is usual, necessary, or proper

He went to extravagant [=elaborate, extreme] lengths to impress his boss.

The brunch featured an extravagant [=lavish] assortment of entrees.

extravagant praise

The company has been making extravagant claims/promises about the drug's effectiveness.

1 b : very fancy
an extravagant display

The film is notable for its extravagant settings and special effects.

2 a : very expensive and not necessary
an extravagant purchase

We're going on a less extravagant vacation this year.

2 b : spending a lot of money

On my income, I can't afford to be extravagant. [=I can't afford to buy expensive things that I don't need]

Her extravagant spending has to stop.

ex·trav·a·gant·ly adv

Her work was praised extravagantly.

an extravagantly expensive wedding

ex·trav·a·gan·za noun, pl -zas [count]

: a very large and exciting show or event
a musical extravaganza

extravert variant spelling of EXTROVERT

1ex·treme adj

1 : very great in degree

The plant is sensitive to extreme heat and cold.

They are living in extreme poverty.

If you have to go out in the storm, use extreme caution. [=be very careful]

Extreme accuracy is required.

extreme old age

2 [more ; most ] : very serious or severe

She went on an extreme diet.

Many thought that the punishment was too extreme for the crime.

extreme weather conditions

This situation calls for extreme [=drastic] measures.

The plan was rejected as too extreme.

This is an extreme example of what can happen when a company grows too quickly.

3 [more ; most ] : very far from agreeing with the opinions of most people : not moderate

He has extreme opinions when it comes to politics.

Members of the extreme right/left opposed the legislation.

4 always used before a noun : in the farthest possible position

In the photo, she is at/on the extreme right/left. [=she is in the position that is farthest to the right/left]

The city is in the extreme northern part of the state.

5 sports

5 a : unusual and dangerous
extreme sports

He is a fan of extreme skiing/snowboarding.

5 b always used before a noun US : involved in an unusually dangerous sport : competing in an extreme sport
an extreme athlete

He is an extreme snowboarder/skier.

go to extreme lengths see LENGTH

ex·treme·ly adv

It is extremely [=very] hot/cold in here.

She is extremely generous.

The story has an extremely complicated plot.

It is extremely [=highly, very] unlikely that we will know anyone there.

2extreme noun, pl ex·tremes [count]

1 : either one of two opposite conditions, feelings, positions, etc., that are thought of as being far from what is normal or reasonable

After spending lavishly for years, the company has now gone to the opposite/other extreme and has cut expenses drastically.

His mood changed/swung from one extreme to the other.

often plural
experiencing extremes of emotion

The temperature in the desert ranges between extremes of heat and cold.

Their political views represent the extremes within the party.

There are people at both extremes within the party.

2 : an amount or degree that is far beyond what is normal or reasonable

The movie changes the story to such an extreme [=changes it so much] that it's hardly recognizable.

They are being pushed/driven to ridiculous extremes. [=being forced to do much more than seems reasonable]

If you carry/take (something) to extremes or go to extremes, you do much more than most people would consider reasonable or normal.

The problems in our school system can be solved without going to (such) extremes.

Problems can occur when people carry/take dieting to extremes.

in the extreme
formal : to the greatest possible degree
used to make a statement more forceful

I'm finding it difficult in the extreme [=very/extremely difficult] to deal with this situation.

ex·trem·ism noun [noncount]

: belief in and support for ideas that are very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable
political extremism

ex·trem·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: someone who has extreme ideas about politics, religion, etc.

Extremists in the party view him as too conservative.

A group of extremists took several hostages.

extremist adj [more ; most ]

extremist tendencies/beliefs

ex·trem·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] : a hand or foot
usually plural

You will feel the effects of the cold in your extremities. [=hands and feet]

2 [count] : the farthest limit, point, or part of something

We lived on the island's westernmost extremity. [=the part of the island that is farthest to the west]

3 formal : a very great or extreme degree or amount of something (such as emotion or pain)

[noncount] The extremity of her grief is impossible to imagine.

[count] They endured extremities of suffering. [=they endured extreme suffering]

ex·tri·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

: to free or remove (someone or something) from something (such as a trap or a difficult situation)

Several survivors were extricated from the wreckage.

They extricated the tractor from the mud.

She hasn't been able to extricate herself from her legal problems.

ex·trin·sic adj
formal : not part of something : coming from the outside of something

You have to consider any extrinsic factors in the success of the business.

extrinsic circumstances
opposite INTRINSIC

ex·tro·vert also ex·tra·vert noun, pl -verts [count]

: a friendly person who likes being with and talking to other people : an outgoing person opposite INTROVERT

ex·tro·vert·ed also ex·tra·vert·ed adj [more ; most ]

He is the most extroverted [=outgoing] member of the family.

ex·trude verb, ex·trudes, ex·trud·ed, ex·trud·ing [+ obj]

technical

1 : to force, press, or push (something) out

The machine extrudes enough molten glass to fill the mold.

2 : to shape (something) by forcing it through a hole

The plastic is extruded as a strong, continuous sheet.

a toy made from extruded plastic

ex·u·ber·ant Brit adj [more ; most ]

1 : very lively, happy, or energetic : filled with energy and enthusiasm

His exuberant personality makes him fun to be around.

exuberant music

2 : existing in large amounts : very plentiful
exuberant blossoms

ex·u·ber·ance Brit noun [noncount]

youthful exuberance

ex·u·ber·ant·ly adv
an exuberantly joyful performance

ex·ude verb, exudes, ex·ud·ed, ex·ud·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to produce a liquid or smell that flows out slowly

Pine trees exude a sticky substance.

The flowers exuded a sweet fragrance.

1 b [no obj] : to flow out slowly
usually + from

Moisture exuded from the walls of the cave.

A sticky substance exuded [=oozed] from the pine tree.

2 [+ obj] : to show (a quality, emotion, etc.) very clearly or strongly

She exudes authority/charm. [=she has a great deal of authority/charm]

They exuded elegance/confidence.

ex·ult verb, -ults, -ulted, -ulting

1 [no obj] : to feel or show great happiness
often + at, in, or over

The team exulted in their victory.

She exulted over her students' test scores.

2 [+ obj] : to say (something) in a very excited and happy way

“That was the best meal I've ever had!” he exulted.

Do not confuse exult with exalt.

ex·ult·ant adj [more ; most ]

: very happy and excited

The crowd let out an exultant cheer.

Researchers are exultant over/about the new discovery.

ex·ult·ant·ly adv

ex·ul·ta·tion noun [noncount]

: a feeling of great happiness and excitement : an exultant feeling

The crowd cheered in exultation.

-ey see -Y

1eye noun, pl eyes

1 [count] : the part of the body that you see with

Her eyes slowly became accustomed to the dark.

He wears a patch over one eye.

I have something in my eye.

He has (a pair of) bright blue eyes.

bright/sad/sleepy eyes

She has good/strong/bad/weak eyes. [=eyesight]

Her eyes lit up [=she looked excited and happy] when he showed her the ring.

His eyes were popping out of his head with astonishment [=he looked very astonished] when he saw how big it was!

He punched him right between the eyes. [=punched him hard in the face]

She looked me (right) in the eye [=she looked directly at me] and told me I was fired.

The garden is a feast for the eyes. [=the garden is very beautiful]

The display was very pleasing to the eye. [=pleasing to look at]

I measured the distance by eye. = I measured the distance with my eye. [=by looking at it to get a rough idea of its size]

Their daughter came home from school with tears in her eyes. [=she was crying]

Seeing her again brought tears to my eyes. = Seeing her again brought a tear to my eye. [=made me shed tears]

He had/kept half an eye on [=he occasionally looked at] the TV while he read the paper.

2 [singular]

2 a : an ability to understand and appreciate something seen

Only a trained eye can tell the difference between the original painting and a good copy.

For decorating, they rely on her discerning/discriminating/expert eye.

He has an artist's eye for color.

If you have an eye for something or a good/keen/sharp eye for something, you have a special ability to recognize a particular thing or quality.

He has a keen eye for detail.

He has a good eye for quality.

2 b
used to describe the way something looks to you

It looks a little awkward to my eye. [=it looks awkward to me]

2 c : a way of looking at or judging something

He reviewed the proposal with a jaundiced/critical eye.

The biographer cast a cold/critical/skeptical eye on the artist's life.

3 [count]

used to describe where someone is looking

Her eye was attracted to the bright colors in the painting.

She dropped her eyes [=she looked down] when he looked at her. = Her eyes fell when he looked at her.

He averted his eyes [=he looked away] when she approached him.

I saw something moving out of the corner of my eye. [=to the side of where I was looking]

Her eyes fell on [=she noticed] a piece of evidence no one had noticed before.

All eyes were on her [=everyone was looking at her] as she entered the room.

She fixed her eyes on me [=she kept looking or staring at me] for a long time before answering.

4 [count] : a way of looking at or thinking about something

We need to look at this problem with a fresh eye. [=to look at the problem in a new way]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. [=different people have different ideas about what is beautiful]

often plural

He was guilty in the eyes of the police. [=the police considered him guilty]

He was handsome in her eyes. [=she thought he was handsome]

In the eyes [=opinion] of many, he is the best person for the job.

5 [count] : the hole through the top of a needle
the eye of a needle

6 [count] : a loop that a hook fits into to fasten or attach something

7 [count] : an area on a potato from which a new plant can grow : a bud on a potato

8 [count] : the center of a storm (such as a hurricane) where there is little wind or rain and sometimes there is clear sky

The eye of the storm should reach the coast by morning.

all eyes

: watching something or someone closely : very attentive

She was all eyes as I opened the box.

an eye for an eye or an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth

used to say that a person who has committed a crime should be given punishment that is the same as or as serious as the crime

The ancient code of law called for punishment in the form of an eye for an eye.

as far as the eye could see

: as far as could be seen

The crowd stretched away as far as the eye could see.

a sight for sore eyes see 1SIGHT

a twinkle in your eye see 1TWINKLE

bawl your eyes out see BAWL

before your eyes or in front of your eyes

If something happens (right) before your eyes or in front of your (very) eyes, it happens in a very open and visible way so that you can see it very clearly.

Technology is changing right before our eyes.

We were watching a disaster take place in front of our very eyes.

can't believe your eyes see BELIEVE

cast/run your eye over

: to read it or look at (something) quickly.

Please run your eye over this and let me know what you think.

She cast her eye over the apartment, appalled by the mess.

catch your eye see 1CATCH

close/shut your eyes to

: to refuse to notice or accept the truth or existence of (something) : to ignore (something)

Our legislators have closed their eyes to the poverty that surrounds them.

cock an/your eye see 2COCK

cry your eyes out see 1CRY

easy on the eyes see 1EASY

eyes in the back of your head

When people are surprised that you have seen or noticed something that is behind you, they may say that you have eyes in the back of your head.

How did you know we were here? You must have eyes in the back of your head!

feast your eyes on see 2FEAST

for your eyes only

: intended to be seen only by you

This memo is for your eyes only.

give (someone) the eye
informal : to look at (someone) in a way that shows sexual attraction

Several men were giving her the eye across the bar.

have/keep an/your eye out for

: to be looking for (someone or something) : to hope to see or find (someone or something)

I'm keeping my eye out for a good cheap used car.

He'll be here soon, so keep your eye out for him.

have an eye to/toward

: to have (something) in your thoughts as a goal or purpose

She has an eye to attending graduate school. [=she hopes to attend graduate school]

(have) stars in your eyes see 1STAR

have your eye on

1 : to watch (someone or something) closely

I'll have my eye on the kids while they're swimming.

2 : to be thinking about buying (something)

I have my eye on a new car.

She's had her eye on that house for a long time.

in a pig's eye

US slang
used to express strong disagreement

You want me to apologize to him? In a pig's eye! [=Never!]

in the blink of an eye see 2BLINK

in the public eye

: in a position that receives a lot of public notice and attention

The job requires someone who is comfortable being in the public eye.

in the twinkle/twinkling of an eye

: in a very short time : very quickly

He was back in the twinkle/twinkling of an eye.

in your mind's eye

If you see something in your mind's eye, you imagine or remember how it looks.

I can still see the old playground in my mind's eye.

keep an/your eye on

: to watch or take care of (someone or something)

Will you keep an eye on my suitcase (for me) while I get something to eat?

keep your eye on the ball see 1BALL

keep your eyes glued to
informal : to watch (something) very closely for a long time

They kept their eyes glued to the television, waiting for more news about the accident.

keep your eyes open or keep your eyes peeled or Brit keep your eyes skinned
informal : to look or watch closely in order to see or find (something)

We kept our eyes peeled for a sign that would tell us where to turn.

lay/set eyes on or Brit clap eyes on

: to see or look at (someone or something)

I hope never to lay eyes on him again!

We liked the house from the moment we set eyes on it. [=the moment when we first saw it]

make eyes at
informal : to look at (someone) in a way that shows sexual attraction

Some guy was making eyes at her from across the room.

more than meets the eye

If something is more than meets the eye or there is more to something than meets the eye, there is more to it than there appears to be at first.

There is more to this proposal than meets the eye.

my eye
informal
used to express surprise or mild disagreement

A diamond, my eye! That's glass!

not bat an eye see 4BAT

only have eyes for

: to only be attracted to (a particular person) : to only feel love for (someone)

He only has eyes for you.

open someone's eyes

: to cause someone to notice or be aware of something important

The experience really opened his eyes and changed the way he felt about his life.

often + to

It's time they opened their eyes to the truth.

His film helped open people's eyes to the problem.

open your eyes

: to begin to notice or be aware of something important

You need to open your eyes and face the truth.

often + to

We have to open our eyes to these problems and stop ignoring them.

pull the wool over someone's eyes see WOOL

roving eye see ROVING

run your eye down

: to quickly read or look at (something, such as a list)

She ran her eye down the list looking for her name.

see eye to eye

: to have the same opinion : agree
usually used in negative statements

They don't see eye to eye (with each other) on this issue.

take your eyes off

: to stop looking at (someone or something)

I took my eyes off the road for one second.

She was so beautiful, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

the apple of someone's eye see APPLE

turn a blind eye see 1BLIND

under the eye of

: while being watched by (someone)

Students work under the watchful/vigilant eye of their teacher.

up to your eyes

: deeply involved in or affected by something

We're up to our eyes in work. [=we are very busy]

They're up to their eyes in debt.

with an eye to/toward

: with (something) in your thoughts as a goal or purpose

They hired him with an eye toward increased sales.

They bought the house with an eye toward its restoration.

He took the job with an eye to the future. [=he took the job because he felt it would help him in the future]

with your/both eyes open

: fully aware of what could happen

I went into the job with my eyes (wide) open.

If you do this, you need to do it with both eyes open.

with your eyes shut/closed
informal : with little or no effort : very easily

She could run that company with her eyes shut.

your eyes are bigger than your stomach

If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you have taken more food than you can possibly eat.

I can't finish my mealI guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach!

see also BLACK EYE, EVIL EYE, PRIVATE EYE, RIB EYE, SEEING EYE

2eye verb, eyes, eyed, eye·ing or ey·ing [+ obj]

: to watch or look at (someone or something) in a very close or careful way

I saw someone eyeing me from across the street.

The manager eyed us (up and down) as we walked into the restaurant.

1eye·ball noun, pl -balls [count]

: the entire round part of the eye

up to your eyeballs
informal : deeply involved in something

We're up to our eyeballs in work. [=we are very busy]

2eyeball verb, -balls, -balled, -ball·ing [+ obj]

informal : to look at or stare at (someone or something)

The police eyeballed [=eyed] the suspects.

The children were eyeballing the desserts.

eye·brow noun, pl -brows [count]

: the line of hair that grows over your eye

To raise an/your eyebrow is to move your eyebrow up in a way that shows surprise or mild disapproval. To raise eyebrows is to cause other people to react in this way. These phrases are often used figuratively.

No one raised an eyebrow [=no one expressed surprise] when he announced that he was planning to run for governor.

His recent public statements have raised (a few) eyebrows. [=people have reacted with surprise and disapproval to his recent public statements]

eye candy noun [noncount]

informal : someone or something that is attractive but is not serious or interesting

A lot of the material on their Web site is just eye candy.

eye-catch·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very noticeable because of being unusual or attractive

The movie features eye-catching special effects.

an eye-catching advertisement
eye-catching colors/styles
see also catch your eye at 1CATCH

eye-catch·ing·ly adv

eye chart noun, pl charts [count]

: a chart that has numbers and letters of different sizes and that is used for testing someone's vision

eye contact noun [noncount]

: a situation in which two people are looking directly into each other's eyes

He maintained eye contact with me throughout the conversation.

The speaker made eye contact with audience members.

The jury avoided eye contact with the defendant as the verdict was read.

eyed adj

: having an eye or eyes of a specified kind or number
used in combination
a brown-eyed boy
one-eyed

eye·drop·per noun, pl -pers [count]

: a small tube that is used to measure out drops of liquid : dropper

eye·ful noun [singular]

informal

1 : something that is very surprising, attractive, etc., to look at

The view of the mountains is an eyeful.

2 : an attractive person : a beautiful woman

She's a real eyeful!

get/have an eyeful

If you get/have an eyeful of something or if someone gives you an eyeful of something, you see it very clearly or you see a lot of it or too much of it.

They wanted to see nature and got an eyeful during the camping trip.

These phrases often refer to seeing something shocking, such as a person who is naked.

I opened the door to the locker room and got quite an eyeful.

eye·glass Brit noun, pl -glass·es

1 [count] old-fashioned : a single lens that is worn over your eye to help you see : monocle

2 eyeglasses [plural] chiefly US : a pair of lenses set into a frame and worn over your eyes to help you see : glasses

She left her eyeglasses at work.

eye·lash noun, pl -lash·es [count]

: any one of the hairs that grow along the top of the eyelid

She has beautiful dark eyelashes. [=lashes]

false eyelashes

not bat an eyelash see 4BAT

eye·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a small hole or opening in a material (such as cloth or leather) for a string or rope to pass through; also : a metal or plastic ring that strengthens such an opening

eye level noun [singular]

: a level that is as high as a person's eyes

He hung the picture at eye level.

The hook is just above eye level.

eye·lid noun, pl -lids [count]

: either one of the two movable pieces of skin that cover your eye when it is closed
the upper/lower eyelid of the left eye

not bat an eyelid see 4BAT

eye·lin·er noun, pl -ers [count, noncount]

: a type of makeup used to put a dark line around the eyes

eye-open·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal : something that shows or teaches you something in a surprising way

Traveling abroad can be a real eye-opener to many people.

They say her biography is quite an eye-opener.

The speech was an eye-opener for us.

see also open your eyes at 2OPEN

eye-open·ing adj [more ; most ]

Traveling abroad was an eye-opening experience.

The movie has some eye-opening special effects.

eye·piece noun, pl -piec·es [count]

: the part of a telescope or microscope that you look through

eye shadow noun, pl -ows [count, noncount]

: a type of colored makeup that is put on the eyelids

eye·sight noun [noncount]

: the ability to see : sight or vision

He wears glasses because his eyesight is not good.

failing eyesight
keen eyesight

eye socket noun, pl -ets [count]

: either one of the hollow places in the skull that hold the eyeballs

eye·sore noun, pl -sores [count]

: an ugly object or building

The shack is a real eyesore.

eye·strain noun [noncount]

: a tired and unpleasant feeling in your eyes

After looking at the computer screen all day she had eyestrain and a stiff neck.

eye·tooth noun, pl -teeth [count]

: a pointed tooth : canine

If you say you would give your eyeteeth for something, it means that you want to do or have it very much.

Many journalists would give their eyeteeth for an opportunity like this.

eye·wash noun [noncount]

1 : a liquid used for washing the eyes

2 informal + old-fashioned : foolish words : nonsense

He says he'll quit his job, but we know that's just eyewash.

eyewear noun [noncount]

: glasses, sunglasses, etc.

protective eyewear
a shop that specialilzed in fashionable eyewear

eye·wit·ness noun, pl -ness·es [count]

: a person who sees something happen and is able to describe it

The police are hoping to locate an eyewitness to the shooting.

He was able to give an eyewitness account of the shooting.

eyrie chiefly Brit spelling of AERIE

e-zine noun, pl -zines [count]

: an electronic magazine : a magazine that is on the Internet

1f or F noun, pl f's or fs or F's or Fs

1 : the sixth letter of the English alphabet

[count] The word “foot” begins with an f.

[noncount] The word “foot” begins with f.

2 : a musical note or key referred to by the letter F : the fourth tone of a C-major scale

[count] play/sing an F

[noncount] the key of F

3 [count] : a grade that is given to a student who is doing very poor work

I got an F on the test.

2f abbr

1 female

2 feminine

3 forte used in music

F abbr

Fahrenheit

Water freezes at 32 degrees F.

fa or chiefly Brit fah noun [noncount]

music : the fourth note of a musical scale
do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti

FAA abbr

Federal Aviation Administration
a ruling by the FAA
an FAA official

The Federal Aviation Administration is a part of the U.S. federal government that is responsible for controlling the use of aircraft.

fab adj
informal + old-fashioned : extremely good : fabulous

We had a fab time.

fa·ble noun, pl fa·bles

1 [count] : a short story that usually is about animals and that is intended to teach a lesson

Aesop's fables
a fable about busy ants

2 : a story or statement that is not true

[count] The story that he won the battle single-handedly is a mere fable.

[noncount] He combines fact and fable to make a more interesting story.

fa·bled adj

1 : told about in old stories
a fabled [=legendary] underwater city

2 [more ; most ] : widely known : famous

She served us some of her fabled cherry pie.

fab·ric noun, pl -rics

1 : woven or knitted material : cloth

[noncount] The curtains are made of expensive fabric.

a fabric store

[count] scarves made of woven fabrics

2 [singular] : the basic structure of something
the fabric of society
the fabric of the community

fab·ri·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make or build (something)

Only the largest parts were fabricated at the factory.

Their plan is to fabricate the house out of synthetic materials.

2 : to create or make up (something, such as a story) in order to trick people
a story fabricated to sell magazines

She was accused of fabricating data.

fabricated evidence

fab·ri·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

the fabrication of parts
the fabrication of evidence

[count]

his fabrications [=lies] about his military service

The story was a total/complete fabrication.

fab·ri·ca·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

fabric softener noun, pl -ers [count, noncount]

: a product that is used to make clothes softer when they are washed or dried in a machine called also (Brit) conditioner

fab·u·lous adj

1 [more ; most ]

1 a : very good

I had a fabulous time.

The weather has been fabulous.

1 b : very large in amount or size
fabulous wealth/riches

He is making fabulous amounts of money.

2 literary : not real
fabulous beasts

: told about in a story
a fabulous [=mythical] creature

fab·u·lous·ly adv
fabulously rich
a fabulously successful executive

fab·u·lous·ness noun [noncount]

fa·cade or fa·çade noun, pl -cades or -çades [count]

1 : the front of a building
the facade of the bank
the windowless façade of the skyscraper
a brick facade

2 : a way of behaving or appearing that gives other people a false idea of your true feelings or situation

They were trying to preserve the facade of a happy marriage.

I could sense the hostility lurking behind her polite facade.

1face noun, pl faces [count]

1 : the front part of the head that has the eyes, nose, and mouth on it

He has a round face.

He punched me (right) in the face.

His face is familiar but I can't remember his name.

I'll never forget the look on her face.

She slapped him in the face. = She slapped his face.

He fell flat on his face.

a bearded/freckled/tanned face
a fresh/youthful face
face cream
face powder

Her face lit up [=she looked pleased and happy] when she saw him.

Her face fell [=she looked unhappy] when I told her the bad news.

I don't know how he can show his face around here. [=how he can stand being seen here]

Why the long face? [=why do you look so unhappy?]

He was wearing a silly grin/smile on his face. [=he was grinning/smiling in a silly way]

She angrily told him to wipe that smile off his face. [=to stop smiling]

Her guilt was written all over her face. [=the expression on her face showed her guilt very clearly]

The answer to the problem was staring me in the face all along. [=the answer was obvious but I did not see it]

2 : a facial expression
a happy/sad face
a friendly/smiling face

She tried to put on a brave face [=she tried to appear brave or calm] despite the pain of the injury.

It was hard to keep a straight face. [=it was hard not to laugh]

You should have seen his face when we shouted “Surprise!” [=he had a shocked, surprised, etc., look on his face]

see also POKER FACE

3 : person

I didn't recognize any of the faces around the table.

There are lots of new faces around the office.

It's good to see a familiar face. [=a person that I know]

4 a : the way something appears when it is first seen or thought about
usually singular

On the face of it, her proposal seems ridiculous. [=when you first hear about her proposal it seems ridiculous, although it may not be ridiculous when you learn more about it]

Her proposal seems ridiculous on its face.

4 b : the way something is seen or thought of by people
usually singular

If she wins the election it will change the face of American politics.

To put a brave/good/positive face on something or to put the best face on something is to talk about it or describe it in a way that makes it seem as good as possible.

She can put a positive face on the worst situations.

He was disappointed by the results of the election, but tried to put the best face on the situation by saying he had come closer to winning than people expected.

5 a : a front or outer surface of something
the face of a cliff = a cliff face
the face of a building
the face of a golf club
a species that has vanished from the face of the earth [=a species that is no longer found anywhere in the world]

If you ask me, he's the biggest fool on the face of the earth. [=in the world]

5 b : a surface or side that is marked or prepared in some way
the face of a document

5 c : a side of a coin

Which face will the coin land onheads or tails?

5 d : the part of a clock or watch that shows the time
a clock face

5 e mathematics : any one of the flat surfaces of a solid shape

A cube is a solid with six square faces.

a slap in the face see 2SLAP

as plain as the nose on your face see 1NOSE

blue in the face see 1BLUE

cross someone's face see 2CROSS

cut off your nose to spite your face see 1NOSE

egg on your face see 1EGG

face to face

1
used to describe a situation in which two people are together and looking at each other

They were sitting face to face.

I've spoken with him on the phone but I've never met him face to face. [=I've never met him]

We've never had a face-to-face meeting.

often + with

I've never been face to face with him before.

2 : very close to something dangerous, difficult, etc.

+ with

The actors were face to face with real flames.

She came face to face with death. [=she nearly died]

When she visited the school she was brought face to face with the problems encountered by teachers every day.

fly in the face of see 1FLY

game face

In informal U.S. English, if you are wearing your game face or have your game face on, you have a serious look on your face which shows that you are ready to compete in a game, sport, competition, etc.

He was wearing his game face in the finals.

get out of someone's face

US informal : to go away and stop bothering someone : to leave someone alone

Get out of my face!

Hey, get out of your sister's face and go play somewhere else!

in someone's face

1 : in a direct way that shows anger or disrespect for someone

She laughed in his face.

He slammed the door in my face.

2

In informal U.S. English, if you are/get in someone's face, you are criticizing or shouting at someone in a very direct and angry way.

The coach got in my face because I was late for practice.

see also IN-YOUR-FACE

in the face of

: while in a situation in which you have to deal with (something or someone that is dangerous, difficult, etc.)

Their defeat seemed certain in the face of such a powerful opponent.

She showed great courage in the face of danger. [=she showed great courage when she was faced with danger]

She succeeded in the face of [=despite] great difficulties.

just another face in the crowd see 2CROWD

laugh on the other side of your face see 1LAUGH

lose face

: to cause other people to have less respect for you : to lose other people's respect

She was afraid that she would lose face if she admitted her mistake.

make a face or chiefly Brit pull a face

1 : to make a facial expression that shows dislike or disgust

He made a face when I mentioned her name.

2 : to make a silly or amusing facial expression

She tried to get me to laugh by making a face when I looked at her.

He was entertaining the children by making (funny) faces.

pretty face see 1PRETTY

put a human face on see 1HUMAN

save face

: to avoid having other people lose respect for you

He tried to save face by working overtime.

shut your face see 1SHUT

stare (someone) in the face see 1STARE

stuff your face see 2STUFF

to someone's face

: directly to someone

If you have something to say about me, you should say it to my face. [=say it directly to me rather than to someone else]

2face verb, fac·es, faced, fac·ing

1 a : to stand or sit with your face and body turned toward (something or someone)

[+ obj] The teacher faced the class.

She turned around to face the window.

He sat facing the wall.

[no obj] Turn and face to the east.

1 b : to have the front part toward (something)

[+ obj] The house faces the park.

The living room faces the afternoon sun.

[no obj] My shoe was lying in the corner with its sole facing upward.

The flower opens facing skyward.

1 c : to be on the page that is opposite to (another page)

[+ obj] Look at the illustration that faces page 132. = Look at the illustration facing page 132.

[no obj] Look at the illustration on the facing page.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to deal with (something bad or unpleasant) in a direct way

Only by facing your problems can you hope to overcome them.

You must stand and face the danger.

He'll have to face the consequences of his decision.

2 b : to admit that (something) is true or real

It was time to face the truth.

We have to face the possibility that the economy will get worse before it gets better.

We have to face reality.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to have (something bad or unpleasant) as a problem or possibility : to be confronted by (something)

This is not the first time she has faced adversity.

Because of the drought, thousands of people are now facing starvation.

He finds himself facing criminal charges for his role in the conspiracy.

She faced a difficult choice. [=she had to make a difficult choice]

3 b : to be a problem for (someone) : to require the attention of (someone)

There were many important questions facing them.

We can't ignore the problems that face us.

3 c : to force (someone) to see and deal with something in a direct way

He couldn't deny his involvement when the police faced [=confronted] him with the evidence.

usually used as (be) faced

He was faced with the evidence.

We are faced with two unpleasant options.

We can't ignore the problems that we are faced with.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to meet with (someone) despite shame, fear, or embarrassment

I don't know if I can face him again after treating him so badly.

4 b : to meet (someone) in a competition : to compete or fight against (someone)

The team has to face a tough opponent in its next game.

It was the first time that these two fighters had faced each other in the ring.

The pitcher struck out the first three batters he faced.

5 [+ obj] : to cover the front or the surface of (something)

They faced the building with marble.

a chimney faced with red brick
a brick-faced chimney

face facts or face the fact(s)

: to admit that something is true

The time has come to face the fact that the government's policies aren't working.

The time has come to face the facts and admit that the government's policies aren't working.

Let's face factsour plan isn't working.

face off [phrasal verb]

chiefly US : to be involved or become involved in a conflict, dispute, or competition

The protesters were facing off with/against the police.

They faced off in a nationally televised debate.

two teams that faced off in the play-offs last year
see also FACE-OFF

face the music

: to accept and deal with the unpleasant result of something you have said or done

He knows that he'll be criticized for making a bad decision, and he's ready to face the music.

face up to [phrasal verb]

face up to (something) : to deal with (something bad or unpleasant) in a direct way

She has to face up to [=face] her problems now, or else they'll only get worse.

We need to face up to our fears.

(let's) face it

used to say that something is true and cannot be denied

Face it, a lot of people don't even bother to vote.

Let's face it, most of us don't get enough exercise.

face card noun, pl cards [count]

: a king, queen, or jack in a deck of cards called also (chiefly Brit) court card (Brit) picture card

face·cloth noun, pl -cloths [count]

: washcloth

-faced combining form

1 : having a particular kind of face
a fresh-faced girl
freckle-faced [=having a face with many freckles]

2 : having a particular kind of surface or front
a brick-faced house

face·down adv

: with the face down

The cards were dealt facedown.

lying/floating facedown

He fell facedown in the sand.

face·less adj
usually disapproving

1 : not having any unusual and interesting qualities
the faceless masses
a faceless corporation

2 : not identified : anonymous
a decision made by faceless bureaucrats
a faceless accuser

face-lift noun, pl -lifts [count]

1 : surgery to make a person's face look younger (such as by removing wrinkles)

She's planning to get a face-lift.

2 : changes made to something to make it more attractive or modern

The hotel was given a million-dollar face-lift.

The new landscaping has given the park a much-needed face-lift.

face mask noun, pl masks [count]

: a mask or protective covering that goes over your face or part of your face
gas delivered to the patient via face mask

(American football) The lineman grabbed the running back's face mask.

face-off noun, pl -offs [count]

1 ice hockey : a method of beginning play by dropping the puck between two players
a face-off at center ice

2 chiefly US : a meeting of opponents : a conflict or fight
a legal face-off
a diplomatic face-off between Communist and non-Communist nations
see also face off at 2FACE

face-sav·ing adj, always used before a noun

: done to keep someone from looking foolish
a face-saving gesture

They needed a face-saving way out of the confrontation.

see also save face at 1FACE

fac·et noun, pl -ets [count]

1 : a part or element of something

Each facet of the problem requires careful attention.

the different facets of our culture

Which facet of his character is most appealing?

2 : a small, flat surface on a jewel
the facets of a diamond

fac·et·ed adj
a faceted jewel
see also MULTIFACETED

face time noun [noncount]

US informal

1 : time spent meeting with someone

He hoped to get more face time with the president.

2 : time spent at the place where you work especially before or after normal working hours

Some bosses think lots of face time is a sign of loyalty to the company.

3 : the amount of time someone spends appearing on television
a celebrity who has been getting a lot of face time

fa·ce·tious adj [more ; most ]

used to describe speech that is meant to be funny but that is usually regarded as annoying, silly, or not proper

I was just being facetious.

a facetious remark

fa·ce·tious·ly adv

She was speaking facetiously.

fa·ce·tious·ness noun [noncount]

face·up adv

: with the face up

The cards were dealt faceup.

lying/floating faceup

face value noun, pl values [count]

: the value that is printed or shown on something (such as a coin or bill)

We paid $100 for tickets that had a face value of $50.

at face value

1 : for the price that is printed on something

We bought the tickets at face value.

2

Something that is taken/accepted at face value is regarded as true or genuine without being questioned or doubted.

After all his lying, nothing he says now should be taken at face value. [=accepted as true]

facia variant spelling of FASCIA 3

1fa·cial adj

: of or relating to a person's face
facial expressions
facial features
facial hair

2facial noun, pl -cials [count]

: a beauty treatment to make a person's face look and feel better
a deep-cleaning facial

facie see PRIMA FACIE

fac·ile Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 disapproving : too simple : not showing enough thought or effort
a facile explanation

This problem needs more than just a facile solution.

2 always used before a noun disapproving : done or achieved in a way that is too easy
a facile [=effortless] victory

3 always used before a noun chiefly US, approving : working, moving, or performing well and very easily

He is a wonderfully facile writer.

fac·ile·ly adv

fa·cil·i·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to make (something) easier : to help cause (something)

Cutting taxes may facilitate economic recovery.

Her rise to power was facilitated by her influential friends.

2 : to help (something) run more smoothly and effectively

The moderator's role is to facilitate the discussion by asking appropriate questions.

fa·cil·i·ta·tion noun [noncount]

the facilitation of discussion

fa·cil·i·ta·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

the facilitator of a discussion

fa·cil·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 a [count] : something (such as a building or large piece of equipment) that is built for a specific purpose
a large manufacturing facility
a new sewage-treatment facility

The injured child was rushed to a medical facility. [=a hospital]

a correctional facility [=a prison]

1 b [count] : something that makes an action, operation, or activity easier
usually plural

The resort offers a wide range of facilities for young and old alike.

1 c facilities [plural] informal : bathroom

The facilities are at the end of the corridor.

2 : skill and ease in doing something

[singular] He had a great facility for writing.

[noncount] He had great facility with words.

She handled the crisis with facility.

fac·ing noun, pl -ings

: a layer of material that is placed on the surface or front of something to improve its appearance

[noncount] a house with brick facing

[count] ornamental window facings
a suit with red facings at the collar and the cuffs

fac·sim·i·le noun, pl -les [count]

1 : an exact copy

A facsimile of the world's first computer was exhibited in the museum.

2 formal : 1fax 1

reasonable facsimile

A reasonable facsimile is a copy that is not exact but is fairly close.

The house is a reasonable facsimile of his original home.

This phrase is sometimes used in a joking way.

I can speak French, or at least a reasonable facsimile of French. [=I can speak French but not very well]

fact noun, pl facts

1 [count] : something that truly exists or happens : something that has actual existence

Rapid electronic communication is now a fact.

often used in the phrase the fact that

It's hard to accept the fact that she's gone. [=it's hard to accept that she's gone]

What they're proposing is impractical, apart from the fact that it's also illegal.

In spite of the fact that he was sick [=although he was sick], I went to visit him.

2 : a true piece of information

[count] The book is filled with interesting facts and figures.

Those are the (cold) hard facts of the case.

I know for a fact that he did it. [=I am sure that he did it]

He did it, and that's a fact.

There's no doubt that he did it. The facts speak for themselves. [=the facts make it clear that he did it]

[noncount] It can sometimes be hard to separate fact from fiction. [=to know what is true and what is false]

after the fact

1 law : after a crime has been committed

She was charged with being an accessory after the fact. [=she was charged with helping someone who had committed a crime after the crime was committed]

2 : after something has happened : afterward

They informed me of their decision only after the fact. [=after they had already made their decision]

as a matter of fact

used to stress the truth of a statement

“Do you know her personally?” “As a matter of fact, I do.”

bend (the) facts see 1BEND

in fact

1 : in truth
used to stress that a statement is true although it may be surprising or unlikely
painters who are in fact anything but unsophisticated

He looks younger, but he is in (actual) fact almost 60 years old.

They know each other; in fact, they're close friends. = They know each other; they're close friends, in fact.

2 also in point of fact
used to introduce a true statement which shows that another statement is not true or accurate

He claims that he supported the bill, but in fact he voted against it. [=the truth is that he voted against it]

She says that she doesn't know him, but in point of fact they have been seen together many times.

is that a fact?

used to respond to a statement that is thought to be surprising or unlikely

“He looks much younger, but he's actually almost 60 years old.” “Is that a fact?” [=I am surprised he is 60 years old]

“A lot of people agree with me.” “Is that a fact?” [=I doubt that a lot of people agree with you]

the fact is/remains

used to stress that a statement is true and that its truth is not affected or changed by a previous statement

He may not have meant it, but the fact remains that he committed a crime.

The company has struggled recently, but the fact is that they are still making a profit.

the fact of the matter see 1MATTER

fact-finding adj, always used before a noun

: done or created in order to learn the facts that relate to a particular situation or event
a fact-finding mission
a fact-finding panel

fac·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a group within a larger group that has different ideas and opinions than the rest of the group

The committee soon split into factions.

warring factions

fac·tion·al adj
factional strife/violence/maneuvering

fac·tion·al·ism noun [noncount]

a political party split by factionalism and infighting

fact of life noun, pl facts of life

1 [count] : something that exists and that cannot be changed or ignored

For new parents, lack of sleep is just a fact of life.

2 the facts of life : the facts about sex that are told to children

He explained the facts of life to his son.

fac·toid noun, pl -toids [count]

: a brief and usually unimportant fact

The book is really just a collection of interesting factoids.

1fac·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1 : something that helps produce or influence a result : one of the things that cause something to happen

There were several factors contributing to their recent decline.

Poor planning was a major factor in the company's failure.

Cost was the decisive/deciding/determining factor in their decision. [=the most important reason for their decision]

2 a mathematics : a number that evenly divides a larger number

6, 4, 3, and 2 are factors of 12.

2 b : an amount by which another amount is multiplied or divided

Costs increased/decreased by a factor of 10. [=costs were 10 times higher/lower than they had been]

see also RH FACTOR, RISK FACTOR

2factor verb, -tors, -tored, -tor·ing [+ obj]

1 : to consider or include (something) in making a judgment or calculation

+ in or into

In doing our calculations we need to factor in inflation.

We need to factor inflation into our calculations.

2 : to not consider or include (something) in making a judgment or calculation

+ out

Even after factoring out inflation, the costs have increased greatly.

fac·to·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a building or group of buildings where products are made
an automobile factory

She got a job in/at the factory.

often used before another noun
factory workers/gates

often used figuratively

The college was well-known as a football factory. [=a school known more for its football teams and players than for its students and teachers]

the Hollywood studios that were the dream factories of the American film industry

factory floor noun

the factory floor

: the part of a factory where products are made

There's talk on the factory floor [=among the ordinary workers in the factory] about a possible strike.

fac·to·tum noun, pl -tums [count]

formal : a person whose job involves doing many different types of work

He was the office factotum.

fac·tu·al adj

1 [more ; most ] : limited to, involving, or based on facts
factual knowledge/information

She tried to separate what is factual [=true, real] from what is not.

That statement is not factual.

a report filled with factual errors

2 : of or relating to facts
the factual aspects of the case

fac·tu·al·ly adv
a factually incorrect statement

fac·ul·ty noun, pl -ties

1 a [noncount] : the group of teachers in a school or college

She's a member of the Harvard faculty.

often used before another noun
faculty members
a faculty meeting

1 b faculty [plural] US : faculty members or teachers

The school hired more faculty.

a meeting with students and faculty

2 a [count] : one of the powers of your mind or body
the faculty of hearing/speech

It was sad to see that his mental faculties [=his ability to think clearly] had begun to fail.

She needs to learn to develop her critical faculties. [=her ability to make judgments about what is good or true]

2 b [singular] : a natural talent for doing something

She has a faculty for making friends.

3 [count] : a department in a college or university

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences
the Faculty of Law

fad noun, pl fads [count]

: something (such as an interest or fashion) that is very popular for a short time

She's always interested in the latest fads.

a fad diet

fad·dish adj [more ; most ]

a faddish psychological treatment

fad·dist noun, pl -dists [count]

: a person who becomes very interested or enthusiastic about different things for a short time : a person who becomes involved in fads
a food faddist [=someone who becomes very enthusiastic about different types of food as they become popular]

1fade verb, fades, fad·ed, fad·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to lose strength or freshness

The flowers were fading in the vase.

: to become weaker
the fading light of late afternoon

She was fading fast from the effects of the pneumonia.

Her hearing gradually faded (away) as she grew older.

His voice faded off into a whisper. = His voice faded to a whisper.

1 b : to disappear gradually

We watched the ship gradually fade from view as it sailed away.

The smile faded from his face.

Hopes for a quick end of the crisis are fading fast.

Their reasons for leaving have faded from memory.

He's trying to recapture the faded glory of his youth.

The band's popularity has faded in recent years.

2 : to become less bright : to lose color

[no obj] The fabric will fade unless you protect it from the sunlight.

The colors of the photograph have faded with time.

[+ obj] Exposure to the elements has faded the car's finish.

blue jeans faded by wear

She was wearing faded blue jeans.

3 [no obj] : to change gradually in loudness, strength, or appearance
used to describe a radio signal, a picture in a movie, etc.

As the hero rides into the sunset, the screen fades to black. [=the image gradually changes until the screen is completely black]

often + in or out

One scene fades out as the next fades in.

The radio signal faded out as we got further from the station.

The sound of her voice gradually faded out.

2fade noun, pl fades [count]

: a gradual change from one picture to another in a movie or television program

The movie ends with a fade to black.

fade-in noun, pl -ins [count]

: the gradual appearance of an image at the beginning of a scene in a movie or television program

The film begins with a fade-in of a girl's head on a pillow.

fade-out noun, pl -outs [count]

: the gradual disappearance of an image at the end of a scene in a movie or television program

The movie ends with a slow fade-out to a black screen.

fae·ces chiefly Brit spelling of FECES

1fag noun, pl fags [count]

US informal + offensive : a homosexual man
compare 2FAG

2fag noun, pl fags [count]

Brit informal : cigarette
compare 1FAG

fag end noun, pl ends [count]

Brit informal : the last and usually least appealing or interesting part of something

He came in right at the fag end [=tail end] of the meeting.

fagged adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : very tired

He was too fagged [=exhausted] even to eat.

fag·got noun, pl -gots [count]

US informal + offensive : a homosexual man

fah chiefly Brit spelling of FA

Fahr·en·heit adj

: relating to or having a scale for measuring temperature on which the boiling point of water is at 212 degrees above zero and the freezing point is at 32 degrees above zero
the Fahrenheit scale

It was 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside.

abbr. F compare CELSIUS

1fail verb, fails, failed, fail·ing

1 a : to not succeed : to end without success

[no obj] He failed in his first attempt but succeeded in his second attempt.

The rebellion failed completely.

an experiment that failed = a failed experiment
a marriage that is failing = a failing marriage

The drought caused the crops to fail. [=the crops did not grow successfully because of the drought]

He only bothers to read the directions if/when all else fails. [=if/when everything else he has attempted has failed]

[+ obj]

followed by to + verb

She failed to finish the race.

He failed to achieve all that he hoped to achieve.

1 b [no obj] : to not succeed as a business : to become bankrupt

His first company failed, but his second company succeeded.

The bank failed.

a failed bank

2 a [+ obj] : to not do (something that you should do or are expected to do)

followed by to + verb

He failed to act on the advice of his staff. [=he should have acted on their advice but he didn't]

He failed to mention his new girlfriend when he spoke to his parents.

2 b : to not do something

[+ obj]

followed by to + verb

I turned on the switch but the light failed to go on.

It never fails to surprise me that people can be so gullible. [=I am always surprised that people can be so gullible]

Her public appearances rarely fail to attract huge crowds. [=her public appearances almost always attract huge crowds]

It never fails to rain [=it always rains] when I plan to take a day off.

I fail to see/understand [=I don't see/understand] why we need to change the current system. [=I don't think we need to change it]

[no obj] It never fails: I plan to take a day off, and it rains. [=whenever I plan to take a day off, it rains]

3 [+ obj] : to not do or provide something that is needed by (someone)

He felt that he had failed her when she needed him most.

The government has failed the voters.

In the face of continued threats, his courage failed him. [=he lost courage, he became afraid]

He wanted to express his appreciation for all they had done, but words failed him. [=he did not know what to say]

4 a : to be unsuccessful in passing (an examination, a course of study, etc.)

[+ obj] He failed the test/exam.

He failed chemistry.

[no obj] He failed in chemistry.

Failing students must repeat the course.

4 b [+ obj] : to decide that (someone) has not passed an examination or course of study

The teacher failed several students.

He received a failing grade/mark in chemistry. [=his teacher gave him a grade/mark that showed he failed chemistry]

5 [no obj]

5 a : to stop working

The power failed.

The plane's engine failed, forcing an emergency landing.

His kidneys failed.

5 b : to lose strength : to become weak or weaker

Her health/eyesight is starting to fail.

Her children are concerned about her failing health/eyesight.

2fail noun

without fail

1
used to stress that something always happens

Every day, without fail, he has toast and coffee for breakfast.

2
used to stress that something will definitely happen

She promised that she would be there without fail. [=she would definitely be there]

1fail·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: a weakness or problem in a person's character, behavior, or ability

He has some minor failings.

2failing prep
formal : in the absence of (something) : without

Failing progress in the peace process, war seems likely.

We could try to persuade them by arguing or, failing that [=if that does not happen or succeed], we could threaten to cancel the deal.

fail-safe adj [more ; most ]

: certain not to fail

Of course, no system is entirely fail-safe.

He was looking for a fail-safe source of money.

a fail-safe device/mechanism [=a device/mechanism that will not break]

fail·ure noun, pl -ures

1 : the act or result of failing: such as

1 a : a lack of success in some effort

[count] He became discouraged by his repeated failures in business.

[noncount] He was often crippled by his fear of failure.

He was trying to rescue the business from failure. [=bankruptcy]

opposite SUCCESS

1 b : a situation or occurrence in which something does not work as it should

[count] The storm caused power failures [=outages] in many parts of the city.

a failure [=lapse] of memory

[noncount] The accident was caused by engine failure.

The patient was suffering from heart/kidney failure.

1 c : an occurrence in which someone does not do something that should be done followed by to + verb

[count] The accident was caused by a failure to use proper procedures.

[noncount] She was criticized for failure to follow directions.

1 d : an occurrence in which crops do not grow and produce food in the normal way

[noncount] The drought caused crop failure.

[count] a serious crop failure

2 [count] : a person or thing that has failed

He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school.

The scheme was a complete failure.

opposite SUCCESS

1faint adj, faint·er, -est

1 : not clearly seen, heard, tasted, felt, etc.

We heard a faint noise.

a faint smell/odor/aroma
the faint glow of a distant light

There was a faint smile on her lips.

a faint [=weak] radio signal

2 : very slight or small

There's just a faint chance/possibility that the weather will improve by tomorrow.

a faint hope
a faint reminder of their former greatness

He didn't have the faintest idea/notion what she was talking about. [=he did not know what she was talking about]

She showed not the faintest interest in him. [=she showed no interest at all in him]

3 not used before a noun : weak and dizzy

I'd better lie down; I feel faint.

She felt faint from/with hunger.

damn with faint praise see 2DAMN

faint of heart

: lacking the courage to face something difficult or dangerous
usually used in the phrase not for the faint of heart

This is a difficult climb that is not for the faint of heart.

see also FAINTHEARTED

faint·ly adv

He was smiling faintly.

The room still smelled faintly of perfume.

She looked faintly [=somewhat, slightly] familiar.

He was faintly [=barely] aware of her presence.

faint·ness noun [noncount]

the faintness of distant stars

2faint verb, faints, faint·ed, faint·ing [no obj]

: to suddenly become unconscious

He always faints at the sight of blood.

She almost fainted from the pain.

She suffers from fainting spells.

faint·heart·ed adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing a lack of courage
fainthearted people

She gave him a fainthearted response.

usually used in the phrase not for the fainthearted
a dangerous job that is not for the fainthearted
a frightening movie that is not for the fainthearted

see also faint of heart at 1FAINT

faint·heart·ed·ly adv

1fair adj, fair·er, -est

1 : agreeing with what is thought to be right or acceptable

We received fair treatment.

fair elections
a fair fight
a fair bargain/deal/trade

I'm just trying to get a fair price for the house. [=I'm not trying to get more money for the house than most people think is right]

That's a fair question, and it deserves an honest reply.

The workers claim that they are not being paid fair wages. [=they are being paid less than they should be paid]

It's only fair [=it is the right thing] to tell him the truth.

I washed the dishes yesterday, so it's only fair (that) you to do them today.

He gets his fair share of attention too. [=he gets a reasonable amount of attention]

She's had more than her fair share of trouble. [=she has had a lot of trouble]

2 : treating people in a way that does not favor some over others

He is known as a very fair man.

I try to be fair to/with my children.

He claims that the competition wasn't fair.

It's not fair that she gets to leave early and I don't.

Sometimes life isn't fair.

a fair and impartial jury
a bargain/deal/trade that is fair to/for everyone

All she wants is a fair chance. [=the same chance everyone else gets]

3 : not too harsh or critical

“What a bad movie!” “Be fair! Parts of it are actually pretty funny.”

I can't say I liked the movie, but, to be fair, parts of it are pretty funny.

She did poorly on the test, but, to be fair, so did a lot of other people.

4 a : not very good or very bad : of average or acceptable quality

Her work has been fair to good.

The quality of her work has been only fair.

I think our waiter did a fair job.

The patient has been upgraded from serious to fair condition.

The food was fair to middling. [=just average; not especially good]

4 b approving : reasonably good : good although usually not excellent

The team has a fair [=pretty good] chance of winning the championship this year.

He does a pretty fair [=good] imitation of the President.

He was able to give us a fair idea of the problems involved.

It's a fair bet that the weather will improve soon.

“I'm guessing that he's about 50 years old.” “That's a fair guess, but he's actually almost 60.”

4 c always used before a noun : reasonably large
used to describe an amount or size that is not small although it is also not extremely large

There were a fair number of new participants at the convention.

Researchers now know a fair amount about the earliest humans.

He lives a fair distance from here.

5 : not stormy or cloudy
fair skies
fair weather

6 of a person's hair, skin, etc. : having a light color
fair hair/skin
a person of fair complexion
a fair-skinned person
opposite DARK

7 literary + old-fashioned : attractive or pleasing to look at

We're happy to welcome you to our fair [=lovely] city.

a fair maid/maiden

Who's the fairest of them all?

8 baseball : in the area between the foul lines

The ball was caught in fair territory.

A fair ball is a batted ball that lands in the area between the foul lines.

compare FOUL

a fair bit see 1BIT

a fair shake see 2SHAKE

all's fair in love and war

used to describe a situation in which people do not follow the usual rules of behavior and do things that are normally considered unfair

Sure, it was underhanded to steal his customers, but all's fair in love and war.

bid fair see 1BID

fair and square

: in an honest and fair manner

He won the election fair and square.

fair crack of the whip see 2CRACK

fair enough
informal
used to say that something is reasonable or fair

“I'll wash the dishes today, and you can wash them tomorrow.” “Fair enough.”

“He needs more time.” “Fair enough, but we can't wait too much longer.”

fair's fair
informal
used to say that something was done or should be done because it is fair

Fair's fair: I washed the dishes yesterday, so it's your turn to do them today.

fair to say

A comment that is fair to say is reasonable and is not expected to cause argument.

The key concept in this book, I think it is fair to say, is freedom.

She's not entirely to blame, but it's (only) fair to say that she handled the situation badly.

fair warning

: enough warning to be able to avoid something bad

I'm giving you fair warning that you had better not discuss politics at dinner tonight.

it's a fair cop see 1COP

fair adv

He claims that his opponent wasn't playing fair. [=wasn't playing according to the rules]

fair·ness noun [noncount]

She questioned the fairness of the decision.

In the interest of fairness, let's not mention any names.

She did poorly, but in all fairness [=to be fair to her], she was tired.

2fair noun, pl fairs [count]

1 : a large public event at which there are various kinds of competitions, games, rides, and entertainment; especially US : such an event at which farm products and farm animals are shown and judged

She showed her horse at the annual county/state fair.

2 : an event at which many people gather to buy things or to get information about a product or activity
a book fair
a craft fair
a job fair [=an event where employers offer information about their companies to people who are looking for jobs]

3 : an event at which different things (such as crafts or food) are sold usually for charity

The church is having a fair to raise money for the new school.

fair game noun [noncount]

: someone or something that can be chased, attacked, or criticized

Celebrities are fair game for the tabloids.

The tourists were fair game for the pickpockets.

Even her retirement savings were fair game for her creditors.

fair·ground noun, pl -grounds [count]

: an outdoor area where fairs, circuses, and exhibitions are held

fair-haired adj

1 : having light or blond hair
a fair-haired child

2 chiefly US : especially well-liked or admired
usually used in the phrase fair-haired boy
an athlete who was once the fans' fair-haired boy

fair·ly adv [more ; most ]

1 : to some degree or extent but not very or extremely : to a reasonable or moderate extent
a fairly easy job

It's still fairly early.

a fairly simple procedure

It's a fairly common disease.

2 : in a way that is right or proper : in a fair way

She treats everyone fairly.

I told the story as fairly as possible.

He reports fairly on the issues.

He beat me fairly and squarely.

3
used for emphasis before a verb that is being used figuratively

The situation fairly screamed for someone to intervene.

4 literary + old-fashioned : in a favorable or pleasing way
a town fairly situated on a hill

fair-mind·ed adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing an honest and fair way of thinking
a fair-minded man
fair-minded reporting

fair-mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

fair play noun [noncount]

: a way of behaving or of treating other people that is honest and fair

The court's decision goes against my sense of fair play. [=the court's decision does not seem fair to me]

see also turnabout is fair play at TURNABOUT

fair sex noun

the fair sex also the fairer sex
old-fashioned
used to refer to all women as a group
a member of the fair sex

fair·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: the part of a golf course that has short grass and that lies between a tee and a green

Her shot landed at the left side of the fairway.

compare ROUGH

fair-weath·er adj, always used before a noun
disapproving : loyal or helpful only during times of success and happiness

They are fair-weather friends. [=they are friends when you are successful but not when you fail]

fair-weather fans

fairy noun, pl fair·ies [count]

1 in stories : a creature that looks like a very small human being, has magic powers, and sometimes has wings
a good fairy
a fairy princess
see also TOOTH FAIRY

2 informal + offensive : a homosexual man

fairy·like adj

fairy cake noun, pl cakes [count]

Brit : cupcake

fairy godmother noun, pl -thers [count]

in stories : a woman with magic powers who saves a person from trouble

fairy·land noun, pl -lands [count]

1 in stories : a place where fairies live

2 : a beautiful or magical place
a winter fairyland of snow-covered trees

fairy tale noun, pl tales [count]

1 : a simple children's story about magical creatures
the fairy tale about the sleeping princess
sometimes used figuratively

Their marriage is a real-life fairy tale. [=they have a very happy marriage]

a fairy-tale romance

; called also fairy story

2 : a false story that is meant to trick people

Everything he told us about his happy marriage was just a fairy tale.

fait ac·com·pli noun, pl faits ac·com·plis [count]

formal : something that has been done and cannot be changed

By the time we learned about the decision, it was already a fait accompli.

faith noun, pl faiths

1 [noncount] : strong belief or trust in someone or something

His supporters have accepted his claims with blind/unquestioning faith.

Our faith in the government has been badly shaken by the recent scandals.

His parents have always had faith in him. = His parents have never lost faith in him. [=his parents have always believed that he is a person who deserves to be trusted and who will succeed]

I have no faith in politicians. = I put/have little faith in politicians. [=I do not trust politicians]

Lending him the money to start his own business was an act of faith.

It requires a giant leap of faith for us to believe that she is telling the truth.

see also BAD FAITH, GOOD FAITH

2 a [noncount] : belief in the existence of God : strong religious feelings or beliefs
religious faith

Nothing is more important to her than her faith in God.

She says that her faith has given her the courage to deal with this tragedy.

He says he has found faith. [=he has begun to believe in God or has developed strong religious beliefs]

2 b [count] : a system of religious beliefs : religion
people of all faiths
the Christian/Jewish/Muslim faith

accept/take (something) on faith

: to accept (something) as true without proof or evidence that it is true

I'm not willing to take her statements on faith.

I'll accept it on faith that he knows the truth.

an article of faith

: something that is believed without being questioned or doubted

For many it is an article of faith that the economy will begin to improve soon.

break faith with

: to stop supporting or being loyal to (someone) : to betray (someone)

He has accused the government of breaking faith with its supporters.

keep faith with

: to continue supporting or being loyal to (someone)

He has kept faith with his old political allies.

keep the faith

: to continue to believe in, trust, or support someone or something when it is difficult to do so

The team has been playing poorly, but its devoted fans have kept the faith. [=they have continued to support the team]

faith·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or showing true and constant support or loyalty
a faithful friend/companion
faithful friendship
the team's faithful fans
a faithful dog
often + to

Despite his problems, his friends have remained faithful to him.

She has always remained faithful to the values she learned as a child.

2 : deserving trust : keeping your promises or doing what you are supposed to do
a faithful worker/servant

She has provided the company with many years of faithful service.

often + to

He began to keep a journal and was faithful to it for years. [=he continued to write in his journal for many years]

He was not faithful to his word. [=he did not do what he said he would]

3 : not having sex with someone who is not your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend
a faithful husband/wife

He insists that he has always been faithful to his wife.

4 : exact and accurate

The movie was a faithful adaptation of the book.

a faithful copy
often + to

The movie is faithful to the book. [=the story told in the movie closely matches the story told in the book]

the faithful

1 : the people who believe or participate in a religion

The faithful gather here each year to celebrate together.

2 : the people who are loyal members or supporters of a group or organization

The faithful come out and cheer for the team every year.

The convention was packed with the Republican/Democratic faithful.

faith·ful·ly adv

My friends have supported me faithfully.

He faithfully submitted all the proper forms.

The model faithfully [=accurately] reproduces the original building.

faith·ful·ness noun [noncount]

faith healing noun [noncount]

: a way of treating diseases by using prayer and religious faith

faith healer noun, pl -ers [count]

faith·less adj [more ; most ]

: not able to be trusted
a faithless friend/employee/servant

faith·less·ly adv

faith·less·ness noun [noncount]

fa·ji·ta noun, pl -tas [count]

: a Mexican food that consists of cooked strips of meat served with a flour tortilla and fillings (such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers)

usually plural
steak fajitas

1fake adj

: not true or real
fake emotions

She's a fake friend.

: meant to look real or genuine but not real or genuine

That blood is clearly fake.

fake fur/leather

He was wearing a fake mustache.

2fake noun, pl fakes [count]

1 : a copy of something that is meant to look like the real thing in order to trick people

Experts says that the antique/painting/signature is a fake.

2 : a person who pretends to have some special knowledge or ability or pretends to be someone else

He told everyone he was a lawyer, but he was just a fake.

3 US, sports : a movement (such as a pretended kick, pass, or step) that is meant to trick an opponent

The runner made a fake to the left and then cut to the right.

3fake verb, fakes, faked fak·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to make (something) seem real or true in order to trick someone

He faked a heart attack.

fake an emotion

She faked her own death. [=she tricked people into thinking that she had died]

1 b : to change (something) in order to trick people

He faked the test results.

1 c : to make a copy of (something) in order to trick people

She faked her father's signature.

He faked a rare first edition.

2 US, sports

2 a [+ obj] : to pretend to do (something) in order to trick an opponent

The quarterback faked a handoff and then threw a pass downfield.

2 b [+ obj] : to trick (an opponent) by pretending to do something

The runner faked the defender by stepping to his left and then cutting to the right.

often + out

He faked out the defender.

2 c [no obj] : to make a false movement in order to deceive an opponent

The runner faked left and then cut to the right.

3 [+ obj] : to pretend to know or to be able to do (something)

He didn't know the words to the song, so he had to fake them.

fake it
informal : to pretend to be something that you are not or to have some knowledge or ability that you do not really have

He acts like he's my friend, but I can tell that he's just faking it.

He didn't know the words to the song, so he had to fake it.

fake out [phrasal verb]

fake (someone) out or fake out (someone) chiefly US, informal : to deliberately deceive (someone) : fool

Don't believe him when he says he'll help you. He's just trying to fake you out.

see also 3FAKE 2B (ABOVE)

fak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

You're not hurt, you faker.

fal·con noun, pl -cons [count]

: a type of hawk that can fly very fast and is sometimes trained to hunt

fal·con·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who hunts with hawks or trains hawks for hunting

fal·con·ry noun [noncount]

: the sport of hunting with hawks

1fall verb, falls, fell , fall·en , fall·ing [no obj]

1 a : to come or go down quickly from a high place or position

An apple fell from the tree.

A vase fell off the shelf.

Rain fell from the sky.

the sound of the falling rain

1 b : to come or go down suddenly from a standing position

She slipped and fell on the ice.

He fell flat on his face.

She was afraid that I would trip and fall.

He fell down the stairs.

One of the sailors had fallen overboard.

a fallen tree
often + down or over

She fell down and hurt herself.

The tree fell over during the storm.

1 c : to let yourself come or go down to a lower position

He fell [=dropped, sank] to his knees and asked for forgiveness.

He fell back/forward onto the bed.

2 a : to come down at a particular place after moving through the air

The shot fell a great distance from its target.

often + on

A ray of light fell on the table.

sometimes used figuratively
music falling on the ear

2 b : to slope downward
usually + away

The ground falls away to the east.

The sides of the ridge fall away steeply.

2 c : to hang down

Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders.

3 a : to become lower

The tide rose and fell.

The temperature fell after dark.

His heart rate fell (off) dramatically.

The value of the stock has fallen drastically.

3 b : to become less

Participation in the group has fallen. [=declined]

often + off

Participation in the group has fallen off.

Factory production has fallen off.

3 c : to lose value : to suffer a decline in prices

Stocks fell several points in early trading today.

The market is continuing to fall.

3 d : to become less loud

His voice fell (to a whisper).

The music rose and fell.

4 a of a glance or the eyes : to become lowered

Her eyes fell. [=she looked down]

4 b of the face : to begin to look ashamed or disappointed

His face fell [=he looked disappointed] when he heard the news.

5 of night or darkness : to arrive or begin

Darkness falls early in the winter.

Night has fallen.

6 a : to be wounded or killed in battle

Many men fell on the battlefield that day.

6 b : to be captured or defeated

The fortress fell on the third day of the siege.

6 c : to experience ruin or failure

A great civilization fell in less than a century.

a fallen [=disgraced] leader

We will stand or fall together.

a politician who has fallen from power

The coalition government fell after only six months in office.

7 a : to happen at a specified time

Christmas falls on a Friday this year.

The worst weather of the year fell during his vacation.

7 b
used when something (such as a responsibililty) comes or passes to someone in a way that does not involve choice

It fell to me [=it was my responsibility] to tell them about the car accident.

Responsibility for the damage falls with the other driver.

The estate fell to his brother. [=his brother inherited the estate]

7 c : to have a specified proper place

The accent falls on the second syllable.

The comma falls inside the quotation mark.

8 : to belong in a particular category or range

This word falls within the class of verbs.

Her political views fall somewhere between liberal and conservative.

His creative output falls into three distinct categories.

9 a
used when someone's body or mind passes from one condition or state to another

She fell ill/sick.

He fell asleep.

9 b
used when something passes to a different and usually a less active or less desirable state or condition

The crowd fell silent.

This word has fallen [=gone] out of use. = This word has fallen into disuse. [=this word is no longer used]

His theories have now fallen into disrepute/disfavor.

The machinery has fallen into disrepair.

10 : to start doing something in a very active and energetic way

+ to

She came in and fell immediately to work.

(as) easy as falling off a log see 1EASY

fall afoul of see AFOUL OF

fall (all) over yourself

: to be very eager or too eager

Fans were falling over themselves trying to meet the basketball star.

Reviewers are falling all over themselves to praise her latest novel.

fall apart [phrasal verb]

1 : to break into parts in usually a sudden and unexpected way

The pie was falling apart as I tried to serve it.

often used figuratively

I feel as if my family is falling apart.

Something that is falling apart is in very bad condition.

My old car is falling apart.

The house was falling apart when we bought it.

2 : to become unable to live in a normal way because you are experiencing a lot of confusion or emotional pain

She began to fall apart when her son was imprisoned.

fall away [phrasal verb]

: to become gradually less : to disappear gradually

The sound of the parade fell away in the distance.

fall back [phrasal verb]

1 : to move back away from something dangerous or threatening : retreat

The crowd fell back when the police arrived.

The guerrillas fell back across the border after a brief battle with the army.

2 fall back on (something) also fall back upon (something) : to use (something) for help or protection when you are in a bad situation

When her health insurance was canceled she had nothing to fall back on.

They had to fall back on their emergency supplies when the snow storm blocked the road to town.

fall behind [phrasal verb]

1 : to fail to move or go forward as quickly as others

We had to stop several times so that the slower hikers wouldn't fall (too far) behind.

2 : to fail to do something as quickly as planned or required
often + with

We've been falling further behind with our work.

often + on

I am falling behind on my homework.

We fell behind on our car payments.

fall down on the job

: to do a job badly

The people who are supposed to be keeping the city clean have been falling down on the job.

fall flat

: to produce no response or result

All of his jokes fell flat. [=no one laughed at his jokes]

fall for [phrasal verb]

1 fall for (someone) : to feel a strong attraction for (someone) : to fall in love with (someone)

He fell for her the moment he saw her.

He fell for her hard. = He fell hard for her. = He fell for her like a ton of bricks. [=he became deeply in love with her]

2 fall for (something) : to be fooled by (something, such as a trick)

I can't believe you fell for that old trick.

fall foul of see 1FOUL

fall from grace see 1GRACE

fall in [phrasal verb]

1 : to break apart and fall down in an inward direction

The roof fell in.

2 : to take your place in a military formation

The troops were ordered to fall in.

compare FALL OUT ((BELOW))

fall in/into line

: to start to do what you are told or required to do

Several of the older companies have refused to fall in line (with the new regulations).

It was weeks before the new prisoner fell into line.

fall in love, fall out of love see 1LOVE

fall into [phrasal verb]

1 : to be caught in (a trap)

We fell into a trap.

2 : to begin to do or experience (something) or to be affected by (something) without wanting or trying to

He fell deeply into debt.

She fell into her career almost accidentally.

She fell into the habit of going out for ice cream every night.

fall into place

: to fit together : to make sense

The pieces of the puzzle/mystery are finally starting to fall into place.

fall into step see 1STEP

fall into the hands of

: to come to be held or possessed by (someone)

Officials are concerned that the stolen weapons may fall into the hands of terrorists. [=that terrorists may get/obtain the stolen weapons]

fall into the wrong hands

: to come to be held or possessed by the wrong person or group

There could be a disaster if the weapons fell into the wrong hands.

fall into your lap see 1LAP

fall in with [phrasal verb]

1 fall in with (someone) : to begin to spend time with (someone)

Their daughter fell in with a bad crowd.

2 fall in with (something) : to accept and act in agreement with (something)

They readily fell in with our plans.

fall off [phrasal verb]

: to stop being attached to something

The handle was so loose that it almost fell off.

see also 1FALL 3B (ABOVE)

fall on/upon [phrasal verb]

1 fall on/upon (something)

1 a : to begin to experience (something) : to meet with (an experience)

We fell on hard times after I lost my job.

The company fell upon some unexpected competition.

1 b : to notice (something) especially without wanting or trying to

Her eyes/glance fell on the letter on his desk.

2 fall on/upon (someone) : to attack (someone) suddenly

They fell on the enemy soldiers and killed every one of them.

fall on deaf ears see 1EAR

fall on your feet see 1FOOT

fall out [phrasal verb]

1 of a tooth or hair : to stop being attached to the body

The cancer treatments made her hair fall out.

2 : to have an argument

They fell out [=fought, argued] over money.

He had fallen out [=quarreled] with his neighbor.

see also FALLING-OUT

3 : to leave your place in a military formation

The soldiers were ordered to fall out.

compare FALL IN ((ABOVE))

fall over backward see 1BACKWARD

fall prey to see 1PREY

fall short

1 : to fail to be as good or successful as expected or hoped for

In comparison to her previous novel, this one falls short. [=this one is not as good]

often + of

Her current book falls short of her previous novel.

The cruise fell short of our expectations. [=the cruise was not as good as we expected it to be]

2 : to fail to reach a goal

Their efforts fell short.

often + of

Their efforts fell (far) short of (achieving) their goal.

fall through [phrasal verb]

: to fail or stop in a sudden or final way

Contract negotiations have fallen through.

Our vacation plans have fallen through.

fall through/between the cracks see 2CRACK

fall through the net see 1NET

fall to pieces see 1PIECE

fall under [phrasal verb]

fall under (something) : to be influenced or affected by (something)

He fell under her influence.

fall under a spell

He has fallen under suspicion. [=people have begun to suspect him of doing something]

fall victim to see VICTIM

let the chips fall where they may see 1CHIP

2fall noun, pl falls

1 [count] : the act of falling: such as

1 a : the act of coming or going down from a high position or from a standing position
a fall from a horse

She's had/suffered several bad falls in recent years.

a fall of three feet

He slipped on the ice and hurt his hand when he tried to break his fall. [=to stop himself from falling]

1 b : the act of becoming lower
the rise and fall of the tide

2 US : the season between summer and winter : the season when leaves fall from trees : autumn

[count] She went off to college in the fall.

an unusually warm fall

[noncount] in early/late fall

Several weeks of fall remain before winter begins.

When fall came he planted grass.

often used before another noun
our fall catalog
a new fall coat
fall colors/foliage
the fall harvest

3 [count] : a decrease in the size, amount, degree, activity, or value of something
a fall in the price of oil

4 a [singular] : loss of power or greatness
the rise and fall [=collapse] of an empire

4 b [singular] : the surrender or capture of a place that is being attacked
the fall of Troy

The fall of the fort caused the local civilians to flee.

4 c [singular] : loss of innocence or goodness
a fall from virtue

4 d the Fall : the event in the Bible when Adam and Eve are forced to leave the Garden of Eden because they have sinned against God
after the Fall

5 [count] : an area on a river or stream where water runs steeply downward
usually plural

Bears hunted for fish in the rocky falls. [=waterfall]

Niagara Falls

be riding for a fall see 1RIDE

fall from grace see 1GRACE
see also FREE FALL, WINDFALL

fal·la·cious adj [more ; most ]

formal : containing a mistake : not true or accurate
a fallacious [=false] set of assumptions
fallacious [=misleading] arguments

fal·la·cious·ly adv

fal·la·cious·ness noun [noncount]

fal·la·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [count] : a wrong belief : a false or mistaken idea
popular fallacies about medicine

It's a fallacy (to believe) that the Earth is flat.

2 [noncount] : the quality of being false or wrong

The fallacy of their ideas about medicine soon became apparent.

fall guy noun, pl guys [count]

informal : a person who is blamed for something done by others : scapegoat

His lawyers will argue that he was set up as a/the fall guy for crimes he had no part in.

fal·li·ble adj [more ; most ]

: capable of making mistakes or being wrong
fallible human beings
opposite INFALLIBLE

fal·li·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

She acknowledged her fallibility.

scientific fallibility

fall·ing-out noun, pl fall·ings-out [count]

: a serious argument or disagreement

The two actors barely spoke after their bitter falling-out.

He had a falling-out with his parents over money.

see also fall out at 1FALL

falling star noun, pl stars [count]

: meteor

fall·out noun [noncount]

1 : the radioactive particles that are produced by a nuclear explosion and that fall through the atmosphere
radioactive fallout
a fallout shelter [=a shelter built underground to protect people from radioactive fallout]

2 : a bad effect or result of something
concerned about the possible political fallout from the scandal

fal·low adj

1 : not used for growing crops : not planted
fallow land/fields
allowing several fields to lie fallow

2 : not active or productive
a writer who has been going through a fallow period [=a period in which he has done no writing]

There were too many promising ideas lying fallow [=not being used] at the company.

false adj

1 : not real or genuine
used to say that something is not really what it seems to be
false documents
false teeth/hair/eyelashes
a trunk with a false bottom

2 : not true or accurate

Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false.

especially : deliberately untrue : done or said to fool or deceive someone
false testimony
false accusations/statements
a false promise
false advertising

He registered at the hotel under a false name.

The loan was obtained on/under false pretenses. [=by pretending that a certain condition or circumstance was true]

3 : based on mistaken ideas

Your conclusion is based on false [=incorrect] assumptions.

false confidence/pride
false expectations/hopes

The dog gave her a false sense of security. [=made her feel safe when she was not really safe]

4 a : not faithful or loyal
a false friend

4 b : not sincere
false modesty
false sympathy

5 : sudden or deceptive in a threatening way

The police warned him not to make any false moves/movements. [=movements that are not expected and that may be threatening or dangerous]

false·ly adv

He was falsely accused of stealing.

The suspect stated falsely that she was working that day.

false·ness noun [noncount]

false alarm noun, pl alarms [count]

1 : an alarm (such as a fire alarm) that is set off when it is not needed

A false alarm drew firefighters to the school.

2 : something that causes people to wrongly believe that something bad or dangerous is going to happen

The report that the factory would be closing was a false alarm.

He thought he might be having a heart attack, but his chest pains were just a false alarm.

false arrest noun, pl -rests [count, noncount]

: an arrest that is not legally justified

He's suing the police for false arrest.

false·hood noun, pl -hoods

1 [count] : an untrue statement : lie
a politician accused of spreading (malicious) falsehoods about his opponent

2 [noncount] : the quality of not being true or accurate : false quality
the falsehood [=(more commonly) falseness, falsity] of these accusations
the line between truth and falsehood

false start noun, pl starts [count]

1 : the mistake of starting too soon in a race

If someone makes/commits a false start, the race is immediately stopped and the runners have to start again.

2 : an unsuccessful attempt to begin something (such as a career or a project)

After several false starts, the researchers were finally able to identify the virus causing the epidemic.

fal·set·to noun, pl -tos [count, noncount]

: a very high voice used by a man (such as a male singer)

He sang in (a) falsetto.

a falsetto voice

falsetto adv
singing falsetto

fals·ie noun, pl -sies [count]

informal

1 : a piece of material (such as rubber) that is worn under a bra to make the breast appear larger
usually plural
a woman wearing falsies

2 : false eyelashes
usually plural

Instead of mascara, she wore falsies.

fal·si·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) false : to change (something) in order to make people believe something that is not true

He was caught falsifying financial accounts.

fal·si·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

fal·si·ty noun, pl -ties
formal

1 [noncount] : the quality of not being true or accurate : the quality of being false

The army would not comment on the truth or falsity [=falseness] of the report.

2 [count] : an untrue statement
spreading falsities [=(more commonly) falsehoods, lies] over the Internet

fal·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

1 : to stop being strong or successful : to begin to fail or weaken

The business was faltering due to poor management.

Their initial optimism has faltered.

signs that the economy is faltering

2 : to begin to walk or move in an unsteady way

Her steps began to falter.

3 : to feel doubt about doing something

He never faltered [=wavered] in his determination to go to college.

4

If your voice falters, you are unable to speak normally because you are unsure about what to say or because you are feeling strong emotions.

Her voice faltered when she spoke about her parents.

faltering adj
a faltering economy

They are trying to save their faltering [=failing] marriage.

He was only able to take a few faltering steps.

fame noun [noncount]

: the condition of being known or recognized by many people

He died at the height of his fame.

The book tells the story of her sudden rise to fame.

He gained/found fame as an actor.

The house was once occupied by Noah Webster of dictionary fame. [=Noah Webster, who was famous for his dictionary]

achieving/earning/winning international/worldwide fame

She went to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune.

see also HALL OF FAME

claim to fame see 2CLAIM

famed adj

: known and usually liked by many people : famous
a famed writer
a bowl of the restaurant's famed chili
often + for
a restaurant famed for its chili

fa·mil·ial adj

1 : of or relating to a family
familial relationships

: suggesting a family

The company has created a familial atmosphere in its offices.

2 medical : tending to affect members of the same family
a familial disease

fa·mil·iar adj [more ; most ]

1 a : frequently seen, heard, or experienced
a familiar joke/sight
familiar surroundings

The essay covers familiar ground/territory.

It's a sad but (all too) familiar story.

She has become a familiar figure in the world of politics.

often + to
surroundings that are more familiar to us
foods that are already familiar to most Americans

1 b
used to say that something is easy for you to recognize because you have seen, heard, or experienced it many times in the past

He spotted a familiar face in the crowd.

a familiar voice

1 c : possibly known but not clearly remembered

He looked familiar [=he looked like someone I had seen before] but I couldn't remember his name.

Her name is/sounds/seems (vaguely) familiar.

2 a : relaxed and informal

She spoke in a familiar way about her past.

an essay written in a familiar style

2 b : appropriate for use with people you know well
a familiar way of addressing someone

2 c : too friendly

They felt the waiter was being overly familiar.

often + with

He avoids being overly/too familiar with his employees.

familiar with

: having some knowledge about (something)

We are familiar with the situation. [=we know about the situation]

I'm not very familiar with that area.

fa·mil·iar·ly adv

The coach patted him familiarly on the back.

Locals refer to the Maple Leaf restaurant familiarly [=informally] as ‘The Leaf.’

fa·mil·iar·i·ty noun [noncount]

1 : the state of being familiar with something : the state of having knowledge about something
usually + with

His familiarity with local issues helped him during the campaign.

The job requires familiarity with current software.

The expression familiarity breeds contempt means that knowing a lot about someone or something can cause you to like that person or thing less.

2 : a friendly and informal way of acting or talking

He spoke to everyone with the easy/relaxed familiarity of an old friend.

fa·mil·iar·ize also Brit fa·mil·iar·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to give (someone) knowledge about something : to make (someone) familiar with something

The visit was meant to familiarize [=acquaint] students with the library.

I've been slowly familiarizing myself with the neighborhood.

fa·mil·iar·i·za·tion also Brit fa·mil·iar·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

1fam·i·ly noun, pl -lies

1 a : a group of people who are related to each other

This sense of family can refer to a group that consists of parents and their children or it can refer to a bigger group of related people including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. It is often used specifically of a group of related people who live together in one house.

[count] There were a lot of families at the circus.

a close/close-knit family
The show is fun for the whole/entire family.
the royal family
a single-parent family
a death in the family

There are several doctors on his mother's side of the family.

She wants to spend more time with her family.

my sister and other members of my immediate family [=the group that includes my parents, my brothers and sisters, and me]

After his father's death he became the head of the family.

She's a friend of the family.

a two-family house/dwelling [=a house that has separate areas for two families to live in]

[noncount] He spent a quiet evening at home with family.

trying to find a balance between work and family

She was surrounded by friends and family. [=family members]

He has family in California. [=he has relatives who live in California]

To be treated like one of the family or like family is to be treated in a very warm and kind way, like a member of someone's family.

They treat their guests like family.

You can informally describe someone as a member of your family by saying that he or she is family.

You're always welcome here because you're family.

My brother has a lot of faults, but we forgive him because he's family.

If something runs in the family or runs in someone's family, it occurs in all or many members of a family.

Musical talent runs in her family. [=many or all of the people in her family have musical talent]

see also EXTENDED FAMILY, NUCLEAR FAMILY

1 b [count] : a person's children

He's devoted to his wife and family.

My sister and her husband want to have a big/large family. [=to have many children]

They want to raise a family. [=to have children]

They want to start a family [=to begin having children] soon.

1 c [count] : a group of related people including people who lived in the past

My family came to America from Italy.

Their family has lived here for many generations.

usage

In U.S. English, family is used with a singular verb.

His family has always supported him.

In British English, family can also be used with a plural verb.

His family have always supported him.

2 [count] : a group of people who resemble a family in some way

We like to think that the people who work here are all one big, happy family.

3 [count] : a group of things that are alike in some way
a family of languages/instruments

4 [count] : a group of related plants or animals

Peaches, apples, and roses belong to one family.

a plant that belongs to the cabbage family

Despite their large size, crows are members of the songbird family.

5 [count] : a group of criminals who work together in an organized way
the suspected head of a crime family

2family adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to a family
family members
a family picnic
the family business/car

He enjoys family life. [=he enjoys spending time with his wife and children]

an old family friend [=friend of the family]

2 : designed or suitable for both children and adults
a family restaurant
family entertainment
family [=wholesome] values

the family jewels see JEWEL

family doctor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a doctor who treats the members of a family : a doctor who provides general medical care for people of all ages called also family practitioner

family leave noun [noncount]

: a period of time when an employee has permission to be away from a job in order to deal with family matters (such as caring for a baby or a sick family member)

family man noun, pl men [count]

: a man who has a wife and children; especially : a man who enjoys spending a lot of time with his wife and children

family name noun, pl names [count]

: the name shared by the people in a family : surname

Her family name is Smith.

family planning noun [noncount]

: the use of birth control to determine the number of children there will be in a family and when those children will be born

family practice noun [noncount]

: the work of providing general medical care for people of all ages

She plans to enter family practice when she graduates from med school.

called also family medicine

family practitioner noun, pl -ers [count]

: family doctor

family room noun, pl rooms [count]

1 US : a large, informal room in a family's house that is designed as a place for children and parents to spend time playing and relaxing

2 Brit : a room in a pub in which children are allowed

family tree noun, pl trees [count]

: a drawing or chart that shows how the different members of a family are related to each other

A framed family tree hung on the wall.

fam·ine noun, pl -ines

: a situation in which many people do not have enough food to eat

[count] The famine affected half the continent.

[noncount] millions killed by war, drought, and famine

fam·ished adj [more ; most ]

informal : very hungry

What's for supper? I'm famished.

fa·mous adj [more ; most ]

: known or recognized by very many people : having fame
an internationally famous hotel
a famous entertainer/explorer/athlete/politician
often + for or as

The hotel is (justly) famous for its luxury.

The hotel is famous as the place where the treaty was signed.

see also WORLD-FAMOUS

fa·mous·ly adv

1 : in a way that is known by many people : in a famous manner

The executive famously insisted on riding the bus to work every day.

the team's famously passionate fans [=fans who are famous for being passionate]

2

People who get on/along famously like each other and enjoy each other's company very much.

They've always gotten along famously (together).

1fan noun, pl fans [count]

: a machine or device that is used to move the air and make people or things cooler: such as
a : a flat device that is held in your hand and waved back and forth in front of your face
b : an electrical machine that has turning blades

The engine was cooled by an electric fan.

hit the fan
informal : to cause a lot of anger and trouble
used especially to describe what happens when people find out about something that makes them very angry

I don't want to be there when it hits the fan.

often used in the impolite phrase when the shit hits the fan

compare 3FAN

2fan verb, fans, fanned, fan·ning

1 [+ obj] : to move air on or toward (someone or something) with a fan

He fanned himself with a newspaper while he waited for the bus.

To fan a fire is literally to blow air onto a fire so that it will burn more strongly. In figurative use the phrase fan the fires/flames means to make an emotional situation more dangerous, so that people become angrier and more likely to act in a violent way.

They are fanning the flames of hate.

The rebels did all they could to fan the fires of revolution. [=to encourage revolution]

2 baseball, informal : to strike out

[+ obj] The pitcher has fanned six batters in the first three innings.

[no obj] The batter fanned on a curveball.

fan out [phrasal verb]

fan out or fan out (something) or fan (something) out : to spread apart or to cause (something) to spread apart

The police fanned out across the park in search of the suspect.

He fanned out his fingers.

3fan noun, pl fans [count]

: a person who likes and admires someone (such as a famous person) or something (such as a sport or a sports team) in a very enthusiastic way

I am a huge baseball fan.

sports fans

He's her biggest/greatest fan.

He is not a fan of insurance companies. [=he doesn't like insurance companies]

compare 1FAN

fa·nat·ic noun, pl -ics [count]

1 : a person who is very enthusiastic about something

I became a boating fanatic.

2 disapproving : someone who has extreme ideas about politics, religion, etc.

a religious fanatic [=extremist]

fanatic or fa·nat·i·cal adj [more ; most ]

a fanatic supporter
fanatical zeal/devotion/loyalty
often + about

She's fanatical about her job.

He is fanatical about boating.

fa·nat·i·cal·ly adv

She was fanatically devoted to her job.

fa·nat·i·cism noun [noncount]

religious fanaticism

fan belt noun, pl belts [count]

: a band of material (such as rubber) that moves to provide power to the fan that cools the engine in a car

fan·ci·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who likes something or has an interest in something
a cat fancier [=a person who fancies/likes cats]

a wine fancier

fan·ci·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : coming from the imagination
a fanciful tale of a monster in the woods

2 : showing imagination : unusual and appealing

They gave all their children fanciful names.

fanciful architecture

fan·ci·ful·ly adv
fancifully [=imaginatively] named children

fan club noun, pl clubs [count]

: an organization for people who admire a famous person, group, etc.

members of the singer's fan club

1fan·cy adj, fan·ci·er, -est

1 : not plain or ordinary
a fancy dress
a fancy hairdo
fancy decorations

2 : very expensive and fashionable
a fancy restaurant

He drives a big, fancy car.

3 : done with great skill and grace
fancy footwork
fancy diving

4 US, of food : of the highest grade or quality
fancy tuna

fan·ci·ly adv
a fancily carved ornament

2fancy noun, pl -cies

1 [singular] : the feeling of liking someone or something

Something about the movie really struck/caught/tickled/took their fancy. [=something about the movie appealed to them very much]

She took a fancy to the stray dog. [=she formed a liking for the stray dog]

a passing fancy [=a liking that lasts only a short time]

2 a [noncount] : the power of the mind to imagine things : imagination

His plans to build a new stadium are the product of pure fancy.

2 b : something imagined : fantasy

[noncount] Critics have dismissed his plan as mere fancy.

[count] a mere fancy
see also flight of fancy at FLIGHT

3fancy verb, -cies, -cied, -cy·ing [+ obj]

1 informal : to take pleasure in (something)

She has never fancied [=liked, enjoyed] large dinner parties.

2 chiefly Brit, informal : to consider (someone or something) likely to win or succeed

Do you fancy [=like] their chances?

Which horse do you fancy in the Derby?

3 chiefly Brit, informal : to want to have or do (something)

Do you fancy (having) another drink? [=would you like to have another drink?]

4 Brit, informal : to feel sexually attracted to (someone)

He's all right, I suppose, but I can't say I fancy him.

5 Brit : to imagine (something)

I have a hard time fancying you as a father.

often used to express surprise

Fancy [=imagine] our embarrassment when the police showed up at the door.

“The baby she brought home was the wrong one.” “Fancy that!” [=imagine that]

6 : to think or believe (something) without being certain that you are right

I fancy (that) I've met him before.

fancy yourself
chiefly Brit informal : to think that you look good or that you are very special or important

They really fancy themselves after only one hit song!

I never thought I'd fancy myself in a kilt.

fancy dress noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : special clothes that you wear to a party where people are dressed to look like famous people, characters, etc.

Everyone wore fancy dress for the ball.

a fancy-dress ball/party [=a costume ball/party]

fan·cy-free adj

: having no responsibilities : not held back by ties to other people
usually used in the phrase footloose and fancyfree

He felt footloose and fancy-free after he left college.

fan·dan·go noun, pl -gos [count]

: a fast Spanish dance

fan·fare noun, pl -fares

1 [noncount] : a lot of talk or activity showing that people are excited about something

The new jet was introduced with great fanfare.

2 [count] : a short piece of music played loudly with trumpets especially to announce that someone is arriving

fang noun, pl fangs [count]

: a long, sharp tooth
the fangs of a rattlesnake
a tiger baring/showing its fangs

fanged adj
a fanged monster [=a monster that has fangs]

fan letter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a letter sent to a famous person by a fan

She sent a fan letter to her favorite star.

fan light noun, pl lights [count]

1 US : a window in the shape of a half circle that is placed over a door or another window

2 Brit : transom 2

fan mail noun [noncount]

: letters that are sent to a famous person by fans : fan letters

The band gets a lot of fan mail.

fan·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

informal

1 US : the part of the body that you sit on : buttocks

I'd like to give him a good kick in the fanny!

2 Brit, offensive : a woman's sexual organs

fanny pack noun, pl packs [count]

US : a small bag for carrying things that is worn with a strap which goes around a person's waist

fan·ta·size also Brit fan·ta·sise verb, -siz·es, -sized, -siz·ing

: to imagine doing things that you are very unlikely to do : to have fantasies

[no obj]

often + about

He fantasized about quitting his job and becoming a painter.

[+ obj] She fantasized that she had won a million dollars.

fan·tas·tic adj [more ; most ]

1 : extremely good

That meal was fantastic! [=excellent, terrific]

We had a fantastic [=great, wonderful] time!

2 : extremely high or great

The train runs at fantastic speeds.

3 also fan·tas·ti·cal : very strange, unusual, or unlikely

He concocted a fantastic [=wild, outlandish] scheme to rob the casino.

fantastic creatures

trip the light fantastic see 2TRIP

fan·tas·ti·cal·ly adv
fantastically high speeds

My sister buys fantastically expensive clothes.

fan·ta·sy noun, pl -sies

1 : something that is produced by the imagination : an idea about doing something that is far removed from normal reality

[noncount] His plans are pure fantasy.

He can hardly tell the difference between fantasy and reality.

[count] His plans are just fantasies.

Her fantasy is to be a film star.

romantic/sexual fantasies

She's living in a fantasy world. [=her ideas or plans are not realistic]

2 [noncount] : the act of imagining something : imagination

His plans are the product of pure fantasy.

3 : a book, movie, etc., that tells a story about things that happen in an imaginary world

[count] I spent my summer reading fantasies.

[noncount] I spent my summer reading fantasy (books).

fan·zine noun, pl -zines [count]

: a magazine that is written by and for people who are fans of a particular person, group, etc.

a musician with her own fanzine

FAQ abbr
frequently asked question, frequently asked questions used to refer to a list of questions and answers that is shown on a Web site to provide basic information to the people who use the site

1far adv, far·ther or fur·ther , far·thest or fur·thest

1 : at or to a great distance in space or time

The dog wandered far from home.

These new discoveries will allow us to see far into the past.

She lives far out in the country.

the far distant future

The house is set far back from the road.

The deadline is not far off/away.

regions far to the north
a town not far from Chicago

“Where's the park?” “It's not far (from here).”

He still lives not far from where he was born.

She doesn't like being so far (away) from home.

2 : to a great extent

It's far [=much, a lot] easier to deal with these problems now.

a far better choice

The car is far too expensive.

The two sides are still far apart. [=a long way apart]

His policies are far different from those of his predecessor.

People are now living far longer.

“It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever done” Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities (1859)

3 : to or at a particular distance, point, or degree

Those birds aren't usually seen this far north.

They have offices as far west as Ohio.

People come to this museum from as far away as California.

The word was used as far back as the 17th century.

The hills extend as far as the eye can see.

4 : to an advanced point or extent

These reforms don't go far enough.

They've gone about as far as they can.

He drove the tent stake far [=deep] into the ground.

We've come too far to quit now.

We've accomplished a lot, but we still have far [=a long way] to go.

She has a lot of talent. If she works hard, she should go far. [=she should be very successful]

as far as

1 also so far as

1 a
used in expressions like as/so far as I know to say that you think a statement is true but that there may be something you do not know which makes it untrue

It's safe, as far as I know. [=based on what I know, I think it's safe, although it is possible that it is not safe]

The investigation isn't making much progress, as far as I can see/tell/judge.

1 b
used in expressions like as/so far as (something) goes and as/so far as (something) is concerned to mean “about (something)” or “with regard to (something)”

He has no worries as far as money is concerned. [=he has no worries about money]

As far as the weather is concerned, we've been having nothing but rain for the past week.

1 c
used in expressions like as/so far as (someone) is concerned to mean “in someone's opinion”

As far as I'm concerned [=in my opinion], everything he says is a lie.

As far as she's concerned, he's perfect.

2 informal : with regard to (something or someone)

He's here. As far as [=as for] the others, they'll arrive later. [=the others will arrive later]

by far

: by a great extent or degree

Frank was by far the best runner. = Frank was the best runner by far.

far and away

: by a great extent or degree : by far

The college is far and away the best one in the area.

Frank was far and away the best runner.

far and wide

1 : in every direction

We searched far and wide [=everywhere] for the lost cat.

: in many different places : very widely

He's known far and wide for his skill as a cook.

2 : distant places

People came from far and wide to attend the fair.

far be it from me

: it would not be correct or appropriate for me
followed by to + verb

Far be it from me to tell you how to do your job. [=I should not tell you how to do your job]

often used when you are about to give advice or criticism and you know that you have no real right to say what you are going to say

Far be it from me to interfere, but I don't know why you keep dating that guy.

far from

: certainly not : not at all

The trip was far from a failure. [=the trip was not a failure at all]

He was far from (being) friendly. [=he was not at all friendly]

It is far from certain that the strike will be settled soon.

The investigation is far from complete.

She argues that the new law, far from being an aid to small businesses, will actually hurt them.

“Was the movie disappointing?” “Far from it! We had a great time!”

far gone
informal : in a very bad, weak, or confused condition because of being sick, tired, drunk, etc.

He had been drinking for a couple of hours, so he was pretty far gone by then.

She was too far gone to understand what we were asking her.

far off

: very wrong : very far from being correct

He was not far off in his predictions.

few and far between see 1FEW

from far and near or from near and far

: from distant places and from near places : from many different places
people came from far and near

how far

1 : to what extent or degree

She didn't know how far to trust him. [=she didn't know how much she could trust him]

2
used to ask about the distance between places

How far is it (from here) to the station, please?

in so far as see INSOFAR AS

so far

1 : until the present time : to this point

He has written only two books so far.

The phrase so far, so good is used to say that something (such as a project or an activity) has proceeded well or without problems until now.

“How's the work on your house going?” “There's a lot more to do, but so far, so good.”

2 : to a certain point, degree, or distance

Intelligence will only take you so far without effort. [=intelligence by itself is not enough for success; effort is also needed]

so far as see AS FAR AS 1 (ABOVE)

thus far

: until the present time : so far

Thus far the results have been disappointing.

2far adj, always used before a noun, farther or further , farthest or furthest

1 : very distant in space or time
the far corners of the world
the far horizon
the far reaches of outer space
the far past

2
used to refer to the side, end, etc., that is more distant

There is a fishing camp on the far side of the lake, but nothing on the near side.

the far bank of the river
a table at the far end of the room

a far cry from see 2CRY

the far left

: the group of people whose political views are the most liberal

His nomination is opposed by members of the far left.

the far right

: the group of people whose political views are the most conservative

His nomination is opposed by members of the far right.

far·away adj

: very distant

My grandfather told us tales of faraway lands.

If you have a faraway look in your eyes, you are not paying attention to what is happening around you; you appear to be thinking about something that is far away.

Don't bother talking to her when she gets that faraway look in her eyes.

farce noun, pl farc·es

1 a [count] : a funny play or movie about ridiculous situations and events

1 b [noncount] : the style of humor that occurs in a farce
an actor with a talent for farce

2 [count] disapproving : something that is so bad that it is seen as ridiculous

This trial is a farce. [=travesty]

The election turned out to be a complete/utter farce. [=fiasco]

far·ci·cal adj [more ; most ]

a farcical [=ludicrous, ridiculous] situation

1fare verb, fares, fared, far·ing [no obj]

: to do something well or badly

How did you fare [=do] on your exam?

The team hasn't fared [=done] well in recent weeks.

2fare noun, pl fares

1 [count] : the money a person pays to travel on a bus, train, boat, or airplane or in a taxi

I need some coins for the bus fare.

see also AIRFARE, CARFARE

2 [count] : a passenger who pays a fare

The taxi driver picked up his fares at the airport.

3 [noncount] : a specified kind of food

Less expensive fare is available at the restaurant across the street.

sometimes used figuratively to refer to things shown on television, in movies, etc.

Many parents dislike the violent fare [=the violent programs/material] on television.

Far East noun

the Far East

: the countries of eastern and southeastern Asia (such as China, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Vietnam) compare MIDDLE EAST, NEAR EAST

1fare·well interj
formal + literary : 1goodbye

Farewell, good friend, until we meet again.

2farewell noun, pl -wells [count]

formal + literary

1 : something that you say to a person who is leaving : goodbye

She bid/wished me farewell.

They said their farewells and headed home.

a fond farewell

2 : an act of leaving

I will take my farewell of this place tomorrow. [=I will leave this place tomorrow]

3farewell adj, always used before a noun

: done when someone is leaving, ending a career, etc.

The band gave a farewell concert.

a farewell party/speech/performance

4farewell verb, -wells, -welled, -well·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Australia + New Zealand : to bid farewell to (someone who is leaving)

The retiring teacher was farewelled by the whole school at a special assembly.

far-fetched adj [more ; most ]

: not likely to happen or be true

The movie features a far-fetched plot to kidnap the President.

far-flung adj [more ; most ]

1 : covering a very large area
a far-flung [=vast] media empire

2 : located in a very distant place
a far-flung trading post in the Arctic

1farm noun, pl farms [count]

1 : a piece of land used for growing crops or raising animals

She grew up on a dairy farm.

Running a farm is hard work.

a vegetable farm

2 : an area of water where fish, oysters, etc., are raised
a fish farm
an oyster farm

buy the farm see 1BUY

2farm verb, farms, farmed, farm·ing

: to use land for growing food or raising animals

[+ obj] My uncle has been farming this land for 60 years.

farm 200 acres

[no obj] My uncle has been farming on this land for 60 years.

farm out [phrasal verb]

farm (something) out or farm out (something) : to send out (work) to be done by others

The company decided to farm out the job of upgrading their Web site.

farm·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who runs a farm

My uncle has been a farmer for 60 years.

hog farmers
a cotton farmer

farm·hand noun, pl -hands [count]

: a person who is hired to work on a farm

farm·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a house on a farm

farming noun [noncount]

: the job or business of running a farm

farm·land noun [noncount]

: land used or suitable for farming

50 acres of rich farmland

farm·stead noun, pl -steads [count]

: a farm with its buildings

farm team noun, pl teams [count]

baseball : a minor-league baseball team that is associated with a major-league team

farm·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

: barnyard

far-off adj

: very far away in time or space
tales of far-off lands

Some far-off day you will thank me.

far-out adj [more ; most ]

informal : very strange or unusual

My sister wears some pretty far-out clothes.

far-reach·ing adj [more ; most ]

: affecting many people or things : having a wide range or influence

The court issued a far-reaching decision.

The theory has far-reaching implications for the future of the planet.

far·sight·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 chiefly US : able to see things that are far away more clearly than things that are near

He wears glasses because he is farsighted. [=(Brit) longsighted]

compare NEARSIGHTED

2 a : able to predict what will or might happen in the future
plans made by farsighted city leaders

2 b : made or done while thinking about what will happen in the future
farsighted investments
a farsighted plan/approach
opposite SHORTSIGHTED

far·sight·ed·ly adv

far·sight·ed·ness noun [noncount]

She had her eyes tested for farsightedness.

the farsightedness of city leaders

1fart verb, farts, fart·ed, fart·ing [no obj]

informal + impolite : to release gas from the anus

fart around
informal + impolite : to waste time : to spend time doing activities that have no serious purpose

Quit farting around [=messing around, fooling around] and finish your work!

2fart noun, pl farts [count]

informal + impolite

1 : a release of gas from the anus

2 : an annoying or unpleasant person
a cranky old fart

1far·ther adv

: to or at or to a more distant place or time or a more advanced point : further
drive farther north

It's farther away than I'd thought.

I tried to read the book, but I got no farther [=further] than the first chapter.

You think I don't like you? Nothing could be farther from the truth. [=it is completely untrue that I don't like you; I like you very much]

2farther adj, always used before a noun

: more distant : further
the farther side of town

1far·thest adv

1 : to or at the greatest distance in space or time : furthest

He chose the seat farthest from the door.

We had a contest to see who could hit a golf ball the farthest.

2 : to the most advanced point : furthest

This plan goes farthest toward achieving our goal.

3 chiefly US : by the greatest degree or extent : most, furthest

Of all the paintings, this one is the farthest removed from reality.

2farthest adj, always used before a noun

: most distant in space or time : furthest
the farthest frontier
the farthest reaches of space
often used figuratively

Food is the farthest thing from my mind right now. [=I am not thinking about food at all]

far·thing noun, pl -things [count]

: a former British coin that had a value equal to 1/4 of a penny

fas·cia noun, pl -cias [count]

1 technical : a long, thin board that covers the area where a wall joins a roof called also fascia board

2 /fæij/ medical : a sheet of tissue that covers or connects parts inside the body (such as muscles)

3 also fa·cia Brit : dashboard

fas·ci·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

: to cause (someone) to be very interested in something or someone

[+ obj] His strange behavior fascinated the children. = He fascinated the children with his strange behavior.

Her paintings fascinate me. = I'm fascinated by/with her paintings.

a question that fascinates both biologists and anthropologists

[no obj] Her paintings never fail to fascinate.

fas·ci·na·tion noun [noncount]

the children's growing fascination with his strange behavior [=their increasing strong interest in his behavior]

I've studied her paintings with fascination. [=a strong desire to look at and think about them]

[singular]

Her paintings have/hold a real fascination for me. [=they interest me deeply]

fas·ci·nat·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very interesting or appealing
a fascinating book

Her paintings are fascinating.

It's fascinating (to watch) how a child's language skills develop.

fas·ci·nat·ing·ly adv

fas·cism noun [noncount]

1 or Fas·cism : a way of organizing a society in which a government ruled by a dictator controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government
the rise of Fascism in Europe before World War II

2 : very harsh control or authority
corporate fascism

fas·cist or Fas·cist noun, pl -cists [count]

notorious fascists

fascist or Fascist adj
a Fascist state

fas·cist·ic or Fas·cist·ic adj [more ; most ]

a fascistic organization

1fash·ion noun, pl -ions

1 a : a popular way of dressing during a particular time or among a particular group of people

[count] Jewelry and clothing fashions vary with the season.

[noncount] Long, full skirts were (all/very much) the fashion in those days.

fashion-conscious shoppers [=shoppers who know what styles are popular]

Short skirts are currently in fashion. [=are currently popular]

Short skirts have come back into fashion.

Those ruffled blouses went out of fashion years ago.

1 b [noncount] : the business of creating and selling clothes in new styles
the world of fashion
often used before another noun
the fashion industry

She reads all the fashion magazines. [=magazines about the newest fashions]

We attended a fashion show. [=a show at which people who design clothes show their new designs]

see also HIGH FASHION

1 c fashions [plural] : clothes that are popular

She always wears the latest fashions.

2 : a style, way of behaving, etc., that is popular in a particular time and place

[count] Literary fashions have changed in recent years.

[noncount] Action movies are (all) the fashion in Hollywood these days. = Action movies are in fashion in Hollywood these days.

Her theories have fallen/gone out of fashion. [=are no longer popular]

3 : a specified way of acting or behaving usually used after in

[singular] His friends noticed that he was behaving in a strange fashion. [=behaving strangely]

We started the meeting in an orderly fashion.

[noncount] We all lined up in orderly fashion.

after a fashion

: to a slight or minor degree : somewhat

I can play the piano after a fashion, but I can't play anything difficult.

2fashion verb, -ions, -ioned, -ion·ing [+ obj]

: to form (something) into something else

Students fashioned the clay into small figures.

: to make (something) from something else
figures fashioned [=formed] from clay

She used the scraps of fabric to fashion a little doll's dress.

a table fashioned out of an old door

fash·ion·able adj [more ; most ]

1 : currently popular
fashionable clothes [=clothes that are popular; clothes that are in fashion]

She wore a sleek black dress and fashionable [=stylish] shoes.

fashionable cars
a fashionable café

It isn't fashionable to express such an opinion these days.

2 : dressing and acting in a way that is currently popular
fashionable people who know all the right restaurants

fash·ion·ably adv

She was fashionably dressed, as usual.

He arrived at the party fashionably late. [=he arrived at the party slightly late, which is the fashionable thing to do]

fash·ion·is·ta noun, pl -tas [count]

informal : a person who designs, sells, or is very interested in clothing fashions

fashion plate noun, pl plates [count]

: a person who dresses in the current fashions : a fashionable person

The term fashion plate is often used in a disapproving way to describe someone who cares too much about fashion.

1fast Brit adj, fast·er, -est

1 [more ; most ]

1 a : moving or able to move quickly

She's a very fast runner.

a fast car
a fast pitch
maintaining a fast [=quick] pace
blazingly/blindingly fast

1 b : happening quickly : taking a short amount of time
a fast race

We're off to a fast start.

We're now experiencing a faster rate of inflation.

I'd like to take a fast [=(more commonly) quick] look at my records.

1 c : operating quickly
a fast computer

1 d : doing something or able to do something quickly
a fast learner

1 e : allowing movement at a great speed
a fast road

We took the faster route.

see also FAST LANE, FAST TRACK

2 of a clock or watch : showing a time that is later than the correct time

My watch is (ten minutes) fast.

3 photography : allowing photographs to be taken very quickly or when there is very little light
fast film

4 informal

4 a : tricky and unfair

Be careful that he doesn't pull a fast one on you. [=that he doesn't trick or deceive you]

4 b : earned or gotten quickly and often in a dishonest way

She's always looking to make a fast buck.

fast money

4 c : quick and not safe to trust

He gave us a lot of fast talk about how he was going to solve all our problems.

see also FAST-TALK

5 old-fashioned + humorous

5 a : actively seeking excitement or pleasure : wild

He runs with a pretty fast crowd.

fast living

5 b of women : very willing to have sex
a typical Western filled with outlaws, gamblers, and fast women

6 a : placed, tied, or attached in a way that is not easily moved

Make the rope fast [=tie the rope securely] to the anchor.

6 b : closed tightly

Make sure the door is fast. [=(more commonly) shut fast]

6 c : impossible to change
used in the phrase hard and fast

There are no hard and fast rules to be followed when you plan a vacation. [=there are many ways to plan a vacation]

6 d : not likely to fade
fast colors

7 : very loyal or faithful

They became fast friends.

fast and furious

: in a very fast and forceful way : with one thing following another very quickly

The phrase fast and furious is used both as an adjective and as an adverb.

The action was fast and furious.

The questions were coming at me fast and furious.

The jokes were flying fast and furious.

play fast and loose see 1PLAY

2fast adv, faster, -est

1 : with great speed

The boss expects this to be done this afternoon, so you'd better work fast.

You're driving too fast!

He ran as fast as he could.

a fast-paced story

: in a very short time : very quickly

This is fast becoming a national problem.

You need to act fast to take advantage of this offer.

species that are fast disappearing = species that are disappearing fast

I don't know what caused the accident. It all happened so fast.

opposite SLOW, SLOWLY

2 a : in a quick and intelligent way

She's a woman who can think fast in a crisis.

You catch on fast.

2 b : quickly and in a way that is meant to deceive or persuade someone

He's going to have to talk fast to get himself out of this mess.

see also FAST-TALK

3 : in a way that is not easily moved or changed

The window was stuck fast.

She held fast to her belief in justice.

We must stand fast and not surrender!

fast and furious see 1FAST

fast asleep see ASLEEP

going/getting nowhere fast
informal

To be going/getting nowhere fast is to be failing to make progress or to produce a desired result.

The plan for a new stadium is going nowhere fast.

not so fast
informal
used in speech to say that you disagree with what someone has said or to tell someone to stop or slow down

“This proves they're wrong.” “Not so fast. There's other evidence to consider.”

“The discussion is closed.” “Not so fast. I have a few more things to say.”

3fast verb, fasts, fast·ed, fast·ing [no obj]

: to eat no food for a period of time

She always fasts on Yom Kippur.

Patients must fast for six hours before having the procedure.

fasting noun [noncount]

periods of fasting
a time of fasting and prayer

4fast noun, pl fasts [count]

: a period of time when you do not eat any food : a time of fasting

He went on a fast [=he ate nothing] for several days.

We broke our fast just after sunset.

observing a fast day [=a day on which people do not eat any food because of their religion]

fast·ball Brit noun, pl -balls [count]

baseball : a pitch that is thrown at full speed : a very fast pitch

He struck him out with a fastball.

fast break noun, pl breaks [count]

basketball : a quick movement toward the net in an attempt to score before the opposing players can reach their defensive positions

fas·ten Brit verb, fas·tens, fas·tened, fas·ten·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to attach (something) or join (two things or two parts of something) especially by using a pin, nail, etc.

fastening clothes on/onto a clothesline

He fastened the dog's leash to a post and went into the store.

two boards fastened together by/with nails
a decorative clasp that could be used to fasten a cape or cloak

1 b [no obj] of parts of something : to become attached or joined
a shoe that fastens with a buckle

This dress fastens in the back.

2 a [+ obj] : to put something in a position or location in such a way that it will not move

Fasten your seat belt.

She twisted her hair into a bun and fastened it with bobby pins.

Make sure the lid is tightly fastened.

2 b : to close and lock (something, such as a window or door)

[+ obj] Make sure that the doors and windows are all (securely) fastened.

[no obj] The lock was so damaged it wouldn't fasten.

3 : to grip and hold something with (your hand, teeth, etc.)

[+ obj] He fastened his hands on/around my arm and wouldn't let go.

The dog fastened its teeth on my sleeve.

[no obj] His hands fastened on/around my arm.

fasten on [phrasal verb]

fasten (something) on (something) or fasten on (something) : to direct (something, such as your eyes or attention) to (something)

They fastened their eyes on the distant ship. [=they looked at it steadily]

She fastened her attention on the problem. [=she gave all her attention to the problem]

They had fastened the blame on the wrong man. [=they had blamed the wrong man]

She fastened [=pinned] (all) her hopes on getting the job.

fasten onto [phrasal verb]

fasten onto (something) : to grip and tightly hold (something)

The stranger fastened onto my arm and wouldn't let go.

often used figuratively

Once he fastens onto a subject he just won't let it drop.

fas·ten·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

windows held shut by rusty fasteners

fas·ten·ing Brit noun, pl -ings [count]

: something that fastens one thing to another thing
a coat with button and loop fastenings

fast food noun, pl foods

: food that is prepared and served quickly : food from a restaurant that makes and serves food very quickly

[noncount] They eat a lot of fast food.

[count] Most fast foods are high in calories.

fast-food adj, always used before a noun
a fast-food restaurant

1fast-for·ward Brit noun [noncount]

1 : a function that causes a recording (such as a videotape) to go forward at a speed that is faster than normal

Hit the fast-forward button.

opposite 2REWIND

2 : a state in which something is quickly developing or progressing

Taking those classes put her career in fast-forward.

2fast-forward verb, -wards, -ward·ed, -ward·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (a recording) to go forward at a speed that is faster than normal

We fast-forwarded the tape to get to the last song.

opposite 1REWIND

2 [no obj] : to move forward through time quickly

He wished he could fast-forward to the future, when he would no longer be a student.

fas·tid·i·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : very careful about how you do something

He is fastidious about keeping the house clean.

a fastidious dresser/scholar

2 : liking few things : hard to please
a fastidious eater/diner

3 : wanting to always be clean, neat, etc.

She was too fastidious to do anything that might get her dirty.

fas·tid·i·ous·ly adv
a fastidiously researched book
fastidiously dressed

fas·tid·i·ous·ness noun [noncount]

She's known for her fastidiousness as a scholar.

fast lane noun, pl lanes

1 [count] : a section of a highway for cars that are traveling at high speeds

I pulled into the fast lane to pass the truck.

2 [singular] : a way of living that makes you very busy or that is full of excitement and often danger
usually used in the phrase life in the fast lane

He likes to live life in the fast lane, going from one wild party to the next.

fast·ness Brit noun, pl -ness·es [count]

literary : a place that is difficult to get to or that can be easily defended if it is attacked
a remote mountain fastness [=stronghold, fortress]

fast-talk Brit verb, -talks, -talked, -talk·ing [+ obj]

informal : to influence or persuade (someone) by talking quickly in a confident and often dishonest way

The salesperson fast-talked him into buying the car for more than it was worth.

He fast-talked the old woman out of a large piece of her property.

see also 1FAST 4C

fast-talk·er noun, pl -ers [count]

fast-talking adj
a fast-talking salesperson

fast track noun [singular]

: a process or way of proceeding that produces a desired result quickly

The proposed law is on a fast track to/for approval. [=it is being given special treatment so that it will be approved quickly]

She hoped that her college degree would put her on the fast track to success in the business world. [=would make it possible for her to succeed quickly in the business world]

fast-track Brit verb, -tracks, -tracked, -track·ing [+ obj]

The proposed new law is being fast-tracked for approval.

fast-track adj, always used before a noun
fast-track approval
fast-track careers

1fat adj, fat·ter, fat·test

1 : having a lot of extra flesh on your body : having a lot of body fat

The dog is getting fat because you feed him too much.

a cute, fat baby

I can't believe I've let myself get so fat.

a movie that has a lot of fat jokes [=jokes about fat people]

Fat can be an insulting word when it is used to describe a person.

She called him a big, fat slob.

She's gotten really fat. [=(more politely) big, heavy]

opposite 1THIN

2 : having a full, rounded form
a fat belly
a fat, juicy peach

A fat lip is a lip that is swollen because of injury, especially from being punched.

He threatened to give me a fat lip. [=he threatened to punch me]

3 : unusually wide or thick
a fat book of poems
a fat envelope
a truck with fat tires

4 informal : containing, providing, or costing a large amount of money
a fat bank account

He signed a fat contract.

The company offered her a fat salary.

a fat check [=a check for a large amount of money]

He had to pay a fat [=big] fine.

5 informal + disapproving : successful or wealthy

The company grew fat on profits during the war.

6 baseball : easy to hit
a fat pitch right down the middle of the plate

big fat

used for emphasis

That's a big fat lie!

Come here and give me a big fat kiss.

He came home with a big fat F [=a failing grade] on his report card.

fat chance see 1CHANCE

it ain't over until/till the fat lady sings see LADY

fat·ness noun [noncount]

body fatness

2fat noun, pl fats

1 [noncount] : the soft flesh on the bodies of people and animals that helps keep the body warm and is used to store energy
people with excess body fat
a diet and exercise program to help you gain muscle and lose fat
exercises that burn fat = fat-burning exercises [=exercises that make your body use the fat it has stored]

see also BABY FAT

2 : an oily solid or liquid substance in food

[noncount] Nuts contain a lot of fat.

milk/bacon fat

Trim the fat from the meat before you cook it.

foods that are high in fat = foods with a high fat content
reducing dietary fat
a diet low in fat [=a low-fat diet]

[count] a diet low in fats
saturated fats
fats like butter and olive oil
see also DEEP FAT

3 [noncount] : an amount that is more than what is usual or needed : excess
trim the fat off/from the budget

chew the fat see 1CHEW

live off/on the fat of the land

To live off/on the fat of the land is to live very well, enjoying the best things that are available without having to work hard to get those things.

They retired several years ago and have been living on the fat of the land ever since.

fa·tal adj [more ; most ]

1 : causing death
a fatal accident
a disease that is often fatal
a fatal blow
a chemical that can be fatal to birds

synonyms see 1DEADLY

2 : causing ruin or failure

She made a fatal mistake/error.

The plan contained a fatal flaw. [=a flaw that would cause it to fail]

a fatal weakness

fa·tal·ly adv
fatally shot/wounded

fa·tal·ism noun [noncount]

: the belief that what will happen has already been decided and cannot be changed

Many people seem to have developed a sense of fatalism about the war.

fa·tal·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

He's a fatalist about the future.

fa·tal·is·tic adj [more ; most ]

a fatalistic attitude/philosophy

fa·tal·is·ti·cal·ly adv

fa·tal·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] : a death that results from a disaster, accident, etc.

The car crash caused one fatality and several serious injuries.

war fatalities

2 [noncount] : a tendency to result in death
a disease with a high fatality rate [=a disease that frequently causes death]

fat cat noun, pl cats [count]

informal + disapproving : an important, wealthy, or powerful person

The best seats in the theater were reserved for the fat cats.

political fat cats

fat-cat adj, always used before a noun
fat-cat business executives

fat city noun [noncount]

US slang : a very comfortable condition or situation in life

He thinks he's going to win the lottery, and then he'll be in fat city.

fate noun, pl fates

1 [noncount] : a power that is believed to control what happens in the future

They thought they would never see each other again, but fate brought them back together.

a surprising turn/twist/quirk of fate

2 [count] : the things that will happen to a person or thing : the future that someone or something will have

The boy disappeared, and his fate was unknown [=no one knew what happened to him] for many years.

Exile was his fate. = It was his fate to be exiled. [=he was exiled]

The two companies suffered a common fate. [=the same thing happened to both companies]

One company went bankrupt, and a similar fate befell the other.

her sad/unhappy/tragic fate

Congress will decide the bill's fate tomorrow. [=will vote to accept or reject the bill tomorrow]

Her fate was sealed by the marriage arrangement made in her youth.

She regarded poverty as a fate worse than death. [=as worse than dying]

Like his father, he met his fate [=he died] on the battlefield.

synonyms see DESTINY

tempt fate see TEMPT

fat·ed adj

: certain to do or be something

The two of them seemed fated [=destined] for each other.

He felt he was fated to be famous.

especially : certain to die or suffer in a particular way
a kingdom fated [=doomed] to collapse
a character fated to die young
see also ILL-FATED

fat farm noun, pl farms [count]

chiefly US informal : a place where people go to lose weight by eating a special diet, exercising, etc.

fate·ful adj

: having important results

She made the fateful [=momentous] decision to go back home to face her mother.

His life changed on that fateful November evening.

: producing a serious and usually bad result

Hundreds perished on that fateful day.

Her campaign took a fateful turn.

fate·ful·ly adv

fat-free adj

: containing no fat

The cereal is fat-free.

fat-free milk

fat·head noun, pl -heads [count]

informal : a stupid person

Don't be such a fathead!

fat·head·ed adj [more ; most ]

a fat-headed [=stupid] idea/person

fat·head·ed·ness noun [noncount]

1fa·ther noun, pl -thers [count]

1 : a male parent

He became a father when he was 30.

He's the father of three small children.

He has been like a father to me.

the foal's father

He's a single father. [=a father who does not have a wife or partner]

The expression like father, like son means that a son is like his father in character, behavior, etc.

“He's very stubborn.” “Well, like father, like son.” [=his father is also stubborn]

see also BIRTH FATHER, GRANDFATHER, STEPFATHER

2 : a man who is thought of as being like a father

He was a father to me after my own father died.

3 Father : god 1
heavenly Father
see also OUR FATHER

4 formal : a person who was in someone's family in past times : ancestor, forefather
usually plural

She inherited the land on which her fathers toiled.

the faith of his fathers

5 : a man who invents or begins something
usually singular
the father of modern science

George Washington is the father of our country.

see also FOUNDING FATHER

6 old-fashioned : an older man who is one of the leaders of a city, town, etc.

usually plural

Will the city fathers agree to it?

7 : a priest especially in the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church
used especially as a title or as a form of address

Father Fitzgerald

Good morning, Father.

see also HOLY FATHER

fa·ther·hood noun [noncount]

a young man who didn't yet seem ready for fatherhood

fa·ther·less adj
a fatherless child

2father verb, -thers, -thered, -ther·ing [+ obj]

1 : to become the father of (a child) : to make a woman pregnant so that she gives birth to (a child)

He fathered three children.

2 of a man : to invent, create, or produce (something)

He was praised for fathering a plan to improve the city's schools.

Father Christmas noun [singular]

Brit : santa claus

father figure noun, pl -ures [count]

: an older man who is respected and admired like a father

The coach was a stern, wise father figure to his players.

fa·ther-in-law noun, pl fa·thers-in-law [count]

: the father of your husband or wife

fa·ther·land noun, pl -lands [count]

: the country where you were born or where your family came from
usually singular

He fought to protect his fatherland.

often used with the

Her grandmother told them stories of the fatherland.

Fatherland can refer to any country, but it is often associated especially with Germany.

compare MOTHERLAND

fa·ther·ly adj [more ; most ]

: of a father
fatherly [=paternal] responsibilities

: resembling a father
a fatherly old man

: showing the affection or concern of a father
fatherly advice

He took a fatherly interest in the careers of younger writers.

Father's Day noun, pl Days [count, noncount]

: the third Sunday in June treated as a special day for honoring fathers

1fath·om noun, pl -oms [count]

: a unit of length equal to six feet (about 1.8 meters) used especially for measuring the depth of water

The water here is five fathoms deep.

2fathom verb, -oms, -omed, -om·ing [+ obj]

: to understand the reason for (something)

I couldn't fathom why she made such a foolish decision. = I couldn't fathom her reasons for making such a foolish decision.

(Brit) I couldn't fathom out her reasons.

see also UNFATHOMABLE

1fa·tigue noun, pl -tigues

1 [noncount] : the state of being very tired : extreme weariness

We were overcome by fatigue after the long journey.

The drug's side effects include headache and fatigue.

2 fatigues [plural] : the uniform that soldiers wear when they are doing physical work
soldiers wearing combat boots and fatigues
army/military fatigues

3 [noncount] technical : the tendency of a material (such as metal) to break after being bent or moved many times

The cracks in the engine were caused by metal fatigue.

2fatigue verb, -tigues, -tigued, -tigu·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) tired
usually used as (be) fatigued

We were fatigued by the long journey.

fatigued adj [more ; most ]

He always left work feeling somewhat fatigued. [=tired]

mentally fatigued

fatiguing adj [more ; most ]

a very fatiguing [=tiring] journey
an emotionally fatiguing experience

fat·so noun, pl -soes [count]

informal + offensive : a fat person

fat·ten verb, -tens, -tened, -ten·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) fat
fatten (up) pigs for slaughter

2 [no obj] : to become fat
usually + up

Bears need to fatten up for the winter.

fattening adj [more ; most ]

Sauces made with cream are very fattening. [=they are very likely to make people fat]

I'm trying to avoid fattening foods.

1fat·ty adj, fat·ti·er, -est [more ; most ]

: containing fat and especially a large amount of fat
a rather fatty steak
fatty tissue

I try to avoid fatty foods.

fat·ti·ness noun [noncount]

2fatty noun, pl -ties [count]

informal + offensive : a fat person

fatty acid noun, pl acids [count]

: an acid that is naturally in fats and various oils

Fat Tuesday noun [noncount]

US : shrove tuesday

fa·tu·ity Brit noun, pl -it·ies
formal

1 [noncount] : a foolish or stupid quality : a fatuous quality
the fatuity of these policies

2 [count] : something foolish or stupid : a fatuous remark
politicians exchanging fatuities about the need for campaign reform

fat·u·ous adj [more ; most ]

: foolish or stupid
fatuous remarks
fatuous notions

fat·u·ous·ly adv

fat·u·ous·ness noun [noncount]

the fatuousness of the remarks

fau·cet noun, pl -cets [count]

US : a device that is used to control the flow of water from a pipe
turn on/off the faucet [=tap]

see pictures at BATHROOM, KITCHEN

1fault noun, pl faults

1 [count]

1 a : a bad quality or part of someone's character : a weakness in character

He loved her despite her many faults. [=failings]

Lack of courage is his worst fault.

In spite of her faults, she's a loyal friend. = For all her faults, she's a loyal friend.

1 b : a problem or bad part that prevents something from being perfect : a flaw or defect

We discussed the book's strengths and faults. [=weaknesses]

If the book has a fault, it's that it's too long.

2 [noncount] : responsibility for a problem, mistake, bad situation, etc.

The accident was not her fault. [=she did not cause the accident; she should not be blamed for the accident]

It's all my fault. [=I am responsible]

It's your own fault you missed that bus.

Through no fault of his own, he won't be able to attend the meeting.

3 [count] tennis : a mistake that results in a bad serve

She committed too many faults to win the match.

see also DOUBLE FAULT

4 [count] geology : a break in the Earth's crust

Frequent earthquakes have occurred along the San Andreas Fault.

at fault

: deserving blame for something bad : responsible

She's not at fault for the accident.

It will be difficult to determine who's really at fault.

find fault see 1FIND

to a fault

: to a great or excessive degree
generous to a fault [=very generous or too generous]

honest to a fault

fault·less adj
a faultless [=perfect, flawless] performance

fault·less·ly adv

She performed faultlessly.

fault·less·ness noun [noncount]

2fault verb, faults, fault·ed, fault·ing [+ obj]

1 : to criticize (something)

One critic faulted the book as (being) too long.

2 : to blame or criticize (someone)

The truck driver was faulted for the accident.

Many have faulted her for not acting sooner.

I can't fault him for trying to protect his family.

fault·find·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who criticizes someone or something often in a way that is not fair or reasonable

Faultfinders were quick to point out inconsistencies in the study.

see also find fault at 1FIND

fault·find·ing noun [noncount]

constant faultfinding

fault·find·ing adj
a faultfinding analysis

faulty adj, fault·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: having a mistake, fault, or weakness : imperfect
a faulty argument
a faulty design

The report is based on faulty [=inaccurate] statistics.

fault·i·ly adv
faultily designed parts

fault·i·ness noun [noncount]

the faultiness of the design

faun noun, pl fauns [count]

: a creature in Roman mythology that is part human and part goat

fau·na noun, pl fau·nas also fau·nae
biology : all the animals that live in a particular area, time period, or environment

[noncount] studying the diverse fauna of the island
aquatic fauna
prehistoric fauna

[count] studying the faunas of different islands
compare FLORA

fau·nal adj
faunal diversity

faux pas noun, pl faux pas [count]

: an embarrassing social mistake

Arriving too early would be a serious/major faux pas.

making/committing a faux pas

fa·va bean noun, pl beans [count]

chiefly US : a large, flat, pale green seed that is eaten as a vegetable called also (chiefly Brit) broad bean

fave noun, pl faves [count]

informal : favorite 1

I like all the actors on the show, but he's my fave.

fave adj, always used before a noun
my fave actor

1fa·vor (US) or Brit fa·vour noun, pl -vors

1 [count] : a kind or helpful act that you do for someone
do/grant a friend a favor = do a favor for a friend = grant a favor to a friend

Can I ask you (for) a favor?

I drove her to the airport because I owed her a favor.

She's willing to help you but only as a favor to me.

I'm here as a (special) favor to my sister.

Don't do me any favors. I don't need your help.

I've learned to be grateful for small favors.

He treats them well, and they return the favor. [=they also treat him well]

Do me a favor [=do what I want you to do; do what you should do] and get home on time for once.

You can do yourself a favor [=you can make things easier for yourself] by arriving early at the airport.

The company made campaign donations in exchange/return for political favors. [=political acts/decisions that helped the company]

He was arrested for soliciting sexual favors [=sex acts done in exchange for something, such as money] from a prostitute.

2 [noncount]

2 a : approval, support, or popularity

Her ideas have found/gained favor with many young people. [=many young people like/support her ideas]

He's trying to earn the boss's favor by working late.

Her theories have lost favor. = Her theories have fallen from favor. = Her theories are no longer in favor. = Her theories are now out of favor. [=they are no longer popular]

a style that has come into favor [=become popular]

The committee looks with favor on the project. [=the committee regards the project favorably; the committee likes and approves of the project]

2 b : preference for one person, group, etc., over another

The judge showed favor for/toward the defendant.

The students naturally showed favor toward their own school's team.

3 [count] US : a small gift given to the people who come to a party : party favor

Small boxes of candy were given out as favors at the wedding.

court someone's favor or court favor with someone see 2COURT

curry favor see 2CURRY

in favor of

1 : wanting or approving of (something)

All in favor of (having) a party [=everyone who wants to have a party], raise your hands.

Not surprisingly, most voters are in favor of the tax cuts.

a politician who is in favor of the death penalty

2 : in a way that tries to persuade people to support (something)

He argued in favor of the tax cuts. [=he argued for the tax cuts]

3 : choosing (something) instead of something else : preferring (something)

She turned down the scholarship in favor of a pro career.

The original proposal was rejected in favor of a new design.

4 : in support of (someone) : in a way that helps or benefits (someone)

The judge ruled in favor of the defendant.

in someone's favor

1 : in support of (someone) : in a way that helps or benefits (someone)

We hope the final decision will be in our favor.

The judge ruled in our favor.

2 : in a state of being liked or approved of by (someone)

She did extra work to get back in the teacher's favor.

odds are in favor

If the odds are in your favor, you are likely to win or succeed.

We don't know what the decision will be, but we think the odds are in our favor.

If the odds are in favor of something, that thing is likely to happen.

The odds are in favor of a major storm this weekend.

2favor (US) or Brit favour verb, -vors, -vored, -vor·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to prefer (someone) especially in an unfair way : to show that you like or approve of (someone) more than others

The teacher clearly favors you.

He claims that his parents favor his sister (over him).

1 b : to approve of or support (something)

Most voters favor these tax cuts.

Her father favored the idea of her going to law school.

1 c : to regard (someone or something) as most likely to succeed or win

They won the championship last year, and most forecasters favor them to win again this year.

2 formal : to give something to (someone) : to present (someone) with something

The author favored us with a copy [=gave us a copy] of his latest book.

She will now favor us with a song. [=she will now sing or play a song for us]

He did not favor us with a reply. [=he did not reply to us]

3 : to treat (an injured leg, foot, etc.) gently or carefully

It was obvious that she was favoring her left leg. [=she was walking carefully in a way that showed that her left leg was injured]

4 formal : to make (something) possible or easy : to help (something) to succeed

Darkness favored the attack.

The weather favored our plans for a picnic.

5 : to look like (a parent or other relative)

He favors [=resembles] his mother.

fa·vor·able (US) or Brit fa·vour·able adj [more ; most ]

1 a : showing approval

The new play got many favorable reviews.

He was given a favorable recommendation.

1 b : expressing approval : giving or providing what is desired

They gave a favorable answer to our request. [=they said they would grant our request]

1 c : giving a result that helps, benefits, or shows approval of someone
a favorable comparison = a comparison favorable to someone

2 : producing feelings of approval

She made a very favorable [=good] impression on her future colleagues.

3 a : tending to help : tending to produce a desired result
a favorable wind

The plants grow rapidly under favorable [=advantageous] conditions.

3 b : showing that a desired result is likely

Early test results were favorable.

fa·vor·ably (US) or Brit fa·vour·ably adv

The play was favorably reviewed.

I was very favorably impressed by the candidate.

They responded favorably to our request.

The wine compares favorably with some that are far more expensive.

The patient responded favorably [=well] to the medicine.

fa·vored (US) or Brit fa·voured adj [more ; most ]

1 : given special advantages over others

She enjoys a favored position in the company.

: preferred over others
a favored location

2 : considered most likely to win

The team is heavily favored to win the championship.

1fa·vor·ite (US) or Brit fa·vour·ite adj, always used before a noun

: most liked

Red is my favorite color. [=red is the color I like most]

What's your favorite movie?

2favorite (US) or Brit favourite noun, pl -ites [count]

1 : a person or a thing that is liked more than others : a favorite person or thing

Of all his books, do you have a favorite?

She's always been the teacher's favorite. [=pet]

That movie is my favorite.

That movie is a great favorite with audiences everywhere.

2 : a person, team, etc., that is considered most likely to win

He's the (heavy/clear) favorite in the election. = He's the (heavy/clear) favorite to win the election.

She always bets (on) the favorite [=bets for the horse that is favored to win] when she goes to the races.

favorite son noun, pl sons [count]

: a well-known man (such as a political candidate or a celebrity) who is very popular in the area where he lives now or where he lived as a child
an athlete who is one of New York's favorite sons

fa·vor·it·ism (US) or Brit fa·vour·it·ism noun [noncount]

: the unfair practice of treating some people better than others

He accused the teacher of showing favoritism in assigning grades.

political favoritism

1fawn verb, fawns, fawned, fawn·ing [no obj]

disapproving : to try to get the approval of an important or powerful person by giving that person praise, special attention, etc.

a sports star surrounded by fawning fans
usually + over or on

The waiters were fawning (all) over the celebrity.

She doesn't seem to mind being fawned on by her fans.

2fawn noun, pl fawns

1 [count] : a young deer; especially : a deer that is less than a year old

2 [noncount] : a light brown color : tan

1fax noun, pl fax·es

1 a [noncount] : a system for sending and receiving printed materials (such as documents and drawings) and photographs using telephone lines

She sent me a copy of her report by fax.

1 b [count] : a machine used in this system called also fax machine

2 [count] : something (such as a document or a photograph) that is sent or received by fax

She sent me a fax of her report.

I received your faxes.

2fax verb, faxes, faxed, fax·ing [+ obj]

: to send (something, such as a document or photograph) by fax to someone

She faxed me a copy of her report. = She faxed a copy of her report to me.

faze verb, faz·es, fazed, faz·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone) to feel afraid or uncertain

Nothing fazes [=daunts] her.

You'll never succeed as a writer if you let a little bit of criticism faze you.

Do not confuse faze with phase.

FBI abbr

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The crime is being investigated by the FBI.

often used before another noun
an FBI agent
an FBI laboratory

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is a part of the U.S. federal government that is responsible for investigating crimes.

FCC abbr

Federal Communications Commission
the chairman of the FCC

The Federal Communications Commission is a part of the U.S. federal government that controls radio and television broadcasting.

FDA abbr

Food and Drug Administration
a new medicine that has not yet been approved by the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration is a part of the U.S. federal government that tests, approves, and sets standards for foods, drugs, chemicals, and household products.

FDIC abbr

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
payments made by the FDIC

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation is a part of the U.S. federal government that provides insurance against loss of money that people have deposited in banks.

fe·al·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

old-fashioned + literary : loyalty to a person, group, etc.

He swore/pledged fealty to the king.

1fear noun, pl fears

1 : an unpleasant emotion caused by being aware of danger : a feeling of being afraid

[noncount] He was trembling with fear.

an old story that still has the power to inspire fear [=to make people feel afraid]

unable to walk the streets without fear of being mugged

They regarded their enemies with fear and hatred/loathing.

I've been trying to overcome my fear of flying.

He won't say anything for fear of losing his job. [=because he is afraid of losing his job]

She lived in fear of being caught. = She lived in fear that she would be caught. [=she was always afraid that she would be caught]

They lived in (constant) fear of air raids during the war.

an accident that struck fear into the hearts of [=frightened] skiers everywhere

[count] The doctor's diagnosis confirmed our worst fears.

The government is trying to allay/alleviate/ease fears of a recession.

Employees expressed fears that the company would go out of business.

He told us about all his hopes and fears.

She has a morbid fear of cats.

If you are in fear of your life or (US) in fear for your life, you are afraid of being killed.

She claimed that she shot the burglar because she was in fear for her life.

2 [noncount] : a feeling of respect and wonder for something very powerful
fear of God

To put the fear of God into someone is to frighten someone very badly.

The bad economic news has put the fear of God into investors.

no fear

Brit informal
used in speech to say that there is no reason to be afraid or worried

“Are you going to tell her the truth?” “No fear [=never fear, fear not], mate: she won't hear a thing from me!”

synonyms

FEAR, DREAD, ALARM, and FRIGHT mean painful emotion felt because of danger. FEAR is the most general word and suggests a continuing emotional state.

people living in fear of violent crimes

DREAD suggests a strong feeling of not wanting to accept or deal with something bad or unpleasant.

the dread felt by people awaiting bad news

ALARM may suggest a strong emotion caused by an unexpected or immediate danger.

They view the worsening food shortage with alarm.

FRIGHT suggests a feeling caused by something unexpected and often suggests a brief emotion.

The creaking door gave them a fright.

2fear verb, fears, feared, fear·ing

1 [+ obj] : to be afraid of (something or someone)

She fears [=(more commonly) is afraid of] the water.

He was a cruel king who was feared and hated by his subjects.

“the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” Franklin D. Roosevelt, Inaugural Address (1933)

sometimes followed by to + verb

Many people feared to go out at night.

2 [+ obj] : to expect or worry about (something bad or unpleasant)

His parents feared (that) he would drop out of school.

She went to her doctor, fearing (that) she might have cancer.

The questions weren't as difficult as he had feared (they might be).

When we heard there had been an accident, we feared the worst. [=we feared that the worst possible thing had happened]

The formal phrase I fear is used when you are worried that something bad or unpleasant has happened or is true.

I fear that we're already too late.

These problems have no easy solution, I fear.

3 [no obj] : to be afraid and worried

There's no need to fear.

Having problems with your computer? Never fear [=don't worry]help is readily available.

Fear not [=don't be afraid]I'll protect you.

4 [+ obj] : to feel respect and wonder for something very powerful
fear God

fear for [phrasal verb]

fear for (something or someone) : to feel concern for (something or someone) : to worry about (something or someone)

They feared for their lives [=they were afraid that they might be killed] as they felt the first trembles of the earthquake.

She feared for her husband's safety. [=she worried that her husband might not be safe]

fear·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : feeling fear

He plays the role of a timid and fearful clerk.

often + of
fearful [=afraid] of danger

He was fearful of being left behind. = He was fearful that he would be left behind.

sometimes + for

She was fearful for their safety. [=she was afraid that they were not safe]

2 : showing or caused by fear
a fearful glance

3 : very bad or extreme
a fearful waste
fearful cold

They won the war but at a fearful cost.

4 : causing fear

I spent a fearful night alone in the woods.

fear·ful·ly adv
fearfully cold

She glanced fearfully out the window.

fear·ful·ness noun [noncount]

fear·less adj [more ; most ]

: not afraid : very brave
a fearless warrior

fear·less·ly adv

They ventured fearlessly into unknown lands.

The actor strode fearlessly across the stage.

fear·less·ness noun [noncount]

fearlessness in the face of danger

fear·some adj [more ; most ]

: causing fear : very frightening
tales of a fearsome [=scary] monster
a fearsome opponent

fear·some·ly adv
growling fearsomely
fearsomely [=very, extremely] ambitious
a fearsomely difficult problem

fear·some·ness noun [noncount]

fea·si·ble adj [more ; most ]

: possible to do

This plan for a new town library is not economically feasible. [=it costs too much money]

looking for a feasible way to create new jobs
a feasible goal

fea·si·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

She questions the feasibility of the plan.

a feasibility study [=a study to show if something can be done]

fea·si·bly adv

1feast noun, pl feasts [count]

1 : a special meal with large amounts of food and drink
give/have the annual Thanksgiving feast

Every guest brought a different dish to the party, and we had quite a feast.

: a large formal dinner

There were hundreds of guests at the royal wedding feast.

often used figuratively
a feast of colors

The carnival provided a veritable feast of sights and sounds.

The garden is a feast for the eyes. [=the garden is very beautiful]

2 : a religious festival
the feast of the Nativity
a movable feast [=a religious festival that is on a different date each year]

2feast verb, feasts, feast·ed, feast·ing [no obj]

: to eat large amounts of food
usually + on

We feasted on steak and potatoes.

feast your eyes on

: to look at (something or someone) with great pleasure

We feasted our eyes on the colors of the autumn landscape.

feat noun, pl feats [count]

: an act or achievement that shows courage, strength, or skill
a performer known for her astonishing acrobatic feats
feats of strength
an exceptional feat of the human intellect

Writing that whole report in one night was quite a feat.

It was no mean/small/easy feat.

1feath·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: any one of the light growths that make up the outer covering of the body of a bird
duck feathers
tail/wing feathers
downy feathers
a tuft of feathers
a feather pillow = a pillow filled with feathers

Her suitcase felt as light as a feather. [=extremely light]

When I found out I had won, you could have knocked me over with a feather. [=I was extremely surprised or astonished]

a feather in your cap

: an achievement or honor that you can be proud of

The promotion was a feather in his cap.

of a feather

: of the same kind or nature
usually used in the phrase birds of a feather

Those two guys are birds of a feather. [=they are very much alike]

The expression birds of a feather flock together means that people who are alike tend to do things together.

ruffle feathers see 1RUFFLE

feath·ered adj

She likes to refer to birds as “our feathered friends.”

a feathered hat

feath·er·less adj
a bird with featherless legs

2feather verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [+ obj]

: to put a feather in or on (something)

feather an arrow

feather your (own) nest

: to make yourself richer in a dishonest or improper way : to do things to increase your own wealth, comfort, etc.

She was accused of feathering her own nest with the company's money.

tar and feather see 2TAR

feather bed noun, pl beds [count]

: a bed with a mattress that is filled with feathers

feath·er·brained adj [more ; most ]

informal : very foolish or silly
a featherbrained idea
a featherbrained fool

1feath·er·weight noun, pl -weights [count]

: someone or something that weighs very little; especially : a boxer who weighs more than 118 pounds (53.5 kilograms) but less than 126 pounds (57 kilograms)

2featherweight adj, always used before a noun

: weighing very little : very light
a featherweight fabric
featherweight aircraft

fea·thery adj [more ; most ]

: extremely light and soft or delicate : like a feather
a plant with feathery leaves
a feathery brushstroke

1fea·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

1 : an interesting or important part, quality, ability, etc.

This year's models include several new safety features.

This camera has several features that make it easy to use.

The car has some interesting new design features.

His plan combines the best features of the earlier proposals.

2 : a part of the face (such as the eyes, nose, or mouth)

Her eyes are her best feature.

usually plural
attractive facial features

He has handsome features. [=he has a handsome face]

She has striking/delicate/refined features.

3 : a movie that is made to be shown in a theater for entertainment : a full-length movie

Tonight's feature is a new romantic comedy.

He starred in his first feature film a year ago.

a feature-length motion picture [=a movie that is about two hours long]

see also DOUBLE FEATURE

4 : a special story or section in a newspaper or magazine

The paper ran a feature on/about urban violence.

a feature writer/editor = (chiefly US) a features writer/editor

fea·ture·less adj
a featureless plain
a featureless expanse of rocks and sand

2feature verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing [+ obj]

1 : to have or include (someone or something) as an important part

The building features a state-of-the-art security system.

The new menu features several low-fat entrees.

The show now features a new singer.

2 : to discuss or mention (something or someone) in a noticeable way : to give particular attention to (someone or something important)

The evening news report featured the story of the murder.

The newspaper featured health care on its front page.

often used as (be) featured

She was featured in an article on local businesswomen.

feature in [phrasal verb]

feature in (something) : to be a part of (something)

Health care features prominently in the new bill.

a character who features in many of his novels

featured adj

He'll be appearing as the featured speaker [=the main speaker] at the conference.

She had a featured role [=an important role] in the movie.

The featured software is on sale through next month.

Feb. abbr

February

fe·brile Brit adj [more ; most ]

medical : including or caused by fever : feverish
a febrile illness
often used figuratively
a writer with a febrile [=very active] imagination

Feb·ru·ary noun, pl -ar·ies or -ar·ys

: the second month of the year

[noncount] in (early/middle/mid-/late) February
early/late in February

We arrived on February the fourth. = (US) We arrived on February fourth. = We arrived on the fourth of February.

[count] Sales are up (for) this February in comparison with the previous two Februaries.

abbr. Feb.

fe·ces (US) or Brit fae·ces noun [plural]

: solid waste that is released from the body : excrement

fe·cal (US) or Brit fae·cal adj
fecal matter

feck·less adj [more ; most ]

: having or resulting from a weak character or nature

She can't rely on her feckless son.

feckless behavior

feck·less·ness noun [noncount]

fe·cund adj [more ; most ]

formal : producing or able to produce many babies, young animals, or plants : fertile
fecund fields
a fecund breed of cattle
sometimes used figuratively

She has a fecund [=(more commonly) fertile] imagination.

a fecund source of ideas

fe·cun·di·ty noun [noncount]

1fed past tense and past participle of 1FEED

2fed or Fed noun, pl feds or Feds [count]

US informal : an official who works for a branch of the U.S. government : a federal agent, officer, or official
usually plural

He got into trouble with the feds.

was investigated by the Feds

the Fed

US informal : the group of officials (the Federal Reserve Board) who control the U.S. government's central banking system (the Federal Reserve System).

The Fed has decided to cut interest rates.

fed·er·al adj

1 a : of or relating to a form of government in which power is shared between a central government and individual states, provinces, etc.

a federal government/system

1 b : of or relating to the central government
federal laws/funds/employees
a federal district

We pay federal, state, and local taxes.

The ruling was overturned by a federal appeals court.

2 or Federal : of, relating to, or loyal to the federal government during the American Civil War

Federal soldiers
a Federal stronghold
compare CONFEDERATE, UNION

3 Federal US : of or popular during the early years of the U.S. government
the Federal period
furniture made in the Federal style

fed·er·al·ly adv

Federal noun, pl -als [count]

US

1 : a supporter of the government of the U.S. in the American Civil War; especially : a soldier in the federal armies compare CONFEDERATE

2 formal : a federal agent or officer
usually plural

Local police sought help from the federals. [=(less formally) feds]

federal case noun, pl cases [count]

US law : a legal case that will be decided in a U.S. federal court

make a federal case out of

US informal : to become very upset or angry about (something that is not important)

I agree that he shouldn't have said that, but there's no reason to make a federal case out of it. [=make a big deal about it]

Do you have to make a federal case out of it every time I come home late?

fed·er·al·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

1 or Federalist : a supporter of federal government; especially US : a supporter of the U.S. Constitution

2 Federalist US : a member of a major political party in the early years of the U.S. that wanted a strong central government

fed·er·al·ism or Federalism noun [noncount]

federalist or Federalist adj
the Federalist period

fed·er·al·ize also Brit fed·er·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

chiefly US

1 : to join (states, nations, etc.) together in or under a federal system of government
a federalized government

2 : to cause (something) to be under the control of a federal government

The measure federalizes several state programs.

newly federalized crimes

fed·er·al·i·za·tion also Brit fed·er·al·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

fed·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

: to join (organizations, states, etc.) in a federation

The independent provinces were federated to form a nation.

a federated state

fed·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count]

1 a : a country formed by separate states that have given certain powers to a central government while keeping control over local matters

1 b : an organization that is made by loosely joining together smaller organizations
a federation of labor unions
a federation of women's clubs

2 [noncount] : the act of joining together separate organizations or states
the federation of the states

fe·do·ra noun, pl -ras [count]

: a type of soft hat for men that has a wide brim

fed up adj [more ; most ]

informal : very tired of something : angry about something that has continued for a long time

We've had one delay after another, and I'm starting to feel/get pretty fed up.

usually + with

I'm fed up with all these delays.

Consumers are fed up with rising gas prices.

sometimes + of in British English

I'm fed up of all these delays.

fee noun, pl fees [count]

1 : an amount of money that must be paid

The admission/entrance fee is $10.

a credit card with no annual fee

The tuition fees went up this year.

We returned the library book late and had to pay a late fee.

synonyms see 1PRICE

2 : an amount that is paid for work done by a doctor, lawyer, etc.

His insurance covers the doctor's fee.

They paid a fortune in legal fees.

fee·ble adj, fee·bler , -blest [also more ; most ]

1 : very weak
a feeble old man

She's still feeble from her long illness.

We heard a feeble cry for help.

Business is suffering because of the feeble economy.

synonyms see WEAK

2 : not good enough : not successful or effective
a feeble joke

He made a feeble attempt/effort to explain his behavior.

He offered a feeble excuse for his behavior.

“Dislike” is too feeble a word for how she feels about him.

fee·ble·ness noun [noncount]

the feebleness of his excuse

fee·bly adv

She smiled feebly.

He feebly attempted to explain his behavior.

fee·ble·mind·ed adj [more ; most ]

1 often offensive : having less than normal intelligence
a feebleminded person

2 : foolish or stupid : not sensible
a feebleminded approach/solution

fee·ble·mind·ed·ness noun [noncount]

1feed verb, feeds, fed , feed·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to give food to (someone or something)

Don't feed the animals.

He was too weak to feed himself.

We feed the plants with a special fertilizer twice a week.

We fed the horses with/on apples, oats, and hay.

1 b [+ obj] : to give (something) as food to someone or something

They fed [=gave, served] us breakfast before we left. = They fed breakfast to us before we left.

The children fed apples to the horses.

sometimes used figuratively

He was feeding information to the enemy. [=he was secretly giving information to the enemy]

1 c [+ obj] : to produce or provide food for (someone or something)

These supplies could feed a small army for a week.

He doesn't earn enough to feed a family of four.

helping to feed and clothe poor children

1 d [no obj] : eat
usually used of animals

We spotted some ducks feeding in a nearby pond.

They are studying the feeding habits of sharks.

a favorite feeding ground [=an area where animals feed]

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to provide what is needed for the continued growth, operation, or existence of (something)

They used the wood to feed the fire.

The streams feed the creek.

The motor is fed by an electrical current.

2 b : to supply (material to be used) to a machine

The logs are fed into the mill for processing.

She fed the data into the computer.

The camera feeds the images to a monitor.

3 [+ obj] : to give support or strength to (something, such as a feeling)

He fed their hopes with false promises.

fears fed by ignorance

Her early success only served to feed her ambition.

4 [+ obj] : to make (something) move through an opening

The procedure involves feeding a tube down the patient's throat.

She fed more coins into the slot.

5 [+ obj] sports : to pass a ball or puck to (a team member) especially for a shot at the goal

He fed the ball to a teammate for an easy basket.

bite the hand that feeds you see 1BITE

feed back [phrasal verb]

feed back or feed back (something) or feed (something) back Brit : to give helpful information or criticism to someone about a performance, product, etc. : to provide feedback
usually + to or into

My music feeds back into my work.

Decide how your staff should feed back to you.

Computer users can feed their views back to the software companies.

feed off [phrasal verb]

feed off (something) : to gain strength, energy, or support from (something)

She fed off the crowd's enthusiasm.

His anger fed off his jealousy.

We are able to feed off each other's ideas.

feed on/upon [phrasal verb]

feed on/upon (something) : to eat (something) as food
usually used of animals

Owls feed on insects, birds, and small mammals.

feed (someone) a line
informal : to tell (someone) a story or an explanation that is not true

He fed me a line about how he was late because his car broke down.

feed up [phrasal verb]

feed (someone) up Brit, informal : to make (someone) stronger or less thin by giving them large meals

His mother fed him up after his illness.

see also FED UP

feed your face
slang : to eat a lot of food

He sat there for an hour, just feeding his face.

2feed noun, pl feeds

1 a [noncount] : food for animals
cattle feed

1 b [count] informal : a large meal
a good feed

1 c [count] Brit : feeding
the baby's last feed

2 [count] : a part of a machine or system that sends material or electricity to other parts

There's a jam in the paper feed.

We had to cut off the main power feed.

3 [count] : a television program that is sent to a station for broadcasting

They're showing a live satellite feed of the event.

4 [count] sports : the action of passing a ball or puck to a team member who is in position to score

He scored off/on a feed from the left wing.

see also CHICKEN FEED

feed·back noun [noncount]

1 : helpful information or criticism that is given to someone to say what can be done to improve a performance, product, etc.

The company uses customer feedback to improve its products.

He asked for some feedback from his boss.

2 technical

2 a : something (such as information or electricity) that is returned to a machine, system, or process

The computer makes adjustments based on feedback from the sensors.

2 b : an annoying and unwanted sound caused by signals being returned to an electronic sound system

We were getting some feedback from the microphone.

feed·bag noun, pl -bags [count]

US : a bag that is used for feeding an animal called also (Brit) nose bag

put/tie/strap on the feedbag

US informal : to begin eating

He's always ready to strap on the feedbag when it's time for dinner.

feed·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 a : a device for supplying food to animals
a wooden bird feeder

1 b : a person who supplies food for animals
a pigeon feeder holding a bag of stale bread

2 : a road, railway, etc., that connects to a larger road, railway, etc.

often used before another noun
a feeder road/route/line

3 : a part that sends materials into a machine or system

4 : a person or thing that eats or feeds in a specified way
a messy feeder
a gluttonous feeder
plants that are heavy feeders
also : an animal that eats a specified kind of food

This species is a carrion feeder.

see also BOTTOM FEEDER

feeding noun, pl -ings [count]

US : the act of giving food to a person (such as a baby) or an animal

When was the baby's last feeding? [=(Brit) feed]

feeding frenzy noun, pl -zies [count]

: a state of wild activity in which the animals in a group are all trying to eat something
sharks in a feeding frenzy
often used figuratively

There has been a feeding frenzy among publishers to obtain the rights to her story.

1feel verb, feels, felt , feel·ing

1 [+ obj] : to be aware of (something that affects you physically, such as pain, heat, or an object touching your body)

He felt a sudden pain in his leg.

I could feel the warmth of the sun.

I felt someone tap my shoulder.

I could feel him pulling my hair. [=I could feel that he was pulling my hair]

Do you feel a draft?

I'm the kind of person who really feels the heat/cold. [=hot/cold weather bothers me more than it bothers most people]

2 [linking verb]

used to describe or ask about someone's physical or mental state

I feel dizzy/faint.

How are you feeling today? = How do you feel today?

I feel bad/good/sick/well/fine.

I hope you feel better soon. [=I hope you will stop feeling ill soon]

He's been feeling a little depressed lately.

You can feel proud of what you've accomplished.

I feel responsible for the accident. [=I feel that I was responsible for the accident; I feel that the accident was my fault]

I feel confident that we'll win.

You may feel different tomorrow. [=your mood/thinking may change tomorrow]

She felt hurt by their indifference.

I feel certain/sure that we can solve these problems.

I feel like a fool. = (chiefly Brit) I feel a fool.

I didn't feel like myself yesterday. = I didn't feel myself yesterday. [=I didn't feel well yesterday]

I feel as if/though I'm falling. = (informal) I feel like I'm falling.

(You can) Feel free to leave whenever you like. [=you are free to leave whenever you like]

If you feel like doing something, you want to do it.

Do you feel like (taking) a walk?

I feel like crying.

“Why won't you come?” “Because I don't feel like it.”

He does whatever he feels like (doing).

I don't feel like talking about it. [=I don't want to talk about it]

3 a [+ obj] : to touch (something) with your fingers to see what it is like

She felt the fabric to see if it was wool.

3 b [+ obj] : to find (something) by touching with your fingers

Your ribs are bruised, but I don't feel any broken bones.

3 c [no obj] : to search for something by reaching or touching usually with your fingers
often + for

The doctor felt for any possible fractures in the patient's bruised ribs.

He felt for the switch.

often + around or (Brit) about

He felt around in the dark for the light switch.

He felt around under the table with his foot.

3 d not used in progressive tenses [linking verb]

used to describe the qualilty that something has when it is touched

This feels like wool (to me)but it may not be.

The silk feels smooth (to me).

4 [+ obj] : to believe or think (something)

He feels that they behaved badly.

They felt (that) it would be foolish to continue.

I feel (that) I really ought to say something.

He felt it necessary to say something. = He felt that it was necessary to say something.

5 [no obj] : to have an opinion

How do you feel about this proposal? [=what do you think of this proposal; what is your opinion of this proposal?]

Their votes reflect how they feel toward poor people.

If you feel strongly, you have a strong or definite opinion about something.

We feel (very) strongly that they've been treated unfairly.

If you feel that strongly (about it), we won't go.

6 [+ obj] : to be aware of (something) in your mind or emotions

He felt his son's ingratitude, and he resented it.

She could feel [=sense] the presence of an intruder in the house.

I feel the urge to speak.

I feel the need to try again. [=I think I/we should try again]

I feel your pain. [=I am aware of how (much) you must have suffered]

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to experience the effect of (something)

He felt the medicine starting to work.

I'm really feeling my age lately. [=I am feeling the effects of growing older]

7 b : to experience (something)

Many people will feel the impact of this decision. [=many people will be affected by this decision]

I felt pleasure in her company. [=I enjoyed being with her]

He felt no remorse for what he had done.

She feels contempt for her political enemies.

7 c : to be hurt by (something)

They felt the insult deeply. [=they were deeply hurt by the insult]

She felt the loss/death of her mother.

8 not used in progressive tenses [linking verb]

8 a
used to describe the quality that something has or the feeling that something causes

It just doesn't feel [=seem] right to be doing this.

It feels like spring today.

It feels strange that I'm here again. = It feels strange to be here again.

This place really feels like home.

It feels as if it's going to rain. = (chiefly US) It feels like rain.

8 b : to have a specified physical quality

My eyes feel dry.

His hands felt cool.

feel for [phrasal verb]

feel for (someone) : to have sympathy or pity for (someone)

I feel (deeply) for you, but there's nothing I can do to help.

see also 1FEEL 3C (ABOVE)

feel no pain
chiefly US informal : to be drunk

He had been at the bar for several hours and he was clearly feeling no pain. [=he was very drunk]

feel out [phrasal verb]

feel (someone) out : to talk to or question (someone) in an indirect way in order to find out if something you want to do or get will be possible

He tried to feel us out to see if we'd loan him more money.

feel up [phrasal verb]

feel (someone) up or feel up (someone) informal : to touch (someone who does not want to be touched) for sexual pleasure

She says he felt her up.

feel your best see 3BEST

feel your oats see OAT

feel your way

1 : to move forward carefully by putting your hands in front of you so that you can feel anything that blocks you

He felt his way through the darkened room.

2 : to move toward a goal very slowly and carefully

In the early days of the project they were just feeling their way (along), trying not to make mistakes.

2feel noun [singular]

1 a : the quality of a thing that is experienced by touching it

It had a greasy feel. [=it felt greasy]

the feel of old leather

1 b : a particular quality

The restaurant's decor has an Asian feel (to/about it).

Although the table is brand-new, it has the look and feel of an antique.

2 a : an understanding of something

We walked around to get the feel of the town. [=to find out what the town was like]

usually + for

We walked around to get a feel for the town.

After living in France for 20 years, she has a feel for the way the French think.

We're trying to get a feel for what's needed.

2 b : an ability to use something or do something in a skillful way
usually + for

He's been practicing for several weeks and he's starting to get a feel for the instrument.

She has a feel for language.

3 : a feeling or sensation

He liked the feel of the sun on his face.

4 Brit : an act of feeling or touching something

They had a feel of the old leather. [=they felt the old leather]

by feel

1 : by feeling with your hands when you cannot see

It was too dark too see anything, so she had to find the door knob by feel.

2 : by being guided by your physical feelings, your senses, etc., instead of by rules or directions
an athlete who plays by feel

cop a feel see 2COP

feel·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a movable part (such as an antenna) of an animal or insect that is used for touching things

2 : a suggestion or question to find out the thoughts or opinions of other people

I haven't had a definite job offer yet, but I've received a few feelers. [=I've been asked if I am interested in a new job]

usually plural

The companies have been putting out feelers about a merger. [=the companies have been quietly asking about the possibility of a merger]

feel-good adj, always used before a noun

: producing good or happy feelings
a feel-good movie

feel·ing noun, pl -ings

1 : an awareness by your body of something in it or on it : sensation

[count] a feeling of pain/nausea

I noticed tingling feelings in my fingers.

She had a queasy feeling in her stomach.

I had the feeling of something crawling across my foot.

We enjoyed the feeling of walking barefoot in the sand.

[noncount] He had no feeling in his right leg.

2 a : an emotional state or reaction

[count] feelings of joy/sorrow/anger/love

He's been troubled by feelings of guilt.

There's no point in trying to hide your feelings.

She's always had a kindly feeling towards them. = She always had kindly feelings towards them.

I hope this decision won't cause any bad/ill feelings. [=cause any feelings of anger, dislike, etc.]

I have a good feeling about this project. [=I expect this project to go well]

He has ambivalent/mixed feelings about his new job [=he has both good and bad feelings about his new job]

warm feelings [=good, pleasant, or friendly feelings]

“I could really use a vacation.” “I know the feeling.” [=I know how you feel]

The new security patrols gave residents a feeling of safety. [=the patrols made them feel safe]

a feeling of comfort

I didn't mean to insult youno hard feelings, right? [=you're not angry, are you?]

You hurt my feelings. [=you upset me; you made me feel bad]

We pretended to like his artwork in order to spare his feelings. [=to avoid hurting his feelings]

[noncount] They complained with feeling [=in a way that showed they were feeling strong emotion] about her decision.

He spoke with feeling about the injustice he had seen.

2 b [noncount] : thoughts of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc. : sympathy

Have you no feeling for the plight of the homeless?

see also FELLOW FEELING

3 a [count] : an opinion or belief

What's your feeling on/about this subject? = What are your feelings on/about this subject?

I can see that you have strong feelings about this subject.

I get the feeling [=impression] that you think I don't know what I'm doing.

My feeling is that we need to hire more people.

She shared her feelings with us on a variety of subjects. [=told us her opinions about a variety of subjects]

If you have a/the feeling that something might happen or be true, you think it might happen or be true even though you have no definite reason to think so.

He had the feeling (that) he was being watched, although he didn't see anyone.

I had a feeling you'd say that.

I have a nagging/funny feeling that I've forgotten something.

I have a sneaky/sneaking feeling that my guess was wrong.

Do you ever have the feeling [=have the sense, have the impression] (that) you're being watched?

3 b [noncount] : an opinion or a way of thinking that is shared by many people

Anti-war feeling has reached an all-time high. = There is strong feeling against the war. [=many people are opposed to the war]

4 [singular] : the general quality or character of a place or thing

The story has an eerie feeling. [=feel, quality]

a big city with a small-town feeling [=feel, atmosphere]

5 [noncount] : the quality of a work of art or performance that shows the emotion of the artist or performer

You need to play this passage with more feeling. [=expression]

6 [singular] : an ability to understand the nature of something : 2feel 2
a painter with a good feeling for color

have feelings for

: to feel love or affection for (someone)

Even though they're divorced, it's obvious that they still have (tender) feelings for each other.

feel·ing·ly adv [more ; most ]

: in an emotional manner

She wrote feelingly about the tragedy.

feet plural of 1FOOT

feet·first adv

: with the feet leading

She jumped into the pool feetfirst.

compare HEADFIRST

feign verb, feigns, feigned, feign·ing [+ obj]

: to pretend to feel or be affected by (something)

He would often feign [=fake] illness to get out of class.

He feigned being ill.

feign death/surprise/madness/sleep/ignorance

feigned adj

She greeted him with feigned nonchalance.

1feint noun, pl feints [count]

sports : a quick movement that you make to trick an opponent

The boxer made a feint with his right, then followed with a left hook.

2feint verb, feints, feint·ed, feint·ing [no obj]

sports : to pretend to make an attack as a trick to fool your opponent : to make a feint

He feinted with his right, then followed with a left hook.

feisty adj, feist·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: not afraid to fight or argue : very lively and aggressive

The novel features a feisty heroine.

Even her opponents admire her feisty spirit.

feist·i·ness noun [noncount]

They admire her feistiness.

feld·spar noun [noncount]

: a very common type of mineral

fe·lic·i·ta·tion noun, pl -tions
formal : congratulation 2

[noncount] a message of felicitation

[plural] They offered their heartfelt felicitations.

Felicitations to you and your family on this happy occasion.

fe·lic·i·tous adj [more ; most ]

formal : very well suited for some purpose or situation : appropriate
a felicitous combination of flavors
a felicitous phrase

fe·lic·i·tous·ly adv
expressing himself felicitously

fe·lic·i·tous·ness noun [noncount]

fe·lic·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal

1 [noncount] : great happiness
domestic/marital felicity

2 [count] : something that is pleasing and well chosen
usually plural

He admired the movie for its stylistic felicities.

felicities of phrasing

3 [noncount] : a talent for speaking or writing in a very effective way

I've always admired his felicity with words.

1fe·line adj

1 : of or relating to the cat family
a feline species
feline diseases

2 [more ; most ] : resembling a cat : like a cat's
feline eyes

They move with feline agility/grace.

2feline noun, pl -lines [count]

formal : a feline animal : cat
domesticated felines

1fell past tense of 1FALL

2fell verb, fells, felled, fell·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cut down (a tree)

using an ax to fell a tree

2 : to beat or knock down (someone or something)

He's strong enough to fell an ox.

often used figuratively

Their father was felled [=killed] by a heart attack at age 55.

3fell adj
formal + literary : very fierce or cruel
a fell enemy/purpose

in one fell swoop also at one fell swoop

: with a single, quick action or effort

The court has dismissed all of the charges against him in one fell swoop.

4fell noun, pl fells [count]

Brit

1 : a hill in the north of England

2 : a high field or moor in the north of England

fel·la noun, pl -las [count]

informal

1 : a male person : fellow

He's not a bad fella.

2 : boyfriend

She has a new fella.

fel·la·tio noun [noncount]

: the act of stimulating a man's penis with the mouth for sexual pleasure

1fel·low noun, pl -lows [count]

1 informal + somewhat old-fashioned

1 a : a male person : a boy or man
fellows and girls at a party

He seems like an amiable fellow. [=guy]

a fine fellow
a young fellow like you

Your son's a bright little fellow.

1 b : a male companion of a girl or woman : boyfriend

She's found herself a new fellow.

2 old-fashioned : a member of a group of people who have shared interests, activities, etc.

usually plural

He's eager to rejoin his fellows.

She wants to protect the good reputation she enjoys among her fellows.

3 or Fellow

3 a : a member of a literary, artistic, or scientific organization
a fellow of the American College of Surgeons
a Fellow of the Royal Society/Academy

3 b : a senior member of some British colleges and universities

4 chiefly US : an advanced student at a university who is given money to pay for food, housing, etc. : a graduate student who has been granted a fellowship
a postdoctoral fellow
a teaching/research fellow [=a graduate student who gets money in exchange for teaching/research]

a medical fellow

2fellow adj, always used before a noun

used to describe people who belong to the same group or class or who share a situation, experience, etc.

He attended the concert with a fellow student. [=someone who is a student, as he is]

her fellow employees/citizens

see also FELLOW MAN, FELLOW TRAVELER

fellow feeling noun [noncount]

: a feeling of shared interest or understanding

There's a sense of sympathy and fellow feeling among members of the group.

fellow man noun, pl men [count]

: a person other than yourself : a fellow human being
usually used with my, our, his, her, etc., to refer to other people in general

He has always tried to be of service to his fellow man. [=to other people]

We have to learn to love our fellow man.

fel·low·ship noun, pl -ships

1 [noncount] : a friendly relationship among people

People came to the community dinner to share good food and good fellowship. [=company, companionship]

2 [noncount] : the relationship of people who share interests or feelings
traditions that bind us together in fellowship

3 [count] : a group of people who have similar interests
a youth fellowship
a fellowship of writers

4 [count]

4 a : an amount of money to pay for food, housing, etc., that is given to a graduate student who teaches or does research at a university

She applied for a research fellowship in physics.

He came to the university on a teaching fellowship.

4 b : the position of a fellow at a university or college

He holds a fellowship at the university.

fellow traveler (US) or Brit fellow traveller noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone who is traveling in the same group or on the same train, airplane, etc., as you

I struck up a conversation with one of my fellow travelers.

2 : someone who shares the opinions and beliefs of the people in a group or organization (especially the Communist Party) but does not belong to that group or organization

He was not a member of the Communist Party or even a fellow traveler.

fel·on noun, pl -ons [count]

: a criminal who has committed a serious crime (called a felony)

a convicted felon

fel·o·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

law : a serious crime (such as murder or rape)

The crime is considered a felony under state law.

He received a felony conviction. = He was convicted of committing a felony.

He was convicted of felony murder/theft.

compare MISDEMEANOR

fe·lo·ni·ous adj
felonious assault

fe·lo·ni·ous·ly adv
charged with feloniously assaulting a police officer

1felt past tense and past participle of 1FEEL

2felt noun [noncount]

: a soft, heavy cloth made by pressing together fibers of wool, cotton, or other materials

She made her son's costume from scraps of felt.

a felt hat

felt-tip noun, pl -tips [count]

: a pen that has a writing point made of felt called also felt-tip pen

fem abbr
female; feminine

1fe·male adj

1 a : of or relating to the sex that can produce young or lay eggs
a female bird/mammal/insect
female [=women] athletes
a study of female [=women's] sexuality

1 b [more ; most ] : characteristic of girls or women
a female [=feminine] voice/name

1 c : having members who are all girls or women
a female choir

2 of a plant : having only seed-producing flowers
a female holly

3 technical : having a hole that another part (called a male part) fits into

Most extension cords have a male plug on one end and a female plug on the other.

fe·male·ness noun [noncount]

2female noun, pl -males [count]

1 : a woman or a girl : a female person

She attended a school where there were more males than females.

usage

The use of female to mean “woman” or “girl” now occurs most commonly in scientific or technical language.

According to the study, males scored about the same as females.

The suspect was described as a white female aged about 30.

In other contexts, it is often seen as a humorous or mildly insulting word.

The shopping mall was mobbed by herds of adolescent females.

He referred to his angry coworkers as “a bunch of spiteful females.”

2 : an animal that can produce young or lay eggs : a female animal

Females of this species weigh 8 to 10 pounds.

3 : a plant that can produce seed or fruit : a female plant

1fem·i·nine adj

1 [more ; most ] : of, relating to, or suited to women or girls
a feminine look/appearance
feminine beauty/mystique
the feminine [=female] figure
feminine hygiene

The book examines the subject from a feminine perspective.

They've added some feminine touches to the decor.

He has a rather feminine [=effeminate] voice.

compare 1MASCULINE

2 grammar, in some languages : of or belonging to the class of words (called a gender) that ordinarily includes most of the words referring to females
a feminine noun
the feminine gender

The feminine form of the Spanish adjective “lindo” is “linda.”

compare 1MASCULINE, 1NEUTER

fem·i·nin·i·ty noun [noncount]

old-fashioned notions about masculinity and femininity

2feminine noun, pl -nines [count]

grammar in some languages : a word or form of the feminine gender

The feminine of the Spanish adjective “lindo” is “linda.”

fem·i·nism noun [noncount]

1 : the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities

2 : organized activity in support of women's rights and interests

fem·i·nist noun, pl -nists [count]

liberal feminists

feminist adj
the feminist movement
feminist theory

femme fa·tale noun, pl femmes fa·tales [count]

: a very attractive woman who causes trouble or unhappiness for the men who become involved with her

fe·mur noun, pl fe·murs also fem·o·ra [count]

medical : the long bone in the upper part of the leg called also thighbone

fem·o·ral adj, always used before a noun
the femoral artery [=an artery that lies near the femur]

fen noun, pl fens [count]

: low land that is completely or partly covered by water
bogs and fens

1fence noun, pl fenc·es [count]

1 : a structure like a wall built outdoors usually of wood or metal that separates two areas or prevents people or animals from entering or leaving

We put up a fence around our yard.

see also CHAIN-LINK FENCE

2 informal : a person who buys stolen property from thieves and sells it

mend fences see 1MEND

on the fence

: unable to decide about something

He tried to persuade those still (sitting) on the fence to vote in his favor.

the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence) see 1GRASS

fence·less adj

2fence verb, fences, fenced, fenc·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to put a fence around (a place or area)

They've decided to fence (in) the yard.

She fenced (off) a corner of the property to use as a garden.

a house with a fenced-in yard

1 b : to keep (something or someone) in or out with a fence

He fenced (in) the sheep so they wouldn't wander too far.

2 [no obj] : to fight with swords : to practice the art or sport of fencing

Do you fence?

sometimes used figuratively
candidates fencing with each other in their televised debates

3 [+ obj] informal : to sell (stolen property) to someone who buys and sells stolen property as an illegal business : to sell (stolen property) to a fence

He stole watches and fenced them on the street.

fenc·er noun, pl -ers [count]

A skilled fencer advances as his opponent retreats.

fencing noun [noncount]

1 : the art or sport of fighting with swords

2 : material that is used for making fences
barbed-wire fencing

fend verb, fends, fend·ed, fend·ing

fend for yourself

: to do things without help : to do basic activities by yourself

They had to fend for themselves while their mother was away.

He's been fending for himself since his wife died.

fend off [phrasal verb]

fend off (someone or something) or fend (someone or something) off : to defend yourself against (someone or something)

They succeeded in fending off the attack/attackers.

They have had to fend off allegations of voter fraud.

fend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 US : a part of a vehicle that covers a wheel called also (Brit) wing

2 US : a curved piece of metal that covers a wheel of a motorcycle or bicycle called also (Brit) mudguard

3 : a low metal frame or screen placed in front of an open fireplace

fender bender noun, pl -ers [count]

US informal : a minor car accident

She had a fender bender. = She was in a fender bender.

feng shui noun [noncount]

: a Chinese system for positioning a building and the objects within a building in a way that is thought to agree with spiritual forces and to bring health and happiness

fen·nel noun [noncount]

: a garden plant that is grown for its seeds, stems, and leaves

fe·ral adj

1 : of, relating to, or resembling a wild beast
feral instincts

They led a feral existence.

2
used to describe an animal (such as a cat or dog) that has escaped and become wild
feral cats

1fer·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -men·ting

: to go through a chemical change that results in the production of alcohol

[no obj] The wine ferments in oak barrels.

sometimes used figuratively

He let the plan ferment [=develop] in his mind.

[+ obj] Yeast ferments the sugar in the juice.

fer·men·ta·tion noun [noncount]

Grape juice becomes wine through fermentation.

the process of fermentation

2fer·ment noun [noncount]

: a situation in which there is much excitement and confusion caused by change

The city was in a state of ferment after the election.

fern noun, pl ferns [count]

: a type of plant that has large, delicate leaves and no flowers

fern·like adj

ferny adj
a plant with ferny foliage
a ferny courtyard

fe·ro·cious adj [more ; most ]

1 : very fierce or violent
ferocious animals

A ferocious wind swept the beach.

He had a ferocious [=savage] look in his eye.

2 : very great or extreme

The competition among the students was ferocious.

ferocious heat
a ferocious appetite

fe·ro·cious·ly adv
ferociously strong winds
a ferociously hot day

fe·ro·cious·ness noun [noncount]

fe·roc·i·ty noun [noncount]

: a very fierce or violent quality : the quality or state of being ferocious
the ferocity of the lion's attack

We were stunned by the ferocity of the storm.

1fer·ret noun, pl -rets [count]

: a small animal that is related to the weasel and is used for hunting rodents

2ferret verb, -rets, -ret·ed, -ret·ing

ferret out [phrasal verb]

ferret out (something) or ferret (something) out : to find (something, such as information) by careful searching

He's good at ferreting out the facts.

ferret out answers/problems

Fer·ris wheel noun, pl wheels [count]

chiefly US : a very large upright wheel that has seats around its edge where people sit while the wheel turns

Ferris wheels are rides that are found at amusement parks.

called also (Brit) big wheel

fer·rous adj
technical : of, relating to, or containing iron
ferrous metal/materials

fer·rule noun, pl -rules [count]

: a usually metal ring or cap that is placed around the end of a wooden stick or handle to strengthen it

1fer·ry verb, -ries, -ried, -ry·ing [+ obj]

: to carry or move (someone or something) on a vehicle (such as a boat or a car) usually for a short distance between two places

The cars were ferried across the river.

They ferry supplies to the island.

A bus ferries visitors from the parking lot to the entrance gate. = A bus ferries visitors between the parking lot and the entrance gate.

2ferry noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : ferryboat

Ferries to both islands depart daily.

You can get there by ferry.

a ferry service/ride

2 : a place where a ferryboat operates

We'll meet you at the ferry.

fer·ry·boat noun, pl -boats [count]

: a boat that is used to carry people and things for a short distance between two places : a boat that ferries people and things

fer·ry·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) who operates a ferry

fer·tile adj

1 [more ; most ] : producing many plants or crops : able to support the growth of many plants
fertile [=rich] farmland/soil

2 [more ; most ]

2 a : producing a large amount of something
an area that is a fertile breeding ground for political extremism

This subject remains a fertile field for additional investigation.

2 b : producing many ideas

He has a fertile mind.

her fertile imagination

3 a : able to produce children, young animals, etc.

healthy, fertile women/men
a fertile cow/bull

3 b : able to grow or develop
a fertile egg

fer·til·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the state or condition of being fertile: such as
a : the ability to produce young

She studied the effects of pollution on the fertility of the local fish population.

The doctor ordered a test of his/her fertility.

often used before another noun
a fertility test/drug
a fertility god/idol

b : the ability to support the growth of many plants

The area is known for its soil fertility.

c : the ability to produce many ideas
the fertility of his imagination

fer·til·ize also Brit fer·til·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to make (an egg) able to grow and develop

A single sperm fertilizes an egg.

1 b : to make (a plant or flower) able to produce seeds

Bees fertilize plants as they collect nectar from flowers.

2 : to make (soil, land, etc.) richer and better able to support plant growth by adding chemicals or a natural substance (such as manure)

[+ obj] He fertilizes the lawn every year.

[no obj] The soil is so rich there is no need to fertilize.

fer·til·i·za·tion also Brit fer·til·i·sa·tion noun [noncount]

fer·til·iz·er also Brit fer·til·is·er noun, pl -ers

: a substance (such as manure or a special chemical) that is added to soil to help the growth of plants

[noncount] We only use organic fertilizer in our gardens.

[count] They use chemical fertilizers on their lawn.

fer·vent adj [more ; most ]

: felt very strongly

He is known for his fervent [=passionate, zealous] nationalism.

: having or showing very strong feelings

They entered a fervent [=heated] debate over the death penalty.

a fervent admirer/supporter/opponent

fer·vent·ly adv
fervently enthusiastic supporters

fer·vid adj [more ; most ]

somewhat formal : having or showing feelings that are very strong or too strong
fervid fans

fer·vid·ly adv

fer·vor (US) or Brit fer·vour noun [noncount]

: a strong feeling of excitement and enthusiasm

The fervor surrounding her campaign continued right through election day.

The novel captures the revolutionary fervor of the period.

religious fervor

fess verb, fess·es, fessed, fess·ing

fess up [phrasal verb]

chiefly US informal : to admit that you have done something wrong : confess

At first he denied everything, but eventually he fessed up.

He finally fessed up about his involvement. = He finally fessed up to being involved.

fes·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

1 : to become painful and infected

His wounds festered for days before he got medical attention.

a festering sore

2 : to become worse as time passes

His feelings of resentment have festered for years.

We should deal with these problems now instead of allowing them to fester.

fes·ti·val noun, pl -vals [count]

1 : a special time or event when people gather to celebrate something

Each year, a festival was held to celebrate the harvest.

The town has a summer festival in the park.

2 : an organized series of performances
a film/jazz festival

fes·tive adj

1 [more ; most ] : cheerful and exciting : suited to a celebration or holiday

The house looks very festive during the holidays.

She was in a festive mood.

The reunion will be a festive occasion.

2 Brit : of or relating to Christmas
the festive season

fes·tiv·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : celebration and enjoyment

The decorations give the hall an air of festivity.

2 festivities [plural] : enjoyable activities at the time of a holiday or other special occasion : festive activities

The festivities will include a parade, a concert, and games for children.

We enjoyed the New Year's Eve festivities.

1fes·toon verb, -toons, -tooned, -toon·ing [+ obj]

: to cover or decorate (something) with many small objects, pieces of paper, etc.

We festooned the halls with leaves and white lights.

The balcony is festooned in/with ivy.

His office is festooned with newspaper clippings.

2festoon noun, pl -toons [count]

: a long chain or strip of something (such as flowers or cloth) that is hung as a decoration
usually plural
walls covered with festoons of flowers

fe·ta noun [noncount]

: a type of white Greek cheese that is made from sheep's or goat's milk
feta cheese

fe·tal (US) or Brit foe·tal adj

: of or relating to a developing animal or human being that is not yet born : of or relating to a fetus
a fetal heartbeat
a fetal pig

fetal position (US) or Brit foetal position noun [singular]

: a position in which you lie on your side with both legs and both arms bent and pulled up to your chest and with your head bowed forward

fetch verb, fetch·es, fetched, fetch·ing

1 : to go after and bring back (someone or something)

[+ obj] Wait here while I fetch [=get] the doctor.

Please fetch me a drink. = Please fetch a drink for me.

If you throw the ball the dog will fetch it.

[no obj] Hunting dogs are trained to fetch.

2 [+ obj] : to be sold for (an amount of money)

This table should fetch quite a bit at auction.

The house fetched more than we expected.

fetch and carry

: to do the kind of jobs that servants do for someone

I won't fetch and carry for you all day.

fetch up [phrasal verb]

chiefly Brit informal : to reach or come to a place, condition, or situation that was not planned or expected

She traveled throughout Europe and eventually fetched up [=ended up] in Italy.

fetching adj [more ; most ]

somewhat old-fashioned : attractive or pleasing
a fetching smile

You look very fetching in that outfit.

fetch·ing·ly adv
fetchingly dressed

1fete or fête noun, pl fetes [count]

1 US : a large party or celebration

2 Brit : an outdoor event for raising money that usually includes competitions and things for sale
won a prize at the church/village fete

2fete or fête verb, fetes or fêtes, fet·ed or fêt·ed, fet·ing or fêt·ing [+ obj]

: to honor (a person) or celebrate (something) with a large party or public celebration

They feted the winning team with banquets and parades.

often used as (be) feted

She was feted for her contributions to science.

fet·id adj [more ; most ]

: having a strong, unpleasant smell
a fetid pool of water
the fetid odor of rotting vegetables

fe·tish noun, pl -tish·es [count]

1 : a strong and unusual need or desire for something

He has a fetish for secrecy.

2 : a need or desire for an object, body part, or activity for sexual excitement
a shoe/foot/leather fetish

3 : an object that is believed to have magical powers

He wore a fetish to ward off evil spirits.

fe·tish·ism noun [noncount]

sexual fetishism

fe·tish·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

a foot fetishist [=a person who has a foot fetish]

fet·lock noun, pl -locks [count]

: a part at the back of a horse's leg above the hoof

fet·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

1 formal : to prevent (someone or something) from moving or acting freely

He found himself fettered by responsibilities.

restrictions that fetter [=hinder] creativity

2 old-fashioned : to put chains around someone's feet to prevent motion
fetter [=shackle] a prisoner

fet·ters noun [plural]

1 formal : something that prevents someone or something from moving or acting freely

She longs to be free of the fetters [=constraints] of family obligations.

2 : chains placed around a person's feet to restrict motion
a prisoner in fetters [=shackles]

fet·tle noun [singular]

informal : a person's physical state or condition
usually used in the phrase in fine fettle

He seems to be in fine fettle this morning. [=he seems to be feeling very well; he seems very fit and cheerful]

fet·tuc·ci·ne or fet·tuc·ci·ni or fet·tu·ci·ne or fet·tu·ci·ni noun [noncount]

: a type of pasta that is shaped like long, thin ribbons

fe·tus or chiefly Brit foe·tus noun, pl -tus·es [count]

: a human being or animal in the later stages of development before it is born compare EMBRYO

feud noun, pl feuds [count]

: a long and angry fight or quarrel between two people or two groups

The workers' feud with management concerns health benefits and pay increases.

Because of a family feud, they did not see each other for a decade.

see also BLOOD FEUD

feud verb, feuds, feud·ed, feud·ing [no obj]

They feuded (with each other) for years.

The estate is not settled because the family is still feuding over the will.

feu·dal adj

: of or relating to feudalism
the feudal system
a feudal law/lord

feu·dal·ism noun [noncount]

: a social system that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages in which people worked and fought for nobles who gave them protection and the use of land in return

fe·ver noun, pl -vers

1 a : a body temperature that is higher than normal

[count] He has had a fever for two days. = He has been running a fever for two days.

[noncount] The symptoms of the disease include headache and fever.

1 b [count] : a disease that causes an increase in body temperature

She caught a fever.

see also HAY FEVER, RHEUMATIC FEVER, SCARLET FEVER, YELLOW FEVER

2 [singular]

2 a : a state of excited emotion or activity

We waited in a fever of anticipation.

He had us all in a fever with worry.

see also CABIN FEVER, SPRING FEVER

2 b : a state of great enthusiasm or interest

Every fall the town develops football fever. [=the town becomes very excited about football]

fever blister noun, pl -ters [count]

US : cold sore

fe·vered adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or affected by a fever
usually used in the phrase fevered brow

She wiped the sweat from his fevered brow.

2 : very excited or active
fevered activity/experimentation
a fevered imagination

fe·ver·ish adj [more ; most ]

1 a : having a fever : suffering from a higher than normal body temperature caused by illness

She was feeling tired and feverish.

1 b : of or relating to a fever
a feverish nightmare

He had a feverish appearance.

2 : involving intense emotion or activity : feeling or showing great or extreme excitement

We waited for the announcement with feverish [=eager] anticipation.

feverish [=hectic] activity

fe·ver·ish·ly adv

We worked feverishly to prepare for the party.

fever pitch noun

: a state of extreme excitement or activity

[singular] I worked myself up to/into a fever pitch of enthusiasm.

New allegations brought interest in the scandal to a fever pitch.

[noncount] Demand for the new car soon reached fever pitch.

1few adj, few·er, -est

1 : not many

Few people came.

the next/last/past few weeks

I know (very) few people in the class.

Music is one of my (very) few pleasures.

He caught fewer fish than the rest of us.

There are fewer children at the school this year.

Not many people came, but the few people who did enjoyed themselves.

Few (if any) people understand me.

2 : not many but some
used in the phrase a few

Only/Just a few people came.

We went out for a few drinks after work.

I know a few people in the class.

The train leaves in a few minutes.

The phrases quite a few and, less commonly, not a few or (chiefly Brit) a good few all mean “fairly many.”

Quite a few students from our high school go on to college.

as few as

used to suggest that a number or amount is surprisingly small

The procedure is recommended by as few as [=only] one out of five doctors.

As few as half the students passed the test.

few and far between

: not common or frequent

Really good movies are few and far between. [=there are not many really good movies]

Opportunities like that are few and far between.

no fewer than

: at least
used to suggest that a number or amount is surprisingly large

No fewer than 1,000 people attended the meeting.

No fewer than 80 percent of registered voters turned out for the primary.

of few words

A person of few words is someone who does not talk very much.

a man/woman of few words

2few pronoun

1 : not many people or things

(Very) Few came.

His stories may be entertaining, but few (if any) are true. = They may be entertaining, but few (if any) of his stories are true.

There are many students in the class, but I know very few (of them).

“Neverwas so much owed by so many to so few.” Sir Winston Churchill, Speech (August, 1940)

2 : some people or things
used in the phrase a few

A few came.

I bought several magazines and I read a few (of them).

Unfortunately, a few of the people who came failed to enjoy themselves.

We gave away most of the photographs but we kept a few (of them).

They sold a few of the books.

She met a few of my relatives.

The phrases quite a few and, less commonly, not a few or (chiefly Brit) a good few all mean “fairly many.”

Not all our students go on to college, but quite a few (of them) do. [=a large number of our students do]

3 : a small number of people or things that are chosen or regarded as special or unusual in some way

A select few will receive advance tickets.

A sophisticated movie like this only appeals to the discriminating few.

have a few or have a few too many
informal : to have too many alcoholic drinks

We could tell from his slurred speech that he'd had a few.

It looks like she had a few too many.

1few·er adj

: not so many : a smaller number of

I take fewer (and fewer) vacations every year.

He teaches (many) fewer classes than I do.

usage see 1less

2fewer pronoun

: a smaller number of people or things

Fewer came than were expected.

Few know and (even) fewer care about local history.

Fewer than 50 percent of registered voters turned out for the primary.

fez noun, pl fez·zes [count]

: a type of round red hat that has a flat top and no brim

Fezzes are worn by men in some Middle Eastern countries.

fi·an·cé noun, pl -cés [count]

: a man that a woman is engaged to be married to

Let me introduce my fiancé.

fi·an·cée noun, pl -cées [count]

: a woman that a man is engaged to be married to

My fiancée and I will be married in June.

fi·as·co noun, pl -coes [count]

: a complete failure or disaster

The party turned into a complete/utter fiasco.

a political fiasco

fi·at noun, pl -ats
formal : an official order given by someone who has power : an order that must be followed

[count] a judicial fiat

[noncount] He runs the company by fiat.

government by fiat

1fib noun, pl fibs [count]

informal : an untrue statement about something minor or unimportant

I have to admit that I told a fib when I said I enjoyed the movie.

Is she telling fibs again?

2fib verb, fibs, fibbed, fib·bing [no obj]

informal : to tell a fib : to make an untrue statement about something minor or unimportant

I fibbed when I said that I enjoyed the movie.

He fibbed about his weight.

fi·ber (US) or Brit fi·bre noun, pl -bers

1 [noncount] : plant material that cannot be digested but that helps you to digest other food

It's important to get enough fiber in your diet.

dietary fiber

What foods do you recommend as good sources of fiber?

foods that are high in fiber

2 a : a thin thread of natural or artificial material that can be used to make cloth, paper, etc.

[count] The fabric is made from a mix of synthetic fibers.

The natural fibers allow the fabric to breathe.

[noncount] The paper is made from both cotton and wood fiber.

2 b : material (such as cloth) that is made from thin threads : something made of fibers

[count] Nylon is a very strong man-made fiber.

[noncount] The police examined hair and bits of fiber found in the victim's car.

3 [count] : a long, thin piece of material that forms a type of tissue in your body
muscle/nerve fibers

4 [noncount] formal : strength or toughness of character
cultural changes that have weakened the moral fiber of our nation's youth

with every fiber of your being

: with all of your effort or desire

She wanted to be a doctor with every fiber of her being.

He fought with every fiber of his being for freedom.

fi·ber·board (US) or Brit fi·bre·board noun [noncount]

: a type of board made by pressing fibers of wood into stiff sheets

fi·ber·glass (US) or Brit fi·bre·glass Brit noun [noncount]

: a light and strong material that is made from thin threads of glass and that is used in making various products
often used before another noun
a fiberglass boat

fiber optics (US) or Brit fibre optics noun [noncount]

technical : the use of thin threads of glass or plastic to carry very large amounts of information in the form of light signals

fi·ber-op·tic (US) or Brit fi·bre-op·tic adj, technical
a fiber-optic cable/network

fi·brous adj [more ; most ]

: containing, made of, or resembling fibers

He had surgery to remove fibrous scar tissue in his knee.

The vegetable has a fibrous [=stringy, tough] texture.

fib·u·la noun, pl -lae or -las [count]

medical : the outer one of the two bones below the knee in a person's leg

fick·le adj [more ; most ]

1 : changing often
fickle weather

2 disapproving : changing opinions often
fickle friends/supporters

He blames poor sales on fickle consumers.

fick·le·ness noun [noncount]

the fickleness of the weather

fic·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : written stories about people and events that are not real : literature that tells stories which are imagined by the writer

She mainly writes fiction.

great works of fiction
compare NONFICTION, see also SCIENCE FICTION

2 : something that is not true

[noncount] His explanation of what happened was pure fiction. [=was completely untrue]

[count] She believes the fiction that crime rates are up.

fic·tion·al adj
a fictional character/place

She wrote a fictional account of a family living during the war.

fic·tion·al·ize also Brit fic·tion·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to change (a true story) into fiction by changing or adding details

The book is a fictionalized account of their travels.

Her books are based in fact, but she fictionalizes many of the events.

fic·tion·al·i·za·tion also Brit fic·tion·al·i·sa·tion Brit noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

the fictionalization of a true story

fic·ti·tious adj

: not true or real
a fictitious story

The characters in the book are all fictitious.

She gave a fictitious address on the application.

1fid·dle noun, pl fid·dles [count]

informal

1 : violin
an expert with/on the fiddle

2 Brit : a dishonest way of getting money : swindle, scam
arrested for a tax fiddle

fit as a fiddle see 1FIT

play second fiddle

: to have a less important position or status than someone or something else : to be regarded or treated as less important
a former star athlete who is not happy to play second fiddle as he nears the end of his career
often + to

He's not happy to play second fiddle to the younger players on the team.

2fiddle verb, fid·dles, fid·dled, fid·dling

1 [no obj] informal : to play a violin

Nero fiddled while Rome burned.

used especially to describe playing folk music, country music, etc., on a violin
a fiddling competition

2 [+ obj] chiefly Brit, informal : to secretly change (something, such as information) in a harmful or dishonest way
fiddle [=fudge] the accounts/books

fiddle around or chiefly Brit fiddle about [phrasal verb]

: to spend time in activity that does not have a real purpose

They spent hours just fiddling [=fooling] around when they should have been working.

fiddle with [phrasal verb]

fiddle with (something)

1 : to move or handle (something) with your hands or fingers in a nervous way

She was nervously fiddling with her pen as she waited for the test to start.

2 : to change or handle (something, such as the controls of a machine) in a way that shows you are not sure what to do

He was fiddling [=tinkering] with the controls of the television, trying to get it to work.

3 : to change (something) in a harmful or foolish way

It became clear that someone had fiddled [=tampered] with the equipment.

fid·dler noun, pl fid·dlers [count]

an expert/champion fiddler

(Brit) tax fiddlers [=people who lie to avoid paying taxes]

fid·dle·sticks interj
informal + old-fashioned
used to express mild anger or disagreement

“I had nothing to do with it.” “Oh, fiddlesticks! I know you did.”

fid·dly adj, fid·dli·er, -dli·est [or more ; most ]

chiefly Brit informal : awkward or difficult to handle because of many small parts or details
connecting up all the wires and the other fiddly bits

fi·del·i·ty noun [noncount]

1 a : the quality of being faithful to your husband, wife, or sexual partner

She began to doubt her husband's fidelity. [=to wonder if he was having an affair with another woman]

sexual fidelity
often + to
his fidelity to his wife

opposite INFIDELITY

1 b : the quality of being faithful or loyal to a country, organization, etc.

usually + to

No one can doubt his fidelity [=devotion] to his country.

2 : the degree to which something matches or copies something else

+ to

The movie's director insisted on total fidelity to the book. [=insisted that the story told in the movie should accurately copy the story told in the book]

3 : the degree to which a device (such as a CD player, radio, or television) correctly reproduces sounds, pictures, etc.

music with much higher fidelity than on cassettes
a printer with outstanding color fidelity [=a printer that produces very accurate colors]

see also HIGH FIDELITY

fidg·et verb, -ets, -et·ed, -et·ing [no obj]

: to make a lot of small movements because you are nervous, bored, etc. : to move or act in a nervous or restless way

He was constantly fidgeting in his chair.

fidget with [phrasal verb]

fidget with (something) : to move or handle (something) with your hands and fingers in a nervous way

He was fidgeting [=fiddling] with his tie before the presentation.

fidg·ety adj [more ; most ]

: moving a lot because of nervousnees, boredom, etc. : tending to fidget

He grew more fidgety with each passing hour.

Coffee makes me fidgety. [=jumpy, restless]

fi·du·ci·ary Brit adj
formal : relating to or involving trust (such as the trust between a customer and a professional)

a fiduciary capacity/duty
a bank's fiduciary obligations

fief noun, pl fiefs [count]

: a large area of land that was ruled over by a lord in medieval times : a feudal estate
sometimes used figuratively
a politician's fief [=fiefdom]

fief·dom noun, pl -doms [count]

: an area over which a person has control

The coaches viewed their school districts as personal fiefdoms.

1field noun, pl fields [count]

1 a : an open area of land without trees or buildings

He gazed out across the fields.

a grassy/muddy field
green fields
an open field
see also ICE FIELD

1 b : an area of land that has a special use
farm fields
a field of wheat = a wheat field
cotton/tobacco fields
see also OIL FIELD

2 : an area of work, study, etc.

She hopes to find work in the health field.

She is a pioneer/leader in the field of genetic research.

a lawyer who is eminent in his field
working in his chosen field
fields of learning/interest/study
a fascinating field of endeavor

3 a : an area of land that is used for sports
football/athletic/baseball/soccer fields
a ball field

The home team took the field. [=ran out onto the field to begin play]

Spectators are not allowed on the field of play. [=playing field]

The team has been tough to beat on its home field. [=its own field where it plays in front of its fans]

In a baseball or cricket game, when one team is batting the other team is in the field.

see also CENTER FIELD, FIELD EVENT, LEFT FIELD, PLAYING FIELD, RIGHT FIELD, TRACK AND FIELD

3 b

In basketball a shot taken from the field is a shot taken during ordinary play rather than a free throw.

They shot well from the field but they missed too many free throws.

4 : the area where work is done away from a laboratory, office, etc.

archaeologists/salesmen working in the field
often used before another noun

She will be doing field research in South America.

field studies

The product has been tested under field conditions of actual use.

field workers

see also FIELD-TEST, FIELDWORK

5 : the group of people, horses, teams, etc., that are in a race or other competition
a race with a large field of runners

The presidential election has attracted a large field of candidates.

She was leading/trailing the field by a wide margin.

often used figuratively

The company is working hard to stay/keep ahead of the field. [=to continue to be more successful than its competitors]

6 : a place where battles and other military activities happen
the field of battle
soldiers in the field
see also BATTLEFIELD, LANDING FIELD, MINEFIELD

7 : a region or space in which an effect or force (such as gravity, electricity, or magnetism) exists
an electric/magnetic field

8 : an area in which a particular type of information is placed

You must complete all fields before submitting the form.

(computers) The database is separated into several different fields.

9 : field of vision

Nothing moved within his visual field.

see also FIELD OF VIEW

play the field see 1PLAY

2field verb, fields, field·ed, field·ing [+ obj]

1 baseball or cricket : to catch or stop and throw a ball

The shortstop fielded the ground ball.

a fielding error
also : to play (a position) on a baseball team
a shortstop who fields his position flawlessly

2 a : to deal with or respond to (something, such as a telephone call or a request)

Last week she fielded two offers on her house.

His secretary will field requests for more information.

2 b : to give an answer to (a question)

The senator fielded the reporters' questions.

3 : to put (a team, army, etc.) into the field to compete or fight

They expect to field a strong team this year.

the greatest fighting force that any nation has ever fielded

field day noun, pl days [count]

: a day of outdoor sports and athletic competition for school children
the fifth grade's annual field day

have a field day

: to get a lot of pleasure and enjoyment from doing something
used especially to describe getting enjoyment from criticizing someone, making fun of someone, etc.

If word of his involvement in this scandal ever leaks out, the newspapers are going to have a field day.

Journalists have had a field day with this scandal.

field·er noun, pl -ers [count]

baseball or cricket : a player who is in the field while the opposing team is batting

field event noun, pl events [count]

: an event in a track meet that is not a race
a discus thrower who excelled at all the field events

field glasses noun [plural]

: binoculars

field goal noun, pl goals [count]

1 American football : a score of three points made by kicking the ball between the goalposts

He kicked a 20-yard field goal.

They've won three games by less than a field goal. [=by fewer than three points]

2 basketball : basket 2b
a three-point field goal

field guide noun, pl guides [count]

: a book that helps you to identify birds, plants, animals, rocks, etc.

a field guide to the birds

field hand noun, pl hands [count]

US : a person who is hired to work on a farm : farmhand

field hockey noun [noncount]

US + Canada : a game that is played on a field in which each team uses curved sticks to try to hit the ball into the opponent's goal called also (chiefly Brit) hockey compare ICE HOCKEY

field house noun, pl houses [count]

US : a large building that is used for athletic events and that usually has seats for spectators

field marshal noun, pl -shals [count]

: the highest ranking military officer in the British Army

field mouse noun, pl mice [count]

: a type of mouse that lives in open fields

field of view noun, pl fields of view [count]

1 : the area that can be seen when you look through a telescope, a pair of binoculars, etc.

the telescope's field of view

2 : field of vision

field of vision noun, pl fields of vision [count]

: the area that you can see without moving your eyes

He ran right through my field of vision.

She has a blind spot in the middle of her field of vision.

field·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

: a stone that is taken from a field and used in its natural form

They used plain fieldstones as grave markers.

often used before another noun
a fieldstone fireplace

field-test verb, -tests, -test·ed, -test·ing [+ obj]

: to test (something, such as a product) by using it in the actual conditions it was designed for

These products need to be thoroughly field-tested before we can begin using them.

field test noun, pl tests [count]

doing a field test of the prototype

field trip noun, pl trips [count]

: a visit to a place (such as a museum or zoo) that is made by students to learn about something

We took a class field trip to the power plant.

We went on a field trip.

field·work noun [noncount]

: the work of gathering information by going into the field (sense 4)

an anthropologist who has done fieldwork in the South Pacific

fiend noun, pl fiends [count]

1 a : an evil spirit : a demon or devil

1 b : a very evil or cruel person
a murderous fiend
a fiend in human form

2 informal

2 a : a person who is very enthusiastic about something : fanatic

He's a real golf fiend.

a fresh air fiend

He's a fiend for physical fitness. [=he is very devoted to physical fitness]

2 b : a person who is addicted to a drug or to a kind of behavior
a dope/drug fiend [=addict]

a sex fiend

like a fiend
chiefly US informal
used to say that someone does a lot of something

She's been working like a fiend. [=working very hard]

He smokes like a fiend.

fiend·ish adj [more ; most ]

1 : very evil or cruel
a fiendish murderer

He takes a fiendish delight in hurting people.

a fiendish contraption
a fiendish [=diabolical] plot to destroy the world

2 : extremely bad, unpleasant, or difficult
fiendish weather
a fiendish problem

fiend·ish·ly adv
a fiendishly clever plot
a fiendishly hot sun
a fiendishly coldhearted murderer
fiendishly complex tools and machinery

fiend·ish·ness noun [noncount]

a plot of incredible fiendishness

fierce adj, fierc·er, -est

1 a : very violent

He was killed in a fierce battle.

a fierce assault/attack
fierce combat/fighting

1 b : eager to fight or kill
a fierce tiger/warrior
a fierce fighter

2 : having or showing a lot of strong emotion : very strong or intense
a fierce argument/struggle

The proposal has faced fierce opposition.

The two teams have had a fierce rivalry for many years.

fierce enthusiasm

He's admired for his fierce independence.

She's a fierce competitor.

You could see the fierce determination in her eyes.

3 : very harsh or powerful
a fierce desert wind
a fierce heat wave
a fierce storm/squall

She was suffering through fierce [=excruciating] pain.

something fierce

US informal : very badly or very much

I miss her something fierce. [=tremendously]

I need a vacation something fierce.

fierce·ly adv [more ; most ]

He has been fiercely denounced by his former associates.

a fiercely partisan/independent voter
the fiercely hot sun
fiercely protective/loyal

fierce·ness noun [noncount]

fi·ery adj, fi·er·i·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 : having or producing fire
the fiery [=blazing] interior of the furnace

He was killed in a fiery crash/explosion.

a fiery volcano

2 of food : tasting very hot and spicy
fiery chili peppers
a fiery sauce

3 a : having or showing a lot of strong and angry emotion
a fiery speech/sermon
a fiery young politician
fiery determination

3 b : easily made angry

He has a fiery temper. [=he becomes angry very easily]

4 : having the color of fire
a fiery sunset
a fiery red/orange color

fi·er·i·ness noun [noncount]

fi·es·ta noun, pl -tas [count]

: a public celebration in Spain and Latin America with parades and dances in honor of a saint

fife noun, pl fifes [count]

: a musical instrument that looks like a small flute

fif·teen noun, pl -teens [count]

: the number 15

fifteen adj
fifteen dollars

fifteen pronoun

Only fifteen (of them) showed up on time.

fif·teenth noun, pl -teenths [count]

the fifteenth of September
one fifteenth of the total

fifteenth adj
the fifteenth day

fifteenth adv

Their boat finished fifteenth.

1fifth noun, pl fifths

1 [singular] : number five in a series

The bill is due on the fifth of each month.

2 [count] : one of five equal parts of something

She donated a fifth of her income to charity.

3 [count] : a unit of measure for alcoholic liquor that is equal to one fifth of a U.S. gallon (approximately 750 ml); also : a bottle that holds this amount of liquor
bought a fifth of whiskey

take/plead the Fifth
chiefly US : to refuse to answer questions in a court of law because your answers might be harmful to you or might show that you have committed a crime

When called to testify, he took the Fifth.

often used figuratively

He took the Fifth [=he refused to answer] when his wife asked him where he'd spent the night.

The phrase take/plead the Fifth refers to the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which says that citizens of the U.S. cannot be required to give testimony that could be used against them in a court of law.

2fifth adj

: occupying the number five position in a series
the fifth dancer in the line
the fifth annual awards banquet

fifth adv
the nation's fifth largest city

She finished fifth in the race.

fifth wheel noun, pl wheels [count]

informal : an extra person who is not needed in a group

He felt more and more like a fifth wheel at the office.

fif·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] : the number 50

2 fifties [plural]

2 a : the numbers ranging from 50 to 59

2 b : a set of years ending in digits ranging from 50 to 59

She is in her fifties.

He fondly remembers growing up in the fifties. [=19501959]

3 [count] US : a fifty-dollar bill

The bill for dinner came to $43, and she gave him a fifty.

fif·ti·eth adj
their fiftieth wedding anniversary

fiftieth noun, pl -eths [count]

one fiftieth of the total

fifty adj
fifty cars in the parking lot

fifty pronoun

Fifty (of them) were wounded in battle.

fif·ty·ish adj

He looked fiftyish. [=about 50 years old]

fif·ty-fif·ty adj

1 : shared equally
a fifty-fifty split [=an equal split]

a fifty-fifty blend of cotton and polyester

2 : equally good and bad

We have a fifty-fifty chance of succeeding. [=we are as likely to succeed as we are to fail]

fifty-fifty adv

They divided/split the expenses fifty-fifty. [=equally]

fig noun, pl figs [count]

1 : a sweet fruit that grows on a tree and that is usually eaten dry

2 informal + old-fashioned : anything at all
usually used in negative statements

He doesn't care a fig [=doesn't care at all] about what others think.

I don't give a fig whether he comes or goes.

fig. abbr
figure

1fight verb, fights, fought , fight·ing

1 a : to use weapons or physical force to try to hurt someone, to defeat an enemy, etc. : to struggle in battle or physical combat

[no obj] The soldiers fought bravely.

When he was young he was always fighting.

He fought like a tiger.

The U.S. and Germany fought in World Wars I and II.

often + against

The U.S. fought against Germany in World Wars I and II.

[+ obj] They vowed to fight the invaders of their homeland.

The U.S. fought Germany in World Wars I and II.

1 b [+ obj] : to be involved in (a battle, struggle, etc.)

fight [=wage] a war/battle for independence
fighting a duel

I think we're fighting a losing battle. [=we are trying to do something that we will not be able to do]

2 [no obj] : to argue in an angry way

He and his wife are always fighting over/about money.

They fight (with each other) all the time.

3 [no obj] : to try hard to do something that is difficult

They were fighting [=struggling] to stay awake/alive.

We were fighting to protect our jobs.

4 a : to work hard to defeat, end, or prevent something

[no obj] fighting against poverty
fighting against AIDS/cancer/crime

[+ obj] fighting poverty

The company fought the takeover attempt.

His lawyers have vowed that they will fight the court's decision.

fight a fire
fight crime

4 b [+ obj] : to struggle against (something)

I've been fighting a cold all week.

We had to fight traffic [=to drive through a lot of traffic] all the way home.

5 [+ obj] : to try not to be affected by (a feeling, urge, etc.)

He was fighting the urge/impulse to laugh. [=he was trying not to laugh]

6 : to participate in the sport of boxing

[no obj] He will fight for the heavyweight title next month.

[+ obj] He has fought several worthy opponents.

He fought several difficult matches on his way to the title.

fight back [phrasal verb]

1 : to attack or try to defeat someone who is attacking or trying to defeat you

We can't just let them make these accusations against us. We need to fight back!

2 : to make a new effort against an opponent

They fell behind early in the game, but they were able to fight back and tie the score in the second half.

see also FIGHTBACK

3

Someone who is fighting back tears is trying very hard not to cry.

He was fighting back tears as he announced his resignation.

fight fire with fire

: to fight against an opponent by using the same methods or weapons that the opponent uses

fight for [phrasal verb]

fight for (something)

1 : to fight in support of (something)

young soldiers fighting for their country

This is a cause that's worth fighting for.

2 : to fight or struggle to get, keep, or achieve (something)

The team is fighting for a spot in the play-offs.

The two armies fought all night for control of the fort.

We are fighting for our rights as citizens.

They had to fight for survival.

When they brought him to the hospital, he was fighting for breath. [=he was struggling to breathe]

Her condition is very serious. She's fighting for her life. [=she is struggling to survive; she is in danger of dying]

fight it out

1 : to be in a fight

People were fighting it out over parking spaces.

2 : to end a dispute by fighting or arguing

This matter won't be settled until the lawyers fight it out in court.

fight like cats and dogs (chiefly US) or Brit fight like cat and dog
informal : to fight or argue a lot or in a very forceful and angry way
a married couple who are always fighting like cats and dogs

fight off [phrasal verb]

fight (someone or something) off or fight off (someone or something) : to defend yourself against (someone or something) by fighting or struggling : to avoid being harmed or overcome by (someone or something) by fighting or struggling

They fought off the attack/attackers.

I'm trying to fight off a cold.

fight on [phrasal verb]

: to continue fighting

He vowed that he would fight on alone.

fight shy of see 1SHY

fight the good fight

: to try very hard to do what is right

He has always fought the good fight against oppression.

fight with [phrasal verb]

fight with (someone or something)

1 : to fight against (someone or something)

He fought with his wife over/about money.

The U.S. fought with Germany in World Wars I and II.

He fought with several worthy opponents.

2 : to fight on the same side as (someone or something)

The U.S. fought (together) with the Soviet Union in World War II.

3 : to fight by using (something, such as a weapon)

They were fighting with knives.

They fought with their fists.

fight your way

: to move forward or make progress by pushing, fighting, or struggling

He fought his way through the crowd.

They've had to fight their way through a lot of red tape to get the project approved.

fighting adj
a powerful fighting force
a fighting ship

They admired his fighting [=aggressive] spirit.

see also fighting chance at 1CHANCE

Fighting words are angry or insulting words that are likely to cause a fight.

In U.S. English, someone who is fighting mad is angry enough to fight.

Some voters are fighting mad about the outcome of the election.

fighting noun [noncount]

Fighting has broken out along the border.

There are reports of (heavy) fighting between rival factions.

2fight noun, pl fights

1 [count] : a violent physical struggle between opponents

A fight broke out in the bar.

a bar fight
a street fight
a knife fight [=a fight using knives]

When he was young he was always getting into fights.

It would be foolish to pick a fight [=start a fight] with that guy.

a pillow fight [=a playful fight using pillows as weapons]

a food fight [=a playful fight in which people throw food at each other]

a snowball fight
see also BULLFIGHT, DOGFIGHT, FIREFIGHT, FISTFIGHT, GUNFIGHT

2 [count] : an argument or quarrel

He got into another fight with his wife about money.

3 [count] : a boxing match
a fight for the heavyweight title
see also PRIZEFIGHT

4 [count] : a struggle to achieve a goal or to defeat something or someone

We didn't win, but at least we put up a good fight.

They are leading/joining the fight against cancer.

the fight to defeat cancer

He's in the fight of his political life in this election.

She's in a fight for her life. [=she is struggling to stay alive]

5 [noncount] : a willingness to fight
full of fight

fight·back noun, pl -backs [count]

Brit : a new effort to win or succeed after being close to defeat or failure : comeback

The team staged a fightback in the second half.

see also fight back at 1FIGHT

fight·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone or something that fights: such as
a : a warrior or soldier
nationalist fighters
see also FREEDOM FIGHTER
b : boxer 1
a championship fighter

c : someone who does not give up : someone who continues fighting or trying

Despite everything, you'll survive because you're a (real) fighter!

d : a fast airplane that has weapons for destroying enemy aircraft
a jet fighter
a fighter plane
a fighter pilot

fig leaf noun, pl leaves [count]

1 : the leaf of a fig tree

In works of art, such as paintings and sculptures, naked people have sometimes been shown with a fig leaf covering their sexual organs.

2 : something that prevents embarrassment or criticism by covering or hiding something

Opponents claim that the humanitarian goals of the project are just a fig leaf, and that its real purpose is to make money.

fig·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

: something produced by the imagination : something that does not really exist
usually used in the phrase figment of your imagination

I thought I heard her voice, but I guess it was just a figment of my imagination.

fig·u·ra·tive adj

1 of words, language, etc. : used with a meaning that is different from the basic meaning and that expresses an idea in an interesting way by using language that usually describes something else : not literal

The phrase “know your ropes” means literally “to know a lot about ropes,” while its figurative meaning is “to know a lot about how to do something.”

figurative language

2 : showing people and things in a way that resembles how they really look : not abstract
figurative art

fig·u·ra·tive·ly adv

: in a figurative way : with a meaning that is different from the basic or literal meaning and that expresses an idea by using language that usually describes something else

He's a sailor who knows his ropes, literally and figuratively.

In the phrase “know your ropes,” the word “ropes” is being used figuratively.

1fig·ure Brit noun, pl -ures [count]

1 a : a symbol that represents a number : digit

He has a six-figure salary. [=he has a salary of at least $100,000]

1 b : a value that is expressed in numbers

Are you sure of your figures?

I came up with a very different figure.

No precise/exact/official figures are available yet.

The company had yearly sales figures of half a million units.

If you have a good head for figures, you are good at making calculations with numbers. If you have no head for figures, you are bad at making calculations with numbers.

She has a good head for figures, so I'm not surprised that she became an accountant.

2 a : a person or animal that can be seen only as a shape or outline

We could barely make out some figures moving in the mist.

2 b : the shape or form of a person's body
the human figure
the male/female figure

Figure in this sense usually refers to women rather than men.

She has a very shapely figure. [=body]

a full figure
a slim, youthful figure

She likes to wear clothes that show off her figure.

2 c

The phrases a fine figure of a man and (less commonly) a fine figure of a woman describe someone who is tall and has a strong and well-formed body.

The football coach is a fine figure of a man.

3 : a drawing, scupture, etc., that represents the form of a person or animal

The vase is decorated with figures of birds and fish.

The walls of the cave are covered with drawings of human and animal figures.

a male/female figure
a collection of bronze/carved figures
a cardboard figure
a cartoon figure
see also STICK FIGURE

4 : a person who has a specified status or who is regarded in a specified way
a noted/familiar/popular/prominent sports figure

He began by writing letters to well-known figures in journalism.

a mysterious/shadowy figure

She's a key figure in the organization.

He has become a figure of contempt. [=someone who is regarded with contempt]

a figure of fun/ridicule [=someone who is laughed at or ridiculed]

a figure of authority = an authority figure [=a person who has authority over other people]

see also ACTION FIGURE, FATHER FIGURE, MOTHER FIGURE

5 a : a diagram or picture

Turn your attention to the figure on page 15.

abbr. fig.

5 b mathematics : a combination of points, lines, or surfaces in geometry

A circle is a closed plane figure.

geometric figures

2figure verb, -ures, -ured, -ur·ing

1 [+ obj] : to expect or think (something)

I figured (that) they would lose. [=I expected them to lose]

I figured [=thought] he'd get tired of it in a few days.

The media figured that she would be the appointee. = The media figured her to be the appointee.

“They lost.” “I figured as much.”

(US) He figured [=expected] to lose money in the deal.

2 US, informal

2 a [+ obj] : to understand or find (something, such as a reason) by thinking

Their reasons for doing this are hard to figure. [=figure out]

I've finally figured [=figured out] a way to manage my time better.

We've got to figure [=find] a way out of this mess.

2 b [no obj] : to appear likely to do something

She figures to finish by noon.

He doesn't figure to win. [=he probably won't win]

3 [no obj] : to be or appear important : to have an important part in something

The debate over tax rates figured prominently in the last election.

4 [+ obj] : to calculate (an amount, cost, etc.)

He figured the cost at about $10,000.

The cost in dollars is easily figured.

5 [no obj] chiefly US, informal : to seem reasonable, normal, or expected

His explanation just doesn't figure. [=add up, make sense]

It figures [=it is not surprising] that he would be late today.

“He's late.” “Well, it figures.”

That figures. [=that doesn't surprise me]

figure in [phrasal verb]

1 figure (something) in or figure in (something) US : to include (something) while making calculations

When they were preparing a budget, they forgot to figure in [=factor in] occasional travel expenses.

2 figure in (something) : to be involved in (something, such as an activity)

persons who figured in the robbery

figure into [phrasal verb]

figure into (something) US : to be included as a part of (something)

Age may figure into the equation.

figure on [phrasal verb]

figure on (something) US, informal

1 : to expect to get or have (something)

They weren't figuring on the extra income.

2 : to plan to do (something)

I figure on going [=I plan to go] downtown later today.

figure out [phrasal verb]

1 figure out (something) or figure (something) out

1 a : to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking

I'm trying to figure out a way to do it.

He claims he has it all figured out.

I finally figured it out.

I can't figure out why he does these crazy things.

1 b : to find an answer or solution for (something, such as a problem)

figure out [=solve] a math problem

2 figure (someone) out or figure out (someone) : to understand the behavior of (someone)

He does these crazy things, and I just can't figure him out.

go figure

US informal
used to say that something is surprising or hard to understand

After losing their first six games, they won the next ten. Go figure.

figure eight noun, pl eights [count]

US : something that is shaped like the numeral 8

The skater traced a figure eight on the ice.

called also (Brit) figure-of-eight

fig·ure·head Brit noun, pl -heads [count]

1 : a carved figure (as of a woman) on a ship's bow
an elaborately carved figurehead

2 : a person who is called the head or chief of something but who has no real power

The king is merely a figurehead; the government is really run by elected officials.

figure-of-eight noun, pl figures-of-eight [count]

Brit : figure eight

figure of speech noun, pl figures of speech [count]

: a phrase or expression that uses words in a figurative way rather than in a plain or literal way

“You are the apple of my eye” is a figure of speech.

figure skate noun, pl skates [count]

: a special skate that is used for figure skating

figure skating noun [noncount]

: ice-skating in which the skaters perform various jumps, spins, and dance movements

figure skater noun, pl -ers [count]

a champion figure skater

fig·u·rine noun, pl -rines [count]

: a small figure or model of a person made of wood, plastic, etc.

fil·a·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

1 : a thin thread or hair
a slender filament
algae covered with tiny filaments

2 : a thin wire in a light bulb that glows when electricity passes through it

fil·a·men·tous adj, technical
filamentous algae

fil·bert noun, pl -berts [count]

chiefly US : hazelnut

filch verb, filch·es, filched, filch·ing [+ obj]

informal : to steal (something that is small or that has little value)

He filched a pack of gum when no one was looking.

1file noun, pl files [count]

1 a : a device (such as a box, folder, or cabinet) in which documents that you want to keep are stored so that they can be found easily

He put each memo in its proper file.

1 b : a collection of documents that have information you want to keep and that are stored so that they can be found easily

The FBI has a large file on his activities.

She noticed that two employees' files were missing from the cabinet.

Something that is on file is stored in a file.

We'll keep your resume on file in case a suitable job becomes available.

The company has several thousand customers on file.

2 : a collection of computer data that forms a single unit and that is given a particular name

You should save the file frequently as you do your work.

a word-processing file

He accidentally deleted some important files.

compare 3FILE, 5FILE

2file verb, files, filed, filing

1 [+ obj] : to put (a document) in a place where it can be found easily : to place (something) in a file

He filed each recipe for future reference.

I'm not sure what name this letter should be filed under.

often + away

She filed away each of his letters.

2 : to give (something, such as an official form or a legal document) to someone in authority so that it can be considered, dealt with, approved, etc.

[+ obj] She had to file [=submit] dozens of forms to get a loan.

file a lawsuit
file a tax return
The policeman filed his report.

[no obj] + for She has filed for divorce/bankruptcy.

3 [+ obj] : to send (a story or report) to a newspaper

He filed a story incorrectly indicating that the strike was over.

compare 4FILE, 6FILE

fil·er noun, pl -ers [count]

tax filers claiming deductions
typists and filers

3file noun, pl files [count]

: a metal tool that has sharp ridges and that is used to make rough surfaces smooth see also NAIL FILE
compare 1FILE, 5FILE

4file verb, files, filed, fil·ing [+ obj]

: to make something smooth by using a file

He filed away/down the rough edges.

She filed the rough edges off her nails with a nail file.

She filed her nails.

compare 2FILE, 6FILE

5file noun, pl files [count]

: a row of people, animals, or things that form a line
a file of soldiers
soldiers marching in file
compare 1RANK, see also RANK AND FILE, SINGLE FILE
compare 1FILE, 3FILE

6file verb, files, filed, filing [no obj]

: to walk in a line

The inmates filed past on their way to the mess hall.

The customers filed out at closing time.

compare 2FILE, 4FILE

file cabinet noun, pl -nets [count]

US : a piece of furniture that is used for storing documents so that they can be found easily called also filing cabinet

fil·i·al adj
formal : of or relating to a son or daughter
filial duties

: appropriate for a son or daughter
filial obedience/devotion

fil·i·bus·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

chiefly US : an effort to prevent action in a legislature (such as the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives) by making a long speech or series of speeches

They engaged in a filibuster that lasted for over a week.

filibuster verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

They are filibustering to delay the vote.

[+ obj]

They filibustered the bill for over a week.

fil·i·gree noun [noncount]

: decoration that consists of delicate and complicated designs made of fine gold or silver wire
a surface decorated with filigree and pearls

fil·i·greed adj
filigreed ornaments/balconies/tableware

1fil·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: a small piece that is removed when something is smoothed or rubbed with a file
usually plural
iron filings

compare 2FILING

2filing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : the act of giving an official form or document to someone in authority in order to begin a legal process

Filings for bankruptcy are declining.

2 [noncount] : the job or activity of storing documents in a file

She does all the typing and filing in our office.

sometimes used before another noun
a filing clerk

compare 1FILING

filing cabinet noun, pl -nets [count]

: file cabinet

1fill verb, fills, filled, fill·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to make (something) full

May I fill your glass for you?

fill (up) a glass with water

He told the gas station attendant to fill it/her up. [=to fill the tank of his car with gasoline]

Clothes filled the closet.

She filled her house with antiques.

His massive body filled the doorway.

He has enough books to fill a library.

Two hundred people filled the room.

fill a sheet of paper with writing

Tears filled her eyes. [=she began to cry]

Joy filled her heart. [=she became very joyful]

He filled her head with lies [=he told her many lies] about his military service.

pastries filled with meat = meat-filled pastries
a vase filled with flowers
stadiums filled with cheering fans

The theater was filled to capacity. [=completely full]

If something fills you or fills your heart with an emotion, it makes you feel that emotion very strongly.

The thought of leaving fills me with sadness. [=makes me very sad]

I'm filled with shame [=I'm very ashamed] when I think of how I treated her.

The news filled their hearts with hope. [=made them very hopeful]

1 b [no obj] : to become full

Her eyes filled with tears. [=she began to cry]

Her heart filled with joy. [=she became very joyful]

The rivers have filled and are close to flooding.

The stadium filled more than an hour before the game.

2 [+ obj] : to spread all through (an area, the air, etc.)

Smoke filled the room.

Laughter filled the air.

The smell of fried onions filled the house.

Tension filled the air as we waited for further news.

3 [+ obj] : to spend or use (time)

She likes to fill (up) her day with small chores.

Since he retired he doesn't know how to fill his time.

a fun-filled afternoon [=an afternoon filled with fun; a very enjoyable afternoon]

4 : to make (someone) full with food and drink usually + up

[+ obj] foods that won't fill you up

[no obj] We filled up on sandwiches before leaving for the game.

5 [+ obj] : to place material inside of (a hole, crack, etc.) in order to repair a surface
fill a crack with putty
workers filling potholes
fill a cavity in a tooth = fill a tooth [=put filling in a cavity/tooth]

often used figuratively

He's trying to fill the gaps in his record collection. [=trying to get the records he needs to make his collection complete]

These new discoveries will help to fill a gap in our knowledge of how the human body ages.

Some other player will have to fill the void left by his retirement.

6 [+ obj] : to do or provide what is needed for (something)

fill [=fulfill] all requirements
fill a need

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to perform the work of (an office, position, etc.)

fill [=hold, occupy] the office of president

A new representative will be appointed to fill his vacated seat.

7 b : to hire a person for a job that has become available

The company hopes to fill several vacancies in its marketing department.

fill a job opening

8 [+ obj] : to provide the things that are asked for in (something, such as an order)

fill an order

(US) fill a prescription [=(Brit) make up a prescription]

fill in [phrasal verb]

1 fill (something) in or fill in (something)

1 a : to complete (a document) by providing necessary information
fill in an application
fill in an order form

Please fill in the blanks. [=put information in the blank spaces]

sometimes used figuratively

At the end of the movie, the narrator goes back and fills in (all) the blanks. [=the narrator provides missing information about the movie's plot]

1 b : to provide (more information)

Just tell me the most important partsyou can fill in the details later.

2 fill (someone) in or fill in (someone) : to provide information to (someone)

I missed the meeting so I need someone to fill me in (on what happened).

She filled us in on the details.

3 fill in : to take the place of (someone who is away for a time)

He can't be here today, so he asked me to fill in.

often + for

He asked me to fill in for him.

see also FILL-IN

fill out [phrasal verb]

1 : to increase in size : to become larger and heavier

The tree looks weak now but should begin to fill out in a few years.

It was easier to find clothes that fit him once he began to fill out.

2 fill (something) out or fill out (something) chiefly US : to complete (something, such as a form) by providing necessary information
fill out [=fill in] a form
fill out an application

fill someone's shoes

: to take someone's place or position

No one will be able to fill her shoes after she retires.

fill the bill see 1BILL

2fill noun [noncount]

1 : a full amount : all that someone wants or needs

If you have eaten/drunk your fill, you have eaten/drunk all that you want.

I'm going to eat my fill.

If you have had your fill of something, you do not want to do or have any more of it.

We've had our fill of dance music for one night.

2 : material that is used to fill something

They delivered a truckload of fill for the trench.

fill·er noun, pl -ers

1 [noncount]

1 a : a substance that is added to a product to increase its size or weight

1 b : material that is used to fill holes and cracks in a surface

1 c : extra material that is added to something (such as a newspaper page or a recording) to fill space that would otherwise be empty

Those extra songs were just filler to make the CD longer.

2 [count] : a sound, word, or phrase (such as “um” or “you know?”) that people say during a pause when they are speaking

1fil·let also US fi·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a piece or slice of boneless meat or fish
catfish fillets
a juicy fillet of beef

2fillet verb, fil·lets, fil·leted , fil·let·ing [+ obj]

: to cut (meat or fish) into fillets

He carefully filleted the fish with a sharp knife.

slices of filleted pork

fill-in noun, pl -ins [count]

: someone who takes the place of another person who is away for a short time : someone who fills in for someone else

She performed well as the emergency fill-in. [=replacement, substitute]

1fill·ing adj [more ; most ]

of food : causing you to feel full
a very filling meal
filling foods

2filling noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : material that is used to fill something
a filling for a tooth

2 : a food mixture that is used to fill something (such as pastry or a sandwich)

[count] pies with fruit fillings

[noncount] pies that need more filling

filling station noun, pl -tions [count]

: gas station

fil·lip noun, pl -lips [count]

: an added part or feature that makes something more interesting or exciting
a structural fillip that will add much to the appearance of the building
lent a fillip of danger to the sport

fil·ly noun, pl -lies [count]

: a young female horse compare COLT, FOAL

1film noun, pl films

1 [noncount] : a special material that is used for taking photographs

Have you bought any film for the camera?

We haven't had the film developed yet.

We shot four rolls of film on our trip. [=we filled four rolls of film with pictures]

2 a : movie

[count] He's interested in making films about war.

film critics/reviewers/criticism

We'll start the film at 10:00.

[noncount] The accident was captured on film. [=was recorded by a movie or video camera]

2 b [noncount] : the process, art, or business of making movies

He studied film in college.

her career in film

3 [count] : a thin layer on or over the surface of something
the protective film over a shark's eye

A film of ice covered the sidewalk.

2film verb, films, filmed, film·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make a movie of (something) : to photograph (an event, scene, etc.) with a movie or video camera

Television news crew members came to film the interview.

She filmed the children playing.

2 [no obj] : to make a movie

We'll begin filming [=shooting] next week.

filming noun [noncount]

Filming will begin next week.

two weeks of filming

film·go·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who often goes to movies or who is at a particular movie : moviegoer

film·mak·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person (such as a director or producer) who makes movies
a major filmmaker

film noir noun, pl films noir

[count] : a movie about crime that uses dark shadows and lighting to show the complicated moral nature of the subject; also [noncount] : this style of film

film·strip noun, pl -strips [count]

: a long piece of film used for showing a series of pictures on a screen individually and not as a movie

filmy adj, film·i·er, -est

: very thin and light
filmy curtains
filmy fabric

filo variant spelling of PHYLLO

1fil·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a device that is used to remove something unwanted from a liquid or gas that passes through it

She smokes cigarettes with filters.

a water filter

2 : a device that prevents some kinds of light, sound, electronic noises, etc., from passing through

He placed a red filter on the camera lens.

digital filters that stop high-frequency sounds

3 computers : software that prevents someone from looking at or receiving particular kinds of material through the Internet
a spam filter [=a program that keeps you from seeing spam or unwanted e-mail]

2filter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to pass (something, such as a gas or liquid) through a filter to remove something unwanted

They've begun filtering their water to remove impurities.

1 b : to remove (something unwanted) by using a filter
a device that filters impurities from water
sunglasses that filter ultraviolet light
often + out
sunglasses that filter out ultraviolet light

often used figuratively

The purpose of the first interview is to filter out people who are not good candidates for the job.

2 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj]

2 a : to move through or into something in small amounts or in a gradual way

Sunlight filtered through the leaves.

His ideas have filtered down to his children.

2 b : to come or go slowly in small groups or amounts

The crowd filtered into the arena.

The crowd filtered out (of the arena).

Early election returns have begun to filter in.

filth noun [noncount]

1 : a large and very unpleasant amount of dirt

He emerged from the cellar covered in filth.

: very dirty conditions
the filth of the slaughterhouse
living in filth and squalor

2 : something that is very offensive or disgusting and often is about sex
magazines full of filth

1filthy adj, filth·i·er, -est

1 : very dirty
filthy clothes
filthy streets

2 a : very offensive or disgusting and usually about sex
a filthy movie/joke

He has a filthy mouth. [=he uses language that is very offensive]

2 b : very evil : morally wrong
filthy tactics

That's a filthy lie!

2 c : very bad

He has a filthy temper. [=he gets angry very easily]

She's in a filthy mood.

(chiefly Brit) We've been having filthy weather.

filth·i·ness noun [noncount]

the filthiness of the streets

2filthy adv
informal : very

He's filthy rich. [=he's extremely rich; he has so much money that his wealth is disgusting or offensive]

Her clothes were filthy dirty. [=extremely dirty]

fil·tra·tion noun [noncount]

technical : the act or process of removing something unwanted from a liquid, gas, etc., by using a filter
water filtration

fin noun, pl fins [count]

1 : a thin flat part that sticks out from the body of a fish and is used in moving or guiding the fish through water
a fish with blue scales and spiny fins
a shark fin

2 : a part on a machine (such as a car or airplane) that is shaped like a fish's fin
a car from the 1950s with fins on the back
see also TAIL FIN

finned adj
a finned creature [=a fish]

fi·na·gle verb, -na·gles, -na·gled, -na·gling [+ obj]

informal

1 : to get (something) in a clever or dishonest way

He finagled an invitation to the conference by claiming to be a reporter. = He finagled his way into the conference by claiming to be a reporter.

2 : to trick (someone) in order to get something

A con man finagled my neighbor out of four hundred dollars.

fi·na·gler noun, pl -glers [count]

1fi·nal adj

1 always used before a noun

1 a : happening or coming at the end
the final act of the play

They won their final four games.

in the final minutes/moments/seconds of the game

Our last/previous stop was Bangkok, but our final destination is Tokyo.

The plans are undergoing final review.

final exams [=exams at the end of a class or term]

I'd like to add one final note. [=make one last statement]

1 b : happening as a result : happening at the end of a process

What was the final score?

The final product was not what we had expected.

the final results

2
used to say that something will not to be changed or done again

This is my final offer.

You can't come with us, and that's final!

All sales are final.

Is that your final answer?

in the final analysis see ANALYSIS

the final straw see STRAW

the final word see 1WORD

2final noun, pl -nals

1 [count] : the last competition (such as a game or race) or set of competitions in a series

He was defeated in the (men's) final.

usually plural

He won in the quarterfinals and semifinals but was defeated in the finals.

2 a finals [plural] : the examinations that happen at the end of a class, term, or course of study

He passed his finals.

He failed his history finals.

2 b [count] US : an examination at the end of a class

He failed his history final.

fi·na·le noun, pl -les [count]

: the last part of something (such as a musical performance, play, etc.)

She sung a very difficult song for the finale.

the TV show's season finale [=the last program of the season]

see also GRAND FINALE

fi·nal·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who competes in the last part of a competition

They interviewed all of the finalists before making a decision.

a finalist in the tennis tournament

fi·nal·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality or state of being final or finished and not able to be changed
the finality of death

“It won't work,” he said, with an air of finality.

fi·nal·ize also Brit fi·nal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to put (something, such as a plan or an agreement) in a final or finished form

They are finalizing their divorce this week.

We bought our tickets and finalized our vacation plans.

fi·nal·i·za·tion also Brit fi·nal·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

fi·nal·ly adv

1 : at the end of a period of time

He won't rest until the killer is finally found.

: after a long time

After years of arguing, the two brothers finally made up.

I finally found my wallet.

They're finally here.

“They're here.” “Finally!”

We're finally starting to see some results.

2 a
used to describe the last action or event in a series of actions or events

He slowly stood up, cleared his throat, and finally began to speak.

2 b
used to introduce a final statement or series of statements

Finally [=in conclusion, lastly], I'd like to thank all who cooperated in this project.

3 : in a final manner : in a way that cannot be changed

The dispute has not yet been finally settled.

1fi·nance noun, pl -nanc·es

1 [noncount] : the way in which money is used and handled

She's taking a course on personal finance.

especially : the way in which large amounts of money are used and handled by governments and companies
an expert in finance who predicts global economic disaster
corporate finance
see also HIGH FINANCE

2 finances [plural]

2 a : money available to a government, business, or person

The library closed due to a lack of finances.

2 b : matters relating to money and how it is spent or saved

His finances were in bad shape. [=he did not have enough money]

Her health problems have put a serious strain on her finances. [=she lacks money because of an unusual number of health expenses]

2fi·nance verb, -nanc·es, -nanced, -nanc·ing [+ obj]

1 : to provide money for (something or someone)

His parents financed his college education.

The study was financed by a government grant.

They financed him to study abroad.

2 : to buy (something) by borrowing money that will be paid back over a period of time
finance a new car

financing noun [noncount]

Public financing paid for the new stadium.

The car dealer offers financing. [=you can get a loan through the car dealer to pay for a car that you buy there]

finance company noun, pl -nies [count]

: a company that makes small loans to people called also (Brit) finance house

fi·nan·cial adj

: relating to money

The company is headed for financial disaster.

a family struggling with financial problems

I would like some financial advice before I buy this house.

You can get a loan at a financial institution. [=a company that deals with money; a bank]

fi·nan·cial·ly adv

He has made some smart investments, so he's doing very well financially.

a financially stable organization

financial aid noun [noncount]

US : money that is given or lent to students in order to help pay for their education

She needed financial aid.

financial year noun, pl years [count]

Brit : fiscal year

fin·an·cier Brit noun, pl -ciers [count]

: a person who controls the use and lending of large amounts of money

A group of powerful financiers bought out the company.

finch noun, pl finch·es [count]

: a small bird with a short, thick beak

1find verb, finds, found , find·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to discover (something or someone) without planning or trying to : to discover (something or someone) by chance

He found a dollar on the ground.

The well diggers found a number of Native American artifacts.

She finds [=meets] interesting people wherever she goes.

1 b

Something or someone that is found in a specified place exists there or lives there.

Many artifacts can be found in this area. [=there are many artifacts in this area]

Polar bears are found in the Northern Hemisphere.

2 [+ obj] : to get or discover (something or someone that you are looking for)

After an hour of searching, I finally found my glasses.

find a missing person

We need to find a suitable person for the job.

I found a job for him. = I found him a job.

My glasses are nowhere to be found. = I can't find my glasses.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to discover or learn (something) by studying about it

She found the answer at last.

They claim to have found a more efficient way to run the business.

researchers trying to find a cure for cancer

3 b : to get (something needed or wanted) by effort

You must find time to do it.

I found a way to pay for college without taking out any loans.

She found the courage to address the crowd.

I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. = I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me. [=I hope you can forgive me]

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to regard (someone or something you have met, seen, experienced, etc.) in a specified way

I found him (to be) a very sensible man. = I found him very sensible.

Students often find this book (to be) useful.

I find it hard to concentrate [=it is hard for me to concentrate] with that music playing.

The travel arrangements were found wanting. [=the travel arrangements were criticized]

4 b : to be affected by (something) in a specified way

He finds laughing/laughter painful. = He finds it painful to laugh.

4 c : to feel (a pleasing emotion)

He finds pleasure in her company.

They didn't win, but the team found some satisfaction in having played so well.

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to discover (someone) in a specified state

He found them waiting for him.

I found her relaxing by the pool.

He was found dead the next morning.

The crisis found them unprepared. [=they were unprepared when the crisis occurred]

5 b : to become aware that you are doing something or that you are in a particular place or situation

I often find myself thinking about her.

When he awoke, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. [=he saw that he was in an unfamiliar room]

I found myself agreeing with him. [=I found that I agreed with him]

6 [+ obj] : to begin to have (something)

The new product found few buyers. [=few people bought it]

It took a while before his unusual brand of comedy found an audience.

These ideas have found approval/favor [=been accepted; become well-liked] among many young people.

His doctrines found acceptance [=were accepted] among scholars.

7 law

7 a [+ obj] : to make a decision about the guilt or innocence of (someone)

The jury found her guilty.

She was found innocent.

7 b : to decide the result of a court case

[+ obj] The jury found a verdict of guilty.

[no obj] The jury found for the defendant. [=the jury's decision was in favor of the defendant]

The jury found against her.

find common cause see 1CAUSE

find fault

: to criticize someone or something

No matter what she did, her husband was always finding fault.

usually + with

Her husband found fault with everything she did.

see also FAULTFINDER

find its mark/target

: to hit a target that was aimed for

The bullet found its mark.

often used figuratively

Her angry reaction showed that his criticisms had found their mark.

find out [phrasal verb]

1 find out (something) : to learn (something) by making an effort

I'd like to find out more about the school's psychology program.

We need to find out where the meeting is being held.

I don't know when the game starts, but I'll find out.

2 find out about (something) : to become aware of (something)

Her mother found out about her smoking habit.

3 find (someone) out : to learn the unpleasant truth about (someone)

He pretended to be a respectable citizen, but we found him out at last.

Luckily, he was found out before he could do any harm.

find your bearings see BEARING

find yourself

: to learn what you truly value and want in life

He left school and traveled to Europe, saying that he wanted to find himself.

find your voice

: to begin speaking or expressing your thoughts : to be able to speak or to express yourself as a writer

I couldn't speak for a moment, but then I found my voice.

a young novelist who has found her voice

find your way

1 : to look for and find where you need to go in order to get somewhere

I found my way home without any problems.

She got lost trying to find her way back to the hotel.

often used figuratively

He's still finding his way as an actor. [=he's still learning what he needs to do to succeed as an actor]

2 : to go or arrive somewhere by chance or after a time of wandering

The settlers eventually found their way to California.

2find noun, pl finds [count]

: something or someone that has been found; especially : a valuable person or thing that has been found or discovered

That antique she bought at the flea market was a real find.

That new secretary of yours is a real find!

find·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who finds something that was lost

finders keepers (losers weepers)

used especially in children's speech to say that you can keep what you have found and do not need to give it back to the person who has lost it

find·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 : a legal decision : verdict

The Supreme Court overturned the lower court's finding.

2 : the results of an investigation
usually plural

He published his findings in a medical journal.

1fine adj, fin·er, -est

1 a not used before a noun : good, acceptable, or satisfactory : ok

That's fine with me.

“Is there anything wrong?” “No, everything's fine.”

The house looks fine to me.

“Would you like more coffee?” “No, I'm fine, thanks.” [=I am happy with the amount of coffee I have now]

“Would you like more coffee?” “No, this is fine, thanks.” [=no, this is as much as I want]

That's just fine and dandy with me. [=that is fine with me; I approve of that]

Fine is often used as a response to show acceptance or approval.

“I have to leave early, all right?” “Fine.”

1 b
used in an ironic way to refer to things that are not good or acceptable

This is a fine mess we're in.

“Those kids are no good.” “You're a fine one to talk, considering all the trouble you caused when you were young.” [=you should not say bad things about others because those same things could be said about you]

2 a always used before a noun : very good

I think that's a fine idea.

You did a fine job.

The house is in fine shape.

This is a fine example of what can go wrong when one person is given too much power.

They make a fine pair. [=they are well suited to each other]

She has a fine grasp of the problem. [=she understands the problem very well]

He was in fine form. [=he performed very well]

2 b always used before a noun : deserving praise, admiration, or respect

He's a fine young man.

a fine musician
a fine mind

3 not used before a noun : well or healthy : not sick or injured

I feel fine.

“Did you hurt yourself?” “No, I'm fine.”

4 of weather : sunny and pleasant
a fine spring day

The weather has been fine lately.

5 a : very thin
fine thread/wire/yarn

Her head was covered with fine, silky hair.

5 b : very sharp or narrow
a knife with a fine edge
a pen/brush with a fine tip

: having a sharp point
a fine pen/brush

5 c : made up of very small pieces, drops, etc.

fine sand/dust/powder
fine gravel
a fine mist/spray

5 d : very small

The print was so fine that I could barely read it.

very fine details on the sculpture
see also FINE PRINT

5 e : having very small holes
a fine mesh

5 f : small and delicate

She has fine features. [=her eyes, nose, and mouth are small and delicate]

6 a : small and done with a lot of care and accuracy
fine measurements
fine movements

6 b : small and difficult to see or understand : subtle
a fine distinction

He's still learning the finer points of the job.

Some very fine legal points were involved.

There's a fine line [=a very small difference] between being helpful and being intrusive.

7 a always used before a noun : expensive and of high quality
fine dining
fine china

7 b : formal and graceful
fine handwriting

His manners are very fine. [=refined]

a fine figure of a man/woman see 1FIGURE

chance would be a fine thing see 1CHANCE

finest hour see HOUR

not to put too fine a point on it

used in an ironic way to introduce a very strong and usually critical statement

Not to put too fine a point on it, (but) his suggestions have been worthless.

fine·ly adv

The onions should be finely chopped. [=should be chopped in small pieces]

a finely judged response that was just right
a finely balanced election that could go either way

fine·ness noun [noncount]

the fineness of the thread
fineness of detail

2fine adv
somewhat informal

1 : not badly or poorly : well enough

She did fine on the test.

My mother is doing fine, thank you.

Everything was going fine.

That suits me fine.

This'll do fine for now.

2 : in an elegant and graceful way

She talks and walks so fine, just like a great lady.

3 used after a verb : in small pieces

The onions should be chopped fine. [=finely]

3fine noun, pl fines [count]

: an amount of money that you pay as a punishment for breaking a law or rule

He had to pay a heavy fine for speeding.

a fine of $500

The judge imposed a fine on him.

4fine verb, fines, fined, fin·ing [+ obj]

: to require (someone) to pay a fine as a punishment

He was fined for speeding.

The judge fined him $35.

fine art noun, pl arts

1 : a type of art (such as painting, sculpture, or music) that is done to create beautiful things

[noncount] a collector of fine art

[plural] She studies painting in the department of fine arts.

We saw the sculpture at the Museum of Fine Arts.

2 [singular] : an activity that requires skill and care
the fine art of gourmet cooking
often used in a humorous or ironic way

He has mastered the fine art of flattery.

fine print noun [noncount]

: the part of an agreement or document that contains important details and that is sometimes written in small letters

Read the fine print before you sign the contract.

see also 1FINE 5D

fin·ery noun [noncount]

somewhat formal : clothes, jewels, etc., that are expensive and beautiful
wedding finery

She was proud to show off her new evening finery.

1fi·nesse noun [noncount]

: skill and cleverness that is shown in the way someone deals with a situation, problem, etc.

She handled the interview questions with finesse.

2finesse verb, -ness·es, -nessed, -ness·ing [+ obj]

: to handle, deal with, or do (something) in an indirect and skillful or clever way

He managed to finesse a deal through bargaining.

She is just trying to finesse the issue.

fin·est noun [plural]

US informal : the police officers of a specified city or area

He's a member of New York's finest. [=he's a police officer in New York]

fine-tooth comb noun, pl combs [count]

: a comb with many small teeth

go over/through (something) with a fine-tooth comb

: to examine something very closely

The police are going over the evidence with a fine-tooth comb.

fine-tune verb, -tunes, -tuned, -tun·ing [+ obj]

: to make small changes to (something) in order to improve the way it works or to make it exactly right
fine-tune a TV set
fine-tune the temperature of the room

They're fine-tuning interest rates to achieve economic growth without inflation.

1fin·ger noun, pl -gers

1 [count] : one of the five long parts of the hand that are used for holding things; especially : one of the four that are not the thumb

Don't stick your fingers in the cookie batter!

He slipped the ring onto her finger.

The baby held onto my thumb with her tiny fingers.

She ran her fingers through his hair.

He drummed his fingers on the table impatiently.

see also FOREFINGER, INDEX FINGER, LITTLE FINGER, MIDDLE FINGER, RING FINGER

2 [count]

2 a : something that is long and thin and looks like a finger
a finger of land extending into the sea
a finger of flame

2 b : the part of a glove into which a finger is placed

3 the finger US, informal : an obscene gesture made by pointing the middle finger up, keeping the other fingers down, and turning the palm towards you

She was so mad, she gave him the finger.

Some angry driver flipped me the finger on the highway this morning.

all fingers and thumbs
informal : very clumsy

Sorry I dropped the vase; I'm all fingers and thumbs today.

cross your fingers see 2CROSS

finger on the pulse

If you have/keep your finger on the pulse of something, you know about the latest things that are happening.

He claims that he has/keeps his finger on the pulse of the computer industry. [=that he is very aware what is happening in the computer industry]

have a finger in a/the pie

: to have an interest or share in something
a sharp talent agent who has a finger in nearly every pie in show business

itchy finger see ITCHY

keep your fingers crossed see 2CROSS

lay a finger on
informal : to touch or hit (someone)

usually used in negative statements

I don't know what he's complaining about. I never laid a finger on him.

lift a finger

: to make an effort to do something
usually used in negative statements

I have so many chores to do, and my sister won't lift a finger to help me.

He never lifted a finger to try to improve his failing grades.

point an accusing finger at or point a/the finger at

: to accuse or blame (someone)

He was quick to point an accusing finger at his coworkers.

Let's stop pointing fingers at each other and just solve the problem!

put/stick two fingers up at someone

Brit informal : to make an obscene gesture by holding up the index finger and the middle finger of one hand in the shape of a V while keeping the palm turned inward

put your finger on

: to find out the exact nature of (something) : identify

I feel that something is wrong but I can't quite put my finger on the problem.

the finger of blame/suspicion

used to say that someone is being blamed or suspected

He was shocked to realize that the finger of suspicion was now pointed at him. [=that he was now suspected]

work your fingers to the bone

: to work very hard

She had to work her fingers to the bone to make enough money to raise her kids.

wrap (someone) around your (little) finger see 1WRAP

fin·gered adj
used in combination
three-fingered

fin·ger·like adj

2finger verb, -gers, -gered, -ger·ing [+ obj]

1 : to touch (something) with your fingers

She fingered the silk.

She fingered her necklace.

2 chiefly US, informal : to identify (someone) as the person who has committed a crime

He was fingered as a suspect.

finger food noun, pl foods [count, noncount]

US : a piece of food that is meant to be picked up with the fingers and eaten

fin·ger·ing noun [noncount]

: the way in which the fingers are used and positioned in order to play a musical instrument

fin·ger·nail noun, pl -nails [count]

: the hard covering at the end of your fingers

I trimmed and filed my fingernails.

He had dirt under his fingernails.

Quit biting/chewing your fingernails.

finger paint verb, paints, painted, painting [no obj]

chiefly US : to paint a picture using only your hands or fingers instead of a brush

The kids will finger paint today.

finger paint noun, pl paints [count]

I have to buy some finger paints for my classroom.

finger painting noun [noncount]

Today's activity is finger painting.

finger-pointing noun [noncount]

: the act of blaming someone for a problem instead of trying to fix or solve it

This administration refuses to engage in finger-pointing.

1fin·ger·print noun, pl -prints [count]

1 a : the mark that is made by pressing the tip of a finger on a surface

Detectives found his fingerprints all over the gun.

Everyone has a unique fingerprint.

sometimes used figuratively

This project has his fingerprints all over it. [=it is obvious that he was very involved in this project]

1 b : a mark of this kind made in ink for the purpose of identifying a person
usually plural

The police took her fingerprints for their files.

; called also print

2 : something (such as genetic material) that can be used to identify a person
a DNA fingerprint

2fingerprint verb, -prints, -print·ed, -print·ing [+ obj]

: to take the fingerprints of (someone, such as a criminal) for the purpose of identification

He was arrested, taken to the police station, and fingerprinted.

fingerprinting noun [noncount]

He was arrested and taken to the police station for fingerprinting.

fin·ger·tip noun, pl -tips [count]

: the very end of a finger
usually plural

He tapped on the tabletop with his fingertips.

at your fingertips

: easily available : easy to find or use

The librarian has all the information at his fingertips.

to your fingertips
chiefly Brit : in every way

He is a gentleman to his fingertips.

fin·icky adj [more ; most ]

1 : very hard to please
a finicky eater

My teacher is finicky about grammar.

2 : requiring a lot of care or attention
a complicated and finicky recipe

1fin·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing

1 a : to reach the end of (something) : to stop doing (something) because it is completed

[+ obj] He finished (giving) his speech and sat down.

He hasn't finished his work yet. = He hasn't finished working yet.

You can't watch TV until you finish your homework.

[no obj] He started his homework two hours ago and he still hasn't finished.

I'll wait here until you finish. = I'll wait here until you have finished.

compare FINISHED 1A

1 b : to be done with building or creating (something)

[+ obj] They hope to finish their new home by winter.

[no obj] They're building a new home and they hope to finish by winter.

compare FINISHED 1B

1 c : to cause something to end or stop : to reach the end of something

[+ obj] The chairman finished the meeting at noon.

[no obj] The meeting finished [=ended] at noon.

The meeting finished on a positive note.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to cause the ruin or failure of (someone or something)

These allegations could finish his career as a politician. = These allegations could finish him as a politician.

compare FINISHED 2B

2 b : to kill (someone or something already wounded)

usually + off

The crowd in the arena shouted for the gladiator to finish off his opponent.

2 c : to defeat or exhaust (someone) completely
usually + off

Climbing so many stairs just about finished me off.

3 [+ obj] : to use, eat, or drink all that is left of (something)

They finished (off/up) the pie before I got a chance to have a slice.

I've had enough wine. You can finish (off) the rest of the bottle.

4 : to end a race, competition, etc., in a specified position or manner

[no obj] The horse I bet on finished third.

The horse finished in third place.

Our team started poorly but finished well.

[+ obj] The horse I bet on finished the race in third place.

Our team finished the season in first place.

5 [+ obj] : to put a final coat or surface on (something)

He finished the table with varnish.

finishing touch

: one of the last things done to make something complete
usually plural

They're putting the finishing touches on their new home.

He's putting the finishing touches on his latest novel.

finish with [phrasal verb]

1 finish with (something) : to have no further need for (something) : to stop using (something)

Could I see the newspaper when you finish with it?

2 finish with (someone) : to stop being involved with (someone) : to end a romantic relationship with (someone)

She and her boyfriend had another fight, and now she says she's going to finish with him once and for all.

compare FINISHED 2A

3 finish with (someone or something) : to stop dealing with, working on, or punishing (someone or something)

When I finish with him he'll be sorry!

I haven't finished with you yet!

see also FINISHED

2finish noun, pl -ish·es

1 [singular] : the last part of something : end, conclusion
a suspense film with a perfect surprise finish

The race was close from start to finish. [=from the beginning to the end]

The race had a close/tight finish. [=the winner of the race won by a very small amount]

It was a fight to the finish. [=the fight went on until one side was completely defeated]

see also PHOTO FINISH

2 [count] : the final coating on a surface or the appearance produced by such a coating

The table had a shiny finish.

I need to put one more coat of finish on the chair.

fin·ish·er noun, pl -ers [count]

finished adj

1 a not used before a noun : having reached the end of an activity, job, etc.

He started his homework two hours ago and he still isn't finished.

I'll wait here until you're finished.

compare 1FINISH 1A

1 b : not requiring more work : entirely done or completed

The job is finally finished.

We were pleased with the finished product.

The house has a finished basement/attic. [=a basement/attic that has floors, ceilings, and walls like the rooms in the main part of the house]

compare 1FINISH 1B

2 not used before a noun

2 a : having reached the end of a romantic relationship

We're finished! I never want to see you again!

She says she's finished with that guy.

2 b : no longer able to continue : completely ruined or defeated

This scandal means that his career is finished.

compare 1FINISH 2A

finishing line noun, pl lines [count]

Brit : finish line

finishing school noun, pl schools [count]

: a private school where girls from wealthy families are taught proper behavior and manners

finish line noun, pl lines [count]

US : a line that marks the end of a race called also (Brit) finishing line

fi·nite adj

1 : having limits
a finite number of possibilities

: having a limited nature
the earth's finite supply of natural resources
the finite human life span

2 grammar : of or relating to a verb form that shows action that takes place at a particular time (such as the past)

a finite verb such as “is” or “are”

opposite NONFINITE

fi·nite·ly adv

1fink noun, pl finks [count]

chiefly US informal

1 : a person who is strongly disliked

She says her boss is a rotten fink.

2 : a person who gives information to the police or to some other authority about the bad behavior or criminal activity of someone else

2fink verb, finks, finked, fink·ing

fink on [phrasal verb]

fink on (someone) US, informal : to tell someone about the bad behavior or criminal activity of (another person)

The other gang members will kill him if they find out that he finked on them (to the police).

Finn noun, pl Finns [count]

: a person born, raised, or living in Finland

1Finn·ish adj

: of or relating to Finland, its people, or the Finnish language

Finnish lakes/customs/grammar

2Finnish noun [noncount]

: the chief language of the people of Finland

fiord variant spelling of FJORD

fir noun, pl firs

1 [count] : a tall evergreen tree

2 [noncount] : the wood of a fir tree

1fire noun, pl fires

1 [noncount] : the light and heat and especially the flame produced by burning

Stay away from the fire.

2 : an occurrence in which something burns : the destruction of something (such as a building or a forest) by fire

[count] The shack was destroyed by a fire.

Two people died in that terrible fire.

How did the fire start?

Police think he set a fire [=deliberately started a fire] in the bedroom.

Firefighters put the fire out. = Firefighters put out the fire. [=firefighters stopped the fire from burning]

[noncount] The shack caught (on) fire [=began to burn] when it was struck by lightning.

Someone set fire to the shack. [=deliberately caused the shack to burn]

3 [count] : a controlled occurrence of fire created by burning something (such as wood or gas) in a special area (such as in a fireplace or stove)

We warmed our hands over the fire.

She built a fire in the fireplace.

The fire went out and he had to light it again.

see also CAMPFIRE

4 [noncount] : the shooting of weapons

We heard heavy rifle fire in the distance.

He shot at the police officer and the police officer returned his fire. [=the police officer shot back at him]

He and the police officer exchanged fire. [=shot at each other]

He was caught in the line of fire and killed.

The troops opened fire on [=began shooting at] the enemy.

Hold your fire! [=don't shoot]

Cease fire! [=stop shooting]

Several soldiers were killed by friendly fire. [=they were accidentally killed by weapons fired from their own side]

5 [noncount] : very heavy or harsh criticism

The company has drawn/taken (heavy) fire for its use of child labor overseas.

6 [noncount] : strong emotion, anger, enthusiasm, etc.

I admire her fire for teaching and helping children.

young lovers with their hearts full of fire [=passion]

7 [count] Brit : a small device that uses gas or electricity to heat a room

Turn on/off the fire.

baptism of/by fire see BAPTISM

fan a fire, fan the fire see 2FAN

fight fire with fire see 1FIGHT

from/out of the frying pan (and) into the fire see FRYING PAN

hang fire see 1HANG

irons in the fire see 1IRON

light a fire under see 3LIGHT

like a house on fire see 1HOUSE

on fire

1 : in the process of burning

The house was on fire.

2 : feeling very strong enthusiasm, love, etc.

He was on fire with enthusiasm.

young lovers with their hearts on fire

3 : very successful

The team has been on fire, winning 10 of its last 11 games.

see also set the world on fire at 1WORLD

play with fire see 1PLAY

under fire

1 : being shot at by the enemy

The civilians panicked when they realized they were under fire.

As a soldier he showed extraordinary skill and courage under fire.

2 : exposed to criticism : being criticized

He is under fire from his political opponents.

The company has come under fire [=has been criticized] for using child labor overseas.

where there's smoke, there's fire or there's no smoke without fire see 1SMOKE

2fire verb, fires, fired, fir·ing

1 a : to shoot a weapon

[+ obj] fire a bullet

She fired the arrow at the target.

He fired the gun.

He fired several shots at the police.

[no obj] He fired at the police.

The gun failed to fire.

The soldiers fired on/at the enemy.

The officers were told to fire at will. [=to shoot when they felt that they should]

often used figuratively

Reporters fired questions at her. [=they asked her many questions in a quick and forceful way]

1 b [+ obj] : to throw (something) with speed and force

The shortstop fired the ball to first base.

The angry mob fired rocks at him.

The boxer fired a left jab at his opponent's chin.

2 [+ obj] : to give life or energy to (something or someone)

The story fired his imagination.

3 [+ obj] : to dismiss (someone) from a job

She had to fire several workers.

usually used as (be/get) fired

He got/was fired (from his job) after missing work.

4 [no obj] : to begin working

The engine/cylinders failed to fire.

sometimes used figuratively

The team got off to a slow start, but now it's firing on all cylinders. [=it's now playing very well]

5 [+ obj] technical : to heat (a clay pot, dish, etc.) in an oven in order to make it very hard

She will fire the pots later today.

fire away
informal
used in speech to tell someone to begin asking you questions

“We have some questions we'd like to ask you.” “OK. Fire away.”

fire back [phrasal verb]

: to answer someone quickly and usually angrily

After his statement, his opponent fired back.

often + at

He fired back at his critics.

fire off [phrasal verb]

fire (something) off or fire off (something) : to write and send (something, such as a letter or memo) in a quick and often angry way

He fired off a letter of complaint.

She fired an e-mail off to her lawyer.

fire up [phrasal verb]

1 fire (something) up or fire up (something)

1 a : to start (something) by lighting a fire

We fired up the grill for the barbecue.

1 b : to cause (something) to start working

I fired up my computer and got down to work.

Before we start working let's fire up the coffeemaker.

2 fire (someone) up or fire up (someone) : to fill (someone) with energy or enthusiasm

The coach fired up the players with a pep talk.

usually used as (be/get) fired up

We were fired up for the concert.

firing noun, pl firings [count, noncount]

the hiring and firing of employees

The pot must cool before its second firing.

fire alarm noun, pl alarms [count]

: a device that makes a loud sound to warn people when there is a fire

Someone set off the fire alarm.

fire ant noun, pl ants [count]

: a type of ant that gives a very painful bite

fire·arm noun, pl -arms [count]

: a small gun
revolvers, rifles, and other firearms

fire·ball noun, pl -balls [count]

: a huge mass of fire

The house erupted into a fireball.

a nuclear fireball

fire·bomb noun, pl -bombs [count]

: a bomb that causes a fire when it explodes

firebomb verb, -bombs, -bombed, -bomb·ing [+ obj]

Rioters firebombed the courthouse.

fire·brand noun, pl -brands [count]

: a person who tries to get people to become angry and to do things for a political or social cause
a political firebrand

fire·break noun, pl -breaks [count]

: an area of land that has had plants and trees removed to stop the spread of a fire

fire-breath·ing adj, always used before a noun

1 : able to produce a stream of fire from the mouth
a story about a fire-breathing dragon

2 : very angry and emotional in speech, manner, or behavior
a fire-breathing politician
a fire-breathing orator

fire brigade noun, pl -gades [count]

1 US : a group of people who work to put out a fire

2 Brit : fire department

fire·bug noun, pl -bugs [count]

US informal : a person who starts destructive fires

fire·crack·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a small paper cylinder that is filled with an explosive and that produces a loud noise when it explodes
boys setting off firecrackers

-fired combining form

: using a particular kind of fuel
a gas-fired furnace
a coal-fired power plant

fire department noun, pl -ments [count]

US : an organization for preventing and putting out fires called also (Brit) fire brigade

fire drill noun, pl drills [count]

: an activity in which people practice leaving a place quickly so that they will know what to do if there is a fire

fire-eat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a performer who pretends to eat fire

fire engine noun, pl -gines [count]

: a truck that has equipment for putting out fires called also (US) fire truck

fire escape noun, pl -capes [count]

: a stairway or ladder that can be used to escape from a burning building

fire extinguisher noun, pl -ers [count]

: a metal container filled with chemicals that is used to put out a fire

fire·fight noun, pl -fights [count]

: a battle in which people shoot guns
a firefight between police and bank robbers
especially : a usually short and fast gunfight between opposing military units

fire·fight·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a member of a group that works to put out fires

fire·fight·ing noun [noncount]

firefighting equipment

fire·fly noun, pl -flies [count]

: a small flying insect that produces a soft light called also (US) lightning bug

fire·house noun, pl -houses [count]

US : fire station

fire hydrant noun, pl -drants [count]

: a pipe usually in the street that provides water especially for putting out fires called also hydrant (US) fireplug

fire·light noun [noncount]

: the light produced by a fire in a fireplace, stove, etc.

The firelight gave the room a warm glow.

At night, he read by firelight.

fire·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a man who is a member of group that works to put out fires

fire·place noun, pl -plac·es [count]

: a specially built place in a room where a fire can be built
a stone/brick fireplace

fire·plug noun, pl -plugs [count]

US : fire hydrant

fire·pow·er noun [noncount]

1 : the amount or strength of military weapons that can be used against an enemy

The army didn't have the firepower to defeat the invaders.

They had enough firepower.

2 : effective power or force
intellectual firepower

1fire·proof adj

: not easily burned : not able to catch fire
firefighters in fireproof suits

2fireproof verb, -proofs, -proofed, -proof·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) safe from fire

The building was not fireproofed.

fire sale noun, pl sales [count]

1 : a sale of products that have been damaged by fire

2 : a sale at very low prices

The company is having a fire sale of its old office equipment.

fire screen noun, pl screens [count]

US : a metal screen that is placed in front of a fireplace

1fire·side noun, pl -sides [count]

: a place next to a fire : an area close to a fireplace, campfire, etc.

We sat chatting at the fireside.

2fireside adj, always used before a noun

: having an informal or friendly quality
a fireside chat

fire station noun, pl -tions [count]

: a building in which the members of a fire department and the equipment used to put out fires are located called also (US) firehouse

fire·storm noun, pl -storms [count]

1 : a very large fire that destroys everything in its path and produces powerful winds

The bombing left the city engulfed in a firestorm.

2 : a large amount of anger and criticism

His proposal set off a political firestorm.

a firestorm of public protest

fire·trap noun, pl -traps [count]

: a building that is difficult to get out of and is likely to have a deadly fire

The factory was a firetrap and dozens of workers died before rescuers could reach them.

fire truck noun, pl trucks [count]

US : fire engine

fire wall noun, pl walls [count]

1 : a very thick wall that keeps fire from spreading

2 usually firewall : a computer program or piece of equipment that keeps people from using or connecting to a computer or a computer network without permission

fire·wood noun [noncount]

: wood used to make a fire : wood used as fuel

They chopped enough firewood to last the winter.

fire·work noun, pl -works

1 a [count] : a small device that explodes to make a display of light and noise
usually plural
setting off some fireworks

1 b fireworks [plural] : a display where fireworks are exploded

Are you going to stay for the fireworks?

a fireworks display

2 fireworks [plural] : a display of anger

We expect a few fireworks during the presidential debate.

firing line noun, pl lines

1 [count] : a line of soldiers who are shooting at an enemy
a brave soldier who was never far behind the firing line

2 [singular] : a place or position in which someone is not protected from attack or criticism
used especially in the phrase (US) on the firing line or Brit in the firing line

School administrators are not on the firing line every day like the teachers are.

firing squad noun, pl squads [count, noncount]

: a group of soldiers whose job is to shoot a prisoner who has been sentenced to death

The traitor was executed by (a) firing squad.

1firm adj, firm·er, -est

1 : fairly hard or solid : not soft
firm flesh
firm muscles
a firm mattress
a firm stomach
a firm cheese

2 : set, placed, or attached in a way that is not easily moved
a firm base/foundation
often used figuratively

He believes that his argument is on firm ground/footing. [=that he has good support, evidence, etc., for his argument]

3 : not weak or uncertain
a firm [=strong] handshake/grip

She has a firm grasp of the basic principles.

They insist on maintaining firm control over the project.

He spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.

The time has come for us to take a firm stand.

The children need gentle but firm handling.

4 a : not likely to change or be changed

We've made firm [=definite] plans for next weekend.

a firm price/estimate/offer

The dollar remained firm against the euro.

reaching a firm conclusion/decision

They haven't set a firm date for their wedding.

The campaign has taken a firm hold on the public's imagination.

4 b : having or showing true and constant support for something or someone

I'm a firm [=strong] believer in the value of exercise. = I have a firm belief in the value of exercise.

Those two are firm friends. [=they are very close friends]

hold firm see 1HOLD

stand firm see 1STAND

firm·ly adv

They stood firmly [=steadfastly, solidly] behind their boss.

He pulled the hat down firmly over his ears.

I firmly [=strongly] believe in the value of exercise.

She's got her feet firmly (planted) on the ground. [=she is a practical and sensible person]

firm·ness noun [noncount]

the firmness of the mattress
the firmness of the price/estimate/offer

2firm verb, firms, firmed, firm·ing

1 [+ obj] : to put (something, such as a plan) into a final form
usually + up

We still need to firm up our vacation plans.

2 [+ obj] : to make (something) harder or more solid : to make (something) less loose

I've been doing exercises to firm (up) and strengthen my stomach muscles.

She firmed [=tightened] her grip on the racket.

3 [+ obj] : to make (something) stronger

Her early failures only firmed [=strengthened] her resolve (to succeed).

4 [no obj] : to become less likely to change or become weaker

The market is firming.

often + up

The market is firming up.

Imports are rising and prices are firming up.

firming adj
a firming cream [=a cream that makes your skin less loose]

3firm noun, pl firms [count]

: a business organization
a law firm
a consulting firm [=company]

fir·ma·ment noun [noncount]

formal + literary : the sky
meteors flashing across the firmament
sometimes used figuratively to refer to an area of interest or activity

He was once the brightest star in the literary firmament.

firm·ware noun [noncount]

computers : computer programs that are contained permanently in a device

1first adj

1 : coming before all others in time, order, or importance

She won first prize.

We sat in the first row.

his first wife
her first book/child
in the first century
his first offense
her first kiss

She succeeded on her first attempt/try.

He was (the) first in line.

We will correct these errors at the first opportunity. [=as soon as it is possible to do so]

English is not my first [=native] language. [=it is not the language I learned first; I learned to speak another language before I learned to speak English]

She's in first grade. [=the first level in school after kindergarten]

I still remember the first time I saw her.

You should leave at the first [=earliest] hint of trouble.

My first [=initial] impulse was to say no.

This is a matter of the first [=highest] importance.

Your first [=main] concern should be to get well.

the captain and the first mate [=the officer on a ship who is most important after the captain]

She was accused of murder in the first degree. [=first-degree murder; the most serious kind of murder]

2
used to refer to the lowest forward gear or speed of a vehicle

I couldn't get the car out of first gear.

3 : having or playing the main part in a group of instruments
first violin

at first blush or at first glance also at first sight

: when first seen or considered

At first blush, the proposal seems ridiculous.

It appears at first glance/sight to be a simple matter of hiring more people.

at first hand

: in a direct way : firsthand

I had a chance to verify his claims at first hand.

first among equals

A person who is first among equals is the leader of a group of people but is officially considered equal in rights and status to the other members of the group.

As a director, he encourages collaboration and considers himself only (the) first among equals.

first thing

1 the first thing : anything at all
used in negative statements

He doesn't know/understand the first thing about the problems we've been having.

2 : before anything else : right away : very early

I'll be back first thing (on) Monday morning.

She promised to call first thing in the morning.

first things first

used to say that you should do the things that are most important before doing other things

I know you're eager to start shopping for a car, but first things firstyou need to find out how much you can afford to spend.

You must set priorities and learn how to put first things first.

in the first flush of see 1FLUSH

in the first instance see INSTANCE

in the first place see 1PLACE

love at first sight see 1LOVE

2first adv

1 a : before any other in time, order, or importance

I have to pay him first.

She finished first in the race. = She came in first in the race. = (Brit) She came first in the race.

You go first.

He said it first.

These problems are not as simple as they first appear.

1 b : for the first time

I loved her when I first saw her.

We met first at a party. = We first met at a party.

This word was first recorded in the 19th century.

1 c : before doing other things

We'll get started soon, but first we have to make sure everyone is here.

2
used to introduce a statement that is the first in a series of statements

First, let me explain my reasons for calling this meeting.

I want to talk about several things in this meeting. First, the schedule. Second,

often used in the phrases first of all and first off

Let me explain, first of all, why I called this meeting.

First off, there's some confusion we have to clear up.

come first

: to be more important than other things

My career is important, but my family comes first.

first and foremost

: at the most basic level

He is first and foremost [=primarily, fundamentally] a teacher.

first and last

: at the most basic level : in all respects

This is first and last a matter of national security.

first come, first served or first come, first serve

used to say that the people who arrive earliest get served or treated before the people who arrive later

The campsites are first come, first served, so we'd better get there early. = The campsites are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis, so we'd better get there early.

“Aren't there any cookies left?” “Sorryfirst come, first served.”

see also FEETFIRST, HEADFIRST

3first noun, pl firsts

1 : something that is first: such as

1 a [count] : an occurrence, achievement, etc., that happens or exists before any other of that kind

Her solo flight across the Atlantic was a remarkable first.

They were responsible for several engineering firsts.

1 b [noncount] : the position of the winner in a competition or contest

He took first [=finished in first place] in the pie-eating contest.

1 c [noncount] : the lowest forward gear or speed of a car, truck, etc.

I couldn't get the car out of first.

1 d [count] : a degree of the highest level from a British university
take/get a first in English

2 [noncount] baseball : first base
a runner on first

Who's playing first?

at first

: when something first happens or begins to happen : when you first notice or consider something

We didn't like each other at first. [=when we met]

At first I thought she was crying, but then I realized she was actually laughing.

The book bored me at first. [=initially]

from the first

: from the beginning

I've loved her from the first.

4first pronoun

1 : the first one or ones

They were among the first in line.

It was the first of many delays.

I'll be the first to admit when I've done something wrong.

He was the first to arrive.

She was born on the first of May. [=on May 1]

The son of King Charles the First became King Charles the Second.

2 : the first time

She's not coming? Well, that's the first I've heard of it! [=I did not know that before now]

first aid noun [noncount]

: emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person

She gave him first aid for his sprained ankle.

A first aid kit is a set of materials and tools used for giving first aid.

first base noun [singular]

baseball : the base that must be touched first by a base runner
a runner on first base
also : the position of the player who defends the area around first base

She hit a ground ball to first base.

He used to be a catcher, but now he plays first base.

compare HOME PLATE, SECOND BASE, THIRD BASE

get to first base
chiefly US informal : to make the first step in a course or process that you hope will lead further
usually used in negative statements

Her proposal to change the tax laws never got to first base. [=never had any success at all]

He kept asking her out, but he couldn't even get to first base. [=she would not agree to go on even one date with him]

first base·man noun, pl -men [count]

baseball : the player who defends the area around first base
an all-star first baseman

first·born adj

: born first
their firstborn [=eldest, oldest] child

firstborn noun, pl -borns [count]

Parents often spoil their firstborns.

first class noun [noncount]

: the best or highest group or class: such as
a : the best of usually three kinds of service you can have when you travel
flying in first class

b : a class of mail in the U.S. that includes letters and postcards
c : a class of mail in the U.K. that includes letters and packages which are delivered sooner than ordinary second-class mail but cost more to send

first-class Brit adj

1 : of or relating to first class
passengers in the first-class cabin
raising the rates for first-class mail

2 : of the best quality : of the highest excellence
a first-class telescope/meal
first-class [=excellent, superior] work

first-class adv

They insist on flying first-class.

I'd like to send this package first-class.

first cousin noun, pl -ins [count]

: a child of your aunt or uncle : cousin 1a

He's her first cousin. = He and she are first cousins.

compare SECOND COUSIN

first-de·gree adj, always used before a noun

1 US : of the most serious type : deserving the harshest punishment
first-degree murder/theft/arson

2 : of the least harmful or mildest type

He suffered a first-degree burn.

compare SECOND-DEGREE, THIRD-DEGREE

first down noun, pl downs

[noncount] American football : the first of a series of usually four downs in which a team must gain 10 yards to keep the ball

They have first down on the 20-yard line.

also [count] : the right to start a new series of downs after a gain of 10 or more yards

The pass was completed for a first down.

first edition noun, pl -tions

[singular] : the first set of printed copies of a book

There were many errors in the book's first edition.

also [count] : a single copy from such a set

She owns a valuable first edition of Huckleberry Finn.

first family noun, pl -lies [count]

1 or First Family : the family of the U.S. president

The First Family will be vacationing on a ranch this year.

2 : a family that has great importance, influence, or success in a specified activity or profession

He and his sons are considered the first family of jazz.

first floor noun, pl floors [count]

1 US : the floor of a building that is at ground level : ground floor

2 Brit : the floor of a building that is immediately above the ground floor

first·hand adj

: coming directly from actually experiencing or seeing something

He gave a firsthand account of the battle.

She draws on firsthand experiences for her novel.

compare SECONDHAND, see also at first hand at 1FIRST

firsthand adv

He knows firsthand how difficult school can be.

first lady noun, pl ladies [count]

1 or First Lady : the wife of the U.S. president

The President and the First Lady attended the concert.

2 : a woman who has great importance, influence, or success in a specified activity or profession
the first lady of American dance

first lieutenant noun, pl -ants [count]

1 : an officer in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps who ranks below a captain

2 : a naval officer who is responsible for keeping a ship in good condition

first light noun [noncount]

: the time when light is first seen in the morning : dawn

She was up at first light.

first-line adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US

1 : used or chosen first
first-line treatment/therapy

2 : available to be used immediately
first-line troops

first·ly adv

used to introduce a statement that is the first in a series of statements

Firstly, we need to consider the issue of providing people with affordable health care.

Firstly is chiefly used to begin lists and is usually followed by secondly, thirdly, etc.

I have several concerns. Firstly, the lack of funding. Secondly,

In U.S. English, first is more common than firstly in this use.

I have several concerns. First, the lack of funding. Second,

compare LASTLY, SECONDLY, THIRDLY

first name noun, pl names [count]

: the name that comes first in someone's full name

Children at the school call their teachers by their first names.

compare LAST NAME, MIDDLE NAME, SURNAME

first-name adj

People who are on a first-name basis (US) or on first-name terms (Brit) know each other well and address each other by their first names.

He was on a first-name basis with his boss.

They know most of the officials on a first-name basis.

sometimes used figuratively

She was on a first-name basis with adversity. [=she experienced a lot of adversity]

first offender noun, pl -ers [count]

law : a person who is convicted for the first time of committing a crime

Because he was a first offender, he was put on probation rather than sentenced to jail.

first person noun [noncount]

1 : a set of words or word forms (such as pronouns or verb forms) that refer to the person who is speaking or writing
often used before another noun

Me is the objective case of the first person singular pronoun I, and us is the objective case of the first person plural pronoun we.

2 : a writing style that uses first person pronouns and verbs

She always wrote in the first person.

The sentence “I was born in Maine” is written in the first person.

compare SECOND PERSON, THIRD PERSON

first-rate adj

: of the best quality : excellent
a first-rate chef/book/education

The service was first-rate.

first-run adj, always used before a noun

: available for the public to see for the first time
first-run movies

first strike noun, pl strikes [count]

: a nuclear attack against an enemy before the enemy can attack
launch a first strike

first-strike adj, always used before a noun
a first-strike capability/threat

first-string adj

US sports : most skillful
the first-string quarterback/catcher

The first-string players on a team play first in the game because they are considered the best players. This term is also sometimes used figuratively.

The newspaper sent its first-string [=best] critic to review the play.

compare SECOND-STRING

first-time adj, always used before a noun

1 : doing something for the first time
first-time home buyers [=people who are buying a home for the first time]

a first-time visitor
a first-time author [=a person who has written a book for the first time]

2 : done for the first time

The punishment for a first-time offense of this kind is a fine.

first world or First World noun [singular]

: the countries of the world that have many industries and relatively few poor people : the rich nations of the world compare THIRD WORLD

fis·cal adj

: of or relating to money and especially to the money a government, business, or organization earns, spends, and owes
fiscal policy/responsibility
a fiscal crisis
a fiscal conservative
the fiscal health of the university/orchestra

fis·cal·ly adv
fiscally sound policies
fiscally conservative

fiscal year noun, pl years [count]

chiefly US : a 12-month period used by a government, business, or organization to calculate how much money is being earned, spent, etc.

Sales were up in the last fiscal year.

Our fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.

called also (Brit) financial year compare CALENDAR YEAR

1fish noun, pl fish or fish·es

1 [count] : a cold-blooded animal that lives in water, breathes with gills, and usually has fins and scales
a small fish
an ocean/river fish [=a kind of fish that lives in an ocean/river]

usage

When you are talking about more than one fish, the plural fish is more commonly used than fishes.

We caught several fish.

When you are talking about more than one kind or species of fish, both fishes and fish are used.

varieties of tropical fish
all the fishes of the sea

2 [noncount] : the meat of a fish eaten as food

We're having fish for dinner.

a big fish in a small pond (chiefly US) or Brit a big fish in a little pond

: a person who is very well known or important in a small group of people but who is not known or important outside that group

In school he was a big fish in a small pond, but once he moved to the city he was just another struggling actor.

a fish out of water

: a person who is in a place or situation that seems unnatural or uncomfortable

He's a small-town boy who feels like a fish out of water here in the big city.

drink like a fish see 1DRINK

fish in the sea
informal
used to say that there are many more people available for a romantic relationship

“I know you're sad because you and your boyfriend broke up, but he's not the only fish in the sea.” “You're right. There are many/plenty more fish in the sea.”

fish to fry
informal : things to do or deal with

We'll have to address that problem tomorrow. Right now we've got other/bigger fish to fry. [=we've got other/bigger problems that we need to give our attention to]

neither fish nor fowl

: a person or thing that does not belong to a particular class or category

The movie is neither fish nor fowlit's not really a comedy, but it's too lighthearted to be called a drama.

odd/queer fish

Brit informal : a strange or unusual person

She's really quite an odd fish.

see also COLD FISH, kettle of fish at KETTLE

fish·less adj
a fishless lake

fish·like adj
a fishlike tail

2fish verb, fish·es, fished, fish·ing

1 a [no obj] : to catch or try to catch fish

I love to fish.

We spent the afternoon fishing for trout.

1 b [+ obj] : to catch or try to catch fish in (a river, stream, etc.)

They fished the stream all morning.

2 [no obj] : to search for something by feeling : to use your hand to try to find something

She was fishing around in her purse for her keys.

fish for [phrasal verb]

fish for (something) : to ask for or try to get (something, such as praise or attention) in an indirect way

I think he offers apologies for his cooking as a way of fishing for compliments. [=as a way of getting people to say that they like the food he cooks]

fishing for answers

fish or cut bait

US informal : to stop hesitating and choose to do or not do something

It's time for the company to fish or cut bait. We either take the job or turn it down.

fish out [phrasal verb]

fish (something) out or fish out (something)

1 : to pull (something) out of water or some other liquid

The police fished the car out of the harbor.

She fished the sugar packet out of her iced tea.

2 : to pull (something) out from a container, bag, etc.

She reached into her purse and fished out her keys.

fish and chips noun

: a meal that consists of fried fish and french-fried potatoes
used with both singular and plural verbs

The restaurant's fish and chips is/are delicious.

fish·bowl noun, pl -bowls [count]

1 : a bowl used for keeping live fish

2 chiefly US : a place or condition in which there is no privacy

Being a politician these days means living in a fishbowlevery part of your life is open to public view.

fish cake noun, pl cakes [count]

: a round fried cake made of a mixture of fish and mashed potatoes

fish·er·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) who catches fish

fish·er·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a woman who catches fish

fish·ery noun, pl -er·ies [count]

1 : a part of the ocean where fish and other sea creatures are caught
an oyster fishery
a salmon fishery
coastal fisheries

2 : a business that catches and sells fish
small commercial fisheries

fish-eye lens noun, pl lenses [count]

photography : a camera lens that shows an extremely wide area with curved edges

fish farm noun, pl farms [count]

: a place where fish are raised for food

fish finger noun, pl -gers [count]

Brit : fish stick

fish fry noun, pl fries [count]

US : a meal or event at which the main food served is fried fish
a community fish fry

fish·hook noun, pl -hooks [count]

: a small curved piece of metal that is attached to the end of a piece of fishing line and used to catch fish

fishing noun [noncount]

: the sport or business of catching fish

The fishing was pretty good today.

I'm going fishing this weekend.

often used before another noun

I bought a fishing pole/rod and some fishing line.

a store that sells fishing gear

see also FLY-FISHING, fishing expedition at EXPEDITION

fish·mong·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly Brit : a person or shop that sells fish

You can get fresh cod at the fishmonger's.

fish·net noun, pl -nets

1 [count] : a net for catching fish

2 [noncount] : a type of fabric that has many small holes like a net
usually used before another noun
fishnet stockings
a fishnet shirt

fish slice noun, pl slices [count]

Brit : spatula

fish stick noun, pl sticks [count]

US : a long and thin piece of fish that is breaded and cooked

fish story noun, pl stories [count]

US : an exaggerated story : a story that is so strange or surprising that it seems very unlikely to be true

He told a ridiculous fish story about a swarm of giant mosquitoes.

fish·tail verb, -tails, -tailed, -tail·ing [no obj]

chiefly US of a car, truck, etc. : to slide in an uncontrolled way with the rear end going from side to side

The car fishtailed on the icy curve.

fish·wife noun, pl -wives [count]

old-fashioned

1 : a woman who sells fish

2 : a rude and rough woman

fishy adj, fish·i·er, -est

1 : of or relating to fish; especially : tasting or smelling like a fish
a fishy odor/taste

2 informal : causing doubt or suspicion : likely to be bad, untrue, dishonest, etc.

That story sounds/smells fishy [=suspicious, dubious] to me.

There's something fishy about that guy.

fis·sion noun [noncount]

1 physics : a process in which the nucleus of a heavy atom is split apart

A large amount of energy is released when fission occurs.

called also nuclear fission compare FUSION

2 biology : a kind of reproduction in which a cell or body divides into two or more parts and each part grows into a whole new individual

fis·sure noun, pl -sures [count]

: a narrow opening or crack
rock fissures
a fissure in the Earth's crust
a deep fissure in the ice
sometimes used figuratively
ideological fissures in a political party

fis·sured adj [more ; most ]

a heavily fissured rock face

fist noun, pl fists [count]

: the hand with its fingers bent down into the palm

He pounded his fist on the table in anger.

She pounded on the door with both fists.

a clenched fist
make a fist

He defiantly shook his fist at the policeman.

hand over fist see 1HAND

make a good fist of

Brit informal : to do (something) well

Despite her inexperience, she made a remarkably good fist of chairing the meeting.

make a poor fist of

Brit informal : to do (something) badly

He made a poor fist of explaining his reasons.

rule with an iron fist see 2RULE

fist·fight noun, pl -fights [count]

: a fight in which people hit each other with their fists

A fistfight broke out in the stands.

He often gets into fistfights.

fist·ful noun, pl -fuls [count]

1 : an amount that can be held in one hand : handful
a fistful of coins

2 : a somewhat large number or amount

She has won a fistful of awards.

fist·i·cuffs noun [plural]

old-fashioned : a fight with fists
engaging in fisticuffs

It was a loud debate that ended in fisticuffs.

sometimes used figuratively
legal fisticuffs

1fit adj, fit·ter, -test

1 a : proper or acceptable : morally or socially correct
often + for
a movie fit [=suitable] for the whole family

This is not a fit subject for discussion with children.

a subject not fit for discussion

often followed by to + verb
a subject not fit to be discussed

1 b : suitable for a specified purpose
often + for

This water is not fit for drinking.

The building is no longer fit for human habitation.

often followed by to + verb

This water is not fit to drink.

The building is no longer fit for people to live in.

2 a : physically healthy and strong
physically fit

He felt overmatched against fitter [=healthier], stronger players.

Patients are encouraged to get/keep fit.

Are you fit enough to walk there?

2 b Brit slang : sexually attractive : sexy

3 : having the necessary skills
usually + for

I just don't think he's fit [=qualified] for this job.

4 : made ready : put in a suitable state
usually + for
get the ship fit [=prepared] for sea

fit as a fiddle also Brit fit as a flea
informal : in good physical condition : very healthy and strong

I feel (as) fit as a fiddle this morning.

fit for a king

: good enough even for a king : very good
a meal (that is) fit for a king

fit to be tied
informal : very angry or upset

Dad was fit to be tied when my sister came home late last night.

fit to burst
chiefly Brit informal : very much
laugh/shout fit to burst

fit to kill

US informal : in an impressive way that attracts attention

He was dressed fit to kill.

see/think fit

To see fit or think fit to do something is to choose to do it because you think it is right or appropriate.

She can spend her money as she sees fit. [=she can spend her money as she chooses]

She let him do his job as he thought fit.

They might see fit [=choose, decide] to make some adjustments.

fit·ness noun [noncount]

No one questioned her fitness for the job.

The program promotes healthy eating and physical fitness. [=being healthy through exercise]

2fit verb, fits, fit·ted or chiefly US fit, fit·ting

1 not used in progressive tenses : to be the right size and shape for (someone or something)

[+ obj] The suit fits him perfectly.

I hope this key fits the lock.

The two pieces fit each other perfectly.

[no obj] These shoes fit perfectly.

This calculator will fit nicely/neatly in your shirt pocket.

pants that fit tightly/loosely = tight-fitting/loose-fitting pants

The two pieces fit together perfectly.

Something that fits (you) like a glove fits (you) very well.

That suit fits him like a glove.

The phrase one size fits all describes a hat, piece of clothing, etc., that is made in a size that is supposed to fit everyone. This phrase is commonly used figuratively.

The school recognizes that a one size fits all approach won't work for these children. [=these children need to be taught in a way that considers the needs and abilities of each child]

2 not used in progressive tenses

2 a [no obj] : to go into or through a particular space

All these groceries won't fit in the trunk of my car. = These groceries won't all fit in the trunk of my car.

How many people can fit in a phone booth?

The box was too large to fit through the door.

2 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to go into or through a particular space

I can't fit all these groceries into the trunk of my car.

We weren't able to fit the box through the door.

3 past tense and past participle fitted [+ obj]

3 a : to measure (someone) in order to choose clothes that are the right size and shape for that person
usually used as (be) fitted

I'm being fitted [=measured] for a new suit tomorrow.

3 b : to change the shape or form of (a piece of clothing) for a particular person
fitting the jacket to the customer

4 [+ obj] : to find time to meet with (someone) or do (something)

usually + in or into

I'll try to fit you into my schedule.

The doctor can fit you in this afternoon. [=the doctor can meet with you this afternoon]

She's got a lot of meetings to fit in this morning.

5 [no obj] : to belong in a particular situation, place, or group

It's a good school, but I feel like I just don't fit here.

usually + in

I was looking for a group that I could fit in with.

No matter how hard she tried, she just didn't fit in.

He fit right in at school.

That chair fits in well with the rest of the office.

6 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj]

6 a : to be suitable or appropriate for (someone or something)

The nickname fits [=suits] him very well.

The punishment should fit the crime.

6 b : to make (someone or something) suitable or appropriate for or to something

Her previous experience fitted [=qualified] her for the job.

Let us fit the punishment to the crime.

7 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to be in agreement with (something or someone)

Their story doesn't fit the facts.

He fits [=matches] the description perfectly. = The description fits him perfectly.

8 past tense and past participle fitted [+ obj] : to supply equipment for (something)

a lab fitted with the latest equipment

The camera can be fitted with many different lenses.

often + out or up
fit out an expedition
an old ocean liner fitted up as a hospital ship

fit the bill see 1BILL

if the cap fits see 1CAP

if the shoe fits see 1SHOE

fit·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

a shoe/boot fitter [=a person whose job is to help you find a shoe/boot that fits]

see also PIPE FITTER

3fit noun, pl fits [count]

: the way something fits : the way something suits the size and shape of your body or goes into or through a particular space

The fit of this shirt is a bit tight.

a loose/snug fit

It's a tight fit but I think we can get the box through the door.

a comfortable fit

That dress is a good fit for you. [=that dress fits you well; it is the right size and shape for your body]

compare 4FIT

4fit noun, pl fits [count]

1 : an uncontrolled expression of strong emotion

He threw a fit [=he became very angry and upset] when they accused him of cheating.

She has/throws a fit [=tantrum] when she doesn't get what she wants.

2 : a sudden occurrence of some activity, emotion, etc.

a fit of anger
a fit of coughing = a coughing fit

He apologized profusely in a fit of remorse.

The joke sent the audience into fits of laughter. [=it made the people in the audience laugh a lot]

3 : an abnormal state in which you become unconscious and your body moves in an uncontrolled and violent way
an epileptic fit [=(more commonly) seizure]

by fits and starts or in fits and starts

: by stopping and starting again : in a way that is not constant or steady

Their courtship was gradual, proceeding by fits and starts.

Progress came only in fits and starts.

in fits

Brit informal : laughing very much : in fits of laughter

The audience was in fits. [=in stitches]

compare 3FIT

fit·ful adj [more ; most ]

: not regular or steady

He had a few fitful hours of sleep.

Several fitful attempts at negotiation have failed.

making slow, fitful progress

fit·ful·ly adv
progressing fitfully

He slept fitfully [=restlessly] for a few hours.

fit·ful·ness noun [noncount]

fit·ted adj

: shaped for a precise fit
a fitted sheet
especially : designed to match the shape of a person's body

He was wearing a fitted shirt.

1fit·ting adj [more ; most ]

: of a kind that is appropriate for the situation or purpose

It was a fitting end to their rivalry.

It seemed only fitting [=proper, right] that she should win her final tournament.

a fitting memorial/tribute

fit·ting·ly adv

Fittingly [=appropriately], she won her final tournament.

2fitting noun, pl -tings [count]

1 : the act of putting on clothes to see if they fit properly

I have a fitting for my wedding dress this afternoon.

2 : a small part
a pipe fitting
brass/electrical fittings

3 Brit : something (such as a refrigerator or a bookcase) that is in a house or building but can be removed if the house or building is sold
usually plural
pay extra for fixtures and fittings

fitting room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a room in a store in which customers can put on a piece of clothing to see if it fits before they buy it called also dressing room

five noun, pl fives

1 [count] : the number 5

2 [count] : the fifth in a set or series
the five of clubs
page five

3 [noncount] : five o'clock

I get off work at five.

The store is open until five.

4 [count]

4 a US : a five-dollar bill

The total cost was $3.83 and she gave him a five.

4 b Brit : a five-pound note : fiver

five adj
five years

five pronoun

Five (of them) are missing.

five-and-dime noun, pl -dimes [count]

US old-fashioned : a store that sells inexpensive things
the local five-and-dime
called also dime store, five-and-ten

five·fold adj

: five times as great or as many

There has been a fivefold increase in membership this year.

five·fold adv

Membership has increased fivefold.

five-o'clock shadow noun, pl -ows [count]

: the beginning of a beard that you can see late in the afternoon on the face of a man who has not shaved since morning

fiv·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal : a five-pound note

five-spice powder noun [noncount]

: a mixture of spices that is used in Chinese cooking

five-star adj, always used before a noun

: of the best quality
a five-star hotel

1fix verb, fix·es, fixed, fix·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to make (something) whole or able to work properly again : to repair (something)

He fixed the fence last weekend.

I need to fix this dent in my car.

fix a leaky faucet

1 b : to deal with or correct (a problem)

Your proposals won't fix [=solve] anything.

People expect the schools to fix whatever is wrong with their kids.

2 : to attach (something) in such a way that it will not move

All tables on the ship will be fixed to the floor.

: to connect or join (things) physically
fix [=attach, fasten] this sign to your door

The table was fixed firmly to the floor.

The scarf was fixed in place with a pin.

sometimes used figuratively

I want to fix this moment in my mind forever. [=I want to remember this moment forever]

3 a : to set or place (something) definitely

They haven't yet fixed the date of their wedding.

They fixed the price at $10.

illegal price fixing

3 b : to find out (something) with certainty

Investigators are still attempting to fix the exact time of the accident.

We're trying to fix [=get a fix on] the ship's location.

3 c : to arrange the details of something

My lawyer fixed it [=made arrangements] so I wouldn't have to go to court.

4 chiefly US

4 a : to make (something, such as a meal) ready
fix [=prepare, make] dinner

Can I fix [=make] you a drink? = Can I fix a drink for you?

4 b informal : to make (someone's hair, makeup, etc.) neat or attractive

We had to wait 10 minutes while she fixed her hair.

fixing her lipstick/makeup

5 : to control or affect (something, such as a game or election) in a dishonest way

They were accused of fixing games in college.

The election was fixed.

fix a parking ticket [=arrange for someone to not have to pay a fine for parking illegally]

6 : to change the appearance of (someone's face, nose, etc.) through surgery

She wants to get her nose fixed.

7 informal : to do something to punish (someone who has treated you badly or unfairly)

They thought they could cheat me, but I fixed them good.

I'll fix you!

8 US : to make (an animal) unable to reproduce : to neuter or spay (an animal)

You should have your dog/cat fixed.

9 US, informal + old-fashioned : to be or get ready to do something

They were fixing to leave.

It looks like it's fixing to rain. [=it's about to rain]

This sense of fix is sometimes used humorously to suggest the speech of cowboys in western movies.

10 technical : to change (nitrogen) into a stable or useful form
bacteria that fix nitrogen

fix on/upon [phrasal verb]

fix on/upon (something)

1 : to direct your attention or thoughts toward (something) : to focus on (something)

He has fixed on/upon the idea of going back to school.

All eyes fixed on her as she entered the room. [=everyone looked at her as she entered the room]

2 : to make a decision about or choose (something)

After weeks of discussion, they've finally fixed on a solution.

fix (someone) with a stare/look (etc.)

: to look directly at (someone) usually in an angry way

She fixed him with an angry stare. [=she stared at him angrily]

fix up [phrasal verb]

1 fix up (something) or fix (something) up : to improve the appearance or condition of (something, such as a building) by repairing it, making changes to it, etc.

We spent thousands of dollars fixing up our house.

see also FIXER-UPPER

2 fix (someone or something) up chiefly US : to make (someone or something) more attractive or fancy

I need a few minutes to fix myself up before we leave.

She got herself all fixed up [=dressed up, spruced up] for the party.

3 fix (someone) up

3 a : to provide (someone) with something that is needed or wanted

They can fix you up with a rental car at the airport.

3 b : to provide a possible boyfriend or girlfriend for (someone) : to arrange a date for (someone)

My mother tried to fix me up with one of her friends' sons.

fix your eyes/gaze (etc.) on/upon

: to look at (someone or something) steadily

Everyone fixed their eyes on her as she entered the room.

fix your hopes/sights (etc.) on/upon

: to direct your hopes, efforts, etc., toward (something)

They fixed their sights on winning the championship.

She has her hopes fixed on a career in journalism. [=she hopes/wants to have a career in journalism]

if it ain't broke, don't fix it see 2BROKE

fix·able adj

All the car's problems are fixable.

fix·er noun, pl -ers [count]

2fix noun, pl fix·es [count]

1 : a difficult or embarrassing situation

I found myself in an awful fix. [=mess, predicament]

2 : something that solves a problem : solution

There's no easy fix to this problem.

a quick fix

3 : the act of dishonestly controlling or affecting something (such as a game or election)

The result was unexpected, and some people suspect a fix.

(US) It was obvious early in the game that the fix was in. [=the outcome of the game was being controlled or affected in a dishonest way]

4 : an amount of an illegal drug that someone wants or needs to have

He was desperately in search of his next fix.

often used figuratively

I got my nostalgia fix at my class reunion.

an ice-cream fix

5 a : the exact position of something (such as a ship or an airplane)

an accurate fix

We're trying to get a fix on the ship's location. [=trying to find or determine the ship's exact location]

5 b : an accurate understanding of something

Voters are still trying to get a fix on her character.

Analysts are reading reports to get a fix on how the market will perform.

fix·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [no obj]

: to look at or think about something constantly : to give all of your attention to something
usually + on or upon

Why do journalists fixate on scandals?

fixated adj [more ; most ]

Why are journalists are so fixated on scandals?

fix·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

The band is my latest music fixation. [=the music I am thinking about constantly most recently]

the media's fixation on scandals
society's fixation on [=obsession with] race

fixed adj

1 a
used to describe something that does not change
a fixed interest rate

They are trying to live on a fixed income.

They have no fixed schedule.

Each contestant is allowed a fixed amount of time.

fixed costs/fees/prices
a fixed stare/expression/smile
fixed ideas about right and wrong

1 b : placed or attached in a way that does not move easily
a small mirror fixed to the wall

That day remains fixed in my memory.

All eyes were fixed on her as she entered the room. [=everyone looked at her as she entered the room]

2 informal : having something needed

They were well fixed for food. [=they had a good supply of food]

How are you fixed for money? [=do you have enough money?]

He's fixed for life. [=he has enough money to live comfortably for the rest of his life]

fix·ed·ly adv

They stared fixedly at me.

fix·er-up·per noun, pl -pers [count]

US informal : a house, apartment, etc., that is in bad condition and needs to be repaired

Their first house was a one-bedroom fixer-upper.

see also fix up at 1FIX

fix·ings noun [plural]

US informal : foods that are traditionally served with the main dish of a particular meal

For Thanksgiving dinner my mother always made turkey with all the fixings. [=potatoes, vegetables, etc.]

fix·i·ty noun
formal : the state or quality of not changing

[noncount] looking for safety and fixity [=stability] in the ever-changing world

[singular] a fixity of purpose

fix·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

1 : something (such as a light, toilet, sink, etc.) that is attached to a house or building and that is not removed when the house or building is sold
usually plural
bathroom fixtures
lighting fixtures

compare 2FITTING 3

2 : a person or thing that has been part of something or involved in something for a long time

He's been a fixture in the parade for many years.

She hopes the new educational program will become a permanent fixture at the zoo.

3 Brit, sports : a game played at a particular time and place

I attended all their home fixtures [=(US) games] last year.

1fizz verb, fizz·es, fizzed, fizz·ing [no obj]

: to make a sound like many small bubbles popping

The soda fizzed.

2fizz noun, pl fizz·es

1 [noncount] : a sound like many small bubbles popping
the characteristic fizz of champagne

2 [noncount] : energy and liveliness

All the fizz was gone from their relationship.

3 a [count] : a drink with many small bubbles
a gin fizz

3 b [noncount] Brit, informal : champagne
a glass of fizz

fizzy adj, fizz·i·er, -est
a fizzy [=bubbly, carbonated] soft drink
fizzy enthusiasm

fiz·zle verb, fiz·zles, fiz·zled, fiz·zling [no obj]

informal : to gradually fail or end
usage

In U.S. English fizzle can be used by itself or with out.

The project ended up fizzling.

He had a great rookie season and then just fizzled out.

In British English, fizzle is almost always followed by out.

Dance crazes tend to fizzle out quickly.

fizzle noun, pl fizzles [count]

She felt responsible for her team's recent fizzle. [=failure, flop]

fjord also fiord noun, pl fjords also fiords [count]

: a narrow part of the ocean between cliffs or steep hills or mountains
the fjords of Norway

FL abbr

Florida

Fla abbr

Florida

flab noun [noncount]

informal : extra soft flesh on a person's body : excess body fat
stomach/arm flab
sometimes used figuratively
cutting jobs to eliminate corporate flab

flab·by adj, flab·bi·er, -est
flabby arms
flabby [=soft] muscles

She writes in a flabby [=loose] style that ruins the narrative.

flab·bi·ness noun [noncount]

the flabbiness of his muscles
moral/intellectual flabbiness

flab·ber·gast Brit verb, -gasts, -gast·ed, -gast·ing [+ obj]

: to shock or surprise (someone) very much

It flabbergasts me to see how many people still support them.

often used as (be) flabbergasted

We were flabbergasted by/at the news that he'd won the game.

flabbergasting adj [more ; most ]

flabbergasting news

flac·cid adj [more ; most ]

1 : not firm : not hard or solid
flaccid muscles/tissue
a flaccid handshake

2 : lacking strength or force : weak
flaccid leadership
a flaccid response

1flack noun, pl flacks [count]

US informal + disapproving : a person whose job is to make people like or be interested in someone or something
a public relations flack
campaign flacks [=publicists, press agents]

2flack variant spelling of FLAK

1flag noun, pl flags [count]

1 : a piece of cloth with a special design that is used as a symbol of a nation or group
raise/lower the American flag

The flag was flying [=the flag was raised up on a pole] over the fort.

To fly/show/wave the flag is to display the flag of your country as a sign of patriotism.

2 : a piece of cloth used as a signal or to attract attention
waving a flag of surrender/truce
a checkered flag

The referee threw a penalty flag.

see also RED FLAG, WHITE FLAG
compare 4FLAG

2flag verb, flags, flagged, flag·ging [+ obj]

1 : to signal (someone or something that is moving past you) to stop especially by raising or waving your hand
flag a taxi

I flagged the waiter for the check.

often + down

We should flag someone down and ask for directions.

2 : to mark (something, such as a page or section of a book) so that it can be easily seen or found

She flagged several pages for me to review.

3 American football : to signal that you are giving a penalty to (a player) by throwing a penalty flag

He was flagged for holding.

compare 3FLAG

3flag verb, flags, flagged, flag·ging [no obj]

1 : to become weak

Our interest flagged as the speaker droned on.

The good news boosted my flagging spirits.

Her energy shows no sign of flagging after all these years.

2 : to become less interesting, attractive, or valuable

He's trying to revive his flagging career.

flagging stock prices

compare 2FLAG

4flag noun, pl flags [count]

: flagstone
compare 1FLAG

Flag Day noun [singular]

: June 14 observed in the U.S. as the anniversary of the day the American flag was officially accepted in 1777

flag·el·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

formal : to hit (yourself or another person) with a whip as punishment or as part of a religious ritual
sometimes used figuratively

He flagellated [=severely criticized] himself for years for allowing the business to fail.

see also SELF-FLAGELLATION

flag·el·la·tion noun [noncount]

ritual flagellation

flag football noun [noncount]

: a form of American football in which the player with the ball is not tackled but instead must stop when another player removes a piece of cloth that is attached to the player's waist

flag·on noun, pl -ons [count]

old-fashioned : a container for liquids that usually has a handle, spout, and lid
a pewter flagon
also : the amount in a flagon

We drank a whole flagon of wine.

flag·pole noun, pl -poles [count]

: a tall pole from which a flag hangs : a pole used to display a flag

fla·grant adj [more ; most ]

: very bad : too bad to be ignored
a flagrant violation
flagrant abuse of the law
her flagrant disregard for other people's rights
a flagrant error

fla·grant·ly adv
flagrantly violating our rights

flag·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

1 : the ship that carries the commander of a group of ships
the flagship of the Atlantic fleet

2 : the best, largest, or most important one of a group of things (such as products, stores, etc.)

often used before another noun
the company's flagship store

The next game will be broadcast on our flagship station.

flag·staff Brit noun, pl -staffs [count]

: flagpole

flag·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

: a hard, flat piece of stone that is used for making paths
a walkway paved with flagstones
often used before another noun
a flagstone path

flag-wav·ing noun [noncount]

usually disapproving : words and actions that show very strong support for your government usually in a way that seems foolish or excessive

The essay is little more than flag-waving.

sometimes used before another noun
flag-waving rhetoric/patriotism

flag-wav·er noun, pl -wav·ers [count]

1flail verb, flails, flailed, flail·ing

1 : to move or swing your arms or legs in a wild and uncontrolled way

[+ obj] They were flailing their arms to drive away the insects.

[no obj] The wounded animal lay on the ground, flailing helplessly.

He was wildly flailing about/around on the dance floor.

He flailed away at the ball. [=he swung wildly at the ball]

2 [+ obj] : to strike or hit (something or someone) in a wild and uncontrolled way

The bird's wings flailed the water.

2flail noun, pl flails [count]

: a long-handled tool that was used in the past for beating wheat so that the grain would become separated from the wheat

flair noun [singular]

1 : a natural ability to do something
usually + for

He has a flair for storytelling.

She has a flair for the dramatic. [=she tends to behave or talk in a very dramatic way]

2 : an unusual and appealing quality or style
a restaurant with a European flair

flak also flack noun [noncount]

1 : exploding shells that are shot at enemy aircraft from guns on the ground

2 informal : harsh criticism

He caught/drew heavy flak for his decision to oppose the new school.

He took a lot of flak from the other kids for his unusual appearance.

1flake noun, pl flakes [count]

1 : a small, thin piece of something
delicate flakes of snow
white flakes of dandruff
soap flakes
see also CORNFLAKES, SNOWFLAKE

2 chiefly US, informal : a strange or unusual person : oddball

He's a nice guy but he's a bit of a flake.

2flake verb, flakes, flaked, flak·ing [no obj]

1 : to break apart into small, thin pieces

Bake the fish until it flakes easily when tested with a fork.

2 : to form loose, thin pieces that fall off

The old fence was falling apart, and its paint was flaking (off).

flak jacket noun, pl -ets [count]

: a special jacket that is worn by soldiers, police officers, etc., for protection against flak or bullets called also flak vest

flaky adj, flak·i·er, -est

1 : tending to form or break apart into thin pieces
pie with a crisp, flaky crust

: consisting of flakes
flaky snow

2 chiefly US, informal : unusual or strange
a flaky idea

He's a nice guy but he's a little flaky.

flak·i·ness noun [noncount]

flam·bé verb, -bés, -béed, -bé·ing [+ obj]

: to pour an alcoholic liquid on (a food) and light it so that flames are produced

The crepes were flambéed with brandy.

flambé adj
used after a noun
trout flambé

flam·boy·ant adj [more ; most ]

: having a very noticeable quality that attracts a lot of attention
a flamboyant performer
the flamboyant gestures of the conductor
wearing flamboyant clothes
flamboyant colors

flam·boy·ance noun [noncount]

youthful flamboyance
the flamboyance of her clothes

flam·boy·ant·ly adv
flamboyantly dressed

1flame noun, pl flames

1 [count] : the hot, glowing gas that can be seen when a fire is burning
the flame of a candle

We built a fire and roasted marshmallows over the flames.

They tried to put out the fire, but the flames grew higher.

2 : a state of burning brightly

[count] The engine suddenly burst/exploded into flames. [=the engine suddenly began burning]

The entire building was in flames. [=was on fire; was burning]

The curtains caught on fire and the cabin went up in flames. [=was destroyed by fire]

[noncount] The engine burst/exploded into flame.

3 [count] : strongly felt emotion
usually plural
the flames of passion

4 [count] informal : a person you have a romantic relationship with : sweetheart

She refuses to answer questions about her current flame.

He's an old flame from her high-school days.

a former flame

5 [count] : an angry or insulting e-mail message

fan the flames see 2FAN

2flame verb, flames, flamed, flam·ing

1 [no obj] : to burn with a flame : to produce a flame

A fire flamed in the oven.

often + up

The overheated pan flamed up suddenly.

2 [no obj] literary : to feel or express strong or angry emotion

He flamed with indignation.

3 [no obj] literary : to shine brightly : glow

The sun flamed through the clouds.

color flaming in her cheeks

4 [+ obj] : to send an angry or insulting e-mail message to (someone)

He got/was flamed for expressing a controversial political opinion on the Internet.

flame out [phrasal verb]

1 of a jet engine : to stop working suddenly

The plane nearly crashed when one of its engines flamed out shortly after takeoff.

2 US, informal : to fail or end in a very sudden way

His career flamed out after the failure of his last movie.

see also FLAMEOUT

fla·men·co noun [count, noncount]

: a fast and lively Spanish dance; also : music that is played for this type of dance

flame·out noun, pl -outs [count]

1 : a sudden stopping of a jet engine

2 US, informal : a very sudden and complete failure

Fans were disappointed by the team's flameout in the play-offs.

see also flame out at 2FLAME

flame·proof adj

: not easily damaged by flames : fireproof
flameproof clothing

flame·throw·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a weapon that shoots a stream of burning liquid

2 baseball, informal : a pitcher who throws the ball very fast : a fastball pitcher

flam·ing adj

1 : having a bright or glowing red or orange color
the flaming sunset sky
flaming red hair

2 : burning with bright flames
a flaming torch

3 : very intense or strongly felt
flaming passion

4 informal
used to make an angry or critical statement more forceful

They're a couple of flaming idiots.

fla·min·go noun, pl -gos also -goes [count]

: a large tropical bird that has pink or red wings and a very long neck and legs

flam·ma·ble adj [more ; most ]

: capable of being set on fire and of burning quickly
a flammable liquid
a highly flammable fabric

flam·ma·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

flan noun, pl flans [count, noncount]

1 chiefly US : a type of sweet dessert made of a smooth, thick custard covered with caramel

2 : an open pie containing any of various fillings
a mushroom flan

flange noun, pl flang·es [count]

: an edge that sticks out from something (such as a wheel) and is used for strength, for guiding, or for attachment to another object

flanged adj
a flanged wheel

1flank noun, pl flanks [count]

1 : the area on the side of an animal (such as a horse) between the ribs and the hip

She gently patted the horse's flank.

2 : the right or left side of a military formation

They attacked the enemy on both flanks.

3 : the side of something
the eastern flank of a volcano

2flank verb, flanks, flanked, flank·ing [+ obj]

: to be located on both sides of (something or someone)

Guards flanked the entrance.

usually used as (be) flanked

The bed was flanked by two small tables.

a celebrity flanked by muscular bodyguards

see also OUTFLANK

flank·er noun, pl -ers [count]

American football : a player on the offensive team whose position is toward the side and behind the line of scrimmage

flan·nel noun

1 [noncount] : a soft cloth made of wool or cotton
shirts made of bright-colored flannel
often used before another noun
a flannel shirt
a flannel suit
flannel pajamas

2 flannels [plural] : pants made of flannel

He wore a dark blazer and gray flannels.

3 [count] Brit : washcloth

4 [noncount] Brit, informal : foolish or meaningless words

Cut out all that flannel and tell us what really happened!

flan·nel·ette noun [noncount]

Brit : a light and soft cotton cloth

1flap noun, pl flaps [count]

1 : a flat piece of material that is attached to something on one side and that can be easily moved

She opened the tent flap and crawled outside.

the inside flap of a book's cover
a loose flap of skin

2 : the movement or sound of something that is moving up and down or back and forth
the soft flap [=flapping] of the flag in the breeze
the steady flap [=beat] of the bird's wings

3 informal

3 a : a state or situation in which many people are excited or upset

He was widely criticized during the recent flap [=uproar] about his controversial new book.

3 b chiefly Brit : a state in which someone is very upset

He got in a flap [=he became upset] over the delays in the schedule.

4 : a movable part of an airplane wing that can be raised or lowered and that is used to increase lift

2flap verb, flaps, flapped, flap·ping

: to move (something) up and down or back and forth

[+ obj] birds flapping their wings

The breeze flapped the sails.

[no obj] The flag flapped in the breeze.

The bird's wings were flapping.

flap·doo·dle noun [noncount]

chiefly US informal : foolish words : nonsense

The speech was a lot of flapdoodle about the economy.

flap·jack noun, pl -jacks [count]

1 US : pancake

2 Brit : a thick, sweet cake made of oatmeal usually with molasses or honey

flap·per noun, pl -pers [count]

: a young woman in the 1920s who dressed and behaved in a way that was considered very modern

1flare verb, flares, flared, flar·ing

1 [no obj] : to shine or burn suddenly and briefly

A match flared (up) in the darkness.

2 [no obj] : to become suddenly excited, angry, or active

Tempers flared [=people became angry] during the debate.

often + up

The fighting flared up again after a two-week lull.

She flared up [=became very angry] at her brother.

Her asthma has flared up again. [=her asthma has become suddenly active or worse again]

3 : to open or spread outward

[no obj] pants that flare at the bottom
the bull's flaring nostrils
often + out

The skirt flares out at the knee.

[+ obj] The bull flared its nostrils.

2flare noun, pl flares

1 [count] : a light that shines brightly and briefly
the sudden flare of the match

2 [count] : a very bright light that is used to give a signal, to light up something, or to attract attention

When the crew saw flares, they knew the other ship was in trouble.

also : a device that produces such a light

3 [count] : a sudden expression of anger : flare-up
a flare of temper

4 [count] : a shape or part that spreads outward
the flare at the bottom of the vase

5 flares [plural] : pants with legs that become wider at the bottom : bell-bottoms

flare-up noun, pl -ups [count]

1 : a sudden occurrence of flame

The fire is smoldering and there is still a danger of flare-ups.

2 : a sudden occurrence or expression of anger
a flare-up of temper during the debate
a moody teenager prone to emotional flare-ups

3 : an occurrence in which something (such as violence or a disease) suddenly begins or becomes worse

She had another flare-up of her asthma.

There has been a flare-up of violence along the border.

1flash verb, flash·es, flashed, flash·ing

1 : to shine or give off bright light suddenly or in repeated bursts

[no obj] Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed.

Cameras flashed as the celebrities passed.

A car was sitting on the side of the road with its lights flashing.

[+ obj] She flashed her car's headlights (at us) and honked her horn.

2 a : to appear quickly or suddenly

[no obj] A message flashed on the screen.

[+ obj] The screen flashed a message in black letters.

2 b [no obj] : to move or pass very quickly

A car flashed by.

An idea flashed into/through his mind. [=he suddenly had an idea]

3 [no obj] of the eyes : to show strong emotion

Her eyes flashed with anger.

4 [+ obj] : to show (something) briefly

The mugger flashed a knife and demanded their wallets.

The officer flashed his badge.

She flashed a shy smile.

5 informal : to show your sexual organs to (someone) suddenly and briefly in public

[+ obj] A strange man flashed her on the subway.

[no obj] He was arrested for flashing.

see also FLASHER

2flash noun, pl flashes

1 [count] : a sudden bright light

A brilliant/blinding flash lit up the sky.

a flash of lightning = a lightning flash

2 [count] : a sudden appearance or occurrence of something
a flash of insight
a flash of color
a flash of wit
a flash of anger

The idea for the movie came to her in a flash of inspiration.

see also HOT FLASH

3 [noncount] usually disapproving : a fancy or exciting quality or appearance that is meant to attract attention to something that is usually not very good or interesting

They relied on gimmicks and flash to get people's attention.

a show with a lot of flash but little substance

4 : a device that is used to produce a brief and very bright flash of light for taking photographs

[count] a camera with a flash

Use the flash when you're taking pictures indoors.

[noncount] a picture taken using flash
flash photography [=photography that is done with a flash]

compare FLASHBULB

5 [count] : newsflash

(as) quick as a flash
informal : very quickly

The waitress brought our order as quick as a flash.

flash in the pan

: a person or thing that fails after being very popular or successful for a brief time

He was a flash in the pan whose second album didn't sell very well.

in a flash
informal : very quickly or suddenly

I'll be back in a flash.

The idea came to me in a flash.

3flash adj

1 always used before a noun : beginning suddenly and lasting only a short time
a flash fire
a flash flood [=a sudden flood that is caused by heavy rain and that lasts a short time]

2 always used before a noun US, informal : very talented
a flash athlete

3 [more ; most ] Brit, informal + disapproving : flashy, showy
a flash car

flash·back noun, pl -backs

1 : a part of a story or movie that describes or shows something that happened in the past

[count] The character's childhood was described in a series of flashbacks.

[noncount] events shown in flashback

2 [count] : a strong memory of a past event that comes suddenly into a person's mind

He's having flashbacks of/to his days in the war.

flash·bulb noun, pl -bulbs [count]

: an electric bulb that produces a very bright flash of light for taking photographs compare 2FLASH 5

flash card noun, pl cards [count]

: a card that has words, numbers, or pictures on it and that is used to help students learn about a subject

flash·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a light that shines briefly and repeatedly :

emergency flashers

We noticed a car at the side of the road with its flashers on.

2 informal : a man who shows his sexual organs in public

flash·light noun, pl -lights [count]

US : a small electric light that can be carried in your hand and that runs on batteries called also (Brit) torch

flash point noun, pl points [count]

: a point, place, or situation in which sudden anger or violence could happen

The city became a flash point as political tensions grew.

The situation reached a flash point when union leaders urged the workers to protest.

flashy adj, flash·i·er, -est
usually disapproving : bright or fancy in a way that is meant to attract attention : gaudy
rich young men who drive flashy cars
flashy glamour
flashy colors/clothes
a flashy dresser
flashy ads

flash·i·ly adv
flashily dressed

flash·i·ness noun [noncount]

flask Brit noun, pl flasks [count]

1 : a container that is shaped like a flattened bottle and that is used to carry alcohol
a flask of whiskey
called also hip flask

2 : a glass bottle used in scientific laboratories

3 Brit : thermos

1flat adj, flat·ter, flat·test

1 : having a smooth, level, or even surface : not having curves or bumps
flat ground
the flat top of the table
the flat landscape of the prairie
a flat stomach
a flat wall

2 : having a wide, smooth surface and little thickness

Coins are usually round and flat.

small, flat computer disks
a flat piece of wood

3 of a shoe heel : very low and wide
flat heels
also of a shoe : having a flat heel or no heel
wearing flat shoes

4 : spread out on or along a surface

The soldiers were lying flat on the ground.

He was (lying) flat on his back.

5 : very clear and definite : absolute
a flat refusal

His comments were a flat contradiction of his sister's statement.

In British English the expression and that's flat! is used to stress that a statement or decision is definite and will not be changed.

I'm not going to do it and that's flat! [=and that's that]

6 a : not changing in amount

They charged a flat rate for their services.

a flat [=fixed] fee

Ticket sales have been/remained flat. [=have not increased or decreased]

flat profits
a flat tax [=a tax that is paid at the same rate by everyone]

6 b : not having much business activity

The market is very flat for this time of year.

7 : not having much interest or energy : dull
flat writing
a flat performance

He spoke in a flat, tired voice.

8 of a drink : no longer having bubbles

This beer is flat. = This beer has gone flat.

flat ginger ale
flat champagne

9 of a tire : not having enough air

I got a flat tire from a nail in the street.

The tire was (slightly) flat.

10 music

10 a : lower than the true pitch

Her singing was slightly flat.

10 b : lower than a specified note by a semitone

B flat [=a note that is a semitone lower than B]

compare 1NATURAL 8, 1SHARP 13

11 of lighting conditions : not producing strong shadows
a portrait taken in flat lighting

12 : not shiny
flat paint

13 Brit, of a battery : no longer producing electricity : dead

The battery has gone flat. [=(US) the battery is dead; the battery has died]

(as) flat as a pancake
informal : very flat

The land there is as flat as a pancake.

The tire was flat as a pancake.

flat·ly adv

He flatly refuses to talk about it.

Lay the map flatly on the desk.

She has flatly denied the accusations.

flat·ness noun [noncount]

2flat noun, pl flats [count]

1 : a level area of land
usually plural
salt flats
tidal flats

2 : a flat part or surface
the flat of your hand
the flat of a sword

3 a : a musical note that is one semitone lower than a specified note

B flat

3 b : a written symbol that is placed before a note to show that it should be played a semitone lower compare 2NATURAL, 3SHARP

4 US : a shallow box in which young plants are grown

5 chiefly US : a shoe or slipper that has a flat heel or no heel
usually plural

She wore a casual dress and flats to the show.

6 chiefly Brit : an apartment typically on one floor

They moved out of their old flat.

compare APARTMENT

7 : a tire that does not have enough air

I drove over a nail and got a flat.

fix a flat

3flat adv

1 a : on or against a flat surface

Lay the map flat on the desk.

1 b : in the position of someone or something that is lying spread out on the ground or another surface

He slipped and landed/fell flat on his back/face.

2 : exactly or precisely
used to describe something that happens quickly

He got there in two minutes flat.

in 10 seconds flat

She finished her homework in nothing flat. [=in no time at all; very quickly]

3 informal : completely or absolutely

We asked for more time but they turned us down flat.

(US) If you ask me, what they're doing is flat wrong.

I'm flat broke. [=I have no money]

see also FLAT OUT

4 : below the correct musical pitch

He sang slightly flat.

compare 2SHARP 2

fall flat see 1FALL

1flat·bed adj, always used before a noun

: having a flat surface on which work is placed
a flatbed scanner
a flatbed printing press

2flatbed noun, pl -beds [count]

chiefly US : a truck or trailer that has a body which is shaped like a platform or shallow box

flat·car noun, pl -cars [count]

chiefly US : a railroad car without sides or a roof that is used for carrying goods

flat·fish noun, pl -fish [count]

: a fish (such as a halibut, flounder, or sole) that has a flat body and swims on its side with both eyes on the upper side

flat foot noun [count]

1 pl feet : a foot that is flat on the bottom so the entire sole rests upon the ground
usually plural

He has flat feet.

2 usually flat·foot pl -foots US slang, old-fashioned : police officer

flat-foot·ed adj

1 a : having flat feet
a flat-footed man

1 b : walking or moving in a slow and awkward way
a clumsy, flat-footed new recruit

2 chiefly US, informal : not ready or prepared
usually used in the phrase catch flat-footed

The surprise announcement of his candidacy caught his opponents flat-footed. [=his opponents were not prepared for his announcement]

flat·mate noun, pl -mates [count]

chiefly Brit : a person who shares a flat (sense 6) with someone : roommate

flat out adv
informal

1 chiefly US : in a very clear and direct way

I told him flat out that I have no intention of marrying him.

We asked for more time but they refused us flat out.

2 : at the fastest possible speed

The car does 180 mph flat out.

We've been working flat out. [=as hard as possible]

He was running flat out. [=as fast as possible]

3 usually flat-out US, informal
used to make a statement more forceful

This class is just flat-out confusing.

The movie was flat-out lousy.

She flat-out [=completely] missed the target.

flat-out adj, always used before a noun
informal

1 chiefly US : absolute and complete

It was a flat-out lie.

a flat-out refusal

2 : greatest possible : maximum
a flat-out effort

flat-pan·el adj, always used before a noun

: flat-screen
a computer with a flat-panel display
a flat-panel monitor
flat-panel TVs

flat-screen adj, always used before a noun

used to describe a television, computer monitor, etc., that has a thin and flat screen

We bought a new flat-screen TV.

flat·ten verb, -tens, -tened, -ten·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to make (something) flat or flatter

He opened the map and flattened it (out) against the tabletop.

He flattened himself against the wall. [=he pressed himself against the wall so that he was as close to it as possible]

1 b [no obj] : to become flat or flatter

The dough flattened smoothly/easily.

The land flattens (out) as you approach the coast.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to knock down (something or someone)

Dozens of houses were flattened by the tornado.

The boxer was flattened in the seventh round.

2 b informal : to defeat (a competitor) easily or completely

The team got flattened in the first round of the play-offs.

3 [no obj] : to go to and stay at a lower level

Prices are expected to flatten after the holiday shopping season.

often + out

Student performance flattened out after the second month of the school year.

flat·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [+ obj]

1 : to praise (someone) in a way that is not sincere

He flattered her with comments about her youthful appearance.

His comments flattered her.

You're just flattering me.

2 : to cause (someone) to feel pleased by showing respect, affection, or admiration

It flattered her to be asked to sing at their wedding.

usually used as (be) flattered

She was flattered when they asked her to sing.

I'm flattered that he asked me out, but he isn't my type.

3 a : to show or describe (someone or something) in a way that is very favorable or too favorable

That portrait flatters him. [=that portrait makes him look better than he really does]

3 b : to cause (someone or something) to look as attractive as possible

That dress really flatters your figure.

flatter yourself

: to believe something about yourself that makes you feel pleased or proud

Don't flatter yourselfyou don't sing any better than we do.

I flatter myself on my skill in dancing. = I flatter myself that I'm a good dancer.

flat·ter·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an insincere flatterer

flattering adj [more ; most ]

She wasn't fooled by his flattering comments.

a very flattering portrait
a flattering dress

flat·ter·ing·ly adv
a flatteringly favorable portrait

flat·tery noun [noncount]

: praise that is not sincere

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

Flattery will get you nowhere. [=you will not succeed by flattering me]

flat·top noun, pl -tops [count]

1 US : aircraft carrier

2 : a haircut in which the hair is very short on the sides and flat and evenly cut on top

flat·u·lence Brit noun [noncount]

: the presence of too much gas or air in the stomach or intestines
symptoms include nausea, flatulence, and cramps

flat·u·lent Brit adj [more ; most ]

flat·ware noun [noncount]

US : forks, spoons, and knives used for serving and eating food : silverware

flaunt verb, flaunts, flaunt·ed, flaunt·ing [+ obj]

1 : to show (something) in a very open way so that other people will notice

She liked to flaunt her wealth by wearing furs and jewelry.

Their motto seems to be, “If you've got it, flaunt it!” [=you should not be afraid to show your good features and talents]

2 : to show a lack of respect for (something, such as a rule) : flout

They openly flaunted the rules.

usage

The use of flaunt to mean “flout” is common, but it is considered by many people to be incorrect.

flau·tist noun, pl -tists [count]

: a person who plays a flute : flutist

1fla·vor (US) or Brit fla·vour noun, pl -vors

1 a : the quality of something that you can taste

[count] This dish has an unusual flavor.

the hot, spicy flavors of Mexican food

[noncount] a dish with unusual flavor

1 b [count] : a particular type of taste

They sell 20 different flavors of ice cream.

Grape is my favorite bubble gum flavor.

1 c [noncount] : a good or appealing taste

The dish lacks flavor.

The stew is full of flavor.

2 chiefly US : a substance that is added to food or drink to give it a desired taste : flavoring

[count] artificial flavors

[noncount] She added vanilla flavor to the custard.

3 a [count] : a particular quality that something has

I like the Italian flavor of the neighborhood.

The film has an avant-garde flavor.

3 b [noncount] : an appealing quality

Her performance adds flavor to the show.

4 [count] informal : a type or version of something
different flavors of software

The flavor of the month is someone or something that is popular and gets a lot of attention for a brief time.

Education reform seems to have become the flavor of the month among politicians.

fla·vor·ful (US) or Brit fla·vour·ful adj [more ; most ]

food that is flavorful as well as nutritious
flavorful recipes

fla·vor·less (US) or Brit fla·vour·less adj
flavorless food

fla·vor·some (US) or Brit fla·vour·some adj [more ; most ]

flavorsome [=flavorful] recipes

2flavor (US) or Brit flavour verb, -vors, -vored, -vor·ing [+ obj]

: to give or add flavor to (something)

We flavored the cookies with cinnamon.

I flavored the salad with herbs.

flavored (US) or Brit fla·voured adj
flavored coffee
cherry-flavored candies

fla·vor·ing (US) or Brit fla·vour·ing noun, pl -ings

: a substance that is added to a food or drink to give it a desired taste

[count] We used ginger and other natural flavorings.

add more flavorings

[noncount] add more flavoring

flaw noun, pl flaws [count]

1 : a small physical problem (such as a crack) that makes something less valuable : defect

There was a flaw in the vase.

He inspected the fabric for flaws.

2 : a small fault or weakness

Several critics pointed out the flaws in the book's plot.

Vanity was the one flaw in his character.

There are a few flaws in your argument.

flaw·less adj
an attractive woman with flawless skin
a flawless [=perfect] performance

flaw·less·ly adv

She performed flawlessly.

flaw·less·ness noun [noncount]

flawed adj [more ; most ]

: having a mistake, fault, or weakness
a flawed but decent man
fatally/badly flawed reasoning
a flawed but powerful performance

flax noun [noncount]

1 : a plant that has blue flowers and that is grown for its fiber and its seed

The fiber of flax is used to make linen and the seed is used to make linseed oil.

2 : the fiber of the flax plant

flax·en adj
literary : having a pale yellow color
flaxen hair

flay verb, flays, flayed, flay·ing [+ obj]

: to beat or whip (someone or something) in a very violent and severe way
usually used figuratively

He was flayed [=severely criticized] by the media for his thoughtless comments.

flea noun, pl fleas [count]

: a very small insect that lives on animals and that has strong legs used for jumping

The dog has fleas.

a flea bite

fit as a flea see 1FIT

flea·bag noun, pl -bags [count]

US informal : a cheap and dirty hotel
usually used before another noun
a fleabag hotel

flea collar noun, pl -lars [count]

: a collar for dogs and cats that contains a substance which kills fleas

flea market noun, pl -kets [count]

: a usually outdoor market in which old and used goods are sold

1fleck noun, pl flecks [count]

: a small spot or mark
a brown cloth with flecks of yellow

The police found flecks of blood on his clothes.

2fleck verb, flecks, flecked, flecking [+ obj]

: to put a small spots or marks of something on different parts of (a surface)

She flecked the canvas with blue paint.

usually used as (be) flecked
a brown beard flecked with gray [=a brown beard that has many small areas or spots of gray]

snow flecked with mud = mud-flecked snow

fled past tense and past participle of FLEE

fledge verb, fledg·es, fledged, fledg·ing [no obj]

of a bird : to develop the feathers necessary for flying

The young birds haven't yet fledged.

fledg·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

1 : a young bird that has just become able to fly
a female bird feeding her fledglings
a fledgling robin

2 : someone or something that is getting started in a new activity
usually used before another noun
a fledgling company with only four employees
a fledgling novelist

flee verb, flees, fled , flee·ing

1 [no obj] : to run away from danger

They fled for their lives. [=they fled to save their lives]

The family fled from Nazi Germany to Britain in 1936.

2 [+ obj] : to run away from (a place)

He was accused of trying to flee the scene of the accident.

Many people fled the city to escape the fighting.

He was forced to flee the country.

1fleece noun, pl fleec·es

1 [count] : the woolly coat of a sheep

2 a [noncount] : a soft cloth that is used to make warm clothes
warm fleece jackets

2 b [count] chiefly Brit : a jacket made from this cloth

fleecy adj, fleec·i·er, -est
fleecy white clouds
soft, fleecy fabric

2fleece verb, fleeces, fleeced, fleec·ing [+ obj]

informal : to deceive and take money from (someone) : cheat

Don't let that salesman fleece you.

an unsuspecting tourist fleeced by a scam artist

1fleet noun, pl fleets [count]

1 a : a group of military ships that are controlled by one leader

He was the commander of the Pacific fleet.

1 b : all of a country's military ships
the British fleet

2 : a group of ships or vehicles that move or work together or that are controlled or owned by one company
a fishing fleet

The company has a large fleet of delivery trucks.

a fleet of taxis

2fleet adj, fleet·er, -est
literary : very fast
a fleet runner

She is vey fleet of foot. [=she is able to run very fast]

fleet·ly adv
running fleetly

fleet·ness noun [noncount]

fleetness of foot

fleet-foot·ed adj [more ; most ]

: able to run fast
a fleet-footed runner

fleet·ing adj [more ; most ]

: not lasting : lasting for only a short time
autumn's fleeting beauty

I caught a fleeting glimpse of the comet.

Her fame was fleeting.

Fleet Street noun [singular]

used as a name for London newspapers and journalists

Fleet Street is speculating about his political future following the scandal.

The term Fleet Street comes from the name of a street in London where many newspapers were once located.

Flem·ish noun [noncount]

: the Germanic language that is spoken by people in northern Belgium and that is now officially called Dutch

Flemish adj

1flesh noun [noncount]

1 : the soft parts of the body of an animal or person
the flabby white flesh of his belly

2 : the skin of a person
a disease that causes sores on the flesh
sun-tanned flesh
flesh-colored [=having the color of a white person's skin]

The memory of all that blood was enough to make my flesh crawl/creep. [=to make me feel disgusted, afraid, etc.]

3 : parts of an animal used as food : meat
cooked rabbit flesh
flesh-eating mammals

4 : the soft part of a fruit that is eaten
the soft, sweet flesh of a peach

5 : the physical nature of a person rather than the mind or spirit
pleasures of the flesh [=physical pleasures, such as eating, drinking, and having sex]

sins of the flesh

“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 (KJV)

see also the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak at 1SPIRIT

a thorn in the/your flesh see THORN

flesh and blood

1 : a human being
often used when talking about human weakness

There's a limit to what I can doI'm only flesh and blood.

It was more than flesh and blood can bear.

2 : someone who is closely related to you : a person in your family
usually used in the phrase your own flesh and blood

How could you do something so cruel to your own flesh and blood?

go the way of all flesh
literary : to die

in the flesh

If you see someone in the flesh you see that person directly rather than in a picture, on television, etc.

I saw him in the flesh just three days ago.

She was excited to see the President in the flesh.

pound of flesh see 1POUND

press the flesh see 2PRESS

2flesh verb, flesh·es, fleshed, flesh·ing

flesh out [phrasal verb]

flesh (something) out or flesh out (something) : to provide more information about (something) : to make (something) more complete by adding details

You need to flesh out your plan with more details.

She fleshes out the characters in her novels very well.

flesh·pot noun, pl -pots [count]

informal + humorous : a place where people are entertained in ways that relate to physical pleasures (such as drinking and sex)

usually plural
visiting the fleshpots of the city

flesh wound noun, pl wounds [count]

: a wound that injures the skin and flesh but does not go deep into the body

fleshy adj, flesh·i·er, -est

1 : having a large amount of flesh
a large, fleshy nose
the fleshy part of the thigh
a fleshy face
fleshy arms

2 : soft and thick
the fleshy texture of the melon
fleshy fruit
a plant with fleshy leaves

flesh·i·ness noun [noncount]

flew past tense of 1FLY

1flex verb, flex·es, flexed, flex·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to bend (a body part)

flexing a leg
flex your fingers

1 b : to move or tighten (a muscle)

He flexed the muscles of his right arm.

2 [no obj] : bend
a material that flexes easily

flex your muscles

: to show your strength or power

The election will give us a chance to flex our political muscles.

2flex noun, pl flexes [count]

Brit : 1cord 2
buy a new flex for the toaster

flex·i·ble adj [more ; most ]

1 : capable of bending or being bent
flexible branches swaying in the breeze
a material that is both strong and flexible

She's been doing exercises to become stronger and more flexible.

2 a : easily changed

Our schedule for the weekend is very flexible.

: able to change or to do different things

This computer program has to be flexible to meet all our needs.

2 b : willing to change or to try different things

Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I'm flexible.

opposite INFLEXIBLE

flex·i·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

She's been exercising to improve her flexibility.

He shows remarkable flexibility as an actor. [=he can play a wide range of roles]

flex·i·bly adv

flex·time (US) or chiefly Brit flexi·time noun [noncount]

: a system in which employees are required to work a certain number of hours but are allowed to choose their own times for starting and finishing work

1flick noun, pl flicks [count]

: a short, quick movement
with a flick of his thumb
a flick of the wrist

She turned on the light with a flick [=flip] of a switch.

compare 3FLICK

2flick verb, flicks, flicked, flick·ing

1 a : to move (something) with a short, quick movement

[+ obj] flick a switch

The snake flicked its tongue in and out.

a cow flicking its tail back and forth

She flicked her hair back over her shoulder.

[no obj] The snake's tongue flicked in and out.

1 b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to fly through the air by making a quick movement with your hand, finger, or thumb

She flicked an ash into the ashtray.

He flicked his cigarette butt out the window.

2 [+ obj] : to turn (something) on or off with a switch
flick on the TV
flick off the lights

3 [+ obj] : to hit (someone or something) with a short quick movement

The boys were flicking each other with towels.

3flick noun, pl flicks [count]

informal : movie
the new action flick
a skin flick [=a movie featuring nude people]

(Brit) go to the flicks [=go to a movie theater; (US) go to the movies]

compare 1FLICK

1flick·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

1 : to burn or glow in an unsteady way : to produce an unsteady light

A TV was flickering in the background.

The overhead light kept flickering off and on.

a flickering candle/flame

2 : to appear or pass briefly or quickly

Thoughts flickered through his mind.

A smile flickered across her face.

2flicker noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a quick and unsteady movement of light
the flicker of candlelight

2 : a sudden quick movement
the flicker of an eyelash

3 : a very small amount of something : a slight hint or suggestion of something (such as an emotion or quality)

a flicker of interest

His writing doesn't show the faintest flicker of imagination or originality.

There was a faint flicker of a smile on her face.

a flicker of recognition/hope

flick-knife noun, pl -knives [count]

Brit : switchblade

fli·er or fly·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person or animal that flies

These birds are graceful fliers.

Charles Lindbergh was the first flier [=pilot] to fly solo across the Atlantic.

a fearful/nervous flier [=airplane passenger]

a frequent flier [=a person who flies often on a particular airline]

The usual spelling of this sense in U.S. English is flier. The usual British spelling is flyer.

2 usually flyer : a piece of paper that has something printed on it (such as an advertisement or an announcement) and that is given to many people

They distributed flyers announcing the concert throughout the city.

take a flier

US informal : to do something that could have either good or bad results : to do something risky

He took a flier in politics soon after getting his degree.

often + on

Investors have been unwilling to take a flier on [=to invest money in] such a small and unproven company.

flight noun, pl flights

1 [noncount]

1 a : the act of flying : the act of moving through the air by the use of wings
the flight of a bee
a bird in flight [=a bird that is flying]

1 b : the act of moving through the air or through outer space
the flight of a bullet/baseball
the flight of a rocket to the moon

2 [count, noncount] : the act of running away in order to escape from danger
the flight of refugees

3 [count]

3 a : a journey on an airplane
an overnight flight
a transatlantic flight
a direct/nonstop flight

3 b : the airplane that is making a journey

Our flight leaves at noon.

They boarded Flight 101.

4 [count] : a group of similar birds, airplanes, etc., that are flying through the air together
a flight of geese

5 [count] : a series of stairs going from one level or floor to another

Her apartment is five flights up.

He fell down a flight of stairs.

flight of fancy also flight of imagination/fantasy

: an idea, story, etc., that shows great imagination but is very unlikely to be true or practical

The book is filled with flights of fancy about the future of the computer industry.

put (someone) to flight
formal + old-fashioned : to cause (someone) to leave or run away

The rebels were put to flight by the advancing army.

take flight

1 : to leave or run away from danger

Fearing arrest, they took flight and hid in the mountains.

2 US : to begin flying

The bird took flight [=took wing] when we tried to approach it.

3 US : to begin a period of rapid activity, development, or growth

The idea really took flight [=took off] and soon it seemed everyone was copying it.

flight attendant noun, pl -dants [count]

: a person whose job is to help passengers who are traveling in an airplane compare STEWARD, STEWARDESS

flight deck noun, pl decks [count]

1 : the top deck of an aircraft carrier

2 : the area where the pilots sit in a large airplane

The captain spoke to the passengers from the flight deck. [=cockpit]

flight·less adj

: unable to fly
flightless birds

flight lieutenant noun, pl -nants [count]

: an officer in the British Air Force

flight path noun, pl paths [count]

: the route that an airplane, spaceship, etc., travels along through the air or space

No other planes were on their flight path.

a missile's flight path

flight plan noun, pl plans [count]

: a written statement that tells when and where an aircraft will fly

The pilot filed a flight plan before taking off.

flight recorder noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device on an aircraft that records information (such as airspeed and altitude) about a flight

If an aircraft crashes, its flight recorder can be used to help find out what caused it to crash.

called also flight data recorder

flighty adj, flight·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : not serious or dependable : likely to forget things or to change opinions, plans, etc., without reason
an actress who specializes in playing silly, flighty women

2 : easily excited or frightened
flighty [=skittish] racehorses
flighty investors

flight·i·ness noun [noncount]

1flim·flam noun [noncount]

informal

1 : dishonest behavior meant to take money or property from someone
usually used before another noun

He lost all his money to a flimflam artist/man. [=a criminal who steals money from people by tricking them; a con man]

2 : foolish or deceptive words : nonsense

The report is just a lot of corporate flimflam.

2flimflam verb, -flams, -flammed, -flamm·ing [+ obj]

informal : to trick (someone) in order to steal money

Investors now realize that they have been flimflammed. [=conned]

flim·sy adj, flim·si·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : easily broken, torn, etc. : not strong or solid
a flimsy building
flimsy construction
a flimsy piece of material

2 : not likely to be true or to be believed
a flimsy [=weak] excuse

They have only the flimsiest of evidence against him.

a movie with a flimsy plot

flim·si·ly adv [more ; most ]

flimsily [=weakly] constructed

flim·si·ness noun [noncount]

flinch verb, flinch·es, flinched, flinch·ing [no obj]

1 : to move suddenly because you are afraid of being hit or hurt

He flinched when I tapped him on the shoulder.

2 : to show fear : to hesitate from doing something unpleasant or dangerous

She met danger without flinching.

The bill was much higher than expected, but he paid it without flinching.

often + at or from

He didn't flinch at paying the bill.

She never flinched from danger.

flinch noun [singular]

She met danger without a flinch.

1fling verb, flings, flung , fling·ing [+ obj]

1 : to throw or push (something) in a sudden and forceful way

He flung his shoe across the room.

She flung the door open and stormed into the room.

fling open a window

They flung their hats into the air.

often used figuratively

They were flinging abuse at each other. [=they were angrily shouting insults at each other]

They flung him into prison. [=put him in prison]

The crowd was flung into confusion. [=the crowd suddenly became very confused]

2 : to forcefully move (yourself or a part of your body) in a specified way

She flung herself into his arms.

He flung his arms around her.

I flung back my head and laughed.

He leaned back and flung his leg over the arm of the chair.

She flung herself onto the couch.

fling caution to the wind see 1CAUTION

fling yourself into

: to begin doing or working on (something) with great energy and enthusiasm

He flung himself into (composing/performing) his music.

2fling noun, pl flings [count]

1 : a brief sexual relationship

She had a fling with her boss.

2 : a short period of time spent doing enjoyable and exciting things

They had time for one last fling before going back to school.

give (something) a fling or have a fling at (something)

: to try something without being very serious about it or without worrying about whether or not you will succeed

He had always thought about starting his own business, and he decided to give it a fling.

He had a brief fling at starting his own business.

flint noun, pl flints

1 a [noncount] : a hard type of rock that produces a small piece of burning material (called a spark) when it is hit by steel

1 b [count] : a piece of flint

2 [count] : a piece of metal used for producing a spark
the flint in a cigarette lighter

flinty adj, flint·i·er, -est

: not soft or gentle in manner or appearance : having a very serious quality or manner
a flinty and determined hero
flinty determination
flinty eyes
a flinty-eyed bureaucrat

flint·i·ness noun [noncount]

1flip verb, flips, flipped, flip·ping

1 [+ obj] : to turn (something) over by throwing it up in the air with a quick movement
flip a coin

2 : to cause (something) to turn or turn over quickly

[+ obj] She was sitting in the waiting room, flipping the pages of a magazine.

He flipped his car (over) on the interstate.

They flipped the turtle (over) onto its back.

flip a pancake

(informal) He got a job flipping burgers. [=working as a cook in a fast-food restaurant]

[no obj] His car flipped over on the interstate.

She was sitting in the waiting room, flipping [=leafing] through magazines.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to move (something) with a quick light movement : flick
flip a switch

3 b : to turn (something) on or off with a switch
flip on the radio/TV

4 [+ obj] : to throw (something) with a quick movement

Flip me the ball. = Flip the ball to me.

5 [no obj] informal : to become very excited or angry

You'll flip when you hear this!

Take the trash out before your father flips.

see also FLIP OUT ((BELOW))

6 : to change or move through (channels, stations, etc.) quickly

[+ obj] He flipped the channel back to the golf tournament.

I spent the afternoon flipping channels.

[no obj] He kept flipping [=switching] to another channel.

flip open [phrasal verb]

flip open or flip open (something) or flip (something) open : to open or to cause (something) to open with a quick movement

Her notebook flipped open.

She flipped open her notebook.

flip out [phrasal verb]

informal : to become crazy or very excited or angry

I flipped out when I saw how they had changed my work.

She's going to flip out when she sees the great present I got her.

see also 1FLIP 5 (ABOVE)

flip someone off or flip someone the bird

US slang : to make an offensive gesture at someone by pointing the middle finger upward while keeping the other fingers folded down
angry drivers flipping each other the bird [=giving each other the bird/finger]

flip your lid also chiefly US flip your wig
informal : to become crazy or very angry

His mother flipped her lid when she saw what a mess he'd made.

2flip noun, pl flips [count]

1 : the act of flipping something : a quick turn, toss, or movement
the flip of a coin

She turned on the lights with the flip of a switch.

2 : an athletic movement in which someone jumps in the air and rolls forward or backward : a somersault in the air
a back flip

3flip adj, flip·per, flip·pest [or more ; most ]

informal : not serious : flippant
a flip answer/attitude

flip chart noun, pl charts [count]

: a chart that consists of a series of large pieces of paper which are attached at the top and which are used to present information to an audience by turning over one piece of paper at a time

1flip-flop noun, pl -flops [count]

1 : a type of loose rubber sandal

She wore flip-flops to the beach.

2 chiefly US, informal : a sudden change of opinion
a politician accused of doing flip-flops on important social issues

2flip-flop verb, -flops, -flopped, -flop·ping [no obj]

chiefly US informal : to suddenly or frequently change your opinion
a politician accused of flip-flopping on social issues

flip·pant adj [more ; most ]

: lacking proper respect or seriousness

He made/gave a flippant response to a serious question.

flip·pan·cy noun [noncount]

Many people were offended by the flippancy of his responses.

flip·pant·ly adv

He responded flippantly.

flip·per noun, pl -pers [count]

1 : one of two flat body parts that stick out from the side of a seal, whale, etc., and are used by the animal for swimming

2 : a flat rubber shoe that has a very wide front and that is used for swimming

flip side noun, pl sides [count]

1 : the side of a record that has a song which is not as popular and well known as the one on the other side

That song was on the flip side of their first single.

2 : the bad or unpleasant part or result of something

Loss of privacy is the flip side of fame.

the flip side of the coin see 1COIN

1flirt verb, flirts, flirt·ed, flirt·ing [no obj]

1 : to behave in a way that shows a sexual attraction for someone but is not meant to be taken seriously

He likes to flirt.

They were flirting all night.

usually + with

He flirts with every attractive woman he meets.

He was flirting with her.

They were flirting with each other.

2 : to think about something or become involved in something in a way that is usually not very serious

+ with

She's been flirting [=toying] with the idea of going back to school.

He flirted with communism when he was young.

3 : to come close to reaching or experiencing something

+ with

The temperature flirted with [=approached] 100 yesterday.

They were flirting with [=risking] death/disaster.

The company has been flirting with bankruptcy. [=the company has been close to going bankrupt]

flir·ta·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

They had a brief flirtation.

often + with

He had a casual flirtation with her.

his youthful flirtation with communism

2flirt noun, pl flirts [count]

: a person who enjoys flirting with other people : a flirtatious person

He admits that he's a terrible flirt. [=that he flirts a lot]

flir·ta·tious adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing a sexual attraction for someone that is usually not meant to be taken seriously
feeling flirtatious
a flirtatious smile
a flirtatious mood

flir·ta·tious·ly adv
smiling flirtatiously

flir·ta·tious·ness noun [noncount]

the flirtatiousness of her smile

1flit verb, flits, flit·ted, flit·ting [no obj]

: to move or fly quickly from one place or thing to another
butterflies flitting around the garden

The hummingbird flitted from flower to flower.

She was always flitting around the kitchen.

writers who flit [=bounce] from topic to topic

2flit noun

do a moonlight flit see 1MOONLIGHT

1float verb, floats, float·ed, float·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to rest on top of a liquid

She was floating on her back.

ice floating in the river

Will this material sink or float?

1 b : to be carried along by moving water or air

The raft floated downstream.

dust floating through the air

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to cause (something) to rest on top of a liquid : to cause (something) to float

The incoming tide will eventually float the ship off the reef.

2 b : to cause or allow (something) to be carried or moved by moving water

They floated the logs down the river.

3 [no obj] : to move or go in a gentle, graceful, or quiet way

She floated gracefully across the stage.

His voice floated to the back of the room.

sometimes used figuratively

She floated off to sleep.

4 [no obj] : to live without having any serious purpose or goal

He floated through life without ever settling down.

5 [+ obj] : to suggest (an idea, plan, etc.) for acceptance

Someone floated this idea for a new book.

6 [+ obj] US : to make arrangements for (a loan)

They may have to float a loan to raise the money for renovations.

Could you float me a loan? [=could you lend money to me?]

7 [+ obj] finance : to sell (shares in a company) in the market

The company has announced plans to raise capital by floating a new issue of securities next month.

8 of a government : to allow the value of a currency when it is exchanged for other types of currency to change freely

[+ obj] float a currency

[no obj] allow a currency to float

floating on air see 1AIR

2float noun, pl floats [count]

1 : something that floats: such as

1 a : a light object that is attached to a fishing line

1 b : a floating platform near a shore for use by swimmers or boats

1 c : a structure that holds up an airplane on water

2 : a vehicle with a platform used to carry an exhibit in a parade

We are building a float for the homecoming parade.

3 US : a soft drink with ice cream floating in it
a root beer float

4 Brit : an amount of money that is kept available for making change in a shop
see also MILK FLOAT

floating adj

1 : continually moving or changing position
the floating population

2 : having no fixed value or rate
floating currencies
floating interest rates

3 Brit : not associated with a particular political party : not certain to vote for a particular candidate or party in an election
floating voters

1flock noun, pl flocks [count]

1 : a group of birds or animals (such as sheep)

a flock of birds/sheep

2 : a large number of people
a flock of tourists

3 : the members of a church
a priest caring for his flock

2flock verb, flocks, flocked, flock·ing [no obj]

: to gather or move in a crowd

Thousands of people flocked to the beach each weekend.

birds of a feather flock together see 1FEATHER

floe noun, pl floes [count]

: a sheet or mass of floating ice : ice floe

flog verb, flogs, flogged, flog·ging [+ obj]

: to beat or whip (someone) severely

The sailors were flogged for attempting a mutiny.

sometimes used figuratively

He is being flogged [=harshly criticized] in the press for his failure to take action.

flog a dead horse see 1HORSE

flogging noun, pl -gings [noncount]

Flogging was a common form of punishment in those days.

[count]

They gave him a good flogging. [=they beat/whipped him severely]

1flood noun, pl floods

1 [count] : a large amount of water covering an area of land that is usually dry

A flood inundated the whole area.

the devastating flood of 1936

The water has risen to flood level.

2 the Flood : a flood described in the Bible as covering the earth in the time of Noah

3 [singular] : a large amount of things that come or happen at the same time

We've received a flood of mail.

a flood of phone calls
a flood of criticism
a flood of tears

Seeing her again brought back a flood of memories.

in flood

A river that is in flood has so much water in it that it may flow over its banks and flood the land next to it.

After a week of rain, the river is in (full) flood.

The phrase in full flood is sometimes used figuratively to describe the time when something is most active, successful, etc.

a political movement that was in full flood in the 1980s

2flood verb, floods, flood·ed, flood·ing

1 a : to cover (land) with a flood

[+ obj] Heavy rains flooded the valley.

[no obj] The rivers are close to flooding.

1 b [no obj] : to become filled or covered by a flood

The valley flooded after the heavy rains.

The plain floods every spring.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to fill (something) completely

Light flooded the room.

The room was flooded with light.

2 b : to cause (something) to receive or take in a large amount of things at the same time

The company plans to flood the market with this product.

The office has been flooded with phone calls.

3 [no obj] : to go or come in large numbers or as a large amount

The phone calls have been flooding in.

Refugees flooded into the camp.

Light flooded into the room.

Memories came flooding into my mind.

4 : to cause too much fuel to go into (an engine)

[+ obj] He wasn't able to start the car because he had flooded the engine.

[no obj] The car's engine flooded.

flood·gate noun, pl -gates [count]

: a gate for controlling the flow of water from a lake, river, reservoir, etc.

often used figuratively

Many people fear that the court's latest ruling will open the floodgates for/to a host of new lawsuits. [=will cause/allow a large number of new lawsuits]

Once the floodgates have opened, there will be no way to stop all the lawsuits.

flood·light noun, pl -lights [count]

: a light that shines brightly over a wide area

The yard was lit by floodlights.

sometimes used figuratively

The company has been exposed to the floodlight of publicity.

flood·lit adj
a floodlit stadium

flood·plain noun, pl -plains [count]

1 : an area of low, flat land along a stream or river that may flood

2 : an area of land built up from soil left by floods

flood tide noun, pl tides [count]

1 : a rising tide

2 : a very large amount of something

The company has been subjected to a flood tide [=flood] of criticism for its hiring policies.

flood·wa·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: the water of a flood
usually plural

The floodwaters have at last started to recede.

1floor noun, pl floors

1 [count] : the part of a room on which you stand

Keep your feet on the floor.

washing the kitchen floor
a marble/tile/hardwood floor

2 [count]

2 a : the lower inside surface of something (such as a vehicle)

the floor of a car

2 b : the area of ground at the bottom of something
usually singular
the ocean floor
the forest floor

3 [count] : a level in a building

She lives on the second floor of a five-story building.

His office is located on the fourth floor.

see also FIRST FLOOR, GROUND FLOOR

4 [count] : a large indoor space where people gather for some activity
usually singular
the floor of the convention/legislature
the factory floor
the dance floor
buying and selling shares on the floor of the exchange

5 [singular] : the people who are gathered in a place for a public meeting

He will now take questions from the floor.

6 [count] : a lower limit
usually singular
establishing a floor for wages and prices

The value of the stock has dropped/gone/fallen through the floor. [=to a very low level]

opposite CEILING

have the floor

: to have the right to speak at a public meeting

May I have the floor?

hold the floor

: to be the person who is speaking at a public meeting

The senator held the floor for several hours.

on the cutting-room floor see CUTTING ROOM

take the floor

1 : to begin speaking at a public meeting

After Senator Smith was finished addressing the assembly, Senator White took the floor.

2 : to go out onto a dance floor to begin dancing

Several couples took the floor.

wipe the floor with see 1WIPE

2floor verb, floors, floored, floor·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cover (a surface) with material to make a floor
usually used as (be) floored

The lobby is floored with marble.

2 a : to knock (someone) to the floor or ground

He floored me with his first punch.

2 b informal : to surprise, shock or amaze (someone) very much

The news just floored me.

often used as (be) floored

I was floored by the news.

She was floored by his knowledge of the subject.

3 US, informal : to press (the accelerator of a vehicle) to the floor
usually used in the phrase floor it

When the light turned green, he floored it. [=he pressed the accelerator all the way down and sped away]

floor·board noun, pl -boards [count]

1 : a board in a floor
usually plural
creaky floorboards
wide pine floorboards

2 US : the floor of a vehicle

floor·ing noun [noncount]

: material used for floors
marble/tile/hardwood flooring

floor lamp noun, pl lamps [count]

: a tall lamp that stands on the floor called also (Brit) standard lamp

floor-length adj

: reaching to the floor
a floor-length gown/mirror

floor plan noun, pl plans [count]

: a plan that shows the position of the rooms in a building

Before construction began, we adjusted the building's floor plan to take advantage of the view.

a house with an unusual floor plan
called also ground plan

floor show noun, pl shows [count]

: a series of acts by performers in a nightclub

floo·zy or floo·zie noun, pl -zies [count]

informal + old-fashioned : a usually young woman whose behavior is not morally correct or proper
chasing some floozy around

Floozy is an insulting word. In U.S. English, floozy is the more common spelling; in British English, floozie is more common.

1flop verb, flops, flopped, flop·ping [no obj]

1 : to fall, lie, or sit down in a sudden, awkward, or relaxed way

He flopped down onto the bed.

She flopped into the chair with a sigh.

2 informal : to fail completely

The play flopped. [=(US) bombed]

All of their attempts have flopped miserably.

3 : to swing or move in a loose, awkward, or uncontrolled way

The curtains were flopping around in the breeze.

see also FLIP-FLOP

2flop noun, pl flops [count]

1 informal : a complete failure

The movie was a total flop.

2 : the sound made when someone or something suddenly falls, lies, or sits down

It fell to the ground with a flop.

see also BELLY FLOP

flop·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

chiefly US informal : a very inexpensive hotel for poor people who do not have anywhere else to live
a crowded flophouse
called also (chiefly Brit) doss-house

1flop·py adj, flop·pi·er, -est

: soft and flexible
a floppy hat

2floppy noun, pl -pies [count]

: floppy disk

floppy disk noun, pl disks [count]

: a small, thin, square case with a flexible disk inside on which data for a computer can be stored compare HARD DISK

flo·ra noun, pl -ras
biology : all the plants that live in a particular area, time, period, or environment

[noncount] an amazing variety of coastal flora
aquatic flora

[count] the floras of different coastal regions
compare FAUNA

flo·ral adj [more ; most ]

: of or relating to flowers
a floral display/design [=a display/design that has pictures of flowers]

a floral pattern in wallpaper

The wine has a floral aroma.

a floral arrangement

floral noun, pl -rals [count]

Her most famous paintings are her florals. [=paintings in which flowers are the main subject]

flo·ret noun, pl -rets [count]

: a group of flower buds that are part of a vegetable
broccoli/cauliflower florets

flor·id adj [more ; most ]

1 : very fancy or too fancy
florid writing

2 : having a red or reddish color
a florid [=ruddy] complexion
a florid face

flor·id·ly adv
floridly written

flo·rist noun, pl -rists [count]

: a person whose job or business is to sell flowers and plants

1floss noun [noncount]

1 : dental floss

2 : soft silk or cotton thread used for sewing

2floss verb, floss·es, flossed, floss·ing

: to use dental floss to clean your teeth

[no obj] My dentist told me I should floss more often.

[+ obj] floss your teeth

flo·ta·tion noun [noncount]

: the act, process, or state of floating or of causing or allowing something to float
fills the tanks with air for flotation
the flotation of a currency

(Brit) the flotation of a company [=the act or process of selling shares in a company to the public]

a (personal) flotation device [=a life preserver]

flo·til·la noun, pl -las [count]

: a group of small ships

flot·sam noun [noncount]

: floating pieces, parts, etc., from a ship that has been wrecked
flotsam washed up on the shore
often used figuratively
bits of flotsam gathered from yard sales
human flotsam [=people who have no home or who have been forced to leave their homes]

often used in the phrase flotsam and jetsam

He spends a lot of time sorting through the flotsam and jetsam that come(s) across his desk each day.

compare JETSAM

1flounce verb, flounc·es, flounced, flounc·ing [no obj]

1 : to move with exaggerated motions
an actress flouncing around on the stage
a flouncing walk

2 chiefly Brit : to walk or move quickly in a way that shows anger or annoyance

He flounced out of the room and slammed the door behind him.

2flounce noun, pl flounces [count]

chiefly Brit : a quick way of walking or moving that shows anger or annoyance
usually singular
leave the room with a flounce

compare 3FLOUNCE

3flounce noun, pl flounces [count]

: a strip of cloth that is attached to a piece of clothing by one edge
compare 2FLOUNCE

flounced adj
flounced blouses
a flounced skirt

flouncy adj, flounc·i·er, -est
a flouncy skirt

1floun·der noun, pl flounder or floun·ders [count]

: a type of fish that has a flat body and that is eaten as food

2flounder verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [no obj]

1 : to move in an awkward way with a lot of difficulty and effort : struggle

The horses were floundering through the deep snow.

He was floundering around in the pool like an amateur.

2 a : to be unsure about what to do or say

After watching me flounder for a few minutes, my instructor took over.

2 b : to have a lot of problems and difficulties

The team has been floundering [=struggling] since the start of the season.

1flour noun, pl flours

: powder made from a grain (especially wheat) that is used in cooking for making bread, cakes, etc.

[noncount] a five-pound bag of flour

[count] mix the two flours together

flour·less adj
a flourless cake

2flour verb, flours, floured, flour·ing [+ obj]

: to cover (something) with flour
a floured board

The fish should be lightly floured before it's fried.

1flour·ish verb, -ish·es, -ished, -ish·ing

1 [no obj] : to grow well : to be healthy
plants and animals that flourished here thousands of years ago

2 [no obj] : to be very successful : to do very well

Regional markets have flourished in recent years.

a decorative style that flourished in the 1920s
a flourishing business

3 [+ obj] : to hold up and show (something) in an excited or proud way

Dressed as a pirate, he entered the stage flourishing his sword.

2flourish noun, pl -ishes [count]

1 : something that is added as a detail or decoration
the floral flourishes in the living room
a house with many clever little flourishes

Her writing style is simple and clear, without unnecessary flourishes.

2 a : a dramatic or fancy way of doing something

Dinner was served with a flourish.

2 b : a sudden smooth movement that is likely to be noticed

He waved his sword with a flourish.

She opened the door with a flourish.

With a flourish of her pen, she signed the bill into law.

3 : a short and exciting piece of music played by trumpets : fanfare
a flourish of trumpets

floury adj [more ; most ]

1 : of or resembling flour
a floury coating

2 : covered with flour

He wiped his floury hands on his pants.

flout verb, flouts, flout·ed, flout·ing [+ obj]

: to break or ignore (a law, rule, etc.) without hiding what you are doing or showing fear or shame

Despite repeated warnings, they have continued to flout the law.

flouting authority
flouting convention
compare FLAUNT

1flow verb, flows, flowed, flow·ing [no obj]

1 of liquid, gas, or electricity : to move in a steady and continuous way
rivers flowing into the sea
a gently flowing [=running] stream

She opened the faucet and the water began to flow freely.

a device that measures the amount of electricity flowing through a circuit
often used figuratively

Excitement was flowing through the crowd.

2 a : to move in a continuous and smooth way

Traffic has been flowing smoothly/steadily from east to west.

The grain flowed smoothly down the elevator chute.

2 b : to move, come, or go continuously in one direction

Requests have flowed into the office.

Money has continued to flow in.

3 a : to proceed in a smooth and easy way

Conversation flowed freely.

3 b of a drink : to be drunk freely

The wine flowed freely throughout the evening. [=people drank wine throughout the evening]

4 : to hang down in a loose and graceful way

Her long hair flowed down over her shoulders.

5 : to be caused or produced by something : to come from something
the wealth that flows from trade

6 of a tide : to move in toward the land : rise

The tide ebbs and flows twice every 24 hours.

flowing adj
a long, flowing dress
her flowing hair

2flow noun, pl flows

1 [singular] : an act of flowing
a sudden flow of tears

: the movement of something that is flowing
a steady/smooth flow of traffic

The doctor was trying to stop/staunch the flow of blood.

We want to encourage the free flow of ideas.

the westward flow of settlers

We've been receiving a constant flow of phone calls.

2 [count] : a large area of mud or some other material that is flowing or that was formed by flowing
a mud flow
an ancient lava flow [=an area of rock that was created by flowing lava]

3 [noncount] : the amount of something that flows in a certain time
measuring blood flow to the brain
see also CASH FLOW

ebb and flow see 1EBB

go against the flow

: to do things that do not agree with what most other people are doing

She has her own way of thinking and she's not afraid to go against the flow.

go with the flow

: to relax and accept what is happening without trying to change things or do something different or difficult

When I'm on vacation, I just like to take it easy and go with the flow.

in full flow
chiefly Brit

1
used to describe someone who is talking continuously in a very enthusiastic way

He can talk for hours when he's in full flow.

2
used to describe the time when something is most active, successful, etc.

When we arrived the party was already in full flow.

flow chart noun, pl charts [count]

: a chart that shows each step of a process using special symbols that are connected by lines

1flow·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count]

1 a : the part of a plant that is often brightly colored, that usually lasts a short time, and from which the seed or fruit develops

The plant is known for its large white flowers. [=blossoms]

The tree came into flower early this year. [=the flowers on the tree bloomed early this year]

The bushes should be in flower soon. [=the flowers should be blooming soon]

These plants are very fragrant when they are in (full) flower.

sometimes used figuratively.

His interest in history came into flower [=developed] while he was just a boy.

She entered the movement after it was in full flower. [=after it was fully developed]

1 b : a small plant that is grown for its beautiful flowers

We planted flowers in the garden.

Flowers line the walkway.

a flower garden

1 c : a cut stem of a plant with its flower

He sent her a bouquet of flowers.

He wore a single flower in his lapel.

2 [singular] literary : the best part of something
used in the phrase the flower of

The flower of a generation was lost in that war. [=the best members of a generation died in that war]

He wrote his best works while in the flower of his youth. [=when he was young]

2flower verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

1 : to produce flowers : bloom, blossom

This tree flowers in early spring.

The plant will flower every other year.

2 : to develop or grow in a successful way

His genius flowered at the university.

a political movement that began to flower during the 1960s

flower bed noun, pl beds [count]

: an area where flowers are planted

flower child noun, pl children [count]

: a young person in the 1960s and 1970s who rejected the traditional values of society : hippie

flow·ered adj

: decorated with flowers or with pictures of flowers
flowered silk
flowered wallpaper
a flowered dress

flower girl noun, pl girls [count]

US : a young girl who carries flowers at a wedding

1flowering adj

: having or producing many flowers
a flowering branch
flowering plants/shrubs/trees

2flowering noun [singular]

: the development of something

We witnessed the gradual flowering of his talent. [=we saw his talent gradually develop]

a period that saw the flowering of the civil rights movement

flow·er·pot noun, pl -pots [count]

: a container (such as a clay or plastic pot) in which plants are grown

flower power noun [noncount]

: the belief that war is wrong and that people should love each other and lead peaceful lives used especially to refer to the beliefs and culture of young people (called hippies) in the 1960s and 1970s

flow·ery adj, flow·er·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 a : filled with flowers
flowery fields

1 b : decorated with pictures of flowers

We put two flowery prints in the dining room.

a flowery dress

1 c : smelling like a flower : having a sweet smell like a flower
flowery perfume/wine

2 of language : very fancy or too fancy or elaborate

He gave a long, flowery speech.

flowery prose

flown past participle of 1FLY

fl. oz. abbr
fluid ounce; fluid ounces

flu noun [noncount]

: a common disease that is caused by a virus and that causes fever, weakness, body aches, and breathing problems : influenza

He came down with a bad bout/attack/case of the flu.

catch/get the flu

She has the flu. = (Brit) She has flu.

often used before another noun
the flu season
a flu shot
a flu epidemic

flub verb, flubs, flubbed, flub·bing [+ obj]

US informal : to fail to do (something) correctly : botch

The ball went right to him but he flubbed the catch.

The actress flubbed several lines.

flub noun, pl flubs [count]

a politician known for his verbal flubs [=mistakes, blunders]

fluc·tu·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [no obj]

: to change level, strength, or value frequently

Oil prices fluctuated [=became higher, lower, etc.] throughout the year.

fluctuating prices

His popularity has fluctuated during his term in office.

In the desert, the temperature fluctuates dramatically.

fluc·tu·a·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected.

[noncount]

He reported some fluctuation in/of real estate values.

flue noun, pl flues [count]

: a channel or pipe in a chimney for carrying flame and smoke to the outer air

flu·en·cy noun [noncount]

1 : the ability to speak easily and smoothly

She speaks with great fluency.

especially : the ability to speak a foreign language easily and effectively

Students must demonstrate fluency in a foreign language to earn a degree.

2 : the ability to do something in a way that seems very easy
a dancer known for her fluency and grace

He plays the piano with speed and fluency.

flu·ent adj [more ; most ]

1 a : able to speak a language easily and very well
a fluent speaker
a fluent speaker of Chinese
often + in

He is fluent in Chinese.

1 b

Language that is fluent is language that is spoken easily and very well.

She speaks fluent Spanish and a little French.

2 : done in a smooth and easy way

We admired their fluent [=fluid] movement across the dance floor.

a fluent performance

flu·ent·ly adv

He speaks seven languages fluently.

1fluff noun [noncount]

1 : something light and soft: such as

1 a : small balls or pieces of thread, fiber, or dust

Her sweater was covered with fluff.

1 b : soft fur or feathers

2 chiefly US, informal : something that has little importance or interest

The movie was pure fluff.

Her latest article has the usual fluff about movie stars and gossip.

2fluff verb, fluffs, fluffed, fluff·ing [+ obj]

1 : to shake or move (something, such as a pillow) so that it is fuller, lighter, or softer

Would you like me to fluff (up) your pillows?

The wind fluffed his hair.

The bird spread its wings and fluffed (up) its feathers.

2 informal : to do (something) badly : flub

The golfer fluffed another shot.

The actor kept fluffing the same line.

fluffy adj, fluff·i·er, -est

1 : covered with soft material
the fluffy fur of a kitten
fluffy young chicks
a fluffy wool blanket

2 : light and soft or airy

Beat the egg whites until they are fluffy.

furniture with big fluffy cushions
a favorite fluffy sweater

: having a light and soft appearance
a fluffy white cloud

1flu·id adj [more ; most ]

1 : capable of flowing freely like water
fluid lava
a substance in a fluid state

2
used to describe something that can change easily or that changes often

Boundaries between the farms were very fluid.

a fluid situation

3 : having or showing a smooth and easy style : graceful
a dancer's fluid movements
the sculpture's fluid lines

flu·id·i·ty noun [noncount]

The extreme fluidity of the situation has made it impossible to predict the outcome.

She plays the violin with great fluidity.

flu·id·ly adv
moving fluidly

2fluid noun, pl -ids

: a substance that is able to flow freely : a liquid substance

[count] Please check the fluids in the car's engine.

She needs to drink plenty of fluids.

[noncount] Fluid leaked from the car's engine.

a bottle of yellow fluid

fluid ounce noun, pl ounces [count]

1 US : a unit of liquid measurement equal to 1/16 of a U.S. pint or about 29.6 milliliters

2 Brit : a unit of liquid measurement equal to 1/20 of a British pint or about 28.4 milliliters

fluke noun, pl flukes [count]

informal : something that happens because of luck : an unexpected or unusual thing that happens by accident

Her second championship shows that the first one was no mere fluke.

By some strange fluke we ended up working for the same company.

flung past tense and past participle of 1FLING

flunk verb, flunks, flunked, flunk·ing

US informal

1 : to get a failing grade in (something, such as an examination or course) : fail

[+ obj] If I flunk this class, I have to take it over again.

flunk a test

[no obj] If I flunk, I have to take this class over again.

2 [+ obj] : to give a failing grade to (someone) : fail

The teacher had to flunk two students.

flunk out [phrasal verb]

US informal : to be required to leave a school because you have failed your courses

He tried going to college, but he flunked out after one year.

often + of

He flunked out of college.

flun·ky or flun·key noun, pl -kies or -keys [count]

informal + disapproving : a person who does small jobs for someone powerful or important

If he can't go himself, he'll send one of his flunkies.

flu·o·res·cent adj

1 : producing light when electricity flows through a tube that is filled with a type of gas
a fluorescent light/lamp

2 : very bright
fluorescent colors/clothing
fluorescent tape/paint

flu·o·res·cence noun [noncount]

flu·o·ri·date verb, -dates, -dat·ed, -dat·ing

: to add fluoride to (water or toothpaste)

often used as (be) fluoridated

The drinking water here is fluoridated.

fluoridated toothpaste

flu·o·ri·da·tion noun [noncount]

flu·o·ride noun [noncount]

: a chemical that is sometimes added to drinking water and toothpaste to help keep teeth healthy

flur·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : a brief and light snowfall

We had a few flurries yesterday.

a snow flurry

2 a : a brief period of excitement or activity

+ of

There was a flurry of trading in the stock exchange.

The incident could create a flurry of interest in safety issues.

2 b : a large amount of something that happens or comes suddenly

+ of
a flurry [=barrage] of publicity

There was a flurry of requests for more information.

1flush noun, pl flush·es [count]

1 : redness on a person's face because of emotion, heat, etc.

A flush spread over her face at the mention of his name.

see also HOT FLUSH

2 : the act of cleaning a toilet with a flow of water : the act of flushing a toilet

We could hear the flush of a toilet somewhere in the building.

give the toilet a flush

3 : a sudden feeling or strong emotion

+ of
a flush of grief/pleasure

He felt a flush of pride in his son's victory.

in the (first) flush of

: in the early and exciting time of (something)

She published her first novel while still in the flush of youth. [=while still young]

Everyone felt hopeful in the first flush of victory.

compare 6FLUSH

2flush verb, flushes, flushed, flush·ing

1 : to cause a strong flow of water to clean (a toilet)

[+ obj] flush the toilet

[no obj] The toilet flushes automatically.

If you flush something down the toilet you get rid of it by putting it in the toilet bowl and flushing the toilet.

Police suspect that the drugs were flushed down the toilet.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to clean (something) with a flow of water or some other liquid

Flush the wound immediately with water.

The doctor flushed her eye with a special solution.

often + out

He flushed out the car's radiator.

flush out the system

2 b : to remove (something) with a flow of liquid

They flushed impurities from the system. = They flushed impurities out of the system.

He used a hose to flush the leaves from the gutters.

3 [no obj] : to become red in the face because of heat, emotion, etc.

She flushed with anger/embarrassment.

Her face flushed at the mention of his name.

compare 3FLUSH

3flush verb, flushes, flushed, flushing [+ obj]

: to cause or force (someone or something) to leave a hiding place

The police flushed the suspects from the building.

usually + out

The police flushed out the suspects.

The birds were flushed out of the tree.

sometimes used figuratively

The committee succeeded in flushing out [=finding] several good candidates.

The agency flushed out a surprising number of tax evaders.

compare 2FLUSH

4flush adj, not used before a noun

1 : even or level with another surface

The paneling and the wall should be flush (with each other).

2 informal : having a large amount of money

He just got paid and he was feeling flush.

often + with

Right now the town is flush with money. [=the town has more money than usual]

5flush adv

1 : in order to be level or even with another surface

+ with

He arranged the books flush with the edge of the shelf.

2 : in a very forceful way : in a way that makes very solid contact

He landed a punch flush [=squarely] on my chin.

She placed her hands flush against the door and pushed with all her might.

He hit the ball flush.

6flush noun, pl flushes [count]

: a set of cards that a player has in a card game (such as poker) that are all of the same suit (such as diamonds)

She won the pot with a flush.

see also ROYAL FLUSH
compare 1FLUSH

flushed adj

: red because of heat or emotion
a flushed face
flushed cheeks

If you are flushed with some emotion, such as pride or excitement, you feel that emotion very strongly.

He was flushed with pride at his daughter's graduation.

If you are flushed with success, you are very happy and excited because you have succeeded in doing something.

Flushed with success after winning the election, she made plans for some dramatic new programs in the coming year.

flus·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

: to make (someone) nervous and confused

[+ obj] The interruption flustered the speaker.

Nothing flusters her.

[no obj] Some speakers fluster more easily than others.

flustered adj [more ; most ]

: upset or nervous

She seemed flustered when he asked about her past.

Don't do anything to get him flustered.

He was too flustered to speak.

flute noun, pl flutes [count]

1 : a musical instrument that is shaped like a thin pipe and that is played by blowing across a hole near one end

2 : a tall, thin glass that is used for drinking champagne

flut·ed adj

: decorated with a series of long, rounded lines that are cut into the surface

The mansion has six fluted columns across the porch.

flut·ing noun [noncount]

columns with fluting

flut·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

US : a flute player : flautist

1flut·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 of a bird or insect

1 a : to move or flap the wings quickly without flying

[+ obj] The bird was fluttering its wings.

[no obj] The bird's wings were fluttering.

1 b [no obj] : to fly lightly with quick beats of the wings

We watched the butterflies fluttering in the garden.

2 : to move with quick, light movements

[no obj] Leaves fluttered to the ground.

The breeze made the curtains flutter.

[+ obj] The breeze fluttered the curtains.

She fluttered her eyelashes at him.

3 [no obj] : to move or behave in a nervous and excited way

She nervously fluttered around the office.

If your heart/stomach flutters, you become very nervous or excited.

Her heart fluttered when she saw the letter in the mail.

Just the mention of his name makes my stomach flutter.

2flutter noun, pl -ters

1 [count] : a quick, light movement

With a flutter of wings, the birds settled into the nest.

The flutter of the flame cast shadows on the ceiling.

2 [singular] : a state of excitement or confusion

He was in a flutter until he found his keys.

The news of her resignation caused quite a flutter.

a flutter of excitement

3 [count] Brit, informal : a small bet
have a flutter on a horse in the second race

4 [noncount] technical : quick changes in the pitch of recorded sound

The stereo is designed to minimize flutter.

flux noun [noncount]

1 : a series of changes : continuous change

Language is in a state of constant flux. = Language is constantly in a state of flux. [=language is changing constantly]

2 technical : a substance used for helping to melt or join metals

1fly verb, flies, flew , flown , fly·ing

1 [no obj] : to move through the air with wings

A bird flew in through the open window.

insects flying over the water

2 [no obj] : to move through the air especially at a high speed

We watched as clouds flew across the sky.

Waves crashed on the rocks and spray flew up into the air.

Bullets were flying in all directions.

He tripped and went flying (through the air).

often used figuratively

Rumors are flying [=there are a lot of rumors] that he'll be announcing his candidacy soon.

Accusations are flying. [=people are making a lot of accusations]

3 a : to control an airplane, helicopter, etc., as it moves through the air : to be the pilot of an aircraft

[+ obj] fly a plane

He flies jets.

[no obj] He learned to fly while he was in the Air Force.

She flies for a major airline.

She's taking flying lessons.

3 b [+ obj] : to journey over (something, such as an ocean) by flying an airplane

Charles Lindbergh was the first person to fly the Atlantic solo.

4 a [no obj] : to travel in an aircraft or spacecraft

They flew to California for vacation.

I'm flying to Canada to visit my family.

He insists on flying first-class.

A doctor flew in from the mainland.

She flew on a shuttle mission last year.

4 b [+ obj] : to travel by flying on (a particular airline)

He always flies the same airline. [=he always flies on the same airline]

4 c [+ obj] : to carry (someone or something) to a place in an aircraft

Supplies were flown to the disaster area.

They fly cargo around the world.

A doctor was flown in from the mainland.

5 a : to show (something, such as a flag) by putting it in a high place

[+ obj] We flew a banner across the entrance.

[no obj] A flag flies in front of the building. = There is a flag flying in front of the building.

see also fly the flag at 1FLAG

5 b [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as a kite) to fly in the air

Children were flying kites in the park.

see also go fly a kite at KITE

6 [no obj] : to move or go quickly

She flew to the window when she heard the car.

The door flew open and he rushed into the room.

I flew up the stairs to answer the phone.

I must fly or I'll be late for my appointment.

That horse really flies.

Cars were flying past us on the highway.

7 [no obj] : to move freely

As she ran, her hair flew in every direction.

8 [no obj] : to pass very quickly

Time flies.

Our vacation flew by before we knew it.

9 [no obj] chiefly US, informal : to be approved or accepted
usually used in negative statements

This plan will never fly.

His budget proposals didn't fly with voters. [=voters didn't like his proposals]

as the crow flies see 1CROW

fly at [phrasal verb]

fly at (someone) : to attack (someone) with sudden violence

He flew at me in a rage.

fly high
informal

1 : to be very happy and excited

She was flying high after her excellent exam results.

2 : to be very successful

After some difficult years, the company is flying high again.

fly in the face of also US fly in the teeth of

: to fail completely to agree with (something) : to oppose or contradict (something) directly

His explanation flies in the face of the evidence. [=his explanation is not supported at all by the evidence]

a theory that flies in the face of logic [=a theory that is not logical at all]

a policy that flies in the face of reason [=a policy that is extremely unreasonable]

fly into [phrasal verb]

fly into (something) : to be overcome by (sudden extreme emotion)

He flew into a rage. [=he suddenly became very angry]

They flew into a panic. [=they suddenly panicked]

fly off the handle
informal : to lose control of your emotions : to become very angry

He tends to fly off the handle when people disagree with him.

fly the coop
informal : to leave suddenly or secretly : to escape or go away

In the morning the suspect had flown the coop.

All their children have flown the coop. [=have moved away from home]

let fly or let fly with
informal : to throw (something) in a forceful way

The quarterback let fly (with) a long pass.

often used figuratively

She let fly (with) a few angry words. [=she shouted a few angry words]

compare 2FLY

2fly verb, flies, flied, fly·ing [no obj]

baseball : to hit a fly ball

The batter flied to left field.

He flied out to left field. [=he made an out by hitting a fly ball that was caught by the left fielder]

compare 1FLY

3fly noun, pl flies [count]

1 : a small insect that has two wings
swat a fly
the buzz of a fly

2 : a hook that is designed to look like an insect and that is used for catching fish
an artificial fly
see also FLY-FISHING

drop like flies also die like flies
informal

If people or animals are dropping/dying like flies, they are dropping or dying very quickly in large numbers.

The heat was so intense that people were dropping like flies. [=many people were fainting from the heat]

Horses and cattle dropped/died like flies during the drought.

These phrases are often used figuratively.

Candidates were dropping like flies during the early part of the campaign.

fly in the ointment

: someone or something that causes problems

We're almost ready to start work. Getting the permit is the only fly in the ointment.

fly on the wall

: someone who secretly watches or listens to other people

I would like to be a fly on the wall during the negotiations. [=I would like to be able to hear what is being said during the negotations]

no flies on
chiefly Brit informal

If there are no flies on you, you are a smart person who is quick to undertand things and not easily fooled.

wouldn't hurt a fly

Someone who wouldn't hurt a fly is too gentle to want to hurt anyone.

He looks big and dangerous, but he wouldn't hurt a fly.

compare 4FLY

4fly noun, pl flies [count]

1 : an opening in a piece of clothing (such as a pair of trousers, shorts, or a skirt) that is hidden by a fold of cloth and that is closed by a zipper or a row of buttons

He zipped/buttoned his fly.

sometimes plural in British English

He zipped his flies.

2 baseball : fly ball

He hit a fly to the left fielder.

on the fly

1 : quickly and often without preparation

You'll have to make decisions on the fly.

2 : through the air : without hitting the ground

The home run went 450 feet on the fly.

3 : while something else is also being done on a computer
software that handles formatting on the fly

compare 3FLY

fly·away adj
of hair : very thin and light : difficult to keep tidy
flyaway hair

fly ball noun, pl balls [count]

baseball : a baseball that is hit high into the air

He hit a long fly ball to left field.

compare GROUND BALL

fly·blown adj
chiefly Brit : in poor and dirty condition
a flyblown old building

: made dirty by flies : not suitable for eating
flyblown food

fly·boy noun, pl -boys [count]

US informal + old-fashioned : a man who is a pilot in the Air Force

fly·by noun, pl -bys [count]

1 US : a usually low flight past a group of people at an air show, during a parade, etc., by an aircraft or group of aircraft called also flyover (Brit) fly-past

2 : a flight of a spacecraft past a planet, moon, etc.

fly-by-night adj, always used before a noun
informal : trying to make money quickly by using dishonest or illegal methods
a fly-by-night insurance company

fly·catch·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a type of bird that catches and eats flying insects

flyer variant spelling of FLIER

fly-fish·ing noun [noncount]

: the activity of catching fish by using artificial flies
do some fly-fishing

He plans to go fly-fishing this weekend.

1fly·ing adj

: moving or able to move in the air
flying insects
flying clouds
a story about a flying car

with flying colors

: with complete or great success

She passed the exam with flying colors.

They came through the ordeal with flying colors.

2flying noun [noncount]

: the activity of traveling in an aircraft

She doesn't enjoy flying.

flying buttress noun, pl -tresses [count]

: a structure that supports a wall or building from the outside

flying fish noun, pl fish or fishes [count]

: a type of fish that has long fins which look like wings and that is able to jump out of the water and glide through the air

flying machine noun, pl -chines [count]

: a machine that is able to fly; especially : an airplane from the time when airplanes had recently been invented

flying officer noun, pl -cers [count]

: an officer in the British Air Force

flying saucer noun, pl -cers [count]

: a flying object that people say they have seen in the sky, that is usually round like a saucer or disc, and that is believed by some people to be a spaceship from another world : ufo

flying start noun, pl starts [singular]

: a good or fast start

The meeting got off to a flying start.

The restaurant made a flying start by filling up on opening night.

fly·leaf noun, pl -leaves [count]

: an empty page at the beginning or end of a book

fly·over noun, pl -overs [count]

1 US : flyby 1

2 Brit : overpass

fly·pa·per noun [noncount]

: a long piece of sticky paper that is used for catching and killing flies

fly-past Brit noun, pl -pasts [count]

Brit : flyby 1

fly·speck noun, pl -specks [count]

1 : a very small piece of waste matter from a fly

2 informal : something that is very small

She grew up in a flyspeck of a town.

fly·swat·ter noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device used for killing flies and other insects that consists of a flat piece of plastic or other material attached to a handle

fly·weight noun, pl -weights [count]

: a fighter in a class of boxers who dos not weigh more than 112 pounds (51 kilograms)

fly·wheel noun, pl -wheels [count]

: a heavy wheel that is part of a machine and that controls the speed of machinery

FM noun [noncount]

: a system for sending radio signals in which the number of radio waves per second is changed in order to send information in the form of sound

FM is an abbreviation of “frequency modulation.”

compare AM

FM adj
an FM radio/station

This station is FM only.

1foal noun, pl foals [count]

: a young horse; especially : a horse that is less than one year old compare COLT, FILLY

2foal verb, foals, foaled, foal·ing [no obj]

: to give birth to a foal

The mare will foal in June.

1foam noun [noncount]

1 : a mass of small bubbles that are formed in or on a liquid

As I poured the beer, foam bubbled up in the glass.

2 : a substance that is like a thick liquid made of many small bubbles

The fire extinguisher is filled with foam.

a can of shaving foam

3 : a soft material that is used to make many products : foam rubber
often used before another noun
a foam mattress/pillow

foam·i·ness noun [noncount]

foamy adj, foam·i·er, -est
a foamy glass of beer

2foam verb, foams, foamed, foam·ing [no obj]

: to produce foam

The soda foamed in the glass.

The mixture will bubble and foam when you add the yeast.

foam at the mouth

1 : to produce foam from the mouth because of illness or excitement

The dog was foaming at the mouth.

2 informal : to be very angry about something

He was foaming at the mouth with rage.

foam rubber noun [noncount]

: a soft and light rubber material that has many small holes throughout it and is used to make various products

The mattress/pad is (made of) foam rubber.

often used before another noun
a foam-rubber mattress/pad

1fob noun, pl fobs [count]

1 : a short chain attached especially to a pocket watch

2 : a small object that is a decoration on a watch chain or a key ring

2fob verb, fobs, fobbed, fob·bing

fob off [phrasal verb]

fob (someone or something) off or fob off (someone or something) informal

1 : to cause (someone) to accept something that is false, badly made, etc., instead of what is wanted

+ with

He thought he could fob me off with some weak excuse about being too busy to talk.

2 : to present or offer (something fake or false) as genuine or true

They're trying to fob off science fiction as truth. [=trying to make people believe that something that is science fiction is true]

3 US : to give (someone or something not wanted) to someone else : to palm off (someone or something)

often + on

The child's father was always fobbing her off on relatives and babysitters.

fo·cal adj, always used before a noun

: having central or great importance
a focal figure in the movement

focal length noun, pl lengths [count]

technical : the distance from the surface of a lens to the point of focus (sense 3)

focal point noun, pl points [count]

1 : a center of activity, interest, or attention

This port was the focal point of trade two centuries ago.

The new school curriculum was the focal point [=focus] of the debate.

2 technical : 1focus 3

1fo·cus noun, pl fo·ci also fo·cus·es

1 [count] : a subject that is being discussed or studied : the subject on which people's attention is focused
usually singular

The focus of our discussion/debate/attention will be drug abuse.

The scandal became the primary focus of the day's news coverage.

The study's main focus is adults with sleep disorders.

2 : a main purpose or interest

[noncount] He's successful, but he feels that his life lacks focus.

[singular] His life lacks a focus.

3 [count] technical : a point at which rays of light, heat, or sound meet or from which they move apart or appear to move apart; especially : the point at which an image is formed by a mirror, a lens, etc.

4 [noncount]

4 a : a state in which something (such as a camera, a telescope, or a person's eyes) produces a clear picture or image
bringing the binoculars into focus [=focusing the binoculars; adjusting the binoculars so that the image seen through them is clear and sharp]

It took him a few seconds after he woke up to bring his eyes into focus. [=to focus his eyes]

The binoculars were not in focus. = The binoculars were out of focus. [=the binoculars were not focused]

4 b : a state in which the small details of a picture or image can be clearly seen

It was a nice picturethe family was in focus and everyone was smiling.

Unfortunately, several of the pictures were out of focus.

see also SOFT FOCUS

4 c : a state or condition in which something can be clearly understood

She tried to bring the important issues into focus. [=she tried to say clearly what the important issues were]

2focus verb, -cuses also -cus·ses, -cused also -cussed, -cus·ing also -cus·sing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as attention) to be directed at something specific

+ on

The crime has focused public attention on the problem of parole.

We need to focus our efforts on getting the work done.

2 [no obj] : to direct your attention or effort at something specific

She has an amazing ability to focus for hours at a time.

often + on

We need to focus on getting the work done.

The day's news coverage focused primarily/mainly on the scandal.

3 : to adjust (something, such as a lens or a camera) to make an image clear

[+ obj] focus a telescope

I wasn't able to focus the camera.

He focused his binoculars on a distant ship. [=he looked through his binoculars at a distant ship]

[no obj] I wasn't able to get the camera to focus.

If you focus your eyes on something or if your eyes focus on something, you look at that thing so that you can see it clearly.

Everyone focused their eyes on her [=everyone looked at her] when she entered the room.

His eyes were focused on the road. = He kept his eyes focused on the road.

4 technical : to cause (light) to come together at a point

[+ obj] focus rays of light

[no obj] laser beams that focus at a single point

focused also focussed adj [more ; most ]

1 : giving attention and effort to a specific task or goal

They are making a focused effort to win support for the proposal.

2 : having very clear and definite goals and ambitions

She's a very focused and determined young woman.

focus group noun, pl groups [count]

: a small group of people whose opinions about something (such as a politician or a new product) are studied to learn the opinions that can be expected from a larger group

fod·der noun [noncount]

1 : food given to horses, cows, etc.

grain used for fodder

2 : material that is used for a particular purpose

His antics always make good fodder for the gossip columnists.

She often used her friends' problems as fodder for her novels.

see also CANNON FODDER

foe noun, pl foes [count]

: an enemy
political foes

Many considered him a foe of democracy.

Her ability was acknowledged by friend and foe alike.

foetal, foetus chiefly Brit spellings of FETAL, FETUS

1fog noun

1 : many small drops of water floating in the air above the ground, the sea, etc.

[noncount] Heavy fog made it difficult to see the road.

a patch/blanket of fog
ocean fog

[count] a climate marked by heavy fogs

The fog reduced visibility to a quarter of a mile.

2 [singular] : a state of mental confusion

This problem has me in a fog.

an alcohol-induced fog

2fog verb, fogs, fogged, fog·ging

1 a [+ obj] : to cover or fill (something) with small drops of water : to make (something) foggy

The steam from the pot was fogging the window near the stove.

The cold air fogged (up) his glasses.

The bathroom was all fogged up after my shower.

1 b [no obj] : to become foggy

His glasses were fogging.

often + up

His glasses were fogging up.

The weather is fogging up.

2 [+ obj] : to make (someone or something) confused
politicians who try to fog the issue instead of taking a stand
drugs that fog [=cloud] your mind/judgment

fog·bound adj

1 : unable to move or travel because of fog
a fogbound ship
fogbound travelers

2 : covered by fog
a fogbound coast

fogey chiefly Brit spelling of FOGY

fog·gy adj, fog·gi·er, -est

1 a : having or filled with fog
a gray, foggy morning
foggy weather
a foggy valley

1 b : covered with small drops of water
a foggy mirror
foggy glasses

2 : not clear : vague or confused

I don't remember what her name wasmy memory is a little foggy.

I haven't the foggiest [=faintest] idea what she's talking about. [=I don't understand what she is talking about at all]

“Where did I put my keys?” “I haven't the foggiest.” [=I have no idea; I don't know]

fog·gi·ly adv

fog·gi·ness noun [noncount]

Foggy Bottom noun [singular]

informal : the U.S. Department of State

fog·horn noun, pl -horns [count]

: a horn on a boat, ship, etc., that makes a loud, deep sound and is used in foggy weather to warn nearby ships
often used figuratively to describe someone with a very loud voice

He has a foghorn voice. [=a voice like a foghorn]

fog lamp noun, pl lamps [count]

: a very bright light on the front of a vehicle that is used to help the driver see better in fog called also fog light

fo·gy (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit fo·gey noun, pl fo·gies [count]

: a person with old-fashioned ideas
usually used with old

Maybe I'm just an old fogy, but I don't think this kind of music is appropriate for children.

fo·gy·ish (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit fo·gey·ish adj
a fogyish old man

foi·ble noun, pl foi·bles [count]

: a minor fault in someone's character or behavior
usually plural

We all have our little foibles.

He was amused by the foibles of his eccentric neighbor.

foie gras noun [noncount]

: a food made from the liver of a goose : pâté de foie gras

1foil verb, foils, foiled, foil·ing [+ obj]

1 : to prevent (someone) from doing something or achieving a goal : defeat

Police managed to foil the burglars.

often used as (be) foiled

He was foiled by his opponents once again.

She was foiled by her own indecision.

2 : to prevent (something) from happening or being successful

Police foiled an attempted robbery.

Her accident foiled her dreams of becoming a dancer.

2foil noun, pl foils

1 [noncount] : a very thin and light sheet of metal

Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

kitchen foil [=foil used to wrap or cover food]

candy wrapped in foil
see also SILVER FOIL, TINFOIL

2 [count] : someone or something that is different from another person or thing in a useful or appealing way
usually + for or to

He acted as a foil for the comedian. [=he acted very serious to make the comedian seem funnier]

That dark blue dress is good foil for her blonde hair.

His reserved manner was a perfect foil for/to her bubbly personality.

3 [count] : a sword that has a light, thin blade and that is used in the sport of fencing

foist verb, foists, foist·ed, foist·ing [+ obj]

: to force someone to accept (something that is not good or not wanted)

usually + on or upon
scams that foist high funeral expenses on grieving customers

He foisted his prejudices upon his young students.

phony paintings foisted (off) on naïve buyers

1fold verb, folds, fold·ed, fold·ing

1 : to bend one part of (something) over or against another part

[+ obj] He folded the paper in half and then unfolded it again.

Fold the flaps open/shut.

He folded the blanket and laid it at the foot of the bed.

She folded over the edge of the fabric to make a hem.

a piece of paper folded into the shape of a bird

[no obj] The paper folded easily.

The map folds neatly/flat so you can fit it in a pocket.

2 : to reduce the length or size of something (such as a piece of furniture) by moving parts of it so that they lie close together

[+ obj] We folded (up) the lawn chair and put it in the trunk.

[no obj] The lawn chair folded (up) easily.

The bed folds (away) into a space in the wall.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to put your arm or hand over your other arm or hand in a way that keeps them together

She folded [=crossed] her arms across her chest.

She folded her hands on her lap.

He folded his arms around her.

hands folded in prayer

3 b : to bend (a leg, a knee, an elbow, etc.)

He sat with his legs folded under him.

4 [+ obj] literary : to put your arms around (someone) : embrace

She folded him in her arms.

5 [+ obj] : to add (a food ingredient) to a mixture by gently and repeatedly lifting one part over another

Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture.

6 [no obj] : to fail completely : collapse

The business folded.

7 [no obj] : to accept defeat in a card game (such as poker) by removing your cards from the game

Realizing that she probably wasn't bluffing, he decided to fold.

2fold noun, pl folds [count]

1 : a line or mark made by bending one part of something over another part and pressing at the bent edge : a line or mark made by folding something : crease
the fold in a newspaper

2 : a part of something (such as cloth or skin) that lies or hangs over another part
hidden in the folds of the curtain
the folds of her dress

He had folds of flab around his middle.

3 : the act of folding something

She made a paper airplane by using a simple series of folds.

4 technical : a bend produced in a rock layer by pressure
compare 3FOLD

3fold noun, pl folds

1 [count] : an enclosed area for sheep

2 the fold : a group of people who have a shared faith or interest

His former colleagues would be glad to welcome him back into the fold.

compare 2FOLD

-fold suffix

1 : multiplied by (a specified number) : times
a twelvefold increase

It will repay you tenfold.

2 : having (so many) parts
a threefold problem

fold·a·way adj, always used before a noun

: designed to be folded for storage : folding
a foldaway bed/table

fold·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a folded cover or large envelope for holding documents

2 : a collection of files or documents that are stored together on a computer

fol·de·rol noun [noncount]

chiefly US informal + old-fashioned : foolish language, behavior, or ideas : nonsense

I wish we could just discuss these questions without having to go through all the folderol of a formal meeting.

fold·ing adj, always used before a noun

: able to be folded into a smaller shape : designed to be folded
folding chairs
a folding door

folding money noun [noncount]

informal : paper money

He always carries a lot of folding money.

fold·out noun, pl -outs [count]

: a large folded page in a book or magazine

The book includes special maps in the form of foldouts.

The book includes foldout maps.

fo·liage noun [noncount]

: the leaves of a plant or of many plants
a tree with pretty foliage
the thick green foliage of the jungle
colorful autumn foliage

1folk noun

1 folks [plural]

1 a chiefly US, informal : people in general

Folks say that house is haunted.

Some folks think the law should be changed.

1 b
used to talk to a group of people in a friendly and informal way

Do you folks need any help?

That's all for today, folkssee you tomorrow!

2 or chiefly US folks [plural] informal : a certain kind of people
a home for old folks

He doesn't much care for city folk. [=people who live in a city]

country folk
the distinctive speech of folks from the South

3 folks [plural] chiefly US, informal : family members

I'll be spending the holidays with my folks.

especially : parents

His folks gave him everything a kid could want.

4 [noncount] : folk music

My favorite kind of music is folk.

2folk adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to the common people of a country or region
folk customs
folk art
a folk dance
a folk remedy

folk hero noun, pl -roes [count]

: a person who is greatly admired by many people of a particular kind or in a particular place

He has become a folk hero in his home state because of the work he has done to help poor children.

folk·lore noun [noncount]

1 : traditional customs, beliefs, stories, and sayings

The coyote appears in a great deal of Native American folklore.

the rich folklore of Louisiana

2 : ideas or stories that are not true but that many people have heard or read

He can't tell the difference between fact and folklore.

folk·lor·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

a folklorist who has collected many folktales

folk music noun [noncount]

: the traditional music of the people in a country or region

Irish folk music
also : a type of popular music that is based on traditional music and that does not use electric instruments

folk·sing·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who sings folk songs

folk song noun, pl songs [count]

: a song created by the people of a country or region : a song sung in folk music

folksy adj, folks·i·er, -est
informal : friendly or informal in manner or style
a folksy politician
an entertainer with a folksy manner
folksy charm

folks·i·ness noun [noncount]

folk·tale noun, pl -tales [count]

: a traditional story

West African folktales that continue to be passed from generation to generation through storytelling

fol·li·cle noun, pl -li·cles [count]

: a tiny hole in the skin from which a hair grows

fol·low verb, -lows, -lowed, -low·ing

1 a : to go or come after or behind (someone or something)

[+ obj] She followed us into the kitchen.

The dog followed the children home.

The exit is right this way. Just follow me.

[no obj] The children went home and the dog followed behind.

If one sheep goes through the gate, the rest will follow.

1 b [+ obj] : to go after or behind (someone) secretly and watch to find out what happens

He hired a private detective to follow his wife everywhere. [=to secretly find out where she went and what she did]

follow a suspect

I think that someone is following us. = I think we're being followed.

2 a : to come after (something) in time or place or as part of a series

[+ obj] Spring follows winter. = Winter is followed by spring.

The number 15 follows 14.

Her accident was followed by a long period of recovery.

[no obj] First came the student speeches, and the presentation of awards followed.

(formal) The war ended. There followed [=then came; then there was] a long period of rebuilding.

2 b [+ obj] : to have or do something after (something else)

+ with

I followed my dinner with a liqueur. [=I had a liqueur after dinner]

The actor followed his success as Othello with a triumph as Macbeth.

3 a : to happen after and as a result of (something)

[+ obj] Rioting followed the unjust verdict.

[no obj] If you work hard, success will/must surely follow.

3 b [no obj] : to be true or seem to be true because of something

From the evidence given, several conclusions follow. = Several conclusions follow from the evidence given. [=we can make several conclusions based on the evidence given]

often + that

From the evidence given, it follows that the accused is guilty.

Just because he's done some bad things, does/must it follow that he's a bad person? [=does it mean that he is a bad person?]

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to be guided by (something)

You should follow [=obey] your conscience.

follow your instincts
follow my advice

She must learn to follow instructions.

We must follow the evidence wherever it leads.

You should follow her example. = You should follow the example she set. [=you should do what she did]

4 b : to do the same thing as (someone)

She followed her father (by going) into medicine. = She followed her father by becoming a doctor.

5 [+ obj] : to move forward on (a road, a path, etc.)

Follow that path, and you will come to a log cabin.

You should follow the main highway until you see signs for the stadium.

often used figuratively

His friends all went to college, but he chose to follow a different path. [=to do something different]

Do recessions follow a predictable cycle/pattern?

6 [+ obj] of a road, path, etc. : to be on or next to (something) for a distance

The path follows the river pretty closely.

The road follows the curve of the hill.

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to keep your eyes or attention on (something)

Follow the bouncing ball.

7 b : to give close attention to what happens in (something)

He followed her career with interest.

follow football

The book follows his political career from its humble beginnings to his election as president.

7 c Brit : to be a fan of (a team) : support

He follows Manchester United.

8 : to understand the sense or logic of (something or someone)

[+ obj] I found it hard to follow the twists and turns of the movie's complicated plot.

I'm sorryI don't follow your argument/reasoning. = I'm sorryI don't follow you. [=I don't understand you]

[no obj] I'm sorryI don't follow. [=I don't understand]

a hard/tough act to follow

: someone or something that has been so successful that it is very difficult for the person or thing coming next to be as good

Yesterday's thrilling victory will be a tough act to follow.

as follows

used to introduce a list, a statement, instructions, etc.

The names of the finalists are as follows: Mary, James, and George.

Proceed as follows: go straight ahead to Martin Street and then turn left.

follow around or Brit follow about [phrasal verb]

follow (someone) around/about : to go wherever (someone) goes

The little boy followed his mother around all day.

follow in someone's footsteps see FOOTSTEP

follow someone's lead see 2LEAD

follow suit

1 in card games : to play a card of the same suit (such as hearts or spades) as the card that was played just before

Jane played a spade, and Roger followed suit.

2 : to do the same thing that someone else has just done

His brother went to medical school, and he followed suit.

After one airline lowers their fares, the other airlines usually follow suit.

follow the path/line of least resistance see RESISTANCE

follow through [phrasal verb]

1 follow through or follow (something) through : to complete an activity or process that has been started

He always starts the school year off studying and working hard, but he doesn't follow through. [=he doesn't continue to study and work hard]

He doesn't follow his good intentions through. [=although he makes plans to do things, he doesn't actually do them]

often + on or with

He doesn't follow through on his good intentions.

We feared they would follow through on/with their threat. [=we feared that they would do what they threatened to do]

2 sports : to keep your arms, legs, etc., moving after you hit or kick a ball : to complete a stroke or swing

You should follow through on your backhand.

Don't forget to follow through when you putt.

see also FOLLOW-THROUGH

follow up [phrasal verb]

1 follow up (something) or follow (something) up or follow up : to follow (something) with something similar, related, or additional

+ with or by

He followed up his early findings with another study.

After you submit your job application, you should follow it up by making a phone call.

Her first book was a big success, and she followed up with another best seller.

2 follow up (something) or follow (something) up or follow up or chiefly US follow up on (something)

2 a : to try to get more information about (something)

The police followed up (on) the leads.

The references in the book were too vague to follow up.

2 b : to do something in response to (something) : to take appropriate action about (something)

Police followed up the complaints with several arrests.

He complained several times, but the police never followed up.

He says that the police failed to follow up on his complaints.

see also FOLLOW-UP

follow your nose
informal

1 : to go in a straight or obvious course

Just follow your nose until you get there; you can't miss it.

2 : to proceed without a definite plan : to do what seems right or best without careful planning

You don't need my advicejust follow your nose.

3 : to go toward the place where a smell is coming from

I followed my nose to the kitchen, where dinner was cooking.

fol·low·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 a : someone who supports and is guided by another person or by a group, religion, etc.

the candidate's loyal/faithful followers

The party drew most of its followers from among young people.

followers of Christianity/Islam

1 b : a person who likes and admires (someone or something) very much : fan

The band has a large group of followers.

2 : someone who does what other people say to do

He had a reputation of being a follower, not a leader.

1fol·low·ing adj

1 : coming next

She found a good job, and moved into a new house the following year.

We met again the following day.

opposite PRECEDING, PREVIOUS

2 : listed or shown next

Trains will leave at the following times: 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.

If you have questions or comments, please write to us at the following address: P.O. Box 234,

2following noun, pl -ings [count]

: a group of followers or fans

The band has a large and devoted following in Japan.

The movement quickly gained/attracted/built a following among young people.

3following prep

: immediately after (something)

Following the lecture, refreshments were served.

We were tired for a few days following our trip.

4following pronoun

the following

: the following one or ones
used to introduce a list, a quotation, etc.

The finalists are the following: Mary, James, and George. = The following are the finalists: Mary, James, and George.

Our address is the following [=as follows]: P.O. Box 234,

The following are the times of departing trains: 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.

fol·low-on noun, pl -ons [count]

: something that happens or is done to continue or add to something previous
usually singular

The new project is a natural follow-on to last year's success.

follow-on adj, always used before a noun
a follow-on product

follow-the-leader (US) or Brit follow-my-leader noun [noncount]

: a children's game in which everyone follows and does what the child who is chosen to be the leader does

fol·low-through noun, pl -throughs

1 [count] sports : the part of a stroke, swing, or kick that happens after a ball is hit

He has a good backswing, but he's a little weak on the follow-through.

2 [singular] : the act of completing an action or process

He makes a lot of promises, but there's no follow-through. [=he does not do what he promises to do]

see also follow through at FOLLOW

fol·low-up noun, pl -ups [count]

: something that continues or completes a process or activity

A week after the story broke, the newspaper printed a follow-up.

As a follow-up to last week's show, tonight we'll show the other side of the story.

see also follow up at FOLLOW

follow-up adj, always used before a noun

After you submit your job application, you should make a follow-up phone call.

He had a follow-up appointment a week after his surgery.

fol·ly noun, pl -lies

1 [noncount]

1 a : the lack of good sense or judgment : foolishness
the folly of driving fast on steep, winding roads
his folly in thinking that he would not be noticed

The folly of such an action should be apparent to everyone.

1 b : a foolish act or idea : foolish behavior

[noncount] Their pranks were just youthful folly. [=the kinds of foolish things that young people often do]

[count] engaging in youthful follies
the follies of the modern world

2 [count] : a very unusual or fancy building that was built in a garden for decoration or amusement in the past

3 follies [plural] chiefly US : a large public show or entertainment with many performers
the famous Ziegfeld Follies of the 1920s
ice follies [=a show with ice-skaters skating to music]

fo·ment verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause or try to cause the growth or development of (something bad or harmful) : incite
foment rebellion/war/revolution

He was accused of fomenting violence.

fo·ment·er noun, pl -ers [count]

fond adj, fond·er, -est

1 : feeling or showing love or friendship : affectionate
a fond admirer

She still has fond feelings for him.

She has fond [=cherished, warm] memories of their time together.

a fond smile

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

He wished them a fond farewell.

2 : strongly felt
their fondest wishes
the fond hope that the situation would change

fond of

: having a liking for or love of (someone or something)

She is still fond of him. [=she still likes/loves him]

She grew quite fond of him.

I'm fond of skiing. [=I like to ski; I enjoy skiing]

She's fond of asking silly questions. [=she asks a lot of silly questions]

fond·ness noun [noncount]

his parents' fondness [=affection] for each other

[singular]

a fondness [=liking] for fine wine

fon·dle verb, fon·dles, fon·dled, fon·dling [+ obj]

1 : to touch or handle (something) in a gentle way
fondle a coin

She fondled [=caressed] the dog's ear.

2 : to touch (someone) in a sexual way

She claims that her boss tried to fondle her at the office Christmas party.

fond·ly adv

1 : in a loving way

She speaks fondly [=affectionately] of you.

She remembers their time together fondly.

2 : in a hopeful but not reasonable way

He fondly [=foolishly] imagines that his plan will be a success.

fon·due Brit noun, pl -dues

: a dish that people prepare for themselves at the table by putting small pieces of food (such as bread, meat, or fruit) in a hot liquid (such as melted and flavored cheese or melted chocolate)

[noncount] dipped his bread into the (cheese) fondue

[count] dip fruit in melted chocolate to have a chocolate fondue

1font noun, pl fonts [count]

1 religion : a container that holds the water which is used for baptizing a child

2 US : a source from which something comes : fount
a font of knowledge/wisdom

compare 2FONT

2font noun, pl fonts [count]

technical : a set of letters, numbers, and punctuation marks that are all one size and style

The book's small font was difficult to read.

a boldface font
called also (Brit) fount
compare 1FONT

food noun, pl foods

1 a [noncount] : the things that people and animals eat
a farmer who grows his own food
drought victims who don't have enough food to eat

She gave food and drink to the hungry travelers.

good/great/delicious food

1 b : a particular kind of food

[noncount] Italian food
cat food
frozen food
What is your favorite food?

[count] an important food
fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods
frozen foods
see also FAST FOOD, HEALTH FOOD, JUNK FOOD, WHOLE FOOD

2 [noncount] : substances taken in by plants and used for growth
plant food

food for thought

: something that should be thought about or considered carefully

The unexpected test results have given us food for thought.

food bank noun, pl banks [count]

US : a place like a store that has free food for poor people

food chain noun, pl chains [count]

: a series of types of living things in which each one uses the next lower member of the series as a source of food
usually used with the

Sharks eat fish that are lower in the food chain.

animals that are at the top/bottom of the food chain

often used figuratively
directors and producers at the top of the Hollywood food chain [=very powerful and successful directors and producers]

the corporate food chain

food court noun, pl courts [count]

: an area within a building (such as a shopping mall) where there are many small restaurants that share a large area of tables for their customers

food·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

informal : a person who enjoys and cares about food very much

The restaurant is very popular among foodies.

food poisoning noun [noncount]

: sickness caused by bacteria or chemicals in food

food processor noun, pl -sors [count]

: an electric kitchen device that is used for cutting and mixing food

food stamp noun, pl stamps [count]

US : a small document that is given by the government to poor people and that can be used to buy food

food·stuff noun, pl -stuffs [count]

technical : a substance that is used as food
grain and other foodstuffs [=foods]

1fool noun, pl fools [count]

1 : a person who lacks good sense or judgment : a stupid or silly person
those fools who ride motorcycles without wearing helmets

Only a fool would ask such a silly question.

You'd be a fool to believe what he tells you.

You're making yourself look like a fool.

A fool and his money are soon parted. [=a foolish person spends money too quickly on unimportant things]

Any fool can see [=anyone can see] that he's lying.

I never thought you'd be fool enough to believe him. = I never thought you'd be enough of a fool to believe him.

(informal) Only that fool of a brother [=that foolish brother] of yours would ask such a silly question!

(informal) Some (damn/damned) fool of a driver kept trying to pass me!

Fools rush in (where angels fear to tread). [=it is foolish to take action if you do not know much about what you are doing]

(Brit, informal) (The) more fool you if you believe him. = (The) more fool you for believing him. [=you would be a fool to believe him]

(Brit, informal) More fool him for trusting her.

There's no fool like an old fool. [=a foolish old person is especially foolish because an old person should have learned from experience not to make the kind of mistakes a young person makes]

A smart or clever person can be described as no fool or as nobody's fool.

He may not look very smart, but he's no fool.

Don't try to trick hershe's nobody's fool.

2 US, informal : a person who enjoys something very much

He's a dancing fool. [=he loves to dance]

He's a fool for candy. [=he loves to eat candy]

3 chiefly Brit : a dessert made with cooked fruit and cream or a thick sauce
a strawberry fool

4 : jester

act/play the fool

: to behave in a silly or foolish way

If you keep playing the fool by asking silly questions, people won't take you seriously.

make a fool of yourself

: to behave in a very foolish or silly way

He got drunk at the party and made a fool of himself.

He's making a fool of himself over that woman.

make a fool (out) of

: to cause (someone) to look stupid or foolish

She made a fool of me by insulting me in front of my friends.

see also APRIL FOOLS' DAY

2fool verb, fools, fooled, fool·ing

1 [no obj] : to speak or act in a way that is not serious : joke, kid

I was only fooling.

When she first told us that she was getting married, we thought she was fooling.

2 [+ obj] : to make (someone) believe something that is not true : to trick (someone)

His disguise didn't fool anybody.

“He's an expert in his field.” “Well, you sure could have fooled me!” [=I doubt that he is really an expert in his field]

He really had me fooled.

Stop fooling yourselfshe doesn't really love you.

often + into

He fooled me into thinking I could trust him.

We were fooled into thinking there was no danger.

sometimes used figuratively
fool the eye into seeing colors that aren't there

fool around also Brit fool about [phrasal verb]

informal

1 : to do things that are not useful or serious : to waste time

We fooled around [=messed around] outdoors for a while, but then went inside to get some work done.

He decided it was time to stop fooling around and settle down and get married.

Wow, he's already done everything he promised. He doesn't fool around, does he? [=he gets things done quickly]

2 : to have sex with someone who is not your husband, wife, or regular partner

His wife discovered that he was fooling around (on her). [=that he was having sex with another woman]

often + with

His wife discovered that he was fooling around with his secretary.

3 fool around/about with (something)

3 a : to use or do (something) in a way that is not very serious

I'm not really a painter; I just like to fool around with paints.

3 b : to handle or play with (something) in a careless or foolish way

Stop fooling [=fiddling, messing] around with the stereo.

Don't fool around with that gun.

fool with [phrasal verb]

informal

1 fool with (something)

1 a : to handle or play with (something) in a careless way : to fool around with (something)

Don't fool with [=mess with] that gun.

1 b : to deal with or be involved with (something that causes or that could cause trouble)

The company doesn't want to fool with [=mess with, be bothered with] small distributors.

2 fool with (someone) : to deal with (someone) in a way that may cause anger or violence

I wouldn't want to fool with [=mess with] that guy.

3fool adj, always used before a noun

US informal : foolish

The dog was barking its fool head off.

Some fool driver kept trying to pass me!

fool·ery noun [noncount]

old-fashioned : foolish or silly behavior
an amusing bit of foolery

fool·har·dy adj [more ; most ]

: foolishly doing things that are too dangerous or risky
a foolhardy explorer
foolhardy investors

fool·har·di·ness noun [noncount]

fool·ish adj [more ; most ]

: having or showing a lack of good sense or judgment : stupid, silly
a foolish decision/mistake

He was wearing a foolish grin.

She's been taking foolish risks.

Those flashy clothes make her look foolish.

She must feel foolish wearing those flashy clothes.

I never thought you'd be foolish enough to believe him.

fool·ish·ly adv

He foolishly ignored his parents' advice.

fool·ish·ness noun [noncount]

fool·proof adj [more ; most ]

: done, made, or planned so well that nothing can go wrong
foolproof directions
a foolproof plan

DNA fingerprinting gives police a virtually foolproof way to link a suspect to a crime scene.

fool's gold noun [noncount]

: a mineral that looks like gold

fool's paradise noun [singular]

: a state of happiness that is based on mistaken beliefs or false ideas

We are headed for economic trouble, and anyone who thinks otherwise is living in a fool's paradise.

foos·ball noun [noncount]

: a table game resembling soccer in which the ball is moved by turning rods to which small figures of players are attached called also (US) table soccer (Brit) table football

1foot noun, pl feet

1 [count] : the part of the leg on which an animal or person stands and moves : the part of the leg below the ankle

He was wearing boots on his feet.

tracks made by the feet of a bird
standing on one foot

The people in the crowd began to stamp their feet.

She was walking around the house in (her) bare feet. [=she was not wearing any shoes or socks]

She was in her stockinged/stocking feet. [=she was wearing socks but no shoes]

It's a long hike, but we'll get there if we just keep putting one foot in front of the other. [=if we just keep walking]

Wipe your feet [=rub the bottoms of your shoes on the doormat] when you come in.

often used before another noun
a foot pump [=a pump that is operated by being pressed with the foot]

a foot brake
an area that gets a lot of foot traffic [=an area where many people walk]

see also ATHLETE'S FOOT, CLUBFOOT, COLD FEET, FLAT FOOT

2 pl also foot [count] : a unit of measurement equal to 1/3 yard (0.3048 meter) or 12 inches
a 10-foot pole = a pole 10 feet long

He's six feet tall.

He's six feet, three inches tall. = He's six foot three.

a plant that grows three feet tall = a three-foot-tall plant

3 [singular]

3 a : the lowest part of something : bottom

They camped at the foot of the mountain.

at the foot of the stairs

3 b : the end of something that is opposite to the end that is called the head
the foot of the bed [=the end where your feet are when you are lying on the bed]

the foot of the table

4 [count] : a basic unit of rhythm in a line of poetry made up of a group of syllables that are accented in a certain way

Each line of the poem has five feet.

at someone's feet

: close to someone's feet

His dog was lying at his feet.

sometimes used figuratively

He was young and fearless, and he felt the world was at his feet. [=felt that he could do great things in the world]

She claimed that men fell at her feet. [=that men often fell in love with her]

be run/rushed off your feet

Brit : to be very busy

We are run off our feet trying to fill orders.

drag your feet see 1DRAG

feet of clay

A person who was admired in the past but who has serious faults or flaws can be described as having feet of clay.

a former political leader who turned out to have feet of clay

find your feet

: to start to be comfortable in a new situation : to begin to be confident or successful

They quickly found their feet in their adopted country.

I was away for a long time, so it will take me a while to find my feet again.

get/start off on the right foot

: to begin a relationship well

I want to get off on the right foot with your parents.

get/start off on the wrong foot

: to begin a relationship badly

They got off on the wrong foot when they first met and they've disliked each other ever since.

get your feet wet see 1WET

get your foot in the door

: to make the first step toward a goal by gaining entry into an organization, a career, etc.

He took a job as a secretary to get his foot in the door.

hand and foot see 1HAND

have one foot in the grave

: to be close to dying because of old age or illness

have/keep your feet on the ground

: to be a sensible and practical person

Even after she became famous, she always kept her feet on the ground.

let the grass grow under your feet see 1GRASS

light on your feet see 4LIGHT

my foot
informal + somewhat old-fashioned
used to express surprise or disagreement

Fair, my foot! That contest wasn't fair!

off your feet

: not in a standing position : in or into a sitting or lying position

The blow knocked me off my feet.

The doctor suggested that he stay off his feet [=that he avoid standing and walking] as much as possible.

on foot

: by walking

The refugees traveled on foot.

on your feet

1 : in a standing position

I've been on my feet all day.

He jumped over the wall and landed on his feet.

They say that no matter how a cat falls, it always manages to land on its feet.

By the end of the day the workers were dead on their feet. [=very tired but still standing, working, etc.]

In figurative use, to land on your feet or Brit fall on your feet is to be lucky and be in good condition or in a good situation after having a bad or difficult experience.

He lost his job but landed on his feet when he was hired by another company just a few days later.

2 : in a good position or condition

The business is finally/back on its feet.

3 : in a healthy condition after an illness or injury

She should be out of the hospital and (back) on her feet again in a couple of weeks.

4 : quickly and while actively doing something

Good debaters can think on their feet.

put a foot wrong

: to make a mistake

He never put a foot wrong during the campaign.

put your best foot forward

1 US : to behave very well so that someone will like you and approve of you

When I visited my girlfriend's parents I tried to be very polite and put my best foot forward.

2 Brit : to try as hard as possible to do something difficult

I've got to put my best foot forward [=do my best] to meet this deadline.

put your feet up
informal : to sit and relax : to not work or be active

I'm going to go home and put my feet up.

put your foot down

1 : to deal with someone in a harsh or strict way

When my son broke his curfew for the third time, I knew it was time to put my foot down.

2 Brit : to make a car go faster

put your foot in your mouth (chiefly US) or put your foot in it
informal : to say something that causes someone to be embarrassed, upset, or hurt especially when you did not expect that reaction

I really put my foot in it when I asked her about her job. I didn't know she'd just been fired.

set foot in

: to enter (a place)

That was the last time she ever set foot in this house.

set foot on

: to walk on (something)

Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the surface of the moon.

shoot yourself in the foot see 1SHOOT

stand on your own two feet

: to support yourself without help from other people

You can't live with your parents forever. It's time to get a place of your own and learn to stand on your own two feet.

sweep (someone) off his/her feet see 1SWEEP

the shoe is on the other foot or Brit the boot is on the other foot

used to say that a situation has changed to the opposite of what it was before

I used to boss my little sister around. Now the shoe is on the other foot. [=now she bosses me around]

The shoe is on the other foot and he is the one asking for help this time.

to your feet

: to a standing position

I got/rose to my feet [=I stood up] and left.

His inspirational speech brought the crowd to its feet.

Everyone in the courtroom came to their feet when the judge entered.

two left feet

A person who dances badly can be described as having two left feet.

My wife is a good dancer, but I've got two left feet.

under your feet
chiefly Brit : in the way : underfoot

I can't get any work done with those kids under my feet.

vote with your feet see 1VOTE

2foot verb, foots, foot·ed, foot·ing

foot the bill

: to pay for something

His parents footed the bill for his college education.

It was a business lunch, so the company is footing the bill.

foot·age noun [noncount]

1 : scenes or action recorded on film or video

Some disturbing footage of the war was shown on the evening news.

2 : the size of something measured in feet
calculating the square footage of the room [=calculating the size of the room in square feet]

foot-and-mouth disease noun [noncount]

: a serious and often deadly disease of animals (such as cows and sheep)

foot·ball noun, pl -balls

1 [noncount] : any one of several games in which two teams try to get a ball to the goals at each end of a large field: such as

1 a US : an American game that is played between two teams of 11 players each and in which the ball is moved forward by running or passing

He played a lot of football in high school and college.

1 b : a similar Canadian game between two teams of 12 players each

1 c Brit : soccer

1 d Brit : rugby

2 [count] : a ball filled with air that is used in the game of football

political football

: an issue that politicians argue about and try to use for their advantage

This issue is too important to be treated as a political football.

foot·ball·er noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly Brit : a person who plays soccer

In U.S. English, a person who plays soccer is usually called a soccer player. A person who plays American football is called a football player.

footboard noun, pl -boards [count]

: an upright board at the foot of a bed

foot·bridge noun, pl -bridg·es [count]

: a bridge for people who are walking

We built a wooden footbridge over the creek.

foot-drag·ging noun [noncount]

: failure to do something quickly because you do not want to do it
bureaucrats criticized for foot-dragging on important issues

foot·ed adj

: having a foot or feet of a specified kind or number
usually used in combination
a four-footed animal
flat-footed
fleet-footed

see also SUREFOOTED

foot·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : someone or something that is a specified number of feet tall or long
usually used in combination
two players on the team who are seven-footers

The putt was a six-footer. [=a six-foot putt]

2 : a word, phrase, etc., that is placed at the bottom of every page of a document compare HEADER

foot·fall noun, pl -falls [count]

literary : the sound of a footstep

She heard footfalls echoing in the hall.

foot fault noun, pl faults [count]

tennis : the mistake of not keeping your feet behind the baseline when you serve

foot·gear noun [noncount]

: footwear

Hikers need to wear appropriate footgear.

foot·hill noun, pl -hills [count]

: a hill next to a higher mountain or group of mountains
usually plural
the foothills of the Rockies

foot·hold noun, pl -holds [count]

1 : a place where your foot may be placed when you are climbing a cliff, a mountain, etc. compare TOEHOLD 1

2 : a position that makes it possible to begin an activity or effort

The army gained a foothold on the island.

The company has secured a foothold in the market.

foot·ie (Brit) or Australia footy noun [noncount]

informal : soccer

foot·ing noun

1 [singular]

1 a : the ability of your feet to stay where you put them as you walk, run, etc.

The loose stones made it difficult for me to maintain/keep my footing. [=to avoid slipping or falling]

He lost his footing and fell down the slope.

1 b : the condition of the ground that makes it easy or hard for your feet to stay where you put them as you walk or run

Be careful. The footing is slippery there.

2 [singular]

2 a used to describe the kind of relationship that exists between people, countries, etc.;
usually used with on
a nation that is on a friendly footing with its neighbors [=a nation that has friendly relations with its neighbors]

They all started on an equal footing (with one another). = They all started on the same footing. [=none of them had an advantage when they started]

2 b : the base or foundation on which something is established : basis
usually used with on
put the business on a firm financial footing

3 [count] : the base or foundation on which a structure is built
usually plural
the footings of a building/bridge
pour concrete footings for a garage

foot·lights noun [plural]

: a row of lights across the front of a stage floor that shine on the performers

foot·lock·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a strong box that is kept at the foot of a soldier's bed and that is used for storing personal property

foot·loose adj [more ; most ]

: able to act or move freely : not held back by ties to other people
footloose bachelors

When she was 20, she was footloose and fancy-free, with no family or serious career to tie her down.

foot·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a male servant who lets visitors into a house and serves food at the dinner table

foot·note noun, pl -notes [count]

1 : a note with added information that is placed below the text on a printed page

2 : someone or something that is remembered or regarded as a minor or unimportant part of an event, work, etc.

a movement now regarded as a footnote to history

foot·not·ed adj

The book is heavily footnoted. [=the book includes many footnotes]

foot·path Brit noun, pl -paths [count]

1 : a narrow path that people walk on
a footpath winding through the garden

2 Brit : sidewalk

foot·print noun, pl -prints [count]

1 : a track or mark left by a foot or shoe

The child left her tiny footprints in the snow.

He walked into the kitchen with his boots on, making/leaving muddy footprints on the floor.

2 : the amount of space that is covered on a surface by something (such as a computer)

The new model has a smaller footprint than the older model.

foot·race noun, pl -rac·es [count]

: a running race

foot·rest noun, pl -rests [count]

: something that you put your feet on to raise them off the floor or ground when you are sitting
a recliner chair with a padded footrest attached

foot·sie also US foot·sy noun

play footsie
informal

1 : to secretly touch another person's foot with your own foot as a way of showing sexual attraction

He was playing footsie with her under the dining room table.

2 : to secretly work with or help someone in a way that is dishonest or wrong
world leaders playing footsie with terrorists

foot soldier noun, pl -diers [count]

1 : a soldier who marches and fights on foot : infantryman

2 : a person who does active and difficult work for an organization or cause
foot soldiers in the war against drugs

foot·sore adj [more ; most ]

: having feet that are sore from walking
tired and footsore soldiers

foot·step noun, pl -steps [count]

1 : a movement made by your foot as you walk or run : step

She slowly took one footstep toward the frightened animal.

2 : the distance covered by a step : pace

It's five footsteps from the bedroom to the bathroom.

3 : the sound of a foot making a step
usually plural

We could hear the approaching footsteps.

follow in someone's footsteps

: to do the same things that another person has done before

She followed in her father's footsteps by becoming a doctor.

foot·stool noun, pl -stools [count]

: a low, small piece of furniture that you can put your feet on when you are sitting

footsy variant spelling of FOOTSIE

foot·wear noun [noncount]

: things (such as shoes and boots) that are worn on your feet
sneakers, loafers, and other casual footwear

foot·work noun [noncount]

1 : the activity of moving or walking from place to place

The investigation required a lot of footwork.

2 : movement of the feet in a sport, dance, etc.

He used quick footwork to dodge his opponent.

The tango involves some fancy footwork.

3 : active and skillful movement or activity to achieve a goal

He knows that getting enough votes for the proposal is going to require some fancy political footwork.

footy Australia spelling of FOOTIE

fop noun, pl fops [count]

old-fashioned + disapproving : a man who cares too much about how he looks or dresses

He's an eccentric fop.

fop·pish adj [more ; most ]

foppish fashions

1for prep

1 a
used to indicate the place someone or something is going to or toward

He just left for the office.

We're heading for home.

When's the next train for [=to] London?

1 b
used to indicate the person or thing that something is sent or given to

Are there any letters for me?

This present is for you.

She baked a cake for me.

2 a
used to indicate the thing that something is meant to be used with

There's a separate slot for out-of-town mail.

Are these the tires for this car?

The scenery for the play is beautiful.

This food is for the party.

2 b
used to indicate the person or type of person who should use or have something

The store sells suits for tall men.

This is just right for me.

That job is not for me. [=that job would not suit me]

Who's the best/right person for the job?

3 a
used to indicate the use of something
an instrument for measuring speed

3 b
used to indicate why something is done

She's dressing for dinner.

Squirrels were storing nuts for the winter.

He's making plans for retirement.

studying for examinations

They shouted the news for all to hear. [=so that all could hear it]

4
used to indicate the person that a statement refers to

Seeing her again must be difficult for him.

often followed by to + verb

It's time for us to get busy.

For him to confess would be painful.

That's too heavy for you to carry.

(chiefly US) I'd hate for you to miss the show. [=I'd hate it if you missed the show]

5 a : in order to help or cause (something)

We are working for the good of humanity.

This is for your own good. [=to help you]

They believe that they are acting for the best. [=they are doing what is best]

5 b : in order to get (something)

For more information, call our main office.

Everybody ran for safety/shelter when the shooting started.

6 : in favor of (someone or something)

Which candidate are you for?

You're either for [=with] me or you're against me.

the case for and the case against disarmament

I am all for [=completely in favor of] freedom of speech.

7 : because of (something)

He shouted for joy.

He wept for sorrow.

He was decorated for bravery.

8
used to indicate the person or thing toward which feelings, thoughts, etc., are directed

He was hungry for praise.

They are longing for home.

I can't help feeling sorry for him.

She has a taste for spicy food. [=she enjoys spicy food]

9 a
used to indicate an amount of time or space

You can see for miles from the top of the hill.

She won't be here for long.

She won't get here for hours (yet).

We're staying there for the summer.

9 b
used to indicate the time when something happens or will happen

The wedding is planned for next April.

We've invited her for 8 p.m.

9 c
used to indicate the time that a statement refers to

That's all for now/today.

10 a : in place of (someone or something else) : instead of (someone or something else)

Would you go to the store for me?

Johnson is now batting for Smith.

10 b : as a representative of (someone)

His lawyer will act for him in this affair.

I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say “Well Done!”

10 c : in order to help or serve (someone or something)

What else can I do for you?

Let me carry that for you.

They fought and died for their country.

11 : in order to cure or treat (an illness, injury, disease, etc.)

You should take something for that cough.

12
used to indicate the amount or value of something
a check for $100

13
used to indicate the meaning of a word

The French word for “good” is “bon.”

14
used to indicate the food that is eaten at a meal

I ordered eggs for breakfast.

What did you have for dinner?

15 : as an employee, member, player, etc., of (something)

She works for the government.

He plays for Denver.

16 chiefly US : with the name of (someone)

He was named for [=after] his grandfather. [=he was given the same name as his grandfather]

17
used to indicate the parts of a list or series

For one thing, we have no money; for another, we have no time.

People don't buy it because, for one thing, the price is too high.

18
used to refer to something that is surprising or unexpected when compared to something else

He's tall for his age. [=he is taller than you would expect someone his age to be]

It's been very cool for May.

That was a good score for him. = For him, that was a good score.

19
used to indicate the relationship between numbers or amounts that are being compared

For every good writer there are a dozen bad ones.

20
used in various emphatic phrases

I for one will vote for him. [=I will definitely vote for him]

For the last time, will you stop that noise!

I wish you'd be sensible for once.

for all

1 : in spite of (something)

You don't convince me for all your clever arguments.

For all his education, he's pretty dumb when it comes to home repair.

2
used in phrases like for all someone knows and for all someone cares to say that someone does not know, care, etc., about something

For all I know, she's still there. [=she may still be there, but I don't know]

For all he cares, we might as well be dead! [=he doesn't care if we're dead or not]

for ever (and ever) see EVER

for real see 1REAL

if not for see 1IF

in for
informal : certain to experience (something)

She's in for a big surprise.

in for it or Brit for it
informal : certain to be punished

If his parents find out what he's done, he'll be in for it.

in order for see 1ORDER

not for (someone) to do something

: not the right or duty of (someone) to do something

It is not for you to say that she can't go. [=it is not appropriate for you to say she can't go; you cannot decide that she cannot go]

once and for all see 1ONCE

that's/there'sfor you
informal
used say that something is very good, very disappointing, or very common

They brought me the package on Christmas Day! Now that's real service for you! [=bringing the package on Christmas Day was excellent service]

They didn't even send me a Christmas card! There's gratitude for you! [=they were very ungrateful not to send me a Christmas card]

He stays up late, playing video games and listening to music. That's a teenager for you. [=that's how a typical teenager behaves]

2for conj
formal + literary : because
used to introduce a statement that explains why a preceding statement is true

They were certainly there, for I saw them.

fora plural of FORUM

1for·age verb, -ag·es, -aged, -ag·ing [no obj]

1 of an animal : to eat growing grass or other plants : graze

The cows were foraging in the pasture.

2 : to search for something (such as food or supplies)

He had to forage for firewood.

squirrels foraging for acorns

for·ag·er noun, pl -ers [count]

2forage noun [noncount]

: grasses and other plants that are eaten by animals (such as cows)

The grass serves as forage for livestock.

a good forage crop

for·ay noun, pl -ays [count]

1 : a sudden invasion or attack : raid
a foray into enemy territory

2 : an attempt to do something especially for the first time

This book marks the novelist's first foray into nonfiction. [=his first attempt at writing nonfiction]

3 : a short journey

We made a quick foray into town for some supplies.

1for·bear verb, -bears, -bore , -borne , -bear·ing
formal : to choose not to do (something that you could do) : to avoid doing or saying (something)

[+ obj] He carefully forbore any mention of her name for fear of upsetting them.

We decided to forbear provoking him any further.

[no obj] We decided to forbear from provoking him any further.

He forebore to mention her name.

forbearing adj [more ; most ]

He was very forbearing toward them. [=he treated them in a very patient way]

2forbear variant spelling of FOREBEAR

for·bear·ance noun [noncount]

formal : the quality of someone who is patient and able to deal with a difficult person or situation without becoming angry

He showed great forbearance in his dealings with them.

for·bid verb, -bids, -bade or -bad , -bid·den , -bid·ding [+ obj]

1 : to order (someone) not to do something

I forbid you to go!

She was forbidden by her parents to marry him.

She was forbidden from marrying him.

2 formal : to say that (something) is not allowed

The museum forbids flash photography.

The company's rules forbid dating among employees.

God/heaven forbid

used in speech to say that you hope a bad thing will not happen

This is the number you should call if, God forbid, you should get into an accident.

Heaven forbid that something bad should happen.

forbidden adj

: not permitted or allowed

Smoking is forbidden.

forbidden foods
a forbidden pleasure

forbidden fruit noun, pl fruits [count]

: something that is attractive because it is not allowed

For dieters, dessert becomes a/the forbidden fruit.

forbidding adj [more ; most ]

: not friendly or appealing : having a frightening or threatening appearance
a harsh and forbidding landscape
a forbidding scowl

for·bid·ding·ly adv
a forbiddingly harsh landscape

He scowled forbiddingly.

1force noun, pl forc·es

1 [noncount] : physical strength, power, or effect

The front of the car took the full force of the collision.

instruments used to measure the force of the wind

2 [noncount] : power or violence used on a person or thing

The police were accused of using excessive force when they made the arrest.

We discourage the use of force.

a show of force

He used brute force to open the door.

He took the purse from her by force. [=he used physical power to take her purse]

He feels that this conflict can only be resolved by force of arms. [=by using weapons; by military action]

3 [noncount] : strength or power that is not physical

I was impressed by the force of her personality.

lending force to his arguments [=making his arguments more effective/persuasive]

These regulations do not have the force of law. [=they do not have the power that laws have]

She succeeded by/through sheer force of will. [=because she was so determined to succeed]

Through/By force of circumstance(s) [=because of conditions that cannot be controlled], the company has had to lay off several hundred workers.

Even after he retired, he still woke up early every day by/from force of habit. [=he woke up early every day because he was in the habit of doing so]

4 technical : a natural power or effect that is able to change the speed or direction of something

[noncount] the force of gravity

[count] gravitational/electromagnetic forces
see also CENTRIFUGAL FORCE

5 [count] : something (such as rain or wind) that occurs in nature and that can be very powerful
usually plural

The cliff was gradually eroded by the forces of nature.

natural forces

sometimes used figuratively

She gets people to do whatever she wants: she's a force of nature. [=she's a very powerful person who cannot be easily controlled]

6 [count]

6 a : a group of soldiers trained to fight in a war
a force of 20,000 soldiers

He belonged to an elite fighting force.

The enemy forces had us surrounded.

ground forces
allied/rebel forces
see also AIR FORCE

6 b [count] : a group of people who do a particular job or are available for a particular purpose
our country's labor/work force

The company has a very large sales force.

security forces
see also TASK FORCE

6 c the Force informal : police force

After graduating from high school, he joined the Force.

6 d the forces Brit : armed forces

Will the new defense policy weaken the forces?

7 [count] : a person or group that has the power to do something or make something happen

The organization has been a strong force for good. [=has done a lot of good things]

He has been the driving/motivating force behind these changes. [=he has been the person who has caused these changes to occur]

He has become a force to be reckoned with [=a person who has power and influence] in politics.

8
used to describe the strength of a wind
damage caused by a force 9 gale

The house was flattened by hurricane-force winds.

Storm-force winds [=very strong winds] are expected tonight.

9 [count] baseball : force-out
a force at second base

in force

1 : in large numbers

Picnickers were out in force today. [=there were many picnickers out today]

2 of a law, rule, etc. : actually working or operating

The ban remains in force. [=in effect]

The resolution remains in full force.

into force

: into the condition of actually working or operating

The law came/went into force [=into effect] last year.

The regulations have not yet been put/brought into force.

join forces also combine forces

: to begin working together in order to achieve something

We must all join forces to prevent violence.

often + with

The company has joined forces with local environmental groups.

moving force see MOVING
see also TOUR DE FORCE

2force verb, forces, forced, forc·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (someone) do something that he or she does not want to do

They forced us to work long hours without pay.

He was forced to resign from office. = He was forced out of office.

I really have to force myself [=to make a great effort] to get up and go to work these days.

2 a : to make it necessary for (someone) to do something

The flooding forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes.

After seeing the evidence, I was forced to admit my error.

I am forced to conclude that more funding will be necessary.

The pilot was forced to land when one of the plane's engines caught fire.

2 b : to make (something) necessary

The scandal forced his resignation.

Lack of time may eventually force a compromise.

2 c : to cause the occurrence of (something that other people do not want to happen)

They are trying to force a vote on this issue.

3 a : to move (someone or something) by physical effort

The runner was forced out of bounds.

Their car was forced off the road.

After hours of fighting, they were able to force back the enemy.

The pressure forces the water to the surface.

A pump forces air into the chamber.

The medicine tasted awful, but I managed to force it down. [=to swallow it by making an effort]

If the key doesn't fit the lock, don't force it. [=don't use too much physical strength to make the key go into the lock]

3 b : to cause (something) to open by using physical effort or violence

They forced (open) the door.

It was clear that the door/lock had been forced.

4 : to produce (something, such as a smile) by making an effort

She forced a smile.

5 baseball : to cause (a runner) to be put out by means of a force-out

He was forced (out) at second base.

force on/upon [phrasal verb]

force (someone or something) on/upon (someone) : to cause (someone or something that is not wanted) to be accepted by (someone)

They resent having these decisions forced on them.

I don't like the way he keeps forcing himself on us. [=the way he keeps coming to be with us when we do not want to be with him]

force someone's hand

: to make it necessary for someone to do something

She'd intended to postpone her decision, but events forced her hand.

force (something) down someone's throat see THROAT

force the issue see 1ISSUE

force your way

: to move ahead by pushing and making people move out of your way

They forced their way into the room.

He forced his way through the crowd.

forced adj

1 a : caused by necessity

The plane had engine problems and had to make a forced landing in a field. [=the plane was forced to land in a field]

1 b : obtained by using power or force
a forced confession

2 : done with effort : not natural or sincere
forced laughter

forced labor noun [noncount]

1 : very hard physical work that someone is forced to do

The prisoners endured years of forced labor.

2 : a group of people who are made to work very hard for no money; also : a system that allows this

The railroad was built with/by forced labor.

force-feed verb, -feeds, -fed, -feed·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (a person or animal) eat by physically putting food down the throat

2 : to force (someone) to read, listen to, or learn (something)

force-feed students the classics = force-feed the classics to students

force field noun, pl fields [count]

chiefly US : an area in which a particular force (such as magnetism) exists and can be felt
often used figuratively

No one could break through the protective force field legislators put up around the proposed bill.

force·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : having a strong and confident quality

He has a very forceful personality.

She's a confident and forceful leader.

2 : expressed in a way that is effective and that influences people's thoughts and ideas

They have made a forceful argument in favor of changing the system.

3 : done with military or physical force

The government has threatened to use more forceful measures if necessary.

force·ful·ly adv
speaking forcefully

force·ful·ness noun [noncount]

the forcefulness of her argument/personality

force-out noun, pl -outs [count]

baseball : a play in which a runner who is forced to run to the next base is put out when the player who has the ball touches the base
a force-out at second base
called also force, force play

for·ceps noun, pl forceps [count]

: a medical tool that is used for grasping or holding things

He removed the splinter with a (pair of) forceps.

usually plural

He removed the splinter with forceps.

a forceps delivery/birth [=a birth/delivery in which forceps are used to help deliver the baby]

forc·i·ble adj

: made or done by physical force or violence
the forcible removal of the rioters

(chiefly US) The door showed signs of forcible entry. [=the door looked as if someone had forced it open]

forc·i·bly adv

The rioters were forcibly removed from the scene.

1ford verb, fords, ford·ed, ford·ing [+ obj]

: to cross (an area of water) by walking or riding across a shallow part
ford a river/stream

ford·able adj
a fordable river

2ford noun, pl fords [count]

: a shallow part of a river, stream, etc., that may be crossed by walking or driving across it

1fore noun

to the fore

: in or into a place of importance

The recent publicity has brought the issue to the fore. [=has brought a great deal of attention to the issue]

The issue has come to the fore.

2fore adv

: toward or at the front part of a boat, ship, or airplane

The plane's exits are located fore and aft.

compare 1AFT

3fore adj

: located at the front of a boat, ship, or airplane
the fore and aft cabins/exits

fore- combining form

1 : earlier
foresee

2 a : located at the front
the dog's foreleg

2 b : front or lower part of (something specified)

She bruised her forearm.

1fore·arm noun, pl -arms [count]

: the part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist

2forearm verb, -arms, -armed, -arm·ing

forewarned is forearmed see FOREWARN

fore·bear also for·bear noun, pl -bears [count]

formal : a member of your family in the past : ancestor

His forebears fought in the American Civil War.

fore·bod·ing noun, pl -ings

: a feeling that something bad is going to happen

[noncount] She was filled with a sense of foreboding.

[count] It seems that her forebodings were justified.

1fore·cast Brit verb, -casts, -cast also -cast·ed, -cast·ing [+ obj]

: to say that (something) will happen in the future : to predict (something, such as weather) after looking at the information that is available

They're forecasting rain for this weekend.

The company is forecasting reduced profits.

Experts forecast that the economy will slow in the coming months.

fore·cast·er noun, pl -ers [count]

weather forecasters
economic forecasters

2forecast noun, pl -casts [count]

: a statement about what you think is going to happen in the future
weather forecasts
economic forecasts

fore·cas·tle noun, pl -cas·tles [count]

technical : the front part of the upper deck of a ship where the sailors usually live

fore·close verb, -clos·es, -closed, -clos·ing

: to take back property because the money owed for the property has not been paid

[no obj] They've been unable to make their mortgage payments, and the bank has threatened to foreclose.

often + on

The bank has threatened to foreclose on their property/mortgage.

[+ obj] The bank has threatened to foreclose their mortgage.

fore·clo·sure noun, pl -sures [count, noncount]

fore·court noun, pl -courts [count]

1 : the area near the net in tennis

2 chiefly Brit : a large, flat, open area in front of a building

fore·doomed adj
formal : certain to fail

Their efforts were foredoomed to failure.

fore·fa·ther noun, pl -thers [count]

1 : a person (especially a man) who was in your family in past times : ancestor
usually plural

The town is named after one of his forefathers.

2 : a person (especially a man) from an earlier time who helped to create or start something modern or important
usually plural
our country's forefathers

fore·fin·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

: the finger that is next to the thumb called also index finger

fore·foot noun, pl -feet [count]

: either one of the front feet of a four-footed animal

fore·front noun, pl -fronts [count]

: the most important part or position
usually singular

Their company is at/in the forefront of research in this area. [=their company is a leader in research in this area]

The discussion has brought the issue of health care to the forefront. [=has made the issue very important or well-known]

foregather variant spelling of FORGATHER

forego variant spelling of FORGO

fore·go·ing adj
formal : already mentioned

The foregoing [=preceding, above] examples illustrate my point.

the foregoing
formal : the things that have just been mentioned

It should be clear from the foregoing that a new system is needed.

fore·gone adj

a foregone conclusion

: something in the future that is certain to happen or be true

It was a foregone conclusion that he would take over the business after his father retired.

Most people felt that the outcome of the trial was a foregone conclusion. [=they felt sure that the trial would end in a certain way]

1fore·ground noun, pl -grounds

1 [count] : the part of a scene or picture that is nearest to and in front of the viewer
usually singular

Objects in the foreground seem larger than those in the background.

2 [singular] : an important position

We want the issue to be in the foreground.

2fore·ground verb, -grounds, -ground·ed, -ground·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) more important

Public discussion has foregrounded the issue of health care.

fore·hand noun, pl -hands [count]

sports : a way of hitting a ball in tennis and similar games in which the palm of the hand holding the racket is turned in the direction of the ball

She hit a forehand across the court.

often used before another noun
a forehand stroke/shot

compare BACKHAND

fore·head noun, pl -heads [count]

: the part of the face above the eyes

for·eign adj

1 : located outside a particular place or country and especially outside your own country

They've visited several foreign countries.

a foreign correspondent [=a journalist who reports from a foreign country]

2 : coming from or belonging to a different place or country

We don't get many foreign visitors.

Have you studied any foreign languages?

She has a foreign accent.

a foreign-born resident [=a resident who was born in a foreign country]

3 : relating to or dealing with other nations
matters of foreign policy
the ministry of foreign affairs
foreign aid/trade
see also FOREIGN OFFICE

4 : coming from outside : not normally found in the place or part where it is located

Dust and other foreign bodies can irritate the eyes.

The sample contained a foreign object.

5 [more ; most ] : not known or familiar
a foreign concept
often + to

That concept is completely foreign to me.

That is foreign to my experience.

for·eign·ness noun [noncount]

the foreignness of this concept

for·eign·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who is from a country that is not your own

foreign exchange noun [noncount]

finance

1 : the process by which people in different countries pay each other by exchanging different types of money

2 : money from foreign countries

Our country has to export more in order to earn more foreign exchange.

Foreign Legion noun

the Foreign Legion

: a part of the French Army that is made up of soldiers who are not French

Foreign Office noun

the Foreign Office

: a government department especially in Great Britain that deals with foreign affairs

The official name of the British Foreign Office is now the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign Secretary noun, pl -taries [count]

Brit : the official in Great Britain and other countries who is in charge of how the country relates to and deals with foreign countries

Foreign Service noun

the Foreign Service

: a part of the U.S. State Department that hires people (such as diplomats) to represent the government in foreign countries

fore·know·ledge noun [noncount]

formal : knowledge of something before it happens or exists

He denied any foreknowledge of the crime.

fore·leg noun, pl -legs [count]

: a front leg of an animal

fore·lock noun, pl -locks [count]

: a piece of hair growing from the front of the head

tug/touch your forelock

Brit disapproving : to be too concerned with pleasing someone who you think is powerful or important

fore·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : the member of a jury who is the leader

2 : a person who is in charge of a group of workers

Foreman can refer to women as well as men, but it is more commonly used for men.

1fore·most adj

: most important

He is the foremost [=leading] authority/scholar on the American Civil War period.

Safety is their foremost [=primary] concern.

2foremost adv

1 : in the first or most important position

The building's designers put safety foremost. [=(more commonly) first]

2 : at the most basic or important level

Though he has many other interests, he is foremost [=primarily] an authority on the American Civil War period.

first and foremost see 2FIRST

fore·name noun, pl -names [count]

chiefly Brit formal : first name

fo·ren·sic adj
law

1 : relating to the use of scientific knowledge or methods in solving crimes
forensic medicine
forensic science/experts

2 somewhat formal : relating to, used in, or suitable to a court of law
a lawyer's forensic skills [=a lawyer's skills at arguing a case in a court of law]

fo·ren·sics noun [noncount]

1 : the study or science of solving crimes by using scientific knowledge or methods
a career in forensics

2 : the results of a scientific test done to help solve a crime

The forensics showed he was at the scene of the crime.

fore·play noun [noncount]

: sexual actions (such as kissing and touching) that people do with each other before they have sex

fore·run·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

1 : someone or something that comes before another
a simple machine that was the forerunner of today's computers

2 : a sign of something that is going to happen

I had that strange feeling that's the forerunner of a cold.

fore·see verb, -sees, -saw , -seen , -see·ing [+ obj]

somewhat formal : to see or become aware of (something that has not yet happened)

We couldn't have foreseen the consequences of our actions.

He foresees a day when all war will cease.

She foresaw the company's potential and invested early on.

fore·see·able adj
a foreseeable consequence

We have no plans to sell our house in/for the foreseeable future. [=soon]

fore·shad·ow verb, -shad·ows, -shad·owed, -shad·ow·ing [+ obj]

: to give a suggestion of (something that has not yet happened)

Her early interest in airplanes foreshadowed her later career as a pilot.

The hero's predicament is foreshadowed in the first chapter.

foreshadowing noun, pl -ings [count, noncount]

The first chapter contains foreshadowings of what will happen later.

fore·short·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (something) to appear shorter than it really is because it is in the foreground of a drawing, painting, etc.

The parts that extend towards the viewer are foreshortened.

2 somewhat formal : to make (something) shorter

His athletic career was foreshortened [=(more commonly) shortened, cut short] by a knee injury.

fore·sight noun [noncount]

: the ability to see what will or might happen in the future

They had the foresight to invest the money wisely.

His career choice shows a lack of foresight.

fore·sight·ed adj [more ; most ]

foresighted investors/investments

fore·sight·ed·ness noun [noncount]

fore·skin noun, pl -skins [count]

: a fold of skin that covers the end of the penis

for·est noun, pl -ests

: a thick growth of trees and bushes that covers a large area

[count] a vast forest

[noncount] Fires destroyed acres of forest.

often used before another noun
forest fires
the forest floor

often used figuratively

The candidate was surrounded by a forest of microphones.

see also RAIN FOREST

not see the forest for the trees see TREE

fore·stall verb, -stalls, -stalled, -stall·ing [+ obj]

1 : to stop (something) from happening or to cause (something) to happen at a later time

Negotiations failed to forestall the conflict.

His comments were meant to forestall criticism of his proposal.

2 : to act before (someone else) in order to prevent something

He forestalled critics by offering a defense of the project.

for·est·ed adj [more ; most ]

: covered or filled with trees
a heavily forested [=wooded] area

for·est·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person whose job is to take care of forests by planting trees, cutting down trees, etc.

forest green noun [noncount]

chiefly US : a dark green

forest ranger noun, pl -ers [count]

US : ranger 1

for·est·ry noun [noncount]

: the science and practice of caring for forests

She studied forestry in college.

fore·taste noun, pl -tastes [count]

somewhat formal : a small or short experience of something that will not be fully experienced until later

The sudden cold snap gave us a foretaste [=taste] of winter.

These layoffs are only a foretaste of what's to come.

fore·tell verb, -tells, -told , -tell·ing [+ obj]

formal + literary : to describe (something) before it happens : predict

We cannot foretell the future.

Economists foretold impending disaster.

fore·thought noun [noncount]

: careful thinking or planning about the future

Her decision showed a lack of forethought.

With a little forethought, you can save yourself a lot of work later on.

1for·ev·er adv

1 a : for an endless time : for all time

He promised he'd love her forever. [=eternally]

She was convinced that she would live forever.

1 b : for a very long time

I've been waiting forever for the doctor.

2 : at all times : constantly
a dog that was forever chasing cars

He's forever asking silly questions.

for ever (and ever) see EVER

2forever noun [noncount]

: an extremely long time : a time that seems to last forever

After what seemed like forever, I was able to see the doctor.

It took forever to find his keys.

fore·warn verb, -warns, -warned, -warn·ing [+ obj]

: to warn (someone) before something happens
usually used as (be) forewarned

They had been forewarned of the danger.

Be forewarned: there will be a test on Monday.

The expression forewarned is forearmed means that when you are warned about something, you are prepared to deal with it.

fore·wo·man noun, pl -wo·men [count]

: a woman who is the leader of a jury

fore·word noun, pl -words [count]

: a section at the beginning of a book that introduces the book and is usually written by someone other than the book's author

1for·feit verb, -feits, -feit·ed, -feit·ing

: to lose or give up (something) as a punishment or because of a rule or law

[+ obj] He forfeited his right to a trial by jury.

If the money is not claimed within six months, it will be forfeited to the town. [=the owner of the money will lose any right to it]

They didn't have enough players, so they ended up having to forfeit the game (to the other team).

[no obj] They didn't have enough players, so they ended up having to forfeit.

2forfeit noun, pl -feits

: something that is lost or given up as punishment or because of a rule or law

[count]

usually singular

The judge declared the property a forfeit.

They were required to pay a forfeit.

[noncount] We won the game by forfeit. [=we won because the other team forfeited the game]

3forfeit adj, not used before a noun
formal : given up or taken away as a punishment or because of a rule or law

If the money is not claimed within six months, it will be forfeit to the town. [=the owner of the money will lose any right to it, and it will be given to the town]

for·fei·ture noun, pl -tures [count, noncount]

law : the act of giving up something as punishment or because of a rule or law : the act of forfeiting something
forfeiture of assets
money subject to forfeiture

for·gath·er or fore·gath·er verb, -ers, -ered, -ering [no obj]

formal : to come together as a group : gather

Members of the organization are planning to forgather in the city for their annual meeting.

forgave past tense of FORGIVE

1forge verb, forg·es, forged, forg·ing [+ obj]

1 : to form something by heating and shaping metal
forging hooks out of pieces of iron = forging pieces of iron into hooks

2 : to form or create (something, such as an agreement or relationship) through great effort

The two countries have forged a strong alliance.

They were able to forge a peaceful relationship.

3 : to make or copy (something, such as a document or signature) falsely in order to deceive someone
forge a check
forge a signature
a forged passport

compare 3FORGE

forg·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a check forger
a professional art forger

2forge noun, pl forges [count]

: a place where objects are made by heating and shaping metal

3forge verb, forges, forged, forg·ing [no obj]

1 : to move forward slowly and steadily

The hikers forged through the snow.

usually + ahead

The ship forged ahead through heavy seas.

2 : to move with a sudden increase of speed and power

On the last lap, he forged into the lead.

often + ahead

The company has forged ahead of its competitors.

compare 1FORGE

forg·ery noun, pl -er·ies

1 [noncount] : the crime of falsely making or copying a document in order to deceive people
check forgery

2 [count] : something that is falsely made or copied in order to deceive people : something that is forged

These paintings are forgeries. [=fakes]

for·get verb, -gets, -got , -got·ten or -got, -get·ting

1 : to be unable to think of or remember (something)

[+ obj] He forgot the address.

I keep forgetting her name.

The pain and misery are impossible to forget.

She forgot how to set up the tent.

I'll never forget the first time we met.

Don't forget that you have to turn off the light when you leave.

often followed by to + verb

I forgot to pay the bill.

[no obj] “Did you pay the bill?” “I forgot.”

often + about

I forgot (all) about paying the bill.

2 [+ obj] : to fail to remember to bring or take (something)

When he got to the restaurant he realized that he had forgotten his wallet. [=he had left his wallet at home]

3 a or forget about [+ obj] : to stop thinking or caring about (someone)

He was once a famous actor, but now most people have forgotten (about) him.

You shouldn't forget (about) your old friends.

He's now a forgotten hero.

He's a forgotten man in the world of politics.

3 b or forget about [+ obj] : to stop thinking or caring about (something) on purpose

We need to forget (about) our differences and learn to get along.

“I'm sorry I'm late.” “That's OK. Forget (about) it.” [=don't worry about it]

If you're hoping to hear from him soon, forget it, it's not going to happen.

Forget about finding a way to escapethere's no way out of here.

“Have you seen my keys?” “No. Did you leave them in your other jacket?” “No, I thoughtOh, forget it, here they are.”

3 c [no obj] : to stop remembering or caring about something

We've had our differences in the past, but now it's time to forgive and forget.

forget yourself

: to lose control of your emotions because of anger, excitement, etc. : to behave in a way that is not proper or acceptable

She forgot herself and said some things that she later regretted.

for·get·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : tending to forget things : forgetting things often or easily

He became forgetful in his old age.

2
used to say that someone has forgotten something

She has been forgetful of her duties. [=she has forgotten/neglected her duties]

for·get·ful·ly adv

He forgetfully left the lights on.

for·get·ful·ness noun [noncount]

His forgetfulness grew worse in his old age.

for·get-me-not noun, pl -nots [count]

: a type of small plant that has bright blue flowers

for·get·ta·ble adj [more ; most ]

: likely to be forgotten : not worth remembering

It was an extremely forgettable performance.

opposite UNFORGETTABLE

for·giv·able adj [more ; most ]

: able to be forgiven : deserving forgiveness
a forgivable error/mistake

Her actions in this case are completely forgivable. [=excusable]

opposite UNFORGIVABLE

for·giv·ably adv

for·give verb, -gives, -gave , -giv·en , -giv·ing

1 : to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : to stop blaming (someone)

[+ obj] forgive your enemies

Can you ever forgive me for being so selfish?

I've never forgiven myself for the way I treated her.

We must ask God to forgive us for our sins.

He can be forgiven for feeling this way. [=it is understandable that he feels this way; he should not be blamed for feeling this way]

[no obj] When he feels he's been insulted, he finds it hard to forgive and forget.

2 [+ obj] : to stop feeling anger about (something) : to forgive someone for (something wrong)

He finds it hard to forgive an insult.

We must ask God to forgive our sins.

3 [+ obj] : to stop requiring payment of (money that is owed)

The government has agreed to forgive some of the debt.

forgive me

used in speech as a polite way of starting to say something that may seem rude or unpleasant

Forgive me (for saying so), but I don't think you understood my point.

Forgive me, but something has come up and I have to leave right away.

for·giv·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a forgiver of sins

for·give·ness noun [noncount]

1 : the act of forgiving someone or something

I ask (for) your forgiveness. [=I ask you to forgive me]

forgiveness of our sins

2 : the attitude of someone who is willing to forgive other people

She treats us with kindness and forgiveness.

forgiving adj [more ; most ]

1 : able or willing to forgive someone or something
a person with a forgiving nature
sometimes + of

As a teacher, she was forgiving of her students' mistakes.

2
used to describe something that produces good results even when it is not used perfectly

The tennis racket is designed to be forgiving. [=designed to produce good shots even when the ball is not hit perfectly]

opposite UNFORGIVING

for·go or fore·go verb, -goes, -went , -gone , -go·ing [+ obj]

: to give up the use or enjoyment of (something)

forgo an opportunity

She is planning to forgo her right to a trial and simply plead guilty.

The past tense forwent is now rare or formal.

forgot past tense of FORGET

forgotten past participle of FORGET

for in·stance noun, pl -stanc·es [count]

US informal : example

Let me give you a for instance.

see also for instance at INSTANCE

1fork noun, pl forks [count]

1 a : a small tool with two or more pointed parts (called prongs or tines) used for picking up and eating food
a salad fork

1 b : a garden tool with two or more prongs used for lifting and digging soil see also PITCHFORK

2 a : a place where something (such as a road or river) divides into two parts
a fork in the road

2 b : either one of the parts that a road, river, etc., divides into
take the left fork
the north fork of the river

3 : a part or tool that divides into two parts
the front fork of a bicycle
see also TUNING FORK

2fork verb, forks, forked, fork·ing

1 [no obj] of a road, river, etc. : to divide into two parts

The road forks to the north and south.

2 [+ obj] informal : to pay or give (money)

usually + over or out

He had to fork over half his paycheck.

The company forked out thousands of dollars to repair the damage.

3 [+ obj] : to lift or throw (something) with a fork

They forked the hay into the loft.

forked adj

: divided into two parts at one end : shaped like the letter Y
a bird with a deeply forked tail
forked lightning
the forked tongue of a snake

speak/talk with (a) forked tongue

: to speak in a dishonest way that is meant to deceive people

His colleagues accused him of speaking with a forked tongue.

fork·ful noun, pl -fuls [count]

: the amount held by a fork
a forkful of mashed potatoes

fork·lift noun, pl -lifts [count]

: a machine that is used for lifting and moving heavy objects called also forklift truck

for·lorn adj [more ; most ]

1 : sad and lonely
a forlorn old widow

2 : empty and in poor condition
a forlorn landscape
a forlorn abandoned factory

3 : not having much chance of success : nearly hopeless
a forlorn cause/hope

He led a forlorn [=desperate] attack against the enemy.

for·lorn·ly adv

She wandered forlornly through the deserted neighborhood.

1form noun, pl forms

1 [count]

1 a : a type or kind of something

Coal is a form of carbon.

a rare/deadly form of cancer
a popular form of entertainment
different forms of life = different life forms [=different types of living beings]

an ancient form of music
an art form

1 b : one of several or many different ways in which something is seen, experienced, or produced

The medicine can be taken in the form of a liquid or pill. = The medicine can be taken in pill or liquid form.

His essays are now available in book form. [=his essays have been published in a book]

the written/spoken form of the language

Antisocial behavior can take many forms. [=there are many different types of antisocial behavior]

Most of his wealth is in the form of stocks. [=most of his wealth consists of stocks]

2 a : the shape of something

[count] the building's massive form

[noncount] a style of architecture that emphasizes form over function

2 b [count] : something that can be seen only as a shape or outline

The shadowy forms of several people were visible through the smoke.

2 c [count] : bodily shape : figure
the human/female form

3 [count] : a document with blank spaces for filling in information
a tax form
an application form
fill out a form

4 [noncount] somewhat old-fashioned : a way of behaving that is judged as proper or improper

It's considered bad/poor form to arrive so early. = It's not considered good form to arrive so early. [=it is not proper to arrive so early]

5 [noncount]

5 a : a manner or style of performing
an athlete with good form

She would be a better swimmer/golfer if she improved her form.

5 b : condition for performing
an athlete in top form [=shape]

5 c
used to describe how well or badly someone is performing

She was really in great form at the party, telling jokes and dancing.

He was at the top of his form. [=he was performing extremely well]

(chiefly Brit) He's been playing poorly in recent months, but now he's back on form. [=now he's playing well again]

(chiefly Brit) She was a little off form.

6 : the way in which the parts of a piece of writing or music or of a work of art are arranged

[noncount] the form and content of a poem/essay

[count] The sonnet is a poetical form.

symphonic forms

7 [count] : any one of the different ways in which a word may be written or spoken
the plural/possessive form of a noun
the inflected forms of a verb
see also COMBINING FORM

8 [noncount] : a grade in a British secondary school or in some American private schools
students in the sixth form

as a matter of form

used to say that something is done because it is polite, usual, or required

He was asked to participate only as a matter of form.

form of address see 2ADDRESS

in any way, shape, or form see 1WAY

take form

: to begin to develop : to start to exist or be seen
a political movement that first took form in the 1960s

The new stadium is gradually taking form. [=being built]

true to form

Something or someone that is (or runs, holds, etc.) true to form behaves or proceeds in the usual and expected way.

Her latest movie is/runs true to form.

True to form, he was 20 minutes late for the meeting.

2form verb, forms, formed, form·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (something) to have a particular shape or form

She formed [=made] the dough into balls.

2 [+ obj] : to get, create, or develop (something) over a period of time
form a habit

The friendship that they formed in school lasted a lifetime.

form an opinion

Her early experiences played an important role in forming her personality.

His ideas were not yet fully formed.

3 a : to begin to exist or to be seen

[no obj] Fog often forms [=develops] in this valley.

The drug can help prevent blood clots from forming.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

A plan was gradually forming in my mind.

[+ obj] A plan was gradually forming itself in my mind.

3 b [no obj] : to gather together in a group

An angry crowd was forming in the streets.

insects forming into swarms

4 [+ obj] : to make or create (something)

Water vapor condenses to form clouds.

The two traditions have merged to form a new culture.

A thin layer of plastic forms a protective coating over the surface.

They have formed a council to investigate the incident.

form a government/company/coalition/partnership

Mix the wet and dry ingredients until they form a paste.

Our footprints formed a lovely pattern in the wet sand.

5 [linking verb] : to be something
one of several products that form [=make up, constitute] the foundation/basis of the company's success

These principles form [=are] the essence of his philosophy.

These books form the backbone of his collection.

6 [+ obj] : to be arranged in (a shape)

The chairs formed a semicircle.

: to move or be moved into (a shape)

a substance capable of forming different shapes

The dancers formed a line. = The dancers formed themselves into a line.

1for·mal adj

1 [more ; most ] : requiring or using serious and proper clothes and manners

We attended a formal dinner.

a formal occasion/event

They are formal with people they don't know well.

also : suitable for a formal occasion
a formal dress
wearing formal clothes
opposite INFORMAL

2 [more ; most ] of language : suitable for serious or official speech and writing

He spoke to them in formal Spanish.

a formal word
opposite INFORMAL

3 a : made or done in an official and usually public way

He wrote up a formal statement of his political beliefs.

She received formal recognition for her volunteer work.

He has made a formal announcement of his candidacy.

3 b : done in a proper way according to the law
a formal contract

They seem to be interested in buying the house, but they haven't yet made a formal offer.

4 : arranged in a very orderly and regular way
a formal garden
opposite INFORMAL

5 [more ; most ] : showing great concern for behaving in a proper and serious way

He has a very stiff and formal manner.

6 : received in a school

His formal education ended when he dropped out of high school.

He lacks formal schooling.

7 : relating to the form of something (such as a piece of writing) rather than the content
the formal aspects of a poem

for·mal·ly adv
dressed formally

They behave very formally with people they don't know well.

He formally announced his candidacy.

2formal noun, pl -mals [count]

US : a social gathering (such as a dance) that requires formal dress and manners : a formal event

form·al·de·hyde noun [noncount]

chemistry : a chemical that is used to prevent decay in the dead bodies of people and animals

for·mal·ism noun [noncount]

: a method, style, way of thinking, etc., that shows very careful attention to traditional forms and rules
artistic/musical formalism

for·mal·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

for·mal·ist or for·mal·is·tic adj [more ; most ]

formalist notions about art

for·mal·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 : a formal quality

[noncount] Her use of old-fashioned language lends an air of formality to her writing.

He failed to appreciate the formality of the occasion.

[singular] a formality of expression

2 [count] : something that is required or usual but that has little true meaning or importance

They haven't approved the loan yet, but that's just a mere/pure formality.

3 [count] : a formal part, activity, etc.

usually plural
the formalities of courtship

Let's skip the formalities and get right down to business.

for·mal·ize also Brit for·mal·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) formal : to give proper or official form to (something)

The company has formalized its hiring practices.

Congress formalized the policy by making it law.

for·mal·i·za·tion also Brit for·mal·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

1for·mat noun, pl -mats

1 : the form, design, or arrangement of something (such as a book, magazine, or television or radio program)

[count] the book's large-print format

The radio station recently changed its format from jazz to classical. [=the radio station now plays classical music instead of jazz]

[noncount] The journals are available in electronic format.

2 : the way in which information is stored on a computer disk

[count] different file formats

[noncount] The file is saved in MP3 format.

2format verb, -mats, -mat·ted, -mat·ting [+ obj]

1 : to arrange (something) in a particular format

The book is formatted in several different styles.

The data was improperly formatted.

2 : to prepare (a computer disk) so that it can store information in a particular format
format a floppy disk

for·ma·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of forming or creating something
the formation [=development] of new ideas

The book explains the formation of the planets.

2 [count] : something that is formed or created
an interesting cloud formation
new word formations
rock formations

3 : an orderly arrangement or group of people, ships, or airplanes often used after in

[noncount] The soldiers were marching in formation.

jets flying in formation

[count] The team ran on the field and lined up in a punt formation.

for·ma·tive adj [more ; most ]

1
used to describe the time when someone or something is growing or being formed

The movement was then still in its formative stages.

His family traveled widely during his formative years. [=when he was young]

2 : helping to develop something

This experience had a formative influence on his art.

a formative experience

for·mer adj, always used before a noun

1
used to say what someone or something was in the past
a former congressman
her former husband
two former friends

2 : existing in the past

They hope to restore the old theater to its former glory. [=to make it as good as it was in the past]

She is now just a shadow of her former self. [=she is not the same person she once was]

the former

: the first one of two things or people that have been mentioned

Of these two options, the former is less expensive, while the latter is less risky.

If offered a choice between death and exile, he said that he would choose the former. [=he would choose death]

compare the latter at LATTER

for·mer·ly adv

: at an earlier time : in the past

He was formerly a congressman.

a privilege formerly [=previously] available only to the rich

Istanbul was formerly [=once] known as Constantinople.

form-fit·ting adj

: matching the shape of a person's body : fitting very tightly or closely
a form-fitting dress

For·mi·ca trademark
used for various plastic products that are used especially for covering surfaces

for·mi·da·ble adj [more ; most ]

1 : very powerful or strong : deserving serious attention and respect
a formidable enemy/opponent/weapon

2 : very difficult to deal with

The mountains were a formidable barrier.

a formidable challenge/task

3 : large or impressive in size or amount

He has mastered a formidable amount of material.

for·mi·da·bly adv
a formidably long list

form·less adj

: having no regular form or shape
a formless [=shapeless] pile

form·less·ness noun [noncount]

form letter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a letter that has a standard form and is sent to many people

The bank sent out thousands of form letters offering its credit card.

for·mu·la noun, pl -las also -lae

1 [count]

1 a : a plan or method for doing, making, or achieving something

His investment strategy is based on a simple formula.

This has proven to be a winning formula.

often + for
a formula for success/happiness

There is no magic formula [=no simple and certain method] for achieving success in the business world.

1 b : a list of the ingredients used for making something (such as a medicine or a drink)

The product is made using a secret formula that the company refuses to reveal.

2 [count]

2 a mathematics : a general fact or rule expressed in letters and symbols

The formula for the area of a rectangle is l X w. [=length times width]

2 b chemistry : a series of letters, numbers, and symbols showing the chemicals that a compound is made of

The formula for water is H_2O.

chemical formulas

3 [noncount] US : a liquid that usually contains milk and that is used for feeding a baby
infants drinking formula instead of their mother's milk

4 [count]

4 a : a set of words that are commonly used in a way that does not seem original or sincere : a conventional statement

Politicians often resort to familiar formulas when discussing controversial issues.

4 b : a common way of creating or telling a story in a movie, book, etc.

the narrative formula offered in so many movies

All her books are written according to a familiar formula.

for·mu·la·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : produced according to a formula : not new or original
a formulaic movie/novel/plot

2 : commonly used
a formulaic [=set, fixed] phrase such as “Sincerely yours” at the end of a letter

for·mu·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [+ obj]

: to create, invent, or produce (something) by careful thought and effort

A long-range plan is being formulated. [=devised]

formulate a rule/theory/principle
a carefully formulated response
a plastic specially formulated to resist high temperatures

for·mu·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

the formulation of a new drug
a drug available in several formulations

for·mu·la·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

Darwinism was named after its formulator, Charles Darwin.

for·ni·cate verb, -cates, -cat·ed, -cat·ing [no obj]

formal + disapproving : to have sexual intercourse

Fornicate refers to sexual intercourse that occurs between people who are not married to each other. It is a word that is associated with legal language and the language of the Bible.

for·ni·ca·tion noun [noncount]

laws forbidding fornication
commit fornication

for·ni·ca·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

for-prof·it adj, always used before a noun

: existing or done for the purpose of making a profit
a for-profit company/venture

for·sake verb, -sakes, -sook , -sak·en , -sak·ing [+ obj]

: to give up or leave (someone or something) entirely

All my friends have forsaken [=abandoned] me.

She forsook [=left] acting for a teaching career.

for·swear verb, -swears, -swore , -sworn , -swear·ing [+ obj]

formal : to promise to give up (something) or to stop doing (something)

She forswore her allegiance to the old regime.

He foreswore cigarettes/smoking as his New Year's resolution.

for·syth·ia Brit noun, pl -ias also -ia [count, noncount]

: a type of bush that produces bright yellow flowers in the early spring

fort noun, pl forts [count]

: a strong building or group of buildings where soldiers live

They captured the fort after a long battle.

hold the fort or US hold down the fort

: to be in charge of a place while the person who is usually in charge is away

You can stay here and hold the fort while I go to the store.

1forte noun, pl fortes [count]

: something that a person does well

Drawing was always your forte. [=strength]

2for·te adv
music : in a loud manner
violins playing a passage forte
abbr. f

forte adj
a forte passage

forth adv
literary

1 : out into notice or view : out
a flow of lava bursting forth from the earth

The snow is gone and the flowers are ready to spring forth.

He went forth to spread the news.

2 : onward or forward in time or place

She stretched forth her hands in prayer.

from that day forth [=from that time onward]

and so forth see 1SO

bring forth see BRING

call forth see 1CALL

hold forth see 1HOLD

put forth see 1PUT

sally forth see 2SALLY

set forth see 1SET
see also BACK AND FORTH

forth·com·ing adj

1 always used before a noun : appearing, happening, or arriving soon
the forthcoming [=approaching] holidays

He read an excerpt from his forthcoming [=soon to be published] autobiography.

2 not used before a noun : readily available

No help has been forthcoming from the government. [=the government has not provided any help]

3 not used before a noun [more ; most ] : honest and open

He was more forthcoming about his past than they expected.

She has been less than forthcoming about her involvement in the scandal.

forth·right adj [more ; most ]

: honest and direct : providing answers or information in a very clear and direct way
a forthright answer/person

forth·right·ly adv

He explained his opinions publicly and forthrightly.

forth·right·ness noun [noncount]

forth·with adv
formal : without delay : immediately

The court ordered the company to cease operations forthwith.

for·ti·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of building military defenses to protect a place against attack : the act of fortifying something

They began the fortification and reconstruction of the city.

2 [count] : a structure (such as a wall or tower) that is built to protect a place
usually plural

The city was protected by massive fortifications.

for·ti·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to strengthen (a place) by building military defenses (such as walls, trenches, etc.)

fortify a city against attack
a heavily fortified town/border
a city fortified by high walls

2 a : to make (someone or something) stronger
fortify [=strengthen] the body against illness

Support for his theories has been fortified by the results of these experiments.

2 b : to make (yourself) feel stronger or less fearful

He took a deep breath to fortify himself before stepping onto the stage.

3 : to improve the usefulness or quality of (something) by adding something to it : enrich
fortify soil with fertilizer
milk fortified with vitamin D

for·tis·si·mo adv
music : very loudly
violins playing fortissimo

fortissimo adj
a fortissimo passage

for·ti·tude Brit noun [noncount]

formal : mental strength and courage that allows someone to face danger, pain, etc.

She has endured disappointments with fortitude and patience.

The phrase intestinal fortitude is used informally in U.S. English as a humorous replacement for “guts,” which means “courage.”

They accused him of lacking intestinal fortitude. [=of being a coward]

fort·night noun, pl -nights [count]

chiefly Brit : a period of 14 days : two weeks

They stayed with us for a fortnight.

fort·night·ly adj
chiefly Brit : happening or appearing once every two weeks
a fortnightly [=biweekly] meeting/magazine

fortnightly adv

It happens fortnightly.

for·tress noun, pl -tress·es [count]

: a place that is protected against attack : a fortified place
a mountaintop fortress

for·tress·like adj

for·tu·i·tous Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal

1 : happening by chance

His presence there was entirely fortuitous.

a fortuitous circumstance/discovery

2 : having or showing good luck : fortunate

You could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time.

usage

Sense 2 of fortuitous is commonly used, but many people regard it as an error.

for·tu·i·tous·ly adv

for·tu·nate adj [more ; most ]

1 : having good luck : enjoying good fortune : lucky

How fortunate we were to find that restaurant!

They were (very) fortunate to have his help.

It's fortunate (for us) that these documents have been preserved.

We're fortunate in having these opportunities. = We're fortunate to have these opportunities.

We should try to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves.

They were fortunate (enough) to escape injury when their car crashed. = It was fortunate that they escaped injury when their car crashed.

2 : coming or happening because of good luck
a fortunate discovery/outcome
opposite UNFORTUNATE

for·tun·ate·ly adv [more ; most ]

used to say that something good or lucky has happened

Fortunately [=luckily], the plane was able to land safely.

Fortunately (for us), these documents have been preserved.

No one was injured, fortunately.

opposite UNFORTUNATELY

for·tune noun, pl -tunes

1 a [count] : a very large amount of money
usually singular

He won/made a fortune (by) gambling.

Their house is worth a fortune.

They spent a small fortune [=a surprisingly or unexpectedly large amount of money] on redecorating their house.

She made her/a fortune in real estate.

1 b [noncount] somewhat formal : a great amount of money or possessions : wealth

He is a man of considerable fortune. [=he is a wealthy man]

He hoped to achieve fame and fortune.

2 [noncount] : something that happens by chance : luck

Our meeting here was a real stroke of (good) fortune.

They had the good fortune to escape injury when their car crashed.

3 fortunes [plural] : the good and bad things that happen to someone

The book follows the fortunes of two families through the years.

the fortunes of war

4 [count] : the future that someone or something will have

She said that she could tell my fortune. [=could tell what would happen to me in the future]

I had my fortune told.

see also SOLDIER OF FORTUNE

fortune cookie noun, pl -ies [count]

: a thin cookie served in Chinese restaurants that contains a slip of paper on which a message (such as a prediction about your future) is printed

fortune hunter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a person who is trying to become very wealthy especially by marrying a wealthy person

for·tune-tell·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who claims to use special powers to tell what will happen to someone in the future : a person who tells people's fortunes

for·tune-tell·ing noun [noncount]

for·ty noun, pl for·ties

1 [count] : the number 40

2 forties [plural]

2 a : the numbers ranging from 40 to 49

The temperature outside is in the high forties.

2 b : a set of years ending in digits ranging from 40 to 49

She is in her forties.

She found some old record albums from the forties. [=from 19401949]

for·ti·eth noun, pl -eths [count]

one fortieth of the total

fortieth adj
his fortieth birthday

forty adj
forty days

forty pronoun
forty of her classmates

for·ty·ish adj

He was tall, fortyish [=about 40 years old], and had glasses and brown hair.

for·ty-five noun, pl -fives [count]

1 : a small gun : a type of pistol usually written .45

2 : a small record with one song on each side usually written 45

forty winks noun [plural]

informal : a short sleep : a brief nap

I had time to catch forty winks before the flight.

fo·rum noun, pl forums also fo·ra [count]

1 : a meeting at which a subject can be discussed

Forums were held to determine how to handle the situation.

The town has scheduled a public forum to discuss the proposal.

an open forum

2 : a place or opportunity for discussing a subject

The club provides a forum for people who share an interest in local history.

an online forum

3 : a large public place in an ancient Roman city that was used as the center of business

1for·ward also chiefly Brit for·wards adv

1 : toward the front : to or toward what is ahead or in front
a sudden movement forward
moved/pushed backward and forward

Her long hair fell forward as she bent to tie her shoes.

He pushed the throttle forward.

She took a small step forward.

2 : toward the future

Remember to set the clock forward [=ahead] (by) an hour.

The narrative moves backward and forward in time.

from that time forward

Economists expect these trends to carry forward [=continue in the same way] into the next quarter.

3 : to or toward a more advanced state or condition

Our plans are moving forward. [=our plans are progressing]

The technology has taken a big step/leap forward.

I don't want to go forward [=proceed] without a contract.

We're going forward with the sale of the house. [=continuing to make the sale happen; not stopping the sale]

bring forward see BRING

come forward see 1COME

forward of
formal : in a position that is ahead of (something) : in front of (something)

The valves are located just forward of the fuel tanks.

know something backward and forward see 1KNOW

look forward to see 1LOOK

put forward see 1PUT

put your best foot forward see 1FOOT

2forward adj

1 always used before a noun : near or belonging to the front part of something
the forward deck of a boat

2 always used before a noun

2 a : moving or directed ahead or toward the front
a sudden forward movement
a forward somersault

2 b : moving toward the future or toward a more advanced state or condition
the forward movement of history/technology

3 [more ; most ] : too confident or direct in social situations
a forward [=brash] manner/question
a very forward young woman

for·ward·ness noun [noncount]

the forwardness of his manner/question

3forward verb, -wards, -ward·ed, -ward·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to send (something you have received, such as a letter) to someone else

Your letter will be forwarded to the appropriate department.

forward an e-mail (message) to someone = forward someone an e-mail (message)

1 b : to send (something that has arrived, such as a letter) to another place

Please forward my mail to my new address.

see also FORWARDING ADDRESS

2 : to help (something) make progress or continue to a more advanced state

He's always happy to forward [=promote, advance] a friend's career.

see also FAST-FORWARD

4forward noun, pl -wards [count]

sports : a player who plays near the opponent's goal
a soccer/basketball/hockey forward

forwarding address noun, pl -dress·es [count]

: an address that you give to someone when you move to a different place so that any mail that comes to your old address can be sent to you

She didn't leave a forwarding address.

forw·ard-look·ing adj [more ; most ]

approving : relating to the future
forward-looking [=innovative] ideas/plans/products

: planning for the future
forward-looking [=farsighted] engineers/politicians/industrialists
opposite BACKWARD-LOOKING

forward pass noun, pl passes [count]

American football : a pass made in the direction of the opponents' goal

for·ward-think·ing adj [more ; most ]

: thinking about the future : forward-looking
a forward-thinking company

fos·sil noun, pl -sils [count]

1 : something (such as a leaf, skeleton, or footprint) that is from a plant or animal which lived in ancient times and that you can see in some rocks
a dinosaur fossil
sometimes used before another noun
fossil [=fossilized] footprints

2 informal : a person whose ideas are very old-fashioned or out-of-date

He says the school's directors are a bunch of old fossils. [=fogies]

fossil fuel noun, pl fuels

: a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from dead plants or animals

[count] oil and other fossil fuels

[noncount] sources of fossil fuel

fos·sil·ize also Brit fos·sil·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing

: to become a fossil or to cause (something) to become a fossil

[no obj] Few animals ever fossilize.

[+ obj] The mud helped to preserve and fossilize the wood.

fos·sil·i·za·tion also Brit fos·sil·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

fossilized also Brit fos·sil·ised adj

1 : having been changed into a fossil
fossilized dinosaur eggs
fossilized bones

2 disapproving : very old-fashioned and unlikely to change
fossilized attitudes about the rights of women

1fos·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

1 [+ obj] : to help (something) grow or develop

We are trying to foster [=encourage, promote] a sense of community.

Such conditions foster the spread of the disease.

2 : to provide the care that a parent usually gives to a child : to be or become the foster parent of a child

[+ obj] Would you consider fostering a child?

[no obj] (chiefly Brit) Would you consider fostering?

2foster adj, always used before a noun

used to describe a situation in which for a period of time a child lives with and is cared for by people who are not the child's parents

They are foster parents to three foster children.

She's in foster care. = She's in a foster home. [=she is living in a home with and being taken care of by foster parents]

fought past tense and past participle of 1FIGHT

1foul adj, foul·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 : very unpleasant to taste or smell
the foul odor of rotten eggs
foul breath/air

The medicine left a foul taste in my mouth.

a foul-smelling chemical

2 : morally bad : very evil
a foul crime

3 : very bad or unpleasant

He was in a foul [=angry] mood.

The weather has been foul all week.

They do their job in fair weather and foul. [=in good weather and bad weather]

4 : indecent and offensive
foul [=dirty] language

She has a foul mouth. [=she uses foul language; she speaks in an indecent and offensive way]

see also FOUL-MOUTHED

5 : very unfair : not morally or socially acceptable

He's determined to get what he wants, whether by fair means or foul.

see also FOUL PLAY

6 baseball : outside the area between the foul lines
foul territory
a foul grounder

A foul ball is a batted ball that lands in the area outside the foul lines.

compare 1FAIR 8

fall foul of

: to get into trouble because of (the law, a rule, etc.)

After leaving school she fell foul of the law. [=she got into trouble with the law; she was arrested for committing a crime]

companies that fall foul of labor laws

foul·ly adv

He was foully [=brutally] murdered.

foul·ness noun [noncount]

the foulness of the water/air/odor
the foulness of his crimes/mood

2foul noun, pl fouls [count]

1 sports : an action that is against the rules and for which a player is given a penalty

She committed three fouls. = She was charged with three fouls.

a basketball player in foul trouble [=a player who has committed several fouls; a player who is close to fouling out]

see also PERSONAL FOUL, PROFESSIONAL FOUL, TECHNICAL FOUL, foul out at 3FOUL

2 baseball : a batted ball that lands outside the foul lines : a foul ball

He hit several fouls in a row.

see also foul out at 3FOUL

cry foul see 1CRY

3foul verb, fouls, fouled, foul·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (a substance, place, etc.) dirty
pollutants that foul the air
fouling [=befouling] the sacred waters

2 sports

2 a [no obj] : to commit a foul

She fouled on her first long jump attempt.

2 b [+ obj] : to commit a foul against (another player)

The other team has fouled him [=hit him, held him, etc.] repeatedly.

He was fouled as he attempted the shot.

3 [+ obj] baseball : to hit (a pitched ball) so that it lands outside the foul lines

He kept fouling pitches/balls into the stands.

often + off

He fouled off several pitches in a row.

4 [+ obj] : to become twisted around (something) so that it cannot move, be used, etc.

The anchor's rope fouled the propeller.

foul out [phrasal verb]

1 basketball : to be forced to leave a game because you have made too many fouls

She fouled out (of the game) without scoring a point.

2 baseball, of a batter : to make an out by hitting a foul fly ball ball that is caught by a fielder

The batter fouled out to the first baseman.

foul up [phrasal verb]

informal

1 foul (something) up : to ruin or spoil (something)

The weather has fouled up our plans.

: to ruin or spoil (something) by making a mistake or being careless

She fouled up [=ruined, messed up] our plans by forgetting to make the reservations.

2 foul up : to make mistakes : to fail at something because you have made a mistake or been careless

Whenever I try to be clever, I usually foul up. [=mess up]

see also FOUL-UP

foul line noun, pl lines [count]

1 baseball : either one of two straight lines that go from home plate through first and third base on to the edge of the outfield

The ball landed just inside the right-field foul line.

2 basketball : a line from which a player shoots free throws

foul-mouthed adj [more ; most ]

: using indecent or offensive language : having a foul mouth
foul-mouthed students

foul play noun [noncount]

1 : criminal violence or murder

She is still missing, and the police now suspect that she may have been a victim of foul play. [=that she may have been murdered or harmed in some way]

There is no evidence of foul play.

2 : unfair or dishonest acts

The company's deal with the government has brought cries/accusations of foul play [=claims that there have been unfair or dishonest acts] from its competitors.

foul shot noun, pl shots [count]

basketball : free throw

foul-up noun, pl -ups [count]

informal : a problem caused by someone making a mistake or being careless

They had to deal with yet another administrative foul-up.

see also foul up at 3FOUL

1found past tense and past participle of 1FIND

2found verb, founds, found·ed, found·ing [+ obj]

1 : to begin or create (something that is meant to last for a long time) : establish
found a colony/museum/college

The college was founded in 1793.

2 : to provide support for something
usually used as (be) founded

His suspicions were founded [=based] on nothing more than rumor.

see also UNFOUNDED, WELL-FOUNDED

foun·da·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count]

1 a : a usually stone or concrete structure that supports a building from underneath

The inspector discovered a crack in the house's foundation.

pour/lay/dig the foundation

1 b : something (such as an idea, a principle, or a fact) that provides support for something

He insists that these charges are without foundation. [=are unfounded]

These charges have no foundation in fact. [=there are no facts that support these charges]

The book explains the moral foundations on which her political career was built.

These problems threaten the very foundations of modern society.

The scandal has shaken the government to its foundations.

Her early research laid the foundation [=provided the basis] for many important medical discoveries.

2 [count] : an organization that is created and supported with money that people give in order to do something that helps society

They established a foundation to help orphaned children.

set up a foundation
a charitable/nonprofit/private foundation

3 [count, noncount] : a special cream that is the color of your skin and that you spread on your face and neck before putting on other makeup

4 [noncount] : the act of founding something
the foundation of a new school

1found·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who creates or establishes something that is meant to last for a long time (such as a business or school) : a person who founds something
the founder of a newspaper empire

He's the son of the company's founder.

2foun·der verb, -ers, -dered, -der·ing [no obj]

1 : to experience failure : to be unsuccessful : fail

Her career foundered, and she moved from job to job for several years.

Their marriage is foundering.

trying to save a foundering career/marriage

2 of a boat or ship : to fill with water and sink
a foundering ship

founding father noun, pl -thers [count]

1 : a person who helps to create or establish something : a person who founds something

He is now recognized as one of the founding fathers [=founders] of the environmental movement.

2 or Founding Father : a man who had an important part in creating the government of the U.S.; specifically : a member of the American Constitutional Convention of 1787
a tribute to Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and the other Founding Fathers

founding member noun, pl -bers [count]

: an original member of a group (such as a club or corporation) called also (US) charter member (Brit) founder member

found·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

: a baby that is found after being left by its parents

found·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

: a building or factory where metals are produced

fount noun, pl founts [count]

1 somewhat old-fashioned + literary : the source of something

Our tour guide was a fount of information about the city's history.

a fount of knowledge/justice/wisdom

(humorous) You know the answer to that one too? Why, you're a regular fount of wisdom. [=you know everything]

2 Brit : 2font

foun·tain noun, pl -tains [count]

1 a : a device or structure that sends a stream of water into the air in a garden, park, etc.

an elaborate marble fountain

The crowd gathered around the fountain in the plaza.

also : the water that rises from a fountain
a fountain of water
see also DRINKING FOUNTAIN, SODA FOUNTAIN

1 b : something that rises into the air like a fountain of water
a fountain of flame/sparks

2 : the source of something

She is a fountain [=fount] of knowledge/wisdom.

an endless fountain of inspiration

foun·tain·head noun, pl -heads [count]

literary : the origin or source of something
the fountainhead of the faith

fountain of youth noun, pl fountains of youth [count]

1 or Fountain of Youth in stories and legends : a fountain with magic water

According to legend, anyone who drinks water from the Fountain of Youth will live forever.

2 : a source of the kind of energy or health that young people usually have

Exercise is good for you, but it's not a perfect fountain of youth.

fountain pen noun, pl pens [count]

: a pen with ink inside that flows to a special metal tip (called a nib)

four noun, pl fours

1 [count] : the number 4

2 [count] : the fourth in a set or series
the four of hearts

3 [noncount] : four o'clock

“What time is it?” “It's four.”

I leave each day at four.

see also ALL FOURS

four adj
waiting for four hours

four pronoun

Four (of them) are broken.

4x4 also four-by-four noun, pl 4x4s also four-by-fours [count]

US : a vehicle (such as a truck) that has four wheels and four-wheel drive

four·fold adj

: four times as great or as many

There has been a fourfold increase in membership this year.

fourfold adv

Membership has increased fourfold.

4-H adj

: of or relating to a government program in the U.S. that teaches farming skills and good citizenship to young people
a 4-H club

four-letter word noun, pl words [count]

1 : an offensive word and especially an offensive word that has four letters : dirty word 1
a book that contains a lot of four-letter words

2 : a word, subject, or idea that is disliked by some people : dirty word 2

“Tax” is a four-letter word as far as he's concerned.

401(k) noun, pl 401(k)s [count]

US : a method by which the workers in a company can save money for their retirement by having an amount of money saved from their paychecks over a long period of time

four-post·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a bed with tall posts at each of its four corners called also four-poster bed

four·score adj
formal + old-fashioned : eighty

“Fourscore and seven [=87] years ago” Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address (1863)

four·some noun, pl -somes [count]

: a group of four people or things
a foursome of golfers = a golfing foursome

four·square adj

1 : having a square shape
foursquare houses/buildings

2 [more ; most ] formal : strong and direct : forthright
her foursquare support for the proposal

foursquare adv

They are lined up foursquare [=firmly, forthrightly] against him.

She came out foursquare [=strongly] in support of the proposal.

four-star adj, always used before a noun

: of very high quality
a four-star hotel/restaurant

four·teen noun, pl -teens [count]

: the number 14

fourteen adj
fourteen days

fourteen pronoun

Fourteen (of them) are gone.

four·teenth noun, pl -teenths [count]

The bill is due on the fourteenth (of the month).

one fourteenth of the total

fourteenth adj

I finished (the race) in fourteenth place.

fourteenth adv

I finished fourteenth in the race.

the nation's fourteenth largest city

1fourth noun, pl fourths

1 [singular] : number four in a series

I'll be flying in on the fourth. [=the fourth day of the month]

He got a base hit in the fourth. [=the fourth inning]

2 [count] : one of four equal parts of something
cut the cake into fourths

She drank a fourth of the bottle.

3 [noncount] : the fourth forward gear or speed of a car, truck, etc.

He shifted into fourth.

4 the Fourth : independence day
watching fireworks on the Fourth

2fourth adj

1 : occupying the number four position in a series
on the fourth day
the book's fourth edition
her fourth goal of the season

2
used to refer to one of the forward gears or speeds of a vehicle
fourth gear

fourth adv

She finished fourth in the race.

the fourth highest mountain

fourth estate or Fourth Estate noun [singular]

: the people and organizations who report the news : journalists as a group
a member of the Fourth Estate

Fourth of July noun [singular]

: independence day

four-wheel also four-wheeled adj, always used before a noun

: having four wheels
a four-wheel vehicle

four-wheel drive noun [noncount]

: a system that applies engine power directly to all four wheels of a vehicle
a truck equipped with four-wheel drive

fowl noun, pl fowl also fowls

1 a [count] : a bird (such as a chicken) that is raised for food
usually plural
raising domestic fowl

The young fowl/fowls are fully independent when they hatch.

1 b [noncount] : the meat of such a bird used as food
roasted fowl

2 [count] old-fashioned + humorous : a bird of any kind

I spotted a long-legged fowl by the water's edge.

see also GUINEA FOWL, WATERFOWL, WILDFOWL

neither fish nor fowl see 1FISH

1fox noun, pl fox·es

1 a [count] : a small wild animal that is related to dogs and that has a long pointed nose and a bushy tail

1 b [noncount] : the fur of a fox
often used before another noun
a fox coat

2 [count] : a clever person

He's a wily/sly old fox.

She's crazy like a fox. [=she seems foolish or strange but is actually very clever]

3 [count] US, informal : an attractive person

She's a real fox. [=she's a very attractive woman]

2fox verb, foxes, foxed, fox·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit

1 : to trick or fool (someone)

They foxed me into telling the secret.

compare OUTFOX

2 : to confuse (someone)

The problem had us foxed!

fox·glove noun, pl -gloves [count]

: a tall plant that has many white or purple bell-shaped flowers growing on its stem

fox·hole noun, pl -holes [count]

: a hole dug for a soldier to sit or lie in for protection from the enemy

fox·hound noun, pl -hounds [count]

: a type of quick and strong dog that is often trained to hunt foxes

fox·hunt·ing noun [noncount]

: an activity in which people riding horses hunt foxes by using specially trained dogs

fox terrier noun, pl -ers [count]

: a type of small and lively dog

fox-trot noun, pl -trots [count]

: a formal dance that includes slow walking steps and quick running steps; also : the music for this dance

The band played a fox-trot.

foxy adj, fox·i·er, -est

1 : resembling or suggesting a fox
a narrow foxy face

2 : very clever
a foxy politician/strategy

3 US, informal : physically attractive : sexy
a foxy lady

foy·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : an open area in a public building (such as a hotel or theater) near the entrance : a lobby or entrance hall

2 US : an open area near the entrance in someone's home

fr. abbr

1 father

2 franc

3 from

Fr. abbr

1 France; French

2 Friday

fra·cas Brit noun, pl fra·cas·es (US) or Brit fracas [count]

: a noisy argument or fight
usually singular
a drunken fracas
a minor fracas

frac·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

1 mathematics : a number (such as 1/2 or 3/4) which indicates that one number is being divided by another; also : a number (such as 3.323) that consists of a whole number and a decimal

2 : a part or amount of something
a fraction of an inch/second

We've described only a small fraction [=portion] of the available options.

The new program will provide similar benefits at a fraction of the cost (of the old one). [=at much less cost; for much less money]

The new technology allows us to complete the job in a fraction of the time [=in much less time] it formerly took.

frac·tion·al adj

1 mathematics : of or relating to a fraction
fractional numbers

2 a : very small

There has been a fractional rise in the price of the stock.

There is only a fractional improvement in the new version.

a fractional amount

2 b : not complete
fractional [=partial] ownership

frac·tion·al·ly adv

The stock's price rose fractionally. [=slightly]

frac·tious adj [more ; most ]

1 : causing trouble : hard to manage or control
fractious [=unruly] children

The fractious crowd grew violent.

2 : full of anger and disagreement
a fractious relationship
fractious negotiations
a fractious political campaign

frac·tious·ness noun [noncount]

1frac·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

: the result of breaking something : a crack or break
a fracture in the Earth's crust
especially : a broken bone

She suffered a wrist fracture when she slipped on the ice.

see also COMPOUND FRACTURE, SIMPLE FRACTURE, STRESS FRACTURE

2fracture verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to cause a crack or break in (something hard, such as a bone)

She fractured [=broke] her wrist when she slipped on the ice.

1 b [no obj] of something hard : to crack or break

Her wrist fractured when she fell on the ice.

2 : to damage or destroy (something) or to be damaged or destroyed in a sudden or violent way

[+ obj] Their happiness was fractured by an unforeseen tragedy.

These problems may fracture the unity of the two parties.

[no obj] Their fragile happiness/unity fractured all too soon.

fractured adj

1 : having a crack or break
a badly fractured [=broken] wrist
a fractured skull/rib
fractured rocks

2 : spoken with many mistakes : not fluent

They couldn't understand my fractured [=broken] French.

3 : damaged or destroyed in a sudden or violent way
fractured happiness/unity

frag·ile adj [more ; most ]

: easily broken or damaged
the flower's fragile petals

Her health has always been very fragile.

fragile bones
an artist with a fragile ego

He is in an emotionally fragile state.

: very delicate
her fragile beauty

: not strong

The two countries have formed a fragile coalition.

a fragile cease-fire

fra·gil·i·ty noun [noncount]

the fragility of her health

1frag·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

1 : a broken part or piece of something
bone fragments
a pottery fragment

The dish lay in fragments on the floor.

2 : an incomplete part

I could only hear fragments of their conversation.

see also SENTENCE FRAGMENT

2frag·ment Brit verb, -ments, -ment·ed, -ment·ing

: to break or to cause (something) to break into parts or pieces

[no obj] The party is fragmenting into warring factions.

[+ obj] These issues are fragmenting our society.

The property is being fragmented into subdivisions.

frag·men·ta·tion noun [noncount]

the increasing fragmentation of society

fragmented adj [more ; most ]

We live in an increasingly fragmented society.

a fragmented market

frag·men·tary Brit adj [more ; most ]

: made up of parts or pieces : made up of fragments
discovering fragmentary remains of primitive animals
fragmentary [=incomplete] evidence/fossils/memories
fragmentary information/knowledge

fra·grance noun, pl -granc·es [count]

1 : a pleasant and usually sweet smell
a flower with a lovely fragrance

2 : a perfume or cologne
the company's newest fragrance

fra·grant adj [more ; most ]

: having a pleasant and usually sweet smell
a fragrant flower

The soup was fragrant with herbs and spices.

fraîche see CRÈME FRAÎCHE

fraidy-cat noun, pl -cats [count]

US informal : scaredy-cat
used mainly by children or when speaking to children

Don't be such a fraidy-cat!

frail adj, frail·er, -est

1 : having less than a normal amount of strength or force : very weak
a frail child
a frail old man

I could barely hear her frail [=weak] voice.

In his old age his health became increasingly frail.

synonyms see WEAK

2 : easily damaged or destroyed
a small and frail ship

frail·ness noun [noncount]

the frailness [=(more commonly) frailty] of his health

frail·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : physical weakness : the quality or state of being frail
the old man's frailty
the frailty of her voice/health

2 : weakness of character that causes a person to do things that are morally wrong

[noncount] He is not immune to human frailty. [=he sometimes fails to do what is fair, honest, etc.]

[count] We can no longer be surprised by the frailties of our political leaders.

1frame noun, pl frames

1 [count] : the basic structure and shape of the body of a person or animal

She had to extend every inch of her five-foot frame [=body] to reach the top shelf.

her petite/slight/thin/wiry frame
his large/lanky/lean frame

2 [count] : an arrangement of parts that support and form the basic shape of something
the frame of a house
a bicycle frame
the car's steel frame

3 a [count] : an open structure that holds something (such as glass or a picture)

a picture/window/door frame
see also COLD FRAME

3 b frames [plural] : the plastic or metal structure that holds the lenses of eyeglasses

I need new frames for my glasses.

4 [count]

4 a : one of the pictures in the series of pictures that make up a film

The film runs at eight frames per second.

see also FREEZE-FRAME

4 b : one of the drawings in the series of drawings that make up a comic strip

5 [count] computers : a section of a Web page that is like a small separate page : a section of a Web page that has its own scroll bar

6 [count] Brit : 1rack 6

in the frame

Brit informal : in the position of being considered for something
a job candidate who is still in the frame

out of the frame

Brit informal : no longer in the position of being considered for something
a job candidate who is out of the frame

see also TIME FRAME

2frame verb, frames, framed, fram·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to put (something) inside an open structure that holds it : to put (something) in a frame
frame a picture
a framed photograph
paintings framed with/in wood
steel-framed spectacles

1 b : to be around the edge of (something)

usually used as (be) framed
a house framed by a white picket fence

The child's face was framed by brown curls.

2 : to produce (something written or spoken)

It was the first state to frame a written constitution.

: to express (a question, answer, etc.) in words

She framed her questions carefully.

He took the time to frame a thoughtful reply.

3 : to make (an innocent person) appear to be guilty of a crime

She claims that she was framed.

see also FRAME-UP

fram·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a picture framer
the framers of the U.S. Constitution [=the people who wrote the U.S. Constitution]

frame of mind noun, pl frames of mind [count]

: the way someone is feeling : a person's emotional state : mood

Wait until he's in a better frame of mind.

a cheerful/happy/relaxed frame of mind
a serious/somber frame of mind

frame of reference noun, pl frames of reference [count]

: a set of ideas, conditions, experiences, etc., that affect how something is thought about or understood

Each person experiences art through his or her own frame of reference.

Her biographer tries to provide a frame of reference in which her work can be analyzed.

frame-up noun, pl -ups [count]

informal : a plan to make an innocent person appear to be guilty of a crime

She's the victim of a frame-up.

see also 2FRAME 3

frame·work noun, pl -works [count]

1 : the basic structure of something

These influences threaten the very framework of our society.

: a set of ideas or facts that provide support for something

The book provides a general framework for understanding modern politics.

He questions the study's theoretical framework.

2 : a supporting structure : a structural frame

An iron framework surrounds the sculpture.

The panels are attached to the building's steel framework.

franc noun, pl francs [count]

: a basic unit of money that is used in some countries where French is spoken and that was formerly used in France, Luxembourg, and Belgium; also : a coin or bill representing one franc

1fran·chise noun, pl -chis·es [count]

1 : the right to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area

She was granted an exclusive franchise in the city's west end.

also : a business that is given such a right

They just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street.

2 : the right to vote

The U.S. did not extend the franchise to women until the early 20th century.

3 US, sports : a team that is a member of a professional sports league

He's the best player in the history of the franchise.

In U.S. and Canadian English, a franchise player is the best and most important player on a particular professional sports team.

2franchise verb, -chises, -chised, -chis·ing [+ obj]

: to offer the right to sell (your company's goods or services) in a particular area

Most of the restaurants are owned by the company, but 15 are franchised restaurants. [=are owned and operated by people who have a franchise]

fran·chi·see noun, pl -sees [count]

: someone who has been given the right to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area : a person who has been granted a franchise

Fran·co- combining form

1 : French

Franco-German

2 : France, French culture, or the French
a Francophile [=a person who greatly likes and admires France and French things]

a Francophobe [=a person who dislikes France and French things]

Fran·co-Amer·i·can noun, pl -cans [count]

: an American whose family comes originally from France

Franco-American adj

Fran·co·phone adj

: having French as the main language
the region's Francophone population
a Francophone neighborhood in an English-speaking country

Francophone noun, pl -phones [count]

a neighborhood that includes many Francophones [=people who speak French as their main language]

1frank adj, frank·er, -est [also more ; most ]

used to say that someone is speaking or writing in a very direct and honest way

She gave me some very frank criticism.

Don't be afraid to be perfectly/completely frank with me.

To be brutally frank with you, I don't think you're good enough.

We had a full and frank discussion.

frank·ness noun [noncount]

She spoke with surprising frankness.

2frank noun, pl franks [count]

US informal : frankfurter, hot dog

We ate franks and beans for lunch.

frank·furt·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: hot dog 1

frank·in·cense noun [noncount]

: a substance that is burned for its sweet smell and that was used in religious ceremonies in ancient times

frank·ly adv

: in an honest and direct way

You can speak frankly to us.

often used to introduce a statement that tells your true opinion, reason, etc.

Frankly, I think your essay needs more work. [=I am being honest when I tell you that your essay needs more work]

fran·tic adj [more ; most ]

1 : feeling or showing a lot of fear and worry
frantic cries for help

The girl was frantic with fear/worry.

They made a frantic search for the missing child.

a frantic phone call

2 : having a lot of wild and hurried activity

They were making frantic preparations for the party.

a frantic attempt/effort to finish on schedule

fran·ti·cal·ly adv
searching frantically

frat noun, pl frats [count]

US informal : fraternity 1
often used before another noun
a frat party [=a party given by a fraternity]

a frat boy [=a member of a fraternity]

fra·ter·nal adj

1 : of or relating to brothers
fraternal love

2 : made up of members who share an interest or purpose

He belonged to a fraternal organization.

3 : friendly or brotherly

There was a fraternal feeling among the troops.

fra·ter·nal·ly adv

fraternal twin noun, pl twins [count]

: either member of a pair of twins that are produced from different eggs and may not have the same sex or appearance compare IDENTICAL TWIN

fra·ter·ni·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [count] : an organization of male students at a U.S. college compare SORORITY

2 [count] : a group of people who have the same job, interests, etc.

the racing fraternity [=people who are involved or interested in racing]

the legal fraternity

3 [noncount] formal : the feeling of friendship that exists between people in a group
an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation

frat·er·nize also Brit frat·er·nise verb, -niz·es, -nized, -niz·ing [no obj]

: to be friendly with someone : to spend time with someone in a friendly way especially when it is considered wrong or improper to do so

It is usually unwise to fraternize with your employees.

The soldiers were caught fraternizing (with the enemy).

frat·er·ni·za·tion also Brit frat·er·ni·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

frat·er·niz·er also Brit frat·er·nis·er noun, pl -ers [count]

frat·ri·cide noun, pl -cides [count]

: the crime of murdering your own brother or sister; also : a person who has committed this crime compare MATRICIDE, PATRICIDE

frat·ri·cid·al adj

fraud noun, pl frauds

1 : the crime of using dishonest methods to take something valuable from another person

[noncount] He was found guilty of bank fraud.

credit card fraud

[count] He was the victim of an elaborate fraud.

see also WIRE FRAUD

2 [count]

2 a : a person who pretends to be what he or she is not in order to trick people

He claimed he was a licensed psychologist, but he turned out to be a fraud.

2 b : a copy of something that is meant to look like the real thing in order to trick people

The UFO picture was proved to be a fraud.

fraud·ster noun, pl -sters [count]

chiefly Brit : a person who commits fraud

fraud·u·lent adj [more ; most ]

: done to trick someone for the purpose of getting something valuable

Corrupt leaders were chosen in a fraudulent election.

fraudulent use of a credit card
a fraudulent claim
the victim of a fraudulent scheme

fraud·u·lence noun [noncount]

fraud·u·lent·ly adv

fraught adj

: causing or having a lot of emotional stress or worry : anxious
a fraught silence/atmosphere

Fraught in this sense is more common in British English than in U.S. English.

fraught with

: full of (something bad or unwanted)

The situation was fraught with danger. [=very dangerous]

The paper was poorly researched and fraught with errors.

1fray noun, pl frays [count]

: a fight, struggle, or disagreement that involves many people

He threw himself into the fray.

He joined/entered the political fray.

above the fray

: not directly involved in an angry or difficult struggle or disagreement

His political aides handled the controversy while he remained above the fray.

2fray verb, frays, frayed, fray·ing

: to cause (a cloth or other material) to become worn down at the end or edge : to separate the threads of (a material)

[+ obj] She frayed the edges of her cutoff jeans. = She frayed her cutoff jeans at the edges.

[no obj] The cuffs of the old shirt were fraying.

often used figuratively

Her temper was starting to fray. [=she was beginning to get angry]

His nerves were frayed/fraying.

their frayed/fraying friendship

1fraz·zle verb, fraz·zles, fraz·zled, fraz·zling [+ obj]

informal : to make (someone) very nervous or upset

He's a clever player who knows how to frazzle his opponents.

frazzle someone's nerves

frazzled adj [more ; most ]

feeling very tired and frazzled
frazzled nerves

2frazzle noun

to a frazzle
informal

1 : to a very tired or nervous condition

By the end of the day, the waitress was worn to a frazzle. [=was exhausted]

2 Brit : to a state of being hard, dry, and easily broken

The toast had been burned to a frazzle. [=burned to a crisp]

1freak noun, pl freaks [count]

1 a disapproving : a very strange or unusual person

Who's that freak [=weirdo] with the green hair?

eccentric, artistic types whom many regarded as freaks
a hippie freak

1 b old-fashioned + sometimes offensive : a person or animal that is physically abnormal
a circus freak

I had a terrible rash on my face, and I felt like a freak.

a freak show

2 informal : a person who is very interested or active in something specified
a magazine for computer freaks [=enthusiasts]

a fitness freak
a movie freak
see also CONTROL FREAK, NEAT FREAK

3 informal : a person who uses a specified illegal drug
a speed freak

4 : something (such as an event) that is very unusual or unexpected

Through some incredible freak of fate [=strange event] they survived the shipwreck.

see also FREAK OF NATURE

2freak adj, always used before a noun

: not natural, normal, or likely

He was the victim of a freak accident.

a freak occurrence

3freak verb, freaks, freaked, freak·ing
informal

1 [+ obj] : to make (someone) very upset

He was a little freaked by the accident.

usually + out

He was a little freaked out by the accident.

It freaks me out to see people being so violent.

She was freaked out by what you said.

2 [no obj] : to become very upset

She really freaked when you said that.

often + out

She really freaked out.

He freaked out when he saw his girlfriend kiss another guy.

freaking adj

US informal + impolite
used to make an angry statement more forceful

Give me the freaking keys!

freaking adv

She is so freaking annoying!

freak·ish adj [more ; most ]

: very strange or abnormal
freakish weather
a freakish twist of fate

freak·ish·ly adv

He has a freakishly large nose.

freakishly hot weather

freak·ish·ness noun [noncount]

freak of nature noun, pl freaks of nature [count]

: a person or thing that is very unusual or abnormal

He's an amazing athletea real freak of nature.

The storm that destroyed the house was a freak of nature.

freaky adj, freak·i·er, -est
informal : strange or unusual

That book was kind of freaky.

a freaky kid wearing a weird hat

1freck·le noun, pl freck·les [count]

: a small, brownish spot on someone's skin
a pale, redheaded girl with freckles across her cheeks
a freckle-faced girl

2freckle verb, freckles, freck·led, freck·ling

: to be or become marked with freckles or spots

[no obj] His skin freckles but doesn't tan.

[+ obj] Tiny black spots freckled the walls.

freckled adj [more ; most ]

She has a freckled face. [=she has many freckles on her face]

1free adj, fre·er fre·est

1 : not costing any money

They're giving out free tickets to the show.

The school newsletter is free.

free advice
free drinks/food

The tickets are free for the taking. [=anyone who wants one can take one]

The store is offering a calculator as a free gift. [=something that is given to people to help get new customers for a business]

2 a : not held as a slave or prisoner

After 10 years in jail, he was finally a free man.

often used after set

After 10 years, they finally set him free.

2 b : not physically held by something

The animal struggled to get free of/from the trap.

His legs became caught in the net, and he was unable to get himself free.

3 : able to do what you want to do : able to move, go, or act without being stopped
followed by to + verb

You are free to leave.

You're (entirely) free to do whatever you want to do.

We were free to choose from among several options.

4 a : not controlled by a harsh ruler or laws

He dreamed of a day when his people would be free.

a free society

I can say whatever I want to say. This is a free country.

4 b : not limited by government control
free competition
free and democratic elections
free speech
see also FREE ENTERPRISE, FREE MARKET, FREE TRADE

5 a : not limited by fear, uncertainty, etc. : open
a free expression of opinions
a free exchange of ideas

Children are often freer and more imaginative than adults in their writing.

5 b : not limited in any way

Your password allows you to have free access to the system.

The ships were allowed free passage into and out of the port.

see also FREE HAND, FREE LOVE, free rein at REIN

6 : not having, including, or suffering from something unpleasant, painful, or unwanted
usually + from or of
free from worry/disease

The product is guaranteed to be free of/from major defects.

The speech was free of political rhetoric.

writing that is free of jargon

sometimes used in combination
jargon-free writing
sugar-free chewing gum

After struggling with her addiction for many years, she is finally drug-free. [=she has finally stopped using drugs]

see also SCOT-FREE

7 a : not required to be doing something : having nothing that must be done instead

I'm free tomorrow night.

We're having a party next Saturday. Are you free?

7 b of time : not being used for work or other activities

Wednesday is her only free afternoon.

I wish I had more free time.

He spends a lot of his free time [=time when he is not working on his job] tinkering with his car.

8 a : not being used

I'm going to call my mother as soon as the phone is free.

“Excuse me: is this seat free?” “I'm sorry: it's taken.”

There's not enough free space on my computer's hard drive to install the software.

8 b : not holding anything

He waved at us with his free hand.

8 c : not attached to anything

She held onto the free end of the rope.

9 : not covered or filled with things : clear

We'll need a lot of free floor space for the dancing lesson.

The hallway should be kept free of clutter.

10 : giving, doing, or saying something very often

He seems to be very free about giving people his advice. = He seems to be very free with his advice. = [=he seems to give his advice very often, even when it is not wanted]

She's very free with her money. = She's a free spender. [=she spends her money freely; she spends a lot of money without worrying about trying to save it]

(chiefly Brit) He had a habit of making free with other people's money. [=of using other people's money freely]

11 of a translation : not closely following or matching the original language : not exact

This is a very free [=loose] translation of the original poem.

(as) free as a bird

: completely free

After he left school he felt as free as a bird.

feel free

used to tell someone that there is no reason to hesitate about doing something

Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

for free

: without charge : at no cost

If you buy two boxes of cereal, you'll get another box for free. [=without paying any more money]

free and easy

1 : very informal and relaxed
a teacher with a free and easy manner
a free and easy atmosphere

2 : not strict or careful enough

They have been too free and easy in accepting political contributions.

free·ly adv

He freely admitted that he had lied.

We passed freely through the gate.

Wine flowed freely.

She spends money freely.

2free adv

1 : in a free way

The gate opened, and the animals ran free.

2 : without charge : at no cost

Children will be admitted free. [=for free]

Buy one, get one free.

break free see 1BREAK

free and clear

: without owing any money

I've paid off my mortgage and now I own the property free and clear. [=I no longer owe any money for the property]

free of charge

: without charge : at no cost

He offered his services free of charge. [=without receiving money]

home free see 2HOME

3free verb, frees, freed, free·ing [+ obj]

: to cause (someone or something) to be free: such as
a : to release (a person or animal) from a prison, cage, etc.

The government has agreed to free all political prisoners (from jail).

The gunman freed two of the hostages.

The animals were freed from their cages.

b : to release (someone or something) from being physically held or blocked

His legs became tangled in the net, and he was unable to free himself.

He was unable to free his legs from the net.

The animal struggled to free itself from the trap.

c : to cause or allow (someone or something) to stop having or being affected by something unpleasant, painful, or unwanted

+ from or of

He has struggled to free himself from debt.

The new road will help to free the city of traffic jams.

patients trying to free themselves from dependence on drugs

d : to make (something) available for use

I'll see if I can free (up) some time on my schedule next week so that we can meet.

We need to delete more files to free (up) space on the computer's hard drive.

e : to give more free time to (someone)

Hiring an assistant has freed him to spend more time with his family.

f : to remove limits from (someone or something)

She encourages her students to free their imaginations.

free on bail, freed on bail see 1BAIL

free agent noun, pl agents [count]

1 : a person who is able to act freely without being controlled by someone else

2 : a professional athlete (such as a baseball player) who is free to sign a contract to play for any team

free agency noun [noncount]

an athlete who has become eligible for free agency

free·base noun [noncount]

: a form of cocaine that can be smoked

freebase verb, -bas·es, -based, -bas·ing [no obj]

a drug addict who freebases

[+ obj]

a drug addict who freebases cocaine

free·bie or free·bee noun, pl -bies or -bees [count]

informal : something that is given for free

On the store's opening day, the manager gave out hats, small toys, and other freebies.

free·born adj

: not born in slavery
a freeborn citizen

free·dom noun, pl -doms

1 [noncount] : the state of being free: such as

1 a : the power to do what you want to do : the ability to move or act freely
religious freedom
academic freedom

He thinks children these days have too much freedom.

She has the freedom to do as she likes.

freedom of choice
freedom of speech/expression [=the right to express your opinions freely]

freedom of the press [=the right to publish books, newspapers, etc., without being controlled by the government]

1 b : the state of not being a slave, prisoner, etc.

a political prisoner struggling to win his freedom

1 c : the state of not having or being affected by something unpleasant, painful, or unwanted

+ from
freedom from care
freedom from pain/fear
freedom from responsibility

1 d : the right to use something or go somewhere without being controlled
freedom of the seas

2 [count] : a political right
an important freedom
basic human freedoms

freedom fighter noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who is part of an organized group fighting against a cruel and unfair government or system

free enterprise noun [noncount]

: a system in which private businesses are able to compete with each other with little control by the government called also private enterprise

free fall noun, pl falls

1 [noncount] : the state or condition of falling through the air toward the ground
a parachutist in free fall [=a parachutist who is falling through the air before the parachute opens]

2 a [noncount] : the condition of quickly becoming lower, less, or fewer

Sales were in free fall.

Stock prices have gone into free fall. [=they are going down very quickly]

2 b [count] : a fast or continuing drop

There has been a free fall in stock prices. [=stock prices have gone down very quickly]

free-float·ing adj

: not connected or attached to anything
free-floating ideas

: not directed at or caused by anything specific
free-floating anxiety

free-for-all noun, pl -alls [count]

: an uncontrolled fight or competition that involves many people

A fight between two players quickly turned into a free-for-all involving all the players on both teams.

often used figuratively to describe a wild and noisy disagreement

The press conference turned into a free-for-all.

free-form adj, always used before a noun

: created or done in any way you choose : not required to have particular patterns or forms
free-form dancing

free·hand adj, always used before a noun

: done without special tools or instruments

She took a course in freehand drawing.

a freehand sketch

freehand adv

She drew the picture freehand.

free hand noun

a free hand

: the freedom to do things and make decisions without being controlled by another

Her father gave her a free hand in running the family business. [=her father let her run the family business as she wanted to]

free kick noun, pl kicks [count]

soccer : a kick that is made without being stopped or slowed by an opponent and that is allowed because of a foul by an opponent

free·lance adj

: earning money by being hired to work on different jobs for short periods of time rather than by having a permanent job with one employer
a freelance writer
a freelance worker
also : done or produced by a freelance worker
a freelance job
looking for freelance work

I wrote a freelance article for a nature magazine.

freelance adv
working freelance

freelance verb, -lanc·es, -lanced, -lanc·ing [no obj]

a writer who freelances

free·load verb, -loads, -load·ed, -load·ing [no obj]

informal + disapproving : to get or ask for things (such as food, money, or a place to live) from people without paying for them

He often freeloads [=mooches] off his relatives.

free·load·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a lazy freeloader

free love noun [noncount]

: the practice of having sex with many people instead of with just one partner

free·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a free man : a man who is not a slave

free market noun, pl -kets [count]

: an economic market or system in which prices are based on competition among private businesses and not controlled by a government

free-market adj, always used before a noun
a free-market economy
free-market principles

Free·ma·son noun, pl -sons [count]

: a member of a large organization of men who have secret rituals and who give help to other members called also Mason

Free·ma·son·ry noun [noncount]

learning about the origins of Freemasonry

free-range adj

: allowed to move around freely : not kept in cages
free-range chickens
also : coming from free-range animals
free-range eggs

free ride noun, pl rides [count]

: special treatment that involves giving away something that is valuable or expensive

The state university offered him a free ride for all four years of collegehis football scholarship would cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses.

companies getting a free ride at the taxpayer's expense

free spirit noun, pl -its [count]

usually approving : a person who thinks and acts in a free way without worrying about normal social rules

Their daughter is a real free spirit.

free·stand·ing adj

: standing alone without being attached to or supported by something else
a freestanding wall

free·style noun [singular]

1 : a competition (such as a swimming race) in which the competitors are allowed to use different styles or methods
the one-mile freestyle
often used before another noun
a freestyle race
freestyle skating

2 : 2crawl 2

free·think·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who forms his or her own opinions about important subjects (such as religion and politics) instead of accepting what other people say

free·think·ing adj

free throw noun, pl throws [count]

: a basketball shot worth one point that must be made from behind a special line and that is given because of a foul by an opponent
make/miss a free throw
called also foul shot

free trade noun [noncount]

: a system of trade between nations in which there are no special taxes placed on imports

free verse noun [noncount]

: poetry that does not rhyme and does not have a regular rhythm

free·ware noun [noncount]

: computer software that can be used at no cost compare SHAREWARE

free·way noun, pl -ways [count]

US : a wide highway that is built for fast travel

free·wheel·ing adj

: free and loose in style or manner : not held back by rules, duties, or worries
a freewheeling young adventurer

She led a freewheeling life in the city.

: not controlled or limited
a freewheeling discussion/investigation
freewheeling competition

free will noun [noncount]

1 : the ability to choose how to act

I do this of my own free will. [=I do this because I want to do it; no one is forcing me to do this]

2 : the ability to make choices that are not controlled by fate or God

He argues that all humans have free will.

1freeze verb, freez·es, froze , fro·zen , freez·ing

1 : to be become a hard substance (such as ice) because of cold

[no obj] Water freezes (in)to ice.

The pond froze over. [=the surface of the pond froze]

The pond froze solid. [=the water in the pond froze completely]

[+ obj] The low temperature froze the river (over).

2 [no obj] : to be very cold

The children are going to freeze out there without their coats.

She nearly froze to death. [=nearly died from the cold]

3 : to become blocked or unable to move because of ice

[no obj] The water pipes froze.

My car doors froze.

[+ obj] The cold weather froze the water pipes.

4 : to preserve (food) by storing it in a very cold place

[+ obj] We froze the leftovers. [=we put the leftovers in the freezer]

[no obj] Some vegetables don't freeze well.

5 a [no obj] : to stop moving : to become completely still

The guard ordered him to freeze.

The deer froze in the road as the car approached it.

5 b [no obj] : to become unable to do or say anything

She froze (up) when the teacher asked her a difficult question.

5 c [no obj] : to stop working

The engine suddenly froze.

My computer has frozen (up) again.

5 d [+ obj] : to cause (a person or animal) to stop moving

A fake by the quarterback froze the defender.

The lights of the approaching car froze the deer.

6 [+ obj]

6 a : to stop (something, such as prices or wages) from changing or increasing

The government froze prices on certain materials.

The struggling company had to freeze wages and eliminate several jobs.

6 b : to stop (money or property) from being used, spent, etc.

The government has frozen foreign assets.

freeze out [phrasal verb]

freeze out (someone) or freeze (someone) out : to not allow (someone) to be included in an activity or group
a politician who is being frozen out by former supporters who accuse him of betraying the party

frozen stiff see 2STIFF

when hell freezes over see HELL

freezing adj or adv

Turn up the heatI'm freezing (to death)! [=I'm very cold]

It's freezing in here!

The weather has been freezing [=very cold] lately.

freezing weather

It's freezing cold [=very cold] in here!

2freeze noun, pl freezes [count]

1 : a period in which the weather is very cold : a time when temperatures are below 32°F or 0°C

The freeze destroyed many oranges.

2 : a stop in the increase, decrease, or change of prices or wages
a six-month wage freeze = a six-month freeze on wages
a price freeze

freeze-dry verb, -dries, -dried, -dry·ing [+ obj]

: to preserve (something, such as food) by a process that both dries and freezes it
a process used to freeze-dry food

freeze-dried adj
freeze-dried foods
freeze-dried coffee

freeze-frame noun, pl -frames

: a still, unchanging picture produced in a movie or video

[count] The movie ended with a freeze-frame of the child waving at his mother.

[noncount] The VCR allows you to fast-forward, reverse, or put the picture in freeze-frame.

freeze-frame verb, -frames, -framed, -fram·ing [+ obj]

freeze-frame an image

freez·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a device or room for freezing food or keeping it frozen
a freezer compartment

Don't forget to put the ice cream back in the freezer.

freezing point noun, pl points [count]

: the temperature at which a liquid freezes

The freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

1freight noun, pl freights

1 [noncount]

1 a : goods that are carried by ships, trains, trucks, or airplanes
trains that carry both passengers and freight

The freight arrived by steamboat.

1 b : the system by which goods are carried from one place to another

The order was shipped by freight.

2 [noncount] : the amount of money paid for carrying goods
paid the full freight
sometimes used figuratively in U.S. English
parents struggling to pay the freight [=to pay] for their children's college education

He warns that taxpayers will end up paying the freight for the new stadium.

3 [count] US : freight train
an eastbound freight

2freight verb, freights, freight·ed, freight·ing [+ obj]

1 : to send (goods) from one place to another
cargo freighted by airplane

2 : to cause (something) to have or carry many things : to load or burden (something)

usually used as (be) freighted
an essay freighted with complex arguments [=an essay that has too many complex arguments]

freight car noun, pl cars [count]

US : a railroad car that is used for carrying goods called also (Brit) wagon

freight·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a large ship that is used to carry goods

freight train noun, pl trains [count]

: a train that carries goods : a train that carries freight

1French adj

: of or relating to France, its people, or their language

French cuisine

French literature

2French noun

1 [noncount] : the language of the French people
learned to speak French

2 the French : the people of France : French people
the customs of the French

pardon my French see 1PARDON

French bean noun, pl beans [count]

Brit : green bean

French bread noun [noncount]

: a type of crusty bread that is baked in long, thin loaves

French Canadian noun, pl -ians [count]

: a Canadian whose family comes originally from France
the French Canadians of Quebec and other provinces

French-Canadian adj

French door noun, pl doors [count]

chiefly US : french window

French dressing noun [noncount]

1 US : a creamy salad dressing that is flavored with tomatoes

2 chiefly Brit : a salad dressing made of vinegar and oil with spices

french-fried adj
chiefly US : fried in deep fat
french-fried onions
french-fried potatoes

french fry or French fry noun, pl fries [count]

chiefly US : a long, thin piece of potato that is fried in deep fat called also (Brit) chip (US) fry

French horn noun, pl horns [count]

: a brass musical instrument that has a long tube which forms a circle and has a wide opening at one end

French kiss noun, pl kisses [count]

: a kiss made with the mouths open and the tongues touching

French·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a French man

French polish noun [noncount]

Brit : a kind of liquid (called a varnish) that is used on wood to make it shiny

French toast noun [noncount]

: bread that is covered in a mixture of eggs and milk and fried at low heat
a slice of French toast

French window noun, pl -dows [count]

: a pair of windows that have many small panes and that reach to the floor and open in the middle like doors

French·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

: a French woman

fre·net·ic adj [more ; most ]

: filled with excitement, activity, or confusion : wild or frantic

The celebration was noisy and frenetic.

frenetic activity

fre·net·i·cal·ly adv
a frenetically fast pace
dancing frenetically

fren·zied adj [more ; most ]

: very excited or upset
frenzied dancing

The screams of the fans grew more frenzied as the concert progressed.

fren·zied·ly adv

fren·zy noun, pl -zies [count]

: great and often wild or uncontrolled activity
the buying frenzy just before Christmas

The partygoers worked themselves (up) into a frenzy.

a frenzy of shopping
see also FEEDING FRENZY

fre·quen·cy noun, pl -cies

1 [noncount] : the fact or condition of happening often : common occurrence
the alarming frequency of serious automobile accidents caused by young drivers

The frequency of student errors was frustrating to the young teacher.

2 [noncount] : the number of times that something happens during a particular period

The frequency of our visits decreased [=our visits occurred less often] during the school year.

Our visits decreased in frequency.

Errors were occurring with increasing frequency.

high/low frequency

3 technical : the number times that something (such as a sound wave or radio wave) is repeated in a period of time (such as a second)

[noncount] a sound wave of high/low frequency

[count] waves having very different frequencies from one another
high/low frequencies
a current having a frequency of 60 hertz
a radio frequency of 30 megahertz

1fre·quent adj [more ; most ]

1 : happening often

We made frequent trips to town.

a frequent [=common, usual] occurrence

This bus makes frequent stops.

opposite INFREQUENT

2 : acting or returning regularly or often

She was a frequent visitor to the museum.

He is one of our most frequent customers.

opposite INFREQUENT

fre·quent·ly adv

I see her frequently.

This list is updated frequently.

2fre·quent verb, -quents, -quent·ed, -quent·ing [+ obj]

: to visit or go to (a place) often

He began frequenting cheap bars.

a neighborhood frequented by tourists
a restaurant frequented by local politicians

fre·quent·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a frequenter of cheap bars

fres·co noun, pl -coes

1 [noncount] : the art of painting on wet plaster
scenes done in fresco

2 [count] : a painting that is done on wet plaster
a ceiling fresco

1fresh adj, fresh·er, -est

1 a : newly produced, made, gathered, etc. : not preserved by being frozen, canned, etc.

fresh vegetables = vegetables fresh from the farm = farm-fresh vegetables

You can use either fresh or dried basil for this recipe.

fresh fish [=fish that were caught and killed very recently]

1 b : not old, spoiled, etc.

fresh bread = bread fresh from the oven = oven-fresh bread

The meat was kept fresh in the refrigerator.

a bouquet of fresh flowers

2 a : clean and pure
fresh air
fresh flavors
fresh colors

2 b : not having an unpleasant smell, taste, etc.

fresh breath

2 c : not worn or dirty

He changed into a fresh shirt.

She brought a fresh change of clothes.

3 : full of life and energy

She rose fresh from a good night's sleep.

She always seems to be (as) fresh as a daisy. [=very fresh; not at all tired]

4 : not containing salt
fresh water

5 a : newly made, experienced, or received
a fresh wound

5 b : replacing something old or used

Can I get you a fresh drink?

I used a fresh piece of paper.

Let's make a fresh start. [=let's start again]

5 c : remaining clear : not faded

I'd like to take the test soon, while the information is still fresh in my mind. [=while I still remember the information clearly]

memories that remained fresh

5 d : new and original

She offered fresh insight into the problem.

a young writer with fresh ideas

Let's try a fresh approach to this problem.

6 a : behaving or talking in a rude or impolite way

Don't be/get fresh with the teacher.

a very fresh kid

6 b old-fashioned : behaving or talking in a way that shows sexual attraction to someone

He tried to get fresh with me.

7 of wind : fairly strong
a fresh breeze

a breath of fresh air see BREATH

fresh from or fresh out of

: having recently left or come from (a place, such as a school)

new employees fresh out of college
a young doctor fresh from medical school

fresh off the boat see 1BOAT

fresh·ly adv
a freshly baked pie
freshly polished boots

fresh·ness noun [count, noncount]

The fruit had been shipped a great distance, and lacked flavor and freshness.

Several critics praised the freshness of her style.

2fresh adv

: just recently : newly, freshly

This bread was baked fresh.

usually used in combination
fresh-baked bread
fresh-laid eggs

fresh out (of something)

US informal
used to say that you do not have any more of something

“Are there any bagels left?” “I'm sorry, we're fresh out (of them).”

I'm fresh out of ideas. [=I don't have any more ideas]

We're fresh out of time.

fresh·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) fresh : to cause (something) to be more pleasant

We tried to freshen (up) the room [=to give the room a brighter appearance] with some color.

a mint that freshens the breath

2 [+ obj] chiefly US, informal : to pour more of a usually alcoholic drink into someone's glass

Can I freshen your drink?

3 [no obj] of wind : to become stronger

The wind/breeze suddenly freshened.

freshen up [phrasal verb]

: to wash yourself in order to feel clean and fresh

After my walk, I freshened up with a shower.

fresh·en·er noun, pl -ers [count]

an air/room freshener [=something used to make the air in a room smell fresher or more pleasant]

a breath freshener

fresh·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit informal : a university freshman

fresh-faced adj

: having a young, healthy, and innocent appearance
fresh-faced young students

fresh·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a student in the first year of high school or college

My daughter's a freshman at UCLA.

often used before another noun

She had a successful freshman year.

compare SOPHOMORE, JUNIOR, SENIOR

2 chiefly US : someone who is starting a job or activity : beginner

He was the best freshman in professional basketball this year.

often used before another noun
a freshman congressman

fresh·wa·ter adj, always used before a noun

: of, relating to, or living in water that is not salty
freshwater fish
a freshwater stream
compare SALTWATER

1fret verb, frets, fret·ted, fret·ting [no obj]

: to worry or be concerned

I was sure we wouldn't get there in time, but she told me not to fret.

Don't fret. We won't miss the plane.

It turned out that it was nothing to fret about/over.

2fret noun [singular]

informal : a state of being worried or upset

Don't get in (such) a fret! We won't miss the plane.

compare 3FRET

3fret noun, pl frets [count]

: any one of a series of ridges on the neck of some stringed musical instruments (such as a guitar)

compare 2FRET

fret·less adj
a fretless bass

fretted adj
fretted instruments

fret·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : upset and worried
a fretful child

2 : not relaxing or restful

He fell into a fretful sleep.

fret·ful·ly adv

He was sleeping fretfully.

fret·ful·ness noun [noncount]

the child's fretfulness

fret·work noun [noncount]

: patterns or decoration on a surface made by cutting into or through the surface

Freud·i·an adj

1 : of, relating to, or following the theories of Sigmund Freud

Freudian psychology
a Freudian psychologist

2 : relating to or coming from very deeply hidden desires or feelings
a Freudian compulsion
a Freudian joke

Freudian noun, pl -ians [count]

The psychologist considers himself a Freudian.

Freudian slip noun, pl slips [count]

: a mistake in speech that shows what the speaker is truly thinking

He meant to say “I'm glad you're here,” but what came out was a Freudian slip: “I'm mad you're here.”

Fri. abbr

Friday

fri·a·ble adj [more ; most ]

technical : easily broken into smaller pieces
friable soil

fri·a·bil·i·ty noun [noncount]

fri·ar noun, pl -ars [count]

: a member of a men's Roman Catholic group who is poor and studies or teaches about Christianity

fric·as·see Brit noun, pl -sees [count, noncount]

: a dish of small pieces of meat cooked in liquid and served in a thick white sauce
chicken fricassee

fric·a·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

linguistics : a sound made by forcing air out of your mouth through a narrow opening that is made using the lips, teeth, or tongue

The sounds /f v ð s z h/ are English fricatives.

fricative adj
a fricative consonant

fric·tion noun [noncount]

1 a : the act of rubbing one thing against another

Friction causes heat.

the friction of sandpaper on wood

1 b : the force that causes a moving object to slow down when it is touching another object

Oil in a car engine reduces/lessens friction.

2 : disagreement or tension between people or groups of people

It was difficult to reach an agreement because of the friction between the two sides.

fric·tion·al adj, technical
frictional heating

fric·tion·less adj
a frictionless surface

Fri·day noun, pl -days

: the day of the week between Thursday and Saturday

[count] She was here last Friday.

My birthday falls on a Friday this year.

(Brit) I'll arrive on the Monday and leave on the Friday.

The class meets on Fridays. [=every Friday]

[noncount] I will arrive on Friday. = (chiefly US) I will arrive Friday.

I'll arrive on Monday and leave on Friday.

abbr. Fri. see also GOOD FRIDAY

Fridays adv

He works late Fridays. [=he works late every Friday]

fridge noun, pl fridg·es [count]

: refrigerator

Please put the milk in the fridge.

In U.S. English, fridge is informal, but in British English it is the usual word for a refrigerator.

fridge-freezer noun, pl -ers [count]

Brit : a kitchen appliance that includes both a refrigerator and a freezer

In U.S. English, this appliance is usually called a refrigerator.

fried adj

1 : cooked in hot oil
fried fish

2 US, informal : not able to think clearly because you are very tired

Sorry, I'm just fried today.

fried rice noun [noncount]

chiefly US : a dish of rice that is cooked and then fried with soy sauce and vegetables, meat, or beaten eggs

friend noun, pl friends [count]

1 : a person who you like and enjoy being with

I'd like you to meet my friend.

She is such a good/close/dear friend (of mine).

We're fast friends. = We're the best of friends.

He's no friend of mine.

He has always been a good friend to me. [=he has always helped or supported me as a good friend should]

She's my best friend. [=my closest friend]

We are childhood friends. [=we have been friends since we were children]

old friends [=people who have been friends for a long time]

She is an old family friend. = She is an old friend of the family. [=she has known and spent time with the family over many years]

We are just friends. [=we are not in a romantic relationship]

He wants to be friends with my younger sister. [=he wants to be my sister's friend]

She is best friends with my younger sister. [=she is my youngest sister's closest friend]

Friend is sometimes used in a humorous or ironic way to refer to someone who is annoying or disliked.

Has our friend with the rude attitude been bothering you lately?

Don't look now. Here comes your friend.

2 : a person who helps or supports someone or something (such as a cause or charity)

She is a friend of the environment. [=she supports environmental causes]

The strikers knew they had a friend in the senator. [=knew that the senator supported them]

Are you friend or foe? [=do you support us or oppose us?]

3 Friend : quaker

a friend in need is a friend indeed
used to say that a friend who will help you when you need help is a true friend

friends in high places

To have friends in high places is to know people with social or political influence or power.

She got the job because she has friends in high places.

make friends

: to become someone's friend

Sometimes it is hard for children to make new friends.

often + with

She's very good at making friends with people from all walks of life.

man's best friend see 1MAN

friend·less adj
literary : not having any friends : not having anyone who can help you

He was friendless and alone.

1friend·ly adj, friend·li·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 a : acting like a friend : kind and helpful
friendly neighbors

The local people are very friendly to/toward visitors.

It was friendly of him to offer to help us.

1 b : having or showing the feelings that friends have for each other

His friendly smile was reassuring.

They maintained a friendly correspondence.

They are friendly with their new neighbors. [=they are friends with their new neighbors]

2 : showing support or approval
usually + to or toward

The boss is friendly to new ideas.

He accuses his political opponents of being overly friendly toward special interests.

3 : giving help : making the process of doing something easier

A friendly breeze helped us sail the boat into the harbor.

4 : cheerful or pleasant

The friendly glow of the fire was welcome after our hike through the snowy mountains.

5 : not an enemy : not hostile

That nation was not friendly (to us).

friendly competitors

They have enjoyed a friendly rivalry for many years.

specifically : involving or coming from your own military forces
friendly planes

Several soldiers were killed by friendly fire. [=they were accidentally killed by weapons fired from their own side]

6 a : easy to use or understand
friendly computer software
a customer-friendly telephone system
see also USER-FRIENDLY

6 b : not harmful
environmentally friendly products = eco-friendly products [=products that do not harm the environment]

7 : done for enjoyment or exercise instead of for money or prizes
a friendly game of tennis/poker
a friendly preseason match

friend·li·ness noun [noncount]

She appreciated the friendliness of her neighbors.

There was friendliness and warmth in his eyes.

2friendly noun, pl -lies [count]

Brit : a game between sports teams that is done for fun and not as part of a regular playing season
a preseason friendly

friendly society noun, pl -ties [count]

Brit : an association in which members pay money to receive benefits when they are old or sick

friend·ship noun, pl -ships

1 : the state of being friends : the relationship between friends

[count] They have a long-standing friendship. [=they have been friends for a long time]

They struck up a friendship. [=they became friends]

She formed many lasting friendships [=she made and kept many friends] during her time in college.

a friendship between two countries

[noncount] They have enjoyed many years of friendship.

2 [noncount] : a friendly feeling or attitude : kindness or help given to someone

He was encouraged by the friendship his coworkers showed him.

frier variant spelling of FRYER

frieze noun, pl friez·es [count]

: a decorative band or border usually on the top of a building or wall

frig·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: a small and fast military ship

frig·ging adv
informal + impolite
used to make an angry statement more forceful

That was so frigging stupid!

frigging adj

I failed the frigging test.

fright noun, pl frights

1 a [noncount] : fear caused by sudden danger : sudden fear

Her eyes were wide with fright.

He was paralyzed with/by fright. [=he was so afraid that he couldn't move]

I almost died of fright. [=I was extremely afraid or terrified]

I approached very slowly, but the hawk took fright [=became afraid] and flew away.

1 b [count] : a feeling of sudden fear
usually singular

When you jumped out from behind the door it gave me such a fright! [=it made me feel very afraid]

synonyms see 1FEAR

2 [count] old-fashioned : something that looks strange, shocking, ugly, etc.

usually singular

You can't go out like that. Your hair looks a fright! [=your hair looks very messy or unattractive]

see also STAGE FRIGHT

fright·en verb, -ens, -ened, -en·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to become afraid

The story really frightened me.

The child was badly frightened by the mask.

The story nearly frightened me to death. = The story nearly frightened the life out of me. [=the story frightened me very badly]

2 [no obj] : to become afraid

She doesn't frighten easily.

frighten away/off [phrasal verb]

frighten (someone or something) away/off : to cause (someone or something) to go away or stay away because of fear

The dog frightened the prowler away.

Tourists have been frightened off by the violence in the city.

frighten into [phrasal verb]

frighten (someone) into (doing something) : to cause (someone) to do (something) because of fear

The insurance agent tried to frighten her into buying the most expensive flood insurance.

They frightened the boy into confessing his crime.

frighten out of [phrasal verb]

frighten (someone) out of (doing something) : to keep (someone) from (doing something) because of fear

Bad economic news has frightened people out of putting their money in the stock market.

frightened adj [more ; most ]

Are you frightened [=afraid] of dogs?

a badly/very frightened child

frightening adj [more ; most ]

There were frightening noises outside my tent.

a frightening mask

fright·en·ing·ly adv

The car came frighteningly close to the guardrail.

It is frighteningly [=extremely] easy to mislead voters.

fright·ful adj [more ; most ]

somewhat old-fashioned

1 : causing fear

As he fell, he let out a frightful scream.

a frightful illness that causes extreme pain

2 : very bad or shocking

The children made a frightful mess of the kitchen.

Many critics have expressed shock at the song's frightful lyrics.

3 : very strong
a frightful thirst

fright·ful·ly adv
somewhat old-fashioned

1 : in a shocking way

The cost of living here is frightfully expensive.

2 : very

She's frightfully good at her work.

That's a frightfully clever solution.

frig·id adj [more ; most ]

1 : very cold

The frigid gusts of wind stung their faces.

frigid air/water

2 : not friendly or loving : lacking emotional warmth

She was born into an emotionally frigid family.

He looked at them with a frigid [=cold] stare.

3 of a woman : not wanting to have sex : not enjoying sex

fri·gid·i·ty noun [noncount]

the frigidity of the climate
sexual problems such as impotence and frigidity

frig·id·ly adv
a frigidly cold gust of wind

frill noun, pl frills [count]

1 : a strip of cloth that is gathered into folds on one edge and attached to something (such as clothing or curtains) as a decoration

The dress had frills around the hem and sleeves.

2 : something that is added but is not necessary

He likes plain food without any frills.

see also NO-FRILLS

frilly adj, frill·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : having frills
a frilly dress
frilly curtains

2 : looking like a frill : having wavy edges
a plant with frilly leaves

1fringe noun, pl fring·es

1 [count] : a border made of hanging threads used to decorate the edge of something (such as clothing, rugs, and curtains)

a lampshade with a fringe

2 [count] : a narrow area along the edge of something
a fringe of moss around the tree
often plural

Scientists were measuring temperatures at the outer fringes of the atmosphere.

3 [singular] : an area of activity that is related to but not part of whatever is central or most widely accepted
a party on the political fringe

: a group of people with extreme views or unpopular opinions
the conservative/liberal fringe
often used before another noun
a fringe topic
published in a fringe journal
fringe theater
the fringe element
fringe activists

see also LUNATIC FRINGE

4 [count] Brit : the front section of hair cut short and worn over the forehead : bangs
usually singular

She wears her hair in a fringe.

on the fringe(s)

: on the outer edge of something

They lived on the fringe of the forest.

often used figuratively

He has been working for years on the fringes of the entertainment industry.

2fringe verb, fringes, fringed, fring·ing [+ obj]

1 : to decorate (something) with a fringe
a fringed leather vest

2 : to go along or around (something)

A jungle fringed the shore.

fringe benefit noun, pl -fits [count]

: something extra (such as vacation time) that is given by an employer to workers in addition to their regular pay

frip·pery noun, pl -peries
somewhat formal + old-fashioned : something that is not necessary or not serious

[noncount] The design is simple and devoid of needless frippery.

[count] needless fripperies

Fris·bee trademark
used for a plastic disc that you throw to someone who tries to catch it as part of a game

frisk verb, frisks, frisked, frisk·ing [+ obj]

: to pass your hands over (someone) to search for something that may be hidden in clothing

All visitors to the prison are frisked (for weapons) before they're allowed to enter.

frisky adj, frisk·i·er, -est [more ; most ]

1 : very playful or lively
frisky kittens

The kids were frisky after all that candy.

2 informal : sexually playful or excited
feeling frisky

frisk·i·ly adv
kittens playing friskily on the lawn

frisk·i·ness noun [noncount]

the friskiness of the kittens

fris·son noun, pl -sons [count]

somewhat formal : a sudden strong feeling or emotion
a frisson of surprise

1frit·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a small piece of food that has been coated in a flour and egg mixture and fried
apple/corn fritters

2fritter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing

fritter away [phrasal verb]

fritter away (something) or fritter (something) away : to spend or use up (something) in a slow and usually foolish way

He frittered the afternoon away.

He frittered away his fortune on gambling.

fritz noun

on the fritz

US informal : not working properly

We can't listen to music because the stereo is on the fritz.

fri·vol·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : a lack of seriousness : the quality or state of being silly or frivolous

He has no patience for frivolity.

2 [count] : something that is unnecessary or silly

He spends money on the latest fashions and other frivolities.

friv·o·lous adj [more ; most ]

1 : not important : not deserving serious attention

She thinks window shopping is a frivolous activity.

a frivolous lawsuit [=a lawsuit about something that is not important]

2 : silly and not serious
a frivolous conversation

friv·o·lous·ly adv

She was spending money frivolously.

friv·o·lous·ness noun [noncount]

frizz noun [noncount]

: very tightly curled hair

She used gel on her hair to control the frizz.

frizz verb, frizz·es, frizzed, frizz·ing [no obj]

Humidity makes my hair frizz.

frizzy adj, frizz·i·er, -est
frizzy hair

fro adv see TO AND FRO

frock noun, pl frocks [count]

1 old-fashioned : a woman's or girl's dress
wearing an old frock
a party frock

2 : a long outer garment worn by some Christian monks and friars

frock coat noun, pl coats [count]

old-fashioned : a long coat worn by men especially in the 19th century

frog noun, pl frogs [count]

1 : a small animal that spends much of the time in water and has smooth skin, webbed feet, and long back legs for jumping compare TOAD

2 Frog informal + offensive : a French person

This sense is very offensive and should be avoided.

a frog in your throat

If you have a frog in your throat, you are unable to speak normally because your throat is dry.

frog·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man in the military or police) who uses special equipment to work underwater for long periods of time

frog-march verb, -march·es, -marched, -march·ing [+ obj]

chiefly Brit : to grab and force (someone) to walk forward by pushing from behind

They frog-marched him out the door.

1frol·ic verb, -ics, -icked, -ick·ing [no obj]

: to play and move about happily : romp

We watched the seals as they frolicked in the harbor.

children frolicking in the yard

2frolic noun, pl -ics

: an enjoyable time or activity

[count] We went out for a frolic in the sun.

[noncount] an evening of fun and frolic

frol·ic·some adj [more ; most ]

: very lively and playful
frolicsome children

from prep

1
used to indicate the starting point of a physical movement or action

He drove here from the city.

He set out from town this morning.

She took a fall from a horse.

The cat came out from under the table.

2
used to indicate the place that something comes out of

He took a dime from [=out of] his pocket.

3
used to indicate the place where someone lives or was born

My family is/comes originally from Italy.

Where are you from? = Where do you come from?

4
used to indicate the starting or central point of any activity

She looked at me from under her glasses.

He spoke from the heart.

She watched us from across the street.

5
used to indicate the starting point in measuring something

The meeting is scheduled for a week from today.

It's 20 miles from here to the nearest town.

They were married three years from that day.

From childhood (onward) he displayed unusual musical talent.

6
used to indicate a physical separation between two things

An ocean separates America from Europe.

7
used to indicate something that is removed, released, blocked, or prevented

This lotion provides protection from the sun.

relief from anxiety

They asked him to refrain from interrupting.

They have no right to exclude her from membership.

The dictator fell from power.

subtract 3 from 9

8
used to indicate change to a different state or condition

Things have gone from bad to worse.

They were transformed from raw recruits into trained soldiers.

9
used to indicate the material that is used to make something

Wine is made from grapes.

a doll made from cloth

10
used to indicate the source of something

I'm expecting a call from my lawyer.

All his problems have come from that one bad decision.

She received a letter from home.

reading aloud from a book

He inherited a love of music from his father.

I bought a book from him. [=he sold a book to me]

The painting was done directly from nature.

She drew it from memory.

11
used to indicate the basis or cause of something

We conclude from this that no changes are necessary.

He's suffering from a bad cold.

They were weak from hunger.

I could tell she was angry from [=by] the look on her face.

12
used to indicate the lowest point, amount, etc., in a range

These parts cost (anywhere/anything) from $5 to $10.

It's anywhere from $50,000 on up. [=it is at least $50,000 and could be more]

13
used to indicate the group or number of people or things out of which someone or something is chosen or selected

She was chosen from a large number of competitors.

as from see 2AS

frond noun, pl fronds [count]

: a large, long leaf
palm fronds

1front noun, pl fronts

1 [count] : the forward part or surface of something : the part of something that is seen first
usually singular
the front of a shirt
the front of the house [=the part facing the street]

The jacket zips down the front. [=has a zipper that goes from the collar to the waist to open and close it]

There's a picture on the front of the box. [=on the part of the box that usually faces out and that you see first]

see also SHOP FRONT, STOREFRONT

2 [count] : a place, position, or area that is most forward or is directly ahead
usually singular

The teacher asked her to come (up) to the front of the classroom.

She was sitting in the front of the bus.

3 [count] : the part of your body that faces forward and includes your face and chest
usually singular

The baby rolled onto his front.

4 [count] : the part of a book, magazine, etc., that includes the first few pages
usually singular

You'll find that information in the front of the book.

5 [singular] : a way of behaving that is meant to hide your true feelings, thoughts, etc.

I can't believe that your anger was all just a front! [=that you were pretending to be angry]

She put up a good/brave front, but I know she was very disappointed. [=she acted as if she was not disappointed]

6 [count] : someone or something that hides or protects an illegal activity

The business is a front for organized crime.

7 [count]

7 a : an area where military forces are fighting

The general is sending more troops to the front.

see also HOME FRONT

7 b : an area or field of activity
usually singular

We are making progress on the educational front.

Not much has been happening on the political front.

8 [count] weather : the place where two large areas of air that are of different temperatures come together see also COLD FRONT, WARM FRONT

front to back
of a piece of clothing : with the front where the back should be

He accidentally put the sweater on front to back. [=back to front, backwards]

in front

1 : in a forward position : in an area at the front of something

There was room for one passenger in front, so the rest of us sat in back.

2 : in the leading position in a race or competition

She's still in front, but the other runners are catching up to her.

often used after out

She's still out in front.

in front of

1 : directly before or ahead of (something or someone)

A tree stood in front of the house.

A deer ran (out) in front of the car.

They are frightened of what lies in front of them. [=what is in the future]

2 : in the presence of (someone)

We shouldn't argue in front of the children.

out front

1 : in the area directly before or ahead of something (such as a building)

There was a small statue on the lawn out front.

2 : in the audience

There are about 20,000 screaming fans out front.

united front

: a group of people or organizations that join together to achieve a shared goal

We've decided to present a united front against these proposals.

up front

1 : in or at the most forward position

They told us we could sit up front.

2 informal : before beginning to do something : in advance

He'll do the work, but he insists on being paid up front.

3 informal : in a direct and honest way

They told me up front that my chances of being selected weren't good.

see also UP-FRONT

2front adj, always used before a noun

1 : of or relating to the front : located at the front

There's a small statue on the front lawn.

He keeps his wallet in his front pocket.

the front entrance/hall

She likes to sit in the front [=first] row. = She likes front-row seats.

the front door [=the door in the front of a building that is usually the main entrance]

The story appeared on the front page [=the first page] of the newspaper.

We checked into the hotel at the front desk. [=the desk in a building where visitors are greeted]

There is a dent in the car's front end. [=the part of a vehicle that faces forward]

2 golf
used to refer to the first 9 holes of an 18-hole golf course

He was two over par on the front nine.

front and center

US : in the most important position or area

These issues are front and center in voters' minds.

3front verb, fronts, front·ed, front·ing

1 : to have the face or front toward (something)

[+ obj] The house fronts Main Street.

[no obj] The house fronts on/onto Main Street.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to be the leader or lead singer of (a musical group)

He is now fronting a different band.

2 b Brit : to host or present (a radio or TV program)

He fronts a talk show.

3 [+ obj] US, informal : to give (someone) the money needed to do something (such as to start a business)

The record company will front (them) the money to record the album.

front·age noun [noncount]

: the part of a building or of the land that a building is on that runs along a river, road, etc.

We have 200 feet of frontage on Main Street.

frontage road noun, pl roads [count]

US : service road

front·al adj, always used before a noun

1 : relating to the front of something : directed at the front
a frontal attack

2 : relating to or showing the front of the human body

(full) frontal nudity

fron·tal·ly adv

The enemy attacked them frontally.

front bench noun, pl bench·es [count]

Brit : the front row of seats on both sides in a British legislature (such as the House of Commons) where the leaders sit; also : the leaders themselves

He challenged the views of his party's front bench.

the party's front-bench spokesman
compare BACKBENCH

front-bench·er noun, pl -ers [count]

He has been a front-bencher for 20 years.

front burner noun

on the front burner
chiefly US : in the position of something that will receive immediate attention and action

The President has put tax cuts on the front burner.

compare BACK BURNER

front-end loader noun, pl -ers [count]

chiefly US : a vehicle with a large scoop in front that is used for digging and loading loose material called also front loader

fron·tier Brit noun, pl -tiers [count]

1 : a border between two countries
the frontier between Canada and the U.S.

2 : a distant area where few people live

They were sent on an expedition to explore the western frontier.

frontier life

3 : the limits of knowledge in a particular field
usually plural
the frontiers of science
a discovery at the very frontiers of our understanding

fron·tiers·man Brit noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) who lives on the frontier (sense 2)

fron·tis·piece noun, pl -piec·es [count]

: a picture in the front of a book

The frontispiece of a book comes before and usually faces the title page.

front line noun, pl lines [count]

1 : an area where soldiers are fighting : 1front 7a
troops on the front line = front-line troops

2 : the most important and active position in a job or field of activity

These researchers are on/at the front line of defense against cancer.

She has been working on the front lines to educate the poor.

front loader noun, pl loaders [count]

US : front-end loader

front matter noun [noncount]

: the pages at the beginning of a book before the main part

The conventions of the book are explained in the front matter.

compare BACK MATTER

front office noun [noncount]

: the people who manage a business or organization (such as a professional sports team)

Many fans blame the team's poor performance on bad decisions made by the front office.

often used before another noun
a front-office job
front-office decisions

front-page adj, always used before a noun

1 : printed on the front page of a newspaper
a front-page story/photograph

2 : very important
front-page news
a front-page political event

front room noun, pl rooms [count]

: living room

front-run·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

: the person or thing that is most likely to win a race or competition
the presidential front-runner

front-wheel drive noun [noncount]

: a system that applies engine power to the front wheels of a vehicle
a car with front-wheel drive

frosh noun, pl frosh·es [count]

US informal + old-fashioned : freshman

1frost noun, pl frosts

1 [noncount] : a thin layer of ice that forms on the ground, on grass, etc., when the air becomes cold

The grass was covered with frost.

light/heavy frost

Frost formed on the window.

2 [count] : the occurrence of weather that is cold enough to cause water to freeze and frost to form

These plants should bloom until the first frost of the season.

We had an early/late frost.

a killing frost [=weather that is so cold that the frost kills plants]

2frost verb, frosts, frost·ed, frost·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to cover (something) with frost

The cold had frosted the windows.

1 b [no obj] : to become covered with frost

The windows frosted (up).

2 [+ obj] chiefly US : to cover (something, such as a cake) with frosting (sense 1)

I have to frost the birthday cake.

3 [+ obj] chiefly US : to make small strips of your hair lighter so the top layer of your hair is lighter than the rest of it

She frosts her bangs.

frost·bite noun [noncount]

: a condition in which part of your body (such as your fingers or toes) freezes or almost freezes
minor frostbite

He wore gloves to prevent frostbite.

frost·ed adj

1 : having a dull surface that looks as if it is covered with frost
frosted glass

2 chiefly US, of hair : having very small strips on the top layer of your hair that are lighter than the rest of your hair

She has frosted bangs.

frost·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

1 chiefly US : a sweet, creamy mixture that is used to cover cakes

We put frosting on the cupcakes.

called also icing

2 : a dull surface on metal or glass

frosty adj, frost·i·er, -est

1 : cold enough to produce frost
a frosty night

2 : covered with frost
frosty windows

3 : unfriendly or cold
a frosty stare

We received a frosty welcome.

frost·i·ly adv

She was glaring frostily at us.

frost·i·ness noun [noncount]

There's some frostiness [=coolness] between them.

the frostiness of the night

1froth noun [noncount]

1 : bubbles that form in or on a liquid
froth on the waves

2 : something that is appealing but that has no serious value or interest
news shows full of froth

froth·i·ness noun
the frothiness of the cream

frothy adj
the frothy waves
a frothy comedy

2froth verb, froths, frothed, froth·ing [no obj]

: to produce or form froth

The water frothed as the waves broke along the shore.

froth at the mouth

1 : to produce froth from the mouth because of illness or excitement

The dog was frothing [=foaming] at the mouth.

2 informal : to be very angry about something

She was frothing [=foaming] at the mouth with rage.

frou-frou adj [more ; most ]

chiefly US informal : very heavily decorated and fancy
frou-frou designs

1frown noun, pl frowns [count]

: a serious facial expression that usually shows anger, displeasure, or concentration

She was wearing a frown. [=she was frowning]

2frown verb, frowns, frowned, frown·ing [no obj]

: to make a frown in anger, concentration, etc.

She was frowning when she entered the room, so I knew that she was annoyed about something.

frown on/upon [phrasal verb]

frown on/upon (something) : to disapprove of (something)

The company frowns on dating among employees.

Public expressions of affection are frowned upon in many cultures.

frown·ing·ly adv

She stared frowningly.

frow·sy also frow·zy adj, frow·si·er also frow·zi·er, -est

US informal : having a messy or dirty appearance
a frowsy old sweater
frowsy hair

froze past tense of 1FREEZE

frozen past participle of 1FREEZE

frozen yogurt noun, pl -gurts [count, noncount]

chiefly US : a sweet frozen dessert that is like ice cream but is made with yogurt

fruc·tose noun [noncount]

: a very sweet kind of sugar that is found in fruit juices and honey

fru·gal adj [more ; most ]

1 : careful about spending money or using things when you do not need to : using money or supplies in a very careful way

He's a frugal shopper.

often + with

She's very frugal with her money.

2 : simple and plain
a frugal meal of bread and cheese

fru·gal·i·ty noun [noncount]

He's admired for his frugality.

fru·gal·ly adv

She's trying to live frugally.

1fruit noun, pl fruits

1 a : a usually sweet food (such as a blueberry, orange, or apple) that grows on a tree or bush

[count] apples, oranges, and other fruits

[noncount] a bowl/piece of fruit
often used before another noun
fruit salad [=a mixture of fruits cut into small pieces]

fruit juice
a fruit tree [=a tree that bears fruit]

see also FORBIDDEN FRUIT

1 b [count] technical : the part of a plant that has the seeds in it (such as the pod of a pea, a nut, a grain, or a berry)

2 [count] : a result or reward that comes from some action or activity
usually plural

They're finally able to enjoy the fruits of their labors.

We hope that we'll be able to share in the fruits of victory.

3 [count] : something that exists naturally in the world and is useful to people
usually plural

We need to remember that the fruits of the earth belong to us all.

bear fruit see 2BEAR

the fruit of someone's loins see LOIN

2fruit verb, fruits, fruit·ed, fruit·ing [no obj]

technical : to produce fruit

When will the trees fruit?

fruit bat noun, pl bats [count]

: a large bat that eats fruit and lives in hot parts of the world

fruit·cake noun, pl -cakes [count]

1 : a very sweet cake that contains nuts, fruits, and spices

2 informal : a foolish, strange, or crazy person : nut

He's a real fruitcake. = He's as nutty as a fruitcake.

fruit fly noun, pl flies [count]

: a small fly that eats fruit or rotting vegetables

fruit·ful adj [more ; most ]

: producing a good result : very productive

We had a fruitful discussion about the problems with the schedule.

a fruitful meeting
fruitful ideas/methods/suggestions
compare FRUITLESS

fruit·ful·ly adv

These problems could be fruitfully addressed.

fruit·ful·ness noun [noncount]

fru·i·tion noun [noncount]

: the state of being real or complete
used after come to or bring to

His plans have finally come to fruition. [=he has finally done the things that he planned to do]

She was never able to bring her dreams to fruition. [=she was never able to achieve her dreams]

fruit·less adj

: producing no good results : not successful

They made a fruitless attempt to find a solution.

It would be fruitless to continue.

a fruitless argument
compare FRUITFUL

fruit·less·ly adv

They argued fruitlessly.

fruit·less·ness noun [noncount]

fruit machine noun, pl -chines [count]

Brit : slot machine

fruity adj, fruit·i·er, -est

1 : tasting or smelling like fruit
a fruity smell/taste
a fruity wine

2 US, informal : strange or crazy

She acts a little fruity.

3 Brit, of a voice : rich and deep

frump noun, pl frumps [count]

disapproving : a woman who wears unattractive clothes or does not make an effort to appear attractive
an old frump

frumpy adj, frump·i·er, -est

: dressed in an unattractive way
a frumpy housewife
also of clothing : old and unattractive

That's a frumpy dress.

frus·trate verb, -trates, -trat·ed, -trat·ing [+ obj]

1 : to cause (someone) to feel angry, discouraged, or upset because of not being able to do something

It frustrated him to miss so many games because of injuries.

We've been frustrated by bureaucratic delays.

2 : to prevent (efforts, plans, etc.) from succeeding

Bureaucratic delays have frustrated our efforts to resolve this problem.

: to keep (someone) from doing something

The lack of investors has frustrated them in their efforts to expand the company.

frustrated adj

1 [more ; most ] : very angry, discouraged, or upset because of being unable to do or complete something

By the end of the day, we were all feeling very tired and frustrated.

They were getting pretty frustrated with/at the delay.

sexually frustrated [=wanting to have sex but not able to; not satisfied sexually]

2 always used before a noun : trying to do something or gain a skill but not successful

He works in an office, but he's really a frustrated actor/writer. [=a person who wants to be an actor/writer but is not]

frus·trat·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing feelings of anger and annoyance

All these delays have been very frustrating.

frus·trat·ing·ly adv
frustratingly long delays

frus·tra·tion noun, pl -tions

1 a [noncount] : a feeling of anger or annoyance caused by being unable to do something : the state of being frustrated

He shook his head in frustration.

These bureaucratic delays have been causing us a lot of frustration.

1 b [count] : something that causes feelings of anger and annoyance : something that frustrates someone

These delays have proven to be a major frustration.

We've been experiencing a lot of frustrations.

2 [noncount] : the act of preventing the success of something : the act of frustrating something

He was angry about the frustration of his plans.

1fry verb, fries, fried, fry·ing

: to cook (food) in fat or oil

[+ obj] They fried (up) some chicken for dinner.

They fried us some chicken. = They fried some chicken for us.

We had fried eggs and ham for breakfast.

[no obj] We could smell the onions frying.

see also DEEP-FRY, PANFRY, STIR-FRY

fish to fry see 1FISH

2fry noun, pl fries [count]

US : french fry
usually plural
steak and fries [=(Brit) chips]

Would you like an order of fries with your hamburger?

see also FISH FRY, STIR-FRY
compare 3FRY

3fry noun [plural]

: very young fish see also SMALL FRY
compare 2FRY

fry·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a deep pan for frying foods

2 chiefly US : a young chicken that is suitable for frying compare BROILER, ROASTER

frying pan noun, pl pans [count]

: a metal pan that has a long handle and is used for frying called also (chiefly US) skillet

from/out of the frying pan (and) into the fire

If you have gone or jumped from or out of the frying pan (and) into the fire, you have gone from a bad situation or problem to a worse one.

fry pan noun, pl pans [count]

US : frying pan

fry-up noun, pl -ups [count]

Brit : a dish or meal of fried food

ft. abbr

1 feet; foot

2 fort

FTC abbr

Federal Trade Commission

The company is being investigated by the FTC.

The Federal Trade Commission is a part of the U.S. federal government that is responsible for preventing unfair or deceptive business practices.

FTP noun [noncount]

: a system for sending files from one computer to another computer over the Internet
files sent by FTP

FTP is an abbreviation of “file transfer protocol.”

fuch·sia noun, pl -sias [count, noncount]

1 : a type of bush that has large pink, red, purple, or white flowers

2 : a bright reddish-purple color

1fuck verb, fucks, fucked, fuck·ing

Fuck is an extremely offensive word in all of its uses and should be avoided.

1 offensive + obscene

1 a [no obj] : to have sex

1 b [+ obj] : to have sex with (someone)

2 [+ obj] offensive : to cheat or mistreat (someone)

They really fucked me (over) when they sold me that car.

3 offensive
used to express anger, disgust, etc.

I'm tired of waiting. Fuck it, let's get out of here.

If you don't like itfuck you!

Oh fuck, they've left without us!

fuck off [phrasal verb]

offensive used as an angry command to tell someone to go away

fuck up [phrasal verb]

offensive

1 : to act stupidly : to make mistakes

You really fucked up this time, getting to work so late.

2 fuck up (something) or fuck (something) up : to ruin (something) by being stupid or careless

You really fucked up our schedule!

3 fuck up (someone) or fuck (someone) up : to cause (someone) to become confused, crazy, etc.

The war really fucked him up.

fuck with [phrasal verb]

offensive

1 fuck with (something) : to handle (something) carelessly : to mess with (something)

Don't you dare fuck with my stereo.

2 fuck with (someone) : to treat (someone) wrongly : to mess with (someone)

Don't fuck with me!

2fuck noun, pl fucks

1 [count] offensive + obscene : an act of sexual intercourse

2 [count] offensive + obscene : a sexual partner

3 offensive

3 a [singular] : anything at all
usually used in negative statements

I don't give/care a fuck about their problems.

3 b [noncount]

used with the as a way to make an angry statement or question more forceful

What the fuck do they want from me?

Shut the fuck up!

4 [count] US, offensive : fucker

He's a stupid fuck.

fuck all noun [noncount]

Brit offensive : nothing

You've done fuck all to help me!

fuck·er noun, pl -ers [count]

offensive : an annoying person or thing

That little fucker is going to get it from me!

fuck·ing adj
offensive
used to make an angry statement more forceful

He's such a fucking idiot!

fucking adv, offensive

She thinks she's so fucking cool.

fud·dy-dud·dy noun, pl -dies [count]

informal + disapproving : a person with old-fashioned or conservative ideas and attitudes

He's just an old fuddy-duddy.

1fudge verb, fudg·es, fudged, fudg·ing

1 a [+ obj] : to fail to deal with (something) in an open and direct way

Politicians have been known to fudge the issues.

1 b [no obj] : to speak or act in a way that is meant to avoid dealing with a problem directly
often + on

The company fudged on how it would deal with the problem.

2 [+ obj] : to change (something) in order to trick people

The treasurer fudged the figures.

It was later discovered that the researchers had fudged their data.

fudge the facts

2fudge noun, pl fudges

1 [noncount] : a soft, sweet brown candy

We bought three kinds of fudge.

chocolate fudge

2 [count] : a statement that does not deal with a problem or issue in a direct way

His response to these charges has been a series of denials and fudges.

hot fudge

US : a hot, thick, chocolate sauce that is usually served on ice cream
a hot-fudge sundae [=an ice-cream sundae made with hot fudge]

fudgy adj, fudg·i·er, -est chiefly US
fudgy, chewy brownies

1fu·el noun, pl fuels

1 [count, noncount] : a material (such as coal, oil, or gas) that is burned to produce heat or power
a gallon of fuel
a 16-gallon fuel tank

I had the fuel pump replaced on my car.

often used figuratively

Breakfast is my fuel to get through the morning.

see also FOSSIL FUEL

2 [noncount] : something that gives support or strength to something (such as argument or angry feelings)

These latest scandals will provide further fuel for his political opponents.

These latest accusations will only add fuel to the controversy.

The controversy continues to rage, and these latest accusations will only add fuel to the fire.

2fuel verb, fuels, US fueled or Brit fuelled, US fuel·ing or Brit fuel·ling

1 a [+ obj] : to supply (something) with fuel

The airplanes were fueled in midair.

1 b [no obj] : to take in fuel

The airplanes fueled (up) in midair.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to give support or strength to (something)

The criticism she has faced has only fueled her determination to succeed.

2 b : to provide the necessary conditions for (something)

Inflation was fueled by high prices.

The strong economy has fueled the construction of new homes.

fuel up [phrasal verb]

: to put fuel into a car, airplane, etc.

They fueled up for their long journey home.

fug noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit : the unpleasant air in a room that is very crowded, smoky, etc.

They sat in the dense fug of a smoky bar.

1fu·gi·tive noun, pl -tives [count]

: a person who is running away to avoid being captured

They discovered that the slave was a fugitive.

especially : a person who is trying to escape being arrested by the police
often + from

He's a fugitive from the law.

She has been charged with helping a fugitive from justice.

2fugitive adj, always used before a noun

1 : running away to avoid being captured
a fugitive slave

2 literary : lasting a very short time

As he daydreamed, fugitive thoughts/dreams passed through his mind.

fugue noun, pl fugues [count]

: a piece of music in which tunes are repeated in complex patterns

1-ful adj suffix

1 : full of
prideful
eventful

2 : characterized by
peaceful
successful

3 : having the qualities of
masterful

4 : tending or likely to
forgetful
helpful

2-ful noun suffix

: the number or amount that fills or would fill
a roomful
a cupful
a spoonful

ful·crum noun, pl ful·crums also ful·cra [count]

technical : the support on which a lever moves when it is used to lift something

ful·fill (US) or Brit ful·fil verb, US fulfills or Brit fulfils, ful·filled, ful·fill·ing [+ obj]

1 : to do what is required by (something, such as a promise or a contract)

fulfill a promise/vow

He fulfilled his pledge to cut taxes.

She failed to fulfill her obligations.

2 a : to succeed in doing or providing (something)

They haven't yet fulfilled [=met, satisfied] the requirements needed to graduate.

The program is intended to fulfill the basic needs of children in the community.

The committee was disbanded after it had fulfilled its purpose. [=after it had done what it was intended to do]

2 b : to succeed in achieving (something) : to make (something, such as a dream) true or real

If we could have that house, our dreams would be fulfilled.

He fulfilled his childhood wish to become a professional baseball player.

She fulfilled her life's ambition when she started her own business.

Their vacation failed to fulfill their expectations. [=their vacation was not as good as they expected it to be]

With the money she earned in the stock market, she was finally able to fulfill her dreams. [=she was finally able to do the things she had always dreamed of doing]

He has a lot of talent, but he hasn't really fulfilled [=lived up to, reached] his potential.

3 : to make (someone or yourself) happy by achieving or doing something that was wished for

Her work fulfills her.

He's trying to fulfill himself as an artist.

ful·fill·ment (US) or Brit ful·fil·ment noun [noncount]

the fulfillment of a promise/dream/contract

She found fulfillment by starting her own business.

fulfilled adj [more ; most ]

1 : feeling happy and satisfied about life : feeling that your abilities and talents are being fully used

She wants to find a career that will allow her to feel fulfilled.

2 : providing happiness and satisfaction

She wants to lead a more fulfilled life.

fulfilling adj [more ; most ]

: providing happiness and satisfaction

My time in college was a happy and fulfilling period in my life.

The work has been very fulfilling.

1full adj, full·er, -est

1 : containing or holding as much or as many as possible
a full bottle

The disk is full.

The plane was carrying a full load of passengers.

The theater was full to capacity.

often + of
a bottle full of milk
a bin full of corn

2 always used before a noun

2 a : not lacking anything : complete in number, amount, etc.

We bought a full set of dishes.

They waited for three full months.

He has a full array of stereo equipment.

The soldiers were wearing full combat gear.

This will be his first full season with the team.

The phrase a full is often used to stress the large size of an amount.

He won the match by a full seven strokes.

It was a full three months before they made a decision.

He's a full foot taller than his wife.

2 b : not limited in any way

His theories have not yet found full acceptance.

I have full [=complete] confidence in your honesty.

I hope that you'll give us your fullest cooperation.

Please give me your full attention.

We need to take full advantage of this opportunity.

She's expected to make a full recovery.

They're not making full use of these resources.

He's now a full member of the club. = He now has full membership in the club.

the rights of full citizenship
a full professor

We're still waiting to hear the full story of what happened.

She deserves full credit for meeting the deadline.

2 c : not reduced or shortened

He doesn't like having to pay full price.

We could feel the full impact of every bump.

What is your full name?

2 d : existing or working at the highest or greatest degree : developed as much as possible

The flowers were in full bloom.

The machine was running at full power/speed.

The factory is operating at full capacity.

The tree has not yet reached full size.

The stereo was at full volume. [=was playing as loudly as possible]

After the meeting, he had a fuller understanding of the job.

It'll be a few minutes before you feel the full effect of the drug.

He hasn't yet realized his full potential as a writer.

3 a always used before a noun : including many things

She has a full range of interests. [=she is interested in many different things]

The store carries a full line of products.

3 b : involving many activities

We have a full schedule of events planned.

We have a full day of work ahead of us.

: very active

She lived a very full and satisfying life.

4 : having a rounded shape : not thin or narrow

She has a full face.

a woman with a full figure = a full-figured woman
full lips

5 : having or containing a great number or amount of something

The room was full of pictures.

Despite his problems, he was still full of hope.

full of enthusiasm
food full of flavor

He says the charges against him are full of lies.

6 a : having eaten all that is wanted

No dessert for me, thank you. I'm full. [=(chiefly Brit) full up]

6 b always used before a noun : large enough to satisfy hunger

I like to start the day with a full breakfast.

a full meal

7 a : having a large amount of material
a full skirt/dress

7 b : having a large amount of hair

He has a full [=thick] head of hair.

a full beard

8 : thinking of something all the time

He was full of his own concerns.

If you are full of yourself, you think of yourself more than you should.

She is certainly very full of herself.

9 : having a strong and pleasing quality
a food/wine of full flavor

His voice is a full, rich baritone.

10 of the moon : appearing as a bright circle

The moon is full tonight.

full blast see 1BLAST

full count see 2COUNT

full of beans see BEAN

full of crap/shit
informal + offensive : not to be believed : saying things that are not true

That guy is full of shit.

full of it
informal + sometimes offensive : not to be believed

His story was so exaggerated that I thought he was full of it.

Oh, you're so full of it.

full steam/speed ahead

used to say that something is being done with as much speed and power as possible

The work started slowly, but now it's full steam ahead.

The campaign is going full speed ahead.

have your hands full see 1HAND

not playing with a full deck see 1DECK

to the fullest

: in a very active and energetic way

She likes to live life to the fullest.

full·ness also ful·ness noun [noncount]

the fullness of her voice

The conditioner added fullness to her hair.

I expected it would happen in the fullness of time. [=it would happen eventually]

2full adv

1 : as much as possible : entirely or completely

The cup was filled full to the brim.

2 : directly or squarely

The ball hit him full in the chest.

He kissed her full on the lips.

full out

: with as much effort as possible

He was running full out.

see also FULL-OUT

full well
formal : very well

I knew full well who they were.

You know full well that it won't be possible for me to go.

3full noun

in full

: entirely or completely

The receipt indicated that their bill had been paid in full.

Please write your name and address in full. [=please write your full name and address]

to the full

1 : to a great or complete degree

I enjoyed the performance to the full.

: as much as possible

We need to exploit this opportunity to the full.

2 : in a very active and energetic way

She likes to live life to the full.

full·back noun, pl -backs [count]

1 American football : a player on offense who lines up behind the line of scrimmage and who runs with the ball and blocks

2 : a defensive player in games like soccer and field hockey who is usually positioned near the goal

full beam noun [noncount]

Brit : high beam

The car's headlights were on full beam.

full-blood·ed adj, always used before a noun

1 : having parents who are of the same race or origin

Both his parents were Irish, so he was a full-blooded Irishman.

a full-blooded Cherokee

2 a : full of enthusiasm, energy, etc.

a full-blooded socialist

2 b : fully developed

They started a full-blooded revolution.

full-blown adj

: having all of the qualities that are associated with a particular thing or type of person : fully developed
a full-blown recession
full-blown AIDS

The movie made him a full-blown star.

full-bod·ied adj [more ; most ]

: having a strong and pleasant flavor
a full-bodied wine

full circle adv

: through a series of changes that lead back to an original position or situation or to an opposite position or situation

Now that she's back on the stage, her career has come/gone full circle. [=her career began on the stage, and now she has returned to it]

full-court press noun, pl presses [count]

1 basketball : a very aggressive way of playing defense over all areas of the court

2 US : a very aggressive effort or attack usually involving many people

The bill's supporters are mounting/launching a full-court press to assure its passage.

full-cream adj

Brit : containing cream
full-cream milk [=(US) whole milk]

full-cream cheese

full dress noun [noncount]

: special clothes that are worn for a ceremony or for important social occasions

The Army required full dress be worn to the event.

The officers were in full dress.

full-dress uniforms

full-dress adj, always used before a noun

: involving attention to every detail : very complete or full
a full-dress investigation/biography

full-fat adj, always used before a noun

Brit : having no fat removed
full-fat dairy products

full-fledged adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US

1 : fully developed

The conflict widened into a full-fledged war.

a full-fledged recession

2 : meeting all the necessary requirements to be something
a full-fledged lawyer/member

full-grown adj

: having reached full growth or development : fully grown or mature
full-grown animals/trees
a full-grown man

full house noun, pl houses [count]

1 : a theater or concert hall that is filled with spectators
a singer performing before a full house

2 : a set of cards that a player has in a poker game containing three cards of one value and two cards of another value

A hand with three kings and two tens is a full house.

full-length adj

1 : showing all of a person's body from the head to the feet
a full-length mirror
a full-length portrait

2 : reaching to the end of your legs or arms
a full-length dress
a shirt with full-length sleeves

3 : having the normal length : not shortened

They staged a full-length version of the play.

full marks noun [plural]

Brit

1 : praise given for an achievement

Full marks to Mary for her excellent suggestion! [=Mary should be praised for her excellent suggestion]

2 : the highest score that you can get on a test see also full marks for effort at EFFORT

full moon noun [singular]

: the moon when it appears as a bright circle compare HALF-MOON, NEW MOON

full-on adj, always used before a noun

: not limited in any way

Her new album is full-on funk.

: fully developed
a full-on barroom brawl

full-out adj, always used before a noun

1 : made or done with as much effort as possible : all-out
a full-out sprint
see also full out at 2FULL

2 : fully developed
a full-out war

full-scale adj, always used before a noun

1 : having the same size as the original

They built a full-scale replica of the ship.

a full-scale model

2 : not limited in any way : using everything that can be used
a full-scale war
a full-scale investigation

full-ser·vice adj, always used before a noun

: offering all the necessary or expected services
a full-service bank/restaurant
a full-service health resort

full-size adj

1 : having the same size as the original : full-scale
a full-size model

2 US, of a bed : having a size of 54 inches by 75 inches (about 1.4 by 1.9 meters) compare KING-SIZE, QUEEN-SIZE, TWIN-SIZE

full stop noun, pl stops [count]

Brit : 1period 5a

full-term adj

: lasting for the normal length of time
a full-term pregnancy
also : born after a pregnancy that lasts for the normal length of time
a full-term baby

full-time adj

1 a : working the full number of hours considered normal or standard
full-time employees

1 b : done during the full number of hours considered normal or standard
a full-time job
compare PART-TIME

2 : requiring all of or a large amount of your time

Taking care of children is a full-time job.

full-time adv

She worked full-time at the office.

full-tim·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Some of the employees are full-timers, but most of them are part-timers.

ful·ly adv

1 : in every way or detail : completely or entirely

He fully recovered from the operation.

They will never fully appreciate their luck.

The house is fully furnished.

When will the tree be fully grown?

sometimes used with more and most

I've never felt more fully alive.

We need to understand these problems more fully before we can find a solution to them.

The father is the most fully developed character in the novel.

see also fully booked at 2BOOK

2 : at least
used to stress the large size of a number or amount

Fully 90 percent of us attended the meeting.

Next year, fully three-quarters of the jobs will be unfilled.

ful·ly-fledged adj

Brit : full-fledged

ful·mi·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing [no obj]

formal : to complain loudly or angrily

She was fulminating about/over/at the dangers of smoking.

The editorial fulminated against the proposed tax increase.

ful·mi·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

a fulmination against the proposed tax increase

[noncount]

The proposed tax increase has been the subject of much anger and fulmination.

ful·some adj [more ; most ]

formal : expressing something (such as praise or thanks) in a very enthusiastic or emotional way
often used in a disapproving way to describe words that seem excessive or insincere

They were fulsome in their praise of her efforts.

a fulsome apology

ful·some·ly adv
fulsomely praised

fum·ble verb, fum·bles, fum·bled, fum·bling

1 [no obj] : to search for something by reaching or touching with your fingers in an awkward or clumsy way

She fumbled in her pocket for her keys.

He fumbled (around) for the light switch.

often used figuratively

She fumbled for an answer but couldn't think of one.

2 : to handle something in an awkward or clumsy way

[no obj]

usually + with

She fumbled with her keys as she tried to unlock the door.

[+ obj] They fumbled a good opportunity to take control of the market.

3 sports : to fail to catch or hold the ball

[no obj] He was hit hard and fumbled on the 20-yard line.

[+ obj] He fumbled the ball on the 20-yard line.

fumble noun, pl fumbles [count]

(American football) He had one fumble during last week's game.

fum·bler noun, pl -blers [count]

fumbling adj

He made a fumbling attempt to explain his behavior.

1fume noun, pl fumes [count]

: smoke or gas that smells unpleasant
usually plural
automobile exhaust fumes

2fume verb, fumes, fumed, fum·ing

1 a [no obj] : to show or feel anger

She's still fuming about/over/at not being invited to the party.

We sat there waiting for him, fuming with anger at the delay.

1 b [+ obj] : to say (something) in an angry way

“They made these changes without even asking our opinion,” one employee fumed.

2 : to produce or give off (smoke, fumes, etc.)

[+ obj] The volcano was fuming thick black smoke.

[no obj] The volcano was fuming.

fu·mi·gate verb, -gates, -gat·ed, -gat·ing [+ obj]

: to remove germs, insects, etc., from (a room or building) with smoke or gas that destroys them

All the hospital rooms had to be fumigated.

We had to fumigate our apartment to get rid of the ants.

fu·mi·ga·tion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

fu·mi·ga·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

1fun noun [noncount]

1 : someone or something that is amusing or enjoyable : an enjoyable experience or person

The game was a lot of fun. [=the game was very enjoyable]

She's fun to be with. = It's fun to be with her. = It's fun being with her. [=her company is enjoyable]

Picnics are great fun [=are very enjoyable] in good weather.

2 : an enjoyable or amusing time

We had fun at the movie. [=we enjoyed ourselves at the movie; we enjoyed the movie]

I can't remember when I've had so much fun.

a vacation filled with fun = a fun-filled vacation
a fun-loving couple [=a couple who love to have fun]

3 : the feeling of being amused or entertained

He plays cards just for fun. = He plays cards just for the fun of it.

Sickness takes all the fun out of life.

a figure of fun

: a person who people laugh at and make jokes about in an unkind way

He was a figure of fun around town.

in fun

: in a joking way : in a way that is not serious

Don't take offense: I was only saying it in fun.

make fun of

: to laugh at and make jokes about (someone or something) in an unkind way

The other kids were making fun of me.

They made fun of the way he talked.

more fun than a barrel (full) of monkeys see 1BARREL

poke fun at

: to make a joke about (someone or something) usually in a friendly way

I like to poke fun at my boss, but he's really not a bad guy.

2fun adj, always used before a noun, sometimes fun·ner, sometimes fun·nest
informal : providing amusement : amusing or enjoyable

Our vacation was a fun time.

She's a fun person to be with.

The park is a fun place to visit.

We had a fun time at the movie.

3fun verb, funs, funned, fun·ning [no obj]

US informal : to speak or act in a way that is not serious

I don't want you to get angry; I was only funning. [=(more commonly) joking, fooling]

He's just funning with you.

fun and games noun [plural]

: activity that is meant to be enjoyable rather than serious

The family reunion was full of fun and games.

often used in a disapproving way to describe activity that is considered silly and not useful

The convention is just an excuse for journalistic fun and games.

1func·tion noun, pl -tions

1 : the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used

[count] The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.

He believes that the true function of art is to tell the truth.

What functions do these programs fulfill/perform/serve?

infants learning to control their bodily functions

[noncount] The instrument is chiefly used to measure and record heart function.

The design achieves a perfect blend of form and function.

2 [count] : the job or duty of a person

His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker.

Her chief/main/primary/principal function is to provide expert legal advice.

3 [count] : a large ceremony or social event

They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend.

a social function

4 [count]

4 a : something (such as a quality or measurement) that is related to and changes with something else

Height is a function of age in children. [=the height of children increases as their age increases]

4 b : something that results from something else

His personal problems are a function of [=a result of] his drinking.

2function verb, -tions, -tioned, -tion·ing [no obj]

1 : to work or operate

The new machine functions well.

His bad health has prevented him from being able to function effectively in recent weeks.

Her heart now seems to be functioning normally.

The computer network is not yet fully functioning.

Stress may interfere with (the) normal functioning of the immune system.

2 : to have a specified function, role, or purpose : serve
usually + as

Teachers also function as counselors.

The couch was designed to also function as a bed.

func·tion·al adj

1 : designed to have a practical use

They worked outside, so they preferred wearing functional clothes.

The building's design is not only functional but also beautiful.

functional and decorative pottery

2 medical : affecting the way a part of your body works
a functional heart disorder

3 : working properly

The flashlight was still functional after I dropped it.

The computer network is fully functional.

4 : of or relating to the use or function of something
the functional differences between the departments

func·tion·al·ly adv

func·tion·al·i·ty noun, pl -ties

1 [noncount] : the quality of having a practical use : the quality of being functional
a design that is admired both for its beauty and for its functionality

2 : the particular use or set of uses for which something is designed

[noncount] The cameras are comparable in price and functionality.

[count] a device with new functionalities

func·tion·ary Brit noun, pl -ar·ies [count]

: a person who works for a government or political party

He was a party functionary during the political campaign.

function key noun, pl keys [count]

: any one of a set of keys on a computer keyboard that have special uses

function word noun, pl words [count]

linguistics : a word (such as a preposition or a conjunction) that is used mainly to show grammatical relationships between other words

1fund noun, pl funds

1 [count] : an amount of money that is used for a special purpose
the library's book fund

The fund was established to aid the poor.

a pension fund
see also MUTUAL FUND, SLUSH FUND, TRUST FUND

2 funds [plural] : available money

All her funds were in a checking account.

His funds were getting lower as he continued to look for a job.

raising campaign funds

I'm a little short of funds right now. [=I don't have much money right now]

3 [singular] : an amount of something that is available for use : a supply of something

The comedian had a large fund of jokes.

2fund verb, funds, fund·ed, fund·ing [+ obj]

: to provide money for (something)

The group funded three new scholarships.

Who funds the company pension plan?

The program is funded by the state. = The program is state-funded.

The plan is fully funded. [=the plan is provided with all the money it requires]

funding noun [noncount]

The program relies on funding from the state. = The program relies on state funding.

1fun·da·men·tal adj [more ; most ]

1 : forming or relating to the most important part of something : basic

The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.

There's a fundamental difference between these two political parties.

a fundamental truth/concept/belief
often + to
beliefs that are fundamental to our society

2 : of or relating to the basic structure or function of something

These ideas are of fundamental importance.

The revolution brought about a fundamental change in the country.

We need to make some fundamental changes in the way we do business.

We need to address these problems on a more fundamental level.

2fundamental noun, pl -tals [count]

: one of the basic and important parts of something : a fundamental part
usually plural

Reading, writing, and arithmetic are the fundamentals of education.

the fundamentals of algebra

fun·da·men·tal·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who strictly and literally follows a set of rules and laws especially about religion
a religious fundamentalist

fun·da·men·tal·ism noun [noncount]

religious fundamentalism

fundamentalist adj
fundamentalist beliefs

fun·da·men·tal·ly adv

: at the most basic level

All people are fundamentally the same. = Fundamentally, all people are the same.

fundamentally important principles

I disagree with some of her points, but fundamentally she's right.

His plan is fundamentally different.

fund-rais·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person who collects money for a political party, charity, school, etc.

2 : a social event held to collect money for a political party, charity, school, etc.

fund-rais·ing noun [noncount]

: activity done to collect money for a political party, charity, school, etc.

political fund-raising
a fund-raising dinner/campaign

fu·ner·al noun, pl -als [count]

: a ceremony held for a dead person

Only family attended the funeral.

His funeral will be held on Friday.

a funeral procession/service

His cousin made the funeral arrangements.

it's your funeral
informal
used to say that you will have to deal with the unpleasant result of your actions

Tell the boss she's wrong if you like: it's your funeral!

funeral director noun, pl -tors [count]

: a person whose job is to arrange and manage funerals : undertaker

funeral home noun, pl homes [count]

: a place where dead people are prepared for burial or cremation and where wakes and funerals are held called also (US) funeral parlor

fu·ne·re·al adj

: very sad and serious : suggesting a funeral
a funereal silence
funereal music

fun·fair noun, pl -fairs [count]

Brit : an outdoor event at which there are various kinds of games, rides, and entertainment

fun·gal adj

: of, relating to, or caused by a fungus
a fungal disease/infection

fungi plural of FUNGUS

fun·gi·cide noun, pl -cides [count, noncount]

: a substance that kills fungi

fun·gus noun, pl fun·gi also fun·gus·es [count]

: any one of a group of related plants (such as molds, mushrooms, or yeasts) that have no flowers and that live on dead or decaying things

fun house noun, pl houses [count]

US : a building in an amusement park with many features that amuse and surprise people as they walk or ride through it

fu·nic·u·lar noun, pl -lars [count]

: a railway going up and down a mountain that carries people in cars pulled by a moving cable

1funk noun, pl funks [count]

chiefly US informal : a condition in which you are unable to think or behave normally because you are sad, depressed, etc.

usually singular

She seems to be coming out of her funk.

usually used after in or into

He had been in a (blue) funk since failing the exam.

She went into a dark/deep funk after she lost her job.

sometimes used figuratively

The country is in an economic funk. [=the country's economy is doing poorly]

compare 2FUNK

2funk noun [noncount]

: a type of popular music that has a strong beat and that combines traditional forms of African-American music (such as blues, gospel, or soul)

compare 1FUNK

funky adj, funk·i·er, -est

1 : having the style or feeling of funk music
funky music

The music had a funky beat.

2 informal : stylish or appealing in an unusual way

We had dinner at a funky little Italian restaurant.

a funky bar

3 US : having a strange or unpleasant odor

Something in the closet smells a little funky.

1fun·nel noun, pl -nels [count]

1 : a device shaped like a hollow cone with a tube extending from the point

A funnel is used for pouring something (such as a liquid) into a narrow opening.

2 : something that is shaped like a funnel
the funnel cloud of a tornado

3 : a large pipe on a ship through which smoke or steam comes out

2funnel verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, -nels, US -neled or Brit -nelled, US -nel·ing or Brit -nel·ling

1 : to pass through a funnel or a narrow opening

[no obj] Winds funneled through the canyon.

Smoke funneled up the chimney.

The crowd funneled through the doors.

[+ obj] He funneled the gas into the tank.

2 [+ obj] : to send (something, such as money) to someone or something in usually an indirect or secret way

They funneled money into the campaign.

The information was being secretly funneled to the head of the organization.

fun·nies noun

the funnies

US informal : the comic strips in a newspaper : the part of a newspaper that has comic strips

They enjoyed reading the funnies [=the comics] in the Sunday newspapers.

1fun·ny adj, fun·ni·er, -est

1 : causing laughter

He told a funny story.

He's a very funny guy.

What's so funny?

What are you laughing at? There's nothing funny about it.

It's not that funny.

a funny story/movie

2 informal : odd or strange

There's something funny going on here.

She has some funny ideas about how to run a company.

“I can't find my keys.” “That's funnythey were here a minute ago.”

“That's funny.” “Do you mean funny peculiar/strange or funny ha-ha?” [=by “funny” do you mean “odd” or “amusing”?]

My car has been making a funny noise lately.

A funny thing happened to me the other day.

a funny-looking hat

It feels funny to be back here again.

It's funny that you should say thatI was just thinking the same thing myself.

Funny, things didn't turn out the way we planned. [=it's odd that things didn't turn out the way we planned]

3 not used before a noun informal : not well : somewhat ill

My stomach feels funny.

I feel a little funny.

(chiefly Brit) After the accident he went a bit funny in the head.

4 informal : not honest : meant to deceive someone

The guard told his prisoner not to try anything funny.

Fake bidding and other funny business [=dishonest activity] occurred during the auction.

fun·ni·ly adv

There's something funnily [=oddly] familiar about him.

Funnily (enough), she never even mentioned our first meeting.

2funny adv
informal : in an odd or strange way

He's been acting funny lately.

She looked at me funny.

funny bone noun, pl bones [count]

: a place at the back of your elbow where you feel a painful tingling sensation when it is hit

I hit my funny bone on the edge of the table.

called also (US) crazy bone

Something that tickles your funny bone is amusing to you.

Parts of the movie really tickled my funny bone.

funny farm noun

the funny farm
informal + humorous : a hospital for people who are mentally ill

The funny farm is now often considered offensive.

fun·ny·man noun, pl -men [count]

informal : a man who is funny; especially : a professional comedian

funny money noun [noncount]

informal : fake money : counterfeit money

funny papers noun [plural]

US informal : funnies

fur noun, pl furs

1 [noncount] : the hairy coat of an animal especially when it is soft and thick

The cat has black-and-white fur.

The rabbit's fur is soft.

2 a : the fur of an animal used for clothing

[noncount] Her gloves are lined with fur.

[count] He made his fortune trading furs in the 17th century.

often used before another noun
a fur coat/collar

2 b [count] : a piece of clothing (such as a coat) made with fur

Her new fur is a full-length mink coat.

2 c [noncount] : a material that looks and feels like the fur of an animal
a teddy bear with soft fur
fake/imitation fur

3 [noncount] Brit : a hard material that forms in metal pipes, boilers, etc. : scale

fur flies
informal

When (the) fur flies, someone becomes very angry or upset.

When she finds our about this, fur will fly. [=she will be very angry]

furred adj
a thickly furred animal

(Brit) a thickly furred boiler

fu·ri·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : very angry

She's furious at/over how slowly the investigation is proceeding.

I was furious with/at them for printing the story.

a furious argument

2 a : very powerful or violent
a furious storm

2 b : very active or fast

We worked all night at a furious pace.

fast and furious see 1FAST

fu·ri·ous·ly adv

She shouted at him furiously.

working furiously [=at a furious pace]

furl verb, furls, furled, furl·ing [+ obj]

: to wrap or roll (something, such as a sail or a flag) close to or around something

They furled the sails.

fur·long noun, pl -longs [count]

: a unit of distance equal to 220 yards (about 201.2 meters) or 1/8 of a mile used chiefly in horse racing

1fur·lough noun, pl -loughs [count]

1 : a period of time when a soldier is allowed to leave the place where he or she is stationed
a four-week furlough

2 US : a period of time when an employee is told not to come to work and is not paid
furloughs of federal workers

Each employee will have a one-day furlough every month.

3 US : a period of time when a prisoner is allowed to leave prison

on furlough

: having a furlough : allowed or required to leave because of a furlough
soldiers going home on furlough
workers/prisoners on furlough

2furlough verb, -loughs, -loughed, -lough·ing [+ obj]

1 : to grant a furlough to (someone)

furlough a soldier

(US) The prison will furlough certain inmates.

2 US : to put (a worker) on furlough

The company will consider furloughing a small number of workers.

fur·nace noun, pl -nac·es [count]

: an enclosed container in which heat is produced: such as
a : one for melting metals
stoke a furnace
see also BLAST FURNACE
b chiefly US : one for heating a building or apartment called also (chiefly Brit) boiler

fur·nish verb, -nish·es, -nished, -nish·ing [+ obj]

1 : to provide (a room or building) with furniture

The inn is beautifully furnished.

He has enough money to furnish the apartment nicely.

often + with

We are furnishing the office with contemporary pieces.

She furnished her home with antiques.

2 a : to supply or give (something) to someone or something : provide

We'll furnish the food for the party.

Can he furnish the information to us?

2 b : to supply or give to (someone) something that is needed or wanted : provide

+ with

Students are furnished with all the necessary materials for the course.

Can he furnish us with the information?

furnished adj

He moved from a furnished room to an unfurnished apartment.

fur·nish·ings noun [plural]

: pieces of furniture, curtains, rugs, and decorations for a room or building

The room has very comfortable furnishings.

fur·ni·ture noun [noncount]

: chairs, tables, beds, etc., that are used to make a room ready for use

They bought some new furniture for the house.

The office furniture is wearing out.

a large piece of furniture

fu·ror (US) also chiefly Brit fu·rore Brit noun [singular]

: a situation in which many people are very angry and upset

The book caused/created a furor across the country.

Amid a public furor, the senator continues to deny the allegations.

fur·ri·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who sells or makes fur clothing

1fur·row noun, pl -rows [count]

1 : a long and narrow cut in the ground

We plowed furrows in the field.

2 : a narrow line or wrinkle in the skin of a person's face

When he frowns a deep furrow forms in his brow.

plough a furrow

Brit literary

If you plough your own furrow, you do something that is different from what other people do.

She was not afraid to plough her own furrow. [=to act independently; to do something no one else has done]

If you plough the same furrow, you do the same thing someone else does.

He was not content to plough the same furrow as his father.

If you plough a lone/lonely furrow, you do something alone or do something that no one else will do.

She has had to plough a lone/lonely furrow in her pursuit of reform.

2furrow verb, -rows, -rowed, -row·ing

: to make furrows in (something)

[+ obj] plows furrowing the fields

He furrowed his brow.

[no obj] His forehead furrows when he frowns.

furrowed adj
a furrowed brow/forehead
a furrowed field

fur·ry adj, fur·ri·er, -est

1 : covered with fur

My children love furry animals.

2 a : covered with something that looks or feels like fur

The plant has furry leaves.

furry slippers

2 b : resembling fur

Furry mold was growing on the cheese.

1fur·ther adv

1 : to or at a more distant place or time : farther

He lives further (away) from the office than his boss.

We need to look back further into the past to find the cause of these problems.

I've never been further west than St. Louis.

Their house is further up/down the street.

The road ended and we couldn't go any further. [=we couldn't go beyond that point]

2 : to a greater degree or extent

We need to research/look further into this matter.

The police have been reluctant to take their investigation any further.

I do not want anything further [=more] to do with this mess.

I don't know anything further [=more] about what really happened.

The interview ended before they could question me further. [=more]

Interest rates fell further. [=more]

“They are not our friends.” “I would go even further and say they are our enemies.”

Some people claim that he is an arrogant man, but nothing could be further from the truth. [=it is completely untrue to say that he is an arrogant man]

Some people expect him to retire, but he says that nothing could be further from his mind. [=he has no intention of retiring]

Don't worry, what you've told me will go no further. [=I will not tell anyone else what you have told me]

3 formal : in addition to what has been said : furthermore

I had enough money to invest. I realized, further, that the risk was small.

further to

Brit formal
used in a letter to refer to a subject discussed in a previous letter or conversation

Further to my letter of last Wednesday, may I remind you that the money outstanding has still not been paid.

2further adj

1 : additional, more

Further study/research is needed.

He will undergo further questioning.

If you need further information/details, you can call me.

We do not expect any further deliveries today.

I have nothing further to say.

There is a further problem: do we have enough money?

The library will be closed until further notice. [=until some time in the future which has not yet been decided or stated]

2 : more distant : farther

We parked in the further lot.

There is more damage to the further part of the fence.

3further verb, -thers, -thered, -ther·ing [+ obj]

: to help the progress of (something) : to cause (something) to become more successful or advanced

He will do all he can to further [=promote] the cause.

What can I do to further [=advance] my career?

Their efforts greatly furthered the state of research.

The funds are to be used to further the public good.

fur·ther·ance noun [noncount]

formal : the act of helping something to become more successful or advanced : advancement

They made the furtherance of science their life's work.

His main concern is with the furtherance [=promotion] of his own agenda.

further education noun [noncount]

Brit : courses of study for adults : continuing education

fur·ther·more adv
formal : in addition to what has been said : moreover
used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

She always arrives on time. Her work, furthermore, has always been excellent.

1furth·est adv

1 : to or at the greatest distance in space or time : farthest

The best table is furthest from the kitchen.

Who can run (the) furthest in five minutes?

2 : to the most advanced point : farthest

She went the furthest [=she made the greatest effort] to research the issue.

3 : by the greatest degree or extent : most

Of all his paintings, this one is the furthest removed from reality.

2furthest adj, always used before a noun

: most distant in space or time : farthest

Their ideas fall at the furthest extremes of the political spectrum.

He says that retiring is the furthest thing from his mind. [=he is not thinking at all about retiring; he has no intention of retiring]

fur·tive adj [more ; most ]

: done in a quiet and secret way to avoid being noticed

He cast a furtive glance in our direction.

We exchanged furtive smiles across the table.

furtive movements

fur·tive·ly adv

He looked furtively at the clock.

She slipped furtively out of the room.

fur·tive·ness noun [noncount]

fu·ry noun, pl -ries

1 : violent anger : rage

[noncount] I could see the fury in her eyes.

Nothing could contain his fury over their accusations.

He turned away from them in fury.

[singular]

If you are in a fury, you are very angry.

She rose in a fury and stalked out of the room.

If you fly into a fury, you become very angry.

He flew into a fury [=flew into a rage] and began shouting at them.

synonyms see 1ANGER

2 [noncount] : wild and dangerous force

The hurricane unleashed its fury on hundreds of homes and businesses.

sound and fury see 1SOUND

1fuse noun, pl fus·es [count]

: a device that causes electricity to stop flowing when a current becomes too strong

The lights went out when the fuse blew.

change a fuse

blow a fuse
informal : to become very angry or upset

The boss blew a fuse when the shipment didn't arrive on time.

compare 2FUSE

2fuse noun, pl fuses [count]

1 : a string that is connected to an explosive device (such as a bomb or firecracker) and that is set on fire to cause the device to explode
light a fuse

2 also US fuze : a mechanical or electrical device that causes a weapon (such as a bomb or torpedo) to explode

a short fuse
informal

If you have a short fuse or you are on a short fuse, you become angry very quickly.

The boss is known to be on a short fuse.

compare 1FUSE

3fuse verb, fuses, fused, fus·ing

1 : to join or become joined because of heat or a chemical reaction

[no obj] During the reaction the atoms fuse (together).

The melted metals fused (with each other).

[+ obj] Particles are fused to form a new compound.

He fused the wires (together).

2 : to join or combine (different things) together

[+ obj] His compositions fuse jazz and rhythm and blues elements.

Their approach fused ideas from several disciplines.

[no obj] Dreams and reality fuse (together) in her latest film. = Dreams fuse with reality in her latest film.

3 Brit : to stop working because a fuse has blown

[no obj] The light fused and left us in the dark.

[+ obj] I must have fused the light by accident.

fuse box noun, pl boxes [count]

: a box that contains the fuses for the electrical system in a building

fu·se·lage Brit noun, pl -lag·es [count]

: the main part of an airplane : the part of an airplane that holds the crew, passengers, and cargo

fu·sil·lade Brit noun [singular]

: a large number of shots that are fired very quickly

A fusillade of bullets filled the courtyard.

often used figuratively

She faced a fusillade [=barrage, flurry] of accusations.

a fusillade of obscenities

fu·sion noun, pl -sions

1 : a combination or mixture of things

[count] a fusion of different methods
a fusion of musical styles

The show is a fusion of news and entertainment.

[noncount] The fusion of different cultural influences is evident in her sculpture.

2 [noncount] physics : a process in which the nuclei of atoms are joined
a fusion reactor/reaction

A large amount of energy is released when fusion occurs.

called also nuclear fusion compare FISSION

3 [noncount] : a type of popular music that combines different styles (such as jazz and rock)

4 [noncount] : food prepared by combining methods and ingredients from different areas of the world called also fusion cuisine

1fuss noun

1 : activity or excitement that is unusual and that often is not wanted or necessary

[noncount] They got down to business without any fuss.

What is all the fuss about?

[singular] Her new novel has caused quite a fuss.

often used with make

We'd love to come to dinner, but please don't make a fuss. [=don't do a lot of extra things that you would not usually do]

(US) Everyone made such a fuss over the baby. = (Brit) Everyone made such a fuss of the baby. [=everyone paid a lot of excited attention to the baby]

2 : an expression of anger or complaint especially about something that has little importance

[noncount] She accepted the new assignment without any fuss. [=she did not complain about the new assignment]

often used with make

She accepted the new assignment without making any fuss.

[singular] I don't want to make a fuss, but this soup is cold.

2fuss verb, fuss·es, fussed, fuss·ing [no obj]

1 : to be or become upset or worried

She'll fuss the whole time we're gone.

I told him not to fuss.

In informal British English, someone who is not fussed is not bothered or worried.

We can eat at either restaurant: I'm not fussed. = I'm not fussed about which restaurant we eat at.

2 US : to show that you are annoyed or unhappy

The baby fussed all day.

Stop fussing and get to work!

He's fussing about his new assignment.

fuss over [phrasal verb]

fuss over (someone or something) : to pay a lot of attention to (someone or something) in a nervous or excited way

Everyone fussed over the baby.

He spent hours fussing over the details of the speech.

I don't want anyone to fuss over me.

fuss with [phrasal verb]

fuss with (something) : to move or handle (something) in a nervous or uncertain way : to fiddle with (something)

He fussed with his tie the whole time we were talking.

She's always fussing with her hair.

fuss·bud·get noun, pl -gets [count]

US informal + disapproving : a person who worries or complains about small things : a fussy person
a grumpy old fussbudget

fuss·pot noun, pl -pots [count]

chiefly Brit informal + disapproving : fussbudget

fussy adj, fuss·i·er, -est

1 : very careful or too careful about choosing or accepting things : hard to please
a fussy shopper

She's always been fussy [=picky] about food.

I'm not fussy about where we eat.

This plant is not fussy about soil quality. [=this plant will grow well even in poor soil]

2 US : often upset or unhappy
a very fussy baby

3 disapproving : too fancy or complicated
a fussy dress
fussy curtains/wallpaper

The room was cluttered and fussy.

fuss·i·ly adv

fuss·i·ness noun [noncount]

fus·ty adj, fus·ti·er, -est

1 : full of dust and unpleasant smells : not fresh : musty
a fusty cottage

The trunk was full of fusty clothing.

2 : very old-fashioned
fusty notions about art

fu·tile adj [more ; most ]

: having no result or effect : pointless or useless

All our efforts proved futile.

a futile and foolish gesture

They made a futile [=vain] attempt to control the flooding.

fu·tile·ly adv

fu·til·i·ty noun [noncount]

His speech focused on the futility of violence.

They demonstrated the futility of the plan.

an exercise in futility

fu·ton noun, pl -tons [count]

: a mattress that is used on the floor or in a frame as a bed, couch, or chair

1fu·ture noun, pl -tures

1 a [noncount] : the period of time that will come after the present time

(Brit) He promises to do better in future. [=from now on; from this time onward]

usually used with the

(US) He promises to do better in the future.

We're making plans for the future.

They will hire more people sometime in the future.

What do you think you will be doing in the future?

What does/will the future hold for you?

the near/immediate future
the foreseeable future

Changes are expected in the not too distant future. [=soon]

1 b the future : the events that will happen after the present time

It's impossible to predict the future.

2 [count] : the condition or situation of someone or something in the time that will come

He has a promising future (ahead of him).

Their future looks bright.

The company faces an uncertain future.

The future was already decided for her.

There is no future for you in this business. = You have no future in this business. [=there is no chance that you will succeed in this business]

3 the future grammar : future tense

4 futures [plural] finance : goods or shares that are bought at prices which are agreed to now but that are delivered at a later time

He made a fortune trading in oil futures.

mortgage the/your future see 2MORTGAGE

2future adj, always used before a noun

1 : coming after the present time : existing in the future

We cannot predict future events.

Future generations will benefit from this research.

You should keep these instructions for future reference. [=so that you can refer to them when you need to in the future]

2
used to say what someone or something will be

He met his future wife [=the woman who would become his wife] at college.

the country's future king

future perfect noun [noncount]

grammar : a verb tense that is used to refer to an action that will be completed by a specified time in the future

The future perfect in English is formed with “will have” and “shall have,” as in “They will have left by the time we arrive.”

future tense noun, pl tenses [count]

grammar : a verb tense that is used to refer to the future

The future tense in English is formed with “will” or “shall.”

a verb in the future tense

fu·tur·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who tries to tell what the future will be like

fu·tur·is·tic adj

1 [more ; most ] : very modern
futuristic furniture/designs

The new offices are very futuristic.

2 a : relating to or telling about events in the future
a futuristic novel/story

2 b : existing in the future

The film depicts a futuristic society.

fu·tu·ri·ty Brit noun [noncount]

formal : the quality of being or happening in the future

In English we can express futurity with “will” and “shall.”

fu·tur·olo·gy noun [noncount]

: the study of what might happen in the future

fu·tur·olo·gist noun, pl -ists [count]

fuze US variant spelling of 2FUSE 2

fuzz noun

1 [noncount] : short, soft hairs

The baby's head is covered with/in fuzz.

the fuzz on a peach

2 [noncount] : small, light pieces of cloth or other soft material

The blanket is covered with fuzz.

3 the fuzz old-fashioned slang : the police

He was arrested by the fuzz.

fuzzy adj, fuzz·i·er, -est

1 : covered with short, soft hairs, fur, etc. : covered with fuzz
a fuzzy sweater/blanket

The plant has fuzzy leaves.

a fuzzy stuffed toy

2 a : not clear : not sharp or distinct

The picture in the newspaper is fuzzy. [=blurred, blurry]

Without my glasses everything looks fuzzy.

The line between our areas of responsibility is fuzzy.

2 b : not clear in thought

I think his reasoning is a little fuzzy.

3 US, informal : pleasant or comforting
usually used with warm

Seeing her again after all these years gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling.

His personality is not exactly warm and fuzzy.

see also WARM FUZZIES

fuzz·i·ly adv

fuzz·i·ness noun [noncount]

fuzzy logic noun [noncount]

technical : a system of logic in which statements do not have to be entirely true or false

fwd. abbr
forward

f-word noun

the f-word or the F-word

used as a way to refer to the offensive word “fuck” without saying it or writing it

He got in trouble for using the f-word on television.

-fy verb suffix

: cause to become
beautify
purify

FYI abbr
for your information
used when you are providing someone with interesting or useful information in a note, an e-mail message, etc.

FYI, the meeting has been postponed to next week.

g or G noun, pl g's or gs or G's or Gs

1 : the seventh letter of the English alphabet

[count] There are two g's in “bigger.”

[noncount] words that end in g

2 : a musical note or key referred to by the letter G : the fifth tone of a C-major scale

[count] play/sing a G

[noncount] The song is in the key of G.

3 [count] : the force of gravity at the Earth's surface

An astronaut can experience three g's [=an amount of force equal to three times the normal force of gravity] during liftoff.

4 [count] slang : one thousand dollars : grand
a couple of g's

g abbr
gram

G

used as a special mark to indicate that people of all ages may see a particular movie in a movie theater

The movie is rated G.

compare NC-17, PG, PG-13, R, X, see also G-RATED

GA abbr

Georgia

1gab verb, gabs, gabbed, gab·bing [no obj]

informal : to talk a lot in an informal way usually about things that are not important or serious

They stayed up late gabbing (away) on the phone.

gabbing about the weather

gab·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

talk radio gabbers

2gab noun [noncount]

informal : informal talk
a steady stream of gab

A person with (US) the gift of gab or Brit the gift of the gab is someone who talks a lot or who is good at talking to people.

a salesman with the gift of gab

gab·ar·dine noun [noncount]

: a smooth, stiff type of cloth that is often used for suits
a jacket made of gabardine
often used before another noun
a gabardine suit/coat

gab·ble verb, gab·bles, gab·bled, gab·bling [no obj]

chiefly Brit : to talk quickly and in a way that is difficult to understand

I could hear my aunts gabbling [=babbling] in the kitchen.

gabble noun [noncount]

I could hear the gabble of my aunts in the kitchen.

[singular]

a gabble of voices

gab·by adj, gab·bi·er, -est
informal : talking a lot : very talkative
a gabby talk show host

gab·fest noun, pl -fests [count]

US informal

1 : a long conversation
a gabfest between friends

2 : a gathering for people to talk
the group's annual gabfest

ga·ble noun, pl ga·bles [count]

: a section of a building's outside wall that is shaped like a triangle and that is formed by two sections of the roof sloping down

ga·bled adj
gabled houses [=houses that have gables]

a gabled roof [=a roof that forms a gable or gables]

gad verb, gads, gad·ded, gad·ding

gad about/around [phrasal verb]

gad about/around or gad about/around (somewhere) : to move or travel without a plan or purpose

He spent several months gadding about Europe after college.

gad·a·bout noun, pl -bouts [count]

sometimes disapproving : a person who goes to many places and social events for pleasure
a wealthy young gadabout

gad·fly noun, pl -flies [count]

: someone who annoys people by being very critical
a political gadfly [=a person who criticizes politicians, political decisions, etc.]

gad·get noun, pl -gets [count]

: a small, useful device
a clever gadget

The kitchen is equipped with all the latest gadgets.

cell phones, pagers, and other gadgets

gad·get·ry noun [noncount]

: small, useful devices

The kitchen is equipped with the latest gadgetry. [=gadgets]

electronic gadgetry

(disapproving) newfangled gadgetry [=new gadgets that are difficult to use, understand, etc.]

Gael·ic adj

1 : of or relating to the Celtic people of Scotland and Ireland

Gaelic politicians/folklore

2 : of or relating to the Celtic language of Scotland and Ireland

Gaelic idioms

Gaelic noun [noncount]

The poems are written in Gaelic.

gaff noun, pl gaffs [count]

1 : a spear or hook used for lifting heavy fish

2 : a pole that supports the top of a sail on some sailboats

3 Brit slang : someone's home

Why not come round to my gaff for a few drinks?

blow the gaff

Brit slang : to reveal a secret especially in a public way
usually + on

The report blows the gaff on a series of illegal actions by the government.

gaffe noun, pl gaffes [count]

: a mistake made in a social situation

He realized that he had committed/made an awful/embarrassing gaffe when he mispronounced her name.

a verbal/diplomatic gaffe

gaf·fer noun, pl -fers [count]

: a person who is in charge of the lights that are used when making a movie, television show, etc.

1gag verb, gags, gagged, gag·ging

1 [+ obj] : to put something (such as a piece of cloth) into or over a person's mouth in order to prevent that person from speaking, calling for help, etc.

The hostages were bound and gagged. [=their hands and feet were tied and their mouths were gagged]

2 [+ obj] : to prevent (someone) from speaking freely or expressing opinions

The government is trying to gag the press.

3 [no obj]

3 a : to vomit or feel as if you are about to vomit : to feel as if what is in your stomach is going to come up into your mouth

The smell (almost) made me gag.

often + on

She was gagging on the fumes. [=the fumes were causing her to gag]

3 b : to be unable to breathe because something is stuck in your throat : choke
often + on

He gagged on a hot dog.

2gag noun, pl gags [count]

1 a : something said or done to make people laugh : joke

The movie relies on simpleminded gags for laughs.

a typical sitcom gag

(chiefly Brit) The comedian told a few gags.

sometimes used before another noun
a gag line

A running gag is a joke that is repeated many times in slightly different ways.

Her fake news reports were a running gag on the show.

A sight gag is a joke that does not involve speaking.

The movie is full of outrageous sight gags.

1 b chiefly US : something done as a playful trick : prank

They hid his clothes as a gag.

2 : something (such as a piece of cloth) that is put into or over someone's mouth in order to prevent speech

They tied up the hostages and put gags in their mouths.

3 : something done to prevent people from speaking freely or expressing opinions

The government is trying to put a gag on the press.

see also GAG ORDER, GAG RULE

ga·ga adj [more ; most ]

informal

1 : extremely enthusiastic about or interested in something or someone

I can't understand how anyone could be so gaga over/about golf.

She's gaga over her boss's nephew. [=she's very attracted to her boss's nephew]

often used after go

She's gone gaga over her boss's nephew.

Critics have gone gaga over the movie.

2 : crazy or foolish

He thinks that most artists are at least a little bit gaga.

gage variant spelling of GAUGE

gag·gle noun, pl gag·gles [count]

1 : a group of geese : a flock of geese

2 : a group of people
a noisy gaggle of photographers/reporters/tourists

gag order noun, pl -ders [count]

chiefly US law : an order by a judge or court saying that the people involved in a legal case cannot talk about the case or anything related to it in public

The judge has issued a gag order.

called also (Brit) gagging order

gag rule noun, pl rules [count]

US : a rule saying that people are not allowed to speak freely or express their opinions about a particular subject

The law prohibits insurance companies from imposing gag rules that limit communication between doctors and their patients.

gai·ety noun [noncount]

old-fashioned : a happy and lively quality

The party had none of the gaiety we've seen in past years.

the gaiety of the carnival

gai·ly adv [more ; most ]

old-fashioned

1 : in a happy and lively way
chatting/playing/laughing gaily

2 : in a bright and colorful way
gaily dressed crowds
a gaily painted vase
a gaily colored poster

1gain verb, gains, gained, gain·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to get (something wanted or valued)

They stand to gain an advantage over their competitors by getting an early start.

What do you hope to gain from/by this?

gain control of/over the territory

Investigators are trying to gain access to the group's financial records.

We were unable to gain admission/entrance/entry to the club.

We need to gain a better understanding of the problem.

They had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

He first gained attention/recognition/fame as a young writer.

Her theories are slowly gaining acceptance.

She's gaining confidence in herself. [=she is becoming more confident]

I took the job to gain experience.

1 b : to win (something) in a competition, battle, etc.

He is still hoping to gain the party's nomination.

gain a victory

1 c : to gradually get (something) or more of (something) as time passes

He gained 40 pounds over five years, and then lost it all in two.

gain weight

The baby is quickly gaining strength in her legs.

2 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to have (something)

His recent behavior has gained [=earned] him a reputation for stubbornness.

Her hard work gained her their respect. [=she has gained their respect through hard work; they respect her now because of her hard work]

3 a : to increase in (something)

[+ obj] This event gains popularity [=becomes more popular] each year.

The plane was gaining altitude.

Some of the stocks are gaining value, while others are losing value.

[no obj] Some of the stocks are gaining, while others are losing.

usually + in

This event gains in popularity each year

The stocks are gaining in value.

3 b [+ obj] : to increase in value by (a specified amount)

The stocks gained three percent last month.

3 c [no obj] : to increase in value when compared to something else

The dollar gained against the pound last month.

4 [no obj] : to get an advantage

The company hopes to gain [=profit] from the new regulations.

5 [+ obj] American football : to move the ball (a specified distance) down the field

They gained five yards on the last play.

6 of a clock or watch : to show a time that is later than the correct time : to run fast

[no obj] The clock gains by less than a second a year.

[+ obj] The clock gains less than a second a year.

7 [+ obj] formal : to arrive at (a place) especially after much effort

The tired swimmer gained the shore at last.

gain a/the jump on see 2JUMP

gain ground see 1GROUND

gain on [phrasal verb]

gain on (someone or something) : to come nearer to (someone or something that is ahead of you in a race or competition)

She was still leading at the halfway point, but the other runners were gaining on her.

gain time

: to cause something to be delayed so that more time is available to do what is needed

His lawyers are delaying the trial to gain time to prepare their defense.

gain·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a stock that was one of the year's biggest gainers [=one of the stocks that increased the most in value]

2gain noun, pl gains

1 [count] : something wanted or valued that is gotten : something that is gained
ill-gotten gains [=money and other valuable things gotten through dishonest methods]

especially : money gotten through some activity or process : profit
financial/stock-market gains
economic gains
see also CAPITAL GAIN

2 [noncount] : something that is helpful : advantage or benefit

He acted only for his own personal/political gain. [=he acted only to benefit himself]

3 : an increase in amount, size, or number

[count] a gain in weight
impressive gains [=improvements] in performance

They hope to make big gains in Congress in the coming election. [=they hope that many more members of their party will be elected to Congress]

[noncount] The medication can cause nausea and weight gain.

4 [count] American football : the distance the ball is moved down the field during a play

They picked up a five-yard gain on first down.

no pain, no gain also no gain without pain
informal used to say that it is necessary to suffer or work hard in order to succeed or make progress

gain·ful adj [more ; most ]

: paying money
people seeking gainful [=paid] employment
a gainful occupation
gainful activity

gain·ful·ly adv
gainfully employed

gain·say verb, gain·says , gain·said , gain·say·ing [+ obj]

formal : to deny or disagree with (something) : to show or say that (something) is not true
used in negative statements

There is no gainsaying such evidence. [=the truth of such evidence cannot be denied]

gait noun, pl gaits [count]

: a particular way of walking

He has an awkward gait.

an easy/unsteady gait

gai·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a cloth or leather covering worn over the lower part of the leg especially to keep the legs and ankles dry when hiking
usually plural
a pair of gaiters

gal noun, pl gals [count]

chiefly US informal : a girl or woman

She's a fun gal.

I want to see all you guys and gals out on the dance floor!

I've grown rather fond of the old gal.

gal. abbr
gallon

ga·la Brit noun, pl -las [count]

: a public party or celebration
a grand gala celebrating the town's centennial
often used before another noun
a gala event/affair/celebration

gal·axy noun, pl -ax·ies

1 astronomy

1 a [count] : any one of the very large groups of stars that make up the universe
the formation of galaxies
a giant/spiral galaxy

1 b the Galaxy : the galaxy in which we live : milky way

2 [count] : a large group of important or well-known people or things

The event was attended by a galaxy of artists.

ga·lac·tic adj, astronomy
galactic objects

gale noun, pl gales [count]

1 : a very strong wind

The boat was damaged in a strong gale.

The winds approached gale force.

gale-force winds

2 : a sudden occurrence of laughter, tears, etc.

The audience erupted in gales of laughter.

a gale of laughter/tears

1gall noun [noncount]

: extreme confidence expressed in a way that is impolite : nerve

I can't believe she just said that to me. What gall!

often used in the phrase have the gall

He had the gall to think that he could replace her.

I can't believe she had the (unmitigated) gall to ask for another day off.

2gall verb, galls, galled, gall·ing [+ obj]

: to make (someone) feel annoyed or angry

It galls me that such a small group of people can have so much power.

see also GALLING

gal·lant adj [more ; most ]

1 /gælnt/ : showing courage : very brave

The defenders of the fort made a gallant stand.

a gallant knight

They failed to reach the summit, but they made a gallant attempt.

2 /gælnt/ : large and impressive
a gallant ship

3 /glænt, glnt/ : having or showing politeness and respect for women

He greeted her with a gallant bow.

He offered her his seat in a gallant gesture.

gal·lant·ly adv

The troops marched gallantly into battle.

He gallantly offered her his seat.

gal·lant·ry noun [noncount]

1 : very brave behavior : courage

He was awarded several medals for gallantry [=heroism, valor] in battle.

I so admire the gallantry [=spirit, courage] with which she fought the disease.

2 : polite attention shown by a man to a woman

Many women were charmed by his old-fashioned gallantry.

gall·blad·der noun, pl -ders [count]

medical : the organ in the body in which bile from the liver is stored

gal·le·on noun, pl -ons [count]

: a large sailing ship used especially by the Spanish in the 1500s and 1600s

gal·lery noun, pl -ler·ies [count]

1 a : a room or building in which people look at paintings, sculptures, etc.

an art gallery
the National Gallery

1 b : a business that sells paintings, sculptures, etc.

She owns a gallery downtown.

2 : a group or collection of people or things

The movie features a gallery of weird characters.

see also ROGUES' GALLERY

3 a : the highest section of seats in a theater

3 b : the people sitting in the gallery

3 c : the people who are watching a tennis or golf match

play to the gallery

: to do things that you think will be popular among many people instead of doing what you think is right
a governor who refuses to play to the gallery

see also SHOOTING GALLERY

gal·ley noun, pl -leys [count]

1 : the kitchen of a ship or airplane

2 : a long, low ship that was moved by oars and sails and that was used in ancient times by the Egyptians, Greeks, and others
a slave galley [=a galley rowed by slaves]

Gal·lic adj

: of or relating to France or French people
a Gallic [=French] pop star
especially : typical of French people
our host's Gallic charm

gall·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing someone to feel angry or annoyed

Their refusal to meet with me was extremely galling. [=annoying]

This is a galling defeat.

gal·li·vant verb, -vants, -vant·ed, -vant·ing [no obj]

somewhat informal + often disapproving : to go or travel to many different places for pleasure

They've been gallivanting all over town.

He's been gallivanting around the country when he ought to be looking for a job.

gal·lon noun, pl -lons [count]

1 US : a unit of liquid measurement equal to four U.S. quarts or 3.785 liters

2 Brit : a unit of liquid measurement equal to four British quarts or 4.546 liters

1gal·lop noun, pl -lops

1 : the way a horse or similar animal moves when it is running fast and all four of its feet leave the ground at the same time often used after at

[noncount] The horse was at full gallop.

[singular] He mounted his horse and took off at a gallop.

sometimes used figuratively

The course covers early American history at a gallop. [=very quickly; in a short amount of time]

2 [count] : a ride or run at a gallop

We went for a gallop through the countryside.

sometimes used figuratively

The course begins with a quick gallop through early American history.

compare 1CANTER, 2TROT

2gallop verb, -lops, -loped, -lop·ing

1 a [no obj] of a horse or similar animal : to run very fast : to run at a gallop

The horse galloped toward us.

1 b [no obj] : to ride on a galloping horse

He mounted his horse and galloped off to sound the alarm.

1 c [+ obj] : to make (a horse) gallop

She galloped her horse toward us.

2 [no obj] : to run or move quickly

I grabbed my books and galloped out the door.

The program gallops through early American history.

gal·lop·ing adj, always used before a noun

: quickly developing or increasing
galloping inflation

gal·lows noun, pl -lows [count]

: a structure on which a criminal who has been sentenced to death is killed by being hanged

He was sentenced to death on the gallows.

She was sent to the gallows. [=she was sentenced to death]

gallows humor noun [noncount]

: humor that relates to very serious or frightening things (such as death and illness)

gall·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

medical : a hard object like a small stone that sometimes forms in the gallbladder and that can cause great pain

ga·loot noun, pl -loots [count]

US slang : a man or boy; especially : one who is foolish or awkward

You big galoot!

a clumsy galoot

ga·lore adj, always used after a noun
informal : in large numbers or amounts

The store promises bargains galore [=promises that there will be many bargains] during its weekend sale.

ga·losh·es noun [plural]

1 old-fashioned : tall rubber shoes that are worn over other shoes in wet weather to keep your feet dry compare RUBBERS

2 : rubber boots worn in wet weather to keep the feet dry

ga·lumph verb, -lumphs, -lumphed, -lumph·ing [no obj]

informal : to move in a loud and clumsy way

I could hear him galumphing around in the attic.

gal·van·ic adj

1 technical : relating to or producing a direct current of electricity
a galvanic cell
galvanic corrosion

2 [more ; most ] : causing people to feel or react strongly
a galvanic performance/performer

Her performance had a galvanic effect on the audience.

gal·va·nize also Brit gal·va·nise verb, -niz·es, -nized, -niz·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to cause (people) to become so excited or concerned about an issue, idea, etc., that they want to do something about it
an issue that galvanized the public (to take action)

1 b : to cause (a force that is capable of causing change) to become active

The group is hoping to galvanize public opinion against the proposed law.

The Web site has galvanized support for the project.

2 technical : to cover (steel or iron) with a layer of zinc to prevent it from rusting
a factory where steel is galvanized

galvanized adj
galvanized nails
galvanized steel

gam·bit noun, pl -bits [count]

1 : a planned series of moves at the beginning of a game of chess

A gambit usually involves losing a piece, such as a pawn, in order to gain an advantage later in the game.

2 : something done or said in order to gain an advantage or to produce a desired result
a conversational gambit

Their opening gambit [=their first move] in the negotiations was to demand a wage hike.

1gam·ble verb, gam·bles, gam·bled, gam·bling

1 [no obj] : to play a game in which you can win or lose money or possessions : to bet money or other valuable things

I like to gamble.

He's been drinking and gambling heavily.

gambling at cards
often + on

She likes to gamble on football games.

2 [+ obj]

2 a : to risk losing (an amount of money) in a game or bet

He would often gamble hundreds of dollars on a hand of poker.

2 b : to risk losing (something valuable or important) in order to do or achieve something

She gambled [=risked] everything she owned to start the business.

often + on

The company is gambling [=betting, risking] everything on this strategy.

3 : to do something that could have the good result that you want or a bad result that you cannot control

[no obj] The mayor is gambling with the city's future.

people who lost money gambling in the stock market
often + on

Many people are willing to gamble on the new treatment. [=are willing to try the new treatment because they hope it will help them]

[+ obj] The mayor is gambling that the new policies will help rather than hurt the city.

gamble away [phrasal verb]

gamble away (something) or gamble (something) away : to lose (something, such as money) by gambling

She gambled away her inheritance.

gambling away the city's future

gam·bler noun, pl -blers [count]

The casino attracts many wealthy gamblers.

a compulsive gambler

2gamble noun, pl gambles [count]

: something that could produce a desired result or a bad or unpleasant result : risk

Starting her own business was a gamble, but it paid off.

She thought about starting her own business, but she decided it was too much of a gamble.

He was taking a (big) gamble. [=doing something that could produce a (very) bad or unpleasant result]

Many people are willing to take a gamble on the new treatment. [=to try the new treatment]

gambling noun [noncount]

: the practice or activity of betting money : the practice of risking money in a game or bet

He was arrested for illegal gambling.

legalized gambling
compulsive gambling
often used before another noun
a gambling casino
a gambling resort

She has a gambling problem.

a gambling game

gam·bol verb, -bols, US -boled or Brit -bolled, US -bol·ing or Brit -bol·ling [no obj]

: to run or jump in a lively way
lambs gamboling in the meadow

gambol noun, pl -bols [count]

a playful gambol

1game noun, pl games

1 [count]

1 a : a physical or mental activity or contest that has rules and that people do for pleasure
a card game
party games [=activities people do at parties for pleasure]

word games [=games or puzzles that involve words]

computer games
poker and other gambling games

Baseball is my favorite game. [=sport]

1 b : a particular occurrence of a game

Do you want to play a game (of tennis/cards)?

She scored a goal to tie the game.

They won/lost the game.

We played a few games of chess.

That was a good game!

1 c : one of the games that are part of a larger contest (such as a tennis match)

She won the first two games, but lost the set and the match.

see also BALL GAME, BOARD GAME, FUN AND GAMES, GUESSING GAME, PARLOR GAME, PERFECT GAME, RETURN GAME, SHELL GAME, VIDEO GAME, game of chance at 1CHANCE, game of skill at SKILL

2 games [plural]

2 a : playful activities
children playing at their games

2 b or Games : an organized series of athletic contests; specifically : the Olympics

Let the Games begin.

3 a [singular] : the way someone plays in a sport

They are known to play a very rough game.

She has a strong all-around game.

She needs to improve her game if she wants to win the championship.

Champions can raise/lift their game [=can play better] when they're in danger of losing.

3 b [count] : a skill that is used in playing a particular game or sport
a football team with a strong running/passing game

4 [count]

4 a : an activity that is being compared to a game or contest

He's a loser in the game of love. [=he is not successful in romantic relationships]

the game of life

They're playing a dangerous game by refusing to negotiate.

He's trying to beat them at their own game. [=he's trying to gain an advantage over them by using the same methods that they use]

the mating game [=the effort to find a sexual partner]

see also WAITING GAME, WAR GAME, the name of the game at 1NAME

4 b : a type of work : a business or profession

She's spent the last 30 years in the newspaper game.

the money game
the fight game [=professional boxing]

see also WAR GAME

5 [count] : something that is not meant to be taken seriously

Politics for her is just a game.

Was our entire relationship just a game to you?

6 [count] : a usually dishonest or unfair plan for doing something

I've seen through your little game and I know what you're really after!

What's his game? [=what is his real reason for doing the things he is doing?]

To give the game away is to make a secret plan or activity known.

We can't let him know anything about it. He's too likely to give the game away.

If the game is up, a dishonest plan or activity has been discovered and will no longer be allowed to continue.

Okay, the game is up. [=the jig is up] We know you forged the letters.

7 [noncount] : animals that are hunted
wild game
small game
often used before another noun
a game bird/fish [=a bird or fish that may be legally hunted or caught]

a game preserve [=an area of land in which hunting and fishing are carefully controlled]

a game warden [=a person who makes sure that hunting and fishing laws are obeyed]

often used figuratively

The police aren't interested in these small-time drug dealers; they're after much bigger game.

see also BIG GAME

ahead of the game

: in a position or situation in which you are likely to succeed, win, etc.

The company has stayed ahead of the game by meeting new government standards before they go into effect.

early/late in the game

: at an early/late time in a game or sport

She scored a goal early in the game. [=near the beginning of the game]

often used figuratively

It's too late in the game to change the date of the meeting. [=it's no longer reasonable to change the date; the meeting is too soon for the date to be changed]

She got into the computer industry early in the game. [=when the industry was new]

got game

In informal U.S. English, someone who has got game is very good at playing a particular game or sport, such as basketball.

head/mind games

: actions that are meant to confuse or upset someone in order to get an advantage

I couldn't handle the head games that came with the job anymore.

She's known for playing mind games with her opponents.

on the game

Brit informal : working as a prostitute

I didn't know she was on the game.

on/off your game

If you are on your game, you are playing a sport or game well; if you are off your game, you are playing poorly.

She's really on her game tonight. [=she's playing very well]

Sorry I missed that shot. I'm off my game today. [=I'm not playing as well as I usually do]

These phrases are also used figuratively.

He seemed a little off his game during the sales presentation this morning.

play games

1 : to treat someone in a dishonest or unfair way in order to get an advantage

Stop playing games (with me) and tell me what really happened!

I'm trying to be honest with you. I'm not interested in playing games.

2 : to behave in a way that is not serious

Let's stop playing games and get down to business.

the only game in town

: the only available, desirable, or valuable thing

For serious home cooks, this stove is the only game in town. [=it is the only stove that serious home cooks should want to have]

Our company is no longer the only game in town. [=we now have competition; another company/business is doing what we do]

2game adj, gam·er, -est

1 : willing or ready to do something

“Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?” “Sure, I'm game.”

They were game for anything. = They were game to try anything.

2 : showing a willingness to work hard, keep trying, etc. : showing determination

They remained game [=determined] to the end.

She lost despite a game effort.

game·ly adv [more ; most ]

She smiled gamely for the camera.

game ball noun, pl balls [count]

US : a ball that is given to a player or coach who did something impressive to help win a game in American football, basketball, etc.

game hen noun, pl hens [count]

: a young, small hen used especially for roasting

game·keep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who is in charge of the breeding and protection of animals that are hunted on private land

game plan noun, pl plans [count]

1 : a plan for playing a game (such as American football or soccer)

2 : a plan for doing or achieving something

The governor is developing a game plan to lure businesses to the region.

game point noun, pl points [count]

sports : a situation in tennis or another game in which the player who wins the next point will win the game; also : the point itself compare MATCH POINT

gam·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US

1 : a person who plays games and especially video or computer games
video gamers

2 informal : a person who is game; especially : an athlete who tries very hard to win games, competitions, etc.

He's a real gamer.

game show noun, pl shows [count]

: a television program in which people try to win prizes in a game

He was a contestant on a game show. = He was a game-show contestant.

games·man·ship noun [noncount]

usually disapproving

1 : the practice of winning a game or contest by doing things that seem unfair but that are not actually against the rules

They blur the line between gamesmanship and cheating.

2 : the clever use of skills or tricks to succeed or do something
corporate/political gamesmanship

gam·ete noun, pl -etes [count]

technical : one of the cells that join together to begin making a person or other creature

gamey variant spelling of GAMY

ga·mine noun, pl -mines [count]

: an attractive and usually thin and small woman or girl who often shows a playful desire to cause trouble
a movie about a French gamine

gamine adj

She was girlish and gamine.

gam·ing noun [noncount]

1 : the activity of playing computer games

He does a lot of gaming online.

2 : the act or activity of gambling
casino gaming

gam·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

: the third letter of the Greek alphabet or

gamma rays noun [plural]

: powerful invisible rays that are sent out from some radioactive substances called also gamma radiation

gam·mon noun [noncount]

Brit : smoked or salted meat from the side or leg of a pig
a gammon steak

gam·ut noun [singular]

: a range or series of related things

She experienced the full gamut of human emotions.

Her emotions ran the gamut from joy to despair. [=she felt emotions ranging from joy to despair]

gamy or gam·ey adj, gam·i·er, -est

: having the flavor of meat from wild animals especially when it is slightly spoiled
gamy meat

The deer tasted gamy.

gam·i·ness noun [noncount]

1gan·der noun, pl -ders [count]

: a male goose

what's good for the goose is good for the gander see 1GOOSE
compare 2GANDER

2gander noun [singular]

informal : a look at something

I'd like to stop by and take/have a gander at your new car.

compare 1GANDER

1gang noun, pl gangs [count]

1 : a group of criminals
a gang of drug dealers
a gang of thieves
see also CHAIN GANG

2 : a group of young people who do illegal things together and who often fight against other gangs
street gangs

He is in a gang.

He was shot by a member of a rival gang.

gang violence

3 informal : a group of people who are friends and who do things together

The gang's all here.

the gang at the office

2gang verb, gangs, ganged, gang·ing

gang up [phrasal verb]

informal : to form a group to attack, oppose, or criticize someone
usually + on

His classmates ganged up on him and beat him up pretty badly.

sometimes + against

Everyone ganged up against her.

gang bang noun, pl bangs [count]

informal + impolite : an occurrence in which several men have sex with the same woman one after another

gang·bust·ers noun

like gangbusters

US informal

1 : very well or successfully

The team got off to a slow start, but recently they have been coming on like gangbusters. [=they have been doing very well]

2 : very quickly

The company has been growing like gangbusters.

gang·land noun [singular]

: the violent world of organized crime
usually used before another noun
a gangland shooting

gan·gling adj [more ; most ]

chiefly Brit : gangly
a gangling teenager

gan·gli·on noun, pl -glia also -gli·ons [count]

medical : a mass of nerve cells

gan·gly adj, gan·gli·er, -est

1 : tall, thin, and awkward
a gangly teenager

2 : long and thin
gangly legs

gang·plank noun, pl -planks [count]

: a board or other structure that people walk on to get on or off a ship

gang rape noun, pl rapes [count]

: a crime in which one woman is raped by several men one after another

gang-rape verb, -rape, -raped, -raping [+ obj]

gan·grene noun [noncount]

medical : the decay of flesh that occurs in a part of the body that no longer has blood flowing to it

When gangrene set in, the soldier's leg had to be amputated.

gan·gre·nous adj
a gangrenous foot

gang·sta noun, pl -stas [count]

US informal

1 : a member of a street gang

2 : a person who performs gangsta rap music

gangsta rap noun [noncount]

: a type of rap music with lyrics about the violence and drug use of street gangs

gangsta rapper noun, pl -pers [count]

gang·ster noun, pl -sters [count]

: a member of a group of violent criminals

gang·way noun, pl -ways

1 [count] : gangplank

2 [count] Brit : a passage between sections of seats in a theater, airplane, etc. : aisle

3
used to tell people in a crowd to move aside so that someone can pass through

“Gangway!” the man shouted as he pushed his way through the crowd.

gan·ja noun [noncount]

slang : marijuana

gan·net noun, pl gan·nets also gannet [count]

: a large ocean bird that eats fish

gantlet variant spelling of 1GAUNTLET

gaol, gaol·bird, gaol·break, gaol·er Brit spellings of JAIL, JAILBIRD, JAILBREAK, JAILER

gap noun, pl gaps [count]

1 a : a space between two people or things

The child had a gap between her two front teeth.

The gap between the lead runner and the rest of the field continued to widen.

1 b : a hole or space where something is missing

The sheep got through a gap in the fence.

2 : a missing part

There are unexplained gaps in his story.

The class filled in the gaps in my knowledge of biology.

3 : a part or period in which nothing happens

She had taken several years off to raise a family, so there was a large gap in her work history.

4 : a difference between two people, groups, or things
often + between

There is a widening gap between the rich and the poor.

We hope to close the gap between well-funded suburban schools and the struggling schools in poorer communities.

His work bridges the gap between popular fiction and serious literature. [=his work has qualities of both popular fiction and serious literature]

see also CREDIBILITY GAP, GENERATION GAP

gape verb, gapes, gaped, gap·ing [no obj]

1 : to open widely

Her mouth gaped open.

2 : to look at someone or something with your mouth open in surprise or wonder
often + at

The crowd gaped at the princess as she passed by.

What are you gaping at?

synonyms see 1GAZE

gap·ing adj

: wide open : very large
a gaping wound
a gaping hole

gap-toothed adj

: having a large space between two teeth
a gap-toothed child/smile/grin

gap year noun, pl years [count]

: a year that you spend traveling, working, etc., before continuing your studies

She decided to take a gap year between high school and college.

1ga·rage Brit noun, pl -rag·es [count]

1 : a building or part of a building in which a car, truck, etc., is kept
a house with a two-car garage
see also PARKING GARAGE

2 : a shop where vehicles are repaired

My car was making a strange noise, so I brought it to the garage.

2garage verb, -rages, -raged, -rag·ing [+ obj]

: to put or keep (a car, truck, etc.) in a garage

He garaged the car for the winter.

garage band noun, pl bands [count]

: a group of people who play rock music together and typically practice in a garage

garage sale noun, pl sales [count]

chiefly US : a sale of used furniture, clothing, etc., held at the seller's home called also (US) tag sale (US) yard sale

1garb noun [noncount]

: a particular style or type of clothing
traditional academic garb
dressed in ceremonial garb
prison garb

2garb verb, garbs, garbed, garb·ing [+ obj]

: to dress (someone) in a particular type of clothing
usually used as (be) garbed

He was garbed in a black robe. [=he was wearing a black robe]

gar·bage noun [noncount]

1 chiefly US

1 a : things that are no longer useful or wanted and that have been thrown out : trash

The park was littered with garbage.

Please take out the garbage.

Raccoons were going through the garbage.

often used to refer specifically to food waste that is being thrown out
the smell of rotting garbage

1 b : a container where people put things that are being thrown out

Throw the can in the garbage.

2 informal : something that is worthless, unimportant, or of poor quality

Maybe you should read a book instead of watching that garbage [=rubbish] on TV.

3 informal : foolish or untrue words or ideas : nonsense

If you ask me, what he said is a bunch/load of garbage.

garbage can noun, pl cans [count]

US : a container for garbage called also (US) garbage pail (Brit) waste bin

garbage disposal noun, pl -als [count]

US : a device in a kitchen sink that grinds up food waste so it can be washed down the drain called also (Brit) waste disposal unit

gar·bage·man noun, pl -men [count]

US : a person who collects and removes garbage called also (US) garbage collector (Brit) binman (Brit) dustman

garbage truck noun, pl trucks [count]

US : a truck used to take away garbage that people put outside their houses, buildings, etc., in bags or cans called also (Brit) dustcart

gar·ban·zo Brit noun, pl -zos [count]

US : chickpea

garbanzo bean noun, pl beans [count]

US : chickpea

gar·ble verb, gar·bles, gar·bled, gar·bling [+ obj]

: to cause (a word, name, message, etc.) to be unclear or confusing

He was so nervous he garbled her name [=he said her name incorrectly] when he introduced her.

garbled adj

We could not understand him because of his garbled speech.

a garbled phone message

1gar·den noun, pl -dens

1 [count] US : an area of ground where plants (such as flowers or vegetables) are grown

We planted a small garden in our backyard.

a vegetable/rose garden
a garden hose/cart/rake/path
a garden party [=a party that takes place in a garden or in a large yard with gardens]

2 [count] Brit : 1yard 1

They were sitting out in the back garden.

3 [count] : a public area with many plants and trees
a botanical/public garden
often plural

Kew Gardens

4 [count] US : a large stadium or building for sports or entertainment
used in names

They went to the hockey game at Madison Square Garden.

5 Gardens [plural] chiefly Brit
used in street names

Belsize Gardens

common-or-garden see 1COMMON

lead someone down/up the garden path see 1LEAD

2garden verb, -dens, -dened, -den·ing [no obj]

: to work in a garden : to take care of the plants in a garden

He likes to garden.

gar·den·er noun, pl -ers [count]

She's a talented gardener.

He hired a gardener to take care of his estate.

gardening noun [noncount]

Her hobbies include bicycling and gardening.

garden chair noun, pl chairs [count]

Brit : lawn chair

gar·de·nia noun, pl -nias [count]

: a large white or yellowish flower that has a pleasant smell

Garden of Eden noun [singular]

: eden 1

garden-variety adj, always used before a noun

US : not unusual : ordinary or common

He doesn't have the flujust a garden-variety cold.

The movie is a garden-variety thriller.

gar·gan·tuan adj [more ; most ]

: very large in size or amount : gigantic
a creature of gargantuan proportions
a gargantuan appetite

1gar·gle verb, gar·gles, gar·gled, gar·gling

: to clean your throat and mouth with a liquid that you move around in your throat and then spit out

[no obj] He gargled with salt water.

She gargles every morning.

[+ obj] He gargled the salt water, then spit it out.

2gargle noun, pl gargles

: a liquid used for gargling

[count] a medicinal gargle used for sore throats

[noncount] (Brit) treating a sore throat with gargle

gar·goyle noun, pl -goyles [count]

: a strange or ugly human or animal figure that sticks out from the roof of a building (such as a church)

Gargoyles are stone sculptures that are used to cause rainwater to flow away from the sides of a building.

gar·ish adj [more ; most ]

: too bright or colorful
a garish [=gaudy] dress covered with sequins
garish neon signs

gar·ish·ly adv
a garishly decorated room
garishly dressed

gar·ish·ness noun [noncount]

1gar·land noun, pl -lands [count]

: a ring or rope that is made of leaves, flowers, or some other material and that is used as a decoration

They placed a garland of flowers around her neck.

2garland verb, -lands, -land·ed, -land·ing [+ obj]

: to put a garland on (someone or something)

usually used as (be) garlanded

The winner was garlanded with flowers.

often used figuratively

The book has been garlanded with praise. [=has received a lot of praise]

gar·lic noun [noncount]

: a plant that is related to the onion and that has small sections (called cloves) which have a strong taste and smell and are used for flavoring foods

The recipe calls for two cloves of garlic, minced.

a pasta dish flavored with basil and garlic
garlic bread [=bread toasted and flavored with butter and garlic]

a garlic press [=a tool used to crush garlic]

gar·licky adj [more ; most ]

a strong, garlicky dish
garlicky breath

gar·ment noun, pl -ments [count]

somewhat formal : a piece of clothing
expensive silk garments

garment bag noun, pl bags [count]

: a bag that folds in half and is used to carry suits and dresses when you are traveling

gar·ner verb, -ners, -nered, -ner·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to collect or gather (something)

She garnered more evidence to support her theory.

The senator has spent much time garnering financial support for his upcoming campaign.

2 : to get or receive (something wanted or valued)

The novel has garnered much praise and several awards.

The band has garnered [=gained] a large following.

gar·net noun, pl -nets

1 [count] : a dark red stone that is used in jewelry

2 [noncount] : a dark red color

garni see BOUQUET GARNI

1gar·nish verb, -nish·es, -nished, -nish·ing [+ obj]

: to put something on (food) as a decoration
usually + with

Garnish the cake with chocolate curls.

The fish was garnished with parsley leaves.

; also : to be added as a decoration to (food)

Chocolate curls garnished the cake.

2garnish noun, pl -nishes [count, noncount]

: something (such as small pieces of fruit, chopped herbs, etc.) that is put on food as a decoration

garotte variant spelling of GARROTTE

gar·ret noun, pl -rets [count]

: a usually small and unpleasant room or space area just below the roof of a building
an artist's garret [=a garret where a struggling artist lives in poverty]

1gar·ri·son noun, pl -sons [count]

1 : a military camp, fort, or base
troops defending the garrison
a garrison town

2 : a group of soldiers who are living at a garrison
a garrison of 5,000 men

2garrison verb, -sons, -soned, -son·ing [+ obj]

1 : to send soldiers to (a place) in order to defend it
garrison a town

2 : to send (soldiers) to live in and defend a place
often used as (be) garrisoned

The men were garrisoned in town.

1gar·rote or ga·rotte noun, pl -rotes or -rottes [count]

: a device (such as a piece of wire with a handle at each end) that is used to strangle someone

2garrote or garotte verb, -rotes or -rottes, -rot·ed or -rott·ed, -rot·ing or -rott·ing [+ obj]

: to strangle (someone) with a garrote

The victim was garroted.

gar·ru·lous adj [more ; most ]

: tending to talk a lot : very talkative

He became more garrulous after drinking a couple of beers.

gar·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : an elastic band of material that is worn around the leg to hold up a stocking or sock

2 US : a piece of material that hangs down from a woman's underwear and that is used to hold up a stocking called also (Brit) suspender

garter belt noun, pl belts [count]

US : a piece of underwear that is worn around a woman's waist and hips and that has garters (sense 2) attached to it called also (Brit) suspender belt

garter snake noun, pl snakes [count]

: a harmless American snake that has stripes along its back

1gas noun, pl gas·es also gas·ses

1 a : a substance (such as oxygen or hydrogen) that is like air and has no fixed shape

[count] Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas.

a mixture of gases

[noncount] clouds of gas
see also LAUGHING GAS, MUSTARD GAS, NATURAL GAS, NERVE GAS, TEAR GAS

1 b [noncount] : a gas or mixture of gases that is burned as a fuel

We heat our house with gas.

Turn up the gas.

Do you have a gas stove or an electric one?

2 [noncount] US : gas in your stomach and intestines that causes pain or discomfort

Certain foods give me gas. [=(Brit) wind]

stomach gas
intestinal gas

To pass gas is to release intestinal gas from your anus.

I accidentally passed gas [=(less politely) farted] during the meeting. It was so embarrassing!

3 US

3 a [noncount] : gasoline

We need to stop for gas. [=(Brit) petrol]

high gas prices

The car gets good gas mileage.

The car almost ran out of gas.

sometimes used figuratively

The pitcher ran out of gas [=became tired] in the seventh inning.

3 b the gas informal : the accelerator pedal of a vehicle

He was driving with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake.

If you step on the gas or hit the gas, you suddenly press down on the accelerator to drive at a higher speed.

4 [singular] US, old-fashioned slang : a very enjoyable or funny person, event, etc.

The party was a gas.

Your uncle cracks me up. What a gas!

2gas verb, gasses, gassed, gas·sing

1 [+ obj] : to poison or kill (someone) with gas
soldiers gassed on the battlefield

2 US : to put gasoline in (a car, truck, etc.)

[+ obj] We stopped to gas the car.

usually + up

The car is all gassed up.

[no obj]

+ up

We gassed up before getting on the highway.

gas·bag noun, pl -bags [count]

US informal : a person who talks too much : windbag

gas chamber noun, pl -bers [count]

: a room in which prisoners are killed by poisonous gas

gas·eous adj

: having the form of gas
gaseous fuels
an odorless, gaseous element
a substance changing from a liquid to a gaseous state

gas-guz·zler noun, pl -zlers [count]

US informal : a usually large vehicle that uses a lot of gasoline

gas-guz·zling adj, always used before a noun
gas-guzzling SUVs

1gash noun, pl gash·es [count]

: a long, deep cut

The dog had a bad gash in his leg.

The iceberg made a gash in the hull of the ship.

2gash verb, gashes, gashed, gash·ing [+ obj]

: to make a long, deep cut in (something)

The knife slipped and gashed his finger.

gas·ket noun, pl -kets [count]

: a piece of rubber or some other material that is used to make a tight seal between two parts that are joined together

blow a gasket

1 of a car, engine, etc. : to develop a very bad leak in a gasket

2 informal, of a person : to become very angry

When the boss found out that the shipment was late, he blew a gasket.

gas·light noun, pl -lights

1 [noncount] : light made by burning gas (sense 1b)

streets illuminated by gaslight

2 [count] : a lamp that uses gas as fuel called also gas lamp

gas·lit adj
a gaslit street

gas mask noun, pl masks [count]

: a mask used to protect the face and lungs against poisonous gases

gas·o·hol noun [noncount]

technical : a mixture of gasoline and ethanol that is used as a fuel for engines

gas·o·line noun [noncount]

US : a liquid made from petroleum and used especially as a fuel for engines called also (US) gas (Brit) petrol

gasp Brit verb, gasps, gasped, gasp·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to breathe in suddenly and loudly with your mouth open because of surprise, shock, or pain

Mom gasped in/with surprise at the sight of my sister's new haircut.

He gasped as he stepped into the icy water.

2 [no obj] : to breathe with difficulty : pant
a dying man gasping for breath

She was gasping for air.

3 [+ obj] : to say (something) with quick, difficult breaths

He gasped (out) a plea for mercy.

“Have mercy!” he gasped.

gasp noun, pl gasps [count]

My sister let out a gasp when I told her the happy news.

see also LAST-GASP

gas pedal noun, pl -als [count]

US : accelerator 1

gas station noun, pl -tions [count]

US : a place where gasoline for vehicles is sold called also filling station, service station (Brit) petrol station

gas·sy adj, gas·si·er, -est

1 : of or containing gas
a gassy odor
a gassy liquid [=a liquid that has many bubbles]

2 US : having gas in your stomach

He felt bloated and gassy.

3 informal : having or using many words but not saying things that are very important or interesting : long-winded
gassy prose

gas·tric adj
medical : of, relating to, or located near the stomach
gastric ulcers
gastric problems caused by stress

gas·tri·tis noun [noncount]

medical : a painful condition in which the inside surface of the stomach becomes inflamed

gas·tro·in·tes·ti·nal adj
medical : of or relating to both the stomach and the intestines
gastrointestinal disorders
the gastrointestinal tract [=the part of the digestive system that consists of the stomach and intestines]

gas·tron·o·my noun [noncount]

formal : the art or activity of cooking and eating fine food
books about wine tasting and gastronomy

gas·tro·nom·ic also gas·tro·nom·i·cal adj, always used before a noun
a rare fish that's considered a gastronomic delicacy

gas·works noun, pl gasworks [count]

chiefly Brit : a factory for making gas from coal

gate noun, pl gates [count]

1 : a place in a wall or a fence that has a movable part which can be opened or closed like a door

The car drove through the gate and up the long driveway.

The prison gates are always guarded.

also : the movable part itself

He pushed the gate open.

see also PEARLY GATES, STARTING GATE

2 : a device that can be opened and closed to control the flow of water or other liquids
the canal gates

3 : an area at an airport where passengers arrive and leave

When she got off the plane, her mother was waiting for her at the gate.

Flight 213 is now boarding at Gate 6.

4 a : the number of people who buy tickets for a sports event

The game drew/attracted a large gate.

4 b : the amount of money received from selling tickets to a sports event

A portion of the gate for today's game will be donated to charity.

gat·ed adj

1 : having a gate
a gated entrance

2 : having guarded or locked gates so that only some people are allowed to enter

They live in a gated community. [=a group of expensive homes that are surrounded by a gated wall or fence]

gate·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a small building near a gate at the entrance of a park, large house, etc.

gate·keep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who guards a gate
the palace gatekeeper
sometimes used figuratively
teachers who consider themselves the gatekeepers of knowledge

gate·way noun, pl -ways [count]

: an opening in a wall or fence that can be closed by a gate

Mourners slowly passed though the gateway of the cemetery.

often used figuratively

Studying is the gateway to success.

Make London your gateway to Europe!

gateway drug noun, pl drugs [count]

: a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) that is thought to lead to the use of more dangerous drugs (such as cocaine or heroin)

1gath·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to bring (things or people) together into a group

The children gathered their toys (together) and put them away.

Give me just a minute to gather my things and then we can leave.

The coach gathered her players together.

She gathered her hair into a ponytail.

1 b : to choose and collect (things)

We gathered (up) wood for the fire.

The child was gathering flowers to give to his mother.

She has been gathering poems (together) for/into a collection.

1 c : to get or take (things) from different people or places and bring them together

The police are continuing to gather evidence relating to the crime.

Volunteers have been gathering contributions for the new library.

2 [no obj] : to come together to form a group

A crowd began to gather on the sidewalk.

The players gathered together to hear the coach's game plan.

often + around or round

Everyone gathered around him as he began to speak.

He asked us to gather round.

3 [+ obj] : to get more of (something, such as speed) gradually

The bicyclists gathered speed as they went downhill.

The campaign has begun to gather momentum/strength. [=has begun to be more popular and effective]

see also gathering dust at 1DUST

4 [no obj] : to increase in amount or strength

Clouds had begun to gather overhead.

We hurried home in the gathering darkness.

the gathering storm
the gathering [=worsening] crisis

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to prepare yourself to use (your courage, strength, etc.) in order to do something difficult

He gathered his courage and finally spoke up.

Despite her injury, she gathered her strength and was able to finish the race.

5 b : to prepare (yourself, your thoughts, etc.) before doing something difficult

He paused to gather himself before stepping out onto the stage.

I barely had time to gather my thoughts/wits before replying.

6 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to believe that something is probably true because of what you have heard or learned

I gather (from her comments) that she's read a great deal about this topic. = From what I (can) gather, she's read a great deal about this topic.

“She's read a great deal about this topic.” “So I gather!”

7 [+ obj] : to pull (someone or something) close to your body

He gathered the child (up) in his arms.

She gathered her cloak around her before stepping outside.

8 [+ obj] sewing : to pull (cloth) along a line of stitches to form folds

I gathered the fabric to make small pleats.

gath·er·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a gatherer of data/information
hunters and gatherers [=people who gather food]

2gather noun, pl -ers [count]

: a fold formed when cloth is pulled together
usually plural
a shirt with gathers at the shoulders

gath·er·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : an occasion when people come together as a group

I see my cousins only at occasional family gatherings.

dinner parties and other social gatherings
a gathering of political leaders

2 [noncount] : the act or process of gathering something
hunting and food gathering
the gathering of data

ga·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

US informal : alligator

GATT abbr

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

gauche adj, gauch·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: having or showing a lack of awareness about the proper way to behave : socially awkward
a gauche young man

He has gauche manners.

Would it be gauche of me to ask her how old she is?

gauche·ness noun [noncount] chiefly Brit
the gaucheness of his manner

gau·cho noun, pl -chos [count]

: a cowboy in South America

gaudy adj, gaud·i·er, -est

1 : too bright and heavily decorated
gaudy jewelry/colors

The showgirls wore gaudy costumes.

2 informal : very large or impressive

They bought the house for a gaudy sum.

(disapproving) He collected fancy cars and other gaudy symbols of wealth.

The team had a gaudy [=dazzling] 100 record at the start of the season.

gaud·i·ly adv
gaudily dressed clowns
gaudily painted statues

gaud·i·ness noun [noncount]

the gaudiness of the mansion

1gauge also US gage noun, pl gaug·es also gag·es

1 [count] : an instrument that is used for measuring something
a temperature/rain gauge
the fuel/gas gauge

2 [count] : something that can be used to measure or judge something else usually singular;
often + of

He does not believe that these tests are an accurate gauge of intelligence.

Home sales provide a gauge of the state of the economy.

3 [noncount] : the distance between the rails of a railroad
a standard/broad/narrow gauge railroad

4 [noncount] : the thickness of something (such as a sheet of metal) or the diameter of wire or a screw

20-gauge wire
heavy gauge aluminum

5 [noncount] : the size of a shotgun based on how big the inside of the barrel is
a 12-gauge shotgun

2gauge also US gage verb, gauges also gages, gauged also gaged, gaug·ing also gag·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make a judgment about (something)

Home sales provide a useful way of gauging the overall state of the economy.

He accurately gauged the mood of the voters.

I was gauging her reaction to the news.

2 : to measure (something) exactly
instruments for gauging temperature and humidity

gaunt adj, gaunt·er, -est

1 : very thin usually because of illness or suffering
a small gaunt man

He left the hospital looking tired and gaunt.

2 literary : plain and unpleasant in appearance : desolate and gloomy
gaunt leafless trees
a gaunt factory on the edge of town

gaunt·ness noun [noncount]

1gaunt·let also US gant·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a situation in which someone is attacked, criticized, questioned, etc., by many people
usually used in the phrase run the gauntlet

Soldiers in the past were sometimes punished by being forced to run the gauntlet. [=to run between two rows of men who would hit them with clubs]

He had to run the gauntlet of reporters waiting outside the court.

compare 2GAUNTLET

2gauntlet noun, pl -lets [count]

1 : a metal glove worn with a suit of armor by soldiers in the Middle Ages

2 : a long, heavy glove worn to protect the hand

pick/take up the gauntlet

: to show that you are willing and ready to fight, argue, or compete with someone or to do something that is difficult but necessary : to accept or respond to a challenge

The time has come for Congress to pick up the gauntlet and do something about this problem.

throw down the gauntlet

: to say or show that you are ready to fight, argue, or compete with someone : to challenge someone

The company threw down the gauntlet and told the union that this offer for a contract was final.

compare 1GAUNTLET

gaunt·let·ed adj
a gauntleted hand

gauze noun [noncount]

1 : a very thin cloth : cloth so thin that you can see through it
red gauze curtains

2 : loosely woven cotton that is used as a bandage

He wrapped the wound in gauze.

a gauze pad [=a small square of folded gauze]

gauzy adj, gauz·i·er, -est

1 : light and thin : made of or resembling gauze
gauzy curtains/dresses

2 US : not clear : hazy
gauzy images
gauzy memories

gave past tense of 1GIVE

gav·el noun, pl -els [count]

: a small hammer that someone (such as a judge) bangs on a table to get people's attention in a meeting or in a court of law

gawk verb, gawks, gawked, gawk·ing [no obj]

informal : to stare at someone or something in a rude or stupid way
a crowd of gawking tourists
often + at

She just stood there gawking at the celebrities as they arrived for the ceremony.

Celebrities are used to being gawked at.

gawk·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a crowd of gawkers

gawky adj, gawk·i·er, -est
informal : awkward and clumsy
a tall, gawky teenager

gawk·i·ly adv

He moves gawkily.

gawk·i·ness noun [noncount]

his teenage gawkiness

gawp verb, gawps, gawped, gawp·ing [no obj]

chiefly Brit informal : to stare at someone or something in a rude or stupid way : gawk

gawp·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1gay adj, gay·er, -est [or more ; most ]

1 a : sexually attracted to someone who is the same sex : homosexual

My uncle is gay.

1 b always used before a noun : of, relating to, or used by homosexuals
the gay rights movement

The march celebrates gay pride. [=pride in being gay]

a gay bar

2 old-fashioned : happy and excited
gay and carefree children

: cheerful and lively

The band was playing a gay tune.

a gay festival/reception

3 old-fashioned : very bright in color : colorful
the gayest of the spring flowers
see also GAILY

gay·ness noun [noncount]

He is no longer trying to hide his gayness. [=homosexuality]

the gayness [=(more commonly) gaiety] of the colors

2gay noun, pl gays [count]

: a person and especially a man who is homosexual
a bar that is frequented by gays
gays and lesbians

1gaze verb, always followed by an adverb or preposition, gaz·es, gazed, gaz·ing [no obj]

: to look at someone or something in a steady way and usually for a long time

He gazed out the window at the snow.

She gazed intently/longingly into his eyes.

synonyms

GAZE, GAPE, STARE, and GLARE mean to look at something or someone for a long time. GAZE suggests looking steadily at something with feelings of interest, wonder, or admiration.

She was gazing at the moon.

GAPE suggests looking in wonder or surprise with your mouth open.

tourists gaping at celebrities

STARE suggests looking with your eyes open wide, often in a rude way.

Don't stare at him, it's not polite.

GLARE suggests looking in an angry way.

The speaker glared at the people in the audience who were talking.

2gaze noun, pl gazes [count]

: a long and steady look

He fixed his gaze out the window. [=he gazed out the window]

She looked at him with a calm, steady gaze.

He dropped/lifted his gaze. [=he looked down/up]

She calmly met his gaze. [=looked back at him while he looked at her]

sometimes used figuratively

He has his gaze firmly fixed on the future. [=he is thinking about the future]

ga·ze·bo noun, pl -bos [count]

: a small building in a garden or park that is open on all sides

ga·zelle noun, pl ga·zelles also ga·zelle [count]

: a small animal that is a kind of antelope and that is very graceful and fast

ga·zette noun, pl -zettes [count]

: newspaper
usually used in the names of newspapers

The Daily Gazette

gaz·et·teer noun, pl -teers [count]

: a book or list that is arranged in alphabetical order and gives information about places

ga·zil·lion noun, pl -lions [count]

US informal : a very large number

He made gazillions (of dollars) in real estate.

gazillion adj
a gazillion years

He made a gazillion dollars in real estate.

gaz·pa·cho noun [noncount]

chiefly US : a spicy cold soup that is made with chopped vegetables (such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions)

GB abbr

1 gigabyte

2 Great Britain

GDP abbr
gross domestic product

1gear noun, pl gears

1 [noncount]

1 a : supplies, tools, or clothes needed for a special purpose
fishing gear

I somehow managed to pack all my gear into one suitcase.

soldiers in full combat gear
wearing protective gear
rain gear [=waterproof clothes worn in the rain]

see also FOOTGEAR, HEADGEAR, LANDING GEAR

1 b informal : clothes

She wears trendy gear.

2 a [count] : a toothed wheel in a machine
a complicated arrangement of gears and shafts

2 b : a part that connects the engine of a vehicle or the pedals of a bicycle to the wheels and controls the speed at which the wheels turn

[count] a car with four forward gears

[noncount] Halfway up the hill, my bike slipped out of gear.

He put the car in/into gear [=he moved the lever that controls the car's gears into the position that allows the car to begin moving] and drove away.

(US) She shifted into low/high gear. = (Brit) She changed into bottom/top gear. [=she changed to a gear that allows for a slower/faster rate of speed]

see also REVERSE GEAR

change/shift/switch gears (US) or Brit change gear

: to move from one level or area of activity to another

He once again changed gears in his career.

She's decided to shift gears, quit her job, and go back to school.

get in gear or get (something) in gear
informal : to start working or doing something in a more energetic and effective way

We need to get in gear [=get going] if we want to finish this project on time.

She finally got her career in gear. [=finally started to be successful in her career]

(US, informal + impolite) He angrily told him to get his ass in gear. [=to get going, to start moving or doing something much more quickly]

in/into high gear see HIGH GEAR

2gear verb, gears, geared, gear·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) suitable for a particular use or type of person
usually used as (be) geared

The book is geared toward children. [=the book is intended to be used by children]

software geared to the needs of the first-time user

The program is geared for/to/toward a young audience.

The system is geared [=designed] to handle several tasks at once.

gear up [phrasal verb]

gear up or gear (someone) up or gear up (someone) : to get ready or to cause (someone) to get ready for something or to do something

The team is gearing up for a comeback.

Manufacturers are gearing up to produce more merchandise.

The coach is gearing up the team for a comeback.

The team is geared up for a win.

gear·box noun, pl -box·es [count]

: a box in a car, truck, etc., that contains the gears
a five-speed gearbox [=(more commonly) transmission]

gear·head noun, pl -heads [count]

US informal : a person who is very interested in mechanical or technical things (such as cars or computers)

gearheads discussing hardware upgrades

gear·ing noun [noncount]

technical : the parts that transfer motion from one part of a machine to another
a gearing mechanism

gear·shift noun, pl -shifts [count]

US : a lever or other device that is moved to change gears in a car, on a bicycle, etc. called also (Brit) gear lever (Brit) gearstick (US) shifter see pictures at BICYCLE, CAR, compare STICK SHIFT

gear·stick noun, pl -sticks [count]

Brit : gearshift

gecko noun, pl geck·os also geck·oes [count]

: a small tropical lizard

GED noun, pl GEDs [count]

US

1 : a test that is taken by an adult who did not finish high school to show that the person being tested has as much knowledge of basic math, science, English, etc., as a high school graduate

I had to take the GED yesterday.

a GED test

GED in this sense is an abbreviation of “General Educational Development.”

2 : an official document that is given to a person who has taken and passed the GED

The job requires a high school diploma or GED.

GED in this sense is an abbreviation of “general equivalency diploma.”

gee interj
chiefly US
used especially to show surprise, enthusiasm, or disappointment

Gee, that sounds like fun.

Gee, that's too bad.

gee-gee noun, pl -gees [count]

Brit informal : horse
used especially by children or when referring informally to horse racing
have a bet on the gee-gees

geek noun, pl geeks [count]

chiefly US informal

1 : a person who is socially awkward and unpopular : a usually intelligent person who does not fit in with other people

He was a real geek in high school.

2 : a person who is very interested in and knows a lot about a particular field or activity

She's a computer geek.

geeky adj, geek·i·er, -est

I was a geeky kid.

geek·i·ness noun [noncount]

I liked her in spite of her geekiness.

geese plural of 1GOOSE

gee whiz interj

US old-fashioned
used especially to show surprise or enthusiasm

Gee whiz, I didn't expect to see you here!

gee-whiz adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US

1 : very impressive or amazing
gee-whiz gadgets/technology

2 : showing or feeling excitement and wonder
gee-whiz enthusiasm

geez or jeez interj
informal
used to express surprise, anger, or annoyance

Geez, it's cold out here.

Geez, I didn't think the food would be this bad.

gee·zer noun, pl -zers [count]

informal

1 US : an old man
a group of old geezers playing cards

2 Brit : guy, bloke

Some geezer asked me for a light.

Gei·ger counter noun, pl -ers [count]

: an instrument used for finding and measuring radioactivity

gei·sha noun, pl gei·shas also geisha [count]

: a Japanese girl who is trained to entertain men with singing, conversation, etc. called also geisha girl

1gel noun, pl gels [count, noncount]

: a thick substance that is like jelly and that is used in various products
hair gels [=gels used for styling hair]

shower gel [=soap that is in a gel form]

2gel verb, gels, gelled, gel·ling

1 [no obj] : to change into a gel : to change into a thick substance that is like jelly

The mixture will gel as it cools.

2 [no obj] : to become clear and definite : jell

Our plans are finally starting to gel.

3 [+ obj] : to style (hair) with gel

She gelled her hair.

gel·a·tin (chiefly US) or chiefly Brit gel·a·tine noun [noncount]

1 : a clear substance that is made by boiling animal bones or tissues and that is used in making jelly

2 : a food made with gelatin
a fruity gelatin dessert

ge·lat·i·nous adj [more ; most ]

a gelatinous mass
a gelatinous texture

geld verb, gelds, geld·ed, geld·ing [+ obj]

: to remove the testicles of (a male animal and especially a horse or bull)

a gelded horse

geld·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: a male horse that has had its testicles removed
a six-year-old gelding
compare STALLION

gem noun, pl gems [count]

1 : a valuable stone that has been cut and polished for use in jewelry

2 : something that is admired for its beauty or excellence

The house is a gem of colonial architecture.

He pitched a gem of a game.

Her most recent novel is a real gem.

Gem·i·ni noun, pl -nis

1 [noncount] : the third sign of the zodiac that comes between Taurus and Cancer and has a pair of twins as its symbol

2 [count] : a person born under the sign of Gemini : a person born between May 21st and June 21st

His girlfriend is a Gemini.

gem·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

: a stone that can be used in jewelry when it is cut and polished

Gen. abbr

General

Gen. Smith

gen·darme noun, pl -darmes [count]

: a police officer; especially : a police officer in a country where French is spoken

gen·der noun, pl -ders

1 [count] : the state of being male or female : sex

Please state your name, birth date, and gender.

gender differences
gender-specific language [=words that refer only to men or only to women]

gender-neutral language [=words that do not refer to either sex but only to people in general]

2 grammar : one of the categories (masculine, feminine, and neuter) into which words (such as nouns, adjectives, and pronouns) are divided in many languages

[noncount] The adjective and noun must agree in number and gender.

[count] Some languages do not use genders.

gender-bending noun [noncount]

: the act of dressing and behaving like a member of the opposite sex
a pop star famous for his gender-bending

gender bender noun, pl -ers [count]

He's known as a gender bender.

gender-bending adj
a gender-bending comedy
a gender-bending pop star

gene noun, pl genes [count]

biology : a part of a cell that controls or influences the appearance, growth, etc., of a living thing

She inherited a good set of genes from her parents.

dominant/recessive genes

ge·ne·al·o·gy noun, pl -gies

1 [noncount] : the study of family history
an expert in genealogy

2 [count] : the history of a particular family showing how the different members of the family are related to each other

They've been researching their genealogies.

ge·ne·a·log·i·cal adj
genealogical relationships/history
a genealogical expert

ge·ne·al·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

She's an expert genealogist.

gene pool noun, pl pools [count]

biology : all of the genes in a particular group of people or animals
the gene pool of a species

genera plural of GENUS

1gen·er·al adj

1 always used before a noun : of, relating to, or affecting all the people or things in a group

They have issued a general warning/order.

a general alarm

: involving or including many or most people

The general mood here is optimistic. [=most people here are optimistic]

The general consensus is that we should go ahead.

It's a story with general interest. = It's a general-interest story. [=it is a story that will interest many or most people]

2 a [more ; most ] : relating to the main or major parts of something rather than the details : not specific

The witness was able to provide a very general description of the thief.

She began her talk with some general observations about the state of the industry.

The book provides a good general introduction to the subject.

My concerns are all generalnothing specific.

The details of the new plan are different, but it's based on the same general concept/idea.

My general impression was that things were going well.

2 b always used before a noun
used to indicate that a description relates to an entire person or thing rather than a particular part

The building was in good general shape.

Her general [=overall] health is good.

3 always used before a noun : not exact : approximate

They were found in the same general area.

I'm going in the general direction of the store.

4 always used before a noun : ordinary, normal, or usual

Their general practice in such cases is to offer a deal. = As a general rule, they offer a deal in such cases. [=they usually/generally offer a deal in such cases]

5 : of the basic or usual kind : not special or specialized
a general hospital
a science book for the general reader [=the reader who is not a scientist]

a doctor practicing general medicine [=basic health care that is not specialized]

6 always used before a noun : of high rank : having wide authority or responsibility
a general manager
a general contractor [=a contractor who is in charge of a building project]

see also ATTORNEY GENERAL, INSPECTOR GENERAL

2general noun

in general

1 : in a general way
used to say that a statement describes your general feeling or opinion

In general, I like the way things have gone.

2 : as a whole

It had an impact not just on young people, but on people in general. [=on all or most people]

3 : in most cases : usually

In general [=generally], it takes about a month for the shipment to arrive.

compare 3GENERAL

3general noun, pl -als [count]

: a military officer of very high rank
compare 2GENERAL

general admission noun [noncount]

: a situation in which a customer pays a fee to get into an event (such as a concert or baseball game) but is not assigned to a specific seat

Reserved seating is $20; general admission is $10.

general delivery noun [noncount]

US : a department in a post office that keeps a person's mail until that person comes to the post office to get it

The letter is addressed to general delivery.

called also (Brit) poste restante

general election noun, pl -tions [count]

: a regular election that involves voters and candidates throughout an entire country

gen·er·al·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

: a person who knows something about a lot of subjects

The staff includes both generalists and specialists.

gen·er·al·i·ty noun, pl -ties
formal

1 [count] : a statement that is not specific or detailed

He spoke in generalities as he discussed his plans for the future.

2 [noncount] : the quality or state of being general rather than specific or detailed

I noticed the generality of the language he used in discussing his plans.

3 [noncount] Brit : the biggest part of a group : majority

The generality of the students [=most of the students] will go on to university.

gen·er·al·i·za·tion also Brit gen·er·al·i·sa·tion Brit noun, pl -tions
often disapproving

1 [count] : a general statement : a statement about a group of people or things that is based on only a few people or things in that group

He made several sweeping/broad generalizations about women.

2 [noncount] : the act or process of forming opinions that are based on a small amount of information

She was prone to generalization.

gen·er·al·ize also Brit gen·er·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing

1 [no obj] : to make a general statement or form a general opinion; especially : to state an opinion about a larger group that is based on a smaller number of people or things within that group

She tends to generalize.

often + about

She is always generalizing about men.

2 [+ obj] formal : to apply (something specific, such as a theory or rule) to larger group
often used as (be) generalized

The theory can be generalized to other branches of science as well.

generalized also Brit generalised adj [more ; most ]

: not specific : not limited to a particular area, part, etc.

The patient has been experiencing generalized pain.

generalized anxiety

gen·er·al·ly adv

1 [more ; most ] : in a general way : in a way that is not detailed or specific

He talked generally about his plans.

I had a generally good day.

2 : in most cases : usually

Generally [=in general], his suggestions have been well-received.

It generally takes about a month for the shipment to arrive.

When stocks are up, bonds are generally down.

Writers generally oppose censorship. = Generally (speaking), writers oppose censorship.

3 : by or to most people
a generally used phrase

This town is generally regarded as a good place to raise kids.

general practitioner noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person (especially a doctor) whose work is not limited to a special area : a person who is not a specialist

Our family doctor is a general practitioner.

abbr. G.P.

general public noun

the general public

: all the people of an area, country, etc.

The park is open to the general public.

general-purpose adj, always used before a noun

: able to be used for many purposes : not limited to a single purpose
a general-purpose vehicle
general-purpose film
compare ALL-PURPOSE

general store noun, pl stores [count]

: a store usually in a small town that sells many different things including groceries

gen·er·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

1 : to produce (something) or cause (something) to be produced
windmills used to generate electricity
generate heat

This business should generate a lot of revenue.

We hope to generate some new ideas at the meeting.

a computer-generated list [=a list that was made by a computer program]

2 : to be the cause of or reason for (something, such as interest or excitement)

His theories have generated a great deal of interest among other scientists.

Her comments have generated a good deal of excitement/controversy.

They have been unable to generate much support for their proposals.

gen·er·a·tive adj, technical
generative power

gen·er·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [count]

1 a : a group of people born and living during the same time

She was worshipped by a generation of moviegoers.

He was a hero to generations of students.

We need to preserve these resources for future generations.

His books are popular among members of the younger/older generation.

(US) The current generation is changing the way things are done. = (Brit) The current generation are changing the way things are done.

1 b : the people in a family born and living during the same time

That family has lived in the same house for four generations.

The house has been passed down in the family from generation to generation.

first- and second-generation immigrants [=people who immigrated and their children]

2 [count] : the average length of time between the birth of parents and the birth of their children

She's a generation [=around 2030 years] older than most of her colleagues.

He has held that position for a generation.

No one dreamed that such things would be possible a generation ago.

3 [count] : a group of things that are developed from an earlier type

The company claims to be developing the next generation of portable computers.

4 [noncount] : the act or process of making or producing something : the act or process of generating something
the generation of heat
the generation of new ideas

gen·er·a·tion·al adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to different generations of people
generational differences

The family was divided along generational lines.

gen·er·a·tion·al·ly adv
culturally and generationally diverse

generation gap noun [singular]

: the differences in opinions, values, etc., between younger people and older people

Generation X noun [noncount]

: the group of people in the U.S. who were born during the late 1960s and the 1970s

Generation Xer noun, pl Xers [count]

a TV show that appeals to Generation Xers

gen·er·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: something that produces something

This new product will be a major revenue generator.

especially : a machine that produces electricity
a backup generator for the store

1ge·ner·ic adj [more ; most ]

1 : of or relating to a whole group or class

“Flu” is sometimes used as a generic term/name for any illness caused by a virus.

2 : not sold or made under a particular brand name
generic drugs

3 biology : of or relating to a genus

ge·ner·i·cal·ly adv

“Flu” is sometimes used generically for any illness caused by a virus.

2generic noun, pl -ics [count]

: a product (such as a drug) that is not sold or made under a particular brand name : a generic product

You can substitute generics for brand-name drugs on this health plan.

gen·er·os·i·ty noun [noncount]

: the quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish : the quality of being generous

She is admired for the generosity of her spirit. = She is admired for her generosity of spirit. [=she is admired because she is a kind person who cares about other people]

especially : willingness to give money and other valuable things to others
her generosity toward/to the poor

gen·er·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : freely giving or sharing money and other valuable things
a generous benefactor

The school raised the money through donations from generous alumni.

He was generous with both his time and his money.

She has always been very generous toward/to the poor.

2 : providing more than the amount that is needed or normal : abundant or ample
a generous supply

This restaurant is known for its generous portions.

a generous helping of mashed potatoes
a generous donation

3 : showing kindness and concern for others

She has a generous heart/spirit.

He has generous sympathy for unemployed workers.

gen·er·ous·ly adv

He generously insisted on paying for dinner.

She tipped the waiter generously.

a generously [=lavishly] illustrated book

gen·e·sis noun [noncount]

somewhat formal : the beginning of something : origin
a book about the genesis of the civil rights movement

gene therapy noun [noncount]

medical : a way of treating some disorders and diseases that usually involves replacing bad copies of genes with other genes
advances in the science of gene therapy

ge·net·ic adj

: of, relating to, or involving genes
a genetic disease
genetic material
genetic fingerprinting [=using genes or parts of genes to identify a person, such as a criminal]

ge·net·i·cal·ly adv
genetically modified food
a genetically inherited illness
genetically related offspring

genetic engineering noun [noncount]

: the science of making changes to the genes of a plant or animal to produce a desired result

The crops were made resistant to disease by genetic engineering.

genetic engineer noun, pl -neers [count]

Genetic engineers have introduced a new disease-resistant soybean.

ge·net·i·cist noun, pl -cists [count]

: a scientist who studies genetics

ge·net·ics noun [noncount]

: the scientific study of how genes control the characteristics of plants and animals

Ge·ne·va Convention noun

the Geneva Convention

: an international law that explains how people who are wounded or taken prisoner during a war are supposed to be treated

ge·nial adj [more ; most ]

: cheerful and pleasant
a genial host
a host with a genial manner

He was genial to/toward everyone.

ge·nial·i·ty noun [noncount]

the geniality of his manner

ge·nial·ly adv

We were chatting genially [=pleasantly] on the phone.

ge·nie noun, pl -nies [count]

in stories : a magic spirit that looks like a person, often lives in a lamp or bottle, and serves the person who calls it

He rubbed the magic lamp to summon the genie.

gen·i·tal adj, always used before a noun

: of or relating to the sexual organs
a genital disease/wart
genital tissue

gen·i·ta·lia noun [plural]

: genitals

gen·i·tals noun [plural]

: sexual organs; especially : the sexual organs on the outside of the body
male/female genitals

gen·i·tive noun [noncount]

grammar : the form of a noun or pronoun when it is used to show that someone or something owns, controls, or is associated with someone or something else
a noun in the genitive

genitive adj
the genitive case

ge·nius noun, pl -nius·es

1 [count]

1 a : a very smart or talented person : a person who has a level of talent or intelligence that is very rare or remarkable

Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton were great scientific geniuses.

a musical/artistic/creative genius

You don't have to be a genius to see that this plan will never work.

1 b : a person who is very good at doing something

He was a genius at handling the press.

2 a [noncount] : great natural ability : remarkable talent or intelligence

She's now widely recognized as an artist of genius.

He's admired for his comic/artistic/scientific genius.

2 b [singular] : a great or unusual talent or ability
usually + for

She has a genius for knowing what will sell.

He had a genius for getting into trouble. [=he often got into trouble]

3 [singular]

3 a : a very clever or smart quality

The (sheer) genius of his theory was not immediately recognized.

3 b : a part of something that makes it unusually good or valuable

My plan is simplethat's the genius of it.

The genius of these new computers is their portability.

a stroke of genius

: a brilliant and successful idea or decision

Deciding to relocate the company was a stroke of genius.

geno·cide noun [noncount]

: the deliberate killing of people who belong to a particular racial, political, or cultural group

geno·cid·al adj

genre noun, pl genres [count]

: a particular type or category of literature or art
a literary/film/musical genre

This book is a classic of the mystery genre.

gent noun, pl gents [count]

informal + old-fashioned : gentleman

He's a real gent.

ladies and gents

In U.S. English, gent is likely to refer to a man who is British.

Our host in London was a delightful old gent.

see also GENTS

gen·teel adj [more ; most ]

1 a somewhat old-fashioned : of or relating to people who have high social status : aristocratic
a person of genteel upbringing

She was born into a genteel family.

1 b : pretending or trying to have the qualities and manners of people who have high social status
an elderly woman living in genteel poverty
speaking in a genteel accent

2 : having a quietly appealing or polite quality

They lived in a more genteel era.

the genteel manners of an old southern gentleman
genteel grace

gen·teel·ly adv

gen·teel·ness noun [noncount]

gen·tile or Gen·tile noun, pl -tiles [count]

: a person who is not Jewish

gentile or Gentile adj

gen·til·i·ty noun [noncount]

1 : high social status

Education was considered a mark of gentility.

2 : a quietly appealing and polite quality or manner : a genteel quality or manner

He's a model of good taste and gentility. [=courtesy]

gen·tle adj, gen·tler , gen·tlest [also more ; most ]

1 : having or showing a kind and quiet nature : not harsh or violent
a very gentle man/dog
a dog that is gentle with children

Your mother has a gentle manner/voice/smile.

gentle eyes
a gentle sense of humor
a gentle giant [=a large but gentle person or animal]

2 a : not hard or forceful
a gentle rain/breeze/wind
gentle movements
a gentle push

Apply gentle [=soft] pressure to the area.

I heard a gentle knock at the door.

2 b : not strong or harsh in effect or quality
a gentle soap = a soap that is gentle on the skin

It's a delicate problem that requires gentle handling/treatment.

The job requires a gentle touch.

The cold snap was a gentle reminder that winter was coming.

gentle flavors

3 : not steep or sharp
a gentle slope/hill
a gentle curve

gen·tle·ness noun [noncount]

the gentleness of his manner
the gentleness of the breeze

gent·ly adv

She spoke to him gently.

The vase is very fragile, so handle it gently.

gen·tle·folk noun [plural]

old-fashioned : people who have high social status

gen·tle·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a man who treats other people in a proper and polite way

A true gentleman would never engage in such behavior.

2 : man
used especially in polite speech or when speaking to a group of men

Please show this gentleman to his seat.

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

3 old-fashioned : a man of high social status

He's a gentleman by birth.

a gentleman farmer [=a gentleman who farms for pleasure]

gen·tle·man·li·ness noun [noncount]

gen·tle·man·ly adj [more ; most ]

gentlemanly conduct

gentleman's agreement or gentlemen's agreement noun, pl -ments [count]

: an informal agreement based on trust rather than on a legal document

gen·tle·wom·an noun, pl -wom·en [count]

old-fashioned : a woman of high social status

gen·tri·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

: to change (a place, such as an old neighborhood) by improving it and making it more appealing to people who have money

As the neighborhood became gentrified, the people who had lived there for many years could no longer afford it.

gen·tri·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

a neighborhood undergoing gentrification

gen·try noun

the gentry
old-fashioned : people of high social status
a member of the gentry [=the aristocracy]

the landed gentry [=wealthy people who own land]

gents noun [singular]

Brit informal : men's room
usually used with the

Can you tell me where the gents is, please?

compare LADIES

gen·u·flect verb, -flects, -flect·ed, -flect·ing [no obj]

1 : to kneel on one knee and then rise again as an act of respect

They genuflected before the altar in the church.

2 disapproving : to obey someone with power in a way that is seen as weak
politicians genuflecting [=kowtowing] to wealthy businessmen

gen·u·flec·tion also Brit gen·u·flex·ion noun, pl -tions [count, noncount]

gen·u·ine adj [more ; most ]

1 : actual, real, or true : not false or fake
genuine leather

The signature is genuine. [=authentic]

There has been a genuine improvement in the economy in recent months.

often used in the phrase the genuine article to refer to someone or something that is not a copy or substitute

Don't fall for cheap imitations; this is the genuine article.

A lot of people pretend to be cowboys, but he's the genuine article. [=he's a real cowboy]

2 : sincere and honest
genuine emotions

She showed a genuine interest in our work.

He has always shown a genuine concern for poor people.

a genuine desire to help others

She seems to be a very genuine person.

gen·u·ine·ly adv

He was genuinely concerned.

gen·u·ine·ness noun [noncount]

the genuineness of the leather
the genuineness of her interest

ge·nus noun, pl gen·era [count]

biology : a group of related animals or plants that includes several or many different species

Gen X noun [noncount]

: generation x
often hyphenated and used before a noun
a Gen-X celebrity

Gen Xer noun, pl Xers [count]

geo- combining form

: earth : ground : soil
geology

geo·cen·tric adj

: having or relating to the Earth as the center
the old geocentric theory that the Sun goes round the Earth
a geocentric universe
compare HELIOCENTRIC

ge·og·ra·phy noun, pl -phies

1 [noncount] : an area of study that deals with the location of countries, cities, rivers, mountains, lakes, etc.

2 : the natural features (such as rivers, mountains, etc.) of a place

[noncount] studying the geography of the western United States

[count] regional geographies

ge·og·ra·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

She's a professional geographer.

geo·graph·ic (chiefly US) or geo·graph·i·cal adj
a large geographic area
geographical names

geo·graph·i·cal·ly adv

ge·ol·o·gy noun [noncount]

1 : a science that studies rocks, layers of soil, etc., in order to learn about the history of the Earth and its life

2 : the rocks, land, processes of land formation, etc., of a particular area
learning about the geology of Hawaii

geo·log·ic (chiefly US) or geo·log·i·cal adj
the geologic features of an area
geologic time [=the period of time during which the earth has existed]

geo·log·i·cal·ly adv

ge·ol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

ge·om·e·try noun [noncount]

: a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids

geo·met·ric also geo·met·ri·cal adj
geometric shapes/patterns

geo·met·ri·cal·ly adv

geo·phys·ics noun [noncount]

: a branch of science that deals with the physical movements and forces of the Earth (such as its climate and oceans)

geo·pol·i·tics noun

1 [noncount] : the study of how geography and economics have an influence on politics and on the relations between nations

2 [plural] : the political and geographic parts of something

The geopolitics of war are often complex.

geo·po·lit·i·cal adj
geopolitical interests

geo·po·lit·i·cal·ly adv

Geor·gian adj

: of or relating to the time from 1714 to 1830 when England was ruled by four kings named George
an example of Georgian architecture

geo·ther·mal adj

: of, relating to, or using the natural heat produced inside the Earth
geothermal power
also : produced by such heat
geothermal steam

ge·ra·ni·um noun, pl -ums [count]

: a plant that is grown for its red, white, pink, or purple flowers

ger·bil noun, pl -bils [count]

: a small animal that is often kept as a pet

1ge·ri·at·ric adj

1 always used before a noun medical : of or relating to the process of growing old and the medical care of old people : of or relating to geriatrics
geriatric patients/medicine
geriatric illnesses
a geriatric ward

2 [more ; most ] informal : old
a geriatric dog
children who think that anyone over the age of 40 is geriatric
a geriatric [=old and outdated] computer
geriatric airplanes

2geriatric noun, pl -rics [count]

: an old person
usually plural
providing medical care for geriatrics

ge·ri·at·rics noun [noncount]

: a branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old people
a doctor who specializes in geriatrics

germ noun, pl germs [count]

1 biology : a very small living thing that causes disease
the germ that causes tuberculosis

2 a : the origin or basis of something
the germ of an idea

2 b : a very small amount of something
a germ of truth

3 biology : something that can grow to become a whole animal, plant, etc., or one of its parts
a germ cell
the germ layers of an embryo
see also WHEAT GERM

Ger·man noun, pl -mans

1 [count] : a person born, raised, or living in Germany : a person whose family is from Germany

2 [noncount] : the language of Germany that is also spoken in Austria, parts of Switzerland, and other places

German adj

German food/literature

ger·mane adj [more ; most ]

formal : relating to a subject in an appropriate way : relevant

Her comments were not germane (to the discussion).

facts germane to the dispute

ger·mane·ly adv

Ger·man·ic adj

1 : of or relating to Germans
their Germanic homeland

Germanic music/influence/tribes

2 : of or relating to the German language or to other closely related languages

Germanic languages, such as German, English, Dutch, and the Scandinavian languages

German mark noun, pl marks [count]

: deutsche mark

German measles noun [noncount]

: a disease that is less severe than typical measles but that can harm an unborn child if the mother gets the disease when she is pregnant called also rubella

German shepherd noun, pl -herds [count]

: a large dog that is often used in police work and as a guide dog for blind people called also (Brit) Alsatian

ger·mi·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

1 [no obj] of a seed : to begin to grow
waiting for the seeds to germinate [=sprout]

The seeds germinated quickly.

often used figuratively

The idea has been germinating [=forming, developing] in his mind for some time.

2 [+ obj] : to cause (a seed) to begin to grow
methods used by gardeners to germinate seeds

ger·mi·na·tion noun [noncount]

seed germination
the germination of an idea

germ warfare noun [noncount]

: biological warfare

ger·on·tol·o·gy noun [noncount]

technical : the scientific study of old age and of the process of becoming old

ge·ron·to·log·i·cal adj
gerontological research

ger·on·tol·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

ger·ry·man·der verb, -ders, -dered, -der·ing [+ obj]

: to divide (a state, school district, etc.) into political units that give one group an unfair advantage
gerrymandering urban districts to give rural voters a majority

ger·und noun, pl -unds [count]

grammar : an English noun formed from a verb by adding -ing

In the sentence “Learning can be fun,” “learning” is a gerund.

ge·stalt noun [singular]

psychology : something that is made of many parts and yet is somehow more than or different from the combination of its parts
the gestalt of human consciousness
broadly : the general quality or character of something
the gestalt [=feel, atmosphere] of the place
the gestalt [=spirit] of the era

ges·ta·tion noun [noncount]

1 : the time when a person or animal is developing inside its mother before it is born; also : the process of development that happens during this time
in the last weeks of gestation [=pregnancy]

2 : the process by which something (such as an idea) forms and develops
the gestation of new ideas

The book has been in gestation for a long time.

ges·tic·u·late verb, -lates, -lat·ed, -lat·ing [no obj]

: to move your arms and hands especially when speaking in an angry or emotional way

He was gesticulating [=gesturing] wildly during his speech.

ges·tic·u·la·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

strange gesticulations [=gestures]

[noncount]

communication by means of gesticulation

1ges·ture noun, pl -tures [count]

1 : a movement of your body (especially of your hands and arms) that shows or emphasizes an idea or a feeling

Specific gestures can indicate particular moods.

an obscene gesture

His arm was raised in a gesture of defiance.

2 : something said or done to show a particular feeling or attitude
a thoughtful/polite/friendly gesture
a gesture of goodwill

The president's visit was mainly a symbolic gesture. [=an act that has no purpose or effect other than to show support, respect, etc.]

2gesture verb, -tures, -tured, -tur·ing [no obj]

: to make a gesture : to move your hands, arms, etc., to express an idea or feeling

She gestured towards the fireplace.

He gestured at his audience.

The room was filled with angry people shouting and gesturing.

He gestured (to his partner) that it was time to leave.

He gestured to/for his partner to leave.

ge·sund·heit interj
chiefly US used to wish good health to someone who has sneezed

get verb, gets, got , got or US got·ten , get·ting

1 [+ obj] : to obtain (something): such as

1 a : to receive or be given (something)

He got a new bicycle for his birthday.

I never did get an answer to my question.

I got a letter from my lawyer.

She got a phone call from her sister.

Did you get my message?

Can I get [=catch] a ride to town with you? [=will you give me a ride to town?]

You need to get your mother's permission to go.

1 b : to obtain (something) through effort, chance, etc.

She hasn't been able to get a job.

It's nearly impossible to get [=make] a reservation at that restaurant.

If you want to be successful you need to get a good education.

It took us a while to get the waiter's attention.

She got a look at the thief. [=she managed to look at the thief]

1 c : to obtain the use or services of (something)

It took us a while to get a taxi.

It's hard to get good help these days.

1 d : to earn or gain (something)

How much does he get [=make] a week?

I got $50 when I sold my old bicycle. = I got $50 for my old bicycle.

He's gotten a bad reputation (for himself). = He's gotten himself a bad reputation.

I got an “A” on my history exam!

1 e : to win (something)

She got first prize in the essay contest.

2 [+ obj] : to buy or pay for (something)

He got (himself) a new car at a great price.

“Did you get that dress at the mall?” “Yes, and I got it for only $20.”

Do you get [=subscribe to] the local newspaper?

I'll get the next round of drinks.

He offered to get the check, but I insisted on getting it myself.

He got a beautiful necklace for his wife. = He got his wife a beautiful necklace.

3 [+ obj] : to go somewhere and come back with (something or someone)

I'll get a pencil from the desk.

Can I get anything for you? = Can I get you anything?

Someone has to (go) get the boss from the airport and bring her back here.

4 [+ obj] : to send or take (something or someone) to a person or place

I have to get an important message to her at once!

We have to get him to the hospital immediately.

5 a always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to move or go

He quickly got himself and his luggage through customs.

She got the car out of the garage.

I could barely get [=fit] the luggage into the car's trunk.

I can't get this ring on/off my finger.

5 b always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move or go

He got on the horse and rode away.

We got on/off the bus.

They quickly got [=passed] through customs.

She never got out of the house last weekend.

He lost weight to be able to get [=fit] into his jeans again.

He got between them to keep them from fighting.

Ouch! Get off my foot!

5 c always followed by an adverb [no obj] : to arrive at a place

When did you get here/there?

He got home last night.

6 [+ obj] : to begin to have (a feeling, an idea, etc.)

I got a funny feeling when I saw her again.

He somehow got the idea that I was lying to him.

I got the impression that he wasn't interested.

One thing led to another, andwell, you get the picture/idea. [=you can easily guess the rest]

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to become affected by (a disease)

I got a bad cold when I was on vacation.

Clean the wound carefully so you don't get an infection.

7 b : to suffer (an injury)

He got a broken nose in a fight.

Where/how did you get that bruise on your leg?

8 [+ obj] : to have or experience (something)

We've been getting a lot of rain recently.

I finally got a good night's sleep last night. [=I finally slept well last night]

The inn doesn't get many visitors these days.

“Do people often ask if you're Irish?” “Yes, I get that a lot.” [=people ask me that often]

You get [=there are] so many crazy drivers these days.

9 [+ obj] : to cause (a particular reaction)

That joke always gets a laugh.

Her comments got an angry reaction.

10 always followed by an adverb

10 a [no obj] : to make progress in some activity

He hasn't gotten far with the essay. [=he hasn't made much progress with the essay]

You won't get anywhere with flattery. [=you won't succeed by using flattery]

At last we're getting somewhere (with our work)!

see also GET AHEAD ((BELOW))

10 b [+ obj] : to cause or help (someone) to make progress

All that effort didn't really get us very far.

Flattery will get you nowhere. = Flattery won't get you anywhere.

11 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to be in a specified position or condition

He got his feet wet when he stepped in a puddle.

He got his nose broken in a fight. [=his nose was broken in a fight]

I told you not to get yourself dirty.

You nearly got us both killed!

I need to get [=have] my hair cut.

She finally got her office organized.

He promised to get the work done quickly. [=to do the work quickly]

When you're making a measurement be careful to get it right. [=to do it correctly]

Let me get this straight [=let me be sure that I understand this correctly]: are you saying that you won't help us?

12 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to do something
usually followed by to + verb

I can't get the children to behave.

How can I get you to understand that this isn't a good idea?

He got the computer to work again.

sometimes + -ing verb

He got the computer working again.

13 [no obj] : to start doing something

We got talking about old times.

see also GET TO 1A (BELOW)

14 [no obj] : to have or be given the chance to do something : to be able to do something

She never got to go to college.

Why do I never get to drive the car?

She hopes she'll finally get to spend more time working on her garden this year.

15 [+ obj] : to deal with (something that needs attention): such as

15 a : to answer (a telephone)

Would somebody please get the phone?

15 b : to open (a door)

If you'll get the door for me, I'll carry that box inside.

There's someone at the door. Would you please get it? [=open the door and deal with the person who knocked]

16 [+ obj]

16 a : to understand (something or someone)

I just don't get the point of what you're saying.

He didn't get the joke.

I don't get what you mean.

Oh, now I get it. [=understand]

He's a strange guy. I just don't get him.

Don't get me wrong. [=don't misunderstand what I am saying]

I get your drift. [=I understand what you are saying]

16 b : to hear and understand (something)

I didn't quite get [=catch] his name.

17 a [linking verb] : become 1

My hands got dirty when I was working in the garden.

I get very nervous when I have to speak in public.

I got sick last week but I'm feeling better now.

I just can't get used to this cold weather.

She sent her sick friend a “Get Well Soon” card.

I should go; it's getting late.

(Brit, informal) Your daughter's getting quite a big girl now!

We need to finish by 5 o'clock, so we'd better get busy. [=begin to work]

You've never heard of the Internet? Come on, now. Get with it. [=become up-to-date in your knowledge]

People say how stupid/lucky (etc.) can you get to mean that someone or something is unusually stupid, lucky, etc.

He tried to rob a policeman. How stupid can you get? [=he was very stupid to try to rob a policeman]

Just look at that dress! How tacky can you get? [=that dress is very tacky]

17 b [no obj] : to change in a specified way as time passes
followed by to + verb

Your daughter is getting to be [=is becoming] quite a big girl now!

18 [no obj] : to do something specified
followed by to + verb

Once you get to know him, you will like him.

19 [auxiliary verb]

used like be with the past participle of some verbs to form passive constructions

They got [=were] married last month.

He got [=was] paid for his work.

She got arrested for fraud.

I nearly got killed.

20 [+ obj]

20 a : to have (a meal)

We got dinner at an Italian restaurant last night.

20 b : to prepare (a meal)

On weekends, my wife sleeps late while I get breakfast.

21 [+ obj] : to receive (punishment)

He got five years in prison for his crime.

(informal) If you don't stop misbehaving you're going to get it when your father gets home! [=your father is going to punish you]

22 [+ obj] : to grip and hold (something or someone)

The dog got the thief by the leg.

He got [=grabbed] me around/by the neck and wouldn't let go.

23 [+ obj] : to find and catch (someone)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police always get their man! [=they always capture the man they are trying to capture]

24 [+ obj] : to hit (someone)

The bullet got him in the leg.

25 [+ obj]

25 a : to hurt or cause trouble for (someone)

He's convinced that his ex-wife is out to get him.

I'll get you if it's the last thing I do!

25 b : to cause the death of (someone)

He had heart problems for many years, but it was pneumonia that got him in the end.

26 [+ obj] informal

26 a : to bother or annoy (someone)

It really gets me that such a foolish man has so much influence.

What gets me is all these delays!

see also GET TO 2A (BELOW)

26 b : to make (someone) sad

The end of that movie always gets me.

see also GET TO 2B (BELOW)

26 c : to cause (someone) to be fooled or unable to think of an answer

Well, you got [=fooled, tricked] me that time. That was very clever.

That's a good question. You've got me (there). [=I don't know the answer]

27 [+ obj] : to make a phone call and hear or speak to (a person or answering machine)

Where were you? I've been trying to get [=reach] you (on the phone) all day!

When I tried to call him I got his answering machine. [=the phone was answered by his answering machine]

28 [+ obj] : to receive (a radio or TV station or channel)

We don't get this channel at home.

29 [+ obj] : to produce or provide (a level of performance)

Our new car gets [=delivers] excellent gas mileage.

30 [+ obj] informal : to notice (someone or something)

Did you get the way he looked at you?

often used to direct someone's attention to a person or thing that is seen as foolish, surprising, etc.

Just get him in his new pants!

She showed up at the party inget thisa $3,000 designer dress!

get about see GET AROUND ((BELOW))

get above yourself see 2ABOVE

get across [phrasal verb]

1 : to be clearly expressed to and understood by someone

I hope my point has finally gotten across to you. [=I hope you finally understand what I am trying to say]

2 get (something) across or get across (something) : to express (something) clearly so that it is understood

I don't know if I was able to get my point across to you.

a politician who is trying hard to get his message across (to the voters)

get after [phrasal verb]

get after (someone) US, informal : to tell (someone) repeatedly to do something

His parents are always getting after him about doing his homework. = His parents are always getting after him to do his homework.

get ahead [phrasal verb]

: to become more successful
a book about how to get ahead in the business world

get along [phrasal verb]

1 : to be or remain friendly

We get along well enough, but we're not really close friends.

My brother and my uncle don't really get along (with each other).

2 : to make progress while doing something

How are you getting along with your work? [=how's your work coming along?]

He never showed up, but we managed to get along [=get by] without him.

3 : to leave a place

I really must be getting along. [=going, leaving]

4 : to become old

Her parents are getting along in years.

get around [phrasal verb]

1 or chiefly Brit get about : to go, walk, or travel to different places

She gets around a lot because of her job.

He's having trouble getting around because of his sore knee.

2 or chiefly Brit get round or get about : to become known by many people

People will be shocked when the news about her arrest gets around.

Word got around that he was resigning.

3 get around (something) or chiefly Brit get round (something) : to avoid being stopped by (something) : to avoid having to deal with (something)

I'm sure we can find a way to get around these problems.

There's no getting around the fact that the current system isn't working. [=there is no way to deny that the current system isn't working]

4 get around to (something) or chiefly Brit get round to (something) : to do or deal with (something that you have not yet done or dealt with)

Don't you think it's about time you got around to tidying your room?

I've been meaning to call her, but I just haven't gotten around to it. [=I haven't called her]

Sooner or later we'll have to get around to the subject of taxation.

get at [phrasal verb]

1 get at (something or someone) : to reach (something or someone)

The valve is hard to get at unless you have a special tool.

An angry mob tried to get at him but the police protected him.

2 get at (something) : to find out (information that is hidden or hard to know)

How can we ever get at the truth?

3 get at (something) : to say or suggest (something) in an indirect way
usually used as getting at

Just what are you getting at? [=what are you suggesting?]

4 get at (someone) Brit : to criticize (someone) repeatedly

He says his teachers are always getting at [=(US) getting on] him unfairly.

He's always being got at by his teachers.

5 get at it US, informal : to start doing something

You have a lot of work to do so you'd better get at it. [=get to it]

get away [phrasal verb]

1 : to go away from a place

I'll be busy at work all day and I can't get away until tonight.

often used figuratively

The company is having problems because they've gotten away from the things they do best. [=they have stopped doing the things they do best]

2 : to go away from your home for a vacation

I'm taking some time off because I really need to get away for a few days.

We went on a cruise to get away from it all.

3 : to avoid being caught : to escape

The robbers got away (from the police) in a fast car.

often + with

The robbers got away with a lot of stolen jewelry.

sometimes used figuratively

You can't get away from the facts. = There's no getting away from the facts. [=you can't avoid or deny the facts; the facts are known and cannot be ignored]

see also GETAWAY

4 get away with (something)

4 a : to not be criticized or punished for (something)

She's incredibly rude. I don't know how she gets away with it.

often used figuratively

There's a chance of rain, but I think I can probably get away with leaving my umbrella at home. [=I probably will not need my umbrella]

It would be nice to have more food for the party, but I think we can get away with what we have. [=I think what we have is enough and will not cause problems for us]

4 b : to be given only slight or mild punishment for a crime or for doing something wrong

The policeman stopped her for speeding but let her get away with just a warning.

see also get away with murder at 1MURDER

get back [phrasal verb]

1 : to return to a place after going away

When did you get back from your vacation?

We got back to the office in the early afternoon.

2 : to return to an activity, condition, etc.

usually + to

Things are finally getting back to normal.

Let's get back to the topic we were discussing yesterday.

It's time to get back to work. [=to start working again]

3 get (something) back or get back (something) : to get or obtain (something you have lost) again : to recover (something)

He got his old job back after a long struggle.

Someone stole his wallet but he got it back from the police.

4 get (someone) back or get back at (someone) or Brit get your own back informal : to do something bad or unpleasant to someone who has treated you badly or unfairly

I'll get you back for what you did to me!

After he lost his job, he vowed that he would find a way to get back at his old boss.

5 get back to (someone)

5 a : to talk to or write to (someone) at a later time in order to give more information, answer a question, etc.

He got back to me (by e-mail) in a few days with a new offer.

“How much will it cost?” “I'm not sure. I'll have to get back to you on that.”

5 b : to call (someone) back on the telephone

“There's someone on the phone for you, sir.” “Tell them I can't take their call now but I'll get back to them as soon as I can.”

get back to (the) basics see 2BASIC

get behind [phrasal verb]

1 : to fail to do something as quickly as required or expected

We've been getting further (and further) behind (schedule).

We got behind with our car payments.

2 get behind (someone or something) : to support (someone or something)

The proposal may succeed if a few more people get behind it.

get by [phrasal verb]

1 : to do enough or to do well enough to avoid failure

He's doing very well in his history classes, but he's barely getting by in math.

2 : to be able to live or to do what is needed by using what you have even though you do not have much

We don't have a lot of money, but we get by.

often + on

How can you get by on such a small salary?

often + with

We got by with a minimum of clothing when we went camping.

get cracking see 1CRACK

get down [phrasal verb]

1 get (someone) down : to cause (someone) to become sad or depressed

The weather was really getting her down.

Talking about politics always gets me down.

2 get (something) down or get down (something)

2 a : to swallow (something) : to eat or drink (something)

You'll feel better once you get this medicine down.

2 b : to write (something) down

If you have a good idea, you should get it down (in writing) so that you won't forget it.

3 informal : to play music or dance with skill and enthusiasm

She likes to get down on the dance floor.

4 get down to (something)

4 a : to start to do (something) : to begin to give your attention or effort to (something)

It's time to stop delaying and get down to work.

Let's get down to business.

4 b : to talk about or describe (something) in a very simple and accurate way

When you get right down to it, this movie is just not very good.

get even see 1EVEN

get going

1 : to leave

We ought to get going if we don't want to be late.

2 : to start doing something

You should get going on that assignment.

3 a : to start talking

Once he gets going about the war you can't shut him up.

3 b : to cause (someone) to start talking

Don't get him going about the war or you'll never shut him up!

get hold of see 2HOLD

get in [phrasal verb]

1 a : to enter a place

The burglar got in through an unlocked window.

1 b : to arrive at a place

The train got in late.

1 c : to arrive home

Her husband was out late last night. He didn't get in until almost midnight.

2 : to become involved in an activity

The people who have become rich in this business are the ones who got in at the beginning.

3 : to be chosen or elected for office

The mayor got in by a very slim margin.

4 get in or get (someone) in : to be accepted or to cause (someone) to be accepted as a student, member, etc.

It's a very good school. I hope your daughter gets in.

I hope you get your daughter in.

5 get (someone) in : to have (someone) come to your home, business, etc., to do work

We had to get a doctor/plumber in to deal with the emergency.

6 get (something) in or get in (something)

6 a : to do or say (something) by making an effort

He managed to get a few good punches in before they stopped the fight.

May I get a word in here? [=may I say something here?]

see also get a word in edgewise at EDGEWISE

6 b : to send or deliver (something) to the proper person or place

Did you get your assignment in on time?

6 c : to do (something) in the amount of time that is available

I was able to get in a few hours of reading last night.

I hope we can get in a visit to the art museum the next time we're in the city.

6 d : to harvest (a crop) and put it in a safe or dry place

It's time to get the crop/harvest in.

We'd better get the hay in before it rains.

7 get in on (something) : to become involved in (something)

It sounds like an interesting project and I'd like to get in on it.

8 get in with (someone) : to become friends with (someone)

She got in with [=fell in with] a bad crowd and got into trouble.

He managed to get in good with the boss. [=he got the boss to like him]

get into [phrasal verb]

1 get into (a place)

1 a : to enter (a place)

The burglar got into the house through an unlocked window.

1 b : to arrive at (a place)

The train got into New York late last night.

2 get into (something)

2 a : to become involved in (an activity)

The people who have become rich in this business are the ones who got into it at the beginning.

2 b : to begin to be interested in and to enjoy (something)

It's only recently that I've really gotten into music.

I tried reading the book, but I just couldn't get into it.

3 get into (something) or get (someone) into (something)

3 a : to be accepted or to cause (someone) to be accepted as a student, member, etc.

I hope your daughter gets into the school.

I hope you get your daughter into the school.

3 b : to become involved or to cause (someone) to become involved in (something bad, such as trouble or a fight)

He got into a lot of trouble when he was a teenager.

They got into an argument.

His friends got him into trouble.

4 get into (something) : to talk about (something)

I'll tell you what happened, but I don't want to get into [=go into] all the reasons for why it happened.

5 got into (someone) : to affect the behavior of (someone)

used to say that someone is behaving in an unusual way and you don't know why

I don't know what has gotten into him lately.

She never used to be so rude to people. What got into her? [=why is she behaving this way?]

get lost see 2LOST

get lucky see LUCKY

get moving see 1MOVE

get off [phrasal verb]

1 : to leave at the start of a journey

We got off early on our camping trip.

often used figuratively in the phrase get off to a good/bad (etc.) start

He and I got off to a bad start, but now we get along well.

The project got off to a slow start.

see also get off on the right/wrong foot at 1FOOT

2 get off or get (someone) off

2 a : to not be punished for a crime : to be judged not guilty of a crime

He's been arrested several times, but he always gets off.

: to help (someone) to be judged not guilty

His lawyer got him off.

2 b : to be given or to help (someone) to be given only a slight punishment for a crime

She got off lightly.

usually + with

He got off with a light sentence.

His lawyer tried to get him off with a light sentence.

sometimes used figuratively

It was a bad accident. You're lucky that you got off with just a broken legyou could have been killed!

3 : to stop being on or against someone or something

Get offyou're hurting me!

I took the subway and got off at the downtown station.

see also GET 5A (B (ABOVE))

4 get off (something) or get (someone) off (something) : to stop talking about (something) or to cause (someone) to stop talking about (something)

We somehow got off (the subject of) work and started talking about our personal lives.

I tried to change the subject, but I couldn't get her off it.

5 get off or get off work : to finish working and leave the place where you work

I get off early on Fridays.

I got off work early last Thursday so I could see the parade.

6 get (something) off or get off (something)

6 a : to write and send (a letter, an e-mail message, etc.)

I'll get the letter off (to them) tomorrow.

6 b : to shoot (something) from a gun

The policeman got off [=fired] several shots before the criminal escaped.

sometimes used figuratively

He managed to get off a few good jokes in his speech.

7 get off or get (someone) off chiefly Brit : to fall asleep or to help (someone, such as a baby) to fall asleep

I had just got off [=dropped off] when the doorbell rang. = I had just got off to sleep when the doorbell rang.

I just got the baby off to sleep.

8 get off or get (someone) off US, informal : to have an orgasm or to cause (someone) to have an orgasm

9 get off on (something) informal + sometimes disapproving : to enjoy or be excited by (something) especially in a sexual way

He's one of those guys who seem to get off on making other people feel guilty.

10 get off with (someone) Brit, informal : to have sex with (someone) : to begin a sexual relationship with (someone)

She found out he'd gotten off with another woman.

11 informal

11 a

To tell someone where to get off is to criticize or disagree with someone in a very direct and angry way.

I was sick of listening to his constant complaints, so I told him where to get off.

11 b US

If you don't know where someone gets off (doing something), you are angry because someone has done something that is not right.

I don't know where he gets off telling me what to do. = Where does he get off telling me what to do? [=he has no right to tell me what to do]

get on [phrasal verb]

1 get on with (something) : to continue doing (something)

I didn't mean to interrupt you. I'll let you get on with your work.

You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself and just get on with your life. [=return to doing the things you do in your normal life]

This introduction is taking forever. I wish they'd just get on with it. [=stop delaying and get to the interesting or important part]

2 chiefly Brit : to be or remain friendly : to get along

They've never really got on (with each other).

We get on well enough, but we're not really close friends.

3 chiefly Brit

3 a : to make progress while doing something

How is your daughter getting on in/at school?

We can get on [=get along, get by, manage] just fine without them.

3 b : to achieve greater success : to get ahead
an ambitious young woman trying to get on in business

4 get on (something) US : to start to do or deal with (something)

“These files need to be organized.” “I'll get on it right away.”

5 get on (someone) US : to criticize (someone) repeatedly

His boss has been getting on him about the quality of his work.

She's always getting on his case about cleaning his room. [=she's always telling him to clean it]

6 get it on US slang : to have sex

7 informal

7 a get on or get on in years : to grow old

My grandmother is getting on [=aging] a bit, but she's still very active.

7 b : to become late

It's getting on, and we really ought to go.

8 get on for (something) Brit, informal : to move toward becoming (a specified age, time, etc.)

He's getting on for 70. [=he's approaching 70; he is nearly 70]

It was getting on for noon.

get onto or get on to [phrasal verb]

1 get onto (something) or get on to (something) : to start to do or deal with (something)

“We need someone to send out the invitations.” “I'll get onto [=get on] it right away.”

: to start to talk about something

How did we get onto this topic?

2 get onto (someone) or get on to (someone) Brit : to speak to or write to (someone) about a particular problem, job, etc.

I'll get onto [=get in touch with] the doctor/plumber straightaway and see if he'll come round.

get out [phrasal verb]

1 a : to leave or escape from a place, a vehicle, etc.

He was trapped in the burning building/car, but he was somehow able to get out (of it) alive.

used as an angry way to tell someone to leave

Get out! I never want to see you again!

1 b get (someone) out : to cause or help (someone) to leave or escape

The firemen managed to get him out (of the burning building) alive.

1 c get (something) out or get out (something) : to remove (something) from storage so that it can be used

It's raining. I'd better get out the umbrella.

2 : to go to places outside your home for social occasions, events, etc.

You spend too much time at home. You need to get out more.

3 : to become known

Their secret got out.

Word got out that she was resigning.

4 get (something) out or get out (something) : to say (something) by making an effort

He managed to get out a few words before he collapsed.

5 US, informal
used in speech to show that you are surprised by something or do not believe it

“They gave the job to Jane.” “Get out!” = “Get out of here!”

6 get out of (something) or get (someone or something) out of (something)

6 a : to avoid doing (something) or to help (someone) to avoid doing (something)

I didn't want to go to the lecture, but I couldn't get out of it.

He tried to get out of doing his homework.

My sister said she could get me out of going to the party if I really didn't want to go

6 b : to stop having (a habit) or to cause (someone) to stop having (a habit)

I used to exercise every day, but I got out of the habit.

All the extra work I've been doing has gotten me out of the habit of exercising.

6 c : to stop being in or involved in (something) or to cause (someone or something) to stop being in or involved in (something)

The company has decided to get (itself) out of the computer business.

She got her money out of the stock market.

7 get (something) out of (something or someone) : to take (something) from (something or someone)

The police officer got the gun out of the suspect's hand.

The police officer got a confession out of the suspect.

8 get (something) out of (something) : to gain (something) from (something)

What do you hope to get out of this experience?

get over [phrasal verb]

1 get over (something)

1 a : to stop being controlled or bothered by (something, such as a problem or feeling)

You need to get over [=overcome] your fear of being lied to.

1 b : to stop feeling unhappy about (something)

She's disappointed about their decision, but she'll get over it eventually.

1 c informal
used to say that you are very surprised or impressed by something

I just can't get over how much weight you've lost!

2 get over (an illness) : to become healthy again after (an illness)

He had a bad cold, and he still hasn't gotten over it completely.

3 get over (someone) : to stop feeling unhappy after ending a relationship with (someone)

He broke up with his girlfriend a couple of months ago, and he still hasn't gotten over her.

4 get (something) over

4 a or get (something) over with : to cause or experience the end of (something) : to finish (something)

I just want to get this ordeal over! = I just want to get this ordeal over with! = I just want to get this ordeal over and done with! [=I want this ordeal to end]

4 b or get over (something) chiefly Brit : to express (something) clearly so that it is understood

I don't know if I was able to get my message over [=across] to them.

get real see 1REAL

get rid of see RID

get rolling see 1ROLL

get round see GET AROUND ((ABOVE))

get the best of see 3BEST

get the better of see 3BETTER

get there

: to reach a goal : to do what you are trying to do

We haven't made a profit yet, but we'll get there eventually. [=we'll make a profit eventually]

: to come closer to reaching a goal

We haven't made a profit yet, but we're getting there.

get through [phrasal verb]

1 a chiefly US : to finish a job or activity

When you get through (with that job), I've got something else for you to do.

1 b get through (something) : to do or finish (something, such as an amount of work)

We got through [=covered] all of the material that we wanted to cover.

There's still a lot of paperwork to be gotten through.

1 c get through (something) or get (someone) through (something) : to complete or to help (someone) to complete (a test, an exam, etc.) successfully

She studied hard and got through [=passed] her exams.

The extra hours of study are what got her through her exams.

2 get through or get through (something) or get (something) through (something) : to pass through or beyond something that blocks you or slows you down

Traffic was very heavy, but we managed to get through (it).

Rescuers are having trouble getting through to the flood victims.

: to cause (something) to pass through or beyond something

Traffic was very heavy, but we managed to get our truck through (it).

Rescuers are having trouble getting supplies through to the flood victims.

3 get through (something) or get (someone) through (something) : to have the experience of living through (something that is difficult, dangerous, etc.)

It was a very difficult time in our marriage, but we got through it.

I don't know how those early settlers managed to get through [=survive] the winter.

: to help (someone) to live through (something)

It was pure determination that got them through that crisis.

4 get through (something) chiefly Brit : to spend or use all of (something)

He got through [=went through] all the money he inherited in just a few years.

They got through [=went through] three bottles of wine with dinner.

5 a get through or get through to (someone) : to be clearly expressed to and understood by someone

I hope my message has finally gotten through to you. [=I hope you finally understand my message]

I think my message finally got through.

5 b get through to (someone) or get (something) through to (someone) : to express something clearly so that it is understood by (someone)

I've talked to him many times, but I just can't seem to get through to him.

I hope I've finally gotten my message through to him.

6 get through or get through to (someone) : to make a successful telephone call to someone

I tried to call home but I couldn't get through.

Where were you? I've been trying to get through to you (on the phone) all day!

7 get through or get through (something) : to be accepted or approved by an official group

The bill finally got through [=passed] and eventually became a law.

The bill finally got through [=passed] Congress and eventually became a law.

get to [phrasal verb]

1 get to (something)

1 a : to start (doing something)

She sometimes gets to worrying over her health.

We got to talking about old times.

1 b : to deal with (something)

The letter is on my desk, but I haven't gotten to it yet.

I'll get to the accounts as soon as I can.

2 get to (someone)

2 a : to bother or annoy (someone)

All these delays are starting to get to me.

see also GET 26A (ABOVE)

2 b : to make (someone) feel sad

The movie's sad ending really got to me.

see also GET 26B (ABOVE)

2 c chiefly US : to change or influence the behavior of (someone) wrongly or illegally by making threats, paying money, etc.

The witness changed his story. Someone must have gotten to him.

3 get to (somewhere) : to go to or reach (somewhere)

We got to the station/airport just in time.

get together [phrasal verb]

1 a : to meet and spend time together

I'd like to get together with you soon.

He often gets together with his friends after work.

1 b : to begin to have a sexual or romantic relationship

He and his wife first got together in college.

1 c get (people) together : to cause (people) to meet or to have a relationship

Their shared interest in photography is what got them together.

2 : to agree to do or accept something
often + on

The two sides have been unable to get together on a new contract.

3 get together (things or people) or get (things or people) together : to collect (things) or gather (people) into one place or group

He got together [=assembled] a great art collection.

The government got together a group of experts to study the problem.

We're still trying to get together [=obtain] the money we need to buy a new car.

4 get your act together or get yourself together or get it together informal

4 a or get your life together : to begin to live in a good and sensible way : to stop being confused, foolish, etc.

His life got much better when he stopped drinking and got his act together.

4 b : to begin to function in a skillful or effective way

The company finally got its act together and started making a profit this year.

get to sleep

: to start sleeping : to fall asleep

She finally got to sleep after midnight.

get to work

: to start working

We need to stop delaying and get to work.

get up [phrasal verb]

1 get up or get (someone) up : to rise or to cause (someone) to rise after lying or sleeping in a bed

I got up [=got out of bed] early this morning.

I woke up early but I didn't get up till later.

The alarm clock got me up earlier than usual.

2 : to stand up

He got up to greet her when she entered the room.

3 get (something) up or get up (something)

3 a : to produce (something, such as courage) in yourself by trying or making an effort

He couldn't get up the courage to ask her out on a date.

She was so tired she could hardly get up the energy to make dinner.

3 b : to prepare or organize (something that involves a group of people)

They're trying to get up a petition to have the movie theater reopened.

4 get it up slang : to get an erection

get up on the wrong side of the bed see 1BED

get what's coming to you see 1COME

get wind of see 1WIND

get your bearings see BEARING

get your goat see GOAT

have got see HAVE

get·away noun, pl -aways [count]

1 : the act of getting away or escaping

The robbers made a clean getaway. [=escape]

He drove the getaway car [=the car used by criminals to leave the scene of a crime]

2 a : a short vacation

We're planning a weekend getaway to the mountains.

2 b : a place where people go for a short vacation

The resort advertises itself as the perfect island getaway.

see also get away at GET

get-go noun

from the get-go

US informal : from the very beginning

She didn't like me from the get-go.

They were involved in the project from the get-go.

get·out noun, pl -outs [count]

Brit informal : an excuse that lets you avoid doing something (such as a duty)

Is there no getout I can use to avoid attending the meeting?

see also ALL GET-OUT, get out 6 at GET

get-to·geth·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: an informal social gathering

There is a family get-together this weekend.

She's hosting a get-together for her classmates.

get·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: someone or something that receives, gets, or is given something
the top vote getter [=the person who receives the most votes]

a real attention getter

get·up noun, pl -ups [count]

informal : an unusual outfit or costume

He came onstage in a cowboy getup.

a guy in a crazy getup

get-up-and-go noun [noncount]

informal : energy and enthusiasm
full of get-up-and-go

I'm not as young as I used to be, but I still have plenty of get-up-and-go.

gew·gaw noun, pl -gaws [count]

: a small thing that has little value
collectible/childish gewgaws [=trinkets]

gey·ser Brit noun, pl -sers [count]

1 : a hole in the ground that shoots out hot water and steam

The water from the geyser rises as high as 75 feet.

also : the column of water and steam that comes from a geyser
geysers rising as high as 75 feet

The water shot into the sky in an enormous geyser.

2 Brit : a device for heating water in a bathroom or kitchen

ghast·ly Brit adj, ghast·li·er, -est

1 : very shocking or horrible
a ghastly [=gruesome, hideous] crime/ritual

Her behavior was truly ghastly. [=dreadful, appalling]

2 : very bad : terrible, awful

You're making a ghastly mistake.

His room was a ghastly mess.

I feel ghastly. [=I feel very unwell]

ghast·li·ness noun [noncount]

the ghastliness of the crime

ghastly adv

Her face was ghastly [=ghostly] pale/white.

gher·kin noun, pl -kins [count]

: a small cucumber that is used to make pickles

ghet·to noun, pl -tos also -toes [count]

1 : a part of a city in which members of a particular group or race live usually in poor conditions
a Jewish ghetto

2 : the poorest part of a city

He grew up in the ghetto.

sometimes used figuratively

The program has been banished to the ghetto of late-night television.

ghetto blaster noun, pl -ers [count]

informal : boom box

ghet·to·ize also Brit ghet·to·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

1 : to place (someone or something) in a ghetto
ghettoized minorities
often used figuratively
a program ghettoized to late-night television

2 : to turn (something) into a ghetto

Parts of the city that had been ghettoized are now being restored.

1ghost noun, pl ghosts

1 [count] : the soul of a dead person thought of as living in an unseen world or as appearing to living people
a house haunted by ghosts

He looks like he's just seen a ghost. [=he looks frightened]

sometimes used figuratively

She is still haunted by the ghosts of her past. [=she is still troubled by bad memories of the past]

2 [singular] : a very small amount or trace
usually + of

I thought I detected the ghost of a smile [=a very faint smile] on her lips.

He doesn't have/stand a ghost of a chance of winning. [=he has no chance of winning]

give up the ghost
informal : to die
often used figuratively

After years of service my car finally gave up the ghost.

2ghost verb, ghosts, ghost·ed, ghost·ing [+ obj]

: ghostwrite

She ghosted the mayor's autobiography.

ghost·ly adj, ghost·li·er, -est [or more ; most ]

: of or relating to a ghost

A ghostly figure appears in the house at night.

: suggesting a ghost
a ghostly fog
leading a ghostly existence
a ghostly white gown

ghost·li·ness noun [noncount]

ghostly adv

Her face was ghostly pale/white.

ghost story noun, pl -ries [count]

: a frightening story about ghosts

ghost town noun, pl towns [count]

: a town that no longer has any people living in it : an abandoned town

After all the gold was mined, the place became a ghost town.

ghost·write verb, -writes, -wrote , -writ·ten , -writ·ing [+ obj]

: to write (something, such as a book) for someone else using that person's name

She was hired to ghostwrite the mayor's autobiography.

ghostwritten books/articles

ghost·writ·er noun, pl -ers [count]

ghoul noun, pl ghouls [count]

: an evil creature in frightening stories that robs graves and eats dead bodies

ghoul·ish adj [more ; most ]

a ghoulish [=fiendish] laugh

He took a ghoulish [=sinister] delight in their troubles.

ghoul·ish·ly adv
laughing ghoulishly

ghoul·ish·ness noun [noncount]

the ghoulishness of his laughter

GI noun, pl GI's or GIs [count]

: a member or former member of the U.S. armed forces
often used before another noun

GI bill/rations

1gi·ant adj [more ; most ]

: very large : much larger or more powerful than normal
a giant photograph/machine/wrestler
a giant corporation
a giant-size box of detergent

2giant noun, pl -ants [count]

1 : a legendary creature usually thought of as being an extremely large and powerful person
the land of the giants

2 : a person or thing that is very large, powerful, or successful
a big baby who grew up to be a giant of a man [=a very large man]

The company has become a giant of the automotive industry. [=it has become very large and successful]

an American literary giant

giant panda noun, pl -das [count]

: panda 1

giant sequoia noun, pl -quoias [count]

: a very tall evergreen tree that grows in the western U.S. called also sequoia

giant squid noun, pl squid or squids [count]

: a very large type of squid

giant tortoise noun, pl -toises [count]

: a large plant-eating tortoise

Giant tortoises were once common on islands in the Pacific and Indian oceans, but they are now rare.

gib·ber verb, -bers, -bered, -ber·ing [no obj]

: to talk in a fast or foolish way

What are they gibbering about now?

Calm down! You sound like a gibbering idiot!

gib·ber·ish noun [noncount]

: foolish, confused, or meaningless words

His lecture seemed like nothing but gibberish. [=nonsense]

She was talking gibberish in her sleep.

gib·bon noun, pl -bons [count]

: a small ape of southeastern Asia that has long arms and legs and lives mostly in trees

gibe or jibe noun, pl gibes or jibes [count]

: an insulting or critical remark that is meant to hurt someone or make someone appear foolish

The other children made cruel gibes about her weight.

He used his speech as an opportunity to take/make gibes at his political opponents.

gib·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: an organ (such as the heart or liver) of a bird that is cooked and eaten as food
usually plural
gravy with giblets

gid·dy adj, gid·di·er, -est

1 : playful and silly
giddy children
giddy antics
a giddy atmosphere

2 : feeling or showing great happiness and joy

The news made him positively giddy.

He was giddy with delight.

The room was filled with giddy laughter.

3 always used before a noun : causing dizziness
giddy heights
giddy panoramic views
often used figuratively

Her second book lifted her to giddy heights of literary fame. [=made her extremely famous]

gid·di·ly adv

He was talking giddily [=excitedly] about his business plan.

gid·di·ness noun [noncount]

youthful giddiness [=silliness, lightheartedness]

1gift noun, pl gifts [count]

1 : something that is given to another person or to a group or organization

The money was a gift, not a loan.

a birthday/Christmas/anniversary/wedding gift [=present]

We always exchange gifts [=we give each other gifts] on our anniversary.

a generous/lavish/small gift
a charitable gift [=something, such as money, that is given to a charity]

2 : a special ability

She considers her voice a God-given gift.

He's an athlete with many physical gifts. [=talents]

often + for

He has a gift for expressing himself.

a gift for playing the piano
an actor with a gift for comedy

sometimes + of

She claimed to have the gift of prophecy.

God's gift
informal + disapproving
used to describe the attitude of people who think that they are very talented, attractive, etc.

He thinks he's God's gift to the world. [=he thinks very highly of himself; he is very vain or conceited]

look a gift horse in the mouth see 1HORSE

the gift of gab see 2GAB

2gift verb, gifts, gift·ed, gift·ing [+ obj]

: to present (someone) with a gift

The foundation has gifted the museum with an important collection of paintings. [=(more commonly) the foundation has given the museum an important collection of paintings]

see also GIFTED

gift certificate noun, pl -cates [count]

US : a piece of paper that is worth a certain amount of money and is given to someone to be used like money to pay for things (such as the products or services of a particular business)

a $10 gift certificate
called also (Brit) gift token (Brit) gift voucher

gift·ed adj [more ; most ]

: having great natural ability : talented

He's an extremely gifted student/athlete.

a school for gifted children

gifted with

To be gifted with something is to have it as a special ability or quality.

She is gifted with a talent for playing the piano.

He is gifted with a good sense of humor.

gift shop noun, pl shops [count]

: a store (such as a small store in a museum) that sells things which might be given people as gifts

1gift wrap noun [noncount]

: decorative paper that is used for wrapping gifts
a roll of gift wrap

2gift wrap verb, wraps, wrapped, wrapping [+ obj]

: to wrap (a gift) in decorative paper

The store will gift wrap your purchases for you.

gift-wrapped adj
a gift-wrapped box
a gift-wrapped bottle of wine

1gig noun, pl gigs [count]

informal : a job for a musician, an actor, etc.

He was finally able to book a gig [=to arrange a performance or series of performances] at the nightclub.

a talk-show gig
her last acting gig
broadly US : job

I have a part-time job, but I really need a full-time gig.

2gig verb, gigs, gigged, gig·ging [no obj]

informal : to work as a musician

He gigged in a band during the summer.

giga·byte noun, pl -bytes [count]

: a unit of computer information equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes
a six-gigabyte hard drive
abbr. GB compare KILOBYTE, MEGABYTE

gi·gan·tic adj [more ; most ]

: extremely large

Gigantic [=huge, monstrous] waves were crashing on the beach.

a gigantic [=immense, enormous] corporation

He made a gigantic [=huge] mistake when he quit his job.

gig·gle verb, gig·gles, gig·gled, gig·gling [no obj]

: to laugh in a nervous or childlike way

She giggled like a little kid.

We were all joking and giggling nervously as we waited for the ceremony to begin.

giggle noun, pl giggles [count]

trying to suppress a giggle

I had an attack of the giggles. [=I was unable to stop giggling]

(Brit) Going to the circus would be a bit of a giggle. [=would be amusing or enjoyable]

gig·gly adj [more ; most ]

giggly children
a giggly laugh

gig·o·lo noun, pl -los [count]

: a man who is paid by a woman to be her lover and companion

Gi·la monster noun, pl -sters [count]

: a large orange and black poisonous lizard of the southwestern U.S.

gild verb, gilds, gild·ed or gilt , gild·ing [+ obj]

: to cover (something) with a thin layer of gold
gild a statue

gild the lily

: to add decoration to something that is already beautiful : to try to improve something that does not need to be improved

Putting ice cream on this delicious cake is just gilding the lily.

gilded adj
a gilded sculpture/mask/design

A gilded age is a time of great success and wealth. The capitalized form Gilded Age is used when referring specifically to a period from about 187090 in American history.

a novel about life in New York during the Gilded Age

Gilded youth are wealthy young people who enjoy many things that other people do not have.

gild·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a gilder's workshop

1gill noun, pl gills [count]

: the body part that a fish uses for breathing

to the gills
informal

1 : as full as possible

The car was packed to the gills for our vacation.

2 : very thoroughly or completely

I'm fed up to the gills with his whining!

a theater equipped to the gills with new sound equipment

compare 2GILL

2gill noun, pl gills [count]

: a unit of liquid measure equal to 1/4 pint

He measured out one gill. [=(US) four fluid ounces; (Brit) 5 fluid ounces]

compare 1GILL

1gilt noun, pl gilts

1 [noncount] : a thin layer of gold or of something like gold

She covered the frame with gilt.

2 [count] Brit : a stock or bond that is considered to be a very safe investment : a gilt-edged security
usually plural

She has/keeps her money in gilts.

2gilt adj, always used before a noun

1 : having a golden color
a gilt marble surface
gilt paint

2 : covered with gilt
a gilt plate
gilt buttons

3gilt past tense and past participle of GILD

gilt-edged adj

: having the best quality or rating
gilt-edged securities [=stocks and bonds that are the safest kind of investment]

1gim·me

used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase give me when it is spoken quickly

Just gimme the money.

The pronunciation represented by gimme is common in informal speech. The written form should be avoided except when trying to represent or record such speech.

2gimme noun, pl -mes [count]

US informal : something that is easily done, achieved, won, etc.

(golf) This putt is no gimme. [=this is not an easy putt]

They expected the game to be a gimme. [=they expected to win the game easily]

gim·mick noun, pl -micks [count]

often disapproving : a method or trick that is used to get people's attention or to sell something
a marketing gimmick [=ploy]

The proposal to cut taxes was just an election gimmick to win votes.

gim·micky adj [more ; most ]

a flashy, gimmicky movie with no real substance

gim·mick·ry noun [noncount]

disapproving : the use of gimmicks
a lot of marketing gimmickry and hype

gimpy adj, gimp·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

US informal : having an injury that makes walking difficult or painful
a gimpy football player
a gimpy leg/foot

gin noun, pl gins

1 [count, noncount] : a clear alcoholic drink that is flavored with juniper berries

2 [noncount] : gin rummy
see also COTTON GIN

1gin·ger noun [noncount]

1 a : the strongly flavored root of a tropical plant that is used in cooking

1 b : a spice made from ginger

The recipe calls for a teaspoon of ginger.

2 chiefly Brit : a light reddish or reddish-brown color

ginger adj, chiefly Brit

The child has ginger [=reddish-brown] hair.

gin·gery adj [more ; most ]

a gingery sauce

2ginger verb, -gers, -gered, -ger·ing

ginger up [phrasal verb]

ginger up (someone or something) or ginger (someone or something) up Brit, informal : to make (someone or something) more exciting or lively
ginger a group up by proposing a new strategy

ginger ale noun, pl ales [count, noncount]

: a soft drink that is flavored with ginger

gin·ger·bread noun [noncount]

: a cake or cookie made with molasses and ginger
often used before another noun
gingerbread cookies

We made gingerbread men [=gingerbread cookies shaped like people] for the holidays.

a gingerbread house decorated with candy

ginger group noun, pl groups [count]

Brit : a group that is part of a larger group (such as a political party) and that tries to make other members accept and support their ideas
a left-wing ginger group within the Labour Party

gin·ger·ly adv [more ; most ]

: very carefully

She gingerly placed the cake down on the table.

It's a delicate subject, and we need to approach it gingerly.

gin·ger·snap noun, pl -snaps [count]

: a hard cookie that is flavored with ginger called also (Brit) ginger nut

ging·ham noun [noncount]

: a cotton cloth that often is marked with a pattern of colored squares
a red and white gingham tablecloth

gin·gi·vi·tis noun [noncount]

medical : a disease in which the gums become red, swollen, and sore

gink·go also ging·ko noun, pl -goes or -gos also -koes or -kos [count]

: a large Chinese tree that has fan-shaped leaves

ginkgo bi·lo·ba noun [noncount]

: a product made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree that is used as a medicine

gin rummy noun [noncount]

: a card game that is played by two players who are each dealt 10 cards

gin·seng noun [noncount]

: a Chinese herb that is used as a medicine

Gipsy variant spelling of GYPSY

gi·raffe Brit noun, pl gi·raffes or giraffe [count]

: a very tall African animal that has an extremely long neck and legs

gird verb, girds, gird·ed also girt , gird·ing

: to prepare yourself to fight or to do something difficult usually + for

[no obj] Both sides are girding for battle.

[+ obj] Both sides are girding themselves for battle.

The company is girding (up) its loins for what could be a long strike.

gird·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a strong beam used to build buildings, bridges, etc.

1gir·dle noun, pl gir·dles [count]

: something that wraps or circles around something else; specifically : a tight piece of clothing worn especially in the past by women under other clothes to make the area around the waist look thinner

2girdle verb, girdles, gir·dled, gir·dling [+ obj]

formal : to form a circle around (something) or to surround (something)

the rings that girdle the planet Saturn

girl noun, pl girls

1 [count]

1 a : a female child

It's a girl! = She gave birth to a baby girl.

a nine-year-old girl

Ever since I was a (little/young) girl, I've wanted to travel.

1 b : daughter

Is this your little girl?

She's our oldest/youngest girl.

2 [count]

2 a : a young woman
a group of teenage girls
a 19-year-old girl

His parents hope he'll soon find a nice girl, settle down, and get married.

When she was younger, she was a real party girl. [=a young woman who enjoys parties]

She's a big star now, but her fans still think of her as the girl next door. [=a wholesome young woman from a middle-class family]

2 b : a usually young woman from a specified kind of place
a city/country girl = a girl from the city/country
a local/hometown girl

3 informal

3 a the girls : the female friends or work partners of a woman viewed as a group

Wait till the girls back home hear about this!

Our boss thinks of herself as just one of the girls.

She went out dancing with the girls.

3 b [count] : a woman of any age
often used as a friendly way for one woman to address another woman

Girl, you will not believe what just happened to me!

3 c [count] : a woman or girl who does a particular job or activity
a shop girl

They just hired a new girl to do the filing.

The use of girl to refer to an adult woman is often considered offensive, especially when it is used this way by a man.

see also BALL GIRL, CALL GIRL, CHORUS GIRL, COVER GIRL, OFFICE GIRL, PAPERGIRL, POSTER GIRL, SCHOOLGIRL

4 [count] informal + old-fashioned : girlfriend

I took my girl out to the movies last night.

girl·hood noun [noncount]

She lost touch with the friends of her girlhood.

her girlhood friends

girl·ish adj [more ; most ]

a girlish voice
her girlish figure

girl·ish·ly adv

She smiled girlishly at him.

girl·ish·ness noun [noncount]

the girlishness of her voice/figure

girl Friday noun, pl -days [count]

informal + old-fashioned : a woman who does many different jobs in an office : a female office assistant

girl·friend noun, pl -friends [count]

1 : a woman that someone is having a romantic or sexual relationship with

My girlfriend and I have only been dating for a couple of months.

compare BOYFRIEND

2 : a female friend

She spends hours talking on the phone with her girlfriends.

Girl Guide noun, pl Guides

[count] : a member of a worldwide organization for girls ages 7 through 18 that is similar to the Girl Scouts in the United States called also Guide

girl·ie also girly adj

1 always used before a noun : featuring attractive young women who are wearing little or no clothing
a girlie show/magazine

2 : having a quality that is considered suitable for girls or women and not suitable for men or boys

She likes to wear girlie pink dresses.

a girlie voice

Girl Scout noun, pl Scouts [count]

: a member of a U.S. organization for girls ages 5 through 17

Girl Scouts participate in group activities, learn skills, and are encouraged to have good morals and be good citizens.

called also Scout compare BOY SCOUT, BROWNIE, CUB SCOUT, GIRL GUIDE

gi·ro Brit noun, pl -ros [count]

Brit : a check paid by the government to someone who is sick or does not have a job

girt past participle of GIRD

girth noun, pl girths

1 : the size of someone or something measured around the middle

[noncount] The tree is about two meters in girth.

a person of large girth

[count] a girth of about two meters

2 [count] : a band or strap placed around the body of an animal (such as a horse) to hold something (such as a saddle) on its back

gist noun

the gist

: the general or basic meaning of something said or written
usually + of

The gist of her argument was that the law was unfair.

I didn't read the whole article, but I got the gist of it. [=I understood the main points of it]

git noun, pl gits [count]

Brit slang : a stupid or worthless person (especially a man)

That git of a brother of yours has ruined everything!

1give verb, gives, gave , giv·en , giv·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to cause or allow someone to have (something) as a present : to make a present of (something)

She gave him a camera for Christmas.

Someone gave me a present. = Someone gave a present to me. = I was given a present. = A present was given (to) me.

Are you giving this to me or only lending it?

1 b : to cause or allow (something valued or needed) to go to another person, group, etc. : donate

[+ obj] She has given money to many worthy/good causes.

They're asking people to give money for a new hospital.

give blood

[no obj] Please give to our charity.

We already gave at the office.

It is better to give than to receive.

2 [+ obj] : to put (something) into someone's hand

He picked up the letter and gave [=handed] it to me.

He gave me the letter.

: to cause someone to hold or possess (something) for a specified reason

He gave me a letter to mail for him. = He gave a letter to me to mail for him.

He gave her his coat to hold.

3 [+ obj]

3 a : to provide someone with (something wanted or needed)

She has given me a lot of help/support/encouragement. [=she has helped/supported/encouraged me a lot]

They gave me a job. [=they hired me]

He gave me a head start.

I'll give you a lift/ride to the station. [=I'll drive you to the station in my car]

: to allow someone to have (something wanted or needed)

I know I can do it if you'll just give me a chance.

They gave her another opportunity.

Her boss has given her a lot of responsibility/authority.

They gave him the best room available.

The law gives all citizens the right to vote. = The law gives the right to vote to all citizens.

3 b : to allow someone to have or take (an amount of time)

Just give me a few more minutes and I'll be ready.

The doctor gave him two weeks to pay his bill.

4 [+ obj]

4 a : to treat or regard someone or something with (a particular attitude, feeling, etc.)

She gave her friend her complete confidence. = She gave her complete confidence to her friend. [=she trusted her friend completely]

He gave the company his loyalty. [=he was loyal to the company]

They've worked hard. You should give them some respect. [=you should respect them]

4 b : to direct (something) toward someone

She gave him an angry look. [=she looked at him angrily]

He gave her a smile. [=he smiled at her]

5 [+ obj]

5 a : to tell (information) to someone

Just give me the facts.

They weren't able to give us the information we needed.

The witness was reluctant to give evidence.

He gave his name as “John Smith.” [=he said his name was “John Smith”]

The drawing gives [=shows] the dimensions of the room.

The book gives [=provides] a brief history of the industry.

5 b : to express or say (something) to someone

You have no right to give me orders.

They gave him careful instructions on how to proceed.

Give them my regards. = Give my regards to them.

His parents gave him a lecture about the importance of studying.

The coach gave the team a pep talk.

I give you my word [=I swear; I promise], I knew nothing about their plans.

Just give it to me straight. [=just say what you are going to say to me in a direct way]

The informal phrase don't give me that is used in speech to show annoyance when someone tells you something that you do not believe or accept.

“It's not my fault that we're late.” “Don't give me that! You were the one who said we didn't have to leave early!”

5 c : to show (something)

a young artist who has given evidence/signs of real talent

She gave (us) no hint/indication that she was upset or worried.

5 d : to offer (something) for consideration or acceptance

He declined to give an opinion.

Can you give an example?

He gave no reason for his absence.

6 [+ obj] : to say that someone has or deserves (something)

He gives the credit for his success to his wife. [=he credits his wife for his success]

7 [+ obj]

7 a : to cause someone to have or experience (something, such as an emotion, a problem, etc.)

My car has been giving [=causing] me a lot of trouble lately.

I like Mexican food, but it gives me indigestion.

a book that gives pleasure to the reader

All that noise is giving me a headache. [=I'm getting a headache from all that noise]

It gave me a shock to see how sick he is.

Her encouragement gave me a lot of self-confidence. [=made me feel very self-confident]

7 b : to cause someone to become affected by (something, such as an illness)

His sister gave him the measles. [=he got/caught the measles from his sister]

Hearing the joke gave him the giggles. [=hearing the joke made him giggle]

7 c : to cause someone or something to have (a quality)

His quiet manner gives him a mysterious air.

The large windows give the room an open feeling.

7 d : to cause something to be affected by (something)

He argues that the tax cuts would give a considerable stimulus/boost to the economy.

8 [+ obj] : to cause someone to get or take (a medicine)

The doctor gave the patient a pill.

The doctor gave him an injection.

The drug is usually given intravenously.

9 [+ obj]

9 a : to present (a show, speech, etc.) in public
give a concert/lecture/talk/speech/reading/performance

9 b : to provide (something) as entertainment or as a social gathering
give [=throw] a party
give a formal dinner

10 [+ obj] : to do (an action)

She gave the door a push. [=she pushed the door]

He gave her a hug. [=he hugged her]

He gave a cynical smile. [=he smiled cynically]

She picked up the package and gave it a shake. [=she shook the package]

The referee gave [=made] the signal to start the game.

The ship gave a sudden lurch. [=the ship lurched suddenly]

11 [+ obj]

11 a : to cause someone to experience or suffer (a form of punishment)

His father gave the boy a whipping.

The judge gave him life (imprisonment) for murder.

11 b : to cause someone to undergo or do (something)

The teacher gave the class a test.

12

To give something thought/consideration (etc.) is to think about it.

We've given your proposal a lot of thought and careful consideration. [=we've thought about your proposal a lot and considered it carefully]

13

To give someone a call/ring/buzz/bell is to make a telephone call to someone.

I'll give you a call later.

14

If you try to do something, you give it a try or (informally) give it a go/shot/stab.

I've never gone skiing before, but I'm willing to give it a try.

15

If you would give anything or give your right hand/arm to do or to have something, you want to do or have it very much.

I'd give anything to be able to sing like that!

16 [+ obj] : to make (something, such as your hand) available for someone

She gave [=offered] her hand to him to shake/kiss. = She gave him her hand to shake/kiss. [=she held out her hand toward him so that he could shake/kiss it]

She gave him her arm [=she linked her arm in his arm] and they walked together into the room.

When a woman gives her hand in marriage to a man, she marries him. This is a formal and somewhat old-fashioned expression.

17 [+ obj]

17 a : pay

I wouldn't give a penny for that old bike!

If you have an extra ticket, I'll give you $20 for it.

17 b : sell

I'm willing to give you the ticket for $20.

18 [+ obj] : to say or judge that someone or something will last for (an amount of time)

The doctor gave him only a few weeks to live. [=the doctor said that he would live for only a few weeks]

Their marriage will never work. I give it/them six monthstops!

19 [+ obj] informal : to admit (something) to or about someone

He made an effort, I'll give him that (much). [=I'll admit that he made an effort]

I don't really like his movies, but he's a talented actor, I'll give you that. [=I admit that he is a talented actor]

20 [+ obj] : to have or produce (something) as a product, result, or effect
medical procedures that give better results

Cows give milk.

21 [+ obj] formal : to cause someone to believe or think (something)

followed by to + verb

They gave [=led] me to understand that they'd be arriving later.

To give someone an idea/impression (etc.) is to cause someone to believe or think something.

Whatever gave you the idea (that) he loved you?! [=whatever made you think that he loved you?]

I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. [=I'm sorry if I misled you; I'm sorry if you got the wrong impression from me]

I don't know what gave her the notion that she could treat people that way.

22 [no obj]

22 a : to bend because of force, pressure, or strain

The branch gave [=sagged] under his weight, but it didn't break.

22 b : to break because of force, pressure, or strain

The branch suddenly gave [=gave way] under his weight, and he fell to the ground.

23 [no obj] : to stop trying to resist or oppose something : to give in or submit to pressure

Both sides refuse to give [=refuse to accept or agree to the demands of the other side] in this dispute.

For the strike to be settled, something has (got) to give! [=one side or the other has to give in]

24 [+ obj]

24 a
used to indicate a possible or assumed state or condition

Give him his books and his music and he's happy. [=he is happy if he has his books and his music]

(If) Given better conditions, she'd do the work even better. = She'd do the work even better (if) given better conditions. = If she were given better conditions, she'd do the work even better.

24 b
used to say what you want to have or would prefer to have

“give me liberty, or give me death!” [=I would rather die than live without liberty] Patrick Henry, Speech (1775)

The country's OKbut give me the city any day! [=I prefer the city]

25 [+ obj] informal
used in phrases like give a damn to say that you do not care at all about something

He angrily told her that he didn't give a damn what she did.

give as good as you get
informal : to be as forceful in fighting or arguing against others as they are in fighting or arguing against you

She can give as good as she gets in an argument with just about anybody.

give away [phrasal verb]

1 give (something) away or give away (something)

1 a : to make a present of (something)

For a limited time only our store is giving away [=giving] a free can of soda to each and every one of our customers!

Our prices are so cheap we're practically giving away everything in our store!

1 b : to lose (something) in a careless way

He virtually gave the election away when he made a racist remark.

The pitcher gave the game away by walking four batters in a row.

1 c : to allow (something hidden or secret) to become known

The way she looked at him gave away her real feelings for him.

Please don't give away [=reveal] how the trick is done.

see also GIVEAWAY, GIVEAWAY PRICE, give the game away at 1GAME

2 give (someone) away also give away (someone)

2 a : to bring (the bride) to the groom at a wedding

Traditionally, it's the father of the bride who gives his daughter away at the wedding.

2 b : to reveal the truth about (someone)

His fellow conspirators gave him away to the police. [=they betrayed him to the police]

His accent gave him away as a northerner. [=his accent showed that he was a northerner]

give back [phrasal verb]

give (something) back or give back (something) : to cause someone to have (something) again : to return or restore (something) to someone

He gave back the money he found to the person who'd lost it.

Her encouragement helped to give me back my self-confidence. [=her encouragement helped me to get my self-confidence back]

They agreed to give him his old job back.

see also GIVEBACK

give birth see BIRTH

give chase see 1CHASE

give ground see 1GROUND

give in [phrasal verb]

1 : to stop trying to fight or resist something : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing

The strike has been going on for weeks, and neither side seems willing to give in.

often + to

He refused to give in to their demands. [=he refused to do what they demanded that he do]

2 give (something) in or give in (something) Brit : to give (something) to a person who has authority to review or accept it
give in [=(US) hand in] an assignment

give it a rest, give (something) a rest see 2REST

give me a break, give (someone) a break see 2BREAK

give of [phrasal verb]

give of yourself or give of your time formal : to use your time and effort to help others

They freely gave of their time when their help was needed.

give off [phrasal verb]

give off (something) : to send (light, energy, etc.) out from a source

The telescope can detect light given off [=emitted] by distant galaxies.

The garbage gave off an unpleasant smell.

The chimneys gave off thick, black smoke.

give on to also give onto [phrasal verb]

give on to (something) also give onto (something) Brit : to provide a view of or a passage to (something)

The door gives directly on to the garden.

The rooms give onto a hall.

give or take

used to indicate that the stated amount is approximate and might be increased or decreased by a specified amount

He ran a mile, give or take a few yards.

The movie lasted three hours, give or take a few minutes either way.

(informal) He ran a mile, give or take. [=he ran about a mile]

give out [phrasal verb]

1 : to stop working

The plane's engine sputtered and gave out, forcing an emergency landing.

His voice gave out. [=he was unable to talk]

His courage finally gave out. [=he lost his courage]

2 : to become used up

Our supply of fuel had almost given out [=run out] entirely.

3 give out (something) : to produce (noise, light, etc.)

The brakes gave out a loud squeal.

The woodstove gives out a lot of heat.

4 give (something) out or give out (something) : to give (something) to many people : to hand out (something)

They gave out copies of the newsletter.

He's always giving out unwanted advice.

give over [phrasal verb]

Brit informal : to stop doing something that is annoying or unpleasant

Oh, give over! I'm tired of your complaints!

often + -ing verb

They eventually gave over bothering me [=stopped bothering me] and let me alone.

give over to [phrasal verb]

give (something) over to (someone)

1 : to give (something) to (someone) to have, use, do, etc.

She has given most of her work over to her assistant.

2 give (yourself) over to (something) : to allow (yourself) to be fully affected by, controlled by, or involved in (something)

He gave himself over to despair. [=he was overcome by despair]

She gave herself over completely to her work. [=she devoted all of her attention and energy to her work]

3

Something that is given over to a specified purpose is used for that purpose.

One of the upstairs rooms is given over to storage.

Much of her time recently has been given over to researching her family history.

give place to see 1PLACE

give rise to see 2RISE

give up [phrasal verb]

1 : to stop an activity or effort : to admit that you cannot do something and stop trying : quit

He vowed that he would never give up.

I give up! I don't know what more I can do to please my girlfriend!

“How many prime numbers are there between 1 and 100? Well, do you give up?” “OK, I give up!”

2 give (something) up or give up (something)

2 a : to stop having, doing, or using (something)

He was forced to give up his job.

She refused to give up trying.

My doctor urged me to give up smoking/cigarettes.

Rescuers have not yet given up hope that more survivors will be found.

He gave up his seat to an elderly woman. [=he got out of his seat so that an elderly woman could sit there]

2 b : to stop trying to do (something)

We did our best to repair the engine, but in the end we had to give it up as impossible.

2 c sports : to allow (a score, a hit, etc.) by an opposing team or player

The defense gave up two touchdowns in the first quarter.

The pitcher didn't give up a hit till the ninth inning.

3 give (yourself) up : to surrender (yourself) as a prisoner

The fugitive eventually gave himself up (to the police/authorities).

4 give (someone) up

4 a : to stop trying to improve the condition of (someone) because it seems hopeless

The teacher gave him up as a hopeless case.

The doctors gave him up for dead. [=the doctors said that he was certain to die]

4 b : to stop having hope of seeing (someone)

We'd given you up (for lost) hours ago!

5 give (yourself) up to (something) : to allow (yourself) to be fully affected by, controlled by, or involved in (something)

He gave himself up to despair.

She gave herself up completely to her work.

6 give up on (someone)

6 a : to stop trying to improve the condition of (someone)

He has gotten in trouble many times, but his parents have never given up on him.

Please don't give up on me. I promise I'll do better.

6 b : to stop having hope of seeing (someone)

We'd given up on you hours ago!

7 give up on (something) : to stop trying to do or achieve (something)

They have given up on their plan to build a new factory.

She hasn't given up on trying to convince her husband to buy a new car.

give up the ghost see 1GHOST

give way see 1WAY

What gives?

informal
used to ask the reason for something

You've been acting weird all week. What gives? [=why are you acting weird?]

2give noun [noncount]

: the ability of a material to bend or stretch

This fabric has a lot of give. [=this fabric is very flexible]

give-and-take noun [noncount]

1 : the process by which people reach an agreement with each other by giving up something that was wanted and agreeing to some of the things wanted by the other person

A successful marriage requires a lot of give-and-take between husband and wife.

2 US : the act or process of exchanging ideas or comments

She enjoys a lot of friendly give-and-take with her customers.

give·away noun, pl -aways

1 [singular] : something (such as a movement or a facial expression) that clearly shows the truth or existence of something that had not been known

The way she looked at him was a dead giveaway that they were more than just friends.

2 [count]

2 a : something that is given away free

The store is offering coffee mugs as free giveaways to attract new customers.

2 b : an event at which things are given away

The store is staging a promotional giveaway to attract new customers.

see also give away at 1GIVE

giveaway price noun, pl prices [count]

: a very low price

We're selling everything in our store at low, low giveaway prices.

give·back noun, pl -backs [count]

US business : a previous gain (such as increased wages or benefits) that is given back to a company by workers as part of an agreement

The union had to agree to certain givebacks in order to save the jobs of all its members.

see also give back at 1GIVE

1given adj

used to refer to a particular time, place, etc., that has been, will be, or might be specified

You'll have to finish the exam within a given (amount of) time.

They agreed to meet again at a given location.

Climate has a great effect on the types of plants found in any given area.

You never know what might happen on any given night.

given to

used to say that a person often behaves in a specified way
a man (very) much given to swearing/profanity [=a man who swears often]

She is given to behaving selfishly. = She is given to selfishness.

take (something) as given

: to regard or accept (something) as true or real

I think we can take their support as given. = I think we can take (it) as given that they will support us. [=I think we can assume that they will support us]

2given noun, pl -ens [count]

: something that is regarded or accepted as true or real : a basic fact or assumption

In our system it is a given that all are equal before the law.

I think we can take (it) as a given that they will support us.

3given prep

used to indicate something that is being assumed or considered

Given the bad conditions under which the work was done, she has done it very well. = Given the fact that the work was done under bad conditions, she has done it very well.

Given a value of 5 for x, what is 2x?

often used in the phrase given that

Even given that the house is not in perfect condition, it's still a great buy!

given name noun, pl names [count]

US : first name

giv·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who gives something to another person
a giver of orders
a giver of unwanted advice
often used in combination
caregivers

giz·mo noun, pl -mos [count]

informal : a usually small mechanical or electronic device : gadget

He broke the gizmo he uses to open and close his garage door.

giz·zard noun, pl -zards [count]

: a part in the stomach of a bird in which food is broken down into small pieces

gla·cial adj

1 : of or relating to glaciers
glacial flow/ice

: produced or caused by glaciers
a glacial lake
glacial erosion

2 [more ; most ] : very cold : frigid
a glacial wind
sometimes used figuratively
a glacial stare

3 [more ; most ] : very slow

Progress on the bill has been glacial.

a glacial pace

gla·cial·ly adv
glacially slow progress

gla·cier Brit noun, pl -ciers [count]

: a very large area of ice that moves slowly down a slope or valley or over a wide area of land

glad adj, glad·der, -dest [also more ; most ]

1 not used before a noun : feeling pleasure, joy, or delight

We're glad [=happy] that he won.

We're glad you could come.

I'm glad (that) things turned out so well. = I'm glad about how things turned out.

sometimes + of

She was glad of [=grateful for] the help her brother provided.

sometimes + for

I'm glad for the chance to help.

sometimes followed by to + verb

I'm so glad to see you!

I'm glad to have the chance to help.

2 not used before a noun : very willing to do something

I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have.

I'd be (only too) glad to lend you the money.

3 always used before a noun old-fashioned : causing happiness and joy : pleasant

The mail brought glad news/tidings from our friends in England.

We've been through some sad times and some glad times.

glad·ly adv

I'll gladly answer any questions you may have.

“Will you take questions from the audience?” “Gladly!”

glad·ness noun [noncount]

The news of their wedding fills my heart with gladness.

glad·den verb, -dens, -dened, -den·ing [+ obj]

old-fashioned : to make (someone) glad

We were gladdened by the news. = It gladdened us to hear the news.

Her news will gladden the hearts of her family and friends. [=will make her family and friends happy]

glade noun, pl glades [count]

: a grassy open space in a forest

glad-hand verb, -hands, -hand·ed, -hand·ing [+ obj]

: to give a friendly welcome or greeting to (people) as a way of getting approval
politicians glad-handing voters

glad·i·a·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

: a man in ancient Rome who fought against another man or animal for public entertainment

glad·i·a·to·ri·al adj
gladiatorial combat

glad·i·o·lus noun, pl glad·i·o·li or glad·i·o·lus·es or US gladiolus [count]

: a plant with long, stiff leaves and brightly colored flowers

glad rags noun [plural]

chiefly Brit informal + old-fashioned : a person's best clothes

He put on his glad rags to go to the party.

glam adj [more ; most ]

informal : glamorous
glam celebrities

glam·or·ize also Brit glam·or·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) seem exciting and attractive

The movie was criticized for glamorizing crime and violence.

a novel that glamorizes war

glam·or·ous adj [more ; most ]

: very exciting and attractive : full of glamour

She looked glamorous in her formal black gown.

She wore a glamorous black gown.

glamorous movie stars

A private investigator's job isn't as glamorous as people think.

glam·or·ous·ly adv

glam·our also US glam·or noun [noncount]

: a very exciting and attractive quality

She left her hometown, attracted to the glamour of the big city.

an acting career filled with glitz and glamour
the glamour of the movie business

She's a serious actress and not just another glamour girl. [=a beautiful woman who wears sexy and attractive clothing and makeup]

He's one of the glamour boys of the football league. [=he's a very popular and attractive player who gets a lot of attention]

glam·our-puss noun, pl -puss·es [count]

informal + disapproving : a person (especially a woman) who is very attractive but not talented, smart, serious, etc.

a self-absorbed glamour-puss
a glamour-puss celebrity

1glance Brit verb, glanc·es, glanced, glanc·ing [no obj]

1 always followed by an adverb or preposition : to look at someone or something very quickly

Glancing down, she noticed her shoe was untied.

I glanced at my watch.

He sat quietly, glancing through a magazine.

She glanced up from her book when he entered the room.

2 : to hit something and bounce off at an angle
usually + off

The arrow glanced off the shield.

Sunlight glanced off the surface of the pond.

glanc·ing Brit adj, always used before a noun

A rock struck the windshield with a glancing blow. [=a rock glanced off the windshield]

2glance noun, pl glances [count]

: a quick look

They exchanged glances. [=looked at each other quickly]

He gave me a quick/passing glance over his shoulder.

I took/had a glance at the newspaper this morning.

He stole/darted a glance at her [=he looked at her quickly] as she walked by.

at a glance

: with a quick look

She was able to identify the problem at a glance.

at first glance see 1FIRST

gland noun, pl glands [count]

: an organ in the body that makes a substance (such as saliva, sweat, or bile) which is used by the body
sweat glands
the pituitary gland

glan·du·lar adj

: of or relating to glands
glandular activity/cancer

glandular fever noun [noncount]

chiefly Brit medical : mononucleosis

1glare verb, glares, glared, glar·ing [no obj]

1 : to shine with a harsh, bright light

The sun glared down relentlessly.

The white snow glared in the morning sunlight.

2 : to look directly at someone in an angry way

The teacher glared at him as he walked in late.

synonyms see 1GAZE

2glare noun, pl glares

1 : a harsh, bright light

[singular] There was a glare coming off the water.

[noncount] I was blinded by the glare of the approaching headlights.

I shielded my eyes from/against the glare of the sun.

The car's headlights are designed to cut down on glare.

sometimes used figuratively to suggest the idea of a very bright light shining on someone who is being given a lot of public attention

He grew tired of living in the glare of the television cameras.

After the success of her first film, she could not escape the glare of publicity.

2 [count] : an angry look

She responded to the reporters' questions with an angry/icy glare.

glaring adj

1 [more ; most ] : very obvious or noticeable
a glaring mistake/error/omission
a glaring example of racism

2 : shining with a harsh, bright light
the glaring noonday sun

3 : having a look of anger
glaring eyes

glar·ing·ly adv
a glaringly obvious mistake

1glass Brit noun, pl glass·es

1 [noncount] : a hard usually transparent material that is used for making windows and other products

He broke the glass.

often used before another noun
a glass bowl/bottle

see also PLATE GLASS, STAINED GLASS

2 [count]

2 a : a drinking container made out of glass

The waiter filled our glasses with water.

an elegant wine glass

The expression raise a glass or raise your glasses is used to tell people to hold up their glasses and drink a toast as a way to wish someone happiness, success, etc.

2 b : the amount held by a glass container

She drank two glasses of water.

3 glasses [plural] : a pair of glass or plastic lenses set into a frame and worn over the eyes to help a person see

I have to wear glasses [=spectacles, (US) eyeglasses] for reading. = I have to wear reading glasses.

She was wearing dark glasses with thick black frames.

horn-rimmed glasses
see also FIELD GLASSES, MAGNIFYING GLASS, OPERA GLASSES

people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones
used to say that people who have faults should not criticize other people for having the same faults

under glass

: in a glass container

Most of the articles in the museum are preserved under glass.

see also HOURGLASS, LOOKING GLASS

glass·ful Brit noun, pl -fuls [count]

had another glassful [=more commonly, glass] of beer

2glass verb, glasses, glassed, glass·ing [+ obj]

: to fit, protect, or enclose (something) with glass
usually + in

The porch is glassed in.

glass·blow·ing Brit noun [noncount]

: the art of shaping a piece of hot, melted glass by blowing air into it through a tube

glass·blow·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

glass ceiling noun, pl -ings [count]

: an unfair system or set of attitudes that prevents some people (such as women or people of a certain race) from getting the most powerful jobs
usually singular
women executives trying to break through the glass ceiling

glass·mak·er Brit noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who makes glass

glass·ware Brit noun [noncount]

: things made of glass
a cabinet that holds glassware

glassy Brit adj, glass·i·er, -est

1 : smooth and shiny : resembling glass
the glassy surface of the lake
a hard, glassy substance

2 : not shiny or bright : dull and lifeless
glassy eyes

He was gazing out the window with a glassy stare.

glau·co·ma noun [noncount]

medical : a disease in which pressure inside the eye causes gradual loss of vision

1glaze verb, glaz·es, glazed, glaz·ing

1 [+ obj] : to give a smooth and shiny coating to (something)

The storm glazed the trees with ice.

Glaze the tart with melted jam.

glazed ceramic pots
a glazed doughnut [=a doughnut with a smooth, sugary coating]

2 [no obj] : to become dull and lifeless
usually + over

His eyes glazed over [=he began to look very bored and tired] as the speech droned on.

2glaze noun, pl glazes

: a liquid mixture that is put on the surface of something and that becomes shiny and smooth when it is dry

[count] The pot is covered with a bright red glaze.

doughnuts with a chocolate glaze

[noncount] The pot needs more glaze.

gla·zier Brit noun, pl -ziers [count]

: a person who puts glass in window frames

1gleam noun, pl gleams

1 [count] : a small, bright light

He saw the gleam of a flashlight in the distance.

2 [singular] : a bright or shining quality
the rich gleam of the polished wood

3 [count] : a small amount or sign of something
a gleam [=glimmer] of hope

4 [count] : a small amount of emotion (such as happiness or excitement) that can be seen in someone's eyes

Her father had a gleam in his eyes as he told the story.

2gleam verb, gleams, gleamed, gleam·ing [no obj]

: to shine brightly

The sun gleamed on the water.

His eyes were gleaming with delight.

glean verb, gleans, gleaned, glean·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to gather or collect (something) in a gradual way

She gleaned her data from various studies.

He has a collection of antique tools gleaned from flea markets and garage sales.

1 b : to search (something) carefully

They spent days gleaning the files for information.

2 : to gather grain or other material that is left after the main crop has been gathered

[no obj] They spent hours gleaning in the wheat fields.

[+ obj] gleaning stray ears of corn
gleaning a vineyard

glean·er noun, pl -ers [count]

glean·ings noun [plural]

: information, grain, etc., that is gathered
the gleanings of long hours of research

glee noun [noncount]

: a strong feeling of happiness : great pleasure or satisfaction

They were dancing with/in glee.

He could hardly contain his glee over his victory.

glee·ful adj [more ; most ]

a gleeful smile

glee·ful·ly adv
smiling gleefully

glee club noun, pl clubs [count]

: a group of people who sing together especially as a social activity in a school or college

glen noun, pl glens [count]

: a narrow valley

glib adj, glib·ber, -best [also more ; most ]

disapproving

1 : said or done too easily or carelessly : showing little preparation or thought

Politicians need to do more than provide glib answers to difficult questions.

glib generalizations
the actor's glib portrayal of a drug addict

2 : speaking in a smooth, easy way that is not sincere
glib politicians

glib·ly adv

He talks glibly of returning to school, but I know he doesn't have the discipline.

glib·ness noun [noncount]

glide verb, glides, glid·ed, glid·ing

1 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj] : to move in a smooth way

The swans glided over the surface of the lake.

We watched the skiers glide down the slope.

2 of an airplane : to fly without engine power

[no obj] The pilot/plane glided to a safe landing after the engine failed.

[+ obj] The pilot glided the plane to a safe landing.

glide noun [singular]

the graceful glide of the swan

The plane went into a glide.

glid·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: an aircraft that is similar to an airplane but without an engine compare HANG GLIDER

1glim·mer noun, pl -mers [count]

1 : a weak, unsteady light
the glimmer of a distant star

2 a : a faint idea or suggestion of something

Their first meeting with the new boss gave them a glimmer of what they could expect.

2 b : a small amount or sign of something
a glimmer of light
a glimmer of hope

I saw a glimmer [=glint] of recognition in her eyes.

2glimmer verb, -mers, -mered, -mer·ing [no obj]

: to shine in a weak, faint, or unsteady way

Candles glimmered in the windows of the inn.

Moonlight glimmered on the pond.

glimmering light

glim·mer·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: glimmer
a faint glimmering of light
glimmerings of hope

1glimpse verb, glimps·es, glimpsed, glimps·ing [+ obj]

: to look at or see (something or someone) for a very short time

We glimpsed him through the window as his car sped past.

sometimes used figuratively

The book allows us to glimpse the future of the computer industry.

2glimpse noun, pl glimpses [count]

: a brief or quick view or look

We caught/got/had a glimpse of him through the window as his car sped past.

my first glimpse of [=my first look at] the city
often used figuratively

The book offers a glimpse into the future of the computer industry.

1glint verb, glints, glint·ed, glint·ing [no obj]

: to shine in small bright flashes

The sun glinted off the tops of the waves.

The waves glinted in the sunlight.

2glint noun, pl glints [count]

1 : a small flash of light

He saw glints of sunlight on the river's surface.

2 : a small amount of emotion seen in a person's eyes

I thought I detected a glint [=glimmer] of recognition when I met her.

He had a playful glint in his eyes. = He had a glint of playfulness in his eyes.

glis·ten verb, -tens, -tened, -ten·ing [no obj]

: to shine with light reflected off a wet surface

Rain made the streets glisten.

The streets glistened in the rain.

Her eyes glistened with tears/emotion.

a long beach of glistening sand

glitch noun, pl glitch·es [count]

informal : an unexpected and usually minor problem

Glitches in the speaker's schedule caused some delays.

especially : a minor problem with a machine or device (such as a computer)

A technical glitch caused a temporary shutdown.

computer/software glitches

1glit·ter verb, -ters, -tered, -ter·ing [no obj]

: to shine brightly : to shine with bright points of light

The sequins on her dress glittered in the sun.

Her eyes glittered with intelligence and amusement.

2glitter noun [noncount]

1 : light that shines in small, bright points
the glitter of diamonds

2 : an appealing, fancy, and exciting quality : a glamorous quality

He was drawn to the glitter of the city's nightlife.

3 : small, shiny objects used to decorate a surface

glit·tery adj [more ; most ]

a glittery gown/nightclub

glit·te·ra·ti noun [plural]

informal : people who are famous, wealthy, and attractive
usually used with the

She's frequently seen at parties attended by the Hollywood glitterati.

His new restaurant is popular among the glitterati.

glittering adj [more ; most ]

1 : shining brightly
glittering stars

2 a : very attractive or appealing in a fancy or exciting way

The party was attended by a glittering array of celebrities.

glittering prizes

2 b chiefly Brit : very successful or impressive
a glittering triumph
a glittering career

glitz noun [noncount]

often disapproving : a very fancy and attractive quality that is associated with rich or famous people

She grew tired of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood life.

The casino was all glitz.

glitzy adj, glitz·i·er, -est
a glitzy casino

gloam·ing noun

the gloaming
literary : the low light that is seen in the evening as the sun sets

Fireflies twinkled in the gloaming. [=in the twilight; at dusk]

gloat verb, gloats, gloat·ed, gloat·ing [no obj]

: to show in an improper or selfish way that you are happy with your own success or another person's failure

After such a tough campaign, they're gloating over their victory in the election.

All right, you won. There's no need to gloat (about it).

a gloating remark/look

gloat·ing·ly adv

They spoke gloatingly about their victory.

glob noun, pl globs [count]

informal : a large, round drop of something soft or wet : blob

A glob of ice cream was stuck to his mustache.

globs of whipped cream

glob·al adj

1 : involving the entire world
the global economy
global fame

English is becoming a global language.

2 : involving all of something and especially a computer system, file, etc.

The program allows users to do global searches through all the available data.

glob·al·ly adv

The game will be televised globally. [=throughout the world]

a globally recognized problem

glob·al·ize also Brit glob·al·ise verb, -iz·es, -ized, -iz·ing

1 [+ obj] : to make (something) cover, involve, or affect the entire world

The economy has become globalized.

globalize a company's operations

2 [no obj] of a business : to begin to operate throughout the world

The company is planning to globalize.

glob·al·i·za·tion also Brit glob·al·i·sa·tion Brit noun [noncount]

the globalization of the economy/company

global village noun [singular]

: the world seen as a community in which people are connected by computers, television, etc., and all depend on one another

global warming noun [noncount]

: the recent increase in the world's temperature that is believed to be caused by the increase of certain gases (such as carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere

World leaders will address the problem of global warming.

compare GREENHOUSE EFFECT

globe noun, pl globes

1 [count] : an object that is shaped like a large ball with a map of the world on it

She has a globe in her office.

2 the globe : the earth
satellites circling the globe

His fame has spread around the globe.

3 [count] : a round object : sphere

The tree was decorated with colorful glass globes.

glob·u·lar adj
globular [=round] fruit
a globular shape

globe-trot·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a person who frequently travels to different places around the world

globe-trot·ting noun [noncount]

a life of globe-trotting

globe-trotting adj
a globe-trotting diplomat

glob·ule noun, pl -ules [count]

: a tiny ball of something (such as a thick liquid)

globules of fat/mercury

glock·en·spiel noun, pl -spiels [count]

: a musical instrument that has a line of flat metal bars of different sizes that are hit with two special sticks

glom verb, gloms, glommed, glom·ming [+ obj]

US informal : to take or get (something)

The book consists of a collection of humorous essays glommed [=taken] from popular magazines.

glom on to or glom onto [phrasal verb]

glom on to (something or someone) or glom onto (something or someone)

1 : to take (something) for your own use

He glommed on to other people's ideas as if they were his own.

2 : to become strongly attached to or associated with (someone or something)

The coating gloms on to the plastic during heating.

He glommed onto me at the party, and I was stuck talking to him all night.

3 : to become aware of (something)

Other businesses have not yet glommed on to the potential of this new technology.

gloom noun [noncount]

1 : partial or total darkness

The painting captures the gloom of a foggy night.

He walked away, disappearing into the gloom.

the gloom of the forest

2 : a feeling of sadness

He was often subject to periods of gloom.

A cloud of gloom has descended over the city.

The papers are filled with stories of gloom and doom. [=with sad and tragic stories]

gloomy adj, gloom·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : somewhat dark
a gloomy hallway

: not bright or sunny

We've had a week of gloomy weather.

2 : causing feelings of sadness

The news continues to be gloomy.

a gloomy landscape

: not hopeful or promising

She doesn't agree with their gloomy economic forecasts.

His book paints a gloomy picture of the prospects for peace.

3 : sad or depressed

I've never seen you looking so gloomy.

gloom·i·ly adv

They gloomily surveyed the fire damage.

gloom·i·ness noun [noncount]

the gloominess of the hallway/weather/future

glop noun, pl glops
chiefly US informal : a thick, wet mixture or quantity of something unpleasant

[noncount] I remember the glop they used to feed us for school lunch.

[count] She always puts big glops [=globs] of ketchup on her fries.

glop·py adj, glop·pi·er, -est
a gloppy mess

glorified adj, always used before a noun

used to say that someone or something that seems to be impressive is actually not very important, powerful, etc.

His title is Assistant to the Director, but he's really just a glorified errand boy.

glo·ri·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

1 : to honor or praise (a god or goddess)

Glorify and give thanks to God.

2 : to make (something) seem much better or more important than it really is

The film glorifies violence. [=the film makes violence seem exciting or appealing]

glo·ri·fi·ca·tion noun [noncount]

Critics object to the film's glorification of violence.

glo·ri·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : having or deserving glory, fame, or honor

He had a long and glorious military career.

The old ruins give only a hint of the city's glorious past.

The government has described the battle as a glorious victory.

2 : very beautiful or delightful

Our room had a glorious view of the mountains.

a glorious sunset
glorious music

What a glorious day!

glo·ri·ous·ly adv
a gloriously beautiful sunset
sometimes used for emphasis

They were all gloriously [=extremely] drunk.

glo·ri·ous·ness noun [noncount]

1glo·ry noun, pl -ries

1 [noncount]

1 a : public praise, honor, and fame

As a young soldier he dreamed of winning military glory.

He now has only a few trophies to remind him of the glory of his athletic career.

He claimed that everything he did was done for the greater glory of his country. [=was done to bring honor to his country]

Neither candidate has exactly covered himself in/with glory [=neither candidate has been very successful or impressive] during this campaign.

They are basking in the glory of their success. [=they are enjoying the attention that has been given to them because of their success]

see also REFLECTED GLORY

1 b : praise of a god or goddess

Let us give glory to God.

Glory be to God.

2 [count] : something that brings praise or fame to someone or something : something that is a source of great pride

The glory of the town is its fountain.

an art exhibit showing off the glories of ancient civilizations

He intends this movie to be the crowning glory [=the final, most successful part or achievement] of his career as a filmmaker.

3 [noncount]

3 a : a state of great happiness or satisfaction

When she's on stage, she's in her glory. [=she is at her best; she is most happy]

3 b : a state of great success or beauty

The new owners are trying to restore the company/building to its former glory.

The beautiful art reminds us of the glory of the empire.

The autumn leaves are in their glory now. [=they are at their most beautiful stage now]

He was there in all his glory. [=he was there looking very well or impressive]

glory be!

old-fashioned
used to express surprise or happiness

You're pregnant? Well, glory be!

glory days/years

: a time in the past that is remembered for great success or happiness

The team's glory days are long gone.

His glory years as an actor are now far behind him.

go to (your) glory
old-fashioned : to die
remembering those who have gone to their glory

no guts, no glory see 1GUT
see also MORNING GLORY

2glory verb, -ries, -ried, -ry·ing

glory in [phrasal verb]

glory in (something) : to feel or show great joy or pleasure because of (something)

They gloried in their country's success.

1gloss noun

1 [singular] : the brightness of a smooth and shiny surface

He polished the car to a high gloss. [=until it was very shiny]

2 : an attractive quality or appearance that hides the way a person or thing really is

[noncount] He was all gloss and no substance.

[singular] Her ruthless ambition was covered by a thin gloss of good manners.

3 [noncount] : a type of makeup that is used to add shine and often color to the lips
lip gloss

compare 3GLOSS

2gloss verb, gloss·es, glossed, gloss·ing

gloss over [phrasal verb]

gloss over (something) : to treat or describe (something, such as a serious problem or error) as if it were not important

He glossed over the accident.

The problems were ignored or glossed over.

compare 4GLOSS

3gloss noun, pl glosses [count]

: a brief explanation of the meaning of a word used in a text

The book's introductory chapters include helpful glosses for/of many unfamiliar terms.

compare 1GLOSS

4gloss verb, glosses, glossed, glossing [+ obj]

: to give the meaning of (a word or phrase used in a text)

Many unfamiliar terms are glossed in the book's introduction.

Scholars have glossed this term as (meaning) “chisel.”

compare 2GLOSS

glos·sa·ry noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : a list that gives definitions of the hard or unusual words found in a book

2 : a dictionary of the special terms in a particular field or job

1glossy adj, gloss·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: having a shiny, smooth surface
a glossy magazine cover
glossy paint
a plant with glossy green leaves

gloss·i·ness noun [noncount]

2glossy noun, pl gloss·ies [count]

1 : a photograph with a shiny surface
an 8x10 [=8-inch by 10-inch] glossy

2 chiefly Brit : a popular magazine that is printed on smooth and shiny paper
usually plural

The glossies were filled with stories about his affair.

glottal stop noun, pl stops [count]

linguistics : a speech sound made by briefly stopping the flow of air through the vocal cords

glot·tis noun, pl -tis·es [count]

medical : the opening between the vocal cords in your throat

glot·tal adj

glove noun, pl gloves [count]

1 : a covering for the hand that has separate parts for each finger
a pair of gloves
latex/leather/rubber gloves
compare MITTEN, see also KID GLOVES

2 a baseball : a padded leather covering for the hand that is used to catch the ball and that has individual thumb and finger sections
a fielder's glove
compare MITT

2 b : a very thick, padded covering for the hand that is worn in the sport of boxing
a boxing glove
often used figuratively in the phrases take off the gloves and the gloves are off to say that people are beginning to criticize or attack each other in a very harsh and direct way

The candidates have taken off the gloves and started to make personal attacks against each other.

It's the end of the campaign, and the gloves are off.

fit (you) like a glove see 2FIT

hand in glove see 1HAND

gloved adj
a gloved hand [=a hand wearing a glove]

glove compartment noun, pl -ments [count]

: a small storage area in front of the front seat of a car, truck, etc. called also glove box

glove puppet noun, pl -pets [count]

Brit : hand puppet

1glow verb, glows, glowed, glow·ing [no obj]

1 a : to shine with low light and heat but usually without flame

The coals glowed in the fireplace.

The fireplace glowed with the dying coals.

1 b : to shine with a steady light

The lamp glowed (brightly/softly) in the window.

This toy glows in the dark.

2 a : to have a warm, reddish color from exercise, emotion, etc.

often + with

Her face was glowing with embarrassment.

2 b : to look happy, excited, or healthy
usually + with

Her parents glowed with pride [=they looked very happy and proud] as she was given her diploma.

The children were glowing with pleasure/excitement.

2glow noun [singular]

1 : a soft and steady light

We could see the glow of the lamp in the window.

The town's lights cast a glow on the horizon.

2 : a pink color in your face from exercising, being excited, etc.

the rosy glow of health

3 a : a pleasant feeling

He felt a glow as he remembered the day they first met.

Their problems were all forgotten in the glow of victory.

3 b : physical warmth or heat

She felt the glow from the fireplace.

glow·er verb, -ers, -ered, -er·ing [no obj]

: to look at someone or something in an angry way

The librarian glowered at us when she heard us laughing.

sometimes used figuratively
a glowering [=dark, forbidding] sky

glower noun, pl -ers [count]

The librarian looked at us with a glower of annoyance.

glowing adj [more ; most ]

1 : very enthusiastic : full of praise

Her previous boss gave her a glowing recommendation.

The book has received glowing reviews.

They spoke about their trip in glowing terms. [=they described their trip in a very enthusiastic way]

2 : having a warm color

She has a glowing complexion.

glow·ing·ly adv

They spoke glowingly about their trip.

glow·worm noun, pl -worms [count]

: a type of insect that produces a small amount of light from its body

glu·cose noun [noncount]

technical : a type of sugar that is found in plants and fruits

1glue noun, pl glues

: a substance used to stick things tightly together

[noncount] a tube of glue

[count] The hardware store offers several different glues.

stick like glue see 2STICK

glu·ey adj, glu·i·er, -est
a gluey [=sticky] mess

2glue verb, glues, glued, glu·ing also glue·ing [+ obj]

1 : to make (something) stick to something else by using glue

I glued the pieces of the cup back together.

I glued the handle (back) on/onto the cup.

2 : to stay in one place because of interest, shock, excitement, etc.

usually used as glued to

He spends his days glued to the television. [=he watches television all day]

We spent several anxious hours glued to the phone as we waited for news of her condition.

a thriller that will keep you glued to your seat

keep your eyes glued to see 1EYE

glum adj, glum·mer, -mest

: sad or depressed

There's no need to look so glumthings will get better soon.

There was a glum silence in the room.

glum·ly adv

“It's no good,” he said glumly.

glum·ness noun [noncount]

1glut noun, pl gluts [count]

: too much of something : a supply of something that is much more than is needed or wanted
usually singular
a glut of oil on the market

2glut verb, gluts, glut·ted, glut·ting [+ obj]

: to fill (something) with more of something than is needed or wanted

The market is glutted with oil.

glu·ten noun [noncount]

: a substance in wheat and flour that holds dough together

glu·ti·nous adj [more ; most ]

: sticky
glutinous rice

glut·ton noun, pl -tons [count]

1 : a person who eats too much

2 : someone who wants a large amount of something

+ for

She's a glutton for gossip.

That guy's a real glutton for punishment. [=he seems to enjoy things that other people dislike]

glut·ton·ous adj [more ; most ]

He's a gluttonous little boy.

glut·ton·ous·ly adv
eating gluttonously

glut·tony noun [noncount]

: the act or habit of eating or drinking too much

glyc·er·in also glyc·er·ine noun [noncount]

technical : a thick, sweet, clear liquid used in making medicines, food, soap, etc.

gm abbr
gram

GM abbr

1 general manager

2 genetically modified

G-man noun, pl G-men [count]

US informal + old-fashioned : a special agent of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation : an FBI agent
a movie about gangsters and G-men

GMO abbr
genetically modified organism

This food is GMO-free.

GMT abbr

Greenwich Mean Time

gnarled adj [more ; most ]

1 of wood : having many twists and hard bumps or knots
gnarled branches
an ancient gnarled tree

2 : bumpy or twisted
the old man's gnarled fingers/hands

gnarly adj, gnarl·i·er, -est

1 : gnarled
gnarly branches

2 US slang

2 a : very difficult or bad
a gnarly situation
a gnarly accident

2 b : very good
some gnarly guitar playing

gnash verb, gnash·es, gnashed, gnash·ing

gnash your teeth

1 : to grind your teeth together

He gnashed his teeth in his sleep.

2 : to show you are angry, upset, etc.

His opponents have been gnashing their teeth in/with frustration [=they have been showing their frustration] since he won the election.

His election has caused some weeping and gnashing of teeth among his opponents.

gnat noun, pl gnats [count]

: a small fly that bites people and animals

gnaw verb, gnaws, gnawed, gnaw·ing

1 : to bite or chew (something) repeatedly

[+ obj] The dog was gnawing a bone.

[no obj] He nervously gnawed on his fingernails.

Rabbits have gnawed at the hedge.

2 [+ obj] : to make (a hole in something) by chewing

Rabbits had gnawed a hole in the hedge.

Squirrels had gnawed their way into the attic. [=they had entered the attic by chewing a hole]

gnaw at [phrasal verb]

gnaw at (someone) : to be a source of worry or concern to (someone)

This problem has been gnawing at me day and night.

She says she's fine, but I can see that something is gnawing at her.

gnawing adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

: causing feelings of doubt or worry that last for a long time

I have a gnawing suspicion that he won't be there.

gnawing doubts

gnoc·chi noun [plural]

: small balls of dough made from potatoes or flour that are boiled in water and usually served with a sauce in Italian cooking

gnome noun, pl gnomes [count]

1 in stories : a small creature who lives inside the earth and guards treasure

A gnome looks like a little man and is often shown wearing a pointed hat.

2 : a statue that looks like a gnome and is often used outside in a garden
a garden gnome

gno·mic adj [more ; most ]

formal : said or written using few words that are difficult to understand

He made gnomic utterances concerning death.

gnomic writing/wisdom

GNP abbr
gross national product

gnu noun, pl gnu or gnus [count]

: wildebeest

1go verb, goes , went , gone , go·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a : to move or travel to a place

He went to the window and looked out at the yard.

She goes to the office every morning and comes home in the evening.

I'm tired. Let's go home.

She went downstairs to the kitchen.

The train goes from New York to Chicago.

Halt! Who goes there? [=who is there?; who is coming this way?]

1 b : to travel to and stay in (a place) for a particular amount of time

I went with my family to Rome last year.

We're going to Iowa for a week.

1 c : to move or travel in a particular way or for a particular distance

The car was going too fast.

How much farther do we have to go?

She went a long way to see him.

We went many miles that day.

Go straight for two blocks, then go right/left at the light.

The street is blocked, so we'll have to go around.

often used figuratively

Their relationship doesn't seem to be going anywhere. [=doesn't seem to be making any progress]

Where do we go from here? [=what do we do now?]

We've accomplished a lot, but we still have a long way to go. [=we have much more to do]

She has a lot of talent. If she works hard, she should go far. [=she should be very successful]

These changes will go a long way toward solving the dispute.

Would you go so far as to call them dishonest? [=would you say that they are dishonest?]

This time you've gone too far! [=you've done something that cannot be allowed]

2 a [no obj] : to move to or be at a place (such as an office or school) for work, study, etc.

+ to

She goes to church on Sunday.

She goes to work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Their son is going to college in Florida. [=he is attending a college in Florida]

He went to prison for his crimes.

2 b [no obj] : to do something that involves moving or traveling to a place
often + on

We're going on vacation next week.

The thieves went on a crime spree.

often + -ing verb

The neighbors went running [=the neighbors ran] when they heard the screams.

I like to go walking/swimming/shopping. [=I like to walk/swim/shop]

see also GO FOR 5 (BELOW)

2 c [no obj] : to move or travel to a place for a particular purpose

I went to see them last week.

We went to see a movie last night. = We went to a movie last night.

Are you going to the wedding? [=do you plan to attend the wedding?]

I may go to see them next week. = I may go and see them next week. = (US) I may go see them next week.

In informal spoken English, go and is used to emphasize a following verb. It usually expresses anger or annoyance.

Now you've gone and ruined it!

They went and changed it!

Go and get me a towel!

In U.S. English, go by itself is also sometimes used this way.

Why did you have to go ruin it?!

Go get me a towel!

2 d [+ obj] informal : to engage in (doing something)

Don't go telling everyone what happened. [=don't tell everyone what happened]

He went blabbing the news all over the place.

3 [no obj]

3 a : to leave a place

It's getting late. I should go now.

It's time to go.

I was just going when the phone rang.

3 b : to leave a job, position, etc.

Pack up your desk and go.

She's retiring soon, and it'll be sad for all of us to see her go.

4 : to lie or move along a particular route or in a particular direction

[no obj] The road goes from the town to the lake.

His land goes almost all the way down to the river.

[+ obj] Are you going my way? [=are you going in the same direction that I'm going in?]

The car went the length of the street and then turned around.

often used figuratively

She went the conventional route [=she did the conventional thing] by going straight to college after high school.

He has always gone his own way. [=he has always done the things he wants to do instead of the things that most people do]

5 [no obj] : to provide a way to get to a place

That door goes to the cellar. [=you can get to the cellar by going through that door]

Where does this road go?

6 [no obj] : to be sent

The message went by e-mail to all members of the staff.

7 [no obj] : to be lost, used, or spent

I don't know where the money goes.

I put my keys here a few minutes ago, and now they're gone. = (Brit) I put my keys here a few minutes ago, and now they've gone.

often used with all

The money was all gone by Friday. = All (of) the money was gone by Friday.

“Is there any ice cream left?” “No, it's all gone.”

8 [no obj] : to die

She went peacefully at about midnight.

9 [no obj]

9 a of time : to pass

The time/day seemed to go very quickly/slowly.

9 b : to happen in a particular way

The evening went well/badly.

She worked hard to make the party go according to plan.

The way things are going [=if things keep happening this way], I may get laid off.

We lost the game, but that's the way it/life goes. [=it is a fact that bad or disappointing things will happen sometimes]

10 [no obj] informal
used to talk or ask about how you are feeling

“How are things going? = How's everything going? = How's it going?” “Everything's going well/fine/great.”

11 [no obj] : to be given up, thrown away, etc.

I want to keep these, but that one can go.

These old boxes have got to go. = These old boxes have to go. [=we have to get rid of these old boxes]

12 always followed by an adverb or preposition [no obj]

12 a : to be sold

The house went for a good price.

The cabinets go for about $400.

The painting will go to the highest bidder

12 b : to be willing to pay a certain price for something

I'll go as high as $100, but not over that.

13 [no obj] : to fail or become weak because of use, age, etc.

His hearing has started to go.

The batteries in the flashlight are going and will have to be changed.

14 [no obj] : to break because of force or pressure

The dam/roof is weakening and it could go at any time.

15 [no obj] : to start doing something

Everyone's here, so I think we're ready to go. = (US, informal) I think we're good to go. [=I think we're ready to start]

see also get going at GET

16 [no obj]

used to describe the result of a contest, election, decision, etc.

The election went in her favor. [=she won the election]

The verdict went against him.

17 [no obj] : to work in the usual or expected way

I couldn't get the car to go.

I kept working on the engine until I finally got it going. [=I finally got it to work/run]

see also keep going at 1KEEP

18 a [linking verb] : to become
used to describe a change

The building has gone condo. [=the building has become a condominium]

British currency went decimal in 1971.

used especially to describe a change that is not wanted

The tire went flat.

The bread has gone stale.

The company went bankrupt.

Everything keeps going wrong.

18 b [no obj] : to change

The leaves here go from green to red in the fall.

The situation went from bad to worse.

19 [linking verb]

used to describe someone's or something's condition

I like to go barefoot in the summer.

There was nothing to eat, so we had to go hungry.

My letters have gone unanswered. [=have not been answered]

Her excellent work has not gone unnoticed/unappreciated. [=someone has noticed/appreciated her excellent work]

20 [no obj] informal : to make a particular movement

Can you go like this with your eyebrows? [=can you move your eyebrows like this?]

21 [no obj]

used to talk about a story, song, etc.

I can't remember how the story goes. [=I can't remember what happens in the story]

The story/rumor/legend goes that he left home poor and came back rich.

The tune goes like this.

22 [no obj]

22 a : to be able to fit in or through a space

Will these clothes go in your suitcase? [=is there enough room for these clothes in your suitcase?]

The box was too big to go [=fit] through the door.

22 b : to have a usual or proper place or position : belong

These books go on the top shelf.

Where do your keys go?

23 [no obj] : to have authority : to require you to do what is said or demanded

What she says goes! [=she is the boss; you have to do what she tells you to do]

24 [no obj] informal : to use the toilet

One of the children said he had to go.

see also go to the bathroom at BATHROOM

25 : to make a sound

[no obj] The bell went and the class came to an end.

The music was going full blast. [=the music was being played as loud as possible]

[+ obj] The gun went bang.

The cow went “moo.”

26 [+ obj] informal : to say (something)

used in describing what people said in a conversation

So she goes, “Did you write this?” and I go, “Mind your own business!”

27 [no obj] of a sports team or player : to have a specified record

The team went 112 last season. [=the team won 11 games and lost 2 games last year]

The shortstop went two for four in yesterday's game. [=the shortstop had two hits in four times at bat in yesterday's game]

anything goes

: anything is acceptable : there are no rules for behavior, dress, etc.

She dresses conservatively at work, but on the weekends, anything goes.

as (someone or something) goes

used to compare someone or something with someone or something else of the same kind

As lectures go, it was very interesting.

be going

Brit : to be available

There are no jobs going right now.

be going to

used to talk about what will happen or could happen

It's going to be cold tomorrow. [=it will be cold tomorrow]

It's going to rain: if you don't take an umbrella, you're going to get soaked.

I am not going to tolerate [=I won't tolerate] any more bad behavior!

I was just going to call him. [=I was about to call him]

see also GONNA

come and go see 1COME

easy come, easy go see 2EASY

go about [phrasal verb]

go about (something)

1 : to start to do (something)

I'd like to fix this old radio but I don't know how to go about (doing) it.

2 : to do (something)

Despite the threat of war, most people are just quietly going about their business. [=most people are just doing the things that they usually do]

go a bundle on see 1BUNDLE

go after [phrasal verb]

1 go after (someone)

1 a : to follow and try to stop or catch (someone)

When the boy ran out the door, his mother quickly went after him.

The police went after the escaped criminal.

1 b : to try to find and punish (someone)

The government is going after people who cheat on their taxes.

2 go after (something or someone) : to try to get (something or someone)

If you want the job, you should just go after it.

She accused her friend of going after her husband.

go against [phrasal verb]

1 go against (something) : to not agree with (something)

I won't do anything that goes against my conscience/beliefs/principles.

values that go against those of society

2 go against (someone or something)

2 a : to oppose (someone or something)

He was surprised when some of his former supporters went against him.

He was reluctant to go against his parents' wishes. [=he was reluctant to do something that his parents did not want him to do]

2 b : to compete against (a player or team) in a contest or game

The Red Sox will be going against the Yankees in tonight's game.

3 go against (someone) : to not be good for (someone) : to not produce the result that is wanted by (someone)

Everything seemed to be going against her but she didn't give up hope.

The verdict went against the defendant. [=the verdict was not in favor of the defendant]

go ahead [phrasal verb]

1 : to do or begin to do something

Instead of waiting for approval, they just went ahead and started working on the project.

: to do something after planning to do it or after getting permission to do it

Despite the bad weather, they decided to go ahead with the party.

My boss told me to go ahead (with the work).

“Could I sit here?” “Sure, go (right) ahead.”

“I probably shouldn't have any more cake.” “Oh, go ahead. It won't kill you.”

see also GO-AHEAD

2 : to happen or proceed

Despite the weather, the party went ahead as planned.

After a brief delay, the work is now going ahead again.

3 : to go or travel to a place before the other person or group that is with you

I'll go (on) ahead and make sure that everything's ready when you arrive.

go all out

: to do something with as much effort as possible

When he has a party, he likes to go all out. [=have a big and expensive party]

Her company always went all out [=did everything possible] to make the customer happy.

see also ALL-OUT

go all the way see 1WAY

go along [phrasal verb]

1 : to continue or proceed

The project is going along smoothly.

On this job there's a lot to learnbut I'm sure you'll pick it up as you go along.

He was just making up the story as he went along.

2 : to go or travel with someone

They were going to the fair so I asked whether I could go along.

often + with

I asked whether I could go along with them.

3 : to agree to do or accept what other people want

We tried to convince him to support us but he refused to go along.

usually + with

He refused to go along with us.

He refused to go along with our plan.

4 : to be part of something

+ with

If I want the job I have to accept the stress that goes along with it.

go ape see 3APE

go around or chiefly Brit go round [phrasal verb]

1 a always followed by an adverb or preposition : to go to different places

She and her friends go around (together) to lots of clubs. = She goes around with her friends to lots of clubs.

1 b chiefly Brit : to travel to a place that is nearby

I went round [=went over] to his flat.

1 c
used to describe the way a person often dresses or behaves

She goes around (dressed) in a miniskirt.

You can't go around treating people so rudely.

2 go around or go around (a place) : to go or pass from one person to another person

There's a rumor going around (the office) that the boss is about to get fired.

An amusing story is going around.

There's a nasty cold going around: I hope you don't catch it.

3 go around or go around (something or someone) : to be long enough to pass all the way around (something or someone)

This belt isn't long enough to go around (my waist).

4

If people want something and there is enough/plenty to go around, there is enough for all of the people who want it or need it.

There aren't enough jobs to go around.

5 what goes around comes around informal used to say that if you treat other people badly you will eventually be treated badly by someone else

go at [phrasal verb]

1 a go at (someone) : to attack (someone)

They went at each other viciously.

1 b go at it : to fight or argue

Our neighbors were arguing again last night. They went at it for almost an hour.

2 go at (something) : to make an effort to do or deal with (something)

They had to go at the problem from many different angles before they finally solved it.

It was a tough job, and I was impressed by the energetic way he went at it.

go away [phrasal verb]

1 a : to leave a place or person

She angrily told him to go away and stop bothering her.

1 b : to leave your home for a period of time

They're going away on vacation.

After graduating from high school, he went away to college.

a going-away present/party [=a present/party for someone who is leaving to live, study, or travel in a distant place]

2 : to stop existing or happening : to end

I just wish there was some way to make the pain go away.

go back [phrasal verb]

1 a : to return to a place

I forgot my purse and had to go back for it.

What was it like to go back after so many years?

After college she went back home.

Go back inside! You'll catch cold.

1 b : to begin doing something again

+ to

I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep.

He waved hello, then went right back to work.

She went back to eating her dinner.

The phrase there's no going back means that you have done or decided something and cannot change it.

I've already signed the contract, so there's no going back now.

2 a : to have existed for a particular amount of time or since a particular period

These ruins go back hundreds of years.

often + to
a tradition that goes back [=dates back] to colonial times

2 b : to have known each other for a particular amount of time

We go back 30 years.

He and I go back a long way. = He and I go way back. [=he and I have known each other for many years]

2 c : to think or talk about something from the past

To fully understand the issues, we have to go back a few years.

often + to

I'd like to go back to your earlier comment. [=I'd like to discuss it further]

3 go back on (something) : to not do what is required by (something, such as a promise)

She went back on her promise to help us. [=she failed to keep her promise]

I would never go back on my word.

go before [phrasal verb]

1 go before (someone) : to happen or exist at an earlier time than (someone)

We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who went before us.

2 go before (someone or something) : to be considered by (someone or something) for an official decision or judgment

The contestants will go before the judges tomorrow.

The case went before the court.

go beyond [phrasal verb]

go beyond (something) : to do more than (something)

She went beyond the call of duty. [=she did more than was required]

We need to go beyond merely talking about the problem.

go by [phrasal verb]

1 of time : to pass

The morning seemed to go by very quickly/slowly.

Many years have gone by since the last time I saw her.

They have many happy memories of days gone by. [=bygone days, days/times in the past]

2 go by (something)

2 a : to be guided or directed by (something, such as a rule)

That's a good rule to go by.

2 b : to form an opinion from (something)

She may be guilty but we have very little evidence to go by.

You can't always go by appearances. [=you can't always judge people or things by the way they look]

3 go by (a name) : to be known by (a name)

His name is Edwin but he goes by Ed. [=people call him Ed]

4 go by or go by (somewhere) : to go somewhere in order to visit someone

I went by (her house) to see her after school.

go down [phrasal verb]

1 : to fall or crash to the ground

The airplane went down when one of its engines caught fire.

The boxer took a punch and went down hard.

2 : to sink into the water

The ship went down after hitting an iceberg.

3 a : to drop to a lower level

Prices are expected to go down soon.

The quality of his work has been going down.

She had a fever yesterday, but it went down this morning.

3 b : to become less or smaller

It may take a few hours for the swelling to go down.

4 : to become less bright

The lights went down [=the lights were turned down] as the movie started.

5 of the sun or moon : to stop being visible in the sky : to set

The sun comes up in the morning and goes down at night.

6 a
used to say how easy or hard it is to eat or drink something

The medicine went down easily. [=it was easy to swallow the medicine]

I took a sip but it went down the wrong way. [=I choked on my drink]

6 b
used to say how easy or hard it is to accept or agree to something

His suggestion didn't go down [=go over] very well with his boss. [=his boss didn't like his suggestion]

7 : to lose or fail

Last year's champion went down in the first round of the tournament this year.

The regime finally went down [=fell] in a wave of popular protest.

8 of a computer, system, etc. : to stop working

The network went down this morning.

9 : to be remembered or talked about as an important person, event, etc.

He will go down as one of the greatest leaders this country has ever known.

His name will go down in history.

10 Brit, informal : to be sent to prison

He went down [=went to jail] for six years for the robbery.

11 somewhat informal : to travel to a place (especially one that is nearby or to the south)

I need to go down to the store for milk.

We went down south to visit relatives.

12 slang : to happen

We need to find out what's going down. [=(more commonly) going on]

13 go down on (someone) slang : to perform oral sex on (someone)

14 go down with (an illness) Brit : to begin to have or suffer from (an illness)

He went down with [=caught, came down with] measles.

go easy, go easy on/with see 2EASY

go figure see 2FIGURE

go for [phrasal verb]

1 a go for (someone) : to attack (someone)

My dog went for the intruder.

1 b go for (something) : to try to get (something)

go for the prize

If you want to achieve success, you have to stop hesitating and just go for it!

2 go for (something) : to accept or agree to (something, such as a plan or suggestion)

I asked her to lend us some money, but she wouldn't go for it. [=she wouldn't agree to lend us money]

3 go for (someone or something) informal

3 a : to like or be attracted to (someone or something)

When I see how she looks at him, I can tell she really goes for him.

I don't really go for modern art.

I could go for [=I would like] a cup of coffee right now.

3 b : to relate to or apply to (someone or something)

The rule goes for you, too. [=the rule also applies to you]

“I'd like ice cream for desert.” “That goes for me too.” [=I'd like ice cream too]

The economy here has been growing stronger, and the same goes for [=the same is true for] many other areas.

4 go for (a price) : to be sold for (a particular price)

The painting went for more than a million dollars.

5 go for (a walk, a drive, etc.) : to do an activity (such as walking or driving a car) that usually involves going somewhere

She went for a walk/stroll after dinner.

On Saturday mornings we like to go for a drive out in the countryside.

Would anyone like to go for a swim?

6

If you have something going for you, you have a talent, skill, etc., that helps you.

She's not as young as some of the other athletes, but experience helps, and she has that going for her. [=she has an advantage because of her experience]

You should be more confident in yourself. You have a lot going for you! [=you have many talents, abilities, etc.]

go great guns see 1GUN

go in [phrasal verb]

1 of the sun or moon : to become hidden by a cloud

The afternoon got cooler after the sun went in.

2 go in for (something) : to like or be interested in (something)

She doesn't go in for sports.

3 go in on (something) US, informal : to help pay for (something, such as a present)

Are you going to go in on the gift for her?

We all went in on the gift together. [=we all gave some money towards buying the gift]

4 go in with (someone) : to join (someone) in a business, project, etc.

His brother-in-law went in with him on his new business.

go into [phrasal verb]

go into (something)

1 a : to start to be in (a different state or condition)

After she lost her job she went into a deep depression. [=she became very depressed]

The criminal has gone into hiding. [=the criminal is hiding]

After losing the election, she went into seclusion.

see also go into effect at 1EFFECT

1 b : to start to move in (a different and usually bad way)

The car went into a skid. [=the car began to skid]

The plane went into a tailspin.

2 : to start to do (something) as a job or career

He wants to go into the priesthood. [=he wants to become a priest]

Their daughter is planning to go into medicine. [=to be a doctor; to get a job in the medical field]

Both his sons have gone into the army. [=joined the army]

His dream is to go into business for himself. [=to start his own business]

3 a : to talk about (something)

I'll try to tell the story without going into too many details. = I'll try not to go into too much detail.

: to talk about the details of (something)

Having gone into the causes of the French Revolution, the book then discusses its effects.

“I've had a long day.” “What happened?” “I'll tell you later. I don't feel like going into it right now.”

3 b : to try to get information about (something)

usually used as (be) gone into

A problem like that should really be gone into [=looked into] carefully.

4 : to be used for (something)

Lots of time, energy, and money have gone into (completing) the project.

5 mathematics
used to say how many times a number can be multiplied to produce a larger number

6 goes into 18 three times. [=18 divided by 6 equals 3]

go it alone see 2ALONE

go off [phrasal verb]

1 a of a bomb : to explode

The building was evacuated before the bomb went off.

1 b of a gun : to shoot

The gun went off accidentally.

1 c of an alarm : to begin to make a sudden loud noise

I woke up when the alarm went off.

2 of lights, electricity, etc. : to stop working

The lights in the building suddenly went off.

3 : to leave a place for a new place

He went off to join the army after graduating from high school.

She went off to America.

4 a : to occur or happen

The meeting went off as scheduled. [=the meeting happened when it was scheduled to happen]

4 b : to happen a particular way

The party went off well. [=the party was a success]

The meeting went off poorly.

5 US, informal : to begin shouting at someone in an angry way
usually + on

Her boss went off on her because she was late again.

6 go off (someone or something) Brit : to stop liking (someone or something)

She used to like him but now she's gone off him completely.

My boss has gone off the idea, so it's been cancelled.

7 chiefly Brit

7 a go off with (someone) : to leave (a spouse, partner, etc.) for someone else

He left his wife and went off with [=ran off with] some young thing.

7 b go off with (something) : to take (something that belongs to someone else) away with you : steal

Someone went off with my pencil/wallet.

go on [phrasal verb]

1 : to continue: such as

1 a : to continue on a journey

We stopped briefly in Detroit, and then went on to Chicago.

1 b : to continue as time passes

Life goes on.

How much longer will the meeting go on? [=last]

1 c : to continue doing something

She went on working [=she continued to work] after everyone else had stopped.

1 d : to continue talking

He went on (and on) about how unfairly he had been treated. [=he talked about it for a long time]

: to talk too much or too long about something

She's always going on about the importance of a good diet.

1 e : to continue to be in the same situation or relationship

We can't go on like this.

2 : to go or travel to a place before another person or group that is with you

You go on (ahead). I'll come later.

3 : to do or say something else after you have finished doing or saying something
usually + to

He accepted the nomination and went on to win the election.

After I finished reading the first book I immediately went on to the next one.

He went on to say that further tax increases would be necessary.

Everyone expected that she would go on to greater things. [=that she would become very successful]

4 : to happen

What's going on?

No one knows exactly what went on during their private meeting.

see also GOINGS-ON

5 of lights, electricity, etc. : to begin to work or function

The lights went on briefly and then went out again.

6 : to form an opinion or conclusion from something
used in the phrase to go on

There's very little evidence to go on. [=there's very little evidence that can be used to form an opinion]

7 a
used in speech to urge someone to do something

Go on (and try it): you might actually like it!

“I probably shouldn't have any more ice cream.” “Oh, go on! It won't hurt you to have a little more.”

7 b chiefly Brit, informal + old-fashioned
used in speech to express disbelief

“I used to be a spy.” “Oh, go on.”

A spy? Go on with you, then. [=I don't believe you]

8 go on at (someone) chiefly Brit, informal : to criticize (someone) often or repeatedly

Quit going on at me all the time!

see also going on at 2GOING

go one better

1 : to achieve more : to move to a higher or better level

She qualified for the finals, then went one better and took first place.

2 go (someone or something) one better : to do better or more than (someone or something) : to outdo (someone or something)

The company has gone its competitors one better by offering new customers a special discount.

go out [phrasal verb]

1 : to leave your home for an activity

I'm going out for a walk. I'll be back soon.

We're going out to get some lunch.

On Saturday nights he goes out drinking with his friends.

2 : to be sent from a person or place

The message went out by e-mail to all members of the staff.

Word has gone out that snow is expected.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims of this tragedy. [=we are thinking of and praying for all the victims of this tragedy]

3 : to stop being popular or fashionable

That hairstyle went out years ago.

Short skirts have gone out of fashion.

4 a : to meet someone for a romantic social activity : to go on a date with someone

They went out a couple of times, but it was never serious.

4 b : to have a continuing romantic relationship with someone

I've been going out with her for quite a while now. = We've been going out for quite a while now.

5 : to stop working

The electricity suddenly went out.

especially : to stop shining or burning

The fire/candle went out.

All the lights suddenly went out.

6 chiefly US : to try to become a member of a team, group, etc.

usually + for

He went out for football last year. = He went out for the football team last year.

She went out [=tried out] for the school play.

7 of the tide : to drop to a lower level

The tide is going out [=(more formally) ebbing] now.

8 : to be broadcast on the radio, television, etc.

A distress call went out three hours ago.

often + over

Warnings about the approaching storm went out over the radio.

go over [phrasal verb]

1 : to move or travel to a particular place or person

He went over and stood by the window.

He went over and hugged her.

I think I see Jane. Let's go over and say hello.

often + to

He went over to the window.

He went over to her and hugged her.

2 : to change sides in a disagreement, competition, etc.

usually + to

After several years of supporting us, he went over to our competitors.

3 US : to be accepted or received in a particular way

He tried to make a joke but it went over badly. [=no one thought his joke was funny]

Her proposal didn't go over very well.

often + with

Her proposal didn't go over very well with the boss. [=the boss didn't like her proposal]

4 go over (something)

4 a : to talk about or think about (something) carefully

He went over all the arguments before making up his mind.

We went over the accident again and again in our minds.

4 b : to look at or study (something) again in order to correct it, learn it, etc.

The students were told to go over their essays.

Let's go over the instructions.

an actress going over her lines

go the distance see 1DISTANCE

go there
informal : to start to talk or think about something
usually used in negative statements

“Do you remember when we were dating?” “Let's not go there.” = “I don't want to go there.” = “Don't go there.” [=I don't want to talk about that]

go through [phrasal verb]

1 go through (something)

1 a : to study or look at (something) in a careful way

The book goes through every detail of the French Revolution.

Let's go through the plan one more time.

1 b : to look in or at (something) in order to find something : to search in or through (something)

I found him going through my closet.

1 c : to experience (something)

He's going through a painful divorce.

I understand what you're going through.

In order to learn the job well, you have to go through several months of training.

The book has already gone through four editions. [=the publishers have already released four editions of the book]

1 d : to spend or use all of (something)

He went through all the money he inherited.

They went through three bottles of wine with dinner.

1 e : to occur throughout (something)

A note of despair goes through the narrative. [=there is a note of despair throughout the narrative]

If something (such as an idea or a song) is going through your head/mind, you are thinking about it or remembering it.

I don't know what was going through her mind [=I don't know what her thoughts were; I don't know why she did this] when she agreed to help him.

That song keeps going through my head.

1 f : to do (something)

It took him about an hour to go through his usual morning routine.

Before we practice the next section, let's go through the chorus once again.

see also go through the motions at 1MOTION

2

Something (such as a law or contract) that goes through is officially accepted and approved.

The bill is expected to go through easily.

The proposed deal failed to go through.

The bill went through Congress/Parliament [=was passed by Congress/Parliament] without difficulty and soon became law.

3 go through with (something) : to do (something that you have thought or talked about)

He was always threatening to quit his job, but I never thought he'd actually go through with it. [=I never thought he would actually do it]

go to [phrasal verb]

1 go to (something) : to begin to be in (a particular state, condition, or situation)

You need to go to sleep.

The countries went to war.

2 go to (someone or something) : to be given to (someone or something)

First prize went to the team from Chicago.

The property will go to his wife if he dies before she does.

3 go to (trouble or expense) chiefly US : to do something that causes you (trouble or expense)

You shouldn't go to all this trouble just for me.

They went to a lot of expense [=they spent a lot of money] to make sure that the job was done correctly.

go together [phrasal verb]

1 not used in progressive tenses : to be suited to or appropriate for each other

The tie and his suit go together well.

see also GO WITH 2 (BELOW)

2 somewhat old-fashioned : to have a continuing romantic relationship

They've been going together for several years.

see also GO WITH ((BELOW))

go to show/prove

: to help show or prove something

Her success goes to show that if you work hard, you can make your dreams come true.

go toward(s) [phrasal verb]

go toward(s) (something) : to help pay for (something)

My extra income is going towards a new car.

Your donations will go toward better sanitation for refugees.

go under [phrasal verb]

1 : to sink below the surface of the water

The ship went under after being struck by a torpedo.

2 : to fail : to not succeed

The company has been losing money and is in danger of going under.

go up [phrasal verb]

1 : to rise to a higher level

Prices are expected to go up soon.

2 : to become brighter

The lights went up [=the lights were turned up] when the movie ended.

3 : to be built

A new store is going up downtown.

4 : to travel to a place (especially one that is to the north)

We went up to the lake for the weekend.

go with [phrasal verb]

1 go with (someone) : to have a continuing romantic relationship with (someone) : to date (someone)

I've been going with her for quite a while now.

see also GO OUT 4B (ABOVE), GO TOGETHER 2 (ABOVE)

2 go with (something)

2 a : to be suitable for or appropriate with (something)

The skirt she's wearing doesn't really go with [=match] her blouse.

The tie goes (well) with his suit.

Do you think this wine will go well with dinner?

see also GO TOGETHER 1 (ABOVE)

2 b : to exist or occur as a necessary part of (something)

If I want the job I have to accept the stress that goes with it.

There are a lot of responsibilities that go with starting your own business.

see also go with the territory at TERRITORY

3 go with (someone or something) : to choose or use (someone or something)

After thinking about who to offer the job to, they decided to go with the more experienced candidate.

The golfer went with an iron off the tee. [=the golfer used an iron for her tee shot]

go without [phrasal verb]

go without or go without (something) : to not have (something) : to live or continue without having (something)

How long can you go without sleeping/sleep?

If you can't afford a new car, you'll just have to go without.

here goes (nothing) see 1HERE

here/there you go (again)

informal
used to say that something is happening again or in the same way that it has happened before

There you go, making a big deal out of nothing.

When I saw his name in the headlines I thought, “Here we go again.”

how goes it?

used as an informal greeting

Hi Paul. How goes it? [=how are you?]

ready, set, go see 1READY

there go/goes
informal
used to say that something is no longer available or possible

Look at that traffic jam! There goes our only chance of arriving on time. [=our only chance of arriving on time is gone/lost]

It's supposed to rain this weekend, so there go our plans for a barbecue. [=we won't be able to have a barbecue]

to go

1 : still remaining

There are only three more days to go until my birthday!

2 US, of food : sold to be taken away and eaten somewhere else

“I'd like a hamburger.” “For here or to go?” “To go.”

2go noun, pl goes

1 [count] : an attempt to do something

“I can't get the window open.” “Let me have a go (at it).” [=let me try to do it]

She's been thinking about learning to fly for many years, and she's finally decided to give it a go. [=she's finally decided to try doing it]

(chiefly Brit) He managed to finish the work in/at one go. [=in one attempt, without stopping]

(chiefly Brit) I don't know if this new medicine will help, but I think it's worth a go. [=it's worth a try]

2 [singular] US, informal : permission to do something

My boss gave the project a go. [=my boss gave permission for the project to go ahead]

In informal U.S. English, if you say that something is a go, you mean that it will or can happen in the way that was planned or hoped for.

The rocket launch is a go.

After many delays, we finally received word that the project is a go.

If you say all systems (are) go, you mean that everything is working correctly so that something can continue or proceed in the planned or expected way.

NASA officials have declared all systems go for the rocket launch.

The problems have been fixed, and now all systems are go.

3 [noncount] chiefly Brit, informal : energy that makes someone want to do many things
a young reporter who's full of go
see also GET-UP-AND-GO

4 [count] Brit : a turn in a game or other activity

It's your go: they've had several goes already.

all go

Brit informal : full of activity : very busy

In this office it's all go all day without a break.

have a go at

Brit informal : to attack or criticize (someone)

The press is having a go at the Prime Minister.

make a go of

: to succeed in doing (something)

He tried starting his own business, but he wasn't able to make a go of it. [=he wasn't able to succeed]

no go

US informal
used to say that something will not be allowed or cannot be done

We tried and tried to get the computer running but it was just no go.

I asked my boss for more time to finish the project, but she said no go. [=she said I could not have more time]

on the go

1 : very active or busy
a housewife and mother who's always on the go

2 chiefly Brit : happening or going

They have several projects on the go at the same time.

1goad verb, goads, goad·ed, goad·ing [+ obj]

: to urge or force (someone) to do something

He was goaded (on) by a sense of duty.

The threat of legal action should goad them into complying/compliance.

2goad noun, pl goads [count]

1 : a pointed rod used to make an animal move forward

2 : someone or something that urges or forces someone to do something

The threat of legal action is a powerful goad to companies that have ignored the regulations.

1go-ahead noun

the go-ahead

: permission to do something

We've finally been given the go-ahead for the project.

The company received/got the go-ahead to manufacture the new drug.

see also go ahead at 1GO

2go-ahead adj, always used before a noun

1 US, sports : allowing a team to take the lead in a game

He scored the go-ahead run/touchdown/goal.

2 [more ; most ] Brit : having a lot of energy and desire to try new ideas and methods
a vigorous go-ahead company

see also go ahead at 1GO

goal noun, pl goals [count]

1 : something that you are trying to do or achieve

He set a goal for himself of exercising at least three times a week.

Her primary/long-term goal is to get a college degree.

We all share/have a common goal.

She pursued her goal of starting her own business.

The company has instituted several new policies with the goal of reducing waste.

achieve/accomplish/reach/realize a goal

2 a : an area or object into which a ball or puck must be hit, kicked, etc., to score points in various games (such as soccer and hockey)

If you are the player who guards the goal in a sport like hockey or soccer, your position is in goal.

He has played brilliantly in goal so far this year.

In U.S. English, a shot or kick that is on goal is directed at the goal.

They had a dozen shots on goal in the second period.

2 b : the act of hitting, kicking, etc., a ball or puck into a goal or the score that results from doing this

Last month he had 10 goals and six assists.

She scored the winning goal in the game's final minute.

The team was ahead by a goal [=was ahead by one] when the third period started.

see also FIELD GOAL

goal·less adj

After playing the first half, both teams were still goalless. [=neither team had scored a goal]

goal·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

: a player who defends the goal in a game (such as soccer or hockey)

goal·keep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a player who defends the goal in various games (especially soccer) compare GOALTENDER

goal·keep·ing noun [noncount]

goal line noun, pl lines [count]

: a line that must be crossed to score a goal in soccer, hockey, football, etc.

goal mouth noun, pl mouths [count]

: the area directly in front of the goal in soccer, hockey, etc.

goal·post noun, pl -posts [count]

: one of two upright posts that form part of the goal in various games (such as soccer, hockey, and football)

move/shift the goalposts

Brit : to change the rules or requirements in a way that makes success more difficult

goal·tend·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a player who defends the goal in various games (especially hockey) compare GOALKEEPER

goal·tend·ing noun [noncount]

go-around noun, pl -arounds [count]

chiefly US informal : go-round

goat noun, pl goats

1 [count] : a small animal that is related to the sheep

2 the goat US : a person who is blamed for a loss or failure

In the last inning, a home run can make you the hero, and a strikeout can make you the goat.

get your goat
informal

If something gets your goat, it upsets you or irritates you.

The way she's always correcting other people really gets my goat!

old goat
informal
used as an insulting way to refer to an old man

She got married to some rich old goat.

separate the sheep from the goats see 1SEPARATE

goat cheese noun, pl cheeses [count, noncount]

chiefly US : a cheese that is made from goat's milk

goa·tee noun, pl -tees [count]

: a small pointed beard on a man's chin

goa·teed adj
a goateed man

goat·herd noun, pl -herds [count]

: a person who watches over a herd of goats

goat·skin noun, pl -skins [count, noncount]

: leather made from the skin of a goat
goatskin gloves

1gob noun, pl gobs

1 [count] : a lump of something

There's a gob of gum stuck to the bottom of my shoe.

2 gobs [plural] US, informal : a large amount of something

They make gobs of money.

She wore gobs of makeup.

compare 2GOB

2gob noun, pl gobs [count]

Brit slang : mouth

Shut your gob!

compare 1GOB

gob·bet noun, pl -bets [count]

chiefly Brit : a small lump or piece of something
gobbets of meat

: a small amount of something
gobbets of information

1gob·ble verb, gob·bles, gob·bled, gob·bling [+ obj]

1 : to swallow or eat (something) quickly

We gobbled our meal and rushed back to work.

usually + down or up

He gobbled down a sandwich.

The children are afraid that monsters will gobble them up.

2 : to take (something) quickly or suddenly
usually + up

The local bank was gobbled up by a national conglomerate.

compare 2GOBBLE

2gobble verb, gobbles, gobbled, gobbling [no obj]

: to make the sound that a male turkey makes

The actor gobbled like a turkey and quacked like a duck.

compare 1GOBBLE

gobble noun, pl gobbles [count]

We heard the gobble of a turkey.

gob·ble·dy·gook also gob·ble·de·gook noun [noncount]

informal : speech or writing that is complicated and difficult to understand

The report is just a bunch of gobbledygook.

gob·bler noun, pl -blers [count]

: a male turkey

go-be·tween noun, pl -tweens [count]

: a person who talks to people or groups who disagree in order to help deal with or end the disagreement

He'll act/serve as a go-between during the negotiations.

gob·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a container used for drinking liquids that has a round bowl on top of a stem attached to a flat base

gob·lin noun, pl -lins [count]

in stories : an ugly and sometimes evil creature that likes to cause trouble

gob·smacked adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : very surprised or shocked : dumbstruck

I was (really) gobsmacked by the news!

god noun

1 God [singular]

1 a : the perfect and all-powerful spirit or being that is worshipped especially by Christians, Jews, and Muslims as the one who created and rules the universe

Does she believe in God?

(May) God bless us all.

(May) God rest her soul. [=I pray that God will give her soul peace now that she has died]

I pray to God that no one was seriously injured in the accident.

see also MAN OF GOD

1 b

God is used informally by itself and in phrases to make a statement or question more forceful or to express surprise, anger, etc. These uses are common but are considered offensive by some people.

God, it's hot out today.

Good God, that's a lot of food!

God Almighty, is it that late already?

My God, what were you thinking?!

Oh my God! I can't believe it!

By God, I refuse to give up!

For God's sake, what do you want from me?

Who in God's name [=on earth, in heaven's name] could that be?

Where in God's name have you been?

I swear to God, if you're not ready in five minutes, I'm leaving without you.

I wish to God you would stop complaining.

2 [count] : a spirit or being that has great power, strength, knowledge, etc., and that can affect nature and the lives of people : one of various spirits or beings worshipped in some religions
the gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt
a Hindu god
a myth about the god of war
an offering for the gods
often used informally to suggest that what happens to someone is controlled by gods or by luck

The gods smiled/frowned on us. = The gods were/weren't on our side [=we had good/bad luck; things went well/badly for us]

(humorous) The golf gods seem to like you today. [=you are playing golf very well today]

Her sudden arrival was a gift from the gods. [=a very lucky and helpful thing]

3 [count]

3 a : a person and especially a man who is greatly loved or admired
a professor who was regarded as a kind of god
a guitar god like Jimi Hendrix

3 b : a person who is very important or powerful in a particular field
usually plural
a talented writer who never found favor with the gods of the literary world

4 [singular] : something that is regarded as one of the most important things in someone's life

He made a god of money. [=he worshipped money; he regarded money as more important than it really is]

5 the gods Brit : the highest and cheapest seats in a theater

The people in the gods can be the hardest to please.

act of God see 1ACT

for the love of God see 1LOVE

God bless you see BLESS

God forbid see FORBID

God help someone see 1HELP

God knows see 1KNOW

God's gift see 1GIFT

God willing

used to say what you hope and expect to do or happen if no problems occur

We'll be able to move into our new house next week, God willing.

God willing, I'll finish my degree this year.

in the lap of the gods see 1LAP

play God see 1PLAY

put the fear of God into see 1FEAR

so help me God see 1HELP

thank God see THANK

(there) but for the grace of God (go I) see 1GRACE

god·like adj

god-aw·ful adj [more ; most ]

informal + sometimes offensive : very bad or unpleasant : awful
god-awful [=terrible] weather
a god-awful [=hideous] hat

god·child noun, pl -child·ren [count]

: a child that you promise to help teach and guide in religious matters when you become the child's godparent in a Christian baptism ceremony

My niece is also my godchild.

god·damn also god·dam or god·damned adj, always used before a noun
informal + impolite : damn

I don't want to hear another goddamn lie.

He's nothing but a goddamn fool!

usage

Goddamn is an angry word that many people find offensive.

god·damn also god·dam or god·damned adv

It's too goddamn late to be talking about this.

god·damn also god·dam noun [singular]

I don't give a goddamn what you think. [=I don't care at all about what you think]

god·damn also god·dam interj

Goddamn! That sauce is hot!

god·damn also god·dam verb [+ obj]

Goddamn these detours!

I'll be goddamned if I let this stop me. [=I will not let this stop me]

Goddamn it. They're gone.

god·daugh·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a female godchild

god·dess noun, pl -dess·es [count]

1 : a female god (sense 2)

a goddess of ancient Greece

2 : a woman who is greatly loved or admired

The actress, who is already a goddess in her own country, is finally getting recognition here.

god·fa·ther noun, pl -thers [count]

1 : a man who is a godparent

Her uncle is her godfather.

2 a : a man who invents or begins something

Many people regard him as the godfather of rock and roll.

2 b usually Godfather : the leader of a group of criminals who belong to a secret criminal organization (such as the Mafia)

God-fear·ing adj [more ; most ]

used to describe religious people who try to obey the rules of their religion and to live in a way that is considered morally right

They are hardworking, God-fearing people.

god·for·sak·en adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

of a place : not at all interesting or appealing and usually located far from interesting people and places
a godforsaken little town

Who would want to visit such a godforsaken place?

God-giv·en adj

: received as a gift from God

She has a God-given [=natural] talent for making friends.

God-given athletic skills

God·head noun

the Godhead
formal : god 1; especially : God as considered by Christians to be made up of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
praying to the Godhead

god·less adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : not believing in God
a godless people/society
a godless place [=a place where no one believes in God]

godless ideologies

god·less·ness noun [noncount]

god·ly adj, god·li·er, -est [or more ; most ]

old-fashioned : believing in God and in the importance of living a moral life
a godly person

She lived a godly life.

god·li·ness noun [noncount]

Cleanliness is next to godliness. [=it is almost as important to be clean as it is to be good]

god·moth·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a woman who is a godparent

Her aunt is also her godmother.

see also FAIRY GODMOTHER

god·par·ent noun, pl -ents [count]

: a person who promises to help teach and guide someone in religious matters as part of a Christian baptism ceremony : a godfather or godmother

My aunt and uncle are also my godparents.

god·send noun, pl -sends [count]

1 : something that provides great and usually unexpected help when it is needed
usually singular

The treatment is a godsend for people who suffer from this condition.

2 : a very helpful person
usually singular

I didn't want to hire her but she's turned out to be a real godsend.

god·son noun, pl -sons [count]

: a male godchild

God·speed noun [noncount]

formal + old-fashioned
used to wish success to someone who is going away

We wish you Godspeed.

sometimes used as an interjection

Goodbye and Godspeed to you.

go·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal

1 chiefly Brit : someone or something that goes or moves fast

The horse is a real goer.

2 Brit : a woman who has sex with many men

She had a reputation as a bit of a goer.

-goer combining form, pl -goers [count]

: someone who often goes to a particular kind of place, event, etc.

moviegoers
churchgoers

: someone who goes to a particular event or activity
partygoers

goes see GO

go·fer noun, pl -fers [count]

informal : a person whose job is to do various small and usually boring jobs for other people

go-get·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

informal : a person who works very hard and who wants very much to succeed

She's always been a real go-getter.

go-get·ting adj, always used before a noun
a go-getting attitude

gog·gle verb, gog·gles, gog·gled, gog·gling [no obj]

informal : to look at something or someone with your eyes very open in a way that shows that you are surprised, amazed, etc.

He goggled in amazement at the huge statue.

gog·gle-eyed adj
informal : with the eyes very open in a way that shows surprise, amazement, etc.

He stared at me goggle-eyed.

a goggle-eyed child

gog·gles noun [plural]

: special eyeglasses that fit close to your face and that are worn to protect your eyes
swimming/ski goggles
safety goggles

go-go adj, always used before a noun

1
used to describe a woman who performs as a dancer to fast, energetic, popular music in a nightclub
go-go dancers
go-go girls

2 chiefly US : relating to or involved in a time when many businesses are growing quickly and it is possible to make a lot of money

He made a fortune during the market's go-go years.

a go-go economy

1go·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : the act of leaving a place
usually singular

We were disappointed to learn of her going. [=departure]

2 [noncount]

2 a : the condition of the ground for walking, running, etc.

The muddy ground made for slippery going. [=the muddy ground was slippery]

Debris in the street made the going difficult.

The going got better as we neared the town.

2 b
used to describe a situation in which you are trying to make progress or do something

It's been slow going so far [=progress has been slow so far], but the project should speed up soon.

The report is pretty hard/heavy going. [=it is quite difficult to understand]

This is a big job, and it's going to be rough/tough going [=hard work; a difficult situation] for a while.

What will you do when the going gets tough? [=when it becomes difficult to continue or to make progress]

You know what they saywhen the going gets tough, the tough get going. [=when there are problems, strong people work hard to solve them]

(chiefly Brit) Let's get what we can while the going is good. [=while there is a good opportunity]

3 [noncount] chiefly Brit : forward movement, speed, or progress

She wrote four books in two years, and that's pretty good going by any standards!

comings and goings

: the activity of people arriving at and leaving a place

I sat and watched the comings and goings of the other museum visitors.

2going adj

1 always used after a noun informal : living or existing

He's the best novelist going.

They make the best chili going. [=the best chili that there is]

2 always used before a noun : current or usual
used to describe an amount of money (such as a price or salary)

What's the going price?

They offered to pay the going rate [=the rate usually paid] for her services.

going on

: coming closer to (something, such as an age)

Their daughter is six years old going on seven.

It's going on 10 years since I saw him last. [=I haven't seen him for almost 10 years]

-going combining form

: often or regularly going to a particular kind of place, event, etc.

the theatergoing public [=the people who often go to see plays performed]

churchgoing people

going concern noun, pl -cerns [count]

: a business that is making a profit

They had a difficult start, but they've turned the restaurant into a going concern.

go·ing-over noun [singular]

1 : a careful examination

I'll give the documents a (thorough) going-over. [=I'll read the documents carefully]

2 informal : a severe beating

They threatened to give him a (good) going-over if he didn't cooperate.

see also go over at 1GO

go·ings-on noun [plural]

: actions or events that are occurring : things that are happening

We heard about all the strange goings-on [=happenings] at the office.

see also go on at 1GO

goi·ter (US) or chiefly Brit goi·tre noun, pl -ters [count, noncount]

medical : a swelling on the front of the neck caused by the thyroid gland becoming too large

go-kart noun, pl -karts [count]

: a small car that has one or two seats and an open top and that is used especially for racing

1gold noun, pl golds

1 [noncount] : a soft yellow metal that is very valuable and that is used especially in jewelry
diamonds in a setting of 24-karat gold

What is the price of gold?

miners digging for gold
solid/pure gold
see also FOOL'S GOLD

2 [noncount] : gold coins
a bag of gold
often used figuratively

All the gold [=money, wealth] in the world won't make you happy.

She's chasing after a pot of gold (at the end of the rainbow). [=something impossible to get or achieve]

3 [count, noncount] : a deep yellow color

4 [count] : gold medal

She hopes to bring home a gold.

She is going for the gold. [=trying to win the gold medal]

(as) good as gold

: very good

The children were as good as gold this morning.

His word is as good as gold. [=you can always trust him to do what he says he will do]

strike gold see 1STRIKE

worth your weight in gold

: very useful, valuable, or important

Good teachers are worth their weight in gold.

An experience like that is worth its weight in gold.

2gold adj

1 : made of or from gold
gold jewelry
gold bullion

2 : having a gold color
the gold [=golden] glow of the sun
gold paint

gold digger noun, pl -gers [count]

informal : a woman who becomes or tries to become romantically involved with a rich man in order to get money and gifts from him

gold·en adj

1 : made of gold
a golden idol
golden jewelry

2 [more ; most ] : having the deep yellow color of gold
golden hair
fields of golden wheat

3 [more ; most ] : very happy and successful

The memoir recounts the golden times in her life.

a golden era
see also GOLDEN AGE, GOLDEN YEARS

4 [more ; most ] : very excellent : superb, wonderful

This is a golden opportunity. [=a wonderful opportunity; an excellent chance to do or get something]

5 : very talented, popular, and successful
used in the phrases golden boy and golden girl

He was once the golden boy of tennis, but now few people remember his name.

She's the golden girl of the newspaper business.

6 [more ; most ] : having a rich and smooth sound
a smooth golden voice

7 not used before a noun informal : in a very good or fortunate position or situation

If the bank approves the loan, we're golden.

8 always used before a noun : of or relating to the 50th anniversary of an important event (such as a marriage)

They will celebrate their golden (wedding) anniversary this year. = (Brit) They will celebrate their golden wedding this year.

a golden jubilee
compare DIAMOND, SILVER

golden goose or the goose that lays the golden egg see 1GOOSE

silence is golden see 1SILENCE

golden age noun, pl ages [count]

: a time of great happiness, success, and achievement
the golden age of art/literature
a golden age for our country

gold·en-ag·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : an old and often retired person : senior citizen
a club for golden-agers

golden eagle noun, pl eagles [count]

: a very large bird that lives in the northern parts of the world and that is dark brown with yellow feathers on the back of its head and neck

golden handcuffs noun [plural]

: the salary and benefits that stop a highly paid employee from choosing to leave a job

golden handshake noun, pl -shakes [count]

: a large amount of money that a company gives to an employee who is leaving the company

golden oldie noun, pl -ies [count]

informal : a song, recording, or television show that was very popular in the past

The radio station plays golden oldies from the 1950s.

golden parachute noun, pl -chutes [count]

: a large amount of money that a company pays to an executive who is being forced to leave the company

golden raisin noun, pl -sins [count]

US : a dried grape that is a brownish-yellow color and is used for food called also (chiefly Brit) sultana

golden retriever noun, pl -ers [count]

: a type of dog that has long yellowish-brown fur

gold·en·rod noun [noncount]

: a type of wild plant that has large groups of yellow flowers

golden rule noun, pl rules

1 the Golden Rule : a general rule for how to behave that says that you should treat people the way you would like other people to treat you

I try to live by the Golden Rule.

2 [count] : an important rule to follow when you do something

The golden rule in sales is to know your customer.

golden years noun [plural]

: the late years in someone's life : the time of life when someone is old

My grandparents were active well into their golden years. [=old age]

gold·finch noun, pl -finch·es [count]

1 : a small mostly yellow American bird

2 : a small European bird that has red on its head and yellow and black wings

gold·fish noun, pl goldfish [count]

: a small usually orange fish that people often keep in ponds or in fishbowls or tanks as a pet

goldfish bowl noun, pl bowls [count]

: a place or condition in which there is no privacy
celebrities who cannot escape from the goldfish bowl of constant publicity

gold leaf noun [noncount]

: a very thin sheet of gold used especially to decorate a surface
a frame covered with gold leaf

gold medal noun, pl -dals [count]

: a medal made of gold that is awarded as the prize for first place in a sports competition

He won three gold medals in the Olympics.

compare BRONZE MEDAL, SILVER MEDAL

gold mine noun, pl mines [count]

1 : a place where gold is dug from the ground : a mine that produces gold

2 : something that has or produces a lot of something desired (such as money)

When she was the manager, the restaurant was a (real/veritable) gold mine! [=it was very profitable]

The library is a gold mine of information.

gold-plat·ed adj

: covered with a thin layer of gold
a gold-plated serving tray

gold record noun, pl -cords [count]

: an award that is given to a singer or musical group for selling a lot of recordings compare PLATINUM RECORD

gold rush noun, pl rushes [count]

: a situation in which many people go quickly to a place where gold has been discovered because they hope to find more gold and become rich
the California gold rush of 1849

gold·smith noun, pl -smiths [count]

: a person who makes gold jewelry and other gold items

gold standard noun

the gold standard

1 : a system in which a unit of money (such as the dollar) is equal to a particular amount of gold

It was the early 20th century, and the United States was still on the gold standard.

2 : something that is considered to be the best and that is used to judge the quality or level of other, similar things

This car is the gold standard for luxury automobiles.

the gold standard of stylish resorts

golf noun [noncount]

: an outdoor game in which players use special clubs (called golf clubs) to try to hit a small ball with as few strokes as possible into each of 9 or 18 holes
playing some golf
a round of golf

golf verb, golfs, golfed, golfing [no obj]

He likes to golf. [=to play golf]

golf·er noun, pl -ers [count]

She's an excellent golfer.

golf·ing noun [noncount]

She enjoys photography and golfing. [=playing golf]

golf ball noun, pl balls [count]

: a small ball used in the game of golf

golf cart noun, pl carts [count]

: a small car that is used to carry golfers and their equipment around a golf course

golf club noun, pl clubs [count]

1 : a special long stick with a larger part at the bottom that is used to hit the ball in golf

She bought a new set of golf clubs.

2 : an organization whose members play golf

He joined a golf club last year.

also : the golf course where the members of such an organization play

I'll meet you at the golf club.

golf course noun, pl courses [count]

: a large area of land set up for the game of golf

gol·ly interj
old-fashioned
used to express mild surprise

Golly, I never thought I'd see YOU here!

go·nad noun, pl -nads [count]

technical : a sex organ that produces sperm or eggs : a testicle or an ovary called also sex gland

gon·do·la noun, pl -las [count]

1 : a long narrow boat used on the canals of Venice

2 a : the part of a balloon or airship in which passengers or instruments are carried

2 b : a vehicle that hangs from a cable and is used for carrying passengers (such as skiers) especially up a mountain

gon·do·lier noun, pl -liers [count]

: a person who operates a gondola (sense 1)

1gone past participle of 1GO

2gone adj, not used before a noun

1 : not present : no longer at a place

How long will he be gone? [=away, absent]

She should have been back by now. She's been gone for more than an hour.

2 a : no longer existing

The days of the horse and buggy are (long) gone.

2 b : no longer living

There was nothing we could dohe was already gone. [=dead]

3 baseball : hit over the fence for a home run

The outfielder went back to the fence and jumped, but the ball was gone.

4 Brit, informal : pregnant
used after a noun phrase indicating a length of time

She's six months gone. [=she became pregnant six months ago]

dead and gone see 1DEAD

far gone see 1FAR

gone on
informal + old-fashioned : feeling strong or foolish love for (someone)

Those two are really gone on each other.

3gone prep

Brit informal : after, past

It was (just) gone six when he got back.

gon·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal : someone or something that is going to die or that can no longer be used

I thought we were all goners [=were going to die] when the plane's engine stopped.

This old computer is a goner. We'll have to get a new one.

gong noun, pl gongs [count]

1 : a large metal disc that makes a deep ringing sound when it is struck with a padded hammer

They sounded a gong to summon us to dinner.

2 Brit, informal : a medal or award

gon·na

used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase going to when it is spoken quickly

I'm gonna [=going to] get you if it's the last thing I do!

The pronunciation represented by gonna is common in informal speech. The written form should be avoided except when trying to represent or record such speech.

gon·or·rhea (US) or Brit gon·or·rhoea noun [noncount]

medical : a disease of the sex organs that is spread by sexual contact called also (slang) the clap

gon·zo adj, always used before a noun
chiefly US informal : having a very strange or unusual quality
gonzo humor
a gonzo comedian
gonzo journalism [=journalism that treats a subject in a very personal, unusual, and often shocking way]

goo noun [noncount]

informal : a wet and sticky substance

What's this goo all over the stove?

often used figuratively

The movie is nothing but a lot of romantic/sentimental goo. [=the movie is too romantic/sentimental]

see also GOOEY

goo·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

US informal : peanut 1

1good adj, bet·ter , best

1 a : of high quality

The food was good. = It was good food.

You'll need better tools for this job.

The car is in good condition/shape.

There are some good restaurants in this neighborhood.

That was a good game. [=the game was exciting, people played well, etc.]

I'm afraid your work is just not good enough.

Keep up the good work.

“Would you hire her again?” “Yes, I would. She does good work.”

His most recent movie is no good. [=it is boring, poorly made, etc.]

1 b : of somewhat high but not excellent quality

The food was good but not great.

He has done good but not outstanding work.

2 : correct or proper
good manners
good grammar

She speaks very good English. [=she uses correct pronunciation, grammar, etc.]

3 a : pleasant, pleasing, or enjoyable

Did you have a good time at the party?

We're expecting good weather for the weekend.

The soup tastes/smells good.

food that is good to eat

It feels good to sit down after so much walking.

It's a good feeling to know that we were able to help.

good [=happy] memories

I want to make a good [=favorable] impression on my future in-laws.

his rugged good looks [=attractive appearance]

You look good in that dress. = That dress looks good on you.

You don't look so good. [=you look like you feel sick] Do you feel okay?

Have a good day! = (US, informal) Have a good one! [=I hope you have an enjoyable day]

see also GOOD LIFE, GOOD-LOOKING

3 b : not having, marked by, or relating to problems, troubles, etc.

good and bad news

They've been together in good times and bad.

I had a good feeling about the meeting.

Things are looking pretty good for the company right now.

a good omen

I had the good luck/fortune to meet her when I was in New York.

see also good luck at 1LUCK

3 c : adequate or suitable

It's a good day for a sail.

We need to have a meeting. Is tomorrow good [=convenient] for you?

He's a good person to contact if you're ever in trouble.

I need tires that are good (for driving) in snow.

These tires aren't any good. = These tires are no good.

3 d : sensible or reasonable

She has a very good reason for being angry.

He showed good judgment in buying a small car.

She gave us some good advice.

That's a very good question/point.

She had the good sense to ask for help. [=she showed that she is able to think in a reasonable way by asking for help]

It's a good idea to arrive early.

“We'd better arrive early.” “Good idea/thinking.”

3 e : producing or likely to produce a pleasant or favorable result
a good deal/plan
a good risk/investment
a lot of good marketing ideas

It's a good time to be investing in the stock market.

Please accept our best wishes for your success.

“The plane arrived on time.” “That's good.”

Nothing good came of our efforts.

It's a good thing (that) you answered so quickly. = It was good that you answered so quickly.

3 f : having a desired quality

We paid a good price [=a low price] for the tickets.

The painting should fetch/bring a good price [=a high price] when it's sold.

Did you get good [=high] grades in school?

We found a good parking space near the restaurant.

She has good taste in clothes. [=she likes clothes that are fashionable, of high quality, etc.]

3 g : expressing approval or praise
a movie that has been getting good reviews

I've heard a lot of good things about you.

3 h
used in speech as a response

“I'm ready to go when you are.” “Good. Let's get going.”

“I passed the exam!” “(Very) Good!”

“I passed the exam!” “Good for you!” = (chiefly Australia) “Good on you!” [=well done]

4 a : not marked or affected by injury or disease : healthy

I went home early because I wasn't feeling too/very good. [=I wasn't feeling well; I was feeling sick]

Her health is pretty good. = She's in pretty good health.

The patient was reported to be in good condition following surgery.

His hearing is still good but his eyesight is pretty poor/bad.

my good arm/leg [=the arm/leg that is not injured or weak]

4 b : not causing harm or trouble : causing something desired
a good [=healthy, healthful] diet
good nutrition

You've been a good influence on the kids.

good habits
good cholesterol [=a type of cholesterol that helps prevent a disease that stops your blood from flowing easily]

often + for

Regular exercise is good for you. [=regular exercise makes you healthier]

Hot soup is good for a cold. [=hot soup makes you feel better when you have a cold]

Being with friends is especially good for him right now.

5 a : not morally bad or wrong : morally proper or correct
a good person
good conduct/behavior
a woman/man of good character

Like most people, she has a good side and a bad side.

My intentions were good.

You did a good thing/deed when you helped that stranger.

He lived a good life.

It's hard to tell the good guys [=morally correct people/characters] from the bad guys in this movie.

She is admired for her many good works. [=for the many things she does to help poor people, sick people, etc.]

You should stay away from that guy. He's no good. [=he's a bad person]

see also GOOD LIFE

5 b : kind or helpful

You've always been so good to me.

It was good of you to answer my request so quickly.

sometimes used to formally make a request

Would you be good enough to show me the way? = Would you be so good as to show me the way? [=would you please show me the way?]

5 c : behaving properly : not causing trouble
a good dog

The children were very good today.

6 a : having or showing talent or skill : doing or able to do something well

She's a very good golfer.

a good musician/doctor/cook

He was really good in his last movie. [=he acted very well]

I don't know if I'm good enough to make the team.

I have a good memory. [=I am good at remembering things]

a good sense of direction [=an ability to find your way easily in a new place]

an agent with a good eye for new talent [=an agent who is good at finding talented people who are not yet known or famous]

It's a great school where you know your kids are in good hands. [=with people who are able to teach and take care of them well]

I'm confident the café will be in good hands with you in charge.

often + at

She's very good at (playing) golf.

He's not very/any good at expressing his feelings. = He's no good at expressing his feelings.

sometimes used in a joking way

I'm very/really good at saying the wrong thing. [=I often say things that make people uncomfortable, unhappy, etc.]

see also no good, not any good at 2GOOD

6 b : able to use something or to deal with something or someone well

+ with

He's very good with his hands. [=he can easily make/do things with his hands]

She's good with children. [=she manages and interacts with children well; children like her and behave well when they are with her]

6 c : having a tendency to do something

+ about

He's good about writing everything down. [=he usually writes everything down]

I'm trying to be better about exercising. [=I'm trying to exercise more often]

7 a : happy or pleased

I feel good about what happened. [=I'm pleased by what happened]

She felt good that she had remembered his birthday. = She felt good about remembering his birthday.

Helping other people makes me feel good.

She didn't feel good about having to fire her secretary.

7 b : cheerful or calm

She's in a good mood. [=a happy mood]

He has a good temper. [=he is good-tempered; he doesn't become angry easily]

Everyone was in good spirits.

8 not used before a noun

8 a
used to say how long something will continue or be valid

This offer is good only until the end of the month.

This offer is good for the remainder of the month.

Our old car should be good for a few more years. [=it should last a few more years; it should continue to operate for a few more years]

8 b : still suitable to eat or drink : not spoiled

Is the milk still good or has it gone bad?

9
used in phrases like good heavens and good God to express surprise or anger or to make a statement or question more forceful

Good heavens! You startled me!

“Do you agree with him?” “Good God, no!”

(somewhat old-fashioned) Good gracious, I completely forgot!

see also good grief at GRIEF

10 : causing laughter : funny

I heard a good joke the other day.

“He says he's never met her.” “That's a good one. [=that's amusing because it isn't true] I saw them together last week.”

She's always good for a laugh. [=she is always funny]

11 a : large in size, amount, or quantity

The store has a good selection of products.

She won the election by a good [=considerable] margin.

He makes good money as a lawyer. = He makes a good living as a lawyer. [=he earns a lot of money]

They couldn't have succeeded without a good deal of luck. [=a lot of luck]

Things could be a good deal worse. [=things could be much worse]

Tourists have been coming to the area in good numbers. [=many tourists have been coming to the area]

an actress who has appeared in a good number of films [=in many films]

11 b : not less or fewer than a particular amount : at least
used in the phrase a good

He weighs a good 200 pounds.

We waited a good hour. [=we waited at least an hour]

There are a good 80 people here.

12 always used before a noun : forceful or thorough

If you give the machine a good kick, it might start working again.

Give the bottle a good shake before you open it.

Take a good look at this.

You just need (to get) a good night's sleep.

We were scared when it happened, but we had a good laugh about it later.

13 : having a high social position or status

He comes from a good family.

She thinks her son is too good for me.

It's a good neighborhood.

14 always used before a noun

14 a
used to describe people who know each other well and care about each other very much

She's a good [=close] friend of mine. = She and I are good friends.

my good friend/pal/buddy Joe

14 b : showing true and constant support for someone

He's been a good friend to me.

I'm trying to be a better sister.

14 c : belonging to and having loyalty to a group or organization
a good party member
a good Catholic

15 not used before a noun sports

15 a of a serve or shot : landing in the proper area of the court in tennis and similar games

I thought the ball/serve was good but my opponent said it was out.

15 b of a shot or kick : successfully done

(basketball) The first foul shot was good, but he missed the second one.

(American football) The field goal was good.

(American football) The field goal was no good. [=the field goal was missed]

16 not used before a noun informal : not wanting or needing anything more

“Would you like more coffee?” “No, thanks. I'm good.”

“Here's the money I owed you. So we're good now, right?” “Yeah, we're good.” [=we have settled our business; there is no longer any problem between us]

all in good time see 1TIME

all well and good see 2WELL

as good as

: almost or nearly

The plan is as good as dead.

Those people as good as ruined the school with their foolish ideas!

(as) good as gold see 1GOLD

as good as it gets
informal

1
used to say that nothing better is possible or available

It's not a great restaurant, but in this part of the city, it's as good as it gets.

2
used to say that something is very good and cannot be improved

There's nothing I enjoy more than spending time at home with my family. That's as good as it gets.

as good as new see 1NEW

fight the good fight see 1FIGHT

for good measure see 1MEASURE

give as good as you get see 1GIVE

good and
chiefly US informal

1 : very

I hit him good and hard.

He was good and angry.

I like my coffee good and hot.

2 : completely or entirely

We'll leave when I'm good and ready.

good egg see 1EGG

good for
somewhat informal : able to provide or produce (something)

I'm good for a hundred dollars if you need a loan.

see also 1GOOD 4B, 8A (ABOVE)

good for it
informal : able to pay back a loan

Why won't you lend me the money? You know I'm good for it. [=you can trust me to pay it back]

good graces see 1GRACE

good old
informal
used before a noun to describe a familiar person or thing with affection or approval

Good old John: you can always count on him to help.

I don't need fancy shoes. I prefer good old sneakers.

They were talking about the good old days. [=happy times in the past]

see also GOOD OLD BOY

good riddance see RIDDANCE

good to go

US informal : ready to leave or to start doing something

We have all the tools and supplies we need, so we're good to go.

good word see 1WORD

have it good

: to be in a favorable position or situation

There's no reason for her to be so unhappy. She really has it (pretty) good.

He's never had it so good. [=he has never been in such a favorable situation]

have the good grace see 1GRACE

hold good

: to be true

The advice she gave us 10 years ago still holds good [=(more commonly) holds true] today.

if you know what's good for you

: if you want to avoid trouble, problems, etc.

You'll take my advice if you know what's good for you.

She'll forget about the whole thing if she knows what's good for her.

in good company see COMPANY

in good part see 1PART

make good

1 : to become successful

It's a story about a kid from a small town trying to make good in the big city.

If you make good your escape, you escape successfully.

The prisoners dug a tunnel under the fence and made good their escape.

2 : to do something that you have promised or threatened to do

He made good his promise.

usually + on in U.S. English

He made good on his promise.

They made good on their threat and forced the company to go out of business.

3 a : to pay for (something)

usually + on

The insurance company was required to make good on the loss.

3 b chiefly Brit : to repair (something)

The contract obliges you to make good any damaged windows.

so far, so good see 1FAR

too good to be true

used to say that something cannot be as good as it seems to be

The price of the car is too good to be true. There must be something wrong with it.

If it looks/seems too good to be true, it probably is. [=there is probably some cost or bad part you do not know about]

very good
formal
used as a response to say you will do something that you have been told or asked to do

“Show the ambassador in.” “Very good, sir.”

what's good for the goose is good for the gander see 1GOOSE

with (a) good grace see 1GRACE

2good noun, pl goods

1 a [noncount] : morally good forces or influences
the battle of good versus evil

Teachers can be a strong force for good.

the difference between good and bad

1 b [count] : something that is right or good

They had to sacrifice lesser goods for greater ones.

What is life's highest/greatest good?

2 the good

2 a [singular] : the pleasant things that happen to people

You have to take the good with the bad. [=you have to accept both the good things and the bad things that happen to you]

2 b [singular] : things that are morally proper or correct

Parents must teach their children the difference between the good and the bad.

2 c [plural] : morally good people

She believes that the good go to heaven when they die and the bad go to hell.

Only the good die young.

3 [noncount] : the part of someone that is kind, honest, generous, helpful, etc.

They cherished the good [=goodness] in him, overlooking the bad.

She believes there is some good in everyone.

4 [noncount]

4 a : something that helps someone or something to be better, stronger, etc.

She did it for the good of the community. [=to help the community]

citizens working together for the common/public good [=to help or benefit everyone]

I know you don't want to do this, but it's for your own good. [=it will make you stronger, better, etc.]

They talk too much for their own good. [=they hurt themselves by talking too much]

4 b : a useful or favorable result

What good can possibly come of that?

No good came of our efforts. = Our efforts came to no good. [=our efforts did not produce a good or useful result]

see also NO GOOD ((BELOW))

5 goods [plural]

5 a : products that are made or grown in order to be sold : things for sale

The store sells a variety of goods.

baked/canned goods
leather/paper goods
perishable goods such as milk, eggs, and produce

He's accused of selling stolen goods.

goods and services
a store that sells sporting goods [=products that are used for playing sports]

see also DAMAGED GOODS, DRY GOODS, DURABLE GOODS, WHITE GOODS

5 b : things that are owned by a person

He sold all of his worldly goods. [=all of his possessions]

5 c Brit : products carried by trains, trucks, etc. : freight
used before another noun
a goods lorry

see also GOODS TRAIN

be any good

: to be useful or helpful

Would an apology be any good? [=any use]

deliver the goods or chiefly Brit come up with the goods
informal : to produce the desired or promised results : to do what is wanted or expected

We knew we could count on him to deliver the goods. [=get the job done]

do good

1 : to do kind or helpful things : to do things that help other people

She tried to make the community better by doing good.

She has done a lot of good in the community.

see also DO-GOODER

2 a : to be useful or helpful
used with any, much, some, etc.

I tried to convince him to change his mind, but it didn't do any good. [=I was unable to convince him]

He's been exercising more and it seems to be doing some good.

You can try, but it probably won't do much good.

It might do a little good.

2 b : to be useful to or helpful for someone or something

You should exercise more. It might do you (some) good.

Weeding regularly will do your garden good. [=will improve your garden]

The visit with her grandchildren did her a world/lot of good. = (Brit) The visit with her grandchildren did her a power of good. [=it was very good for her; it made her feel much better and happier]

If you do not think that something is helpful, useful, or worth doing, you can ask What good does it do?, What good is it?, What's the good of it?, etc.

What good does it to do to bring an umbrella along [=why bring an umbrella along] if you are only going to leave it in the car?

What good is a college education when you can't get a job after you graduate?

What's the good of working hard if your boss doesn't give you any credit for it?

I could try talking to him, but what good would that do/be? He has already made up his mind.

for good also for good and all

: forever

“When is she coming back?” “She's not coming back. She's gone for good.”

have/get the goods on
informal

To have/get the goods on someone is to have/get evidence showing that someone has done something wrong.

We can't arrest her until we get the goods on her.

in good with

US informal : in a favored position with (someone)

She's in good with the boss. [=the boss likes her]

it's an ill wind that blows no good see 1ILL

no good or not any good

: not effective or useful

I tried to convince him to change his mind, but it was no good, he wouldn't listen to me.

It's no good [=no use] talking to him. = It isn't any good talking to him.

see also BE ANY GOOD ((ABOVE))

not much good

: not very effective or useful

I tried to convince him to change his mind, but it wasn't much good.

to the good

1 used to say that a particular result or effect is good or would be good;
usually used after all

If the new policy requires the government to keep more accurate records, that's all to the good. [=that's a good thing; that's desirable]

2
used to indicate an amount of gain or profit

In the end, we were $100 to the good. [=we gained $100]

up to no good
informal : doing bad things or planning to do bad things

If you ask me, that woman's up to no good.

3good adv
informal

1 chiefly US : 1well 1

Things have been going good lately.

The team is doing good this year.

“How did you hit the ball today?” “Good.”

The use of good to mean “well” is considered wrong by many people. It occurs mainly in very informal speech.

2 chiefly US : completely and thoroughly

The other team whipped us good.

That was a funny joke you played on him. You really got him good. [=he was completely fooled by the joke]

“They sure soaked you with that bucket of water.” “Yeah, they really got me good.” [=I got completely soaked with water]

(Brit) Clean it up good and proper.

3
used for emphasis before words like long and many

I haven't seen her for a good long time. [=a very long time]

There were a good many people [=a lot of people] at the meeting.

(chiefly Brit) Not all our students go on to university, but a good few [=quite a few] of them do.

good afternoon interj
somewhat formal
used to say hello to someone in the afternoon

Good afternoon! Thanks for calling.

Good Book noun

the Good Book

: bible 1a

As the Good Book says

1good·bye also good·by interj

used to express good wishes when someone is leaving

Goodbye! See you later!

2goodbye also goodby noun, pl -byes also -bys [count]

1 : a remark or gesture made when someone is leaving

He said his goodbyes and left.

They said goodbye and went their separate ways.

They waved goodbye from the window.

She kissed him goodbye.

sometimes used figuratively

She said goodbye to her old job. [=she left her old job]

2 : a time or occasion when someone leaves
a tearful goodbye

I can't stand long goodbyes.

kiss (something) goodbye see 1KISS

good day interj
somewhat formal + old-fashioned
used to say hello or goodbye to someone in the daytime

Welcome and good day.

good evening interj
somewhat formal
used to say hello to someone in the evening

Good evening, everyone.

good faith noun [noncount]

: honesty in dealing with other people

You have no right to question my good faith.

often used before another noun
a good-faith effort

compare BAD FAITH

in good faith

: in an honest and proper way

He bargained in good faith.

Both parties acted in good faith.

good-for-noth·ing adj [more ; most ]

informal : of no use or value

I like Jane, but I can't stand that lazy good-for-nothing brother of hers.

good-for-nothing noun, pl -things [count]

Her brother is a lazy good-for-nothing.

Good Friday noun, pl -days [count, noncount]

: the Friday before Easter that is observed by Christians as the anniversary of the death of Jesus Christ

good-heart·ed adj [more ; most ]

: kind and generous

He's a good-hearted [=kindhearted] fellow.

She offered a good-hearted [=well-meaning] apology.

good-hu·mored (US) or Brit good-hu·moured adj [more ; most ]

: pleasant and cheerful

She was still good-humored at the end of a tiring day.

He offered his comments in a good-humored manner.

good-hu·mored·ly (US) or Brit good-hu·moured·ly adv

goodie variant spelling of GOODY

good·ish adj
chiefly Brit : somewhat good

She did a goodish [=fair] amount of work.

a goodish wine

good life noun

the good life

1 US : the kind of life that people with a lot of money are able to have

She grew up poor, but now she's living the good life.

His idea of the good life includes owning several luxury cars.

2 : a happy and enjoyable life

She gave up a good job in the city to move to the country in search of the good life.

good-look·er noun, pl -ers [count]

informal : an attractive person

Your girlfriend's a real good-looker! [=she is very good-looking]

good-look·ing adj [more ; most ]

: having a pleasing or attractive appearance : pretty, handsome, or beautiful
a very good-looking woman/man

good·ly adj, always used before a noun, good·li·er, -est
somewhat old-fashioned : large in size or amount

We expect a goodly [=good] number of people to show up.

He lives a goodly [=considerable] distance from his family.

a goodly sum

good morning interj

used to say hello to someone in the morning

Good morning. How are you today?

good name noun, pl names [count]

: a person's good reputation

I don't want the scandal to ruin my good name.

good-na·tured adj [more ; most ]

: friendly, pleasant, or cheerful

Her good-natured personality put us all at ease.

a good-natured competition
opposite ILL-NATURED

good-na·tured·ly adv

good·ness noun [noncount]

1 : the quality or state of being good: such as

1 a : the quality or state of being kind, honest, generous, helpful, etc.

I believe there is (some) goodness in everyone.

Even if you don't agree, at least have the goodness to be polite!

She agreed to help him out of the goodness of her heart. [=because she is a kind and generous person]

1 b : the quality or state of being useful or effective

If you cook the vegetables too long, they'll lose all their (natural) goodness.

2
used to express mild surprise or shock

Goodness, it's hot out today!

Goodness (only) knows how it happened.

“Did you stop them?” “Goodness (gracious), no!”

Oh, my goodness!

People use I swear to goodness, I hope to goodness, or I wish to goodness to add force to a statement.

I wish to goodness that you would hurry up!

for goodness' sake

used to express surprise or annoyance

Will you hurry up, for goodness' sake?

goodness knows see 1KNOW

good night interj

used to express good wishes in the evening especially when someone is leaving or going to sleep

Good night. I'll see you in the morning.

good old boy or good ol' boy or good ole boy noun, pl boys [count]

US informal : a white man from the southern U.S. who has interests, beliefs, etc., that are commonly associated with white southern men

Good Sa·mar·i·tan noun, pl -tans [count]

: a person who helps other people and especially strangers when they have trouble

We had a flat tire on the highway but fortunately a Good Samaritan stopped to help us change it.

good-sized adj

: somewhat large

They live in a good-sized house.

a good-sized crowd

goods train noun, pl trains [count]

Brit : freight train

good-tem·pered adj [more ; most ]

: usually calm and cheerful : not easily angered or upset
a good-tempered dog

The baby is very good-tempered. [=the baby has a very good temper]

good·will noun [noncount]

1 or good will : a kind, helpful, or friendly feeling or attitude

She has/feels goodwill toward all her coworkers.

They allowed him to keep the extra money as a gesture of goodwill.

trying to promote goodwill
people of goodwill
often used before another noun
a goodwill gesture
a goodwill ambassador on a goodwill tour/mission

2 business : the amount of value that a company's good reputation adds to its overall value
goodwill and other assets
loss of goodwill

goody or good·ie noun, pl good·ies [count]

informal

1 : something that tastes good

She gave each of the children a goody at snack time.

usually plural

The store sells cakes and pies and all kinds of other goodies.

2 : something that people want or like : something desirable

The company offers health insurance, paid vacation, and other goodies like stock options.

This song is an oldie but a goodie.

Each guest was given a goody bag. [=a bag containing a small gift]

3 somewhat old-fashioned
used in speech especially by children or when talking to children to show excitement and pleasure

“Are we going to the circus? Goody!”

4 Brit : a good person in a book, movie, etc.

He plays one of the goodies [=good guys] in his latest film and defeats all the baddies.

goody-goody noun, pl -goodies [count]

informal + disapproving : a person (such as a child) whose good behavior and politeness are annoying because they seem to be excessive or not sincere

The other kids don't like her because she's a goody-goody. [=goody two-shoes]

often used before another noun

He can't stand goody-goody types.

goody two-shoes or Goody Two-shoes noun, pl two-shoes or Two-shoes [count]

informal + disapproving : goody-goody

You didn't invite her to the party, did you? She's such a goody two-shoes.

goo·ey adj, goo·ier, -est
informal : wet and sticky

We had gooey hot fudge sundaes.

a gooey mess
often used figuratively
a gooey romantic comedy [=a very sentimental romantic comedy]

1goof verb, goofs, goofed, goof·ing
chiefly US informal : to make a careless or stupid mistake : to make a goof

[no obj] It was clear that someone had goofed.

often + up

I really goofed up this time.

[+ obj]

usually + up

They both goofed up their lines.

goof around [phrasal verb]

chiefly US informal : to spend time doing silly or playful things

The kids are goofing around, watching TV and hanging out.

goof off [phrasal verb]

chiefly US informal : to spend time doing things that are not useful or serious

He spent the day goofing off instead of working.

see also GOOF-OFF

goof on [phrasal verb]

goof on (someone or something) US slang : to make jokes about (someone or something) in a way that is either playful or unkind

They're just goofing on [=kidding with, teasing] you.

2goof noun, pl goofs [count]

chiefly US informal

1 : a silly or stupid person

Don't be such a goof.

2 : a careless or stupid mistake

I'll admit it's my goof.

I made a major goof.

goof·ball noun, pl -balls [count]

US informal : a silly or stupid person : goof

goof-off noun, pl -offs [count]

chiefly US informal : a person who avoids work or responsibility : someone who goofs off a lot
goof-offs who never do any work

goofy adj, goof·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal : crazy or silly

She was making goofy faces at us in class.

a goofy grin/smile

He's a goofy guy.

an actress known for her goofy charm

goof·i·ly adv

He smiled goofily.

goof·i·ness noun [noncount]

a moment of goofiness in an otherwise serious interview

goo·gly-eyed adj

: having eyes that stick out
a googly-eyed monster
a googly-eyed frog

: having eyes that are very open or staring because of amazement, admiration, etc.

googly-eyed lovers
googly-eyed fans

goon noun, pl goons [count]

informal

1 chiefly US : a person who is hired to threaten, beat up, or kill someone : thug

He was beat up by a couple of goons.

2 chiefly Brit : a stupid person

goop noun [noncount]

informal : a sticky or greasy substance

I stepped in some goop.

1goose noun, pl geese

1 [count] : any one of many different kinds of birds that swim, that are larger than ducks, and that have a long neck and webbed feet
a flock/gaggle of geese

2 [count] : a female goose compare GANDER

3 [noncount] : the meat of a goose used as food
roast goose

4 [count] informal + old-fashioned : a foolish or silly person
usually singular

You silly goose.

cook someone's goose see 2COOK

the golden goose or the goose that lays the golden egg

: something that is a very good source of money or business

The city's leaders don't want to do anything that could kill the golden goose of tourism.

what's good for the goose is good for the gander (US) or chiefly Brit what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander

used to say that one person or situation should be treated the same way that another person or situation is treated

If he can go out with his friends at night, then she should be able to, too. What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

wouldn't say boo to a goose see 1BOO
see also WILD GOOSE CHASE

2goose verb, goos·es, goosed, goos·ing [+ obj]

US informal

1 : to touch or pinch (someone) on the buttocks

2 : to increase the activity or amount of (something)

They hope the new product will help to goose (up) profits.

goose·ber·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

1 : a small green berry that has a sour taste

2 Brit, informal : an extra person who is present when two other people (such as lovers) want to be alone together
used especially in the phrase play gooseberry

He was left to play gooseberry while the other two talked and laughed all evening.

goose bumps noun [plural]

chiefly US informal : small bumps on your skin that are caused by cold, fear, or a sudden feeling of excitement

I get goose bumps every time I think about it.

It gives me goose bumps.

called also goose flesh (chiefly Brit) goose pimples

goose egg noun, pl eggs [count]

US informal : a score of zero

The two teams matched goose eggs [=they both scored no runs] for five innings.

They put another goose egg up on the scoreboard.

goose·neck noun, pl -necks [count]

: a flexible metal pipe

goose step noun [singular]

: a way of marching by kicking your legs forward very high and not bending your knees

goose-step verb, -steps, -stepped, -step·ping [no obj]

The soldiers goose-stepped past the general in the parade.

GOP noun

the GOP

: the Republican Party of the U.S.

longtime members of the GOP
often used as GOP before another noun
a GOP governor
attending the GOP convention

GOP is an abbreviation of “Grand Old Party.”

go·pher noun, pl -phers [count]

: an American animal that is similar to a large rat and that lives in the ground

gopher ball noun, pl balls [count]

baseball informal : a pitch that a batter hits for a home run
a pitcher who has thrown eight gopher balls so far this year

Gor·di·an knot noun, pl knots [count]

: a complicated and difficult problem
a Gordian knot of legal troubles

cut the Gordian knot

: to solve a difficult problem in a very direct way by doing something forceful or extreme

1gore noun [noncount]

1 : thick blood from a wound

2 : violent images or scenes that show a lot of blood

The movie contains excessive violence, gore, and profanity.

blood and gore

2gore verb, gores, gored, gor·ing [+ obj]

of an animal : to wound (a person or another animal) with a horn or tusk

The bull gored him.

usually (be) gored

He was gored by a bull.

1gorge noun, pl gorg·es [count]

1 : a deep, narrow area between hills or mountains

2

If your gorge rises you feel sick, disgusted, or angry.

My gorge rises [=I feel very angry] when I think of children living in such bad conditions.

a disgusting odor that made my gorge rise [=made me feel like vomiting]

2gorge verb, gorg·es, gorged, gorg·ing

1 : to eat large amounts of food usually + on

[no obj] We gorged on chips and cookies.

[+ obj] We gorged ourselves on chips and cookies.

2 [+ obj] : to fill (something) completely
usually used as (be) gorged
tissue gorged with blood

gor·geous adj [more ; most ]

1 : very beautiful or attractive

Your baby is absolutely gorgeous!

a gorgeous young man/woman
a gorgeous red dress

2 : very enjoyable or pleasant
gorgeous summer afternoons

gor·geous·ly adv

The book is gorgeously illustrated.

gor·geous·ness noun [noncount]

Gor·gon noun, pl -gons [count]

: any one of the three sisters in Greek mythology who had snakes for hair and who could turn anyone who looked at them into stone

Medusa the Gorgon

Gor·gon·zo·la noun [noncount]

: an Italian cheese that contains blue mold and that has a strong flavor

go·ril·la noun, pl -las [count]

1 : a type of very large ape that has black fur and that comes from Africa

2 informal : a large, strong, and usually ugly or frightening man

She hired some gorilla as her bodyguard.

800-pound gorilla

US informal : someone or something that is very powerful and difficult to control or ignore

Their company is the 800-pound gorilla of the computer industry.

gorm·less adj [more ; most ]

Brit informal : very stupid or foolish
a gormless fool

go-round noun, pl -rounds [count]

chiefly US informal : one of a series of repeated actions or events

I missed their show (on) the first go-round. [=the first time they came here]

called also go-around

gory adj, gor·i·er, -est

: having or showing a lot of violence and blood
a gory crime scene
gory horror movies

gory detail(s)

informal

To describe something in gory detail or to give (all) the gory details about something is to tell all the small details about something that is unpleasant or interesting in a shocking way.

The murder was described in gory detail.

Please, spare us the gory details. [=do not tell us all the unpleasant facts]

gosh interj
informal
used to express surprise or mild anger

“Gosh, is she OK?”

“Oh gosh, that's beautiful!”

Gosh darn it!

gos·ling noun, pl -lings [count]

: a young goose

go-slow noun, pl -slows [count]

Brit : an action in which workers protest against an employer by working slowly

gos·pel noun, pl -pels

1 or Gospel [singular] : the teachings of the Christian religion
usually used with the
preaching/spreading the Gospel [=telling people about Christianity]

2 Gospel [count] : any one of the first four books of the Christian Bible that tell of the life of Jesus Christ
a reading from the Gospel of St. John

3 [singular] : an idea or set of ideas that someone believes and often tries to make other people believe

She's always spreading/preaching the gospel of good health. [=telling people about the importance of good health]

4 [noncount] : something that is believed to be definitely true

These myths are accepted/taken as gospel [=believed to be true] by many teenagers.

I didn't do it, and that's the gospel truth. [=the absolute truth; a completely true statement]

5 [noncount] : a type of Christian music that was created by African-Americans in the southern U.S.

She sings gospel.

a gospel choir
called also gospel music

gos·sa·mer noun [noncount]

1 : a piece of a spider's web

2 literary : a very light or delicate material
a butterfly's wings of gossamer
often used before another noun
gossamer wings/petals
gossamer fabric

1gos·sip noun, pl -sips

1 [noncount]

1 a : information about the behavior and personal lives of other people

Have you heard the latest (piece of) gossip about their divorce?

He had been spreading gossip about his coworkers.

1 b : information about the lives of famous people
the latest news and gossip from the entertainment industry

She writes a gossip column in the paper.

a gossip columnist

2 [count] : a person who often talks about the private details of other people's lives

He's a terrible gossip.

3 [count] chiefly Brit : a conversation about the personal lives of other people

I like having a good gossip now and then.

gos·sipy adj [more ; most ] informal
a gossipy magazine/writer

2gossip verb, -sips, -siped, -sip·ing [no obj]

: to talk about the personal lives of other people

They spent the afternoon gossiping on the phone.

They often gossip with each other about their neighbors.

gos·sip·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a malicious gossiper

gos·sip·mon·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

disapproving : a person who enjoys talking about other people's private lives : a person who spreads gossip

got past tense and past participle of GET

1got·cha

used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase got you when it is spoken quickly

She ran after him, grabbed him by the arm, and said “Gotcha!” [=I got you; I caught you]

“We'll have to leave soon, so be ready.” “Gotcha.” [=I have got you; I understand]

The pronunciation represented by gotcha occurs only in very informal speech. The written form should be avoided except when you are trying to represent or record such speech.

2got·cha noun, pl -chas [count]

US informal : an unexpected problem or usually unpleasant surprise

The program has a few gotchas in store for unsuspecting computer users.

goth noun, pl goths

1 [noncount] : a type of rock music with words that express sad, depressing, or frightening ideas

2 [count] : a person who listens to or performs goth music, wears mostly black clothing, uses black and white makeup, and often has dyed black hair

Goth·ic adj

1 : of or relating to a style of writing that describes strange or frightening events that take place in mysterious places

Gothic novels

2 : of or relating to a style of architecture that was popular in Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries and that uses pointed arches, thin and tall walls, and large windows
a Gothic cathedral

go-to adj, always used before a noun

US informal : always helpful : producing desired results or information when needed

She's the team's go-to player [=she is the player that the team relies on] when they need to score late in the game.

He's the go-to guy in the office for tax information.

got·ta

used in writing to represent the sound of the phrase got to when it is spoken quickly

“We've gotta go.” [=we have got to go]

“I gotta [=have got to] get a new pair of shoes.”

The pronunciation represented by gotta is common in informal speech. The written form should be avoided except when you are trying to represent or record such speech.

gotten past participle of GET

Gou·da noun [noncount]

: a Dutch cheese that has a mild taste

1gouge verb, goug·es, gouged, goug·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to cut a deep hole in (something)

The lamp fell and gouged the table.

1 b : to make (a deep hole) in something

A bomb had gouged a large crater in the street.

2 US, informal : to make (someone) pay too much money for something

They feel that they are being gouged by the oil companies.

The company has been gouging [=overcharging] its customers for years.

They have been accused of price gouging. [=making their customers pay too much money]

gouge out [phrasal verb]

gouge out (something) or gouge (something) out

1 : to remove (something) by digging or cutting

The impact of the accident gouged a big piece out of the wall.

He threatened to gouge my eyes out.

2 : to make (a hole or path) by digging or cutting

The river gouged out a wide path between the mountains.

goug·er noun, pl -ers [count] chiefly US
a price gouger

2gouge noun, pl gouges [count]

1 : a metal tool with a curved, sharp end that is used to cut and shape wood

2 : a deep cut or hole

The accident left a big gouge in the side of the car.

gou·lash Brit noun

1 [noncount] : a dish of meat, vegetables, and paprika that is slowly cooked in liquid

Hungarian goulash

2 [singular] : a mixture of different things
a goulash of facts and figures

gourd noun, pl gourds [count]

: any one of several types of fruits that have a hard shell and that are used for decoration and not for eating

out of your gourd

US informal : crazy

That guy is completely out of his gourd. [=(more commonly) out of his mind]

sometimes used to give emphasis

I was bored out of my gourd. [=I was very bored]

gourd·like adj [more ; most ]

a gourdlike fruit

gour·mand noun, pl -mands [count]

: a person who loves to eat and drink : a person who eats and drinks too much

gourmet noun, pl -mets [count]

: a person who enjoys and knows a lot about good food and wine

gour·met adj, always used before a noun
a gourmet meal [=a meal of very high quality; a meal that appeals to gourmets]

gourmet foods
a gourmet cook/chef [=an excellent cook/chef who makes gourmet meals]

gout noun [noncount]

: a disease that causes painful swelling of the joints especially in the toes

gouty adj, gout·i·er, -est
gouty toes

gov abbr

1 gov. government

2 Gov. governor

Gov. Jerry Brown

3 government institution
used in Internet addresses
http://www.whitehouse.gov

gov·ern verb, -erns, -erned, -ern·ing

1 : to officially control and lead (a group of people) : to make decisions about laws, taxes, social programs, etc., for (a country, state, etc.)

[+ obj] Members of the party have governed [=ruled] the country for the last 20 years.

The tribe is governed by a 10-member council.

They want to form their own country and govern themselves.

[no obj] The scandal limited her ability to govern effectively.

How would he govern if he were elected president?

2 [+ obj] : to control the way that (something) is done

She suggested changing the state's laws governing the sale of alcohol.

The council governs fishing in the region.

3 [+ obj] : to control or guide the actions of (someone or something)

We will be studying the forces that govern the Earth's climate.

Tradition governs all aspects of their lives.

He allows himself to be governed by his emotions.

gov·ern·able adj [more ; most ]

a governable city

gov·er·nance noun [noncount]

formal : the way that a city, company, etc., is controlled by the people who run it

They have very different approaches to the governance of the city.

corporate governance

gov·ern·ess noun, pl -ess·es [count]

: a woman who is paid to care for and teach a child in the child's house

governing adj, always used before a noun

1 : controlling and making decisions for a country, organization, etc.

She is currently the leader of the governing party.

a five-member governing board/council/body

2 : controlling or guiding the actions of someone or something

Tradition is the governing factor in the lives of these people.

Their governing principle is to provide their customers with the best possible products.

see also SELF-GOVERNING

gov·ern·ment noun, pl -ments

1 [count] : the group of people who control and make decisions for a country, state, etc.

The government has been slow to react to the crisis.

She works for the federal government.

the national/central government

We need to improve relations with foreign governments.

the British government
a corrupt/powerful/weak government
often used before another noun

They have promised to reduce government spending.

a government agency/official/program
government policies and regulations

In British English, government is used with both singular and plural verbs.

The government is/are working on the problem.

see also LOCAL GOVERNMENT, STUDENT GOVERNMENT

2 [noncount]

2 a : a particular system used for controlling a country, state, etc.

He is a firm believer in democratic/representative government.

2 b : the process or manner of controlling a country, state, etc.

We learned about different methods/systems of government.

The country has been damaged by many years of weak/corrupt government.

see also BIG GOVERNMENT

gov·ern·men·tal adj
governmental agencies

The law provides governmental protection for investors.

gov·ern·men·tal·ly adv
governmentally funded programs

gov·er·nor noun, pl -nors [count]

1 or Governor : a person who is the leader of the government of a state, province, etc.

the governor of the state of Florida

Governor Jones
abbr. Gov. see also LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

2 a : a person who is part of a group of people who control a large organization, school, etc.

He was the chairman of the board of governors at the school.

2 b chiefly Brit : a person who is in charge of a school, prison, or other large organization or institution
the governor of the Bank of England
the school governor
a prison governor [=(US) warden]

3 Brit, informal : a man who has authority over other people : boss

Wait here while I get the governor.

gov·er·nor·ship noun, pl -ships

1 [noncount] : the job of a governor
a candidate for the governorship

2 [count] : the period when a person is a governor

The state has done well during her governorship.

govt. (chiefly US) or Brit govt abbr
government

gown noun, pl gowns [count]

1 : a long, formal dress that a woman wears especially during a special event

The bride wore a lovely lace wedding gown.

a red evening gown [=a gown that is worn to events in the evening]

a beautiful ball gown [=a gown that is worn to large formal parties for dancing]

2 : a loose piece of clothing that covers most of the body
a hospital gown [=a robe worn by a patient in a hospital]

see also DRESSING GOWN, NIGHTGOWN

3 : a loose piece of clothing that is worn over other clothes during an official event by a judge, a priest, a student, etc.

G.P. (chiefly US) or Brit GP abbr
general practitioner

GPA abbr

US grade point average

GPS noun [noncount]

: a radio system that uses signals from satellites to tell you where you are and to give you directions to other places

The car comes with GPS.

GPS is an abbreviation of “Global Positioning System.”

1grab verb, grabs, grabbed, grab·bing

1 : to quickly take and hold (someone or something) with your hand or arms

[+ obj] She grabbed his wrist. = She grabbed him by the wrist.

I have to go back in the house and grab my car keys.

He tried to grab the ball out of her hands. = He tried to grab it (away) from her.

He grabbed hold of a tree branch [=he grabbed a tree branch] and pulled himself out of the water.

[no obj] The little boy grabbed onto his mother's leg and wouldn't let go.

2 [+ obj] : to take or get (something) in a quick and informal way

Grab me a beer, please. = Grab a beer for me, please.

I'll grab a taxi and meet you there.

Let's grab a bite to eat before the movie starts.

Grab a seat. [=sit down] I'll be with you in a minute.

3 [+ obj] informal

3 a : to get the attention or interest of (someone or something)

The store had a lot of nice stuff, but nothing really grabbed me.

The play grabs the audience from the opening scene.

How does that grab you? [=what do you think of that idea?]

3 b : to get or be given (something, such as attention)

One player in particular has been grabbing a lot of attention lately.

A new cancer treatment grabbed (the) headlines [=it was given much attention in the news] this week.

4 [+ obj] : to take (something) usually in an unfair way

They tried to grab the largest portion of the money for themselves.

He grabbed the company (away) from its founders.

grab at/for [phrasal verb]

grab at/for (someone or something) : to quickly stretch out your hand and try to touch or hold (something or someone)

People were grabbing at her as she walked through the crowd.

He grabbed for the ball and missed.

often used figuratively

We grabbed at the chance to go.

political parties grabbing for power

grab·ber noun, pl -bers [count]

That outfit is a real attention grabber.

a headline grabber

2grab noun, pl grabs [count]

1 : a quick attempt to take or get something usually singular;
often + for

He is a member of a group that has broken away from the party's leaders in a grab for power.

a grab for attention

She made a grab for the last cookie. [=she tried to grab the last cookie]

2 : the act of taking something in a forceful or illegal way
an illegal land grab

up for grabs

: available for anyone to try to get

Several positions on the team are still up for grabs.

With the election just a few weeks away, a lot of voters are still up for grabs.

grab bag noun, pl bags [count]

US

1 : a bag that holds many small gifts and that you reach into in order to pull one out without knowing what it is compare LUCKY DIP

2 informal : a group or mixture of different things

Congress has proposed a grab bag of tax cuts.

grab·by adj, grab·bi·er, -est
informal : tending to take things in a quick and selfish way : greedy
a grabby government/corporation

You need to learn to share and not be so grabby.

1grace noun, pl grac·es

1 [noncount] : a way of moving that is smooth and attractive and that is not stiff or awkward

She walked across the stage with effortless grace.

2 a [noncount] : a controlled, polite, and pleasant way of behaving

She handles her problems with grace and dignity.

He has shown remarkable grace during this crisis.

People say you have the (good) grace to do something when they approve of what you do and consider it to be polite and proper.

She has the grace [=she is polite/nice enough] to listen to everyone's complaints.

At least he had the good grace to admit that he was wrong.

2 b graces [plural] : skills that are needed for behaving in a polite way in social situations

She is quite lovable despite her lack of social graces.

3 [noncount]

3 a : help or kindness that God gives or shows to people

Let us give thanks for God's grace.

By the grace of God, no one was seriously hurt.

People use the phrase (there) but for the grace of God (go I) to say that they could be in the same bad situation as someone else.

I saw a homeless person on the street and thought “there but for the grace of God go I.” [=I am lucky not to be homeless also]

3 b : a state of being pleasing to God

She tried to live her life in God's grace.

He died in a state of grace. [=he died after he asked God to forgive his sins]

4 [noncount] : a short prayer that is said before a meal

They asked her to say grace at dinner.

5 Grace [noncount] used as a title for a duke, a duchess, or an archbishop;
used with his, her, or your

His Grace the Duke

Yes, Your Grace.

airs and graces see 1AIR

fall from grace

If you fall from grace or experience a fall from grace, you no longer enjoy the success or good reputation that you once had, usually because you have done something wrong.

The governor fell from grace after being accused of tax fraud.

The book tells of his fall from grace.

in someone's good graces

If you are in someone's good graces, that person likes you and has a good opinion of you.

He works late to stay in his boss's good graces.

with bad/ill grace

: in a way that shows that you are not happy about something : in an unpleasant way

They agreed to the compromise with bad grace.

with good grace

: in a polite and pleasant way

She accepted his advice with good grace. [=graciously]

They lost the game with good grace.

see also COUP DE GRÂCE, SAVING GRACE

2grace verb, graces, graced, grac·ing [+ obj]

formal : to decorate or add beauty to (something)

Several marble statues grace the courtyard.

Her face has graced [=appeared on] the cover of many magazines.

grace (a person, group, etc.) with your presence

: to come to a place to be with (a person, group, etc.)

usually used humorously

He finally decided to grace us with his presence [=he finally showed up] 10 minutes after dinner started.

Will you be gracing the meeting with your presence? [=will you be coming to the meeting?]

grace·ful adj [more ; most ]

1 : moving in a smooth and attractive way

He has become a very graceful dancer.

the graceful movements of a ballerina

2 : having a smooth and pleasing shape or style

She was a graceful young woman with delicate features.

the long, graceful neck of a swan

His writing is clear and graceful.

3 : polite or kind

There was no graceful way to say no to their offer.

grace·ful·ly adv

The dancers moved gracefully across the stage.

She has aged gracefully. [=she has continued to be healthy and young looking as she has gotten older]

grace·ful·ness noun [noncount]

grace·less adj [more ; most ]

1 : awkward or clumsy
graceless movements

2 : having a style or shape that is not attractive or pleasing

Her writing can be graceless and awkward at times.

a massive, graceless building

3 : not kind or polite

She was criticized for her graceless [=rude] refusal to help.

grace·less·ly adv
a gracelessly written book

She gracelessly refused to help.

grace·less·ness noun [noncount]

the gracelessness of her refusal

grace period noun, pl -ods [count]

: an amount of extra time that someone is given to pay a bill, finish a project, etc.

The terms of the loan allow for a ten-day grace period.

gra·cious adj [more ; most ]

1 : very polite in a way that shows respect

It was very gracious [=kind, courteous] of him to offer us a place to stay.

a gracious hostess

Thank you for your gracious hospitality.

2 : having or showing the attractive things (such as charm, good taste, and comfort) that are associated with having a lot of money

The magazine promotes gracious living.

a gracious mansion

3 old-fashioned
used as an interjection to express mild surprise or for emphasis

Gracious, I never expected to see you here!

Good gracious, No.

Goodness gracious, I hope it works.

gra·cious·ly adv

He graciously offered us a place to stay.

gra·cious·ness noun [noncount]

grack·le noun, pl grack·les [count]

: a common American bird that has shiny black feathers

grad noun, pl grads [count]

US informal : graduate
college grads

grad adj, always used before a noun

He's still in grad school.

grad students [=students in graduate school]

gra·da·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: a small difference between two points or parts that can be seen in something that changes gradually
often + of
subtle gradations of color/meaning

1grade noun, pl grades [count]

1 US

1 a : a level of study that is completed by a student during one year

Our son is in (the) fourth/twelfth grade.

1 b : the students in the same year of study at a school

The fifth grade will perform their annual play this week.

2 : a number or letter that indicates how a student performed in a class or on a test

(US) I got a good grade on my math test. = (Brit) I got a good grade in my maths test.

a grade of 90 percent or better

Her grades are up/better this semester.

passing/failing grades

3 a : a particular level of quality
an expensive grade of leather
government grades for beef

3 b : a particular position or rank in an organization
junior grade officers
see also HIGH-GRADE, LOW-GRADE

4 US : a place where the ground slopes up or down : gradient
a steep six percent grade

make the grade

: to be good enough or perform well enough to succeed

Many people apply for these positions, but only a few make the grade.

2grade verb, grades, grad·ed, grad·ing [+ obj]

1 chiefly US : to give a grade to (a student or a student's work)

Students will be graded on their reading ability.

She hasn't finished grading the exams.

2 : to give a rating to (something)

How would you grade your meal on a scale from one to five?

3 : to separate (things) into groups or classes according to a particular quality

The eggs are graded according to size.

4 : to give (a surface) a desired degree of slope

They graded the new highway.

grade A adj

: of the highest quality
a grade A performance

grade point average noun, pl -ages [count]

US : a number that indicates a student's average grade abbr. GPA

grad·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 US : a student in a particular grade in school
a sixth grader [=a student in the sixth grade]

2 : a person who grades students or their work

Her students say that she's a tough/easy grader.

3 : a machine used for grading a surface
a road grader

grade school noun, pl schools [count, noncount]

US : elementary school

grade-school·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a child in elementary school

gra·di·ent noun, pl -ents [count]

: a place where the ground slopes up or down : slope
a steep gradient

grad·u·al adj [more ; most ]

1 : moving or changing in small amounts : happening in a slow way over a long period of time

We noticed a gradual change in temperature.

The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

2 : not steep
a gradual slope

grad·u·al·ly adv

The population gradually increased.

The temperature changed gradually.

The cat moved gradually forward.

1grad·u·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing

1 a [no obj] : to earn a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university

He graduated from the university last June.

They both graduated with honors.

She graduated with a degree in history.

He joined the navy after graduating from high school.

a graduating class of 300 students

In British English, graduate refers only to earning a college or university degree. In U.S. English, graduate is also used for other schools (such as high schools).

1 b [+ obj] US, of a school, college, or university : to award a degree or diploma to (a student)

usually used as (be) graduated

He was graduated from the university last June.

1 c [+ obj] US, informal : to earn a degree or diploma from (a school, college, or university)

He joined the navy after graduating high school.

2 [no obj] : to move from one level to another usually higher level

The word has graduated from slang to accepted use.

My nephew has graduated from baby food to solid food.

The former child actor has finally graduated [=moved on] to more serious roles.

2grad·u·ate noun, pl -ates [count]

: a person who has earned a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university
a college graduate

(US) a high school graduate
an engineering graduate [=a person with a degree in engineering]

recent Harvard graduates
often + of

She's a graduate of Harvard.

In British English, only a person who has earned a college or university degree is called a graduate.

3graduate adj, always used before a noun

US : of or relating to a course of studies taken at a college or university after earning a bachelor's degree or other first degree : postgraduate

He is taking graduate classes at the university.

graduate students/school

grad·u·at·ed adj, always used before a noun

1 : marked with lines for measuring
a graduated cylinder [=a tall, narrow container used for measuring liquids]

a graduated thermometer

2 a : gradually increasing
a series of bowls in graduated sizes
graduated payments

2 b of a tax : increasing in rate as the thing being taxed (such as income) increases
a graduated income tax

grad·u·a·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of receiving a diploma or degree from a school, college, or university : the act of graduating

He joined the navy after graduation.

We had a party to celebrate her graduation from high school.

2 [count] : a ceremony at which degrees or diplomas are given out

They took lots of pictures at their son's graduation.

graf·fi·ti noun [noncount]

: pictures or words painted or drawn on a wall, building, etc.

The walls of the old building are covered with graffiti.

a piece of graffiti

1graft Brit noun, pl grafts [count]

1 technical : a part of a plant that is placed on another plant in such a way that it attaches to and grows with the plant; also : the place where such an attachment is made

You will need to cut off any new shoots that grow below the graft.

2 medical : a piece of skin, muscle, or bone that is attached to a part of the body to repair a damaged area
a skin graft
also : an operation that is done to make such an attachment
perform a bone graft on the patient

compare 3GRAFT, 4GRAFT

2graft verb, grafts, graft·ed, graft·ing [+ obj]

1 a technical : to attach (a part of a plant) to another plant
a type of apple that is grown by being grafted onto/to the roots of a different species

1 b medical : to attach (a piece of skin, muscle, or bone) to a part of the body

The surgeon was able to graft skin over the scar.

2 : to make (something) become a part of (something else)

usually + onto
the difficulties of trying to graft modern technology onto traditional societies

compare 5GRAFT

3graft noun [noncount]

chiefly US : dishonest activity in which people with power (such as political leaders) use their position and influence to get money and advantages

The newspaper published a series of articles exposing graft in the city government.

compare 1GRAFT, 4GRAFT

4graft noun [noncount]

Brit informal : hard work or effort

He succeeded because of years of hard graft.

compare 1GRAFT, 3GRAFT

5graft verb, grafts, graft·ed, graft·ing [no obj]

Brit informal : to work hard : labor

He spent years grafting to get where he is today.

compare 2GRAFT

gra·ham cracker noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a slightly sweet type of cracker

grail noun, pl grails [count]

: holy grail

grain noun, pl grains

1 a [noncount] : the seeds of plants (such as wheat, corn, and rice) that are used for food
bread made from whole wheat grain

The machine grinds grain into flour.

also [count] : a single seed of wheat, corn, rice, etc.

a grain of rice

1 b : a plant that produces grain

[count] The farm grows a variety of grains.

[noncount] fields planted with grain

2 [count]

2 a : a small, hard piece of something
a grain of sand/salt
see also take (something) with a grain of salt at 1SALT

2 b : a very small amount of something

Anyone with a grain of sense knows that she's lying.

There is not a grain of truth in what he said.

3 [count]

3 a : the way the lines or fibers in something (such as wood) are arranged
usually singular

She sanded the wood in the direction of the grain.

3 b : the way that the surface of something feels when it is touched
usually singular

The wood has a fine/coarse grain.

4 [count] : a unit of weight equal to 0.0648 grams

against the grain

1

To be/go against the grain is to be different or to act in a way that is different from what is normal or usual.

It takes courage to go against the grain and stand up for what you believe in.

2

If something goes against your grain, it does not seem right or natural to you.

It goes against his grain to question the boss's judgment.

grained adj
beautifully grained wood
coarse-grained leather

grain elevator noun, pl -tors [count]

: elevator 2

grainy adj, grain·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : not smooth or fine

The mustard has a grainy texture.

He has a grainy [=rough] voice.

2 of a photograph : not clear or sharp because of having a picture formed from many dots that are large enough to be seen
a grainy photograph

grain·i·ness noun [noncount]

the graininess of the mustard/picture

gram also Brit gramme noun, pl grams [count]

: a unit of weight in the metric system that is equal to 1/1000 kilogram

gram·mar noun, pl -mars

1 : the set of rules that explain how words are used in a language

[noncount] the rules of grammar
English grammar can be hard to master.
a grammar lesson
comparing English and Japanese grammar

[count] comparing the grammars of English and Japanese

2 [noncount] : speech or writing judged by how well it follows the rules of grammar

“Him and I went” is bad/poor grammar.

I know some German, but my grammar isn't very good.

3 [count] : a book that explains the grammar rules of a language
an English grammar

gram·mar·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

: a person who knows a lot about grammar

grammar school noun, pl schools [count, noncount]

1 : a school in the U.S. for young children : elementary school

2 : a school in Britain for children over age 11 who have passed an entrance exam

gram·mat·i·cal adj

1 : of or relating to grammar
a grammatical error
grammatical rules

2 : following the rules of grammar

That sentence is not grammatical.

gram·mat·i·cal·ly adv

That sentence is grammatically incorrect.

gramme Brit spelling of GRAM

Gram·my service mark
used for a small statue that is given as an award to someone (such as a musician) who works in the business of recording music

gram·o·phone noun, pl -phones [count]

old-fashioned : record player

gramps or gramp noun, pl gramps [count]

informal : grandfather

gran noun, pl grans [count]

informal : grandmother

gra·na·ry Brit noun, pl -ries [count]

: a building in which grain is stored

1grand adj, grand·er, -est

1 : involving or including many people or things : very large in scope

He thinks everything the government does is part of some grand conspiracy.

the beauty of nature's grand design

: intended to have an important or impressive result

When they bought the house, they had grand [=big] plans for renovating it.

Something that happens or is done on a grand scale involves a great amount of money, effort, space, people, or things.

War forces us to face death on a grand scale.

Pollution affects nature on a grand scale.

2 a : impressive because of size, importance, etc.

The neighborhood includes many grand old homes.

His job is much less grand than his title makes it sound.

This room is only used for grand occasions. [=very important and formal occasions]

My great aunt lived to the grand old age of 103.

(humorous) He retired at the grand old age of 37.

2 b : intended to impress people

Despite its grand name, the hotel is small and somewhat seedy.

He made some grand statements about the company's future.

They celebrated their anniversary in grand style.

He planned to make a grand entrance, driving up to the house in a fancy red sports car.

3 always used before a noun : having higher rank than others of the same kind

We won the grand prize.

the grand champion
a Grand Duke/Duchess

4 informal : very good

We are having grand weather this summer.

We had a grand time at the picnic.

grand·ly adv

She grandly announced that the ceremony was about to begin.

2grand noun, pl grand [count]

informal : a thousand dollars or pounds

He bought a used car for about five grand.

compare 3GRAND

3grand noun, pl grands [count]

: grand piano
a concert grand

compare 2GRAND

grand·ba·by noun, pl -bies [count]

informal : a grandchild who is a baby

grand·child noun, pl -chil·dren [count]

: a child of your son or daughter

grand·dad also gran·dad noun, pl -dads [count]

informal : grandfather

grand·dad·dy also gran·dad·dy noun, pl -dies [count]

informal

1 : grandfather

2 : someone or something that is the first or oldest one in a particular area or field
usually + of

The company is the granddaddy of computer manufacturers.

grand·daugh·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a daughter of your son or daughter

grande dame noun, pl grandes dames also grande dames [count]

: a usually old woman who is highly admired or respected
often + of

She is the grande dame of the American theater.

gran·deur noun [noncount]

: a great and impressive quality

His paintings capture the beauty and grandeur of the landscape.

They are restoring the hotel to its original/former grandeur.

see also delusions of grandeur at DELUSION

grand·fa·ther noun, pl -thers [count]

: the father of your father or mother

grandfather clause noun, pl clauses [count]

US law : a part of a law which says that the law does not apply to certain people and things because of conditions that existed before the law was passed

Because of a grandfather clause, the strict emission standards only apply to new cars.

grandfather clock noun, pl clocks [count]

: a tall clock that stands on the floor

grand finale noun, pl -les [count]

: a very exciting or impressive ending of a performance or show

All of the performers came on stage for the opera's grand finale.

gran·dil·o·quent adj [more ; most ]

formal : using words that are intended to sound very impressive and important
grandiloquent language

He's fond of making grandiloquent pronouncements about art.

a grandiloquent speaker

gran·dil·o·quence noun [noncount]

gran·dil·o·quent·ly adv

gran·di·ose adj [more ; most ]

disapproving : seeming to be impressive or intended to be impressive but not really possible or practical

He was full of grandiose ideas.

grandiose plans/schemes

gran·di·ose·ly adv

grand jury noun, pl juries [count]

US law : a group of people who look at the evidence against someone who has been accused of a crime in order to decide if there should be a trial

grand·kid noun, pl -kids [count]

US informal : grandchild

grand larceny noun [noncount]

US law : the crime of stealing something that is very valuable called also grand theft compare PETIT LARCENY

grand·ma noun, pl -mas [count]

informal : grandmother

grand marshal noun, pl -shals [count]

chiefly US : a person who is honored by being made the leader of a parade

grand master noun, pl -ters [count]

: an expert player in chess who has scored very high in international competition

grand·moth·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: the mother of your father or mother

grand old man noun, pl men [count]

: a highly respected and admired man who has had a long career in a particular field
the grand old man of the American theater

grand opening noun, pl -ings [count]

: a special celebration held to mark the opening of a new business or public place (such as a park or stadium)

grand opera noun, pl -eras [count, noncount]

: serious opera in which all the words are sung

grand·pa noun, pl -pas [count]

informal : grandfather

grand·par·ent noun, pl -ents [count]

: a parent of your father or mother

grand piano noun, pl -anos [count]

: a very large piano used for concerts

Grand Prix noun, pl Grand Prix or Grands Prix [count]

: one of a series of international car races; also : a similar race or competition in another sport (such as sailing)

grand slam noun, pl slams [count]

1 baseball : a home run that is hit with three runners on base

2 or Grand Slam : the achievement of winning of all the major events of a sport (such as tennis or golf) in one season
usually singular
a golfer trying to win the Grand Slam

3 : the achievement of winning of all the tricks in one hand of a card game (such as bridge)

He made a grand slam.

grand·son noun, pl -sons [count]

: a son of your son or daughter

1grand·stand noun, pl -stands [count]

: a usually roofed structure with seats for people to sit on while they are watching a race or sporting event

2grandstand adj, always used before a noun

US : done in a way that is intended to impress the people who are watching

The outfielder made a grandstand play out of what should have been a routine catch.

3grandstand verb, -stands, -stand·ed, -stand·ing [no obj]

US disapproving : to behave or speak in a way that is intended to impress people and to get public approval
a politician who grandstands to the public = a grandstanding politician

grand·stand·er noun, pl -ers [count]

grandstanding noun [noncount]

He has been accused of political grandstanding.

grand theft noun [noncount]

US law : grand larceny

grand total noun, pl -tals [count]

: a final total reached by adding together other total amounts
usually singular

They have managed to raise a grand total of $15 million in the past two years.

Grand total is often used in a humorous or critical way to refer to a total that is unusually small.

A grand total of two people have signed up for the class.

They scored a grand total of three points in the first quarter.

grand tour noun, pl tours [count]

1 or Grand Tour : a journey to the different countries of Europe that in the past was part of the education of wealthy young people from Britain and the U.S.

2 : a tour that is given to show people around a place

They offered to give us a/the grand tour of their new house.

gran·ite noun [noncount]

: a very hard type of rock that is used in buildings and monuments

gran·ny also gran·nie noun, pl -nies [count]

informal : grandmother

granny flat noun, pl flats [count]

Brit : in-law apartment

granny knot noun, pl knots [count]

: a type of knot that looks similar to a square knot but is much less strong

gra·no·la noun, pl -las [count, noncount]

chiefly US : a mixture of oats and other ingredients (such as brown sugar, raisins, coconut, or nuts) that is eaten especially for breakfast or as a snack
a bowl of granola
a granola bar [=a bar of granola that is eaten as a snack]

1grant Brit verb, grants, grant·ed, grant·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to agree to do, give, or allow (something asked for or hoped for)

The mayor refused to grant my request for an interview.

The court granted the motion for a new trial.

She granted me an interview. [=she agreed to let me interview her]

She rarely grants interviews. [=she rarely agrees to be interviewed]

I cannot grant you that wish.

1 b : to give (something) legally or formally

The government has agreed to grant the refugees asylum. = The government has agreed to grant asylum to the refugees.

We haven't yet been granted access to the archive.

The country was granted independence in 1950.

The judge granted custody of the children to their mother.

see also grant bail at 1BAIL

2 : to admit (something) although it does not agree with or support your opinion

I grant that he's a talented writer, but I just don't find his books very interesting.

The house is not in perfect condition, I grant you [=I admit that the house is not in perfect condition], but it's still a great deal.

The house is not perfect, I grant you that.

often used in the form granted or granting to introduce a clause

Granted that she's been under a lot of stress lately, her behavior is still surprising. [=I admit that she has been under a lot of stress lately, but I am still surprised by her behavior]

Even granting that you may be right [=even if you are right], I still think we need to consider other solutions.

often used in the form granted as an adverb

Granted, the house is not in perfect condition, but it's still a great deal.

“The house is not in very good condition.” “Granted [=I admit that what you say is true]but it's still a great deal.”

take for granted

1 take (something) for granted : to believe or assume that (something) is true or probably true without knowing that it is true

We took our invitation to the party for granted. = We took it for granted that we'd be invited to the party. [=we assumed we'd be invited and did not think about the possibility that we wouldn't be]

2 take (someone or something) for granted : to fail to properly notice or appreciate (someone or something that is helpful or important to you)

We often take our freedom for granted.

Being apart from my family for so long has made me realize that I've been taking them for granted.

I'm tired of being taken for granted.

2grant noun, pl grants [count]

1 : an amount of money that is given to someone by a government, a company, etc., to be used for a particular purpose (such as scientific research)

Her study is being funded by a federal grant.

a research grant

They wrote a grant proposal to get funding for the project.

2 : an area of land that is given to someone by a government
a land grant

gran·u·lar adj [more ; most ]

: made of or appearing to be made of small pieces or granules
granular rock
fruit with a granular [=grainy] texture
a granular [=bumpy] leather surface

gran·u·lat·ed adj

: formed into small grains or pieces
granulated sugar

gran·ule noun, pl -ules [count]

: a small grain or piece of something
coffee granules
salt/sugar granules

grape noun, pl grapes [count]

: a green, dark red, or purplish-black berry that is used to make wine or is eaten as a fruit
a bunch of seedless grapes
see also SOUR GRAPES

grape·fruit noun, pl grapefruit or grapefruits [count, noncount]

: a large yellow citrus fruit

grape·vine noun, pl -vines [count]

1 : a climbing plant on which grapes grow

2 : an informal way of spreading information or rumors through conversation
usually singular

The office grapevine isn't always a reliable source of information.

I heard about the new position through the grapevine.

The word on the grapevine is that a new treatment has been discovered.

1graph Brit noun, pl graphs [count]

: a drawing that uses a series of dots, lines, etc., to show how much or how quickly something changes

She drew/plotted a graph showing the rise and fall in temperature during the month.

2graph verb, graphs, graphed, graph·ing [+ obj]

mathematics : to show (something) with a graph

Students were asked to graph each equation.

-graph Brit noun combining form

1 : something that is written or drawn
an autograph

2 : a machine that records or sends information
a seismograph
a telegraph

1graph·ic adj

1 [more ; most ] : shown or described in a very clear way
used especially to refer to things that are unpleasant or shocking

The reporter provided a graphic account of the plane crash.

The movie was controversial because of its graphic [=explicit] violence.

graphic sex
graphic language

2 always used before a noun : relating to the artistic use of pictures, shapes, and words especially in books and magazines
graphic design
a graphic artist/designer

2graphic noun, pl -ics

1 graphics [plural] : pictures or images on the screen of a computer, television, etc.

computer graphics

2 [count] : a picture, drawing, or graph used as a decoration or to make something (such as magazine article) easier to understand

She illustrated her talk with a graphic showing state population growth.

graph·i·cal adj
technical

1 : relating to or involving pictures, shapes, or letters especially on the screen of a computer
a graphical computer display
see also GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

2 : using a drawing (called a graph) to show how much or how quickly something changes
a graphical representation of rainfall amounts

graph·i·cal·ly adv

1 : in a very clear way that usually includes unpleasant or shocking details

The crash was graphically described.

2 : in a graph

The information was presented graphically.

graphical user interface noun, pl -faces [count]

: a program that allows a person to work easily with a computer by using a mouse to point to small pictures and other elements on the screen abbr. GUI

graphic novel noun, pl -els [count]

: cartoon drawings that tell a story and are published as a book

graph·ite noun [noncount]

: a shiny black substance that is used in pencils

graph paper noun, pl -ers [count]

: paper that is covered with squares formed by lines that run from top to bottom and side to side

-graphy noun combining form

: a way of writing or showing something
photography
cartography
mammography

grap·ple verb, grap·ples, grap·pled, grap·pling [no obj]

1 : to hold and fight with another person

The wrestlers grappled [=wrestled] on the mat.

usually + with

The wrestlers grappled with each other.

2 : to try to solve a problem : to deal with a problem

+ with

Every parent has to grapple with [=cope with] a variety of serious issues.

The company has been grappling with supply problems.

grap·pler noun, pl -plers [count]

a famous grappler [=wrestler]

1grasp Brit verb, grasps, grasped, grasp·ing [+ obj]

1 : to take and hold (something) with your fingers, hands, etc.

I grasped the end of the rope and pulled as hard as I could.

I grasped the rope by its end.

His arthritis is so bad he can barely grasp a pencil.

often used figuratively

We need to grasp [=seize] this opportunity while we can.

2 : to understand (something that is complicated or difficult)

They failed to grasp [=comprehend] the importance of talking to their children about the dangers of taking drugs.

They don't (fully) grasp the implications of these changes.

grasp at [phrasal verb]

grasp at (something) : to try to take or get (something) in an eager or desperate way

They were ready to grasp at any possible solution.

He grasped at the opportunity to speak with her.

grasp at straws see STRAW

grasp for [phrasal verb]

grasp for (something) : to try in a desperate or awkward way to get (something)

His sudden decision to quit the race has left his supporters grasping for explanations.

grasping for attention

grasp the nettle see 2NETTLE

grasp·able Brit adj
an easily graspable idea

2grasp noun [singular]

1 : a usually strong hold

I kept a firm grasp on the rope. [=I held the rope firmly with my hand]

The ball slipped/fell from her grasp. [=she dropped the ball]

2 : an understanding of something

She has a good/firm/thorough grasp of mathematics. [=she understands mathematics well]

The author shows a weak/feeble/shaky grasp of military strategy.

His motives are beyond my grasp. [=I can't understand his motives]

We're still trying to get a grasp on [=to gain a good understanding of] the situation.

3 a : the distance that can be reached by your arms and hands : reach

The books on the top shelf are just beyond my grasp.

She moved the toy to within the baby's grasp.

He tried to grab the rolling ball, but it eluded his grasp. [=he could not reach it]

3 b : the ability to get or find something

Success is almost within our grasp. [=we are very close to success]

She felt the solution was within her grasp.

4 : power or control

The land was in the grasp [=grip] of a tyrant.

He had the country in his grasp.

grasping Brit adj [more ; most ]

: wanting money and possessions too much : greedy

Her grasping children fought over her property when she died.

1grass Brit noun, pl grass·es

1 a [noncount] : plants that have narrow green leaves, that are eaten by cows, sheep, horses, etc., and that are commonly grown on lawns and in gardens
a field of grass
blades/tufts of grass

It's time to mow/cut the grass. [=mow/cut the lawn]

Keep off the grass. [=don't walk on the lawn]

often used before another noun
grass clippings
grass seed
a grass hut/skirt [=a hut/skirt made from grass]

1 b [count] : a particular type of grass
ornamental grasses
wild grasses

2 [noncount] slang : marijuana

They were smoking some grass.

3 [count] Brit slang : a person who gives information to the police about the criminal activity of other people : a police informer see also SUPERGRASS

let the grass grow under your feet

: to wait before doing something or to do something slowly
used in negative statements

He has never been one to let the grass grow under his feet. [=he has never been slow about doing things; he gets things done quickly]

put (someone) out to grass

Brit : to force (someone) to leave a job because of old age

I'm not ready to be put out to grass [=put out to pasture] just yet.

the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)

used to say that the things you do not have always seem more appealing than the things you do have

grass·like Brit adj
grasslike vegetation

grassy Brit adj, grass·i·er, -est
a grassy field

2grass verb, grasses, grassed, grass·ing [+ obj]

: to cover (an area) with grass
a large grassed area
often + over

The land was cleared and grassed over.

grass on/up [phrasal verb]

grass on (someone) also grass (someone) up Brit slang : to tell the police about the criminal activity of (someone)

He refused to grass on [=inform on] his friends.

Someone grassed him up.

grass·hop·per Brit noun, pl -pers [count]

: a plant-eating insect that has long legs used for jumping

grass·land Brit noun, pl -lands [count, noncount]

: land covered with grasses and other soft plants but not with bushes and trees

grass roots noun [plural]

: the ordinary people in a society or organization : the people who do not have a lot of money and power

He has been criticized for losing touch with the party's grass roots.

Many people in/at the grass roots are still angry about the election.

grass·roots Brit adj, always used before a noun

A grassroots environmental movement has sprung up.

The young candidate hoped to gather votes at the grassroots level in his own neighborhood.

1grate noun, pl grates [count]

: a metal frame with bars across it that is used in a fireplace or to cover an opening

2grate verb, grates, grat·ed, grat·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cut (food) into very small pieces by rubbing it against a special tool (called a grater)

I'll beat the eggs while you grate the cheese.

grate chocolate/carrots

The recipe calls for half a cup of grated cheese.

2 [no obj] : to make a harsh, unpleasant noise by rubbing against something
metal grating against metal

I hear a loud grating sound whenever I step on the brake.

3 [no obj] : to have an annoying effect

His negative attitude begins to grate after a while. [=his attitude becomes very irritating after a while]

often + on

His negative attitude is starting to grate on me. [=starting to bother or irritate me]

Her shrill voice can really grate on your nerves/ear.

grating adj [more ; most ]

She has a very grating [=annoying, irritating] voice.

G-rat·ed adj

US of a movie : having a rating of G : suitable to be seen by children : having no violence, offensive language, or sexual activity
a G-rated film
often used figuratively

She's an actress with a G-rated public image. [=people think she is a wholesome person]

some G-rated fun for the whole family

grate·ful adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing thanks

She was grateful (that) she didn't have to work on the holiday.

the grateful [=thankful] recipient of a new heart

The college sent us a grateful acknowledgment of our donation.

: feeling or showing thanks to someone for some helpful act

I'm grateful to you for your help.

He's grateful for the attention.

I'm grateful (to you) for this opportunity. = I'm grateful to have this opportunity. = I'm grateful that I have this opportunity.

a grateful smile
opposite UNGRATEFUL

grate·ful·ly adv

The college gratefully [=thankfully] acknowledges your donation.

grate·ful·ness noun [noncount]

expressing my gratefulness [=(more commonly) gratitude] for this opportunity

grat·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a tool that has a rough metal surface with small holes and is used to cut food into small pieces
a cheese grater

grat·i·fy verb, -fies, -fied, -fy·ing [+ obj]

formal

1 : to make (someone) happy or satisfied

A guilty verdict would gratify the victim's relatives.

It gratifies [=pleases] me to see how well the book is doing.

often used as (be) gratified

He's gratified by the response he's been getting.

2 : to do or give whatever is wanted or demanded by (someone or something)

He's only concerned with gratifying his own desires.

gratify a whim

I'll be happy to gratify [=satisfy] your curiosity.

grat·i·fi·ca·tion noun, pl -tions [noncount]

He's only concerned with selfish gratification of his own desires.

[count]

Her life now offers few gratifications. [=few sources of satisfaction or pleasure]

gratified adj [more ; most ]

He's very/highly gratified that his students have done so well.

She was gratified to see her ideas become so widely accepted.

gratifying adj [more ; most ]

: giving pleasure or satisfaction

It was a gratifying victory.

The response has been gratifying.

It's been very gratifying (to me) to see how well the book has done.

grat·i·fy·ing·ly adv

gra·tin Brit noun, pl -tins [count]

: a dish that has bread crumbs or cheese on top and is cooked in an oven see also AU GRATIN

grat·ing noun, pl -ings [count]

: a frame with bars across it that is used to cover an opening

gra·tis adv

used to indicate that no money is paid for something

The food was supplied gratis [=for free; at no cost; without charge] by a local caterer.

gratis adj

The food was gratis. [=free]

gratis hotel accommodations

grat·i·tude Brit noun [noncount]

: a feeling of appreciation or thanks

Let me express my sincere gratitude for all your help.

We remember with gratitude those who died defending our country.

We owe them a debt of gratitude [=we should be grateful to them] for all the help they've given us.

opposite INGRATITUDE

gra·tu·i·tous Brit adj [more ; most ]

formal : not necessary or appropriate

The film was criticized for its gratuitous violence.

gratuitous insults

gra·tu·i·tous·ly adv
a gratuitously violent film

gra·tu·i·tous·ness noun [noncount]

gra·tu·i·ty Brit noun, pl -ties [count]

1 formal : an amount of money given to a person (such as a waiter or waitress) who has performed a service : tip

A 15 percent gratuity is automatically added to the restaurant bill.

2 Brit : an amount of money given to a retiring soldier or employee

1grave noun, pl graves [count]

1 : a hole in the ground for burying a dead body
dig a grave

The casket was lowered into the grave.

He was buried in a shallow grave.

We went to the cemetery to visit my aunt's grave. [=to visit the place where my aunt's body is buried]

A headstone marks her son's grave.

grave robbers [=people who dig up a buried body to steal the things that were buried with it]

When people think that a dead person would be very shocked or upset to see something that is happening now, they say that person is or must be turning/spinning in his/her grave or US turning over in his/her grave or US rolling (over) in his/her grave.

The company founder must be turning in his grave because of the changes we've made.

2
used to talk about death

She took her secrets with her to the grave. [=she died without telling anyone her secrets]

He believes that there is life beyond the grave. [=that there is life after death]

A hard life drove him to an early grave. [=caused him to die when he was fairly young]

She went to her grave [=she died] a lonely and bitter woman.

dig your own grave see 1DIG

from (the) cradle to (the) grave see 1CRADLE

have one foot in the grave see 1FOOT

2grave adj, grav·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 formal : very serious : requiring or causing serious thought or concern

This violation of school rules is a grave matter.

His carelessness could have grave consequences.

They have placed themselves in grave danger.

I have grave doubts about this plan.

suffering from a grave illness

2 : serious and formal in appearance or manner

The judge issued his ruling with a grave expression.

3 /grv/ of an accent mark : having the form `

The French word père is written with a grave accent over the first e.

compare ACUTE 7

grave·ly adv

My mother is gravely [=seriously] ill.

He shook his head gravely.

grave·dig·ger noun, pl -gers [count]

: a person whose job it is to dig graves

grav·el noun [noncount]

: small pieces of rock
a layer of gravel
often used before another noun
a gravel road [=a road with a top surface made of gravel]

a gravel pit [=a large hole in the ground where gravel has been dug up]

grav·el·ly adj [more ; most ]

1 : containing or covered with gravel
gravelly soil

2 : having a rough sound
a gravelly voice

grav·en image noun, pl -ages [count]

: an object (such as a statue) that is worshipped as a god or in place of a god

grave·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

: a stone that marks the place where a dead person is buried and that usually has the person's name and birth and death dates on it : headstone, tombstone

grave·yard noun, pl -yards [count]

1 : a place where people are buried : cemetery

Graveyard usually refers to a small cemetery, such as one that is next to a church.

2 : a place where old things are left or thrown away
an automobile graveyard

whistle past the graveyard see 2WHISTLE

graveyard shift noun, pl shifts [count]

chiefly US : a scheduled period of work that begins late at night and ends in the morning

grav·i·tas noun
formal : a very serious quality or manner

[noncount] The new leader has an air of gravitas that commands respect.

a comic actress who lacks the gravitas for dramatic roles

[singular] The new leader has a certain gravitas.

grav·i·tate verb, -tates, -tat·ed, -tat·ing [no obj]

1 : to move or tend to move to or toward someone or something

The guests gravitated toward the far side of the room.

The conversation gravitated to/toward politics.

2 : to be attracted to or toward something or someone

Voters have started gravitating to him as a possible candidate.

Many young people now gravitate toward careers in the computer industry.

grav·i·ta·tion noun [noncount]

1 technical : the natural force that causes things to fall towards the earth : gravity

2 : movement to or toward someone or something
the gravitation of young people to/toward computer careers

grav·i·ta·tion·al adj, technical
the Earth's gravitational field

grav·i·ta·tion·al·ly adv, technical

grav·i·ty noun [noncount]

1 : a very serious quality or condition : the condition of being grave or serious

They didn't seem to understand the gravity [=seriousness] of the situation.

He uttered the oath with proper gravity. [=solemnity]

2 technical : the natural force that tends to cause physical things to move towards each other : the force that causes things to fall towards the Earth
attempting to defy gravity
the force of gravity
see also CENTER OF GRAVITY

gra·vy noun, pl -vies

1 [count, noncount] : a sauce made from the juices of cooked meat
mashed potatoes with gravy
a gravy boat [=a container for serving gravy]

2 [noncount] chiefly US, informal : something valuable or pleasing that is more than what is earned or expected

The bonus he received in addition to his salary was pure gravy.

gravy train noun, pl trains [count]

informal : something (such as a business or a government program) that provides money to many people without requiring much work or effort

They're trying to get on board the gravy train.

ride the gravy train

1gray (US) or chiefly Brit grey adj, gray·er, -est

1 : having a color between black and white : having a color that is like the color of smoke
a gray sweater/suit
gray hair

2 : having gray hair

What will you do when you are old and gray?

My friends have all gone gray.

3 : lacking brightness: such as

3 a : cloudy and dark

It was a gray winter day.

a cold, gray dawn

3 b : very boring or ordinary
leading a gray existence

3 c : having or showing little life or energy
the gray faces of the people in the crowd

gray·ness (US) or chiefly Brit grey·ness noun [noncount]

the grayness of the dawn

2gray (US) or chiefly Brit grey noun, pl grays

1 [count, noncount] : a color that is between black and white : a color that is like the color of smoke
wearing gray
shades of gray

2 [count] : something (such as an animal) that is gray

gray·ish (US) or chiefly Brit grey·ish adj

3gray (US) or chiefly Brit grey verb, grays, grayed, gray·ing [no obj]

1 : to become gray

His hair is graying. = He has graying hair.

2 : to become older

The population is graying.

gray area noun, pl areas [count]

: an area or situation in which it is difficult to judge what is right and what is wrong

There are no gray areas in the rules.

a legal gray area

gray matter noun [noncount]

: the tissue that makes up the brain
often used figuratively to refer to a person's intelligence

His books are enjoyable, but they don't do much to challenge the reader's gray matter. [=intelligence]

1graze verb, graz·es, grazed, graz·ing

1 a of an animal : to eat grass or other plants that are growing in a field, pasture, etc.

[no obj] The cattle grazed (on grass) in the field.

grazing cattle

[+ obj] Fields grazed by cattle.

1 b [+ obj] : to cause (animals) to graze

We grazed our cattle on the front pasture.

2 [no obj] : to eat small amounts of food at many times during the day

She was grazing on snacks all afternoon.

compare 2GRAZE

2graze verb, grazes, grazed, grazing [+ obj]

1 : to touch or hit (something) while moving past it

The car's wheel grazed the curb.

He was grazed by a bullet.

2 : to injure (the skin, a part of the body, etc.) by scraping against something

She grazed her knee when she fell.

compare 1GRAZE

3graze noun, pl grazes [count]

: an injury on your skin that is caused because it moves against something

She had a slight graze on her knee from falling.

1grease noun [noncount]

1 : melted animal fat
hamburger/bacon grease

2 : an oily substance
axle grease
see also ELBOW GREASE

a/the squeaky wheel gets the grease see 1WHEEL

2grease verb, greas·es, greased, greas·ing [+ obj]

: to put a thin layer of grease or oil on (something)

Grease the pan before you put the cake batter in.

grease the palm of (someone) or US grease the hand of (someone)

: to give (someone) money for doing something illegal or dishonest for you

They had to grease the palms of a few inspectors at city hall to get the permits they needed to start building.

like greased lightning see 1LIGHTNING

grease monkey noun, pl -keys [count]

informal : a person who repairs machines (such as car engines) : mechanic

Grease monkey is usually considered an insulting word.

grease·paint noun [noncount]

: makeup worn by actors in the theater

grease·proof paper noun [noncount]

Brit : wax paper

greasy adj, greas·i·er, -est

1 a : covered with grease or oil : dirty from grease or oil
greasy clothes/hair/fingers

1 b chiefly Brit : wet and slippery
greasy roads

2 : containing or cooked with a large amount of fat

My doctor told me to avoid greasy food.

greasy potato chips

greasy spoon noun, pl spoons [count]

informal : a small and cheap restaurant

We ate at some greasy spoon near the bus station.

1great adj, great·er, -est

1 a : very large in size : very big
all creatures great and small
usually used before a noun
a great beast

We were surprised by the great size of the auditorium.

They traveled through a great stretch of wilderness.

a great cloud of smoke

A great crowd had formed in the city square.

the Great Wall of China
the Great Lakes

(US) The house has a large great room. [=a large room used for several different purposes]

(informal) They live in a great big house. [=a very large house]

(chiefly Brit) a huge/whopping great elephant

1 b
used in the names of animals that are larger than similar animals
the great white shark
the great horned owl

2 : very large in amount or extent

The project will require a great amount of time and money.

He lived to a great age. [=he lived to be very old]

The show was a great [=big, huge] success.

It's been a great [=long] while since we last saw them.

He amassed a great [=large] fortune.

The building was restored at great expense.

a great quantity of fish

He explained in great [=much] detail how they had met.

These topics need to be discussed in greater [=more] depth and at greater length.

Our speed/strength/power became greater (and greater) as we went on.

He made a great deal of money. [=he made a large amount of money]

Things could be a great deal worse. [=things could be much worse]

He is supported by the great majority of voters. [=by most voters]

3 a : very strong

The low cost of these products gives them great appeal.

There is a very great need for reform.

They're in no great hurry to finish.

There is a great demand for his services.

She takes a great [=considerable] interest in everything her children do.

an actress of great charm
with great [=strongly felt] sadness/admiration/love

Is there any love greater than that between parent and child?

The whole matter must be treated with great care. [=very carefully]

His comments are true to a great extent. [=most of his comments are true]

This new tax affects everyone to a greater or lesser degree/extent. [=to some degree/extent]

3 b
used for emphasis before a noun that describes someone

I've always been a great admirer of his work. [=I have always admired his work very much]

They are great friends. [=they are very friendly]

I'm a great believer in the value of patience. [=I believe very much in the value of patience]

3 c : very important

This room is only used for great occasions. [=grand occasions, very important and formal occasions]

3 d : very bad : very extreme or severe

The storm caused great damage/destruction.

He was obviously in great pain/discomfort.

She has suffered a great loss.

It would be a great mistake to ignore these problems.

a great disaster/misfortune
great difficulties
a very great error

4 : better than good: such as

4 a : of the highest quality
great (works of) art/literature
great music

4 b : very important and admired
a great poet/artist
a great leader/scientist/thinker/woman

He was a great but flawed man.

a great discovery/invention
great achievements

4 c : very talented or successful

My brother is a great golfer.

She's a great judge of character.

My brother is great at (playing) golf. [=my brother plays golf very well]

She is great at Chinese cooking.

4 d informal : very enjoyable, favorable, etc. : excellent

“How was the movie?” “It was (really) great!”

It was the greatest.

The movie got great reviews.

We are having great weather this summer.

We had a great time on our vacation.

a great party/lecture/performance
an actress with great [=very good-looking] legs

It's great to see you again. = It's great seeing you again.

This restaurant is great for a quick meal. = This is a great restaurant for a quick meal.

The food tastes great!

Great work, everybody!

“I've passed the exam!” “That's great!”

often used in the phrases feel great and look great

You look great in that hat. = That hat looks great on you.

Things aren't looking so great at this point.

He came home early because he wasn't feeling too great. [=he wasn't feeling well]

I feel great just being with her!

sometimes used in an ironic way to describe something that is very bad or upsetting

“I can't find the tickets.” “That's (just) great! What are we supposed to do now?”

Oh, great. Now I've lost the tickets.

5 always used before a noun : more distant in a family relationship by one generation

My great aunt/uncle is my father's/mother's aunt/uncle.

usually used in combination

My great-grandfather is my grandfather's father.

My great-great-grandmother is my great-grandfather's mother.

a gift sent to Great-Uncle Mike

a great one for
informal

If you are a great one for (doing) something, you do it often or enjoy doing it very much.

He's a great one for (playing) golf.

She's a great one for getting other people to do her work.

go great guns see 1GUN

go to great pains see 1PAIN

great with child
old-fashioned + literary : pregnant

no great shakes see 2SHAKE

great·ness noun [noncount]

the greatness of the need for reform

Shakespeare achieved true/real/genuine greatness as a writer.

2great adv, greater, -est
informal : very well

We had some problems at first, but now things are going just great.

Keep up the good work. You're doing great!

3great noun, pl greats [count]

: a very successful or admired person
usually plural

She is among the greats of literature.

He is one of the all-time greats in baseball.

great ape noun, pl apes [count]

: 1ape 1

Great Dane noun, pl Danes [count]

: a very large type of dog

Great·er adj

: consisting of a central city and the surrounding areas that are connected with it
always used before the name of a place

Greater London

Greater New York

Greater Tokyo

great·ly adv [more ; most ]

: to a great extent or degree : very much

She has contributed greatly to our success.

They don't seem to be greatly bothered by the delay.

I've always admired his work greatly. = I've always greatly admired his work.

Great Power noun, pl Powers [count]

: a very powerful country

Great Scott interj
old-fashioned
used to express surprise

Great Scott, is it that late already?!

Gre·cian adj

: of or relating to ancient Greece
a Grecian sculpture/urn

greed noun [noncount]

: a selfish desire to have more of something (especially money)

He was a ruthless businessman, motivated by naked ambition and greed.

corporate greed
sometimes + for

He made no effort to conceal his greed for money and power.

greedy adj, greed·i·er, -est

1 : having or showing a selfish desire to have more of something (such as money or food) : having greed

He was a ruthless and greedy businessman.

There's no need to get greedythere's plenty for everyone.

He blames all his problems on greedy lawyers.

often + for

The children were greedy for more candy.

greedy for money

2 : very eager to have something

+ for

He was greedy for a promotion.

The company is greedy for publicity.

greed·i·ly adv

She greedily insisted on special benefits at work.

eating and drinking greedily

greed·i·ness noun [noncount]

I was surprised by the children's greediness.

Greek noun, pl Greeks

1 [count]

1 a : a person born, raised, or living in Greece
the ancient Greeks
modern Greeks

1 b : a person whose family is from Greece

2 [noncount] : the language of the Greeks

In informal English you can describe something that you do not understand by saying It's (all) Greek to me.

Greek adj

Greek culture/mythology
the Greek alphabet [=the alphabet used for writing Greek]

1green adj, green·er, -est

1 : having the color of growing grass
green leaves
a green sweater

2 a : covered by green grass or other plants
green fields

2 b : consisting of green plants or of the leaves of plants
a green salad

3 : feeling envy
usually used in the phrase green with envy

His brother's success made him green with envy.

4 a : not ripe yet
green tomatoes

4 b : not having training, knowledge, or experience
green troops

When she arrived at the company she was still very green but eager to learn.

5 informal : having a pale or sick appearance

Our flight hit some turbulence, and half the passengers started turning green.

often used in the phrase green around/about the gills

The passengers were looking green around the gills.

6 : trying to protect or meant to protect the natural world : concerned with protecting the environment

She only buys products from green companies.

companies that use green practices [=companies that do things in a way that helps to protect the environment]

finding greener methods of waste disposal

greener pastures see 1PASTURE

green·ish adj
greenish eyes

green·ness noun [noncount]

the greenness of the leaves/troops

2green noun, pl greens

1 : a color that is like the color of growing grass

[noncount] shades of green

[count] a mixture of blues and greens

2 greens [plural] : the leaves of plants used for food
turnip greens
salad greens

3 [count]

3 a : a large area covered with growing grass in the center of a town or village

The town green was the center of activity.

3 b golf : an area covered with very short grass around the hole into which the ball must be played

It took him four shots to get to the green.

called also putting green

4 or Green [count] : a person who tries to protect the natural world; especially : a person who belongs to a political party that has the protection of the environment as its main goal

green·back noun, pl -backs [count]

informal : a piece of U.S. paper money

green bean noun, pl beans [count]

: a type of bean whose long green seed cases are eaten as a vegetable when they are young and tender compare STRING BEAN

green card noun, pl cards [count]

: a card indicating that a person from a foreign country can live and work in the U.S.

green·ery noun [noncount]

: green leaves or plants

The restaurant was adorned with greenery.

the lush greenery of the islands

green-eyed monster noun

the green-eyed monster
informal : jealousy thought of as a monster that bites or attacks people

She was bitten by the green-eyed monster. [=she became jealous]

The green-eyed monster reared its (ugly) head [=I became jealous] when my ex-wife began dating someone else.

green fingers noun [plural]

Brit : an unusual ability to make plants grow

She has green fingers. [=(US) a green thumb]

green·fly noun, pl green·flies or greenfly [count]

Brit : a type of small, green insect that damages plants

green·gro·cer noun, pl -cers [count]

chiefly Brit : a person who works in or owns a store that sells fresh vegetables and fruit

I bought the fruit from the greengrocer. = I bought the fruit at the greengrocer's.

green·horn noun, pl -horns [count]

informal : a person who lacks experience and knowledge

He's not the most sophisticated businessman you'll ever meet, but he's no greenhorn.

1green·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a building or part of a building that has glass walls and a glass roof and that is used for growing plants

2greenhouse adj, always used before a noun

: relating to or caused by the warming of the Earth's atmosphere that is caused by air pollution : relating to or caused by the greenhouse effect
greenhouse warming
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases [=gases that cause the greenhouse effect]

greenhouse effect noun

the greenhouse effect

: the warming of the Earth's atmosphere that is caused by air pollution

The greenhouse effect occurs when warmth from the sun is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere by a layer of gases (such as carbon dioxide) and water vapor.

green light noun

the green light

: permission to start or continue something (such as a project)

His boss finally gave him the green light [=the go-ahead] to start the new project.

green onion noun, pl -ions [count]

US : a young onion that is pulled from the ground before the bulb has become large called also (US) scallion (chiefly Brit) spring onion

Green Paper noun, pl -pers [count]

Brit : a government document that suggests solutions to a problem and that is intended to cause discussion before a law is made compare WHITE PAPER

green pepper noun, pl -pers [count]

: a type of hollow vegetable (called a pepper) that is green and that is eaten raw or cooked

green·room noun, pl -rooms [count]

: a room in a theater or television studio where performers can relax before or after they perform

green·sward noun, pl -swards [count]

old-fashioned + literary : an area of ground that is covered with green grass

green tea noun [noncount]

: a type of tea that is light in color

green thumb noun [singular]

US : an unusual ability to make plants grow

Thanks to my mother's green thumb [=(Brit) green fingers], we usually had vegetables fresh from the garden.

green-thumbed adj
a green-thumbed gardener

Green·wich mean time noun [singular]

: the time in Greenwich, England, that is used as the basis of standard time throughout the world called also (US) Greenwich time

greet verb, greets, greet·ed, greet·ing [+ obj]

1 : to meet (someone who has just arrived) with usually friendly and polite words and actions : welcome

My husband greeted our guests at the door.

She greeted him warmly.

She greeted him with open arms.

2 : to react to (someone or something) in a specified way
often + with

Her idea was greeted with enthusiasm.

3 : to appear to (someone who has just arrived) : to be seen or experienced by (someone)

A chaotic scene greeted them.

often used as (be) greeted

We were greeted by a snowstorm when we arrived at the airport.

greet·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone who greets people as they enter a place

He was hired as a professional greeter, welcoming customers to the store.

greeting noun, pl -ings

1 : something that is said or done to show people that you are happy to meet or see them

[count] He addressed the members of the delegation with a formal greeting.

The delegates exchanged greetings.

[noncount] He held out his hand in greeting. [=as a way to greet someone]

2 [count] : a message that expresses good wishes to someone
usually plural

My sister sends you greetings.

holiday/season's greetings

greeting card noun, pl cards [count]

US : a decorated card with a message of good wishes that is sent or given to someone on a special occasion
holiday greeting cards
called also (Brit) greetings card

greetings interj

used to greet someone who has just arrived

Greetings! I'm glad you were able to come.

gre·gar·i·ous adj [more ; most ]

1 : enjoying the company of other people

She is outgoing and gregarious.

a gregarious personality

2 biology : tending to live in groups
gregarious animals

gre·gar·i·ous·ly adv

gre·gar·i·ous·ness noun [noncount]

Gre·go·ri·an calendar noun [singular]

: the calendar system that is used by most people in the world today

The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. It is now used throughout the world for legal and business purposes.

Gregorian chant noun, pl chants [count, noncount]

: a type of religious music from the Middle Ages that is sung without instruments

grem·lin noun, pl -lins [count]

: a small imaginary creature that is blamed when something (such as a machine) does not work properly

As expected, the new computer network has had its share of gremlins. [=there have been problems with the new computer network]

gre·nade noun, pl -nades [count]

: a small bomb that is designed to be thrown by someone or shot from a rifle
a hand grenade
a grenade-launcher

gren·a·dine noun [noncount]

: a sweet liquid that is made from a type of red fruit (called a pomegranate) and that is used in alcoholic drinks

grew past tense of GROW

grey chiefly Brit spelling of GRAY

grey·hound noun, pl -hounds [count]

: a tall, thin dog that runs very fast and that is often used in races

grid noun, pl grids [count]

1 : a metal frame with bars running across it that is used to cover an opening

2 : a pattern of lines that cross each other to form squares on a piece of paper, a map, etc.

The students plotted points on a grid.

The city streets form a grid.

3 : a network of electrical wires and equipment that supplies electricity to a large area

grid·dle noun, pl grid·dles [count]

: a flat surface or pan on which food is cooked

griddle cake noun, pl cakes [count]

chiefly US : pancake

grid·iron noun, pl -irons [count]

1 : a metal grid for cooking food over a fire

2 US, informal : the field on which American football is played

The book recounts his many moments of glory on the gridiron.

often used before another noun
gridiron glory

grid·lock noun

1 : a situation in which streets are so full that vehicles cannot move

[noncount] An accident caused gridlock at rush hour yesterday.

[singular] We were caught in a gridlock.

2 : a situation in which no progress can be made

[noncount] Disagreements about funding have caused legislative gridlock in Congress.

[singular] a legislative gridlock

grid·locked adj
gridlocked streets

Congress remains gridlocked.

grief noun, pl griefs

1 a [noncount] : deep sadness caused especially by someone's death

He has been unable to recover from his grief at/over his son's death.

She was overcome with/by grief.

1 b [count] : a cause of deep sadness
the joys and griefs of our lives

2 [noncount] informal

2 a : trouble or annoyance

I've had enough grief for one day.

Trying to fix the computer isn't worth the grief.

2 b : annoying or playful criticism

He's taken/gotten/had a lot of grief from his friends.

His friends have been giving him a lot of grief.

come to grief

: to experience failure, disaster, etc.

The boat came to grief on the rocks.

Their plans for opening a restaurant came to grief when they failed to get a loan.

good grief
informal
used to express surprise or annoyance

“He's burned the toast.” “Good grief! Can't he do anything right?”

grief-strick·en adj [more ; most ]

: very sad : deeply affected by grief

The death of his son has left him grief-stricken.

griev·ance noun, pl -anc·es

1 : a feeling of having been treated unfairly

[noncount] He has a deep sense of grievance against his former employer.

[count] She has been nursing a grievance all week.

2 [count] : a reason for complaining or being unhappy with a situation

In the petition, the students listed their many grievances against the university administration.

3 [count] : a statement in which you say you are unhappy or not satisfied with something

The union has filed a formal grievance [=complaint], accusing the company of unfair labor practices.

Several customers came to the front desk to air their grievances.

grieve verb, grieves, grieved, griev·ing

1 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to feel sad or unhappy

It grieves me to see my brother struggling like this.

Her decision to live overseas grieved her mother.

2 : to feel or show grief or sadness

[no obj] People need time to grieve after the death of a family member.

The children are still grieving for their mother. = The children are grieving over their mother's death.

a grieving widow

[+ obj] The children are still grieving the death of their mother.

griev·ous adj [more ; most ]

formal : causing great sadness, suffering, or pain : very serious or severe
the grievous cost of war

He took a foolish financial risk and suffered a grievous loss.

grievous bodily harm
a grievous error/mistake

griev·ous·ly adv

Several passengers were grievously injured in the bus accident.

grif·fin also grif·fon or gryph·on noun, pl grif·fins also grif·fons or gryph·ons [count]

in stories : an animal that is half eagle and half lion

1grill noun, pl grills [count]

1 a : a metal frame that is used to cook food over hot coals or an open fire

She put the hamburgers on the grill.

1 b : a cooking device with a grill
a portable gas grill

1 c : an electric device in which food is cooked between two hot surfaces

2 : a restaurant that serves grilled or broiled foods
a Mexican grill
often used in the names of restaurants

Jackie's Bar and Grill

3 : a dish of grilled or broiled food
a seafood grill
a mixed grill [=a dish of various grilled meats]

4 Brit : broiler 1

2grill verb, grills, grilled, grill·ing [+ obj]

1 chiefly US

1 a : to cook (food) on a metal frame over fire

We're planning to grill some chicken and burgers at the cookout.

1 b : to fry or toast (something, such as a sandwich) on a hot surface
a grilled cheese sandwich

2 Brit : to cook (food) directly over or under high heat : broil

3 informal : to ask (someone) a series of difficult and unpleasant questions : to question (someone) intensely

The police grilled [=interrogated] the suspect for hours.

Her parents grilled her when she came home late.

grilling noun, pl -ings [noncount]

These steaks are perfect for grilling.

[count]

The police gave him a grilling about his possible involvement in the robbery.

grille also grill noun, pl grilles also grills [count]

: a metal frame with bars running across it that is used to cover or protect something

The vent was covered with a grille.

The truck has a large metal grille at the front.

grim adj, grim·mer, -mest

1 : unpleasant or shocking to see or think about

Hikers made a grim discovery when they came across a dead body in the woods.

The accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.

2 : causing feelings of sadness or worry : gloomy or depressing
a grim winter

The prognosis is grimdoctors do not expect her to live longer than six months.

He paints a grim picture of the prospects for peace.

3 : having a very serious appearance or manner

His face looked grim, and we knew his news wouldn't be good.

a grim smile
a grim taskmaster

4 : strongly felt and serious
grim determination

grim·ly adv

She spoke grimly of the scarcity of jobs.

grim·ness noun [noncount]

grim·ace noun, pl -ac·es [count]

: a facial expression in which your mouth and face are twisted in a way that shows disgust, disapproval, or pain

The patient made/gave a painful grimace as the doctor examined his wound.

grimace verb, -aces, -aced, -ac·ing [no obj]

The patient grimaced in pain when his wound was touched.

grime noun [noncount]

: dirt that covers a surface

The windows were coated with grime.

grimy adj, grim·i·er, -est
grimy [=dirty] windows

Grim Reaper noun

the Grim Reaper

: death thought of as a man or skeleton holding a scythe and wearing a dark cloak with a hood
a visit from the Grim Reaper

grin verb, grins, grinned, grin·ning [no obj]

: to smile widely

She continued to tease her brother, grinning wickedly.

He was grinning from ear to ear. [=he was grinning very broadly]

grin and bear it

: to accept something that you do not like because you have no choice

I don't agree with their decision, but all I can do is grin and bear it.

grin noun, pl grins [count]

He had/wore a foolish/sheepish/big grin on his face.

grinch noun, pl grinch·es [count]

US informal : an unpleasant person who spoils other people's fun or enjoyment

Only a grinch would complain about the movie's silly plot.

1grind verb, grinds, ground , grind·ing

1 [+ obj]

1 a : to crush or break (something) into very small pieces by rubbing it against a rough surface or using a special machine

Grind (up) the coffee beans into a fine powder.

The corn is ground into meal.

1 b : to cut (meat) into small pieces by putting it through a special machine

Grind (up) the turkey meat.

usually used in U.S. English in the form ground to describe meat that has been cut into very small pieces
a recipe made with ground turkey
a pound of ground beef [=(US) hamburger, (Brit) mince]

2 : to make (something) sharp or smooth by rubbing it against a hard surface

[+ obj] grind an ax

[no obj] The steel grinds to a sharp edge.

see also ax to grind at 1AX

3 a [+ obj] : to cause (things) to rub against each other in a forceful way that produces a harsh noise

She kept grinding the car's gears.

He grinds his teeth in his sleep.

3 b [no obj] : to make a harsh noise caused by rubbing

I could hear the gears grinding.

4 [+ obj] : to rub or press (something) against a hard surface

She ground (out) her cigarette on the pavement.

Dirt was ground into the carpet.

grind along [phrasal verb]

1 : to continue in a slow and steady way

The traffic ground along through the city streets.

The economy continues to grind along.

2 grind along (something) : to continue moving down or along (something) in a slow and steady way

The traffic was grinding along the streets.

grind away [phrasal verb]

1 : to work or study in a steady, determined way

She was grinding away at her studies.

2 grind away (something) or grind (something) away : to remove (a part of something) by rubbing something rough against it

He uses a special tool to grind away the stone.

grind down [phrasal verb]

1 grind down (something) or grind (something) down : to make (something hard) smaller and smoother by gradually rubbing off tiny bits

The old dog's teeth had been ground down by use.

2 grind down (someone or something) or grind (someone or something) down : to weaken or destroy (someone or something) gradually

Poverty ground her spirit down.

These people have been ground down by years of oppression.

grind on [phrasal verb]

: to continue for a long time
used to describe something unpleasant

The war ground on for many more months.

grind out [phrasal verb]

grind out (something) or grind (something) out : to produce (something, especially something of low quality) quickly as part of a continuous process

He grinds out [=churns out] a new novel every year.

grind to a halt or come to a grinding halt
of a machine : to stop working or moving forward

The machinery slowly ground to a halt.

often used figuratively

Without more money, work on the project will soon grind to a halt. [=stop]

The project came to a grinding halt.

2grind noun, pl grinds

1 [singular] : boring or difficult work

I need a break from the daily grind.

the dull grind of office work

2 [count] US : a person who works or studies too much

In college he had a reputation as a grind [=(Brit) swot] who never went to parties.

3 [count]

used to describe the size of the pieces of something that has been ground
a fine/coarse grind of coffee

4 [count] : the act of rotating the hips in a sexual way
dancers doing the bump and grind
compare BUMP

grind·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 : a person or thing that grinds something
a coffee grinder
see also ORGAN-GRINDER

2 US : submarine sandwich

grinding adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

: very harsh or difficult : continuing without getting any better
grinding poverty

grind·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

: a stone disc that can be turned like a wheel and that is used for sharpening tools, smoothing rough edges, etc.

nose to the grindstone

If your nose is to the grindstone, you are doing hard, continuous work.

You'll do well at school if you just keep your nose to the grindstone.

grin·go noun, pl -gos [count]

informal + offensive : a foreign person in a Latin-American country; especially : an American person

1grip verb, grips, gripped, grip·ping [+ obj]

1 : to grab or hold (something) tightly

The little boy gripped his mother's hand tightly.

I gripped the door handle and pulled as hard as I could.

2 : to get and hold the interest or attention of (someone)

The story really grips the reader.

The scandal has gripped the nation.

2grip noun, pl grips

1 [count]

1 a : the act of grabbing or holding something
often + on

She tightened her grip on the handlebars as she coasted down the hill.

I got a good grip on the door handle and pulled.

He loosened/relaxed/lost his grip on the rope.

see also DEATH GRIP

1 b : a way or style of holding something
a loose/tight grip

His tennis instructor showed him the proper backhand grip.

a golfer with an incorrect grip

2 [singular]

2 a : power or control

He has the country in his grip. [=he controls the country]

He has been doing all he can to maintain/tighten his grip on the company's finances.

To be in the grip of something unpleasant is to be unable to stop or escape its effect or influence.

The country is in the grip of a recession.

We're still in the grip of winter.

2 b : an understanding of something
often + on

She has a good grip on local politics. [=she understands local politics well]

He can't seem to get a grip on [=gain a good understanding of] calculus.

3 [count] : a part for holding something
a knife with a wooden grip [=handle]

I need new grips for my golf clubs.

come to grips with or Brit get to grips with

: to begin to understand or deal with (something, such as a problem) in a direct or effective way

The government needs to come to grips with the unemployment problem.

get a grip on yourself or get a grip
informal : to get control of your thoughts and emotions and stop behaving in a foolish or uncontrolled way

Get a grip on yourself! This is no time to be hysterical!

lose your grip
informal : to lose control of your thoughts and emotions : to lose your ability to think or behave in a normal way

I've never seen him so confused and indecisivehe really seems to be losing his grip.

The patient seems to be losing his grip on reality. [=confusing what is real and what is not real]

gripe verb, gripes, griped, grip·ing
informal : to complain about something

[no obj] All of the workers were griping about the new regulations.

[+ obj] The students griped that they had too much homework.

gripe noun, pl gripes [count]

I'm sick of listening to their gripes. [=complaints]

gripping adj, always used before a noun [more ; most ]

: very interesting and exciting
a gripping story about a slave's escape to freedom

grip·ping·ly adv
a grippingly exciting story

gris·ly adj, gris·li·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: causing horror or fear : very shocking
a grisly [=gruesome] murder

The jurors saw grisly photos of the crime scene.

grist noun

grist for your/the mill (US) or Brit grist to your/the mill

: something that can be used for a particular purpose

Now that he's a writer, he regards his difficult childhood experiences as grist for the mill. [=he regards them as material that he can use as a writer]

gris·tle noun [noncount]

: tough matter in meat that is difficult to eat
a cheap piece of meat, full of gristle and fat

gris·tly adj, gris·tli·er, -est [also more ; most ]

gristly meat

1grit noun [noncount]

1 : very small pieces of sand or stone

He shook out his shoes to remove the small rocks and grit.

2 informal : mental toughness and courage

Through resourcefulness and grit, the pioneers survived the winter.

2grit verb, grits, grit·ted, grit·ting

grit your teeth

1 : to press or rub your teeth together

He gritted his teeth in anger/pain.

2 : to show courage and determination when you are dealing with problems or challenges

Starting your own business can be very tough, but you just have to grit your teeth and keep working at it.

grits noun [plural]

: a type of ground corn that is eaten especially in the southern U.S.

We had sausage and grits for breakfast.

grit·ty adj, grit·ti·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : containing very small pieces of sand or stone : containing grit
gritty vegetables

2 informal : having or showing a lot of courage and determination
the story's gritty heroine

I admire her gritty determination to succeed.

3 : harsh and unpleasant

The book describes the gritty realities of life on the streets.

He gave us all of the gritty details of his divorce.

see also NITTY-GRITTY

griz·zle verb, griz·zles, griz·zled, griz·zling

Brit informal

1 [no obj] : to make a continuous, quiet, crying sound : whimper
a grizzling baby

2 : to complain in a weak or annoying way

[no obj] He is always grizzling about the weather.

[+ obj] He always grizzles that the weather is bad.

grizzled adj

: having gray hair

He had thinning hair and a grizzled beard.

a grizzled war veteran

griz·zly noun, pl -zlies [count]

: grizzly bear

grizzly bear noun, pl bears [count]

: a very large and powerful bear of western North America

groan verb, groans, groaned, groan·ing

1 a [no obj] : to make a deep sound because of pain or some strong emotion (such as grief or disappointment)

The wounded man groaned in/with pain.

She groaned when she saw the bill.

She groaned silently/inwardly when she saw the bill. [=she was upset when she saw the bill but she did not actually groan]

1 b [+ obj] : to say (something that expresses annoyance or unhappiness)

“Oh, no,” she groaned, “I'm going to have to start all over.”

She groaned that she would have to start all over.

2 [no obj] : to complain about something

Merchants are groaning over slow holiday sales.

He's always moaning and groaning about his salary.

3 [no obj] : to make a deep sound caused especially by weight or pressure

The chair groaned under his weight.

groaning bookshelves = bookshelves groaning with (the weight of their) books [=bookshelves filled with books]

groan noun, pl groans [count]

She let out a groan when she saw the bill.

We could hear the groans of the wounded man.

a groan of despair

gro·cer noun, pl -cers [count]

: a person who sells food and other supplies for people's houses

Ask your local grocer if he sells organic fruits and vegetables.

I bought the fruit and vegetables at the grocer's. [=grocery store]

gro·cery noun, pl -cer·ies

1 [count] chiefly US : grocery store

2 groceries [plural] : food sold by a grocer : food bought at a store

She stopped to pick up some groceries for supper.

grocery adj, always used before a noun
grocery bags/shopping
a grocery cart/clerk

grocery store noun, pl stores [count]

chiefly US : a store that sells food and household supplies : supermarket called also grocery

grog noun [noncount]

1 : an alcoholic drink containing liquor (such as rum) mixed with water

2 chiefly Australia and New Zealand, informal : any alcoholic drink (such as beer)

grog·gy adj, grog·gi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: not able to think or move normally because of being tired, sick, etc.

I'm still a little groggy from my nap.

The medicine sometimes makes patients groggy.

grog·gi·ly adv

He got out of bed and staggered groggily to the bathroom.

grog·gi·ness noun [noncount]

Patients may experience some grogginess after taking the medicine.

groin noun, pl groins [count]

: the area of the body where your legs come together

grom·met noun, pl -mets [count]

: a metal or plastic ring that is used to strengthen a small hole in a piece of cloth or leather : eyelet

1groom noun, pl grooms [count]

1 : a man who has just married or is about to be married called also bridegroom compare BRIDE

2 : a person who takes care of horses

2groom verb, grooms, groomed, groom·ing [+ obj]

1 : to clean and care for (an animal)

The horses are being groomed for the competition.

The cat was grooming itself in the corner. [=the cat was cleaning itself by licking its fur]

2 a : to make (someone) neat and attractive

She spent hours grooming herself.

She always seems to be perfectly groomed and neatly dressed.

2 b : to make (something) neat, smooth, or attractive
a carefully groomed lawn
perfectly groomed ski slopes
see also WELL-GROOMED

3 : to prepare (someone) for a particular job or position

He is being groomed to take over the company.

grooming noun [noncount]

Horses need a lot of grooming.

She spends an hour each morning on personal grooming. [=care of her hair, skin, nails, etc.]

see picture on previous page

groom·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who cleans and cares for an animal
a dog groomer

grooms·man noun, pl -men [count]

chiefly US : a male friend or relative who helps a groom at his wedding

He asked his two closest college friends to be his groomsmen.

compare BEST MAN, BRIDESMAID, MAID OF HONOR, MATRON OF HONOR

1groove noun, pl grooves

1 [count] : a long, narrow cut or low area in a surface
the grooves on a vinyl record

The door slides along a groove in the doorframe.

2 [singular] informal

2 a US : a state in which you are able to do something well and easily especially because you are doing it often

It's not hard to do a little studying each day once you get into a/the groove. [=routine]

He's a great pitcher when he's in a/the groove.

She hasn't yet found her groove.

2 b chiefly Brit : a dull routine that does not change : rut

They've gotten stuck in a groove in their jobs.

3 [count] informal : an enjoyable pattern of sound in music
dance grooves

grooved adj
a grooved surface

2groove verb, grooves, grooved, groov·ing [no obj]

informal + old-fashioned : to enjoy listening to or dancing to music

We grooved to the beat.

groovy adj, groov·i·er, -est
informal + old-fashioned : very good and enjoyable : excellent
groovy music

Groovy is usually associated with the language of the 1960s.

grope verb, gropes, groped, grop·ing

1 [no obj] : to search for something by reaching or touching usually with your fingers in an awkward way

I groped for the light switch.

She groped around in her purse, looking for her comb.

often used figuratively

He was groping for a tactful way to break the news.

2 : to move forward carefully by putting your hands in front of you so that you can feel anything that blocks you

[no obj] We groped along the dark passage.

[+ obj] We groped our way [=felt our way] along the dark passage.

3 [+ obj] : to touch (someone) in an unwanted and unexpected sexual way

She claims that her boss tried to grope her.

1gross adj, gross·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 always used before a noun : very obvious or noticeable

There is a gross [=glaring] error in the text.

They have suffered a gross injustice.

That's a gross exaggeration.

2 a : rude or offensive
gross [=vulgar, coarse] language

2 b informal : very disgusting

That soup looks gross.

She has a gross habit of chewing on the ends of her hair.

3 always used before a noun : including everything

What was the gross [=total] weight of the shipment?

used especially to describe a total amount of money that exists before anything (such as taxes or expenses) is taken away
the company's gross annual profits

Their gross earnings were $50,000.

compare 3NET

4 : very big or fat
a gross man with an enormous belly

gross·ly adv

His story was grossly inaccurate.

She is grossly overweight.

gross·ness noun [noncount]

the grossness of his language

2gross adv

used to describe a total amount of money that exists before anything (such as taxes or expenses) is taken away

They earned $50,000, gross.

3gross verb, gross·es, grossed, gross·ing

gross out [phrasal verb]

gross (someone) out also gross out (someone) chiefly US, informal : to cause (someone) to feel disgusted

He's always grossing me out by playing with his food.

I was really grossed out by all the blood and guts in the movie.

see also GROSS-OUT

compare 4GROSS

4gross verb, grosses, grossed, gross·ing [+ obj]

: to earn (an amount of money) before taxes, expenses, etc., are taken away

They grossed $50,000 before taxes.

compare 4NET
compare 3GROSS

5gross noun, pl gross·es [count]

: the amount of money earned before taxes, expenses, etc., are taken away

They give five percent of their gross to charity every year.

compare 5NET
compare 6GROSS

6gross noun, pl gross [count]

: a group of 144 things : 12 dozen
a gross of pencils
selling pencils by the gross

compare 5GROSS

gross domestic product noun, pl -ucts [count, noncount]

: the total value of the goods and services produced by the people of a nation during a year not including the value of income earned in foreign countries abbr. GDP

gross national product noun, pl -ucts [count, noncount]

: the total value of the goods and services produced by the people of a nation during a year abbr. GNP

gross-out noun, pl -outs [count]

chiefly US informal : something that is very disgusting : something that grosses you out

The last scene in the movie is a real gross-out.

gross-out humor

gro·tesque adj [more ; most ]

1 : very strange or ugly in a way that is not normal or natural
animals with grotesque deformities
a grotesque villain

The actors wore dark capes and grotesque masks.

2 : extremely different from what is expected or usual
a grotesque distortion of the facts

gro·tesque·ly adv
grotesquely deformed

gro·tesque·ness noun [noncount]

grot·to noun, pl -toes also -tos [count]

: a small cave

grot·ty adj, grot·ti·er, -est

Brit informal : of poor quality : very dirty or unpleasant

I lived in a grotty flat.

1grouch noun, pl grouch·es [count]

: a person who complains frequently or constantly

He is a grouch.

2grouch verb, grouches, grouched, grouch·ing
informal : to complain in an annoyed way

[no obj] He's always grouching about work.

[+ obj] He's always grouching that he has to work.

grouchy adj, grouch·i·er, -est
somewhat informal : tending to complain about things : having a bad temper
a grouchy old man

I get grouchy when I'm tired.

grouch·i·ly adv

grouch·i·ness noun [noncount]

1ground noun, pl grounds

1 the ground : the surface of the earth

An apple fell to the ground.

Mechanical problems kept the plane on the ground.

They were lying/sitting on the ground.

close to the ground = low to the ground

The flight was watched by many observers on the ground.

They sent in ground forces/troops. [=soldiers who fight on the ground instead of in the air or at sea]

a ground war [=a war fought by soldiers on the ground]

ground transportation [=transportation that is over the ground instead of on water or in the air]

2 [noncount] : the soil that is on or under the surface of the earth
planting seeds in the ground

She drove a spike into the ground.

damp/frozen ground
solid/firm/dry ground

3 a [noncount] : an area of land

They built their house on bare/level/flat ground.

We realized that we were on hallowed/sacred ground.

They built their house on high ground.

3 b [count] : an area of land or sea that is used for a particular purpose
a camping ground
fishing/hunting grounds

Each fall the birds return to their wintering grounds.

(Brit) a football ground [=(US) a soccer field]

an ancient burial ground [=a place where people were buried in ancient times]

see also SPAWNING GROUND

3 c grounds [plural] : the land around a building
the capitol grounds

He was trespassing on school grounds.

We toured the grounds of the estate.

4 [noncount] : the bottom of the ocean, a lake, etc.

The boat struck ground.

5 [noncount] : an area of knowledge or interest

We have a lot of ground to go over before the test.

We covered much more ground [=we went over more information] than we expected to at the meeting.

The book covers familiar ground. [=subjects that have often been discussed before]

6 [singular] : a place or situation in which someone or something is developed or tested

The laboratory has become a testing ground for ideas about the origins of the universe.

The tournament has come to be regarded as a proving ground for young players.

7 : a set of beliefs, opinions, or attitudes

[noncount] The two sides are trying to find some common ground [=an area in which they can agree with each other] on these issues.

When a politician talks about raising taxes, he's on dangerous ground. [=he is doing or saying something that may cause anger or criticism]

[singular] The two sides continue to look for a middle ground [=a middle position] between two extremes.

see also HIGH GROUND

8 [count] : a reason for doing or thinking something
usually plural

The company has been accused of discriminating on the grounds of race.

We have no grounds for believing that the crisis will end soon.

Her husband's infidelity was grounds for divorce.

Many critics have objected to the proposal on the grounds that [=because] it would be too costly.

The law was rejected on the grounds that it was not constitutional. = The law was rejected on constitutional grounds.

9 grounds [plural] : very small pieces of crushed coffee beans
coffee grounds

10 [count] US : a wire or metal object that makes an electrical connection with the earth
usually singular

This metal bracket provides the ground.

; called also (Brit) earth

11 [count] : the area behind or around a design

The wallpaper has red tulips on a white ground. [=background]

above ground

: on top of the earth's surface

The bird's nest is located high above ground.

below ground

: under the earth's surface

The seeds should be planted a few inches below ground.

break ground

1 : to dig into the ground at the start of building something

Workers broke ground on the new stadium last week.

2 or break new ground : to make new discoveries

Critics say that the study does not break (any) new ground in the search for a cure for cancer.

burn to the ground see 1BURN

down to the ground

Brit informal : completely or perfectly

The job suits her down to the ground. [=suits her perfectly]

from the ground up

1 : completely or thoroughly

The car has been redesigned from the ground up.

2 : from a point at which nothing has been done : from the very beginning

They built the resort from the ground up.

gain ground or make up ground

: to move faster so that you come closer to someone or something that is in front of you

She was trailing in the race, but she was beginning to gain ground (on the leaders).

often used figuratively

Alternative forms of energy are quickly gaining ground. [=becoming more popular or successful]

The company has been gaining ground on [=catching up with] its competitors.

The campaign is trying to make up ground by advertising heavily in key states.

get off the ground

1 : to begin to operate or proceed in a successful way

The project never really got off the ground.

2 get (something) off the ground : to cause (something) to begin to operate or proceed in successful way

We're still trying to get this project off the ground.

give ground

: to move backward when you are being attacked : retreat

The troops were forced to give ground.

often used figuratively

The controversy has continued, and both sides are still refusing to give ground.

have/keep your feet on the ground see 1FOOT

hit the ground running see 1HIT

hold/stand your ground

: to not change your position when you are being attacked : to not retreat

The troops managed to hold their ground despite a fierce enemy attack.

often used figuratively

The company has managed to hold its ground in the marketplace.

The president has continued to stand his ground despite criticism.

into the ground

1 : to the point of being very tired or exhausted

She's been working/running/driving herself into the ground.

2 : to the point of complete failure or ruin

He ran that company into the ground. [=he destroyed that company]

She drove that old car into the ground. [=she drove it until it would not run anymore]

lose ground

: to move slower so that you are farther away from someone or something that is in front of you

She was beginning to lose ground (to the leaders) in the race.

often used figuratively

The political party lost ground [=became less popular or successful; did not do well] in the election.

The company is losing ground to [=falling behind; not doing as well as] its competitors.

2ground verb, grounds, ground·ed, ground·ing

1 [+ obj] : to provide a basis or reason for (something)

usually used as (be) grounded

She discussed the principles on which her philosophy is grounded. [=based, founded]

It turned out that our fears were well grounded. [=there was a good reason for our fears]

often + in

These practices are solidly grounded [=based] in tradition.

a theory grounded [=based] in fact

2 : to cause a ship or boat to hit the ground below the water so that it cannot move

[+ obj] They grounded the ship on a sandbar.

a grounded ship

[no obj] The ship grounded on a sandbar. [=(more commonly) the ship ran aground on a sandbar]

3 [+ obj] : to prevent (an aircraft or a pilot) from flying

The plane was grounded by mechanical problems.

Bad weather grounded his flight.

a pilot grounded by health problems

4 [+ obj] : to stop (a child) from leaving the house to spend time with friends as a form of punishment

Her parents threatened to ground her for a week. [=her parents threatened to keep her from going out with her friends for a week]

Sorry, I can't go out, I'm grounded.

5 [+ obj] US : to connect (a wire, a device, etc.) electrically to the ground for safety

The wire was not properly grounded. [=(Brit) earthed]

6 [no obj] baseball : to hit a ground ball

He grounded to the shortstop.

He grounded out [=made an out by hitting a ground ball] to the shortstop.

7 [+ obj] American football : to throw (a football) to the ground in order to avoid being tackled

The quarterback was penalized for intentionally grounding the ball.

ground in [phrasal verb]

ground (someone) in (something) : to give (someone) basic knowledge about (something)

The study helped to ground them in the methods of research.

often used as (be) grounded in

She is well/solidly grounded in mathematics. [=she has a good basic knowledge of mathematics]

3ground past tense and past participle of 1GRIND

ground ball noun, pl balls [count]

baseball : a ball that is hit by the batter and that rolls or bounces along the ground

He hit a ground ball to the shortstop.

called also grounder compare FLY BALL

ground·break·ing adj [more ; most ]

: introducing new ideas or methods

She was honored for her groundbreaking work in nuclear physics.

a groundbreaking new book

ground cloth noun, pl cloths [count]

US : a piece of waterproof material that is used under tents, sleeping bags, etc., by people who are sleeping outdoors called also (Brit) ground sheet

ground cover noun, pl covers [count, noncount]

: a low plant or group of plants used in a garden to cover the ground

Ivy is often used as (a) ground cover.

ground crew noun, pl crews [count]

: a group of people at an airport who take care of and repair aircraft called also (Brit) ground staff

ground·ed adj [more ; most ]

used to describe a person who is sensible and has a good understanding of what is really important in life

He's trying to stay grounded despite all the fame and praise.

She comes from a very grounded family.

ground·er noun, pl -ers [count]

baseball : ground ball

He hit a grounder to the shortstop.

ground floor noun, pl floors [count]

: the floor of a building that is at ground level called also (US) first floor

in on the ground floor

If you are/get in on the ground floor of something (such as a new business or project), you become involved in it at the very beginning.

He was able to get in on the ground floor of the computer industry.

ground·hog noun, pl -hogs [count]

: woodchuck

Groundhog Day noun [singular]

: February 2 observed in the U.S. as a day that indicates whether winter will end soon

Tradition says that if a groundhog sees its shadow because the sun is shining on February 2, the winter will last six more weeks, and if it does not see its shadow because of cloudy weather, the winter will end soon.

ground·ing noun [singular]

: training or instruction that gives someone basic knowledge of a particular subject

It is clear he has a solid grounding in the issues. [=that he knows about and understands the issues]

The job requires a thorough grounding in the history of the region.

classes that give students a good moral grounding

ground·less adj [more ; most ]

: not based on facts

The charges against him were (completely) groundless.

Doubts about how the new system would work proved (to be) groundless.

groundless fears

ground·less·ly adv

ground·less·ness noun [noncount]

the groundlessness of their fears

ground-level adj, always used before a noun

: occurring or lying at or near the ground
ground-level winds/temperatures
a ground-level window

ground level noun [singular]

a window located at ground level

ground·nut noun, pl -nuts [count]

chiefly Brit : peanut 1

ground plan noun, pl plans [count]

: floor plan

ground rule noun, pl rules [count]

1 : a basic rule about what should be done in a particular situation, event, etc.

usually plural

We need to lay out the ground rules for tonight's meeting.

2 chiefly US, sports : a special rule about how a game is played on a particular field, court, or course
usually plural

The coaches and umpires discussed the ground rules.

ground sheet noun, pl sheets [count]

Brit : ground cloth

grounds·keep·er noun, pl -ers [count]

US : a person who takes care of a large area of land (such as a sports field or a park) called also (chiefly Brit) groundsman

grounds·man noun, pl -men [count]

chiefly Brit : groundskeeper

ground staff noun, pl staffs [count]

Brit

1 : the people who take care of a large area of land (such as a sports field) usually singular

2 : ground crew

ground stroke noun, pl strokes [count]

tennis : a stroke made by hitting a ball that has bounced off the ground compare VOLLEY

ground·swell noun, pl -swells [count]

: a fast increase in the amount of public support for something (such as a political cause or candidate)

usually + of

They hope to create a groundswell of support for her candidacy.

a groundswell of enthusiasm

ground·wa·ter noun [noncount]

: water that is underground

There were concerns about contaminated groundwater.

ground·work noun [noncount]

: something that is done at an early stage and that makes later work or progress possible
often used with lay or do

His discoveries laid the groundwork [=foundation] for further research.

He did the groundwork for further research.

ground zero noun [noncount]

1 : the point on the earth's surface directly above, below, or at which an explosion (especially a nuclear explosion) occurs

2 : the central point in an area of fast change or intense activity
ground zero in the battle over immigration laws

3 : the beginning state or starting point

We're going to have to go right back to ground zero [=square one] and start all over again.

1group noun, pl groups [count]

1 a : a number of people or things that are together or in the same place

It'll be easier if we go there as a group.

She presented the idea to the group.

We like to let these students work in groups whenever possible.

often + of

A large group of people were waiting for him at the airport.

a group of tourists
a small group of islands

In British English group is used with both singular and plural verbs.

A large group was/were waiting for him.

1 b : a number of people who are connected by some shared activity, interest, or quality

She belongs to an environmental/youth group.

ethnic/religious groups

She joined a discussion group.

A select group of scientists has been invited to the conference.

The disease was seen in all age groups. [=groups made up of people who are the same age]

a group discussion [=a discussion involving a group of people]

see also FOCUS GROUP, INTEREST GROUP, NEWSGROUP, PRESSURE GROUP, SUPPORT GROUP

1 c : a number of things that are related in some way
the four food groups
a group of languages

2 : a number of musicians who play together regularly
a rock/musical group [=band]

2group verb, groups, grouped, group·ing

1 [+ obj] : to put (people or things) in a group
often + together

She grouped the toys together by type.

often used as (be) grouped

English and Dutch can be grouped together as Germanic languages.

The children were grouped by age.

2 [no obj] : to form a group
often + around or together

The students grouped around the table.

The children grouped together near their teachers.

grou·per noun, pl grou·pers also grouper [count]

: a large fish that lives at the bottom of warm seas

group home noun, pl homes [count]

US : a place where people who need special care or attention live together in a group
a group home for young adults with disabilities

group·ie noun, pl -ies [count]

informal

1 a : a fan of a music group who follows the group on concert tours

1 b : a fan of an athlete or celebrity who tries to see the athlete or celebrity as often as possible

2 : an enthusiastic supporter or follower of something
a science-fiction groupie
a political groupie

group·ing noun, pl -ings

1 [count] : a set of people or things combined in a group

They arranged the furniture in a grouping around the fireplace.

often + of

The garden has several large groupings of carefully selected plants.

a grouping of stars/islands

2 [noncount] : the act or process of combining people or things into groups
the grouping of English with other Germanic languages

group practice noun, pl -tices [count, noncount]

: a group of doctors, dentists, etc., who all work in the same building and share office costs

He is in (a) group practice with three other doctors.

group therapy noun [noncount]

: a method for helping people with mental or emotional problems by having them discuss their problems together in a group

1grouse noun, pl grouse [count]

: a small bird that is often hunted

2grouse verb, grous·es, groused, grous·ing
informal : to complain about something

[no obj] She's been grousing to her boss about the working conditions.

[+ obj] Fans have groused that the higher prices are unfair.

grous·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1grout noun [noncount]

technical : material used for filling spaces or cracks between tiles

2grout verb, grouts, grout·ed, grout·ing [+ obj]

technical : to fill the cracks in (something) with grout

I need to grout the bathroom tiles.

grove noun, pl groves [count]

: a small group of trees
a grove of oaks
especially : a group of trees that produce fruit or nuts
an orange grove
a pecan grove
sometimes used in street names

Evans Grove

Oak Grove

grov·el verb, grov·els, US grov·eled or Brit grov·elled, US grov·el·ing or Brit grov·el·ling [no obj]

1 : to kneel, lie, or crawl on the ground

The peasants groveled before the king.

2 : to treat someone with too much respect or fear in a way that shows weakness in order to be forgiven or to gain approval or favor

He had to grovel to get her to accept his apology.

He made a groveling apology to his girlfriend.

grov·el·er (US) or Brit grov·el·ler noun, pl -ers [count]

grow verb, grows, grew , grown , grow·ing

1 [no obj] : to become larger : to increase in size, amount, etc.

The city is growing rapidly/dramatically.

The list of chores to do this weekend keeps growing.

often + in

The sport is growing in popularity. [=is becoming more popular]

The school has grown (considerably/greatly) in size.

His followers continue to grow in number. [=to become more numerous]

2 [no obj] : to become better or improved in some way : to become more developed, mature, etc.

She grew intellectually and emotionally in her first year at college.

It's wonderful to see how she has grown as a person since going to college.

3 [no obj] : to become larger and change from being a child to being an adult as time passes : to pass from childhood to adulthood

It can be hard to watch our children change as they grow.

He's still just a growing boy.

She's grown (by) at least an inch since the last time I saw her.

4 a [no obj] of a plant : to exist and develop

These trees grow only in the jungle.

As the tree grew taller, the branches began to touch the house.

This plant does well in difficult growing conditions. [=conditions in which it is difficult for most plants to grow]

The flowers grow wild [=grow naturally without being planted or cared for by humans] along the highway.

4 b [+ obj] : to cause (a plant) to grow : to cultivate or raise (a plant)

She grows tomatoes in her garden.

The plant is grown for its colorful flowers.

5 of hair, fingernails, etc. : to become longer

[no obj] She's letting her hair grow a little.

His fingernails grow quickly.

[+ obj] She's growing her hair long.

He tried to grow a beard/mustache. [=to have a beard/mustache by letting the hair on his face grow]

see also GROW OUT 1 (BELOW)

6 a always followed by an adjective [linking verb] : become

He suddenly grew pale.

He had grown tired of hearing about their problems.

She grew fat due to her lack of exercise.

He's worried about growing old.

These diseases are growing more common.

We have grown accustomed to his angry outbursts.

6 b [no obj] : to have or form an opinion, attitude, etc., after time passes
followed by to + verb

She's grown to like her new job.

I grew to admire her very much.

I grew to feel that these problems were not important.

She grew to hate him for his selfishness.

7 [+ obj] : to cause (something, such as a business) to develop or get bigger

These changes should allow us to grow the company while reducing waste.

He claims that his proposals will help grow the economy.

grow apart [phrasal verb]

: to become less friendly or emotionally close as time passes : to become distant from someone

My wife and I have grown apart over the years.

grow from [phrasal verb]

grow from (something) : to come from or originate from (something)

The company grew from an idea he had in college.

grow into [phrasal verb]

grow into (something)

1 : to become (something) as time passes

She has grown into an accomplished and charming young woman.

His small company has grown into a huge international corporation.

2 : to become large enough for (a certain size of clothing)

Ben will grow into Billy's shoes in a year or two.

grow on [phrasal verb]

grow on (someone) : to become more appealing to (someone) as time passes

Try the dish againit grows on you.

I didn't like him at first, but he's starting to grow on me.

grow on trees
informal : to exist in large amounts : to be easy to get

Good jobs don't grow on trees. [=good jobs are hard to get]

He acts as if money grows on trees.

grow out [phrasal verb]

1 grow (something) out or grow out (something) : to allow (something) to get longer

She's growing out her hair.

see also GROW 5 (ABOVE)

2 grow out of (something)

2 a : to develop or come from (a source)

The project grew out of a simple suggestion.

This new theory grew out of their earlier research.

2 b : to become too large for (a certain size of clothing)

He quickly grew out of his clothes.

see also OUTGROW

2 c : to stop doing or having (something) because you are older and more mature

She hoped to grow out of her bad habits.

He's wild now, but he'll grow out of it.

grow up [phrasal verb]

1 a : to become an adult

She wants to be a firefighter when she grows up.

used to describe where you lived, what you did, etc., when you were a child

I grew up in the city.

We grew up poor, but we always had food on the table.

He grew up playing music. [=he played music when he was a child]

1 b : to stop thinking and behaving in a childish way

It's time for him to grow up and start accepting his responsibilities.

Oh, grow up!

see also GROWN-UP

2 : to begin to exist and develop as time passes

A number of villages and cities grew up along the river.

A rivalry grew up between the villages.

grow·er noun, pl -ers [count]

corn/fruit growers

This plant is known as a fast grower.

growing adj, always used before a noun

There is growing acceptance of the new plan.

the growing popularity of this film

There's a growing sense that he may be right.

growing pains noun [plural]

1 : pains in the legs of children who are growing

2 : the problems that are experienced as something (such as a business or a project) grows larger or more successful
a young company/city dealing with growing pains

growing season noun, pl -sons [count]

: the period of the year that is warm enough for plants to grow

1growl verb, growls, growled, growl·ing

1 [no obj]

1 a of an animal : to make a deep threatening sound

I could hear a dog growling behind me.

a growling dog
often + at

The dog growled at me.

1 b : to make a low sound like the sound of a growling animal

My stomach's been growling all morning.

The engine growled.

2 a [+ obj] : to say (something) in an angry way

“What do you want?” he growled.

2 b [no obj] : to complain in an angry way

He's always growling about the government.

2growl noun, pl growls [count]

: a deep sound made by an animal

The dog gave a menacing growl.

also : a similar sound

He answered my question with a growl.

We could hear a growl of thunder in the distance.

growly adj, grow·li·er, -est
a growly voice

1grown past participle of GROW

2grown adj, always used before a noun

: no longer a child : adult

It's a job that requires a grown man.

She has two grown children [=two children who are now adults] from a previous marriage.

see also FULL-GROWN

1grown-up adj [more ; most ]

1 : no longer young : fully grown

Their children are all grown-up now. [=are adults now]

2 somewhat informal

2 a : suitable for adults
a grown-up movie/party

This book is a little too grown-up for him.

a young girl with grown-up tastes

2 b : like an adult

How grown-up you look!

They're grown-up [=mature] enough to deal with the situation.

2grown-up noun, pl -ups [count]

somewhat informal : a person who is fully grown : adult

Her books appeal to both children and grown-ups.

growth noun, pl growths

1 [noncount] : the process of growing: such as

1 a : natural increase in size

He had a growth spurt when he was 16 years old.

She's concerned that the medication might slow/stunt her child's growth.

often + of
the growth of facial hair
the growth of a crystal

1 b : the process of forming or developing something

He discovered a substance that promotes the growth of new blood vessels.

1 c : an increase in the number, amount, or size of something

The city has undergone explosive growth in recent years.

rapid growth
slow/steady growth
the growth of civilization
population/economic growth

Children's books are a growth area [=an area of business that is becoming larger and more successful] in the publishing industry.

Children's publishing is a growth industry. [=a business that is becoming larger and more successful]

The company has limited growth potential. [=the company is not likely to grow much larger]

1 d : the development of a person's mind, emotions, etc.

He sees his college years as an opportunity for personal growth.

emotional/intellectual growth

2 : a result or product of growing

[noncount] It's important to prune the bush every year to encourage new growth.

Their profits have averaged five percent growth in the last four years.

[singular] The tree has an average annual growth of almost a foot.

a thick growth of underbrush

3 [count] medical : an abnormal mass of tissue (such as a tumor)

a cancerous growth

1grub noun, pl grubs

1 [count] : the young form of an insect in which it looks like a small worm

2 [noncount] informal : food 1

Let's go get some grub.

2grub verb, grubs, grubbed, grub·bing [no obj]

1 : to dig in the ground for something that is difficult to find or remove
animals grubbing for roots

2 informal : to search for something : to try hard to get or find something

Everyone was grubbing for whatever food they could find.

students grubbing for better grades
see also MONEY-GRUBBER, MONEY-GRUBBING

grub·by adj, grub·bi·er, -est
informal : dirty or messy

He lives in a grubby little apartment.

grubby clothes

Keep your grubby hands off me! [=do not touch me]

grub·bi·ness noun [noncount]

the grubbiness of his clothes

1grudge noun, pl grudg·es [count]

: a strong feeling of anger toward someone that lasts for a long time

She still has/holds/bears a grudge against him for the way he treated her in school.

He has nursed/harbored a grudge against his former boss for years.

I don't bear him any grudges.

grudge match

: a contest or fight between players, teams, etc., who dislike each other

The race had turned into a grudge match between the two teams.

2grudge verb, grudges, grudged, grudg·ing [+ obj]

1 : to give, do, or allow (something) in a reluctant or unwilling way : begrudge

I don't grudge paying my share.

2 : to dislike or feel angry toward (someone) for something

I don't grudge her the opportunities she has been given.

grudg·ing adj [more ; most ]

: said, done, or given in an unwilling or doubtful way

Her theories have begun to win grudging acceptance in the scientific community.

He has earned the grudging admiration/respect of his rivals.

grudg·ing·ly adv

Her theories have been grudgingly accepted.

They grudgingly gave him permission.

gru·el noun [noncount]

: a thin food made by boiling oatmeal or some other grain in water or milk
a bowl of gruel

gru·el·ing (US) or Brit gru·el·ling adj [more ; most ]

: very difficult : requiring great effort
a grueling race

His schedule is grueling.

grue·some adj [more ; most ]

: causing horror or disgust

The police report described the scene in gruesome detail.

a gruesome murder

grue·some·ly adv

She was gruesomely murdered.

grue·some·ness noun [noncount]

gruff adj, gruff·er, gruff·est

1 : rough or very serious in manner or speech

Don't be fooled by his gruff mannerhe's really very kind.

his gruff charm
a gruff old man

2 of a voice : low and rough

He spoke in a gruff voice.

gruff·ly adv

He answered their questions gruffly.

gruff·ness noun [noncount]

Don't be fooled by his gruffnesshe's really very kind.

grum·ble verb, grum·bles, grum·bled, grum·bling

1 : to complain quietly about something : to talk in an unhappy way

[no obj] There's been a lot of grumbling among the employees.

Some of the customers have been grumbling about poor service.

Fans grumbled about the team's poor play.

[+ obj] “When are we going to leave?” he grumbled.

2 [no obj] : to make a low, heavy sound : rumble

His stomach was grumbling.

We could hear thunder grumbling in the distance.

grumble noun, pl grumbles [count]

We could hear the grumble of thunder in the distance.

grum·bler noun, pl -blers [count]

He tries to ignore the grumblers and just do his job.

grum·bling noun, pl -blings [count, noncount]

Your grumbling needs to stop.

grump noun, pl grumps [count]

informal : a person who is often angry or who often complains

Our neighbor is an old grump.

grumpy adj, grump·i·er, -est
informal : easily annoyed or angered : having a bad temper or complaining often

Our neighbor is a grumpy old man.

I was feeling grumpy after my long flight.

grump·i·ly adv

“Leave me alone,” he said grumpily.

grump·i·ness noun [noncount]

grunge noun [noncount]

1 : a type of loud rock music that was popular especially in the early 1990s

I'm a fan of grunge.

a grunge band
also : the fashions associated with this type of music
the grunge look

2 US, informal : heavy dirt

I cleared the grunge out of the drains.

grun·gy adj, grun·gi·er, -est
chiefly US informal : 1dirty

After working in the garden all day, I felt sweaty and grungy.

a grungy pair of jeans
a grungy movie theater

1grunt noun, pl grunts [count]

1 : a short, low sound from the throat
the grunt of a pig

I could hear the grunts of the movers as they lifted the heavy furniture.

He answered her with a grunt.

2 informal : a U.S. soldier especially in the Vietnam War

He was a grunt who worked his way up to become an officer.

3 US, informal : a person who does ordinary and boring work

He's just a grunt in the attorney's office.

often used in the phrase grunt work

She resents having to do all the grunt work for her boss.

2grunt verb, grunts, grunt·ed, grunt·ing

1 [no obj] : to make a short, low sound : to make a grunt

The workers were grunting with effort as they lifted the heavy furniture.

The pigs grunted.

He grunted in agreement.

2 [+ obj] : to say (something) with a grunt

She grunted a few words in reply, then turned and walked away.

Gru·yère noun [noncount]

: a type of hard cheese from Switzerland with a nutty flavor

gryphon variant spelling of GRIFFIN

G-string noun, pl G-strings [count]

: a narrow strip of cloth that passes between the legs and is held up by a string around the waist

Gt. or Gt abbr
chiefly Brit great
used in place-names

Gt. Britain

gua·ca·mo·le noun [noncount]

: a Mexican food made of mashed avocado usually mixed with chopped tomatoes and onion

gua·no noun [noncount]

: waste material from birds and bats that is used to help plants grow

1guar·an·tee noun, pl -tees [count]

1 : a usually written promise: such as

1 a : a promise that the quality of something (such as a product that is being sold) will be as good as expected

The washer comes with a guarantee against major defects.

The software comes with a money-back guarantee. [=a promise that the money you spend on a product will be returned if the product is not good enough]

1 b : a promise that something is true or real

They wanted a guarantee that the document was authentic.

2 : a promise that something will happen or be done

They want the new contract to include a guarantee of job security.

The U.S. Constitution includes guarantees against unreasonable searches.

He cited the First Amendment guarantee of free speech.

3 : a thing that makes something sure to happen or exist
often used in negative constructions

There is no guarantee that they will approve the contract. [=there is no way to be sure that they will approve it]

There's no guarantee they'll get here on time.

She took the job even though there was no guarantee of permanent employment.

4 : something valuable that the owner will allow to be taken if a promise is not kept or a loan is not paid back

We used our house as a guarantee for the loan. [=we said that the bank could take our house if we did not pay back the loan]

2guarantee verb, -tees, -teed, -tee·ing [+ obj]

1 a : to make a usually written promise that whatever you are selling, doing, etc., is what you say it is

The washer is guaranteed against defects for one year.

They guarantee that the diamonds they sell are top quality.

1 b : to promise to pay for (something) if another person fails to pay for it

He offered to personally guarantee the loan.

The investment was guaranteed by the bank.

2 a : to say (something) with great confidence

I guarantee that you'll be satisfied.

He guaranteed us that everything would go according to plan.

2 b : to make (something) certain

We can't guarantee your safety. = We can't guarantee (you) that you'll be safe.

Money doesn't guarantee a happy life.

2 c : to say that (something) will certainly happen

He guaranteed a victory in the championship game.

guar·an·teed adj

1 : protected or promised by a guarantee
a guaranteed annual wage
a guaranteed annuity

2 : certain to happen or to do something
followed by to + verb

If we don't take an umbrella, it's guaranteed to rain. [=it will certainly rain]

He's guaranteed to reject my ideas.

guar·an·tor noun, pl -tors [count]

finance : a person who promises to pay back a loan if the original borrower does not pay it back

guar·an·ty noun, pl -ties [count]

1 law : a formal promise to pay a debt
a loan guaranty [=guarantee]

often used in the names of financial companies

He worked for the Morgan Guaranty Trust Company.

2 : something that protects or maintains the existence of something else
the guaranty [=guarantee] of free speech

1guard noun, pl guards

1 [noncount] : a state in which someone is carefully looking for possible danger, threats, problems, etc.

There were dozens of police officers standing/keeping guard along the parade route.

Several soldiers were on guard [=watching and ready to respond if needed] at the gate.

The soldiers were on their guard. [=they were watching and ready to respond]

We need to be on guard against attack. [=we need to be alert so we are not attacked; we should be prepared to be attacked]

He always has/keeps his guard up [=is careful and alert] during negotiations.

She never lets down her guard. = She never lets her guard down. [=she never relaxes and stops being careful and alert]

2 a [count] : a person whose job or duty is to watch and protect someone or something

There were several (armed) guards stationed at the gate.

(US) a prison guard [=someone who watches prisoners to prevent their escape]

see also SECURITY GUARD

2 b [count] : a group of people (such as soldiers) who protect a person or place
the palace guard

Tourists gather every day to watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

2 c the Guards : soldiers who protect a king or queen
the Royal Horse Guards
see also COLOR GUARD, HONOR GUARD, OLD GUARD, REARGUARD

3 [count]

3 a : something that keeps an unwanted result or effect from happening
often + against

The wound should be thoroughly cleaned as a guard against infection.

see also SAFEGUARD

3 b : a special part or device that protects someone or something from injury or damage

The guard must be in place before operating the meat slicer.

a mouth/shin guard

4 [count]

4 a American football : either one of two players who play in positions on either side of the center

4 b basketball : either one of two players who usually play away from the basket and control their team's play when they are trying to score points see also POINT GUARD

5 [count] Brit : conductor 2

off guard

: in an unprepared state : not ready

They've been bluffing, trying to keep him off guard.

Her angry response caught me off guard. [=surprised me]

We were thrown off guard [=surprised] by their early arrival.

under guard

: in the position of someone (such as a prisoner) who is being watched by a guard

He was arrested and placed under guard. [=he was arrested and watched carefully so he would not escape]

2guard verb, guards, guard·ed, guard·ing [+ obj]

1 : to watch (someone) in order to prevent escape

Two policemen were assigned to guard the prisoner.

2 : to protect (someone or something) from danger or attack
soldiers guarding the president

A tank guarded the bridge from/against enemy attack.

A police officer was stationed outside to guard the door/entrance.

3 : to be careful about not telling or talking about (something, such as a secret)

They jealously guard their secrets.

He guards his privacy.

Her whereabouts are a tightly/closely guarded secret.

4 sports : to try to keep (an opponent) from scoring (especially in basketball)

He was assigned to guard their best player.

guard against [phrasal verb]

guard against (something) : to try to keep (something) from happening

Clean the wound to guard against infection.

That's the sort of thinking we have to guard against.

We need to guard against waste.

guard dog noun, pl dogs [count]

: a dog that is trained to protect a place : watchdog

guarded adj [more ; most ]

: very careful about giving information, showing feelings, etc.

They're being very guarded about their plans. [=they are not saying much about their plans]

a guarded answer
guarded [=cautious] optimism

guard·ed·ly adv
guardedly optimistic

guard·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

: a building for soldiers who are watching something (such as an entrance)

guard·i·an noun, pl -ans [count]

1 : someone or something that watches or protects something
often + of

The historical society sees itself as the guardian of the town's traditions.

a usage criticized by people who consider themselves guardians of proper English

2 law : someone who takes care of another person or of another person's property

After the death of her parents, her uncle was appointed as her legal guardian.

guard·i·an·ship noun [noncount]

their guardianship of the town's traditions

The court granted guardianship to her uncle.

guardian angel noun, pl -gels [count]

1 : an angel believed to watch and protect someone

2 : a helpful or protective person

He has become a guardian angel for struggling young artists.

guard·rail noun, pl -rails [count]

1 US : a strong metal bar along the side of a road that prevents vehicles from driving off the road called also (Brit) crash barrier

2 : a strong bar or fence that prevents people from falling off a deck, bridge, etc.

guards·man noun, pl -men [count]

1 : a U.S. soldier in the National Guard or the Coast Guard

Guardsmen were deployed to the region.

2 : a British soldier in the Guards

guard's van noun, pl vans [count]

Brit : caboose

gua·va noun, pl -vas

1 [count, noncount] : the sweet yellow fruit of a tropical American tree

2 [count] : a tree that produces guavas

gu·ber·na·to·ri·al adj

: of or relating to the governor of a U.S. state or to the position of governor
a gubernatorial candidate
the gubernatorial campaign/election

guer·ril·la also gue·ril·la noun, pl -las [count]

: a member of a usually small group of soldiers who do not belong to a regular army and who fight in a war as an independent unit

The guerrillas controlled half the country.

often used before another noun
guerrilla warfare/raids/attacks

1guess verb, guess·es, guessed, guess·ing

1 a : to form an opinion or give an answer about something when you do not know much or anything about it

[+ obj] Can you guess how many people were there?

He guessed that it would rain today.

It was colder and windier than I had guessed it would be.

She can only guess what he meant.

I'm guessing that she won't come. [=I don't think she'll come]

I never would have guessed [=I am very surprised] that you could be so selfish.

[no obj] I had to choose one, and I guessed right/wrong.

If you can't think of an answer, guess.

“I just heard why he left her.” “Let me guessanother woman.”

As you might have guessed, her parents are not happy about her decision.

We can only guess at what really happened.

Guess is used in phrases like guess what or guess who as an informal way of indicating that you have surprising news.

“Guess what!” “What?” “I bought a new car.”

“Guess who I saw yesterday!” “Who?” “My old boyfriend from high school.”

Guess where I'm going on my vacation!

You'll never guess what happened to me today. [=you will be surprised by what happened to me today]

1 b [+ obj] : to guess (something) correctly : to make a correct conclusion about (someone or something) by chance

She guessed my age on her first try.

It took us a while to guess the answer to the riddle.

The phrase you guessed it is used as an informal way of saying that what follows is just what you would expect.

We had lunch at Smith's Café, which is owned by, you guessed it, John Smith.

2 [+ obj] chiefly US, informal : to suppose or think (something)

usually used following the pronoun I

I guess you're right.

I guess this means that we can't go.

What saved her, I guess [=I imagine], was her quick wit.

I guess you could say that it was all his fault.

In responding to a question, the phrase I guess (so) is used as an informal way of agreeing or saying “yes” when you are not certain or not very excited or interested.

“Are you hungry?” “I guess.”

“This one looks better, doesn't it?” “I guess so.”

The phrase I guess not is used as an informal way of agreeing with a negative statement or of saying “no.”

“That wasn't a very smart thing to do, was it?” “I guess not.”

see also SECOND-GUESS

keep (someone) guessing or chiefly US leave (someone) guessing

: to make it impossible for someone to know what will happen next

The many twists and turns in the plot will keep readers guessing until the last page.

He likes to leave us guessing about his plans.

guess·er noun, pl -ers [count]

a lucky guesser

2guess noun, pl guesses [count]

: an attempt to give an opinion or answer about something when you do not know much about it or are not sure about it

I'm not sure how old he is, but I'm willing to hazard/venture a guess.

My guess is that he'll change his story when he realizes how much trouble he's in.

There might be about 20 people there, but that's just a (rough) guess.

If you don't know the answer, make a guess. = (US) If you don't know the answer, take a guess. = (chiefly Brit) If you don't know the answer, have a guess.

“How many people will be there?” “I don't know. Your guess is as good as mine.” [=I don't know any more than you do]

“I have no idea how many peanuts are in the jar.” “Take a wild guess.” [=a guess based on no knowledge or information]

An educated/informed guess is a guess that is probably close to being correct because it is based on some amount of knowledge.

Forecasters will be making an educated guess about the demand for electricity this summer.

anybody's/anyone's guess

Something that is anybody's/anyone's guess is something that is very uncertain or that no one knows.

What causes these changes is anybody's guess. [=no one knows what causes these changes]

It's anyone's guess what his next book will be about.

guessing game noun, pl games [count]

: a game in which the player has to correctly guess the answer
often used figuratively

Making a diagnosis in such cases can be a real guessing game.

Reporters continue to play a guessing game as they wait to hear her final decision. [=they continue to guess about what her final decision will be]

guess·ti·mate verb, -mates, -mat·ed, -mat·ing [+ obj]

informal : to make a quick estimate of (something)

He used a simple formula to guesstimate the amount of material he would need for the job.

guess·ti·mate noun, pl -mates [count]

He made a guesstimate of how much material he needed.

guess·work noun [noncount]

: the act or process of finding an answer by guessing

This book takes the guesswork out of buying a home. [=it gives you the information you need so that you can be sure about what to do]

Calculating the drug's long-term effects is pure guesswork.

guest noun, pl guests [count]

1 : a person who is invited to visit or stay in someone's home

Our guests should be arriving soon.

a dinner/party guest
an overnight guest

2 : a person who is invited to a place or an event as a special honor

Only invited guests are allowed inside the banquet hall.

He played at the country club as a guest of one of the members.

She will be the guest of honor [=the person who is being specially honored] at the annual banquet.

He was the guest speaker [=a person invited to a gathering to give a speech] at the awards ceremony.

The guest list [=the list of people who are being invited] for the party is getting long.

3 : a customer at a hotel, restaurant, etc.

Our guests receive the finest quality service.

Frequent guests receive a discount.

Paying guests [=guests who have paid to stay in or use something] may use the fitness room.

4 : a usually well-known person who is invited to appear or perform on a program, at an event, etc.

They frequently appeared as guests on TV talk shows.

a celebrity guest
often used before another noun
a guest star

He made several guest appearances/shots on the series.

be my guest

used in speech to say that someone is welcome to do or take something

“Could I borrow your pen?” “Sure, be my guest.”

guest book noun, pl books [count]

: a book of blank pages in which guests at an event (such as a wedding or funeral) or a place (such as an art gallery) sign their names

guest·house noun, pl -hous·es [count]

1 chiefly US : a building that is separate from the main house of a property and that is used for guests

The estate includes a small guesthouse.

2 chiefly Brit : a small hotel; also : a private house that accepts paying guests

guest room noun, pl rooms [count]

: a bedroom for guests called also guest bedroom

guest worker noun, pl -kers [count]

: a person from one country who lives and works for a time in another country

guff noun [noncount]

informal

1 : foolish nonsense

His latest book has a lot of guff about conspiracies of one kind or another.

2 chiefly US : annoying or playful criticism

His friends have given him a lot of guff about his hair.

She doesn't take guff from anybody.

guf·faw verb, -faws, -fawed, -faw·ing [no obj]

: to laugh loudly

The reporters were guffawing at all his jokes.

guffaw noun, pl -faws [count]

Her remark sparked guffaws around the room.

He let out a loud guffaw.

GUI abbr
graphical user interface

guid·ance noun [noncount]

1 : help or advice that tells you what to do : the act or process of guiding someone or something

I couldn't have done it without her guidance.

We need more guidance on how to handle these unusual cases.

expert guidance
moral/spiritual guidance

2 : the process of controlling the flight of something (such as a missile)

There are problems with the missile's guidance (system).

guidance counselor noun, pl -lors [count]

US : a person who gives help and advice to students about educational and personal decisions

1guide noun, pl guides [count]

1 a : a person who leads or directs other people on a journey

We hired a guide for our trip to the mountains.

a river guide

1 b : a person who shows and explains the interesting things in a place
a museum guide
a tour guide

2 : a person who helps to direct another person's behavior, life, career, etc.

He was my friend and my guide in the early years of my career.

3 : something that helps to direct a person's actions, thoughts, etc.

They used the stars as a guide to find their way back.

If past experience is any guide, we're in for a long and difficult project.

Let your conscience be your guide. [=do what your conscience says is right]

4 : a book, magazine, etc., that provides information about a particular subject
a street guide

The book is intended to be a guide for new parents.

a dining/restaurant guide
often + to
a guide to teenage slang

I bought him a guide to Poland.

see also FIELD GUIDE

5 Guide Brit : girl guide

2guide verb, guides, guid·ed, guid·ing [+ obj]

1 : to direct or lead (someone)

She guided them outside.

He guided us around the city.

often + through or to

Staff members are available to guide visitors through the exhibits.

We were guided to our seats by an usher.

You'll need an experienced lawyer to guide you through the legal system.

2 a : to direct or control the path or course of (something)

He claims that there were unknown forces guiding the outcome of the election.

He carefully guided the ship into the harbor.

She guided her team to victory.

2 b : to direct or influence the thoughts or behavior of (someone)

Let your conscience guide you.

Her example helped to guide me toward a career in medicine.

In his work, he has always been guided by a desire to help other people.

programs to help guide teenagers away from drug use

She had a guiding influence on my decision.

His guiding principle when he built his house was that bigger was better.

guide·book noun, pl -books [count]

: a book of information for travelers

guided adj

: led by a guide
a guided tour of the factory

guided missile noun, pl -siles [count]

: a missile whose course may be changed during flight

guide dog noun, pl dogs [count]

: a dog that is specially trained to lead and help blind people

guide·line noun, pl -lines [count]

: a rule or instruction that shows or tells how something should be done
usually plural

The government has issued new guidelines for following a healthy and balanced diet.

calling for stricter guidelines

Here are some basic guidelines for helping you choose a dishwasher.

guide·post noun, pl -posts [count]

chiefly US : a post next to a trail or road that has a sign on it with directions for travelers

The guidepost said that the camp was to the left.

often used figuratively

There are few guideposts to help young parents.

guideposts for raising children

guide word noun, pl words [count]

: either one of the words that are at the top of a page in a dictionary or similar book and that show the first and last words on the page

guild noun, pl guilds [count]

: an organized group of people who have joined together because they share the same job or interest
the local artists' guild
especially : an association of people who made or sold goods in the Middle Ages

guil·der noun, pl -ders [count]

: a basic unit of money that was formerly used in the Netherlands; also : a coin or bill representing one guilder called also gulden

guile noun [noncount]

: the use of clever and usually dishonest methods to achieve something

When they couldn't win by honest means, they resorted to guile. [=duplicity]

guile·less adj [more ; most ]

: very innocent : naive
a guileless person/smile

1guil·lo·tine noun, pl -tines [count]

: a machine with a heavy blade that was used in the past to cut off the heads of people who had been sentenced to death

2guillotine verb, -tines, -tined, -tin·ing [+ obj]

: to cut off the head of (someone) with a machine that drops a heavy blade on the person's neck : to kill (someone) with a guillotine
usually used as (be) guillotined
people guillotined during the French Revolution

guilt noun, pl guilts

1 [noncount] : responsibility for a crime or for doing something bad or wrong

The jury determines the defendant's guilt or innocence.

an admission of guilt

His guilt in the matter was indisputable.

It was clear that the guilt lay with him.

opposite INNOCENCE

2 : a bad feeling caused by knowing or thinking that you have done something bad or wrong

[noncount] I was overwhelmed by feelings of guilt. [=shame]

a strong sense of guilt

She feels guilt over something that happened before she was born!

guilt-ridden people [=people who feel a lot of guilt]

[count] our secret guilts and insecurities

guilt·less adj [more ; most ]

He's not entirely to blame, but he's not guiltless [=innocent], either.

a guiltless pleasure [=a pleasure that does not make you feel guilty]

guilt trip noun, pl trips [count]

informal : a feeling of guilt that you get when someone suggests that you have done something wrong or that you are not doing something that you should

“I guess you're just too busy to call.” “I don't need the guilt trip, Mom. If you want me to call more often, just say so.”

The speaker laid/put a (big) guilt trip on us [=tried to make us feel bad or sorry] by describing in detail how much waste the average American generates.

guilty adj, guilt·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : responsible for committing a crime or doing something bad or wrong

Do you think he's innocent or guilty?

Will the defendant plead guilty or not guilty?

Police have not been able to identify the guilty party. [=the person who committed the crime]

The state will prove that the defendants are guilty as charged. [=that they committed the crime they are accused of committing]

(informal) They're (as) guilty as sin. [=completely/very guilty]

often + of

The jury found her guilty of manslaughter.

The only thing I'm guilty of is bad taste.

sometimes used informally in a joking way

“Did you plan this party?” “Guilty as charged.” [=yes, I did]

opposite INNOCENT

2 a : showing that you know you have done something bad or wrong

The children exchanged guilty looks.

He was acting like someone with a guilty conscience.

2 b : feeling bad because you have done something bad or wrong or because you believe you have done something bad or wrong

There's no need to feel guilty about it.

Chocolate is one of my guilty pleasures. [=something that I enjoy even though eating it causes feelings of guilt]

guilt·i·ly adv

She hung her head guiltily.

guin·ea noun, pl -eas [count]

: an old British coin worth 21 shillings

guinea fowl noun, pl fowl or fowls [count]

: a gray-and-white spotted bird that is commonly raised for food

guinea hen noun, pl hens [count]

: a female guinea fowl

guinea pig noun, pl pigs [count]

1 : a small animal that is often kept as a pet

2 : a person or thing used for testing something

He volunteered to act as a guinea pig in the experiment.

guise noun, pl guis·es

1 [count] : one of several or many different ways in which something is seen, experienced, or produced

They serve the same basic dish in various guises. [=forms]

2 [singular] : a way of seeming or looking that is not true or real

She swindles people under the guise of friendship. [=by pretending to be their friend]

a story about a demon in the guise of an angel [=a demon disguised as an angel; a demon made to look like an angel]

gui·tar noun, pl -tars [count]

: a musical instrument that is held against the front of your body and that has usually six strings which are played with your fingers or with a pick
an acoustic/electric guitar

I'm learning to play the guitar. = (US) I'm learning to play guitar.

a guitar player

gui·tar·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

She's a very talented guitarist.

gulch noun, pl gulch·es [count]

chiefly US : a small, narrow valley with steep sides : ravine

gul·den noun, pl gul·dens or gulden [count]

: guilder

gulf noun, pl gulfs [count]

1 : a large area of ocean that is partly surrounded by land
often used in proper names
the Gulf of Mexico
the Persian Gulf

often used before another noun

They have a home on the Gulf Coast. [=the coast of the Gulf of Mexico]

the (Persian) Gulf region
the Gulf states [=the U.S. states next to the Gulf of Mexico or the countries next to the Persian Gulf]

2 : a difference between two people, groups, or things
often + between

The report examines the (widening) gulf [=gap, divide] between the state's rich and poor schools.

The program is intended to help bridge the gulf between younger and older generations.

Gulf War syndrome noun [noncount]

: a group of medical problems experienced by people who fought in the war in the Persian Gulf in 1991

1gull noun, pl gulls [count]

: a large, common, usually gray and white bird that lives near the ocean : seagull

2gull verb, gulls, gulled, gull·ing [+ obj]

old-fashioned : to fool or trick (someone)

I was gulled [=deceived] by their false promises of easy money.

gul·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: the tube that leads from the mouth through the throat to the stomach : esophagus
the fish's gullet

gull·ible adj [more ; most ]

: easily fooled or cheated; especially : quick to believe something that is not true

I'm not gullible enough to believe something that outrageous.

They sell overpriced souvenirs to gullible tourists.

gull·ibil·i·ty noun [noncount]

gull·ibly adv

gul·ly also gul·ley noun, pl -lies also -leys [count]

: a long, narrow cut or low area in the ground that water moves through when it rains

gulp verb, gulps, gulped, gulp·ing

1 [+ obj] : to eat or swallow (something) quickly or in large amounts

She told him not to gulp his food.

often + down

Don't gulp down your dinner like that.

They gulped down a couple of beers and left.

2 : to take (air) into your lungs quickly

[+ obj] The exhausted racers lay on the ground, gulping air.

[no obj] The exhausted racers were gulping for air.

3 : to swallow because of strong emotion (such as fear or shock)

[no obj] I gulped nervously before beginning my speech.

[+ obj] “That's a lot of money,” she gulped.

He gulped back tears as he thanked the rescuers.

gulp noun, pl gulps [count]

He ate it in one gulp.

We gobbled up the cookies between gulps of coffee.

She took several gulps of air.

gulp·er noun, pl -ers [count]

coffee gulpers

1gum noun, pl gums [count]

: the flesh that surrounds the roots of your teeth
usually plural

The dentist said my gums are swollen/inflamed.

compare 3GUM

2gum verb, gums, gummed, gum·ming [+ obj]

US : to chew (something) with the gums because you do not have teeth

The baby gummed her food.

compare 4GUM

3gum noun, pl gums

1 a [noncount] : chewing gum
a stick/piece of gum
a pack of gum
see also BUBBLE GUM

1 b [count] Brit : gumdrop
fruit gums

2 [count, noncount] : a sticky substance in some kinds of plants that is hard when it dries

by gum
informal + old-fashioned
used to show that you are surprised or determined

I looked it up, and by gum, she was right!

By gum, I really mean it this time!

compare 1GUM

4gum verb, gums, gummed, gumming

gum up [phrasal verb]

gum (something) up or gum up (something) informal : to prevent (something) from working or flowing properly

Don't use that paper with the copier; you'll gum it up.

The highway construction has really gummed up traffic.

The bearings are all gummed up [=clogged up] with mud.

often used in phrase gum up the works

Some dirt got inside the gears and gummed up the works.

The new regulations have really gummed up the works in the office.

compare 2GUM

gum·bo noun, pl -bos [count, noncount]

: a thick soup made in the southern U.S. with meat or seafood and usually okra
a bowl of real Cajun gumbo
sometimes used figuratively
a cultural gumbo [=a mixture of cultures]

gum·drop noun, pl -drops [count]

US : a sweet, chewy candy called also (Brit) gum

gum·my adj, gum·mi·er, -est [also more ; most ]

: made of, containing, or covered with gum or a sticky or chewy substance
gummy candy

How did you get your hands so gummy?

a gummy [=sticky] substance

gum·mi·ness noun [noncount]

gump·tion noun [noncount]

informal : courage and confidence

It took a lot of gumption to speak up for yourself like that.

gum·shoe noun, pl -shoes [count]

US informal + old-fashioned : a person whose job is to find information about someone or something : a private detective
used especially to imitate the language of old detective novels

The movie's main character is a hard-boiled gumshoe.

gum tree noun

up a gum tree

Brit informal : in a very difficult situation that you cannot get out of

If they don't deliver the parts we need, we'll really be up a gum tree! [=up the creek]

1gun noun, pl guns [count]

1 : a weapon that shoots bullets or shells
big/heavy guns

He pulled/drew a gun on us. [=he took out a gun and pointed it at us]

a loaded gun [=a gun that has bullets in it]

fire/shoot a gun
carry a gun
a gun battle between gang members and the police

She claimed that the gun went off accidentally.

a toy gun
see also AIR GUN, BB GUN, HANDGUN, MACHINE GUN, SHOTGUN, STUN GUN, SUBMACHINE GUN

2 : starting gun

3 : a tool or device that looks like a gun
a grease/spray/radar gun

go great guns
informal : to do something or proceed in a very quick, effective, and successful way

The new program has been going great guns since it began last spring.

hold/put a gun to someone's head

: to force someone to do something by using threats

You don't have to go if you don't want to. No one's holding a gun to your head.

jump the gun
informal : to start or do something too soon

Several racers jumped the gun. [=started to race before the starting gun was fired]

The newspaper jumped the gun [=acted too soon] and announced the wrong candidate as winner of the election.

stick to your guns

: to continue to have a particular opinion, plan, etc., when other people criticize you and say that you are wrong

Despite criticism from the press, the governor is sticking to her guns on this issue.

under the gun
chiefly US : in a situation in which you are getting a lot of criticism or pressure or in which you have only a short amount of time to do something

We were under the gun to finish the project on time.

Those responsible for the error suddenly found themselves under the gun.

with (all/both) guns blazing

: while firing guns

They stepped out from behind the building with guns blazing.

often used figuratively

The team came out with all guns blazing in the second half. [=the team was playing very forcefully and well]

see also BIG GUN, HIRED GUN, SMOKING GUN, TOP GUN, WATER GUN, YOUNG GUN

2gun verb, guns, gunned, gun·ning [+ obj]

informal

1 US : to cause (a car or a car's engine) to go very fast by pressing the accelerator

She let the car coast down the hill, then gunned it.

He gunned the engine.

2 US : to throw (something) very hard

The shortstop gunned the ball to first base.

gun down [phrasal verb]

gun down (someone) or gun (someone) down : to shoot (someone) with a gun

He was gunned down in the street.

gun for [phrasal verb]

1 gun for (something) : to try to get or achieve (something) in a very determined way

The team is gunning for its third straight championship this year.

That guy is gunning for my job.

2 gun for (someone) : to try to hurt or defeat (someone)

Her political enemies will be gunning for her if she runs for reelection.

gun·boat noun, pl -boats [count]

: a small ship with guns

gunboat diplomacy

: the threat to use military force against a country as a way of forcing the country to do something

gun control noun [noncount]

: laws that control how guns are sold and used and who can own them

gun dog noun, pl dogs [count]

Brit : bird dog

gun·fight noun, pl -fights [count]

: a fight in which people shoot guns at each other

There was a gunfight between the rival gangs.

gun·fight·er noun, pl -ers [count]

gun·fire noun [noncount]

: the firing of guns

We heard gunfire in the distance.

There was (an exchange of) gunfire between the gangs. [=they shot guns at each other]

gunge noun [noncount]

Brit informal : 1gunk

The old windows were covered in gunge.

gun·gy adj, gun·gi·er, -est

gung ho adj [more ; most ]

sometimes disapproving : extremely excited and enthusiastic about doing something

We were really gung ho about joining the team.

gung ho recruits

1gunk noun [noncount]

chiefly US informal : material that is dirty, sticky, or greasy

The engine was all full of gunk.

I need to wipe this gunk off my hands.

gunky adj, gunk·i·er, -est

Your hands are all gunky!

a gunky residue

2gunk verb, gunks, gunked, gunk·ing

gunk up [phrasal verb]

gunk up (something) or gunk (something) up US, informal : to cause (something) to be dirty, sticky, or greasy

Don't gunk up your hair with a lot of styling products.

The mechanism gets gunked up if you don't clean it regularly.

gun·man noun, pl -men [count]

: a person (especially a man) who uses a gun to shoot someone or to try to shoot someone

They were shot by an unknown gunman.

gun moll noun, pl molls [count]

chiefly US old-fashioned : moll

gun·ner noun, pl -ners [count]

1 : a soldier who operates a large gun

2 Brit : a soldier in the British artillery

gun·nery noun [noncount]

: the use of large military guns or the study of how such guns can be used effectively
often used before another noun
gunnery practice
a gunnery range

gun·ny·sack noun, pl -sacks [count]

US : a large bag made of rough, heavy cloth (such as burlap)

gun·point noun

at gunpoint

used to describe a situation in which someone is being threatened by a person with a gun

They forced us out of the car at gunpoint.

They were robbed/held at gunpoint.

gun·pow·der noun [noncount]

: a dry explosive substance that is used in guns and to break open sections of rock or earth for mining, building roads, etc.

gun·ship noun, pl -ships [count]

: a military aircraft with rockets and machine guns
a helicopter gunship

gun·shot noun, pl -shots

1 : bullets fired from a gun

[noncount] death/murder by gunshot

[count] He was killed by a gunshot to the head.

often used before another noun
gunshot wounds/victims

2 [count] : the firing of a gun

We heard several gunshots.

3 [noncount] : the distance that a bullet fired from a gun can travel
usually used in the phrase within gunshot

The target was within gunshot (range).

gun·sling·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone (such as a character in a story, movie, or television show) who is known for being able to handle and shoot a gun extremely well
a gunslinger in the Wild West

gun·smith noun, pl -smiths [count]

: a person who designs, makes, or repairs guns

gun·wale noun, pl -wales [count]

: the upper edge of a ship's or boat's side

to the gunwales
informal + old-fashioned : as full as possible

The car was loaded to the gunwales with gifts.

gup·py noun, pl -pies [count]

: a small tropical fish

gur·gle verb, gur·gles, gur·gled, gur·gling [no obj]

1 : to make the quiet sound of water moving over rocks, through a pipe, etc.

Nearby a stream was gurgling. [=burbling, bubbling]

The water gurgled through the pipes.

2 : to make a sound like a liquid boiling or bubbling

I was so hungry that you could hear my stomach gurgling.

3 of a baby : to make happy and quiet sounds

The baby gurgled contentedly.

gurgle noun, pl gurgles [noncount]

the gurgle of running water

[count]

You could hear the creaks and gurgles of the pipes.

the gurgles of the baby

gur·ney noun, pl -neys [count]

US : a bed on a frame with wheels that is used for moving people who are sick or injured
a hospital gurney

gu·ru noun, pl -rus [count]

1 : a religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism

2 a : a teacher or guide that you trust

He has been a guru to many young writers.

2 b : a person who has a lot of experience in or knowledge about a particular subject

She's a self-proclaimed financial guru.

Fitness gurus call it the hottest new exercise trend of the year.

1gush verb, gush·es, gushed, gush·ing

1 a [no obj] : to flow out very quickly and in large amounts

Oil gushed from the well.

Blood gushed from the wound.

1 b [+ obj] : to produce a large amount of (a quickly flowing liquid)

The well gushed oil.

2 often disapproving

2 a [no obj] : to speak in an extremely enthusiastic way

I'm tired of hearing her gush about her boyfriend.

Everyone has been gushing over/about the baby.

2 b [+ obj] : to say (something) in an extremely enthusiastic way

“Oh, your baby is so cute!” they gushed.

2gush noun, pl gushes [count]

: a sudden outward flow of a large amount of liquid

A gush of oil came out of the well.

sometimes used figuratively
a sudden gush of emotion

gush·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: someone or something that gushes; especially : an oil well that produces a large and forceful flow of oil

gushy adj, gush·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal + usually disapproving : very emotional or enthusiastic
gushy praise

gus·set noun, pl -sets [count]

: a piece of cloth usually in the shape of a triangle that is sewn into something (such as the underneath part of a sleeve) to make it wider or stronger

gus·sy verb, gus·sies, gus·sied, gus·sy·ing

gussy up [phrasal verb]

gussy (someone or something) up or gussy up (someone or something) US, informal

1 : to put fancy clothes, jewelry, etc., on (someone)

usually used as (be) gussied up

She was all gussied up [=dressed up] for the party.

2 : to make (something) more attractive, impressive, or fancy

The streets were gussied up with lights and garlands for the festival.

I made a basic tomato soup and then added fresh herbs to gussy it up.

1gust noun, pl gusts [count]

: a sudden strong wind

His hat was blown off by a sudden gust (of wind).

Today's weather will be windy, with gusts of up to 40 miles per hour.

often used figuratively
gusts of laughter
a gust of emotion

gust·i·ness noun [noncount]

the gustiness of the winds

gusty adj, gust·i·er, -est
a gusty day
gusty winds

2gust verb, gusts, gust·ed, gust·ing [no obj]

of wind : to blow strongly for a short time : to blow in gusts

The forecast calls for winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour.

gus·ta·to·ry Brit adj
formal : relating to taste or the sense of taste
gustatory pleasures/delights

gus·to noun [noncount]

: great enjoyment, energy, and enthusiasm
usually used in the phrase with gusto

She ate her dinner with gusto.

He played the role of the villain with gusto.

1gut noun, pl guts

1 guts [plural]

1 a : the internal organs of an animal
the guts of the fish
fish guts [=entrails]

1 b informal : the inside parts of something
the guts of a machine

1 c informal : the most important parts of something
the guts of a business deal

2 guts [plural] informal : courage

That decision took a lot of guts.

I didn't have the guts to do it.

The expression no guts, no glory is sometimes used in informal U.S. English to mean that if you do not have courage, you will never achieve success and fame.

3 [count] informal
used to talk about feelings, ideas, etc., that come from your emotions and from what seems true or right rather than from logic or reason

She knew in her gut that he was lying.

He knew he had to trust his gut [=instincts] and do what felt right.

What does your gut tell you to do?

4 [count] informal : a person's stomach or the part of the body that contains the stomach : belly

Her cruel remark was like a kick in the gut.

He has a big gut.

5 [count] : intestine
a problem affecting the gut

6 [noncount] : catgut
a violin with gut strings

blood and guts

: violent acts or images
a movie with lots of blood and guts

bust a gut also bust your gut
informal

1 : to work or try extremely hard

We're going to have to bust a gut to finish this project on time.

2 US : to laugh in an uncontrolled way

I thought I'd bust a gut (laughing) when you showed up in that silly outfit.

hate someone's guts
informal : to hate or dislike someone very much

That guy really hates my guts.

spill your guts
informal : to tell your secrets or private feelings to another person

What makes some people want to spill their guts on national television?

2gut adj, always used before a noun

1 : relating to or based on emotions : not based on logic or reason
a gut feeling/reaction
gut instinct

2 : affecting people's emotions
gut issues

3gut verb, guts, gut·ted, gut·ting [+ obj]

1 : to remove the internal organs from (a fish or an animal)

The salmon is already gutted and filleted.

2 a : to destroy the inside of (a structure)

Fire gutted the building.

often used as (be) gutted

The building was completely gutted by fire.

2 b : to destroy the power of (something) : to make (something) no longer effective

Critics claim that these reforms will gut the law.

gut·less adj [more ; most ]

informal : lacking courage : cowardly
a gutless wimp

gutsy adj, guts·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

informal

1 : very tough or brave
the book's gutsy heroine

: showing courage

That was a very gutsy decision.

2 : having a strong and appealing flavor
gutsy stews
a rich gutsy wine

gutted adj

Brit informal : very disappointed

“How did you feel when you didn't win the championship?” “I was absolutely gutted!”

1gut·ter noun, pl -ters

1 [count]

1 a : a long, hollow device that is attached to the edges of a roof to catch rain and carry it away from a building

1 b : a low area at the side of a road that is used to catch water and carry it away from the road

2 [count] : a long, narrow low section along the sides of a bowling lane

3 the gutter

3 a : the lowest or poorest conditions of human life

He squandered all his money and wound up in the gutter. [=a state of severe poverty]

3 b US, informal
used to refer in usually a joking way to thoughts that relate to sex

Get your mind out of the gutter. [=stop thinking that everything relates to sex]

2gutter adj, always used before a noun

: of the worst kind : offensive or immoral
gutter language
gutter politics

(Brit) the gutter press [=newspapers that print shocking stories about the personal lives of people]

gut·tur·al adj

: formed or pronounced in the throat
guttural sounds
a guttural grunt

gut·tur·al·ly adv

gut-wrench·ing adj [more ; most ]

informal : causing great mental or emotional pain
gut-wrenching decisions

guv noun

Brit informal
used by a man to address another man (such as a customer)

“Where to, guv?” asked the taxi driver.

guy noun, pl guys
informal

1 [count] : a man

He seems like a nice guy.

Who's that guy she's with?

It's hard to tell the good guys [=the heroes] from the bad guys [=the villains] in this movie.

see also FALL GUY, LITTLE GUY, MR. NICE GUY, WISE GUY

2 guys [plural] chiefly US
used to refer to two or more people

Quiet down, guysI'm trying to get some sleep here!

You guys [=you both/all] should come visit us sometime.

Would you guys like anything else?

guz·zle verb, guz·zles, guz·zled, guz·zling
informal : to drink (something, such as beer or liquor) quickly or in large amounts

[+ obj] She spends her days smoking cigarettes and guzzling (down) coffee.

[no obj] Sip, don't guzzle.

sometimes used figuratively
devices that guzzle electricity
cars that guzzle gasoline

In British English, guzzle is used for both eating and drinking.

guz·zler noun, pl -zlers [count]

beer guzzlers
see also GAS-GUZZLER

gym noun, pl gyms

1 [count] : gymnasium, health club

He works out at the gym.

a membership at the gym = a gym membership

2 [noncount] : sports and exercise taught as a subject in school : physical education

Students are required to take gym.

often used before another noun
gym class
gym shoes [=sneakers]

see also JUNGLE GYM

gym·na·si·um noun, pl -ums [count]

: a room or building that has equipment for sports activities or exercise

gym·nast noun, pl -nasts [count]

: a person who performs various physical exercises on a mat or on special equipment as part of an athletic competition : a person who participates in the sport of gymnastics

gym·nas·tics noun

1 [noncount]

1 a : physical exercises for developing strength and balance

They limbered up by practicing some gymnastics on the mat.

1 b : a sport in which athletes are judged on how well they perform various physical exercises on a mat or on special equipment

She won an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics.

He teaches gymnastics at the local high school.

2 [plural] : an activity that requires unusual ability or effort

The singer's vocal gymnastics are impressive.

It makes sense, but only after some complicated mental gymnastics.

gym·nas·tic adj
gymnastic moves
a gymnastic exhibition

gy·ne·col·o·gy (US) or chiefly Brit gy·nae·col·o·gy noun [noncount]

medical : the scientific study of the reproductive system of women and its diseases compare OBSTETRICS

gy·ne·co·log·i·cal (US) or chiefly Brit gy·nae·co·log·i·cal adj
a gynecological examination

gy·ne·col·o·gist (US) or chiefly Brit gy·nae·col·o·gist noun, pl -gists [count]

1gyp noun [singular]

chiefly US informal : an act of tricking or cheating someone

Is that all they give you? What a gyp!

compare 3GYP

2gyp verb, gyps, gypped, gyp·ping [+ obj]

chiefly US informal : to cheat (someone)

You paid $100? You got/were gypped. [=you paid too much; you were cheated]

often + out of

They gypped [=cheated] us out of hundreds of dollars.

She got gypped out of a big promotion.

3gyp noun

give (someone) gyp

Brit informal : to cause (someone) pain

My leg's been giving me gyp again.

compare 1GYP

gyp·sum noun [noncount]

: a white mineral that is used to make plaster of paris

Gyp·sy also Gip·sy noun, pl -sies [count]

: a member of a group of people who originally came from northern India and now live mostly in Asia, Europe, and North America

The Gypsy people are known for moving from place to place instead of living in one place for a long time.

gypsy moth noun, pl moths [count]

: a type of moth whose caterpillar does great damage to trees by eating the leaves

gy·rate Brit verb, -rates, -rat·ed, -rat·ing [no obj]

: to move back and forth with a circular motion

They gyrated to the music.

sometimes used figuratively

The markets have been gyrating [=fluctuating] wildly.

gy·ra·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

their gyrations on the dance floor
market gyrations [=fluctuations]

[noncount]

the gyration of the dancers

1gy·ro noun, pl -ros [count]

: gyroscope
compare 2GYRO

2gy·ro noun, pl -ros [count]

: a Greek food that consists of a pita wrapped around a filling of usually lamb, onion, tomato, and a yogurt sauce
compare 1GYRO

gy·ro·scope noun, pl -scopes [count]

: a wheel that spins quickly and is held in a frame that allows it to tilt in any direction

Gyroscopes are used in steering devices on ships, airplanes, etc., and in other instruments. Some gyroscopes are used as toys.

gy·ro·scop·ic adj
gyroscopic instruments

h or H noun, pl h's or hs or H's or Hs

: the eighth letter of the English alphabet

[count] The word “hand” begins with an h.

[noncount] The word “hand” begins with h.

ha interj

used especially to express surprise or a feeling of pleasure that you have when you do something or find out about something

Ha! And you thought I couldn't do it!

ha·be·as cor·pus noun [noncount]

law : an order to bring a jailed person before a judge or court to find out if that person should really be in jail
apply for a writ of habeas corpus

hab·er·dash·er noun, pl -ers [count]

old-fashioned

1 US : a person who owns or works in a shop that sells men's clothes

2 Brit : a person who owns or works in a shop that sells small items (such as needles and thread) that are used to make clothes

hab·er·dash·ery noun, pl -er·ies

1 [noncount] : goods sold by a haberdasher

2 [count] : a haberdasher's shop

hab·it noun, pl -its

1 : a usual way of behaving : something that a person does often in a regular and repeated way

[count] It was his habit to take a nap after dinner every evening.

It's important that parents teach their children good study/eating habits.

He fell/got into some bad habits after graduating from college.

It's never easy to break/kick a bad habit.

Old habits die hard. [=it is hard to stop doing things that you have been doing for a long time]

often followed by of + -ing verb

He had a habit of coughing when he was nervous.

He has an annoying/irritating habit of cracking his knuckles.

Things have a nasty habit of not turning out the way you expect them to. [=things often do not turn out the way you expect them to]

[noncount] He still gets up early every day from habit.

She always closed the door softly out of habit.

He reached into his pocket for his keys by/from force of habit. [=he did it without thinking because it is what he usually does]

I'm a creature of habit. [=I always do the same things in the same way]

If you are in the habit of doing something, you do it often or usually.

I'm in the habit of reading before I go to bed.

If you say that you are not in the habit of doing something, you mean that you do not do it or that you do not usually do it.

I'm not in the habit of getting involved in other people's arguments.

I'm not in the habit of making predictions, but I don't think there's much doubt about who will win this election.

To get in/into the habit of doing something means to do something in a regular or repeated way so that it becomes a habit.

I had gotten into the habit of reading before going to bed.

She got in the habit of leaving her keys on the counter so she wouldn't forget them.

To fall/slip into the habit of doing something is to begin to do something in a regular way without realizing that you are doing it.

It's easy to fall into the habit of not eating enough for breakfast.

If you make a habit of doing something or make it a habit to do something, you do it often.

They have made a habit of criticizing each other whenever possible.

The team has made a habit of winning the crucial games.

Yes, you can leave work early today, but don't make a habit of it.

2 [count] : a strong need to use a drug, to smoke cigarettes, etc.

He hasn't been able to kick his cocaine habit.

I used to have a three-pack-a-day cigarette habit. [=I used to smoke three packs of cigarettes a day]

3 [count] : a piece of clothing worn by members of a religious group
a monk's/nun's habit

hab·it·able adj

: suitable or fit to live in

The house is not habitable.

hab·i·tat noun, pl -tats [count]

: the place or type of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows
a creature's natural habitat
tropical habitats

hab·i·ta·tion noun, pl -tions

1 [noncount] : the act of living in a place

The house was not fit for human habitation.

2 [count] formal : a place where someone lives
a wilderness area with few habitations

hab·it-form·ing adj [more ; most ]

: causing a strong need to regularly have something (such as a drug) or do something

Heroin is a habit-forming [=addictive] drug.

Eating chocolate can be habit-forming.

ha·bit·u·al adj

1 : done regularly or repeatedly

He was fired for his habitual lateness.

habitual drug use

They went for their habitual evening walk.

2 always used before a noun : doing something regularly or repeatedly

She was a habitual liar. [=she always lied]

habitual criminals/offenders

ha·bit·u·al·ly adv

He was habitually late.

ha·bit·u·ate verb, -ates, -at·ed, -at·ing [+ obj]

formal : to cause (a person or animal) to become familiar with and used to a particular place, situation, etc.

+ to

The dog slowly became habituated to its new home. = The dog slowly habituated itself to its new home.

ha·bit·u·a·tion noun [noncount]

ha·bi·tué noun, pl -tu·és [count]

: a person who is often at a specified place
a habitué of bars
racetrack habitués

ha·ci·en·da Brit noun, pl -das [count]

: a large estate in a country where people speak Spanish

1hack verb, hacks, hack·ed, hack·ing

1 : to cut (something or someone) many times and usually in a rough and violent way.

[+ obj] He hacked [=chopped] the tree down with an ax. = He hacked down the tree with an ax.

The victim had been hacked to death.

The table had been hacked to pieces.

[no obj] He hacked (away) at the tree with an ax.

see also HACK OFF ((BELOW))

2 [+ obj] : to make (a path) by cutting plants

They used a machete to hack a path through the jungle.

They hacked their way through the jungle.

3 [+ obj] informal : to manage or deal with (something) successfully
usually used in negative statements

He just couldn't hack the new job.

often used in the phrase hack it

After two weeks at the new job, he decided that he just couldn't hack it.

4 [no obj] : to cough loudly

I could hear him hacking (away) all night long.

The patient has a hacking cough. [=a loud, dry cough]

5 computers : to secretly get access to the files on a computer or network in order to get information, cause damage, etc.

[no obj]

+ into

She was trying to hack into the network.

Someone hacked into the company's financial records.

[+ obj] The Web site had been hacked.

hack off [phrasal verb]

1 hack (something) off or hack off (something) : to cut (something) off in a rough and violent way

She used an ax to hack the dead branch off (the tree).

2 hack (someone) off also hack off (someone) informal : to make (someone) angry and annoyed

It really hacks me off to see people treated so unfairly.

see also HACKED OFF

2hack noun, pl hacks [count]

1 : the act of hitting something roughly with an ax, knife, etc.

He took a hack at the branch.

2 baseball, informal : swing

He took a hack at a high fastball and popped it up.

3 : a loud, dry cough
a smoker's hack

compare 3HACK

3hack noun, pl hacks [count]

1 disapproving

1 a : a writer who produces a large amount of work mainly to make money
a hack writer

1 b : someone who does work that is not important or original
a political hack

2 US, old-fashioned + informal : taxi; also : the driver of a taxi : cabdriver

3 a : a horse that can be hired for use

3 b : an old, worn-out horse
compare 2HACK

hacked off adj [more ; most ]

informal : angry or irritated

He was really hacked off when they lost the game.

hack·er noun, pl -ers [count]

1 computers : a person who secretly gets access to a computer system in order to get information, cause damage, etc. : a person who hacks into a computer system

2 US, informal : a person who plays a sport badly

My friends and I have been playing golf for years, but we're still just a bunch of hackers.

a tennis hacker

hack·les noun [plural]

: hairs along the neck and back of an animal
often used figuratively with raise or rise to describe something that makes people angry or annoyed

The court ruling is sure to raise some hackles. [=sure to upset some people]

Their arrogant attitude is what really made my hackles rise. [=really made me angry]

hack·neyed adj [more ; most ]

: not interesting, funny, etc., because of being used too often : not fresh or original
hackneyed phrases/jokes

hack·saw noun, pl -saws [count]

: a saw used for cutting metal

had past tense and past participle of HAVE

had·dock noun, pl haddock [count, noncount]

: a fish that lives in the Atlantic Ocean and that is often eaten as food

Ha·des noun [noncount]

1 : the home of the dead in Greek mythology

2 or hades informal
used as a more polite way of saying “hell”

It's hotter than hades today.

hadn't

used as a contraction of had not

They hadn't arrived at the party yet.

Hadn't we better be going now?

haemoglobin, haemophilia, haemophiliac, haemorrhage, haemorrhoid Brit spellings of HEMOGLOBIN, HEMOPHILIA, HEMOPHILIAC, HEMORRHAGE, HEMORRHOID

hag noun, pl hags [count]

offensive : an ugly, evil, or unpleasant old woman

hag·gard adj [more ; most ]

: looking very thin and tired especially from great hunger, worry, or pain

She looked tired and haggard.

We were shocked by his haggard appearance.

hag·gis noun, pl -gis·es [count, noncount]

: a Scottish dish made from the organs of a sheep that are chopped up, mixed with suet, onions, oatmeal, and seasonings, and boiled in the stomach of the sheep

hag·gle verb, hag·gles, hag·gled, hag·gling [no obj]

: to talk or argue with someone especially in order to agree on a price

I dislike having to haggle (with a salesman) over/about the price of a new car.

She is good at haggling.

hag·gler noun, pl hag·glers [count]

a skillful haggler

ha·gi·og·ra·phy noun, pl -phies
disapproving : a book about someone's life that makes it seem better than it really is or was : a biography that praises someone too much

[count] a hagiography about a famous politician

[noncount] The book gives a good idea of his virtues without resorting to hagiography.

ha ha or ha-ha interj

used to represent laughter

“Ha ha! That's a good one!” he chuckled.

often used in an ironic way

Oh, ha ha. That's very funny. [=that's not really funny at all]

hai·ku noun, pl haiku also hai·kus

: a Japanese form of poetry or a poem written in this form

[noncount] a master of haiku

[count] He has written many beautiful haiku.

A haiku has three lines, with the first line containing five syllables, the second line containing seven syllables, and the third line containing five syllables again.

1hail noun

1 [noncount] : pieces of ice that fall from clouds like rain

Many cars were damaged by hail during the storm.

2 [singular] : a large number of small hard objects (such as bullets or stones) flying or falling together

They were gunned down in a hail of bullets.

a hail of pellets
often used figuratively

The court's decision was met with a hail of criticism. [=was strongly criticized by many people]

2hail verb, hails, hail·ed, hail·ing [no obj]

used with it to say that hail is falling

It's hailing outside. [=hail is falling from the sky]

compare 3HAIL

3hail verb, hails, hailed, hailing [+ obj]

1 : to speak of or welcome (someone or something) with praise or enthusiasm

The town hailed him as a hero when he returned with the championship trophy.

His supporters have hailed [=strongly praised] his decision to run for reelection.

often used as (be) hailed

She is being hailed [=acclaimed] for her generosity.

The new drug has been widely hailed as a great breakthrough.

2 : to call out in order to stop or get the attention of (someone or something)

We hailed the passing ship.

He hailed a taxi for me.

see also HAILING DISTANCE

hail from [phrasal verb]

hail from (a place) : to have been born or raised in (a place) : to come from (a place)

He hails from a small town in western Kansas.

compare 2HAIL

hailing distance noun [noncount]

: the distance within which it is possible to hear someone who is calling out

They were within hailing distance of each other.

Hail Mary noun, pl Marys [count]

1 : a Roman Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary

2 American football : a long forward pass thrown into or close to the end zone as playing time runs out

He threw up a Hail Mary at the end of the first half.

a Hail Mary pass

hail·stone noun, pl -stones [count]

: a piece of hail

hail·storm noun, pl -storms [count]

: a storm that produces hail

hair noun, pl hairs

1 a [count] : a thin threadlike growth from the skin of a person or animal

He plucked a hair from his arm.

There are dog/cat hairs all over my coat.

1 b [noncount] : a covering or growth of hairs

The hair on her arms is blond.

He has a lot of hair on his chest.

facial/pubic hair

1 c [noncount] : the covering of hairs on a person's head

He got his hair cut last week.

Your hair looks nice.

She has long/black/straight hair.

He has a thick/full head of hair.

a balding man who is losing his hair
a lock/strand of hair
hair conditioners/curlers
a hair dryer

I'm having a bad hair day. [=my hair does not look nice today]

2 [singular] informal : a very small distance or amount

He won the race by a hair.

He was a hair off on the count.

hair of the dog (that bit you)

informal : an alcoholic drink that is taken by someone to feel better after having drunk too much at an earlier time

hide or hair, hide nor hair see 2HIDE

in your hair
informal

Someone who is in your hair is bothering or annoying you.

His wife says that since he retired he's in her hair all day because he's at home so much.

keep your hair on

Brit informal used to tell someone not to become too excited or upset

let your hair down
informal : to relax and enjoy yourself

We work hard all week, so when Friday comes we like to let our hair down a little and have some fun.

make your hair curl
informal

If something makes your hair curl, it frightens, shocks, or surprises you.

I've heard stories about that guy that would make your hair curl.

make your hair stand on end
informal

If something makes your hair stand on end, it frightens you.

Just hearing his voice makes my hair stand on end.

not have a hair out of place
informal : to have a very neat appearance
a politician who never has a hair out of place

not turn a hair
informal : to remain calm even though something frightening or shocking has happened

Most people would have been very nervous in that situation, but she never turned a hair.

out of your hair
informal

Someone who is out of your hair is no longer bothering or annoying you.

Let me take the children out of your hair while you cook dinner.

pull your hair out or tear your hair out
informal : to be very worried or upset about something

We've been tearing our hair out trying to decide what to do.

split hairs

: to argue about small details or differences that are not important

His lawyers are splitting hairs over the wording of his contract.

see also HAIRSPLITTING

haired adj
a long-haired cat
a dark-haired person

hair·less adj
a hairless breed of cat

hair·brush noun, pl -brush·es [count]

: a brush for the hair

hair·cut noun, pl -cuts [count]

: the act or result of cutting and shaping someone's hair

The girls got haircuts yesterday.

He just had a haircut.

Do you like my haircut?

a short haircut

hair·cut·ter noun, pl -ers [count]

hair·do noun, pl -dos [count]

: a way of cutting and arranging someone's hair
a stylish hairdo

hair·dress·er noun, pl -ers [count]

: a person who cuts and shapes hair

hair·dress·ing noun [noncount]

She is taking classes in hairdressing.

hair·grip noun, pl -grips [count]

Brit : bobby pin

hair·line noun, pl -lines [count]

1 : a thin line or crack

The plate had a hairline running across it.

often used before another noun
a hairline crack

He suffered a hairline fracture of his shin bone.

2 : the line where your hair starts on your forehead

He has a receding hairline.

hair·net noun, pl -nets [count]

: a net worn over someone's hair to keep it in place

hair·piece noun, pl -piec·es [count]

: a section of real or false hair that is worn to cover a bald spot on your head or to make your hair look longer, thicker, or a different color

hair·pin noun, pl -pins [count]

1 : a pin that is worn in your hair; especially : a pin shaped like a U that is worn to hold your hair in place

2 : an extremely sharp turn in a road that is shaped like a U
often used before another noun
a hairpin turn/curve

hair-rais·ing adj [more ; most ]

: very frightening or exciting
a hair-raising adventure/story

hair-rais·ing·ly adv

hair's breadth or US hair·breadth noun [singular]

: a very small distance or amount

He came within a hair's breadth of winning the race. [=he came very close to winning the race]

often used before another noun
a hairbreadth escape [=a very narrow escape]

hair slide noun, pl slides [count]

Brit : barrette

hair·split·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

: a person who argues about differences that are too small to be important

hair·split·ting noun [noncount]

: the act of arguing about differences that are too small to be important

The lawyers have been engaging in legalistic hairsplitting.

see also split hairs at HAIR

hairsplitting adj
lawyers making hairsplitting distinctions

hair·style noun, pl -styles [count]

: hairdo

hair·styl·ing noun [noncount]

: the act or job of cutting and arranging people's hair
the latest trends in hairstyling

hair·styl·ist noun, pl -ists [count]

a professional hairstylist

hair trigger noun, pl -gers [count]

: a trigger on a gun that needs very little pressure to cause the gun to shoot

hair-trig·ger adj, always used before a noun

: becoming angry very easily

He has a hair-trigger temper.

hairy adj, hair·i·er, -est [also more ; most ]

1 : covered with a lot of hair
hairy arms
a hairy chest

2 informal : causing fear or tension : dangerous or stressful

The taxi ride got a little hairy.

When the deadline approaches, things can get a little hairy.

hair·i·ness noun [noncount]

hajj noun [singular]

: a journey to Mecca that is a religious duty for Muslims

hake noun, pl hake [count, noncount]

: a large fish that lives in the Atlantic Ocean and is often eaten as food

ha·lal adj

1 : accepted by Muslim law as fit for eating
halal meat

2 : selling or serving halal food
a halal butcher
a halal restaurant

hal·cy·on adj, always used before a noun
literary : very happy and successful
used to refer to a happy and successful time in the past that is remembered as being better than today

She looks back fondly recalling the halcyon days/years of her career, when she was just out of college.

hale adj, hal·er, hal·est [also more ; most ]

: healthy and strong
usually used in the phrase hale and hearty

His mother remains hale and hearty in her old age.

1half Brit noun, pl halves Brit

1 : one of two equal or nearly equal parts into which something can be divided

[count] She broke each cookie into halves.

“Which half do you want?” “I'll take the smaller half.”

Two halves make a whole.

[noncount] The price has been reduced by half. [=by 50 percent; by an amount that is equal to one half of the original]

see also BETTER HALF, OTHER HALF

2 a [count] : either of the two equal periods of playing time in sports like football and basketball

The team fell behind in the first half but rallied in the second half to win the game.

2 b the half : the time when the first half of a game ends

The score was tied at the half. [=at halftime]

3 [count] Brit, informal : half a pint of a drink (such as beer)

“What's yours?” “A half of lager, please.”

and a half

1
used in measurements of time, distance, weight, etc., to indicate one half of the unit of measurement

My daughter is two and a half (years old). [=two years and six months old]

The fish was a foot and a half long. [=one foot and six inches long]

ten and a half pounds [=ten pounds and eight ounces]

2 informal
used to say that something is very good, large, difficult, etc.

That was a meal and a half! [=that was a very big meal]

Renovating a house is a job and a half. [=is a very difficult job]

by halves
informal : in an incomplete way
used in negative statements to say that someone does things with a lot of energy and effort

She never does anything by halvesit's all or nothing!

go halves also go half and half

: to share the cost of something equally

We decided to go halves (with each other) on the expenses.

in half

: into two equal parts : into two halves

She cut the apple in half.

the half of it
informal
used to say that a situation is even worse than you think it is or than it seems to be

“It sounds like you've been having some problems.” “You don't know the half of it!”

Sales are down but that's only the half of itthe company is closing several stores.

tooby half
chiefly Brit informal
used to say that someone or something has too much of a particular quality usually in a way that is annoying
an arrogant politician who is too clever by half

2half pronoun

: a number or amount that is equal to one half of a total

“Do you want the whole piece?” “Half would be enough, please.”

Thirty students took the exam; half (that number) passed. [=15 students passed]

Half of 30 is/equals 15.

I seem to spend half (of) the day on the phone.

She gave half (of) her money to charity.

Half a million people live in this area.

Do you want half (of) my sandwich?

Half the time the kids are outside playing. [=the kids are often outside playing]

Getting to your destination is half the fun of a vacation. = Getting there is half the fun.

Half the problem is that we do not have enough employees to handle the increased workload.

I waited for half an hour. [=30 minutes]

Please wait (for) half a minute/second [=for a moment] while I try to connect you.

half a dozen [=six] eggs

He's always chasing women half his age. [=women who are much younger than he is]

half the battle see 1BATTLE

have half a mind see 1MIND

3half adj, always used before a noun

1 : equal or nearly equal in size, value, amount, etc., to one half of something
a half cup of coffee

He owns a half share in the company.

a half pound of cheese
a half million people
a half mile away
a half circle
a half dozen [=six] eggs
see also HALF HOUR, HALF PRICE

2 : not complete : partial

She looked at him with a shy half smile.

often used in combination
a shy half-smile

We need resolute action, not timid half-measures.

4half adv

1 : to an extent that is equal or nearly equal to half of something

The glass of water is half full/empty.

The crowd was half cheering and half jeering.

She's half French and half Italian. [=one of her parents is French and the other is Italian]

The meeting began at half past two. [=at 2:30] = (Brit) The meeting began at half two.

We arrived at the station at noon, and the train departed at half past. [=at 12:30]

The train departed at half past the hour.

2 : not completely : to some degree : partially

He was only half aware of what was happening.

She had half persuaded me to stay.

The door was half open.

These eggs are only half cooked.

I was half asleep [=very tired; not completely awake] when you called.

She looked half dead. [=she looked very tired/ill]

half again as much/many (etc.) as (US) or Brit half as much/many (etc.) again as

used to say that the size or amount of one thing is 50 percent more than another

If 100 people were expected and 150 came, half again as many people came as were expected.

This dress costs half again as much as that one.

half as big/much/good (etc.) as

used to say that the size, amount, or quality of one thing is half or nearly half that of another

The bush is half as tall as the tree. [=the tree is twice as tall as the bush]

This dress costs half as much as that one.

If 100 people were expected and 50 came, only half as many people came as were expected.

If he can play the guitar half as well as he can sing, he should have quite a career. [=he will have a very successful career if he can play the guitar well, even if he doesn't play as well as he sings]

The sequel isn't half as good as the original movie. [=the original movie was much better than the sequel]

half off

used to say that something is being sold at half the original price

Peaches are half off today.

not half

1 : not nearly

He's not half the fool you think he is. = He's not half so foolish as you think he is. [=he is much smarter than you think he is]

an aging baseball player who is not half the hitter he once was [=he is not nearly as good as a hitter as he once was]

2 Brit, informal
used to emphasize a statement or description

She doesn't half swear! [=she swears a lot]

It's not half cold today! [=it is very cold today]

“Is it cold out?” “Not half!” [=yes, it is very cold]

not half bad
informal : surprisingly good

Her singing was not half bad. [=not bad at all]

The food there is not half bad. [=pretty good]

half-and-half Brit noun [noncount]

US : a mixture of cream and whole milk

She usually puts half-and-half in her coffee.

half-assed (US) Brit or Brit half-arsed Brit adj [more ; most ]

informal + impolite

1 : poorly done or planned

He did a half-assed job.

2 : stupid or foolish
a half-assed remark

half·back Brit noun, pl -backs [count]

1 American football : a player on offense who lines up next to the fullback and who runs with the ball and blocks

2 : a defensive player in games like soccer and field hockey who is positioned in front of the fullback

half-baked Brit adj [more ; most ]

informal : not well planned : foolish or stupid
a half-baked idea

half bath noun, pl baths [count]

US : a bathroom that has a sink and toilet but no bathtub or shower

half-breed Brit noun, pl -breeds [count]

offensive : a person who has parents of different races; especially : a person who has a Native American parent and a white parent

half-breed adj

half brother noun, pl -ers [count]

: a brother with the same father but a different mother or the same mother but a different father

George is my half brother.

half-caste Brit noun, pl -castes [count]

offensive : a person who has parents of different races

half-caste adj

half-cocked Brit adj

US informal : showing a lack of preparation or careful thought : stupid or foolish
half-cocked officials/ideas

go off half-cocked (US) or Brit go off at half cock
informal : to do or say something without preparing for it or thinking about it

Before you go off half-cocked, try listening to the explanation.

half-dol·lar Brit noun, pl -lars

US

1 [count] : a coin that is worth 50 cents

2 [singular] : the sum of 50 cents
kids selling lemonade for a half-dollar
a half-dollar price increase

half·heart·ed Brit adj [more ; most ]

: feeling or showing a lack of interest or enthusiasm
a half-hearted smile
half-hearted applause from the audience

He made a half-hearted attempt to contact them.

half·heart·ed·ly adv
smiling halfheartedly

half hour noun [singular]

1 : 30 minutes

Trains depart every half hour.

: a period of time that lasts for 30 minutes

I waited a half hour in line.

2 : the middle point of an hour

Tours start on the half hour. [=at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, etc.]

half-life Brit noun, pl -lives [count]

technical : the time it takes for a radioactive substance to lose half its radioactivity
a half-life of 200,000 years
often used figuratively to describe how long something remains useful or popular

Slang usually has a short half-life. [=slang usually is popular for only a short time]

half-light Brit noun [noncount]

: dim grayish light
the half-light of early morning

half-mast Brit noun [noncount]

: the position in the middle of a mast or pole

A flag is flown at half-mast or lowered to half-mast to show respect for a person who has died.

half-moon Brit noun, pl -moons

1 [singular] : the moon when only half of it can be seen compare FULL MOON, NEW MOON

2 [count] : something that is shaped like a half-moon

The pattern consists of circles and half-moons.

half-moon earrings [=earrings that are shaped like half-moons]

half note noun, pl notes [count]

US : a musical note equal in time to half of a whole note called also (Brit) minim

half·pen·ny noun, pl -nies [count]

Brit : a former British coin worth one half of a penny

half-pipe Brit noun, pl -pipes [count]

: a curved structure with high sides that is used for doing tricks on a skateboard, snowboard, etc.

half price noun [noncount]

: half of the original price

I bought these shoes at half price. = I paid half price for these shoes.

half-price adj
half-price items

All winter coats are half-price today.

half-price adv

Reserve now and fly half-price.

half shell noun

on the half shell

: served in one of the two halves of the shell
oysters on the half shell

half sister noun, pl -ters [count]

: a sister with the same father but a different mother or the same mother but a different father

Emily is my half sister.

half-staff Brit noun [noncount]

US : half-mast

half step noun, pl steps [count]

US music : semitone

half·time Brit noun [noncount]

: the period of rest between the end of the first half and the beginning of the second half in games like football and basketball

The score was tied at halftime.

The coaches discussed strategy during halftime.

half·tone Brit noun, pl -tones [count]

technical

1 : a shade of gray in a photograph
using software to lighten/darken the picture's halftones

2 : an image printed by a method that creates many small dots

half-truth Brit noun, pl -truths [count]

: a statement that is only partly true and that is intended to deceive people

I'm tired of all these half-truthsI want to know the real story.

half·way Brit adj

1 : in the middle between two points

She was leading at the halfway mark/point of the race.

We're halfway toward completing the project.

2 always used before a noun informal : not total or complete : partial

They're only offering halfway measures, not a real solution.

meet (someone) halfway see 1MEET

halfway adv

I was halfway home when I realized I had forgotten my briefcase.

The project isn't done yet, but we're halfway there.

He stopped halfway up the stairs.

We left halfway through the speech.

(informal) I'm willing to eat anywhere as long as the food is halfway decent. [=fairly good]

halfway house noun, pl houses

1 [count] : a place where people who have recently left a prison, mental hospital, etc., can live until they are considered ready to live by themselves

2 [singular] chiefly Brit : something that combines the qualities or features of two different things

The car is the perfect halfway house between a family caravan and luxury sedan.

half-wit Brit noun, pl -wits [count]

informal : a foolish or stupid person

He says the people he works with are a bunch of half-wits.

half-wit·ted Brit adj [more ; most ]

hal·i·but noun, pl halibut [count, noncount]

: a large fish of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that is often eaten as food

hal·i·to·sis noun [noncount]

medical : the condition of having breath that smells bad : bad breath

hall noun, pl halls [count]

1 : a usually long, narrow passage inside a building with doors that lead to rooms on the sides

The bathroom is down the hall.

Her office is at the end of the hall.

2 : the area inside the entrance of a building

I'll meet you in the front hall.

The front door opens onto a large hall.

3 a : a large room or building for meetings, entertainment, etc.

We rented a hall for the wedding reception.

a concert/dining/dance hall
a lecture hall [=auditorium]

often used in proper names

Carnegie Hall
the Hampden County Hall of Justice

see also CITY HALL, MESS HALL, MUSIC HALL, TOWN HALL

3 b : a building where students live at a college or university : dormitory

(US) a residence hall = (Brit) a hall of residence

4 Brit : a large, impressive house
used in proper names

The family owned Locksley Hall for generations.

the halls of power see 1POWER
see also STUDY HALL

1hal·le·lu·jah interj

used to express praise, joy, or thanks especially to God

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

It's the weekend! Hallelujah!

2hallelujah noun, pl -jahs [count]

: a shout or song of praise or thanks to God

hall·mark noun, pl -marks [count]

1 : a quality, ability, etc., that is typical of a particular person or thing

He had all the hallmarks of a great baseball player.

Humor is one of the hallmarks of her style.

The murder bore all the hallmarks of a serial killer's work.

compare EARMARK

2 : an official mark that is put on gold and silver objects in Britain to indicate their purity

Hall of Fame noun, pl Halls of Fame [count]

chiefly US : a place that is like a museum with exhibits honoring the famous people and events related to a particular activity (such as a sport)

We visited the Basketball Hall of Fame.

also : the group of people who are honored in such a place

He was elected as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hall of Fam·er noun, pl -ers [count]

Hall of Famers [=members of the Hall of Fame] will be at the event to sign autographs.

hal·lowed adj [more ; most ]

1 : holy or blessed

The church stands on hallowed ground.

2 : highly respected
hallowed customs/traditions

Hal·low·een noun, pl -eens [count, noncount]

: the night of October 31 when children dress up as ghosts, witches, monsters, etc., and go to houses to ask for candy compare TRICK OR TREAT

hal·lu·ci·nate verb, -nates, -nat·ed, -nat·ing

: to see or sense something or someone that is not really there : to have hallucinations

[no obj] The patient may hallucinate if she has a fever.

[+ obj] His thirst caused him to hallucinate (that there was) an oasis in the desert.

hal·lu·ci·na·tion noun, pl -tions [count]

: something (such as an image, a sound, or a smell) that seems real but does not really exist and that is usually caused by mental illness or the effect of a drug

He could not tell if what he was seeing was real or if it was a hallucination.

He has been having hallucinations due to the medication.

hal·lu·ci·na·to·ry Brit adj
hallucinatory drugs [=drugs that cause hallucinations]

hallucinatory images

hal·lu·ci·no·gen noun, pl -gens [count]

: a substance (such as a drug) that causes people to see or sense things that are not real : a substance that causes hallucinations

hal·lu·ci·no·gen·ic adj
hallucinogenic drugs

hall·way noun, pl -ways [count]

1 : hall 1

Her office is at the end of the hallway.

2 : hall 2

I'll meet you in the front hallway.

ha·lo noun, pl -los or -loes [count]

1 : a circle of light that is shown in a religious painting, drawing, etc., around the head of a holy figure (such as an angel, saint, or god)

often used figuratively
the child's halo of golden curls

The scandal has tarnished the candidate's halo. [=has damaged his reputation as a morally good person]

2 : a bright circle seen around the sun or the moon

1halt verb, halts, halt·ed, halt·ing

1 [+ obj] : to stop (something or someone) from moving or continuing

The project had to be halted due to lack of funds.

They voted to halt expansion of the shopping mall.

The strike halted subways and buses.

2 [no obj] : to stop moving or happening

The troops halted outside the city.

The fighting halted briefly.

The project halted when funding ran out.

The guard shouted, “Halt! Who goes there?”

2halt noun, pl halts

1 [singular] : the stopping or ending of movement, progress, or action

The contract brought a halt to [=ended] the strike.

They put a halt to the rumors.

The chairman called a halt to [=stopped] the proceedings.

The car skidded/slowed to a halt.

The project came to a (grinding) halt. = The project ground to a halt. [=the project stopped completely]

The project came to a screeching/crashing halt. [=the project stopped suddenly and completely]

2 [count] Brit : a small railroad stop at which there is no station

hal·ter noun, pl -ters [count]

1 : a set of straps placed around a horse's head so that the horse can be led or tied

2 : a piece of clothing worn on a woman's upper body that is held in place by straps around the neck and back and that leaves the back, arms, and shoulders bare called also halter top

halting adj [more ; most ]

: stopping often because of not being sure about what to say or do : not steady

She answered in a halting voice.

The baby took a few halting steps.

Progress in the negotiations has been halting.

halt·ing·ly adv

halve Brit verb, halves, halved, halv·ing [+ obj]

1 : to divide (something) into two equal parts : to divide (something) into halves

He halved the sandwich.

2 : to reduce (something) to one half of the original amount or size

The store is halving the price of many summer items.

halves plural of 1HALF

1ham noun, pl hams

1 : meat from the leg of a hog that is often prepared by smoking or salting

[noncount] a piece/slice of ham
We're having ham for dinner.
a ham sandwich

[count] a delicious ham

2 [count] informal

2 a disapproving : a bad actor who performs in an exaggerated way

He was once a fine actor, but now he's just an old ham.

a ham actor

2 b : someone who enjoys performing and who tends to behave in an exaggerated or playful way when people are watching

Cameras bring out the ham in her.

3 [count] : someone who operates an amateur radio station
often used before another noun
ham radio
a ham radio operator

2ham verb, hammed, ham·ming

ham it up
informal : to act or behave in an exaggerated or playful way

She likes to ham it up for the camera.

ham·burg noun, pl -burgs [count]

US informal : hamburger

ham·burg·er noun, pl -ers

1 [count] : a flat, usually round cake of finely chopped beef that is cooked and served usually in a roll or bun

They served hot dogs and hamburgers at the cookout.

2 [noncount] : beef that has been cut into very small pieces : ground beef

Add the cooked hamburger to the sauce.

called also (Brit) mince

ham-fist·ed adj [more ; most ]

: awkward or clumsy : ham-handed
a ham-fisted performance

ham-hand·ed adj [more ; most ]

: awkward or clumsy

The actress gave a ham-handed performance.

a ham-handed attempt at humor

The apology was rather ham-handed.

ham·let noun, pl -lets [count]

: a small village

1ham·mer noun, pl -mers

1 [count]

1 a : a tool that has a heavy metal head attached to a handle and that is used for hitting nails or breaking things apart see also SLEDGEHAMMER

1 b : a similar tool made usually of wood and used especially for hitting a surface to make a loud noise
an auctioneer's hammer

2 [count] : the part of a gun that strikes a charge causing the gun to shoot

3 [count] : a piece inside a piano that strikes a string to produce a sound

4 [count] : a stick that is shaped like a hammer and that is used to play a musical instrument

5 a [count] : a heavy metal ball with a flexible handle that people throw as a sport

5 b the hammer : an event in which people compete by throwing a hammer

He won a gold medal in the hammer.

called also the hammer throw

hammer and tongs

: in a very forceful and energetic way

Our neighbors were arguing again last night. They were going at it hammer and tongs.

under the hammer

used to describe something that is being sold at an auction

Some valuable paintings went/came under the hammer today.

2hammer verb, -mers, -mered, -mer·ing

1 a : to force (something) into a particular place or shape by hitting it with a hammer

[+ obj] He hammered the dent out of the fender.

I hammered [=drove] the nails into the wall.

The copper was hammered [=pounded] into a flat sheet.

[no obj] The carpenters were hammering all afternoon.

1 b [+ obj] : to attach (something) with a hammer and nails

The workers are hammering the studs to the frame.

2 informal

2 a [+ obj] : to hit (something or someone) in a very forceful way

The batter hammered the ball over the fence.

Someone tried to hammer him over the head with a club.

Many towns were hammered by the hurricane.

2 b : to hit (something) hard and repeatedly

[+ obj] The typist's fingers were hammering the keys.

He was hammering [=pounding, banging] the door with his fists.

[no obj] He was hammering at/on the door.

The rain hammered down on the roof.

2 c [no obj] : to beat very quickly and forcefully

My heart was hammering. [=pounding]

3 [+ obj] informal : to defeat (an opponent) very easily

The home team was hammered 90.

4 [+ obj] informal : to harm or criticize (someone or something) severely
often used as (be) hammered

Local businesses are being hammered by the new shopping mall.

He is being hammered by his political opponents for his failure to cut taxes.

5 [no obj] : to keep talking about something or trying to do something
usually + at

He kept hammering at the need for tax relief throughout his speech.

often + away

I know we can solve this problem if we just keep hammering away (at it).

hammer into [phrasal verb]

hammer (something) into (someone) : to force (something) to be learned very well by (someone) by repeating it again and again

They are constantly trying to hammer good manners into their children.

She hammered it into me that I could succeed.

hammer out [phrasal verb]

hammer out (something) or hammer (something) out : to produce (something, such as an agreement) by a lot of discussion or argument

After hours of discussion, we finally hammered out an agreement/deal.

We'll hammer the details out later.

hammered adj, not used before a noun [more ; most ]

slang : very drunk

They got/were hammered last night.

ham·mer·ing noun, pl -ings

1 : the sound made when something is being hit by a hammer, by rain, etc.

[noncount] Loud hammering was coming from next door.

We could hear the hammering of the rain on the roof.

[singular] We could hear a loud hammering from next door.

2 [singular] informal
used to say that someone or something has been very forcefully hit, damaged, criticized, etc.

The old church got/took quite a hammering [=was badly damaged] during the storm.

The governor took a hammering from the media for his decision.

Our team got/took quite a hammering [=was badly beaten] in yesterday's game.

hammer throw noun

the hammer throw

: 1hammer 5b

ham·mock noun, pl -mocks [count]

: a type of bed that consists of a piece of cloth hung between two trees, poles, etc.

1ham·per verb, -pers, -pered, -per·ing [+ obj]

: to slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something)

Bad weather could hamper our search efforts. = Bad weather could hamper us in our search efforts.

The project was hampered by budget restraints.

Construction is hampering traffic on the highway.

2hamper noun, pl -pers [count]

: a large basket usually with a cover: such as
a : a basket for food
a picnic hamper

b US : a basket for holding dirty clothes until they can be washed
a clothes hamper

ham·ster noun, pl -sters [count]

: a small animal that is often kept as a pet

1ham·string noun, pl -strings [count]

1 : a tendon at the back of a person's knee

2 : a muscle at the back of a person's upper leg

This exercise will strengthen your hamstrings. = This exercise will strengthen your hamstring muscles.

2hamstring verb, -strings, -strung , -string·ing [+ obj]

: to damage or ruin the force or effectiveness of (something or someone)

The mayor tried to hamstring our efforts by cutting the budget.

The company claims it is being hamstrung by government regulations.

1hand noun, pl hands

1 [count]

1 a : the body part at the end of your arm that includes your fingers and thumb

These gloves will keep your hands warm.

She put her hands over her eyes.

He sat quietly with his hands folded in his lap.

1 b
used in some phrases to refer to a person

I'm afraid this job will need more than one pair of hands. [=more than one person]

It's a big job, but many hands make light work. [=if many people work on it, it will be easier to do]

2 hands [plural] : power, possession, or control

The maps were in the hands of the enemy. [=the enemy had the maps]

The land between these mountains remains in private hands. [=is privately owned]

3 [singular] : physical help : assistance in doing something

Do you need a hand?

I'll be happy to lend a hand. [=help]

often + with

Can you give/lend me a hand with [=help me with] this suitcase?

Let me give you a hand with that.

see also HELPING HAND

4 [count] : a long, thin part that points to a number on a clock or dial

Many clocks have a second hand, a minute hand, and an hour hand.

5 [noncount] somewhat old-fashioned : a promise of marriage

He asked for her hand (in marriage). [=he asked her to marry him]

She offered her hand in marriage to him. [=she said that she would marry him]

She gave him her hand in marriage. [=she married him]

6 [singular] : the act of hitting your hands together to show approval, appreciation, etc. : the act of applauding

Let's give him a big hand! [=a big round of applause]

7 [count]

7 a : the cards that are held by a player in a card game

He studied his hand before deciding how much to bet.

often used figuratively

The program is designed to help children who have been dealt a cruel hand in life. [=children who have suffered or had bad things happen to them]

Even her critics say her chances of succeeding are great since she has been dealt such a strong hand. [=she is in a strong position]

see also overplay your hand at OVERPLAY

7 b : a single round of play in a card game

He lost the first hand but won the next two.

8 [count]

8 a : a hired worker
factory hands

The cowboys were simply hired hands with no ownership rights.

see also FARMHAND, OLD HAND, STAGEHAND

8 b : a member of a ship's crew
usually plural

All hands on deck!

9 [count] : someone who performs or produces something (such as a work of art)

usually singular

These two portraits are by the same hand. [=by the same artist]

10 [singular] : a particular way or style of doing or handling something

The hand of a master is evident in these sculptures. [=these sculptures were obviously done by a very skillful artist]

He runs the business with a firm hand.

a cook who has a heavy hand with the salt [=who uses too much salt]

see also HEAVY-HANDED

11 [singular] old-fashioned : the way a person's writing looks : a type of handwriting
a note written in an elegant hand

12 [count] : a unit of measure equal to 4 inches (about 10.16 centimeters) and used especially to measure the height of horses
a horse that is 15 hands high

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush see BIRD

a show of hands see 2SHOW

at first hand see 1FIRST

at hand

: close in distance or time

She likes to keep the phone (close) at hand.

We need to address the problem at hand [=the particular problem we are dealing with] and not argue about these other issues.

at the hand(s) of

: by or through the action of (someone or something)

They were treated badly at the hands of the prison guards.

The people had suffered at the hands of a cruel dictator.

by hand

1 : with the hands

The stone was carved by hand.

2 : from one person directly to another

I delivered the document to his office by hand.

by the hand

: by holding someone's hand

I took him by the hand and led him through the crowd.

sometimes used figuratively

You can't expect me to lead you by the hand through every difficult situation.

by your own hand

: by your own actions

She died by her own hand. [=she killed herself; she committed suicide]

change hands see 1CHANGE

eat out of someone's hand see EAT

fall into the hands of see 1FALL

fall into the wrong hands see 1FALL

force someone's hand see 2FORCE

get your hands dirty see 1DIRTY

get/lay your hands on

: to find, get, or control (someone or something)

I'm still trying to lay my hands on my car keys.

He couldn't wait to get his hands on her money.

Wait until I get my hands on you. [=you will be in trouble when I catch you]

give your right hand see 1GIVE

good with your hands

: skillful at things that require the use of your hands

He's always been good with his hands.

grease the hand of see 2GREASE

hand and foot

1
used to describe someone whose hands and feet are tied to prevent escape or movement

The prisoner was bound/tied hand and foot.

2

To wait on someone hand and foot is to provide everything that someone needs or wants.

I can't stand the way they wait on her hand and foot!

hand in glove

: very closely

We are working hand in glove with the police to recover the stolen property.

hand in hand

1 : holding hands : grasping another person's hand

They walked on the beach hand in hand.

2
used to say that two people or things are very closely connected or related

In a film, the images and sounds go hand in hand.

The chef works hand in hand [=very closely] with a nutritionist.

hand over fist
informal
used to say that someone is earning or losing money very quickly or in large amounts

They were making/earning money hand over fist.

hands are tied

If your hands are tied you cannot do anything about a situation because you do not have the power to act freely.

I'd like to help you, but my hands are tied.

The judge says her hands are tied because the law requires a harsh sentence in such cases.

hands off

used as a command to tell someone not to touch something

Hands off my property!

“Those cookies look delicious.” “Hands off! We're saving them for later.”

hand to mouth

: without much money : in poverty

They have been living hand to mouth since he lost his job. = It's been hand to mouth since he lost his job.

see also HAND-TO-MOUTH

hat in hand (US) or Brit cap in hand

: asking or begging for something in a respectful way

He came to me, hat in hand, asking if I could get him a job at the company.

have a hand in

: to be involved in (something)

She had a hand in designing the new highway.

Did he have a hand in this decision?

have someone in the palm of your hand see 1PALM

have your hands full

: to be very busy

She'll have her hands full with the new baby.

heavy on your hands see 2HEAVY

hold hands or hold someone's hand

1 : to hold a person's hand in one of your hands for a period of time
two people holding hands

He held hands with his daughter.

He held her hand as they walked.

2 : to guide someone through a process by carefully explaining each step

I don't need you to hold my hand.

in good/safe hands

: being taken care of very well

With her in charge, the office is in good hands. [=she will do the job well]

You're in safe hands with us. [=you will be safe with us]

in hand

1 : in your possession or control

We started our hike with compass and map in hand.

He has the situation well in hand. [=he is in control of the situation]

To take someone in hand is to begin to guide or direct someone who has been behaving badly.

You need someone to take you in hand, young lady, and show you how to behave!

2 chiefly Brit : available for use

If we work at this rate we'll have a month in hand before our deadline is up!

join hands see JOIN

keep your hand in
informal : to continue to be involved in some activity

He retired several years ago, but he still comes by the office occasionally because he likes to keep his hand in (the business).

keep/get your hands off (of)

: to not touch (something)

Keep your hands off the cookies! We're saving them for later.

often used figuratively

The military is asking lawmakers to keep their hands off [=not change] the defense budget.

know (something) like the back of your hand see 1KNOW

lay a hand on

: to touch or harm (someone)

He claims that he never laid a hand on her.

off your hands

: no longer in your possession or no longer your responsibility

If you don't want those golf clubs anymore, I'll be glad to take them off your hands. [=I'll be glad to take them]

She's trying to find a way to get some of that extra work off her hands.

on hand

1 : available for use

We have plenty of water on hand.

2 : present and available to do something

Five musicians were on hand to accompany her.

A priest was on hand to console them.

on the one hand, on the other hand

used to introduce statements that describe two different or opposite ideas, people, etc.

On the one hand, I think the price is fair, but on the other (hand), I really can't afford to spend that much money.

He's a good guy. His brother, on the other hand, is a very selfish man.

on your hands

used to say that you have something or are responsible for something

With all that extra work on her hands she'll need all the help she can get.

Once this project is over she should have some time on her hands. [=free time]

see also blood on your hands at BLOOD

on your hands and knees

: with your hands and knees on the ground : in a crawling position

She went down on her hands and knees.

out of hand

1 : very quickly without serious thought

He rejected the plan out of hand.

Suggestions that the hearing should be delayed were dismissed out of hand.

2 : not controlled

The kids were (getting) out of hand. [=were behaving in a wild and uncontrolled way]

He warns that technology is getting out of hand.

out of your hands

used to say that you cannot control something

The decision is out of my hands.

play into someone's hands see 1PLAY

putty in your hands see 1PUTTY

safe pair of hands

Brit : someone who can be trusted with responsibility or a job

The next leader of the party should be a safe pair of hands.

sit on your hands see 1SIT

take (something) into your (own) hands

: to take control of something

The judge had no sympathy for people who insisted on taking the law into their own hands. [=trying to punish criminals themselves instead of allowing the legal system to do it]

After months of waiting for something to happen, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

to hand

: available for use

I don't have all the latest data (immediately) to hand.

try your hand

: to try to do something
usually + at

She wanted to try her hand at photography.

turn your hand to

: to begin doing (something) usually in a skillful way : to start (a new activity, field of study, etc.)

an actress who has turned her hand to directing

After he left publishing, he turned his hand to law.

wash your hands of see 1WASH

with your bare hands

: using only your hands and no tools or weapons

He tried to kill me with his bare hands.

see also FIRSTHAND, HANDS DOWN, SECONDHAND, SLEIGHT OF HAND, UPPER HAND

2hand verb, hands, hand·ed, hand·ing [+ obj]

: to give (something) to someone using your hands

He handed her a letter. = He handed a letter to her.

Hand me that picture.

hand back [phrasal verb]

hand (something) back or hand back (something) : to return (something) by handing it to someone

He handed the letter back (to her) without reading it.

The clerk handed back my credit card.

hand down [phrasal verb]

hand (something) down or hand down (something)

1 : to pass (something) from a person who is older (such as a parent) to a person who is younger (such as a child)

She will hand the diamond ring down to her niece.

The farm was handed down from generation to generation.

2 chiefly US, law : to form and express (a decision or opinion) in writing

The Supreme Court has handed down its decision.

hand in [phrasal verb]

hand (something) in or hand in (something) : to give (something) to a person who will review or accept it

Students should hand their papers in on Thursday.

He handed in his resignation.

hand it to
informal : to give credit to (someone) for doing something

I've got to hand it to you. You did a great job planning the party.

hand off [phrasal verb]

hand (something) off or hand off (something) US : to give (something) to another person

(American football) The quarterback handed off the ball to the halfback.

She handed the job off to her assistant.

hand on [phrasal verb]

hand (something) on or hand on (something) formal : to pass (something) from one person to another

These stories have been handed on from generation to generation.

hand out [phrasal verb]

hand (something) out or hand out (something) : to give (something) to several or many people

They will hand out [=distribute] copies of the newsletter today.

He's always handing out advice to the people he works with.

She handed flyers out at the grocery store.

hand over [phrasal verb]

hand (someone or something) over or hand over (someone or something) : to give up control or possession of (something or someone)

They demanded that he hand the documents over to them.

They agreed to hand over their hostages.

hand·bag noun, pl -bags [count]

: a woman's small bag or purse used for carrying personal things and money

hand baggage noun [noncount]

: hand luggage

hand·ball noun, pl -balls

1 [noncount] : a game for two or four players who use their hands to hit a ball against a wall

2 [count] : the ball used in handball

hand·bas·ket noun

go to hell in a handbasket

US informal : to become completely ruined

He's convinced that the country is going to hell in a handbasket.

hand·bill noun, pl -bills [count]

somewhat old-fashioned : a small printed advertisement or announcement that is given out to many people by hand

hand·book noun, pl -books [count]

: a small book that gives useful information about a particular subject
a handbook of English
a writer's handbook

hand brake noun, pl brakes [count]

1 : a brake that is operated by pushing or pulling a lever with your hand

2 : parking brake

1hand·craft Brit verb, -crafts, -craft·ed, -craft·ing [+ obj]

: to make (something) by using your hands

She handcrafted a set of bowls out of red clay.

handcrafted adj
a handcrafted [=handmade] set of bowls
a beautiful handcrafted bed

2handcraft noun, pl -crafts [count]

: handicraft

hand·cuff