With 367 nouns that start with the letter B, this comprehensive list offers a wide range of words from everyday objects like “baby” to technical terms like “byte.” These nouns cover many fields such as nature, food, professions, and technology, showing the diversity and richness of English vocabulary that begins with B. Many of these words have interesting histories and multiple meanings, reflecting how language adapts to different contexts.
Explore the full list below to expand your vocabulary and find clear definitions, example sentences, and detailed descriptions for each noun.
Noun This column lists each noun in alphabetical order, giving you a handy reference for words that start with B.
Definition Here you will find a clear and concise meaning of the noun, helping you understand what the word represents.
Example Usage Each noun is paired with a simple sentence showing how the word is used in everyday language.
Description This section offers extra information about the noun, explaining its background, common use, or interesting facts to deepen your understanding.
Nouns that start with B
Noun | definition | example usage |
---|---|---|
baby | A very young human, especially one newly born. | The proud parents brought their new baby home from the hospital. |
back | The rear surface of the human body from the shoulders to the hips, or the corresponding part in an animal. | She felt a sharp pain in her back after lifting the heavy box. |
background | The part of a picture or scene furthest from the viewer, or the circumstances and events preceding a phenomenon. | The artist painted a serene mountain landscape in the background of the portrait. |
backpack | A bag with shoulder straps, allowing it to be carried on one’s back, often used for hiking or school. | He packed his backpack with books and supplies for the school day. |
bacon | Cured meat from the sides and belly of a pig, often served in thin slices. | She cooked crispy bacon for breakfast every Sunday morning. |
badge | A distinctive emblem worn as a mark of office, membership, achievement, or to identify the wearer. | The police officer proudly displayed his badge on his uniform. |
badger | A heavily built nocturnal mammal of the weasel family, with a distinctive black and white striped head. | The nature photographer patiently waited to catch a glimpse of the badger. |
bag | A container made of flexible material, with an opening at the top, used for carrying things. | She packed her groceries into a reusable fabric bag. |
bagel | A dense, chewy, ring-shaped bread roll, typically made by boiling and then baking dough. | He enjoyed a toasted bagel with cream cheese and lox for brunch. |
baggage | Suitcases, trunks, and other containers used for packing personal belongings when traveling. | The airline lost her baggage, causing significant inconvenience on her trip. |
bagpipes | A musical instrument with a number of air bags and pipes, played by blowing air into a bag and squeezing it. | The sound of the bagpipes filled the air during the Scottish parade. |
bail | The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court. | The judge set bail at $10,000 for the defendant. |
bait | Food or other enticement used to attract fish or other animals, or to lure someone into a trap. | The fisherman carefully attached a worm as bait to his hook. |
baker | A person whose trade is making and selling bread and cakes. | The baker woke up early to prepare fresh pastries for the morning rush. |
bakery | A place where bread and cakes are made or sold. | The aroma of fresh bread wafted from the neighborhood bakery. |
balance | An even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady, or a state of equilibrium. | She struggled to maintain her balance on the icy pavement. |
balcony | A platform enclosed by a wall or balustrade on the outside of a building, with access from an upper-floor window or door. | They enjoyed a romantic dinner on their hotel room’s balcony overlooking the city. |
bale | A large wrapped or bound bundle of raw material, such as hay, straw, or cotton. | The farmers gathered the hay into large bales after harvesting the field. |
ball | A solid or hollow spherical or ovoid object used in games or sports. | The children played catch with a colorful rubber ball in the park. |
ballad | A poem or song narrating a story in short stanzas, often of a romantic or popular nature. | The folk singer performed a heartfelt ballad about lost love. |
balloon | A flexible bag inflated with gas, often used as a toy or for decoration, or for scientific purposes. | Colorful balloons floated in the sky, celebrating the grand opening. |
ballot | A paper or electronic ticket used to cast a vote in an election or referendum. | She carefully marked her choices on the ballot before submitting it. |
balm | A fragrant ointment or preparation used to heal or soothe the skin, or something that has a comforting or soothing effect. | She applied a soothing lip balm to her chapped lips. |
banana | A long curved fruit which grows in clusters and has a soft pulpy flesh and yellow skin when ripe. | He peeled a ripe banana for a quick and healthy snack. |
band | A stripe or strip of a different color or material, or a group of musicians who play popular music or jazz. | The marching band performed a lively tune in the parade. |
bandage | A strip of material used to bind up a wound or to protect an injured part of the body. | She wrapped a sterile bandage around the cut on her finger. |
bang | A sudden loud noise, typically a sharp percussive sound, or a sudden forceful blow. | The door slammed shut with a loud bang, startling everyone. |
banjo | A stringed musical instrument with a round body and a long neck, typically played by plucking or strumming. | The musician played a lively tune on his five-string banjo. |
bank | A financial institution that accepts deposits and makes loans, or the land alongside or sloping down to a river or lake. | He went to the bank to deposit his paycheck. |
banker | A person who works in a bank, especially in a senior position. | The banker advised her on the best savings plan for her future. |
banking | The business of operating a bank, or the financial services provided by banks. | She decided to pursue a career in banking after graduating with a finance degree. |
banner | A long strip of cloth bearing a slogan or design, carried in a demonstration or procession or hung in a public place. | The crowd cheered as the championship banner was unfurled. |
banquet | An elaborate and formal meal for many people, often followed by speeches. | The charity hosted a grand banquet to raise funds for their cause. |
banter | The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks. | The team engaged in lighthearted banter during their lunch break. |
bar | A long, rigid piece of wood or metal, or a counter in a pub, restaurant, or coffee shop where drinks are served. | He leaned against the bar while waiting for his drink. |
barbarian | A member of a community or tribe not belonging to one of the great civilizations (Greek, Roman, Christian). | The ancient Romans often referred to tribes outside their empire as barbarians. |
barbecue | A meal or gathering at which food is cooked outdoors on a grill, or the grill itself. | They invited friends over for a weekend barbecue in the backyard. |
barber | A person who cuts hair and shaves or trims beards as a trade. | He visited the barber for a fresh haircut and a trim. |
bargain | An agreement between two or more parties as to what each party will do for the other, or a thing bought or offered for sale more cheaply than is usual or expected. | She found a great bargain on a new coat during the sale. |
barge | A long flat-bottomed boat, used for carrying freight on canals and rivers. | The barge slowly made its way down the river, loaded with goods. |
bark | The sharp explosive cry of a dog, fox, or seal, or the tough outer covering of the woody stems and roots of trees. | The dog’s loud bark startled the sleeping cat. |
barley | A hardy cereal widely grown for food and for making malt and alcoholic drinks. | Farmers planted a large field of barley to harvest for brewing beer. |
barn | A large farm building used for storing hay, grain, or livestock. | The farmer stored his harvested crops and equipment in the spacious barn. |
barometer | An instrument measuring atmospheric pressure, used especially in forecasting the weather and determining altitude. | The ship’s captain checked the barometer to predict upcoming weather changes. |
barrel | A cylindrical container, typically made of wood, bulging out in the middle, and held by hoops of metal or wood. | The pirates stored their rum in large wooden barrels in the ship’s hold. |
barrier | A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access. | The security guard placed a barrier to block off the restricted area. |
bartender | A person who serves drinks at a bar. | The friendly bartender mixed a refreshing cocktail for the customer. |
base | The lowest part or edge of something, especially the part on which it rests or is supported. | The statue stood firmly on its stone base. |
baseball | A bat-and-ball game played between two teams of nine players, on a field with four bases. | The children played a game of baseball in the park on a sunny afternoon. |
basement | The floor of a building which is partly or entirely below ground level. | They stored old furniture and holiday decorations in the house’s damp basement. |
basin | A wide, shallow, usually round container, used for holding liquid or for washing. | She filled the basin with warm water to wash her face. |
basis | The underlying support or foundation for an idea, argument, or process. | The scientific theory provided a strong basis for further research. |
basket | A container made of interwoven material, such as wicker or plastic, typically round or cylindrical and open at the top. | She carried a picnic basket filled with sandwiches and fruit to the park. |
basketball | A game played between two teams of five players, who score points by throwing a ball through a hoop. | He practiced shooting hoops on the basketball court every evening. |
bass | The lowest male singing voice, or a freshwater or marine fish of the perch family. | The choir’s bass section provided a deep, resonant sound to the hymn. |
bat | A specially shaped stick used for hitting the ball in various games such as baseball or cricket, or a nocturnal flying mammal. | The baseball player swung the bat with all his might, hitting a home run. |
batch | A quantity or consignment of goods produced at one time. | She baked a fresh batch of cookies for the school fundraiser. |
bath | An act or process of washing one’s body, typically by sitting in a tub of water. | After a long day, a warm bath was exactly what she needed to relax. |
bathrobe | A loose-fitting garment, typically made of absorbent material, worn before and after bathing, or as a dressing gown. | He put on his soft bathrobe after stepping out of the shower. |
bathroom | A room containing a toilet and typically a sink and a bathtub or shower. | She cleaned the bathroom thoroughly before guests arrived. |
bathtub | A large open container, typically a rectangular tub, in which to bathe. | The children splashed happily in the bathtub filled with bubbles. |
baton | A thin stick or staff used by a conductor to direct an orchestra or choir, or a short stick or truncheon carried by a police officer. | The conductor raised his baton, signaling the orchestra to begin. |
batter | A mixture of flour, eggs, and milk or water, used for making cakes, pancakes, or for coating food before frying. | She dipped the fish in the batter before frying it to a golden crisp. |
battery | A container consisting of one or more cells, in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of power. | The flashlight wouldn’t work because the battery was dead. |
battle | A sustained fight between large organized armed forces, or a struggle or conflict. | The soldiers prepared for a fierce battle against the enemy. |
battleship | A heavily armored warship with a main battery of the largest caliber guns. | The battleship sailed majestically across the open sea, ready for action. |
beach | A pebbly or sandy shore by the sea or a lake. | They spent the day building sandcastles on the sunny beach. |
beacon | A fire or light set up in a prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration, or a guiding light or signal. | The lighthouse served as a beacon for ships navigating treacherous waters. |
bead | A small piece of glass, stone, or other material, typically round and pierced for threading. | She wore a beautiful necklace made of colorful beads. |
beak | The bill of a bird, or the projecting mouthparts of some other animals. | The robin used its strong beak to crack open a seed. |
beam | A long, sturdy piece of squared timber or metal spanning an opening or part of a building, usually to support the roof or floor above. | The old cottage had exposed wooden beams supporting the ceiling. |
bean | An edible seed, typically kidney-shaped, growing in pods on certain leguminous plants. | She added a handful of black beans to the chili. |
bear | A large, heavy mammal with thick fur and a short tail, or a rough, uncouth, or boorish person. | The grizzly bear protected its cubs fiercely in the wilderness. |
beard | A growth of hair on the chin and lower cheeks of an adult man. | His long, gray beard reached down to his chest. |
bearer | A person or thing that carries or holds something. | The flag bearer proudly led the parade. |
bearing | A person’s way of standing or moving, or a part of a machine that allows movement between parts. | His confident bearing impressed everyone in the room. |
beast | An animal, especially a large, dangerous, or unusual one, or a brutal or savage person. | The ancient legend spoke of a fearsome beast guarding the treasure. |
beat | A main accent or rhythmic unit in music or poetry, or a regular, repeated stroke or movement. | The drummer kept a steady beat throughout the song. |
beauty | A combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. | The beauty of the sunset over the ocean was breathtaking. |
beaver | A large, semi-aquatic rodent known for building dams and lodges in rivers and streams. | The beaver gnawed on a tree trunk, preparing it for its dam. |
bed | A piece of furniture for sleeping on, typically a mattress on a base or frame. | She sank into her soft bed after a long and tiring day. |
bedding | Sheets, blankets, and pillowcases used on a bed. | She changed the clean bedding on her freshly made bed. |
bedroom | A room for sleeping in. | Her cozy bedroom had a large window overlooking the garden. |
bee | A flying insect, typically black and yellow, that produces honey and often stings. | The busy bee flew from flower to flower, collecting nectar. |
beef | The flesh of a cow, bull, or ox, used as food. | She cooked a delicious roast beef for Sunday dinner. |
beer | An alcoholic drink made from yeast-fermented malt flavored with hops. | He enjoyed a cold glass of craft beer after a long day’s work. |
beehive | A structure with a number of compartments for bees to live in and make honey. | The beekeeper carefully inspected the beehive for signs of health. |
beetle | An insect of an order distinguished by forewings that are hardened into cases, typically having hindwings folded underneath them. | The bright green beetle scuttled across the forest floor. |
beggar | A person, typically a homeless one, who lives by asking for money or food. | The beggar sat by the roadside, hoping for some spare change. |
beginning | The point or time when something begins. | The beginning of the story was captivating, drawing the reader in immediately. |
behalf | As a representative of or instead of someone else. | On behalf of the entire team, I want to thank you for your hard work. |
behavior | The way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others. | Her calm behavior helped to de-escalate the tense situation. |
being | Existence, or a living creature. | She felt a strong sense of being, fully present in the moment. |
belch | A burp; a sudden expulsion of air from the stomach through the mouth. | He let out a loud belch after finishing his soda. |
belief | An acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists, or trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something. | His strong belief in justice guided all his actions. |
bell | A hollow, usually cup-shaped metal object that makes a ringing sound when struck. | The church bell tolled loudly, signaling the start of the service. |
belly | The front part of the human trunk below the chest, or the underside of an animal’s body. | He rubbed his full belly contentedly after the big meal. |
belt | A strip of leather or other material worn around the waist, typically to support clothes or carry weapons. | He cinched his belt tightly around his jeans. |
bench | A long seat for several people, typically made of wood or stone. | They sat on the park bench, enjoying the sunny afternoon. |
bend | A curve or turn, especially in a road, river, or pipe. | The car slowed down as it approached a sharp bend in the road. |
benefit | An advantage or profit gained from something. | She reaped the benefits of her hard work by getting a promotion. |
benevolence | The quality of being well meaning; kindness. | His acts of benevolence touched the lives of many people in need. |
bent | A natural talent or inclination. | She had a strong bent for artistic endeavors from a young age. |
berry | A small fleshy fruit, typically round, pulpy, and seed-filled. | She picked ripe berries from the bush to make a delicious pie. |
berth | A ship’s or aircraft’s allotted place at a dock, or a designated sleeping place on a ship or train. | The cruise ship was assigned a prime berth at the port. |
bet | An act of gambling, or an amount of money staked on an outcome. | He placed a bet on his favorite horse in the race. |
betrayal | The act of betraying someone or something; a breach of trust. | His betrayal of their friendship left her feeling deeply hurt. |
betterment | The action or fact of improving something. | She dedicated her life to the betterment of society through education. |
beverage | A drink other than water. | She offered her guests a variety of beverages, including juice and soda. |
bewilderment | A feeling of being perplexed and confused. | His sudden disappearance caused great bewilderment among his friends. |
bias | Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. | The judge warned the jury to set aside any personal bias when considering the evidence. |
bible | The Christian scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, or a book regarded as authoritative and definitive. | She read a passage from the Bible every morning for inspiration. |
bibliography | A list of the books referred to in a scholarly work, usually printed as an appendix. | The student included a comprehensive bibliography at the end of her research paper. |
bicycle | A vehicle composed of two wheels held in a frame, one behind the other, propelled by pedals and steered with handlebars. | He rode his bicycle to work every day to stay fit and avoid traffic. |
bid | An offer of a price, especially at an auction, or an attempt or effort to achieve something. | She made a high bid on the antique vase at the auction. |
bidder | A person who makes a bid, especially at an auction. | The aggressive bidder raised his paddle quickly for each new offer. |
bigamy | The act of going through a marriage ceremony while already legally married to another person. | Bigamy is illegal in most countries and carries severe legal penalties. |
bigotry | Intolerance toward those different from oneself, especially in matters of religion, race, or politics. | He fought against the bigotry and prejudice present in his community. |
bike | A bicycle or motorcycle. | She hopped on her bike and cycled through the park. |
bikini | A two-piece swimsuit for women. | She wore a stylish bikini to the beach vacation. |
bill | A statement of money owed for goods or services supplied, or a draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion. | He received a high electricity bill this month. |
billboard | A large outdoor board, usually in a public place, used for displaying advertisements. | The company advertised its new product on a prominent billboard along the highway. |
billiards | Any of various games played on a table with cushions and pockets, in which balls are struck with a cue. | They spent the evening playing billiards at the local pub. |
billion | The number equivalent to the product of a thousand and a million; 1,000,000,000. | The company’s valuation reached several billion dollars after its successful IPO. |
bin | A receptacle for depositing waste, or a container for storing something. | She threw the empty packaging into the recycling bin. |
bind | A difficult or awkward situation. | He found himself in a real bind after missing his flight. |
binder | A cover or folder for holding loose sheets of paper, or a substance that holds other materials together. | She organized her class notes in a three-ring binder. |
binding | A strong covering or fastening, especially for a book or ski boot. | The book had a beautiful leather binding that had lasted for decades. |
binge | An uncontrolled and excessive indulgence in an activity, especially eating or drinking. | He regretted his late-night binge of unhealthy snacks. |
biography | An account of someone’s life written by someone else. | She was fascinated by the biography of Marie Curie, detailing her scientific achievements. |
biology | The scientific study of life and living organisms. | She pursued a degree in biology, fascinated by the complexities of ecosystems. |
biopsy | An examination of tissue removed from a living body to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease. | The doctor performed a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. |
bird | A warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, a beak, and usually the ability to fly. | A colorful bird sang sweetly from the tree branch. |
birth | The emergence of a baby or other young from the body of its mother; the start of existence. | The birth of her child was the happiest moment of her life. |
birthday | The anniversary of the day on which a person was born. | She celebrated her 30th birthday with a festive party. |
birthplace | The place where a person was born. | The small village was known as the birthplace of the famous author. |
biscuit | A small, flat, crisp cake, typically sweet, or a small, soft, savory scone in American English. | She enjoyed a warm biscuit with her morning tea. |
bishop | A senior member of the Christian clergy, typically in charge of a diocese and empowered to confer holy orders. | The bishop presided over the solemn ceremony at the cathedral. |
bison | A large wild ox with a shaggy mane and a humped back, found in North America and Europe. | A herd of bison roamed freely across the vast plains of the national park. |
bit | A small piece or quantity of something, or a tool component for drilling or boring. | He ate a small bit of chocolate after dinner. |
bite | An act of biting something, or a wound resulting from biting. | The dog’s playful bite left a small mark on her hand. |
bitterness | The quality of being bitter, or resentment or anger at being treated unfairly. | Her bitterness over the past injustice lingered for years. |
black | The darkest color, the result of the absence of or complete absorption of light. | She wore a sleek black dress to the formal event. |
blackberry | An edible soft fruit, typically dark purple, growing on a thorny bush. | She picked fresh blackberries from the hedgerow to make a pie. |
blackbird | A common European thrush, the male of which has glossy black plumage and an orange-yellow bill. | The melodious song of the blackbird filled the morning air. |
blackboard | A large board with a smooth, typically black surface, used for writing on with chalk, especially in schools. | The teacher wrote the math problems on the blackboard for the students to solve. |
blackness | The state or quality of being black. | The blackness of the night sky was absolute, with no stars visible. |
blacksmith | A person who makes and repairs things in metal by hand, by heating it in a forge and hammering it into shape. | The blacksmith carefully hammered the glowing metal into the shape of a horseshoe. |
bladder | A membranous sac in the body that holds fluid, such as urine or bile. | She felt the urgency to use the restroom as her bladder filled. |
blade | The flat cutting edge of a knife or other tool or weapon, or a single leaf of grass. | He sharpened the blade of his knife until it was razor-sharp. |
blame | Responsibility for a fault or wrong. | She took full blame for the mistake, even though it wasn’t entirely her fault. |
blanket | A large piece of woolen or similar material used as a covering on a bed or for warmth. | She snuggled under a warm blanket on the cold winter night. |
blast | An explosion or a strong gust of wind or air. | The loud blast from the fireworks echoed through the night sky. |
blazer | A type of jacket, typically a sports jacket, that is not matched with trousers but is usually worn with a contrasting pair. | He wore a navy blue blazer over a crisp white shirt for the casual business meeting. |
bleach | A chemical agent used for whitening or lightening fabrics, or for cleaning and disinfecting. | She added bleach to the laundry to whiten the sheets. |
bleeding | The process of losing blood from the body, typically as a result of injury or illness. | The heavy bleeding required immediate medical attention. |
blight | A plant disease, typically caused by fungi, causing leaves to wither and die, or a thing that spoils or damages something. | The potato crop was devastated by a severe blight. |
bliss | Perfect happiness; great joy. | She felt a moment of pure bliss as she watched the sunset over the ocean. |
blister | A small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, or other damage. | She developed a painful blister on her heel after walking in new shoes. |
blizzard | A severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility. | The sudden blizzard trapped travelers on the highway for hours. |
blob | A drop or globule of a thick liquid or viscous substance. | A blob of paint fell onto the canvas, creating an interesting texture. |
block | A large solid piece of hard material, typically stone or wood, or a measure of city streets or buildings. | He moved the heavy concrete block into position. |
blockade | An act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. | The naval blockade prevented supplies from reaching the besieged city. |
blockage | An obstruction in a pipe or passage. | The plumber was called to clear a stubborn blockage in the drain. |
blogger | A person who writes a blog. | The travel blogger shared stories and photos from her adventures around the world. |
blog | A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style. | Her fashion blog became very popular among young readers. |
blood | The red liquid that circulates in the arteries and veins of humans and other vertebrate animals, carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide from the tissues. | He donated blood to help those in need at the local hospital. |
bloodline | A sequence of direct ancestors in a family. | She could trace her aristocratic bloodline back many generations. |
bloodshed | The killing or wounding of people, especially on a large scale. | The ancient war resulted in much bloodshed and loss of life. |
bloom | A flower, especially one cultivated for its beauty, or a state of flourishing. | The garden was full of vibrant blooms in the spring. |
blossom | A flower or a mass of flowers, especially on a tree or bush, or a period of flourishing. | The cherry blossoms in spring were a beautiful sight to behold. |
blot | A spot or stain, especially of ink. | There was a small ink blot on the important document. |
blotch | An irregular patch or spot, typically on the skin or a surface. | He developed an itchy red blotch on his arm after touching the poisonous plant. |
blouse | A woman’s upper garment, typically a light, loose-fitting shirt. | She wore a silk blouse with a tailored skirt for the office meeting. |
blow | A forceful stroke or hit, or a sudden, unexpected misfortune or disappointment. | The boxer delivered a powerful blow to his opponent’s jaw. |
blue | The color of the sky when it is clear, or the color of the sea. | The artist used a deep blue to paint the ocean waves. |
blueprint | A design plan or other technical drawing, or a detailed plan or program of action. | The architects studied the blueprint carefully before beginning construction. |
bluff | An act of deception or a steep cliff or bank. | His poker bluff didn’t work, and he lost the hand. |
blunder | A stupid or careless mistake. | The politician made a major blunder during his speech, costing him votes. |
blur | A thing that cannot be seen or heard clearly. | The photograph was a blur due to the camera shaking. |
blush | A reddening of the face, typically indicating embarrassment, shame, or modesty. | A faint blush appeared on her cheeks as she received the compliment. |
boar | A wild pig, or an uncastrated male pig. | The hunter tracked the wild boar through the dense forest. |
board | A long, thin, flat piece of wood or other hard material, used for floors or other building purposes, or a flat piece of material used for games. | He nailed a new board to repair the fence. |
boarder | A person who rents a room in a house, especially with meals. | The elderly woman took in a boarder to help with household expenses. |
boarding | The action of getting on or into a ship, aircraft, or other vehicle. | Passengers began the boarding process for their international flight. |
boardwalk | A promenade made of planks, typically along a beach or waterfront. | They enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, watching the waves. |
boast | An act of bragging or speaking with excessive pride. | His constant boast about his achievements became tiresome. |
boat | A small vessel for travel on water, propelled by oars, sails, or an engine. | They took a small boat out onto the lake for a fishing trip. |
boatman | A man who operates or works on a boat, especially one who ferries people or goods. | The boatman expertly navigated his ferry across the choppy river. |
bob | A quick, jerky movement up and down. | She gave her head a quick bob of agreement. |
body | The physical structure of a person or an animal, including the bones, flesh, and organs. | The human body is an intricate and complex system of biological processes. |
bodyguard | A person employed to protect an important person from assault. | The celebrity arrived with a team of bodyguards for security. |
bog | An area of wet, spongy ground, consisting chiefly of decayed vegetation; a marsh or swamp. | The explorers had to carefully navigate through the treacherous bog. |
boil | The state or process of boiling, or a painful, pus-filled swelling under the skin. | The water reached a rolling boil, ready for pasta. |
boiler | A fuel-burning apparatus for heating water or generating steam. | The old boiler needed to be replaced to improve the house’s heating efficiency. |
boldness | The quality of being bold, courageous, or adventurous. | Her boldness in challenging the traditional views was admired by many. |
bomb | An explosive weapon or device, typically with a fuse or timer, designed to detonate and cause damage. | The police safely defused the old bomb found at the construction site. |
bomber | An aircraft designed to carry and drop bombs. | The bomber jet flew high above the target, ready to deploy its payload. |
bonanza | A situation or event that creates a sudden increase in wealth, good fortune, or profits. | The discovery of oil in the region turned into an economic bonanza for the small town. |
bond | A thing used to tie something or to fasten things together, or a strong connection or relationship. | The strong bond between siblings is often unbreakable. |
bondage | The state of being a slave, or the state of being bound or held captive. | The history books documented the horrors of slavery and bondage. |
bone | Any of the pieces of hard, whitish tissue making up the skeleton in humans and other vertebrates. | The paleontologist unearthed a large dinosaur bone. |
bonfire | A large outdoor fire, typically lit as part of a celebration or to burn waste. | They gathered around the bonfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows. |
bonus | An amount of money added to wages as a reward for good performance, or an extra benefit. | She received a generous bonus for exceeding her sales targets. |
book | A written or printed work consisting of pages bound together and protected by a cover. | She spent hours reading an interesting book in her favorite armchair. |
bookcase | A piece of furniture with shelves for storing books. | His study was filled with tall bookcases overflowing with books. |
bookend | A support placed at the end of a row of books to hold them upright, or an event that marks the beginning or end of a period. | She used decorative bookends to keep her favorite novels organized on the shelf. |
bookmark | A piece of paper or other material used to mark one’s place in a book. | He used a colorful bookmark to keep track of his progress in the novel. |
bookshop | A shop that sells books. | She spent a delightful afternoon browsing the shelves of the quaint bookshop. |
boom | A deep, resonant sound, or a rapid increase in economic prosperity. | The distant boom of thunder signaled an approaching storm. |
boomerang | A curved flat piece of wood that can be thrown so as to return to the thrower, used by Australian Aboriginals as a weapon or for sport. | The child laughed as the toy boomerang curved through the air and came back to him. |
boon | A thing that is helpful or beneficial; a blessing. | The sudden rain was a great boon to the parched crops. |
boost | A source of help or encouragement, or an increase in power or performance. | The win gave the team a much-needed morale boost. |
booster | A device or substance used to increase the power or effectiveness of something, or a person who promotes a particular cause. | The vaccine booster shot provided additional protection against the virus. |
boot | A sturdy item of footwear covering the foot and ankle, or part of the leg. | He pulled on his sturdy hiking boots before heading out on the trail. |
booth | A small cubicle or compartment with a door or opening, or a small stand at a fair or market. | They squeezed into a cozy booth at the diner for their meal. |
booty | Valuable stolen goods, especially when taken in war or plunder. | The pirates celebrated their latest haul of glittering booty. |
border | A line separating two countries, administrative divisions, or other areas, or the edge of something. | The refugees crossed the border seeking asylum. |
bore | A person or thing that is dull or causes boredom. | The lecture was a complete bore, putting most of the audience to sleep. |
boredom | The state of being weary and restless through lack of interest. | She tried to alleviate her boredom by reading a book. |
borrower | A person or organization that takes money or something else from someone or something else with the intention of returning it. | The bank carefully assessed the creditworthiness of each borrower. |
boss | A person who is in charge of a worker or organization. | Her boss praised her for her excellent work on the project. |
botany | The scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance. | She pursued a degree in botany, fascinated by the diversity of plant life. |
bottle | A container, typically made of glass or plastic and with a narrow neck, used for storing drinks or other liquids. | He filled his water bottle before going for a hike. |
bottom | The lowest part of something. | He reached the bottom of the swimming pool. |
boulder | A large rock, typically one that has been rounded by erosion in water or ice. | The hikers carefully climbed over the massive boulder on the trail. |
boulevard | A broad road in a city or town, typically one lined with trees. | They took a leisurely drive down the tree-lined boulevard. |
bounce | A rebound of a ball or other object. | The basketball had a good bounce, making it easy to dribble. |
bound | A limit of something, or a leap or jump. | The dog cleared the fence in a single bound. |
boundary | A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line. | They established a clear boundary between the two properties. |
bounty | A sum paid for killing or capturing a person or animal, or a generous amount of something. | The government offered a bounty for the capture of the escaped convict. |
bouquet | An attractively arranged bunch of flowers. | She carried a beautiful bridal bouquet down the aisle. |
bourgeoisie | The middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes. | The rise of the bourgeoisie was a significant factor in the French Revolution. |
bout | A short period of intense activity of a specified kind. | He suffered a severe bout of flu during the winter months. |
boutique | A small shop selling fashionable clothes or accessories. | She found a unique dress at the charming little boutique. |
bow | A knot tied with two loops and two loose ends, or a weapon for shooting arrows, or the front part of a ship. | She tied a pretty bow in her hair. |
bowel | The part of the alimentary canal below the stomach; the intestine. | He experienced discomfort in his bowel after eating spicy food. |
bowl | A round, deep dish or basin used for food or liquid. | She poured the soup into a large ceramic bowl. |
bowling | A game in which a heavy ball is rolled down an alley at a group of pins. | They went bowling with friends on Friday night for some fun. |
box | A container, typically square or rectangular and with a lid, used for storing or transporting things. | He carefully packed his belongings into a cardboard box. |
boxer | A person who fights with fists, especially professionally, or a breed of dog. | The champion boxer trained rigorously for his upcoming match. |
boxing | A combat sport in which two people, wearing protective gloves, punch each other in a roped ring. | He took up boxing as a way to stay fit and learn self-defense. |
boy | A male child or young man. | The young boy eagerly unwrapped his birthday presents. |
boycott | A punitive ban that forbids relations with certain groups, cooperation with a policy, or the handling of goods. | Consumers organized a boycott of the company’s products due to unethical labor practices. |
bra | A brassiere; an undergarment worn by women to support the breasts. | She bought a new comfortable sports bra for her workouts. |
brace | A device that holds things firmly together or in position, or a pair of something. | He wore a knee brace to support his injured leg. |
bracelet | An ornamental band, chain, or circle worn on the wrist or arm. | She wore a delicate silver bracelet on her wrist. |
bracket | A L-shaped support used to hold a shelf or other object against a wall, or a category or range within which something falls. | He installed a sturdy metal bracket to support the new bookshelf. |
brag | Excessively proud and boastful talk. | His constant brag about his wealth was irritating to everyone. |
braid | A length of three or more strands of hair, fabric, or other material plaited together. | She had her long hair styled in a beautiful French braid. |
brain | An organ of soft nervous tissue contained in the skull of vertebrates, functioning as the coordinating center of sensation and intellectual and nervous activity. | The human brain is an incredibly complex organ, responsible for thought and emotion. |
brake | A device used for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, machine, or other object. | She pressed the brake pedal firmly to slow the car down. |
bran | Pieces of grain husk, separated from flour after milling, used in animal feed and as a source of dietary fiber. | She added oat bran to her breakfast cereal for extra fiber. |
branch | A woody shoot or limb of a tree or shrub, or a subdivision of a larger organization or system. | A bird built its nest on a sturdy branch of the oak tree. |
brand | A type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name. | She preferred to buy products from a well-known, reputable brand. |
brass | A yellow alloy of copper and zinc, or musical instruments made of this alloy, or impudence. | The antique brass doorknob shone brightly after polishing. |
brat | A child, especially a spoiled or ill-behaved one. | The spoiled brat threw a tantrum when he didn’t get his way. |
bravado | A bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate. | His bravado masked an underlying insecurity about his abilities. |
bravery | Courageous behavior or character. | Her bravery in facing adversity was an inspiration to all. |
brawl | A noisy quarrel or fight. | A loud brawl erupted outside the bar after closing hours. |
brawn | Physical strength in contrast to intelligence. | He was known more for his brawn than his brains, always ready for heavy lifting. |
bread | Food made from flour, water, and yeast or another leavening agent, mixed together and baked. | She sliced a fresh loaf of warm bread for dinner. |
breadth | The distance from side to side; width. | The breadth of the river made it difficult to cross. |
break | An interruption of continuity or uniformity, or a sudden, abrupt separation. | They took a short break from work to grab some coffee. |
breakdown | A mechanical failure, or a sudden collapse in physical or mental health, or an analysis of something into its parts. | The car had a breakdown on the highway, leaving them stranded. |
breaker | A heavy sea wave that breaks on the shore, or an electrical device that interrupts a circuit. | The surfers rode the massive breakers near the coast. |
breakfast | The first meal of the day, eaten in the morning. | She enjoyed a hearty breakfast of eggs and toast before starting her day. |
breast | Either of the two fleshy milk-producing glands on the chest of a woman, or the upper front part of the torso. | The baby nursed contentedly at its mother’s breast. |
breath | The air taken into or expelled from the lungs. | He took a deep breath before diving into the cold water. |
breather | A pause for rest. | He stopped for a quick breather after running up the stairs. |
breeding | The producing of offspring, or the practice of selectively mating animals to produce offspring with desired characteristics. | The careful breeding of horses resulted in a champion racehorse. |
breeze | A gentle wind. | A cool breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees. |
brevity | Concise and exact use of words in writing or speech. | The speaker was praised for the brevity and clarity of his presentation. |
brew | A drink that is brewed, especially beer. | He enjoyed a freshly made brew at the local pub. |
brewery | A place where beer is brewed commercially. | They took a tour of the local brewery to learn about the beer-making process. |
bribe | Money or a gift offered or given to someone to persuade them to do something dishonest or illegal. | The official was accused of accepting a bribe in exchange for classified information. |
bribery | The practice of offering or accepting bribes. | The company was investigated for widespread bribery in its overseas operations. |
brick | A block of hard material, typically made of fired clay, used for building walls or other structures. | The old house was built entirely of sturdy red bricks. |
bride | A woman on her wedding day or just before and after it. | The beautiful bride walked down the aisle, smiling brightly. |
bridge | A structure carrying a road, path, railway, etc., across a river, ravine, road, or other obstacle. | The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark in San Francisco. |
bridle | The headgear used to control a horse, consisting of straps, a bit, and reins. | The jockey carefully adjusted the horse’s bridle before the race. |
brief | A concise statement or summary, or a set of instructions or information. | The lawyer presented a detailed legal brief to the judge. |
briefcase | A flat, rectangular case, typically made of leather, used for carrying documents and other necessities. | He carried his important papers in a sturdy leather briefcase. |
brigade | A subdivision of an army, typically consisting of a small number of battalions or regiments, or a group of people organized for a particular purpose. | The fire brigade quickly responded to the emergency call. |
brightness | The quality or state of giving out or reflecting light; luminosity. | The brightness of the sun made it difficult to see without sunglasses. |
brilliance | Intense brightness of light, or exceptional talent or intelligence. | The brilliance of the diamond sparkled under the light. |
brim | The projecting edge of a hat, or the rim of a cup or bowl. | He pulled the brim of his hat down to shield his eyes from the sun. |
brink | The extreme edge of land before a steep slope or a body of water, or the verge of something. | The country was on the brink of economic collapse. |
briskness | The quality of being quick, energetic, and active. | She admired the briskness with which he approached his tasks. |
bristle | A short, stiff hair, typically on an animal, or a short, stiff hair on a brush. | The boar’s bristles stood on end when it felt threatened. |
brittleness | The quality or state of being hard but liable to break or shatter easily. | The old plastic had a high degree of brittleness and crumbled easily. |
broadcast | A program or item transmitted by radio or television. | The live broadcast of the concert was watched by millions. |
broadcaster | A person who presents or hosts a radio or television program. | The news broadcaster delivered the evening’s headlines with gravitas. |
brochure | A small book or magazine containing pictures and information about a product or service. | She picked up a brochure from the tourist office, detailing local attractions. |
broker | A person who buys and sells goods or assets for others. | The real estate broker helped them find their dream home. |
brokerage | The business or services of a broker. | She worked for a leading financial brokerage firm in the city. |
bronze | A yellowish-brown alloy of copper with up to one-third tin, or a reddish-brown color. | The ancient statue was cast in magnificent bronze. |
brood | A family of young animals, especially birds, produced at one hatching or birth. | The hen carefully watched over her brood of chicks. |
brook | A small stream. | They enjoyed a picnic beside a clear, bubbling brook in the forest. |
broom | A long-handled brush used for sweeping. | She swept the fallen leaves from the porch with a large broom. |
brother | A man or boy in relation to other children of his parents. | His older brother taught him how to ride a bike. |
brotherhood | The relationship between brothers; fellowship. | The brotherhood of soldiers was forged in the heat of battle. |
brow | A person’s forehead, or the summit of a hill or mountain. | He wiped the sweat from his brow after the strenuous workout. |
brown | A color produced by mixing red, yellow, and blue, or by mixing black and orange. | She painted the tree trunks a rich shade of brown. |
brownie | A small square of rich chocolate cake, typically containing nuts. | She baked a tray of gooey chocolate brownies for the party. |
bruise | An injury appearing as an area of discoloration on the skin, typically caused by a blow or impact. | He had a large bruise on his leg after falling off his bike. |
brush | An implement with a block of bristles or other filaments, used for cleaning, painting, or grooming. | She used a soft brush to gently comb her cat’s fur. |
brutality | Savage physical violence, or extreme cruelty. | The documentary exposed the brutal treatment and brutality of the prisoners. |
brute | A savagely violent person or animal. | The brute attacked him without provocation. |
bubble | A thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or another gas. | The children loved blowing bubbles in the park on a sunny day. |
buck | The male of some animals, such as deer or rabbits, or a dollar. | The hunter aimed carefully at the magnificent buck. |
bucket | A roughly cylindrical open container, typically of metal or plastic, with a handle, used for carrying liquids or other materials. | He filled the bucket with water to wash the car. |
buckle | A flat, typically rectangular, frame with a hinged pin, used for joining the ends of a belt or strap. | She fastened the buckle of her seatbelt before the car started. |
bud | A compact knob-like growth on a plant that develops into a leaf, flower, or shoot. | The rose bush was covered in tiny buds, promising beautiful blooms soon. |
buddy | A close friend. | He went fishing with his old buddy from college. |
budget | An estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time. | The family created a monthly budget to manage their finances effectively. |
buffalo | A large bovine animal, or a city in New York State. | A herd of water buffalo grazed peacefully in the wetlands. |
buffer | A person or thing that reduces a shock or forms a barrier between two antagonistic entities. | The small neutral country acted as a buffer between the two warring nations. |
buffet | A meal consisting of several dishes from which guests serve themselves, or a blow with the hand or fist. | The hotel offered a lavish breakfast buffet with many options. |
bug | An insect, or a fault or defect in a computer program or system. | A tiny ladybug crawled across the leaf. |
buggy | A light, open carriage, typically with four wheels and drawn by one horse, or a small, lightweight stroller for a baby. | They rode through the park in a horse-drawn buggy. |
bugle | A brass instrument resembling a small trumpet, typically without valves or keys, and used for military signals. | The sound of the bugle signaled the end of the day at the military camp. |
builder | A person who constructs or repairs buildings. | The builder oversaw the construction of the new housing development. |
building | A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house, factory, or school. | The city skyline was dominated by tall, modern buildings. |
bulb | A rounded underground storage organ in some plants, such as lilies, onions, and tulips, from which a flower or stem grows, or a glass globe that contains the filament of an electric light. | She planted daffodil bulbs in the garden in autumn. |
bulge | A rounded swelling or protuberance. | He noticed a suspicious bulge in the suspect’s pocket. |
bulk | The mass or size of something large. | The bulk of the cargo was stored in the ship’s hold. |
bull | An uncastrated male bovine animal. | The powerful bull charged across the field, kicking up dust. |
bullet | A small metal projectile fired from a rifle, revolver, or other firearm. | The bullet pierced the target with precision. |
bulletin | A short official statement or summary of news. | The evening news bulletin reported on the latest events worldwide. |
bully | A person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable. | The school implemented anti-bullying programs to protect students from bullies. |
bullying | The use of force or coercion to abuse or intimidate, typically to repeatedly abuse or intimidate a vulnerable person. | The school had a strict policy against bullying among students. |
bum | A homeless person; a tramp, or the buttocks. | The old bum slept on a park bench. |
bumblebee | A large, hairy, social bee that flies with a loud buzzing sound. | A fuzzy bumblebee buzzed lazily among the lavender flowers. |
bump | A light blow or collision, or a small raised area on a surface. | He felt a small bump on his head after hitting it on the doorframe. |
bumper | A horizontal bar fixed across the front or back of a motor vehicle to protect it in a collision. | The car’s bumper absorbed the impact of the minor fender-bender. |
bun | A small, usually round, sweet cake or bread roll. | She ordered a hot dog with a soft bun and all the toppings. |
bunch | A number of things, typically of the same kind, growing or fastened together. | She picked a bunch of grapes from the vine. |
bundle | A collection of things or quantity of material, typically wrapped or tied together. | He carried a large bundle of firewood into the house. |
bungalow | A low house, typically with a single story, sometimes with a second story built into a sloping roof. | They decided to buy a charming bungalow near the beach for their retirement. |
bunker | A reinforced underground shelter, typically for use in wartime, or a sand-filled hollow on a golf course. | The soldiers took refuge in the concrete bunker during the shelling. |
bunny | A rabbit, especially a young one. | The children chased a cute little bunny through the garden. |
buoy | An anchored float serving as a guide or warning to navigators, or a device for saving people from drowning. | The red buoy marked the safe channel for boats to follow. |
burden | A load, especially a heavy one, or a duty or responsibility that is difficult to bear. | The heavy box was a real burden to carry up the stairs. |
bureaucracy | A system of government or business in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives. | Dealing with the complex bureaucracy for a new business permit was frustrating. |
bureaucrat | An official in a bureaucracy. | The bureaucrat processed the application according to the strict regulations. |
burglar | A person who commits burglary; a person who breaks into a building illegally, typically with the intent to steal. | The police caught the burglar attempting to escape with stolen goods. |
burglary | Illegal entry into a building with intent to commit a crime, especially theft. | The police investigated the burglary at the local jewelry store. |
burial | The action or practice of burying a dead body. | The family attended the solemn burial of their beloved grandmother. |
burner | A device that produces a flame or heat, especially as part of a stove or lamp. | She turned on the gas burner to heat the pan for cooking. |
burrow | A hole or tunnel dug by a small animal, typically a rabbit, fox, or badger, as a dwelling. | The rabbit quickly darted into its burrow to escape the predator. |
burst | An act of breaking open or apart suddenly and violently, or a sudden, brief outbreak of something. | A burst of laughter filled the room, breaking the tension. |
business | An occupation, profession, or trade, or the practice of making one’s living by engaging in commerce. | She decided to start her own small business selling handmade crafts. |
businessman | A man engaged in business, especially as an owner or executive. | The successful businessman oversaw a large corporation with many employees. |
businesswoman | A woman engaged in business, especially as an owner or executive. | The innovative businesswoman launched a successful tech startup. |
bust | A sculpture of a person’s head, shoulders, and chest, or a sudden decline in economic activity. | The museum displayed a beautiful marble bust of the ancient emperor. |
butcher | A person whose trade is cutting up and selling meat. | The butcher expertly prepared the prime cuts of beef for the customers. |
butter | A pale yellow edible fatty substance made by churning cream and used as a spread or in cooking. | She spread fresh butter generously on her toast. |
butterfly | An insect with two pairs of large, often colorful, wings and a slender body, emerging from a chrysalis. | A beautiful butterfly gently landed on the flower, sipping nectar. |
buttock | Either of the two rounded fleshy parts of the human body that form the rear part of the trunk. | He accidentally slipped and landed hard on his buttock. |
button | A small disk or knob sewn on a garment, serving as a fastener, or a small disk pressed to operate a device. | She fastened the button on her shirt. |
buttress | A projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall, or a source of defense or support. | The ancient cathedral was strengthened by massive stone buttresses. |
buzz | A low, continuous humming or murmuring sound, made by or similar to that made by an insect. | The distinct buzz of a bee could be heard near the flowers. |
buzzer | An electrical device that makes a buzzing sound. | She pressed the doorbell buzzer, waiting for someone to answer. |
bypass | A road built to permit traffic to avoid an urban area, or an alternative passage or shunt. | The new bypass significantly reduced traffic congestion in the city center. |
byproduct | A secondary product or result, usually unforeseen or unintended, that is produced in the course of manufacturing or creating something else. | Heat is a common byproduct of energy generation. |
byte | A unit of digital information typically consisting of eight bits. | The computer processed data in thousands of bytes per second. |