Discover a comprehensive list of 527 nouns that start with the letter “D,” covering a wide range of everyday words, specialized terms, and cultural references. This collection includes nouns from common family members like “dad” to imaginative concepts like “dystopia,” reflecting the rich variety and depth of the English language. Many of these nouns have interesting origins and uses, showing how language adapts to describe people, places, ideas, and objects with precision.
Explore the complete alphabetized list below to enhance your vocabulary, find definitions, and see how each noun is used in context.
Noun This column lists each noun beginning with the letter “D.” It includes a mix of familiar and less common words, helping you expand your knowledge and usage.
Definition Here you will find a clear, concise explanation of each noun’s meaning. These definitions help you understand exactly what each word refers to.
Example Usage Each noun comes with a sentence showing how it is used in everyday language. This practical example aids in grasping how to apply the noun correctly.
Description This section offers a brief overview or interesting details about the noun, such as its origin, common associations, or notable characteristics, providing deeper insight beyond the definition.
Nouns that start with D
Noun | Definition | Example Usage |
---|---|---|
dacha | A Russian country house or cottage, often used as a summer residence. | They spent their summers at their charming dacha outside Moscow. |
dad | One’s father. | My dad taught me how to ride a bicycle. |
dadaism | An art movement of the early 20th century that embraced artistic anarchy, rejecting the logic and reason of capitalist society. | Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain” is a famous example of Dadaism. |
daffodil | A bulbous plant of the amaryllis family, having white or yellow flowers with a long central corona. | The bright yellow daffodils bloomed early in the spring. |
dagger | A short knife with a pointed, often double-edged blade, used as a weapon. | He held the gleaming dagger firmly in his hand. |
dahlia | A tuberous-rooted plant of the daisy family, cultivated for its showy flowers. | The garden was filled with colorful dahlias of various shapes and sizes. |
daily | A newspaper published every day except Sunday. | She always reads the morning daily with her coffee. |
dairy | A place where milk is processed and products like butter and cheese are made; also, food products made from milk. | We bought fresh milk and yogurt from the local dairy. |
dais | A raised platform in a hall or large room, typically for a speaker or honored guests. | The speaker approached the dais to deliver her address. |
daisy | A small European plant of the daisy family, with a yellow central disc and white rays, often found in lawns. | She picked a small daisy from the grass and put it in her hair. |
dale | A valley. | They lived in a quiet cottage nestled in the dale. |
dalliance | A brief love affair; a casual romantic relationship. | Their dalliance was short-lived and ended amicably. |
dam | A barrier constructed to hold back water and raise its level, forming a reservoir used to generate electricity or as a water supply. | The new dam provided water and power for the entire region. |
damage | Physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something. | The storm caused extensive damage to the roof. |
dame | A title of honor given to a woman, equivalent to a knight; an old or elderly woman. | Dame Judi Dench is a renowned actress. |
damsel | A young unmarried woman. | The knight rescued the damsel in distress from the dragon. |
dance | A series of steps and movements performed to music, often for enjoyment, exercise, or as a form of entertainment. | They performed a beautiful dance at the talent show. |
dandelion | A widely distributed weed of the daisy family, with a rosette of leaves and a bright yellow flower followed by a globular head of seeds. | Children love to blow on dandelions and make wishes. |
dander | Small scales from an animal’s skin or hair, often causing allergic reactions. | Pet dander is a common allergen for many people. |
dandruff | Small pieces of dead skin that flake off the scalp. | He used a special shampoo to combat his dandruff. |
dandy | A man unduly concerned with looking stylish and fashionable. | He was quite the dandy, always dressed in the latest fashions. |
danger | The possibility of suffering harm or injury. | The warning signs indicated a clear danger ahead. |
dare | A challenge to do something bold or risky. | He accepted the dare to jump into the cold lake. |
daring | Audacious bravery. | His daring in climbing the sheer cliff face impressed everyone. |
dark | The absence of light. | He stumbled in the dark, unable to see anything. |
darkness | The state or quality of being dark; absence of light. | The darkness of the night enveloped the small town. |
darling | A beloved person, especially a child or a romantic partner. | Hello, my darling, he said with a smile. |
dart | A small, pointed missile thrown or shot; a sudden, rapid movement. | He threw a dart at the board, hitting the bullseye. |
dash | A small amount of something; a sudden quick movement. | Add a dash of salt to the soup for flavor. |
dashboard | The panel facing the driver of a vehicle, containing instruments and controls. | He checked the fuel gauge on the dashboard. |
data | Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis. | The scientists collected data from their experiments. |
database | A structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways. | The company stored all customer information in a large database. |
date | A particular day or year when an event happened or will happen; a social or romantic appointment. | What is the date of the upcoming meeting? |
daughter | A girl or woman in relation to her parents. | Their daughter is starting college next year. |
dawn | The first appearance of light in the sky before sunrise; the beginning of a phenomenon or period. | We woke up at dawn to watch the sunrise. |
day | A period of 24 hours as a unit of time, reckoned from one midnight to the next; the time between sunrise and sunset. | We worked hard all day to finish the project. |
daybreak | The time in the morning when daylight first appears. | They set out on their journey at daybreak. |
daydream | A series of pleasant thoughts that distract one’s attention from the present. | He often falls into a daydream during boring meetings. |
daylight | The natural light of the day. | We prefer to work in daylight whenever possible. |
daze | A state of stunned confusion or bewilderment. | He wandered around in a daze after the accident. |
dazzle | A blinding light or brilliance; impressive brightness or splendor. | The dazzle of the headlights made it hard to see. |
deacon | An ordained minister of an order ranking below that of a priest. | The deacon assisted the priest during the service. |
deadbeat | An idle, irresponsible person who avoids paying debts. | His landlord called him a deadbeat for not paying rent. |
deadline | The latest time or date by which something must be completed. | The deadline for submitting the report is Friday. |
deafness | The condition of lacking the power of hearing or having impaired hearing. | She has lived with deafness since birth. |
deal | An agreement entered into by two or more parties for their mutual benefit; a quantity or amount of something. | They closed a good deal on the new car. |
dealer | A person or company that buys and sells goods. | We bought our car from an authorized dealer. |
dealing | The activity of buying and selling goods; the way one conducts oneself toward others. | Fair dealing is important in business. |
dean | The head of a college or university faculty or department. | The dean announced the new academic policy. |
dearth | A scarcity or lack of something. | There was a dearth of fresh vegetables during the winter. |
death | The action or fact of dying or being killed; the end of the life of a person or organism. | The death of the old tree left a gap in the forest. |
debacle | A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco. | The economic policy proved to be a complete debacle. |
debate | A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward. | The presidential candidates engaged in a lively debate. |
debauchery | Excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures. | His life of debauchery led to his downfall. |
debit | An entry recording an amount owed, listed on the left side of an account. | The bank debited the amount from his account. |
debris | Scattered pieces of waste or remains. | The earthquake left a trail of debris and destruction. |
debt | A sum of money that is owed or due. | He worked hard to pay off his student debt. |
debtor | A person or institution that owes a sum of money. | The debtor struggled to meet their payment obligations. |
decade | A period of ten years. | The 1980s was a vibrant decade for music. |
decadence | Moral or cultural decline as characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury. | The empire was marked by a period of decadence before its fall. |
decanter | A stoppered glass bottle, typically ornamental, used for serving wine or spirits. | He poured the red wine into an elegant decanter. |
decay | The state or process of rotting or decomposition. | The old wooden house showed signs of decay. |
deceit | The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth. | He was accused of deceit and fraud. |
deceiver | A person who deceives someone. | He was a cunning deceiver, always looking for ways to manipulate others. |
decency | Behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability. | She always acted with honesty and decency. |
decentralization | The transfer of authority from central to local government. | The decentralization of power aimed to empower local communities. |
deception | The action of deceiving someone. | The entire scheme was an elaborate deception. |
decibel | A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal. | The concert reached 120 decibels, making it very loud. |
decimal | A fraction whose denominator is a power of ten and whose numerator is expressed by figures placed to the right of a decimal point. | The calculation required careful attention to the decimal places. |
decision | A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration. | Making a good decision requires careful thought. |
deck | A floor of a ship; a pack of playing cards. | They relaxed on the deck of the cruise ship. |
declaration | A formal or explicit statement or announcement. | The president made a declaration of independence. |
decline | A gradual and continuous loss of strength, numbers, or quality; a downward slope. | The town experienced a sharp decline in population. |
decoder | A device that converts a coded signal into a usable signal. | The satellite dish required a decoder to receive the channels. |
decomposition | The process of decaying or rotting. | The decomposition of organic matter enriches the soil. |
decor | The furnishing and decoration of a room. | The elegant decor of the restaurant impressed the diners. |
decoration | Something used for decorating; an award or medal. | The Christmas tree was covered in colorful decorations. |
decorum | Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety. | He always conducted himself with dignity and decorum. |
decoy | A person or thing used to mislead or lure an enemy, animal, or person into danger or an trap. | The hunter used a plastic duck as a decoy to attract real ducks. |
decrease | A reduction in size, amount, or extent. | There was a noticeable decrease in noise after the renovations. |
decree | An official order or proclamation issued by a legal authority. | The king issued a decree that all taxes must be paid. |
dedicator | A person who dedicates something. | The plaque honored the dedicator of the new library wing. |
dedication | The quality of being committed to a task or purpose; an inscription dedicating a book. | Her dedication to her studies was admirable. |
deduction | The action of deducting or subtracting something; the process of drawing a conclusion from general principles. | He made a deduction for his business expenses on his taxes. |
deed | An action or something done; a legal document transferring property. | He was rewarded for his brave deed. |
deer | A hoofed grazing mammal, the males of which typically have antlers. | We saw a deer grazing peacefully in the meadow. |
defamation | The action of damaging the good reputation of someone. | He sued the newspaper for defamation of character. |
default | Failure to fulfill an obligation, especially to repay a loan or appear in a court of law. | The company went into default on its loans. |
defeat | An act of overcoming an opponent or something hostile; a state of being defeated. | The team suffered a crushing defeat in the final game. |
defect | A shortcoming, imperfection, or lack. | The car had a manufacturing defect that caused it to malfunction. |
defection | The desertion of one’s country or cause in favor of an opposing one. | His defection to the enemy side shocked everyone. |
defender | A person who defends someone or something. | The lawyer acted as the defender for the accused. |
defense | The action of defending from or resisting attack; the case presented by the party accused in a lawsuit. | The country invested heavily in its military defense. |
deferral | The act of putting something off to a later time. | He requested a deferral of his student loan payments. |
defiance | Open resistance; bold disobedience. | Her defiance of the rules led to her suspension. |
deficiency | A lack or shortage of something. | The soil had a deficiency in essential nutrients. |
deficit | The amount by which something, especially a sum of money, falls short of what is required. | The company reported a large budget deficit. |
definition | A statement of the exact meaning of a word, phrase, or term. | The dictionary provides a clear definition for each word. |
deflation | A reduction in the general level of prices in an economy. | The country was struggling with economic deflation. |
deformity | A malformation or distortion, especially of a part of the body. | He was born with a slight deformity in his hand. |
degeneration | The process of decline or deterioration. | The degeneration of the urban infrastructure was evident. |
degradation | The process of degrading or being degraded. | The constant criticism led to her degradation. |
degree | A unit of measurement for angles or temperature; a qualification awarded by a college or university. | The temperature rose several degrees today. |
dehydration | A harmful reduction in the amount of water in the body. | The marathon runner suffered from severe dehydration. |
dejection | A sad and depressed state; lowness of spirits. | He felt a deep sense of dejection after failing the exam. |
delay | A period of time during which something is postponed or hindered. | There was a significant delay due to bad weather. |
delegate | A person sent or authorized to represent others, in particular an elected representative sent to a conference. | Each country sent a delegate to the international summit. |
delegation | A body of delegates; the act of entrusting a task or responsibility to another person. | A delegation from the union met with management. |
deliberation | Long and careful consideration or discussion. | After much deliberation, they reached a decision. |
delicacy | Fine or elaborate quality or construction; a rare or expensive food item. | The porcelain vase was a work of great delicacy. |
delicatessen | A store selling ready-to-eat prepared foods, such as cold meats, cheeses, and salads. | We stopped at the delicatessen for lunch. |
delight | Great pleasure. | She expressed her delight at the news. |
delinquency | Minor crime, especially that committed by young people; neglect of duty. | The city faced an increase in juvenile delinquency. |
delinquent | A young person who regularly performs illegal or immoral acts. | The court dealt with several juvenile delinquents. |
delirium | An acutely disturbed state of mind, characterized by restlessness, illusions, and incoherence, occurring in fever, intoxication, and other disorders. | The patient experienced delirium during the high fever. |
deliverance | The action of being rescued or set free. | They prayed for deliverance from their troubles. |
delivery | The action of delivering letters, parcels, or goods. | The package arrived promptly with the morning delivery. |
delta | A triangular tract of sediment deposited at the mouth of a river, typically where it diverges into several distributaries. | The Nile River forms a vast delta before emptying into the Mediterranean. |
delusion | An idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality. | He suffered from the delusion that he was being followed. |
deluge | A severe flood; a great quantity of something arriving at the same time. | The town was devastated by the sudden deluge. |
demagogue | A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument. | The demagogue swayed the crowd with his fiery rhetoric. |
demand | An insistent and peremptory request, made as of right; the desire of consumers for a particular commodity. | The workers issued a demand for better wages. |
demarcation | The action of fixing the boundary or limits of something. | The river formed a natural demarcation between the two countries. |
dementia | A chronic or persistent disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury and marked by memory disorders, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. | The elderly patient was diagnosed with dementia. |
demerit | A mark awarded against someone for a fault or offense. | He received a demerit for being late to class. |
demise | A person’s death; the end or failure of an enterprise or institution. | We mourned the untimely demise of our friend. |
democracy | A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. | Democracy values the voice of every citizen. |
democrat | An advocate or supporter of democracy; a member of the Democratic Party. | He has always been a staunch democrat, believing in the power of the people. |
demolition | The action or process of demolishing or being demolished. | The demolition of the old building made way for a new park. |
demon | An evil spirit or devil. | He believed a demon was possessing the man. |
demonstration | The action or process of showing the existence or truth of something by giving proof or evidence. | The scientist provided a demonstration of the experiment. |
den | A wild animal’s lair; a comfortable, secluded room in a house. | The bear retreated to its den for the winter. |
denial | The action of declaring something to be untrue; the refusal of something requested or desired. | His denial of the accusations was firm. |
denim | A sturdy twilled fabric, typically blue cotton, used for jeans, overalls, and other clothing. | She wore a comfortable denim jacket. |
denominator | The number below the line in a common fraction; a shared characteristic. | The denominator indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into. |
denouement | The final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved. | The novel’s denouement revealed the killer’s true identity. |
density | The degree of compactness of a substance; the quantity per unit volume, unit area, or unit length. | The high density of the metal made it very heavy. |
dent | A slight hollow in a surface made by a blow or pressure. | The car had a small dent on the passenger door. |
denture | A removable plate or frame holding one or more artificial teeth. | He got new dentures after losing several teeth. |
denunciation | Public condemnation of someone or something. | The denunciation of the dictator was widespread. |
departure | The action of leaving, especially to start a journey; a deviation from an accepted, long-established pattern. | His sudden departure from the company surprised everyone. |
dependence | The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else. | The child’s dependence on her parents was natural. |
dependent | A person who relies on another for financial support. | His wife and children were listed as his dependents. |
depiction | The action of representing something visually or verbally. | The painting was a realistic depiction of rural life. |
depletion | The reduction in the number or quantity of something. | The depletion of natural resources is a serious concern. |
deployment | The action of bringing resources into effective action; the movement of troops into position for military action. | The rapid deployment of emergency services saved lives. |
deposit | A sum of money placed or kept in a bank account; a sum payable as a first installment. | He made a deposit of $500 into his savings account. |
deposition | The action of deposing someone, especially a monarch; the process of giving sworn evidence out of court. | The attorney took the witness’s deposition. |
depot | A place for the storage of large quantities of equipment, food, or goods; a bus or railway station. | The military supplies were stored at the depot. |
depravity | Moral corruption; wickedness. | The villain’s depravity knew no bounds. |
depreciation | A reduction in the value of an asset over time, due in particular to wear and tear. | The car suffered significant depreciation after five years. |
depredation | An act of attacking or plundering. | The village suffered depredations from the invading army. |
depressant | A drug that reduces functional or nervous activity. | Alcohol is a common depressant that affects the central nervous system. |
depression | A state of feeling sad and without hope; a long and severe recession in an economy. | He struggled with severe depression for years. |
deprivation | The damaging lack of material benefits or a cultural experience normally considered to be basic necessities. | They suffered from sleep deprivation due to their demanding jobs. |
deputy | A person appointed or authorized to act as a substitute for another or others. | The deputy mayor attended the meeting in place of the mayor. |
derangement | A state of mental disturbance or disorder. | The stress led to a temporary derangement of his thoughts. |
derby | A horse race, especially one for three-year-old horses; a type of hat. | She wore a fancy hat to the Kentucky Derby. |
deregulation | The removal of regulations or restrictions, especially in a particular industry. | The deregulation of the financial industry led to new challenges. |
derelict | A person abandoned by society; a building abandoned and in a state of disrepair. | The city council decided to demolish the derelict building. |
dereliction | The state of having abandoned one’s duty or responsibilities. | He was fired for dereliction of duty. |
derision | Contemptuous ridicule or mockery. | His unusual ideas were met with derision from his colleagues. |
derivation | The obtaining or developing of something from a source or origin. | The derivation of the word can be traced back to Latin. |
derivative | Something that is based on another source; a financial contract whose value is derived from an underlying asset. | The film was criticized for being a derivative of an older movie. |
dermatologist | A medical doctor who specializes in skin diseases. | She consulted a dermatologist about her persistent skin rash. |
descent | An act of moving downward; lineage or ancestry. | The plane began its descent to the airport. |
description | A spoken or written account of a person, object, or event. | His description of the suspect was very detailed. |
desert | A barren or desolate area, especially one with little or no rainfall. | The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world. |
deserter | A person who abandons their duty, especially in the armed forces. | The soldier was charged as a deserter. |
desertion | The act of abandoning one’s post or duty, especially in the armed forces. | The officer was accused of desertion during battle. |
design | A plan or drawing produced to show the look and function or workings of something before it is made. | The architect presented the design for the new building. |
designer | A person who plans the form, look, or workings of something before its construction. | The fashion designer unveiled her latest collection. |
designation | The action of choosing someone or something for a special purpose; a distinguishing name or title. | His official designation was “Chief Operating Officer.” |
desirability | The quality of being desirable or wished for. | The desirability of the property was enhanced by its location. |
desire | A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen. | He had a strong desire to travel the world. |
desk | A piece of furniture with a flat top and often drawers, used for writing or working. | She organized her papers on her office desk. |
desolation | A state of complete emptiness or destruction. | The abandoned town was a scene of utter desolation. |
despair | The complete loss or absence of hope. | He fell into deep despair after losing his job. |
dispatch | The sending of someone or something to a destination for a purpose; an official report or message. | The police received a dispatch about the robbery. |
desperado | A desperate or reckless person, especially a criminal. | The old West was full of desperados and outlaws. |
desperation | A state of despair, typically one which results in rash or reckless behavior. | In desperation, she called for help. |
despot | A ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way. | The country was ruled by a ruthless despot. |
despotism | The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way. | The people suffered under the despotism of the dictator. |
dessert | The sweet course eaten at the end of a meal. | For dessert, we had apple pie and ice cream. |
destination | The place to which someone or something is going or being sent. | Our final destination was the tropical island. |
destiny | The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future. | He believed it was his destiny to become a doctor. |
destruction | The action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired. | The earthquake caused widespread destruction in the city. |
detachment | The state of being objective or aloof; a group of troops sent on a mission. | He observed the situation with scientific detachment. |
detail | An individual feature, fact, or item. | The architect paid close attention to every detail of the building’s design. |
detainee | A person held in custody, especially for political reasons. | The detainee was held without charge for several weeks. |
detection | The action or process of identifying the presence of something concealed or subtle. | The early detection of the disease is crucial for treatment. |
detective | A person, especially a police officer, whose occupation is to investigate and solve crimes. | The detective gathered clues at the crime scene. |
detention | The action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody. | The suspect was held in detention for questioning. |
detergent | A synthetic substance, typically a liquid or soluble powder, that is used for washing. | She used a strong detergent to clean the greasy dishes. |
deterioration | The process of becoming progressively worse. | The deterioration of the old bridge was a safety concern. |
determinant | A factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something. | Hard work is a key determinant of success. |
determination | The quality of being resolute; a firm intention. | Her determination to succeed was unwavering. |
determinism | The doctrine that all events, including human action, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. | Philosophers have long debated the concept of determinism versus free will. |
deterrent | A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something. | The heavy fine acted as a deterrent against speeding. |
detour | A long or roundabout route taken to avoid something or to visit somewhere along the way. | We took a detour to avoid the road construction. |
detractor | A person who disparages someone or something. | The politician faced many detractors who criticized his policies. |
detriment | The state of being harmed or damaged. | Smoking is a detriment to your health. |
devastation | Great destruction or damage. | The hurricane left widespread devastation in its wake. |
developer | A person or company that creates something new; a person who develops land or property. | The software developer released a new update. |
development | The process of developing or being developed; a new stage in a changing situation. | The rapid development of technology has transformed society. |
deviance | The fact or state of departing from usual or accepted standards, especially in social or sexual behavior. | The sociologist studied various forms of social deviance. |
deviant | A person whose behavior deviates from what is considered normal or acceptable. | Society often struggles with how to integrate deviants. |
deviation | The action of departing from an established course or accepted standard. | Any deviation from the safety procedures could be dangerous. |
device | A thing made or adapted for a particular purpose; a plan or scheme. | He invented a new device to measure air quality. |
devil | An evil spirit or demon; Satan. | They believed he was possessed by a devil. |
devotion | Profound dedication and commitment. | Her devotion to her family was unwavering. |
dew | Tiny drops of water that form on cool surfaces at night. | The morning grass was covered in sparkling dew. |
dexterity | Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands. | The surgeon demonstrated impressive dexterity during the operation. |
diabetes | A metabolic disease in which the body’s inability to produce or respond to insulin results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood. | Many people manage their diabetes with diet and medication. |
diadem | A jeweled crown or headband worn as a symbol of sovereignty. | The queen wore a sparkling diadem on her head. |
diagnosis | The identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms. | The doctor made a diagnosis of influenza. |
diagonal | A straight line joining two opposite corners of a straight-sided shape. | He drew a diagonal line across the square. |
diagram | A simplified drawing showing the appearance, structure, or workings of something. | The teacher drew a diagram to explain the concept. |
dial | The face of a clock or watch, or a plate with a scale for indicating a measurement. | He turned the dial to change the radio station. |
dialect | A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group. | They spoke in a regional dialect that was hard to understand. |
dialogue | A conversation between two or more people as a feature of a book, play, or movie. | The play featured witty and engaging dialogue. |
diameter | A straight line passing from side to side through the center of a body or figure, especially a circle or sphere. | The engineer measured the diameter of the pipe. |
diamond | A precious stone consisting of a crystallized allotrope of carbon, typically colorless and transparent, used as a gemstone and in industry. | She wore a beautiful diamond necklace. |
diaper | A piece of absorbent material wrapped around a baby’s bottom and between its legs to absorb and contain urine and feces. | The baby needed a fresh diaper after waking up. |
diaphragm | A dome-shaped muscular partition separating the thorax from the abdomen in mammals; a contraceptive device. | He practiced deep breathing exercises, engaging his diaphragm. |
diarist | A person who keeps a diary. | She was a meticulous diarist, recording every detail of her day. |
diarrhea | A condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form. | The traveler suffered from diarrhea after eating contaminated food. |
diary | A book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences. | She wrote her deepest thoughts in her private diary. |
diatribe | A forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something. | The politician launched a diatribe against his opponents. |
dice | Small cubes with each side having a different number of spots (one to six), used in games of chance. | He rolled the dice, hoping for a high number. |
dichotomy | A division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different. | The dichotomy between rich and poor was stark. |
dictator | A ruler with total power over a country, typically one who obtained control by force. | The dictator suppressed all forms of dissent. |
dictatorship | A country governed by a dictator; government by a dictator. | The country transitioned from a democracy to a dictatorship. |
diction | The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. | His diction was precise and elegant. |
dictionary | A book or electronic resource that lists the words of a language and gives their meaning, or their equivalent in a different language. | I looked up the word in the dictionary to find its meaning. |
dictum | A short, authoritative statement; a maxim. | The old dictum, “Honesty is the best policy,” still holds true. |
die | A tool or device for cutting or shaping material; a mold. | The metal was shaped using a specialized die. |
diesel | A type of internal combustion engine that burns fuel by injecting it into compressed hot air; the fuel used in such engines. | The truck ran on diesel fuel. |
diet | The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats; a special course of food to which a person restricts themselves. | He decided to go on a healthy diet to lose weight. |
dieter | A person who is dieting. | The dieter carefully tracked her calorie intake. |
difference | A point or way in which people or things are not the same; a disagreement. | There was a clear difference between the two proposals. |
differential | A difference between things, especially one that is based on a characteristic of one of the things; a gear system allowing wheels to turn at different speeds. | There was a significant wage differential between the two positions. |
difficulty | The state or condition of being difficult; a problem. | They faced many difficulties during the project. |
diffidence | Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence. | Her diffidence prevented her from speaking up in meetings. |
diffusion | The spreading of something more widely. | The diffusion of new ideas throughout society was slow. |
dig | An archaeological excavation; an instance of digging. | The archaeologists began a new dig at the ancient site. |
digest | A compilation or summary of information. | He read a digest of the day’s news. |
digestion | The process of breaking down food into substances that can be absorbed and used by the body. | Good digestion is essential for overall health. |
digger | A person or machine that digs. | The construction site had several large diggers. |
digit | Any of the numerals from 0 to 9; a finger or toe. | The secret code required a four-digit number. |
dignitary | A person considered to be important because of high rank or office. | Several foreign dignitaries attended the state dinner. |
dignity | The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. | She carried herself with grace and dignity. |
digression | A temporary departure from the main subject in speech or writing. | His speech was full of interesting digressions. |
dike | A long wall or embankment built to prevent flooding from the sea or a river. | The dike protected the low-lying town from the rising river. |
dilapidation | The state of being in disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect. | The old mansion was in a state of advanced dilapidation. |
dilemma | A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones. | She faced a difficult dilemma: choose work or family. |
diligence | Careful and persistent work or effort. | His diligence in his studies earned him top grades. |
dill | An aromatic annual herb of the parsley family, with fine feathery leaves and yellow flowers. | She added fresh dill to the salmon. |
dilution | The action of making something weaker or less concentrated by adding water or another solvent. | The dilution of the chemical made it safer to handle. |
dimension | A measurable extent of some kind, such as length, breadth, depth, or height; an aspect or feature of a situation. | The box had three dimensions: length, width, and height. |
diminutive | A smaller or shorter thing, in particular a diminutive form of a name. | Kitty is a diminutive of “Catherine.” |
din | A loud, unpleasant, prolonged noise. | The din of the construction site was deafening. |
diner | A person who is eating a meal; a small, inexpensive restaurant. | We had lunch at a classic American diner. |
dingo | A wild dog of Australia. | The dingo howled in the distance. |
dinner | The main meal of the day, eaten either in the middle of the day or in the evening. | We had a delicious dinner at the new restaurant. |
dinosaur | A fossil reptile of the Mesozoic era, often enormous in size. | Children are fascinated by dinosaurs and their ancient world. |
diocese | A district under the pastoral care of a bishop in the Christian Church. | The bishop visited every church in his diocese. |
diode | A semiconductor device that allows current to flow in one direction only. | The circuit used a diode to rectify the alternating current. |
dip | A brief plunge or downward tendency; a sauce or soft food into which solid food is dipped. | She took a quick dip in the pool to cool off. |
diphtheria | A serious bacterial infection that affects the nose and throat. | Vaccinations have greatly reduced cases of diphtheria. |
diphthong | A sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves towards another. | The “oi” sound in “coin” is a diphthong. |
diplomacy | The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations, typically by a country’s representatives abroad. | Successful diplomacy is crucial for global peace. |
diplomat | An official representing a country abroad. | The diplomat worked to strengthen international relations. |
direction | A course along which someone or something moves; the management or guidance of someone or something. | The map showed the correct direction to our destination. |
director | A person who is in charge of an activity, department, or organization; a person who directs a play or film. | The film director won an award for his latest movie. |
directory | A book or online resource listing names, addresses, and telephone numbers. | I found their phone number in the online directory. |
dirge | A lament for the dead, especially one forming part of a funeral rite; a mournful song, piece of music, or poem. | The choir sang a solemn dirge at the funeral. |
dirt | Loose earth or soil; grime or filth. | His clothes were covered in dirt after playing outside. |
disability | A physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities. | The building was made accessible to people with disabilities. |
disadvantage | An unfavorable circumstance or condition that reduces the chances of success or effectiveness. | Lack of experience was a clear disadvantage in the job application. |
disagreement | Lack of consensus or approval; a quarrel. | There was a strong disagreement among the team members. |
disapproval | The expression of an unfavorable opinion. | Her parents expressed their disapproval of her choice. |
disarmament | The reduction or withdrawal of military forces and weapons. | The countries agreed to a treaty on nuclear disarmament. |
disarray | A state of disorganization or untidiness. | The office was in complete disarray after the renovation. |
disaster | A sudden event, such as an accident or a natural catastrophe, that causes great damage or loss of life. | The earthquake was a terrible disaster for the region. |
disbelief | Refusal or reluctance to believe something. | He stared in disbelief at the lottery results. |
disbursement | The payment of money from a fund. | The organization managed the disbursement of funds to charities. |
disc | A flat, thin, circular object. | The music was stored on a compact disc. |
discard | Something that is discarded; a discarded playing card. | He kept the good cards and put the discards on the pile. |
discernment | The ability to judge well. | She showed great discernment in her choice of investments. |
discharge | The official release of someone from an obligation or custody; the action of releasing a substance. | He received an honorable discharge from the army. |
disciple | A personal follower of Christ during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles; a follower of a teacher or belief. | She was a devoted disciple of the spiritual leader. |
discipline | The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience; a branch of knowledge. | The school emphasized strict discipline. |
disclaimer | A statement that denies something, especially responsibility. | The website included a legal disclaimer about its content. |
disclosure | The action of making new or secret information known. | The company made a full disclosure of its financial dealings. |
discoloration | The state of being discolored. | The old book showed signs of discoloration on its pages. |
discomfort | Slight pain; uneasiness. | He felt a general discomfort after the long flight. |
discontent | Dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances; a lack of contentment. | There was widespread discontent among the factory workers. |
discord | Disagreement between people; lack of harmony. | The discord among the family members was evident. |
discount | A deduction from the usual cost of something. | The store offered a 20% discount on all items. |
discouragement | The loss of confidence or enthusiasm. | He felt a sense of discouragement after his failure. |
discourse | Written or spoken communication or debate. | Her academic discourse was highly respected. |
discovery | The action or process of discovering or being discovered. | The discovery of penicillin revolutionized medicine. |
discrepancy | A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts. | There was a discrepancy between the two reports. |
discretion | The quality of behaving or speaking in such a way as to avoid causing offense or revealing private information; the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation. | He handled the sensitive matter with great discretion. |
discrimination | The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex. | Racial discrimination is a serious social issue. |
discus | A heavy, flat disc thrown in athletic contests. | The athlete threw the discus with great force. |
discussion | The action or process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas. | We had a long discussion about the project plans. |
disdain | The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect; contempt. | He felt only disdain for their dishonest tactics. |
disease | A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury. | The doctor specialized in infectious diseases. |
disenchantment | A feeling of disappointment about someone or something previously respected or admired; disillusionment. | Many voters expressed their disenchantment with the political system. |
disengagement | The action or process of withdrawing from involvement in something. | The disengagement of troops from the conflict zone began. |
disgrace | Loss of reputation or respect as a result of a dishonorable action. | His actions brought disgrace upon his family name. |
disguise | A means of concealing one’s identity. | She wore a clever disguise to the costume party. |
disgust | A feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval aroused by something unpleasant or offensive. | She recoiled in disgust at the sight of the rotten food. |
dish | A shallow, typically flat-bottomed container for cooking or serving food; a particular kind of food. | She put the food on a ceramic dish. |
dishonesty | Deceitfulness; a lack of honesty. | His dishonesty in the matter was appalling. |
dishonor | A state of shame or disgrace. | His actions brought dishonor upon his family. |
disillusionment | A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one had believed it to be. | His disillusionment with politics grew over time. |
disintegration | The process of breaking into small parts or pieces. | The ancient manuscript showed signs of disintegration. |
disinterest | Lack of interest in something. | He showed complete disinterest in the conversation. |
dislike | A feeling of distaste or hostility. | Her strong dislike for seafood was well known. |
dislocation | Disturbance from a proper or usual state; the displacement of a bone from a joint. | The economic crisis caused widespread dislocation. |
disloyalty | Lack of loyalty. | His disloyalty to the team was evident. |
dismay | Concern and distress caused by something unexpected. | She felt dismay at the terrible news. |
dismissal | The act of ordering or allowing someone to leave; the act of treating something as unworthy of serious consideration. | The dismissal of the employees led to protests. |
disobedience | Failure or refusal to obey rules or someone in authority. | His constant disobedience led to trouble. |
disorder | A state of confusion; an illness that disrupts normal physical or mental functions. | The room was in complete disorder after the party. |
disorganization | The state of being disorganized. | The project suffered from a lack of organization. |
disparity | A great difference. | There was a stark disparity in wealth between the two countries. |
dispassion | Absence of passion or emotion; impartiality. | He approached the difficult situation with dispassion and logic. |
dispensation | Exemption from a rule or obligation; a system of order, government, or religion. | The pope granted a special dispensation. |
dispersal | The action or process of distributing or spreading things or people over a wide area. | The dispersal of seeds helps plants spread. |
displacement | The moving of something from its place or position. | The earthquake caused significant displacement of the land. |
display | An arrangement of items for viewing; a public show or exhibition. | The museum had an impressive display of ancient artifacts. |
displeasure | A feeling of annoyance or dissatisfaction. | The manager expressed his displeasure with the team’s performance. |
disposal | The action or process of getting rid of something. | The proper disposal of hazardous waste is crucial. |
disposition | A person’s inherent qualities of mind and character; the way in which something is placed or arranged. | She had a cheerful and optimistic disposition. |
dispute | A disagreement, argument, or debate. | The neighbors had a dispute over the property line. |
disqualification | The action of disqualifying or being disqualified. | His disqualification from the race was due to a technicality. |
disquiet | A feeling of anxiety or worry. | A sense of disquiet settled over the town after the mysterious events. |
disregard | The fact of showing no respect or attention for something; heedlessness. | He treated her advice with complete disregard. |
disruption | Disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process. | The sudden storm caused widespread disruption to travel. |
dissatisfaction | Lack of satisfaction. | The customers expressed their dissatisfaction with the service. |
dissection | The action of dissecting a body or plant to study its internal parts. | The students performed a careful dissection of the frog. |
dissemination | The act of spreading something, especially information, widely. | The rapid dissemination of news is common today. |
dissent | The expression or holding of opinions contrary to those previously, officially, or generally expressed or held. | There was strong dissent within the party about the new policy. |
disservice | A harmful or unhelpful action. | His careless remarks did a great disservice to the cause. |
dissident | A person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state. | The government imprisoned many political dissidents. |
dissipation | The act of wasting money, energy, or resources; the process of gradually losing energy or strength. | His life of dissipation led to his financial ruin. |
dissolution | The act or process of dissolving or being dissolved; the formal closing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership, or official body. | The dissolution of the partnership was amicable. |
dissonance | A harsh and disagreeable combination of sounds; a lack of harmony or agreement. | The dissonance in the music created a jarring effect. |
distance | The extent of space between two points or objects. | The distance between the two cities is 200 miles. |
distaste | A feeling of dislike or aversion. | He felt a strong distaste for unfair practices. |
distinction | A difference or contrast between similar things or people; excellence that sets someone or something apart. | There is a clear distinction between the two concepts. |
distortion | The action of distorting or the state of being distorted. | The mirror created a strange distortion of his face. |
distraction | A thing that prevents someone from concentrating on something else. | The loud music was a major distraction. |
distress | Extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. | She cried out in distress when she saw the accident. |
distribution | The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients; the way in which something is spread over an area. | The fair distribution of resources is important. |
distributor | An agent who markets goods; a device in a car that sends electrical current to the spark plugs. | The company signed a new distributor for their products. |
district | An area of a country or city, especially one regarded as a distinct unit because of a particular characteristic. | The historic district was popular with tourists. |
disturbance | Interruption of peace or tranquility; an act of disturbing. | The loud music caused a disturbance in the neighborhood. |
ditch | A long, narrow excavation made in the ground, typically for drainage. | The farmers dug a ditch to drain the field. |
ditto | The same again; a previously mentioned thing. | He ordered coffee, and I said “ditto.” |
dive | A plunge headfirst into water; a steep descent by an aircraft or a submarine. | He performed a perfect dive into the swimming pool. |
diver | A person who works underwater using special breathing equipment. | The diver explored the coral reef. |
divergence | The process or state of diverging. | The divergence of their opinions became clear. |
diversity | The state of being diverse; variety. | The diversity of cultures in the city was remarkable. |
diversion | An activity that diverts the mind from tedious or serious concerns; a re-routing of traffic. | Reading is a pleasant diversion from daily stress. |
divide | A ridge of land that separates two adjacent river systems; a point of difference. | The mountain range formed a natural divide between the two regions. |
dividend | A sum of money paid regularly by a company to its shareholders out of its profits. | The company announced a generous dividend for its investors. |
divider | A thing that divides something, in particular a partition or a screen; a pair of compasses with sharp points on both legs. | He used a room divider to create two separate spaces. |
divination | The practice of seeking to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by supernatural means. | The oracle practiced divination to reveal hidden truths. |
divinity | The state or quality of being divine; a god or goddess. | She studied the concept of divinity in ancient cultures. |
division | The action of partitioning something into parts; a disagreement. | The division of labor increased efficiency. |
divorce | The legal dissolution of a marriage. | They finalized their divorce after years of separation. |
divorcé | A man who is divorced. | The divorcé moved to a new city to start fresh. |
divorcée | A woman who is divorced. | The divorcée started a new career after her marriage ended. |
dizziness | A sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall; a feeling of faintness. | He experienced a sudden bout of dizziness. |
djembe | A rope-tuned goblet drum with a skin cover, played with bare hands, originally from West Africa. | The musician played a complex rhythm on the djembe. |
dock | A an enclosed area of water where ships can load, unload, and be repaired; a platform built out over water for mooring boats. | The cargo ship arrived at the dock. |
doctor | A person who is qualified to practice medicine; a person who has obtained a doctorate. | She went to the doctor for her annual check-up. |
doctorate | The highest degree awarded by a university. | She pursued a doctorate in theoretical physics. |
doctrine | A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group. | The church’s doctrine emphasized forgiveness and love. |
document | A piece of written, printed, or electronic matter that provides information or evidence or that serves as an official record. | Please bring all your important documents to the meeting. |
doddle | An easy task. | Learning to ride a bike was a doddle for him. |
dodge | An act of evading someone or something by a sudden quick movement. | He performed a quick dodge to avoid the incoming ball. |
doer | A person who does something, especially one who gets things done efficiently. | He’s a doer, not just a talker. |
dog | A domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking or howling voice. | The loyal dog wagged its tail happily. |
dogma | A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true. | The scientist challenged the accepted dogma in his field. |
dole | Benefit paid by the state to the unemployed. | She had to go on the dole after losing her job. |
doll | A small model of a human figure, used as a child’s toy. | The little girl played with her favorite doll. |
dollar | The basic monetary unit of the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. | The book cost twenty dollars. |
dolly | A small platform on wheels used for moving heavy objects; a child’s doll. | The crew used a dolly to move the heavy camera equipment. |
dolphin | A small toothed whale with a beaklike snout and a curved fin on the back. | The dolphins leaped gracefully out of the water. |
domain | An area of territory owned or controlled by a ruler or government; a specific sphere of activity or knowledge. | The forest was part of the king’s domain. |
dome | A rounded vault forming the roof of a building or structure, typically with a circular base. | The capitol building is topped with an impressive dome. |
domestic | A person employed to do housework and other chores. | She worked as a domestic for a wealthy family. |
domicile | The country that a person treats as their permanent home, or lives in and has a substantial connection with. | He established his domicile in Switzerland. |
dominance | Power and influence over others. | The company achieved market dominance in its industry. |
domination | The exercise of power or control over others, or the state of being dominant. | The country sought global domination through military expansion. |
domino | A small oblong block used in the game of dominoes; a mask covering the upper part of the face. | They played a game of dominoes on the table. |
don | A university teacher, especially a fellow of an Oxford or Cambridge college. | The don lectured on ancient history. |
donation | Something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money. | The charity received a generous donation from an anonymous donor. |
donor | A person who donates something, especially money or an organ or tissue. | The donor requested to remain anonymous. |
doughnut | A small fried cake of sweetened dough, typically in the shape of a ring or ball, often covered with sugar or icing. | She bought a dozen doughnuts for the office. |
doodle | A rough drawing made absentmindedly. | His notebook was filled with doodles during the lecture. |
doom | An unhappy or disastrous destiny; judgment or condemnation. | The oracle predicted the city’s doom. |
doomsayer | A person who predicts disaster and misfortune. | The doomsayer constantly warned of impending collapse. |
door | A movable barrier at the entrance to a building, room, or vehicle, or in the framework of a cupboard. | He opened the door and walked into the room. |
doorman | A person employed to stand at the entrance to a hotel, apartment building, or club and open the door. | The doorman greeted the guests as they arrived. |
doorstep | A step leading to the outer door of a house. | The package was left on the doorstep. |
dope | An illegal drug, especially cannabis; a stupid person. | He was arrested for possession of dope. |
dormancy | A state of minimal activity and metabolic depression in an organism. | The bear entered a state of dormancy during the winter. |
dormer | A window that projects vertically from a sloping roof. | The attic room had a charming dormer window. |
dormitory | A large bedroom for a number of people in a school or institution. | Students lived in a shared dormitory on campus. |
dosage | The size or frequency of a dose of medicine or radiation. | The doctor prescribed a specific dosage for the medication. |
dose | A quantity of a medicine or drug taken or prescribed at one time. | He took a dose of painkiller for his headache. |
dossier | A collection of documents about a particular person or subject. | The intelligence agency compiled a comprehensive dossier on the suspect. |
dot | A small spot or mark. | There was a tiny dot of paint on the canvas. |
double | A person or thing that is exactly like another. | She had a celebrity double who could fool anyone. |
doubloon | A former Spanish gold coin. | Pirates often dreamed of finding chests full of doubloons. |
doubt | A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. | He expressed doubt about the accuracy of the report. |
douche | A jet of liquid applied to a part of the body or a body cavity for cleansing or medicinal purposes. | She used a nasal douche to clear her sinuses. |
dough | A thick, malleable paste made from flour and liquid, used for baking. | She kneaded the dough to make fresh bread. |
dowager | A widow with a title or property derived from her deceased husband. | The dowager queen still held considerable influence. |
dowel | A solid cylindrical rod, typically made of wood, used for joining pieces of wood or as a peg. | He used a wooden dowel to reinforce the joint. |
down | A soft, fine undercoat of feathers found on birds; fine, soft hair. | The duck’s nest was lined with soft down. |
downfall | A loss of power, prosperity, or status; a sudden fall from grace. | The scandal led to the politician’s downfall. |
downgrade | A reduction in rank or status. | The software update was a significant downgrade in functionality. |
downpour | A heavy rainfall. | We were caught in a sudden downpour. |
downside | The negative aspect of something. | The downside of the job was the long hours. |
downswing | A downward trend or movement, especially in an economy. | The company experienced a downswing in sales during the recession. |
downtime | Time during which a machine, especially a computer, is out of action or unavailable for use. | The server experienced significant downtime due to technical issues. |
dowry | An amount of property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage. | The bride’s family provided a substantial dowry. |
doze | A light sleep. | He fell into a doze during the long train ride. |
dozen | A group or set of twelve. | She bought a dozen eggs from the grocery store. |
drachma | A former monetary unit of Greece. | The ancient drachma was a significant currency. |
draft | A first version of a piece of writing; a current of cool air. | He submitted the first draft of his novel to the editor. |
draftsman | A person who draws plans or designs. | The architect hired a skilled draftsman for the project. |
drag | A prolonged exertion of force in pulling or drawing something along; an obstacle to progress. | The drag of the heavy suitcase made it hard to walk. |
dragon | A mythical monster typically represented as a large, powerful, scaly reptile with wings and claws. | The knight bravely fought the fearsome dragon. |
dragnet | A system of coordinated efforts to catch a criminal or criminals. | The police launched a dragnet to catch the escaped prisoner. |
dragoon | A member of a class of cavalry soldiers. | The dragoons rode gallantly into battle. |
drain | A channel, pipe, or other means of conveying liquid away. | The water flowed down the drain. |
drainage | The action or process of draining liquid or water from an area. | The field required proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. |
drake | A male duck. | The drake had beautiful iridescent feathers. |
drama | A play for theater, radio, or television; an exciting, emotional, or unexpected series of events or set of circumstances. | She studied classical drama in college. |
dramatist | A person who writes plays. | William Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest dramatists. |
drape | A long curtain or piece of cloth hung loosely. | She hung a luxurious velvet drape over the window. |
draught | A current of cool air in a room; the depth of water needed to float a ship. | He closed the window to stop the draught. |
draw | An act of drawing something; a tie in a game or contest. | The artist made a quick draw of the landscape. |
drawback | A disadvantage or problem. | The main drawback of the plan was its high cost. |
drawer | A boxlike compartment, without a top, that slides horizontally in and out of a chest or table. | She kept her socks in the top drawer. |
drawing | A picture or diagram made with a pencil, pen, or crayon rather than paint. | The child proudly showed off her drawing of a house. |
dread | Great fear or apprehension. | A sense of dread filled him as he entered the abandoned house. |
dreadnought | A type of battleship with all big guns; an old-fashioned type of guitar. | The new dreadnought battleship revolutionized naval warfare. |
dream | A series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep; a cherished aspiration. | He had a vivid dream about flying last night. |
dreamer | A person who is dreaming; a person who lives in a world of imagination or is impractical. | He was a dreamer, always thinking of grand adventures. |
dress | A one-piece garment worn by a woman or girl, consisting of a skirt and a bodice. | She wore a beautiful blue dress to the party. |
dresser | A chest of drawers, typically with a mirror on top. | She kept her clothes neatly folded in the dresser. |
dressing | A sauce for salads; a seasoned mixture used to stuff poultry before cooking. | She made a delicious vinaigrette dressing for the salad. |
drift | A continuous slow movement from one place to another; a mass of snow, sand, or leaves piled up by the wind. | The boat was caught in the ocean drift. |
drifter | A person who is continually moving from place to place, without any fixed home or job. | He lived the life of a drifter, traveling wherever the wind took him. |
drill | A tool or machine with a rotating cutting or driving part; a practice of a procedure or skill. | He used an electric drill to make a hole in the wall. |
drink | A liquid prepared for drinking; an act of drinking. | She offered him a refreshing drink. |
drinker | A person who drinks alcohol, especially habitually or to excess. | He became a heavy drinker after experiencing personal loss. |
drip | A small drop of a liquid; the sound made by a liquid falling in drops. | He heard the steady drip of water from the leaky faucet. |
drive | An excursion or journey in a vehicle; a strong desire or urge. | They went for a scenic drive through the countryside. |
drivel | Silly, meaningless talk or writing. | He dismissed the politician’s speech as pure drivel. |
driver | A person who drives a vehicle. | The bus driver safely navigated the busy streets. |
driveway | A short private road leading from a public road to a house or garage. | He parked his car in the driveway. |
drone | A male bee; a continuous low humming sound; an unmanned aircraft. | The drone buzzed as it flew overhead. |
drop | A small falling or spherical mass of liquid; a sudden fall or decline. | A single drop of rain fell on her nose. |
droplet | A very small drop of a liquid. | Tiny droplets of mist clung to the leaves. |
dropout | A person who has abandoned a course of study or who has withdrawn from conventional society to live in an unconventional way. | He became a college dropout to pursue his passion for music. |
drought | A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. | The region suffered from a severe drought. |
drove | A herd or flock of animals being driven in a body; a large crowd of people. | A drove of cattle slowly moved across the plains. |
drudge | A person made to do hard, menial, or dull work. | He felt like a mere drudge in the office. |
drudgery | Hard, menial, or dull work. | She was tired of the daily drudgery of housework. |
drug | A medicine or other substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. | The doctor prescribed a new drug for her condition. |
drum | A percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylindrical shell with a skin or plastic top or bottom that is struck to produce sound. | The drummer played a complex rhythm on the drum. |
drummer | A person who plays a drum or drums. | The band’s drummer kept a steady beat. |
drunk | A person who is intoxicated. | He was escorted out of the bar for being a drunk. |
dryer | A machine or device for drying something. | She put the wet clothes in the dryer. |
dualism | The division of something into two opposed or contrasted aspects; a theory that considers reality to consist of two irreducible elements, e.g., mind and matter. | The philosopher discussed the dualism of good and evil. |
duchess | The wife or widow of a duke; a female ruler of a duchy. | The Duchess attended the royal banquet. |
duck | A water bird with a broad bill, short legs, and webbed feet; the flesh of this bird used as food. | The duck swam gracefully on the pond. |
duct | A channel or tube for conveying something, especially a liquid or gas. | The air conditioning system used large metal ducts. |
dude | An informal term for a man. | Hey, dude, how’s it going? |
dues | A payment or fee due to belong to an organization. | He paid his annual membership dues. |
duet | A musical composition for two performers. | The singers performed a beautiful duet. |
duffel | A coarse, heavy woolen cloth; a cylindrical bag made of such cloth. | He packed his clothes into a large duffel bag. |
dugout | A shelter dug in the ground and roofed over; a low shelter at the side of a baseball field for players. | The soldiers took cover in the dugout during the shelling. |
duke | A male noble of the highest rank in a European country. | The Duke ruled his vast estate with wisdom. |
dullness | The state or quality of being dull; lack of interest or excitement. | The dullness of the lecture made it hard to stay awake. |
dummy | A model of a human figure; a person who is stupid or easily deceived. | The mannequin was a dummy used for displaying clothes. |
dump | A place where unwanted refuse or waste is left; a temporary storage place for military supplies. | They took the old furniture to the local dump. |
dunce | A person who is slow at learning or stupid. | He felt like a dunce when he couldn’t solve the puzzle. |
dune | A mound or ridge of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind, especially on the sea coast or in a desert. | The desert landscape was characterized by rolling sand dunes. |
dung | The excrement of animals; manure. | Farmers spread cow dung on their fields as fertilizer. |
dungeon | A strong underground prison cell, especially in a castle. | The prisoner was locked away in the dark dungeon. |
dunk | The act of immersing something in liquid; a basketball shot where the player forces the ball down through the basket. | He gave the biscuit a quick dunk in his tea. |
duo | A pair of people or things, especially in music or entertainment. | The musical duo performed a captivating set. |
dupe | A victim of deception; a person who is easily deceived. | He was a dupe in their elaborate scam. |
duplex | A house divided into two self-contained apartments; a system allowing simultaneous two-way transmission. | They bought a charming duplex in the city center. |
duplicity | Deceitfulness; double-dealing. | He was known for his duplicity and dishonest practices. |
durability | The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. | The durability of the material made it suitable for outdoor use. |
duration | The length of time that something continues or lasts. | The duration of the meeting was two hours. |
duress | Threats, violence, constraints, or other action used to compel someone to do something against their will or better judgment. | He signed the contract under duress. |
dusk | The darker stage of twilight, or the time of sunset. | They met at dusk, just as the sun was setting. |
dust | Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or other matter, suspended in the air or settled on surfaces. | She wiped the dust off the furniture. |
duty | A moral or legal obligation; a task or action that someone is required to perform. | It is our duty to help those in need. |
dwarf | A person who is abnormally small; a mythical small humanlike creature. | The fairy tale featured a friendly dwarf. |
dweller | A person or animal that lives in a specified place. | The city dwellers enjoyed the urban lifestyle. |
dwelling | A house, apartment, or other place of residence. | The family moved into their new dwelling. |
dye | A natural or synthetic substance used to add color to or change the color of something. | She used a dark red dye to color her hair. |
dynamism | The quality of being characterized by vigorous activity and progress. | The company was known for its dynamism and innovation. |
dynamite | A high explosive. | The miners used dynamite to blast through the rock. |
dynamo | A machine for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy; an energetic and hardworking person. | The old factory still used a large dynamo to generate power. |
dynast | A ruler, especially a hereditary one. | The ancient dynast ruled for many decades. |
dynasty | A line of hereditary rulers of a country; a succession of people from the same family who play a prominent role in business, politics, or sport. | The Ming Dynasty ruled China for centuries. |
dysentery | Infection of the intestines resulting in severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces. | The troops suffered from dysentery during the campaign. |
dysfunction | Any impairment in the function of a specified bodily organ or system. | The family struggled with chronic dysfunction. |
dyslexia | A general term for disorders that involve difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters, and other symbols, but that do not affect general intelligence. | Children with dyslexia often benefit from specialized teaching methods. |
dyspepsia | Indigestion. | He suffered from dyspepsia after eating a heavy meal. |
dystopia | An imagined state or society in which there is great suffering or injustice, typically one that is totalitarian or environmentally degraded. | George Orwell’s “1984” is a classic example of a dystopia. |