Explore a complete list of 233 nouns that start with the letter “N,” ranging from common words like “November” to more unusual terms like “nymphomaniac.” These nouns come from many fields, including nature, science, culture, and everyday life. Many have interesting origins, such as those from Latin, Greek mythology, or scientific terminology, showing the rich history behind English vocabulary.
Use the table below to find useful information about each noun starting with “N.”
Nouns This column lists the noun itself, providing the word you want to learn about.
Definition Here you will find a clear, short explanation of what the noun means.
Example Usage This section shows the noun in a sentence so you can see how it’s used in everyday language.
Description Read this column for a brief but detailed explanation that adds context, background, or interesting facts about the noun.
Nouns that start with N
Nouns | Definition | Example usage |
---|---|---|
nail | A small metal spike with a broadened flat head, driven into wood or other material to fasten things together. | He hammered the last nail into the plank to finish the birdhouse. |
name | A word or set of words by which a person, animal, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to. | What is the name of that new restaurant downtown? |
nap | A short sleep, especially during the day. | The toddler needed a quick nap after his morning play session. |
nape | The back of a person’s neck. | She wore her hair in a bun, exposing the nape of her neck. |
napkin | A piece of cloth or paper used at meals to wipe the lips or fingers and to protect the clothes. | Please pass me a napkin; I just spilled my drink. |
narcissism | Excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance. | His narcissism made him believe he was superior to everyone else. |
narcissist | A person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. | He was such a narcissist that he only talked about himself. |
narcosis | A state of stupor, insensibility, or arrested activity produced by narcotics or other chemical substances. | The patient was in a deep narcosis after the anesthesia. |
narcotic | A drug that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, and induces sleep but in excessive doses causes stupor, coma, or convulsions. | The doctor prescribed a strong narcotic for her post-operative pain. |
narrative | A spoken or written account of connected events; a story. | The film’s narrative was complex and thought-provoking. |
narrator | A person who narrates something, especially a character in a novel or a commentator in a documentary. | The unreliable narrator kept the audience guessing until the very end. |
narrowness | The quality or state of being narrow. | The narrowness of the alley made it difficult to drive through. |
narwhal | A small Arctic whale, the male of which has a single long, straight, spirally twisted tusk. | The narwhal is often called the ‘unicorn of the sea’ due to its unique tusk. |
nation | A large body of people united by common descent, history, culture, or language, inhabiting a particular country or territory. | The United Nations works to promote peace among nations. |
nationalism | Identification with one’s own nation and support for its interests, especially to the exclusion or detriment of the interests of other nations. | Extreme nationalism can lead to conflict between countries. |
nationalist | A person who advocates political independence for a country. | He was a staunch nationalist, fighting for his country’s freedom. |
nationality | The status of belonging to a particular nation. | Her passport clearly stated her nationality as Canadian. |
native | A person born in a specified place or associated with a place by birth, whether subsequently resident there or not. | He is a native of this small village, having lived here all his life. |
nativity | The occasion of a person’s birth, especially that of Jesus Christ. | The church held a special service celebrating the Nativity. |
natrium | The chemical element sodium. | Natrium is the scientific name for sodium, represented by the symbol Na. |
natron | A naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na₂CO₃·10H₂O) and around 17% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). | Ancient Egyptians used natron for mummification. |
nature | The phenomena of the physical world collectively, including plants, animals, the landscape, and other features and products of the earth, as opposed to humans or human creations. | We spent the day enjoying the beauty of nature. |
naught | Nothing. | All her efforts came to naught, and the project failed. |
naughtiness | The quality of being naughty; mischievousness. | Her naughtiness usually resulted in her being sent to her room. |
nausea | A feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit. | The bumpy car ride gave me a terrible nausea. |
navel | A small, round, scar-like depression or protuberance in the center of the belly, marking the point of attachment of the umbilical cord. | She wore a crop top that showed her navel. |
navigability | The quality of being able to be navigated, especially by ships or boats. | The river’s navigability was reduced due to low water levels. |
navigation | The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning and following a route. | The ship’s navigation system guided them safely through the storm. |
navigator | A person who plans and directs the route of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transport, especially using instruments and maps. | The navigator plotted their course across the ocean. |
navy | A branch of a country’s armed forces that is trained to fight at sea. | The country’s navy patrolled the coastal waters to protect its borders. |
nay | A refusal or denial. | The proposal was met with many nays from the committee. |
nearness | The state of being near in space, time, or relationship; proximity. | The nearness of the mountains made for stunning views. |
neatness | The quality of being neat; tidiness. | Her desk always displayed an impressive level of neatness. |
nebula | A cloud of gas and dust in outer space, visible in the night sky either as an indistinct bright patch or as a dark silhouette against other luminous matter. | The Orion Nebula is a spectacular stellar nursery. |
necessity | The fact of being required or indispensable. | Clean water is a basic human necessity. |
neck | The part of a person’s or animal’s body connecting the head to the rest of the body. | He wore a scarf around his neck to keep warm. |
necklace | An ornamental chain or string of beads, jewels, or links worn around the neck. | She received a beautiful pearl necklace for her birthday. |
neckline | The line formed by the upper edge of a garment, especially a dress or top, around the neck and shoulders. | The dress had an elegant V-neckline. |
necktie | A strip of material worn around the neck and tied in front, as by men, usually under a collar and extending down the front of the shirt. | He adjusted his necktie before entering the important meeting. |
nectar | A sugary fluid secreted by plants, especially within flowers, to encourage pollination by insects and other animals. | Bees collect nectar to make honey. |
nectarine | A variety of peach that has smooth, thin, brightly colored skin and firm flesh. | I enjoy the sweet, juicy taste of a ripe nectarine. |
need | A requirement, necessary duty, or obligation. | There is a great need for more affordable housing in the city. |
needle | A very fine slender piece of metal with a point at one end and a hole or eye at the other, used in sewing. | She threaded the needle carefully to sew the button back on. |
negativity | The expression of criticism or pessimism. | His constant negativity was draining everyone’s morale. |
neglect | The state of being uncared for. | The old house had fallen into a state of severe neglect. |
negotiation | Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement. | The negotiation between the two companies lasted for hours. |
negotiator | A person who conducts negotiations. | She was a skilled negotiator, always finding a win-win solution. |
neighbor | A person living next door to or near the next house or apartment. | My neighbor borrowed my ladder this morning. |
neighborhood | A district, especially one forming a community within a town or city. | Our neighborhood has a strong sense of community spirit. |
neighborliness | The quality of being friendly, helpful, and kind toward neighbors. | The new residents were welcomed with great neighborliness. |
nemesis | The inescapable agent of someone’s or something’s downfall. | The villain was finally defeated by his long-standing nemesis. |
neocolonialism | The use of economic, political, cultural, or other pressures to control or influence other countries, especially former dependencies. | Critics argue that multinational corporations perpetuate neocolonialism in developing nations. |
neocolonialist | A person who advocates or practices neocolonialism. | Some economists are labeled neocolonialists for their policies regarding developing countries. |
neologism | A newly coined word or expression. | Crowdfunding is a relatively recent neologism. |
neon | A colorless, odorless noble gas, present in trace amounts in the atmosphere, that glows red when an electric current is passed through it. | The city street was illuminated by the vibrant neon signs. |
neophyte | A person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief; a novice. | As a neophyte in coding, she eagerly attended all the introductory workshops. |
nepotism | The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, especially by giving them jobs. | The mayor was accused of nepotism after hiring his son for a senior position. |
nerve | Any of the filamentous bands of nervous tissue that connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, convey sensations, and originate motion. | A pinched nerve in his back caused him considerable pain. |
nervelessness | Lack of nervousness or fear; calm. | Despite the pressure, the surgeon performed the delicate operation with remarkable nervelessness. |
nervousness | The quality or state of being nervous. | A feeling of nervousness overcame her before the big presentation. |
nest | A structure or place made or chosen by a bird for laying eggs and sheltering its young. | The birds built their nest high in the oak tree. |
net | A fabric made of threads, cords, or wires woven or knotted together at regular intervals into a mesh. | The fisherman cast his net into the sea. |
netting | Nets collectively; material for making nets. | We bought some strong netting to protect our fruit trees from birds. |
nettle | A herbaceous plant that has stinging hairs on its leaves and stems. | He accidentally brushed against a patch of nettle and felt a sharp sting. |
network | An arrangement of intersecting horizontal and vertical lines. | The company has a vast network of distributors across the country. |
networking | The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. | She found a new job through effective networking. |
neuron | A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell. | Billions of neurons work together to form the human brain. |
neurosis | A relatively mild mental illness that is not caused by organic disease, involving symptoms of stress (depression, anxiety, obsessive behavior, hypochondria) but not a radical loss of touch with reality. | Her neurosis manifested as extreme anxiety about germs. |
neurosurgeon | A surgeon specializing in surgery of the nervous system. | The neurosurgeon carefully performed the delicate brain operation. |
neurology | The branch of medicine or biology that deals with the anatomy, functions, and organic disorders of nerves and the nervous system. | The patient was referred to the neurology department for evaluation. |
neurologist | A physician specializing in diseases of the nervous system. | The neurologist diagnosed the patient with multiple sclerosis. |
neutrality | The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartiality. | Switzerland is famous for its long-standing neutrality in international conflicts. |
neutralizer | A substance that neutralizes another substance, especially an acid or a base. | The chemist used a neutralizer to balance the pH of the solution. |
neutron | A subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge, present in all atomic nuclei except those of ordinary hydrogen. | Neutrons are essential components of an atom’s nucleus. |
news | Newly received or noteworthy information, especially about recent events. | Did you hear the news about the new discovery in space? |
newsagent | A person who owns or manages a newsagent’s shop. | I bought my morning paper from the newsagent on the corner. |
newscast | A broadcast of news on radio or television. | The evening newscast provided updates on the storm. |
newscaster | A person who presents a newscast. | The famous newscaster delivered the evening report with gravitas. |
newsletter | A bulletin issued periodically to the members of a society or other organization. | The club’s monthly newsletter kept members updated on upcoming events. |
newspaper | A printed publication (usually daily or weekly) consisting of folded unstapled sheets and containing news, feature articles, advertisements, and correspondence. | She reads the newspaper every morning with her coffee. |
newsprint | Low-cost paper made from wood pulp, used for printing newspapers. | The comic strip was printed on cheap newsprint. |
newsreel | A short film of news and current events, formerly shown in movie theaters prior to the main feature. | Before television, newsreels were a popular way to see current events at the cinema. |
newt | A small slender-bodied amphibian with lungs and a long tail, typically living in water when young and on land when adult. | The children searched for newts in the pond. |
nicety | A minor detail or point of etiquette; a fine distinction or subtlety. | They observed all the niceties of diplomatic protocol. |
niche | A comfortable or suitable position in life or employment. | She found her niche as a freelance graphic designer. |
nick | A small cut or notch. | He got a small nick on his chin while shaving. |
nickel | A silvery-white metallic element used in alloys and as a catalyst, and for plating. | Nickel is often used in coins and stainless steel. |
nickname | A familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name. | His friends gave him the nickname “Sparky” because of his energetic personality. |
nicotine | A toxic colorless or yellowish oily liquid that is the chief active constituent of tobacco. | Nicotine is a highly addictive substance found in tobacco. |
night | The period of darkness in each twenty-four hours between sunset and sunrise. | The stars shone brightly in the clear night sky. |
nightcap | A drink, especially an alcoholic one, taken before bed. | He enjoyed a warm nightcap before turning in for the night. |
nightclub | A place of entertainment open late at night, providing music, dancing, or live shows. | They spent the evening dancing at a lively nightclub. |
nightfall | The onset of night; dusk. | The travelers hastened to reach their destination before nightfall. |
nightgown | A light loose garment worn by women in bed. | She wore a comfortable cotton nightgown to sleep. |
nightie | A nightgown, especially one made of light, flimsy material. | She put on her silky nightie after her evening bath. |
nightingale | A small migratory thrush with drab plumage, noted for its rich melodious song, especially at night. | The nightingale’s beautiful song filled the evening air. |
nightmare | A frightening or unpleasant dream. | I woke up in a cold sweat after having a terrible nightmare. |
nightstand | A small low table or cabinet placed beside a bed. | She placed her book and a glass of water on the nightstand. |
nightwear | Clothes suitable for wearing in bed. | He changed into his comfortable nightwear before going to sleep. |
nightlife | The activity of people amusing themselves at night in bars, theaters, etc. | The city is famous for its vibrant nightlife. |
nihilism | The rejection of all religious and moral principles, often in the belief that life is meaningless. | His philosophy leaned towards nihilism, questioning all established values. |
nihilist | A person who believes that life is meaningless and rejects all religious and moral principles. | The character in the novel was portrayed as a radical nihilist. |
nimbleness | The quality of being quick and light in movement or action; agility. | Her nimbleness allowed her to gracefully navigate the obstacle course. |
nine | The number equivalent to the sum of six and three; one more than eight, or one less than ten. | There are nine planets in the solar system, traditionally speaking, including Pluto. |
nineteen | The number equivalent to the sum of nine and ten; one more than eighteen, or one less than twenty. | She celebrated her nineteenth birthday with a big party. |
nineties | The decade from 1990 to 1999. | The fashion of the nineties is making a comeback. |
ninth | The ordinal number in a series, after eighth and before tenth. | He finished in ninth place in the race. |
ninja | A Japanese mercenary or assassin trained in martial arts and stealth (historical). | The ninja moved silently through the shadows, unseen. |
nip | A small bite or pinch. | She gave her brother a playful nip on the arm. |
nipple | A small projection in the middle of a breast, through which milk passes in nursing mammals. | The baby latched onto the nipple to feed. |
nirvana | In Buddhism, a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. It represents the final goal of Buddhism. | Many Buddhists strive to achieve nirvana through meditation and spiritual practice. |
nit | The egg or young louse. | The child’s hair was checked for nits after a lice outbreak at school. |
niter | Potassium nitrate, a white crystalline salt, used in gunpowder and as a fertilizer. | Niter was a key component in the production of early gunpowder. |
nitrogen | The chemical element of atomic number 7, a colorless, odorless, inert gas that forms about 78 percent of the earth’s atmosphere. | Nitrogen is an essential element for all living organisms. |
nitwit | A foolish or silly person. | He felt like a nitwit after making such a silly mistake. |
no | A negative reply; a refusal. | His firm no left no room for negotiation. |
nobility | The quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or rank. | He admired her nobility and unwavering integrity. |
noble | A person of noble rank or birth. | The duke was a noble of great influence in the kingdom. |
nobleman | A man of noble rank or birth. | The wealthy nobleman owned vast estates in the countryside. |
noblesse | Nobility of character, mind, or spirit; graciousness. | She carried herself with an air of noblesse, always considerate of others. |
nobody | No person; no one. | Nobody was home when I arrived. |
nocturne | A short musical composition of a romantic or dreamy character, typically for piano. | Chopin composed many beautiful nocturnes for the piano. |
nod | An act of nodding the head. | He gave a quick nod of agreement. |
node | A point in a network or diagram at which lines or pathways intersect or branch. | The network engineers were troubleshooting a faulty node. |
noise | A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance. | The constant construction noise outside was very irritating. |
noiselessness | The quality of being silent; absence of sound. | The noiselessness of the forest was profoundly peaceful. |
noisiness | The quality of being full of noise. | The noisiness of the school cafeteria during lunch was overwhelming. |
nomad | A member of a people having no permanent abode, and who travel from place to place to find fresh pasture for their livestock. | The Bedouins are traditionally a nomadic people. |
nomination | The action of nominating or state of being nominated. | Her nomination for the award was a great honor. |
nominee | A person who is nominated for an office, award, or honor. | The nominee waited anxiously for the announcement of the winner. |
nonage | The period of legal minority. | During her nonage, her parents managed her inheritance. |
nonchalance | The state of being nonchalant; coolness or indifference. | He displayed an air of nonchalance despite the intense pressure. |
nonconformist | A person whose behavior or views do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices. | She was known as a nonconformist for her unconventional style and beliefs. |
nonconformity | Failure or refusal to conform to a prevailing rule or practice. | His nonconformity made him an outsider in the conservative community. |
nonentity | A person or thing with no special or interesting qualities; an unimportant person or thing. | He felt like a complete nonentity in the bustling city. |
nonfiction | Prose writing that is based on facts, real events, and real people, such as biography or history. | I prefer reading nonfiction books to learn new things. |
nonexistence | The state or fact of not existing. | The philosophical debate revolved around the concept of nonexistence. |
noninterference | The principle or practice of not interfering in the internal affairs of another country or entity. | The policy of noninterference was a cornerstone of their foreign relations. |
nonpayment | Failure to pay money that is due. | The nonpayment of the bill led to a disconnection of services. |
nonplus | A state of being surprised and confused so much that one is unsure how to act. | She was at a nonplus when her long-lost brother suddenly appeared. |
nonprofit | An organization that uses its surplus revenues to further achieve its purpose or mission, rather than distributing its surplus income to the organization’s shareholders (or equivalents) as profit or dividends. | She volunteers for a local nonprofit dedicated to environmental conservation. |
nonsense | Spoken or written words that have no meaning or make no sense. | His explanation was utter nonsense; I couldn’t understand a word. |
nonsmoker | A person who does not smoke tobacco. | The restaurant had a separate section for nonsmokers. |
nonstarter | A person or plan that has no chance of success. | The idea of selling ice cream in winter was a complete nonstarter. |
nonunion | The failure of a fractured bone to heal. | The patient’s nonunion of the tibia required further surgery. |
nonviolence | The use of peaceful means, not force, to bring about political or social change. | Gandhi advocated for nonviolence as a powerful tool for resistance. |
noodle | A strip, strand, or sheet of pasta, often made with egg and usually served in soup or with a sauce. | She cooked a big bowl of chicken noodle soup. |
nook | A secluded or sheltered corner or part of a place. | She loved to read in her cozy reading nook by the window. |
noon | Twelve o’clock in the day; midday. | Let’s meet for lunch at noon. |
noose | A loop with a running knot, tightening as the rope is pulled, used to secure animals, for hanging, or for other purposes. | The cowboy expertly threw the noose around the steer’s neck. |
norm | A standard or pattern, especially of social behavior, that is typical or expected of a group. | It is the norm for students to wear uniforms at this school. |
normal | The usual, typical, or expected state or condition. | After the illness, he slowly returned to his normal routine. |
normalcy | The state of being normal. | After the storm, everyone longed for a return to normalcy. |
normality | The condition of being normal; the state of being typical, usual, or expected. | She appreciated the normality of her everyday life after traveling. |
north | The direction along a meridian at 0 degrees longitude, specifically that point on the compass or direction that is 90 degrees counterclockwise from east and 90 degrees clockwise from west. | The magnetic north pole is constantly shifting. |
northeast | The direction or point midway between north and east. | The hurricane was moving in a northeast direction. |
norther | A strong cold north wind, especially one bringing rain or snow. | A norther swept through the plains, bringing a sharp drop in temperature. |
northerner | A person from the north of a country, region, or the world. | He was proud to be a northerner, resilient and hardworking. |
northland | The northern part of a country, region, or the world. | The rugged beauty of the northland captivated the explorer. |
nose | The part of the face or head of an animal that contains the nostrils and is used for breathing and smelling. | She has a small, upturned nose. |
nosebleed | An act or instance of bleeding from the nose. | He got a nosebleed after being hit in the face with the ball. |
nosegay | A small bunch of flowers, typically sweet-scented. | The bride carried a delicate nosegay of wildflowers. |
no-show | A person who has made a reservation or appointment but neither keeps nor cancels it. | The restaurant charged a fee for no-shows on busy nights. |
nostalgia | A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. | Listening to old songs filled her with nostalgia for her youth. |
nostril | Either of two external openings of the nasal cavity. | She flared her nostrils in anger. |
nostrum | A medicine, especially one not prepared by a qualified person, that is not usually effective. | His grandmother swore by her homemade nostrum for all ailments. |
notability | The quality of being notable or remarkable. | Her notability grew after she published her best-selling novel. |
notable | A famous or important person. | Many notables attended the exclusive gala. |
notch | An indentation or incision on an edge or surface. | He carved a notch into the wood to mark the measurement. |
note | A short informal letter or written message. | She left a quick note for her roommate on the fridge. |
notebook | A book of blank pages for writing in. | He always carried a small notebook to jot down his ideas. |
notedness | The state or quality of being noted or famous; celebrity. | His notedness as a brilliant scientist spread worldwide. |
notepad | A pad of paper for writing notes. | She kept a small notepad and pen next to the phone. |
nothing | No thing; not anything. | There was nothing left in the refrigerator. |
nothingness | The absence or cessation of life or existence; nonexistence. | She contemplated the vastness of space and the concept of nothingness. |
notice | Attention; observation. | Her new hairstyle quickly caught his notice. |
notification | The action of notifying someone or something. | He received a notification on his phone about the incoming email. |
notion | A conception of or belief about something. | She had a strange notion that cats could understand human speech. |
notoriousness | The state of being famous or well known for some bad quality or deed. | His notoriousness stemmed from his involvement in various scandals. |
nought | The digit 0; zero. | The calculation resulted in nought. |
noun | A word (other than a pronoun) used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things (common noun), or to name a particular one of these (proper noun). | In the sentence “The cat slept on the mat,” “cat” and “mat” are nouns. |
nourishment | The food necessary for growth, health, and good condition. | Proper nourishment is essential for a child’s development. |
novel | A fictitious prose narrative of book length, typically representing character and action with some degree of realism. | She was engrossed in reading a historical novel. |
novelty | The quality of being new, original, or unusual. | The novelty of the smartphone quickly captivated the public. |
November | The eleventh month of the year, in the Gregorian calendar. | November is known for Thanksgiving in the United States. |
novice | A person new to or inexperienced in a field or situation. | As a novice climber, he relied heavily on his instructor’s guidance. |
now | The present time or moment. | The time for action is now. |
nowhere | No place; not anywhere. | There was nowhere to hide in the open field. |
nozzle | A projection from a pipe or hose, forming an outlet for a fluid. | He adjusted the nozzle on the hose to get a finer spray. |
nuance | A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound. | The artist captured every nuance of light and shadow in the painting. |
nub | The essence or core of a matter. | The nub of the argument was about who was responsible. |
nubbin | A small or stunted piece or part. | He found a tiny nubbin of corn left on the cob. |
nucleus | The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group, forming the basis for its activity and growth. | The nucleus is the control center of the cell. |
nudist | A person who practices or advocates nakedness, especially in designated areas. | The nudist resort offered a unique vacation experience. |
nudity | The state of being naked. | The artist focused on capturing the beauty of human nudity. |
nudge | A light touch or push, typically with an elbow, to attract attention. | She gave him a gentle nudge to wake him up. |
nuisance | A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance. | The loud music from next door was a constant nuisance. |
null | The value of zero, or an empty or missing value. | The database returned a null value for that field. |
nullification | The act of nullifying or making legally null and void. | The nullification of the treaty led to diplomatic tensions. |
nullity | The state of being null; invalidity. | The judge declared the contract a nullity due to fraud. |
numbness | Lack of physical sensation. | He felt a strange numbness in his fingers after the accident. |
number | An arithmetical value, expressed by a word, symbol, or figure, representing a particular quantity and used in counting and making calculations. | Please write down your phone number. |
numberplate | A rectangular plate on the front and back of a motor vehicle, bearing its registration number. | The police noted down the car’s numberplate. |
numeral | A figure or symbol representing a number. | The Roman numeral for five is V. |
numeration | The action of counting or calculating. | The children were learning about numeration in their math class. |
numerator | The number above the line in a common fraction, showing how many of the parts indicated by the denominator are taken. | In the fraction 3/4, 3 is the numerator. |
numismatics | The study or collection of coins, paper currency, and medals. | He pursued numismatics as a hobby, collecting rare coins. |
numismatist | A person who studies or collects coins, paper currency, and medals. | The numismatist carefully examined the ancient Roman coin. |
nun | A member of a community of women living under religious vows, devoting themselves to prayer and spiritual service. | The nun dedicated her life to helping the poor. |
nuncio | A papal diplomat of the highest rank, permanently representing the Holy See in a foreign country. | The apostolic nuncio addressed the diplomatic corps. |
nuptials | A wedding; a marriage. | The couple celebrated their nuptials with a grand ceremony. |
nurse | A person trained to care for the sick or infirm, especially in a hospital. | The nurse carefully administered the patient’s medication. |
nursery | A room or other area set aside for young children. | The baby’s nursery was decorated with soft colors and whimsical animals. |
nurseryman | A person who owns or works in a plant nursery. | The nurseryman advised us on the best trees to plant in our garden. |
nursing | The profession or practice of providing care for the sick and infirm. | She decided to pursue a career in nursing because she loved helping people. |
nurture | The care and encouragement of the growth or development of someone or something. | The young plants needed careful nurture to thrive. |
nut | A fruit consisting of a hard or tough nutshell protecting a kernel which is typically edible. | He cracked open a nut to get to the tasty kernel inside. |
nutcase | A foolish or insane person. | He acted like a complete nutcase after drinking too much coffee. |
nutcracker | A tool for cracking nuts. | She used a heavy nutcracker to open the walnuts. |
nuthatch | A small insectivorous bird that climbs headfirst down tree trunks. | The nuthatch searched for insects in the bark of the old oak tree. |
nutjob | An insane or foolish person. | Don’t listen to him; he’s a complete nutjob. |
nutmeg | A spice, typically sold ground, made from the seed of a tropical evergreen tree. | She grated fresh nutmeg over her eggnog. |
nutria | A large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, with a long, scaly tail and webbed hind feet, farmed for its fur. | The nutria’s fur is sometimes used in clothing. |
nutrient | A substance that provides nourishment essential for the maintenance of life and for growth. | Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential nutrients. |
nutrition | The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. | Good nutrition is fundamental to a healthy lifestyle. |
nutritionist | A person who advises on matters of food and nutrition. | The athlete consulted a nutritionist to optimize her diet for performance. |
nutritiousness | The quality or state of being nutritious. | The nutritiousness of the meal was evident from the fresh ingredients. |
nutshell | The shell of a nut. | In a nutshell, the project failed due to lack of funding. |
nuzzle | An act of rubbing or pushing gently with the nose and mouth. | The cat gave a soft nuzzle against her leg. |
nylon | A tough, lightweight, synthetic polymer, much used for fabrics, ropes, and molded articles. | She wore stockings made of sheer nylon. |
nymph | A mythological spirit of nature imagined as a beautiful maiden inhabiting rivers, woods, or other locations. | The ancient Greeks believed nymphs lived in the forests. |
nymphomania | Excessive sexual desire in a woman. | The historical term nymphomania is now considered outdated and often replaced by hypersexuality. |
nymphomaniac | A woman affected with nymphomania. | The character was controversially portrayed as a nymphomaniac in the old film. |