Discover a comprehensive collection of 314 nouns that start with the letter “R,” ranging from everyday words like rabbit to more specialized terms like rye. This extensive list showcases a rich variety of nouns including animals, objects, concepts, and places, highlighting how diverse and vibrant the English language is even within a single letter. Many of these nouns have roots in history, science, nature, and culture, making the collection both broad and informative.
Explore the complete alphabetized list below to deepen your vocabulary and understanding.
Nouns This column lists each noun starting with “R.” The words are chosen to be common and recognizable, alongside some unique or technical terms to ensure thorough coverage.
Definition Here you find a clear, brief explanation of each noun’s meaning. These definitions help you grasp exactly what each word refers to without unnecessary complexity.
Example Usage This shows how each noun is used in a simple sentence. It helps you see the word in context, making it easier to remember and use correctly.
Description This provides additional information about the noun, such as its origin, significance, or characteristic features. These insights give extra depth and make the words more interesting and memorable.
Nouns that start with R
Nouns | definition | example usage |
---|---|---|
rabbit | A burrowing, gregarious, herbivorous mammal with long ears, long hind legs, and a short fluffy tail. | The rabbit quickly darted into its burrow. |
race | A competition of speed or a group of people sharing common ancestry. | The athlete prepared diligently for the Olympic race. |
racehorse | A horse bred and trained for racing. | The racehorse galloped powerfully towards the finish line. |
racket | A loud, unpleasant noise, or a bat used in tennis or badminton. | The children made a terrible racket upstairs, or She served the ball with her new tennis racket. |
radar | A system for detecting the presence, direction, distance, and speed of aircraft, ships, and other objects. | Air traffic controllers use radar to monitor flights. |
radiance | Light or heat as emitted or reflected by something; great beauty or joy. | Her face glowed with a healthy radiance. |
radiation | The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles, especially high-energy particles that cause ionization. | Excessive exposure to radiation can be harmful. |
radiator | A device for heating a room or building, or a device for cooling an engine. | The old house had cast-iron radiators that hissed gently. |
radio | The transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves of radio frequency, especially for the purpose of transmitting audio information. | She listened to her favorite music station on the radio. |
radish | A pungent, edible root vegetable, typically red or white, eaten raw in salads. | He added thinly sliced radish to his fresh garden salad. |
radius | A straight line from the center to the circumference of a circle or sphere, or a specified area around a point. | The architect calculated the radius of the circular fountain. |
raft | A flat buoyant structure of logs or planks fastened together, used as a boat or floating platform. | They built a simple raft to cross the river. |
rag | A piece of old, often torn, cloth. | She used an old rag to clean the dusty shelves. |
rage | Violent uncontrollable anger. | His face was contorted with pure rage. |
raid | A sudden attack on an enemy or target by troops, ships, or aircraft. | The police conducted a dawn raid on the suspect’s hideout. |
rail | A bar or series of bars, typically fixed on upright supports, serving as a guard or barrier, or a steel bar forming a track for railroad cars. | She held onto the handrail as she went down the stairs, or The train ran smoothly along the steel rails. |
railing | A barrier formed of rails and upright posts, typically found at the edge of a staircase or balcony. | He leaned against the bridge railing, watching the river flow. |
railway | A track or set of tracks made of steel rails along which passenger and freight trains run. | The old railway line is now a popular walking path. |
rain | Moisture condensed from the atmosphere that falls visibly in separate drops. | The heavy rain soaked the ground completely. |
rainbow | An arch of colors visible in the sky, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun’s light by atmospheric water droplets. | After the storm, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky. |
raincoat | A waterproof coat worn to protect the wearer from rain. | She put on her raincoat before heading out into the storm. |
rainforest | A dense forest found in tropical areas with consistently heavy rainfall. | The Amazon rainforest is home to incredible biodiversity. |
raisin | A dried grape. | She added raisins to her oatmeal for a touch of sweetness. |
rake | An implement consisting of a pole with a crossbar bearing a row of pointed teeth at the end, used for drawing together hay, leaves, or loose soil. | He used a rake to gather the fallen leaves in the yard. |
rally | A mass meeting of people to make a political protest or show support for a cause, or a long exchange of strokes in tennis. | The protestors organized a large rally downtown, or The tennis players engaged in an intense rally. |
ram | An uncastrated male sheep, or a heavy object used for forcing or battering. | The ram butted its head against the fence, or They used a battering ram to break down the door. |
ramp | A sloping surface joining two different levels, as at the entrance or between floors of a building. | The wheelchair ramp made the building accessible. |
rampage | A period of unrestrained, violent, and destructive behavior. | The elephant went on a rampage through the village. |
ranch | A large farm, especially in the western US, where cattle or other livestock are bred and raised. | He grew up on a sprawling cattle ranch in Texas. |
rancor | Bitterness or resentfulness, especially when long-standing. | There was a deep rancor between the two rival families. |
range | The area or extent covered by something, or a set of different things of the same general type. | The store offers a wide range of products, or The mountain range stretched across the horizon. |
ranger | A keeper of a park, forest, or area of countryside, or a member of a body of armed men. | The park ranger educated visitors about wildlife, or The Texas Rangers were a formidable force. |
rank | A position in a hierarchy, or a row or line of people or things. | He achieved the rank of captain in the army, or The soldiers stood in a single rank. |
ransom | A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner. | The kidnappers demanded a large ransom for the hostage. |
rapport | A close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other’s feelings or ideas and communicate well. | She quickly established a good rapport with her new colleagues. |
rapture | A feeling of intense pleasure or joy. | She gazed at the beautiful sunset in a state of rapture. |
rarity | The state or quality of being rare, or a thing that is rare. | The antique coin was a true rarity. |
rascal | A mischievous or cheeky person, especially a child or man. | The little rascal had hidden all the cookies. |
rash | A sudden outbreak of a skin irritation, or a series of unpleasant occurrences appearing in quick succession. | He developed a red rash after touching the poisonous plant, or A rash of burglaries hit the neighborhood. |
rat | A rodent typically larger than a mouse, with a pointed snout and a long, hairless tail. | The rat scurried across the alley floor. |
rate | A measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against another quantity or measure. | The unemployment rate has decreased this quarter. |
ratio | The quantitative relation between two amounts showing the number of times one value contains or is contained within the other. | The ratio of students to teachers is 15:1. |
rationale | A set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or belief. | He presented the rationale behind his decision to the committee. |
rattle | A sound consisting of a rapid succession of short, sharp, hard sounds. | The baby played with a colorful rattle, or The old car made a loud rattling noise. |
rattlesnake | A venomous American snake with a series of horny rings on its tail that make a rattling sound when vibrated. | The hiker carefully avoided the rattlesnake on the trail. |
raven | A large, heavily built crow with glossy black plumage and a powerful beak. | The raven perched silently on the ancient oak tree. |
ravine | A deep, narrow gorge with steep sides. | They hiked through the winding ravine to reach the waterfall. |
ray | A line of light or radiation, or a flat fish with a disc-shaped body. | A ray of sunlight streamed through the clouds, or He saw a stingray swimming near the coral reef. |
razor | An instrument with a sharp blade or blades, used for shaving hair. | He carefully shaved his beard with a sharp razor. |
reach | The extent or distance to which someone or something can extend. | The child couldn’t quite reach the top shelf, or The reach of his influence was vast. |
reaction | An action performed or a feeling experienced in response to a situation or event. | Her immediate reaction to the news was shock. |
reader | A person who reads, especially one who reads a specified type of material. | She is an avid reader of historical fiction. |
readiness | The state of being ready or prepared for something. | The army was in a state of readiness for any threat. |
reading | The action or skill of a person who reads. | She enjoyed an evening of quiet reading by the fireplace. |
reality | The state of things as they actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic or notional idea of them. | She struggled to accept the harsh reality of her situation. |
realm | A kingdom, or a field or domain of activity or interest. | The wizard ruled over a magical realm, or This topic falls outside my realm of expertise. |
reason | A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event. | There was no clear reason for his sudden departure. |
reasoning | The process of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way. | Her clear reasoning helped them solve the complex problem. |
rebate | A partial refund to someone who has paid too much money for something. | He received a rebate for buying the new appliance. |
rebel | A person who rises in opposition or armed resistance against an established government or ruler. | The rebel leader inspired his followers to fight for freedom. |
rebellion | An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler. | The rebellion was quickly suppressed by the loyalist forces. |
rebirth | The action of being born again, or a period of new growth or revitalization. | The city experienced a rebirth after years of decline. |
rebound | The recovery of something after a setback or decline. | The team’s rebound after a series of losses was impressive. |
rebuttal | A refutation or contradiction. | Her lawyer presented a strong rebuttal to the prosecution’s claims. |
receipt | A written acknowledgment that something has been received. | She kept the receipt for the new television in case she needed to return it. |
receiver | A person or thing that receives something, or a part of a telephone or radio that converts electrical signals into sound. | The receiver of the award was genuinely surprised, or He picked up the phone’s receiver. |
reception | The action or process of receiving something or being received. | The new employee received a warm reception from her colleagues, or The radio reception was poor in the mountains. |
recess | A period of time when an assembly or court is temporarily suspended, or a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest. | The judge called for a brief recess, or She placed a vase in the wall recess. |
recession | A period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters. | Many businesses struggled during the last economic recession. |
recipe | A set of instructions for preparing a particular dish, including a list of the ingredients required. | She followed a traditional family recipe for her apple pie. |
recipient | A person who receives something. | The recipient of the scholarship was a deserving student. |
recital | A public performance of music or poetry, usually by a solo performer. | Her piano recital showcased her incredible talent. |
recognition | The action or process of recognizing or being recognized, or identification of a person or thing from previous encounters or knowledge. | He received recognition for his outstanding contributions to the project, or The facial recognition software identified the individual. |
recommendation | A suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action, or a letter endorsing someone or something. | His recommendation for the restaurant proved to be excellent. |
record | A piece of evidence or information constituting an account of something, or a flat disk carrying an audio recording. | She kept a meticulous record of all her expenses, or He collected vintage vinyl records. |
recorder | A device for recording sound, pictures, or data, or a person who records information. | The journalist used a digital recorder to capture the interview. |
recovery | A return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength, or the action or process of regaining or making good something lost or taken away. | Her recovery after the surgery was remarkably quick. |
recruit | A person newly enlisted in the armed forces or recently joined an organization. | The army welcomed its new recruits with an intensive training program. |
rectangle | A plane figure with four straight sides and four right angles, especially one with unequal adjacent sides. | She drew a perfect rectangle on the whiteboard. |
recurrence | The fact of occurring again. | The recurrence of his symptoms worried the doctor. |
redemption | The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil, or the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment. | His act of kindness was a chance for personal redemption. |
redundancy | The state of being no longer needed or useful, or the duplication of components or information to increase reliability. | The company offered voluntary redundancy packages to its employees. |
reed | A tall, slender-leaved plant of the grass family, which grows in marshes and wet places. | The ducks hid among the tall reeds by the pond. |
reef | A ridge of rocks or sand, often of coral, near the surface of the sea. | Divers explored the vibrant coral reef, teeming with marine life. |
reel | A cylinder on which film, wire, or thread is wound, or a lively Scottish folk dance. | He wound the fishing line onto the reel, or They danced a joyful reel at the ceilidh. |
reference | The action of mentioning or alluding to something, or a source of information. | He made a passing reference to their previous conversation, or She used a dictionary as a reference. |
referendum | A general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision. | The country held a referendum on leaving the European Union. |
refinement | The process of removing impurities or unwanted elements from a substance, or the improvement or clarification of something by the introduction of subtle distinctions or additions. | The refinement of crude oil produces various fuels, or Her arguments showed great intellectual refinement. |
refinery | An industrial plant where a substance, such as oil or sugar, is refined. | The oil refinery processed thousands of barrels daily. |
reflection | The throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it, or serious thought or consideration. | She saw her reflection in the still water, or His decision was made after careful reflection. |
reflector | A piece of material or a surface that reflects light or heat. | The cyclist wore a vest with bright reflectors for safety. |
reflex | An action that is performed as a response to a stimulus and without conscious thought. | The doctor checked his knee-jerk reflex. |
reform | The improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory. | The government proposed significant education reform. |
refrain | A repeated line or set of lines in a poem or song. | The choir sang the refrain with enthusiasm. |
refreshment | The giving of fresh strength or energy, or a light snack or drink. | After the long walk, the refreshments were much appreciated. |
refrigerator | An appliance or compartment which is artificially kept cool and used to store food and drink. | She stored the leftovers in the refrigerator. |
refuge | A condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble. | They sought refuge in a remote mountain cabin. |
refugee | A person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution, or natural disaster. | The organization provided aid to thousands of refugees. |
refund | A repayment of a sum of money. | She requested a full refund for the faulty product. |
refusal | The act of refusing to do or accept something. | His outright refusal to cooperate complicated the situation. |
regard | Attention or esteem, or a specific aspect or respect. | He held her in high regard for her integrity, or In this regard, your point is well taken. |
regime | A government, especially an authoritarian one, or a system or planned way of doing things. | The old regime was overthrown by a popular uprising, or She followed a strict exercise regime. |
regiment | A permanent unit of an army, typically commanded by a colonel and divided into several companies, squadrons, or batteries. | The soldiers marched proudly as part of their regiment. |
region | An area, especially part of a country or the world having definable characteristics but not always fixed boundaries. | The northern region of the country is known for its cold winters. |
register | An official list or record, or a book or system for keeping such a list. | She signed the visitor register upon arrival. |
registry | A place where registers or records are kept. | She went to the local registry office to obtain a birth certificate. |
regret | A feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over something that has happened or been done. | He felt a deep regret about not pursuing his dreams. |
regulation | A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority. | The new safety regulations improved working conditions. |
regulator | A device or substance that controls or maintains the speed or power of a machine or the temperature or pressure of a system. | The gas regulator ensured a steady flow of fuel. |
rehearsal | A practice or trial performance of a play, concert, or other work for later public performance. | The band held a final rehearsal before their big concert. |
reign | The period during which a sovereign rules. | Queen Victoria’s reign lasted for 63 years. |
reindeer | A deer of the tundra and subarctic regions of Eurasia and North America, with large antlers in both sexes. | Children often associate reindeer with pulling Santa’s sleigh. |
rejection | The act of rejecting or being rejected. | His proposal met with swift rejection from the committee. |
relation | The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or a member of one’s family. | He explained the complex relation between cause and effect, or She spent the holidays with her distant relations. |
relationship | The way in which two or more people or things are connected, or the state of being connected. | Their strong relationship was built on trust and mutual respect. |
relative | A person connected by blood or marriage. | She invited all her relatives to the family reunion. |
relaxation | The state of being free from tension and anxiety. | After a stressful week, she craved some deep relaxation. |
relay | An electrical device, typically using an electromagnet, that opens or closes a circuit by a small input current, or a race in which members of a team take turns competing. | The electrical relay controlled the circuit, or The runners trained for the 4×100 meter relay. |
release | The action or process of letting go or setting free. | The prisoner celebrated his release from jail, or The band announced the release of their new album. |
relevance | The quality or state of being closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand. | The lawyer questioned the relevance of the new evidence. |
reliability | The quality of being trustworthy or of performing consistently well. | The reliability of his car made long journeys worry-free. |
relic | An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest. | The ancient sword was a precious relic from the medieval era. |
relief | A feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress, or a sum of money given to people in need. | He felt a wave of relief when he heard the good news, or Disaster relief efforts were underway. |
religion | The belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. | Many different religions are practiced around the world. |
relish | Great enjoyment or pleasure, or a condiment eaten with food. | He ate his meal with great relish, or She added a dollop of relish to her hot dog. |
reluctance | Unwillingness or hesitation to do something. | Her reluctance to join the team was evident. |
remainder | A part of something that is left over when other parts have been completed, used, or dealt with. | He ate one slice of pizza and put the remainder in the fridge. |
remark | A written or spoken comment. | His casual remark offended several people in the room. |
remedy | A medicine or treatment for a disease or injury, or a means of counteracting or redressing an undesirable situation. | The herbal remedy helped soothe her cough, or They sought a legal remedy for the injustice. |
reminder | A thing that makes someone remember something. | She set a reminder on her phone for the appointment. |
remission | The temporary diminution of the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain, or the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty. | The cancer went into remission after treatment, or He sought remission of his student loans. |
remnant | A small remaining quantity of something. | The remnants of the ancient civilization were found in the desert. |
remorse | Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. | He felt deep remorse for his actions and apologized sincerely. |
remote | A control device that operates a machine or apparatus from a distance. | He couldn’t find the TV remote anywhere. |
removal | The action of taking something away or abolishing something. | The removal of the old tree left a large gap in the garden. |
rent | A tenant’s regular payment to a landlord for the use of property or land. | She paid her monthly rent on time. |
rental | An amount paid or received as rent, or the action or an instance of renting something. | The rental income provided a steady stream of money, or They opted for a car rental for their vacation. |
repair | The action of mending a fault or damage. | The car needed a costly repair after the accident. |
repartee | Conversation or replies that are quick and witty. | His clever repartee always amused the audience. |
repast | A meal. | They shared a simple repast of bread and cheese. |
repentance | The action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse. | He showed genuine repentance for his past mistakes. |
repertoire | A stock of plays, dances, or pieces that a company or performer knows or is prepared to perform. | The singer had a vast repertoire of jazz classics. |
repetition | The action of repeating something that has already been said or written. | The teacher emphasized key points through repetition. |
replacement | The action or process of replacing someone or something. | The company announced the replacement of the faulty parts. |
replica | An exact copy or model of something, especially one on a smaller scale. | He displayed a perfect replica of an ancient Roman helmet. |
reply | An answer or response. | She waited anxiously for his reply to her letter. |
report | A spoken or written account of something that one has observed, heard, done, or investigated. | The journalist submitted a detailed report on the incident. |
reporter | A person who reports news for a newspaper, television, or radio. | The intrepid reporter sought out the truth behind the story. |
repository | A place where or receptacle in which things are stored. | The archive served as a repository for historical documents. |
representation | The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being so represented, or a depiction or portrayal of something. | The lawyer provided legal representation for her client, or The painting was a vibrant representation of nature. |
representative | A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for another or others. | She served as a representative for her district in Congress. |
reprimand | A formal expression of disapproval. | He received a stern reprimand for his unprofessional behavior. |
reprisal | An act of retaliation. | The bombing was seen as a reprisal for earlier attacks. |
reproach | The expression of disapproval or disappointment. | His actions brought reproach upon his family name. |
reproduction | The action or process of making a copy of something, or the process by which living organisms produce offspring. | The gallery displayed high-quality art reproductions, or Sexual reproduction is common in mammals. |
reptile | A cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. | Many reptiles bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. |
republic | A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, or by an elected or nominated president, rather than by a king or queen. | The United States is a federal republic. |
reputation | The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. | His reputation as an honest businessman was well-deserved. |
request | An act of asking for something to be given or done. | She made a formal request for an extension on her deadline. |
requirement | A thing that is needed or wanted. | Meeting all the project requirements proved challenging. |
rescue | The act of saving someone or something from a dangerous or difficult situation. | The coast guard conducted a daring rescue of the stranded sailors. |
research | The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. | Her scientific research led to a breakthrough in medicine. |
researcher | A person who carries out academic or scientific research. | The university hired a new researcher for the biology department. |
resemblance | The state of resembling or being alike. | There was a striking resemblance between the two sisters. |
resentment | Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly. | He felt deep resentment towards his former employer. |
reservation | The action of reserving something, or an arrangement whereby something is secured in advance, or an area of land managed by a Native American tribe. | She made a dinner reservation for two, or He visited a Native American reservation. |
reserve | A supply of a commodity not needed for immediate use but available if required. | The country has vast oil reserves. |
reservoir | A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply. | The city’s reservoir provided drinking water for millions. |
residence | A person’s home; the place where someone lives. | The historic mansion served as the ambassador’s official residence. |
resident | A person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis. | She has been a resident of this town for over twenty years. |
residue | A small amount of something that remains after the main part has gone or been taken or used. | There was a sticky residue left on the table after the spill. |
resignation | The act of retiring or giving up a position, or the acceptance of something undesirable but unavoidable. | His sudden resignation shocked the entire office, or She accepted her fate with a sense of resignation. |
resilience | The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. | Her resilience in the face of adversity was admirable. |
resin | A sticky flammable organic substance, insoluble in water, exuded by some trees and other plants. | Amber is fossilized tree resin. |
resistance | The refusal to accept or comply with something, or the impeding effect exerted by one thing on another. | The local resistance movement fought against the occupation, or The electrical resistance limited the current flow. |
resolution | A firm decision to do or not to do something, or the quality of being resolute, or the smallest interval measurable by a scientific instrument. | She made a New Year’s resolution to exercise more, or The camera has a high resolution for detailed images. |
resolve | Firm determination to do something. | He showed great resolve in completing the challenging task. |
resonance | The quality in a sound of being deep, full, and reverberating, or the quality of a sound or idea that evokes a response in another person. | The deep resonance of the cello filled the concert hall, or His words found a strong resonance with the audience. |
resort | A place where people go for holidays or recreation, or the act of turning to and adopting a course of action as a final option. | They booked a luxurious resort for their vacation, or As a last resort, she asked for help. |
resource | A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. | The country is rich in natural resources. |
respect | A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. | He treated all his colleagues with due respect. |
respite | A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant. | The brief rain shower offered a welcome respite from the heat. |
response | A verbal or written answer, or a reaction to something. | Her quick response to the email was appreciated. |
responsibility | The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone. | He took full responsibility for his team’s failure. |
rest | An act of resting or not moving. | After a long day, he needed a good rest. |
restaurant | A place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises. | They celebrated their anniversary at a fancy restaurant. |
restoration | The action of returning something to a former condition. | The museum undertook a full restoration of the ancient tapestry. |
restraint | A measure or condition that keeps someone or something under control or within limits. | He showed great restraint in not reacting to the insult, or The police used restraints to subdue the suspect. |
restriction | A limiting condition or measure, especially a legal one. | The government imposed new travel restrictions. |
result | A consequence, effect, or outcome of something. | The excellent results of the experiment were published. |
resume | A brief account of a person’s education, qualifications, and previous occupations, typically sent with a job application. | She submitted her resume to several prospective employers. |
resurrection | The action or fact of resurrecting or being resurrected. | The story of the resurrection of Jesus is central to Christianity. |
retailer | A person or business that sells goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale. | The local retailer offered personalized customer service. |
retaliation | The action of returning a military attack; counter-attack. | The airstrikes were in retaliation for the recent border incursions. |
reticence | The quality of being reserved; reluctance to speak about thoughts and feelings. | His reticence made it difficult to get to know him. |
retina | A layer at the back of the eyeball containing cells sensitive to light, which trigger nerve impulses that pass via the optic nerve to the brain, where a visual image is formed. | Damage to the retina can cause impaired vision. |
retiree | A person who has retired from work. | The community center offered special programs for retirees. |
retirement | The action or fact of leaving one’s job and ceasing to work. | She looked forward to a peaceful retirement after years of hard work. |
retort | A sharp, clever, or angry reply. | He delivered a witty retort that silenced his critic. |
retreat | An act of moving back or withdrawing, or a place of refuge or privacy. | The army ordered a tactical retreat, or They spent a weekend at a quiet mountain retreat. |
retribution | Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or offense. | The villagers sought retribution for the attack. |
return | The action of coming or going back to a place. | His sudden return surprised everyone. |
reunion | The act of reuniting or being reunited. | The family reunion was a joyful occasion. |
revelation | A surprising and previously unknown fact, especially one that is made known in a dramatic way. | The detective’s revelation solved the mystery. |
revenge | The action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. | He vowed to take revenge on those who wronged him. |
revenue | Income, especially when of a company or organization and of a substantial nature. | The company’s annual revenue exceeded 10 million dollars. |
reversal | A change to an opposite direction, position, or course of action. | The court’s decision was a complete reversal of the previous ruling. |
review | A formal assessment or examination of something with the possibility or intention of instituting change if necessary. | The manager conducted an annual performance review of his team, or The movie received a positive review. |
reviewer | A person who writes reviews of books, films, music, etc. | The film reviewer praised the director’s latest work. |
revival | An improvement in the condition or strength of something, or an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again. | The town experienced an economic revival after the new factory opened, or There was a revival of interest in folk music. |
revolt | An act of rebellion. | The people’s revolt against the oppressive regime was fierce. |
revolution | A forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system, or a dramatic and wide-reaching change in the way something works or is organized. | The French Revolution fundamentally changed society, or The industrial revolution brought technological advancements. |
revolver | A type of handgun with a revolving cylinder holding the cartridges. | The cowboy carefully loaded his revolver. |
reward | A thing given in recognition of one’s service, effort, or achievement. | She received a bonus as a reward for her hard work. |
rhetoric | The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques. | His powerful rhetoric swayed public opinion. |
rhinoceros | A large, heavily built, plant-eating mammal with one or two horns on the nose and thick folded skin, native to Africa and Asia. | Conservationists are working to protect the endangered rhinoceros. |
rhubarb | A plant of the dock family, with large leaves and long, thick reddish stalks that are edible when cooked. | She baked a delicious rhubarb crumble with fresh rhubarb from the garden. |
rhyme | Correspondence of sound between words or the endings of words, especially when these are used at the ends of lines of poetry. | Children learn about rhyme and rhythm in poetry. |
rhythm | A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound. | The dancers moved gracefully to the rhythm of the music. |
rib | Each of a series of slender curved bones articulated in pairs to the spine and largely enclosing the thoracic cavity. | He fractured a rib in the fall. |
ribbon | A long, narrow strip of fabric, used for tying things or for decoration. | She tied her hair with a blue silk ribbon. |
rice | A swamp grass that is widely cultivated as a source of food, especially in Asia. | Sushi is made with sticky rice. |
riddle | A question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning. | She enjoyed trying to solve complex riddles. |
ride | A journey on horseback or on a bicycle or in a vehicle. | They went for a scenic bike ride along the coast. |
rider | A person who rides a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle. | The skilled rider expertly guided his horse over the jumps. |
ridge | A long, narrow hilltop, mountain range, or watershed. | They hiked along the mountain ridge, enjoying panoramic views. |
ridicule | The subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior. | He endured the ridicule of his classmates with quiet dignity. |
rifle | A gun, especially one for use by infantry, having a long spirally grooved barrel that imparts a rotary motion to a projectile for greater accuracy over a long range. | The hunter carried his rifle through the forest. |
rift | A crack, split, or break in something, or a serious break in friendly relations between people. | A deep rift formed in the glacier, or There was a growing rift between the two political parties. |
rig | An apparatus, structure, or vehicle, especially for drilling for oil or gas. | The offshore oil rig was visible from the coast. |
right | That which is morally good, justified, or acceptable, or a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way. | He believed he was doing the right thing, or Everyone has a right to free speech. |
rigor | The quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate, or harsh exactness in the observance of standards. | The scientific study was conducted with great rigor. |
rim | The upper or outer edge of an object, typically circular or curved. | The bird perched on the rim of the birdbath. |
rind | The tough outer layer of certain fruits, cheeses, or meats. | She grated the lemon rind to add flavor to the cake. |
ring | A small circular band, typically of precious metal and often set with one or more gemstones, worn on a finger as an ornament or a token of marriage, engagement, or authority. | She wore a beautiful diamond ring on her left hand. |
ringleader | A person who initiates or leads an illicit or mischievous enterprise. | The ringleader of the gang was eventually caught. |
riot | A violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd. | The police struggled to control the angry riot. |
rip | A tear or cut in something. | He accidentally made a rip in his new jeans. |
ripple | A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, especially as caused by an object dropping into it or by a slight breeze. | A stone thrown into the pond created gentle ripples. |
rise | An act of rising or ascending, or an increase in amount, extent, or intensity. | She witnessed the majestic rise of the sun, or There was a significant rise in temperatures. |
riser | A person or thing that rises, or a vertical section between the treads of a staircase. | The sun is an early riser today, or The new building had sleek, modern risers. |
risk | A situation involving exposure to danger. | Investing in the stock market always carries some risk. |
rite | A religious or other solemn ceremony or act. | The ancient tribe performed a sacred rite to honor their ancestors. |
ritual | A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of prescribed actions performed according to a prescribed order. | The wedding ceremony followed a traditional ritual. |
rival | A person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority. | The two companies were fierce rivals in the market. |
rivalry | Competition for superiority in the same field. | The intense rivalry between the two teams made for exciting games. |
river | A large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river. | The Amazon River is the largest river by discharge volume. |
road | A wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a specially prepared surface which vehicles can use. | The winding road led them through the mountains. |
roadblock | A barrier or barricade set up by the police or military to stop and check traffic, or an obstacle preventing progress. | The police set up a roadblock to catch the suspect, or Lack of funding became a major roadblock to the project. |
roadway | A road, especially the part of a road over which vehicles travel. | The main roadway was closed for construction. |
roar | A full, deep, prolonged cry, typically uttered by a lion or other large wild animal. | The lion let out a mighty roar that echoed through the savanna. |
roast | A joint of meat that has been roasted, or a comedy act that involves making fun of a particular person. | They enjoyed a delicious beef roast for dinner, or The celebrity enjoyed the good-natured roast. |
robber | A person who robs someone or some place. | The police apprehended the bank robber after a chase. |
robbery | The action of robbing a person or place. | The police investigated the bank robbery. |
robe | A long, loose outer garment. | The judge wore a traditional black robe in court. |
robin | A small, plump bird with dull, streaky brown plumage and an orange-red breast. | The robin is a beloved harbinger of spring. |
robot | A machine capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically, especially one programmable by a computer. | The factory used robots for efficient assembly line production. |
rock | The solid mineral material forming part of the surface of the earth and other similar planets, exposed on the surface or underlying the soil. | The climber carefully scaled the sheer rock face. |
rocket | A cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the rapid escape of gases from the rear and used especially for military purposes or for launching spacecraft. | The space rocket launched into orbit with a trail of fire. |
rod | A thin straight bar, especially of wood or metal. | He used a fishing rod to catch trout. |
rodent | A gnawing mammal of an order that includes rats, mice, squirrels, and beavers. | Mice and rats are common rodents found in urban areas. |
rodeo | An exhibition or contest in which cowboys show their skill at riding broncos, roping calves, wrestling steers, etc. | She won the barrel racing event at the local rodeo. |
rogue | A dishonest or unprincipled man, or a wild animal that has separated from the herd. | The rogue politician was known for his unpredictable behavior, or A rogue elephant caused damage in the village. |
role | The function assumed or part played by a person or thing in a particular situation. | Her role in the play was that of a caring mother. |
roll | A cylinder formed by rolling material, or a small loaf of bread. | She bought a roll of fabric for her sewing project, or He enjoyed a warm bread roll with his soup. |
roller | A cylindrical device for flattening, shaping, or applying pressure to something, or a heavy cylinder that rolls over the ground to flatten it. | She used a paint roller to apply an even coat, or The road construction crew used a large roller. |
romance | A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love, or a genre of fiction dealing with love and adventure. | Their first meeting sparked a lifelong romance, or She enjoyed reading historical romance novels. |
roof | The structure forming the upper covering of a building or vehicle. | The heavy snow accumulated on the roof of the house. |
rook | A black, crow-like bird, or a chess piece that can move any number of squares horizontally or vertically. | The rook cawed loudly from the treetop, or He moved his rook to control the center of the board. |
rookie | A person who is new to an organization or an activity; a novice. | The rookie pitcher impressed the coach with his talent. |
room | Space that can be occupied or where something can be done, or a part or division of a building enclosed by walls, floor, and ceiling. | There was no room for error in the delicate procedure, or She decorated her living room with new furniture. |
roommate | A person with whom one shares a room or apartment. | He found a new roommate to share the rent. |
roost | A place where birds habitually perch or gather to sleep. | The chickens returned to their roost at dusk. |
rooster | A male chicken. | The rooster crowed loudly, signaling the start of a new day. |
root | The part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via upward diffusion. | The tree’s roots spread deep into the soil. |
rope | A length of strong cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, sisal, nylon, or similar material. | He tied the boat securely with a thick rope. |
rosary | A string of beads used in counting prayers, especially by Roman Catholics. | She held her rosary beads as she prayed. |
rose | A prickly bush or shrub that typically bears fragrant red, pink, yellow, or white flowers. | He gave her a single red rose as a token of his affection. |
roster | A list of names of people and their duties, often for a specific period. | The manager posted the new work roster for the week. |
rostrum | A raised platform on which a person stands to make a public speech, receive an award, or direct an orchestra. | The speaker addressed the crowd from the rostrum. |
rot | The process of decaying or rotting, or a moral decay. | The rot in the old wooden beam was extensive, or Political corruption led to the moral rot of society. |
rotation | The action of rotating around an axis or center, or the regular movement of something around a fixed point. | The Earth’s rotation causes day and night, or The team manager planned a rotation of players. |
rotor | A rotating part of a mechanical device, especially of a helicopter or dynamo. | The helicopter’s rotor blades spun rapidly, lifting it off the ground. |
roughage | Dietary fiber in food that cannot be digested. | Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides necessary roughage. |
round | A series of actions or events, or a slice of bread. | The first round of negotiations was difficult, or She made a sandwich with two rounds of bread. |
route | A way or course taken in getting from one place to another. | They took a scenic route through the countryside. |
router | A device that forwards data packets between computer networks, or a power tool with a shaped cutter, used in carpentry. | The new Wi-Fi router provided faster internet speeds, or He used a router to create decorative edges on the wood. |
routine | A sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. | Her morning routine included coffee and a brisk walk. |
row | A line of people or things arranged side by side, or a noisy argument or quarrel. | The children sat in a neat row, or The couple had a loud row about money. |
royalty | People of royal blood, or the status or power of a king or queen. | The queen and other royalty attended the state dinner, or The author received royalty payments for his book sales. |
rubber | A tough elastic polymeric substance made from latex of a tropical plant or synthetically. | He used a rubber band to tie his hair back. |
rubbish | Waste material; refuse or litter. | Please put your rubbish in the bin. |
rubble | Waste or rough fragments of stone, brick, concrete, etc., especially as debris from the demolition of buildings. | After the earthquake, the streets were filled with rubble. |
ruby | A precious stone consisting of corundum in a red variety. | She wore a magnificent ruby necklace. |
rudder | A flat piece hinged vertically near the stern of a boat or ship for steering. | The captain adjusted the rudder to change the ship’s direction. |
rug | A floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor of a room. | She placed a colorful rug in front of the fireplace. |
ruin | The physical destruction or disintegration of something, or a building that has fallen into disrepair. | The ancient ruins attracted many tourists, or His gambling addiction led to his financial ruin. |
rule | One of a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a particular area of activity. | He always followed the rules of the game. |
ruler | A person exercising government or dominion, or a straight strip of wood, plastic, or metal, typically 12 or 24 inches (30 or 60 cm) long, used for measuring and drawing straight lines. | The benevolent ruler was loved by his people, or She used a ruler to draw a straight line. |
rum | An alcoholic spirit distilled from sugar-cane residues or molasses. | He enjoyed a glass of dark rum on the rocks. |
rumor | A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth. | Wild rumors spread quickly through the office. |
rump | The hind part of an animal’s body, or the buttocks of a person. | The butcher prepared a cut from the rump of beef. |
rumpus | A noisy disturbance; a commotion. | The children created a huge rumpus in the living room. |
run | An act or spell of running, or a trip or journey, or a period during which something continues or operates. | She went for a morning run in the park, or The newspaper had a long run before closing. |
rung | A horizontal support on a ladder for a person’s foot, or a level in a hierarchy. | He climbed the ladder, reaching for the next rung, or She climbed to the highest rung of the corporate ladder. |
runner | A person who runs, especially in a race, or a long, narrow piece of material placed on a surface. | The marathon runner trained daily for the race, or She placed a decorative runner on the dining table. |
running | The action or sport of moving rapidly on foot. | Running is an excellent form of exercise for cardiovascular health. |
runway | A strip of ground on which aircraft take off and land. | The plane sped down the runway before taking off. |
rupture | A break or burst in something, or a breach of a relationship. | The rupture in the pipe caused a major leak, or The argument led to a complete rupture of their friendship. |
ruse | An action intended to deceive someone; a trick. | He used a clever ruse to distract his opponent. |
rush | A sudden quick movement toward something, or a sudden demand for something. | There was a rush of adrenaline before the race, or The holiday season brought a rush for last-minute gifts. |
rust | A reddish-brown flaky coating produced when iron or steel corrodes by oxidation in the presence of moisture and air. | The old bicycle was covered in rust. |
rut | A long deep furrow in a soft surface, especially one made by the passage of a wheel, or a fixed and rather dull or unvarying routine. | The car got stuck in a deep rut in the muddy road, or He felt stuck in a daily rut. |
rye | A widely cultivated cereal plant that tolerates poor soils and cold, and is grown for its grain and as fodder. | She baked a delicious loaf of rye bread. |