This list includes 142 Nouns that start with S, from “sadness” to “system”. Entries include common feelings, objects, places, and abstract concepts used across everyday and academic contexts. Use this list for vocabulary study, writing, teaching, or quick reference.
Nouns that start with S are English nouns beginning with the letter S, covering both concrete items and abstract ideas. Many entries reflect everyday life and cultural touchpoints, for example “sadness” and “school.”
Below you’ll find the table with Word, Definition, and Example.
Word: This column lists each noun so you can quickly scan spelling and base forms.
Definition: A concise one-line meaning for each noun, helping you understand usage at a glance.
Example: A short natural sentence shows how the noun functions in everyday context.
Nouns that start with S
| Noun | Plural | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sadness | uncountable | The feeling of being unhappy, especially because something bad has happened. | A wave of sadness washed over him when he heard the news. |
| safety | uncountable | The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger. | Please wear your helmet for your own safety while cycling. |
| salad | salads | A cold dish of various mixtures of raw or cooked vegetables. | She made a fresh green salad for lunch with tomatoes. |
| salary | salaries | A fixed regular payment, typically paid on a monthly basis. | He received a promotion and a significant salary increase last year. |
| sale | sales | The exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling. | The department store is having a big sale on winter coats. |
| salt | uncountable | A white crystalline substance used for seasoning and preserving food. | This soup needs a little more salt to enhance its flavor. |
| sand | uncountable | A loose granular substance, typically pale yellowish brown, found on beaches. | The children enjoyed building a large sand castle on the beach. |
| sandwich | sandwiches | An item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with filling. | I packed a simple ham and cheese sandwich for my lunch. |
| satisfaction | uncountable | Fulfilment of one’s wishes, expectations, or needs. | Finishing the difficult project gave her a great sense of satisfaction. |
| sauce | sauces | A liquid or semi-liquid substance served with or used in food. | The chef prepared a delicious tomato sauce for the pasta dish. |
| scandal | scandals | An action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong. | The political scandal was on the front page of every newspaper. |
| scene | scenes | A place where an incident in real life or fiction occurs. | The police arrived quickly at the scene of the car accident. |
| schedule | schedules | A plan for carrying out a process or procedure. | Let’s check the train schedule to see when the next one arrives. |
| scholar | scholars | A specialist in a particular branch of study, a distinguished academic. | The visiting scholar gave a lecture on ancient Roman history. |
| school | schools | An institution for educating children. | My daughter starts a new school in the autumn. |
| science | uncountable | The systematic study of the physical and natural world. | Science helps us understand how the universe works and our place in it. |
| scientist | scientists | A person who is studying or has expert knowledge of a science. | The scientist conducted an experiment to test her new hypothesis. |
| score | scores | The number of points, goals, or runs achieved in a game. | The final score of the basketball game was 98 to 95. |
| screen | screens | A flat panel or area on which images or data are displayed. | I spend too much time looking at a computer screen all day. |
| sculpture | sculptures | The art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms. | The museum has a beautiful marble sculpture from ancient Greece. |
| sea | seas | The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth’s surface. | We could hear the sound of the waves from the sea. |
| search | searches | An act of searching for someone or something. | The police conducted a thorough search of the entire area. |
| season | seasons | Each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, winter). | My favorite season is autumn because of the beautiful colored leaves. |
| seat | seats | A thing made or used for sitting on, such as a chair. | Please find a seat and make yourself comfortable for the show. |
| second | seconds | A unit of time, one-sixtieth of a minute. | Wait just a second while I find my keys. |
| secret | secrets | Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown to others. | Can you keep a secret and not tell anyone what I said? |
| secretary | secretaries | A person employed to assist with correspondence and other administrative tasks. | The secretary scheduled all of the appointments for the week. |
| section | sections | Any of the distinct parts into which something is or may be divided. | You can find the book you are looking for in the history section. |
| security | uncountable | The state of being free from danger or threat. | The airport has very strict security measures to protect passengers. |
| seed | seeds | A flowering plant’s unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another plant. | The farmer planted the seeds in the field in early spring. |
| self-esteem | uncountable | Confidence in one’s own worth or abilities; self-respect. | Positive feedback from her boss helped to boost her self-esteem. |
| sense | senses | A faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus. | Humans have five basic senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. |
| sentence | sentences | A set of words that is complete in itself, conveying a statement. | A simple sentence must contain a subject and a verb. |
| series | series | A number of similar or related things coming one after another. | I really enjoyed watching the entire television series last weekend. |
| servant | servants | A person who performs duties for others, especially in a household. | The wealthy family employed a servant to clean their large house. |
| service | services | The action of helping or doing work for someone. | The hotel is well known for its excellent customer service. |
| session | sessions | A period devoted to a particular activity. | The team had a long training session to prepare for the game. |
| setting | settings | The place or type of surroundings where something is positioned. | The novel has a beautiful setting in the Italian countryside. |
| shadow | shadows | A dark area or shape produced by a body blocking the light. | The tall tree cast a long shadow across the green lawn. |
| shame | uncountable | A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by wrongdoing. | He felt a deep sense of shame for what he had done. |
| shape | shapes | The external form, contours, or outline of someone or something. | The child learned to identify a circle, a square, and a triangle shape. |
| share | shares | A part or portion of a larger amount that is divided among people. | Each person received an equal share of the delicious birthday cake. |
| sheep | sheep | A domesticated ruminant animal with a thick woolly coat. | The farmer has a large flock of sheep in the pasture. |
| shelf | shelves | A flat length of wood or other rigid material, attached to a wall. | Please put the book back on the top shelf when you are finished. |
| shell | shells | The hard protective outer case of a mollusk, egg, or nut. | She collected beautiful sea shells along the sandy ocean shore. |
| shelter | shelters | A place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger. | They took shelter from the storm under a large, strong tree. |
| shift | shifts | A slight change in position, direction, or tendency. | There has been a cultural shift in attitudes towards remote work. |
| ship | ships | A large boat for transporting people or goods by sea or other large waters. | The large cargo ship sailed from the port with its containers. |
| shirt | shirts | A garment for the upper body, typically with a collar and sleeves. | He wore a clean white shirt and a tie for the job interview. |
| shock | shocks | A sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience. | The news of his sudden resignation came as a complete shock. |
| shoe | shoes | A covering for the foot, typically made of leather or canvas. | Don’t forget to tie your shoes before you go outside. |
| shop | shops | A building or part of a building where goods or services are sold. | I need to go to the shop to buy some milk and bread. |
| shortage | shortages | A state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained. | There is a serious shortage of clean drinking water in the region. |
| shot | shots | The firing of a gun or cannon. | The runner sprinted forward at the sound of the starting shot. |
| shoulder | shoulders | The part of the body where the arm attaches to the torso. | He carried the heavy bag over his shoulder as he walked. |
| show | shows | A spectacle or display for public entertainment. | We are going to see a musical show on Broadway tonight. |
| side | sides | A position to the left or right of an object, place, or central point. | Please write your name on the left side of the paper. |
| sight | sights | The faculty or power of seeing. | The old man’s sight began to fail as he got older. |
| sign | signs | An object, quality, or event whose presence indicates something else. | Dark clouds are often a sign that a storm is coming soon. |
| silence | uncountable | Complete absence of sound. | A profound silence fell over the crowd after the announcement. |
| silk | uncountable | A fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms. | She wore a beautiful dress made of pure Chinese silk. |
| sin | sins | An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. | In many religions, envy is considered to be a serious sin. |
| singer | singers | A person who sings, especially professionally. | The talented singer had a beautiful and powerful voice. |
| situation | situations | A set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs. | The company is currently in a difficult financial situation. |
| size | sizes | The relative extent of something; how large or small something is. | What size of shoes do you wear? |
| skill | skills | The ability to do something well; expertise. | Learning a new language is a very useful skill to have. |
| skin | uncountable | The thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body. | It is important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. |
| sky | skies | The region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth. | The sky was clear and blue without a single cloud. |
| sleep | uncountable | A condition of body and mind which typically recurs for several hours each night. | It is important to get enough sleep for your health and well-being. |
| slice | slices | A thin, broad piece of food cut from a larger portion. | Would you like a slice of pizza for your dinner tonight? |
| smell | smells | The faculty or power of perceiving odors or scents by means of the nose. | The wonderful smell of baking bread filled the entire kitchen. |
| smile | smiles | A pleased, kind, or amused facial expression. | She greeted her friends with a warm and friendly smile. |
| smoke | uncountable | A visible suspension of carbon particles in air, emitted from a burning substance. | The firefighters could see thick black smoke coming from the building. |
| snake | snakes | A long limbless reptile which has no eyelids and a forked tongue. | The hiker saw a small green snake slithering through the grass. |
| snow | uncountable | Atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falling in light white flakes. | The children were excited to wake up and see fresh snow. |
| soap | uncountable | A substance used with water for washing and cleaning. | Please use soap and warm water to wash your hands thoroughly. |
| society | societies | The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community. | Technology has had a profound impact on modern society. |
| sock | socks | A garment for the foot and lower part of the leg. | I can’t find the other sock to make a matching pair. |
| sofa | sofas | A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people. | The family relaxed on the comfortable sofa to watch a movie. |
| software | uncountable | The programs and other operating information used by a computer. | You need to install the new software to use all the features. |
| soil | uncountable | The upper layer of earth in which plants grow. | The farmer used rich, fertile soil to grow healthy vegetables. |
| soldier | soldiers | A person who serves in an army. | The brave soldier fought to protect his country and its people. |
| solution | solutions | A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation. | They worked together to find a simple solution to the complex problem. |
| son | sons | A boy or man in relation to either of his parents. | The proud father watched his son graduate from the university. |
| song | songs | A short poem or other set of words set to music. | She sang a beautiful song that she had written herself. |
| soul | souls | The spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal. | Many philosophies believe the soul is immortal and lives on after death. |
| sound | sounds | Vibrations that travel through the air and can be heard. | The only sound in the quiet room was the ticking of the clock. |
| soup | soups | A liquid dish, typically made by boiling ingredients in stock or water. | A warm bowl of chicken soup is very comforting when you are sick. |
| source | sources | A place, person, or thing from which something comes or can be obtained. | The journalist refused to reveal the source of her information. |
| space | uncountable | The dimensions of height, depth, and width within which all things exist. | The astronaut traveled through space to reach the international station. |
| speech | speeches | The expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds. | The president will deliver an important speech to the nation tonight. |
| speed | uncountable | The rate at which someone or something is able to move or operate. | The car was traveling at a very high speed on the highway. |
| spider | spiders | An eight-legged predatory arachnid with an unsegmented body. | A large spider was spinning a web in the corner of the room. |
| spirit | spirits | The nonphysical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character. | Despite the challenges, she maintained a positive and resilient spirit. |
| spoon | spoons | An implement consisting of a small shallow bowl, oval or round, at the end of a handle. | He used a spoon to stir the sugar into his hot tea. |
| sport | sports | An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes. | Football is a very popular sport in many countries around the world. |
| spot | spots | A small round or roundish mark, differing in color from its surroundings. | The leopard is known for the distinctive black spots on its coat. |
| spring | springs | The season after winter and before summer. | Flowers begin to bloom in the garden during the spring. |
| square | squares | A plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles. | The park was located in the center of the town square. |
| staff | uncountable | All the people employed by a particular organization. | The company’s staff includes over 500 dedicated employees. |
| stage | stages | A point, period, or step in a process or development. | The project is still in the very early stages of development. |
| stair | stairs | A set of steps leading from one floor of a building to another. | She walked up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor. |
| stamp | stamps | A small adhesive piece of paper to be stuck on an item to be mailed. | You must put a stamp on the envelope before you post the letter. |
| star | stars | A fixed luminous point in the night sky which is a large, remote incandescent body. | On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars in the sky. |
| start | starts | The point in time or space at which something begins. | The runners were all nervous at the start of the big race. |
| state | states | The particular condition that someone or something is in at a specific time. | The building was in a terrible state of disrepair after the fire. |
| statement | statements | A definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing. | The witness provided a written statement to the police officer. |
| station | stations | A place where a particular activity or service is based. | We waited for the train on the platform at the railway station. |
| statue | statues | A carved or cast figure of a person or animal. | There is a large bronze statue of the town’s founder in the park. |
| status | uncountable | The relative social, professional, or other standing of someone or something. | He was a successful lawyer with a high social status in the community. |
| steam | uncountable | The vapor into which water is converted when it is heated. | Steam rose from the hot cup of tea on the cold morning. |
| steel | uncountable | A hard, strong gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron with carbon. | The bridge was constructed from tons of strong, durable steel. |
| step | steps | An act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking. | He took a careful step on the icy pavement to avoid falling. |
| stick | sticks | A thin piece of wood that has fallen or been cut from a tree. | The dog happily fetched the stick that his owner had thrown. |
| stomach | stomachs | The internal organ in which the major part of the digestion of food occurs. | My stomach hurts because I ate my lunch too quickly. |
| stone | stones | Hard solid non-metallic mineral matter of which rock is made. | The ancient castle was built with large, heavy gray stones. |
| stop | stops | A place where a bus or train halts to allow passengers to get on or off. | I need to get off the bus at the next stop, please. |
| store | stores | A place where things are sold. | She went to the grocery store to buy some food for dinner. |
| storm | storms | A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain or snow. | The powerful storm caused damage to many houses in the town. |
| story | stories | An account of imaginary or real people and events. | He told his children a wonderful story before they slept. |
| street | streets | A public road in a city or town, typically with houses and buildings on one or both sides. | The children were playing safely on their quiet residential street. |
| strength | uncountable | The quality or state of being physically strong. | He had enough strength to lift the heavy box by himself. |
| stress | uncountable | A state of mental or emotional strain or tension. | Working long hours can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. |
| structure | structures | The arrangement of and relations between the parts of something complex. | The structure of the essay was very clear and easy to follow. |
| student | students | A person who is studying at a school or college. | The dedicated student always finished her homework on time. |
| study | studies | The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge. | His study of ancient history led to a successful academic career. |
| style | styles | A distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles of a design. | She has a very unique and fashionable style of dressing. |
| subject | subjects | A person or thing that is being discussed, described, or dealt with. | The main subject of the meeting was the company’s annual budget. |
| substance | substances | A particular kind of matter with uniform properties. | Water is a chemical substance composed of hydrogen and oxygen. |
| success | uncountable | The accomplishment of an aim or purpose. | Hard work and determination were the keys to her great success. |
| sugar | uncountable | A sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants. | I like to add a little sugar to my coffee. |
| suggestion | suggestions | An idea or plan put forward for consideration. | He made a helpful suggestion to improve the workflow. |
| suit | suits | A set of outer clothes made of the same fabric, designed to be worn together. | He wore a dark blue suit and a tie for the formal event. |
| summer | summers | The warmest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from June to August. | We always go to the beach during the hot summer holidays. |
| sun | uncountable | The star around which the earth orbits. | The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. |
| support | uncountable | Material assistance, encouragement, or approval. | She received a lot of emotional support from her friends. |
| surface | surfaces | The outside part or uppermost layer of something. | The surface of the table was smooth and polished. |
| surprise | surprises | An unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing. | The surprise party was a complete success; he had no idea. |
| sweater | sweaters | A knitted garment worn on the upper part of the body. | She put on a warm wool sweater because the room was cold. |
| symbol | symbols | A thing that represents or stands for something else. | The dove is a universal symbol of peace and harmony. |
| sympathy | uncountable | Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. | We expressed our deep sympathy for her loss. |
| system | systems | A set of interacting or interdependent component parts forming a complex whole. | Our company is implementing a new computer system next month. |
Descriptions
sadness
An emotion characterized by feelings of disadvantage, loss, and helplessness. It’s considered one of the basic human emotions, the opposite of happiness or joy.
safety
A state of being safe from harm or other non-desirable outcomes. It is a fundamental need and a major concern in workplaces, travel, and daily life.
salad
Typically served as an appetizer or a side dish, but can also be a main course. Common ingredients include lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dressing.
salary
Payment from an employer to an employee, specified in an employment contract. It contrasts with hourly wages, which are based on time worked.
sale
A fundamental concept in business and economics. The term “on sale” also means an item is being sold at a reduced price for a limited time.
salt
Chemically known as sodium chloride (NaCl), salt is an essential nutrient for life. It has been a highly valued trade commodity throughout history.
sand
Formed from the erosion of rocks over thousands of years. It is a key ingredient in making concrete, glass, and a popular surface for recreation.
sandwich
Named after the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who popularized it in the 18th century. It’s a versatile and popular lunch food around the world.
satisfaction
A pleasant emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one’s job or life experiences. It is a key metric in customer service and employee morale.
sauce
Sauces add flavor, moisture, and visual appeal to a dish. They are a fundamental element in cuisines worldwide, from simple ketchup to complex French mother sauces.
scandal
An incident that receives widespread public attention and outrage. It often involves allegations of wrongdoing by public figures or organizations.
scene
In film or theater, a scene is a sequence that takes place in a single location. It can also refer to a public display of emotion.
schedule
A basic time-management tool, consisting of a list of times at which possible tasks, events, or actions are intended to take place.
scholar
A person who has a great deal of knowledge, particularly in academic subjects. The term implies deep study and expertise in a specific field.
school
A place where people go to learn. The term also refers to a group of fish swimming together or a particular “school of thought” or philosophy.
science
A major field of human knowledge that uses observation and experimentation to describe and explain natural phenomena. Major branches include physics, chemistry, and biology.
scientist
Someone who systematically gathers and uses research and evidence, to make hypotheses and test them, to gain and share understanding and knowledge.
score
A numerical value representing performance in sports, games, or tests. In music, a score is the written form of a musical composition.
screen
A ubiquitous part of modern life, found on televisions, computers, smartphones, and tablets. It can also refer to a physical partition or a mesh for a window.
sculpture
An art form created by shaping or combining hard materials like stone, metal, glass, or wood. The person who creates sculptures is called a sculptor.
sea
Often used interchangeably with ‘ocean’, though a sea is generally smaller and partially enclosed by land. It is vital for trade, climate regulation, and life.
search
The process of finding something. In the digital age, ‘search’ most often refers to using a search engine like Google to find information online.
season
Caused by the Earth’s tilt on its axis as it revolves around the Sun. The term can also be used for a period associated with a sport or TV series.
seat
A fundamental piece of furniture. It can also refer to a place in a vehicle or a position in a government (e.g., a seat in parliament).
second
The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI). It also means the ordinal number following ‘first’ or a person who assists another.
secret
Information that is intentionally hidden. Secrets play a significant role in human relationships, literature, and espionage.
secretary
An administrative professional who plays a crucial role in business and other organizational environments. The title can also refer to a high-ranking government official.
section
A part of a larger whole. It’s used in many contexts, from sections of a report or a building to sections of an orchestra or a supermarket.
security
Procedures followed or measures taken to ensure safety. It can refer to physical security (guards, locks) or cybersecurity (protecting data).
seed
A small embryonic plant enclosed in a covering. Metaphorically, a seed can be the starting point or origin of something, like an idea.
self-esteem
A person’s overall sense of their value or worth. It is a key component of psychological well-being and can influence decisions and relationships.
sense
The ability to perceive stimuli. It can also mean a general feeling or understanding (“a sense of dread”) or practical judgment (“common sense”).
sentence
The basic unit of language. In a legal context, a sentence is the punishment assigned to a person found guilty of a crime.
series
The plural form is also ‘series’. It can refer to a set of books, TV shows, or events that are connected and follow a sequence.
servant
A historical term for a domestic worker. While less common today, the concept of providing service is central to many professions in the service industry.
service
An intangible act or use for which a consumer is willing to pay. Economies are often divided into manufacturing and service sectors.
session
A meeting of a deliberative or judicial body to conduct its business. It also refers to a period of time for an activity like therapy or recording music.
setting
The context in which a story or event occurs, including the time, place, and social environment. It can also refer to the controls on a device.
shadow
A familiar phenomenon caused by an object obstructing light. Metaphorically, it can mean a trace of something or a state of sadness or gloom.
shame
A powerful emotion that can be associated with guilt and embarrassment. It plays a significant role in social control and personal morality.
shape
A basic element of art and geometry. It can also refer to physical condition or fitness (“to be in good shape”).
share
A unit of ownership in a company, also known as a stock. The concept of sharing resources or experiences is fundamental to social interaction.
sheep
Note that the plural of sheep is also sheep. They are primarily raised for their wool, meat (lamb and mutton), and milk.
shelf
A common piece of furniture used for storage and display in homes, libraries, and stores. The plural form is irregular.
shell
A natural protective layer. It can also refer to an explosive artillery projectile or the outer framework of a building or vehicle.
shelter
A basic human need, providing protection from the elements. The term also refers to a place for homeless people or abandoned animals.
shift
It can mean a period of work time in a 24-hour cycle (e.g., the night shift) or a change in focus or opinion.
ship
A primary mode of international trade and transport. The term is also used informally as a verb in fan culture for wanting two characters to be in a relationship.
shirt
A common article of clothing worn by people all over the world. There are many styles, such as T-shirts, polo shirts, and dress shirts.
shock
A strong emotional reaction to a disturbing event. In medicine, it refers to a critical condition brought on by a sudden drop in blood flow.
shoe
A fundamental piece of footwear worn for protection and comfort. Shoes come in countless styles, from athletic sneakers to formal dress shoes.
shop
Also known as a store, especially in American English. It can also refer to a workshop where things are made or repaired.
shortage
A situation where the demand for a product or service exceeds its supply in a market. This can lead to rising prices.
shot
Can also refer to an attempt to score in sports, a photograph, a film scene, or a medical injection (a flu shot).
shoulder
One of the most mobile joints in the human body. The word is also used in phrases like “a shoulder to cry on” (emotional support).
show
A performance, exhibition, or program. It is a broad term that can encompass theater, television programs, concerts, and art exhibitions.
side
A surface of an object, especially one that is not the top or bottom. It can also refer to a competing team or a particular aspect of a situation.
sight
One of the five senses. The plural form, sights, refers to interesting places to see, especially for tourists (“to see the sights”).
sign
A notice giving information, a gesture, or an indication of a quality or state. In astrology, it refers to one of the twelve divisions of the zodiac.
silence
A state of quiet. It can be peaceful and calming or awkward and tense depending on the context. “Silence is golden” is a common proverb.
silk
A natural protein fiber that can be woven into textiles. It has been a luxury good for thousands of years, originating in ancient China.
sin
A concept central to many religious and ethical systems. It refers to an act that violates a moral rule or principle.
singer
Someone who uses their voice to produce musical sounds. Singers perform in various genres, from opera and classical to pop, rock, and jazz.
situation
The combination of all the things that are happening and all the conditions that exist at a particular time and in a particular place.
size
A measurement of how big something is. It is used for clothing, products, and to describe the magnitude or scale of things.
skill
An aptitude that is developed through training and experience. Skills can be physical (like sports) or cognitive (like problem-solving).
skin
The largest organ of the human body. It serves as a protective barrier against the environment and regulates body temperature.
sky
The appearance of the atmosphere above us. Its color changes depending on the time of day and weather conditions.
sleep
A natural state of rest for the mind and body, during which the eyes are usually closed. It is essential for physical and mental restoration.
slice
A portion cut from something, such as bread, meat, or cake. It can also be used as a verb meaning to cut something into slices.
smell
One of the five senses. A smell can be pleasant (an aroma or fragrance) or unpleasant (an odor or stench).
smile
A universal expression of happiness, friendliness, and amusement. It involves curving the lips upwards and is a key part of non-verbal communication.
smoke
The gaseous product of burning materials. It is a major cause of air pollution and is associated with significant health risks.
snake
A carnivorous reptile found on every continent except Antarctica. While many people fear them, most species are non-venomous and harmless to humans.
snow
A form of precipitation that occurs when the atmospheric temperature is at or below freezing. It creates landscapes popular for winter sports.
soap
A cleansing agent made from natural oils or fats and an alkali. It works by making oil and dirt soluble in water so they can be washed away.
society
A group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction. It can also refer to a particular community or a voluntary association of people.
sock
A common article of clothing worn inside shoes. They provide comfort, warmth, and absorb sweat. They are often sold in pairs.
sofa
A common piece of furniture in a living room, also known as a couch. It is a central place for relaxation, socializing, and entertainment.
software
The set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It is the intangible part of a computer system.
soil
A mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life. It is crucial for agriculture and ecosystems.
soldier
A member of a country’s armed forces, especially one who is not an officer. They are trained for combat and other military duties.
solution
The answer to a problem. In chemistry, a solution is a liquid mixture in which a minor component (the solute) is uniformly distributed within a major component (the solvent).
son
A male child. The relationship between parents and their sons is a fundamental family dynamic explored in culture and literature throughout history.
song
A musical composition intended to be performed by the human voice. Songs are a universal form of artistic expression found in every culture.
soul
A concept in many religious, philosophical, and mythological traditions. It is often considered the seat of emotions, personality, and consciousness.
sound
A form of energy that we perceive through our sense of hearing. It can be pleasant (music) or unpleasant (noise).
soup
A traditional dish served hot or cold. Common ingredients include meat, vegetables, and stock. It is often eaten as a first course.
source
The origin of something. It can be a source of water (a spring), a source of information (a book), or a source of energy (the sun).
space
The boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position. It can also mean an empty area or “outer space.”
speech
Human vocal communication using language. It can also refer to a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
speed
A scalar quantity that refers to “how fast an object is moving.” It is often measured in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
spider
Air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs that inject venom. Most are harmless to humans and help control insect populations.
spirit
The essential quality or character of something. It can refer to a person’s mood, a supernatural being, or strong distilled alcoholic drinks.
spoon
A common piece of cutlery used for eating liquid or semi-liquid foods, such as soup or yogurt, and for stirring.
sport
A physical activity carried out for competition or recreation. Examples include soccer, basketball, tennis, and swimming.
spot
A particular place or point. It can be a mark, a location, or a difficult situation (“in a tight spot”).
spring
One of the four temperate seasons. It can also refer to a source of water from the ground or a coiled piece of metal that can be compressed.
square
A fundamental shape in geometry. It also refers to an open area in a town, often surrounded by buildings.
staff
A collective noun for the employees of an organization. It can also refer to a long stick used for support or as a weapon.
stage
A raised floor in a theater or hall on which performers stand. It also refers to a phase in a process, like the stages of life.
stair
Often used in the plural form ‘stairs’. They are a series of steps for passing from one level to another.
stamp
A piece of paper indicating that postage has been paid. It can also be an instrument for imprinting a mark or a characteristic mark itself.
star
A massive celestial body of hot gas that shines by its own light. The Sun is the closest star to Earth. The word also refers to a famous performer.
start
The beginning of an event or process. It is the opposite of ‘finish’ or ‘end’. It can also refer to a sudden movement of surprise.
state
A nation or territory considered as an organized political community. In the US, it is one of the constituent political units.
statement
A formal account of facts, attitudes, or opinions. In finance, it is a document setting out a summary of financial transactions.
station
A stopping place on a public transport route. It can also be a broadcasting company (radio station) or a place for a specific duty (police station).
statue
A three-dimensional work of art, usually representing a person or animal, made from materials like stone, metal, or wood.
status
A person’s position or rank in relation to others. It can also refer to the current state of affairs (“What’s the status of the project?”).
steam
The gaseous phase of water. It is a powerful source of energy that was critical to the Industrial Revolution for powering steam engines.
steel
A strong and versatile metal alloy used extensively in construction, manufacturing, and engineering for its strength and relatively low cost.
step
A single action in a process. A step can also be one of the surfaces on a staircase. It represents progress or movement.
stick
A long, thin piece of something. It can be a walking stick, a hockey stick, or a stick of butter.
stomach
A J-shaped organ in the upper abdomen. It is also used informally to refer to the belly or a person’s appetite or inclination for something.
stone
A piece of rock. It is one of the oldest building materials known to humanity. It can also be a gem (a precious stone) or the hard seed of a fruit.
stop
An act of stopping or a cessation of movement or activity. It can also refer to a punctuation mark like a period (full stop).
store
A retail establishment selling a variety of goods. In American English, ‘store’ is more common, while ‘shop’ is more common in British English.
storm
A meteorological event characterized by strong winds, precipitation, and often thunder and lightning. It can also describe a strong emotional outburst.
story
A narrative, either true or fictitious. It can also refer to a level or floor of a building (e.g., a two-story house).
street
A thoroughfare for travel within a town or city. It provides access to buildings and is a key part of urban infrastructure.
strength
The capacity to withstand great force or pressure. It can be physical, mental, or emotional. It is the opposite of weakness.
stress
The body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. While some stress can be positive, chronic stress is harmful to health.
structure
The way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a whole. It can refer to a building, a sentence, or a social system.
student
A learner or someone who attends an educational institution. The term implies a commitment to acquiring knowledge and skills.
study
The act of learning about a subject. It also refers to a room used for reading and writing or a piece of research (a scientific study).
style
A particular manner or way of doing something. It is used in many contexts, including art, fashion, writing, and lifestyle.
subject
A branch of knowledge studied or taught. In grammar, it is the noun or pronoun that performs the action of the verb.
substance
The real physical matter of which a person or thing consists. It can also mean the most important or essential part of something.
success
The attainment of popularity or profit. It is a highly valued goal in many cultures and is often associated with wealth, fame, and personal fulfillment.
sugar
A common carbohydrate used in food for sweetness and preservation. While essential for energy, modern diets often contain too much of it.
suggestion
A proposal offered for acceptance or consideration. It is a gentle way of giving advice or presenting a new idea to others.
suit
A set of clothes comprising a jacket and trousers or a skirt. It can also refer to one of the four sets in a deck of playing cards.
summer
The season between spring and autumn. It is often associated with long days, warm weather, vacations, and outdoor activities.
sun
The star at the center of our solar system. It is the source of all light and heat on Earth and is essential for all life.
support
The act of holding up or serving as a foundation for something. It can be physical (a support beam), financial, or emotional.
surface
The exterior of an object. It is the part that is in contact with the outside world. The word can also be used figuratively (“scratch the surface”).
surprise
The feeling caused by something unexpected happening. It can be a pleasant or unpleasant emotion depending on the nature of the event.
sweater
A piece of clothing, typically with long sleeves, made of knitted or crocheted material. It is also known as a jumper in British English.
symbol
A mark or character used as a conventional representation of an object, function, or process. Symbols are fundamental to language, religion, and art.
sympathy
The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It is an important emotion for building social connections and showing compassion.
system
This versatile word can refer to a computer system, a political system, the solar system, or the digestive system, among many other things.