This list includes 55 Simple words that start with E, from “each” to “eyelash”. They are common, short, high-frequency words useful for early readers, ESL learners, teachers, parents, and content creators.
Simple words that start with E are everyday English words beginning with the letter E that learners encounter often. For example, “each” comes from Old English and shows how basic words persist across centuries.
Below you’ll find the table with Word, Part of speech, Definition, and Etymology.
Word: The actual vocabulary item so you can quickly scan, copy, or select words for teaching and practice.
Part of speech: Indicates noun, verb, adjective, etc., helping you use the word correctly in example sentences.
Definition: A concise, learner-friendly meaning in about 10–20 words so you can explain or understand the word fast.
Etymology: A one-line origin note showing language roots and historical context to add cultural interest and depth.
Simple words that start with E
| Word | Part of speech | Syllables | Etymology |
|---|---|---|---|
| eat | verb | 1 | Old English |
| egg | noun | 1 | Old English |
| ear | noun | 1 | Old English |
| eye | noun | 1 | Old English |
| easy | adjective | 2 | Old French |
| end | noun | 1 | Old English |
| each | pronoun | 1 | Old English |
| every | adjective | 2 | Old English |
| even | adjective | 2 | Old English |
| ever | adverb | 2 | Old English |
| else | adverb | 1 | Old English |
| east | noun | 1 | Old English |
| edge | noun | 1 | Old English |
| earth | noun | 1 | Old English |
| elephant | noun | 3 | Greek via Latin |
| engine | noun | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| enter | verb | 2 | Old French from Latin |
| exit | noun | 2 | Latin |
| enough | adverb | 2 | Old English |
| enjoy | verb | 2 | Old French from Latin |
| empty | adjective | 2 | Old English |
| early | adjective | 2 | Old English |
| evening | noun | 3 | Old English |
| earn | verb | 1 | Old English |
| excited | adjective | 3 | Latin via Old French |
| excuse | noun | 2 | Old French |
| example | noun | 3 | Latin |
| explain | verb | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| expect | verb | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| exact | adjective | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| equal | adjective | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| eyebrow | noun | 2 | Old English compound |
| eyelash | noun | 2 | Old English compound |
| everybody | pronoun | 4 | Old English compound |
| everyone | pronoun | 3 | Old English compound |
| everything | pronoun | 3 | Old English compound |
| either | conjunction | 2 | Old English |
| escape | verb | 2 | Old French |
| echo | noun | 2 | Greek via Latin |
| elbow | noun | 2 | Old English |
| era | noun | 2 | Latin |
| erase | verb | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| entrance | noun | 2 | Old French from Latin |
| exercise | noun | 3 | Latin via Old French |
| earlobe | noun | 2 | Old English compound |
| elsewhere | adverb | 2 | Old English compound |
| everyday | adjective | 3 | Old English compound |
| everywhere | adverb | 3 | Old English compound |
| error | noun | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| eager | adjective | 2 | Middle English from Old Norse |
| express | verb | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| envelope | noun | 3 | French |
| entire | adjective | 2 | Latin via Old French |
| endless | adjective | 2 | Old English |
| exclaim | verb | 2 | Latin via Old French |
Descriptions
eat
To put food in your mouth and swallow; a basic action word children learn early.
egg
A common food and baby bird’s shell; simple noun used in everyday speech.
ear
The organ for hearing on the side of the head; also used in simple phrases.
eye
The organ for seeing; central and frequently taught vocabulary for learners.
easy
Not hard to do or understand; often used to describe tasks or feelings.
end
The final part or limit of something; a common word for finish or stop.
each
Every one of a group; used as a simple determiner or pronoun.
every
All members of a group; used before nouns to mean all of them.
even
Level or equal, or used to add emphasis; basic descriptive word.
ever
At any time; used in questions and statements to ask about time.
else
Other than that or in addition; used after words like something or someone.
east
The direction where the sun rises; a basic compass/direction word.
edge
The border or side of something; useful for describing shapes and places.
earth
The planet we live on or soil/dirt; a common word in everyday talk.
elephant
A large gray mammal with a trunk; a familiar animal word for children.
engine
A machine that produces power, like for cars or trains; common technology word.
enter
To go into a place; simple action word for homes and classrooms.
exit
A way out or door used to leave; common sign word in public places.
enough
As much as needed; used to show sufficiency in simple sentences.
enjoy
To take pleasure in something; a common verb for feelings and activities.
empty
Containing nothing; easy adjective used with boxes, rooms, or hands.
early
Before the expected or usual time; used for time of day or timing.
evening
The later part of the day after afternoon; a simple time-of-day word.
earn
To get money or a reward by working or doing something; common daily verb.
excited
Feeling very happy or eager; often used to describe children’s feelings.
excuse
A reason given to explain or apologize; common polite phrase in speech.
example
Something shown to explain a rule or idea; very common in teaching and learning.
explain
To make something clear or easy to understand; frequent classroom verb.
expect
To think something will happen; a common verb for plans and predictions.
exact
Precise or correct; used in simple comparisons or measurements.
equal
The same in amount, size, or value; a core mathematical and everyday term.
eyebrow
The strip of hair above the eye; a basic body-word often taught early.
eyelash
The short hairs on the edge of the eyelid; common body vocabulary.
everybody
All people; a simple word used when talking about everyone.
everyone
Every person; common substitute for ‘all people’ in speech.
everything
All things; used to talk about all items or matters together.
either
Used to introduce a choice between two things; common connector word.
escape
To get away from danger or a place; simple action word in stories and play.
echo
A sound that is heard again after bouncing back; a basic science word.
elbow
The joint between the upper and lower arm; common body part word.
era
A period of time; a simple history or time-related word used in basic contexts.
erase
To remove writing or marks; a frequent classroom or pencil-related verb.
entrance
A place where you enter; a common word for doors and openings.
exercise
Physical activity or practice; often used in school and health contexts.
earlobe
The soft lower part of the ear; an easy body vocabulary item.
elsewhere
In or to another place; simple word for location alternatives.
everyday
Common or usual; used to describe ordinary things or routines.
everywhere
In all places; a basic word for location and frequency.
error
A mistake or wrong answer; common in school and daily talk.
eager
Very willing or excited to do something; simple feeling word.
express
To say or show thoughts or feelings clearly; common communication verb.
envelope
A paper cover for a letter; frequent everyday item for mail and crafts.
entire
Whole or complete; simple word used to mean all of something.
endless
Having no end; used simply to mean very long or unending.
exclaim
To cry out suddenly, often with strong feeling; common in stories and speech.