Discover a comprehensive collection of 336 nouns that start with the letter A, covering a wide range of everyday and specialized words. From “Amazon,” the world’s largest river, to “azure,” a bright sky-blue color, this list showcases the diversity and depth of English nouns beginning with A. Many of these nouns come from different fields, including nature, science, and culture, reflecting the rich variety found in the English language.
Explore the complete alphabetized table below and use it as a reliable reference to learn new words or improve your vocabulary.
Nouns This column lists the nouns starting with the letter A. Each noun is a distinct word you can use to name people, places, things, or ideas.
Definition Here you will find a clear and simple explanation of what each noun means. The definitions help you understand the basic meaning of the word.
Example Usage This column shows how to use each noun in a sentence. The examples make it easy to see the noun in context and learn how to apply it correctly.
Description Read additional information about the noun in this column. It includes interesting facts, the origin of the word, or notes on how the noun is used, helping deepen your understanding.
Nouns that start with A
Nouns | definition | example usage |
---|---|---|
aardvark | A nocturnal burrowing mammal native to Africa, with a long snout, pig-like body, and strong claws, that feeds on ants and termites. | The aardvark used its powerful claws to dig for insects. |
abacus | A manual aid to calculation consisting of beads or disks that can be moved up and down on a series of rods or strings within a frame. | Children in some schools still learn arithmetic using an abacus. |
abandonment | The action or fact of abandoning something or someone. | The team felt a sense of abandonment after their leader resigned. |
abbey | A monastery or convent, governed by an abbot or abbess. | Many tourists visit the ancient abbey to admire its architecture. |
abbreviation | A shortened form of a word or phrase. | Dr. is an abbreviation for “doctor.” |
abdomen | The part of the body containing the digestive and reproductive organs; in mammals, it is the part of the trunk below the diaphragm. | The doctor examined the patient’s abdomen. |
ability | Possession of the means or skill to do something. | She has a remarkable ability to learn new languages quickly. |
abyss | A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm. | He gazed into the dark abyss of the canyon. |
academy | A place of study or training in a special field. | She enrolled in the police academy to pursue her dream. |
acceleration | The rate at which velocity changes over time. | The car’s acceleration was impressive, going from 0 to 60 in seconds. |
accent | A distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation, locality, or social class. | Her strong French accent was charming. |
acceptance | The action of consenting to receive or undertake something offered. | Her acceptance of the new job offer made her very happy. |
access | The means or opportunity to approach or enter a place. | The remote village had limited access to clean water. |
accessory | A thing that can be added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive. | She bought a new accessory for her phone, a stylish case. |
accident | An unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury. | He was involved in a minor car accident yesterday. |
accolade | An award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit. | The scientist received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking research. |
accommodation | A room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay. | The hotel offered excellent accommodation for our family. |
accomplice | A person who helps another commit a crime. | The police arrested the thief and his accomplice. |
accomplishment | Something that has been achieved successfully. | Learning to play the piano was a major accomplishment for him. |
accord | An agreement or treaty. | The two nations reached a peace accord after lengthy negotiations. |
accordion | A musical instrument with a keyboard and bellows, played by compressing or expanding the bellows while pressing keys. | He played a lively polka tune on his accordion. |
account | A report or description of an event or experience. | She gave a detailed account of her travels. |
accountant | A person whose job is to keep or inspect financial accounts. | The accountant helped the company manage its budget. |
accuracy | The quality or state of being correct or precise. | The accuracy of the data was questioned during the review. |
accusation | A charge or claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong. | He strongly denied the accusation of theft. |
ace | A person who excels at a particular sport or activity. | She’s an ace at tennis, winning every match. |
achievement | A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill. | Winning the championship was a great achievement for the team. |
acid | A chemical substance, typically a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid. | The chemist carefully handled the strong acid in the lab. |
acknowledgment | The acceptance or admission of something as true or as having an existence. | He received an acknowledgment of his email application. |
acne | The occurrence of inflamed or infected sebaceous glands in the skin; in particular, a condition characterized by red pimples on the face, common among adolescents. | She used a special cream to treat her acne. |
acorn | The fruit of the oak tree, a smooth oval nut in a woody cup-like base. | A squirrel buried an acorn for the winter. |
acquaintance | A person one knows slightly, but who is not a close friend. | She ran into an old acquaintance at the grocery store. |
acquisition | An asset or object bought or obtained, typically by a library or museum. | The museum announced its latest art acquisition, a rare painting. |
acrobat | An entertainer who performs spectacular gymnastic feats. | The acrobat performed daring flips and twists high above the crowd. |
acronym | An abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word. | NASA is an acronym for “National Aeronautics and Space Administration.” |
action | The fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim. | His swift action prevented a major disaster. |
activist | A person who campaigns to bring about political or social change. | The activist spoke passionately about environmental protection. |
activity | The condition in which things are happening or being done. | The city was bustling with various activities during the festival. |
actor | A person whose profession is acting on the stage, in films, or on television. | The actor delivered a powerful performance in the new play. |
actress | A female actor. | The famous actress won an award for her leading role. |
acumen | The ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain. | Her business acumen helped the company thrive. |
acupuncture | A system of complementary medicine in which fine needles are inserted into the skin at specific points along lines of energy, used in the treatment of various physical and mental conditions. | She tried acupuncture to relieve her chronic back pain. |
adage | A proverb or short statement expressing a general truth. | Look before you leap is a wise adage. |
addiction | The fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance or activity. | He struggled with a severe addiction to gambling. |
addition | The action or process of adding something to something else. | The addition of a new wing improved the hospital’s capacity. |
address | The particulars of the place where someone lives or an organization is situated. | Please provide your current mailing address. |
adhesive | A substance used for sticking objects or materials together; glue. | She used a strong adhesive to repair the broken vase. |
adjective | A word or phrase naming an attribute, added to or grammatically related to a noun to modify or describe it. | In “red car,” “red” is an adjective. |
adjustment | A small alteration or movement made to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result. | He made a slight adjustment to the microscope’s focus. |
administration | The management of any office, business, or organization. | The hospital administration worked to improve patient care. |
administrator | A person responsible for running a business, organization, etc. | The school hired a new administrator to manage its finances. |
admiral | A flag officer of the highest rank in the navy. | Admiral Smith commanded the entire fleet. |
admiration | Respect and warm approval. | He felt great admiration for her courage and determination. |
admission | The act of allowing to enter a place or to become a member of an institution or society. | She gained admission to a top university. |
adolescent | A person who is developing from a child into an adult. | The program offers support for troubled adolescents. |
adoption | The action or fact of legally taking another’s child and bringing it up as one’s own, or the process of officially accepting or starting to use something new. | The couple celebrated the adoption of their new baby. |
adult | A person who is fully grown or developed. | Only adults are allowed to vote in the election. |
advantage | A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position. | Having a strong education is a significant advantage in the job market. |
adventure | An unusual and exciting or daring experience. | Their trip to the Amazon jungle was a grand adventure. |
adverb | A word or phrase that modifies or qualifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb or a word group, expressing a relation of place, time, circumstance, manner, cause, or degree. | In “she sings beautifully,” “beautifully” is an adverb. |
adversary | One’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute. | He faced his adversary with courage and determination. |
adversity | Difficulties; misfortune. | She showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. |
advertisement | A notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event or publicizing a job vacancy. | The advertisement for the new car was very catchy. |
advice | Guidance or recommendations concerning prudent future action, typically given by someone knowledgeable or experienced. | She asked her mentor for career advice. |
advocate | A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. | She is a passionate advocate for human rights. |
aegis | The protection, backing, or support of a particular person or organization. | The project was conducted under the aegis of the university. |
aerobics | A system of physical exercises designed to increase the supply of oxygen to the blood, thereby strengthening the heart and lungs. | She enjoys attending aerobics classes three times a week. |
aesthetics | A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art. | The building’s aesthetics were praised by critics. |
affair | An event or sequence of events of a specified kind or that has previously been referred to. | The peace talks were a complex international affair. |
affection | A gentle feeling of fondness or liking. | He showed great affection for his grandchildren. |
affidavit | A written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court. | The witness signed an affidavit confirming her testimony. |
affinity | A natural liking for and understanding of someone or something. | She felt a strong affinity for classical music. |
afterlife | Life after death. | Many religions believe in an afterlife. |
aftermath | The consequences or after-effects of a significant unpleasant event. | The city faced a difficult aftermath after the hurricane. |
afternoon | The part of the day between noon and evening. | They met for coffee on a sunny afternoon. |
age | The length of time that a person has lived or a thing has existed. | She is celebrating her 30th birthday, reaching a new age. |
agency | A business or organization providing a particular service on behalf of another. | He works for a travel agency arranging vacations. |
agenda | A list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting. | The first item on the agenda was the budget proposal. |
agent | A person who acts on behalf of another person or group. | The real estate agent helped them find their dream home. |
aggression | Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward another; readiness to attack or confront. | His aggression led to a fight in the bar. |
agility | The ability to move quickly and easily. | The gymnast demonstrated incredible agility during her routine. |
agony | Extreme physical or mental suffering. | She was in agony after twisting her ankle. |
agreement | Harmony or accordance in opinion or feeling; a mutually agreed-upon arrangement. | They finally reached an agreement after a long discussion. |
agriculture | The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products. | Agriculture is vital for feeding the world’s population. |
aid | Help, assistance, or support. | The country received international aid after the earthquake. |
ailment | An illness, typically a minor one. | She suffered from a minor ailment, a persistent cough. |
aim | A purpose or intention; a result or effect that is intended or desired. | His main aim in life was to help others. |
air | The invisible gaseous substance surrounding the Earth, a mixture mainly of oxygen and nitrogen. | We breathe the fresh mountain air. |
aircraft | An airplane, helicopter, or other machine capable of flight. | The small aircraft landed safely on the runway. |
airline | A company that provides regular flights for public passengers. | She booked her ticket with a major international airline. |
airplane | A powered flying vehicle with fixed wings and a jet engine or propeller. | The airplane took off smoothly from the airport. |
airport | A complex of runways and buildings for the take-off, landing, and maintenance of civil aircraft, with facilities for processing passengers and cargo. | They arrived at the airport two hours before their flight. |
aisle | A passage between rows of seats in a building such as a church or theater, an airplane, or a train. | She walked down the wedding aisle with her father. |
alarm | An anxious awareness of danger; a warning signal. | The smoke alarm woke everyone in the house. |
albatross | A very large oceanic bird with a hooked bill and long narrow wings, found chiefly in the Pacific and Southern Oceans. | The albatross soared gracefully over the ocean waves. |
album | A collection of musical recordings on a disc or set of discs, or on a digital medium. | She bought the new album from her favorite band. |
alchemy | The medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of matter, in particular with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir. | The ancient texts discussed the mysteries of alchemy. |
alcohol | A colorless volatile flammable liquid which is produced by the natural fermentation of sugars and is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks. | He decided to cut down on alcohol for health reasons. |
alcove | A recess, typically in the wall of a room or of a garden. | The couple enjoyed a quiet dinner in the restaurant’s cozy alcove. |
alert | The state of being watchful for danger or ready to deal with it. | The guard was on high alert throughout the night. |
algae | A simple non-flowering aquatic plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms. | The pond was covered in green algae. |
algebra | The part of mathematics in which letters and other general symbols are used to represent numbers and quantities in formulae and equations. | She excelled at algebra in high school. |
algorithm | A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. | The search engine uses a complex algorithm to rank websites. |
alias | A false or assumed identity. | The spy operated under an alias to protect his true identity. |
alibi | A claim or piece of evidence that one was elsewhere when an act, typically a criminal one, is alleged to have taken place. | His alibi for the night of the crime was rock-solid. |
alien | A foreigner, especially one who is not a naturalized citizen of the country where they are living. | The science fiction movie featured friendly aliens from another planet. |
allegation | A claim or assertion that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically made without proof. | The company denied all allegations of fraud. |
allegiance | Loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause. | Soldiers swear allegiance to their country. |
allegory | A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. | George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” is a famous allegory. |
allergy | A damaging immune response by the body to a substance, especially pollen, fur, a particular food, or dust, to which it has become hypersensitive. | She developed a severe allergy to peanuts. |
alley | A narrow passageway between or behind buildings. | The cat darted down the dark alley. |
alliance | A union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations. | The two political parties formed an alliance to win the election. |
alligator | A large carnivorous reptile of the crocodile family, with a broad head and a shorter snout than a crocodile, chiefly found in the Americas and China. | The alligator lay motionless in the swamp water. |
allowance | The amount of money one is given regularly for living expenses or for a particular purpose. | He received a weekly allowance from his parents. |
alloy | A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion. | Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. |
allure | The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. | The allure of the unknown drew him to explore. |
ally | A state or person formally cooperating with another for a military or other purpose. | The two countries have been strong allies for decades. |
almanac | An annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data and tide tables. | Farmers often consult an almanac for planting schedules. |
almond | The oval-shaped edible nut of the almond tree, growing in a woody shell. | She sprinkled roasted almonds over her salad. |
alphabet | A set of letters or symbols in a fixed order used to represent the basic sounds of a language; in particular, the set of all letters used in a language. | Children learn the alphabet in kindergarten. |
altar | A table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a religious ritual, especially for making sacrifices or offerings to a deity. | The priest stood before the altar during the ceremony. |
alternative | One of two or more available possibilities. | They sought an alternative solution to the complex problem. |
altitude | The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level. | The airplane reached an altitude of 30,000 feet. |
altruism | The belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others. | Her acts of kindness were driven purely by altruism. |
aluminum | A light silvery-grey metal. | The soda can is made of aluminum. |
alumnus | A former student of a school, college, or university. | The university hosts an annual event for its alumni. |
amateur | A person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, on an unpaid rather than a professional basis. | He’s an amateur photographer, but his photos are stunning. |
Amazon | The longest river in South America, and the largest river in the world by discharge volume. | The Amazon rainforest is home to incredible biodiversity. |
ambassador | An accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country. | The ambassador worked to strengthen ties between the two nations. |
ambiguity | The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness. | The ambiguity of the statement caused confusion. |
ambition | A strong desire to do or achieve something. | Her ambition was to become a successful entrepreneur. |
ambulance | A vehicle specially equipped for taking sick or injured people to and from the hospital. | The ambulance arrived quickly at the scene of the accident. |
amendment | A minor change or addition designed to improve a text, piece of legislation, etc. | Congress debated the proposed amendment to the constitution. |
amenity | A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place. | The hotel offered excellent amenities, including a pool and spa. |
America | A continent comprising North and South America, or the United States of America. | Many immigrants dream of a new life in America. |
amethyst | A precious stone consisting of a violet or purple variety of quartz. | She wore a beautiful necklace with a large amethyst pendant. |
ammunition | A supply of bullets, shells, etc., kept for firing from guns or other weapons. | The soldiers carried extra ammunition for their rifles. |
amnesia | A partial or total loss of memory. | He suffered from amnesia after the head injury. |
amnesty | An official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses. | The government granted amnesty to political prisoners. |
amount | A quantity of something, especially the total of a thing or things in number, size, value, or extent. | The large amount of rain caused flooding. |
amphitheater | An open-air unroofed building, circular or oval in shape, with a central space for the presentation of dramatic or sporting events surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators. | The concert was held in an ancient Roman amphitheater. |
amplifier | An electronic device for increasing the amplitude of electrical signals, used in sound reproduction. | The guitarist plugged his instrument into a powerful amplifier. |
amulet | An ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease. | She wore an amulet for good luck and protection. |
amusement | The state or experience of finding something funny. | The children watched the clown with great amusement. |
anachronism | A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned. | A knight in shining armor using a smartphone would be an anachronism. |
anagram | A word, phrase, or name formed by rearranging the letters of another, such as “cinema” formed from “iceman”. | Her name was an anagram of a famous artist. |
analogy | A comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. | The teacher used an analogy to explain the complex concept. |
analysis | Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something. | The scientist conducted a thorough analysis of the data. |
analyst | A person who conducts analysis, especially in business or finance. | The financial analyst provided insights into market trends. |
anarchy | A state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority. | The sudden collapse of the government led to widespread anarchy. |
anatomy | The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms. | She studied human anatomy in medical school. |
ancestor | A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended. | His ancestors emigrated from Ireland centuries ago. |
anchor | A heavy object attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the seabed. | The ship dropped its anchor in the harbor. |
anecdote | A short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. | He shared a funny anecdote about his childhood. |
anemia | A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume. | The doctor diagnosed her with iron deficiency anemia. |
angel | A spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God, or a person of exemplary conduct or kindness. | The child believed she saw an angel in her dream. |
anger | A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. | His sudden burst of anger surprised everyone. |
angle | The space (usually measured in degrees) between two intersecting lines or surfaces at or close to the point where they meet. | The photographer adjusted the camera’s angle for a better shot. |
animal | A living organism that feeds on organic matter, typically having specialized sense organs and nervous system and able to respond rapidly to stimuli. | The zoo has many different kinds of animals. |
animation | The state of being full of life or vigor; the technique of filming successive drawings or positions of puppets or models to create an illusion of movement. | The children loved the vibrant animation in the cartoon. |
animosity | Strong hostility. | There was a deep animosity between the two rival factions. |
ankle | The joint connecting the foot with the leg. | She sprained her ankle while playing basketball. |
anniversary | The date on which an event took place or an institution was founded in a previous year, and which is celebrated annually. | They celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary. |
announcement | A formal public statement about a fact, occurrence, or intention. | The principal made an important announcement over the loudspeaker. |
annoyance | The feeling or state of being annoyed; something that annoys. | The constant buzzing sound was a major annoyance. |
anonymity | The condition of being anonymous. | He valued the anonymity that living in a big city offered. |
answer | A thing said, written, or done to deal with or react to a question, statement, or situation. | She gave a clear answer to the teacher’s question. |
ant | A small insect, typically with a sting, living in large colonies. | An ant carried a crumb much larger than itself. |
antagonist | A person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary. | The protagonist faced a formidable antagonist in the final chapter. |
antelope | A swift-running deer-like ruminant with smooth hair and typically long, curved, pointed horns, native to Africa and Eurasia. | The antelope grazed peacefully on the savannah. |
antenna | A rod, wire, or other device used to transmit or receive radio or television signals. | The old television needed an outdoor antenna for better reception. |
anthem | A rousing or uplifting song identified with a particular group, body, or cause. | The national anthem played before the football match. |
anthology | A published collection of poems or other pieces of writing. | The literature class studied a diverse anthology of short stories. |
anthropology | The study of humanity, human behavior, and societies in the past and present. | She decided to major in anthropology to understand human cultures. |
antibiotic | A medicine (such as penicillin or streptomycin) that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms. | The doctor prescribed an antibiotic for her bacterial infection. |
antibody | A blood protein produced in response to and counteracting a specific antigen. | The body produced antibodies to fight off the virus. |
anticipation | The action of anticipating something; expectation or prediction. | There was a sense of anticipation before the concert began. |
antidote | A medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison. | The doctor administered the antidote to the snakebite victim. |
antipathy | A deep-seated feeling of aversion. | He felt a strong antipathy towards dishonest politicians. |
antiquity | The ancient past, especially the period of classical and other human civilizations before the Middle Ages. | The museum displayed artifacts from classical antiquity. |
antonym | A word opposite in meaning to another. | Hot is an antonym of “cold.” |
anvil | A heavy iron block with a flat top and concave sides, on which metal can be hammered and shaped. | The blacksmith heated the metal and shaped it on the anvil. |
anxiety | A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an event or something with an uncertain outcome. | She experienced high anxiety before her job interview. |
apartment | A suite of rooms forming one residence, typically in a large building containing a number of these. | They rented a small apartment in the city center. |
apathy | Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. | There was a general apathy among voters regarding the election. |
ape | A large primate that lacks a tail, including gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons. | The ape swung gracefully through the trees. |
aperture | A small opening, hole, or gap. | The photographer adjusted the camera’s aperture to control light. |
apex | The top or highest part of something, especially one forming a point. | The mountaineer reached the apex of the peak. |
aphorism | A pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” | Benjamin Franklin’s “early to bed, early to rise” is a well-known aphorism. |
apology | A regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure. | He offered a sincere apology for his mistake. |
apostle | Each of the twelve chief disciples of Jesus Christ, or a passionate advocate of a new cause or idea. | He was a passionate apostle of peace and justice. |
apparatus | A complex mechanism or equipment for a particular purpose. | The scientific apparatus was carefully calibrated for the experiment. |
apparel | Clothing. | The store specialized in men’s formal apparel. |
appeal | An earnest or urgent request; the quality of being attractive or interesting. | The charity launched an appeal for donations. |
appearance | The way that someone or something looks. | Her elegant appearance always made a good impression. |
appendix | A tube-shaped sac attached to the large intestine, or a section of supplementary material at the end of a book or document. | The doctor removed his inflamed appendix. |
appetite | A natural desire to satisfy a bodily need, especially for food. | His strenuous workout gave him a huge appetite. |
appetizer | A small dish of food or a drink taken before the main course of a meal to stimulate one’s appetite. | They ordered spring rolls as an appetizer. |
applause | Praise expressed by clapping. | The audience gave the performers a thunderous applause. |
apple | The round fruit of a tree of the rose family, typically with green or red skin and crisp flesh. | She bit into a crisp, red apple. |
appliance | A device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, typically a domestic one. | The kitchen was equipped with modern stainless steel appliances. |
applicant | A person who applies for a job or to enroll in a school. | Many qualified applicants responded to the job advertisement. |
application | A formal request to an authority for something, or the action of putting something into operation. | She submitted her application for the scholarship. |
appointment | An arrangement to meet someone at a particular time and place. | She had an appointment with the doctor at 10 AM. |
appraisal | An act of assessing something or someone. | The annual performance appraisal evaluated his work. |
appreciation | The recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something. | He expressed his appreciation for her help. |
apprehension | Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. | He felt a sense of apprehension before his big presentation. |
apprentice | A person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer, having agreed to work for a fixed period at low wages. | The young apprentice learned carpentry from his master. |
approach | A way of dealing with something; a means of access. | The company adopted a new approach to customer service. |
approval | The action of officially agreeing to something or accepting something as satisfactory. | The project received government approval to proceed. |
apricot | A juicy, soft fruit, resembling a small peach, with a downy yellow skin and a slightly flattened, round stone. | She made a delicious tart with fresh apricots. |
April | The fourth month of the year, in the Northern Hemisphere usually considered to be the second month of spring. | April showers bring May flowers. |
apron | A protective garment worn over the front of one’s clothes and tied at the back, especially one worn while cooking or doing other dirty work. | She put on her apron before starting to bake. |
aptitude | A natural ability to do something. | She showed a natural aptitude for mathematics. |
aquarium | A transparent tank of water in which fish and other water animals and plants are kept. | The children loved watching the colorful fish in the aquarium. |
aqueduct | An artificial channel for conveying water, typically in the form of a bridge supported by tall columns across a valley or other gap. | The ancient Roman aqueduct still stands as an engineering marvel. |
arbitrator | An independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute. | The company and its employees agreed to use an arbitrator to resolve their conflict. |
arc | A part of a curve, especially a part of the circumference of a circle. | The rainbow formed a beautiful arc across the sky. |
arcade | A covered passageway with arches along one or both sides. | They walked through the shopping arcade, admiring the storefronts. |
arch | A curved symmetrical structure spanning an opening and typically supporting the weight of a bridge, roof, or wall above it. | The Roman arch was a masterpiece of engineering. |
archaeology | The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. | Archaeology helps us understand ancient civilizations. |
archer | A person who shoots with a bow and arrow, especially at a target for sport or as a skill in warfare. | The archer hit the target with precision. |
archetype | A very typical example of a certain person or thing; an original model of which all other similar persons, objects, or concepts are merely derivative, copied, or emulated. | He embodied the archetype of the heroic warrior. |
archipelago | A group of islands. | The Caribbean is a famous archipelago. |
architect | A person who designs buildings and in many cases also supervises their construction. | The architect presented the blueprints for the new library. |
architecture | The art or practice of designing and constructing buildings. | The city is famous for its diverse architecture. |
archive | A collection of historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people. | The university maintained an extensive archive of local history. |
area | A region or part of a town, a country, or the world. | This is a beautiful residential area of the city. |
arena | A level area in the center of an amphitheater, surrounded by seats for spectators, in which sports, spectacles, and other public events are held. | The gladiators fought in the ancient Roman arena. |
argument | A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong. | They had a heated argument about politics. |
aristocracy | The highest class in certain societies, especially those holding hereditary titles or offices. | The ancient aristocracy held vast land and power. |
arithmetic | The branch of mathematics dealing with the properties and manipulation of numbers. | Children learn basic arithmetic in elementary school. |
arm | Each of the two upper limbs of the human body from the shoulder to the hand. | He raised his arm to wave hello. |
armadillo | A small burrowing mammal of Central and South America, with a body encased in an armor of bony plates. | The armadillo rolled into a ball for protection. |
armchair | An upholstered chair with arms or armrests. | She relaxed in her favorite armchair, reading a book. |
armor | The protective covering formerly worn by soldiers or a strong, protective outer covering on an animal or plant. | The knight wore heavy armor into battle. |
armory | A place where arms are kept; an arsenal. | The ancient castle had a well-stocked armory. |
army | An organized military force equipped for fighting on land. | The army marched bravely into battle. |
aroma | A distinctive, typically pleasant smell. | The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. |
arrangement | The action of arranging something; the way in which things are organized or located. | She made all the arrangements for the party. |
array | An impressive display or collection of a particular type of thing. | The store offered a wide array of products. |
arrest | The action of seizing someone and taking them into custody. | The police made an arrest at the crime scene. |
arrival | The action of coming to a place or destination. | The arrival of the train was delayed due to snow. |
arrogance | The quality of being arrogant or having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities. | His arrogance made him unpopular among his colleagues. |
arrow | A weapon consisting of a straight, thin shaft with a feathered tail and a pointed tip, shot from a bow. | The archer released an arrow towards the target. |
arson | The criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property. | He was arrested on charges of arson. |
art | The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. | She has a deep appreciation for modern art. |
artery | Any of the muscular-walled tubes forming part of the circulation system by which blood (mainly that which has been oxygenated) is conveyed from the heart to all parts of the body. | The surgeon repaired a damaged artery in his leg. |
article | A particular item or object, or a piece of writing published in a newspaper or magazine. | She read an interesting article about climate change. |
artifact | An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest. | Archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts at the dig site. |
artifice | Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially as used to trick or deceive others. | He saw through her charming artifice. |
artillery | Large-caliber guns used in warfare on land. | The army deployed heavy artillery to the front lines. |
artisan | A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand. | The market featured many products made by local artisans. |
artist | A person who practices any of the various creative arts, such as painting, sculpture, music, or writing. | The artist spent hours perfecting her painting. |
ascent | An act of climbing or moving upwards. | The mountain climbers began their slow ascent to the peak. |
ash | The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance. | The campfire left a pile of white ash. |
asparagus | A plant of the lily family, with stout, succulent stems which are eaten as a vegetable. | She steamed fresh asparagus for dinner. |
aspect | A particular part or feature of something. | They considered every aspect of the proposal. |
asphalt | A mixture of dark bituminous pitch with sand or gravel, used for surfacing roads, tennis courts, and other areas. | The crew paved the road with new asphalt. |
aspiration | A hope or ambition of achieving something. | Her greatest aspiration was to travel the world. |
assassin | A person who murders an important person for political or religious reasons. | The historical text described the assassin’s plot. |
assault | A physical attack on someone. | He was charged with assault after the fight. |
assembly | A group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose. | The school held a morning assembly for all students. |
assessment | The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something. | The teacher gave a fair assessment of the student’s progress. |
asset | A useful or valuable thing or person. | His experience in the field was a great asset to the company. |
assignment | A task or piece of work allocated to someone as part of a job or course of study. | The students had a difficult assignment due for Friday. |
assistance | The action of helping someone with a task or problem. | She offered her assistance with the heavy boxes. |
assistant | A person who ranks below a superior and whose job is to help that superior. | The professor hired a new research assistant. |
association | A group of people organized for a joint purpose; a connection or cooperative link between people or organizations. | The local business association held its annual meeting. |
assumption | A thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof. | Her assumption that he would help was incorrect. |
assurance | A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. | He gave her his assurance that the work would be done on time. |
asteroid | A small rocky body orbiting the sun. | Scientists are tracking an asteroid that might pass close to Earth. |
asthma | A respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. | He carried an inhaler to manage his asthma attacks. |
astonishment | Great surprise. | To her astonishment, she won the lottery. |
astrology | The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies interpreted as having an influence on human affairs and the natural world. | She consulted her daily astrology report for guidance. |
astronaut | A person who is trained to travel in a spacecraft. | The astronaut orbited the Earth for several days. |
astronomy | The scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the Earth’s atmosphere. | Astronomy helps us understand the universe and its origins. |
asylum | The protection granted by a state to someone who has left their home country as a political refugee. | He sought political asylum in a new country. |
atheist | A person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods. | He declared himself an atheist, believing in scientific explanations only. |
athlete | A person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise. | The athlete trained rigorously for the Olympic games. |
athletics | Physical exercises and sports collectively, especially track and field events. | She excelled in athletics, particularly running and jumping. |
atlas | A book of maps or charts. | He consulted the atlas to find the capital city. |
atmosphere | The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth or another planet, or the pervading tone or mood of a place, situation, or work of art. | The Earth’s atmosphere protects us from the sun’s radiation. |
atoll | A ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets surrounding a lagoon. | The remote atoll was a perfect spot for diving. |
atom | The basic unit of a chemical element. | All matter is made up of atoms. |
atrocity | An extremely wicked or cruel act, typically one involving physical violence or injury. | The human rights report detailed numerous atrocities committed during the war. |
attachment | An extra part or extension that is or can be attached to something to perform a particular function. | She sent the document as an email attachment. |
attack | An aggressive and violent action against a person or place. | The army launched a surprise attack on the enemy. |
attempt | An act of trying to achieve something, typically one that is unsuccessful or not certain to succeed. | His first attempt at baking a cake was a disaster. |
attendance | The action or state of going regularly to or being present at a place or event. | Her perfect attendance earned her an award. |
attention | The act or power of fixing the mind on something; careful consideration. | She paid close attention to the speaker’s words. |
attic | A space or room inside the roof of a house. | They stored old furniture in the dusty attic. |
attire | Clothes, especially fine or formal ones. | Formal attire is required for the gala. |
attitude | A settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior. | His positive attitude helped him overcome challenges. |
attorney | A person appointed to act for another in business or legal matters. | She hired an attorney to represent her in court. |
attraction | The action or power of evoking interest, pleasure, or liking for someone or something. | The city’s historical sites are a major tourist attraction. |
attribute | A quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something. | Patience is a key attribute for a good teacher. |
auction | A public sale in which goods or property are sold to the highest bidder. | They bought an antique vase at the art auction. |
audacity | The willingness to take bold risks; rude or disrespectful behavior. | He had the audacity to challenge the CEO’s decision. |
audience | The assembled spectators or listeners at a public event such as a play, movie, concert, or meeting. | The speaker captivated the entire audience. |
audio | Sound, especially when recorded, transmitted, or reproduced. | The audio quality of the podcast was excellent. |
audit | An official inspection of an individual’s or organization’s accounts, typically by an independent body. | The company underwent a financial audit. |
audition | An interview for a role or job as a singer, actor, dancer, or musician, consisting of a practical demonstration of the applicant’s suitability and skill. | She prepared for weeks for her Broadway audition. |
auditor | A person who conducts an audit. | The external auditor examined the company’s financial records. |
auditorium | The part of a theater, concert hall, or other public building in which the audience sits. | The auditorium was packed for the graduation ceremony. |
August | The eighth month of the year. | Her birthday is in August. |
aunt | The sister of one’s father or mother or the wife of one’s uncle. | My aunt always tells the best stories. |
aura | The distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, place, or thing. | The old castle had an aura of mystery. |
author | A writer of a book, article, or document. | J.K. Rowling is the author of the Harry Potter series. |
authority | The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. | The principal has the authority to suspend students. |
autobiography | An account of a person’s life written by that person. | She spent years writing her autobiography, detailing her life experiences. |
autograph | A signature, especially that of a celebrity written as a memento for an admirer. | Fans eagerly sought the rock star’s autograph. |
automation | The technique of making an apparatus, a process, or a system operate automatically. | The factory increased production through automation. |
automobile | A road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor and able to carry a small number of people. | He bought a new automobile for his daily commute. |
autonomy | The right or condition of self-government. | The region fought for greater autonomy from the central government. |
autopsy | A post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease. | The coroner performed an autopsy to determine the cause of death. |
autumn | The season after summer and before winter, in the Northern Hemisphere from September to November. | The leaves change color beautifully in autumn. |
avalanche | A mass of snow, ice, and rocks falling rapidly down a mountainside. | The skiers narrowly escaped a huge avalanche. |
avarice | Extreme greed for wealth or material gain. | His avarice led him to betray his friends. |
avatar | An icon or figure representing a particular person in a computer game, internet forum, etc. | She created a unique avatar for her online profile. |
avenue | A broad road or a way of approaching a problem or making progress toward something. | They walked down the tree-lined avenue. |
average | A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, calculated by dividing the sum of the values by the number of values. | The average score on the test was 75. |
aversion | A strong dislike or disinclination. | He had a strong aversion to public speaking. |
aviary | A large enclosure for keeping birds. | The zoo had a beautiful aviary filled with exotic birds. |
aviation | The flying or operating of aircraft. | He pursued a career in aviation, becoming a pilot. |
aviator | A pilot or airman. | Amelia Earhart was a pioneering aviator. |
avocado | A pear-shaped fruit with a large stone and creamy flesh. | She made delicious guacamole with fresh avocados. |
award | A prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement. | She received an award for her outstanding contribution to science. |
awareness | Knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. | There is growing public awareness of environmental issues. |
awe | A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. | The grand canyon filled her with a sense of awe. |
awning | A sheet of canvas or other material stretched on a frame and used to keep the sun or rain off a storefront, window, or door. | They sat under the awning to escape the midday sun. |
axe | A tool typically used for chopping wood, usually with a steel blade fixed to a wooden handle at right angles to the blade. | He chopped firewood with a sharp axe. |
axiom | A statement or proposition which is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true. | It is an axiom that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points. |
axis | An imaginary line about which a body rotates or around which a symmetrical figure is arranged. | The Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night. |
axle | A rod or spindle (either fixed or rotating) passing through the center of a wheel or group of wheels. | The car’s axle broke, leaving it stranded. |
azure | A bright blue color like a clear sky. | The deep azure of the ocean was breathtaking. |