With 402 nouns starting with the letter C, this comprehensive list covers a broad range of everyday words, from “cab” to “court.” Each noun reveals the rich variety and usefulness of words beginning with C, including objects, places, animals, and abstract concepts. Many of these nouns have roots in history, nature, or everyday life, making them familiar and valuable to learners, writers, and knowledge seekers worldwide.
Explore the detailed list below to expand your vocabulary and understand each noun’s meaning and usage clearly.
Noun This column lists the noun itself, providing the specific word that starts with the letter C.
Definition Here you will find a concise explanation of the noun’s meaning, giving you a quick understanding of what the word represents.
Example Usage This section shows the noun used in a simple sentence, helping you see how it fits naturally in everyday language.
Description Read a brief but informative description that adds context about the noun’s significance, origin, or common uses, deepening your grasp of the word.
Nouns that start with C
Noun | Definition | Example usage |
---|---|---|
cab | A taxi; a motor vehicle hired with a driver. | We hailed a cab to get to the airport quickly. |
cabin | A small house or shelter, especially one made of wood in a wild or remote area; also a compartment on a ship or aircraft. | They spent their vacation in a cozy log cabin by the lake. |
cable | A thick rope of wire or fiber, or a rope-like structure for transmitting electricity or signals. | The ship’s anchor was held by a strong steel cable. |
cache | A collection of items of the same type, stored in a hidden or inaccessible place; or a computer memory used for temporary storage. | The squirrel stored its winter cache of nuts in the hollow tree. |
cactus | A succulent plant with a thick, fleshy stem that typically bears spines, but no leaves, native to arid regions. | The desert landscape was dotted with various types of cactus plants. |
cafe | A small restaurant serving light meals and drinks, especially coffee. | We met at the new cafe for a morning coffee and pastry. |
caffeine | A stimulating alkaloid found in coffee, tea, cacao, and other plants, often used to combat drowsiness. | She drinks coffee every morning for a boost of caffeine. |
cage | A structure of bars or wire in which birds or other animals are confined. | The lion paced restlessly inside its large enclosure, the cage. |
cake | An item of soft, sweet food made from a mixture of flour, shortening, eggs, sugar, and other ingredients, baked and often decorated. | She baked a delicious chocolate cake for her friend’s birthday. |
calendar | A chart or series of pages showing the days, weeks, and months of a particular year, or giving particular seasonal information. | I marked the important dates on my new calendar. |
calf | A young bovine animal; also, the thick fleshy part at the back of the human leg below the knee. | The farmer watched the newborn calf take its first wobbly steps. |
call | A spoken or telephoned request or command; a shout; a summons. | She received an important call from her boss this morning. |
calm | The absence of wind or rough water; a state of peacefulness, serenity, and quiet. | After the storm, there was a sense of calm in the air. |
calorie | A unit of energy produced by food, used to measure the energy value of foods and the amount of energy expended by the body. | Athletes often need to consume a high number of calories to fuel their performance. |
camel | A large, long-necked ruminant mammal with one or two humps, native to deserts of Asia and Africa. | The caravan of camels slowly made its way across the scorching desert. |
camera | A device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals. | He used his new camera to capture stunning landscape photos. |
camouflage | The disguising of military personnel, equipment, and installations by painting or covering them to make them blend in with their surroundings. | The soldiers wore camouflage uniforms to blend into the jungle. |
camp | A place where people stay for a short time in tents or other temporary shelters. | The children enjoyed telling ghost stories around the campfire at summer camp. |
campaign | A series of military operations intended to achieve a particular objective, or an organized course of action to achieve a goal. | The political campaign focused on economic reform. |
can | A cylindrical metal container. | He opened a can of soda to refresh himself. |
canal | An artificial waterway constructed for navigation, irrigation, or drainage. | The barges traveled slowly along the canal. |
canary | A small, usually yellow bird, often kept as a cage bird and known for its singing. | The canary’s cheerful song filled the room. |
cancer | A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body. | Medical research continues to seek a cure for cancer. |
candidate | A person who applies for a job or is nominated for election. | She is a strong candidate for the CEO position. |
candle | A cylinder or block of wax or tallow with a central wick which is lit to provide light as it burns. | The power went out, so they lit a candle for light. |
candy | Sweet foods, typically made mostly of sugar. | Children often look forward to receiving candy on Halloween. |
cane | A stick used as an aid in walking; or a long, hollow, jointed stem of certain plants like bamboo. | The elderly man walked with the aid of a cane. |
canteen | A small water bottle, used by soldiers or campers; or a place in a factory, college, etc., where meals are served. | The hiker refilled his canteen at the mountain spring. |
cap | A head covering, usually soft and close-fitting and having a visor; also, a lid or cover for an object. | He wore a baseball cap to shield his eyes from the sun. |
capability | The power or ability to do something. | The company demonstrated its capability to produce high-quality software. |
capacity | The maximum amount that something can contain or produce. | The theater has a seating capacity of 500 people. |
cape | A sleeveless cloak, typically a short one; also, a piece of land projecting into the sea or a lake. | The superhero’s cape billowed dramatically in the wind. |
capital | The most important city or town of a country or region, usually its seat of government and administrative center; or wealth in the form of money or other assets. | Paris is the capital of France. |
captain | The person in command of a ship or an aircraft; a leader of a team or group. | The captain guided the ship safely through the storm. |
caption | A title or brief explanation appended to an article, illustration, cartoon, or poster. | She added a witty caption to her Instagram photo. |
car | 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 drove his new car to work every day. |
caramel | A firm, chewy, amber-colored confectionery made by heating sugar until it liquefies and becomes a syrup. | She loved the rich, sweet taste of caramel sauce on her ice cream. |
carbon | A non-metallic element existing in various forms, including diamond and graphite, and as charcoal. | Carbon is a fundamental element of all known life on Earth. |
card | A piece of thick, stiff paper or plastic, used for writing, printing, or identification. | He sent a birthday card to his grandmother. |
cardboard | Stiff material made from paper pulp, typically used for making boxes. | The moving company used sturdy cardboard boxes to pack their belongings. |
career | An occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress. | She pursued a career in medicine, becoming a respected surgeon. |
carefulness | The quality of being careful or meticulous. | Her carefulness in handling delicate instruments prevented any damage. |
cargo | Goods carried on a ship, aircraft, or vehicle. | The ship was laden with a large cargo of grain. |
carpenter | A person who makes or repairs wooden objects and structures. | The carpenter skillfully built a new set of shelves for the kitchen. |
carpet | A floor covering made from thick woven fabric. | The new carpet made the living room feel much warmer and cozier. |
carriage | A wheeled vehicle, especially one drawn by horses and used for carrying people. | The royal family rode in a grand horse-drawn carriage. |
carrier | A person or thing that carries something; a company that transports goods or people. | The airline is a major international carrier. |
carrot | A tapering orange-colored root eaten as a vegetable. | Rabbits are known for loving carrots. |
cart | A strong open vehicle with two or four wheels, typically used for transporting goods or materials. | He pushed the shopping cart through the crowded supermarket. |
carton | A cardboard box or container, typically one of a standard size. | She bought a carton of milk from the grocery store. |
cartoon | A humorous drawing appearing in a newspaper or magazine; or a motion picture using animation techniques. | The children laughed at the funny cartoon on television. |
carving | The action of cutting or shaping a material to form a design or figure; a carved object or design. | The intricate wood carving adorned the ancient chest. |
case | An instance of a particular situation; an argument, or a container or box. | The detective took on a new case. |
cash | Money in coins or notes, as distinct from checks, money orders, or credit. | He paid for his groceries with cash. |
cashier | A person handling payments and receipts in a shop, bank, or other business. | The cashier scanned the items and totaled the bill. |
casino | A public building or room for gambling and other entertainment. | They spent an evening trying their luck at the casino. |
cast | The set of actors in a play or film; or a rigid dressing for immobilizing a broken bone. | The entire cast received a standing ovation after the performance. |
castle | A large fortified building or set of buildings typically of the Middle Ages, often with towers and battlements. | The ancient castle stood majestically on the hill, overlooking the town. |
cat | A small domesticated carnivorous mammal with soft fur, a short snout, and retractile claws. | Her fluffy cat loves to nap in sunbeams. |
catastrophe | An event causing great and often sudden damage or suffering; a disaster. | The earthquake was a terrible catastrophe for the region. |
catch | The act of catching; a concealed difficulty or disadvantage. | He made a spectacular catch in the outfield during the baseball game. |
catcher | A person or thing that catches, especially in baseball. | The baseball catcher signaled for a fastball. |
category | A class or division of people or things regarded as having particular shared characteristics. | The books were sorted into different categories, such as fiction and non-fiction. |
caterpillar | The larva of a butterfly or moth, having a segmented wormlike body with six true legs and several pairs of prolegs. | The caterpillar slowly munched on a leaf, preparing for its metamorphosis. |
cathedral | The principal church of a diocese, with which the bishop is officially associated. | The grand cathedral stood proudly in the city center for centuries. |
cattle | Large ruminant animals with horns and cloven hooves, bred for milk or meat; cows and oxen. | The farmer herded his cattle across the pasture. |
cause | A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition; a reason. | The detective investigated the cause of the fire. |
caution | Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes; prudence. | Drivers should always exercise caution on icy roads. |
cave | A large natural underground chamber in a hillside or cliff. | The explorers ventured deep into the dark cave. |
cavern | A large cave or a chamber in a cave. | The explorers discovered a vast cavern filled with stalagmites and stalactites. |
caviar | The processed salted roe of certain fish, especially sturgeon, eaten as a delicacy. | The restaurant served caviar as an expensive appetizer. |
cavity | A hollow space within a solid object or body. | The dentist found a small cavity in her tooth. |
chain | A series of connected metal links or rings, used for fastening or securing; or a sequence of related events or organizations. | The cyclist locked his bike with a heavy chain. |
chair | A separate seat for one person, typically with a back and four legs. | She sat comfortably in the armchair by the fireplace. |
challenge | A call or summons to engage in a contest, fight, or competition; a demanding task or situation. | Climbing Mount Everest was the ultimate challenge for the mountaineer. |
chamber | A large room, especially one that is formal or official; an enclosed space or cavity. | The king held court in the grand chamber of the castle. |
champagne | A sparkling white wine made in Champagne, France, or a similar wine made elsewhere. | They toasted their success with a bottle of champagne. |
champion | A person who has defeated all rivals in a competition or game, particularly in sports; a person who actively supports a cause. | He became the world champion in boxing. |
championship | A contest for the position of champion in a sport or game. | The team worked hard to win the national championship. |
chance | A possibility of something happening; an opportunity. | She got a second chance to prove herself. |
chancellor | A senior state or legal official. | The chancellor delivered an important speech to the parliament. |
chandelier | A large, decorative hanging light with branches for several bulbs or candles. | A crystal chandelier glittered majestically in the ballroom. |
change | The act or process of making something different; money returned when a payment is more than the amount due. | He noticed a positive change in her attitude. |
channel | A band of frequencies used in radio and television transmission; a passage for water or ships. | She switched the TV channel to watch the news. |
chant | A repeated rhythmic phrase, typically shouted or sung by a crowd; a song or melody. | The protesters began a rhythmic chant. |
chaos | Complete disorder and confusion. | The sudden announcement plunged the meeting into chaos. |
chapter | A main division of a book; a local branch of a club or society. | She finished reading the first chapter of the novel. |
character | The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual; a person in a novel, play, or film. | His strong character helped him overcome adversity. |
charcoal | A porous black brittle form of carbon, made by burning wood or other organic matter in an absence of air. | The artist used charcoal to sketch the portrait. |
charge | A price asked for goods or services; an accusation; responsibility for someone or something. | There was an extra charge for delivery. |
charger | A device for charging a battery; a person or animal that makes a charge. | He forgot his phone charger at home. |
chariot | A two-wheeled vehicle drawn by horses, used in ancient warfare and racing. | The ancient Roman general rode into battle in his chariot. |
charisma | Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others. | The politician’s charisma captivated the audience. |
charity | An organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need; the giving of aid to the poor and needy. | She donated to a charity that supports homeless children. |
charm | The power or quality of delighting, attracting, or fascinating others; a small ornament worn on a necklace or bracelet. | Her infectious charm made everyone feel welcome. |
chart | A sheet of information in the form of a table, graph, or diagram. | The sales manager presented a chart showing quarterly profits. |
charter | A written grant by the sovereign or legislative power, by which a body such as a borough, company, or university is created or its rights and privileges defined; a document defining the fundamental principles of a corporate body. | The club adopted a new charter outlining its mission and rules. |
chase | The pursuit of someone or something. | The police were involved in a high-speed chase. |
chasm | A deep fissure in the earth, rock, or another surface; a profound difference between people, viewpoints, or feelings. | A deep chasm separated the two cliffs. |
chat | An informal conversation. | They had a long chat over coffee. |
chatter | Rapid, continuous, and often idle talk. | The chatter of the children filled the playground. |
chauffeur | A person employed to drive a private or hired car. | The wealthy businessman hired a chauffeur to drive him to meetings. |
cheat | A person who behaves dishonestly in order to gain an advantage. | The student was caught as a cheat during the exam. |
cheater | A person who cheats, especially at a game or on a test. | The card game was ruined by a known cheater. |
cheddar | A firm, cows’-milk cheese, typically pale yellow, made originally in Cheddar, Somerset, England. | She sliced a block of sharp cheddar for the sandwiches. |
cheek | The side of the face below the eye and between the nose and ear. | He kissed his daughter on the cheek. |
cheer | A shout of joy or encouragement. | The crowd erupted in a loud cheer when their team scored. |
cheese | A food made from the pressed curds of milk. | She enjoys a variety of cheeses with crackers and wine. |
chef | A professional cook, typically in a restaurant or hotel. | The renowned chef prepared a gourmet meal. |
chemical | A distinct compound or substance, especially one which has been artificially prepared or purified. | The experiment required a precise mixture of various chemicals. |
chemist | A person who is an expert in chemistry; a person who prepares and sells medicines. | The research chemist developed a new pharmaceutical compound. |
chemistry | The branch of science concerned with the substances of which matter is composed, the investigation of their properties and reactions, and the use of such reactions to form new substances. | He studied chemistry in college, focusing on organic compounds. |
cheque | A printed form on which a person writes an amount of money and to whom it is to be paid. | She wrote a cheque to pay her electricity bill. |
cherry | A small, soft, round stone fruit that is typically bright red when ripe. | She picked a basket of sweet red cherries from the tree. |
chess | A strategy board game for two players, played on a checkered board with 64 squares. | He enjoys playing a challenging game of chess every evening. |
chest | The front surface of a person’s or animal’s body between the neck and the stomach; a large strong box, typically made of wood, used for storage. | He felt a tightness in his chest. |
chestnut | A glossy brown nut that is edible after cooking, growing in a spiny case; the tree producing these nuts. | They roasted chestnuts over an open fire during the holidays. |
chew | An act of chewing something. | She gave her dog a chew toy. |
chick | A young bird, especially one newly hatched. | The mother hen carefully protected her chicks. |
chicken | A domesticated fowl kept for its eggs or meat; the meat of this bird eaten as food. | They had roasted chicken for dinner. |
chief | A leader or ruler of a people or clan; the head of an organization. | The chief of the tribe made an important decision. |
child | A young human being below the age of puberty or below the legal age of majority. | The child happily played in the park. |
childhood | The state or period of being a child. | She had a happy childhood filled with adventures. |
chili | A small hot-tasting pod of a variety of capsicum, used in cooking. | She added a chopped chili to the curry for extra spice. |
chill | An unpleasant feeling of coldness; a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety. | A sudden chill went through the air as the sun set. |
chime | A melodic ringing sound, typically produced by bells. | The gentle chime of the grandfather clock marked the hour. |
chimney | A vertical pipe or structure through which smoke and gases are carried up from a fire and released into the atmosphere. | Smoke curled lazily from the chimney of the cozy cabin. |
chimpanzee | A great ape with large ears, a black face, and dark hair, native to the forests of west and central Africa. | The chimpanzee used a stick as a tool to get the fruit. |
chin | The prominent part of the face below the mouth. | He rested his chin on his hand as he thought deeply. |
china | Fine porcelain, originally from China, used for tableware. | She displayed her delicate china tea set in the cabinet. |
chip | A small, thin piece of something, typically wood or stone, removed in the course of chopping, cutting, or breaking something; a small, thin, crisp slice of potato, usually fried. | He found a chip in the ceramic mug. |
chocolate | A food made from roasted and ground cacao seeds, usually sweetened and flavored. | She loves to eat a bar of dark chocolate after dinner. |
choice | An act of choosing between two or more possibilities. | She had a difficult choice to make between the two job offers. |
choir | An organized group of singers, typically one that takes part in church services or performs in public concerts. | The church choir sang beautifully during the Sunday service. |
choke | An act or instance of choking. | He had a choke of emotion in his throat. |
chopper | A helicopter; a type of large, powerful motorcycle; an axe or cleaver. | The news reporter arrived in a police chopper. |
chord | A group of (typically three or more) notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony. | The pianist played a beautiful chord on the piano. |
chore | A routine task, especially a household one. | Doing the dishes is my least favorite chore. |
chronicle | A factual written account of important or historical events in the order of their occurrence. | The book was a chronicle of the events leading up to the war. |
church | A building used for public Christian worship. | They attended church every Sunday morning. |
cider | An alcoholic drink made from fermented apple juice; or an unfermented apple juice used as a beverage. | She enjoyed a glass of crisp apple cider in the autumn. |
cigar | A cylinder of tobacco rolled for smoking. | He lit a celebratory cigar after closing the deal. |
cigarette | A small cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking. | She quickly put out her cigarette before entering the building. |
cinema | A movie theater; the art or industry of making films. | They decided to go to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster. |
cinnamon | An aromatic spice made from the bark of certain trees and used in cooking. | The apple pie was spiced with plenty of cinnamon. |
circle | A round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed central point. | She drew a perfect circle on the whiteboard. |
circuit | A roughly circular line, route, or movement that starts and finishes at the same place; a closed path through which electric current flows. | The race car completed another circuit of the track. |
circular | A letter or advertisement that is distributed to a large number of people. | The company sent out a circular announcing its new product. |
circulation | The continuous movement of blood through the body; the distribution of something, such as money, news, or water. | Regular exercise improves blood circulation. |
circumstance | A fact or condition connected with or relevant to an event or action. | He acted quickly due to the unusual circumstances. |
circus | A traveling company of acrobats, clowns, and other entertainers, typically performing in a large tent. | The children were thrilled to see the clowns at the circus. |
citation | A quotation from or reference to a book, paper, or author, especially in a scholarly work; an official summons or commendation. | The research paper included several citations to support its claims. |
citizen | A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized. | Every citizen has the right to vote. |
citizenship | The position or status of being a citizen of a particular country. | She applied for citizenship after living abroad for many years. |
citrus | A fruit of the family including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. | She enjoyed a glass of fresh citrus juice. |
city | A large town, usually with a dense population and many services. | New York City is known for its iconic skyscrapers. |
civilian | A person not in the armed services or the police force. | The attack resulted in casualties among both soldiers and civilians. |
civilization | The stage of human social and cultural development and organization that is considered most advanced. | Ancient Roman civilization left a lasting legacy on the world. |
clam | A marine bivalve mollusk with a strong, usually rounded shell, living buried in sand or mud. | The children dug for clams on the beach at low tide. |
clamp | A device, typically one having two jaws that can be tightened, used for holding things firmly together. | He used a clamp to hold the two pieces of wood while the glue dried. |
clan | A group of close-knit and interrelated families (especially in Scotland); a family or group with a common ancestor. | The Scottish clan gathered for its annual reunion. |
clap | A sudden loud noise, typically of thunder or something breaking; the sound made by striking one’s hands together. | The audience gave a thunderous clap of applause. |
clarity | The quality of being clear, in particular. | The professor explained the complex topic with great clarity. |
clash | A violent confrontation; a loud, jarring sound. | There was a clash of opinions during the debate. |
clasp | A device with two interlocking parts, used for fastening things together. | She fastened the clasp of her necklace. |
class | A group of students taught together; a set or category of things having some property or attribute in common. | She teaches a fifth-grade class. |
classic | A work of art or literature of recognized and established value. | Pride and Prejudice is considered a literary classic. |
classification | The action or process of classifying something according to shared qualities or characteristics. | The library uses a decimal system for book classification. |
classmate | A fellow student in a class at school or college. | She met her old classmate at the reunion. |
classroom | A room in which a class of students is taught. | The teacher decorated her classroom for the holidays. |
clatter | A continuous rattling sound as of hard objects falling or striking each other. | The clatter of pots and pans came from the kitchen. |
clause | A particular article or paragraph in a legal document or treaty; a group of words containing a subject and predicate. | The contract included a special clause about confidentiality. |
claw | A curved, pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot in birds, mammals, and some reptiles. | The cat extended its claws playfully. |
clay | A stiff, sticky fine-grained earth, typically yellow, red, or bluish-grey in color and often forming an impermeable layer in the soil. | The potter molded the wet clay into a beautiful vase. |
cleaner | A person or thing that cleans. | She hired a professional cleaner to deep clean her house. |
cleaning | The action of making something clean. | She spent the entire morning on deep cleaning. |
cleanness | The state of being clean. | The cleanness of the hotel room was impressive. |
clearance | The action of clearing or being cleared, especially of something unwanted; official authorization for something. | The plane received clearance for takeoff. |
clearness | The quality of being easy to see, hear, or understand. | The clearness of the water allowed them to see the fish. |
cliché | A phrase or opinion that is overused and betrays a lack of original thought. | Think outside the box has become a cliché. |
click | A short, sharp, audible sound. | He heard the click of the door locking. |
client | A person or organization using the services of a lawyer or other professional person or company. | The lawyer met with her new client to discuss the case. |
cliff | A steep rock face, especially at the edge of the sea. | The hikers stood at the edge of the tall cliff, admiring the view. |
climate | The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period. | California is known for its mild climate. |
climax | The most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex. | The climax of the movie was a thrilling car chase scene. |
climb | An ascent, especially of a mountain or other steep incline. | The final climb to the summit was challenging. |
climber | A person who climbs, especially mountains, for sport. | The experienced climber successfully scaled the difficult rock face. |
clinic | An establishment or hospital department where outpatients are given medical treatment or advice. | She visited the clinic for a routine check-up. |
cloak | An outer garment, typically sleeveless, that hangs loosely from the shoulders. | The mysterious figure wore a dark cloak. |
clock | An instrument other than a watch for measuring and indicating time, typically with a moving dial and hands. | The old grandfather clock chimed every hour. |
clockwork | The inner mechanism of a clock or other machine that is operated by weights or springs. | The plan operated with the precision of clockwork. |
closet | A small room or cupboard for storing clothes or other items. | She organized her clothes neatly in the closet. |
closure | The act or process of closing something, especially an institution, thoroughfare, or frontier; a sense of resolution or finality. | The factory announced its permanent closure. |
cloth | Woven or felted fabric made from wool, cotton, or a similar fiber. | She used a clean cloth to wipe the table. |
clothes | Items of wearing apparel. | She bought new clothes for her vacation. |
clothing | Garments in general; clothes. | The store sells men’s and women’s clothing. |
cloud | A visible mass of condensed watery vapor floating in the atmosphere, typically high above the general level of the ground. | The sun was hidden behind a dark cloud. |
clown | An entertainer who wears a costume and make-up and performs comical acts, typically in a circus. | The clown made the children laugh with his silly tricks. |
club | An association or organization dedicated to a particular interest or activity; a heavy stick, typically with a thick end, used as a weapon or for sport. | She joined a book club to meet new people. |
clump | A small group of things, especially plants or trees, growing closely together; a compacted mass. | A small clump of trees grew at the edge of the field. |
clutter | A collection of things lying about untidily; untidiness. | The room was filled with clutter, making it hard to walk through. |
coach | A person who trains an athlete or a team; a long, closed horse-drawn vehicle, typically with four wheels. | The football coach motivated his team to victory. |
coal | A combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed from dead plant matter. | The steam train was powered by burning coal. |
coalition | An alliance for combined action, especially a temporary alliance of political parties forming a government or of states. | The two political parties formed a coalition government. |
coast | The part of the land adjoining or near the sea. | They enjoyed a walk along the sandy coast. |
coaster | A small mat or disk placed under a drinking glass to protect the surface underneath; a small hill for a ride at an amusement park. | Please use a coaster to protect the wooden table. |
coat | An outer garment that is worn on the upper part of the body and extends to the hips or knees. | She put on her warm winter coat before going outside. |
cob | A small, round, or roughly conical mass; the central woody part of an ear of corn. | The artist used a piece of charcoal from a burnt cob. |
cobra | A highly venomous snake native to Africa and Asia, with an unmistakable hood. | The snake charmer played his flute for the cobra. |
cobweb | A spider’s web, especially one that is old and dusty. | The abandoned house was full of cobwebs. |
coca | A South American shrub whose leaves are chewed or used to make cocaine. | The indigenous people chewed coca leaves for energy. |
cocaine | An addictive drug derived from coca, used illegally as a stimulant and sometimes medicinally as a local anesthetic. | The police seized a large quantity of cocaine. |
cockpit | The compartment for the pilot and sometimes also the crew in an aircraft or spacecraft. | The pilot checked all the instruments in the cockpit before takeoff. |
cockroach | A nocturnal insect of a family that includes several pests, noted for their speed and resilience. | She screamed when she saw a cockroach scurry across the kitchen floor. |
coconut | The large, oval, brown seed of a tropical palm, consisting of a hard shell lined with edible white flesh and containing a clear liquid. | He drank refreshing coconut water directly from the fruit. |
cocoon | A silky case spun by the larvae of many insects, especially moths, for protection as pupae. | The caterpillar spun a cocoon around itself before transforming into a butterfly. |
code | A system of words, letters, figures, or symbols used to represent others, especially for the purposes of secrecy; a set of rules or principles. | The secret agent deciphered the enemy’s code. |
coffee | A drink made from the roasted and ground beanlike seeds of a tropical shrub, served hot or cold. | She always starts her day with a cup of strong coffee. |
cog | A wheel or bar with a series of projections around its edge, which transfers motion by engaging with projections on another wheel or bar. | He examined the intricate cogs of the old clock. |
cognac | A high-quality brandy, properly that distilled in Cognac, France. | He sipped a glass of fine cognac after dinner. |
coherence | The quality of forming a united, consistent, and logical whole. | The essay lacked coherence, jumping between unrelated ideas. |
coil | A length of something wound into a spiral or series of rings. | He kept a neat coil of rope in his backpack. |
coin | A flat, typically round piece of metal with an official stamp, used as money. | He flipped a coin to decide who would go first. |
coincidence | A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection. | It was a pure coincidence that they both wore the same outfit. |
coke | A solid fuel made by heating coal in the absence of air. | The steel industry uses large amounts of coke in its blast furnaces. |
cold | The presence of a low temperature, especially in the atmosphere; an infection of the nose and throat causing sneezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat. | She shivered in the intense cold. |
coldness | The quality or state of being cold. | The coldness of the winter air was refreshing. |
collaboration | The action of working with someone to produce or create something. | The project was a successful collaboration between the two departments. |
collage | A form of art in which various materials or images are arranged and glued to a surface. | She created a beautiful collage using old photographs and magazine clippings. |
collapse | A sudden failure or breakdown; the act of falling down or in. | The sudden collapse of the building shocked everyone. |
collar | The part of a shirt, coat, or dress that goes around the neck. | He adjusted the collar of his shirt. |
colleague | A person with whom one works in a profession or business. | She often collaborates with her colleagues on complex projects. |
collection | The action or process of collecting someone or something; a group of accumulated items. | He has an impressive collection of vintage stamps. |
collector | A person who collects things of a specified type. | He is an avid collector of antique coins. |
college | An educational institution or establishment, in particular one providing higher education. | She applied to several colleges after graduating high school. |
collision | An instance of one moving object or person striking violently against another. | The two cars were involved in a head-on collision. |
colony | A country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country; a group of animals or plants of the same type living together. | Australia was once a British colony. |
color | The property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way it reflects or emits light. | Her favorite color is blue. |
colt | A young male horse, typically one under the age of four. | The colt galloped playfully in the pasture. |
column | A vertical line of entries in a table; a vertical architectural support. | The ancient temple was supported by massive stone columns. |
coma | A state of deep unconsciousness that lasts for a prolonged period, caused by severe injury or illness. | After the accident, the patient was in a coma for several days. |
comb | A strip of plastic, metal, or wood with a row of narrow teeth, used for arranging hair. | She ran a comb through her tangled hair. |
combat | Fighting between armed forces; a fight, especially during war. | The soldiers were trained for close combat. |
combination | A joining or merging of different things or qualities. | The dish was a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. |
comfort | A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint; the easing of a person’s feelings of grief or distress. | She found great comfort in her warm blanket on a cold night. |
comforter | A thick bedcover; a person or thing that provides comfort. | She snuggled under a soft comforter on a chilly evening. |
comic | A periodical containing comic strips or stories; a comedian. | He spent hours reading his favorite comic books. |
coming | The process of arriving or approaching. | The coming of spring brought warmer weather. |
comma | A punctuation mark (,) indicating a pause between parts of a sentence or separating items in a list. | Remember to use a comma after each item in a series. |
command | An authoritative order; control over something. | The captain gave a command to abandon ship. |
commander | A person in command of something, especially an officer in the armed forces or police. | The commander led the troops into battle. |
commentary | An expression of opinions or an explanation about an event or situation; a series of explanatory notes. | The sports announcer provided live commentary during the game. |
commerce | The activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale. | Global commerce drives economic growth and cultural exchange. |
commercial | An advertisement on television or radio. | The Super Bowl is known for its expensive commercials. |
commission | An instruction, command, or duty given to a person or group of people; a sum, typically a percentage of sales, paid to an agent in a commercial transaction. | She received a commission to paint a portrait. |
commitment | The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.; an engagement or obligation. | Her commitment to her studies was evident in her excellent grades. |
committee | A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. | The committee met to discuss the new policy. |
community | A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. | The local community rallied to support the new park project. |
commute | A regular journey of some distance to and from one’s place of work or study. | His daily commute takes over an hour each way. |
commuter | A person who travels some distance to work on a regular basis. | The train was packed with commuters during rush hour. |
compact | A small case containing face powder, a mirror, and a puff; a formal agreement or treaty. | She pulled out her compact to check her makeup. |
companion | A person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels. | Her dog has been her faithful companion for ten years. |
companionship | The company or society of others; fellowship. | She valued the companionship of her close friends. |
company | A commercial business; a number of people assembled together. | She started her own software company. |
comparison | A consideration or estimate of the similarities or dissimilarities between two or more things or people. | She made a comparison between the two proposals. |
compass | An instrument for determining directions, typically with a magnetized needle swinging to north; a device for drawing circles. | He used a compass to navigate through the dense forest. |
compassion | Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. | She showed great compassion for the victims of the disaster. |
compatibility | A state in which two things are able to exist or occur together without problems or conflict. | The new software had excellent compatibility with the existing system. |
competition | The activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others. | The two companies are in fierce competition for market share. |
competitor | A person who takes part in a sporting contest or who tries to win a prize or achieve a goal. | The athlete trained hard to beat his competitors. |
compilation | The action or process of compiling something; a collection of items, especially literary or musical ones, assembled from various sources. | She released a compilation album of her greatest hits. |
complaint | A statement that a situation is unsatisfactory or unacceptable. | She filed a formal complaint about the poor service. |
complement | A thing that completes or brings to perfection; a numerical quantity required to make a number whole. | The wine was a perfect complement to the meal. |
completeness | The state of being whole and not lacking any part. | The researcher emphasized the completeness of his data. |
completion | The action or process of finishing something. | The team celebrated the successful completion of the project. |
complex | A group of similar buildings or facilities on a single site; a group of unconscious ideas and feelings that affect a person’s behavior. | The apartment complex had a swimming pool and a gym. |
complexion | The natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face. | She had a healthy, glowing complexion. |
complexity | The state or quality of being intricate or complicated. | The complexity of the problem required careful analysis. |
compliance | The action or fact of complying with a wish or command. | The company ensured its full compliance with environmental regulations. |
compliment | A polite expression of praise or admiration. | She received a compliment on her new haircut. |
component | A part or element of a larger whole. | The engine’s main component was the crankshaft. |
composer | A person who writes music, especially classical music. | Ludwig van Beethoven was a famous German composer. |
composite | A thing made up of several parts or elements. | The modern material was a composite of carbon fibers and resin. |
composition | The nature of something’s ingredients or constituents; the way in which a whole or mixture is made up; a piece of writing or art. | The painting’s composition was perfectly balanced. |
compost | Decayed organic material used as a fertilizer. | She added the vegetable scraps to the compost bin. |
composure | The state or feeling of being calm and in control of oneself. | Despite the pressure, she maintained her composure during the presentation. |
comprehension | The ability to understand something; the action or capability of understanding something. | Reading comprehension is essential for academic success. |
compress | A pad of absorbent material pressed on part of the body to relieve inflammation or stop bleeding. | The nurse applied a cold compress to the injured area. |
computation | The action of calculating or reckoning; the use of computers. | The engineer performed a complex computation to determine the stress on the bridge. |
computer | An electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program. | She uses her computer for work and entertainment. |
comrade | A companion who shares one’s activities or is a fellow member of an organization. | He fought alongside his comrades in the war. |
conceit | Excessive pride in oneself; an ingenious or fanciful notion or expression. | His conceit made him difficult to work with. |
conception | The action or process of conceiving or being conceived; the formation or development of an idea or plan in the mind. | The artist’s conception of the new building was revolutionary. |
concept | An abstract idea; a general notion. | The students struggled with the abstract concept of infinity. |
concern | Anxiety; worry; a matter of interest or importance to someone. | Environmental issues are a growing concern for many people. |
concert | A musical performance given in public, typically by several musicians or singers. | They went to a rock concert last night. |
concession | A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a reduction in price for certain groups. | The company made a concession in negotiations. |
conch | A tropical marine mollusk with a large spiral shell, which may be brightly colored and is sometimes used as a trumpet. | He found a beautiful conch shell on the beach. |
conclusion | The end or finish of an event or process; a judgment or decision reached by reasoning. | The conclusion of the novel left readers satisfied. |
concrete | A heavy, rough building material made from a mixture of broken stone or gravel, sand, cement, and water. | The new bridge was built with reinforced concrete. |
condition | The state of something with regard to its appearance, quality, or working order; a restrictive requirement. | The car was in excellent condition. |
conduct | The manner in which a person behaves, especially on a particular occasion or in a particular context; the action or manner of managing an activity or organization. | Her professional conduct impressed her colleagues. |
conductor | A person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir; a material or object that allows electricity or heat to pass through it. | The famous conductor led the orchestra with passion. |
cone | A solid or hollow object which tapers from a circular base to a point. | The ice cream cone melted quickly in the summer heat. |
conference | A formal meeting for discussion. | The annual medical conference attracted thousands of professionals. |
confidence | The feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. | She spoke with great confidence during her presentation. |
confinement | The state of being restricted in space or activity; imprisonment. | She was placed in confinement after violating the rules. |
conflict | A serious disagreement or argument; a prolonged armed struggle. | There was a conflict of interest among the committee members. |
confusion | A state of being bewildered or unclear in one’s mind about something. | The instructions caused a lot of confusion among the students. |
conga | A Latin American dance of African origin, in which dancers form a long line. | They joined the conga line at the party. |
congestion | The state of being clogged or overcrowded. | The city suffers from severe traffic congestion during rush hour. |
congratulation | An expression of praise for an achievement or good wishes on a happy occasion. | She offered her sincere congratulations to the newly married couple. |
congregation | A gathering or collection of people, animals, or things; a body of people assembled for religious worship. | The pastor addressed his congregation during the service. |
congress | A formal meeting or series of meetings for discussion between delegates, especially those from a political party or trade union or from a group of countries. | The international congress on climate change lasted for a week. |
conjecture | An opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information. | His theory was based on pure conjecture, not facts. |
conjunction | The action or an instance of two or more events or things occurring at the same point in time or space; a word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words in the same clause. | The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is a rare astronomical event. |
connection | A relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else; a link or tie. | She felt a strong connection to her grandmother. |
conqueror | A person who conquers a place or people in battle. | William the Conqueror led the Norman invasion of England. |
conquest | The subjugation and assumption of control of a place or people by use of military force. | The Norman Conquest dramatically changed England. |
conscience | An inner feeling or voice viewed as acting as a guide to the rightness or wrongness of one’s behavior. | His conscience bothered him after he lied. |
consequence | A result or effect of an action or condition. | The unexpected consequence of his decision was a major success. |
consideration | Careful thought, typically over a period of time; a factor to be taken into account when making a decision. | After careful consideration, she accepted the job offer. |
console | A flat surface or panel containing controls and displays for a piece of equipment; a cabinet for a television or stereo. | The video game console was connected to the TV. |
conspiracy | A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. | The police uncovered a conspiracy to overthrow the government. |
constant | A situation or state of affairs that does not change. | The speed of light is a physical constant. |
constellation | A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure. | Orion is a well-known constellation visible in the winter sky. |
constitution | A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. | The country adopted a new constitution after the revolution. |
constraint | A limitation or restriction. | Budget constraints forced them to scale back the project. |
construction | The action of building something, typically a large structure. | The construction of the new skyscraper took several years. |
consumer | A person who purchases goods and services for personal use. | The new product was designed with the needs of the consumer in mind. |
consumption | The action of using up a resource; the eating, drinking, or ingesting of something. | Water consumption increases during hot summer months. |
contact | The state or condition of physical touching; communication or interaction. | She lost contact with her old friends after moving away. |
container | An object for holding something. | She packed her lunch in a plastic container. |
contamination | The action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning. | The factory caused severe contamination of the local river. |
contempt | The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn. | He showed open contempt for his opponent’s arguments. |
contentment | A state of happiness and satisfaction. | He found deep contentment in his simple life. |
contest | An event in which people compete for supremacy in a sport, game, or other activity. | She won the singing contest. |
contestant | A person who takes part in a contest or competition. | Each contestant was given five minutes to present their idea. |
context | The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood and assessed. | It’s important to understand the historical context of the decision. |
continent | Any of the world’s main continuous expanses of land (Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America). | Asia is the largest continent in the world. |
continuation | The action of carrying something on over a period of time or further in space. | The story is a continuation of the previous novel. |
continuity | The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time. | The company prioritized business continuity during the crisis. |
contour | An outline, especially one representing or bounding the shape or form of something. | The artist sketched the contour of the human body. |
contract | A written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law. | She signed a new employment contract. |
contractor | A person or company that undertakes a contract to provide materials or labor to perform a service or do a job. | The homeowner hired a contractor to renovate the kitchen. |
contradiction | A combination of statements, ideas, or features of a situation that are opposed to one another; a statement or proposition that denies or is contrary to another or to a generally accepted truth. | His statement was a direct contradiction of what he said earlier. |
contrast | The state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association. | The contrast between light and shadow in the painting was striking. |
contribution | The part played by a person or thing in bringing about a result or helping something to advance; a gift or payment to a common fund or collection. | Her contribution to the research project was invaluable. |
contributor | A person who contributes something, especially money to a charity or articles to a newspaper or magazine. | She is a regular contributor to the local newspaper. |
control | The power to influence or direct people’s behavior or the course of events. | He lost control of the car on the icy road. |
controller | A person who directs or regulates something, especially a person in charge of a budget or a device that regulates a machine. | The air traffic controller guided the planes safely. |
conviction | A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, made by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge in a court of law; a firm or fixed belief or opinion. | He appealed his conviction. |
cook | A person who prepares food for eating. | The restaurant hired a new head cook. |
cookbook | A book containing recipes and instructions for cooking. | She found a delicious recipe in her grandmother’s old cookbook. |
cookie | A small sweet cake, typically round and flat. | She baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies. |
cooking | The practice or skill of preparing food by combining, heating, or mixing ingredients. | He enjoys cooking new recipes in his spare time. |
coolant | A fluid that is used to cool an engine or other piece of equipment. | The car’s engine overheated because of a lack of coolant. |
cooler | A container or appliance for keeping things cool. | They brought a cooler full of drinks to the picnic. |
coolness | The quality or state of being cool. | The coolness of the evening air was a relief after the hot day. |
copper | A red-brown metallic element, a chemical element with the symbol Cu. | The old penny was made of copper. |
copy | A thing made to be similar or identical to another. | He made a copy of the important document. |
copycat | A person who imitates or copies another’s behavior, dress, or ideas. | The artist accused his rival of being a copycat. |
copyright | The exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same. | He protected his new song with a copyright. |
copywriter | A person who writes the text of advertisements or publicity material. | The advertising agency hired a new copywriter. |
coral | A hard, stony substance, typically pink or red, formed by the skeletons of small marine polyps and forming reefs in warm seas. | The divers admired the colorful coral reef. |
cord | String or thin rope made of several strands twisted together. | She tied the package with a piece of cord. |
core | The tough central part of various fruits, containing the seeds; the central or most important part of something. | She ate the apple, leaving only the core. |
cork | A light, impervious outer bark of the cork oak, used for stoppers and insulation. | He pulled the cork from the wine bottle. |
corkscrew | A device for pulling corks from bottles, consisting of a spiral metal rod that is inserted into the cork and a handle that is used to extract it. | He struggled to open the wine bottle without a corkscrew. |
corn | A North American cereal plant that yields large kernels on cobs; maize. | The farmer grew rows of sweet corn in his field. |
cornerstone | An essential, indispensable, or fundamental part or aspect. | Trust is the cornerstone of any strong relationship. |
corporation | A company or group of people authorized to act as a single entity (legally a person) and recognized as such in law. | She works for a large multinational corporation. |
corps | A body of people associated together; a military unit. | The Marine Corps is a branch of the US Armed Forces. |
corpse | A dead body, especially of a human being rather than an animal. | The detective examined the corpse at the crime scene. |
correction | The action or process of correcting something. | The teacher made several corrections on the student’s essay. |
correlation | A mutual relationship or connection between two or more things. | There is a strong correlation between exercise and good health. |
correspondence | Communication by exchange of letters or emails; a close similarity, connection, or equivalence. | She had a long correspondence with her pen pal. |
correspondent | A person who writes letters to a newspaper, or a journalist who reports on a particular subject or sends reports from a foreign country. | The war correspondent bravely reported from the front lines. |
corridor | A long passage in a building from which doors lead into rooms. | He walked down the long corridor to his office. |
corruption | Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery. | The politician was accused of widespread corruption. |
cost | An amount that has to be paid or spent to get or obtain something. | The cost of living has increased significantly. |
costume | A set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period, or worn in a play or at a fancy dress ball. | She wore a witch costume for Halloween. |
cot | A narrow bed, typically one that folds up for storage or transport; a small, usually enclosed bed for a baby or young child. | The soldier slept on a cot in the tent. |
cotton | A soft white fibrous substance that surrounds the seeds of a tropical and subtropical plant and is used as textile fiber and for surgical dressings. | Her shirt was made of pure cotton. |
couch | A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people. | They relaxed on the couch and watched a movie. |
cough | A sudden, noisy expulsion of air from the lungs that can be caused by irritation in the throat or bronchial tubes. | She had a persistent cough that kept her awake at night. |
council | An advisory, deliberative, or administrative body of people formally constituted and meeting regularly. | The city council approved the new zoning laws. |
councilor | A member of a council. | She was elected as a councilor for the local district. |
counsel | Advice, especially that given formally; the lawyer or lawyers conducting a case. | He sought counsel from an experienced attorney. |
counselor | A person trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems. | She spoke to a grief counselor after her loss. |
count | The act of counting; a total obtained by counting. | The vote count showed a clear winner. |
counter | A long flat-topped fixture in a store or bank, across which business is conducted; a surface in a kitchen. | She placed her groceries on the checkout counter. |
country | A nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government; a rural area. | Canada is a vast and beautiful country. |
countryside | The land outside of towns and cities, with fields, woods, and farms. | They enjoyed a peaceful walk through the English countryside. |
county | An administrative division within a state or country, often with its own local government. | She lives in a small town in rural Sussex County. |
coup | A sudden, violent, and illegal seizure of power from a government. | The military staged a coup and took control of the country. |
couple | Two people or things of the same kind regarded as a pair; two people who are married or otherwise in a romantic or sexual relationship. | The happy couple walked hand in hand. |
coupling | The action of joining or connecting things together; a device for connecting parts of machinery or vehicles. | The train cars were secured with a strong coupling. |
courage | The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery. | It took great courage to confront his fears. |
courier | A company or employee who transports packages and documents. | She sent the urgent documents via a reliable courier service. |
course | The route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, or river; a plan of action or subject of study. | The ship stayed its course despite the storm. |
court | A body of people presided over by a judge, judges, or magistrate, and acting as a tribunal in civil and criminal cases; an area marked out for playing a game. | The judge presided over the court. |