Explore a comprehensive list of 371 nouns that start with the letter M. This collection covers a wide range of words, from everyday items like “macaroni” to complex concepts such as “mythology.” Many of these nouns reveal interesting origins and patterns, reflecting everything from nature and technology to culture and emotion.
Use the table below to find clear definitions, practical example sentences, and detailed descriptions of each noun to enhance your understanding and vocabulary.
Definition Each noun is followed by a simple and precise explanation of its meaning. This helps you quickly grasp what the word represents.
Example Usage See how each noun is used in a sentence. This shows the word in context, making it easier to understand and remember.
Description Read a brief but informative summary about each noun. This section gives additional background, interesting facts, or explains the word’s importance and common uses.
Nouns that start with M
Nouns | Definition | Example Usage |
---|---|---|
Macaroni | A type of pasta formed into small, hollow shapes, typically elbow-shaped. | She cooked a delicious dish of macaroni and cheese for dinner. |
Machine | An apparatus using mechanical power and having several parts, each with a definite function and acting together to perform a particular task. | The new machine significantly increased the factory’s production efficiency. |
Machinery | Machines or mechanical parts, collectively. | The factory invested heavily in new, state-of-the-art machinery. |
Mackerel | A migratory marine fish of the tuna family, with a streamlined body and a deeply forked tail, important as a food fish. | Grilled mackerel is a popular dish in coastal regions. |
Madman | A man who is insane or behaves in a wild, reckless way. | The villagers feared the wild tales told by the madman. |
Madness | The state of being mentally ill; insanity. | The king’s descent into madness was a tragic affair. |
Maelstrom | A powerful whirlpool in the sea or a situation of confused movement or violent turmoil. | The ship was caught in a terrifying maelstrom off the coast. |
Maestro | A distinguished musician, especially a conductor of classical music. | The maestro raised his baton, and the orchestra began to play. |
Magazine | A periodical publication containing articles and illustrations, often focusing on a specific subject. | She bought a fashion magazine at the newsstand. |
Magic | The power of apparently influencing the course of events by using mysterious or supernatural forces. | The magician’s act was full of illusion and magic. |
Magician | A person who performs magic tricks to entertain an audience. | The magician made a rabbit disappear from his hat. |
Magistrate | A civil officer who administers the law, especially one who conducts a court that deals with minor offenses and holds preliminary hearings for more serious ones. | The magistrate ruled that the defendant was guilty. |
Magnet | A piece of iron or other material that has its component atoms so ordered that the material exhibits properties of magnetism, such as attracting other iron-containing objects or aligning itself in an external magnetic field. | The magnet held the papers firmly to the refrigerator. |
Magnetism | The phenomenon of physical attraction for iron and other ferrous materials. | The magnetism of the earth guides compasses. |
Magnificence | The quality of being magnificent; grandeur. | The magnificence of the ancient cathedral was breathtaking. |
Magnitude | The great size or extent of something. | The magnitude of the earthquake was devastating. |
Magnanimity | The fact or condition of being magnanimous; generosity. | The emperor showed magnanimity by pardoning his enemies. |
Magnate | A wealthy and influential person, especially in business. | He was a powerful oil magnate with vast financial resources. |
Mahogany | An expensive wood, reddish-brown in color, used for making furniture. | The antique desk was made of solid mahogany. |
Maiden | An unmarried girl or young woman. | The story tells of a brave maiden who saved her village. |
Letters and parcels conveyed by the postal system. | The postman delivered a large stack of mail this morning. | |
Mailbox | A public box in which letters are deposited for collection and delivery, or a private box for receiving mail. | He checked his mailbox for any important letters. |
Mainland | A large continuous extent of land that includes the greater part of a country or territory, as opposed to offshore islands or detached territories. | They took a ferry from the island to the mainland. |
Maintenance | The process of preserving a condition or situation or of keeping something in proper working order. | The building required extensive maintenance after years of neglect. |
Majesty | Impressive stately dignity or beauty. | The queen’s majesty commanded respect from her subjects. |
Majority | The greater part of a number or group; the number of votes, etc., by which one party or candidate wins an election; a number greater than half the total. | The majority of students voted for the new school president. |
Makeup | Cosmetics applied to the face, used to enhance or alter the appearance. | She spent an hour applying her makeup before the party. |
Malady | A disease or ailment. | She suffered from a mysterious malady that puzzled doctors. |
Malaise | A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify. | The country was suffering from an economic malaise. |
Malcontent | A person who is dissatisfied and rebellious. | The king faced rebellion from a group of malcontents. |
Malice | The intention or desire to do evil; ill will. | His actions were driven by pure malice. |
Malevolence | The state or condition of being malevolent; ill will; hatred. | The villain’s malevolence was evident in his cruel laughter. |
Malfunction | A failure to function normally or in a predicted manner. | The computer suffered a sudden malfunction. |
Mallet | A hammer with a large, usually wooden head, used for striking chisels or for driving pegs. | He used a rubber mallet to gently tap the pieces into place. |
Malnutrition | Lack of proper nutrition, caused by not having enough to eat, not eating enough of the right things, or being unable to use the food that one does eat. | Children in poverty often suffer from malnutrition. |
Malpractice | Improper, illegal, or negligent professional activity or treatment, especially by a medical practitioner, lawyer, or public official. | The doctor was accused of medical malpractice. |
Mammal | A warm-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that is distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for the nourishment of the young, and (typically) the birth of live young. | Humans, dogs, and whales are all examples of mammals. |
Mammoth | A large extinct elephant of the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs, typically hairy with a sloping back and long curved tusks. | The museum displayed a skeleton of a woolly mammoth. |
Man | An adult male human being. | The man walked his dog in the park. |
Management | The process of dealing with or controlling things or people. | Good management is key to a successful business. |
Manager | A person responsible for controlling or administering all or part of a company or organization. | The manager oversaw the daily operations of the store. |
Mandate | An official order or commission to do something. | The government received a clear mandate from the people in the election. |
Mandarin | A high-ranking official in imperial China; a small, flattened citrus fruit with an easily peeled skin. | The mandarin peel is often used in culinary dishes. |
Maneuver | A movement or series of moves requiring skill and care. | The pilot performed a complex maneuver to avoid the storm. |
Manger | A trough or open box in a stable or barn from which horses or cattle feed. | The baby Jesus was laid in a manger. |
Mania | Mental illness marked by periods of great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity. | He suffered from bouts of depression alternating with mania. |
Maniac | A person exhibiting extreme symptoms of wild behavior, especially when violent and dangerous. | The movie featured a terrifying maniac. |
Manifestation | An event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea. | The protest was a manifestation of public anger. |
Manifesto | A public declaration of policy and aims, especially one issued before an election by a political party or candidate. | The party published its manifesto outlining its vision for the country. |
Mankind | Human beings in general; humanity. | Mankind has always striven for progress and knowledge. |
Mannequin | A dummy used to display clothes in a shop window. | The tailor fitted the dress on the mannequin. |
Manner | A way in which a thing is done or happens. | She spoke in a calm and reassuring manner. |
Mannerism | A habitual gesture or way of speaking or behaving. | He had a peculiar mannerism of clearing his throat before speaking. |
Manor | A large country house with lands; the principal house of a landed estate. | The family lived in a grand old manor. |
Mansion | A large, impressive house. | The celebrity bought a sprawling mansion in the hills. |
Mantle | A loose sleeveless cloak or shawl, worn especially by women. | The queen wore a velvet mantle trimmed with fur. |
Mantra | A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation. | He repeated his mantra to calm his mind. |
Manual | A book of instructions, especially for operating a machine or learning a subject. | She consulted the manual to fix the printer. |
Manufacture | The making of articles on a large scale using machinery. | The manufacture of cars requires complex assembly lines. |
Manufacturer | A person or company that makes goods for sale. | The car manufacturer recalled several faulty models. |
Manuscript | A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed. | The ancient monastery preserved many precious manuscripts. |
Map | A diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc. | She unfolded the map to find their destination. |
Maple | A tree or shrub of temperate regions, with lobed leaves and winged seeds, grown for its timber or ornamental value, or for maple syrup. | The vibrant red and orange leaves of the maple tree signaled autumn. |
Marathon | A long-distance running race, historically 26 miles 385 yards (42.195 km). | She trained for months to complete her first marathon. |
Marauder | A person who marauds; a raider. | The villagers fortified their homes against the marauders. |
Marble | A hard crystalline metamorphic form of limestone, typically white or streaked with colors, which can be polished and is used in sculpture and architecture. | The ancient statue was carved from white marble. |
March | A military parade or procession; a walk, especially a protest walk, by a group of people. | The civil rights march drew thousands of participants. |
Mare | A female horse or donkey. | The mare grazed peacefully in the meadow with her foal. |
Margin | The edge or border of something; the amount by which something is won or lost. | He wrote notes in the margin of his book. |
Marigold | A plant of the daisy family, with yellow, orange, or copper-brown flowers. | The bright marigold flowers added color to the garden. |
Marina | A specially designed harbor with moorings for pleasure boats and yachts. | They docked their sailboat at the new marina. |
Marine | A member of a body of troops trained to serve on land or at sea. | The marine stood guard at the embassy entrance. |
Marionette | A puppet worked from above by strings attached to its limbs. | The puppeteer skillfully controlled the marionette’s movements. |
Mark | A symbol or sign used for identification or indication. | He made a clear mark on the map to show their location. |
Market | A regular gathering of people for the purchase and sale of provisions, livestock, or other commodities. | The farmers’ market sold fresh local produce. |
Marketplace | An open public space where a market is held. | The bustling marketplace was filled with vendors and shoppers. |
Marketing | The action or business of promoting and selling products or services, including market research and advertising. | The company launched a new marketing campaign to attract customers. |
Marksman | A person skillful in shooting, especially with a rifle. | The marksman hit the target with precision. |
Marmalade | A preserve made from citrus fruit, especially Seville oranges, prepared with the peel and traditionally eaten at breakfast. | She spread marmalade on her toast every morning. |
Marriage | The legally or formally recognized union of two people as partners in a personal relationship. | Their marriage lasted for over 50 years. |
Marrow | A soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones, in which blood cells are produced; the essential part of something. | Bone marrow is vital for producing blood cells. |
Marsh | An area of low-lying land that is flooded in wet seasons or at high tide, and typically remains waterlogged at all times. | The birds nested in the vast marsh. |
Marshmallow | A spongy confection, typically made from sugar, gelatin, and egg whites, often flavored with vanilla. | Kids love to roast marshmallows over a campfire. |
Martyr | A person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs. | The saint became a martyr for her faith. |
Martyrdom | The death or suffering of a martyr. | His martyrdom inspired others to join the cause. |
Marvel | A wonderful or astonishing person or thing. | The Grand Canyon is a true marvel of nature. |
Mascara | A cosmetic for darkening, thickening, and curling the eyelashes. | She applied mascara to her lashes for a more dramatic look. |
Mascot | An animal or object adopted by a group as a symbolic figure, especially to bring good luck. | The team’s mascot cheered on the crowd. |
Masculinity | Qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men. | He explored the complexities of modern masculinity in his work. |
Mask | A covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, for protection, or for artistic performance. | She wore a beautiful mask to the masquerade ball. |
Mason | A person skilled in cutting, dressing, and laying stone in buildings and other constructions. | The skilled mason carefully laid each brick. |
Masonry | The parts of a building that are constructed from stone, brick, or concrete. | The old church had impressive stone masonry. |
Masquerade | A party, dance, or other assembly of people wearing masks, and often fantastic costumes. | They attended an elaborate masquerade ball. |
Mass | A coherent, typically large, body of matter with no definite shape. | A large mass of clouds gathered on the horizon. |
Massacre | An indiscriminate and brutal slaughter of many people. | The massacre of innocent civilians shocked the world. |
Massage | The rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands or with an instrument. | She booked a relaxing massage at the spa. |
Master | A person who has complete control of something or someone. | He was the master of his own destiny. |
Masterpiece | A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship. | Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is considered a masterpiece. |
Mastery | Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment. | Her mastery of several languages was impressive. |
Mat | A piece of material placed on a floor or other surface for protection, decoration, or to absorb moisture. | Wipe your feet on the doormat before entering. |
Match | A contest in which people or teams compete against each other. | The soccer match ended in a draw. |
Matchbox | A small box containing matches. | He lit the candle with a match from the matchbox. |
Mate | A companion or friend. | He introduced his new mate to the group. |
Material | The matter from which a thing is or can be made. | She bought fabric material to make a new dress. |
Materialism | A tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than spiritual values. | His materialism led him to prioritize wealth over relationships. |
Maternity | The state of being a mother; motherhood. | The hospital provided excellent maternity care. |
Mathematics | The abstract science of number, quantity, and space. | She excelled in mathematics at school. |
Matriarch | A woman who is the head of a family or tribe. | The matriarch made all the important family decisions. |
Matrimony | The state of being married; marriage. | They entered into holy matrimony at the church. |
Matrix | An environment or context in which something originates, develops, or is contained. | The city was a matrix of ancient streets and modern buildings. |
Matron | A woman in charge of domestic and medical arrangements at a boarding school or other institution. | The school matron tended to the sick children. |
Matter | Physical substance in general, as distinct from mind and spirit; (in physics) that which occupies space and possesses rest mass, especially as distinct from energy. | He discussed the philosophical differences between mind and matter. |
Mattress | A fabric case filled with soft, firm, or springy material, used for sleeping on. | He bought a new mattress for his bed. |
Maturity | The state, fact, or period of being mature. | His maturity showed in his calm response to the crisis. |
Mausoleum | A building housing a tomb or tombs. | The ancient ruler was laid to rest in a grand mausoleum. |
Maverick | An unorthodox or independent-minded person. | He was known as a maverick for his unconventional ideas. |
Maxim | A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. | Look before you leap is a well-known maxim. |
Maximum | The greatest possible amount or degree. | The maximum speed limit on this road is 60 mph. |
Mayor | The elected head of a city, town, or other municipality. | The mayor delivered a speech at the town hall. |
Maze | A network of paths and hedges designed as a puzzle through which one has to find a way. | They got lost in the corn maze. |
Mead | An alcoholic drink of fermented honey and water. | The Vikings were known to drink mead during their feasts. |
Meadow | A piece of grassland, especially one used for hay, or as pasture for grazing animals. | Wildflowers bloomed brightly in the summer meadow. |
Meal | Any of the regular occasions in the day when a reasonably large amount of food is eaten. | Dinner is usually our largest meal of the day. |
Meaning | What is meant by a word, text, concept, or action. | The meaning of life is a profound philosophical question. |
Means | A method, course of action, or instrument by which something can be accomplished. | He used all available means to achieve his goal. |
Meander | A winding curve or bend of a river or road. | The old road followed the gentle meander of the river. |
Measurement | The action of measuring something. | Accurate measurement is crucial in scientific experiments. |
Meat | The flesh of an animal as food. | She preferred lean meat for her diet. |
Mechanic | A skilled worker who repairs and maintains vehicle engines, machines, or other mechanical devices. | The mechanic fixed the car’s engine quickly. |
Mechanism | A system of parts working together in a machine; a natural or established process by which something takes place or is brought about. | The clock’s intricate mechanism was fascinating to observe. |
Medal | A metal disc commemorating an event or awarded for an achievement. | She won a gold medal at the Olympics. |
Media | The main means of mass communication (broadcasting, publishing, and the Internet) regarded collectively. | The news was widely reported by the media. |
Median | The middle value in a distribution. | The median income for the area was surprisingly high. |
Mediation | Intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it; arbitration. | The conflict was resolved through successful mediation. |
Mediator | A person who attempts to make people involved in a conflict come to an agreement; a go-between. | The mediator helped the two sides find common ground. |
Medicine | The science or practice of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease; a compound or preparation used for the treatment or prevention of disease. | She studied medicine at university. |
Mediocrity | The quality or state of being mediocre; moderate ability or value. | She refused to accept a life of mediocrity. |
Meditation | The action or practice of meditating. | She practiced meditation daily to reduce stress. |
Medium | An agency or means of doing something; an intervening substance through which impressions are conveyed to the senses or force acts on objects. | Painting is her favorite artistic medium. |
Medley | A varied mixture of people or things. | The band played a medley of their greatest hits. |
Meeting | An assembly of people for a particular purpose, especially for formal discussion. | The team held a weekly meeting to discuss progress. |
Megalopolis | A very large, heavily populated city or urban complex. | Tokyo is considered a megalopolis. |
Melancholy | A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause. | A wave of melancholy washed over him as he watched the rain. |
Melody | A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying; a tune. | The melody of the song was very catchy. |
Melodrama | A sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions. | The play was a classic melodrama, full of twists and turns. |
Melon | A large round fruit with sweet, juicy flesh and many seeds. | She enjoyed a slice of refreshing watermelon. |
Memento | An object kept as a reminder or souvenir of a person or event. | He kept the seashell as a memento of his beach vacation. |
Memoir | A historical account or biography written from personal knowledge or special sources. | Her memoir detailed her extraordinary life experiences. |
Memorabilia | Objects kept or collected because of their historical interest, especially those associated with famous people or events. | The sports museum displayed rare baseball memorabilia. |
Memorial | Something, especially a structure, established to remind people of a person or event. | The war memorial honored fallen soldiers. |
Memory | The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information; something remembered from the past. | She had a vivid memory of her childhood home. |
Menace | A person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger. | The escaped convict was a menace to society. |
Menagerie | A collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition. | The traveling circus had a small menagerie. |
Mentality | The characteristic attitude of mind or way of thinking of a person or group. | He had a winning mentality that helped him succeed. |
Mention | A reference to something; the act of referring to something. | He made no mention of his past mistakes. |
Mentor | An experienced and trusted adviser. | She found a mentor who guided her career path. |
Menu | A list of dishes available in a restaurant. | She carefully read the menu before ordering her meal. |
Merchandise | Goods to be bought and sold. | The store displayed a wide variety of merchandise. |
Merchant | A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially one dealing with foreign countries or supplying goods to particular trades. | The silk merchant traveled along the ancient trade routes. |
Mercy | Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. | The judge showed mercy and gave the defendant a lighter sentence. |
Merger | A combination of two things, especially companies, into one. | The two companies announced a merger to form a larger entity. |
Meridian | A circle of constant longitude passing through a given place on the earth’s surface and the terrestrial poles. | Greenwich is on the Prime Meridian. |
Merit | The quality of being particularly good or worthy, especially so as to deserve praise or reward. | The student’s essay was judged on its academic merit. |
Mermaid | A mythical marine creature with a woman’s head and torso and a fish’s tail instead of legs. | Children love stories about mermaids and their underwater adventures. |
Mess | A state of confusion or disorder. | His room was a complete mess. |
Message | A verbal, written, or recorded communication sent by one person to another. | She received an urgent message from her boss. |
Messenger | A person who carries a message or is employed to deliver messages. | The king sent his messenger with an important letter. |
Metabolism | The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life. | Exercise boosts a person’s metabolism. |
Metal | A solid material that is typically hard, shiny, malleable, fusible, and ductile, with good electrical and thermal conductivity. | Iron is a common and versatile metal. |
Metallurgy | The branch of science and technology concerned with the properties of metals and their production and purification. | He specialized in metallurgy and material science. |
Metamorphosis | The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. | The caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly is amazing. |
Metaphor | A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. | The world is a stage is a well-known metaphor. |
Meteor | A small body of matter from outer space that enters the earth’s atmosphere, becoming incandescent as a result of abrasion and appearing as a streak of light. | They saw a bright meteor streak across the night sky. |
Meteorite | A piece of rock or metal that has fallen to the earth’s surface from outer space as a meteor. | Scientists studied the meteorite to learn about the early solar system. |
Meteorology | The branch of science concerned with the processes and phenomena of the atmosphere, especially as a means of forecasting the weather. | She majored in meteorology, hoping to become a weather forecaster. |
Method | A particular procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one. | His research followed a strict scientific method. |
Methodology | A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity. | The research paper detailed its methodology in great depth. |
Metropolis | The capital or chief city of a country or region. | New York City is a bustling metropolis. |
Mettle | A person’s ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a resilient way. | The challenge truly tested his mettle. |
Microbe | A microorganism, especially a bacterium causing disease or fermentation. | Scientists study various microbes to understand diseases. |
Microcosm | A community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic features of something much larger. | The small village was a microcosm of society. |
Microphone | An instrument for converting sound waves into electrical energy, which may then be amplified, transmitted, or recorded. | The singer held the microphone close to her mouth. |
Microscope | An optical instrument for viewing very small objects, typically magnified several hundred times. | They examined the bacteria under the microscope. |
Midday | The middle of the day; noon. | They scheduled the meeting for midday. |
Midge | A small fly, typically a non-biting gnat. | Midge bites can be irritating during summer evenings. |
Midget | An abnormally small person. | The circus featured a midget as part of its act. |
Midnight | Twelve o’clock at night. | The party lasted until midnight. |
Midwife | A person (typically a woman) trained to assist women in childbirth. | The midwife provided comfort and guidance during labor. |
Might | Great power, strength, or influence. | The might of the empire was undeniable. |
Migrant | A person who moves from one place to another, especially in order to find work or better living conditions. | The country saw a large influx of economic migrants. |
Migration | Seasonal movement of animals from one region to another. | The annual migration of wildebeest across the Serengeti is spectacular. |
Mile | A unit of linear measure equal to 1,760 yards (approximately 1,609 meters). | They ran a mile around the track. |
Mileage | The distance in miles that something has traveled; the number of miles that a vehicle can travel on a specified amount of fuel. | The car had high mileage but was still reliable. |
Milestone | An action or event marking a significant change or stage in development. | Graduating from college was a major milestone in her life. |
Milieu | A person’s social environment. | He grew up in an artistic milieu. |
Militant | A person engaged in warfare or combat; a person who is combative and aggressive in support of a political or social cause. | The militant group launched a series of protests. |
Military | The armed forces of a country. | He decided to join the military after high school. |
Milk | An opaque white fluid rich in fat and protein, secreted by female mammals for the nourishment of their young. | She poured milk into her coffee. |
Mill | A building equipped with machinery for grinding grain into flour. | The old mill on the river was a historical landmark. |
Millennium | A period of a thousand years. | The new millennium brought both hope and challenges. |
Miller | A person who owns or works in a grain mill. | The miller ground the wheat into fine flour. |
Millet | A fast-growing cereal plant grown in warm countries and on poor soils, or its small edible seeds. | Millet is a common grain in many African and Asian cuisines. |
Milligram | A unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a gram. | The dosage was precisely measured in milligrams. |
Millionaire | A person whose assets are worth one million pounds or dollars or more. | He became a millionaire through his successful tech startup. |
Mimic | A person skilled in imitating the voice, mannerisms, or actions of others. | The comedian was a brilliant mimic. |
Mind | The element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences, to think, and to feel; the faculty of consciousness and thought. | She had a sharp and curious mind. |
Mine | An excavation in the earth for extracting coal or other minerals. | The miners worked deep inside the coal mine. |
Mineral | A solid, inorganic substance of natural occurrence. | Gold is a precious mineral found in the earth’s crust. |
Miniature | A copy or model of something on a very small scale. | He collected miniature trains. |
Minimum | The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required. | She only paid the minimum amount on her credit card. |
Minister | A head of a government department; a diplomat representing a state abroad; a member of the clergy. | The foreign minister addressed the assembly. |
Ministry | A government department headed by a minister; the work or vocation of a religious minister. | The Ministry of Health announced new public health guidelines. |
Mink | A carnivorous mammal of the weasel family, valued for its fur. | The elegant coat was made from mink fur. |
Minnow | A small freshwater fish of the carp family. | Children enjoyed catching minnows in the stream. |
Minority | The smaller number or part, especially a number or part representing less than half of the whole. | The new policy faced opposition from a vocal minority. |
Minstrel | A medieval singer or musician, especially one who traveled about and performed for nobles. | The minstrel entertained the court with songs and stories. |
Mint | An aromatic plant whose leaves are used as a herb or flavoring; a place where coins are made. | She added fresh mint leaves to her tea. |
Minute | A period of time equal to sixty seconds; a specific point in time. | She arrived exactly at the specified minute. |
Minutia | The small, precise, or trivial details of something. | The lawyer paid close attention to every minutia of the case. |
Miracle | An extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency. | It was a miracle that they survived the accident. |
Mire | A stretch of swampy or boggy ground. | The explorers found themselves stuck in the deep mire. |
Mirror | A surface, typically of glass coated with a metallic amalgam, that reflects a clear image. | She checked her appearance in the mirror. |
Mirth | Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter. | Their faces were full of mirth as they watched the comedy. |
Miscalculation | An incorrect calculation. | His miscalculation led to a significant financial loss. |
Mischief | Playful misbehavior or troublemaking, especially in children. | The children were always getting into mischief. |
Misconception | A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding. | Many people have a misconception about how the economy works. |
Misconduct | Unacceptable or improper behavior, especially by an employee or professional person. | The athlete was suspended for misconduct. |
Miscreant | A person who behaves badly or in a way that breaks the law. | The police arrested the miscreants responsible for the vandalism. |
Misdemeanor | A minor wrongdoing. | Shoplifting is considered a misdemeanor. |
Miser | A person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible. | The old miser lived in a crumbling house despite his fortune. |
Misery | A state or feeling of great distress or discomfort of mind or body. | The refugees endured unimaginable misery. |
Misfit | A person whose abilities or behavior are not suited to their environment. | He always felt like a misfit in his conservative family. |
Misfortune | Bad luck. | He suffered a series of misfortunes throughout his life. |
Misgiving | A feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences of something. | She had serious misgivings about the plan. |
Mishap | An unlucky accident. | A small mishap caused a delay in their journey. |
Misinterpretation | The action of interpreting something wrongly. | His misinterpretation of the instructions led to errors. |
Missile | An object projected by force, especially as a weapon. | The military launched a long-range missile. |
Mission | An important assignment carried out for political, religious, or commercial purposes, typically involving travel abroad. | The diplomat was sent on a secret mission. |
Missionary | A person sent on a religious mission, especially one sent to promote Christianity in a foreign country. | The missionary traveled to remote villages to spread the word. |
Mist | A cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth’s surface that limits visibility less than fog. | A fine mist hung over the valley in the early morning. |
Mistake | An action or judgment that is misguided or wrong. | She quickly corrected her spelling mistake. |
Mister | A title or form of address for a man, typically prefixed to his surname when not followed by a further title. | Mister Smith kindly held the door open. |
Mistress | A woman in a position of authority or control. | The mistress of the house welcomed her guests. |
Misunderstanding | A failure to understand something correctly. | There was a complete misunderstanding between them. |
Mite | A minute arachnid that has a parasitic or free-living existence. | Dust mites can trigger allergies in some people. |
Mitten | A glove with one section for the thumb and one section for all four fingers. | She wore warm wool mittens in the snow. |
Mix | A blend or combination of different things. | The cocktail was a delicious mix of fruit juices. |
Mixture | A substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together without any chemical reaction. | The paint was a perfect mixture of blue and green. |
Moat | A deep, wide ditch surrounding a castle, fort, or town, typically filled with water and intended as a defense against attack. | The castle was protected by a wide moat. |
Mob | A large crowd of people, especially one that is disorderly and intent on causing trouble or violence. | The angry mob surged through the streets. |
Mobility | The ability to move or be moved freely and easily. | The elderly patient struggled with limited mobility. |
Mockery | Ridicule; derision. | His speech was met with laughter and mockery. |
Mode | A way or manner in which something occurs or is experienced, expressed, or done. | They switched the camera to night mode. |
Model | A three-dimensional representation of a person or thing or of a proposed structure, typically on a smaller scale than the original. | She built a model airplane from a kit. |
Modem | A device that converts digital signals into analog signals for transmission over a telephone line or other medium, and converts received analog signals back into digital signals. | The internet connection required a new modem. |
Moderation | The avoidance of excess or extremes; the quality of being moderate. | She advocated for moderation in all aspects of life. |
Moderator | A person who presides over an assembly or discussion and ensures that rules are followed. | The moderator kept the debate respectful and orderly. |
Modernity | The quality or condition of being modern. | The city embraced a striking blend of tradition and modernity. |
Modification | The action of modifying something. | The car underwent several modifications to improve its performance. |
Module | Each of a set of standardized parts or independent units that can be used to construct a more complex structure. | The software program was built using several distinct modules. |
Moisture | Water or other liquid diffused in a small quantity as vapor, condensed on a surface, or absorbed in a substance. | The soil retained moisture after the rain. |
Molar | A grinding tooth at the back of a mammal’s mouth. | She had a cavity in her back molar. |
Molasses | A thick, dark brown syrup obtained from raw sugar during the refining process. | She used molasses to bake ginger snaps. |
Mold | A furry growth of minute fungal filaments, especially one that forms on food or other organic matter; a hollow container used to give shape to molten or liquid material when it cools and hardens. | The old bread was covered in green mold. |
Mole | A small, burrowing insectivorous mammal with dark velvety fur, very small eyes, and powerful forelegs; a small, permanent spot or stain on the human skin, typically dark in color. | A mole suddenly appeared in the lawn. |
Molecule | A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction. | Water is composed of H2O molecules. |
Mollusk | An invertebrate of a large phylum that includes snails, slugs, mussels, and octopuses. | Snails are a common type of mollusk. |
Moment | A very brief period of time; a precise instant. | She paused for a moment before speaking. |
Momentum | The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity; the impetus gained by a moving object. | The car gained momentum as it rolled down the hill. |
Monarch | A sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor. | Queen Elizabeth II was a beloved monarch. |
Monarchy | A form of government with a monarch at the head. | The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy. |
Monastery | A building or complex of buildings comprising the living quarters and workplaces of monks or nuns, typically living under religious vows. | He spent several years living in a Buddhist monastery. |
Money | A current medium of exchange in the form of coins and banknotes. | She earned a lot of money from her job. |
Mongrel | A dog of no definable type or breed. | He adopted a loving mongrel from the shelter. |
Monitor | An instrument or device used for observing, checking, or keeping a continuous record of something. | The doctor kept a close watch on the patient’s heart monitor. |
Monk | A member of a religious community of men, typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. | The monk dedicated his life to prayer and meditation. |
Monkey | A primate of an infraorder that includes all simian primates except the apes. | The monkey cleverly snatched the banana. |
Monolith | A large single upright block of stone, especially one shaped into or forming a monument or pillar. | The ancient temple was constructed from immense stone monoliths. |
Monologue | A long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program. | The actor delivered a powerful monologue. |
Monopoly | The exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service. | The company had a monopoly on the software market. |
Monotony | Lack of variety and interest; tedious repetition. | The monotony of the daily routine was tiresome. |
Monsoon | A seasonal prevailing wind in the region of South and Southeast Asia, blowing from the southwest between May and September and bringing rain (the wet monsoon), or from the northeast between October and April (the dry monsoon). | The arrival of the monsoon brought much-needed rain. |
Monster | An imaginary creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening, or a person who is cruel and wicked. | Children often fear the monsters under their bed. |
Monstrosity | Something, especially a building, that is malformed, ugly, or clumsy. | The new building was an absolute monstrosity. |
Month | A period of about 30 days or four weeks. | There are twelve months in a year. |
Monument | A statue, building, or other structure erected to commemorate a famous or notable person or event. | The Washington Monument is an iconic landmark. |
Mood | A temporary state of mind or feeling. | She was in a good mood after receiving the news. |
Moon | The natural satellite of the earth, visible (chiefly at night) by reflected light from the sun. | The full moon cast a soft glow over the landscape. |
Moonbeam | A ray of moonlight. | A soft moonbeam streamed through the window. |
Moonlight | The light of the moon. | They walked by the soft moonlight. |
Moor | A tract of open uncultivated upland; a member of a Muslim people of NW Africa. | They went hiking across the desolate moor. |
Mooring | The action of mooring a boat or ship; a place where a boat or ship can be moored. | The boat’s mooring was secure in the harbor. |
Mop | An implement consisting of a bundle of coarse yarn or a piece of cloth fastened to a stick, used for washing floors. | She used a mop to clean up the spilled water. |
Morale | The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time. | The team’s morale was high after their victory. |
Morality | Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. | The philosophical discussion centered on morality and ethics. |
Moratorium | A temporary prohibition of an activity. | The government placed a moratorium on new construction projects. |
Morass | A an area of muddy or boggy ground; a complicated or confused situation. | The project quickly descended into a bureaucratic morass. |
Morgue | A place where bodies are kept, especially to be identified or examined. | The detective visited the morgue to identify the victim. |
Morning | The period of time between midnight and noon, especially from sunrise to noon. | She enjoys a quiet cup of coffee every morning. |
Moron | A foolish or stupid person. | He acted like a complete moron by forgetting his keys. |
Morsel | A small piece of food. | She offered him a delicious morsel of cake. |
Mortal | A human being subject to death, as opposed to a divine being. | All mortals must eventually face their end. |
Mortality | The state of being subject to death; the death rate. | The high infant mortality rate was a concern for public health officials. |
Mortar | A plastic building material used to bind bricks or stones together; a short, smoothbore gun for firing shells at high angles. | The bricklayer mixed the mortar for the wall. |
Mortgage | The charging of real (or personal) property by a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt (especially one incurred by the purchase of property), with the condition that it shall be returned on payment of the debt. | They took out a mortgage to buy their first home. |
Mortuary | A morgue or funeral home. | The body was taken to the mortuary. |
Mosaic | A picture or pattern produced by arranging together small pieces of stone, tile, glass, etc. | The ancient Roman villa featured intricate floor mosaics. |
Mosque | A Muslim place of worship. | The call to prayer echoed from the nearby mosque. |
Mosquito | A slender long-legged fly with aquatic larvae, the females of which suck the blood of mammals and birds. | A mosquito bite can be very itchy. |
Moss | A small flowerless green plant that lacks true roots, growing in damp habitats and forming dense low mats. | The old stone wall was covered in soft green moss. |
Motel | A roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists, typically having the rooms arranged in a low, long building with parking directly outside. | They stayed at a cozy motel during their road trip. |
Moth | A nocturnal insect related to butterflies, with wings that are typically duller in color and a thicker body. | A moth fluttered around the lamp at night. |
Mother | A woman in relation to her child or children. | Her mother taught her to be kind and brave. |
Motherhood | The state of being a mother. | She embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood. |
Motif | A distinctive feature or dominant idea in an artistic or literary composition. | The dove was a recurring motif in the artist’s work. |
Motion | The action or process of moving or being moved. | The earth’s motion around the sun causes seasons. |
Motivation | The reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way. | His motivation to succeed was very strong. |
Motive | A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious. | The police investigated the suspect’s motive for the crime. |
Motor | A machine, especially one powered by electricity or internal combustion, that supplies motive power for a vehicle or for some other device with moving parts. | The electric motor powered the toy car. |
Motorcade | A procession of motor vehicles. | The president’s motorcade drove through the city. |
Motorcycle | A two-wheeled motor vehicle. | He rode his motorcycle down the scenic highway. |
Motorist | A person who drives a car. | The police warned motorists to drive carefully in the fog. |
Motto | A short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals of an individual, family, or institution. | Be prepared is the Boy Scout motto. |
Mound | A rounded pile of earth, stones, or other material; a small hill. | The ancient burial mound was overgrown with grass. |
Mountain | A large natural elevation of the earth’s surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill. | Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world. |
Mountaineer | A person who climbs mountains as a sport or recreation. | The experienced mountaineer conquered the challenging peak. |
Mourner | A person who attends a funeral. | The mourners gathered to pay their respects. |
Mouse | A small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, rather large ears, and a long slender tail. | The cat chased the mouse across the floor. |
Moustache | A strip of hair left to grow above the upper lip. | He decided to grow a moustache for Movember. |
Mouth | The opening in the lower part of the human face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and from which speech and other sounds are emitted. | She covered her mouth as she yawned. |
Mouthful | An amount of food or drink that fills the mouth or that is taken into the mouth at one time. | He took a large mouthful of pasta. |
Movement | An act of changing physical location or position or of having this changed. | The dance routine involved fluid movements. |
Movie | A motion picture. | They went to the cinema to watch a new movie. |
Mower | A machine for cutting grass. | He used a riding mower to cut the large lawn. |
Muck | Dirt, filth, or refuse. | His boots were covered in thick muck from the muddy field. |
Mucus | A slimy substance, rich in mucins, secreted by mucous membranes and glands for lubrication and protection. | The doctor examined the patient’s mucus for signs of infection. |
Mud | Soft, sticky earth made of soil and water. | The children loved playing in the mud after the rain. |
Muffin | A small, usually sweet, cake or bread item. | She baked blueberry muffins for breakfast. |
Mug | A large cup, typically cylindrical and with a handle, used without a saucer for hot drinks. | He enjoyed his morning coffee in his favorite mug. |
Mule | A hybrid animal, the offspring of a donkey and a mare (female horse), valued for its strength and endurance. | The farmer used a mule to pull the heavy cart. |
Multitude | A large number of people or things. | A multitude of stars shone in the night sky. |
Mummy | A body of a human being or animal that has been ceremonially preserved by embalming and wrapping in bandages. | Archaeologists discovered an ancient Egyptian mummy. |
Municipality | A city or town that has corporate status and local government. | The municipality decided to build a new public park. |
Munition | Military weapons, ammunition, equipment, and stores. | The army stocked up on munition before the operation. |
Mural | A painting or other art work executed directly on a wall. | The vibrant mural depicted the history of the city. |
Murder | The unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another. | The police investigated the brutal murder. |
Murderer | A person who commits murder. | The murderer was apprehended by the police. |
Murk | Darkness or thick mist that makes it difficult to see. | They navigated through the murk of the foggy night. |
Murmur | A soft, low, and indistinct sound made by one or more people speaking quietly or at a distance. | A murmur of approval spread through the crowd. |
Muscle | A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body. | He developed strong muscles from lifting weights. |
Museum | An institution that houses and displays artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance. | They spent the afternoon exploring the art museum. |
Mushroom | A fungal growth that typically has a stalk and a domed cap, with gills on the underside of the cap. | She picked wild mushrooms in the forest. |
Music | Vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined in such a way as to produce beauty of form, harmony, and expression of emotion. | She loved listening to classical music. |
Musician | A person who plays a musical instrument or composes music, especially as a profession. | The street musician played a beautiful melody on his guitar. |
Musk | A strong-smelling reddish-brown substance secreted by the male musk deer and used as an ingredient in perfumes. | The perfume had a deep, musky scent. |
Musket | A light gun with a long barrel and a flintlock mechanism, typically used by infantry soldiers from the 16th to 18th centuries. | Soldiers in the revolutionary war carried muskets. |
Mussel | A bivalve mollusk with a dark brown or purplish-black shell, found clinging to rocks in intertidal waters. | She ordered a plate of steamed mussels at the seafood restaurant. |
Mustang | A small, hardy, wild horse of the North American plains. | The cowboy rode a powerful mustang across the prairie. |
Mustard | A piquant yellow or brown paste made from the crushed seeds of a mustard plant, used as a condiment or a spice. | She put mustard on her hot dog. |
Mutation | The action or process of changing in form or nature. | The virus underwent a rapid mutation, making it more contagious. |
Mutineer | A person, especially a soldier or sailor, who rebels against authority. | The captain arrested the mutineers. |
Mutiny | An open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or sailors against their officers. | The crew staged a mutiny against their tyrannical captain. |
Mutter | A low, continuous, indistinct sound; a barely audible grumble. | He expressed his frustration with a low mutter. |
Mutton | The flesh of sheep, especially of mature sheep, used as food. | She cooked a delicious stew with tender mutton. |
Muzzle | The projecting part of the face of an animal, including the mouth and nose; a covering fitted over an animal’s muzzle to prevent it from biting. | He gently stroked the dog’s muzzle. |
Myriad | A countless or extremely great number of people or things. | A myriad of stars twinkled in the night sky. |
Mystery | Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. | The disappearance of the ship remains a baffling mystery. |
Mystic | A person who seeks by contemplation and self-surrender to obtain unity with or absorption into the Deity or the absolute, or who believes in the spiritual apprehension of truths that are beyond the intellect. | The ancient mystic offered cryptic prophecies. |
Mystique | An air of aura of mystery, reverence, or power surrounding a particular person or thing. | The pop star cultivated an aura of mystique. |
Myth | A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. | The myth of Icarus warns against hubris. |
Mythology | A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular sacred or religious tradition. | Greek mythology is rich with tales of gods and heroes. |