Discover an extensive collection of 300 nouns that start with the letter “S,” gathered to serve as a valuable reference for students, writers, and anyone interested in expanding their vocabulary. These words range from everyday terms like “salad” and “school” to more specialized ones like “synthesis” and “symbiosis,” showcasing the richness and diversity of the English language. Many of these nouns originate from Latin and Greek roots, reflecting a long history of language development and cultural exchange.
Explore the complete, alphabetized list below to find definitions, examples, and descriptions that clarify how each noun is used and understood.
Noun This column lists the noun itself, the word starting with “S” that you are learning about or referencing.
Definition Here you will find a clear, simple explanation of the noun’s meaning, giving you an easy-to-understand description.
Example Usage This provides a sentence showing how the noun is used in everyday language, helping you see it in context.
Description In this section, you will read a brief analysis of the noun’s significance, common uses, or interesting traits that highlight its role in communication.
Nouns that start with S
Noun | Definition | Example Usage |
---|---|---|
sabotage | The act of deliberately destroying, damaging, or obstructing something, especially for political or military advantage. | The disgruntled employee planned to commit sabotage by disrupting the company’s servers. |
sacrifice | An act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy. | Her sacrifice of personal time allowed her to achieve her career goals. |
sadness | The state of being unhappy or sorrowful. | A deep sadness settled over the community after the tragic event. |
safari | An expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat, especially in East Africa. | They embarked on a thrilling safari through the Serengeti, hoping to see lions and elephants. |
safety | The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury. | The engineer prioritized the safety of the workers above all else. |
sage | An aromatic plant with grayish-green leaves, used as a culinary herb, or a profoundly wise person. | The ancient sage offered guidance to the young prince. |
sail | A piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship. | The strong wind filled the ship’s main sail, pushing it across the ocean. |
sailor | A person who works on a ship or boat. | The seasoned sailor expertly navigated the vessel through the stormy seas. |
salad | A cold dish of various raw vegetables, sometimes with sauce or dressing. | For lunch, she prepared a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette. |
salary | A fixed regular payment, typically paid on a monthly or biweekly basis but often expressed as an annual sum, made by an employer to an employee, especially a professional or white-collar worker. | His new job came with a substantial salary increase. |
sale | The exchange of a commodity for money; the action of selling something. | The department store announced a huge summer sale on all clothing items. |
salmon | A large edible fish that is a popular food, typically with silvery scales and pink flesh. | We enjoyed grilled salmon with asparagus for dinner. |
salt | A white crystalline substance that gives seawater its characteristic taste and is used for seasoning or preserving food. | She added a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the soup. |
salvation | Preservation or deliverance from harm, ruin, or loss. | Many people seek spiritual salvation through faith and prayer. |
sample | A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like. | The scientist collected a soil sample for analysis. |
sanctuary | A place of refuge or safety. | The old church served as a sanctuary for those fleeing the war. |
sand | A loose granular substance, typically pale yellowish brown, resulting from the erosion of rocks, found on beaches, riverbeds, deserts, etc. | The children built a magnificent sandcastle on the beach. |
sandal | A light shoe with a sole fastened to the foot by straps. | She wore comfortable leather sandals during her vacation. |
sandwich | An item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with meat, cheese, or other filling between them, eaten as a light meal. | He quickly made a ham and cheese sandwich for lunch. |
sanity | The state of having a sound mind; the quality of being reasonable and sensible. | She struggled to maintain her sanity during the stressful project. |
sarcasm | The use of irony to mock or convey contempt. | His sarcasm was often misunderstood as genuine insult. |
satellite | An artificial body placed in orbit around the Earth or another planet in order to collect information or for communication. | The weather satellite provided crucial data for forecasting the storm. |
satire | The use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. | The political cartoon was a clever piece of satire, highlighting the absurdity of the current government. |
satisfaction | Fulfillment of one’s wishes, expectations, or needs, or the pleasure derived from this. | Completing the difficult puzzle brought him immense satisfaction. |
sauce | A liquid or semi-liquid mixture, often served with food to add moisture and flavor. | She prepared a rich tomato sauce for the pasta. |
sausage | An item of food, typically a cylinder of seasoned minced pork or other meat encased in a skin, cooked and eaten whole or sliced. | We had sausages and eggs for breakfast. |
savings | The money one has saved, especially through a bank or investment plan. | She used her savings to make a down payment on a new house. |
saw | A hand tool with a metal blade having sharp teeth for cutting wood or other hard materials. | He used a hand saw to cut the planks of wood. |
scale | An instrument or machine for weighing. | The market vendor used a scale to weigh the fresh produce. |
scandal | An action or event regarded as morally or legally wrong and causing general public outrage. | The politician’s involvement in the financial scandal led to his resignation. |
scapegoat | A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency. | The manager made the junior employee a scapegoat for the project’s failure. |
scar | A mark left on the skin or within body tissue where a wound, burn, or sore has not healed completely. | He bore a prominent scar on his arm from an old injury. |
scarcity | The state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage. | The scarcity of water led to strict rationing in the region. |
scarecrow | An effigy in the shape of a human, set up in a field to frighten birds away from crops. | The farmer placed a scarecrow in the cornfield to protect his harvest. |
scarf | A piece of fabric worn around the neck, head, or shoulders for warmth, sun protection, fashion, or religious reasons. | She wrapped a warm woolen scarf around her neck to brave the cold. |
scenario | A postulated sequence or development of events. | The team discussed various scenarios for the upcoming project presentation. |
scene | The place where an incident in real life or fiction occurs or occurred. | The detective carefully examined the crime scene for clues. |
scenery | The natural features of a landscape considered in terms of their appearance, especially when picturesque. | The breathtaking scenery of the mountains left them awestruck. |
scent | A characteristic odor, especially one that is pleasant. | The delightful scent of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. |
schedule | A plan for carrying out a process or procedure, giving lists of intended events and times. | The professor posted the revised class schedule online. |
scheme | A large-scale systematic plan or arrangement for attaining some particular object or putting a particular idea into effect. | The government launched a new scheme to promote renewable energy. |
scholar | A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished academic. | The renowned scholar published a groundbreaking book on ancient history. |
scholarship | Academic achievement or learning of a high level; a grant or payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement. | She received a scholarship to study at a prestigious university. |
school | An institution for educating children. | The children were excited for their first day of school. |
science | The intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. | The field of science has made incredible advancements in medicine. |
scientist | A person who is studying or has studied science and whose work is to observe and understand the natural or physical world. | The scientist conducted experiments to test her hypothesis. |
scissors | An instrument for cutting cloth, paper, and other material, consisting of two blades arranged so that their sharpened edges slide against each other in a shearing action. | She used a pair of scissors to cut the ribbon. |
scope | The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant. | The project’s scope was limited to software development, excluding hardware. |
score | The number of points, goals, runs, etc., achieved in a game or contest. | The final score of the basketball game was 98 to 95. |
scout | A person, typically a soldier or sailor, sent out ahead of a main force to gather information about the enemy’s position, strength, or movements. | The scout returned with vital intelligence about the enemy’s camp. |
scratch | A mark or wound made by scraping or rubbing. | He had a small scratch on his arm from the cat. |
scream | A long, loud, piercing cry expressing extreme emotion or pain. | Her scream echoed through the deserted hallway, startling everyone. |
screen | A flat, typically rectangular, opaque or translucent panel used as a surface on which images can be displayed, or for protection or concealment. | The large screen in the cinema displayed the movie in vivid detail. |
screw | A short, slender, sharp-pointed metal pin with a raised helical thread running around it and a slotted head, used to join things together by being rotated so as to cut its own thread in the material being fastened. | He used a screwdriver to tighten the loose screw. |
script | Handwriting as distinct from print; the text of a play, film, or broadcast. | The actor studied the script carefully before the rehearsal. |
sculpture | The art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood or by casting metal or plaster. | The museum displayed an impressive collection of modern sculpture. |
sea | The expanse of salt water that covers most of the earth’s surface and surrounds its landmasses. | The calm sea reflected the setting sun like a mirror. |
seal | An aquatic carnivorous mammal that has a streamlined body and is able to close its nostrils and ears when diving. | The playful seal basked in the sun on the rocky shore. |
search | An act of looking for someone or something. | The police conducted a thorough search of the area for the missing person. |
season | Each of the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter) marked by particular weather patterns and daylight hours. | Autumn is my favorite season because of the colorful foliage. |
seat | A thing made or used for sitting on. | She offered her seat to the elderly woman on the crowded bus. |
secret | Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others. | He guarded his secret recipe for the famous dessert closely. |
secretary | A person employed by an individual or in an office to assist with correspondence, keep records, make appointments, and carry out administrative tasks. | The secretary efficiently managed all the office correspondence and appointments. |
section | Any of the more or less distinct parts into which something is or may be divided or from which it is made up. | The library had a dedicated section for children’s books. |
sector | An area or portion that is distinct from others. | The financial sector experienced significant growth last quarter. |
security | The state of being free from danger or threat. | The new alarm system enhanced the security of the building. |
seed | A flowering plant’s unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another such plant. | She planted a tiny sunflower seed in the garden. |
self | A person’s essential being that distinguishes them from others, especially considered as the object of introspection or as the subject of experience. | He dedicated time to understanding his true self through meditation. |
sensation | A physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. | A tingling sensation spread through her arm after the injection. |
sense | A faculty by which the body perceives an external stimulus; one of the faculties of sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. | Her strong sense of smell helped her identify the faint odor. |
sentence | A set of words that is complete in itself, typically containing a subject and predicate, conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or command. | The teacher asked the students to write a complete sentence. |
sentiment | A view or opinion that is held or expressed; a general feeling or mood. | The public sentiment was overwhelmingly in favor of the new policy. |
separation | The action or state of moving or being moved apart. | The couple decided on a temporary separation to resolve their issues. |
sequel | A published, broadcast, or recorded work that continues the story or develops the theme of an earlier one. | Fans eagerly awaited the highly anticipated sequel to the popular fantasy novel. |
sequence | A particular order in which related things follow each other. | The chef followed a precise sequence of steps to prepare the elaborate dish. |
serenity | The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. | The serene lake offered a sense of calm and serenity. |
series | A number of similar or related things coming one after another. | The detective followed a series of clues to solve the mystery. |
sermon | A talk on a religious or moral subject, especially one given during a church service and based on a passage from the Bible. | The pastor delivered a powerful sermon on compassion and forgiveness. |
serpent | A large snake. | The ancient tale spoke of a magnificent serpent guarding hidden treasures. |
servant | A person who performs duties for others, especially a person employed in a house on domestic duties or as a personal attendant. | The loyal servant had worked for the family for decades. |
server | A computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network. | The website crashed because the server was overloaded with requests. |
service | The action of helping or doing work for someone. | The customer praised the excellent service they received at the restaurant. |
session | A meeting of a deliberative body to conduct its business. | The city council held an emergency session to address the budget crisis. |
setting | The place or type of surroundings where something is positioned or where an event takes place. | The beautiful garden provided a perfect setting for the wedding photographs. |
shade | A place that is sheltered from direct sunlight by something. | They sought refuge from the scorching sun in the cool shade of the large oak tree. |
shadow | A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface. | His shadow stretched long across the ground in the setting sun. |
shame | A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. | She felt deep shame after realizing her mistake. |
shampoo | A liquid preparation for washing the hair. | She applied a generous amount of shampoo to her wet hair and lathered it up. |
shape | The external form, contours, or outline of someone or something. | The children learned about different geometric shapes in math class. |
share | A part or portion of a larger amount which is divided among a number of people, or to which a number of people contribute. | Each employee received a share of the company’s profits. |
shark | A large predatory marine fish with a cartilaginous skeleton and five to seven gill slits on each side of the head. | A majestic great white shark swam gracefully through the ocean depths. |
sheep | A woolly ruminant mammal, Ovis aries, typically kept in flocks on farms for its fleece and its meat. | The shepherd carefully guided his flock of sheep across the meadow. |
sheet | A broad, flat piece of material, especially paper or fabric. | She smoothed out the crisp white sheet on the bed. |
shelf | A long, flat, narrow plank of wood or other rigid material, attached to a wall or forming part of a unit, used for holding objects. | He placed his books neatly on the top shelf of the bookcase. |
shell | The hard, protective outer case of an invertebrate or other organism. | The hermit crab sought refuge in a discarded conch shell. |
shelter | A place providing temporary protection from bad weather or danger. | The hikers found shelter in a small cave during the thunderstorm. |
shepherd | A person who tends, feeds, or guards sheep. | The shepherd led his flock to fresh pastures every morning. |
shield | A broad piece of armor carried by hand, used to ward off blows or missiles. | The knight raised his shield to block the incoming arrow. |
shift | A slight change in position, direction, or tendency. | There was a noticeable shift in public opinion after the debate. |
ship | A large boat for transporting people or goods by sea. | The cargo ship departed from the port laden with containers. |
shirt | A garment for the upper body, typically having a collar, sleeves, and a front opening. | He wore a crisp white shirt with his suit. |
shock | A sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience. | The news of the accident sent a shockwave through the community. |
shoe | An outer covering for the foot, typically made of leather, canvas, or synthetic material and extending to the ankle or slightly above. | She bought a new pair of running shoes for her daily jogs. |
shop | A building or part of a building where goods or services are sold. | She spent the afternoon browsing in the antique shop. |
shore | The land along the edge of a sea, lake, broad river, or other large area of water. | The waves gently lapped against the sandy shore. |
shortage | A state or situation in which something needed cannot be obtained in sufficient amounts. | The sudden shortage of essential medicines caused widespread concern. |
shortcut | An alternative route which is shorter than the one usually taken. | He knew a shortcut through the park that saved them ten minutes. |
shot | The firing of a gun or cannon. | The hunter heard the distant shot of a rifle. |
shoulder | The joint connecting the arm or foreleg to the trunk. | He carried the heavy bag on his shoulder. |
shout | A loud cry or utterance. | He let out a shout of joy when his team scored. |
show | A theatrical performance or other public entertainment. | The magic show captivated the audience with its illusions. |
shower | A device that sprays water for washing; a brief fall of rain or hail. | She took a refreshing shower after her morning run. |
shrine | A place regarded as holy because of its association with a divinity or a sacred person or relic, typically marked by a building or other construction. | Pilgrims visited the ancient shrine to pay their respects. |
shrub | A woody plant smaller than a tree and usually with several stems branching from the ground. | The garden was filled with fragrant rose shrubs. |
sibling | Each of two or more children or offspring having one or both parents in common; a brother or sister. | She enjoyed a close bond with her older sibling. |
side | A position of an object or area that is next to or across from another object or area. | He preferred to sit on the left side of the room. |
sidewalk | A paved path for pedestrians at the side of a road. | Children rode their scooters safely on the sidewalk. |
siege | A military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside. | The city withstood a long siege before reinforcements arrived. |
sigh | An audible exhalation of breath expressing sadness, relief, tiredness, etc. | She let out a sigh of relief when she finished her exams. |
sight | The faculty or power of seeing; the act of seeing someone or something. | His sight was impaired after the accident. |
sign | An object, quality, or event whose presence or occurrence indicates the probable presence or occurrence of something else. | The dark clouds were a sign of an approaching storm. |
signal | A gesture, action, or sound that is used to convey information or instructions. | The traffic signal turned green, allowing cars to proceed. |
signature | A person’s name written in a distinctive way as a form of identification in authorizing a cheque or document or concluding a letter. | He affixed his signature to the official document. |
significance | The quality of being worthy of attention; importance. | The discovery of ancient artifacts had great significance for understanding early civilizations. |
silence | The complete absence of sound. | A profound silence filled the room after the announcement. |
silhouette | The dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a brighter background. | The artist captured the beautiful silhouette of the city skyline at sunset. |
silk | A fine, strong, soft, lustrous fiber produced by silkworms in making cocoons and used to make textile fabric. | She wore a luxurious silk scarf to the gala event. |
sin | An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law. | He confessed his sin and sought forgiveness. |
sincerity | The quality of being honest or genuine. | Her sincerity was evident in her heartfelt apology. |
singer | A person who sings, especially professionally. | The renowned singer captivated the audience with her powerful voice. |
situation | A set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs. | The diplomat tried to de-escalate the tense international situation. |
size | The overall dimensions or extent of something; how big something is. | The enormous size of the whale amazed the onlookers. |
skate | An ice skate or a roller skate. | He laced up his new ice skates before gliding onto the rink. |
skeleton | The internal or external framework of bone, cartilage, or other rigid material supporting or containing the body of an animal or plant. | Archaeologists uncovered a complete human skeleton at the ancient burial site. |
skeptic | A person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions. | The skeptic demanded more evidence before believing the claim. |
sketch | A rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often made to assist in making a more finished picture. | The artist quickly made a sketch of the landscape before the light changed. |
skill | The ability to do something well; expertise. | Learning a new language requires dedication and skill. |
skin | The thin layer of tissue forming the natural outer covering of the body of a person or animal. | She applied moisturizer to keep her skin soft and healthy. |
skirt | A woman’s outer garment fastened around the waist and hanging down around the legs. | She wore a beautiful floral skirt for the summer picnic. |
skull | A bony framework enclosing the brain of a vertebrate; the part of the skeleton enclosing the brain. | The ancient skull showed signs of a healed injury. |
sky | The region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth. | The clear blue sky was dotted with fluffy white clouds. |
skyscraper | A very tall building with many stories. | The city skyline was dominated by impressive skyscrapers. |
slander | The action or crime of making a false spoken statement damaging to a person’s reputation. | He sued the newspaper for slander after they published false accusations. |
slang | A type of language that consists of words and phrases that are regarded as very informal, are more common in speech than writing, and are restricted to a particular context or group of people. | Teenagers often use slang that is difficult for adults to understand. |
slave | A person who is the legal property of another and is forced to obey them. | Historical records detail the harsh conditions endured by slaves. |
sleep | A condition of body and mind such as that which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended. | After a long day, all he wanted was a good night’s sleep. |
sleeve | The part of a garment that covers an arm. | She rolled up her sleeves, ready to start working. |
slice | A thin, broad piece of food cut from a larger portion. | He cut a slice of bread to go with his soup. |
slide | A piece of playground equipment with a sloping surface for children to slide down. | The children eagerly took turns going down the slide at the park. |
slogan | A short and striking or memorable phrase used in advertising or a political campaign. | The company’s new slogan quickly became popular. |
slope | A surface of which one end or side is at a higher level than another; a rising or falling surface. | The skiers gracefully glided down the steep slope. |
sloth | A slow-moving tropical American mammal that hangs upside down from the branches of trees. | The sloth moved with incredible slowness through the tree branches. |
smell | The faculty or power of perceiving odors; a particular odor or scent. | The delightful smell of freshly baked cookies filled the kitchen. |
smile | A pleased, kind, or amused facial expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed. | Her warm smile instantly put him at ease. |
smog | Fog or haze intensified by smoke or other atmospheric pollutants. | The city was shrouded in a thick layer of smog, making it difficult to breathe. |
smoke | A visible suspension of carbon or other particles in air, typically one emitted from a burning substance. | A thick plume of smoke rose from the distant wildfire. |
snack | A small amount of food eaten between meals. | He grabbed a quick snack of fruit and nuts before heading out. |
snail | A mollusk with a single spiral shell into which the whole body can be withdrawn. | The tiny snail left a glistening trail across the garden path. |
snake | A long, limbless reptile that has no eyelids, a non-forked tongue, and a narrow tapering tail. | The children spotted a harmless garden snake slithering through the grass. |
snare | A trap for catching birds or animals, typically a noose of wire or cord. | The hunter set a snare to catch rabbits in the forest. |
sneeze | An involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth due to irritation of the mucous membrane of the nose. | She tried to suppress a sneeze during the quiet lecture. |
snow | Atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falling in light white flakes or lying on the ground as a white layer. | The fresh snow covered the landscape in a beautiful white blanket. |
soap | A substance used with water for washing and cleaning, made of a compound of natural oils or fats with sodium hydroxide or another strong alkali. | She washed her hands thoroughly with soap and water. |
society | The aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community. | A peaceful society respects the rights and differences of all its members. |
sock | A garment for the foot and lower part of the leg. | He struggled to find a matching sock in his laundry pile. |
sofa | A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people. | They relaxed on the comfortable sofa in the living room. |
software | The programs and other operating information used by a computer. | The new software update improved the computer’s performance significantly. |
soil | The upper layer of earth in which plants grow, a black or dark brown material typically consisting of a mixture of organic remains, clay, and rock particles. | Rich, fertile soil is essential for a bountiful harvest. |
soldier | A person who serves in an army. | The brave soldier fought valiantly to protect his country. |
solitude | The state or situation of being alone. | He found peace and inspiration in the solitude of the mountains. |
solo | A thing done by one person unaccompanied. | The guitarist performed a dazzling solo during the concert. |
solution | A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation. | The engineers worked tirelessly to find a solution to the complex technical issue. |
son | A boy or man in relation to his parents. | Their son graduated from college with honors. |
song | A short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung. | The choir sang a beautiful song during the Sunday service. |
sorrow | A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others. | The family experienced profound sorrow after the loss of their pet. |
sort | A category of things having some common features; a type. | He enjoyed reading all sorts of books, from fiction to non-fiction. |
soul | The spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal. | Many religions believe in the existence of a soul that continues after death. |
sound | Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person’s or animal’s ear. | The distant sound of thunder rumbled in the sky. |
soup | A liquid dish, typically made by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables with various added ingredients. | She prepared a hearty vegetable soup for dinner on a cold evening. |
source | A place, person, or thing from which something originates or can be obtained. | The journalist verified the information with a reliable source. |
south | The direction toward the point of the horizon directly opposite north, or the general direction in which this lies. | They traveled south for their winter vacation to escape the cold weather. |
souvenir | A thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event. | She bought a small statue as a souvenir of her trip to Paris. |
sovereign | A supreme ruler, especially a monarch. | The sovereign held ultimate power over the kingdom. |
space | A continuous area or expanse which is free, available, or unoccupied. | He found a quiet space in the library to study. |
spark | A small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, a combustion, or a friction. | A single spark ignited the dry leaves, starting a small fire. |
speaker | A person who speaks; someone who delivers a speech or lecture. | The guest speaker at the conference was a renowned expert in artificial intelligence. |
spear | A weapon with a long shaft and a pointed head, used for thrusting or throwing. | Ancient warriors used spears for both hunting and combat. |
species | A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. | Conservationists are working to protect endangered species from extinction. |
specimen | An individual animal, plant, piece of a mineral, etc., used as an example of its species or type for scientific study or display. | The botanist collected a rare plant specimen for further research. |
spectacle | A visually striking performance or display. | The fireworks display was a magnificent spectacle that lit up the night sky. |
spectator | A person who watches at a show, game, or other event. | Thousands of spectators filled the stadium to watch the championship game. |
spectrum | A band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, produced by separation of the components of light by their different degrees of refraction according to wavelength. | The scientist analyzed the light spectrum emitted by the distant star. |
speech | The expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds. | Her passionate speech moved the entire audience to tears. |
speed | The rate at which someone or something is able to move or operate. | The car reached an incredible speed on the open highway. |
spell | A form of words used as a magical charm or incantation. | The wizard cast a powerful spell to protect the kingdom. |
sphere | A round solid figure with every point on its surface equidistant from its center. | The Earth is often represented as a perfect sphere. |
spice | An aromatic or pungent vegetable substance used to flavor food, e.g., cloves, pepper, or cumin. | The chef added a blend of exotic spices to the curry. |
spider | An eight-legged predatory arachnid with an unsegmented body consisting of a prosoma and an opisthosoma, and with chelicerae modified into fangs that inject venom. | The tiny spider spun an intricate web between the branches. |
spine | A series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the pelvis, forming the main support of the body. | He injured his spine in a diving accident. |
spirit | The nonphysical part of a person, regarded as their true self and as capable of surviving physical death. | Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world. |
spite | A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone. | He acted out of spite, trying to make her angry. |
sponsor | A person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity carried out by another, in particular, a commercial firm that pays for a broadcast or sporting event in return for advertising. | The local business became a proud sponsor of the community festival. |
spoon | An implement consisting of a small, shallow oval or round bowl on a handle, used for eating, stirring, and serving food. | She stirred her coffee with a small spoon. |
sport | An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. | Basketball is a popular sport around the world. |
spot | A small round or roundish mark, differing in color or texture from the surface around it. | The dalmatian had black spots all over its white coat. |
spotlight | A lamp projecting a narrow, intense beam of light directly on to a place or person. | The singer stood in the spotlight, captivating the audience. |
spray | Liquid that is forced out of a can or other container in a fine jet or mist. | She used a cleaning spray to wipe down the kitchen counter. |
spring | The season after winter and before summer, in which vegetation begins to appear. | Birds sing sweetly in the spring. |
sprint | Run at full speed over a short distance. | The athlete trained for the 100-meter sprint. |
spy | A person who secretly collects and reports information on the activities, movements, and plans of an enemy or competitor. | The spy managed to infiltrate the enemy’s headquarters undetected. |
squad | A small group of people having a particular task. | The police squad was dispatched to investigate the robbery. |
square | A plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles. | The children played in the town square, a large open space. |
squirrel | An agile tree-dwelling rodent with a bushy tail, typically feeding on nuts and seeds. | A bushy-tailed squirrel scurried up the tree, carrying an acorn. |
stadium | An athletic or sports ground with tiers of seats for spectators. | Thousands of fans cheered loudly in the packed stadium. |
staff | All the people employed by a particular organization. | The hospital staff worked tirelessly during the emergency. |
stage | A raised platform on which actors, entertainers, or speakers perform. | The rock band commanded the stage with their energetic performance. |
stain | A dirty mark on something, which is difficult to remove. | The red wine left a stubborn stain on the white tablecloth. |
stair | A set of steps leading from one floor or level to another. | She carefully walked up the creaky wooden stair to the attic. |
stake | A strong wooden or metal post with a pointed end, driven into the ground to support a tree or form part of a fence. | The gardener hammered a stake into the ground to support the young tree. |
stamp | A small adhesive piece of paper fixed to an item to be mailed, indicating that the required postage has been paid. | She carefully affixed a commemorative stamp to the envelope. |
standard | A level of quality or attainment. | The company strives to maintain high standards in all its products. |
star | A fixed luminous point in the night sky that is a large, remote incandescent body like the sun. | He gazed up at the twinkling stars in the clear night sky. |
state | A nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government. | The United States is composed of 50 states. |
statement | A definite or clear expression of something in speech or writing. | The witness provided a detailed statement to the police. |
station | A regular stopping place on a public transportation route, especially one on a railroad or subway line. | The train arrived punctually at the bustling station. |
steak | A thick slice of meat or fish, typically cooked by grilling or frying. | He ordered a juicy sirloin steak cooked medium-rare. |
stealth | Cautious and surreptitious action or movement. | The spy operated with remarkable stealth, avoiding detection. |
steam | The vapor into which water is converted when heated, forming a white cloud of minute water droplets in the air. | A cloud of steam rose from the freshly brewed coffee. |
steel | A hard, strong, gray or bluish-gray alloy of iron with carbon and usually other elements, used extensively as a structural and fabricating material. | The skyscraper’s framework was constructed from reinforced steel. |
step | An act or movement of putting one leg in front of the other in walking or running. | He took a tentative step into the dark room. |
stick | A thin piece of wood that has fallen or been cut from a tree. | The dog excitedly chased the stick thrown by its owner. |
stock | The goods or merchandise kept on the premises of a business or warehouse and available for sale or distribution. | The store had a large stock of winter clothing. |
stomach | The internal organ in which the first part of digestion occurs, or the abdomen or belly. | After a large meal, his stomach felt uncomfortably full. |
stone | The hard, solid, nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made, used for building and other purposes. | The ancient monument was constructed from massive blocks of stone. |
storage | The action or method of storing something for future use. | The company offered secure storage solutions for documents. |
store | A place where things are kept for future use or sale. | The general store in the small town sold everything from groceries to hardware. |
storm | A violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow. | A fierce storm swept across the coast, causing widespread damage. |
story | An account of imaginary or real people and events told for entertainment. | She read her children a bedtime story every night. |
strategy | A plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim. | The general devised a brilliant strategy to win the battle. |
straw | Dried stalks of grain, used as fodder, bedding, or for making hats, etc. | The scarecrow was filled with straw to give it shape. |
stream | A small, narrow river. | Children loved to play in the shallow stream running through the meadow. |
street | A public road in a city or town. | The busy street was lined with shops and restaurants. |
strength | The quality or state of being physically strong. | The athlete possessed incredible strength and endurance. |
stress | A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. | She felt a lot of stress due to her heavy workload. |
stretch | The act of extending or being extended. | She did a few stretches before her workout to warm up her muscles. |
strike | A refusal to work organized by a body of employees as a form of protest, typically in an attempt to gain a concession or concessions from their employer. | The workers went on strike to demand better wages and working conditions. |
string | Material consisting of threads of cotton, hemp, or other material twisted together to form a thin cord. | He tied the package securely with a piece of string. |
structure | The arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex. | The building’s steel structure provided immense stability. |
student | A person who is studying at a school or college. | The student diligently prepared for her final exams. |
studio | A room where an artist, photographer, sculptor, etc., works. | The artist spent hours working in her bright, spacious studio. |
study | The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, especially by means of books. | Her dedicated study helped her excel in her exams. |
style | A distinctive appearance, typically determined by the principles according to which something is designed. | Her unique fashion style always turned heads. |
subject | A person or thing that is being discussed, described, or dealt with. | The main subject of the meeting was the new marketing strategy. |
suburb | An outer district of a city, especially a residential one. | They decided to move to the peaceful suburb outside the bustling city. |
subway | An underground electric railway, typically found in a large city. | They took the subway to quickly reach the other side of the city. |
success | The accomplishment of an aim or purpose. | Her hard work and determination led to her ultimate success. |
sugar | A sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beet, consisting essentially of sucrose, and used as an additive and sweetener. | She added a spoon of sugar to her tea. |
suggestion | An idea or plan put forward for consideration. | He offered a helpful suggestion for improving the project workflow. |
suit | A set of outer clothes made of the same fabric and designed to be worn together, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or a skirt. | He wore a sharp business suit to the important meeting. |
suitcase | A rectangular case with a handle, for carrying clothes and other personal possessions when traveling. | She packed her suitcase carefully for her two-week vacation. |
sum | A particular amount of money. | He paid a large sum of money for the rare antique. |
summary | A brief statement or account of the main points of something. | The journalist provided a concise summary of the day’s news. |
summer | The warmest season of the year, in the northern hemisphere from June to August and in the southern hemisphere from December to February. | Children often look forward to their long summer vacation. |
summit | The highest point of a hill or mountain. | The climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest after a grueling ascent. |
sun | The star that the Earth orbits, providing heat and light. | The sun rose, casting a golden glow over the landscape. |
supplement | Something added to complete or enhance something else. | She takes a vitamin supplement to ensure she gets all necessary nutrients. |
supply | A stock of a resource or commodity. | The sudden surge in demand outstripped the available supply. |
support | The action of holding something or someone up, or providing assistance to someone or something. | The community offered immense support to the families affected by the disaster. |
surface | The outside part or uppermost layer of something. | The calm lake reflected the sky on its smooth surface. |
surge | A sudden powerful forward or upward movement, especially by a crowd or by water. | A sudden surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins. |
surgeon | A medical practitioner qualified to practice surgery. | The skilled surgeon successfully performed the complex operation. |
surgery | The treatment of injuries or diseases in people or animals by incision, manipulation, or the removal of parts. | He underwent surgery to repair his knee injury. |
surplus | An amount of something left over when requirements have been met; an excess of production or supply over demand. | The company reported a budget surplus at the end of the fiscal year. |
surprise | An unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing. | Her sudden arrival was a delightful surprise. |
surrender | The act of giving up or yielding to an opponent or demand. | The general ordered the unconditional surrender of his troops. |
survey | A general view, examination, or description of someone or something. | The architect conducted a thorough survey of the property before designing the new building. |
survival | The state or fact of continuing to live or exist, especially in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances. | The hikers’ survival in the harsh wilderness was a testament to their resilience. |
Survivor | A person who remains alive after an event in which others have died. | She was the sole survivor of the plane crash, miraculously pulled from the wreckage. |
suspect | A person thought to be guilty of a crime or offense. | The police identified a new suspect in the ongoing investigation. |
suspense | A state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen. | The audience was on the edge of their seats, gripped by the suspense of the thriller. |
suspicion | A feeling or belief that someone is guilty of an illegal or dishonest act without proof. | His unusual behavior aroused suspicion among his colleagues. |
swamp | An area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects; a bog or marsh. | The explorers carefully navigated through the dense swamp. |
swan | A large water bird with a long flexible neck, short legs, and webbed feet, that is noted for its graceful swimming. | A pair of elegant swans glided effortlessly across the tranquil lake. |
swarm | A large number of bees, flies, or other insects, especially when in motion. | A swarm of bees flew out of the hive, searching for new flowers. |
sweat | Moisture exuded through the pores of the skin, typically in profuse quantities as a reaction to heat, physical exertion, fever, or fear. | Drops of sweat trickled down his forehead during the intense workout. |
sweater | A knitted garment typically made of wool or cotton, worn on the upper part of the body. | She put on a warm sweater to brave the chilly evening air. |
swing | A seat suspended by ropes or chains, on which someone may sit and swing back and forth. | The children happily played on the swing set in the park. |
switch | A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit. | He flipped the light switch, illuminating the room. |
sword | A weapon with a long blade and a hilt with a handguard, used for thrusting or striking and now typically worn as part of ceremonial dress. | The knight drew his mighty sword to defend the kingdom. |
syllable | A unit of pronunciation having one vowel sound, with or without surrounding consonants, forming the whole or a part of a word. | The word “beautiful” has three syllables. |
syllabus | An outline or a brief statement of the main points of a course of study, topics of lectures, program of a meeting, or subjects of a book. | The professor distributed the course syllabus on the first day of class. |
symbol | A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract. | The dove is a symbol of peace and hope. |
symmetry | The quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis; regular arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a boundary or around an axis. | The architect designed the building with perfect symmetry. |
sympathy | Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. | She offered her heartfelt sympathy to the grieving family. |
symphony | An elaborate musical composition for a full orchestra, typically in four movements, at least one of which is traditionally in sonata form. | The orchestra performed Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony with great passion. |
symptom | A physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient. | Fever is a common symptom of many infections. |
synonym | A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. | The word “happy” is a synonym for “joyful.” |
synopsis | A brief summary or general survey of something. | The teacher asked for a synopsis of the novel by Friday. |
synthesis | The combination of components or elements to form a connected whole. | The report presented a synthesis of various research findings on climate change. |
system | A set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole, in particular, a set of procedures or methods by which something is done. | The human body is a complex system of organs and tissues. |