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Words 901–1000 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

bitnounA small piece or quantity of something.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

I gave him a bit of my mind.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bitenounA portion removed from the whole.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The government's weekly bite from my paycheck.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bitteradjectiveMarked by strong resentment or cynicism.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bitter about the divorce.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Chinese, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bitterlyadverbWith bitterness, in a resentful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She complained bitterly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Chinese, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bittersweetadjectiveTinged with sadness.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A movie with a bittersweet ending.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Chinese, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bizarreadjectiveConspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Restaurants of bizarre design--one like a hat, another like a rabbit.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Basque, French, Italian. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blackadjectiveBeing of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Black leather jackets.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blackoutnounPartial or total loss of memory.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He has a total blackout for events of the evening.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

bladedadjectiveBearing or characterized by a blade or sword; often used in combination.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He fought on, broken-bladed but unbowed.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blamenounAn accusation that you are responsible for some lapse or misdeed.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The police laid the blame on the driver.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Ecclesiastical Latin, Late Latin, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blamedadjectiveExpletives used informally as intensifiers.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It's a blamed shame.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blamelessadjectiveFree of guilt; not subject to blame.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Has lived a blameless life.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Ecclesiastical Latin, Late Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blandadjectiveLacking stimulating characteristics; uninteresting.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A bland little drama.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blandlyadverbIn a bland manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His blandly incompetent attempts.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blandnessnounThe trait of exhibiting no personal embarrassment or concern.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The blandness of his confession enraged the judge.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blankadjective(of a surface) not written or printed on.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Fill in the blank spaces.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blanketnounAnything that covers.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

There was a blanket of snow.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blanklyadverbWithout expression; in a blank manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She stared at him blankly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Middle English, Old French, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blaringadjectiveUnpleasantly loud and penetrating.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The blaring noise of trumpets.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blaseadjectiveNonchalantly unconcerned.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A blase attitude about housecleaning.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blasphemousadjectiveGrossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blasphemous rites of a witches' Sabbath.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blastverbMake a strident sound.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She tended to blast when speaking into a microphone.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blastedadjectiveExpletives used informally as intensifiers.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He's a blasted idiot.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blastingadjectiveCausing injury or blight; especially affecting with sudden violence or plague or ruin.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The blasting effects of the intense cold on the budding fruit.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blatantadjectiveWithout any attempt at concealment; completely obvious.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A blatant appeal to vanity.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blatantlyadverbIn a blatant manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They blatantly violated the laws.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blazenounA strong flame that burns brightly.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The blaze spread rapidly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blazingadjectiveWithout any attempt at concealment; completely obvious.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A blazing indiscretion.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

bleachnounThe whiteness that results from removing the color from something.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A complete bleach usually requires several applications.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bleachedadjectiveHaving lost freshness or brilliance of color.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sun-bleached deck chairs.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

bleakadjectiveOffering little or no hope.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Prospects were bleak.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bleedverbDrain of liquid or steam.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bleed the radiators.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blendverbCombine into one.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blend the nuts and raisins together.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blessedadjectiveExpletives used informally as intensifiers.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Not a blessed dime.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blessingnounThe formal act of approving.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave the project his blessing.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blightedadjectiveAffected by blight; anything that mars or prevents growth or prosperity.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blighted urban districts.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blindadjectiveUnable to see.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A person is blind to the extent that he must devise alternative techniques to do efficiently those things he would do with sight if he had normal vision.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blindingadjectiveShining intensely.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blinding headlights.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blindlyadverbWithout seeing or looking.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He felt around his desk blindly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blinkverbBriefly shut the eyes.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The TV announcer never seems to blink.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blinkingadjectiveInformal intensifiers.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

What a bally (or blinking) nuisance.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blipnounA sudden minor shock or meaningless interruption.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The market had one bad blip today.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blissfuladjectiveCompletely happy and contented.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blissful young lovers.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blissfullyadverbIn a blissful manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was blissfully unaware of the danger.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blisteringadjectiveHarsh or corrosive in tone.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blistering criticism.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blitheadjectiveLacking or showing a lack of due concern.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Spoke with blithe ignorance of the true situation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blizzardnounA series of unexpected and unpleasant occurrences.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A blizzard of lawsuits.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blocknounA rectangular area in a city surrounded by streets and usually containing several buildings.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He lives in the next block.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, Middle English, Old Dutch, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blockadedadjectivePreventing entry or exit or a course of action.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The blockaded harbor.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blockadingadjectiveBlocking entrance to and exit from seaports and harbors.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The blockading ships prevented delivery of munitions.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blockagenounAn obstruction in a pipe or tube.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We had to call a plumber to clear out the blockage in the drainpipe.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Latin, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Old Dutch, Old French, Old Norse, Vulgar Latin. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blockedadjectiveCompletely obstructed or closed off.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The storm was responsible for many blocked roads and bridges.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blognounA shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Postings on a blog are usually in chronological order.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

bloodnounTemperament or disposition.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A person of hot blood.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloodbathnounIndiscriminate slaughter.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A bloodbath took place when the leaders of the plot surrendered.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Hebrew, Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloodedadjectiveOf unmixed ancestry.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Full-blooded Native American.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloodlessadjectiveDestitute of blood or apparently so.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The bloodless carcass of my Hector sold.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloodstainedadjectiveCovered with blood.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A bloodstained shirt.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloodsuckingadjectiveDrawing blood from the body of another.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A plague of bloodsucking insects.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloodthirstyadjectiveMarked by eagerness to resort to violence and bloodshed.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bloodthirsty yells.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloodyadjectiveHaving or covered with or accompanied by blood.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Your scarf is all bloody.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old English, Old French, Scots. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloomnounThe organic process of bearing flowers.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

You will stop all bloom if you let the flowers go to seed.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bloomersnounUnderpants worn by women.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She was afraid that her bloomers might have been showing.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blotnounAn act that brings discredit to the person who does it.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He made a huge blot on his copybook.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blownounForceful exhalation through the nose or mouth.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave his nose a loud blow.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blownadjectiveBeing moved or acted upon by moving air or vapor.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blown soil mounded on the window sill.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blowoutnounA sudden malfunction of a part or apparatus.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The right front tire had a blowout.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blueadjectiveOf the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

October's bright blue weather.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Frankish, Medieval Latin, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blueprintnounSomething intended as a guide for making something else.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A blueprint for a house.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Frankish, Medieval Latin, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bluesnounA state of depression.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He had a bad case of the blues.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

bluffnounPretense that your position is stronger than it really is.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His bluff succeeded in getting him accepted.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, Middle Dutch. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bluntadjectiveCharacterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A blunt New England farmer.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bluntnessnounThe quality of being direct and outspoken.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The bluntness of a Yorkshireman.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blurnounA hazy or indistinct representation.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

It happened so fast it was just a blur.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blurredadjectiveIndistinct or hazy in outline.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A landscape of blurred outlines.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blurryadjectiveIndistinct or hazy in outline.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The trees were just blurry shapes.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blushingadjectiveHaving a red face from embarrassment or shame or agitation or emotional upset.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The blushing boy was brought before the Principal.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blusternounNoisy confusion and turbulence.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was awakened by the bluster of their preparations.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Middle Low German. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

blusteringadjectiveBlowing in violent and abrupt bursts.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Blustering (or blusterous) winds of Patagonia.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

blusteryadjectiveBlowing in violent and abrupt bursts.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A cold blustery day.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Middle Low German. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boardnounA committee having supervisory powers.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The board has seven members.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boardsnounThe stage of a theater.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Most actors love to stride the boards.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

boatloadnounThe amount of cargo that can be held by a boat or ship or a freight car.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He imported wine by the boatload.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Frankish, Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bobnounA short abrupt inclination (as of the head).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He gave me a short bob of acknowledgement.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bobblenounThe momentary juggling of a batted or thrown baseball.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The second baseman made a bobble but still had time to throw the runner out.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Late Latin, Latin, Middle English, Middle French, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bodeverbIndicate by signs.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

These signs bode bad news.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bodynounThe entire structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being).beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He felt as if his whole body were on fire.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boffoadjectiveResoundingly successful and popular.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

For years he was a boffo box office certainty.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

bogverbCause to slow down or get stuck.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The vote would bog down the house.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old Irish, Scottish Gaelic. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bohemianadjectiveUnconventional in especially appearance and behavior.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A bohemian life style.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: French, Late Latin, Latin, Middle French, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boilverbBring to, or maintain at, the boiling point.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Boil this liquid until it evaporates.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boisterousadjectiveNoisy and lacking in restraint or discipline.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A boisterous crowd.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Middle English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boldadjectiveFearless and daring.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bold settlers on some foreign shore.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boldlyadverbWith boldness, in a bold manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

We must tackle these tasks boldly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boldnessnounThe trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The proposal required great boldness.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boltadverbIn a rigid manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He sat bolt upright.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old French. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bondnounA connection based on kinship or marriage or common interest.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Their friendship constitutes a powerful bond between them.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

bondagenounThe state of being under the control of a force or influence or abstract power.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was in bondage to fear:;.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Medieval Latin, Middle English, Old English, Old Norse. The source may include more than one historical route or component.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

boneverbRemove the bones from.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bone the turkey before roasting it.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

bonedadjectiveHaving bones as specified.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His lanky long-boned body.

Definition and example: WordNet 3.0. Origin not available for this entry.

Definitions and usage examples in the expanded bank come from WordNet 3.0, with pronunciation references from CMUdict. Records are automatically screened and source-validated, not individually human reviewed. Practice difficulty is an estimate, not a grade level or official Scripps band. Sources and coverage ↗ · WordNet license · CMUdict license

No matching words.