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Words 7901–8000 of 10,000Independent bank · American English

skeletonnounThe internal supporting structure that gives an artifact its shape.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The building has a steel skeleton.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, New Latin, Norwegian. 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) ↗

skepticaladjectiveDenying or questioning the tenets of especially a religion.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A skeptical approach to the nature of miracles.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, French, Late Latin, Latin, Middle 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) ↗

sketchverbDescribe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sketch the outline of the book.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Dutch, Italian, 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) ↗

sketchyadjectiveGiving only major points; lacking completeness.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Details of the plan remain sketchy.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Dutch, Italian, 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) ↗

skewadjectiveHaving an oblique or slanting direction or position.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The picture was skew.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Frankish, Latin, Middle English, Old French, Old Northern 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) ↗

skiverbMove along on skis.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

My children don't ski.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old Norse.

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

skillnounAbility to produce solutions in some problem domain.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The skill of a well-trained boxer.

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) ↗

skilledadjectiveHaving or showing or requiring special skill.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A skilled reconstruction of her damaged elbow.

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

skillfuladjectiveHaving or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A lesser-known but no less skillful composer.

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) ↗

skimnounA thin layer covering the surface of a liquid.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

There was a thin skim of oil on the water.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Middle 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) ↗

skimmedadjectiveUsed of milk and milk products from which the cream has been removed.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She can drink skimmed milk but should avoid butter.

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

skimpyadjectiveContaining little excess.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A skimpy allowance.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

skinnounA natural protective body covering and site of the sense of touch.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Your skin is the largest organ of your body.

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) ↗

skinnyadjectiveBeing very thin.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A child with skinny freckled legs.

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) ↗

skirtingadjectiveBeing all around the edges; enclosing.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The room's skirting board needs painting.

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

slackadjectiveNot tense or taut.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slack and wrinkled skin.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: German, Middle English, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

slackeningnounAn occurrence of control or strength weakening.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The slackening of the wind.

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

slacknessnounThe quality of being loose (not taut).intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He hadn't counted on the slackness of the rope.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: German, Middle English, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

slammernounA person who closes things violently.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She's a dramatic slammer of doors.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle 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) ↗

slapdashadverbIn a careless or reckless manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The shelves were put up slapdash.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Danish, 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) ↗

slaphappyadjectiveDazed from or as if from repeated blows.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slaphappy with exhaustion.

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) ↗

slapstickadjectiveCharacterized by horseplay and physical action.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slapstick style of humor.

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) ↗

slashedadjectiveHaving long and narrow ornamental cuts showing an underlying fabric.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slashed cuffs showing the scarlet lining.

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

slatingnounA severely critical attack.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The reviewers gave his book a sound slating.

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

slavishadjectiveBlindly imitative.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A slavish copy of the original.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Byzantine Greek, Late Latin, Latin, Medieval Latin, Middle 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) ↗

slavishlyadverbIn a slavish manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His followers slavishly believed in his new diet.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Ancient Greek, Byzantine Greek, Late Latin, Latin, Medieval Latin, Middle 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) ↗

sleazyadjectiveMorally degraded.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sleazy characters hanging around casinos.

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

sleddingnounAdvancing toward a goal.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The proposal faces tough sledding.

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

sleekadjectiveWell-groomed and neatly tailored; especially too well-groomed.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sleek figures in expensive clothes.

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

sleeklyadverbIn a sleek glossy manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The wet road was shining sleekly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

sleepnounA natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He didn't get enough sleep last night.

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) ↗

sleepernounAn unexpected hit.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

That movie was the sleeper of the summer.

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) ↗

sleepilyadverbIn a sleepy manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The two children who were snuggled sleepily in the back of the car.

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) ↗

sleepinessnounA very sleepy state.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sleepiness causes many driving accidents.

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) ↗

sleeplessadjectiveExperiencing or accompanied by sleeplessness.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Lay sleepless all night.

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) ↗

sleepyadjectiveReady to fall asleep.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Beginning to feel sleepy.

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) ↗

sleetverbPrecipitate as a mixture of rain and snow.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

If the temperature rises above freezing, it will probably sleet.

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) ↗

sleevelessadjectiveUnproductive of success.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A sleeveless errand.

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) ↗

slewnoun(often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A slew of journalists.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Irish, Middle English, Middle Irish, Old English, Old Irish. 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) ↗

slicenounA share of something.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A slice of the company's revenue.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Frankish, Middle 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) ↗

slicingnounA golf shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He took lessons to cure his slicing.

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

slickadjectiveMarked by skill in deception.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A slick evasive answer.

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) ↗

slidenounThe act of moving smoothly along a surface while remaining in contact with it.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His slide didn't stop until the bottom of the hill.

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) ↗

slightadjectiveBeing of delicate or slender build.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Watched her slight figure cross the street.

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) ↗

slightingadjectiveTending to diminish or disparage.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A slighting remark.

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

slightlyadverbTo a small degree or extent.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The children argued because one slice of cake was slightly larger than the other.

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) ↗

slimadjectiveBeing of delicate or slender build.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A slim girl with straight blonde hair.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, Frankish, Middle Dutch, Old 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) ↗

slimyadjectiveMorally reprehensible.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A slimy little liar.

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) ↗

slipnounAn accidental misstep threatening (or causing) a fall.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He blamed his slip on the ice.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, Middle English, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

slippagenounFailing to hold or slipping out of place.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The knots allowed no slippage.

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

slipperyadjectiveCausing or tending to cause things to slip or slide.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slippery sidewalks.

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

slippingadjectiveMoving as on a slippery surface.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His slipping and slithering progress over the ice.

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

slitheringadjectiveMoving as on a slippery surface.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His slipping and slithering progress over the ice.

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

slopnounDeep soft mud in water or slush.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

They waded through the slop.

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) ↗

slopenounAn elevated geological formation.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He climbed the steep slope.

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

slopingadjectiveHaving a slanting form or direction.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A room with a sloping ceiling.

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

sloppilyadverbIn a sloppy manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

This work was done rather sloppily.

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) ↗

sloppinessnounThe wetness of ground that is covered or soaked with water.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The sloppiness of a rainy November day.

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) ↗

sloppyadjectiveMarked by great carelessness.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Sloppy workmanship.

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) ↗

sloshverbSpill or splash copiously or clumsily.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slosh paint all over the walls.

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

slotnounA position in a grammatical linguistic construction in which a variety of alternative units are interchangeable.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He developed a version of slot grammar.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Dutch, Middle Low German, Old Dutch, 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) ↗

slouchnounAn incompetent person; usually used in negative constructions.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He's no slouch when it comes to baseball.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle English, Old Norse, Swedish. 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) ↗

slovenlyadjectiveNegligent of neatness especially in dress and person; habitually dirty and unkempt.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Slovenly appearance.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle 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) ↗

slowadjectiveNot moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Her steps were slow.

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) ↗

slowpokenounSomeone who moves slowly.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

In England they call a slowpoke a slowcoach.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Anglo-Norman, Frankish, Hawaiian, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Middle Low German, 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) ↗

sluggishlyadverbIn a sluggish manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The smoke rose sluggishly.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Latin, Middle 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) ↗

sluggishnessnounInactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends.

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) ↗

slumbernounA natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Calm as a child in dreamless slumber.

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) ↗

slumpnounA noticeable deterioration in performance or quality.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The team went into a slump.

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

slurredadjectiveSpoken as if with a thick tongue.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

His words were slurred.

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

smalladjectiveNot large in size or amount.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A small boat floated on the pond.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

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

Original teaching entry. Origin references: Wiktionary / etymology-db (CC BY-SA 3.0) ↗

smallnessnounThe property of having relatively little strength or vigor.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The smallness of her voice.

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) ↗

smarmyadjectiveUnpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Smarmy self-importance.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

smartadjectiveCharacterized by quickness and ease in learning.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Smart children talk earlier than the average.

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) ↗

smartlyadverbIn a stylish manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He was smartly dressed.

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) ↗

smartnessnounLiveliness and eagerness.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The smartness of the pace soon exhausted him.

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) ↗

smashnounThe act of colliding with something.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The fullback's smash into the defensive line.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Middle Low German, Old English, Old Saxon, Romani. 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) ↗

smashernounA conspicuous success.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

That new Broadway show is a real smasher.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, Middle Dutch, Middle English, Middle Low German, Old English, Old Saxon, Romani. 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) ↗

smearverbCover (a surface) by smearing (a substance) over it.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Smear the wall with paint.

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) ↗

smellnounThe sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

She loved the smell of roses.

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) ↗

smilinglyadverbWith smiles; in a smiling manner.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The girl reminded her smilingly of their childhood spent together.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

English word formation.

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

smittenadjective(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Conscience-smitten.

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) ↗

smoggyadjectiveClouded with a mixture of smoke and fog.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The smoggy atmosphere of Los Angeles.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Danish, 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) ↗

smokenounA hot vapor containing fine particles of carbon being produced by combustion.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The fire produced a tower of black smoke that could be seen for miles.

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) ↗

smokelessadjectiveEmitting or containing little or no smoke.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A smokeless environment.

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) ↗

smokingadjectiveEmitting smoke in great volume.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A smoking fireplace.

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) ↗

smolderingadjectiveShowing scarcely suppressed anger.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Her tone was...conversational although...her eyes were smoldering.

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

smoothadjectiveHaving a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Water as smooth as a mirror.

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) ↗

smoothlyadverbWith no problems or difficulties.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Put the plans into effect quickly and smoothly.

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) ↗

smoothnessnounA texture without roughness; smooth to the touch.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Admiring the slim smoothness of her thighs.

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) ↗

smorgasbordnounA collection containing a variety of sorts of things.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A veritable smorgasbord of religions.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Old Norse, Old Swedish, Swedish. 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) ↗

smotherverbEnvelop completely.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Smother the meat in gravy.

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) ↗

smotheredadjectiveCompletely covered.intermediate+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Bonnets smothered with flowers.

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

smotheringadjectiveCausing difficulty in breathing especially through lack of fresh air and presence of heat.advanced+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The smothering soft voices.

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

smudgenounA blemish made by dirt.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

He had a smudge on his cheek.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle English.

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

smugadjectiveMarked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A smug glow of self-congratulation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Low German.

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

smuglyadverbIn a smug manner.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The bureaucrats explained smugly that the facts provided by their own experts show no cause for concern.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle Low German.

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

snagnounA dead tree that is still standing, usually in an undisturbed forest.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

A snag can provide food and a habitat for insects and birds.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Middle 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) ↗

snapnounThe act of catching an object with the hands.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

The infielder's snap and throw was a single motion.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, 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) ↗

snappyadjectiveSmart and fashionable.beginner+

USAGE EXAMPLE

Snappy conversation.

ORIGIN SUMMARY

Source-language links: Dutch, 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) ↗

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.