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English Words Starting With A

8,734 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

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Noun Verb Adjective Adverb Plural noun Combining form Verb (transitive)Verb (intransitive)Verb (ambitransitive)

anchor bed
nounB2
/ˈæŋkə/A heavy device, usually of metal, used to moor a vessel to the bottom of a sea or river to prevent it from drifting.
anchor bell
nounC2 / Very Low
/ˈæŋkə ˌbel/A bell mounted on a ship's bow that rings when the anchor chain moves, alerting the crew to potential anchor dragging.
anchor bolt
nounB2
/ˈæŋkər bəʊlt/A fastener designed to secure objects to concrete or masonry, consisting of a threaded bolt that is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and expands or locks in place to create a strong hold.
anchor buoy
nounLow
/ˈæŋ.kə ˌbɔɪ/A floating marker attached by a line to an anchor on the seabed, used to mark the anchor's position and to facilitate retrieval.
anchor deck
nounLow Frequency / Niche Technical
/ˈæŋkə dek/A designated open area on the foredeck of a ship, near the bow, from which the anchors are deployed and handled.
anchor escapement
nounC2
/ˈæŋkər ɪˈskeɪpmənt/A key component in mechanical clock and watch movements that controls the release of power from the mainspring, converting it into the steady back-and-forth motion of the balance wheel.
anchor ice
nounC2
/ˈæŋ.kər ˌaɪs/Ice that forms on the bed of a river, lake, or sea.
anchor light
nounLow in general use; specialised/high in nautical contexts.
/ˈæŋ.kə ˌlaɪt/A white light displayed on a boat or ship when at anchor, to indicate its position to other vessels.
anchor plant
nounRare
/ˈæŋ.kə plɑːnt/A plant that is deliberately placed to stabilize soil, prevent erosion, or form the central point of a planting design.
anchor pocket
nounC2
/ˈæŋkə ˌpɒkɪt/A recess or compartment built into the hull of a vessel designed to house the anchor when it is fully retracted, typically for protection and to improve the hull's hydrodynamic flow.
anchor ring
nounLow
/ˈæŋkə ˌrɪŋ/A ring or loop, typically made of metal, that forms part of an anchor for attaching a chain or rope.
anchor span
nounC2 (Very Low Frequency - Technical Term)
/ˈæŋ.kə spæn/A specific structural length or distance between anchor points; the spacing or distance between anchored supports.
anchor watch
nounLow
/ˈæŋkə wɒtʃ/A period of duty on a ship during which a crew member monitors the anchor and the vessel's position to ensure it doesn't drag.
anchorage
nounB2
/ˈæŋ.kər.ɪdʒ/A place where a boat or ship can be anchored; also, a means of being firmly fixed or secured.
anchoress
nounVery Low (C2+ Historical/Literary)
/ˈæŋkərəs/A woman who lives in religious seclusion and isolation, often in a small cell attached to a church.
anchoret
nounRare/Archaic
/ˈaŋkərɛt/A person who lives in seclusion for religious reasons; a hermit.
anchorette
nounRare/Obsolescent
/ˈæŋ.kə.ɹɛt/A female television presenter who introduces and coordinates segments of a news broadcast, often serving as the main presenter or host.
anchorite
nounC2+
/ˈæŋkəraɪt/A person who lives in seclusion, usually for religious reasons; a religious recluse or hermit.
anchorman
nounC1
/ˈæŋ.kə.mæn/A person, typically male, who presents news or a programme on television or radio, often considered the primary or most trusted presenter.
anchorperson
nounC1
/ˈæŋ.kəˌpɜː.sən/A person who presents a live news broadcast, acting as the central host, coordinating reports and interviews.

Showing 4561–4580 of 8734 words.