Browse by letter

English Words Starting With B

10,030 entries — pick a word to see its definition, pronunciation, and usage.

Filter

Parts of speech

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

breech baby
nounLow frequency
/ˈbriːtʃ ˌbeɪ.bi/A baby positioned in the womb buttocks or feet first, rather than head first, at the time of delivery.
breech birth
nounC2
/ˌbriːtʃ ˈbɜːθ/A childbirth in which the baby's buttocks or feet emerge first, rather than the head.
breech delivery
nounC2
/ˌbriːtʃ dɪˈlɪv(ə)ri/A childbirth in which the baby is born buttocks, feet, or knees first, rather than head first.
breech-loader
nounRare
/ˈbriːtʃ ˌləʊ.dər/A firearm in which the cartridge or shell is loaded into a chamber at the rear (breech) of the barrel, rather than through the muzzle.
breechblock
nounC2
/ˈbriːtʃblɒk/The movable metal block in a firearm that closes the rear (breech) end of the barrel after loading and against which the cartridge base rests when firing.
breechcloth
nounLow frequency / Specialized
/ˈbriːtʃˌklɒθ/A garment consisting of a strip of cloth worn around the hips and between the legs, covering the loins.
breeches
nounplural-nounC1
/ˈbrɪtʃ.ɪz/A type of short trousers fastened just below the knee, historically worn for riding, hunting, or as part of formal court dress.
breeches buoy
nounVery Low / Obsolete
/ˌbrɪtʃɪz ˈbɔɪ/A maritime rescue device consisting of canvas breeches (short trousers) attached to a lifebuoy, which is rigged to a rope between ships or from ship to shore, allowing a person to be hauled across.
breeches part
nounRare
/ˈbrɪtʃ.ɪz ˌpɑːt/A theatrical role in which an actress plays a male character, typically a young man.
breeching
nounC2
/ˈbriːtʃɪŋ/The thick strap passing around a horse's hindquarters to hold back a vehicle or load, especially on a hill.
breechloader
nounVery Low
/ˈbriːtʃˌləʊdə/A firearm in which the ammunition is loaded at the rear of the barrel (the breech), not through the muzzle.
breed
nounverbverb-intransitive+1B1
/briːd/To produce offspring from animals or plants, especially in a controlled way to develop particular characteristics.
breed of cat
nounMedium
/briːd əv ˈkæt/A distinct, recognized type or variety of domestic cat, defined by specific physical characteristics, coat patterns, and often personality traits, established through selective breeding.
breed's hill
nounVery Low
/briːdz hɪl/A geographic location in Charlestown, Boston, Massachusetts, that was the site of a significant battle during the American Revolutionary War.
breeder
nounC1
/ˈbriːdə/A person, animal, or plant that produces offspring or is used for producing offspring.
breeder reactor
nounC1/C2
/ˌbriːdə rɪˈæktə/A nuclear reactor that produces more fissile material (fuel) than it consumes while generating energy.
breeding
nounB2
/ˈbriːdɪŋ/The process of producing offspring or young, especially through controlled mating of animals or plants; the act of raising and caring for young or animals.
breeding ground
nounC1
/ˈbriːdɪŋ ɡraʊnd/A place where animals or plants naturally reproduce and develop.
breeks
nounplural-nounC2 (Rare/Regional)
/briːks/A Scottish, Northern English, and occasionally Hiberno-English word for trousers or pants.
breen
adjectivenounVery Low / Obscure
/briːn/A brownish-green colour; a blend of brown and green.

Showing 7981–8000 of 10030 words.