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English Words Starting With C

13,732 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)

contour sheet
nounLow-medium
/ˈkɒn.tɔː(r) ʃiːt/A fitted bed sheet designed with elasticated edges that tightly stretch over the corners and sides of a mattress, preventing it from coming loose.
contouring
nounMedium
/ˈkɒn.tʊə.rɪŋ/The technique of using makeup to enhance and define facial structure through the application of light and dark shades.
contra-guide rudder
nounVery Low
/ˈkɒn.trə.ɡaɪd ˈrʌd.ə/A specialized ship's rudder system where a smaller, fixed rudder or fin is mounted in front of or behind the main rudder to improve steering control, particularly at slow speeds or to counteract propeller-induced torque.
contraband
adjectivenounC1
/ˈkɒn.trə.bænd/Goods that are imported or exported illegally, especially in violation of a ban or prohibition.
contraband of war
nounC2
/ˌkɒn.trə.bænd əv ˈwɔː/Goods or materials (especially weapons, ammunition, and military supplies) that are prohibited from being supplied to a belligerent nation by a neutral party during a time of war, according to international law.
contrabandist
nounC2 (Very low frequency)
/ˈkɒn.trəˌbæn.dɪst/A person who smuggles goods, especially illegally across a border.
contrabass
adjectivenounC2
/ˈkɒn.trə.beɪs/The largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the violin family, also called double bass.
contrabasso
nounRare
/ˌkɒntrəˈbasəʊ/The largest and lowest-pitched instrument of the violin family, also called double bass.
contrabassoon
nounC2 (Very low frequency, specialist term)
/ˌkɒn.trə.bəˈsuːn/A very large bassoon that is the lowest-pitched instrument in the woodwind family.
contracept
verb-transitiveLow
/ˈkɒn.trə.sept/To prevent conception or pregnancy, typically by the use of devices, drugs, or methods.
contraception
nounB2
/ˌkɒn.trəˈsep.ʃən/The deliberate use of artificial methods or other techniques to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse.
contraceptive
adjectivenounC1
/ˌkɒn.trəˈsep.tɪv/Any method or device used to prevent pregnancy.
contract
adjectivenounverb+2B2
/ˈkɒntrækt/ (noun), /kənˈtrækt/ (verb)A legally binding agreement between two or more parties, or to become smaller or shorter.
contract bridge
nounC1
/ˌkɒn.trækt ˈbrɪdʒ/A specific, formalised and dominant variant of the card game bridge where partnerships bid to name a contract and then attempt to make the specified number of tricks.
contract furniture
nounB2
/ˈkɒn.trækt ˈfɜː.nɪ.tʃə/Furniture that is supplied, often in bulk, for commercial or institutional settings such as offices, hotels, hospitals, or educational facilities, based on a formal agreement (contract) between the supplier and the client.
contract labor
nounC1/C2 (Specialized vocabulary)
/ˈkɒn.trækt ˌleɪ.bər/Work performed by an individual or group under the terms of a legal contract for a specific period or task, rather than as a permanent employee.
contract of employment
nounB2
/ˌkɒntrækt əv ɪmˈplɔɪmənt/A legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee that sets out the terms, conditions, and obligations of the job.
contract out
verbB2
/kənˈtrækt aʊt/To arrange for work or services to be done by an external party instead of handling them internally.
contract practice
nounMid-frequency
/ˈkɒntrækt ˈpræktɪs/The specific, hands-on application or exercise of professional legal knowledge and skills, often through repeated training or simulation.
contractarianism
nounC2
/ˌkɒn.trækˈtɛː.ri.ə.nɪ.zəm/A political or moral theory that posits the legitimacy of political authority and moral rules derives from an agreement among individuals.

Showing 9861–9880 of 13732 words.