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English Words Starting With H

5,990 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)

heroic verse
nounLow
/hɪˈrəʊɪk vɜːs/A form of poetry typically written in iambic pentameter, often used for epic narratives about heroes.
heroicize
verb-transitiveLow
/hɪˈrəʊ.ɪ.saɪz/To represent or treat someone or something as a hero; to make heroic.
heroics
plural-nounC1
/hɪˈrəʊ.ɪks/Actions or behaviour that are dramatically brave, showy, or intended to draw admiration, often with a sense of excessive theatricality or unnecessary risk.
heroin
nounC1/C2
/ˈher.əʊ.ɪn/An illegal, addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, used for its euphoric and sedative effects.
heroin chic
nounC2
/ˈher.əʊ.ɪn ʃiːk/A fashion and aesthetic trend of the 1990s that glamorized an extremely thin, pale, and emaciated appearance, often with dark circles under the eyes, reminiscent of a drug addict's look.
heroine
nounB2
/ˈher.əʊ.ɪn/A woman admired for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities; a female hero.
heroism
nounC1
/ˈher.əʊ.ɪ.zəm/Great bravery, especially in the face of danger or adversity.
heroize
verb-transitiveLow
/ˈhɪərəʊaɪz/To treat or represent someone as a hero; to glorify or idealize.
herold
nounC1
/ˈhɛrəld/A person or thing that announces or signals the approach of something; an official messenger bringing news.
heron
nounC1
/ˈhɛr.ən/A long-legged, long-necked wading bird, typically found near water, known for its slow, deliberate movements and spear-like bill used for catching fish.
heron's-bill
nounLow
/ˈhɛrənz ˌbɪl/A common name for plants of the genus Erodium, especially those with long, pointed fruit resembling a heron's beak.
heronry
nounRare
/ˈhɛrənri/A breeding colony of herons.
herophilus
nounRare / Technical
/hɪˈrɒfɪləs/The name of an ancient Greek physician and anatomist, often called the father of anatomy.
herp
nounLow
/hɜːp/A colloquial or slang term for a reptile or amphibian, especially one kept as a pet, derived from the scientific term 'herpetology'.
herpangina
nounC2
/ˌhɜːpænˈdʒaɪnə/A contagious viral infection, typically affecting children, characterized by small, painful ulcers or sores in the mouth and throat, often accompanied by fever.
herpes
nounC1
/ˈhɜː.piːz/A viral infection causing painful blisters or sores on the skin, often recurring in episodes.
herpes genitalis
nounLow
/ˌhɜː.piːz ˌdʒɛn.ɪˈteɪ.lɪs/A common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-2, characterized by recurrent painful sores or blisters in the genital and anal regions.
herpes labialis
nounC1
/ˌhɜː.piːz ˌleɪ.biˈeɪ.lɪs/A common viral infection causing small, painful blisters, typically on or around the lips.
herpes simplex
nounMedium
/ˌhɜː.piːz ˈsɪm.pleks/A viral infection causing small, painful blisters, most commonly on the lips (type 1) or genitals (type 2).
herpes zoster
nounLow
/ˌhɜː.piːz ˈzɒs.tə/A viral infection causing a painful rash of fluid-filled blisters, commonly known as shingles, resulting from the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.

Showing 2681–2700 of 5990 words.