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English Words Starting With M

8,594 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)

merisis
nounVery rare
/ˈmɛrɪsɪs/(Rare/Technical) Growth or increase in size by cell division, not cell enlargement; specifically, growth by cell multiplication (meristematic growth).
meristem
nounVery Low
/ˈmɛr.ɪ.stem/A region of plant tissue, found chiefly at the growing tips of roots and shoots, consisting of actively dividing cells forming new tissue.
merit
adjectivenounverb+2B2
/ˈmer.ɪt/The quality of being good, deserving, or worthy of praise or reward.
merit badge
nounLow
/ˌmer.ɪt ˈbædʒ/A small cloth badge, usually worn on a uniform, awarded to a member of a youth organisation (especially the Scouts) for mastering a specific skill or achieving a set task.
merit pay
nounC1
/ˈmer.ɪt ˌpeɪ/A system of pay where an employee's salary or bonus is determined by their performance or achievements rather than just their role or seniority.
merit system
nounC1
/ˈmɛr.ɪt ˌsɪs.təm/A system in which appointments and promotions are based on demonstrated ability and performance rather than on political connections, wealth, or favouritism.
meritocracy
nounC1
/ˌmer.ɪˈtɒk.rə.si/A system where advancement is based on individual ability and achievement rather than wealth, class, or connections.
meritocrat
nounLow (C1-C2 level vocabulary)
/ˈmer.ɪ.tə.kræt/A person who is powerful or holds high position because of their talent, intelligence, and effort, rather than wealth or social class.
merits
plural-nounC1
/ˈmɛr.ɪts/The intrinsic good qualities or positive aspects of something or someone that justify value, praise, or reward.
merits docket
nounLow (Specialist/Legal)
/ˈmɛrɪts ˈdɒkɪt/A list or schedule of cases, particularly in a legal or appellate court, that are to be considered or heard based on the substance of their arguments rather than on preliminary or procedural matters.
merk
verb-transitiveLow/Uncommon
/məːk/To mark, note, or record (Scottish English; also historical/regional verb).
merkel
nounC1
/ˈmɛːkəl/Surname of Angela Merkel, the former Chancellor of Germany. Often used as a metonym for her specific brand of pragmatic, cautious, and scientifically-minded leadership, or for Germany's dominant political role during her tenure.
merkin
nounVery low
/ˈmɜːkɪn/A pubic wig, originally a type of artificial pubic hair for women, often used in theatrical or performance contexts historically.
merle
nounLow
/mɜːl/A common name for the European blackbird (Turdus merula), especially the male, which is black with a yellow beak. Also refers to a type of mottled or speckled coloration in dogs, particularly herding breeds like the Australian Shepherd.
merleau-ponty
nounLow
/mɛəˈləʊ ˈpɒ̃ti/A surname, most famously associated with the 20th-century French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty.
merlin
nounLow
/ˈmɜː.lɪn/A small, swift falcon (Falco columbarius) found across the Northern Hemisphere.
merlo
nounVery Low (rare/obscure/archaic)
/ˈmɜːləʊ/A rare word of uncertain origin, possibly a misspelling of 'merle' or 'merlon'. 'Merle' refers to a common blackbird or a type of mottled coat pattern in dogs. 'Merlon' is the solid part of a crenellated parapet in a battlement.
merlon
nounVery low / Technical
/ˈmɜː.lən/The solid, upright section of a battlement (a parapet with alternating gaps) on top of a castle wall or fortification, between two openings called embrasures or crenels.
merlot
nounMedium
/ˈmɜː.ləʊ/A dark blue grape variety used for winemaking.
mermaid
nounC1
/ˈmɜː.meɪd/A mythical sea creature with the head and upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish.

Showing 3881–3900 of 8594 words.