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English Words Starting With S

15,552 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)

shinleaf
nounVery low (C2+ level vocabulary, specialised botanical/nature writing)
/ˈʃɪnliːf/A small woodland plant (genus Pyrola) with glossy evergreen leaves, often used traditionally for medicinal poultices applied to bruises or sore shins.
shinner
nounVery Low
/ˈʃɪnə/A bruise, cut, or scrape on the skin, typically on the shin, caused by a blow or fall.
shinnery
nounRare
/ˈʃɪnəri/Land characterized by dense thickets or growths of low, scrubby oak trees.
shinny
nounverb-intransitiveLow
/ˈʃɪni/To climb (something) quickly and skillfully using one's arms and legs, especially a pole, tree, or rope.
shinplaster
nounExtremely low / Historical
/ˈʃɪnˌplɑːstə/A piece of paper currency, especially one of very low denomination or questionable value, issued privately or by a government lacking full credit.
shinto
adjectivenounLow
/ˈʃɪn.təʊ/The indigenous, polytheistic religion of Japan, focused on ritual practices, the veneration of kami (spirits or gods), and a connection to nature and ancestors.
shinty
nounverbLow
/ˈʃɪnti/A traditional Scottish team sport played with sticks and a ball, similar to hockey or hurling.
ship
nounverbverb-intransitive+1A2
/ʃɪp/A large vessel that travels on water, especially across seas and oceans, used for transporting people or goods.
ship biscuit
nounC2
/ˈʃɪp ˌbɪskɪt/A very hard, dry, simple biscuit or cracker, historically prepared for long-term storage on sailing ships.
ship canal
nounC2
/ˈʃɪp kəˌnæl/A man-made waterway designed and constructed specifically to allow large, sea-going ships to travel inland or bypass difficult stretches of natural water.
ship chandler
nounC2/Proficient
/ˈʃɪp ˌtʃɑːndlə/A person or company that supplies provisions, equipment, and other necessary goods specifically to ships.
ship decanter
nounVery Low (C2)
/ˈʃɪp dɪˌkæntə/A robust, wide-based, often weighted glass vessel for serving wine or spirits, specifically designed to resist tipping in the motion of a ship at sea.
ship money
nounHistorical
/ʃɪp ˈmʌni/A historical tax levied in England to fund the navy, particularly during the reign of Charles I.
ship of state
nounLow (C2)
/ʃɪp əv steɪt/The government or the state metaphorically viewed as a vessel being navigated through the waters of time and events.
ship of the line
nounC2
/ˌʃɪp əv ðə ˈlaɪn/A large, powerful warship of the Age of Sail, heavily armed with cannons on multiple decks and designed to fight in the main battle line of a fleet.
ship of war
nounLow / Historical
/ˌʃɪp əv ˈwɔː/An armed vessel belonging to an official navy, designed for combat.
ship out
verbB2
/ˈʃɪp ˌaʊt/To send something or someone away from a place, typically by ship or other transport, or to depart oneself.
ship's articles
plural-nounC2/Obscure
/ˈʃɪps ˈɑːtɪk(ə)lz/The legal document signed by a sailor listing the terms of their employment, duties, and pay for a specific voyage.
ship's biscuit
nounC2 / Very Low
/ˈʃɪps ˈbɪskɪt/A type of very hard, dry biscuit made from flour and water, historically baked multiple times for long-term preservation, especially for sailors on long sea voyages.
ship's boy
nounC2
/ˈʃɪps ˌbɔɪ/A boy or young teenager who works as a servant, messenger, and helper aboard a sailing ship, often performing menial tasks.

Showing 5221–5240 of 15552 words.