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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)

sting
nounverbverb-intransitive+1B1
/stɪŋ/To cause sharp, sudden pain (physical or emotional); the pain caused by a stinging animal or plant.
stingaree
nounRare
/ˌstɪŋəˈriː/A venomous ray, specifically a type of stingray found in Australian waters, also a historical colloquial term for a stingray in parts of the US.
stinger
nounB2
/ˈstɪŋ.ər/A sharp, pointed organ or part of certain animals (such as bees, scorpions, or jellyfish) used to inject venom or cause pain.
stinginess
nounC1
/ˈstɪn.dʒi.nəs/The quality or behaviour of being unwilling to spend money or give things away; extreme frugality or meanness.
stinging capsule
nounLow
/ˈstɪŋɪŋ ˈkæpsjuːl/A specialized cell (nematocyst) in cnidarians like jellyfish and sea anemones that delivers a painful sting for defense or prey capture.
stinging hair
nounLow
/ˈstɪŋ.ɪŋ heə(r)/A specialized hollow hair on a plant (e.g., a nettle) or animal (e.g., a caterpillar) that delivers a painful, irritating chemical when touched.
stinging nettle
nounMedium
/ˈstɪŋ.ɪŋ ˌnet.əl/A common wild plant with heart-shaped leaves that have tiny hairs which inject chemicals causing a painful, burning sensation when touched.
stinging tree
nounlow
/ˈstɪŋ.ɪŋ triː/A tree, native primarily to Australia, covered with fine, needle-like hairs that inject a painful toxin upon contact.
stingless bee
nounC1-C2
/ˈstɪŋləs ˈbiː/A type of bee from the family Apidae, subfamily Meliponini or Apinae (tribe Meliponini), that lacks a functional sting.
stingo
nounArchaic
/ˈstɪŋɡəʊ/Strong ale or beer, especially old or matured.
stingray
nounLow to Medium
/ˈstɪŋreɪ/A flat, marine fish with a venomous spine on its tail, belonging to the family Dasyatidae.
stink
nounverbverb-intransitive+1B1
/stɪŋk/To emit a strong, unpleasant smell.
stink ball
nounVery Low
/ˈstɪŋk ˌbɔːl/A historical projectile weapon that emits a noxious or foul-smelling smoke upon impact.
stink bomb
nounC1
/ˈstɪŋk ˌbɒm/A small device designed to release a foul-smelling odor when activated, typically used as a prank or protest.
stink bug
nounC1
/ˈstɪŋk ˌbʌɡ/A type of shield-shaped insect that emits a foul-smelling liquid as a defence mechanism.
stink eye
nounCommon in informal American English; moderate in British English in casual contexts.
/ˈstɪŋk ˌaɪ/A facial expression that conveys disapproval, disdain, or hostility.
stink out
verbMedium-Low (informal, context-dependent)
/ˌstɪŋk ˈaʊt/To fill a place with a very bad or unpleasant smell.
stink stone
nounVery Low
/ˈstɪŋk ˌstəʊn/A rock, often limestone or shale, that emits a foul, sulphurous or rotten-egg smell when struck or rubbed.
stink trap
nounLow
/ˈstɪŋk ˌtræp/A U-shaped pipe or other plumbing fitting designed to prevent foul smells from sewers or drains from entering a building.
stinkard
nounRare / Obsolete
/ˈstɪŋkəd/A contemptible, morally offensive, or unpleasant person.

Showing 12181–12200 of 15552 words.