English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
a person who attacks and robs ships at sea; someone who illegally copies or uses another's work
"The pirate captured the merchant ship and stole its treasure."
the practice of attacking and robbing ships at sea; the unauthorized use or reproduction of copyrighted material
"Software piracy costs companies billions of dollars annually."
to stimulate interest or curiosity; to arouse resentment or anger
"Her remarks piqued his curiosity about the secret project."
having a pleasantly sharp or spicy taste; interestingly provocative
"The chef added a piquant sauce to the dish to enhance its flavor."
a long tube through which liquids or gases are transported
"The company is building a new pipeline to transport natural gas."
a tube used for conveying liquids or gases
"The plumber fixed the broken pipe."
devoutly religious or showing strong moral and spiritual devotion
"He led a pious life, always helping those in need."
A groundbreaking or innovative undertaking that leads the way in a particular field.
"Artemis is a pioneering mission in space exploration."
Involving new ideas or methods; being the first to develop or use new methods, ideas, or products.
"The scientist made pioneering discoveries."
a person who is among the first to explore, develop, or innovate in a field
"She is a pioneer in renewable energy research."
to locate or identify something with precision
"The detective was able to pinpoint the exact location of the suspect."
the highest point or peak of something, especially of success or achievement
"Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career."
a small boat, often carried by a larger ship
"The sailors used a pinnace to reach the shore."
a color between red and white
"She wore a pink dress to the party."
a small gear or the outer part of a bird's wing; to restrain or immobilize
"The bird's pinion was injured, preventing it from flying."
a tropical fruit with a rough spiky skin, sweet yellow flesh, and a leafy crown
"She added fresh pineapple to the fruit salad."
a large tropical fruit with a tough skin and sweet yellow flesh
"The pineapple has a crown of spiky leaves on top."
to long intensely for something or someone; to suffer from longing
"He pined for his hometown after moving abroad."
a tool used for gripping or squeezing objects
"Use the pinchers to remove the hot coal safely."
to squeeze tightly between the fingers; to take a small amount
"She pinched a bit of salt into the soup."
a gripping tool with two arms used for holding or pulling objects
"He used pincers to remove the hot nail from the wood."
a small thin piece of metal used to fasten or hold things together
"She used a pin to attach the note to the board."
a small, inflamed elevation of the skin; a spot on the skin, especially on the face
"She was embarrassed about the pimple on her forehead."
a person who operates an aircraft / to guide or lead through a trial
"She piloted the plane safely through the storm."
a soft cushion filled with material used to support the head while sleeping or resting
"She placed her head on the soft pillow and fell asleep quickly."
a device for publicly punishing someone / to expose to public ridicule
"The corrupt official was placed in the pillory for the town to jeer at."
a dish of rice cooked in seasoned broth, often with meat and vegetables
"We enjoyed a delicious chicken pillaw for dinner."
a strong vertical support or mainstay of a structure or system
"The ancient temple was supported by massive stone pillars."
to rob or plunder a place, especially during war
"The invading army pillaged the village and took all valuables."
a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes
"The philanthropist donated millions to build schools in rural areas."
an illusion, ghost, or figment of the imagination
"The child claimed to see a phantasm in the old house."
Having a fantastic, dreamlike, or surreal appearance, often shifting or illusory.
"The movie created a phantasmagorical vision of another world."
Excessively concerned with formal rules or outward show of morality, often in a hypocritical way.
"His pharisaical behavior made people doubt his sincerity."
A member of an ancient Jewish sect; by extension, a self-righteous or hypocritical person.
"He acted like a pharisee, judging others while ignoring his own faults."
An official book listing medicinal drugs, their effects, and directions for use.
"The doctor referred to the pharmacopoeia to check the drug's proper dosage."
A place where medicinal drugs are prepared and sold.
"I went to the pharmacy to buy antibiotics."
a distinct period or stage in a process of development
"We are in the final phase of the project."
A gradual reduction and eventual elimination of something.
"A phase-out of fossil fuels was agreed upon."
Observable events or occurrences, especially remarkable ones.
"Auroras are natural phenomena seen near the polar regions."
extraordinary, remarkable, or exceptional in a way that is very impressive
"The team achieved phenomenal success in the tournament."
an observable event, fact, or occurrence, often unusual or remarkable
"The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon."
a small glass container for liquids, especially medicines
"The doctor gave her a phial of medicine."
to engage in casual or frivolous romantic or sexual relationships
"He was known to philander with many women in town."
a man who habitually engages in casual romantic or sexual affairs
"The politician was exposed as a notorious philanderer."
showing concern for the welfare of others; generous and charitable
"She is known for her philanthropic activities in the city."
the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
"Her philosophy emphasizes kindness and empathy."
a person engaged in the study of philosophy or in serious thinking about fundamental questions
"Socrates was a famous philosopher of ancient Greece."
relating to the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
"She maintained a calm and philosophical attitude during the crisis."
to think or talk about the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence
"He likes to philosophize about life and its meaning."
having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition
"Despite the chaos, he remained phlegmatic and composed."