English Vocabulary Dictionary | Word Meanings, Definitions & Examples
CEFR Level
a small group of birds, especially partridges or quails
"A covey of quails flew across the field."
the person in charge of navigating and steering a boat, especially a racing or small boat
"The coxswain shouted instructions to the rowing team."
difficult to read or understand; ill-tempered
"His handwriting was crabbed and almost illegible."
the skull, especially the part enclosing the brain
"The archaeologists carefully examined the ancient cranium."
a place where milk and cream are processed and dairy products are made
"The local creamery produces fresh butter and cheese daily."
A statement of the beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions.
"Honesty has always been the central credo of his life."
A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
"The scam succeeded because of the victim's credulity."
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
"The credulous child believed every story she heard."
a place where dead bodies are cremated
"The crematory was located near the cemetery."
relating to twilight or active during twilight
"Bats are crepuscular animals, most active at dawn and dusk."
sad and disappointed
"He looked crestfallen after hearing the bad news."
To form small creases or wrinkles.
"She crinkled her nose at the strange smell."
An old woman, often one who is thin and ugly, sometimes associated with witch-like qualities.
"The children were scared by the story of the wicked crone in the forest."
to sing or hum in a soft, low, and gentle voice
"She crooned a lullaby to help the baby fall asleep."
bad-tempered, easily annoyed, and often complaining
"The crotchety old man yelled at the children for playing near his house."
a small container, especially for salt, pepper, oil, or vinegar, used at a dining table
"She filled the cruet with olive oil for the salad."
relating to or having a hard shell like a crustacean
"The scientist studied the crustaceous fossils."
a text written in code or cipher
"The detective solved the cryptogram hidden in the letter."
Relating to cryptography; involving or using secret codes or ciphers for security.
"Banks use cryptographic technology to protect transactions."
The practice of securing information through encryption or coding techniques
"Modern cryptography ensures secure online transactions."
aromatic spice with a slightly bitter taste and cooling aftertaste
"Cubeb pepper is used in traditional Indonesian cuisine."
A short, thick stick used as a weapon; to beat with a cudgel.
"The guard used a cudgel to chase away the thief."
responsibility for a fault or wrong; blameworthiness
"The jury considered his level of culpability in the crime."
a tunnel or drain that carries water under a road or railway
"The heavy rainwater flowed through the culvert under the bridge."
Excessive desire for wealth or possessions; greed.
"The king's downfall was caused by his cupidity."
Able to cure disease or restore health.
"The doctor prescribed a curative treatment for the illness."
a small unusual or interesting object, often collected for its rarity
"She bought a curio from the antique shop."
a bad-tempered, cranky, or irritable person, usually old
"The old curmudgeon complained about everything in the neighborhood."
a respectful bow made by women by bending the knees with one foot in front of the other
"She gave a quick curtsy before leaving the stage."
a tropical fruit with sweet creamy white flesh and black seeds
"The custard apple has a sweet and creamy texture."
The science of communications and automatic control systems in both machines and living things.
"Cybernetics plays a crucial role in artificial intelligence."
a curve traced by a point on the rim of a circle as it rolls along a straight line
"The cycloid is often studied in mathematics and physics."
A person or thing that is the center of attention or admiration.
"She was the cynosure of all eyes at the party."
a member of an armed gang of robbers; a bandit, especially in India and Myanmar
"The village was terrorized by a gang of dacoits who robbed travelers."
An early type of photograph produced on a silver or silver-covered copper plate.
"The museum displayed a rare daguerreotype of Abraham Lincoln."
A raised platform in a hall or room, usually where speakers or honored guests sit.
"The speaker stood on the dais to address the audience."
A casual romantic or sexual relationship; also frivolous or playful behavior.
"Their dalliance during the summer was brief but intense."
To act or move slowly; to waste time; also to engage in a casual romantic relationship.
"He dallied in the garden instead of starting his work."
condemnation to eternal punishment in hell; something that causes ruin or failure
"The preacher spoke about salvation and damnation in his sermon."
a man who gives too much attention to his appearance and clothes
"The young dandy spent hours grooming himself before the party."
unpleasantly damp and cold
"The basement was dark and dank, filled with a musty smell."
Neat, stylish, and well-dressed in appearance.
"He looked very dapper in his new suit."
Marked with spots or patches of light and shade or different colors.
"The forest floor was dappled with sunlight."
In the dark or growing dark; dimly.
"The forest creatures moved darkling through the night."
a cowardly or dishonorable person
"Only a dastard would betray his closest friend."
to spread a thick or sticky substance carelessly on a surface
"The children daubed paint all over the walls."