Level 08 Spelling Bee Word List
Study the complete Level 08 spelling bee word list below — a free spelling bee practice and vocabulary-building resource with 466 competition words for Level 8 preparation. Every word includes its meaning, part of speech, word origin (etymology), IPA pronunciation, and a free audio pronunciation clip, so you can study spelling, definitions, and correct pronunciation together — exactly the multi-dimensional word knowledge tested at regional and national spelling bee competitions.
- Free spelling bee word list — no sign-in or subscription required
- Audio pronunciation for every word, so you can hear correct stress and vowel sounds
- Word origin and etymology to help you reason through unfamiliar spelling patterns
- Part of speech and full definitions for real vocabulary understanding, not just memorisation
- Matched to Level 8 spelling bee competition difficulty
466 words · SpellingKids.com
| Word | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|
| Abalone /ˌæbəˈloʊni/ Noun Spanish (from Rumsen) | A large edible sea snail with a flat, ear-shaped shell lined with mother-of-pearl. | 🔊 Listen |
| Abnegate /ˈæbnɪˌɡeɪt/ Verb Latin | To renounce or reject (something desirable or valuable); deny. | 🔊 Listen |
| Abstractum /æbˈstræktəm/ Noun Latin | An abstract entity or concept. | 🔊 Listen |
| Acclimate /ˈækləˌmeɪt/ verb French | To become accustomed to a new climate or to new conditions. | 🔊 Listen |
| Acquisitive /əˈkwɪzətɪv/ adjective Latin | Excessively interested in acquiring money or material things. | 🔊 Listen |
| Adhesional /ədˈhiːʒənəl/ Adjective Latin | Relating to or characterized by adhesion. | 🔊 Listen |
| Admonitory /ədˈmɑːnɪtɔːri/ Adjective Latin | Giving or conveying a warning or reprimand. | 🔊 Listen |
| Aerometer /ˌɛərˈɑːmɪtər/ Noun Greek | An instrument for weighing air or determining its density. | 🔊 Listen |
| Afterburner /ˈæftərˌbɜːrnər/ Noun English | An additional combustion chamber in a jet engine used to provide extra thrust. | 🔊 Listen |
| Aiguillette /ˌeɪɡwɪˈlɛt/ Noun French | A braided ornament worn on the shoulder of a uniform; a small spike or lace. | 🔊 Listen |
| Alderman /ˈɔːldərmən/ Noun Old English | An elected member of a municipal council. | 🔊 Listen |
| Allegory /ˈælɪˌɡɔːri/ Noun Greek | A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. | 🔊 Listen |
| Almsgiver /ˈɑːmzˌɡɪvər/ Noun Old English | A person who gives alms. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ambivalent /æmˈbɪvələnt/ Adjective Latin | Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. | 🔊 Listen |
| Amount /əˈmaʊnt/ Noun Old French | A quantity of something, especially a sum of money. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ancestor /ˈænsɛstər/ Noun Latin (via Old French) | A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended. | 🔊 Listen |
| Angelica /ænˈdʒɛlɪkə/ Noun Latin | A genus of tall, aromatic plants of the parsley family. | 🔊 Listen |
| Anoint /əˈnɔɪnt/ Verb Latin | To smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony. | 🔊 Listen |
| Anthology /ænˈθɑːlədʒi/ Noun Greek | A published collection of poems or other pieces of writing. | 🔊 Listen |
| Apolitical /ˌeɪpəˈlɪtɪkəl/ Adjective Greek | Not interested or involved in politics. | 🔊 Listen |
| Applaudable /əˈplɔːdəbəl/ Adjective Latin | Deserving of applause or praise. | 🔊 Listen |
| Aquamarine /ˌækwəˈməriːn/ Noun, Adjective Latin | A light bluish-green variety of beryl used as a gemstone. | 🔊 Listen |
| Archduke /ˌɑːrtʃˈduːk/ Noun German | A prince of the former ruling house of Austria. | 🔊 Listen |
| Armistice /ˈɑːrmɪstɪs/ Noun French | An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ascetic /əˈsɛtɪk/ adjective Greek | Characterized by severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence. | 🔊 Listen |
| Aspidistra /ˌæspɪˈdɪstrə/ noun Greek | A plant of the lily family, with broad, tapering leaves, popular as a houseplant. | 🔊 Listen |
| Assurance /əˈʃʊrəns/ Noun Old French (from Latin) | A positive declaration intended to give confidence; a promise. | 🔊 Listen |
| Asymptote /ˈæsɪmˌtoʊt/ Noun Greek | A line that continually approaches a given curve but does not meet it at any finite distance. | 🔊 Listen |
| Attitudinal /ˌætɪˈtuːdənəl/ Adjective Latin (via Italian) | Relating to attitudes. | 🔊 Listen |
| Auteurism /oʊˈtɜːrɪzəm/ Noun French | The theory that a film director is the primary author of a film. | 🔊 Listen |
| Baffle /ˈbæfəl/ Verb Scots | To totally bewilder or perplex. | 🔊 Listen |
| Balloon /bəˈluːn/ Noun Italian | A flexible bag inflated with gas or air, either for decoration or to float in the air. | 🔊 Listen |
| Banister /ˈbænɪstər/ Noun Italian | The upright supports that hold the handrail of a staircase. | 🔊 Listen |
| Barberry /ˈbɑːrˌbɛri/ Noun Arabic (via Latin) | A shrub with thorny stems and yellow flowers, followed by red berries. | 🔊 Listen |
| Baseboard /ˈbeɪsˌbɔːrd/ Noun English | A narrow board running along the bottom of an interior wall, covering the joint between the wall and the floor. | 🔊 Listen |
| Beadle /ˈbiːdəl/ Noun Old French | A ceremonial officer of a church, college, or other institution. | 🔊 Listen |
| Befall /bɪˈfɔl/ Verb Old English | To happen to someone; to occur. | 🔊 Listen |
| Beholden /bɪˈhoʊldən/ Adjective Old English | Owing thanks or having a duty to someone in return for help or a service. | 🔊 Listen |
| Beneficence /bɪˈnɛfɪsəns/ Noun Latin | The quality of being kind or charitable. | 🔊 Listen |
| Bespangle /bɪˈspæŋɡəl/ Verb English (from be- + spangle) | To adorn with spangles. | 🔊 Listen |
| Billow /ˈbɪloʊ/ Verb Old Norse | To swell out or puff up, like a wave or smoke. | 🔊 Listen |
| Bishop /ˈbɪʃəp/ Noun Old English | A senior member of the Christian clergy, typically in charge of a diocese. | 🔊 Listen |
| Blithe /blaɪð/ Adjective Old English | Carefree and lighthearted. | 🔊 Listen |
| Bolster /ˈboʊlstər/ noun, verb Old English | A long, cylindrical pillow or cushion; to support or strengthen. | 🔊 Listen |
| Bothersome / /ˈbɑːðərsəm/ Adjective English (from bother) | Causing annoyance, trouble, or worry. | 🔊 Listen |
| Braille / /breɪl/ Proper Noun French (named after Louis Braille) | A system of reading and writing for blind people, in which characters are represented by raised dots. | 🔊 Listen |
| Breadth /brɛdθ/ Noun Old English | The distance from side to side; width. | 🔊 Listen |
| Brocade /broʊˈkeɪd/ Noun, Verb Spanish via Italian | A rich fabric, typically silk, woven with a raised pattern. | 🔊 Listen |
| Bucolic /bjuːˈkɑlɪk/ adjective Greek | Relating to the pleasant aspects of the countryside and country life; pastoral. | 🔊 Listen |
| Burgeon /ˈbɜːrdʒən/ Verb Old French | To begin to grow or increase rapidly; flourish. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cadenza /kəˈdɛnzə/ Noun Italian | A virtuosic solo passage inserted into a concerto movement. | 🔊 Listen |
| Caliph /ˈkeɪlɪf/ Noun Arabic | The chief Muslim civil and religious ruler. | 🔊 Listen |
| Canary /kəˈnɛri/ Noun Spanish | A small, yellow songbird, often kept as a cage bird. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cantilever /ˈkæntɪˌliːvər/ Noun English | A long projecting beam or girder fixed at only one end. | 🔊 Listen |
| Capstan /ˈkæpstən/ Noun Old French | A broad revolving cylinder with a vertical axis, used for winding ropes or cables. | 🔊 Listen |
| Career /kəˈrɪər/ Noun French | An occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person's life and with opportunities for progress. | 🔊 Listen |
| Carrosserie /ˌkærəˈsɛri/ Noun French | The bodywork of a vehicle. | 🔊 Listen |
| Catalan /ˈkætəlæn/ adjective Catalan | Relating to Catalonia, its people, or its language. | 🔊 Listen |
| Catchpole /ˈkætʃˌpoʊl/ noun Old French | An archaic term for a sheriff's officer or bailiff. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cavalcade /ˌkævəlˈkeɪd/ noun Italian | A procession or parade of people riding on horses or in vehicles. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cembalist /ˈtʃɛmbəlɪst/ noun Italian | A person who plays the cembalo or harpsichord. | 🔊 Listen |
| Centurion /sɛnˈtʊriən/ noun Latin | An officer in the ancient Roman army. | 🔊 Listen |
| Chalet /ʃæˈleɪ/ noun French | A wooden house or cottage with a sloping roof, common in the Alps. | 🔊 Listen |
| Chaplain /ˈtʃæplɪn/ Noun Old French (from Latin) | A cleric who serves a specific institution rather than a parish. | 🔊 Listen |
| Chasuble /ˈtʃæzəbəl/ Noun Old French (from Latin) | The outermost liturgical vestment worn by Catholic priests and bishops at Mass. | 🔊 Listen |
| Chimney /ˈtʃɪmni/ This is a noun. Old French | A vertical channel through which smoke and gases are carried up from a fire. | 🔊 Listen |
| Chortle /ˈtʃɔrtəl/ This is a verb. English (coined by Lewis Carroll) | To laugh in a breathy, gleeful way; a combination of chuckle and snort. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cincture /ˈsɪŋktʃər/ Noun Latin | A belt or girdle, especially one worn by clergy. | 🔊 Listen |
| Citizen /ˈsɪtɪzən/ Noun Old French | A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth. | 🔊 Listen |
| Clause /klɔːz/ Noun Old French | A group of words with a subject and predicate, forming a sentence or part of a sentence. | 🔊 Listen |
| Climate /ˈklaɪmət/ Noun Old French | The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long period. | 🔊 Listen |
| Clover /ˈkloʊvər/ Noun Old English | A small plant with three-lobed leaves, often used as fodder. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cobble /ˈkɑbəl/ Verb English | To mend shoes; to roughly assemble or repair. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cognitive /ˈkɑːɡnətɪv/ adjective Latin | Relating to or involving cognition. | 🔊 Listen |
| Collate /ˈkɑːleɪt/ verb Latin | To collect and combine (texts, information, or data). | 🔊 Listen |
| Colloquium /kəˈloʊkwiəm/ noun Latin | An academic conference or seminar. | 🔊 Listen |
| Comfort /ˈkʌmfərt/ Noun, Verb Old French | A state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint. | 🔊 Listen |
| Commiserate /kəˈmɪzəreɪt/ Verb Latin | To express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize. | 🔊 Listen |
| Commorancy /ˈkɑːmərənsi/ Noun Latin | The state of residing in a particular place. | 🔊 Listen |
| Compel /kəmˈpɛl/ Verb Latin | To force or oblige (someone) to do something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Complex /kɑːmˈplɛks/ Adjective Latin | Consisting of many different and connected parts. | 🔊 Listen |
| Compotator /ˌkɑːmpoʊˈteɪtər/ Noun Latin | A person who drinks with others. | 🔊 Listen |
| Concept /ˈkɑːnsɛpt/ Noun Latin | An abstract idea; a general notion. | 🔊 Listen |
| Concordance /kənˈkɔːrdəns/ Noun Latin | An alphabetical list of the principal words in a book or body of work. | 🔊 Listen |
| Confide /kənˈfaɪd/ Verb Latin | To tell someone about a secret or private matter while trusting them not to repeat it to others. | 🔊 Listen |
| Congenial /kənˈdʒiːniəl/ Adjective Latin | Pleasant or agreeable because suited to one's taste or inclination. | 🔊 Listen |
| Connoisseur /ˌkɑnəˈsɜr/ Noun French | An expert judge in matters of taste. | 🔊 Listen |
| Constellate /ˈkɑnstəˌleɪt/ Verb Latin | To gather or form into a cluster or group, especially of stars. | 🔊 Listen |
| Continuance /kənˈtɪnjuəns/ Noun Latin | The state of remaining in existence or operation. | 🔊 Listen |
| Controvert /ˈkɑntrəˌvɜrt/ Verb Latin | To dispute or deny. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cooper /ˈkuːpər/ Noun, Verb English | A person who makes or repairs barrels and casks. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cornelian /kɔːrˈniːliən/ Noun Old French | A reddish-brown mineral, a variety of chalcedony, used in jewelry. | 🔊 Listen |
| Corrodible /kəˈroʊdɪbəl/ Adjective Latin | Capable of being corroded. | 🔊 Listen |
| Countenance /ˈkaʊntənəns/ Noun Old French | A person's face or facial expression. | 🔊 Listen |
| Covert /ˈkoʊvərt/ Adjective Old French | Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret. | 🔊 Listen |
| Creole /ˈkriːoʊl/ noun French (from Spanish or Portuguese) | A person of mixed European and black descent, especially in the Caribbean. | 🔊 Listen |
| Crouch /kraʊtʃ/ Verb/Noun Old French | To adopt a low, bent position of the body. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cucumber /ˈkjuːkʌmbər/ Noun Old French, from Latin | A long, green-skinned fruit with watery flesh, typically eaten as a vegetable in salads. | 🔊 Listen |
| Curate /ˈkjʊrɪt/ Noun Latin | A member of the clergy who assists a parish priest or vicar; to select, organize, and present data or items. | 🔊 Listen |
| Cyclometer /saɪˈklɒmɪtər/ Noun Greek | An instrument for measuring the number of revolutions of a wheel or bicycle. | 🔊 Listen |
| Dadaism /ˈdɑːdɑːˌɪzəm/ Noun French | An art movement of the early 20th century that embraced absurdity. | 🔊 Listen |
| Dauphin /ˈdɔːfɪn/ Noun Old French | The eldest son of the King of France, heir to the throne. | 🔊 Listen |
| Decade /ˈdɛkeɪd/ Noun Greek (via Old French and Latin) | A period of ten years. | 🔊 Listen |
| Decision /dɪˈsɪʒən/ Noun Latin (via Old French) | A conclusion or resolution reached after consideration. | 🔊 Listen |
| Decorum /dɪˈkɔrəm/ Noun Latin | Propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance. | 🔊 Listen |
| Deflective /dɪˈflɛktɪv/ Adjective English | Tending to deflect. | 🔊 Listen |
| Delight /dɪˈlaɪt/ Noun Old French | Great pleasure. | 🔊 Listen |
| Demulcent /dɪˈmʌlsənt/ Adjective Latin | Relieving irritation or inflammation, especially of mucous membranes. | 🔊 Listen |
| Depart /dɪˈpɑːrt/ verb Old French | To leave; to go away. | 🔊 Listen |
| Derrick /ˈdɛrɪk/ noun Dutch | A type of crane, especially one used on ships or for oil drilling. | 🔊 Listen |
| Desultory /ˈdɛsəltəri/ Used as an adjective. Latin (desultorius) | Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; jumping from one thing to another. | 🔊 Listen |
| Deviate /ˈdiːviˌeɪt/ Used as a verb. Latin (deviare) | To depart from an established course or norm. | 🔊 Listen |
| Diameter /daɪˈæmətər/ Noun Greek (diametros) | A straight line passing from side to side through the center of a body or figure, especially a circle or sphere. | 🔊 Listen |
| Difference /ˈdɪfərəns/ Noun Latin (differentia) | A point or way in which people or things are not the same. | 🔊 Listen |
| Dilatory /ˈdɪləˌtɔːri/ adjective Latin | Slow to act; intended to cause delay. | 🔊 Listen |
| Dinghy /ˈdɪŋɡi/ noun Hindi | A small boat, especially one for recreation or one carried or towed by a larger boat. | 🔊 Listen |
| Disabuse /ˌdɪsəˈbjuːz/ verb Old French | To persuade someone that an idea or belief is mistaken. | 🔊 Listen |
| Disconcert /ˌdɪskənˈsɜrt/ Verb French | To disturb the composure of; to unsettle. | 🔊 Listen |
| Disguise /dɪsˈɡaɪz/ Verb/Noun Old French | To give a new appearance to conceal its identity; a means of concealing identity. | 🔊 Listen |
| Disparity /dɪˈspærəti/ Noun Latin | A great difference. | 🔊 Listen |
| Disrepair /ˌdɪsrɪˈpeər/ Noun English (from dis- + repair) | The state of being in poor condition due to neglect. | 🔊 Listen |
| Distinctive /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/ Adjective Latin | Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others. | 🔊 Listen |
| Division /dɪˈvɪʒən/ Noun Latin | The action of separating something into parts. | 🔊 Listen |
| Dolphin /ˈdɑlfɪn/ noun Greek (via Old French) | A small toothed whale with a streamlined body and a long snout, known for its intelligence and agility. | 🔊 Listen |
| Dramalogue /ˈdræməˌlɔːɡ/ Noun English (drama + -logue) | A dramatic monologue or dialogue. | 🔊 Listen |
| Duplex /ˈduːplɛks/ Adjective Latin | Consisting of two parts; having two similar parts. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ecology /ɪˈkɑːlədʒi/ noun Greek | The study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. | 🔊 Listen |
| Elderberry /ˈɛldərbɛri/ Noun Old English | The dark edible berry of an elder tree. | 🔊 Listen |
| Embassy /ˈɛmbəsi/ Noun French | The official residence or offices of an ambassador. | 🔊 Listen |
| Emolliate /ɪˈmɑːliˌeɪt/ Verb Latin | To soften or make more supple. | 🔊 Listen |
| Encase /ɛnˈkeɪs/ Verb Old French (en- + case) | To enclose or cover in a case or covering. | 🔊 Listen |
| Encumbrance /ɛnˈkʌmbrəns/ Noun Old French (encombrance) | A burden or impediment. | 🔊 Listen |
| Enigmatic /ˌɛnɪɡˈmætɪk/ Adjective Latin | Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious. | 🔊 Listen |
| Entitle /ɪnˈtaɪtəl/ Verb Old French | To give (someone) a legal right or a just claim to receive or do something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Enunciate /ɪˈnʌnsiˌeɪt/ Verb Latin | To say or pronounce clearly. | 🔊 Listen |
| Epicenter /ˈɛpɪˌsɛntər/ Noun Greek | The point on the Earth's surface vertically above the focus of an earthquake. | 🔊 Listen |
| Equestrian /ɪˈkwɛstriən/ Adjective Latin | Of or relating to horse riding. | 🔊 Listen |
| Errant /ˈɛrənt/ Adjective Latin | Straying from the proper course or standards; journeying or adventuring. | 🔊 Listen |
| Esoteric /ˌɛsəˈtɛrɪk/ Adjective Greek | Intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. | 🔊 Listen |
| Etesian /ɪˈtiːʒən/ Adjective Greek | Denoting the annual northerly winds of the Aegean Sea. | 🔊 Listen |
| Euphuism /ˈjuːfjuɪzəm/ This is a noun. From Greek via English 'Euphues'. | An affected style of writing characterized by elaborate alliteration, antitheses, and similes. | 🔊 Listen |
| Eversion /ɪˈvɜːrʒən/ This is a noun. From Latin. | The act of turning inside out. | 🔊 Listen |
| Exchange /ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ This is a verb. From Old French. | Give something and receive something else in return. | 🔊 Listen |
| Exhilarate /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪt/ This is a verb. From Latin. | Make (someone) feel very happy, animated, or elated. | 🔊 Listen |
| Explain /ɪkˈspleɪn/ Verb Latin | To make (an idea or situation) clear to someone. | 🔊 Listen |
| Exterior /ɪkˈstɪriər/ Noun Latin | The outer surface or structure of something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Facilitate /fəˈsɪlɪˌteɪt/ Verb Latin | To make an action or process easy or easier. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fallible /ˈfæləbəl/ Adjective Medieval Latin | Capable of making mistakes or being wrong. | 🔊 Listen |
| Farrier /ˈfæriər/ Noun Old French | A craftsman who shoes horses. | 🔊 Listen |
| Feature /ˈfiʧər/ Noun, Verb Old French (feture) | A distinctive attribute or aspect of something; to have as a prominent attribute. | 🔊 Listen |
| Festal /ˈfɛstəl/ Adjective Latin | Of or relating to a feast or festival; festive. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fidelity /fɪˈdɛlɪti/ Noun Latin | Faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. | 🔊 Listen |
| Finale /fɪˈnɑli/ noun Italian | The last part of a piece of music, performance, or public event. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fixture /ˈfɪkstʃər/ Noun Latin | A permanent attachment or item in a house or building. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fleeceable /ˈflisəbəl/ Adjective English | Easily defrauded or swindled. | 🔊 Listen |
| Flounce /flaʊns/ verb, noun English (uncertain origin, possibly from Dutch 'flonsen') | To move in an exaggerated, impatient, or angry manner. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fluoroscope /ˈflʊərəˌskoʊp/ noun English (fluorine + -scope) | An X-ray machine used for internal examination of a patient by means of a fluorescent screen. | 🔊 Listen |
| Forbearance /fɔrˈbɛrəns/ Noun Old English | Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance. | 🔊 Listen |
| Foretell /fɔrˈtɛl/ Verb Old English | To predict the future or a future event. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fossorial /fəˈsɔːriəl/ Adjective Latin | Adapted for digging. | 🔊 Listen |
| Franchisal /frænˈʧaɪzəl/ Noun Old French | The act of granting a franchise. | 🔊 Listen |
| Frequency /ˈfrikwənsi/ Noun Latin | The rate at which something occurs or is repeated over a particular period of time or in a given sample. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fulgent /ˈfʊldʒənt/ Adjective Latin (fulgere) | Shining brightly; dazzling. | 🔊 Listen |
| Fustanella /ˌfʊstəˈnɛlə/ Noun Italian | A pleated skirt-like garment worn by men in Albania and Greece. | 🔊 Listen |
| Galeiform /ɡəˈliːɪfɔːrm/ Adjective Latin | Helmet-shaped. | 🔊 Listen |
| Gallon /ˈɡælən/ Noun Old French | A unit of liquid capacity equal to 4 quarts or 3.785 liters. | 🔊 Listen |
| Gangplank /ˈɡæŋplæŋk/ Noun Old English | A movable plank used to board or disembark from a ship or boat. | 🔊 Listen |
| Gasconade /ˌɡæskəˈneɪd/ Noun French | Extravagant boasting; bravado. | 🔊 Listen |
| Generality /ˌdʒɛnəˈræləti/ noun Latin | A statement or principle having general rather than specific application. | 🔊 Listen |
| Genuine /ˈdʒɛnjuɪn/ adjective Latin | Truly what something is said to be; authentic. | 🔊 Listen |
| Germproof /ˈdʒɜrmˌpruf/ Adjective English (compound) | Resistant to germs; sterile. | 🔊 Listen |
| Gibbon /ˈɡɪbən/ Noun French | A small, slender, tree-dwelling ape with long powerful arms, native to the forests of Southeast Asia. | 🔊 Listen |
| Glabrescent /ɡləˈbrɛsənt/ Adjective Latin | Becoming smooth and hairless. | 🔊 Listen |
| Globalize /ˈɡloʊbəlaɪz/ verb Latin | To make something global in scope or application. | 🔊 Listen |
| Gnomon /ˈnoʊmɒn/ noun Greek | The projecting piece on a sundial that shows the time by the position of its shadow. | 🔊 Listen |
| Gourami /ˈɡʊrɑːmi/ Noun Malay | A type of freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. | 🔊 Listen |
| Grapevine /ˈɡreɪpˌvaɪn/ Noun English | A woody vine that produces grapes; an informal means of circulating information or rumors. | 🔊 Listen |
| Grease /ɡriːs/ Noun Old French | Oily or fatty matter, especially as a lubricant. | 🔊 Listen |
| Grouse / /ɡraʊs/ Noun Old French | A plump game bird; (verb) to complain peevishly. | 🔊 Listen |
| Gullibility /ˌɡʌləˈbɪlɪti/ Noun English | The tendency to be easily tricked or deceived. | 🔊 Listen |
| Hackamore /ˈhækəmɔːr/ Noun Spanish | A rope halter or bridle, often used for training horses. | 🔊 Listen |
| Hallow /ˈhæloʊ/ Verb Old English | To honor as holy. | 🔊 Listen |
| Handiwork /ˈhændɪˌwɜːrk/ Noun English | Work done by hand; a person's creation or accomplishment. | 🔊 Listen |
| Hardihood /ˈhɑːrdiˌhʊd/ Noun Old French | Boldness or daring. | 🔊 Listen |
| Hawthorn /ˈhɔːˌθɔːrn/ Noun Old English | A thorny shrub or tree. | 🔊 Listen |
| Heifer /ˈhɛfər/ Noun Old English | A young female cow, typically one that has not borne a calf. | 🔊 Listen |
| Hendecagon /hɛnˈdɛkəˌɡɑːn/ Noun Greek | A polygon with eleven sides and eleven angles. | 🔊 Listen |
| Heresimach /hɛˈrɛsɪˌmæk/ Noun Greek | A person who fights against heresy. | 🔊 Listen |
| Heterotic /ˌhɛtəˈrɑːtɪk/ Adjective Greek | Exhibiting heterosis (hybrid vigor). | 🔊 Listen |
| Hindsight /ˈhaɪndˌsaɪt/ Noun English | The understanding of an event or situation only after it has happened. | 🔊 Listen |
| Holograph /ˈhɑləˌɡræf/ noun Greek holos (whole) + graphein (to write) | A document written entirely in the handwriting of the person whose signature it bears. | 🔊 Listen |
| Honorific /ˌɑnəˈrɪfɪk/ adjective Latin honorificus | Conveys respect or deference. | 🔊 Listen |
| Household /ˈhaʊsˌhoʊld/ Noun Old English | A house and its occupants regarded as a unit. | 🔊 Listen |
| Hurricane /ˈhɜːrɪˌkeɪn/ noun Spanish | A tropical cyclone with violent winds, in particular in the Caribbean. | 🔊 Listen |
| Hyetometer /ˌhaɪɪˈtɑːmɪtər/ noun Greek | A rain gauge. | 🔊 Listen |
| Idealistic /ˌaɪdiəˈlɪstɪk/ Adjective Greek | Characterized by idealism; cherishing or pursuing high principles. | 🔊 Listen |
| Illustrate /ˈɪləˌstreɪt/ Verb Latin | To provide with pictures or other artwork. | 🔊 Listen |
| Immensity /ɪˈmɛnsəti/ Noun Latin | The quality of being immense; extreme greatness or extent. | 🔊 Listen |
| Impart /ɪmˈpɑrt/ Verb Latin | To make (information) known; communicate. | 🔊 Listen |
| Impignorate /ɪmˈpɪɡnəreɪt/ Verb Latin (impignorare) | To pledge or mortgage. | 🔊 Listen |
| Impress /ɪmˈprɛs/ Verb Latin (impressare) | To make a strong positive effect on (someone). | 🔊 Listen |
| Impulse /ˈɪmpʌls/ Noun Latin (impulsus) | A sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act. | 🔊 Listen |
| Inaugurate /ɪˈnɔːɡjəˌreɪt/ Verb Latin (inaugurare 'to consecrate by augury') | To begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period). | 🔊 Listen |
| Incognita /ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtə/ Adjective Italian (incognita 'unknown') | (Of a woman) with one's identity kept secret. | 🔊 Listen |
| Indelible /ɪnˈdɛləbəl/ Adjective Latin | (Of ink or a mark) not able to be removed or washed out; permanent. | 🔊 Listen |
| Induct /ɪnˈdʌkt/ Verb Latin | To admit someone formally to a position, office, or organization. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ineludible /ˌɪnɪˈludɪbəl/ Latin | Unable to be eluded or escaped. | 🔊 Listen |
| Inferential /ˌɪnfəˈrɛnʃəl/ Adjective Latin | Relating to or involving inference. | 🔊 Listen |
| Infuse /ɪnˈfjuːz/ Verb Latin | To instill (a quality or feeling) in someone or something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Initial /ɪˈnɪʃəl/ Adjective Latin | Existing or occurring at the beginning. | 🔊 Listen |
| Inselberg /ˈɪnsəlˌbɜːrɡ/ Noun German | An isolated hill or mountain rising abruptly from a virtually level surrounding plain. | 🔊 Listen |
| Insistent /ɪnˈsɪstənt/ Adjective Latin | Demanding something forcefully and repeatedly. | 🔊 Listen |
| Insularity /ˌɪnsəˈlærəti/ noun Latin | The state of being insular or isolated. | 🔊 Listen |
| Intemperate /ɪnˈtɛmpərət/ adjective Latin | Having or showing a lack of self-control; excessive. | 🔊 Listen |
| Interest /ˈɪntrɛst/ noun Old French | The state of wanting to know or learn about something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Intern /ɪnˈtɜːrn}/ Noun English | A student or trainee who works, sometimes without pay, in order to gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification. | 🔊 Listen |
| Interviewee /ˌɪntərˌvjuːˈiː}/ Noun English | A person who is interviewed. | 🔊 Listen |
| Involuntary /ɪnˈvɑlənˌtɛri/ Adjective Latin | Done without conscious control or against one's will. | 🔊 Listen |
| Isolate /ˈaɪsəˌleɪt/ Verb, Noun Latin | To set apart from others; a person or thing that has been isolated. | 🔊 Listen |
| Jacquard /ˈdʒækɑrd/ Noun French | A fabric with an intricately woven pattern, or the loom used to produce it. | 🔊 Listen |
| Jardiniere /ˌdʒɑːrdɪnˈjɛər/ Noun French | An ornamental stand or pot for plants. | 🔊 Listen |
| Jetsam /ˈdʒɛtsəm/ Noun Anglo-French (from jeter) | Goods cast overboard from a ship, especially to lighten it in a storm, that wash ashore. | 🔊 Listen |
| Journey /ˈdʒɜrni/ Noun Old French | An act of traveling from one place to another. | 🔊 Listen |
| Judicature /ˈdʒuːdɪkəˌtʃʊər/ Noun Latin | The administration of justice; the body of judges. | 🔊 Listen |
| Jurist /ˈdʒʊrɪst/ Noun Latin | An expert in law; a legal scholar. | 🔊 Listen |
| Kanten /ˈkɑːntɛn/ Noun Japanese | A type of agar-agar, especially from Japan. | 🔊 Listen |
| Kelvin /ˈkɛlvɪn/ Proper Noun English (named after Lord Kelvin) | The SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature, or a Scottish surname. | 🔊 Listen |
| Kilter /ˈkɪltər/ Noun Origin uncertain, possibly Scandinavian | Proper or usual state or condition. | 🔊 Listen |
| Knickknack /ˈnɪkˌnæk/ Noun English (reduplication) | A small, often inexpensive article, especially one used for decoration. | 🔊 Listen |
| Kymograph /ˈkaɪməˌɡræf/ Noun Greek | A device for recording variations in pressure, motion, or tension. | 🔊 Listen |
| Lacquer /ˈlækər/ noun French | A liquid made of shellac dissolved in alcohol, used as a varnish. | 🔊 Listen |
| Languid /ˈlæŋɡwɪd/ adjective Latin | Displaying a disinclination for physical exertion or effort; slow and relaxed. | 🔊 Listen |
| Lather /ˈlæðər/ Noun Old English | A foam produced by soap or detergent and water. | 🔊 Listen |
| Leaven /ˈlɛvən/ Noun Old French | A substance, typically yeast, that causes dough to rise. | 🔊 Listen |
| Legion /ˈlidʒən/ Noun Latin (legio) | A unit of 3,000–6,000 men in the ancient Roman army; a vast number of people or things. | 🔊 Listen |
| Leopardess /ˈlɛpərdɛs/ Noun English (from 'leopard' + '-ess') | A female leopard. | 🔊 Listen |
| Lexical /ˈlɛksɪkəl/ Adjective Greek (lexikos 'of words') | Of or relating to words or the vocabulary of a language. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ligature /ˈlɪgətʃər/ noun Latin | A thing used for tying or binding something, especially in surgery. | 🔊 Listen |
| Limpid /ˈlɪmpɪd/ Adjective Latin | Clear, transparent, or unclouded. | 🔊 Listen |
| Liquefiable /ˈlɪkwəˌfaɪəbəl/ Adjective Latin | Capable of being made liquid. | 🔊 Listen |
| Lithograph /ˈlɪθəˌɡræf/ Noun Greek | A print produced by lithography. | 🔊 Listen |
| Locate /ˈloʊˌkeɪt/ Verb Latin | To find the exact position of. | 🔊 Listen |
| Longevity / /lɑnˈdʒɛvɪti/ Noun Latin | Long duration of life. | 🔊 Listen |
| Lumber /ˈlʌmbər/ Noun English | Timber sawn into planks or boards; also, to move in a slow, heavy, awkward way. | 🔊 Listen |
| Macadamize /məˈkædəˌmaɪz/ Verb Scottish | To surface a road with macadam. | 🔊 Listen |
| Maelstrom /ˈmeɪlstrɑːm/ Noun Dutch | A powerful whirlpool; a state of confused movement or violent turmoil. | 🔊 Listen |
| Maharajah /ˌmɑːhəˈrɑːdʒə/ Noun Sanskrit | An Indian prince ruling one of the major Indian states. | 🔊 Listen |
| Manageable /ˈmænɪdʒəbəl/ Adjective Old French | Capable of being managed or controlled. | 🔊 Listen |
| Manifold /ˈmænɪfoʊld/ Adjective Old English | Many and various. | 🔊 Listen |
| Margin /ˈmɑːrdʒɪn/ Noun/Verb Latin (via Old French) | The edge or border of something; the amount by which something is won or falls short; a financial gain. | 🔊 Listen |
| Mastermind /ˈmæstərˌmaɪnd/ Noun/Verb English (Master + Mind) | A person who plans and directs an intricate and typically nefarious project or activity; or, to plan and direct (an intricate project or activity). | 🔊 Listen |
| Maturescent /ˌmætʃəˈrɛsənt/ Adjective Latin | Approaching maturity. | 🔊 Listen |
| Mechanism /ˈmɛkəˌnɪzəm/ Noun Greek | A system of parts working together in a machine; a piece of machinery. | 🔊 Listen |
| Mediocre /ˌmiːdiˈoʊkər/ adjective Latin | Of only moderate quality; not very good. | 🔊 Listen |
| Mellow /ˈmɛloʊ/ adjective, verb Old English | (Of a sound, taste, or color) pleasantly smooth or soft; (of a person) made gentle and tolerant by age or experience. | 🔊 Listen |
| Memorial /məˈmɔːriəl/ noun, adjective Latin | Something, especially a structure, established to remind people of a person or event. | 🔊 Listen |
| Message /ˈmɛs.ɪdʒ/ noun Old French (message) | A verbal, written, or recorded communication sent by one person to another. | 🔊 Listen |
| Microfiche /ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.fiʃ/ noun Greek (mikros) + French (fiche) | A flat sheet of film containing microimages of documents in a grid pattern. | 🔊 Listen |
| Millet /ˈmɪlɪt/ Noun French (from Latin) | A fast-growing cereal crop, widely grown in warm regions and used as food and fodder. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ministerial /ˌmɪnɪˈstɪriəl/ Adjective Latin | Relating to a minister of state or a minister of religion. | 🔊 Listen |
| Misfeasance /ˌmɪsˈfiːzəns/ Noun Anglo-French | The performance of a lawful action in an illegal or improper manner. | 🔊 Listen |
| Modest /ˈmɑdɪst/ Used as an adjective. Latin | Unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements. | 🔊 Listen |
| Molybdenum /ˌmɑlɪbˈdiːnəm/ Used as a noun. Greek | The chemical element of atomic number 42, a hard, silvery-white metal used in steel alloys. | 🔊 Listen |
| Monopolize /məˈnɑpəˌlaɪz/ Used as a verb Greek via Latin | To obtain exclusive possession or control of (a trade or commodity); to dominate completely. | 🔊 Listen |
| Morsel /ˈmɔrsəl/ Used as a noun Latin via Old French | A small piece of food; a small quantity of something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Mulberry /ˈmʌlˌbɛri/ Noun Latin | A tree bearing small, edible, often dark purple berries. | 🔊 Listen |
| Mustard /ˈmʌstərd/ Used as a noun. Old French (from Latin). | A pungent yellow or brown paste condiment, made from ground mustard seeds. | 🔊 Listen |
| Naivety /naɪˈiːvəti/ Used as a noun. French. | The quality of being naive; lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment. | 🔊 Listen |
| Natatorium /ˌneɪtəˈtɔːriəm/ noun Latin | An indoor swimming pool. | 🔊 Listen |
| Navigable /ˈnævɪɡəbəl/ adjective Latin | Deep and wide enough to be suitable for ships or boats to sail on. | 🔊 Listen |
| Nervulose /ˈnɜrvjəˌloʊs/ adjective Latin | Having numerous small nerves or veins, typically referring to leaves or insect wings. | 🔊 Listen |
| Nicety /ˈnaɪsəti/ Noun Old French | A subtle distinction or detail; a precise or careful detail. | 🔊 Listen |
| Nodule /ˈnɑdʒul/ Noun Latin | A small, rounded lump or growth. | 🔊 Listen |
| Nonmetrical /ˌnɑnˈmɛtrɪkəl/ Adjective English | Not metrical; not having a regular rhythmic pattern. | 🔊 Listen |
| Northabout /ˌnɔrθəˈbaʊt/ Adverb English | Around the north, or towards the north. | 🔊 Listen |
| Nullity /ˈnʌləti/ Noun Latin | The state of being null or void; a thing of no importance. | 🔊 Listen |
| Nyctinasty /ˌnɪktɪˈnæsti/ Noun Greek | The sleep movements of plants in response to the daily rhythm of light and darkness. | 🔊 Listen |
| Obliquity /oʊˈblɪkwɪti/ Noun Latin | Deviation from moral rectitude or sound thinking; also, the state of being oblique. | 🔊 Listen |
| Obvallate /əbˈvæleɪt/ adjective Latin | Surrounded by a wall or rampart. | 🔊 Listen |
| Octuplicate /ɑkˈtjuplɪˌkeɪt/ verb, adjective, noun Latin | To multiply by eight; eightfold; an eightfold copy. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ombrophobe /ɒmˈbrɑːfoʊb/ noun Greek | A person who has an irrational fear of rain. | 🔊 Listen |
| Operative /ˈɒpərətɪv/ adjective Latin | Functioning or having an effect; a person who performs a significant role or task. | 🔊 Listen |
| Opulent /ˈɒpjələnt/ adjective Latin | Rich and luxurious or lavish. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ordinance /ˈɔːrdɪnəns/ noun Latin | A law or decree by a municipality or other authority. | 🔊 Listen |
| Orison /ˈɔːrəsən/ noun Old French | A prayer. | 🔊 Listen |
| Oscillatory /ˈɑːsələˌtɔːri/ adjective Latin | Involving or characterized by oscillation. | 🔊 Listen |
| Outage /ˈaʊtɪdʒ/ noun English | A period when a power supply or other service is not available. | 🔊 Listen |
| Overcast /ˈoʊvərˌkæst/ adjective English | (Of the sky or weather) covered with clouds; dull. | 🔊 Listen |
| Oxalic / /ɑːkˈsælɪk/ adjective Greek | Relating to or derived from oxalic acid. | 🔊 Listen |
| Packsaddle / /ˈpæksædl/ noun English | A saddle designed to carry goods rather than a rider. | 🔊 Listen |
| Palatalize /ˈpælətəlˌaɪz/ Verb Latin (via English) | To modify a sound by moving the tongue toward the hard palate. | 🔊 Listen |
| Palter /ˈpɔltər/ Verb Unknown, possibly Dutch | To prevaricate or equivocate in speech or behavior; to trifle with. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pantry /ˈpæntri/ Noun Old French (paneterie) | A small room or closet in which food, dishes, and silverware are kept. | 🔊 Listen |
| Paraffinic /ˌpærəˈfɪnɪk/ Adjective German (from paraffin) | Relating to or consisting of paraffins; referring to hydrocarbons with single bonds. | 🔊 Listen |
| Parishioner /pəˈrɪʃənər/ noun English | An inhabitant of a particular parish, especially one who belongs to or attends a particular church. | 🔊 Listen |
| Parsnip /ˈpɑːrsnɪp/ noun Old French | A root vegetable with white flesh and a sweet, anise-like flavor. | 🔊 Listen |
| Passel /ˈpæsəl/ noun English | A large group or collection of people or things. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pastry /ˈpeɪstri/ noun Old French | A dough of flour, water, and fat, used as a base or covering for baked goods; baked goods made with this dough. | 🔊 Listen |
| Patter /ˈpætər/ verb Middle English | To make a repeated light tapping sound. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pedagogy /ˈpɛdəˌɡoʊdʒi/ noun Greek | The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept. | 🔊 Listen |
| Penchant / /pɛnʃənt/ Noun French | A strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pentagonal / /pɛnˈtæɡənəl/ Adjective Greek | Having five angles and five sides. | 🔊 Listen |
| Percolate / /pɜːrkəleɪt/ Verb Latin | (Of a liquid or gas) to filter gradually through a porous surface or substance. | 🔊 Listen |
| Perimeter /pəˈrɪmɪtər/ Noun Greek | The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure. | 🔊 Listen |
| Permanent /ˈpɜrmənənt/ Adjective Latin | Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely. | 🔊 Listen |
| Personnel /ˌpɜrsəˈnɛl/ Noun French | People employed in an organization or engaged in an organized undertaking. | 🔊 Listen |
| Petronella /ˌpɛtrəˈnɛlə/ Proper Noun Latin | A female given name, derived from Peter. | 🔊 Listen |
| Phoenix /ˈfinɪks/ noun Greek | A mythical bird that regenerates from ashes or a person/thing regarded as uniquely remarkable. | 🔊 Listen |
| Phylactery /fɪˈlæktəri/ noun Greek | A small leather box containing scriptural texts, worn by Jewish men during prayer. | 🔊 Listen |
| Picture /ˈpɪktʃər/ often used as a noun and verb Latin | A representation of a person or thing on a flat surface, or to form a mental image of. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pinnate /ˈpɪneɪt/ Adjective Latin | Having leaflets or primary divisions arranged on either side of a stem, like a feather. | 🔊 Listen |
| Planeload /ˈpleɪnˌloʊd/ (noun) English (plane + load) | The amount or number of passengers or cargo that a plane can carry or is carrying. | 🔊 Listen |
| Plasticize /ˈplæstɪˌsaɪz/ (verb) English (from plastic + -ize) | To make (a material) plastic or pliable, especially by adding a plasticizer. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pleistocene /ˈplaɪstəˌsiːn/ (noun/adjective) Greek (pleistos 'most' + kainos 'new') | The geological epoch which lasted from about 2.58 million to 11,700 years ago, characterized by glacial periods. | 🔊 Listen |
| Plural /ˈplʊərəl/ adjective Latin | Denoting a form of a word used to indicate more than one. | 🔊 Listen |
| Polite /pəˈlaɪt/ Adjective Latin | Having or showing behavior that is respectful and considerate of other people. | 🔊 Listen |
| Polygraph /ˈpɑːliˌɡræf/ Noun Greek | An instrument that simultaneously records various physiological indices; often used as a lie detector. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pontoon /pɑːnˈtuːn/ Noun Old French | A flat-bottomed boat or float used as a support for a temporary bridge. | 🔊 Listen |
| Portal /ˈpɔrtl/ Noun Latin | A doorway, gate, or other entrance, especially a large and imposing one. | 🔊 Listen |
| Postulate /ˈpɑstʃʊˌleɪt/ Verb Latin | Suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning. | 🔊 Listen |
| Pottle /ˈpɑtəl/ Noun Old French | An obsolete unit of capacity, equal to half a gallon or two quarts. | 🔊 Listen |
| Preach /priːtʃ/ Verb Old French | To deliver a religious sermon or address; to advocate (an idea) earnestly. | 🔊 Listen |
| Predicate /ˈprɛdɪkət/ (n, adj) /prɪˈdɪkəˌteɪt/ (v)/ Noun, Verb, Adjective Medieval Latin | The part of a sentence stating something about the subject; to affirm or assert (something) about the subject. | 🔊 Listen |
| Prepollent / /prɪˈpɑːlənt/ (adjective) Having superior power or influence (rare). Latin | Having superior power or influence; predominant (rare). | 🔊 Listen |
| Primadonna / /ˌpriːməˈdɑːnə/ (noun) The chief female singer in an opera or a temperamental person. Italian | The principal female singer in an opera; a very temperamental person. | 🔊 Listen |
| Privacy /ˈpraɪvəsi/ noun Latin | The state or condition of being free from being observed or disturbed by other people. | 🔊 Listen |
| Producible /prəˈduːsɪbəl/ adjective Latin | Capable of being produced. | 🔊 Listen |
| Project /ˈprɒdʒɛkt/ noun Latin | An individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned and designed to achieve a particular aim; also, to throw, cast, or propel forward. | 🔊 Listen |
| Prominent / /ˈprɑːmɪnənt/ adjective Latin | important; famous; projecting from something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Property / /ˈprɑːpərti/ noun Latin | a thing or things belonging to someone; an attribute, quality, or characteristic. | 🔊 Listen |
| Proselyte / /ˈprɑːsəˌlaɪt/ noun or verb Greek | a person who has converted from one opinion, religion, or party to another; to convert. | 🔊 Listen |
| Provender /ˈprɒvəndər/ Noun Old French | Animal fodder. | 🔊 Listen |
| Psittacism /ˈsɪtəˌsɪzəm/ Noun Greek | Meaningless repetition of words. | 🔊 Listen |
| Purblind /ˈpɜːrblaɪnd/ adjective English | Having impaired vision; slow or dull in understanding. | 🔊 Listen |
| Purser /ˈpɜːrsər/ noun English | An officer on a ship or aircraft who handles money and accounts. | 🔊 Listen |
| Qaimaqam /kaɪməˈkɑːm/ noun Turkish | A sub-governor or district governor in the Ottoman Empire and some Middle Eastern countries. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quadrille /kwəˈdrɪl/ noun French | A square dance performed by four couples. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quantifier /ˈkwɑːntɪfaɪər/ Used as a noun From quantify + -er | A word or phrase (e.g., 'all', 'many') that indicates the quantity of something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quarterback /ˈkwɔːrtərˌbæk/ Used as a noun or verb Mid-19th century, from quarter + back | An offensive player in American football who directs the team's attacking play (noun); to direct or lead (verb). | 🔊 Listen |
| Quatrain /ˈkwɑtreɪn/ The poet often writes in quatrain form. (noun) French (quatrain) | A stanza of four lines, especially one having alternate rhymes. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quenchless /ˈkwɛntʃləs/ His ambition was quenchless. (adjective) English (from quench + -less) | Unable to be quenched or satisfied; unquenchable. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quiescence /kwiˈɛsəns/ Noun Latin | A state of inactivity or repose; stillness. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quintal /ˈkwɪntəl/ Noun Arabic | A unit of weight equal to 100 kilograms. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quitch /kwɪtʃ/ Noun Old English | A type of grass, often considered a weed. | 🔊 Listen |
| Quotidian /kwoʊˈtɪdiən/ Adjective Latin | Occurring every day; daily. | 🔊 Listen |
| Radiometric /ˌreɪdiəˈmɛtrɪk/ Adjective Latin + Greek | Relating to the measurement of radiant energy. | 🔊 Listen |
| Ramify /ræmɪfaɪ/ Verb Latin | To spread out into branches or subdivisions. | 🔊 Listen |
| Raucity /rɔsɪti/ Noun Latin | The quality or state of being raucous; hoarseness. | 🔊 Listen |
| Receipt /rɪˈsiːt/ Noun Old French | A written acknowledgment of having received a specified amount of money, goods, or services. | 🔊 Listen |
| Recline / /rɪˈklaɪn/ Verb Latin | Lean or lie back in a relaxed position. | 🔊 Listen |
| Recreate / /ˌrɛkriˈeɪt/ (verb, to create again), /ˈrɛkriˌeɪt/ (verb, to amuse oneself)/ Verb Latin | Create again or anew. (Amuse oneself or others). | 🔊 Listen |
| Redundancy /rɪˈdʌndənsi/ Noun Latin | The state of being no longer needed or useful, or the use of superfluous words. | 🔊 Listen |
| Refugee /ˌrɛfjuːˈdʒiː/ Noun French | A person who has been forced to leave their country due to war, persecution, or natural disaster. | 🔊 Listen |
| Registry /ˈrɛdʒɪstri/ Noun Latin | A place or office where registers or records are kept. | 🔊 Listen |
| Reiterate /riːˈɪtəreɪt/ Verb Latin | To say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity. | 🔊 Listen |
| Reluctant /rɪˈlʌktənt/ Adjective Latin | Unwilling and hesitant. | 🔊 Listen |
| Remount /riːˈmaʊnt/ Verb English | To mount again; to get back on. | 🔊 Listen |
| Repercuss /ˌriːpərˈkʌs/ Verb Latin | To cause a repercussion; to reflect. | 🔊 Listen |
| Reputable /ˈrɛpjətəbəl/ adjective Latin (via Old French) | Having a good reputation; respected. | 🔊 Listen |
| Resist /rɪˈzɪst/ verb Latin (via Old French) | To withstand the action or effect of; to oppose or struggle against. | 🔊 Listen |
| Restaurant /ˈrɛstərɑnt/ noun French | A place where people pay to sit and eat meals that are cooked and served on the premises. | 🔊 Listen |
| Reticulate /rɪˈtɪkjʊˌleɪt/ adjective Latin | Netted or forming a network. | 🔊 Listen |
| Reveille /ˈrɛvəli/ noun French | A signal, typically by bugle or drum, sounded especially in the morning to wake military personnel. | 🔊 Listen |
| Revolve /rɪˈvɑːlv/ verb Latin | To move in a circle around a central axis or point; to consider repeatedly. | 🔊 Listen |
| Riddle /ˈrɪdəl/ Noun Old English | A question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer. | 🔊 Listen |
| Roster /ˈrɑstər/ Noun Dutch | A list of names or duties. | 🔊 Listen |
| Rudenture /ˈruːdɛntʃər/ Noun Latin | A dentil; a small block or tooth-like projection in a cornice. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sadducee /ˈsædjuˌsi/ Noun Greek (from Hebrew) | A member of a Jewish sect during the Second Temple period. | 🔊 Listen |
| Samite /ˈsæmɪt/ Noun Old French (from Greek) | A rich silk fabric, often interwoven with gold or silver. | 🔊 Listen |
| Satchel /ˈsætʃəl/ Noun Latin | A bag, often with a shoulder strap, used for carrying books or other items. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sausage /ˈsɔːsɪdʒ/ Noun Latin | A food product typically made from ground meat, often mixed with spices and other ingredients, encased in a skin. | 🔊 Listen |
| Schnitzel /ˈʃnɪtsəl/ Noun German | A thin slice of meat, typically veal or pork, fried in breadcrumbs. | 🔊 Listen |
| Scintillate /ˈsɪntɪleɪt/ Verb Latin | To emit flashes of light; sparkle. | 🔊 Listen |
| Scrimp /skrɪmp/ Verb Unknown | To be thrifty or parsimonious; to spend or use very little. | 🔊 Listen |
| Scuttle /ˈskʌtəl/ Used as a verb or noun. Old English / Old French | To run with short, quick steps, or a metal container for coal, or to deliberately sink a ship. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sedentary /ˈsɛdənˌtɛri/ Used as an adjective. Latin | Characterized by much sitting and little physical activity. | 🔊 Listen |
| Seminar /ˈsɛmɪˌnɑːr/ noun German | A conference or meeting for discussion or training. | 🔊 Listen |
| Separate /ˈsɛpəˌreɪt/ verb Latin | To divide, split, or disunite. | 🔊 Listen |
| Serenity /səˈrɛnɪti/ noun Latin (via French) | The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. | 🔊 Listen |
| Settleable /ˈsɛtələbəl/ adjective Old English (via English) | Capable of being settled or resolved. | 🔊 Listen |
| Shopkeeper /ˈʃɑːpˌkiːpər/ Noun English | A person who owns or manages a shop. | 🔊 Listen |
| Shuttle /ˈʃʌtəl/ Noun/Verb Old English | A form of transport that travels regularly between two places, or to move back and forth. | 🔊 Listen |
| Silurian /sɪˈlʊriən/ Adjective Latin | Relating to the geological period from about 443 to 419 million years ago. | 🔊 Listen |
| Simulacrum /ˌsɪmjʊˈleɪkrəm/ Noun Latin | An image or representation of someone or something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sizzle /ˈsɪzəl/ verb, noun English | to make a hissing sound, as of food frying or cooking. | 🔊 Listen |
| Slogan /ˈsloʊɡən/ Noun Scottish Gaelic (sluagh-ghairm 'battle cry') | A short, memorable phrase used in advertising or by a political group. | 🔊 Listen |
| Society /səˈsaɪəti/ Noun Old French (from Latin) | A group of people living together in an organized community. | 🔊 Listen |
| Solomonic /sɑːləˈmɑːnɪk/ Adjective Hebrew (from Latin and Greek) | Relating to King Solomon, often implying wisdom and judgment. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sopranino /ˌsɑːprəˈniːnoʊ/ Noun Italian | A very high-pitched musical instrument, smaller than a soprano instrument. | 🔊 Listen |
| Spectacle /ˈspɛktəkəl/ Noun Latin | A visually striking performance or display. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sphinx /sfɪŋks/ Noun Greek | A mythical creature with the head of a human and the body of a lion. | 🔊 Listen |
| Splint /splɪnt/ Noun Dutch/Germanic | A strip of rigid material used for supporting and immobilizing a broken bone. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sprung /sprʌŋ/ Verb Old English (past participle of spring) | Having been moved suddenly and rapidly upward or forward; fitted or provided with springs. | 🔊 Listen |
| Squibbery /ˈskwɪbəri/ Noun English | The act or practice of writing squibs; lampooning. | 🔊 Listen |
| Stairwell /ˈstɛrˌwɛl/ Noun English | A vertical shaft in a building enclosing a staircase. | 🔊 Listen |
| Steadfast /ˈstɛd.fæst/ adjective Old English | Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. | 🔊 Listen |
| Stirrup /ˈstɪrəp/ Noun Old English | A device attached to the saddle of a horse, in which a rider's foot rests. | 🔊 Listen |
| Stratify /ˈstrætɪˌfaɪ/ Verb Latin | To arrange or classify into strata or layers. | 🔊 Listen |
| Stroganoff /ˈstrɔːɡənɒf/ Noun Russian | A Russian dish of sautéed pieces of beef served in a sauce with sour cream. | 🔊 Listen |
| Subfulgent /sʌbˈfʊldʒənt/ adjective Latin | Somewhat shining or glittering. | 🔊 Listen |
| Subrident /sʌbˈraɪdənt/ adjective Latin | Smiling faintly or gently. | 🔊 Listen |
| Subtractive /səbˈtræktɪv/ adjective English | Tending or serving to subtract. | 🔊 Listen |
| Suffragan /ˈsʌfrəɡən/ noun Latin | A bishop who assists a metropolitan or diocesan bishop. | 🔊 Listen |
| Sunscreen /ˈsʌnˌskriːn/ noun Old English | A cream or lotion rubbed onto the skin to protect it from the sun's rays. | 🔊 Listen |
| Superscribe /ˌsuːpərˈskraɪb/ verb English | To write or engrave on the outside or top of something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Surcharge /ˈsɜːrˌtʃɑːrdʒ/ noun, verb Old French | An additional charge or payment. | 🔊 Listen |
| Surrogate /ˈsɜːrəɡət/ noun, adjective Latin | A substitute, especially a person deputizing for another in a specific role or office. | 🔊 Listen |
| Svelte / /sfɛlt/ Adjective Italian | Slender and elegant. | 🔊 Listen |
| Symmetrical / /sɪˈmɛtrɪkəl/ Adjective Greek | Made up of exactly similar parts facing each other. | 🔊 Listen |
| Systematic / /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/ Adjective Greek | Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tacticality / /ˌtæktɪˈkæləti/ Noun Greek | The quality of being tactical. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tamale /təˈmɑːli/ Noun Nahuatl (via Spanish) | A traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa, wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf, steamed. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tapestry /ˈtæpəstri/ Noun Old French | A form of textile art, traditionally woven by hand on a loom. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tatter /ˈtætər/ Noun Old Norse | A torn piece of cloth or other material. | 🔊 Listen |
| Teetotaler /ˌtiˈtoʊtələr/ Noun English | A person who practices teetotalism. | 🔊 Listen |
| Template /ˈtɛmplɪt/ noun Latin | A shaped piece of rigid material used as a pattern for cutting, shaping, or drilling. | 🔊 Listen |
| Terminology /ˌtɜːrmɪˈnɑːlədʒi/ noun Latin | The body of terms used with a particular technical application in a subject of study, theory, profession, etc. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tertian /ˈtɜːrʃən/ Adjective, Noun Latin | Occurring every third day, especially of a fever. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tetrahedral /ˌtɛtrəˈhiːdrəl/ Adjective Greek | Having the shape of a tetrahedron. | 🔊 Listen |
| Theorem /ˈθiːərəm/ Noun Greek | A proposition that can be proven on the basis of previously established statements. | 🔊 Listen |
| Thrive /θraɪv/ verb Old Norse | To grow or develop well or vigorously. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tinfoil /ˈtɪnˌfɔɪl/ Noun English | Foil made of tin or a similar metal, used for wrapping food. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tonometer /toʊˈnɑmɪtər/ Noun Greek | An instrument for measuring tension or pressure, especially intraocular pressure. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tousle /ˈtaʊzəl/ Verb Germanic | To make (a person's hair) untidy. | 🔊 Listen |
| Transform /trænsˈfɔːrm/ verb Latin | To make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of. | 🔊 Listen |
| Trapezium / /trəˈpiːziəm/ (Noun) Late Latin | A quadrilateral with no parallel sides (UK), or one pair of parallel sides (US). | 🔊 Listen |
| Triacetate / /traɪˈæsɪteɪt/ (Noun) English (comb.) | A chemical compound containing three acetate groups, often used in fibers. | 🔊 Listen |
| Trifurcate /traɪˈfɜːrˌkeɪt/ Verb Latin | To divide into three branches. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tristich /ˈtrɪstɪk/ Noun Greek | A poem or stanza of three lines. | 🔊 Listen |
| Trolley /ˈtrɑːli/ Noun English | A small wheeled cart or a vehicle powered by overhead electric lines. | 🔊 Listen |
| Tumble /ˈtʌmbəl/ Verb / Noun Germanic | To fall suddenly, clumsily, or headlong. | 🔊 Listen |
| Typology / /taɪˈpɑːlədʒi/ / Noun Greek (from typos 'type' + logia 'study') | The study or analysis of types, symbols, or categories, especially in theology or anthropology. | 🔊 Listen |
| Unbend /ʌnˈbɛnd/ Verb English | To straighten out; to relax from stiffness. | 🔊 Listen |
| Undeniable /ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəbəl/ Adjective English (from un- + deniable) | Unable to be denied or disputed; unquestionably true. | 🔊 Listen |
| Understood /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/ Verb Old English (understandan) | Perceived the meaning of (something); comprehended. | 🔊 Listen |
| Unfurl /ʌnˈfɜːrl/ Verb English | To unroll or spread out, especially a flag or sail. | 🔊 Listen |
| Unique /juˈniːk/ Adjective Latin (unicus) via French | Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. | 🔊 Listen |
| Unload /ʌnˈloʊd/ Verb Old English (un- + hladan) | To remove goods or cargo from (a ship, train, or other vehicle or container). | 🔊 Listen |
| Unseat /ʌnˈsiːt/ verb English | To cause to fall from a seat, especially from a horse. | 🔊 Listen |
| Untenable /ʌnˈtɛnəbl/ adjective English | Not able to be defended against attack or objection. | 🔊 Listen |
| Unwritten /ʌnˈrɪtən/ Adjective English (from un- + written) | Not written down or recorded; traditional. | 🔊 Listen |
| Usable /ˈjuːzəbəl/ adjective English (from use + -able) | Able to be used. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vacillant /ˈvæsəˌlænt/ adjective Latin (vacillare) | Wavering or indecisive. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vallecula /vəˈlɛkjələ/ noun Latin | A small valley or depression, especially in anatomy. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vegetate /ˈvɛdʒəˌteɪt/ verb Latin | To live or grow in a dull, inactive, or unchallenging way. | 🔊 Listen |
| Verbena /vərˈbiːnə/ Noun Latin | A plant of a genus that includes vervain, cultivated for its showy flowers. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vermicelli /ˌvɜːrmɪˈtʃɛli/ Noun Italian (from Latin) | Pasta in the form of long, thin threads. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vestige /ˈvɛstɪdʒ/ Noun Latin | A trace or remnant of something that is disappearing or no longer exists. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vicinage /ˈvɪsɪnɪdʒ/ Noun Old French | The area near or surrounding a particular place; proximity. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vigilant /ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/ Adjective Latin | Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. | 🔊 Listen |
| Virtuoso /ˌvɜːrtʃuˈoʊsoʊ/ Used as a noun. Italian | A person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit. | 🔊 Listen |
| Vocational /voʊˈkeɪʃənəl/ Adjective English | Relating to an occupation or employment. | 🔊 Listen |
| Voyage /ˈvɔɪɪdʒ/ Noun Old French | A long journey by sea or in space. | 🔊 Listen |
| Wanderer /ˈwɑndərər/ Noun Old English | A person who travels aimlessly from place to place. | 🔊 Listen |
| Weather /ˈwɛðər/ Noun Old English | The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time as regards heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc. | 🔊 Listen |
| Wherewithal /ˈwɛrˌwɪθˌɔl/ Noun English (from where + with + all) | The money or other means needed for a particular purpose. | 🔊 Listen |
| Winner /ˈwɪnər/ Noun Old English | A person or thing that wins something. | 🔊 Listen |
| Wordplay /wərdˌpleɪ/ Noun English | The witty exploitation of the meanings and ambiguities of words. | 🔊 Listen |
| Xenodochium /ˌzɛnoʊˈdɒkiəm/ Noun Greek | A guesthouse or hospice for strangers or pilgrims. | 🔊 Listen |
| Xylocarp /ˈzaɪləˌkɑːrp/ Noun Greek (xylon + karpos) | A hard, woody fruit. | 🔊 Listen |
| Yawner /ˈjɔːnər/ Noun English (from yawn) | A person who yawns; something that causes yawning, a dull event. | 🔊 Listen |
| Yellowtail /ˈjɛloʊˌteɪl/ Noun English | A predatory marine fish with a yellow tail. | 🔊 Listen |
| Yokemate /ˈjoʊkˌmeɪt/ Noun English | A companion or partner. | 🔊 Listen |
| Zemindar /ˈzɛmɪnˌdɑr/ Noun Persian | A landlord in colonial India who collected taxes for the British government. | 🔊 Listen |
| Zigzaggy /ˈzɪɡˌzæɡi/ Adjective French + English | Full of zigzags; having a zigzag pattern. | 🔊 Listen |
| Zoomorphism /ˌzuːəˈmɔːrfɪzəm/ Noun Greek | The attribution of animal characteristics or forms to a god, human, or object. | 🔊 Listen |
Frequently Asked Questions — Level 08 Spelling Bee Word List
How many words are in the Level 08 spelling bee word list?
The Level 08 spelling bee word list contains 466 carefully curated competition words, each with meaning, part of speech, word origin, and IPA pronunciation — matched to the vocabulary difficulty expected at regional and national spelling bee competitions for this level.
How do I hear the correct pronunciation of a word?
Click the 🔊 Listen link next to any word to play a free audio pronunciation clip. Practising with audio helps you learn correct stress and vowel sounds faster than reading IPA pronunciation alone.
Is this spelling bee word list free to use?
Yes. This spelling bee word list, its meanings, pronunciations, and audio clips are completely free to study on SpellingKids, with no sign-in or subscription required.
What information is included for each spelling bee word?
Every entry includes the word spelling, IPA pronunciation, part of speech, word origin (etymology), and a full definition — the same multi-dimensional word knowledge tested at spelling bee competitions.
How can I practice spelling these words, not just read them?
Use the free SpellingKids spelling bee flashcards or typed spelling practice to actively test yourself on this word list with spaced repetition, so hard words come back for review more often.