Part 18

ruthless adjective
not thinking or worrying about any pain caused to others; cruel

ruthless ambition
a ruthless dictator
Some people believe that to succeed in this world you have to be ruthless.
ruthlessly adverb
She ruthlessly pursued her ambition, letting nothing get in her way.
ruthlessness noun [ U ]
rutted adjective
If a surface is rutted, it has deep narrow marks in it made by wheels
a deeply/badly rutted road
rutting adjective
relating to the period of the year during which particular male animals are
sexually active
the rutting season
RV noun [ C ]
RV
ABBREVIATION FOR recreational vehicle: a motorhome
Rwanda noun [ U ]
See table of Geographical names .
Rwandan noun [ C ] , adjective
Rx
US WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR prescription (= a piece of paper on which a doctor
writes the details of the medicine or drugs that someone needs)
rye noun [ U ]
1. a type of grain, the seeds of which are used to make flour or whisky or to feed
animals
rye bread
2. whisky made with rye
a glass of rye
ˈ rye ˌ bread noun [ U ]
dark brown bread made with rye
S noun LETTER
1. ( ALSO s ) [ C ] the 19th letter of the English alphabet
S noun SATISFACTORY
2. US WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR satisfactory , when given as a mark for an
examination or course
S noun [ U ] , adjective ( UK ALSO Sth , US ALSO So )
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR south or southern
S adjective
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR small, used to show the size of a piece of clothing
s noun ( ALSO sec )
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR second (TIME)
-s , suffix ( ALSO -es )
used to form the plural of nouns
books
sandwiches
-'s , suffix
1. used to show that the following thing belongs to the person or thing named
the cat's tail
Patricia's dress
today's paper
the children's shoes
2. the house belonging to the stated person
The boys are at Alison's.
3. UK the shop belonging to the stated person
I got it at the greengrocer's.
-s' , suffix
used to show that the following thing belongs to the people or things named
the girls' books
employees' rights
's , short form of
1. is
It's in the cupboard.
2. has
She's gone home.
3. INFORMAL (only used in spoken questions) does
How's this thing work?
4. (only used after 'let') us
Let's go swimming this afternoon.
the Sabbath noun [ S ]
the day of the week kept by some religious groups for rest and worship. The
Sabbath is Sunday for most Christians, Saturday for Jews and Friday for Muslims
to keep /break (= follow/not follow the religious rules for) the Sabbath
sabbatical noun [ C or U ]
a period of time when college or university teachers are allowed to stop their
usual work in order to study or travel, usually while continuing to be paid
to take/have a sabbatical
She's on sabbatical for six months.
sabbatical leave
sable noun [ C or U ] ANIMAL
1. a small animal with thick warm fur, or the fur of this animal used for making
clothes and artists' brushes
sable noun [ C or U ] COLOUR
2. LITERARY a very dark or black colour
sable noun [ U ] LITERARY
having a very dark or black colour
sabotage verb [ T ]
1. to damage or destroy equipment, weapons or buildings in order to prevent the
success of an enemy or competitor
The rebels had tried to sabotage the oil pipeline.
2. to intentionally prevent the success of a plan or action
This was a deliberate attempt to sabotage the ceasefire.
sabotage noun [ U ]
a campaign of industrial sabotage
saboteur noun [ C ]
a person who sabotages something
sabre MAINLY UK , US USUALLY saber noun [ C ]
1. a heavy sword with a wide, usually curved blade, used in the past by soldiers
on horses
2. a light pointed sword with one sharp edge used in the sport of fencing
sabre-rattling noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
talking and behaving in a way that threatens military action
sabre-toothed tiger noun [ C ]
a large wild cat which lived in the past, with two long curved front teeth
sac noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a part of a plant or animal which is like a bag and often contains liquid
saccharin noun [ U ]
a very sweet artificial substance which is used to replace sugar, especially by
people who want to lose weight or who must not eat sugar
saccharin tablets
saccharine adjective DISAPPROVING
too sweet or too polite
I don't trust her, with her saccharine smiles.
saccharine love songs
sachet noun [ C ]
a small closed container made of paper or plastic, containing a small amount of
something, usually enough for only one occasion
a free sachet of shampoo
sack noun BAG
sack
1. [ C ] a large bag made of strong cloth, paper or plastic, used to store large
amounts of something
The corn was stored in large sacks.
a sack of potatoes/coal/flour
See also haversack ; knapsack ; rucksack
2. [ C ] US a paper or plastic bag used to carry things bought in a food shop
a sack of groceries
sack noun DISMISS
3. the sack
when someone is removed from their job
They gave him the sack for being late.
Two workers got the sack for fighting in the warehouse.
sack noun STEAL
4. [ S ] the act of stealing all the valuable things from a town and sometimes
destroying the town, during a war
The sack (= destruction) of Rome by the Visigoths occurred in the 5th century.
sack noun BED
5. the sack US INFORMAL
bed
It's late - I'm going to hit the sack (= go to bed) .
He came home and found Judy and Brad in the sack (= in bed) together.
6. in the sack US INFORMAL
If someone is good/bad in the sack, they are sexually skilled/not sexually skilled.
sack verb [ T ] DISMISS
1. to remove someone from a job, usually because they have done something
wrong or badly, or sometimes as a way of saving the cost of employing them
They sacked her for being late.
He got sacked from his last job.
sack verb [ T ] STEAL
2. to steal all the valuable things from a building, town, etc., and possibly destroy
the building or town, usually during a war
The invaders sacked every village they passed on their route.
sack out phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to go to bed
It's late - I'm going to sack out.
sackcloth noun [ U ]
( ALSO sacking ) the thick rough material used to make sacks (= large strong
bags)
wear sackcloth and ashes
to show by your behaviour that you are very sorry for something you did that was
wrong
sackful noun [ C ] ( ALSO sackload )
the amount contained in a sack
FIGURATIVE He got sackfuls of (= very many) letters from listeners following the
show.
sacking noun [ C ]
an act of stopping employing someone
Mr Ali said the sackings would save the company about $40 million a year.
See also sackcloth
ˈ sack ˌ lunch noun [ C ]
US FOR packed lunch
ˈ sack ˌ race noun [ C usually singular ]
a race in which people jump along with both legs in a cloth sack that they hold up
with their hands
sacrament noun
1. [ C ] an important religious ceremony in the Christian Church, such as baptism
or communion
2. [ C usually singular ] the holy bread and wine eaten at Holy Communion (= a
religious ceremony)
sacramental adjective
sacred adjective
1. considered to be holy and deserving respect, especially because of a connection
with a god
sacred relics/temples
This area is sacred to the Apaches.
2. connected with religion
sacred music/writings
3. considered too important to be changed
His daily routine is absolutely sacred to him.
HUMOROUS The cricketers wore blue, not their usual white - is nothing sacred?
sacredness noun [ U ]
ˌ sacred ˈ cow noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a belief, custom, etc. that people support and do not question or criticize
They did not dare to challenge the sacred cow of parliamentary democracy.
sacrifice verb GIVE UP
1. [ T ] to give up something that is valuable to you in order to help another
person
Many women sacrifice interesting careers for their family.
sacrifice verb KILL
2. [ I or T ] to kill an animal or a person and offer them to a god or gods
be sacrificed on the altar of sth LITERARY
to be destroyed by an activity, system or belief that is bad but more important or
more powerful
Service and quality have been sacrificed on the altar of profit.
sacrifice noun [ C or U ] GIVING UP
1. when you give up something that is valuable to you in order to help someone
else
We had to make sacrifices in order to pay for our children's education.
They cared for their disabled son for 27 years, at great personal sacrifice.
sacrifice noun [ C or U ] KILLING
2. the act of killing an animal or person and offering them to a god or gods, or the
animal, etc. that is offered
The people offered a lamb on the altar as a sacrifice for their sins.
make the ultimate/supreme sacrifice FORMAL
to die while fighting for a principle
sacrificial adjective
offered as a sacrifice
The priest held up the head of the sacrificial goat.
sacrificially adverb
ˌ sacrificial ˈ lamb noun [ C usually singular ]
someone or something which is given to people in authority and which is expected
to be harmed or destroyed, especially in order to prevent other people or things from
being harmed or destroyed
We knew the department would be a sacrificial lamb when the time came to cut
staff.
sacrilege noun [ S or U ]
(an act of) treating something holy or important without respect
[ + to infinitive ] Muslims consider it sacrilege to wear shoes inside a mosque.
It would be a sacrilege to put a neon sign on that beautiful old building.
sacrilegious adjective
sacrilegious practices/acts
sacrilegiously adverb
sacristy noun [ C ]
a vestry
sacristy noun [ C ]
a vestry
sacrosanct adjective MAINLY HUMOROUS
thought to be too important or too special to be changed
I'm willing to help on any weekday, but I'm afraid my weekends are sacrosanct.
sad adjective NOT HAPPY
1. unhappy or sorry
I've just received some very sad news.
She gave a rather sad smile.
[ + ( that ) ] It's sad (that) the trip had to be cancelled.
I'm so sad (that) you can't come.
[ + to infinitive ] It's sad to see so many failures this year.
I was sad to hear that they'd split up.
2. INFORMAL If something looks sad, it looks worse than it should because it is not
being cared for
Give those flowers some water - they're looking a bit sad.
sad adjective UNPLEASANT
3. [ before noun ] not satisfactory or pleasant
The sad fact/truth is we can't afford to provide homes for all.
a very sad state of affairs
4. sad to say
something you say when you are telling someone about something bad that
happened
Sad to say, the ring was never found.
sad adjective BORING
5. UK SLANG showing that you are not fashionable or interesting or have no friends
You enjoy reading timetables? You sad man!
sadness noun [ U ]
Her sadness at her grandfather's death was obvious.
sadder but wiser
If someone is sadder but wiser after a bad experience, they have suffered but
they have also learned something from it.
SAD noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR seasonal affective disorder: a medical condition in which a person
does not have much energy and enthusiasm during the winter because of the reduced
period of natural light
sadden verb [ T ]
to make someone sad
[ + to infinitive ] It saddens me to think that we'll never see her again.
We are deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy.
sadden verb [ T ]
to make someone sad
[ + to infinitive ] It saddens me to think that we'll never see her again.
We are deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy.
saddle noun SEAT
saddle
1. [ C ] a seat, often made of leather, used on a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, etc.
He swung himself into the saddle and rode off.
See also sidesaddle
See also picture sports 4
2. in the saddle
a. riding a horse
b. in charge or in control
The chairman is back in the saddle after his heart attack.
saddle noun MEAT
3. [ C or U ] a large piece of meat taken from the middle of the back of an animal
saddle of lamb
saddle verb [ T ]
to put a saddle on a horse
She saddled (up) the horse for her friend.
saddle sb with sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to give someone a responsibility or problem which they do not want and which will
cause them a lot of work or difficulty
The company is saddled with debt .
saddle-bag noun [ C ]
a small bag which you fix to the back of your bicycle saddle, or one of a pair of
bags you put over the back of a horse or over the back wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle
saddler noun [ C ]
a person who makes, sells and repairs saddles and other leather objects for
horses
saddlery noun [ U ]
leather objects, such as saddles and bridles , for horses
saddle-sore adjective
having a sore bottom from sitting on a saddle for a long time
saddle-sore adjective
having a sore bottom from sitting on a saddle for a long time
saddo noun [ C ] UK SLANG
someone, especially a man, who is not fashionable or interesting or has no friends
So who says trainspotting is for saddos?
sadism noun [ U ]
the activity of getting pleasure, sometimes sexual, from being cruel to or hurting
another person
sadist noun [ C ]
a person who gets pleasure, sometimes sexual, by being cruel to or hurting
another person
sadistic adjective
sadistic behaviour/pleasure
sadistically adverb
sadly adverb NOT HAPPY
1. in an unhappy way
"He's gone away for six months, " she said sadly.
sadly adverb UNPLEASANT
2. in a way that is not satisfactory
Sadly, the treatment doesn't work for all patients.
If you think she'll let you do that, you're sadly (= completely) mistaken .
sadomasochism noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION S&M , ALSO SM )
the activity of getting sexual pleasure from sadism (= hurting other people) and
from masochism (= being hurt)
sadomasochist noun [ C ]
sadomasochistic adjective
sad-sack adjective INFORMAL
boring and never likely to be successful
He's just some sad-sack writer trying to get a book published.
sad-sack adjective INFORMAL
boring and never likely to be successful
He's just some sad-sack writer trying to get a book published.
sae , US SAE noun [ C ] ( US ALSO SASE ) ABBREVIATION FOR
stamped addressed envelope or self-addressed envelope: an envelope with a
stamp and your name and address on it, which you send inside another envelope to an
organization when you want a reply
Write to the above address, enclosing an sae.
safari noun [ C or U ]
an organized journey to look at, or sometimes hunt, wild animals, especially in
Africa
to go/be on safari
sa ˈ fari ˌ jacket noun [ C ]
a jacket made of light cloth with short sleeves, pockets on the chest and a belt
sa ˈ fari ˌ park noun [ C ]
a large park where wild animals are kept and can move freely, and can be
watched by visitors driving through in their cars
sa ˈ fari ˌ suit noun [ C ]
a safari jacket with matching trousers or a matching skirt
safe adjective
1. not in danger or likely to be harmed
In some cities you don't feel safe going out alone at night.
2. not dangerous or likely to cause harm
a safe play-area for children
a safe driver
That ladder doesn't look safe.
She wished us a safe journey.
Is this medicine safe for children?
It's safe to cross the road now.
3. not harmed or damaged
She said that all the hostages were safe.
4. describes things which do not involve any risk
I think we should go for the safest option (= the one that involves the least risks)
.
He never usually remembers my birthday, so it's a safe bet (= I am certain) he'll
forget again this time!
5. If an official position in parliament is safe, it is likely to be won by the political
party which has won it at previous elections
a safe Conservative seat
6. safe and sound
completely safe and without injury or damage
After three days lost in the mountains, all the climbers arrived home safe and
sound.
safeness noun [ U ]
I'm a bit worried about the safeness of this machine for (= whether this machine
will cause any danger to) children.
as safe as houses UK
very safe
in safe hands
being cared for or dealt with by someone skilled
Dr Bailey is doing the operation, so your wife is in safe hands.
(just) to be on the safe side
being especially careful in order to avoid something unpleasant
I'm sure it won't rain, but I'll take an umbrella (just) to be on the safe side (= to
be ready if it does rain) .
safe noun [ C ]
a strong box or cupboard with special locks where valuable things, especially
money or jewels (= precious stones) , are kept
Thieves broke into/cracked (= opened by force) the safe and stole everything
in it.
safebreaker noun [ C ] UK ( US safecracker )
someone who opens safes using force and steals the valuable things from inside
safebreaker noun [ C ] UK ( US safecracker )
someone who opens safes using force and steals the valuable things from inside
safe-conduct noun [ C or U ]
official protection from harm while travelling through an area, or a document that
gives this
In exchange for the hostages, the terrorists demanded safe-conduct out of the
country.
ˈ safe de ˌ posit box noun [ C ] ( ALSO safety deposit box )
a strong box in a bank where you can keep money or valuable things
safeguard verb [ T ]
to protect something from harm
The union safeguards the interests of all its members.
safeguard noun [ C or U ]
The disk has built-in safeguards to prevent certain errors.
safeguard against sth phrasal verb
to do things that you hope will stop something unpleasant from happening
A good diet will safeguard against disease.
ˌ safe ˈ haven noun [ C usually singular ]
a place where you are protected from harm or danger
As long as the UN soldiers were present, the city was regarded as a safe haven for
the refugees.
ˈ safe ˌ house noun [ C ]
a house where someone can hide or shelter
safekeeping noun [ U ]
protection from harm or loss
I left my watch with Helen for safekeeping while I swam.
safely adverb
in a safe way
We all arrived safely.
Drive safely (= Do not take any risks) !
Are the children safely fastened into their car seats?
I think we can safely (= with no risk of being wrong) say they won't find us now.
ˈ safe ˌ period noun [ S ]
the few days just before and during a woman's period when she is unlikely to
become pregnant
safflower noun [ C ]
a plant with leaves that have sharp points, and seeds that are used for making an
oil which is used in cooking
Safflower oil is low in the sort of fats that are considered to be bad for people's
health.
saffron noun [ U ] SPICE
1. a dark yellow substance obtained from a flower and used as a spice to give
colour and flavour to food
saffron rice
saffron noun [ U ] COLOUR
2. dark yellow
saffron adjective
dark yellow
sag verb [ I ]
1. to drop down to a lower level in the middle
The shelf sagged under the weight of the heavy books.
a sagging roof/floor/bed
2. to become weaker
The dollar held up well this morning but the pound sagged.
sag noun
1. [ S or U ] where something has dropped down to a lower level
a sag in the roof
2. [ C usually singular ] a reduction in something
a sag in sales
saga noun [ C ]
1. a long story about several past events or people, originally one told in the
Middle Ages in Iceland or Norway
a lengthy and compelling family saga
2. a long complicated series of related usually negative events
It was just another episode in an ongoing saga of marriage problems.
sagacious adjective FORMAL
having or showing understanding and the ability to make good judgments; wise
a sagacious person/comment/choice
sagaciously adverb
sagacity noun [ U ]
ˈ sag ˌ bag noun [ C ] UK
beanbag (SEAT)
ˈ sag ˌ bag noun [ C ] UK
beanbag (SEAT)
sage adjective LITERARY
wise, especially as a result of great experience
sage advice
my sage old grandfather
sagely adverb LITERARY
He nodded his head sagely.
sage noun PLANT
1. [ U ] a plant whose greyish green leaves are used as a herb to give flavour to
some foods
sage-and-onion stuffing
sage noun WISE
2. [ C ] LITERARY OR HUMOROUS a person, especially an old man, who is wise
ˌ sage ˈ green adjective , noun [ U ]
greyish-green
Sagittarius noun [ C or U ]
the ninth sign of the zodiac, relating to the period 22 November to 22 December
and represented by a centaur (= half human, half horse) shooting an arrow, or a person
born during this period
Sagittarian noun [ C ] , adjective
sago noun [ U ]
small white grains that are obtained from part of the trunk of a particular tree and
which are used in cooking
sago pudding
Sahrawian noun [ C ] , adjective
said verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF say
said adjective [ before noun ] LEGAL
used before the name of a person or thing you have already mentioned
The said Joseph Brown was seen outside the house on the night of January 15th.
sail verb TRAVEL
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] When a boat or a ship sails, it travels on
the water
The boat sailed along/down the coast.
As the battleship sailed by/past, everyone on deck waved.
The ship was sailing to China.
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to control a boat that has no engine
and is pushed by the wind
He sailed the dinghy up the river.
She sailed around the world single-handed in her yacht.
3. [ I ] When a ship sails, it starts its journey, and when people sail from a
particular place or at a particular time, they start their journey in a ship
Their ship sails for Bombay next Friday.
sail verb MOVE QUICKLY
4. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to move quickly, easily, and (of a person)
confidently
The ball went sailing over the garden fence.
He wasn't looking where he was going, and just sailed straight into her.
Manchester United sailed on (= continued easily) to victory in the final.
sail against the wind
to be trying to achieve something that is unlikely to succeed because most people
would oppose it
He's sailing against the wind in his attempt to stop women using the club.
sail close to the wind
to do something that is dangerous or only just legal or acceptable
You were sailing a bit close to the wind there when you made those remarks
about his wife.
sail in phrasal verb
1. ( ALSO sail into sth ) to start an activity enthusiastically
The children sailed into the pile of cakes and in minutes the cakes were gone.
Mary sailed in with a story about her first job.
2. ( ALSO sail into sb ) INFORMAL to attack someone using words
The President sailed into her opponents with an angry speech.
sail through (sth) phrasal verb
to succeed very easily in something, especially a test or examination
Rachel sailed through with a distinction in all exam papers.
sail noun MATERIAL
1. [ C ] a sheet of material fixed to a pole on a boat to catch the wind and make
the boat move
to hoist/lower the sails
See picture ships and boats 1
2. [ C ] On a windmill , a sail is any of the wide blades which are turned by the
wind in order to produce power.
See picture mill
sail noun TRAVEL
3. [ S ] a journey in a boat or ship
It's two days' sail/It's a two-day sail (= a journey of two days by sea) from here
to the nearest island.
4. set sail
to begin a boat journey
We set sail from Kuwait.
They set sail for France.
under sail LITERARY
travelling in a boat or ship with sails
After ten hours under sail, they reached dry land.
sail verb TRAVEL
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] When a boat or a ship sails, it travels on
the water
The boat sailed along/down the coast.
As the battleship sailed by/past, everyone on deck waved.
The ship was sailing to China.
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to control a boat that has no engine
and is pushed by the wind
He sailed the dinghy up the river.
She sailed around the world single-handed in her yacht.
3. [ I ] When a ship sails, it starts its journey, and when people sail from a
particular place or at a particular time, they start their journey in a ship
Their ship sails for Bombay next Friday.
sail verb MOVE QUICKLY
4. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to move quickly, easily, and (of a person)
confidently
The ball went sailing over the garden fence.
He wasn't looking where he was going, and just sailed straight into her.
Manchester United sailed on (= continued easily) to victory in the final.
sail against the wind
to be trying to achieve something that is unlikely to succeed because most people
would oppose it
He's sailing against the wind in his attempt to stop women using the club.
sail close to the wind
to do something that is dangerous or only just legal or acceptable
You were sailing a bit close to the wind there when you made those remarks
about his wife.
sail in phrasal verb
1. ( ALSO sail into sth ) to start an activity enthusiastically
The children sailed into the pile of cakes and in minutes the cakes were gone.
Mary sailed in with a story about her first job.
2. ( ALSO sail into sb ) INFORMAL to attack someone using words
The President sailed into her opponents with an angry speech.
sail through (sth) phrasal verb
to succeed very easily in something, especially a test or examination
Rachel sailed through with a distinction in all exam papers.
sail noun MATERIAL
1. [ C ] a sheet of material fixed to a pole on a boat to catch the wind and make
the boat move
to hoist/lower the sails
2. [ C ] On a windmill , a sail is any of the wide blades which are turned by the
wind in order to produce power.
See picture mill
sail noun TRAVEL
3. [ S ] a journey in a boat or ship
It's two days' sail/It's a two-day sail (= a journey of two days by sea) from here
to the nearest island.
4. set sail
to begin a boat journey
We set sail from Kuwait.
They set sail for France.
under sail LITERARY
travelling in a boat or ship with sails
After ten hours under sail, they reached dry land.
sailboard noun [ C ]
a windsurfer
sailing noun
1. [ U ] the sport or activity of using boats with sails
the sailing club
She loves to go sailing.
2. [ C ] when a ship leaves a port
There are frequent sailings from Dover.
ˈ sailing ˌ boat noun [ C ] UK ( US sailboat )
a small boat with sails
sailor noun [ C ]
1. a person who works on a ship, especially one who is not an officer
2. a person who often takes part in the sport of using boats with sails
3. a good/bad sailor
someone who is not/often ill when they travel by boat
ˈ sailor ˌ suit noun [ C ]
a set of clothes, especially for a child, in the style of a sailor's uniform, usually
blue and white with a large collar at the back
saint , noun
1. [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION St ) (the title given to) a person who has received
an official honour from the Christian, especially the Roman Catholic, Church for having
lived in a good and holy way. The names of saints are sometimes used to name places
and buildings
Saint Peter
St Andrew's school
Saint Paul's Cathedral
2. [ C usually singular ] a very good, kind person
She must be a real saint to stay with him all these years.
He has the patience of a saint with those kids.
sainthood noun [ U ]
saintliness noun [ U ]
saintly adjective
Her saintly manner concealed a devious mind.
sainted adjective [ usually before noun ]
given the title of saint by the church, or considered to be like a saint
HUMOROUS And where is my sainted (= extremely good) little sister?
sainted adjective [ usually before noun ]
given the title of saint by the church, or considered to be like a saint
HUMOROUS And where is my sainted (= extremely good) little sister?
saint's day noun [ C ]
a day in the year when a particular saint is remembered and when people who
have that saint's name often celebrate
sake noun HELP
1. for the sake of sb /for sb's sake
in order to help or bring advantage to someone
Please do it, for David's sake.
Their parents only stayed together for the sake of the children.
I hope for both our sakes that you're right!
sake noun REASON
2. for the sake of sth /for sth's sake
because of, or for the purpose of something
Let's not disagree for the sake of (= because of) a few pounds.
Let's say, just for the sake of argument/for argument's sake (= for the purpose of
this discussion) , that prices rise by 3 per cent this year.
You're only arguing for the sake of arguing (= because you like arguing) .
sake noun EMPHASIS
3. for goodness'/God's/Pete's/heaven's, etc. sake
used to emphasize requests or orders when you are angry or have lost patience
For goodness' sake don't let her know I told you!
sake , saki noun [ C or U ]
a Japanese alcoholic drink made from rice and usually drunk warm
salaam verb [ I or T ]
(especially in Muslim countries) to greet someone by bending low from the waist
with the front of the right hand against the top of the face
salaam noun [ C ] , exclamation
salable adjective
MAINLY US FOR saleable
salable adjective
MAINLY US FOR saleable
salacious adjective DISAPPROVING
causing or showing a strong interest in sexual matters
a salacious film/book/joke/comment
salaciously adverb
salaciousness noun [ U ]
salad noun [ C or U ]
salad
1. a mixture of uncooked vegetables, usually including lettuce , eaten either as a
separate dish or with other food
Toss (= Mix) the salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
Serve the risotto with a mixed salad.
a salad bowl
2. cheese/egg, etc. salad
cheese, egg, etc. with salad
3. cooked or uncooked vegetables cut into very small pieces and often mixed with
mayonnaise
potato salad
rice/pasta salad
in your salad days OLD-FASHIONED
when you were a young person and had little experience
I met her in my salad days.
ˈ salad ˌ bar noun [ C usually singular ]
a table where different prepared salads are served in a restaurant or shop
ˈ salad ˌ cream noun [ U ] UK
a thick, cream-coloured liquid, similar to mayonnaise but sweeter, which is eaten
with salad
ˈ salad ˌ dressing noun [ U ]
a cold sauce made from oil and vinegar , which is added to salads to give flavour
salamander noun [ C ]
salamander
a small animal which looks like a lizard but has soft skin and lives both on land
and in water
salamander noun [ C ]
salamander
a small animal which looks like a lizard but has soft skin and lives both on land
and in water
salami noun [ U ]
a large sausage made from meat and spices which has a strong taste and is
usually eaten cold in slices
salaried adjective
being paid a salary
salaried employees/workers/staff
salary noun [ C or U ]
a fixed amount of money agreed every year as pay for an employee, usually paid
directly into his or her bank account every month
an annual salary of £20 000
His net monthly salary is £1500.
She's on quite a good/decent salary in her present job.
He took a drop in (= accepted a lower) salary when he changed jobs.
a 10% salary increase
Compare wage
salaryman noun [ C ]
a Japanese businessman who works very long hours every day
sale noun SELL
1. [ C or U ] an act of exchanging something for money
The sale of cigarettes/alcohol is forbidden.
The building company get 10% commission on each house sale.
I haven't made a sale all morning.
They'll drop the price rather than lose the sale.
2. for sale
available to buy
Is this painting for sale?
Our neighbours put their house up for sale (= started to advertise that they want
to sell it) last week.
3. sales
the department of a company that organizes and does the selling of the
company's products or services
He works in Sales.
the sales department/manager
4. sales
the number of products sold
Sales this year exceeded the total for the two previous years.
See also telesales
5. [ C ] an occasion when things are sold, especially by an organization such as a
school or church, in order to make money for the organization
a charity/Christmas/book sale
6. [ C ] an auction (= public sale)
a sale of antique furniture
a cattle sale
7. on sale UK
available to buy in a shop
On sale at record stores now.
8. sale or return
a system by which goods are supplied to shops and can be returned if they are
not sold within a particular period of time
We can supply goods on a sale or return basis .
sale noun CHEAP PRICE
9. [ C ] an occasion when goods are sold at a lower price than usual
a mid-season/end-of-season sale
a clearance/closing-down sale
I bought this in the January sales.
sale goods/prices
10. on sale MAINLY US ( UK USUALLY in the sale )
reduced in price
Can you tell me if this dress is in the sale?
saleable , MAINLY US salable adjective
easy to sell or suitable for selling
saleable commodities
in saleable condition
saleable , MAINLY US salable adjective
easy to sell or suitable for selling
saleable commodities
in saleable condition
ˈ sales as ˌ sistant noun [ C ] UK
a shop assistant
salesclerk noun [ C ]
US FOR shop assistant
ˈ sales ˌ drive noun [ C ]
a special effort to sell more than usual
ˈ sales ˌ force noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
all the employees of a company whose job is persuading customers to buy their
salesman noun [ C ]
a man whose job is selling things in a shop or directly to customers
a car salesman
a travelling salesman
a door-to-door salesman
salesmanship noun [ U ]
skill in selling
Clever salesmanship can persuade you to buy things you don't really want.
salesperson noun [ C ]
a person whose job is selling things in a shop or directly to customers
a car/computer salesperson
ˈ sales ˌ pitch noun [ S ]
a way of talking that is intended to persuade you to buy something
He's got a good sales pitch.
ˈ sales ˌ rep noun [ C ] ( FORMAL sales representative )
someone who travels to different places trying to persuade people to buy their
ˈ sales ˌ slip noun [ C ] US
a receipt
ˈ sales ˌ slip noun [ C ] US
a receipt
ˈ sales ˌ talk noun [ U ]
a way of talking that is intended to persuade you to buy something
ˈ sales ˌ tax noun [ C usually singular ] US
a tax paid by people when they buy goods or services
See also VAT
saleswoman noun [ C ]
a female salesperson
salient adjective FORMAL
The salient facts about something or qualities of something are the most
important things about them
She began to summarize the salient features/points of the proposal.
The article presented the salient facts of the dispute clearly and concisely.
saline noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a liquid mixture of salt and pure water, which helps to kill bacteria or can be used
to replace liquid lost from the body
a saline drip
saline adjective SPECIALIZED
containing or consisting of salt
saline deposits/springs
saline solution
salinity noun [ U ]
You should test the salinity of the water.
saliva noun [ U ]
the liquid produced in your mouth to keep the mouth wet and to help to prepare
food for digestion
salivary adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
salivary gland noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
one of the glands that produce saliva and release it into the mouth
salivary gland noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
one of the glands that produce saliva and release it into the mouth
salivate verb [ I ] SPECIALIZED OR HUMOROUS
to produce saliva
The thought of all that delicious food made me salivate.
sallow adjective
(of white-skinned people) yellowish and looking unhealthy
a sallow complexion/face
sallowness noun [ U ]
sally noun [ C ]
a sudden attack on an enemy, especially when they are surrounding you
sally verb [ I + adv/prep ]
to make a sally
sally forth OLD USE OR HUMOROUS
to leave a safe place in a brave or confident way in order to do something difficult
The minister opened the door and sallied forth to face the angry crowd.
the ˌ Sally ˈ Army noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
UK INFORMAL FOR the Salvation Army
salmon noun [ C or U ]
a medium-sized silvery fish which lives in the sea and swims up rivers to produce
its eggs. Its pink flesh is eaten as a food
fresh/smoked/tinned salmon
salmon mousse/fishcakes
salmon fishing
salmonella noun [ U ]
1. a type of bacteria that exists in several forms, some of which live in food and
make the people who eat it ill
salmonella poisoning
2. the illness caused by this bacteria
an outbreak of salmonella
salmon-pink adjective , noun [ U ]
an orange-pink colour
salmon-pink adjective , noun [ U ]
an orange-pink colour
ˌ salmon ˈ trout noun [ C ]
a large trout which has pink flesh and looks like a salmon
salon noun [ C ] SHOP
1. a shop where you can get a particular service, especially connected with beauty
or fashion
a beauty salon
a hairdressing/hair salon
salon noun [ C ] MEETING
2. LITERARY a meeting of writers, painters, etc., at the house of someone famous or
important
a literary salon
saloon noun [ C ] CAR
saloon
1. UK ( US sedan ) a car with seats for four or five people, two or four doors, and
a separate section at the back for bags, boxes and cases
a family saloon
saloon noun [ C ] BAR
2. a public bar, especially in the past in the western United States
sa ˈ loon ˌ bar noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED
a bar in a pub or hotel which is more comfortable than the other bars, and in
which you sometimes pay a little more for your drink
Compare public bar
salsa noun SAUCE
1. [ C or U ] a spicy sauce made from tomatoes, onions and chillies (= small spicy
red or green seed cases)
salsa noun MUSIC/DANCE
2. [ S or U ] a type of South American music with a strong beat, or a dance done
to this music
salt noun FOOD
1. [ U ] a common white substance found in sea water and in the ground, which is
used especially to add flavour to food or to preserve it
salt and pepper
Can you pass the salt please?
Add a pinch of (= small amount of) salt to the sauce.
salt noun CHEMICAL
2. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a chemical substance which is a combination of a metal or a
base with an acid
Potassium nitrate and potassium chloride are potassium salts.
add salt to sth OLD-FASHIONED
If you add salt to a subject or conversation, you make it more interesting
You can be sure she'll always add salt to the conversation!
be the salt of the Earth
If you say that someone is the salt of the Earth, you mean that they are a very
good and honest person.
take sth with a pinch of salt UK ( US take sth with a grain of salt )
to not completely believe something that you are told, because you think it is
unlikely to be true
You have to take everything she says with a pinch of salt, she does tend to
exaggerate.
salt adjective [ before noun ]
containing or preserved in salt
salt water
salt beef/pork
salt verb [ T ]
to add salt to or put salt on something
Don't forget to salt the potatoes.
When it's icy, the city salts the roads to thaw the ice.
salt sth away phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to save something, often money, secretly
He salted away a fortune over the years and no one ever knew!
SALT noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Strategic Arms Limitation Talks: a series of discussions between
the US and the USSR that took place from 1969 to 1979 and aimed to limit the number
of nuclear weapons
salt-and-pepper adjective [ before noun ]
US FOR pepper-and-salt
ˈ salt ˌ cellar noun [ C ] ( US saltshaker )
a small container for salt, usually with one hole in the top
salted adjective
containing or covered in salt
salted peanuts
lightly salted butter
salt-lick noun [ C ]
a piece of salty substance which animals rub with their tongues
saltpetre UK , US saltpeter noun [ U ]
a salty-tasting white powder used to preserve meat and also used in the
production of explosives and of substances which help plants grow better
ˈ salt ˌ water noun [ U ]
sea water
saltwater adjective [ before noun ]
saltwater fish
salty adjective
tasting of salt
This bacon is too salty for me.
saltiness noun [ U ]
salubrious adjective FORMAL
describes a place that is pleasant, clean, and healthy to live in
He doesn't live in a very salubrious part of town.
salutary adjective FORMAL
causing improvement of behaviour or character
a salutary experience
a salutary reminder of the dangers of mountain climbing
salutary adjective FORMAL
causing improvement of behaviour or character
a salutary experience
a salutary reminder of the dangers of mountain climbing
salutation noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
a greeting in words or actions, or the words used at the beginning of a letter or
speech
salute verb SHOW RESPECT
1. [ I or T ] (especially of people in the armed forces) to make a formal sign of
respect to someone, especially by raising the right hand to the side of the head
Whenever you see an officer, you must salute.
The soldiers saluted the colonel.
salute verb PRAISE
2. [ T ] FORMAL to honour or express admiration publicly for a person or an
achievement
On this memorable occasion we salute the wonderful work done by the
association.
We salute you for your courage and determination.
salute noun [ C ] SHOW OF RESPECT
1. a gesture of respect made to someone by raising the right hand to the side of
the head
The soldier gave a salute and the officer returned it.
2. an action, such as the firing of a gun, done to show respect to someone
Full military honours and a 21-gun salute (= 21 guns fired at the same time)
marked his funeral.
salute noun [ C ] PRAISE
3. an action or gesture to honour or show your admiration for a person or
achievement
take the salute
When a person of high rank takes the salute, they stand and watch while soldiers
march past saluting them.
Salvadoran noun [ C ] , adjective
salvage verb [ T ]
1. to save goods from damage or destruction, especially from a ship that has sunk
or been damaged or a building that has been damaged by fire or a flood
gold coins salvaged from a shipwreck
After the fire, there wasn't much furniture left worth salvaging.
2. to try to make a bad situation better
It was a desperate attempt to salvage the situation .
After the fraud scandal he had to make great efforts to salvage his reputation .
salvage noun [ U ]
They mounted a salvage operation after the fire.
salvageable adjective
There is nothing that is salvageable in the building - we have lost everything.
salvation noun
1. [ S or U ] (a way of) being saved from danger, loss or harm
After the diagnosis, getting to know Mary was his salvation.
a marriage beyond salvation
2. [ U ] In the Christian religion, salvation of a person or their spirit is the state of
being saved from evil and its effects by the death of Jesus Christ on a cross
The Gospel message is one of personal salvation.
salvation noun
1. [ S or U ] (a way of) being saved from danger, loss or harm
After the diagnosis, getting to know Mary was his salvation.
a marriage beyond salvation
2. [ U ] In the Christian religion, salvation of a person or their spirit is the state of
being saved from evil and its effects by the death of Jesus Christ on a cross
The Gospel message is one of personal salvation.
the Sal ˌ vation ˈ Army noun [ S + sing/pl verb ] ( UK INFORMAL Sally Army )
an international Christian organization whose members have ranks and uniforms
like an army, hold meetings with music, and work to help poor people
a Salvation Army hostel for homeless men and women
salve noun OLD USE
1. [ C or U ] an oily substance used to treat an injured, sore or dry place on your
body; ointment
2. [ S ] something that makes you feel better about a difficult situation
salve verb
salve your conscience
to do something so that you feel less guilty
He salves his conscience by giving money to charity.
salver noun [ C ]
a large metal plate used to bring food, drinks or letters to people, especially in a
formal situation
a silver salver
salvo noun [ C ]
1. a firing of several guns at the same time, either in a war or in a ceremony
a salvo of guns/rockets
2. a sudden loud sound made by many people at the same time
Every joke the comedian made was greeted by a salvo of laughter from the
audience.
3. the first part of a speech or the first in a series of actions intended to get a
particular result
In his opening salvo the speaker fiercely attacked the Government's record on
health care.
salwar kameez noun [ C ] ( ALSO shalwar kameez )
a type of suit, worn especially by Asian women, with loose trousers and a long
shirt
SAM noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR surface-to-air missile
SAM noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR surface-to-air missile
Samaritan noun
1. a good Samaritan
someone who gives help to people who need it
2. the Samaritans
[ S + singular or plural verb ] in the UK, an organization you can telephone if you
are very worried about something and need to talk to someone
Samaritan noun
3. [ C ] someone who works for the Samaritans
He works as a Samaritan.
samba noun [ C or U ]
an energetic dance originally from Brazil, or music for dancing this dance
same adjective EXACTLY LIKE
1. the same
exactly like another or each other
My twin sister and I have got the same nose.
She was wearing exactly the same dress as I was.
Hilary's the same age as me.
She brought up her children in just (= exactly) the same way her mother did.
Compare similar
same adjective NOT ANOTHER
2. [ before noun ] not another different place, time, situation, person or thing
My brother and I sleep in the same room.
Rachel's still going out with the same boyfriend.
That (very) same day, he heard he'd passed his exam.
I would do the same thing again if I had the chance.
They eat at the same restaurant every week.
Shall we meet up at the same time tomorrow?
at the same time
despite this
No-one likes conflict, but at the same time we have to deal with this problem.
be in the same boat
to be in the same unpleasant situation as other people
She's always complaining that she doesn't have enough money, but we're all in
the same boat.
by the same token
used to mean that something you are about to say is also true, for the same
reasons as what has just been said
I don't think that prices will go up but, by the same token, I don't see them going
down either.
it all amounts/comes to the same thing
used to mean that any of several different possible actions will produce the same
result
It doesn't matter whether you do it first or last - it all amounts to the same thing.
It's the same old story. INFORMAL
said when talking about a bad situation which has happened many times before
It's the same old story - the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
not in the same league
not nearly as good as something or someone else
Her golf is brilliant - I'm not in the same league.
one and the same
the same thing or person
I was amazed to discover that Mary's husband and Jane's son are one and the
same (person).
same difference NOT STANDARD
said when you agree that what you said was not exactly correct, but you think the
difference is not important
"Did you see that bus?" "Actually it was a coach." "Same difference."
same old same old INFORMAL
used to say that a situation or someone's behaviour remains the same, especially
when it is boring or annoying
Most people just carry on doing the same old same old every day.
same pronoun EXACTLY LIKE
1. the same as
exactly like
People say I look just the same as my sister.
John thinks the same as I do - it's just too expensive.
2. the same
not changed
After all these years you look exactly the same - you haven't changed a bit.
Charles is just the same as always.
same pronoun NOT ANOTHER
3. the same
a. not another different thing or situation
I'm hopeless at physics, and it's the same with chemistry - I get it all wrong.
b. [ before noun ] HUMOROUS not another different person
"Was that Marion on the phone?" "The (very) same."
all the same
despite what has just been said
It rained every day of our holiday - but we had a good time all the same.
be all the same to sb
to not be important to someone which of several things is chosen
I don't mind whether we eat now or this evening, it's all the same to me.
I'll have tea - if it's all the same to you.
not the same
not as good
You can make shortbread with margarine instead of butter, but it isn't the same.
same again INFORMAL
said when you want another drink of the same type as you have just had
"What are you having, David?" "Same again, please."
same here INFORMAL
said when you agree with what has been said or you have experienced the same
thing as they have
"I thought that film was awful!" "Same here!"
same to you INFORMAL
used as an answer to someone who has greeted or insulted you in order to wish
the same thing to them
"Have a good holiday." "Same to you (= I hope you have a good holiday too) !"
same adverb
the same
in the same way
We treat all our children the same.
I need some time to myself, the same as anybody else.
sameness noun [ U ]
the quality of being the same as or very similar to something else
She was struck by the sameness of the houses.
sameness noun [ U ]
the quality of being the same as or very similar to something else
She was struck by the sameness of the houses.
same-sex adjective
A same-sex relationship, marriage, etc. is a romantic relationship between two
men, or between two women.
samey adjective UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
not interesting because of being very similar
His paintings all look a bit samey.
Samoa noun [ U ]
Samoan noun [ C ] , adjective
samosa noun [ C ]
a small triangular pastry case filled with vegetables or meat and spices and fried,
eaten in South Asia
samovar noun [ C ]
samovar
a large metal container used, especially in Russia, to heat water for tea
sampan noun [ C ]
a small boat with a flat bottom used along the coasts and rivers of China and
South East Asia
sample noun [ C ] SMALL AMOUNT
1. a small amount of something that shows you what the rest is or should be like
a free sample of shampoo
samples of carpet/curtain material
Please bring some samples of your work to the interview.
2. a small amount of a substance that a doctor or scientist collects in order to
examine it
a blood /urine sample
3. a group of people or things that is chosen out of a larger number and is asked
questions or tested in order to get information about the larger group
a random sample of voters
a nationally representative sample of 200 schools
sample noun [ C ] MUSIC
4. a small part of a song which has been recorded and used to make a new piece
of music
sample verb [ T ] SMALL AMOUNT
1. to taste a small amount of food or drink to decide whether you like it
As the food looked so good, he decided to sample a little from each dish.
2. to experience a place or an activity, often for the first time
So you're going to sample the delights/pleasures of the new restaurant?
sample verb [ T ] MUSIC
3. SPECIALIZED to record part of a song and use the recording to make a new piece
of music
This song has been heavily sampled.
sampler noun [ C ] CLOTH
1. a piece of cloth with letters, words, pictures, etc. stitched on it to show how
well you can sew, made especially in the past and often hung on the wall like a picture
sampler noun [ C ] MUSIC
2. SPECIALIZED a device which allows you to record parts of other people's songs
and then use these parts to create new pieces of music
sampler noun [ C ] CLOTH
1. a piece of cloth with letters, words, pictures, etc. stitched on it to show how
well you can sew, made especially in the past and often hung on the wall like a picture
sampler noun [ C ] MUSIC
2. SPECIALIZED a device which allows you to record parts of other people's songs
and then use these parts to create new pieces of music
samurai noun [ C ]
a member of a military class of high social rank in the 11th to 19th century in
Japan
Samurai warriors
the San Andreas Fault noun [ S ]
a large break in the Earth's surface in California which causes a lot of earthquakes
sanatorium noun [ C ] ( US ALSO sanitarium )
a special type of hospital, usually in the countryside, where people can have
treatment and rest, especially when getting better after a long illness
sanctify verb [ T ]
1. FORMAL to make an event or place holy
2. to make something socially or officially acceptable
a practice sanctified by many years of tradition
sanctification noun [ U ] FORMAL
sanctimonious adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
acting as if morally better than others
sanctimonious religious leaders preaching about morality
sanctimoniously adverb
sanctimoniousness noun [ U ]
sanction noun ORDER
1. [ C usually plural ] an official order, such as the stopping of trade, which is
taken against a country in order to make it obey international law
Many nations have imposed sanctions on the country because of its attacks on
its own people.
Trade/economic sanctions will only be lifted (= stopped) when the aggressor
nation withdraws its troops.
2. [ C ] a strong action taken in order to make people obey a law or rule, or a
punishment given when they do not obey
Without realistic sanctions, some teachers have difficulty keeping order in the
classroom.
sanction noun APPROVAL
3. [ U ] approval or permission, especially formal or legal
They tried to get official sanction for the scheme.
sanction verb [ T ]
to formally give permission for something
The government was reluctant to sanction intervention in the crisis.
sanctions-busting noun [ U ]
trading with a country with which trade has been forbidden (= is not officially
allowed)
sanctions-busting noun [ U ]
trading with a country with which trade has been forbidden (= is not officially
allowed)
sanctity noun
1. the sanctity of human life/marriage, etc.
when something is very important and deserves respect
2. [ U ] the quality of being holy
the sanctity of a cemetery/tomb
sanctuary noun
1. [ C usually singular U ] protection or a safe place, especially for someone or
something being chased or hunted
Illegal immigrants found/sought/took sanctuary in a local church.
The chapel became a sanctuary for the refugees.
FIGURATIVE If I want some peace and quiet, I take sanctuary in my study.
2. [ C ] a place where birds or animals can live and be protected, especially from
hunters or dangerous conditions
a wildlife/bird sanctuary
3. [ C ] the most holy part of a religious building
sanctum noun FORMAL
1. inner sanctum
a private place or room where someone is never interrupted
2. [ C ] a holy place
sand noun
1. [ U ] a substance that is found on beaches and in deserts, which is made from
very small grains of rock
a grain of sand
The children played all day in/on the sand.
coarse/fine sand
Mix one part sand to three parts cement.
2. sands
large flat areas of sand near the sea
miles of golden sands
the sands of time are running out LITERARY SAYING
used to say that there is not much time left to do something
sand verb [ T ]
to make something smooth by rubbing it with something rough, especially
sandpaper (= strong paper with sand fixed to it)
Sand the door (down) thoroughly before starting to paint.
sandal noun [ C ]
sandal
a light shoe, especially worn in warm weather, consisting of a bottom part held
onto the foot by straps
a pair of sandals
open-toed sandals
See also picture clothes 4
sandal noun [ C ]
sandal
a light shoe, especially worn in warm weather, consisting of a bottom part held
onto the foot by straps
a pair of sandals
open-toed sandals
See also picture clothes 4
sandalwood noun [ U ]
the hard light-coloured wood of a tree that grows in southeast Asia and Australia,
or the pleasant-smelling oil from this tree
sandbag noun [ C ]
a bag filled with sand which is used as a defence against floods, explosions, etc.
See picture sandbag
sandbag verb [ T ]
to put sandbags in or around something
They sandbagged the doors to stop the water coming in.
sandbank noun [ C ]
a raised area of sand below the surface of the sea or a river, which you can only
see when the water level is low
sandbar noun [ C ]
a long raised area of sand below the surface of the water, especially where a river
enters the sea, usually formed by moving currents
sandblast verb [ T ]
to clean or decorate stone, metal or glass with a machine that blows sand out at a
high speed
sandcastle noun [ C ]
a model castle of sand, usually made by children playing on the beach
ˈ sand ˌ dune noun [ C ]
a hill of sand made by the wind on the coast or in a desert
sander noun [ C ] ( ALSO sanding machine )
an electrical machine to which a sheet or disc of rough paper is fastened to rub
other surfaces in order to make them smoother
the sandman noun [ S ] CHILD'S WORD
an imaginary man who spreads sand which makes children rub their eyes and go
to sleep
the sandman noun [ S ] CHILD'S WORD
an imaginary man who spreads sand which makes children rub their eyes and go
to sleep
sandpail noun [ C ]
US FOR bucket
sandpaper noun [ U ]
strong paper with sand or a similar rough substance stuck to one side, used for
rubbing a surface in order to make it smoother
coarse/fine sandpaper
sandpaper verb [ T ]
sandpit noun [ C ] UK ( US sandbox )
a hole in the ground, or a box, filled with sand in which children can play
sandstone noun [ U ]
a type of rock formed from sand
sandstorm noun [ C ]
a strong wind in a desert carrying a large amount of sand
ˈ sand ˌ trap noun [ C ] US
a bunker (GOLF)
sandwich noun [ C ]
sandwich
1. two pieces of bread, sometimes spread with butter or margarine , and with
some other usually cold food between them
a tuna/ham sandwich
a toasted sandwich
a sandwich bar/box
sandwich fillings
2. UK ( ALSO sandwich cake ) a cake consisting of two thin round layers with a
filling such as cream between them
a jam and cream sandwich
a Victoria sandwich
sandwich verb
sandwich sb/sth between sb/sth phrasal verb [ usually passive ] INFORMAL
If you are sandwiched between two people or things, you are in a small space
between them
On the train I was sandwiched between two very large men.
sandwich sth together phrasal verb [ M ]
to put a layer of something between two things which sticks them together
I sandwiched the cakes together with chocolate butter cream.
ˈ sandwich ˌ bar noun [ C ] UK
a small shop where you can buy sandwiches, especially to eat during the working
day
ˈ sandwich ˌ bar noun [ C ] UK
a small shop where you can buy sandwiches, especially to eat during the working
day
ˈ sandwich ˌ board noun [ C ]
a pair of connected boards which a person hangs over their shoulders and walks
around with in public places to advertise something
ˈ sandwich ˌ course noun [ C ] UK
a college course consisting of periods of study with periods of work between them
so that students get practical experience
sandy adjective SAND
1. covered with sand or containing sand
a lovely sandy beach
sandy soil
sandy adjective HAIR
2. describes hair which is a pale, brownish orange colour
sane adjective
having a healthy mind and not mentally ill, or showing good judgment and
understanding
In the doctor's opinion he was sane at the time of the murder.
HUMOROUS The only thing which keeps me sane after a hard day in the office is
jogging!
It was a sane (= sensible) decision and one we all respected.
sang verb
PAST SIMPLE OF sing
sangfroid noun [ U ] FORMAL
the ability to stay calm in a difficult or dangerous situation
sangria noun [ U ]
a cold Spanish drink made from red wine, fruit juice, fizzy (= with bubbles) water,
and sometimes brandy
sanguine adjective FORMAL
(of someone or their character) positive and hopeful
They are less sanguine about the prospects for peace.
See also optimistic
sanguine adjective FORMAL
(of someone or their character) positive and hopeful
They are less sanguine about the prospects for peace.
See also optimistic
sanitarium noun [ C ]
US FOR sanatorium
sanitary adjective
1. clean and not dangerous for the health, or protecting health by the removal of
dirt and waste, especially human waste
Cholera thrives in poor sanitary conditions .
There were only very basic sanitary facilities on the site.
His kitchen didn't look very sanitary (= clean) .
2. describes the things which are used by women during their period (= blood
flow each month)
sanitary protection
disposable sanitary products
ˈ sanitary ˌ fittings plural noun UK ( US bathroom fittings )
the pieces of furniture which are in a bathroom, such as a toilet, bath, etc.
ˈ sanitary ˌ towel noun [ C ] UK ( US sanitary napkin , AUSTRALIAN sanitary pad )
a piece of soft, material worn by a woman to absorb blood during her period (=
blood flow each month)
sanitation noun [ U ]
the systems for taking dirty water and other waste products away from buildings
in order to protect people's health
Many illnesses in these temporary refugee camps are the result of inadequate
sanitation.
sanit ˈ ation ˌ worker noun [ C ]
US FOR dustman
sanitize , UK USUALLY sanitise verb [ T ] CLEAN
1. MAINLY US to make something completely clean and free from bacteria
sanitize , UK USUALLY sanitise verb [ T ] CHANGE
2. DISAPPROVING to change something in order to make it less strongly expressed,
less harmful or less offensive
The military wants to allow only a sanitized report/version of the incident to
become public.
sanitization MAINLY US , UK USUALLY sanitisation noun [ U ]
sanity noun [ U ]
the state of having a healthy mind and not being mentally ill, or showing good
judgment and understanding
He'd been behaving so strangely that they began to doubt/question his sanity.
Maybe Jenny can bring some sanity into (= think and act with good judgment
in) this crazy situation.
to keep/preserve/retain your sanity
sanity noun [ U ]
the state of having a healthy mind and not being mentally ill, or showing good
judgment and understanding
He'd been behaving so strangely that they began to doubt/question his sanity.
Maybe Jenny can bring some sanity into (= think and act with good judgment
in) this crazy situation.
to keep/preserve/retain your sanity
sank verb
PAST SIMPLE OF sink
Sanmarinese noun [ C ]
San Marino noun [ U ]
Santa Claus noun [ S ] ( INFORMAL Santa ) CHILD'S WORD
the imaginary old man with long white hair and a beard and a red coat who is
believed by children to bring them presents at Christmas , or a person who dresses as
this character for children
Go to sleep quickly or Santa Claus won't come!
Santa's grotto noun [ S ]
a place where children can receive presents from a person dressed as Santa Claus
São Toméan noun [ C ] , adjective
São Tomé and Príncipe noun [ U ]
sap verb [ T ]
to make someone weaker or take away strength or an important quality from
someone, especially over a long period of time
Constant criticism saps you of your confidence.
Looking after her dying mother had sapped all her energy.
sapping adjective
sapping heat/humidity
sap noun LIQUID
1. [ U ] the liquid that carries food to all parts of a plant
Maple syrup is obtained from the sap of the sugar maple tree.
sap noun PERSON
2. [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL a stupid person who can easily be tricked or persuaded
to do something
He's a sap for (= He can easily be persuaded to buy) any new machine.
the sap is rising HUMOROUS
said to describe a feeling of increased interest in and energy for romance and sex
sapling noun [ C ]
a young tree
sapling noun [ C ]
a young tree
Sapphic adjective POETRY
1. SPECIALIZED relating to a type of poetry with four lines that is similar to the
poetry of Sappho, a poet in ancient Greece
Sapphic adjective SEXUALITY
2. LITERARY relating to lesbians (= women who are sexually attracted to other
women)
Sapphic love/passion
sapphire noun
1. [ C or U ] a transparent, usually bright blue, precious stone
a sapphire ring/bracelet
2. [ U ] ( ALSO sapphire blue ) bright blue
sapphire adjective
( ALSO sapphire blue ) bright blue
sappy adjective US INFORMAL
describes something that is extremely emotional in an embarrassing way
It's a sappy film - take some tissues when you see it.
saprophyte noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an organism, such as a fungus or a bacterium , that lives and feeds on dead and
decaying plant and animal matter
sarcasm noun [ U ]
the use of remarks which clearly mean the opposite of what they say, and which
are made in order to hurt someone's feelings or to criticize something in a humorous
way
"You have been working hard, " he said with heavy sarcasm, as he looked at the
empty page.
Compare irony
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit/humour. SAYING
said to mean that sarcasm is very unkind
sarcastic adjective ( UK INFORMAL sarky )
using sarcasm
a sarcastic comment/remark
Are you being sarcastic?
sarcastically adverb
"Thanks so much for your help, " Tim said sarcastically.
sarcoma noun [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of cancerous lump in the bones, muscles or joints (= places where two
bones are connected)
sarcoma noun [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of cancerous lump in the bones, muscles or joints (= places where two
bones are connected)
sarcophagus noun [ C ]
a stone coffin , which was used in ancient times and is often decorated
sardine noun [ C ]
a small sea fish which can be eaten
a tin of sardines
packed/squashed like sardines
If people are packed or squashed like sardines, they are positioned very close
together so that they cannot move
We were squashed like sardines in the rush-hour train.
sardonic adjective
showing little respect in a humorous but unkind way, often because you think that
you are too important to consider or discuss a matter
a sardonic smile/look/comment
sardonically adverb
sarge noun [ S ]
INFORMAL FOR sergeant
[ as form of address ] I'll be there straight away, sarge.
sari , saree noun [ C ]
a dress, worn especially by South Asian women, consisting of a very long piece of
thin cloth wrapped around the body
See picture clothes 4
sarky adjective
UK INFORMAL FOR sarcastic
sarnie noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL FOR
a sandwich
sarong noun [ C ]
a long piece of thin cloth which is worn wrapped around the waist
SARS noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: a serious infectious illness
which causes difficulty in breathing and sometimes death
SARS noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: a serious infectious illness
which causes difficulty in breathing and sometimes death
sarsaparilla , noun [ U ]
a plant with large roots and heart-shaped leaves which climbs up walls, or a drink
whose flavour is got from the root of this plant
sartorial adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
relating to the making of clothes, usually men's clothes, or to a way of dressing
sartorial elegance
sartorially adverb
the SAS noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
ABBREVIATION FOR the Special Air Service: a part of the British Army that has been
specially trained for secret or very dangerous military activities
SASE noun [ C ] ( UK sae )
US ABBREVIATION FOR self-addressed stamped envelope: an envelope with a stamp
and your name and address on it, which you send inside another envelope to an
organization when you want a reply
Please enclose an SASE with your application.
Compare sae
sash noun [ C ] CLOTHING
1. a long narrow piece of cloth worn round the waist and fastened at the back, or
a strip of cloth worn over the shoulder, which is often worn with a uniform at official
ceremonies
sash noun [ C ] WINDOW
2. a frame with a piece of glass in it which is used to make windows and doors
sashay verb [ I + adv/prep ]
to walk confidently while moving your hips from side to side in a way that attracts
attention
She sashayed down the stairs and into the hall.
sashimi noun [ U ]
a Japanese dish consisting of small pieces of uncooked fish which are eaten with
soy sauce
sashimi noun [ U ]
a Japanese dish consisting of small pieces of uncooked fish which are eaten with
soy sauce
ˌ sash ˈ window noun [ C ]
a window which has two frames fixed one above the other that open by being
moved up and down
See picture house
Sasquatch noun [ C ]
a Bigfoot
sass noun [ U ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
talk or behaviour which is rude and shows no respect
You just sit there and shut up - I don't want to hear any more of your sass.
sass verb [ T ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to talk to someone in a rude way
Don't you sass your father like that!
Sassenach noun [ C ] SCOTTISH MAINLY DISAPPROVING
an English person
sassy adjective MAINLY US INFORMAL
1. rude and showing no respect
a sassy young girl
2. fashionable, attractive or confident
a sassy little black dress
sat verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sit
Sat
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR Saturday
SAT noun [ C ] UK EDUCATION
1. ABBREVIATION FOR Standard Assessment Task: a test taken by children in England
and Wales at the ages of 7, 11, 14, and 16 to find out the level of the National
Curriculum that they have reached
SATs results
SAT noun [ C ] US EDUCATION
2. TRADEMARK ABBREVIATION FOR Scholastic Aptitude Test: a test taken in the US to
measure students' abilities before they go to college
Satan noun [ U ] FORMAL
the name used by Christians and Jews for the Devil (= a powerful evil force and
the enemy of God)
Satan noun [ U ] FORMAL
the name used by Christians and Jews for the Devil (= a powerful evil force and
the enemy of God)
satanic adjective
1. connected with worshipping Satan
a satanic cult/practice/rite
2. very evil
He gave a satanic smile.
Satanism noun [ U ]
the worship of Satan
Satanist noun [ C ]
a person who worships Satan
satay noun [ U ]
a Southeast Asian food consisting of small pieces of meat or fish cooked on a
stick, and served with a spicy peanut sauce
chicken satay
satchel noun [ C ]
a rectangular leather bag with a long strap, used especially in the past by children
for carrying books to school
sated adjective FORMAL
having had more of something than you can easily have at one time
sated with drink/food
satellite noun [ C ] IN SPACE
1. a device sent up into space to travel round the Earth, used for collecting
information or communicating by radio, television, etc.
The World Cup was transmitted around the world by satellite.
a spy/weather satellite
satellite television/TV
2. a natural object moving round a larger object in space
The moon is the satellite of the Earth.
satellite noun [ C ] COUNTRY
3. ( ALSO satellite state ) a country controlled by or depending on a more powerful
country
See also client state
ˈ satellite ˌ dish noun [ C ]
a round aerial for receiving television and radio signals broadcast from satellites
sati noun [ U ]
suttee
satiate verb [ T often passive ] FORMAL
to completely satisfy yourself or a need, especially with food or pleasure, so that
you could not have any more
He drank greedily until his thirst was satiated.
satin noun CLOTH
1. [ U ] a type of cloth, sometimes made of silk , which is smooth and shiny on
one side but not on the other
a cream satin dress
satin noun PAINT
2. [ S or U ] ( ALSO satin finish ) a type of paint which is slightly shiny when it
dries
satiny adjective
smooth and soft
satire noun [ C or U ]
a way of criticizing people or ideas in a humorous way, or a piece of writing or
play which uses this style
political satire
Her play was a biting/cruel satire on life in the 80s.
satirical adjective
satirical cartoons/magazines
satirist noun [ C ]
a person who writes satire
satirize , UK USUALLY satirise verb [ T ]
to use satire to show that people or ideas have bad qualities or are wrong
satisfaction noun
1. [ C or U ] a pleasant feeling which you get when you receive something you
wanted, or when you have done something you wanted to do
She looked at the finished painting with satisfaction.
She derived/obtained great satisfaction from/out of helping other people.
For me, job satisfaction is more important than the money.
She had the satisfaction of know ing that she'd done everything she could.
2. [ U ] FORMAL when your complaint or problem is dealt with in a way you
consider acceptable
You've sold me a faulty product and I demand satisfaction (= you must return
my money or give me a new product) .
3. [ U ] fulfilment (= achievement) of a need or wish
the satisfaction of one's sexual desires
4. to sb's satisfaction
a. in a way that a particular person can believe or accept
The boy explained to the satisfaction of the court why he had lied.
b. in a way that a particular person feels pleased or satisfied with
He won't get paid until he completes the job to my satisfaction.
satisfactory adjective
good or good enough for a particular need or purpose
The teachers seem to think his work is satisfactory.
We hope very much to find a satisfactory solution to the problem.
The result of the match was highly satisfactory (= very pleasing) .
satisfactorily adverb
I'm sure these problems can be satisfactorily resolved.
sati noun [ U ]
suttee
satiate verb [ T often passive ] FORMAL
to completely satisfy yourself or a need, especially with food or pleasure, so that
you could not have any more
He drank greedily until his thirst was satiated.
satin noun CLOTH
1. [ U ] a type of cloth, sometimes made of silk , which is smooth and shiny on
one side but not on the other
a cream satin dress
satin noun PAINT
2. [ S or U ] ( ALSO satin finish ) a type of paint which is slightly shiny when it
dries
satiny adjective
smooth and soft
satire noun [ C or U ]
a way of criticizing people or ideas in a humorous way, or a piece of writing or
play which uses this style
political satire
Her play was a biting/cruel satire on life in the 80s.
satirical adjective
satirical cartoons/magazines
satirist noun [ C ]
a person who writes satire
satirize , UK USUALLY satirise verb [ T ]
to use satire to show that people or ideas have bad qualities or are wrong
satisfaction noun
1. [ C or U ] a pleasant feeling which you get when you receive something you
wanted, or when you have done something you wanted to do
She looked at the finished painting with satisfaction.
She derived/obtained great satisfaction from/out of helping other people.
For me, job satisfaction is more important than the money.
She had the satisfaction of know ing that she'd done everything she could.
2. [ U ] FORMAL when your complaint or problem is dealt with in a way you
consider acceptable
You've sold me a faulty product and I demand satisfaction (= you must return
my money or give me a new product) .
3. [ U ] fulfilment (= achievement) of a need or wish
the satisfaction of one's sexual desires
4. to sb's satisfaction
a. in a way that a particular person can believe or accept
The boy explained to the satisfaction of the court why he had lied.
b. in a way that a particular person feels pleased or satisfied with
He won't get paid until he completes the job to my satisfaction.
satisfactory adjective
good or good enough for a particular need or purpose
The teachers seem to think his work is satisfactory.
We hope very much to find a satisfactory solution to the problem.
The result of the match was highly satisfactory (= very pleasing) .
satisfactorily adverb
I'm sure these problems can be satisfactorily resolved.
satisfied adjective WANTING
1. pleased because you have got what you wanted, or because something has
happened in the way that you wanted
Some people are never satisfied!
a satisfied smile
Are you satisfied with the new arrangement?
satisfied adjective BELIEVING
2. [ after verb + ( that ) ] If you are satisfied that something is true, you believe
it
The judge was satisfied (that) she was telling the truth.
satisfy verb [ T ] WANTING
1. to please someone by giving them what they want or need
They have 31 flavours of ice-cream - enough to satisfy everyone!
Come on, satisfy my curiosity (= tell me what I want to know) , what happened
last night?
2. satisfy conditions/needs/requirements
to have or provide something that is needed or wanted
She satisfies all the requirements for the job.
There are three main conditions you must satisfy if you wish to be a member of
the club.
satisfy verb [ T ] BELIEVING
3. to make someone believe that something is true
His explanation satisfied the court.
[ R + ( that ) ] I satisfied myself (that) I had locked the door.
FORMAL The authorities were satisfied of (= they accepted) the seriousness of his
situation.
satisfying adjective
making you feel pleased by providing what you need or want
a satisfying meal/result
It's an immensely satisfying job.
It is very satisfying to know that the project was a success.
satisfying adjective
making you feel pleased by providing what you need or want
a satisfying meal/result
It's an immensely satisfying job.
It is very satisfying to know that the project was a success.
SATNAV noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR satellite navigation: a system of computers and satellites , used
in cars and other places that tell you where something is, where you are, or how to get
to a place
Many cars are now fitted with SATNAV.
satsuma noun [ C ]
satsuma
a fruit like a small orange with skin that can be removed easily
sat ˈ suma ˌ plum noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a small round fruit with a thin smooth dark red skin, sweet soft flesh, and a single
large hard seed in the middle
saturate verb MAKE WET
1. [ T often passive ] to make something or someone completely wet
The grass had been saturated by overnight rain.
He had cut his leg badly, and his trousers were saturated with/in blood.
saturate verb FILL
2. [ T ] to fill a thing or place completely so that no more can be added
The police saturated (= A large number of police officers were sent into) the area
in an attempt to find the missing child.
3. saturate the market
to provide too much of a product so that there is more of this product available
than there are people who want to buy it
Since the US market has now been saturated, drug dealers are looking to Europe.
saturation noun [ U ]
market saturation
saturate noun [ C usually plural U ]
a saturated fat
Compare polyunsaturate
saturated adjective
completely wet
It's pouring down outside - I'm absolutely saturated!
saturated adjective
completely wet
It's pouring down outside - I'm absolutely saturated!
ˌ saturated ˈ fat noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO saturate ) SPECIALIZED
a type of fat found in meat, eggs, milk, cheese, etc., which is thought to be bad
for your health because it has a chemical structure with no double bonds
Butter and cream contain a lot of saturated fats.
See also monounsaturated ; polyunsaturated ; unsaturated
ˌ saturated so ˈ lution noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
in chemistry, a solution (= a liquid containing a solid) in which as much solid as
possible is dissolved
satur ˈ ation ˌ bombing noun [ U ]
extremely heavy bombing
satur ˈ ation ˌ point noun
reach saturation point
to reach a stage where no more can be added, contained or accepted
Demand for cars in the developed world will have reached saturation point within
20 years.
Saturday noun [ C or U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Sat )
the day of the week after Friday and before Sunday
He's leaving on Saturday.
Most football matches are played on Saturdays.
Joel was born on a Saturday.
last/next Saturday
I can't come this Saturday (= the first one from now) , but I am free UK Saturday
week (= the second one from now) .
Saturday morning/afternoon/evening
ˌ Saturday night ˈ special noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
any small gun that is cheap, often bought illegally and used by criminals
Saturn noun [ S ]
the planet sixth in order of distance from the Sun, after Jupiter and before Uranus
Saturnalia noun [ C ]
1. an ancient Roman celebration which happened on December 19th
2. LITERARY a party where people behave in an uncontrolled way
Saturnalia noun [ C ]
1. an ancient Roman celebration which happened on December 19th
2. LITERARY a party where people behave in an uncontrolled way
saturnine adjective LITERARY
serious and unfriendly
a saturnine character/look
satyr noun [ C ]
a god in Greek literature who is half man and half goat
sauce noun THICK LIQUID
1. [ C or U ] a thick liquid eaten with food to add flavour
a savoury/sweet sauce
tomato sauce
2. [ U ] US SLANG alcohol
Gran's been on the sauce again - she's passed out in the den.
sauce noun RUDENESS
3. [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED remarks which are rude or which show no respect
That's enough of your sauce, my girl!
What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. OLD-FASHIONED SAYING
said to emphasize that if one person is allowed to do something or to behave in a
particular way, then another person must be allowed to do that thing or behave in that
way, too
saucepan noun [ C ]
saucepan
a deep round pan with straight sides, usually with a handle and a lid, used for
cooking things over heat
saucer noun [ C ]
a small curved plate which you put a cup on
a cup and saucer
She gave the cat a saucer of milk (= a small amount of milk on a saucer) .
saucy adjective OLD-FASHIONED
rude and showing no respect, or referring to sex, especially in a humorous way
a saucy remark/manner/look
a saucy postcard/magazine
Saudi noun [ C ] , adjective
Saudi Arabia noun [ U ]
sauerkraut noun [ U ]
cabbage which has been cut into small pieces and preserved in vinegar
sauna noun [ C ]
(a period of time spent in) a room or small building, often with wood fixed to the
walls, which is heated to a high temperature, usually with steam
have/go for/take a sauna
saunter verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to walk in a slow and relaxed way, often in no particular direction
He sauntered by , looking very pleased with himself.
saunter noun [ S ]
sausage noun [ C or U ]
sausage
a thin tube-like case containing meat which has been cut into very small pieces
and mixed with spices
fried/grilled pork sausages
half a pound of garlic sausage
not a sausage UK OLD-FASHIONED HUMOROUS
nothing
"Did you find anything out?" "No, not a sausage."
ˈ sausage ˌ dog noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a dachshund (= a small dog with a long body and short legs)
ˈ sausage ma ˌ chine noun [ C ] UK DISAPPROVING
a system that deals with things or people as if they are all the same
He claimed that the school was like a sausage machine, only interested in exam
results.
Saudi noun [ C ] , adjective
Saudi Arabia noun [ U ]
sauerkraut noun [ U ]
cabbage which has been cut into small pieces and preserved in vinegar
sauna noun [ C ]
(a period of time spent in) a room or small building, often with wood fixed to the
walls, which is heated to a high temperature, usually with steam
have/go for/take a sauna
saunter verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to walk in a slow and relaxed way, often in no particular direction
He sauntered by , looking very pleased with himself.
saunter noun [ S ]
sausage noun [ C or U ]
sausage
a thin tube-like case containing meat which has been cut into very small pieces
and mixed with spices
fried/grilled pork sausages
half a pound of garlic sausage
not a sausage UK OLD-FASHIONED HUMOROUS
nothing
"Did you find anything out?" "No, not a sausage."
ˈ sausage ˌ dog noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a dachshund (= a small dog with a long body and short legs)
ˈ sausage ma ˌ chine noun [ C ] UK DISAPPROVING
a system that deals with things or people as if they are all the same
He claimed that the school was like a sausage machine, only interested in exam
results.
ˈ sausage ˌ meat noun [ U ]
the meat mixture used to make sausages
ˌ sausage ˈ roll noun [ C ] UK
a tube of pastry filled with sausage meat
sauté verb [ T ]
to cook food in oil or fat over heat, usually until it is brown
sauté , , adjective [ before noun ]
sauté potatoes
savage adjective
1. extremely violent, wild or frightening
a savage dog/beast
a brutal and savage attack
2. very serious or cruel
savage criticism
3. very large and severe
savage cuts in education spending
savage verb [ T ]
If an animal savages someone, it attacks them violently and badly hurts them
The child was savaged by a dog.
savage noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
a person whose way of life is at a very early stage of development
Twelve thousand years ago, our ancestors were primitive savages living in caves.
savagely adverb
in a violent, cruel or very severe way
savagery noun [ C or U ]
(acts of) cruel and violent behaviour
savannah , savanna noun [ C or U ]
a large flat area of land covered with grass, usually with few trees, which is found
in hot countries, especially in Africa
save verb MAKE SAFE
1. [ T ] to stop someone or something from being killed, injured or destroyed
Wearing seat belts has saved many lives.
He fell in the river but his friend saved him from drown ing .
He had to borrow money to save his business.
He was desperately trying to save their failing marriage.
We all need to do our bit to save the planet .
The former tennis champion was now serving to save the match (= to win the
next point so that the other player did not win the competition) .
2. save sb's life
a. to stop someone from being killed
b. INFORMAL to help someone escape from a difficult or unpleasant situation
Thanks for helping me with that report - you saved my life!
save verb KEEP
3. [ I or T ] to keep something, especially money, for use in the future
Tom's been saving his pocket money every week.
We're saving (up) for a new car.
I save all my old letters in case I want to read them again.
Save me a place at your table, will you?
4. [ T ] to put information on a computer onto a computer disk
save verb NOT WASTE
5. [ I or T ] to prevent time, money or effort being wasted or spent
You'll save time if you take the car.
[ + two objects ] Thanks for your help - it saved me a lot of work.
[ + -ing verb ] I'll lend you a bag for your trip - it'll save you buy ing one
specially.
INFORMAL Can you save it for later (= tell me your news later when I am less
busy) ?
save verb SPORT
6. [ T ] in football and similar games, to stop the ball from going into the goal
when a player on the other team has kicked or hit it
can't do sth to save your life INFORMAL
said to mean that you are extremely bad at doing something
I can't draw to save my life.
save sb's bacon/neck INFORMAL
to help someone avoid getting into trouble
save your breath INFORMAL
used to say that it is not worth talking to someone because they will not listen to
you
I don't know why I bother speaking to him - I might as well save my breath.
save your own skin/hide INFORMAL
to protect yourself from danger or difficulty, without trying to help other people
save the day
to do something that prevents a likely defeat or failure
Newcastle seemed to be heading for disaster until a late goal saved the day.
Saved by the bell.
something that you say when a difficult situation is ended suddenly before you
have to do or say something that you do not want to
Luckily my bus arrived before I had time to reply. Saved by the bell.
save on sth phrasal verb
to avoid using something so that you do not have to pay for it
It was a warm winter, so we saved on electricity.
save (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to keep money so that you can buy something with it in the future
It took me ages to save up enough money to go travelling.
She's saving up for a new bike.
save noun [ C ]
in football or similar games, when a player stops the ball from going into the goal
when it is hit or kicked by a player from the other team
The goalkeeper made a great save in the last minute of the match.
save preposition ( ALSO save for ) FORMAL OR OLD-FASHIONED
but or except for
They found all the lost documents save one.
saver noun [ C ]
a person who saves money regularly
-saver suffix
something that makes it possible for you to use less of the stated thing
A washing machine is a great time-saver.
a money/energy saver
saving noun
1. savings
the money which you keep in an account in a bank or similar financial
organization
He spent all his savings on an expensive car.
2. [ C ] an amount of money that you do not need to spend
You can make huge savings (= save a lot of money) by buying food in bulk.
-saving suffix
making it possible to use less of the stated thing
a time-saving recipe
a money-saving offer
a labour-saving device
-saving suffix
making it possible to use less of the stated thing
a time-saving recipe
a money-saving offer
a labour-saving device
ˌ saving ˈ grace noun [ S ]
a good quality that something or someone has which stops them from being
completely bad
The film's only/one saving grace is the excellent photography.
ˈ savings ac ˌ count noun [ C ]
an account in a bank or similar financial organization which earns interest
See also current account
ˌ savings and ˈ loan as ˌ sociation noun [ C ]
US FOR building society
ˈ savings ˌ bank noun [ C ]
a bank which only offers accounts where your money earns interest
saviour , US savior noun [ C ]
1. UK a person who saves someone from danger or harm
2. the/our Saviour
in the Christian religion, another word for Jesus Christ
ˈ saviour ˌ sibling noun [ C ]
a child who is born with particular genes that have been chosen in order to treat
an older brother or sister who has a disease
savoir-faire noun [ U ] FORMAL
the ability to do and say the right thing in any social situation
She possesses great savoir-faire.
savour UK , US savor verb [ T ]
to enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to enjoy it as much as possible
It was the first chocolate he'd tasted for over a year, so he savoured every
mouthful.
savour of sth phrasal verb [ never passive ] FORMAL
to have particular characteristics or qualities that make people think of something,
especially something unpleasant
His behaviour does rather savour of hypocrisy.
savour , US savor noun [ S or U ] LITERARY
1. pleasure and interest
She felt that life had lost most of its savour.
2. a smell or taste, especially a pleasant one
savoury UK , US savory adjective
1. Savoury food is salty or spicy and not sweet in taste
savoury dumplings/pancakes
2. If you say that something is not savoury, you mean that it is not pleasant or
socially acceptable
That hotel doesn't have a very savoury reputation .
savoury UK , US savory adjective
1. Savoury food is salty or spicy and not sweet in taste
savoury dumplings/pancakes
2. If you say that something is not savoury, you mean that it is not pleasant or
socially acceptable
That hotel doesn't have a very savoury reputation .
savoy (cabbage) noun [ C ]
a type of cabbage with curly leaves
savvy noun [ U ] INFORMAL
practical knowledge and ability
She hasn't got much savvy.
business savvy
saw verb
PAST SIMPLE OF see
saw verb
1. [ I or T ] to cut wood or other hard material using a saw
They sawed the door in half.
He sawed through the pipe.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to move something backwards and forwards as if
using a saw
He was sawing away at his violin, making a terrible noise!
saw sth down phrasal verb [ M ]
to make something fall to the ground by cutting it with a saw
saw sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to remove something by cutting it with a saw
She sawed off the dead branches of the tree.
saw sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to cut something into smaller pieces using a saw
I'll saw the logs up into smaller pieces.
saw noun [ C ]
saw
a tool with a long or round blade and a row of sharp points along one edge, which
is used for cutting hard materials, such as wood or metal
a hand/power/chain/circular saw
See also fretsaw ; hacksaw ; jigsaw
sawdust noun [ U ]
the dust and small pieces of wood which are produced when you cut wood with a
saw
sawmill noun [ C ]
a factory where trees are cut up into pieces with machines
sawmill noun [ C ]
a factory where trees are cut up into pieces with machines
sawn-off shotgun noun [ C ] UK ( US sawed-off shotgun )
a gun with most of the barrel cut off
sax noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR saxophone
alto/tenor sax
a sax player
Saxon adjective
relating to or belonging to a people who were originally from Germany and who
came to live in Britain in the fifth and sixth centuries
saxophone noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL sax )
saxophone
a musical instrument made of metal which is played by blowing through a reed
and pressing the metal keys to produce notes
saxophonist noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL sax player )
someone who plays the saxophone
say verb SPEAK
1. [ T ] to pronounce words or sounds, to express a thought, opinion, or
suggestion, or to state a fact or instruction
Small children find it difficult to say long words.
She said goodbye to all her friends and left.
Ben never forgets to say "Please" and "Thank you".
How do you say 'goodbye' in French?
I'm sorry, what did you say?
Do you know what she said to him?
What did they say about the house?
[ + speech ] "I'm going out this evening, " she said.
[ + ( that ) ] The doctors say (that) it will take him a few weeks to recover.
[ + question word ] She didn't say wh ether she was coming.
Did she say (= tell you) wh y she wasn't coming?
[ + to infinitive ] INFORMAL He said (= told me) to meet him here.
I've got something to say to you.
The offer was so good that I couldn't say no (= couldn't refuse) .
say verb THINK
2. [ I or T ] to think or believe
[ + ( that ) ] People/They say (that) he's over 100.
"It's going to be a very hot summer." " So they say (= That is what people
believe) ."
She is a firm leader, too firm, some might say (= some people believe that she
is too firm) .
3. [ I or T ] to give (as) an opinion or suggestion about something
"Who do you think will get the job?" "I'd rather not say."
What are you saying, exactly (= What do you mean) ?
[ + ( that ) ] We've been driving all day - I say (that) we start looking for a hotel
now.
INFORMAL What do you say we (= What do you think about the idea that we
should) sell the car?
4. [ T ] to show what you think without using words
[ + ( that ) ] The look on his face said (= showed) (that) he knew what had
happened.
5. [ T always passive ] When something or someone is said to be a particular
thing, that is what people think or believe about them
[ + ( that ) ] It is said (that) Latin is a difficult language to learn.
[ + to be + noun or adjective ] He's said to be over 100.
say verb GIVE INFORMATION
6. [ T ] to give information in writing, numbers or signs
My watch says 3 o'clock.
Can you read what that notice says?
[ + ( that ) ] It says in the paper (that) they've found the man who did it.
[ + to infinitive ] It says on the bottle to take three tablets a day.
before you can say Jack Robinson OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to say that something happens very quickly
Before you could say Jack Robinson, she'd jumped into the car and driven away.
does what it says on the tin UK INFORMAL
If something does what it says on the tin, it does exactly what it is intended to do
The hotel does exactly what it says on the tin and offers customers a relaxing
break.
have a lot to say for yourself INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to talk too much and seem to have a high opinion of yourself
have nothing to say for yourself INFORMAL
to not be willing to take part in conversations or express your opinions
having said that
despite what has just been said
He forgets most things, but having said that, he always remembers my birthday.
I must say
I must admit
I must say, I don't think much of her dress.
I wouldn't say no INFORMAL
used to say that you would like something that is offered to you
"Would you like another drink?" "I wouldn't say no."
I'll say! INFORMAL
used to show that you agree very strongly with what has been said
"Does he eat a lot?" "I'll say!"
it goes without saying
used to mean that something is obvious
Of course, it goes without saying that you'll be paid for the extra hours you work.
it says a lot for sb/sth
used to show how determined someone or something is
It says a lot for her determination that she practises her cello so often.
not say boo
1. US INFORMAL to say nothing
You didn't say boo to me about going to your mother's this weekend.
2. US ( UK not say boo to a goose ) to be very nervous and easily frightened
not to say
and possibly even
It would be unwise, not to say stupid, to leave your first job after only six months.
(let's) say
used to introduce a suggestion or possible example of something
Try and finish the work by, let's say, Friday.
Say/Let's say (= If we accept) (that) the journey takes three hours, you'll arrive
at 2 o'clock.
say your piece
to say what you are obviously wanting to say
Just say your piece and then go.
say goodbye to sth
to accept that you will not have something any more or that you will not get it
If Europe fails to agree on this, we can say goodbye to any common foreign
policy.
say no more
said to show that you understand exactly what the other person is suggesting
"I saw him coming out of her flat." "Say no more!"
say the word
used to tell someone that you will do what they want at the time when they ask
you
You only have to/Just say the word, and I'll come and help.
say this/that much for sb/sth
to say something good about someone or something considered to be bad
I'll say this much for Kay, she always agrees to help whenever we ask her.
say uncle US INFORMAL
to admit failure
say when
said when you are pouring a drink for someone and you want them to tell you
when to stop pouring
says something about sb/sth ( ALSO says a lot about sb/sth )
to show what a particular person or thing is like
The way he drives says a lot about his character.
that is to say ...
or more exactly
Our friends, that is to say our son's friends, will meet us at the airport.
That's not saying much.
used to show that you do not think what someone has said is special
there's little to be said for sth
said to mean that something has disadvantages
Personally, I think there's little to be said for such a policy.
there's something to be said for ( ALSO there's a lot to be said for )
said to mean that something has advantages
There's a lot to be said for living alone.
to say nothing of ...
and in addition there is
It would be an enormous amount of work, to say nothing of the cost.
to say the least
used to show that what you are describing is in fact much more serious or
important than you have suggested
It's going to be awkward, to say the least.
what sb says, goes INFORMAL
said to mean that you must do whatever a particular person says
Around here, mate, what I say, goes!
What have you got to say for yourself ?
used to ask someone to explain why they have done something bad
Well, you've ruined my car - what have you got to say for yourself?
when all is said and done
said when you are about to tell someone the most important fact they should
remember in a situation
When all is said and done, you can only do your best.
Who can say?
no one knows
"Is it possible?" "Who can say?"
You can say that again!
used to show that you completely agree with what someone has said
You can't say fairer than that. UK INFORMAL
used to say that you think an offer or arrangement is good
You don't say! INFORMAL
used either to express surprise or lack of surprise in a humorous and slightly
unkind way
"He's lost his job." "You don't say!"
You said it! INFORMAL
used to say that you agree with what has just been said
"How stupid of me to lend him that money!" "You said it!"
say exclamation
used to express surprise or pleasure, or to attract attention to what you are about
to say
US Say, that's really good of you!
US Say, how about going out tonight?
UK OLD-FASHIONED OR HUMOROUS I say, what a splendid hat you're wearing!
say noun [ S or U ]
(the right to give) an opinion about something
Can't you keep quiet for a minute and let me have my say.
The judge usually has the final say.
have a/some, etc. say in sth
to be involved in making a decision about something
When he's 18, he'll begin to have a/some say in the running of the family
business.
The staff had little/no say in the restructuring of the company.
saying noun [ C ]
a well-known and wise statement, which often has a meaning that is different
from the simple meanings of the words it contains
As the saying goes , 'Don't count your chickens before they're hatched'.
saying noun [ C ]
a well-known and wise statement, which often has a meaning that is different
from the simple meanings of the words it contains
As the saying goes , 'Don't count your chickens before they're hatched'.
say-so noun [ S ] INFORMAL STATEMENT
1. a statement made by someone without proof
Don't just believe it on my say-so - find out for yourself.
say-so noun [ S ] INFORMAL PERMISSION
2. an instruction to do something, or permission given by someone to do
something
She's not allowed to do anything without her father's say-so.
sb
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FORsomebody or someone
S-bend noun [ C usually singular ]
a bend in a road which is in the shape of the letter S
sb's
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR somebody's or someone's
scab noun SKIN COVERING
1. [ C ] a rough surface made of dried blood which forms over a cut or broken
skin while it is healing
Compare scar
2. [ U ] a plant or animal disease which causes rough areas on the skin
scab noun WORKER
3. [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING an insulting word for a person who continues
working while other people in the organization are on strike
scabbard noun [ C ]
a long thin cover for the blade of a sword , which is usually fixed to a belt
scabby adjective
covered in scabs or scab
a scabby knee
scabby potatoes
scabies noun [ U ]
a skin disease which causes your skin to become rough and uncomfortable
scabies noun [ U ]
a skin disease which causes your skin to become rough and uncomfortable
scabrous adjective LITERARY
offensive or shocking, because describing or showing sex
The book includes some memorably seedy characters and scabrous descriptions.
scads noun [ C usually plural ] US INFORMAL
a large number or amount
He earns scads of money.
scaffold noun [ C ]
1. a structure made of scaffolding for workers to stand on when they want to
reach high parts of a building
2. a flat raised structure on which criminals are punished by having their heads
cut off or by being hung with a rope around the neck until they die
scaffolding noun [ U ]
a structure of metal poles and wooden boards put against a building for workers
to stand on when they want to reach the higher parts of the building
Scaffolding has been erected around the tower and repair work will start next
week.
See picture scaffolding
scalar noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
something that has size but no direction, such as a quantity, distance, speed or
temperature
Compare vector
scalar adjective
a scalar quantity
scalawag noun [ C ]
US ALSO FOR scallywag
scald verb [ T ]
1. to burn the skin with boiling liquid or steam
I dropped a pan of boiling water and scalded my leg.
2. to put something in boiling water or steam in order to make it completely clean
Scald the needles to sterilize them.
3. SPECIALIZED to heat a liquid until it almost boils
Scald the milk and then add it to the egg and sugar mixture.
scald noun [ C ]
an injury to the skin caused by boiling liquid or steam
scalding adjective LIQUID
1. If a liquid is scalding, it is extremely hot
scalding tea
scalding hot water
scalding adjective CRITICISM
2. If criticism is scalding, it is very strong or violent.
scalding adjective LIQUID
1. If a liquid is scalding, it is extremely hot
scalding tea
scalding hot water
scalding adjective CRITICISM
2. If criticism is scalding, it is very strong or violent.
scale noun MEASURE
1. [ C ] a set of numbers, amounts etc., used to measure or compare the level of
something
the Centigrade/Fahrenheit scale
How would you rate his work on a scale of 1 to 5?
2. [ C or U ] the relation between the real size of something and its size on a
map, model or diagram
a scale of 1:50 000
This map is large scale (= things are shown in detail) .
Is the bridge drawn to scale (= so that it shows the exact shape of the bridge, but
much smaller) ?
He was building a scale model of Concorde.
See picture scales
scale noun SIZE
3. [ S or U ] the size or level of something, especially when this is large
We don't yet know the scale of the problem .
Nuclear weapons cause destruction on a massive scale (= cause a lot of
destruction) .
My parents used to entertain friends on a large/small scale (= they had
large/small parties) .
scale noun MACHINE
4. scales
scales
UK ( US scale ) a device for weighing things or people
kitchen/bathroom scales
See also picture scales
5. a pair of scales
UK a weighing device with two containers connected to a metal bar which is free
to move up and down about its fixed central point. An object of known weight is put in
one container and the thing to be weighed is put in the other.
scale noun MUSIC
6. [ C ] a set of notes played or sung in order, going up or down
the scale of G major
You must practise your scales every day.
See picture scales
scale noun SKIN
7. [ C usually plural ] one of the many very small flat pieces which cover the skin
of fish, snakes, etc.
See picture scales
scale noun COVERING
8. [ U ] ( UK ALSO limescale ) a hard white or grey layer of material which forms
on the inside of pipes or containers that heat water
large/small-scale
describes an event or activity that is large/small in size
a large-scale investigation
the scales fall from sb's eyes LITERARY
If the scales fall from your eyes, you suddenly know and understand the truth.
scale verb [ T ] CLIMB
1. to climb up a steep surface, such as a wall or the side of a mountain, often
using special equipment
The prisoner scaled the high prison wall and ran off.
scale verb [ T ] CLEAN TEETH
2. SPECIALIZED to remove tartar (= hard white substance) and plaque (= soft
substance in which bacteria breed) from teeth
The dentist scaled and polished my teeth last week.
scale the heights
If you scale the heights of a type of work, you are very successful in it
At the age of 35, she had already scaled the heights of the acting profession.
scale sth down phrasal verb [ M ] ( MAINLY US scale sth back )
to make something smaller than it was or smaller than it was planned to be
A shortage of money has forced them to scale down the project.
scaled-down adjective
a scaled-down version/plan
scale sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to increase the size, amount or importance of something, usually an organization
or process
My company is scaling up its operations in the Middle East.
scalene triangle noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a triangle with three sides all of different lengths
Compare equilateral ; isosceles triangle
scalene triangle noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a triangle with three sides all of different lengths
Compare equilateral ; isosceles triangle
scallion noun [ C ]
US FOR spring onion
scallop noun [ C ]
a sea creature that can be eaten and which lives inside two joined flat round
shells
scallywag , US USUALLY scalawag noun [ C ] INFORMAL HUMOROUS
someone, especially a child, who has behaved badly but who is still liked
scalp noun [ C ]
1. the skin on the top of a person's head where hair usually grows
a dry/oily/itchy scalp
Some tribes used to collect scalps to prove how many of the enemy they had
killed in battle.
2. someone you defeat in a competition or election
Although they are expected to take some important scalps in the election, they
are unlikely to form the next government.
be out for/after sb's scalp
to want to defeat or punish someone in some way, especially to make them lose
their job
He's made one mistake too many, and now they're out for his scalp.
scalp verb [ T ] SELL
1. US INFORMAL to buy things, such as theatre tickets, at the usual prices and then
sell them, when they are difficult to get, at much higher prices
scalp verb [ T ] HEAD
2. to cut off the scalp of a dead enemy as a sign of victory
3. HUMOROUS to cut someone's hair very short
scalpel noun [ C ]
a very sharp knife that is used for cutting through skin and flesh during an
operation
scalper noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
someone who buys things, such as theatre tickets, at the usual prices and then
sells them, when they are difficult to get, at much higher prices
A scalper offered me a $10 ticket for the final match for $70.
scalper noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
someone who buys things, such as theatre tickets, at the usual prices and then
sells them, when they are difficult to get, at much higher prices
A scalper offered me a $10 ticket for the final match for $70.
scaly adjective SKIN
1. If skin is scaly, it has small hard dry areas which fall off in small pieces
I get scaly patches on my scalp.
scaly adjective COVERING
2. If the inside of a pipe or container that heats water is scaly, it is covered in a
hard white or grey layer of material.
scaliness noun [ U ]
scam noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an illegal plan for making money
an insurance scam
scamp noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a badly behaved but playful child
scamper verb [ I + adv/prep ]
When small children and animals scamper, they run with small quick steps, in a
playful or frightened way
The children scampered off into the garden.
scampi noun [ U + sing/pl verb ]
large prawns (= small sea animals that can be eaten) which are usually fried
scampi and chips
scan verb LOOK
1. [ T ] to look at something carefully, with the eyes or with a machine, in order
to get information
She anxiously scanned the faces of the men leaving the train.
Doug scanned the horizon for any sign of the boat.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition T ] to look through a text quickly in order to find a
piece of information that you want or to get a general idea of what the text contains
I scanned through the booklet but couldn't find the address.
Scan the newspaper article quickly and make a note of the main points.
3. [ I or T ] to use a machine to put a picture of a document into a computer, or
to take a picture of the inside of something
I'll just scan the article into the computer.
Volunteers' brains were scanned while they looked at the pictures.
All hand luggage has to be scanned.
scan verb POEM
4. [ I ] SPECIALIZED If a poem or part of a poem scans, it follows a pattern of
regular beats
This line doesn't scan - it's got too many syllables.
scan noun
1. [ S ] when you look at or through something carefully or quickly
I gave the book a quick scan, and decided not to buy it.
2. [ C ] a medical examination in which an image of the inside of the body is
made using a special machine
to do a brain scan
to have an ultrasound scan
scandal noun
1. [ C or U ] (an action or event that causes) a public feeling of shock and strong
moral disapproval
a financial/political/ sex scandal
Their affair caused/created a scandal in the office.
The scandal broke (= became public knowledge) right at the beginning of the
Conservative Party Conference.
If there is the slightest suggestion/hint of scandal, the public will no longer
trust us.
2. [ U ] reports about actions or events that cause shock and disapproval
Some magazines contain nothing but scandal and gossip.
to spread scandal
3. [ S ] a situation that is extremely bad
[ + ( that ) ] It 's a scandal (that) children could be treated in this way.
scandal noun
1. [ C or U ] (an action or event that causes) a public feeling of shock and strong
moral disapproval
a financial/political/ sex scandal
Their affair caused/created a scandal in the office.
The scandal broke (= became public knowledge) right at the beginning of the
Conservative Party Conference.
If there is the slightest suggestion/hint of scandal, the public will no longer
trust us.
2. [ U ] reports about actions or events that cause shock and disapproval
Some magazines contain nothing but scandal and gossip.
to spread scandal
3. [ S ] a situation that is extremely bad
[ + ( that ) ] It 's a scandal (that) children could be treated in this way.
scandalize , UK USUALLY scandalise verb [ T often passive ]
If you are scandalized by someone's behaviour, you disapprove of it and are
shocked by it because you think it is against moral laws.
The whole village was scandalized by her second marriage.
scandalmonger noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a person who creates or spreads reports about actions and events that cause
public shock and disapproval
scandalous adjective
making people shocked and upset
scandalous stories
It's scandalous that we do so little to prevent homelessness.
scandalously adverb
scandalously (= extremely and annoyingly) expensive
Scandinavia noun [ U ]
Scandinavian noun [ C ] , adjective
(a person) coming from Sweden, Norway or Denmark, often also Iceland, Finland
or the Faroe Islands
scanner noun [ C ]
a device for making images of the inside of the body or for reading information
into a computer system
an ultrasound scanner
bar code scanners
scansion noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the rhythm of a line of poetry, or the process of examining the rhythm of a line of
poetry
scant adjective [ before noun ]
1. very little and not enough
He pays scant attention to the needs of his children.
scant regard for the truth
2. almost
Add a scant half litre (= almost half a litre) of milk to the mixture and stir well.
scantily adverb
scantily clad/dressed, etc.
wearing very little clothing
scantily clad dancers
scantily adverb
scantily clad/dressed, etc.
wearing very little clothing
scantily clad dancers
scanty adjective
smaller in size or amount than is considered necessary or is hoped for
scanty evidence/information
-scape suffix
used to form nouns referring to a wide view of a place, often one represented in a
picture
landscape
seascape
cityscape
scapegoat noun [ C ]
a person who is blamed for something that someone else has done
The captain was made a scapegoat for the team's failure.
scapula noun [ C ]
SPECIALIZED FOR shoulder blade
scar noun [ C ]
1. a mark left on part of the body after an injury, such as a cut, has healed
a prominent/noticeable/ugly scar
That burn will leave a nasty scar.
scar tissue
Compare scab
2. a sign of damage to a person's mental state
His early years in the refugee camp left a deep psychological scar.
3. a sign of physical destruction in a place
Every village bears the scars of war .
scar verb [ T often passive ]
to have or leave a scar
He was scarred as a result of the fire.
FIGURATIVE His experiences in the army left him scarred for life (= had a serious
mental effect on him for the rest of his life) .
scarce adjective
not easy to find or get
Food and clean water were becoming scarce.
scarce resources
make yourself scarce INFORMAL
to go away from a difficult situation in order to avoid trouble
Dad's really angry with you, so you'd better make yourself scarce.
scarce adjective
not easy to find or get
Food and clean water were becoming scarce.
scarce resources
make yourself scarce INFORMAL
to go away from a difficult situation in order to avoid trouble
Dad's really angry with you, so you'd better make yourself scarce.
scarcely adverb ONLY JUST
1. ( LITERARY scarce ) only just or almost not
I was scarcely able to move my arm after the accident.
I could scarcely believe it when she said she wanted to marry me.
2. used to say that something happened immediately after something else
happened
I had scarcely sat down/Scarcely had I sat down to eat when the phone rang.
scarcely adverb NOT
3. certainly not
I'd scarcely have done it if I didn't think it was absolutely necessary!
He's only two - you can scarcely blame him for behaving badly.
scarcity noun [ U ]
when something is not easy to find or get
the scarcity of skilled workers
scare verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) feel frightened
Sudden noises scare her.
She's very brave - she doesn't scare easily.
He scared me out of my wits (= made me extremely frightened) when he was
driving so fast.
Meeting new people scares me stiff/to death (= makes me extremely nervous
and worried) .
She scared the hell/life/living daylights out of me (= frightened me very
much) when she crept up behind me and shouted in my ear.
scare sb shitless OFFENSIVE
to make someone extremely frightened
scare sb/sth away/off phrasal verb [ M ]
to make a person or an animal so frightened that they go away
Don't make too much noise or you'll scare away the birds.
She scared off her attacker by screaming.
scare sb away/off phrasal verb [ M ]
to make someone so worried about doing something that they decide not to do it
If you charge as much as that, you'll scare customers off.
scare sb into doing sth phrasal verb
to persuade someone to do something by frightening them
The two boys scared the old man into handing over his wallet.
scare sth up phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to find or get something despite difficulties or limited supplies
There's hardly any food in the house, but I'll scare something up from these
leftovers.
scare noun
1. [ S ] a sudden feeling of fear or worry
I got/had a scare (= I was very worried) when I looked at my bank statement
this morning!
You gave us a real scare (= frightened us) when you fainted, you know.
2. [ C ] when a subject receives a lot of public attention and worries many people,
often unnecessarily
a bomb/health scare
The government are accused of employing scare tactics (= ways of frightening
people in order to persuade them to do something) .
The press have been publishing scare stories (= newspaper reports which make
people feel unnecessarily worried) about the mystery virus.
scarecrow noun [ C ]
scarecrow
a model of a person dressed in old clothes and put in a field of growing crops to
frighten birds away
scarecrow noun [ C ]
scarecrow
a model of a person dressed in old clothes and put in a field of growing crops to
frighten birds away
scared adjective
frightened or worried
He's scared of spiders.
I'm scared of tell ing her what really happened.
He's scared to tell her what really happened.
I was scared (= very worried) (that) you might not be there.
I was scared stiff (= extremely frightened) .
She had a scared look on her face.
scaredy cat noun [ C ] CHILD'S EXPRESSION
someone, especially a child, who is easily frightened
Come on, scaredy cat - it won't bite you!
scaremonger noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a person who spreads stories that cause public fear
scaremongering noun [ U ]
scarf noun [ C ]
a strip, square or triangle of cloth, worn around the neck, head or shoulders to
keep you warm or to make you look attractive
a knitted/woollen/silk scarf
scarf verb [ T ]
US FOR scoff (EAT)
scarlatina noun [ U ]
SPECIALIZED FOR scarlet fever
scarlet noun [ U ] , adjective
bright red
scarlet berries
He went scarlet with shame.
ˌ scarlet ˈ fever noun [ U ] ( SPECIALIZED scarlatina )
an infectious illness of children which causes a sore throat, a high body
temperature, and red spots on the skin
ˌ scarlet ˈ fever noun [ U ] ( SPECIALIZED scarlatina )
an infectious illness of children which causes a sore throat, a high body
temperature, and red spots on the skin
ˌ scarlet ˈ woman noun [ C ] OLD USE DISAPPROVING
a woman who is considered to be immoral because she has sex with a lot of men
scarp noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a steep slope or cliff formed by folded or eroded layers of rock
scarper verb [ I ] UK SLANG
to leave very quickly, often to avoid getting into trouble
The police are coming! We'd better scarper.
scary adjective
INFORMAL ( UK ALSO scarey ) frightening
a scary movie/story
scat exclamation INFORMAL
said to an animal, especially a cat, or to a person to make them go away quickly
scat noun [ U ]
a type of jazz singing that uses words with no meaning
scathing adjective
severely and unkindly critical
scathing criticism
He was very scathing about the report, saying it was inaccurate.
scathingly adverb
She spoke scathingly of the poor standard of work done by her predecessor.
scatological , UK ALSO scatalogical adjective DISAPPROVING
showing an extreme and unpleasant interest in solid waste and sex
scatological humour
scatter verb MOVE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) move far apart in different directions
The protesters scattered at the sound of gunshots.
The soldiers came in and scattered the crowd.
scatter verb COVER
scatter
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to cover a surface with things that are far
apart and in no particular arrangement
Scatter the powder around the plants.
I scattered grass seed all over the lawn.
I scattered the whole lawn with grass seed.
be scattered to the four winds LITERARY
If a group of things or people are scattered to the four winds, they go or are sent
to different places that are far away from each other
It was the finest collection of paintings in Denmark, but during the last war it was
broken up and scattered to the four winds.
scatter verb MOVE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) move far apart in different directions
The protesters scattered at the sound of gunshots.
The soldiers came in and scattered the crowd.
scatter verb COVER
scatter
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to cover a surface with things that are far
apart and in no particular arrangement
Scatter the powder around the plants.
I scattered grass seed all over the lawn.
I scattered the whole lawn with grass seed.
be scattered to the four winds LITERARY
If a group of things or people are scattered to the four winds, they go or are sent
to different places that are far away from each other
It was the finest collection of paintings in Denmark, but during the last war it was
broken up and scattered to the four winds.
scatterbrain noun [ C ]
a person who forgets things easily or does not think seriously about things
I'm such a scatterbrain - I'm always leaving my umbrella behind.
scatterbrained adjective
ˈ scatter ˌ cushion noun [ C ] UK AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH
a small decorative cushion
A few scatter cushions would help to brighten up that old sofa.
ˈ scatter ˌ diagram noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a graph with points representing amounts of numbers on it, often with a line
joining the points to show the pattern of the data
scattered adjective
covering a wide area
Toys and books were scattered about/around the room.
My family is scattered all over the world.
The forecast is for scattered showers (= separate areas of rain) tomorrow.
scattering noun [ C usually singular ]
a small number or amount of things in a particular area
a scattering of houses
ˈ scatter ˌ rug noun [ C ] UK
a small decorative rug (= piece of heavy cloth for covering the floor) that is
designed to be moved around
Why don't we hide that stain on the carpet with a scatter rug?
scatty adjective UK INFORMAL
silly and often forgetting things
a scatty child
scatty behaviour
scavenge verb [ I or T ]
1. to look for or get food or other objects in other people's rubbish
The flood has left villagers and animals desperately scavenging for food.
We managed to scavenge a lot of furniture from the local rubbish dump.
scavenge verb [ I or T ]
1. to look for or get food or other objects in other people's rubbish
The flood has left villagers and animals desperately scavenging for food.
We managed to scavenge a lot of furniture from the local rubbish dump.
2. If a wild animal scavenges, it feeds on the flesh of dead decaying animals.
scavenger noun [ C ]
a bird or animal which feeds on dead animals which it has not killed itself
scenario noun [ C ] POSSIBLE EVENT
1. a description of possible actions or events in the future
There are several possible scenarios.
a horrific/nightmare scenario such as a Third World War
See also worst case scenario
scenario noun [ C ] PLAN
2. a written plan of the characters and events in a play or film
scene noun THEATRE/FILM
1. [ C ] a part of a play or film in which the action stays in one place for a
continuous period of time
the funeral/wedding scene
nude/sex scenes
Juliet dies in Act IV, Scene iii.
scene noun VIEW
2. [ C ] a view or picture of a place, event, or activity
Lowry painted street scenes.
scenes of everyday life

FIGURATIVE There were scenes of great joy as the hostages were re-united with
their families.
scene noun PLACE
3. [ C usually singular ] a place where an unpleasant event has happened
The police arrived to find a scene of horrifying destruction.
Evidence was found at the scene of the crime .
scene noun AREA
4. [ S ] a particular area of activity and all the people or things connected with it
the pop/political/drugs/gay scene
Rap music arrived/came/appeared on the scene in the early 1980s.
INFORMAL I'd rather go to a jazz concert - I'm afraid opera isn't really my scene (=
is not the type of thing I like) .
scene noun ARGUMENT
5. [ C ] an expression of great anger or similar feelings, often between two

people, or an occasion when this happens
Please don't make a scene.
There was a terrible scene and Jayne ended up in tears.
be on the scene
to arrive
I phoned the police and they were on the scene within minutes.
behind the scenes
If something happens behind the scenes, it happens without most people knowing
about it, especially when something else is happening publicly
A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes.
set the scene
1. to describe a situation where something is about to happen
First, let's set the scene - it was a dark, wet night with a strong wind blowing.
2. to make something possible or likely to happen
His resignation set the scene for a pre-election crisis.
scenery noun [ U ] COUNTRYSIDE
1. the general appearance of the natural environment, especially when it is

beautiful
beautiful/breathtaking/spectacular scenery
They stopped at the top of the hill to admire the scenery.
scenery noun [ U ] THEATRE
2. the large painted pictures used on a theatre stage to represent the place where
the action is
blend into the scenery
to behave in the same way as people around you, so that you are not noticed
2. If a wild animal scavenges, it feeds on the flesh of dead decaying animals.

scenery noun [ U ] COUNTRYSIDE
1. the general appearance of the natural environment, especially when it is
beautiful
beautiful/breathtaking/spectacular scenery
They stopped at the top of the hill to admire the scenery.
scenery noun [ U ] THEATRE
2. the large painted pictures used on a theatre stage to represent the place where
the action is
blend into the scenery
to behave in the same way as people around you, so that you are not noticed
sceneshifter noun [ C ]
a person who changes the scenery in a theatre
scenic adjective
having or allowing you to see beautiful natural features
an area of outstanding scenic beauty
a scenic drive/railway
We took the scenic route home.
scent noun
1. [ C ] a pleasant natural smell
the scent of roses
2. [ C ] a smell produced by an animal which acts as a signal to other animals
The hounds had lost the scent of the fox near the river.
3. [ C or U ] a pleasant-smelling liquid that people put on their skin; perfume
a bottle of scent
on the scent
close to discovering
"We're on the scent of something big, " said the police chief.
throw/put sb off the scent
to give someone false or confusing information to prevent them from discovering
something that you do not want them to know about
scent verb [ T ]
1. If an animal scents something or someone, it knows they are there because it
can smell them.
2. If a person scents something, they have a feeling that they are about to
experience it
Halfway through the match, the team could already scent victory .
scent blood
to believe that someone you are competing against is having difficulties and to
use this to get an advantage for yourself
The manager has already made some serious errors of judgment and it is clear
that other employees scent blood.
scented adjective
having a pleasant strong smell
scented notepaper
The air was scented with lavender.
scented adjective
having a pleasant strong smell
scented notepaper
The air was scented with lavender.
sceptic UK , US skeptic noun [ C ]
a person who doubts the truth or value of an idea or belief
People say it can cure colds, but I'm a bit of a sceptic.
to convince the sceptics
sceptical UK , US skeptical adjective
doubting that something is true or useful
Many experts remain sceptical about/of his claims.
sceptically , US skeptically adverb
scepticism , US skepticism noun [ U ]
The company's environmental claims have been greeted/regarded/treated
with scepticism by conservationists.
sceptre UK , US scepter noun [ C ]
a decorated stick which is carried by a queen or king during some official
ceremonies as a symbol of their authority
schadenfreude noun [ U ]
a feeling of pleasure or satisfaction when something bad happens to someone else
schedule noun [ C ]
1. a list of planned activities or things to be done showing the times or dates
when they are intended to happen or be done
a production schedule
a hectic/tight (= very busy) schedule
Everything went according to schedule (= as planned) .
2. US ( UK timetable ) a list of the times when events are planned to happen,
especially the times when buses, trains and planes leave and arrive
3. FORMAL an official list of things
a schedule of business expenses
4. ahead of schedule
early
We expect the building work to be completed ahead of schedule.
5. on schedule
not early or late
6. fall behind schedule
to do less work than you planned to do by a particular point in time
schedule verb [ T often passive ]
to arrange that an event or activity will happen at a particular time
The meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
[ + to infinitive ] The train is scheduled to arrive at 8.45, but it's running twenty
minutes late.
scheduled adjective
This program will be broadcast half an hour later than the scheduled time.
ˈ scheduled ˌ flight noun [ C ]
a regular flight organized by the company which owns the aircraft
ˈ scheduled ˌ flight noun [ C ]
a regular flight organized by the company which owns the aircraft
scheduler noun [ C ]
a person who works for a broadcasting company putting the various programmes
for the day, week, month, etc. into a particular order
schema noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a drawing that represents an idea or theory and makes it easier to understand
schematic adjective
showing the main form and features of something, usually in the form of a
drawing, which helps people to understand it
a schematic diagram/outline
schematically adverb
scheme noun [ C ]
1. MAINLY UK an officially organized plan or system
a training/housing/play scheme
a pension/savings scheme
There's a new scheme in our town for recycling plastic bottles.
Class sizes will increase under the new scheme.
2. a plan for getting an advantage for yourself, especially by deceiving others
He's got a hare-brained/crazy/daft scheme for getting rich before he's 20.
the scheme of things
the way things are organized or happen in a particular situation, or the way
someone wants them to be organized
I was disappointed not to get the job, but it's not that important in the
great/grand scheme of things (= when all things are considered) .
scheme verb [ I or T ] DISAPPROVING
to make clever secret plans which often deceive others
All her ministers were scheming against her
[ + to infinitive ] For months he had been scheming to prevent her from getting
the top job.
schemer noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
He's a schemer who always finds a way of getting what he wants.
scheming adjective DISAPPROVING
a secretive and scheming politician
scherzo noun [ C ]
a fast and happy piece of music for instruments, often part of a longer piece
scherzo noun [ C ]
a fast and happy piece of music for instruments, often part of a longer piece
Schilling noun [ C ]
the standard unit of money used in Austria before they started using the euro
schism , noun [ C ]
a division into two groups caused by a disagreement about ideas, especially in a
religious organization
a schism in/within the Church
schist noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of rock that breaks easily into thin layers, formed of mica or other minerals
schizo noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person with very strange and usually violent or threatening behaviour
He turns into a real schizo when he's had too much to drink.
schizoid adjective SPECIALIZED
suffering from or behaving as if suffering from schizophrenia
a schizoid personality
schizophrenia noun [ U ]
1. a serious mental illness in which someone cannot understand what is real and
what is imaginary
paranoid schizophrenia
2. INFORMAL behaviour in which a person appears to have two different
personalities
schizophrenic noun [ C ]
someone who suffers from schizophrenia
schizophrenic adjective
schizophrenic patients/symptoms
schizophrenically adverb
schlep , schlepp verb [ I or T + adv/prep ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to move yourself or an object with effort and difficulty
Do I really have to schlep all that junk down to the cellar?
schlep , schlepp noun [ S ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
something that takes a lot of effort to do
It's a real schlep getting it all home.
schlep , schlepp verb [ I or T + adv/prep ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to move yourself or an object with effort and difficulty
Do I really have to schlep all that junk down to the cellar?
schlep , schlepp noun [ S ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
something that takes a lot of effort to do
It's a real schlep getting it all home.
schlock noun [ U ] MAINLY US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
goods or artistic works which are cheap or low in quality
markets selling schlock
schlock TV shows
schlocky adjective
schlub noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who is stupid or not attractive
schmaltz , schmalz noun [ U ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
artistic works, such as music or writing, which are intended to cause strong sad or
romantic feelings, but which have no real artistic value
Her second album was pure schmaltz.
schmaltzy , schmalzy adjective
schmaltzy love songs
schmooze verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to talk informally with someone, especially in a way that is not sincere or to win
some advantage for yourself
He spent the entire evening schmoozing with the senator.
schmuck noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a stupid or silly person
Her husband is such a schmuck!
schnapps noun [ C or U ]
a colourless strong alcoholic drink made in eastern and northern parts of Europe,
usually from grain, potato or fruit
schnitzel noun [ C or U ]
a thin slice of meat, usually veal (= young cow) which is covered in egg and very
small pieces of bread before being fried
scholar noun [ C ]
1. a person who studies a subject in great detail, especially at a university
a classics/history scholar
Dr Miles was a distinguished scholar of Russian history.
2. INFORMAL someone who is clever or good at learning by studying
David's never been much of a scholar.
scholar noun [ C ]
1. a person who studies a subject in great detail, especially at a university
a classics/history scholar
Dr Miles was a distinguished scholar of Russian history.
2. INFORMAL someone who is clever or good at learning by studying
David's never been much of a scholar.
scholarly adjective
1. containing a serious detailed study of a subject
a scholarly article/book/work/journal
2. describes someone who studies a lot and knows a lot about what they study
a scholarly young woman
scholarship noun
1. [ U ] serious, detailed study
a work of great scholarship
2. [ C ] an amount of money given by a school, college, university or other
organization to pay for the studies of a person with great ability but little money
He got/won a scholarship to Eton.
Paula went to the Royal College of Music on a scholarship.
scholastic adjective
relating to school and education
scholastic achievements
scholastically adverb
school noun EDUCATION
1. [ C or U ] a place where children go to be educated
a primary/secondary school
Milton Road School
They're building a new school in the village.
She drives the kids to school every morning.
UK I was at school with (= I went to the same school at the same time as) Luke's
brother.
Is Emily in school today or is she still ill?
Which school do you go to/ FORMAL attend ?
school meals/uniform
school buildings/fees
2. [ U ] the period of your life during which you go to school, or the teaching and
learning activities which happen at school
British children start/begin school at the age of four or five.
What do you want to do when you leave school (= finish studying at school) ?
I love/hate school.
US My sister teaches school (= teaches children in a school) in New York City.
3. [ U ] the time during the day when children are studying in school
before/after school
School starts at 9 a.m. and finishes at 3.30 p.m.
4. [ U + singular or plural verb ] all the children and teachers at a school
The whole school is/are delighted about Joel's success in the championships.
5. [ C or U ] a part of a college or university specializing in a particular subject or
group of subjects
the School of Oriental and African Studies
She went to medical school in Edinburgh.
6. [ C ] a place where people, especially adults, can study a particular subject
either some of the time or all of the time
a driving/dancing school
the London Business School
7. [ U ] US FOR university
We first met at graduate school (= while doing a university course for a second
or third degree) .
school noun GROUP
8. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of painters, writers, poets, etc. whose
work is similar, especially similar to that of a particular leader
the Flemish School
the Impressionist school of painting
school noun SEA ANIMALS
9. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a large number of fish or other sea animals
swimming in a group
a school of dolphins/whales
school of hard knocks
If you learn something in the school of hard knocks, you learn it as a result of
difficult or unpleasant experiences.
school/university of life HUMOROUS
all the good and bad experiences that you have in your life
school verb [ T ] FORMAL
1. to train a person or animal to do something
It takes a lot of patience to school a dog/horse.
[ R + to infinitive ] You must school yourself to be tolerant.
2. [ T often passive ] to teach a child
Her children are well schooled in correct behaviour.
schoolboy noun [ C ]
a boy who goes to school
as every schoolboy/schoolchild knows
used before you mention a fact that is familiar to everyone, including children
As every schoolboy knows, the Earth revolves around the sun.
schoolboy adjective [ before noun ]
like a child's
I must say I find his schoolboy humour rather tiresome.
schoolboy noun [ C ]
a boy who goes to school
as every schoolboy/schoolchild knows
used before you mention a fact that is familiar to everyone, including children
As every schoolboy knows, the Earth revolves around the sun.
schoolboy adjective [ before noun ]
like a child's
I must say I find his schoolboy humour rather tiresome.
ˈ school ˌ bus noun [ C ]
school bus
a bus for taking children to and from school
schoolchild noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL schoolkid )
a child who goes to school
We just sat there giggling like naughty schoolchildren.
schooldays plural noun
the period of your life that you spend at school
schoolgirl noun [ C ]
a girl who goes to school
schoolhouse noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a building used as a school, especially in a village
schoolie noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
a teacher in a school
Like an old schoolie, he couldn't resist using the blackboard.
schooling noun [ U ]
education at school
Jack didn't receive much formal schooling.
school leaver noun [ C ] UK
a young person who is about to leave or has just left secondary school (= a school
for children aged 11 to 16 (or 18) years)
school-leaving age noun [ U ] UK
the lowest age at which a person can leave school
schoolmarm noun [ C ]
1. DISAPPROVING a very formal and severe woman who likes to control other people
and is easily shocked
2. MAINLY US OLD-FASHIONED a female school teacher
schoolmarm noun [ C ]
1. DISAPPROVING a very formal and severe woman who likes to control other people
and is easily shocked
2. MAINLY US OLD-FASHIONED a female school teacher
schoolmarmish adjective DISAPPROVING
behaving like a schoolmarm
Stop being so schoolmarmish and bossy.
schoolmaster noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a man who teaches children in a school
schoolmate noun [ C ]
a friend who is at the same school as you at the same time
schoolmistress noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a woman who teaches children in a school
ˌ school of ˈ thought noun [ C ]
a set of ideas or opinions which a group of people share about a matter
There are several schools of thought about how the universe began.
ˈ school ˌ run noun [ C usually singular ] UK
the time when parents drive their children to or from school
Next week it's my turn to do the school run.
schoolteacher noun [ C ]
someone who teaches children in a school
schoolwork noun [ U ]
studying done by a child at school or at home
schoolyard noun [ C ] MAINLY US
an outside area next to a school where children can play games or sport when
they are not studying
schooner noun [ C ]
a sailing ship with two or more masts and with its sails parallel to the length of
the ship, rather than across it
schwa noun [ C ]
the weak vowel sound in some syllables that is not emphasized, such as the first
syllable of 'about' and the second syllable of 'given', or the ə symbol that represents this
sound
schwa noun [ C ]
the weak vowel sound in some syllables that is not emphasized, such as the first
syllable of 'about' and the second syllable of 'given', or the ə symbol that represents this
sound
sciatica noun [ U ]
pain in the lower part of the back and the back of the legs
science noun
1. [ U ] (knowledge from) the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of
the physical world, especially by watching, measuring and doing experiments , and the
development of theories to describe the results of these activities
pure/applied science
recent developments in science and technology
Space travel is one of the marvels/wonders of modern science.
2. [ C or U ] a particular subject that is studied using scientific methods
physical sciences
Economics is not an exact science.
advances in medical science
3. [ U ] the study of science
a science graduate/teacher
a science course/lesson
ˌ science ˈ fiction noun [ U ] ( INFORMAL sci-fi , ALSO SF )
books, films or cartoons about an imagined future, especially about space travel
or other planets
a science-fiction novel/story
ˈ science ˌ park noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
an area, often started or supported by a college or university, where companies
involved in scientific work and new technology are based
scientific adjective
1. relating to science, or using the organized methods of science
a scientific discovery/experiment/theory
scientific evidence/research
The project has attracted considerable criticism from the scientific community (=
from scientists) .
2. careful and using a system or method
We will have to adopt a more scientific approach in the future.
I try to arrange things in some kind of a system, but I'm not very scientific about
it.
scientifically adverb
scientifically proven
scientist noun [ C ]
an expert who studies or works in one of the sciences
a research/nuclear scientist
scientist noun [ C ]
an expert who studies or works in one of the sciences
a research/nuclear scientist
sci-fi noun [ U ]
INFORMAL FOR science fiction
scimitar noun [ C ]
a sword with a curved blade which is sharp only on its outer edge and which gets
wider towards its pointed end
scintilla noun FORMAL
a scintilla of sth
the slightest amount of something
There's not a scintilla of truth in what he says.
scintillate verb [ I ] LITERARY
to say very clever, exciting or funny things
scintillating adjective
interesting, exciting and clever
scintillating wit/repartee/conversation
a scintillating personality/speech
scion noun [ C ] LITERARY
a young member of a rich and famous family
He's the scion of a very wealthy newspaper-publishing family.
scirocco noun [ C ]
a sirocco
scissor adjective [ before noun ]
relating to or like scissors
a scissor blade
ˈ scissor ˌ jump noun [ C ]
in sports such as swimming and football, a jump or kick in which the legs are
brought together quickly
scissors plural noun
scissors
a device used for cutting materials such as paper, cloth and hair, consisting of two
sharp blades which are joined in the middle, and two handles with holes to put your
fingers through
a pair of scissors
Could you pass me the/those scissors, please.
scissors and paste MAINLY DISAPPROVING
If something such as a piece of writing is a scissors and paste job, it is not
original, but is made up from parts of other people's work.
scissors plural noun
scissors
a device used for cutting materials such as paper, cloth and hair, consisting of two
sharp blades which are joined in the middle, and two handles with holes to put your
fingers through
a pair of scissors
Could you pass me the/those scissors, please.
scissors and paste MAINLY DISAPPROVING
If something such as a piece of writing is a scissors and paste job, it is not
original, but is made up from parts of other people's work.
sclera noun [ C usually sing ] SPECIALIZED
the white layer that covers the outside of the eye
sclerosis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a medical condition which causes body tissue or organs to become harder,
especially the arteries (= thick tubes carrying blood from the heart)
sclerotic adjective SPECIALIZED
sclerotic arteries
FIGURATIVE DISAPPROVING The tax cuts are designed to bring growth to a sclerotic (=
very slowly developing and not easily changed) economy.
scoff verb LAUGH
1. [ I ] to laugh and speak about a person or idea in a way which shows that you
think they are stupid or silly
The critics scoffed at his paintings.
Years ago people would have scoffed at the idea that cars would be built by
robots.
scoff verb EAT
2. [ T ] ( US ALSO scarf ) INFORMAL to eat something quickly and eagerly
I baked a huge cake this morning, and the kids scoffed the lot.
scoff noun [ C usually plural ]
Despite the scoffs of her colleagues, the experiment was completely successful.
scoffer noun [ C usually plural ]
I was able to prove the scoffers wrong.
scold verb [ T ] OLD-FASHIONED
to tell off someone because you disapprove of their behaviour
His mother scolded him for break ing her favourite vase.
scolding adjective
scolding noun [ C ]
He gave his son a scolding for coming home so late.
sconce noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a device which is fixed to a wall to hold electric lights or candles
scone noun [ C ]
a small, usually round, cake like bread made from flour, milk and a little fat
tea and buttered scones
scoop noun [ C ] TOOL
1. a tool with a deep bowl-shaped end which is used to dig out and move a soft or
powdery substance
a measuring scoop
an ice-cream scoop
2. the amount held by a scoop
Just one scoop of mashed potato for me, please.
scoop noun [ C ] NEWS
3. a story or piece of news discovered and published by one newspaper before all
the others
The paper managed to secure a major scoop and broke the scandal to the world.
scoop verb [ T ] TOOL
1. to move something with a scoop or with something used as a scoop
He scooped the sand into a bucket with his hands.
2. to get a large number of votes or prizes
The socialist party is expected to scoop up the majority of the working-class vote.
scoop verb [ T ] NEWS
3. to be the first newspaper to discover and print an important news story
Just as we were about to publish the story, we were scooped by a rival paper.
scoop the pool UK INFORMAL
to win all the prizes that are available
Cuba scooped the pool in the boxing at this year's Olympics.
scoop sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to remove something that is inside something else with a spoon
Cut the tomato in half and scoop out the seeds.
scoop sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to lift something or someone with your hands or arms in a quick movement
She scooped the children up and ran with them to safety.
I scooped up my belongings into my handbag.
scoop-neck adjective
describes a piece of women's clothing which is cut low around the neck in a U-
shape
shape
scoot verb
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to go quickly
I'm scooting off to St Andrews for a few days' golf.
I'll have to scoot (= leave quickly) or I'll miss my train.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] US INFORMAL to slide while sitting
Scoot over and make room for your sister.
scooter noun [ C ] TOY
1. a child's vehicle with two or three small wheels joined to the bottom of a
narrow board and a long vertical handle fixed to the front wheel. It is ridden by standing
with one foot on the board and pushing against the ground with the other foot.
scooter noun [ C ] MOTORCYCLE
2. a motor scooter
scope noun [ U ] RANGE
1. the range of a subject covered by a book, programme, discussion, class, etc.
I'm afraid that problem is beyond/outside the scope of my lecture.
Oil painting does not come within the scope of a course of this kind.
We would now like to broaden/widen the scope of the enquiry and look at more
general matters.
scope noun [ U ] OPPORTUNITY
2. the opportunity for doing something
There is limited scope for further reductions in the workforce.
scope verb
scope sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to look carefully to see if something or someone is interesting or attractive
We scoped out the local shops and facilities to see if it would be a good place to
rent a flat.
-scope suffix
used to form nouns that refer to devices for looking at or discovering and
measuring things
a microscope
a telescope
-scopic suffix
used to form adjectives
a telescopic lens
shape
scoot verb
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to go quickly
I'm scooting off to St Andrews for a few days' golf.
I'll have to scoot (= leave quickly) or I'll miss my train.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] US INFORMAL to slide while sitting
Scoot over and make room for your sister.
scooter noun [ C ] TOY
1. a child's vehicle with two or three small wheels joined to the bottom of a
narrow board and a long vertical handle fixed to the front wheel. It is ridden by standing
with one foot on the board and pushing against the ground with the other foot.
scooter noun [ C ] MOTORCYCLE
2. a motor scooter
scope noun [ U ] RANGE
1. the range of a subject covered by a book, programme, discussion, class, etc.
I'm afraid that problem is beyond/outside the scope of my lecture.
Oil painting does not come within the scope of a course of this kind.
We would now like to broaden/widen the scope of the enquiry and look at more
general matters.
scope noun [ U ] OPPORTUNITY
2. the opportunity for doing something
There is limited scope for further reductions in the workforce.
scope verb
scope sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to look carefully to see if something or someone is interesting or attractive
We scoped out the local shops and facilities to see if it would be a good place to
rent a flat.
-scope suffix
used to form nouns that refer to devices for looking at or discovering and
measuring things
a microscope
a telescope
-scopic suffix
used to form adjectives
a telescopic lens
scorch verb BURN
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) change colour with dry heat, or to burn slightly
The iron was too hot and he scorched the shirt.
The surrounding buildings were scorched by the heat of the explosion.
scorch verb DRIVE FAST
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL (especially of
motorcycles and cars) to travel or be driven very fast
The sports car scorched past and disappeared into the distance.
scorch noun [ C ]
The fire left scorch marks halfway up the wall.
scorch verb BURN
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) change colour with dry heat, or to burn slightly
The iron was too hot and he scorched the shirt.
The surrounding buildings were scorched by the heat of the explosion.
scorch verb DRIVE FAST
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL (especially of
motorcycles and cars) to travel or be driven very fast
The sports car scorched past and disappeared into the distance.
scorch noun [ C ]
The fire left scorch marks halfway up the wall.
scorched adjective
slightly burnt, or damaged by fire or heat
The countryside was scorched after several weeks of hot sun.
scorched-earth policy noun [ C usually singular ]
when an army destroys everything in an area such as food, buildings or
equipment which could be useful to an enemy
scorcher noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an extremely hot and sunny day
Yesterday was a real scorcher.
scorching adjective , adverb ( ALSO scorching hot )
very hot
a scorching summer day
It was scorching hot inside the greenhouse.
score verb WIN
1. [ I or T ] to win or get a point, goal, etc. in a competitive activity, such as a
sport or game, or in an examination
Tennant scored (a goal ) in the last minute of the match.
In American football, a touchdown scores (= is worth) six points.
She scored 18 out of 20 in the spelling test.
2. [ I or T ] to succeed in an activity or to achieve something
She has certainly scored ( a success ) with her latest novel.
Nearly every bomb scored a hit .
You have a lot of patience - that's where you score over (= are better than) your
opponents.
3. [ I ] UK to record the number of points won by competitors
We need someone to score for tomorrow's match.
score verb GET
4. [ T ] US INFORMAL to get something
I managed to score a couple of tickets to the World Cup final.
5. [ I or T ] SLANG to get illegal drugs
She tried to score some dope in a nightclub.
6. [ I ] SLANG If someone scores, they have sex with someone that they have
usually just met
Did you score last night, then?
score verb MARK
7. [ T ] to make a mark or cut on the surface of something hard with a pointed
tool, or to draw a line through writing
If you score the tile first, it will be easier to break.
See also underscore
score verb MUSICAL TEXT
8. [ T ] to write or change a piece of music for particular instruments or voices
This piece is scored for strings and woodwind.
score points off/over sb
to make clever remarks in order to make someone look silly
He's always trying to score points over people and it's really irritating.
score sth out/through phrasal verb [ M ]
to draw a line through a piece of writing
He scored out two names on the list.
score noun WIN
1. [ C ] the number of points, goals, etc. achieved in a game or competition
a high/low score
Have you heard the latest cricket score?
At half time, the score stood at (= was) two all.
The final score was 3-0.
Could you keep (= record) the score at this afternoon's match?
score noun MUSICAL TEXT
2. [ C ] a piece of written music with the parts for all the instruments and voices
arranged on separate lines
an orchestral score
3. [ C ] the music written for a film, play, etc
a film score
Rodgers wrote the score for/of/to 'Oklahoma!'.
score noun ARGUMENT
4. [ C ] an argument or disagreement that has existed for a long time
It's time these old scores were forgotten.
score noun TWENTY
5. [ C usually singular ] FORMAL 20 or approximately 20
He lived to be three score years and ten (= until he was 70 years old) .
6. by the score FORMAL
in large numbers
People are leaving the Nationalist Party by the score.
7. scores
a lot of things or people
Benjamin received cards from scores of local well-wishers.
score noun SUBJECT JUST MENTIONED
8. on this/that score
about the thing or subject which has just been mentioned
I'll let you have the money, so there's nothing to worry about on that score.
"The team has great determination to win, " declared the coach. "I've no doubts
on that score."
settle a score
to punish someone for something wrong which they did to you in the past, and
which you cannot forgive
Police believe the killer was a gang member settling a score with a rival gang.
What's the score? INFORMAL
used to ask someone about what is going to happen, especially when
arrangements have been confused
What's the score, then - are they coming?
scoreboard noun [ C ]
a large board on which the score of a game is shown
scoreboard noun [ C ]
a large board on which the score of a game is shown
scorecard noun [ C ]
a small card for recording the score while watching or taking part in a game, race
or competition
scoreless adjective
In a scoreless game, no goals or points are scored
After a scoreless first half, United went on to win 2-0.
a scoreless draw
scoreline noun [ C ]
the score achieved by the players in a game or competition
The final scoreline was 5-3.
scorer noun [ C ]
1. ( US USUALLY scorekeeper ) the person who records the score in a game
2. someone who scores a point or goal in a game
scorn noun [ U ]
a very strong feeling of no respect for someone or something that you think is
stupid or has no value
She has nothing but scorn for the new generation of politicians.
Why do you always pour/heap scorn on (= criticize severely and unfairly) my
suggestions?
scorn verb [ T ]
1. to show scorn for someone or something
So does he respect the press and media, or does he secretly scorn them?
You scorned all my suggestions.
2. to refuse advice or an offer because you are too proud
She scorned all my offers of help.
scornful adjective
showing or feeling scorn for someone or something
a scornful look/remark/laugh/tone
They are openly scornful of the new plans.
scornfully adverb
Scorpio noun [ C or U ]
the eighth sign of the zodiac, relating to the period 23 October to 21 November
and represented by a scorpion, or a person born during this period, or a group of stars
Scorpio noun [ C or U ]
the eighth sign of the zodiac, relating to the period 23 October to 21 November
and represented by a scorpion, or a person born during this period, or a group of stars
scorpion noun [ C ]
a small creature similar to an insect which lives in hot dry areas of the world and
has a long body and a curved tail with a poisonous sting
Scot noun [ C ]
a person who comes from Scotland
Scotch adjective
(of products) of or from Scotland
Scotch noun [ C or U ]
a type of whisky (= a strong alcoholic drink) made in Scotland
a bottle of Scotch
I'll have a Scotch (= a glass of Scotch) .
scotch verb [ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to prevent something from being believed or being done
Her remarks were intended to scotch rumours of an imminent election date.
ˌ Scotch ˈ broth noun [ U ]
a thick soup which usually contains beef , vegetables and barley
ˌ Scotch ˈ egg noun [ C ]
a boiled egg that has been covered with a mixture of crushed meat, spices and
bread and then fried
ˌ Scotch ˈ mist noun [ U ]
a mixture of thin fog and light rain
ˌ Scotch ˈ tape noun [ U ]
US TRADEMARK FOR Sellotape
ˌ Scotch ˈ terrier noun [ C ]
a type of small active dog with short legs and rough fur
ˌ Scotch ˈ terrier noun [ C ]
a type of small active dog with short legs and rough fur
scot-free adverb
without receiving the deserved or expected punishment or without being harmed
The court let her off scot-free.
Scotland noun [ U ]
Scotland Yard noun [ U + sing/pl verb ]
the main office of the London police force, or the officers who work there,
especially those involved in solving serious crimes
Scotland Yard have/has been called in to investigate the murder.
Scots adjective ( ALSO Scottish ) LANGUAGE
1. of the form of the English language that is spoken in Scotland
a Scots accent
Scots adjective ( ALSO Scottish ) PEOPLE
2. of or from Scotland, used especially of people
His wife is Scots.
Scots noun LANGUAGE
1. [ U ] ( ALSO Scottish ) the form of the English language that is spoken in
Scotland
They still speak broad Scots even though they left Scotland twenty years ago.
Scots noun PEOPLE
2. the Scots
the people of Scotland
Scotsman noun [ C ]
a man who comes from Scotland
Scotswoman noun [ C ]
a woman who comes from Scotland
Scottish adjective ( ALSO Scots )
relating to Scotland
Scottish dancing/music
the Scottish Highlands
Scots law
Scottish adjective ( ALSO Scots )
relating to Scotland
Scottish dancing/music
the Scottish Highlands
Scots law
scoundrel noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED OR HUMOROUS
a person, especially a man, who treats other people very badly and has no moral
principles
He was, she said, a heartless scoundrel who had stripped her of everything she
owned.
scour verb [ T ] CLEAN
1. ( ALSO scour out ) to remove dirt from something by rubbing it hard with
something rough
You'll have to scour out those old cooking pots before you use them.
scour verb [ T ] SEARCH
2. to search a place or thing very carefully in order to try to find something
The police are scouring the countryside for the missing child.
I scoured the shops for a blue and white shirt, but I couldn't find one anywhere.
scour noun [ S ]
scour sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to make a hole by a movement that is repeated continuously over a long period of
time
The fast-moving water had scoured out a channel in the rock.
scourer noun [ C ] UK ( US scouring pad )
a small ball or rectangle of wire or stiff plastic netting (= material in the form of a
net) which is used to clean dirt off surfaces
scourge noun [ C usually singular ]
something or someone that causes great suffering or a lot of trouble
the scourge of war
Aids has been described as the scourge of the modern world.
scourge verb [ T ]
to cause great suffering or a lot of trouble
The country has been scourged by (= has suffered very much because of) famine
in recent years.
Scouse noun UK INFORMAL PERSON
1. [ C ] ( ALSO Scouser ) a person who comes from the Liverpool area, in north-
west England
Scouse noun UK INFORMAL LANGUAGE
2. [ U ] the form of English spoken by a person from Liverpool
Scouse adjective UK INFORMAL
of the form of English spoken by a person from Liverpool
Scouse noun UK INFORMAL PERSON
1. [ C ] ( ALSO Scouser ) a person who comes from the Liverpool area, in north-
west England
Scouse noun UK INFORMAL LANGUAGE
2. [ U ] the form of English spoken by a person from Liverpool
Scouse adjective UK INFORMAL
of the form of English spoken by a person from Liverpool
scout noun [ C ] SOLDIER
1. a person, especially a soldier, sent out to get information about where the
enemy are and what they are doing
scout noun [ C ] SEARCH
2. a person employed to look for people with particular skills, especially in sport or
entertainment
a talent scout
Manchester United's chief scout spotted him when he was playing for his school
football team.
3. a scout around/round
[ S ] INFORMAL a quick look around a place or area, especially in order to find
something
I had a quick scout around the house to check everything was okay.
scout verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to go to look in various places for something you want
He's scouting about/around for somewhere better to live.
She's opened an office in Connecticut to scout out (= discover information about)
the east coast housing market.
Scout noun [ C ]
1. a boy or girl who is a member of the Scouts
a group of Scouts
a new Scout leader/troop
2. the Scouts UK ( US the Boy/Girl Scouts )
an international organization which encourages young people of all ages to take
part in activities outside and to become responsible and independent
Compare the Guides
Scout's honour MAINLY HUMOROUS
said when you are trying to make someone believe that you are telling the truth
I didn't break it. Scout's honour!
scouting noun [ U ]
the activities that Boy/Girl Scouts take part in
I have fond memories of my scouting days (= the time when I was a Scout) .
ˈ Scout ˌ leader noun [ C ] ( US ALSO Scoutmaster , UK ALSO scouter )
the adult leader of a group of Scouts
ˈ Scout ˌ leader noun [ C ] ( US ALSO Scoutmaster , UK ALSO scouter )
the adult leader of a group of Scouts
scowl verb [ I ]
to look at someone or something with a very annoyed expression
The boy scowled at her and reluctantly followed her back into school.
scowl noun [ C ]
scrabble verb [ I + adv/prep ]
1. to use your fingers to quickly find something that you cannot see
He was scrabbling about in the sand searching for the ring.
2. to try to get something quickly that is not easily available
The government is scrabbling around for ways to raise revenue without putting
up taxes.
3. INFORMAL to climb quickly and without care
Paul scrabbled up the cliff, dislodging several small stones.
We were scrabbling over the rocks as fast as we could.
Scrabble noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a game played on a board covered in squares in which players win points by
creating words from letters with different values and connecting these words with ones
already on the board
scraggly adjective MAINLY US INFORMAL
growing in an untidy and irregular way
long scraggly hair
scraggy adjective DISAPPROVING
very thin, especially so that the bones stick out
He was wearing a high-necked pullover to hide his scraggy neck .
scram verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to go away quickly
Get out of here! Go on, scram!
scramble verb MOVE QUICKLY
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move or climb quickly but with
difficulty, often using your hands to help you
She scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks.
He scrambled into his clothes (= put them on quickly) and raced to fetch a
doctor.
As the burning plane landed, the terrified passengers scrambled for the door (=
tried to reach the door quickly) .
2. [ I ] to compete with other people for something there is very little of
[ + to infinitive ] People are scrambling to buy property before prices rise even
further.
scramble verb CHANGE SIGNAL
3. [ T ] to change a radio or telephone signal so that it can only be understood
using a special device
scramble verb TAKE OFF
4. [ I or T ] SPECIALIZED to (cause a plane to) take off very quickly
A helicopter was scrambled within minutes of the news.
scramble verb MIX
5. [ T ] to mix eggs with a little milk and mix again as they are being fried
scramble noun QUICK MOVEMENT
1. [ S ] a climb which is difficult so that you have to use your hands to help you
It was a real scramble to the top of the hillside.
2. [ S ] an act of hurrying
[ + to infinitive ] As soon as the plane landed there was a mad/wild scramble to
get out.
3. [ S ] a hurried attempt to get something
After the death of the dictator there was an unseemly scramble for power among
the generals.
scramble noun SPORT
4. [ C ] a motocross event
We're planning a scramble through the forest next weekend.
scramble verb MOVE QUICKLY
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move or climb quickly but with
difficulty, often using your hands to help you
She scrambled up the steep hillside and over the rocks.
He scrambled into his clothes (= put them on quickly) and raced to fetch a
doctor.
As the burning plane landed, the terrified passengers scrambled for the door (=
tried to reach the door quickly) .
2. [ I ] to compete with other people for something there is very little of
[ + to infinitive ] People are scrambling to buy property before prices rise even
further.
scramble verb CHANGE SIGNAL
3. [ T ] to change a radio or telephone signal so that it can only be understood
using a special device
scramble verb TAKE OFF
4. [ I or T ] SPECIALIZED to (cause a plane to) take off very quickly
A helicopter was scrambled within minutes of the news.
scramble verb MIX
5. [ T ] to mix eggs with a little milk and mix again as they are being fried
scramble noun QUICK MOVEMENT
1. [ S ] a climb which is difficult so that you have to use your hands to help you
It was a real scramble to the top of the hillside.
2. [ S ] an act of hurrying
[ + to infinitive ] As soon as the plane landed there was a mad/wild scramble to
get out.
3. [ S ] a hurried attempt to get something
After the death of the dictator there was an unseemly scramble for power among
the generals.
scramble noun SPORT
4. [ C ] a motocross event
We're planning a scramble through the forest next weekend.
ˌ scrambled ˈ eggs plural noun
eggs mixed with a little milk and mixed again as they are being fried
scrambled eggs on toast
scrambler noun [ C ]
an electronic device which scrambles radio or telephone messages
scrambling noun [ U ]
motocross
scrap verb THROW AWAY
1. [ T ] to not continue with a system or plan
They're considering scrapping the tax and raising the money in other ways.
We scrapped our plans for a trip to France.
2. [ T ] to get rid of something which is no longer useful or wanted, often using its
parts in new ways
Hundreds of nuclear weapons have been scrapped.
scrap verb ARGUMENT
3. [ I ] to have a fight or an argument
scrap noun METAL
1. [ U ] old cars and machines or pieces of metal, etc. that are not now needed
but have parts that can be used to make other things
scrap iron/ metal
We've sold our old car for scrap.
scrap noun SMALL PIECE
2. [ C ] a small irregular piece of something or a small amount of information
Have you got a scrap of paper I could write on?
I've read every scrap of information I can find on the subject.
There's not a scrap of (= no) evidence to suggest that he committed the crime.
3. scraps
small bits of food which have not been eaten and which are usually thrown away
We give all our scraps to our cat.
scrap noun ARGUMENT
4. [ C ] a fight or argument, especially a quick noisy one about something not
important
A couple of kids were having a scrap in the street.
scrapbook noun [ C ]
a book with empty pages where you can stick newspaper articles, pictures, etc.
which you have collected and want to keep
scrapbook noun [ C ]
a book with empty pages where you can stick newspaper articles, pictures, etc.
which you have collected and want to keep
ˈ scrap ˌ dealer noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO scrap merchant )
a person who buys and sells old metal, etc. which can be used for new purposes
scrape verb REMOVE
1. [ T ] to remove an unwanted covering or a top layer from something, especially
using a sharp edge or something rough
[ + object + adjective ] Scrape your boots clean before you come in.
We'll have to scrape the snow off the car before we go out in it.
Emily scraped away the dead leaves to reveal the tiny shoot of a new plant.
scrape verb RUB
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to (cause to) rub against a surface so
that slight damage or an unpleasant noise is produced
Jackie fell over and scraped her knee ( on the pavement).
I was woken up by the noise of branches scraping against my bedroom window.
scrape verb SUCCEED
3. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to succeed in getting or achieving
something, but only just or with great difficulty
She scraped into university on very low grades.
scrape (the bottom of) the barrel INFORMAL
to use the worst people or things because that is all that is available
Richard's in the team? - You really are scraping the barrel!
scrape a living UK
to only just earn enough money to provide yourself with food, clothing and a
place to live
He settled in Paris, where he scraped a living writing short stories and magazine
articles.
scrape home UK
to win by a very small amount in a competitive situation
The reigning champion scraped home just 2.9 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.
scrape by/along phrasal verb
1. to manage to live when you do not have enough money and other necessary
things
He lost his job, so the family had to scrape along on £95 a week.
2. to manage with difficulty to get a successful result or to reach an acceptable
standard
I only learnt Spanish for a year but I can just scrape by in most situations.
scrape through (sth) phrasal verb
to succeed in something but with a lot of difficulty
He managed to scrape through his exam with 52%.
scrape sth/sb together/up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to manage with great difficulty to collect enough of something, especially money,
or to find the things or people that you need
I finally scraped together enough money for a flight home.
Do you think we can scrape up a team for the match on Saturday?
scrape noun SITUATION
1. [ C ] INFORMAL a difficult or slightly dangerous situation which you cause by your
own silly behaviour
She's always getting into silly scrapes - I do wish she'd think before she does
things.
He had a couple of scrapes with the police and ended up in court.
scrape noun RUB
2. [ C or U ] a slight injury or an unpleasant noise produced by rubbing against a
surface
"It's just a scrape, " said the boy looking down at his bleeding knee.
I hate the scrape of chalk on a blackboard.
scraper noun [ C ]
a tool for scraping
Using a scraper to remove wallpaper can be very time-consuming.
scraper noun [ C ]
a tool for scraping
Using a scraper to remove wallpaper can be very time-consuming.
ˈ scrap ˌ heap noun
1. [ C ] a pile of old, unwanted things, especially pieces of metal
2. [ S ] If an idea or person is on the scrap heap, people are no longer interested
in them
Some people believe that Communism has been relegated/consigned to the
scrap heap of history .
Many top class players end up on the scrap heap after a short career.
scrapie noun [ U ]
a serious brain disease of sheep and goats which usually results in death
scrapings plural noun
small pieces that are left on a surface or have been scraped off
ˈ scrap ˌ paper noun [ U ] ( US ALSO scratch paper )
loose sheets of paper, often already partly used, for writing notes on
scrappy adjective NOT ORGANIZED
1. badly arranged or planned and consisting of parts which fit together badly
I'm afraid your last essay was a very scrappy piece of work.
scrappy adjective ARGUMENT
2. US describes a person who often wants to argue or fight
scrappily adverb
ˈ scrap ˌ yard noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a place where old vehicles and machines are collected and either sold or prepared
for being used again
scratch verb CUT
1. [ I or T ] to cut or damage a surface or your skin slightly with or on something
sharp or rough
We scratched the paintwork trying to get the bed into Martha's room.
[ R ] Be careful not to scratch yourself on the roses.
A few chickens were scratching about/around (= searching with their beaks) in
the yard for grain.
2. [ T ] If you scratch something on or off a surface, you add it or remove it by
scratching
People have been scratching their names on this rock for years.
I'm afraid I scratched some paint off the door as I was getting out of the car.
3. [ I ] If an animal scratches, it rubs something with its claws (= sharp nails)
The dog's scratching at the door - he wants to be let in.
4. [ T ] to rub your skin with your nails
He was scratching ( at ) his mosquito bites.
Hannah scratched her head thoughtfully.
scratch verb REMOVE
5. [ I or T ] to remove yourself or another person or an animal from a competition
before the start
The world champion scratched from the 800m after falling ill three hours earlier.
They scratched the horse from the race because she had become lame.
scratch your head
to think hard about something
A lot of people must be scratching their heads about which way to vote.
scratch beneath the surface
to look further than what is obvious
If you scratch beneath the surface you'll find she's really a very nice person.
you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours INFORMAL
used to tell someone that if they help you, you will help them
scratch around for sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to look for something that is very difficult to find because it is rare
The editor of the local paper says he's really scratching around for stories this
week.
scratch noun
1. [ C ] a mark made by scratching
Her legs were covered in scratches and bruises after her walk through the forest.
There was a scratch on the CD.
Amazingly, he survived the accident without a scratch (= without suffering any
injuries at all) .
2. [ S ] when people or animals scratch themselves
That dog is having a good scratch. It must have fleas.
from scratch
from the beginning, without using anything that already exists
Ben built the shed from scratch.
up to scratch
reaching an acceptable standard
Your last essay wasn't up to scratch/didn't come up to scratch.
scratch adjective UK
scratch team/side/orchestra
a group of people brought together in a hurry in order to play together on a
particular occasion
scratch-and-sniff adjective [ before noun ]
A scratch-and-sniff picture is one which releases a smell if you rub it.
scratch-and-sniff adjective [ before noun ]
A scratch-and-sniff picture is one which releases a smell if you rub it.
scratchcard , scratch card noun [ C ] UK
a small card that you can buy to try to win a prize and which has a covering that
you rub off in order to see if you have winning numbers written on it
a lottery scratchcard
scratchpad noun [ C ] US
a set of sheets of paper, joined along one edge, used for writing notes on
ˈ scratch ˌ paper noun [ U ]
US FOR scrap paper
scratchy adjective
1. Scratchy clothes are rough and uncomfortable.
2. MAINLY UK A scratchy pen does not write easily and without interruption
This pen's scratchy. Have you got another one?
3. A scratchy record, etc. has scratches on it so it makes unpleasant noises when
it is played
We spent the evening listening to her scratchy old jazz records.
scrawl verb [ T ]
to write something quickly, without trying to make your writing tidy or easy to
read
I scrawled a quick note to Judith and put it under her door.
Someone had scrawled graffiti across the wall.
scrawl noun [ S ]
untidy writing that is difficult to read
I hope you can decipher my scrawl!
scrawny adjective
unpleasantly thin, often with bones showing
He came home after three months at college looking terribly scrawny.
scream verb MAKE NOISE
1. [ I or T ] to cry or say something loudly and usually on a high note, especially
because of strong emotions such as fear, excitement or anger
A spider landed on her pillow and she screamed.
Through the smoke, the rescuers could hear people screaming for help.
He was screaming in/with pain and begging for anaesthetic.
They screamed with laughter at her jokes.
Ken screamed (out) a warning telling people to get out of the way.
Mrs Brown screamed (= shouted angrily) at Joel for dropping the test-tube.
I've never found screaming (and shouting) (= shouting angrily) at my staff to
be very effective.
[ + speech ] "I wish you were dead!" she screamed (= shouted angrily) .
I tried to apologize, but he just screamed abuse/obscenities at me.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] If a vehicle screams, it moves very quickly making
a loud high sound
The cars screamed round the bend/ past the spectators.
3. [ I ] to make a loud high sound
The ambulance raced round the corner with its tyres screaming.
scream verb GET ATTENTION
4. [ I ] ( ALSO scream out ) If a word or image screams (out), it gets attention
because it is very big or easy to notice
'Royal Plane Disaster!' screamed the newspaper headlines the next day.
5. [ I ] If you say that two colours are screaming at each other, you think that
they do not look attractive or pleasant together
You can't wear that pink jacket with your orange skirt. They'll just scream at each
other.
scream (out) for sth
to need something very much
This matter is screaming out for attention.
scream yourself hoarse/silly ( ALSO scream the place down , ALSO scream your head
off )
to scream very loudly
I screamed myself silly on the roller coaster.
scream noun [ C ] NOISE
1. a loud high sound you make when very frightened, excited or angry
a scream of pain/rage/joy/laughter
No one heard their screams.
She let out a piercing/shrill scream.
scream noun [ C ] FUN
2. INFORMAL a person, thing or situation which is very funny
Jane's such a scream - her jokes have me in stitches.
be very effective.
a loud high sound
other.
off )
screamingly adverb INFORMAL
extremely
a screamingly funny story.
The answer was suddenly screamingly obvious to me.
scree noun [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED
(an area on the side of a mountain covered with) large loose broken stones
screech verb [ I ]
to make an unpleasant loud high noise
She was screeching at him at the top of her voice.
He was screeching with pain/laughter.
[ + speech ] "Don't you dare touch me!" she screeched.
The car screeched to a halt/standstill (= stopped very suddenly, making a loud
high noise) .
FIGURATIVE The economic recovery is likely to screech to a halt/standstill (= stop
very suddenly) if taxes are increased.
screech noun [ C ]
a long loud high noise which is unpleasant to hear
He let out a loud screech.
The truck stopped with a screech of brakes.
screeds plural noun
a large amount of writing
She's written screeds ( and screeds ) on the subject, but hardly any of it is worth
reading.
screen noun [ C ] PICTURE
1. a flat surface in a cinema, on a television or a computer system on which
pictures or words are shown
Our television has a 19-inch screen.
Coming to your screens (= cinemas) shortly, the amazing adventures of 'Robin
Hood'.
Her ambition is to write for the screen (= for television and films) .
Write the letter on the computer, then you can make changes easily on screen.
See pictures office equipment 1 , computer
2. the small screen
television
He's made several films for the small screen.
3. the big screen
cinema
So this is your first appearance on the big screen?
screen noun [ C ] SEPARATING
4. a vertical structure which is used to separate one area from another, especially
to hide something or to protect you from something unpleasant or dangerous
The nurse pulled a screen around the bed so that the doctor could examine the
patient in private.
A screen of trees at the bottom of the garden hid the ugly factory walls.
5. MAINLY US an activity which is not dangerous or illegal but which is used to hide
something which is
That café's just a screen for their criminal activities.
screen verb [ T ] EXAMINE
1. to test or examine someone or something to discover if there is anything wrong
with them
All women over 50 will be screened for breast cancer.
Completely unsuitable candidates were screened out (= tested and refused) at
the first interview.
2. screen your calls
to delay your decision to speak to someone who is ringing you on the telephone
until you can discover who they are, either by listening to them leaving a message on
your answering machine or by seeing their telephone number shown on your telephone
I always screen my calls while I'm eating dinner.
screen verb [ T ] PICTURE
3. to show or broadcast a film or television programme
The programme was not screened on British television.
screen verb [ T ] PROTECT
4. to protect or hide
She raised her hand to screen her eyes from the bright light.
5. MAINLY US to protect someone by taking the blame yourself
The husband says he's the murderer but we think it was his wife - he's just
screening her.
screen sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to separate one area from another using a wall or other vertical structure
We can screen off part of the room and use it as a temporary office.
ˈ screen ˌ door noun [ C ] US
a door consisting of a wire net with very small holes stretched over a frame,
which allows air but not insects to move through it
be very effective.
a loud high sound
other.
off )
screamingly adverb INFORMAL
extremely
a screamingly funny story.
The answer was suddenly screamingly obvious to me.
scree noun [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED
(an area on the side of a mountain covered with) large loose broken stones
screech verb [ I ]
to make an unpleasant loud high noise
She was screeching at him at the top of her voice.
He was screeching with pain/laughter.
[ + speech ] "Don't you dare touch me!" she screeched.
The car screeched to a halt/standstill (= stopped very suddenly, making a loud
high noise) .
FIGURATIVE The economic recovery is likely to screech to a halt/standstill (= stop
very suddenly) if taxes are increased.
screech noun [ C ]
a long loud high noise which is unpleasant to hear
He let out a loud screech.
The truck stopped with a screech of brakes.
screeds plural noun
a large amount of writing
She's written screeds ( and screeds ) on the subject, but hardly any of it is worth
reading.
screen noun [ C ] PICTURE
1. a flat surface in a cinema, on a television or a computer system on which
pictures or words are shown
Our television has a 19-inch screen.
Coming to your screens (= cinemas) shortly, the amazing adventures of 'Robin
Hood'.
Her ambition is to write for the screen (= for television and films) .
Write the letter on the computer, then you can make changes easily on screen.
See pictures office equipment 1 , computer
2. the small screen
television
He's made several films for the small screen.
3. the big screen
cinema
So this is your first appearance on the big screen?
screen noun [ C ] SEPARATING
4. a vertical structure which is used to separate one area from another, especially
to hide something or to protect you from something unpleasant or dangerous
The nurse pulled a screen around the bed so that the doctor could examine the
patient in private.
A screen of trees at the bottom of the garden hid the ugly factory walls.
5. MAINLY US an activity which is not dangerous or illegal but which is used to hide
something which is
That café's just a screen for their criminal activities.
screen verb [ T ] EXAMINE
1. to test or examine someone or something to discover if there is anything wrong
with them
All women over 50 will be screened for breast cancer.
Completely unsuitable candidates were screened out (= tested and refused) at
the first interview.
2. screen your calls
to delay your decision to speak to someone who is ringing you on the telephone
until you can discover who they are, either by listening to them leaving a message on
your answering machine or by seeing their telephone number shown on your telephone
I always screen my calls while I'm eating dinner.
screen verb [ T ] PICTURE
3. to show or broadcast a film or television programme
The programme was not screened on British television.
screen verb [ T ] PROTECT
4. to protect or hide
She raised her hand to screen her eyes from the bright light.
5. MAINLY US to protect someone by taking the blame yourself
The husband says he's the murderer but we think it was his wife - he's just
screening her.
screen sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to separate one area from another using a wall or other vertical structure
We can screen off part of the room and use it as a temporary office.
ˈ screen ˌ door noun [ C ] US
a door consisting of a wire net with very small holes stretched over a frame,
which allows air but not insects to move through it
screening noun CINEMA
1. [ C ] a showing of a film
There will be three screenings of the film - at 3, 5 and 7 p.m.
screening noun EXAMINATION
2. [ C or U ] a test or examination to discover if there is anything wrong with
someone
regular screening(s) for cervical cancer
screenplay noun [ C ]
the text for a film, including the words to be spoken by the actors and instructions
for the cameras
Who wrote/did the screenplay for/of/to the film 'Chariots of Fire'?
ˈ screen ˌ printing noun [ U ]
a method of printing by forcing ink through a pattern cut into a piece of cloth
stretched across a frame
screensaver , screen saver noun [ C ]
on a computer, a program which protects the screen by automatically producing a
moving image if the computer has not been used for a few minutes
screenwriter noun [ C ]
someone who writes the story for a film
screw noun METAL OBJECT
1. [ C ] a thin pointed piece of metal with a raised edge twisting round along its
length and a flat top with a cut in it, which is used to join things together, especially
pieces of wood
2. [ C ] a twist or turn made to fasten or tighten something
Give it another screw to make sure the lid doesn't come off while we're travelling.
screw noun PRISON GUARD
3. [ C ] SLANG (a word used especially by prisoners) a prison guard
screw noun HAVE SEX
4. [ C ] OFFENSIVE the act of sex, or a sexual partner
I never feel like a screw when I wake up in the morning.
He's a really good screw.
screw noun INSTRUMENT
5. screws
thumbscrew
have a screw loose INFORMAL
If you say that someone has a screw loose, you mean that they behave in a
strange way and seem slightly mentally ill.
put/tighten the screws on sb INFORMAL
to use force or threats to make someone do what you want
They put the screws on him until he paid up.
screw verb TIGHT SHAPE
1. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to tighten the muscles of your face or part of your
face into a particular expression, especially one of disapproval or pain
He screwed his eyes tight shut against the bright light.
The woman at the breakfast table screwed her mouth into a grimace.
2. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to twist and crush something, especially paper or
cloth, roughly with your hands
She screwed the bag up and threw it in the bin.
He screwed the letter into a ball and flung it away.
screw verb METAL OBJECT
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to fasten something using a screw
Screw this piece of wood to the wall.
Screw these two pieces together .
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to fasten something using an object
similar to a screw
We'll have to screw a hook into the wall.
5. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to fasten something by turning it or
twisting it
Screw the lid firmly on to the jar and shake well.
6. screw in/together
If something screws in/together, it fits or fastens together by being turned
This light bulb screws in.
The steel rods screw together.
screw verb CHEAT
7. [ T ] SLANG to cheat or deceive someone
It was only after we'd had the car for a few days that we realised we'd been
screwed by the dealer.
screw verb HAVE SEX
8. [ I or T ] OFFENSIVE to have sex with someone
They say he's screwing the boss's wife.
Screw it/you/them! OFFENSIVE
used when expressing extreme anger
"Screw it!" he said. "If they won't give us the money, we'll just take it."
You don't like it? Well, screw you!
screw up your courage
to force yourself to be brave
I screwed up my courage and went in to see the director.
screw around phrasal verb OFFENSIVE
to have sex with a lot of people or with people other than your husband or wife
screw sth out of sb phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to get something from someone by using force or threats
We'll screw every last penny out of him.
screw (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to make a mistake, or to spoil something
I reckon I screwed the chemistry exam up totally.
screw sb up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
When bad experiences or people screw you up, they make you worried and
unhappy or they damage your personality
It really screwed him up when he saw his friend get killed.
screwed up adjective INFORMAL
unhappy and worried because of bad experiences
He's been really screwed up since his wife died.
screwball noun [ C ] PERSON
1. MAINLY US INFORMAL a person who behaves in a strange and funny way
screwball noun [ C ] BALL
2. US a ball which is thrown during a baseball game so that it curves to one side
screwdriver noun [ C ]
screwdriver
a tool for turning screws, consisting of a handle joined to a metal rod shaped at
one end to fit in the cut in the top of the screw
ˌ screw ˈ top noun [ C ]
a lid for a container which fastens by being turned
screw-top adjective ( ALSO screw-topped )
a screw-top jar
screwy adjective OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
very strange, silly or unusual
Pat's always coming up with screwy ideas.
scribble verb [ I ]
to write or draw something quickly or carelessly
The baby's just scribbled all over my new dictionary!
[ + two objects ] I'll just scribble Dad a note/scribble a note to Dad to say we're
going out.
scribble noun [ C or U ]
a careless piece of writing or drawing
What are all these scribbles doing on the wallpaper?
I hope you can read my scribble!
scribbler noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING OR HUMOROUS
a writer of books or articles in newspapers or magazines, especially one who is
not thought to be very good
scribbly gum noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a type of eucalyptus tree whose smooth bark (= outer covering) is covered in
patterns left by insects
scribe noun [ C ]
1. a person employed before printing was invented to make copies of documents
2. in biblical times, a teacher of religious law
scrimmage noun [ C ]
1. a fight
2. US a practice game of American football
1. a fight
scrimp verb [ I ]
1. to save money by spending less than is necessary to reach an acceptable
standard
There is a risk that the debt-ridden airline may be tempted to scrimp on
maintenance or security.
2. scrimp and save
If you scrimp and save, you manage to live on very little money in order to pay
for something.
I've been scrimping and saving all year to pay for our holiday.
script noun TEXT
1. [ C ] the words of a film, play, broadcast or speech
Bruce Robinson wrote the script for 'The Killing Fields'.
2. [ C ] AUSTRALIAN prescription
script noun EXAMINATION
3. [ C ] UK an answer paper written by a student in an examination
script noun WRITING
4. [ U ] a set of letters used for writing a particular language
Arabic/Cyrillic/Roman script
5. [ C or U ] writing, especially when well-formed
The invitation was written in beautiful italic script.
script noun COMPUTER
6. [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED a type of language for programming computers, that is
used for finding and showing websites on the Internet
script verb [ T ]
He's a very good actor, but the part was scripted for an older person.
scripted adjective
A scripted speech or broadcast has been written before it is read or performed
He read from a scripted speech and refused to answer any questions at all at the
end of it.
Opposite unscripted
scripture noun [ C or U ]
the holy writings of a religion
the Hindu/Buddhist/Muslim scriptures
According to Holy Scripture (= the Bible) , God created the world in six days.
scriptural adjective SPECIALIZED
scriptural texts/passages
1. a fight
scrimp verb [ I ]
1. to save money by spending less than is necessary to reach an acceptable
standard
There is a risk that the debt-ridden airline may be tempted to scrimp on
maintenance or security.
2. scrimp and save
If you scrimp and save, you manage to live on very little money in order to pay
for something.
I've been scrimping and saving all year to pay for our holiday.
script noun TEXT
1. [ C ] the words of a film, play, broadcast or speech
Bruce Robinson wrote the script for 'The Killing Fields'.
2. [ C ] AUSTRALIAN prescription
script noun EXAMINATION
3. [ C ] UK an answer paper written by a student in an examination
script noun WRITING
4. [ U ] a set of letters used for writing a particular language
Arabic/Cyrillic/Roman script
5. [ C or U ] writing, especially when well-formed
The invitation was written in beautiful italic script.
script noun COMPUTER
6. [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED a type of language for programming computers, that is
used for finding and showing websites on the Internet
script verb [ T ]
He's a very good actor, but the part was scripted for an older person.
scripted adjective
A scripted speech or broadcast has been written before it is read or performed
He read from a scripted speech and refused to answer any questions at all at the
end of it.
Opposite unscripted
scripture noun [ C or U ]
the holy writings of a religion
the Hindu/Buddhist/Muslim scriptures
According to Holy Scripture (= the Bible) , God created the world in six days.
scriptural adjective SPECIALIZED
scriptural texts/passages
scriptwriter noun [ C ]
a person who writes the words for films or radio or television broadcasts
scroll noun [ C ]
1. a long roll of paper or similar material with usually official writing on it
The ancient Egyptians stored information on scrolls.
2. a decoration that looks like a roll of paper
The tops of the marble pillars were decorated with scrolls.
scroll verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move text or other information on a computer screen in order to view a
different part of it
Scroll to the end of the document.
ˈ scroll ˌ bar noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
on a computer screen, a long thin strip with arrows and a sliding section at the
edge of a window, used for moving its contents up, down or across
See picture computer
scrooge noun [ C ]
1. DISAPPROVING someone who spends as little money as possible and is not
generous
He's a mean old scrooge!
2. Scrooge is a character who learns how to be generous, in the book 'A
Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens.
scrooge noun [ C ]
generous
scrotum noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
in most male mammals, a bag of skin near the penis which contains the testicles
scrounge verb [ I or T ] INFORMAL
to get things, especially money or food, by asking for them instead of buying
them or working for them
Peter never buys anything - he just scrounges ( off his friends).
scrounger noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
He thinks that people who receive state benefits are scroungers.
scrounge around phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to look in different places or in a particular place where you might find something
that you need
She scrounged around in the tool box for a tack or nail to hang the notice up
with.
scrounge noun DISAPPROVING OR HUMOROUS
on the scrounge
Someone who is on the scrounge is asking people for things or for money.
scrub verb CLEAN
1. [ I or T ] to rub something hard in order to clean it, especially using a stiff
brush, soap and water
She scrubbed (at) the mark on the wall for ages, but it wouldn't come off.
[ + object + adjective ] He scrubbed the old saucepan clean, and it looked as
good as new.
scrub verb STOP
2. [ T ] ( US USUALLY scratch ) INFORMAL to decide not to do something you had
planned to do; cancel
We had to scrub our plans when I lost my job.
scrub up phrasal verb
If a doctor scrubs up, they wash their hands and arms very thoroughly before
performing a medical operation.
scrub up well UK INFORMAL APPROVING
said about someone when they have made an effort to make their appearance as
tidy and pleasant as possible and they look very attractive and stylish
Mary scrubs up well.
scrub noun PLANTS
1. [ U ] (an area of land covered with) short trees and bushes, growing on dry
ground of low quality
scrub noun CLEAN
2. [ S ] when you rub something hard in order to clean it, especially using a stiff
Children, give your hands a good scrub and come and get your dinner!
scrubby adjective
covered with short trees and bushes
scrubby vegetation
ˈ scrubbing ˌ brush noun [ C ] ( US ALSO scrub brush )
a stiff brush used for cleaning floors
scrooge noun [ C ]
generous
scrotum noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
in most male mammals, a bag of skin near the penis which contains the testicles
scrounge verb [ I or T ] INFORMAL
to get things, especially money or food, by asking for them instead of buying
them or working for them
Peter never buys anything - he just scrounges ( off his friends).
scrounger noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
He thinks that people who receive state benefits are scroungers.
scrounge around phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to look in different places or in a particular place where you might find something
that you need
She scrounged around in the tool box for a tack or nail to hang the notice up
with.
scrounge noun DISAPPROVING OR HUMOROUS
on the scrounge
Someone who is on the scrounge is asking people for things or for money.
scrub verb CLEAN
1. [ I or T ] to rub something hard in order to clean it, especially using a stiff
She scrubbed (at) the mark on the wall for ages, but it wouldn't come off.
[ + object + adjective ] He scrubbed the old saucepan clean, and it looked as
good as new.
scrub verb STOP
2. [ T ] ( US USUALLY scratch ) INFORMAL to decide not to do something you had
planned to do; cancel
We had to scrub our plans when I lost my job.
scrub up phrasal verb
If a doctor scrubs up, they wash their hands and arms very thoroughly before
performing a medical operation.
scrub up well UK INFORMAL APPROVING
said about someone when they have made an effort to make their appearance as
tidy and pleasant as possible and they look very attractive and stylish
Mary scrubs up well.
scrub noun PLANTS
1. [ U ] (an area of land covered with) short trees and bushes, growing on dry
ground of low quality
scrub noun CLEAN
2. [ S ] when you rub something hard in order to clean it, especially using a stiff
Children, give your hands a good scrub and come and get your dinner!
scrubby adjective
covered with short trees and bushes
scrubby vegetation
ˈ scrubbing ˌ brush noun [ C ] ( US ALSO scrub brush )
a stiff brush used for cleaning floors
scruff noun NECK
1. by the scruff of the/your neck
by the skin at the back of the neck
Cats carry their kittens by the scruff of the neck.
I took/grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and threw him out of the hall.
scruff noun PERSON
2. [ C ] UK INFORMAL a dirty and untidy person
I feel a bit of a scruff in my jeans.
scruffy adjective
untidy and dirty
They live in a rather scruffy part of town.
a small, scruffy -looking man
scruffily adverb
scrum noun
1. [ C ] ( ALSO scrummage ) in the sport of rugby, a group of attacking players
from each team who come together with their heads down and arms joined, and push
against each other, trying to take control of the ball
2. [ S ] when a group of people push each other to get to a place or obtain
something
scrummager noun [ C ]
scrumhalf noun [ C ]
a rugby player who throws the ball into the scrum
scrump verb [ T ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to steal fruit such as apples from trees
scrumptious adjective ( UK INFORMAL scrummy )
tasting extremely pleasant; delicious
scrumptious cakes
scrumpy noun [ U ] UK
an alcoholic drink made from apples
Scrumpy is a type of strong cider.
scrunch verb MAKE A NOISE
1. [ I or T ] to make the noise produced by hard things being pressed together, or
to press hard things together so that they make a noise
The pebbles scrunched beneath our feet.
We scrunched snow under our feet.
scrunch verb CRUSH
2. [ T ] to crush material such as paper or cloth into a rough ball in the hand
She scrunched the letter up and threw it in the bin.
scrunch verb MAKE SMALL
3. [ I or T + adverb or preposition ] to make something or yourself smaller to fit
into a small space
The cat was hiding, scrunched up under the sofa.
4. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to make your face or part of your face
into a tight shape in order to show an emotion, or to go into a tight shape which
expresses an emotion
He was red with anger and his face was all scrunched up .
scrunch verb MAKE A NOISE
1. [ I or T ] to make the noise produced by hard things being pressed together, or
to press hard things together so that they make a noise
The pebbles scrunched beneath our feet.
We scrunched snow under our feet.
scrunch verb CRUSH
2. [ T ] to crush material such as paper or cloth into a rough ball in the hand
She scrunched the letter up and threw it in the bin.
scrunch verb MAKE SMALL
3. [ I or T + adverb or preposition ] to make something or yourself smaller to fit
into a small space
The cat was hiding, scrunched up under the sofa.
4. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to make your face or part of your face
into a tight shape in order to show an emotion, or to go into a tight shape which
expresses an emotion
He was red with anger and his face was all scrunched up .
scrunchy , scrunchie noun [ C ]
a piece of elastic (= material that stretches) covered in often brightly coloured
cloth which is used to hold long hair at the back of the head
scruple noun [ C or U ]
a feeling that prevents you from doing something that you think is morally wrong
or makes you uncertain about doing it
Robin Hood had no scruples about robbing the rich to give to the poor.
He is a man without scruple - he has no conscience.
scruple verb FORMAL
not scruple to do sth
to not care that something you do is morally wrong or likely to have bad results
He wouldn't scruple to cheat his own mother if there was money in it for him.
scrupulous adjective
extremely honest, or doing everything correctly and exactly as it should be done
A scrupulous politician would not lie about her business interests.
The nurse told him to be scrupulous (= extremely careful) about keeping the
wound clean.
scrupulously adverb
She is always scrupulously honest/fair.
A hospital must be kept scrupulously clean.
scrutineer noun [ C ] UK
a person who counts votes in an election or who makes certain that the counting
has been done correctly
scrutinize , UK USUALLY scrutinise verb [ T ]
to examine something very carefully in order to discover information
He scrutinized the men's faces carefully/closely, trying to work out who was lying.
scrutiny noun [ U ]
the careful and detailed examination of something in order to get information
about it
The Government's record will be subjected to/come under (close) scrutiny in
the weeks before the election.
scrutiny noun [ U ]
the careful and detailed examination of something in order to get information
about it
The Government's record will be subjected to/come under (close) scrutiny in
the weeks before the election.
scuba diving noun [ U ]
the sport of swimming under water with special breathing equipment
scuba diver noun [ C ]
Two hundred scuba divers descended on the island to clean up the harbour.
scud verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
(especially of clouds and ships) to move quickly and without stopping in a straight
line
It was a windy day, and small white clouds were scudding across the blue sky.
scuff verb [ T ]
to make a rough mark on a smooth surface, especially on a shoe or floor
Please wear trainers in the gym, to avoid scuffing the floor.
Have you got anything for getting rid of scuff marks on shoes?
If you scuff your feet (= pull your shoes along the ground as you walk) like that,
you'll ruin your shoes.
scuffed adjective
The book's a bit scuffed along the spine, but it was the only copy left in the shop.
scuffle noun [ C ]
a short and sudden fight, especially one involving a small number of people
Two police officers were injured in scuffles with fans at Sunday's National Football
League contest.
scuffle verb [ I ]
The youths scuffled with the policeman, then escaped down the lane.
scullery noun [ C ]
especially in a large old house, a room next to the kitchen where pans are washed
and vegetables are prepared for cooking
Our house has the original scullery.
sculling noun [ U ]
the sport of rowing in a small narrow boat designed for one, two or four people,
who use two small oars (= poles with flat ends) each, to move the boat
sculling noun [ U ]
the sport of rowing in a small narrow boat designed for one, two or four people,
who use two small oars (= poles with flat ends) each, to move the boat
sculpt verb
1. [ I or T ] to create solid objects that represent a thing, person, idea, etc. out of
a material such as wood, clay, metal or stone
Johnny sculpted an old man's head out of wood.
2. [ T ] to form into a particular shape
The dripping water had sculpted strange shapes out of the rocks/sculpted the
rocks into strange shapes.
sculptor noun [ C ]
someone who creates sculptures
Henry Moore, who died in 1986, is one of Britain's best-known sculptors.
sculpture noun [ C or U ]
the art of forming solid objects that represent a thing, person, idea, etc. out of a
material such as wood, clay, metal or stone, or an object made in this way
Tom teaches sculpture at the local art school.
The museum has several life-sized sculptures of people and animals.
sculptural adjective SPECIALIZED
Her delicate sculptural pieces (= works of art) are now selling in the USA, Europe
and Japan.
sculptured adjective
1. created as a sculpture
a deer sculptured in wax
2. describes a part of someone's body that has a strong smooth shape
his beautifully sculptured features
scum noun DIRT
1. [ U ] a layer of unpleasant or unwanted material that has formed on the top of
a liquid
The lake near the factory was covered with grey, foul-smelling scum.
scum noun IMMORAL PERSON
2. [ C or U ] INFORMAL a very bad or immoral person or group of people
People who organize dog fights are scum in my opinion!
His boss treats him like scum (= very badly) .
racist scum
scummy adjective
the scum of the Earth INFORMAL
the worst type of people that can be imagined
These men are the scum of the Earth.
scumbag noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
a very unpleasant person who has done something dishonest or unacceptable
scumbag noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
a very unpleasant person who has done something dishonest or unacceptable
scupper verb [ T ] SINK
1. to sink your own ship on purpose
scupper verb [ T ] SPOIL
2. to cause something such as a plan or an opportunity to fail
Arriving late for the interview scuppered my chances of getting the job.
scurf noun [ U ]
very small bits of dry dead skin which fall off the head; dandruff
scurrilous adjective FORMAL
expressing unfair or false criticism which is likely to damage someone's reputation
a scurrilous remark/attack/article
scurrilously adverb
scurry verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move quickly, with small short steps
The mouse scurried across the floor.
The noise of the explosion sent the villagers scurry ing back into their homes.
scurry noun [ S ]
scurvy noun [ U ]
an illness of the body tissues which is caused by not having enough vitamin C
scuttle verb RUN
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move quickly, with small short steps,
especially in order to escape
A crab scuttled away under a rock as we passed.
The children scuttled off as soon as the headmaster appeared.
scuttle verb SINK
2. [ T ] to intentionally sink a ship, especially your own, in order to prevent it
from being taken by an enemy
3. [ T ] to stop something happening, or to cause a plan to fail
scuttle noun [ C ]
a coal scuttle
scuttlebutt noun [ U ] US INFORMAL
news or information which may or may not be true
Have you heard any scuttlebutt about the new boss?
scuttlebutt noun [ U ] US INFORMAL
news or information which may or may not be true
Have you heard any scuttlebutt about the new boss?
scuzzy adjective INFORMAL
(usually of people) unpleasant, dirty and probably unable to be trusted
scythe noun [ C ]
scythe
a tool with a long sharp curved blade and a long handle held in two hands, used
especially to cut long grass
Compare sickle
scythe verb
1. [ T ] to cut using a scythe
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to move very quickly through a group of people or
things
The racing car left the track at 120 mph and scythed through the crowd of
spectators, killing ten.
SDI noun [ U ] ( INFORMAL Star Wars )
ABBREVIATION FOR Strategic Defense Initiative: a plan to defend the US from enemy
nuclear weapons by destroying them in space
the SDLP noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
ABBREVIATION FOR the Social and Democratic Labour Party: a political party in
Northern Ireland which supports union with the Republic of Ireland by peaceful methods
SE noun [ U ] , adjective
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR southeast or southeastern
sea noun
1. [ C or U ] the salty water which covers a large part of the surface of the Earth,
or a large area of salty water, smaller than an ocean , which is partly or completely
surrounded by land
the Mediterranean Sea
We went swimming in the sea.
The sea was calm/smooth/choppy/rough when we crossed the Channel.
The refugees were at sea (= in a boat on the sea a long way from land) for forty
days before reaching land.
When we moved to the US, we sent our things by sea (= in a ship) .
We spent a lovely week by the sea (= on the coast) this year.
Soon we had left the river estuary and were heading towards the open sea (=
the part of the sea a long way from land) .
2. a sea of sth
a large amount or number of something
The teacher looked down and saw a sea of smiling faces.
3. put (out) to sea
(of a ship) to leave a port and start a journey
The boats will put (out) to sea on this evening's high tide.
4. [ C ] one of the large flat areas on the moon which in the past were thought to
be seas
at sea
confused
I'm all/completely at sea with the new coins.
run away to sea ( ALSO go to sea )
(especially of a boy or young man) to leave your family and become a sailor
My grandfather ran away to sea when he was twelve.
ˈ sea a ˌ nemone noun [ C ]
a soft, brightly coloured sea creature which looks like a flower and often lives on
rocks under the water
ˈ sea a ˌ nemone noun [ C ]
a soft, brightly coloured sea creature which looks like a flower and often lives on
rocks under the water
ˈ sea ˌ bass noun [ C or U ]
a sea fish that you can eat
the seabed noun [ S ]
the solid surface of the Earth which lies under the sea
The ship has been lying on the seabed for more than 50 years.
See picture beds 1
seabird noun [ C ]
a bird that lives near the sea and gets its food from it
seaboard noun [ C usually singular ]
the long thin area of a country which is next to the sea; coast
The company owns a chain of hotels along/on the Atlantic seaboard.
seaborne adjective
carried in a ship
seaborne trade/goods
seaborne missiles/troops/reinforcements
ˌ sea ˈ breeze noun [ C ]
a light cool wind blowing from the sea onto the land
ˈ sea ˌ captain noun [ C ]
a person in charge of a ship, especially one used for trading rather than for
military purposes
ˈ sea ˌ change noun [ C ] LITERARY
a complete change
There will have to be a sea change in people's attitudes if public transport is ever
to replace the private car.
ˈ sea ˌ dog noun [ C ] LITERARY OR HUMOROUS
an old sailor with many years of experience at sea
With his white beard and blue cap he looked like an old sea dog.
seafaring adjective [ before noun ] LITERARY
connected with travelling by sea
a seafaring man (= a sailor)
seafaring adjective [ before noun ] LITERARY
connected with travelling by sea
a seafaring man (= a sailor)
seafood noun [ U ]
animals from the sea that can be eaten, especially fish or sea animals with shells
seafront noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO front )
the part of a town on the coast next to the beach, often with a wide road or path
and a row of houses and shops facing the sea
We rented a house on the seafront for the summer.
After dinner we went for a stroll along the seafront.
seagoing adjective [ before noun ]
(of ships) built for use on journeys across the sea, not just for journeys near the
coast and on rivers
seagull noun [ C ] ( ALSO gull )
seagull
a bird which lives near the sea and has short legs, long wings and white and grey
feathers
a flock of seagulls
seahorse noun [ C ]
a small fish which swims in a vertical position and has a head like that of a horse
seal noun [ C ] ANIMAL
1. a large mammal that eats fish and which lives partly in the sea and partly on
land or ice
seal noun [ C ] COVERING
2. something fixed around the edge of an opening to prevent liquid or gas flowing
through it
Clean the seal on/around the fridge door regularly so that it remains airtight.
3. a thin piece of material such as paper or plastic that covers the opening of a
container and has to be broken in order to open the container and use the contents
seal noun [ C ] MARK
4. an official mark on a document, sometimes made with wax, which shows that it
is legal or has been officially approved
The lawyer stamped the certificate with her seal.
seal of approval
an official sign of approval
The Government has given the proposal its seal of approval.
set/put the seal on sth
to make the result of something certain
The meeting set the seal on the negotiations.
seal verb [ T ] COVERING
1. to close an entrance or container so that nothing can enter or leave it
2. to cover a surface with a special liquid to protect it
This floor has just been sealed ( with varnish), so don't walk on it!
3. to close a letter or parcel by sticking the edges together
Seal the package (up) with sticky tape.
He sealed (down) the envelope and put a stamp on it.
seal verb [ T ] MARK
4. to make an agreement more certain or to approve it formally
The two leaders sealed their agreement with a handshake.
seal your fate
If an action, event or situation seals your fate, nothing can stop some unpleasant
thing happening to you
From the moment she stepped into the busy road her fate was sealed.
seal sth in phrasal verb [ M ]
to prevent a substance or quality from being lost from something during a process
such as cooking
Fry the meat quickly in hot oil to seal in the flavour/juices.
seal sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to prevent people from entering an area or building, often because it is dangerous
Two more bombs have been discovered since the police sealed off the area.
ˈ sea ˌ lane noun [ C ]
a particular route across the sea regularly used by ships
ˈ sea ˌ lane noun [ C ]
a particular route across the sea regularly used by ships
sealant noun [ C or U ]
a substance such as paint or polish that is painted onto a surface to protect it
from other liquids from going into it, or is put in the space between two materials for
the same reason
sealed adjective
closed
The teacher opened the sealed envelope containing the exam papers.
ˌ sealed ˈ orders plural noun
instructions given to a member of the armed forces which are not to be opened
until a particular time
ˈ sea ˌ legs plural noun
a person's ability to keep their balance while walking on a moving ship and to not
be ill
ˈ sea ˌ level noun [ C ]
the average height of the sea where it meets the land
The top of Mount Everest is 8848m above sea level.
sealing noun [ U ]
the hunting and killing of seals (= sea animals)
ˈ sealing ˌ wax noun [ U ]
a type of wax which is used for making a seal because it melts easily and
becomes hard quickly
ˈ sea ˌ lion noun [ C ]
a large seal from the North Pacific Ocean which has large ears and can move on
land
sealskin noun [ U ]
the skin or fur of a seal , especially when it is used for making clothing
seam noun [ C ] JOIN
1. a line where two things join, especially a line of sewing joining two pieces of
cloth or leather
The bags we sell have very strong seams, so they will last for years.
My old coat is coming/falling apart at the seams (= the stitches are coming
out) .
FIGURATIVE Their marriage is coming/falling apart at the seams (= likely to fail)
.
seam noun [ C ] LAYER
2. a long thin layer of a substance such as coal which has formed between layers
of other rocks
seamless adjective
seamless stockings/tights
be a rich seam to mine
to be full of good material and ideas to use
When she started writing novels, she found her time as a judge was a rich seam
for her to mine.
bursting at the seams INFORMAL
If a place is bursting at the seams, it has a very large number of people or things
in it
Now that they've got six children, their little house is bursting at the seams.
seam noun [ C ] JOIN
1. a line where two things join, especially a line of sewing joining two pieces of
cloth or leather
The bags we sell have very strong seams, so they will last for years.
My old coat is coming/falling apart at the seams (= the stitches are coming
out) .
FIGURATIVE Their marriage is coming/falling apart at the seams (= likely to fail)
.
seam noun [ C ] LAYER
2. a long thin layer of a substance such as coal which has formed between layers
of other rocks
seamless adjective
seamless stockings/tights
be a rich seam to mine
to be full of good material and ideas to use
When she started writing novels, she found her time as a judge was a rich seam
for her to mine.
bursting at the seams INFORMAL
If a place is bursting at the seams, it has a very large number of people or things
in it
Now that they've got six children, their little house is bursting at the seams.
seaman noun [ C ]
a sailor, especially one who is not an officer
seamanship noun [ U ]
skill in managing a ship
seamed adjective LITERARY
covered in lines
The old man's face was seamed and wrinkled.
seamstress , noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a woman whose job is sewing and making clothes
seamy adjective
(of a situation) unpleasant because of a connection with dishonest behaviour,
violence and illegal sex
The film vividly portrays the seamy side of life in the London of the early 70s.
séance noun [ C ]
a meeting where people try to talk with dead people
They're holding a séance this evening.
seaplane noun [ C ]
seaplane
an aircraft that can take off from and land on water
seaport noun [ C ]
(a city or town with) a port which can be used by ships
sear verb [ T ]
1. to burn the surface of something with sudden very strong heat
The heat from the explosion seared their hands and faces.
2. to fry a piece of meat quickly at a high temperature, in order to prevent liquid
and flavour escaping from it
3. to have a strong unpleasant effect on someone's feelings or memories
The disaster is indelibly seared into the villagers' memory .
search verb
1. [ I or T ] to look somewhere carefully in order to find something
The police searched the woods for the missing boy.
She searched his face for some sign of forgiveness, but it remained
expressionless.
He searched (in/through) his pockets for some change.
I've searched high and low (= everywhere) , but I can't find my birth certificate.
The detectives searched the house from top to bottom (= all over it) , but they
found no sign of the stolen goods.
FIGURATIVE She searched her mind/memory for the man's name, but she couldn't
remember it.
FIGURATIVE People who are searching after inner peace sometimes turn to religion.
2. [ I ] to try to find the answer to a problem
Philosophers have searched for millennia but they haven't found the meaning of
life.
3. [ T ] A police officer who searches you or your possessions looks for something
you might be hiding
The men were searched for drugs and then released.
Search me! INFORMAL
something that you say when you do not know the answer to a question
"Where's Jack?" "Search me!"
search sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ]
to find something or someone after searching
Despite the warm weather, we searched out some snow and went skiing.
search noun
1. [ C ] when you try to find someone or something
After a long search, they eventually found the missing papers.
We're doing a computer search for all words beginning with 'high'.
The police carried out/conducted/made a thorough/exhaustive search of the
premises, but they failed to find any drugs.
2. [ S ] when you try to find an answer to a problem
the search for happiness
3. in search of sth
trying to find something
She was shot by a sniper when she went out in search of firewood.
search verb
1. [ I or T ] to look somewhere carefully in order to find something
The police searched the woods for the missing boy.
She searched his face for some sign of forgiveness, but it remained
expressionless.
He searched (in/through) his pockets for some change.
I've searched high and low (= everywhere) , but I can't find my birth certificate.
The detectives searched the house from top to bottom (= all over it) , but they
found no sign of the stolen goods.
FIGURATIVE She searched her mind/memory for the man's name, but she couldn't
remember it.
FIGURATIVE People who are searching after inner peace sometimes turn to religion.
2. [ I ] to try to find the answer to a problem
Philosophers have searched for millennia but they haven't found the meaning of
life.
3. [ T ] A police officer who searches you or your possessions looks for something
you might be hiding
The men were searched for drugs and then released.
Search me! INFORMAL
something that you say when you do not know the answer to a question
"Where's Jack?" "Search me!"
search sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ]
to find something or someone after searching
Despite the warm weather, we searched out some snow and went skiing.
search noun
1. [ C ] when you try to find someone or something
After a long search, they eventually found the missing papers.
We're doing a computer search for all words beginning with 'high'.
The police carried out/conducted/made a thorough/exhaustive search of the
premises, but they failed to find any drugs.
2. [ S ] when you try to find an answer to a problem
the search for happiness
3. in search of sth
trying to find something
She was shot by a sniper when she went out in search of firewood.
searchable adjective
If computer files are searchable, it is possible to search for words, numbers, and
other information in those files
a fully searchable database
ˈ search ˌ engine noun [ C ]
a computer program which finds information on the Internet by looking for words
which you have typed in
searching adjective
intended to find out the often hidden truth about something
I think we need to ask some searching questions about how the money has been
spent.
searchingly adverb
searchlight noun [ C ]
a light with a very bright beam that can be turned in any direction, used
especially to guard prisons or to see the movements of enemy aircraft in the sky
See picture searchlight
ˈ search ˌ party noun [ C ]
a group of people who look for someone who is lost
A search party was sent out to look for the missing climbers.
ˈ search ˌ warrant noun [ C ]
an official document which gives police officers the authority to search a building
for stolen property, illegal goods or information which might help to solve a crime
searing adjective
1. If something, such as a feeling or temperature, is described as searing, it is
extreme
A searing pain shot up her arm.
The race took place in the searing heat .
2. (especially of a criticism or story) very powerful and emotional or criticizing
someone or something very strongly
The article is a searing attack on government mismanagement.
a searing tale of love and hate
searingly adverb
seascape noun [ C ]
a painting of a view of the sea
seascape noun [ C ]
a painting of a view of the sea
seashell noun [ C ]
the empty shell of a small sea creature, often one found lying on the beach
the seashore noun [ S ]
the land along the edge of the sea
As we walked along the seashore we saw several different sorts of seaweed and
lots of tiny crabs.
seasick adjective
vomiting or having the feeling you will vomit because of the movement of the ship
you are travelling in
I was/felt seasick, so I went up on deck for some fresh air.
seasickness noun [ U ]
the seaside noun [ S ]
the area near the sea, especially where people spend their holidays and enjoy
themselves
Let's go to the seaside at the weekend!
a seaside holiday/hotel/resort
season noun [ C ]
1. one of the four periods of the year; spring, summer, autumn or winter
2. the period of the year when something that happens every year happens
How long does the dry/hurricane/monsoon season last?
3. the period of the year during which a particular sport is played
The British football season begins in August and ends in May.
4. the holiday/summer/tourist, etc. season
the period when most people take their holidays, go to visit places or take part in
an activity outside work
Air fares are more expensive during the holiday season.
5. UK a period when a set of programmes, plays or musical events are broadcast
or performed
There will be more documentaries and fewer quiz shows in the autumn season on
TV.
There's a season ( US festival ) of 1960s French films at the Arts Cinema next
month.
6. in season
a. If fruit and vegetables are in season, they are being produced in the area and
are available and ready to eat
Fruit is cheaper when it's in season.
b. at the time of year when many people want to travel or have a holiday
Hotel rooms are more expensive in season.
c. A female animal that is in season is ready to have sex and able to become
pregnant.
d. An animal that is in season can be hunted legally during a particular period of
time.
7. out of season
a. If fruit and vegetables are out of season, they do not grow in the area during
that time
In Britain, tomatoes are out of season in winter.
b. during the period when fewer people want to travel or have a holiday
c. during the period when it is not legal to hunt animals
the season of goodwill
the period around Christmas
season verb [ T ] FLAVOUR
1. to improve the flavour of savoury food by adding salt, herbs or spices when
cooking or preparing it
Drain the rice, stir in the salmon and season to taste (= so that it has the taste
you like) .
season verb [ T ] WOOD
2. to make wood hard to make it ready for use, by drying it gradually
seasonable adjective
expected at or suitable for a particular time of the year
December brought some seasonable snow showers.
seasonal adjective
relating to or happening during a particular period in the year
seasonal vegetables
seasonal farm work
seasonal affective disorder noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION SAD )
a medical condition in which a person does not have much energy and enthusiasm
during the winter because of the reduced period of natural light
seasonality noun [ U ]
when something varies according to the seasons
The seasonality of the tourist industry makes it difficult to find a permanent job in
the town.
seasonally adverb
relating to the particular season of the year
Although total unemployment has decreased, the seasonally adjusted figure has
risen slightly.
ˈ season ˌ creep noun [ U ]
the fact that in some countries seasons do not change as much or as regularly as
they did in the past, which may be caused by global warming (= the fact that the Earth
is becoming warmer)
seasoned adjective
having a lot of experience of doing something and therefore knowing how to do it
well
a seasoned traveller
a seasoned campaigner for human rights
seasoning noun [ C or U ]
a substance that is added to savoury food to improve its flavour
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Season's Greetings exclamation , plural noun
sometimes written on a Christmas card as a way of expressing a Christmas
greeting, especially to someone who is not from a Christian culture
seasonal adjective
seasonal vegetables
seasonal farm work
the town.
seasonally adverb
risen slightly.
is becoming warmer)
seasoned adjective
well
seasonal adjective
seasonal vegetables
seasonal farm work
the town.
seasonally adverb
risen slightly.
is becoming warmer)
seasoned adjective
well
ˈ season ˌ ticket noun [ C ]
a ticket which can be used many times within a limited period and is cheaper than
paying separately for each use
I have a season ticket for all Manchester United's games.
seat noun FURNITURE
1. [ C ] a piece of furniture or part of a train, plane, etc. that has been designed
for someone to sit on
Chairs, stools, sofas and benches are different types of seat.
Please have/take a seat (= sit down) .
A car usually has a driver's seat, a front/passenger seat and back/rear seats.
My ticket says 22D but there's already someone in (= sitting on) that seat.
Is this seat free/taken (= Is anyone using it) ?
Would you keep (= stop anyone else from sitting in) my seat ( for me) while I go
to the buffet car?
FORMAL Please keep your seats (= stay sitting down) until asked to leave.
Could I book/reserve two seats (= arrange for a seat to be officially kept for
me) for tomorrow evening's performance?
See picture car interior
seat noun BOTTOM PART
2. [ C usually singular ] the part of a piece of furniture or clothing on which a
person sits
I've spilt some coffee on the seat of the armchair.
The seat of those trousers looks rather tight, Sir. Would you like to try a larger
size?
seat noun OFFICIAL POSITION
3. [ C ] an official position as a politician or member of a group of people who
control something
She has a seat on the board of directors.
He is expected to lose his seat on the council in next month's elections.
She won her seat in Parliament in 1979.
He has a very safe seat (= a position that is very unlikely to be lost in an
election) .
seat noun BASE
4. [ C ] a place which acts as a base or centre for an important activity
The seat of government in the US is in Washington, DC.
St Petersburg was the seat of the Russian Revolution.
seat-of-the-pants adjective [ before noun ]
She has a seat-of-the-pants ability to find the best way out of a crisis.
bums on seats UK ( US fannies in the seats ) INFORMAL
the number of people who have paid to watch a performance
Lowering ticket prices should increase the number of bums on seats.
seat of learning FORMAL
a place where people are educated
The Sorbonne is a world-famous seat of learning.
by the seat of your pants
If you do something by the seat of your pants, you do it using only your own
experience and trusting your own judgment.
seat verb
1. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to arrange for someone to have a particular seat
The waiter greeted me with a big smile and seated us by the window.
2. seat yourself
[ R usually + adverb or preposition ] to sit somewhere
"I'm so glad to see you!" she said, seating herself between Eleanor and Marianne.
3. [ T not continuous ] (of a building, room, table or vehicle) to have enough
seats for
The new concert hall seats 1500 people.
-seat suffix
with enough seats for the particular number of people
a 2000-seat theatre
ˈ seat ˌ belt noun [ C ] ( ALSO safety belt )
a belt which fastens around someone travelling in a vehicle or aircraft, and which
holds them in their seat in order to reduce the risk of them being injured in an accident
Do you know how to fasten/do up your seat belt?
You must wear your seat belt.
seated adjective
sitting
The woman seated opposite him refused to stop staring at him.
You are requested to remain seated during takeoff.
FORMAL Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated (= please sit down) .
-seater suffix
with enough seats for the particular number of people
a 50 000-seater stadium
seating noun [ U ]
1. the seats which are provided in a place
The car has seating for six.
2. how or where people will sit
Have you worked out the seating arrangements/plan for the wedding
reception?
ˈ sea ˌ urchin noun [ C ]
a small sea animal that can be eaten which lives in water that is not very deep,
and has a round shell that is covered with sharp points like needles
ˌ sea ˈ wall noun [ C ]
a wall that protects land from being covered or damaged by the sea or protects a
port from the action of powerful waves
seaweed noun [ U ]
seaweed
a green, brown or dark red plant that grows in the sea or on land very close to
the sea
seaworthy adjective
(of a ship) in a condition that is good enough to travel safely on the sea
seaworthiness noun [ U ]
sebaceous gland noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a very small organ in the skin which produces sebum
sebum noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin that makes hair
shiny and prevents skin from becoming dry
sec noun [ C ]
1. WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR second (TIME)
2. INFORMAL a very short period of time
Would you mind waiting for me - I'll only be a couple of secs.
secateurs plural noun UK ( US pruning shears )
a garden tool which has two short sharp blades and is used for cutting plant
stems
secede verb [ I ] FORMAL
to become independent of a country or area of government
There is likely to be civil war if the region tries to secede from the south.
secession noun [ U ]
secessionist noun [ C ] , adjective
secluded adjective
quiet and private by being situated away from people, roads or buildings
a secluded beach
a secluded house in the forest
seclusion noun [ U ]
when someone is alone, away from other people
He's been living in seclusion since he retired from acting.
In some societies women are kept in seclusion, so that they are hardly ever seen
in public.
After being with a tour group all week I was glad to return to the seclusion of my
own home.
ˈ seclusion ˌ cell noun [ C ] ( ALSO seclusion room )
a place where a prisoner is kept separate from other people as a punishment
second ordinal number , determiner
1. immediately after the first and before any others
Is Brian her first or second child?
This is the second time I've had flu this winter.
2. the position in which a person finishes a race or competition if they finish
immediately behind the winner
First prize is a fortnight in Barbados and second prize is a weekend in Rome.
Jones took second place in the long jump.
3. Second is used to show that only one thing is better, bigger, etc. than the thing
mentioned
St Petersburg is Russia's second (biggest/largest) city.
Iraq's oil reserves are second only to Saudi Arabia's.
The conditions that these prisoners are kept in are second to none (= better than
all others) .
4. another
She is often described as the second Marilyn Monroe.
You really ought to make the most of the opportunity, because you won't get a
second chance .
Richard and Liz have a second home in France.
Pay attention to what she's saying because she won't explain it a second time .
5. happening only once out of every two possible times; alternate
We've decided to hold the conference every second year.
second best
not as good as the best and therefore not wanted so much
She refuses to settle for second best - she strives for perfection.
second adverb
1. after the first and before any others
Robertson won the race and Cameron was/came/finished second.
In this business, money comes first and principles come a very poor second (=
they are much less important) .
2. used to introduce the second thing in a list of things you want to say or write;
secondly
There are two good reasons why we can't do it. First, we can't afford it, and
second, we don't have time.
second noun TIME
1. [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION sec , ALSO s ) a short unit of time which is equal to a sixtieth
of a minute
There are sixty seconds in a minute.
These computers process millions of instructions per second.
The new system can trace a phone call in a fraction of a second.
2. [ C ] a very short period of time
"Come on, hurry up!" "I'll just/only be a second - I've got to lock the back door."
Have you got a second, Paul? I'd like to have a word with you.
It won't take a second (= It will be very quick) .
Wait a couple of/a few seconds before trying again.
second noun POSITION
3. [ S ] the second person or thing to do or be something, or the second person
or thing mentioned
This is the second of the four tests.
4. seconds INFORMAL
an extra serving of food that is given after the first serving has been eaten
Would anyone like seconds of ice cream?
second noun MEASUREMENT
5. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the smallest unit used for measuring an angle
There are 3600 seconds in a degree.
second noun DAMAGED PRODUCT
6. [ C ] a product that is sold cheaply because it is damaged or not in perfect
condition
second noun HELPER
7. [ C ] a person who takes care of someone who is fighting in a boxing
competition or, in the past, in a duel (= organized fight)
second noun QUALIFICATION
8. [ C ] ( ALSO second class degree ) UK a degree qualification immediately below
the highest level you can get from a British university
second noun GEAR
9. [ U ] ( ALSO second gear ) in a vehicle, the gear which combines power with
limited speed and is used when increasing or reducing speed
You'll have to change (down/up) into second.
second verb [ T ]
to make a formal statement of support for a suggestion made by someone else
during a meeting so that there can be a discussion or vote
SPECIALIZED The motion was proposed by the club's chairwoman and seconded by
the secretary.
"I could do with a drink." "I'll second that (= I agree with you) !"
seconder noun [ C ]
There was no seconder for (= person who was willing to support) the motion so it
could not be debated.
second verb [ T ] UK
to send an employee to work somewhere else temporarily, either to increase the
number of workers or to replace other workers, or to exchange experience or skills
During the dispute, many police officers were seconded from traffic duty to the
prison service.
secondment noun [ C or U ] UK
His involvement with the project began when he was on (a) secondment from
NASA to the European Space Agency.
secondary adjective EDUCATION
1. [ before noun ] relating to the education of children approximately between the
ages of 11 and 18 years old
secondary education
Marcus has just started at secondary school .
secondary adjective LESS IMPORTANT
2. less important than related things
Her health is what matters - the cost of the treatment is of secondary importance.
The need for secrecy is secondary to the need to take immediate action.
secondary adjective COMING AFTER
3. developing from something similar that existed earlier
The drug is not very effective against AIDS, though it may be used to treat
secondary viral infections .
You can't just rely on secondary sources for your research into her life history -
you ought to look at primary sources such as her letters and diaries.
secondarily adverb
ˌ second ˈ childhood noun [ S ]
when someone starts to behave like a child, especially because of mental
weakness caused by old age
Her grandfather's in his second childhood and talks nonsense most of the time.
ˌ second ˈ class noun [ U ]
1. the seats on a plane or in a train that are less good and less expensive than
first class
2. a class of post that is sent less quickly than first class
ˌ second ˈ class adjective , adverb
1. relating to the less expensive way of travelling in a train, aircraft, etc., that
most people use
a second-class carriage/ticket
We always travel second class.
2. relating to a less expensive class of mail
second-class mail/postage
How much is a second-class stamp?
How much less would it cost to send it second class?
ˌ second ˈ class adjective
1. A second class university degree is a good degree but not the best possible.
2. less important than other people
Women are still treated as second class citizens.
the ˌ Second ˈ Coming noun [ S ]
the return of Jesus Christ to Earth from heaven that Christians expect will happen
one day
ˌ second ˈ cousin noun [ C ]
any person who is a child of a cousin of your mother or father
second-degree burn noun [ C ]
a serious burn in which the skin develops blisters
Compare first-degree burn ; third-degree burn
second-degree burn noun [ C ]
a serious burn in which the skin develops blisters
Compare first-degree burn ; third-degree burn
the ˌ second ˈ floor noun [ S ]
in British English, the floor of a building that is two floors above ground level, or in
American English, the floor that is directly above ground level
I live on the second floor.
second-floor adjective [ before noun ]
a second-floor apartment
second-guess verb [ T ] GUESS
1. to guess what someone will do in the future
She's always trying to second-guess the boss.
second-guess verb [ T ] CRITICIZE
2. US to criticize someone's actions or an event after it has happened
Of course it's easy to second-guess the management of the election campaign,
but I do think serious mistakes were made.
second-hand adjective , adverb
not new; having been used in the past by someone else
This bike is second-hand but it's still in good condition.
She buys all her clothes second-hand.
ˈ second ˌ hand noun [ C usually singular ]
a long thin pointer on some clocks and watches that shows how many seconds
have passed
ˌ second ˈ honeymoon noun [ C usually singular ] HUMOROUS
a holiday taken by a husband and wife who have been married for some time,
especially in order to try to improve a relationship which is failing
second-in-command noun [ S ]
someone who is almost as important as the person in charge
Well, if the manager isn't available I'd like to speak to the second-in-command.
ˌ second ˈ language noun [ C ]
a language that a person can speak which is not the first language they learnt
naturally as a child
German is my second language.
ˌ second ˈ language noun [ C ]
a language that a person can speak which is not the first language they learnt
naturally as a child
German is my second language.
secondly adverb ( ALSO second )
used when stating the second of two or more reasons or pieces of information
I want two things from my boss - firstly, a pay rise, and secondly, a longer
contract.
ˈ second ˌ name noun [ C ] UK
surname (= the name that you share with other members of your family)
ˌ second ˈ nature noun [ U ]
If something is second nature to you, you are so familiar with it that you can do it
easily without needing to think very much about it
I used to hate computers, but using them is second nature to me now.
the ˌ second ˈ person noun [ S ]
the form of a verb or pronoun that is used to a person that you are speaking to or
writing to
second-rate adjective
not very good
a second-rate film
ˌ second ˈ sight noun [ U ]
an unusual ability that some people are thought to have that allows them to know
without being told what will happen in the future or what is happening in a different
place
ˌ second ˈ thought noun [ C ]
1. without a second thought
If you do something without a second thought, you do it without first considering
if you should do it or not
She'll spend a hundred pounds on a dress without a second thought.
2. have second thoughts
to change your opinion about something or start to doubt it
You're not having second thoughts about getting married, are you?
3. on second thoughts UK ( US on second thought )
used when you want to change a decision you have made
I'd like a cup of coffee, please - actually, on second thoughts, I'll have a beer.
ˌ second ˈ wind noun [ S ]
a return of strength or energy that makes it possible to continue in an activity
that needs a lot of effort
We started to feel we couldn't walk any further but when we saw the village in the
distance we got a/our second wind.
ˌ second ˈ wind noun [ S ]
a return of strength or energy that makes it possible to continue in an activity
that needs a lot of effort
We started to feel we couldn't walk any further but when we saw the village in the
distance we got a/our second wind.
the ˌ Second ˌ World ˈ War noun [ S ]
World War Two
secrecy noun [ U ]
the state of being secret or of keeping something secret
The content of her report is shrouded in secrecy (= being kept secret) .
I'd love to tell you about it, but Martin's sworn me to secrecy (= made me
promise not to tell anyone) .
There has been strong criticism of the secrecy surrounding the negotiations.
secret noun
1. [ C ] a piece of information that is only known by one person or a few people
and should not be told to others
Why did you have to go and tell Bob about my illness? You just can't keep a
secret, can you?
A close couple should have no secrets from each other.
Aren't you going to let me in on (= tell me) the secret?
There's no secret (= everyone knows) about his homosexuality.
She makes no secret of (= makes very clear) her dislike of her father.
That restaurant is one of the best-kept secrets in London.
2. [ C ] a fact about a subject that is not known
the secrets of the universe
3. [ S ] the particular knowledge and skills needed to do something very well
So what's the secret of being a good cook?
in secret
1. in a private place with no one else present and without other people knowing
The negotiators were meeting in secret for several months before the peace
agreement was made public.
2. only in someone's thoughts, without telling other people
He says he loathes her, but I think in secret he really likes her.
your secret's safe with me
used to say that you will not tell anyone what you have just been told
"I'd appreciate it if you kept quiet about this." "Don't worry - your secret's safe
with me."
secret adjective
1. If something is secret, other people are not allowed to know about it
The President escaped through a secret passage underneath the parliament
building.
We ought to keep these proposals secret from the chairman for the time being.
This is top (= extremely) secret information.
Do you think we'll manage to keep the surprise party secret from Mum until her
birthday?
2. [ before noun ] describes someone who has a particular habit, hobby or feeling
but does not tell or show other people that they do
a secret drinker
a secret admirer
secretly adverb
She said she didn't care about it, but I believe she was secretly delighted .
He was convicted on the evidence of secretly recorded telephone conversations.
ˌ secret ad ˈ mirer noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
a person who likes another person but does not say so
Who sent you those flowers - have you got a secret admirer?
ˌ secret ad ˈ mirer noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
a person who likes another person but does not say so
Who sent you those flowers - have you got a secret admirer?
ˌ secret ˈ agent noun [ C ]
a government employee whose job involves getting secret information about the
governments of unfriendly foreign countries; a spy
secretarial adjective
relating to the work of a secretary
a secretarial college
She's found some part-time secretarial work.
secretariat noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
the office or people responsible for the management of an organization, especially
an international or political one
secretary noun [ C ] OFFICE
1. someone who works in an office, writing letters, making telephone calls and
arranging meetings for a person or for an organization
My secretary will phone you to arrange a meeting.
secretary noun [ C ] OFFICIAL
2. an official who has responsibility for the general management of an
organization
The company secretary has written to all the shareholders to apologise for the
mistake.
Secretary noun [ C ]
1. UK a Secretary of State
the Foreign Secretary
the Home Secretary
2. US the head of a government department, chosen by the president and not a
member of a law-making group
the Secretary of Health and Human Services
Secretary-General noun [ C ]
The Secretary-General of an organization is its most important official
My moral duty as Secretary-General of the United Nations is to do everything
possible to avoid war.
ˌ Secretary of ˈ State noun [ C ]
1. ( ALSO Secretary ) in the UK, a Member of Parliament who is in charge of a
government department
She became Secretary of State for Education after spending three years as
Environment Secretary.
Was the conference a success, Foreign Secretary?
2. in the US, an important government official who has responsibility for
establishing and continuing relationships with the governments of other countries
ˌ Secretary of ˈ State noun [ C ]
1. ( ALSO Secretary ) in the UK, a Member of Parliament who is in charge of a
government department
She became Secretary of State for Education after spending three years as
Environment Secretary.
Was the conference a success, Foreign Secretary?
2. in the US, an important government official who has responsibility for
establishing and continuing relationships with the governments of other countries
ˌ secret ˈ ballot noun [ C ]
a method of voting in which each person writes their choice on a piece of paper so
that no one else knows how they have voted
The election of the government is carried out by secret ballot.
secrete verb [ T ] PRODUCE
1. SPECIALIZED (of animals or plants or their cells) to produce and release a liquid
Saliva is a liquid secreted by glands in or near the mouth.
secrete verb [ T ] HIDE
2. FORMAL to put something in a place where it is unlikely to be found
He was arrested at the airport with a kilo of heroin secreted in his clothing.
secretion noun [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED
the process by which an animal or plant produces and releases a liquid, or the
liquid produced
The excessive secretion of gastric juices in the gut causes ulcers.
toxic secretions
secretive adjective
MAINLY DISAPPROVING People who are secretive hide their feelings, thoughts,
intentions and actions from other people
He's being very secretive about his new girlfriend.
secretively adverb MAINLY DISAPPROVING
secretiveness noun [ U ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
ˌ secret po ˈ lice noun [ U ]
a police force which secretly collects information about people who oppose the
government and tries to make such opposition weaker, often using illegal and violent
methods
ˌ secret ˈ service noun [ S ]
a government organization that is responsible for things such as the safety of
important politicians and for preventing secret information being discovered by possible
enemy countries
ˌ secret ˈ service noun [ S ]
a government organization that is responsible for things such as the safety of
important politicians and for preventing secret information being discovered by possible
enemy countries
ˌ secret ˈ shopper noun [ C ] US
someone employed to test the service in shops and businesses by pretending to
be a normal customer; a mystery shopper
ˌ secret so ˈ ciety noun [ C ]
an organization which does not allow people who are not members to find out
about its activities and customs
ˌ secret ˈ weapon noun [ C ]
something or someone that no one knows about and that will give you an
advantage over your competitors or enemies
Johann was the bank robbers' secret weapon - he knew the secrets of the alarm
system.
sect noun [ C ] USUALLY DISAPPROVING
a religious group which has developed from a larger religion and is considered to
have extreme or unusual beliefs or customs
When he was sixteen he ran away from home and joined a religious sect.
sectarian noun [ C ] , adjective MAINLY DISAPPROVING
(a person) strongly supporting a particular religious group, especially in such a
way as not to be willing to accept other beliefs
a sectarian murder
He called on terrorists on both sides of the sectarian divide to end the cycle of
violence.
sectarianism noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
section noun PART
1. [ C ] one of the parts that something is divided into
the sports section of the newspaper
the tail section of an aircraft
Does the restaurant have a non-smoking section?
The poorest sections of the community have much worse health.
He was charged under section 17 of the Firearms Act (= according to that part of
the law) .
section noun CUT
2. [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED a cut made in part of the body in an operation
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a caesarean (section)
4. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a very thin slice of a part of an animal, plant or other object
made in order to see its structure
Each section is mounted on a slide and examined under the microscope.
5. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a drawing or model which shows the structure of something by
cutting part of it away
This vertical section of the soil shows four basic soil layers.
6. [ C ] the shape of a flat surface that is produced when an object is cut into
separate pieces
7. in section
showing what something would look like if the surface was cut away and you
could see inside
The first diagram is a view of the shop from the street, and the second shows it in
section.
section verb [ T ] UK
to officially force someone who has mental health problems to stay in a hospital
and receive treatment because they might harm themselves or other people
He was sectioned under section 4 of the Mental Health Act.
sectional adjective
1. US describes a piece of furniture that is made up of parts which can be
arranged in various ways
a sectional sofa
2. Interests or aims that are sectional are limited to a particular group within an
organization, society or country and do not consider other groups
The national interest is more important than any sectional or personal interests.
sectional adjective
1. US describes a piece of furniture that is made up of parts which can be
arranged in various ways
a sectional sofa
2. Interests or aims that are sectional are limited to a particular group within an
organization, society or country and do not consider other groups
The national interest is more important than any sectional or personal interests.
sector noun [ C ] ECONOMIC AREA
1. one of the areas into which the economic activity of a country is divided
In the financial sector, banks and insurance companies have both lost a lot of
money.
The new government's policy is to transfer state industries from the public sector
to the private sector.
sector noun [ C ] CONTROLLED AREA
2. an area of land or sea that has been divided from other areas and is controlled
by a particular country
What is the total oil output from the British sector of the North Sea?
secular adjective
not having any connection with religion
We live in an increasingly secular society, in which religion has less and less
influence on our daily lives.
secular education
a secular state
ˌ secular ˈ humanism noun [ U ]
a set of beliefs which emphasize the importance of reason and of people rather
than religion
secular humanist noun [ C ]
secularism noun [ U ]
the belief that religion should not be involved with the ordinary social and political
activities of a country
secularist noun [ C ] , adjective
secularize , UK USUALLY secularise verb [ T ]
When something is secularized, religious influence, power or control is removed
from it
He claims that Western secularized society makes it difficult to live as a Christian.
secure adjective FIXED
1. positioned or fixed firmly and correctly and therefore not likely to move, fall or
break
That ladder doesn't look very secure to me.
Check that all windows and doors are secure.
FIGURATIVE Her promotion has made her position in the company more secure.
FIGURATIVE The museum has been promised £22 million by the government, so its
future is relatively secure.
2. A secure place is one that it is difficult to get out of or escape from
He killed the man just a month after his release from a secure mental hospital.
secure adjective PROTECTED
3. (especially of objects, situations, etc.) able to avoid being harmed by any risk,
danger or threat
Car manufacturers ought to produce vehicles which are more secure against
theft.
Endangered species need to be kept secure from poachers.
secure adjective CONFIDENT
4. not doubting or being worried about yourself and your personal relationships
Children need to feel secure in order to do well at school.
secure verb GET
1. [ T ] FORMAL to get something, sometimes with difficulty
He was disappointed by his failure to secure the top job with the bank.
The change in the law will make it harder for the police to secure convictions .
secure verb PROTECT
2. [ I or T ] to make certain something is protected from danger or risk
The building has only one main entrance and would be easy to secure (
against/from intruders).
This form of investment is an excellent way of securing your children's financial
future.
secure verb FINANCE
3. [ T ] to make certain that money which has been lent will be paid back, by
giving the person who lends the money the right to own property belonging to the
person who borrows it, if the money is not paid back
a secured loan
Her bank loan is secured against/by/on her house.
secure verb FIX
4. [ T ] to fasten one object firmly to another
break
danger or threat
theft.

secure verb GET
secure verb PROTECT

future.
secure verb FINANCE
a secured loan
secure verb FIX
The gate won't stay open, so we'll have to secure it to that post.
securely adverb PROTECTED
1. in a way that avoids someone or something being harmed by any risk, danger
or threat
The door was securely fastened.
The offices were securely guarded.
This certificate is an important document, and should be kept securely (= in a

place where it cannot be lost or stolen) .
securely adverb FIXED
2. positioned or fastened firmly and correctly and therefore not likely to move, fall
or break
Please ensure that your seat belts are fastened securely.
FIGURATIVE He has given up political power, but he remains securely in control of

the army.
security noun PROTECTION
1. [ U ] protection of a person, building, organization or country against threats

such as crime or attacks by foreign countries
The station was closed for two hours because of a security alert .
Thirty demonstrators were killed in clashes with the security forces over the
weekend.
The tighter security measures/precautions include video cameras in the city

centre.
The students were deported because they posed a threat to national security.
The proposed national identity card system would help to tighten security against
fraud.
The most dangerous criminals are held in maximum- security prisons (= prisons
that are as difficult as possible to escape from) .
2. [ U + singular or plural verb ] the group of people responsible for protecting a

building
You'll need to notify security if you want to work late in the office.
security noun FIXED
3. [ U ] when something is not likely to fail or be lost
If it's a choice between higher pay and job security, I'd prefer to keep my job.
I'm on a temporary contract and have little financial security (= little certainty of
having enough money to live on) .
security noun FINANCE
4. [ U ] property or goods that you promise to give to someone if you cannot pay
them what you owe them
She used her shares in the company as security against a £23 million bank loan.
The hotel held onto our baggage as security while we went to the bank to get
money to pay the bill.
5. securities SPECIALIZED
investment in a company or in government debt which can be traded on the

financial markets and which produces an income for the investor (= someone giving
money hoping to get more back)
security noun CONFIDENCE

6. [ U ] the feeling of being confident in one's family and relationships
Most children need the security of a stable family life.
se ˈ curity ˌ blanket noun [ C ]
a soft object such as a small piece of cloth or a toy which is very familiar to a
baby or young child and makes it feel safe
break
danger or threat
theft.
secure verb GET
secure verb PROTECT
future.
secure verb FINANCE
a secured loan
secure verb FIX
securely adverb PROTECTED
1. in a way that avoids someone or something being harmed by any risk, danger
or threat
The door was securely fastened.
The offices were securely guarded.
This certificate is an important document, and should be kept securely (= in a
place where it cannot be lost or stolen) .
securely adverb FIXED
2. positioned or fastened firmly and correctly and therefore not likely to move, fall
or break
Please ensure that your seat belts are fastened securely.
FIGURATIVE He has given up political power, but he remains securely in control of
the army.
security noun PROTECTION
1. [ U ] protection of a person, building, organization or country against threats
such as crime or attacks by foreign countries
The station was closed for two hours because of a security alert .
Thirty demonstrators were killed in clashes with the security forces over the
weekend.
The tighter security measures/precautions include video cameras in the city
centre.
The students were deported because they posed a threat to national security.
The proposed national identity card system would help to tighten security against
fraud.
The most dangerous criminals are held in maximum- security prisons (= prisons
that are as difficult as possible to escape from) .
2. [ U + singular or plural verb ] the group of people responsible for protecting a
building
You'll need to notify security if you want to work late in the office.
security noun FIXED
3. [ U ] when something is not likely to fail or be lost
If it's a choice between higher pay and job security, I'd prefer to keep my job.
I'm on a temporary contract and have little financial security (= little certainty of
having enough money to live on) .
security noun FINANCE
4. [ U ] property or goods that you promise to give to someone if you cannot pay
them what you owe them
She used her shares in the company as security against a £23 million bank loan.
The hotel held onto our baggage as security while we went to the bank to get
money to pay the bill.
5. securities SPECIALIZED
investment in a company or in government debt which can be traded on the
financial markets and which produces an income for the investor (= someone giving
money hoping to get more back)
security noun CONFIDENCE
6. [ U ] the feeling of being confident in one's family and relationships
Most children need the security of a stable family life.
se ˈ curity ˌ blanket noun [ C ]
a soft object such as a small piece of cloth or a toy which is very familiar to a
baby or young child and makes it feel safe
se ˈ curity ˌ clearance noun [ C or U ]
official permission given to someone to enter a building or area, after making
certain that they are not a threat
the Se ˈ curity ˌ Council noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
a part of the United Nations whose purpose is to prevent war and keep peace
se ˈ curity ˌ guard noun [ C ]
someone whose job involves preventing people going into places without
permission, taking and bringing large amounts of money, or protecting goods from
being stolen
se ˈ curity ˌ risk noun [ C ]
something or someone likely to cause danger or difficulty
The only reason she was considered a security risk was because her husband was
a foreigner.
sedan noun [ C ]
sedan
US FOR saloon (CAR)
se ˈ dan ˌ chair noun [ C ]
in the past, a seat for one person surrounded by walls and with horizontal poles at
either side, designed to be lifted and carried by two people
sedate adjective
avoiding excitement or great activity and usually calm and relaxed
The fight against a chemical storage site has transformed a normally sedate
village into a battleground.
The speed limit is a sedate 55 mph.
sedately adverb
sedate verb [ T ]
to cause a person or animal to be very calm or go to sleep by giving them a drug
When I saw him after the accident he was still in shock and was heavily sedated.
sedation noun [ U ]
She's under strong sedation and should not be disturbed.
sedative noun [ C ]
a drug used to calm a person or animal or to make them sleep
sedentary adjective
involving little exercise or physical activity
a sedentary job/occupation
My doctor says I should start playing sport because my lifestyle is too sedentary.
sediment noun
1. [ C or U ] a soft substance that is like a wet powder and consists of very small
pieces of a solid material which have fallen to the bottom of a liquid
There was a brown sediment in the bottom of the bottle.
2. sediments
sand, stones, etc. that eventually form a layer of rock
It is hoped that the oil slick will sink to the seabed where it would be covered
within a few years by sediments and eventually decompose.
sedimentation noun [ U ]
sedimentary adjective
(of rock) made from sediment left by the action of water, ice or wind
sedimentary rock
sedimen ˈ tation ˌ tank noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a large container in which dirty or waste water is stored until all the solid material
in it settles to the bottom and the water can be released for further treatment
sedition noun [ U ] FORMAL
language or behaviour that is intended to persuade other people to oppose their
government
seditious adjective
She was arrested after making a speech that the government considered to be
seditious.
seduce verb PERSUADE
1. [ T ] to persuade someone to have sex with you, often someone younger than
you, who has little experience of sex
Pete lost his virginity at 15 when he was seduced by his best friend's mother.
seduce verb ATTRACT
2. [ T usually passive ] to cause someone to do something that they would not
usually consider doing by being very attractive and difficult to refuse
I wouldn't normally have bought this, but I was seduced by the low price.
They were seduced into buy ing the washing machine by the offer of a free flight
to the United States.
3. [ T usually passive ] If you are seduced by something, you like it because it
seems attractive
Almost every visitor to Edinburgh is seduced by its splendid architecture.
seducer noun [ C ]
someone who seduces people
The play tells the story of a wealthy woman who seeks revenge on her heartless
seducer.
seduction noun ATTRACTING
1. [ C usually plural ] the attractive quality of something
The seductions of life in a warm climate have led many Britons to live abroad,
especially in Spain.
seduction noun PERSUADING
2. [ C or U ] when someone is persuaded to have sex with someone else,
especially someone older or more experienced
The film depicts Charlotte's seduction by her boss.
seductive adjective PERSUADING
1. intended to seduce someone
It was a seductive black evening dress.
She gave him a seductive look.
seductive adjective ATTRACTING
2. making you want to do, have or believe something, because of seeming
attractive
Television confronts the viewer with a succession of glittering and seductive
images .
The argument that sanctions should be given more time to work is seductive but
fatally flawed.
seductively adverb
seductiveness noun [ U ]
seductress noun [ C ]
a female seducer
see verb USE EYES
1. [ I or T ] to be conscious of what is around you by using your eyes
Turn the light on so I can see.
"I can see you!"
[ + ( that ) ] The teacher could see (that) the children had been fighting.
[ + infinitive without to ] Jacqui saw the car drive up outside the police station.
[ + -ing verb ] From the window we could see the children play ing in the yard.
[ + past participle ] His parents saw him award ed the winner's medal.
See (= Look at) p. 23 for prices and flight details.
See over (= Look at the next page) for further information.
2. [ T ] to watch a film, television programme, etc.
Did you see that documentary on Channel 4 last night?
3. [ T often passive ] to be the time or place when something happens
This summer has seen the end of water restrictions in the area thanks to a new
reservoir.
4. you ain't seen nothing yet
HUMOROUS said to mean that more surprising or exciting things are likely to happen
see verb UNDERSTAND
5. [ T ] to understand, know or realise
[ + ( that ) ] I see (that) the social club is organising a theatre trip next month.
[ + question word ] He can't see wh at difference it makes to come (= He doesn't
think it is important if he comes) on Thursday instead of Friday.
They didn't see the need/any need (= understand that it was important) to
notify their members of the changes in writing.
They only refused to help because they're too busy, but he seems to see more in
it than that.
"I'm tired." " So I see - you've been yawning all afternoon."
The chairwoman thought the new scheme was a great improvement, but I
couldn't see it myself (= couldn't understand why it was thought to be good, or didn't
agree) .
I was surprised that they couldn't see my point of view.
The government didn't want to be seen to be making concessions to terrorists.
After she read his book she started to see the issue in another/a different/a
new light (= differently) .
see verb MEET
6. [ I or T ] to meet or visit someone, or to visit a place
We're seeing friends at the weekend.
I haven't seen Jerry around (= in the places I usually meet him) in the last few
weeks.
No one has seen much of Daryl since he got married.
They see a lot of each other (= are often together) at weekends.
My mother is seeing the doctor again next week.
The children wanted to see the circus.
The agent said they could see the house ( UK ALSO see round/through/
AUSTRALIAN USUALLY over the house) at 3 p.m.
7. [ T ] to have a romantic relationship with someone
How long has she been seeing him?
see verb CONSIDER
8. [ T ] to consider or think about, especially to think about someone or
something in a particular way, or to imagine someone doing a particular activity
She didn't see herself as brave.
It was easy to see the gift as a sort of bribe.
[ + object + -ing verb ] I can't see her accept ing (= I don't think she will accept)
the job in the present circumstances.
As I see it/things/the situation , we'll have to get extra help.
Try and see it my way - I'll be left without any help if you go to Edinburgh
tomorrow.
see verb GO WITH
9. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to take someone somewhere by going
there with them
He saw his visitors to the door .
Her friends saw her home .
The security guard saw the protesters off the premises.
see verb TRY TO DISCOVER
10. [ I + question word ] to try to discover
Will you see if you can get anyone to help?
I'll see wh at I can do.
see verb MAKE CERTAIN
11. [ + ( that ) ] to make certain that something happens
See (that) you're ready by five, or there'll be trouble.
The receptionist said he'd see (that) she got the message.
can't see further than the end of your nose
If someone can't see further than the end of their nose, they do not notice what is
happening around them.
can't see the wood for the trees UK ( US can't see the forest for the trees )
to be unable to understand a situation clearly because you are too involved in it
have seen better days
to be old and in bad condition
That jacket's seen better days. Why don't you get a new one?
have to be seen to be believed
to exist, although it is difficult to believe
The mess the burglars left behind had to be seen to be believed.
I/We'll (have to) see
used to say that you will make a decision about something later
"Do you think there'll be time to stop for a meal?" "We'll see."
Let me see/Let's see
used when you want to think for a moment about something
"Do you know a shop that sells sports clothes?" "Let me see - I think there's one
near the station."
not see beyond sth DISAPPROVING
to have your attention fixed on something and therefore be unable to consider
other things
The government cannot see beyond next year's general election.
not see sb for dust UK INFORMAL
when someone leaves quickly in order to avoid something
If you let him know that Margaret's coming, you won't see him for dust.
not see hide nor hair of sb INFORMAL
to not see someone at all over a period of time
I haven't seen hide nor hair of her since last Friday.
see sth coming
to expect something to happen
No one else had expected the factory to close, but we saw it coming.
see sb in hell before ... MAINLY UK INFORMAL
If you would see someone in hell before you would do something they have
suggested, you are very determined not to do it
I'd see her in hell before I'd agree to an arrangement like that.
see sb right UK INFORMAL
to make certain that someone is helped or treated well
Ask Mrs Martin at the desk over there about the invoices - she'll see you right.
see your way (clear) to doing sth
to agree to do or allow something
Could you see your way to letting us borrow the machine on Wednesday?
see a man about a dog INFORMAL
Someone might say they have to see a man about a dog when they do not want
to tell you what they are really doing, especially when they are going to the toilet
I've just got to see a man about a dog. I'll be back in a minute.
see eye to eye
If two people see eye to eye, they agree with each other
My sisters don't see eye to eye with me about the arrangements.
see fit FORMAL
If you see fit to do something, you think it is good or necessary to do it
She saw fit to take her son away from the school.
see in the New Year
to not go to bed on 31 December until after 12 o'clock at night in order to
celebrate the start of a new year
see life
to experience many different and often unexpected things
As a volunteer on the childcare project, I really saw life.
see red
to become very angry
People who don't finish a job really make me see red.
see sense/reason
to be sensible and reasonable
We talked to her for an hour, but we couldn't make her see sense.
see stars
If you see stars, you are partly unconscious because you have been hit on the
head.
see the back of sb/sth UK
If you are pleased to see the back of something/someone, you are pleased that
you no longer have to be involved with them
The hotel staff were glad to see the back of such a difficult guest.
see the colour of sb's money INFORMAL
To see the colour of someone's money is to make certain that a person is going to
pay for something
"I'll have one of those." "Let's see the colour of your money first!"
see the joke
to understand something funny and find it funny yourself
Everyone else laughed loudly but I didn't see the joke.
see the last of sth/sb
to not see something or someone again because they have gone away or are
finished
see the light
If you see the light, you suddenly understand something you didn't understand
before.
see the light of day
When something sees the light of day, it appears for the first time.
see the point of sth
to understand the importance of or the reason for something
They couldn't see the point of further training.
See you (later) INFORMAL
goodbye
Seeing is believing. SAYING
said to mean that if you see something yourself, you will believe it to exist or be
true, despite the fact that it is extremely unusual or unexpected
"I never thought Simon would get out of bed before lunchtime on a Saturday, but
seeing is believing!"
seeing things
If you are seeing things, you are imagining that things are happening when they
are not
Didn't Marie come in just now? I must have been seeing things.
we'll (soon) see about that
used when you are angry about something that you feel is unfair and that you
intend to stop happening
He wants to park his car on my lawn? Well, we'll soon see about that!
What you see is what you get. SAYING
said to show that there is nothing hidden
See also WYSIWYG
wouldn't be seen dead INFORMAL
If someone wouldn't be seen dead in a particular place or doing a particular thing,
they would never do it, usually because it would be too embarrassing
I wouldn't be seen dead wear ing a dress like that.
you see
used when you hope someone else will understand what you are saying or asking
Could you lend me £10? I need to do some shopping, you see.
see about sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to prepare for or deal with an action or event, or to arrange for something to be
done
It's getting late - I'd better see about lunch.
[ + -ing verb ] You should see about gett ing your hair cut.
not see beyond sth phrasal verb DISAPPROVING
to have your attention fixed on something and therefore be unable to consider
other things
The government cannot see beyond next year's general election.
see sth in sb/sth phrasal verb
to believe that someone or something has a particular quality
We don't travel on bank holiday weekends - I just can't see the pleasure in it.
not know what sb sees in sb/sth
to not understand why someone likes a particular person or thing
He's so boring - I don't know what she sees in him.
see sb off phrasal verb [ M ] SAY GOODBYE
1. to go to the place that someone is leaving from in order to say goodbye to
them
My parents saw me off at the airport.
see sb off phrasal verb [ M ] GET RID OF
2. to send away an attacker or unwanted person, usually forcefully
The caretaker ran out and saw off the boys who had been damaging the fence.
see sb/sth off phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to defeat someone or something, or to deal with them effectively so that they can
no longer cause harm
England saw off Luxembourg 5-0.
He may not have seen off the challengers for the leadership of the party, but he
has at least silenced them for a while.
see sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to wait or last until the end of a difficult event or situation
The besieged town hasn't enough food to see the month out.
They saw out the storm in the best shelter they could find.
see sb out phrasal verb ( ALSO see sb to the door )
to go to the door of a building or room with someone who does not live or work
there, when they are leaving
My secretary will see you out.
see yourself out phrasal verb [ R ] ( ALSO see yourself to the door )
to leave a building or room by yourself after visiting someone there
It's ok - I'll see myself out.
see sb through sth phrasal verb
to help or support someone during a difficult period in their life
He was a prisoner of war for five years, but his courage saw him through.
My brother's lent me £500 to see me through the next few weeks.
see sth through phrasal verb
to continue doing a job or activity until it is finished, especially when it is difficult
The course would take me three years to complete, but I was determined to see it
through.
see through sb/sth phrasal verb
to realise that someone is trying to deceive you to get an advantage, or that
someone's behaviour is intended to deceive you, and to understand the truth about the
situation
They were very friendly, but I quickly saw through them.
She saw through his excuse at once.
see to sth/sb phrasal verb
to deal with a person or task that needs to be dealt with or is waiting to be dealt
with
"These letters need posting." "I'll see to them later."
Mrs Chapman asked for some help with the orders - could you see to it?
[ + that ] Please see to it that no-one comes in without identification.
seed noun PLANT
1. [ C or U ] a small round or oval object produced by a plant and from which,
when it is planted, a new plant can grow
Sow the seeds (= put them in the ground) about 3 cm deep.
The chemical will stop all seeds from sprouting (= starting to grow) .
The farmers grow these crops for seed (= for planting to grow more crops, rather
than for eating) .
2. [ C usually plural ] the cause of a feeling or situation, or the early stages of it
The seeds of friendship were sown early, and they remained lifelong companions.
He may be sowing the seeds of his own destruction in the long term by using
violence against his own people.
3. [ U ] LITERARY semen
4. go/run to seed
a. If a food plant goes or runs to seed, it produces flowers and seeds because it
has not been picked early enough
In hot weather lettuces can suddenly run to seed.
b. If a person or place goes or runs to seed, their physical appearance becomes
worse because no one cares for them
After he retired, he really went to seed.
seed noun SPORT
5. [ C ] especially in tennis, a good player who is given a place on the list of those
expected to win games in a particular competition because of the way they have played
in the past
Turner's opponent in the quarter-finals of the darts is the No. 1 seed.
seed verb PLANT
1. [ I or T ] to produce seeds
The plants have seeded themselves (= their seeds have fallen) into the cracks
between the paving stones.
2. [ T ] ( ALSO deseed ) to remove the seeds from a fruit or vegetable
Wash, seed and cut the pepper into small pieces.
seed verb SPORT
3. [ T usually passive ] to make a player a seed
[ + adjective ] Jones, seeded second, has won her last ten matches.
ˈ seed ˌ corn noun [ U ]
1. grain which is kept for planting to produce new plants
2. something which is important because it is the starting point for future
development
Investment is the seed corn of economic progress.
seeded adjective PLANT
1. with the seeds removed
Garnish with peeled, seeded and diced tomatoes.
2. containing seeds
seeded adjective SPORT
3. especially of a tennis player, given a place on the list of those expected to win
games in a particular competition because of the way they have played in the past
seeded players
-seeded suffix PLANT
1. with the type of seed mentioned
The walnut is a hard-seeded fruit.
-seeded suffix SPORT
2. being seeded in the position mentioned
The 5th-seeded Browne crushed the defending champion.
seedless adjective
without seeds
seedless grapes
seedling noun [ C ]
a very young plant which has grown from a seed
Raise the seedlings in the greenhouse.
ˈ seed ˌ money noun [ U ] US
money used to start a development or activity
ˈ seed po ˌ tato noun [ C ]
Seed potatoes are potatoes which are planted so that a plant will grow and more
potatoes will be produced.
seedy adjective
looking dirty or in bad condition and likely to be involved in dishonest or illegal
activities
a seedy hotel
He didn't like the look of the seedy characters who were hanging around outside
the bar.
seediness noun [ U ]
seeing-eye dog noun [ C ]
US TRADEMARK FOR guide dog
ˈ seeing (that) conjunction ( INFORMAL seeing as , NOT STANDARD seeing as how )
considering or accepting the fact that; as
We may as well go to the concert, seeing as we've already paid for the tickets.
seek verb FORMAL SEARCH
1. [ T ] to try to find or get something, especially something which is not a
physical object
"Are you actively seeking jobs?" she asked.
Hundreds of dissidents are seeking refuge/asylum in the US embassy.
2. [ T ] to ask for advice, help, approval, permission, etc.
Legal advice should be sought before you take any further action.
seek verb FORMAL TRY
3. [ I + to infinitive ] to try or attempt
They sought to reassure the public.
-seeking suffix
A lot of bad behaviour is attention -seeking on the part of mixed-up kids.
seek sb/sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to look for someone or something, especially for a long time until you find them
While he was at the library, Steve decided to seek out some information on
accommodation in the area.
seeker noun [ C ]
a person who is looking for the thing mentioned
asylum seekers
job-seekers
seem verb [ I + adv/prep L ]
to give the effect of being; to be judged to be
He's 16, but he often seems (to be) younger.
The children seemed ( as if/as though/like they were) tired.
I suspect his claims are not all they seem - he tends to exaggerate.
Things are seldom as/how/what they seem.
[ + to infinitive ] I seem to know more about him than anyone else.
They seem to be tak ing a long time to decide.
[ + ( that ) ] It seems (that) she can't come.
It seems to me (that) (= I think that) he isn't the right person for the job.
FORMAL It would seem (that) we need to be at the airport two hours before
takeoff.
There seems to have been a mistake - my name isn't on the list.
[ after so ] "There's no reply - they've all gone home." " So it seems."
"Was a decision made?" "It seems not/so ."
seeming adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
appearing to be something, especially when this is not true
He said, with seeming embarrassment, that he would have to cancel the meeting.
seemingly adverb
1. appearing to be something, especially when this is not true
He remains confident and seemingly untroubled by his recent problems.
2. according to the facts that you know
The factory closure is seemingly inevitable.
Seemingly, she's gone off to live with another man.
seemly adjective OLD USE
socially suitable and polite
Opposite unseemly
seen verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF see
seep verb [ I + adv/prep ]
to move or spread slowly out of a hole or through something
Pesticides are seeping out of farmland and into the water supply.
FIGURATIVE Given the intense secrecy of the arms business, information only seeps
out in company literature.
seepage noun [ U ]
Oil spills and seepage from refineries are common.
seer noun [ C ] LITERARY
a person who says he or she can see what will happen in the future
seersucker noun [ U ]
a light cloth which has a pattern of raised and flat strips on it
seesaw noun [ C ] ( US ALSO teeter-totter )
seesaw
a long board that children play on. The board is balanced on a central point so
that when a child sits on each end they can make the board go up and down by pushing
off the ground with their feet.
seesaw verb [ I ]
to change repeatedly from one emotion, situation, etc. to another and then back
again
His mind seesawed between hope and despair all through those weeks.
seesaw adjective [ before noun ]
The stock market's recent seesaw movements have made many investors
nervous.
seethe verb [ I ] FEEL ANGER
1. to feel very angry but to be unable or unwilling to express it clearly
The class positively seethed with indignation when Julia won the award.
By the end of the meeting he was seething.
seethe verb [ I ] MOVE
2. (of a large number or amount) to move about energetically in a small space
The streets were seething (= busy and crowded) with tourists.
seething adjective [ before noun ]
Their seething resentment led to angry jostling between team-mates.
A seething mass of children crowded around the tables.
seethe verb [ I ] FEEL ANGER
1. to feel very angry but to be unable or unwilling to express it clearly
The class positively seethed with indignation when Julia won the award.
By the end of the meeting he was seething.
seethe verb [ I ] MOVE
2. (of a large number or amount) to move about energetically in a small space
The streets were seething (= busy and crowded) with tourists.
seething adjective [ before noun ]
Their seething resentment led to angry jostling between team-mates.
A seething mass of children crowded around the tables.
see-through adjective
1. describes a piece of clothing which is very thin and light, under which you can
see other clothes or the body
a see-through blouse
2. transparent
see-through partitions
segment noun [ C ]
any of the parts into which something (especially a circle or sphere) can be
divided or into which it is naturally divided
The salad was decorated with segments of orange.
People over the age of 85 make up the fastest-growing population segment.
See picture fruit 1
segment verb [ I or T ] SPECIALIZED
to divide something into different parts
City Insurance segmented the market into three by issuing three types of policy.
segmentation noun [ U ]
segregate verb [ T ]
1. to keep one group of people apart from another and treat them differently,
especially because of race or sex
a segregated school/society
Blacks were segregated from whites in every area of life.
2. to keep one thing separate from another
The systems will have to be able to segregate clients' money from the firm's own
cash.
segregated adjective
segregated schools
The psychiatric section is segregated (= separated) from the rest of the prison.
segregation noun [ U ]
The system of racial segregation that used to exist in South Africa was called
apartheid.
segue verb [ I ]
to move easily and without interruption from one piece of music, part of a story,
subject or situation to another
His performance of 'Alison' segued into a cover version of 'Tracks of My Tears'.
segue noun [ C usually singular ]
segue verb [ I ]
to move easily and without interruption from one piece of music, part of a story,
subject or situation to another
His performance of 'Alison' segued into a cover version of 'Tracks of My Tears'.
segue noun [ C usually singular ]
seismic adjective
1. [ before noun ] relating to or caused by an earthquake
seismic activity/waves
2. having very great and damaging effects
The news that the chairman would resign set off seismic waves in the business
community.
seismograph noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a piece of equipment which measures and records the strength of an earthquake
seismology noun [ U ]
the scientific study of the sudden violent movements of the Earth connected with
earthquakes
seismologist noun [ C ]
seize verb
1. [ T ] to take something quickly and keep or hold it
I seized his arm and made him turn to look at me.
He seized the chance/opportunity of a free flight with both hands (= with
eagerness or enthusiasm) .
2. [ T ] to take using sudden force
The rebels have seized ten soldiers to use as hostages.
Political instability helped the army to seize power .
Troops yesterday seized control of the broadcasting station.
3. [ T ] If the police or other officials seize something, they take possession of it
with legal authority
Customs officers at Heathrow have seized 60 kilos of heroin.
4. [ usually passive ] If a strong emotion or pain seizes you, you feel it suddenly
I was suddenly seized by/with a feeling of great insecurity and loneliness.
seize on/upon sth phrasal verb
to use, accept or take advantage of something quickly or enthusiastically
The story was seized on by the tabloid press, who printed it under huge headlines.
seize up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stop being able to move or work in the normal way
The washing machine totally seized up on Thursday.
The traffic had seized up for miles because of the roadworks.
seizure noun TAKING
1. [ C or U ] the action of seizing something by force or with legal authority
seizure of power/property/control
Seizures of illicit drugs have increased by 30% this year.
seizure noun MEDICAL
2. [ C ] a very sudden attack of an illness involving unconsciousness or violent
movement
an epileptic seizure
3. [ C ] OLD USE a sudden failure of the heart
His aunt died of a seizure.
FIGURATIVE HUMOROUS When I told her how much it cost she nearly had a seizure (=
she was very shocked) .
seizure noun TAKING
1. [ C or U ] the action of seizing something by force or with legal authority
seizure of power/property/control
Seizures of illicit drugs have increased by 30% this year.
seizure noun MEDICAL
2. [ C ] a very sudden attack of an illness involving unconsciousness or violent
movement
an epileptic seizure
3. [ C ] OLD USE a sudden failure of the heart
His aunt died of a seizure.
FIGURATIVE HUMOROUS When I told her how much it cost she nearly had a seizure (=
she was very shocked) .
seldom adverb
almost never
Now that we have a baby, we seldom get the chance to go to the cinema.
FORMAL Seldom do we receive any apology when mistakes are made.
select verb [ I or T ]
to choose a small number of things, or to choose by making careful decisions
There was a choice of four prizes, and the winner could select one of them.
A mouse is a device which makes it easier to select different options from
computer menus.
How do you select people for promotion?
[ + object + to infinitive ] He was selected to play for Australia at the age of only
18.
FORMAL The supermarket's policy is to select out (= choose) the best fruit and
discard the rest.
select adjective
of only the best type or highest quality, and usually small in size or amount
It's a very select club - I've been trying unsuccessfully to join it for years.
These activities should be available to all pupils, not just a select few .
Hamilton lives in a very select part of London.
se ˌ lect com ˈ mittee noun [ C ]
a group of politicians, from different political parties, chosen to report and advise
on a particular subject
She is a member of the Commons Select Committee on education.
selection noun
1. [ C or U ] when someone or something is chosen
the selection process
Success is achieved by the careful selection of projects.
The coach made her selection (= chose who she wanted) for the team.
2. [ C ] a choice, range, or different types of something
Most schools would have a good selection of these books in their libraries.
The larger shops are able to stock a wider selection of goods.
3. [ C ] a person or thing which has been or will be chosen
Their music was a mix of old stuff and selections from the new album.
selective adjective
intentionally choosing some things and not others
As a teacher she was very selective, accepting only a small number of
exceptionally gifted pupils.
He seemed to have a very selective recall of past events.
selectively adverb
selectivity noun [ U ] ( ALSO selectiveness )
selective adjective
intentionally choosing some things and not others
As a teacher she was very selective, accepting only a small number of
exceptionally gifted pupils.
He seemed to have a very selective recall of past events.
selectively adverb
selectivity noun [ U ] ( ALSOselectiveness )
se ˌ lective ˈ service noun [ U ] US
the system in the US in which men aged 18-26 must put their names on an
official list so that they can be called to join the army if there is a war
Compare national service
selector noun [ C ]
1. a device that controls a piece of equipment
a channel/gear/height selector
2. UK a person who chooses a sports team
His performance persuaded the selectors that he should be included in the team.
selenium noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical element used in photocells and photographic devices and also
necessary in small amounts in the body
self noun PERSONALITY
1. [ C or U ] the set of someone's characteristics, such as personality and ability,
which are not physical and make that person different from other people
The hero of the film finally finds his true self.
When I saw them this afternoon they were more like their old/normal selves (=
as they were in the past) .
a sense of self
self noun PERSONAL ADVANTAGE
2. [ U ] FORMAL DISAPPROVING interest only in your own advantage
Her reply was typical of her constant regard for self.
Unto thine own self be true. SAYING
This means that you should only do what you think is right.
self- prefix
of or by yourself or itself
self-educated
a self-winding watch
self-absorbed adjective USUALLY DISAPPROVING
only interested in yourself and your own activities
self-absorption noun [ U ]
Her self-absorption is total - she talks you to death about her health problems.
self-access noun [ U ]
a method of learning in which students use books, videos, etc. to study on their
own
self-access material
self-access noun [ U ]
a method of learning in which students use books, videos, etc. to study on their
own
self-access material
self-addressed adjective
(especially of an envelope ) with the address of the person who has sent it
Send a self-addressed envelope for our free catalogue.
See also sae ; SASE
self-appointed adjective DISAPPROVING
behaving as if you had responsibility or authority but without having been chosen
by other people
The newspaper has become the self-appointed guardian of public morals.
self-assembly adjective MAINLY UK
designed to be made at home from a set of prepared parts by the person who
buys it
a self-assembly kitchen cabinet
self-assertive adjective
giving your opinions in a powerful way so that other people will notice
self-assessment noun [ C or U ]
a judgment, sometimes for official purposes, which you make about your abilities,
principles or decisions
self-assured adjective APPROVING
having confidence in your own abilities
The interview showed her as a self-assured and mature student.
self-assurance noun [ U ]
self-awareness noun [ U ]
good knowledge and judgment about yourself
self-aware adjective
self-belief noun [ U ]
trust in your own abilities
self-belief noun [ U ]
trust in your own abilities
self-build noun
1. [ U ] a way of building your house yourself
Self-build is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
2. [ C ] a house that the owner has built
self-build adjective [ before noun ]
self-build projects
self build verb [ T ]
We offer everything you need to self build your dream home.
self-catering adjective UK
(of a holiday) having a kitchen so that you can cook meals for yourself rather than
having them provided for you
self-catering apartments/accommodation
a self-catering holiday
We decided to go for self-catering rather than stay in a hotel.
self-catering noun [ U ]
This price is for self-catering.
self-censorship noun [ U ]
control of what you say or do in order to avoid annoying or offending others, but
without being told officially that such control is necessary
These writers knew that unless they practised a form of self-censorship, the
authorities would persecute them.
self-centred , US self-centered adjective DISAPPROVING
Robert is a self-centred, ambitious and bigoted man.
self-certification noun [ U ] UK FORMAL
an official statement that you make about yourself, especially in connection with
tax or illness
You are able to notify up to eight days' illness by self-certification.
self-confessed adjective [ before noun ]
admitting to having a characteristic which is considered to be bad or not
acceptable
New evidence from a self-confessed liar was not enough to justify a retrial.
a self-confessed gambler/alcoholic
self-confessed adjective [ before noun ]
admitting to having a characteristic which is considered to be bad or not
acceptable
New evidence from a self-confessed liar was not enough to justify a retrial.
a self-confessed gambler/alcoholic
self-confident adjective APPROVING
behaving calmly because you have no doubts about your ability or knowledge
At school he was popular and self-confident, and we weren't surprised at his later
success.
self-confidence noun [ U ]
self-confidently adverb
self-congratulatory adjective DISAPPROVING
praising yourself or saying how well you have done something
self-congratulation noun [ U ]
self-conscious adjective
nervous or uncomfortable because you know what people think about you or your
actions
He looked uncomfortable, like a self-conscious adolescent who's gone to the
wrong party.
self-consciously adverb
self-consciousness noun [ U ]
self-contained adjective
1. containing or having everything that is needed within itself
The government wants to encourage viable self-contained rural communities.
2. describes someone who does not have a large number of relationships with
other people or does not depend on others for support
She's very self-contained and isn't at all worried about moving to a big city where
she won't know anybody.
self-contradictory adjective FORMAL
expressing one thing which is the opposite of another thing that was already said;
saying two things which cannot both be correct
He is described as a Texas oil millionaire and environmentalist, which might
appear to be self-contradictory.
self-controlled adjective USUALLY APPROVING
having strong control over your emotions and actions
He's always seemed very self-controlled, so I was amazed by his sudden outburst
in the office.
self-control noun [ U ]
It took incredible self-control not to cry out with pain.
self-controlled adjective USUALLY APPROVING
having strong control over your emotions and actions
He's always seemed very self-controlled, so I was amazed by his sudden outburst
in the office.
self-control noun [ U ]
It took incredible self-control not to cry out with pain.
self-deception noun [ U ]
when you hide the truth from yourself
His claim to be an important and unjustly neglected painter is sheer self-deception
- he's no good at all.
self-declared adjective [ before noun ]
stated or announced by yourself
The self-declared guardians of law and order held a press conference.
See also self-styled
self-defeating adjective
describes something that causes or makes worse the problem it was designed to
avoid or solve
self-defeating regulations
self-defence UK , US self-defense noun [ U ]
1. protection of yourself, either by fighting or discussion
He used the gun in self-defence.
In self-defence, I have to say that I only did what you asked me to do.
2. the skill of fighting without weapons to protect yourself
She goes to self-defence classes for women.
self-delusion noun [ C or U ]
when you allow yourself to believe something that is not true
It's self-delusion if he thinks he'll be offered a better contract.
self-denial noun [ U ]
when you do not take or have something that you would like because you think it
is good for you not to have it
self-deprecating adjective ( ALSO self-deprecatory ) FORMAL
trying to make yourself, your abilities or your achievements seem less important
a self-deprecating manner/remark
self-deprecating humour/jokes
self-deprecatingly adverb
self-deprecation noun [ U ]
self-destruct verb [ I ]
1. to be destroyed from within, especially in a way that is planned during the
process of being made
An investigation is underway after a missile self-destructed shortly after it was
launched.
2. ( the/sb's ) self-destruct button
a characteristic in a person that makes them likely to fail because of their own
actions
At least he reached the semi-final before hitting the self-destruct button.
self-destruction noun [ U ]
self-destructive adjective
He is rebellious, aggressive and at times self-destructive.
self-destruct verb [ I ]
1. to be destroyed from within, especially in a way that is planned during the
process of being made
An investigation is underway after a missile self-destructed shortly after it was
launched.
2. ( the/sb's ) self-destruct button
a characteristic in a person that makes them likely to fail because of their own
actions
At least he reached the semi-final before hitting the self-destruct button.
self-destruction noun [ U ]
self-destructive adjective
He is rebellious, aggressive and at times self-destructive.
self-determination noun [ U ]
the ability or power to make decisions for yourself, especially the power of a
nation to decide how it will be governed
self-discipline noun [ U ] APPROVING
the ability to make yourself do things you know you should do even when you do
not want to
You need a lot of self-discipline when you're doing research work on your own.
self-disciplined adjective
self-discovery noun [ U ]
when you learn about yourself and your beliefs
Her own journey/voyage of self-discovery started as she was recovering from a
severe illness.
self-doubt noun [ U ]
a feeling of having no confidence in your abilities and decisions
self-drive adjective UK
renting and driving a car yourself, rather than being driven by someone else
a self-drive hire car
self-effacing adjective
not making yourself noticeable; not trying to get the attention of other people;
modest
The captain was typically self-effacing when questioned about the team's
successes, giving credit to the other players.
self-effacement noun [ U ]
self-effacingly adverb
self-employed adjective
not working for an employer but finding work for yourself or having your own
business
a self-employed builder
Do you pay less tax if you're self-employed?
self-employed plural noun
They run an advice centre for the self-employed.
self-employment noun [ U ]
self-esteem noun [ U ]
belief and confidence in your own ability and value
The compliments she received after the presentation boosted her self-esteem.
She suffers from low self-esteem and it prevents her from pursuing her goals.
self-evident adjective
clear or obvious without needing any proof or explanation
Solutions which seem self-evident to humans are often beyond the grasp of
computers.
self-evidently adverb
Any growth in unemployment is self-evidently a matter of extreme seriousness.
self-explanatory adjective
easily understood from the information already given and not needing further
explanation
a self-explanatory list of instructions
self-expression noun [ U ]
expression of your personality, emotions or ideas, especially through art, music or
acting
He regarded poetry as sentimental self-expression.
self-financing adjective
paid for only by the money that an activity itself produces
Fees will have to treble to make the courses self-financing.
self-fulfilling adjective
happening because it is expected to happen
Pessimism is self-fulfilling - expect the worst and it happens.
ˌ self-ful ˌ filling ˈ prophecy noun [ C ]
something that you cause to happen by saying and expecting that it will happen
self-fulfilment noun [ U ]
a feeling of satisfaction that you have achieved what you wanted
When the options are unemployment or a boring job, having babies can seem like
the only means of self-fulfilment.
self-fulfilled adjective
self-government , noun [ U ]
the control of a country or an area by the people living there, or the control of an
organization by a group of people independent of central or local government
The poll showed that 80% of the population supported regional self-government.
self-governing adjective
self-governing trusts/schools
self-evident adjective
clear or obvious without needing any proof or explanation
Solutions which seem self-evident to humans are often beyond the grasp of
computers.
self-evidently adverb
Any growth in unemployment is self-evidently a matter of extreme seriousness.
self-explanatory adjective
easily understood from the information already given and not needing further
explanation
a self-explanatory list of instructions
self-expression noun [ U ]
expression of your personality, emotions or ideas, especially through art, music or
acting
He regarded poetry as sentimental self-expression.
self-financing adjective
paid for only by the money that an activity itself produces
Fees will have to treble to make the courses self-financing.
self-fulfilling adjective
happening because it is expected to happen
Pessimism is self-fulfilling - expect the worst and it happens.
ˌ self-ful ˌ filling ˈ prophecy noun [ C ]
something that you cause to happen by saying and expecting that it will happen
self-fulfilment noun [ U ]
a feeling of satisfaction that you have achieved what you wanted
When the options are unemployment or a boring job, having babies can seem like
the only means of self-fulfilment.
self-fulfilled adjective
self-government , noun [ U ]
the control of a country or an area by the people living there, or the control of an
organization by a group of people independent of central or local government
The poll showed that 80% of the population supported regional self-government.
self-governing adjective
self-governing trusts/schools
self-harm verb [ I ]
to deliberately hurt yourself, for example by cutting yourself, because you have
emotional problems or are mentally ill
self harm noun [ U ]
when someone self-harms
self-help adjective , noun [ U ]
the activity of providing what you need for yourself and others with similar
experiences or difficulties without going to an official organization
It is a group providing self-help for single parents.
[ before noun ] self-help groups
self-image noun [ C usually singular ]
the way a person feels about his or her personality, achievements and value to
society
Having a decent job contributes to a good self-image.
self-importance noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
the belief that you are more important or have a higher value than other people
He's a modest, mild-mannered man, without a trace of self-importance.
self-important adjective
self-importantly adverb
self-importance noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
the belief that you are more important or have a higher value than other people
He's a modest, mild-mannered man, without a trace of self-importance.
self-important adjective
self-importantly adverb
self-imposed adjective
decided by yourself, without being influenced or ordered by other people
The end of the year was their self-imposed deadline for finishing the building
work.
After the military coup, the family left for self-imposed exile in America.
self-incrimination noun [ U ]
saying or doing something which shows that you are guilty of a crime
A witness can legally refuse to give evidence to avoid self-incrimination.
self-induced adjective
caused by yourself
self-induced vomiting/hysteria
self-indulgent adjective
allowing yourself to have or do anything that you enjoy
I know it's self-indulgent of me, but I'll just have another chocolate.
self-indulgence noun [ S or U ]
self-inflicted adjective
of something bad, done to yourself
self-inflicted pain/damage
self-interest noun [ U ]
when you consider the advantage to yourself when making decisions, and act for
your own good
The company's donation was surely motivated by self-interest, as it attracted a
lot of media attention.
self-interested adjective
self-interested arguing
selfish adjective
DISAPPROVING Someone who is selfish only thinks of their own advantage
The judge told him: "Your attitude shows a selfish disregard for others."
selfishly adverb DISAPPROVING
selfishness noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
selfish adjective
DISAPPROVING Someone who is selfish only thinks of their own advantage
The judge told him: "Your attitude shows a selfish disregard for others."
selfishly adverb DISAPPROVING
selfishness noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
self-knowledge noun [ U ]
an understanding of yourself and your abilities
selfless adjective
APPROVING Someone who is selfless only thinks of other people's advantage
selfless devotion to duty
selflessly adverb APPROVING
selflessness noun [ U ] APPROVING
self-made adjective
rich and successful as a result of your own work and not because of family money
a self-made man/millionaire
self-obsessed adjective DISAPPROVING
a self-obsessed teenager
self-opinionated adjective DISAPPROVING
having and expressing very strong feelings and beliefs, and believing that your
own ideas are the only correct ones
self-perpetuating adjective DISAPPROVING
having a system which prevents change and produces new things which are very
similar to the old ones
The fighting between the different social groups has become a self-perpetuating
spiral of death and hatred.
self-pity noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
sadness for yourself because you think you have a lot of problems or have
suffered a lot
He faced his illness bravely and without any hint of self-pity.
self-pitying adjective
self-portrait noun [ C ]
a picture, photograph or piece of writing that you make of or about yourself
self-portrait noun [ C ]
a picture, photograph or piece of writing that you make of or about yourself
self-possession noun [ U ]
the characteristic of being calm and in control of your emotions at all times
He looked surprised but soon recovered his self-possession.
self-possessed adjective
She is a confident and self-possessed public speaker.
self-preservation noun [ U ]
behaviour based on the characteristics or feelings which warn people or animals
to protect themselves from difficulties or dangers
It was his instinct for self-preservation that led him to abandon his former friends
and transfer his allegiance to the new rulers.
self-proclaimed adjective MAINLY DISAPPROVING
said or announced about yourself
He's a self-proclaimed expert on national defence.
self-professed adjective
said, announced or admitted about yourself
a self-professed gambler
She's a self-professed supporter of prison reform.
self-propelled adjective
able to move by its own power
self-propelled artillery/guns
self-protection noun [ U ]
keeping yourself safe from injury or damage
They claimed that they needed the weapons for self-protection.
self-raising flour noun [ U ] UK ( US self-rising flour )
flour that contains a substance which makes cakes swell when they are cooked
self-referential adjective
A self-referential book, film, play, etc. contains a reference to itself, its writer or
other work by that writer
Modern television sitcoms are often ironic and self-referential.
self-referential adjective
A self-referential book, film, play, etc. contains a reference to itself, its writer or
other work by that writer
Modern television sitcoms are often ironic and self-referential.
self-regulation noun [ U ]
making certain yourself that you or your employees act according to the rules,
rather than having this done by other people
They favour the self-regulation of the industry, and strict codes of conduct have
already been issued by the Advertising Association.
self-regulating adjective ( ALSO self-regulatory )
a self-regulating body/organization
self-reliant adjective APPROVING
not needing help or support from other people
Lone parents have to be self-reliant, resilient and inventive.
self-reliance noun [ U ]
self-respect noun [ U ]
respect for yourself which shows that you value yourself
He felt what he was being asked to do took away his dignity and self-respect.
self-respecting adjective [ before noun ]
No self-respecting government would allow such atrocities to be carried out in its
name.
self-restraint noun [ U ]
control of your own actions
He was angry but managed, with great self-restraint, to reply calmly.
self-righteous adjective DISAPPROVING
believing that your ideas and behaviour are morally better than those of other
people
He's so self-righteous - you'd think he'd never done anything wrong in his life.
self-righteously adverb
self-righteousness noun [ U ]
self-rule noun [ U ]
when a country, a part of a country or a nation chooses its own government and
controls its own activities
See also self-government
self-rule noun [ U ]
when a country, a part of a country or a nation chooses its own government and
controls its own activities
See also self-government
self-sacrifice noun [ U ] APPROVING
giving up what you want so that other people can have what they want
People say this is a selfish society, but frankly I've seen too much kindness, self-
sacrifice and generosity to believe that.
The job requires a lot of enthusiasm, dedication and self-sacrifice.
self-sacrificing adjective
self-same adjective [ before noun ]
exactly the same
The self-same car has been parked outside three times this week.
self-satisfied adjective DISAPPROVING
very pleased with yourself and showing no criticism of yourself
She was very smug and self-satisfied about getting the promotion.
self-satisfaction noun [ U ]
self-seeking adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
interested in your own advantage in everything that you do
The army felt that the politicians of the day were just self-seeking opportunists.
self-service adjective
especially in a shop or restaurant, not being served by an employee but collecting
goods or food yourself
a self-service salad bar
self-service UK petrol/ US gas pumps
self-serving adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
working or acting for your own advantage
Politicians are seen as corrupt and self-serving.
self-starter noun [ C ] APPROVING
a person who is able to work effectively without regularly needing to be told what
to do
The successful applicant for the position will be a well-motivated self-starter who
has excellent communication skills.
self-styled adjective [ before noun ] USUALLY DISAPPROVING
given a name or title by yourself without any official reason for it
The media appears to be full of self-styled 'experts' who are happy to give their
views on subjects that they actually know very little about.
self-styled adjective [ before noun ] USUALLY DISAPPROVING
given a name or title by yourself without any official reason for it
The media appears to be full of self-styled 'experts' who are happy to give their
views on subjects that they actually know very little about.
self-sufficient adjective
able to provide everything you need, especially food, for yourself without the help
of other people
The programme aims to make the country self-sufficient in food production and to
cut energy imports.
self-sufficiency noun [ U ]
self-supporting adjective
earning or having enough money to pay for your activities without receiving
financial help from other people
The vast majority of students here are self-supporting.
See also self-financing
ˌ self ˈ tan noun [ U ]
a substance that you put on your skin to make it look darker as if you have been
in the sun
self tan for your face
self-tan adjective
self-tan products
self-tanning noun [ U ]
rubbing a substance into your skin in order to make it look darker as if you have
been in the sun
self-willed adjective DISAPPROVING
determined to base your actions on your own decisions without listening to advice
from other people
self-worth noun [ U ]
the value you give to your life and achievements
Many people derive their self-worth from their work.
sell verb MONEY
1. [ I or T ] to give something to someone else in return for money
[ + two objects ] I sold him my car/I sold my car to him for £600.
We'll be selling the tickets at/for £50 each.
The stall sells drinks and snacks.
These baskets sell well (= a lot of them are bought) .
sell verb PERSUADE
2. [ T ] to persuade someone that an idea or plan is a good one and likely to be
successful
My boss is very old-fashioned and I'm having a lot of trouble selling the idea of
working at home occasionally.
[ + two objects ] The chance of greater access to European markets would help
sell the President the scheme/sell the scheme to the President.
She's really sold on the idea of buying a new car.
sell sb a bill of goods ( UK ALSO sell sb a pup )
to deceive someone into buying something which has no value
sell sb down the river INFORMAL
to put someone in a difficult or dangerous situation by not acting as you had
promised to act, usually in order to win an advantage for yourself
sell yourself/sth short
to not value someone or something as much as they deserve to be valued
Don't sell yourself short - you've got the skills and the experience.
sell your soul (to the devil)
to be persuaded to do something, especially something bad, because of the
money or other reward you will receive for doing it
sell sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to charge a low price for something to encourage people to buy it
They're selling off last year's stock at half price.
2. to sell all or part of a business
The company announced that it would be selling off its hotel business.
sell out phrasal verb SELL ALL
1. to sell all of the supply that you have of something
We sold out of the T-shirts in the first couple of hours.
2. If a supply of something sells out, there is no more of that thing to buy
The first issue of the magazine sold out within two days.
3. [ passive ] When a show or film is sold out, all of the tickets for it have been
sold
We couldn't get seats - the concert was sold out.
sell out phrasal verb SELL BUSINESS
4. to sell your business or part of your business
They decided to sell out to their competitors.
sell (sb) out phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to not do what you have promised someone you will do or what you should do
because you will get more advantages for yourself if you do something else
French farmers feel they've been sold out by their government in the
negotiations.
They've sold out to the road transport lobby (= done what these people wanted) .
sell up phrasal verb UK
to sell your house or company in order to go somewhere else or do something
else
They sold up and retired to the West Country.
sell-by date noun [ C ] UK ( US pull date )
a date printed on a product such as food after which it should not be sold
sell-by date noun [ C ] UK ( US pull date )
a date printed on a product such as food after which it should not be sold
seller noun [ C ]
1. a person who is selling something
flower/newspaper/souvenir sellers
Do you think the seller will accept £300, 000 for the house?
2. a product which a lot of people buy
This car is our biggest seller at the moment.
ˈ selling ˌ point noun [ C ]
a characteristic of a product which will persuade people to buy it
Its best selling point is the price - it's the cheapest on the market.
sell-off noun [ C ]
1. a sale of an unwanted business at a low price to encourage someone to buy it
2. a sale of an investment , such as shares in a company, that causes its value to
fall
Sellotape noun [ U ] UK TRADEMARK ( US TRADEMARK Scotch tape )
Sellotape
a long thin strip of sticky and usually transparent material which is sold in a roll
and is used for joining together things such as paper or card
a roll of Sellotape
I stuck the note to the door with Sellotape.
sellotape verb [ T ] UK ( US Scotch-tape )
When I got home, I found a mysterious message sellotaped to the front door.
sell-out noun [ C usually singular ] ALL SOLD
1. a performance or sports event for which no more tickets are available, because
it is so popular
The concert was a sell-out.
sell-out noun [ C usually singular ] BROKEN PROMISE
2. DISAPPROVING when someone does not do what they have promised to do or
what they should do
Most of the workers see the union agreement as a sell-out.
seltzer noun [ C or U ]
US FOR mineral water with bubbles
seltzer noun [ C or U ]
US FOR mineral water with bubbles
selves
PLURAL OF self
semantic adjective
connected with the meanings of words
semantically adverb
semantics noun [ U ]
the study of meanings in a language
Syntax describes the rules by which words can be combined into sentences, while
semantics describes what they mean.
semaphore noun [ U ]
semaphore
a system of communication using two flags held in your hands which are moved
into different positions to represent different letters, numbers or symbols
semblance noun [ U ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
a situation or condition which is similar to what is wanted or expected, but is not
exactly as hoped for
The city has now returned to some semblance of normality after last night's
celebrations.
He was executed without even the semblance of a fair trial.
semen noun [ U ]
a thick whitish liquid containing sperm which is produced by the sex organs of
men and some male animals
See also seminal
semester noun [ C ]
one of the periods into which a year is divided at a college or university, especially
in the US and Australia
the first/second semester
the spring/fall semester
Compare term ; trimester
semi- , , prefix
half or partly
semi-literate
semi-permanent
semi-skilled workers
a semi-autobiographical novel
semi noun [ C ] HOUSE
1. UK INFORMAL a house that is semi-detached
semi noun [ C ] VEHICLE
2. US INFORMAL an articulated truck
semi noun [ C ] COMPETITION
3. INFORMAL FOR semi-final
semi-arid adjective SPECIALIZED
describes an area or climate with little rain but not completely dry
Compare arid
semi-automatic adjective
partly automatic
a semi-automatic gearbox/shotgun
semibreve noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY whole note ) SPECIALIZED
a musical note with a time value equal to two minims or four crotchets
semicircle noun [ C usually singular ]
half a circle
We arranged the chairs in a semicircle.
semi-circular adjective
The chairs were placed in a semi-circular arrangement.
semicolon noun [ C ]
the ; punctuation mark that is used in formal writing between two parts of a
sentence, usually when each of the two parts could form grammatical sentences on
their own. A semicolon can also separate the things in a list.
semiconductor noun [ C ]
a material, such as silicon , which allows electricity to move through it more easily
when its temperature increases, or an electronic device made from this material
Semiconductors are used for making integrated circuits and computers.
semiconducting adjective [ before noun ]
semi-detached adjective UK
semi-detached
A house that is semi-detached is one that is joined to another similar house on
only one side
They live in a semi-detached house.
Compare detached
semi-final noun [ C usually plural ] ( INFORMAL semi )
one of the two games that are played to decide who will take part in the final
game of a competition
Who's in the semi-finals?
She's the youngest player ever to get through to/advance to a semi-final.
semi-final noun [ C usually plural ] ( INFORMAL semi )
one of the two games that are played to decide who will take part in the final
game of a competition
Who's in the semi-finals?
She's the youngest player ever to get through to/advance to a semi-final.
semilunar valve noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
one of the valves (= structures that open and close) which stop blood from
returning into the ventricles (= lower spaces) of the heart from the aorta (= main artery
or tube carrying blood from the heart) or the pulmonary artery
seminal adjective IMPORTANT
1. FORMAL containing important new ideas and having a great influence on later
work
She wrote a seminal article on the subject while she was still a student.
He played a seminal role in the formation of the association.
seminal adjective LIQUID
2. [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED connected with semen
seminal fluid
seminar noun [ C ]
an occasion when a teacher or expert and a group of people meet to study and
discuss something
I attended practically every lecture and seminar when I was a student.
I'm giving a seminar on the latest developments in genetic engineering next
week.
a seminar room
Compare lecture
seminary noun [ C ]
a college for training people to become priests
semiotics noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the study of signs and symbols, what they mean and how they are used
semiotic adjective
semiotician noun [ C ] ( ALSO semiologist )
semipermeable adjective SPECIALIZED
describes something, for example a cell membrane , that allows some liquids and
gases to pass through it, but not others
semipermeable adjective SPECIALIZED
describes something, for example a cell membrane , that allows some liquids and
gases to pass through it, but not others
semi-precious adjective [ before noun ]
A semi-precious stone is one which is used for making jewellery but is not
extremely valuable
Jade and turquoise are semi-precious stones.
semi-professional adjective
People who are semi-professional are paid for an activity which they take part in
but which they do not do all the time
semi-professional musicians/rugby players
semiquaver noun [ C ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY sixteenth note )
a musical note which has a time value of half a quaver or one-sixteenth of a
semibreve
See picture music reading
semi-skilled adjective
having or needing only a small amount of training
semi-skilled jobs/workers/labour
semisweet chocolate noun [ U ]
US FOR dark chocolate
Semitic adjective
1. relating to the race of people that includes Arabs and Jews, or to their
languages
Hebrew and Arabic are Semitic languages.
See also anti-Semitic
2. OLD USE Jewish
3. describes races such as the Babylonians and Phoenicians that existed in ancient
times
semitone noun [ C or ] ( US ALSO half step , ALSO half tone )
the smallest difference in sound between two notes which are next to each other
in the western musical scale
semolina noun [ U ]
a powder made from crushed wheat used for making pasta and, especially in
Britain in the past, for making sweet dishes
Semtex noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a powerful explosive, used especially to make illegal bombs
Semtex noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a powerful explosive, used especially to make illegal bombs
Sen. noun [ before noun ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR senator
SEN
ABBREVIATION FOR special educational needs: the term for special needs (= the
needs of people with particular disabilities or problems) relating specifically to education
the Senate noun [ S + sing/pl verb ] POLITICS
1. the more important of the two groups of politicians who make laws in some
countries such as the US, Australia and France
the French/Australian Senate
The US Senate has 100 members.
The law has no chance of being passed by the Senate.
the Senate noun [ S + sing/pl verb ] EDUCATION
2. the group of people who control a college or university
senator noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Sen. )
a politician who has been elected to a Senate
Only two senators voted against the bill.
[ as form of address ] It's a pleasure to meet you, Senator.
senatorial adjective MAINLY US
a senatorial candidate/committee
send verb [ T ] POST
1. to cause something to go from one place to another, especially by post
[ + two objects ] I'll send her a letter/fax/parcel/postcard next week.
We'll send it by post/airmail/sea .
Could you send a reply to them as quickly as possible.
The news report was sent by satellite.
She sent a message with John to say that she couldn't come.
They sent her flowers for her birthday.
Maggie sends her love and hopes you'll feel better soon.
send verb [ T ] CAUSE TO GO
2. to cause or order someone to go and do something
[ + to infinitive ] We're sending the children to stay with my parents for a couple
of weeks.
The commander has asked us to send reinforcements.
They've sent their son (away) to school in Scotland.
He was trying to explain but she became impatient and sent him away (= told him
to leave) .
send verb [ T ] CAUSE TO HAPPEN
3. to cause someone or something to do a particular thing, or to cause something
to happen
The explosion sent the crowd into a panic.
Watching the television always sends me to sleep .
[ + adjective ] UK His untidiness sends her crazy/mad/wild.
[ + -ing verb ] The announcement of the fall in profits sent the company's share
price plummet ing (= caused it to go down a lot) .
The draught from the fan sent papers fly ing all over the room.
send sb packing INFORMAL
to ask someone to leave immediately
There were some kids at the door asking for money but I sent them packing.
send sb to Coventry UK OLD-FASHIONED
If a group of people send someone to Coventry, they refuse to speak to that
person, usually as a punishment for having done something to upset the group.
send shivers down/up sb's spine
to make someone feel very frightened or excited
The way he looked at me sent shivers down my spine.
send a signal to sb
to warn someone about something
The rise in interest rates should send a signal to financial institutions that the
government is serious about reducing inflation.
send word
to send a message
She sent word with her secretary that she would be unable to attend the
meeting.
send sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to return something to the person who sent it to you, especially because it is
damaged or not suitable
I had to send the shirt back because it didn't fit me.
send sb down phrasal verb [ M usually passive ] PRISON
1. UK ( US send sb up ) to send someone to prison
He was sent down for armed robbery.
She was sent down for three years.
send sb down phrasal verb [ M usually passive ] COLLEGE
2. UK OLD-FASHIONED to ask someone to leave a college or university without
finishing their course because they have done something wrong
She was sent down from Oxford for taking drugs.
send for sb phrasal verb
to send someone a message asking them to come to see you
Do you think we should send for a doctor?
send (off/away) for/to sth phrasal verb
to write to an organization or place to ask them to send you something
I've sent off for a catalogue.
We had to send off to Ireland for a replacement part.
send sth in phrasal verb [ M ]
to send something to an organization
The magazine asked its readers to send in their comments about the new style of
presentation.
send sb in phrasal verb [ M ]
to send soldiers, police, etc. to a place in order to deal with a dangerous situation
UN troops were sent in as the situation got worse.
send sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to send a letter, document or parcel by post
Have you sent off your application form yet?
send sb off phrasal verb [ M ] UK ( US eject )
to order a sports player to leave the playing area during a game because they
have done something wrong
He was sent off for swearing at the referee.
send sth on phrasal verb [ M ]
to send something from someone's old address to their new one
Paul's moved back to New York and he's asked me to send on his letters.
send sth out phrasal verb [ M ] PRODUCE
1. to produce something in a way that causes it to spread out from a central point
The equipment sent out a regular high-pitched signal.
The torch sends out a powerful beam of light.
The bushes were sending out new shoots.
send sth out phrasal verb [ M ] POST
2. to send something to a lot of different people, usually by post
We sent out the wedding invitations about three weeks ago.
send out for sth phrasal verb
to ask for something to be brought to you from another place, by using the
telephone or sending a message
There's not much to eat in the fridge. Should I send out for a pizza?
send sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ] UK INFORMAL
to make someone or something seem stupid by copying them in a funny way
The show was very funny - they were sending up sports commentators.
send-up noun [ C ] INFORMAL
He does a brilliant send-up of the President.
sender noun [ C ]
a person who sends something
Postage stamps were introduced in Britain in 1840 as a way of showing that the
sender had paid for the letter to be delivered.
The letter came back with ' return to sender - not known at this address' written
on it.
sender noun [ C ]
a person who sends something
Postage stamps were introduced in Britain in 1840 as a way of showing that the
sender had paid for the letter to be delivered.
The letter came back with ' return to sender - not known at this address' written
on it.
send-off noun [ C usually singular ]
an occasion at which people can express good wishes and say goodbye to
someone who is leaving a place
We'll have to give her a good send-off when she leaves the office.
Senegal noun [ U ]
Senegalese noun [ C ]
senile adjective
showing poor mental ability because of old age, especially being unable to think
clearly and make decisions
He spent many years caring for his senile mother.
I'm always losing my keys these days. I think I must be going senile.
senility noun [ U ]
ˌ senile de ˈ mentia noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a medical condition that causes the memory and other mental abilities of old
people to gradually become worse, leading them to behave in a confused manner
senior adjective OLDER
1. [ before noun ] older
Senior pupils are expected to set an example to the younger children.
Compare junior
2. ( UK AND AUSTRALIAN WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Snr , US WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Sr. ) used
after a man's name to refer to the older of two people in the same family who have the
same name
Hello, may I speak to Ken Griffey senior, please?
senior adjective HIGH RANK
3. high or higher in rank
senior management
a senior government minister
She's senior to me, so I have to do what she tells me.
Compare junior
senior noun HIGH RANK
1. [ C ] someone who is high or higher in rank
It's important to impress your seniors if you want to be promoted.
senior noun OLDER
2. 20/30, etc. years your senior
20/30, etc. years older than you
She married a man twenty years her senior.
She's my senior by three years (= She is three years older than me) .
3. [ C ] US a student in their final year of high school or university
ˌ senior ˈ citizen noun [ C ] ( US ALSO senior )
POLITE PHRASE FOR an old person
Discounts are available for senior citizens.
ˌ senior ˈ citizen noun [ C ] ( US ALSO senior )
POLITE PHRASE FOR an old person
Discounts are available for senior citizens.
seniority noun [ U ] OLDER
1. the advantage that you get by working for a company for a long time
In future, promotion will be based on merit not seniority.
seniority noun [ U ] HIGH RANK
2. the state of being higher in rank than someone else
I suppose I was impressed by his seniority.
ˌ senior ˈ nursing officer noun [ C ] UK ( US head nurse , UK OLD-FASHIONED matron )
the person in charge of all the nurses in a hospital
ˌ senior ˈ statesman noun [ C ]
an experienced politician who is usually no longer working in government
See also elder
sensation noun FEELING
1. [ C or U ] the ability to feel something physically, especially by touching, or a
physical feeling that results from this ability
a burning sensation
I had no sensation of pain whatsoever.
The disease causes a loss of sensation in the fingers.
2. [ C usually singular ] a general feeling caused by something that happens to
you, especially a feeling which you cannot describe exactly
[ + ( that ) ] I had the odd sensation (that) someone was following me.
I can remember the first time I went sailing - it was a wonderful sensation.
sensation noun EXCITEMENT
3. [ S ] something very exciting or interesting, or something which causes great
excitement or interest
Their affair caused a sensation.
The books have been a publishing sensation on both sides of the Atlantic.
The show was an overnight sensation (= was very successful immediately) .
sensational adjective
1. APPROVING very good, exciting or unusual
a sensational sports car/dress
She looks sensational (= extremely attractive) in her new dress.
2. DISAPPROVING describes news reports and articles that are intended to be
shocking and exciting rather than serious
Some of the more sensational newspapers have given a lot of coverage to the
scandal.
sensational adjective
1. APPROVING very good, exciting or unusual
a sensational sports car/dress
She looks sensational (= extremely attractive) in her new dress.
2. DISAPPROVING describes news reports and articles that are intended to be
shocking and exciting rather than serious
Some of the more sensational newspapers have given a lot of coverage to the
scandal.
sensationalism noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
when newspapers, television, etc. intentionally present information in a way that
is intended to be shocking or exciting
The newspaper has been accused of sensationalism in its coverage of the
murders.
sensationalist adjective
sensationalize , UK USUALLY sensationalise verb [ T ]
sensationally adverb
1. extremely; used to emphasize positive adjectives or adverbs
sensationally popular/successful
The book sold sensationally well.
2. in an extremely interesting or exciting way
The show ended sensationally with fireworks.
sense noun ABILITY
1. [ C ] an ability to understand, recognize, value or react to something,
especially any of the five physical abilities to see, hear, smell, taste and feel
With her keen sense of smell, she could tell if you were a smoker from the other
side of the room.
My cold is so bad I've lost my sense of smell/taste (= I can't smell/taste
anything) .
2. [ C or U ] a general feeling or understanding
Did you get any sense of how they might react?
The helicopters hovering overhead added to the sense of urgency.
3. sense of fun
the ability to enjoy life and not be too serious
Don't be angry - it was just a joke - where's your sense of fun?
4. sense of humour
your ability to understand funny things
She has a really good sense of humour.
We have the same sense of humour.
Come on, lighten up! Where's your sense of humour?
5. sense of occasion
UK the feeling people have when there is a very important event or celebration
The decorations, flowers and crowds gave the town a real sense of occasion.
sense noun GOOD JUDGMENT
6. [ U ] the characteristic of having good judgment, especially when it is based on
practical ideas or understanding
[ + to infinitive ] I hope they'll have the (good) sense/ have enough sense to
shut the windows before they leave.
It makes (good) sense to buy a large packet because it works out cheaper in
the end.
[ + -ing verb ] There 's no sense in wait ing (= It is not practical to wait) - the
next train isn't for two hours.
Where's/What's the sense (= What is the advantage) in pay ing someone
when you could get a volunteer?
Planning so far ahead makes no sense - so many things will have changed by
next year.
7. senses
the ability to use good judgment
Have you taken leave of your senses (= Have you lost your ability to make a
good judgment) ?
It's time you came to your senses (= started to use your good judgment) and
realized that they are not going to help you.
The accident brought him to his senses (= caused him to use his good judgment
again) and made him stop drinking.
sense noun MEANING
8. [ C ] one of the possible meanings of a word or phrase
They are not immigrants, at least not in any sense that I understand.
The packaging is green - in both senses of the word (= it is green in colour and it
is good for the environment) .
Security defined in the broad/broadest sense of the term means getting at the
root causes of trouble and helping to reduce regional conflicts.
This passage doesn't make (any) sense (= the meaning is not clear) .
I've read the letter twice, but I can't make (any) sense of it (= I can't
understand it) .
9. in every sense
in every way or feature
It's a book which is, in every sense, about different ways of seeing the world.
10. in a sense ( ALSO in one sense )
thinking about something in one way, but not in every way
She claims that the system is at fault and she's right, in a sense (= she is partly
right) , it could be improved.
11. in no sense
not at all
We are in no sense obliged to agree to this.
sense verb [ T ]
to feel or experience something without being able to explain exactly how
Although she said nothing, I could sense her anger
He sensed something was about to happen.
[ + ( that ) ] He sensed (that) his guests were bored, although they were
listening politely.
[ + question word ] Could you sense wh at was likely to happen?
senseless adjective NO JUDGMENT
1. not having good judgment or a good or useful purpose
a senseless argument
senseless killings/violence/deaths
senseless adjective NOT CONSCIOUS
2. unconscious
Panos was beaten senseless by the burglars.
senselessly adverb
senseless adjective NO JUDGMENT
1. not having good judgment or a good or useful purpose
a senseless argument
senseless killings/violence/deaths
senseless adjective NOT CONSCIOUS
2. unconscious
Panos was beaten senseless by the burglars.
senselessly adverb
ˈ sense ˌ organ noun [ C ]
a part of the body which makes it possible to experience the physical
characteristics of a situation
Your ears, eyes, tongue, nose and skin are your sense organs.
sensibility noun
1. [ U ] an understanding of or ability to decide about what is good or valuable,
especially in connection with artistic or social activities
literary/musical/artistic/theatrical/aesthetic sensibility
The author has applied a modern sensibility (= way of understanding things) to
the social ideals of an earlier age.
2. sensibilities
feelings
In a multicultural society we need to show respect for the sensibilities of others.
sensible adjective GOOD JUDGMENT
1. based on or acting on good judgment and practical ideas or understanding
a sensible answer/approach/compromise/option
a sensible person
I think the sensible thing to do is phone before you go and ask for directions.
It would be sensible to take an umbrella.
2. Sensible clothes or shoes are practical and suitable for the purpose they are
needed for, rather than being attractive or fashionable
It could be cold and wet so pack some sensible clothes.
sensible adjective AWARE
3. FORMAL having an understanding of a situation
He did not appear to be sensible of the difficulties that lay ahead.
sensibly adverb
in a sensible or practical way
The police praised motorists for driving sensibly in the appalling conditions.
She wasn't very sensibly dressed for hiking across the moors.
sensitive adjective UPSET
1. easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset,
embarrassed or angry
Her reply showed that she was very sensitive to criticism.
He was very sensitive about his scar and thought everyone was staring at him.
2. A sensitive subject, situation, etc. needs to be dealt with carefully in order to
avoid upsetting people
Sex education and birth control are sensitive issues .
The stolen car contained military documents described as very sensitive.
sensitive adjective KIND
3. understanding what other people need, and being helpful and kind to them
Representatives of the company claim their plan will be sensitive to local needs.
In the movie, he plays a concerned and sensitive father trying to bring up two
teenage children on his own.
sensitive adjective REACTING EASILY
4. easily influenced, changed or damaged, especially by a physical activity or
effect
Some people's teeth are highly sensitive to cold.
sensitive skin
5. Sensitive equipment is able to record small changes
The patient's responses are recorded on a sensitive piece of equipment which
gives extremely accurate readings.
-sensitive suffix
light-/heat-sensitive
sensitively adverb
This is a very delicate situation and it needs to be handled sensitively.
sensitiveness noun [ U ]
sensitive adjective UPSET
1. easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset,
embarrassed or angry
Her reply showed that she was very sensitive to criticism.
He was very sensitive about his scar and thought everyone was staring at him.
2. A sensitive subject, situation, etc. needs to be dealt with carefully in order to
Sex education and birth control are sensitive issues .
The stolen car contained military documents described as very sensitive.
sensitive adjective KIND
3. understanding what other people need, and being helpful and kind to them
Representatives of the company claim their plan will be sensitive to local needs.
In the movie, he plays a concerned and sensitive father trying to bring up two
teenage children on his own.
sensitive adjective REACTING EASILY
4. easily influenced, changed or damaged, especially by a physical activity or
effect
Some people's teeth are highly sensitive to cold.
sensitive skin
5. Sensitive equipment is able to record small changes
The patient's responses are recorded on a sensitive piece of equipment which
gives extremely accurate readings.
-sensitive suffix
light-/heat-sensitive
sensitively adverb
This is a very delicate situation and it needs to be handled sensitively.
sensitiveness noun [ U ]
sensitivity noun ( ALSO sensitiveness ) KINDNESS
1. [ C or U ] an ability to understand what other people need, and be helpful and
kind to them
The police showed commendable sensitivity in their handling of the case.
sensitivity noun ( ALSO sensitiveness ) UPSETTING
2. [ U ] a situation, subject, etc. which needs to be dealt with carefully in order to
Such is the sensitivity of the information that only two people are allowed to know
it.
3. [ U ] the quality of being easily upset by the things people say or do, or
causing people to be upset, embarrassed or angry
I should have warned you about her sensitivity to criticism.
sensitivity noun ( ALSO sensitiveness ) REACTING EASILY
4. [ U ] having a strong physical reaction to something
One of the side effects of the drug is an increased sensitivity to sunlight.
5. the ability to record small changes in weight, temperature, etc.
The sensitivity of the machine provides us with extremely accurate data.
sensitize , UK USUALLY sensitise verb [ T ] REACT EASILY
1. to make someone sensitive to something
It seems very likely that air pollutants are sensitizing people so that they become
allergic to pollen.
sensitize , UK USUALLY sensitise verb [ T ] MAKE AWARE
2. to make someone familiar with something such as a problem or bad situation
The association aims to sensitize employers to the problems faced by left-handed
people in the workplace.
sensor noun [ C ]
a device which is used to record that something is present or that there are
changes in something
The security device has a heat sensor which detects the presence of people and
animals.
sensory adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
connected with the physical senses of touch, smell, taste, hearing and seeing
sensory adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
connected with the physical senses of touch, smell, taste, hearing and seeing
sensual adjective
expressing or suggesting physical, especially sexual, pleasure or satisfaction
sensual pleasure
a sensual mouth/voice
He is elegant, sensual, conscious of his body.
sensuality noun [ U ]
She found his intense sensuality irresistible.
sensuous adjective
1. giving or expressing pleasure through the physical senses, rather than pleasing
the mind or the intelligence
She luxuriated in the sensuous feel of the silk sheets.
2. sensual
He had a very sensuous mouth.
sensuously adverb
sensuousness noun [ U ]
sent verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF send
sentence noun [ C ] WORD GROUP
1. a group of words, usually containing a verb, which expresses a thought in the
form of a statement, question, instruction or exclamation and starts with a capital letter
when written
He's very impatient and always interrupts me mid-sentence.
Your conclusion is good, but the final sentence is too long and complicated.
sentence noun [ C ] PUNISHMENT
2. a punishment given by a judge in court to a person or organization after they
have been found guilty of doing something wrong
He got a heavy/light sentence (= He was severely/not severely punished) .
The offence carries a jail/prison/life/5-year sentence.
He was given a non-custodial/suspended sentence.
3. pronounce sentence
(of a judge) to say officially what a punishment will be
The judge will pronounce sentence on the defendant this afternoon.
sentence verb [ T ] LEGAL
to decide and say officially what a punishment will be
He was sentenced to life imprisonment.
sententious adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
trying to appear wise, clever and important
The document was sententious and pompous.
sententiously adverb
sententious adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
trying to appear wise, clever and important
The document was sententious and pompous.
sententiously adverb
sentient , adjective FORMAL
able to experience physical and possibly emotional feelings
It is hard for a sentient person to understand how any parents could treat their
child so badly.
sentiment noun IDEA
1. [ C or U ] FORMAL a thought, opinion or idea based on a feeling about a
situation, or a way of thinking about something
Nationalist sentiment has increased in the area since the bombing.
I don't think she shares my sentiments.
His son was overwhelmed by the sentiments of love and support in the cards and
letters he received.
FORMAL "It's a very bad situation." "My sentiments exactly (= I completely agree)
."
sentiment noun FEELINGS
2. [ U ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING gentle feelings such as sympathy, love, etc., especially
when considered to be silly or not suitable
The film is flawed by slightly treacly sentiment.
sentimental adjective
1. describes someone who is strongly influenced by emotional feelings, especially
about happy memories of past events or relationships with other people, rather than by
careful thought and judgment based on facts
Why be sentimental about that old coat? There's no point in keeping it just
because you were wearing it when you first met me.
It's a cheap ring but it has great sentimental value for me.
2. DISAPPROVING too strongly influenced by emotional feelings
silly sentimental songs/stories
sentimentally adverb
sentimentalism noun [ U ] ( ALSO sentimentality ) FORMAL DISAPPROVING
being sentimental
Caring for animals is not sentimentality - it reinforces our respect for life.
sentimentalist noun [ C ]
sentimentalize DISAPPROVING , UK USUALLY sentimentalise verb [ T ]
Her book sentimentalizes parenthood and completely ignores the disadvantages of
it.
sentinel noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE OR LITERARY a person employed to guard something; a sentry
A policeman stood sentinel at the entrance.
2. MAINLY US Sentinel is also used in the names of some newspapers
the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
sentinel noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE OR LITERARY a person employed to guard something; a sentry
A policeman stood sentinel at the entrance.
2. MAINLY US Sentinel is also used in the names of some newspapers
the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
sentry noun [ C ]
a soldier who guards a place, usually by standing at its entrance
My squad were on sentry duty last night.
ˈ sentry ˌ box noun [ C ]
a small shelter in which a sentry stands while guarding a place
sepal noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
one of the parts that form the outer part of a flower, which surrounds the petals
and are usually small and green
separable adjective SLIGHTLY FORMAL
able to be separated from each other
Compare inseparable
separate adjective
existing or happening independently or in a different physical space
The art department and the main college are in two separate buildings.
I try to keep meat separate from other food in the fridge.
I have my public life and my private life, and as far as possible I try to keep them
separate.
Three youths have been shot and killed in separate incidents this month.
go your (own) separate ways
If two or more people go their separate ways, they stop being together
In 1983 the group disbanded and went their separate ways.
separate verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) divide into parts
The north and south of the country are separated by a mountain range.
You can get a special device for separating egg whites from yolks.
The top and bottom sections are quite difficult to separate.
2. [ I or T ] to make people move apart or into different places, or to move apart
At school they always tried to separate Jane and me because we were
troublemakers.
Somehow, in the rush to get out of the building, I got separated from my mother.
Perhaps we should separate now and meet up later.
3. [ T ] to consider two people or things as different or not related
You can't separate morality from politics.
4. [ I ] If a liquid separates it becomes two different liquids.
5. [ I ] to start to live in a different place from your husband or wife because the
relationship has ended
My parents separated when I was six and divorced a couple of years later.
separately adverb
not together
Detectives interviewed the men separately over several days.
I tend to wear the jacket and skirt separately rather than as a suit.
I think we'd better deal with these two points separately.
separately adverb
not together
Detectives interviewed the men separately over several days.
I tend to wear the jacket and skirt separately rather than as a suit.
I think we'd better deal with these two points separately.
separates plural noun
pieces of women's clothing that are bought separately and not as part of a suit
Ladies' separates are on the next floor, madam.
separation noun
1. when two or more people or things are separated
During the war many couples had to endure long periods of separation (= not
being together) .
After many years the government finally abandoned its apartheid system of racial
separation.
2. [ C or U ] an arrangement, often legal, by which two married people stop living
together as husband and wife
Couples may agree to divorce each other after a separation.
They're considering separation as an option.
separatism noun [ U ]
the belief held by a racial, religious or other group within a country that they
should be independent and have their own government or in some way live apart from
other people
Basque separatism
separatist noun [ C ]
someone who is a member of a racial, religious or other group within a country
and who believes that this group should be independent and have their own
government or in some way live apart from other people
sepia adjective
of the reddish brown colour of photographs in the past
sepsis noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a severe medical condition in which bacteria enter the blood after an operation or
accident
September noun [ C or U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Sept )
the ninth month of the year, after August and before October
23(rd) September/September 23(rd)/23(rd) Sept/Sept 23(rd)
We're leaving for France on September the ninth/the ninth of September/ US
September ninth.
Claudia started school last September/is starting school next September.
My mother's birthday is in September.
We went to Greece two Septembers ago.
septet noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
seven people who play musical instruments or sing as a group, or a piece of music
written for seven people
septet noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
seven people who play musical instruments or sing as a group, or a piece of music
written for seven people
septic adjective
infected by bacteria which produce pus
I had my ears pierced and one of them went septic.
septicaemia , US septicemia noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a serious illness in which an infection spreads through the blood
ˌ septic ˈ tank noun [ C ]
a large, especially underground, container in which solid waste and urine are
dissolved by the action of bacteria
septuagenarian noun [ C ]
a person who is between 70 and 79 years old
sepulchral adjective LITERARY
suggesting death or places where the dead are buried
The curtain rose to reveal a gloomy, sepulchral set for the play.
sepulchre , US ALSO sepulcher noun [ C ] OLD USE
a stone structure where someone is buried
sequel noun [ C ]
1. a book, film or play which continues the story of a previous book, etc.
I'm reading the sequel to 'Gone with the Wind'.
Compare prequel
2. an event which happens after and is the result of an earlier event
There was a dramatic sequel to last Thursday's scandalous revelations when the
minister for trade suddenly announced his resignation.
sequence noun ORDERED SERIES
1. [ C or U ] a series of related things or events, or the order in which they follow
each other
The first chapter describes the strange sequence of events that lead to his death.
Is there a particular sequence in which you have to perform these tasks?
For the sake of convenience the photographs are shown in chronological sequence
(= in the order in which they were taken) .
sequence noun FILM PART
2. [ C ] a part of a film that shows a particular event or a related series of events
The film's opening sequence is of a very unpleasant murder.
sequencing noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the process of deciding the correct order of things
A common sign of dyslexia is that the sequencing of letters when spelling words
may be incorrect.
sequencing noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the process of deciding the correct order of things
A common sign of dyslexia is that the sequencing of letters when spelling words
may be incorrect.
sequential adjective FORMAL
following a particular order
The publishers claim that the book constitutes 'the first sequential exposition of
events and thus of the history of the revolution'.
sequentially adverb
sequester verb [ T ] TAKE
1. ( ALSO sequestrate ) LEGAL to take temporary possession of someone's property
until they have paid back the money that they owe or until they have obeyed a court
order
sequester verb [ T ] KEEP SEPARATE
2. US LEGAL to keep a jury together in a place so that they cannot discuss the case
with other people or read or hear news reports about it
sequestration noun [ U ] LEGAL
sequestered adjective LITERARY
describes a place that is peaceful because it is situated away from people
I found a sequestered spot at the bottom of the garden and lay down with my
book.
sequin noun [ C ]
a small shiny metal or plastic disc sewn onto clothes for decoration
sequined adjective
a shimmering blue sequined dress
sequoia noun [ C ]
a large Californian evergreen (= never losing its leaves) tree that can reach a
height of more than 90 metres
sera noun
PLURAL OF serum
seraph noun [ C ]
an angel of the highest rank
seraph noun [ C ]
an angel of the highest rank
seraphic adjective LITERARY APPROVING
beautiful in a way that suggests goodness and purity
a seraphic smile
seraphically adverb
serenade verb [ T ]
to play a piece of music or sing for someone, especially for a woman while
standing outside her house at night
Romeo serenades Juliet in the moonlight.
Shoppers are serenaded with live piano music.
serenade noun [ C ]
1. a song or piece of music sung or played for someone
2. a piece of gentle classical music in several parts
'Moonlight Serenade'
serendipity noun [ U ] FORMAL
the lucky tendency to find interesting or valuable things by chance
serendipitous adjective
Reading should be an adventure, a personal experience full of serendipitous
surprises.
serene adjective
peaceful and calm; worried by nothing
She has a lovely serene face.
serenely adverb
She smiled serenely and said nothing.
serenity noun [ U ]
I admired her serenity in the midst of so much chaos.
serf noun [ C ]
a member of a low social class in medieval times who worked on the land and was
the property of the person who owned that land
serfdom noun [ U ]
the state of being a serf or the system by which the serfs worked on the land
serfdom noun [ U ]
the state of being a serf or the system by which the serfs worked on the land
serge noun [ U ]
a strong cloth made from wool which is used especially to make jackets and coats
sergeant noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Sgt , INFORMAL sarge ) SOLDIER
1. a soldier of middle rank
Sergeant Lewis
[ as form of address ] Dismiss the men, Sergeant.
sergeant noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Sgt , INFORMAL sarge ) POLICE OFFICER
2. in Britain, a police officer whose rank is above constable and below inspector ,
or in the US a police officer whose rank is below a captain
ˌ sergeant ˈ major noun [ C ]
a soldier of middle rank
serial adjective [ before noun ]
describes a person who repeatedly commits the same serious crime, often using
the same method, or a serious crime that is committed repeatedly by one person
She wrote a thriller about a brutal serial killer .
a serial rapist
serial murders/killings
serial noun [ C ]
a story on television or radio or in a newspaper, etc. which is broadcast or printed
in separate parts
Most of her novels have been made into television serials at some time.
serialize , UK USUALLY serialise verb [ T ]
If a book is serialized, it is made into a number of television or radio programmes
or published in a newspaper or a magazine in parts
The novel was serialized for TV back in the 1990s.
serialization , UK USUALLY serialisation noun [ C or U ]
ˌ serial mo ˈ nogamy noun [ U ] HUMOROUS
when someone has a series of sexual relationships one after another, but never
more than one at a time
ˌ serial mo ˈ nogamy noun [ U ] HUMOROUS
when someone has a series of sexual relationships one after another, but never
more than one at a time
ˈ serial ˌ number noun [ C ]
one of a set of numbers that is put on things produced in large quantities, such as
computers, televisions, paper money, etc. so that each has a different number and can
be recognized
ˈ serial ˌ port noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a part of a computer where wires from other pieces of equipment can be
connected to it, sending through information one bit (= unit of information) at a time
Compare parallel port
series noun [ C ] SET OF EVENTS
1. a number of similar or related events or things, one following another
There has been a series of sexual attacks on women in the area.
She gave a series of lectures at Warwick University last year on contemporary
British writers.
2. a number of games played by two teams
The Yankees have a four-game series against the Orioles at home.
3. in series
Parts of an electrical system that are in series are arranged in a single line so that
the current flows through each part, one after another.
series noun [ C ] SET OF BROADCASTS
4. a set of television or radio broadcasts on the same subject or using the same
characters but in different situations
The footballer Paul Gascoigne is to host a Channel 4 television series on soccer
skills
a comedy series
I missed the second episode of the series so I don't know what's going on now.
series noun [ C ] SET OF BOOKS
5. a set of books published by the same company which deal with the same
subject
They do a series on architecture throughout the ages.
ˌ series ˈ circuit noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a circuit in which the electric current passes in a single loop through each of the
connected parts in turn
Compare parallel circuit
ˌ series ˈ circuit noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a circuit in which the electric current passes in a single loop through each of the
connected parts in turn
Compare parallel circuit
serious adjective BAD
1. severe in effect; bad
a serious illness
There were no reports of serious injuries.
The new tax regulations have landed some of the smaller companies in serious
trouble.
Drugs have become a serious problem in a lot of schools.
This is a very serious offence.
He's been taken to hospital where his condition is described as serious but stable.
serious adjective NOT JOKING
2. not joking or intended to be funny
Please don't laugh - I'm being serious.
He was wearing a very serious expression and I knew something was wrong.
On the surface it's a very funny novel but it does have a more serious underlying
theme.
3. A serious person is quiet, thinks carefully about things and does not laugh a lot
I remember her as a very serious child.
serious adjective DETERMINED
4. [ after verb ] determined to follow a particular plan of action
Is she serious about going to live abroad?
5. [ after verb ] If two people who have a loving relationship are serious about
each other they intend to stay with each other for a long time and possibly marry
She's had a lot of boyfriends but Simon's the only one she's been serious about .
serious adjective NEEDING ATTENTION
6. [ before noun ] needing or deserving your complete attention
That's an interesting job offer - I'd give it some serious consideration if I were
you.
We've got some serious talking to do, you and me.
serious adjective EXTREME
7. INFORMAL extreme in degree or amount
We did some fairly serious walking over the weekend.
I mean we're talking serious (= a large amount of) money, right?
8. INFORMAL very good of its type
This is a serious wine, Annabelle, you've just got to try some.
seriously adverb BADLY
1. badly or severely
Badly cooked shellfish can make you seriously ill.
He wasn't seriously injured - he just got a few cuts and bruises.
seriously adverb NOT JOKING
2. in a serious way, not joking
Seriously now, did he really say that or are you just being silly?
You're not seriously thinking of leaving, are you?
seriously adverb NEEDING ATTENTION
3. take sb/sth seriously
to consider a person, subject or situation to be important or dangerous and worth
your attention or respect
The police have to take any terrorist threat seriously.
You don't take anything seriously, do you? It's all one big joke to you.
She's sick of being seen as a sex symbol and wants to be taken seriously as an
actress.
These young actors take them selves so seriously!
seriously adverb EXTREMELY
4. INFORMAL very
They do some seriously good desserts there.
That boy is seriously stupid.
seriously adverb BADLY
1. badly or severely
Badly cooked shellfish can make you seriously ill.
He wasn't seriously injured - he just got a few cuts and bruises.
seriously adverb NOT JOKING
2. in a serious way, not joking
Seriously now, did he really say that or are you just being silly?
You're not seriously thinking of leaving, are you?
seriously adverb NEEDING ATTENTION
3. take sb/sth seriously
to consider a person, subject or situation to be important or dangerous and worth
your attention or respect
The police have to take any terrorist threat seriously.
You don't take anything seriously, do you? It's all one big joke to you.
She's sick of being seen as a sex symbol and wants to be taken seriously as an
actress.
These young actors take them selves so seriously!
seriously adverb EXTREMELY
4. INFORMAL very
They do some seriously good desserts there.
That boy is seriously stupid.
seriousness noun [ U ] BAD
1. the state of being very bad or severe
I don't think he has any notion of the seriousness of the situation.
seriousness noun [ U ] NOT JOKING
2. the state of being serious, rather than intending to be funny
In all seriousness (= completely seriously) now - joking aside - I do think there's
a problem here that we've got to get sorted.
sermon noun [ C ]
1. a part of a Christian church ceremony in which a priest gives a talk on a
religious or moral subject, often based on something written in the Bible
The Reverend William Cronshaw delivered/preached the sermon.
Today's sermon was on the importance of compassion.
2. DISAPPROVING a long talk in which someone advises other people how they
should behave in order to be better people
I really don't think it's a politician's job to go delivering sermons on public
morality.
sermonize , UK USUALLY sermonise verb [ I ] DISAPPROVING
to give a long talk to people, telling them how they should behave in order to be
better people
My grandmother's all right until she starts sermonizing and then she's unbearable.
serotonin noun [ U ]
a neurotransmitter (= a chemical in the body which carries messages from the
brain) which helps you feel relaxed and happy
serpent noun [ C ] OLD USE
a snake
serpentine adjective LITERARY
1. curving and twisting like a snake
We followed the serpentine course of the river.
2. complicated and difficult to understand
The film's serpentine plot was difficult to follow.
serrated adjective
having a row of sharp points along the edge
You really need a knife with a serrated edge for cutting bread.
serrated adjective
having a row of sharp points along the edge
You really need a knife with a serrated edge for cutting bread.
serried adjective LITERARY
pressed closely together, usually in lines
We flew over the city with its serried ranks of identical grey houses.
serum noun [ C or U ]
1. the watery, colourless part of the blood, or this liquid taken from an animal and
put into a human in order to fight an infection
cholesterol levels in blood serum
an anti-venom serum
2. a substance in beauty products that is designed to improve your hair or skin
and make it less dry
servant noun
1. [ C ] a person who is employed in another person's house, doing jobs such as
cooking and cleaning, especially in the past
2. public servant/servant of the state
a person who works for the government
Public servants should be incorruptible.
serve verb PROVIDE FOOD/DRINK
1. [ I or T ] to provide food or drinks
Do they serve meals in the bar?
Breakfast is served in the restaurant between 7 and 9.
We arrived at the hotel and were served with champagne and canapés.
All recipes in this book, unless otherwise stated, will serve (= be enough for) 4 to
5 people.
[ + object + adjective ] Serve the tarts hot with custard or whipped cream.
serve verb WORK
2. [ I or T ] to work for; to do your duty to
He served in the army in India for twenty years.
She has served on the committee for the last fifteen years.
He served under Harold Wilson as Transport Minister.
serve verb HELP ACHIEVE
3. [ I or T ] to help achieve something or to be useful as something
The minister said she did not consider that a public enquiry would serve any
useful purpose .
The judge said that the fine would serve as a warning to other motorists who
drove without due care.
In the absence of anything better the settee would serve (= could be used) as a
bed for a couple of nights.
[ + to infinitive ] Nothing serves to explain the violent fighting we have seen
recently.
OLD-FASHIONED My umbrella will serve for a weapon.
serve verb PROVIDE STH NECESSARY
4. [ T ] to provide with something that is needed
London's hospitals, so says the report, are out of touch with the communities that
they serve.
serve verb DEAL WITH CUSTOMER
5. [ T ] in a shop, restaurant or hotel, to deal with a customer by taking their
order, showing or selling them goods, etc.
Are you being served, madam?
That's the restaurant where they refused to serve Giles because he was so rude.
serve verb SPEND TIME
6. [ T ] to spend a period of time doing something
He served four years in prison for robbery.
After he'd served his apprenticeship he found work overseas.
7. serve time
to spend time in prison
He's serving time for drugs offences.
serve verb HIT BALL
8. [ I or T ] in sports such as tennis, to hit the ball to the other player as a way of
starting the game
Whose turn is it to serve?
That's the third ace you've served this game.
serve verb GIVE DOCUMENT
9. [ T ] LEGAL to give a legal document to someone, demanding that they go to a
court of law or that they obey an order
Less than two weeks ago Gough finally served a writ on Slater, claiming
damages for alleged loss of royalties.
Each person served with a summons will be given six weeks before they have to
appear in the Magistrates' Court.
if my memory serves me right
if I remember correctly
I think he was called Brian, if my memory serves me right.
serve sb right INFORMAL
If you say that something bad serves someone right, you mean that they deserve
it
"He hit me!" "It serves you right. You shouldn't have been rude to him."
serve (sth) up/out phrasal verb [ M ]
to put food on plates for people to eat
Come on everyone, I'm ready to serve up.
Jack, could you serve out the trifle?
serve noun [ C ] ( ALSO service )
in sports such as tennis, the act of hitting the ball to the other player to start play
It's your serve.
She's got a very fast service.
server noun [ C ] COMPUTING
1. SPECIALIZED a central computer from which other computers get information
a client/network/file server
server noun [ C ] PROVIDE FOOD/DRINK
2. a large spoon, etc. that is used for serving food
salad servers
server noun [ C ] COMPUTING
1. SPECIALIZED a central computer from which other computers get information
a client/network/file server
server noun [ C ] PROVIDE FOOD/DRINK
2. a large spoon, etc. that is used for serving food
salad servers
service noun PUBLIC NEED
1. [ C ] a system or organization that provides for a basic public need
the ambulance/health/postal/prison service
2. [ C or U ] the operation of a system
There isn't any railway service on Sundays.
We hope to be operating a normal service as soon as possible.
3. services
UK a place at the side of a large road at which fuel, food, drink and other things
that people want on their journey are sold
We stopped at the services to get petrol.
service noun DEALING WITH CUSTOMER
4. [ U ] the act of dealing with a customer in a shop, resturant or hotel by taking
their order, showing or selling them goods, etc.
The only trouble with this café is that the service is so slow.
5. [ U ] an amount of money charged for serving a customer in a restaurant,
which is often paid directly to the waiter
There is a 10% service charge included in the bill.
service noun WORK
6. [ C ] a government department that is responsible for a particular area of
activity
the diplomatic service
the security services
7. [ C or U ] the time you spend working for an organization
She was given the award for a lifetime of public service.
8. services
FORMAL the particular skills that someone has and can offer to others
I may be needing the services of a surveyor soon, as I'm buying a house.
9. in service
in use
The battleship has been in service since 1965.
10. be in service OLD-FASHIONED
to be employed as a servant
service noun ARMED FORCES
11. [ C or U ] (work in) the armed forces
He joined the air force in 1964 and spent ten years in the service.
All men under thirty-five were told to report for military service within three
days.
Service personnel are subject to the Official Secrets Act.
12. the services
the army, navy and/or air force
a career in the services
13. on active service
fighting in a war
He was the first member of his regiment to die while on active service.
service noun RELIGIOUS CEREMONY
14. [ C ] a formal religious ceremony
A memorial service is being held on Sunday for victims of the bomb explosion.
service noun ON TABLE
15. [ C ] a set of objects such as plates, cups or other things that are used in
providing and eating food
a 24-piece dinner service
a tea service
service noun REPAIR
16. [ C ] MAINLY UK a check and repair of a vehicle or machine that is done after
regular periods
She took the car in for a service yesterday.
be of service (to sb )
to help someone
"Thank you so much for that." "I'm glad to have been of service."
do sb a service FORMAL
to do something to help someone
You've done me a great service - thank you.
service verb [ T ]
to examine a machine and repair any damaged parts
I'm taking the car in to have it serviced this afternoon.
servicing noun [ U ]
Bryce has taken the car in for servicing.
serviceable adjective
suitable for the situation in which something is used; effective
You're wearing some serviceable-looking footwear, Johnny.
serviceable adjective
suitable for the situation in which something is used; effective
You're wearing some serviceable-looking footwear, Johnny.
ˈ service ˌ charge noun [ C ]
an amount of money added to the basic price of something to pay for the cost of
dealing with the customer
If you order the tickets by phone you have to pay a $2 service charge as well as
$13.50 for each ticket.
ˈ service ˌ industry noun [ C ]
an industry that provides a service for people but does not result in the production
of goods
More than 70% of jobs in the borough are in service industries, ranging from
hotels to banking.
serviceman noun [ C ]
a man who belongs to the armed forces
ˈ service ˌ provider noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an ISP
ˈ service ˌ road noun [ C ]
a small road which is parallel to a bigger road and is used mainly by people
travelling in the local area
ˈ service ˌ station noun [ C ]
1. petrol station
2. ( ALSO services ) UK a place next to a motorway where you can buy petrol and
food, and go to the toilet
servicewoman noun [ C ]
a woman who belongs to the armed forces
serviette noun [ C ] UK
a square piece of cloth or paper used while you are eating for protecting your
clothes or cleaning your mouth and fingers; a napkin
servile adjective DISAPPROVING
too eager to serve and please someone else in a way that shows you do not have
much respect for yourself
As a waiter you want to be pleasant to people without appearing totally servile.
servility noun [ U ] FORMAL DISAPPROVING
She found the servility of the hotel staff embarrassing.
servile adjective DISAPPROVING
too eager to serve and please someone else in a way that shows you do not have
much respect for yourself
As a waiter you want to be pleasant to people without appearing totally servile.
servility noun [ U ] FORMAL DISAPPROVING
She found the servility of the hotel staff embarrassing.
serving adjective WORKING
1. [ before noun ] employed at the present time in a particular organization,
especially the armed forces
serving and retired military officers
serving adjective FOOD/DRINK
2. serving dish/spoon, etc.
an object used for holding food before it is put onto plates, or for putting food
onto plates
serving noun [ C ]
an amount of one type of food which is given to one person
The quantities given in the recipe should be enough for four servings.
servitude noun [ U ] FORMAL
the state of being under the control of someone else and of having no freedom
In the past, the majority of women were consigned to a lifetime of servitude and
poverty.
servomechanism noun [ C ] ( ALSO servo ) SPECIALIZED
a system that uses a small amount of power to control the power of a larger
machine
servomotor noun [ C ] ( ALSO servo ) SPECIALIZED
a motor which provides the power for a servomechanism
sesame noun [ U ]
a herb grown for its small oval seeds and its oil
sesame oil/seeds
sesame seed noun [ C ]
a seed of the sesame plant, whose seeds are added to food or are used to
produce oil
session noun FORMAL MEETING
1. [ C or U ] a formal meeting or series of meetings of an organization such as a
parliament or a law court
The parliamentary session is due to end on May 27th.
The UN Security Council met in emergency session to discuss the crisis.
session noun ACTIVITY
2. [ C ] a period of time or meeting arranged for a particular activity
The 21-year-old runner twisted his ankle in a training session last Friday.
As the European heads of state gathered, the press were allowed in for a photo
session.
INFORMAL Rob and I had a heavy session last night (= we drank a lot of alcohol) .
session noun COLLEGE PERIOD
3. [ C or U ] US AND SCOTTISH ENGLISH at a college, any of the periods of time that a
teaching year or day is divided into, or the teaching year itself
The session begins on 1 October.
Access to these buildings is restricted when school is in session.
set verb POSITION
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to put something in the stated place or
position
He set a vase of flowers on the table.
The campsite is set in the middle of a pine forest.
Our house is set back from the road.
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] If a story, film, etc. is set in a particular
time or place, the action in it happens in that time or place
'West Side Story' is set in New York in the late 1950s.
set verb CONDITION
3. [ T ] to cause something or someone to be in the stated condition or situation
It is believed that the building was set alight/ablaze/on fire deliberately.
The new director has set a lot of changes in motion in our department.
[ + adjective ] After years in prison, the men who had wrongfully been found
guilty of the bombing were finally set free .
If I've made a mistake, then it's up to me to set it right (= correct it) .
4. set sb/sth doing sth
to cause someone or something to start doing something
His remarks set me thinking.
The thunderstorm set the radio crackling.
5. set sb to work
to give someone work to do
I was set to work tidying the bookshelves.
set verb ESTABLISH
6. [ T ] to establish or cause to exist
The school has been criticized for failing to set high standards for its students.
The government has set new limits on spending.
Lewis has set a new world record .
The court's decision has set a legal precedent .
Parents should set a good example to their children.
He's set himself the goal/target of making his first million by the time he's 30.
set verb GET READY
7. [ T ] to get something ready so that it comes into operation or can be used
[ + to infinitive ] The heating is set to come on at 5.00 p.m.
Have you set up the video recorder?
I usually set my watch by the time signal on the radio.
He set the alarm for 7.00 a.m.
Will you set the table (= put plates and utensils on it ready for use) , please?
8. [ T ] to put furniture and other things on a stage so that it represents the time
and the place in which the action of a play, film or television programme is going to
happen
During the interval the stage was set for the second act.
set verb FIX
9. [ T ] to fix or make certain
Has a date/time been set for the meeting yet?
The price of the house has been set at £425 000.
10. set into sth /be set with sth
If a precious stone is set in/into a piece of jewellery, or a piece of jewellery is set
with a precious stone, the stone is fixed firmly to the piece of jewellery
a gold tiepin with a diamond set into it
a brooch set with rubies and pearls
11. [ T ] When a doctor sets a broken bone, he or she puts it into a fixed position
so that it will heal .
12. [ I ] When a broken bone sets, it heals in a fixed position.
13. [ T ] If you have your hair set, you have it arranged while it is wet so that it
will be fixed in a particular style when it is dry.
14. [ T ] If you set a part of your body, you tighten the muscles around it in order
to show that you are determined about something
"I'm never going back to him, " she said, setting her jaw firmly.
His face was set in determination.
15. [ I ] If a liquid or soft material sets, it becomes firm or hard
Leave the jelly in the fridge to set.
Don't walk on the concrete until it has set.
set verb GIVE WORK
16. [ T ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY assign ) to give or provide a piece of work or task
for someone to do
My science teacher always sets a lot of homework.
What books have been set for this term?
[ + two objects ] We set the kids the task of clearing the snow from the front
path.
set verb MUSIC
17. [ T ] to write or provide music for a poem or other words so that they can be
sung
poems set to music
set verb SUN
18. [ I ] (of the sun, moon or planets) to go down below the horizon (= the line at
which the Earth seems to join the sky)
We sat on the beach and watched the sun set.
The setting sun cast long shadows across the lawn.
See also sunset
not set the world on fire
to not be very exciting or successful
He has a nice enough voice but he's not going to set the world on fire.
set the scene/stage ( ALSO the scene/stage is set )
used to mean that conditions have been made right for something to happen, or
that something is likely to happen
This weekend's talks between the two leaders have set the scene for a peace
agreement to be reached.
The stage looks set for a repeat of last year's final.
set about sth phrasal verb
to start to do or deal with something
[ + -ing verb ] I've no idea how to set about chang ing a tyre on a car.
I tried to apologize, but I think I set about it the wrong way.
set about sb phrasal verb LITERARY
to attack someone
Her attacker set about her with a knife.
set sb against sb phrasal verb
to cause one person to argue or fight with another person
This war has set neighbour against neighbour.
set sth against sth phrasal verb COMPARE
1. to consider something in relation to another thing and compare their different
qualities or effects
You have to set the advantages of the scheme against the disadvantages.
set sth against sth phrasal verb FINANCE
2. to use or record one thing, especially the cost of something, in order to reduce
or remove the effect of another
The cost of business travel and entertainment can be set against tax .
set sth/sb apart phrasal verb
If a quality or characteristic sets someone/something apart, it shows them to be
different from, and usually better than, others of the same type
What set her apart from the other candidates for the job was that she had a lot of
original ideas.
set sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] PURPOSE
1. to save something, usually money or time, for a special purpose
He had some money in an account that he'd set aside for his kids.
[ + to infinitive ] I set aside half an hour every evening to hear Erik read.
set sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] LEGAL DECISION
2. If a judge or court sets aside a previous decision or judgment, they state that it
does not now have any legal effect, usually because they consider it to have been
wrong
The Court of Appeal set aside his conviction.
set sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] IGNORE
3. to decide that you will not be influenced by your own feelings or opinions
because they are not important at a particular time
In times of war people tend to set aside political differences.
4. to ignore or not think about a particular fact or situation while considering a
matter
Setting aside the question of cost, what do you think of the idea in principle?
set sb back (sth) phrasal verb INFORMAL
to cost someone a large amount of money
Buying that suit must have set you back.
That new car looks as if it set you back a bit, Geoff.
set sth/sb back phrasal verb [ M ]
to delay an event, process or person
The opening of the new swimming pool has been set back by a few weeks.
A war would inevitably set back the process of reform.
See also setback
set sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to reduce something to a weaker or less advanced state
This result has set back their chances of winning the competition.
See also setback
set sth down phrasal verb WRITING
1. [ M often passive ] to write or print something, especially to record it in a
formal document
The rules of the club are set down in the members' handbook.
set sth down phrasal verb AIRCRAFT
2. [ M ] to land an aircraft
set sb down phrasal verb [ M ]
If a vehicle sets down a passenger, it stops so that the passenger can get out
The taxi set us down a long way from our hotel, and we had to walk.
set sth forth phrasal verb [ M ]
FORMAL FOR set sth out (DETAILS)
set in phrasal verb
When something unpleasant sets in, it begins and seems likely to continue in a
serious way
This rain looks as if it has set in for the rest of the day.
If you get bitten by a dog, you have to make sure the wound is properly cleaned,
or an infection could set in.
Despair seems to have set in among the team.
set off/out phrasal verb
set off/out
to start a journey
What time will we have to set off for the station tomorrow?
Jenny set off down the road on her new bike.
They've just set off on a round-the-world cruise.
set sth off phrasal verb [ M ] CAUSE
1. to cause an activity or event, often a series of events, to begin or happen
The court's initial verdict in the police officers' trial set off serious riots.
2. to cause a loud noise or explosion, such as that made by a bomb or an alarm
(= a warning sound) to begin or happen
Terrorists set off a bomb in the city centre.
Somebody set the alarm off on my car.
set sth off phrasal verb [ M ] MAKE NOTICEABLE
3. to make something look attractive by providing a contrast (= attractive
difference) to it
The new yellow cushions nicely set off the pale green of the chair covers.
set sb off phrasal verb INFORMAL
to cause someone to start doing something
[ + -ing verb ] Every time I think about it, it sets me off laugh ing .
She's finally stopped crying - now don't set her off again.
set sb/sth on sb phrasal verb
to make an animal or person attack someone
The security guards set their dogs on the intruders.
If you do that again, I'll set my big brother on you!
set on/upon sb phrasal verb
1. [ often passive ] to attack someone
He was set upon by a vicious dog.
2. to surround or catch someone and prevent them from escaping
As he left the theatre, the singer was set upon by fans desperate for autographs.
set out phrasal verb
1. to start an activity with a particular aim
She set out with the aim of becoming the youngest ever winner of the
championship.
[ + to infinitive ] They set out to discover a cure for cancer.
2. to start a journey
set sth out phrasal verb [ M ] DETAILS
1. ( FORMAL set sth forth ) to give the details of something or to explain it,
especially in writing, in a clear, organized way
The management board has set out its goals/plans/proposals for the coming year.
Your contract will set out the terms and conditions of your employment.
set sth out phrasal verb [ M ] ARRANGEMENT
2. to arrange something, usually a number of things, in an attractive or organized
way
The market was full of brightly coloured vegetables set out on stalls.
Every evening Michael sets out the breakfast things on the table, ready for the
morning.
set to phrasal verb WORK
1. to start working or dealing with something in an energetic and determined way
If we all set to, we should be able to finish the job in a week.
set to phrasal verb FIGHT
2. INFORMAL to begin to fight
set sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to formally establish a new company, organization, system, way of working, etc
A committee has been set up to organize social events in the college.
She plans to set up her own business.
They've set up a fund for victims of the earthquake.
2. to arrange for an event or activity to happen
We need to set up a meeting to discuss the proposals.
The government has agreed to set up a public enquiry.
set sb up phrasal verb [ M ] ESTABLISH
1. to establish someone or yourself in a business or position
After he left college, his father set him up in the family business.
[ R ] She set herself up as an interior designer.
set sb up phrasal verb [ M ] BENEFIT
2. to provide the money that someone needs for an important task or activity
which is expected to last a long time
Winning the lottery has set them up for life .
3. to provide someone with the energy or health that you need for a particular
period of time
A good breakfast really sets you up for the day.
set sb up phrasal verb [ M ] DECEIVE
4. [ often passive ] INFORMAL to trick someone in order to make them do
something, or in order to make them seem guilty of something that they have not done
They claimed that they weren't selling drugs, but that they'd been set up by the
police.
set sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to provide someone or something with all the necessary things for a particular
activity or period of time
I think we're set up with everything we need for the journey.
We went on a shopping trip and got him all set up for the new term.
set (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to prepare something for use, especially by putting the different parts of it
together
We only had a couple of hours to set up before the exhibition opened.
I need one or two people to help me set up the equipment.
set yourself up as sth phrasal verb [ R ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING
to say that you are a particular type of person
He sets himself up as an expert on vegetable growing, but he doesn't seem to me
to know much about it.
set noun GROUP
1. [ C ] a group of similar things that belong together in some way
We bought Charles and Mandy a set of cutlery as a wedding present.
I always keep a tool set in the back of my car.
The doctor said that he hadn't seen this particular set of symptoms before.
We need to establish a new set of priorities.
2. [ C ] a number of objects or pieces of equipment needed for a particular
activity, especially playing a game
a chess/train/chemistry set
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED In mathematics, a set is a group of objects with stated
characteristics.
4. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of people who have similar interests and
ways of living
the London set
She's got in with a very arty set.
The smart set is/are going to the Caprice restaurant this season.
set noun FILM/PLAY
5. [ C ] the place where a film or play is performed or recorded, and the pictures,
furniture, etc. that are used
a film set
a stage set
a set designer
They first met on the set of 'Star Wars'.
set noun PART
6. [ C ] a part of a game of tennis
They won in straight sets (= They won every set) .
7. [ C ] a musical performance which forms part of a concert , especially one of
pop music or jazz
The band's opening set lasted 45 minutes.
set noun POSITION
8. the set of sth
the position in which you hold a part of your body
I could tell from the set of his jaw that he was angry.
9. [ C ] the act of having your hair set
a shampoo and set
set noun TELEVISION
10. [ C ] a television
We need a new television set.
set adjective READY
1. [ after verb ] ready and prepared
Shall we go now - is everyone set?
Is everything all set for the party?
At the beginning of a race, the starter often says "On your marks, get set, go" or
"Ready, get set, go".
We were just getting set to leave when Ben said he had something important to
tell us.
2. [ after verb ] likely or in a suitable condition
He looks set to become world champion again this year.
set adjective FIXED
3. fixed or never changing
My parents say I have to be home by a set time.
The restaurant does a set lunch (= a meal which is offered at a fixed price, but
with little or no choice about what you have to eat) on Sundays.
The receptionist had a bright set smile on his face, but I could tell that he was
bored.
My father has very set opinions/views on the matter.
4. set expression/phrase
a phrase in which the words are always used in the same order
set adjective STUDY
5. [ before noun ] a set book is one that must be studied for a particular course
The students are reading 'Lord of the Flies' as one of their set books/texts this
year.
be (dead) set against sth
to be determined not to do something
Why are you so set against going to college?
They are dead set against (= strongly opposed to) the plans to close the local
hospital.
be set fair UK OLD-FASHIONED
to be sunny and dry and not changing or expected to change
be set in your ways
to do the same things every day and to not want to change those habits
As people get older, they often become set in their ways.
be set on/upon sth
to be determined to do something
She seems set on marrying him.
set verb POSITION
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to put something in the stated place or
position
He set a vase of flowers on the table.
The campsite is set in the middle of a pine forest.
Our house is set back from the road.
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] If a story, film, etc. is set in a particular
time or place, the action in it happens in that time or place
'West Side Story' is set in New York in the late 1950s.
set verb CONDITION
3. [ T ] to cause something or someone to be in the stated condition or situation
It is believed that the building was set alight/ablaze/on fire deliberately.
The new director has set a lot of changes in motion in our department.
[ + adjective ] After years in prison, the men who had wrongfully been found
guilty of the bombing were finally set free .
If I've made a mistake, then it's up to me to set it right (= correct it) .
4. set sb/sth doing sth
to cause someone or something to start doing something
His remarks set me thinking.
The thunderstorm set the radio crackling.
5. set sb to work
to give someone work to do
I was set to work tidying the bookshelves.
set verb ESTABLISH
6. [ T ] to establish or cause to exist
The school has been criticized for failing to set high standards for its students.
The government has set new limits on spending.
Lewis has set a new world record .
The court's decision has set a legal precedent .
Parents should set a good example to their children.
He's set himself the goal/target of making his first million by the time he's 30.
set verb GET READY
7. [ T ] to get something ready so that it comes into operation or can be used
[ + to infinitive ] The heating is set to come on at 5.00 p.m.
Have you set up the video recorder?
I usually set my watch by the time signal on the radio.
He set the alarm for 7.00 a.m.
Will you set the table (= put plates and utensils on it ready for use) , please?
8. [ T ] to put furniture and other things on a stage so that it represents the time
and the place in which the action of a play, film or television programme is going to
happen
During the interval the stage was set for the second act.
set verb FIX
9. [ T ] to fix or make certain
Has a date/time been set for the meeting yet?
The price of the house has been set at £425 000.
10. set into sth /be set with sth
If a precious stone is set in/into a piece of jewellery, or a piece of jewellery is set
with a precious stone, the stone is fixed firmly to the piece of jewellery
a gold tiepin with a diamond set into it
a brooch set with rubies and pearls
11. [ T ] When a doctor sets a broken bone, he or she puts it into a fixed position
so that it will heal .
12. [ I ] When a broken bone sets, it heals in a fixed position.
13. [ T ] If you have your hair set, you have it arranged while it is wet so that it
will be fixed in a particular style when it is dry.
14. [ T ] If you set a part of your body, you tighten the muscles around it in order
to show that you are determined about something
"I'm never going back to him, " she said, setting her jaw firmly.
His face was set in determination.
15. [ I ] If a liquid or soft material sets, it becomes firm or hard
Leave the jelly in the fridge to set.
Don't walk on the concrete until it has set.
set verb GIVE WORK
16. [ T ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY assign ) to give or provide a piece of work or task
for someone to do
My science teacher always sets a lot of homework.
What books have been set for this term?
[ + two objects ] We set the kids the task of clearing the snow from the front
path.
set verb MUSIC
17. [ T ] to write or provide music for a poem or other words so that they can be
sung
poems set to music
set verb SUN
18. [ I ] (of the sun, moon or planets) to go down below the horizon (= the line at
which the Earth seems to join the sky)
We sat on the beach and watched the sun set.
The setting sun cast long shadows across the lawn.
See also sunset
not set the world on fire
to not be very exciting or successful
He has a nice enough voice but he's not going to set the world on fire.
set the scene/stage ( ALSO the scene/stage is set )
used to mean that conditions have been made right for something to happen, or
that something is likely to happen
This weekend's talks between the two leaders have set the scene for a peace
agreement to be reached.
The stage looks set for a repeat of last year's final.
set about sth phrasal verb
to start to do or deal with something
[ + -ing verb ] I've no idea how to set about chang ing a tyre on a car.
I tried to apologize, but I think I set about it the wrong way.
set about sb phrasal verb LITERARY
to attack someone
Her attacker set about her with a knife.
set sb against sb phrasal verb
to cause one person to argue or fight with another person
This war has set neighbour against neighbour.
set sth against sth phrasal verb COMPARE
1. to consider something in relation to another thing and compare their different
qualities or effects
You have to set the advantages of the scheme against the disadvantages.
set sth against sth phrasal verb FINANCE
2. to use or record one thing, especially the cost of something, in order to reduce
or remove the effect of another
The cost of business travel and entertainment can be set against tax .
set sth/sb apart phrasal verb
If a quality or characteristic sets someone/something apart, it shows them to be
different from, and usually better than, others of the same type
What set her apart from the other candidates for the job was that she had a lot of
original ideas.
set sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] PURPOSE
1. to save something, usually money or time, for a special purpose
He had some money in an account that he'd set aside for his kids.
[ + to infinitive ] I set aside half an hour every evening to hear Erik read.
set sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] LEGAL DECISION
2. If a judge or court sets aside a previous decision or judgment, they state that it
does not now have any legal effect, usually because they consider it to have been
wrong
The Court of Appeal set aside his conviction.
set sth aside phrasal verb [ M ] IGNORE
3. to decide that you will not be influenced by your own feelings or opinions
because they are not important at a particular time
In times of war people tend to set aside political differences.
4. to ignore or not think about a particular fact or situation while considering a
matter
Setting aside the question of cost, what do you think of the idea in principle?
set sb back (sth) phrasal verb INFORMAL
to cost someone a large amount of money
Buying that suit must have set you back.
That new car looks as if it set you back a bit, Geoff.
set sth/sb back phrasal verb [ M ]
to delay an event, process or person
The opening of the new swimming pool has been set back by a few weeks.
A war would inevitably set back the process of reform.
See also setback
set sth back phrasal verb [ M ]
to reduce something to a weaker or less advanced state
This result has set back their chances of winning the competition.
See also setback
set sth down phrasal verb WRITING
1. [ M often passive ] to write or print something, especially to record it in a
formal document
The rules of the club are set down in the members' handbook.
set sth down phrasal verb AIRCRAFT
2. [ M ] to land an aircraft
set sb down phrasal verb [ M ]
If a vehicle sets down a passenger, it stops so that the passenger can get out
The taxi set us down a long way from our hotel, and we had to walk.
set sth forth phrasal verb [ M ]
FORMAL FOR set sth out (DETAILS)
set in phrasal verb
When something unpleasant sets in, it begins and seems likely to continue in a
serious way
This rain looks as if it has set in for the rest of the day.
If you get bitten by a dog, you have to make sure the wound is properly cleaned,
or an infection could set in.
Despair seems to have set in among the team.
set off/out phrasal verb
set off/out
to start a journey
What time will we have to set off for the station tomorrow?
Jenny set off down the road on her new bike.
They've just set off on a round-the-world cruise.
set sth off phrasal verb [ M ] CAUSE
1. to cause an activity or event, often a series of events, to begin or happen
The court's initial verdict in the police officers' trial set off serious riots.
2. to cause a loud noise or explosion, such as that made by a bomb or an alarm
(= a warning sound) to begin or happen
Terrorists set off a bomb in the city centre.
Somebody set the alarm off on my car.
set sth off phrasal verb [ M ] MAKE NOTICEABLE
3. to make something look attractive by providing a contrast (= attractive
difference) to it
The new yellow cushions nicely set off the pale green of the chair covers.
set sb off phrasal verb INFORMAL
to cause someone to start doing something
[ + -ing verb ] Every time I think about it, it sets me off laugh ing .
She's finally stopped crying - now don't set her off again.
set sb/sth on sb phrasal verb
to make an animal or person attack someone
The security guards set their dogs on the intruders.
If you do that again, I'll set my big brother on you!
set on/upon sb phrasal verb
1. [ often passive ] to attack someone
He was set upon by a vicious dog.
2. to surround or catch someone and prevent them from escaping
As he left the theatre, the singer was set upon by fans desperate for autographs.
set out phrasal verb
1. to start an activity with a particular aim
She set out with the aim of becoming the youngest ever winner of the
championship.
[ + to infinitive ] They set out to discover a cure for cancer.
2. to start a journey
set sth out phrasal verb [ M ] DETAILS
1. ( FORMAL set sth forth ) to give the details of something or to explain it,
especially in writing, in a clear, organized way
The management board has set out its goals/plans/proposals for the coming year.
Your contract will set out the terms and conditions of your employment.
set sth out phrasal verb [ M ] ARRANGEMENT
2. to arrange something, usually a number of things, in an attractive or organized
way
The market was full of brightly coloured vegetables set out on stalls.
Every evening Michael sets out the breakfast things on the table, ready for the
morning.
set to phrasal verb WORK
1. to start working or dealing with something in an energetic and determined way
If we all set to, we should be able to finish the job in a week.
set to phrasal verb FIGHT
2. INFORMAL to begin to fight
set sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to formally establish a new company, organization, system, way of working, etc
A committee has been set up to organize social events in the college.
She plans to set up her own business.
They've set up a fund for victims of the earthquake.
2. to arrange for an event or activity to happen
We need to set up a meeting to discuss the proposals.
The government has agreed to set up a public enquiry.
set sb up phrasal verb [ M ] ESTABLISH
1. to establish someone or yourself in a business or position
After he left college, his father set him up in the family business.
[ R ] She set herself up as an interior designer.
set sb up phrasal verb [ M ] BENEFIT
2. to provide the money that someone needs for an important task or activity
which is expected to last a long time
Winning the lottery has set them up for life .
3. to provide someone with the energy or health that you need for a particular
period of time
A good breakfast really sets you up for the day.
set sb up phrasal verb [ M ] DECEIVE
4. [ often passive ] INFORMAL to trick someone in order to make them do
something, or in order to make them seem guilty of something that they have not done
They claimed that they weren't selling drugs, but that they'd been set up by the
police.
set sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to provide someone or something with all the necessary things for a particular
activity or period of time
I think we're set up with everything we need for the journey.
We went on a shopping trip and got him all set up for the new term.
set (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to prepare something for use, especially by putting the different parts of it
together
We only had a couple of hours to set up before the exhibition opened.
I need one or two people to help me set up the equipment.
set yourself up as sth phrasal verb [ R ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING
to say that you are a particular type of person
He sets himself up as an expert on vegetable growing, but he doesn't seem to me
to know much about it.
set noun GROUP
1. [ C ] a group of similar things that belong together in some way
We bought Charles and Mandy a set of cutlery as a wedding present.
I always keep a tool set in the back of my car.
The doctor said that he hadn't seen this particular set of symptoms before.
We need to establish a new set of priorities.
2. [ C ] a number of objects or pieces of equipment needed for a particular
activity, especially playing a game
a chess/train/chemistry set
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED In mathematics, a set is a group of objects with stated
characteristics.
4. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of people who have similar interests and
ways of living
the London set
She's got in with a very arty set.
The smart set is/are going to the Caprice restaurant this season.
set noun FILM/PLAY
5. [ C ] the place where a film or play is performed or recorded, and the pictures,
furniture, etc. that are used
a film set
a stage set
a set designer
They first met on the set of 'Star Wars'.
set noun PART
6. [ C ] a part of a game of tennis
They won in straight sets (= They won every set) .
7. [ C ] a musical performance which forms part of a concert , especially one of
pop music or jazz
The band's opening set lasted 45 minutes.
set noun POSITION
8. the set of sth
the position in which you hold a part of your body
I could tell from the set of his jaw that he was angry.
9. [ C ] the act of having your hair set
a shampoo and set
set noun TELEVISION
10. [ C ] a television
We need a new television set.
set adjective READY
1. [ after verb ] ready and prepared
Shall we go now - is everyone set?
Is everything all set for the party?
At the beginning of a race, the starter often says "On your marks, get set, go" or
"Ready, get set, go".
We were just getting set to leave when Ben said he had something important to
tell us.
2. [ after verb ] likely or in a suitable condition
He looks set to become world champion again this year.
set adjective FIXED
3. fixed or never changing
My parents say I have to be home by a set time.
The restaurant does a set lunch (= a meal which is offered at a fixed price, but
with little or no choice about what you have to eat) on Sundays.
The receptionist had a bright set smile on his face, but I could tell that he was
bored.
My father has very set opinions/views on the matter.
4. set expression/phrase
a phrase in which the words are always used in the same order
set adjective STUDY
5. [ before noun ] a set book is one that must be studied for a particular course
The students are reading 'Lord of the Flies' as one of their set books/texts this
year.
be (dead) set against sth
to be determined not to do something
Why are you so set against going to college?
They are dead set against (= strongly opposed to) the plans to close the local
hospital.
be set fair UK OLD-FASHIONED
to be sunny and dry and not changing or expected to change
be set in your ways
to do the same things every day and to not want to change those habits
As people get older, they often become set in their ways.
be set on/upon sth
to be determined to do something
She seems set on marrying him.
set-aside noun [ U ]
when farmers are paid in order not to grow crops on areas of land, or land of this
type
setback noun [ C ]
something that happens which delays or prevents a process from advancing
Sally had been recovering well from her operation, but yesterday she
experienced/suffered a setback.
There has been a slight/temporary setback in our plans.
See also set sth/sb back ; set sth back
ˌ set ˈ piece noun [ C usually singular ]
1. part of a film, play, etc. which is exciting and attracts attention, but is often not
a necessary part of the story
2. a move in a sports game that has been planned and practised
ˌ set ˈ point noun [ C ]
If a tennis player has a set point, it means that if they win the next point, they
will win the set (= important part of a tennis competition) .
setsquare noun [ C ] ( ALSO triangle ) UK
a flat piece of metal or plastic in the shape of a triangle with one angle of 90°,
which is used for drawing angles
Compare T-square
settee noun [ C ]
settee
1. a long soft seat with a back and usually with arms; a sofa
2. US a long wooden seat which has a back
setter noun [ C ]
a dog with long hair, which is sometimes trained to help hunters find birds or
animals to shoot. There are various types of setter
an Irish setter
a red setter
setting noun POSITION
1. [ C usually singular ] the position of a house or other building
Their cottage is in an idyllic rural setting.
2. [ C usually singular ] the time and the place in which the action of a book, film,
play, etc. happens
The play has its setting in a wartime prison camp.
3. [ C ] a place setting
setting noun CONTROLS
4. [ C ] a position on the controls of a piece of equipment
My hairdryer has three settings - high, medium and low.
You don't need to adjust the setting every time you take a photo.
setting noun JEWELLERY
5. [ C ] the piece of metal in a ring, or other piece of jewellery, into which a
precious stone is fixed
a single diamond in a plain gold setting
setting noun MUSIC
6. [ C ] music written or provided for a poem or other words so that they can be
sung
He sang Schubert's setting of a Goethe poem.
setting noun POSITION
1. [ C usually singular ] the position of a house or other building
Their cottage is in an idyllic rural setting.
2. [ C usually singular ] the time and the place in which the action of a book, film,
play, etc. happens
The play has its setting in a wartime prison camp.
3. [ C ] a place setting
setting noun CONTROLS
4. [ C ] a position on the controls of a piece of equipment
My hairdryer has three settings - high, medium and low.
You don't need to adjust the setting every time you take a photo.
setting noun JEWELLERY
5. [ C ] the piece of metal in a ring, or other piece of jewellery, into which a
precious stone is fixed
a single diamond in a plain gold setting
setting noun MUSIC
6. [ C ] music written or provided for a poem or other words so that they can be
sung
He sang Schubert's setting of a Goethe poem.
settle verb AGREE
1. [ T ] to reach a decision or an agreement about something, or to end a
disagreement
Good, that's all settled - you send out the invitations for the party, and I'll
organize the food.
[ + question word ] They haven't yet settled wh en the wedding is going to be.
"The tickets are £40 each." "Well, that settles that then - I can't afford that
much."
I'd like to get this matter settled once and for all (= reach a final decision on it)
.
2. [ I or T ] to arrange something
The details of the contract have not yet been settled.
Our lawyer advised us that it would be better to settle out of court (= reach an
agreement in a legal case without it being decided in a court of law) .
It took months to settle (= bring to an end) the dispute/strike.
My father and I have agreed finally to settle our differences (= stop arguing) .
settle verb MAKE COMFORTABLE
3. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to relax into a comfortable position
After dinner we settled in front of the television for the evening.
The dentist told her patient to settle back in the chair.
[ R ] He settled himself down with a newspaper, and waited for the train to
arrive.
settle verb LIVE
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to go and live somewhere, especially
permanently
After they got married, they settled in Brighton.
5. [ I or T often passive ] to arrive, especially from another country, in a new
place and establish yourself, taking the land as your own
America was first settled by people who came across from Asia over 25 000 years
ago.
settle verb MOVE LOWER
6. [ I ] to move to a lower level and stay there; to drop
The house had been empty for years, and dust had settled on all the surfaces.
Do you think the snow will settle (= remain on the ground and other surfaces
without melting) ?
The contents of this packet may settle (= fall towards the bottom of the container
and so seem to be less) .
settle verb PAY
7. [ I or T ] to pay, especially money that you owe
Please settle your account/bill without further delay.
It took the insurance company months to settle my claim .
FORMAL Payment of your account is now overdue, and we must ask you to settle (=
pay the money you owe) immediately.
settle verb QUIET
8. [ I or T ] to become quiet and calm, or to make something or someone do this
The weather is expected to settle towards the end of the week.
I'll call you back as soon as I've settled the children for the night.
Before a performance, she takes three deep breaths to settle her nerves.
We're very busy this week, but things should settle (down) a bit after the
weekend.
UK Joe's parents are very worried about him because he doesn't seem to be able
to settle to (= to give his whole attention to) anything.
settle verb BE IN A CERTAIN STATE
9. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to reach and remain at a certain level or in a
certain state
The pound rose slightly against the dollar today, then settled at $1.53.
A peaceful expression settled on her face.
After the recent riots, an uneasy calm has settled on the city.
settle your affairs FORMAL
to decide what will happen to your possessions after your death, usually by
making a legal document
settle an (old) score ( ALSO settle (old) scores )
to harm someone because they have harmed you in the past
The President used his speech to settle some old scores with his opponents.
settle an account
to harm someone because they have harmed you in the past
Police think that the killings may be a result of accounts being settled between
local gangs.
settle down phrasal verb FEEL COMFORTABLE
1. ( ALSO settle into somewhere ) to become familiar with a place and to feel
happy and confident in it
She quickly settled down in her new house/job/school.
settle down phrasal verb MAKE HOME
2. to start living in a place where you intend to stay for a long time, usually with
your partner
Eventually I'd like to settle down and have a family, but not yet.
settle (sb) down phrasal verb
to become quiet and calm, or to make someone become quiet and calm
Come on children, stop chatting and settle down please!
They settled down on the sofa to watch the film.
settle for sth phrasal verb
to accept or agree to something, or to decide to have something, although it is
not exactly what you want or it is not the best
They were hoping to sell their car for £2000, but settled for £1500.
He wants a full refund and he won't settle for anything less.
She never settles for second best.
settle in phrasal verb
to become familiar with somewhere new, such as a new house, job or school, and
to feel comfortable and happy there
Once we've settled in, you must come round for dinner.
settle sb in phrasal verb [ M ]
to help someone to become familiar with a new job or a new place where they will
be living, working or staying
The nurse will be with you soon - she's settling a new patient in at the moment.
settle on sth phrasal verb
to agree on a decision
Have you settled on a name for the baby?
settle sth on sb phrasal verb LEGAL
to formally give money or property to someone
When my uncle died, he settled £1000 a year on me.
settle up phrasal verb
to pay someone the money that you owe them
Would you like to settle up now, sir?
You buy the tickets and I'll settle up with you later.
settled adjective COMFORTABLE
1. [ after verb ] if you feel settled in a job, school, etc., you have become familiar
with it and are comfortable and happy there
Now that the children are settled at school, we don't really want to move again.
Although I worked there for over a year, I never really felt settled.
settled adjective HOME
2. living somewhere, especially permanently
After many years of travelling around, we're now enjoying a more settled life.
settled adjective QUIET
3. Settled weather is calm and unlikely to change.
It looks as if we are in for a settled spell this week.
settled adjective COMFORTABLE
1. [ after verb ] if you feel settled in a job, school, etc., you have become familiar
with it and are comfortable and happy there
Now that the children are settled at school, we don't really want to move again.
Although I worked there for over a year, I never really felt settled.
settled adjective HOME
2. living somewhere, especially permanently
After many years of travelling around, we're now enjoying a more settled life.
settled adjective QUIET
3. Settled weather is calm and unlikely to change.
It looks as if we are in for a settled spell this week.
settlement noun AGREE
1. [ C or U ] an official agreement that finishes an argument
It now seems unlikely that it will be possible to negotiate/reach a peaceful
settlement of the conflict.
As part of their divorce settlement, Geoff agreed to let Polly keep the house.
2. [ C ] an arrangement to end a disagreement involving a law having been
broken, without taking it to a court of law, or an amount of money paid as part of such
an arrangement
They reached an out-of-court settlement.
The actor accepted a settlement of £100 000 from the newspaper.
settlement noun HOME
3. [ C or U ] a place where people come to live or the process of settling in such a
place
A large Roman settlement has been discovered just outside the town.
Many Native Americans were killed during the settlement of the American West
by Europeans in the nineteenth century.
settlement noun PAYMENT
4. [ C or U ] the action of paying money to someone
The settlement of his debts took him several months.
I enclose a cheque in settlement of your claim.
LEGAL Her mother made a settlement on her (= made a formal arrangement to
give her money) when she started college.
settlement noun MOVEMENT LOWER
5. [ U ] the process of the slow sinking of a building or the ground
settler noun [ C ]
a person who arrives, especially from another country, in a new place and takes
the land in order to live on it and farm it
set-to , noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a short argument or fight
Dad had a bit of a set-to with the neighbours about their playing loud music all
the time.
set-top box noun [ C ]
an electronic device that makes it possible to watch digital broadcasts on ordinary
televisions
set-top box noun [ C ]
an electronic device that makes it possible to watch digital broadcasts on ordinary
televisions
set-up noun ARRANGE
1. [ S ] the way in which things are organized or arranged
When I started my new job, it took me a while to get used to the set-up.
"Nice little set-up you've got here, " he said as we showed him round the house.
set-up noun TRICK
2. [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL a situation in which someone is tricked into doing
something or is made to seem guilty of something they have not done
When drugs were found in her luggage, she claimed it was a set-up.
seven number
the number 7
The restaurant opens for dinner at seven o'clock.
We're open seven days a week (= every day) .
the ˌ seven ˌ deadly ˈ sins plural noun
those faults in a person's character which are thought to be the cause of all evil
actions
The seven deadly sins are covetousness, envy, gluttony, lust, pride, anger and
sloth.
seventeen , number
the number 17
sixteen, seventeen, eighteen
Is that a seventeen on the front of that bus?
seventeenth , ordinal number
17th written as a word
seventeenth , noun [ C ]
one of seventeen equal parts of something
seventh ordinal number
It's the seventh (of May) today.
Our team was/came seventh.
be in seventh heaven INFORMAL HUMOROUS
to be extremely happy
Since they got married, they've been in seventh heaven.
seventh noun [ C ]
one of seven equal parts of something
Seventh-Day Adventist , noun [ C ]
a member of a Christian group which believes that Jesus Christ will return to the
Earth soon, and which has Saturday as its day for worship
Seventh-Day Adventist , noun [ C ]
a member of a Christian group which believes that Jesus Christ will return to the
Earth soon, and which has Saturday as its day for worship
seventieth ordinal number
seventieth noun [ C ]
one of seventy equal parts of something
seventy number
[ C ] the number 70
sixty, seventy, eighty
This house was built seventy years ago.
She's getting on for seventy.
seventy noun
1. seventies
A person's seventies are the period in which they are aged between 70 and 79
He's very active considering he's in his seventies.
2. the seventies
a. the range of temperature between 70° and 79° Fahrenheit
The temperature is expected to reach the seventies tomorrow.
b. the period of years between 70 and 79 in any century
Flared trousers and platform shoes were fashionable in the seventies (= between
1970 and 1979) .
seventy-eight noun [ C ] ( ALSO 78 )
an old-fashioned record which is played by being turned around 78 times every
minute
seven-year itch noun [ U ] INFORMAL HUMOROUS
If a married person has the seven-year itch, they are feeling unhappy with their
marriage after seven years, and are considering having a sexual relationship with
someone who is not their wife or husband.
sever verb [ T ]
1. to break or separate, especially by cutting
The knife severed an artery and he bled to death.
Her foot was severed from her leg in a car accident.
Electricity cables have been severed by the storm.
2. to end a connection with someone or something
The US severed diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961.
The company has severed its connection/links/relationship/ties with its previous
partners.
several determiner , pronoun
some; an amount that is not exact but is fewer than many
I've seen 'Gone with the Wind' several times.
Several people have complained about the scheme.
Several of my friends are learning English at language schools in Cambridge.
several adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
separate; different; respective
We are striving to reach an agreement which will satisfy the several interests of
the parties concerned.
severally adverb
several determiner , pronoun
some; an amount that is not exact but is fewer than many
I've seen 'Gone with the Wind' several times.
Several people have complained about the scheme.
Several of my friends are learning English at language schools in Cambridge.
several adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
separate; different; respective
We are striving to reach an agreement which will satisfy the several interests of
the parties concerned.
severally adverb
severance noun [ U ]
1. money paid by an employer to an employee whose job the employer has had to
bring to an end
The management have offered employees one week's severance (pay) for each
six months they have worked at the company.
a severance agreement/deal/package
2. FORMAL the act of ending a connection, relationship, etc. or of being separated
from a person, place, etc.
The minister announced the severance of aid to the country.
The hardest thing to cope with was the severance from his family.
severe adjective VERY SERIOUS
1. causing very great pain, difficulty, worry, damage, etc; very serious
a severe chest infection/leg injury/toothache
This is a school for children with severe learning difficulties.
In parts of Africa there is a severe food/water shortage.
There is expected to be a severe frost tonight.
Severe cutbacks in public spending have been announced.
2. extreme or very difficult
This will be a severe test of our strength.
severe adjective NOT KIND
3. not kind or sympathetic; not willing to accept other people's mistakes or
failures
The headteacher spoke in a severe voice.
The government is currently facing severe criticism.
There are severe penalties for failing to declare all your income to the tax
authorities.
severe adjective PLAIN
4. OFTEN DISAPPROVING completely plain and without decoration
She wore a severe black dress, and plain black shoes.
I don't like these severe modern buildings.
severely adverb VERY SERIOUSLY
1. very seriously
Their daughter was severely injured in a car accident.
severely disabled/handicapped
Job opportunities are severely limited/restricted at the moment.
severely adverb NOT KINDLY
2. not kindly or sympathetically
I was severely reprimanded by my boss.
"I will not allow that kind of behaviour in my class, " the teacher said severely.
severely adverb PLAINLY
3. completely plainly
She dresses very severely.
severity noun [ U ] SERIOUS
1. seriousness
Even the doctors were shocked by the severity of his injuries.
I don't think you quite understand the severity of our financial problems.
severity noun [ U ] NOT KIND
2. harshness or unfriendliness
He spoke with great severity.
The severity of the punishment should match the seriousness of the crime.
severity noun [ U ] PLAIN
3. plainness
1. seriousness
3. plainness
sew verb
1. [ I or T ] to join two pieces of cloth together by putting thread through them
with a needle
My grandmother taught me to sew.
I made this skirt just by sewing two pieces of material together .
He sewed the badge neatly onto his uniform.
2. [ T ] to make a piece of clothing by joining pieces of cloth together by putting
thread through them with a needle
She sews all her children's clothes.
3. [ I or T ] to use a needle and thread to join up the edges of a cut in the skin or
other part of the body
The muscle layer needs to be sewn first.
His finger was cut off when he caught it in a machine, but the surgeon was able to
sew it back on .
sew sth up phrasal verb REPAIR
1. [ M ] to close or repair something by sewing the edges together
I've got to sew up that hole in your jeans.
A nurse will come and sew up that wound for you soon.
sew sth up phrasal verb BE SUCCESSFUL
2. [ usually passive ] INFORMAL If you have a competition or game sewn up, you
are certain you can win it or get control of it
The Democrats appear to have the election sewn up.
3. [ M ] to complete all the arrangements for a successful business agreement
It's going to take another week or two to sew up this deal.
sewage noun [ U ]
1. waste matter such as water or human urine or solid waste
Some cities in the world do not have proper facilities for the disposal of sewage.
Raw/untreated sewage is being pumped into the sea, from where it pollutes our
beaches.
2. the system of carrying away waste water and human waste from houses and
other buildings through large underground pipes or passages
ˈ sewage ˌ works noun [ C ] UK ( UK ALSO sewage farm , US sewage treatment plant )
a place where sewage is treated so that it can be safely got rid of or changed into
fertilizer
1. seriousness
3. plainness
sew verb
1. [ I or T ] to join two pieces of cloth together by putting thread through them
with a needle
My grandmother taught me to sew.
I made this skirt just by sewing two pieces of material together .
He sewed the badge neatly onto his uniform.
2. [ T ] to make a piece of clothing by joining pieces of cloth together by putting
thread through them with a needle
She sews all her children's clothes.
3. [ I or T ] to use a needle and thread to join up the edges of a cut in the skin or
other part of the body
The muscle layer needs to be sewn first.
His finger was cut off when he caught it in a machine, but the surgeon was able to
sew it back on .
sew sth up phrasal verb REPAIR
1. [ M ] to close or repair something by sewing the edges together
I've got to sew up that hole in your jeans.
A nurse will come and sew up that wound for you soon.
sew sth up phrasal verb BE SUCCESSFUL
2. [ usually passive ] INFORMAL If you have a competition or game sewn up, you
are certain you can win it or get control of it
The Democrats appear to have the election sewn up.
3. [ M ] to complete all the arrangements for a successful business agreement
It's going to take another week or two to sew up this deal.
sewage noun [ U ]
1. waste matter such as water or human urine or solid waste
Some cities in the world do not have proper facilities for the disposal of sewage.
Raw/untreated sewage is being pumped into the sea, from where it pollutes our
beaches.
2. the system of carrying away waste water and human waste from houses and
other buildings through large underground pipes or passages
ˈ sewage ˌ works noun [ C ] UK ( UK ALSO sewage farm , US sewage treatment plant )
a place where sewage is treated so that it can be safely got rid of or changed into
fertilizer
sewer noun [ C ]
1. a large pipe, usually underground, which is used for carrying waste water and
human waste, such as urine and solid waste, away from buildings to a place where they
can be safely got rid of
a sewer pipe
A complicated system of sewers runs under the city.
2. open sewer
a channel for carrying away waste water and waste from the human body which is
above the ground and is not covered
sewerage noun [ U ]
sewage
sewing noun [ U ]
1. a piece of cloth that is being or needs to be sewn
She put her sewing down.
2. the skill or activity of making or repairing clothes or other things made from
cloth
I'm not very good at sewing.
ˈ sewing ma ˌ chine noun [ C ]
sewing machine
a machine which is used for joining together pieces of cloth, and which has a
needle that is operated either by turning a handle, or by electricity
sex noun MALE OR FEMALE
1. [ U ] the state of being either male or female
What sex is your cat?
Some tests enable you to find out the sex of your baby before it's born.
It's illegal to discriminate against people on the basis of (their) sex.
She accused her employer of sex discrimination (= of treating her unfairly
because she was a woman) .
2. [ C ] all males considered as a group, or all females considered as a group
She seems to regard all members of the male sex as inferior.
Members of the opposite sex are not allowed in students' rooms overnight.
sex noun ACTIVITY
3. [ U ] sexual activity involving the penis or vagina, especially when a man puts
his penis into a woman's vagina
Sex before/outside marriage is strongly disapproved of in some cultures.
She was complaining about all the sex and violence on television.
She'd been having sex with a colleague at work for years.
Most young people now receive sex education at school.
extramarital / premarital sex
casual sex (= sex with someone you do not know)
unprotected sex (= sex without using something to prevent disease or becoming
pregnant)
sex verb
[ T ] SPECIALIZED to discover whether an animal is male or female
How do you sex fish?
sex sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to make something seem more exciting or interesting
How can we sex up science writing?
sexagenarian noun [ C ]
a person who is between 60 and 69 years old
ˈ sex ap ˌ peal noun [ U ]
the quality of being sexually attractive
ˌ sex ˌ change (oper ˈ ation) noun [ C ]
an operation which, together with hormone treatment, gives a man many of the
characteristics of a woman, or a woman many of the characteristics of a man
-sexed suffix
relating to the amount of sexual desire or interest that someone has
highly-sexed
-sexed suffix
relating to the amount of sexual desire or interest that someone has
highly-sexed
sexism noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
(actions based on) the belief that the members of one sex are less intelligent,
able, skilful, etc. than the members of the other sex, especially that women are less
able than men
The university has been accused of sexism because it has so few women
professors.
sexist adjective DISAPPROVING
Sexist jokes or comments suggest that women are less able than men or refer to
women's bodies, behaviour or feelings in a negative way
sexist comments/jokes
sexist noun [ C ]
ˈ sex ˌ kitten noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a sexually attractive young woman
sexless adjective SEX
1. not being sexually attractive or not having an interest in sex
I've always found her rather sexless.
sexless adjective MALE OR FEMALE
2. without sexual characteristics
Compare neuter
ˈ sex ˌ life noun [ C ]
a person's sexual activities and relationships
Many new parents find that having a baby seriously affects their sex life.
sex-linked adjective
If something is sex-linked, it is found only among males or only among females
Haemophilia is a sex-linked disease.
ˌ sex ˈ maniac noun [ C ]
someone who always wants to have sex and thinks about it too much
ˈ sex ˌ object noun [ C ]
If you consider someone to be, or you treat someone like a sex object, you are
only interested in them sexually, and not as a person
She wanted to be regarded as more than just a sex object.
ˈ sex ˌ object noun [ C ]
If you consider someone to be, or you treat someone like a sex object, you are
only interested in them sexually, and not as a person
She wanted to be regarded as more than just a sex object.
ˈ sex of ˌ fender noun [ C ]
a person who commits a crime involving a sexual attack
Some parents are demanding access to the sex offenders' register (= a list, kept
by the police, of all the people who have been found guilty in a court of a sexual
offence) .
sexologist noun [ C ]
a person who studies human sexual behaviour
ˈ sex ˌ organ noun [ C ]
a part of the body involved in the production of babies, such as the vagina or
penis
sexpot noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a woman who is sexually exciting or is very interested in sex. Some people,
especially women, consider this offensive.
ˈ sex ˌ shop noun [ C ]
a shop that sells products connected with sexual activity, including magazines,
clothing and equipment
sex-starved adjective
having not had enough sex recently
ˈ sex ˌ symbol noun [ C ]
someone famous who is considered very sexually attractive by many people
Marilyn Monroe is one of the cinema's most famous sex symbols.
sextant noun [ C ]
a device used on a ship or aircraft for measuring angles, such as those between
stars or that between the sun and the Earth, in order to discover the exact position of
the ship or aircraft
sextet noun [ C ]
a group of six musicians or singers who play or sing together, or a piece of music
for six players or singers
a jazz sextet
a sextet for strings, oboe and flute
sextet noun [ C ]
a group of six musicians or singers who play or sing together, or a piece of music
for six players or singers
a jazz sextet
a sextet for strings, oboe and flute
ˈ sex ˌ therapy noun [ U ]
advice and/or training given by an expert to help people who have sexual
problems
sex therapist noun [ C ]
sexton noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to take care of a church building and its graveyard , and
sometimes to ring the church bells
ˈ sex ˌ tourism noun [ U ]
when someone travels to another country for the purpose of paying to have sex,
especially with children
Several European governments have pledged to work together to crack down on
child pornography and sex tourism.
ˈ sex ˌ toy noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO sex aid )
an object that people use to increase their sexual pleasure, such as a dildo or a
vibrator
sextuplet noun [ C ]
any of six children born to the same mother at the same time
sexual adjective SEX
1. relating to the activity of sex
Most people remember their first sexual experience.
a sexual relationship
sexual assault / harassment
FORMAL sexual intercourse (= the act of having sex)
sexual orientation / preference (= whether someone chooses to have sex with
men, women, or both)
2. relating to the reproduction of babies by the combining of a cell from a male
with a cell from a female
sexual reproduction
sexual adjective MALE OR FEMALE
3. relating to being male or female
Sexual equality will not be achieved until there is more provision for childcare.
Some steps have been taken towards ending sexual discrimination (= treating
people unfairly because of which sex they are) .
ˌ sexual a ˈ buse noun [ U ]
the activity of having sex with a child or old person or someone who is mentally
ill, against their wishes or without their agreement
ˌ sexual a ˈ buse noun [ U ]
the activity of having sex with a child or old person or someone who is mentally
ill, against their wishes or without their agreement
sexuality noun [ U ]
someone's ability to experience or express sexual feelings
She was uncomfortably aware of her son's developing sexuality.
sexually adverb SEX
1. to do with sexual activity
She's fun to be with, but I don't find her sexually attractive (= do not want to
have sex with her) .
sexually adverb MALE OR FEMALE
2. to do with being male or female
sexually stereotyped behaviour (= behaviour which is considered to be typical of a
male or a female)
ˌ sexually trans ˌ mitted dis ˈ ease noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION STD )
a disease that people become infected with during sexual activity
AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease.
ˌ sexual revo ˈ lution noun [ S ]
the change in people's ideas about sex which happened in many countries in the
1960s
ˈ sex ˌ worker noun [ C ]
POLITE WORD FOR prostitute
sexy adjective SEX
1. sexually attractive
He's very sexy.
a sexy smile
sexy underwear
sexy adjective INTERESTING
2. INFORMAL describes something that attracts a lot of interest and attention
For most people, grammar isn't a very sexy subject.
sexily [ adverb ]
the Seychelles noun [ + sing/pl verb ]
Seychelles adjective [ before noun ]
Seychellois noun [ C ]
SF noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR science fiction
SGML noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR standard generalized markup language: a system for organizing
and marking parts of a computer document
Sgt noun [ before noun ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR sergeant
sh , ALSO shh , ssh exclamation ( ALSO shush )
used to tell someone to be quiet
Sh, you'll wake the baby!
Shabbat noun [ U ]
the Jewish day of rest and religious worship, celebrated on Saturday
shabby adjective BAD CONDITION
1. looking old and in bad condition because of being used for a long time or not
being cared for
He wore a shabby old overcoat.
Her home is a rented one-bedroom flat in a shabby part of town.
The refugees were shabby (= wore old clothes in bad condition) and hungry.
shabby adjective NOT FAIR
2. not honourable or fair; unacceptable
She spoke out about the shabby way the case had been handled.
I felt the whole affair was a bit shabby.
shabbily adverb
shabbily dressed
The hostages were shabbily treated when they came home.
shabbiness noun [ U ]
not so shabby/not too shabby SLANG
used for saying that something is good
It was a not so shabby week for the team who had three wins.
shack noun [ C ]
a very simple and small building made from pieces of wood, metal or other
materials
shack verb
shack up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to start living in the same house as sexual partners, without being married
I hear Tony and Helen have shacked up together .
She's decided to shack up with her boyfriend.
be shacked up
to be living with someone as a sexual partner when you are not married to them
"Is Alan still living with Maria?" "No, he's shacked up with someone else now."
shack noun [ C ]
a very simple and small building made from pieces of wood, metal or other
materials
shack verb
shack up phrasal verb INFORMAL
to start living in the same house as sexual partners, without being married
I hear Tony and Helen have shacked up together .
She's decided to shack up with her boyfriend.
be shacked up
to be living with someone as a sexual partner when you are not married to them
"Is Alan still living with Maria?" "No, he's shacked up with someone else now."
shackle verb [ T ]
If you are shackled by something, you are unable to do what you want to do
because of this thing
The government is shackled by its own debts.
shackles plural noun
1. a pair of metal rings connected by a chain and fastened to a person's wrists or
the bottom of their legs to prevent them from escaping
The shackles had begun to cut into his ankles.
2. something that prevents you from doing what you want to do
The press, once heavily censored, has managed to shake off its shackles.
shade noun SLIGHT DARKNESS
1. [ U ] slight darkness caused by something blocking the direct light from the sun
The sun was hot, and there were no trees to offer us shade.
The children played in/under the shade of a large beach umbrella.
See also sunshade
2. [ C ] a covering that is put over an electric light in order to make it less bright
The lamps all had matching purple shades.
3. [ U ] SPECIALIZED ( ALSO shading ) the parts of a picture or painting that the artist
has made slightly darker than the other parts
A good artist can produce a very realistic effect using only light and shade.
4. shades INFORMAL
dark glasses
She was wearing a black leather jacket and shades.
5. [ C ] US FOR roller blind
shade noun DEGREE
6. [ C ] a type or degree of a colour
Their kitchen is painted an unusual shade of yellow/an unusual yellow shade.
This hair colouring comes in several shades.
The room has been decorated in pastel shades (= soft and light colours)
throughout.
7. [ C ] type or variation
They are hoping to satisfy all shades of public opinion .
There are several shades of meaning in that sentence.
8. a shade
slightly
Don't you think those trousers are a shade too tight?
The journey took us a shade over/under three hours.
Our new car cost us a shade more/less than we were expecting it to.
9. shades of sth/sb INFORMAL
a. similarities with something or someone
I fancied there were shades of socialism in the way the school was run.
b. said to mean that something or someone makes you remember something or
someone similar in the past
In his speech he said - shades of Martin Luther King Jr. - that he had a dream.
light and shade
different parts of the character of a person or the quality of a thing
The orchestra's playing brought out the light and shade in the music.
put/leave sb in the shade
to be so good that another person or thing does not seem important or worth very
much
Although I thought I'd done well, my sister's exam results put mine in the shade.
shades of grey
the possibility of uncertainty
The film presents a straightforward choice between good and evil, with no shades
of grey.
shade verb STOP LIGHT
1. [ T ] to prevent direct light from shining on something
I shaded my eyes from the glare of the sun.
The broad avenues are shaded by splendid trees.
shade verb CHANGE
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to gradually change or become
At sunset, the sky shaded from pink into dark red.
Their views shade into the policies of the extreme left of the party.
shaded adjective
Nothing will grow in the shaded part of the garden.
The shaded areas of the plans show where the houses will be built.
shade sth in phrasal verb [ M ]
to make part of a picture darker
ˈ shade ˌ tree noun [ C ] US
a tree that is planted to provide shade
ˈ shade ˌ tree noun [ C ] US
a tree that is planted to provide shade
shadow noun DARKNESS
shadow
1. [ C ] an area of darkness, caused by light being blocked by something, which
usually has a similar shape to the object that is blocking the light and which appears to
be joined to it
The children were playing, jumping on each other's shadows.
Jamie followed his mother around all day like a shadow.
The sun shone through the leaves, casting/throwing shadows on the lawn.
This corner of the room is always in shadow (= slight darkness) .
2. the shadows
an area of darkness in which people and things cannot be seen
Someone jumped out of the shadows and grabbed my handbag.
3. [ C ] a small dark area of skin under your eye
She put on some make-up to cover the dark shadows under her eyes.
4. be in/under the shadow of sth
a. to be very close to a larger building or place
They live in a charming house in the shadow of the cathedral.
b. to be in a situation in which something unpleasant either seems likely to
happen and to have a bad effect on your life, or is already having a bad effect on your
life
We are all living under the shadow of war .
shadow noun SMALL AMOUNT
5. [ S ] a small amount
It is a tragic story, but there is a shadow of hope.
There isn't a shadow of doubt that you've made the right decision.
6. beyond/without a shadow of a doubt
If something is true beyond a shadow of a doubt, there is no doubt that it is true
This is without a shadow of a doubt the best film I've seen all year.
shadow noun FOLLOW
7. [ C ] someone who follows another person everywhere
"I think we have a shadow on our tail, " muttered the detective.
Ever since he was able to walk, Stephen has been his older brother's shadow (=
has followed him and copied his actions) .
8. [ C ] a person, especially in industry, who follows someone else while they are
at work in order to learn about that person's job
be a shadow of your former self
to have less health or strength, or less influence, than you did before
He came home from hospital cured of the disease but a shadow of his former self.
be in/under sb's shadow
to always receive less attention than someone else
She's always been under her sister's shadow.
cast a shadow over/on sth LITERARY
to spoil a good situation with something unpleasant
Her father's illness had cast a shadow over the birth of her baby.
shadow verb [ T ] FOLLOW
1. to follow closely
The police think that the robbers shadowed their victims for days before the
crime.
The euro has closely shadowed the dollar.
2. to follow someone else while they are at work in order to learn about that
person's job
Your first week in the job will be spent shadowing one of our more experienced
employees.
shadow verb [ T ] DARKNESS
3. to produce a shadow
We came across a glade shadowed by large trees.
shadow adjective [ before noun ] UK
used in the title of important politicians in the main opposition party (= the party
not in government)
the Shadow Foreign Secretary
the Shadow Cabinet
shadow-box verb [ I ]
1. to fight an imaginary enemy by hitting the air with your hands
2. to pretend to argue about or deal with a problem, often to avoid dealing with
the most important problem
The main political parties are merely shadow-boxing, instead of tackling the real
economic problems facing this country.
shadow-box verb [ I ]
1. to fight an imaginary enemy by hitting the air with your hands
2. to pretend to argue about or deal with a problem, often to avoid dealing with
the most important problem
The main political parties are merely shadow-boxing, instead of tackling the real
economic problems facing this country.
shadowy adjective
1. dark and full of shadows
She was startled by a sudden movement in the shadowy hallway.
2. describes someone or something about which little is known
The English king, Arthur, is a somewhat shadowy figure who may not have even
existed.
They are members of some shadowy extremist group.
shady adjective SLIGHT DARKNESS
1. sheltered from direct light from the sun
We sat on the shady grass for our picnic.
shady adjective DISHONEST
2. INFORMAL dishonest or illegal
They know some very shady characters.
He was involved in shady deals in the past.
shaft noun [ C ] POLE
1. a pole or rod which forms the handle of a tool or weapon
the shaft of a golf club
2. a rod which forms part of a machine such as an engine, and which turns in
order to pass power on to the machine
the drive shaft of a car
the propeller shaft of an aircraft
See also crankshaft
3. shaft of light
a beam of light
A shaft of (sun)light came through the open door.
shaft noun [ C ] PASSAGE
4. a long, either vertical or sloping, passage through a building or through the
ground
a UK lift/ US elevator shaft
a ventilation/air shaft
a well shaft
shaft noun [ C ] REMARK
5. LITERARY a clever remark, especially one that is intended as an attack on
someone or something
John came out with an unexpected shaft of wit/wisdom.
shaft noun [ C ] TREATMENT
6. the shaft
US INFORMAL unfair treatment
After years of loyal service, his boss gave him the shaft by firing him just before
he would have qualified for a pension.
shaft verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to cheat or trick someone in order to get money unfairly from them
She was shafted by her agent over the film rights to her book.
shag verb [ I or T ] UK OFFENSIVE
to have sex with someone
shag adjective [ before noun ]
(of a carpet), made of long thick threads
shag pile (= the soft surface of a carpet formed by cut threads)
shag noun SEX
1. [ C ] UK OFFENSIVE an act of having sex, or a sexual partner
shag noun EFFORT
2. [ S ] UK SLANG an activity which needs a lot of effort or causes small problems
shag noun BIRD
3. [ C ] a large sea bird which has dark feathers, a long neck and body, and a
curved beak
like a shag on a rock AUSTRALIAN SLANG
completely alone
shag verb [ I or T ] UK OFFENSIVE
shag adjective [ before noun ]
(of a carpet), made of long thick threads
shag pile (= the soft surface of a carpet formed by cut threads)
shag noun SEX
1. [ C ] UK OFFENSIVE an act of having sex, or a sexual partner
shag noun EFFORT
2. [ S ] UK SLANG an activity which needs a lot of effort or causes small problems
shag noun BIRD
3. [ C ] a large sea bird which has dark feathers, a long neck and body, and a
curved beak
like a shag on a rock AUSTRALIAN SLANG
completely alone
shagged adjective [ after verb ] UK OFFENSIVE
( ALSO shagged (out) ) extremely tired
can't be shagged
If you can't be shagged to do something, you do not have enough energy to do it.
shaggy adjective
having or covered with long, rough and untidy hair, or (of hair) long, rough and
untidy
a shaggy dog/pony
the shaggy coat of a sheep
a shaggy rug
shagginess noun [ U ]
ˌ shaggy ˈ dog ˌ story noun [ C ]
a long joke which has an intentionally silly or meaningless ending
Shah noun [ C ]
the title of a ruler of Iran in the past
shake verb MOVE
shake
1. [ T ] to move backwards and forwards or up and down in quick, short
movements, or to make something or someone do this
A young boy climbed into the apple tree and shook the branches so that the fruit
fell down.
Babies like toys that make a noise when they're shaken.
The explosion shook buildings for miles around.
[ + object + adjective ] People in southern California were shaken awake by an
earthquake.
She shook her hair loose from its ribbon.
Anna shook some powdered chocolate over her coffee.
Every time one of these big trucks goes through the village, all the houses shake.
The child's body was shaking with sobs.
2. [ I ] If you are shaking, your body makes quick short movements, or you feel
as if it is doing so, because you are frightened or nervous
She was shaking as she opened the letter.
Her voice shook as she spoke about the person who attacked her.
I was shaking in my shoes/boots (= very nervous) about having to tell Dad
what I'd done.
I was shaking like a leaf/ UK like a jelly (= very nervous) before my exam.
3. shake sb's hand/shake sb by the hand
to hold someone's hand and move it up and down, especially when you meet
them for the first time or when you make an agreement with them
"Pleased to meet you, " he said, shaking my hand.
The Princess was photographed shaking hands with AIDS victims.
It seems that we have a deal, so let's shake (hands) on it.
"Congratulations, " she said, shaking the winner by the hand.
4. shake your head
to move your head from side to side, in order to express disagreement, sadness
or that you do not want or believe something
I asked Tim if he'd seen Jackie lately but he shook his head.
"That's incredible!" he said, shaking his head in disbelief.
5. shake your fist
to hold your hand up in the air with your fingers and thumb bent, and move it
forcefully backwards and forwards, to show that you are angry
He shook his fist at the driver who pulled out in front of him.
shake verb UPSET
6. [ T ] to cause to feel upset and worried
The child seemed nervous and visibly shaken.
The news has shaken the whole country.
shake verb MAKE WEAKER
7. [ T ] to make less certain or firm or strong; make weaker
What has happened has shaken the foundations of her belief.
After six defeats in a row, the team's confidence has been badly shaken.
This discovery may shake (up) traditional theories on how mountains are formed.
shake verb GET RID OF
8. [ T ] to get rid of or escape from something
It's very difficult to shake the habit of a lifetime.
The company has so far been unable to shake (off) its reputation for being old-
fashioned.
more (...) than you can shake a stick at OLD-FASHIONED
a lot of
There are more whisky distilleries in this part of Scotland than you can shake a
stick at.
shake a leg OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to tell someone to hurry or act more quickly
Come on, Nick, shake a leg or we'll never be ready in time.
shake sb down phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to get money from someone by using threats or tricks
shake sb/somewhere down phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to search a person or place thoroughly, usually in order to find things that are
stolen or illegal
We can't shake down the whole building - only the suspect's apartment.
shake down phrasal verb INFORMAL
to become satisfactorily or comfortably organized or established after a period of
change
Give the new arrangements time to shake down - I'm sure they'll be OK.
shake sth off phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to get rid of an illness
I hope I can shake off this cold before the weekend.
shake sb/sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to get away from someone or something that will not stop following you
He drove through the red lights in an attempt to shake off the police car that was
chasing him.
2. INFORMAL to beat an opponent, or to free yourself from someone or something
that is limiting you
I have no doubt that we will be able to shake off the challenge from our rivals.
shake sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to hold something such as a piece of cloth at one end and shake it up and down to
get rid of dirt or folds
I was on the back doorstep shaking out a rug.
shake sb up phrasal verb
If an unpleasant experience shakes someone up, it makes them feel shocked and
upset
I think she was quite shaken up by the accident.
shake sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to cause large changes in something such as an organization, usually in order to
make improvements
Technological changes have shaken up many industries.
The first thing the new chairman of the company did was to shake up the
management.
Several new players have been brought in to shake up the team.
shake noun
1. [ C ] when you shake something
She gave the box a shake to see if there was anything inside it.
"No, no, no, " he said with a shake of his head.
2. the shakes INFORMAL
short quick movements from side to side that your body makes because you are
ill, frightened or have drunk too much alcohol
I watched her hands as she prepared coffee and she definitely had the shakes.
3. [ C ] INFORMAL a milkshake
in two shakes (of a lamb's tail) ( ALSO a couple of shakes ) OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
very soon
I'll be with you in two shakes.
shakedown noun US INFORMAL THREAT
1. [ C ] the activity of getting money from someone by threatening or tricking
them
shakedown noun US INFORMAL SEARCH
2. [ C usually singular ] a thorough search in order to find things that are stolen
or illegal
Two policemen gave his place a real shakedown.
shakedown adjective [ before noun ] US
becoming organized after a period of change
The new administration is still in the shakedown period.
shakedown noun US INFORMAL THREAT
1. [ C ] the activity of getting money from someone by threatening or tricking
them
shakedown noun US INFORMAL SEARCH
2. [ C usually singular ] a thorough search in order to find things that are stolen
or illegal
Two policemen gave his place a real shakedown.
shakedown adjective [ before noun ] US
becoming organized after a period of change
The new administration is still in the shakedown period.
shakeout noun [ C usually singular ]
a situation in which people lose their jobs, or companies stop doing business,
because of economic difficulties
The shakeout in the labour market after Christmas usually makes January a bad
month for unemployment.
There has been a shakeout of inefficient corporations.
shaker noun [ C ]
1. a container with a tightly fitting lid in which liquids can be mixed together by
moving the container quickly from side to side
a cocktail shaker
2. a container with holes in its lid from which a powdery substance can be put
onto a surface by holding the container upside down and moving it up and down
a salt/pepper shaker
3. a container into which dice are put and moved quickly from side to side before
being thrown onto a flat surface, usually during a game involving chance
shake-up noun [ C usually singular ]
a large change in the way something is organized
The company is undergoing a radical shake-up.
The arrival of the new baby caused a thorough shake-up of their family life.
shaky adjective MOVEMENT
1. moving with quick, short movements from side to side, not in a controlled way
Soon after it was born, the calf got up and tried to stand on its shaky legs.
The child wrote her name in large shaky letters.
She's recovering well from her operation, but she's still a little shaky on her feet .
shaky adjective UPSET
2. upset
The news left me feeling a little shaky.
shaky adjective WEAK
3. not firm or strong
The building's foundations are rather shaky, and it could collapse at any time.
The government is taking these steps to try to improve the country's shaky
economy.
Their marriage looks pretty shaky to me.
I think you're on very shaky ground with that argument.
shakily adverb
The old man stood up and walked shakily across the room.
shakiness noun [ U ]
shale noun [ U ]
a type of soft grey rock, usually formed from clay that has become hard, which
breaks easily into thin layers
shale noun [ U ]
a type of soft grey rock, usually formed from clay that has become hard, which
breaks easily into thin layers
shall , modal verb FUTURE
1. SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED used instead of 'will' when the subject is 'I' or 'we'
If you do that one more time, I shall be very cross.
I shall never forget you.
Shall we be able to get this finished today, do you think?
I'm afraid I shall not/shan't be able to come to your party.
FORMAL I shall look forward to meeting you next week.
So we'll see you at the weekend, shall we (= is that right) ?
We shall (= intend to) let you know as soon as there's any news.
shall , modal verb SUGGEST
2. used, with 'I' or 'we', to make a suggestion
"I'm cold." "Shall I close this window?"
Shall we go out for dinner tonight?
Shall I pick the children up from school today?
shall , modal verb CERTAINLY WILL
3. used to say that something certainly will or must happen, or that you are
determined that something will happen
Don't worry, I shall be there to meet the train.
FORMAL The school rules state that no child shall be allowed out of the school
during the day, unless accompanied by an adult.
You shall go to the ball, Cinderella.
shallot noun [ C or U ]
a type of small onion
shallow adjective NOT DEEP
1. having only a short distance from the top to the bottom
The stream was quite shallow so we were able to walk across it.
She told her children to stay in the shallow end (of the swimming pool).
Fry the onions in a shallow pan.
These beech trees have shallow roots (= roots which do not go very deep into the
ground) .
2. shallow breathing
breathing in which you only take a small amount of air into your lungs with each
breath
shallow adjective NOT SERIOUS
3. DISAPPROVING not showing serious or careful thought
I found the film rather shallow.
I think she found him physically quite attractive but a bit shallow.
shallowly adverb
shallowness noun [ U ]
Because of the shallowness of the water, we could see the fish in it very clearly.
The fine performances of the actors hide the shallowness of the play's script.
shallow noun
the shallows
the shallow part of an area of water
Alligators live in the shallows.
shallow-fry verb [ T ]
to cook food in a small amount of oil or fat
Shallow-fry the fish/bacon.
shallow-fry verb [ T ]
to cook food in a small amount of oil or fat
Shallow-fry the fish/bacon.
shalom exclamation
a form of greeting or a way of saying goodbye, used by Jewish people
shalt modal verb
1. thou shalt
OLD USE you shall
2. thou shalt
used humorously in modern English when talking about people who follow rules
exactly when the rules are not very important
You know what he's like about food - thou shalt not serve red wine with fish.
sham noun [ C usually singular ] DISAPPROVING
something which is not what it seems to be and is intended to deceive people, or
someone who pretends to be something they are not
It turned out that he wasn't a real doctor at all - he was just a sham.
They claimed that the election had been fair, but really it was a sham.
sham verb [ I or T ] DISAPPROVING
to pretend
He isn't really upset - he's just shamming.
sham adjective DISAPPROVING
only pretending to be real; false
They made a fortune through some sham property deal.
That jewellery looks sham to me.
She's trapped in a sham (= not good or satisfying) marriage.
shaman noun [ C ]
in particular religions, a person who has special powers to control or influence
good and evil spirits (= people who cannot be seen) which makes it possible for them to
discover the cause of illness, bad luck, etc.
shamanism noun [ U ]
a form of religion which includes a belief in the power of the shaman
shamanistic adjective
shamanism noun [ U ]
a form of religion which includes a belief in the power of the shaman
shamanistic adjective
shamble verb [ I + adv/prep ]
to walk slowly and awkwardly, without lifting your feet correctly
Sick patients shambled along the hospital corridors.
He was a strange, shambling figure.
shambles noun [ S ] INFORMAL
a state of confusion, bad organization or untidiness, or something which is in this
state
After the party, the house was a total/complete shambles.
Our economy is in a shambles.
The way these files are arranged is the biggest shambles I've ever seen.
shambolic adjective UK INFORMAL
confused and badly organized
Things are often a bit shambolic at the beginning of the school year.
Anna is far too shambolic to be able to run a business.
shambolically adverb
shame noun BAD LUCK
1. [ S ] an unlucky situation
[ + that ] It 's a (great) shame that the concert had to be cancelled.
[ + to infinitive ] Have some more vegetables - it would be a shame to waste
them.
"Douglas is having to miss the school concert because he's ill." "Oh, what a
shame/ that's a shame!"
shame noun BAD FEELING
2. [ U ] an uncomfortable feeling of guilt or of being ashamed because of your
own or someone else's bad behaviour
He said he felt no shame for what he had done.
The children hung/bowed their heads in shame.
The shame of the scandal was so great that he shot himself a few weeks later.
You can't go out dressed like that - have you no shame (= don't you feel
ashamed about being dressed like that) ?
3. [ U ] loss of honour and respect
He thinks there's great shame in being out of work and unable to provide for his
family.
In some societies, if a woman leaves her husband, it brings shame on her and
her family.
4. put sb to shame
to make someone feel ashamed
It puts me to shame that I still haven't replied to David's letter.
5. to my shame
I feel ashamed because
To my shame, I never wrote and thanked Mary for her present.
6. shame on you
used to tell someone that they should feel sorry for something they did
Shame on you for being so unkind.
HUMOROUS You mean you were in town and you didn't come and see us - shame on
you!
shame noun COMPARE WELL
7. put sb/sth to shame
to make someone or something seem not good by comparison
Your cooking puts mine to shame.
die of shame INFORMAL
to feel extremely ashamed
If anyone found out that I took the money, I'd die of shame.
shame verb [ T ] BAD FEELING
1. to make someone feel ashamed, or to make someone or something lose
honour and respect
It shames me that I treated her so badly.
The behaviour of a few children has shamed the whole school.
2. shame sb into/out of sth
to cause someone to do or not to do something by making them feel ashamed
[ + -ing verb ] The number of people out of work has shamed the government
into tak ing action to prevent further job losses.
shame verb [ T ] COMPARE WELL
3. to cause something not to seem of a high standard by comparison
The school's examination results shame those of the other schools in the area.
shame exclamation
used to express disapproval of something that a public speaker is saying
To cries of 'Shame!', the minister announced that taxes were being increased.
shamefaced , adjective
awkward and embarrassed or ashamed
He looked somewhat shamefaced when he realized his mistake.
shamefacedly , , , adverb
shamefaced , adjective
awkward and embarrassed or ashamed
He looked somewhat shamefaced when he realized his mistake.
shamefacedly , , , adverb
shameful adjective DISAPPROVING
deserving blame, or being a reason for feeling ashamed
I couldn't see anything shameful in what I had done.
The crime figures are shameful.
The family kept their shameful secret for years.
shamefully adverb DISAPPROVING
Both of you have behaved shamefully.
The children had been shamefully neglected.
shamefulness noun [ U ]
shameless adjective DISAPPROVING
1. not ashamed, especially about something generally considered unacceptable
She is quite shameless about her ambition.
They seem to have a shameless disregard for truth.
2. behaving in a way intended to attract sexual interest, without feeling ashamed
about it
She's a shameless hussy .
shamelessly adverb DISAPPROVING
The government has shamelessly abandoned its principles.
She's shamelessly having an affair with her friend's husband.
shamelessness noun [ U ]
shammy (leather) noun [ C or U ]
a chamois
shampoo noun
1. [ C or U ] a soapy liquid used for washing hair, or for washing particular objects
or materials
an anti-dandruff shampoo
a carpet shampoo
Directions: wet hair, apply shampoo and massage into a rich lather.
2. [ C ] an act of washing something, especially your hair, with shampoo
My hair/The rug/The dog needs a shampoo.
She went to the hairdressers for a shampoo and set .
shampoo verb [ T ]
to wash something with shampoo
Duncan shampooed my hair and then Tracy cut it.
shamrock noun [ C or U ]
a plant which has three round leaves arranged in a triangular pattern on each
stem
shamrock noun [ C or U ]
a plant which has three round leaves arranged in a triangular pattern on each
stem
shandy noun [ C or U ] MAINLY UK
a drink made by mixing together beer and lemonade or sometimes ginger ale
Two shandies (= glasses of this drink) , please.
shanghai verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to force someone to do something or go somewhere
The two groups were shanghaied into signing the agreement, despite their
objections.
The homeless are being shanghaied off the streets in some cities.
shanghai , noun [ C ]
AUSTRALIAN catapult
Shangri-La noun [ U ]
an imaginary distant beautiful place, where everything is pleasant and you can
get everything you want
New York is a shopper's Shangri-La.
shank noun [ C ] STRAIGHT PART
1. a long thin straight part of particular objects, especially one which connects the
end of a device or tool that you hold to the end of it which operates
the shank of a screwdriver
the shank of a key/nail
shank noun [ C ] LEG
2. OLD-FASHIONED OR HUMOROUS the leg of a person or animal, especially the part
below the knee
shanks's pony noun [ U ] UK INFORMAL ( US shank's mare )
walking, as a way of travelling
As there's no public transport, I suppose we'll have to use shanks's pony.
shan't short form of
shall not
I shan't be able to come to your party.
"Pick those books up immediately." "Shan't (= I refuse to) !"
shanty noun [ C ] HOUSE
1. a small house, usually made from pieces of wood, metal or cardboard, in which
poor people live, especially on the edge of a city
shanty noun [ C ] SONG
2. a song which sailors sang in the past while they were working on a ship
shanty noun [ C ] HOUSE
1. a small house, usually made from pieces of wood, metal or cardboard, in which
poor people live, especially on the edge of a city
shanty noun [ C ] SONG
2. a song which sailors sang in the past while they were working on a ship
ˈ shanty ˌ town noun [ C ]
an area in or on the edge of a city, in which poor people live in small, very
cheaply built houses
shape noun FORM
1. [ C or U ] the particular physical form or appearance of something
Clay can be moulded into almost any shape.
These bricks are all different shapes.
Kim's birthday cake was in the shape of a train.
Our table is oval in shape.
My bicycle wheel has got bent out of shape.
This T-shirt has been washed so many times that it's lost its shape (= has
become loose and lost its form) .
2. [ C ] an arrangement that is formed by joining lines together in a particular
way or by the line or lines around its outer edge
a round/square/circular/oblong shape
A triangle is a shape with three sides.
The children made patterns by sticking coloured shapes onto paper.
3. [ C ] the physical form or appearance of a particular person or thing
In the story, Faust is tempted by the Devil, who has taken the shape of a man.
Life on Earth takes many shapes.
4. [ C ] a person or object that you cannot see clearly because it is too dark, or
because the person or object is too far away
I could see a dark shape in the street outside.
5. all shapes and sizes
many different types
We sell all shapes and sizes of teddy bear.
Cars come in all shapes and sizes.
6. in any shape or form
of any type
I'm opposed to war in any shape or form.
shape noun CHARACTER
7. [ U ] the way something is organized, or its general character or nature
Technological developments have changed the shape of industry.
We need to change the whole shape of our campaign.
shape noun CONDITION
8. [ U ] condition, or state of health
He bought up businesses that were in bad/poor shape, and then sold them off bit
by bit.
"How are you?" "Oh, I'm in great shape."
You're in no shape (= not in a good enough state of health) to go to work today.
9. [ U ] good structural or physical condition
It's taken us five years to get our house into shape.
She runs six miles every day to help keep herself in shape.
I haven't had any exercise for weeks, and I'm really out of shape (= not in good
physical condition) .
be in good shape
to be prepared and ready to do something
All our bags are packed, and we don't have to leave for another hour, so we're in
good shape.
in the shape of sth
in the form of something; appearing as something
Luckily, help arrived in the shape of a police officer.
knock/lick sth/sb into shape ( US USUALLY whip sth/sb into shape )
to take action to get something or someone into the good condition that you
would like
to knock the economy into shape
A better teacher would have licked him into shape.
the shape of things to come
the form or style that is likely to develop or be popular in the future
I hope the fashions pictured in this magazine are not the shape of things to come.
take shape
to start to develop a more clear or certain form
We watched the vase begin to take shape in the potter's hands.
Our ideas are beginning to take shape.
shape verb [ T ] CHARACTER
1. to decide or influence the form of something, especially a belief or idea, or
someone's character
Many people are not able to shape their own destinies.
My relationship with my father played a major part in shaping my attitude
towards men.
He was very influential in shaping the government's economic policy/strategy.
shape verb [ T ] FORM
2. to make something become a particular shape
The skirt has been shaped so that it hangs loosely.
When you've made the dough, shape it into two loaves.
3. SLIGHTLY FORMAL to make an object from a physical substance
Early humans shaped tools out of stone.
shape up phrasal verb INFORMAL
1. [ usually continuous ] to develop
How are your plans shaping up?
Things seem to be shaping up nicely.
Colin is shaping up quite well in his new job.
2. to improve your behaviour or performance
I've been told that if I don't shape up, I'll lose my job.
Shape up or ship out! INFORMAL
said to tell someone that they must improve their performance or behaviour or
they will have to leave
-shaped suffix
having a particular shape
sunglasses with heart-shaped lenses
Our kitchen is L-shaped.
shaped adjective
having a particular shape
an unusually shaped carrot
Jackie has a perfectly shaped figure.
The lenses of her sunglasses were shaped like hearts.
shapeless adjective
without a clear form or structure
My clay pot ended up as just a shapeless lump.
His ideas are interesting, but they're rather shapeless.
shapelessly adverb
Her clothes hung shapelessly (= loosely and without fitting well) on her.
shapelessness noun [ U ]
shapely adjective APPROVING
used to describe something that has an attractive form, especially a woman's
body or parts of a woman's body
shapely legs
shapeliness noun [ U ]
shard noun [ C ]
a piece of a broken glass, cup, container or similar object
Shards of glass have been cemented into the top of the wall to stop people
climbing over.
share verb
1. [ I or T ] to have or use something at the same time as someone else
She's very possessive about her toys and finds it hard to share.
Bill and I shared an office for years.
I share a house with four other people.
2. [ I or T ] to divide food, money, goods, etc. and give part of it to someone else
Will you share your sandwich with me?
Let's share the sweets (out) among/between everyone.
We should share (in) the reward.
3. [ I or T ] If two or more people share an activity, they each do some of it
Shall we share the driving?
We shared the preparation for the party between us, so it wasn't too much work.
4. [ I or T ] If two or more people or things share a feeling, quality or experience,
they both or all have the same feeling, quality or experience
We share an interest in sailing.
All hospitals share some common characteristics.
I don't share your views/beliefs.
Management and the union both share in the responsibility for the crisis.
She knew that he was the person she wanted to share her life with .
5. [ T ] to tell someone else about your thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc.
He's not very good at sharing his worries.
It's nice to have someone you can share your problems with .
Come on, Bob, share the joke ( with us).
A problem shared is a problem halved. SAYING
used to say that if you tell someone about a problem, it is easier to deal with
share and share alike
used to encourage everyone to have an equal amount of something
Don't keep all those chocolates to yourself - share and share alike.
share noun PART
1. [ C or U ] a part of something that has been divided between several people,
which belongs to, is owed to or has to be done by a particular person
The total bill comes to £80, so our share is £20.
We must make sure that everyone gets equal shares of the food.
The party's share of the vote fell from 39% to 24%.
She's not doing her share of the work.
We must all accept some share of the responsibility.
share noun PART OF A BUSINESS
2. [ C ] one of the equal parts into which the ownership of a company is divided
and which can be bought by members of the public
The value of my shares has risen/fallen by 8%.
We've got some shares in British Telecom.
He invests in stocks and shares.
share prices
go shares
to divide the cost of something between you
Why don't we go shares on lunch?
have your (fair) share of sth
to have a lot or more than enough of something bad
We've certainly got our share of problems at the moment.
She's had her fair share of tragedies in her life.
sharecropper noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a farmer who rents land and who gives part of his or her crop as rent
sharecropping noun [ U ] US
sharecropper noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a farmer who rents land and who gives part of his or her crop as rent
sharecropping noun [ U ] US
shared adjective
owned, divided, felt or experienced by more than one person
The company is in shared ownership.
She and her husband have many shared interests.
We talked about our shared experiences of India.
shareholder noun [ C ] ( MAINLY US stockholder )
a person who owns some of the equal parts into which the ownership of a
company is divided
Shareholders will be voting on the proposed merger of the companies next week.
share-out noun [ C usually singular ] UK
an act of dividing something between several people
Everyone benefited from the share-out of the profits.
shareware noun [ U ]
computer programs that you are allowed to use for a short period before you
decide whether or not to buy them
I've found a really good shareware text editor.
sharia noun [ U ] ( ALSO shariah )
the holy laws of Islam, which cover all parts of a Muslim's life
sharia law
shark noun [ C ] FISH
shark
1. a large fish that has sharp teeth and a triangular fin on its back which can
sometimes be seen above the water
a great white shark
a basking shark
The movie 'Jaws' is about a man-eating shark.
shark noun [ C ] PERSON
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a dishonest person, especially one who persuades other
people to pay too much money for something
People who need a place to live can often find themselves at the mercy of local
property sharks.
ˈ shark ˌ fence noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a fence, often made of wire net, which surrounds an open swimming area to
protect swimmers from sharks
ˈ shark ˌ fence noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a fence, often made of wire net, which surrounds an open swimming area to
protect swimmers from sharks
sharkskin noun [ U ]
a type of shiny material, made from artificial threads, which is used for making
clothing
a sharkskin jacket
a sharkskin suit
sharkspotter noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a helicopter which flies along an area of coast in order to warn swimmers if there
are sharks in the sea
sharp adjective ABLE TO CUT
1. having a thin edge or point which can cut something or make a hole in
something
a knife with a sharp edge/blade.
sharp teeth/claws/fingernails
The point of this pencil isn't sharp enough.
See picture sharp
2. producing or describing a quick strong pain that makes you feel like you have
been cut
She nudged me with a sharp elbow, to tell me to be quiet.
I have this sharp pain in my chest, doctor.
3. describes a part of someone's face which is very pointed
a thin face with a sharp nose
4. If someone is sharp or makes a sharp statement, they speak or act in a severe
and angry way, which can hurt other people
He was rather sharp with me when I asked him to help.
The government's proposals came in for some sharp criticism .
sharp adjective SUDDEN
5. happening suddenly, quickly and strongly
a sharp drop in temperature
a sharp decline in the standard of living
a sharp rise/increase in the number of cases of this illness
a sharp bend in the road
to suffer a sharp blow to the head
See picture sharp
sharp adjective TASTE
6. acidic (= containing acid) or sour in taste
Lemons have a sharp taste .
This cheese is rather sharp.
sharp adjective CLEAR
7. clear; easy to see or understand
This TV gives a very sharp picture.
The mountains stood in sharp contrast to the blue sky.
There is a sharp distinction between crimes which involve injury to people and
those that don't.
It was a sharp reminder of how dangerous the world can be.
sharp adjective CLEVER
8. MAINLY APPROVING clever or quick to notice things
Bird-watchers need to have sharp ears and eyes.
She has a sharp eye for a bargain.
Our new director is very sharp.
She manages to combine a sharp mind/intellect with a sympathetic manner.
He was a man of sharp wit /sharp -witted man who always spoke his mind.
The play was full of sharp one-liners.
US He may be old but he's still as sharp as a tack .
sharp adjective FASHIONABLE
9. INFORMAL fashionable
Tony is a very sharp dresser.
a sharp -suited business executive
sharpness noun [ U ]
She has a remarkable sharpness of mind.
the sharpness of a photograph/image
have a sharp tongue ( ALSO be sharp-tongued )
to be someone who often criticizes and speaks in a severe way
Jane has rather a sharp tongue, I'm afraid.
sharp adverb SUDDENLY
1. suddenly or immediately
After the church, turn sharp left/right .
sharp adverb EXACTLY
2. exactly at the stated time
The performance will start at 7.30 sharp.
sharp adjective , adverb
higher than the correct or stated musical note
The E string on my guitar is a bit sharp.
This concerto is in the key of C sharp (= the set of musical notes a semitone
higher than the one based on the note C) .
to sing sharp
Compare flat ; natural
See pictures sharp , music reading
sharp noun [ C ]
(a symbol for) a note that is a semitone higher than the stated note
sharpen verb [ T ] ABLE TO CUT
1. to make something sharp or sharper
My pencil is blunt - I'll have to sharpen it.
FIGURATIVE The company is cutting production costs in an attempt to sharpen its
competitive edge (= in order to improve how competitive it is) .
sharpen verb [ T ] MAKE STRONG
2. to make something stronger
Recent changes have sharpened competition between the airlines.
The prison riots have sharpened the debate about how prisons should be run.
3. to improve
I hope this course will help me sharpen my computer skills.
I went to university to sharpen my mind.
We'll need to sharpen our wits if we're going to defeat Jack's team.
sharpen verb [ T ] CLEAR
4. to make something clearer
How do you sharpen the focus on this camera?
sharpen verb [ T ] MUSIC
5. to make something play a higher musical note
You need to sharpen the A string on your violin.
sharpen (sth) up phrasal verb
to perform better, or to improve the performance of something
If the company doesn't sharpen up soon, it will go out of business.
sharpen up your act
to improve your behaviour or performance
He really needs to sharpen up his act a bit, or he'll never get to university.
sharpen verb [ T ] ABLE TO CUT
1. to make something sharp or sharper
My pencil is blunt - I'll have to sharpen it.
FIGURATIVE The company is cutting production costs in an attempt to sharpen its
competitive edge (= in order to improve how competitive it is) .
sharpen verb [ T ] MAKE STRONG
2. to make something stronger
Recent changes have sharpened competition between the airlines.
The prison riots have sharpened the debate about how prisons should be run.
3. to improve
I hope this course will help me sharpen my computer skills.
I went to university to sharpen my mind.
We'll need to sharpen our wits if we're going to defeat Jack's team.
sharpen verb [ T ] CLEAR
4. to make something clearer
How do you sharpen the focus on this camera?
sharpen verb [ T ] MUSIC
5. to make something play a higher musical note
You need to sharpen the A string on your violin.
sharpen (sth) up phrasal verb
to perform better, or to improve the performance of something
If the company doesn't sharpen up soon, it will go out of business.
sharpen up your act
to improve your behaviour or performance
He really needs to sharpen up his act a bit, or he'll never get to university.
the ˈ sharp ˌ end noun [ S ] UK INFORMAL
the part of an activity, such as a job, where the most problems are likely to be
found
A job like hers would be much too demanding for me, but she enjoys being at the
sharp end.
sharpener noun [ C ]
a machine or tool for making things such as pencils or knives sharper
a pencil/knife sharpener
sharp-eyed adjective
very good at noticing things
A sharp-eyed secretary noticed the mistake just in time.
sharpish adverb UK INFORMAL
quickly
We'd better get out of here pretty sharpish.
sharply adverb SUDDENLY
1. quickly and suddenly
Inflation has risen/fallen sharply.
His health improved/deteriorated sharply this week.
The road bends sharply to the left.
sharply adverb ABLE TO CUT
2. in a way which will cut or make a hole
a sharply pointed nail
3. severely and angrily
a sharply-worded letter of complaint
He spoke sharply to his daughter.
The police have been sharply criticized for their handling of the affair.
sharply adverb CLEARLY
4. clearly and obviously
a sharply focused photograph
We have sharply differing views.
sharply adverb FASHIONABLE
5. in a fashionable way
to be sharply dressed
sharply adverb CLEVER
6. quickly noticing things
Her ears are sharply attuned to her baby's cry.
ˌ sharp ˈ practice noun [ U ]
a way of behaving, in business, that is dishonest but not illegal
The building industry brought in rules to protect customers from sharp practice.
ˌ sharp ˈ practice noun [ U ]
a way of behaving, in business, that is dishonest but not illegal
The building industry brought in rules to protect customers from sharp practice.
sharpshooter noun [ C ]
a person who is skilled at firing a gun and accurately hitting what they are aiming
at
shat verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF shit
shatter verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause something to) break suddenly into very small pieces
The glass shattered into a thousand tiny pieces.
His leg was shattered in the accident.
2. [ T ] to end or severely damage something
The book shattered all her illusions about the Romans.
Noisy motorbikes shattered the peace .
-shattering suffix
a confidence-shattering defeat (= one which destroys confidence)
See also earth-shattering
shattered adjective BROKEN
1. broken into very small pieces
Shattered glass lay all over the road.
2. extremely upset
The family were shattered at the news of Annabel's suicide.
shattered adjective TIRED
3. UK INFORMAL extremely tired
By the time I got home, I was shattered.
shattering adjective
making you feel extremely tired
It was a shattering schedule - seven meetings in two days.
shatterproof adjective
Shatterproof glass or plastic, etc. is made so that it will not break into small
pieces
a shatterproof windscreen
shave verb [ I or T ]
shave
to remove hair from the body, especially a man's face, by cutting it close to the
skin with a razor , so that the skin feels smooth
John has to shave twice a day.
I always shave my legs in the bath.
Do you shave under your arms?
When my dad shaved his beard (off) , he looked ten years younger.
shave sth off/from sth phrasal verb
to cut a very thin piece from an object or surface
She shaved a few millimetres off the bottom of the door, so that it would open
more easily.
shave sth off sth phrasal verb ( ALSO shave sth by sth )
to reduce something by the stated amount
The new high speed trains will shave 25 minutes off the journey time.
Our prices have been shaved by 5%!
shave noun [ C ]
the act of shaving, especially a man's face
I need a shave.
He washed and had a shave.
shave verb [ I or T ]
shave
to remove hair from the body, especially a man's face, by cutting it close to the
skin with a razor , so that the skin feels smooth
John has to shave twice a day.
I always shave my legs in the bath.
Do you shave under your arms?
When my dad shaved his beard (off) , he looked ten years younger.
shave sth off/from sth phrasal verb
to cut a very thin piece from an object or surface
She shaved a few millimetres off the bottom of the door, so that it would open
more easily.
shave sth off sth phrasal verb ( ALSO shave sth by sth )
to reduce something by the stated amount
The new high speed trains will shave 25 minutes off the journey time.
Our prices have been shaved by 5%!
shave noun [ C ]
the act of shaving, especially a man's face
I need a shave.
He washed and had a shave.
shaven adjective
with the hair removed
They all had shaven heads.
shaver noun [ C ]
an electric device for shaving hair from someone's face or body
Compare razor
ˈ shaver ˌ point noun [ C ] UK ( US shaver outlet )
a socket (= electrical opening in a wall) often in a bathroom, which is used to
connect an electric razor to a supply of electricity
shaving adjective [ before noun ]
for using when you shave
a shaving brush
shaving cream/foam
shavings plural noun
small, very thin pieces of a hard substance
The floor was covered in wood shavings.
shawl noun [ C ]
a large piece of cloth worn especially by women or girls over their shoulders
and/or head
See picture shawl
she , pronoun
1. used to refer to a woman, girl or female animal that has already been
mentioned
I asked my mother if she'd lend me some money, but she said no.
2. used instead of 'it' to refer to something, especially a country, ship or vehicle,
that has already been mentioned
After India became independent, she chose to be a member of the
Commonwealth.
Look at my new car - isn't she beautiful?
she , noun [ C ]
a female
Is this kitten a she or a he?
she- prefix
a she-wolf (= a female wolf)
s/he pronoun WRITTEN
used in writing instead of 'she or he' to refer to a person whose sex is not known
If any employee needs to take time off, s/he should contact the Personnel
Department.
See also they
s/he pronoun WRITTEN
used in writing instead of 'she or he' to refer to a person whose sex is not known
If any employee needs to take time off, s/he should contact the Personnel
Department.
See also they
shea butter noun [ U ]
a yellow fat from a type of nut, used in makeup and soap and as a food
This product contains avocado oil and shea butter to leave your skin silky smooth.
sheaf noun [ C ]
a number of things, especially pieces of paper or plant stems, that are held or tied
together
A lawyer walked in carrying a whole sheaf of papers.
The corn was cut and tied in sheaves.
shear verb CUT
1. [ T ] to cut the wool off a sheep
The farmer taught her how to shear sheep.
2. [ T ] to cut the hair on a person's head close to the skin, especially without
care
He recalled the humiliation of having his hair shorn and exchanging his clothes for
the prison uniform.
3. be shorn of sth
to have something taken away from you
The ex-President, although shorn of his official powers, still has influence.
shear verb BREAK
4. [ I ] SPECIALIZED If part of something, especially something made of metal,
shears, it breaks into two pieces, usually because of a sideways force
The old screws holding the engine casing had sheared (off) .
shearing noun [ U ]
sheep shearing
shears plural noun
very large scissors
gardening/dressmaking shears
They use electric shears for sheep shearing.
sheath noun [ C ]
1. a close-fitting covering to protect something
The cable has a copper wire surrounded by a plastic sheath.
The nerves are protected by thin sheaths of fatty tissue.
2. a cover into which a knife or sword fits so that the blade cannot cut someone
when it is not being used
He drew the knife from its jewelled leather sheath.
3. UK a condom
sheathing noun [ C or U ]
The frame is covered by a glass and metal sheathing (= protective cover) .
sheathe verb [ T ]
1. to put a knife back inside its sheath
2. LITERARY to cover something in a thick or protective layer of a substance
The landscape was sheathed in ice.
sheathe verb [ T ]
1. to put a knife back inside its sheath
2. LITERARY to cover something in a thick or protective layer of a substance
The landscape was sheathed in ice.
ˈ sheath ˌ knife noun [ C ]
a knife with a fixed blade
sheaves noun
PLURAL OF sheaf
shebang noun MAINLY US INFORMAL
the whole shebang
the whole of something, including everything that is connected with it
The wedding's next week, but my parents are taking care of the whole shebang.
shed noun [ C ]
shed
1. a small building, usually made of wood, used for storing things
a garden shed
a tool/bicycle shed
2. a large simple building used for a particular activity
the lambing shed
shed verb GET RID OF
1. [ T ] (often used in newspapers) to get rid of something you do not need or
want
900 jobs will be shed over the next few months.
Psychotherapy helped him to shed some of his insecurity/inhibitions.
I'm going on a diet to see if I can shed (= become thinner by losing) a few kilos.
2. [ T ] to lose a covering, such as leaves, hair or skin, because it falls off
naturally, or to drop something in a natural way or by accident
The trees shed their leaves in autumn.
They ran down to the sea, shedding clothes as they went.
UK A lorry had shed a load of gravel across the road.
shed verb PRODUCE
3. shed tears/blood/light, etc.
to produce tears, light, blood, etc.
She shed a few tears at her daughter's wedding.
So much blood has been shed (= So many people have been badly hurt or killed)
in this war.
she'd , short form
1. she had
She'd found the answer, at last.
2. she would
She'd be a great managing director, don't you think?
she'd , short form
1. she had
She'd found the answer, at last.
2. she would
She'd be a great managing director, don't you think?
she-devil noun [ C ]
a woman who is considered to be dangerous or evil
shedload noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a large amount
The film has recently won a shedload of awards.
Shedloads of cash are needed to improve the failing health service.
sheen noun [ S ] APPROVING
a bright, smooth surface
The conditioner gives the hair a beautiful soft sheen.
sheep noun [ C ]
a farm animal with thick wool, that eats grass and is kept for its wool, skin and
meat
The farmer has several large flocks (= groups) of long-haired sheep.
We heard sheep bleating/baaing in the field.
See also ewe ; lamb ; mutton ; ram
be (like) sheep DISAPPROVING
If a group of people are (like) sheep, they all behave in the same way or all
behave as they are told, and cannot or will not act independently.
separate/sort out the sheep from the goats UK
to make clear which people in a particular group are of a higher ability than the
others
The uphill stages of the race will really sort the sheep from the goats.
ˈ sheep ˌ dip noun [ C or U ]
a liquid in which sheep are washed in order to kill harmful insects living in their
wool, or the container in which the liquid is put
sheepdog noun [ C ]
a dog trained to help people control sheep and move them in the direction wanted
Two sheepdogs herded the sheep into pens.
sheepish adjective
embarrassed because you know that you have done something wrong or silly
She gave me a sheepish smile and apologized.
sheepishly adverb
sheepishness noun [ U ]
sheepish adjective
embarrassed because you know that you have done something wrong or silly
She gave me a sheepish smile and apologized.
sheepishly adverb
sheepishness noun [ U ]
sheepshearing noun [ C or U ]
the act or occasion of cutting the wool of sheep
sheepskin noun [ C or U ]
the skin of a sheep with the wool still on it
We've got a rug made from (a) sheepskin.
a sheepskin coat
ˈ sheep ˌ station noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a large farm on which sheep are kept
sheer adjective COMPLETE
1. [ before noun ] used to emphasize how very great, important or powerful a
quality or feeling is; nothing except
The suggestion is sheer nonsense .
His success was due to sheer willpower/determination.
It was sheer coincidence that we met.
sheer adjective STEEP
2. extremely steep; almost vertical
a sheer mountain side
a sheer drop of 100 metres
sheer adjective THIN
3. describes clothing or material which is so thin, light and delicate that you can
see through it
sheer nylon tights
She wore a dress of the sheerest silk.
sheer verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to change direction suddenly
I thought the boats were going to collide, but one sheered off/away at the last
second.
sheet noun [ C ]
1. a large thin flat especially rectangular piece of something, especially a piece of
cloth used for sleeping on
I've put clean sheets on the bed.
a sheet of glass
They fixed a polythene/plastic sheet over the broken window.
2. a piece of paper
some sheets of wrapping paper
The application form was a single sheet of paper .
3. a piece of paper with something printed on it
The tourist office provides a weekly information sheet about things that are
happening in the town.
4. sheet of sth
a large wide mass of something such as fire or ice
A sheet of flame shot up into the air immediately after the explosion.
A thick sheet of ice had formed over the water.
5. sheets
a large quantity of rain
The rain was coming down in sheets.
sheet verb INFORMAL
be sheeting
to be raining very hard
We can't go out yet, it's sheeting down outside.
The rain was sheeting against the windows.
sheeting noun [ U ]
thin material, especially cloth, plastic or metal
sheeting noun [ U ]
thin material, especially cloth, plastic or metal
ˌ sheet ˈ lightning noun [ U ]
lightning that lights up a large part of the sky
ˌ sheet ˈ music noun [ U ]
music in its printed or written form, especially single sheets of paper not formed
into a book
sheikh , sheik , noun [ C ]
an Arab ruler or head of a tribe
sheikhdom , noun [ C ]
an area of land or a country ruled by a sheikh
sheila noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN SLANG
a girl or a woman
shekel noun
1. [ C ] the standard unit of money used in Israel
2. shekels SLANG HUMOROUS
money
shelf noun [ C ]
1. a long flat board fixed horizontally, usually against a wall or inside a cupboard
so that objects can be stored on it
a glass shelf
on the top/bottom shelf
One wall had shelves from floor to ceiling, crammed with books.
See also bookshelf
See picture shelf
2. SPECIALIZED a flat area of rock under water or on a cliff
3. off the shelf
If a product can be bought off the shelf, it does not need to be specially made or
requested
It's often cheaper if you buy wallpaper off the shelf, rather than having to order
it.
off-the-shelf goods/clothes
4. remove sth from your shelves
When a shop removes something from its shelves, that product stops being
available for sale there.
on the shelf
1. not noticed or not used
It's important to apply research in a practical way and not leave it on the shelf.
2. MAINLY UK INFORMAL describes someone, usually a woman, who is not married
and is considered too old for anyone to want to marry them
In those days, if you hadn't married by the time you were 30, you were definitely
on the shelf.
ˈ shelf ˌ life noun [ C usually singular ]
the length of time that a product, especially food, can be kept in a shop before it
becomes too old to be sold or used
Fresh fruit has a very short shelf life.
These days many marriages have a fairly short shelf life (= don't last very long) .
shell noun COVERING
1. [ C or U ] the hard outer covering of something, especially nuts, eggs and
some animals
Brazil nuts have very hard shells.
A piece of shell fell into the cake mixture.
the shell of a snail/crab/tortoise
a shell necklace (= a piece of jewellery made out of the shells of small sea
animals)
See also eggshell ; nutshell ; seashell ; shellfish
2. [ C ] the basic outer structure of a building or vehicle, especially when the
parts inside have been destroyed or taken or have not yet been made
the shell of a burnt-out farmhouse
shell noun EXPLOSIVE
3. [ C ] a container, usually with a pointed end, which is filled with explosives and
shot from a large gun
Artillery and mortar shells were landing in the outskirts of the city.
shell noun BOAT
4. [ C ] a type of boat used for racing, driven by people using oars (= poles with
flat ends)
come out of your shell ( ALSO bring sb out of their shell )
If you come out of your shell, you become more interested in other people and
more willing to talk and take part in social activities, and if someone brings you out of
your shell, they cause you to do this
Derek has really come out of his shell since he started working here.
crawl/go/retreat/retire into your shell
to become less interested in other people and less willing to talk and take part in
social activities
The more they tried to get her to talk about her experiences, the further she
retreated back into her shell.
shell verb [ T ] COVERING
1. to remove peas, nuts, etc. from their shells or their natural protective covering
shell verb [ T ] EXPLOSIVE
2. to fire shells at something
They were under orders to shell the hospital and the town hall.
shelling noun [ U ]
Shelling of enemy lines continued all day.
shell (sth) out phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to pay or give money for something, usually unwillingly
Having shelled out fifty pounds for the tickets, I wasn't going to miss the show.
she'll , short form
she will
She'll be here later.
shellacking , noun [ C usually singular ] US INFORMAL
a complete defeat or beating
The Dodgers took a shellacking (= were defeated by many points) .
His dad gave him a shellacking (= beating) for stealing the money.
shellfish noun [ C or U ]
sea creatures that live in shells and are eaten as food, or one of these creatures
Lobsters, crabs, prawns and oysters are all shellfish.
ˈ shell ˌ shock noun [ U ]
mental illness caused by experiences of war
He said many of the men who were shot for cowardice were in fact suffering from
shell shock.
shell-shocked adjective
1. suffering from shell shock
I was treating shell-shocked soldiers.
2. extremely tired and nervous or frightened, especially after an unpleasant and
unexpected event, or extremely surprised
After the crash, the passengers were shell-shocked but there were no serious
injuries.
They were shell-shocked by the news.
ˈ shell ˌ suit noun [ C ] UK
an informal loose top and trousers made of thin, light, smooth material with
elastic (= material that stretches) at the wrist and ankle
shelter noun [ C or U ]
1. (a building designed to give) protection from bad weather, danger or attack
an air-raid shelter
They opened a shelter to provide temporary housing for the city's homeless.
The trees gave/provided some shelter from the rain.
2. find/take shelter
to protect yourself from bad weather, danger or attack
We took shelter for the night in an abandoned house.
shelter verb PROTECT
1. [ I or T ] to protect yourself, or another person or thing, from bad weather,
danger or attack
We were caught in a thunderstorm, without anywhere to shelter.
A group of us were sheltering from the rain under the trees.
2. [ T ] to give someone a secret hiding place so that they will not be caught by
the army, police, etc.
Local people risked their own lives to shelter resistance fighters from the army.
shelter verb AVOID TAX
3. [ T ] US If you shelter income, you legally avoid paying taxes on it
Their accountant suggested some novel ways of sheltering their retirement
income.
sheltered adjective
protected from wind, rain or other bad weather
We found a sheltered spot (= place) to have our picnic.
have/lead a sheltered life DISAPPROVING
to have a life in which you are protected too much and experience very little
danger, excitement or change
Until going to university, she had led a very sheltered life.
sheltered adjective
protected from wind, rain or other bad weather
We found a sheltered spot (= place) to have our picnic.
have/lead a sheltered life DISAPPROVING
to have a life in which you are protected too much and experience very little
danger, excitement or change
Until going to university, she had led a very sheltered life.
ˌ sheltered accommo ˈ dation noun [ U ] ( ALSO sheltered housing )
houses for old and ill people in a place where help can be given if it is needed
She's just moved into sheltered accommodation.
ˌ sheltered ˈ workshop noun [ C ] UK
a factory, or similar place of work, specially designed for people with mental or
physical difficulties to work in
shelve verb DELAY
1. [ T ] to not take action on something until a later time
I've had to shelve my plans to buy a new car, because I can't afford it at the
moment.
shelve verb SHELF
2. [ T ] to put something onto shelves, or to fix shelves somewhere
shelve verb SLOPE
3. [ I ] SPECIALIZED When a surface such as the bottom of the sea shelves, it slopes
down gradually.
The sea bed shelves gently for several hundred metres.
shelves noun
shelf
PLURAL OF
shelving noun [ U ]
shelves
The carpenter put up some shelving in the living room.
shenanigans plural noun INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
secret or dishonest activities, usually of a complicated and humorous or
interesting type
More business/political shenanigans were exposed in the newspapers today.
shepherd noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to take care of sheep and move them from one place to
another
a shepherd boy
shepherd verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] PEOPLE
1. to make a group of people move to where you want them to go, especially in a
kind, helpful and careful way
He shepherded the old people towards the dining room.
shepherd verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] SHEEP
2. to move sheep from one place to another
The dogs shepherded the sheep into the pens.
shepherdess , noun [ C ]
a female shepherd
shepherdess , noun [ C ]
a female shepherd
shepherd's pie noun [ C or U ]
a dish consisting of a layer of small pieces of meat covered with a thick layer of
mashed potato
sherbet noun [ U ]
1. UK an artificial powder with a fruit flavour eaten as a sweet or used to make a
drink, especially for children
2. US sorbet
sheriff noun [ C ]
1. in the US, an official whose job is to be in charge of performing the orders of
the law courts and making certain that the laws are obeyed within a particular county
2. in England and Wales, a person who represents the king or queen in a
particular county , and whose duties are mainly in official ceremonies
3. the most important judge of a county in Scotland
Sherpa noun [ C ]
a member of a Himalayan people who are skilled mountain climbers and who are
often employed as guides by visiting climbers
sherry noun [ C or U ]
a type of strong wine from southern Spain which is a pale yellow or brown colour
and often drunk before a meal
sweet/dry sherry
Would you like a glass of sherry/some sherry?
Would you like a sherry (= a glass of sherry) ?
she's , short form
1. she is
She's a writer.
2. she has
She's got the most elegant writing style.
Shetland pony noun [ C ]
a very small rough-haired horse
Shia noun [ C ] ( ALSO Shiite )
a member of the second largest religious movement within Islam, which is based
on the belief that Ali, a member of Mohammed's family, and the teachers who came
after him, were the true religious leaders
Shia adjective ( ALSO Shiite )
describing Shias or their type of Islam
Shia noun [ C ] ( ALSO Shiite )
a member of the second largest religious movement within Islam, which is based
on the belief that Ali, a member of Mohammed's family, and the teachers who came
after him, were the true religious leaders
Shia adjective ( ALSO Shiite )
describing Shias or their type of Islam
shiatsu noun [ U ]
a treatment for pain or illness, originally from ancient Japan, in which particular
places on the body are pressed
shibboleth noun [ C ]
1. FORMAL a belief or custom that is not now considered as important and correct
as it was in the past
They still cling to many of the old shibboleths of education.
2. a word, phrase, custom, etc. only known to a particular group of people, which
you can use to prove to them that you are a real member of that group
shicer noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
a swindler
shield noun [ C ]
1. in the past, a large flat object made of metal or leather that soldiers held in
front of their bodies to protect themselves
2. a large flat object made of strong plastic that policemen hold in front of their
bodies to protect themselves
The police held up their riot shields against the flying rocks and bricks.
3. something or someone used as protection or providing protection
The anti-personnel mines were laid as a protective shield around the town.
Anger can function as a shield against (= a way of avoiding) even more painful
emotions of loss and hurt.
4. a flat object with two straight sides, a rounded or pointed lower edge and
usually a straight top edge, on which there is a coat of arms
5. an object shaped like a shield, which is given as a prize or used as a symbol or
badge
Our school won the county football shield this year.
shield verb [ T ]
to protect someone or something
She held her hand above her eyes to shield them from the sun.
They are accused of trying to shield the General from US federal investigators.
shift verb MOVE OR CHANGE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause something or someone to) move or change from one
position or direction to another, especially slightly
She shifted (her weight) uneasily from one foot to the other.
The wind is expected to shift ( to the east) tomorrow.
Media attention has shifted recently onto environmental issues.
2. [ T ] MAINLY US to move the gears of a vehicle into different positions in order to
make it go faster or slower
In cars that are automatics, you don't have to bother with shifting gears .
shift verb GET RID OF
3. [ T ] UK INFORMAL to get rid of something unwanted, or to sell something
Modern detergents will shift most stains.
The people at the toy shop expect to shift a lot of stock in the run-up to
Christmas.
shift yourself
If you shift yourself when you have a job to do, you hurry to do the job as quickly
as possible
Come on, there's work to be done - shift yourself.
shift (your) ground
to change your opinion
He's annoying to argue with because he keeps shifting his ground.
shift for yourself phrasal verb [ R ] OLD-FASHIONED
to earn your own income or buy and cook your own food, etc.
He left home at 18 and had to shift for himself.
shift noun GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of workers who do a job for a period of
time during the day or night, or the period of time itself
As the night shift leave/leaves, the day shift arrive/arrives.
Are you on the night shift or the day shift (= Do you work during the night
period or the day period) ?
shift noun CHANGE
2. [ C ] a change in position or direction
a shift in the wind/temperature
The shift in the balance of power in the region has had far-reaching
consequences.
There has been a dramatic shift in public opinion towards peaceful negotiations.
shift noun DRESS
3. [ C ] a simple dress that hangs straight from the shoulders
shift verb MOVE OR CHANGE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause something or someone to) move or change from one
position or direction to another, especially slightly
She shifted (her weight) uneasily from one foot to the other.
The wind is expected to shift ( to the east) tomorrow.
Media attention has shifted recently onto environmental issues.
2. [ T ] MAINLY US to move the gears of a vehicle into different positions in order to
make it go faster or slower
In cars that are automatics, you don't have to bother with shifting gears .
shift verb GET RID OF
3. [ T ] UK INFORMAL to get rid of something unwanted, or to sell something
Modern detergents will shift most stains.
The people at the toy shop expect to shift a lot of stock in the run-up to
Christmas.
shift yourself
If you shift yourself when you have a job to do, you hurry to do the job as quickly
as possible
Come on, there's work to be done - shift yourself.
shift (your) ground
to change your opinion
He's annoying to argue with because he keeps shifting his ground.
shift for yourself phrasal verb [ R ] OLD-FASHIONED
to earn your own income or buy and cook your own food, etc.
He left home at 18 and had to shift for himself.
shift noun GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of workers who do a job for a period of
time during the day or night, or the period of time itself
As the night shift leave/leaves, the day shift arrive/arrives.
Are you on the night shift or the day shift (= Do you work during the night
period or the day period) ?
shift noun CHANGE
2. [ C ] a change in position or direction
a shift in the wind/temperature
The shift in the balance of power in the region has had far-reaching
consequences.
There has been a dramatic shift in public opinion towards peaceful negotiations.
shift noun DRESS
3. [ C ] a simple dress that hangs straight from the shoulders
shifting adjective
always changing or moving
They lost their way in the shifting sands of the Sahara.
ˈ shift ˌ key noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a key on a computer or a typewriter which you press at the same time as you
press a letter key in order to produce a capital letter
shiftless adjective DISAPPROVING
lazy and not having much determination or a clear purpose
He called the young people shiftless, lazy and good-for-nothing.
shiftwork noun [ U ]
when different groups of workers work somewhere at different times of the day
and night
The factory is run on shiftwork.
I hate shiftwork.
shifty adjective
looking or seeming dishonest
He's got shifty eyes.
You're looking very shifty. What have you been up to?
There's a couple of shifty -looking people standing on the street corner.
shiftily adverb
shiftiness noun [ U ]
Shiism noun [ U ]
the religious movement of which Shias are members
shiitake (mushroom) , ALSO shitake noun [ C ]
a Japanese or Chinese mushroom , used in cooking
Shiite , Shi'ite noun [ C ]
a Shia
Shiite , Shi'ite noun [ C ]
a Shia
shilling noun [ C ]
1. a unit of money used in Britain until 1971, equal to 12 old pence or 5 new
pence
2. the standard unit of money used in Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda
shilly-shally , verb [ I ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to spend too much time doing something or making a decision because you do not
know what is the right thing to do
Stop shilly-shallying and make a decision now!
shimmer verb [ I ]
to shine in such a way that the light seems to shake slightly and quickly
She could see her reflection in the water, shimmering in the moonlight.
shimmer noun [ S ]
when something shimmers
shimmering adjective
1. reflecting a gentle light which seems to move slightly
We drove across the desert, through the shimmering heat haze.
2. LITERARY attractive
a shimmering new production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
shimmy verb [ I ]
1. to do a dance in which you shake your hips and shoulders
She shimmied across the dance floor.
2. US If a car shimmies, it has a very light shaking movement which is not the
usual movement of the car.
shin noun
1. [ C ] the front part of your leg between your knee and your foot
She's got a nasty bruise on her shin.
See picture body
2. [ C or U ] a joint (= large piece) of meat from the lower leg of a cow
a shin of beef
shin verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] ( US ALSO shinny )
to climb something such as a tree, using your hands and legs to move along
quickly
Several of us shinned up lampposts so that we could see over the crowd.
shinbone noun [ C ] ( SPECIALIZED tibia )
the bone at the front of your leg, between the knee and the foot
See picture skeleton
shinbone noun [ C ] ( SPECIALIZED tibia )
the bone at the front of your leg, between the knee and the foot
shindig noun [ C ]
1. INFORMAL a noisy event or situation, especially a large, energetic party,
celebration, etc.
Are you going to that shindig at the Town Hall tonight?
2. MAINLY UK a noisy argument
shine verb LIGHT
1. [ I ] to send out or reflect light
Is that light shining in your eyes?
The sun shone all afternoon.
He polished the brass till it shone.
2. shine with sth
If a person's eyes or face shine with a quality, you can see that quality in them
very strongly
Her eyes shone with delight.
3. [ I or T ] to point a light in a particular direction
The policeman walked along the street, shining a torch into every car.
4. [ T ] to make something bright by rubbing it
Guy ironed his shirt and shined his shoes for the interview.
shine verb ABILITY
5. [ I ] to be extremely good at an activity or skill, in an obvious way
She's hopeless at languages, but she shines at/in science.
shining adjective
a shining silver cup
She looked at him with shining (= bright and happy) eyes.
These pictures are shining (= excellent) examples of great photography.
shine out phrasal verb
1. If people or things shine out, they are noticeable because they are very good
The play has a very strong cast, but two actors in particular shine out.
2. If a quality shines out of someone, it is strong and easy to see
Her honesty and sincerity positively shine out.
shine noun [ S or U ]
when something is bright from reflected light on its surface
hair with body and shine
Wax polish gives a lovely shine to wood furniture.
take a shine to sb INFORMAL
to like someone immediately
I think he's taken a bit of a shine to you.
shiner noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a black eye (= an eye where the skin around it has gone dark because it has been
hit)
I think you're going to have a real shiner there in the morning.
hit)
shingle noun STONES
1. [ U ] small round stones that cover a beach or the ground by the edge of a
river
a shingle beach
I love the noise of the waves on the shingle.
shingle noun PIECE
2. [ C ] a thin flat tile usually made of wood, that is fixed in rows to make a roof
or wall covering
shingle noun DISEASE
3. shingles
[ U ] a disease caused by a virus that infects particular nerves and that produces
a line or lines of painful red spots, especially around the waist
shingly adverb
covered in shingle
It was uncomfortable walking barefoot on the shingly beach.
shinny verb [ I ]
US FOR shin (CLIMB)
ˈ shin ˌ splints plural noun
severe pains in the area of your shin (= front part of the lower leg) , happening
especially to runners and other people who do exercise involving a lot of running or
jumping
Shinto noun [ U ] ( ALSO Shintoism )
a Japanese religion in which people worship past members of their family and
various gods that represent nature
shiny adjective
A shiny surface is bright because it reflects light
beautiful shiny hair
shiny black shoes
a shiny silver dollar
shininess noun [ U ]
ship noun [ C ]
a large boat for travelling on water, especially across the sea
a sailing ship
a merchant/naval ship
They boarded (= went on to) a ship that was sailing (= leaving) the next day.
like ships that pass in the night
If two people are like ships that pass in the night, they meet once or twice by
chance for a short time then do not see each other again.
ship verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to send something, usually a large object or a large quantity of objects or people,
to a place far away
We ship books out to New York every month.
ship sb off phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to send someone away somewhere
The children were shipped off to their grandparents' house for the holidays.
hit)
shingle noun STONES
1. [ U ] small round stones that cover a beach or the ground by the edge of a
river
a shingle beach
I love the noise of the waves on the shingle.
shingle noun PIECE
2. [ C ] a thin flat tile usually made of wood, that is fixed in rows to make a roof
or wall covering
shingle noun DISEASE
3. shingles
[ U ] a disease caused by a virus that infects particular nerves and that produces
a line or lines of painful red spots, especially around the waist
shingly adverb
covered in shingle
It was uncomfortable walking barefoot on the shingly beach.
shinny verb [ I ]
US FOR shin (CLIMB)
ˈ shin ˌ splints plural noun
severe pains in the area of your shin (= front part of the lower leg) , happening
especially to runners and other people who do exercise involving a lot of running or
jumping
Shinto noun [ U ] ( ALSO Shintoism )
a Japanese religion in which people worship past members of their family and
various gods that represent nature
shiny adjective
A shiny surface is bright because it reflects light
beautiful shiny hair
shiny black shoes
a shiny silver dollar
shininess noun [ U ]
ship noun [ C ]
a large boat for travelling on water, especially across the sea
a sailing ship
a merchant/naval ship
They boarded (= went on to) a ship that was sailing (= leaving) the next day.
like ships that pass in the night
If two people are like ships that pass in the night, they meet once or twice by
chance for a short time then do not see each other again.
ship verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to send something, usually a large object or a large quantity of objects or people,
to a place far away
We ship books out to New York every month.
ship sb off phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to send someone away somewhere
The children were shipped off to their grandparents' house for the holidays.
-ship suffix
having the rank, position, skill or relationship of the stated type
lordship
partnership
craftsmanship
friendship
shipboard adjective
happening or used on a ship
a shipboard romance
a shipboard transmitter
shipbuilder noun [ C ]
a person or company that builds ships
shipbuilding noun [ U ]
industries such as shipbuilding, steel production and coalmining
shipmate noun [ C ]
A sailor's shipmate is another sailor who works on the same ship as they do.
shipment noun [ C or U ]
a large amount of goods sent together to a place, or the act of sending them
A shipment of urgent medical supplies is expected to arrive very soon.
shipper noun [ C usually plural ]
a person or company whose job is to organize the sending of goods from one
place to another
wine shippers
shipping noun [ U ]
1. ships considered as a group
This stretch of water is heavily used by shipping.
2. when goods are sent from one place to another, especially by ship
The cost is $205 plus $3 for shipping.
The fruit is picked and artificially ripened before shipping.
ˌ shipping and ˈ handling noun [ U ]
US FOR postage and packing
shipshape adjective INFORMAL
tidy and with everything in its correct place
The builders have gone, but it'll take a while to get things shipshape again.
shipwreck noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO wreck )
an accident in which a ship is destroyed or sunk at sea, especially by hitting rocks,
or a ship which has been destroyed or sunk in such an accident
The danger of shipwreck is much greater in fog.
There have been many shipwrecks along this dangerous stretch of coastline.
shipwreck verb [ T ]
to make someone suffer a shipwreck
They were shipwrecked off the coast of Newfoundland.
a shipwrecked sailor
shipyard noun [ C ]
a place where ships are built or repaired
shire noun
1. [ C ] UK OLD USE a county , now used in combination in the names of many
British counties
Yorkshire
Oxfordshire
2. the shires UK
the central rural counties of England, such as Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and
Derbyshire
ˈ shire ˌ horse noun [ C ]
a large strong English horse which has long hair covering its feet
shirk verb [ I or T ] DISAPPROVING
to avoid work, duties or responsibilities, especially if they are difficult or
unpleasant
If you shirk your responsibilities/duties now, the situation will just be that
much harder to deal with next month.
I shall not shirk from my obligations.
shirker noun [ C ]
someone who avoids something, especially work
We have no room for shirkers in this office.
shirt noun [ C ]
a piece of clothing worn, especially by men, on the upper part of the body, made
of light cloth like cotton and usually having a collar and buttons at the front
a striped/white shirt
a short-/long-sleeved shirt
You've spilled something down your shirt front.
See also nightshirt ; sweatshirt ; T-shirt
keep your shirt on ( UK ALSO keep your hair on ) INFORMAL
said to tell someone to stop being so angry or upset
Keep your shirt on! Your car isn't badly damaged!
put your shirt on sth UK INFORMAL
to feel very certain that something will happen
I'd put my shirt on the President being re-elected.
the shirt off sb's back INFORMAL
the last thing that someone has left
He's the kind of man who'd give you the shirt off his back.
shirt-sleeve noun [ C ]
a sleeve of a shirt
Susannah felt a hand tugging at her shirt-sleeve.
Jamie rolled up his shirt-sleeves and set to work.
in shirt-sleeves
dressed informally without wearing anything, such as a jacket, over a shirt
Because it was so hot, the men were all in their shirt-sleeves.
ˈ shirt ˌ tails plural noun
the part at the back of a shirt which comes down below the waist of the person
wearing it
He tucked his shirt tails into his trousers.
shirty adjective UK INFORMAL
annoyed or angry, especially in a rude way
Don't get shirty with me - this is your fault, not mine.
shirty adjective UK INFORMAL
annoyed or angry, especially in a rude way
Don't get shirty with me - this is your fault, not mine.
ˈ shish ke ˌ bab noun [ C ]
a kebab
shit noun
1. [ U ] OFFENSIVE the solid waste which is released from the bowels of a person or
animal; excrement
There's so much dog shit on the pavement.
See also bullshit ; shite
2. [ S ] OFFENSIVE the act of releasing solid waste from the bowels
I need to have/ US take a shit.
3. the shits OFFENSIVE
diarrhoea (= a medical condition in which the contents of the bowels are passed
out of the body too often)
Something I ate has given me the shits.
4. [ C or U ] OFFENSIVE someone or something you do not like, especially because
they are unpleasant or of low quality
She talks a load of shit.
The man's a complete shit.
5. [ U ] OFFENSIVE insults, criticism or unkind or unfair treatment
Ben gets a lot of shit from his parents about the way he dresses.
Jackie doesn't take (any) shit from anyone (= does not allow anyone to treat her
badly) .
6. [ U ] US OFFENSIVE used in negatives to mean 'anything'
He doesn't know shit about what's going on.
give sb the shits AUSTRALIAN OFFENSIVE
to annoy someone
have shit for brains US OFFENSIVE
to be extremely stupid
Don't ask Jack to do anything - he's got shit for brains.
have/get your shit together MAINLY US OFFENSIVE
to be or become effective, organized and skilful
One of these days I'll get my shit together.
No shit! OFFENSIVE
an expression of surprise about information you have just heard
"Richard's got the job in New York!" "No shit!"
not give a shit OFFENSIVE
to not be interested in or worried about something or someone
I don't give a shit what Nigel thinks.
(the) shit hits the fan ( ALSO the shit flies ) OFFENSIVE
When the shit hits the fan or when the shit flies, a situation suddenly causes a lot
of trouble for someone
I don't want to be here when the shit hits the fan.
the shit out of sb/sth OFFENSIVE
used to emphasize the degree of force of an action which you are describing
His dad would beat/knock/kick the shit out of him if he disobeyed.
Don't creep up on me like that - you scared the shit out of me.
shit verb OFFENSIVE
1. [ I ] to pass solid waste from the bowels
That dog had better not shit in the house again!
MAINLY US I need to shit real bad.
2. shit yourself
[ R ] to be extremely frightened
She was shitting herself, especially when he pulled out a gun.
shit a brick ( ALSO shit bricks ) MAINLY US OFFENSIVE
to become very frightened
We were all shitting bricks as the truck missed the car by inches.
shit on sb phrasal verb
to treat someone very badly and unkindly
He was whinging that the boss had shat on him by not giving him a day off.
shit exclamation OFFENSIVE
used to express anger or surprise
Oh shit, we're going to be late!
Shit - the damn thing's broken!
shitake (mushroom) noun [ C ]
a shiitake (mushroom)
shitake (mushroom) noun [ C ]
a shiitake (mushroom)
shite noun [ C or U ] UK OFFENSIVE
shit
shit-faced adjective OFFENSIVE
extremely drunk
shithead noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
a stupid, unpleasant and unpopular person
That little shithead has screwed things up again.
ˌ shit ˈ hot adjective UK OFFENSIVE
extremely good
shithouse noun [ C ] US OFFENSIVE
a small building containing a toilet
be in the shithouse
to be in trouble
shitload noun OFFENSIVE
a shitload of sth
a lot of something
He earns a shitload of money.
ˈ shit ˌ stirrer noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
someone who makes trouble for other people, especially by making known facts
that they would prefer to keep secret
He didn't need to tell her that - he's just a shit stirrer.
shit-stirring noun [ U ]
shitty adjective OFFENSIVE
1. unfair and unkind
She's had really shitty treatment from the management.
2. bad, difficult or unpleasant
Jamie's had a shitty week at work.
Anna, if you're feeling shitty (= ill) , just go home.
shiver verb [ I ]
When people or animals shiver, they shake slightly because they feel cold, ill or
frightened
The poor dog - it's shivering!
He shivered with cold in his thin cotton shirt.
shiver noun [ C ]
1. when your body shakes slightly because you are frightened, cold or ill
I felt/gave a shiver as I looked out at the dark expanse of sea.
2. the shivers
a. when you shiver because you are ill
She's aching and she's got the shivers, so I've sent her to bed.
b. INFORMAL when you feel frightened of someone or something
I don't like him - he gives me the shivers.
shiver (up and) down your spine INFORMAL
a frightened or excited feeling
At its most terrifying, his writing sends shivers up and down my spine.
Whenever I hear that music, I feel a shiver down my spine.
shiver verb [ I ]
When people or animals shiver, they shake slightly because they feel cold, ill or
frightened
The poor dog - it's shivering!
He shivered with cold in his thin cotton shirt.
shiver noun [ C ]
1. when your body shakes slightly because you are frightened, cold or ill
I felt/gave a shiver as I looked out at the dark expanse of sea.
2. the shivers
a. when you shiver because you are ill
She's aching and she's got the shivers, so I've sent her to bed.
b. INFORMAL when you feel frightened of someone or something
I don't like him - he gives me the shivers.
shiver (up and) down your spine INFORMAL
a frightened or excited feeling
At its most terrifying, his writing sends shivers up and down my spine.
Whenever I hear that music, I feel a shiver down my spine.
shivery adjective INFORMAL
shaking slightly because you feel cold, frightened or ill
She's very hot and shivery, so I think she must have flu.
shivoo noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
a party or a celebration
We're having a shivoo round at our place tonight - do you want to come?
shoal noun FISH
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a large number of fish swimming as a group
We could see shoals of tiny fish darting about.
Piranhas often feed in shoals.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] INFORMAL a large number of things or people
In the summer, tourists visit the city in shoals.
shoal noun RAISED AREA
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a raised bank of sand or rocks under the surface of the water
shock noun SURPRISE
1. [ C or U ] (the emotional or physical reaction to) a sudden, unexpected and
usually unpleasant event or experience
Her mother's death came as a great shock - it was so unexpected.
It was such a loud crash - it gave me/I got quite a shock.
It was a shock to see her looking so ill.
I was in (a state of) shock for about two weeks after the accident.
UK The French suffered a shock defeat (= completely unexpected defeat) by the
Italian side at the weekend.
2. [ C ] an electric shock
Ow! - I got a shock from that lamp!
3. [ U ] a medical condition caused by severe injury, pain, loss of blood or fear
which slows down the flow of blood around the body
Several passengers from the wrecked vehicle were taken to hospital suffering
from shock.
4. a shock to the system
when something new or unusual feels difficult or unpleasant
It's really hard getting back to work after three months off - it's quite a shock to
the system.
shock noun DAMAGING EFFECT
5. [ U ] the effect of one object violently hitting another, which might cause
damage or a slight movement
For running on hard roads, you need shoes with extra cushioning to absorb (=
reduce) the shock.
shock noun OFFENDED
6. [ U ] a feeling of being offended or upset by something you consider wrong or
unacceptable
You should have seen the look of shock on her face when he started swearing!
shock noun HAIR
7. [ S ] a large and noticeable mass of hair
She's got a shock of bright red hair.
Shock, horror! HUMOROUS
an expression used when you are pretending to feel very shocked by a piece of
news
Shock, horror! Carl James was seen talking to a woman and it wasn't his wife.
shock verb [ I or T ] OFFEND
1. to offend or upset someone by doing or saying something which they consider
is immoral or unacceptable
The advertisements were designed to shock - that was the whole point of the
campaign.
[ + object + to infinitive ] I think it shocks him to hear women talking about sex.
shock verb [ I or T ] SURPRISE
2. to make someone feel upset or surprised
The photographs of starving children shocked people into giv ing money.
The news of the accident shocked the family deeply .
shockable adjective
I have to be careful what I say to my mother - she's very shockable (= easily
offended) .
shocked adjective
After his announcement, there was a shocked silence.
[ + to infinitive ] We were shocked to see smoke pouring out of the roof.
shock absorber noun [ C ]
a device on a vehicle, especially a car or an aircraft, which reduces the effects of
travelling over rough ground or helps it to land more smoothly
shocker noun [ C ] INFORMAL
something that is likely to offend, especially something new or recently
announced
shocking adjective OFFENSIVE
1. offensive, upsetting or immoral
The sex scenes in the book were considered very shocking at the time when it
was published.
There are few crimes more truly shocking than the murder or abuse of children.
shocking adjective VERY BAD
2. MAINLY UK INFORMAL extremely bad or unpleasant, or of very low quality
What shocking weather!
My memory is shocking.
shocking adjective SURPRISING
3. extremely surprising
The news came as a shocking blow.
shockingly adverb MAINLY UK INFORMAL
The service was shockingly bad .
The restaurant charges shockingly high prices for its food.
Stories of abused and battered children are shockingly familiar.
ˌ shocking ˈ pink adjective , noun [ U ]
very bright pink
ˈ shock ˌ jock noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a person who presents a radio programme and who often says things that are not
considered acceptable by most people during the programme
Howard Stern is one of America's best known shock jocks.
shockproof adjective
describes a watch or other device that is not easily damaged if hit or dropped
ˈ shock ˌ tactics plural noun
If you use shock tactics, you do something unexpected in order to shock someone
or to get an advantage over them.
shocker noun [ C ] INFORMAL
something that is likely to offend, especially something new or recently
announced
shocking adjective OFFENSIVE
1. offensive, upsetting or immoral
The sex scenes in the book were considered very shocking at the time when it
was published.
There are few crimes more truly shocking than the murder or abuse of children.
shocking adjective VERY BAD
2. MAINLY UK INFORMAL extremely bad or unpleasant, or of very low quality
What shocking weather!
My memory is shocking.
shocking adjective SURPRISING
3. extremely surprising
The news came as a shocking blow.
shockingly adverb MAINLY UK INFORMAL
The service was shockingly bad .
The restaurant charges shockingly high prices for its food.
Stories of abused and battered children are shockingly familiar.
ˌ shocking ˈ pink adjective , noun [ U ]
very bright pink
ˈ shock ˌ jock noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a person who presents a radio programme and who often says things that are not
considered acceptable by most people during the programme
Howard Stern is one of America's best known shock jocks.
shockproof adjective
describes a watch or other device that is not easily damaged if hit or dropped
ˈ shock ˌ tactics plural noun
If you use shock tactics, you do something unexpected in order to shock someone
or to get an advantage over them.
ˈ shock ˌ therapy noun [ U ] ( ALSO shock treatment )
the treatment of particular mental illnesses by sending electric currents through
the brain
ˈ shock ˌ troops plural noun
soldiers who are specially trained for making sudden attacks
ˈ shock ˌ wave noun [ C ]
1. a sudden wave of increased pressure or temperature, caused by an explosion,
an earthquake or an object moving faster than the speed of sound
2. a very strong reaction that spreads through a group of people when something
surprising or bad happens
The assassination of the president sent shock waves across the world.
shod verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF shoe
shoddy adjective DISAPPROVING BADLY MADE
1. badly and carelessly made, using low quality materials
shoddy goods
shoddy workmanship
shoddy adjective DISAPPROVING NOT RESPECTFUL
2. showing little respect, thought and care
They refused him sick pay when he was off ill, which is a shoddy way to treat an
employee.
shoddily adverb
These clothes are very shoddily made.
I've been treated very shoddily by the company.
shoddiness noun [ U ]
shoe noun [ C ]
1. one of a pair of coverings for your feet, usually made of a strong material such
as leather, with a thick leather or plastic sole (= base) and usually a heel
flat/high-heeled shoes
gym/tennis shoes
He put on/took off his new pair of shoes.
Hurry and do up/lace up your shoes.
a shoe shop
2. a horseshoe
be in sb's shoes INFORMAL
to be in the situation, usually a bad or difficult situation, that another person is in
I wouldn't like to be in Mike's shoes when the boss hears what he's done!
if I were in your shoes INFORMAL
used when you want to tell someone what you would do in their situation
If I were in your shoes, I think I'd write to her rather than try to explain over the
phone.
step into sb's shoes ( ALSO fill sb's shoes )
to take someone's place, often by doing the job they have just left
Who do you think will step into Sarah's shoes when she goes?
shoe verb [ T ]
If you shoe a horse, you nail a horseshoe (= a curved piece of metal) to one or
each of its feet.
shoehorn noun [ C ]
a smooth curved piece of plastic or metal which you hold in the back of your shoe
when putting it on, to help your foot slide into it
shoehorn verb [ T often passive ] INFORMAL
to fit something tightly in a particular place, often between two other things
This tiny restaurant is shoehorned between two major banks.
shoelace noun [ C usually plural ] ( ALSO lace , US ALSO shoestring )
a thin string or strip of leather used to fasten shoes
My shoelaces came undone.
Do/Tie up your shoelaces, Rosie.
shoestring noun [ C usually plural ]
US FOR shoelace
on a shoestring INFORMAL
If you do something on a shoestring, you do it with a very small amount of money
The film was made on a shoestring.
ˈ shoestring po ˌ tatoes plural noun
long, very thin pieces of potato which have been fried and which are usually eaten
hot
shoetree noun [ C ]
a piece of wood or metal shaped like the inside of a shoe, for putting inside a shoe
to keep its shape when it is not being worn
shone verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF shine
shonky adjective AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
of low quality
shonky adjective AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
of low quality
shoo exclamation
said to animals or children to make them go away
"Shoo!" she shouted at the cat.
shoo verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] INFORMAL
to make sounds and movements in order to send animals or children away
Go and shoo that cat away before it catches a bird.
shoo-in noun [ C usually singular ]
someone who is certain to win an election or a competition
He's a shoo-in for the White House.
Manchester United's a shoo-in to win the title this season.
shook verb
PAST SIMPLE OF shake
shoot verb WEAPON
1. [ I or T ] to fire a bullet or an arrow, or to hit, injure or kill a person or animal
by firing a bullet or arrow at them
If he's not armed, don't shoot.
The kids were shooting arrows at a target.
She was shot three times in the head.
He has a licence to shoot pheasants on the farmer's land.
[ + object + adjective ] A policeman was shot dead in the city centre last night.
The troops were told to shoot to kill .
shoot verb SPORT
2. [ I ] to try to score points for yourself or your team, in sports involving a ball,
by kicking, hitting or throwing the ball towards the goal
He shot from the middle of the field and still managed to score.
shoot verb MOVE QUICKLY
3. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move in a particular direction very
quickly and directly
She shot past me several metres before the finishing line.
He shot out of the office a minute ago - I think he was late for a meeting.
They were just shooting off to town so we didn't stop to speak.
Sylvester Stallone shot to fame (= became famous suddenly) with the film
'Rocky'.
4. [ T ] to move through or past something quickly
INFORMAL He shot three sets of traffic lights (= went past them when they gave
the signal to stop) before the police caught him.
It was so exhilarating shooting the rapids (= travelling through the part of a
river where the water flows dangerously fast) .
shoot verb FILM
5. [ I or T ] to use a camera to record a film or take a photograph
We shot four reels of film in Egypt.
The film was shot on location in Southern India.
shoot verb PLAY
6. [ T ] MAINLY US INFORMAL to play a game of pool or craps
shoot verb DRUG
7. [ T ] SLANG to take an illegal drug by injecting yourself with it
By the time he was sixteen, he was shooting heroin twice a day.
shooter noun [ C ]
He's thought to be the best shooter in the league.
have shot your bolt UK INFORMAL
to have already achieved all that you have the power, ability or strength to do and
to be unable to do more
He started off the game well but seemed to have shot his bolt by half-time.
shoot sth/sb down (in flames) INFORMAL
to refuse to accept someone's suggestion or idea and not consider it at all
shoot yourself in the foot
to do something without intending to which spoils a situation for yourself
shoot your mouth off INFORMAL
to talk too much in a loud and uncontrolled way
It's just like Richard to go shooting his mouth off about other people's affairs.
shoot a glance at sb
to look at someone quickly
She shot him a glance as he entered the room.
shoot for the moon US
to ask for the best or the most you could hope for
You might as well shoot for the moon and ask for a promotion as well as a raise.
shoot questions at sb
to ask someone a lot of questions very quickly, one after the other
He shot questions at me so quickly that I didn't even have time to answer.
shoot the breeze US INFORMAL
to talk with someone or a group of people about things which are not important
We sat out on the porch, just shooting the breeze.
shoot the works US INFORMAL
to use all your money or make the greatest effort you can
I emptied my bank account and shot the works on a trip to Mauritius.
sb should be shot INFORMAL
said when you think that someone's actions are extremely unreasonable
They should be shot for selling drinks at that price!
shoot sth down phrasal verb [ M ]
to destroy an aircraft or make an aircraft, bird, etc. fall to the ground by shooting
at it
He was killed during the war when his plane was shot down.
shoot sb down phrasal verb [ M ]
to shoot and usually kill someone, showing no sympathy
I saw Leonforte shoot him down like a dog in the street.
shoot for/at sth phrasal verb US
to try to do something
It's worth taking chances when you're shooting at a chance of fame and wealth.
shoot out phrasal verb
If opposing groups or people armed with guns shoot it out, they shoot at each
other until one of the groups or people is dead or defeated.
shoot through phrasal verb AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
to leave a place very quickly, especially in order to avoid having to do something
shoot up phrasal verb INCREASE
1. INFORMAL to grow in size, or increase in number or level, very quickly
David has really shot up since I saw him last.
Prices shot up by 25%.
shoot up phrasal verb DRUGS
2. SLANG to put illegal drugs into your blood using a special needle
She saw a girl shooting up in the toilets.
shoot noun PLANT
1. [ C ] the first part of a plant to appear above the ground as it develops from a
seed, or any new growth on an already existing plant
Two weeks after we'd planted the seeds, little green shoots started to appear.
FIGURATIVE The first green shoots (= hopeful signs) of economic recovery have
started to appear.
shoot noun FILM
2. [ C usually singular ] when photographers take a series of photographs, usually
of the same person or people in the same place
We did a fashion shoot on the beach, with the girls modelling swimwear.
shoot noun WEAPON
3. [ C ] an occasion on which a group of people go to an area of the countryside
to shoot animals
-shooter suffix
a type of gun, etc. or a person that shoots
a peashooter
a sharpshooter
a six-shooter
-shooter suffix
a type of gun, etc. or a person that shoots
a peashooter
a sharpshooter
a six-shooter
shooting noun
1. [ U ] when bullets are shot from guns or other weapons
We heard some shooting in the night.
2. [ C ] when someone is injured or killed by a bullet shot from a gun
There have been a number of shootings in the capital this week.
3. [ U ] the sport of shooting animals or birds
pheasant/grouse shooting
He goes shooting most weekends.
ˈ shooting ˌ gallery noun [ C ] GUNS
1. a closed area in which people shoot guns at targets, either for entertainment or
in order to improve their shooting skills
ˈ shooting ˌ gallery noun [ C ] DRUGS
2. US SLANG a place where people go to inject illegal drugs
Police raided a well-known shooting gallery on Thursday night.
ˈ shooting ˌ pains plural noun
sudden severe pains which move through the body
I get shooting pains up my spine whenever I try to move.
ˌ shooting ˈ star noun [ C ]
INFORMAL FOR meteor
ˈ shooting ˌ stick noun [ C ]
a walking stick which has a sharp point to push into the ground at one end and a
folded part that opens out to use as a seat at the other
shoot-out noun [ C ]
a fight in which two people or two groups of people shoot at each other with guns
shop noun [ C ] PLACE TO BUY THINGS
1. ( US USUALLY store ) a building, or a room in a building, where you can buy
goods or get services
a book/clothes/record/sweet shop
a barber's/betting shop
I need to go to the shops - I've got no food in the house.
2. UK the act of shopping, especially of shopping for food and other things needed
in the house
I usually do the weekly shop on a Monday.
3. be in the shops
to be available to buy
His latest novel will be in the shops by Christmas.
shop noun [ C ] WORK AREA
4. a place where a particular type of thing is made or repaired
He runs an auto-tyre repair shop.
shop noun [ C ] BUSINESS
5. INFORMAL a business
set up shop
to start your own business
She set up shop back in 1965 with a very small restaurant in the Kings Road.
shop verb BUY THINGS
1. [ I ] to buy things in shops
I like to shop at Harrods for clothes.
If I'm just shopping for food, I tend to go to the local supermarket.
shop verb GIVE INFORMATION
2. [ T ] UK SLANG to give the police information about a criminal
His ex-wife shopped him to the police.
shop around phrasal verb
to compare the price and quality of the same or a similar object in different shops
before you decide which one to buy
When you're buying a flight, you should always shop around for the best deal.
shop noun [ C ] PLACE TO BUY THINGS
1. ( US USUALLY store ) a building, or a room in a building, where you can buy
goods or get services
a book/clothes/record/sweet shop
a barber's/betting shop
I need to go to the shops - I've got no food in the house.
2. UK the act of shopping, especially of shopping for food and other things needed
in the house
I usually do the weekly shop on a Monday.
3. be in the shops
to be available to buy
His latest novel will be in the shops by Christmas.
shop noun [ C ] WORK AREA
4. a place where a particular type of thing is made or repaired
He runs an auto-tyre repair shop.
shop noun [ C ] BUSINESS
5. INFORMAL a business
set up shop
to start your own business
She set up shop back in 1965 with a very small restaurant in the Kings Road.
shop verb BUY THINGS
1. [ I ] to buy things in shops
I like to shop at Harrods for clothes.
If I'm just shopping for food, I tend to go to the local supermarket.
shop verb GIVE INFORMATION
2. [ T ] UK SLANG to give the police information about a criminal
His ex-wife shopped him to the police.
shop around phrasal verb
to compare the price and quality of the same or a similar object in different shops
before you decide which one to buy
When you're buying a flight, you should always shop around for the best deal.
ˈ shop as ˌ sistant noun [ C ] UK ( US salesclerk )
someone who serves customers in a shop
the ˌ shop ˈ floor noun [ S ]
1. the ordinary workers in a factory, or the place where they work
2. on the shop floor
among the ordinary workers at a factory
There is concern on the shop floor over job security.
ˈ shop ˌ front noun [ C ] ( US storefront )
the outside part of a shop which faces the street
shopkeeper noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY storekeeper )
a person who owns and manages a small shop
shoplifting noun [ U ]
the illegal act of taking goods from a shop without paying for them
He was charged with shoplifting.
shoplift verb [ I ]
He was caught shoplifting by a store detective.
shoplifter noun [ C ]
Shoplifters will be prosecuted.
shopper noun [ C ]
a person who is buying things from a shop or a number of shops
crowds of Christmas shoppers
shopping noun [ U ]
1. the activity of buying things from shops
The store is open for late night shopping on Wednesdays.
I'm going shopping this afternoon.
My granddaughter does my weekly shopping for me.
Christmas shopping
2. goods which you have bought from shops, especially food
She had so many bags of shopping that she could hardly carry them.
I forgot my shopping list .
ˈ shopping ˌ bag noun [ C ]
1. UK ( US tote bag ) any bag intended to carry things bought in shops, especially
one bought for this purpose and used many times
2. US FOR carrier (bag)
ˈ shopping ˌ bag noun [ C ]
1. UK ( US tote bag ) any bag intended to carry things bought in shops, especially
one bought for this purpose and used many times
2. US FOR carrier (bag)
ˈ shopping ˌ basket noun
1. [ C ] ( OFTEN basket ) UK a wire basket that you use for carrying what you plan
to buy in a shop
2. [ S ] a small picture on a website that you use to collect articles that you plan
to buy from the site
ˈ shopping ˌ centre UK , US shopping center noun [ C ]
a group of shops with a common area for cars to park, which usually provides
goods and services for local people
ˈ shopping ˌ channel noun [ C ]
a television channel which shows products that you can buy, and allows you to
buy them by pushing a button on your television's remote control
ˈ shopping ˌ mall noun [ C ] ( ALSO mall ) MAINLY US
a large usually covered shopping area where cars are not allowed
shopsoiled adjective UK ( US shopworn )
If goods sold in shops are shopsoiled, they are slightly dirty or damaged and
therefore reduced in price.
ˌ shop ˈ steward noun [ C ]
a worker elected by workers in a factory or business to represent them in
discussions with the management, usually a member of a trade union
shoptalk noun [ U ]
talking about work or business with the people you work with when you are in a
social situation
See also talk shop
shopworn adjective
1. US FOR shopsoiled
2. US If a story or joke is shopworn, it is boring or not interesting because it is so
familiar to people.
shore noun
1. [ C or U ] the land along the edge of a sea, lake or wide river
You can walk for miles along the shore.
The boat was about a mile from/off (the) shore when the engine suddenly died.
See also onshore ; offshore
2. on shore
on the land and not in a ship
We waited until we were on shore before repairing the sails.
3. shores LITERARY
a country or continent with a coast
In 1992, Britain played host to the first multi-racial South African team to visit
these shores.
shore verb
shore sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to stop a wall or a building from falling down by supporting it with building
materials such as wood or metal
Boundary walls have had to be shored up.
2. to strengthen or improve an organization, agreement or system that is not
working effectively or that is likely to fail
The new public relations manager has the difficult task of shoring up the
company's troubled image.
shore noun
2. on shore
3. shores LITERARY
these shores.
shore verb
shoreline noun [ C usually singular ]
the edge of a sea, lake or wide river
Oil from the wrecked tanker polluted more than 40 miles of the Normandy
shoreline.
shorn verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF shear (CUT)
short adjective DISTANCE
1. small in length, distance or height
a short skirt
Her hair is much shorter than it used to be.
It's only a short walk to the station.
I'm quite short but my brother's very tall.
2. describes a name that is used as a shorter form of a name
Her name's Jo - it's short for Josephine.
Her name's Josephine, or Jo for short.
short adjective TIME
3. being an amount of time which is less than average or usual
a short film/visit
He's grown so much in such a short time.
I work much better if I take a short break every hour or so.
4. describes books, letters and other examples of writing that do not contain
many words and do not take much time to read
It's a very short book - you'll read it in an hour.
short adjective LACKING
5. be short (of sth )
to not have enough of something
to be short of space/time
We're a bit short of coffee - I must get some more.
The bill comes to £85, but we're £15 short.
I'm a little short (= I do not have much money) this week - could you lend me ten
dollars?
6. short of breath
unable to breathe very well, for example because you have been running or doing
some type of energetic exercise
She's always short of breath when she climbs the stairs.
7. be in short supply
to be few or not enough in number
Computers are in rather short supply in this office.
8. go short MAINLY UK
to not have something, especially when it is something you need in order to live
My parents didn't have much money, but they made sure we didn't go short ( of
anything).
short adjective NOT PATIENT
9. [ after verb ] saying little but showing slight impatience or anger in the few
words that you say
I'm sorry if I was a bit short with you on the phone this morning.
shortness noun [ U ]
shortness of time
The disease may cause sweating, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath (=
difficulties in breathing) .
be caught/taken short UK INFORMAL
to suddenly and unexpectedly need to go to the toilet, especially when it is not
convenient for you to do so
be short notice
to be very near the time when an event is expected to happen
I will have to cancel this afternoon's class - I'm sorry it's such short notice.
draw/get the short straw INFORMAL
to have to do the least enjoyable of a range of duties, often because you have
been chosen to do it
Colin, I'm afraid you've drawn the short straw - you're cleaning out the toilets.
get the short end of the stick US AUSTRALIAN
to suffer the bad effects of a situation
The people who get the short end of the stick are those whose income is just too
high to qualify for help from the government.
have (got) sb by the short and curlies ( ALSO have (got) sb by the short hairs ) SLANG
to have someone in your power
have a short memory
to forget things quickly
in short
used before describing something or someone in as few words and as directly as
possible
He's disorganized, inefficient, never there when you want him - in short, the
man's hopeless.
make short work of sth INFORMAL
to finish or deal with something quickly
Well you certainly made short work of the chocolate cake! There's none left for
your dad.
not be short of a bob or two UK INFORMAL
to be rich
Did you see his car? He's not short of a bob or two!
short and sweet INFORMAL
surprisingly short in a way that is pleasing
This morning's lecture was short and sweet.
short sharp shock
(describing or relating to) punishment that is quick and effective
He's in favour of the short sharp shock treatment for young offenders.
short noun [ C ] DRINK
1. UK INFORMAL a drink of spirits (= type of strong alcohol) without water or any
other liquid added
She only drinks shorts, never wine or beer.
short noun [ C ] FILM
2. a short film, especially one which is made for showing before the main film at a
cinema
short noun [ C ] ELECTRICITY
3. INFORMAL FOR short circuit
short verb [ I or T ]
INFORMAL FOR short-circuit
The plumber's shorted the electric shower.
short adverb
before the arranged or expected time or place
We had to cut short our holiday (= finish it early) because Richard was ill.
We wanted to explain the plans fully, but the chairman stopped us short, as
there were other important matters to discuss.
short- prefix
used with adjectives ending in -ed formed from nouns to describe something with
a short part
a short-haired dog (= a dog with short hair)
a short-sleeved shirt (= a shirt with short sleeves)
shore noun
2. on shore
3. shores LITERARY
these shores.
shore verb
shoreline noun [ C usually singular ]
the edge of a sea, lake or wide river
Oil from the wrecked tanker polluted more than 40 miles of the Normandy
shoreline.
shorn verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF shear (CUT)
short adjective DISTANCE
1. small in length, distance or height
a short skirt
Her hair is much shorter than it used to be.
It's only a short walk to the station.
I'm quite short but my brother's very tall.
2. describes a name that is used as a shorter form of a name
Her name's Jo - it's short for Josephine.
Her name's Josephine, or Jo for short.
short adjective TIME
3. being an amount of time which is less than average or usual
a short film/visit
He's grown so much in such a short time.
I work much better if I take a short break every hour or so.
4. describes books, letters and other examples of writing that do not contain
many words and do not take much time to read
It's a very short book - you'll read it in an hour.
short adjective LACKING
5. be short (of sth )
to not have enough of something
to be short of space/time
We're a bit short of coffee - I must get some more.
The bill comes to £85, but we're £15 short.
I'm a little short (= I do not have much money) this week - could you lend me ten
dollars?
6. short of breath
unable to breathe very well, for example because you have been running or doing
some type of energetic exercise
She's always short of breath when she climbs the stairs.
7. be in short supply
to be few or not enough in number
Computers are in rather short supply in this office.
8. go short MAINLY UK
to not have something, especially when it is something you need in order to live
My parents didn't have much money, but they made sure we didn't go short ( of
anything).
short adjective NOT PATIENT
9. [ after verb ] saying little but showing slight impatience or anger in the few
words that you say
I'm sorry if I was a bit short with you on the phone this morning.
shortness noun [ U ]
shortness of time
The disease may cause sweating, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath (=
difficulties in breathing) .
be caught/taken short UK INFORMAL
to suddenly and unexpectedly need to go to the toilet, especially when it is not
convenient for you to do so
be short notice
to be very near the time when an event is expected to happen
I will have to cancel this afternoon's class - I'm sorry it's such short notice.
draw/get the short straw INFORMAL
to have to do the least enjoyable of a range of duties, often because you have
been chosen to do it
Colin, I'm afraid you've drawn the short straw - you're cleaning out the toilets.
get the short end of the stick US AUSTRALIAN
to suffer the bad effects of a situation
The people who get the short end of the stick are those whose income is just too
high to qualify for help from the government.
have (got) sb by the short and curlies ( ALSO have (got) sb by the short hairs ) SLANG
to have someone in your power
have a short memory
to forget things quickly
in short
used before describing something or someone in as few words and as directly as
possible
He's disorganized, inefficient, never there when you want him - in short, the
man's hopeless.
make short work of sth INFORMAL
to finish or deal with something quickly
Well you certainly made short work of the chocolate cake! There's none left for
your dad.
not be short of a bob or two UK INFORMAL
to be rich
Did you see his car? He's not short of a bob or two!
short and sweet INFORMAL
surprisingly short in a way that is pleasing
This morning's lecture was short and sweet.
short sharp shock
(describing or relating to) punishment that is quick and effective
He's in favour of the short sharp shock treatment for young offenders.
short noun [ C ] DRINK
1. UK INFORMAL a drink of spirits (= type of strong alcohol) without water or any
other liquid added
She only drinks shorts, never wine or beer.
short noun [ C ] FILM
2. a short film, especially one which is made for showing before the main film at a
cinema
short noun [ C ] ELECTRICITY
3. INFORMAL FOR short circuit
short verb [ I or T ]
INFORMAL FOR short-circuit
The plumber's shorted the electric shower.
short adverb
before the arranged or expected time or place
We had to cut short our holiday (= finish it early) because Richard was ill.
We wanted to explain the plans fully, but the chairman stopped us short, as
there were other important matters to discuss.
short- prefix
a short part
short- prefix
a short part
shortage noun [ C ]
when there is not enough of something
There's a shortage of food and shelter in the refugee camps.
The long hot summer has led to serious water shortages.
ˌ short ˌ back and ˈ sides noun [ S ] OLD-FASHIONED
a hairstyle for men in which the hair is cut short at the back and sides, showing
the ears
shortbread noun [ U ] ( ALSO shortcake )
a type of thick sweet biscuit which contains a lot of butter
traditional Scottish shortbread
shortcake noun
1. [ U ] shortbread
2. [ C or U ] MAINLY US a type of cake which is often served in layers with fruit and
cream
Do you like strawberry shortcake?
short-change verb [ T ]
1. to give someone back less money than they are owed when they are buying
something from you
I think I was short-changed in the pub last night, because I've only got £5 in my
purse when I should have £10.
2. to treat someone unfairly, by giving them less than they deserve
Children who leave school unable to read and write properly are being tragically
short-changed.
ˌ short ˈ circuit noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL short )
a bad electrical connection which causes the current to flow in the wrong
direction, often having the effect of stopping the power supply
short-circuit verb [ I or T ] ( INFORMAL short )
to cause a short circuit
If those two wires touch, the appliance will short-circuit and probably go up in
flames.
shortcoming , noun [ C usually plural ]
a fault or a failure to reach a particular standard
Whatever his shortcomings as a husband, he was a good father to his children.
Like any political system, it has its shortcomings.
shortcrust (pastry) noun [ U ]
a type of soft pastry which breaks easily
shortcut , UK ALSO short cut noun [ C ]
1. a route which leads from one place to another which is quicker and more direct
than the usual route
I know a shortcut to town through the back streets.
2. a quicker way of doing something in order to save time or effort
3. in computing, a quick way to start or use a computer program
a shortcut key
shorten verb [ I or T ]
to become shorter or to make something shorter
As you grow older, your spine shortens by about an inch.
I've asked him to shorten my grey trousers.
The name 'William' is often shortened to 'Bill'.
shortening noun [ U ] US
butter or other fat which is used in cooking, especially to make pastry soft and
crumbly (= easily broken)
shortfall noun [ C ]
an amount which is less than the level that was expected or needed
The drought caused serious shortfalls in the food supply.
shorthand noun [ U ] ( ALSO stenography )
a system of fast writing which uses lines and simple signs to represent words and
phrases
Their conversations were taken down in shorthand by a secretary.
shorthand for sth
a short simple phrase which is used instead of a longer and more complicated
phrase
shorthanded adjective ( UK ALSO short-staffed )
If a company or organization is short-handed, it does not have the usual or
necessary number of workers
Some hospitals are so shorthanded that nurses and doctors are having to work
twenty-hour shifts.
ˌ shorthand ˈ typist noun [ C ] UK
someone who types and does shorthand as the main part of their job
shortcrust (pastry) noun [ U ]
a type of soft pastry which breaks easily
shortcut , UK ALSO short cut noun [ C ]
1. a route which leads from one place to another which is quicker and more direct
than the usual route
I know a shortcut to town through the back streets.
2. a quicker way of doing something in order to save time or effort
3. in computing, a quick way to start or use a computer program
a shortcut key
shorten verb [ I or T ]
to become shorter or to make something shorter
As you grow older, your spine shortens by about an inch.
I've asked him to shorten my grey trousers.
The name 'William' is often shortened to 'Bill'.
shortening noun [ U ] US
butter or other fat which is used in cooking, especially to make pastry soft and
crumbly (= easily broken)
shortfall noun [ C ]
an amount which is less than the level that was expected or needed
The drought caused serious shortfalls in the food supply.
shorthand noun [ U ] ( ALSO stenography )
a system of fast writing which uses lines and simple signs to represent words and
phrases
Their conversations were taken down in shorthand by a secretary.
shorthand for sth
a short simple phrase which is used instead of a longer and more complicated
phrase
shorthanded adjective ( UK ALSO short-staffed )
If a company or organization is short-handed, it does not have the usual or
necessary number of workers
Some hospitals are so shorthanded that nurses and doctors are having to work
twenty-hour shifts.
ˌ shorthand ˈ typist noun [ C ] UK
someone who types and does shorthand as the main part of their job
short-haul adjective [ before noun ]
travelling a short distance
short-haul flights
shortish adjective DISTANCE
1. quite short
She's got shortish black hair
shortish adjective TIME
2. not long, but not very short
"Is it a short film?" "Well, shortish."
shortlist UK , US short list noun [ C ]
a list of people who have been judged the most suitable for a job or prize, made
from a longer list of people originally considered, and from which one person will be
chosen
We've drawn up (= decided) a shortlist for the job.
She's on the shortlist for a teaching post.
shortlist verb [ T ]
His latest novel has been shortlisted for the Booker prize.
short-lived , adjective
If a feeling or experience is short-lived, it only lasts for a short time.
I had a few relationships at college, most of which were fairly short-lived.
shortly adverb
1. soon
We will shortly be arriving in King's Cross Station.
2. shortly after/before sth
a short time after or before something
Shortly after you left, a man came into the office looking for you.
short-range adjective
1. reaching a short distance
short-range missiles/weapons
2. relating to a short time
a short-range weather forecast
shorts noun [ plural ]
1. trousers that end above the knee or reach the knee, which are often worn in
hot weather or when playing a sport
tennis shorts
She put on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.
2. US men's underpants
short shrift noun [ U ]
If you get or are given short shrift by someone, you are treated without sympathy
and given little attention
He'll get short shrift from me if he starts complaining about money again, now
that I know how much he earns!
make short shrift of sth
to deal with or get rid of something quickly
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario made short shrift of her opponent, allowing her only two
games in a 6-0, 6-2 demolition.
short-sighted adjective SIGHT
1. ( US ALSO near-sighted ) describes someone who can only clearly see objects
that are close to them
short-sighted adjective THOUGHT
2. DISAPPROVING not thinking enough about how an action will affect the future
It's very short-sighted of the government not to invest in technological research.
short-sightedness noun [ U ] ( US ALSO near-sightedness )
short-staffed adjective
UK FOR shorthanded
ˌ short ˈ story noun [ C ]
an invented story which is no more than about 10 000 words in length
He published a book of short stories.
short-tempered adjective
If someone is short-tempered, they get angry easily, often for no good reason.
short-term adjective
1. lasting a short time
short-term memory
2. relating to a short period of time
a short-term weather forecast
short-term adjective
1. lasting a short time
short-term memory
2. relating to a short period of time
a short-term weather forecast
ˌ short ˈ time noun [ U ] ( ALSO reduced time )
when the people who work at a factory or in an office work fewer days or hours
than usual for less money because there is not much work to do
He's been put on short time because business is so quiet.
ˈ short ˌ wave noun [ U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SW )
refers to radio waves of a length which is less than 60 metres
shorty noun [ C ] INFORMAL
( UK OFFENSIVE ALSO short-arse ) a short person
That coat reaches your ankles, shorty!
shot verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF shoot
shot noun SPORT
1. [ C ] a kick, hit or throw of the ball which is intended to score points in cricket,
football, tennis or golf
And that was a great shot by Marquez!
Graf drove a forehand shot down the line to win the match.
shot noun WEAPON
2. [ C ] the action of firing a gun or another weapon
He fired four shots at the car as it drove off.
3. a good/poor shot
someone who is skilled/not skilled at aiming and firing a gun
shot noun ATTEMPT
4. [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL an attempt to do or achieve something that you
have not done before
I thought I'd have a shot at making my own wine.
I've never tried bowling before, but I thought I'd give it a shot.
shot noun FILM
5. [ C ] a photograph
I got/took some really good shots of the harbour at sunset.
6. [ C ] a short piece in a film in which there is a single action or a short series of
actions
shot noun AMOUNT OF DRINK
7. [ C ] a small amount of an alcoholic drink
a shot of whisky
shot noun DRUG
8. a shot of sth INFORMAL
the amount of a particular drug, whether medical or illegal, which is put into the
body by a single injection
The doctor gave him a shot of morphine.
shot noun METAL BALL
9. [ C ] a heavy metal ball thrown in a sports competition
See shot put
10. [ U ] a mass of small metal balls which are shot from a gun
Shotgun cartridges contain lead shot.
a shot in the arm
something which has a sudden and positive effect on something, providing
encouragement and new activity
Fresh investment would provide the shot in the arm that this industry so badly
needs.
a shot in the dark INFORMAL
an attempt to guess something when you have no information or knowledge
about the subject and therefore cannot possibly know what the answer is
give sth your best shot INFORMAL
to do something as well as you can
like a shot INFORMAL
When someone does something like a shot, they do it extremely quickly and
enthusiastically
The moment I let go of the dog, she's off like a shot.
shot adjective FREE
1. get/be shot of sth UK INFORMAL
to get rid of or free of something, or to leave something
I can't wait to get shot of this office for a week.
I suspect he left home to get shot of that awful mother of his.
shot adjective CLOTH
2. (of silk ) woven in such a way that the colour appears to change depending on
the angle at which the cloth is seen
Her evening dress is made of green shot silk.
shot adjective DESTROYED
3. INFORMAL no longer working or effective
It's no good - these gears are shot.
be shot through with sth
to show or contain a particular emotion or quality in a noticeable way all the way
through
Her novel is shot through with a haunting lyricism.
The report was shot through with inaccuracies.
See also shoot through
shotgun noun [ C ]
a long gun which fires a large number of small metal bullets at one time, which is
meant to be used for shooting birds and animals
The robbers used a UK sawn-off / US sawed-off shotgun in the raid.
shotgun noun [ C ]
ˌ shotgun ˈ wedding noun [ C ] ( US ALSO shotgun marriage ) OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a marriage which is arranged very quickly and suddenly because the woman is
pregnant
ˈ shot ˌ put noun [ S ]
a sports competition in which a heavy metal ball is thrown from the shoulder as
far as possible
He's practising for the shot put.
shot putter noun [ C ]
a person who competes in the shot put
should , modal verb DUTY
1. used to say or ask what is the correct or best thing to do
If you're annoyed with him, you should tell him.
You should change trains at Peterborough if you're going to Newcastle.
"Should I apologize to him?" "Yes, I think you should."
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
This computer isn't working as it should.
There should be an investigation into the cause of the disaster.
He said that I should see a doctor.
I should have written to her but I haven't had time.
It's very kind of you, but you really shouldn't have bothered.
Where should (= do you suggest that) we meet tonight?
It's rather cold in here. Should I (= Do you want me to) turn the heating on?
should , modal verb PROBABLE
2. used to show when something is likely or expected
My dry cleaning should be ready this afternoon.
You should find this guidebook helpful.
I wonder what's happened to Annie. She should be (= It was expected that she
would be) here by now.
"Could you have the report ready by Friday?" "Yes, I should think so (= it is likely
that it will be ready) ."
"Colleen wants to see us in her office immediately." "This should be good (= This
is likely to be interesting or amusing) !"
should , modal verb POSSIBILITY
3. FORMAL used when referring to a possible event in the future
If anyone should ask for me, I'll be in the manager's office.
Should you (= If you) ever need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me.
4. used after 'that' and adjectives or nouns that show an opinion or feeling
It's odd that she should think I would want to see her again.
It's so unfair that she should have died so young.
5. used after 'that' to suggest that a situation possibly exists or might come into
existence
We agree that the money should be paid tomorrow.
6. FORMAL used after 'so that' and 'in order that' to show purpose
He took his umbrella so that he shouldn't get wet.
7. FORMAL used after 'for fear that', 'in case' and 'lest'
He took his umbrella in case it should rain.
should , modal verb REASON
8. used after 'why' when giving or asking the reason for something
Why should anyone want to eat something so horrible?
Why shouldn't she buy it if she can afford it?
should , modal verb WOULD
9. MAINLY UK FORMAL used instead of 'would' when the subject is 'I' or 'we'
I should like a whisky before I go to bed.
I shouldn't expect you to pay, of course.
should , modal verb SURPRISE
10. used to express surprise in sentences that are in the form of questions
I was just getting off the bus when who should I see but my old school friend Pat!
should , modal verb ADVISE
11. UK used after 'I' when giving advice
I shouldn't worry about it if I were you.
I shouldn't (= I advise you not to) let it worry you.
How should I know?
I cannot be expected to know
"Where's Mikey?" "How should I know? He's hardly ever in the office these days."
I should think not/so (too)!
said when you think what has been suggested is certainly not, or certainly is, the
correct and expected thing
"I bought her some flowers to say thank you." "I should think so too ."
"I don't like to drink more than one bottle of wine in an evening." "I should think
not."
I should be so lucky! INFORMAL
said when what you want is extremely unlikely to happen
"You might win first prize." "I should be so lucky."
They should worry! HUMOROUS
said about or to someone who clearly has no need to worry
She should worry! She hasn't a problem in the world.
you should have seen/heard sth/sb
seeing or hearing something or someone would have interested or entertained
you very much
You should have seen her - she was furious!
shoulder noun BODY PART
1. [ C ] one of the two parts of the body at each side of the neck which join the
arms to the rest of the body
I rested my head on her shoulder.
Then she put her arm round my shoulder and gave me a kiss.
She glanced nervously over her shoulder to make sure no one else was listening.
See picture body
2. shoulders
a. the top part of a person's back
He was about six feet tall with broad shoulders.
"I don't know what to do about it, " said Martha, shrugging her shoulders.
b. the parts of a piece of clothing which cover the wearer's shoulders
The shoulders look a bit tight. Do you want to try a larger size?
a jacket with padded shoulders
3. [ C ] the part of a bottle that curves out below its opening
4. [ C ] US FOR hard shoulder
shoulder noun RESPONSIBILITY
5. sb's shoulders
used to refer to the responsibility that someone has or feels for something
A huge burden was lifted from my shoulders (= I became much less worried)
when I told my parents about my problem.
Responsibility for the dispute rests squarely on the shoulders of the president.
shoulder noun MEAT
6. [ C or U ] a piece of meat which includes the upper part of an animal's front leg
I've bought a shoulder of lamb for Sunday lunch.
-shouldered suffix
to be broad/narrow -shouldered
a shoulder to cry on
someone who is willing to listen to your problems and give you sympathy,
emotional support and encouragement
I wish you'd been here when my mother died and I needed a shoulder to cry on.
shoulder to shoulder
If people are shoulder to shoulder, they are close together and next to each other
The refugees were packed shoulder to shoulder on the boat.
stand shoulder to shoulder with sb
to give someone or a group of people complete support during a difficult time
shoulder verb ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
1. shoulder the blame/burden/responsibility/cost, etc.
to accept that you are responsible for something bad or difficult
It is women who mainly shoulder responsibility for the care of elderly and disabled
relatives.
Teachers cannot be expected to shoulder all the blame for poor exam results.
shoulder verb BODY PART
2. [ T ] to put something on your shoulders to carry it
Shouldering her pack, she strode off up the road.
3. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to push something with one of your shoulders
She was carrying two suitcases and had to shoulder the door open.
He shouldered his way (= formed a way through by pushing with his shoulders)
to the front of the crowd to get a better look.
shotgun noun [ C ]
ˌ shotgun ˈ wedding noun [ C ] ( US ALSO shotgun marriage ) OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a marriage which is arranged very quickly and suddenly because the woman is
pregnant
ˈ shot ˌ put noun [ S ]
a sports competition in which a heavy metal ball is thrown from the shoulder as
far as possible
He's practising for the shot put.
shot putter noun [ C ]
a person who competes in the shot put
should , modal verb DUTY
1. used to say or ask what is the correct or best thing to do
If you're annoyed with him, you should tell him.
You should change trains at Peterborough if you're going to Newcastle.
"Should I apologize to him?" "Yes, I think you should."
You should be ashamed of yourselves.
This computer isn't working as it should.
There should be an investigation into the cause of the disaster.
He said that I should see a doctor.
I should have written to her but I haven't had time.
It's very kind of you, but you really shouldn't have bothered.
Where should (= do you suggest that) we meet tonight?
It's rather cold in here. Should I (= Do you want me to) turn the heating on?
should , modal verb PROBABLE
2. used to show when something is likely or expected
My dry cleaning should be ready this afternoon.
You should find this guidebook helpful.
I wonder what's happened to Annie. She should be (= It was expected that she
would be) here by now.
"Could you have the report ready by Friday?" "Yes, I should think so (= it is likely
that it will be ready) ."
"Colleen wants to see us in her office immediately." "This should be good (= This
is likely to be interesting or amusing) !"
should , modal verb POSSIBILITY
3. FORMAL used when referring to a possible event in the future
If anyone should ask for me, I'll be in the manager's office.
Should you (= If you) ever need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me.
4. used after 'that' and adjectives or nouns that show an opinion or feeling
It's odd that she should think I would want to see her again.
It's so unfair that she should have died so young.
5. used after 'that' to suggest that a situation possibly exists or might come into
existence
We agree that the money should be paid tomorrow.
6. FORMAL used after 'so that' and 'in order that' to show purpose
He took his umbrella so that he shouldn't get wet.
7. FORMAL used after 'for fear that', 'in case' and 'lest'
He took his umbrella in case it should rain.
should , modal verb REASON
8. used after 'why' when giving or asking the reason for something
Why should anyone want to eat something so horrible?
Why shouldn't she buy it if she can afford it?
should , modal verb WOULD
9. MAINLY UK FORMAL used instead of 'would' when the subject is 'I' or 'we'
I should like a whisky before I go to bed.
I shouldn't expect you to pay, of course.
should , modal verb SURPRISE
10. used to express surprise in sentences that are in the form of questions
I was just getting off the bus when who should I see but my old school friend Pat!
should , modal verb ADVISE
11. UK used after 'I' when giving advice
I shouldn't worry about it if I were you.
I shouldn't (= I advise you not to) let it worry you.
How should I know?
I cannot be expected to know
"Where's Mikey?" "How should I know? He's hardly ever in the office these days."
I should think not/so (too)!
said when you think what has been suggested is certainly not, or certainly is, the
correct and expected thing
"I bought her some flowers to say thank you." "I should think so too ."
"I don't like to drink more than one bottle of wine in an evening." "I should think
not."
I should be so lucky! INFORMAL
said when what you want is extremely unlikely to happen
"You might win first prize." "I should be so lucky."
They should worry! HUMOROUS
said about or to someone who clearly has no need to worry
She should worry! She hasn't a problem in the world.
you should have seen/heard sth/sb
seeing or hearing something or someone would have interested or entertained
you very much
You should have seen her - she was furious!
shoulder noun BODY PART
1. [ C ] one of the two parts of the body at each side of the neck which join the
arms to the rest of the body
I rested my head on her shoulder.
Then she put her arm round my shoulder and gave me a kiss.
She glanced nervously over her shoulder to make sure no one else was listening.
See picture body
2. shoulders
a. the top part of a person's back
He was about six feet tall with broad shoulders.
"I don't know what to do about it, " said Martha, shrugging her shoulders.
b. the parts of a piece of clothing which cover the wearer's shoulders
The shoulders look a bit tight. Do you want to try a larger size?
a jacket with padded shoulders
3. [ C ] the part of a bottle that curves out below its opening
4. [ C ] US FOR hard shoulder
shoulder noun RESPONSIBILITY
5. sb's shoulders
used to refer to the responsibility that someone has or feels for something
A huge burden was lifted from my shoulders (= I became much less worried)
when I told my parents about my problem.
Responsibility for the dispute rests squarely on the shoulders of the president.
shoulder noun MEAT
6. [ C or U ] a piece of meat which includes the upper part of an animal's front leg
I've bought a shoulder of lamb for Sunday lunch.
-shouldered suffix
to be broad/narrow -shouldered
a shoulder to cry on
someone who is willing to listen to your problems and give you sympathy,
emotional support and encouragement
I wish you'd been here when my mother died and I needed a shoulder to cry on.
shoulder to shoulder
If people are shoulder to shoulder, they are close together and next to each other
The refugees were packed shoulder to shoulder on the boat.
stand shoulder to shoulder with sb
to give someone or a group of people complete support during a difficult time
shoulder verb ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
1. shoulder the blame/burden/responsibility/cost, etc.
to accept that you are responsible for something bad or difficult
It is women who mainly shoulder responsibility for the care of elderly and disabled
relatives.
Teachers cannot be expected to shoulder all the blame for poor exam results.
shoulder verb BODY PART
2. [ T ] to put something on your shoulders to carry it
Shouldering her pack, she strode off up the road.
3. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to push something with one of your shoulders
She was carrying two suitcases and had to shoulder the door open.
He shouldered his way (= formed a way through by pushing with his shoulders)
to the front of the crowd to get a better look.
ˈ shoulder ˌ bag noun [ C ]
a bag that hangs on a strap from the shoulder, especially one used for carrying
small personal things
ˈ shoulder ˌ bag noun [ C ]
a bag that hangs on a strap from the shoulder, especially one used for carrying
small personal things
ˈ shoulder ˌ blade noun [ C ] ( SPECIALIZED scapula )
a large flat triangular bone on each side of your back below your shoulder, which
helps to increase the range of movement of your arm
See picture back
shoulder-length adjective
If your hair is shoulder-length, it goes down as far as your shoulders.
ˈ shoulder ˌ pad noun [ C usually plural ]
a small piece of a soft material that is put into the shoulder of a piece of clothing
to raise it or improve its shape
ˈ shoulder ˌ strap noun [ C ]
a narrow strip of material on a bag or a piece of clothing which hangs over the
wearer's shoulder and holds the bag or clothing in position
shouldn't short form of
should not
You shouldn't do things like that.
should've short form of
should have
You should've come to the party last night, Manya.
shout verb USE LOUD VOICE
1. [ I ] to speak with a very loud voice, often as loud as possible, usually when
you want to make yourself heard in noisy situations, or when the person you are talking
to is a long way away or cannot hear very well
There's no need to shout, I can hear perfectly well.
[ + speech ] "I'll see you tomorrow, " shouted Eleni above the noise of the
helicopter.
[ + that ] He shouted from the bottom of the garden that he'd be finished in
about half an hour.
2. [ I or T ] to express strong emotions, such as anger, fear or excitement, or to
express strong opinions, in a loud voice
Dad really shouted at me when I broke the window.
He shouted abuse at the judge after being sentenced to five years imprisonment.
The fans were screaming and shouting out the names of the band members.
[ + to infinitive ] I shouted at him to put the gun down.
[ + speech ] "Stop this childish nonsense at once!" he shouted furiously.
3. [ I ] to try to attract attention in a loud voice
I heard them shouting for help , but there was nothing I could do.
FIGURATIVE It's the charities that shout loudest (= attract the most public
attention) that often get given the most money.
shout verb DRINKS
4. [ T + two objects ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL to buy a drink for someone
I'll shout you a drink.
something/nothing to shout about INFORMAL
something that makes/does not make you feel excited or pleased
At last, a 5-0 victory gives England's supporters something to shout about.
The pay increase is nothing to shout about, but it's better than last year's.
within shouting distance
very close
We live within shouting distance of the station.
shout sb down phrasal verb [ M ]
to prevent someone who is speaking at a meeting from being heard, by shouting
She was shouted down when she tried to speak on the issue of abortion.
shout noun [ C ] LOUD VOICE
1. when you say something very loudly or make a very loud sound with your voice
Her speech was interrupted by angry shouts from the audience.
shout noun [ C ] DRINKS
2. UK INFORMAL a set of drinks for a group of people, or a particular person's turn
to buy them
Would you like another drink? It's my shout since you bought the last ones.
give sb a shout INFORMAL
to tell someone
Give me a shout when you've finished in the bathroom.
shouting noun [ U ]
shouts
We could hear shouting in the street outside.
shouting noun [ U ]
shouts
We could hear shouting in the street outside.
ˈ shouting ˌ match noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
an argument which involves people shouting at each other because they have
very strong opinions
The meeting soon degenerated into a shouting match.
shouty adjective INFORMAL
1. involving a lot of shouting
shouty music
2. Someone who is shouty shouts a lot because they get angry very easily.
shove verb PUSH
1. [ I or T ] to push someone or something forcefully
She was jostled and shoved by an angry crowd as she left the court.
Just wait your turn - there's no need to shove.
Reporters pushed and shoved as they tried to get close to the princess.
shove verb PUT
2. [ T + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to put something somewhere in a hurried
or careless way
I'll just shove this laundry in the washer before we go out.
"Where should I put this suitcase?" "Shove it down there for the moment."
They can't just shove motorways anywhere they like, you know.
shove verb MOVE BODY
3. [ I + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to move your body to make space for
someone else
Shove over/along , Lena, and make some room for me.
UK Why don't you shove up so that Brian can sit next to you?
shove it SLANG
a rude expression showing you have no respect for someone or for something
that they have said
When I told him he'd have to work harder, he said I could take the job and shove
it.
shove sb around/about phrasal verb
1. to push someone forcefully, in an unpleasant and threatening way
The older boys at school are always shoving him around.
2. INFORMAL to tell someone what to do, in a rude or threatening way
Don't let them shove you around. You've got to stand up for your rights.
Shove off! phrasal verb INFORMAL
used to tell someone angrily to go away
Just shove off, will you?
shove off phrasal verb
to leave land in a boat, usually by pushing against the land with your foot or an
oar
She jumped into the dinghy and shoved off.
shove noun [ C ]
when you shove someone or something
Would you help me give the piano a shove?
shovel noun [ C ]
shovel
1. a tool consisting of a wide square metal or plastic blade, usually with slightly
raised sides, fixed to a handle, for moving loose material such as sand, coal or snow
2. a similar part on a large machine, for picking up and holding loose material
3. ( ALSO shovelful ) the amount of something that can fit on a shovel
Should I put another shovelful of coal on the fire?
shovel verb [ I or T ]
to move with a shovel
Would you give me a hand shovelling the snow away from the garage door?
shovel sth into your mouth ( ALSO shovel sth down )
to put large quantities of food into your mouth very quickly
He was sitting in front of the TV shovelling down a pizza.
shovel noun [ C ]
shovel
1. a tool consisting of a wide square metal or plastic blade, usually with slightly
raised sides, fixed to a handle, for moving loose material such as sand, coal or snow
2. a similar part on a large machine, for picking up and holding loose material
3. ( ALSO shovelful ) the amount of something that can fit on a shovel
Should I put another shovelful of coal on the fire?
shovel verb [ I or T ]
to move with a shovel
Would you give me a hand shovelling the snow away from the garage door?
shovel sth into your mouth ( ALSO shovel sth down )
to put large quantities of food into your mouth very quickly
He was sitting in front of the TV shovelling down a pizza.
show verb MAKE SEEN
1. [ T ] to make it possible for something to be seen
[ + two objects ] I must show you this new book I've just bought.
On this map, urban areas are shown in grey.
You ought to show that rash to your doctor.
[ + object + question word ] Why won't you show me wh at you've got in your
hand?
[ + object + -ing verb ] The secretly filmed video shows the prince and princess
kiss ing .
These photographs show the effects of the chemical on the trees.
He began to show signs of recovery.
"I've got a Victorian gold coin here." "Have you? Show me (= Allow me to see it)
."
show verb RECORD
2. [ T ] to record or express a number or measurement
The right-hand dial shows the temperature, and the left-hand one shows the air
pressure.
The company showed a loss of £2 million last year.
The latest crime figures show a sharp rise in burglaries.
show verb EXPLAIN
3. [ T ] to explain something to someone, by doing it or by giving instructions or
examples
[ + question word ] Can you show me how to set the video recorder?
This dictionary contains many examples that show how words are actually used.
Could you show me the way to the bus station?
show verb PROVE
4. [ T ] to prove something or make the truth or existence of something known
[ R ] She has shown herself (to be) a highly competent manager.
His diaries show him to have been an extremely insecure person.
[ + ( that ) ] The diaries show (that) he was very insecure.
Show me (that) I can trust you.
[ + question word ] Our research has shown (us) how little we know about this
disease.
show verb EXPRESS
5. [ T ] to express ideas or feelings using actions or words
He finds it difficult to show affection.
She showed enormous courage when she rescued him from the fire.
[ + two objects ] You should show your parents more respect/show more respect
to your parents.
show verb NOTICEABLE
6. [ I ] to be easy to see or notice
"Oh no, I've spilt red wine on my jacket!" "Don't worry, it doesn't show."
Whatever she's thinking, she never lets it show.
I've painted over the graffiti twice, but it still shows through .
The drug does not show up in blood tests because it is effective in very small
quantities.
When we moved in, the house hadn't been decorated for twenty years, and it
showed.
See also show up
7. show your age
to look as old as you really are
Recently, he's really starting to show his age.
show verb PUBLIC EVENT
8. [ T ] to make an artist's work available for the public to see
Our aim is to make it easier for young unknown artists to show their work.
9. [ I or T ] If a cinema or a television station shows a film or programme, or if a
film or programme is showing somewhere, you can see it there
It's the first time this film has been shown on British television.
Now showing at a cinema near you!
show verb ARRIVE
10. [ I ] MAINLY US to show up (ARRIVE)
show verb LEAD
11. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to take someone somewhere by going
there with them
Could you show Dr Sanchez into the living room?
The waiter showed us to our table.
show verb FAIL TO HIDE
12. [ T ] to fail to hide, or to make it possible to see or know something that is
not intended to be seen or known
Your shirt's so thin that it shows your bra.
Light-coloured carpets show the dirt.
[ + question word ] His failure in the exams shows (up) just how bad his
teachers are.
show verb MAKE UNDERSTAND
13. [ T + object + question word ] to make someone understand something by
directing their attention to it
Can you show me wh ere it hurts?
Show me wh ich one you want.
have something/nothing to show for sth
If you have something/nothing to show for your work or effort, you have/have not
won any advantage from it
I worked for two weeks, and fifty pounds was all I had to show for it.
I've been trying to write this essay all day and I've got nothing to show for it.
show your face
to appear somewhere when you are not expected to because you have done
something bad
How dare you show your face in here after saying all those dreadful things!
show your hand
to allow people to know about intentions that you had previously kept secret
Keep the names of the team secret - don't show your hand until the day of the
match.
show sb the door
to make it obvious that you do not want someone to be present and that they
should leave
When I told my bank manager that I wanted to borrow £100 000, she showed me
the door.
show (sb) the way
to do something original which others are likely to copy
Sweden has shown the way forward on energy efficiency.
that will show sb INFORMAL
said of an action which you intend as a punishment for someone who has done
something wrong
The next time she's late home, I'll throw her dinner away. That'll show her!
show off phrasal verb
to behave in a way which is intended to attract attention or admiration, and which
other people often find annoying
She only bought that sports car to show off and prove she could afford one.
He's always showing off to his classmates.
show sth/sb off phrasal verb [ M ]
to show something or someone you are proud of to other people, so that they will
admire them
She likes to wear short skirts to show off her legs.
show sb out phrasal verb [ M ]
to go to the door of the building with someone who does not live or work there,
when they are leaving
If you'd like to come this way, I'll show you out.
show yourself out phrasal verb [ R ]
to leave a building in which you do not live or work, without anyone going to the
door with you
Don't get up - I'll show myself out.
show sb over sth phrasal verb UK
to lead someone around a place that they are visiting in a formal or official way,
while telling them about it
After lunch the VIPs will be shown over the new Arts Centre.
show sb round/around (sth) phrasal verb
to go with someone to all parts, or the main parts, of a place that they have not
visited before, so that they can see what it is like or learn about it
Let me know when you're coming to Cambridge and I'll show you around.
A guide showed us round the exhibition.
show up phrasal verb ( MAINLY US show ) INFORMAL
to arrive somewhere in order to join a group of people, especially late or
unexpectedly
I invited him for eight o'clock, but he didn't show up until nine-thirty.
We were expecting thirty people to come, but half of them never showed up.
show sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to behave in a way which makes someone you are with feel ashamed or
embarrassed
I wish you wouldn't show me up in front of my parents by getting so drunk.
show noun ENTERTAINMENT
1. [ C ] a theatrical performance or a television or radio programme which is
entertaining rather than serious
a radio/television/stage show
a quiz/game show
Why don't we go to London on Saturday and see a show?
We had to raise £60 000 to stage the show.
We had a puppet show for Jamie's birthday party.
See also roadshow
show noun PUBLIC EVENT
2. [ C ] an event at which a group of related things are available for the public to
look at
a fashion/flower show
There were some amazing new cars at the motor show.
They put on a retrospective show of his work at the National Museum of
American Art.
See also airshow ; peepshow ; roadshow ; showjumping ; sideshow
3. on show
Something that is on show has been made available for the public to look at
Her sculptures will be on show at the museum until the end of the month.
show noun EXPRESSION
4. [ C ] when you express a particular idea or feeling to others
In an unexpected show of solidarity, the management and workers have joined
forces to campaign against the closure of the factory.
Over 100 military vehicles paraded through the capital in a show of strength .
5. a good/poor, etc. show
an activity or piece of work which appears to be done with great, little, etc. effort
She may not have won, but she certainly put up a good show.
show noun FALSE APPEARANCE
6. [ C ] an appearance of something which is not really sincere or real
Despite its public show of unity, the royal family had its share of disagreements
just like any other.
They put on a show of be ing interested, but I don't think they really were.
7. for show
Something that is for show has no practical value and is used only to improve the
appearance of something else
Do the lights on this cassette deck have any useful function or are they just/only
for show?
show noun ACTIVITY
8. [ U ] INFORMAL an activity, business or organization, considered in relation to
who is managing it
Who will run the show when Meg retires?
The wedding is their show - let them do it their way.
get the/this show on the road INFORMAL
to begin an activity that has been planned
Come on, let's get this show on the road or we'll be late.
The show must go on. SAYING
said to encourage someone to continue with what they are doing, even if they are
experiencing difficulties
show-and-tell noun [ U ]
a school activity for young children in which a child brings an object into the class
and talks to the other children about it
show-and-tell noun [ U ]
a school activity for young children in which a child brings an object into the class
and talks to the other children about it
showbiz noun [ U ]
INFORMAL FOR show business
showboating noun [ U ]
a slightly annoying form of behaviour, especially in sport, which is intended to
attract attention or admiration because it is very skilful
When he scored his fourth goal of the afternoon, we were forced to forgive his
showboating and other antics.
showboat noun [ C ]
He's a showboat outfielder who's famous for his flamboyant catches.
ˈ show ˌ business noun [ U ] ( INFORMAL showbiz )
the entertainment business, especially the part which is considered to be popular
but not very artistic or serious
Stars of the entertainment world turned out to celebrate his 40th year in show
business.
a charity dinner attended by a host of showbiz personalities
showcase noun [ C ] CONTAINER
1. a container with glass sides in which valuable or important objects are kept so
that they can be looked at without being touched, damaged or stolen
showcase noun [ C ] OPPORTUNITY
2. a situation or event which makes it possible for the best features of something
to be seen
The Venice Film Festival has always been the showcase of Italian cinema.
The exhibition is an annual showcase for British design and innovation.
showcase verb [ T ]
to show the best qualities or parts of something
The main aim of the exhibition is to showcase British design.
showdown noun [ C ]
an important argument which is intended to end a disagreement that has existed
for a long time
The President is preparing for a showdown with his advisers over his plans to
reform the economy.
Millions of dollars were spent on lawyers in a courtroom showdown between the
two companies.
showdown noun [ C ]
an important argument which is intended to end a disagreement that has existed
for a long time
The President is preparing for a showdown with his advisers over his plans to
reform the economy.
Millions of dollars were spent on lawyers in a courtroom showdown between the
two companies.
shower noun WASHING DEVICE
1. [ C ] a device which releases drops of water through a lot of very small holes
and which you stand under to wash your whole body
The shower is broken - you'll have to have a bath.
Many British homes have a shower attachment fixed to the bath taps.
a shower curtain/cap
2. [ C ] a wash using such a device
Have I got time to (UK)have/(US)take a shower before we go out?
3. [ C ] a place, usually in a bathroom, where a shower is situated
He's in the shower at the moment. Would you like him to phone you back?
shower noun RAIN
4. [ C ] a short period of rain or snow
showers of rain, hail and sleet
You're soaked! Did you get caught in the shower?
There will be thundery/wintry showers over many parts of the country.
Snow showers are expected at the end of the week.
shower noun MASS
5. a shower of sth
a. a lot of small objects or drops of liquid coming through the air
There was a bang and a shower of sparks .
The pipe burst, sending out a shower of water.
b. a large amount of something
She received a shower of praise from her colleagues.
shower noun PARTY
6. [ C ] US a party held for a woman just before she gets married or gives birth to
a child, when she is given presents for her future home or baby
I bought the cutest baby clothes to take to Jacey's baby shower.
take/need a cold shower HUMOROUS
an expression used when someone needs to calm themselves when something
has made them feel sexually excited
Did you see the dress she was wearing? I think I'd better go and take a cold
shower!
shower verb FALL
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to fall down or come out in a shower
I heard a massive explosion, and seconds later fragments of glass were showering
(= falling) down on us.
She shook the bottle violently and showered us with champagne.
shower verb WASH
2. [ I ] to take a shower
I shower every morning.
shower sb with sth phrasal verb ( ALSO shower sth on sb )
to give someone a lot of presents or praise
She only sees her niece occasionally, so she showers her with presents when she
does.
His boss showered him with praise .
ˈ shower ˌ gel noun [ U ]
a type of thick liquid soap used for washing your body in the shower
ˈ shower ˌ gel noun [ U ]
a type of thick liquid soap used for washing your body in the shower
showerhead noun [ C ]
the part of a shower that water flows out of
showerproof adjective UK ( US water-repellent )
Showerproof clothing or material does not absorb water when it is raining lightly
This coat isn't waterproof, but it is showerproof.
ˈ shower ˌ tea noun [ U ] AUSTRALIAN
a party held for a woman just before she gets married, at which usually female
friends give her presents for her future home
showery adjective
describes weather with light rain which is often not continuous
showery weather
showgirl noun [ C ]
a young woman who sings or dances in a musical theatre entertainment
ˈ show ˌ home/ ˌ house noun [ C ] UK ( US model house )
a new house or apartment which has been decorated and filled with furniture to
show possible buyers of similar homes what the homes might be like when people are
living in them
showing noun PERFORMANCE
1. [ C usually singular ] the quality of someone's performance in a competitive
activity
She managed a good/strong showing in the world championship, but was
knocked out in the semi-final.
She had a dismal showing in the opinion polls.
showing noun PUBLIC EVENT
2. [ C ] an opportunity for the public to see something
This is the film's first showing on British television.
showjumper noun [ C ]
a rider or horse that takes part in show jumping
showjumper noun [ C ]
a rider or horse that takes part in show jumping
showjumping noun [ U ]
a sport which involves riding horses in competitions which test their ability to
jump quickly over large objects such as walls and fences
See picture show jumping
showman noun [ C ] MAINLY APPROVING
someone who is very good at entertaining people
showmanship noun [ U ]
Muhammad Ali's showmanship in the ring shouldn't detract from his considerable
skill.
shown verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF show
show-off noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a person who shows off (= behaves in a way intended to attract attention which
other people often find annoying)
Jimena's such a show-off, she always wants to be the centre of attention.
ˌ show of ˈ hands noun [ S ]
a vote in which people raise one of their hands to show that they support a
suggestion
Her re-election to the committee was defeated on a show of hands.
showpiece noun [ C ]
an extremely good example of something, which deserves to be admired
The hospital will be the new showpiece of the health service when it opens next
year.
ˈ show ˌ pony noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a person who appears to perform well, but has no real ability
showroom , noun [ C ]
a large shop in which people are encouraged to look at the goods that are on sale
before buying them
a car showroom
Our complete range of carpets is on display in our showroom.
showroom , noun [ C ]
a large shop in which people are encouraged to look at the goods that are on sale
before buying them
a car showroom
Our complete range of carpets is on display in our showroom.
showstopper noun [ C ] APPROVING
a piece in a stage performance that the audience enjoy so much that their
clapping and shouts of approval interrupt the performance
showstopping adjective [ before noun ]
a showstopping performance
ˈ show ˌ trial noun [ C ]
a trial organized by a government in order to have an effect on public opinion and
reduce political opposition, and not because it is interested in matters of justice
showy adjective DISAPPROVING
attracting a lot of attention by being very colourful or bright, but without any real
beauty
a showy production of a play
Her dress was too showy for such a formal occasion.
showily adverb
showiness noun [ U ]
shrank verb
PAST SIMPLE OF shrink
shrapnel noun [ U ]
small pieces of metal that are scattered by a bomb or similar weapon when it
explodes and are intended to injure people
Twelve people were hit by shrapnel in the attack.
a shrapnel wound
shred noun SMALL AMOUNT
1. [ S ] a very small amount of something
There's still a shred of hope that a peace agreement can be reached.
There isn't a shred of evidence to support her accusation.
shred noun CUT
2. [ C usually plural ] a very small thin piece that has been torn from something
Cut the radishes into shreds to garnish the plates
3. in shreds
a. very badly torn
My shirt was in shreds when I took it out of the washer.
b. badly damaged
The report has left the prison governor's reputation in shreds.
tear/rip sb/sth to shreds
1. to strongly criticize a person or something they do, think or say
The critics tore his performance to shreds.
2. to damage someone or something badly
My trousers were torn to shreds when I fell off my bike.
shred verb [ T ]
1. to cut or tear something roughly into thin strips
Shred the lettuce and arrange it around the edge of the dish.
shredded carrot/paper
2. to destroy a document by tearing it into strips, especially in a machine
He ordered his secretary to shred important documents when government
inspectors started investigating his business affairs.
shredder noun [ C ]
a tool or machine that is used for cutting things into very small pieces
a paper/document/vegetable shredder
Much of the documentary evidence against her had been put through the shredder
before she was arrested.
shredder noun [ C ]
a tool or machine that is used for cutting things into very small pieces
a paper/document/vegetable shredder
Much of the documentary evidence against her had been put through the shredder
before she was arrested.
shrew noun [ C ] ANIMAL
1. an animal like a small mouse but with a longer pointed nose and small eyes
shrew noun [ C ] WOMAN
2. OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING an unpleasant woman who is easily annoyed and
who argues a lot
shrewish adjective DISAPPROVING
shrewd adjective APPROVING
having or based on a clear understanding and good judgment of a situation,
resulting in an advantage
[ + to infinitive ] He was shrewd enough not to take the job when there was the
possibility of getting a better one a few months later.
She is a shrewd politician who wants to avoid offending the electorate
unnecessarily.
It was a shrewd move to buy your house just before property prices started to
rise.
shrewdly adverb
She shrewdly predicted the stock market crash.
shrewdness noun [ U ]
shriek noun [ C ]
a short, loud, high cry, especially one produced suddenly as an expression of a
powerful emotion
shrieks of delight
He suddenly let out a piercing shriek.
shriek verb [ I or T ]
to make such a cry
We shrieked with laughter when we realized how stupid we'd been.
I tried to apologize, but he just shrieked abuse at me.
[ + speech ] "Don't you dare do that ever again!" she shrieked.
shrill adjective
1. having a loud and high sound that is unpleasant or painful to listen to
She had a shrill high-pitched voice.
2. DISAPPROVING describes a way of arguing or criticizing that seems too forceful
He launched a shrill attack on the Prime Minister.
shrillness noun [ U ]
shrilly adverb
shrill adjective
1. having a loud and high sound that is unpleasant or painful to listen to
She had a shrill high-pitched voice.
2. DISAPPROVING describes a way of arguing or criticizing that seems too forceful
He launched a shrill attack on the Prime Minister.
shrillness noun [ U ]
shrilly adverb
shrimp noun ANIMAL
1. [ C or U ] ( UK ALSO prawn ) a small sea animal with a thin shell, ten legs and
long tail, or its pink curved body eaten as food
shrimp cocktail/paste
shrimp noun PERSON
2. [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING an extremely short person
shrine noun [ C ]
1. a place for worship which is holy because of a connection with a holy person or
object
Islam's most sacred shrine is at Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
2. a special place in which you remember and praise someone who has died,
especially someone famous
She's turned her bedroom into a shrine to the dead pop star and covered the
walls with pictures of him.
shrink verb BECOME SMALLER
1. [ I or T ] to become smaller, or to make something smaller
Your sweater will shrink if you wash it at too high a temperature.
The company's profits have shrunk from £5.5 million to £1.25 million.
The productivity improvements have shrunk our costs by 25%.
See also shrunken
shrink verb BE FRIGHTENED
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] LITERARY to move away from someone or
something because you are frightened
The child shrank behind the sofa as his father shouted at him.
When she was younger she would shrink (away) from me whenever I spoke to
her.
shrinkage noun [ U ]
Synthetic fabrics are less susceptible to shrinkage than natural ones.
shrink from sth phrasal verb
to avoid doing something that is unpleasant or difficult
We must not shrink from our responsibilities.
[ + -ing verb ] We will not shrink from us ing force.
shrink noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a psychiatrist or psychoanalyst
I was so depressed that I ended up going to see a shrink.
ˌ shrinking ˈ violet noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is very shy or modest and does not like to attract attention
She loves appearing on television and is no shrinking violet when it comes to
expressing her views.
ˌ shrinking ˈ violet noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is very shy or modest and does not like to attract attention
She loves appearing on television and is no shrinking violet when it comes to
expressing her views.
shrink-wrap noun [ U ]
a thin transparent plastic material which tightly covers the thing that it is wrapped
around, used for protecting goods when they are being transported or sold
shrink-wrap verb [ T ]
A lot of the fresh food sold in supermarkets is shrink-wrapped.
shrivel verb
1. [ I or T ] to become dry, smaller and covered with lines as if by crushing or
folding, or to make something do this
The lack of rain has shrivelled the crops.
You ought to pick those lettuces before they shrivel (up) and die.
2. [ I ] to become much smaller than is needed or wanted
Profits are shrivelling as the recession gets worse.
shrivelled adjective
Those oranges were looking a bit old and shrivelled, so I threw them out.
shroud noun [ C ] CLOTH
1. a cloth or long loose piece of clothing that is used to wrap a dead body before it
is buried
shroud noun [ C ] HIDE
2. a layer of something which covers or surrounds something
Everything was covered in a thick shroud of dust.
3. a situation which prevents something from being known or understood
The truth about the accident remains hidden beneath a shroud of secrecy.
shroud verb [ T ]
to hide something by covering or surrounding it
Visitors have complained about the scaffolding that shrouds half the castle.
Suddenly all the lights went out and the house was shrouded in darkness.
The mist shrouding the valley had lifted by eight o'clock.
be shrouded in secrecy/mystery
to be a matter about which very little is known or understood
Her whereabouts have been shrouded in secrecy since she received the death
threat.
Shrove Tuesday noun [ C or U ] ( UK ALSO Pancake Day )
the day before the Christian period of Lent begins
Shrove Tuesday noun [ C or U ] ( UK ALSO Pancake Day )
the day before the Christian period of Lent begins
shrub noun [ C ]
a large plant with a rounded shape formed from many small branches growing
either directly from the ground or from a hard woody stem, grown in gardens
She planted some roses and other flowering shrubs.
See also bush
shrubbery noun
1. [ C ] a part of a garden where a lot of shrubs have been planted
2. [ U ] a group of shrubs
shrug verb [ I or T ]
to raise your shoulders and then lower them in order to say you do not know or
are not interested
"Where's Dad?" "How should I know?" replied my brother, shrugging.
He shrugged his shoulders as if to say that there was nothing he could do about
it.
FIGURATIVE Thousands of people are starving to death while the world shrugs its
shoulders (= shows no interest or care) .
shrug sth off phrasal verb [ M ] NOT WORRY
1. to treat something as if it is not important or not a problem
The stock market shrugged off the economic gloom and rose by 1.5%.
You're a father and you can't simply shrug off your responsibility for your
children.
shrug sth off phrasal verb [ M ] NOT KEEP
2. to get rid of something unpleasant that you do not want
I hope I can shrug off this cold before I go on holiday.
The city is trying to shrug off its industrial image and promote itself as a tourist
centre.
See also shake sth off
shrug noun [ C ] SHOULDER MOVEMENT
1. when you shrug your shoulders to express something
"I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about your problem, " she said with a shrug.
"Well, I suppose we'll just have to do what he says, " said Kim with a shrug of
resignation.
shrug noun [ C ] CLOTHES
2. a short cardigan for women
shrunk verb
shrink
PAST PARTICIPLE OF
See also preshrunk
shrunk verb
shrink
PAST PARTICIPLE OF
See also preshrunk
shrunken adjective
smaller than before, and less important
a shrunken old man
The company faces shrunken profits for the third year in succession.
shtick noun [ C usually singular ] MAINLY US
1. ( ALSO schtick ) the type of humour typical of a comedian (= person whose job
is to make people laugh)
Pratfalls and other physical gags are typical of Carey's shtick.
2. a particular ability, talent or behaviour that someone has and which they are
well known for
shuck verb [ T ] US
to remove the shell or natural covering from something that is eaten
to shuck corn/oysters
shuck sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to remove a piece of clothing, especially one that limits you
The lifeguard shucked off his sweatshirt.
2. to get rid of something that limits you or causes you problems
They seem to be able to just shuck off guilt.
shucks exclamation US INFORMAL
an expression of modesty , embarrassment, disappointment or anger
"You played brilliantly in the concert." "Shucks, do you honestly think so?"
Shucks, I wish I could have gone to the party with Jessica.
See also aw-shucks
shudder verb [ I ]
1. to shake suddenly with very small movements because of a very unpleasant
thought or feeling
The sight of so much blood made him shudder.
She shuddered at the thought of kissing him.
2. When something shudders, it shakes violently and quickly
I heard a massive explosion and the ground shuddered beneath me.
There was a screech of brakes and the bus shuddered to a halt (= shook
violently and stopped) .
I shudder to think
said when you are worried about something unpleasant that might happen or
might have happened
I shudder to think what my parents will say when I tell them I've failed my
exams.
shudder to a halt
If a system shudders to a halt, it suddenly stops working
The economy has shuddered to a halt because of the civil war.
shudder noun [ C ]
when someone or something shudders
He gave a slight shudder as he considered how near he had come to death.
She recalled with a shudder how her boss had once tried to kiss her.
FIGURATIVE Britain's second biggest supermarket chain has sent a shudder
through (= has had a strong effect on) its rivals by slashing its prices.
send shudders/a shudder down your spine
to cause you to feel extremely worried or frightened
When I think of what might have happened in the accident, it sends shudders
down my spine.
shuffle verb WALK
1. [ I + adverb or preposition T ] to walk by pulling your feet slowly along the
ground rather than lifting them
I love shuffling through the fallen leaves.
He shuffled into the kitchen, leaning on his walking stick.
Don't shuffle your feet like that! Lift them properly.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition T ] to move your feet or bottom around,
while staying in the same place, especially because you are uncomfortable, nervous or
embarrassed
The woman in front of me kept shuffling around in her seat all the way through
the performance.
When I asked him where he'd been, he just looked at the ground and shuffled his
feet.
shuffle verb MOVE AROUND
3. [ T ] to move similar things from one position or place to another, often to give
an appearance of activity when nothing useful is being done
She shuffled her papers nervously on her desk.
Many prisoners have to be shuffled around police stations because of prison
overcrowding.
shuffle verb MIX CARDS
4. [ I or T ] to mix a set of playing cards without seeing their values before
beginning a game, so that their order is not known to any of the players
It's your turn to shuffle the cards.
shuffle off this mortal coil HUMOROUS
to die
My children can't wait for me to shuffle off this mortal coil so they can get their
hands on their inheritance.
shuffle sth off phrasal verb [ M ] LITERARY
to get rid of something unwanted, usually by giving it to someone else
Not until this turbulent region can shuffle off the burdens of the past will it be able
to settle peacefully into the community of nations.
The local authority may then try to shuffle these responsibilities off onto another
authority.
shuffle noun MOVE AROUND
1. [ C ] when things are moved around from one position to another
She gave her papers a quick shuffle.
2. [ C ] MAINLY US a reshuffle
shuffle noun MIX CARDS
3. [ C ] when you mix a set of playing cards before giving them out
Make sure you give the cards a good shuffle before you deal.
shuffle noun WALK
4. [ S ] when you walk by pulling your feet slowly along the ground rather than
lifting them
He's got arthritis and walks with a shuffle.
shuffle verb WALK
1. [ I + adverb or preposition T ] to walk by pulling your feet slowly along the
ground rather than lifting them
I love shuffling through the fallen leaves.
He shuffled into the kitchen, leaning on his walking stick.
Don't shuffle your feet like that! Lift them properly.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition T ] to move your feet or bottom around,
while staying in the same place, especially because you are uncomfortable, nervous or
embarrassed
The woman in front of me kept shuffling around in her seat all the way through
the performance.
When I asked him where he'd been, he just looked at the ground and shuffled his
feet.
shuffle verb MOVE AROUND
3. [ T ] to move similar things from one position or place to another, often to give
an appearance of activity when nothing useful is being done
She shuffled her papers nervously on her desk.
Many prisoners have to be shuffled around police stations because of prison
overcrowding.
shuffle verb MIX CARDS
4. [ I or T ] to mix a set of playing cards without seeing their values before
beginning a game, so that their order is not known to any of the players
It's your turn to shuffle the cards.
shuffle off this mortal coil HUMOROUS
to die
My children can't wait for me to shuffle off this mortal coil so they can get their
hands on their inheritance.
shuffle sth off phrasal verb [ M ] LITERARY
to get rid of something unwanted, usually by giving it to someone else
Not until this turbulent region can shuffle off the burdens of the past will it be able
to settle peacefully into the community of nations.
The local authority may then try to shuffle these responsibilities off onto another
authority.
shuffle noun MOVE AROUND
1. [ C ] when things are moved around from one position to another
She gave her papers a quick shuffle.
2. [ C ] MAINLY US a reshuffle
shuffle noun MIX CARDS
3. [ C ] when you mix a set of playing cards before giving them out
Make sure you give the cards a good shuffle before you deal.
shuffle noun WALK
4. [ S ] when you walk by pulling your feet slowly along the ground rather than
lifting them
He's got arthritis and walks with a shuffle.
shufti , shufty noun UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
have/take a shufti
to look at something quickly
Can I have a shufti at your paper?
shun verb [ T ]
1. to avoid something
She has shunned publicity since she retired from the theatre.
2. to ignore someone and not speak to them because you cannot accept their
behaviour, beliefs, etc.
After the trial he was shunned by friends and family alike.
shunt verb TRAINS
1. [ T ] to move a train or carriage onto a different track in or near a station using
a special railway engine designed for this purpose
shunt verb MOVE
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to move someone or something from one
place to another, usually because they are not wanted and without considering any
unpleasant effects
I spent most of my childhood being shunted (about) between my parents who
had divorced when I was five.
He shunts his kids off to a camp every summer.
Viewers are fed up with their favourite sitcoms being shunted to later times to
make way for live football coverage.
shunt noun [ C usually singular ]
shunter noun [ C ]
a small railway engine that is used for moving carriages around on the tracks
rather than making journeys between stations
shush exclamation INFORMAL
used to tell someone to be quiet
Shush! I want to listen to the news.
shush verb [ I or T ] INFORMAL
to (cause to) stop talking or making a noise
I wish you children would shush and let me read the paper in peace.
He tried to shush the children.
shut verb [ I or T ] CLOSE
1. to (cause to) close something
Please shut the gate.
I've got a surprise for you! Shut your eyes tightly and hold out your hand.
Mary shut her book and put it down on the table.
This window won't shut - it's jammed.
shut verb [ I or T ] STOP OPERATING
2. to (cause to) stop operating or being in service, either temporarily or
permanently
The shops shut at eight o'clock on Wednesday evenings.
It's such a shame they shut that factory (down) .
shut your eyes to sth
to ignore something
Until now the President has shut his eyes to the homelessness problem.
shut your mouth/face ( UK ALSO shut your gob ) SLANG
a rude and angry way of telling someone to stop talking
He told me to shut my mouth or there'd be trouble.
"You're a lazy slob!" "You shut your mouth (= Don't talk to me like that) !"
shut up shop UK ( MAINLY US close up shop )
to end an activity, usually a business activity, either temporarily or permanently
Many companies are considering shutting up shop in this country and transferring
production to low wage economies.
shut sb away phrasal verb [ M ]
to put a person in a place which they are not allowed or able to leave
He was ten years old when he was shut away in an asylum for stealing an apple.
shut sth away phrasal verb
to put something in a place where other people cannot see it or get it
The diamonds are shut away in a bank vault somewhere.
shut yourself away phrasal verb [ R ]
to go into a place that you are unwilling to leave and where you do not want to be
interrupted by other people
Andy shuts himself away in his studio for hours on end when he's recording a
song.
shut (sth) down phrasal verb [ M ]
If a business or a large piece of equipment shuts down or someone shuts it down,
it stops operating
The company plans to shut down four factories and cut 10 000 jobs.
The crew shut down the right-hand engine of the aircraft.
shut sb/sth in (sth) phrasal verb
to prevent someone or something from leaving a place, usually by closing or
fastening a door or gate
The cat was shut in the garage all night.
[ R ] He was so upset that he shut himself in his bedroom and refused to come
out.
shut sth in sth phrasal verb
to trap part of your body or an object inside a device or container when it closes
Steve was off work for a week after he shut his hand in the car door.
shut (sth) off phrasal verb [ M ]
If a machine or system shuts off, it stops operating, and if someone or something
shuts it off, they stop it from operating
The engine shuts off automatically when the desired speed is reached.
shut sth off phrasal verb [ M ] SUPPLY
1. to stop the supply of something
Did you remember to shut off the water and gas before you left the house?
Oil supplies have been shut off.
shut sth off phrasal verb [ M ] AREA
2. to prevent something from being reached or seen
The music room is shut off from the rest of the house by a soundproof partition.
A row of tall fir trees shuts off the view of the street in front.
shut yourself off phrasal verb [ R ]
to stop speaking to other people or stop being involved with them
When her husband died she seemed to shut her self off from her friends and
family.
shut sb/sth out phrasal verb PREVENT ENTRY
1. to stop someone or something from entering or getting back inside a house or
other building
The wind blew the door closed behind me and now I'm shut out ( of the house).
Don't forget to shut the cat out when you leave for work.
shut sb/sth out phrasal verb NOT INCLUDE
2. to not include a person or organization in an activity
Anna felt shut out of the conversation.
What are the chances of peace if we shut the terrorists out of negotiations?
shut sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to stop yourself thinking about something that upsets you or feeling something
that hurts you
She finds it impossible to shut out the memory of the accident.
2. to prevent a sound or light from being heard or seen
The double glazing shuts out most of the traffic noise.
She pulled the duvet over her head to try to shut out the light.
shut sb out phrasal verb [ M ] US
to prevent your competitor in a sports competition from scoring any points
She had shut out two of her first four Wimbledon opponents by identical 6-0, 6-0
scores.
shut (sb) up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
1. to stop talking or making a noise, or to make someone do this
I wish you'd shut up for a moment and listen to what the rest of us have to say.
Just shut up and get on with your work!
My dad never stops talking. It's impossible to shut him up!
FIGURATIVE If you breathe a single word to the police, we'll come round and shut
you up for good (= kill you) .
2. to stop someone from talking about a particular subject or from complaining or
asking for things
The kids kept on about how hungry they were, so their father gave them some
biscuits to shut them up.
shut sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to keep a person or animal in a closed place
She can't spend her whole life shut up in her office.
shut (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] UK
to close a shop or other business for a period of time, usually when business is
finished for the day
By the time we got there, all the market traders were shutting up.
shut adjective [ after verb ]
closed
I suspected something was wrong when I noticed her curtains were still shut at
lunchtime.
FIGURATIVE The government ought to have opened the door to Japanese
investment instead of slamming it shut.
See also open-and-shut
shut verb [ I or T ] CLOSE
1. to (cause to) close something
Please shut the gate.
I've got a surprise for you! Shut your eyes tightly and hold out your hand.
Mary shut her book and put it down on the table.
This window won't shut - it's jammed.
shut verb [ I or T ] STOP OPERATING
2. to (cause to) stop operating or being in service, either temporarily or
permanently
The shops shut at eight o'clock on Wednesday evenings.
It's such a shame they shut that factory (down) .
shut your eyes to sth
to ignore something
Until now the President has shut his eyes to the homelessness problem.
shut your mouth/face ( UK ALSO shut your gob ) SLANG
a rude and angry way of telling someone to stop talking
He told me to shut my mouth or there'd be trouble.
"You're a lazy slob!" "You shut your mouth (= Don't talk to me like that) !"
shut up shop UK ( MAINLY US close up shop )
to end an activity, usually a business activity, either temporarily or permanently
Many companies are considering shutting up shop in this country and transferring
production to low wage economies.
shut sb away phrasal verb [ M ]
to put a person in a place which they are not allowed or able to leave
He was ten years old when he was shut away in an asylum for stealing an apple.
shut sth away phrasal verb
to put something in a place where other people cannot see it or get it
The diamonds are shut away in a bank vault somewhere.
shut yourself away phrasal verb [ R ]
to go into a place that you are unwilling to leave and where you do not want to be
interrupted by other people
Andy shuts himself away in his studio for hours on end when he's recording a
song.
shut (sth) down phrasal verb [ M ]
If a business or a large piece of equipment shuts down or someone shuts it down,
it stops operating
The company plans to shut down four factories and cut 10 000 jobs.
The crew shut down the right-hand engine of the aircraft.
shut sb/sth in (sth) phrasal verb
to prevent someone or something from leaving a place, usually by closing or
fastening a door or gate
The cat was shut in the garage all night.
[ R ] He was so upset that he shut himself in his bedroom and refused to come
out.
shut sth in sth phrasal verb
to trap part of your body or an object inside a device or container when it closes
Steve was off work for a week after he shut his hand in the car door.
shut (sth) off phrasal verb [ M ]
If a machine or system shuts off, it stops operating, and if someone or something
shuts it off, they stop it from operating
The engine shuts off automatically when the desired speed is reached.
shut sth off phrasal verb [ M ] SUPPLY
1. to stop the supply of something
Did you remember to shut off the water and gas before you left the house?
Oil supplies have been shut off.
shut sth off phrasal verb [ M ] AREA
2. to prevent something from being reached or seen
The music room is shut off from the rest of the house by a soundproof partition.
A row of tall fir trees shuts off the view of the street in front.
shut yourself off phrasal verb [ R ]
to stop speaking to other people or stop being involved with them
When her husband died she seemed to shut her self off from her friends and
family.
shut sb/sth out phrasal verb PREVENT ENTRY
1. to stop someone or something from entering or getting back inside a house or
other building
The wind blew the door closed behind me and now I'm shut out ( of the house).
Don't forget to shut the cat out when you leave for work.
shut sb/sth out phrasal verb NOT INCLUDE
2. to not include a person or organization in an activity
Anna felt shut out of the conversation.
What are the chances of peace if we shut the terrorists out of negotiations?
shut sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to stop yourself thinking about something that upsets you or feeling something
that hurts you
She finds it impossible to shut out the memory of the accident.
2. to prevent a sound or light from being heard or seen
The double glazing shuts out most of the traffic noise.
She pulled the duvet over her head to try to shut out the light.
shut sb out phrasal verb [ M ] US
to prevent your competitor in a sports competition from scoring any points
She had shut out two of her first four Wimbledon opponents by identical 6-0, 6-0
scores.
shut (sb) up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
1. to stop talking or making a noise, or to make someone do this
I wish you'd shut up for a moment and listen to what the rest of us have to say.
Just shut up and get on with your work!
My dad never stops talking. It's impossible to shut him up!
FIGURATIVE If you breathe a single word to the police, we'll come round and shut
you up for good (= kill you) .
2. to stop someone from talking about a particular subject or from complaining or
asking for things
The kids kept on about how hungry they were, so their father gave them some
biscuits to shut them up.
shut sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to keep a person or animal in a closed place
She can't spend her whole life shut up in her office.
shut (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] UK
to close a shop or other business for a period of time, usually when business is
finished for the day
By the time we got there, all the market traders were shutting up.
shut adjective [ after verb ]
closed
I suspected something was wrong when I noticed her curtains were still shut at
lunchtime.
FIGURATIVE The government ought to have opened the door to Japanese
investment instead of slamming it shut.
See also open-and-shut
shutdown noun [ C ]
when a business or large piece of equipment stops operating, usually for a
temporary period
It's just a regular maintenance shutdown.
The emergency shutdown procedure was activated.
shuteye noun [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
sleep
You look exhausted! Try to get some shuteye on the train.
shutout noun [ C ] US
a situation in a sports competition in which a player or team wins without the
other player or team scoring any points
shutter noun [ C ] PHOTOGRAPHY
1. the part of a camera which opens temporarily to allow light to reach the film
when a photograph is being taken
shutter noun [ C ] WINDOW COVER
2. a wooden cover on the outside of a window which prevents light or heat from
going into a room or heat from leaving it
Shutters usually come in pairs and are hung like doors on hinges.
See picture house
3. a metal covering which protects the windows and entrance of a shop from
thieves when it is closed
shuttered adjective
Shops are closed and shuttered on Sundays.
shuttle noun [ C ] VEHICLE
1. a vehicle or aircraft that travels regularly between two places
To get across town, you can take the shuttle from Times Square to Grand
Central.
The American (space) shuttle can be used many times to put payloads in space.
shuttle noun [ C ] THREAD
2. SPECIALIZED in weaving , a device which is used to carry the thread that goes
across the cloth between the threads that go down the cloth
shuttle verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to travel or take people regularly between the same two places
A small train shuttles constantly between the concourse and the runways.
shuttlecock noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL shuttle , US birdie )
shuttlecock
a small light object with a rounded end to which real or artificial feathers are fixed
and which is hit over the net in the game of badminton
shuttlecock noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL shuttle , US birdie )
shuttlecock
a small light object with a rounded end to which real or artificial feathers are fixed
and which is hit over the net in the game of badminton
ˈ shuttle di ˌ plomacy noun [ U ]
discussions between two or more countries, in which someone travels between
the different countries, talking to the governments involved, carrying messages and
suggesting ways of dealing with problems
shy adjective NERVOUS
1. nervous and uncomfortable with other people
He was too shy to ask her to dance with him.
She gave a shy smile.
Children are often shy of/with people they don't know.
The deer were shy (= unwilling to be near people) and hid behind some trees.
shy adjective LESS
2. [ after noun ] less than; lacking
We're only £100 shy of the total amount.
shy verb HORSES
1. [ I ] (of a horse) to suddenly move sideways or backwards, especially because
of fear
The horse shied at the fence.
There's a lot of traffic on the road - I'm sure my horse is going to shy.
shy verb THROW
2. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL to throw something
suddenly, often in a sideways movement
Two small boys were shying stones at a tree.
shy away from sth phrasal verb
to avoid something that you dislike, fear or do not feel confident about
I've never shied away from hard work.
-shy suffix
avoiding or not liking the thing mentioned
camera-shy
workshy
shyly adverb
in a shy way
She smiled shyly at him.
shyly adverb
in a shy way
She smiled shyly at him.
shyness noun [ U ]
the condition of being shy
His face went red with shyness when he walked into the crowded room.
shyster noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a dishonest person, especially a lawyer or politician
He's a real shyster.
What are those shyster politicians doing now?
SI , noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
ABBREVIATION FOR Système International: the international system of units used for
scientific measurements, with standard base units such as the metre and the kilogram
The SI unit of electric current is the ampere.
Siamese (cat) noun [ C ]
a short-haired cat with pale fur, but darker ears, tail and feet, and blue eyes
Siamese twins plural noun SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED
conjoined twins (= two people with the same mother who were born at the same
time, with some part of their bodies joined together)
Siberia noun [ U ]
Siberian noun [ C ] , adjective
sibling noun [ C ] FORMAL
a brother or sister
I have four siblings: three brothers and a sister.
There was great sibling rivalry (= competition) between Peter and his brother.
sibyl noun [ C ] LITERARY
any of several women in the ancient world who were thought to be able to see
into the future
sibyl noun [ C ] LITERARY
any of several women in the ancient world who were thought to be able to see
into the future
sic adverb
a word written in brackets after a word that you have copied to show that you
know it has been spelled or used wrongly
The notice outside the cinema said 'Closed on Wedensday' (sic).
sick adjective ILL
1. physically or mentally ill; not well or healthy
a sick child
a sick cow
My father has been off sick (= not working because of illness) for a long time.
Anyone who could hurt a child like that must be sick (= mentally ill) .
The old woman fell/took/was taken sick (= became ill) while she was away and
had to come home.
Sarah called in/reported sick (= told her employer that she was unable to go to
work because of illness) .
FIGURATIVE High rates of crime are considered by some people to be a sign of a sick
society.
See also heartsick ; homesick ; lovesick
sick adjective VOMIT
2. [ after verb ] feeling ill as if you are going to vomit
Lucy felt sick the morning after the party.
If you eat any more of that cake, you'll make yourself sick.
See also airsick ; carsick ; seasick
3. be sick
to vomit
She was sick after she ate too much chocolate.
sick adjective UNPLEASANT
4. [ after verb ] INFORMAL causing or expressing unpleasant emotions
I'm sick about / UK at / US over (= unhappy about) not getting that job.
It makes me sick (= makes me very angry) to see people wearing fur coats.
UK INFORMAL It's sick -making (= very annoying) that she's being paid so much
for doing so little.
I'm sick (and tired/to death) of (= very annoyed about) the way you're
behaving.
She was worried sick (= very worried) when her daughter didn't come home on
time.
Joan was not amused by the sick (= cruel or offensive) joke her brother told.
I felt sick (= felt shocked and disgusted) when I heard about the prisoners being
beaten.
sick as a dog
vomiting a lot
I was sick as a dog after last night's meal.
sick as a parrot UK HUMOROUS SLANG
very disappointed
He was sick as a parrot when his team lost the match.
sick at heart LITERARY
very unhappy
David was sick at heart about having to leave his family behind.
sick to your stomach
1. likely to vomit
I'm (feeling) sick to my stomach.
2. feeling very upset, worried or angry
It makes me (feel) sick to my stomach when I remember my car accident.
sick verb
sick sth up phrasal verb [ M ] UK INFORMAL
to vomit something
The baby sicked up some milk on his aunt's shoulder.
sick noun ILL
1. the sick
people who are ill
It's better for the sick to be cared for at home rather than in hospital.
sick noun VOMIT
2. [ U ] UK INFORMAL vomit
a pool of sick on the floor
sickbay noun [ C ]
a room with beds for people who are ill, especially on a ship
sickbay noun [ C ]
a room with beds for people who are ill, especially on a ship
sickbed noun [ C ]
the bed of a person who is ill
We visited my grandmother on her sickbed.
ˌ sick ˈ building ˌ syndrome noun [ U ]
an unhealthy atmosphere (= air that you breathe) in a building which may cause
illness in workers
Air conditioning can contribute to sick building syndrome.
ˈ sick ˌ day noun [ C ]
a day for which an employee will receive pay while absent from work because of
illness
sicken verb ILL
1. [ I ] to become ill
LITERARY The child sickened and died.
UK "You look feverish. Are you sickening for (= about to become ill with)
something?"
sicken verb UNPLEASANT
2. [ T ] to cause someone to feel unpleasant emotions, especially anger and shock
The violence in the film sickened me.
He was sickened by/at the number of people who were hurt in the crash.
sickening adjective
1. extremely unpleasant and causing you to feel shock and anger
The slaves were treated with sickening cruelty.
There was a sickening thud when the child fell from the tree and hit the ground.
2. annoying
It's sickening that I can't go to the party.
sickeningly adverb
ˌ sick ˈ headache noun [ C ]
a severe pain in the head, especially a migraine
sickie noun UK INFORMAL
throw a sickie
to say to your employer that you are ill when you are not so that you do not have
to go to your place of work for a day
I just didn't feel like work so I threw a sickie.
sickle noun [ C ]
a tool with a short handle and a curved blade, used for cutting grass and grain
crops
Compare scythe
ˈ sick ˌ leave noun [ U ]
time away from work because of illness
Mark is not in the office today. He broke his leg yesterday, so he's on/he's taken
sick leave.
sickle-cell anaemia , MAINLY US sickle-cell anemia noun [ U ]
a medical condition, given from parent to child and found especially in black
people, in which the red blood cells are curved in shape, and which causes pain and
fever
sickly adjective ILL
1. weak, unhealthy and often ill
a sickly child/plant
Her face was a sickly colour when she came out of the dentist's.
sickly adjective VOMIT
2. DISAPPROVING causing a slight feeling of wanting to vomit
A sickly smell of decaying fish came from the dirty river.
The chocolate cake was sickly sweet (= too sweet) .
3. DISAPPROVING emotional, in an embarrassing way
His books are sometimes accused of sickly sentimentality .
sickness noun [ U ] ILL
1. the condition of being ill
There's a lot of sickness around this winter.
sickness noun [ U ] VOMIT
2. vomiting
Drinking unclean water can cause diarrhoea and sickness.
ˈ sickness ˌ benefit noun [ U ] UK
money paid by the government to someone who cannot work because of illness
sicko noun [ C ] SLANG
someone, especially a man, who is mentally ill or who performs unpleasant, often
sexual, acts
She's afraid of being attacked in the park by a sicko.
sicko adjective
ˈ sick ˌ pay noun [ U ]
money given by an employer to someone who cannot work because of illness
sickle noun [ C ]
a tool with a short handle and a curved blade, used for cutting grass and grain
crops
Compare scythe
ˈ sick ˌ leave noun [ U ]
time away from work because of illness
Mark is not in the office today. He broke his leg yesterday, so he's on/he's taken
sick leave.
sickle-cell anaemia , MAINLY US sickle-cell anemia noun [ U ]
a medical condition, given from parent to child and found especially in black
people, in which the red blood cells are curved in shape, and which causes pain and
fever
sickly adjective ILL
1. weak, unhealthy and often ill
a sickly child/plant
Her face was a sickly colour when she came out of the dentist's.
sickly adjective VOMIT
2. DISAPPROVING causing a slight feeling of wanting to vomit
A sickly smell of decaying fish came from the dirty river.
The chocolate cake was sickly sweet (= too sweet) .
3. DISAPPROVING emotional, in an embarrassing way
His books are sometimes accused of sickly sentimentality .
sickness noun [ U ] ILL
1. the condition of being ill
There's a lot of sickness around this winter.
sickness noun [ U ] VOMIT
2. vomiting
Drinking unclean water can cause diarrhoea and sickness.
ˈ sickness ˌ benefit noun [ U ] UK
money paid by the government to someone who cannot work because of illness
sicko noun [ C ] SLANG
someone, especially a man, who is mentally ill or who performs unpleasant, often
sexual, acts
She's afraid of being attacked in the park by a sicko.
sicko adjective
ˈ sick ˌ pay noun [ U ]
money given by an employer to someone who cannot work because of illness
sickroom , noun [ C ]
a room in which someone who is ill lies in bed
side noun SURFACE
1. [ C ] a flat outer surface of an object, especially one that is not the top, the
bottom, the front or the back
The names of ships are usually painted on their sides.
My room is at the side of the house.
Please write on one side of the paper only.
I've already written four sides (= pages of writing) for my essay.
Canadian coins have a picture of the Queen's head on one side.
Please use the side entrance.
side noun EDGE
2. [ C ] an edge or border of something
A square has four sides.
There are trees on both sides of the road.
They were surrounded on all sides/ on every side by curious children.
side noun NEXT TO
3. [ U ] a place next to something
I have a small table at/by the side of (= next to) my bed.
He stayed at/by her side (= with her) throughout her long illness.
See also alongside ; aside ; beside
4. side by side
next to each other
The children sat side by side on the sofa watching television.
side noun PART
5. [ C ] a part of something, especially in relation to a real or imagined central
line
He likes to sleep on the right side of the bed.
In Britain, cars drive on the left side of the road.
There is no money on my mother's side (of the family) .
I could just see Joan on the far/other side of the room.
Children came running from all sides (= from all directions) .
6. [ C usually singular ] the part of the body from under the arm to the top of the
leg
I have a pain in my side.
7. [ C ] UK a television channel
What side is 'Coronation Street' on?
8. from side to side
from left to right and from right to left
The curtains were swinging from side to side in the breeze.
9. [ C usually singular ] half of an animal's body, considered as meat
She bought a side of lamb from the butcher's shop.
side noun OPPOSING GROUP
10. [ C + singular or plural verb ] one of two or more opposing teams or groups
This is a war which neither side can win.
Our side (= team) lost again on Saturday.
Whose/which side are you on (= which team are you playing for/supporting) ?
Don't be angry with me - I'm on your side (= I want to help you) .
11. take sides
to support one person or group rather than another, in an argument or war
My mother never takes sides when my brother and I argue.
12. take sb's side
to support someone in an argument
My mother always takes my father's side when I argue with him.
side noun OPINION
13. [ C ] an opinion held in an argument; a way of considering something
There are at least two sides to every question.
I've listened to your side of the story , but I still think you were wrong to do
what you did.
side noun CHARACTER
14. [ C ] a part of someone's character
She seems quite fierce, but actually she has a gentle side.
-sided suffix
A square is a four-sided figure.
a many-sided question
a steep-sided hill
be two sides of the same coin ( ALSO be different/opposite sides of the same coin )
If two things are two sides of the same coin, they are very closely related
although they seem different
Violent behaviour and deep insecurity are often two sides of the same coin.
come down on one side of the fence or the other
to make a decision between two opposing points of view
The election is next week, so you'll have to come down on one side of the fence or
other by then.
get on the right/wrong side of sb
to make someone pleased/annoyed with you
As a teenager, Clare was always getting on the wrong side of her mother.
have sth on your side
If you have something on your side, it gives you an advantage when you are
trying to achieve something
I thought I would get the job, but the other person who was being considered for
it had experience on his side.
keep on the right side of sb
to try to make certain that someone is pleased with you
Paul kept on the right side of his teachers by doing masses of work.
on the large/small, etc. side
too large, small, etc. for a particular purpose
This dress is rather on the large side for me.
on the right/wrong side of 40/50, etc.
looking younger/older than a particular age
She looks to me as if she's on the wrong side of 50.
on the right/wrong side of the law
obeying/not obeying the law
After coming out of prison, he tried to stay on the right side of the law.
on the side
1. in addition to your main job
He makes a little money on the side by cleaning windows in his spare time.
2. secretly
I think he has another woman on the side (= a relationship with a woman who is
not his wife) .
3. MAINLY US (of food in a restaurant) served on another plate, or not on part of
the meal
I'd like a salad with the dressing on the side (= with the dressing served
separately from the salad) , please.
I'll have a omelette with fries on the side, please.
the other side of the coin
a different way of considering a situation, making it seem either better or worse
than it did originally
I like having a white car, but the other side of the coin is that it soon gets dirty.
put/lay sth on/to one side
to not use something, especially an amount of money, in order to keep it for later
use
We have put some money on one side for next year's summer holiday.
put/leave sth on/to one side
to stop talking about a particular subject
Can we leave the issue of pay on one side for the moment?
take/lead sb on/to one side
to have a private talk with someone
Bill's father took him to one side and told him to stop behaving so badly.
this side of sth
before reaching a particular age, date, place, etc.
I can't believe she's this side of 50.
We don't expect to see Gideon this side of Christmas.
This is the best pizza I've eaten this side of (= anywhere other than) Rome.
Parenting is the most rewarding thing I will do this side of the grave (= in life) .
the wrong/other side of the tracks
a part of a town that is considered poor and dangerous
Her boyfriend came from the wrong side of the tracks.
side verb
side with sb phrasal verb
to support one person or group in an argument
If ever there was any sort of argument, she'd always side with my father against
me.
side adjective [ before noun ]
not in or at the centre or main part of something
We parked the car on a side street/road (= a small road, especially one that
joins on to a main road) .
I think that's a side issue (= a subject which is separate from the main one)
which we should talk about later.
I'd like a side dish / MAINLY US side order of potatoes, please (= some potatoes
on a separate plate) .
sidearm noun [ C ]
a weapon worn on the side of the body, especially a small gun or sword
sidearm noun [ C ]
a weapon worn on the side of the body, especially a small gun or sword
sidebar noun [ C ] US
a short news story in a newspaper or magazine that relates to a longer main
story, giving details or extra information
sideboard noun [ C ]
a piece of furniture with a flat top and cupboards at the bottom, usually used for
holding glasses, plates, etc.
sideburns plural noun ( UK ALSO sideboards )
sideburns
areas of hair grown down the sides of a man's face in front of the ears
sidecar noun [ C ]
a small one-wheeled vehicle fixed to the side of a motorcycle to hold a passenger
ˈ side ef ˌ fect noun [ C ]
an unpleasant effect of a drug that happens in addition to the main effect
Does this drug have any side effects?
sidekick noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who works with someone who is more important than they are
I've been his sidekick for long enough - it's time I found myself something better
to do.
sidelight noun [ C ] LIGHT
1. UK ( US parking light ) either of the two smaller lights fixed on the front of a
car
Compare headlight
See picture car exterior
sidelight noun [ C ] INFORMATION
2. a piece of extra information that helps you understand something in a slightly
new way
What he said threw/cast an interesting sidelight on what had happened.
sideline noun [ C ] JOB
1. an activity that you do as well as your main job
Jim works in a bank, but teaches French in the evenings as a sideline.
sideline noun [ C ] SPORT
2. MAINLY US a line that shows the position of the side areas of play, especially for
football
The ball fell just inside/on/outside the sideline.
on/from the sidelines
If you are on the sidelines or do something from the sidelines, you are not
actively involved in something
Our party has been on the political sidelines for too long - we must now work
towards getting into power.
She could only watch from the sidelines as her brother's health deteriorated.
sideline verb [ T ]
1. If a sports player is sidelined they are prevented from playing or competing,
and can only watch
Johnson has been sidelined through injury.
2. to stop someone taking an active and important part in something
The minister was sidelined after he criticized party policy.
sideline noun [ C ] JOB
1. an activity that you do as well as your main job
Jim works in a bank, but teaches French in the evenings as a sideline.
sideline noun [ C ] SPORT
2. MAINLY US a line that shows the position of the side areas of play, especially for
football
The ball fell just inside/on/outside the sideline.
on/from the sidelines
If you are on the sidelines or do something from the sidelines, you are not
actively involved in something
Our party has been on the political sidelines for too long - we must now work
towards getting into power.
She could only watch from the sidelines as her brother's health deteriorated.
sideline verb [ T ]
1. If a sports player is sidelined they are prevented from playing or competing,
and can only watch
Johnson has been sidelined through injury.
2. to stop someone taking an active and important part in something
The minister was sidelined after he criticized party policy.
sidelong adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
describes a short look at someone or something, moving your eyes to the side,
and not looking directly
He gave her a sidelong glance.
He glanced at her sidelong and smiled.
ˈ side mir ˌ ror noun [ C ]
US FOR wing mirror
side-on adverb , adjective
from or on the side
The bus hit the car side-on.
a side-on collision
ˈ side ˌ plate noun [ C ]
a small plate that you put your bread on when you are eating the main part of a
meal
sidereal adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
of or calculated by the stars
si ˈ dereal ˌ time noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
time based on the movement of the Earth in relation to the stars
sidesaddle noun [ C ] , adverb
(on) a saddle used especially in the past by women, on which the rider sits with
both legs on the same side of the horse
The Queen rode sidesaddle when she inspected the soldiers.
sideshow noun [ C ]
1. a small show or event in addition to the main entertainment
Carol won a large soft toy at a sideshow at the fair.
2. an event or subject which is connected to another event or subject, but which
is considered to be much less important
The media still regards women's sport as a sideshow to the main event.
sidespin noun [ U ]
a spinning movement given to a ball to make it turn repeatedly in the air
The batter was beaten by the sidespin on the ball.
sidespin noun [ U ]
a spinning movement given to a ball to make it turn repeatedly in the air
The batter was beaten by the sidespin on the ball.
sidesplitting adjective
extremely funny
a sidesplitting joke/story/film
sidestep verb [ I or T ]
1. to step to the side in order to avoid something, especially being hit
He sidestepped the blow/the tackle.
2. to avoid talking about a subject, especially by starting to talk about something
else
The speaker sidestepped the question by saying that it would take him too long
to answer it.
sidestroke noun [ U ]
any of various ways of swimming lying on one side
sideswipe noun [ C ] REMARK
1. a remark attacking something or someone made while talking about something
else
During her lecture on her discoveries, she made/took several sideswipes at the
management.
sideswipe noun [ C ] HIT
2. a hit on the side
sideswipe verb [ T ]
to hit on the side
The motorcycle turned the corner too quickly, and sideswiped a car coming
towards it.
sidetrack verb [ T usually passive ]
to direct a person's attention away from an activity or subject towards another
one which is less important
Ruth was looking for an envelope in a drawer when she was sidetracked by some
old letters.
The students sidetracked their teacher into talking about her hobby.
I'm sorry I'm late - I got sidetracked.
sidetrack noun [ C ]
sidewalk noun [ C ]
MAINLY US FOR pavement
sidewalk noun [ C ]
sideways adverb , adjective
in a direction to the left or right, not forwards or backwards
The fence is leaning sideways.
If you would move sideways to the left, I can get everyone in the picture.
side-wheeler noun [ C ]
US FOR paddle steamer
siding noun RAILWAY
1. [ C ] a short railway track connected to a main track, where carriages are kept
when they are not being used
siding noun MATERIAL
2. [ U ] US material which covers the surface of the outer walls of a building,
usually in sloping layers
vinyl/aluminum/wood siding
sidle verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to walk towards or away from someone, trying not to be noticed
Tim sidled up/over to the girl sitting at the bar and asked if he could buy her a
drink.
She sidled past him, pretending that she had not seen him.
SIDS noun [ U ] ( ALSO cot death )
ABBREVIATION FOR sudden infant death syndrome: a medical condition in which a
baby dies suddenly while it is sleeping for no obvious reason
siege noun [ C or U ]
the surrounding of a place by an armed force in order to defeat those defending it
The siege of Mafeking lasted for eight months.
The soldiers laid siege to (= started a siege of) the city.
The castle was under siege for months.
FIGURATIVE That whole weekend at Cannes, Brigitte Bardot was under siege by
photographers.
See also besiege
ˈ siege men ˌ tality noun [ S ] DISAPPROVING
a feeling that makes you frightened of people around you, and causes you not to
trust them
Years of international isolation has led the country to develop a siege mentality.
sidewalk noun [ C ]
sideways adverb , adjective
in a direction to the left or right, not forwards or backwards
The fence is leaning sideways.
If you would move sideways to the left, I can get everyone in the picture.
side-wheeler noun [ C ]
US FOR paddle steamer
siding noun RAILWAY
1. [ C ] a short railway track connected to a main track, where carriages are kept
when they are not being used
siding noun MATERIAL
2. [ U ] US material which covers the surface of the outer walls of a building,
usually in sloping layers
vinyl/aluminum/wood siding
sidle verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to walk towards or away from someone, trying not to be noticed
Tim sidled up/over to the girl sitting at the bar and asked if he could buy her a
drink.
She sidled past him, pretending that she had not seen him.
SIDS noun [ U ] ( ALSO cot death )
ABBREVIATION FOR sudden infant death syndrome: a medical condition in which a
baby dies suddenly while it is sleeping for no obvious reason
siege noun [ C or U ]
the surrounding of a place by an armed force in order to defeat those defending it
The siege of Mafeking lasted for eight months.
The soldiers laid siege to (= started a siege of) the city.
The castle was under siege for months.
FIGURATIVE That whole weekend at Cannes, Brigitte Bardot was under siege by
photographers.
See also besiege
ˈ siege men ˌ tality noun [ S ] DISAPPROVING
a feeling that makes you frightened of people around you, and causes you not to
trust them
Years of international isolation has led the country to develop a siege mentality.
sienna noun [ U ]
a type of soil which is used to colour paint
sierra noun [ C ]
a range of steep mountains, especially in North and South America and Spain
Sierra Leone noun [ U ]
Sierra Leonean noun [ C ] , adjective
siesta noun [ C ]
a rest or sleep taken after lunch , especially in hot countries
sieve noun [ C ]
sieve
a tool consisting of a wood, plastic or metal frame with a wire or plastic net fixed
to it. You use it either to separate solids from a liquid, or you rub larger solids through it
to make them smaller
Pass the sauce through a sieve to remove any lumps.
memory/mind like a sieve
If you have a memory or mind like a sieve, you forget things very easily.
sieve verb [ T ]
to put a liquid or powder through a sieve
To make the pastry, sieve the flour and salt into a mixing bowl.
sift verb [ T ] SEPARATE
1. to put flour, sugar, etc. through a sieve (= wire net shaped like a bowl) to
break up large pieces
When the cake is cooked, sift some icing sugar over the top of it.
sift verb [ T ] EXAMINE
2. to make a close examination of all the parts of something in order to find
something or to separate what is useful from what is not
The police are sifting the evidence very carefully to try and find the guilty person.
After my father's death, I had to sift through all his papers.
The police are trying to sift out the genuine warnings from all the hoax calls they
have received.
sift verb [ T ] SEPARATE
1. to put flour, sugar, etc. through a sieve (= wire net shaped like a bowl) to
break up large pieces
When the cake is cooked, sift some icing sugar over the top of it.
sift verb [ T ] EXAMINE
2. to make a close examination of all the parts of something in order to find
something or to separate what is useful from what is not
The police are sifting the evidence very carefully to try and find the guilty person.
After my father's death, I had to sift through all his papers.
The police are trying to sift out the genuine warnings from all the hoax calls they
have received.
sifter noun [ C ]
a container with many small holes in its lid for sifting powdery substances, usually
foods
a flour-sifter
a sugar-sifter.
sigh verb [ I ]
1. to breathe out slowly and noisily, expressing tiredness, sadness, pleasure, etc.
She sighed deeply and sat down.
[ + speech ] "I wish he was here, " she sighed (= she said with a sigh) .
2. If the wind sighs, it makes a long, soft sound as it moves through trees
I lay on my back, listening to the sound of the wind sighing in the trees.
sigh noun [ C ]
a slow noisy breath
He leaned back in his seat with a sigh.
"Ah, you're here, " she said and heaved/let out/gave a sigh of relief .
sight noun ABILITY TO SEE
1. [ U ] the ability to see
If your sight is poor, you should not drive a car.
The old woman has lost her sight (= has become blind) .
See also eyesight
sight noun VIEW
2. [ C or S or U ] something that is in someone's view
The flowers at the annual flower show were a beautiful sight.
You should always keep sight of your bags (= have them where you can see
them) while you're at the airport.
INFORMAL You can't go out in those clothes - you look a real sight (= look untidy or
silly) !
The child laughed at the sight of (= when she saw) the clockwork toy.
FORMAL The lawyer requested sight of (= to see) the papers.
I dare not let the children out of my sight (= go where I cannot see them) in this
park.
The police officer was hidden out of sight (= where he could not be seen) behind
a tree.
The castle came into sight (= started to be able to be seen) as we went round a
bend in the road.
We're looking for a house which is within sight of (= from which it is possible to
see) the mountains.
FIGURATIVE After three years of campaigning, the end is finally in sight (= will
happen soon) for Jon.
I caught sight of (= saw for a moment) my former teacher while I was out
shopping today, but she turned a corner and I lost sight of (= could no longer see) her.
"Do you know David Wilson?" "I haven't met him, but I know him by sight (= I
recognize him, but do not know him) ."
INFORMAL She hated/loathed the sight of (= hated) her former husband.
INFORMAL They used to be very good friends, but now they can't bear/stand the
sight of (= hate) each other.
The question seemed easy at first sight (= when they first saw it) , but when the
students tried to answer it, they discovered how difficult it was.
3. the sights
places of interest, especially to visitors
We spent a fortnight in Rome looking at all the sights.
4. sight unseen
without seeing something first
I never buy anything sight unseen.
sight noun MUCH
5. a sight INFORMAL
a lot; much
Food is a (darn/damn) sight more expensive than it used to be.
He's a sight better than he was yesterday.
sight noun GUN PART
6. [ C usually plural ] a part of a gun or other device through which you look to
help you aim at something
Make sure you line up the sights before you fire the gun.
Get out of my sight! INFORMAL
an angry way of saying go away
Get out of my sight, you idiot!
lose sight of sth
to forget about an important idea or fact because you are thinking too much
about other things
Some members of the peace-keeping force seem to have lost sight of the fact that
they are there to help people.
lower your sights
to accept that you will only be able to get something less than you hoped for
He had hoped to become a doctor, but he had to lower his sights after his
disappointing exam results.
out of sight
1. INFORMAL extremely expensive and more than you are able to spend
The price of the house we like is out of sight.
2. SLANG excellent
The group's new record is out of sight!
Out of sight, out of mind. SAYING
said to emphasize that when something or someone cannot be seen, it is easy to
forget them
set your sights on sth
to decide to achieve something
Jenny has set her sights on winning the competition.
a sight for sore eyes INFORMAL
a way of saying that you are very pleased to see someone or that you think
someone is very attractive
You're a sight for sore eyes!
sight verb [ T ]
to suddenly see something or someone
After days at sea, the sailors finally sighted land.
-sighted suffix
used when describing a particular way of seeing or thinking
See clear-sighted ; far-sighted ; long-sighted ; nearsighted ; short-sighted
sighted adjective FORMAL
able to see
sighting noun [ C ]
when you see something or someone, especially that is rare or trying to hide
This is the first sighting of this particularly rare bird in this country.
sightless adjective LITERARY
unable to see
sight-read verb [ I or T ]
to play or sing written music the first time you see it
sight-reader noun [ C ]
She's an expert sight-reader.
sight-reading noun [ U ]
sightseeing noun [ U ]
the visiting of interesting places, especially by people on holiday
We did a bit of sightseeing in Paris.
There was no time to go sightseeing in Rome.
sightseer noun [ C ]
sign verb WRITE
1. [ I or T ] to write your name, usually on a written or printed document, to show
that you agree with its contents or have written or created it yourself
to sign a letter/cheque/contract/lease/agreement
Sign here, please.
He signed his name at the end of the letter.
[ + object + noun ] He signed himself 'Mark Taylor'.
She said the painting was by Picasso, but it wasn't signed.
2. [ T ] in sport, to make a legal written agreement to employ a player
The football club has just signed a new player.
sign verb BODY MOVEMENT
3. [ I or T ] to give an order or information, or make a request, using hand and
body movements
[ + to infinitive ] He signed for/to the waiter to bring him another drink.
[ + that ] He signed to the waiter that he wanted another drink.
4. [ I or T ] to use sign language (= language used by people who cannot hear or
talk)
sign your own death warrant INFORMAL
to do something that is harmful to your own position
She signed her own death warrant by refusing to do what the boss demanded.
sign on the dotted line INFORMAL
to agree to do something, especially by signing an agreement
If you want to join the club, all you have to do is sign on the dotted line.
signed and sealed ( ALSO signed, sealed and delivered )
finished and definite because all the necessary documents have been signed
sign sth away phrasal verb [ M ]
to give up your rights to something by signing a legal document
Under the treaty, both sides will sign away a third of their nuclear weapons.
sign for sth phrasal verb
to sign a form to show that you have received something
I had to sign for the parcel when I collected it from the post office.
sign for/with sb phrasal verb
(in sport) to sign a formal agreement saying that you will play for a particular
team
sign (sb) in phrasal verb
to sign your name or the name of someone who is visiting you in a book on arrival
at a building such as an office or hotel
New security measures require all visitors to sign in at reception and wear a
visitor's badge.
sign (sth) off phrasal verb
to give a final message at the end of a letter or when communicating by radio, or
at the end of a television or radio programme
She signed off (her show) by wishing her listeners a Happy New Year.
sign off phrasal verb STOP WORK
1. US INFORMAL to stop doing your work or a similar activity for a period of time
As it's Friday, I think I'll sign off early today.
sign off phrasal verb FINANCIAL SUPPORT
2. UK INFORMAL to report to a government employment office that you now have a
job and do not need to receive Jobseeker's Allowance
sign on phrasal verb
1. UK INFORMAL to sign a form at a government office to say that you do not have a
job and that you want to receive Jobseeker's Allowance (= money paid by the
government to unemployed people trying to find work)
2. MAINLY US ( UK sign up ) to agree to become involved in an organized activity
[ + to infinitive ] MAINLY US I've signed on to help at the school fair.
3. ( ALSO sign up ) UK INFORMAL to sign a document saying that you will work for
someone or do a particular job or activity
She's signed on with a temp agency.
Julie has signed up for courses on English and French this year.
sign (sb) out phrasal verb
to sign your name in a book on leaving a building such as an office or factory, or
to write someone else's name in a book when they leave after visiting it
Don't forget to sign out before you leave.
sign sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to record when you take something away, usually by signing your name in a book
You have to sign books out when you borrow them from the library.
sign sth over phrasal verb [ M ]
to give the legal rights to something or the ownership of something to someone
else by formally signing a document
Two years before her death she signed her property over to her children.
sign up phrasal verb
to agree to become involved in an organized activity
[ + to infinitive ] I've signed up to do the teas at the village fête.
She's signed up for evening classes at the community college.
See also sign on
sign noun [ C ] NOTICE
1. a notice giving information, directions, a warning, etc.
a road sign
a shop sign
sign noun [ C ] BODY MOVEMENT
2. a movement of the body which gives information or an instruction
She pointed to her watch as a sign that it was getting late and she wanted to
leave.
She made/gave a sign to her husband to stop talking.
The priest made the sign of the cross (= made the shape of a cross by moving
his hand between four points on his chest) when he entered the church.
See also signal
sign noun [ C ] SHOWING
3. something showing that something else exists or might happen or exist in the
future
His inability to handle the situation is a sure sign of weakness.
[ + that ] The fact that he's eating more is a sign that he's feeling better.
I've searched for my hat, but there's no sign of it anywhere (= I can't find it) .
There was no sign of life in the building (= there seemed to be no one in it) .
Billy's work at school has shown signs of improvement this year.
There is every sign that/All the signs are that the worst is over.
See also signal
sign noun [ C ] MARK
4. a written or printed mark which has a standard meaning
+ and - are mathematical signs.
£ is the sign for the British pound.
sign of the times USUALLY DISAPPROVING
something that is typical of the (bad) way things are now
These riots in the north are a sign of the times.
signal noun [ C ] ACTION
1. an action, movement or sound which gives information, a message, a warning
or an order
When she gave (them) the signal, they all cheered.
[ + that ] The firework was a signal that the festival had started.
[ + to infinitive ] The police officer gave us a signal to stop.
The signal for a race to start is often the firing of a gun.
2. US FOR indicator
signal noun [ C ] WAVE
3. a series of electrical or radio waves which are sent to a radio or television in
order to produce a sound, picture or message
signal noun [ C ] SHOWING
4. something which shows that something else exists or is likely to happen
The poor result is a clear signal of his deteriorating confidence.
The changing colour of the leaves on the trees is a signal that it will soon be
autumn.
signal noun [ C ] EQUIPMENT
5. equipment, especially on the side of a railway or road, often with lights, which
tells drivers whether they can go, must stop or should move more slowly
a railway signal
a traffic signal
a road signal
See picture signal
signal verb ACTION
1. [ I or T ] to make a movement, sound, flash, etc. which gives information or
tells people what to do
Flashing lights on a parked car usually signal a warning ( to other motorists).
He signalled left, and turned the lorry slowly.
He was signalling (= giving a signal) with a red flag.
She signalled for help.
[ + that ] She signalled to the cars behind that they were going the wrong way.
[ + object + to infinitive ] The children's mother signalled them to be quiet.
[ + to infinitive ] The children's mother signalled to/for them to be quiet.
signal verb SHOW
2. [ T ] to show that you intend or are ready to do something
[ + that ] The union has signalled that the workers will strike.
The union has signalled the workers' intention to strike.
The death of Chairman Mao signalled (= marked) the end of an era in Chinese
history.
signal adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
noticeable; not ordinary
a signal success/failure
signal noun [ C ] ACTION
1. an action, movement or sound which gives information, a message, a warning
or an order
When she gave (them) the signal, they all cheered.
[ + that ] The firework was a signal that the festival had started.
[ + to infinitive ] The police officer gave us a signal to stop.
The signal for a race to start is often the firing of a gun.
2. US FOR indicator
signal noun [ C ] WAVE
3. a series of electrical or radio waves which are sent to a radio or television in
order to produce a sound, picture or message
signal noun [ C ] SHOWING
4. something which shows that something else exists or is likely to happen
The poor result is a clear signal of his deteriorating confidence.
The changing colour of the leaves on the trees is a signal that it will soon be
autumn.
signal noun [ C ] EQUIPMENT
5. equipment, especially on the side of a railway or road, often with lights, which
tells drivers whether they can go, must stop or should move more slowly
a railway signal
a traffic signal
a road signal
See picture signal
signal verb ACTION
1. [ I or T ] to make a movement, sound, flash, etc. which gives information or
tells people what to do
Flashing lights on a parked car usually signal a warning ( to other motorists).
He signalled left, and turned the lorry slowly.
He was signalling (= giving a signal) with a red flag.
She signalled for help.
[ + that ] She signalled to the cars behind that they were going the wrong way.
[ + object + to infinitive ] The children's mother signalled them to be quiet.
[ + to infinitive ] The children's mother signalled to/for them to be quiet.
signal verb SHOW
2. [ T ] to show that you intend or are ready to do something
[ + that ] The union has signalled that the workers will strike.
The union has signalled the workers' intention to strike.
The death of Chairman Mao signalled (= marked) the end of an era in Chinese
history.
signal adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
noticeable; not ordinary
a signal success/failure
ˈ signal ˌ box noun [ C ] UK ( US signal tower )
a building from which railway signals are operated
See picture box
signalize , UK USUALLY signalise verb [ T ] FORMAL
to be a clear sign of something
The ambassador's presence here signalizes the seriousness of the situation.
signally adverb FORMAL
noticeably
The council is signally failing to keep the streets clean.
signalman , noun [ C ]
someone who operates a railway signal
signatory noun [ C ]
a person, organization or country which has signed an agreement
Most western European nations are signatories to/of the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization.
signature noun [ C ]
your name written by yourself, always in the same way, usually to show that
something has been written or agreed by you
Compare autograph
ˈ signature ˌ tune noun [ C ]
a short tune used in broadcasting at the beginning and/or end of a particular
programme or to mark the appearance of a particular performer
signet ring noun [ C ]
a finger ring with a flat piece at the front, which usually has a pattern cut into it
significance noun [ U ] IMPORTANCE
1. importance
The discovery of the new drug is of great significance for/to people suffering
from heart problems.
significance noun [ U ] SPECIAL MEANING
2. special meaning
Do you think that look he gave you had any significance?
significance noun [ U ] IMPORTANCE
1. importance
The discovery of the new drug is of great significance for/to people suffering
from heart problems.
significance noun [ U ] SPECIAL MEANING
2. special meaning
Do you think that look he gave you had any significance?
significant adjective IMPORTANT
1. important or noticeable
There has been a significant increase in the number of women students in recent
years.
The talks between the USA and the USSR were very significant for the
relationship between the two countries.
significant adjective SPECIAL MEANING
2. having a special meaning
She looked at him across the table and gave him a significant smile.
Do you think it 's significant that he hasn't replied to my letter yet?
significantly adverb IMPORTANT
1. in a way that is easy to see or by a large amount
My piano playing has improved significantly since I've had a new teacher.
significantly adverb SPECIAL MEANING
2. in a way that suggests a special meaning
He said that he would be bringing a friend with him but, significantly, didn't say
who it was.
signification noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the meaning (of a word)
signify verb FORMAL MEAN
1. [ T ] to be a sign of something; to mean
Nobody really knows what the marks on the ancient stones signify.
[ + that ] The number 30 on a road sign signifies that the speed limit is 30 miles
an hour.
signify verb FORMAL MAKE KNOWN
2. [ T ] to make something known; to show
She signified her agreement by nodding her head.
[ + ( that ) ] She signified (that) she was in agreement by nodding her head.
signify verb FORMAL BE IMPORTANT
3. [ I ] to have importance or to matter
Don't worry about being late - it doesn't signify.
signing noun [ C ]
in sport, a player who has been bought by one team from another
signing noun [ C ]
in sport, a player who has been bought by one team from another
ˈ sign ˌ language noun [ C ]
a system of hand and body movements representing words, which is used by and
to people who cannot hear or talk, or the movements which people sometimes make
when talking to someone whose language they do not speak
ˌ sign of the ˈ Zodiac noun [ C ] ( ALSO star sign , ALSO sign )
in astrology , any of the twelve symbols which represent parts of the year
the mosaic depicts the 12 signs of the Zodiac
"What sign are you?" "Gemini."
signpost noun [ C ] ROAD SIGN
signpost
1. a pole at the side of a road, especially at a point where two or more roads
meet, which gives information about routes and distances
The signpost said 'London 18 miles'.
signpost noun [ C ] SHOW FUTURE
2. something which shows what is going to happen, or what should happen, in the
future
This upturn in the country's economy is a splendid signpost to the future.
signpost verb ROAD SIGN
1. [ T usually passive ] to show the direction of something on a signpost
The road wasn't very well signposted (= provided with signposts) .
We found where we were going very easily, because it was signposted (= the
direction was shown by signposts) all the way.
signpost verb SHOW FUTURE
2. [ T ] to show what is going to happen in the future
The early chapters of the book signpost what is going to happen further on.
Sikh noun [ C ]
a member of the religion which developed in the 15th century and is based on
belief in a single god and on the teachings of Guru Nanak
Sikh adjective
a Sikh temple
Sikhism noun [ U ]
Sikh noun [ C ]
a member of the religion which developed in the 15th century and is based on
belief in a single god and on the teachings of Guru Nanak
Sikh adjective
a Sikh temple
Sikhism noun [ U ]
silage noun [ U ]
grass or other green plants that are cut and stored, without being dried first, to
feed cattle in winter
silence noun QUIET
1. [ U ] a period without any sound; complete quiet
A loud crash of thunder broke the silence of the night.
Silence reigned (= There was complete silence) in the church.
silence noun NO SPEAKING
2. [ U ] a state of not speaking or writing or making a noise
The soldiers listened in silence as their captain gave the orders.
"Silence (= Stop talking) " shouted the teacher.
My request for help was met with silence (= I received no answer) .
Her silence on/about what had happened to her surprised everyone.
Their mother's angry words reduced the children to silence.
I don't expect to hear from her now, after three years' silence (= three years in
which she has not spoken or written to me) .
3. [ C ] a period of time in which there is complete quiet or no speaking
Their conversation was punctuated by uncomfortable silences.
Silence is golden. SAYING
said to mean it is often better to say nothing
silence verb [ T ]
to make someone or something be quiet
The teacher raised his voice to silence the class (= to make them stop talking) .
Her remark about his appearance completely silenced him (= made him unable to
answer) .
FIGURATIVE Al Capone silenced his opponents (= prevented them from opposing
him) by killing them.
FIGURATIVE The enemy's guns were silenced (= made to stop firing) in a surprise
attack.
silencer noun [ C ]
1. a piece of equipment that you use on a gun to reduce the sound of it firing
2. UK ( US AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH muffler ) a part of a vehicle that reduces noise
from the engine
silencer noun [ C ]
1. a piece of equipment that you use on a gun to reduce the sound of it firing
2. UK ( US AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH muffler ) a part of a vehicle that reduces noise
from the engine
silent adjective QUIET
1. without any sound
The empty house was completely silent.
LITERARY It was four o'clock in the morning and London was as silent as the
grave (= completely silent) .
silent adjective NO SPEAKING
2. without talking
She whispered a silent prayer that her wounded brother would not die.
The police officer told the criminal that he had the right to remain silent.
The minister was silent on/about his plans for the future.
Arthur has always been the strong, silent type (= a type of person, usually a
man, who says very little) .
silently adverb
ˌ silent ˈ film noun [ C ] ( US ALSO silent movie )
a film without any sound
Compare talkie
ˌ silent ˈ letter noun [ C ]
A silent letter in a word is one which is written but not pronounced, such as the 'b'
in 'doubt'.
ˌ silent ma ˈ jority noun [ S ]
a large number of people who have not expressed an opinion about something
A few people have spoken in favour of the new car park, but I'm sure the silent
majority are against it.
ˌ silent ˈ partner noun [ C usually singular ]
US FOR sleeping partner
silhouette noun [ C or U ]
silhouette
a dark shape seen against a light surface
The silhouette of the bare tree on the hill was clear against the winter sky.
silhouetted adjective
forming a silhouette
The goats high up on the mountain were silhouetted against the snow.
silhouetted adjective
forming a silhouette
The goats high up on the mountain were silhouetted against the snow.
silica noun [ U ]
a mineral which exists in various forms, including sand, quartz and flint , and
which is used to make glass and cement
silicate noun [ C or U ]
any of a large number of common minerals formed of silica, oxygen and one or
more other elements
silicon noun [ U ]
a grey element which is found combined with oxygen in a large number of
common minerals, and which has unusual electrical characteristics
ˌ silicon ˈ chip noun [ C ]
a small piece of silicon which is used in computers, calculators and other
electronic machines
silicone noun [ U ]
any of a number of compounds of silicon that are used in making artificial rubber,
paint, polish , varnish , etc.
ˈ silicone ˌ implant noun [ C ]
something used to replace or increase the size of body parts that can be seen
a silicone breast implant
silicosis noun [ U ]
a lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust, especially found among coal
miners and stonemasons
silk noun CLOTH
1. [ U ] a delicate, soft type of cloth made from a thread produced by silkworms ,
or the thread itself
a silk dress
a silk shirt
2. silks
the brightly coloured shirts worn by jockeys (= people who ride horses in a race)
silk noun LAWYER
3. [ C ] UK SPECIALIZED a high-ranking lawyer in the British legal system; a QC
take silk UK SPECIALIZED
to become a QC
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. SAYING
used to mean that you can't make something good out of something that is
naturally bad
silken adjective [ usually before noun ]
1. LITERARY soft, smooth and shiny like silk
The princess in the fairy story had long silken hair.
2. a silken sound is one that is pleasant because it is very smooth
The actor delivered his speech in a silken voice.
silken adjective [ usually before noun ]
1. LITERARY soft, smooth and shiny like silk
The princess in the fairy story had long silken hair.
2. a silken sound is one that is pleasant because it is very smooth
The actor delivered his speech in a silken voice.
ˌ silk ˌ screen ( ˈ printing) noun [ U ]
a method of printing by forcing ink through a pattern cut into silk or other similar
cloth, stretched across a frame
silk screen verb [ I or T ]
to use the silk screen method of printing
silkworm noun [ C ]
a type of caterpillar (= a young worm-like form of an insect) which produces
threads of silk from which it makes a cocoon (= a covering for its body)
silky adjective USUALLY APPROVING
soft and smooth, like silk
Persian cats have long, silky fur.
FIGURATIVE The villain leans over and speaks to her in a silky persuasive voice.
silkiness noun [ U ]
sill noun [ C ]
a flat piece of wood, stone, etc. which forms the base of a window or door
See also windowsill
silliness noun [ U ]
when someone is silly
silly adjective
showing little thought or judgment; foolish
Don't do that, you silly boy!
a silly mistake
It was silly of you to go out in the sun without a hat.
I feel silly (= embarrassed) in this dress.
drink/laugh, etc. yourself silly
to drink/laugh, etc. so much that you are unable to think clearly or behave with
good judgment
I laughed myself silly at his jokes.
silly billy INFORMAL
a silly person, especially a child
You're being a silly billy, now stop it.
ˈ silly ˌ season noun [ U ]
the time of year, usually in the summer, when newspapers are full of stories
which are not important because there is no important, especially political, news
ˈ silly ˌ season noun [ U ]
the time of year, usually in the summer, when newspapers are full of stories
which are not important because there is no important, especially political, news
silo noun [ C ]
1. a large round tower on a farm for storing grain or winter food for cattle
2. a large underground place for storing and firing missiles
silt noun [ U ]
sand or soil which is carried along by flowing water and then dropped, especially
at a bend in a river or at a river's opening
silt verb
silt (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to become blocked with silt, or to cause something to become blocked with silt
The harbour silted up many years ago.
silvan , sylvan adjective OLD USE OR LITERARY
of or having woods
silver noun [ C or U ]
1. a valuable shiny white metal that is used for making utensils (= knives,
spoons, etc.) , jewellery, coins and decorative objects
We gave Alison and Tom a dish made of solid silver as a wedding present.
Cleaning the silver (= silver objects) is a dirty job.
Shall we use the silver (= utensils made of silver) for dinner tonight?
I need some silver (= coins made of silver or a metal of similar appearance) for
the ticket machine in the car park.
2. ( ALSO silver medal [ C ] ) a small disc of silver, or a metal that looks like silver,
which is given to the person who comes second in a competition, especially in a sport
Britain won (a) silver/a silver medal in the javelin.
silver adjective
made of silver, or of the colour of silver
a silver ring
My grandmother has silver hair.
silver verb [ T often passive ]
to cover something, especially a window, with a thin layer of silver-coloured
material in order to make a mirror
ˌ silver ˈ birch noun [ C ]
a common type of birch tree, which has a silver-coloured trunk and branches
ˌ silver ˈ birch noun [ C ]
a common type of birch tree, which has a silver-coloured trunk and branches
silverfish noun [ C ]
a silvery-white insect without wings which lives inside buildings
ˌ silver ˈ jubilee noun [ C usually singular ]
a date that is exactly 25 years after the date of an important event
ˌ silver ˈ paper noun [ U ] ( ALSO silver foil ) UK
shiny silver-coloured paper
ˌ silver ˈ plate noun [ U ]
objects made of metal with a thin covering of silver
silver-plated adjective
the ˌ silver ˈ screen noun [ S ] LITERARY
the film industry
the stars of the silver screen
silverside noun [ U ] UK
part of a leg of beef
silversmith noun [ C ]
a person who makes or sells silver objects
silver-tongued adjective LITERARY
If you are silver-tongued, you speak in a way that charms or persuades people.
silverware noun [ U ]
1. objects, especially knives, forks, spoons, etc., made of silver
2. US knives, forks, spoons, etc. made of steel or other materials
ˌ silver ˈ wedding (anniversary) noun [ C ]
the date exactly 25 years after the date of a marriage
ˌ silver ˈ wedding (anniversary) noun [ C ]
the date exactly 25 years after the date of a marriage
silvery adjective LITERARY COLOUR
1. like silver
The grass was silvery with frost.
silvery adjective LITERARY SOUND
2. having a pleasant clear musical sound
We were woken early by the peal of silvery bells.
sim card noun [ C ]
a plastic card in a mobile phone that contains your personal information and that
allows you to use the phone
simian adjective , noun [ C ] FORMAL
(of or like) a monkey
similar adjective
looking or being almost, but not exactly, the same
My father and I have similar views on politics.
I bought some new shoes which are very similar to a pair I had before.
Paul is very similar in appearance to his brother.
similarity noun [ C or U ]
when people or things look or are the same
I can see the similarity between you and your mother.
The book bears several striking similarities to last year's bestseller.
similarly adverb
in a similar way
The children were similarly dressed.
Cars must stop at red traffic lights: similarly, bicycles should stop too.
simile noun [ C or U ]
(the use of) an expression comparing one thing with another, always including the
words `as' or `like'
The lines 'She walks in beauty, like the night...' from Byron's poem contain a
simile.
simmer verb
1. [ I or T ] to cook something liquid, or something with liquid in it, at a
temperature slightly below boiling
Leave the vegetables to simmer for a few minutes.
2. [ I ] If a disagreement or negative emotion simmers, it grows slowly stronger
over a period of time and could become more serious at any moment
The strike has been simmering for weeks.
She's been simmering with resentment ever since the meeting.
simmer noun [ S ]
Bring the potatoes to a simmer.
simmer down phrasal verb INFORMAL
to become less angry or excited about something
Come on kids! Simmer down and get on with your work!
simmer verb
1. [ I or T ] to cook something liquid, or something with liquid in it, at a
temperature slightly below boiling
Leave the vegetables to simmer for a few minutes.
2. [ I ] If a disagreement or negative emotion simmers, it grows slowly stronger
over a period of time and could become more serious at any moment
The strike has been simmering for weeks.
She's been simmering with resentment ever since the meeting.
simmer noun [ S ]
Bring the potatoes to a simmer.
simmer down phrasal verb INFORMAL
to become less angry or excited about something
Come on kids! Simmer down and get on with your work!
simper verb [ I ]
to smile in a silly or annoying way
She gave her teacher a simpering smile.
simper noun [ C ]
simple adjective EASY
1. easy to understand or do; not difficult
The instructions were written in simple English.
It 's simple to find our house.
I want an explanation, but keep/make it simple.
simple adjective IMPORTANT
2. [ before noun ] used to describe the one important fact, truth, etc.
We didn't go swimming for the simple reason that the water was too cold.
simple adjective PLAIN
3. without decoration; plain
I like simple food better than fancy dishes.
simple adjective ONE PART
4. [ before noun ] having or made of only one or a few parts
A hammer is a simple tool.
Simple forms of life have only one cell.
simple adjective NATURAL
5. USUALLY APPROVING ordinary; traditional or natural rather than modern and
complicated
He was just a simple fisherman.
simple adjective FOOLISH
6. describes a person who does not have a normal level of intelligence
He's a bit simple, I'm afraid.
ˌ simple ˈ eye noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a basic type of eye consisting of a collection of cells that are sensitive to light, or
having only one lens , as found in some insects
Compare compound eye
ˌ simple ˈ fracture noun [ C ]
a broken bone that has not cut through the surrounding flesh or skin
Compare compound fracture
ˌ simple ˈ interest noun [ U ]
money that is paid only on an original amount of money that has been borrowed
or invested , and not on the extra money that the original sum earns
Compare compound
ˌ simple ˈ leaf noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a type of leaf which is formed of one leaf on a leaf stalk
Compare compound leaf
simple-minded adjective DISAPPROVING
1. describes a person who does not have the ability to reason and understand
2. describes an action or opinion that is based on a limited understanding of a
situation
ˌ simple ˈ sentence noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a sentence that has only one verb
ˈ simple ˌ sugar noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a monosaccharide
simpleton noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a person without the usual ability to reason and understand
simplicity noun [ U ] EASY
1. when something is easy to understand or do
The advantage of the plan is its simplicity.
The examination was simplicity itself (= very easy) .
simplicity noun [ U ] NATURAL
2. when something is ordinary, traditional or natural and not complicated
The old people led a life of great simplicity (= with few possessions and little
money) .
simplicity noun [ U ] PLAIN
3. when something is plain and has no decoration
simplify verb [ T ]
to make something less complicated and therefore easier to do or understand
the new simplified tax system
He tried to simplify the story for the younger audience.
simplification noun [ C or U ]
ˌ simple ˈ interest noun [ U ]
money that is paid only on an original amount of money that has been borrowed
or invested , and not on the extra money that the original sum earns
Compare compound
ˌ simple ˈ leaf noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a type of leaf which is formed of one leaf on a leaf stalk
Compare compound leaf
simple-minded adjective DISAPPROVING
1. describes a person who does not have the ability to reason and understand
2. describes an action or opinion that is based on a limited understanding of a
situation
ˌ simple ˈ sentence noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a sentence that has only one verb
ˈ simple ˌ sugar noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a monosaccharide
simpleton noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a person without the usual ability to reason and understand
simplicity noun [ U ] EASY
1. when something is easy to understand or do
The advantage of the plan is its simplicity.
The examination was simplicity itself (= very easy) .
simplicity noun [ U ] NATURAL
2. when something is ordinary, traditional or natural and not complicated
The old people led a life of great simplicity (= with few possessions and little
money) .
simplicity noun [ U ] PLAIN
3. when something is plain and has no decoration
simplify verb [ T ]
to make something less complicated and therefore easier to do or understand
the new simplified tax system
He tried to simplify the story for the younger audience.
simplification noun [ C or U ]
simplistic adjective DISAPPROVING
making something complicated seem simple by ignoring important parts of it
They are taking a disgracefully simplistic point of view about the war.
simply adverb IMPORTANT
1. completely or absolutely
You look simply (= really) beautiful in that dress.
The hunger in parts of Africa is terrible - there's ( quite ) simply (= without
doubt) no other word for it.
2. only
I don't like my job - I simply do it for the money.
simply adverb EASY
3. in an easy way
He explained it as simply as he could, but the class still didn't understand.
simply adverb PLAIN
4. in a plain way
a simply decorated apartment
simulacrum noun [ C ] FORMAL
something that looks like or represents something else
simulacrum noun [ C ] FORMAL
something that looks like or represents something else
simulate verb [ T ]
to do or make something which looks real but is not real
In cheap furniture, plastic is often used to simulate wood.
FORMAL Ruth simulated pleasure at seeing Simon, but really she wished he hadn't
come.
Some driving teachers use computers to simulate (= represent) different road
conditions for learners to practise on.
simulated adjective
simulation noun [ C or U ]
a model of a set of problems or events that can be used to teach someone how to
do something, or the process of making such a model
The manager prepared a computer simulation of likely sales performance for the
rest of the year.
simulator noun [ C ]
a piece of equipment which is designed to represent real conditions, for example
in an aircraft or spacecraft
People learning to fly often practise on a flight simulator.
simulcast noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a broadcast by a radio and a television station of the same programme at the
same time
simultaneous adjective
happening or being done at exactly the same time
There were several simultaneous explosions in different cities.
simultaneously adverb
Two children answered the teacher's question simultaneously.
simultaneousness noun [ U ] ( ALSO simultaneity )
sin noun [ C or U ]
the offence of breaking, or the breaking of, a religious or moral law
to commit/confess a sin
He thinks a lot about sin.
[ + to infinitive ] INFORMAL I think it 's a sin (= is morally wrong) to waste food,
when so many people in the world are hungry.
HUMOROUS For my sins (= As if it were a punishment) , I'm organizing the office
party this year.
sinless adjective
as guilty/miserable/ugly as sin INFORMAL
very guilty, miserable or ugly
sin
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR sine
sin verb [ I ]
to break a religious or moral law
sinner noun [ C ]
sin noun [ C or U ]
the offence of breaking, or the breaking of, a religious or moral law
to commit/confess a sin
He thinks a lot about sin.
[ + to infinitive ] INFORMAL I think it 's a sin (= is morally wrong) to waste food,
when so many people in the world are hungry.
HUMOROUS For my sins (= As if it were a punishment) , I'm organizing the office
party this year.
sinless adjective
as guilty/miserable/ugly as sin INFORMAL
very guilty, miserable or ugly
sin
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR sine
sin verb [ I ]
to break a religious or moral law
sinner noun [ C ]
sin-bin noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
in some sports, an area off the field where a player who has committed an act
which is against the rules can be sent, for a stated length of time
sin-bin verb [ T usually passive ]
to send a player to the sin-bin
Thomas was sin-binned for a professional foul.
since adverb
from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now
Emma went to work in New York a year ago, and we haven't seen her since.
He started working for the company when he left school, and has been there ever
since (= and is still there) .
I've long since (= long ago) forgotten any Latin I ever learned.
since preposition
from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now
England have not won the World Cup in football since 1966.
It was the hottest October since records began.
since conjunction BECAUSE
1. because; as
Since we've got a few minutes to wait for the train, let's have a cup of coffee.
since conjunction TIME
2. from a particular time in the past until a later time, or until now
I've been very busy since I came back from holiday.
sincere adjective
(of a person, feelings or behaviour) not pretending or lying; honest
a sincere apology
He seems so sincere.
Opposite insincere
sincerely adverb
1. honestly and without pretending or lying
I'm sincerely grateful.
2. (Yours) sincerely ( US ALSO Sincerely yours )
used to end a formal letter which is sent to a particular person
sincerely adverb
sincerity noun [ U ]
honesty
The priest was a man of deep sincerity.
sine noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION sin ) SPECIALIZED
(in a triangle that has one angle of 90°) the ratio of the length of the side
opposite an angle less than 90° divided by the length of the hypotenuse (= the side
opposite the 90° angle)
Compare cosine ; tangent
sinecure noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a position which involves little work, but for which the person is paid
ˌ sine qua ˈ non noun [ S ] FORMAL
a necessary condition without which something is not possible
An interest in children is a sine qua non of teaching.
sinew noun
1. [ C ] a tendon (= strong band of tissue in the body connecting a muscle to a
bone)
2. [ C usually plural ] a part of a structure or system that provides support and
holds it together
These steel posts form the sinews of the building.
sinews of war MAINLY UK LITERARY
the money needed for weapons and supplies during a war
sinewy adjective
with strong muscles and little fat
The fighter had a strong, sinewy body.
sinful adjective
1. against the rules of a religion or morally wrong
He confessed that he had sinful thoughts.
Buying that sports car was a sinful waste of money.
2. INFORMAL describes something which is very pleasant, but very bad for you
This cream cake is sinful!
sinfully adverb
sinfulness noun [ U ]
sing verb MAKE MUSIC
1. [ I or T ] to make musical sounds with the voice, usually a tune with words
The children sang two songs by Schubert at the school concert.
We were woken early by the sound of the birds singing.
Your grandmother would like you to sing for/to her.
[ + two objects ] Will you sing us a song/sing a song to us?
She sang her baby to sleep every night.
Pavarotti is singing Rodolfo (= singing the part of Rodolfo) in 'La Boheme' at La
Scala this week.
Please sing UK up / US out (= sing louder) .
sing verb RING
2. [ I ] to make or be filled with a (high) ringing sound
A bullet sang past the top of the soldier's head.
singing noun [ U ]
sing for your supper OLD-FASHIONED
to do something for someone else in order to receive something in return,
especially food
Dan's upstairs fixing my computer - I'm making him sing for his supper.
sing the praises of sb/sth
to praise someone or something
The newspapers have been singing the praises of Italy's new star player.
sing along phrasal verb
to sing a piece of music while someone else is singing or playing it
The radio station played a Billy Joel song, and I found myself singing along to it.
sing noun , adjective
ABBREVIATION FOR singular
sincerely adverb
sincerity noun [ U ]
honesty
The priest was a man of deep sincerity.
sine noun [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION sin ) SPECIALIZED
(in a triangle that has one angle of 90°) the ratio of the length of the side
opposite an angle less than 90° divided by the length of the hypotenuse (= the side
opposite the 90° angle)
Compare cosine ; tangent
sinecure noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a position which involves little work, but for which the person is paid
ˌ sine qua ˈ non noun [ S ] FORMAL
a necessary condition without which something is not possible
An interest in children is a sine qua non of teaching.
sinew noun
1. [ C ] a tendon (= strong band of tissue in the body connecting a muscle to a
bone)
2. [ C usually plural ] a part of a structure or system that provides support and
holds it together
These steel posts form the sinews of the building.
sinews of war MAINLY UK LITERARY
the money needed for weapons and supplies during a war
sinewy adjective
with strong muscles and little fat
The fighter had a strong, sinewy body.
sinful adjective
1. against the rules of a religion or morally wrong
He confessed that he had sinful thoughts.
Buying that sports car was a sinful waste of money.
2. INFORMAL describes something which is very pleasant, but very bad for you
This cream cake is sinful!
sinfully adverb
sinfulness noun [ U ]
sing verb MAKE MUSIC
1. [ I or T ] to make musical sounds with the voice, usually a tune with words
The children sang two songs by Schubert at the school concert.
We were woken early by the sound of the birds singing.
Your grandmother would like you to sing for/to her.
[ + two objects ] Will you sing us a song/sing a song to us?
She sang her baby to sleep every night.
Pavarotti is singing Rodolfo (= singing the part of Rodolfo) in 'La Boheme' at La
Scala this week.
Please sing UK up / US out (= sing louder) .
sing verb RING
2. [ I ] to make or be filled with a (high) ringing sound
A bullet sang past the top of the soldier's head.
singing noun [ U ]
sing for your supper OLD-FASHIONED
to do something for someone else in order to receive something in return,
especially food
Dan's upstairs fixing my computer - I'm making him sing for his supper.
sing the praises of sb/sth
to praise someone or something
The newspapers have been singing the praises of Italy's new star player.
sing along phrasal verb
to sing a piece of music while someone else is singing or playing it
The radio station played a Billy Joel song, and I found myself singing along to it.
sing noun , adjective
ABBREVIATION FOR singular
singalong noun [ C usually singular ]
US FOR singsong
Singapore noun [ U ]
Singaporean noun [ C ] , adjective
singe verb [ I or T ]
to burn slightly on the surface, without producing flames
My jumper started to singe when I leaned over a burning candle.
singe noun [ C ]
a slight burn mark
The hot iron left a singe ( mark ) on my dress.
singer noun [ C ]
a person who sings
Kiri Te Kanawa is a famous singer from New Zealand.
singer noun [ C ]
a person who sings
Kiri Te Kanawa is a famous singer from New Zealand.
single adjective ONE
1. [ before noun ] one only
He knocked his opponent down with a single blow.
Not a single person offered to help her.
You haven't been listening to a single word I've been saying.
Compare double
single adjective NOT MARRIED
2. not married, or not having a romantic relationship with someone
a single woman/man/person
He's been single for so long now, I don't think he'll ever marry.
The number of single-parent families dependent on the state has risen
enormously in recent years.
single adjective SEPARATE
3. [ before noun ] considered on its own; separate from other things
Patience is the single most important quality needed for this job.
She lost every single thing when her house burned down.
single verb [ I ]
A baseball player singles by hitting a ball that allows him to reach first base.
single sb/sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to choose one person or thing from a group for special attention, especially
criticism or praise
It's not fair the way my sister is always singled out for special treatment.
Jamie was thrilled when the teacher singled out his poem and asked him to read it
out.
single noun [ C ]
1. a record or CD which has only one main song on it
Have you heard Michael Jackson's new single?
2. in cricket, one run (= point)
3. in baseball, a hit which allows the player to reach first base
4. singles
a game, especially in tennis, played between one player on one side and one on
the other
Compare doubles
5. singles
people who are not married and do not have a romantic relationship with
someone
6. single (ticket)
UK a ticket for a journey to a place, but not for the return
May I have a single to London, please.
7. a single room
ˌ single ˈ bed noun [ C ]
a bed for one person
See picture beds 1
ˌ single ˈ bed noun [ C ]
a bed for one person
See picture beds 1
single-breasted adjective [ before noun ]
describes a jacket or coat that fastens in the centre, with only one row of buttons
a single-breasted coat/jacket/suit
See picture clothes 6 (parts of)
ˌ single ˈ combat noun [ U ]
fighting between two people, usually with weapons
The two soldiers met (= fought each other) in single combat.
ˌ single ˈ cream noun [ U ] UK ( US light cream )
a type of thin cream
single-decker noun [ C ]
a bus or other vehicle which has only one level
ˌ single ˈ file noun [ S ]
a way of walking with one person behind another
The schoolchildren were told to walk in single file.
See picture file
single-handed adjective
without any help from anyone else
a single-handed voyage
single-handedly adverb
single-minded adjective
very determined to achieve something
She had a single-minded will to win.
single-mindedly adverb
single-mindedness noun [ U ]
singleness noun
singleness of mind/purpose
attention to one thing
He showed great singleness of mind in dealing with the problem.
singleness noun
singleness of mind/purpose
attention to one thing
He showed great singleness of mind in dealing with the problem.
ˌ single ˈ parent noun [ C ] ( ALSO UK ˌ lone ˈ parent )
someone who has a child or children but no husband, wife or partner who lives
with them
ˌ single ˈ room noun [ C ] ( ALSO single )
a room in a hotel for one person
I'd like a single room, please.
ˈ singles ˌ bar noun [ C ]
a bar where single people (= people with no partner) go to meet other single
people
single-sex adjective [ before noun ]
describes a school that is for either girls or boys, but not both
I went to a single-sex school.
singlet noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a piece of clothing without sleeves which is worn on the top part of the body
under clothes, or for playing particular sports
singleton noun [ C ] CARD
1. SPECIALIZED a playing card which is the only one of that suit that a player has
Jack has a singleton in hearts.
singleton noun [ C ] PERSON
2. HUMOROUS a man or woman who does not have a romantic or sexual partner
singly adverb
one at a time
Doctors usually see their patients singly.
singsong noun MUSICAL VOICE
1. [ S ] a voice rising and falling in level
She spoke in a singsong.
singsong noun SINGING
2. [ C ] UK ( US sing along ) the informal singing of songs by a group of people
It's nice to have a good old-fashioned singsong now and again.
singsong adjective [ before noun ]
a singsong voice
singular adjective GRAMMAR
1. of or relating to the form of a word used when talking or writing about one
thing
a singular ending/form/noun/verb
The word 'woman' is singular.
singular adjective NOTICEABLE
2. [ before noun ] FORMAL of an unusual quality or standard; noticeable
It was a building of singular grace and beauty.
He showed a singular lack of skill in painting.
singular adjective STRANGE
3. unusual or strange; not ordinary
FORMAL
singular noun [ S ]
the form of a word used when talking or writing about one thing
The singular of 'children' is 'child'.
The word 'teeth' is plural - in the singular it's 'tooth'.
singular adjective GRAMMAR
1. of or relating to the form of a word used when talking or writing about one
thing
a singular ending/form/noun/verb
The word 'woman' is singular.
singular adjective NOTICEABLE
2. [ before noun ] FORMAL of an unusual quality or standard; noticeable
It was a building of singular grace and beauty.
He showed a singular lack of skill in painting.
singular adjective STRANGE
3. FORMAL unusual or strange; not ordinary
singular noun [ S ]
the form of a word used when talking or writing about one thing
The singular of 'children' is 'child'.
The word 'teeth' is plural - in the singular it's 'tooth'.
singularity noun [ U ] FORMAL
the quality of being strange
He has been behaving with great singularity.
singularly adverb NOTICEABLE
1. to an unusual degree
singularly beautiful
a singularly unattractive individual
singularly adverb STRANGE
2. FORMAL strangely
sinister adjective
making you feel that something bad or evil might happen
The ruined house had a sinister appearance.
A sinister-looking man sat in the corner of the room.
sink verb GO DOWN BELOW
1. [ I or T ] to (cause something or someone to) go down below the surface or to
the bottom of a liquid or soft substance
The Titanic was a passenger ship which sank (to the bottom of the ocean) in
1912.
The legs of the garden chair sank into the soft ground.
Enemy aircraft sank two battleships.
The dog sank her teeth into (= bit) the ball and ran off with it.
See also sunken
sink verb FALL
2. [ I ] to (cause something or someone to) fall or move to a lower level
The sun glowed red as it sank slowly below the horizon.
Student numbers have sunk considerably this year.
INFORMAL We sank (= drank) a bottle of wine each last night.
The wounded soldier sank (= fell) to the ground.
He sank into deep despair (= became very unhappy) when he lost his job.
3. [ T ] to hit a ball into a hole or pocket, especially in golf or snooker
sink verb DIG
4. [ T ] to dig a hole in the ground, or to put something into a hole dug into the
ground
Sinking more wells is the best way of supplying the population with clean drinking
water.
The first stage of building the fence is sinking the posts into the ground.
See also sunken
sink verb FAILURE
5. [ T ] to cause something to fail or be in trouble
This rain could sink our plans for the garden party.
sink your differences UK
to forget your disagreements
Paul and Mark agreed to sink their differences and be friends.
sink like a stone ( ALSO sink like a lead balloon )
to attract no support, attention or interest
My suggestion that we all play tennis sank like a stone.
sink or swim
If someone leaves you to sink or swim, they give you no help so that you succeed
or fail completely by your own efforts
My employer gave me no help when I started my new job - I was just left to sink
or swim.
sink to a whisper
to speak very quietly
The child's voice sank to a whisper as she admitted that she had broken the
window.
sink to such a level/such depths ( ALSO sink so low )
to do something so bad
I can't believe you would sink so low as to snitch on your best friends.
sink without (a) trace INFORMAL
to be forgotten about completely, or to not attract any attention or interest
Since his last book five years ago, he seems to have sunk without trace.
Her second symphony sank without a trace.
sinking fast
(of a person's health) getting much worse quickly so that death is likely
Mrs Jones is sinking fast, and the doctor doesn't think she'll live much longer.
sinking feeling
a feeling that something bad is going to happen
When I woke up this morning, I had a sinking feeling that it was going to be a
difficult day.
sinking ship
a company or other organization that is failing
He'd seen the accounts, realized he was on a sinking ship, and decided to get off.
sunk in thought UK
thinking deeply
Rodin's sculpture 'The Thinker' is of a man sitting with his head in his hand, sunk
in thought.
sink in phrasal verb INFORMAL
If an unpleasant or surprising fact or idea sinks in, you gradually start to believe
it, understand it, or realize the effect it will have on you
How many times do I have to tell you something before it sinks in?
His voice trailed off as the seriousness of his position sank in.
sink in/sink into sth phrasal verb
If a liquid or soft substance sinks into something solid, it gradually passes into it
through its surface
You'd better wipe up that coffee you spilled on the carpet before it sinks in.
sink into sth phrasal verb
to slowly move your body into a sitting or lying position, in a relaxed or tired way
I was so tired when I got home that all I wanted to do was sink into bed/an
armchair/a hot bath.
sink sth into sth phrasal verb
to spend a large amount of money on a business or other piece of work
We sank all our money into my brother's business.
sink noun [ C ]
a bowl that is fixed to the wall in a kitchen or bathroom in which you wash dishes
or your hands, etc.
a bathroom/kitchen sink
See picture in the kitchen
sinker noun [ C ]
a weight fixed to a fishing net or line to keep it under the water
sinker noun [ C ]
a weight fixed to a fishing net or line to keep it under the water
ˈ sinking ˌ fund noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
money saved by a company or government for the payment of future debts
ˈ sink ˌ unit noun [ C ]
a piece of kitchen furniture into which a sink is fitted
Sinn Fein noun [ U + sing/pl verb ]
an Irish political party that wants Northern Ireland to become part of the Republic
of Ireland
Many people consider Sinn Fein to be the political wing of the IRA.
Sino- prefix
of or connected with China
Sino-Cuban trade relations
sinology noun [ U ]
the study of Chinese language, literature, history, society, etc.
sinologist noun [ C ]
ˈ sin ˌ tax noun [ C usually singular ] US INFORMAL
a tax on things such as cigarettes, alcohol, gambling and other things which are
considered unnecessary in life
sinuous adjective LITERARY
moving in a twisting, curving or indirect way, or having many curves
He enjoyed watching the sinuous bodies of the dancers.
The walkers followed the sinuous path through the trees.
sinuously adverb
sinus noun [ C ]
any of the spaces inside the head that are connected to the back of the nose
sip verb [ I or T ]
to drink, taking only a very small amount at a time
This tea is very hot, so sip it carefully.
She slowly sipped (at) her wine.
sip noun [ C ]
sip verb [ I or T ]
to drink, taking only a very small amount at a time
This tea is very hot, so sip it carefully.
She slowly sipped (at) her wine.
sip noun [ C ]
siphon , ALSO syphon noun [ C ]
1. a tube that is bent in the shape of an `n', with each end in a separate container
at two different levels, so that liquid can be pulled up into it from the higher container
and go down through it into the lower container
2. a soda siphon
siphon , ALSO syphon verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to remove liquid from a container using a siphon
siphon sth off , syphon sth off phrasal verb
to dishonestly take money from an organization or other supply, and use it for a
purpose for which it was not intended
He lost his job when it was discovered that he had been siphoning off money from
the company for his own use.
sir noun [ as form of address ] FORMAL
1. used as a formal and polite way of speaking to a man, especially one who you
are providing a service to or who is in a position of authority
Would you like to see the menu, sir?
"Did you hear what I said?" "Yes, sir."
Compare madam ; Miss ; Ms
2. Dear Sir
used to begin a formal letter to a man whose name you do not know. ' Dear Sirs
' is an old fashioned way of beginning a letter to a company.
3. Dear Sir or Madam
used to begin a formal letter when you do not know whether the person you are
writing to is a man or a woman
no sir US INFORMAL
certainly not
I'm not going to ride the subway, no sir!
Sir , , noun
used as the title of a knight , with a first name or with both first and family
names, but never with just the family name
Sir Walter (Scott)
sire noun [ C ] FATHER
1. a male parent of an animal, especially a horse
sire noun [ C ] KING
2. OLD USE used as a form of address to a king
I will serve you always, sire.
sire verb [ T ]
to become the male parent of an animal or the father of a child
The foal was sired by a cup-winning racehorse.
OLD USE OR HUMOROUS At the age of 70, he married a much younger woman and
went on to sire two more children.
sire noun [ C ] FATHER
1. a male parent of an animal, especially a horse
sire noun [ C ] KING
2. OLD USE used as a form of address to a king
I will serve you always, sire.
sire verb [ T ]
to become the male parent of an animal or the father of a child
The foal was sired by a cup-winning racehorse.
OLD USE OR HUMOROUS At the age of 70, he married a much younger woman and
went on to sire two more children.
siren noun [ C ] DEVICE
1. a device for making a loud warning noise
police sirens
When the air raid siren went off people ran to their shelters.
siren noun [ C ] WOMAN
2. (in ancient Greek literature) one of the creatures who were half woman and
half bird, whose beautiful singing encouraged sailors to sail into dangerous waters
where they died
3. a woman who is considered to be very attractive, but also dangerous
sirloin (steak) noun [ C or U ]
the best meat from the lower back of a cow
sirocco , scirocco noun [ C ]
a hot wind which blows from the Sahara Desert to southern Europe
sirrah noun OLD USE
a form of address that shows no respect, used to a man
Come here, sirrah!
sis noun [ C usually singular ]
INFORMAL FOR sister
sisal , noun [ U ]
(a tropical plant whose leaves produce) strong threads which are used for making
rope and floor coverings
sissy noun [ C ] ( ALSO cissy ) INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a boy who other boys dislike and laugh at because they think he is weak or
interested in activities girls usually like, or a person who is weak and cowardly (= not
brave)
Kevin is such a sissy.
[ as form of address ] Can't you climb that tree, you big sissy?
sissy adjective
sister noun [ C ]
1. a girl or woman who has the same parents as another person
Sophie and Emily are sisters.
Emily is Sophie's younger/little/older/big sister.
2. a girl or woman who treats you in the kind way that a sister would
Lynn's such a good friend - she's like a sister to me.
3. a woman who shares an interest with you, especially that of improving
women's rights
[ as form of address ] "We must continue the fight, sisters!"
4. US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL used to address a woman
OK, sister, move it!
5. UK a nurse who is in charge of a department of a hospital
6. a female member of a religious group, especially a nun
sister under the skin UK
a man who supports women's action to improve their rights
John is a true sister under the skin.
sister adjective [ before noun ]
belonging to a group of similar and related things, such as businesses, usually
owned or operated by the same person or organization
our sister company in Australia
the US battleship Missouri and her sister ship , the Wisconsin
sister noun [ C ]
1. a girl or woman who has the same parents as another person
Sophie and Emily are sisters.
Emily is Sophie's younger/little/older/big sister.
2. a girl or woman who treats you in the kind way that a sister would
Lynn's such a good friend - she's like a sister to me.
3. a woman who shares an interest with you, especially that of improving
women's rights
[ as form of address ] "We must continue the fight, sisters!"
4. US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL used to address a woman
OK, sister, move it!
5. UK a nurse who is in charge of a department of a hospital
6. a female member of a religious group, especially a nun
sister under the skin UK
a man who supports women's action to improve their rights
John is a true sister under the skin.
sister adjective [ before noun ]
belonging to a group of similar and related things, such as businesses, usually
owned or operated by the same person or organization
our sister company in Australia
the US battleship Missouri and her sister ship , the Wisconsin
sisterhood noun
1. [ U ] a strong feeling of friendship and support among women who are involved
in action to improve women's rights
2. [ U ] the relationship between sisters
It was sisterhood that made her care for me as she did.
3. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a society of women living a religious life
4. the sisterhood
women involved in action to improve women's rights
sister-in-law noun [ C ]
the wife of your brother, or the sister of your husband or wife, or the wife of the
brother of your husband or wife
sisterly adjective
feeling or behaving like a sister
I felt quite sisterly towards him, but I couldn't marry him.
sit verb BE SEATED
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to (cause someone to) be in a position
in which the lower part of the body is resting on a seat or other type of support, with
the upper part of the body vertical
to sit at a table/desk
to sit in an armchair
to sit on a chair/a horse/the ground
He came and sat (down) next to me.
[ R ] INFORMAL Sit yourself down and have a cup of tea.
The child's father sat her (down) on a chair.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to be a model for a painter, photographer,
etc.
Monet's wife sat for him many times.
3. [ I ] (of an animal such as a dog) to move into a position with its back legs
bent and its tail end on the ground
We're trying to train our dog to sit.
4. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] If a bird sits on its eggs, it covers them
with its body to keep them warm before they hatch .
sit verb POSITION
5. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to stay in one place for a long time and
not be used
The encyclopedia sits on my shelf at home, gathering dust.
6. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to be in a particular position
The village sits at/in the bottom of a valley.
7. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] (of clothes) to fit someone in a particular
way
That coat sits very well on you.
sit verb MEET
8. [ I ] to hold an official meeting of a parliament, court, etc.
The court will sit tomorrow morning.
As an MP, I see much less of my family when Parliament is sitting.
sit verb BE A MEMBER
9. [ I ] to be a member of an official group
I'm going to be sitting on the committee for one more year.
Our member of Congress has sat for (= represented) this town for years.
US All of the federal judges currently sitting (= in office) in Maryland hail from
Baltimore.
sit verb EXAMINATION
10. [ T ] MAINLY UK to take an examination
After I've sat my exams, I'm going on holiday.
AUSTRALIAN I sat for my exams today.
sit verb LOOK AFTER
11. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to babysit
be sitting pretty
to be in a good situation, usually because you have a lot of money
They bought their house while prices were low, so now they're sitting pretty.
sit at the feet of sb
to be a very admiring student of someone important
sit in judgment on/over sb MAINLY DISAPPROVING
to make a judgment on someone especially when you have no right to do so
I don't know why he thinks he can sit in judgment over us like that.
sit on your arse UK ( US sit on your ass ) OFFENSIVE
to do nothing, especially when you should be doing something
She just sits on her arse all day, while I do all the work.
sit on your stomach INFORMAL
Food that sits on your stomach makes you feel uncomfortably full.
sit on the fence
to delay making a decision
You can't sit on the fence any longer - you have decide whose side you're on.
sit right/well (with sb )
to be something that you agree or are pleased with
Their decision/answer didn't sit well with the Board of Directors.
sit tight
1. to stay where you are
You'd better sit tight and I'll call the doctor.
2. MAINLY UK to refuse to change your mind
My parents tried to persuade me not to go alone, but I sat tight.
sit around phrasal verb ( UK ALSO sit about ) INFORMAL
to spend time sitting down and doing very little
We sat around most of the evening, waiting for Jake and drinking beer.
sit back phrasal verb COMFORTABLE
1. to sit comfortably with your back against the back of a chair
sit back phrasal verb WAITING
2. INFORMAL to wait for something to happen without making any effort to do
anything yourself
You can't just sit back and wait for job offers to come to you.
sit by phrasal verb
to fail to take action to stop something wrong from happening
I can't just sit by and watch you waste all our money.
sit down phrasal verb
sit down
to move your body so that the lower part of it is resting on a seat or on the
ground
I sat down on the sofa next to Barbara.
sit down and do sth phrasal verb
to spend time discussing a problem in order to solve it or make a decision
I think we should sit down and talk about this.
sit in phrasal verb COMPLAIN
1. to go as a group into a public building and refuse to leave or to allow normal
activities to continue there until a situation that you are complaining about is changed
sit in phrasal verb BE PRESENT
2. to be present in a meeting or class, watching it but not taking part in it
There will be a school inspector sitting in on your class this morning.
sit in for sb phrasal verb
to take the place of someone who would normally do a particular job or go to a
particular meeting
Mr Baker is ill today, so Miss Dixon is sitting in for him ( as your teacher).
sit on sth phrasal verb INFORMAL DELAY
1. to delay taking action about something
The company has been sitting on my letter for weeks without dealing with my
complaint.
sit on sth phrasal verb INFORMAL KEEP SECRET
2. MAINLY DISAPPROVING to prevent people from knowing a piece of information
The government will presumably sit on the report until after the election.
sit on your hands
to do nothing about a problem or a situation that needs dealing with
Every day the crisis worsens and yet the government seems content to sit on its
hands.
sit on sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to force someone to be silent or not to do something
The boss is going to sit on him to make sure he says nothing.
sit sth out phrasal verb [ M ] ACTIVITY
1. to not take part in a physical activity such as a dance or a game, because you
are tired or injured
I'm feeling rather tired, so I think I'll sit out the next dance.
sit sth out phrasal verb [ M ] SITUATION
2. to wait for an unpleasant situation or event to finish, without leaving or taking
some other action
The government is prepared to sit out the strike rather than agree to union
demands.
sit through sth phrasal verb
to stay until the end of an event such as a meeting or performance that is very
long or boring
We had to sit through two hours of speeches.
sit under sb phrasal verb US
to receive teaching from someone
He sat under the most influential teacher in his field.
sit (sb) up phrasal verb
to move into a sitting position after you have been lying down, or to help
someone else to do this
Let me sit you up in the bed so you'll be more comfortable.
sit up phrasal verb STRAIGHT
1. to sit with a straight back
How many times do I have to tell you children to sit up straight ?
sit up phrasal verb STAY AWAKE
2. to stay awake and not go to bed although it is late
[ + -ing verb ] The book was so interesting that I sat up all night read ing it.
I'll be late tonight, so don't sit up for (= wait for) me.
sit up phrasal verb NOTICE
3. INFORMAL to show interest or surprise
The news that he was getting married really made her sit up.
sit up and take notice INFORMAL
to show interest or surprise
She sat up and took notice when she heard he was getting married.
sitar noun [ C ]
a South Asian musical instrument with a round body, a long neck and two sets of
strings
sitar noun [ C ]
a South Asian musical instrument with a round body, a long neck and two sets of
strings
sitcom noun [ C or U ]
a situation comedy
sit-down adjective [ before noun ] MEAL
1. describes a meal served to people who are sitting at a table
We're having a sit-down meal at our wedding, rather than a buffet.
sit-down adjective [ before noun ] REFUSE TO WORK
2. describes a strike in which workers refuse to leave their place of work until
their employers have agreed to their demands
The workers are holding a sit-down strike .
sit-down noun [ S ] INFORMAL
a short period of sitting in order to rest
You look tired. Why don't you come and have a sit-down for a few minutes.
site noun [ C ] PLACE
1. a place where something is, was, or will be built, or where something
happened, is happening, or will happen
a building site
The council haven't yet chosen the site for the new hospital.
This is the site of the accident.
2. on site
inside a factory, office building, etc.
There are two restaurants on site.
The office complex has an on-site nursery.
site noun [ C ] INTERNET
3. a website
site verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] FORMAL
to exist or be built in a particular place
The company head office is sited in Rome.
sit-in noun [ C ]
when a group of people go into a public building and refuse to leave or allow
normal activities to continue there until a situation that they are complaining about is
changed
Students staged a sit-in in the university offices as part of their protest campaign.
See also sit in
sit-in noun [ C ]
when a group of people go into a public building and refuse to leave or allow
normal activities to continue there until a situation that they are complaining about is
changed
Students staged a sit-in in the university offices as part of their protest campaign.
See also sit in
sitter noun [ C ]
1. someone who is having their portrait (= picture of their face or body) painted
2. a babysitter
sitting noun [ C ] BE SEATED
1. a period when a meal is served in a place like a hotel
When the hotel is full, dinner is served in two sittings.
2. a period spent by a model who is being painted, photographed, etc.
The portrait was finished after only three sittings.
sitting noun [ C ] MEETING
3. a meeting of a parliament, court, etc.
at/in one sitting
during one limited period of time, without stopping
I enjoyed the book so much that I read it all in one sitting.
sitting adjective
ˌ sitting ˈ duck
someone or something that is very easy for an enemy to shoot or attack
With their bullets all gone, the soldiers were sitting ducks for the enemy.
ˌ sitting ˈ member noun [ C ] UK FORMAL
the person who is the Member of Parliament for an area at the present time
ˌ sitting ˈ room noun [ C ]
UK FOR living room
ˌ sitting ˈ target noun [ C ]
a person or thing that is without protection and easily attacked
In his open car, the President was a sitting target for assassins.
If you don't lock your doors and windows, you'll be a sitting target for burglars.
ˌ sitting ˈ tenant noun [ C ]
a person with a legal right to stay in a property that they are renting
We can't sell the house because we can't get rid of the sitting tenants.
ˌ sitting ˈ tenant noun [ C ]
a person with a legal right to stay in a property that they are renting
We can't sell the house because we can't get rid of the sitting tenants.
situate verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to put in a particular position
They plan to situate the bus stop at the corner of the road.
To understand this issue, it must first be situated in its context.
situated adjective [ after verb ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
in a particular position
The school is situated near to the station.
[ + to infinitive ] With this new product, we are well situated to beat (= we have
a good chance of beating) our competitors.
How are you situated for time (= How much time do you have) ?
situation noun [ C ]
1. the set of things that are happening and the conditions that exist at a particular
time and place
the economic/political situation
Her news put me in a difficult situation.
"Would you get involved in a fight?" "It would depend on the situation."
I'll worry about it if/when/as the situation arises (= if/when/as it happens) .
2. OLD USE a job
My sister has a good situation as a teacher in the local school.
3. FORMAL the position of something, especially a town, building, etc.
The house's situation in the river valley is perfect.
situ ˌ ation ˈ comedy noun [ C or U ] ( INFORMAL sitcom )
a funny television or radio show in which the same characters appear in each
programme in a different story
Situ ˌ ations ˈ Vacant noun [ S or U ] UK
the part of a newspaper in which jobs are listed
sit-up noun [ C ]
a type of exercise in which someone sits up from a lying position and which
makes the stomach muscles stronger
SI unit noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a unit of measurement that is part of a system used for scientific and technical
work all over the world
The SI unit of length is the metre.
SI unit noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a unit of measurement that is part of a system used for scientific and technical
work all over the world
The SI unit of length is the metre.
six number
the number 6
Look for a bus with a number six on the front of it.
"How many grandchildren do you have now?" "I've got six (grandchildren)."
at sixes and sevens INFORMAL
in a confused, badly organized or difficult situation
We've been at sixes and sevens in the office this week.
be six feet under HUMOROUS
to be dead and buried
There's no point worrying about it - we'll both be six feet under by then.
six of one and half a dozen of the other INFORMAL SAYING
said when you think that neither of two choices is better than the other
"Shall we go by car or train?" "I don't know, it's six of one and half a dozen of the
other."
six of the best UK OLD-FASHIONED
a beating, usually of six hits with a stick
six noun [ C ]
in cricket, six points scored when the player hits the ball to the edge of the
playing area without it touching the ground first
Richards hit a six.
six-footer noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is at least six feet (1.83 metres) tall
six-pack noun [ C ]
1. INFORMAL six containers, usually bottles or cans , of a particular type of beer or
other drink that are sold together as one unit
2. HUMOROUS the well-developed muscles of a man's stomach
sixpence noun [ C or U ]
a small silver-coloured coin used in Britain until 1971 which was worth six old
pennies , or this amount of money
sixpenny adjective [ before noun ]
worth or costing six pence
a sixpenny bit
sixpenny adjective [ before noun ]
worth or costing six pence
a sixpenny bit
six-shooter noun [ C ]
a small gun that holds six bullets
sixteen , number
the number 16
fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen
We've got sixteen (people) coming for lunch.
sixteenth , ordinal number
sixteenth , noun [ C ]
one of sixteen equal parts of something
six ˈ teenth ˌ note noun [ C ]
US FOR semiquaver
sixth ordinal number
I have to return my library books on the sixth (of July).
England were/came sixth in the 100 metres.
sixth noun [ C ]
one of six equal parts of something
Cut the cake into sixths.
ˈ sixth ˌ form noun [ C ]
in Britain, the part of a school for students aged 16-18
The sixth-form students are preparing to take their A levels.
ˈ sixth ˌ former noun [ C ]
a student in the sixth form
ˌ sixth ˈ sense noun [ S ]
an ability which some people believe that they have which seems to give them
information without using the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste
A sixth sense told me that the train was going to crash.
ˌ sixth ˈ sense noun [ S ]
an ability which some people believe that they have which seems to give them
information without using the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste
A sixth sense told me that the train was going to crash.
sixtieth ordinal number
sixtieth noun [ C ]
one of sixty equal parts of something
sixty number
the number 60
fifty, sixty, seventy
There are sixty (people) coming to the wedding.
sixty noun
1. sixties
A person's sixties are the period in which they are aged between 60 and 69
Many people retire in their sixties.
2. the sixties
a. the range of temperature between 60° and 69° Fahrenheit
The temperature is usually in/around the sixties at this time of year.
b. the period of years between 60 and 69 in any century
The Beatles made their first hit records in the sixties.
size noun AMOUNT
1. [ C or U ] how large or small something or someone is
We are concerned about the size of our debt.
Some kinds of trees grow to a huge size.
What is the size of that window?
The field was about ten acres in size.
He had a lump on his head the size of (= the same size as) an egg.
The baby is a good size (= quite large) .
I was amazed at the size of their garden (= It was very big) .
size noun MEASURE
2. [ C ] one of the standard measures according to which goods are made or sold
a size 14 dress
Do these shoes come (= Are they made) in children's sizes?
What size are you?/What is your size?/What size do you take ?
Would you like to try the coat (on) for size (= see how well it fits you) , sir?
We'll need to get the carpet cut to size (= cut so that it fits) .
size noun GLUE
3. [ U ] SPECIALIZED a substance like glue which gives stiffness and a hard shiny
surface to cloth, paper, etc.
that's about the size of it INFORMAL
used to show your agreement with someone who has said something correct
"So you mean you won't come to the party with me?" "Yes, that's about the size
of it."
size verb [ T ]
to cover or treat cloth, paper, etc. with size
size sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to examine something or someone carefully and decide what you think about
them
We must size up the situation before we decide what to do.
The two cats walked in circles around each other, sizing each other up.
sizeable , sizable adjective
large
a sizeable amount/area/house
sizeable , sizable adjective
large
a sizeable amount/area/house
-sized suffix
of the size mentioned
a good-sized (= large) garden
a child-sized chair (= a chair of a size suitable for a child)
a pocket-sized mobile phone (= one small enough to fit into a pocket)
sizzle verb [ I ]
to make a sound like food cooking in hot fat
The sausages are sizzling in the pan.
sizzler noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a very hot day
sizzling , adverb ( ALSO sizzling hot )
very hot
It's a sizzling hot day today!
skanky adjective INFORMAL
Something that is skanky is extremely unpleasant, especially because it is dirty.
I found a pair of his skanky underpants on the floor.
skate noun BOOT
1. [ C ] a special boot with a thin metal bar fixed to the bottom that you wear to
move quickly on ice, or a boot with four small wheels fixed to the bottom so that you
can move over a hard surface
a pair of ice skates
a pair of roller skates
skate noun FISH
2. [ C or U ] a large flat sea fish, which can be eaten as food
See picture skate
get/put your skates on UK INFORMAL
used when you want to tell someone to hurry up
Get your skates on, or we'll be late.
skate verb [ I + adv/prep T ]
to move, or make a particular movement on a surface, using skates
The ice on the river is thick enough to skate on/across/over .
Shall we go skating tomorrow?
be skating on thin ice
to be doing something risky or dangerous
He's skating on thin ice by lying to the police.
skate over/round/around sth phrasal verb
to avoid dealing completely with something or to fail to pay enough attention to it
Providing homeless people with somewhere to stay when the weather is cold only
skates round the problem, it doesn't solve it.
I didn't understand what the teacher said about prepositions, because she only
skated over it.
skateboard noun [ C ]
a flat narrow board with two small wheels under each end, which a person stands
on and moves forward by pushing one foot on the ground
See pictures skate , sports 3
skateboarder noun [ C ]
skateboard noun [ C ]
a flat narrow board with two small wheels under each end, which a person stands
on and moves forward by pushing one foot on the ground
See pictures skate , sports 3
skateboarder noun [ C ]
skateboarding noun [ U ]
skateboarding
the activity or sport of riding a skateboard
skatepark noun [ C ]
a place where people do skateboarding, in-line skating , etc.
skater noun [ C ]
a person on skates
skating noun [ U ]
the activity or sport of moving on skates
ice/roller skating
figure/speed skating
ˈ skating ˌ rink noun [ C ]
a specially prepared area for skating
skedaddle verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to run away quickly
OK, children, skedaddle!
skein noun [ C ] THREAD
1. a length of wool or thread loosely wound into the shape of a ring
skein noun [ C ] BIRDS
2. a large group of wild birds such as geese or ducks in flight
skeletal adjective
1. of or like a skeleton (= frame of bones)
Her body was skeletal (= very thin) .
He suffered serious skeletal injuries in the accident.
2. describes something that exists in its most basic form
The newspaper report gave only a skeletal account of the debate.
skeleton noun [ C ]
1. the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body
We found an old sheep skeleton up on the cliffs.
FIGURATIVE Her long illness reduced her to a skeleton (= made her very thin) .
2. the most basic form or structure of something
The skeleton of my book is written/My book is in skeleton form - now I just have
to add the details.
skeleton in the/ your cupboard/closet
an embarrassing secret
Most families have one or two skeletons in the cupboard.
skeleton noun [ C ]
1. the frame of bones supporting a human or animal body
We found an old sheep skeleton up on the cliffs.
FIGURATIVE Her long illness reduced her to a skeleton (= made her very thin) .
2. the most basic form or structure of something
The skeleton of my book is written/My book is in skeleton form - now I just have
to add the details.
skeleton in the/ your cupboard/closet
an embarrassing secret
Most families have one or two skeletons in the cupboard.
ˈ skeleton ˌ key noun [ C ]
a key which will open several doors
ˈ skeleton ˌ service noun [ S ]
when something such as a transport system operates in an extremely limited way
at certain times
The local bus company only runs a skeleton service on Sundays.
ˈ skeleton ˌ staff noun [ S ] ( ALSO skeleton crew )
the smallest number of people needed for a business or organization to operate
The hospital has a skeleton staff at weekends.
skeptic noun [ C ]
US FOR sceptic
sketch noun [ C ] SIMPLE SHAPE/FORM
1. a simple, quickly-made drawing which does not have many details
My mother made a (pencil) sketch of my brother reading a book.
2. a short written or spoken story which does not have many details
sketch noun [ C ] HUMOROUS PERFORMANCE
3. a short humorous part of a longer show on stage, television or radio
I thought the sketch about Queen Victoria was very funny.
sketch verb [ I or T ]
to make a sketch of something
The art students were told to sketch the landscape.
When I have some spare time, I like to sketch.
The artist has sketched out a design for the new school.
sketch sth out phrasal verb
to give a short description of something, containing few details
She sketched out the plan in a few brief sentences.
sketcher noun [ C ]
someone who makes sketches (= drawings)
sketcher noun [ C ]
someone who makes sketches (= drawings)
ˈ sketch ˌ map noun [ C ]
a map with only a few details, usually drawn by hand
sketchpad noun [ C ] ( ALSO sketchbook )
a number of sheets of plain paper fixed together for drawing on
sketchy adjective
containing few details
So far we only have sketchy information about what caused the explosion.
sketchily adverb
skew verb [ T ]
to cause something to be not straight or exact; to twist or distort
The company's results for this year are skewed because not all our customers
have paid their bills.
skew adjective [ after verb ]
not straight
skewbald noun [ C ] , adjective
(an animal, especially a horse) having large white and brown coloured areas of
hair on its body
Fiona's horse is a skewbald.
Fiona has a skewbald horse.
See also piebald
skewer noun [ C ]
a long thin metal pin used for holding pieces of food, especially meat, together
during cooking
skewer verb [ T ]
to put pieces of food, especially meat, on a skewer
skew-whiff adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL
sloping instead of straight; wrongly positioned
You've got your hat on skew-whiff.
ski noun [ C ]
one of a pair of long, flat narrow pieces of wood or plastic, which curve up at the
front, and are fastened to boots so that the wearer can move quickly and easily over
snow
a pair of skis
ski boots
a ski club/resort
ski verb [ I or T ]
to move over snow on skis
He skied down the hill.
Shall we go skiing?
skibob noun [ C ]
a vehicle like a bicycle with skis instead of wheels, used for races
skid verb [ I ]
(especially of a vehicle) to slide along a surface so that you have no control
Trevor's bus skidded on some ice and hit a tree.
skid noun [ C ]
1. an uncontrollable sliding movement
She was riding too fast on a wet road, and the motorbike went into a skid.
2. one of two long flat pieces under some aircraft such as helicopters , which help
the aircraft to land
3. a support, often made of wood, for raising heavy objects off the ground or for
moving them
on skid row MAINLY US INFORMAL
poor, without a job or a place to live, and often drinking too much alcohol
on the skids INFORMAL
experiencing difficulties and unlikely to continue successfully
Their marriage seems to be on the skids.
put the skids under sth UK INFORMAL
to cause something such as a plan to fail
Local residents have put the skids under plans to build a new shopping centre.
ˈ skid ˌ marks plural noun
black marks made by the tyres of a car when it starts or stops moving very
quickly
There were skid marks on the road where a car had braked suddenly.
ski noun [ C ]
one of a pair of long, flat narrow pieces of wood or plastic, which curve up at the
front, and are fastened to boots so that the wearer can move quickly and easily over
snow
a pair of skis
ski boots
a ski club/resort
ski verb [ I or T ]
to move over snow on skis
He skied down the hill.
Shall we go skiing?
skibob noun [ C ]
a vehicle like a bicycle with skis instead of wheels, used for races
skid verb [ I ]
(especially of a vehicle) to slide along a surface so that you have no control
Trevor's bus skidded on some ice and hit a tree.
skid noun [ C ]
1. an uncontrollable sliding movement
She was riding too fast on a wet road, and the motorbike went into a skid.
2. one of two long flat pieces under some aircraft such as helicopters , which help
the aircraft to land
3. a support, often made of wood, for raising heavy objects off the ground or for
moving them
on skid row MAINLY US INFORMAL
poor, without a job or a place to live, and often drinking too much alcohol
on the skids INFORMAL
experiencing difficulties and unlikely to continue successfully
Their marriage seems to be on the skids.
put the skids under sth UK INFORMAL
to cause something such as a plan to fail
Local residents have put the skids under plans to build a new shopping centre.
ˈ skid ˌ marks plural noun
black marks made by the tyres of a car when it starts or stops moving very
quickly
There were skid marks on the road where a car had braked suddenly.
skidpan noun [ C ] UK
a specially prepared surface on which drivers can practise controlling skids
skier noun [ C ]
a person who skis
skiff noun [ C ]
a small light boat for rowing or sailing, usually used by only one person
skiffle noun [ U ]
a type of music popular in the 1950s that is a mixture of jazz and folk music, in
which players often perform on instruments they have made themselves
skiing noun [ U ]
skiing
the activity or sport of moving on skis
a skiing trip/instructor
ˈ ski ˌ jump noun [ S or U ]
a competition in which people on skis move very fast down a specially made steep
slope which turns up at the end, and jump off from the bottom of it, landing on a lower
level
ˈ ski ˌ jump noun [ S or U ]
a competition in which people on skis move very fast down a specially made steep
slope which turns up at the end, and jump off from the bottom of it, landing on a lower
level
skilful UK , US skillful adjective
1. good at doing something, especially because you have practised doing it
Police officers have to be skilful drivers.
2. done or made very well
a skilful piece of playing on the clarinet
skilfully UK , US skillfully adverb
with great skill
ˈ ski ˌ lift noun [ C usually singular ]
a machine consisting of seats hanging down from a continuously moving wire,
which carries people on skis to the top of slopes which they can then ski down
skill noun [ C or U ]
an ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have practised it
Ruth had/possessed great writing skills.
I have no skill at/in sewing.
skilled adjective
1. having the abilities needed to do an activity or job well
My mother is very skilled at/in dressmaking.
2. Skilled work needs someone who has had special training to do it
Nursing is a highly skilled job.
skilled plural noun
the skilled
people who have been trained for a job
skillet noun [ C ]
US FOR frying pan
skim verb MOVE ABOVE
1. [ I or T ] to move quickly just above a surface without touching it
The birds skimmed (across/along/over) the tops of the waves.
2. [ T ] UK ( US skip ) to throw a flat stone horizontally over water so that it
touches and rises off the surface several times
We watched a child skimming stones across the lake.
skim verb CONSIDER QUICKLY
3. [ I or T ] to read or consider something quickly in order to understand the main
points, without studying it in detail
I've only skimmed (through/over) his letter; I haven't read it carefully yet.
We've only skimmed the surface of (= considered a small part of) the problem.
skim verb REMOVE
4. [ T ] to remove something solid from the surface of a liquid
Strain the cooking liquid and skim off the fat .
skim verb STEAL
5. [ T ] to secretly use a piece of equipment that records someone's credit card
details when they are paying for something, in order to use their credit card account
illegally
skim sb/sth off phrasal verb
to choose the best people or things from a group
We've skimmed off the six people who seem to be the most suitable for the job.
skim verb REMOVE
skim verb STEAL
illegally
ˌ skimmed ˈ milk noun [ U ] UK ( US ALSO skim milk )
milk from which the cream has been removed
skimp verb [ I or T ]
to not spend enough time or money on something, or to not use enough of
something in order to do a job or activity as it should be done
Many old people skimp on food and heating in order to meet their bills.
When choosing an overseas package tour, do not skimp.
skimpy adjective
1. DISAPPROVING not large enough
a skimpy meal
2. Skimpy clothing shows a lot of your body
a skimpy dress
skin noun
1. [ C or U ] the natural outer layer which covers a person, animal, fruit, etc.
dark/fair/pale/tanned skin
skin cancer
Babies have soft skins.
Native Americans used to trade skins (= the skins of animals that have been
removed from the body, with or without the hair) .
a banana/potato skin
2. [ C or U ] any outer covering
The bullet pierced the skin of the aircraft.
3. [ S ] a thin solid surface which forms on some liquids, such as paint, when they
are left in the air, or others, such as heated milk, when they are left to cool
4. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the part of a computer program that you can change in order
to make pictures, designs, colours, etc. look different on a screen
Many electronic devices let you create your own skins.
5. drenched/soaked/wet to the skin
extremely wet
We had no umbrellas so we got soaked to the skin in the pouring rain.
6. thin/thick skin
easily/not easily upset by criticism
I don't worry about what he says - I have a very thick skin.
See also thick-skinned ; thin-skinned
-skin suffix
I've got an old sheepskin coat.
-skinned suffix
pale-skinned
be no skin off sb's nose ( US ALSO be no skin off sb's back/teeth )
used when you want to say that it makes no difference to you what someone else
does or thinks
It's no skin off my nose if you don't take my advice.
be skin and bone(s)
to be extremely thin
She was (just) skin and bone(s).
by the skin of your teeth
If you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just succeed in doing it
He escaped from the secret police by the skin of his teeth.
get under sb's skin
to annoy someone
Jack really gets under my skin - he never buys anyone a drink.
jump/leap out of your skin
to be extremely surprised by something
The loud noise made me jump out of my skin.
make sb's skin crawl
If someone or something makes your skin crawl, you think they are very
unpleasant or frightening
Just thinking about the way he had touched her made her skin crawl.
skin verb [ T ]
to remove the skin of something
The hunters skinned the deer they had killed.
I skinned my knee (= hurt my knee by rubbing skin off it) when I fell down the
steps.
skin sb alive INFORMAL HUMOROUS
to punish or tell someone off severely
My mother will skin me alive for being so late home.
skin-deep adjective
not carefully considered or strongly felt
After the first half-hour she realized that her new-found confidence was no more
than skin-deep.
skim verb REMOVE
skim verb STEAL
illegally
ˌ skimmed ˈ milk noun [ U ] UK ( US ALSO skim milk )
milk from which the cream has been removed
skimp verb [ I or T ]
to not spend enough time or money on something, or to not use enough of
something in order to do a job or activity as it should be done
Many old people skimp on food and heating in order to meet their bills.
When choosing an overseas package tour, do not skimp.
skimpy adjective
1. DISAPPROVING not large enough
a skimpy meal
2. Skimpy clothing shows a lot of your body
a skimpy dress
skin noun
1. [ C or U ] the natural outer layer which covers a person, animal, fruit, etc.
dark/fair/pale/tanned skin
skin cancer
Babies have soft skins.
Native Americans used to trade skins (= the skins of animals that have been
removed from the body, with or without the hair) .
a banana/potato skin
2. [ C or U ] any outer covering
The bullet pierced the skin of the aircraft.
3. [ S ] a thin solid surface which forms on some liquids, such as paint, when they
are left in the air, or others, such as heated milk, when they are left to cool
4. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the part of a computer program that you can change in order
to make pictures, designs, colours, etc. look different on a screen
Many electronic devices let you create your own skins.
5. drenched/soaked/wet to the skin
extremely wet
We had no umbrellas so we got soaked to the skin in the pouring rain.
6. thin/thick skin
easily/not easily upset by criticism
I don't worry about what he says - I have a very thick skin.
See also thick-skinned ; thin-skinned
-skin suffix
I've got an old sheepskin coat.
-skinned suffix
pale-skinned
be no skin off sb's nose ( US ALSO be no skin off sb's back/teeth )
used when you want to say that it makes no difference to you what someone else
does or thinks
It's no skin off my nose if you don't take my advice.
be skin and bone(s)
to be extremely thin
She was (just) skin and bone(s).
by the skin of your teeth
If you do something by the skin of your teeth, you only just succeed in doing it
He escaped from the secret police by the skin of his teeth.
get under sb's skin
to annoy someone
Jack really gets under my skin - he never buys anyone a drink.
jump/leap out of your skin
to be extremely surprised by something
The loud noise made me jump out of my skin.
make sb's skin crawl
If someone or something makes your skin crawl, you think they are very
unpleasant or frightening
Just thinking about the way he had touched her made her skin crawl.
skin verb [ T ]
to remove the skin of something
The hunters skinned the deer they had killed.
I skinned my knee (= hurt my knee by rubbing skin off it) when I fell down the
steps.
skin sb alive INFORMAL HUMOROUS
to punish or tell someone off severely
My mother will skin me alive for being so late home.
skin-deep adjective
than skin-deep.
skin-deep adjective
than skin-deep.
skin-diving noun [ U ]
swimming under water with only limited breathing equipment and without a
special suit
skin-diver noun [ C ]
ˈ skin ˌ flick noun [ C ] US SLANG
a film that shows sexual acts in a way that is intended to cause sexual excitement
but that would be considered unpleasant and offensive by many people
It's a cheap movie house that only shows skin flicks.
skinflint noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who is unwilling to spend money
He's a real skinflint.
skinful noun [ S ] SLANG
an amount of alcohol that is enough to make a person drunk
By ten o'clock he'd had a skinful.
ˈ skin ˌ graft noun [ C ]
a piece of skin taken from one part of the body and used to replace damaged skin
in another part
skinhead noun
1. [ C ] a young person, especially a man, who has very short hair or no hair and
is part of a group, often a violent group
skinhead
2. [ S ] a hairstyle in which the hair is so short that the skin on the head can be
seen
skink noun [ C ]
a small lizard found in various hot parts of the world
skinless adjective
without a skin
skinless, boneless fillets of fish
skinless adjective
without a skin
skinny adjective THIN
1. MAINLY DISAPPROVING very thin
You should eat more, you're much too skinny.
skinny adjective FOOD AND DRINK
2. US INFORMAL low in fat
a skinny latte
skinny-dip verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to swim while naked
skinny-dipping noun [ U ]
skint adjective [ after verb ] UK SLANG
having no money
I get paid each Friday, and by Tuesday I'm always skint.
skin-tight adjective
describes clothes that fit tightly around the body
skin-tight jeans
skip verb MOVE
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move lightly and quickly, making a
small jump after each step
She watched her little granddaughter skip down the path.
The lambs were skipping about in the field.
skip verb JUMP
2. [ I ] ( US jump rope , ALSO skip rope ) to jump lightly over a rope that is held in
both your hands, or by two other people, and swung repeatedly under your legs and
over your head as exercise or a game
Sports players often train by skipping.
skip verb LEAVE
3. [ I or T ] to leave one thing or place, especially quickly, in order to go to
another
This part of the book isn't very interesting, so I'm going to skip (over) it.
The teacher kept skipping from one subject to another so it was difficult to follow
what he was saying.
We're skipping over/across/off (= making a quick journey) to France for the
day.
The police think that the bank robbers must have skipped (= left) the country by
now.
She skipped off/out (= left quickly and/or secretly) without saying goodbye.
skip verb AVOID
4. [ T ] INFORMAL to not do or not have something that you usually do or that you
should do; to avoid
I'm trying to lose weight, so I'm skipping (= not eating) lunch today.
skip noun [ C ] CONTAINER
1. UK ( US TRADEMARK Dumpster ) a large metal container into which people put
unwanted objects or building or garden waste, and which is brought to and taken away
from a place by a special truck when requested
skip noun [ C ] MOVE
2. a small light, dancing or jumping step
She gave a little skip of joy.
ˈ ski ˌ pants plural noun
tight trousers, usually for women, which are made from a material that stretches
easily and are held firmly in place by a strap worn under each foot
skinless adjective
without a skin
skinny adjective THIN
1. MAINLY DISAPPROVING very thin
You should eat more, you're much too skinny.
skinny adjective FOOD AND DRINK
2. US INFORMAL low in fat
a skinny latte
skinny-dip verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to swim while naked
skinny-dipping noun [ U ]
skint adjective [ after verb ] UK SLANG
having no money
I get paid each Friday, and by Tuesday I'm always skint.
skin-tight adjective
describes clothes that fit tightly around the body
skin-tight jeans
skip verb MOVE
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move lightly and quickly, making a
small jump after each step
She watched her little granddaughter skip down the path.
The lambs were skipping about in the field.
skip verb JUMP
2. [ I ] ( US jump rope , ALSO skip rope ) to jump lightly over a rope that is held in
both your hands, or by two other people, and swung repeatedly under your legs and
over your head as exercise or a game
Sports players often train by skipping.
skip verb LEAVE
3. [ I or T ] to leave one thing or place, especially quickly, in order to go to
another
This part of the book isn't very interesting, so I'm going to skip (over) it.
The teacher kept skipping from one subject to another so it was difficult to follow
what he was saying.
We're skipping over/across/off (= making a quick journey) to France for the
day.
The police think that the bank robbers must have skipped (= left) the country by
now.
She skipped off/out (= left quickly and/or secretly) without saying goodbye.
skip verb AVOID
4. [ T ] INFORMAL to not do or not have something that you usually do or that you
should do; to avoid
I'm trying to lose weight, so I'm skipping (= not eating) lunch today.
skip noun [ C ] CONTAINER
1. UK ( US TRADEMARK Dumpster ) a large metal container into which people put
unwanted objects or building or garden waste, and which is brought to and taken away
from a place by a special truck when requested
skip noun [ C ] MOVE
2. a small light, dancing or jumping step
She gave a little skip of joy.
ˈ ski ˌ pants plural noun
tight trousers, usually for women, which are made from a material that stretches
easily and are held firmly in place by a strap worn under each foot
ˈ ski ˌ pole noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO ski stick )
one of two short pointed poles which are held one in each hand by people on skis
to help them balance
skipper noun [ C ]
the captain of a ship or boat, a sports team, or an aircraft
John is (the) skipper of the cricket team this year.
[ as form of address ] Ready to go, skipper.
skipper verb [ T ]
to be the captain of a boat, team, aircraft, etc.
ˈ skipping ˌ rope noun [ C ] ( US ALSO jump rope )
a rope that is used for skipping (= jumping over)
See picture skipping rope
skirmish noun [ C ]
1. a fight between a small number of soldiers which is usually short and not
planned, and which happens away from the main area of fighting in a war
2. a short argument
There was a short skirmish between the political party leaders when the
government announced it was to raise taxes.
skirmish verb [ I ]
skirmisher noun [ C ]
skirt noun [ C ]
1. a piece of clothing for women and girls that hangs from the waist and does not
have legs
a long/short skirt
2. an outer covering or part to protect particular machines
skirt verb [ T I + prep ] ( ALSO skirt around/round )
1. to be on or move along the edge of something; to avoid
Take the road which skirts (round) the village, not the one which goes through it.
2. to avoid discussing a subject or problem, usually because there are difficulties
that you do not want to deal with
Though the government has promised to deal with drug abuse, it has been
accused of skirting round the issue.
skirt noun [ C ]
1. a piece of clothing for women and girls that hangs from the waist and does not
have legs
a long/short skirt
2. an outer covering or part to protect particular machines
skirt verb [ T I + prep ] ( ALSO skirt around/round )
1. to be on or move along the edge of something; to avoid
Take the road which skirts (round) the village, not the one which goes through it.
2. to avoid discussing a subject or problem, usually because there are difficulties
that you do not want to deal with
Though the government has promised to deal with drug abuse, it has been
accused of skirting round the issue.
skirting board noun [ C or U ] UK ( US baseboard )
a piece of wood fixed along the bottom of a wall where it meets the floor
skit noun [ C ]
a short funny play which makes a joke of something
I thought the skit on politicians was really funny.
skitter verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
(especially of a small animal, bird or insect) to move very quickly and lightly
When I lifted the log, there were lots of beetles skittering about/around under
it.
skittish adjective
(of people and animals) nervous or easily frightened, or (of a person) not serious
and likely to change their beliefs or opinions often
My horse is rather skittish, so I have to keep him away from traffic.
Investors are skittish about the impact of an economic downturn.
Marilyn was a complete child, playful and skittish one moment, sulky and
withdrawn the next.
skittishly adverb
skittishness noun [ U ]
skittle noun
1. skittles
a game played especially in Britain in which players roll a ball at objects shaped
like bottles to try to knock them down and score points
2. [ C ] one of a set of objects shaped like bottles which are knocked down with a
ball as part of a game
skive verb [ I or T ] UK INFORMAL
to be absent from work or school without permission
Tom and Mike have skived (off) school today to watch the football match.
skiver noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a person who is absent from work without permission
skiver noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a person who is absent from work without permission
skivvy noun SERVANT
1. [ C ] UK INFORMAL a person, in the past a female servant, who does the dirty
and unpleasant jobs in a house, such as cleaning
He treats me like a skivvy.
skivvy noun CLOTHING
2. [ C ] AUSTRALIAN a tight-fitting piece of clothing for the top part of the body,
made of knitted cotton, with a high round collar
3. skivvies US INFORMAL
men's underwear
skivvy verb [ I ] UK INFORMAL
to do the dirty, unpleasant jobs in the house
I'm not going to skivvy for you any more.
skol verb [ T ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
to drink something, especially beer, all at once without a pause
skua noun [ C ] ( ALSO jaeger ) UK
a type of large sea bird which lives in the North Atlantic and steals food from
other birds
skulduggery UK , US skullduggery noun [ U ]
secret and dishonest behaviour
skulk verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to hide or move around as if trying not to be seen, usually with bad intentions
I thought I saw someone skulking in the bushes - perhaps we should call the
police.
skull noun [ C ]
the bones of the head, which surround the brain and give the head its shape
The soldiers discovered a pile of human skulls and bones.
get sth into your (thick) skull INFORMAL
to understand something with difficulty
Has he got the truth into his thick skull yet?
ˌ skull and ˈ crossbones noun [ S ]
a picture of a skull with two long bones crossing each other under it, which warns
of death or danger, used in the past on pirate flags and now on containers or places
containing dangerous substances or machinery
ˌ skull and ˈ crossbones noun [ S ]
a picture of a skull with two long bones crossing each other under it, which warns
of death or danger, used in the past on pirate flags and now on containers or places
containing dangerous substances or machinery
skullcap noun [ C ]
a small round hat that fits closely on the top of the head, worn especially by
religious Jewish men or high-ranking Roman Catholic priests
skunk noun [ C ]
a small black and white North American animal that makes a strong unpleasant
smell as a defence when it is attacked
sky noun
1. [ S or U ] the area above the Earth, in which clouds, the sun, etc. can be seen
a blue/cloudy/dark sky
Can you see those birds high up in the sky?
We looked up at/into the sky at the sound of the plane.
2. skies
the sky in a particular state or place
For weeks we had cloudless blue skies.
We're off to the sunny skies of Spain.
the sky's the limit
there is no limit
The sky's the limit to what you can win in our competition.
sky-blue noun [ U ] , adjective
bright, light blue
skycap noun [ C ] US
a person who carries passengers' bags at an airport or receives them for putting
onto an aircraft
skydiving noun [ U ]
a sport in which a person jumps from an aircraft and falls for as long as possible
before opening a parachute
skydiver noun [ C ]
sky-high adjective , adverb
describes a price or charge that is very high
The price of oil went sky-high when war broke out.
skyjack verb [ T ]
to take control of a flying aircraft by force, usually in order to make political
demands
See also hijack
skyjacker noun [ C ]
skyjacking noun [ C or U ]
The number of skyjackings has risen alarmingly this year.
Skyjacking has become a major problem for the airlines.
skyjack verb [ T ]
to take control of a flying aircraft by force, usually in order to make political
demands
See also hijack
skyjacker noun [ C ]
skyjacking noun [ C or U ]
The number of skyjackings has risen alarmingly this year.
Skyjacking has become a major problem for the airlines.
skylark noun [ C ]
a lark (BIRD)
skylight noun [ C ]
a window built into a roof to allow light in
Putting in a skylight made the attic seem big and bright.
skyline noun [ C usually singular ]
skyline
a shape or pattern made against the sky, especially by buildings
You get a good view of the New York skyline from the Statue of Liberty.
See also picture line
ˈ sky ˌ marshal noun [ C ]
an official person carrying a gun, dressed as a passenger, whose job is to protect
other passengers on an aircraft
Skype noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a system that allows you to make telephone calls using your computer and the
Internet
Have you installed Skype yet?
Skype verb [ T ]
to use Skype to talk to someone
I Skyped my brother last night.
skyrocket verb [ I ]
to rise extremely quickly or make extremely quick progress towards success; to
rocket
Housing prices have skyrocketed in recent months.
skyscraper noun [ C ]
a very tall modern building, usually in a city
skyward adverb , adjective ( ALSO skywards )
in the direction of the sky
He raised his eyes slowly skyward.
FIGURATIVE At the news, share prices shot skyward (= suddenly increased a lot) .
skyward adverb , adjective ( ALSO skywards )
in the direction of the sky
He raised his eyes slowly skyward.
FIGURATIVE At the news, share prices shot skyward (= suddenly increased a lot) .
slab noun [ C ]
a thick, flat piece of a solid substance, such as stone, wood, metal, food, etc.,
which is usually square or rectangular
a concrete/marble slab
He ate a whole slab of chocolate.
slack adjective NOT TIGHT
1. not tight; loose
These tent ropes are too slack - they need tightening.
slack adjective NOT ACTIVE
2. showing little activity; not busy or happening in a positive way
Business is always slack at this time of year.
DISAPPROVING Discipline in Mr Brown's class has become very slack recently.
DISAPPROVING The job is taking a long time because the workmen are so slack.
slackly adverb
slack noun NOT TIGHT
1. [ U ] when something is too loose
There's too much slack in these ropes.
The men pulled on the ropes to take up the slack (= to tighten them) .
slack noun TROUSERS
2. slacks
[ plural ] OLD-FASHIONED a pair of trousers, usually of a type that fit loosely
slack noun COAL
3. [ U ] very small pieces and dust from coal
pick up/take up the slack
to do the work which someone else has stopped doing but which still needs to be
done
If Sue gets a job, Mick will have to take up the slack at home.
slack verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to work more slowly and with less effort than usual, or to go more slowly
Everyone slacks off/up a bit at the end of the week.
DISAPPROVING You'll be in trouble if you're caught slacking on the job like that.
Slack off your speed as you approach the corner.
slacken verb [ I or T ] LESS TIGHT
1. to (cause to) become loose
Slacken the reins or you'll hurt the horse's mouth.
slacken verb [ I or T ] LESS ACTIVE
2. to (cause to) become slower or less active
He stooped to pick it up, without slackening his pace (= without walking more
slowly) .
The pace of trading slackened during the winter months.
The management expects demand to slacken (off) in the New Year.
The car's speed slackened (off) as it went up a steep hill.
Most people slacken off/up at the end of a day's work.
slacken verb [ I or T ] LESS TIGHT
1. to (cause to) become loose
Slacken the reins or you'll hurt the horse's mouth.
slacken verb [ I or T ] LESS ACTIVE
2. to (cause to) become slower or less active
He stooped to pick it up, without slackening his pace (= without walking more
slowly) .
The pace of trading slackened during the winter months.
The management expects demand to slacken (off) in the New Year.
The car's speed slackened (off) as it went up a steep hill.
Most people slacken off/up at the end of a day's work.
slacker noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who does not work hard enough
Those slackers have gone home early again.
slack-jawed adjective
with your mouth open in surprise
slackness noun [ U ] NOT ACTIVE
1. when something is slower and less active than usual
Low sales figures were partly because of normal mid-summer slackness in/of
demand.
2. DISAPPROVING when a person or organization is not working as well and as hard
as they should
The inspector criticized the slackness and incompetence of the staff.
slackness noun [ U ] NOT TIGHT
3. when something is not tight
slag noun WASTE
1. [ U ] waste material produced when coal is dug from the ground, or a
substance produced by mixing chemicals with metal that has been heated until it is
liquid in order to remove unwanted substances from it
See also slagheap
slag noun WOMAN
2. [ C ] UK SLANG DISAPPROVING a woman who people disapprove of because she has
had a lot of sexual partners
slag noun LIQUID
3. [ U ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL FOR spit (= saliva)
slag verb
slag sb off phrasal verb [ M ] UK INFORMAL
to criticize someone
I hate the way Ian is always slagging people off behind their backs.
slagheap noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a hill made from the waste material from a mine
slain verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF slay
slake verb [ T ] LITERARY
to satisfy a thirst or a wish
After our long game of tennis, we slaked our thirst with a beer.
I don't think Dick will ever manage to slake his lust for power.
slalom noun [ C ]
a race for people on skis or in canoes (= long light narrow boats) in which they
have to follow a route that bends in and out between poles
slam verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) move against a hard surface with force and usually a
loud noise
The wind made the door/window slam (shut).
Close the door carefully, don't slam it.
He slammed the brakes on (= used them quickly and with force) when a child
ran in front of his car.
I had to stop suddenly, and the car behind slammed into the back of me.
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to criticize
Although the reviewers slammed the play, the audience loved it.
slam noun [ S ]
a sudden loud noise
The door shut with a slam.
ˈ slam ˌ dunk noun [ C ]
a shot in basketball in which a player jumps up and pushes the ball down through
the net
slam-dunk verb [ T ] ( ALSO dunk )
to jump up and force a basketball down through the net in order to score
be a slam dunk MAINLY US
to be a certain winner
Although he's a strong candidate, he's not a slam dunk.
the slammer noun [ S ] SLANG
prison
He's doing five to ten years in the slammer.
slain verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF slay
slake verb [ T ] LITERARY
to satisfy a thirst or a wish
After our long game of tennis, we slaked our thirst with a beer.
I don't think Dick will ever manage to slake his lust for power.
slalom noun [ C ]
a race for people on skis or in canoes (= long light narrow boats) in which they
have to follow a route that bends in and out between poles
slam verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) move against a hard surface with force and usually a
loud noise
The wind made the door/window slam (shut).
Close the door carefully, don't slam it.
He slammed the brakes on (= used them quickly and with force) when a child
ran in front of his car.
I had to stop suddenly, and the car behind slammed into the back of me.
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to criticize
Although the reviewers slammed the play, the audience loved it.
slam noun [ S ]
a sudden loud noise
The door shut with a slam.
ˈ slam ˌ dunk noun [ C ]
a shot in basketball in which a player jumps up and pushes the ball down through
the net
slam-dunk verb [ T ] ( ALSO dunk )
to jump up and force a basketball down through the net in order to score
be a slam dunk MAINLY US
to be a certain winner
Although he's a strong candidate, he's not a slam dunk.
the slammer noun [ S ] SLANG
prison
He's doing five to ten years in the slammer.
slander noun [ C or U ]
a false spoken statement about someone which damages their reputation, or the
making of such a statement
The doctor is suing his partner for slander.
She regarded his comment as a slander on her good reputation.
Compare libel
slander verb [ T ]
to damage someone's reputation by making a false spoken statement about them
slanderer noun [ C ]
slanderous adjective
a slanderous accusation/allegation/comment
slanderously adverb
slang noun [ U ]
very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially
by particular groups of people
army slang
a slang expression
'Chicken' is slang for someone who isn't very brave.
slang verb [ T ] UK
to attack with angry, uncontrolled language
The football players started slanging each other in the middle of the game.
ˈ slanging ˌ match noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
an argument in which both people use angry uncontrolled language and insult
each other
The politicians started a slanging match in the middle of the debate.
ˈ slanging ˌ match noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
an argument in which both people use angry uncontrolled language and insult
each other
The politicians started a slanging match in the middle of the debate.
slangy adjective INFORMAL
Slangy language contains a lot of slang expressions.
His language is very slangy.
slant verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) lean in a position that is not vertical; to (cause to) slope
Italic writing slants to the right.
The evening sun slanted (= shone with the light moving in a slope) through the
narrow window.
2. [ T ] OFTEN DISAPPROVING to present information in a particular way, especially
showing one group of people, one side of an argument, etc. in such a positive or
negative way that it is unfair
The police claimed that reports in the media were slanted against/towards the
defendant.
slant noun
1. [
S ] a position that is sloping
The
house is built on/at a slant.
2. [
C usually singular ] a particular way of showing or viewing something
The
book had a personal/political/sociological slant.
slantwise adverb ( US ALSO slantways )
slanted adjective
1. sloping in one direction
2. DISAPPROVING showing information about one person, one side of an argument,
etc. in such a positive or negative way that it is unfair
Slanted media coverage is increasing public support for the war.
slanting adjective
sloping in one direction
Swiss chalets have steeply slanting roofs, so that snow does not settle on them.
slap noun HIT
1. [ C ] a quick hit with the flat part of the hand or other flat object
She gave her son a slap for behaving badly.
2. a slap in the face
INFORMAL an action that insults or upsets someone
It was a real slap in the face for him when she refused to go out to dinner with
him.
3. a slap on the back
when someone hits you in a friendly way on the back in order to show praise for
something you have done
He's won - give him a slap on the back.
4. a slap on the wrist
INFORMAL a gentle warning or punishment
The judge gave Minna a slap on the wrist for not wearing her seat belt.
slap noun FOR FACE
5. [ U ] UK INFORMAL make-up
I'm just going to put a bit of slap on.
slap and tickle UK INFORMAL HUMOROUS
playful sexual behaviour
I think there's a bit of slap and tickle going on in the back of that car over there.
slap adverb ( UK ALSO slap-bang ) INFORMAL
directly or right
The football player kicked the ball slap into the middle of the net.
See also smack
slap verb [ T ]
to hit someone with the flat part of the hand or other flat object
She slapped his face.
She slapped him across the face.
INFORMAL Her husband has been slapping her around (= hitting her repeatedly) ,
but she's afraid to go to the police.
His friends slapped him on the back when he said he was getting married (= hit
him lightly on the back in a friendly way to express pleasure at what he had done) .
When her ideas were rejected, she slapped her report (down) on the table and
stormed out of the meeting.
slap sb down phrasal verb [ M ] USUALLY DISAPPROVING
to stop someone from talking or making suggestions, often in an unpleasant way
I tried to suggest ways in which the plans could be improved, but he slapped me
down.
slap sth on phrasal verb [ M ]
to put or spread a substance over a surface very quickly or roughly
We want to sell our house, so we've slapped some paint on the outside to make it
look better.
slap sth on/onto (sth/sb) phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
When someone in authority slaps an unpleasant, difficult or extra thing on
someone or something, they suddenly make them provide or accept it
The government has slapped more tax on cigarettes.
The librarian slapped a fine on him for returning the books late.
slapdash adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
done or made in a hurried and careless way
He gets his work done quickly, but he's very slapdash.
slapdash adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
done or made in a hurried and careless way
He gets his work done quickly, but he's very slapdash.
slaphappy adjective INFORMAL
happily careless and not thinking about the results of your actions
He's slaphappy in his approach to rules and regulations.
slaphead noun [ C ] UK VERY INFORMAL
a person who is bald (= has little or no hair on their head)
slapper noun [ C ] UK OFFENSIVE
a woman who has sex with a lot of men
She looked like a right old slapper.
slapstick noun [ U ]
a type of humorous acting in which the actors behave in a silly way, such as by
throwing things, falling over, etc.
slap-up adjective [ before noun ] UK INFORMAL
describes a meal that is especially large and good
We went for a slap-up meal on our wedding anniversary.
slash verb
1. [ I or T ] to cut with a sharp blade using a quick strong swinging action
The museum was broken into last night and several paintings were slashed.
She tried to commit suicide by slashing her wrists .
We had to slash (our way) through the long grass to clear a path.
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to very much reduce something, such as money or jobs
Prices have been slashed by 50%!
slash noun PUNCTUATION
1. [ C ] ( UK ALSO oblique (stroke) ) the / punctuation mark that can be used to
separate letters, numbers or words
You often write a slash between alternatives, for example, 'and/or'.
slash noun CUT
2. [ C ] a long, deep cut
3. [ C ] a long swinging hit
Ben took a wild slash at the ball and luckily managed to hit it.
4. [ C ] a decorative opening in a piece of clothing, often with a different colour
showing through it
My new dress is pale blue, with a dark blue slash in the sleeves.
slash noun TOILET
5. [ S ] UK SLANG when you go to the toilet and urinate
slash-and-burn adjective
1. relating to a type of farming that involves cutting and burning trees, crops, etc.
before planting new ones
2. getting rid of a lot of people, systems, etc. in an organization
The company rejected a slash-and-burn type restructuring program.
slash-and-burn adjective
1. relating to a type of farming that involves cutting and burning trees, crops, etc.
before planting new ones
2. getting rid of a lot of people, systems, etc. in an organization
The company rejected a slash-and-burn type restructuring program.
slasher noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who kills or injures people using a knife
ˈ slasher ˌ movie noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a film in which people, especially young women, are killed very violently with
knives
slat noun [ C ]
a thin narrow piece of wood, plastic or metal used to make floors, furniture,
window coverings, etc.
The base of the bed was made of slats.
slate noun ROCK
1. [ C or U ] a dark grey rock that can be easily divided into thin pieces, or a small
thin piece of this used to cover a roof
slate noun COMPUTER
2. [ C ] ( ALSO slate PC ) a small computer with a screen that you can write on
using a special pen
slate noun FOR WRITING
3. [ C ] in the past, a small thin rectangular piece of slate (= rock) , usually in a
wooden frame, used for writing on, especially by children
slate noun CHOOSE
4. [ C ] US the group of people who are chosen by a particular party to take part
in an election
The senator has not got a full slate of delegates in New York.
on the slate UK INFORMAL
when the price of food or drink that a regular customer buys is recorded so that
they can pay for it at another time
Could you put these drinks on the slate?
with the slate wiped clean
with your past mistakes or crimes forgotten
slate verb [ T ] CHOOSE
1. US to be expected to happen in the future or to be expected to be or do
something in the future
[ + to infinitive ] Geoff is slated to be the next captain of the football team.
The election is slated for (= the chosen day is) next Thursday.
slate verb [ T ] CRITICIZE
2. UK INFORMAL to attack by criticizing; to write or say that something is very bad
Her last book was slated by the critics.
slate verb [ T ] ROCK
3. to cover a roof with slates
slate adjective
of a colour similar to slate
slate grey
slate blue
slather verb [ T ]
to spread something thickly on something else
She slathered lotion on/all over her body.
She slathered her toast with butter.
slather verb [ T ]
to spread something thickly on something else
She slathered lotion on/all over her body.
She slathered her toast with butter.
slatted adjective
made with slats
slatted floors/doors/windows
slattern noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE DISAPPROVING a dirty, untidy woman
2. US SLANG DISAPPROVING a woman who has many sexual partners, for pleasure or
payment
slatternly adjective US VERY INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
slaughter noun
1. [ S or U ] the killing of many people cruelly and unfairly, especially in a war
Hardly anyone in the town escaped the slaughter when the rebels were defeated.
We must find ways of reducing the slaughter which takes place on our roads (=
death of many people in motor accidents) every year.
2. [ U ] the killing of animals for meat
The geese are being fattened for slaughter.
See also slaughterhouse
3. [ S ] when one team is very easily defeated by the other
Saturday's game was an absolute slaughter.
slaughter verb [ T ]
1. to cruelly and unfairly kill a lot of people
Thousands of people were slaughtered in the civil war.
2. to kill an animal for meat
The animals are slaughtered in abattoirs.
3. to defeat someone very easily
England slaughtered Germany 5-1 at football.
slaughtered adjective UK INFORMAL
get slaughtered
to get very drunk
slaughterhouse noun [ C ]
MAINLY US FOR abattoir
Slav noun [ C ]
a member of any of the Eastern European races of people who speak Slavic
languages
Slav adjective ( ALSO Slavic )
Slav noun [ C ]
a member of any of the Eastern European races of people who speak Slavic
languages
Slav adjective ( ALSO Slavic )
slave noun [ C ]
a person who is legally owned by someone else and has to work for them
Black slaves used to work on the cotton plantations of the southern United States.
I'm tired of being treated like a slave!
be a slave to sth DISAPPROVING
to be very influenced by something
She's a slave to fashion.
slave verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] INFORMAL
to work very hard at something
We slaved away all week at the report.
HUMOROUS I've been slaving over a hot stove (= cooking) all morning.
See also enslave
ˈ slave ˌ driver noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who makes other people work very hard
My boss is a real slave driver.
ˌ slave ˈ labour noun [ U ]
1. work done by slaves
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING very hard work for which people are paid very little
It's slave labour working in that office.
slaver verb [ I ]
1. (especially of an animal) to allow liquid to come out of the mouth, especially
because of excitement or hunger
The dog slavered with excitement when told it was time for a walk.
2. DISAPPROVING to show great interest or excitement in someone or something, in
a way that is unpleasant to other people
Stop slavering over that guitar, Stephen!
slaver noun [ C ]
in the past, a ship used for carrying slaves , or a person who sold slaves
slavery noun [ U ]
the activity of having slaves or the condition of being a slave
Slavery still exists in many parts of the world.
Millions of Africans were sold into slavery.
slavery noun [ U ]
the activity of having slaves or the condition of being a slave
Slavery still exists in many parts of the world.
Millions of Africans were sold into slavery.
ˈ slave ˌ trade noun [ U ]
the buying and selling of slaves , especially of African people who were taken to
North America from the 16th to the 19th centuries
slavish adjective DISAPPROVING
obeying completely and having no original thoughts or ideas
a slavish devotion to duty
a slavish translation
slavishly adverb
obeying completely; without any ideas of your own
I followed the recipe slavishly.
slaw noun [ U ]
US INFORMAL FOR coleslaw
slay verb [ T ]
1. UK OLD USE OR LITERARY to kill in a violent way
St George slew the dragon .
2. (used especially in newspapers) to murder someone
He was found slain in an alley two blocks from his apartment.
slaying noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a murder
sleaze noun
1. [ U ] activities, especially business or political, of a low moral standard
The sleaze factor was the major reason for his electoral defeat.
2. [ C ] US a sleazebag
sleazebag noun [ C ] ( US ALSO sleazeball/sleaze ) INFORMAL
a person of low standards of honesty or morals
ˈ sleaze ˌ factor noun [ U ]
a part of a situation, especially a political one, which shows a low standard of
morality
morality
sleazy adjective
dirty, cheap or not socially acceptable, especially relating to moral or sexual
matters
This part of town is full of sleazy bars and restaurants.
sleb noun [ C ] SLANG OFTEN DISAPPROVING
someone who is famous, especially in the entertainment business
sled noun [ C ] , verb [ I or T ]
US FOR sledge
sledge noun [ C ] UK ( US sled )
an object used for travelling over snow and ice which has long narrow strips of
wood or metal under it instead of wheels, and which is either a low frame, or (also
sleigh ) a vehicle like a carriage pulled by horses or dogs
sledge verb [ I or T ] UK ( US sled )
to ride or travel on snow using a sledge
sledgehammer noun [ C ]
sledgehammer
1. a large heavy hammer with a long handle, used for breaking stones or other
heavy material, or for hitting posts into the ground, etc.
2. describes a way of behaving that is too forceful
They accused the Prime Minister of using sledgehammer tactics.
a sledgehammer to crack a nut DISAPPROVING
If you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you use much more force than is
needed
Fifty police officers to arrest two unarmed men is surely using a sledgehammer to
crack a nut.
sledging noun [ U ]
1. the activity of travelling on the snow on a sledge
sledging noun [ U ]
2. INFORMAL when a sports player insults another sports player during a game, in
order to make them angry
sleek adjective
(especially of hair, clothes or shapes) smooth, shiny and lying close to the body,
and therefore looking well cared for; not untidy and with no parts sticking out
The cat had sleek fur.
Who owns that sleek black car parked outside your house?
DISAPPROVING He's one of those sleek (= seeming rich and dishonest) businessman
types.
sleekly adverb
sleekness noun [ U ]
sleek verb
sleek back/down phrasal verb [ M ]
to make something such as hair smooth, shiny and flat
Before going to the party, he sleeked back his hair with hair cream.
morality
sleazy adjective
dirty, cheap or not socially acceptable, especially relating to moral or sexual
matters
This part of town is full of sleazy bars and restaurants.
sleb noun [ C ] SLANG OFTEN DISAPPROVING
someone who is famous, especially in the entertainment business
sled noun [ C ] , verb [ I or T ]
US FOR sledge
sledge noun [ C ] UK ( US sled )
an object used for travelling over snow and ice which has long narrow strips of
wood or metal under it instead of wheels, and which is either a low frame, or (also
sleigh ) a vehicle like a carriage pulled by horses or dogs
sledge verb [ I or T ] UK ( US sled )
to ride or travel on snow using a sledge
sledgehammer noun [ C ]
sledgehammer
1. a large heavy hammer with a long handle, used for breaking stones or other
heavy material, or for hitting posts into the ground, etc.
2. describes a way of behaving that is too forceful
They accused the Prime Minister of using sledgehammer tactics.
a sledgehammer to crack a nut DISAPPROVING
If you use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, you use much more force than is
needed
Fifty police officers to arrest two unarmed men is surely using a sledgehammer to
crack a nut.
sledging noun [ U ]
1. the activity of travelling on the snow on a sledge
sledging noun [ U ]
2. INFORMAL when a sports player insults another sports player during a game, in
order to make them angry
sleek adjective
(especially of hair, clothes or shapes) smooth, shiny and lying close to the body,
and therefore looking well cared for; not untidy and with no parts sticking out
The cat had sleek fur.
Who owns that sleek black car parked outside your house?
DISAPPROVING He's one of those sleek (= seeming rich and dishonest) businessman
types.
sleekly adverb
sleekness noun [ U ]
sleek verb
sleek back/down phrasal verb [ M ]
to make something such as hair smooth, shiny and flat
Before going to the party, he sleeked back his hair with hair cream.
sleep noun NOT AWAKE
1. [ U ] the resting state in which the body is not active and the mind is
unconscious
I must get some sleep - I'm exhausted.
See also sleepwalker
2. get/go to sleep
to succeed in sleeping
I couldn't get to sleep at all last night for worrying.
You'll find that your baby usually goes to sleep after a feed.
3. [ C ] a period of sleeping
You must be tired after all that driving - why don't you have a little sleep?
He fell into a deep sleep.
sleep noun SUBSTANCE
4. [ U ] INFORMAL a yellowish substance sometimes found in the corners of the eyes
after sleeping
could do sth in their sleep
If someone could do something in their sleep, they can do it very easily, usually
because they have done it so often
I've done this recipe so many times I could do it in my sleep now.
Go back to sleep! INFORMAL
used to tell someone off for not paying attention
"Sorry, what did you say?" "Oh, go back to sleep!"
go to sleep INFORMAL
If your arm or leg has gone to sleep, you cannot feel or control it, often because
you have been sitting or lying for too long in a strange position.
put sth to sleep
to kill an animal that is very ill or very old so that it does not suffer any more
sleep verb
1. [ I ] to be in the state of rest when your eyes are closed, your body is not
active, and your mind is unconscious
I couldn't sleep because of all the noise next door.
I slept late on Sunday morning.
How can Jayne sleep at night with all those worries on her mind!
We had dinner with Ann and Charles and slept the night (with them) (= at their
home) .
See also oversleep ; sleepout
2. [ T ] If a vehicle, tent, etc. sleeps a particular number of people, it provides
enough space or beds for that number of people to be able to sleep in it
The caravan sleeps four comfortably.
3. sleep like a log
INFORMAL to sleep very well
I went to bed early and slept like a log.
4. sleep on sth
to delay making a decision about something important until the next day so that
you have time to consider it carefully
"Can I sleep on it, and tell you my decision tomorrow?"
5. sleep rough
UK to sleep outside because you have no home and no money
Hundreds of kids are sleeping rough on the streets of London.
sleeping adjective
She looked lovingly at the sleeping child.
See also asleep
sleep around phrasal verb INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to have sex with a lot of different people without having a close or long
relationship with any of them
sleep in phrasal verb INFORMAL
to sleep until later in the morning than you usually do
I usually sleep in at the weekends.
sleep sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
If you sleep off something, especially a hangover , you go to sleep so that you will
feel better when you wake up.
sleep over phrasal verb INFORMAL
to sleep in someone else's home for a night
If you don't want to catch a train home at that time of night, you're welcome to
sleep over.
sleep through sth phrasal verb
If you sleep through a lot of noise or an activity, it does not wake you or keep you
awake
I never heard the storm last night - I must have slept through it.
I was so bored that I slept through the second half of the film.
sleep together phrasal verb INFORMAL
If two people sleep together, they have sex
I don't think they sleep together any more.
sleep with sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
He found out that his wife had been sleeping with his best friend.
sleeper noun NOT AWAKE
1. a good/heavy/light sleeper
someone who sleeps in the stated way
I'm a light sleeper - the slightest noise wakes me.
You won't wake him - he's such a heavy sleeper.
2. a carriage in a train with beds for passengers to sleep in, or one of the beds in
this carriage, or the type of train which has these carriages
I'm travelling overnight so I've booked a sleeper.
The 11.45 to Glasgow is a sleeper.
sleeper noun BLOCK
3. [ C ] UK ( US railroad tie ) one of the heavy horizontal blocks that supports a
railway track
sleeper noun RING
4. [ C ] UK a small gold or silver ring which is worn in an ear which is pierced (=
has a hole in it) to stop the hole from closing while other earrings are not being worn
sleeper noun SUDDEN ACTIVITY
5. [ C ] a person or thing that is suddenly and surprisingly successful after a long
period of not achieving anything
6. [ C ] a spy who only becomes active a long time after being put in place by an
organization or country
ˈ sleeping ˌ bag noun [ C ]
sleeping bag
a large thick bag for sleeping in, especially when you are camping
ˈ sleeping ˌ car noun [ C ] ( ALSO sleeper )
a railway carriage containing beds for passengers to sleep in
ˌ sleeping ˈ partner noun [ C ] UK ( US silent partner )
a partner in a company who does not take an active part in its management,
especially one who provides some of the money
ˈ sleeping ˌ pill noun [ C ] ( ALSO sleeping tablet )
a pill which you take to help you to sleep better
ˌ sleeping po ˈ liceman noun [ C ] UK
a speed bump
ˈ sleeping ˌ sickness noun [ U ]
an African disease which causes fever, severe loss of energy, weight loss and
sometimes death
sleepless adjective [ before noun ]
1. without any sleep
I've spent so many sleepless nights worrying about him.
2. [ after verb ] not able to sleep
Alone and sleepless, she stared miserably up at the ceiling.
sleeplessness noun [ U ]
sleepout noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a small building in a garden or a covered outside part of a house which is used for
sleeping in
sleep-over noun [ C ]
(a type of party) when a young person or a group of young people stay for the
night at the house of a friend
See also slumber party
sleepwalker noun [ C ]
a person who gets out of bed and walks around while they are sleeping
sleepwalk verb [ I ]
sleepwalking noun [ U ]
sleepy adjective PERSON
1. tired and wanting to sleep
See also sleepyhead
sleepy adjective PLACE
2. A sleepy place is quiet and without much activity or excitement
They retired to a sleepy little village in the west of Yorkshire.
sleepily adverb
sleepiness noun [ U ]
ˈ sleeping ˌ pill noun [ C ] ( ALSO sleeping tablet )
a pill which you take to help you to sleep better
ˌ sleeping po ˈ liceman noun [ C ] UK
a speed bump
ˈ sleeping ˌ sickness noun [ U ]
an African disease which causes fever, severe loss of energy, weight loss and
sometimes death
sleepless adjective [ before noun ]
1. without any sleep
I've spent so many sleepless nights worrying about him.
2. [ after verb ] not able to sleep
Alone and sleepless, she stared miserably up at the ceiling.
sleeplessness noun [ U ]
sleepout noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a small building in a garden or a covered outside part of a house which is used for
sleeping in
sleep-over noun [ C ]
(a type of party) when a young person or a group of young people stay for the
night at the house of a friend
See also slumber party
sleepwalker noun [ C ]
a person who gets out of bed and walks around while they are sleeping
sleepwalk verb [ I ]
sleepwalking noun [ U ]
sleepy adjective PERSON
1. tired and wanting to sleep
See also sleepyhead
sleepy adjective PLACE
2. A sleepy place is quiet and without much activity or excitement
They retired to a sleepy little village in the west of Yorkshire.
sleepily adverb
sleepiness noun [ U ]
sleepyhead noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person, especially a child, who is tired and looks as if they want to sleep
[ as form of address ] Come on, sleepyhead, let's get you to bed.
sleet noun [ U ]
wet, partly melted falling snow
Driving snow and sleet brought more problems to the county's roads last night.
sleet verb [ I ]
It's sleeting.
sleety adjective
sleety rain
sleeve noun [ C ] CLOTHING PART
1. ( ALSO arm ) the part of a piece of clothing that covers some or all of the arm
short/long sleeves
The sleeves are too long for me.
You'd better roll your sleeves up or you'll get them dirty.
See picture clothes 6 (parts of)
sleeve noun [ C ] COVER
2. UK ( US jacket ) a cover to protect something
Can you put the record back in its sleeve, please?
3. a tube-shaped covering to protect a part of a machine
have sth up your sleeve INFORMAL
to have secret plans or ideas
If I know Mark he'll have one or two tricks up his sleeve.
-sleeved suffix
having the length of sleeves mentioned
a short/long-sleeved blouse
sleeveless adjective
A piece of clothing which is sleeveless has no sleeves
a sleeveless blouse/dress/jacket
ˈ sleeve ˌ notes plural noun UK ( US liner notes )
information about a performer or a performance that is supplied with a sound
recording
According to the sleeve notes, she recorded all the songs at home in her attic.
sleigh noun [ C ]
a type of sledge pulled by animals, especially horses or dogs
sleight of hand noun [ U ]
1. speed and skill of the hand when performing tricks
Most of these conjuring tricks depend on sleight of hand.
2. skilful hiding of the truth in order to win an advantage
By some statistical sleight of hand the government have produced figures showing
that unemployment has recently fallen.
slender adjective
1. thin and delicate, often in a way that is attractive
He put his hands around her slender waist.
The plant's leaves are long and slender.
2. small in amount or degree
a man of slender means (= without much money)
The chances of settling this dispute through talks seem increasingly slender.
slenderness noun [ U ]
slenderize verb [ I or T ] US
to become thinner or to make something appear thinner
We manufacture undergarments that tone and slenderize.
Wearing dark clothes from the waist down will help to slenderize your figure.
slept verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sleep
slept verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sleep
sleuth noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED OR HUMOROUS
someone whose job is to discover information about crimes and find out who is
responsible for them; a detective
sleuthing noun [ U ] INFORMAL
A bit of sleuthing from our investigative reporter uncovered some interesting
information on Mr Parkinson.
slew verb
PAST SIMPLE OF slay
slew verb [ I or T + adv/prep ]
to turn or be turned round suddenly and awkwardly
The car hit a patch of ice and slewed around violently.
He slewed the van to the left to avoid the dog.
slew noun [ C usually singular ] US INFORMAL
a large amount or number
Mr Savino has been charged with three murders as well as a whole slew of other
crimes.
slewed adjective [ after verb ] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
drunk
By this time I was totally slewed and could scarcely stand up!
slice noun PIECE
1. [ C ] a flat, often thin, piece of food that has been cut from a larger piece
a slice of bread/cake
cucumber/lemon slices
Would you like another slice of ham/beef?
2. [ S ] a part of something, such as an amount of money
We agreed before we did the deal that we'd both take an equal slice of the profit.
The film presents us with a fascinating slice of history.
3. [ C ] a kitchen utensil with a wide blade which is used for serving pieces of food
a cake/fish slice
slice noun HIT
4. [ C ] in tennis, when you hit the bottom of the ball so that it does not bounce
very high when it hits the ground
That wonderful backhand slice of Ben's sends the ball where his opponent just
can't reach it.
5. in the sports of golf and baseball, when you hit a ball so that it goes to one side
rather than straight in front
a slice of life
A film, piece of literature or a play might be described as a slice of life if it
describes or shows the ordinary details of real life.
slice of the cake AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
If you want a slice of the cake, you want a share of any money that is being made
from an activity.
slice verb CUT
slice
1. [ T ] to cut something into thin, flat pieces
Slice the mushrooms thinly and fry in butter.
[ + two objects ] Could you slice me a very thin piece of cake/slice a very thin
piece of cake for me?
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to easily cut into or through something with a
sharp knife
He screamed as the blade sliced into his leg.
FIGURATIVE She watched his slim strong body as it sliced effortlessly through the
water.
slice verb HIT
3. [ T ] in the sports of golf and baseball, to hit a ball so that it goes to one side
rather than straight in front
Sara sliced the ball, sending it a hundred metres or so to the left.
4. [ T ] If you slice the ball in a game of tennis, you hit the bottom of the ball so
that it does not bounce very high when it hits the ground.
any way you slice it ( ALSO no matter how you slice it ) MAINLY US INFORMAL
in whatever way the matter is considered
He shouldn't have hit her, any way you slice it.
slice sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
to remove an amount of something, or to move between or in something
She sliced off a piece of sausage.
He accidentally sliced the top off his finger while he was cutting vegetables.
Amit won the race, slicing three seconds off his previous best time.
sliced adjective
cut into thin flat pieces
sliced bread/ham/tomato
sliced adjective
cut into thin flat pieces
sliced bread/ham/tomato
slicer noun [ C ]
a machine or tool for slicing particular types of food
an egg/bread/meat slicer
slick adjective
1. operating or performing skilfully and effectively, without problems and without
seeming to need effort
Manilow gave the slick, polished performance that we've come to expect.
A slick pass from Eaves to Brinkworth set up the goal.
2. DISAPPROVING skilful and effective but with no sincerity or value
It's that sort of slick sales talk that I mistrust.
slick noun [ C ] OIL
1. an oil slick
slick noun [ C ] MAGAZINE
2. US FOR glossy magazine
slick verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to cause hair to be smooth and close to the head by brushing it flat, often using a
substance to make it stick
He'd slicked his hair back with gel and he was wearing a new suit.
slicker noun [ C ]
a city slicker
slide verb MOVE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) move easily and without interruption over a surface
When I was little I used to like sliding on the polished floor in my socks.
We've got one of those doors in the kitchen that slides open.
He slid the letter into his pocket while no one was looking.
sliding doors
slide verb GET WORSE
2. [ I ] to go into a worse state, often through lack of control or care
The dollar slid against other major currencies.
Car exports slid by 40% this year.
He was improving for a while, but I fear he's sliding back into his old habits.
I was doing really well with my diet, but I'm afraid I've let it slide (= not tried as
hard) recently.
See also backslide
slide noun MOVEMENT
1. [ C ] a sudden movement of a large mass of mud (= wet earth) or rock down a
hill
a mud/rock slide
See also landslide
2. [ C ] a structure for children to play on which has a slope for them to slide
down and usually a set of steps leading up to the slope
3. [ C ] a part that moves easily backwards and forwards on an instrument or
machine
the slide on a trombone
See picture music (brass)
slide noun WORSE STATE
4. [ C usually singular ] when something moves into a worse state, often through
lack of control or care
The government must take measures, he said, to halt the country's slide into
recession.
slide noun PHOTOGRAPHY
5. [ C ] ( SPECIALIZED transparency ) a small piece of photographic film in a frame
which, when light is passed through it, shows a larger image on a screen or plain
surface
colour slides
slide noun GLASS
6. [ C ] a small piece of glass on which you put something in order to look at it
through a microscope
slide noun HAIR
7. [ C ] UK SHORT FORM OF hair slide
ˈ slide ˌ rule noun [ C ]
a long, narrow device for calculating numbers with a middle part which slides
backwards and forwards
ˈ slide ˌ rule noun [ C ]
a long, narrow device for calculating numbers with a middle part which slides
backwards and forwards
ˈ slide ˌ show noun [ C ]
1. an occasion when you use a machine to show photographs on a wall
2. when a computer shows several different photographs one after another on a
screen
ˌ sliding ˈ scale noun [ C usually singular ]
a system in which the rate at which something is paid varies as a result of other
conditions
Charges are made on a sliding scale, which means that the amount you must pay
increases with the level of your income.
slight adjective SMALL IN AMOUNT
1. small in amount or degree
a slight improvement
a slight incline
I've got a slight headache.
I haven't the slightest idea what he's talking about.
2. not in the slightest
not at all
"Does it worry you?" "Not in the slightest."
slight adjective THIN
3. (of people) thin and delicate
Like most long-distance runners she is very slight.
slightness noun [ U ]
slight verb [ T ]
to insult someone by not paying them any attention or treating them as if they
are not important
I felt slighted when my boss thanked everyone but me for their hard work.
slighted adjective
slight noun [ C ]
when a person fails to pay attention to someone or to treat them with the respect
that they deserve
I regarded her failure to acknowledge my greeting as a slight.
slightly adverb SMALL IN AMOUNT
1. a little
She's slightly taller than her sister.
I'm slightly upset she forgot my birthday.
I'm slightly worried that she'll get lost on the way.
slightly adverb THIN
2. Someone who is slightly built is thin and delicate.
1. a little
slim adjective APPROVING
(especially of people) attractively thin
slim hips/legs
She's got a lovely slim figure.
FIGURATIVE They've only a slim chance of winning (= It's unlikely that they will
win) .
slimness noun [ U ]
slim verb [ I ] UK
to try to get thinner by eating less food and taking more exercise
You haven't got much lunch - are you slimming?
slim down phrasal verb
to become thinner
He's really slimmed down over the last few months.
slim sth down phrasal verb
to reduce the size of something
It is not our intention to slim down the workforce.
Slim noun [ U ]
EAST AFRICAN FOR AIDS (= a serious disease that destroys the body's ability to fight
infection)
slime noun [ U ]
a sticky liquid substance which is unpleasant to touch, such as the liquid produced
by fish and snails and the greenish brown substance found near water
There was a revolting green slime in between the bathroom tiles.
You could see trails of slime where the slugs had been.
ˈ slime ˌ ball noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a very unpleasant person whose friendly manner is not sincere
How can she go out with him? He's such a slime ball!
ˈ slim ˌ fit adjective
Slim fit trousers, shirts, etc fit your body quite closely.
1. a little
slim adjective APPROVING
(especially of people) attractively thin
slim hips/legs
She's got a lovely slim figure.
FIGURATIVE They've only a slim chance of winning (= It's unlikely that they will
win) .
slimness noun [ U ]
slim verb [ I ] UK
to try to get thinner by eating less food and taking more exercise
You haven't got much lunch - are you slimming?
slim down phrasal verb
to become thinner
He's really slimmed down over the last few months.
slim sth down phrasal verb
to reduce the size of something
It is not our intention to slim down the workforce.
Slim noun [ U ]
EAST AFRICAN FOR AIDS (= a serious disease that destroys the body's ability to fight
infection)
slime noun [ U ]
a sticky liquid substance which is unpleasant to touch, such as the liquid produced
by fish and snails and the greenish brown substance found near water
There was a revolting green slime in between the bathroom tiles.
You could see trails of slime where the slugs had been.
ˈ slime ˌ ball noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a very unpleasant person whose friendly manner is not sincere
How can she go out with him? He's such a slime ball!
ˈ slim ˌ fit adjective
Slim fit trousers, shirts, etc fit your body quite closely.
slimline adjective UK
1. (of liquid added to an alcoholic drink to make it last longer) containing little or
no sugar
I'll have a gin and slimline tonic , please.
2. designed to be less wide than the ordinary type
a slimline dishwasher
slimmer noun [ C ] UK
a person who is trying to get thinner by eating less and doing more exercise
slimming noun [ U ] UK
when someone is trying to become thinner by eating less food
With all the diet-food and books on the market, slimming is big business these
days.
slimming aids/clubs/magazines
slimming adjective
1. UK INFORMAL describes food that you can eat without getting fat
Have a salad - that's slimming.
2. US making you look thinner
Black is very slimming.
ˌ slim ˈ pickings plural noun INFORMAL
little or no success in getting or achieving something
Buyers who have waited for bargains at the end of the year will find slim
pickings.
pickings.
slimy adjective
1. covered in slime
Although snakes look slimy their skin is actually dry to the touch.
2. DISAPPROVING If you describe a person or their manner as slimy, you mean that
they appear to be friendly but in a way that you find unpleasant
He was the very worst sort of slimy salesman.
sliminess noun [ U ]
sling verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] THROW
1. INFORMAL to throw or drop something carelessly
Don't just sling your bag on the floor!
If any of the letters aren't interesting just sling them in the bin.
I'll just sling together a few things (= put what I need to take with me in a bag)
and I'll be ready to go.
2. MAINLY UK INFORMAL to throw or give something to someone
[ + two objects ] Sling me a pen, will you?
sling verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] HANG
3. to hang something over something, especially in a careless way
I usually sling my jacket over the back of my chair.
sling your hook UK SLANG
to leave
She told him to sling his hook.
sling sb out phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL
to make someone leave a place because they have behaved badly
She was slung out of college because she never did any work.
sling sth out phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL
to get rid of something unwanted
What about these old magazines? Shall I just sling them out?
sling noun [ C ]
1. a device which uses a strap, piece of cloth or ropes for supporting, lifting or
carrying objects
The cylinder was lifted from the seabed in a sling.
2. a device for supporting a broken or damaged arm in which the arm is held in
front of the body in a piece of cloth which is tied around the neck
I had my arm in a sling for six weeks.
See picture health 1
3. a device like a bag for carrying a baby which is tied to the front or the back of
an adult's body
4. a simple weapon used mainly in the past in which a strap held at the ends was
used for throwing stones
slingbacks plural noun
women's shoes with a strap around the back of the heel instead of a full covering
a pair of slingbacks
slingback adjective [ before noun ]
slingback sandals/shoes
pickings.
slimy adjective
1. covered in slime
Although snakes look slimy their skin is actually dry to the touch.
2. DISAPPROVING If you describe a person or their manner as slimy, you mean that
they appear to be friendly but in a way that you find unpleasant
He was the very worst sort of slimy salesman.
sliminess noun [ U ]
sling verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] THROW
1. INFORMAL to throw or drop something carelessly
Don't just sling your bag on the floor!
If any of the letters aren't interesting just sling them in the bin.
I'll just sling together a few things (= put what I need to take with me in a bag)
and I'll be ready to go.
2. MAINLY UK INFORMAL to throw or give something to someone
[ + two objects ] Sling me a pen, will you?
sling verb [ T usually + adv/prep ] HANG
3. to hang something over something, especially in a careless way
I usually sling my jacket over the back of my chair.
sling your hook UK SLANG
to leave
She told him to sling his hook.
sling sb out phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL
to make someone leave a place because they have behaved badly
She was slung out of college because she never did any work.
sling sth out phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL
to get rid of something unwanted
What about these old magazines? Shall I just sling them out?
sling noun [ C ]
1. a device which uses a strap, piece of cloth or ropes for supporting, lifting or
carrying objects
The cylinder was lifted from the seabed in a sling.
2. a device for supporting a broken or damaged arm in which the arm is held in
front of the body in a piece of cloth which is tied around the neck
I had my arm in a sling for six weeks.
3. a device like a bag for carrying a baby which is tied to the front or the back of
an adult's body
4. a simple weapon used mainly in the past in which a strap held at the ends was
used for throwing stones
slingbacks plural noun
women's shoes with a strap around the back of the heel instead of a full covering
a pair of slingbacks
slingback adjective [ before noun ]
slingback sandals/shoes
slingshot noun [ C ]
US FOR catapult
slink verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to walk away from somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed
I tried to slink out of the room so that nobody would see me go.
DISAPPROVING He usually slinks off (= leaves) at about 3.30.
slinky adjective
1. (of women's clothes) made of delicate cloth and fitting the body closely in a
way that is sexually attractive
a slinky black dress
2. UK (of music or dancing) slow and suggesting sex
There's some very slinky dancing going on tonight!
slip verb SLIDE
1. [ I ] to slide without intending to
She slipped on the ice.
Careful you don't slip - there's water on the floor.
The razor slipped while he was shaving and he cut himself.
slip verb DO QUICKLY
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to go somewhere or do something
quickly, often so that you are not noticed
Just slip out of the room while nobody's looking.
She slipped between the cool cotton sheets and was soon asleep.
He slipped a piece of paper into my hand with his address on it.
[ + two objects ] If you slip the waiter some money/slip some money to the
waiter he'll give you the best table.
slip verb GET WORSE
3. [ I ] to go into a worse state, often because of lack of control or care
Productivity in the factory has slipped quite noticeably in the last year.
slip verb ESCAPE
4. [ T ] to get free from, leave or escape something
The ship slipped its moorings.
slip sb's memory/mind
to be forgotten
I forgot I'd arranged to meet Richard last night - it completely slipped my mind.
slip through sb's fingers
If you allow an opportunity or a person to slip through your fingers, you lose it or
them through not taking care or making an effort
You're surely not going to let a job/man like that slip through your fingers!
slip through the net UK ( US slip through the cracks )
to escape a punishment or be missed by a system that should deal with or protect
you
Once again terrorists have slipped through the police net.
There are laws there to protect the mentally ill, but now and then someone does
slip through the net.
slip into sth phrasal verb ( ALSO slip sth on )
to quickly put on a piece of clothing
If you could wait two minutes, I'm just going to slip into a smarter dress.
You don't need to go into the changing rooms - just slip the jacket on over your
sweater.
slip out phrasal verb
If a remark slips out, you say it without intending to.
slip out of sth phrasal verb ( ALSO slip sth off )
to quickly take off a piece of clothing
Slip your shirt off and I'll listen to your heart.
slip up phrasal verb
to make a mistake
These figures don't make sense - have we slipped up somewhere?
slip noun PIECE OF PAPER
1. [ C ] a small piece of paper
a slip of paper
If you want to order a book fill in the green slip.
slip noun MISTAKE
2. [ C ] a small mistake
She's made one or two slips - mainly spelling errors - but it's basically well
written.
slip noun UNDERWEAR
3. [ C ] a piece of underwear for a woman or girl which is like a dress or skirt
slip noun SMALL
4. slip of a sth OLD-FASHIONED
small and thin, usually because of being young
I knew her when she was a slip of a girl .
slip noun ESCAPE
5. give sb the slip INFORMAL
to escape from someone
slip of the tongue
when someone says something that they did not intend to say
I called her new boyfriend by her previous boyfriend's name - it was just a slip of
the tongue.
There's many a slip twixt cup and lip. SAYING
said to emphasize that many bad things might happen before something is
finished
slipcase noun [ C ]
a case to protect a book, usually made of cardboard, with one open end
slipcase noun [ C ]
a case to protect a book, usually made of cardboard, with one open end
slipcover noun [ C ]
a cover for a chair or sofa
slipknot noun [ C ]
a knot that can easily be made tighter or looser by pulling one of its ends
slip-on noun [ C usually plural ]
shoes with no way of fastening them to the foot which can be quickly put on and
taken off
a pair of slip-ons
slip-on shoes
slippage noun [ U ]
a reduction in the rate, amount or standard of something
The party leader is said to be concerned at the slippage (= loss of popularity) in
the recent opinion polls.
ˌ slipped ˈ disc UK , US slipped disk noun [ C ]
a medical condition in which one of the discs (= flat pieces of tissue between the
bones in the back) slides out of its usual place, causing pain
slipper noun [ C ]
slipper
a type of soft comfortable shoe for wearing inside the house
a pair of slippers
slippery adjective
1. wet, smooth or oily so that it slides easily or causes something to slide
slippery soap
a slippery floor
The road was wet and slippery.
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING Someone who is slippery cannot be trusted
He's as slippery as an eel - you can never get a straight answer out of him.
He's a slippery customer (= person) , that Tim, I've never felt comfortable with
him.
ˌ slippery ˈ slope noun [ S ]
a bad situation or habit which, after it has started, is likely to get very much
worse
You're on a slippery slope once you start lying about your age!
ˌ slippery ˈ slope noun [ S ]
a bad situation or habit which, after it has started, is likely to get very much
worse
You're on a slippery slope once you start lying about your age!
slippy adjective UK INFORMAL
describes a surface that causes you to slip easily because it is wet, smooth or oily
Careful - I've just polished the floor and it's a bit slippy.
See also slippery
ˈ slip ˌ road noun [ C ] UK ( US ramp )
a short road on which vehicles join or leave a motorway
slipshod adjective DISAPPROVING
(especially of a piece of work) showing little care, effort and attention
She complained that the solicitor's work had been slipshod.
slipstream noun [ C ]
a current of air behind a quickly moving object such as a car travelling extremely
fast or an aircraft
slip-up noun [ C ]
a mistake or something which goes wrong
slipway noun [ C ]
a sloping track used to move boats into or out of the water
slit verb [ T ]
to make a long straight narrow cut in something
He slit open the envelope with a knife.
She killed herself by slitting her wrists .
He was found the next day with his throat slit.
She was wearing one of those skirts that's slit up the front.
slit noun [ C ]
a straight narrow cut or opening in something
Make a small slit in each chicken breast and push in a piece of garlic.
slither verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
(of bodies) to move easily and quickly across a surface while twisting or curving
She watched the snake slither away.
sliver noun [ C ] FORMAL
a very small thin piece of something, usually broken off something larger
a sliver of glass
Just a sliver of cake for me, please - I shouldn't really be having any.
sliver noun [ C ] FORMAL
a very small thin piece of something, usually broken off something larger
a sliver of glass
Just a sliver of cake for me, please - I shouldn't really be having any.
Sloane (ranger) noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED DISAPPROVING
a young person from a high social class who lives usually in or near London,
wears expensive, traditional clothes and speaks with an upper class voice
slob noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a lazy, untidy and often rude person
He's a big fat slob of a man - I can't stand him.
slobbish adjective
slob verb
slob around/about phrasal verb INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to behave in a very lazy way, doing very little
He won't get a job and just slobs around the house all day.
slobber verb [ I ] DISAPPROVING
to allow saliva or food to run out of the mouth
slobbery adjective DISAPPROVING
a big slobbery (= wet) kiss
slobber over sb phrasal verb INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to show too much admiration and liking for someone, in a way that shows little
control of yourself
Ted was slobbering over the pretty new assistant in marketing.
slobber noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
saliva or food which has run out of the mouth
sloe noun [ C ]
a small bluish-black fruit which tastes sour
ˌ sloe ˈ gin noun [ U ]
an alcoholic drink made from gin with sloes in it
slog verb WORK HARD
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL to work hard over a
long period, especially doing work that is difficult or boring
I've been slogging away for days on this essay and I'm still not finished.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to travel or move with difficulty, for example
through wet, sticky soil or snow, or when you are very tired
Despite the rain, they slogged on for another six miles.
slog verb HIT HARD
3. [ T ] UK to hit a ball hard and often in an uncontrolled way
slog noun HARD WORK
1. [ S ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL a period of difficult or tiring effort
The exams were a real hard slog but I'm glad I did them.
That last hill before the finishing-line was a long slog!
slog noun HARD HIT
2. [ C ] UK INFORMAL a very hard, and often uncontrolled hit
And that was a real slog from Kumar.
slog verb WORK HARD
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL to work hard over a
long period, especially doing work that is difficult or boring
I've been slogging away for days on this essay and I'm still not finished.
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to travel or move with difficulty, for example
through wet, sticky soil or snow, or when you are very tired
Despite the rain, they slogged on for another six miles.
slog verb HIT HARD
3. [ T ] UK to hit a ball hard and often in an uncontrolled way
slog noun HARD WORK
1. [ S ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL a period of difficult or tiring effort
The exams were a real hard slog but I'm glad I did them.
That last hill before the finishing-line was a long slog!
slog noun HARD HIT
2. [ C ] UK INFORMAL a very hard, and often uncontrolled hit
And that was a real slog from Kumar.
slogan noun [ C ]
a short easily remembered phrase, especially one used to advertise an idea or a
product
an advertising slogan
a campaign slogan
sloganeering noun [ U ] MAINLY US DISAPPROVING
Without a coherent set of policies to persuade the electorate, the Republicans
have resorted to sloganeering and empty rhetoric.
sloop noun [ C ]
a small sailing boat with one mast
slop verb [ I or T + adv/prep ]
to cause a liquid to flow over the edge of a container through not taking care or
making a rough movement
Careful, you've just slopped coffee all over the carpet!
Water slopped out of the bucket as he carried it up the stairs.
slop about/around phrasal verb INFORMAL
to relax and do very little
Jeans are all right just for slopping around the house, but I don't wear them for
work.
slop out phrasal verb UK
When prisoners slop out, they empty the containers they use as toilets during the
night in the rooms where they sleep.
slop noun
1. [ U ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING food that is more liquid than it should be and is
therefore unpleasant
Have you tried the slop that they call curry in the canteen?
2. slops ( ALSO slop )
liquid or wet food waste, especially that which is fed to animals
We feed the slops to the pigs.
There's a tray under each tap to catch the beer slops.
slope noun [ C ]
1. a surface which lies at an angle to the horizontal so that some points on it are
higher than others
The roof is at a slope (= at an angle to a horizontal surface) of 30°.
2. (part of) the side of a hill or mountain
a ski/mountain slope
Snow had settled on some of the higher slopes.
There's a very steep slope just before you reach the top of the mountain.
There are some nice gentle (= not steep) slopes that we can ski down.
slope verb [ I ]
to be at an angle to the horizontal
The path slopes up/down to the house.
Our school football pitch sloped at the south end, so one half of the game always
had to be played uphill.
sloping adjective
sloping handwriting/shoulders
The bedroom is in the roof so it's got a sloping ceiling.
slope off phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to leave somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed, usually to avoid work
I saw you sloping off just after lunch yesterday!
slope noun [ C ]
1. a surface which lies at an angle to the horizontal so that some points on it are
higher than others
The roof is at a slope (= at an angle to a horizontal surface) of 30°.
2. (part of) the side of a hill or mountain
a ski/mountain slope
Snow had settled on some of the higher slopes.
There's a very steep slope just before you reach the top of the mountain.
There are some nice gentle (= not steep) slopes that we can ski down.
slope verb [ I ]
to be at an angle to the horizontal
The path slopes up/down to the house.
Our school football pitch sloped at the south end, so one half of the game always
had to be played uphill.
sloping adjective
sloping handwriting/shoulders
The bedroom is in the roof so it's got a sloping ceiling.
slope off phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to leave somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed, usually to avoid work
I saw you sloping off just after lunch yesterday!
sloppy adjective TOO WET
1. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING (of a substance) more liquid than it should be, often in a
way that is unpleasant
The batter was a bit sloppy so I added some more flour.
sloppy adjective LACKING CARE
2. DISAPPROVING not taking care or making an effort
Spelling mistakes always look sloppy in a formal letter.
Another sloppy pass like that might lose them the whole match.
3. describes clothes which are large, loose and often untidy
At home I tend to wear big sloppy jumpers and jeans.
sloppy adjective EMOTIONAL
4. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING expressing feelings of love in a way that is silly or
embarrassing
a sloppy love song
sloppily adverb DISAPPROVING
badly or carelessly
a sloppily written letter
sloppiness noun [ U ]
slosh verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ] INFORMAL
(of a liquid) to move around noisily in the bottom of a container, or to cause liquid
to move around in this way by making rough movements
I could hear you sloshing around in the bath.
We sloshed through the puddles.
She sloshed (= poured without care) some more brandy into her glass.
sloshed adjective [ after verb ] SLANG
drunk
He always gets sloshed at the annual office party.
slot noun [ C ] LONG HOLE
1. a long narrow hole, especially one for putting coins into or for fitting a separate
piece into
I put my money in the slot and pressed the button but nothing came out.
The holder has slots for 100 CDs.
slot noun [ C ] AMOUNT OF TIME
2. an amount of time which is officially allowed for a single event in a planned
order of activities or events
The programme will occupy that half-hour slot before the nine o'clock news.
slot verb [ I or T + adv/prep ]
to put something into a slot or fit together using slots
The legs of the chair are meant to slot into the holes at the back.
Do these two pieces slot together ?
Slot piece A into piece B, taking care to keep the two pieces at right angles.
slot sb/sth in phrasal verb
to find time to see someone or do something between various other arrangements
that have already been made
Doctor Meredith is busy this morning, but she might be able to slot you in around
one o'clock.
sloth noun NO EFFORT
1. [ U ] LITERARY unwillingness to work or make any effort
The report criticizes the government's sloth in tackling environmental problems.
sloth noun ANIMAL
2. [ C ] a mammal that moves slowly and lives in trees
Sloths live in Central and South America.
sloth noun NO EFFORT
1. [ U ] LITERARY unwillingness to work or make any effort
The report criticizes the government's sloth in tackling environmental problems.
sloth noun ANIMAL
2. [ C ] a mammal that moves slowly and lives in trees
Sloths live in Central and South America.
slothful adjective LITERARY
lazy
slothful adolescents
ˈ slot ma ˌ chine noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO fruit machine , AUSTRALIAN ALSO poker machine )
a machine that you try to win money from by putting coins into it and operating
it, often by pressing a button or pulling a handle
slotted adjective
A slotted kitchen utensil or tool has long narrow holes in it
a slotted spoon/spatula/screw
slouch verb [ I ]
slouch
to stand, sit or walk with the shoulders hanging forward and the head bent
slightly over so that you look tired and bored
Straighten your back - try not to slouch.
A couple of boys were slouched over the table reading magazines.
A group of teenagers were slouching around outside the building.
slouch noun
[ C usually singular ] a way of standing, sitting or walking with the shoulders
hanging forward
He's developed a slouch from leaning over his books all day.
be no slouch INFORMAL
If you say that someone is no slouch at a particular activity, you mean that they
work hard at it and produce good results
She's no slouch when it comes to organizing parties.
slough verb [ T ]
(of some animals) to have a layer of skin come off
Snakes slough their skin regularly.
slough sth off phrasal verb [ M ]
1. LITERARY to get rid of something or someone unwanted
He seemed to want to slough off all his old acquaintances.
2. SPECIALIZED When snakes and other reptiles slough off their skin, they get rid of
an old, dead layer of skin.
slough , noun SADNESS
1. [ S ] LITERARY a mental state of deep sadness and no hope
She seems unable to pull herself out of this deep slough of self-pity.
slough , noun WET AREA
2. [ C ] an area of soft, wet land
Slovak noun [ C ] , adjective
Slovak noun [ C ] , adjective
Slovakia noun [ U ]
Slovene noun [ C ]
Slovenia noun [ U ]
Slovenian adjective
slovenly adjective
untidy and dirty
a slovenly appearance
I'll have to improve my slovenly habits - my mother's coming to stay.
slovenliness noun [ U ]
slow adjective
1. doing, moving or happening without much speed
a slow runner/driver/reader
She's a very slow eater.
We're making slow but steady progress with the decorating.
The government was very slow to react to the problem.
Business is always slow during those months because everyone's on holiday.
Opposite fast or quick.
2. describes a film, book, play, etc. that does not have much excitement and
action
His films are so slow they send me to sleep.
3. A person might be described as slow if they are not very clever and do not
understand or notice things quickly
I feel so slow when I'm with Andrew - he's so much brighter than me.
I was a bit slow off the mark/on the uptake there - I didn't follow his reasoning
at all.
See also slow-witted
4. If a clock or watch is slow, it shows a time that is earlier than the real time
That clock is ten minutes slow.
slow verb [ I or T ]
to reduce speed or activity, or to make something do this
Business development has slowed in response to the recession.
Traffic slows to a crawl (= goes so slowly it almost stops) during rush hour.
The pilot was asked to slow his approach to the runway.
See also slow down
slow (sb/sth) down/up phrasal verb [ M ]
to become slower, or to make someone or something become slower
Slow down, you two, you're walking too fast!
If I run with Christina she tends to slow me down.
We slowed up when we saw the police.
slow down phrasal verb [ M ]
to be less active and relax more
The doctor has told him to slow down or he'll have a heart attack.
slow adverb
at a slow speed
I can't walk any slower.
slow-moving traffic
a slow-burning candle
MAINLY US He drives too slow!
ˌ slow ˈ burn noun [ C usually singular ] ACTIVITY
1. UK a period of not much activity
Many workers have benefited from the new scheme, which allows careers to be
put on a slow burn for months or years and then reactivated.
ˌ slow ˈ burn noun [ C usually singular ] ANGER
2. US a slow, controlled show of anger
When angered, Ellen was given to spontaneous outbursts, while her partner Terry
would do a slow burn.
ˌ slow ˈ burn noun [ C usually singular ] ACTIVITY
1. UK a period of not much activity
Many workers have benefited from the new scheme, which allows careers to be
put on a slow burn for months or years and then reactivated.
ˌ slow ˈ burn noun [ C usually singular ] ANGER
2. US a slow, controlled show of anger
When angered, Ellen was given to spontaneous outbursts, while her partner Terry
would do a slow burn.
ˈ slow ˌ city noun [ C ]
a town or city that tries to encourage a good environment, for example by using
locally grown food and providing a lot of parks
slowcoach noun [ C ] ( US slowpoke ) INFORMAL
someone, especially a child, who is walking or doing something too slowly
[ as form of address ] Come on, slowcoach, we haven't got all day you know!
slowdown noun [ C ]
1. a reduction in speed, activity or the rate that things are produced
a worldwide economic slowdown
a slowdown in production
2. US FOR go-slow
ˈ slow ˌ food noun [ U ]
good food that is prepared and cooked carefully
ˌ slow ˈ handclap noun [ C usually singular ] UK
a slow, regular clap, used by a crowd watching a performance, sports event, etc.
to show that they are annoyed
slowly adverb
1. at a slow speed
Could you please speak more slowly?
2. slowly but surely
carefully, in order to avoid problems
Slowly but surely we made our way down the muddy hillside.
ˌ slow ˈ motion noun [ U ]
a way of showing pictures from a film or television programme at a slower speed
than normal
They showed the goal in slow motion.
slowpoke noun [ C ]
US FOR slowcoach
slowpoke noun [ C ]
US FOR slowcoach
slow-witted adjective
not clever and therefore slow to notice or understand things
slowworm noun [ C ]
a small brownish-grey lizard with no legs, found in Europe
SLR (camera) noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR single-lens reflex (camera): a type of film camera in which the
same lens (= special piece of glass) is used for looking at and recording an image
sludge noun [ U ]
soft wet soil or a substance that looks like this
We seemed to spend the last mile of the walk knee-deep in sludge.
sludgy adjective DISAPPROVING
soft, wet and very thick
a thick, sludgy pudding
slug noun [ C ] CREATURE
1. a small, usually black or brown, creature with a long soft body and no arms or
legs, like a snail but with no shell
2. MAINLY US INFORMAL a slow-moving, lazy person
See also sluggish
slug noun [ C ] BULLET
3. INFORMAL a bullet
The poor guy wound up with a slug in his stomach.
slug noun [ C ] AMOUNT OF DRINK
4. INFORMAL an amount of drink, especially strong alcoholic drink, that you can
swallow at one time
I had a slug of vodka to give me courage.
slug noun [ C ] COIN
5. US a piece of metal used instead of a coin for putting in machines
slug verb [ T ]
1. INFORMAL to hit someone hard with the fist (= closed hand)
She slugged him and he fell against the bar.
2. US to hit a baseball hard
slug it out
If two people slug it out, they fight or argue violently until one of them wins.
sluggish adjective
moving or operating more slowly than usual and with less energy or power
A heavy lunch makes me sluggish in the afternoon.
Something is wrong with the car - the engine feels a bit sluggish.
The housing market has been very sluggish these past few years.
sluggishly adverb
sluggishness noun [ U ]
sluggish adjective
sluggishly adverb
ˈ slug ˌ pellet noun [ C usually plural ]
a small hard piece of a substance which is poisonous to slugs (= small garden
creatures harmful to plants)
sluice noun [ C ] ( ALSO sluiceway )
an artificial channel for carrying water, which has an opening at one end to control
the flow of the water
sluice verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
If water sluices out from somewhere, it flows in large amounts
Water sluiced out from the pipes.
sluice sth down/out phrasal verb [ M ]
to wash something with a large amount of running water
We had to sluice out the garage to get rid of the smell of petrol.
slum noun [ C ]
1. a very poor and crowded area, especially of a city
an inner-city slum
She was brought up in the slums of Lima.
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a very untidy or dirty place
This flat would be an absolute slum if I wasn't here to clean it.
slummy adjective
She found herself in a slummy back street.
slum verb INFORMAL
slum it
to spend time in conditions which are much less good than the standard that you
are used to
We ran out of money on holiday and had to slum it in cheap hostels.
slumber noun [ C or U ] LITERARY
sleep
I fell into a gentle slumber.
I didn't want to rouse you from your slumbers.
FIGURATIVE Sharp cuts in interest rates have failed to bring the economy out of its
slumber.
slumber verb [ I ] LITERARY
to sleep
ˈ slumber ˌ party noun [ C ] US
a party when a group of children spend the night at one child's house
See also sleep-over
sluggish adjective
sluggishly adverb
ˈ slug ˌ pellet noun [ C usually plural ]
a small hard piece of a substance which is poisonous to slugs (= small garden
creatures harmful to plants)
sluice noun [ C ] ( ALSO sluiceway )
an artificial channel for carrying water, which has an opening at one end to control
the flow of the water
sluice verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
If water sluices out from somewhere, it flows in large amounts
Water sluiced out from the pipes.
sluice sth down/out phrasal verb [ M ]
to wash something with a large amount of running water
We had to sluice out the garage to get rid of the smell of petrol.
slum noun [ C ]
1. a very poor and crowded area, especially of a city
an inner-city slum
She was brought up in the slums of Lima.
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a very untidy or dirty place
This flat would be an absolute slum if I wasn't here to clean it.
slummy adjective
She found herself in a slummy back street.
slum verb INFORMAL
slum it
to spend time in conditions which are much less good than the standard that you
are used to
We ran out of money on holiday and had to slum it in cheap hostels.
slumber noun [ C or U ] LITERARY
sleep
I fell into a gentle slumber.
I didn't want to rouse you from your slumbers.
FIGURATIVE Sharp cuts in interest rates have failed to bring the economy out of its
slumber.
slumber verb [ I ] LITERARY
to sleep
ˈ slumber ˌ party noun [ C ] US
a party when a group of children spend the night at one child's house
See also sleep-over
slump verb REDUCE SUDDENLY
1. [ I ] (of prices, values or sales) to fall suddenly
The value of property has slumped.
Car sales have slumped dramatically over the past year.
slump verb SIT/FALL
slump
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to sit or fall heavily and suddenly
She slumped into the chair, exhausted.
slump noun [ C ]
1. a fall in the price, value, sales, etc. of something
There's been a slump in the demand for new cars.
2. a period when an industry or the economy is in a bad state and there is a lot of
unemployment
an economic slump
The airline industry is currently in a slump.
slumped adjective
having your head low and shoulders forward
He sat slumped over his desk, the picture of misery.
slumped adjective
having your head low and shoulders forward
He sat slumped over his desk, the picture of misery.
slung verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sling
slunk verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF slink
slur verb [ T ] PRONOUNCE BADLY
1. to pronounce the sounds of a word in a way which is not clear, uncontrolled or
wrong
Her speech was slurred but she still denied she was drunk.
slur verb [ T ] MUSIC
2. to sing or play notes in a smooth and connected manner
slur verb [ T ] CRITICIZE
3. to harm someone's reputation by criticizing them
The report slurs both the teachers and pupils.
slur noun CRITICISM
1. [ C ] a remark that criticizes someone which is likely to have a harmful effect
on their reputation
Her letter contained several outrageous slurs against/on her former colleagues.
His comments cast a slur on the integrity of his employees.
slur noun BAD PRONUNCIATION
2. [ S ] when you pronounce the sounds of a word in a way which is not clear,
uncontrolled or wrong
The drug affected her vision and made her speak with a slur.
slur noun MUSIC
3. [ C ] a curved line written over or under musical notes to show that they must
be played in a smooth and connected manner
slurp verb
1. [ I or T ] INFORMAL to drink a liquid noisily as a result of sucking air into the
mouth at the same time as the liquid
Do try not to slurp.
I wish you wouldn't slurp your soup like that.
He slurped down his coffee.
2. [ I ] UK INFORMAL When a thick liquid slurps, it makes loud noises
The lava slurped and bubbled down the mountainside.
slurp noun [ C ] INFORMAL
She paused to take a slurp of tea.
slurry noun [ U ]
a mixture of water and small pieces of a solid, especially such a mixture used in
an industrial or farming process
slurry noun [ U ]
a mixture of water and small pieces of a solid, especially such a mixture used in
an industrial or farming process
slush noun SNOW
1. [ U ] snow that is lying on the ground and has started to melt
2. [ C or U ] MAINLY US a thick drink made from crushed ice and a sweet liquid
a cherry/cola slush
slush noun ROMANTIC LANGUAGE
3. [ U ] language or writing that is too emotional and romantic and does not have
any real importance or meaning
ˈ slush ˌ fund noun [ C ]
a sum of money that is kept for dishonest or illegal activities in politics or business
He used his party's slush fund to buy votes in the election.
slushy adjective SNOW
1. Slushy snow is partly melted.
slushy adjective ROMANTIC LANGUAGE
2. Slushy language is too emotional and romantic.
a slushy romantic novel
slut noun [ C ] SEXUALLY ACTIVE WOMAN
1. SLANG DISAPPROVING a woman who has sexual relationships with a lot of men
without any emotional involvement
slut noun [ C ] LAZY WOMAN
2. UK VERY INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a woman who is usually untidy and lazy
sluttish adjective ( ALSO slutty ) SLANG DISAPPROVING
sly adjective
1. deceiving people in a clever way in order to get what you want
He's a sly old devil - I wouldn't trust him with my money.
2. [ before noun ] seeming to know secrets
"You'll find out eventually," said Mary with a sly smile .
slyly adverb
She grinned slyly and refused to tell me where the money came from.
slyness noun [ U ]
sly noun
on the sly
If you do something on the sly, you do it secretly because you should not be
doing it
He drives his mother's car on the sly while she's at work.
slyboots noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a person who avoids showing or telling other people what he or she is thinking or
intending
[ as form of address ] You old slyboots! Why didn't you tell us about your new
girlfriend?
slyboots noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a person who avoids showing or telling other people what he or she is thinking or
intending
[ as form of address ] You old slyboots! Why didn't you tell us about your new
girlfriend?
ˈ sly ˌ grog noun [ U ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
illegally sold alcoholic drink
S&M noun [ U ] , adjective
ABBREVIATION FOR sadomasochism or sadomasochistic
smack verb
1. [ T ] to hit someone or something forcefully with the flat inside part of your
hand, producing a short loud noise, especially as a way of punishing a child
I never smack my children.
I'll smack your bottom if you don't behave yourself.
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hit something hard against
something else
I smacked my head on the corner of the shelf.
She smacked her books down on the table and stormed out of the room.
smack your lips
to close and open your mouth loudly to express a strong wish to eat something
you like a lot
"I adore chocolate cake, " said Susannah, smacking her lips.
smack of sth phrasal verb
If something smacks of an unpleasant quality, it seems to have that quality
The whole affair smacks of mismanagement and incompetence.
smack noun HIT FORCEFULLY
1. [ C ] a hit from someone's flat hand as a punishment
You're going to get a smack on the bottom if you don't stop being such a naughty
boy.
2. [ C ] INFORMAL a hit given with the fist (= closed hand)
I gave him a smack on the jaw.
3. [ C ] a short loud noise
She slammed her case down on the desk with a smack.
4. [ C ] INFORMAL a loud kiss
a big smack on the lips
smack noun DRUG
5. [ U ] SLANG heroin (= a strong illegal drug)
How long has she been on smack?
smack adverb ( UK ALSO smack-bang , US ALSO smack-dab ) EXACTLY
1. exactly in a place
She lives smack in the middle of London.
smack adverb ( UK ALSO smack-bang , US ALSO smack-dab ) DIRECTLY
2. directly and forcefully, producing a short loud noise
I wasn't looking where I was going and walked smack into a lamppost.
smacker noun MOUTH
1. [ C ] INFORMAL a loud or long kiss
2. [ C ] US the lips or the outer part of the mouth
a kiss on the smacker
smacker noun MONEY
3. [ C usually plural ] SLANG a pound or dollar
It cost me fifty smackers to get that window fixed.
smacker noun MOUTH
smacker noun MONEY
smackhead noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a person who regularly takes heroin (= a strong illegal drug)
small adjective LIMITED
1. limited in size or amount when compared with what is typical or average
a small dog/house/car/country
I'd rather live in a small town than a big city.
Would you like a large or small cola with your burger?
Ella is the smallest girl in her class.
That jacket's too small for you.
He's small for his age.
Only a small number of applicants are successful.
The number of women in parliament is pitifully (= extremely) small.
Liqueurs are usually drunk in small quantities .
small adjective YOUNG
2. describes a very young child that is older than a baby
Looking after small children can be very tiring.
small adjective LIMITED ACTIVITY
3. [ before noun ] limited in the amount of an activity
The government should give more help to small businessmen (= people whose
businesses are of a limited size) .
Chris is quite a small eater so he won't want much.
If you can help us in a small way (= to a limited degree) it would be greatly
appreciated.
small adjective NOT IMPORTANT
4. not important or effective
Talking to her makes me feel small.
He's always trying to make me look small in front of my boss.
small adjective LETTER SIZE
5. [ before noun ] describes letters that are not capital letters
The poet e. e. cummings wrote his name with small letters, not capital letters.
6. UK A conservative with a small 'c' is someone who has traditional values, such
as disliking change in society, rather than being a member or supporter of the
Conservative Party . We can use this structure with other words to say something is
more general or less extreme than the usual meaning
Management is all about politics with a small 'p'.
smallness noun [ U ]
The smallness of the city often surprises first-time visitors.
grateful/thankful for small mercies
If someone should be grateful/thankful for small mercies, they should be grateful
for something although it is not as good as they would like
We've only raised a quarter of the money we needed, but I suppose we must be
thankful for small mercies.
It's a small world. SAYING
said to show your surprise that people or events in different places are connected
So you know my old science teacher! Well, it's certainly a small world, isn't it?
a small fortune INFORMAL
a large sum of money
You'll have to spend a small fortune in legal fees if you decide to sue for
compensation.
small wonder
used to mean that something is not surprising
After five years with the company she hadn't been promoted - small wonder then
that she decided to quit her job.
small adverb
in a small size
The instructions are printed so small I can hardly read them.
small noun UNDERWEAR
1. smalls UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
underwear, especially when being washed or about to be washed
Have you got any smalls that need washing?
small noun BODY
2. the small of your back
the middle of the lower back
I have a pain in the small of my back.
See picture back
ˈ small ˌ ad noun [ C ] UK
classified ad
smacker noun MOUTH
smacker noun MONEY
smackhead noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a person who regularly takes heroin (= a strong illegal drug)
small adjective LIMITED
1. limited in size or amount when compared with what is typical or average
a small dog/house/car/country
I'd rather live in a small town than a big city.
Would you like a large or small cola with your burger?
Ella is the smallest girl in her class.
That jacket's too small for you.
He's small for his age.
Only a small number of applicants are successful.
The number of women in parliament is pitifully (= extremely) small.
Liqueurs are usually drunk in small quantities .
small adjective YOUNG
2. describes a very young child that is older than a baby
Looking after small children can be very tiring.
small adjective LIMITED ACTIVITY
3. [ before noun ] limited in the amount of an activity
The government should give more help to small businessmen (= people whose
businesses are of a limited size) .
Chris is quite a small eater so he won't want much.
If you can help us in a small way (= to a limited degree) it would be greatly
appreciated.
small adjective NOT IMPORTANT
4. not important or effective
Talking to her makes me feel small.
He's always trying to make me look small in front of my boss.
small adjective LETTER SIZE
5. [ before noun ] describes letters that are not capital letters
The poet e. e. cummings wrote his name with small letters, not capital letters.
6. UK A conservative with a small 'c' is someone who has traditional values, such
as disliking change in society, rather than being a member or supporter of the
Conservative Party . We can use this structure with other words to say something is
more general or less extreme than the usual meaning
Management is all about politics with a small 'p'.
smallness noun [ U ]
The smallness of the city often surprises first-time visitors.
grateful/thankful for small mercies
If someone should be grateful/thankful for small mercies, they should be grateful
for something although it is not as good as they would like
We've only raised a quarter of the money we needed, but I suppose we must be
thankful for small mercies.
It's a small world. SAYING
said to show your surprise that people or events in different places are connected
So you know my old science teacher! Well, it's certainly a small world, isn't it?
a small fortune INFORMAL
a large sum of money
You'll have to spend a small fortune in legal fees if you decide to sue for
compensation.
small wonder
used to mean that something is not surprising
After five years with the company she hadn't been promoted - small wonder then
that she decided to quit her job.
small adverb
in a small size
The instructions are printed so small I can hardly read them.
small noun UNDERWEAR
1. smalls UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
underwear, especially when being washed or about to be washed
Have you got any smalls that need washing?
small noun BODY
2. the small of your back
the middle of the lower back
I have a pain in the small of my back.
See picture back
ˈ small ˌ ad noun [ C ] UK
classified ad
ˈ small ˌ arms plural noun
small light guns that are held and fired in one or both hands
ˈ small ˌ arms plural noun
small light guns that are held and fired in one or both hands
ˌ small ˈ beer noun [ U ] ( US small potatoes ) INFORMAL
something that does not seem important when compared to something else
The insurance premium is small beer compared to what we'd have to pay if the
house burnt down.
ˌ small ˈ change noun [ U ]
1. money that is in the form of coins of low value
2. something that is not considered to be expensive or important
He spent $10 million on a race horse, but that's just small change to him.
ˌ small ˈ claims ˌ court noun [ C or U ]
a law court which deals with claims for small amounts of money, especially from
people who believe that they have had money taken from them unfairly by a business
ˌ smallest ˈ room noun [ U ]
UK INFORMAL OLD-FASHIONED FOR the toilet (= room with a toilet)
ˈ small ˌ fry noun [ U ] INFORMAL
people or things that are not considered to be important
They may be key players in their own company, but they're small fry in the
industry itself.
smallholder noun [ C ] UK
someone who owns a smallholding
smallholding noun [ C ] UK
an area of land that is used for farming but which is much smaller than a typical
farm
ˈ small ˌ hours plural noun
the early hours of the morning, between twelve o'clock at night and the time
when the sun rises
She was up until the small hours of the morning trying to finish her essay.
ˌ small in ˈ testine noun [ C usually singular ]
the upper part of the bowels between the stomach and the large intestine
ˌ small in ˈ testine noun [ C usually singular ]
the upper part of the bowels between the stomach and the large intestine
small-minded adjective DISAPPROVING
having fixed opinions and refusing to consider new or different ideas
He has some very small-minded opinions about foreigners.
small-mindedness noun [ U ]
smallpox noun [ U ]
an extremely infectious disease which causes a fever, spots on the skin and often
death
ˈ small ˌ print noun [ U ] UK ( US fine print )
text in a formal agreement which is printed smaller than the rest of the text,
sometimes in the hope that it will not be noticed because it contains rules or information
that will not give advantages to the person signing the agreement
Don't sign anything until you've read the small print.
the ˈ small ˌ screen noun [ S ]
television, especially when compared with cinema
Her new detective series will be her debut on the small screen.
ˈ small ˌ talk noun [ U ]
conversation about things which are not important, often between people who do
not know each other well
I don't enjoy parties where I have to make small talk with complete strangers.
small-time adjective DISAPPROVING
not very successful or important
a small-time crook
a small-time theatre
small-timer noun [ C ]
The police are arresting the small-timers when they should be going for the
ringleaders.
small-town adjective [ before noun ]
describes small social groups where ordinary people live
The film explores the life of small-town America in the 1930s.
smarmy adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
extremely polite, respectful or helpful in a way which is intended to be attractive
but which does not seem sincere
She was trying to be friendly, but she just seemed smarmy and insincere.
smarm verb [ I or T ]
He's always trying to smarm his way into a promotion.
smarmily adverb
"Certainly, madam, " he replied smarmily.
smart adjective STYLISH
1. UK OR US OLD-FASHIONED having a clean, tidy and stylish appearance
Guy looks very smart in his new suit, doesn't he?
I need a smart jacket for my interview.
She works in a very smart new office overlooking the River Cam.
2. UK OR US OLD-FASHIONED A place or event that is smart attracts fashionable,
stylish or rich people
a smart restaurant
We went to a very smart party on New Year's Eve.
smart adjective CLEVER
3. intelligent, or able to think quickly or cleverly in difficult situations
Gemma's teacher says she's one of the smartest kids in the class.
Why don't you fix it if you're so smart?
I'm not smart enough to understand computers.
He's smart enough to know he can't run the business without her.
Quitting that job was the smartest move I ever made.
smart adjective QUICK
4. [ before noun ] done quickly with a lot of force or effort
She gave him a smart smack on the bottom.
We'll have to work at a smart pace if we're going to finish on time.
smartness noun [ U ] UK
smart verb [ I ]
1. to cause someone to feel a stinging pain
My eyes were smarting from the onions.
2. to feel upset and angry because of failure or criticism
The police are still smarting from their failure to prevent the robbery.
smart alec , smart aleck noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who tries to appear clever or who answers questions in a clever way
that annoys other people
smarmy adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
extremely polite, respectful or helpful in a way which is intended to be attractive
but which does not seem sincere
She was trying to be friendly, but she just seemed smarmy and insincere.
smarm verb [ I or T ]
He's always trying to smarm his way into a promotion.
smarmily adverb
"Certainly, madam, " he replied smarmily.
smart adjective STYLISH
1. UK OR US OLD-FASHIONED having a clean, tidy and stylish appearance
Guy looks very smart in his new suit, doesn't he?
I need a smart jacket for my interview.
She works in a very smart new office overlooking the River Cam.
2. UK OR US OLD-FASHIONED A place or event that is smart attracts fashionable,
stylish or rich people
a smart restaurant
We went to a very smart party on New Year's Eve.
smart adjective CLEVER
3. intelligent, or able to think quickly or cleverly in difficult situations
Gemma's teacher says she's one of the smartest kids in the class.
Why don't you fix it if you're so smart?
I'm not smart enough to understand computers.
He's smart enough to know he can't run the business without her.
Quitting that job was the smartest move I ever made.
smart adjective QUICK
4. [ before noun ] done quickly with a lot of force or effort
She gave him a smart smack on the bottom.
We'll have to work at a smart pace if we're going to finish on time.
smartness noun [ U ] UK
smart verb [ I ]
1. to cause someone to feel a stinging pain
My eyes were smarting from the onions.
2. to feel upset and angry because of failure or criticism
The police are still smarting from their failure to prevent the robbery.
ˈ smart ˌ arse noun [ C ] ( US smart ass ) OFFENSIVE
someone who is always trying to seem more clever than other people in a way
that is annoying
I don't want some smart arse from the city telling me how to manage my farm.
ˈ smart ˌ bomb noun [ C ]
a bomb which is directed to the object it is intended to hit by a television signal or
a laser
ˈ smart ˌ card noun [ C ]
a small plastic card which is used to make payments and to store personal
information and which can be read when connected to a computer system
ˈ smart ˌ drug noun [ C usually plural ]
a drug which is designed to make you more intelligent or help you think more
clearly
smarten verb
smarten (sb/sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK
to (cause to) become more clean, tidy and stylish
[ R ] She's really smartened her self up since she left university.
You'll have to smarten up if you want to work in television.
smarten up your act MAINLY UK
to make more effort
Why are you always so late? You'll have to smarten up your act if you want to
keep your job.
smartly adverb STYLISH
1. UK OR US OLD-FASHIONED in a fashionable and slightly formal way
Paul's always very smartly dressed .
smartly adverb QUICK
2. quickly or forcefully
The good economic news caused share prices to rise smartly this afternoon.
the ˈ smart ˌ money noun [ S ]
money that is invested (= given to companies hoping to get more back) by
experienced investors who know a lot about what they are doing
The smart money is coming back into mortgages as the best investment now.
the smart money is on/says...
If the smart money is on something or says something, that thing is considered to
be likely to happen
The smart money says she'll win the world championship.
the ˈ smart ˌ money noun [ S ]
money that is invested (= given to companies hoping to get more back) by
experienced investors who know a lot about what they are doing
The smart money is coming back into mortgages as the best investment now.
the smart money is on/says...
If the smart money is on something or says something, that thing is considered to
be likely to happen
The smart money says she'll win the world championship.
ˈ smart ˌ mouth noun [ C usually singular ] US INFORMAL
If someone has or is a smart mouth, they speak to other people in a way that
shows little respect.
smart-mouthed adjective
a smart-mouthed little brat
Smartphone noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a mobile phone that can be used as a small computer
smarts plural noun US INFORMAL
intelligence
He's got the smarts to figure out what to do next.
ˈ smart ˌ set noun [ U ] UK
people who are fashionable, rich and often artistic or well educated
The nightclub is popular with Berlin's smart set.
smarty-pants noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who wants to appear to be clever
[ as form of address ] Okay, smarty-pants, you tell me how to do it then.
smash verb BREAK NOISILY
smash
1. [ I or T ] to cause something to break noisily into a lot of small pieces
Rioters ran through the city centre smashing windows and looting shops.
She dropped her cup and watched it smash to pieces/to smithereens on the
stone floor.
smash verb MOVE FORCEFULLY
2. [ I or T + adverb or preposition ] to cause something to move with great force
against something hard, usually causing damage or injury
Several boats were smashed against the rocks during the storm.
He tried to smash the door down to get to me.
The car was travelling very fast when it smashed into the tree.
He threatened to smash my face in if I didn't give him the money.
3. [ I or T ] in tennis, to hit the ball down toward the ground quickly and forcefully
smash verb DEFEAT
4. [ T ] to defeat someone or to destroy something completely
The government said it would do whatever was necessary to smash the rebellion.
smash verb DO BETTER
5. [ T ] to do much better than the best or fastest result recorded previously
Petersen smashed the 400m record by over half a second.
smash sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to damage something in a violent and destructive way
In the sixties he was famous for taking drugs and smashing up hotel rooms.
smashed-up adjective
a smashed-up car
smash noun NOISE
1. [ U ] the sound of something being smashed
I was woken by the smash of glass.
2. [ C ] the sound of something smashing against something
The cars collided with a loud smash.
smash noun ACCIDENT
3. [ C ] a smash-up
smash noun TENNIS
4. [ C ] (in tennis) a powerful downward hit which sends the ball forcefully over
the net
smash noun SUCCESSFUL FILM/SONG
5. [ C ] an extremely popular and successful song, play or film
This CD contains all the latest smash hits .
Her first movie was an international box-office smash.
smash-and-grab raid noun [ C ] UK
a crime in which thieves break the window of a shop and steal things before
quickly escaping
quickly escaping
smashed adjective [ after verb ] SLANG
extremely drunk, or powerfully affected by illegal drugs
smasher noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
someone who is very attractive
smashing adjective UK OLD-FASHIONED
extremely good, attractive, enjoyable or pleasant
There's a smashing view from her office.
Jonathan would make a smashing dad.
He looks smashing in his dinner suit.
smash-up noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO smash )
a road or train accident
He hasn't driven since his smash-up two years ago.
smattering noun [ C usually singular ]
a very small amount or number
There's only a smattering of people who oppose the proposal.
smear verb SPREAD
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to spread a liquid or a thick substance
over a surface
The children had smeared peanut butter all over the sofa.
Can you explain why the front of your car is smeared with blood?
smear verb ACCUSE
2. [ T ] to publicly accuse someone of something unpleasant, unreasonable or
unlikely to be true in order to harm their reputation
She decided to sue for libel after the newspaper smeared her private life.
smear noun [ C ] SPREAD
1. a dirty mark made by spreading a liquid or a thick substance over a surface
You'd look very stylish if it wasn't for that smear of ketchup on your shirt.
smear noun [ C ] ACCUSING
2. when someone is publicly accused of something unpleasant, unreasonable or
unlikely to be true with the intention of harming their reputation
The prime minister has dismissed the allegations as smears and innuendo.
She claims she was the victim of a smear campaign (= repeated attempts to
damage her reputation) .
smear noun [ C ] MEDICAL TEST
3. UK ( ALSO smear test , US pap smear ) a medical test in which cells from a
woman's cervix (= entrance to the womb ) are removed and examined to discover if
there is any disease
smell verb CHARACTERISTIC
1. [ I L only + adjective ] to have a particular quality that others can notice with
their noses
My hands smell UK of / US like onions.
That cake smells good.
There's something in the fridge that smells mouldy.
Your feet smell (= have an unpleasant smell) . Why don't you wash them?
smell verb DISCOVER
2. [ T ] to notice or discover something using the nose
Come and smell these flowers!
Can you smell something burning ?
[ + ( that ) ] Didn't you smell (that) the pie was burning?
I can smell something nasty in the bottom of the fridge.
3. [ T ] INFORMAL to know about or be conscious of a situation without having to be
told about it
Brenda can smell trouble a mile off (= a long time in advance) .
smell verb ABILITY
4. [ I ] to have the ability to notice or discover that a substance is present by
using your nose
Humans can't smell as well as dogs.
What I hate most about having a cold is not being able to smell.
-smelling suffix
sweet -smelling flowers
foul -smelling rubbish
come up/out smelling of roses UK ( US come up/out smelling like roses )
to have people believe that you are good and honest after a difficult situation
which could have made you seem bad or dishonest
When the results of the fraud investigation were announced last week, the staff
came up smelling of roses.
smell a rat
to recognize that something is not as it appears to be or that something dishonest
is happening
He's been working late with her every night this week - I smell a rat!
smell blood
to recognize an opportunity to take advantage of someone who is in a difficult
situation
When she smells blood, you don't get a second chance.
smell somewhere out phrasal verb [ M ] UK AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH ( US smell
somewhere up )
to fill a place with a smell, in an unpleasant way
That aftershave of yours is smelling out the whole house.
smell sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY sniff sth/sb out )
to discover where something or someone is by smelling
At customs, dogs are used to smell out drugs in passengers' luggage.
smell noun CHARACTERISTIC
1. [ C ] the characteristic of something that can be recognized or noticed using
the nose
What's your favourite smell?
I love the smell of orange blossoms.
The marketplace was filled with delightful smells.
There's a delicious smell in here.
I wish we could get rid of that smell (= bad smell) in the bathroom.
2. the smell of sth
LITERARY the particular character or feeling that someone or something has
She's still enjoying the sweet smell (= pleasant experience) of success after her
victory in the world championships.
smell noun ABILITY
3. [ U ] the ability to notice or discover that a substance is present by using your
nose
Smell is one of the five senses.
Dogs have a very good sense of smell.
smell noun DISCOVER
4. [ S ] MAINLY UK when you put your nose near something and breathe in so that
you can discover its characteristics with your nose
Have a smell of this perfume.
quickly escaping
smashed adjective [ after verb ] SLANG
extremely drunk, or powerfully affected by illegal drugs
smasher noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
someone who is very attractive
smashing adjective UK OLD-FASHIONED
extremely good, attractive, enjoyable or pleasant
There's a smashing view from her office.
Jonathan would make a smashing dad.
He looks smashing in his dinner suit.
smash-up noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO smash )
a road or train accident
He hasn't driven since his smash-up two years ago.
smattering noun [ C usually singular ]
a very small amount or number
There's only a smattering of people who oppose the proposal.
smear verb SPREAD
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to spread a liquid or a thick substance
over a surface
The children had smeared peanut butter all over the sofa.
Can you explain why the front of your car is smeared with blood?
smear verb ACCUSE
2. [ T ] to publicly accuse someone of something unpleasant, unreasonable or
unlikely to be true in order to harm their reputation
She decided to sue for libel after the newspaper smeared her private life.
smear noun [ C ] SPREAD
1. a dirty mark made by spreading a liquid or a thick substance over a surface
You'd look very stylish if it wasn't for that smear of ketchup on your shirt.
smear noun [ C ] ACCUSING
2. when someone is publicly accused of something unpleasant, unreasonable or
unlikely to be true with the intention of harming their reputation
The prime minister has dismissed the allegations as smears and innuendo.
She claims she was the victim of a smear campaign (= repeated attempts to
damage her reputation) .
smear noun [ C ] MEDICAL TEST
3. UK ( ALSO smear test , US pap smear ) a medical test in which cells from a
woman's cervix (= entrance to the womb ) are removed and examined to discover if
there is any disease
smell verb CHARACTERISTIC
1. [ I L only + adjective ] to have a particular quality that others can notice with
their noses
My hands smell UK of / US like onions.
That cake smells good.
There's something in the fridge that smells mouldy.
Your feet smell (= have an unpleasant smell) . Why don't you wash them?
smell verb DISCOVER
2. [ T ] to notice or discover something using the nose
Come and smell these flowers!
Can you smell something burning ?
[ + ( that ) ] Didn't you smell (that) the pie was burning?
I can smell something nasty in the bottom of the fridge.
3. [ T ] INFORMAL to know about or be conscious of a situation without having to be
told about it
Brenda can smell trouble a mile off (= a long time in advance) .
smell verb ABILITY
4. [ I ] to have the ability to notice or discover that a substance is present by
using your nose
Humans can't smell as well as dogs.
What I hate most about having a cold is not being able to smell.
-smelling suffix
sweet -smelling flowers
foul -smelling rubbish
come up/out smelling of roses UK ( US come up/out smelling like roses )
to have people believe that you are good and honest after a difficult situation
which could have made you seem bad or dishonest
When the results of the fraud investigation were announced last week, the staff
came up smelling of roses.
smell a rat
to recognize that something is not as it appears to be or that something dishonest
is happening
He's been working late with her every night this week - I smell a rat!
smell blood
to recognize an opportunity to take advantage of someone who is in a difficult
situation
When she smells blood, you don't get a second chance.
smell somewhere out phrasal verb [ M ] UK AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH ( US smell
somewhere up )
to fill a place with a smell, in an unpleasant way
That aftershave of yours is smelling out the whole house.
smell sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY sniff sth/sb out )
to discover where something or someone is by smelling
At customs, dogs are used to smell out drugs in passengers' luggage.
smell noun CHARACTERISTIC
1. [ C ] the characteristic of something that can be recognized or noticed using
the nose
What's your favourite smell?
I love the smell of orange blossoms.
The marketplace was filled with delightful smells.
There's a delicious smell in here.
I wish we could get rid of that smell (= bad smell) in the bathroom.
2. the smell of sth
LITERARY the particular character or feeling that someone or something has
She's still enjoying the sweet smell (= pleasant experience) of success after her
victory in the world championships.
smell noun ABILITY
3. [ U ] the ability to notice or discover that a substance is present by using your
nose
Smell is one of the five senses.
Dogs have a very good sense of smell.
smell noun DISCOVER
4. [ S ] MAINLY UK when you put your nose near something and breathe in so that
you can discover its characteristics with your nose
Have a smell of this perfume.
ˈ smelling ˌ salts plural noun
a chemical with a strong smell which is put under the nose of people who have
become unconscious in order to make them awake again
ˈ smelling ˌ salts plural noun
a chemical with a strong smell which is put under the nose of people who have
become unconscious in order to make them awake again
smelly adjective
having an unpleasant smell
smelly feet
smelt verb UK PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF
smell
smelt verb [ T ]
to get a metal from rock by heating it to a very high temperature, or to melt
objects made from metal in order to use the metal to make something new
smelting noun [ U ]
smelter noun [ C ]
a factory or machine in which metal is smelted
smidge noun [ C usually singular ]
smidgen
smidgen , smidgin , smidgeon noun [ S ] INFORMAL
a very small amount
Could I have a smidgen more wine?
It was five years since I'd last seen him, but he hadn't changed a smidgeon.
smile noun [ C ]
an expression on the face in which the ends of the mouth curve up slightly, often
with the lips moving apart so that the teeth can be seen
Amy had a big/broad smile on her face.
She has a nice smile.
He winked and gave me a smile.
It's nice to be able to bring a smile to people's faces (= make people smile) .
be all smiles
to look happy and friendly, especially when other people are not expecting you to
She's never been very friendly, but she was all smiles when she asked me to help
her with her homework.
smile verb
1. [ I or T ] to make a happy or friendly expression in which the corners of your
mouth curve up
He smiled and shook my hand.
When he smiled at me I knew everything was all right.
Esme's so cheerful - she's always smiling.
I couldn't help smiling when I thought of how pleased she was going to be.
He smiled politely as Mary apologized for her drunken friends.
He smiled to him self as he thought about his new girlfriend.
He smiled the smile of a man who knew victory was within reach.
2. [ T ] to express or say something with a smile
He smiled his congratulations and left without another word.
"Don't you worry about a thing. Everything's going to be just fine," smiled Robin
reassuringly.
smile on sth/sb phrasal verb LITERARY
to feel positive about something or someone, or to treat them in a very positive
way
The government began to smile on small businesses when it realized that they
were the key to economic growth.
FIGURATIVE The gods smiled on us and we had brilliant sunshine throughout the
day.
smiley noun [ C ]
an emoticon (= a sideways image of a face, consisting of keyboard symbols,
which is used in emails to express emotions)
smiley adjective INFORMAL
A smiley person or someone who has a smiley face looks friendly and smiles a lot.
smiley noun [ C ]
an emoticon (= a sideways image of a face, consisting of keyboard symbols,
which is used in emails to express emotions)
smiley adjective INFORMAL
A smiley person or someone who has a smiley face looks friendly and smiles a lot.
smiling adjective
having a smile
I really miss seeing their happy smiling faces .
smilingly adverb
If someone does something smilingly, they smile as they are doing it
When I complained about how long we'd had to wait for our food, the bill was
whisked away and smilingly returned without the service charge.
smirk noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a smile that expresses satisfaction or pleasure about having done something or
knowing something which is not known by someone else
"Maybe your husband does things that you don't know about," he said with a
smirk.
"I told you it would end in disaster," said Polly with a self-satisfied smirk on her
face.
smirk verb [ I or T ] DISAPPROVING
to smile in this way
I don't like the way he winks and smirks at me whenever he sees me.
He smirked his way through the interview.
smite verb [ T ] LITERARY
to hit someone forcefully or to have a sudden powerful or destructive effect on
someone
smith noun [ C ] , suffix
someone who makes things out of metal, especially by heating and hammering it
to shape it
a goldsmith/silversmith
See also blacksmith
smithereens plural noun INFORMAL
a lot of very small broken pieces
Our city was bombed to smithereens during the war.
So many films nowadays involve everyone and everything being blown to
smithereens.
smithy noun [ C ]
a place where things are made out of metal, especially iron or steel, by heating
and hammering
smithy noun [ C ]
a place where things are made out of metal, especially iron or steel, by heating
and hammering
smitten adjective [ after verb ]
having suddenly started to like or love something or someone very much
The story's about a man smitten with love for his wife's cousin.
He was so smitten by her that he promised to move to Argentina to be near her.
smock noun [ C ]
smock
a piece of clothing like a long shirt which is worn loosely over other clothing to
protect it when working, or a piece of women's clothing that is similar to this
an artist's smock
smocking noun [ U ]
decoration on a piece of clothing consisting of cloth which has been gathered into
tight folds that are held in position with decorative stitching
smog noun [ S or U ]
air pollution, especially in cities, that is caused by a mixture of smoke, gases and
chemicals
Smog is a major problem in Athens.
As we flew into the airport, we could see a murky yellow smog hovering over the
city.
smoggy adjective
Mexico City is one of the world's smoggiest capitals.
smoke noun GREY GAS
1. [ U ] the grey, black or white mixture of gas and very small pieces of carbon
that is produced when something burns
cigarette smoke
a tiny smoke -filled pub
The fire produced a pall (= large mass) of smoke visible twenty miles away.
Plumes of smoke billowed from the chimney.
She leaned back thoughtfully and blew a puff of (= a small amount of) smoke
into the air.
2. go up in smoke
a. to be destroyed by burning
Because of the fire, hundreds of houses went up in smoke.
b. Something that goes up in smoke fails to produce the result that was wanted
When the business went bankrupt, twenty years of hard work went up in smoke.
smoke noun CIGARETTE
3. [ S ] the act of smoking a cigarette
I really enjoy a smoke at the end of a meal.
4. [ C ] INFORMAL a cigarette
Would you buy me some smokes while you're out?
smoke noun CITY
5. the (big) smoke UK AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH INFORMAL
any large city, especially London, Sydney or Melbourne
He was a young lad of 16 when he first came to the big smoke.
There's no smoke without fire. UK SAYING ( US Where there's smoke, there's fire. )
If unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably a
good reason for it
She says the accusations are not true, but there's no smoke without fire.
smoke verb BREATHE SMOKE
1. [ I or T ] to breathe smoke into the mouth and usually lungs from a cigarette,
pipe, etc.
Do you mind if I smoke?
I used to smoke a UK packet/ US pack of cigarettes a day.
smoke verb GREY GAS
2. [ I ] to produce smoke as a result of industrial activity or of something such as
an electrical fault
The skyline is dominated by smoking factory chimneys.
Suddenly the TV went blank and started smoking.
smoke verb PRESERVE
3. [ T ] to preserve meat, fish or cheese using smoke from burning wood
People in the Middle East, South Asia and Egypt were salting, drying and smoking
fish and meat 6000 years ago.
She had champagne and smoked salmon sandwiches at her birthday party.
smoke sb/sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
If you smoke out an animal or person that is hiding, you force them to leave the
place where they are by filling it with smoke
FIGURATIVE The finance minister has promised a tougher approach to smoking out
(= finding) tax dodgers.
ˌ smoke and ˈ mirrors plural noun MAINLY US
Something that is described as smoke and mirrors is intended to take attention
away from an embarrassing or unpleasant situation
Instead of cutting expenditure, the government's relying on smoke and mirrors to
make it seem as though it's doing something.
ˌ smoke and ˈ mirrors plural noun MAINLY US
Something that is described as smoke and mirrors is intended to take attention
away from an embarrassing or unpleasant situation
Instead of cutting expenditure, the government's relying on smoke and mirrors to
make it seem as though it's doing something.
ˈ smoke ˌ bomb noun [ C ]
a device like a bomb which produces a lot of smoke instead of exploding
smoked adjective [ before noun ]
describes glass or a window that has been made darker, as if by smoke
She works in a modern office with smoked-glass windows.
ˈ smoke de ˌ tector noun [ C ]
a device that makes a loud noise when there is smoke present to tell people that
there is a fire
smoke-filled room noun [ C ]
a place where powerful people, such as politicians, meet to have discussions and
make agreements in secret
The whole business stinks of political corruption and decisions made in smoke-
filled rooms.
smokeless adjective
1. UK not causing or allowing smoke
If you live in a smokeless zone you have to use smokeless fuels instead of coal.
2. smokeless tobacco
US tobacco which is chewed or put in the mouth
smoker noun [ C ]
1. someone who smokes tobacco regularly
a cigarette/pipe smoker
Chris is a light/heavy smoker (= smokes a little/a lot each day) .
2. UK OLD-FASHIONED a train carriage in which people are allowed to smoke tobacco
smokescreen noun [ C ]
1. something which hides the truth about someone's intentions
Instead of doing something about the problem, the council is hiding behind a
smokescreen of bureaucracy.
2. an artificial cloud of smoke that is used to hide the movements or positions of
soldiers from the enemy
ˈ smoke ˌ signal noun [ C usually plural ]
1. a message using smoke from a fire, which can be seen from a long distance
2. a statement that does not clearly say what someone's intentions are
The chancellor was sending out smoke signals about the new budget proposal.
ˈ smoke ˌ signal noun [ C usually plural ]
1. a message using smoke from a fire, which can be seen from a long distance
2. a statement that does not clearly say what someone's intentions are
The chancellor was sending out smoke signals about the new budget proposal.
smokestack noun [ C ]
a tall vertical pipe which takes smoke or steam into the air from an engine driven
by steam or from a factory
ˈ smokestack ˌ industry noun [ C ] MAINLY US
traditional industries that produce large machines or materials used in other
industries and create a lot of pollution in doing so
There's been a steady decline in smokestack industries such as shipbuilding and
steel.
smoking noun [ U ]
when someone smokes a cigarette, pipe, etc., or when someone regularly does
this
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in this theatre.
The nicotine patches are designed to help people give up/quit/stop smoking.
Cigarette smoking kills thousands of people every year.
No smoking, please.
I avoid going to restaurants that don't have a UK no- smoking/ US non- smoking
area.
ˌ smoking ˈ gun noun [ C usually singular ]
information which proves who committed a crime
The tape recordings provided prosecutors with the smoking gun they needed to
prove he'd been involved in the conspiracy.
ˈ smoking ˌ jacket noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a comfortable coat for a man that is made from a soft material and is worn when
relaxing at home, traditionally when smoking
smoky , smokey adjective
1. If a place is smoky, there is a lot of smoke in it
a smoky pub/restaurant
a smoky fire
2. describes something which appears to be similar to smoke
a smoky blue colour
This wine has a delicious smoky flavour.
smolder verb [ I ]
US FOR smoulder
smolder verb [ I ]
US FOR smoulder
smooch verb [ I ]
1. INFORMAL to kiss, hold and touch someone in a way that shows you love them
Didn't I see you smooching with Mark at Kim's party?
2. UK When two people are smooching, they are dancing slowly and very close
together to slow romantic music
The dance floor was full of middle-aged couples smooching to slushy ballads.
smooch noun [ C usually singular ]
1. INFORMAL a kiss
I was so embarrassed when I walked in on them having a smooch on the sofa.
2. UK a slow, romantic dance
Kate had a smooch with a very attractive young man at the Christmas party.
smooth adjective REGULAR
1. having a surface or substance which is perfectly regular and has no holes,
lumps or areas that rise or fall suddenly
a smooth surface/texture/consistency
This custard is deliciously smooth and creamy.
Mix together the butter and sugar until smooth.
The road ahead was flat and smooth.
This cream will help to keep your skin smooth.
smooth adjective NOT INTERRUPTED
2. happening without any sudden changes, interruption, inconvenience or
difficulty
We had a very smooth flight with no turbulence at all.
The car's improved suspension gives a much smoother ride than earlier models.
An efficient transport system is vital to the smooth running of a country's
economy.
smooth adjective TASTING PLEASANT
3. having a pleasant flavour which is not sour or bitter
This coffee is incredibly smooth and rich.
smooth adjective INSINCERE
4. very polite, confident and able to persuade people, but in a way that is not
sincere
The foreign minister is so smooth that many of his colleagues distrust him.
In job interviews, the successful candidates tend to be the smooth talkers who
know exactly how to make the right impression.
smoothness noun [ U ]
The wine possesses a smoothness and balanced depth which is rare at such a low
price.
I just love the smoothness of silk.
as smooth as silk/a baby's bottom
extremely smooth
Her skin was as smooth as silk.
smooth verb MAKE FLAT
1. [ I or T ] to move your hands across something in order to make it flat
He straightened his tie nervously and smoothed (down) his hair.
smooth verb REMOVE PROBLEMS
2. [ T ] to remove difficulties and make something easier to do or achieve
We encourage parents to help smooth their children's way through school.
We must do more to smooth the country's path to democratic reform.
smooth verb RUB
3. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to cover the surface of something with a liquid,
cream or wax, using gentle rubbing movements
Pour some oil into the palm of your hand and then smooth it over your arms and
neck.
smooth sth away phrasal verb [ M ]
to remove the difficulties from something
My mother was always there to smooth away my fears.
smooth sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to reduce the difficulties or changes in a process or situation
By investing small amounts regularly, you can smooth out the effects of sudden
rises and falls in the stock market.
smooth sth over phrasal verb [ M ]
to make problems, difficulties or disagreements less serious or easier to solve,
usually by talking to the people involved
Would you like me to try to smooth things over between you and your parents?
smoothie , smoothy noun [ C ] DRINK
1. a thick cold drink made from fruit, ice and often yogurt or ice cream, which is
mixed together until smooth
smoothie , smoothy noun [ C ] INSINCERE
2. DISAPPROVING a man who is very polite, confident and able to persuade people,
but in a way that is not sincere
He's such a smoothie - I just assumed he worked in sales.
smoothie , smoothy noun [ C ] DRINK
1. a thick cold drink made from fruit, ice and often yogurt or ice cream, which is
mixed together until smooth
smoothie , smoothy noun [ C ] INSINCERE
2. DISAPPROVING a man who is very polite, confident and able to persuade people,
but in a way that is not sincere
He's such a smoothie - I just assumed he worked in sales.
smoothly adverb
easily and without interruption or difficulty
The road was blocked for two hours after the accident, but traffic is now flowing
smoothly again.
Lead is added to fuel to make car engines run more smoothly.
The pregnancy's gone very smoothly so far.
If all goes smoothly, we should arrive by nine o'clock.
smorgasbord noun
1. [ C ] a mixture of many different hot and cold Scandinavian dishes which are
arranged so that you can serve yourself
2. [ C usually singular ] many different types of something
a smorgasbord of choices
smote verb
PAST SIMPLE OF smite
smother verb [ T ] COVER
1. to kill someone by covering their face so that they cannot breathe
They threatened to smother the animals with plastic bags.
2. to kill something by covering it and preventing it from receiving the substances
and conditions it needs for life
Snow soon smothered the last of the blooms.
FIGURATIVE I tried desperately to smother a sneeze (= I tried not to sneeze) during
his speech.
3. to stop a fire from burning by covering it with something which prevents air
from reaching it
I threw a blanket over the cooker to smother the flames.
smother verb [ T ] NOT DEVELOP
4. to prevent something from developing or growing freely
The latest violence has smothered any remaining hopes for an early peace
agreement.
5. to give someone too much love and attention so that they feel they have lost
their independence and freedom
I think she broke off their engagement because she felt smothered by him.
smother sth in/with sth phrasal verb
to cover something completely with a substance or objects
She took a slice of chocolate cake and smothered it in cream.
smoulder UK , US smolder verb [ I ]
1. to burn slowly with smoke but without flames
a smouldering fire
smouldering embers
The fire was started by a smouldering cigarette.
2. If a problem or unpleasant situation smoulders, it continues to exist and may
become worse at any time
The dispute is still smouldering, five years after the negotiations began.
3. If a strong emotion smoulders, it exists, but is prevented from being expressed
She was smouldering with rage as she explained how her son had been killed.
4. A person who smoulders has strong sexual or romantic feelings but does not
express them
He gazed at her with smouldering eyes , wishing she wasn't married.
smoulder UK , US smolder verb [ I ]
1. to burn slowly with smoke but without flames
a smouldering fire
smouldering embers
The fire was started by a smouldering cigarette.
2. If a problem or unpleasant situation smoulders, it continues to exist and may
become worse at any time
The dispute is still smouldering, five years after the negotiations began.
3. If a strong emotion smoulders, it exists, but is prevented from being expressed
She was smouldering with rage as she explained how her son had been killed.
4. A person who smoulders has strong sexual or romantic feelings but does not
express them
He gazed at her with smouldering eyes , wishing she wasn't married.
SMS noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR short message service: a system for sending text messages from
one mobile phone to another
SMTP noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED ABBREVIATION FOR
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol: a way of sending emails between computers
smudge noun [ C ]
a mark with no particular shape that is caused, usually by accident, by rubbing
something such as ink or a dirty finger across a surface
Her hands were covered in dust and she had a black smudge on her nose.
FIGURATIVE She said we were nearly there, but the island was still no more than a
distant smudge on the horizon.
smudgy adjective
smudge verb [ I or T ]
If ink, paint, etc. smudges or if someone smudges it, it becomes dirty or not clear
because someone or something has touched it
She was crying and her mascara had smudged.
smudging noun [ U ]
smudged adjective
dirty or not clear
The signature was smudged and impossible to decipher.
smug adjective DISAPPROVING
too pleased or satisfied about something you have achieved or something you
know
a smug grin
She deserved her promotion, but I wish she wasn't so damned smug about it.
There was a hint of smug self-satisfaction in her voice.
He's been unbearably smug since he gave up smoking.
smugness noun [ U ]
smuggle verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to take things or people to or from a place secretly and often illegally
She was caught trying to smuggle 26 kilos of heroin out of/into the country.
They managed to smuggle a videotape of the captive journalists out of the prison.
smuggling noun [ U ]
The murdered man is thought to have been involved in drug smuggling.
smuggle verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to take things or people to or from a place secretly and often illegally
She was caught trying to smuggle 26 kilos of heroin out of/into the country.
They managed to smuggle a videotape of the captive journalists out of the prison.
smuggling noun [ U ]
The murdered man is thought to have been involved in drug smuggling.
smuggler noun [ C ]
someone who smuggles
smugly adverb DISAPPROVING
in a way that shows too much satisfaction or confidence
"I own three cars and two boats," he said smugly.
smut noun SEXUAL MATERIAL
1. [ U ] DISAPPROVING magazines, books, pictures, films, jokes or conversations
which offend some people because they relate to sex
There's an awful lot of smut on television these days.
Patrick's conversations are always full of smut.
smut noun DIRT
2. [ C or U ] dirt or ash (= powder left when something has burned) that makes a
mark on something
smutty adjective DISAPPROVING
related to or containing smut
I was really embarrassed by his smutty jokes .
smuttiness noun [ U ]
snack noun [ C ]
a small amount of food that is eaten between meals, or a very small meal
I had a huge lunch, so I'll only need a snack for dinner.
Fresh or dried fruit makes an ideal snack.
Many snack foods are high in salt, sugar and fat.
snack verb [ I ]
to eat small amounts of food between meals
I've been snacking all day.
If you eat three good meals a day, you're less likely to snack on biscuits and
crisps.
ˈ snack ˌ bar noun [ C ]
a small informal restaurant where small meals can be eaten or bought to take
away
snaffle verb [ I or T ] UK INFORMAL
to take something quickly for yourself, in a way that prevents someone else from
having or using it
Who's snaffled my pen?
Martha snaffled (= ate) all the peanuts before the party had even begun!
The company grew by snaffling up several smaller businesses.
snaffle noun [ C ]
a type of bit (= metal bar held in a horse's mouth to control it) usually with a joint
in the middle
snaffle verb [ I or T ] UK INFORMAL
to take something quickly for yourself, in a way that prevents someone else from
having or using it
Who's snaffled my pen?
Martha snaffled (= ate) all the peanuts before the party had even begun!
The company grew by snaffling up several smaller businesses.
snaffle noun [ C ]
a type of bit (= metal bar held in a horse's mouth to control it) usually with a joint
in the middle
snafu noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
a situation in which nothing has happened as planned
The company isn't wholly to blame for the snafu.
A single snafu (= serious mistake) by an airline can leave a lasting impression on
travelers.
snag noun [ C ] PROBLEM
1. SLIGHTLY INFORMAL a problem, difficulty or disadvantage
We don't anticipate any snags in/with the negotiations.
The drug is very effective - the only snag is that it cannot be produced in large
quantities.
snag noun [ C ] DAMAGE
2. a tear, hole or loose thread in a piece of clothing or cloth caused by a sharp or
rough object
This sweater's full of snags.
snag noun [ C ] FOOD
3. AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL FOR sausage
snag verb DAMAGE
1. [ T ] If you snag something, it becomes caught on a sharp object and tears
Be careful not to snag your coat on the barbed wire.
snag verb PROBLEM
2. [ I or T ] MAINLY US to cause problems or difficulties for someone or something
Financial problems have snagged the project for the past six months.
The negotiations have snagged on a dispute about who should chair them.
snag verb GET
3. [ T ] US INFORMAL to get or catch something by acting quickly
They'd have gone bust if they hadn't snagged that contract from their rivals.
The ball was hit well, but Silverman snagged it for the final out of the inning.
snail noun [ C ]
snail
a small creature with a soft wet body and a round shell, that moves very slowly
and often eats garden plants
at a snail's pace
extremely slowly
The roads were full of traffic and we were travelling at a snail's pace for two
hours.
snail noun [ C ]
snail
a small creature with a soft wet body and a round shell, that moves very slowly
and often eats garden plants
at a snail's pace
extremely slowly
The roads were full of traffic and we were travelling at a snail's pace for two
hours.
ˈ snail ˌ mail noun [ U ] INFORMAL HUMOROUS
letters or messages that are not sent by email, but by regular post
We agreed the deal online, but we'll have to wait for snail mail to get the
paperwork.
snake noun [ C ]
1. a reptile with a long cylindrical body and no legs
He's terrified of being bitten by a snake.
a snake bite
snake venom
2. a snake (in the grass)
an unpleasant person who cannot be trusted
snake verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move along a route that includes a lot of twists or bends
The river snakes through some of the most spectacular countryside in France.
The queue for tickets snaked all the way around the block.
snake its way
Something that snakes its way moves or is arranged in a twisting way
A long queue had formed, snaking its way downstairs and out into the street.
ˈ snake ˌ charmer noun [ C ]
an entertainer who seems to control the movements of snakes by playing music
ˌ snakes and ˈ ladders plural noun UK ( US chutes and ladders )
a children's game played on a board that has pictures of snakes and ladders
snaky adjective AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
annoyed or angry
snap verb BREAK
1. [ I or T ] to cause something which is thin to break suddenly and quickly with a
cracking sound
You'll snap that ruler if you bend it too far.
Some vandal's gone and snapped off my car aerial again.
2. [ I ] to suddenly become unable to control a strong feeling, especially anger
When she asked me to postpone my trip to help her move house, I just snapped
(= got angry) .
snap verb MOVE QUICKLY
3. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to move into a position quickly,
producing a short noise as if breaking
Tendons store elastic energy by stretching and then snapping back into shape
like rubber bands.
Simply snap the pieces into place.
4. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to quickly return to a previous place or condition
After substantial losses last year, the company has snapped back to profitability
(= started making profits again) .
5. snap shut
If something snaps shut or is snapped shut, it closes quickly with a sudden sharp
sound
She snapped her book shut and got up to leave.
Her mouth snapped shut when she realized he'd heard everything she'd said
about him.
snap verb ANIMAL
6. [ I ] If an animal snaps, it tries to bite someone
The guard dog was snarling and snapping behind the fence.
snap verb SPEAK
7. [ I or T ] to say something suddenly in an angry way
There's no need to snap at me - it's not my fault that you lost your wallet.
[ + speech ] "Well, I hate you too!" she snapped.
snap verb PHOTOGRAPH
8. [ I or T ] to take a lot of photographs quickly
He was arrested for snapping photos of a military parade.
She's very pleased with her new camera and was snapping away the whole time
we were abroad.
snap your fingers
to a make a noise by pushing your second finger hard against your thumb and
then releasing it suddenly so that it hits the base of your thumb
He was snapping his fingers in time with the music.
snap sb's head off
to answer someone in an unreasonably angry way
There's no point trying to discuss anything with him if all he's going to do is snap
your head off.
snap at sb's heels
1. If an animal is snapping at your heels, it is running behind you and trying to
bite you.
2. to compete strongly with someone and have a chance of soon defeating or
replacing them
With so many younger women snapping at her heels, this year may be her last
chance to win the championship.
snap to it UK ( US snap it up ) INFORMAL
used to tell someone to do something more quickly
We're leaving in five minutes so you'd better snap to it and finish your breakfast.
snap out of sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to force yourself to stop feeling sad and upset
He just can't snap out of the depression he's had since his wife died.
Now come on, snap out of it . Losing that money isn't the end of the world.
snap sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to buy or get something quickly and enthusiastically because it is cheap or exactly
what you want
The tickets for the concert were snapped up within three hours of going on sale.
The fall in property prices means that there are a lot of bargains waiting to be
snapped up.
snap sb up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to immediately accept someone's offer to join your company or team because you
want them very much
She was snapped up by a large law firm.
snap noun BREAKING NOISE
1. [ C usually singular ] a sudden loud sound like something breaking or closing
She broke the stick over her knee with a loud snap.
2. [ C ] US FOR press stud
snap noun PHOTOGRAPH
3. [ C ] UK INFORMAL an informal photograph which is not very skilful or artistic
holiday snaps
Did you take many snaps while you were away?
snap noun GAME
4. [ U ] a card game in which the players compete to call out the word 'snap'
when they see two cards that have the same value
a game of snap
snap noun SOMETHING EASY
5. [ S ] US INFORMAL something that can be done without any difficulty
"Will you finish on time?" "Sure thing. It's a snap."
Talking to girls is a snap for him.
snap adjective [ before noun ]
done suddenly without allowing time for careful thought or preparation
He always makes snap decisions and never thinks about their consequences.
snap exclamation
1. 'Snap!' is what you say in the game of snap when two cards of the same value
have been played.
2. UK INFORMAL something that you say when you notice that two things are the
same
Snap! We're wearing the same shirts!
ˈ snap ˌ bean noun [ C ]
US FOR sugar (snap) pea
ˈ snap ˌ bean noun [ C ]
US FOR sugar (snap) pea
snapdragon noun [ C ]
a garden plant with white, yellow, pink or red flowers whose petals are shaped
like a pair of lips which open when they are pressed
ˈ snap ˌ fastener noun [ C ] UK
a press stud
snapper noun [ C ]
a fish that can be eaten which lives in warm seas
snappish adjective ( ALSO snappy )
easily annoyed and often speaking in an angry way
He's very snappish when he arrives at work in the morning.
snappishly adverb
"Of course I know what I'm doing!" she said, snappishly.
snappy adjective STYLISH
1. INFORMAL APPROVING (especially of a man's clothes or of his appearance) modern
and stylish
He's a snappy dresser .
That's a very snappy new suit you've got, Peter.
snappy adjective EFFECTIVE
2. APPROVING immediately effective in getting people's attention or communicating
an idea
The magazine will be launched in September with a snappy new design.
They're looking for a snappy slogan to communicate the campaign's message.
snappily adverb APPROVING
The sales team are usually fairly snappily dressed.
make it snappy
INFORMAL used to tell someone that you want them to do something immediately
and to do it quickly
I'd like my bill please, waiter, and make it snappy.
snapshot noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a photograph
a photograph
snare noun [ C ]
1. a device for catching small animals and birds, usually with a rope or wire which
tightens around the animal
2. a trick or situation which deceives you or involves you in some problem which
you do not know about
The legal system is full of snares for those who are not wary.
snare verb [ T ]
to catch an animal using a snare
We used to snare small birds such as sparrows and robins.
FIGURATIVE She grew up in the days when a woman's main aim was to snare a rich
husband.
ˈ snare ˌ drum noun [ C ] ( ALSO side drum )
snare drum
a drum with twisted wires stretched across the bottom which shake against it
when it is hit
snarf verb [ T ] INFORMAL
1. to take something without permission
I snarfed the book off the table when he wasn't looking.
2. to use a computer document or file without getting the writer's permission
He hacked into the computer system and snarfed some images.
3. ( ALSO snarf down ) to eat something very quickly in a way that people think is
greedy
He snarfed down the whole cake.
snarky adjective INFORMAL
criticizing someone in an annoyed way and trying to hurt their feelings
There was some idiot at the back of the hall making snarky comments.
snarl verb [ I or T ]
(especially of dogs) to make a deep rough sound while showing the teeth, usually
in anger or (of people) to speak or say something angrily and forcefully
The dogs started to snarl at each other so I had to separate them.
[ + speech ] "Go to hell!", he snarled.
snarl noun [ C ]
a deep rough sound, usually made in anger
The dog gave a low snarl so I quickly drew my hand back.
"Take your hands off me!" she said with a snarl.
ˌ snarled ˈ up adjective UK ( US USUALLY snarled )
describes a long line of traffic that is unable to travel forward because something
is blocking the road
The traffic was snarled up in both directions for two miles because of the accident.
snarl-up noun [ C ] UK ( US USUALLY snarl )
a photograph
snare noun [ C ]
1. a device for catching small animals and birds, usually with a rope or wire which
tightens around the animal
2. a trick or situation which deceives you or involves you in some problem which
you do not know about
The legal system is full of snares for those who are not wary.
snare verb [ T ]
to catch an animal using a snare
We used to snare small birds such as sparrows and robins.
FIGURATIVE She grew up in the days when a woman's main aim was to snare a rich
husband.
ˈ snare ˌ drum noun [ C ] ( ALSO side drum )
snare drum
a drum with twisted wires stretched across the bottom which shake against it
when it is hit
snarf verb [ T ] INFORMAL
1. to take something without permission
I snarfed the book off the table when he wasn't looking.
2. to use a computer document or file without getting the writer's permission
He hacked into the computer system and snarfed some images.
3. ( ALSO snarf down ) to eat something very quickly in a way that people think is
greedy
He snarfed down the whole cake.
snarky adjective INFORMAL
criticizing someone in an annoyed way and trying to hurt their feelings
There was some idiot at the back of the hall making snarky comments.
snarl verb [ I or T ]
(especially of dogs) to make a deep rough sound while showing the teeth, usually
in anger or (of people) to speak or say something angrily and forcefully
The dogs started to snarl at each other so I had to separate them.
[ + speech ] "Go to hell!", he snarled.
snarl noun [ C ]
a deep rough sound, usually made in anger
The dog gave a low snarl so I quickly drew my hand back.
"Take your hands off me!" she said with a snarl.
ˌ snarled ˈ up adjective UK ( US USUALLY snarled )
describes a long line of traffic that is unable to travel forward because something
is blocking the road
The traffic was snarled up in both directions for two miles because of the accident.
snarl-up noun [ C ] UK ( US USUALLY snarl )
snatch verb [ T ] TAKE QUICKLY
1. to take hold of something suddenly and roughly
He snatched the photos out of my hand before I had a chance to look at them.
FIGURATIVE Running the best race of his career, Fletcher snatched (= only just won)
the gold medal from the Canadian champion.
2. to take something or someone away by force
The six-year-old girl was snatched from a playground and her body was found two
days later.
She had her purse snatched (= stolen) while she was in town.
3. to do or get something quickly because you only have a short amount of time
Perhaps you'll be able to snatch a couple of hours' sleep before dinner.
snatch victory (from the jaws of defeat)
to win a surprising victory at the last moment possible, when it had previously
seemed certain that you were going to lose
snatch at sth phrasal verb
1. to try to take hold of something
A man snatched at my bag, but he didn't get it.
2. UK AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH to try to use an opportunity quickly before it
disappears
I was desperate to find a way out of teaching so when this job came along I
snatched at it.
snatch noun [ C ] TAKE QUICKLY
1. when someone tries to take something quickly and forcefully
I felt someone behind me make a snatch at my bag.
snatch noun [ C ] SHORT PART
2. a short part of something
I tried to hear what they were saying, but I only managed to catch a few snatches
of conversation.
snatch noun [ C ] VAGINA
3. OFFENSIVE FOR the vagina
snatcher noun [ C ]
someone who takes something or someone by force
You have to watch out for bag/purse snatchers (= people who steal bags/ purses
).
snatcher noun [ C ]
).
snazzy adjective INFORMAL APPROVING
modern and stylish in a way that attracts attention
Paula's wearing a very snazzy pair of shoes!
He designs snazzy new graphics for software packages.
snazzily adverb
sneak verb MOVE SECRETLY
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to go somewhere secretly, or to take
someone or something somewhere secretly
I managed to sneak in through the back door while she wasn't looking.
Jan hasn't got a ticket but I thought we might sneak her in .
I thought I'd sneak up on him (= move close to him without him seeing) and give
him a surprise.
sneak verb TELL SECRETLY
2. [ I ] UK SLANG DISAPPROVING to secretly tell someone in authority, especially a
teacher, that someone else has done something bad, often in order to cause trouble
She was one of those dreadful children who was always sneaking on other kids in
the class.
sneak noun [ C ] UK ( US snitch , AUSTRALIAN dobber )
SLANG DISAPPROVING a person who tells people in authority when someone else does
something bad
You told Mrs Cooper that it was me who tipped the paint over, didn't you - you
nasty little sneak!
sneaker noun [ C ] US
a type of light comfortable shoe that is suitable for playing sports
sneaking adjective [ before noun ]
If you have a sneaking feeling about someone or something, you have that
feeling, although you are not certain it is correct
I've got a sneaking feeling/suspicion that we're going the wrong way.
ˌ sneak ˈ peek noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an opportunity to see something before it is officially available
The company is offering a sneak peek at the new software.
snatcher noun [ C ]
).
snazzy adjective INFORMAL APPROVING
modern and stylish in a way that attracts attention
Paula's wearing a very snazzy pair of shoes!
He designs snazzy new graphics for software packages.
snazzily adverb
sneak verb MOVE SECRETLY
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to go somewhere secretly, or to take
someone or something somewhere secretly
I managed to sneak in through the back door while she wasn't looking.
Jan hasn't got a ticket but I thought we might sneak her in .
I thought I'd sneak up on him (= move close to him without him seeing) and give
him a surprise.
sneak verb TELL SECRETLY
2. [ I ] UK SLANG DISAPPROVING to secretly tell someone in authority, especially a
teacher, that someone else has done something bad, often in order to cause trouble
She was one of those dreadful children who was always sneaking on other kids in
the class.
sneak noun [ C ] UK ( US snitch , AUSTRALIAN dobber )
SLANG DISAPPROVING a person who tells people in authority when someone else does
something bad
You told Mrs Cooper that it was me who tipped the paint over, didn't you - you
nasty little sneak!
sneaker noun [ C ] US
a type of light comfortable shoe that is suitable for playing sports
sneaking adjective [ before noun ]
If you have a sneaking feeling about someone or something, you have that
feeling, although you are not certain it is correct
I've got a sneaking feeling/suspicion that we're going the wrong way.
ˌ sneak ˈ peek noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an opportunity to see something before it is officially available
The company is offering a sneak peek at the new software.
ˌ sneak ˈ preview noun [ C ]
an opportunity to see (a part of) something new before the rest of the public see
it
sneaky adjective
doing things in a secret and unfair way
a sneaky plan
sneakily adverb
I rather sneakily looked in her diary when she was out last night.
sneer verb [ I or T ]
to talk about or look at someone or something in an unkind way that shows you
do not respect or approve of them
You may sneer, but a lot of people like this kind of music.
She'll probably sneer at my new shoes because they're not expensive.
[ + speech ] "Is that the best you can do?" he sneered.
sneer noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
an unkind expression on your face which shows you do not respect or approve of
someone or something
"How much did you say you earned last year - was it fifteen thousand?" she said
with a sneer.
sneering adjective DISAPPROVING
rude and not showing respect
I don't like that superior, sneering tone of his.
sneeringly adverb
sneeze verb [ I ]
When you sneeze, air and often small drops of liquid suddenly come out of your
nose and mouth in a way you cannot control
Cats make him sneeze - I think he's allergic to the fur.
not to be sneezed at INFORMAL
If you say that something, especially an amount of money, is not to be sneezed
at, you mean that it is a large enough amount to be worth having
Well, a 5% pay increase means an extra £700 a year which is not to be sneezed
at!
sneeze noun [ C ]
an act or sound of sneezing
He's got all the classic symptoms of a cold - the coughs and sneezes and the sore
throat.
snick verb [ T ] UK
in sports, especially cricket, to hit the ball off the edge of the bat
Carlton snicked the ball low and fast to Lynch's right.
snick noun [ C ]
snicker verb [ I ] , noun [ C ]
US FOR snigger
snide adjective
(especially of remarks) containing unpleasant criticism that is not clearly stated
She made one or two snide remarks about their house which I thought was a bit
unnecessary.
snideness noun [ U ]
snide adjective
(especially of remarks) containing unpleasant criticism that is not clearly stated
She made one or two snide remarks about their house which I thought was a bit
unnecessary.
snideness noun [ U ]
snidely adverb
rudely and critically
"Well, she's certainly better looking than her mother, " she said snidely.
sniff verb
1. [ I or T ] to smell something by taking air in through your nose
He sniffed his socks to see if they needed washing.
Dogs love sniffing each other.
She sniffed at her glass of wine before tasting it.
Dogs are sometimes used at airports to sniff out (= find by smelling) drugs in
people's luggage.
He was expelled from school for sniffing glue (= taking in the gas from glue
because of the feelings of pleasure that this gives) .
2. [ I ] to take air in quickly through your nose, usually to stop the liquid inside
the nose from flowing out
You were sniffing a lot - I presumed you had a cold.
3. [ T ] to speak in an unpleasant way, showing that you have a low opinion of
something
[ + speech ] "They didn't even serve wine at dinner!" she sniffed.
sniff at sth phrasal verb DISAPPROVE
1. to show disapproval or a low opinion of something
The men at City Hall, sniffing at anything too ideological, insist that big cuts are
just not practical.
sniff at sth phrasal verb SHOW INTEREST
2. ( ALSO sniff around (sth) ) to show that you are interested in something
A few computer firms are sniffing at the project already.
Chief executive David Prosser said the takeover speculation was wrong and no
one was sniffing around.
not to be sniffed at INFORMAL
valuable or worth having
A two million pound profit is not to be sniffed at.
sniff sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to search for and discover something
Her job is to go round the big fashion shows sniffing out talent for a modelling
agency.
sniff noun [ C ]
a quick breath in through the nose to smell something, or to stop liquid in the
nose from coming out
Have a sniff of this medicine - it smells revolting, doesn't it?
"I don't think much of that idea," she said with a sniff (= an expression of a low
opinion) .
sniffer noun [ C ]
someone who sniffs chemicals for the feelings of pleasure it causes
a glue/paint sniffer.
sniffer noun [ C ]
someone who sniffs chemicals for the feelings of pleasure it causes
a glue/paint sniffer.
ˈ sniffer ˌ dog noun [ C ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL
a dog that is trained and used by the police or army to find hidden drugs or
bombs by smelling them
sniffle verb [ I ] ( ALSO snuffle )
to breathe in quickly and repeatedly through the nose, usually because you are
crying or because you have a cold
You're sniffling a lot today - have you got a cold?
sniffle noun ( ALSO snuffle )
1. [ C ] an act or sound of sniffling
2. a sniffle ( ALSO the sniffles )
a slight cold which mainly affects your nose
I had a cold a couple of weeks ago and it's left me with a bit of a sniffle.
sniffy adjective INFORMAL
showing disapproval and a low opinion
She's a bit sniffy about my taste in music.
snifter noun [ C ] DRINK
1. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a small drink of something alcoholic
How about a snifter before dinner?
snifter noun [ C ] GLASS
2. US a bowl-shaped glass which is narrower at the top and has a short stem,
used for drinking brandy
snigger verb [ I ] ( US ALSO snicker )
to laugh at someone or something in a silly and often unkind way
They spent half the time sniggering at the clothes people were wearing.
What are you two sniggering at/about ?
snigger noun [ C ]
We were having a snigger at the bride who was rather large and dressed in a
tight pale pink dress.
snip verb [ I or T ]
to cut something with scissors , usually with small quick cuts
Have you seen the scissors? I want to snip off this loose thread.
I snipped out the article and gave it to her.
snip noun CUT
1. [ C ] a quick, short cut with scissors
Give it a snip with the scissors.
2. the snip UK INFORMAL HUMOROUS
a vasectomy
snip noun CHEAP PRODUCT
3. [ S ] UK INFORMAL a product which is being sold cheaply, for less than you would
expect
The sunglasses are now available in major stores, a snip at £12 a pair.
4. [ S ] UK INFORMAL used humorously of a product which is extremely expensive
"What did you say you got your dress for in the sale? - £350 reduced from £500?"
"Yes, it was a snip!"
snip verb [ I or T ]
to cut something with scissors , usually with small quick cuts
Have you seen the scissors? I want to snip off this loose thread.
I snipped out the article and gave it to her.
snip noun CUT
1. [ C ] a quick, short cut with scissors
Give it a snip with the scissors.
2. the snip UK INFORMAL HUMOROUS
a vasectomy
snip noun CHEAP PRODUCT
3. [ S ] UK INFORMAL a product which is being sold cheaply, for less than you would
expect
The sunglasses are now available in major stores, a snip at £12 a pair.
4. [ S ] UK INFORMAL used humorously of a product which is extremely expensive
"What did you say you got your dress for in the sale? - £350 reduced from £500?"
"Yes, it was a snip!"
snipe verb [ I ]
1. to shoot at someone from a position where you cannot be seen
The rebels have started sniping at civilians.
2. to criticize someone unpleasantly
The former minister has been making himself unpopular recently, sniping at his
ex-colleagues.
sniping noun [ U ]
snipe noun [ C ]
a bird with a long straight beak which lives near rivers and marshes (= low land
that is wet and sometimes covered with water)
sniper noun [ C ] SHOOT
1. someone who shoots at people from a place where they cannot be seen
He was shot and fatally injured by a sniper.
Sniper fire has claimed countless lives these past few weeks.
sniper noun [ C ] BUYER
2. someone who waits until nearly the end of an auction (= public competition to
buy goods) on a website before saying how much money they will offer, in order to be
more successful than other people trying to buy the same thing
snippet noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a small and often interesting piece of news, information or conversation
I heard an interesting snippet on the radio this morning.
I love listening to snippets of conversation in restaurants.
snit noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
an angry mood
He was in a snit this morning and I didn't dare approach him.
snitch verb TELL SECRETLY
1. [ I ] SLANG DISAPPROVING to secretly tell someone in authority that someone else
has done something bad, often in order to cause trouble
He snitched to my boss that I'd been making long-distance calls at work!
She's always snitching on someone.
snitch verb STEAL
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to steal something
"Where did you get that money?" "I snitched it from my dad when he wasn't
looking."
snitch noun [ C ] SLANG DISAPPROVING
You little snitch!
snitch verb TELL SECRETLY
1. [ I ] SLANG DISAPPROVING to secretly tell someone in authority that someone else
has done something bad, often in order to cause trouble
He snitched to my boss that I'd been making long-distance calls at work!
She's always snitching on someone.
snitch verb STEAL
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to steal something
"Where did you get that money?" "I snitched it from my dad when he wasn't
looking."
snitch noun [ C ] SLANG DISAPPROVING
You little snitch!
snivel verb [ I ]
to cry slightly in a way that is weak and does not make other people feel
sympathy for you
He's sitting in his bedroom snivelling because he was told off for not doing his
homework.
snivelling , US USUALLY sniveling adjective OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
used to describe someone you do not like because they are weak and unpleasant
That snivelling creep/coward!
snob noun [ C ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
a person who respects and likes only people who are of a high social class, and/or
a person who has extremely high standards who is not satisfied by the things that
ordinary people like
He's a frightful snob - if you haven't been to the right school he probably won't
even speak to you.
I'm afraid I'm a bit of a wine snob/a snob where wine is concerned.
snobbery noun [ U ] ( ALSO snobbishness ) DISAPPROVING
behaviour and opinions that are typical of a snob
She accused me of snobbery because I sent my sons to a private school.
snobbish adjective ( INFORMAL snobby ) DISAPPROVING
like a snob
My brother is very snobbish about cars.
snobbishly adverb ( ALSO snobbily ) DISAPPROVING
in a snobbish way
snog verb [ I or T ] UK INFORMAL
to kiss and hold a person in a sexual way
I saw them snogging on the back seat of a bus.
I've never snogged (with) a man with a beard.
snog noun [ C ]
He caught us having a snog.
snook UK
cock a snook at sb/sth
See at cock
snook UK
cock a snook at sb/sth
See at cock
snooker noun [ U ]
a game played by two people in which cues (= long thin poles) are used to hit 15
red balls and 6 balls of different colours into six holes around a table covered in soft
cloth in a fixed order
Compare pool
snooker verb [ T ]
1. UK to prevent someone from finishing an intended plan of action
We had intended to go driving around Scotland, but unless I can get my licence
we're snookered.
2. US to deceive or trick someone
snoop verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
1. to look around a place secretly, in order to discover things or find out
information about someone or something
People were sent out to snoop on rival businesses.
She's the sort of person you can imagine snooping about/around your room
when you're not there.
2. to try to find out about other people's private lives
I don't mean to snoop, but is there something wrong?
Clara's husband is snooping on her because he thinks she is seeing another man.
snoop noun
1. [ S ] INFORMAL the act of snooping
I think someone's been having a snoop around my office - I didn't leave that
drawer open.
2. [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING ( ALSO snooper ) someone who snoops
He's such a snoop - he's always going through my mail.
Most journalists are snoopers by nature.
snoot noun [ C ] US SLANG
a nose
Keep your big snoot out of my business!
stick your snoot in/into ( sth ) US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to try to discover things or influence events which are not really related to you to
Stop sticking your snoot into other people's business!
snooty adjective INFORMAL
behaving in an unfriendly way because you believe you are better than other
people
She was one of those really snooty sales assistants that you often find in
expensive shops.
snootily adverb
snooty adjective INFORMAL
behaving in an unfriendly way because you believe you are better than other
people
She was one of those really snooty sales assistants that you often find in
expensive shops.
snootily adverb
snooze verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to sleep lightly for a short while
The dog's snoozing in front of the fire.
snooze noun [ C ]
I had a nice little snooze in the back of the car.
ˈ snooze ˌ button noun [ C ]
a button on an alarm clock (= a clock for waking you up) that you press after it
has woken you up, so that you can sleep for a few minutes more before being woken up
again by the clock
snore verb [ I ]
to breathe in a very noisy way while you are sleeping
Sometimes my husband snores so loudly, it keeps me awake at night.
Do you know any cures for snoring?
snorer noun [ C ]
He's a terrible snorer.
snore noun [ C ]
a very noisy breath while you are sleeping
I could hear loud snores coming from Jim's bedroom.
snorkel noun [ C ]
a tube that you hold in your mouth to help you breathe if you are swimming with
your face under water
snorkelling UK , US snorkeling noun [ U ]
the activity of swimming while using a snorkel
We went snorkelling along the Great Barrier Reef.
snort verb
1. [ I ] to make an explosive sound by forcing air quickly up or down the nose
He did an impression of a horse snorting.
Camille snorts when she laughs.
INFORMAL By this time I was snorting with laughter (= laughing a lot and loudly) .
2. [ T ] to take an illegal drug by breathing it in through the nose
People were snorting cocaine in the toilets.
3. [ T ] to suddenly express strong feelings of anger, disapproval or
disagreement, either by speaking or in a sound that you make
"And you call that a first class service?" snorted one indignant customer.
snort noun [ C ]
a loud sound made by forcing air through the nose
The minister's speech drew loud snorts of derisive laughter.
snot noun FROM NOSE
1. [ U ] INFORMAL mucus produced in the nose
snot noun PERSON
2. [ C ] US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a person who behaves badly and who you do not
like
Amber is such a snot!
snot noun FROM NOSE
1. [ U ] INFORMAL mucus produced in the nose
snot noun PERSON
2. [ C ] US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a person who behaves badly and who you do not
like
Amber is such a snot!
snotty adjective FROM NOSE
1. INFORMAL covered with mucus from the nose
You could have told me I had a snotty nose!
I don't want to use your snotty handkerchief!
snotty adjective PERSON
2. UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING behaving rudely to other people in a way that shows
that you believe yourself to be better than them
The only difficult bit about working in a shop is when you get a snotty customer
that you have to deal with.
3. US INFORMAL DISAPPROVING rude and behaving badly
a snotty teenager
She was so snotty to me!
snout noun [ C ]
1. the nose and mouth which stick out from the face of some animals
a pig's snout
2. SLANG FOR a person's nose
George has an enormous snout.
snow noun WEATHER
1. [ U ] the small soft white pieces of ice which sometimes fall from the sky when
it is cold, or the white layer on the ground and other surfaces which it forms
Outside the snow began to fall .
Let's go and play in the snow!
A blanket of snow lay on the ground.
Her hair was jet-black, her lips ruby-red and her skin as white as snow.
2. [ C ] a single fall of snow
We haven't had many heavy snows this winter.
snow noun DRUG
3. [ U ] SLANG cocaine
snow verb WEATHER
1. [ I ] If it snows, snow falls from the sky
It's snowing.
It's starting to snow.
It had snowed overnight and a thick white layer covered the ground.
2. be snowed in
to be unable to travel away from a place because of very heavy snow
We were snowed in for four days last winter.
snow verb TRICK
3. [ T ] US INFORMAL to deceive or trick someone by clever talk or by giving them a
lot of information
She always snowing the bosses with statistics.
be snowed under (with sth )
to have so much work that you have problems dealing with it all
I'm absolutely snowed under with work at the moment.
snowball noun [ C ]
a ball of snow pressed together in the hands, especially for throwing
not have a snowball's chance in hell INFORMAL
to have no chance of succeeding
If he can't afford a good lawyer, he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of
winn ing the case.
a snowball effect
a situation in which something increases in size or importance at a faster and
faster rate
The more successful you become, the more publicity you get and that publicity
generates sales. It's a sort of snowball effect.
snowball verb [ I ]
If a plan, problem, idea, etc. snowballs, it quickly grows bigger and more
important
I suggested a few drinks after work, and the whole thing snowballed into a
company party.
snowball noun [ C ]
a ball of snow pressed together in the hands, especially for throwing
not have a snowball's chance in hell INFORMAL
to have no chance of succeeding
If he can't afford a good lawyer, he doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of
winn ing the case.
a snowball effect
a situation in which something increases in size or importance at a faster and
faster rate
The more successful you become, the more publicity you get and that publicity
generates sales. It's a sort of snowball effect.
snowball verb [ I ]
If a plan, problem, idea, etc. snowballs, it quickly grows bigger and more
important
I suggested a few drinks after work, and the whole thing snowballed into a
company party.
ˈ snow ˌ bank noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a large pile of snow
See also snowdrift
ˈ snow ˌ blindness noun [ U ]
a temporary loss of sight which is caused by the brightness of light reflected by
large areas of snow or ice
snow-blind adjective
Halfway up the mountain I suddenly went snow-blind.
snowboard verb [ I ]
to slide on the snow by standing on a specially shaped board
I'm learning to snowboard at the moment.
Snowboard parks are becoming more popular.
snowboarder noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL boarder )
snowboard noun [ C ]
a specially shaped board that you stand on to slide down a snow-covered slope
See picture snowboarding
snowboarding noun [ U ]
snowboarding
the activity or sport of moving over snow using a snowboard
snowbound adjective
(of vehicles or people) unable to travel because of heavy snow, or (of roads) not
able to be travelled on or reached because of heavy snow
Hundreds of vehicles have become snowbound.
snow-capped adjective
Snow-capped mountains and hills have snow on the top of them.
snow-capped adjective
Snow-capped mountains and hills have snow on the top of them.
snowdrift noun [ C ]
a large pile of snow formed by the wind
snowdrop noun [ C ]
snowdrop
a plant which produces small white bell-shaped flowers in the early spring
snowfall noun [ C or U ]
the amount of snow that falls in a particular area during a particular period, or a
fall of snow
The annual snowfall for this region is 30 centimetres.
Heavy snowfalls are predicted for tonight and tomorrow.
snowflake noun [ C ]
a small piece of snow
snow-job noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
an attempt to persuade someone to do something, especially by praising them
and using charm
My boss did a snow-job on me.
snowline noun
the snowline
the level on a mountain above which snow is found for most or all of the year
above/below the snowline
snowman noun [ C ]
a model of a person made of snow, especially by children
snowmobile noun [ C ]
a small motor vehicle for travelling on snow and ice
snowmobile noun [ C ]
a small motor vehicle for travelling on snow and ice
ˈ snow ˌ pea noun [ C ]
US FOR mangetout
snowplough UK , US snowplow noun VEHICLE
1. [ C ] a vehicle or device for removing snow from roads or railways
snowplough UK , US snowplow noun SKIING
2. [ C usually singular ] in skiing, a simple way of turning or stopping in which the
points of the skis are turned toward each other
snowshoe noun [ C ]
snowshoe
a flat frame with straps of material stretched across it which can be fixed to a
boot to allow a person to walk on snow without sinking in
snowstorm noun [ C ]
a heavy fall of snow which is blown by strong winds
snowsuit noun [ C ]
a piece of winter clothing for a child which is warm and covers most of the body
ˈ snow ˌ tyre noun [ C ] UK ( US snow tire )
a tyre with a pattern of raised lines which are thicker than usual in order to stop a
vehicle from sliding on ice or snow
snow-white adjective
pure white
snow-white hair/fur
snowy adjective
full of or like snow
We've had a very snowy winter this year.
I remember him as an old man with a snowy- white (= pure white) beard.
Snr adjective [ after noun ] ( US Sr ) WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR
senior , used after a man's name to refer to the older of two people in the same
family who have the same name
Snr adjective [ after noun ] ( US Sr ) WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR
snub verb [ T ]
to insult someone by not giving them any attention or treating them as if they are
not important
I think she felt snubbed because Anthony hadn't bothered to introduce himself.
snub noun [ C ]
I simply didn't recognize her and apparently she took it as a snub.
ˈ snub ˌ nose noun [ C ]
a nose that is short and turns upwards at the end
snub-nosed adjective
1. describes a nose which is short and turns up at the end
2. describes a gun that has a very short barrel
a snub-nosed revolver
snuck verb MAINLY US PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF
sneak
snuff noun [ U ]
tobacco in the form of a powder for breathing into the nose
Very few people take snuff nowadays.
snuff verb [ T ]
to put out a flame, especially from a candle, usually by covering it with something
One by one she snuffed the candles.
snuff it MAINLY UK INFORMAL
to die
snuff sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
1. INFORMAL to cause something to end suddenly
The country has been able to celebrate the return of its independence so brutally
snuffed out in 1940.
2. to put out a flame, especially from a candle
One by one she snuffed out the candles.
snuff sb out phrasal verb [ M ] US SLANG
to kill someone
snuffle verb [ I ] , noun [ C ]
sniffle
snuffle verb [ I ] , noun [ C ]
sniffle
ˈ snuff ˌ movie noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO snuff film ) INFORMAL
a violent pornographic film (= sex film) in which one of the actors is murdered
snug adjective
1. (of a person) feeling warm, comfortable and protected, or (of a place,
especially a small place) giving feelings of warmth, comfort and protection
We curled up in bed, all snug and warm, and listened to the storm outside.
I bet your feet are nice and snug in your fur-lined boots!
2. fitting closely
These shoes are a bit too snug - do you have them in a larger size?
snugly adverb
She's curled up snugly in the armchair, reading a book.
If we put the washing machine over there the fridge will fit snugly (= closely) into
this space.
snug noun [ C ] ( ALSO snuggery ) UK
a small room or area in a pub where only a few people can sit
snuggle verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move yourself into a warm and comfortable position, especially one in which
your body is against another person or covered by something
The children snuggled up to their mother to get warm.
I was just snuggling down into my warm duvet when the telephone rang.
so adverb VERY
1. very, extremely, or to such a degree
The house is so beautiful.
Thank you for being so patient.
Don't be so stupid!
I didn't know she had so many children!
You can only do so much to help (= There is a limit to how much you can help) .
UK INFORMAL She's ever so kind and nice.
I'm so tired (that) I could sleep in this chair!
I'm not so desperate as to agree to that.
The word itself is so rare as to be almost obsolete.
I've never been to so expensive a restaurant (= such an expensive restaurant)
before.
2. MAINLY US NOT STANDARD used before a noun or before 'not' to emphasize what is
being said
Don't wear that - it's so last year (= it was fashionable last year but not now) .
I'm sorry, but she is so not a size 10 (= she is very much larger than a size 10) .
3. used at the end of a sentence to mean to a very great degree
Is that why you hate him so?
You worry so!
so adverb SAME WAY
4. used usually before the verbs 'have', 'be' or 'do', and other auxiliary verbs to
express the meaning 'in the same way' or 'in a similar way'
"I've got an enormous amount of work to do." "So have I."
"I'm allergic to nuts." "So is my brother."
Neil left just after midnight and so did Roz.
Just as you like to have a night out with the lads, so I like to go out with the girls
now and again.
so adverb MENTIONED EARLIER
5. used to avoid repeating a phrase mentioned earlier
"I hope they stay together." "I hope so too."
"Do you think he's upset?" "I don't think so."
James is coming tonight, or so he said.
6. used to say that a situation mentioned earlier is correct or true
"Is it true that we're not getting a pay increase this year?" "I'm afraid so."
"Anthony and Mia don't get on very well." "Is that so?"
"The forecast says it might rain." "If so we'll have the party inside."
7. used to say that a fact that has just been stated is certainly true
"My eyes are slightly different colours." "So they are."
"That's her brother - he looks like James Dean." "So he does."
8. used instead of repeating an adjective that has already been mentioned
She's quite reasonable to work with - more so than I was led to believe.
He's quite bright - well, certainly more so than his brother.
9. US CHILD'S WORD used, especially by children, to argue against a negative
statement
"You didn't even see the movie." "I did so!"
so adverb IN THIS WAY
10. in this way; like this
The pillars, which are outside the building, are so placed in order to provide the
maximum space inside.
I've so arranged my trip that I'll be home on Friday evening.
11. used when you are showing how something is done
Just fold this piece of paper back, so, and make a crease here.
Gently fold in the eggs like so.
12. used when you are representing the size of something
"How tall is he next to you?" "Oh, about so big, " she said, indicating the level of
her neck.
"The table that I liked best was about so wide, " she said, holding her arms out a
metre and a half.
so conjunction SENTENCE BEGINNING
1. used at the beginning of a sentence to connect it with something that has been
said or has happened previously
So, there I was standing at the edge of the road with only my underwear on ...
So, just to finish what I was saying earlier...
2. used as a way of making certain that you or someone else understand
something correctly, often when you are repeating the important points of a plan
So we leave on the Thursday and get back the next Tuesday, is that right?
3. used to refer to a discovery that you have just made
So that's what he does when I'm not around!
4. used as a short pause, sometimes to emphasize what you are saying
So, here we are again - just you and me.
5. used before you introduce a subject of conversation that is of present interest,
especially when you are asking a question
So, who do you think is going to win the election?
6. INFORMAL used to show that you agree with something that someone has just
said, but you do not think that it is important
So the car's expensive - well, I can afford it.
so conjunction THEREFORE
7. and for that reason; therefore
My knee started hurting so I stopped running.
I was lost so I bought a street map.
so there INFORMAL HUMOROUS
used for emphasis, or to show that something is being done in opposition to
someone else's wishes
Mine's bigger than yours, so there!
No, I won't help you, so there!
So what? INFORMAL
used to mean 'it's not important' and 'I don't care'
So what if I'm 35 and I'm not married - I lead a perfectly fulfilling life!
"Andrew won't like it, you know." "So what? - I don't care what Andrew thinks!"
so conjunction , adverb
1. used before you give an explanation for the action that you have just
mentioned
[ + ( that ) ] I deliberately didn't have lunch so (that) I would be hungry tonight.
Leave the keys out so (that) I remember to take them with me.
2. so as to
in order to
I always keep fruit in the fridge so as to keep insects off it.
so adjective
just/exactly so
perfectly tidy and well arranged
He's a perfectionist - everything has to be just so.
soak verb
1. [ I + adverb or preposition T ] to make very wet, or (of liquid) to be absorbed
in large amounts
The wind had blown the rain in and soaked the carpet.
You'd better wipe up that red wine you've spilt before it soaks (= is absorbed)
into the carpet.
Blood had soaked through both bandages.
2. [ I or T ] to leave something in liquid, especially in order to clean it, soften it,
or change its flavour
You can usually soak out a stain.
Leave the beans to soak overnight./ Let the beans soak overnight.
Soak the fruit in brandy for a few hours before you add it to the mixture.
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] LIQUID
1. If a dry material or substance soaks up a liquid, it absorbs the liquid through its
surface
I tried to soak up most of the spilt milk with a cloth.
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] EXPERIENCE
2. to enjoy the effects or experience of something as much as possible
I love to lie on the beach and soak up the sun .
Just stroll around the bazaar and soak up the atmosphere .
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMATION
3. INFORMAL to understand and remember information well
Given the right environment, children are like sponges and will soak up
information.
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] USE ALL
4. to use up all or most of a supply of something, especially a supply of money
The repairs on our house soaked up all our savings.
soak noun [ C ] MAKE WET
1. when something is put into a liquid for a long period of time
Most dried beans need a soak before they're cooked.
Showers are all right but there's nothing like a good long soak in the bath.
soak noun [ C ] PERSON
2. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a person who is often drunk
soak verb
1. [ I + adverb or preposition T ] to make very wet, or (of liquid) to be absorbed
in large amounts
The wind had blown the rain in and soaked the carpet.
You'd better wipe up that red wine you've spilt before it soaks (= is absorbed)
into the carpet.
Blood had soaked through both bandages.
2. [ I or T ] to leave something in liquid, especially in order to clean it, soften it,
or change its flavour
You can usually soak out a stain.
Leave the beans to soak overnight./ Let the beans soak overnight.
Soak the fruit in brandy for a few hours before you add it to the mixture.
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] LIQUID
1. If a dry material or substance soaks up a liquid, it absorbs the liquid through its
surface
I tried to soak up most of the spilt milk with a cloth.
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] EXPERIENCE
2. to enjoy the effects or experience of something as much as possible
I love to lie on the beach and soak up the sun .
Just stroll around the bazaar and soak up the atmosphere .
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMATION
3. INFORMAL to understand and remember information well
Given the right environment, children are like sponges and will soak up
information.
soak sth up phrasal verb [ M ] USE ALL
4. to use up all or most of a supply of something, especially a supply of money
The repairs on our house soaked up all our savings.
soak noun [ C ] MAKE WET
1. when something is put into a liquid for a long period of time
Most dried beans need a soak before they're cooked.
Showers are all right but there's nothing like a good long soak in the bath.
soak noun [ C ] PERSON
2. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a person who is often drunk
soaked adjective
extremely wet
I'm going to have to take these clothes off - I'm soaked to the skin !
My shoes are soaked ( through ).
His T-shirt was soaked in sweat.
soaking adjective
completely wet
It's so hot outside - I've only been walking ten minutes and my shirt is soaking
(wet) !
so-and-so noun INFORMAL PERSON NOT NAMED
1. [ U ] used instead of a particular name to refer to someone or something,
especially when the real name is not important or you have forgotten it
She always keeps me up to date with the latest gossip - you know, so-and-so
from down the road is having a baby and so-and-so's just bought a car.
so-and-so noun INFORMAL UNPLEASANT PERSON
2. [ C ] a polite way of referring to an unpleasant person
Mr Baker was such a so-and-so - he didn't have a pleasant word to say about
anyone!
soap noun
1. [ C or U ] a substance used for washing the body which is usually hard, often
has a pleasant smell, and produces a mass of bubbles when rubbed with water, or a
piece of this
a bar of soap
liquid soap
soap and water
a soap dish/dispenser
soap bubbles
She bought me a box of prettily coloured soaps.
2. [ C ] INFORMAL a soap opera
soap verb [ T ]
to put soap on something
Have you soaped yourself all over, Alice?
Let me soap your back.
soapbox noun [ C ]
a rough wooden box or any raised temporary platform for people to stand on
while making informal public speeches
get on your soapbox INFORMAL
to express your opinions about a particular subject forcefully
She never misses the chance to get on her soapbox about government reform.
soapbox noun [ C ]
a rough wooden box or any raised temporary platform for people to stand on
while making informal public speeches
get on your soapbox INFORMAL
to express your opinions about a particular subject forcefully
She never misses the chance to get on her soapbox about government reform.
ˈ soap ˌ flakes plural noun
small flat pieces of soap used for washing clothes, especially by hand
a box of soap flakes
ˈ soap ˌ opera noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL soap )
a series of television or radio programmes about the lives and problems of a
particular group of characters. The series continues over a long period and is broadcast
(several times) every week.
soapstone noun [ U ]
a soft stone which feels slightly oily
soapsuds plural noun ( ALSO suds )
the mass of small bubbles that form on the surface of soapy water
soapy adjective
containing or like soap
I soaked it in some soapy water and the stains came out.
I used to think avocados tasted soapy when I was a child.
soar verb RISE QUICKLY
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to rise very quickly to a high level
All night long fireworks soared into the sky.
Temperatures will soar into the eighties over the weekend say the weather
forecasters.
House prices had soared a further twenty per cent.
2. [ T ] to reach a great height
The highest peak in the range soars 15 771 feet into the sky.
soar verb FLY
3. [ I ] (of a bird or aircraft) to rise high in the air while flying without moving the
wings or using power
She watched the gliders soaring effortlessly above her.
soaring adjective
soaring property prices
sob verb [ I ]
to cry noisily, taking in deep breaths
I found her sobbing in the bedroom because she'd broken her favourite doll.
You're not going to help matters by lying there sobbing!
sob your heart out
to cry very much
sob noun [ C ]
an act or sound of sobbing
I could hear her sobs from the next room.
S.O.B. noun [ C usually singular ]
ABBREVIATION FOR son of a bitch
sober adjective NOT DRUNK
1. not drunk or affected by alcohol
Are you sober enough to drive, Jim?
I'd had no wine all evening so I was stone cold (= completely) sober.
sober adjective SERIOUS
2. serious and calm
In fact the whole wedding was a sober affair - no dancing, just people standing
around in groups chatting politely.
Anthony was in a very sober mood - I scarcely heard him laugh all night.
sober verb [ I or T ]
to become more calm and serious, or to make someone do this
News of the tragedy sobered us.
sober (sb) up phrasal verb
to become less drunk, or to make someone become less drunk
I went for a walk to try to sober up.
Have a black coffee - that should sober you up!
sobering adjective
making you feel serious or think about serious matters
a sobering thought
Surviving a car accident is a sobering experience.
soberly adverb
seriously and reasonably
She was dressed very soberly in a plain grey suit.
sobriety noun [ U ] FORMAL NOT DRUNK
1. the state of being sober
US The police said his car had been weaving all over the road, so they pulled him
over and gave him a sobriety test .
sobriety noun [ U ] FORMAL SERIOUS
2. seriousness
We had the priest sitting at our table which instilled a little sobriety into the
occasion.
sobriquet , soubriquet noun [ C ] FORMAL
a name given to someone or something which is not their real or official name;
nickname
These charms have earned the television programme's presenter the sobriquet
'the thinking woman's crumpet'.
sobriquet , soubriquet noun [ C ] FORMAL
a name given to someone or something which is not their real or official name;
nickname
These charms have earned the television programme's presenter the sobriquet
'the thinking woman's crumpet'.
ˈ sob ˌ story noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a story or piece of information that someone tells you or writes about themselves
which is intended to make you feel sad and sympathetic towards them
She came out with some sob story about not having enough money to go and see
her father who was ill.
sob-stuff noun [ U ] UK
spoken or written stories which are intended to cause very sad feelings
They heard sob-stuff from one man about his deprived childhood in an institution.
so-called adjective [ before noun ]
1. used to show that you think a word that is used to describe someone or
something is not suitable or not correct
It was one of his so-called friends who supplied him with the drugs that killed him.
2. used to introduce a new word or phrase which is not yet known by many
people
It isn't yet clear how destructive this so-called 'super virus' is.
soccer noun [ U ] ( UK ALSO football )
soccer
a game played between two teams of eleven people, where each team tries to win
by kicking a ball into the other team's goal
ˈ soccer ˌ mom noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a mother who spends a lot of time taking her children to activities such as music
lessons, sports, etc. It is often used for referring to a type of middle-class mother.
sociable adjective APPROVING
describes someone who likes to meet and spend time with other people
Rob's very sociable - he likes his parties.
I had a headache and I wasn't feeling very sociable.
Opposite unsociable
sociable adjective APPROVING
describes someone who likes to meet and spend time with other people
Rob's very sociable - he likes his parties.
I had a headache and I wasn't feeling very sociable.
Opposite unsociable
social adjective GOING OUT
1. relating to activities in which you meet and spend time with other people and
which happen during the time when you are not working
I had an active social life when I was at college.
I'm a social drinker - I only drink when I'm with other people.
Most British schools organize social events for the students.
I've just become a member of the company's sports and social club.
social adjective SOCIETY
2. [ before noun ] relating to society and living together in an organized way
social classes/groups
social disorder/trends/change/equality/justice/differences
Monkeys are highly social animals .
social noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
an occasion when the members of a group or organization meet informally to
enjoy themselves
a church social
ˌ social ˈ climber noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
someone who tries to improve their social position by being very friendly to
people from a higher social class
ˌ social ˈ conscience noun [ S ]
If you have a social conscience, you worry about people who are poor, ill, old, etc.
and try to help them.
ˌ Social ˈ Democrat noun [ C ]
a member of the Social Democratic Party
ˌ Social Demo ˈ cratic ˌ Party noun [ U ]
a political party which existed in Britain from 1981-1990
ˌ social engin ˈ eering noun [ U ]
the artificial controlling or changing of the groups within society
ˌ social engin ˈ eering noun [ U ]
the artificial controlling or changing of the groups within society
ˌ social ex ˈ clusion noun [ U ]
a situation in which some people who are poor or who do not have a job do not
feel part of the rest of society
socialism noun [ U ]
the set of beliefs which states that all people are equal and should share equally
in a country's money, or the political systems based on these beliefs
Compare capitalism ; communism
socialist noun [ C ]
a supporter of socialism or member of a socialist political party
He was a socialist all his life.
socialist adjective
supporting or relating to socialism
socialist policies
socialite noun [ C ]
a person, usually of high social class, who is famous because they go to a lot of
parties and social events which are reported in the newspapers
a wealthy socialite
socialize , UK USUALLY socialise verb GO OUT
1. [ I ] to spend the time when you are not working with friends or with other
people in order to enjoy yourself
I tend not to socialize with my colleagues.
I hope Adrian's actually doing some work at college - he seems to spend all his
time socializing!
socialize , UK USUALLY socialise verb TRAIN
2. [ T ] to train people or animals to behave in a way that others in the group
think is suitable
Here at the special school we make every effort to socialize these young
offenders.
socialization , UK USUALLY socialisation noun [ U ]
ˌ socialized ˈ medicine noun [ U ] US
medical services provided or paid for by the government for anyone who needs
them
ˌ socialized ˈ medicine noun [ U ] US
medical services provided or paid for by the government for anyone who needs
them
socially adverb GOING OUT
1. in or relating to a social situation
I chat to him at work now and then but I've never seen him socially.
Socially, she's a disaster - she's always offending someone or picking a fight.
Socially they're a great company to work for - I've never been to so many parties
in my life.
socially adverb SOCIETY
2. by or relating to society
Drinking and driving is no longer socially acceptable.
Private education is often regarded as socially divisive.
ˌ social ˈ science noun [ C or U ]
the study of society and the way people live
ˌ social se ˈ curity noun [ U ]
1. UK a system of payments made by the government to people who are ill, poor
or who have no job
He's on social security.
2. Social Security
US a system of payments made by the government to old people, people whose
husbands or wives have died and people who are unable to work because they are ill
ˌ social ˈ services plural noun ( ALSO social service )
services provided by local or national government to help people who are old or ill
or need support in their lives
ˈ social ˌ worker noun [ U ]
a person who works for the social services or for a private organization providing
help and support for people who need it
social work noun [ U ]
society noun PEOPLE
1. [ C or U ] a large group of people who live together in an organized way,
making decisions about how to do things and sharing the work that needs to be done.
All the people in a country, or in several similar countries, can be referred to as a
society
a classless/multicultural/capitalist/civilized society
These changes strike at the heart of British/American/modern society.
There's a danger that we will end up blaming innocent children for society's
problems.
We must also consider the needs of the younger/older members of society.
2. [ U ] ( ALSO high society ) the part of society that consists of people who are
rich, powerful and fashionable
a society hostess/ball/function
3. [ U ] FORMAL the state of being together with other people
She prefers her own society (= likes to be alone) .
society noun ORGANIZATION
4. [ C ] an organization to which people who share similar interests can belong
an amateur dramatic society
the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
society noun PEOPLE
1. [ C or U ] a large group of people who live together in an organized way,
making decisions about how to do things and sharing the work that needs to be done.
All the people in a country, or in several similar countries, can be referred to as a
society
a classless/multicultural/capitalist/civilized society
These changes strike at the heart of British/American/modern society.
There's a danger that we will end up blaming innocent children for society's
problems.
We must also consider the needs of the younger/older members of society.
2. [ U ] ( ALSO high society ) the part of society that consists of people who are
rich, powerful and fashionable
a society hostess/ball/function
3. [ U ] FORMAL the state of being together with other people
She prefers her own society (= likes to be alone) .
society noun ORGANIZATION
4. [ C ] an organization to which people who share similar interests can belong
an amateur dramatic society
the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
socio- prefix
relating to society
socioeconomic
socioeconomic adjective
related to the differences between groups of people caused mainly by their
financial situation
socioeconomic groups/groupings
socioeconomic factors
College Board officials said the difficulties arise more from socioeconomic than
from ethnic differences.
socioeconomically adverb
sociological adjective
related to or involving sociology
sociological theory/research
sociologically adverb
sociologist noun [ C ]
someone who studies or is an expert in sociology
sociology noun [ U ]
the study of the relationships between people living in groups, especially in
industrial societies
She has a degree in sociology and politics.
He specializes in the sociology of education/law/the family.
sociopath noun [ C ]
a person who is completely unable or unwilling to behave in a way that is
acceptable to society
I'm telling you he's a complete/total sociopath.
sock noun CLOTHES
1. [ C ] a piece of clothing made from soft material which covers your foot and
lower part of the leg
a pair of socks
nylon/woollen/cotton socks
thermal socks
ankle/knee socks
Put on your shoes and socks.
The little boy was wearing odd/ US USUALLY mismatched socks (= socks of
different colours) .
sock noun HIT
2. [ C usually singular ] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG a powerful hit
a sock on the jaw
blow/knock your socks off INFORMAL
If something knocks your socks off, you find it extremely exciting or good
I'm going to take you to a restaurant that'll knock your socks off.
Put a sock in it! INFORMAL HUMOROUS
used to tell someone to be quiet or stop making so much noise
Hey, put a sock in it, will you? I'm trying to work here.
sock verb [ T ]
1. OLD-FASHIONED SLANG to hit someone with your fist (= closed hand)
He socked the policeman on the jaw/ in the eye.
2. US in baseball, to hit a ball very powerfully
get socked with sth MAINLY US
to suddenly receive a lot of something which causes you problems
If you don't pay your credit card bill on time, you'll get socked with a huge late
fee.
sock sth away phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to save money by putting it in a bank or by investing it (= giving it to companies
hoping to get more back)
He's socked away hundreds of dollars in a savings account.
socket noun [ C ] ELECTRICAL
socket
1. the part of a piece of equipment, especially electrical equipment, into which
another part fits
an electrical socket
a light socket
He had forgotten to plug the television into the wall / UK mains socket.
The air freshener plugs into a car's lighter socket.
socket noun [ C ] BODY PART
2. a part of the body into which another part fits
a tooth/eye socket
a ball-and -socket joint like the hip joint
socket noun [ C ] ELECTRICAL
socket
1. the part of a piece of equipment, especially electrical equipment, into which
another part fits
an electrical socket
a light socket
He had forgotten to plug the television into the wall / UK mains socket.
The air freshener plugs into a car's lighter socket.
socket noun [ C ] BODY PART
2. a part of the body into which another part fits
a tooth/eye socket
a ball-and -socket joint like the hip joint
ˈ socket ˌ set noun [ C ]
a set of metal tools of different sizes, which fix onto one handle and are used to
fasten and unfasten nuts on pieces of equipment
sod noun PERSON
1. [ C ] UK OFFENSIVE something or someone considered unpleasant or difficult
Apparently he's a sod to work for.
What did you do that for, you stupid sod?
It was a sod of a car to repair.
2. [ C ] UK OFFENSIVE used to show that you think that someone has done better
than they should
He's won again - the lucky sod!
3. [ C ] UK INFORMAL used to or about someone that you feel sympathy for
The poor old sod - I don't suppose he's got a home.
sod noun GRASS
4. [ S ] SPECIALIZED a rectangular piece which has been cut from an area of grass
He worked fast, cutting and slicing the turf neatly, heaving the sod to one side.
5. [ S ] LITERARY soil or ground
She sleeps beneath the sod (= She is dead and has been buried) .
not care/give a sod UK OFFENSIVE
to not be worried about other people's opinions or actions
I'm leaving and I don't give a sod (about) what Margaret thinks.
She doesn't care a sod about her reputation.
sod verb
sod off phrasal verb [ not continuous ] UK OFFENSIVE
to go away
Oh sod off, you stupid git!
She told him to sod off.
sod exclamation ( ALSO Sod it! ) UK OFFENSIVE
used to express anger
Oh sod it - I've left my glasses behind!
soda noun
1. [ C ] US ( ALSO soda pop ) any type of sweet fizzy (= with bubbles) drink which
is not alcoholic
2. [ C or U ] ( ALSO soda water , US ALSO club soda ) a type of fizzy (= with
bubbles) water, often mixed with alcoholic drinks
soda noun
1. [ C ] US ( ALSO soda pop ) any type of sweet fizzy (= with bubbles) drink which
is not alcoholic
2. [ C or U ] ( ALSO soda water , US ALSO club soda ) a type of fizzy (= with
bubbles) water, often mixed with alcoholic drinks
ˌ sod ˈ all noun [ S ] UK OFFENSIVE
nothing
Ann's just been chatting on the phone all morning - she's done sod all.
ˈ soda ˌ siphon noun [ C ]
a bottle for filling water with gas and forcing it out under pressure to use in drinks
sodden adjective
(of something which can absorb water) extremely wet
The football pitch was absolutely sodden.
Her thin coat quickly became sodden.
sodding adjective [ before noun ] UK OFFENSIVE
used to express anger
Stupid sodding thing, why won't it move?
sodium noun [ U ]
a soft silver-white chemical element that is found in salt
sodium bicarbonate noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
bicarbonate of soda
sodium carbonate noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical compound used as a water softener and in foods and manufacturing,
in the form of white powder or crystals
ˌ sodium ˈ chloride noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
salt
sodium hydroxide noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical compound used in soap and paper production and in powerful cleaning
substances; caustic soda
ˌ sodium ˈ nitrate noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical compound used to make explosives, fireworks and fertilizers , and as a
preservative for meat
ˌ sodium ˈ nitrate noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a chemical compound used to make explosives, fireworks and fertilizers , and as a
preservative for meat
sodomy noun [ U ] FORMAL OR LEGAL
the sexual act of putting the penis into a man's or woman's anus
sodomite noun [ C ] OLD USE
sodomize , UK USUALLY sodomise verb [ T ]
Sod's law noun [ U ] UK OFFENSIVE
Murphy's law
sofa noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO settee )
sofa
a long soft seat with a back and usually arms, on which more than one person can
sit at the same time
ˈ sofa ˌ bed noun [ C ]
a sofa which opens to form a bed
soft adjective NOT HARD
1. not hard or firm
soft ground
a soft pillow/mattress
soft cheese
I like chocolates with soft centres.
Soft tissue , such as flesh, allows X-rays through.
2. describes things, especially parts of the body, which are not hard or rough and
feel pleasant and smooth when touched
soft lips/cheeks/skin/hair
soft leather
3. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING Someone who is soft is not very healthy and strong
Look at you! You need more exercise. You're going/getting soft.
soft adjective GENTLE
4. not forceful, loud or easily noticed
a soft voice/sound
soft music/lighting
a soft glow
5. DISAPPROVING not severe or forceful enough, especially in criticizing or punishing
someone who has done something wrong
She thinks I'm too soft on the kids when they misbehave.
The government can't be seen to be taking a soft line (= not being severe
enough) with criminals.
soft adjective EASY
6. UK not difficult
He's got a pretty soft job - he hardly seems to do anything all day.
soft adjective DRUGS
7. [ before noun ] Soft drugs are illegal drugs that many people think are not
dangerous.
softness noun [ U ]
be soft on sb US
to love someone or like them very much
I think Matt must be soft on Tammy - he keeps sending her flowers and cards.
soft in the head UK INFORMAL
crazy or stupid
Is the boss going soft in the head?
softback adjective , noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY softcover )
(a book) with a cover which can bend
Compare hardback ; paperback
softback adjective , noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY softcover )
(a book) with a cover which can bend
Compare hardback ; paperback
softball noun [ U ]
a game similar to baseball but played with a larger softer ball
ˌ soft ˈ drink noun [ C ]
a cold, usually sweet, drink which does not contain alcohol
soften verb [ I or T ] LESS HARD
1. to become soft, or to make something soft
You can soften the butter by warming it gently.
These dried apples will soften (up) if you soak them in water.
soften verb [ I or T ] MORE GENTLE
2. to become more gentle, or to make someone do this
The news will upset him - we must think of a way to soften the blow (= make
the news less unpleasant for him) .
Would you say the government's stance on law and order has softened?
soften sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to do things that will please someone so that they will do what you want
You're trying to soften me up so I'll drive you to Jodie's house, aren't you?
softener noun [ C or U ]
a substance used to make something soft
(a) fabric softener
ˌ soft ˈ fruit noun [ C or U ] MAINLY UK
a general name for small fruits such as strawberries , raspberries and
blackcurrants which do not have a thick skin
ˌ soft ˈ furnishings plural noun UK ( US soft goods )
a general name for curtains, furniture coverings and other things made of cloth
which decorate a room
soft-hearted adjective
kind and often feeling sympathy for other people
Compare hard-hearted
soft-hearted adjective
kind and often feeling sympathy for other people
Compare hard-hearted
softie , softy noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a kind, gentle person who is not forceful, looks for the pleasant things in life and
can be easily persuaded to do what you want them to
ˌ soft ˈ landing noun [ C usually singular ]
when a person or vehicle comes down from the air to the ground without difficulty
or damage
softly adverb
gently
She speaks softly but usually gets her own way.
softly-softly adjective UK
softly-softly approach
If you take a softly-softly approach, you try to solve a problem in a quiet and
reasonable way.
ˌ soft ˈ option noun [ C usually singular ] UK
the easiest of two or more possible choices
The soft option is simply to say nothing for the moment.
ˌ soft ˈ palate noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the soft piece of muscle and tissue that forms the top of the mouth at the back,
separating the passages behind the nose from the throat
Compare hard palate
soft-pedal verb [ I or T ]
to make something seem less important or less bad than it really is
This is a rather sensitive issue - I think we'd better soft-pedal it for the moment.
ˌ soft ˈ porn noun [ U ]
books and films showing sexual activity which are less extreme and less offensive
than other material of the same type
ˌ soft ˈ sell noun [ S ]
a way of trying to sell something to someone by persuading them gently
The training brochure deliberately adopts a soft sell approach.
ˌ soft ˈ sell noun [ S ]
a way of trying to sell something to someone by persuading them gently
The training brochure deliberately adopts a soft sell approach.
soft-soap verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to try to persuade someone to do what you want by saying pleasant things to
them
soft-spoken adjective
having a quiet pleasant voice
ˈ soft ˌ spot noun
have a soft spot for sb
to feel that you like someone very much, often without knowing why
She'd always had a soft spot for her younger nephew.
ˈ Soft ˌ Stuff noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a soft substance produced in different colours, used especially by children to make
shapes and models
ˌ soft ˈ target noun [ C ]
something that is easy to attack or get an advantage from
Major tourist attractions are a soft target for pickpockets.
ˈ soft ˌ top noun [ C ]
a convertible (= car with a soft roof that can be folded back)
ˌ soft ˈ touch noun [ C usually singular ]
someone who you can easily persuade to do what you want
ˌ soft ˈ toy noun [ C ] UK ( US stuffed animal )
a toy animal made from cloth and filled with a soft material so that it is pleasant
to hold
software noun [ U ]
the instructions which control what a computer does; computer programs
He's written a piece of software which calculates your tax returns for you.
Compare hardware
ˈ software ˌ house noun [ C ]
a company which writes and sells software
ˈ software ˌ house noun [ C ]
a company which writes and sells software
ˈ software ˌ package noun [ C ]
a computer program that is sold together with instructions on how to use it
ˌ soft ˈ water noun [ U ]
water which does not contain chalk and allows soap to produce bubbles easily
softwood noun [ C or U ]
wood from evergreen (= never losing their leaves) trees like pine which grow
quickly, or a tree of this type
window frames made from softwood
A 200 000-acre forest site will be replanted with softwoods to supply the paper
and pulp mill.
Compare hardwood
soggy adjective
(of things which can absorb water, especially food) unpleasantly wet and soft
soggy ground
I hate it when cereal goes soggy.
soggily adverb
sogginess noun [ U ]
soh noun [ S or U ]
the 5th note in the sol-fa musical scale
soil noun
1. [ C or U ] the material on the surface of the ground in which plants grow
light/heavy/fertile soil
sandy or chalky soils
2. [ U ] LITERARY a country
It was the first time we had set foot on foreign/French/American soil (= gone to a
foreign country/France/America) .
3. the soil
LITERARY the activity of farming
The government is trying to encourage a return to the soil.
soil verb [ T ] FORMAL
to make something dirty, especially with solid waste
soiled diapers/nappies/sheets
not soil your hands LITERARY
to not become involved in something unpleasant or bad
These were top lawyers, the kind who wouldn't normally soil their hands with
police work or criminal law.
soiled adjective
dirty
soiled clothes
soiled adjective
dirty
soiled clothes
ˈ soil ˌ science noun [ U ]
the scientific study of soils
soiree , soirée noun [ C ] FORMAL
an evening party, often with musical entertainment
sojourn noun [ C ] LITERARY
a short period when a person stays in a particular place
My sojourn in the youth hostel was thankfully short.
sojourn verb [ I usually + adverb or preposition ]
solace noun [ S or U ] LITERARY
help and comfort when you are feeling sad or worried
When his wife left him, he found solace in the bottle (= drank alcohol) .
Music was a great solace to me.
solace verb [ T ] LITERARY
to give help and comfort to someone when they are feeling sad or worried
solar adjective [ before noun ]
of or from the sun, or using the energy from the sun to produce electric power
solar radiation
solar flares
a solar cell/panel
solar heating
ˈ solar ˌ energy noun [ U ]
energy that uses the power of the sun
solarium noun [ C ]
1. a room in which you can tan (= make brown) your skin using either light from
the sun or special equipment
2. US FOR conservatory (ROOM) .
ˌ solar ˈ panel noun [ C ]
a device that changes energy from the sun into electricity
Solar panels are used to power satellites.
ˌ solar ˈ panel noun [ C ]
a device that changes energy from the sun into electricity
Solar panels are used to power satellites.
solar plexus noun [ S ]
the front part of the body below the chest
a punch in the solar plexus
the ˈ solar ˌ system noun [ S ]
the sun and the group of planets which move around it
ˌ solar ˈ year noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the time it takes for the Earth to go round the sun, just over 365 days
sold verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sell
solder noun [ U ]
a soft metal that is melted in order to join together pieces of metal so that they
stick together when it cools and becomes hard again
solder verb [ I or T ]
to join pieces of metal together using solder
ˈ soldering ˌ iron noun [ C ]
a tool which you use for heating solder
soldier noun [ C ]
a person who is in an army and wears its uniform, especially someone who fights
when there is a war
Soldiers were patrolling the streets.
soldier verb
soldier on phrasal verb
to continue doing something although it is difficult
I admired the way she soldiered on when her business ran into trouble.
soldiering noun [ U ]
the job of being a soldier
a life of soldiering
soldiering noun [ U ]
the job of being a soldier
a life of soldiering
ˌ soldier of ˈ fortune noun [ C ] LITERARY
someone who fights for anyone who will pay, not only for their own country
sole adjective [ before noun ]
1. being one only; single
My sole objective is to make the information more widely available.
The sole survivor of the accident was found in the water after six hours.
2. not shared with anyone else
She has sole responsibility for the project.
I have sole charge of both children all day.
sole noun [ C ] FOOT
1. the bottom part of a foot which touches the ground when you stand or walk, or
the bottom part of a shoe which touches the ground, usually not including the heel
a cut on the sole of her foot
shoes with rubber soles
sole noun [ C ] FISH
2. one of a number of flat round fish which are eaten as food
lemon sole
Dover sole
sole verb [ T ]
to put a new sole on a shoe
-soled suffix
leather-soled shoes
solecism noun [ C ] FORMAL
1. behaviour that is a social mistake or is not polite
to commit a social solecism
2. a grammatical mistake
a grammatical solecism
solely adverb
only and not involving anyone or anything else
I bought it solely for that purpose.
It seems he's not solely to blame for the accident.
The product's success cannot be attributable solely to the ads.
solely adverb
solemn adjective
1. serious and without any humour
a solemn face/voice
solemn music
Everyone looked very solemn.
2. solemn promise/commitment/undertaking, etc.
an agreement which you make in a serious way and expect to keep
solemnly adverb
solemnity noun
1. [ U ] ( ALSO solemnness ) the quality of being serious
the solemnity of a funeral service
2. solemnities
the ways of behaving or the activities which are considered suitable for a serious
formal social ceremony, such as a funeral
solemnize , UK USUALLY solemnise verb SPECIALIZED
solemnize a marriage
to perform the official marriage ceremony, especially as part of a religious
ceremony in a church
solemnization , UK USUALLY solemnisation noun [ U ]
sol-fa noun , [ U ]
a type of musical scale in which the notes A to G have names, used especially in
teaching music
solicit verb ASK FOR
1. [ T ] FORMAL to ask someone for money, information or help
to solicit donations for a charity
It is illegal for public officials to solicit gifts or money in exchange for favours.
solicit verb OFFER
2. [ I ] to offer sex for money, usually in a public place
solicitation noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
soliciting noun [ U ] LEGAL
when someone offers to have sex for money
solely adverb
solemn adjective
1. serious and without any humour
a solemn face/voice
solemn music
Everyone looked very solemn.
2. solemn promise/commitment/undertaking, etc.
an agreement which you make in a serious way and expect to keep
solemnly adverb
solemnity noun
1. [ U ] ( ALSO solemnness ) the quality of being serious
the solemnity of a funeral service
2. solemnities
the ways of behaving or the activities which are considered suitable for a serious
formal social ceremony, such as a funeral
solemnize , UK USUALLY solemnise verb SPECIALIZED
solemnize a marriage
to perform the official marriage ceremony, especially as part of a religious
ceremony in a church
solemnization , UK USUALLY solemnisation noun [ U ]
sol-fa noun , [ U ]
a type of musical scale in which the notes A to G have names, used especially in
teaching music
solicit verb ASK FOR
1. [ T ] FORMAL to ask someone for money, information or help
to solicit donations for a charity
It is illegal for public officials to solicit gifts or money in exchange for favours.
solicit verb OFFER
2. [ I ] to offer sex for money, usually in a public place
solicitation noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
soliciting noun [ U ] LEGAL
when someone offers to have sex for money
solicitor noun [ C ]
a type of lawyer in Britain and Australia who is trained to prepare cases and give
advice on legal subjects and can represent people in lower courts
a firm of solicitors
solicitous adjective FORMAL
showing care and helpful attention to someone
He made a solicitous enquiry after her health.
solicitously adverb
solicitude noun [ U ] ( ALSO solicitousness )
solid adjective HARD
1. hard or firm, keeping a clear shape
solid ground
a solid object
a solid structure
2. completely hard or firm all through an object, or without any spaces or holes
solid rock
a solid oak table
solid doors/walls
a solid line of traffic
The lecture hall was packed solid ( with students).
3. describes a metal or a colour which is pure, and does not have anything else
mixed together with it
solid gold/silver candlesticks
a white rose on a solid blue background
solid adjective NOT LIQUID/GAS
4. not liquid or gas
Liquid and solid waste is collected in the tank.
Freeze the mixture for about 3 hours or so until solid.
5. describes food which is not in liquid form, especially when given to babies or
people who are ill
That rice pudding was the first solid food he's eaten since his operation.
solid adjective CERTAIN
6. certain or safe; of a good standard; giving confidence or support
This provided solid evidence that he committed the crime.
The drama course gives students a solid grounding in the basic techniques of
acting.
solid adjective CONTINUOUS
7. continuing for a period of time without stopping
I slept for eleven solid hours.
The hotel was booked solid all of December.
solid noun OBJECT
1. [ C ] SPECIALIZED an object that has a height, width and length, and is not flat
A cube and a pyramid are both solids.
solid noun NOT LIQUID/GAS
2. [ C ] a substance that is not liquid or gas
3. [ C usually plural ] a food not in liquid form
solid adjective HARD
1. hard or firm, keeping a clear shape
solid ground
a solid object
a solid structure
2. completely hard or firm all through an object, or without any spaces or holes
solid rock
a solid oak table
solid doors/walls
a solid line of traffic
The lecture hall was packed solid ( with students).
3. describes a metal or a colour which is pure, and does not have anything else
mixed together with it
solid gold/silver candlesticks
a white rose on a solid blue background
solid adjective NOT LIQUID/GAS
4. not liquid or gas
Liquid and solid waste is collected in the tank.
Freeze the mixture for about 3 hours or so until solid.
5. describes food which is not in liquid form, especially when given to babies or
people who are ill
That rice pudding was the first solid food he's eaten since his operation.
solid adjective CERTAIN
6. certain or safe; of a good standard; giving confidence or support
This provided solid evidence that he committed the crime.
The drama course gives students a solid grounding in the basic techniques of
acting.
solid adjective CONTINUOUS
7. continuing for a period of time without stopping
I slept for eleven solid hours.
The hotel was booked solid all of December.
solid noun OBJECT
1. [ C ] SPECIALIZED an object that has a height, width and length, and is not flat
A cube and a pyramid are both solids.
solid noun NOT LIQUID/GAS
2. [ C ] a substance that is not liquid or gas
3. [ C usually plural ] a food not in liquid form
solidarity noun [ U ]
agreement between and support for the members of a group, especially a political
group
The situation raises important questions about solidarity among member states of
the UN.
The lecturers joined the protest march to show solidarity with their students.
ˌ solid ˈ fuel noun [ C or U ]
a solid substance such as coal or wood, rather than oil or gas
solidify verb [ I or T ] NOT LIQUID/GAS
1. to change from being a liquid or gas to a solid form, or to make something do
this
Molten volcanic lava solidifies as it cools.
The chemical reaction solidifies the resin.
solidify verb [ I or T ] CERTAIN
2. to become or make something become certain
He solidified his commitment to the treaty, giving a forceful speech in favour of it.
Support for the policy is solidifying.
solidification noun [ U ]
a process of gradual solidification
solidity noun [ U ] ( ALSO solidness ) FIRM
1. the quality of being hard or firm, not a liquid or gas
solidity noun [ U ] ( ALSO solidness ) CERTAIN
2. the quality of being certain or strong
The agreement would give a new solidity to military cooperation between the two
countries.
solidly adverb HARD
1. strongly and firmly
The house seems very solidly built.
solidly adverb CONTINUOUS
2. steadily or continuously
The economy has been growing solidly for five years now.
solidly adverb CERTAINLY
3. agreeing with or supporting someone completely
My colleagues are solidly behind me on this issue.
solid-state adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
describes an electronic device in which the flow of electrical current is through
solid material and not through a vacuum (= space without air)
solid-state adjective [ before noun ] SPECIALIZED
describes an electronic device in which the flow of electrical current is through
solid material and not through a vacuum (= space without air)
soliloquy noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a speech in a play which the character speaks to him- or herself or to the people
watching rather than to the other characters
Hamlet's soliloquy 'To be or not to be'
solipsism noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the belief that only one's own experiences and existence can be known
solipsistic adjective
solitaire , noun JEWELLERY
1. [ C ] a single jewel (= precious stone) which is part of a piece of jewellery,
especially a ring, or the ring itself
a solitaire diamond
solitaire , noun CARDS
2. [ U ] US ( UK patience ) a game played with cards by one person
solitary adjective
1. A solitary person or thing is the only person or thing in a place
On the hill, a solitary figure was busy chopping down trees.
In the distance was a solitary building.
He was a solitary child (= He enjoyed being alone) .
2. done alone
solitary walks by the river
fishing and other solitary pastimes
ˌ solitary con ˈ finement noun [ U ]
when someone is kept in a room alone, usually in a prison
solitude noun [ U ]
the situation of being alone without other people
a life of solitude
After months of solitude at sea it felt strange to be in company.
It provides one with a chance to reflect on spiritual matters in solitude.
solo adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
alone; without other people
a solo performance/flight
to sail/fly solo
He used to play with a group but now he's going solo/pursuing a solo career.
solo noun [ C ]
a musical performance done by one person alone, or a musical performance in
which one person is given special attention
a trumpet solo
Parker's solo on 'A Night in Tunisia' was so amazing that the pianist backing him
simply stopped playing.
solo adjective [ before noun ] , adverb
alone; without other people
a solo performance/flight
to sail/fly solo
He used to play with a group but now he's going solo/pursuing a solo career.
solo noun [ C ]
a musical performance done by one person alone, or a musical performance in
which one person is given special attention
a trumpet solo
Parker's solo on 'A Night in Tunisia' was so amazing that the pianist backing him
simply stopped playing.
soloist noun [ C ]
a musician who performs a solo
The soloist in the violin concerto was Yehudi Menuhin.
Solomon Islands adjective [ before noun ]
Solomon Islands noun [ + sing/pl verb ]
the Solomon Islands
Solomon Islander noun [ C ]
solstice noun [ C ]
either of the two occasions in the year when the sun is directly above either the
furthest point north or the furthest point south of the equator that it ever reaches.
These are the times in the year, in the middle of the summer or winter, when there are
the longest hours of day or night
the summer/winter solstice
Compare equinox
soluble adjective
able to be dissolved to form a solution
soluble aspirins
Opposite insoluble
solubility noun [ U ]
solution noun ANSWER
1. [ C ] the answer to a problem
There's no easy solution to this problem.
She just seems so unhappy and I don't know what the solution is.
When you finish doing the crossword, the solution is on the back page.
They help you talk through your problems but they don't give you any solutions.
solution noun LIQUID
2. [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED a liquid into which a solid has been mixed and has
dissolved
an aqueous solution of salts
copper sulphate in solution (= dissolved in water)
solvable adjective ( ALSO soluble )
able to be solved
solvable adjective ( ALSO soluble )
able to be solved
solve verb [ T ]
to find an answer to a problem
to solve a problem
to solve a mystery/puzzle
Just calm down - shouting won't solve anything!
This strategy could cause more problems than it solves.
Police are still no nearer to solving the crime.
solvent adjective
(especially of companies) having enough money to pay all the money that is owed
to other people
Many insurance companies are under pressure to increase premiums to stay
solvent.
Opposite insolvent
solvency noun [ U ]
solvent noun [ C ]
a liquid in which solids will dissolve
See also dissolve
ˈ solvent a ˌ buse noun [ U ] FORMAL
the habit of breathing in the dangerous gases produced by some types of glue to
achieve an excited mental condition
Somali noun [ C ] , adjective
Somalia noun [ U ]
sombre UK , US somber adjective
1. serious, sad and without humour or entertainment
a sombre atmosphere/voice/face
The funeral was a sombre occasion.
I left them in a sombre mood.
2. dark and plain
He wore a sombre black suit.
sombrely , US somberly adverb
sombreness , US somberness noun [ U ]
sombrero noun [ C ]
sombrero
a hat with a wide brim , worn especially by men in Mexico
sombrero noun [ C ]
sombrero
a hat with a wide brim , worn especially by men in Mexico
some determiner UNKNOWN AMOUNT
1. , an amount or number of something which is not stated or not known; a part
of something
There's some cake in the kitchen if you'd like it.
Here's some news you might be interested in.
We've been having some problems with our TV over the last few weeks.
Could you give me some idea of when the building work will finish?
I've got to do some more work before I can go out.
some determiner LARGE AMOUNT
2. , a large amount or number of something
It'll be some time before we meet again.
It was some years later when they next met.
We discussed the problem at some length.
some determiner PARTICULAR THING
3. , used to refer to a particular person or thing without stating exactly which one
Some lucky person will win more than $1 000 000 in the competition.
Some idiot's locked the door!
There must be some way you can relieve the pain.
some determiner ANGER
4. INFORMAL used before a noun, especially at the beginning of a sentence to show
anger or disapproval, often by repeating a word which was not accurately used
Some people just don't know when to shut up.
Some help you were! You sat on your backside most of the afternoon!
"A friend of mine sold me a radio that doesn't work." "Some friend!"
some determiner EXCELLENT
5. INFORMAL used before a noun to show how good something or someone is
Wow, that was some dinner!
and then some MAINLY US INFORMAL
and even more
It looked like 20 000 people and then some at the demonstration.
some ... or other
refers to one of several possibilities when the exact one is not known or not stated
They found the painting in some antique shop or other.
some pronoun
1. , an amount or number of something which is not stated or not known; a part
of something
If you need more paper then just take some.
"Would you like to have dinner with us?" "No thanks, I've already had some."
Some of you here have already met Imran.
Have some of this champagne - it's very good.
2. some people
Some have compared his work to Picasso's.
some , adverb APPROXIMATELY
1. used before a number to mean approximately; about
Some fifty tons of stone are taken from the quarry every day.
The water is some twenty to thirty metres beneath the ground.
some , adverb SMALL AMOUNT
2. US INFORMAL by a small amount or degree; a little
She says she's feeling some better.
We could turn down the heat some if that would make you more comfortable.
somebody , pronoun
someone
somebody , pronoun
someone
someday adverb
at some time in the future which is not yet known or not stated
Maybe someday you'll both meet again.
Someday soon you're going to have to make a decision.
somehow adverb
1. ( US INFORMAL ALSO someway ) in a way or by some means which is not known
or not stated
It won't be easy, but we'll get across the river somehow.
2. for a reason which is not clear
I know what we're doing is legal, but somehow it doesn't feel right.
someone pronoun ( ALSO somebody )
used to refer to a single person when you do not know who they are or when it is
not important who they are
There's someone outside the house.
Someone must have seen what happened.
Eventually someone in the audience spoke.
You'll have to ask someone else .
We'll need a software engineer or someone (= a person with skill of or like the
stated type) on the project team.
someplace adverb
US FOR somewhere
They live someplace in the South.
If they don't like it here they can go someplace else .
somersault noun [ C ]
a rolling movement or jump, either forwards or backwards, in which you turn over
completely, with your body above your head, and finish with your head on top again
She was so happy she turned three somersaults on the lawn.
somersault verb [ I ]
The bus plunged down the embankment, somersaulted twice and finally landed on
its side.
something pronoun
1. an object, situation, quality or action which is not exactly known or stated
There's something sharp in my shoe.
Something in the cupboard smells odd.
We thought there must be something wrong because we hadn't heard from you.
There's something wrong with the engine - it's making strange noises.
Something's happened to upset him but we don't know what it is.
I heard something rather worrying at work this morning.
Is there something you'd like to say?
Don't just stand there, do something.
There's just something odd about him.
2. a situation or an event for which you are grateful, especially because an
unpleasant thing has also happened
We were given five hundred pounds in compensation which isn't much but at least
it's something.
be (really) something INFORMAL
to be very special or admired
Imagine England winning the World Cup - now that would be something.
be something of a sth INFORMAL
used to describe a person or thing in a way that is partly true but not completely
or exactly
It came as something of a surprise.
He has a reputation as something of a troublemaker.
I have a biology question for you - I gather you're something of an expert.
be/have something to do with sth INFORMAL
to be related to something or a cause of something but not in a way that you
know about or understand exactly
I'm not sure what he does exactly - it's something to do with finance.
It might have something to do with the way it's made.
have got something there
If you say that a person has got something there, you mean they have said or
discovered an important or interesting thing.
have something going with sb INFORMAL
If you have something going with someone, you are involved in a sexual
relationship with them
Didn't he have something going with one of his students?
or something (like that) INFORMAL
used to show that what you have just said is only an example or you are not
certain about it
She works for a bank or something.
Why don't you go to a movie or something?
something a little stronger HUMOROUS
a drink containing alcohol
We have fruit juice but perhaps you'd like something a little stronger?
something for nothing
If someone gets something for nothing, they get something they want, such as
money, without having to work or make any effort.
something like 96 ˈ /half, etc.
approximately, when talking about an amount or number
Something like sixty percent of all married men will have an affair at some point
in their marriage.
He paid something like ninety pounds for a T-shirt.
there's something in sth
used to admit that there is some value or truth in what someone does or says,
although you do not completely approve of it
I don't go along with all his theories but there's probably something in it.
-something suffix INFORMAL
used after a number like 20, 30, etc. to refer to the age of a person who is
between 20 and 29, 30 and 39 years old, etc., or to a person who is of this age
I'd guess she's thirty-something.
Most of these places are aimed at twenty-somethings.
sometime adverb
at a time in the future or the past which is not known or not stated
sometime before June
We really should meet sometime soon to discuss the details.
sometime in the autumn
sometime adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
(especially of a job or position) in the past but not any longer
The enquiry will be headed by Lord Jones, sometime editor of the 'Daily News'.
sometimes adverb
on some occasions but not always or often
Sometimes we take food with us and sometimes we buy food when we're there.
Sometimes it's best not to say anything.
someway adverb ( ALSO someways )
US INFORMAL FOR somehow
Don't worry - I'll get there someway.
somewhat adverb SLIGHTLY FORMAL
1. slightly
The resort has changed somewhat over the last few years.
She's somewhat more confident than she used to be.
We were somewhat tired after our long walk.
2. somewhat of
to some degree
She was known for being somewhat of a strange character.
somewhere adverb PLACE
1. ( US ALSO someplace ) in or at a place having a position which is not stated or
not known
He was last heard of living somewhere on the south coast.
You must have put their letter somewhere!
[ + to infinitive ] I'm looking for somewhere to eat/stay.
Can we go somewhere else to talk - it's very noisy here.
Wouldn't you like to go to Disneyland or somewhere (= or to a similar place) ?
somewhere adverb APPROXIMATELY
2. somewhere around/between, etc.
approximately; about
Somewhere between 900 and 1100 minor crimes are reported in this city every
week.
It will take us somewhere between three and four hours to get to Madrid.
The company's annual turnover is somewhere around £70.7 million.
be getting somewhere INFORMAL
to be achieving something
Right, that's the printer working. Now we're getting somewhere!
somnambulism noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the action, sometimes happening regularly, of a person walking around while they
are sleeping
See also sleepwalking
somnambulist noun [ C ]
somnambulism noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the action, sometimes happening regularly, of a person walking around while they
are sleeping
See also sleepwalking
somnambulist noun [ C ]
somnolent adjective LITERARY
almost sleeping, or causing sleep
a somnolent summer's afternoon
the somnolent villages further north
somnolence noun [ U ]
son noun [ C ]
1. your male child
This is our son Raja.
We have two sons and three daughters.
2. used as an informal form of address by a man to a boy
Come on, son, we haven't got all day.
3. a son of somewhere
LITERARY a man who was born in a particular place
that notable son of Württemberg, Martin Brecht
sonar noun [ U ]
equipment, especially on a ship, which uses sound waves to discover how deep
the water is or the position of an object in the water, such as a group of fish
sonata noun [ C ]
a piece of music in three or four parts, either for a piano or for another
instrument, such as a violin, sometimes also with a piano
son et lumière noun [ C ]
an outside entertainment which uses sounds, lights and often a spoken story to
tell the history of a place
song noun
1. [ C ] a usually short piece of music with words which are sung
to sing a song
a love/folk/pop song
See also swansong
2. [ U ] the act of singing, or singing when considered generally
He was so happy he wanted to burst/break into song (= start singing) .
3. [ C or U ] the musical sound that a bird makes
bird song
A thrush's song was the only sound to break the silence.
for a song INFORMAL
very cheaply
She bought the bed for a song at an auction.
Because the shop's closing down, most of the stock is going for a song (= being
sold very cheaply) .
make a song and dance about sth UK INFORMAL
to make something seem more important than it really is so that everyone notices
it
I only asked her to move her car but she made such a song and dance about it.
song and dance MAINLY US INFORMAL
a long and complicated statement or story, especially one which is not true
songbird noun [ C ]
any of many different types of bird that make musical sounds
songbird noun [ C ]
any of many different types of bird that make musical sounds
songbook noun [ C ]
a book containing a collection of songs showing both their words and their music
songfest noun [ C ]
US FOR singsong (SINGING)
songster noun [ C ] LITERARY
1. a skilled singer
2. a bird with a musical song
songstress noun [ C ] LITERARY
a skilled female singer
The city's most famous songstress, Gloria Estefan, grew up here after her parents
fled communist-ruled Cuba.
ˈ song ˌ thrush noun [ C ]
a type of thrush (BIRD)
songwriter noun [ C ]
a person who writes the music and words of songs
songwriting noun [ U ]
sonic adjective SPECIALIZED
of sound or the speed at which sound travels in air
See also supersonic
ˌ sonic ˈ boom noun [ C usually singular ]
an explosive sound made by an aircraft, bullet, etc. travelling faster than the
speed at which sound travels
ˌ sonic ˈ branding noun [ U ]
using a sound in an advertisement for a product, so that when you hear the
sound, you think of the product
son-in-law noun [ C ]
your daughter's husband
son-in-law noun [ C ]
your daughter's husband
sonnet noun [ C ]
a poem that has 14 lines and a particular pattern of rhyme
sonny noun [ S ] OLD-FASHIONED
a form of address used by an older person to a boy or a young man
Look here, sonny, you've got a lot to learn!
ˌ son of a ˈ bitch noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO sonofabitch , ABBREVIATION S.O.B. )
MAINLY US OFFENSIVE
an unpleasant man
What low-down son of a bitch took my clothes?
I'm going to beat that sonofabitch if it kills me!
ˌ son of a ˈ gun noun [ C ]
US POLITE PHRASE FOR son of a bitch
sonogram noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an image, especially of a baby that is still inside the womb , which is produced by
ultrasound (= sound waves)
sonorous adjective FORMAL
having a deep pleasant sound
a sonorous voice
sonorously adverb
sook noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a shy or cowardly (= not brave) child or person
soon adverb
1. in or within a short time; before long; quickly
She'll soon be here./She'll be here soon.
It will soon be impossible for foreigners to enter the country.
The sooner we leave, the sooner we'll get there.
Soon after agreeing to go, she realized she'd made a mistake.
How soon (= When) can we sign the contract?
"When would you like to meet?" " The sooner the better ."
I couldn't get out of that place soon enough.
2. as soon as
at the same time or a very short time after
As soon as I saw her, I knew there was something wrong.
3. as soon as possible
If you do something as soon as possible, you do it as quickly as you can
We need the repairs done as soon as possible.
no sooner ... than
used to show that one thing happens immediately after another thing
No sooner had I started mowing the lawn than it started raining.
no sooner said than done
used to say that you will do something immediately
sooner or later
used to say that you do not know exactly when something will happen, but you
are certain that it will happen
Sooner or later she's going to realize what a mistake she's made.
would (just) as soon ( ALSO would sooner )
If you would (just) as soon do something or would sooner do something, you
would prefer to do it rather than something else which is possible
"Would you like to go out for dinner?" "I'd just as soon stay in - I'm not feeling
very well."
soot noun [ U ]
a black powder made mainly of carbon which is produced when coal, wood, etc. is
burnt
It can be dangerous to let too much soot accumulate inside a chimney.
sooty adjective
soot noun [ U ]
a black powder made mainly of carbon which is produced when coal, wood, etc. is
burnt
It can be dangerous to let too much soot accumulate inside a chimney.
sooty adjective
soothe verb [ T ] ANGER
1. to make someone feel calm or less worried
to soothe a crying baby
soothe verb [ T ] PAIN
2. to make an injury less painful
I had a long hot bath to soothe my aching muscles.
soothing adjective LESS ANGRY
1. making you feel calm
I put on some nice soothing music.
Her words had a soothing effect.
soothing adjective LESS PAINFUL
2. making something less painful
a soothing ointment
soothingly adverb
soothsayer noun [ C ] OLD USE
a person who is believed to have the ability to know and tell what will happen in
the future
sop noun [ C usually singular ] DISAPPROVING
something that is not important or of little value, which is offered to stop
complaints or unhappiness
Critics see the increase in defence spending as a sop to the armed forces rather
than an improvement of national security.
sop verb
sop sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to absorb liquid into a piece of something solid
It's surprising how much milk the bread sops up.
sophism noun [ C ] FORMAL
an argument which seems true but is really false and is used to deceive people
sophisticate noun [ C ] FORMAL
a person who is sophisticated
sophisticate noun [ C ] FORMAL
a person who is sophisticated
sophisticated adjective
1. having a good understanding of the way people behave and/or a good
knowledge of culture and fashion
She was slim, svelte and sophisticated.
I don't suppose I have any books that would suit your sophisticated tastes.
He was older than me and from London and I thought him very sophisticated.
2. clever in a complicated way and therefore able to do complicated tasks
I think a more sophisticated approach is needed to solve this problem.
These are among the most sophisticated weapons in the world.
sophistication noun [ U ]
the quality of being sophisticated
Her sophistication is evident from the way she dresses.
The sophistication of computers is increasing.
sophistry noun [ U ] FORMAL
the clever use of arguments which seem true but are really false in order to
deceive people
sophist noun [ C ]
It was basically a selfish act, though no doubt a sophist would argue that it was
done for the general good.
sophomore noun [ C ] US
a student studying in the second year of a course at a US college or high school
(= a school for students aged 15 to 18)
sophomoric adjective US
silly and like a child's
a sophomoric sense of humour
soporific adjective
causing sleep or making a person want to sleep
the soporific effect of the heat
soporifically adverb
sopping adjective INFORMAL
extremely wet
The bottle had leaked in my bag and everything was sopping.
You're sopping wet - go and get changed.
extremely wet
soppy adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
showing or feeling too much of emotions such as love or sympathy, rather than
being reasonable or practical
a film with a soppy ending
That's one of the soppiest stories I've ever heard!
Some people are really soppy about their pets.
soppily adverb INFORMAL
soppiness noun [ U ] INFORMAL
soprano noun [ C ]
a woman or girl with a voice which can sing the highest notes
soprano adjective , adverb
sorbet noun [ C or U ] ( US ALSO sherbet )
a frozen food made from fruit juice, water and sugar
lemon sorbet
sorcerer noun [ C ]
in stories, a man who has magical powers and who uses them to harm other
people
sorceress noun [ C ]
a female sorcerer
sorcery noun [ U ]
a type of magic in which spirits (= people who cannot be seen) especially evil
ones, are used to make things happen
It seems that some people still believe in sorcery and black magic.
sordid adjective DIRTY
1. dirty and unpleasant
There are lots of really sordid apartments in the city's poorer areas.
sordid adjective IMMORAL
2. immoral and shocking
He told me he'd had an affair but he spared me the sordid details .
sordidly adverb
sordidness noun [ U ]
sore adjective PAINFUL
1. painful and uncomfortable because of injury, infection or too much use
All the dust has made my eyes sore.
I've got a sore throat .
My feet were sore with all the walking.
sore adjective ANGRY
2. US INFORMAL angry because you feel you have been unfairly treated
He accused me of being a sore loser (= someone who does not accept defeat
well) .
soreness noun [ U ]
stand/stick out like a sore thumb INFORMAL
If someone or something stands/sticks out like a sore thumb, everyone notices
them because they are very different from the people or things around them
Everyone else was in jeans and casual gear and I had my office clothes on - I
stuck out like a sore thumb.
sore noun [ C ]
a painful area on the surface of a body, especially an infected area
The poor dog's back was covered with sores.
See also cold sore
extremely wet
soppy adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
showing or feeling too much of emotions such as love or sympathy, rather than
being reasonable or practical
a film with a soppy ending
That's one of the soppiest stories I've ever heard!
Some people are really soppy about their pets.
soppily adverb INFORMAL
soppiness noun [ U ] INFORMAL
soprano noun [ C ]
a woman or girl with a voice which can sing the highest notes
soprano adjective , adverb
sorbet noun [ C or U ] ( US ALSO sherbet )
a frozen food made from fruit juice, water and sugar
lemon sorbet
sorcerer noun [ C ]
in stories, a man who has magical powers and who uses them to harm other
people
sorceress noun [ C ]
a female sorcerer
sorcery noun [ U ]
a type of magic in which spirits (= people who cannot be seen) especially evil
ones, are used to make things happen
It seems that some people still believe in sorcery and black magic.
sordid adjective DIRTY
1. dirty and unpleasant
There are lots of really sordid apartments in the city's poorer areas.
sordid adjective IMMORAL
2. immoral and shocking
He told me he'd had an affair but he spared me the sordid details .
sordidly adverb
sordidness noun [ U ]
sore adjective PAINFUL
1. painful and uncomfortable because of injury, infection or too much use
All the dust has made my eyes sore.
I've got a sore throat .
My feet were sore with all the walking.
sore adjective ANGRY
2. US INFORMAL angry because you feel you have been unfairly treated
He accused me of being a sore loser (= someone who does not accept defeat
well) .
soreness noun [ U ]
stand/stick out like a sore thumb INFORMAL
If someone or something stands/sticks out like a sore thumb, everyone notices
them because they are very different from the people or things around them
Everyone else was in jeans and casual gear and I had my office clothes on - I
stuck out like a sore thumb.
sore noun [ C ]
a painful area on the surface of a body, especially an infected area
The poor dog's back was covered with sores.
See also cold sore
sorehead noun [ C ] US INFORMAL
a person who is easily made angry
Don't be such a sorehead - it was only meant to be a joke.
sorely adverb FORMAL
extremely; very much
I was sorely tempted to say exactly what I thought of his offer.
You'll be sorely missed by everyone here, and we wish you success in your new
job.
ˌ sore ˈ point noun [ C usually singular ]
a subject that someone prefers not to talk about because it makes them angry or
embarrassed
"So how are your job applications going?" "Oh, it's a bit of a sore point, I'm
afraid."
sorghum noun [ U ]
a type of grain grown in hot countries
sorority noun [ C ]
a social organization for female students at some US colleges
Compare fraternity
sorrel noun [ U ]
a plant with acidic (= containing acid) leaves which are used in cooking and
salads
sorrow noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
(a cause of) a feeling of great sadness
The sorrow she felt over/at the death of her husband was almost too much to
bear.
The sorrows of her earlier years gave way to joy in later life.
sorrow verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] FORMAL
to feel great sadness
For years she sorrowed over her missing son.
sorrowful adjective LITERARY
very sad
With a sorrowful sigh she folded the letter and put it away.
sorrowfully adverb
sorry adjective SAD
1. [ after verb ] feeling sadness, sympathy, or disappointment, especially because
something unpleasant has happened or been done
I'm just sorry about all the trouble I've caused her.
He'd really upset her and he didn't seem at all sorry.
[ + ( that ) ] I'm sorry (that) you had such a difficult journey.
[ + to infinitive ] We were both sorry to hear you've been ill again.
I feel so sorry for the children - it must be really hard for them.
2. feel sorry for yourself
DISAPPROVING to feel sad because you have a problem and you feel that it is not fair
that you are suffering so much
He sounded very sorry for himself on the telephone.
3. I'm sorry to say
used to show that something which must be said causes sadness or
disappointment
I'm sorry to say that the project's funding has been cancelled.
Most people who start the course do, I'm sorry to say, give up within the first two
weeks.
sorry adjective APOLOGY
4. [ after verb ] used to say that you wish you had not done what you have done,
especially when you want to be polite to someone you have done something bad to
Oh, I'm sorry - I didn't see you there.
Tom, I'm so sorry about last night - it was all my fault.
I've said I'm sorry.
sorry adjective SAYING NO
5. I'm sorry
used to show politeness when refusing something or disagreeing
I'm sorry but I think you've made a mistake.
I'm sorry, I can't agree.
sorry adjective BAD CONDITION
6. sorry sight/state/tale
a bad condition or situation
He was a sorry sight when he got home - soaking and covered in mud.
It's a sorry state of affairs when there isn't any food in the house.
sorry exclamation APOLOGY
1. used when apologising for something
"That's my foot you're treading on." "Sorry!"
sorry exclamation POLITE NEGATIVE
2. used to show politeness when refusing something or disagreeing
Sorry, you can't go in there.
3. MAINLY UK used when politely asking someone to repeat something or when
politely interrupting someone
"He's late." "Sorry?" "I said he's late."
Sorry, could you just say that last sentence again please?
sort noun TYPE
1. [ C ] a group of things which are of the same type or which share similar
qualities
We both like the same sort of music.
I'm going to have a salad of some sort.
What sort of shoes will I need?
We saw all sorts (= many types) of animals in the park.
Many sorts of bacteria are resistant to penicillin.
This sort of camera is very expensive.
Plants of this sort need shady conditions.
2. your sort
the type of thing or person that you like
Hmm, this is my sort of wine!
I'd have thought these black trousers were more your sort of thing .
I wouldn't have thought he was your sort (= was the type of man you would be
attracted to) .
3. (and) that sort of thing INFORMAL
used to show that what you have just said is only an example from a much larger
group of things
They sell souvenirs, postcards, that sort of thing.
sort noun PERSON
4. [ C usually singular ] SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED a person having the stated or
suggested character
He seemed like a decent sort to me.
be out of sorts SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED
to be slightly ill or slightly unhappy
I've been feeling tired and headachy and generally out of sorts.
It takes all sorts (to make a world). SAYING
said to emphasize that people have different characters, opinions and abilities,
and that you should accept this
of sorts ( ALSO of a sort )
used to describe something which is not a typical or good example of something
He managed to make a curtain of sorts out of an old sheet.
(a) sort of INFORMAL
used to describe something approximately
It's a sort of pale orange colour.
sort of INFORMAL
in some way or to some degree
I was sort of hoping to leave early today.
It's sort of silly, but I'd like a copy of the photograph.
sort verb ORDER
1. [ I or T ] to put a number of things in an order or to separate them into groups
Paper, plastic and cans are sorted for recycling.
I'm going to sort these old books into those to be kept and those to be thrown
away.
You can use the computer to sort the newspaper articles alphabetically, by date,
or by subject.
She found the ring while sorting (through) some clothes.
sort verb DEAL WITH
2. [ T ] UK INFORMAL to deal with something by repairing or organizing it
Can you sort the car by tomorrow?
We must get the phone sorted soon.
I must get this paperwork sorted before I go on holiday next week.
sort sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to separate one type of things from a group of things
Sort out any clothes you want to throw away and give them to me.
See also sort-out
sort sth/sb out phrasal verb [ M ]
to deal satisfactorily or successfully with a problem, a situation, or a person who
is having difficulties
We've sorted out the computer system's initial problems.
[ + question word ] It'll be difficult to sort out how much each person owes.
Most of the job involves sorting customers out who have queries.
sort sb out phrasal verb [ M ] UK INFORMAL
to punish or attack someone, usually to make them understand that they have
behaved badly
Has he been bothering you again - do you want me to sort him out?
sorta NOT STANDARD
SHORT FORM OFsort of
I sorta miss my parents, so it's nice to visit them.
What sorta salary will you be on?
ˈ sort ˌ code noun [ C ] ( ALSO sorting code )
an official number used to refer to a particular bank
sorted adjective [ after verb ] , exclamation UK INFORMAL
when something is correctly organized or repaired, or when someone has the
things they need
Debbie's sorted for Tuesday night because she's found a babysitter.
"Have you spoken to Grant about the party?" "Sorted!"
sorter noun
1. mail sorter
US someone who puts letters and parcels into groups before they are delivered
2. grain sorter
a machine which separates the wheat or other grains from any waste or unwanted
material mixed in with it
sortie noun [ C ]
1. a short quick attack by a military force, such as a small group of soldiers or an
aircraft, made against an enemy position
A series of sorties was carried out at night by specially equipped aircraft.
2. a short journey to somewhere you have not been before, often with a particular
purpose
It was our first sortie into the town centre.
3. an attempt to do something
This is the acclaimed historian John Taylor's first sortie into fiction.
ˈ sorting ˌ office noun [ C ]
a building where letters, parcels, etc. are taken after they have been posted and
where they are then put into groups according to their addresses before being delivered
sort-out noun [ C usually singular ] UK INFORMAL
when you put things in order or in their correct place
I've had a sort-out in the bedroom - it's looking rather better.
SOS noun [ S ]
a request for help, especially because of danger
Within an hour of the ship transmitting an SOS (message/call) , six boats had
arrived and started a rescue operation.
The hospital sent out an SOS for extra blood supplies.
so-so adjective , adverb INFORMAL
between average quality and low quality; not good or well
a so-so performance
"How are you getting on with your new boss?" "So-so."
Sotho adjective
sotto voce adverb , adjective FORMAL
(said) in a quiet voice so that only people near can hear
The remark was uttered sotto voce.
sou noun [ S ] UK OLD-FASHIONED
a very small amount of money
I don't have a sou.
soubriquet noun [ C ] FORMAL
a sobriquet
soubriquet noun [ C ] FORMAL
a sobriquet
soufflé noun [ C or U ]
a light food which has a lot of air in it, is made mainly from eggs, and can be
either sweet or savoury
a cheese soufflé
a lemon soufflé
sought verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF seek
sought-after adjective
wanted by many people and usually of high quality or rare
At the age of seventeen she is already one of Hollywood's most sought-after
actresses.
souk noun [ C ] ( ALSO suq )
a market in an Arab country
soul noun SPIRIT
1. [ C ] the spiritual part of a person which some people believe continues to exist
in some form after their body has died, or the part of a person which is not physical and
experiences deep feelings and emotions
She suffered greatly while she was alive, so let us hope her soul is now at peace.
soul noun DEEP FEELINGS
2. [ U ] the quality of a person or work of art which shows or produces deep good
feelings
If you can't enjoy this music you've got no soul.
For me her paintings somehow lack soul.
soul noun
3. [ U ] soul music
soul noun PERSON
4. [ C ] a person of a stated type
She's a happy little soul.
Some poor soul had fallen 500 metres to their death.
5. not a soul
no one
By the time I arrived there wasn't a soul there.
soul noun BLACK CULTURE
6. [ U ] US a deep understanding of and being proud of the culture of black people
soul adjective [ before noun ] US
from or relating to the culture of black people
soul food
soul-destroying adjective MAINLY UK
describes a job or other activity which is so boring that is makes you very
unhappy
Repetitive work can become soul-destroying after a while.
soul-destroying adjective MAINLY UK
describes a job or other activity which is so boring that is makes you very
unhappy
Repetitive work can become soul-destroying after a while.
soulful adjective DEEP FEELINGS
1. expressing deep feelings, often sadness
a soulful performance/ballad
The dog looked at me with its big soulful brown eyes.
soulful adjective BLACK CULTURE
2. US having a deep understanding of and proud of black culture
soulfully adverb
soulfulness noun [ U ]
soulless adjective DISAPPROVING
showing no human influence or qualities
a soulless building of grey concrete
ˈ soul ˌ mate noun [ C ]
someone, usually your romantic or sexual partner, who you have a special
relationship with, and who you know and love very much
Later that year she met Adam and she knew instantly that they were soul mates.
ˈ soul ˌ music noun [ U ] ( ALSO soul )
popular music which expresses deep feelings, originally performed by Black
Americans
Soul music is often an affirmation of, and a manifesto for, black dignity.
soul-searching noun [ U ]
deep and careful attention to private thoughts, especially about a moral problem
After much soul-searching, he decided it was wrong to vote in the elections.
sound noun NOISE
1. [ C or U ] something that you can hear or that can be heard
They could hear the sound of a bell tolling in the distance.
She stood completely still, not making a sound.
Suddenly we heard a loud knocking sound from the engine.
Sound can travel over very large distances in water.
2. [ U ] the activity of recording and broadcasting sound such as from a
performance of music or for a film
a sound engineer/recording
3. [ U ] the volume or quality of the sound of a television or film
Could you turn the sound down/up on the TV.
4. [ C ] the particular quality of the music which a musician or a group of
musicians produce
The band's sound is a distinctive mixture of funk and rap.
sound noun SEEM
5. the sound of sth
how something seems to be, from what is said or written
I like the sound of the beef in red wine sauce.
By/From the sound of it I don't think it was her fault.
So I'm going to be talking to over ninety people, am I? I don't like the sound of
that!
sound noun WATER PASSAGE
6. [ C ] a passage of sea connecting two larger areas of sea, or an area of sea
mostly surrounded by land
the Kalmar Sound
sound verb SEEM
1. sound good/interesting/strange, etc.
to seem good, interesting, strange, etc. from what is said or written
Your job sounds really interesting.
I know it sounds silly, but I'll miss him when he's gone.
2. sound like/as if/as though
to seem like something, from what is said or written
That sounds like a good idea.
It sounds like you've got a sore throat.
It sounds as if they had a good holiday.
You're going skiing with three friends? That sounds like fun.
3. sound angry/happy/rude, etc.
to seem angry, happy, rude, etc. when you speak
He sounded very depressed when we spoke on the telephone yesterday.
At the press conference, he sounded at his most relaxed.
sound verb NOISE
4. [ I or T ] to make a noise
If the alarm sounds, leave the building immediately.
It sounds like a bird.
He sounds (= speaks) just like someone I used to work with.
Sounding the car's horn, she drove at high speed through the crowded streets.
5. sound the alarm
to cause a noise to be made or say or shout a message to warn people about
something
Quick, sound the alarm - there's a fire in the machine room!
sound verb WATER DEPTH
6. [ T ] to measure the depth of a mass of water, such as the sea, usually by
sonar
See also echo sounder
sound off phrasal verb INFORMAL
to express your opinions forcefully, especially without being asked for them
He's always sounding off about how he thinks the country should be run.
sound sb out phrasal verb [ M ]
to discover informally what someone thinks or intends to do about a particular
thing, so that you can be prepared or take suitable action
Perhaps you could sound the chairwoman out before the meeting, to see which
way she's going to vote?
sound adjective GOOD CONDITION
1. not broken or damaged; healthy; in good condition
It's an old building but it's still structurally sound.
Considering his age, his body is quite sound.
Was she of sound mind (= not mentally ill) at the time of the incident?
sound adjective GOOD JUDGMENT
2. showing good judgment; able to be trusted
She gave me some very sound advice .
Are these pesticides environmentally sound (= will they not damage the
environment) ?
Government bonds are a sound investment .
sound adjective COMPLETE
3. complete
How sound is her knowledge of the subject?
be as sound as a bell UK INFORMAL
to be very healthy or in very good condition
sound adverb [ before noun ] , adjective
(of sleep) deep and peaceful
He was sound asleep within moments of getting into bed.
the ˈ sound ˌ barrier noun [ S ]
a large increase in the force opposing a moving object as its speed reaches the
There is usually a sonic boom when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier.
the ˈ sound ˌ barrier noun [ S ]
a large increase in the force opposing a moving object as its speed reaches the
There is usually a sonic boom when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier.
soundbite noun [ C ]
a short sentence or phrase that is easy to remember, often included in a speech
made by a politician and repeated in newspapers and on television and radio
Most politicians want to master the art of the soundbite.
soundboard noun [ C ]
a thin sheet of wood on a musical instrument such as a guitar which the strings
go over and which helps to produce the sound
ˈ sound ˌ card noun [ C ]
a circuit board (= small piece of electronic equipment) inside a computer that
allows it to record and play sounds
ˈ sound ˌ check noun [ C ]
when someone tests the musical instruments and recording equipment at a music
show, especially before the players come on stage, to make certain that everything is
working and that the sound quality is good
ˈ sound ef ˌ fect noun [ C usually plural ]
in a radio or television programme or a film, one of the sounds other than speech
or music which are added to make it seem more exciting or real
ˈ sounding ˌ board noun [ C usually singular ]
a person or group of people that you use to test something such as a new idea or
suggestion to see if they will accept it or if they think it will work
soundings plural noun
measurements that are taken of the depth of water
They took soundings and found that the water was 120 feet deep.
make/take soundings
to ask questions in order to collect information or opinions
Can you take some discreet soundings to see what her future plans are?
soundless adjective FORMAL
without sound
Above the mountain, eagles circled in soundless flight.
soundlessly adverb
soundless adjective FORMAL
without sound
Above the mountain, eagles circled in soundless flight.
soundlessly adverb
soundly adverb COMPLETELY
1. completely
The committee soundly rejected all of the proposed changes.
soundly adverb SLEEP
2. (of how someone sleeps) deeply
I slept very soundly, thank you - the bed was really comfortable.
soundness noun [ U ] GOOD CONDITION
1. the fact of being in good condition
soundness noun [ U ] GOOD JUDGMENT
2. the quality of having good judgment
soundproof adjective
(of a building or part of a building) not allowing sound to go through
a soundproof room/wall/studio
soundproof verb [ T ]
It was a well soundproofed building, so we didn't hear the traffic outside.
soundproofing noun [ U ]
ˈ sound ˌ system noun [ C ]
a piece or several pieces of electronic equipment which can be used to play music
from recordings, radio broadcasts, etc.
soundtrack noun [ C ]
the sounds, especially the music, of a film, or a separate recording of this
The best thing about the film is its soundtrack.
ˌ sound ˈ wave noun [ C ]
the form that sound takes when it passes through air, water, etc.
soup noun [ C or U ]
a usually hot, liquid food made from vegetables, meat or fish
chicken/oxtail/fish/tomato soup
Would you like a bowl of soup?
be in the soup OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to be in an unpleasant or difficult situation
soup verb
soup sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to make something more powerful or more attractive by making changes to it,
especially when it is old
New circuit boards can be used to soup up existing machines.
souped-up adjective
a souped-up Mini
soup noun [ C or U ]
a usually hot, liquid food made from vegetables, meat or fish
chicken/oxtail/fish/tomato soup
Would you like a bowl of soup?
be in the soup OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to be in an unpleasant or difficult situation
soup verb
soup sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to make something more powerful or more attractive by making changes to it,
especially when it is old
New circuit boards can be used to soup up existing machines.
souped-up adjective
a souped-up Mini
soupçon noun [ S ] MAINLY HUMOROUS
a very small amount
"Milk in your coffee?" "Just a soupçon, please."
Do I detect a soupçon of sarcasm in what you just said?
ˈ soup ˌ kitchen noun [ C ]
a place where free soup or other food is given to people with no money or no
homes
ˈ soup ˌ spoon noun [ C ]
a rounded spoon used for eating soup
sour adjective TASTE
1. having a sharp, sometimes unpleasant, taste or smell, like a lemon, and not
sweet
These plums are a bit sour.
sour adjective BAD FEELING
2. unfriendly or easily annoyed
Overnight, it seemed, their relationship had turned sour.
She gave me a sour look.
sourly adverb
sourness noun [ U ]
sour grapes
If you describe someone's behaviour or opinion as sour grapes, you mean that
they are angry because they have not got or achieved something that they wanted
I don't think it's such a great job - and that's not just sour grapes because I didn't
get it.
sour verb [ I or T ] TASTE
1. to become sour or to make something become sour
Hot weather sours milk.
Milk sours in hot weather.
sour verb [ I or T ] BAD FEELING
2. to (cause to) become unpleasant or unfriendly
Her whole attitude to life soured as a result of that experience.
This affair has soured relations between the two countries.
sour noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a drink made from strong alcohol, lemon or lime juice, sugar and ice
a whisky sour
source noun [ C ]
1. the place something comes from or starts at, or the cause of something
a source of heat/energy/light
a heat/energy/light source
Oranges are a good source of vitamin C.
Experts are trying to track down the source of the contamination in the water
supply.
We walked up the river to its source in the hills.
Money is often a source of tension and disagreements in young married couples.
2. someone or something that supplies information
The journalist refused to reveal her sources (= say who had given the information
to her) .
According to Government sources (= people in the Government) many MPs are
worried about this issue.
Always acknowledge your sources (= say which books you have used) at the end
of an essay.
3. at source
at the place where something comes from
Tax is deducted from my income at source.
source verb [ T often passive ]
to get something from a particular place
Where possible the produce used in our restaurant is sourced locally.
source noun [ C ]
1. the place something comes from or starts at, or the cause of something
a source of heat/energy/light
a heat/energy/light source
Oranges are a good source of vitamin C.
Experts are trying to track down the source of the contamination in the water
supply.
We walked up the river to its source in the hills.
Money is often a source of tension and disagreements in young married couples.
2. someone or something that supplies information
The journalist refused to reveal her sources (= say who had given the information
to her) .
According to Government sources (= people in the Government) many MPs are
worried about this issue.
Always acknowledge your sources (= say which books you have used) at the end
of an essay.
3. at source
at the place where something comes from
Tax is deducted from my income at source.
source verb [ T often passive ]
to get something from a particular place
Where possible the produce used in our restaurant is sourced locally.
ˌ sour ˈ cream noun [ U ] ( UK ALSO soured cream )
cream which is made sour by adding special bacteria
sourdough noun [ U ]
a mixture of flour and water which is left to ferment (= change chemically) and
then used to make bread
sourdough bread
sourpuss noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who always looks unhappy and annoyed
sousaphone noun [ C ]
a large tuba (= metal musical instrument played by blowing) with tubes which go
round the player's body, sometimes used in marching musical groups
souse verb [ T ]
to put something into a liquid, or to make something completely wet
soused adjective
1. (of fish) preserved in salty water or vinegar
soused herring/mackerel
2. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL drunk
south , ALSO South noun [ U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION S , UK ALSO Sth , US ALSO So )
1. the direction which goes towards the part of the Earth below the equator ,
opposite to the north, or the part of an area or country which is in this direction
The points of the compass are North, South, East and West.
The best beaches are in the south ( of the island).
We usually spend our holidays in the South of France.
Canberra is/lies to the south of Sydney.
2. the South
a. the southern states of the middle and eastern part of the US
The American Civil War was fought between the North and the South partly over
the issue of slavery.
b. the developing countries of the world, most of which are below the equator
See also the Third World
south , ALSO South adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION S , UK ALSO Sth , US ALSO So )
1. in or forming the south part of something
South Africa
the South China Sea
These plants grow well on a south -facing wall.
2. south wind
a wind coming from the south
south , ALSO South adverb ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION S , UK ALSO Sth , US ALSO So )
1. towards the south
The Mississippi river flows south.
They drove south towards the coast.
He travelled due (= directly) south, towards the desert.
2. down south
to or in the south of a country or region
Alice got a job down south.
South Africa noun [ U ]
South Africa noun [ U ]
South African noun [ C ] , adjective
ˌ South A ˈ merica noun [ U ]
the continent that is to the south of North America, to the west of the Atlantic
Ocean and to the east of the Pacific Ocean
ˌ South A ˈ merican noun [ C ] , adjective
southbound adjective , adverb
going or leading towards the south
southbound passengers/traffic
All southbound trains leave from platform one.
southeast noun [ U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SE )
1. the direction which is between south and east
We live in the southeast.
2. the Southeast
an area of Britain around London which is considered to be richer than other parts
of the country
The Southeast is already overpopulated.
southeast adjective , adverb ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SE )
in or towards the southeast
Southeast Asia
The mountains are/lie southeast of the city.
southeast adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SE )
southeast wind
a wind that comes from the southeast
southeasterly adjective
1. towards the southeast
The plane was flying in a southeasterly direction.
2. southeasterly wind
southeasterly noun [ C ]
southeastern adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SE )
in or from the southeast
The southeastern part of Britain is the most populated.
southeastern adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SE )
in or from the southeast
The southeastern part of Britain is the most populated.
southeastward adjective
towards the southeast
If we sail in a southeastward direction we'll reach land.
southeastwards adverb ( ALSO southeastward )
Looking southeastwards, they could see the distant mountains.
southerly adjective
1. towards or in the south
We walked in a southerly direction.
Los Cristianos is the most southerly resort in Tenerife.
2. southerly wind
a wind that comes from the south
southerly noun [ C ]
a wind that comes from the south
southern , ALSO Southern adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION S , US ALSO So )
in or from the south part of an area
a southern route
the Southern Hemisphere
the ˌ Southern ˈ Cross noun [ S ]
the group of stars which points towards the South Pole and appears on the flags
of Australia and New Zealand
southerner , ALSO Southerner noun [ C ]
a person who comes from the south of a country
I could tell from his accent that he was a southerner.
southernmost adjective
furthest towards the south of an area
the southernmost tip of the island
South Korea noun [ U ]
South Korean noun [ C ] , adjective
South Korean noun [ C ] , adjective
southpaw noun [ C ]
1. UK a boxer whose strongest hand is their left
2. US a person who uses their left hand to do most things, especially a pitcher in
the sport of baseball
the ˌ South ˈ Pole noun [ S ]
the point on the Earth's surface which is furthest south
southward adjective
towards the south
We walked in a southward direction.
southwards adverb ( ALSO southward )
towards the south
They cycled southwards towards the sea.
southwest noun [ U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SW )
1. the direction which is between south and west
2. the Southwest
the area in the southwest of Britain or of another country
There will be rain in the Southwest.
southwest adjective , adverb ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SW )
1. in or towards the southwest
I come from the southwest part of the island.
They moved southwest in an attempt to find better land.
2. southwest wind
a wind that comes from the southwest
southwester noun [ C ] ( ALSO sou'wester )
a strong wind coming from the southwest
southwesterly adjective
towards the southwest
They were travelling in a southwesterly direction.
southwestern adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SW )
in or from the southwest
The southwestern corner of Britain is the warmest.
southwestern adjective ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION SW )
in or from the southwest
The southwestern corner of Britain is the warmest.
southwestward adjective
towards the southwest
We sailed in a southwestward direction.
southwestwards adverb ( ALSO southwestward )
They sailed southwestwards until they reached land.
souvenir noun [ C ]
something you buy or keep to help you remember a holiday or special event
He bought a model of a red London bus as a souvenir of his trip to London.
We brought back a few souvenirs from our holiday in Greece.
sou'wester noun [ C ]
1. a waterproof hat with a wide piece at the back to protect the neck, worn
especially by sailors
2. a southwester (= wind)
sovereign noun [ C ] RULER
1. a king or queen, or the person with the highest power in a country
sovereign noun [ C ] COIN
2. a British gold coin which was in use in Britain from 1817 to 1914 and was
worth £1
sovereign adjective GOVERNMENT
1. [ before noun ] having the highest power or being completely independent
Sovereign power is said to lie with the people in some countries, and with a ruler
in others.
We must respect the rights of sovereign states/nations to conduct their own
affairs.
sovereign adjective EXCELLENT
2. sovereign remedy OLD-FASHIONED OR FORMAL
an extremely successful way of dealing with a problem
Love is a sovereign remedy for unhappiness.
sovereignty noun [ U ]
the power of a country to control its own government
Talks are being held about who should have sovereignty over the island.
sovereignty noun [ U ]
the power of a country to control its own government
Talks are being held about who should have sovereignty over the island.
Soviet adjective
(in the past) of the USSR
the Soviet people
Soviet plural noun MAINLY US
the Soviets
the people of the USSR
soviet noun [ C ]
an elected group at any of several levels in Communist countries, especially (in
the past) the USSR
sow verb PLANT
1. [ I or T ] to put seeds in or on the ground so that plants will grow
Sow the seeds in pots.
We'll sow this field with barley.
sow verb CAUSE
2. [ T ] to cause a bad emotion or condition to begin somewhere, which will grow
or continue
Now that you've sown doubts in my mind, I'll never be sure I can trust him.
As ye sow, so shall ye reap. LITERARY SAYING
used to mean that the way you behave in life will affect the treatment you will
receive from others
sow your wild oats
If a young man sows his wild oats, he has a period of his life when he does a lot
of exciting things and has a lot of sexual relationships.
sow the seeds of sth
to do something that will cause something to happen in the future
He's sowing the seeds of his own downfall.
sow noun [ C ]
an adult female pig
soya noun [ U ] ( US soy )
soya beans as a crop
soya noun [ U ] ( US soy )
soya beans as a crop
ˈ soya ˌ bean noun [ C usually plural ] ( MAINLY US soybean )
a small bean grown especially in Asia and the US, which is used as a food for
people and animals
ˈ soya ˌ milk noun [ U ] ( US soymilk )
a liquid from soya beans that people use instead of milk
ˌ soy ˈ sauce noun [ U ] ( ALSO UK soya sauce )
a strong-tasting dark brown liquid made from fermented soya beans and used
especially in Chinese and Japanese cooking
sozzled adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL
very drunk
spa noun [ C ]
1. a town where water comes out of the ground and people come to drink it or lie
in it because they think it will improve their health
Baden Baden in Germany and Bath in Britain are two of Europe's famous spa
towns .
spa water
2. MAINLY US a place where people go in order to become more healthy, by doing
exercises, eating special food, etc.
Two weeks in a luxury spa can be yours just for answering a few simple
questions.
space noun EMPTY PLACE
1. [ C or U ] an empty area which is available to be used
Is there any space for my clothes in that cupboard?
I've got to make (some) space for Mark's things.
When the roads are wet, you've got to leave plenty of space between you and
the car in front.
The blank space at the end of the form is for your name.
We found a parking space close to the museum.
See also airspace
2. [ U ] that which is around everything that exists and which is continuous in all
directions
He was absent-mindedly staring/gazing into space (= looking, but seeing
nothing) .
Virtual Reality aims to give us artificial worlds to explore, outside normal space
and time.
3. open space
land, especially in a town, which has no buildings on it
What I like about Cambridge is that there's so much open space - there are parks
and commons everywhere.
I love the wide open spaces (= large areas of countryside) of central Australia.
4. in/within a short space of time
very soon
Within a short space of time you could be speaking perfect English!
5. in/within the space of six weeks/three hours, etc.
during a period of six weeks/three hours, etc
It all happened in the space of ten minutes.
space noun BEYOND EARTH
6. [ U ] the empty area outside the Earth's atmosphere , where the planets and
the stars are
space exploration/travel
a space rocket
Who was the first human being in space/the first to go into space?
space verb [ T ]
to arrange things or people so that there is some distance or time between them
That page looks badly spaced (= there is too much/too little distance between the
lines or words) .
The flowers were spaced (out) evenly (= planted at equal distances) beside the
path.
If you're in financial difficulty, we're happy to let you space (out) your payments
(= pay in smaller amounts over a longer period of time) over two years.
space-age adjective [ before noun ]
very modern
space-age technology
space-age adjective [ before noun ]
very modern
space-age technology
spacebar noun [ C usually singular ]
on a computer keyboard or a typewriter, the long bar below the letter keys which
you press in order to make a space between words
ˈ space ca ˌ det noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
someone who behaves strangely
She's a bit of a space cadet but she's nice enough.
spacecraft noun [ C ]
a vehicle used for travel in space
a manned/unmanned spacecraft (= with/without people inside)
ˌ spaced ˈ out adjective [ after verb ] ( ALSO spacey ) SLANG
describes someone who is not completely conscious of what is happening around
them, often because of taking drugs or needing to sleep
I hadn't slept for two days and was completely spaced out.
spaceman noun [ C ]
1. an astronaut (= person who travels into space)
2. in stories, a creature from another planet
to be abducted by spacemen
ˈ space ˌ platform noun [ C usually singular ]
a spacecraft with no people on it, which is used for collecting scientific information
ˈ space ˌ probe noun [ C ]
a small spacecraft, with no one travelling in it, sent into space to make
measurements and send back information to scientists on Earth
space-saving adjective [ before noun ]
describes a device, piece of furniture, etc. which takes up little room, for example
a folding bed
spaceship noun [ C ]
(especially in stories) a vehicle used for travel in space
spaceship noun [ C ]
(especially in stories) a vehicle used for travel in space
ˈ space ˌ shuttle noun [ C usually singular ]
a vehicle in which people travel into space and back again, sometimes carrying a
satellite or other equipment into orbit (= a curved path through space)
ˈ space ˌ station noun [ C ]
a vehicle in which people can travel round the Earth, outside its atmosphere ,
doing scientific tests
spacesuit noun [ C ]
spacesuit
a piece of clothing worn by a person who travels in space to protect the body
when outside a spacecraft
space-time noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a part of Einstein's Theory of Relativity, which adds the idea of time to those of
height, depth and length
spacewalk noun [ C ]
an act of moving around in space outside a spacecraft but connected to it
The crew are planning a four-hour spacewalk to carry out necessary repair work
on the shuttle.
spacewoman noun [ C ]
a female astronaut (= person who travels into space)
spacey adjective
spaced out
spacing noun [ U ]
the amount of distance between lines or words, especially on a printed page
single/double/triple spacing
spacious adjective
APPROVING large and with a lot of space
a spacious house/living room
spacious accommodation
spaciously adverb APPROVING
spaciousness noun [ U ] APPROVING
spacious adjective
APPROVING large and with a lot of space
a spacious house/living room
spacious accommodation
spaciously adverb APPROVING
spaciousness noun [ U ] APPROVING
spade noun TOOL
spade
1. [ C ] a tool used for digging especially soil or sand, with a long handle and a
flat blade
a garden spade
The kids took their buckets and spades to the beach.
spade noun CARD
2. [ C ] a playing card with one or more black shapes like pointed leaves with
short stems printed on it
3. spades
one of the four suits in a set of playing cards
the ace/Queen of spades
spade noun PERSON
4. [ C ] OFFENSIVE OLD-FASHIONED a black person
in spades INFORMAL
in large amounts or to a very great degree
I don't get colds very often but when I do I get them in spades.
spadeful noun [ C ]
the amount held by a spade (TOOL)
Put a spadeful of compost into the hole.
spadework noun [ U ] UK
hard, sometimes boring work done in preparation for something
Now that the spadework's all been done , we can start to write the report itself.
spaghetti noun [ U ]
pasta made in the form of long, thin threads
spaghetti bolognese noun [ U ] ( INFORMAL spag bol ) UK
a dish consisting of spaghetti with a tomato and meat sauce
Spa ˌ ghetti ˈ Junction noun [ U ]
a place near Birmingham, England where many roads cross each other
Spa ˌ ghetti ˈ Junction noun [ U ]
a place near Birmingham, England where many roads cross each other
spa ˌ ghetti ˈ western noun [ C ]
a film about cowboys in the Wild West made cheaply in Europe, usually by an
Italian director (= person in charge of making a film)
Spain noun [ U ]
spake verb OLD USE OR HUMOROUS
speak
PAST SIMPLE OF
Thus spake the expert.
spam noun [ U ] COMPUTING
1. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING unwanted email, usually advertisements
I get so much spam at work.
spam noun [ U ] FOOD
2. TRADEMARK a type of meat sold in metal containers, made mostly from pork (=
meat from a pig)
spam fritters
spam verb [ T ]
to send someone an advertisement by email that they do not want
spammer noun [ C ]
a person or company that sends spam
span noun TIME
1. [ C usually singular ] the period of time that sometimes exists or happens
He has a short attention / concentration span.
an average life span of seventy years
Over a span of just three years, the new government has transformed the
country's economic prospects.
See also lifespan
span noun LENGTH
2. [ C ] the length of something from one end to the other
huge wings with a span of over a metre
See also wingspan
3. [ C ] the area of a bridge, etc. between two supports
The bridge crosses the river in a single span.
span verb SPIN
1. PAST SIMPLE OF spin
span verb TIME
2. [ T ] to exist or continue for a particular length of time
Tennis has a history spanning several centuries.
Her acting career spanned almost six decades.
span verb BRIDGE
3. [ T ] If a bridge spans a river, it goes from one side to the other
An old bridge spans the river just outside the town.
span adjective
spick and span
See at spick
Spandex noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a stretchy material used especially for making clothes fit tightly
Spandex leggings
Spandex noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a stretchy material used especially for making clothes fit tightly
Spandex leggings
spangle noun [ C ]
a small piece of shiny metal or plastic, used especially in large amounts to
decorate clothes; a sequin
spangly adjective ( ALSO spangled )
covered with spangles
a spangly top
Spaniard noun [ C ]
a person from Spain
See also Spanish
spaniel noun [ C ]
a type of dog with long hair and long ears that hang down
Spanish adjective
from, belonging to or relating to Spain
Are you Spanish?
Spanish literature
I met a Spanish person/some Spanish people yesterday.
Spanish customs/food/people
Spanish noun [ U ]
the language of Spain
Do you speak Spanish?
the Spanish Inquisition noun [ S + sing/pl verb ]
an organization within the Roman Catholic Church, that existed from 1542 to
1834, and which was established to punish people whose religious beliefs were
considered wrong
spank verb [ T ]
1. to hit a child with the hand, usually several times on the bottom as a
punishment
2. to hit an adult on the bottom in order to get or give sexual pleasure
spanking adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL APPROVING
very quick
They raced by at a spanking pace .
spanking adverb OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL APPROVING
(used with some adjectives) very, completely
a spanking new suit
spanking white sheets
spanking noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO spank )
the act of hitting someone with the hand, usually several times on the bottom as
a punishment or for sexual pleasure
He needs a good spanking.
spanking adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL APPROVING
very quick
They raced by at a spanking pace .
spanking adverb OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL APPROVING
(used with some adjectives) very, completely
a spanking new suit
spanking white sheets
spanking noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO spank )
the act of hitting someone with the hand, usually several times on the bottom as
a punishment or for sexual pleasure
He needs a good spanking.
spanner noun [ C ] UK ( US wrench )
spanner
a metal tool with a shaped end, used to turn nuts and bolts
an open-ended/adjustable/ring spanner
put/throw a spanner in the works ( US throw a (monkey) wrench in the works )
to do something that prevents a plan or activity from succeeding
The funding for the project was withdrawn so that really threw a spanner in the
works.
spar verb [ I ]
1. to practise boxing , without hitting hard
2. to argue
Frank and Jill always spar with each other at meetings, but they're good friends
really.
spar noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a strong pole, especially one used as a mast to hold the sail on a ship
spare adjective EXTRA
1. If something is spare, it is available to use because it is extra
a spare key/tyre
spare sheets and blankets
Have you got a spare pen?
We've got a spare room if you want to stay overnight with us.
Could I have a word with you when you've got a spare moment/minute ?
UK INFORMAL "Do you want this cake?" "Yes, if it's going spare (= if no one else
wants it) ."
2. spare time
time when you are not working
I like to do a bit of gardening in my spare time.
spare adjective THIN
3. LITERARY tall and thin
He had the spare build of a runner.
spare adjective NOT DECORATED
4. LITERARY USUALLY APPROVING plain and not decorated
The interior is spare, almost minimalist.
spare adjective ANNOYED
5. go spare UK INFORMAL
to get very upset or angry
She goes spare if I'm so much as five minutes late.
spare verb SAVE
1. [ T ] to not hurt or destroy something or someone
They asked him to spare the women and children.
spare verb AVOID
2. [ T + two objects ] to prevent someone from having to experience something
unpleasant
Luckily, I was spared the embarrassment of having to sing in front of everyone.
It was a nasty accident - but I'll spare you (= I won't tell you) the gruesome
details .
spare verb TRY HARD
3. spare no effort/expense
to use a lot of effort, expense (= money) etc. to do something
[ + to infinitive ] We will spare no effort to find out who did this.
4. not spare yourself
FORMAL to try as hard as you can to achieve something
She never spared herself in the pursuit of excellence.
spare verb GIVE
5. [ T ] to give time, money or space to someone especially when it is difficult for
you
[ + two objects ] Could you spare me £10?
I'd love to come, but I'm afraid I can't spare the time.
6. spare a thought for sb
to think about someone who is in a difficult or unpleasant situation
Spare a thought for me tomorrow, when you're lying on a beach, because I'll still
be here in the office!
7. to spare
left over or more than you need
If you've got any wool to spare when you've finished the pullover, can you make
me some gloves?
I caught the plane with only two minutes to spare.
There's no time/We've got no time to spare if we want to get the article written by
tomorrow.
spare sb's blushes HUMOROUS
to avoid making someone feel embarrassed
Spare the rod and spoil the child. OLD-FASHIONED SAYING
said to mean that if you do not punish a child when it does something wrong, it
will not learn what is right
spare noun
1. [ C ] an extra thing which is not being used and which can be used instead of a
part which is broken, lost, etc.
2. [ C usually plural ] ( ALSO spare part ) a piece that can be used to replace
another similar piece in a car or other device
spare-part surgery noun [ U ] UK ( US organ transplant surgery )
when a healthy organ such as a heart or lung is taken from a person who has just
died and put into a living person to replace a diseased organ
spare-part surgery noun [ U ] UK ( US organ transplant surgery )
when a healthy organ such as a heart or lung is taken from a person who has just
died and put into a living person to replace a diseased organ
spare ribs plural noun
pig's ribs (= curved bone) with most of the meat cut off them, which are cooked
and eaten
barbecued spare ribs
ˌ spare ˈ tyre noun [ C usually singular ] ( US spare tire ) HUMOROUS
unwanted fat around your waist
sparing adjective
using very little of something
Be sparing with the butter as we don't have much left.
He is sparing with/in his praise (= praises people very little) .
sparingly adverb
There wasn't enough coal during the war, so we had to use it sparingly.
spark noun CAUSE
1. [ S ] a first small event or problem which causes a much worse situation to
develop
That small incident was the spark that set off the street riots.
spark noun FIRE/ELECTRICITY
2. [ C ] a very small piece of fire which flies out from something that is burning or
which is made by rubbing two hard things together, or a flash of light made by
electricity
Sparks were flying out of the bonfire and blowing everywhere.
You can start a fire by rubbing two dry pieces of wood together until you produce
a spark.
3. spark of anger/inspiration/life, etc.
a very small amount of a particular emotion or quality in a person
sparks fly
If sparks fly between two or more people, they argue angrily
When they get together in a meeting the sparks really fly.
spark verb [ T ]
to cause the start of something, especially an argument or fighting
This proposal will almost certainly spark another countrywide debate about how to
organize the school system.
The recent interest rises have sparked new problems for the Government.
The visit of the all-white rugby team sparked off (= caused the start of) mass
demonstrations.
sparkle verb [ I ]
1. to shine brightly with a lot of small points of light
The snow/sea sparkled in the sunlight.
2. If a person or performance sparkles, they are energetic, interesting and
exciting
Alice is shy and quiet at parties, but her sister really sparkles!
sparkle noun [ U ]
1. bright shine
The radiant smile and the sparkle in her blue eyes were the clear signs of a
woman still deeply in love.
2. energy and interest
Their latest performance of My Fair Lady really lacked sparkle.
The sparkle went out of/left her (= She became unhappy) after her husband
died.
sparkle verb [ I ]
1. to shine brightly with a lot of small points of light
The snow/sea sparkled in the sunlight.
2. If a person or performance sparkles, they are energetic, interesting and
exciting
Alice is shy and quiet at parties, but her sister really sparkles!
sparkle noun [ U ]
1. bright shine
The radiant smile and the sparkle in her blue eyes were the clear signs of a
woman still deeply in love.
2. energy and interest
Their latest performance of My Fair Lady really lacked sparkle.
The sparkle went out of/left her (= She became unhappy) after her husband
died.
sparkler noun [ C ]
1. a firework which children can hold in their hands and which produces a lot of
sparks as it burns
2. SLANG a precious stone, especially a diamond
sparkling adjective BRIGHT
1. shining brightly
sparkling white teeth
sparkling adjective INTERESTING
2. energetic and interesting
a sparkling performance
sparkling conversation/wit
sparkling adjective BUBBLES
3. A sparkling drink is one which is fizzy (= contains many small bubbles of gas)
Champagne is a sparkling wine.
Compare still
ˈ spark ˌ plug noun [ C ] ENGINE
1. a device in an engine which produces an electrical spark which lights the fuel
and makes the engine start
ˈ spark ˌ plug noun [ C ] PERSON
2. US a person who gives energy to an activity involving others
She's the spark plug of the team.
sparky adjective INFORMAL
energetic, clever and enjoyable to be with
ˈ sparring ˌ partner noun [ C usually singular ]
1. a person you practise boxing with
2. someone you have friendly arguments with
sparrow noun [ C ]
sparrow
a small grey-brown bird which is especially common in towns
sparrowhawk noun [ C ]
a small hawk (= a type of bird which catches and eats other birds or animals)
sparrowhawk noun [ C ]
a small hawk (= a type of bird which catches and eats other birds or animals)
sparse adjective
small in numbers or amount, often scattered over a large area
a sparse population/audience
sparse vegetation/woodland
a sparse beard
Information coming out of the disaster area is sparse.
sparsely adverb
sparsely furnished/populated
sparseness noun [ U ] ( ALSO sparsity )
spartan adjective
simple and severe with no comfort
a spartan diet/meal
spartan living conditions
They lead a rather spartan life, with very few comforts and no luxuries.
spasm noun [ C or U ]
1. when a muscle suddenly and uncontrollably becomes tighter
a muscle/muscular spasm
MAINLY UK My leg suddenly went into spasm.
2. spasm of sth
a short period of something, especially something uncontrollable
a spasm of guilt/coughing/laughing
spasmodic adjective
happening suddenly for short periods of time and not in a regular way
He made spasmodic attempts to clean up the house.
spastic adjective
1. OLD-FASHIONED suffering from cerebral palsy (= a condition of the body which
makes it difficult to control the muscles)
2. INFORMAL an offensive way of saying 'stupid', used especially by children
spastic noun [ C ]
spat verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF spit .
spat noun ARGUMENT
1. [ C ] INFORMAL a short argument, usually about something which is not
important
She was having a spat with her brother about who did the washing up.
spat noun SHOE
2. [ C usually plural ] a piece of cloth or leather covering the ankle and part of the
shoe and fastening on the side, worn in the past by men
spat verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF spit .
spat noun ARGUMENT
1. [ C ] INFORMAL a short argument, usually about something which is not
important
She was having a spat with her brother about who did the washing up.
spat noun SHOE
2. [ C usually plural ] a piece of cloth or leather covering the ankle and part of the
shoe and fastening on the side, worn in the past by men
spate noun [ C usually singular ]
1. a larger number of events than usual, especially unpleasant ones, happening at
about the same time
Police are investigating a spate of burglaries in the Kingsland Road area.
2. in (full) spate UK
If a river is in (full) spate, it has more water in it and is flowing faster than it
usually does.
spatial adjective
relating to the position, area and size of things
This task is designed to test the child's spatial awareness (= understanding of
where things are in relation to other things) .
spatially adverb
spatially aware
spatter verb [ I or T ]
to drop small drops of liquid, etc. on a surface, or (of liquid) to fall, especially
noisily, in small drops
Two bikes raced by and spattered mud over our clothes.
The bikes spattered them with mud.
They could hear raindrops spattering on the roof of the caravan.
spatter noun [ C ]
spattered adjective
covered with small drops of a liquid
a paint-spattered shirt
His clothes were spattered with blood.
spatula noun [ C ]
1. a cooking utensil with a wide flat blade which is not sharp, used especially for
lifting food out of pans
2. UK ( US tongue depressor ) a small piece of wood used by a doctor to hold
someone's tongue down in order to examine their mouth or throat
spawn noun EGGS
1. [ U ] the eggs of fish, frogs , etc.
See also frogspawn
spawn noun YOUNG
2. [ C ] a young animal or child
LITERARY
DISAPPROVINGShe started screaming that I was a spawn of Satan because I was
smoking a cigarette.
spawn verb START
1. [ T ] to cause something new, or many new things, to grow or start suddenly
The new economic freedom has spawned hundreds of new small businesses.
Her death spawned countless films and books.
spawn verb EGGS
2. [ I ] to produce eggs
The frogs haven't spawned yet.
spawn noun EGGS
1. [ U ] the eggs of fish, frogs , etc.
See also frogspawn
spawn noun YOUNG
2. [ C ] a young animal or child
LITERARY
DISAPPROVINGShe started screaming that I was a spawn of Satan because I was
smoking a cigarette.
spawn verb START
1. [ T ] to cause something new, or many new things, to grow or start suddenly
The new economic freedom has spawned hundreds of new small businesses.
Her death spawned countless films and books.
spawn verb EGGS
2. [ I ] to produce eggs
The frogs haven't spawned yet.
ˈ spawning ˌ ground noun [ C usually singular ]
a place where fish leave their eggs for fertilization
Salmon and sea trout use the upper river as a spawning ground.
spay verb [ T ]
to remove the ovaries of a female animal
We're having the cat spayed.
speak verb SAY WORDS
1. [ I or T ] to say words, to use the voice, or to have a conversation with
someone
Would you mind speaking more slowly, please?
"Can I speak to / MAINLY US with Ian please?" "Speaking (= This is Ian) "
If he tells Julie what I said, I'll never speak to him again.
FORMAL She spoke of her sadness over her father's death.
She speaks very highly of (= says good things about) the new director.
I can certainly come but I can't speak for my wife (= I can't tell you whether she
can or not) .
FORMAL Who is going to speak for (= represent in a court of law) the accused?
He's old enough to speak for him self (= to say what he thinks) .
I went with Ava - speaking of (= on the subject of) Ava, have you seen her new
haircut?
We've been invited to Rachel and Jamie's wedding - speaking of which , did you
know that they're moving to Ealing?
Speaking as (= With my experience as) a mother of four, I can tell you that
children are exhausting.
Sue speaks with an American accent .
Why are you speaking in a whisper (= very quietly) ?
For five whole minutes, neither of them spoke a word (= they both said nothing)
.
2. broadly/historically/strictly, etc. speaking
talking from a particular point of view
Historically speaking, the island is of great interest.
Generally speaking, it's quite a good school.
Strictly speaking (= If I behave according to the rules) , I should report it to the
police.
3. speak to sb
to tell someone that they have done something wrong
The manager promised that she would speak to the person responsible.
speak verb LANGUAGE
4. [ T ] to (be able to) talk in a language
He speaks fluent French.
How many foreign languages do you speak?
I couldn't speak a word of (= I did not know any) Spanish when I got there.
I couldn't work out what language they were speaking.
speak verb FORMAL TALK
5. [ I ] to give a formal talk to a group of people
Who is speaking in the debate tonight?
The Queen speaks to the nation on television every Christmas.
Janet is speaking for the motion (= trying to persuade the people listening that
the idea is good) and Peter is speaking against (it) (= trying to persuade them that it is
bad) .
speak verb SUGGEST
6. [ I + adverb or preposition T ] LITERARY to show or express something without
using words
She was silent, but her eyes spoke her real feelings for him.
The whole robbery spoke of (= made it seem that there had been) inside
knowledge on the part of the criminals.
be on speaking terms ( ALSO know sb to speak to )
to know someone well enough to talk to them
none to speak of ( ALSO no sth to speak of )
very little of something
"Did you get much rain while you were in Singapore?" "None to speak of."
not be on speaking terms
If you are not on speaking terms with someone, you refuse to speak to them
because you are angry with them
They had a quarrel last night and now they're not on speaking terms ( with each
other).
so to speak
used to explain that what you are saying is not to be understood exactly as stated
In that relationship it's very much Lorna who wears the trousers, so to speak (=
Lorna makes all the important decisions) .
speak your mind
to say what you think about something very directly
He's certainly not afraid to speak his mind.
speak for yourself INFORMAL
something you say to someone to tell them that the opinion that they have just
expressed is not the same as your opinion
"We had a really boring trip." "Speak for yourself! I had a wonderful time!"
speak too soon
to say something which is quickly shown not to be true
He won't be home for ages yet ... Oh, I spoke too soon - here he is now!
speak to sb
If something speaks to you, it has a special meaning or importance for you
That painting really speaks to me.
speak volumes
If something speaks volumes, it makes an opinion, characteristic or situation very
clear without the use of words
She said very little but her face spoke volumes.
Speak when you're spoken to! SAYING
said to a child to tell them not to speak if no one speaks to them first
speaks for itself
If something speaks for itself, it is clear and needs no further explanation
The school's excellent record speaks for itself.
speak out/up phrasal verb
to give your opinion about something in public, especially on a subject which you
have strong feelings about
If no one has the courage to speak out against the system, things will never
improve.
speak up phrasal verb
to speak in a louder voice so that people can hear you
Could you speak up? We can't hear at the back.
speak up for sb/sth phrasal verb
to support someone or something, especially by saying good things about them
She has often spoken up for the rights of working mothers.
-speak suffix INFORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING
used to form nouns to mean the special language used in a particular subject area
or business
computerspeak
marketingspeak
-speak suffix INFORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING
used to form nouns to mean the special language used in a particular subject area
or business
computerspeak
marketingspeak
speakeasy noun [ C ]
a place where alcohol was illegally sold and drunk in the US in the 1920s and
1930s
Speaker noun [ C ]
the person who controls the way in which business is done in an organization
which makes laws, such as a parliament
He served for eight years as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
[ as form of address ] Mr Speaker, my honourable friend has failed to consider the
consequences of his proposal.
speaker noun [ C ] FORMAL TALK
1. a person who gives a speech at a public event
a good public speaker
Please join with me in thanking our guest speaker tonight.
The Democrats have chosen the Texas state treasurer as the keynote (= most
important) speaker at their convention.
speaker noun [ C ] LANGUAGE
2. someone who speaks a particular language
a French speaker
a fluent Russian speaker
non-English speakers
speaker noun [ C ] ELECTRICAL
3. the part of a radio, television, or computer, or of a piece of electrical equipment
for playing recorded sound, through which the sound is played. A speaker can be part of
the radio, etc. or be separate from it
There's no sound coming out of the right-hand speaker.
See pictures computer , music listening
speakerphone noun [ C ]
a telephone which you can use without having to hold any part of it in your hand
Speakers' Corner noun [ S ]
a place in Hyde Park, in London, where people speak publicly about moral and
political matters
-speaking suffix
using the stated language
a Spanish-speaking country
-speaking suffix
using the stated language
a Spanish-speaking country
ˈ speaking en ˌ gagement noun [ C ] FORMAL
an occasion when you have been asked to give a formal talk about something
He knows a lot about the history of this area, so he has many speaking
engagements at local clubs and societies.
spear noun [ C ]
1. a weapon consisting of a pole with a sharp, usually metal, point at one end,
which is either thrown or held in the hand
2. a thin pointed stem or leaf
asparagus spears
spear verb [ T ]
1. to push or throw a spear into an animal
They catch the fish by spearing them.
2. to catch something on the end of a pointed tool or object
He speared a meatball with his fork.
ˈ spear ˌ carrier noun [ C ]
in the theatre, someone who has a small part, usually without any words to say
spearhead verb [ T ]
to lead something such as an attack or a course of action
British troops spearheaded the invasion.
Joe Walker will be spearheading our new marketing initiative.
spearhead noun [ C usually singular ]
a person or group that leads something such as an attack or a course of action
American troops formed the spearhead of the attack.
spearmint noun [ U ]
a strong flavouring with a fresh taste, or the plant from which this flavouring
comes
spearmint chewing-gum/toothpaste
spec noun INFORMAL
1. on spec
taking a chance, without being sure that you will get what you want
We just turned up at the airport on spec, hoping that we'd get tickets.
You could always send your CV to a few companies on spec.
spec noun INFORMAL
2. [ C ] INFORMAL FOR specification
We've had a spec drawn up for a new bathroom.
spec noun INFORMAL
1. on spec
taking a chance, without being sure that you will get what you want
We just turned up at the airport on spec, hoping that we'd get tickets.
You could always send your CV to a few companies on spec.
spec noun INFORMAL
2. [ C ] INFORMAL FOR specification
We've had a spec drawn up for a new bathroom.
ˈ spec ˌ builder noun [ C ] MAINLY AUSTRALIAN
a person or company that builds houses to sell to anyone who will buy them
rather than for a particular customer
special adjective NOT USUAL
1. not ordinary or usual
The car has a number of special safety features.
Is there anything special that you'd like to do today?
Passengers should tell the airline in advance if they have any special dietary
needs.
I don't expect special treatment - I just want to be treated fairly.
Full details of the election results will be published in a special edition of
tomorrow's newspaper.
I have a suit for special occasions .
There's a 50p-off special offer on cornflakes/ UK ALSO Cornflakes are on special
offer (= They are being sold at a reduced price) this week.
2. particularly great or important, or having an extra quality
Could I ask you a special favour?
I'm cooking something special for her birthday.
special adjective PARTICULAR
3. [ before noun ] having a particular purpose
Firefighters use special breathing equipment in smoky buildings.
Some of the children have special educational needs.
You need special tyres on your car for snow.
She works as a special adviser to the President.
special noun [ C ]
1. a television programme made for a particular reason or occasion and which is
not part of a series
a three-hour election night special
2. a meal that is available in a restaurant on a particular day which is not usually
available
Today's specials are written on the board.
3. MAINLY US a product that is being sold at a reduced price for a short period
Today's specials include T-shirts for only 2.99.
ˈ Special ˌ Branch noun [ S or U ]
the department of the British police which deals with crimes such as terrorism
that threaten the government of the UK
ˈ Special ˌ Branch noun [ S or U ]
the department of the British police which deals with crimes such as terrorism
that threaten the government of the UK
ˌ special de ˈ livery noun [ U ]
the delivery of a letter or parcel which is much quicker, and more expensive, than
normal delivery
ˌ special edu ˈ cational needs plural noun ( ABBREVIATION SEN ) SPECIALIZED
the term for special needs relating to education in particular; learning difficulties
ˌ special ef ˈ fect noun [ C usually plural ]
an unusual piece of action in a film, or an entertainment on a stage, created by
using particular equipment
The film's special effects are amazing.
ˌ special ˈ interest ˌ group noun [ C ] ( US ALSO special interests )
a group of people who have particular demands and who try to influence political
decisions involving them
Much of the pressure for changing the law has come from special interest groups.
specialism noun
1. [ C ] UK ( US specialty ) a subject that someone knows a lot about
His specialism is tax law.
2. [ U ] limiting study or work to a few subjects
I don't think too much specialism in schools is a good idea.
specialist noun [ C ]
1. someone who has a lot of experience, knowledge or skill in a particular subject
a software specialist
She's a specialist in modern French literature.
specialist advice/help
2. ( UK ALSO consultant ) a doctor who has special training in and knowledge of a
particular area of medicine
She's a specialist in childhood illnesses.
I've asked to be referred to a specialist about my back pain.
a leading cancer/eye specialist
speciality noun [ C ] PRODUCT
1. UK ( US specialty ) a product that is extremely good in a particular place
Oysters are a local speciality/a speciality of the area.
Paella is a speciality of the house (= a food that is unusually good in a particular
restaurant) .
speciality noun [ C ] SUBJECT
2. UK ( US specialty ) a subject that someone knows a lot about
speciality noun [ C ] BEHAVIOUR
3. HUMOROUS a particular thing that you regularly do or make
Unkind remarks are one of his specialities.
restaurant) .
specialization , UK USUALLY specialisation noun [ C or U ]
a particular area of knowledge or the process of becoming an expert in a
particular area
In the course I'm taking, there's no opportunity for specialization (= limiting my
studying or work to one particular area) until the final year.
The lawyer said that he was unable to help us because our case fell outside his
specialization.
specialize , UK USUALLY specialise verb [ I ]
to spend most of your time studying one particular subject or doing one type of
business
She's hired a lawyer who specializes in divorce cases.
a restaurant that specializes in seafood
I enjoy working in general medicine, but I hope to be able to specialize in the
future.
specialized , UK USUALLY specialised adjective
relating to one particular area or designed for a particular purpose
Her job is very specialized (= involves only one limited area) .
The hospital is unable to provide the highly specialized care needed by very sick
babies.
specialized skills
specially adverb ( ALSO especially ) VERY
1. extremely or in particular
This is a specially good wine.
"Is there anything you want to do this evening?" "Not specially."
The children really liked the museum, specially the dinosaurs.
specially adverb ( ALSO especially ) FOR ONE PURPOSE
2. for a particular purpose
I came here specially to see you.
She has a wheelchair that was specially made for her.
The opera 'Aida' was specially written for the opening of the Cairo opera house in
1871.
ˌ special ˈ needs plural noun SPECIALIZED
1. the particular things needed by or provided to help people with physical,
mental, behavioural or learning problems, ranging from mild to severe
carers for children with special needs
a special needs teacher
2. the people included in this group, for example within the educational system
a special needs child
ˌ special de ˈ livery noun [ U ]
the delivery of a letter or parcel which is much quicker, and more expensive, than
normal delivery
ˌ special edu ˈ cational needs plural noun ( ABBREVIATION SEN ) SPECIALIZED
the term for special needs relating to education in particular; learning difficulties
ˌ special ef ˈ fect noun [ C usually plural ]
an unusual piece of action in a film, or an entertainment on a stage, created by
using particular equipment
The film's special effects are amazing.
ˌ special ˈ interest ˌ group noun [ C ] ( US ALSO special interests )
a group of people who have particular demands and who try to influence political
decisions involving them
Much of the pressure for changing the law has come from special interest groups.
specialism noun
1. [ C ] UK ( US specialty ) a subject that someone knows a lot about
His specialism is tax law.
2. [ U ] limiting study or work to a few subjects
I don't think too much specialism in schools is a good idea.
specialist noun [ C ]
1. someone who has a lot of experience, knowledge or skill in a particular subject
a software specialist
She's a specialist in modern French literature.
specialist advice/help
2. ( UK ALSO consultant ) a doctor who has special training in and knowledge of a
particular area of medicine
She's a specialist in childhood illnesses.
I've asked to be referred to a specialist about my back pain.
a leading cancer/eye specialist
restaurant) .
particular area
specialization.
particular area
specialization.
specialize , UK USUALLY specialise verb [ I ]
to spend most of your time studying one particular subject or doing one type of
business
She's hired a lawyer who specializes in divorce cases.
a restaurant that specializes in seafood
I enjoy working in general medicine, but I hope to be able to specialize in the
future.
specialized , UK USUALLY specialised adjective
relating to one particular area or designed for a particular purpose
Her job is very specialized (= involves only one limited area) .
The hospital is unable to provide the highly specialized care needed by very sick
babies.
specialized skills
specially adverb ( ALSO especially ) VERY
1. extremely or in particular
This is a specially good wine.
"Is there anything you want to do this evening?" "Not specially."
The children really liked the museum, specially the dinosaurs.
specially adverb ( ALSO especially ) FOR ONE PURPOSE
2. for a particular purpose
I came here specially to see you.
She has a wheelchair that was specially made for her.
The opera 'Aida' was specially written for the opening of the Cairo opera house in
1871.
ˌ special ˈ needs plural noun SPECIALIZED
1. the particular things needed by or provided to help people with physical,
mental, behavioural or learning problems, ranging from mild to severe
carers for children with special needs
a special needs teacher
2. the people included in this group, for example within the educational system
a special needs child
the ˌ Special Ol ˈ ympics plural noun
a set of international sports competitions for people who have lower than usual
mental or physical abilities
the ˌ Special Ol ˈ ympics plural noun
a set of international sports competitions for people who have lower than usual
mental or physical abilities
ˌ special ˈ pleading noun [ U ]
the practice of arguing from a particular case in order to get an unfair advantage
in a more general situation
ˈ special ˌ school noun [ C ]
a school for children who have physical difficulties or problems with learning
specialty noun [ C ]
US FOR speciality or specialism
species noun [ C ]
a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to
each other and can breed with each other
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species.
Over a hundred species of insect are found in this area.
FIGURATIVE HUMOROUS Women film directors in Hollywood are a rare species.
See also subspecies
specific adjective PARTICULAR
1. relating to one thing and not others; particular
The virus attacks specific cells in the brain.
The money is intended to be used for specific purposes.
FORMAL The disease seems to be specific to (= only found in) certain types of
plant.
Is there anything specific you want from the shops?
specific adjective EXACT
2. clear and exact
No specific allegations have yet been made about the prison officers' behaviour.
Can you be more specific about where your back hurts?
specifically adverb FOR ONE PURPOSE
1. for a particular reason, purpose, etc.
These jeans are designed specifically for women.
[ + to infinitive ] I bought it specifically to wear at the wedding.
We are aiming our campaign specifically at young people.
specifically adverb EXACTLY
2. clearly, exactly or in detail
I specifically asked you not to be late.
The law specifically prohibits acts of this kind.
It specifically said/stated on the label that the jacket should be dry-cleaned only.
specification noun [ C or U ] ( INFORMAL spec )
a detailed description of how something should be done, made, etc.
All products are made exactly to the customer's specifications.
A specification has been drawn up for the new military aircraft.
a job specification
The cars have been built to a high specification (= a high standard) .
specification noun [ C or U ] ( INFORMAL spec )
a detailed description of how something should be done, made, etc.
All products are made exactly to the customer's specifications.
A specification has been drawn up for the new military aircraft.
a job specification
The cars have been built to a high specification (= a high standard) .
spe ˌ cific ˈ gravity noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the mass of a particular volume of a substance when compared with the mass of
an equal volume of water at 4°C. A more modern term for this is relative density .
specificity noun [ U ] FORMAL
the quality of being specific (= clear and exact)
specifics plural noun
exact details
I can't comment on the specifics of the case.
The specifics of the plan still have to be worked out.
specify verb [ T ]
to state or describe something clearly and exactly
He said we should meet but didn't specify a time.
The peace treaty clearly specifies the terms for the withdrawal of troops.
[ + question word ] The newspaper report did not specify how the men were
killed.
[ + ( that ) ] My contract specifies (that) I must give a month's notice if I leave
my job.
The loan must be repaid within a specified period/by a specified date.
specimen noun [ C ]
1. something shown or examined as an example; a typical example
He has a collection of rare insect specimens.
Museums will pay large amounts of money for good dinosaur fossil specimens.
Astronauts brought back specimens of moon rock.
2. a small amount of blood or urine used for testing
They took blood and urine specimens for analysis.
specious adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
seeming to be right or true, but really wrong or false
a specious argument/claim
specious allegations/promises
speciously adverb
speciousness noun [ U ]
speck noun [ C ]
a very small mark, piece or amount
He'd been painting the door and there were specks of paint all over the floor.
There's not a speck of (= not any) dust/dirt in their house.
We could see a speck (= a small amount) of light at the end of the tunnel.
speck noun [ C ]
a very small mark, piece or amount
He'd been painting the door and there were specks of paint all over the floor.
There's not a speck of (= not any) dust/dirt in their house.
We could see a speck (= a small amount) of light at the end of the tunnel.
speckle noun [ C usually plural ]
a very small mark of a different colour from the surface on which it is found, and
which is usually found with a large number of other marks of the same type
A blackbird's egg is blue with brown speckles on it.
speckled adjective
covered with speckles
a bird with a speckled breast
spectacle noun UNUSUAL EVENT
1. [ C ] an unusual or unexpected event or situation which attracts attention,
interest or disapproval
It was a strange spectacle to see the two former enemies shaking hands and
slapping each other on the back.
We witnessed the extraordinary spectacle of an old lady climbing a tree to rescue
her cat.
spectacle noun PUBLIC EVENT
2. [ C or U ] a public event or show which is exciting to watch; an exciting
appearance
The carnival was a magnificent spectacle.
The television show was mere spectacle (= had an exciting appearance, but little
value) .
spectacle noun GLASSES
3. spectacles ( INFORMAL specs ) SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED
glasses
a pair of spectacles
steel-rimmed spectacles
spectacle adjective [ before noun ]
a spectacle case
make a spectacle of yourself
to do something that makes you look stupid and attracts other people's attention
I wasn't going to make a spectacle of myself just to give you a laugh!
spectacular adjective
1. very exciting to look at
a spectacular view
He scored a spectacular goal in the second half.
There was a spectacular sunset last night.
2. especially great
We've had spectacular success with the product.
spectacular noun [ C ]
an event or performance which is very exciting to watch and which involves a lot
of people
spectacularly adverb IMPRESSIVE
1. in a very beautiful way that people admire
At night, the city is spectacularly lit.
spectacularly adverb EXTREMELY
2. extremely
spectacularly beautiful countryside
House prices have risen spectacularly.
spectacularly adverb IMPRESSIVE
1. in a very beautiful way that people admire
At night, the city is spectacularly lit.
spectacularly adverb EXTREMELY
2. extremely
spectacularly beautiful countryside
House prices have risen spectacularly.
spectate verb [ I ]
to watch an activity, especially a sports event, without taking part
spectator noun [ C ]
a person who watches an activity, especially a sports event, without taking part
They won 4-0 in front of over 40 000 cheering spectators.
spec ˈ tator ˌ sport noun [ C ]
a sport which people go to watch
Football is certainly the biggest spectator sport in Britain.
spectral adjective GHOST
1. coming from or seeming to be the spirit of a dead person
a spectral figure/presence
spectral adjective COLOURS
2. SPECIALIZED of the set of colours into which a beam of light can be separated
spectral light
spectre UK , US specter noun
1. the spectre of sth
the idea of something unpleasant that might happen in the future
The awful spectre of civil war looms over the country.
Drought and war have raised the spectre of food shortages for up to 24 million
African people.
2. [ C ] LITERARY a ghost
spectrum noun [ C ] COLOURS
1. the set of colours into which a beam of light can be separated, or a range of
waves, such as light waves or radio waves
The colours of the spectrum - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet -
can be seen in a rainbow.
spectrum noun [ C ] RANGE
2. a range of opinions, feelings, etc.
He has support from across the whole political spectrum.
The group includes students from both ends of the social spectrum (= range of
social classes) .
A wide spectrum of opinion was represented at the meeting.
speculate verb [ I ] GUESS
1. to guess possible answers to a question when you do not have enough
information to be certain
I don't know why she did it - I'm just speculating.
A spokesperson declined to speculate on the cause of the train crash.
Journalists are speculating about whether interest rates will be cut.
[ + that ] The newspapers have speculated that they will get married next year.
speculate verb [ I ] TRADE
2. to buy and sell in the hope that the value of what you buy will increase and
that it can then be sold at a higher price in order to make a profit
He made his money speculating on the London gold and silver markets.
The company has been speculating in property for years.
speculate verb [ I ] GUESS
1. to guess possible answers to a question when you do not have enough
I don't know why she did it - I'm just speculating.
A spokesperson declined to speculate on the cause of the train crash.
Journalists are speculating about whether interest rates will be cut.
[ + that ] The newspapers have speculated that they will get married next year.
speculate verb [ I ] TRADE
2. to buy and sell in the hope that the value of what you buy will increase and
that it can then be sold at a higher price in order to make a profit
He made his money speculating on the London gold and silver markets.
The company has been speculating in property for years.
speculation noun [ C or U ] GUESS
1. when you guess possible answers to a question without having enough
Rumours that they are about to marry have been dismissed as pure speculation.
Speculation about his future plans is rife.
[ + that ] The Prime Minister's speech fuelled/prompted speculation that an
election will be held later in the year.
speculation noun [ C or U ] TRADING
2. when people speculate in order to make a profit
speculative adjective GUESS
1. based on a guess and not on information
The article was dismissed as highly speculative.
speculative adjective TRADE
2. bought or done in order to make a profit in the future
The office block was built as a speculative venture.
speculatively adverb
speculator noun [ C ]
a person who buys goods, property, money, etc. in the hope of selling them at a
profit
speech noun SAY WORDS
1. [ U ] the ability to talk, the activity of talking, or a piece of spoken language
Children usually develop speech in the second year of life.
People who suffer a stroke may experience a loss of speech.
2. [ U ] the way a person talks
His speech was slurred and I thought he was drunk.
3. [ U ] the language used when talking
Some expressions are used more in speech than in writing.
4. [ C ] a set of words spoken in a play
Do you know the words to Hamlet's famous speech at the beginning of Act III?
speech noun FORMAL TALK
5. [ C ] a formal talk given usually to a large number of people on a special
occasion
I had to give/make a speech at my brother's wedding.
The Governor of New York delivered a rousing speech to the national convention.
He gave the after-dinner speech (= a talk given after a formal evening meal at
which a large number of people are present) .
Did you hear her acceptance speech at the Oscars ceremony?
See also speak
ˈ speech ˌ bubble noun [ C ]
a round shape next to the head of a character in a cartoon inside which the
character's words or thoughts are written
ˈ speech ˌ bubble noun [ C ]
a round shape next to the head of a character in a cartoon inside which the
character's words or thoughts are written
ˈ speech ˌ day noun [ C ]
a day each year in some British schools when prizes and formal talks are given
speechify verb [ I ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to give a speech, especially in a boring way or in a way that shows you think you
are important
ˈ speech im ˌ pediment noun [ C ]
a difficulty in speaking clearly, such as a lisp or stammer
speechless adjective
unable to speak because you are so angry, shocked, surprised, etc.
The news left us speechless.
She was speechless with indignation.
speechlessly adverb
speechlessness noun [ U ]
ˌ speech ˈ therapy noun [ U ]
the treatment of people who have difficulty speaking
She needed speech therapy after she suffered severe head injuries in a car
accident.
speech therapist noun [ C ]
A speech therapist helped him overcome his stammer.
ˈ speech ˌ writer noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to write formal speeches for somebody else, usually for
politicians
speed noun RATE OF MOVEMENT
1. [ C or U ] how fast something moves
He was travelling at a speed of 90 mph.
The car has a top speed of 155 miles per hour.
You should lower / reduce your speed as you approach a junction.
On a clear, straight road you can gather / pick up speed.
He came off the road while driving his car round a bend at high/breakneck
speed (= very fast) .
There are speed restrictions (= controls on how fast traffic is allowed to move)
on this part of the road.
an electric drill with two speeds (= rates at which it turns)
2. [ U ] very fast movement
I get a real thrill from speed.
He put on a sudden burst of speed.
Both cars were travelling at speed (= very fast) when the accident happened.
3. [ U ] how fast something happens
We were surprised at the speed of the response to our enquiry.
It was the speed at which it all happened that shocked me.
She got through her work with speed (= quickly) and efficiency.
4. the speed of light/sound
the rate at which light or sound travels
The speed of light is 300 million metres per second.
These planes travel at twice the speed of sound.
5. [ C ] a gear
a bicycle with ten speeds
a ten-speed bicycle
6. [ C ] the rate at which a photographic film absorbs or reacts to light
What speed film do I need for taking photographs indoors?
7. shutter speed
the length of time for which part of a camera is open to allow light to reach the
film when a photograph is being taken
a high/low shutter speed
speed noun DRUG
8. [ U ] INFORMAL FOR amphetamine (= a drug that makes the mind or body more
active)
She was on speed at the time.
up to speed
If you are up to speed with a subject or activity, you have all the latest
information about it and are able to do it well
We arranged for some home tutoring to get him up to speed with the other
children in his class.
Before we start the meeting I'm going to bring you up to speed with the latest
developments.
speed verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
1. to (cause to) move, go or happen fast
The train sped along at over 120 miles per hour.
The actress then sped away/off in a waiting car.
We sped down the ski slopes.
This year is speeding by/past .
Ambulances sped the injured people (= moved them quickly) away from the
scene.
The best thing you can do to speed your recovery (= make it quicker) is to rest.
2. be speeding
to be driving faster than you are legally allowed to do
He was caught speeding.
speed (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to happen or move faster, or to make something happen or move faster
This drug may have the effect of speeding up your heart rate.
Can the job be speeded up in some way?
The tape speeded up towards the end.
I think you need to speed up a bit (= drive faster) - we're going to be late.
The economy shows signs of speeding up (= increasing activity) .
speedboat noun [ C ]
speedboat
a small boat which has a powerful engine and which travels very fast
speedboat noun [ C ]
speedboat
a small boat which has a powerful engine and which travels very fast
ˈ speed ˌ bump noun [ C or ] ( UK ALSO speed hump , ALSO sleeping policeman )
a small raised area built across a road to force people to drive more slowly
Local residents are asking for speed bumps to be installed in their street.
ˈ speed ˌ camera noun [ C ]
a camera at the side of the road which takes pictures of cars that are going faster
than is legally allowed
ˈ speed ˌ dating noun [ U ]
a way of meeting people for possible romantic relationships which involves talking
with a lot of people for a short time to see if you like them
ˈ speed ˌ dial noun [ U ] MAINLY US
a feature on a telephone that makes it possible for you to call a number by
pressing only one button
speed dial verb [ I or T ]
speeding noun [ U ]
driving faster than is allowed in a particular area
She was fined for speeding last month.
ˈ speed ˌ limit noun [ C ]
the fastest rate at which you are allowed to drive in a particular area
a 50 mph speed limit
Slow down - you're breaking the speed limit.
Try not to go over the speed limit, Daniel.
speedometer noun [ C ] ( UK INFORMAL speedo )
a device in a vehicle which shows how fast the vehicle is moving
ˈ speed ˌ skating noun [ U ]
the sport of racing on ice, usually around an oval track
ˈ speed ˌ skating noun [ U ]
the sport of racing on ice, usually around an oval track
ˈ speed ˌ trap noun [ C ]
a place on a road where the police use special hidden equipment to see whether
drivers are going faster than is allowed in a particular area
speed-up noun [ S ]
an increase in the rate of change or growth
Measures should be taken to halt the speed-up in population growth.
speedway noun [ C or U ]
(a special racing track used for) the sport of racing special cars, or light
motorcycles without brakes
speedy adjective
quick
He's a very speedy worker.
We need to take speedy action/make a speedy decision.
Everyone is hoping for a speedy end to the conflict (= hoping that an end to it will
happen quickly) .
We wished her a speedy recovery from her illness (= that she would get better
quickly) .
speedily adverb
The problem was speedily solved.
speediness noun [ U ]
speleologist noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
someone who studies caves, or who climbs in them for sport
speleology noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
1. the scientific study of caves
2. the sport of walking and climbing in caves
spell verb FORM WORDS
1. [ I or T ] to form a word or words with the letters in the correct order
"How do you spell 'receive'?" "R E C E I V E".
Shakespeare did not always spell his own name the same way.
Our address is 1520 Main Street, Albuquerque - shall I spell that (out) (= say in
the correct order the letters that form the word) for you?
I think it's important that children should be taught to spell (= how to form words
with the letters in the correct order) .
spell verb RESULT
2. spell disaster/trouble, etc.
to cause something bad to happen in the future
The new regulations could spell disaster for small businesses.
This cold weather could spell trouble for gardeners.
spell verb DO INSTEAD
3. [ T ] MAINLY US to do something which someone else would usually be doing,
especially in order to allow them to rest
You've been driving for a while - do you want me to spell you?
N O spells no. SAYING
used as a reply to a request, to emphasize that when you said no previously you
really meant it
spell sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to explain something in a very clear way with details
The government has so far refused to spell out its plans/policies.
INFORMAL What do you mean you don't understand - do I have to spell it out for
you?
spell noun [ C ] PERIOD
1. a period of time for which an activity or condition lasts continuously
I lived in London for a spell.
She had a brief spell as captain of the team.
I keep having/getting dizzy spells (= periods of feeling as if I'm turning around) .
2. a short period of a particular type of weather
a spell of dry weather
The weather forecast is for dry, sunny spells.
spell noun [ C ] DO INSTEAD
3. US a period when you do something that someone else would usually be doing,
especially in order to allow them to rest
If we take spells (with) doing the painting, it won't seem like such hard work.
spell noun [ C ] MAGIC
4. spoken words which are thought to have magical power, or (the condition of
being under) the influence or control of such words
The witch cast/put a spell on the prince and he turned into a frog.
A beautiful girl would have to kiss him to break (= stop) the spell.
Sleeping Beauty lay under the wicked fairy's spell until the prince woke her with a
kiss.
be under sb 's spell
to be strongly attracted to someone and influenced by them
spellbinder noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an event or a person that attracts people's complete attention
The final game of the tennis match was a real spellbinder.
spellbinder noun [ C ] INFORMAL
an event or a person that attracts people's complete attention
The final game of the tennis match was a real spellbinder.
spellbinding adjective
holding your attention completely
He gave a spellbinding performance.
spellbound adjective
having your attention completely held by something, so that you cannot think
about anything else
The children listened to the story spellbound.
He held his audience spellbound.
ˈ spell ˌ check verb [ T ]
to use a computer program which makes certain that the words in a document
have the correct letters in the correct order
spell check noun [ C ]
It's always a good idea to run a spell check once you've finished writing.
spell-checker noun [ C ]
a computer program which makes certain that the words in a document have the
correct letters in the correct order
After you've finished each chapter, run the spell-checker.
speller noun
good/bad speller
someone who is good/bad at spelling
spelling noun
1. [ U ] forming words with the correct letters in the correct order, or the ability to
do this
He's hopeless at spelling.
My computer has a program which corrects my spelling.
Your essay is full of spelling mistakes/errors .
2. [ C ] the way a particular word is spelt
This dictionary includes both British and American spellings of words.
ˈ spelling ˌ bee noun [ C ] US
a competition in which the winner is the person or group who is able to form
correctly the highest number of the words they are asked to form
ˈ spelling ˌ bee noun [ C ] US
a competition in which the winner is the person or group who is able to form
correctly the highest number of the words they are asked to form
spelunking noun [ U ] US ( UK potholing )
the sport of walking and climbing in caves
Shall we go spelunking at the weekend?
spelunker noun [ C ] US ( UK potholer )
spend verb MONEY
1. [ I or T ] to give money as a payment for something
How much did you spend?
I don't know how I managed to spend so much in the pub last night.
We spent a fortune when we were in New York.
She spends a lot of money on clothes.
We've just spent £1.9 million on improving our computer network.
We went on a spending spree (= We bought a lot of things) on Saturday.
spend verb TIME
2. [ T ] to use time doing something or being somewhere
I think we need to spend more time together.
I spent a lot of time clean ing that room.
I've spent years build ing up my collection.
I spent an hour at the station wait ing for the train.
How long do you spend on your homework?
My sister always spends ages in the bathroom.
We spent the weekend in London.
You can spend the night here if you like.
spend verb FORCE
3. [ T ] to use energy, effort, force, etc., especially until there is no more left
For the past month he's been spending all his energy trying to find a job.
They continued firing until all their ammunition was spent (= there was none of it
left) .
The hurricane will probably have spent most of its force (= most of its force will
have gone) by the time it reaches the northern parts of the country.
Her anger soon spent itself (= stopped) .
spend a penny
UK OLD-FASHIONED POLITE PHRASE FOR to urinate
If you'll excuse me, I need to spend a penny.
spend the night together ( ALSO spend the night with sb )
POLITE PHRASE FOR to have sex with someone
Did you spend the night together?
spend noun [ S ] UK INFORMAL
the amount of money that is spent on something
The total spend on the project was almost a million pounds.
spender noun [ C ]
someone who spends money
Tourists are often big spenders (= they buy a lot of things) .
spender noun [ C ]
someone who spends money
Tourists are often big spenders (= they buy a lot of things) .
spending noun [ U ]
the money which is used for a particular purpose, especially by a government or
organization
government spending on health
spending cuts
Consumer spending has more than doubled in the last ten years.
ˈ spending ˌ money noun [ U ]
money that you can spend for fun, entertainment, personal things, etc.
How much spending money are you taking on holiday?
spendthrift noun [ C ]
someone who spends a lot of money in a wasteful way
spendthrift adjective [ before noun ]
spent verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF spend
spent adjective
1. Something that is spent has been used so that it no longer has any power or
effectiveness
spent bullets/matches
After several defeats in a row, people are starting to say that the team is a spent
force .
2. LITERARY tired
We arrived home spent after our long journey.
sperm noun
1. [ C ] a reproductive cell produced by a male animal
In human reproduction, one female egg is usually fertilized by one sperm.
2. [ U ] INFORMAL FOR semen (= the thick, whitish, slightly sticky liquid that is
produced by the male sex organs, and which contains sperm)
spermatozoon noun [ C ]
SPECIALIZED FOR sperm
spermatozoon noun [ C ]
SPECIALIZED FOR sperm
ˈ sperm ˌ bank noun [ C ]
a place in which human sperm is stored in order to be used by doctors to try to
make women pregnant
ˈ sperm ˌ count noun [ C ]
the number of live male reproductive cells in a particular amount of the liquid in
which they are contained
He has a low/high sperm count.
spermicidal adjective
containing a substance that kills sperm
spermicidal jelly
spermicidal cream
spermicide noun [ C or U ]
a substance that kills sperm, used especially on condoms or by a woman before
she has sex in order to stop herself becoming pregnant
ˈ sperm ˌ whale noun [ C ]
a large whale (= large sea animal) with a very large long head
spew verb [ I or T + adv/prep ]
If something spews liquid or gas, or liquid or gas spews from something, it flows
out in large amounts
The volcano spewed a giant cloud of ash, dust and gases into the air.
The drains spew (out) millions of gallons of raw sewage into the river.
Paper came spewing from the computer printer.
spew (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ] SLANG
to vomit
I was spewing up all night after those mussels.
SPF noun [ C ]
ABBREVIATION FOR sun protection factor: the letters on a bottle of sunscreen (=
substance which prevents the skin from burning in the sun) which show how effective
the sunscreen is
sphere noun [ C ] ROUND OBJECT
1. an object shaped like a round ball
Doctors have replaced the top of his hip bone with a metal sphere.
sphere noun [ C ] AREA
2. a subject or area of knowledge, work, etc.
the political sphere
exchanges with other countries, particularly in cultural, scientific and economic
spheres
sphere noun [ C ] ROUND OBJECT
1. an object shaped like a round ball
Doctors have replaced the top of his hip bone with a metal sphere.
sphere noun [ C ] AREA
2. a subject or area of knowledge, work, etc.
the political sphere
exchanges with other countries, particularly in cultural, scientific and economic
spheres
spherical adjective
round, like a ball
The Earth is not perfectly spherical.
spheroid noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a solid object that is almost spherical
The Earth is a spheroid.
sphincter noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a muscle that surrounds an opening in the body and can tighten to close it
the anal sphincter
a sphincter muscle
sphinx noun [ C ]
1. an ancient imaginary creature with a lion's body and a woman's head
2. the Sphinx
a large stone statue with a lion's body and a person's head, found in the desert
near Cairo in Egypt
sphinx-like adjective
mysterious and not allowing people to know what you are thinking
He sat silently with a sphinx-like smile on his face.
spic , spick , spik noun [ C ] US OFFENSIVE
a person from a Spanish-speaking country
spice noun FOOD
1. [ C or U ] a substance made from a plant, which is used to give a special
flavour to food
Cinnamon, ginger and cloves are all spices.
Spices are widely used in South Asian cooking.
spice noun INTEREST
2. [ S or U ] something that makes something else more exciting and interesting
A scandal or two adds a little spice to office life.
spice verb [ T ]
to use spice to add flavour to food or drink
coffee spiced with cinnamon
a highly spiced curry
spice sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to add excitement or interest to a speech, story or performance
He'd spiced up his speech with a few rude jokes.
It was one of those articles on how to spice up your sex life.
spick adjective INFORMAL
spick and span
(especially of a place) very clean and tidy
Their house is always spick and span.
The council spends a lot of money keeping the town spick and span.
spick noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
a spic
spick adjective INFORMAL
spick and span
(especially of a place) very clean and tidy
Their house is always spick and span.
The council spends a lot of money keeping the town spick and span.
spick noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
a spic
spicy adjective FOOD
1. containing strong flavours from spices
Do you like spicy food?
spicy adjective EXCITING
2. exciting and interesting, especially because of being shocking or dealing with
sexual matters
a spicy novel
spicy details
spiciness noun [ U ]
spider noun [ C ]
a small creature similar to an insect with eight thin legs which catches other
insects in a web (= a net made from sticky threads)
a spider's web
spidergram noun [ C ] ( ALSO mind map )
a diagram (= simple plan) with lines and circles for organising information so that
it is easier to use or remember
Use spidergrams to organise your English vocabulary into different subjects.
ˈ spider ˌ monkey noun [ C ]
a small thin South American monkey which uses its long tail to help it to move
around in the branches of trees
ˈ spider ˌ plant noun [ C ]
a plant commonly found in houses and offices and which has long flat thin green
leaves with white lines
spider's web noun [ C ] UK ( US spiderweb )
a structure like a net of sticky silk threads made by a spider for catching insects
spidery adjective
consisting of thin dark bending lines, like a spider's legs
spidery handwriting
a spidery pattern
spidery adjective
consisting of thin dark bending lines, like a spider's legs
spidery handwriting
a spidery pattern
spiel noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a speech, especially one which is long and spoken quickly and is intended to
persuade the listener about something
a sales spiel
They gave us a long spiel about why we needed to install double glazing in our
house.
spiff verb
spiff sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ] US INFORMAL
to make someone or something look more stylish, or cleaner and tidier
He's really spiffed up his wardrobe since he started his new job.
spiffy adjective US INFORMAL
stylish, attractive or pleasing
a spiffy haircut/dresser
spigot noun [ C ]
1. a device used to control the flow of liquid from something such as a barrel
2. US a tap , especially on the outside of a building
spik noun [ C ] OFFENSIVE
a spic
spike noun [ C ]
1. a narrow thin shape with a sharp point at one end, or something, especially a
piece of metal, with this shape
There were large spikes on top of the railings to stop people climbing over them.
Some types of dinosaur had sharp spikes on their tails.
See picture spike
2. spikes
a set of short pointed pieces of metal or plastic fixed to the bottom of shoes worn
for particular sports, which stop the person wearing the shoes from sliding on the
ground, or shoes with these pointed pieces
spike verb [ T ] STOP
1. INFORMAL to decide not to publish an article in a newspaper
The story was deemed too controversial and so they spiked it.
spike verb [ T ] MAKE STRONGER
2. to make a drink stronger by adding alcohol, or to add flavour or interest to
something
She claimed that someone had spiked her drink with whisky.
The pasta was served in a cream sauce spiked with black pepper.
His writing is spiked with humour.
spike verb [ T ] HIT
3. in the sport of volleyball , to hit the ball so that it goes almost straight down on
the other side of the net
spike verb [ T ] POINT
4. to push a sharp point into something or someone
She got badly spiked when one of the runners trod on her heel.
spike sb's guns
to spoil someone's plans
We wanted to build an extra room onto the side of our house, but our neighbours
spiked our guns.
spiked adjective
with a sharp point or points
spiked helmets
spiked adjective
with a sharp point or points
spiked helmets
ˌ spike ˈ heels plural noun MAINLY US
stiletto heels (= very narrow, high heels on a woman's shoes)
spiky adjective POINTED
spiky
1. covered with spikes or having that appearance
a spiky cactus
spiky leaves
spiky hair
spiky adjective BAD MOOD
2. INFORMAL easily annoyed and not polite
a spiky teenager
spill verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to (cause to) flow, move, fall or spread over the edge or outside the limits of
something
I spilt coffee on my silk shirt.
You've spilt something down your tie.
Let's see if I can pour the juice into the glass without spilling it.
He dropped a bag of sugar and it spilt all over the floor.
Crowds of football fans spilled onto the field at the end of the game.
spill blood LITERARY
to kill or hurt people
spill the beans
to tell people secret information
So who spilt the beans about her affair with David?
spill your guts US AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
to tell someone all about yourself, especially your problems
Why do people take part in these shows and spill their guts on camera in front of
a studio audience?
spill out phrasal verb
1. to flow or fall out of a container
All the shopping had spilled out of my bag.
The contents of the truck spilled out across the road.
2. If people spill out of a place, large numbers of them come out of it
People were spilling out of the wine bar onto the street.
spill (sth) out phrasal verb
to talk about or express an emotion freely
All his resentment spilled out.
I listened quietly as she spilled out all her anger and despair.
spill over phrasal verb
1. If an activity or situation spills over, it begins to affect another situation or
group of people, especially in an unpleasant or unwanted way
I try not to let my work spill over into my life outside the office.
The conflict threatens to spill over into neighbouring regions.
2. to continue for a longer time than expected
The talks between the two leaders look likely to spill over into the weekend.
spill noun [ C ]
an amount of something which has come out of a container
a fuel spill on the road
Could you wipe up that spill, please?
In 1989, there was a massive oil spill in Alaska.
take a spill INFORMAL
to fall off something, usually a bicycle or a horse
spillage noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
a spill
oil spillages
spillage noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
a spill
oil spillages
spillover noun [ C ] MAINLY US LIQUID
1. an amount of liquid which has become too much for the object that contains it
and flows or spreads out
The spillover from the adjacent river flooded the lower fields.
spillover noun [ C ] MAINLY US EFFECTS
2. the effects of an activity which have spread further than was originally intended
We are now witnessing a spillover of the war into neighboring regions.
spin verb TURN
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) turn around and around, especially fast
The Earth spins on its axis.
The roulette players silently watched the wheel spin around/round .
He was killed when his car hit a tree and spun off the road.
Spin the ball (= Make it turn around and around as you throw it) and it will
change direction when it hits the ground.
2. head/room spins
If your head or the room spins you feel as if it is turning around and around, and
you cannot balance
The room started spinning and I felt faint.
spin verb MAKE THREAD
3. [ I or T ] to make thread by twisting fibres , or to produce something using
thread
The final stage of the production of cotton is when it is spun into thread.
Spiders spin webs.
spin verb
4. spin ( sb ) a story/tale/yarn
to tell a story, either to deceive someone or for entertainment
He spun some tale about needing to take time off work because his mother was
ill.
[ + two objects ] They spun us a story about being in desperate need of money.
spin verb DRIVE
5. [ I + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL (of a vehicle) to move quickly, or to move
quickly in a vehicle
We were spinning along , when suddenly one of our tyres burst.
Chris spun past in a flashy new car.
spin a coin
to make a coin turn around and around on its edge so that someone can guess
which side will land facing upwards
Let's spin a coin to decide who'll have the first turn.
Compare a toss of a coin
spin out of control
If activities or events spin out of control, they change very quickly and in an
uncontrolled way
The country's economy seemed to be spinning out of control.
spin your wheels US INFORMAL
to waste time doing things that achieve nothing
If we're just spinning our wheels, let us know and we'll quit.
spin sth off phrasal verb [ M ] PRODUCT
1. to produce a useful and unexpected result in addition to the intended result
The American space program has spun off new commercial technologies.
Every new job that is created spins off three or four more in related fields.
spin sth off phrasal verb [ M ] COMPANY
2. MAINLY US to form a separate company from part of an existing company
The company is trying to spin off part of its business.
spin sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to make something such as an activity or story last longer than usual or
necessary, or as long as possible
Can we spin our holiday out for a few more days?
Somehow, she managed to spin her story out so that it took her the whole train
journey to tell it.
spin (sb) round phrasal verb UK ( US spin (sb) around )
to quickly turn your own or someone else's body to face the opposite direction
She spun round to see what had happened.
spin noun TURN
1. [ C or U ] the movement of something turning round very quickly
I hit something on the road, which sent the car into a spin.
Suddenly, the plane went into a spin.
These clothes need another spin (= to be turned round very fast in a machine to
get water out of them) - they're still very wet.
She put a lot of spin on the ball (= threw or hit it in a way that made it spin) .
spin noun CHANGE IDEAS
2. [ S or U ] INFORMAL when an idea or situation is expressed or described in a
clever way that makes it seem better than it really is, especially in politics
They have tried to put a positive spin on the situation.
This report puts a different spin on the issue.
spin noun DRIVE
3. [ C usually singular ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a short journey in a car for
pleasure
Rupert took me for a spin in his new car.
in a spin INFORMAL
worried and confused
She's in a spin over the arrangements for the party.
News of the director's resignation sent / threw the management into a spin.
spina bifida noun [ U ]
a serious condition in which part of the spine is not correctly developed at birth,
leaving the nerves in the back without any protection
spina bifida noun [ U ]
a serious condition in which part of the spine is not correctly developed at birth,
leaving the nerves in the back without any protection
spinach noun [ U ]
a vegetable which has wide dark green leaves which are eaten cooked or
uncooked
spinach lasagne/salad
spinach adjective INFORMAL
not very enjoyable but good for you
spinach cinema
spinal adjective
of the spine
a spinal injury
ˈ spinal ˌ column noun [ C ]
the spine
ˌ spinal ˈ cord noun [ C ]
the set of nerves inside the spine that connect the brain to other nerves in the
body
ˈ spin ˌ bowler noun [ C ]
a cricket player who bowls (= throws) the ball in such a way that it turns around
and around and changes direction when it hits the ground
spinbowling noun [ U ]
ˈ spin con ˌ trol noun [ U ]
controlling or changing the way a matter is considered, often in politics
We need to exercise some spin control on this situation before we find ourselves
in serious trouble.
spindle noun [ C ]
a part of a machine around which something turns, or a rod onto which thread is
twisted when it is spun
spindly adjective
long or tall and thin, and looking weak
spindly legs
a plant with a spindly stem
spindly adjective
long or tall and thin, and looking weak
spindly legs
a plant with a spindly stem
ˈ spin ˌ doctor noun [ C ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
someone whose job is to make ideas, events, etc. seem better than they really
are, especially in politics
spin-dryer , spin-drier noun [ C ] UK
a machine into which you put wet clothes, which turns them around and around
very fast in order to get most of the water out of them
Compare tumble dryer
spin-dry verb [ T ]
The label says 'Do not spin-dry'.
spine noun [ C ] BONE
1. the line of bones down the centre of the back that provides support for the
body and protects the spinal cord
She injured her spine in a riding accident.
FIGURATIVE The Apennine mountains form the spine (= central row of mountains) of
Italy.
See pictures spine , back , skeleton
spine noun [ C ] POINT
2. a long sharp point like a needle growing out of an animal such as a hedgehog
or a plant such as a cactus
See picture spine
spine noun [ C ] BOOK PART
3. the narrow strip where the cover of a book is joined to the pages, usually with
the title and writer's name printed on it
See picture spine
spine-chilling adjective ( ALSO spine-tingling )
very frightening
He told them a spine-chilling ghost story.
spineless adjective DISAPPROVING
describes someone who does not have much determination and is not willing to
take risks
He was, she concluded, a spineless individual.
spinelessly adverb
spinelessness noun [ U ]
spine-tingling adjective
very special and exciting
Watching Christie win the Olympic hundred metres was one of those spine-
tingling moments.
spine-tingling adjective
very special and exciting
Watching Christie win the Olympic hundred metres was one of those spine-
tingling moments.
spinifex noun [ U ]
a grass with sharp spines which grows especially on sand hills in Australia
spinner noun [ C ] SPORT
1. in cricket, a bowler who makes the ball turn around and around as he or she
throws it, or a ball that is bowled in that way
a left-arm spinner
spinner noun [ C ] MAKING THREAD
2. a person who makes thread by twisting fibres
spinneret noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an organ that produces the sticky silk thread that spiders and caterpillars use to
make webs and cocoons with
spinney noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a small wood; a copse
spinning noun [ U ]
a way of exercising the body indoors by riding a machine like a bicycle that does
not move forward
ˈ spinning ˌ top noun [ C ]
spinning top
a toy with rounded sides, a flat top, a vertical handle, and a point at the bottom,
which turns round and round on the point when the handle is pushed and pulled up and
down or twisted
ˈ spinning ˌ wheel noun [ C ]
a small machine used, especially in the past, at home for producing thread from
fibres by turning them on a wheel operated by foot
spin-off noun [ C ]
1. a product that develops from another more important product
The research has had spin-offs in the development of medical equipment.
2. a programme or other show involving characters from a previous programme
or film
The stage show is a spin-off from a television programme.
spin-off noun [ C ]
1. a product that develops from another more important product
The research has had spin-offs in the development of medical equipment.
2. a programme or other show involving characters from a previous programme
or film
The stage show is a spin-off from a television programme.
spinster noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a woman who is not married, especially a woman who is no longer young and
seems unlikely ever to marry
spiny adjective
covered with spines (= long, sharp points like needles)
spiracle noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
1. in an insect or spider , one of the small holes that allow air in and out through
the surface of the body
2. in some fish such as sharks , a small hole behind each eye used for breathing,
by allowing water through to the gills
spiral noun [ C ]
spiral
1. a shape made up of curves, each one above or wider than the one before
A corkscrew is spiral- shaped .
2. downward spiral
when a price, etc. is becoming lower, or when a situation is getting worse and is
difficult to control because one bad event causes another
This year's downward spiral of house prices has depressed the market.
We must avoid the downward spiral in which unemployment leads to
homelessness and then to crime.
spiral verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
1. to move in a spiral
With one wing damaged, the model airplane spiralled downwards.
2. If costs, prices, etc. spiral, they increase faster and faster
Spiralling costs have squeezed profits.
3. spiral downwards
(of prices, etc.) to get less, at a faster and faster rate
spiral adjective [ before noun ]
shaped in a series of curves, each one above or wider than the one before
a spiral staircase
a spiral galaxy
spiral-bound adjective
(of a book) having a spiral-shaped piece of metal or plastic holding its pages
together
spiral-bound adjective
(of a book) having a spiral-shaped piece of metal or plastic holding its pages
together
spire noun [ C ]
a tall pointed structure on top of a building, especially on top of a church tower
spirit noun WAY OF FEELING
1. [ S or U ] a particular way of thinking, feeling or behaving, especially a way
that is typical of a particular group of people, an activity, a time or a place
The players have a very strong team spirit (= loyalty to each other) .
As rock musicians in the 1960s, they were very much part of the spirit of the
age/times .
We acted in a spirit of cooperation.
2. spirits
the way a person is feeling
I've been in high/low spirits (= feeling happy/sad) lately.
Her spirits lifted/rose (= She felt happier) as she read the letter.
The negative reply dashed his spirits (= made him unhappy) .
3. the spirit of a law/rule, etc.
the principle which a law, rule, etc. was created to strengthen, rather than the
particular things it says you must or must not do
They followed neither the spirit nor the letter of the law.
4. enter/get into the spirit
to show enthusiasm and enjoyment
They went to the tennis club a few times but never really got into the spirit of it.
5. that's the spirit
used to approve or encourage someone's positive attitude (= way of thinking) or
action
"Come on, we can win this game." "That's the spirit."
spirit noun NOT BODY
6. [ U ] the characteristics of a person that are considered as being separate from
the body, and which many religions believe continue to exist after the body dies
Although he's now living in America, I feel he's with me in spirit (= I feel he is
present and is influencing me, in a way that is not physical) .
7. [ C ] the form of a dead person, similar to a ghost , or the feeling that a dead
person is present though you cannot see them
an evil spirit
The spirits of long-dead warriors seemed to haunt the area.
spirit noun ENTHUSIASM
8. [ U ] APPROVING enthusiasm, energy or bravery
The orchestra performed the Rite of Spring with great spirit.
The torture failed to break the prisoner's spirit.
spirit noun ALCOHOL
9. [ C or U ] a strong alcoholic drink
Vodka is a type of spirit.
Spirits are more expensive than beer, but they get you drunk faster.
10. [ U ] Some types of spirit are alcoholic liquids used especially for cleaning,
mixing with paint, etc.
Thin the paint with white spirit.
as/if/when, etc. the spirit moves sb
taking action only when you feel is the right time, not following a plan
It's impossible to predict what he'll do - he just acts when the spirit moves him.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. HUMOROUS SAYING
said when you would like to do something, but you do not have the time, skills or
energy necessary to do it
spirit verb
spirit sb/sth away/off/out, etc.
to move someone or something out of or away from a place secretly
Somehow the prisoners managed to spirit news out to the world outside.
-spirited suffix
in the mood mentioned
low -spirited (= sad)
The children are rather high -spirited (= excited and happy) .
spirited adjective APPROVING
enthusiastic and determined
The home team's spirited playing ensured them a comfortable victory.
spiritless adjective DISAPPROVING
having no energy and enthusiasm
It was a spiritless performance.
ˈ spirit ˌ level noun [ C ] UK ( US level )
a tool which contains a tube of liquid with an air bubble in it and shows whether a
surface is level by the position of the bubble
spiritual adjective
relating to deep feelings and beliefs, especially religious beliefs
Traditional ways of life fulfilled both economic and spiritual needs.
spiritually adverb
spiritual noun [ C ] ( ALSO negro spiritual )
a type of religious song, originally developed by African Americans in the US
ˌ spiritual ˈ healing noun [ U ]
the activity of making a person healthy without using medicines or other physical
methods, sometimes as part of a religious ceremony
Spiritual healing has an ancient pedigree, with much evidence of success.
spiritual healer noun [ C ]
ˌ spiritual ˈ home noun [ C usually singular ]
a place where you feel you belong, although you were not born there, because
you have a lot in common with the people, the culture and the way of life
spiritualism noun [ U ]
the belief that living people can communicate with people who have died
spiritualist noun [ C ]
A spiritualist had told her he could give her a message from her dead husband.
spirituality noun [ U ] APPROVING
the quality of involving deep, often religious, feelings and beliefs, rather than the
physical parts of life
spirituality noun [ U ] APPROVING
the quality of involving deep, often religious, feelings and beliefs, rather than the
physical parts of life
spirogyra noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of freshwater algae (= very simple plants) formed of cells that contain a
green spiral of chloroplast
spit verb FORCE OUT
1. [ I or T ] to force out the contents of the mouth, especially saliva
Bob Ewell spat contemptuously right in the lawyer's face.
He spat the meat out in disgust.
They bought watermelons and ate them as they walked, spitting out the seeds.
2. [ I or T ] LITERARY to say or shout words quickly and angrily
[ + speech ] 'Get out!' she spat, when Ace appeared in the doorway.
3. [ I ] If something hot, such as a fire, spits, it produces short sharp noises and
throws out little pieces.
spit verb RAIN
4. [ I ] INFORMAL to rain very slightly
If it 's only spitting (with rain) , perhaps we don't need waterproofs.
be the spitting image of sb ( ALSO be the spit and (image) of sb )
to look extremely similar to someone
Josie is the spitting image of her granny at the same age.
The old man was the (dead) spit of Winston Churchill.
in/within spitting distance INFORMAL
If something is in or within spitting distance, it is very close
The house is within spitting distance of the sea.
spit blood/venom ( US ALSO spit nails , AUSTRALIAN ALSO spit tacks )
to speak in an angry way, or to show anger
I thought he was going to spit blood when he saw what had happened.
spit sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to say something quickly and angrily
He spat out an insult and marched out of the room.
Spit it out! INFORMAL
used to tell someone to start speaking or to speak more quickly, when they are
unwilling to speak or are speaking slowly
Come on, spit it out, who told you about this?
spit noun STICK
1. [ C ] a long, thin, metal stick put through a piece of food, especially meat, so
that it can be cooked above a fire
Roast the lamb on a spit.
spit noun LAND
2. [ C ] a long, thin, flat beach which goes out into the sea
spit noun FROM MOUTH
3. [ U ] ( FORMAL spittle , AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL slag ) INFORMAL saliva , especially
when it is outside the mouth
She used a little spit on a tissue to wipe the mirror clean.
spit and polish INFORMAL
careful cleaning and shining
The car needs some spit and polish.
spitball noun [ C ] US
a piece of paper that has been chewed and then rolled into a ball to be thrown or
shot at someone
spitball noun [ C ] US
a piece of paper that has been chewed and then rolled into a ball to be thrown or
shot at someone
spite noun DESPITE
1. in spite of sth
(used before one fact that makes another fact surprising) despite
In spite of his injury, Ricardo will play in Saturday's match.
2. in spite of yourself
used when you do something which you do not intend to do and which you are
trying not to do
She started to laugh, in spite of herself .
spite noun HURT
3. [ U ] a feeling of anger towards someone that makes a person want to annoy,
upset or hurt them, especially in a small way
He's the sort of man who would let down the tyres on your car just out of/from
spite.
spiteful adjective DISAPPROVING
spitefully adverb DISAPPROVING
spitefulness noun [ U ] DISAPPROVING
spite verb [ T ]
to intentionally annoy, upset or hurt someone
I almost think he died without making a will just to spite his family.
spittoon noun [ C ] ( US ALSO cuspidor )
especially in the past, a metal container on the floor in a public place for spitting
(= forcing out the contents of your mouth) into
spiv noun [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a man, especially one who is well-dressed in a way that attracts attention, who
makes money dishonestly
splash verb LIQUID
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] ( UK INFORMAL ALSO splosh ) If a liquid
splashes or if you splash a liquid, it falls on or hits something or someone
Water was splashing from a hole in the roof.
Unfortunately some paint splashed onto the rug.
She splashed her face with cold water.
She poured a large gin and splashed soda into it from a siphon.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] ( UK INFORMAL ALSO splosh ) to move in
water so that drops of it go in all directions
The kids were splashing ( about/around ) in the shallow end of the swimming
pool.
splash verb SHOW
3. [ T + adverb or preposition ] to print or show something in a very noticeable
way
Several newspapers splashed colour pictures of the Prince across their front
pages.
splash out (sth) phrasal verb UK
to spend a lot of money on buying things, especially things which are pleasant to
have but which you do not need
They splashed out £3000 on a holiday.
See also splurge
splash noun [ C ] LIQUID
1. a small amount of a liquid which has fallen or been dropped
There were several splashes of white paint on the carpet.
2. the noise of something hitting or moving in water
We heard a splash and then saw that Toni had fallen in the river.
splash noun [ C ] SHOW
3. something or someone bright or very noticeable
The little girl in her flowery dress provides the only splash of colour in the
picture.
splash adverb
The ball fell splash into the river.
make a splash
to become suddenly very successful or very well known
Jodie Foster made quite a splash in the film 'Taxi Driver'.
splash-down noun [ C usually singular U ]
a landing by a spacecraft in the sea
splash-down noun [ C usually singular U ]
a landing by a spacecraft in the sea
ˈ splash ˌ guard noun [ C ]
MAINLY US FOR mudflap
splashy adjective US
more expensive, exciting, etc. than necessary
Hollywood tends to make splashy films with lots of star actors.
splat noun [ U ] INFORMAL
the sound of something wet hitting a surface or of something hitting the surface
of a liquid
splat adverb
She fell, splat, into the water.
splatter verb [ I or T ]
(especially of a thick liquid) to hit and cover a surface with small drops, or to
cause this to happen
The bike was splattered with mud.
splay verb [ I or T ]
to spread wide apart
At one point the dancers flipped onto their backs and splayed their legs.
The petals splay out from the middle of the flower.
spleen noun ORGAN
1. [ C ] an organ near the stomach which produces and cleans the body's blood
spleen noun ANGER
2. [ U ] FORMAL a feeling of anger and disagreement
MAINLY UK She threatened, in a fit/burst of spleen, to resign.
Shareholders used the conference as an opportunity to vent their spleen on (=
get angry with) the Board of Directors.
splendid adjective FORMAL
excellent, or beautiful and impressive
We had splendid food/a splendid holiday/splendid weather.
You look splendid in that outfit.
See also resplendent
splendidly adverb
splendid adjective FORMAL
excellent, or beautiful and impressive
We had splendid food/a splendid holiday/splendid weather.
You look splendid in that outfit.
See also resplendent
splendidly adverb
splendiferous adjective HUMOROUS
splendid
splendour UK , US splendor noun
1. [ U ] great beauty which attracts admiration and attention
They bought a decaying 16th-century manor house and restored it to its original
splendour.
2. splendours
the beautiful features or qualities of a place, etc.
the splendours of Venice
splice verb [ T ]
to join two pieces of rope, film, etc. together at their ends in order to form one
long piece
Scientists have discovered how to splice pieces of DNA.
get spliced OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to get married
splice noun [ C ]
a join between two pieces of something so that they form one long piece
spliff noun [ C ] SLANG
a cigarette that you roll yourself containing the drug cannabis
spliff verb SLANG
ˌ spliff ˈ up phrasal verb
to make and light a cannabis cigarette
splint noun [ C ]
a long flat object used as a support for a broken bone so that the bone stays in a
particular position while it heals
The doctor put a splint on the arm and bandaged it up.
splinter noun [ C ]
a small sharp broken piece of wood, glass, plastic or similar material
The girl had got a splinter ( of wood) in her toe.
splinter verb [ I ]
to break into small, sharp pieces
The edges of the plastic cover had cracked and splintered.
FIGURATIVE The danger is that the Conservative Party may splinter into several
smaller political parties.
ˈ splinter ˌ group noun [ C ]
a group of people who have left a political party or other organization and formed
a new separate organization
The Socialist Workers' Party seemed to split into several splinter groups.
ˈ splinter ˌ group noun [ C ]
a group of people who have left a political party or other organization and formed
a new separate organization
The Socialist Workers' Party seemed to split into several splinter groups.
split verb DIVIDE
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) divide into two or more parts, especially along a
particular line
The prize was split between Susan and Kate.
Split the aubergines in half and cover with breadcrumbs.
The teacher split the children (up) into three groups.
INFORMAL I'll split (= share) this croissant with you.
His trousers split when he tried to jump the fence.
[ + object + adjective ] The woman had split her head open (= got a long deep
wound in her head) when she was thrown off the horse.
2. [ I ] to form cracks
The wooden floor had cracked and split in the heat.
3. [ I or T ] If the people in an organization or group split, or if something splits
them, they disagree and form smaller groups
The childcare issue has split the employers' group.
The union executive has split down the middle (= divided into two equal-sized
groups who disagree with each other) on what to do next.
A group of extremists split (off) from the Labour Party to form a new "Workers'
Communist Party".
4. split the difference
If you split the difference, you agree on a number or amount that is exactly in the
middle of the difference between two other numbers or amounts.
split verb TELL
5. [ I ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL to tell other people secret and damaging
information about someone
They knew Josie wouldn't split on them to the teacher.
split verb LEAVE
6. [ I ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL to leave a place
split your sides
to laugh a lot at something
We nearly split our sides laughing/with laughter watching Paul trying to get
the dog into the bicycle basket.
split hairs DISAPPROVING
to argue about whether small details are correct
split up phrasal verb INFORMAL
If two people split up, they end their relationship or marriage
She split up with her boyfriend last week.
See also split-up
split noun [ C ]
1. a long, thin hole in something where it has broken apart
Rain was getting in through a split in the plastic sheeting.
2. when a group of people divides into smaller groups because they disagree
about something
There is a widening split between senior managers and the rest of the workforce.
The tax issue has caused a split in/within the government.
There was a 70%, 25%, 5% split in the voting.
3. the splits UK ( US split )
the action of sitting on the floor with your legs straight out and flat along the floor
in opposite directions
Can you do the splits?
Carly did a split.
ˌ split ˈ end noun [ C usually plural ]
a hair that has divided into several parts at its end
Dry, brittle hair and split ends were the unfortunate consequence of years of
dyeing it peroxide blond.
ˌ split ˈ end noun [ C usually plural ]
a hair that has divided into several parts at its end
Dry, brittle hair and split ends were the unfortunate consequence of years of
dyeing it peroxide blond.
ˌ split in ˈ finitive noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a phrase in which an adverb or other word is put between "to" and an infinitive .
Some people consider split infinitives to be bad grammar, but they are becoming more
acceptable
'To quickly decide' is an example of a split infinitive.
split-level adjective
A split-level building or room has floors at slightly different heights.
ˌ split ˈ pea noun [ C usually plural ]
a dried pea that has been separated into its two halves, used especially in soups
ˌ split person ˈ ality noun [ C usually singular ]
Someone with a split personality behaves so differently at different times that
they seem to have more than one character.
ˌ split ˈ pin noun [ C ]
a thin metal rod divided into two parts which open out in order to fasten parts of a
machine
ˌ split ˈ second noun [ S ]
a very short moment of time
They brought out guns and for a split second nobody moved.
We had to make a split-second (= very quick) decision.
splitting adjective
splitting headache
a very severe pain that you feel in your head
split-up noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
when two people end their relationship
See also split up
splodge noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY splotch ) INFORMAL
a mark or spot that does not have a regular shape
He put his hand on the bed, and left a splodge of blood on the bedspread.
splodge noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY splotch ) INFORMAL
a mark or spot that does not have a regular shape
He put his hand on the bed, and left a splodge of blood on the bedspread.
splosh verb [ I ] , noun [ C ]
MAINLY UK INFORMAL FOR splash (LIQUID) .
splurge verb [ I or T ] INFORMAL
to spend a lot of money on buying goods, especially expensive goods; splash out
I feel like splurging (out) on a new dress.
splurge noun [ C ]
splutter verb [ I ]
(of a person) to speak in a quick and confused way, producing short unclear
noises because of surprise, anger, etc., or (of a person or thing) to make a series of
noises similar to this
The old gentleman was spluttering with indignation.
[ + speech ] "But, er ... when, um, ... how?" he spluttered.
She took too big a gulp of whisky and started to cough and splutter.
splutter noun [ C ]
spod noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a person who is boring and unfashionable and, as a student, works very hard
spoil verb DESTROY
1. [ T ] to destroy or reduce the pleasure, interest or beauty of something
He tried not to let the bad news spoil his evening.
The oil spill has spoilt the whole beautiful coastline.
I haven't seen the film, so don't spoil it for me by telling me what happens.
You'll spoil your appetite for dinner if you have a cake now.
2. [ I or T ] When food spoils or is spoilt, it is no longer good enough to eat
The dessert will spoil if you don't keep it in the fridge.
3. [ T ] UK SPECIALIZED to mark a ballot paper so that it cannot be officially counted
as a vote
Since she supported none of the candidates, she spoiled her ballot paper.
spoil verb TREAT WELL
4. [ T ] to treat someone very or too well, especially by being extremely generous
When I'm feeling miserable I go shopping and spoil myself - a couple of new
dresses always make me feel better.
spoil verb CHILD
5. [ T ] DISAPPROVING to allow a child to behave exactly as it wants to, usually so
that it becomes selfish and does not care for and show respect to other people
Mr Harvey, unable for once to do exactly as he wanted, sulked just like a spoilt
child .
be spoiling for a fight
to be very eager to fight or argue
Local councillors are spoiling for a fight over plans to close two village schools.
be spoilt for choice
to be unable to choose because there are so many possible good choices
There's so much good theatre and cinema in London, really one is spoilt for
choice.
spoil sb's party ( ALSO spoil the party for sb )
to cause trouble for someone at a moment when they are enjoying a success
spoil sb rotten
to do whatever someone wants you to do or to give them anything they want
The children are spoiled rotten by their grandparents.
spoil noun EARTH
1. [ U ] earth, stones, etc. dug out from a hole in the ground
a spoil heap
spoil noun PROFITS
2. spoils FORMAL
goods, advantages, profits, etc. that you get by your actions or because of your
position or situation
The spoils of victory/war included mounds of treasure and armour.
spoiler noun [ C ] CAR PART
1. a device on a car or aircraft which is positioned so that it stops the air from
flowing around the vehicle in a smooth way and so helps to control it
spoiler noun [ C ] TAKING ATTENTION
2. a newspaper article, television programme, etc. that is produced just before or
at the same time as another similar one in order to take attention away from it
spoiler noun [ C ] CAR PART
1. a device on a car or aircraft which is positioned so that it stops the air from
flowing around the vehicle in a smooth way and so helps to control it
spoiler noun [ C ] TAKING ATTENTION
2. a newspaper article, television programme, etc. that is produced just before or
at the same time as another similar one in order to take attention away from it
spoilsport noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who stops other people from enjoying themselves
She did ask her dad if she could have a big party, but the old spoilsport refused.
spoke verb
PAST SIMPLE OF speak
spoke noun [ C ]
any of the rods that join the edge of a wheel to its centre, so giving the wheel its
strength
a bicycle spoke
put a spoke in sb's wheel, etc. INFORMAL
to make it difficult for someone to achieve something they had planned to do
His letter really put a spoke in our plans.
spoken verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF speak
-spoken suffix
speaking in a particular way
a softly-spoken young man
a well-spoken lady
ˈ spoken ˌ for adjective [ after verb ]
1. describes something that is not available because someone has already bought
or asked for it
Most of the best paintings in the exhibition were already spoken for.
2. OLD-FASHIONED describes someone who is not available for a romantic
relationship because they are already having one with someone else
Both girls were spoken for.
spokesman noun [ C ] ( ALSO spokesperson )
someone who is chosen by a group or organization to speak officially to the public
for them
a government spokesperson
spokeswoman noun [ C ]
a female spokesman
a spokeswoman for the environmental group Greenpeace
spokeswoman noun [ C ]
a female spokesman
a spokeswoman for the environmental group Greenpeace
spondulicks , spondulix plural noun OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL HUMOROUS FOR
money
sponge noun SUBSTANCE
sponge
1. [ C ] a soft substance that is full of small holes and can absorb a lot of liquid,
and is used for washing and cleaning
2. [ S ] when you rub something or someone with a wet sponge or cloth in order
to clean them
Give it a sponge with a damp cloth - that will remove the blood stains.
sponge noun CAKE
sponge
3. [ C or U ] ( ALSO sponge cake ) a soft cake made with eggs, sugar and flour but
usually no fat
sponge verb GET MONEY
1. [ I or T ] DISAPPROVING to get money, food, etc. from other people, especially in
order to live without working
sponging off the state
sponge verb CLEAN
2. [ T ] ( ALSO sponge down ) to rub something or someone with a wet sponge or
cloth, especially to clean them
Most food stains will come off if you sponge the material with a little detergent.
The doctor told me to sponge Erik down with cold water in order to lower his
temperature.
ˈ sponge ˌ bag noun [ C ] UK
a small waterproof bag used for carrying your toothbrush , facecloth , soap, etc.
when you are travelling
ˈ sponge ˌ bag noun [ C ] UK
a small waterproof bag used for carrying your toothbrush , facecloth , soap, etc.
when you are travelling
sponger noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a person who gets money, food, etc. from other people, especially in order to live
without working
ˌ sponge ˈ rubber noun [ U ]
US FOR foam rubber
spongy adjective
soft and able to absorb or having already absorbed a lot of liquid, like a sponge
sponsor verb [ T ]
to support a person, organization or activity by giving money, encouragement or
other help
The team is sponsored by JVC, so the players wear the letters JVC on their shirts.
Eva said she was doing a ten-mile walk for charity and asked if I'd sponsor her
for £1 a mile.
sponsor noun [ C ]
All the major theatres now have sponsors, especially for high-cost productions.
sponsorship noun [ U ]
The orchestra receives £2 million a year in sponsorship from companies.
spontaneous adjective
happening or done in a natural, often sudden way, without any planning or
without being forced
His jokes seemed spontaneous, but were in fact carefully prepared beforehand.
APPROVING She's such a spontaneous, lively woman.
spontaneity noun [ U ] APPROVING
The script has a refreshing spontaneity and sparkle.
spontaneously adverb
The liquid spontaneously ignited.
spon ˌ taneous com ˈ bustion noun [ U ]
when something burns without any obvious cause
spon ˌ taneous com ˈ bustion noun [ U ]
when something burns without any obvious cause
spoof noun [ C ]
a funny and silly piece of writing, music, theatre, etc. that copies the style of an
original work
They did a spoof on/of the Nine O'Clock News.
It was a spoof cowboy film.
spoof verb [ I or T ] US INFORMAL
to try to make someone believe in something that is not true, as a joke
spook noun [ C ] SPIRIT
1. INFORMAL FOR ghost (SPIRIT)
The film was dreadful - all spooks and vampires.
spook noun [ C ] PERSON
2. US FOR spy (SECRET PERSON) .
spook verb [ T ]
to frighten a person or animal
Seeing the police car outside the house really spooked them.
spooky adjective INFORMAL
strange and frightening
It was a spooky coincidence.
spool noun [ C ]
a tube-shaped object with top and bottom edges that stick out and around which
a length of thread, wire, film, etc. is wrapped in order to store it
a spool of cotton/film
spoon noun [ C ]
1. an object consisting of a round hollow part and a handle, used for mixing,
serving and eating food
2. (used as a combining form)
a soup spoon
a teaspoon
3. ( ALSO spoonful ) an amount held in a particular spoon
a couple of spoons of sauce
spoon verb [ T + adv/prep ]
to move something, especially food, using a spoon
He spooned the mush into the baby's open mouth.
Spoon a little sauce over the fish.
spoonerism noun [ C ]
a mistake made when speaking in which the first sounds of two words are
exchanged with each other to produce a not intended and usually funny meaning
The Reverend William Spooner used to produce spoonerisms such as 'a scoop of
boy trouts', instead of what he had meant to say - 'a troop of boy scouts'.
spoonerism noun [ C ]
a mistake made when speaking in which the first sounds of two words are
exchanged with each other to produce a not intended and usually funny meaning
The Reverend William Spooner used to produce spoonerisms such as 'a scoop of
boy trouts', instead of what he had meant to say - 'a troop of boy scouts'.
spoon-feed verb [ T ] FEED
1. to feed a baby or other person using a spoon
spoon-feed verb [ T ] PROVIDE INFORMATION
2. DISAPPROVING to give someone so much help or information that they do not
need to try themselves
By giving out printed sheets of facts and theories, the teachers spoon-fed us with
what we needed for the exam.
spoonful noun [ C ]
spoonful
an amount held in a particular spoon
a spoonful of mustard
spoor noun [ S ] SPECIALIZED
the marks left by a wild animal as it travels
sporadic adjective
happening sometimes; not regular or continuous
sporadic gunfire
a sporadic electricity supply
More than 100 people have been killed this year in sporadic outbursts of ethnic
violence.
sporadically adverb
spore noun [ C ]
a reproductive cell produced by some plants and simple organisms such as ferns
and mushrooms
sporran noun [ C ]
a small bag usually made of fur worn in front of the kilt (= type of skirt) by a
person wearing traditional Scottish clothes
sport noun GAME
1. [ C ] a game, competition or activity needing physical effort and skill that is
played or done according to rules, for enjoyment and/or as a job
Football, cricket and hockey are all team sports.
I enjoy winter sports like skiing and skating.
See pictures sports 3 , sports 4 , sports 1 , sports 2
2. [ U ] UK all types of physical activity which people do to keep healthy or for
enjoyment
She used to do/play a lot of sport when she was younger.
3. [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED fun or enjoyment
sport noun PERSON
4. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a pleasant, positive, generous person who does not
complain about things they are asked to do or about games that they lose
Oh, Douglas - be a (good) sport and give me a lift to the station.
See also spoilsport
5. [ C ] AUSTRALIAN a friendly way of talking to a man or boy
[ as form of address ] Hello sport - how are you?
sport verb [ T ]
to wear or be decorated with something
Back in the 1960s he sported bell-bottom trousers, platform heels and hair down
past his shoulders.
The front of the car sported a German flag.
sporting adjective
1. relating to sports
The Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world.
2. OLD-FASHIONED showing fairness and respect towards an opposing team or player
sporting adjective
1. relating to sports
The Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world.
2. OLD-FASHIONED showing fairness and respect towards an opposing team or player
ˌ sporting ˈ chance noun [ S ]
If there is a sporting chance that something good will happen, it is possible that it
will happen
It's not definite that they'll accept our offer, but there's a sporting chance.
sports adjective [ before noun ]
relating to sport
sports equipment.
It's the school sports day on Monday.
ˈ sports ˌ car noun [ C ]
sports car
a fast low car, often for two people only
sportscast noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a radio or television broadcast giving only sports news
sportscaster noun [ C ] MAINLY US
someone who appears on television or radio, giving information and news about
sports events
ˈ sports ˌ centre noun [ C ] UK ( US ˈ sports ˌ center )
a building where you can play different sports
ˈ sports ˌ jacket noun [ C ]
a man's jacket made of tweed (= thick cloth made from wool)
sportsman noun [ C ]
1. a man who plays sport, especially well
2. someone who plays sport in a way that shows respect and fairness towards the
opposing player or team
He'll be remembered both as a brilliant footballer and as a true sportsman.
sportsmanlike adjective
behaving in a fair and respectful way towards the opposing team or player when
playing sport
sportsmanlike adjective
behaving in a fair and respectful way towards the opposing team or player when
playing sport
sportsmanship noun [ U ]
when you behave in a fair and respectful way towards the opposing team or
player when playing sport
sportsperson noun [ C ]
someone who plays sport, especially well
He was voted Sportsperson of the Year.
sportswear noun [ U ]
(used especially in shops) clothes that are worn for sports or other physical
activities
sportswoman noun [ C ]
a woman who plays sport, especially well
a famous/keen/talented sportswoman
sporty adjective FOR SPORT
1. describes someone who enjoys sport and is good at it
Guy wasn't really the sporty type.
2. describes clothes that are bright and informal, often looking like the type of
clothes that you could wear for sports
sporty adjective FAST
3. A sporty car is a fast low car, often for two people only.
spot noun [ C ] CIRCLE
1. a small, usually round area of colour which is differently coloured or lighter or
darker than the surface around it
He had a spot of grease on his tie.
2. one of many spots, that form a pattern
I wore that skirt with the green spots.
3. UK a raised pale red circle on the skin which is temporary
Teenagers often suffer a lot from spots.
4. MAINLY UK a small amount
I felt a few spots of rain.
Shall we stop for a spot of lunch?
I'm having a spot of bother (= some trouble) with one of my back teeth.
spot noun [ C ] PLACE
5. a particular place
This looks like a nice spot for a picnic.
6. on the spot
a. at the place where an event is happening or has recently happened
The police were called and they were on the spot within three minutes.
b. immediately
You can be sacked on the spot for stealing.
spot noun [ C ] PART OF A SHOW
7. a short length of time in a show which is given to a particular performer
She's doing a regular five-minute spot on his show.
put sb on the spot
If you put someone on the spot, you cause them embarrassment or difficulty by
forcing them at that moment to answer a difficult question or make an important
decision.
Mira rather put the boss on the spot by asking him when he was going to give us
a pay-rise.
spot verb SEE
1. [ T ] to see or notice someone or something, usually because you are looking
hard
I've just spotted Malcolm - he's over there, near the entrance.
If you spot any mistakes in the article just mark them with a pencil.
[ + -ing verb ] The police spotted him driv ing a stolen car.
[ + question word ] I soon spotted wh at was wrong with the printer.
[ + that ] The policewoman spotted that I hadn't got my seat belt on and
signalled me to stop.
2. well spotted UK
used to praise someone who has noticed something
"I've just seen your glasses - they're under the table." "Ah, well spotted!"
spot verb RAIN
3. [ I ] UK If someone says it's spotting (with rain), they mean that a few drops of
rain are falling.
ˌ spot ˈ check noun [ C ]
a quick examination of a few members of a group instead of the whole group
The police are doing spot checks on motorists to test alcohol levels.
ˌ spot ˈ check noun [ C ]
a quick examination of a few members of a group instead of the whole group
The police are doing spot checks on motorists to test alcohol levels.
ˈ spot ˌ fine noun [ C ]
a fine (= money you have to pay as a punishment) that is given to you at the
time of breaking the law
spotless adjective CLEAN
1. extremely clean
Her home is spotless.
spotless adjective GOOD
2. spotless character/record/reputation, etc.
a very good and honest character, etc
She was young and pretty, with a spotless reputation.
spotlessly adverb
The kitchen is spotlessly clean .
spotlight noun [ C ]
1. ( UK INFORMAL spot ) (a circle of strong light which is sent from) a lamp whose
beam can be directed
2. in the spotlight
(of a person) receiving a lot of public attention
The senator has been in the spotlight recently since the revelation of his tax
frauds.
spotlight verb [ T ]
spotlight
1. to light something or someone with a spotlight
The paintings in the alcove were spotlit from below.
2. If something spotlights a particular situation, it directs public attention to it.
spot-on adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL
exactly right
"How old do I reckon she is? I'd say thirty-eight." "Spot-on."
spotted adjective
covered in small, usually round areas of colour
a spotted toad
She was wearing a black and white spotted dress.
spotted adjective
covered in small, usually round areas of colour
a spotted toad
She was wearing a black and white spotted dress.
ˌ spotted ˈ dick noun [ C or U ] UK
a hot sweet dish, consisting of cake and dried fruit
ˌ spotted ˈ gum noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a tree that has a trunk that is pale with small darker areas
-spotter suffix
describes a person whose job or interest is to notice people or things of the type
mentioned
a talent-spotter
UK a train-spotter
-spotting suffix
talent-spotting
spotty adjective SKIN
1. UK describes a person with spots on their skin
I knew him when he was just a spotty youth.
spotty adjective NOT ALWAYS GOOD
2. US ( UK AND AUSTRALIAN ENGLISH patchy ) bad in some parts
She has a fairly spotty work record.
Sales have picked up a little but they're still spotty.
spot-welding noun [ U ]
a way of joining together two pieces of wire or two flat pieces of metal by sending
an electric current through small areas of them
spouse noun [ C ] FORMAL OR LEGAL
a person's husband or wife
In 60% of the households surveyed both spouses went out to work.
spout verb SPEAK
1. [ T I + adverb or preposition ] DISAPPROVING to speak a lot, in a way that is
boring or annoying for other people
He spouts a load of pretentious nonsense and people are stupid enough to believe
him!
I really don't want to listen to Mike spouting on/off all afternoon.
spout verb FLOW
2. [ I + adverb or preposition T ] to flow or send out liquid or flames quickly and
with force, in a straight line
Flames spouted (out) from the oil wells.
The gash was spouting blood.
spout noun [ C ] OPENING
1. a tube-shaped opening which allows liquids to be poured out of a container
See picture spout
spout noun [ C ] FLOW
2. a stream of liquid coming out of something with some force
A spout of water shot out of the geyser.
be up the spout UK SLANG
to be pregnant
up the spout UK SLANG
wasted or spoiled
Peter lost his job so that was our holiday plans up the spout.
sprain verb [ T ]
to cause an injury to a joint (= place where two bones are connected) in the body
by a sudden movement
She sprained her ankle playing squash.
sprain noun [ C ]
He hasn't broken anything - it's just a bad sprain.
sprang verb
PAST SIMPLE OF spring
sprat noun [ C ]
a small fish that can be eaten which lives in the sea
sprawl verb DISAPPROVING BODY
1. [ I ] to spread the arms and legs out carelessly and untidily while sitting or
lying down
I knocked into her in the corridor and sent her sprawling (= knocked her over) .
sprawl verb DISAPPROVING CITY
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] (especially of a city) to cover a large area
of land with buildings which have been added at different times so that it looks untidy
The refugee camps sprawl across the landscape.
sprawled adjective [ after verb ]
He was sprawled ( out) on the floor.
sprawling adjective
sprawling suburbs
sprawl noun DISAPPROVING BODY
sprawl
1. [ U ] a position with the arms and legs spread out carelessly and untidily while
sitting or lying down
sprawl noun DISAPPROVING CITY
2. [ C usually singular ] a large area of land covered with buildings which have
been added at different times so that it looks untidy
the urban sprawl of South Florida
spray noun LIQUID
1. [ U ] a mass of very small drops of liquid carried in the air
Can you feel the spray from the sea/waterfall?
2. [ C ] a liquid which is forced out of a special container under pressure so that it
becomes a mass of small liquid drops like a cloud
a quick spray of perfume/polish
3. [ C ] a mass of small drops of liquid scattered onto plants and crops, etc. from
a special piece of equipment, or the piece of equipment itself
Farmers use a lot of chemical sprays on crops.
spray noun FLOWERS
4. [ C ] a single small branch or stem with leaves and flowers on it
All the wedding guests wore sprays of carnations.
spray verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to spread liquid in small drops over an area
[ R ] She sprayed herself with perfume.
Vandals had sprayed graffiti on the wall.
The pipe burst and water was spraying everywhere.
FIGURATIVE Rush hour commuters were sprayed with bullets by a gunman in a
car.
spray noun LIQUID
spray noun FLOWERS
car.
sprayer noun [ C ]
a device for sending out small drops of liquid, especially chemicals used in the
garden
ˈ spray ˌ gun noun [ C ]
a device which is held in the hand and used for sending out liquid such as paint in
very small drops
spread verb [ I or T ]
spread
to (cause to) cover, reach or have an effect on a wider or increasing area
The fire spread very rapidly because of the strong wind.
It started off as cancer of the liver but it spread to other areas of the body.
The redundancies are spread across the clothing, banking and building industries.
We spread the picnic rug out on the ground and sat down to eat.
The AIDS virus is spread (= given to other people) through contact with blood and
other body fluids.
Are you spreading (= telling a lot of people) gossip/rumours again?
If we spread (= divide) the work between us, it won't seem so bad.
She spread her toast with a thick layer of butter./She spread a thick layer of
butter on her toast.
It's a special sort of butter that spreads easily even when cold.
The suburbs spread (out) for miles to either side of the city.
Slowly a smile spread across her face.
spread your wings
to use your abilities for the first time in your life to do new and exciting things
She'd been working for the same company for fifteen years and it was time to
leave and spread her wings.
spread the word
to communicate a message to a lot of people
We've arranged a meeting for next Thursday so if you see anyone do spread the
word.
spread yourself too thin
to try to do too many things at the same time, so that you cannot give enough
time or attention to any of them
I realised I'd been spreading myself too thin so I resigned as secretary of the golf
club.
spread out phrasal verb
If people spread out, they move from being close together in a group to being in
different places across a larger area
They spread out to search the whole area.
spread sth over sth phrasal verb
to arrange for something to happen in stages during a period of time
The course is spread over two years.
The repayments on the loan can be spread out over three years.
spread noun AREA COVERED
1. [ S ] when something moves to cover a larger area or affect a larger number of
people
The spread of AIDS in the last few years has been alarming.
2. [ S ] the area or range covered by something
The survey found a wide spread of opinion over the proposed new building.
3. [ C ] a large article or advertisement covering one or more pages in a
newspaper or magazine
There's a double-page spread on the latest fashions.
spread noun SOFT FOOD
4. [ C or U ] a soft food for putting on bread and biscuits
cheese/chocolate/fish spread
There's bread and various spreads for tea.
spread noun LAND
5. [ C ] US FOR ranch
spread noun MEAL
6. [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED OR US a meal, especially one for a special occasion with a
lot of different dishes arranged on a table
Sheila laid on / UK ALSO put on (= made) a lovely spread for us.
spread-eagled adjective [ usually after verb ]
spread-eagled
describes someone who is lying with their arms and legs stretched out
William was lying spread-eagled on the grass, blind drunk. I really don't want to
listen to Mike spouting on/off all afternoon.
spout verb FLOW
See picture spout
to be pregnant
wasted or spoiled
sprain verb [ T ]
sprain noun [ C ]
spout verb SPEAK
1. [ T I + adverb or preposition ] DISAPPROVING to speak a lot, in a way that is
boring or annoying for other people
He spouts a load of pretentious nonsense and people are stupid enough to believe
him!
I really don't want to listen to Mike spouting on/off all afternoon.
spout verb FLOW
See picture spout
to be pregnant
wasted or spoiled
sprain verb [ T ]
sprain noun [ C ]
sprang verb
PAST SIMPLE OF spring
sprat noun [ C ]
a small fish that can be eaten which lives in the sea
sprawl verb DISAPPROVING BODY
1. [ I ] to spread the arms and legs out carelessly and untidily while sitting or
lying down
I knocked into her in the corridor and sent her sprawling (= knocked her over) .
sprawl verb DISAPPROVING CITY
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] (especially of a city) to cover a large area
of land with buildings which have been added at different times so that it looks untidy
The refugee camps sprawl across the landscape.
sprawled adjective [ after verb ]
He was sprawled ( out) on the floor.
sprawling adjective
sprawling suburbs
sprawl noun DISAPPROVING BODY
sprawl
1. [ U ] a position with the arms and legs spread out carelessly and untidily while
sitting or lying down
sprawl noun DISAPPROVING CITY
2. [ C usually singular ] a large area of land covered with buildings which have
been added at different times so that it looks untidy
the urban sprawl of South Florida
spray noun LIQUID
spray noun FLOWERS
car.
sprayer noun [ C ]
a device for sending out small drops of liquid, especially chemicals used in the
garden
ˈ spray ˌ gun noun [ C ]
a device which is held in the hand and used for sending out liquid such as paint in
very small drops
spread verb [ I or T ]
spread
to (cause to) cover, reach or have an effect on a wider or increasing area
The fire spread very rapidly because of the strong wind.
It started off as cancer of the liver but it spread to other areas of the body.
The redundancies are spread across the clothing, banking and building industries.
We spread the picnic rug out on the ground and sat down to eat.
The AIDS virus is spread (= given to other people) through contact with blood and
other body fluids.
Are you spreading (= telling a lot of people) gossip/rumours again?
If we spread (= divide) the work between us, it won't seem so bad.
She spread her toast with a thick layer of butter./She spread a thick layer of
butter on her toast.
It's a special sort of butter that spreads easily even when cold.
The suburbs spread (out) for miles to either side of the city.
Slowly a smile spread across her face.
spread your wings
to use your abilities for the first time in your life to do new and exciting things
She'd been working for the same company for fifteen years and it was time to
leave and spread her wings.
spread the word
to communicate a message to a lot of people
We've arranged a meeting for next Thursday so if you see anyone do spread the
word.
spread yourself too thin
to try to do too many things at the same time, so that you cannot give enough
time or attention to any of them
I realised I'd been spreading myself too thin so I resigned as secretary of the golf
club.
spread out phrasal verb
If people spread out, they move from being close together in a group to being in
different places across a larger area
They spread out to search the whole area.
spread sth over sth phrasal verb
to arrange for something to happen in stages during a period of time
The course is spread over two years.
The repayments on the loan can be spread out over three years.
spread noun AREA COVERED
1. [ S ] when something moves to cover a larger area or affect a larger number of
people
The spread of AIDS in the last few years has been alarming.
2. [ S ] the area or range covered by something
The survey found a wide spread of opinion over the proposed new building.
3. [ C ] a large article or advertisement covering one or more pages in a
newspaper or magazine
There's a double-page spread on the latest fashions.
spread noun SOFT FOOD
4. [ C or U ] a soft food for putting on bread and biscuits
cheese/chocolate/fish spread
There's bread and various spreads for tea.
spread noun LAND
5. [ C ] US FOR ranch
spread noun MEAL
6. [ C ] UK OLD-FASHIONED OR US a meal, especially one for a special occasion with a
lot of different dishes arranged on a table
Sheila laid on / UK ALSO put on (= made) a lovely spread for us.
spread-eagled adjective [ usually after verb ]
spread-eagled
describes someone who is lying with their arms and legs stretched out
William was lying spread-eagled on the grass, blind drunk.
spreadsheet noun [ C ]
a computer program, used especially in business, which allows you to do financial
calculations and plans
spree noun [ C ]
a short period of doing a particular, usually enjoyable, activity much more than is
usual
I went on a drinking/shopping/spending spree on Saturday.
Twenty people were shot dead in the city making it the worst killing spree since
the riots.
spree noun [ C ]
a short period of doing a particular, usually enjoyable, activity much more than is
usual
I went on a drinking/shopping/spending spree on Saturday.
Twenty people were shot dead in the city making it the worst killing spree since
the riots.
sprig noun [ C ]
a single small plant stem with leaves on it
Garnish the dish with sprigs of parsley.
sprightly adjective
(especially of old people) energetic and in good health
He's a sprightly old man of seventy-five.
sprightliness noun [ U ]
spring noun SEASON
1. [ C or U ] the season of the year between winter and summer, lasting from
March to June north of the equator , and from September to December south of the
equator, when the weather becomes warmer, leaves and plants start to grow again and
flowers appear
spring flowers/weather
Many bulbs bloom in (the) spring.
Janet's coming over for a couple of weeks next spring.
spring noun CURVED METAL
2. [ C ] a piece of curved or bent metal that can be pressed into a smaller space
but then returns to its usual shape
The children have jumped on the couch so much that they've ruined the springs.
3. [ U ] something's ability to return to its usual shape after it has been pressed
Over the years the mattress has lost its spring.
spring noun WATER
4. [ C ] ( ALSO springs ) a place where water naturally flows out from the ground
bubbling/hot springs
a spring in your step
If you walk with or have a spring in your step, you walk energetically in a way
that shows you are feeling happy and confident
There's been a definite spring in his step ever since he met Joanna.
spring verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] MOVE QUICKLY
1. to move quickly and suddenly towards a particular place
I sprang out of bed to answer the door.
The organization is ready to spring into action (= start taking action) the
moment it receives its funding.
He always springs to his feet when she walks in the room.
FIGURATIVE I noticed the way you sprang to his defence when Caroline started
joking about his clothes.
The lid of the box sprang shut.
spring verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] APPEAR SUDDENLY
2. to appear or start to exist suddenly
Thousands of new businesses have sprung up in the past couple of years.
INFORMAL "Where did you spring from ? - I didn't see you come in!"
spring to life
to suddenly become very active or busy
After about 8 o'clock the city springs to life.
spring to mind
to come quickly into your mind
Say the word 'Australia' and a vision of beaches and blue seas immediately
springs to mind.
spring from sth phrasal verb
to come from or be a result of something
His need to be liked obviously springs from a deep-rooted insecurity.
spring sth on sb phrasal verb
to suddenly tell or ask someone something when they do not expect it
I hope he's not going to spring any nasty surprises on us at the meeting this
morning.
springboard noun [ C ] SPORT
1. a board that can bend which helps you to jump higher when jumping or diving
into a swimming pool or when doing gymnastics
springboard noun [ C ] GOOD START
2. something which provides you either with the opportunity to follow a particular
plan of action, or the encouragement that is needed to make it successful
The firm's director is confident that the new project will act as a springboard
for/to further contracts.
springboard noun [ C ] SPORT
1. a board that can bend which helps you to jump higher when jumping or diving
into a swimming pool or when doing gymnastics
springboard noun [ C ] GOOD START
2. something which provides you either with the opportunity to follow a particular
plan of action, or the encouragement that is needed to make it successful
The firm's director is confident that the new project will act as a springboard
for/to further contracts.
springbok noun [ C ]
an animal like a small deer that lives in southern Africa, is reddish brown with a
white back end and can jump very high
ˌ spring ˈ chicken noun HUMOROUS
be no spring chicken
to be no longer young
spring-clean verb [ T ]
to clean all of a place, especially your house, very well, including parts you do not
often clean
spring-clean noun [ S ] UK
I gave the kitchen a spring-clean at the weekend.
spring-cleaning noun [ U ]
to do some spring-cleaning
ˌ spring ˈ greens plural noun UK
the leaves of young cabbage plants, eaten as vegetables
ˌ spring ˈ onion noun [ C ] UK ( US green onion )
spring onion
a long thin green and white onion that is often eaten uncooked
ˌ spring ˈ roll noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO pancake roll , US ALSO egg roll )
a savoury Chinese pancake which is rolled up, filled with small pieces of
vegetables and sometimes meat and fried
springtime noun [ U ]
the season of spring
In (the) springtime the woods are full of bluebells.
springy adjective
returning quickly to the usual shape, after being pulled, pushed, crushed, etc
The turf feels very springy underfoot.
springy adjective
returning quickly to the usual shape, after being pulled, pushed, crushed, etc
The turf feels very springy underfoot.
sprinkle verb [ T ]
sprinkle
to drop a few pieces or drops of something over a surface
Sprinkle a few herbs on the pizza./Sprinkle the pizza with a few herbs.
FIGURATIVE The speech was liberally sprinkled with (= contained many) jokes about
the incident.
sprinkle noun [ C usually singular ] ( US ALSO sprinkling )
a very light fall of rain or snow which lasts only a short time
sprinkler noun [ C ]
1. a piece of equipment for putting water onto fires in a lot of small drops to put
them out
2. a device with a lot of small holes which you put on the end of a hose in order to
water plants, grass, etc.
sprinkling noun [ C usually singular ]
small pieces or drops of something that are dropped over a surface
Top each bowl with a generous sprinkling of fresh mint.
FIGURATIVE The audience were mainly women with a sprinkling (= a small number)
of earnest-looking men.
FIGURATIVE Looking young for his forty years, he has just a sprinkling (= a small
number) of grey hairs at the temples.
See picture amounts of food
sprint verb [ I ]
to run as fast as you can over a short distance, either in a race or because you
are in a great hurry to get somewhere
We had to sprint to catch the bus.
sprinter noun [ C ]
a world-class sprinter
sprint noun
1. [ C ] a short and very fast race, such as the 100-metre race, or the last part of
a longer running race which is run as fast as possible
the 100-metre sprint
2. [ S ] a very fast run that someone makes when they are in a great hurry to get
somewhere
He suddenly broke into (= started) a sprint.
sprite noun [ C ] LITERARY
a fairy (= small imaginary person with wings) especially one connected with water
a sea/water sprite
sprite noun [ C ] LITERARY
a fairy (= small imaginary person with wings) especially one connected with water
a sea/water sprite
spritz verb [ I ] US
to spray a mass of very small drops of liquid out of a container, usually by
pressing a part of the container
After you've applied your powder, spritz with a little mineral water.
spritz noun [ C ]
A quick spritz of scent and I'm ready.
spritzer noun [ C ]
a drink made with white wine and especially soda water (= water with bubbles)
spritzig adjective AUSTRALIAN
describes wine that is slightly fizzy (= with bubbles)
sprocket (wheel) noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a device like a wheel with one or more rows of tooth-like parts sticking out which
keeps a chain moving on a bicycle or pulls film, paper, etc. through a machine
sprog noun [ C ] UK SLANG
a baby or young child
She's got a couple of sprogs now.
sprog verb [ I ] UK SLANG
to have a baby
Has she sprogged yet?
sprout verb
1. [ I or T ] to produce leaves, hair and other new developing parts, or (of leaves,
hair and other developing parts) to begin to grow
It takes about three days for the seeds to sprout.
Your hair is sticking up - it looks like you're sprouting horns!
2. [ I ] ( ALSO sprout up ) INFORMAL If a large number of things sprout (up), they
suddenly appear or begin to exist
New factories have sprouted up everywhere.
sprout noun [ C ]
1. a part of a plant that is just beginning to grow
2. MAINLY UK a brussels sprout
spruce noun [ C or U ]
an evergreen (= never losing its leaves) tree with leaves like needles, or the wood
from this tree which is a pale colour
spruce adjective APPROVING
(of a person) tidy and clean in appearance
He looked spruce and handsome in a clean white shirt.
spruce verb
spruce sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to make someone or something cleaner and tidier or to improve the way they
appear generally
[ R ] I thought I'd have a shave and generally spruce myself up for the interview.
They've employed an advertising agency to spruce up the company image.
spruce noun [ C or U ]
an evergreen (= never losing its leaves) tree with leaves like needles, or the wood
from this tree which is a pale colour
spruce adjective APPROVING
(of a person) tidy and clean in appearance
He looked spruce and handsome in a clean white shirt.
spruce verb
spruce sb/sth up phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to make someone or something cleaner and tidier or to improve the way they
appear generally
[ R ] I thought I'd have a shave and generally spruce myself up for the interview.
They've employed an advertising agency to spruce up the company image.
sprung verb
spring
PAST PARTICIPLE OF
sprung adjective UK ( US spring )
(of furniture) using springs (= curved pieces of metal) to give support
spry adjective
(especially of older people) active and able to move quickly and energetically
He was amazingly spry for a man of almost 80.
spud noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a potato
spun verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF spin
spunk noun BRAVERY
1. [ U ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL bravery and determination
spunk noun SEXUAL LIQUID
2. [ U ] OFFENSIVE semen (= liquid sent out through the penis during sexual
activity)
spunk noun ATTRACTIVE MAN
3. [ C ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL a sexually attractive man
spunky adjective BRAVE
1. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL brave and determined
spunky adjective ATTRACTIVE
2. AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL describes a man who is sexually attractive
spur verb [ T ] ENCOURAGE
1. to encourage an activity or development or make it happen faster
Rising consumer sales have the effect of spurring the economy to faster growth.
Spurred (on) by her early success, she went on to write four more novels in rapid
succession.
spur verb [ T ] SHARP OBJECT
2. to push spurs into the side of a horse to make it go faster
He spurred his horse on and shouted "Faster! Faster!"
spur noun [ C ] SHARP OBJECT
1. a sharp, metal, wheel-shaped object which is fixed to the heel of boots worn by
people riding horses and is used to encourage the horse to go faster
spur noun [ C ] MOUNTAIN
2. a high piece of land which sticks out from a mountain or a group of mountains
spur noun [ C ] ENCOURAGEMENT
3. something that acts as an encouragement for an activity or development
The manager said that the team's win on Saturday would be a spur to even
greater effort this season.
spur-of-the-moment INFORMAL
describes a decision, action, etc. that is sudden and done without any planning
We hadn't planned to go away - it was one of those spur-of-the-moment
decisions .
We just jumped in a car on the spur of the moment and drove to the seaside.
win/gain your spurs
to achieve something which proves that you are skilled in a particular type of
activity and to therefore win the respect of other people
He won his political spurs fighting hospital closures during his time as a local
councillor in Bristol.
spurious adjective
false and not what it appears to be, or (of reasons and judgments) based on
something that has not been correctly understood and therefore false
Some of the arguments in favour of shutting the factory are questionable and
others downright spurious.
spurious adjective
false and not what it appears to be, or (of reasons and judgments) based on
something that has not been correctly understood and therefore false
Some of the arguments in favour of shutting the factory are questionable and
others downright spurious.
spurn verb [ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to refuse to accept something or someone because you feel that they are not
worth having
She spurned my offers of help.
Ellis plays the part of the young lover spurned by his mistress.
spurt verb [ I or T ] LIQUID
1. to (cause to) flow out suddenly and with force, in a fast stream
Blood was spurting out all over the place.
His arm was spurting blood where the vein had been severed.
spurt verb [ I or T ] INCREASE
2. MAINLY US to increase or grow very quickly, or to suddenly increase by a
particular amount
Shares of the jewellery-store chain spurted $6.
spurt noun [ C ] INCREASE
1. a sudden and short period of increased activity, effort or speed
There was a sudden spurt of activity in the housing market.
He tends to work in spurts.
spurt noun [ C ] LIQUID
2. a sudden fast stream of liquid
The water came out in spurts.
sputter verb SOUND
1. [ I or T ] to make several quick explosive sounds
The car sputtered once or twice and then stopped.
sputter verb ACTIVITY
2. [ I ] LITERARY If an activity sputters, it is weak and varied, and does not make
people feel confident about it
Russia's presidential campaign sputtered to an uneasy close on Monday.
sputter noun [ C ]
The engine wouldn't start - it gave one or two sputters but that was all.
sputum noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
liquid from the passages in your body which go to the lungs; phlegm
sputum noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
liquid from the passages in your body which go to the lungs; phlegm
spy noun [ C ]
a person who secretly collects and reports information about the activities of
another country or organization
spy verb FIND SECRETS
1. [ I ] to secretly collect and report information about the activities of another
country or organization
He was arrested for spying on missile sites.
2. spy out
INFORMAL to get knowledge secretly, especially of a place
I generally like to spy out restaurants before I go to eat in them.
spy verb SEE
3. [ T ] OLD-FASHIONED OR HUMOROUS to see or notice someone or something usually
when it involves looking hard
I think I've just spied Andrew in the crowd.
spy out the land
If you spy out the land, you try to get knowledge of something before you do
something
We drove around the area where our new house is to spy out the land.
spy on sb/sth phrasal verb
to watch someone or something secretly, often in order to discover information
about them
He was spying on her through the keyhole.
spyhole noun [ C ] UK
a peephole
spyware noun [ U ]
a computer program that watches what people do with their computers, and then
sends that information over the Internet
sq adjective [ before noun ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR square , in measurements of length
squab noun [ U ] MAINLY US
a young pigeon eaten as food
squabble noun [ C ]
an argument over something that is not important
Polly and Susie were having a squabble about who was going to hold the dog's
lead.
squabble verb [ I ]
squad noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
1. a small group of people trained to work together as a unit
An army bomb squad arrived and defused the bomb.
2. a team in sports from which the players for a match are chosen
Eight of their 24-man squad are injured.
3. In the army, a squad is a small group of soldiers, especially one brought
together for drill (= marching, etc.) .
ˈ squad ˌ car noun [ C ] ( ALSO patrol car ) UK OLD-FASHIONED OR US
a car used by police officers
squaddie noun [ C ] UK SLANG
a low-ranking soldier
squadron noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
a unit of one of the armed forces, especially (in Britain) the air force or the navy
ˈ squadron ˌ leader noun [ C ]
an officer in the air force of the UK and some other countries
squalid adjective DIRTY
1. DISAPPROVING (of places) extremely dirty and unpleasant, often because of lack
of money
Many prisons, even today, are overcrowded and squalid places.
squalid adjective IMMORAL
2. (of situations and activities) not moral; involving sex and drugs, etc. in an
unpleasant way
It's the usual squalid rock star tale of drugs, sex and overdoses.
squalor noun [ U ]
It was a dirty, damp, smelly flat - the usual student squalor.
squall noun [ C ] STRONG WIND
1. a sudden strong wind or short storm
Violent squalls signalled the approach of the hurricane.
squall noun [ C ] SHOUT
2. a loud sharp noise
squally adjective
squall verb [ I ]
(especially of a baby) to make a loud sharp noise
squabble noun [ C ]
lead.
squabble verb [ I ]
of money
unpleasant way
squalor noun [ U ]
squally adjective
squall verb [ I ]
squander verb [ T ]
to spend or use money or supplies in a wasteful way, or to waste opportunities by
not using them to your advantage
They'll quite happily squander a whole year's savings on two weeks in the sun.
Ireland squandered several chances, including a penalty that cost them the game.
square noun [ C ] SHAPE
1. a flat shape with four sides of equal length and four angles of 90°
First draw a square.
It's a square-shaped room.
2. any square-shaped object
When cooled, cut the chocolate brownies into squares.
3. an area of approximately square-shaped land in a city or a town, often
including the buildings that surround it
Are they still living at 6 Eaton Square?
A band were playing in the town square.
4. a particular space on a board used for playing games
She moved her castle forward three squares.
5. US a tool for drawing or testing a right angle
square noun [ C ] BORING PERSON
6. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a boring person who does not like new and exciting
ideas
He's a bit of a square.
square noun [ C ] MULTIPLY
7. the result of multiplying a number by itself
The square of 7 is 49.
go/be back to square one INFORMAL
to be forced to think of a new course of action because your first course of action
failed
The deal with the house fell through so I'm afraid we're back to square one.
square adjective SHAPE
1. having the shape of a square
The recipe recommends that you use a square cake tin.
He's got that square-jawed masculinity that a lot of women seem to find
attractive.
2. ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION sq , SPECIALIZED 2 ) used with units of measurement of
length to express the total size of an area
The floor is 3 metres wide by 5 metres long so its total area is 15 sq metres.
The city itself covers thirteen square miles.
SPECIALIZED Ensure that the exposed area is less than 2cm 2 .
3. Square is used immediately after measurements of length when expressing the
length of the four sides of a square-shaped area
So you want carpet for a room that's eight metres square (= 8 metres long and 8
metres wide) .
4. the Square Mile UK
the City
square adjective EQUAL
5. INFORMAL equal or level
Could you stand back from these shelves and tell me if they're square (= level) ?
6. (all) square INFORMAL
a. If two people are all square, one of them has paid off a debt to the other and
neither now owes or is owed any money.
b. If two teams or players are (all) square, they have an equal number of goals or
points
They're all square at thirty points each.
square adjective STRAIGHT
7. in a straight line
square adjective BORING PERSON
8. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL describes a person who is boring and does not like new
and exciting things
Do you think my new haircut makes me look a bit square?
square peg (in a round hole) INFORMAL
a person whose character makes them unsuitable for the job or other position
they are in
He never quite fitted in when he was working here - he was always a bit of a
square peg.
square verb MULTIPLY
1. [ T ] to multiply a number by itself
10 squared equals a hundred.
4 2 means four squared, and equals 16.
square verb SHAPE
2. square your shoulders
to pull your shoulders up and back because you feel determined to do something
He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath before diving into the pool.
square the accounts/books
to make certain that you have paid and received all the money that you owed or
that others owed you
square the circle
If you try to square the circle, you try to do something which is very difficult or
impossible.
square off phrasal verb US
to prepare to fight, compete or argue with someone
The two giants in the fast-food industry are squaring off this month with the most
aggressive advertising campaigns yet.
square up phrasal verb FIGHT
1. UK to prepare to fight, compete or argue with someone
The players squared up to each other and started shouting.
square up phrasal verb PAY
2. INFORMAL to pay someone the money that you owe them
If you pay for both tickets now, I'll square up with you later.
square up to sb/sth phrasal verb UK ( US face up to sb/sth )
to deal with a problem or difficult person bravely and with determination
I thought she squared up to the situation admirably.
square (sth) with sth phrasal verb
to match or agree with something, or to think that one thing is acceptable
together with another thing
Her story doesn't quite square with the evidence.
I don't think I could spend that much money on a jacket - I couldn't square it with
my conscience (= I would feel too guilty) .
ˌ square ˈ brackets plural noun
the [ ] brackets that are shaped like two halves of a square

squabble noun [ C ]
lead.
squabble verb [ I ]
of money
unpleasant way
squalor noun [ U ]
squally adjective
squall verb [ I ]
squander verb [ T ]
to spend or use money or supplies in a wasteful way, or to waste opportunities by
not using them to your advantage
They'll quite happily squander a whole year's savings on two weeks in the sun.
Ireland squandered several chances, including a penalty that cost them the game.
square noun [ C ] SHAPE
1. a flat shape with four sides of equal length and four angles of 90°
First draw a square.
It's a square-shaped room.
2. any square-shaped object
When cooled, cut the chocolate brownies into squares.
3. an area of approximately square-shaped land in a city or a town, often
including the buildings that surround it
Are they still living at 6 Eaton Square?
A band were playing in the town square.
4. a particular space on a board used for playing games
She moved her castle forward three squares.
5. US a tool for drawing or testing a right angle
square noun [ C ] BORING PERSON
6. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL a boring person who does not like new and exciting
ideas
He's a bit of a square.
square noun [ C ] MULTIPLY
7. the result of multiplying a number by itself
The square of 7 is 49.
go/be back to square one INFORMAL
to be forced to think of a new course of action because your first course of action
failed
The deal with the house fell through so I'm afraid we're back to square one.
square adjective SHAPE
1. having the shape of a square
The recipe recommends that you use a square cake tin.
He's got that square-jawed masculinity that a lot of women seem to find
attractive.
2. ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION sq , SPECIALIZED 2 ) used with units of measurement of
length to express the total size of an area
The floor is 3 metres wide by 5 metres long so its total area is 15 sq metres.
The city itself covers thirteen square miles.
SPECIALIZED Ensure that the exposed area is less than 2cm 2 .
3. Square is used immediately after measurements of length when expressing the
length of the four sides of a square-shaped area
So you want carpet for a room that's eight metres square (= 8 metres long and 8
metres wide) .
4. the Square Mile UK
the City
square adjective EQUAL
5. INFORMAL equal or level
Could you stand back from these shelves and tell me if they're square (= level) ?
6. (all) square INFORMAL
a. If two people are all square, one of them has paid off a debt to the other and
neither now owes or is owed any money.
b. If two teams or players are (all) square, they have an equal number of goals or
points
They're all square at thirty points each.
square adjective STRAIGHT
7. in a straight line
square adjective BORING PERSON
8. OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL describes a person who is boring and does not like new
and exciting things
Do you think my new haircut makes me look a bit square?
square peg (in a round hole) INFORMAL
a person whose character makes them unsuitable for the job or other position
they are in
He never quite fitted in when he was working here - he was always a bit of a
square peg.
square verb MULTIPLY
1. [ T ] to multiply a number by itself
10 squared equals a hundred.
4 2 means four squared, and equals 16.
square verb SHAPE
2. square your shoulders
to pull your shoulders up and back because you feel determined to do something
He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath before diving into the pool.
square the accounts/books
to make certain that you have paid and received all the money that you owed or
that others owed you
square the circle
If you try to square the circle, you try to do something which is very difficult or
impossible.
square off phrasal verb US
to prepare to fight, compete or argue with someone
The two giants in the fast-food industry are squaring off this month with the most
aggressive advertising campaigns yet.
square up phrasal verb FIGHT
1. UK to prepare to fight, compete or argue with someone
The players squared up to each other and started shouting.
square up phrasal verb PAY
2. INFORMAL to pay someone the money that you owe them
If you pay for both tickets now, I'll square up with you later.
square up to sb/sth phrasal verb UK ( US face up to sb/sth )
to deal with a problem or difficult person bravely and with determination
I thought she squared up to the situation admirably.
square (sth) with sth phrasal verb
to match or agree with something, or to think that one thing is acceptable
together with another thing
Her story doesn't quite square with the evidence.
I don't think I could spend that much money on a jacket - I couldn't square it with
my conscience (= I would feel too guilty) .
ˌ square ˈ brackets plural noun
the [ ] brackets that are shaped like two halves of a square
squared adjective
covered with squares
Squared paper (= paper with squares printed on it) is better for drawing graphs
on.
ˈ square ˌ dance noun [ C ]
in the US, a traditional dance in which four pairs of dancers dance together
ˌ square ˈ deal noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a fair agreement
I reckon we got a square deal on that car.
square-eyed adjective UK INFORMAL
If you say someone is or will go square-eyed, you mean they are watching too
much television
You'll go square-eyed if you sit in front of that TV any more!
ˈ square ˌ knot noun [ C ]
US FOR reef knot
squarely adverb DIRECTLY
1. ( ALSO square ) directly and certainly
She refused to come down squarely on either side of the argument.
She punched him square on the jaw.
squarely adverb STRAIGHT
2. evenly balanced, not to one side
She stood squarely, with her feet apart.
ˌ square ˈ meal noun [ C ]
a satisfying meal that fills you and provides you with all the different types of food
that your body needs in order to stay healthy
You need a good square meal.
ˌ square ˈ root noun [ C ]
The square root of a particular number is the number that was multiplied by itself
to reach that number
The square root of 49 is 7.
squash verb MAKE FLAT
1. [ T ] to crush something into a flat shape
He accidentally sat on her hat and squashed it.
squash verb PUSH
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to push a person or thing into a small
space
The room was so full you couldn't squash another person in .
If you all squashed up (= moved closer together) , we could fit an extra person in
the car.
He tried to squash his ripped jeans into the suitcase while his mother wasn't
looking.
squash verb END
3. [ T ] to stop something from continuing to exist or happen, by forceful action
Rumours of a possible takeover of the company were soon squashed by the
management.
squash noun PUSH
1. [ S ] a situation when there is not much room
There are over two hundred people coming to the party so it might be a bit of a
squash.
squash noun SPORT
2. [ U ] a game played between two or four people on a special closed playing
area which involves hitting a small rubber ball against a wall
squash noun DRINK
3. [ U ] UK a drink which is made from water and sweetened fruit juice
squash noun VEGETABLE
squash
4. [ C or U ] MAINLY US a type of large vegetable with a hard skin and a lot of
seeds at its centre which is very common in America
squash verb MAKE FLAT
1. [ T ] to crush something into a flat shape
He accidentally sat on her hat and squashed it.
squash verb PUSH
2. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to push a person or thing into a small
space
The room was so full you couldn't squash another person in .
If you all squashed up (= moved closer together) , we could fit an extra person in
the car.
He tried to squash his ripped jeans into the suitcase while his mother wasn't
looking.
squash verb END
3. [ T ] to stop something from continuing to exist or happen, by forceful action
Rumours of a possible takeover of the company were soon squashed by the
management.
squash noun PUSH
1. [ S ] a situation when there is not much room
There are over two hundred people coming to the party so it might be a bit of a
squash.
squash noun SPORT
2. [ U ] a game played between two or four people on a special closed playing
area which involves hitting a small rubber ball against a wall
squash noun DRINK
3. [ U ] UK a drink which is made from water and sweetened fruit juice
squash noun VEGETABLE
squash
4. [ C or U ] MAINLY US a type of large vegetable with a hard skin and a lot of
seeds at its centre which is very common in America
squashy adjective
soft and easy to crush
I've bought some squashy pillows for the couch.
squat verb SIT
squat
1. [ I ] to position yourself close to the ground balancing on the front part of your
feet with your legs bent under your body
She squatted on the ground and warmed her hands by the fire.
He squatted down and examined the front wheel of his bike.
squat verb LIVE
2. [ I or T ] to live in an empty building or area of land without the permission of
the owner
They squatted ( in ) an old house in King's Cross when their money ran out.
squat adjective
short and wide, usually in a way that is not attractive
a row of ugly squat houses
a heavily-built squat man
squat noun SITTING
1. [ C ] a squatting position or exercise
squat noun PLACE TO LIVE
2. [ C ] the place that you live in when you are squatting
They're living in a damp squat with no electricity.
squat noun ANYTHING
3. [ U ] US SLANG anything
She shouldn't talk - she doesn't know squat about it.
His opinion isn't worth squat.
squatter noun [ C ]
1. a person who lives in an empty building without permission
2. AUSTRALIAN someone in the past who took land which did not officially belong to
them in order to use it for farming
squat-thrust noun [ C ]
a type of physical exercise in which your hands are kept on the floor while your
legs move from a position in which they are bent under the body to one in which they
are straight out behind you
squat-thrust noun [ C ]
a type of physical exercise in which your hands are kept on the floor while your
legs move from a position in which they are bent under the body to one in which they
are straight out behind you
squattocracy noun [ C or U ] AUSTRALIAN
the established and rich owners of large properties in the countryside
squaw noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a Native American woman, especially a wife. This word is now considered
offensive by many people.
squawk verb [ I ]
1. to make an unpleasantly loud sharp cry
As the fox came into the yard, the chickens began squawking in alarm.
2. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING to complain about something noisily
Environmental groups have been squawking about the decision to build the
motorway through a forest.
squawk noun [ C ]
squeak verb SOUND
1. [ I ] to make a short very high cry or sound
The mice in the cupboard squeaked.
The door squeaked as it swung back and forth on its rusty hinges.
squeak verb SUCCEED
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] US to only just succeed in something such as a
test or competition
He squeaked through the exam.
squeak noun [ C ]
a short very high cry or sound
She let out a squeak of fright at the sight of the spider.
If I hear one more squeak out of you (= if you say anything else) , there'll be
trouble!
squeaker noun [ C ] SOUND
1. a small device used inside children's toys which makes a short high sound
when it is pressed
squeaker noun [ C ] CLOSE COMPETITION
2. US a competition or race which you only just win or lose
The Buffalo Bills lost a squeaker to the Dallas Cowboys.
squeaky adjective SOUND
1. making a very high sound
squeaky adjective SUCCESS
2. US only just succeeding in a game, competition, etc.
The president had a squeaky six-vote win (= he won by only six votes) in
Congress.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. US SAYING
said to emphasize that attention is paid to those problems which are made most
noticeable
squeaky adjective SOUND
1. making a very high sound
squeaky adjective SUCCESS
2. US only just succeeding in a game, competition, etc.
The president had a squeaky six-vote win (= he won by only six votes) in
Congress.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease. US SAYING
said to emphasize that attention is paid to those problems which are made most
noticeable
squeaky-clean adjective INFORMAL
1. completely clean
I love the squeaky-clean feel of my hair after I've washed it.
2. Someone who is squeaky-clean is completely good and honest and never does
anything bad
Journalists have been trying to discover if the senator really is as squeaky-clean
as he claims to be.
squeal verb [ I ]
1. to make a long very high sound or cry
We could hear the piglets squealing as we entered the farmyard.
The brakes squealed as the van rounded the corner.
The two children squealed with joy.
2. INFORMAL to complain about something loudly
The threat of further changes in the education system is making teachers squeal.
3. SLANG DISAPPROVING to give information to the police about people you know who
have committed a crime
When he finds out who squealed on him, he's going to make them very sorry.
squeal noun [ C ]
a long very high sound or cry
Erik collapsed into giggles and squeals as Penny began tickling him.
The train ground to a halt with a squeal of brakes .
squeamish adjective
easily upset or shocked by things which you find unpleasant or which you do not
approve of
She's really squeamish and can't stand the sight of blood.
Many cooks are squeamish about putting live shellfish into boiling water.
squeamishness noun [ U ]
not for the squeamish
describes something that is unpleasant, and will upset people who are squeamish
'The Silence of the Lambs' is an entertaining but violent movie and is not for the
squeamish.
squeamishly adverb
in a way that shows how easily upset or shocked you are by something
squeamishly adverb
in a way that shows how easily upset or shocked you are by something
squeegee noun [ C ]
a tool with a rubber blade and a short handle which is used for removing water
from a surface such as a window or mirror after it has been washed
squeegee verb [ T ]
ˈ squeegee ˌ mop noun [ C ]
a tool with a long handle and a square piece of sponge (= soft material that
aborbs luiquid) at the end which is used for cleaning floors
squeeze verb PRESS TOGETHER
1. [ T ] to press something firmly, especially from all sides in order to change its
shape, reduce its size or remove liquid from it
Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl.
As she waited to go into the exam, he squeezed her hand (= pressed it
affectionately with his hand) and wished her good luck.
Once he had finished cleaning the floor, he squeezed the cloth out .
He reloaded the gun, took aim and then squeezed (= pulled back) the trigger .
FIGURATIVE The studio is using all sorts of marketing tricks to squeeze as much
profit from the movie as they can.
2. [ T ] If you are squeezed by financial demands, they cause you financial
problems
Small businesses are being squeezed by heavy taxation.
squeeze verb MOVE
3. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to get in, through, under, etc. with difficulty
She squeezed through the crowd and found a seat at the front.
They managed to squeeze under the fence and get into the festival without
paying.
squeeze sb dry
If you squeeze someone dry, you get as much from them as possible
When they got divorced, his wife squeezed him dry and took everything.
squeeze (sb/sth) in/squeeze (sb/sth) into sth phrasal verb [ M ]
to succeed in getting someone or something into a small space or object, often by
pushing or forcing
The car's quite full, but we could manage to squeeze another couple of people in.
I must have put on a lot of weight over Christmas because I can only just squeeze
into my jeans.
squeeze sb/sth in phrasal verb [ M ]
to manage to do something or see someone in a short period of time or when you
are very busy
While we're in Australia, we're hoping to squeeze in a trip to the Barrier Reef.
I'm very busy this week but I could squeeze you in at 2.30 on Tuesday.
squeeze sth out of sb phrasal verb ( ALSO squeeze sth from sb ) INFORMAL
to persuade or force someone to give you money or information
During the negotiations, the union managed to squeeze several concessions from
the management.
squeeze noun PRESS
1. [ C ] when you press something firmly
She gave the present a quick squeeze and tried to guess what was inside.
Garnish the fish with some fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
squeeze noun LIMIT
2. [ C usually singular ] a reduction or limit
The squeeze on profits in the oil industry has led to thousands of redundancies.
The squeeze on local spending means that many services will have to be cut.
3. [ C usually singular ] a period in which the supply of money is limited by the
government because of economic difficulties
The government has imposed a sharp credit squeeze in an attempt to hold down
inflation.
squeeze noun SPACE
4. [ S ] when people or things are pushed or forced into a small space
I can give you a lift, but it'll be a tight squeeze as I'm taking four other people as
well.
ˈ squeeze ˌ bottle noun [ C ] US
a plastic container whose contents can be forced out through a narrow hole at the
top by pressing the sides of the bottle together
ˈ squeeze ˌ bottle noun [ C ] US
a plastic container whose contents can be forced out through a narrow hole at the
top by pressing the sides of the bottle together
squeezebox noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
an accordion
squeezer noun [ C ]
a device which removes the juice from fruit by pressing it
Have you got a lemon squeezer?
squelch verb SOUND
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to make a sucking sound like the one
produced when you are walking on soft wet ground
He got out of the car and squelched through the mud to open the gate.
squelch verb STOP
2. [ T ] US to quickly end something that is causing you problems
A spokeswoman at the White House has squelched rumors about the president's
ill-health.
3. [ T ] US to silence someone by criticizing them
The senator thoroughly squelched the journalist who tried to interrupt him during
his speech.
squelch noun [ C usually singular ]
a sucking sound like the one produced when you are walking on soft wet ground
As the hikers walked down the path by the house, she could hear the squelch of
their boots in the mud.
squelchy adjective
squib noun [ C ]
a small firework consisting of a tube filled with powder which makes a hissing
noise when it is lit
squid noun [ C or U ]
squid
a sea animal with a long body and ten arms situated around the mouth, or this
animal eaten as food
squidgy adjective UK INFORMAL
soft and wet and changing shape easily when pressed
Bread which has just come out of the oven is often still squidgy in the middle.
squidgy adjective UK INFORMAL
soft and wet and changing shape easily when pressed
Bread which has just come out of the oven is often still squidgy in the middle.
squiffy adjective ( US ALSO squiffed ) INFORMAL OLD-FASHIONED
slightly drunk
"I've only had one glass of sherry and I feel squiffy already, " she said.
squiggle noun [ C ]
a short line that has been written or drawn and that curves and twists in a way
that is not regular
His signature was an illegible squiggle at the bottom of the page.
squiggly adjective
squillion noun [ C ] INFORMAL HUMOROUS
a very large number or amount, especially a large amount of money
He made squillions from selling his business.
I get squillions of emails every day.
squillionaire noun [ C ] HUMOROUS
someone who has a lot of money
squinch verb [ T ] US
to press together the features of the face or the muscles of the body
He squinched up his face in a look that left no doubt about his displeasure.
squint verb [ I ]
to partly close your eyes in order to see more clearly
The sun was shining straight in her eyes which made her squint.
squint noun [ C ] EYE CONDITION
1. a condition caused by a weakness of the eye muscles which makes the eyes
look in different directions from each other
As a child she wore thick glasses and had a bad squint.
squint noun [ C ] LOOK
2. INFORMAL OLD-FASHIONED a quick look
"The back wheel of my bike doesn't seem straight." "I'll have/take a squint at it
if you like."
squire noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE in the past in England, a man who owned most of the land around a
village
2. UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL used as a friendly form of address by one man to
another who might be of a higher social class
"I don't know if all my luggage is going to fit in the back of the taxi." "Don't
worry, squire, I'll get it in."
squire noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE in the past in England, a man who owned most of the land around a
village
2. UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL used as a friendly form of address by one man to
another who might be of a higher social class
"I don't know if all my luggage is going to fit in the back of the taxi." "Don't
worry, squire, I'll get it in."
squirm verb [ I ]
to move from side to side in an awkward way because of nervousness,
embarrassment or pain
Nobody spoke for at least five minutes and Rachel squirmed in her chair with
embarrassment.
The fish squirmed on the ground for a few moments and then lay still.
squirm noun [ C ]
squirrel noun [ C ]
squirrel
a small animal covered in fur with a long tail with a lot of fur, which climbs trees
and feeds on nuts and seeds
squirrel verb
squirrel sth away phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to hide or store something, especially money, in order to use it in the future
As soon as I get paid, I squirrel some money away so I won't be tempted to
spend it.
squirt verb
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] (to force a liquid) to flow out through
a narrow opening in a fast stream
He squirted some tomato sauce on his burger.
There was a leak in one of the pipes and water was squirting out all over the
kitchen floor.
2. [ T ] to hit someone or something with a liquid or gas
She was squirting the neighbours with a water pistol.
squirt noun [ C ] LIQUID
1. an amount of liquid or gas that is squirted out
The door should stop squeaking once I've given it a few squirts of oil.
squirt noun [ C ] PERSON
2. OLD-FASHIONED a young or small person who you don't consider to be important
and who has behaved rudely towards you
I caught my neighbour's son writing graffiti on our wall, the little squirt.
ˈ squirt ˌ gun noun [ C ]
US FOR a water pistol
ˈ squirt ˌ gun noun [ C ]
US FOR a water pistol
squish verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to crush something which is soft
Don't sit on that bag - you'll squish the sandwiches.
squish noun [ C ]
He could hear the squish of the damp ground beneath his boots.
squishy adjective
a squishy banana
Sr adjective [ after noun ] ( UK Snr ) WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR
Sri Lanka noun [ U ]
Sri Lankan noun [ C ] , adjective
SS noun
ABBREVIATION FOR steamship
ssh exclamation
sh
St noun ROAD
1. ( ALSO St. ) WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR street, used in writing after the name of a
street
My address is 19 East Norwood St.
St noun HOLY PERSON
2. WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR saint : used only before personal names
St Andrew
st
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR stone (WEIGHT)
He weighs 12st 3lbs.
st
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR stone (WEIGHT)
He weighs 12st 3lbs.
stab verb
1. [ T ] to injure someone with a sharp pointed object such as a knife
She was stabbed several times in the chest.
He was jailed for fifteen years for stabbing his wife to death .
2. [ I or T ] to make a short forceful pushing movement with a finger or a long
thin object
As she spoke she stabbed the air with her finger.
He stabbed at the meat with his fork.
stab sb in the back
to do something harmful to someone who trusted you
He had been lied to and stabbed in the back by people that he thought were his
friends.
See also back-stabber
stab noun [ C ]
1. the act of pushing a knife into someone, or a wound caused by stabbing
He was admitted to Middlesex hospital with stab wounds .
2. a sudden feeling, especially an unpleasant one such as pain
She felt a stab of envy when she saw all the expensive presents Zoe had been
given for Christmas.
3. an action or remark that attacks someone's reputation
Her criticism of the company's plans was a stab at the chairman himself.
have/make a stab at sth INFORMAL
to attempt to do something although you are not likely to be very successful
I'd never tried snorkelling before but I had a stab at it while I was in Greece.
stabbing noun [ C ]
when someone stabs someone
There have been several stabbings in our neighbourhood recently.
stabbing adjective
stabbing pain
a sudden pain
She was awoken by a sharp stabbing pain in her chest.
stability noun [ U ]
when something is not likely to move or change
a period of political stability
stability noun [ U ]
when something is not likely to move or change
a period of political stability
stabilize , UK USUALLY stabilise verb
1. [ I ] If something stabilizes, it becomes fixed or stops changing
He suffered a second heart attack two days ago but his condition has now
stabilized.
2. [ T ] If you stabilize something, you cause it to become fixed or to stop
changing
In China, the policy of one child per family was introduced to stabilize the
country's population at 1.6 billion.
stabilization , UK USUALLY stabilisation noun [ U ]
stabilizer , UK USUALLY stabiliser noun [ C ] CONTROL
1. UK a method used to limit sudden changes in prices or to limit the level of
production
stabilizer , UK USUALLY stabiliser noun [ C ] CHEMICAL
2. SPECIALIZED a chemical which is added to something so that it stays in the same
state
stabilizer , UK USUALLY stabiliser noun [ C ] FOR BALANCE
3. a device which helps an aircraft, ship or vehicle to balance
4. stabilizers ( US training wheels )
small wheels fixed to each side of the back wheel of a bicycle to prevent it falling
over when a child is learning to ride it
stable adjective
1. firmly fixed or not likely to move or change
If the foundations of the house aren't stable, collapse is possible.
After several part-time jobs, he's now got a stable job in a bank.
The hospital said she was in a stable condition (= not likely to get worse)
following the operation.
2. describes someone who is mentally healthy
She seems more stable these days.
3. SPECIALIZED describes a substance that keeps the same chemical or atomic state
stable noun [ C ]
1. a building in which horses are kept
2. a group of racehorses that are owned or trained by one person
3. a group of people who perform a similar activity and who are trained by the
same person or employed by the same organization
During the 1950s, Sun Records' stable of singers included Elvis Presley, Johnny
Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis.
stable verb [ T ]
to keep a horse in a stable
ˈ stable ˌ boy noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO stable lad )
a young man who works in a stable and looks after the horses
ˈ stable ˌ boy noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO stable lad )
a young man who works in a stable and looks after the horses
stablemate noun [ C ]
something that is similar to something else or is part of the same organization as
something else
the Daily News and its stablemate the Weekly News
stabling , noun [ U ]
a stable (= building for horses)
staccato adjective , adverb
1. describes musical notes that are short and separate when played, or this way
of playing music
The music suddenly changed from a smooth melody to a staccato rhythm.
She played the whole piece staccato to improve her technique.
2. describes a noise or way of speaking that consists of a series of short and
separate sounds
She gave staccato replies to every question.
stack noun [ C ] PILE
1. a pile of things arranged one on top of another
He chose a cartoon from the stack of videos on the shelf.
2. INFORMAL a large amount
Don't worry, we've got stacks of time.
3. the stacks
a set of shelves in a library which are positioned close together so that a lot of
books can be stored on them
stack noun [ C ] ACCIDENT
4. AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL a car accident, especially one that causes damage
stack verb [ T ]
to arrange things in an ordered pile
Once the last few people had left the hall, the caretaker began stacking (up) the
chairs.
have the odds/cards stacked against you
to be very unlikely to succeed because you are not in an good position
stack the cards UK ( US stack the deck )
to arrange something in a dishonest way in order to achieve the result you want
stack up phrasal verb MAINLY US INFORMAL
to compare with another thing of a similar type
The new model of this car just doesn't stack up against previous models (= is not
as good as previous models) .
be stacked up phrasal verb
If aircraft are stacked up over an airport, they circle over the airport at different
heights, waiting to be told they can land.
stacked adjective
1. covered or filled with a large amount of things
The fridge is stacked with food.
2. US SLANG (of a woman) having large breasts. This sense is considered offensive
by many women.
stacked adjective
1. covered or filled with a large amount of things
The fridge is stacked with food.
2. US SLANG (of a woman) having large breasts. This sense is considered offensive
by many women.
ˈ stack ˌ system noun [ C ]
a set of electronic equipment to play recorded sound, the parts of which are put
on top of each other
stack-up noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a road accident involving a row of cars
stadium noun [ C ]
a large closed area of land with rows of seats around the sides and often with no
roof which is used for sports events and musical performances
Thousands of football fans packed into the stadium to watch the match.
staff noun PEOPLE
1. [ S + singular or plural verb ] the group of people who work for an organization
There is a good relationship between staff and pupils at the school.
The staff are not very happy about the latest pay increase.
There are over a hundred staff in the company.
He is on (= a member of) the editorial staff of the magazine.
staff noun STICK
2. [ C ] FORMAL a long strong stick held in the hand which is used as a support
when walking, as a weapon or as a symbol of authority
3. [ C ] ( ALSO flagstaff ) FORMAL a flagpole
staff noun MUSIC
4. [ C ] US FOR stave
the staff of life LITERARY
bread, considered as one of the most important foods we eat
staff verb [ T ]
to be or provide the people who work for an organization
Many charity shops in Britain are staffed by/with volunteers.
staffer noun [ C ] MAINLY US
an employee, often of a political organization
White House staffers briefed reporters before the president arrived.
staffer noun [ C ] MAINLY US
an employee, often of a political organization
White House staffers briefed reporters before the president arrived.
ˈ staff ˌ nurse noun [ C ] UK
a person who works in a hospital taking care of the ill and injured and whose rank
is below that of a sister
ˈ staff ˌ officer noun [ C ]
an army officer who helps the officer in charge to plan military activities
staffroom , noun [ C ]
a room in a school which is for the use of the teachers when they are not teaching
FIGURATIVE The government proposal to test 14-year-olds has been causing
controversy in the staffroom (= among teachers) .
stag noun [ C ] ANIMAL
1. an adult male deer
stag noun [ C ] PERSON
2. UK a person who buys shares in a company which is being sold to the public
with the intention of selling them immediately for profit
go stag MAINLY US
If a man goes stag to an event, he goes without a partner.
stag verb [ I or T ] UK
to buy shares in a company which is being sold to the public with the intention of
selling them immediately for profit
stage noun [ C ] PART
1. a part of an activity or a period of development
The project is in its final stages and should be completed by August.
They did the last stage of their journey on foot.
Our marriage is going through a difficult stage at the moment.
Their youngest child is at the stage where she can say individual words but not
full sentences.
I'm not tired at the moment but I will need a rest at some stage (= at some
time) during the walk.
Andrew spends all his spare time playing with his computer but it's probably just
a stage he's going through (= a period of development that will end soon) .
2. in stages
If you do something in stages, you divide the activity into parts and complete
each part separately
We're decorating the house in stages so it won't be ready for another couple of
months.
3. SPECIALIZED one of the separate parts of a rocket, each part having its own
engine
Once its fuel supply runs out, each stage separates from the main part of the
rocket and falls back to Earth.
stage noun [ C ] THEATRE
4. the area in a theatre which is often raised above ground level and on which
actors or entertainers perform
Hamlet is on stage for most of the act.
The orchestra went on/off stage to great applause.
The play is a stage adaptation of William Golding's novel.
The opera singer returns to the London stage (= will perform again in London)
this summer.
5. a particular area of public life
The president was extremely popular on the world stage but was disliked in his
own country.
6. take the stage
to go onto the stage and start to perform
be on the stage
to be an actor
Her daughter is an artist and her son is on the stage.
go on the stage
to become an actor
At the age of ten, he decided that he wanted to go on the stage.
take centre stage
to be at the centre of attention
She always likes to take centre stage in whatever she does.
stage verb [ T ]
1. to arrange and perform a play or show
The local drama group is staging a production of the musical 'Grease'.
2. to organize an event
Barcelona staged the Olympic Games in 1992.
stagecoach noun [ C ]
(in the past) a covered vehicle pulled by horses that carried passengers and goods
on regular routes
stagecoach noun [ C ]
(in the past) a covered vehicle pulled by horses that carried passengers and goods
on regular routes
ˈ stage di ˌ rection noun [ C ]
a description or instruction in the text of a play which explains how the play
should be performed
ˌ stage ˈ door noun [ C ]
the door which is used by the actors and theatre workers when entering and
leaving the theatre
We stood by the stage door waiting to get the actors' autographs.
ˈ stage ˌ fright noun [ U ]
Actors or performers who have stage fright are nervous because they are about to
perform.
stagehand noun [ C ]
a person who is employed in a theatre to move the equipment on the stage
ˌ stage ˈ left noun [ U ] , adverb
the part of the stage to the left of the actors when they are facing the people
watching the performance
stage-manage verb [ T ]
to arrange and control an event carefully in order to achieve the result you want
Many people have become cynical about the stage-managed debates between
politicians which regularly appear on television.
ˈ stage ˌ manager noun [ C ]
the person who is responsible for the equipment and the use of the stage during a
play or performance
ˈ stage ˌ name noun [ C ]
the name by which an actor or performer is publicly known and which is different
from their real name
David Bowie is the stage name of the singer David Jones.
ˌ stage ˈ right noun [ U ] , adverb
the part of the stage to the right of the actors when they are facing the people
ˌ stage ˈ right noun [ U ] , adverb
the part of the stage to the right of the actors when they are facing the people
stage-struck adjective
If you are stage-struck, you are extremely interested in the theatre and want to
become an actor.
ˈ stage ˌ whisper noun [ C ]
1. If an actor says something in a stage whisper, it is intended to be heard by the
people watching the play, and the other actors on the stage pretend not to hear it.
2. If you say something in a stage whisper, you intend it to be heard by people
other than the ones you are talking to.
stagflation noun [ U ]
an economic condition in which rising prices, high unemployment and little or no
economic growth are present
stagger verb MOVE
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to walk or move with difficulty as if you
are going to fall
After he was attacked, he managed to stagger to the phone and call for help.
FIGURATIVE The company is staggering under a $15 million debt and will almost
certainly collapse by the end of the year.
stagger verb SHOCK
2. [ T ] to cause someone to feel shocked or surprised because of something
unexpected or very unusual happening
He staggered all his colleagues by suddenly announcing that he was leaving the
company at the end of the month.
stagger verb ARRANGE
3. [ T ] to arrange, especially hours of work, holidays or events, so that they
begin at different times from those of other people
Some countries have staggered school holidays so that holiday resorts do not
become overcrowded.
4. [ T ] If a race has a staggered start the competitors start at different times or
in different positions.
stagger noun [ C usually singular ]
when you walk or move with difficulty as if you are going to fall
He left the pub with a drunken stagger.
staggered adjective [ after noun ]
very shocked or surprised
I was staggered at the prices.
staggered adjective [ after noun ]
I was staggered at the prices.
ˌ staggered ˈ junction noun [ C ] UK
a place where several roads meet a main road at a slight distance apart so that
they do not all come together at the same point
staggering adjective
very shocking and surprising
It costs a staggering $50 000 per week to keep the museum open to the public.
staggeringly adverb
staggeringly expensive
staging noun [ C ]
the performance of a play or show
The production is a modern staging of the fairy tale 'Cinderella'.
ˈ staging ˌ area noun [ C ]
a place where soldiers and equipment are brought together and prepared before
military activity
ˈ staging ˌ post noun [ C ] UK
a place where stops are regularly made on long journeys
Hong Kong is often used as a staging post on flights from Melbourne to London.
FIGURATIVE For people who have spent a long time in a mental hospital, a hostel
acts as an important staging post (= a place to stay temporarily) between the hospital
and a home of their own.
stagnant adjective NOT FLOWING
1. (of water or air) not flowing or moving, and smelling unpleasant
a stagnant pond
stagnant adjective NOT BUSY
2. not growing or developing
a stagnant economy
stagnate verb [ I ]
to stay the same and not grow or develop
The electronics industry is showing signs of stagnating after 15 years of
tremendous growth.
stagnation noun [ U ]
stagnate verb [ I ]
to stay the same and not grow or develop
The electronics industry is showing signs of stagnating after 15 years of
tremendous growth.
stagnation noun [ U ]
ˈ stag ˌ night/ ˌ party noun [ C ] ( US ALSO bachelor party , AUSTRALIAN bucks party )
a party for a man who is going to get married, to which only his male friends are
invited
Compare hen night
stagy , stagey adjective
DISAPPROVING like in a theatre and not very natural
staid adjective
serious, boring and slightly old-fashioned
In an attempt to change its staid image, the newspaper has created a new section
aimed at younger readers.
stain verb MARK
1. [ I or T ] to leave a mark on something which is difficult to remove
Tomato sauce stains terribly - it's really difficult to get it out of clothes.
While she was changing the wheel on her car, her coat had become stained with
oil.
2. [ I ] If a material stains, it absorbs substances easily causing it to become
covered with marks, or coloured by a chemical
This carpet is ideal for the kitchen because it doesn't stain easily.
3. [ T ] to change the colour of something using a chemical
She stripped the floorboards and stained them dark brown.
stain verb SPOIL
4. [ T ] LITERARY to permanently spoil something such as someone's reputation
Several important politicians have had their reputations stained by this scandal.
The country's history is stained with the blood of (= The country is guilty of
killing) millions of innocent men and women.
stain noun MARK
1. [ C ] a chemical for changing the colour of something
2. [ C ] a dirty mark on something that is difficult to remove
a blood/grass stain
You can remove a red wine stain from a carpet by sprinkling salt over it.
stain noun DAMAGE
3. [ S ] LITERARY permanent damage to someone's reputation or character
His solicitor, William Jackson, said, "He leaves this court without a stain on his
character."
-stained suffix
marked with the thing mentioned
tear- stained faces
a blood- stained blanket
-stained suffix
marked with the thing mentioned
tear- stained faces
a blood- stained blanket
ˌ stained ˈ glass noun [ U ]
glass which has been coloured and cut into various shapes to form pictures or
patterns, used especially in church windows
a stained glass window
stainless steel noun [ U ]
a type of steel containing chromium , which does not chemically react with air or
water and does not change its colour
stair noun
1. stairs
a set of steps which lead from one level of a building to another
Go up the stairs and her office is on the right.
I had to climb a steep flight (= set) of stairs to her front door.
He stood at the foot (= bottom) of the stairs and called out, "Breakfast's ready!"
2. [ C ] one of the steps in a set of steps which lead from one level of a building to
another
The top stair creaked as she went upstairs and the noise woke up her mother.
3. [ S ] OLD USE OR LITERARY a set of stairs
He climbed the wooden stair and knocked on his grandfather's door.
below/above stairs UK OLD USE
In a large house, below stairs was the part of the house in which the servants
worked and lived, and above stairs was the part in which the family of the owner of the
house lived.
staircase noun [ C ]
a set of stairs inside a building usually with a bar fixed on the wall or onto vertical
poles at the side for you to hold on to
She descended the sweeping (= long and wide) staircase into the crowd of
photographers and journalists.
stairway noun [ C ]
a passage in a public place with a set of steps that leads from one level to another
stairwell noun [ C ]
a long vertical passage through a building around which a set of stairs is built
stairwell noun [ C ]
a long vertical passage through a building around which a set of stairs is built
stake noun [ C ] SHARE
1. a share or a financial involvement in something such as a business
He holds (= owns) a 40% stake in/of the company.
2. have a stake in sth
If you have a stake in something which is important to you, you have a personal
interest or involvement in it
Employers have a stake in the training of their staff.
stake noun [ C ] RISK
3. the amount of money which you risk on the result of something such as a game
or competition
She spent two weeks in Las Vegas playing high- stakes blackjack at the casinos.
4. the stakes
In an activity or competition, the stakes are the reward for the person who wins
or succeeds in it
The team is playing for enormous stakes - the chance to play in the final.
5. the Stakes
a horse race in which the prize money is provided by all the owners of the horses
which are competing in the race
6. the popularity, etc. stakes
a situation where someone is judged on how much of a particular quality they
have
The prime minister is not very high in the popularity stakes (= he is not very
popular) at the moment.
7. raise/up the stakes
a. to increase the prize or reward in a competition or any activity in which you are
competing
b. to make a situation more urgent or more difficult to ignore
The stowaways are trying to raise the stakes by refusing to eat until they are
given money and aid.
stake noun [ C ] STICK
8. a strong stick or metal bar with a pointed end
The stakes are pushed or hammered into the ground and can be used for marking
an area, supporting a plant or forming part of a fence.
9. the stake
in the past, a wooden post to which people were tied before being burned to
death as a punishment
In medieval Europe, many women were accused of being witches and were burnt
at the stake.
at stake
If something that is valuable is at stake, it is in a situation where it might be lost
Thousands of lives will be at stake if emergency aid does not arrive in the city
soon.
go to the stake for sth
to defend an action, opinion or belief despite the risks that are involved
She was prepared to go to the stake for her views.
stake verb [ T ] RISK
1. to risk an amount of money
At the roulette table, he staked $10 000 on number 21.
stake verb [ T ] USE STICK
2. to hold up and support something by fastening it to stakes
Tomato plants should be staked.
stake a claim
If you stake a claim to something, you state that you have a right to it and that it
should belong to you
He marked the spot on his map where he had seen the gold and returned later
that month to stake his claim.
stake sth on sth phrasal verb
to risk harming or losing something important if an action, decision or situation
does not have the result you want or expect
I think she'll be head of this company in five year's time - I'd stake my reputation
on it.
stake sth out phrasal verb [ M ] WATCH
1. MAINLY US INFORMAL to watch a place continuously in order to catch criminals or
to see a famous person
The police staked out the hotel where the two terrorists were reported to be
staying.
stake sth out phrasal verb [ M ] MAKE CLEAR
2. to establish or make clear your opinion or position on something
Two of the president's chief advisors have staked out opposite positions on this
issue.
New software companies are going to find it hard staking out a position in an
already crowded market.
stake somewhere/sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to mark the limits of an area or a piece of land with wooden sticks in order to
claim ownership of it
2. to show other people that you claim ownership, control or use of a particular
area in a physical way, for example by putting personal things there
Each gang in the city has staked out its territory and defends it from other gangs.
They arrived early for the concert and staked out a place at the front of the
queue.
stake sb to sth phrasal verb US
to provide someone with a particular thing or with what they need to get it
The governor has promised to stake the city's homeless to what they need for a
fresh start.
stakeholder noun [ C ] SHARE
1. a person or group of people who own a share in a business
2. a person such as an employee, customer or citizen who is involved with an
organization, society, etc. and therefore has responsibilities towards it and an interest in
its success
stakeholder noun [ C ] RISK
3. a person who is in charge of the prize money given by people betting on the
result of a game or competition and who gives it to the winner
stakeholder noun [ C ] SHARE
1. a person or group of people who own a share in a business
2. a person such as an employee, customer or citizen who is involved with an
organization, society, etc. and therefore has responsibilities towards it and an interest in
its success
stakeholder noun [ C ] RISK
3. a person who is in charge of the prize money given by people betting on the
result of a game or competition and who gives it to the winner
stakeout noun [ C ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
the continuous watching of a building or area, especially by the police
stalactite noun [ C ]
stalactite
a column of rock that hangs from the roof of a cave and which is formed over a
very long period of time by drops of water containing lime falling from the roof of the
cave
stalagmite noun [ C ]
stalagmite
a column of rock which rises from the floor of a cave which is formed over a very
long period of time by drops of water containing lime falling from the roof of the cave
stale adjective
1. no longer new or fresh, usually as a result of being kept for too long
The bread/biscuits/cake had gone stale.
The morning after the party, their apartment smelled of stale cigarette smoke.
2. not fresh and new; boring because too familiar
stale jokes/news
3. describes someone who has lost interest in what they are doing because they
are bored or are working too hard
They had been working together for over five years and they had both become a
little stale.
staleness noun [ U ]
stalemate noun [ C or U ]
1. a situation in which neither group involved in an argument can win or get an
advantage and no action can be taken
Tomorrow's meeting between the two leaders is expected to break a diplomatic
stalemate that has lasted for ten years.
Despite long discussions, the workers and the management remain locked in
stalemate.
2. in chess , a position in which one player is unable to move, but their king is not
being attacked, which means that neither of the two players wins
Compare checkmate
stalemate noun [ C or U ]
1. a situation in which neither group involved in an argument can win or get an
advantage and no action can be taken
Tomorrow's meeting between the two leaders is expected to break a diplomatic
stalemate that has lasted for ten years.
Despite long discussions, the workers and the management remain locked in
stalemate.
2. in chess , a position in which one player is unable to move, but their king is not
being attacked, which means that neither of the two players wins
Compare checkmate
stalk noun [ C ]
1. the main stem of a plant, or the narrow stem that joins leaves, flowers or fruit
to the main stem of a plant
She trimmed the stalks of the tulips before putting them in a vase.
2. a narrow structure that supports a part of the body in some animals
The eyes of shrimps are on movable stalks.
eyes out on stalks UK HUMOROUS
If your eyes are out on stalks, they are wide open with surprise
His eyes were out on stalks as he watched his neighbour drive past in a brand
new Porsche.
stalk verb FOLLOW
1. [ T ] to follow an animal or person as closely as possible without being seen or
heard, usually in order to catch or kill them
The police had been stalking the woman for a week before they arrested her.
2. [ I or T ] to illegally follow and watch someone, usually a woman, over a period
of time
He was arrested for stalking.
3. [ T ] LITERARY If something unpleasant stalks a place, it appears there in a
threatening way
When night falls, danger stalks the streets of the city.
stalk verb WALK
4. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to walk in an angry or proud way
She refused to accept that she was wrong and stalked furiously out of the room.
stalker noun [ C ]
a person who illegally follows and watches someone, especially a woman, over a
period of time
Several well-known women have been troubled by stalkers recently.
ˈ stalking ˌ horse noun [ C ]
If a group of politicians use someone who has no chance of winning as a stalking
horse, they make that person compete for a position in order to divide the opposition or
to take attention away from another person who they really want to win.
stall noun SHOP
1. [ C ] a large table or a small shop with an open front from which goods are sold
in a public place
In the village market, the stalls are piled high with local vegetables.
stall noun SMALL AREA
2. [ C ] a small closed area within a farm building in which there is space for one
animal to be kept
3. [ C ] a small area of a room which is separated from the main part of the room
by walls or curtains
There was one bathroom with a shower stall in the corner.
stall noun SEATS
4. the stalls
a. rows of fixed seats in a church which often have their sides and backs
connected
b. UK ( US the orchestra ) the seats on the main floor of a theatre or cinema, not
at a higher level
Compare the circle ; gallery
stall verb ENGINE
1. [ I or T ] If an engine stalls, or if you stall it, it stops working suddenly and
without you intending it to happen
A car may stall due to the driver braking too suddenly.
I stalled the car twice during my driving test but still managed to pass.
stall verb DELAY
2. [ I ] to delay taking action or avoid giving an answer in order to have more
time to make a decision or get an advantage
She says she'll give me the money next week but I think she's just stalling ( for
time ).
3. [ T ] If you stall a person, you delay them or prevent them from doing
something for a period of time
I managed to stall him for a few days until I'd got enough money to pay back the
loan.
MAINLY US The thief broke into the office while his accomplice stalled off the
security guard.
4. [ T ] If you stall an event, you delay it or prevent it from happening for a
period of time
Commandoes stalled the enemy attack by destroying three bridges.
Fears are growing that a tax increase may stall economic recovery.
stall noun SHOP
1. [ C ] a large table or a small shop with an open front from which goods are sold
in a public place
In the village market, the stalls are piled high with local vegetables.
stall noun SMALL AREA
2. [ C ] a small closed area within a farm building in which there is space for one
animal to be kept
3. [ C ] a small area of a room which is separated from the main part of the room
by walls or curtains
There was one bathroom with a shower stall in the corner.
stall noun SEATS
4. the stalls
a. rows of fixed seats in a church which often have their sides and backs
connected
b. UK ( US the orchestra ) the seats on the main floor of a theatre or cinema, not
at a higher level
Compare the circle ; gallery
stall verb ENGINE
1. [ I or T ] If an engine stalls, or if you stall it, it stops working suddenly and
without you intending it to happen
A car may stall due to the driver braking too suddenly.
I stalled the car twice during my driving test but still managed to pass.
stall verb DELAY
2. [ I ] to delay taking action or avoid giving an answer in order to have more
time to make a decision or get an advantage
She says she'll give me the money next week but I think she's just stalling ( for
time ).
3. [ T ] If you stall a person, you delay them or prevent them from doing
something for a period of time
I managed to stall him for a few days until I'd got enough money to pay back the
loan.
MAINLY US The thief broke into the office while his accomplice stalled off the
security guard.
4. [ T ] If you stall an event, you delay it or prevent it from happening for a
period of time
Commandoes stalled the enemy attack by destroying three bridges.
Fears are growing that a tax increase may stall economic recovery.
stallholder noun [ C ] MAINLY UK
a person who rents or owns a stall in a market
stallion noun [ C ]
an adult male horse which is used for breeding
Compare mare
stalwart adjective LOYAL
1. loyal, especially for a long time; able to be trusted
She has been a stalwart supporter of the party for many years.
stalwart adjective STRONG
2. FORMAL (especially of a person) physically strong
stalwartly adverb
stalwart noun [ C ]
a person who has been loyal for a long time
Let me introduce Bob, one of the club's stalwarts.
stamen noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the male reproductive part of a flower, consisting of a thin stem which holds an
anther
stamina noun [ U ]
the physical and/or mental strength to do something which might be difficult and
which will take a long time
The triathlon is a great test of stamina.
stammer verb [ I or T ]
to speak or say something with unusual pauses or repeated sounds, either
because of speech problems or because of fear and anxiety
[ + speech ] "Wh-when can we g-go?" she stammered.
He dialled 999 and stammered (out) his name and address.
Compare stutter
stammer noun [ C usually singular ]
Robert has a bit of a stammer.
stammeringly adverb
stammerer noun [ C ]
a person who stammers
stammerer noun [ C ]
a person who stammers
stamp noun LETTER
1. [ C ] ( FORMAL postage stamp ) a small piece of paper with a picture or pattern
on it which is stuck onto a letter or parcel before it is posted to show that postage has
been paid for
I stuck a 50p stamp on the envelope.
2. [ C ] UK A stamp is also a small piece of paper worth a particular amount of
money which you can buy repeatedly as a way of paying for something over a period of
time
vehicle licence stamps
stamp noun MARK
3. [ C ] a tool for putting a mark on an object either by printing on it or pushing
into it, or the mark made in this way
A date stamp inside the front cover of a library book shows when it should be
returned.
stamp noun QUALITY
4. [ U ] a particular quality in something or someone, or a quality in something
which shows it was done by a particular person or group of people
Although this painting clearly bears the stamp of genius, we don't know who
painted it.
Each manager has left his or her own stamp on the way the company has
evolved.
stamp noun FOOT
5. [ C ] an act of putting the foot down on the ground hard, or the noise made in
doing so
With a stamp of her foot she stormed out.
stamp verb MARK
1. [ T ] to put a mark on an object either by printing on it or pushing into it with a
small tool
It is necessary to stamp your passport.
Every carton of yoghurt is stamped with a sell-by date.
stamp verb MOVE FOOT
2. [ I or T ] ( US ALSO stomp ) to put a foot down on the ground hard and quickly,
making a loud noise, often to show anger
The little boy was stamping his foot and refusing to take his medicine.
She stood by the road, stamping her feet to stay warm.
I wish those people upstairs would stop stamping (about/around) .
Why did you stamp on that insect?
Compare stomp
stamp verb SHOW QUALITY
3. [ T ] to mark with a particular quality or show that someone has a particular
quality
Our new administrator seems to be trying to stamp her authority on every aspect
of the department.
stamped on sb's memory
If a particular event, etc. is stamped on someone's memory, the person will
always remember it
The awful sound of the crash will be stamped on her memory forever.
stamp on sth phrasal verb
to use force to stop or prevent something that you consider to be wrong or
harmful
Any opposition to the new government was immediately stamped on by the army.
stamp sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to get rid of something that is wrong or harmful
The new legislation is intended to stamp out child prostitution.
ˌ stamped ad ˌ dressed ˈ envelope noun [ C ] ( ALSO sae )
an envelope with a stamp and your name and address on it, which you send
inside another envelope to an organization when you want a reply
ˌ stamped ad ˌ dressed ˈ envelope noun [ C ] ( ALSO sae )
an envelope with a stamp and your name and address on it, which you send
inside another envelope to an organization when you want a reply
stampede noun [ C ]
when many large animals or many people suddenly all move quickly and in an
uncontrolled way, usually in the same direction at the same time, especially because of
fear
Two shoppers were injured in the stampede as shop doors opened on the first day
of the sale.
stampede verb [ I or T ]
when animals or people stampede, they all move quickly in the same direction,
often because they are frightened
A loud clap of thunder made the herd stampede.
FIGURATIVE No amount of pressure will stampede (= force) this committee into
making hasty decisions.
ˈ stamping ˌ ground noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a place or area which someone is very familiar with and where they like to spend
time
Do you ever go back to any of our old stamping grounds?
stance noun [ C ] OPINION
1. a way of thinking about something, especially expressed in a publicly stated
opinion
The doctor's stance on the issue of abortion is well known.
stance noun [ C ] POSITION
2. a particular way of standing
Jenny took up a stance with her feet slightly apart, ready to catch the ball.
stanch verb [ T ]
US FOR staunch (STOP) .
stanchion noun [ C ]
a fixed vertical bar or pole used as a support for something
stand verb VERTICAL
stand
1. [ I or T ] to be in a vertical state or to put into a vertical state, especially (of a
person or animal) by straightening the legs
Granny says if she stands (up) for a long time her ankles hurt.
As a sign of politeness you should stand (up) when she comes in.
Stand still and be quiet!
After the earthquake not a single building was left standing in the village.
Stand the bottles on the table over there.
stand verb STATE
2. [ I L only + adjective ] to be in, cause to be in or get into a particular state or
situation
How do you think your chances stand (= are) of being offered the job?
The national debt stands at fifty-five billion dollars.
The house stood empty for years.
Martina is currently standing second in the world listings.
[ + to infinitive ] Our firm stands to lose (= will lose) a lot of money if the deal is
unsuccessful.
We really can't allow the current situation to stand (= to exist in its current form)
.
Newton's laws of mechanics stood (= were thought to be completely true) for
over two hundred years.
Mix one sachet of paste into two litres of water, then leave the mixture to stand
(= do not touch it) for at least fifteen minutes before use.
It would be difficult for her to stand much lower/higher in my opinion (= for me
to have a worse/better opinion of her) after the way she behaved at the party.
FORMAL You stand accused of murder, how do you plead?
3. stand trial
to be put on trial in a court of law
Two other men are to stand trial next month for their part in the bombing.
stand verb PLACE
4. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to be in, cause to be in or put into a
particular place
The room was empty except for a wardrobe standing in one corner.
Stand the paintings against the wall while we decide where to hang them.
The photograph shows the happy couple standing beside a banana tree.
5. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] Vehicles that are standing are waiting
The train now standing at platform 8 is the 15.17 for Oxford.
stand verb ACCEPT
6. [ T usually in negatives ] to successfully accept or bear something which is
unpleasant or difficult
I can't stand her voice.
Our tent won't stand another storm like the last one.
[ + -ing verb ] I can't stand hear ing her cry.
stand verb POLITICS
7. [ I ] UK ( MAINLY US run ) to compete, especially in an election, for an official
position
The president has announced she does not intend to stand for re-election.
stand verb
8. stand a chance
to have a chance of success
She stands a good chance of passing her exam if she works hard.
stand verb HEIGHT
9. [ L only + noun ] to be a stated height
Even without his shoes he stood over two metres tall.
stand verb BUY
10. [ T + two objects ] to buy something, especially a meal or a drink, for
someone
I couldn't get to the bank, so could you stand me lunch?
stand verb OPINION
11. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to have as an opinion
How/Where does he stand on foreign policy issues?
can't stand the sight of sb/sth
to hate someone or something
Aunt Gloria can't stand the sight of cats.
from where sb stands
being in a particular position and having your particular experience, beliefs and
responsibilities
You can see why they refused her demand for a pay rise, but from where she
stands it probably seemed perfectly reasonable to ask.
I stand corrected. FORMAL
used to admit that something you have said or done was wrong
I stand corrected - the date of foundation was 1411, and not 1412 as I had
written.
it stands to reason
said when something is obvious or clear from the facts
If 20% of the Earth's population has 80% of its resources, then it stands to
reason that 80% of the population has only 20% of the resources.
know where you stand
to know what your opinion or situation is
I know where I stand on this issue - I'm against the war.
When we've paid all our debts we'll know where we stand.
stand (up) and be counted
to make your opinions known even if doing so might cause you harm or difficulty
Those who did have the courage to stand up and be counted were arrested and
imprisoned.
stand your ground
to refuse to be pushed backwards, or to continue in your beliefs in an argument
The battalion stood its ground in the face of repeated attacks.
Clare stood her ground in the meeting and refused to be intimidated even when
Michael got angry.
stand sb in good stead
If an experience stands a person in good stead, it is or will be of great use to
them
Getting some work experience now will stand you in good stead (for) when you
apply for a permanent job.
stand sth on its head
If something new stands something established on its head, then the truth of the
established thing or the beliefs on which it is based are doubted
New data has stood the traditional explanation of the island's origin on its head.
Stand and deliver!
said in the past by highwaymen when they stopped a carriage (= vehicle pulled
by horses) on a road to demand objects of value from the travellers
stand bail
to pay money temporarily to a court so that someone can be released from prison
until the date of their trial
She can't be released from police custody until someone stands bail for her.
stand fast/firm
to be determined
Stand firm on your decision and you're more likely to get the result you want.
stand in the way of sth/sb ( ALSO stand in sb's way )
to try to stop or prevent
You know I won't stand in your way if you want to apply for a job abroad.
stand on your dignity USUALLY DISAPPROVING
to demand to be shown the respect which you think you deserve
The Director didn't stand on her dignity; she helped clear up after the party.
stand on your hands/head
to support yourself only on your hands, or only on your head and hands, with
your feet up as high as possible
stand on your own (two) feet INFORMAL
to be able to provide all of the things you need for living without help from anyone
else
She'll have to get a job and learn to stand on her own two feet sooner or later.
stand on ceremony
to behave in a formal way
Please sit down and make yourself comfortable, we don't stand on ceremony
here.
stand or fall by sth
to depend completely on something for success
stand the test of time
If something stands the test of time, it is still popular, strong, etc. after a long
time
Which songs from the last year will stand the test of time?
standing on your head INFORMAL
If someone can do something standing on their head, they can do it very easily
It's the sort of program Andrew could write standing on his head.
stand about/around phrasal verb
to spend time standing somewhere and doing very little
We stood around in the cold for about an hour, waiting for the demo to start.
stand aside phrasal verb
1. to leave a job or position so that someone else can have it instead
It's time he stood aside and let a more qualified person do the job.
2. SLIGHTLY FORMAL to step sideways to make a space for someone else
Stand aside, please, so the doctor can get through.
stand back phrasal verb
to move a short distance away from something or someone
Please stand back - then all of you will be able to see what I'm doing.
stand by sb phrasal verb
to continue to support or help someone who is in a difficult situation
She has vowed to stand by her husband during his trial.
stand by phrasal verb BE READY
1. to be waiting and ready to do something or to help
Cabin crew, please stand by for takeoff.
See also standby
stand by phrasal verb DO NOTHING
2. to allow something unpleasant to happen without doing anything to stop it
We can't stand by while millions of people starve.
See also bystander
stand by sth phrasal verb
1. to continue doing what you said you would when you made a decision,
agreement or promise
Despite its financial problems, the company is standing by the no-redundancy
agreement.
2. to continue to believe that something you have said before is still true
I stand by the statement I made earlier - there is no reason for the minister to
resign.
stand clear phrasal verb
to move a short distance away from something so that you are safe
"Stand clear!" shouted the policewoman, "It might fall any minute."
stand down phrasal verb UK
to give up your official job or position
He's decided to stand down after fifteen years as managing director.
stand for sth phrasal verb ACCEPT
1. If you will not stand for something, you will not accept a situation or a
particular type of behaviour
I wouldn't stand for that sort of behaviour from him, if I were you.
stand for sth phrasal verb REPRESENT
2. to support or represent a particular idea or set of ideas
This party stands for low taxes and individual freedom.
3. If one or more letters stand for a word or name, they are the first letter or
letters of that word or name and they represent it
'GMT' stands for Greenwich Mean Time.
stand in phrasal verb ( US USUALLY fill in )
to do the job that another person was going to do or usually does, or to take their
place at an event, because they cannot be there
Paula stood in for Jane, while Jane was on holiday.
stand out phrasal verb
1. to be very noticeable
The black lettering really stands out on that orange background.
2. to be much better than other similar things or people
We had lots of good applicants for the job, but one stood out from the rest.
stand out against sth/sb phrasal verb
to openly oppose something or someone
More and more people are standing out against what is a very unpopular piece of
legislation.
stand over sb phrasal verb
to stand close to someone and watch what they are doing
Don't stand over me all the time - it makes me nervous.
stand together phrasal verb
If a group of people stand together on a particular matter, they agree strongly
about it and take action together about it.
stand up phrasal verb
If an idea or some information stands up, it is proved to be true or correct
Their evidence will never stand up in court.
Their argument won't stand up to detailed criticism (= when it is studied critically)
.
stand sb up phrasal verb [ usually passive ] INFORMAL
to intentionally fail to meet someone when you said you would, especially
someone you were starting to have a romantic relationship with
I don't know if I've been stood up or if she's just late - I'll wait another half hour.
stand up for sth/sb phrasal verb ( ALSO stick up for sth/sb )
to defend or support a particular idea or a person who is being criticized or
attacked
It's high time we all stood up for our rights around here.
[ R ] Don't be bullied, learn to stand up for yourself and what you believe in.
stand up to sb/sth phrasal verb
to defend yourself against a powerful person or organization when they treat you
unfairly
He wasn't afraid to stand up to bullies.
stand up to sth phrasal verb [ M ]
to not be changed or damaged by something
Will the lorries stand up to the journey over rough roads?
stand noun SPORT
1. [ C ] UK a large structure at a sports ground, usually with a sloping floor and
sometimes a roof, where people either stand or sit to watch a sports event
Compare grandstand
2. stands
a stand
Fighting broke out in the stands five minutes before the end of the match.
stand noun OPINION
3. [ C ] an opinion, especially one which is public
What's her stand on sexual equality?
stand noun COURT
4. [ C ] US FOR witness box
The witness took the stand (= went to the place in a court where you stand and
answer questions) .
stand noun SHOP
5. [ C ] a small shop or stall or an area where products can be shown, usually
outside or in a large public building, at which people can buy things or get information
a hotdog stand
Over three thousand companies will have stands at this year's microelectronics
exhibition.
See also newsstand
stand noun FRAME
6. [ C ] a frame or piece of furniture for supporting or putting things on
a music stand
a hatstand
stand noun OPPOSITION
7. [ C usually singular ] an act of opposition, especially in defence
Environmental groups are making a stand against the new road through the
valley.
See also stand out against sb/sth
stand noun PERFORMANCES
8. [ C usually singular ] US a particular number or period of performances
The Orioles will be in town for a three-game stand.
stand-alone adjective [ before noun ]
Something, such as a computer or a business, which is stand-alone can operate
on its own without needing help from another similar thing.
stand-alone adjective [ before noun ]
Something, such as a computer or a business, which is stand-alone can operate
on its own without needing help from another similar thing.
standard noun QUALITY
1. [ C or U ] a level of quality
This essay is not of an acceptable standard - do it again.
This piece of work is below standard/is not up to standard.
We have very high safety standards in this laboratory.
Not everyone judges success by the same standards - some people think
happiness is more important than money.
Her technique became a standard against which all future methods were
compared.
2. [ C usually plural ] a moral rule which should be obeyed
Most people agree that there are standards (of behaviour) which need to be
upheld, but agreeing on them is rather more difficult.
standard noun USUAL
3. [ C usually singular ] a pattern or model that is generally accepted
This program is an industry standard for computers.
4. [ C ] a song or other piece of music which has been popular and often played
over a long period of time
standard noun CAR
5. [ C ] US a car with gears that are changed by hand
standard noun FLAG
6. [ C ] a flag, especially a long narrow one ending with two long points
the royal standard
standard adjective
1. usual rather than special, especially when thought of as being correct or
acceptable
White is the standard colour for this model of refrigerator.
These are standard procedures for handling radioactive waste.
The metre is the standard unit for measuring length in the SI system.
MAINLY UK Your new TV comes with a two year guarantee as standard.
See also substandard
2. Language described as standard is the form of that language which is
considered acceptable and correct by most educated users of it
Most announcers on the BBC speak standard English .
In Standard American , 'gotten' is used as a past participle of 'get'.
3. [ before noun ] A standard book or writer is the one that is most commonly
read for information on a particular subject
Her book is still a standard text in archaeology, even though it was written more
than twenty years ago.
standard-bearer noun [ C ]
the person or thing that seems to lead a group of people having similar ideas or
moral opinions
Mr Everhart wants Caltech to be the standard-bearer for excellence in scientific
research of all kinds.
standard-bearer noun [ C ]
the person or thing that seems to lead a group of people having similar ideas or
moral opinions
Mr Everhart wants Caltech to be the standard-bearer for excellence in scientific
research of all kinds.
standardize , UK USUALLY standardise verb [ T ]
to make things of the same type all have the same basic features
We standardize parts such as rear-view mirrors, so that one type will fit any
model of car we make.
standardization , UK USUALLY standardisation noun [ U ]
ˈ standard ˌ lamp noun [ C ] UK ( US floor lamp )
standard lamp
an electric light supported by a tall pole which is fixed to a base that rests on the
floor of a room
ˌ standard of ˈ living noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO living standard )
the amount of money and comfort people have in a particular society
The standard of living in many developing countries is low.
Compare cost of living
ˌ standard ˈ operating ˌ procedure noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION SOP ) US
the usual way of doing something
Checking references before we lend money is standard operating procedure.
ˈ standard ˌ time noun [ U ]
In a country or a part of a country, standard time is the time which is officially
used.
Compare Greenwich Mean Time
standby noun [ C ] READY
1. something which is always ready for use, especially if a regular one fails
Board games are a good standby to keep the children amused if the weather is
bad.
There are standby generators but these usually only have to work for a few hours
a year during power cuts.
2. on standby
When a person or a thing is on standby, they are ready to be used if necessary
Hospitals are on standby ready to deal with casualties from the crash.
standby noun [ C ] TICKET
3. ( ALSO standby ticket ) a cheap ticket sold just before a flight or a performance
if there is a seat available
stand-in noun [ C ]
a person who takes the place or does the job of another person for a short time,
for example because the other person is ill or on holiday
The lecturer didn't turn up, so we had to find a stand-in.
stand-in noun [ C ]
a person who takes the place or does the job of another person for a short time,
for example because the other person is ill or on holiday
The lecturer didn't turn up, so we had to find a stand-in.
standing noun [ U ] REPUTATION
1. reputation, rank or position in an area of activity, system or organization
As a pathologist of considerable standing, his opinion will have a lot of influence.
A financial scandal would shake the Institute's standing in the international
academic community.
standing noun [ U ] TIME
2. SLIGHTLY FORMAL the time for which something has existed
One member, of twelve years' standing on the committee, resigned in protest at
the changes.
See also long-standing
standing adjective [ before noun ]
permanent, rather than formed or created when necessary
a standing committee
You know you have a standing invitation to come and stay anytime you're in
town.
from a standing start
from not moving
This car can reach 60mph from a standing start in six seconds.
ˌ standing ˈ joke noun [ C usually singular ]
something which a particular group of people are familiar with and laugh about
often, especially in an unkind way
The fact that Debbie is always late has become a standing joke among her
friends.
ˌ standing ˈ order noun [ C ] UK
an instruction to a bank to pay a particular amount of money at regular times
from a person's bank account to another bank account
Compare direct debit
ˌ standing o ˈ vation noun [ C ]
when the people in an audience stand up to clap at the end of a performance or
speech because they liked it very much
She received a standing ovation at the end of her speech.
ˈ standing ˌ room noun [ U ]
space in a sports ground, theatre, bus, etc. where people can stand, especially if
all of the seats have people sitting in them
All the seats were gone, so there was standing room only .
ˈ standing ˌ room noun [ U ]
space in a sports ground, theatre, bus, etc. where people can stand, especially if
all of the seats have people sitting in them
All the seats were gone, so there was standing room only .
standoff noun [ C ]
a situation in which agreement in an argument does not seem possible; stalemate
standoffish adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
behaving in a slightly unfriendly and too formal way
standoffishly adverb
standoffishness noun [ U ]
standout noun [ C ] US
an excellent or the best example of something
While all the desserts are pretty good, the clear standout is the lemon pie.
standpipe noun [ C ]
a vertical pipe which is connected to a water supply and provides water to a public
place such as a road
standpoint noun [ C ]
a set of beliefs and ideas from which opinions and decisions are formed
"I have to put aside my emotions, " he says, "and consider it from a professional
standpoint."
standstill noun [ S ]
a condition in which all movement or activity has stopped
The runaway bus eventually came to a standstill when it rolled into a muddy
field.
Fighting and shortages have brought normal life to a virtual standstill in the city.
stand-up adjective [ before noun ]
describes comedy performed by a single person telling jokes
stand-up comedy
a stand-up comedian
stand-up noun [ C ]
a person who performs stand-up comedy ; a stand-up comedian
stank verb
PAST SIMPLE OF stink
stank verb
PAST SIMPLE OF stink
Stanley knife noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
a sharp knife with a short blade which can be replaced or put inside the handle if
not being used
stanza noun [ C ]
a group of lines of poetry forming a unit; verse
stapes noun [ C usually sing ] SPECIALIZED
one of three very small bones that carry sound from the eardrum to the inner ear
See also incus ; malleus
staple noun [ C ] WIRE
1. a short thin piece of wire used to fasten sheets of paper together. It has sharp
ends which are pushed through the paper and then bent flat by a special device.
See picture office equipment 2
2. a U-shaped piece of metal with sharp ends which is hammered into a surface to
hold something, such as a wire fence, in a particular position
staple noun [ C ] BASIC
3. a main product or part of something
Shortages mean that even staples (= basic foods) like bread are difficult to find.
Phosphate has been a staple of this area for many years.
Romantic fiction and reference books are a staple of many public libraries.
staple adjective [ before noun ]
basic or main; standard or regular
The staple diet here is mutton, fish and boiled potatoes.
Prices of staple foods such as wheat and vegetables have also been increasing.
Her latest film is the staple offering of action and comedy which we have come to
expect.
staple verb [ T ]
to fasten something using staples
Would you mind stapling the reports together ?
staple-gun noun [ C ]
a tool which you hold in your hand and use to push staples into a surface
stapler noun [ C ]
stapler
a small device which you can hold in your hand or use on a table to push staples
through pieces of paper
star noun OBJECT IN SPACE
1. [ C ] a very large ball of burning gas in space which is usually seen from Earth
as a point of light in the sky at night
Stars twinkled above them as they lay on the hill.
star noun PERFORMER
2. [ C ] a very famous, successful and important person, especially a performer
such as a musician, actor or sports player
a rock/movie/football star
Kids wanting to be stars come to Hollywood from all over America.
See also co-star ; superstar
star noun SYMBOL
3. [ C ] a symbol with four or more points
star-shaped
How many stars (= symbols showing quality) has this restaurant got?
The teacher gave Atticus a gold star (= paper symbol rewarding good work) for
his drawing.
4. [ C ] a symbol made of metal or cloth worn by particular officials to show their
rank
a sheriff's star
a four-star general
5. [ C ] an asterisk (= a symbol *)
star noun LUCK
6. [ C ] INFORMAL any planet or other object in the sky thought of in astrology as
influencing a person's luck
She was born under a lucky/an unlucky star.
See also star sign
7. stars INFORMAL
horoscope
I always like to see what the stars say in the newspaper.
You're a star! INFORMAL
something you say to someone when they have been kind and helpful to you
star verb [ I + prep T ]
If a film, play, etc. stars someone, or if someone stars in a film, play, etc., they
are the main actor in it
Ben Kingsley starred in the film 'Gandhi'.
Fowles's novel 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' was turned into a film starring
Meryl Streep.
star adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL
best or most important
Natalie is, without a doubt, the star student in this year's ballet class.
This afternoon the prosecution will call its star witness.
-star suffix
a ranking of quality, usually in numbers from one to five with one being the
lowest
A three-star hotel is better than a two-star.
stapler noun [ C ]
stapler
a small device which you can hold in your hand or use on a table to push staples
through pieces of paper
star noun OBJECT IN SPACE
1. [ C ] a very large ball of burning gas in space which is usually seen from Earth
as a point of light in the sky at night
Stars twinkled above them as they lay on the hill.
star noun PERFORMER
2. [ C ] a very famous, successful and important person, especially a performer
such as a musician, actor or sports player
a rock/movie/football star
Kids wanting to be stars come to Hollywood from all over America.
See also co-star ; superstar
star noun SYMBOL
3. [ C ] a symbol with four or more points
star-shaped
How many stars (= symbols showing quality) has this restaurant got?
The teacher gave Atticus a gold star (= paper symbol rewarding good work) for
his drawing.
4. [ C ] a symbol made of metal or cloth worn by particular officials to show their
rank
a sheriff's star
a four-star general
5. [ C ] an asterisk (= a symbol *)
star noun LUCK
6. [ C ] INFORMAL any planet or other object in the sky thought of in astrology as
influencing a person's luck
She was born under a lucky/an unlucky star.
See also star sign
7. stars INFORMAL
horoscope
I always like to see what the stars say in the newspaper.
You're a star! INFORMAL
something you say to someone when they have been kind and helpful to you
star verb [ I + prep T ]
If a film, play, etc. stars someone, or if someone stars in a film, play, etc., they
are the main actor in it
Ben Kingsley starred in the film 'Gandhi'.
Fowles's novel 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' was turned into a film starring
Meryl Streep.
star adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL
best or most important
Natalie is, without a doubt, the star student in this year's ballet class.
This afternoon the prosecution will call its star witness.
-star suffix
lowest
-star suffix
lowest
starboard noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the right side of a ship or aircraft as you are facing forward
Opposite port
starch noun [ U ] FOOD
1. a white substance which exists in large amounts in potatoes and particular
grains such as rice
Corn starch is used as a thickener in stews.
Compare carbohydrate
starch noun [ U ] CLOTH
2. a white substance from potatoes and particular grains which is used to make
cloth stiff
starch verb [ T ]
to make clothes stiff by washing them with starch
She wore a starched white apron over her black dress.
ˌ star ˈ chamber noun [ C ] MAINLY UK FORMAL DISAPPROVING
a court or other group which meets privately and makes judgments which can be
severe
starchily adverb INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
in a formal way and without humour
starchy adjective FORMAL
1. INFORMAL DISAPPROVING behaving in a formal way and without humour
Science museums have tried to shake off their somewhat starchy image by
mounting exhibitions designed to draw in the crowds.
starchy adjective FOOD
2. containing a lot of starch
starchy foods
star-crossed adjective LITERARY
unlucky
star-crossed lovers
stardom noun [ U ]
fame
From childhood, Britney Spears seemed destined for stardom.
stardom noun [ U ]
fame
From childhood, Britney Spears seemed destined for stardom.
stardust noun [ U ] LITERARY
(something which causes) a pleasant dream-like or romantic feeling
stare verb [ I or T ]
to look for a long time with the eyes wide open, especially when surprised,
frightened or thinking
Don't stare at people like that, it's rude.
Chuck sat quietly for hours staring into the distance, thinking of what might have
been.
During the press conference, each boxer tried to stare the other down / UK ALSO
out (= force the other to look away by continual staring) .
staring adjective
In the darkness we could just make out the blank staring eyes of a child.
be staring at sth
If you are staring at a bad situation or problem, you know you must experience it
or deal with it very soon
By late in the first half United were staring at a seven-goal deficit and almost
certain defeat.
stare sb in the face INFORMAL
If something stares someone in the face, it is very easy to see or obvious
The answer has been staring us in the face all along!
stare noun [ C ]
when you look at something or someone for a long time
She gave him a long stare but didn't answer his question.
starfish noun [ C ]
a flat animal that lives in the sea and has five arms which grow from its body in
the shape of a star
starfruit noun [ C ] ( ALSO carambola )
a yellow tropical fruit with smooth skin and five pointed curved sections, making a
star shape when you cut through it
stargazer noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is involved in astronomy or astrology
stargazing noun [ U ]
stargazer noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who is involved in astronomy or astrology
stargazing noun [ U ]
stark adjective
empty, simple or obvious, especially without decoration or anything which is not
necessary; severe or extreme
It was a stark room with its white walls, and a bed and chair as the only furniture.
The stark reality is that we are operating at a huge loss.
In the suburbs the spacious houses stand in stark contrast to the slums of the
city's poor.
starkness noun [ U ]
stark adverb
completely or extremely
The children were splashing in the river, stark naked .
I think he's stark raving mad / UK ALSO stark staring mad to want to spend his
holiday watching trains!
starkers adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL OFTEN HUMOROUS
naked
starkly adverb
very obviously and clearly
Her later sensual works contrast starkly with the harsh earlier paintings.
starlet noun [ C ]
OFTEN DISAPPROVING a young female actor who hopes to be or is thought likely to be
famous in the future
starlight noun [ U ]
the light produced by stars
starlit adjective
a starlit night
starling noun [ C ]
a common bird with black or dark brown feathers which lives in large groups in
many parts of the world
Star of David noun [ C ]
a star with six points which represents Judaism
Star of David noun [ C ]
a star with six points which represents Judaism
ˈ star ˌ quality noun [ C or U ]
a special ability that makes someone seem very successful or better than other
people
He is a player who has the star quality to delight his fans.
starred adjective SYMBOL
1. with an asterisk (= the symbol *) beside them
The starred items on the agenda are the most important.
starred adjective RANK
2. A starred hotel or restaurant is one that is good enough to be ranked.
starry adjective
lit by stars or shining like a star
a starry night/sky
starry-eyed adjective
If a person is starry-eyed, they have a lot of thoughts and opinions which are
unreasonably positive, so they do not understand things as they really are.
It's easy to be starry-eyed about a place you've never been to.
ˌ Stars and ˈ Stripes noun
the US flag
ˈ star ˌ sign noun [ C ]
in astrology , any of the twelve symbols which represent parts of the zodiac
"What's your star sign?" "I'm a Leo."
Star-Spangled Banner noun
the national anthem (= song) of the US
starstruck adjective OFTEN DISAPPROVING
feeling great or too much respect for famous or important people, especially
famous actors or performers
It's the story of a starstruck young girl who goes to Hollywood to make her
fortune.
star-studded adjective INFORMAL
If a group of people, a film or a show is star-studded, there are a lot of famous
people in it.
star-studded adjective INFORMAL
If a group of people, a film or a show is star-studded, there are a lot of famous
people in it.
start verb BEGIN
1. [ I or T ] to begin doing something
When do you start your course/your new job?
We'll be starting (the session) at six o'clock.
Can you start (= begin a new job) on Monday?
[ + -ing verb ] They started build ing the house in January.
[ + to infinitive ] I'd just started to write a letter when the phone rang.
2. [ I or T ] ( ALSO start up ) If a business or other organization starts, or if
someone starts one, it is created and starts to operate
She started her own software company.
A lot of new restaurants have started up in the region.
3. [ I or T ] to begin to happen or to make something begin to happen
A new series of wildlife programmes has started on Monday evenings.
Police believe the fire was started by arsonists.
4. [ I or T ] to begin a set of activities with the thing or person mentioned
The speaker started with a description of her journey to China.
Give me your answers one by one, starting with Lucy.
You could start by weed ing the flowerbeds.
He started his working life as an engineer but later became a teacher.
5. [ I ] INFORMAL to begin to complain or be annoying in some way
Don't start - we're not going and that's that!
INFORMAL "It would help if Richard did some work." "Oh, don't get me started on
Richard!"
6. get started
to begin
When can we get started?
7. start a family
to have your first child
8. start work
to begin being employed
He started work at 16 in a local bakers.
9. to start with
at the beginning, or as the first of several things
We only knew two people in London to start with, but we soon made friends.
To start with we need better computers - then we need more training.
start verb FIRST POINT
10. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to begin at one point and then move to
another, in distance or range
The bus starts at/from the main depot.
We'll need to start (off/out) early because the journey takes six hours.
Tell me what happened - start at the beginning .
Ticket prices start at/from £20 and go up to £100.
start verb MOVE SUDDENLY
11. [ I ] to move your body suddenly because something has surprised or
frightened you
He started at the sound of the phone.
start verb WORK
12. [ I or T ] ( ALSO start up ) to (cause to) begin to work or operate
I'm having trouble starting the car.
The engine won't start.
start (sth) off phrasal verb
to begin by doing something, or to make something begin by doing something
She started off the meeting with the monthly sales report.
I'd like to start off by thanking you all for coming today.
start sb off phrasal verb
1. to help someone to start an activity, especially a piece of work
I'll start her off on some fairly basic stuff and see how she gets on.
2. to make someone start to laugh, cry, or talk about something that they often
talk about
I could see Emma trying not to laugh and of course that started me off.
start on sth phrasal verb
to start to deal with something, or to start to use something
I'm just about to start on the cleaning.
Shall we start on the wine or wait till Colin gets here?
start on at sb phrasal verb
to start complaining angrily to someone about something they have done
She started on at him about the way he's always looking at other women.
start out phrasal verb
to begin your life, or the part of your life when you work, in a particular way
My dad started out as a sales assistant in a shop.
start over phrasal verb US ( UK start afresh )
to begin to do something again, sometimes in a different way
We decided to abandon the first draft of the report and start over.
The agreement allows old expectations to be forgotten and everyone can start
afresh.
start ( sth ) up phrasal verb BUSINESS
1. If a business or other organization starts up, or if someone starts one up, it is
created and starts to operate
Many small businesses started up in the 1980s to cater to this growing market.
We ought to start up a drama group.
start ( sth ) up phrasal verb ENGINE
2. If a vehicle or engine starts up, or someone starts it up, it starts to work
The car wouldn't start up this morning.
start noun BEGINNING
1. [ S ] the beginning of something
We were doubtful about the product's usefulness from the start.
They announced the start of a new commercial venture.
The weather was good at the start (= in the first part) of the week.
The event got off to a shaky/poor start with the stage lights failing in the first
few minutes.
2. [ C ] when you begin doing something
We need to make a start on (preparing) the brochure next week.
3. from start to finish
including all of something, from the beginning to the end
The whole course was a disaster from start to finish.
4. for a start
UK first, or as the first in a set of things
We'll take names and phone numbers for a start, then later on we can get more
details.
start noun SUDDEN MOVEMENT
5. [ S ] when someone moves their body suddenly because something has
surprised or frightened them
He woke with a start.
She gave a start as I entered.
starter noun [ C ]
1. a person, animal or organization that is involved at the beginning of an activity,
especially a race
Of the ten starters (= horses which started in the race) , two fell at the first fence.
2. [ C ] MAINLY UK a small dish served as the first part of a meal
We had soup/pâté/pasta as a starter.
for starters INFORMAL
used to say that something is the first in a list of things
Try this exercise for starters.
"Why did you decide not to go to the concert?" "Well, for starters, the tickets were
ridiculously expensive."
under starter's orders
ready for the signal to start a race
starter noun [ C ]
1. a person, animal or organization that is involved at the beginning of an activity,
especially a race
Of the ten starters (= horses which started in the race) , two fell at the first fence.
2. [ C ] MAINLY UK a small dish served as the first part of a meal
We had soup/pâté/pasta as a starter.
for starters INFORMAL
used to say that something is the first in a list of things
Try this exercise for starters.
"Why did you decide not to go to the concert?" "Well, for starters, the tickets were
ridiculously expensive."
under starter's orders
ready for the signal to start a race
ˈ starter ˌ motor noun [ C ]
an electrical device which causes an engine to begin to operate
ˈ starting ˌ date noun [ C ] ( ALSO start date )
the planned day for the start of an important activity
The starting date for the construction work is June 23rd.
ˈ starting ˌ line noun [ C ]
a line drawn on the ground behind which competitors wait for a signal to begin a
race
ˈ starting ˌ pistol noun [ C ]
a small gun that makes a loud noise instead of firing bullets and is used for
starting races
ˈ starting ˌ point noun [ C usually singular ] ( UK ALSO start point )
a place or position where something begins
The starting point for the guided tour of the town is in the market square.
The committee emphasised that its report was only meant as a starting point for
discussion.
ˈ starting ˌ price noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION SP ) UK
the amount of money offered just at the start of a race by a bookmaker for a
winning bet (= money risked)
ˈ starting ˌ salary noun [ C ]
the amount of money received when starting a particular type of job for the first
time
My starting salary as a newly qualified teacher wasn't enough to support a family.
ˈ starting ˌ time noun [ C ] ( ALSO start time )
the planned time for starting an official activity
The starting time for our monthly meetings will be 6.30.
startle verb [ T ]
to do something unexpected which surprises and sometimes worries a person or
animal
She was concentrating on her book and his voice startled her.
The noise of the car startled the birds and the whole flock flew up into the air.
Her article on diet startled many people into changing their eating habits.
startled adjective
a startled expression
startle verb [ T ]
to do something unexpected which surprises and sometimes worries a person or
animal
She was concentrating on her book and his voice startled her.
The noise of the car startled the birds and the whole flock flew up into the air.
Her article on diet startled many people into changing their eating habits.
startled adjective
a startled expression
startling adjective
surprising and sometimes worrying
startling results
He made some startling admissions about his past.
startlingly adverb
startlingly poor results
start-up noun [ C ]
a small business that has just been started
Start-ups are very vulnerable in the business world.
ˌ star ˈ turn noun [ C usually singular ]
the main performer in a film, play or other show, or an extremely good
performance by someone
starvation noun [ U ]
the state of having no food for a long period, often causing death
Twenty million people face starvation unless a vast emergency aid programme is
launched.
The animals had died of starvation.
FIGURATIVE They pay starvation wages (= not enough money to live on) .
star ˈ vation ˌ diet noun [ C ]
when you eat only a very small amount of food in order to lose weight quickly
She went on a starvation diet and ended up in hospital.
starve verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) become very weak or die because there is not enough
food to eat
Whole communities starved to death during the long drought.
From talking to former prisoners in the camps, an obvious conclusion is that they
have been starved.
2. [ T often passive ] If you are starved of something necessary or good, you do
not receive enough of it
People starved of sleep start to lose their concentration and may hallucinate.
starved adjective
1. MAINLY US INFORMAL very hungry
2. half-starved
dangerously thin
A lot of these fashion models look half-starved to me.
starved adjective
1. MAINLY US INFORMAL very hungry
2. half-starved
dangerously thin
A lot of these fashion models look half-starved to me.
starving adjective NO FOOD
1. dying because of not having enough food
The cats were neglected and starving.
2. INFORMAL very hungry
Isn't lunch ready yet? I'm starving.
starving adjective COLD
3. [ after verb ] SCOTTISH ENGLISH AND NORTHERN ENGLISH extremely cold
Could you put the heating on? I'm starving!
ˈ Star ˌ wars plural noun
INFORMAL FOR SDI ; Strategic Defense Initiative
stash verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to store or hide something, especially a large amount
The stolen pictures were stashed (away) in a London warehouse.
stash noun [ C ]
They discovered a stash of money hidden at the back of a drawer.
stasis noun [ U ] FORMAL
a state which does not change
She was bored - her life was in stasis.
state noun CONDITION
1. [ C ] a condition or way of being that exists at a particular time
The building was in a state of disrepair.
She was found wandering in a confused state ( of mind ).
Give me the keys - you're in no fit state to drive.
After the accident I was in a state of shock .
I came home to an unhappy state of affairs (= situation) .
The kitchen was in its original state, with a 1920s sink and stove.
2. the state of play UK AUSTRALIAN
the present situation
The article provides a useful summary of the current state of play in the
negotiations.
state noun COUNTRY
3. [ C or U ] a country or its government
The drought is worst in the central African states.
Britain is one of the member states of the European Union.
The government was determined to reduce the number of state-owned industries.
Some theatres receive a small amount of funding from the state.
FORMAL His diary included comments on affairs/matters of state (= information
about government activities) .
4. [ C ] a part of a large country with its own government, such as in Germany,
Australia or the US
Alaska is the largest state in the US.
Representatives are elected from each state.
5. the States INFORMAL
used to refer to the United States of America
6. in state
If a king, queen or government leader does something in state, they do it in a
formal way as part of an official ceremony
The Queen rode in state to the opening of Parliament.
be in/get into a state MAINLY UK
to become nervous and upset
She got into a real state before her driving test.
state verb [ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to say or write something, especially clearly and carefully
Our warranty clearly states the limits of our liability.
[ + ( that ) ] Union members stated (that) they were unhappy with the proposal.
[ + question word ] Please state wh y you wish to apply for this grant.
Children in the stated (= named) areas were at risk from a lack of food, the
report said.
state adjective [ before noun ]
1. provided, created or done by the state (= government of a country)
state education/industries
state legislature/law
state control
state funding/pensions/subsidies
2. formal, official and involving ceremonies when referring to activities involving a
representative of the government or leader of the country
the state opening of Parliament
a state funeral
statecraft noun [ U ]
the skill of governing a country
statecraft noun [ U ]
the skill of governing a country
ˈ State De ˌ partment noun [ S ]
the part of the US government which deals with foreign matters
statehood noun [ U ]
the condition of being a country or a part of a large country that has its own
government
The US-Mexican War of 1846-48 was sparked by a dispute over impending Texas
statehood.
stateless adjective
A stateless person has no country that they officially belong to.
ˌ state ˈ line noun [ C usually singular ] US
a border between two US states
stately adjective SLIGHTLY FORMAL
formal and splendid in style and appearance
The procession moved through the mountain village at a stately pace .
He always walked with a stately bearing .
stateliness noun [ U ]
ˌ stately ˈ home noun [ C ] UK
a large old house which usually has beautiful furniture, decorations and gardens
statement noun [ C ]
1. something that someone says or writes officially, or an action done to express
an opinion
The government is expected to issue a statement about the investigation to the
press.
He produced a signed statement from the prisoner.
He threw paint over the fur coats because he wanted to make a statement about
cruelty to animals.
[ + that ] We were not surprised by their statement that the train services would
be reduced.
2. ( ALSO bank statement ) a piece of paper which shows the amounts of money
paid into and taken out of your bank account during a particular period of time
ˌ state oc ˈ casion noun [ C ]
an official formal occasion, which has traditional ceremonies connected with it,
and at which important members of the government, royal family, etc. are present
ˌ state oc ˈ casion noun [ C ]
an official formal occasion, which has traditional ceremonies connected with it,
and at which important members of the government, royal family, etc. are present
ˌ state of e ˈ mergency noun [ C ]
a temporary system of rules to deal with an extremely dangerous or difficult
situation
After the floods the government declared a state of emergency.
ˌ state-of-the- ˈ art adjective
very modern and using the most recent ideas and methods
a state-of-the-art computer
The control panel uses all the newest technology and is considered state-of-the-
art.
ˌ state ˈ premier noun [ C ]
the leader of an Australian state government
stateroom , noun [ C ]
a large room, especially in a castle or palace , which is used for formal or
important occasions
the staterooms at Windsor Castle
ˈ state ˌ school noun [ C ] UK ( US public school )
a school that is free to go to because the government provides the money for it
state's evidence noun [ U ]
US FOR Queen's evidence or King's evidence
stateside adjective , adverb US
related to the US; in or towards the US
a stateside job
Some girls dream of finding an American husband to transport them stateside (=
to the United States) .
statesman noun [ C ] APPROVING
an experienced politician, especially one who is respected for making good
judgments
statesmanship noun [ U ]
statesmanlike adjective APPROVING
having or showing the qualities of a statesman
a statesmanlike speech
statesmanlike adjective APPROVING
having or showing the qualities of a statesman
a statesmanlike speech
stateswoman noun [ C ]
a female statesman
an influential and admired elder stateswoman
ˌ state ˈ visit noun [ C ]
an official formal visit by the leader of one country to another
statewide , adjective
in every part of a state
statewide elections
static adjective
staying in one place without moving, or not changing for a long time
Oil prices have remained static for the last few months.
static noun [ U ]
1. noise on a radio or television caused by electricity in the air
There's so much static on this radio I can't hear what they're saying.
2. ( ALSO static electricity ) an electrical charge which collects on the surface of
objects made from some types of material when they are rubbed
statin noun [ C ]
a drug that reduces the level of cholesterol (= substance containing a lot of fat in
your blood that can cause heart disease)
station noun [ C ] BUSES/TRAINS
1. a building and the surrounding area where buses or trains stop for people to
get on or off
a train/rail station
a bus/coach station
UK a railway station
Our office is near the station.
We looked on our map to find the nearest UK underground/tube / US
subway/metro station.
station noun [ C ] BROADCASTING
2. a company which sends out radio or television broadcasts
a radio/television station
a commercial/foreign station
a pirate (= illegal) station
The reception is not very good - try to tune in to another station.
station noun [ C ] SERVICE
3. a building or place used for a particular service or type of work
a UK petrol/ US gas station
a police/fire station
a biological research station
4. MAINLY AUSTRALIAN a large farm with animals in Australia and New Zealand
a sheep station
station noun [ C ] POSITION
5. a particular position that someone has been ordered to move into or to stay in
The police took up their stations at the edge of the road, holding back the crowd.
station verb [ T + adv/prep ]
to cause especially soldiers to be in a particular place to do a job
I hear your son's in the army - where's he stationed?
The regiment was stationed in Singapore for several years.
Armed guards were stationed around the airport.
stationary adjective
not moving, or not changing
a stationary car/train
The traffic got slower and slower until it was stationary.
The rate of inflation has been stationary for several months.
stationary adjective
not moving, or not changing
a stationary car/train
The traffic got slower and slower until it was stationary.
The rate of inflation has been stationary for several months.
ˈ station ˌ break noun [ C ] US
a pause in a television or radio broadcast for the broadcasting station to give its
name
stationer noun [ C ]
a person or business that sells stationery
stationer's noun [ C ] UK
a shop which sells stationery
You'll be able to get a tube of glue at the stationer's down the road.
stationery noun [ U ]
1. the things needed for writing, such as paper, pens, pencils and envelopes
2. good quality paper for writing letters on and matching envelopes
ˈ station ˌ house noun [ C ]
US INFORMAL FOR police station or fire station
stationmaster noun [ C ]
the person who is in charge of a railway station
ˌ Stations of the ˈ Cross plural noun
14 pictures showing different things which happened during the last days of the
life of Jesus Christ, which are put on the walls inside many Roman Catholic churches
ˈ station ˌ wagon noun [ C ]
station wagon
US FOR estate (car)
statistic noun
1. statistics
a. [ plural ] ( INFORMAL stats ) information based on a study of the number of times
something happens or is present, or other numerical facts
Statistics show/suggest that women live longer than men.
According to official statistics, the Japanese work longer hours than workers in
most other industrialized countries.
b. [ U ] the science of using information discovered from studying numbers
2. [ C ] a fact in the form of a number that shows information about something
statistic noun
1. statistics
a. [ plural ] ( INFORMAL stats ) information based on a study of the number of times

something happens or is present, or other numerical facts
Statistics show/suggest that women live longer than men.
According to official statistics, the Japanese work longer hours than workers in
most other industrialized countries.
b. [ U ] the science of using information discovered from studying numbers
2. [ C ] a fact in the form of a number that shows information about something
The city's most shocking statistic is its high infant mortality rate.
statistical adjective
relating to statistics
statistical errors/evidence
statistically adverb
Statistically speaking, you're more likely to die from a bee sting than win the
lottery.
statistician noun [ C ]
someone who studies or is an expert in statistics
statuary noun [ U ] FORMAL
statues
a display of garden statuary
statue noun [ C ]
statue
an object made from a hard material, especially stone or metal, to look like a
person or animal
a statue of a boy
They planned to put up/erect a statue to the President.
statuesque adjective
A statuesque woman is attractively tall and large.
statuette noun [ C ]
a statue which is small enough to stand on a table or shelf
stature noun REPUTATION
1. [ U ] the good reputation a person or organization has, based on their

behaviour and ability
an artist of great stature
His stature as an art critic was tremendous.
If the school continues to gain in stature, it will attract the necessary financial
support.
stature noun HEIGHT
2. [ C usually singular ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL (especially of people) height
His red hair and short stature made him easy to recognize.
status noun [ U ] OFFICIAL POSITION
1. an accepted or official position, especially in a social group
The association works to promote the status of retired people as useful members
of the community.
There has been an increase in applications for refugee status.
The success of her book has given her unexpected celebrity status.
Applicants should have a degree or a qualification of equal status.

status noun [ U ] RESPECT
2. the amount of respect, admiration or importance given to a person,

organization or object
high/low status
As the daughter of the president, she enjoys high status among her peers.
The leaders were often more concerned with status and privilege than with the
problems of the people.
The city's most shocking statistic is its high infant mortality rate.
status noun [ U ] OFFICIAL POSITION
1. an accepted or official position, especially in a social group
The association works to promote the status of retired people as useful members
of the community.
There has been an increase in applications for refugee status.
The success of her book has given her unexpected celebrity status.
Applicants should have a degree or a qualification of equal status.
status noun [ U ] RESPECT
2. the amount of respect, admiration or importance given to a person,
organization or object
high/low status
As the daughter of the president, she enjoys high status among her peers.
The leaders were often more concerned with status and privilege than with the
problems of the people.
the status quo noun [ S ]
the present situation
Certain people always want to maintain the status quo.
ˈ status ˌ symbol noun [ C ]
any thing which people want to have because they think other people will admire
them if they have it
Among young people, this brand of designer clothing is the ultimate status
symbol.
statute noun [ C or U ]
1. a law which has been formally approved and written down
2. statute book UK
When a law is on or reaches the statute book, it has been formally approved and
written down and can be used in a law court.
statutory adjective
decided or controlled by law
statutory obligations
staunch adjective
always loyal in supporting a person, organization or set of beliefs or opinions
a staunch friend and ally
He gained a reputation as being a staunch defender/supporter of civil rights.
staunchness noun [ U ]
staunch verb [ T ] ( US ALSO stanch )
to stop something happening, or to stop liquid, especially blood, from flowing out
The country's asylum laws were amended to staunch the flow/flood of economic
migrants.
Mike pressed hard on the wound and staunched the flow of blood.
staunchly adverb
strongly
staunchly loyal/independent
stave noun [ C ] UK ( US staff )
the five lines and four spaces between them on which musical notes are written
stave verb
stave sth in phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK
to push or hit something such as a door or other surface so that it breaks and falls
towards the inside
A couple of teenagers were trying to stave in our shed door.
The front of the ship was stove in where it had hit the rock.
stave sth/sb off phrasal verb [ M ]
to stop something bad from happening, or to keep an unwanted situation or
person away, usually temporarily
We were hoping to stave off these difficult decisions until September.
stave noun [ C ] UK ( US staff )
the five lines and four spaces between them on which musical notes are written
stave verb
stave sth in phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY UK
to push or hit something such as a door or other surface so that it breaks and falls
towards the inside
A couple of teenagers were trying to stave in our shed door.
The front of the ship was stove in where it had hit the rock.
stave sth/sb off phrasal verb [ M ]
to stop something bad from happening, or to keep an unwanted situation or
person away, usually temporarily
We were hoping to stave off these difficult decisions until September.
staves noun
PLURAL OF staff (STICK) and stave
stay verb NOT LEAVE
1. [ I ] to not move away from or leave
They need an assistant who is willing to stay for six months.
Stay until the rain has stopped.
Can you stay after work to play tennis?
Because of the snow, schools have been closed and children told to stay at home
/ MAINLY US stay home .
stay verb CONTINUE
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition L ] to continue doing something, or to
continue to be in a particular state
Stay away from the edge of the cliff.
He's decided not to stay in teaching/medicine/the army.
The final figures showed that most departments had stayed within budget.
It was so warm we stayed (out) in the garden until ten that night.
Put a lid on the pan so the food will stay hot.
The shops stay open until 9 o' clock.
They stayed friends after their divorce.
stay verb LIVE
3. [ I ] to live or be in a place for a short time as a visitor
I stayed in Montreal for two weeks then flew home.
They said they'd stay at/in a hotel.
The children usually stay with their grandparents for a week in the summer.
4. stay overnight ( ALSO stay the night )
to sleep somewhere for one night
We've arranged to stay overnight at my sister's house.
here to stay
If something is here to stay, it has stopped being unusual and has become
generally used or accepted
Blogging is here to stay.
stay on the sidelines
If you stay on the sidelines, you are not an important part of what is happening.
stay put
to remain in the same place or position
Just stay put with the cases, while I go and find a taxi.
stay the course
to continue doing something until it is finished or until you achieve something you
have planned to do
She interviewed slimmers who had failed to stay the course to find out why they
had given up.
stay behind phrasal verb
to not leave a place when other people leave
I stayed behind after class.
stay in phrasal verb
to stay in your home
Let's stay in tonight and watch a video.
stay on phrasal verb
to continue to be in a place, job or school after the other people who were with
you have left
Gill decided to stay on at university to do further research.
We asked him to stay on as youth leader for another year.
stay out phrasal verb [ usually + adv/prep ]
to not come home at night, or to go home late
Our cat usually stays out at night.
My mum won't let me stay out late .
stay out of sth phrasal verb
to not become involved in an argument or discussion
It's better to stay out of their arguments.
You don't know anything about this, so just stay out of it !
stay up phrasal verb
to go to bed later than usual
We stayed up (late) to watch a film.
stay noun VISIT
1. [ C ] a period of time that you spend in a place
She planned a short stay at/in a hotel to celebrate their anniversary.
stay noun
2. stay of execution, deportation, etc. LEGAL
an order by a judge which stops a judgment being performed until new
information can be considered
stay-at-home noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who does not like to go to parties or events outside the home and is
considered boring
stay-at-home noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who does not like to go to parties or events outside the home and is
considered boring
stayer noun [ C ] CONTINUING
1. a person or animal that continues to try hard rather than giving up
The horse isn't very fast but it's a stayer and always finishes even the longest
races.
stayer noun [ C ] IN A PLACE
2. someone who stays in a place
The longest stayers are the British, who visit Australia to see friends and relatives.
ˈ staying ˌ power noun [ U ]
If someone has staying power they always manage to continue doing what they
have to do until it is finished.
St Bernard , noun [ C ]
a very large strong dog used especially in Switzerland in the past to find people
lost in the mountains
STD noun DISEASE
1. [ C ] ABBREVIATION FOR sexually transmitted disease
STD noun TELEPHONE
2. [ U ] ABBREVIATION FOR subscriber trunk dialling: a system in Britain and Australia
by which people make telephone calls over long distances
std adjective
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR standard (USUAL) .
stead noun
1. in sb's stead FORMAL
in place of someone
The marketing manager was ill and her deputy ran the meeting in her stead.
stead noun
2. stand sb in good stead
See at stand
steadfast , adjective APPROVING
staying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly
a steadfast friend/ally
steadfast loyalty
The group remained steadfast in its support for the new system, even when it
was criticized in the newspapers.
steadfastness , noun [ U ]
steadfast , adjective APPROVING
staying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly
a steadfast friend/ally
steadfast loyalty
The group remained steadfast in its support for the new system, even when it
was criticized in the newspapers.
steadfastness , noun [ U ]
steadfastly , adverb
strongly and without stopping
She was steadfastly in support of women's rights.
steadily adverb GRADUALLY
1. gradually
Prices have risen steadily.
steadily adverb CONTROLLED
2. calmly and in a controlled way
She returned his gaze steadily.
steady adjective GRADUAL
1. happening in a smooth, gradual and regular way, not suddenly or unexpectedly
The procession moved through the streets at a steady pace.
Orders for new ships are rising, after several years of steady decline.
Over the last 10 years he has produced a steady flow/stream/trickle of articles
and papers.
Progress has been slow but steady.
steady adjective FIRM
2. fixed and not moving or changing suddenly
I'll hold the boat steady while you climb in.
Most rental prices have held steady this year.
Young people assume that if you are in a steady relationship , you don't have to
worry about HIV.
steady adjective CONTROLLED
3. under control
a steady voice/look/gaze
You need steady nerves to drive in city traffic.
Painting these small details needs a steady hand .
4. describes someone who can be trusted to show good judgment and act in a
reasonable way
a steady friend
steadiness noun [ U ]
go steady on sth UK ( US go easy on sth ) INFORMAL
to not use too much of something
Go steady on the milk, Dan - that's our last bottle.
Steady on! UK INFORMAL
used to tell someone that what they are saying is too extreme
Steady on, Chris - she's nice but she's not that nice!
steady verb [ T ] STOP MOVING
1. to make something stop shaking or moving
He wobbled about on the bike and then steadied himself.
He steadied his rifle on the wall and fired.
steady verb [ T ] CONTROL
2. to become calm and controlled, or to make someone do this
Some people say that a drink will steady your nerves.
steady adverb OLD-FASHIONED
go steady (with sb )
to have a romantic relationship with one person for a long period
She's been going steady with Mike for six months.
steak noun [ C or U ]
steak
a thick, flat piece of meat or fish, especially meat from a cow
T-bone/sirloin steaks
salmon/turkey steaks
Shall we have steak for dinner?
steak
ˌ steak and kidney ˈ pie noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO steak and kidney pudding )
a traditional British dish made from small pieces of meat in a sauce with pastry on
top
ˈ steak ˌ house noun [ C ]
a restaurant that specializes in serving steak
ˈ steak ˌ knife noun [ C ]
a sharp knife with small teeth-like parts along one edge which cuts meat easily
steak tartare noun [ U ]
steak (= meat from a cow) cut into very small pieces and eaten without being
cooked
steal verb [ I or T ] TAKE
1. to take something without the permission or knowledge of the owner and keep
it
She admitted stealing the money from her employers.
The number of cars which are stolen every year has risen.
They were so poor they had to steal in order to eat.
steal verb [ I or T ] DO QUICKLY
2. to do something quickly or without being noticed
She stole a glance at her watch.
He stole out of the room while no one was looking.
steal sb's thunder
to do what someone else was going to do before they do it, especially if this takes
success or praise away from them
Sandy stole my thunder when she announced that she was pregnant two days
before I'd planned to tell people about my pregnancy.
steal a march on sb
If you steal a march on someone, you get an advantage over them by acting
before they do
Our rival company managed to steal a march on us by bringing out their software
ahead of ours.
steal the limelight
to get more attention than anyone or anything else in a situation
The experimental car certainly stole the limelight at the motor show.
steal the show/scene
to be the most popular or the best part of an event or situation
The child with the dog stole the show.
steal noun [ S ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a product that has a very low price, or a price that is much lower than the original
cost
I picked up a new iron at the sale - it was a steal.
stealth noun [ U ]
movement which is quiet and careful in order not to be seen or heard, or secret
action
These thieves operate with terrifying stealth - they can easily steal from the
pockets of unsuspecting travellers.
It would seem that some politicians would prefer to use financial stealth rather
than legislation to produce change.
The weapons had been acquired by stealth.
stealthy adjective
stealthy footsteps
stealthily adverb
steak
ˌ steak and kidney ˈ pie noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO steak and kidney pudding )
a traditional British dish made from small pieces of meat in a sauce with pastry on
top
ˈ steak ˌ house noun [ C ]
a restaurant that specializes in serving steak
ˈ steak ˌ knife noun [ C ]
a sharp knife with small teeth-like parts along one edge which cuts meat easily
steak tartare noun [ U ]
steak (= meat from a cow) cut into very small pieces and eaten without being
cooked
steal verb [ I or T ] TAKE
1. to take something without the permission or knowledge of the owner and keep
it
She admitted stealing the money from her employers.
The number of cars which are stolen every year has risen.
They were so poor they had to steal in order to eat.
steal verb [ I or T ] DO QUICKLY
2. to do something quickly or without being noticed
She stole a glance at her watch.
He stole out of the room while no one was looking.
steal sb's thunder
to do what someone else was going to do before they do it, especially if this takes
success or praise away from them
Sandy stole my thunder when she announced that she was pregnant two days
before I'd planned to tell people about my pregnancy.
steal a march on sb
If you steal a march on someone, you get an advantage over them by acting
before they do
Our rival company managed to steal a march on us by bringing out their software
ahead of ours.
steal the limelight
to get more attention than anyone or anything else in a situation
The experimental car certainly stole the limelight at the motor show.
steal the show/scene
to be the most popular or the best part of an event or situation
The child with the dog stole the show.
steal noun [ S ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
a product that has a very low price, or a price that is much lower than the original
cost
I picked up a new iron at the sale - it was a steal.
stealth noun [ U ]
movement which is quiet and careful in order not to be seen or heard, or secret
action
These thieves operate with terrifying stealth - they can easily steal from the
pockets of unsuspecting travellers.
It would seem that some politicians would prefer to use financial stealth rather
than legislation to produce change.
The weapons had been acquired by stealth.
stealthy adjective
stealthy footsteps
stealthily adverb
ˈ stealth ˌ bomber noun [ C ] ( ALSO stealth fighter )
stealth bomber
an aircraft which cannot be seen on radar
ˈ stealth ˌ tax noun [ C ]
a new tax that is collected in a way that is not very obvious, so people may not
realize that they are paying it
steam noun [ U ]
steam
the hot gas that is produced when water boils
Steam rose from the simmering stew.
steam turbines
a steam engine/locomotive
the age of steam (= the period when steam provided power for railways and
factories)
The pump is driven by steam.
get/pick up steam
to start working much more effectively
After the first three months, the fundraising project really started to pick up
steam.
let/blow off steam
to do or say something that helps you to get rid of strong feelings or energy
He lifts weights after work to let off steam.
under your own steam
If you do something under your own steam, you do it without help
Do you want a lift or will you get there under your own steam?
steam verb
1. [ I ] to move by steam power
The train/ship steamed out of the station/harbour.
2. [ T ] to cook food using steam
steamed vegetables
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to use steam to soften something,
especially glue so that something can be removed
Ross steamed open the envelope to see if it was a love letter.
steam (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
If glass or something with a glass or similar surface steams up, it becomes
covered with a thin layer of water caused by steam touching it, and if you steam it up,
you cause this to happen
The bathroom mirror steamed up during my shower.
Going into the warm room steamed my glasses up.
steamed up
angry, especially about something that other people do not think is important
She got all steamed up about the books being left on the tables.
steam noun [ U ]
steam
the hot gas that is produced when water boils
Steam rose from the simmering stew.
steam turbines
a steam engine/locomotive
the age of steam (= the period when steam provided power for railways and
factories)
The pump is driven by steam.
get/pick up steam
to start working much more effectively
After the first three months, the fundraising project really started to pick up
steam.
let/blow off steam
to do or say something that helps you to get rid of strong feelings or energy
He lifts weights after work to let off steam.
under your own steam
If you do something under your own steam, you do it without help
Do you want a lift or will you get there under your own steam?
steam verb
1. [ I ] to move by steam power
The train/ship steamed out of the station/harbour.
2. [ T ] to cook food using steam
steamed vegetables
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to use steam to soften something,
especially glue so that something can be removed
Ross steamed open the envelope to see if it was a love letter.
steam (sth) up phrasal verb [ M ]
If glass or something with a glass or similar surface steams up, it becomes
covered with a thin layer of water caused by steam touching it, and if you steam it up,
you cause this to happen
The bathroom mirror steamed up during my shower.
Going into the warm room steamed my glasses up.
steamed up
angry, especially about something that other people do not think is important
She got all steamed up about the books being left on the tables.
steamboat noun [ C ]
a boat which moves by steam power
steamer noun [ C ] BOAT
1. a boat or ship which moves by steam power
steamer noun [ C ] CONTAINER
2. a container with holes in the bottom which is put over boiling water in order to
cook food in steam, or a machine which cooks food with steam
a rice steamer
a vegetable steamer
steaming adjective
producing steam
a steaming bowl of soup
ˈ steam ˌ iron noun [ C ]
an electrical iron that has water inside and produces steam to help make clothes
smooth
steamroller noun [ C ] VEHICLE
steamroller
1. a vehicle which moves forward on a large heavy wheel in order to make a road
surface flat
steamroller noun [ C ] FORCE
2. INFORMAL a person who forces other people to agree with them and prevents any
opposition
steamroller verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to use great force either to make someone do something or on something to
make it happen or be successful
He steamrollered the plan through the committee.
I hate being steamrollered into doing something I don't want to.
steamship noun [ C ]
a ship which moves by steam power
steamship noun [ C ]
a ship which moves by steam power
ˈ steam ˌ shovel noun [ C ]
US FOR excavator
steamy adjective
1. filled with steam, or hot and wet like steam
steamy summer weather
a steamy kitchen/bathroom
2. INFORMAL sexually exciting or including a lot of sexual activity
a steamy love scene
His new novel is advertised as his steamiest yet.
steed noun [ C ] LITERARY
a horse which is ridden
a fine white steed
steel noun [ U ]
a strong metal which is a mixture of iron and carbon, and which is used for
making things which need a strong structure, especially vehicles and buildings
steel girders/rods/struts
a steel helmet
a steel-plated army truck
steel verb
steel yourself
[ R ] to force yourself to get ready to do something unpleasant or difficult
[ + to infinitive ] She steeled herself to jump out of the plane.
ˌ steel ˈ band noun [ C ]
a group of musicians who play steel drums
ˌ steel ˈ drum noun [ C usually plural ]
a large oil container which has been made into a musical instrument and is played
like a drum
See picture drum
ˌ steel ˈ grey adjective , noun [ U ] LITERARY
dark grey
a steel-grey suit
The sky turned steel gray.
ˌ steel ˈ grey adjective , noun [ U ] LITERARY
dark grey
a steel-grey suit
The sky turned steel gray.
ˈ steel ˌ mill noun [ C ]
a factory where steel is made
See picture mill
ˌ steel ˈ wool noun [ U ] ( UK ALSO wire wool )
a thick layer of thin steel threads twisted together, small pieces of which can be
used to rub a surface smooth
steelworker noun [ C ]
a person who works in a factory making steel
steelworks noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
a factory where steel is made
steely adjective COLOUR
1. like steel in colour
steely grey
steely adjective STRONG
2. very strong and determined
steely eyes/nerves
steely determination
a steely look/stare
steep adjective NOT GRADUAL
1. (of a slope) rising or falling at a sharp angle
a steep slope
It's a steep climb to the top of the mountain, but the view is worth it.
The castle is set on a steep hill/hillside .
2. A steep rise or fall is one which goes very quickly from low to high or from high
to low
There has been a steep increase/rise in prices.
steep adjective TOO MUCH
3. INFORMAL (especially of prices) too much, or more than is reasonable
They are having to face very steep taxes.
We enjoyed our meal at the restaurant, but the bill was a bit steep.
The membership fees at the golf club are pretty steep.
steepness noun [ U ]
steep verb [ I or T ]
to cause to stay in a liquid, especially in order to become soft or clean, or to
improve flavour
Leave the cloth to steep in the dye overnight.
We had pears steeped in red wine for dessert.
steeped in blood LITERARY
describes a place where many people have died in a violent way, or a person
responsible for the deaths of many people
The castle's history is steeped in blood.
steep sth/sb in sth phrasal verb [ usually passive ]
If something or someone is steeped in something, they are completely
surrounded by or involved in it, or they know a lot about it
The college is steeped in history/tradition .
These ancient scholars were steeped in poetry and painting, as well as maths and
astronomy.
steepen verb
1. [ I or T ] to become steeper, or to make something do this
The trail began to steepen near the top of the hill.
2. [ I ] If something such as a cost steepens, it increases
Our costs have steepened since we began this project.
steepen verb
steeple noun [ C ]
a pointed structure on the top of a church tower, or the tower and the pointed
structure considered as one unit
a church steeple
steeplechase noun [ C ]
a long race in which horses or people have to jump over fences, bushes, etc.,
either across the countryside or, more usually, on a track
steeplejack noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to climb high buildings in order to repair, paint, clean them,
etc.
steeply adverb
suddenly or sharply
The beach slopes steeply down to the sea.
The value of the land has risen steeply.
steer verb
1. [ I or T ] to control the direction of a vehicle
She carefully steered the car around the potholes.
This car is very easy to steer.
2. [ I or T ] If a vehicle steers, it follows a particular route or direction
The ship passed Land's End, then steered towards southern Ireland.
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to take someone or something, or cause
them to go, in the direction in which you want them to go
She steered her guests into the dining room.
I'd like to steer our discussion back to our original topic.
The main task of the new government will be to steer the country towards
democracy.
steer a course/path
to take a series of actions, usually of a particular type, carefully and intentionally
It will be difficult to steer a middle course between the competing claims of the
two sides in the conflict.
steer clear of sb/sth
to avoid someone or something which seems unpleasant, risky or dangerous
Her speech steered clear of controversial issues.
They warned their children to steer clear of drugs.
steer noun [ C ]
a young male of the cattle family that has had its sex organs removed, and which
is usually kept for meat
ˈ steering ˌ column noun [ C ]
the part of a vehicle that the steering wheel is connected to
My car has an adjustable steering column.
steepen verb
steeple noun [ C ]
a church steeple
etc.
steeply adverb
suddenly or sharply
steer verb
democracy.
steer a course/path
steer noun [ C ]
ˈ steering com ˌ mittee noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
a group of people who are chosen to direct the way something is dealt with
ˈ steering ˌ wheel noun [ C ]
a wheel in a vehicle which the driver turns in order to make the vehicle go in a
particular direction
stegosaurus noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a large, plant-eating dinosaur with four legs that has pointed plates (= flat pieces)
all along its back
stein noun [ C ]
1. a very large cup, usually made of clay and often decorated, which has a handle
and a lid, and is used for drinking beer
2. US FOR tankard
stellar adjective
1. of a star or stars
a stellar explosion
stellar light
2. INFORMAL describes people or their activities that are of an extremely high
standard
a stellar performance/player/team
stem noun [ C ] CENTRAL PART
1. a central part of something from which other parts can develop or grow, or
which forms a support
2. the stick-like central part of a plant which grows above the ground and from
which leaves and flowers grow, or a smaller thin part which grows from the central part
and which supports the leaves and flowers
flower stems
3. the vertical part of a glass or similar container which supports the part into
which you put liquid
Champagne glasses usually have long stems.
stem noun [ C ] WORD
4. the part of a word that is left after you take off the part which changes when
forming a plural, past tense, etc.
From the stem 'sav-' you get 'saves', 'saved', 'saving' and 'saver'.
stem noun [ C ] WATCH
5. US the small part on the side of the watch which you turn to change the
position of the pointers on the watch, or to make the watch operate
stem noun [ C ] SHIP
6. the main supporting structure at the front of a ship
from stem to stern US
from one end of something to the other
We overhauled the car from stem to stern.
stem verb [ T ]
1. to stop something unwanted from spreading or increasing
These measures are designed to stem the rise of violent crime.
We must take action to stem the tide of resignations.
2. to stop the flow of a liquid such as blood
She tied a handkerchief around the wound to stem the flow of blood.
stem from sth phrasal verb
to start or develop as the result of something
Her problems stem from her difficult childhood.
Their disagreement stemmed from a misunderstanding.
ˈ stem ˌ cell noun [ C ]
a cell, especially one taken from a person or animal in a very early stage of
development, that can develop into any other type of cell
-stemmed suffix
having the stated type of stem
a thick-stemmed plant
a long-stemmed wine glass
stench noun
1. [ C usually singular ] a strong unpleasant smell
the stench of rotting fish/burning rubber/cigarette smoke
an overpowering stench
2. [ S ] LITERARY a bad effect that follows an unpleasant event or situation and is
noticeable for a long time
For some time after the minister's resignation, the stench of scandal hung over
the government.
stencil noun [ C ]
1. a piece of card, plastic, metal, etc. into which shapes have been cut, and which
is used to draw or paint patterns onto a surface
2. a picture made by drawing or painting through the holes in such a piece of
card, etc. onto a surface
She did a stencil of a rainbow on her daughter's bedroom wall.
stencil verb [ T ]
to draw or paint something using a stencil
stenographer noun [ C ] ( US INFORMAL ALSO steno )
a shorthand typist
stenography noun [ U ]
shorthand (= system of fast writing)
stentorian adjective FORMAL
using a very loud voice, or (of a voice) very loud
a stentorian preacher
Suddenly a stentorian voice boomed across the room.
step verb [ I + adv/prep ]
to move by lifting your foot and putting it down in a different place, or to put your
foot on or in something
She stepped backwards and fell over a chair.
They stepped out onto the balcony.
Be careful not to step in the mud.
Ow, you stepped on my foot!
MAINLY US I'm afraid Mr Taylor has just stepped (= gone) out for a few minutes,
but I'll tell him you called.
FORMAL Would you care to step this way please, sir?
step back (in time)
to go back into the past
Visiting her house was like stepping back in time/stepping back 50 years.
step into the breach
If you step into the breach, you do someone else's work when they are unable to
do it
Gill's sudden illness meant that Kathy had to step into the breach.
step on it INFORMAL
used to tell someone to drive faster or to hurry
Could you step on it? I'm late.
step out of line
to behave in a way that is unacceptable or not expected
Step out of line one more time Peters, and you're fired!
step aside phrasal verb FORMAL
to step sideways to make a space for someone else
Step aside, please - this lady needs a doctor.
step aside/down phrasal verb
to leave an important job or position, especially to allow someone else to take
your place
He has decided to step down as captain of the team.
He is unwilling to step aside in favour of a younger person.
step back phrasal verb MAINLY UK
to temporarily stop being involved in an activity or situation in order to think
about it in a new way
Let's just step back from the problem and think about what we could do.
step sth down phrasal verb [ M ]
to reduce the amount, supply or rate of something
The doctor has said that I can start stepping down my medication in a few days'
time.
This device is used for stepping down the voltage .
step forward phrasal verb
to offer to provide or do something, or to help with something
No one has yet stepped forward to claim responsibility for the attack.
At the last minute another company stepped forward with a bid.
step in phrasal verb
to become involved in a difficult situation or argument in order to help find a
solution
[ + to infinitive ] An outside buyer has stepped in to save the company from
going out of business.
When the leading actress broke her leg, Isobel stepped in and took over.
step into sth phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
If you step into a job, you get it very easily
He just stepped straight into a job as soon as he left college.
step on sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to treat someone unfairly or unkindly
step out on sb phrasal verb US INFORMAL
If you step out on your husband, wife or usual sexual partner, you have sexual
relationships with people other than them.
step sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to increase the size, amount or speed of a process that is intended to achieve
something
The police are stepping up their efforts to fight crime.
Following the bomb explosion, security has been stepped up at the airport.
step noun STAGE
1. [ C ] a stage in a process
What's the next step in the programme?
We must stay one step ahead of our competitors.
Most people believe that the decision to cut interest rates was a step in the right
direction .
Let's take things a step/ one step at a time (= slowly) .
Following the success of our products in Europe, our logical next step is to move
into the American market.
2. [ C ] an action in a series of actions taken for a particular purpose
The country is taking its first tentative steps towards democracy.
We need to take drastic steps to reduce pollution.
The President took the unusual step of altering his prepared speech in order to
condemn the terrorist attack.
3. step by step
dealing with one thing and then another thing in a fixed order
step-by-step instructions
Don't worry - I'll go through the procedure with you step by step.
step noun STAIR
4. [ C ] one of the surfaces that you walk on when you go up or down stairs
a flight of steps
We had to climb some steps to reach the front door.
I asked them to leave the parcel on the (front) step (= outside the door to the
house) .
UK Mind the step/ US Watch your step as you leave the train.
It's difficult for people in wheelchairs to negotiate (= move up and down) steps.
One of the steps on the ladder is broken.
5. steps
another word for stepladder
kitchen steps
library steps
step noun FOOT MOVEMENT
6. [ C ] the act of lifting one foot and putting it down on a different part of the
ground, such as when you walk or run
Sophie took her first steps when she was eleven months old.
He rose to his feet and took a couple of steps towards her.
With every step, her feet hurt her more and more.
I retraced my steps, looking for my lost keys.
See also footstep
7. [ C ] the distance you cover when you take a step
I'd only gone a few steps down the road when I realized I'd forgotten to lock the
door.
8. [ U ] the way in which you move your feet when you are walking or running
which can sometimes show how you are feeling
She walked out of the office with a spring in her step (= in a way that showed
she was happy) .
The driver told us to mind/watch our step (= walk carefully) as we got off the
bus.
9. [ C ] a particular movement that you make with your feet when you dance
She's teaching me some basic dance steps.
10. in step
a. when you lift your feet off the ground and put them down again at the same
time as other people
The soldiers marched in step.
b. describes opinions, ideas or ways of living that are the same as those of other
people
Television companies need to keep in step with public opinion.
11. out of step
a. when you do not lift the same foot and put it down again at the same time as
other people
I'm no good at dancing - I always get hopelessly out of step.
b. describes opinions, ideas or ways of living that are different from those of other
people
The Republicans are out of step with the country, Williams said.
He thinks that everyone is out of step except him.
step noun MUSIC
12. [ C ] US FOR a tone (= largest difference in sound between two notes which
are next to each other in the western musical scale)
a few/couple of steps INFORMAL
a short distance
The museum is just a few steps from the hotel.
mind/watch your step
be careful about how you behave, or you will get into trouble
You need to watch your step, young lady!
one step forward, two steps back
If you take one step forward, two steps back, you make progress but then
experience events which cause you to be further behind than you were when you made
the progress.
a step backwards ( ALSO a backward step )
going back to a worse or less developed state
The changes that have been introduced are being seen as a step backwards.
a step forward
an improvement or development
No one is sure whether this plan will work, but it's a step forward.
step- prefix
being of the stated relationship to someone through the previous marriage of their
husband or wife, or through their mother or father marrying again
stepfather
stepmother
stepchildren
ˈ step ae ˌ robics noun [ U ] ( ALSO step )
a type of exercise usually done to music in which you quickly step on and off a
slightly raised surface
steepen verb
steeple noun [ C ]
a church steeple
etc.
steeply adverb
suddenly or sharply
steer verb
democracy.
steer a course/path
steer noun [ C ]
all along its back
stein noun [ C ]
2. US FOR tankard
stellar adjective
a stellar explosion
stellar light
standard
flower stems
stem verb [ T ]
-stemmed suffix
stench noun
the government.
stencil noun [ C ]
stencil verb [ T ]
a shorthand typist
step back (in time)
do it
step on it INFORMAL
step out of line
your place
time.
solution
something
step noun STAGE
direction .
3. step by step
step noun STAIR
a flight of steps
house) .
5. steps
kitchen steps
library steps
See also footstep
door.
she was happy) .
bus.
10. in step
people
11. out of step
other people
people
step noun MUSIC
a short distance
the progress.
a step forward
step- prefix
stepfather
stepmother
stepchildren
stepbrother noun [ C ]
not your parents' son, but the son of a person that one of your parents has
married
Compare half-brother
ˈ step ˌ change noun [ C ]
when a situation changes in a much bigger way than usual
There is a step change taking place in communications technology.
stepchild noun [ C ]
the child of your husband or wife from a previous marriage
stepdad noun [ C ]
US INFORMAL FOR stepfather
stepdaughter noun [ C ]
the daughter of your husband or wife from a previous marriage
stepfather noun [ C ]
the man who is married to someone's mother but who is not their real father
stepladder noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO steps )
a short, folding platform with steps
I can't reach the top shelf unless I use a stepladder.
stepmother noun [ C ]
the woman who is married to someone's father but who is not their real mother
stepmum noun [ C ] ( US stepmom ) INFORMAL
stepmother
step-parent noun [ C ]
the man or woman who is married to someone's mother or father but who is not
their real father or mother
steppe noun [ C usually plural U ]
a large area of land with grass but no trees, especially in southeastern Europe,
Russia and northern Asia
These people have lived for centuries on the Russian steppes.
ˈ stepping ˌ stone noun STONE
stepping stone
1. [ C ] one of a row of large flat stones on which you can walk in order to cross a
stream or river that is not deep
ˈ stepping ˌ stone noun STAGE
2. [ S ] an event or experience that helps you achieve something else
I see this job just as a stepping stone to better things.
stepsister noun [ C ]
not your parents' daughter, but the daughter of a person one of your parents has
married
Compare half-sister
stepson noun [ C ]
the son of your husband or wife from a previous marriage
-ster suffix
a person who is associated with something
gangster
stereo noun
1. [ U ] a way of recording or playing sound so that it is separated into two signals
and produces more natural sound
The concert will be broadcast in stereo.
stereo
2. [ C ] a piece of electrical equipment for playing CDs and tapes, listening to the
radio, etc. that sounds very natural because the sounds come out of two speakers (=
parts for playing sound)
stereo adjective ( FORMAL stereophonic )
a stereo system
Compare mono ; quadraphonic
stereotype noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a fixed idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially
an idea that is wrong
racial/sexual stereotypes
He doesn't conform to/fit/fill the national stereotype of a Frenchman.
The characters in the book are just stereotypes.
stereotype verb [ T ] DISAPPROVING
to have a fixed idea about what a particular type of person is like, especially an
idea that is wrong
The study claims that British advertising stereotypes women.
We tried not to give the children sexually stereotyped toys.
stereotypical adjective DISAPPROVING
having the qualities that you expect a particular type of person to have
Customers are tired of the stereotypical, fast-talking salesperson.
stereotypically adverb
sterile adjective UNABLE TO PRODUCE
1. (of a living being) unable to produce young, or (of land) unable to produce
plants or crops
Mules are usually sterile.
One of the side effects of the drug could be to make men sterile.
2. having no imagination or new ideas or energy
a sterile argument
sterile adjective CLEAN
3. completely clean and free from dirt and bacteria
The operation must be carried out under sterile conditions.
sterility noun [ U ]
1. (in animals and people) the condition of being unable to produce young, or (in
plants) the condition of being unable to produce plants or crops
2. when you have no imagination, new ideas or energy
Over a bottle of wine, we shared our despair over the emotional sterility of our
marriages.
sterilization , UK USUALLY sterilisation noun [ U ] STOP CHILDREN
1. the process of having a medical operation to make it impossible to have
children
My wife and I have discussed sterilization, but we haven't made a decision about
it yet.
sterilization , UK USUALLY sterilisation noun [ U ] CLEANING
2. the process of making something completely clean and free from bacteria
The needles have been sent off for sterilization.
sterilize , UK USUALLY sterilise verb [ T ] STOP CHILDREN
1. to perform a medical operation on someone in order to make them unable to
have children
After having five children, she decided to be sterilized.
sterilize , UK USUALLY sterilise verb [ T ] CLEAN
2. to make something completely clean and free from bacteria
All equipment must be sterilized before use.
sterilizer , UK USUALLY steriliser noun [ C ]
a machine for making things completely clean and free from bacteria
sterilizing , UK USUALLY sterilizing adjective
making something completely clean and free from bacteria
I put my contact lenses in sterilizing solution every night.
sterling noun [ U ]
British money
The value of sterling increased against several other currencies yesterday.
If you buy things on the plane, you can either pay for them in pounds sterling (=
British pounds) or in US dollars.
sterling adjective METAL
1. (of precious metal, especially silver) of a fixed standard of purity
a sterling silver candlestick
sterling adjective VERY GOOD
2. APPROVING of a very high standard
You've done a sterling job.
Everyone has made a sterling effort.
stern adjective
1. severe, or showing disapproval
a stern look/warning/voice
She is her own sternest critic.
Journalists received a stern warning not to go anywhere near the battleship.
2. If something, such as a job, is stern, it is difficult
The President is facing the sternest test of his authority since he came to power
five years ago.
sternness noun [ U ]
made of sterner stuff
If someone is described as being made of sterner stuff, they are very strong and
determined
I was ready to give up the fight, but Nicky was made of sterner stuff and wanted
us to carry on.
stern noun [ C ]
the back part of a ship or boat
Compare bow
sternly adverb
in a way that shows disapproval
"This kind of behaviour is not acceptable, " said the teacher sternly.
sternum noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a breastbone
steroid , , noun [ C ]
1. one of the different types of chemical substances that are produced in the body
2. an artificial form of a natural chemical substance which is used for treating
particular medical conditions
I'm taking steroids/I'm on steroids for my asthma.
3. a drug which increases the development of your muscles, sometimes taken
illegally by people taking part in sports competitions
stethoscope noun [ C ]
a piece of medical equipment which doctors use to listen to your heart and lungs
Stetson noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
Stetson
a hat with a wide, curving lower edge, especially worn by cowboys
stevedore noun [ C ]
a docker
stew noun [ C or U ]
a type of food consisting usually of meat or fish and vegetables cooked slowly in a
small amount of liquid
lamb/bean/fish stew
She prepared a hearty stew for dinner.
in a stew INFORMAL
If someone is in a stew, they are in a difficult situation which causes them to feel
worried or upset
William is in a stew about/over the demand he received from the tax office.
stew verb
1. [ T ] to cook meat, fish, vegetables or fruit slowly and gently in a little liquid
2. [ I ] INFORMAL to be angry
You're not still stewing about what happened yesterday, are you?
3. [ I ] UK to do nothing useful
With jobs so scarce, many young people spend long hours with little to do but
drink and stew.
stew (in your own juice) INFORMAL
to think about or suffer the results of your own silly actions, without anyone
giving you any help
steward noun [ C ]
1. a person whose job it is to organize a particular event, or to provide services to
particular people, or to take care of a particular place
Stewards will be inspecting the race track at 9.00.
If you need help at any time during the conference, one of the stewards will be
pleased to help you.
2. ( FEMALE stewardess ) a person who serves passengers on a ship or aircraft
3. UK a person who organizes the supply and serving of food at a club
He's the steward of the City of Wakefield's Working Men's Club.
stewardship noun [ U ]
Someone's stewardship of something is the way in which that person controls or
organizes it
The company has been very successful while it has been under the stewardship
of Mr White.
stewed adjective
1. UK describes tea that has been kept too long before it is poured, and is
therefore strong and bitter
2. MAINLY US INFORMAL drunk
ˈ stewing/ ˈ braising ˌ steak noun [ U ] UK
meat from cattle which is usually cut into small pieces and cooked slowly in liquid
sth
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR something
sth's
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR something's
stick noun THIN PIECE
1. [ C ] a thin piece of wood
The old man was carrying a load of sticks.
Police said that the child had been beaten with a stick.
Find some dry sticks and we'll make a campfire.
A lollipop is a sweet on a stick (= a short thin piece of wood, plastic or paper) .
See picture stick
2. [ C ] MAINLY UK a long, thin wooden pole that especially old or injured people
use to help them walk
a walking stick
At 84 he's still quite active, although he walks with the aid of a stick.
See picture stick
3. [ C ] a long thin piece of wood with a curved end used in playing hockey , or a
long thin piece of wood with a triangular shaped net at one end used for playing
lacrosse , or a long thin piece of wood with a solid tube-shaped piece fixed horizontally
to one end of it used for playing polo
a hockey/lacrosse/polo stick
4. [ C ] a long thin piece of something
carrot/bread sticks
a stick of celery/rhubarb/chewing gum/chalk/dynamite
See picture stick
5. [ C ] INFORMAL a piece of furniture
When they got married, they didn't have a stick of furniture .
6. take a stick to sb/sth
to hit someone or something with a long thin piece of wood
He said that when he was a boy, his father used to take a stick to him to punish
him.
stick noun CRITICISM
7. [ U ] UK INFORMAL severe criticism
I really got/took stick from my boss about being late for work again.
We gave him some stick for wearing that silly hat.
stick noun COUNTRYSIDE
8. the sticks INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
an area in the countryside which is far from a town or city
I'm fed up with living in the sticks.
They live out in the sticks somewhere.
a stick to beat sb with UK
something that you can use to criticize, influence or cause difficulty for someone
or something you dislike or disapprove of
The party has a number of sticks with which to beat the prime minister into
submission.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, (but words can never hurt me). CHILD'S
EXPRESSION
said in order to show that people cannot be hurt by unpleasant things that are
said to them
up sticks UK ( US pull up stakes ) INFORMAL
to take all the things that you own and go and live in a different place
This is the fourth time in five years that we've had to up sticks.
stick verb FIX
1. [ I or T ] to cause something to become fixed, for example with glue or another
similar substance
I tried to stick the pieces together with some glue/tape.
He stuck up a notice on the board with pins.
This glue won't stick.
My car's stuck in the mud.
Stir the sauce so that it doesn't stick to the pan.
My book got wet and all the pages have stuck together .
Compare non-stick ; stuck
2. [ I ] If a name sticks, it continues to be used
Although her name is Clare, her little sister called her Lali, and somehow the
name stuck.
stick verb PUT
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to put something, especially in a
not very careful way
"Where shall I put these books?" "Oh, just stick them on the table for now."
She stuck her fingers in her ears so that she couldn't hear the noise.
I'll pay for lunch - I can stick it on my expenses.
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] OFFENSIVE If you tell someone to stick
something or where they can stick something, it means that you do not want to keep
that thing
"I've had enough of working here, " she said, "You can stick your job!"
stick verb PUSH INTO
5. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to push a pointed object into or
through something, or (of a pointed object) to be pushed into or through something and
stay there
She stuck the needle into my arm.
We decided where to go for our holiday by closing our eyes and sticking a pin in
the map.
A thorn stuck in her finger.
The metal springs were sticking through the mattress.
stick verb NOT CONTINUE
6. [ I ] In some card games, if you stick, you say that you do not want to be
given any more cards.
stick verb ACCEPT
7. [ T ] UK INFORMAL to bear or accept something or someone unpleasant
I don't think I can stick this job a day longer.
[ + -ing verb ] I don't know how you can stick liv ing in this place.
make sth stick INFORMAL
to show something bad that has been said about someone is true
They've arrested him for fraud but they'll never make the charges stick.
stick in your mind/head/memory INFORMAL
to remember something
stick in your throat/craw
to make you angry
It really sticks in my throat that I did all the work, and she's getting all the credit.
stick to sb like glue INFORMAL
to stay very close to someone
Ellie stuck to her mother like glue.
stick to sb's ribs
If you describe food as sticking to your ribs, you mean that it makes you feel like
you have eaten a lot.
stick around phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stay somewhere for a period of time
You go - I'll stick around here a bit longer.
stick at sth phrasal verb ( ALSO stick to/with sth ) UK
to continue trying hard to do something difficult
You'll never learn to play the piano if you're not prepared to stick at it.
stick by sth/sb phrasal verb
to continue to support something or someone, especially in a difficult situation
We must stick by our decision.
stick out phrasal verb
1. to go past the surface or edge of something
Paul's ears stick out a bit, don't they.
There was a handkerchief sticking out of his jacket pocket.
2. INFORMAL to be very easy to notice
She certainly sticks out in a crowd.
stick (sth) out phrasal verb [ M ]
to come forward from the rest of your body, or to make part of your body do this
Mum, Lewis stuck out his tongue at me!
He stuck his arm out of the window and waved at us.
I wish my stomach didn't stick out so much.
stick your neck out
to take a risk
stick it out phrasal verb INFORMAL
to continue to the end of a difficult or unpleasant situation
I know things are difficult at the moment, but if we just stick it out, I'm sure
everything will be OK in the end.
stick out for sth phrasal verb UK
to continue to demand or try to get something
The unions have said that they are going to stick out for a 10% rise.
stick to sth phrasal verb
1. to limit yourself to doing or using one particular thing and not change to
anything else
Could you stick to the point, please?
We'd better stick to the main road, because the other roads are blocked with
snow.
2. If you stick to a law, rule or promise, you obey it or do what it states
If you make a promise, you should stick to it.
3. US FOR stick at sth
stick to your guns
to continue to have your beliefs or continue with a plan of action, even if other
people disagree with you
Despite harsh criticism, she's sticking to her guns on this issue.
stick together phrasal verb
1. INFORMAL If people stick together, they support and help each other
The country's Foreign Minister said that it was important for small nations to stick
together.
2. If people stick together, they stay close to each other
The two brothers always stick together at school.
stick up phrasal verb
to point up above the surface of something and not lie flat
When I get up in the morning, my hair is always sticking up.
There were some large rocks sticking up out of the water.
stick sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to steal from a place or person, using a gun as a threat
Did you hear that someone stuck up the post office last night?
See also stick-up
stick up for sth/sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to support or defend someone or something, especially when they are being
criticized
I can stick up for myself.
It's sweet the way he sticks up for his little brother.
stick with sth/sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to continue doing something or using someone to do work for you, and not
stopping or changing to something or someone else
He said that he was going to stick with the traditions established by his
grandfather.
He's a good car mechanic - I think we should stick with him.
stick with it
Things are hard at the moment, but if we stick with it, they are bound to get
better.
sticker noun [ C ]
a small piece of paper or plastic with a picture or writing on one side and glue or
another similar substance on the other side, so that it will fasten to a surface
a bumper/window sticker
Sophie's notebook is covered with stickers.
There were two different price stickers on the shoes I wanted to buy.
ˈ sticker ˌ price noun [ C ] US
the official price of something such as a car, given by its maker
I got my truck for $2000 less than the sticker price.
ˈ stick ˌ figure noun [ C ] ( ALSO matchstick figure )
a simple picture of a person in which the head is drawn as a circle and the body,
arms and legs are drawn as lines
See picture match
stickiness noun [ U ]
the quality of being sticky (= staying fixed to any surface that is touched)
ˈ sticking ˌ plaster noun [ C or U ] UK ( US TRADEMARK Band-Aid )
a piece of material that you can put over a small cut in the skin in order to protect
it and keep it clean
Timmy had sticking plasters on both knees.
sticking-plaster adjective [ before noun ] UK DISAPPROVING
dealing with a problem in a temporary and unsatisfactory way
a sticking-plaster approach/solution/measure
sticking-plaster politics
ˈ sticking ˌ point noun [ C ]
A sticking point in a discussion is a point on which it is not possible to reach an
agreement
Exactly how the land is to be divided up is the main sticking point of the peace
talks.
ˈ stick ˌ insect noun [ C ]
a large insect with a long thin body and legs
She's as thin as a stick insect.
See picture stick
stick-in-the-mud noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who is old-fashioned, too serious and avoids enjoying themselves
My dad's a real stick-in-the-mud.
stickleback noun [ C ]
a small fish which has sharp points along its back
stickler noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who thinks that a particular type of behaviour is very important, and
always follows it or tries to make other people follow it
He's a stickler for detail/accuracy/efficiency.
ˌ stick of ˈ rock noun [ C ] UK
a long hard cylindrical sweet
stick-on adjective [ before noun ]
describes something that has glue on one side of it, so that it can fix to a surface
a stick-on label
I got some stick-on soles for my shoes, but they keep coming off.
ˈ stick ˌ shift noun [ C ]
US FOR gear lever
stick-to-it-iveness noun [ U ] US INFORMAL
the ability and determination to continue doing something despite difficulties
stick-up noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
the act of threatening someone with a gun in order to steal from them
Two men ran into the bank, shouting "This is a stick-up!"
sticky adjective NOT DRY/SMOOTH
1. made of or covered with a substance that stays fixed to any surface it touches
sticky tape
sticky fingers
The floor's still sticky where I spilled the juice.
The children's faces were sticky with chocolate.
2. If the weather is sticky, it is very hot and the air feels wet.
sticky adjective DIFFICULT
3. INFORMAL difficult
There were a few sticky moments during the meeting, but everything turned out
all right in the end.
sticky adjective NOT WILLING
4. UK INFORMAL unwilling to agree
Their bank manager was sticky about lending them the money they wanted to
borrow.
come to/meet a sticky end UK HUMOROUS
to die in an unpleasant way
He comes to a sticky end halfway through the film.
have sticky fingers INFORMAL
to be likely to steal
The last person we hired in the shop turned out to have sticky fingers.
ˈ sticky ˌ tape noun [ U ]
UK INFORMAL FOR Sellotape
ˌ sticky ˈ wicket noun [ C usually singular ] UK
a difficult situation
This is something of a sticky wicket you've got us into.
stiff adjective FIRM
1. firm or hard
stiff cardboard
a stiff collar
His clothes were stiff with dried mud.
This hair spray has made my hair stiff.
Mix the powder and water into a stiff paste.
2. not easily bent or moved
The handle on this door is rather stiff.
The man's body was (as) stiff as a board when it was found in the snow.
3. If you are stiff or part of your body is stiff, your muscles hurt when they are
moved
Sitting still at a computer terminal all day can give you a stiff neck.
stiff adjective NOT RELAXED
4. behaving in a way that is formal and not relaxed
The general is a tall man with steel spectacles and a stiff, rather pompous
manner .
stiff adjective SEVERE
5. severe and difficult
The athlete was given a stiff punishment for using drugs.
They are campaigning for stiffer penalties for people who drink and drive.
There has been stiff opposition/resistance to the proposed tax increases.
It's a stiff climb to the top of the hill.
Some college courses have stiffer entry requirements than others.
Both companies are worried about losing business in the face of stiff competition
.
6. a stiff breeze/wind
a strong wind
7. a stiff drink/brandy/gin, etc.
an alcoholic drink that is very strong
A stiff whisky - that's what I need.
8. A stiff price is very expensive
We had to pay a stiff membership fee to join the health club.
stiff adverb
very much, or to a great degree
I got frozen stiff (= very cold) waiting at the bus stop.
I was scared stiff when I heard someone moving around upstairs.
stiff noun [ C ] PERSON
1. US INFORMAL a person of the type described
a working stiff
you lucky stiff
stiff noun [ C ] BODY
2. SLANG a dead body
They found a stiff in the river.
stiffen verb FIRM
1. [ I ] to become firm or more difficult to bend
Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm) .
His body stiffened in fear.
stiffen verb LESS RELAXED
2. [ I ] to become less relaxed and more formal
She stiffened when her former husband walked into the room.
stiffen verb MORE SEVERE
3. [ I or T ] to make something stronger or more difficult
These events have stiffened our resolve to succeed.
Penalties for selling illegal drugs have been stiffened.
Stiffening competition in the market has led to a reduction in the company's
profits this year.
stiffly adverb FIRM
1. straight and not bending
The soldiers stood stiffly to attention.
stiffly adverb NOT RELAXED
2. in a way that is too formal
"I don't think that it's anything to do with you, " he said stiffly.
stiffly adverb SEVERE
3. severely
I wrote a stiffly-worded letter of complaint to the council.
stiffness noun [ U ] NOT RELAXED
1. the quality of being very formal and not relaxed
Her initial stiffness began to wear off as we got to know her.
stiffness noun [ U ] FIRM
2. the quality of being firm, hard or unable to bend
the stiffness of her muscles
stiffness noun [ U ] SEVERE
3. the quality of being very severe, strong or difficult
Everyone was surprised at the stiffness of the
sentence/punishment/penalty/sanctions.
ˌ stiff ˌ upper ˈ lip noun [ C usually singular ]
Someone who has a stiff upper lip does not show their feelings when they are
upset
He was taught at school to keep a stiff upper lip, whatever happens.
stiffy noun [ C ] UK OFFENSIVE
an erection (= when a man's penis is harder and bigger than usual and points up)
to get/have a stiffy
stifle verb NO AIR
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) be unable to breathe because you have no air
He is said to have stifled his victim with a pillow.
We almost stifled in the heat of the city.
stifle verb PREVENT HAPPENING
2. [ T ] to prevent something from happening, being expressed or continuing
She stifled a cough/yawn/scream/sneeze.
I don't know how I managed to stifle my anger.
We should be encouraging new ideas, not stifling them.
stifling adjective NO AIR
1. extremely hot and unpleasant
I can't bear this stifling humidity.
Several hundred people were crammed into the stifling room.
stifling adjective PREVENT HAPPENING
2. preventing something from happening
stifling bureaucracy
stiflingly , adverb
It's stiflingly hot in here.
stigma noun FEELING
1. [ C usually singular U ] when people disapprove of something, especially when
this is unfair
There is no longer any stigma to being divorced.
Being an unmarried mother no longer carries the social stigma that it used to.
stigma noun FLOWER PART
2. [ C ] the top of the central female part of a flower, where pollen is received
stigmata , plural noun
marks that appear on a person's body in the same places as those made on Jesus
Christ's body when he was fastened to a cross with nails
stigmatize , UK USUALLY stigmatise verb [ T often passive ]
to treat someone or something unfairly by disapproving of them
People should not be stigmatized on the basis of race.
stile noun [ C ]
stile
a set of usually two steps which you climb over in order to cross a fence or a wall,
especially between fields
stiletto noun [ C ]
stiletto
a woman's shoe with a narrow high heel
She was wearing a short skirt and stilettos.
stiletto heels
still adverb CONTINUING
1. continuing to happen or continuing to be done
I'm still hungry.
I still haven't finished my essay.
There is still no news about the hostages.
Do you still work for the government?
Hope is fading that the missing child is still alive.
There's still time for us to get to the cinema before the film starts.
still adverb DESPITE
2. despite that
You may not approve of what he did, but he's still your brother.
I know you don't like her, but you still don't have to be so rude to her.
Even though she hasn't really got the time, she still offered to help.
still adverb GREATER DEGREE
3. to an even greater degree or in an even greater amount
The number of people killed in the explosion is likely to rise still higher.
The company is hoping to extend its market still further.
Still more snow fell overnight.
I'll meet you at the theatre. No, better still, let's meet in a pub and have a drink
first.
I'm worried that his car has broken down, or worse still, that he's had an
accident.
Why do you have to tell me still (= even) more lies?
still adjective
1. staying in the same position; not moving
Children find it difficult to sit/stand/stay still for very long.
I can't brush your hair if you don't keep/hold still.
She sat perfectly still while I took her photograph.
The air was so still (= There was so little wind) that not even the leaves on the
trees were moving.
She dived into the still (= calm and not flowing) water of the lake.
2. MAINLY UK A still drink is one that is not fizzy (= with bubbles)
Would you like still or sparkling water?
stillness noun [ U ]
Still waters run deep. SAYING
said about a person who says little, but who might in fact know a lot
still verb [ T ]
to make something stop moving or become more calm
He tried to still the swaying of the hammock.
LITERARY She cuddled her baby to still its cries.
still noun NOT MOVING
1. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a photograph of a piece of action in a film
2. [ U ] LITERARY when it is quiet and calm
In the still of the night , nothing moved.
still noun EQUIPMENT
3. [ C ] a piece of equipment used for making alcohol
stillbirth noun [ C ]
the birth of a dead baby
Compare abortion ; miscarriage
stillborn , adjective
1. born dead
a stillborn baby
The child was stillborn.
2. If an idea or event is stillborn, it is unsuccessful or does not happen.
ˌ still ˈ life noun [ C or U ]
a type of painting or drawing of an arrangement of objects that do not move, such
as flowers, fruit, bowls, etc.
We went to an exhibition of 17th century Dutch still lifes.
stilt noun [ C usually plural ]
1. one of a set of long pieces of wood or metal used to support a building so that
it is above the ground or above water
The houses are built on stilts to protect them from the annual floods.
2. one of two long pieces of wood with supports for the feet which allow you to
stand and walk high above the ground
to walk on stilts
stilted adjective DISAPPROVING
(of a person's behaviour or way of speaking or writing) too formal and not smooth
or natural
He writes in a formal and rather stilted style.
The dialogue sounded stilted and unnatural, perhaps because of the translation
from the original Russian.
stiltedly adverb
Stilton noun [ U ]
a white and blue English cheese with a strong flavour
stimulant noun [ C ]
1. something which makes or causes something else to grow or develop
Tourism has acted as a stimulant to the country's economy.
2. a substance, such as a drug, which makes the mind or body more active
Caffeine, which is found in coffee and tea, is a mild stimulant.
stimulate verb
1. [ T ] to encourage something to grow, develop or become active
The government plans to cut taxes in order to stimulate the economy.
2. [ I or T ] to make someone excited and interested about something
The film was intended to stimulate and amuse.
[ + object + to infinitive ] Good teachers should ask questions that stimulate
students to think.
Erotic images are often more sexually stimulating to men than to women.
3. [ T ] SPECIALIZED to cause part of the body to operate
The drugs stimulate the damaged tissue into repairing itself.
Standing on your head is supposed to stimulate hair growth.
stimulating adjective
1. If something is stimulating, it encourages new ideas
a stimulating discussion
Universities have been asked to make their courses more attractive and
stimulating.
2. describes someone who makes you feel enthusiastic and full of ideas
a really stimulating teacher
3. If an activity is stimulating, it causes your body to be active
Aerobics is one of the most stimulating forms of exercise.
stimulation noun [ U ]
when something causes someone or something to become more active or
enthusiastic, or to develop or operate
While she was at home looking after her children, she felt deprived of
intellectual stimulation.
SPECIALIZED Electric stimulation can help to heal fractured bones.
stimulus noun [ C ]
1. something that causes growth or activity
Foreign investment has been a stimulus to the industry.
The book will provide a stimulus to research in this very important area.
2. SPECIALIZED something which causes part of the body to react
The tip of the tongue is sensitive to salt and sweet stimuli and the back of the
tongue is sensitive to bitter stimuli.
sting verb HURT
1. [ I or T ] If an insect, plant or animal stings, it produces a small but painful
injury, usually with a poison, by brushing against the skin or making a very small hole
under the skin
Do all types of bee sting?
I got stung by a wasp yesterday.
I didn't see the nettles until I was stung by them.
2. [ I or T ] to cause sharp but usually temporary pain
The soap/smoke/sweat stung my eyes.
This type of disinfectant doesn't sting, even if you put it on a fresh cut.
3. [ I or T ] If someone's unkind remarks sting you, they make you feel upset and
annoyed
He was stung by her criticisms.
She knew he was right, but his words still stung.
She managed to give a stinging reply (= an angry answer intended to upset) ,
before slamming down the phone.
sting verb CHARGE
4. [ T ] INFORMAL to charge someone a surprisingly large amount of money for
something
The bank stung me for £50 in charges when I went overdrawn.
sting noun HURT
1. [ C or S ] a sudden burning pain in your eyes, on your skin, etc., or the ability
to cause such pain
She had several bee stings.
the sting of salt in a wound
Some types of jellyfish have a powerful sting.
2. [ S ] the feeling of being upset by something
the sting of defeat
3. [ C ] UK ( US stinger ) a pointed part of an insect, plant or animal that goes
through a person's or animal's skin and leaves behind poison
sting noun GETTING STH
4. [ C ] MAINLY US SLANG a clever and complicated act of stealing
A bank employee was involved in the sting in which $5 million was stolen.
5. [ C ] MAINLY US SLANG a police action to catch criminals in which the police
pretend to be criminals
a sting operation
have a sting in the/its tail UK
If something, such as a story or joke, has a sting in the/its tail, it has a surprising
or unpleasant part which only becomes clear at the end.
take the sting out of sth
If something takes the sting out of an unpleasant situation, it makes it less
unpleasant
The new policy of shorter working hours will serve to take the sting out of the pay
cut.
ˈ stinging ˌ nettle noun [ C ]
a wild plant which has leaves with very short hairs that sting
stingray noun [ C ]
a large flat round fish with a long tail that has poisonous points on it
stingy adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
unwilling to spend money
He's really stingy and never buys the drinks when we go out.
The owners are so stingy - they've refused to pay for new carpets.
stinginess noun [ U ]
He blames government stinginess for the lack of money available to spend on new
books in schools.
stink verb [ I ] SMELL
1. INFORMAL to smell very unpleasant
Your feet stink!
The morning after the party, the whole house stank of beer and cigarettes.
He hadn't washed for over a week and stank to high heaven (= greatly) .
The woman next to me sprayed on some perfume and UK stank out / US stunk
up the whole shop (= filled it with an unpleasant smell) .
stink verb [ I ] BE BAD
2. to be extremely bad or unpleasant
I think her whole attitude stinks.
His acting stinks but he looks good, so he's offered lots of movie roles.
stink noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a strong unpleasant smell
The stink of rotting seaweed was strong along the seashore.
cause a stink INFORMAL
to cause trouble and make people angry
The article about political corruption caused a real stink.
create/kick up/raise a stink INFORMAL
to make a strong public complaint
She created a stink about the lack of recycling facilities in the town.
like stink UK INFORMAL
If someone works like stink, they work extremely hard.
ˈ stink ˌ bomb noun [ C ]
a small device that gives off an extremely bad smell
The two boys were caught letting off stink bombs in the school toilets.
stinker noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
someone or something that is very unpleasant
What a stinker that man is!
She'd had a real stinker of a day at work.
stinking adjective INFORMAL SMELL
1. having a very unpleasant smell
a pile of stinking rotten food
stinking adjective INFORMAL BAD
2. describes something which is very unpleasant or bad
I hate this stinking job!
She had a stinking cold and felt very sorry for herself.
be stinking rich
to be extremely rich
ˈ stinking ˌ thinking noun [ U ] INFORMAL
a bad way of thinking, that makes you believe you will fail, that bad things will
happen to you, or that you are not a very good person
stint noun [ C ]
a fixed or limited period of time spent doing a particular job or activity
He has just finished a stint of compulsory military service.
Perhaps her most productive period was her five-year stint as a foreign
correspondent in New York.
stint verb [ I or T usually in negatives ]
to provide, take or use only a small amount of something
The bride's parents did not stint on the champagne - there was plenty for
everyone.
Don't stint yourself - take another slice of cake.
See also unstinting
stipend noun [ C ]
1. a fixed regular income
an annual stipend
2. the income paid to a priest in the UK
stipendiary adjective UK
A stipendiary clergyman or magistrate receives a fixed income
He was appointed as a stipendiary priest in the diocese of York.
stipple verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to draw or paint something using small spots or marks
She tried to create the impression of strong sunlight by stippling the canvas in
yellow and white.
FIGURATIVE The evening sky was stippled with a few wisps of low-lying clouds.
stippling , noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
when someone draws or paints using small spots or marks
stippled adjective SPECIALIZED
drawn, painted or coloured using small spots or marks
The divers saw tropical fish stippled in gold and black.
stipulate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to state exactly how something must be or must be done
She agreed to buy the car, but stipulated racing tyres and a turbo-powered
engine.
[ + that ] The law stipulates that new cars must have seat belts for the driver
and every passenger.
[ + question word ] We have signed a contract which stipulates wh en the project
must be completed.
stipulation noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
when someone says exactly how something must be done
Is there any stipulation as regards qualifications?
[ + that ] The only stipulation is that candidates must be over the age of 35.
stir verb MIX
1. [ I or T ] to mix a liquid or other substance by moving an object such as a
spoon in a circular pattern
Stir the sauce gently until it begins to boil.
Stir the egg yolks into the mixture.
She paused to stir some milk into her coffee.
Slowly add the flour, stirring until completely blended.
stir verb MOVE
2. [ I or T ] to cause something to move slightly
A light breeze stirred the leaves lying on the path.
He stirred in his sleep as I kissed him.
3. stir ( yourself )
to wake up or begin to move or take action
Come on, stir yourselves, or you'll be late!
The alarm clock went off, but she didn't stir.
stir verb CAUSE EMOTION
4. [ T ] If something stirs you, it makes you feel a strong emotion
I was deeply stirred by her performance.
[ + object + to infinitive ] The speech stirred the crowd to take action.
5. [ I ] LITERARY If an emotion stirs within you, you begin to feel it
Hope stirred within her heart.
6. [ I ] UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING to cause trouble intentionally between other
people, especially by telling false or secret information
There's a lot of gossip about me going around. Have you been stirring?
See also stir sth up
stir the blood ( ALSO stir your blood ) LITERARY
If something stirs the blood, it makes you feel excited
tales to stir the blood
stir sth up phrasal verb [ M ] EMOTION
1. to cause an unpleasant emotion or problem to begin or grow
The teacher told him to stop stirring up trouble .
The photographs stirred up some painful memories.
stir sth up phrasal verb [ M ] SUBSTANCE
2. to cause a substance such as soil or dust to move and rise up
The helicopter stirred up clouds of dust.
stir noun MIX
1. [ C usually singular ] the act of stirring a liquid or other substance in order to
mix it
Could you give the soup a quick stir?
stir noun EXCITEMENT
2. [ U ] INFORMAL a lot of interest or excitement
The scandal caused/created quite a stir at the time.
stir-crazy , adjective INFORMAL
upset or angry because you have been prevented from going somewhere or doing
something for a long time
I've been laid up for two weeks with this broken leg and I'm beginning to go stir-
crazy.
stir-fry verb [ I or T ]
to fry small pieces of meat, vegetables, etc. quickly while mixing them around
Stir-fry the chicken for one minute, then add the vegetables.
stir-fry noun [ C or U ]
a method of frying food while mixing it quickly, or food cooked this way
We're having a vegetable stir-fry for supper tonight.
I don't like stir-fry.
stirrer noun [ C ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who intentionally causes trouble between other people
He's such a stirrer!
stirring adjective APPROVING
A stirring speech or song is one which produces strong positive emotions.
stirringly adverb
stirring noun [ C ]
the beginning of something, such as an emotion or thought
She felt a faint stirring of envy when she heard that one of her colleagues had
been promoted.
stirrup noun [ C ]
one of a pair of pieces of metal shaped like the letter D that hang from the side of
a horse's saddle and which is used for resting your foot in when you are riding
stitch noun THREAD
1. [ C ] a piece of thread sewn in cloth, or the single movement of a needle and
thread into and out of the cloth which produces this
Secure the two pieces together with a couple of stitches.
2. [ C ] one of the small circles of wool that you make when you are knitting
He cast on/off a stitch (= added/removed a length of thread from the needle) .
I've dropped a stitch (= lost a length of thread from the needle) .
3. [ C ] a particular type of stitch made in sewing or knitting , or the pattern
which this produces
a pearl/satin stitch
The bedspread was embroidered with cross-stitch.
4. [ C ] a length of special thread used to join the edges of a deep cut in the flesh
Her head wounds needed 50 stitches.
He got hit with a broken bottle and needed five stitches in his cheek.
5. not a stitch
INFORMAL without any clothes
I haven't got a stitch to wear (= I have not got anything to wear) for this party
tonight.
She ran down the corridor to the bathroom without a stitch on (= naked) .
stitch noun PAIN
6. [ C usually singular ] a sharp pain in the side of your stomach or chest, often
caused by not breathing enough when running or laughing
I got a stitch after running for the bus.
in stitches INFORMAL
If a joke or funny story has you in stitches, it makes you laugh uncontrollably.
A stitch in time (saves nine). SAYING
said to mean that it is better to act or deal with problems immediately, because if
action is delayed until later, things will get worse and the problems will take longer to
deal with
stitch verb [ I or T ]
to sew two things together, or to repair something by sewing
This button needs to be stitched back onto my shirt.
Stitch the pieces together along the fold.
stitching noun [ U ]
The stitching along my coat hem is coming undone.
stitch sth together phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to create or form something quickly or roughly
Britain is likely to stitch together some sort of political deal to avoid a
confrontation.
stitch sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to join the two sides of something with stitches, for example torn clothing or a
deep cut, or to treat someone who has a deep cut by doing this
I've ripped my trousers - can you stitch them up for me?
After giving birth, she was stitched up by a junior doctor.
stitch sb up phrasal verb [ M ] UK SLANG
to intentionally make someone look guilty of doing something which they did not
do
He claims he was stitched up by the police.
stitch-up noun [ C usually singular ] UK SLANG
a police stitch-up
St Kitts and Nevis noun [ U ]
St Lucia noun [ U ]
St Lucian noun [ C ] , adjective
stoat noun [ C ]
a small thin animal which has brown fur in summer and white fur in winter
stochastic adjective SPECIALIZED
describes a process or system that is connected with random probability
stock noun SUPPLY
1. [ C or U ] a supply of something for use or sale
It is now halfway through winter and food stocks are already low.
The local shop has a good stock of postcards and guidebooks.
Much of the city's housing stock (= the number of houses in the city) is over 100
years old.
2. [ U ] the total amount of goods or the amount of a particular type of goods
available in a shop
This shop sells its old stock at a very low prices.
We'll be getting our new stock in on Friday.
The new edition is in/out of stock (= available/not available) in major
bookshops.
stock noun MONEY
3. [ U ] the amount of money which a company has through selling shares to
people
They own 20% of the company's stock.
4. [ C or U ] part of the ownership of a company which people buy as an
investment (= to make a profit)
Stock prices fell yesterday in heavy trading.
She buys and sells stocks and shares .
5. [ C or U ] UK money which people invest in the government and which
produces a fixed rate of interest
government stock(s)
stock noun LIQUID
6. [ U ] a liquid used to add flavour to food and which is made by boiling meat or
fish bones or vegetables in water
vegetable/beef/chicken stock
stock noun ANIMALS
7. [ U ] animals, such as cows or sheep, kept on a farm
stock noun OPINION
8. [ U ] FORMAL the degree to which a person or organization is popular and
respected
At present, the Prime Minister's stock is high/low .
stock noun ORIGIN
9. [ U ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL the family or group which a person or animal comes from
He's an American of Irish stock.
She's of peasant/noble stock.
Some of the animals will be kept as breeding stock.
stock noun HANDLE
10. [ C ] the support or handle of a tool, especially the triangular part of a gun
that rests against your shoulder
stock noun FRAME
11. the stocks
(in Europe in the Middle Ages) a wooden frame which was fixed around someone's
feet, hands and sometimes head, so that they were forced to sit or stand for a long time
in public as a punishment
stock noun PLANT
12. [ C ] a garden plant with small pleasant-smelling, brightly coloured flowers
put stock in sth
If you put stock in something that someone says or does, you have a high opinion
of it
He's been wrong several times before, so I don't put much stock in what he says
anymore.
take stock
To take stock (of something) is to think carefully about a situation or event and
form an opinion about it, so that you can decide what to do
After two years spent teaching abroad, she returned home for a month to take
stock of her life.
stock verb [ T ]
1. If a shop or factory stocks something, it keeps a supply of it
Most supermarkets stock a wide range of wines.
2. to fill something such as a cupboard or shelves with food or goods
He has a Saturday job stocking shelves in the local supermarket.
I always stock up the fridge before my sister comes to stay.
stock up phrasal verb
to buy a large quantity of something
During the emergency, people stocked up on essential items like candles,
medicines and tins of food.
stock adjective
(of an idea, expression or action) usual or typical, and used or done so many
times that it is no longer original
a stock phrase/response
"Don't worry - worse things happen at sea" is her stock expression for whenever
anything goes wrong.
stockade noun [ C ]
a strong wooden fence built around an area to defend it against attack
stockbroker noun [ C ]
a person or company that buys and sells stocks and shares for other people
stockbroking noun [ U ]
ˈ stockbroker ˌ belt noun [ C ] UK
the area near London where many rich people live in large houses and from where
they travel to work in the City (= the financial area of London)
stock car noun [ C ]
an ordinary car that has been made stronger and faster so that it can be driven in
special races
ˈ stock con ˌ trol noun [ U ]
In a company or shop, stock control is the system of making certain that new
supplies are ordered and that goods have not been stolen.
ˈ stock ˌ cube noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY bouillon cube )
a small block of dried flavouring which you dissolve in hot water before using it in
some dishes such as soups
ˈ stock ex ˌ change noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO stock market )
a place where parts of the ownership of companies are bought and sold, or the
organization of people whose job is to do this buying or selling
They bought some shares on the London stock exchange.
Stock markets around the world are reacting to news of the US president's
announcement.
stockholder noun [ C ]
US FOR shareholder
stocking noun [ C ]
one of a pair of tight-fitting coverings for the feet and legs made of light material
and worn by women
nylon/silk stockings.
Compare nylons ; tights
in your stocking(ed) feet
wearing only socks or stockings and not shoes
Jerome stands 1m 75 in his stocking feet.
ˈ stocking ˌ cap noun [ C ] US
a close-fitting knitted hat with a long tail
stocking-filler noun [ C ] UK ( US stocking-stuffer )
a small, usually cheap Christmas present
ˈ stocking ˌ mask noun [ C ]
a stocking which thieves pull over their heads to hide their faces
stock-in-trade noun [ U ]
1. the typical characteristics or behaviour of someone or something
The song was perfect for the soft vocals that are her stock-in-trade.
2. OLD-FASHIONED the tools and other objects that you need for your job
steepen verb
steeple noun [ C ]
a church steeple
etc.
steeply adverb
suddenly or sharply
steer verb
democracy.
steer a course/path
steer noun [ C ]
all along its back
stein noun [ C ]
2. US FOR tankard
stellar adjective
a stellar explosion
stellar light
standard
flower stems
stem verb [ T ]
-stemmed suffix
stench noun
the government.
stencil noun [ C ]
stencil verb [ T ]
a shorthand typist
step back (in time)
do it
step on it INFORMAL
step out of line
your place
time.
solution
something
step noun STAGE
direction .
3. step by step
step noun STAIR
a flight of steps
house) .
5. steps
kitchen steps
library steps
See also footstep
door.
she was happy) .
bus.
10. in step
people
11. out of step
other people
people
step noun MUSIC
a short distance
the progress.
a step forward
step- prefix
stepfather
stepmother
stepchildren
stepbrother noun [ C ]
not your parents' son, but the son of a person that one of your parents has
married
Compare half-brother
ˈ step ˌ change noun [ C ]
when a situation changes in a much bigger way than usual
There is a step change taking place in communications technology.
stepchild noun [ C ]
the child of your husband or wife from a previous marriage
stepdad noun [ C ]
US INFORMAL FOR stepfather
stepdaughter noun [ C ]
the daughter of your husband or wife from a previous marriage
stepfather noun [ C ]
the man who is married to someone's mother but who is not their real father
stepladder noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO steps )
a short, folding platform with steps
I can't reach the top shelf unless I use a stepladder.
stepmother noun [ C ]
the woman who is married to someone's father but who is not their real mother
stepmum noun [ C ] ( US stepmom ) INFORMAL
stepmother
step-parent noun [ C ]
the man or woman who is married to someone's mother or father but who is not
their real father or mother
steppe noun [ C usually plural U ]
a large area of land with grass but no trees, especially in southeastern Europe,
Russia and northern Asia
These people have lived for centuries on the Russian steppes.
ˈ stepping ˌ stone noun STONE
stepping stone
1. [ C ] one of a row of large flat stones on which you can walk in order to cross a
stream or river that is not deep
ˈ stepping ˌ stone noun STAGE
2. [ S ] an event or experience that helps you achieve something else
I see this job just as a stepping stone to better things.
stepsister noun [ C ]
not your parents' daughter, but the daughter of a person one of your parents has
married
Compare half-sister
stepson noun [ C ]
the son of your husband or wife from a previous marriage
-ster suffix
a person who is associated with something
gangster
stereo noun
1. [ U ] a way of recording or playing sound so that it is separated into two signals
and produces more natural sound
The concert will be broadcast in stereo.
stereo
2. [ C ] a piece of electrical equipment for playing CDs and tapes, listening to the
radio, etc. that sounds very natural because the sounds come out of two speakers (=
parts for playing sound)
stereo adjective ( FORMAL stereophonic )
a stereo system
Compare mono ; quadraphonic
stereotype noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a fixed idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially
an idea that is wrong
racial/sexual stereotypes
He doesn't conform to/fit/fill the national stereotype of a Frenchman.
The characters in the book are just stereotypes.
stereotype verb [ T ] DISAPPROVING
to have a fixed idea about what a particular type of person is like, especially an
idea that is wrong
The study claims that British advertising stereotypes women.
We tried not to give the children sexually stereotyped toys.
stereotypical adjective DISAPPROVING
having the qualities that you expect a particular type of person to have
Customers are tired of the stereotypical, fast-talking salesperson.
stereotypically adverb
sterile adjective UNABLE TO PRODUCE
1. (of a living being) unable to produce young, or (of land) unable to produce
plants or crops
Mules are usually sterile.
One of the side effects of the drug could be to make men sterile.
2. having no imagination or new ideas or energy
a sterile argument
sterile adjective CLEAN
3. completely clean and free from dirt and bacteria
The operation must be carried out under sterile conditions.
sterility noun [ U ]
1. (in animals and people) the condition of being unable to produce young, or (in
plants) the condition of being unable to produce plants or crops
2. when you have no imagination, new ideas or energy
Over a bottle of wine, we shared our despair over the emotional sterility of our
marriages.
sterilization , UK USUALLY sterilisation noun [ U ] STOP CHILDREN
1. the process of having a medical operation to make it impossible to have
children
My wife and I have discussed sterilization, but we haven't made a decision about
it yet.
sterilization , UK USUALLY sterilisation noun [ U ] CLEANING
2. the process of making something completely clean and free from bacteria
The needles have been sent off for sterilization.
sterilize , UK USUALLY sterilise verb [ T ] STOP CHILDREN
1. to perform a medical operation on someone in order to make them unable to
have children
After having five children, she decided to be sterilized.
sterilize , UK USUALLY sterilise verb [ T ] CLEAN
2. to make something completely clean and free from bacteria
All equipment must be sterilized before use.
sterilizer , UK USUALLY steriliser noun [ C ]
a machine for making things completely clean and free from bacteria
sterilizing , UK USUALLY sterilizing adjective
making something completely clean and free from bacteria
I put my contact lenses in sterilizing solution every night.
sterling noun [ U ]
British money
The value of sterling increased against several other currencies yesterday.
If you buy things on the plane, you can either pay for them in pounds sterling (=
British pounds) or in US dollars.
sterling adjective METAL
1. (of precious metal, especially silver) of a fixed standard of purity
a sterling silver candlestick
sterling adjective VERY GOOD
2. APPROVING of a very high standard
You've done a sterling job.
Everyone has made a sterling effort.
stern adjective
1. severe, or showing disapproval
a stern look/warning/voice
She is her own sternest critic.
Journalists received a stern warning not to go anywhere near the battleship.
2. If something, such as a job, is stern, it is difficult
The President is facing the sternest test of his authority since he came to power
five years ago.
sternness noun [ U ]
made of sterner stuff
If someone is described as being made of sterner stuff, they are very strong and
determined
I was ready to give up the fight, but Nicky was made of sterner stuff and wanted
us to carry on.
stern noun [ C ]
the back part of a ship or boat
Compare bow
sternly adverb
in a way that shows disapproval
"This kind of behaviour is not acceptable, " said the teacher sternly.
sternum noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a breastbone
steroid , , noun [ C ]
1. one of the different types of chemical substances that are produced in the body
2. an artificial form of a natural chemical substance which is used for treating
particular medical conditions
I'm taking steroids/I'm on steroids for my asthma.
3. a drug which increases the development of your muscles, sometimes taken
illegally by people taking part in sports competitions
stethoscope noun [ C ]
a piece of medical equipment which doctors use to listen to your heart and lungs
Stetson noun [ C ] TRADEMARK
Stetson
a hat with a wide, curving lower edge, especially worn by cowboys
stevedore noun [ C ]
a docker
stew noun [ C or U ]
a type of food consisting usually of meat or fish and vegetables cooked slowly in a
small amount of liquid
lamb/bean/fish stew
She prepared a hearty stew for dinner.
in a stew INFORMAL
If someone is in a stew, they are in a difficult situation which causes them to feel
worried or upset
William is in a stew about/over the demand he received from the tax office.
stew verb
1. [ T ] to cook meat, fish, vegetables or fruit slowly and gently in a little liquid
2. [ I ] INFORMAL to be angry
You're not still stewing about what happened yesterday, are you?
3. [ I ] UK to do nothing useful
With jobs so scarce, many young people spend long hours with little to do but
drink and stew.
stew (in your own juice) INFORMAL
to think about or suffer the results of your own silly actions, without anyone
giving you any help
steward noun [ C ]
1. a person whose job it is to organize a particular event, or to provide services to
particular people, or to take care of a particular place
Stewards will be inspecting the race track at 9.00.
If you need help at any time during the conference, one of the stewards will be
pleased to help you.
2. ( FEMALE stewardess ) a person who serves passengers on a ship or aircraft
3. UK a person who organizes the supply and serving of food at a club
He's the steward of the City of Wakefield's Working Men's Club.
stewardship noun [ U ]
Someone's stewardship of something is the way in which that person controls or
organizes it
The company has been very successful while it has been under the stewardship
of Mr White.
stewed adjective
1. UK describes tea that has been kept too long before it is poured, and is
therefore strong and bitter
2. MAINLY US INFORMAL drunk
ˈ stewing/ ˈ braising ˌ steak noun [ U ] UK
meat from cattle which is usually cut into small pieces and cooked slowly in liquid
sth
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR something
sth's
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR something's
stick noun THIN PIECE
1. [ C ] a thin piece of wood
The old man was carrying a load of sticks.
Police said that the child had been beaten with a stick.
Find some dry sticks and we'll make a campfire.
A lollipop is a sweet on a stick (= a short thin piece of wood, plastic or paper) .
See picture stick
2. [ C ] MAINLY UK a long, thin wooden pole that especially old or injured people
use to help them walk
a walking stick
At 84 he's still quite active, although he walks with the aid of a stick.
See picture stick
3. [ C ] a long thin piece of wood with a curved end used in playing hockey , or a
long thin piece of wood with a triangular shaped net at one end used for playing
lacrosse , or a long thin piece of wood with a solid tube-shaped piece fixed horizontally
to one end of it used for playing polo
a hockey/lacrosse/polo stick
4. [ C ] a long thin piece of something
carrot/bread sticks
a stick of celery/rhubarb/chewing gum/chalk/dynamite
See picture stick
5. [ C ] INFORMAL a piece of furniture
When they got married, they didn't have a stick of furniture .
6. take a stick to sb/sth
to hit someone or something with a long thin piece of wood
He said that when he was a boy, his father used to take a stick to him to punish
him.
stick noun CRITICISM
7. [ U ] UK INFORMAL severe criticism
I really got/took stick from my boss about being late for work again.
We gave him some stick for wearing that silly hat.
stick noun COUNTRYSIDE
8. the sticks INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
an area in the countryside which is far from a town or city
I'm fed up with living in the sticks.
They live out in the sticks somewhere.
a stick to beat sb with UK
something that you can use to criticize, influence or cause difficulty for someone
or something you dislike or disapprove of
The party has a number of sticks with which to beat the prime minister into
submission.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, (but words can never hurt me). CHILD'S
EXPRESSION
said in order to show that people cannot be hurt by unpleasant things that are
said to them
up sticks UK ( US pull up stakes ) INFORMAL
to take all the things that you own and go and live in a different place
This is the fourth time in five years that we've had to up sticks.
stick verb FIX
1. [ I or T ] to cause something to become fixed, for example with glue or another
similar substance
I tried to stick the pieces together with some glue/tape.
He stuck up a notice on the board with pins.
This glue won't stick.
My car's stuck in the mud.
Stir the sauce so that it doesn't stick to the pan.
My book got wet and all the pages have stuck together .
2. [ I ] If a name sticks, it continues to be used
Although her name is Clare, her little sister called her Lali, and somehow the
name stuck.
stick verb PUT
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] INFORMAL to put something, especially in a
not very careful way
"Where shall I put these books?" "Oh, just stick them on the table for now."
She stuck her fingers in her ears so that she couldn't hear the noise.
I'll pay for lunch - I can stick it on my expenses.
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] OFFENSIVE If you tell someone to stick
something or where they can stick something, it means that you do not want to keep
that thing
"I've had enough of working here, " she said, "You can stick your job!"
stick verb PUSH INTO
5. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to push a pointed object into or
through something, or (of a pointed object) to be pushed into or through something and
stay there
She stuck the needle into my arm.
We decided where to go for our holiday by closing our eyes and sticking a pin in
the map.
A thorn stuck in her finger.
The metal springs were sticking through the mattress.
stick verb NOT CONTINUE
6. [ I ] In some card games, if you stick, you say that you do not want to be
given any more cards.
stick verb ACCEPT
7. [ T ] UK INFORMAL to bear or accept something or someone unpleasant
I don't think I can stick this job a day longer.
[ + -ing verb ] I don't know how you can stick liv ing in this place.
make sth stick INFORMAL
to show something bad that has been said about someone is true
They've arrested him for fraud but they'll never make the charges stick.
stick in your mind/head/memory INFORMAL
to remember something
stick in your throat/craw
to make you angry
It really sticks in my throat that I did all the work, and she's getting all the credit.
stick to sb like glue INFORMAL
to stay very close to someone
Ellie stuck to her mother like glue.
stick to sb's ribs
If you describe food as sticking to your ribs, you mean that it makes you feel like
you have eaten a lot.
stick around phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stay somewhere for a period of time
You go - I'll stick around here a bit longer.
stick at sth phrasal verb ( ALSO stick to/with sth ) UK
to continue trying hard to do something difficult
You'll never learn to play the piano if you're not prepared to stick at it.
stick by sth/sb phrasal verb
to continue to support something or someone, especially in a difficult situation
We must stick by our decision.
stick out phrasal verb
1. to go past the surface or edge of something
Paul's ears stick out a bit, don't they.
There was a handkerchief sticking out of his jacket pocket.
2. INFORMAL to be very easy to notice
She certainly sticks out in a crowd.
stick (sth) out phrasal verb [ M ]
to come forward from the rest of your body, or to make part of your body do this
Mum, Lewis stuck out his tongue at me!
He stuck his arm out of the window and waved at us.
I wish my stomach didn't stick out so much.
stick your neck out
to take a risk
stick it out phrasal verb INFORMAL
to continue to the end of a difficult or unpleasant situation
I know things are difficult at the moment, but if we just stick it out, I'm sure
everything will be OK in the end.
stick out for sth phrasal verb UK
to continue to demand or try to get something
The unions have said that they are going to stick out for a 10% rise.
stick to sth phrasal verb
1. to limit yourself to doing or using one particular thing and not change to
anything else
Could you stick to the point, please?
We'd better stick to the main road, because the other roads are blocked with
snow.
2. If you stick to a law, rule or promise, you obey it or do what it states
If you make a promise, you should stick to it.
3. US FOR stick at sth
stick to your guns
to continue to have your beliefs or continue with a plan of action, even if other
people disagree with you
Despite harsh criticism, she's sticking to her guns on this issue.
stick together phrasal verb
1. INFORMAL If people stick together, they support and help each other
The country's Foreign Minister said that it was important for small nations to stick
together.
2. If people stick together, they stay close to each other
The two brothers always stick together at school.
stick up phrasal verb
to point up above the surface of something and not lie flat
When I get up in the morning, my hair is always sticking up.
There were some large rocks sticking up out of the water.
stick sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ] MAINLY US INFORMAL
to steal from a place or person, using a gun as a threat
Did you hear that someone stuck up the post office last night?
See also stick-up
stick up for sth/sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to support or defend someone or something, especially when they are being
criticized
I can stick up for myself.
It's sweet the way he sticks up for his little brother.
stick with sth/sb phrasal verb INFORMAL
to continue doing something or using someone to do work for you, and not
stopping or changing to something or someone else
He said that he was going to stick with the traditions established by his
grandfather.
He's a good car mechanic - I think we should stick with him.
stick with it
Things are hard at the moment, but if we stick with it, they are bound to get
better.
sticker noun [ C ]
a small piece of paper or plastic with a picture or writing on one side and glue or
another similar substance on the other side, so that it will fasten to a surface
a bumper/window sticker
Sophie's notebook is covered with stickers.
There were two different price stickers on the shoes I wanted to buy.
ˈ sticker ˌ price noun [ C ] US
the official price of something such as a car, given by its maker
I got my truck for $2000 less than the sticker price.
ˈ stick ˌ figure noun [ C ] ( ALSO matchstick figure )
a simple picture of a person in which the head is drawn as a circle and the body,
arms and legs are drawn as lines
See picture match
stickiness noun [ U ]
the quality of being sticky (= staying fixed to any surface that is touched)
ˈ sticking ˌ plaster noun [ C or U ] UK ( US TRADEMARK Band-Aid )
a piece of material that you can put over a small cut in the skin in order to protect
it and keep it clean
Timmy had sticking plasters on both knees.
sticking-plaster adjective [ before noun ] UK DISAPPROVING
dealing with a problem in a temporary and unsatisfactory way
a sticking-plaster approach/solution/measure
sticking-plaster politics
ˈ sticking ˌ point noun [ C ]
A sticking point in a discussion is a point on which it is not possible to reach an
agreement
Exactly how the land is to be divided up is the main sticking point of the peace
talks.
ˈ stick ˌ insect noun [ C ]
a large insect with a long thin body and legs
She's as thin as a stick insect.
See picture stick
stick-in-the-mud noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who is old-fashioned, too serious and avoids enjoying themselves
My dad's a real stick-in-the-mud.
stickleback noun [ C ]
a small fish which has sharp points along its back
stickler noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a person who thinks that a particular type of behaviour is very important, and
always follows it or tries to make other people follow it
He's a stickler for detail/accuracy/efficiency.
ˌ stick of ˈ rock noun [ C ] UK
a long hard cylindrical sweet
stick-on adjective [ before noun ]
describes something that has glue on one side of it, so that it can fix to a surface
a stick-on label
I got some stick-on soles for my shoes, but they keep coming off.
ˈ stick ˌ shift noun [ C ]
US FOR gear lever
stick-to-it-iveness noun [ U ] US INFORMAL
the ability and determination to continue doing something despite difficulties
stick-up noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
the act of threatening someone with a gun in order to steal from them
Two men ran into the bank, shouting "This is a stick-up!"
sticky adjective NOT DRY/SMOOTH
1. made of or covered with a substance that stays fixed to any surface it touches
sticky tape
sticky fingers
The floor's still sticky where I spilled the juice.
The children's faces were sticky with chocolate.
2. If the weather is sticky, it is very hot and the air feels wet.
sticky adjective DIFFICULT
3. INFORMAL difficult
There were a few sticky moments during the meeting, but everything turned out
all right in the end.
sticky adjective NOT WILLING
4. UK INFORMAL unwilling to agree
Their bank manager was sticky about lending them the money they wanted to
borrow.
come to/meet a sticky end UK HUMOROUS
to die in an unpleasant way
He comes to a sticky end halfway through the film.
have sticky fingers INFORMAL
to be likely to steal
The last person we hired in the shop turned out to have sticky fingers.
ˈ sticky ˌ tape noun [ U ]
UK INFORMAL FOR Sellotape
ˌ sticky ˈ wicket noun [ C usually singular ] UK
a difficult situation
This is something of a sticky wicket you've got us into.
stiff adjective FIRM
1. firm or hard
stiff cardboard
a stiff collar
His clothes were stiff with dried mud.
This hair spray has made my hair stiff.
Mix the powder and water into a stiff paste.
2. not easily bent or moved
The handle on this door is rather stiff.
The man's body was (as) stiff as a board when it was found in the snow.
3. If you are stiff or part of your body is stiff, your muscles hurt when they are
moved
Sitting still at a computer terminal all day can give you a stiff neck.
stiff adjective NOT RELAXED
4. behaving in a way that is formal and not relaxed
The general is a tall man with steel spectacles and a stiff, rather pompous
manner .
stiff adjective SEVERE
5. severe and difficult
The athlete was given a stiff punishment for using drugs.
They are campaigning for stiffer penalties for people who drink and drive.
There has been stiff opposition/resistance to the proposed tax increases.
It's a stiff climb to the top of the hill.
Some college courses have stiffer entry requirements than others.
Both companies are worried about losing business in the face of stiff competition
.
6. a stiff breeze/wind
a strong wind
7. a stiff drink/brandy/gin, etc.
an alcoholic drink that is very strong
A stiff whisky - that's what I need.
8. A stiff price is very expensive
We had to pay a stiff membership fee to join the health club.
stiff adverb
very much, or to a great degree
I got frozen stiff (= very cold) waiting at the bus stop.
I was scared stiff when I heard someone moving around upstairs.
stiff noun [ C ] PERSON
1. US INFORMAL a person of the type described
a working stiff
you lucky stiff
stiff noun [ C ] BODY
2. SLANG a dead body
They found a stiff in the river.
stiffen verb FIRM
1. [ I ] to become firm or more difficult to bend
Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm) .
His body stiffened in fear.
stiffen verb LESS RELAXED
2. [ I ] to become less relaxed and more formal
She stiffened when her former husband walked into the room.
stiffen verb MORE SEVERE
3. [ I or T ] to make something stronger or more difficult
These events have stiffened our resolve to succeed.
Penalties for selling illegal drugs have been stiffened.
Stiffening competition in the market has led to a reduction in the company's
profits this year.
stiffly adverb FIRM
1. straight and not bending
The soldiers stood stiffly to attention.
stiffly adverb NOT RELAXED
2. in a way that is too formal
"I don't think that it's anything to do with you, " he said stiffly.
stiffly adverb SEVERE
3. severely
I wrote a stiffly-worded letter of complaint to the council.
stiffness noun [ U ] NOT RELAXED
1. the quality of being very formal and not relaxed
Her initial stiffness began to wear off as we got to know her.
stiffness noun [ U ] FIRM
2. the quality of being firm, hard or unable to bend
the stiffness of her muscles
stiffness noun [ U ] SEVERE
3. the quality of being very severe, strong or difficult
Everyone was surprised at the stiffness of the
sentence/punishment/penalty/sanctions.
ˌ stiff ˌ upper ˈ lip noun [ C usually singular ]
Someone who has a stiff upper lip does not show their feelings when they are
upset
He was taught at school to keep a stiff upper lip, whatever happens.
stiffy noun [ C ] UK OFFENSIVE
an erection (= when a man's penis is harder and bigger than usual and points up)
to get/have a stiffy
stifle verb NO AIR
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) be unable to breathe because you have no air
He is said to have stifled his victim with a pillow.
We almost stifled in the heat of the city.
stifle verb PREVENT HAPPENING
2. [ T ] to prevent something from happening, being expressed or continuing
She stifled a cough/yawn/scream/sneeze.
I don't know how I managed to stifle my anger.
We should be encouraging new ideas, not stifling them.
stifling adjective NO AIR
1. extremely hot and unpleasant
I can't bear this stifling humidity.
Several hundred people were crammed into the stifling room.
stifling adjective PREVENT HAPPENING
2. preventing something from happening
stifling bureaucracy
stiflingly , adverb
It's stiflingly hot in here.
stigma noun FEELING
1. [ C usually singular U ] when people disapprove of something, especially when
this is unfair
There is no longer any stigma to being divorced.
Being an unmarried mother no longer carries the social stigma that it used to.
stigma noun FLOWER PART
2. [ C ] the top of the central female part of a flower, where pollen is received
stigmata , plural noun
marks that appear on a person's body in the same places as those made on Jesus
Christ's body when he was fastened to a cross with nails
stigmatize , UK USUALLY stigmatise verb [ T often passive ]
to treat someone or something unfairly by disapproving of them
People should not be stigmatized on the basis of race.
stile noun [ C ]
stile
a set of usually two steps which you climb over in order to cross a fence or a wall,
especially between fields
stiletto noun [ C ]
stiletto
a woman's shoe with a narrow high heel
She was wearing a short skirt and stilettos.
stiletto heels
still adverb CONTINUING
1. continuing to happen or continuing to be done
I'm still hungry.
I still haven't finished my essay.
There is still no news about the hostages.
Do you still work for the government?
Hope is fading that the missing child is still alive.
There's still time for us to get to the cinema before the film starts.
still adverb DESPITE
2. despite that
You may not approve of what he did, but he's still your brother.
I know you don't like her, but you still don't have to be so rude to her.
Even though she hasn't really got the time, she still offered to help.
still adverb GREATER DEGREE
3. to an even greater degree or in an even greater amount
The number of people killed in the explosion is likely to rise still higher.
The company is hoping to extend its market still further.
Still more snow fell overnight.
I'll meet you at the theatre. No, better still, let's meet in a pub and have a drink
first.
I'm worried that his car has broken down, or worse still, that he's had an
accident.
Why do you have to tell me still (= even) more lies?
still adjective
1. staying in the same position; not moving
Children find it difficult to sit/stand/stay still for very long.
I can't brush your hair if you don't keep/hold still.
She sat perfectly still while I took her photograph.
The air was so still (= There was so little wind) that not even the leaves on the
trees were moving.
She dived into the still (= calm and not flowing) water of the lake.
2. MAINLY UK A still drink is one that is not fizzy (= with bubbles)
Would you like still or sparkling water?
stillness noun [ U ]
Still waters run deep. SAYING
said about a person who says little, but who might in fact know a lot
still verb [ T ]
to make something stop moving or become more calm
He tried to still the swaying of the hammock.
LITERARY She cuddled her baby to still its cries.
still noun NOT MOVING
1. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a photograph of a piece of action in a film
2. [ U ] LITERARY when it is quiet and calm
In the still of the night , nothing moved.
still noun EQUIPMENT
3. [ C ] a piece of equipment used for making alcohol
stillbirth noun [ C ]
the birth of a dead baby
Compare abortion ; miscarriage
stillborn , adjective
1. born dead
a stillborn baby
The child was stillborn.
2. If an idea or event is stillborn, it is unsuccessful or does not happen.
ˌ still ˈ life noun [ C or U ]
a type of painting or drawing of an arrangement of objects that do not move, such
as flowers, fruit, bowls, etc.
We went to an exhibition of 17th century Dutch still lifes.
stilt noun [ C usually plural ]
1. one of a set of long pieces of wood or metal used to support a building so that
it is above the ground or above water
The houses are built on stilts to protect them from the annual floods.
2. one of two long pieces of wood with supports for the feet which allow you to
stand and walk high above the ground
to walk on stilts
stilted adjective DISAPPROVING
(of a person's behaviour or way of speaking or writing) too formal and not smooth
or natural
He writes in a formal and rather stilted style.
The dialogue sounded stilted and unnatural, perhaps because of the translation
from the original Russian.
stiltedly adverb
Stilton noun [ U ]
a white and blue English cheese with a strong flavour
stimulant noun [ C ]
1. something which makes or causes something else to grow or develop
Tourism has acted as a stimulant to the country's economy.
2. a substance, such as a drug, which makes the mind or body more active
Caffeine, which is found in coffee and tea, is a mild stimulant.
stimulate verb
1. [ T ] to encourage something to grow, develop or become active
The government plans to cut taxes in order to stimulate the economy.
2. [ I or T ] to make someone excited and interested about something
The film was intended to stimulate and amuse.
[ + object + to infinitive ] Good teachers should ask questions that stimulate
students to think.
Erotic images are often more sexually stimulating to men than to women.
3. [ T ] SPECIALIZED to cause part of the body to operate
The drugs stimulate the damaged tissue into repairing itself.
Standing on your head is supposed to stimulate hair growth.
stimulating adjective
1. If something is stimulating, it encourages new ideas
a stimulating discussion
Universities have been asked to make their courses more attractive and
stimulating.
2. describes someone who makes you feel enthusiastic and full of ideas
a really stimulating teacher
3. If an activity is stimulating, it causes your body to be active
Aerobics is one of the most stimulating forms of exercise.
stimulation noun [ U ]
when something causes someone or something to become more active or
enthusiastic, or to develop or operate
While she was at home looking after her children, she felt deprived of
intellectual stimulation.
SPECIALIZED Electric stimulation can help to heal fractured bones.
stimulus noun [ C ]
1. something that causes growth or activity
Foreign investment has been a stimulus to the industry.
The book will provide a stimulus to research in this very important area.
2. SPECIALIZED something which causes part of the body to react
The tip of the tongue is sensitive to salt and sweet stimuli and the back of the
tongue is sensitive to bitter stimuli.
sting verb HURT
1. [ I or T ] If an insect, plant or animal stings, it produces a small but painful
injury, usually with a poison, by brushing against the skin or making a very small hole
under the skin
Do all types of bee sting?
I got stung by a wasp yesterday.
I didn't see the nettles until I was stung by them.
2. [ I or T ] to cause sharp but usually temporary pain
The soap/smoke/sweat stung my eyes.
This type of disinfectant doesn't sting, even if you put it on a fresh cut.
3. [ I or T ] If someone's unkind remarks sting you, they make you feel upset and
annoyed
He was stung by her criticisms.
She knew he was right, but his words still stung.
She managed to give a stinging reply (= an angry answer intended to upset) ,
before slamming down the phone.
sting verb CHARGE
4. [ T ] INFORMAL to charge someone a surprisingly large amount of money for
something
The bank stung me for £50 in charges when I went overdrawn.
sting noun HURT
1. [ C or S ] a sudden burning pain in your eyes, on your skin, etc., or the ability
to cause such pain
She had several bee stings.
the sting of salt in a wound
Some types of jellyfish have a powerful sting.
2. [ S ] the feeling of being upset by something
the sting of defeat
3. [ C ] UK ( US stinger ) a pointed part of an insect, plant or animal that goes
through a person's or animal's skin and leaves behind poison
sting noun GETTING STH
4. [ C ] MAINLY US SLANG a clever and complicated act of stealing
A bank employee was involved in the sting in which $5 million was stolen.
5. [ C ] MAINLY US SLANG a police action to catch criminals in which the police
pretend to be criminals
a sting operation
have a sting in the/its tail UK
If something, such as a story or joke, has a sting in the/its tail, it has a surprising
or unpleasant part which only becomes clear at the end.
take the sting out of sth
If something takes the sting out of an unpleasant situation, it makes it less
unpleasant
The new policy of shorter working hours will serve to take the sting out of the pay
cut.
ˈ stinging ˌ nettle noun [ C ]
a wild plant which has leaves with very short hairs that sting
stingray noun [ C ]
a large flat round fish with a long tail that has poisonous points on it
stingy adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
unwilling to spend money
He's really stingy and never buys the drinks when we go out.
The owners are so stingy - they've refused to pay for new carpets.
stinginess noun [ U ]
He blames government stinginess for the lack of money available to spend on new
books in schools.
stink verb [ I ] SMELL
1. INFORMAL to smell very unpleasant
Your feet stink!
The morning after the party, the whole house stank of beer and cigarettes.
He hadn't washed for over a week and stank to high heaven (= greatly) .
The woman next to me sprayed on some perfume and UK stank out / US stunk
up the whole shop (= filled it with an unpleasant smell) .
stink verb [ I ] BE BAD
2. to be extremely bad or unpleasant
I think her whole attitude stinks.
His acting stinks but he looks good, so he's offered lots of movie roles.
stink noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
a strong unpleasant smell
The stink of rotting seaweed was strong along the seashore.
cause a stink INFORMAL
to cause trouble and make people angry
The article about political corruption caused a real stink.
create/kick up/raise a stink INFORMAL
to make a strong public complaint
She created a stink about the lack of recycling facilities in the town.
like stink UK INFORMAL
If someone works like stink, they work extremely hard.
ˈ stink ˌ bomb noun [ C ]
a small device that gives off an extremely bad smell
The two boys were caught letting off stink bombs in the school toilets.
stinker noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
someone or something that is very unpleasant
What a stinker that man is!
She'd had a real stinker of a day at work.
stinking adjective INFORMAL SMELL
1. having a very unpleasant smell
a pile of stinking rotten food
stinking adjective INFORMAL BAD
2. describes something which is very unpleasant or bad
I hate this stinking job!
She had a stinking cold and felt very sorry for herself.
be stinking rich
to be extremely rich
ˈ stinking ˌ thinking noun [ U ] INFORMAL
a bad way of thinking, that makes you believe you will fail, that bad things will
happen to you, or that you are not a very good person
stint noun [ C ]
a fixed or limited period of time spent doing a particular job or activity
He has just finished a stint of compulsory military service.
Perhaps her most productive period was her five-year stint as a foreign
correspondent in New York.
stint verb [ I or T usually in negatives ]
to provide, take or use only a small amount of something
The bride's parents did not stint on the champagne - there was plenty for
everyone.
Don't stint yourself - take another slice of cake.
See also unstinting
stipend noun [ C ]
1. a fixed regular income
an annual stipend
2. the income paid to a priest in the UK
stipendiary adjective UK
A stipendiary clergyman or magistrate receives a fixed income
He was appointed as a stipendiary priest in the diocese of York.
stipple verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to draw or paint something using small spots or marks
She tried to create the impression of strong sunlight by stippling the canvas in
yellow and white.
FIGURATIVE The evening sky was stippled with a few wisps of low-lying clouds.
stippling , noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
when someone draws or paints using small spots or marks
stippled adjective SPECIALIZED
drawn, painted or coloured using small spots or marks
The divers saw tropical fish stippled in gold and black.
stipulate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to state exactly how something must be or must be done
She agreed to buy the car, but stipulated racing tyres and a turbo-powered
engine.
[ + that ] The law stipulates that new cars must have seat belts for the driver
and every passenger.
[ + question word ] We have signed a contract which stipulates wh en the project
must be completed.
stipulation noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
when someone says exactly how something must be done
Is there any stipulation as regards qualifications?
[ + that ] The only stipulation is that candidates must be over the age of 35.
stir verb MIX
1. [ I or T ] to mix a liquid or other substance by moving an object such as a
spoon in a circular pattern
Stir the sauce gently until it begins to boil.
Stir the egg yolks into the mixture.
She paused to stir some milk into her coffee.
Slowly add the flour, stirring until completely blended.
stir verb MOVE
2. [ I or T ] to cause something to move slightly
A light breeze stirred the leaves lying on the path.
He stirred in his sleep as I kissed him.
3. stir ( yourself )
to wake up or begin to move or take action
Come on, stir yourselves, or you'll be late!
The alarm clock went off, but she didn't stir.
stir verb CAUSE EMOTION
4. [ T ] If something stirs you, it makes you feel a strong emotion
I was deeply stirred by her performance.
[ + object + to infinitive ] The speech stirred the crowd to take action.
5. [ I ] LITERARY If an emotion stirs within you, you begin to feel it
Hope stirred within her heart.
6. [ I ] UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING to cause trouble intentionally between other
people, especially by telling false or secret information
There's a lot of gossip about me going around. Have you been stirring?
See also stir sth up
stir the blood ( ALSO stir your blood ) LITERARY
If something stirs the blood, it makes you feel excited
tales to stir the blood
stir sth up phrasal verb [ M ] EMOTION
1. to cause an unpleasant emotion or problem to begin or grow
The teacher told him to stop stirring up trouble .
The photographs stirred up some painful memories.
stir sth up phrasal verb [ M ] SUBSTANCE
2. to cause a substance such as soil or dust to move and rise up
The helicopter stirred up clouds of dust.
stir noun MIX
1. [ C usually singular ] the act of stirring a liquid or other substance in order to
mix it
Could you give the soup a quick stir?
stir noun EXCITEMENT
2. [ U ] INFORMAL a lot of interest or excitement
The scandal caused/created quite a stir at the time.
stir-crazy , adjective INFORMAL
upset or angry because you have been prevented from going somewhere or doing
something for a long time
I've been laid up for two weeks with this broken leg and I'm beginning to go stir-
crazy.
stir-fry verb [ I or T ]
to fry small pieces of meat, vegetables, etc. quickly while mixing them around
Stir-fry the chicken for one minute, then add the vegetables.
stir-fry noun [ C or U ]
a method of frying food while mixing it quickly, or food cooked this way
We're having a vegetable stir-fry for supper tonight.
I don't like stir-fry.
stirrer noun [ C ] MAINLY UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
a person who intentionally causes trouble between other people
He's such a stirrer!
stirring adjective APPROVING
A stirring speech or song is one which produces strong positive emotions.
stirringly adverb
stirring noun [ C ]
the beginning of something, such as an emotion or thought
She felt a faint stirring of envy when she heard that one of her colleagues had
been promoted.
stirrup noun [ C ]
one of a pair of pieces of metal shaped like the letter D that hang from the side of
a horse's saddle and which is used for resting your foot in when you are riding
stitch noun THREAD
1. [ C ] a piece of thread sewn in cloth, or the single movement of a needle and
thread into and out of the cloth which produces this
Secure the two pieces together with a couple of stitches.
2. [ C ] one of the small circles of wool that you make when you are knitting
He cast on/off a stitch (= added/removed a length of thread from the needle) .
I've dropped a stitch (= lost a length of thread from the needle) .
3. [ C ] a particular type of stitch made in sewing or knitting , or the pattern
which this produces
a pearl/satin stitch
The bedspread was embroidered with cross-stitch.
4. [ C ] a length of special thread used to join the edges of a deep cut in the flesh
Her head wounds needed 50 stitches.
He got hit with a broken bottle and needed five stitches in his cheek.
5. not a stitch
INFORMAL without any clothes
I haven't got a stitch to wear (= I have not got anything to wear) for this party
tonight.
She ran down the corridor to the bathroom without a stitch on (= naked) .
stitch noun PAIN
6. [ C usually singular ] a sharp pain in the side of your stomach or chest, often
caused by not breathing enough when running or laughing
I got a stitch after running for the bus.
in stitches INFORMAL
If a joke or funny story has you in stitches, it makes you laugh uncontrollably.
A stitch in time (saves nine). SAYING
said to mean that it is better to act or deal with problems immediately, because if
action is delayed until later, things will get worse and the problems will take longer to
deal with
stitch verb [ I or T ]
to sew two things together, or to repair something by sewing
This button needs to be stitched back onto my shirt.
Stitch the pieces together along the fold.
stitching noun [ U ]
The stitching along my coat hem is coming undone.
stitch sth together phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to create or form something quickly or roughly
Britain is likely to stitch together some sort of political deal to avoid a
confrontation.
stitch sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
to join the two sides of something with stitches, for example torn clothing or a
deep cut, or to treat someone who has a deep cut by doing this
I've ripped my trousers - can you stitch them up for me?
After giving birth, she was stitched up by a junior doctor.
stitch sb up phrasal verb [ M ] UK SLANG
to intentionally make someone look guilty of doing something which they did not
do
He claims he was stitched up by the police.
stitch-up noun [ C usually singular ] UK SLANG
a police stitch-up
St Kitts and Nevis noun [ U ]
St Lucia noun [ U ]
St Lucian noun [ C ] , adjective
stoat noun [ C ]
a small thin animal which has brown fur in summer and white fur in winter
stochastic adjective SPECIALIZED
describes a process or system that is connected with random probability
stock noun SUPPLY
1. [ C or U ] a supply of something for use or sale
It is now halfway through winter and food stocks are already low.
The local shop has a good stock of postcards and guidebooks.
Much of the city's housing stock (= the number of houses in the city) is over 100
years old.
2. [ U ] the total amount of goods or the amount of a particular type of goods
available in a shop
This shop sells its old stock at a very low prices.
We'll be getting our new stock in on Friday.
The new edition is in/out of stock (= available/not available) in major
bookshops.
stock noun MONEY
3. [ U ] the amount of money which a company has through selling shares to
people
They own 20% of the company's stock.
4. [ C or U ] part of the ownership of a company which people buy as an
investment (= to make a profit)
Stock prices fell yesterday in heavy trading.
She buys and sells stocks and shares .
5. [ C or U ] UK money which people invest in the government and which
produces a fixed rate of interest
government stock(s)
stock noun LIQUID
6. [ U ] a liquid used to add flavour to food and which is made by boiling meat or
fish bones or vegetables in water
vegetable/beef/chicken stock
stock noun ANIMALS
7. [ U ] animals, such as cows or sheep, kept on a farm
stock noun OPINION
8. [ U ] FORMAL the degree to which a person or organization is popular and
respected
At present, the Prime Minister's stock is high/low .
stock noun ORIGIN
9. [ U ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL the family or group which a person or animal comes from
He's an American of Irish stock.
She's of peasant/noble stock.
Some of the animals will be kept as breeding stock.
stock noun HANDLE
10. [ C ] the support or handle of a tool, especially the triangular part of a gun
that rests against your shoulder
stock noun FRAME
11. the stocks
(in Europe in the Middle Ages) a wooden frame which was fixed around someone's
feet, hands and sometimes head, so that they were forced to sit or stand for a long time
in public as a punishment
stock noun PLANT
12. [ C ] a garden plant with small pleasant-smelling, brightly coloured flowers
put stock in sth
If you put stock in something that someone says or does, you have a high opinion
of it
He's been wrong several times before, so I don't put much stock in what he says
anymore.
take stock
To take stock (of something) is to think carefully about a situation or event and
form an opinion about it, so that you can decide what to do
After two years spent teaching abroad, she returned home for a month to take
stock of her life.
stock verb [ T ]
1. If a shop or factory stocks something, it keeps a supply of it
Most supermarkets stock a wide range of wines.
2. to fill something such as a cupboard or shelves with food or goods
He has a Saturday job stocking shelves in the local supermarket.
I always stock up the fridge before my sister comes to stay.
stock up phrasal verb
to buy a large quantity of something
During the emergency, people stocked up on essential items like candles,
medicines and tins of food.
stock adjective
(of an idea, expression or action) usual or typical, and used or done so many
times that it is no longer original
a stock phrase/response
"Don't worry - worse things happen at sea" is her stock expression for whenever
anything goes wrong.
stockade noun [ C ]
a strong wooden fence built around an area to defend it against attack
stockbroker noun [ C ]
a person or company that buys and sells stocks and shares for other people
stockbroking noun [ U ]
ˈ stockbroker ˌ belt noun [ C ] UK
the area near London where many rich people live in large houses and from where
they travel to work in the City (= the financial area of London)
stock car noun [ C ]
an ordinary car that has been made stronger and faster so that it can be driven in
special races
ˈ stock con ˌ trol noun [ U ]
In a company or shop, stock control is the system of making certain that new
supplies are ordered and that goods have not been stolen.
ˈ stock ˌ cube noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY bouillon cube )
a small block of dried flavouring which you dissolve in hot water before using it in
some dishes such as soups
ˈ stock ex ˌ change noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO stock market )
a place where parts of the ownership of companies are bought and sold, or the
organization of people whose job is to do this buying or selling
They bought some shares on the London stock exchange.
Stock markets around the world are reacting to news of the US president's
announcement.
stockholder noun [ C ]
US FOR shareholder
stocking noun [ C ]
one of a pair of tight-fitting coverings for the feet and legs made of light material
and worn by women
nylon/silk stockings.
Compare nylons ; tights
in your stocking(ed) feet
wearing only socks or stockings and not shoes
Jerome stands 1m 75 in his stocking feet.
ˈ stocking ˌ cap noun [ C ] US
a close-fitting knitted hat with a long tail
stocking-filler noun [ C ] UK ( US stocking-stuffer )
a small, usually cheap Christmas present
ˈ stocking ˌ mask noun [ C ]
a stocking which thieves pull over their heads to hide their faces
stockist noun [ C ] UK
a shop that sells a particular type of goods
a health food stockist
ˈ stock ˌ market noun [ C usually singular ]
a stock exchange
stockpile noun [ C ]
a large amount of food, goods or weapons which are kept ready for future use
They have a stockpile of weapons and ammunition that will last several months.
stockpile verb [ T ]
to store a large supply of something for future use
The rebels have been stockpiling weapons.
stockroom , noun [ C ]
a room in a shop, factory or office which is used for storing a supply of goods or
materials
ˈ stock ˌ route noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a road on which traffic must stop so that cattle and sheep which are being moved
from one place to another can go past
stock-still adverb
without moving; completely still
On seeing us, the deer stood stock-still for a moment, then turned and retreated
into the forest.
stocktaking noun [ U ]
UK the counting of all the goods, materials, etc. kept in a place such as a shop
stocky adjective
describes a person, especially a man, whose body is wide across the shoulders
and chest and who is short; thickset
The man was described as short and stocky and very strong.
Compare sturdy
stockily adverb
a stockily-built man
stockiness noun [ U ]
stockyard noun [ C ]
a set of areas surrounded by fences where farm animals are kept before being
sold or killed
stockyard noun [ C ]
a set of areas surrounded by fences where farm animals are kept before being
sold or killed
stodge noun [ U ] UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
heavy food, such as potatoes, bread and rice, which contains too much starch and
makes you feel very full
stodgy adjective UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING FOOD
1. describes food which is heavy and unhealthy, sometimes in an unpleasant way
I've been eating too many stodgy puddings.
stodgy adjective UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING BORING
2. boring, serious and formal
Neither company has succeeded in shedding its stodgy image.
Younger consumers, it is said, regard their products as stodgy and unfashionable.
stodginess noun [ U ]
stoic adjective ( ALSO stoical ) SLIGHTLY FORMAL
determined not to complain or show your feelings, especially when something bad
happens to you
We knew she must be in pain, despite her stoic attitude.
He showed a stoic resignation towards his fate.
Local people were stoical about the damage caused by the hurricane.
stoically adverb SLIGHTLY FORMAL
She listened stoically as the guilty verdict was read out.
Stoically, and with great determination, the people set about rebuilding the
village.
stoic noun [ C ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
someone who does not complain or show their emotions
My father is a stoic by nature and found it hard to express his grief when my
mother died.
stoicism noun [ U ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
the quality of experiencing pain or trouble without complaining or showing your
emotions
He endured the pain of his wounds with great stoicism.
stoke verb [ I or T ] ( ALSO stoke up )
1. to add fuel to a large closed fire and move the fuel around with a stick so that
it burns well and produces a lot of heat
Once the fire had been stoked up, the room began to get warm.
2. to encourage bad ideas or feelings in a lot of people
He's been accused of stoking up racial hatred in the region.
Rumours of an emergency meeting of the finance ministers stoked the
atmosphere of crisis.
stoke up on/with sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to eat a lot of a particular food in order to avoid feeling hungry or weak later
As it was a cold morning, she stoked up on bacon, eggs and beans on toast.
stoke verb [ I or T ] ( ALSO stoke up )
1. to add fuel to a large closed fire and move the fuel around with a stick so that
it burns well and produces a lot of heat
Once the fire had been stoked up, the room began to get warm.
2. to encourage bad ideas or feelings in a lot of people
He's been accused of stoking up racial hatred in the region.
Rumours of an emergency meeting of the finance ministers stoked the
atmosphere of crisis.
stoke up on/with sth phrasal verb INFORMAL
to eat a lot of a particular food in order to avoid feeling hungry or weak later
As it was a cold morning, she stoked up on bacon, eggs and beans on toast.
stoker noun [ C ]
a person whose job is adding fuel to a large closed fire
stole verb
PAST SIMPLE OF steal
stole noun [ C ]
1. FORMAL a long narrow piece of cloth or fur which is worn around the shoulders
by women, usually on special occasions
a mink stole
2. SPECIALIZED a long narrow piece of cloth, especially silk, which is worn over the
shoulders by some priests in the Christian Church during religious ceremonies
stolen verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF steal
stolid adjective SLIGHTLY DISAPPROVING
(of a person) calm and not showing emotion or excitement, or (of a thing) not
interesting or attractive
He's a very stolid, serious man.
The college is a stolid-looking building with no lawn.
stolidly adverb
stollen , noun [ C or U ]
a German cake containing dried fruit and marzipan (= a paste made from nuts)
which is usually eaten at Christmas
stoma noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
one of the many pores (= very small holes in the surface) on a leaf or stem of a
plant through which gases are able to pass in and out
stomach noun [ C ]
an organ in the body where food is digested , or the soft front part of your body
just below the chest
He was punched in the stomach.
The doctor asked him to lie down on his stomach.
The sight of blood always churns/turns my stomach (= makes me feel as if I am
going to vomit) .
She's got a very delicate stomach and doesn't eat spicy food.
I was hungry and my stomach had started growling/rumbling (= making
noises) .
He felt a knot of nervousness in the pit (= bottom) of his stomach.
I suggested that a cup of tea might settle (= calm) her stomach.
See picture body
have a strong stomach
to be able to smell, taste or see unpleasant things without feeling ill or upset
You need to have a very strong stomach to watch some of the surgery scenes.
have a weak stomach
to easily feel ill or upset when you smell, taste or see something unpleasant
not have the stomach for sth ( ALSO have no stomach for sth )
to not feel brave or determined enough to do something unpleasant
I didn't have the stomach for another fight.
stomach verb [ T usually in negatives ]
to be able to accept an unpleasant idea or watch something unpleasant
He can't stomach the idea that Peter might be the next chairman.
She found the violence in the film hard to stomach.
ˈ stomach ˌ ache noun [ C or U ]
pain in your stomach
I ate too much and got a terrible stomach ache.
ˈ stomach ˌ ache noun [ C or U ]
pain in your stomach
I ate too much and got a terrible stomach ache.
ˈ stomach ˌ pump noun [ C ]
a medical device with a long tube which is pushed down the throat to remove the
contents of the stomach when someone has swallowed poison
stomp verb
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to walk with intentionally heavy steps,
especially as a way of showing that you are annoyed
She stomped up the stairs and slammed her bedroom door.
He woke up in a bad mood and stomped off to the bathroom.
2. [ I or T ] US FOR stamp (FOOT) .
stomp on sb/sth phrasal verb
1. MAINLY US to step down hard on someone or something
I stomped on his toes and ran away.
2. MAINLY US to treat someone or something badly, or to defeat them
This is another example of the big companies joining together to stomp on small
businesses.
stone noun ROCK
1. [ C or U ] the hard solid substance found in the ground which is often used for
building, or a piece of this
a stone wall/floor
a flight of stone steps
a primitive stone axe
They cut enormous blocks of stone out of the hillside.
Some demonstrators were arrested for throwing stones at the police.
2. [ C ] a piece of hard material which can form in some organs in the body and
cause severe pain
kidney/gall stones
stone noun WEIGHT
3. [ C ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION st ) UK a unit of weight equal to 6.35 kilograms or
14 pounds, used especially when talking about a person's weight
I weigh ten and a half stone.
She has put on/lost a stone (= is a stone heavier/lighter) .
stone noun JEWEL
4. [ C ] a small piece of a hard valuable substance, such as a diamond , which is
found in the ground and used in jewellery
a precious/semi-precious stone
The large central diamond is surrounded by eight smaller stones.
stone noun SEED
5. [ C ] ( US ALSO pit ) a large hard seed inside some types of fruit
Peaches, plums, dates, avocados and olives all contain stones.
Compare pip
See picture fruit 1
drop/fall/sink like a stone
to move very quickly down in a straight line
Witnesses say that there was an explosion and then the plane dropped like a
stone to Earth.
The ring fell into the water and sank like a stone.
not be set/carved in stone UK ( US not be carved/etched in stone )
to not be fixed and able to be changed
These are just a few ideas - nothing is set in stone yet.
sink like a stone
to fail completely
His latest novel sank like a stone.
a stone's throw
a very short distance
The cottage is just a stone's throw from the sea.
"Is your house far from here?" "No, it's only a stone's throw away ."
stone verb [ T ] THROW ROCKS
1. to throw stones at something or someone
Rioters set up barricades and stoned police cars.
2. stone sb to death
to kill someone as a punishment by throwing stones at them
stone verb [ T ] REMOVE SEED
3. ( US USUALLY pit ) to remove the stone from a fruit
Could you stone the cherries for me?
stone the crows ( ALSO stone me ) UK OLD-FASHIONED
used as an expression of surprise
Well, stone the crows - it's five o'clock already!
ˈ stone ˌ age adjective INFORMAL
describes something which is very basic, simple and not well developed
DISAPPROVING The organization is criticized for its surly service and stone age
software.
the ˈ Stone ˌ Age noun [ S ]
the early period in human history when people made tools and weapons only out
of stone
a Stone Age settlement/site
FIGURATIVE My gran's TV looks like something out of the Stone Age (= is very
old-fashioned) !
Compare the Bronze Age ; the Iron Age
stoneclad adjective
Stoneclad buildings, walls, etc. are covered with a layer of stone.
stone-cold adjective
very or completely cold
Your dinner's been on the table for over an hour and it's stone-cold.
ˌ stone-cold ˈ sober adjective [ after verb ]
not having drunk any alcohol
stoned adjective DRUGS
1. SLANG experiencing the effects of a drug, such as cannabis
They spent the evening getting stoned.
stoned adjective SEED
2. ( US USUALLY pitted ) with the stone (= seed) removed
stoned olives
stone-dead adjective [ after verb ]
dead
By the time the paramedics got to him, he was stone-dead.
kill sth stone-dead
to cause something to be completely unsuccessful or to stop completely
One bad review can kill a film stone-dead.
stone-deaf adjective
completely unable to hear anything
She has been stone-deaf since birth.
stonefish noun [ C ]
a tropical fish with sharp, poisonous spines
stone-ground adjective
Flour that is stone-ground has been made by crushing grain between two large
stones.
stonemason noun [ C ] ( ALSO mason )
a person whose job it is to cut, prepare and use stone for building
stonemason noun [ C ] ( ALSO mason )
a person whose job it is to cut, prepare and use stone for building
stonewall verb [ I or T ]
to stop a discussion from developing by refusing to answer questions or by talking
in such a way that you prevent other people from giving their opinions
The interviewer accused the minister of stonewalling on the issue of tax increases.
stoneware noun [ U ]
plates, dishes, cups, etc. which are made from a special clay baked at a very high
temperature
stonewashed adjective
(of a new piece of clothing, especially one made of denim ) washed together with
small pieces of stone in order to make it lose some of its colour and look older
stonewashed jeans
stonework noun [ U ]
the parts of a building which are made of stone
stonkered adjective UK SLANG
very tired
I was completely stonkered after that game of squash.
stonking adjective UK SLANG
used to emphasize how good something is
We had a stonking good time at the party last night.
stonker noun [ C usually singular ] UK SLANG
something very good
Christmas this year will be a stonker - we're going skiing.
stony adjective GROUND
1. describes ground that contains a lot of stones
The island has several small stony beaches which are usually deserted.
stony adjective PERSON
2. A stony expression or way of behaving is one which shows no sympathy or
kindness
She gave me a stony glare as I walked into the room.
Most of her comments were met with a stony silence .
fall on stony ground
If a request or a piece of advice falls on stony ground, it is ignored or unpopular.
Her speech about the need for a peaceful solution to the crisis fell on stony
ground.
ˌ stony ˈ broke adjective [ after verb ] ( US stone broke ) INFORMAL
describes someone who has no money
ˌ stony ˈ broke adjective [ after verb ] ( US stone broke ) INFORMAL
describes someone who has no money
stood verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF stand
stooge noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
1. a person who is forced or paid by someone in authority to do an unpleasant or
secret job for them
The newly appointed mayor is widely regarded as a government stooge.
2. an actor in a funny show in the theatre or on television whose job is to allow
the main actor to make him or her look silly
stool noun [ C ] SEAT
stool
1. a seat without any support for the back or arms
a bar/kitchen/piano stool
a three-legged stool
See also footstool
stool noun [ C ] EXCRETION
2. SPECIALIZED a piece of solid waste from the body
He told the doctor he had been passing bloody stools.
ˈ stool ˌ pigeon noun [ C ] SLANG DISAPPROVING
a person, often a criminal, who gives information in secret to the police so that
they can catch other criminals
stoop verb [ I ]
1. to bend the top half of the body forward and down
The doorway was so low that we had to stoop to go through it.
Something fell out of her coat pocket and she stooped down and picked it up.
2. If someone stoops, their head and shoulders are always bent forwards and
down
He's over six feet tall, but the way he stoops makes him look shorter.
stooped adjective
She is small and slightly stooped.
stoop to sth phrasal verb DISAPPROVING
to lower your moral standards by doing something which is unpleasant, dishonest
or unfair
I don't believe she would ever stoop to bribery or blackmail.
[ + -ing verb ] He was amazed that a reputable firm would stoop to sell ing the
names of their clients to other companies.
stoop noun STEPS
1. [ C ] US a raised flat area in front of the door of a house, with steps leading up
to it
She got home to find the kids sitting on the stoop waiting for her.
stoop noun BEND
2. [ S ] when someone stands or walks with their head and shoulders bent slightly
forwards and down
He is a tall man with a slight stoop.
stop verb FINISH
1. [ I or T ] to finish doing something that you were doing
Once I start eating chocolate, I can't stop.
[ + -ing verb ] Stop shout ing - you're giving me a headache!
I couldn't stop laugh ing .
Stop it!/Stop that!
2. [ I or T ] to not continue to operate
My watch must have stopped.
The air conditioner has stopped working.
3. [ I or T ] to not move any more or to make someone or something not move
any more
Stop the car, I want to get out!
I heard him shout "Stop, or I'll shoot!"
4. [ I + -ing verb ] to finish doing something that you do regularly or as a habit
Apparently she's stopped drink ing .
I stopped see ing him last year.
5. [ I ] to pause in a journey or an activity for a short time
Does this train stop at Finsbury Park?
Why don't you just stop somewhere and ask for directions?
[ + to infinitive ] I stopped to pick up a letter that I'd dropped.
stop verb PREVENT
6. [ T ] to prevent someone from doing something
If she really wants to leave, I don't understand what's stopping her.
[ + -ing verb ] They've put barriers up to stop people (from) gett ing through.
Something must be done to stop the fighting.
7. stop a cheque UK ( US stop payment on a check )
to tell your bank not to deal with a cheque which you have written, so that the
money is not paid from your bank account
stop verb STAY
8. [ I ] to stay in a place
Are you coming with me or are you stopping here?
I can't stop - Malcolm's waiting for me outside.
UK Now that you're here, why don't you stop for some tea?
UK I've been out every night this week, so I thought I'd stop in (= stay at home)
tonight.
UK We stopped up (= did not go to bed) until two o'clock last night watching the
late film.
stop verb BLOCK
9. [ T ] to block a hole
We stopped (up) the gap with some rags.
stop at nothing
If you stop at nothing to achieve something, you are willing to do anything in
order to achieve it, even if it involves danger, great effort or harming other people
She'll stop at nothing to get her revenge.
stop short of sth
If you stop short of doing or saying something, you decide not to do or say it
although you almost do
I stopped short of telling him the brutal truth, but only just.
stop by (somewhere) phrasal verb
to visit someone for a short time, usually on the way to another place
I was passing your house, so I thought I'd stop by for a chat.
stop in phrasal verb
1. INFORMAL to visit a person or place for a short time, usually when you are going
somewhere else
I stopped in at work on the way home to check my mail.
2. UK INFORMAL to stay at home, especially in the evening
I've had my tea and I'm stopping in now.
stop off somewhere phrasal verb
to visit or stay at a place for a short time when you are going somewhere else
I'll stop off at the shops on my way home and get some wine.
We're going to stop off in Paris for a couple of days before heading south.
stop over phrasal verb
to stay at a place for one night or a few nights on the way to somewhere else or
before returning home
They're stopping over in Malaysia for a couple of nights on the way to Australia.
UK Come round for dinner one night and you can stop over.
See also stopover
stop noun [ C ]
1. when you stop an activity or journey, or a period of time when you stop
Please remain in your seat until the plane comes to a complete stop.
We'd have been here sooner, but we made several stops along the way.
At the beginning of the project there were a lot of stops and starts .
See also doorstop
2. a place where vehicles, especially buses, stop in order to allow passengers to
get off and on
a bus stop
I'm getting off at the next stop.
Is this our stop (= where we must get off) ?
3. UK SHORT FORM OF full stop
4. put a stop to sth
to stop an unpleasant, unwanted activity or habit from continuing
He used to smoke in bed when I first got to know him, but I soon put a stop to
that!
stop verb FINISH
1. [ I or T ] to finish doing something that you were doing
Once I start eating chocolate, I can't stop.
[ + -ing verb ] Stop shout ing - you're giving me a headache!
I couldn't stop laugh ing .
Stop it!/Stop that!
2. [ I or T ] to not continue to operate
My watch must have stopped.
The air conditioner has stopped working.
3. [ I or T ] to not move any more or to make someone or something not move
any more
Stop the car, I want to get out!
I heard him shout "Stop, or I'll shoot!"
4. [ I + -ing verb ] to finish doing something that you do regularly or as a habit
Apparently she's stopped drink ing .
I stopped see ing him last year.
5. [ I ] to pause in a journey or an activity for a short time
Does this train stop at Finsbury Park?
Why don't you just stop somewhere and ask for directions?
[ + to infinitive ] I stopped to pick up a letter that I'd dropped.
stop verb PREVENT
6. [ T ] to prevent someone from doing something
If she really wants to leave, I don't understand what's stopping her.
[ + -ing verb ] They've put barriers up to stop people (from) gett ing through.
Something must be done to stop the fighting.
7. stop a cheque UK ( US stop payment on a check )
to tell your bank not to deal with a cheque which you have written, so that the
money is not paid from your bank account
stop verb STAY
8. [ I ] to stay in a place
Are you coming with me or are you stopping here?
I can't stop - Malcolm's waiting for me outside.
UK Now that you're here, why don't you stop for some tea?
UK I've been out every night this week, so I thought I'd stop in (= stay at home)
tonight.
UK We stopped up (= did not go to bed) until two o'clock last night watching the
late film.
stop verb BLOCK
9. [ T ] to block a hole
We stopped (up) the gap with some rags.
stop at nothing
If you stop at nothing to achieve something, you are willing to do anything in
order to achieve it, even if it involves danger, great effort or harming other people
She'll stop at nothing to get her revenge.
stop short of sth
If you stop short of doing or saying something, you decide not to do or say it
although you almost do
I stopped short of telling him the brutal truth, but only just.
stop by (somewhere) phrasal verb
to visit someone for a short time, usually on the way to another place
I was passing your house, so I thought I'd stop by for a chat.
stop in phrasal verb
1. INFORMAL to visit a person or place for a short time, usually when you are going
somewhere else
I stopped in at work on the way home to check my mail.
2. UK INFORMAL to stay at home, especially in the evening
I've had my tea and I'm stopping in now.
stop off somewhere phrasal verb
to visit or stay at a place for a short time when you are going somewhere else
I'll stop off at the shops on my way home and get some wine.
We're going to stop off in Paris for a couple of days before heading south.
stop over phrasal verb
to stay at a place for one night or a few nights on the way to somewhere else or
before returning home
They're stopping over in Malaysia for a couple of nights on the way to Australia.
UK Come round for dinner one night and you can stop over.
See also stopover
stop noun [ C ]
1. when you stop an activity or journey, or a period of time when you stop
Please remain in your seat until the plane comes to a complete stop.
We'd have been here sooner, but we made several stops along the way.
At the beginning of the project there were a lot of stops and starts .
See also doorstop
2. a place where vehicles, especially buses, stop in order to allow passengers to
get off and on
a bus stop
I'm getting off at the next stop.
Is this our stop (= where we must get off) ?
3. UK SHORT FORM OF full stop
4. put a stop to sth
to stop an unpleasant, unwanted activity or habit from continuing
He used to smoke in bed when I first got to know him, but I soon put a stop to
that!
stop-and-go adjective US
A stop-and-go activity is one in which there are short periods of movement with
regular interruptions
stop-and-go traffic on city streets
stopcock noun [ C ]
a valve in a pipe which controls the flow of liquid through it
stopgap noun [ C ]
something intended for temporary use until something better or more suitable can
be found
Hostels are usually provided as a stopgap until the families can be housed in
permanent accommodation.
We might have to employ someone temporarily as a stopgap measure until we
can fill the post.
stop-go adjective [ before noun ] UK
describes a situation in which there are periods of development and activity
quickly followed by periods without activity, especially in a country's economy
The UK cannot afford another stop-go cycle of economic development.
stoplight noun [ C ]
US FOR traffic light
stopover noun [ C ] UK ( US layover )
a short stay in a place that you make while you are on a longer journey to
somewhere else
Our tickets to Australia include a stopover for two nights in Singapore.
stoppage noun [ C ] NOT WORKING
1. a time when work is stopped because of a disagreement between workers and
employers
stoppage noun [ C ] MONEY
2. UK ( US AND AUSTRALIAN deduction ) an amount which is subtracted from the
money that you are paid before you officially receive it
Stoppages include things like tax, pension contributions and national insurance.
ˈ stoppage ˌ time noun [ U ] UK
injury time
ˈ stoppage ˌ time noun [ U ] UK
injury time
stopper noun [ C ]
an object which fits into the top of a bottle or other container
-stopper suffix
something that stops the thing mentioned
a conversation stopper
a crowd-stopper
a heart-stopper
See also showstopper
ˌ stop ˈ press noun [ U ] UK
Stop press refers to a particular space on the front or back page of a newspaper
which contains very recent news which was added to the newspaper after the printing
process had started.
ˈ stop ˌ sign noun [ C ]
a sign on the road which tells drivers of vehicles to stop and not to continue until
all other vehicles have gone past
stopwatch noun [ C ]
stopwatch
a watch that can be started and stopped in order to measure the exact time of an
event, especially a sports event
storage noun [ U ]
1. the putting and keeping of things in a special place for use in the future
We've had to build some cupboards to give us more storage space .
2. in storage
If things such as furniture are in storage, they are being kept safe in a special
building while they are not needed.
ˈ storage de ˌ vice noun [ C ]
a piece of computer equipment in which information and instructions can be kept
ˈ storage de ˌ vice noun [ C ]
a piece of computer equipment in which information and instructions can be kept
ˈ storage ˌ heater noun [ C ] UK
an electric device for heating rooms which uses electricity during the hours when
it is cheapest in order to store warmth for later use
store noun SHOP
1. [ C ] UK a large shop where you can buy many different types of goods
a department store
a DIY/furniture store
2. [ C ] US any type of shop
a clothing/liquor store
a convenience store
store noun STH KEPT
3. [ C ] an amount of something which is being kept for future use
He's got an impressively large store of wine in his cellar.
Food stores are reported to be running dangerously low in the capital.
FIGURATIVE I'm afraid my great store of wit is rather depleted (= I'm not able to be
very amusing) this evening.
4. [ C ] a building in which things are kept until they are needed
a grain/weapons store
in store
going to happen soon
You never know what's in store for you.
There's a bit of a shock in store for him when he gets home tonight!
set great/little, etc. store by sth
to consider something to be of great, little, etc. importance or value
She's setting a lot of store by this job interview - I only hope she gets it.
store verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to put or keep things in a special place for use in the future
The data is stored on a hard disk and backed up on a CD.
I stored my possessions in my mother's house while I was living in Spain.
I've stored my thick sweaters and jackets (away) until next winter.
Squirrels store (up) nuts for the winter.
store sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
1. to keep a lot of something in one place, to be used in the future
We believe that he has been training an army and storing up arms.
2. to remember things, usually so that you can tell people about them later
I listen in to their conversations and store it all up to tell you later.
store up trouble/problems
to act in a way that will make your problems much worse in the future
If you don't deal with the problem now, you'll be storing up trouble for yourself
in the future.
store-bought adjective US ( UK shop-bought )
describes food bought in a shop and not made at home
Why use store-bought pastry when it's so easy to make your own?
store-bought adjective US ( UK shop-bought )
describes food bought in a shop and not made at home
Why use store-bought pastry when it's so easy to make your own?
ˈ store ˌ brand noun [ U ]
US FOR own brand
ˈ store ˌ card noun [ C ]
a small plastic card which can be used as a method of payment at a particular
shop, with the money being taken from you at a later date
ˌ stored ˈ energy noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
in physics, the energy stored by something; potential energy
ˈ store de ˌ tective noun [ C ]
a person who works in a large shop, especially a department store , watching the
customers so that they do not steal goods
storefront noun [ C ] US ( UK shop front )
the part of a shop which faces the road
A number of storefronts were damaged in the riots.
storehouse noun [ C ]
US FOR warehouse
storekeeper noun [ C ]
US FOR shopkeeper
storeroom , noun [ C ]
a room for keeping things in while they are not being used
storey UK , US story noun [ C ]
a level of a building
a three-storey house
Their new house has four storeys including the attic.
storeyed , US storied adjective
It's a normal two-storeyed house.
storied adjective [ before noun ] MAINLY US
often spoken of or written about; famous
Theirs was the most storied romance in Hollywood.
storied adjective [ before noun ] MAINLY US
often spoken of or written about; famous
Theirs was the most storied romance in Hollywood.
stork noun [ C ]
stork
a large white bird with very long legs which walks around in water to find its food
storm noun VIOLENT WEATHER
1. [ C ] an extreme weather condition with very strong wind, heavy rain and often
thunder and lightning
A lot of trees were blown down in the recent storms.
They're still clearing up the storm damage.
storm noun EMOTIONAL REACTION
2. [ C usually singular ] a very angry reaction from a lot of people
There was a storm of protest when the new tax was announced.
storm noun ATTACK
3. take sb/sth by storm
to be suddenly extremely successful in a place or with a group of people
Her performance has taken the London critics by storm.
cook/dance/talk, etc. up a storm INFORMAL
to do something with a lot of energy and often skill
Rob was in the kitchen cooking up a storm.
storm in a teacup UK ( US tempest in a teapot )
a lot of unnecessary anger and worry about a matter that is not important
storm verb ATTACK
1. [ T ] to attack a place or building by entering suddenly in great numbers
The fortress was stormed by hundreds of soldiers.
storm verb EMOTIONAL REACTION
2. [ I or T ] LITERARY to express anger in a loud and often uncontrolled way
[ + speech ] "Get out and never come back!" he stormed.
3. storm in/into/out
to enter or leave a place in a way that shows that you are angry
He stormed out of the house, slamming the door as he went.
-storm suffix
used to form words for particular types of violent weather
a rainstorm
a sandstorm
a snowstorm
a thunderstorm
a windstorm
-storm suffix
used to form words for particular types of violent weather
a rainstorm
a sandstorm
a snowstorm
a thunderstorm
a windstorm
ˈ storm ˌ cloud noun
1. [ C usually singular ] a large dark cloud which brings rain or comes before a
storm
2. storm clouds LITERARY
trouble, especially trouble that is going to happen soon
Economic storm clouds are gathering over India.
The storm clouds of war seem to be looming over the east.
ˈ storm ˌ door/ ˌ window noun [ C ] US
an extra door or window which is fitted to the usual door or window for protection
in bad weather
stormily adverb
angrily
storming adjective UK INFORMAL
exciting and extremely successful
They did a storming gig at Wembley last month.
ˈ storm ˌ surge noun [ C ]
when a lot of water is pushed from the sea onto the land, usually caused by a
hurricane (= a violent storm with very high winds)
ˈ storm ˌ trooper noun [ C ]
a soldier in the private army of the Nazi political party in Germany before and
during World War Two
stormy adjective VIOLENT WEATHER
1. with strong wind, heavy rain and often thunder and lightning
stormy weather
The sky was dark and stormy.
stormy adjective EMOTIONAL REACTION
2. involving a lot of strong argument and shouting
a stormy debate
They had a passionate and often stormy relationship.
story noun [ C ] DESCRIPTION
1. a description, either true or imagined, of a connected series of events
Will you read/tell me a story, daddy?
Martha chose her favourite book of bedtime stories.
He writes children's stories.
I don't know if it's true but it's a good story (= entertaining to listen to although
probably not true) .
She gave me her version of what had happened, but it would be interesting to
hear his half/side of the story (= the events as described by him) .
Apparently his first words to her were "Will you marry me?" or so the story goes
(= that is what people say happened) .
2. a report in a newspaper or on a news broadcast of something that has
happened
The main story in the papers today is the president's speech.
3. a lie
He made up some story about having to be at his aunt's wedding anniversary.
story noun [ C ] LEVEL
4. US FOR storey
It's/That's the story of my life. HUMOROUS
said when something bad happens to you that has happened to you many times
before
Honestly, it's the story of my life - I meet a totally gorgeous bloke and he's
leaving for Australia the next day!
that's my story and I'm sticking to it MAINLY HUMOROUS
used after you have given an explanation that you know is not really true
Anyway, I'm not overweight - my bones are just heavier than most people's -
that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
story noun [ C ] DESCRIPTION
1. a description, either true or imagined, of a connected series of events
Will you read/tell me a story, daddy?
Martha chose her favourite book of bedtime stories.
He writes children's stories.
I don't know if it's true but it's a good story (= entertaining to listen to although
probably not true) .
She gave me her version of what had happened, but it would be interesting to
hear his half/side of the story (= the events as described by him) .
Apparently his first words to her were "Will you marry me?" or so the story goes
(= that is what people say happened) .
2. a report in a newspaper or on a news broadcast of something that has
happened
The main story in the papers today is the president's speech.
3. a lie
He made up some story about having to be at his aunt's wedding anniversary.
story noun [ C ] LEVEL
4. US FOR storey
It's/That's the story of my life. HUMOROUS
said when something bad happens to you that has happened to you many times
before
Honestly, it's the story of my life - I meet a totally gorgeous bloke and he's
leaving for Australia the next day!
that's my story and I'm sticking to it MAINLY HUMOROUS
used after you have given an explanation that you know is not really true
Anyway, I'm not overweight - my bones are just heavier than most people's -
that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
storyboard noun [ C ]
(in films and television) a series of drawings or images showing the order of
images planned for a film
storybook adjective [ before noun ]
(of real life situations) happy and pleasant in the way that situations in children's
stories usually are
If you're looking for a storybook romance, you're always going to be disappointed.
ˈ story ˌ line noun [ C ]
(in a book, film, play, etc.) the plot (= the series of events which happen in it)
storyteller noun [ C ]
a person who writes, tells or reads stories
stout adjective PERSON
1. (especially of older people) quite fat and solid-looking, especially around the
waist
Mrs Blower was the rather stout lady with the glasses.
stout adjective OBJECT
2. APPROVING describes objects that are strongly made from thick, strong materials
I've bought myself a pair of good stout boots for hiking.
stout adjective CHARACTER
3. [ before noun ] LITERARY strong and determined
He needed a cool head, a stout heart and nerves of steel.
stout noun [ U ]
a dark bitter and slightly creamy type of beer
stouthearted adjective OLD-FASHIONED LITERARY
brave and determined
Even the most stouthearted of hikers would have had to turn back in this weather.
stoutly adverb CHARACTER
1. in a firm and determined way
They have stoutly denied the recent rumours that there are problems with their
marriage.
stoutly adverb OBJECT
2. in a strong way
stoutly-made boots
stoutly adverb CHARACTER
1. in a firm and determined way
They have stoutly denied the recent rumours that there are problems with their
marriage.
stoutly adverb OBJECT
2. in a strong way
stoutly-made boots
stove noun [ C ]
1. a piece of equipment which burns fuel or uses electricity in order to heat a
place
2. MAINLY US a cooker
stovetop noun [ C ]
US FOR hob
stow verb [ T ]
to store something
There's a big cupboard under the stairs for stowing toys.
stow away phrasal verb
to hide on a ship, aircraft or other vehicle in order to escape from a place or to
travel without paying
stow (sth) away phrasal verb [ M ]
to put something in a safe place so that it can be used in the future
I think I'll stow the camping equipment away in the loft until next summer.
stowage noun [ U ]
space for storing things on a boat or plane
stowaway noun [ C ]
a person who hides on a ship, aircraft or other vehicle
straddle verb [ T ]
1. to sit or stand with your legs on either side of something
He pulled on his helmet and straddled the motorbike.
2. Something that straddles a line, such as a border or river, exists on each side
of it or goes across it
Our farm straddles the railway line.
3. to combine different styles or subjects
It's described as a new kind of dance music which straddles jazz and soul.
4. MAINLY US DISAPPROVING to be unable to decide which of two opinions about a
subject is better and so partly support both opinions
It's not the first time this year that the president has been accused of straddling
an issue .
strafe verb [ T ]
to attack an enemy by shooting from aircraft which are flying low in the sky
strafe verb [ T ]
to attack an enemy by shooting from aircraft which are flying low in the sky
straggle verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to move or spread untidily and in small numbers or amounts
I tie my hair up because I don't like it straggling down my back.
A year after the hurricane, tourists are beginning to straggle (= come in small
numbers) back to the region.
straggler noun [ C ]
a person or animal that is last in a group to do something or the last to get to or
leave a place
We watched the last of the stragglers come in, three hours after the first runner.
straggly adjective
growing or spreading out in an untidy way
He has a long, straggly grey beard.
straight adjective , adverb NOT CURVING
1. continuing in one direction without bending or curving
a straight line
She's got straight blonde hair.
Skirts this summer are long and straight.
Can't you see it? - it's straight ahead (of you)!
The dog seemed to be coming straight at/for me.
Go straight along this road and turn left at the traffic lights.
See picture hair
straight adjective , adverb HONEST
2. honest
Just be straight with her and tell her how you feel.
INFORMAL Tell me straight, would you rather we didn't go tonight?
Compare bent
3. straight out
If you tell someone something straight out, you tell them directly and honestly,
without trying to make what you are saying more pleasant
I told her straight out that I didn't love her anymore.
straight arrow US
someone who is very honest and careful to behave in a socially acceptable way
Friends described Menendez as a straight arrow who rarely drank and was close to
his family.
(as) straight as a die
1. extremely straight
The road runs (as) straight as a die for fifty or so miles.
2. completely honest
She's as straight as a die, I can trust her to tell me what she's really thinking.
straight up SLANG
used to show that you are telling the truth
You're a really attractive woman, straight up!
"You're not telling me she's sixteen! Straight up? (= Are you telling the truth) ?
straight adverb IMMEDIATELY
1. without pausing or delaying
I got home and went straight to bed.
Shall we go straight to the party or stop off at a pub first?
Time is short so I'll get straight to the point (= explain the matter immediately) .
See also straightaway
2. straight away/off
MAINLY UK immediately
I knew straight away what you were thinking.
We don't need to go straight off - we can stay for a little while.
straight adverb CLEAR
3. clearly
You know you've had too much to drink when you can't see straight.
I'm so tired I can't think straight any more.
straight adjective CLEAR
1. [ before noun ] clear or not complicated
It's a straight choice - either you leave him or you stay.
Let's get this straight - you're travelling to Frankfurt on Monday and Brussels on
Tuesday, is that correct?
See also straightforward
straight adjective LEVEL
2. level and not sloping to either side
This picture's not straight.
The shelf isn't straight - it sags in the middle.
straight adjective TIDY
3. [ after verb ] MAINLY UK tidy, or arranged in order
It only took an hour to get the flat straight after the party.
Have you got a mirror? - I'll just put my hair straight.
straight adjective PLAIN
4. plain and basic, or without anything added
No tonic for me, please, I like my vodka straight.
Straight pasta is very bland - you need some kind of sauce to make it interesting.
straight adjective FOLLOWING EACH OTHER
5. [ before noun ] following one after another without an interruption
They're the only team to have won ten straight games this season.
straight adjective TRADITIONAL
6. INFORMAL traditional or serious
DISAPPROVING He was a nice enough bloke, but he was so straight - I always felt I
had to be on my best behaviour with him.
There's a lot of straight theatre at the festival as well as the newer, more
experimental stuff.
straight adjective SEXUAL PREFERENCE
7. INFORMAL not homosexual
straight adjective NO DRUGS
8. INFORMAL not using illegal drugs or alcohol
He's been straight for five months.
straight adjective NOT OWING MONEY
9. [ after verb ] INFORMAL neither owing nor owed any money
You bought the tickets, so if I pay for the taxi, we'll be straight.
put/set someone straight
to make certain that someone knows the real facts about a situation
Don't worry, I set him straight ( on this matter).
straight noun [ C ] SPORTS TRACK
1. ( US USUALLY straightaway ) the straight part of a racetrack (= the track on
which competitors race)
And the runners are just coming up to the finishing straight.
straight noun [ C ] SEXUAL PREFERENCE
2. INFORMAL a person who is not homosexual
the straight and narrow HUMOROUS
If you keep on the straight and narrow, you behave in a way that is honest and
moral
The threat of a good beating should keep him on the straight and narrow .
ˈ straight ˌ angle noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an angle of 180°
Two right angles make a straight angle, which is a straight line.
an angle of 180°
straightaway adverb
without pausing or delaying
We don't have to go straightaway, do we?
straightaway noun [ C ]
US FOR a straight (SPORTS TRACK) .
straighten verb NOT CURVING
1. [ I or T ] to become straight or to make something become straight
He straightened his tie.
Her hair is naturally curly but she always straightens it.
The road straightens out after a few miles.
straighten verb LEVEL
2. [ T ] to make something level
The picture fell while I was trying to straighten it.
straighten verb TIDY
3. [ T ] to make something tidy
She stood up and straightened her clothes.
Pepe was careful to straighten his room before leaving.
straighten sb out phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to improve someone's behaviour
I thought that once he got a girlfriend that would straighten him out.
straighten sth out phrasal verb [ M ] SITUATION
1. to solve a problem or to deal successfully with a confusing situation
Once we get these problems straightened out, we should be all right.
straighten sth out phrasal verb [ M ] PLACE
2. to make something tidy or organized
Could you straighten out these cupboards, please?
straighten up phrasal verb POSITION
1. to stand straight after bending at the waist
straighten up phrasal verb BEHAVIOUR
2. US to behave well after behaving badly
You'd better straighten up or else!
straighten sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to make a place tidy
Mark and I managed to straighten up the house before our parents got home.
ˌ straight ˈ face noun [ C usually singular ]
a serious expression on your face that you use when you do not want someone to
know that you think something is funny
Brian looked ridiculous in leather trousers, and I was desperately trying to keep a
straight face .
an angle of 180°
straightaway adverb
without pausing or delaying
We don't have to go straightaway, do we?
straightaway noun [ C ]
US FOR a straight (SPORTS TRACK) .
straighten verb NOT CURVING
1. [ I or T ] to become straight or to make something become straight
He straightened his tie.
Her hair is naturally curly but she always straightens it.
The road straightens out after a few miles.
straighten verb LEVEL
2. [ T ] to make something level
The picture fell while I was trying to straighten it.
straighten verb TIDY
3. [ T ] to make something tidy
She stood up and straightened her clothes.
Pepe was careful to straighten his room before leaving.
straighten sb out phrasal verb [ M ] INFORMAL
to improve someone's behaviour
I thought that once he got a girlfriend that would straighten him out.
straighten sth out phrasal verb [ M ] SITUATION
1. to solve a problem or to deal successfully with a confusing situation
Once we get these problems straightened out, we should be all right.
straighten sth out phrasal verb [ M ] PLACE
2. to make something tidy or organized
Could you straighten out these cupboards, please?
straighten up phrasal verb POSITION
1. to stand straight after bending at the waist
straighten up phrasal verb BEHAVIOUR
2. US to behave well after behaving badly
You'd better straighten up or else!
straighten sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to make a place tidy
Mark and I managed to straighten up the house before our parents got home.
ˌ straight ˈ face noun [ C usually singular ]
a serious expression on your face that you use when you do not want someone to
know that you think something is funny
Brian looked ridiculous in leather trousers, and I was desperately trying to keep a
straight face .
straight-faced adjective
without laughing or smiling
We laughed, but Chris was straight-faced and seemed a little offended by the
joke.
straightforward adjective SIMPLE
1. easy to understand or simple
Just follow the signs to Bradford - it's very straightforward.
straightforward adjective HONEST
2. (of a person) honest and not likely to hide their opinions
Roz is straightforward and let's you know what she's thinking.
straightforwardly adverb
He explained quite straightforwardly that there wasn't enough work for us all.
straightjacket noun [ C ]
a straitjacket
ˈ straight ˌ man noun [ C usually singular ]
In a comedy act between two men, the straight man is the more serious of the
two who is often made to look stupid by his partner.
ˈ straight ˌ man noun [ C usually singular ]
In a comedy act between two men, the straight man is the more serious of the
two who is often made to look stupid by his partner.
strain noun PRESSURE
1. [ C usually singular or U ] a force or influence that stretches, pulls or puts
pressure on something, sometimes causing damage
The hurricane put such a strain on the bridge that it collapsed.
As you get older, excess weight puts a lot of strain on the heart.
Their constant arguments were putting a strain on their marriage.
The recent decline in the dollar has put a bigger strain on the economic system.
Migration into the cities is putting a strain on already stretched resources.
2. [ C ] an injury to a muscle or similar soft part of the body caused by using that
part too much
a groin/hamstring strain
See also eyestrain
3. [ C or U ] when you feel nervous and worried about something
She's a lot better than she was but she's still not ready to face the stresses and
strains of a job.
He's been under a lot of strain recently.
strain noun TYPE
4. [ C ] a particular type or quality
A strain of puritanism runs through all her work.
5. [ C ] an animal or plant from a particular group whose characteristics are
different in some way from others of the same group
Scientists have discovered a new strain of the virus which is much more
dangerous.
strain noun MUSIC
6. strains
the sound of music being played or performed
I could hear the strains of Mozart in the background.
strain verb SEPARATE
1. [ T ] to separate liquid food from solid food, especially by pouring it through a
utensil with small holes in it
Could you strain the vegetables, please.
I usually strain the juice off the pineapple and use it in another recipe.
strain verb PRESSURE
2. [ I or T ] to become stretched or to experience pressure, or to make something
do or experience this
I've put on such a lot of weight recently - this dress is straining at the seams.
I strained a muscle in my back playing squash.
Don't watch TV in the dark - you'll strain your eyes !
[ + to infinitive ] FIGURATIVE I really had to strain (= try very hard) to reach those
top notes.
FIGURATIVE I was straining (my ears) (= listening hard) to hear what they were
saying.
Compare restrain
be straining at the leash
to be very eager to do something that you are being prevented from doing at the
present time
Meanwhile we hear that our soldiers have reached a peak of fitness and are
straining at the leash.
strain after/for effect
to try so hard to entertain that it seems false
I find his style of writing so artificial - he always seems to be straining for effect.
strain every nerve
to make the greatest possible effort
She's straining every nerve to get the work finished on time.
strained adjective
1. If a relationship is strained, problems are spoiling that relationship
Relations between the two countries have become strained (= difficult) recently.
2. showing that someone is nervous or worried
She was looking strained and had dark circles beneath her eyes.
Jean felt uncomfortable but managed to force a strained smile.
strained adjective
1. If a relationship is strained, problems are spoiling that relationship
Relations between the two countries have become strained (= difficult) recently.
2. showing that someone is nervous or worried
She was looking strained and had dark circles beneath her eyes.
Jean felt uncomfortable but managed to force a strained smile.
strainer noun [ C ]
a kitchen utensil with a lot of holes in it for separating liquid from solid
a tea strainer
strait noun WATER
1. [ C usually plural ] a narrow area of sea which connects two larger areas of sea
the Straits of Gibraltar
strait noun DIFFICULTY
2. straits
a difficult and troubled situation, especially because of financial problems
So many companies are in such dire/difficult straits that their prices have come
right down.
straitened adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
describes a situation which is difficult because there is much less money available
to you than there was in the past
A lot of people are finding themselves in very straitened circumstances these
days.
straitjacket , straightjacket noun [ C usually singular ]
1. a strong piece of special clothing which ties the arms to the body and is used
for limiting the movements of dangerous prisoners and mentally ill patients whose
behaviour is violent
Brody was locked in a padded cell and forced to wear a straitjacket.
2. DISAPPROVING something that severely limits development or activity in a way
that is damaging
He refused to be fitted into any ideological straitjacket.
straitlaced adjective DISAPPROVING
having old-fashioned and fixed morals, especially relating to sexual matters
strand noun [ C ] THREAD
1. a thin thread of something, often one of a few twisted around each other to
make a string or rope
a strand of cotton
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ears.
strand noun [ C ] PART
2. a part which combines with other parts to form a whole story, subject or
situation
There are so many different strands to the plot that it's quite hard to follow.
strand noun [ C ] COAST
3. LITERARY a shore
stranded adjective
unable to leave somewhere because of a problem such as not having any
transport or money
He left me stranded in town with no car and no money for a bus.
If the tide comes in, we'll be stranded on these rocks.
stranded adjective
unable to leave somewhere because of a problem such as not having any
transport or money
He left me stranded in town with no car and no money for a bus.
If the tide comes in, we'll be stranded on these rocks.
strange adjective UNUSUAL
1. unusual and unexpected, or difficult to understand
He's got some very strange ideas about women!
You say the strangest things sometimes.
I had a strange feeling that we'd met before.
It 's strange that tourists almost never visit this village.
That 's strange - I'm sure I put my glasses in my bag and yet they're not there.
2. feel strange
to feel uncomfortable and not normal or correct
I hope that fish was all right - my stomach feels a bit strange .
strange adjective NOT FAMILIAR
3. not known or familiar
I don't usually accept lifts from strange men.
With so many strange faces around her, the baby started to cry.
I've never been here before either, so it's all strange to me too.
stranger things have happened
used to say that although a suggested event or idea seems very strange or
surprising, it is possible
"You don't think Katie and Darryl are falling in love, do you?" "Well, stranger
things have happened."
strangely adverb
in a way that is unusual, unexpected or difficult to understand
She was strangely calm - I found it quite disturbing.
strangely enough
used to remark that something is surprising but true
Strangely enough, when it came to the exam I actually felt quite relaxed.
strangeness noun [ U ] UNUSUAL
1. the quality of being unusual, unexpected or difficult to understand
strangeness noun [ U ] NOT FAMILIAR
2. the quality of not being familiar
She was struck by the strangeness of her surroundings.
stranger noun [ C ]
1. someone you do not know
My mother always warned me not to talk to strangers.
I'd never met anyone at the party before - they were complete strangers.
2. A stranger in a particular place is someone who has never been there before
Do you know the way to St Peter's church or are you a stranger here too?
be no stranger to sth FORMAL
to be familiar with a particular experience or activity
He is no stranger to hard work.
hello stranger HUMOROUS
said to a person that you know but have not seen for a long time
Hello stranger, I haven't seen you for weeks!
stranger noun [ C ]
1. someone you do not know
My mother always warned me not to talk to strangers.
I'd never met anyone at the party before - they were complete strangers.
2. A stranger in a particular place is someone who has never been there before
Do you know the way to St Peter's church or are you a stranger here too?
be no stranger to sth FORMAL
to be familiar with a particular experience or activity
He is no stranger to hard work.
hello stranger HUMOROUS
said to a person that you know but have not seen for a long time
Hello stranger, I haven't seen you for weeks!
strangle verb [ T ]
1. to kill someone by pressing their throat so that they cannot breathe
She had been strangled with her own scarf and her body dumped in the woods.
2. to stop something from developing
For years, the organization was strangled by excessive bureaucracy.
There is a great deal of fear that the new restrictions might strangle the country's
economy.
strangle sth at birth
to stop something at an early stage of its development
It's perfectly natural that she should try to strangle the opposition to her plans at
birth .
strangled adjective [ usually before noun ]
describes a weak, high, interrupted or not continuous sound made by an
extremely frightened or worried and nervous person
It came again, a strangled cry from the room next door.
stranglehold noun [ C usually singular ] DISAPPROVING
a position of complete control that prevents something from developing
The two major companies have been tightening their stranglehold on the beer
market.
strangler noun [ C ]
a person who kills people by pressing their throats so that they cannot breathe
The newspapers dubbed him 'the Boston Strangler'.
strangulated adjective BODY PART
1. SPECIALIZED describes an organ or other part inside the body which has become
tightly pressed, blocking the flow of blood or air through it
a strangulated hernia
strangulated adjective SOUND
2. ( US ALSO strangled ) describes a sound that is not full or relaxed, but made
when your throat is tight, for example because of fear or anger
He let out a strangulated squeak of outrage.
strangulation noun [ U ]
the action of killing someone by pressing their throat so that they cannot breathe,
or the act of dying in this way
The post-mortem showed that the boy had died from strangulation.
strangulation noun [ U ]
the action of killing someone by pressing their throat so that they cannot breathe,
or the act of dying in this way
The post-mortem showed that the boy had died from strangulation.
strap noun [ C ]
1. a narrow piece of leather or other strong material used for fastening something
or giving support
Could you help me fasten this strap around my suitcase?
See picture strap
2. with this meaning as a combining form
a watch strap
shoes with ankle straps
See picture strap
3. a strong strip of material hanging from the roof of a bus, train or other public
vehicle for passengers to hold onto if they are standing
strap verb [ T usually + adv/prep ]
to fasten something in position by fixing a narrow piece of leather or other strong
material around it
Are the kids strapped into their car seats?
We strapped the surfboard to the car roof.
strap sb in phrasal verb
to fasten a seat belt around someone in a car, aircraft or other vehicle, for safety
purposes
Are you kids strapped in back there?
strap sth up phrasal verb [ M often passive ] UK ( US tape sth up )
to wrap a leg, arm or other part of the body in a bandage (= strip of material for
wrapping around injuries)
He'd just injured himself playing football and his arm was strapped up.
strapless adjective
describes a piece of women's clothing, such as a dress or bra (= piece of
underwear) which does not have pieces of material going over the shoulders
a strapless taffeta evening gown
See picture clothes 9 (styles)
strapped adjective INFORMAL
not having enough money
I'd love to come to Malaysia with you, but I'm afraid I'm a bit strapped (for cash)
at the moment.
strapping adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL MAINLY HUMOROUS
describes someone who is tall and strong-looking
A big strapping lad like you shouldn't have much difficulty lifting that!
strappy adjective INFORMAL
having straps
a pair of strappy sandals
stratagem noun [ C or U ]
a carefully planned way of achieving or dealing with something, often involving a
trick
Her stratagem for dealing with her husband's infidelities was to ignore them.
He was a master of stratagem.
strategic adjective
1. helping to achieve a plan, for example in business or politics
strategic planning
a strategic withdrawal/advance
Their bombs are always placed in strategic positions to cause as much chaos as
possible.
2. Strategic weapons, war or places provide military forces with an advantage
There are plans to modernize the US strategic forces .
strategic arms reduction talks
strategically adverb
Her scarf was strategically placed to hide a tear in her shirt.
Central Asia is a fragile region, politically weak but strategically important .
strategist noun [ C ]
someone with a lot of skill and experience in planning, especially in military,
political or business matters
He's the president's chief political strategist.
strategy noun [ C or U ]
a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business,
industry or sport, or the skill of planning for such situations
The president held an emergency meeting to discuss military strategy with his
defence commanders yesterday.
Their marketing strategy for the product involves obtaining as much free publicity
as possible.
[ + to infinitive ] We're working on new strategies to improve our share of the
market.
stratify verb [ T ]
to arrange the different parts of something in separate layers or groups
The sample of people questioned was drawn from the university's student register
and stratified by age and gender.
stratification noun [ U ] FORMAL
The Prime Minister wants to reduce social stratification and make the country a
classless society.
strappy adjective INFORMAL
having straps
a pair of strappy sandals
stratagem noun [ C or U ]
a carefully planned way of achieving or dealing with something, often involving a
trick
Her stratagem for dealing with her husband's infidelities was to ignore them.
He was a master of stratagem.
strategic adjective
1. helping to achieve a plan, for example in business or politics
strategic planning
a strategic withdrawal/advance
Their bombs are always placed in strategic positions to cause as much chaos as
possible.
2. Strategic weapons, war or places provide military forces with an advantage
There are plans to modernize the US strategic forces .
strategic arms reduction talks
strategically adverb
Her scarf was strategically placed to hide a tear in her shirt.
Central Asia is a fragile region, politically weak but strategically important .
strategist noun [ C ]
someone with a lot of skill and experience in planning, especially in military,
political or business matters
He's the president's chief political strategist.
strategy noun [ C or U ]
a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business,
industry or sport, or the skill of planning for such situations
The president held an emergency meeting to discuss military strategy with his
defence commanders yesterday.
Their marketing strategy for the product involves obtaining as much free publicity
as possible.
[ + to infinitive ] We're working on new strategies to improve our share of the
market.
stratify verb [ T ]
to arrange the different parts of something in separate layers or groups
The sample of people questioned was drawn from the university's student register
and stratified by age and gender.
stratification noun [ U ] FORMAL
The Prime Minister wants to reduce social stratification and make the country a
classless society.
stratocumulus noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of cumulus (= tall rounded white cloud with a flat base) formed in a thick
layer and found at low height
Compare altocumulus , cirrocumulus
the stratosphere noun [ S ]
the layer of gases surrounding the Earth at a height of between 15 and 50
kilometres, which is not affected by the weather and in which the temperature increases
with height
During the 1980s, the amount of ozone in the stratosphere above Europe
decreased by about 8%.
Compare the ionosphere
go into the stratosphere INFORMAL
to go up to an extremely high level
Property prices have gone into the stratosphere.
stratum noun [ C ]
1. one of the parts or layers into which something is separated
The report shows that drugs have penetrated every stratum of American society.
2. SPECIALIZED a layer of rock, soil or similar material
The cliffs are characterized by remarkable zigzagging strata of shale, limestone
and sandstone.
stratum noun [ C ]
and sandstone.
stratus noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of flat grey cloud found at the lowest level, below all other cloud types, and
causing dull weather or light rain
Compare cirrus ; cumulus ; nimbus
straw noun DRIED STEMS
1. [ U ] the dried yellow stems of crops such as wheat , used as food for animals
or as a layer on the ground for animals to lie on, and for making traditional objects
a bale of straw
a straw basket/hat
straw -coloured hair
straw noun TUBE
2. [ C ] a thin tube made of plastic or waterproof paper that is used to suck liquid
into the mouth
Why don't you drink your milkshake through a straw?
clutch/grasp at straws
to be willing to try anything to improve a difficult or unsatisfactory situation, even
if it has little chance of success
She offered to take a pay cut to keep her job, but she was just clutching at
straws.
the final/last straw ( ALSO the straw that breaks the camel's back )
the last in a series of unpleasant events which finally makes you feel that you
cannot continue to accept a bad situation
Losing my job was bad enough, but being evicted from my house was the final
straw.
She's always been rude to me, but it was the last straw when she started insulting
my mother.
straw in the wind UK
something that suggests what might happen
She described the theatre's closure as "a straw in the wind" as companies faced
up to the realities of life after the lottery.
strawberry noun [ C ]
strawberry
a small juicy red fruit which has small brown seeds on its surface, or the plant
with white flowers on which this fruit grows
I thought we'd have strawberries and cream for dessert.
strawberry jam
ˌ strawberry ˈ blonde adjective
describes hair which is a pale reddish yellow colour
strawberry blonde noun [ C ]
Who was that strawberry blonde in the red dress?
stratum noun [ C ]
and sandstone.
stratus noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of flat grey cloud found at the lowest level, below all other cloud types, and
causing dull weather or light rain
Compare cirrus ; cumulus ; nimbus
straw noun DRIED STEMS
1. [ U ] the dried yellow stems of crops such as wheat , used as food for animals
or as a layer on the ground for animals to lie on, and for making traditional objects
a bale of straw
a straw basket/hat
straw -coloured hair
straw noun TUBE
2. [ C ] a thin tube made of plastic or waterproof paper that is used to suck liquid
into the mouth
Why don't you drink your milkshake through a straw?
clutch/grasp at straws
to be willing to try anything to improve a difficult or unsatisfactory situation, even
if it has little chance of success
She offered to take a pay cut to keep her job, but she was just clutching at
straws.
the final/last straw ( ALSO the straw that breaks the camel's back )
the last in a series of unpleasant events which finally makes you feel that you
cannot continue to accept a bad situation
Losing my job was bad enough, but being evicted from my house was the final
straw.
She's always been rude to me, but it was the last straw when she started insulting
my mother.
straw in the wind UK
something that suggests what might happen
She described the theatre's closure as "a straw in the wind" as companies faced
up to the realities of life after the lottery.
strawberry noun [ C ]
strawberry
a small juicy red fruit which has small brown seeds on its surface, or the plant
with white flowers on which this fruit grows
I thought we'd have strawberries and cream for dessert.
strawberry jam
ˌ strawberry ˈ blonde adjective
describes hair which is a pale reddish yellow colour
strawberry blonde noun [ C ]
Who was that strawberry blonde in the red dress?
ˈ strawberry ˌ mark noun [ C ]
a permanent dark red mark on a person's skin which has existed since birth
ˌ straw ˈ boater noun [ C ]
straw boater
a stiff hat with a flat top and wide straight brim which is traditionally worn when
travelling along a river in a boat to protect the wearer from the sun
ˌ straw ˈ man noun [ C ] ( ALSO man of straw ) CRIME
1. UK someone, often an imaginary person, who is used to hide an illegal or secret
activity
The fraud depended on hundreds of bank accounts being opened on behalf of
straw men.
ˌ straw ˈ man noun [ C ] ( ALSO man of straw ) ARGUMENT
2. MAINLY UK an argument, claim or opponent which is invented in order to defeat
or create an argument
The idea that national identity will be lost as a result of European integration is
just a man of straw which he is wasting his time fighting.
ˌ straw ˈ poll noun [ C ]
an unofficial vote which is taken to discover what people think about an idea or
problem or how they intend to vote in an election
A straw poll of local inhabitants concluded that British tourists were the worst
dressed and Italians the most stylish.
stray verb [ I ]
1. to travel along a route that was not originally intended, or to move outside a
limited area
A herd of cattle had strayed into the road.
They got lost when they strayed too far from the footpath.
The ship strayed off course during the storm.
2. to start thinking or talking about a different subject from the one you should be
giving attention to
I think we've strayed too far from our original plan.
Sorry - I've strayed from the subject .
stray noun [ C ]
a pet that no longer has a home or cannot find its home
a stray dog
"Who owns that cat?" "I don't know. I think it must be a stray."
stray adjective [ before noun ]
Stray things have moved apart from similar things and are not in their expected
or intended place
There are still a few stray spots of paint on the window pane.
Several journalists have been killed or injured by stray bullets while reporting on
the civil war.
streak noun [ C ] MARK
1. a long thin mark which is easily noticed because it is very different from the
area surrounding it
The window cleaner has left dirty streaks on the windows.
I dye my hair to hide my grey streaks.
Meteors produce streaks of light as they burn up in the Earth's atmosphere.
streak noun [ C ] CHARACTERISTIC
2. an often unpleasant characteristic which is very different from other
characteristics
Her stubborn streak makes her very difficult to work with sometimes.
You need to have a competitive streak when you're working in marketing.
streak noun [ C ] SHORT PERIOD
3. a short period of good or bad luck
I just hope my lucky streak continues until the world championships.
Their longest losing streak has been three games.
After winning a couple of bets, he thought he was on a winning streak.
like a streak of lightning INFORMAL
extremely quickly
She grabbed the money and ran out of the shop like a streak of lightning.
streak verb MOVE FAST
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to move somewhere extremely quickly,
usually in a straight line
The motorbike streaked off down the street.
Did you see that bird streak past the window?
streak verb RUN NAKED
2. [ I ] to run naked through a public place in order to attract attention or to
express strong disapproval of something
streak verb MARK
3. be streaked
to have long thin noticeable lines of a different colour
Doesn't Chris look good with her hair streaked?
Her clothes were streaked with mud.
White marble is frequently streaked with grey, black or green.
streak ahead phrasal verb
to be much more successful than your competitors
The study revealed that Asian youngsters are streaking ahead in the race to get
into university.
streaker noun [ C ]
a person who runs naked through a public place in order to attract attention or to
express strong disapproval of something
The match was interrupted when two streakers ran onto the field with a banner.
streaky adjective
covered with long thin lines
This door needs another coat of paint - it's looking rather streaky.
UK Streaky bacon contains strips of fat.
stream noun [ C ] SMALL RIVER
1. water that flows naturally along a fixed route formed by a channel cut into rock
or ground, usually at ground level
a mountain stream
underground streams
There's a lovely stream that flows through their garden.
2. any current of water or liquid
the level of cholesterol in your blood stream
3. the direction in which water is moving
She stopped rowing and let the boat float with the stream.
stream noun [ C ] CONTINUOUS FLOW
4. a continuous flow of things or people
There has been a steady stream of phone calls from worried customers.
I had a constant stream of visitors while I was ill.
stream noun [ C ] STUDENTS
5. UK ( US track ) a group of school students with similar ability who are
approximately the same age and are taught together
I'm in the A stream for maths, and the B stream for English.
the top/bottom stream
on stream UK
Something in industry or business that is on stream is being produced or is
available for use
The company's increased sales were primarily a result of new stores coming on
stream.
stream verb FLOW
1. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to flow somewhere or produce liquid,
quickly and in large amounts without stopping
There were tears streaming down his face .
One woman was carried from the scene of the accident with blood streaming
from her head.
UK I've got a terrible cold and my nose has been streaming all week.
2. stream in/out/through, etc.
to move continuously in one direction
We were all very excited as we streamed out of our final exam.
Red Cross officials estimate that 20 000 refugees streamed into the city last
week.
His hair streamed out behind him as he rode off.
stream verb INTERNET
3. [ T ] to listen to or watch sound or video on a computer directly from the
Internet rather than downloading it and saving it first
stream verb STUDENTS
4. [ T ] UK ( US track ) to group and teach together school students with similar
abilities who are approximately the same age
We start to stream the children in the third form.
streamer noun [ C ]
a long narrow strip of brightly coloured paper that is used as a decoration for
special occasions such as parties
We decorated the office with streamers for Paul's leaving party.
streamer noun [ C ]
a long narrow strip of brightly coloured paper that is used as a decoration for
special occasions such as parties
We decorated the office with streamers for Paul's leaving party.
streaming noun [ U ] INTERNET
1. when you listen to or watch sound or video directly from the Internet
streaming noun [ U ] STUDENTS
2. UK ( US tracking ) the practice of grouping and teaching together school
students with similar abilities
Some people object to streaming because it gives an unfair advantage to
intelligent children.
streamline verb [ T ] SHAPE
1. to shape something so that it can move as effectively and quickly as possible
through a liquid or gas
Streamlining cars increases their fuel efficiency.
The bodies of dolphins are more streamlined than those of porpoises.
streamline verb [ T ] IMPROVE
2. to improve the effectiveness of an organization such as a business or
government, often by making the way activities are performed simpler
The cost-cutting measures include streamlining administrative procedures in the
company.
The government recently announced details of its plan to streamline the taxation
system.
Streamlining management could save at least 10 percent in costs.
ˌ stream of ˈ consciousness noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a literary style that is used to represent a character's feelings and thoughts as
they experience them, using long continuous pieces of text without obvious organization
or structure
a stream-of-consciousness novel/style
street noun [ C ]
1. a road in a city, town or village which has buildings that are usually close
together along one or both sides
The streets were strewn with rubbish after the carnival.
a street map
Our daughter lives just across the street from us.
Diane's house is UK in / US on Cherrywood Street.
Builders jeer at us even when we're just walking down the street.
Be sure to look both ways when you cross the street.
The town's streets were deserted by dusk.
At five in the morning, there were still crowds of people roaming the streets.
I bought these sunglasses from a street vendor in Florence.
2. take to the streets
When people take to the streets, they express their opposition to something in
public and often violently
Thousands of people have taken to the streets to protest against the military
coup.
be streets ahead UK INFORMAL
to be much better or much more advanced than another thing or person
The latest sales figures show that we're streets ahead of the competition.
be up your street UK ( US be up your alley )
to be the type of thing that you are interested in or that you enjoy doing
Carpentry isn't really up my street. I'd rather pay someone else to do it.
I've got a little job for you which is right (= exactly) up your street.
the man/woman/person in/on the street
an ordinary, average person whose opinions are considered to represent most
people
To win the election he needs to appeal to the typical man in the street.
on the streets ( US ALSO on the street )
without a home
Some of these people have been living on the streets for years.
the streets are paved with gold LITERARY
said about a place where it is easy to get rich, or where people imagine that it is
Many asylum seekers appear to be economic migrants, convinced that the streets
of Europe are paved with gold.
the whole street INFORMAL
everyone living along a particular road
Keep your voice down, we don't want the whole street to hear us!
streetcar noun [ C ]
US FOR tram
The cheapest way of seeing the city is to take a streetcar.
streetcar noun [ C ]
US FOR tram
The cheapest way of seeing the city is to take a streetcar.
street-cred noun [ U ] ( ALSO street-credibility ) UK
a quality that makes you likely to be accepted by ordinary young people who live
in towns and cities because you have the same fashions, styles, interests, culture or
opinions
Many celebrities develop a working class accent to increase their street-credibility.
That jacket won't do much for your street-cred. It looks awful!
street-credible adjective
ˈ street ˌ furniture noun [ U ] UK SPECIALIZED
equipment such as lights, road signs and telephone boxes that is positioned at the
side of a road for use by the public
streetlight noun [ C ] ( ALSO streetlamp )
a light in or at the side of a road or public area which is usually supported on a tall
post
He crashed his car into a streetlight.
ˈ street ˌ people plural noun US
people who do not have a home and who often sleep outside in cities
street-smart adjective
US FOR streetwise
ˈ street ˌ smarts plural noun US
the ability to manage or succeed in difficult or dangerous situations, especially in
big towns or cities
You haven't got the street smarts to last ten minutes in New York without getting
ripped off.
ˈ street ˌ theatre noun [ U ]
free entertainment that is performed outside in public places, especially near
shops, restaurants and bars
We spent many evenings sitting in cafés watching the street theatre.
ˈ street ˌ value noun [ C usually singular U ]
the price that is paid for something illegal, especially a drug, by the person who
uses it
Customs officers at Felixstowe discovered heroin with a street value of £6 million.
ˈ street ˌ value noun [ C usually singular U ]
the price that is paid for something illegal, especially a drug, by the person who
uses it
Customs officers at Felixstowe discovered heroin with a street value of £6 million.
streetwalker noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a prostitute who looks for customers outside in public places
streetwise adjective ( US ALSO street-smart )
able to deal successfully with dangerous or difficult situations in big towns or cities
where poor people live or where there is a lot of crime
McDonald was as streetwise as any of the criminals he had investigated.
strength noun EFFORT
1. [ U ] the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort
She had the strength and stamina to take the lead and win the gold medal.
Admitting you've made a mistake is a sign of strength, not weakness.
He showed great strength of character when he refused to accept the bribes.
We shall struggle on, drawing our strength from the courage of others.
Much of the country's military strength lies in its missile force.
2. [ C usually singular ] the degree to which something is strong or powerful
Opinion polls put the combined strength of the two ecology parties at 15%
nationwide.
You can gauge (= measure) the strength of a democracy by the way it treats its
minorities.
strength noun GOOD FEATURE
3. [ C ] a good characteristic
She's well aware of her strengths and weaknesses as an artist.
His greatest strengths are his determination and resilience.
strength noun NUMBER
4. [ U ] the number of people in a group
What's the current strength of the Cambridgeshire police force?
5. in strength
in large numbers
Demonstrators arrived in strength to protest against the closure of the factory.
6. below strength UK
If a group is below strength, it consists of fewer people or members than usual
The office will be below strength in August when a lot of people will be away.
7. at full strength
with the complete number of people who are usually in a group
Staff cuts have meant that we haven't been working at full strength for a year.
Give me strength! MAINLY UK
something that you say when you find someone else's stupidity or their being
unable to do something annoying but quite funny
Oh, give me strength! Do you want me to do it for you?
go from strength to strength MAINLY UK
to gradually become more successful
The firm's gone from strength to strength since the new factory was built.
on the strength of sth
If you do something on the strength of something such as advice, you do it
because you have been influenced by it or believe it
I invested in the company on the strength of my brother's advice.
strengthen verb [ I or T ]
to make something stronger or more effective, or to become stronger or more
effective
They have been strengthening their border defences in preparation for war.
His battle against cancer has strengthened his belief in God.
The accident strengthens the case for better safety measures at fairgrounds.
The bank loan has greatly strengthened our financial position.
The organization's aim is to strengthen the cultural ties between Britain and
Germany.
The rise in US interest rates caused the dollar to strengthen (= increase in value)
against all the Asian currencies.
strengthen sb's hand
to give someone more power
The police want tougher laws to strengthen their hand against drug traffickers.
strengthen verb [ I or T ]
to make something stronger or more effective, or to become stronger or more
effective
They have been strengthening their border defences in preparation for war.
His battle against cancer has strengthened his belief in God.
The accident strengthens the case for better safety measures at fairgrounds.
The bank loan has greatly strengthened our financial position.
The organization's aim is to strengthen the cultural ties between Britain and
Germany.
The rise in US interest rates caused the dollar to strengthen (= increase in value)
against all the Asian currencies.
strengthen sb's hand
to give someone more power
The police want tougher laws to strengthen their hand against drug traffickers.
strenuous adjective
needing or using a lot of physical or mental effort or energy
He rarely does anything more strenuous than changing the channels on the
television.
His doctor advised him not to take any strenuous exercise .
Strenuous efforts were made throughout the war to disguise the scale of civilian
casualties.
strenuously adverb
He strenuously denies all the allegations against him.
Most local residents strenuously object to the building proposals.
strep noun [ C ]
MAINLY US INFORMAL FOR streptococcus
ˌ strep ˈ throat noun [ C or U ] MAINLY US
a severe infection of the throat
streptococcus noun [ C ] ( MAINLY US INFORMAL strep ) SPECIALIZED
a bacterium , many types of which cause disease
Tonsillitis is normally caused by infection with streptococci.
streptococcal adjective
Pneumonia tends to be caused by streptococcal or viral infection.
stress noun WORRY
1. [ C or U ] great worry caused by a difficult situation, or something which
causes this condition
People under a lot of stress may experience headaches, minor pains and sleeping
difficulties.
Yoga is a very effective technique for combating stress.
the stresses and strains of the job
stress -related illness
stress noun PRONUNCIATION
2. [ C or U ] when a word or syllable is pronounced with greater force than other
words in the same sentence or other syllables in the same word, or a musical note is
played with greater force than others in a group
The meaning of a sentence often depends on stress and intonation.
When 'insert' is a verb, the stress is on the second syllable, but when it is a noun,
the stress is on the first syllable.
stress noun FORCE
3. [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED a force that acts in a way which often changes the shape
of an object
Computers work out the stresses that such a craft will encounter in flight.
Jogging puts a lot of stress on your knee joints.
He needs to have an operation for a stress fracture in his foot.
stress noun EMPHASIS
4. [ U ] emphasis
During his speech, he laid particular stress on the freedom of the press.
stress verb EMPHASIZE
1. [ T ] to give emphasis or special importance to something
[ + ( that ) ] He is careful to stress (that) the laboratory's safety standards are
the best in the country.
I'd just like to stress the importance of neatness and politeness in this job.
stress verb PRONOUNCE
2. [ T ] to pronounce a word or syllable with greater force than other words in the
same sentence or other syllables in the same word, or to play a musical note with
greater force than others in a group
In the word 'engine', you should stress the first syllable.
stress verb WORRY
3. [ I ] to feel worried and nervous
Don't stress over it - we'll soon sort it out.
stress sb out phrasal verb [ M ]
to make someone feel very nervous and worried
Interviews always stress me out.
ˌ stressed ( ˈ out) adjective [ after verb ]
worried and nervous
She's been feeling very stressed since she started her new job.
I was really stressed out before the exam.
ˌ stressed ( ˈ out) adjective [ after verb ]
worried and nervous
She's been feeling very stressed since she started her new job.
I was really stressed out before the exam.
stressful adjective
making you feel worried and nervous
a stressful day/job
Police work is physically demanding and stressful.
She's very good at coping in stressful situations .
ˈ stress ˌ management noun [ U ]
when you limit stress and its effects by learning special types of behaviour and
ways of thinking which reduce it
The treatment for people addicted to tranquillizers includes training in stress
management and relaxation techniques.
ˈ stress ˌ mark noun [ C ]
a short vertical line which, when the pronunciation of a word is being shown, is
printed before the syllable that receives the most stress or the second most stress in
the word
Stress marks above the line indicate primary stress, while those below the line
show secondary stress.
ˈ stress ˌ puppy noun [ C ] INFORMAL
someone who seems to be happy and successful when they are under stress , but
complains about it all the time
stressy adjective INFORMAL
1. worried and nervous
He's been stressy all day.
2. making you feel worried and nervous
I've had a very stressy week.
stretch verb REACH
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to cause something to reach, often as far
as possible, in a particular direction
I tripped on a piece of wire that someone had stretched across the path.
She stretched out her hand and helped him from his chair.
2. [ I ] to straighten your body or your arms or legs so that they are as long as
possible, in order to exercise the joints (= place where two bones are connected) after
you have been in the same place or position for a long time
"I'm so tired, " she said, yawning and stretching.
It's a good idea to stretch before you take vigorous exercise.
See picture body positions 1
stretch verb SPREAD
3. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to spread over a large area or distance
A huge cloud of dense smoke stretched across the horizon.
The Andes stretch for 7250 km along the west coast of South America.
Unsettled weather will stretch from the middle Mississippi Valley to the southern
Middle Atlantic States.
The refugee camps stretch as far as the eye can see .
stretch verb GO PAST
4. [ T ] to go as far as or past the usual limit of something
Many families' budgets are already stretched to breaking point .
We can't work any harder, Paul. We're already fully stretched.
This movie really stretches the patience of the audience to the limit .
We don't normally allow in people under 18, but I suppose we could stretch the
rules for you as it's your birthday tomorrow.
stretch verb MAKE LONGER
5. [ I or T ] to (cause a material to) become longer or wider than usual as a result
of pulling at the edges
an exercise to stretch the leg muscles
That elastic band will snap if you stretch it too far.
This substance stretches to any shape you want.
6. [ I ] If a material stretches, it can become longer or wider when pulled and
then return to its original size
stretch fabrics
stretch verb LONG TIME
7. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to spread over a long period of time
The dispute stretches back over many years.
Although we were supposed to finish this month, it looks like the work will stretch
well into next year.
8. [ T ] ( ALSO stretch out ) to make a process or task continue for a longer period
of time than was originally planned
I'd like to stretch my mortgage payments out over a longer period if possible.
stretch verb DO MORE
9. [ T ] If jobs or tasks stretch you, they make you learn new things which use
your skill and experience more than you have done before
My present job doesn't stretch me, so I'm looking for something more demanding.
be stretching it
to be going further than the truth
She's very clever, but it's stretching it a bit to call her a genius.
stretch your legs
to go for a walk, especially after sitting in the same position for a long time
The car journey took three hours, including a couple of stops to stretch our legs.
stretch a point
to make a claim which is not completely true, or to do something which goes
further than what is considered to be reasonable
They claim to be the biggest company in the world, which is stretching a point,
but it's true if you include their subsidiaries.
stretch the length of sth
to be the same length as something, usually something very long
The underground chambers stretch the length of a football pitch.
The mountains stretch the entire length of the country.
stretch the truth
to say something which is not completely honest in order to make someone or
something seem better than it really is
He was accused of stretching the truth about how much he had helped in the
project.
stretch (yourself) out phrasal verb
to lie with your legs and arms spread out in a relaxed way
I just want to get home and stretch out on the sofa.
stretch to sth phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to manage to give or do a particular amount, often a larger amount than you
might expect
"How much money do you want to borrow?" "Could you stretch to £50?"
stretch noun PART
1. [ C usually singular ] a continuous area of land or water
This particular stretch of coast is especially popular with walkers.
Traffic is at a standstill along a five -mile stretch of the M11 just south of
Cambridge.
Some very rare birds inhabit our stretch of the river.
2. [ C usually singular ] a stage in a race, or a part of a racetrack
She looked certain to win as she entered the final stretch.
He fell as he galloped down the home stretch (= towards the finish) .
stretch noun REACH
3. [ C usually singular ] when someone or something stretches
I always have a good stretch when I get up in the morning.
stretch noun GO PAST
4. [ C usually singular ] when something has gone past its usual limits
His thesis may be a stretch, but it's not outside the realm of possibility.
stretch noun MAKE LONGER
5. [ U ] the degree to which a material can be made longer or wider by pulling
This fabric doesn't have much stretch in it, does it?
stretch noun TIME
6. [ C usually singular ] a continuous period of time
The elderly generally need far less rest than the young, and tend to sleep in
several short stretches.
7. [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL a period of time that a criminal spends in prison
Her brother's doing a ten-year stretch for armed robbery.
8. at a stretch MAINLY UK
continuously or without any interruptions
There's no way I could work for ten hours at a stretch.
stretch noun ACTOR
9. [ C usually singular ] when an actor plays a character who is very different
from their own personality
Playing a budding opera star was not much of stretch for this classically trained
singer.
by no stretch of the imagination ( ALSO not by any stretch of the imagination )
used to describe things that are impossible to believe, even with a lot of effort
By no stretch of the imagination could he be seriously described as an artist.
stretcher noun [ C ]
stretcher
a light frame made from two long poles with a cover of soft material stretched
between them, used for carrying people who are ill, injured or dead
She was carried off the track on a stretcher.
stretcher verb [ T ]
stretcher noun [ C ]
stretcher
a light frame made from two long poles with a cover of soft material stretched
between them, used for carrying people who are ill, injured or dead
She was carried off the track on a stretcher.
stretcher verb [ T ]
stretcher-bearer noun [ C ]
someone who carries a stretcher, with another person at its other end, especially
in a war or emergency
ˌ stretch limou ˈ sine noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL stretch limo )
a large expensive car that has been specially made longer to provide extra space
or seats and is used by very rich, famous or important people
stretchmarks plural noun
thin silvery lines or marks on the front or sides of the body of a woman who has
given birth
She's worried about having children because she doesn't want to get stretchmarks
or lose her figure.
stretchy adjective
Stretchy material stretches or can be stretched
stretchy leggings
stretchy material
streusel , noun [ U ] MAINLY US
a mixture made with butter, sugar, flour, spices and sometimes nuts which is put
on the top of some cakes or breads, or a cake made with fruit and this mixture
apple streusel
Be sure to cover the fruit with plenty of streusel.
I'd like a piece of streusel and a cup of coffee, please.
strew verb [ T ]
to spread things untidily over a surface, or to be spread untidily over a surface
They marked the end of the war by strewing flowers over the graves of 18 000
soldiers.
Wine bottles and dirty dishes were strewn across the lawn.
Her clothes lay strewn on the floor.
The park was strewn with litter after the concert.
strewth exclamation AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL AND UK OLD-FASHIONED
used to express surprise or disappointment
Strewth, look at the size of that steak!
striated adjective SPECIALIZED
having long thin lines, marks or strips of colour
The canyon walls were striated with colour.
striated adjective SPECIALIZED
having long thin lines, marks or strips of colour
The canyon walls were striated with colour.
striation noun [ C usually plural ] SPECIALIZED
a long thin line, mark or strip of colour
What has caused the striations in this rock?
stricken adjective LITERARY
suffering severely from the effects of something unpleasant
All the oil from the stricken tanker has now leaked into the sea.
My country has been stricken by war for the past five years.
He has been stricken with grief since the death of his wife.
emergency aid for famine- stricken countries
a poverty- stricken area
strict adjective
1. strongly limiting someone's freedom to behave as they wish, and likely to
severely punish them if they do not obey
My parents were very strict with me when I was young.
Stricter controls on air pollution would help to reduce acid rain.
A strict curfew has been imposed from dusk till dawn.
We follow very strict guidelines on the use and storage of personal details on
computers.
Do you think stricter gun laws would reduce the murder rate in the United
States?
The drug should only be administered under strict medical supervision .
The negotiations took place in strict (= total) secrecy .
See also restrict
2. exactly correct
a strict translation of the text
He would be found guilty under a strict interpretation of the law.
3. describes someone who follows the rules and principles of a belief or way of
living very carefully and exactly, or a belief or principle that is followed very carefully
and exactly
His parents were strict Catholics.
She's a strict vegetarian and refuses to eat any poultry or fish.
4. in a strict sense
in the most limited meaning of a word, phrase, etc.
In a strict sense, frost refers simply to a temperature of zero degrees Celsius or
less.
in the strictest confidence
If you tell someone something in the strictest confidence, you expect them not to
tell it to anyone else.
strictly adverb
1. in a way that would bring severe punishment if not obeyed
The speed limit is strictly enforced on urban roads.
The use of cameras in this museum is strictly forbidden .
2. in a very limited or limiting way
Should I mark this letter to your accountant 'strictly confidential '?
The proposed change in the law would make abortion illegal except for strictly
defined medical reasons.
This unrepeatable offer is only available for a strictly limited period.
3. exactly or correctly
I have acted strictly in accordance with the regulations at all times.
It is essential that the safety procedures are strictly adhered to .
Their salaries are not strictly comparable (= cannot be directly compared)
because of the differences in UK and US tax rates.
Are all these questions strictly (= really) necessary ?
strictly speaking
being completely accurate
Strictly speaking, Great Britain consists of Scotland, Wales and England, and the
United Kingdom consists of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
strictly adverb
1. in a way that would bring severe punishment if not obeyed
The speed limit is strictly enforced on urban roads.
The use of cameras in this museum is strictly forbidden .
2. in a very limited or limiting way
Should I mark this letter to your accountant 'strictly confidential '?
The proposed change in the law would make abortion illegal except for strictly
defined medical reasons.
This unrepeatable offer is only available for a strictly limited period.
3. exactly or correctly
I have acted strictly in accordance with the regulations at all times.
It is essential that the safety procedures are strictly adhered to .
Their salaries are not strictly comparable (= cannot be directly compared)
because of the differences in UK and US tax rates.
Are all these questions strictly (= really) necessary ?
strictly speaking
being completely accurate
Strictly speaking, Great Britain consists of Scotland, Wales and England, and the
United Kingdom consists of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
strictness noun [ U ]
when someone or something limits someone's freedom very much
the increased strictness of the immigration rules
stricture noun [ C ] FORMAL CRITICISM
1. a statement of severe criticism or disapproval
The strictures of the United Nations have failed to have any effect on the warring
factions.
stricture noun [ C ] FORMAL LIMIT
2. a severe moral or physical limit
religious/financial strictures
the Taliban's strictures on women's rights and education
stride noun DEVELOPMENT
1. [ C ] an important positive development
The West made impressive strides in improving energy efficiency after the huge
rises in oil prices during the seventies.
The group has made strides to expand internationally.
stride noun STEP
2. [ C ] a long step when walking or running
She attributes her record-breaking speed to the length of her stride.
stride noun CLOTHES
3. strides AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
trousers
a new pair of strides
get into your stride MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY hit your stride )
to become familiar with and confident at something you have recently started
doing
Let's wait until she's got into her stride before we ask her to negotiate that
contract.
not break your stride
to not stop walking or running at the same speed
Without pausing for breath or breaking her stride, she pushed open the door of
his private office.
put sb off their stride/stroke MAINLY UK
to take someone's attention away from something they are doing for a short time,
making it more difficult to do
The slightest noise puts him off his stride when he's performing.
take sth in your stride UK ( US take sth in stride )
to deal with a problem or difficulty calmly and not to allow it to influence what you
are doing
When you become a politician, you soon learn to take criticism in your stride.
stride verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to walk somewhere quickly with long steps
She strode purposefully up to the desk and demanded to speak to the manager.
He strode across/into/out of the room.
strident adjective LOUD
1. describes a sound which is loud, unpleasant and rough
People are put off by his strident voice.
strident adjective FORCEFUL
2. expressing or expressed in forceful language which does not try to avoid
upsetting other people
a strident newspaper article
They are becoming increasingly strident in their criticism of government economic
policy.
stridency noun [ U ]
As the situation becomes more desperate, there is a growing stridency in the
appeals for aid.
stridently adverb
She has always stridently denied the accusations against her.
He is stridently opposed to abortion.
strident adjective LOUD
1. describes a sound which is loud, unpleasant and rough
People are put off by his strident voice.
strident adjective FORCEFUL
2. expressing or expressed in forceful language which does not try to avoid
upsetting other people
a strident newspaper article
They are becoming increasingly strident in their criticism of government economic
policy.
stridency noun [ U ]
As the situation becomes more desperate, there is a growing stridency in the
appeals for aid.
stridently adverb
She has always stridently denied the accusations against her.
He is stridently opposed to abortion.
ˈ stride ˌ piano noun [ U ]
a style of jazz piano playing in which the right hand plays the tune while the left
hand repeatedly plays a single note and then a chord (= group of notes)
strife noun [ U ] FORMAL
violent or angry disagreement
What are the prospects for overcoming the strife between the Christian minority
and Muslim majority?
Twenty years of civil strife have left the country's economy in ruins.
strike verb STOP WORK
1. [ I ] to refuse to continue working because of an argument with an employer
about working conditions, pay levels or job losses
Democratization has brought workers the right to strike and join a trade union.
We're striking for a reduction in the working week and improved safety
standards.
strike verb CAUSE SUFFERING
2. [ I or T ] to cause a person or place to suffer severely from the effects of
something very unpleasant that happens suddenly
I've got a life insurance policy that will look after my family if disaster strikes.
The disease has struck the whole community, sometimes wiping out whole
families.
They predict that a large earthquake will strike the east coast before the end of
the decade.
strike verb HIT
3. [ I or T ] to hit or attack someone or something forcefully or violently
Her car went out of control and struck an oncoming vehicle.
The police have warned the public that the killer could strike again.
The autopsy revealed that his murderer had struck him on the head with an iron
bar.
Have you ever been struck by lightning?
My golf was terrible today - I just didn't strike the ball well.
4. [ I or T ] When a clock strikes, its bells ring to show what the time is
The clock was striking ten as we went into the church.
5. [ I ] When a particular time strikes, a clock's bells ring to tell people what time
it is
Midnight had just struck when I went upstairs to bed.
6. [ T ] If you strike a match, you cause it to burn by rubbing it against a hard
rough surface
She struck a match and lit another cigarette.
He lent down and struck a match on the sole of his boot.
strike verb REMOVE
7. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] FORMAL to remove something officially from
a document
Please strike my name from your mailing list immediately.
Several unreliable dealers have been struck off our list of authorized suppliers.
8. strike camp
to take down your tents in preparation for leaving the place where you have been
camping
We woke up late and it was ten o'clock before we struck camp.
strike verb DISCOVER
9. [ T ] to discover a supply of oil, gas or gold underground
The first person to strike oil in the US was Edwin Laurentine Drake.
strike verb AGREE
10. [ T ] to reach or make an agreement
Do you think the government should try to strike a deal with the terrorists?
strike verb FEEL/THINK
11. [ T ] to cause someone to have a feeling or idea about something
Doesn't it strike you as rather odd that he never talks about his family?
I was immediately struck by the similarities between the two murders.
So how does my proposition strike you (= What do you think of it) ?
[ + ( that ) ] It strikes me (that) you'd be better off working for someone else.
12. [ T ] If a thought or idea strikes you, you suddenly think of it
[ + that ] It 's just struck me that I still owe you for the concert tickets.
Sitting at her desk, she was struck by the thought that there must be something
more to life.
strike verb MOVE BODY
13. strike a pose/attitude FORMAL
to move your body into a particular position
She may be 67, but Joan Collins can still strike a sexy pose.
Bainbridge pulled up his sagging trousers and struck the pose of a fearless sea
captain.
strike verb MAKE COINS
14. [ T ] to make a metal disc-shaped object such as a coin with a machine that
quickly presses a picture into a piece of metal
When was the first pound coin struck?
A special medal has been struck to celebrate the end of the war.
be struck dumb
to be so surprised by something that you cannot say anything
We were struck dumb when she announced she was pregnant.
strike a balance
If you strike a balance between two things, you accept parts of both things in
order to satisfy some of the demands of both sides in an argument, rather than all the
demands of just one side
It's a question of striking the right balance between quality and productivity.
strike a blow against/at sth
to do something which harms something severely
Her resignation has struck a blow against the company's plans for expansion.
strike a blow for sth
to do something which supports or defends something
The judge's ruling has struck a blow for racial equality.
strike a chord
1. If something strikes a chord, it causes people to approve of it or agree with it
The party's policy on childcare facilities has struck a responsive chord with
women voters.
Her speech struck a sympathetic chord among business leaders.
2. If something strikes a chord, it causes people to remember something else
because it is similar to it.
strike a note
to express and communicate a particular opinion or feeling about something
I find it really difficult to strike the right note when I'm writing job applications.
At the end of her speech, she struck a note of warning about the risks involved in
the project.
strike at the heart of sth
to damage something severely by attacking the most important part of it
By its nature, terrorism is designed to strike at the heart of our democratic
values.
strike attitudes
to speak or act in ways that make it very clear what you want others to think you
believe or support
Some politicians prefer to strike attitudes on the world stage rather than deal with
problems in their own countries.
strike fear/terror into sb
to make someone extremely frightened
The brutal military regime has struck terror into the whole population.
strike gold LITERARY
1. to win a gold medal in a sports competition
She is the favourite to strike gold in the 400 metres hurdles.
2. to make large profits or to become rich
A few lucky people have struck gold by investing in this company.
strike home
to hit the intended place or have the intended effect
The laser guidance system dramatically increases the likelihood that the missile
will strike home.
The government's message about the dangers of smoking seems to have struck
home.
strike it lucky ( UK ALSO strike lucky )
to suddenly have a lot of unexpected luck
What would you do if you struck it lucky in the national lottery?
strike it rich
to become rich suddenly and unexpectedly
His father struck it rich in the diamond business.
strike while the iron is hot
to take advantage of an opportunity as soon as it exists, in case the opportunity
goes away and does not return
He doesn't often make such offers - I'd strike while the iron is hot if I were you.
within striking distance
1. near
We live within striking distance of both Baltimore and Washington.
2. very near to getting or achieving something
His victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix puts him within striking distance of the
world championship.
strike back phrasal verb
to attack someone who has attacked you
strike sb down phrasal verb [ M often passive ]
If someone is struck down, they die suddenly or start to suffer from a serious
illness
It's a tragedy that these young people were struck down in their prime.
He was struck down by polio when he was a teenager.
strike sth down phrasal verb [ M ] US LEGAL
to rule that a law is illegal and should not be obeyed
The courts struck down local segregation laws because they violated the federal
constitution.
strike sb off (sth) phrasal verb [ M ] UK
If someone with a responsible job such as a doctor or lawyer is struck off, they
are officially not allowed to continue in that work because they have done something
seriously wrong.
A solicitor who insulted two officials from the Law Society was struck off for
abusive behaviour.
strike on/upon sth phrasal verb
to discover or think of something
She struck on the idea for her novel while she was travelling in Russia.
strike out (somewhere) phrasal verb
to start on a long or difficult journey in a determined way
In heavy rain, we struck out across the field.
She struck out for the opposite bank.
strike out phrasal verb START
1. to start doing something new, independently of other people
After working for her father for ten years, she felt it was time to strike out on her
own .
strike out phrasal verb FAIL
2. US INFORMAL to be unsuccessful
I really struck out with her - she wouldn't even kiss me goodnight.
strike (sb) out phrasal verb [ M ]
to fail three times to hit the ball successfully in baseball and therefore to lose one
of your team's chances to score, or to cause someone to do this
The pitcher struck out both batters in the ninth inning and saved the game.
strike sth out/through phrasal verb [ M ]
to draw a line through text in a document to show that it does not relate to you or
is not correct
Please strike out whichever option does not apply to you.
strike up (sth) phrasal verb
to start to play or sing something
When the applause had died down, a regimental band struck up the national
anthem.
strike up sth phrasal verb
to start a relationship or conversation with someone
He gets really jealous if his girlfriend strikes up a friendship with another man.
It can be difficult to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.
strike noun [ C ] STOP WORK
1. when workers refuse to continue working because of an argument with an
employer about working conditions, pay levels or job losses
After last year's long and bitter strike, few people want further industrial action.
Most of the workers have ignored their union's call for strike action .
Some miners are calling for a nationwide strike in support of their sacked
colleagues.
They have voted to stage lightning/wildcat (= sudden and short) strikes in
pursuit of their demands.
We've voted to stage a series of one-day strikes.
A wave of strikes swept the country.
The result of the strike ballot will be known tomorrow morning.
2. on strike ( UK ALSO out on strike )
taking part in a strike
The city's bus drivers have been on strike for three weeks.
3. go on strike
to start to strike
All 2 500 employees went on strike in protest at the decision to close the factory.
strike noun [ C ] HIT
4. when something hits or attacks with force
Lightning conductors protect buildings and tall structures from lightning strikes.
See also strike force
5. a sudden short military attack, especially one by aircraft or missiles
The United Nations has authorized the use of air strikes.
The violence is unlikely to stop without military strikes against terrorist bases.
Would you support a nuclear strike to bring an end to a war?
We have no intention of launching a pre-emptive strike, but we will retaliate if
provoked.
strike noun [ C ] DISCOVERY
6. when a valuable substance is discovered underground
The population and settlement of Colorado expanded after the gold strike of
1858.
strike noun [ C ] FAILURE
7. Iin baseball) a ball that has been thrown by the pitcher and not been hit
successfully when it should have been
A batter is out after three strikes.
8. US a failure, mistake or disadvantage
California's "three strikes and you're out" bill means that from now on criminals
found guilty of three crimes are jailed for life.
One strike against him as a candidate is his perceived lack of charisma.
strikebound adjective
describes a place that is closed or unable to operate because the people employed
there are refusing to work
The factory has been strikebound for two months because of a pay dispute.
strikebound adjective
describes a place that is closed or unable to operate because the people employed
there are refusing to work
The factory has been strikebound for two months because of a pay dispute.
strikebreaker noun [ C ]
someone who continues working during a strike or who takes the job of a worker
who is involved in a strike
Many strikebreakers were subjected to verbal and physical attacks.
strikebreaking noun [ U ]
ˈ strike ˌ force noun [ C ]
a group of people, especially soldiers or police officers, who are organized and
trained to take strong sudden action to stop something harmful or unpleasant from
continuing
We need a multinational strike force to combat drug trafficking.
strikeout noun [ C ]
(in baseball) the act of failing three times to hit the ball, or of making a batter (=
person trying to hit the ball) do this
He averaged 14 strikeouts per game last season.
ˈ strike ˌ pay noun [ U ]
money that is paid to people involved in a strike by their union from a sum of
money saved specially for this purpose
striker noun [ C ] STOP WORK
1. someone who is involved in a strike
Many people sympathize with the strikers.
striker noun [ C ] SPORT
2. a player in a game such as football whose main purpose is to try to score goals
rather than to prevent the opposing team from scoring
The club's new manager is a former England striker.
The 24-year-old striker scored 35 goals for Newcastle United last season.
striking adjective
1. very unusual or easily noticed, and therefore attracting a lot of attention
She bears a striking resemblance to her mother.
There's a striking contrast between what he does and what he says he does.
St Peter's Church is a striking example of mission revival architecture.
There are striking similarities between the two cases.
Their production of Macbeth was the most visually striking performance I've ever
seen.
2. more attractive than usual
He's quite good-looking, but he's not as striking as his brother.
strikingly adverb
Her latest novel is strikingly different from her earlier work.
They gave a strikingly original performance of the play.
Her husband is strikingly handsome .
Strimmer noun [ C ] UK TRADEMARK ( US TRADEMARK Weed whacker )
an electric or mechanical tool that is held in the hand and is used for cutting grass
in places that are difficult to reach with a larger machine
strine noun [ U ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
Australian English, or the way that Australians pronounce English words
string noun ROPE
1. [ C or U ] (a piece of) strong thin rope which is made by twisting very thin
threads together and which is used for fastening and tying things
a parcel tied with string
a ball/piece of string
When you pull the strings, the puppet's arms and legs move.
2. [ C ] a set of objects joined together in a row on a single rope or thread
a string of beads/pearls
A string of onions hung from a beam in the kitchen.
string noun SERIES
3. [ C ] a series of related things or events
What do you think of the recent string of political scandals?
He had a string of top-twenty hits during the eighties.
string noun MUSIC
4. [ C ] a thin wire which is stretched across a musical instrument and is used to
produce a range of notes which depend on its thickness, length and tightness
A violin has four strings.
Guitar strings nowadays are made from steel or nylon.
You can pluck the strings on a guitar with your fingers or a plectrum.
a twelve-string guitar
See picture music (strings)
5. the strings
the group of instruments which have strings which you pull or hit with your
fingers or rub with a bow to produce sound, or the players in a musical group who play
these instruments
I prefer his compositions for the strings.
He played the cello and joined the strings in the school orchestra.
string noun SPORT
6. [ C ] one of the thin plastic strings which are stretched between the sides of
the frame of a racket used in sport
string noun COMPUTING
7. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a usually short piece of text consisting of letters, numbers or
symbols which is used in computer processes such as searching through large amounts
of information
If you type in the search string 'ing', the computer will find all the words
containing 'ing'.
have another/more than one string to your bow
to have another interest or skill which you can use if your main one cannot be
used
I enjoy my work, but I'd like to have another string to my bow in case I lose my
job.
strings attached
If something such as an agreement has strings attached, it involves special
demands or limits
Most of these so-called special offers come with strings attached.
The bank's agreed to lend me £1000, no strings attached.
string adjective
consisting of or relating to the strings
the string section
a string quartet
See also stringed instrument
string verb [ T ] MUSIC
1. to put strings on a musical instrument
First you need to learn how to string and tune your guitar.
string verb [ T ] SPORT
2. to put new strings onto a racket used in sport
You ought to have your racket re-strung before the competition.
string verb [ T ] SET
3. to put a string through a number of objects
Would you help me string these beads?
string sb along phrasal verb [ M ]
to deceive someone for a long time about what you are really intending to do
She's been promising to pay back the money for six months, but I reckon she's
just stringing me along.
He strung her along for years, saying he'd marry her and divorce his wife.
string sth out phrasal verb GROUP
1. If a group of similar things or people are strung out, they are in a long line with
spaces between each of them
Most of Canada's population is strung out along its 5525-mile border with the
United States.
The geese were strung out along the river bank.
string sth out phrasal verb ACTIVITY
2. [ M ] to make an activity last longer than necessary
I think the lawyer's just stringing out the case so that he'll earn more money.
string sth together phrasal verb [ M ]
If you string words or sentences together, you manage to say something that
other people can understand
People tend to be very impressed if you can string together a couple of sentences
in Japanese.
string sb up phrasal verb
1. [ M ] INFORMAL to kill someone by hanging them by the neck from a rope,
usually as a punishment for a crime
He reckons they're too soft on mass murderers and says they ought to be strung
up.
2. INFORMAL to punish someone severely
He ought to be strung up for what he said about his mother.
string sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to tie or fix the ends of a long thin object to two points that are high up, allowing
the rest of it to hang freely
Let's string up a banner in the garden to welcome him home.
ˌ string ˈ bag noun [ C ]
a shopping bag which is made of pieces of string tied together with spaces
between each piece
I don't know how he manages to get all his shopping into one string bag.
strine noun [ U ] AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL
Australian English, or the way that Australians pronounce English words
string noun ROPE
1. [ C or U ] (a piece of) strong thin rope which is made by twisting very thin
threads together and which is used for fastening and tying things
a parcel tied with string
a ball/piece of string
When you pull the strings, the puppet's arms and legs move.
2. [ C ] a set of objects joined together in a row on a single rope or thread
a string of beads/pearls
A string of onions hung from a beam in the kitchen.
string noun SERIES
3. [ C ] a series of related things or events
What do you think of the recent string of political scandals?
He had a string of top-twenty hits during the eighties.
string noun MUSIC
4. [ C ] a thin wire which is stretched across a musical instrument and is used to
produce a range of notes which depend on its thickness, length and tightness
A violin has four strings.
Guitar strings nowadays are made from steel or nylon.
You can pluck the strings on a guitar with your fingers or a plectrum.
a twelve-string guitar
See picture music (strings)
5. the strings
the group of instruments which have strings which you pull or hit with your
fingers or rub with a bow to produce sound, or the players in a musical group who play
these instruments
I prefer his compositions for the strings.
He played the cello and joined the strings in the school orchestra.
string noun SPORT
6. [ C ] one of the thin plastic strings which are stretched between the sides of
the frame of a racket used in sport
string noun COMPUTING
7. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a usually short piece of text consisting of letters, numbers or
symbols which is used in computer processes such as searching through large amounts
of information
If you type in the search string 'ing', the computer will find all the words
containing 'ing'.
have another/more than one string to your bow
to have another interest or skill which you can use if your main one cannot be
used
I enjoy my work, but I'd like to have another string to my bow in case I lose my
job.
strings attached
If something such as an agreement has strings attached, it involves special
demands or limits
Most of these so-called special offers come with strings attached.
The bank's agreed to lend me £1000, no strings attached.
string adjective
consisting of or relating to the strings
the string section
a string quartet
See also stringed instrument
string verb [ T ] MUSIC
1. to put strings on a musical instrument
First you need to learn how to string and tune your guitar.
string verb [ T ] SPORT
2. to put new strings onto a racket used in sport
You ought to have your racket re-strung before the competition.
string verb [ T ] SET
3. to put a string through a number of objects
Would you help me string these beads?
string sb along phrasal verb [ M ]
to deceive someone for a long time about what you are really intending to do
She's been promising to pay back the money for six months, but I reckon she's
just stringing me along.
He strung her along for years, saying he'd marry her and divorce his wife.
string sth out phrasal verb GROUP
1. If a group of similar things or people are strung out, they are in a long line with
spaces between each of them
Most of Canada's population is strung out along its 5525-mile border with the
United States.
The geese were strung out along the river bank.
string sth out phrasal verb ACTIVITY
2. [ M ] to make an activity last longer than necessary
I think the lawyer's just stringing out the case so that he'll earn more money.
string sth together phrasal verb [ M ]
If you string words or sentences together, you manage to say something that
other people can understand
People tend to be very impressed if you can string together a couple of sentences
in Japanese.
string sb up phrasal verb
1. [ M ] INFORMAL to kill someone by hanging them by the neck from a rope,
usually as a punishment for a crime
He reckons they're too soft on mass murderers and says they ought to be strung
up.
2. INFORMAL to punish someone severely
He ought to be strung up for what he said about his mother.
string sth up phrasal verb [ M ]
to tie or fix the ends of a long thin object to two points that are high up, allowing
the rest of it to hang freely
Let's string up a banner in the garden to welcome him home.
ˌ string ˈ bag noun [ C ]
a shopping bag which is made of pieces of string tied together with spaces
between each piece
I don't know how he manages to get all his shopping into one string bag.
ˌ string ˈ bean noun [ C ]
US FOR runner bean
stringed instrument noun [ C ] ( ALSO string instrument )
a musical instrument with a set of strings which vibrate to produce sound when
they are pulled, hit or rubbed with a bow
Guitars, pianos and cellos are different types of stringed instrument.
stringent adjective SEVERE
1. having a very severe effect, or being extremely limiting
The most stringent laws in the world are useless unless there is the will to
enforce them.
We need to introduce more stringent security measures such as identity cards.
Stringent safety regulations were introduced after the accident.
stringent adjective LIMITING MONEY
2. SPECIALIZED involving not enough money being available for borrowing as a
result of firm controls on the amount of money in an economy
Already low living standards have been worsened by stringent economic reforms.
stringency noun [ U ]
The stringency of the safety regulations threatens to put many manufacturers out
of business.
Greater financial stringency is needed to eradicate inflation from the economy.
stringently adverb
Fire regulations are stringently enforced in all our factories.
ˈ string ˌ instrument noun [ C ]
a stringed instrument
ˌ string quar ˈ tet noun [ C ]
1. a group of four instruments with strings that play together
A string quartet consists of two violins, a viola and a cello.
2. a piece of music written for such a group
Joseph Haydn's works include 104 symphonies and 84 string quartets.
ˈ string ˌ theory noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a theory in physics which says that the most basic pieces of matter are extremely
small lines or circles rather than points
stringy adjective
similar to string
These beans are rather stringy (= hard and difficult to chew) .
stringy-bark noun [ U ] AUSTRALIAN
any of various types of eucalyptus tree that have a hard outer covering like string
strip verb REMOVE COVER
1. [ T ] to remove, pull or tear the covering or outer layer from something
Because of the pollution, the trees are almost completely stripped of bark.
The paintwork was so bad that we decided to strip off all the paint and start
again.
[ + adjective ] During the summer months, the sheep strip the mountains bare .
strip verb REMOVE CLOTHING
2. [ I or T ] ( UK ALSO strip off ) to remove your clothing, or to remove all the
clothing of someone else
UK Suddenly he stripped off and ran into the sea.
It was so hot that we stripped off our shirts.
[ + adjective ] He was interrogated, stripped naked and then beaten.
strip verb REMOVE PARTS
3. [ T ] to remove parts of a machine, vehicle or engine in order to clean or repair
it
I've decided to strip down my motorbike and rebuild it.
4. [ T ] MAINLY US to remove the parts of a car, etc. in order to sell them
strip sth away phrasal verb [ M ]
to gradually reduce something important or something that has existed for a long
time
Stripping away all the waffle, he said that no Conservative government would let
Britain be drawn into a European superstate.
strip (down) to sth phrasal verb
to remove everything except for a particular piece of clothing or above a
particular part of the body
I had to strip down to my underwear for my medical examination.
He was stripped to the waist.
strip sb of sth phrasal verb
to take something important, such as a title, away from someone as a
punishment
He was stripped of his knighthood after he was convicted of stealing from the
company.
strip noun PIECE
1. [ C ] a long flat narrow piece
a narrow strip of land
He didn't have a bandage, so he ripped up his shirt into thin strips.
Protect the magnetic strip on your credit card from scratches, heat, damp or
other damage.
strip noun CLOTHING
2. [ C usually singular ] UK the clothing worn by a football team which has the
team's colours on it
The team will be wearing its new strip at next Saturday's match.
strip noun REMOVE CLOTHING
3. [ S ] an entertainment in which the performer removes all his or her clothing
He jumped up on the table and started to do a strip.
again.
it
time
punishment
company.
strip noun PIECE
other damage.
strip noun CLOTHING
ˈ strip ˌ cartoon noun [ C ] UK
comic strip
ˈ strip ˌ club noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL strip joint )
A strip club or strip joint is a bar where the main entertainment is performers
removing their clothes while dancing to music
The city is notorious for its red light district and strip clubs.
She worked in a strip joint before she became a model.
stripe noun [ C ] COLOURED STRIP
1. a strip on the surface of something which is a different colour from the
surrounding surface
The zebra is a wild African horse with black and white stripes.
See picture stripe
stripe noun [ C ] ON UNIFORM
2. ( US ALSO bar ) a strip of material that is sewn onto the arm of a military
uniform to show the rank of the person wearing it
By the age of 25 he'd already got his third stripe and become a sergeant.
See picture bar
of every stripe FORMAL
of all types
Governments of every stripe (= of all political opinions) have a bad habit of
interfering in state broadcasting.
striped adjective
Something that is striped has stripes on it
green and white striped pyjamas
Do you prefer plain or striped shirts ?
ˈ strip ˌ light noun [ C ] UK ( US fluorescent light )
a fluorescent electric light in the form of a thin glass tube, often with a plastic
cover
ˈ strip ˌ lighting noun [ U ] UK ( US fluorescent lighting )
one or more strip lights
Strip lighting is very effective in offices, but it's too bright for the home.
again.
it
time
punishment
company.
strip noun PIECE
other damage.
strip noun CLOTHING
ˈ strip ˌ cartoon noun [ C ] UK
comic strip
ˈ strip ˌ club noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL strip joint )
A strip club or strip joint is a bar where the main entertainment is performers
removing their clothes while dancing to music
The city is notorious for its red light district and strip clubs.
She worked in a strip joint before she became a model.
stripe noun [ C ] COLOURED STRIP
1. a strip on the surface of something which is a different colour from the
surrounding surface
The zebra is a wild African horse with black and white stripes.
See picture stripe
stripe noun [ C ] ON UNIFORM
2. ( US ALSO bar ) a strip of material that is sewn onto the arm of a military
uniform to show the rank of the person wearing it
By the age of 25 he'd already got his third stripe and become a sergeant.
See picture bar
of every stripe FORMAL
of all types
Governments of every stripe (= of all political opinions) have a bad habit of
interfering in state broadcasting.
striped adjective
Something that is striped has stripes on it
green and white striped pyjamas
Do you prefer plain or striped shirts ?
ˈ strip ˌ light noun [ C ] UK ( US fluorescent light )
a fluorescent electric light in the form of a thin glass tube, often with a plastic
cover
ˈ strip ˌ lighting noun [ U ] UK ( US fluorescent lighting )
one or more strip lights
Strip lighting is very effective in offices, but it's too bright for the home.
ˈ strip ˌ mining noun [ U ] US
a method of removing substances such as coal from the ground, which involves
removing the top layer of soil instead of digging deep holes underground
strippagram , strippergram noun [ C ] UK
a surprise visit on a special occasion from a person who is paid to remove most or
all of their clothes before giving someone a message from their friends or relations
They'd arranged a strippagram for Nigel's leaving party.
stripped-down adjective
Something that is stripped-down has been reduced to its simplest form
I think the stripped-down version of your proposal has more chance of being
accepted.
stripper noun REMOVE COVERING
1. [ C or U ] a liquid chemical or an electric tool that is used for removing things
such as paint
a can of paint stripper
My new wallpaper stripper uses high-pressure steam to lift off the paper.
stripper noun REMOVE CLOTHING
2. [ C ] someone whose job is removing all their clothing to entertain other people
We organized a male stripper for her 50th birthday party.
ˌ strip ˈ poker noun [ U ]
a card game in which players remove a piece of clothing each time they lose
strip-search noun [ C ]
the removal of the clothes of a prisoner, or someone thought to have committed a
crime, by a police officer or government official in order to find any illegal things, such
as drugs, hidden in their clothing or on their body
strip-search verb [ T ]
We were stopped by customs officers at the airport and strip-searched for no
apparent reason.
striptease , noun [ C or U ]
a form of entertainment in which a performer, usually a woman, takes off their
clothes in a way which is sexually exciting to the people who are watching
I'm not the sort of person who'd do a striptease.
a striptease club/artist
stripy , stripey adjective
with stripes or a pattern of stripes
stripy shirts
strive verb [ I ]
to try very hard to do something or to make something happen, especially for a
long time or against difficulties
[ + to infinitive ] Mr Roe has kindled expectations that he must now strive to live
up to.
In her writing she strove for a balance between innovation and familiar prose
forms.
strobe (light) noun [ C ]
a light which quickly flashes on and off
The strobes and loud music in the club made her want to dance.
strode verb
PAST SIMPLE OF stride (WALK) .
strode verb
PAST SIMPLE OF stride (WALK) .
stroke noun ILLNESS
1. [ C ] a sudden change in the blood supply to a part of the brain, which can
cause a loss of the ability to move particular parts of the body
She suffered/had a stroke which left her unable to speak.
stroke noun MARK
2. [ C ] (a line or mark made by) a movement of a pen or pencil when writing or a
brush when painting
a brush stroke
With a few bold strokes, she signed her name.
3. [ C ] UK used in spoken English to mean an oblique or slash in punctuation
Please complete form D7/8 (= 'D seven stroke eight') .
stroke noun HIT
4. [ C ] an act of hitting a ball when playing a sport
She returned the volley with a powerful stroke to win the game.
5. [ C ] SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED an act of hitting someone with a weapon
The punishment was twenty strokes of the lash.
stroke noun SWIMMING
6. [ C ] (a particular movement which is usually repeated in) a method of
swimming
What's your best stroke when you're swimming?
See also backstroke ; breaststroke ; sidestroke
stroke noun EVENT
7. a stroke of luck/genius, etc.
when something happens or succeeds suddenly by luck, intelligence, etc
By a stroke of luck, someone else was walking along the path and heard my
shouts for help.
stroke noun WORK
8. [ S ] INFORMAL a small amount of work
She's been gossiping and hasn't done a stroke (of work) all morning.
stroke noun ACTION
9. [ C ] a quick forceful action
Ending negotiations was seen as a bold stroke by many commentators.
By computerizing we could, at a (single)/in one stroke, improve efficiency and
reduce costs.
stroke noun CLOCK SOUND
10. [ C ] one of the sounds which some clocks make at particular times, especially
by ringing a bell once for each number of the hour
How many strokes did you count?
stroke noun TOUCH
11. [ C ] an act of moving your hand, another part of the body or an object gently
over something or someone, usually repeatedly and for pleasure
Don't be frightened, just give the horse a stroke.
at the stroke of a pen
describes something that is done quickly and easily by someone, as if they were
writing their name on a piece of paper
Politicians know they cannot create a lawful society simply at the stroke of a pen.
at/on the stroke of sth
exactly at a particular time
Fireworks started at the stroke of ten.
stroke verb [ T ] TOUCH
1. to move a hand, another part of the body or an object gently over something
or someone, usually repeatedly and for pleasure
Stroke the dog if you like, it won't bite.
She lovingly stroked Chris's face with the tips of her fingers.
stroke verb [ T ] HIT
2. to hit a ball
The batsman stroked the ball effortlessly to the boundary.
stroll verb [ I ]
to walk in a slow relaxed manner, especially for pleasure
We could stroll into town if you like.
stroll noun [ C ]
The whole family was enjoying a leisurely stroll in the sunshine.
stroll verb [ I ]
to walk in a slow relaxed manner, especially for pleasure
We could stroll into town if you like.
stroll noun [ C ]
The whole family was enjoying a leisurely stroll in the sunshine.
stroller noun [ C ]
1. someone who strolls
2. MAINLY US FOR pushchair
strong adjective NOT WEAK
1. powerful; having or using great force or control
She must be very strong to carry such a weight on her back.
It is surely the duty of the stronger members in a society to help those who are
weak.
My grandmother had a strong influence/effect on my early childhood.
Strong winds are forecast in the area for the next few days.
It's surprising what strong memories a photograph can produce.
Get Carl to lift it - he's as strong as an ox (= very strong) .
2. effective; of a good quality or level and likely to be successful
We will need strong policies if our economic problems are to be solved.
I can give you stronger pain-killing drugs if these aren't strong enough.
Strong trading links exist between us and many South American countries.
3. clever or good at doing things
Without a doubt, she's the strongest candidate we've interviewed for the post.
As a guitarist, he's strong on (= good at) technique but perhaps lacks feeling in
some pieces.
strong adjective DETERMINED
4. difficult to argue with; firm and determined
She has strong opinions about religion.
He has a strong personality , but don't let him bully you.
Most of the group have strong views on the subject of divorce.
strong adjective NOTICEABLE
5. If a taste, smell, etc. is strong, it is very noticeable or powerful
A strong light was shining straight in my eyes.
There's a really strong smell of bleach in the corridor.
I don't like coffee/tea if it's too strong.
The room was decorated in very strong colours.
What a strong likeness there is between the brothers.
strong adjective DIFFICULT TO BREAK
6. difficult to break, destroy or make ill, or able to support a heavy weight or force
a strong box/chair
The window is made from very strong glass - it won't shatter.
He's never been very strong, and I'm afraid all the excitement was too much for
him.
He had such a strong will to live - he simply refused to die.
See also strength
strong adjective LIKELY
7. very likely to happen
There's a strong possibility/likelihood of finding the child within the next few
hours.
The treatment's chances of success are stronger if it is started as soon as the
disease is diagnosed.
strong adjective IN NUMBER
8. [ after noun ] having the stated number of people, members, etc.
Our social club is currently about eighty strong.
See also strength
strong adjective CHEMISTRY
9. SPECIALIZED describes an acid, alkali or chemical base that produces many ions
(= atoms with an electrical charge) when it is dissolved in water
be going strong
to continue to exist and be successful or work well, after a long period
After two hundred years, the town's theatre is still going strong.
His father is still going strong (= is alive and well) at 94.
strong nerves ( ALSO a strong stomach )
an ability to not be upset by unpleasant things
You need a strong stomach to work in the accident department.
strong adverb INFORMAL
come on strong
to behave in a way which makes it clear that you are sexually interested in a
particular person, or to behave towards another person in a way which many people
think is too severe
He's always coming on strong to me - I wish he'd stop.
You came on too strong then - she didn't do it deliberately.
strong-arm adjective DISAPPROVING
a strong-arm tactic/method
a method or a type of behaviour that involves using force and threats to make
people do what you demand
Police resorted to strong-arm tactics to break up the protest outside Cape Town's
castle.
strong-arm adjective DISAPPROVING
a strong-arm tactic/method
a method or a type of behaviour that involves using force and threats to make
people do what you demand
Police resorted to strong-arm tactics to break up the protest outside Cape Town's
castle.
strong-box noun [ C ] MAINLY US
a specially made box which is fastened with a lock and is very difficult to break,
used to keep valuable objects safe
stronghold noun [ C ]
1. a building or position which is strongly defended
a rebel stronghold
They captured the last stronghold of the presidential guard.
2. a place or area where a particular belief or activity is common
Rural areas have been traditionally thought of as a stronghold of old-fashioned
attitudes.
ˌ strong ˈ language noun [ U ]
speech which states ideas forcefully and often contains swearing
strongly adverb NOT WEAK
1. very much or in a very serious way
They strongly believe their children should make choices for themselves.
Many locals are strongly opposed to the development.
strongly adverb DIFFICULT TO BREAK
2. in a way or form that is difficult to break
Equipment will have to be strongly made to endure the weather conditions on the
ice cap.
strongman noun [ C ]
1. a man who is employed or famous for his great physical strength
If she talks to the police, Joey's strongmen will be paying her a visit.
2. LITERARY a person who is very powerful and able to cause change, especially of a
political type
Haitian strongman Duvalier could feel his power slipping away.
strong-minded adjective
If someone is strong-minded, they are determined and unwilling to change their
opinions and beliefs
You'll have to be strong-minded if you're going to push the changes through.
ˈ strong ˌ point noun [ C ] MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US strong suit )
a particular skill or ability which a person has
Tact is not her strong point, judging by the way she behaved.
ˈ strong ˌ point noun [ C ] MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US strong suit )
a particular skill or ability which a person has
Tact is not her strong point, judging by the way she behaved.
strongroom , noun [ C ]
a special room with strong walls and a strong door where valuable things can be
kept safe
the bank's strongroom
strong-willed adjective
If you are strong-willed, you are determined to behave in a particular way
although there might be good reasons for not doing so
She's very strong-willed and if she's decided to leave school, nothing will stop her.
strontium noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a soft metallic silvery-white chemical element that burns easily with a bright red
flame, used in fireworks and some colour televisions
strop noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
a bad mood, especially one in which a person will not do what they are asked and
is unpleasant to other people
Don't go in unless you have to - she's in a (real) strop.
have a strop on
INFORMAL to be in a bad mood
Why have you got such a strop on - what's happened?
stroppy adjective UK INFORMAL
angry and unpleasant or rude to other people
a stroppy teenager
It's no use getting stroppy - I said no and I meant it!
stroppily adverb
stroppiness noun [ U ]
strove verb
PAST SIMPLE OF strive
struck verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF strike
struck verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF strike
structural adjective ARRANGEMENT
1. relating to the way in which parts of a system or object are arranged
The political reforms have led to major structural changes in the economy.
structural adjective BUILDING
2. relating to the structure of a building or similar object
Hundreds of houses in the typhoon's path suffered structural damage .
structurally adverb
Few buildings were left structurally safe after the earthquake.
structuralism noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a system of ideas used in the study of language, literature, art, anthropology and
sociology , which emphasizes the importance of the basic structures and relationships of
that particular subject
structuralist adjective , noun [ C ]
structure noun ARRANGEMENT
1. [ C or U ] the way in which the parts of a system or object are arranged or
organized, or a system arranged in this way
the grammatical structure of a sentence
The structure of this protein is particularly complex.
They have a very old-fashioned management structure.
Some people like the sense of structure that a military lifestyle imposes.
structure noun BUILDING
2. [ C ] something which has been made or built from parts, especially a large
building
The proposed new office tower is a steel and glass structure 43 storeys high.
structure verb [ T ]
to plan, organize or arrange the parts of something
We must carefully structure and rehearse each scene.
a well-structured argument
strudel noun [ C or U ]
a type of cake made from fruit which is wrapped in a thin layer of pastry and then
baked
(an) apple strudel
strudel noun [ C or U ]
a type of cake made from fruit which is wrapped in a thin layer of pastry and then
baked
(an) apple strudel
struggle verb EFFORT
1. [ I ] to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do
something
[ + to infinitive ] The dog had been struggling to get free of the wire noose.
I've been struggling to understand this article all afternoon.
Fish struggle for survival when the water level drops in the lake.
2. struggle along/through/out, etc.
to move somewhere with great effort
He struggled along the rough road holding his son.
By this time he'd managed to struggle out of bed.
3. [ I ] INFORMAL to be in danger of failing or being defeated
After the first half, United were really struggling at 1-3 down.
struggle verb FIGHT
4. [ I ] to fight, especially with your hands
He struggled with his attacker who then ran off.
5. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to use a lot of effort to defeat someone,
prevent something, or achieve something
For years she struggled with/against the establishment to get her theories
accepted.
struggle on phrasal verb
to continue dealing with a difficult situation or to continue doing something
difficult
When Bobbie leaves, we'll have to struggle on until we find a replacement.
struggle noun [ C ] EFFORT
1. a very difficult task that you can do only by making a great effort
It was a terrible struggle for him to accept her death.
The people of this country will continue in their struggle for independence.
[ + to infinitive ] She never gave up the struggle to have her son freed from
prison.
It's going to be an uphill struggle (= very difficult) to get your ideas accepted.
struggle noun [ C ] FIGHT
2. a physical or mental fight
a struggle with an armed robber
the struggle between good and evil
Clearly there will be a power struggle within the party.
struggling adjective
unsuccessful but trying hard to succeed
It's the story of a struggling artist who marries a rich woman.
struggling adjective
unsuccessful but trying hard to succeed
It's the story of a struggling artist who marries a rich woman.
strum verb [ I or T ]
to move your fingers across the strings of a guitar or similar instrument
strumpet noun [ C ]
1. OLD USE a female prostitute
2. VERY INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a woman who dresses in a very sexy way and whose
behaviour is considered sexually immoral
strung verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF string
ˌ strung ˈ out adjective [ after verb ] SLANG
experiencing the strong effects of drugs such as heroin or cocaine
For most of her teenage years, she was strung out on crack.
See also string sth out
ˌ strung ˈ up adjective [ after verb ] UK INFORMAL
nervous or worried
She always gets strung up before a performance.
strut verb [ I ]
to walk in a proud way trying to look important
The boys strutted around trying to get the attention of a group of girls who were
nearby.
strut your stuff
1. INFORMAL MAINLY HUMOROUS to dance in a confident and usually sexually exciting
way, especially trying to be noticed by other people
Hey baby, why don't you get out on the floor and strut your stuff?
2. INFORMAL to show your abilities
Wimbledon is the opportunity for all the world's best tennis players to strut their
stuff.
strut noun [ C ]
a strong rod, usually made from metal or wood, which helps to hold something
such as a vehicle or building together
strychnine noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a poisonous substance with a bitter taste that comes from the seeds of a tropical
tree and is used as a rat poison
strychnine noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a poisonous substance with a bitter taste that comes from the seeds of a tropical
tree and is used as a rat poison
stub noun [ C ]
the short part of something which is left after the main part has been used,
especially a cigarette after it has been smoked or one of the small pieces of paper left in
a book from which cheques or tickets have been torn
stub verb
stub your toe
to hurt your toe by hitting it against a hard object by accident
stub sth out phrasal verb [ M ]
to stop a cigarette from burning by pressing the burning end against a hard
surface
stubble noun [ U ]
stubble
1. the short hair which grows on a man's face if he has not cut the hair for a few
days
With the back of his hand, he rubbed the stubble on his chin.
2. the short stems left after a crop such as wheat has been cut
In the distance, a wisp of smoke rose from burning stubble.
stubbly adjective
stubborn adjective MAINLY DISAPPROVING
1. describes someone who is determined to do what they want and refuses to do
anything else
They have massive rows because they're both so stubborn.
2. Things that are stubborn are difficult to move, change or deal with
He was famed for his stubborn resistance and his refusal to accept defeat.
Stubborn stains can be removed using a small amount of detergent.
stubbornly adverb
She stubbornly refused to sign the document.
stubbornness noun [ U ]
be as stubborn as a mule
to be very stubborn
stubby adjective
short and thick
He had rather unattractive stubby fingers.
stubby noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a small beer bottle, which contains 375 ml
stubby adjective
short and thick
He had rather unattractive stubby fingers.
stubby noun [ C ] AUSTRALIAN
a small beer bottle, which contains 375 ml
stucco noun [ U ]
a type of plaster used for covering walls and ceilings, especially one which can be
formed into decorative patterns
stuccoed adjective
stuck verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF stick
stuck adjective
1. unable to move, or fixed in a particular position, place or way of thinking
This door seems to be stuck - can you help me push it open?
Seven of us were stuck in the lift for over an hour.
I hate being stuck (= having to be) behind a desk - I'd rather work outside.
2. in a difficult situation, or unable to change or get away from a situation
We'd be stuck if your sister hadn't offered to come round and look after the
children tonight.
3. not able to continue reading, answering questions, etc. because something is
too difficult
I'm really stuck - have you got any ideas how to answer these questions?
4. be stuck with sb/sth
to have to deal with someone or something unpleasant because you have no
choice or because no one else wants to
We were stuck with him for the entire train journey!
be stuck on sb/sth OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to like a person or an idea very much
Nick's really stuck on Maria - he doesn't talk about anything else.
get stuck in ( ALSO get stuck into sth ) UK INFORMAL
to start doing something enthusiastically
We showed them where the crates had to be moved to, and they got stuck in
straightaway.
You really got stuck into your food (= ate your food quickly) - you must have
been hungry.
Mum brought in the sandwiches and told us to get stuck in.
stuck-up adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
too proud and considering yourself to be very important
stuck-up adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
too proud and considering yourself to be very important
stud noun HORSE
1. [ C ] a group of animals, especially high quality horses, kept for breeding
David Grenfell runs a 170-acre stud farm in Co. Wexford, Ireland.
2. put (out) to stud SPECIALIZED
kept for breeding
The Derby winner Generous will be put to stud in Britain at the end of the season.
stud noun MAN
3. [ C ] SLANG a man who is thought to have sex a lot and be good at it
He thinks he's a real stud.
stud noun DECORATION
4. [ C usually plural ] a small nail or piece of metal, with a large rounded top, that
is hammered into or fixed to the surface of something, usually for decoration
stud noun JEWELLERY
5. [ C ] a small piece of metal jewellery that is put through a part of your body
such as your ear or nose
gold studs
a nose stud
stud noun BOOT
6. [ C ] UK ( US cleat ) any of the small pointed objects which stick out from the
bottom of some boots and shoes used in particular sports, especially football
stud noun FASTENER
7. [ C ] a fastener made from two small flat parts joined together by a short bar,
used for clothing, especially in the past to fix collars onto shirts
stud noun TYRE
8. [ C ] US a small piece of metal, many of which are fixed to special tyres used
for driving in the snow
studded adjective
1. made with metal studs hammered into the surface in a pattern
a studded dog-collar/leather jacket
2. studded with sth
LITERARY If something is studded with many objects of the same type, those
objects are arranged regularly across it, or across the surface of it
a baked ham studded with cloves
Elaine looked up at the black, velvety sky studded with tiny, twinkling stars.
studded adjective
1. made with metal studs hammered into the surface in a pattern
a studded dog-collar/leather jacket
2. studded with sth
LITERARY If something is studded with many objects of the same type, those
objects are arranged regularly across it, or across the surface of it
a baked ham studded with cloves
Elaine looked up at the black, velvety sky studded with tiny, twinkling stars.
student noun [ C ]
1. a person who is learning at a college or university, or sometimes at a school
a law student (= someone learning about law)
a postgraduate student
a student teacher (= a person training to become a teacher)
He was a student at the University of Chicago.
2. If someone is a student of a stated subject, they know about it and are
interested in it, but need not have studied it formally
When you're a nurse, you get to be a bit of a student of (= to know about) human
nature.
ˌ student ˈ loan noun [ C ]
an agreement by which a student at a college or university borrows money from a
bank to pay for their education and then pays the money back after they finish studying
and start a job
ˌ student ˈ union noun [ C usually singular ] ( ALSO students' union )
1. an organization of students in a college or university which arranges social
events and sometimes helps to provide health services and places to live
2. the building or part of a building specially used by students to meet socially
studied adjective
very carefully and intentionally done, made or considered, rather than in a
completely honest or sincere way
After a pause, he gave a studied answer.
She listened to his remarks with studied indifference.
studio noun [ C ] RECORDING ROOM
1. a room with special equipment where television or radio programmes or music
recordings are made
She spent three months in the studio working on her latest album.
a studio audience (= people who watch a programme while it is being made in
the studio)
2. a building or place where films are made for the cinema, or a company which
makes them
Ealing Studios made some famous British comedies in the 40s and 50s.
3. a room or building where dancing is taught or practised
a dance studio
studio noun [ C ] ARTIST'S ROOM
4. a room in which an artist works, especially a painter or photographer
5. a company making artistic or photographic products
The firm grew to be one of Europe's foremost graphics studios.
studio noun [ C ] HOME
6. ( UK ALSO studio flat , US studio apartment ) a small apartment designed to be
lived in by one or two people, usually with one large room for sleeping and living in, a
bathroom and sometimes a separate kitchen
studious adjective LEARNING
1. describes someone who enjoys studying or spends a lot of time studying
She was a studious child, happiest when reading.
studious adjective CAREFUL
2. [ before noun ] very careful or thorough
The report was obviously prepared with studious care and attention .
studiously adverb
They studiously avoided/ignored each other.
studiousness noun [ U ]
studious adjective LEARNING
1. describes someone who enjoys studying or spends a lot of time studying
She was a studious child, happiest when reading.
studious adjective CAREFUL
2. [ before noun ] very careful or thorough
The report was obviously prepared with studious care and attention .
studiously adverb
They studiously avoided/ignored each other.
studiousness noun [ U ]
study verb LEARN
1. [ I or T ] to learn about a subject, especially in an educational course or by
reading books
to study biology/chemistry
Next term we shall study plants and how they grow.
She's been studying for her doctorate for three years already.
study verb EXAMINE
2. [ T ] to examine something very carefully
I want time to study this contract thoroughly before signing it.
[ + question word ] Researchers have been studying how people under stress
make decisions.
study under sb phrasal verb
to be taught by someone
As a young painter, he studied under Picasso.
study noun EXAMINING
1. [ C ] when someone examines a subject in detail in order to discover new
information
a five-year study of the relationship between wildlife and farming
Some studies have suggested a link between certain types of artificial sweetener
and cancer.
2. [ C ] a drawing which an artist makes in order to test ideas before starting a
painting of the same subject
study noun LEARNING
3. [ U ] when you learn about a subject, usually at school or university
the study of English literature
4. studies
a. studying or work involving studying
Adam doesn't spend enough time on his studies.
b. used in the names of some educational subjects and courses
the department of business/media studies
5. [ C ] a room, especially in a house, used for quiet work such as reading or
writing
stuff noun SUBSTANCE
1. [ U ] INFORMAL used to refer to a substance or a group of things or ideas, etc.,
often with a description of their general type or quality or saying who they belong to,
without saying exactly what they are
There's sticky stuff all over the chair.
We'll have to carry all our camping stuff.
Do you want help bringing your stuff (= possessions) in from the van?
All that stuff she has been saying about Lee is rubbish.
2. the stuff of sth
LITERARY something that a particular type of thing is made of or based on
Her appetite for shopping became the stuff of legend .
stuff noun QUALITY
3. the stuff of sth LITERARY
the most necessary, important or typical part of something
A thwarted love affair is the (very) stuff of fiction.
4. [ U ] US In baseball, a pitcher 's stuff is the quality and variety of their pitches
(= throws to the player hitting the ball)
Avery had great stuff, total command of all three of his pitches.
do your stuff INFORMAL
to do what you should do or what is expected of you
If all the members of the team do their stuff, we should win easily.
Good/great stuff!
something you say to encourage or praise someone
"The sales figures are up this week." "Great stuff!"
stuff and nonsense OLD-FASHIONED
an expression used to show that you think something is not true and/or is silly
stuff verb FILL
1. [ T ] to completely fill a container with something
Stuff the cushion and then sew up the final seam.
Under her bed, they found a bag stuffed with money.
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to push something into a small space, often quickly or in a
careless way
This case is absolutely full - I can't stuff another thing into it.
3. [ T ] to fill the body of a dead animal with special material so that it looks as if
it is still alive
4. [ T ] MAINLY UK OFFENSIVE (of a man) to have sex with a woman
stuff verb FOOD
5. [ T ] to fill food with stuffing
Stuff the turkey, then put it into a pre-heated oven.
stuff verb EAT
6. stuff yourself INFORMAL
to eat a lot
They'd been stuffing themselves with snacks all afternoon, so they didn't want
any dinner.
Get stuffed! MAINLY UK VERY INFORMAL
used to show anger or disagreement
"I'll give you ten quid for the car." "Get stuffed!"
stuff it/them/you, etc. MAINLY UK SLANG
used to show anger, disapproval or a refusal to obey towards a situation, person
or thing
He's expecting us to work late, well stuff that/him!
"Shall we tidy up now?" "No, stuff it!"
stuff your face INFORMAL
to eat a lot
I've been stuffing my face all morning.
2. the stuff of sth
stuff noun QUALITY
Good/great stuff!
stuff verb FILL
careless way
it is still alive
stuff verb FOOD
stuff verb EAT
to eat a lot
any dinner.
or thing
to eat a lot
stuffed adjective FULL
1. when something is filled with material in order to keep its shape
a collection of stuffed birds
2. [ after verb ] INFORMAL (of a person) having eaten enough or too much
"No more for me thanks - I'm stuffed."
stuffed adjective COOKING
3. filled with a stuffing
stuffed peppers
ˌ stuffed ˈ animal noun [ C ]
US FOR soft toy
Her bed is covered with stuffed animals.
ˌ stuffed ˈ shirt noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who behaves in a very formal and old-fashioned way and thinks that
they are very important
stuffed-up adjective
If you are stuffed-up, your nose is blocked with mucus , usually because you have
a cold
He sounds all stuffed-up - is he all right?
stuffing noun [ U ] MATERIAL
1. material which is pushed inside something to make it firm
This cushion is losing its stuffing.
stuffing noun [ U ] FOOD
2. a mixture of food, such as bread, onions and herbs, which is put inside
something which is going to be eaten, such as a chicken or a vegetable, before cooking
it
a stuffing for the turkey
beat/kick/knock the stuffing out of sb INFORMAL
to hit or kick someone very severely
The muggers really kicked the stuffing out of him.
knock/take the stuffing out of sb/sth INFORMAL
to make someone or something become very weak
Her illness has really knocked the stuffing out of her.
stuffy adjective DISAPPROVING WITHOUT AIR
1. A stuffy a room or building is unpleasant because it has no fresh air
a stuffy office
It 's really hot and stuffy in here - let's open the window.
The bedroom gets a bit stuffy in the summer.
stuffy adjective DISAPPROVING FORMAL
2. old-fashioned, formal and boring
Sir William had the ability to conduct proceedings in a dignified manner without
ever becoming stuffy.
He is trying to promote a less stuffy image of the Conservatives.
stuffily adverb
stuffiness noun [ U ]
2. the stuff of sth
stuff noun QUALITY
Good/great stuff!
stuff verb FILL
careless way
it is still alive
stuff verb FOOD
stuff verb EAT
to eat a lot
any dinner.
or thing
to eat a lot
stuffed adjective FULL
1. when something is filled with material in order to keep its shape
a collection of stuffed birds
2. [ after verb ] INFORMAL (of a person) having eaten enough or too much
"No more for me thanks - I'm stuffed."
stuffed adjective COOKING
3. filled with a stuffing
stuffed peppers
ˌ stuffed ˈ animal noun [ C ]
US FOR soft toy
Her bed is covered with stuffed animals.
ˌ stuffed ˈ shirt noun [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
someone who behaves in a very formal and old-fashioned way and thinks that
they are very important
stuffed-up adjective
If you are stuffed-up, your nose is blocked with mucus , usually because you have
a cold
He sounds all stuffed-up - is he all right?
stuffing noun [ U ] MATERIAL
1. material which is pushed inside something to make it firm
This cushion is losing its stuffing.
stuffing noun [ U ] FOOD
2. a mixture of food, such as bread, onions and herbs, which is put inside
something which is going to be eaten, such as a chicken or a vegetable, before cooking
it
a stuffing for the turkey
beat/kick/knock the stuffing out of sb INFORMAL
to hit or kick someone very severely
The muggers really kicked the stuffing out of him.
knock/take the stuffing out of sb/sth INFORMAL
to make someone or something become very weak
Her illness has really knocked the stuffing out of her.
stuffy adjective DISAPPROVING WITHOUT AIR
1. A stuffy a room or building is unpleasant because it has no fresh air
a stuffy office
It 's really hot and stuffy in here - let's open the window.
The bedroom gets a bit stuffy in the summer.
stuffy adjective DISAPPROVING FORMAL
2. old-fashioned, formal and boring
Sir William had the ability to conduct proceedings in a dignified manner without
ever becoming stuffy.
He is trying to promote a less stuffy image of the Conservatives.
stuffily adverb
stuffiness noun [ U ]
stultifying adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
preventing something or someone from developing into the best possible state
These countries are trying to shake off the stultifying effects of several decades of
state control.
stultify verb [ T ]
She felt the repetitive exercises stultified her musical technique so she stopped
doing them.
stultifyingly adverb
stultifyingly dull/boring
stumble verb WALK
1. [ I ] to step awkwardly while walking or running and fall or begin to fall
Running along the beach, she stumbled on a log and fell on the sand.
In the final straight Meyers stumbled, and although he didn't fall it was enough to
lose him first place.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to walk in a way which does not seem
controlled
We could hear her stumbling about/around the bedroom in the dark.
He pulled on his clothes and stumbled into the kitchen.
stumble verb PAUSE
3. [ I ] to make a mistake, such as repeating something or pausing for too long,
while speaking or playing a piece of music
When the poet stumbled over a line in the middle of a poem, someone in the
audience corrected him.
stumble across/on/upon sth/sb phrasal verb
to discover something by chance, or to meet someone by chance
Workmen stumbled upon the mosaic while digging foundations for a new building.
stumble verb WALK
1. [ I ] to step awkwardly while walking or running and fall or begin to fall
Running along the beach, she stumbled on a log and fell on the sand.
In the final straight Meyers stumbled, and although he didn't fall it was enough to
lose him first place.
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to walk in a way which does not seem
controlled
We could hear her stumbling about/around the bedroom in the dark.
He pulled on his clothes and stumbled into the kitchen.
stumble verb PAUSE
3. [ I ] to make a mistake, such as repeating something or pausing for too long,
while speaking or playing a piece of music
When the poet stumbled over a line in the middle of a poem, someone in the
audience corrected him.
stumble across/on/upon sth/sb phrasal verb
to discover something by chance, or to meet someone by chance
Workmen stumbled upon the mosaic while digging foundations for a new building.
ˈ stumbling ˌ block noun [ C ]
something which prevents action or agreement
Lack of willingness to compromise on both sides is the main/major stumbling
block to reaching a settlement.
stump noun PART LEFT
stump
1. [ C ] the part of something such as tree, tooth, arm or leg which is left after
most of it has been removed
the stump of a tree
Her smile broadened to reveal two rows of brown stumps.
stump noun CRICKET
2. stumps
the three vertical wooden poles at which the ball is thrown in cricket
stump verb NO ANSWER
1. be stumped INFORMAL
to be unable to answer a question or solve a problem because it is too difficult
I'm completely stumped - how did she manage to escape?
Scientists are stumped by this mystery virus.
stump verb WALK
2. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] to stomp
stump verb POLITICS
3. [ T ] US to travel around an area giving speeches and trying to get political
support
She remembers when her dad ran for governor and stumped the north of the
state.
stump verb CRICKET
4. [ T usually passive ] If the person hitting the ball in cricket is stumped, their
turn to try scoring points is ended by a member of the other team knocking the bails off
the stumps with the ball while they are outside a safe area.
stump up (sth) phrasal verb UK INFORMAL
to pay an amount or type of money for something, especially unwillingly
It can be cheaper to stump up for a new washing machine than to get your old
one repaired.
Chissano said Western governments should stump up the cash to fund land
redistribution.
stumpy adjective INFORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING
short and thick
There was a large ring on each of her stumpy fingers.
stumpy adjective INFORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING
short and thick
There was a large ring on each of her stumpy fingers.
stun verb [ T ] SHOCK
1. to shock or surprise someone very much
News of the disaster stunned people throughout the world.
She was stunned by the amount of support she received from well-wishers.
stun verb [ T ] MAKE UNCONSCIOUS
2. to make a person or animal unconscious, or to cause them to lose the usual
control of their mind, especially by hitting their head hard
Stunned by the impact, he lay on the ground wondering what had happened.
This injection stuns the rhinoceros, so we can examine it.
stung verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sting
ˈ stun ˌ gun noun [ C ]
a device which produces a small electric shock in order to stop an animal or
human from moving temporarily without harming them permanently
stunk verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF stink
stunned adjective
They stood in stunned silence beside the bodies.
I am stunned and saddened by this news.
stunner noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
a person or thing which is very beautiful, especially a woman
The new administrator in accounts is a real stunner.
stunning adjective BEAUTIFUL
1. extremely beautiful or attractive
a stunning dress
a stunning view over the bay of Saint Tropez
stunning adjective SHOCKING
2. shocking or very impressive
All the ideas have a stunning simplicity.
stunningly adverb
a stunningly beautiful/attractive woman
He's stunningly naive for a person of his age.
stunt noun [ C ] EXCITING ACTION
1. an exciting action, usually in a film, that is dangerous or appears dangerous
and usually needs to be done by someone skilled
It's a typical action film with plenty of spectacular stunts.
Tom Cruise has performed his own stunts for Mission Impossible 2, defying
warnings from professionals.
stunt noun [ C ] GET ATTENTION
2. MAINLY DISAPPROVING something that is done to get attention for the person or
people responsible for it
an advertising stunt
Their marriage was just a cheap publicity stunt.
pull a stunt INFORMAL
to do something silly and risky
What did you want to pull a stupid stunt like that for?
stunt verb [ T ]
to prevent the growth or development of something from reaching its limit
Drought has stunted (the growth of) this year's cereal crop.
When Freya was a baby we were advised that watching television would stunt her
imagination.
stunt noun [ C ] EXCITING ACTION
1. an exciting action, usually in a film, that is dangerous or appears dangerous
and usually needs to be done by someone skilled
It's a typical action film with plenty of spectacular stunts.
Tom Cruise has performed his own stunts for Mission Impossible 2, defying
warnings from professionals.
stunt noun [ C ] GET ATTENTION
2. MAINLY DISAPPROVING something that is done to get attention for the person or
people responsible for it
an advertising stunt
Their marriage was just a cheap publicity stunt.
pull a stunt INFORMAL
to do something silly and risky
What did you want to pull a stupid stunt like that for?
stunt verb [ T ]
to prevent the growth or development of something from reaching its limit
Drought has stunted (the growth of) this year's cereal crop.
When Freya was a baby we were advised that watching television would stunt her
imagination.
stunted adjective
prevented from growing or developing to the usual extent
A few stunted trees were the only vegetation visible.
children with stunted growth
ˈ stunt ˌ man/ ˌ woman noun [ C ]
a man or woman who performs stunts, especially instead of an actor in a film or
television programme
stupefy verb [ T ] TIRE
1. to make someone tired and unable to think clearly
stupefy verb [ T ] SURPRISE
2. to surprise or shock someone very much
stupefaction noun [ U ] FORMAL
Because of the drugs, he was in a state of stupefaction by the time we found
him.
stupefied adjective
Stupefied by tiredness, she just sat in front of the fire.
We were so stupefied by the news that we all sat in silence for a long time.
stupefying adjective
stupefying heat/noise
stupefying arrogance
stupefyingly adverb
stupefyingly dull/boring
stupefyingly rich
stupendous adjective
very surprising, usually in a pleasing way, especially by being large in amount or
size
He ran up stupendous debts through his extravagant lifestyle.
Stupendous news! We've won £500 000!
stupendously adverb
Our charity appeal has been stupendously successful.
stupid adjective
1. silly or unwise; showing poor judgment or little intelligence
She was really stupid to quit her job like that.
Whose stupid idea was it to travel at night?
He now thinks that retiring early was a stupid thing to do.
How could you be so stupid?
2. INFORMAL annoying, or causing a problem
Have your stupid book back if it's so important to you.
I hate doing this stupid exercise, I just can't get it right.
stupid noun [ as form of address ] INFORMAL
Don't lock it, stupid!
stupidly adverb
Sorry, I stupidly forgot to bring my copy of the report - could I look at yours?
stupid adjective
1. silly or unwise; showing poor judgment or little intelligence
She was really stupid to quit her job like that.
Whose stupid idea was it to travel at night?
He now thinks that retiring early was a stupid thing to do.
How could you be so stupid?
2. INFORMAL annoying, or causing a problem
Have your stupid book back if it's so important to you.
I hate doing this stupid exercise, I just can't get it right.
stupid noun [ as form of address ] INFORMAL
Don't lock it, stupid!
stupidly adverb
Sorry, I stupidly forgot to bring my copy of the report - could I look at yours?
stupidity noun [ U ]
the state of being silly or unwise
a moment/act of stupidity
Her stupidity is beyond belief sometimes.
It was sheer stupidity to refuse at the price they were offering.
stupor noun [ C usually singular ]
a state in which a person is almost unconscious and their thoughts are not clear
He was lying under the table in a drunken stupor.
sturdy adjective
1. physically strong and solid or thick, and therefore unlikely to break or be hurt
sturdy walking boots
a sturdy table
sturdy little legs
2. [ before noun ] LITERARY strong and determined
They put up a sturdy defence of their proposal.
sturdily adverb
We could see the boat was sturdily built/constructed.
sturdiness noun [ U ]
sturgeon noun [ C ]
a type of fish which lives in northern parts of the world and is usually caught for
its eggs, which are eaten as caviar
stutter verb [ I ] SPEAK
1. to speak or say something, especially the first part of a word, with difficulty, for
example pausing before it or repeating it several times
She stutters a bit, so let her finish what she's saying.
[ + speech ] "C-c-can we g-go now?" stuttered Jenkins.
Compare stammer
stutter verb [ I ] NOT SMOOTH
2. to work or happen in a way that is not smooth or regular
Suddenly the engine stuttered and then it stopped completely.
stutter noun [ C ]
Toni's developed a slight stutter over the last few months.
stutterer noun [ C ]
stuttering adjective
Stuttering (= Sometimes good and sometimes bad) productivity figures over the
last two years have made the industry unattractive to investors.
stutteringly adverb
St Vincent and the Grenadines noun [ + sing/pl verb ]
sty noun [ C ] STRUCTURE
1. a pigsty
sty noun [ C ] SWELLING
2. ( ALSO stye ) a small sore swelling on the edge of an eyelid
Stygian adjective LITERARY
extremely and unpleasantly dark
Stygian gloom
style noun WAY
1. [ C or U ] a way of doing something, especially one which is typical of a person,
group of people, place or period
Jones favours a dynamic, hands-on style of management.
His office is very utilitarian in style, with no decoration.
2. be your style INFORMAL
to be the type of thing that you would do
He wouldn't try to mislead you - it's not his style.
style noun FASHION
3. [ C or U ] fashion, especially in clothing
a style consultant
I read the fashion pages in the newspapers to keep up with the latest styles.
The classic black dress is always in style.
style noun DESIGN
4. [ C ] a particular shape or design, especially of a person's hair, clothes, or a
piece of furniture
a formal style of hat
Her hair was cut in a really nice style.
See also hairstyle
style noun HIGH QUALITY
5. [ U ] APPROVING high quality in appearance, design or behaviour
That car' s got real style, which is no surprise considering how much it cost.
When she decides to do something, she always does it in/with great style.
style noun FLOWER PART
6. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the middle section of the carpel (= female reproductive part)
of a flower, connecting the ovary to the stigma
as if it is going out of style INFORMAL
very quickly or much more than people normally do
She was gulping down sandwiches and cakes as if they were going out of style.
style verb [ T ] DESIGN
1. to shape or design something such as a person's hair or an object like a piece
of clothing or furniture, especially so that it looks attractive
You've had your hair styled - it really suits you.
This range of jackets is styled to look good whatever the occasion.
style verb [ T ] TITLE
2. to give a title to a person or group
[ + noun ] She styles herself 'Doctor' but she doesn't have a degree.
-style suffix
in the style mentioned
Japanese-style management
antique-style furniture
sty noun [ C ] STRUCTURE
1. a pigsty
sty noun [ C ] SWELLING
2. ( ALSO stye ) a small sore swelling on the edge of an eyelid
Stygian adjective LITERARY
extremely and unpleasantly dark
Stygian gloom
style noun WAY
1. [ C or U ] a way of doing something, especially one which is typical of a person,
group of people, place or period
Jones favours a dynamic, hands-on style of management.
His office is very utilitarian in style, with no decoration.
2. be your style INFORMAL
to be the type of thing that you would do
He wouldn't try to mislead you - it's not his style.
style noun FASHION
3. [ C or U ] fashion, especially in clothing
a style consultant
I read the fashion pages in the newspapers to keep up with the latest styles.
The classic black dress is always in style.
style noun DESIGN
4. [ C ] a particular shape or design, especially of a person's hair, clothes, or a
piece of furniture
a formal style of hat
Her hair was cut in a really nice style.
See also hairstyle
style noun HIGH QUALITY
5. [ U ] APPROVING high quality in appearance, design or behaviour
That car' s got real style, which is no surprise considering how much it cost.
When she decides to do something, she always does it in/with great style.
style noun FLOWER PART
6. [ C ] SPECIALIZED the middle section of the carpel (= female reproductive part)
of a flower, connecting the ovary to the stigma
as if it is going out of style INFORMAL
very quickly or much more than people normally do
She was gulping down sandwiches and cakes as if they were going out of style.
style verb [ T ] DESIGN
1. to shape or design something such as a person's hair or an object like a piece
of clothing or furniture, especially so that it looks attractive
You've had your hair styled - it really suits you.
This range of jackets is styled to look good whatever the occasion.
style verb [ T ] TITLE
2. to give a title to a person or group
[ + noun ] She styles herself 'Doctor' but she doesn't have a degree.
-style suffix
-style suffix
styleless adjective
without a particular style
The production is deliberately styleless, and this takes the play out of its historical
context.
styling noun [ U ]
used in the name of products or devices which are used for shaping a person's
hair
styling mousse/gel
a styling comb
stylish adjective APPROVING
of a high quality in appearance, design or behaviour
The film's direction is subtle and stylish.
stylishly adverb APPROVING
stylishly dressed
stylishness noun [ U ] APPROVING
stylist noun [ C ]
1. a person whose job is to shape or design something
the latest exciting new car designed by our team of stylists
I've been going to the same (hair) stylist for years.
2. a writer who is very careful in the way they style their work
She's no stylist, but she writes very exciting stories.
stylistic adjective
relating to a particular style of doing something
In their second album, the band tried to expand their stylistic range.
Notice the stylistic similarities in the work of these three sculptors.
stylistically adverb
stylistically similar
stylistics noun [ U ]
the systematic study of style used in language
stylized , UK USUALLY stylised adjective
If something is stylized, it is represented with an emphasis on a particular style,
especially a style in which there are only a few simple details
The rock drawings depict a variety of stylized human, bird and mythological
figures and patterns.
stylized , UK USUALLY stylised adjective
If something is stylized, it is represented with an emphasis on a particular style,
especially a style in which there are only a few simple details
The rock drawings depict a variety of stylized human, bird and mythological
figures and patterns.
stylus noun [ C ]
1. a small pointed device on a record player which picks up the sound signals
stored on a record
See picture music listening
2. a small pointed metal or plastic stick that you use to make a PDA (= a small
computer that you hold in your hand) work
stymie verb [ T often passive ] INFORMAL
to prevent something from happening or someone from achieving a purpose
In our search for evidence, we were stymied by the absence of any recent
documents.
Styrofoam noun [ U ]
US TRADEMARK FOR polystyrene
suave adjective
describes a man who is very polite, pleasant and usually attractive, often in a way
that is slightly false
He's very suave and sophisticated.
suavely adverb
suavity noun [ U ]
sub noun [ C ] MONEY
1. UK INFORMAL FOR subscription
Have you paid your tennis-club sub yet?
sub noun [ C ] CHANGE
2. UK AND US INFORMAL FOR substitute
One of the players was injured during the match, so a sub was brought on.
sub noun [ C ] SHIP
3. INFORMAL FOR submarine
a nuclear sub
sub noun [ C ] BREAD
4. US INFORMAL FOR submarine sandwich
sub verb [ I ]
to replace someone, especially in a game of football
Travis subbed for the injured defender.
sub- prefix BELOW
1. under or below
Winter weather brought sub-zero (= less than 0 degrees) temperatures to much
of the country.
sub- prefix NOT QUITE
2. almost or nearly
subhuman
subtropical
sub- prefix NOT EQUAL
3. less important or lower in rank
a sublieutenant
a subordinate
sub- prefix SMALLER
4. being a smaller part of a larger whole
a subcontinent
a subcommittee meeting
to subdivide
sub- prefix BELOW
1. under or below
Winter weather brought sub-zero (= less than 0 degrees) temperatures to much
of the country.
sub- prefix NOT QUITE
2. almost or nearly
subhuman
subtropical
sub- prefix NOT EQUAL
3. less important or lower in rank
a sublieutenant
a subordinate
sub- prefix SMALLER
4. being a smaller part of a larger whole
a subcontinent
a subcommittee meeting
to subdivide
subaltern noun [ C ] UK
an army officer whose rank is lower than captain
subaqua adjective [ before noun ] UK
relating to sports that involve swimming under water
a subaqua club
subarctic adjective
belonging or relating to the regions of the world immediately south of the Arctic
Circle , such as northern Scandinavia, Alaska and Siberia, which have very cold long
winters
the subarctic climate
subarctic peoples/cultures
subarid adjective SPECIALIZED
describes land or weather that is quite dry; having little rain
subatomic adjective SPECIALIZED
smaller than or within an atom
suba ˌ tomic ˈ particle noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an extremely small piece of matter that is smaller than an atom or found inside
an atom, such as a proton , neutron or electron
subcommittee noun [ C ]
a number of people chosen from a committee (= a small group of people who
represent a larger organization and make decisions for it) to study and report on a
particular subject
Several subcommittees will be set up to deal with specific environmental issues.
subcompact noun [ C ] US
a very small car
I rent a subcompact when I'm travelling alone because it saves on gas.
subconscious noun [ S ]
the part of your mind which notices and remembers information when you are not
actively trying to do so, and which influences your behaviour although you do not
realize it
The memory was buried deep within my subconscious.
subconscious adjective [ before noun ]
relating to this part of your mind
subconscious thoughts/fears
Such memories exist only on/at the subconscious level.
Our subconscious mind registers things which our conscious mind is not aware of.
Compare conscious
subconsciously adverb
I think I must have known subconsciously that something was going on between
them.
subconscious noun [ S ]
the part of your mind which notices and remembers information when you are not
actively trying to do so, and which influences your behaviour although you do not
realize it
The memory was buried deep within my subconscious.
subconscious adjective [ before noun ]
relating to this part of your mind
subconscious thoughts/fears
Such memories exist only on/at the subconscious level.
Our subconscious mind registers things which our conscious mind is not aware of.
Compare conscious
subconsciously adverb
I think I must have known subconsciously that something was going on between
them.
subcontinent noun [ C ]
a large area of land which is part of a continent , often referring to India, Pakistan
and Bangladesh
the Indian subcontinent
He has written a book about the history of railways in the subcontinent.
subcontract verb [ T ]
to pay someone else to do part of a job that you have agreed to do
Most of the bricklaying has been subcontracted (out) to a local builder.
subcontractor noun [ C ]
a person or company that does part of a job which another person or company is
responsible for
subculture noun [ C ]
the way of life, customs and ideas of a particular group of people within a society,
which are different from the rest of that society
youth subcultures
the gay subculture
subcutaneous adjective SPECIALIZED
existing under the skin
subcutaneous fat/muscle
subdivide verb [ T ]
to divide something into smaller parts
Each chapter is subdivided into smaller sections.
subdivision , noun
1. [ C or U ] any of the parts into which something is divided, or the act of
creating these
Each category has several subdivisions.
They agreed that subdivision of the house into apartments would be a good idea.
2. [ C ] US FOR housing estate
subdue verb [ T ]
to reduce the force of something, or to prevent something from existing or
developing
The fire burned for eight hours before the fire crews could subdue it.
He criticized the school for trying to subdue individual expression.
subdue verb [ T ]
to reduce the force of something, or to prevent something from existing or
developing
The fire burned for eight hours before the fire crews could subdue it.
He criticized the school for trying to subdue individual expression.
subdued adjective NOT STRONG
1. If a colour or light is subdued, it is not very bright
subdued lighting
2. If a noise is subdued, it is not loud
subdued laughter/cheers
subdued adjective MOOD
3. If a person is subdued, they are not as happy as usual or they are quieter than
usual
He seemed a bit subdued at lunch - is he all right?
subheading noun [ C ]
a word, phrase or sentence which is used to introduce part of a text
The subheadings are numbered within each chapter.
subhuman adjective DISAPPROVING
having or showing behaviour or characteristics which are much worse than those
expected of ordinary people
Their treatment of prisoners is subhuman.
subject noun [ C ] AREA OF STUDY
1. the thing which is being discussed, considered or studied
Our subject for discussion is homelessness.
She has made a series of documentaries on the subject of family relationships.
The guest lecturer took as her subject (= decided to speak about) 'punishment
and imprisonment in modern society'.
The number of planes flying over the town has been the subject of (= has
caused) concern since last summer.
2. an area of knowledge which is studied in school, college or university
My favourite subjects at school were history and geography.
MAINLY UK Her subject (= special area of study) is low-temperature physics.
3. change the subject
to start talking about a different subject
I'd tried to explain the situation, but he just changed the subject.
subject noun [ C ] GRAMMAR
4. SPECIALIZED the person or thing which performs the action of a verb, or which is
joined to a description by a verb
'Bob' is the subject of the sentence 'Bob threw the ball'.
Compare object
subject noun [ C ] PERSON
5. a person who lives in or who has the right to live in a particular country,
especially a country with a king or queen
He is a British subject.
Compare citizen
subject verb [ T ]
to defeat people or a country and then control them against their wishes and limit
their freedom
The invaders quickly subjected the local tribes.
subject sb/sth to sth phrasal verb [ often passive ]
to make someone or something experience an unpleasant or worrying thing
The inquiry found that they had been subjected to unfair treatment.
"I didn't want to subject him to such a long journey," she said.
subject adjective HAVING
1. be subject to sth
to have or experience a particular thing, especially something unpleasant
Cars are subject to a high domestic tax.
In recent years, she has been subject to attacks of depression.
subject adjective DEPEND
2. subject to sth
depending on the stated thing happening
We plan to go on Wednesday, subject to your approval.
Moving all the books should not take long, subject to there being (= if there are)
enough helpers.
subject adjective GOVERN
3. [ before noun ] under the political control of another country or state
subject peoples/states
subjection noun [ U ]
the state of being under the political control of another country or state
The book discusses the political subjection of the island by its larger neighbour.
subjection noun [ U ]
the state of being under the political control of another country or state
The book discusses the political subjection of the island by its larger neighbour.
subjective adjective
influenced by or based on personal beliefs or feelings, rather than based on facts
I think my husband is the most handsome man in the world, but I realize my
judgment is rather subjective.
More specific and less subjective criteria should be used in selecting people for
promotion within the company.
Compare objective
subjectively adverb
subjectivity noun [ U ]
There's always an element of subjectivity in decision-making.
ˈ subject ˌ matter noun [ C ]
the things that are being talked or written about or used as the subject of a piece
of art, etc.
The programme's subject matter was quite unsuitable for children.
sub judice adjective [ after verb ] LEGAL
being studied or decided in a law court at the present time
In Britain, cases which are sub judice cannot be publicly discussed in the media.
subjugate verb [ T ] FORMAL DEFEAT
1. to defeat people or a country and rule them in a way which allows them no
freedom
subjugate verb [ T ] FORMAL CONTROL
2. to treat yourself, your wishes or your beliefs as being less important than other
people or their wishes or beliefs
[ R ] She subjugated herself to her mother's needs.
Journalists must subjugate personal political convictions to their professional
commitment to balance.
subjugation noun [ U ]
They are bravely resisting subjugation by their more powerful neighbours.
subjunctive noun [ S ] SPECIALIZED
a set of forms of a verb, in some languages, that refer to actions which are
possibilities rather than facts
In the sentence 'I wish I were rich', the verb 'were' is in the subjunctive.
subjunctive noun [ S ] SPECIALIZED
a set of forms of a verb, in some languages, that refer to actions which are
possibilities rather than facts
In the sentence 'I wish I were rich', the verb 'were' is in the subjunctive.
sublet verb [ T ]
to allow someone to rent all or part of a house or other building which you are
renting from someone else
Our rental contract states that we are not allowed to sublet the house.
sublieutenant noun [ C ]
an officer of low rank in the British navy
sublimate verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to express strong emotions or use energy by doing an activity, especially an
activity which is considered socially acceptable
Hostile feelings and violent responses often seem to be sublimated into sporting
activities.
sublimation noun [ U ]
sublime adjective
1. extremely good, beautiful or enjoyable
sublime beauty
The book contains sublime descriptive passages.
2. very great
He possesses sublime self-confidence.
sublimity noun [ U ]
sublime noun
the sublime
something that is sublime
A great deal of literature is only the obvious transformed into the sublime.
from the sublime to the ridiculous
from something that is very good or very serious to something very bad or silly
The dresses in the fashion show went/ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous.
sublimely adverb
extremely
At times the writing is sublimely funny.
subliminal adjective
1. not recognized or understood by the conscious mind, but still having an
influence on it
The Prime Minister was interviewed in front of a factory to give the subliminal
message that he was a man of the people.
2. describes advertising that uses indirect ways of influencing people to be
attracted to a product, such as using a picture of a farm to advertise food to suggest
that it is fresh
subliminal adjective
1. not recognized or understood by the conscious mind, but still having an
influence on it
The Prime Minister was interviewed in front of a factory to give the subliminal
message that he was a man of the people.
2. describes advertising that uses indirect ways of influencing people to be
attracted to a product, such as using a picture of a farm to advertise food to suggest
that it is fresh
submachine gun noun [ C ]
a type of automatic gun which is light enough to be carried easily
submarine , noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL sub )
submarine
a ship which can travel under water
a nuclear submarine
a submarine base/commander
submarine , adjective SPECIALIZED
existing below the surface of the sea
ˈ submarine ˌ sandwich noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL sub ) US
a long thin loaf of bread filled with salad and cold meat or cheese
submerge verb
1. [ I or T ] to go below the surface of the sea or a river or lake
The submarine submerged when enemy planes were sighted.
She was taken to hospital after being submerged in an icy river for 45 minutes.
2. [ T ] LITERARY to cover or hide something completely
She has submerged her identity in the role of photographer's wife and muse.
submersion noun [ U ]
The fruit was preserved by submersion in alcohol.
submerge yourself in sth phrasal verb
to put all your effort into doing a particular activity
She is an actress who always tries to submerge herself completely in a role.
submersible noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a type of ship which can travel under water, especially one which operates without
people being in it
submission noun GIVING
1. [ C or U ] the act of giving something for a decision to be made by others or a
document formally given in this way
No date has yet been set for the submission of applications.
The final deadline for submissions is February 21st.
[ + that ] FORMAL The judge will hear the defence's submission (= suggestion)
that the case be dismissed.
submission noun ACCEPTING
2. [ U ] when a person or group allows someone or something to have power over
them
They thought the country could be bombed into submission.
The teachers agreed to a special meeting, in submission to parents' demands.
submission noun GIVING
1. [ C or U ] the act of giving something for a decision to be made by others or a
document formally given in this way
No date has yet been set for the submission of applications.
The final deadline for submissions is February 21st.
[ + that ] FORMAL The judge will hear the defence's submission (= suggestion)
that the case be dismissed.
submission noun ACCEPTING
2. [ U ] when a person or group allows someone or something to have power over
them
They thought the country could be bombed into submission.
The teachers agreed to a special meeting, in submission to parents' demands.
submissive adjective
describes someone who allows themselves to be controlled by other people
He was looking for a quiet submissive wife who would obey his every word.
submissively adverb
submissiveness noun [ U ]
submit verb GIVE
1. [ T ] to give or offer something for a decision to be made by others
You must submit your application before January 1st.
The developers submitted building plans to the council for approval.
2. [ T + that ] FORMAL to suggest
In conclusion, I submit that the proposal will not work without some major
changes.
submit verb ALLOW
3. [ I or T ] to allow another person or group to have power or authority over you,
or to accept something unwillingly
We protested about the changes for a long time, but in the end we had to submit.
[ R ] She decided to resign from the party rather than submit herself to the new
rules.
submultiple noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a number that divides into another number an exact number of times
4 is a submultiple of 12.
subnormal adjective
below an average or expected standard, especially of intelligence
mentally subnormal
subnormal temperatures
subordinate adjective
having a lower or less important position
a subordinate role
subordinate status
The individual's needs are subordinate to those of the group.
subordinate noun [ C ]
a person who has a less important position than you in an organization
He left the routine checks to one of his subordinates.
subordinate verb [ T ]
to put someone or something into a less important position
Her personal life has been subordinated to her career.
subordinate adjective
having a lower or less important position
a subordinate role
subordinate status
The individual's needs are subordinate to those of the group.
subordinate noun [ C ]
a person who has a less important position than you in an organization
He left the routine checks to one of his subordinates.
subordinate verb [ T ]
to put someone or something into a less important position
Her personal life has been subordinated to her career.
su ˌ bordinate ˈ clause noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
in grammar, a clause which cannot form a separate sentence but which can form
a sentence when joined with a main clause
subordination noun [ U ]
the act of giving someone or something less importance or power
She claims that society is still characterized by male domination and female
subordination.
subordination of high standards to quick results
subplot noun [ C ]
a part of the story of a book or play which develops separately from the main
story
subpoena verb [ T ] LEGAL
1. to order someone to go to a court of law to answer questions
A friend of the victim was subpoenaed as a witness by lawyers representing the
accused.
[ + to infinitive ] They were subpoenaed to testify before the judge.
2. to order that documents must be produced in a court of law
subpoena noun [ C ] LEGAL
a legal document ordering someone to appear in a court of law
Subpoenas were issued to several government employees.
subscribe verb [ I or T ]
1. to pay money to an organization in order to receive a product, use a service
regularly or support the organization
She subscribes to several women's magazines.
I subscribe £10 a month to the charity.
2. SPECIALIZED to offer to buy something or pay an amount for something as part of
your business activities
Existing shareholders subscribed to only 49% of the new share issue.
subscribe to sth phrasal verb
to agree with or support an opinion, belief or theory
Frank subscribed firmly to the belief that human kindness would overcome evil.
subscriber noun [ C ]
someone who subscribes to a product, service or organization
Cable television companies have launched major campaigns to increase their
number of subscribers.
subscriber noun [ C ]
someone who subscribes to a product, service or organization
Cable television companies have launched major campaigns to increase their
number of subscribers.
subscription noun [ C ]
1. ( INFORMAL sub ) an amount of money that you pay regularly to receive a
product or service or to be a member of an organization
UK We bought our niece an annual subscription to the tennis club.
I decided to take out (= pay for) a subscription to a gardening magazine.
2. ( ALSO subscription ticket ) a season ticket for cultural events
subsection noun [ C ]
one of the smaller parts into which the main parts of a document or organization
are divided
Further details can be found in section 7 subsection 4 of the report.
subsequent adjective
happening after something else
The book discusses his illness and subsequent resignation from the government.
Those explosions must have been subsequent to our departure, because we didn't
hear anything.
subsequently adverb
In 1982 he was arrested and subsequently convicted on drug trafficking charges.
subservient adjective DISAPPROVING
willing to do what other people want, or considering your wishes as less important
than those of other people
to adopt a subservient role/position
The government was accused of being subservient to the interests of the pro-
Europe campaigners.
subservience noun [ U ]
subserviently adverb
subset noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a set (= group of similar numbers, objects or people) that is part of another,
larger set
subset noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a set (= group of similar numbers, objects or people) that is part of another,
larger set
subside verb [ I ] LESS STRONG
1. If a condition subsides, it becomes less strong or extreme
The police are hoping that the violence will soon subside.
As the pain in my foot subsided, I was able to walk the short distance to the car.
subside verb [ I ] LOWER LEVEL
2. If a building, land or water subsides, it goes down to a lower level
There is a danger that many homes will subside because of the drought.
Eventually the flood waters began to subside.
subsidence , noun [ U ]
when land or buildings sink to a lower level
The building had to be demolished because of subsidence.
subsidiarity noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the principle that decisions should always be taken at the lowest possible level or
closest to where they will have their effect, for example in a local area rather than
nationally
subsidiary adjective
describes something less important than something else with which it is
connected
a subsidiary role/factor
subsidiary noun [ C ]
a company which is owned by a larger company
subsidize , UK USUALLY subsidise verb [ T ]
to pay part of the cost of something
£50 would help to subsidize the training of an unemployed teenager.
The refugees live in subsidized housing provided by the authorities.
subsidization , UK USUALLY subsidisation noun [ U ]
subsidizer , UK USUALLY subsidiser noun [ C ]
European countries are quite aggressive subsidizers of grain exports.
subsidy noun [ C ]
money given as part of the cost of something, to help or encourage it to happen
The company received a substantial government subsidy.
The government is planning to abolish subsidies to farmers.
subsidy noun [ C ]
money given as part of the cost of something, to help or encourage it to happen
The company received a substantial government subsidy.
The government is planning to abolish subsidies to farmers.
subsist verb [ I ] FORMAL
to get enough food or money to stay alive
The prisoners were subsisting on a diet of bread and water.
subsistence noun [ U ] FORMAL
1. the state of having what you need in order to stay alive, but no more
The money is intended to provide a basic subsistence and should not be paid to
someone who receives other income.
The family were living at subsistence level .
2. enough money or food to keep yourself alive
sub ˈ sistence ˌ crop noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a crop that people grow to use or eat themselves in order to survive, rather than
to sell
Compare cash crop
sub ˈ sistence ˌ farming noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
farming that provides enough food for the farmer and their family to live on, but
not enough for them to sell
subsoil noun [ U ]
the layer of soil which is under the surface level
Compare topsoil
subsonic adjective
slower than the speed of sound
subspecies noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a particular type within a species, the members of which are different in some
clear ways from those of other types of the species
substance noun MATERIAL
1. [ C or U ] material with particular physical characteristics
an organic/chemical substance
What sort of substance could withstand those temperatures?
2. illegal substance
FORMAL an illegal drug
substance noun IMPORTANCE
3. [ U ] FORMAL importance, seriousness or relationship to real facts
There is no substance in/to the allegation.
This new information gives substance to the stories we have heard.
ˈ substance a ˌ buse noun [ U ] FORMAL
the use of a drug to get pleasure, or to improve a person's performance of an
activity, or because a person cannot stop using it
substance abuser noun [ C ]
ˈ substance a ˌ buse noun [ U ] FORMAL
the use of a drug to get pleasure, or to improve a person's performance of an
activity, or because a person cannot stop using it
substance abuser noun [ C ]
substandard adjective
below a satisfactory standard
substandard housing/accommodation
substandard work/goods
substantial adjective LARGE
1. large in size, value or importance
The findings show a substantial difference between the opinions of men and
women.
She inherited a substantial fortune from her grandmother.
The first draft of his novel needed a substantial amount of rewriting.
substantial adjective GENERAL
2. [ before noun ] FORMAL relating to the main or most important things being
considered
The committee were in substantial agreement (= agreed about most of the things
discussed) .
substantially adverb LARGE
1. to a large degree
The new rules will substantially change how we do things.
substantially adverb GENERAL
2. generally
This model has a few extra fittings, but the two cars are substantially the same.
substantiate verb [ T ] FORMAL
to show something to be true, or to support a claim with facts
We have evidence to substantiate the allegations against him.
Reports that children had been hurt have not been substantiated.
substantiation noun [ U ] FORMAL
The company produced receipts in substantiation of (= to support) its claim.
substantive adjective FORMAL
important, serious or related to real facts
Substantive research on the subject needs to be carried out.
The documents are the first substantive information obtained by the investigators.
substantive adjective FORMAL
important, serious or related to real facts
Substantive research on the subject needs to be carried out.
The documents are the first substantive information obtained by the investigators.
substation noun ELECTRICITY
1. electricity substation
a place which allows electricity to go from one part of the electricity production
system to another
substation noun PART OF ORGANIZATION
2. [ C ] US a division of an organization which works under the general control of
a larger office
a police substation
substitute verb [ T ]
1. to use something or someone instead of another thing or person
You can substitute oil for butter in this recipe.
Dayton was substituted for Williams in the second half of the match.
2. substitute for sth
to perform the same job as another thing or to take its place
Gas-fired power stations will substitute for less efficient coal-fired equipment.
substitute noun [ C ]
1. a thing or person that is used instead of another thing or person
Tofu can be used as a meat substitute in vegetarian recipes.
Vitamins should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet.
2. ( INFORMAL sub ) in sports, a player who is used for part of a game instead of
another player
Johnson came on as a substitute towards the end of the match.
The manager brought on ( US ALSO sent in ) another substitute in the final
minutes of the game.
3. there is no substitute for sth
nothing is as good as the stated thing
You can work from plans of a garden, but there's no substitute for visiting the site
yourself.
4. ( ALSO substitute teacher , INFORMAL sub ) US FOR supply teacher
substitution noun [ C or U ]
the use of one person or thing instead of another
It looks as though the coach is going to make a substitution (= change one
player for another in the game) .
substitution noun [ C or U ]
the use of one person or thing instead of another
It looks as though the coach is going to make a substitution (= change one
player for another in the game) .
substrate noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
1. a substance or surface which an organism grows and lives on and is supported
by
2. a substance which an enzyme (= chemical made by living cells) acts on to
produce a chemical reaction
substructure noun [ C ]
a firm structure which supports something built on top of it
The explosion damaged the bridge, but the substructure remained intact.
subsume verb [ T ] FORMAL
to include something or someone as part of a larger group
Soldiers from many different countries have been subsumed into the United
Nations peace-keeping force.
All the statistics have been subsumed under the general heading 'Facts and
Figures'.
subtenant noun [ C ]
a person who rents a building from someone who is renting it from the owner
subterfuge noun [ C or U ]
a trick or a dishonest way of achieving something
It was clear that they must have obtained the information by subterfuge.
subterranean adjective
under the ground
subterranean passages
a subterranean river
subtext noun [ C ]
a hidden or less obvious meaning
The political subtext of her novel is a criticism of government interference in
individual lives.
subtitle noun
1. [ C ] a word, phrase or sentence which is used as the second part of a book
title and is printed under the main title at the front of the book
2. subtitles
words shown at the bottom of a film or television picture to explain what is being
said
The Chinese film was shown with English subtitles.
The evening news has subtitles for the deaf.
subtitled adjective
a subtitled film/programme
subtle adjective APPROVING
1. not loud, bright, noticeable or obvious in any way
The room was painted a subtle shade of pink.
The play's message is perhaps too subtle to be understood by young children.
2. small but important
There is a subtle difference between these two plans.
3. achieved in a quiet way which does not attract attention to itself and which is
therefore good or clever
a subtle plan/suggestion
subtle questions
subtly adverb
This discovery had subtly changed/altered the way I thought about myself.
subtle adjective APPROVING
1. not loud, bright, noticeable or obvious in any way
The room was painted a subtle shade of pink.
The play's message is perhaps too subtle to be understood by young children.
2. small but important
There is a subtle difference between these two plans.
3. achieved in a quiet way which does not attract attention to itself and which is
therefore good or clever
a subtle plan/suggestion
subtle questions
subtly adverb
This discovery had subtly changed/altered the way I thought about myself.
subtlety noun APPROVING
1. [ U ] the quality of being subtle
Listening to the interview, I was impressed by the subtlety of the questions.
2. [ C ] a small but important detail
All the subtleties of the music are conveyed in this new recording.
subtotal noun [ C ]
the total of one set of numbers to which other numbers will be added
You have to add the cost of postage to the subtotal.
subtract verb [ T ]
to remove a number from another number
Four subtracted from ten equals six.
Compare add ; divide ; multiply
subtraction noun [ U ]
the process of removing one number from another
The test involves simple calculations, such as addition and subtraction.
subtropical adjective
belonging to or relating to parts of the world that are immediately south or north
of the tropics (= the hottest areas) and have very hot weather at some times of the
year
a subtropical climate
Subtropical regions are cooler than equatorial regions.
the subtropics plural noun SPECIALIZED
the parts of the world that are immediately south or north of the tropics (= the
hottest areas) and have a subtropical climate
suburb noun
1. [ C ] an area on the edge of a large town or city where people who work in the
town or city often live
Box Hill is a suburb of Melbourne.
We drove from middle-class suburbs to a very poor inner-city area.
2. the suburbs
the outer area of a town, rather than the shopping and business centre in the
middle
The company decided to relocate to the suburbs because the rent was much
cheaper.
suburban adjective
1. relating to a suburb
suburban schools/housing
They live in suburban Washington.
2. DISAPPROVING used to suggest that something is boring and has no excitement
suburban life
suburban adjective
1. relating to a suburb
suburban schools/housing
They live in suburban Washington.
2. DISAPPROVING used to suggest that something is boring and has no excitement
suburban life
suburbanite noun [ C ] US
a person who lives in the suburbs of a large town or city
suburbia noun [ U ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
1. the outer parts of a town, where there are houses, but no large shops, places
of work or places of entertainment
They live in a two-bedroomed house in the heart of suburbia.
2. the way of life of people who live in the outer parts of a town
He has written a book about middle-class suburbia.
subversion noun [ U ] FORMAL
when someone tries to destroy or damage an established system or government
He was found guilty of subversion and imprisoned.
subversive adjective FORMAL
trying to destroy or damage something, especially an established political system
subversive elements/groups in society
subversive ideas/influences
subversively adverb
subversiveness noun [ U ]
subvert verb [ T ] FORMAL
to try to destroy or damage something, especially an established political system
The rebel army is attempting to subvert the government.
Our best intentions are sometimes subverted by our natural tendency to
selfishness.
subway noun [ C ] PASSAGE
1. UK an underground passage which allows people on foot to cross a busy road
subway noun [ C ] RAILWAY
2. MAINLY US a railway system in which electric trains travel along passages below
ground
We took the subway uptown to Yankee Stadium.
sub-zero adjective
Sub-zero temperatures are temperatures below zero degrees.
sub-zero adjective
Sub-zero temperatures are temperatures below zero degrees.
succeed verb ACHIEVE SOMETHING
1. [ I ] If you succeed, you achieve something that you have been aiming for, and
if a plan or piece of work succeeds, it has the results that you wanted
She's been trying to pass her driving test for six years and she's finally
succeeded.
You need to be pretty tough to succeed in the property world.
The campaign has certainly succeeded in raising public awareness of the issue.
HUMOROUS Richard succeeded in offending (= managed unintentionally to offend)
just about everybody in the room!
succeed verb FOLLOW
2. [ I or T ] to take an official job or position after someone else
He succeeded his father as editor of the paper.
When the Queen dies, her eldest son will succeed to the throne.
3. to come after another person or thing in time
In the weeks that succeeded, five more patients showed similar symptoms.
Almost from its beginnings, New York has produced succeeding generations of
intellectuals.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. SAYING
said to encourage someone who has failed at something to try to do it again
success noun
1. [ U ] the achieving of the results wanted or hoped for
The success of almost any project depends largely on its manager.
I've been trying to persuade her to take on more staff, but so far without
success.
I'm not having much success in communicating with him at the moment.
The success rate for this operation is very low.
2. [ C ] something that achieves positive results
Both films have been a big box-office success in this country.
She's determined to make a success of this project.
That salmon dish was a success, wasn't it?
successful adjective
1. achieving the results wanted or hoped for
a successful operation
My second attempt at making flaky pastry was a bit more successful.
This year's harvest was one of the most successful since the record crop of 1985.
Opposite unsuccessful
2. having achieved a lot, become popular and/or made a lot of money
a successful career
She runs a very successful computer business.
He's the author of several hugely successful children's books (= books which
have been bought by a lot of people) .
The Birmingham Royal Ballet has had a highly successful season.
successfully adverb
A number of patients have been successfully treated with the new drug.
successful adjective
1. achieving the results wanted or hoped for
a successful operation
My second attempt at making flaky pastry was a bit more successful.
This year's harvest was one of the most successful since the record crop of 1985.
2. having achieved a lot, become popular and/or made a lot of money
a successful career
She runs a very successful computer business.
He's the author of several hugely successful children's books (= books which
have been bought by a lot of people) .
The Birmingham Royal Ballet has had a highly successful season.
successfully adverb
A number of patients have been successfully treated with the new drug.
succession noun
1. [ S ] a number of similar events or people that happen, exist, etc. after each
other
A succession of scandals and revelations has undermined the government over
the past year.
Life was just an endless succession of parties and dinners.
2. in succession
happening one after another
She had her first three children in rapid succession.
This is the seventh year in succession that they've won the cup.
3. [ U ] when someone takes an official position or job after someone else
Divorce would not prevent the Prince of Wales's succession to the throne.
successive adjective [ before noun ]
happening one after the other without any break
It was the team's fourth successive defeat.
He won the World Championship for the third successive year.
successively adverb
Since the championship began in 1987, they have finished successively in ninth,
seventh and fifth position.
successor noun [ C ]
someone or something that comes after another person or thing
Oxford Brookes University is seeking a successor to its vice-chancellor who retires
this Easter.
This range of computers is very fast, but their successors will be even faster.
suc ˈ cessor ˌ state noun [ C ]
a new smaller country formed after a larger country has been divided up
Russia, Georgia and Ukraine are three of the successor states to the Soviet Union.
suc ˈ cess ˌ story noun [ C ]
something or someone that achieves great success, often by making a lot of
money
Angela Black's biscuit company is a rare success story in these times of recession.
suc ˈ cess ˌ story noun [ C ]
something or someone that achieves great success, often by making a lot of
money
Angela Black's biscuit company is a rare success story in these times of recession.
succinct adjective APPROVING
said in a clear and short way; expressing what needs to be said without
unnecessary words
Keep your letter succinct and to the point.
succinctly adverb
I thought she expressed her feelings most succinctly in the meeting.
succinctness noun [ U ]
succour , US succor noun [ U ] LITERARY
help given to someone, especially someone who is suffering or in need
Her organization gave succour and strength to those who had been emotionally
damaged.
succour , US succor verb [ T ] LITERARY
to help someone, especially someone who is suffering or in need
to succour the poor, help the helpless, support the weak
Students should be encouraged, supported and succoured.
succulent adjective APPROVING
Succulent food is pleasantly juicy
a succulent peach.
a big piece of succulent steak
succulence noun [ U ]
The grilled chicken had a wonderful flavour and succulence.
succulent noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a plant such as a cactus in which the leaves and stem are thick and can store a lot
of water
Succulents often have thick waxy cuticles to minimize water loss.
succumb verb [ I ] FORMAL
1. to lose the determination to oppose something; to accept defeat
The town finally succumbed last week after being pounded with heavy artillery for
more than two months.
I'm afraid I succumbed to temptation and had a piece of cheesecake.
I felt sure it would only be a matter of time before he succumbed to my charms.
2. to die or suffer badly from an illness
Thousands of cows have succumbed to the disease in the past few months.
such predeterminer , determiner
used before a noun or noun phrase to add emphasis
That's such a good film.
It seems like such a long way to drive for just one day.
Oh Richard, you're such an idiot!
Such cruelty really is beyond my comprehension.
I'd put on such a lot of weight that I couldn't get into my trousers.
such predeterminer , determiner , pronoun
1. of a particular or similar type
Small companies such as ours are very vulnerable in a recession.
I'm looking for a cloth for cleaning silver. Do you have such a thing ?
Present on this grand occasion were Andrew Davies, Melissa Peters and other
such stars.
I tried to tell her in such a way that she wouldn't be offended.
He said it was an Edwardian washstand or some such thing - I can't remember
exactly.
OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL I just bought one or two things - bread and milk and such
( ALSO suchlike ).
FORMAL Our lunch was such (= of a type) that we don't really need an evening
meal.
2. such as
for example
That sum of money is to cover costs such as travel and accommodation.
such as it is
used to suggest that something you have referred to is of low quality or not
enough
You're welcome to borrow my tennis racket, such as it is.
Breakfast, such as it was, consisted of a plain roll and a cup of coffee.
such is life
used to refer to an event that has happened and that you must accept, because
you know that this is the way life is
So here I am, without a girlfriend again. Oh well, such is life.
there's no such thing/person (as)
used to say that something or someone does not exist
Darling, Mummy's told you before, there's no such thing as ghosts!
such noun
as such
in the true or exact meaning of the word or phrase
There wasn't much vegetarian food as such, although there were several different
types of cheese.
We don't have a secretary as such, but we do have a student who comes in to do
a bit of filing.
such predeterminer , determiner
used before a noun or noun phrase to add emphasis
That's such a good film.
It seems like such a long way to drive for just one day.
Oh Richard, you're such an idiot!
Such cruelty really is beyond my comprehension.
I'd put on such a lot of weight that I couldn't get into my trousers.
such predeterminer , determiner , pronoun
1. of a particular or similar type
Small companies such as ours are very vulnerable in a recession.
I'm looking for a cloth for cleaning silver. Do you have such a thing ?
Present on this grand occasion were Andrew Davies, Melissa Peters and other
such stars.
I tried to tell her in such a way that she wouldn't be offended.
He said it was an Edwardian washstand or some such thing - I can't remember
exactly.
OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL I just bought one or two things - bread and milk and such
( ALSO suchlike ).
FORMAL Our lunch was such (= of a type) that we don't really need an evening
meal.
2. such as
for example
That sum of money is to cover costs such as travel and accommodation.
such as it is
used to suggest that something you have referred to is of low quality or not
enough
You're welcome to borrow my tennis racket, such as it is.
Breakfast, such as it was, consisted of a plain roll and a cup of coffee.
such is life
used to refer to an event that has happened and that you must accept, because
you know that this is the way life is
So here I am, without a girlfriend again. Oh well, such is life.
there's no such thing/person (as)
used to say that something or someone does not exist
Darling, Mummy's told you before, there's no such thing as ghosts!
such noun
as such
in the true or exact meaning of the word or phrase
There wasn't much vegetarian food as such, although there were several different
types of cheese.
We don't have a secretary as such, but we do have a student who comes in to do
a bit of filing.
ˈ such and ˌ such adjective INFORMAL
used to refer to something which you do not want to name or say exactly
If they tell you to arrive at such and such a time, just get there a couple of
minutes early.
suchlike , determiner , pronoun
things of that type
There's a shop in the hospital where they sell flowers and chocolates and suchlike.
suck verb PULL IN
1. [ I or T ] to pull in liquid or air through your mouth without using your teeth, or
to move the tongue and muscles of the mouth around something inside your mouth,
often in order to dissolve it
She was sitting on the grass sucking lemonade through a straw.
I sucked my thumb until I was seven.
I tried sucking (on) a mint to stop myself coughing.
They used to give you sweets to suck on ( UK ALSO at ) in aeroplanes to stop your
ears from going pop.
2. [ T + adverb or preposition ] Something which sucks a liquid or an object in a
particular direction pulls it with great force
The waves came crashing over my head and I could feel myself being sucked
under by the currents.
FIGURATIVE Continued rapid growth in consumer spending will suck in (=
encourage) more imports.
suck verb BE BAD
3. [ I ] MAINLY US SLANG If someone or something sucks, they are bad or
unpleasant
Man, this job sucks!
While my brother was sick, I had to do all of his chores and it sucked.
suck sb/sth dry
to remove all useful, valuable qualities or possessions from a person, thing or
place
That firm sucks its new programmers dry after five years and then sacks them.
London has sucked the surrounding towns dry of local talent.
sucking diesel SLANG
feeling good
"How are you this morning?" "Sucking diesel, mate, sucking diesel."
suck it and see UK INFORMAL
to try something to find out if it will be successful
I'm not sure whether this paint is the right colour for the bedroom - we'll just
have to suck it and see.
suck sb/sth in/suck sb/sth into sth phrasal verb [ M often passive ]
to cause someone or something to gradually become involved in an unpleasant
situation or harmful activity
I really don't want any part in this whole argument, but I can feel myself being
sucked into it.
suck sb off phrasal verb [ M ] OFFENSIVE
to use the tongue, lips and mouth on someone's sexual organs to give them
pleasure
suck up to sb phrasal verb INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to try to make someone who is in authority approve of you by doing and saying
things that will please them
"Why do you think he offered to take all that work home?" "Ah, he's just sucking
up to the boss."
suck noun [ C usually singular ]
when you suck something
Can I have a suck of your lolly, please?
sucker noun STICKING DEVICE
1. [ C ] something that helps an animal or object to stick to a surface
The leech has a sucker at each end of its body.
2. [ C ] UK INFORMAL FOR suction cup
sucker noun PLANT PART
3. [ C ] SPECIALIZED a new growth on an existing plant that develops under the
ground from the root or the main stem, or from the stem below a graft (= part where a
new plant has been joined on)
sucker noun FOOLISH PERSON
4. [ C ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING a person who believes everything they are told and
is therefore easy to deceive
You didn't actually believe him when he said he had a yacht, did you? Oh, Annie,
you sucker!
5. be a sucker for sth INFORMAL
to like something so much that you cannot refuse it or judge its real value
I have to confess I'm a bit of a sucker for musicals.
sucker noun THING OR PERSON
6. [ C ] US INFORMAL used to refer to a thing or person that is unpleasant or
difficult
I've been working on that paper for weeks and almost have the sucker finished.
He's a nasty little sucker, isn't he?
sucker noun SWEET
7. [ C ] US INFORMAL FOR lollipop
sucker verb
sucker sb into sth phrasal verb US INFORMAL
to persuade someone to do something by deceiving them
[ + -ing verb ] We were suckered into doing the job for free.
you sucker!
difficult
sucker noun SWEET
sucker verb
suckle verb [ I or T ]
to feed a baby, especially a baby animal, with milk from the organ in the mother
that produces milk, or (of a baby, especially a baby animal) to drink milk from the
mother
We watched the cow suckling her calves.
The puppies went back to their mother to suckle.
suckling , noun [ C ] , adjective [ before noun ] OLD-FASHIONED
(an animal that is) still young enough to be drinking milk from its mother
The main course of the feast was roast suckling pig.
sucrose noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the type of sugar that exists naturally in most plants that grow on land
suction noun [ U ]
when air is removed from a space resulting in a lower pressure in that space,
either causing liquid, gases or other substances to enter, or causing two surfaces to
stick together
a suction pump
ˈ suction ˌ cup noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO sucker )
a circular piece of rubber which sticks to surfaces when pressed against them
the Sudan noun [ S ]
Sudanese noun [ C ]
sudden adjective
happening or done quickly and without warning
Drop the gun, put your hands in the air, and don't make any sudden movements.
He had a sudden heart attack while he was on holiday.
First they announce their engagement and then they tell me Angie's pregnant -
it's all a bit sudden really.
suddenness noun [ U ]
It was the suddenness of his illness that came as such a shock.
all of a sudden INFORMAL
very quickly
It seemed to happen all of a sudden - I felt dizzy and I just collapsed.
ˌ sudden infant ˈ death ˌ syndrome noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION SIDS )
a medical condition in which a baby who is sleeping dies suddenly for no obvious
reason
you sucker!
difficult
sucker noun SWEET
sucker verb
suckle verb [ I or T ]
to feed a baby, especially a baby animal, with milk from the organ in the mother
that produces milk, or (of a baby, especially a baby animal) to drink milk from the
mother
We watched the cow suckling her calves.
The puppies went back to their mother to suckle.
suckling , noun [ C ] , adjective [ before noun ] OLD-FASHIONED
(an animal that is) still young enough to be drinking milk from its mother
The main course of the feast was roast suckling pig.
sucrose noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the type of sugar that exists naturally in most plants that grow on land
suction noun [ U ]
when air is removed from a space resulting in a lower pressure in that space,
either causing liquid, gases or other substances to enter, or causing two surfaces to
stick together
a suction pump
ˈ suction ˌ cup noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO sucker )
a circular piece of rubber which sticks to surfaces when pressed against them
the Sudan noun [ S ]
Sudanese noun [ C ]
sudden adjective
happening or done quickly and without warning
Drop the gun, put your hands in the air, and don't make any sudden movements.
He had a sudden heart attack while he was on holiday.
First they announce their engagement and then they tell me Angie's pregnant -
it's all a bit sudden really.
suddenness noun [ U ]
It was the suddenness of his illness that came as such a shock.
all of a sudden INFORMAL
very quickly
It seemed to happen all of a sudden - I felt dizzy and I just collapsed.
ˌ sudden infant ˈ death ˌ syndrome noun [ U ] ( ABBREVIATION SIDS )
a medical condition in which a baby who is sleeping dies suddenly for no obvious
reason
suddenly adverb
quickly and unexpectedly
"Do you remember much about the accident?" "No, it all happened so suddenly."
I was just dozing off to sleep when suddenly I heard a scream from outside.
I suddenly realised what I'd said, but it was too late.
Sudoku , ALSO Su Doku , , noun [ U ]
a number game in which you have to write a number between 1 and 9 in each
small box of a 9x9 square
suds plural noun
1. ( ALSO soapsuds ) the mass of small bubbles that form on the surface of soapy
water
2. US a mass of small bubbles that forms on the surface of any liquid
3. US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL FOR beer
sudsy adjective US
covered in soapy bubbles
sue verb [ I or T ]
to take legal action against a person or organization, especially by making a legal
claim for money because of some harm that they have caused you
He was so furious about the accusations in the letter that he threatened to sue.
She sued the paper for (= in order to get) damages after they wrongly described
her as a prostitute.
She is suing her husband for (= in order to get a) divorce.
suede noun [ U ]
leather which is slightly rough to touch and is not shiny
suede shoes
suede noun [ U ]
leather which is slightly rough to touch and is not shiny
suede shoes
suet noun [ U ]
a type of hard fat used in cooking which is taken from around the kidneys of such
animals as sheep and cows
suet pudding
suffer verb FEEL PAIN
1. [ I ] to experience physical or mental pain
I think he suffered quite a lot when his wife left him.
She suffers terribly in the winter when it's cold and her joints get stiff.
She's been suffering from (= been ill with) cancer for two years.
Johnny suffers from (= is often ill with) asthma.
If you're not happy with it, you should complain. Don't just suffer in silence (=
without saying anything) .
suffer verb EXPERIENCE
2. [ I or T ] to experience or show the effects of something bad
The Democrats suffered a crushing defeat in the last election.
Twenty-five policemen suffered minor injuries during the protest.
The city suffered another blow last month with the closure of the local car
factory.
If you will insist on eating three helpings of dessert, I'm afraid you'll have to
suffer the consequences !
[ + object + -ing verb ] I had to suffer her father moan ing for half an hour on
the phone last night!
When you're working such long hours, it's inevitable that your marriage will start
to suffer.
Like a lot of his films, it suffers from being a bit too long.
not suffer fools gladly
to have very little patience with people who you think are silly or have stupid
ideas
sufferance noun
1. on sufferance
FORMAL with unwilling permission
He gave me a bed for a couple of nights but I felt I was there on sufferance.
2. under sufferance
OLD-FASHIONED If someone does something under sufferance, they do it very
unwillingly
He only visits his parents under sufferance.
sufferer noun [ C ]
a person who has or often gets a particular illness
Almost 50 per cent of cancer sufferers are treated successfully.
A new drug may give new hope to thousands of hay-fever sufferers.
sufferer noun [ C ]
a person who has or often gets a particular illness
Almost 50 per cent of cancer sufferers are treated successfully.
A new drug may give new hope to thousands of hay-fever sufferers.
suffering noun [ C or U ]
when you experience physical or mental pain
The war will cause widespread human suffering.
suffice verb [ I ] FORMAL
to be enough
I'm taking four hundred pounds' worth of travellers' cheques - I think that should
suffice.
suffice (it) to say
it is enough to say
Suffice (it) to say, Mike won't be going to Tina's birthday party after what he said
about her to her boss.
sufficiency noun [ S ] FORMAL
an amount of something that is enough for a particular purpose
"More ham, Mr Fletcher?" "No thank you - it was delicious, but I've had a
sufficiency (= I have eaten enough) ."
sufficient adjective
1. enough for a particular purpose
This recipe should be sufficient for five people.
It was thought that he'd committed the crime but there wasn't sufficient evidence
to convict him.
Opposite insufficient
2. have had sufficient
FORMAL to have eaten enough
"Would you like some more stew?" "No thanks, I've had sufficient."
sufficiently adverb
McGeechan has not recovered sufficiently to play in the semi-final tomorrow.
The case was sufficiently serious to warrant investigation by the police.
suffix noun [ C ]
a letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to make a new word
The suffix '-ness' added to the end of the word 'sweet' forms the word
'sweetness', changing an adjective into a noun.
suffocate verb [ I or T ] DIE
1. to (cause someone to) die because they do not have enough oxygen
The report said that the victims had suffocated in the fumes.
She suffocated him by holding a pillow over his head.
suffocate verb [ I or T ] PREVENT
2. to prevent something or someone from improving or developing in a positive
way
suffocation noun [ U ]
suffocate verb [ I or T ] DIE
1. to (cause someone to) die because they do not have enough oxygen
The report said that the victims had suffocated in the fumes.
She suffocated him by holding a pillow over his head.
suffocate verb [ I or T ] PREVENT
2. to prevent something or someone from improving or developing in a positive
way
suffocation noun [ U ]
suffocating adjective NO AIR
1. INFORMAL Something that is suffocating makes you feel uncomfortably hot or
unable to breathe
I've got to open the window - it's suffocating in here!
suffocating smoke/fumes
suffocating adjective PREVENTING
2. preventing something or someone from improving or developing in a positive
way
The book tells the story of a woman escaping from a suffocating marriage.
It is a land of antiquated social rules and suffocating traditions.
suffrage noun [ U ]
the right to vote in an election, especially for representatives in a parliament or
similar organization
universal suffrage (= the right of all adults to vote)
suffragette noun [ C ]
a woman in Britain, Australia and the United States in the early 20th century who
was a member of a group that demanded the right of women to vote and that increased
knowledge of the subject with a series of public protests
suffragist noun [ C ]
someone who supports suffrage, especially a supporter of the right of women to
vote in the early 20th century
suffuse verb [ T often passive ] LITERARY
to spread through or over something completely
His voice was low and suffused with passion.
Sufi noun [ C ]
a member of an Islamic religious group which tries to achieve unity with God by
living a simple life and by praying and meditating
Sufic adjective ( ALSO Sufi )
He's a member of a Sufic order.
Sufism noun [ U ]
sugar noun
1. [ C or U ] a sweet substance especially from the plants sugar cane and sugar
beet, used to make food and drinks sweet
I don't take sugar in my coffee, thanks.
How many sugars (= spoonfuls or lumps of sugar) do you take in your tea?
2. [ C ] SPECIALIZED any of several types of simple carbohydrate that dissolves in
water
Glucose and lactose are sugars.
3. [ as form of address ] MAINLY US a friendly way of talking to someone that you
know
Hi, sugar, did you have a good day at school?
sugar and spice
If you describe someone, especially a woman or a girl, as being sugar and spice,
you mean that they are behaving in a kind and friendly way
She could be all sugar and spice when she wanted to be.
sugar exclamation
shit , used when something annoying happens
POLITE WORD FOR
Oh sugar, I've just spilt coffee all down my jacket!
sugar verb [ T ]
to put sugar in something
Oh, I forgot to sugar your coffee.
sugar noun
1. [ C or U ] a sweet substance especially from the plants sugar cane and sugar
beet, used to make food and drinks sweet
I don't take sugar in my coffee, thanks.
How many sugars (= spoonfuls or lumps of sugar) do you take in your tea?
2. [ C ] SPECIALIZED any of several types of simple carbohydrate that dissolves in
water
Glucose and lactose are sugars.
3. [ as form of address ] MAINLY US a friendly way of talking to someone that you
know
Hi, sugar, did you have a good day at school?
sugar and spice
If you describe someone, especially a woman or a girl, as being sugar and spice,
you mean that they are behaving in a kind and friendly way
She could be all sugar and spice when she wanted to be.
sugar exclamation
shit , used when something annoying happens
POLITE WORD FOR
Oh sugar, I've just spilt coffee all down my jacket!
sugar verb [ T ]
to put sugar in something
Oh, I forgot to sugar your coffee.
ˈ sugar ˌ beet noun [ C or U ]
a plant from whose white root sugar can be got
ˈ sugar ˌ cane noun [ U ]
a tropical plant from whose tall thick stems sugar can be got
sugar-coated adjective SWEET
1. (of foods or pills) covered with a thin layer of sugar
sugar-coated adjective DECEIVING
2. DISAPPROVING An announcement or promise that is sugar-coated is intended to
seem positive or pleasant, although in fact it will result in something unpleasant or
unacceptable.
sugar coat verb [ T ]
ˈ sugar ˌ daddy noun [ C ] INFORMAL
a rich and usually older man who buys presents for or gives money to a young
person, especially a woman, usually in order to spend time with them or have a sexual
relationship with them
sugar-free adjective
Sugar-free foods do not contain any sugar and are usually artificially sweetened
sugar-free chewing-gum
ˌ sugar ( ˌ snap) ˈ pea noun [ C usually plural ] UK ( US snap bean )
a long, thin green pod eaten as a vegetable
sugary adjective
1. containing sugar
all those sugary snacks that kids eat
2. DISAPPROVING too good or kind or expressing feelings of love in a way that is not
sincere
It's that sugary smile of his that I can't bear - it makes me want to puke!
suggest verb [ T ] MENTION
1. to mention an idea, possible plan or action for other people to consider
They were wondering where to hold the office party and I suggested the Italian
restaurant near the station.
FORMAL Might I suggest a white wine with your salmon, sir?
[ + ( that ) ] I suggest (that) we wait a while before we make any firm decisions.
Liz suggested (that) I try the shop on Mill Road.
[ + -ing verb ] I suggested putt ing the matter to the committee.
[ + question word ] Can you suggest wh ere I might find a chemist's?
suggest verb [ T ] SHOW/EXPRESS
2. to communicate or show an idea or feeling without stating it directly or giving
proof
[ + ( that ) ] There's no absolute proof, but all the evidence suggests (that) he's
guilty.
Are you suggesting (that) I look fat in these trousers?
Something about his manner suggested a lack of interest in what we were doing.
suggest verb [ T ] PRODUCE AN IDEA
3. SLIGHTLY FORMAL to produce an idea in the mind
Does anything suggest itself (= Have you got any ideas about what we should
do) ?
suggest verb [ T ] MENTION
1. to mention an idea, possible plan or action for other people to consider
They were wondering where to hold the office party and I suggested the Italian
restaurant near the station.
FORMAL Might I suggest a white wine with your salmon, sir?
[ + ( that ) ] I suggest (that) we wait a while before we make any firm decisions.
Liz suggested (that) I try the shop on Mill Road.
[ + -ing verb ] I suggested putt ing the matter to the committee.
[ + question word ] Can you suggest wh ere I might find a chemist's?
suggest verb [ T ] SHOW/EXPRESS
2. to communicate or show an idea or feeling without stating it directly or giving
proof
[ + ( that ) ] There's no absolute proof, but all the evidence suggests (that) he's
guilty.
Are you suggesting (that) I look fat in these trousers?
Something about his manner suggested a lack of interest in what we were doing.
suggest verb [ T ] PRODUCE AN IDEA
3. SLIGHTLY FORMAL to produce an idea in the mind
Does anything suggest itself (= Have you got any ideas about what we should
do) ?
suggestible adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
describes someone who is easily influenced by other people's opinions
The success of advertising proves that we are all highly suggestible.
suggestion noun [ C or U ]
1. an idea, plan or action that is suggested or the act of suggesting it
I don't know what to wear tonight - do you have any suggestions?
She made some very helpful suggestions but her boss rejected them all.
[ + that ] They didn't like my suggestion that we should all share the cost.
I have a few favourite restaurants that I tend to go back to, but I'm always open
to new suggestions (= willing to try new ones that people suggest) .
I went to the Park Street dentist's at Ann's suggestion (= as a result of Ann
suggesting it) and I was really impressed.
2. communication of an idea without stating it directly
the suggestion of his guilt
3. a slight amount or trace of something
a suggestion of an Irish accent
suggestive adjective SEXUAL
1. often used to describe something that makes people think about sex
Some of his lyrics are rather suggestive.
suggestive adjective GIVE IDEA
2. FORMAL If something is suggestive of something else, it makes you think about it
The amplified sounds are suggestive of dolphins chatting to each other under the
sea.
suggestively adverb
suicidal adjective DEATH
1. People who are suicidal want to kill themselves or are in a mental state in
which it is likely that they will try to do so
Pete was so depressed after his girlfriend left him that I actually thought he was
suicidal.
2. describes behaviour that is likely to result in death
He took some suicidal risks.
suicidal adjective DEFEAT
3. A suicidal act causes the defeat of the person who does it
It would be suicidal for the Prime Minister to call an election at a time when he's
so unpopular.
suicidally adverb
suicide noun DEATH
1. [ C or U ] the act of killing yourself intentionally, or a person who has done this
to attempt/commit suicide
The suicide rate among men between the ages of 16 and 25 has risen alarmingly.
Many suicides occur in prisons.
Compare manslaughter ; murder
suicide noun DEFEAT
2. [ U ] any act which has the effect of causing your own defeat
[ + to infinitive ] As a leader he knows that it is political suicide to appear
indecisive.
suicide noun DEATH
1. [ C or U ] the act of killing yourself intentionally, or a person who has done this
to attempt/commit suicide
The suicide rate among men between the ages of 16 and 25 has risen alarmingly.
Many suicides occur in prisons.
Compare manslaughter ; murder
suicide noun DEFEAT
2. [ U ] any act which has the effect of causing your own defeat
[ + to infinitive ] As a leader he knows that it is political suicide to appear
indecisive.
ˈ suicide ˌ bomber noun [ C ]
a person who has a bomb hidden on their body and who kills themselves in the
attempt to kill others
ˈ suicide ˌ pact noun [ C ]
an agreement between two or more people to kill themselves together at the
same time
The leader of the religious sect and thirty of his followers killed themselves in a
suicide pact last year.
suit noun SET OF CLOTHES
1. [ C ] a jacket and trousers or a jacket and skirt that are made from the same
material
All the businessmen were wearing pinstripe suits.
She wore a dark blue suit.
2. [ C ] a set of clothes or a piece of clothing to be worn in a particular situation
or while doing a particular activity
a diving/protective/ski, etc. suit
a swimsuit
a spacesuit
a suit of armour
suit noun LEGAL PROBLEM
3. [ C ] ( ALSO lawsuit ) a problem taken to a court of law, by an ordinary person
or an organization rather than the police, for a legal decision
He brought / MAINLY US filed a $12 million libel suit against the newspaper,
claiming his professional reputation had been damaged by the paper's stories.
a malpractice/negligence/paternity suit
suit noun PLAYING CARDS
4. [ C ] any of the four types of card in a set of playing cards, each having a
different shape printed on it
The four suits in a pack of cards are hearts, spades, clubs and diamonds.
suit noun PERSON
5. [ C often plural ] INFORMAL MAINLY DISAPPROVING a man who works in an office and
wears a suit, especially a man with a high position in a company who is considered not
to have human feelings and good ideas
suit verb [ T ] BE RIGHT
1. to be right for a particular person, situation or occasion
Corn is grown a lot in this area - the soil seems to suit it very well.
The city lifestyle seems to suit her - she's certainly looking very well.
2. (usually of a colour or style of clothes) to make someone look more attractive
You should wear more red - it suits you.
Short skirts don't really suit me - I haven't got the legs for them.
suit verb [ T ] BE CONVENIENT
3. to be convenient and cause the least difficulty for someone
We could go now or this afternoon - whatever time suits you best.
"How about eight o'clock outside the cinema?" "That suits me fine ."
suit yourself ! INFORMAL
an expression used either humorously or angrily to mean 'do what you want to do'
"I don't think I'll come to the party tonight." "All right, suit yourself!"
suit sb (right) down to the ground
If something suits someone down to the ground, it suits them perfectly, usually
because it is convenient for them
Part-time work would suit me right down to the ground.
suitable adjective
acceptable or right for someone or something
The film is suitable for children.
My mother doesn't like me wearing short skirts to church - she doesn't think
they're suitable.
Opposite unsuitable
suitability noun [ U ]
suitably adverb
a suitably qualified person
suitable adjective
acceptable or right for someone or something
The film is suitable for children.
My mother doesn't like me wearing short skirts to church - she doesn't think
they're suitable.
Opposite unsuitable
suitability noun [ U ]
suitably adverb
a suitably qualified person
ˈ suit ˌ bag noun [ C ] UK ( US garment bag )
a long flat bag which is carried folded in half, in which a suit (= jacket and
trousers) can be kept while travelling
suitcase noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO case )
a large rectangular case with a handle for carrying clothes and possessions while
travelling
Have you packed/unpacked your suitcase yet?
suite noun [ C ] SET OF ROOMS
1. a set of connected rooms, especially in a hotel
The singer was interviewed in his £1500 a night hotel suite.
They've got a whole suite of offices on the 34th floor.
suite noun [ C ] SET OF FURNITURE
2. a set of furniture for one room, of matching design and colour
We're having a new bathroom/bedroom suite fitted at the weekend.
I've ordered a new three-piece suite for the living-room.
suite noun [ C ] MUSIC
3. a piece of music with several parts, usually all in the same key
suited adjective
1. right for someone or something
With her qualifications and experience, she would seem to be ideally suited
to/for the job.
2. If two people who have a relationship are suited, they have a good relationship
which will probably last, often because they share a lot of interests
They were never suited (to each other) from the start - they've got nothing in
common.
suitor noun [ C ]
1. LITERARY a man who wants to marry a particular woman
It's the story of a young woman who can't make up her mind which of her many
suitors she should marry.
2. SPECIALIZED a person or company who wants to take control of another company
PJH Corporation said it had been approached by two possible suitors who had
submitted bids to buy the company.
sulfur noun [ U ]
US FOR sulphur
sulfur noun [ U ]
US FOR sulphur
sulk verb [ I ] DISAPPROVING
to be silent and refuse to smile or be pleasant to people because you are angry
about something that they have done
He's sulking in a corner somewhere because I wouldn't let him have a second bar
of chocolate.
sulk noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
when someone refuses to smile or be pleasant because they are angry about
something
If she doesn't get what she wants she goes into a sulk just like a child.
Jim's in one of his sulks again - just ignore him.
sulkiness noun [ U ]
sulky adjective
She brought along a couple of sulky looking kids who didn't say a word all
evening.
sullen adjective
angry and unwilling to smile or be pleasant to people
His daughters stared back at him with an expression of sullen resentment.
LITERARY She looked up at the sullen (= dark and unpleasant) sky and shuddered.
sullenly adverb
She turned her back to him and stared sullenly out of the window.
sullenness noun [ U ]
sully verb [ T ] FORMAL
1. to spoil something which is pure or someone's perfect reputation
His reputation, he said, had been unfairly sullied by allegations, half-truths and
innuendos.
2. to make something dirty
No speck of dirt had ever sullied his hands.
sulphate , MAINLY US sulfate noun [ C or U ]
a chemical formed from sulphur , oxygen and another element
sulphate , MAINLY US sulfate noun [ C or U ]
a chemical formed from sulphur , oxygen and another element
sulphide , MAINLY US sulfide noun [ C or U ]
a chemical formed from sulphur and another element
sulphur , MAINLY US sulfur noun [ U ]
a pale yellow element which exists in various physical forms. It burns with a blue
flame and a strong smell and is used in medicine and industry.
sulphurous , MAINLY US sulfurous adjective
sulphur-crested cockatoo noun [ C ]
a large white parrot from Australia which is kept as a pet in some countries
ˌ sulphur di ˈ oxide noun [ U ]
a gas with no colour which has a strong unpleasant smell and dissolves in water.
It is used in various industrial processes and for keeping food fresh, and causes serious
air pollution.
sulphuric acid , MAINLY US sulfuric acid noun [ U ]
a strong acid with no colour
sultan noun [ C ]
a ruler, especially in the past, of some Muslim countries
the Sultan of Brunei
sultana noun [ C ] MAINLY UK ( MAINLY US golden raisin )
a dried white grape
sultanate noun [ C ]
a country ruled by a sultan
sultry adjective WARM
1. (of weather) uncomfortably warm and with air that is slightly wet
sultry adjective SEXY
2. (especially of a woman's face or voice) sexually attractive in a way that
suggests sexual desire
She's the sultry blonde in that new chocolate commercial.
sultriness noun [ U ]
sum noun AMOUNT OF MONEY
1. [ C ] an amount of money
Huge sums of money are spent on national defence.
He'll get £50 000 from the company when he retires, which is a tidy (= large)
sum.
HUMOROUS I worked for three whole weeks for which I received the princely (=
very low) sum of $100.
sum noun CALCULATION
2. [ C ] a calculation, especially a simple one, using such processes as adding,
subtracting, multiplying or dividing
I remember how much I hated doing sums when I was at school.
sum noun TOTAL
3. [ S ] the whole number or amount when two or more numbers or amounts
have been added together
The sum of thirteen and eight is twenty-one.
4. in sum
FORMAL considered as a whole
The meeting was, in sum, a disaster.
5. the sum of sth
all of something
I'm afraid that's the pitiful sum of my knowledge on the subject!
get/have your sums right/wrong MAINLY UK
to calculate the cost of something correctly/wrongly
I must confess that I got my sums wrong - the house extension is costing a lot
more than I expected.
sum verb
sum (sth/sb) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to describe or express the important facts or characteristics about something or
someone
The best way of summing up the situation in our office is to say that it is 'absolute
chaos'.
I'd just like to sum up by saying that it's been a tremendous pleasure to work
with you.
He's a small man with a big ego - that about sums him up, doesn't it?
sum sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
1. An action or object which sums something or someone up represents the most
typical qualities of that person or thing
For me, her paintings sum up the restless spirit of America.
2. to quickly form an opinion about someone or something
She summed up the situation quickly and took charge.
sum up phrasal verb
When a judge sums up towards the end of a trial, he or she makes a speech to
the jury telling them again of the main matters they should consider in the case.
summing-up noun [ C ]
sum noun AMOUNT OF MONEY
1. [ C ] an amount of money
Huge sums of money are spent on national defence.
He'll get £50 000 from the company when he retires, which is a tidy (= large)
sum.
HUMOROUS I worked for three whole weeks for which I received the princely (=
very low) sum of $100.
sum noun CALCULATION
2. [ C ] a calculation, especially a simple one, using such processes as adding,
subtracting, multiplying or dividing
I remember how much I hated doing sums when I was at school.
sum noun TOTAL
3. [ S ] the whole number or amount when two or more numbers or amounts
have been added together
The sum of thirteen and eight is twenty-one.
4. in sum
FORMAL considered as a whole
The meeting was, in sum, a disaster.
5. the sum of sth
all of something
I'm afraid that's the pitiful sum of my knowledge on the subject!
get/have your sums right/wrong MAINLY UK
to calculate the cost of something correctly/wrongly
I must confess that I got my sums wrong - the house extension is costing a lot
more than I expected.
sum verb
sum (sth/sb) up phrasal verb [ M ]
to describe or express the important facts or characteristics about something or
someone
The best way of summing up the situation in our office is to say that it is 'absolute
chaos'.
I'd just like to sum up by saying that it's been a tremendous pleasure to work
with you.
He's a small man with a big ego - that about sums him up, doesn't it?
sum sth/sb up phrasal verb [ M ]
1. An action or object which sums something or someone up represents the most
typical qualities of that person or thing
For me, her paintings sum up the restless spirit of America.
2. to quickly form an opinion about someone or something
She summed up the situation quickly and took charge.
sum up phrasal verb
When a judge sums up towards the end of a trial, he or she makes a speech to
the jury telling them again of the main matters they should consider in the case.
summing-up noun [ C ]
summarize , UK USUALLY summarise verb [ I or T ]
to express the most important facts or ideas about something or someone in a
short and clear form
I'll just summarize the main points of the argument in a few words if I may.
summary noun [ C ] ( FORMAL summation )
a short clear description that gives the main facts or ideas about something
At the end of the news, they often give you a summary of the main news stories.
summary adjective [ before noun ]
done suddenly, without discussion or legal arrangements
summary arrest/dismissal/execution
summarily adverb
summat pronoun UK NOT STANDARD
something
There's summat wrong with this machine.
summer noun [ C or U ]
the season of the year between spring and autumn when the weather is warmest,
lasting from June to September north of the equator and from December to March south
of the equator
We have breakfast on the balcony in (the) summer.
Last summer they went to Australia, and two summers ago they went to Brazil.
I love these warm summer nights.
It was a perfect summer's day.
See also Indian summer
summer verb [ I usually + adv/prep ]
to spend the summer in a particular place
If your cactus has summered outdoors, move it into the garage or house when
overnight temperatures drop below 65°F.
summerhouse noun [ C ]
1. a small building in a garden used for sitting in during the summer
2. US a house at the beach or in the mountains that you live in for part or all of
the summer
summerhouse noun [ C ]
1. a small building in a garden used for sitting in during the summer
2. US a house at the beach or in the mountains that you live in for part or all of
the summer
ˌ summer ˈ pudding noun [ C ] UK
a cold sweet dish consisting of several soft red and purple fruits, such as
raspberries and blackberries , surrounded by bread
ˈ summer ˌ school noun [ C ]
1. an educational course that happens during the summer when other courses
have finished
2. US one or more educational courses taken during the summer which replace
courses that were missed or failed, or which make it possible for students to move more
quickly toward a degree or graduation
summertime noun [ U ]
the season of summer
You should see the garden in (the) summertime - it's beautiful.
summery adjective
typical of or suitable for summer
Clare walked by looking very summery in a pale blue sundress.
summit noun [ C ] MEETING
1. an important formal meeting between leaders of governments from two or
more countries
a summit meeting
World leaders will meet next week for their annual economic summit.
summit noun [ C ] HIGHEST POINT
2. the highest point of a mountain
On this day in 1784, Dr Michel Paccard and Jacques Balmat reached the summit
of Mont Blanc.
3. the summit
the highest, most successful or most important point in something
I certainly haven't reached the summit of my career.
summon verb [ T ] ORDER
1. to order someone to come to or be present at a particular place, or to officially
arrange a meeting of people
General Rattigan summoned reinforcements to help resist the attack.
HUMOROUS I'm afraid I'll have to go - I'm being summoned by my wife.
On July 20th, the council was summoned to hear an emergency report on its
finances.
summon verb [ T ] PRODUCE STRENGTH
2. to increase your bravery or strength, especially with an effort
It took me six months to summon (up) the courage to ask him out for a drink.
summon verb [ T ] ORDER
1. to order someone to come to or be present at a particular place, or to officially
arrange a meeting of people
General Rattigan summoned reinforcements to help resist the attack.
HUMOROUS I'm afraid I'll have to go - I'm being summoned by my wife.
On July 20th, the council was summoned to hear an emergency report on its
finances.
summon verb [ T ] PRODUCE STRENGTH
2. to increase your bravery or strength, especially with an effort
It took me six months to summon (up) the courage to ask him out for a drink.
summons noun [ C ]
1. an order to come and see someone
I sat outside the boss's office awaiting my summons.
2. LEGAL an official demand to appear in a court of law
Mr Clarke's insurance company had issued a summons for unpaid mortgage
repayments.
sumo wrestling noun [ U ]
a style of wrestling (= a fighting sport) originally from Japan, in which each man
tries to defeat the other either by pushing him outside of a special ring or by forcing him
to touch the ground with a part of his body other than the bottom part of the foot
sumo wrestler noun [ C ]
sump noun [ C ]
a hole or container, especially in the lower part of an engine, into which a liquid
that is not needed can flow
sumptuous adjective
luxurious and showing that you are rich
The celebrity guests turned up dressed in sumptuous evening gowns.
sumptuously adverb
ˌ sum ˈ total noun [ U ]
The sum total of something is the whole of it, or everything
It's the sum total of what you eat over a long period that matters and not what
you consume in a day.
sun noun [ S or U ]
the star that the Earth moves around, which provides light and heat for the Earth,
or the light or heat that the Earth receives from this star
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
The sun's rays are at their most powerful at midday.
I think I've had a bit too much sun today - I've got a headache.
Shall we go and sit out in the sun?
We thought we'd go out for a walk while the sun was shining .
everything under the sun
everything that exists or is possible
I've tried everything under the sun on this stain, but I just can't get rid of it.
the sun sets on sth LITERARY
If the sun sets on something, it ends
It used to be said that Britain ruled an empire on which the sun would never set.
think the sun shines out (of) sb's arse/backside UK OFFENSIVE
to love and admire someone so much that you do not think they have any bad
qualities
sun verb
sun yourself
[ R ] to lie or sit somewhere where there is a lot of sun, especially in order to
make your skin darker
I sat on the balcony sunning myself.
Sun
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR Sunday
Sun
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR Sunday
sun-baked adjective [ before noun ]
An area of land or a place that is sun-baked is very dry and obviously receives a
lot of sun
We strolled along the sun-baked streets of Naples.
sunbathe verb [ I ]
to sit or lie in the sun in order to make your skin darker
I like to sunbathe in the morning when the sun is not so hot.
sunbathing noun [ U ]
the risks associated with sunbathing
sunbeam noun [ C ] UK ( US sunray )
a beam of light from the sun that you can see
sunbed noun [ C ] UK ( US tanning bed )
a structure like a bed containing a device for producing light, which you lie on in
order to make the skin go darker
the Sunbelt noun [ S ]
the southern part of the US
The Sunbelt stretches from Florida to southern California.
sunblock noun [ U ]
sunscreen
sunburn noun [ U ]
when your skin has become sore and red because you have spent too long in the
strong heat of the sun
Compare suntan
sunburnt , sunburned adjective
describes the condition of skin that has become red and sore by being in the
strong heat of the sun for too long, or that is very suntanned
When you go out in the hot sun, you should always put cream on your skin to
avoid getting sunburnt.
Fishermen with sunburnt faces sat on the beach mending their nets.
sundae noun [ C ]
a food made from ice cream, with pieces of fruit, nuts, cream, sweet sauce, etc.
on top of it
sundae noun [ C ]
a food made from ice cream, with pieces of fruit, nuts, cream, sweet sauce, etc.
on top of it
Sunday noun [ C or U ] ( WRITTEN ABBREVIATION Sun )
the day of the week after Saturday and before Monday, when most people in
Western countries do not go to work
They go to church on Sundays.
We're going to visit my aunt and uncle on Sunday (= next Sunday) .
UK INFORMAL OR US What are you doing Sunday (= next Sunday) ?
We arrive in Paris on the (= a particular) Sunday, and leave the following
Wednesday.
In Britain, the traditional Sunday lunch consists of roast meat, potatoes and
other vegetables.
ˌ Sunday ˈ best noun
your Sunday best OLD-FASHIONED
your best clothes which you wear on special occasions
ˌ Sunday ˈ driver noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
someone who drives unnecessarily slowly, often annoying other drivers
ˌ Sunday ˈ paper noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO Sunday )
a newspaper that is sold on Sundays and is usually bigger than newspapers sold
on other days, often having several parts
ˈ Sunday ˌ school noun [ C usually singular ]
a class held on Sundays in which especially Christian children are given religious
teaching
sundeck noun [ C ]
a part of a ship or a flat area next to or on the roof of a house where you can sit
in order to enjoy the sun
sundial noun [ C ]
a device used outside, especially in the past, which consists of a thin piece of
metal fixed to a flat surface printed with numbers, which shows the time by the metal
making a dark line on the surface as the sun moves across the sky above it
sundown noun [ U not after the ]
the time in the evening when you last see the sun in the sky
We left early, anxious to make it back to Florence before/by sundown.
sundown noun [ U not after the ]
the time in the evening when you last see the sun in the sky
We left early, anxious to make it back to Florence before/by sundown.
sun-drenched adjective [ before noun ]
A place that is sun-drenched often receives a lot of sun
sun-drenched beaches
sundress noun [ C ]
an informal dress without sleeves that is worn in hot weather
sun-dried adjective [ before noun ]
describes vegetables that have been dried by leaving them in the sun so that their
flavour becomes much stronger
sun-dried tomatoes
sundries plural noun
various different small things which are considered together, usually because they
are not important enough to be considered separately
There's an item on the hotel bill for sundries.
sundry adjective [ before noun ] FORMAL
several different; various
Sundry distant relatives, most of whom I hardly recognized, turned up for my
brother's wedding.
all and sundry MAINLY UK INFORMAL
everyone
I don't want all and sundry knowing about our problems.
various and sundry MAINLY US INFORMAL
many different
He spent an hour telling me about various and sundry ideas he has for making
money.
sunflower noun [ C ]
sunflower
a plant usually having a very tall stem and a single large round flat yellow flower,
with many long thin narrow petals close together
sung verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF sing
sung verb
sing
PAST PARTICIPLE OF
sunglasses plural noun ( ALSO dark glasses , INFORMAL shades )
dark glasses which you wear to protect your eyes from bright light from the sun
a pair of sunglasses
sun-god noun [ C ]
a god who represented the sun in some ancient religions
ˈ sun ˌ hat noun [ C ]
a hat to protect your head from the sun
sunk verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sink
sunken adjective
1. having fallen to the bottom of the sea
They're diving for sunken treasure .
2. at a lower level than the surrounding area
It was a luxurious bathroom, with a sunken bath.
3. (of eyes or cheeks) seeming to have fallen further into the face, especially
because of tiredness, illness or old age
She looked old and thin with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes.
sun-kissed adjective [ before noun ] MAINLY HUMOROUS
describes a place that receives a lot of sun, or a person whose appearance is
attractive because they have recently been in the sun
sunlamp noun [ C ]
a device which produces light which has similar effects to that of light from the
sun, and which is used especially for making the skin darker
She spends several hours a week under a sunlamp to keep her skin looking
tanned.
sunless adjective
LITERARYwithout any sun
It was a grey and sunless day and our spirits were low.
sunlight noun [ U ]
the light that comes from the sun
a ray/beam/shaft/pool of sunlight
The morning/afternoon/evening sunlight shone through the curtains.
The lake sparkled in the bright sunlight.
sunlight noun [ U ]
the light that comes from the sun
a ray/beam/shaft/pool of sunlight
The morning/afternoon/evening sunlight shone through the curtains.
The lake sparkled in the bright sunlight.
sunlit adjective
(of a room, etc.) receiving a lot of light from the sun
a sunlit room/courtyard/patio
ˈ sun ˌ lotion noun [ C or U ]
sunscreen
Sunni adjective , noun [ C ]
(a member) of the largest Islamic religious group, which follows the teachings
only of Mohammed, not those of any of the religious leaders who came after him
a Sunni Muslim
sunnies plural noun INFORMAL
sunglasses
sunny adjective BRIGHT
1. bright because of light from the sun
We're having the party in the garden, so I'm praying it'll be sunny.
sunny adjective HAPPY
2. describes someone who is usually happy and relaxed and does not usually get
worried or angry
She has a very sunny disposition.
sunray adjective [ before noun ] UK
using ultraviolet light
a sunray lamp
He's having sunray treatment for his bad back.
sunray noun [ C ]
US FOR sunbeam
sunrise noun
1. [ U ] ( US INFORMAL ALSO sun-up ) the time in the morning when the sun starts to
rise in the sky
They went out at sunrise to go bird-watching.
We have to leave before sun-up tomorrow.
2. [ C ] the appearance of the sky when the sun starts to rise
There was a beautiful sunrise this morning.
sunroof noun [ C ]
part of a roof of a car which can be opened to allow air and light from the sun to
come in
sunroof noun [ C ]
part of a roof of a car which can be opened to allow air and light from the sun to
come in
sunroom noun [ C ]
a room with a lot of windows which is designed so that a lot of sun comes in
sunscreen noun [ C or U ] ( ALSO sunblock )
a substance which you put on your skin to prevent it from being burnt by the sun
sunset noun
1. [ U ] the time in the evening when you last see the sun in the sky
The fishermen set out at sunset for a night's fishing.
2. [ C ] the appearance of the sky in the evening before the sun goes down
We sat on the beach watching a spectacular sunset.
ride/drive/walk, etc. (off) into the sunset
to begin a new happy life at the end of a story
At the end of the film, the pair of them ride off into the sunset.
sunshade noun [ C ]
1. an object similar to an umbrella which you carry to protect yourself from light
from the sun
2. ( US ALSO umbrella ) a larger folding frame of this type, which you put into the
ground to form an area which is sheltered from the light of the sun
3. US FOR awning
sunshine noun [ U ] LIGHT
1. the light and heat that come from the sun
The children were out playing in the sunshine.
sunshine noun [ U ] PLEASURE
2. INFORMAL happiness or pleasure
Their grandchildren have brought sunshine into their lives.
3. MAINLY UK INFORMAL used as a form of address, either in a friendly way, or to
express unwillingness to accept another person's delays, bad behaviour, etc.
Hello, sunshine!
Come on, sunshine, get a move on.
sunspot noun [ C ]
a dark spot on the surface of the sun which appears for a few days or weeks and
then disappears
sunspot noun [ C ]
a dark spot on the surface of the sun which appears for a few days or weeks and
then disappears
sunstroke noun [ U ]
an illness caused by spending too much time in strong heat and light from the sun
Someone who is suffering from sunstroke feels dizzy and has a high temperature,
but does not sweat.
suntan noun [ C ] ( ALSO tan )
when your skin has turned darker because you have been in the sun
She's on the beach all day, trying to get a really deep suntan.
Compare sunburn
suntanned adjective ( ALSO tanned )
suntanned arms
suntrap noun [ C ] UK
a sheltered room, etc. that receives a lot of light and heat from the sun
sun-up noun [ U ]
US FOR sunrise
ˈ sun ˌ visor noun [ C ] ( ALSO visor )
a flat piece at the top of the front window of a vehicle which protects the driver's
eyes from strong sun
sunworshipper noun [ C ]
someone who enjoys lying in the sun
sup verb [ I usually + adv/prep T ] MAINLY UK
to drink or to eat
NORTHERN ENGLISH He spends most of his evenings in the pub, supping beer.
OLD-FASHIONED They supped on/off cold meat.
super adjective SLIGHTLY OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
excellent; extremely good
The Natural History Museum is a super place for kids.
"Did you enjoy the film?" "Yes, I thought it was super."
super noun [ C ]
UK INFORMAL FOR superintendent
super- prefix MORE THAN USUAL
1. larger, or more effective, or more powerful, or more successful than usual;
very or more than usually
a supercomputer
a supermodel
the super-rich
superfine stockings
super- prefix OVER
2. over; above
a superstructure
superabundant adjective
existing in very large amounts
Grapes and olives are superabundant in this part of France.
superabundance noun [ S ]
superannuated adjective FORMAL
old, and almost no longer suitable for work or use
superannuation noun [ U ] MAINLY UK ( AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL super )
money which people pay while they are working, so that they will receive
payment when they stop working when they are old, or the payment they receive when
they stop working
superb adjective
of excellent quality; very great
He is a superb dancer.
Taylor scored a superb goal at the end of the first half.
superbly adverb
The orchestra played superbly.
ˈ Super ˌ Bowl noun [ C usually singular ]
in the US, a game of American football played each year between the winners of
the two football leagues (= groups) in order to decide which is the best team in the
country
superbug noun [ C ]
a type of bacteria that causes an illness that cannot be cured by antibiotics
supercharge verb [ T ]
to make an engine more powerful by forcing in more air and fuel than usual
supercharged adjective INFORMAL FAST
1. very fast or energetic
The economy has expanded at a supercharged pace.
supercharged adjective INFORMAL EMOTIONAL
2. containing or expressing very strong emotions
There was a supercharged atmosphere during the debate in the House of
Commons last night.
supercharged adjective INFORMAL FAST
1. very fast or energetic
The economy has expanded at a supercharged pace.
supercharged adjective INFORMAL EMOTIONAL
2. containing or expressing very strong emotions
There was a supercharged atmosphere during the debate in the House of
Commons last night.
supercharger noun [ C ]
a device which produces more power in an engine by forcing more air into the
part of it in which fuel burns
supercilious adjective DISAPPROVING
behaving as if or showing that you think that you are better than other people,
and that their opinions, beliefs or ideas are not important
He spoke in a haughty, supercilious voice.
superciliously adverb
superciliousness noun [ U ]
superconductor noun [ C ]
a substance, especially a metal, that allows an electrical current to move freely
through it at a very low temperature
superconductivity noun [ U ]
superego noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
in psychoanalysis , the part of your mind which knows what is right and wrong
according to the rules of the society in which you live, and which causes you to feel
guilty when you do something wrong
Compare ego ; id
superficial adjective NOT SERIOUS
1. DISAPPROVING (of a person) never thinking about things that are serious or
important
He's fun to be with, but he's very superficial.
superficial adjective NOT COMPLETE
2. USUALLY DISAPPROVING not complete and involving only the most obvious things
I thought that article was written at a very superficial level.
The documentary's treatment/analysis of the issues was very superficial.
I only have a superficial (= slight) knowledge of French.
superficial adjective FALSE APPEARANCE
3. appearing to be real or important when this is not true or correct
There are superficial similarities between the two cars, but actually they're quite
different in terms of performance.
superficial adjective ONLY ON SURFACE
4. only on the surface of something
superficial damage
The driver only received superficial injuries/cuts/wounds.
superficiality noun [ U ]
superficially adverb
The job I've been offered is superficially (= seems to be) attractive/appealing, but
I think I might find it boring after a while.
Religious education is poorly and superficially taught in most schools.
superfluous adjective
more than is needed or wanted
The report was marred by a mass of superfluous detail.
superfluity noun [ C ] FORMAL
The new director has said that there is a superfluity of staff in the organization,
and that cuts must be made.
superfluously adverb
superfluousness noun [ U ]
superfluous adjective
more than is needed or wanted
The report was marred by a mass of superfluous detail.
superfluity noun [ C ] FORMAL
The new director has said that there is a superfluity of staff in the organization,
and that cuts must be made.
superfluously adverb
superfluousness noun [ U ]
superfood noun [ C ]
a food which is very good for your health
superglue noun [ U ] TRADEMARK
a very strong quick-drying glue
supergrass noun [ C ] UK
a person, especially a criminal, who gives the police a lot of information about the
activities of criminals, especially serious ones
superhero noun [ C ]
1. a character in a film or story who has special strength and uses it to do good
things and help other people
2. someone who has done something very brave to help someone else
superhighway noun [ C ] US
a large, wide road on which traffic travels at high speed
superhuman adjective
having more powers than, or seeming outside the powers of, a human
I'll never get all this work done in a week - I'm not superhuman!
Thanks to the superhuman efforts of local volunteers, aid is now getting through
to the disaster areas.
superimpose verb [ T ]
to put especially a picture, words, etc. on top of something else, especially
another picture, words, etc., so that what is in the lower position can still be seen,
heard, etc
The book cover had a picture of a dove superimposed on a battle scene.
superintend verb [ T ] FORMAL
to be in charge of something
Her job is to superintend the production process.
superintendent noun [ C ]
1. a person who is in charge of work done in a particular department, office, etc.,
or who is responsible for keeping a building or place in good condition
In the US, a school superintendent is in charge of the schools in a particular area.
We asked the superintendent ( ALSO US INFORMAL super ) to fix the broken window
in our apartment.
2. a British police officer of high rank
superintendent noun [ C ]
1. a person who is in charge of work done in a particular department, office, etc.,
or who is responsible for keeping a building or place in good condition
In the US, a school superintendent is in charge of the schools in a particular area.
We asked the superintendent ( ALSO US INFORMAL super ) to fix the broken window
in our apartment.
2. a British police officer of high rank
superior adjective BETTER
1. better than average or better than other people or things of the same type
This is clearly the work of a superior artist.
She was chosen for the job because she was the superior candidate.
For all babies, breastfeeding is far superior to bottlefeeding.
The government troops were superior in numbers (= There were more of them) .
Compare inferior
2. DISAPPROVING describes someone who believes that they are better than other
people and acts in such a way
a superior manner/smile
I can't bear Amanda - she's so superior.
superior adjective HIGHER
3. higher in rank or social position than others
The soldier was reported to his superior officer for failing in his duties.
superior noun [ C ]
a person or group of people who are higher in rank or social position than others
I will pass your complaint on to my superiors.
superiority noun [ U ] BETTER
1. when someone or something is better
The Australian team soon demonstrated their superiority over the opposition.
Compare inferiority
2. when you behave and think as if you are better than other people
Her sense of superiority makes her very unpopular.
superiority noun [ U ] HIGHER
3. the state of being of a higher rank or social position than others
superi ˈ ority ˌ complex noun [ C usually singular ] INFORMAL
If you have a superiority complex, you believe that you are better, cleverer or
more important than other people.
superlative noun [ C ]
the form of an adjective or adverb which expresses that the thing or person being
described has more of the particular quality than anything or anyone else of the same
type
'Richest' is the superlative of 'rich'.
The magazine article contained so many superlatives that I found it hard to
believe that what it was saying was true.
superlative adjective BEST
1. of the highest quality; the best
We went to a superlative restaurant.
superlative adjective GRAMMAR
2. relating to the superlative of an adjective or adverb
superlative noun [ C ]
the form of an adjective or adverb which expresses that the thing or person being
described has more of the particular quality than anything or anyone else of the same
type
'Richest' is the superlative of 'rich'.
The magazine article contained so many superlatives that I found it hard to
believe that what it was saying was true.
superlative adjective BEST
1. of the highest quality; the best
We went to a superlative restaurant.
superlative adjective GRAMMAR
2. relating to the superlative of an adjective or adverb
superlatively adverb
extremely
The company has been superlatively successful this year.
superman noun [ C ]
a man who has greater strength, ability, intelligence, etc. than other men
The film portrays Gandhi as a kind of superman.
supermarket noun [ C ]
a large shop which sells most types of food and other goods needed in the home,
in which people take from shelves the things they want to buy and pay for them as they
leave
ˌ supermarket ˈ tabloid noun [ C ] US
a newspaper sold in supermarkets which contains reports about famous people's
private lives, or other things that have happened which are often hard to believe
supermodel noun [ C ]
a very famous model (= person, especially a woman, whose job is to wear clothes
to show them to possible buyers)
supernatural adjective
1. caused by forces that cannot be explained by science
Ghosts and evil spirits are supernatural.
She is said to have supernatural powers and to be able to communicate with the
dead.
2. the supernatural
things that cannot be explained by science
I don't believe in the supernatural.
supernaturally adverb
supernova noun [ C ]
a star which has exploded, strongly increasing its brightness for a few months
superpower noun [ C ]
a country which has very great political and military power
Since the disintegration of the USSR, there has been only one superpower - the
USA.
superpower noun [ C ]
a country which has very great political and military power
Since the disintegration of the USSR, there has been only one superpower - the
USA.
supersaver noun [ C ]
1. a ticket for travel by aircraft, train, etc. for which you pay less, either by buying
it before you travel or because you make your journey during a less busy period
a supersaver ticket
2. UK any product which you buy at specially reduced price
The supersavers on offer this week are baked beans, chocolate biscuits and
cornflakes.
superscript noun [ U ] , adjective
(a word, letter, number, or symbol) written or printed just above a word, letter,
number or symbol, usually in a smaller size
References to the notes are given in superscript.
supersede verb [ T ]
to replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned
Most of the old road has been superseded by the great Interstate highways.
supersize adjective [ before noun ] US
1. describes the largest size of meal or drink available in a fast food restaurant
2. ( ALSO supersized ) INFORMAL very large
Unhealthy food is producing supersized kids.
supersize verb US
1. [ I or T ] to give a customer in a fast food restaurant the largest size of meal or
drink
"A burger and a coke please." "Can I supersize it for you?"
2. [ T ] to increase a lot in size, or to make something increase a lot in size
We offer tips on how to supersize your business.
supersizing noun [ U ] INFORMAL
supersonic adjective
faster than the speed of sound
a supersonic fighter plane
superstar noun [ C ]
an extremely famous actor, singer, musician, sports player, etc.
a rock superstar
superstardom noun [ U ]
superstar noun [ C ]
an extremely famous actor, singer, musician, sports player, etc.
a rock superstar
superstardom noun [ U ]
superstate noun [ C ]
a large and powerful state formed when several smaller countries unite
a European/Federal superstate
superstition noun [ C or U ]
belief which is not based on human reason or scientific knowledge, but is
connected with old ideas about magic, etc.
According to superstition, if you walk under a ladder it brings you bad luck.
I don't believe in the old superstition that the number 13 is unlucky.
superstitious adjective
based on or believing in superstitions
superstitious nonsense
Some people are superstitious about spilling salt on the table.
superstitiously adverb
superstore noun [ C ]
an extremely large shop which sells food and/or other goods usually for use in the
home at cheaper prices than most other shops
a DIY superstore
an out-of-town superstore
superstructure noun [ C ]
1. (of a building) the part above the ground
The foundations are finished and work has now begun on building the
superstructure of the new library.
2. (of a ship) the part above the main deck
3. the ideas and systems of a society or organization which develop from more
basic ideas and systems
According to Marxist theory, a society's superstructure is its legal, social, cultural
and political institutions, which are based on its economic systems.
supertanker noun [ C ]
a very large ship, which transports especially oil
supertanker noun [ C ]
a very large ship, which transports especially oil
supertitle noun [ C ]
US FOR surtitle
superuser noun [ C ]
someone who knows a lot about a computer program and can help other people
to use it
supervise verb [ I or T ]
to watch a person or activity to make certain that everything is done correctly,
safely, etc.
The UN is supervising the distribution of aid by local agencies in the disaster area.
The children play while two teachers supervise (= make certain that they behave
correctly and are safe) .
supervision noun [ U ]
when someone watches a person or activity and makes certain that everything is
done correctly, safely, etc.
Students are not allowed to handle these chemicals unless they are under the
supervision of a teacher.
supervisor noun [ C ]
1. a person whose job is to supervise someone or something
2. in some colleges, a teacher with responsibility for a particular student
3. US A town or county supervisor is an elected official who manages local
government services.
supervisory adjective
We need to employ more supervisory staff.
superwoman noun [ C ]
a woman who has greater strength, ability, intelligence, etc. than other women
She said that she was tired of being expected to be a superwoman.
supine , adjective BODY
supine
1. FORMAL (lying) flat on your back, looking up
We walked along the beach, past the rows of supine bodies soaking up the sun.
Compare prone
supine , adjective CHARACTER
2. DISAPPROVING If you are supine, you are weak and willing to accept the control of
others
The new director has introduced a series of changes against little opposition from
the supine staff.
supinely , adverb FORMAL
supine , adjective BODY
supine
1. FORMAL (lying) flat on your back, looking up
We walked along the beach, past the rows of supine bodies soaking up the sun.
Compare prone
supine , adjective CHARACTER
2. DISAPPROVING If you are supine, you are weak and willing to accept the control of
others
The new director has introduced a series of changes against little opposition from
the supine staff.
supinely , adverb FORMAL
supper noun [ C or U ]
a main meal eaten in the evening, or a small meal eaten in the late evening
We usually have tea at about 5.30 p.m., then supper before we go to bed.
Would you like to come to supper tonight?
They had an early supper before going to the theatre.
supplant verb [ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL
to replace
In most offices, the typewriter has now been supplanted by the computer.
Small children can often feel supplanted in their parents' affections (= that their
parents no longer like them as much) when a new brother or sister is born.
supple adjective BENDING
1. bending or able to be bent easily; not stiff
I'm not supple enough (= My body doesn't bend easily enough) to be able to
touch the floor with my hands while I'm standing up.
The gloves were made of very supple leather.
supple adjective ABLE TO CHANGE
2. LITERARY able to change quickly and successfully to suit different conditions
She has shown that she has a supple mind.
We need a more supple monetary policy.
suppleness noun [ U ]
supplement noun [ C ]
1. something which is added to something else in order to improve it or complete
it; something extra
The doctor said she should be taking vitamin supplements.
The money I get from teaching evening classes provides a supplement to my
main income.
We paid a supplement (= an extra amount of money) so that we could have a
cabin on board the ship.
2. a part of a magazine or newspaper, either produced separately or as part of the
magazine or newspaper
The newspaper publishes a sports supplement every Monday.
3. A supplement to a book is an extra part of it, either produced separately or
included at the end of the book, which contains information that was not available when
the book was first produced
There is a supplement to the dictionary containing new words.
supplement , verb [ T ]
to add something to something to make it larger or better
He supplements (= adds to) his income by working in a bar in the evening.
Some vegetarians like to supplement their diets with iron tablets.
supplementary adjective EXTRA
1. ( US ALSO supplemental ) additional
a supplementary income
supplementary adjective ANGLE
2. SPECIALIZED If an angle is supplementary to another angle, it forms 180° when
combined with it.
supplementary adjective EXTRA
1. ( US ALSO supplemental ) additional
a supplementary income
supplementary adjective ANGLE
2. SPECIALIZED If an angle is supplementary to another angle, it forms 180° when
combined with it.
supplicant noun [ C ] FORMAL
a person who asks a god or someone who is in a position of power for something
in a nervous way that shows that they do not think of themselves as very important
supplication noun [ U ]
Inside the temple, worshippers were kneeling in supplication.
supplier noun
1. [ C ] a company, person, etc. that provides things that people want or need,
especially over a long period of time
They used to be a leading supplier of military equipment.
He said that he had got the drugs from his usual supplier (= person who sells
drugs illegally) .
2. suppliers
a company which sells something
I'll contact the suppliers and see if I can get the paint you want by Friday.
supply verb [ T ]
to provide something that is wanted or needed, often in large quantities and over
a long period of time
Electrical power is supplied by underground cables.
Three people have been arrested for supplying arms to the terrorists.
The company has supplied the royal family (= provided them with something they
need) for years.
At the beginning of term, students are supplied with a list of books that they are
expected to read.
supply noun
1. [ C or U ] an amount of something that is available for use
Whenever she goes out with her baby, she always takes a large supply of baby
food with her.
In London, demand for cheap housing far outstrips supply (= what is provided) .
2. supplies
a. food or other things necessary for living
The refugees are urgently in need of food and medical supplies.
b. an amount of something available
Extensive mining has reduced the supplies of coal in the area.
3. the gas/electricity, etc. supply
the system used for supplying gas, electricity, etc. to people
Someone has turned off the electricity supply.
4. in short supply
when there is little of something available
Strawberries are in short supply at the moment.
supply and demand
the idea that the price of goods and services depends on how much of something
is being sold and how many people want to buy it
su ˈ pply ˌ chain noun [ C ] ( ALSO su ˌ pply ˈ network, lo ˈ gistics ˌ network )
the system of people and things that are involved in getting a product from the
place where it is made to the person who buys it
su ˈ pply ˌ chain noun [ C ] ( ALSO su ˌ pply ˈ network, lo ˈ gistics ˌ network )
the system of people and things that are involved in getting a product from the
place where it is made to the person who buys it
sup ˈ ply ˌ teacher noun [ C ] UK ( US substitute teacher )
a teacher who replaces teachers who are absent from work
support verb [ T ] ENCOURAGE
1. to agree with and give encouragement to someone or something because you
want them to succeed
My father supported the Labour Party all his life.
The majority of people in the town strongly support the plans to build a by-pass.
I think it's important to support local businesses by buying locally.
2. MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY root for , AUSTRALIAN barrack for ) If you support a sports
team or a sports player, you want them to win, and might show it by going to watch
them play
Which team do you support?
support verb [ T ] HELP
3. to help someone emotionally or in a practical way
Alcoholics Anonymous is a group which supports people who are trying to stop
drinking too much alcohol.
My family has always supported me in whatever I've wanted to do.
support verb [ T ] PROVIDE
4. to give a person the money they need in order to buy food and clothes and pay
for somewhere to live
He has a wife and four children to support.
5. If you support an activity or a habit, you provide the money needed to pay for
it
The drug company is supporting cancer research.
I don't know how they manage to support their expensive lifestyle.
Some drug addicts turn to crime in order to support their habit.
6. to provide the right conditions, such as enough food and water, for life
The land is so poor here that it cannot support any crops.
support verb [ T ] STOP FROM FALLING
7. to hold something firmly or carry its weight, especially from below to stop it
from falling
The church dome is supported by/on marble pillars.
When babies first learn to stand, they hold on to something to support themselves
(= to stop themselves from falling) .
My ankle is rather weak, so I always put a bandage on it to support it when I play
tennis.
FIGURATIVE The Bank of England has taken measures to support the pound (= to
stop it from being reduced in value) .
support verb [ T ] PROVE
8. to help to show something to be true
These figures support my argument.
You can't make a statement like that without any supporting documentation.
support verb [ T ] ACCEPT
9. FORMAL to bear (= accept) ; to allow to happen
The headteacher told the boys that he would not support that kind of behaviour.
support noun ENCOURAGEMENT
1. [ U ] agreement with and encouragement for an idea, group or person
Environmental groups are fast gaining support among young people.
We've succeeded in drumming up a lot of local support for our attempt to stop
the hospital being closed.
I signed a petition in support of the campaign to end the marketing of baby milk
in developing countries.
support noun HELP
2. [ C or U ] emotional or practical help
Liz gave me a lot of support when I lost my job.
You've been a great support to my mum in this difficult time.
support noun MONEY
3. [ U ] the money someone needs in order to buy food and clothes and pay for
somewhere to live
He is dependent on his father for support (= for paying for food, a place to live,
etc.) .
support noun HOLDING
4. [ C or U ] something that holds something firmly or carries its weight,
especially from below to stop it from falling
The floor is held up by wooden supports.
I've hurt my wrist, so I've got it bandaged to give it some support.
5. [ C ] a device worn to hold part of the body, especially a weak part, firmly in
position
Jim always wears a knee support when he goes running.
support noun PROOF
6. [ U ] something that shows that a fact is true
This new evidence lends support to the theory that she was murdered.
We had to send a doctor's report in support of our claim to the insurance
company.
supportable adjective FORMAL
describes an argument, statement, etc. that can be shown to be true using
evidence
supportable adjective FORMAL
describes an argument, statement, etc. that can be shown to be true using
evidence
supporter noun [ C ]
1. someone who supports a particular idea, group or person
He is one of the Prime Minister's strongest supporters within industry.
2. UK ( US fan ) someone who wants a particular team to win and might show it
by going to watch them play
Thousands of supporters have travelled to London for the cup final.
sup ˈ port ˌ group noun [ C ]
a group of people who have had similar experiences, especially difficult ones, and
who provide help to each other
After their baby died, they joined a local support group.
supporting adjective
supporting actor/part/role
not the most important actor, part, or role in a film or play
She had a small supporting part in the play.
supportive adjective
1. showing agreement and giving encouragement
Doubts about the government's policies are being expressed even by people who
have been supportive of the government in the past.
2. APPROVING giving help and encouragement
Children with supportive parents often do better at school than those without.
supportively adverb
supportiveness noun [ U ]
sup ˈ port ˌ network noun [ C ]
a group of people who provide emotional and practical help to someone in serious
difficulty
It's very hard for battered women to rebuild their lives without a good support
network.
suppose verb THINK LIKELY
1. [ T ] to think that something is likely to be true
[ + ( that ) ] I couldn't get any reply when I called Dan, so I suppose (that) he's
gone out.
He found it a lot more difficult to get a job than he supposed it would be.
[ + ( that ) ] Do you suppose (that) Gillian will marry him?
It is widely supposed (that) the minister will be forced to resign.
[ + to infinitive ] We all supposed him to be German, but in fact he was Swiss.
Her new book is supposed to be (= generally people think it is) very good.
2. [ + ( that ) ] used in making polite requests
I don't suppose (that) you could/I suppose you couldn't lend me £5 till tomorrow,
could you?
3. [ + ( that ) ] used to show that you think something is so, although you wish
that it were not
I suppose (that) all the tickets will be sold by now.
4. [ + ( that ) ] used when you are annoyed
I suppose (that) you're going to be late again.
I suppose (that) you think that's funny. Well, I certainly don't.
5. used to show unwillingness to agree
"Can I go out tonight?" "Oh, I suppose so ."
[ + ( that ) ] I don't agree with it, but I suppose (that) it's for the best.
suppose verb NEED
6. [ T ] FORMAL to expect and need
Investment of this kind supposes (= would not be possible without) an increase in
the company's profits this year.
See also presuppose
suppose conjunction ( ALSO supposing )
used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to mean 'what would happen if'
Suppose we miss the train - what will we do then?
We'd love to come and see you on Saturday, supposing (= if) I don't have to work
that day.
suppose verb THINK LIKELY
1. [ T ] to think that something is likely to be true
[ + ( that ) ] I couldn't get any reply when I called Dan, so I suppose (that) he's
gone out.
He found it a lot more difficult to get a job than he supposed it would be.
[ + ( that ) ] Do you suppose (that) Gillian will marry him?
It is widely supposed (that) the minister will be forced to resign.
[ + to infinitive ] We all supposed him to be German, but in fact he was Swiss.
Her new book is supposed to be (= generally people think it is) very good.
2. [ + ( that ) ] used in making polite requests
I don't suppose (that) you could/I suppose you couldn't lend me £5 till tomorrow,
could you?
3. [ + ( that ) ] used to show that you think something is so, although you wish
that it were not
I suppose (that) all the tickets will be sold by now.
4. [ + ( that ) ] used when you are annoyed
I suppose (that) you're going to be late again.
I suppose (that) you think that's funny. Well, I certainly don't.
5. used to show unwillingness to agree
"Can I go out tonight?" "Oh, I suppose so ."
[ + ( that ) ] I don't agree with it, but I suppose (that) it's for the best.
suppose verb NEED
6. [ T ] FORMAL to expect and need
Investment of this kind supposes (= would not be possible without) an increase in
the company's profits this year.
See also presuppose
suppose conjunction ( ALSO supposing )
used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to mean 'what would happen if'
Suppose we miss the train - what will we do then?
We'd love to come and see you on Saturday, supposing (= if) I don't have to work
that day.
supposed adjective DUTY
1. be supposed to
to have to; to have a duty or a responsibility to
The children are supposed to be at school by 8.45 a.m.
What are you doing out of bed - you're supposed to be asleep.
You're not supposed (= allowed) to park here.
supposed adjective INTENDED
2. be supposed to
to be intended to
These batteries are supposed to last for a year.
We were supposed to have gone away this week, but Debbie's ill so we couldn't
go.
How am I supposed to (= How can I) find that much money by the end of the
week?
supposed adjective OTHERS' OPINION
3. [ before noun ] used to show that you do not believe that something or
someone really is what many other people consider them to be
a supposed genius
The costs of the scheme outweigh its supposed benefits.
supposedly adverb
used to show that you do not believe that something you have been told is true
Well, the tickets are supposedly in the mail.
supposition noun [ C or U ]
when someone believes something is true without any proof
That article was based on pure supposition.
suppository noun [ C ]
a small solid pill which contains a drug and which is put inside the anus where it
dissolves easily
suppress verb [ T ] END BY FORCE
1. to end something by force
The Hungarian uprising in 1956 was suppressed by the Soviet Union.
suppress verb [ T ] PREVENT
2. to prevent something from being seen or expressed or from operating
She couldn't suppress her anger/annoyance/delight.
His feelings of resentment have been suppressed for years.
The government tried to suppress the book because of the information it
contained about the security services.
The virus suppresses the body's immune system.
suppression noun [ U ]
brutal police suppression of the riots
suppression of evidence/emotions/free speech, etc.
suppressor noun [ C ]
a thing or person that prevents something bad from happening
Plastic is a good weed suppressor (= a substance which stops them from growing)
.
.
suppurate verb [ I ] SPECIALIZED
(of an injury, etc.) to form or give out a thick yellow liquid because of infection
a suppurating sore/wound
supranational adjective
involving more than one country; having power or authority which is greater than
that of single countries
NATO is a supranational organization.
supremacist noun [ C ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
someone who believes that a particular type or group of people should lead or
have control over other types or groups of people because they believe they are better
a white supremacist
supremacy noun [ U ] HIGHEST
1. the leading or controlling position
The company has begun to challenge the supremacy of the current leading
manufacturers in the textiles industry.
The allies have established air supremacy (= military control of the sky) .
supremacy noun [ U ] GREATEST
2. when someone or something is the best
a struggle for supremacy
This victory clearly proves the supremacy of the West Indies in world cricket.
supreme adjective , adverb
having the highest rank, level or importance
the supreme commander of the armed forces
the Supreme Court
The present constitution gives supreme authority to the presidency.
From 1960 to 1970, Ayatollah Mohsen al-Hakim reigned supreme among the
Shi'ites of Iraq, Iran and elsewhere.
supreme adjective
very great or best
She was awarded a medal for showing supreme bravery.
For me, dieting requires a supreme effort of will.
the ˌ Supreme ˈ Being noun [ S ] LITERARY
a name for God
.
suppurate verb [ I ] SPECIALIZED
(of an injury, etc.) to form or give out a thick yellow liquid because of infection
a suppurating sore/wound
supranational adjective
involving more than one country; having power or authority which is greater than
that of single countries
NATO is a supranational organization.
supremacist noun [ C ] MAINLY DISAPPROVING
someone who believes that a particular type or group of people should lead or
have control over other types or groups of people because they believe they are better
a white supremacist
supremacy noun [ U ] HIGHEST
1. the leading or controlling position
The company has begun to challenge the supremacy of the current leading
manufacturers in the textiles industry.
The allies have established air supremacy (= military control of the sky) .
supremacy noun [ U ] GREATEST
2. when someone or something is the best
a struggle for supremacy
This victory clearly proves the supremacy of the West Indies in world cricket.
supreme adjective , adverb
having the highest rank, level or importance
the supreme commander of the armed forces
the Supreme Court
The present constitution gives supreme authority to the presidency.
From 1960 to 1970, Ayatollah Mohsen al-Hakim reigned supreme among the
Shi'ites of Iraq, Iran and elsewhere.
supreme adjective
very great or best
She was awarded a medal for showing supreme bravery.
For me, dieting requires a supreme effort of will.
the ˌ Supreme ˈ Being noun [ S ] LITERARY
a name for God
the Su ˌ preme ˈ Court noun [ S ]
the most important court of law in the US
supremely adverb
extremely
Wales are supremely confident of winning the match.
supremo noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL
the person in charge of an organization or who is considered to have most skill
and authority in a particular type of activity
BBC supremo, Lord Reith
the entertainment supremo, Alan Partridge
Supt noun [ before noun ]
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR superintendent
surcharge noun [ C ]
a charge in addition to the usual amount paid for something, or the amount
already paid
A surcharge may be made for deliveries outside normal hours.
surcharge , verb [ I or T ]
to charge an extra amount
sure adjective
1. certain; without any doubt
"What's wrong with him?" "I'm not really sure."
I'm sure (that) I left my keys on the table.
I feel absolutely sure (that) you've made the right decision.
It now seems sure (that) the election will result in another victory for the
government.
Simon isn't sure wh ether/if he'll be able to come to the party or not.
Is there anything you're not sure of/about ?
There is only one sure way (= one way that can be trusted) of finding out the
truth.
See also cocksure
2. be sure of/about sb
to have confidence in and trust someone
Henry has only been working for us for a short while, and we're not really sure
about him yet.
You can always be sure of Kay.
3. for sure
certain or certainly
I know for sure that I won't be able to go to the party.
One thing's for sure - once the baby's born, your lives will never be the same
again.
4. be sure of yourself
to be very or too confident
She's become much more sure of herself since she got a job.
5. be sure of sth
be confident that something is true
He said that he wasn't completely sure of his facts.
6. be sure of getting/winning sth
to be certain to get or win something
We arrived early, to be sure of getting a good seat.
A majority of Congress members wanted to put off an election until they could be
sure of winning it.
7. be sure to
to be certain to
She's sure to win.
I want to go somewhere where we're sure to have good weather.
8. make sure (that)
to look and/or take action to be certain that something happens, is true, etc.
Make sure you lock the door behind you when you go out.
9. If you have a sure knowledge or understanding of something, you know or
understand it very well
I don't think he has a very sure understanding of the situation.
(as) sure as eggs is eggs UK OLD-FASHIONED
for certain
One day he'll realize that I was right, as sure as eggs is eggs.
(as) sure as hell SLANG
used for emphasis
There better be another way in - I'm sure as hell not climbing up all those steps.
sure enough
as expected
He said he'd left the book on the desk, and sure enough, here it was.
sure thing MAINLY US INFORMAL
used to show agreement
"Could you give me a lift home tonight?" "Sure thing!"
to be sure FORMAL
certainly
This is not his best book, to be sure, but it is still worth reading.
sure adverb INFORMAL
certainly
"Do you want to come swimming with us?" "Sure."
MAINLY US "Will you help me with this?" "Sure I will."
US I sure am hungry.
surefire adjective [ before noun ] INFORMAL
certain or likely, especially to succeed
The film looks a surefire Oscar winner.
Running into the road like that is a surefire way to get hurt.
surefooted adjective NOT FALLING
1. able easily to walk on rough ground, without falling
a surefooted goat/llama/mule
surefooted adjective CONFIDENT
2. showing confidence and the ability to make good judgments in a difficult
situation
surefootedly adverb
surefootedness noun [ U ]
surely adverb
1. used to express that you are certain or almost certain about something
The fault surely lies in the design of the equipment.
US "May I sit here?" "Surely (= Yes, certainly) ."
Without more food and medical supplies, these people will surely not survive.
2. used to express surprise that something has happened or is going to happen
Surely you don't expect me to believe that?
Surely you're not going out on a night like this?
surely adverb
sureness noun [ U ]
confidence and control
We admired the sureness of the orchestra's playing.
She has an enviable sureness of touch (= She deals with things confidently and
well) .
surety noun [ C or U ] LEGAL
a person who accepts legal responsibility for another person's debt or behaviour,
or (money given as) a promise that someone will do something that they have said they
will do, such as pay a debt or appear in court
Her brothers are acting as sureties for her.
No one has yet been found who is willing to stand (= act as a) surety for Mr
Naylor.
What are you able to provide as a surety that you will repay the loan?
surf verb [ I or T ] INTERNET
1. to spend time visiting a lot of websites
Many towns and cities have cybercafes where you can surf the Internet/Net/Web.
surf verb [ I or T ] WAVES
2. to ride on a wave as it comes towards land, while standing or lying on a special
board
They go surfing every weekend.
See also bodysurf ; windsurfing
surf noun [ U ]
the tops of the waves on the sea when they are near to the coast or hit against
rocks
We were almost deafened by the crash/roar of the surf.
surface noun TOP
1. [ C ] the outer or top part or layer of something
Tropical rain forests used to cover 10% of the Earth's surface.
The marble has a smooth, shiny surface.
Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon.
2. [ C ] the top layer of a field or track on which sports are played
The match will be played on an artificial/all-weather surface.
3. [ C ] the flat top part of a table, cupboard, etc.
a work surface
Don't put anything wet on a polished surface, or it will leave a mark.
surface noun APPEARANCE
4. [ S ] The surface of a situation or person is what they appear to be, or the
features they have which are not hidden or difficult to see
On the surface, this seems like a difficult problem, but in fact there's an easy
solution to it.
Beneath/Below/Under the surface of contemporary West Indian life lurk
memories of slavery.
Suddenly, all her anger came/rose to the surface (= became obvious) .
scratch/scrape the surface
to deal with only a very small part of a subject or a problem
There's far more to be said - I've only had time to scratch the surface in this talk.
The amount of aid which has been offered is hardly going to scratch the surface of
the problem.
surface verb TOP
1. [ I ] to rise to the surface of water
The submarine surfaced a few miles off the coast.
2. [ T ] to cover a road or other area with a hard surface
surface verb KNOWN
3. [ I ] If a feeling or information surfaces, it becomes known
Doubts are beginning to surface about whether the right decision has been made.
A rumour has surfaced that the company is about to go out of business.
surface verb OUT OF BED
4. [ I ] INFORMAL to get out of bed
He never surfaces until at least 11.00 a.m. on a Sunday.
surface adjective TOP
1. working or operating on the top of the land or sea, rather than under the land
or sea, or by air
surface adjective APPEARANCE
2. [ before noun ] appearing in a particular way but not always showing the truth
his surface appearance of calm confidence
ˈ surface ˌ area noun [ C usually sing ] SPECIALIZED
the area of a surface or of all of the outer surfaces of something
the surface area of a cube
surely adverb
sureness noun [ U ]
confidence and control
We admired the sureness of the orchestra's playing.
She has an enviable sureness of touch (= She deals with things confidently and
well) .
surety noun [ C or U ] LEGAL
a person who accepts legal responsibility for another person's debt or behaviour,
or (money given as) a promise that someone will do something that they have said they
will do, such as pay a debt or appear in court
Her brothers are acting as sureties for her.
No one has yet been found who is willing to stand (= act as a) surety for Mr
Naylor.
What are you able to provide as a surety that you will repay the loan?
surf verb [ I or T ] INTERNET
1. to spend time visiting a lot of websites
Many towns and cities have cybercafes where you can surf the Internet/Net/Web.
surf verb [ I or T ] WAVES
2. to ride on a wave as it comes towards land, while standing or lying on a special
board
They go surfing every weekend.
See also bodysurf ; windsurfing
surf noun [ U ]
the tops of the waves on the sea when they are near to the coast or hit against
rocks
We were almost deafened by the crash/roar of the surf.
surface noun TOP
1. [ C ] the outer or top part or layer of something
Tropical rain forests used to cover 10% of the Earth's surface.
The marble has a smooth, shiny surface.
Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot on the surface of the moon.
2. [ C ] the top layer of a field or track on which sports are played
The match will be played on an artificial/all-weather surface.
3. [ C ] the flat top part of a table, cupboard, etc.
a work surface
Don't put anything wet on a polished surface, or it will leave a mark.
surface noun APPEARANCE
4. [ S ] The surface of a situation or person is what they appear to be, or the
features they have which are not hidden or difficult to see
On the surface, this seems like a difficult problem, but in fact there's an easy
solution to it.
Beneath/Below/Under the surface of contemporary West Indian life lurk
memories of slavery.
Suddenly, all her anger came/rose to the surface (= became obvious) .
scratch/scrape the surface
to deal with only a very small part of a subject or a problem
There's far more to be said - I've only had time to scratch the surface in this talk.
The amount of aid which has been offered is hardly going to scratch the surface of
the problem.
surface verb TOP
1. [ I ] to rise to the surface of water
The submarine surfaced a few miles off the coast.
2. [ T ] to cover a road or other area with a hard surface
surface verb KNOWN
3. [ I ] If a feeling or information surfaces, it becomes known
Doubts are beginning to surface about whether the right decision has been made.
A rumour has surfaced that the company is about to go out of business.
surface verb OUT OF BED
4. [ I ] INFORMAL to get out of bed
He never surfaces until at least 11.00 a.m. on a Sunday.
surface adjective TOP
1. working or operating on the top of the land or sea, rather than under the land
or sea, or by air
surface adjective APPEARANCE
2. [ before noun ] appearing in a particular way but not always showing the truth
his surface appearance of calm confidence
ˈ surface ˌ area noun [ C usually sing ] SPECIALIZED
the area of a surface or of all of the outer surfaces of something
the surface area of a cube
ˈ surface ˌ mail noun [ U ]
a way of sending letters, parcels, etc. by road, sea or train and not by aircraft, or
things sent in this way
I sent the parcel by surface mail.
ˌ surface ˈ tension noun [ C ]
the natural force existing in a liquid which holds its surface together
surface-to-air missile noun [ C ] ( ABBREVIATION SAM )
a missile that is fired from land or the sea towards aircraft or other missiles
surface-to-surface adjective
(of a missile) fired from land or the sea towards a place on land or a ship
surfboard noun [ C ]
a long narrow board made of wood or plastic which is used for riding on waves as
they come in towards the beach
See picture sports 4
surfeit noun [ C usually singular ] FORMAL
an amount which is too large, or is more than is needed
The country has a surfeit of cheap labour.
surfer noun [ C ]
a person who rides on a wave on a special board
See also windsurfer
surfing noun [ U ] WAVES
surfing
1. the sport of riding on a wave on a special board
See also windsurfing
surfing noun [ U ] INTERNET
2. when you spend time visiting different websites on the Internet
internet surfing
surge noun [ C ]
1. a sudden and great increase
An unexpected surge in electrical power caused the computer to crash.
There has been a surge in house prices recently.
See also resurgence
2. a sudden and great movement forward
At the end of the game, there was a surge of fans onto the field.
A tidal surge (= sudden and great rise in the level of the sea) caused severe
flooding in coastal areas.
3. a sudden increase of an emotion
She was overwhelmed by a surge of remorse.
surge verb [ I ]
1. to increase suddenly and strongly
The company's profits have surged.
2. to move quickly and powerfully
An angry crowd surged through the gates of the president's palace.
A few metres before the end of the race, Jenkins surged into the lead .
3. (of an emotion) to develop strongly and quickly
She felt a wave of resentment surging (up) inside her.
surgeon noun [ C ]
a doctor who is specially trained to perform medical operations
ˌ Surgeon ˈ General noun [ C usually singular ]
In the US, the Surgeon General is the person who is in charge of the public health
service.
surgery noun MEDICAL OPERATION
1. [ U ] the treatment of injuries or diseases in people or animals by cutting open
the body and removing or repairing the damaged part
The patient had/underwent surgery on his heart.
He made a good recovery after surgery to remove a brain tumour.
surgery noun ADVICE
2. [ C or U ] UK a place where you can go to ask advice from or receive treatment
from a doctor or dentist
If you come to the surgery ( US office ) at 10.30, the doctor will see you then.
On Saturday mornings, surgery (= the fixed period of opening of the place where
you can go to see your doctor) is ( US office hours are) from 9.00 to 12.00.
3. [ C ] UK the regular period of time when a person can visit their Member of
Parliament to ask advice
Our MP holds a weekly surgery on Friday mornings.
surgical adjective
1. used for medical operations
surgical supplies/instruments/gloves, etc.
2. involved in performing medical operations
surgical procedures/techniques/intervention
surgical staff
3. (of clothing) worn in order to treat a particular medical condition
a surgical shoe/collar/corset
surgically adverb
surgical adjective
1. used for medical operations
surgical supplies/instruments/gloves, etc.
2. involved in performing medical operations
surgical procedures/techniques/intervention
surgical staff
3. (of clothing) worn in order to treat a particular medical condition
a surgical shoe/collar/corset
surgically adverb
ˌ surgical ˈ spirit noun [ U ] UK ( US rubbing alcohol )
a liquid for cleaning medical equipment or a person's skin so that it is free from
bacteria
ˌ surgical ˈ strike noun [ C ]
a type of military attack which is made in an exact way on a particular place
A surgical strike was carried out on the enemy's military headquarters.
Suriname noun [ U ]
Surinamese noun [ C ]
surly adjective
often in a bad mood, unfriendly and not polite
We were served by a very surly waiter.
He gave me a surly look.
surliness noun [ U ]
surmise verb [ T ] FORMAL
to guess something, without having much or any proof
[ + ( that ) ] The police surmise (that) the robbers have fled the country.
surmise noun [ C or U ] FORMAL
a guess
My surmise turned out to be right.
The article is pure surmise and innuendo.
surmount verb [ T ] FORMAL DEAL WITH
1. to deal successfully with a difficulty or problem
They managed to surmount all opposition/objections to their plans.
There are still a few technical problems/obstacles/hurdles to be surmounted
before the product can be put on sale to the public.
surmount verb [ T ] FORMAL BE ON TOP
2. to be on top of something tall
The central 12-foot column is surmounted by a bronze angel with outspread
wings.
surmountable adjective
surname noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY last name , UK ALSO second name )
the name that you share with other members of your family; last name
Her first name is Sarah but I don't know her surname.
surname noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY last name , UK ALSO second name )
the name that you share with other members of your family; last name
Her first name is Sarah but I don't know her surname.
surpass verb [ T ] FORMAL
to do or be better than
His time for the 100 metres surpassed the previous world record by one
hundredth of a second.
The book's success has surpassed everyone's expectations.
[ R ] The director has really surpassed himself (= done better than he has done
before) with this new film.
surpassing adjective [ before noun ] LITERARY
extremely great
a face of surpassing loveliness
surplice noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a white, loose piece of clothing, which is worn over other clothing during religious
ceremonies by some Christian priests and members of groups who sing in churches
surplus noun [ C or U ] , adjective
1. (an amount which is) more than is needed
The world is now producing large food surpluses.
We are unlikely to produce any surplus this year.
The government has authorized the army to sell its surplus weapons.
UK The store is selling off stock that is surplus to requirements (= more than
they need to have) .
2. the amount of money you have left when you sell more than you buy, or spend
less than you have
a budget/trade surplus
Fortunately the school's bank account is currently in surplus.
surprise noun [ C or U ]
an unexpected event, or the feeling caused by something unexpected happening
Don't tell Anne we've arranged a party for her - I want it to be a surprise.
It was a lovely/nasty, etc. surprise to get home and find the letter.
Last night's heavy snow came as a complete surprise.
You're always full of surprises (= doing unexpected things) .
I wish you wouldn't keep springing surprises on me (= telling me unexpected
things or causing unexpected things to happen) .
He looked at her in/with surprise.
To my great surprise, they agreed to all our demands.
They mounted a surprise attack at dawn.
My uncle paid us a surprise visit yesterday.
Compare shock
surprise, surprise
1. said when someone has done something or when something has happened in a
way which you expected and which you do not approve of
"I've forgotten my keys again." "Surprise, surprise!"
2. US said when you are telling someone about a situation in which something
unexpected and pleasant has happened
I asked him if he wanted to come to dinner with my parents, and surprise,
surprise, he said yes!
surprise verb [ T ]
1. to make someone feel surprise
The news surprised everyone.
[ + that ] It doesn't surprise me that their parents don't want them to get
married.
[ + to infinitive ] It will not surprise anyone to learn that the offer has been
rejected.
[ + question word ] Janet was surprised how quickly the time passed.
2. to find, catch or attack someone when they are not expecting it
The robbers had just opened the safe when they were surprised by the police.
[ + -ing verb ] His mother surprised him help ing himself to her gin.
surprised adjective
feeling or showing surprise because something has happened that you did not
expect
We were very surprised at the result.
It's not like you to behave like this, Alice - I'm surprised at you (= I feel
disappointed with you) !
I'm not surprised (that) he didn't keep his promise.
I'm surprised to see you here.
I've managed to fix your car for now, but don't be surprised if it breaks down
again (= it probably will stop working again) .
She looked at him with a surprised expression on her face.
surprised adjective
feeling or showing surprise because something has happened that you did not
expect
We were very surprised at the result.
It's not like you to behave like this, Alice - I'm surprised at you (= I feel
disappointed with you) !
I'm not surprised (that) he didn't keep his promise.
I'm surprised to see you here.
I've managed to fix your car for now, but don't be surprised if it breaks down
again (= it probably will stop working again) .
She looked at him with a surprised expression on her face.
surprising adjective
unexpected
He gave a rather surprising answer.
It 's hardly/scarcely/not surprising (that) you're putting on weight,
considering how much you're eating.
I must say that it 's surprising to find you agreeing with me for once.
surprisingly adverb
unexpectedly or in a way that is unusual
The restaurant turned out to be surprisingly cheap.
Not surprisingly, the jury found them guilty.
surreal adjective
strange; not like reality; like a dream
Driving through the total darkness was a slightly surreal experience.
Buñuel's films have a surreal quality.
Surrealism noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a type of 20th century art and literature in which unusual or impossible things are
shown happening
Surrealist noun [ C ] , adjective
surrealistic adjective
not like reality; very unusual or impossible
surrender verb ACCEPT DEFEAT
1. [ I ] to stop fighting and admit defeat
They would rather die than surrender ( to the invaders).
2. [ I ] If you surrender to an experience or emotion, you stop trying to prevent
or control it
I finally surrendered to temptation, and ate the last remaining chocolate.
surrender verb GIVE
3. [ T ] to give something that is yours to someone else because you have been
forced to do so or because it is necessary to do so
The police demanded that the gang surrender their weapons.
Neither side is willing to surrender any territory/any of their claims.
surrender noun [ C or U ]
when you stop fighting and admit defeat
The rebels are on the point of surrender.
surreptitious adjective
done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing
She seemed to be listening to what I was saying, but I couldn't help noticing her
surreptitious glances at the clock.
surreptitiously adverb
Joe surreptitiously had a look in the answer book.
surreptitiousness noun [ U ]
surreptitious adjective
done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing
She seemed to be listening to what I was saying, but I couldn't help noticing her
surreptitious glances at the clock.
surreptitiously adverb
Joe surreptitiously had a look in the answer book.
surreptitiousness noun [ U ]
surrogacy noun [ U ]
the action of a woman having a baby for another woman who is unable to do so
herself
surrogate adjective [ before noun ]
replacing someone else or used instead of something else
Because she had no children of her own, her friend's son became a kind of
surrogate child to her.
surrogate noun
1. [ C ] something that replaces or is used instead of something else
For some people, reading travel books is a surrogate for actual travel.
2. ( ALSO surrogate mother ) a woman who has a baby for another woman who is
unable to become pregnant or have a baby herself
She has agreed to act as a surrogate mother for her sister.
surround verb [ T ]
to be everywhere around something
Snow-capped mountains surround the city.
Gwen sat at her desk, surrounded by books and papers.
Mystery still surrounds the exact circumstances of Stalin's death.
She said that she wanted to die surrounded by the people she loves (= with them
all present) .
Early this morning, armed police surrounded (= moved into a position so that
they were everywhere around) a house which they thought contained an escaped
prisoner.
surrounding adjective [ before noun ]
A lot of the children at the school do not live in the town, but come in from the
surrounding countryside.
surround noun
1. [ C ] the area or border around something
Our bath has a tiled surround.
2. surrounds US
the area that is near
I don't think there are any video stores in the immediate surrounds.
surroundings plural noun
1. the place where someone or something is and the things that are in it
Some butterflies blend in with their surroundings so that it's difficult to see
them.
2. the place where someone lives and the conditions they live in
They live in very comfortable/pleasant/drab/bleak surroundings.
surroundings plural noun
1. the place where someone or something is and the things that are in it
Some butterflies blend in with their surroundings so that it's difficult to see
them.
2. the place where someone lives and the conditions they live in
They live in very comfortable/pleasant/drab/bleak surroundings.
sur ˌ round ˈ sound noun [ U ]
a system for playing sounds, especially in cinemas, that uses three or more
loudspeakers so that the listener seems to be surrounded by the sound
surtax noun [ U ]
an extra tax which is paid by people who earn more than a particular large
amount, or an additional tax which is added to something which is already taxed
a surtax on company profits
surtitle noun [ C ] ( US USUALLY supertitle )
a written form in the listener's own language of the words that are being sung in
an opera , which are shown above the stage during a performance
surveillance noun [ U ]
the careful watching of a person or place, especially by the police or army,
because of a crime that has happened or is expected
The police have kept the nightclub under surveillance because of suspected
illegal drug activity.
More banks are now installing surveillance cameras .
survey noun [ C ] QUESTIONS
1. an examination of opinions, behaviour, etc., made by asking people questions
A recent survey found/revealed/showed that 58% of people did not know
where their heart is.
to conduct/carry out/do a survey
survey noun [ C ] EXAMINING
2. the measuring and recording of the details of an area of land
a geological survey
3. a description of the whole of a subject
His new book is a survey of European theatre in the nineteenth century.
4. UK ( US AND AUSTRALIAN inspection ) an examination of the structure of a
building by a specially trained person
survey verb LOOK AT
1. [ T ] SLIGHTLY FORMAL to look at or examine all of something, especially carefully
He got out of the car to survey the damage.
She has written a book which surveys (= describes in detail) the history of
feminism.
2. [ T ] to measure an area of land, and to record the details of it, especially on a
map
Before the new railway was built, its route was carefully surveyed.
3. [ T often passive ] UK ( US AND AUSTRALIAN inspect ) If a building is surveyed, it
is examined carefully by a specially trained person, in order to discover whether there is
anything wrong with its structure.
survey verb QUESTIONS
4. [ T ] to ask people questions in order to find out about their opinions or
behaviour
The researchers surveyed the attitudes of 2500 college students.
Many of the listeners surveyed said that they were not satisfied with the station's
programmes.
lord/master/mistress/king/queen of all you survey HUMOROUS
If you are lord, master, mistress, king, or queen of all you survey, you own or
control the place in which you live or work.
surveyor noun [ C ]
1. a person whose job is to measure and record the details of areas of land
2. UK ( US structural engineer ) a person who is specially trained to examine
buildings and discover whether there are any problems with their structure
surveyor noun [ C ]
1. a person whose job is to measure and record the details of areas of land
2. UK ( US structural engineer ) a person who is specially trained to examine
buildings and discover whether there are any problems with their structure
survivable adjective FORMAL
(of an accident or injury) very serious but not causing death
survival noun
1. [ U ] when a person, organization, etc. continues to live or exist
The doctors told my wife I had a 50/50 chance of survival.
His main concern is to ensure his own political survival.
England are fighting for survival (= trying not to be defeated) in the match.
2. [ C ] something that has continued to exist from a previous time
Most of these traditions are survivals from earlier times.
survival adjective
continuing to exist or wanting to continue to exist
We all have a strong survival instinct .
The survival rate for people who have this form of cancer is now more than 90%.
sur ˈ vival ˌ kit noun [ C ]
a small box containing things that you need in order to stay alive if you are in a
difficult or dangerous situation in which you are unable to get help
sur ˌ vival of the ˈ fittest noun [ U ]
the principle that animals and plants suited to the conditions they live in are more
likely to stay alive and produce other animals and plants than those which are not
suited
survive verb
1. [ I or T ] to continue to live or exist, especially after coming close to dying or
being destroyed or after being in a difficult or threatening situation
The baby was born with a heart problem and only survived for a few hours.
These plants cannot survive in very cold conditions.
None of Shakespeare's plays survives in its original manuscript form.
The family are struggling to survive on very little money.
The front passengers were lucky to survive the accident.
The prime minister succeeded in surviving the challenge to his authority.
"How are you?" "Oh, (I'm) surviving (= life is satisfactory, but not very good) ."
2. [ T ] to continue to live after someone, especially a member of your family, has
died
He is survived by his wife and four children.
surviving adjective [ before noun ]
continuing to live or exist
The rhinoceros is one of the world's oldest surviving species.
Her estate was divided between her three surviving children (= those who
continued to live after her death) .
surviving adjective [ before noun ]

continuing to live or exist
The rhinoceros is one of the world's oldest surviving species.
Her estate was divided between her three surviving children (= those who
continued to live after her death) .
survivor noun [ C ]
1. a person who continues to live, despite nearly dying
He was the sole (= only) survivor of the plane crash.
She's a cancer survivor/a survivor of cancer.
2. a person who is able to continue living their life successfully despite
experiencing difficulties
He's one of life's survivors.
3. US A person's survivors are the members of his or her family who continue to
live after he or she has died.
susceptibility noun
1. [ U ] when someone or something is easily influenced, harmed or infected
2. susceptibilities
the feelings someone has which are likely to be hurt
I didn't mean to offend/upset/hurt your susceptibilities.
susceptible adjective INFLUENCED
1. easily influenced or harmed by something
She isn't very susceptible to flattery.
These plants are particularly susceptible to frost.
Among particularly susceptible children, the disease can develop very fast.
2. describes someone who is easily emotionally influenced
They persuade susceptible teenagers to part with their money.
susceptible adjective POSSIBLE
3. [ after verb ] FORMAL (especially of an idea or statement) able to be understood,
proved, explained, etc. in a particular way
Shakespeare's plays are susceptible to various interpretations.
UK The facts are susceptible of other explanations.
sushi noun [ U ]
a type of Japanese food consisting of squares or balls of cold boiled rice, with
small pieces of other food, especially raw fish on top
suspect verb [ T ] THINK LIKELY
1. to think or believe something to be true or probable
So far, the police do not suspect foul play.
[ + ( that ) ] We had no reason to suspect (that) he might try to kill himself.
"Do you think she'll have told them?" "I suspect not/so ."
suspect verb [ T ] THINK GUILTY
2. to think that someone has committed a crime or done something wrong
No one knows who killed her, but the police suspect her husband.
The police suspect him of carrying out two bomb attacks.
Three suspected terrorists have been arrested.
suspect verb [ T ] DOUBT
3. to not trust; to doubt
I have no reason to suspect her honesty/loyalty.
We suspected his motives in making his offer.
suspected adjective
He has a suspected broken leg.
suspect noun [ C ]
a person believed to have committed a crime or done something wrong, or
something believed to have caused something bad
Police have issued a photograph of the suspect.
The prime suspect in the case committed suicide.
No one knows what caused the outbreak of food poisoning, but shellfish is the
main suspect (= is thought to have caused it) .
the usual suspects
the people you would expect to be present somewhere or doing a particular thing
"Who was at Adrian's party?" "Oh, Paula, Roz, Lucy and gang - the usual
suspects."
suspect adjective
possibly false or dangerous
The study was carried out with such a small sample that its results are suspect.
A suspect parcel was found at the station.
suspend verb STOP
1. [ T ] to stop or to cause to be not active, either temporarily or permanently
The ferry service has been suspended for the day because of bad weather.
The President has suspended the constitution and assumed total power.
When you go to the theatre, you have to be willing to suspend disbelief (= to act
as if you believe that what you are seeing is real or true, although you know that it is
not) .
I'm suspending judgment (= not forming an opinion) on the book I'm reading
until I've finished it.
LEGAL Mr Young was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for two years (=
If he commits another crime within two years, he will have to go to prison for six
months for his original crime) .
2. [ T ] If someone is suspended from work, school, etc., they are temporarily not
allowed to work, go to school or take part in an activity because they have done
something wrong
She was suspended from school for fighting.
He was suspended for four matches after arguing with the referee.
suspend verb HANG
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hang
The builders worked on wooden platforms, suspended by ropes from the roof of
the building.
It was very uncomfortable lying on the hospital bed with my legs suspended in
the air .
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] If small pieces of solid material are
suspended in a gas or a liquid, they hang or float in the gas or liquid
The drug is suspended in a saline solution.
A cloud of smoke was suspended in the air.
suspend verb STOP
1. [ T ] to stop or to cause to be not active, either temporarily or permanently
The ferry service has been suspended for the day because of bad weather.
The President has suspended the constitution and assumed total power.
When you go to the theatre, you have to be willing to suspend disbelief (= to act
as if you believe that what you are seeing is real or true, although you know that it is
not) .
I'm suspending judgment (= not forming an opinion) on the book I'm reading
until I've finished it.
LEGAL Mr Young was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for two years (=
If he commits another crime within two years, he will have to go to prison for six
months for his original crime) .
2. [ T ] If someone is suspended from work, school, etc., they are temporarily not
allowed to work, go to school or take part in an activity because they have done
something wrong
She was suspended from school for fighting.
He was suspended for four matches after arguing with the referee.
suspend verb HANG
3. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hang
The builders worked on wooden platforms, suspended by ropes from the roof of
the building.
It was very uncomfortable lying on the hospital bed with my legs suspended in
the air .
4. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] If small pieces of solid material are
suspended in a gas or a liquid, they hang or float in the gas or liquid
The drug is suspended in a saline solution.
A cloud of smoke was suspended in the air.
su ˌ spended ani ˈ mation noun [ U ]
a state in which life in a body is temporarily slowed down or stopped
Some animals, such as hedgehogs, exist in a state of suspended animation during
the winter.
FIGURATIVE A cut in interest rates would lift the economy out of its current state of
suspended animation.
suspender noun
1. [ C ] UK ( US garter ) a type of button that fastens onto a woman's stockings to
hold them up
2. suspenders
US FOR braces
su ˈ spender ˌ belt noun [ C ] UK ( US garter belt )
a piece of women's underwear worn round the waist, which has suspenders fixed
to it for holding up stockings
suspense noun [ U ]
the feeling of excitement or nervousness which you have when you are waiting for
something to happen and are uncertain about what it is going to be
She kept him in suspense for several days before she said that she would marry
him.
The suspense is killing me (= I am extremely eager to know what is going to
happen) .
There is a gradual build-up of suspense throughout the film, until it comes to an
unexpected ending.
suspension noun STOP
1. [ U ] when someone stops something happening, operating, etc. for a period of
time
The suspension of fighting is to take effect at 6 am on Monday.
There have been calls for the drug's immediate suspension, following reports that
it has dangerous side effects.
2. [ C or U ] when a person is temporarily not allowed to work, go to school or
take part in an activity, as a punishment
The union is protesting about the suspension of a restaurant worker.
The footballer is likely to receive a three-match suspension following an incident
in yesterday's game.
suspension noun VEHICLE
3. [ U ] equipment fixed to the wheels of a vehicle which reduces the
uncomfortable effects of going over road surfaces that are not even
suspension noun LIQUID
4. [ C ] a liquid in which small pieces of solid are contained, but not dissolved
a suspension of fine cornflour in corn oil
su ˈ spension ˌ bridge noun [ C ]
a bridge which is supported by strong steel ropes hung from a tower at each end
of the bridge
See picture suspension bridge
su ˈ spension ˌ bridge noun [ C ]
a bridge which is supported by strong steel ropes hung from a tower at each end
of the bridge
See picture suspension bridge
suspensory ligament noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
one of the strong strips of tissue in the body that hold the lens of the eye in
position or that another part or organ hangs from
suspicion noun THINK LIKELY
1. [ C ] a belief or idea that something may be true
[ + that ] I have a suspicion (= belief or idea) that he only asked me out
because my brother persuaded him to.
She had a nagging/sneaking suspicion that she might have sent the letter to
the wrong address.
suspicion noun
2. [ S ] a small amount
He gave just a suspicion of a smile.
I have a suspicion of doubt about whether I should accept his invitation or not.
suspicion noun THINK GUILTY
3. [ C or U ] a feeling or belief that someone has committed a crime or done
something wrong
"I'm arresting you on suspicion of illegally possessing drugs," said the police
officer.
MAINLY UK She is under suspicion of murder.
In this particular case, they are above/beyond suspicion (= cannot be thought
to be guilty) .
His strange behaviour aroused/raised his neighbours' suspicions.
suspicion noun DOUBT
4. [ C or U ] doubt or lack of trust
Since they discovered the truth about his background, his colleagues have
regarded him with suspicion.
They feel that she harbours (= has) suspicions of their politics.
suspicious adjective SEEM GUILTY
1. making you feel that something illegal is happening or that something is wrong
Her behaviour was very suspicious ( AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL suss ).
The fire at the bank is being treated as suspicious.
It 's a bit suspicious that no one knows where he was at the time of the murder.
There were some suspicious characters hanging around outside.
There's a suspicious- looking van parked at the end of the road.
His new book bears a suspicious resemblance to a book written by someone else
(= His book is so similar to the other book that it seems as if he has copied it) .
suspicious adjective DOUBT
2. feeling doubt or no trust in someone or something
His colleagues became suspicious (= thought that there was something wrong)
when he did not appear at work, since he was always punctual.
They are deeply/highly (= very) suspicious of one another/ of each other's
motives.
My mother has a very suspicious nature (= does not trust people) .
suspiciously adverb DOUBT
1. in a way that makes you think that something is wrong
He looked at her suspiciously.
The children are suspiciously quiet (= are so quiet that they are probably doing
something wrong) .
His hair is suspiciously black (= looks darker than it should be, and is therefore
probably not natural) for a man of his age.
suspiciously adverb SEEM GUILTY
2. in a way that makes you think someone is guilty of something wrong or illegal
The officers noticed two men acting suspiciously (= as if they were doing
something wrong) in a car.
suspiciously adverb SEEM LIKELY
3. in a way that makes you think something may be true
She brushed away what looked suspiciously like (= looked as if it probably was) a
tear.
suspiciously adverb DOUBT
1. in a way that makes you think that something is wrong
He looked at her suspiciously.
The children are suspiciously quiet (= are so quiet that they are probably doing
something wrong) .
His hair is suspiciously black (= looks darker than it should be, and is therefore
probably not natural) for a man of his age.
suspiciously adverb SEEM GUILTY
2. in a way that makes you think someone is guilty of something wrong or illegal
The officers noticed two men acting suspiciously (= as if they were doing
something wrong) in a car.
suspiciously adverb SEEM LIKELY
3. in a way that makes you think something may be true
She brushed away what looked suspiciously like (= looked as if it probably was) a
tear.
suss verb [ T ] UK INFORMAL
to realize, understand or discover
[ + that ] He never sussed (out) that they'd tricked him.
She thinks she's got me sussed (out) (= She thinks she understands me) , but
she's wrong.
I'll visit the college and suss it out before I decide whether to apply or not.
suss adjective
AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL FOR suspicious
sustain verb [ T ] CONTINUE
1. to cause or allow something to continue for a period of time
The economy looks set to sustain its growth into next year.
He seems to find it difficult to sustain relationships with women.
US The judge sustained (= accepted) the lawyer's objection.
2. to keep alive
The soil in this part of the world is not rich enough to sustain a large population.
sustain verb [ T ] SUFFER
3. FORMAL to suffer or experience, especially damage or loss
She sustained multiple injuries in the accident.
Most buildings sustained only minimal damage in the earthquake.
The company has sustained heavy losses this year.
sustain verb [ T ] SUPPORT
4. to support emotionally
She was sustained by the strength of her religious faith.
The love of my family and friends sustained me through my ordeal.
sustainable adjective
1. able to continue over a period of time
That sort of extreme diet is not sustainable over a long period.
2. causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue
for a long time
A large international meeting was held with the aim of promoting sustainable
development in all countries.
sustainability noun [ U ]
sustained adjective
1. continuing for a long time
The president's speech was greeted by sustained applause.
2. determined
We must make a sustained effort to get this task finished this week.
sustained adjective
1. continuing for a long time
The president's speech was greeted by sustained applause.
2. determined
We must make a sustained effort to get this task finished this week.
sustenance noun [ U ] FORMAL FOOD
1. food
During this freezing weather, the food put out by householders is the only form of
sustenance that the birds have.
2. the ability of food to provide people and animals with what they need to make
them strong and healthy
A stick of celery does not provide much sustenance.
sustenance noun [ U ] FORMAL SUPPORT
3. emotional or mental support
When her husband died, she drew sustenance from /she found sustenance in
her religious beliefs.
suttee noun [ U ] ( ALSO sati )
the Hindu custom, which is no longer legal, of a woman being burnt alive in the
same fire as that in which her dead husband's body is burnt
suture noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a stitch used to sew up a cut in a person's body
suture verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to sew together a cut in a person's body
SUV noun [ C ]
SUV
sports utility vehicle: a large car with an engine that supplies power to all four
wheels, but that is usually used for ordinary driving
svelte adjective
attractively thin, graceful and stylish
SW adjective
WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR southwestern
SW noun [ U ] SOUTHWEST
1. WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR southwest
SW noun [ U ] RADIO
2. WRITTEN ABBREVIATION FOR short wave
swab noun [ C ]
a small piece of soft material used for cleaning a cut or for taking a small amount
of substance from a body, or the substance itself which can then be tested
The nurse cleaned the cut on my leg with a swab.
"I'm just going to take a swab of your ear," said the doctor.
swab verb [ T ] WASH
1. to wash a surface, especially the open flat areas of a ship, with a wet cloth or
mop
swab verb [ T ] MEDICINE
2. to clean a cut or take a small amount of substance from a body using a small
piece of soft material
swab noun [ C ]
mop
swaddle verb [ T ] OLD-FASHIONED
to wrap a baby tightly in cloth
Swaddling a baby tightly in a blanket can be a good way to stop it crying.
swag noun [ U ] STOLEN
1. OLD-FASHIONED SLANG stolen goods
The cartoon showed a picture of a robber carrying a bag with 'swag' written on it.
swag noun [ U ] POSSESSIONS
2. AUSTRALIAN OLD-FASHIONED possessions wrapped in a cloth and carried by a
person who does not have a home or a job, but walks around from place to place
swagger verb [ I ]
to walk, especially with a swinging movement, in a way that shows that you are
very confident and think that you are important, or to act in that way
They swaggered into the room.
A group of young men swaggered about outside the bar.
His swaggering self-confidence irritates many people.
swaggerer noun [ C ]
swaggeringly adverb
swagger noun [ S or U ]
a way of walking with a swinging movement that shows you are confident
He walked out of the room with a self-confident swagger.
Underneath all his swagger (= way of acting that shows he is very confident and
thinks that he is important) , he's actually quite nervous.
swallow verb THROAT
1. [ I or T ] to cause food, drink, pills, etc. to move from your mouth into your
stomach by using the muscles of your throat, or to use the muscles of your throat as if
doing this
My throat is so sore that it really hurts when I swallow.
He put a grape into his mouth and swallowed it whole .
2. [ I ] to use the muscles of your throat, as if moving something from your
mouth into your stomach, because you are nervous or frightened, or are about to say
something
He swallowed hard and said, "Dad, I've got something to tell you."
swallow verb TAKE AWAY
3. [ T ] If something large swallows (up) another thing, it makes it disappear or
stop existing separately by making it part of itself
An increasing amount of the countryside is being swallowed (up) by the town.
Many small businesses have been swallowed (up) by large companies.
4. [ T ] to use or take away a large part of something valuable
Taxes have swallowed up nearly half of my pay increase.
swallow verb ACCEPT
5. [ T ] INFORMAL to accept something without question or without expressing
disagreement
Not surprisingly, this excuse was too much for them to swallow.
He swallowed her story whole .
She swallowed his sales pitch hook, line and sinker (= believed it completely) .
swallow verb NOT EXPRESS
6. [ T ] to not express or show something
She swallowed her disappointment, saying, "That's OK, it doesn't matter."
He was forced to swallow his pride and ask if he could have his old job back.
swallow your words
to be forced to admit that something you have said has been shown to be wrong
I had to swallow my words when the scheme turned out to be a great success.
swallow the bait
If you swallow the bait, you completely accept something, especially an offer that
is a trick or way of getting something from you.
swallow noun [ C ] THROAT
1. an act of using the muscles of your throat, or the amount of something you
move into your stomach from your mouth by using the muscles of your throat
He gave a swallow, then began speaking.
swallow noun [ C ] BIRD
swallow
2. a small bird with pointed wings and a tail with two points, which flies quickly
and catches insects to eat as it flies
One swallow doesn't make a summer. SAYING
used to say that because one good thing has happened, it is not therefore certain
that a situation is going to improve
ˈ swallow ˌ dive noun [ C ] UK ( US swan dive )
a dive in which you hold your arms out from your sides until you are close to the
water
swab noun [ C ]
mop
swaddle verb [ T ] OLD-FASHIONED
to wrap a baby tightly in cloth
Swaddling a baby tightly in a blanket can be a good way to stop it crying.
swag noun [ U ] STOLEN
1. OLD-FASHIONED SLANG stolen goods
The cartoon showed a picture of a robber carrying a bag with 'swag' written on it.
swag noun [ U ] POSSESSIONS
2. AUSTRALIAN OLD-FASHIONED possessions wrapped in a cloth and carried by a
person who does not have a home or a job, but walks around from place to place
swagger verb [ I ]
to walk, especially with a swinging movement, in a way that shows that you are
very confident and think that you are important, or to act in that way
They swaggered into the room.
A group of young men swaggered about outside the bar.
His swaggering self-confidence irritates many people.
swaggerer noun [ C ]
swaggeringly adverb
swagger noun [ S or U ]
a way of walking with a swinging movement that shows you are confident
He walked out of the room with a self-confident swagger.
Underneath all his swagger (= way of acting that shows he is very confident and
thinks that he is important) , he's actually quite nervous.
swallow verb THROAT
1. [ I or T ] to cause food, drink, pills, etc. to move from your mouth into your
stomach by using the muscles of your throat, or to use the muscles of your throat as if
doing this
My throat is so sore that it really hurts when I swallow.
He put a grape into his mouth and swallowed it whole .
2. [ I ] to use the muscles of your throat, as if moving something from your
mouth into your stomach, because you are nervous or frightened, or are about to say
something
He swallowed hard and said, "Dad, I've got something to tell you."
swallow verb TAKE AWAY
3. [ T ] If something large swallows (up) another thing, it makes it disappear or
stop existing separately by making it part of itself
An increasing amount of the countryside is being swallowed (up) by the town.
Many small businesses have been swallowed (up) by large companies.
4. [ T ] to use or take away a large part of something valuable
Taxes have swallowed up nearly half of my pay increase.
swallow verb ACCEPT
5. [ T ] INFORMAL to accept something without question or without expressing
disagreement
Not surprisingly, this excuse was too much for them to swallow.
He swallowed her story whole .
She swallowed his sales pitch hook, line and sinker (= believed it completely) .
swallow verb NOT EXPRESS
6. [ T ] to not express or show something
She swallowed her disappointment, saying, "That's OK, it doesn't matter."
He was forced to swallow his pride and ask if he could have his old job back.
swallow your words
to be forced to admit that something you have said has been shown to be wrong
I had to swallow my words when the scheme turned out to be a great success.
swallow the bait
If you swallow the bait, you completely accept something, especially an offer that
is a trick or way of getting something from you.
swallow noun [ C ] THROAT
1. an act of using the muscles of your throat, or the amount of something you
move into your stomach from your mouth by using the muscles of your throat
He gave a swallow, then began speaking.
swallow noun [ C ] BIRD
swallow
2. a small bird with pointed wings and a tail with two points, which flies quickly
and catches insects to eat as it flies
One swallow doesn't make a summer. SAYING
used to say that because one good thing has happened, it is not therefore certain
that a situation is going to improve
ˈ swallow ˌ dive noun [ C ] UK ( US swan dive )
a dive in which you hold your arms out from your sides until you are close to the
water
swam verb
PAST SIMPLE OF swim
swami noun [ C ]
(the title of) a Hindu religious teacher
swamp noun [ C or U ]
(an area of) very wet soft land
an alligator-infested swamp
The Everglades are an area of swamp in southern Florida.
swamp verb COVER
1. [ T ] to cover a place or thing with a large amount of water
High tides have swamped the coast.
The boat was swamped by an enormous wave.
swamp verb TOO MUCH/BIG
2. [ T often passive ] If something swamps a person, system or place, they
receive more of it than they can easily deal with
Foreign cars have swamped the UK market.
I'm swamped with work at the moment.
Don't let feelings of depression swamp you.
3. [ T ] INFORMAL If clothes swamp you, they are much too big for you.
ˈ swamp ˌ gas noun [ C usually singular ]
a gas produced in a swamp (= an area of extremely wet ground) by decaying
plants that are covered by water
You could smell the swamp gas a mile off.
swampland noun [ C or U ] SPECIALIZED
an area of swamp (= very wet soft land)
swampy adjective
describes land that is soft and very wet
swan noun [ C ]
swan
a large usually white bird with a long neck that lives on rivers and lakes
We watched the swans glide by.
swan verb [ I usually + adv/prep ] UK INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to travel, move or behave in a relaxed way for pleasure and without worrying that
others may feel annoyed
She swanned into the room, carrying a glass of wine, taking no notice of the fact
that she'd kept us all waiting for hours.
He's been swanning around the States (= travelling and not doing any work) all
summer.
ˈ swan ˌ dive noun [ C ]
US FOR swallow dive
swank verb [ I ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
to behave or speak too confidently because you think that you are very important,
in order to attract other people's attention and admiration
Just because you won, there's no need to swank.
People around here don't swank about their money.
swank noun [ U ] INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
behaviour that is too confident
In spite of all his swank, he's never really achieved very much.
swanky adjective
1. INFORMAL very expensive and fashionable, in a way that is intended to attract
people's attention and admiration
We stayed in a swanky hotel.
2. DISAPPROVING behaving too confidently
I'm sick of his swanky talk.
swansong noun [ S ]
a person's last piece of work, achievement, or performance
This weekend's match was his swansong as the team's captain.
swap ( UK ALSO swop ) verb [ I or T ]
to give something and be given something else instead; to exchange
When you've finished reading your book, and I've finished mine, shall we swap?
We swapped addresses with the people we met on holiday.
When he got a job in a bank, he had to swap his jeans and T-shirt for a suit (= he
had to wear formal clothes instead of informal ones) .
[ + two objects ] I'll swap you my chocolate bar for your peanuts.
We spent the evening in the pub, swapping (= telling each other) stories/jokes.
swap ( UK ALSO swop ) noun [ C ]
an exchange, or something that is going to be or has been exchanged
I thought Simon's food looked nicer than mine, so we did a swap.
This comic is a swap (= something that was exchanged) that I got from Nick.
ˈ swap ˌ meet noun [ C ]
US FOR car boot sale
swarm noun
1. [ C ] a large group of insects all moving together
a swarm of bees/wasps/ants/locusts
The dead sheep was covered with swarms of flies.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a large group of people all moving together
A swarm of /Swarms of journalists followed the film star's car.
swarm verb [ I ]
1. When insects swarm, they come together in a large group.
2. When people swarm somewhere, they move there in a large group or in large
numbers
After the game, thousands of football fans swarmed onto the pitch.
swarm with sth phrasal verb
If a place is swarming with people or things, there are large numbers of them
moving around it
The garden is swarming with wasps.
Something must be going on - the town is swarming with police.
swarm noun
1. [ C ] a large group of insects all moving together
a swarm of bees/wasps/ants/locusts
The dead sheep was covered with swarms of flies.
2. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a large group of people all moving together
A swarm of /Swarms of journalists followed the film star's car.
swarm verb [ I ]
1. When insects swarm, they come together in a large group.
2. When people swarm somewhere, they move there in a large group or in large
numbers
After the game, thousands of football fans swarmed onto the pitch.
swarm with sth phrasal verb
If a place is swarming with people or things, there are large numbers of them
moving around it
The garden is swarming with wasps.
Something must be going on - the town is swarming with police.
swarthy adjective
(of a person or their skin) dark
a swarthy face/complexion
a swarthy fisherman
swashbuckling adjective [ before noun ]
behaving in a brave and exciting way, especially like a fighter in the past
a swashbuckling hero/pirate
The players displayed a swashbuckling confidence.
swastika noun [ C ]
a symbol in the form of a cross with each of its arms bent at a 90° (degree) angle
half way along, used in the 20th century as the symbol of the Nazi party
swat verb [ T ]
to hit something, especially an insect, with a flat object or your hand
I swatted the fly with a rolled-up newspaper.
He tried to swat the ball too hard, and missed it entirely.
FIGURATIVE These missiles are capable of swatting enemy planes with deadly
accuracy.
swat noun [ C ]
He gave the mosquito a swat.
swatch noun [ C ]
a small piece of cloth used as an example of the colour and type of the cloth
swathe ( ALSO swath ) noun AREA
1. [ C ] a long strip or large area especially of land
Huge swathes of rainforest are being cleared for farming and mining.
2. [ S ] LITERARY a varied section or range
These people represent a broad/wide swathe of public opinion.
swathe ( ALSO swath ) noun CLOTH
3. [ C ] a long strip of cloth
His head was wrapped in swathes of bandages.
swathe verb [ T ]
to wrap round or cover with cloth
He came out of the hospital swathed in bandages.
[ R ] I love to swathe (= dress) myself in silk.
sway verb MOVE
1. [ I ] to move slowly from side to side
The trees were swaying in the wind.
The movement of the ship caused the mast to sway from side to
side/backwards and forwards .
A drunk was standing in the middle of the street, swaying uncertainly and trying
hard to stay upright.
2. [ T ] to cause something to move or change
Recent developments have swayed the balance of power in the region.
sway verb PERSUADE
3. [ T ] to persuade someone to believe or do one thing rather than another
Her speech failed to sway her colleagues into supporting the plan.
sway noun [ U ] FORMAL
control or influence
In the 1980s, the organization came under the sway of (= became strongly
influenced by) Christian fundamentalism.
Her parents no longer seem to have much sway over her.
The party could hold sway (= have an important imfluence) on some crucial
votes.
sway verb MOVE
1. [ I ] to move slowly from side to side
The trees were swaying in the wind.
The movement of the ship caused the mast to sway from side to
side/backwards and forwards .
A drunk was standing in the middle of the street, swaying uncertainly and trying
hard to stay upright.
2. [ T ] to cause something to move or change
Recent developments have swayed the balance of power in the region.
sway verb PERSUADE
3. [ T ] to persuade someone to believe or do one thing rather than another
Her speech failed to sway her colleagues into supporting the plan.
sway noun [ U ] FORMAL
control or influence
In the 1980s, the organization came under the sway of (= became strongly
influenced by) Christian fundamentalism.
Her parents no longer seem to have much sway over her.
The party could hold sway (= have an important imfluence) on some crucial
votes.
Swazi noun [ C ] , adjective
Swaziland noun [ U ]
swear verb USE RUDE WORDS
1. [ I ] to use words that are rude or offensive as a way of emphasizing what you
mean or as a way of insulting someone or something
It was a real shock, the first time I heard my mother swear.
When the taxi driver started to swear at him, he walked off.
swear verb PROMISE
2. [ I or T ] to state or promise that you are telling the truth or that you will do
something or behave in a particular way
I don't know anything about what happened, I swear (it) .
[ + ( that ) ] You might find it difficult to believe, but I swear (that) the guy just
came up to me and gave me the money.
INFORMAL She swore blind (= promised definitely) (that) she didn't know what
had happened to the money.
[ + to infinitive ] New gang members must swear to obey the gang leaders at all
times.
In some countries, witnesses in court have to swear on the Bible.
I swore an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
A few of us knew what was going to happen, but we were sworn to secrecy (= we
were made to promise that we would keep it a secret) .
I think his birthday is on the 5th, but I wouldn't/couldn't swear to it (= I am not
completely certain about it) .
swear by sth phrasal verb [ not continuous ] INFORMAL
to believe strongly that something is effective or useful
My dad swears by these vitamin pills.
swear sb in phrasal verb [ M ] LEGAL
When someone is sworn in, they make a formal promise to be honest or loyal,
either because they are in a law court or because they are starting a new official job
The next witness was sworn in.
Clinton was sworn in as President.
swearing-in noun [ S ]
She had a good seat at the President's swearing-in ceremony.
swear off sth phrasal verb
to make a decision to stop doing, using or being involved with something harmful,
such as drugs or alcohol, or something that is not good or helpful
After years of addiction, he swore off drugs completely.
swearing noun [ U ]
when someone uses rude or offensive language
swearing noun [ U ]
when someone uses rude or offensive language
ˈ swear ˌ word noun [ C ]
a rude or offensive word
All swear words, even mild ones such as 'damn', were deleted from the text.
sweat verb [ I ]
1. to pass a salty colourless liquid through the skin because you are hot, ill or
frightened
It was so hot when we arrived in Tripoli that we started to sweat as soon as we
got off the plane.
The prisoners were sweating with fear.
INFORMAL I was so afraid, I was sweating like a pig (= sweating a lot) .
2. If something sweats, it produces drops of liquid on the outside
The walls in older houses sometimes sweat with damp.
make sb sweat INFORMAL
to make someone wait nervously
It seemed that the authorities had delayed the news just to make us sweat.
sweat blood ( ALSO sweat your guts out ) INFORMAL
to make a great effort
We sweated blood to get the work finished on time.
I've been sweating blood over this report.
sweat bullets US INFORMAL
to be extremely nervous and worried about something
I was sweating bullets over this interview.
sweat it out INFORMAL
1. to wait nervously for an unpleasant situation to end or improve
My exams finish next week, and then I'll be sweating it out for a month waiting
for the results.
2. to do hard physical exercise
I like to sweat it out in the gym for a couple of hours every day.
sweat over sth phrasal verb
to work very hard using or doing something
She's been sweating over that essay all afternoon.
I've been sweating over a hot stove (= cooking) all morning.
sweat noun LIQUID
1. [ U ] the salty colourless liquid that you pass through your skin
The dancers were dripping with/pouring with sweat after a morning's
rehearsal.
By the time we'd climbed to the top of the hill, we were covered in sweat.
She wiped the beads (= drops) of sweat from her forehead.
FIGURATIVE The cathedral was built by human toil and sweat (= effort) .
sweat noun CLOTHES
2. sweats US ( UK tracksuit )
a loose top and trousers, worn either by people who are training for a sport or
exercising, or as informal clothing
get in a sweat INFORMAL
to worry
He tends to get in a sweat about flying.
no sweat INFORMAL
If you say that something is no sweat, you mean that it will not be difficult or
cause problems
"Can you fix my car for me?" "No sweat!"
ˈ sweat ˌ band noun [ C ]
a thin strip of material that someone doing sport or exercise wears round their
head to stop sweat going into their eyes or wears round their wrists to stop sweat going
onto their hands
ˈ sweat ˌ band noun [ C ]
a thin strip of material that someone doing sport or exercise wears round their
head to stop sweat going into their eyes or wears round their wrists to stop sweat going
onto their hands
sweated adjective [ before noun ] DISAPPROVING
involving workers who are paid very little and who work many hours in very bad
conditions
The textile industry still relies to some extent on sweated labour .
sweater noun [ C ] ( UK ALSO jumper )
a piece of clothing with long sleeves which is usually made from wool and worn on
the upper part of the body
Put a sweater on if you're cold.
a V-necked sweater
Compare cardigan
ˈ sweat ˌ gland noun [ C usually plural ]
one of the small organs under the skin which produce sweat
sweatpants plural noun
tracksuit bottoms
sweatshirt noun [ C ]
a piece of informal clothing with long sleeves, usually made of thick cotton, worn
on the upper part of the body
She was dressed casually in jeans and a sweatshirt.
sweatshop noun [ C ] DISAPPROVING
a small factory where workers are paid very little and work many hours in very
bad conditions
sweatshop conditions
ˈ sweat ˌ suit noun [ C ]
a tracksuit
sweaty adjective
covered in sweat or smelling of sweat
a sweaty face
sweaty clothes
We spent the evening in a sweaty pub (= one that causes you to sweat) .
swede noun [ C or U ] MAINLY UK ( US USUALLY rutabaga )
swede
a round vegetable with dark yellow flesh and a brown or purple skin
Swede noun [ C ]
Sweden noun [ U ]
Swedish adjective
from, belonging to or relating to Sweden
Swedish noun [ U ]
the language of Sweden
sweep verb CLEAN
1. [ T ] to clean especially a floor by using a brush to collect the dirt into one
place from which it can be removed
sweep the floor
sweep verb MOVE
2. [ I + adverb or preposition ] to move, especially quickly and powerfully
Everyone looked up as she swept into the room.
The fire swept (= spread quickly) through the house.
The National Party swept into power (= easily won the election) with a majority
of almost 200.
3. [ T ] to quickly spread through and influence an area
A 1970s fashion revival is sweeping Europe.
4. [ T ] to travel across all of an area, especially when looking for something
American minesweepers are sweeping the Arabian sea.
5. [ I usually + adverb or preposition ] If a road, river, range of mountains, set of
steps, etc. sweeps in a particular direction, they follow a particular curved path
The road sweeps down to the coast.
sweep verb REMOVE
6. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to remove and/or take in a particular
direction, especially in a fast and powerful way
A large wave swept away half the sandcastle.
She swept the pile of papers and books into her bag.
The boat was swept out to sea (= away from land) by the tide.
Government troops swept aside the rebel forces (= caused them to move away
from the area in which they were) .
sweep verb WIN
7. [ T ] US INFORMAL to win all the parts of a competition, or to win very easily
The Yankees swept a four-game series from the Blue Jays.
sweep sb off their feet
to make someone become suddenly and completely in love with you
The first time he met her, he was completely swept off his feet.
sweep sth under the carpet UK ( US sweep sth under the rug )
to hide a problem or try to keep it secret instead of dealing with it
The committee is being accused of sweeping financial problems under the carpet
to avoid embarrassment.
sweep the board
to win everything that is available
Australia swept the board in the swimming, with gold medals in every race.
sweep sb along phrasal verb [ M often passive ]
If a feeling or someone's behaviour sweeps you along, it makes you feel very
enthusiastic about an activity and very involved in it
We were swept along by her eloquence.
sweep sth aside phrasal verb [ M ]
to refuse to consider something or to treat it as important
They swept his doubts and objections aside.
sweep noun CLEAN
1. [ C usually singular ] the act of sweeping something to clean it
I've given the kitchen floor a sweep (= I have swept it) .
2. [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED FOR chimney sweep
sweep noun MOVEMENT
3. [ C ] a movement, especially a quick, powerful one or one to search an area
With a sweep (= horizontal movement) of its tail, the alligator knocked her under
the water.
4. [ C ] a long, often curved, area of land, sea, river, etc. or the area covered by
something such as a book
A broad sweep of flat countryside stretched to the horizon in all directions.
5. sweeps US
a period of time when measurements of the number of people watching different
television stations are made so that the cost of advertising on each station can be set
sweep noun WIN
6. a clean sweep
when a player, team, etc. wins everything that is available
Romania made a clean sweep of the medals.
sweeper noun [ C ] CLEANING
1. someone or something that sweeps something clean
a carpet sweeper (= a machine for cleaning carpets)
a road sweeper (= a person whose job is cleaning the roads)
sweeper noun [ C ] FOOTBALL
2. In football, a sweeper is a player whose position is behind the other defenders
(= players whose main aim is to stop points from being scored) .
sweeper noun [ C ] CLEANING
1. someone or something that sweeps something clean
a carpet sweeper (= a machine for cleaning carpets)
a road sweeper (= a person whose job is cleaning the roads)
sweeper noun [ C ] FOOTBALL
2. In football, a sweeper is a player whose position is behind the other defenders
(= players whose main aim is to stop points from being scored) .
sweeping adjective [ before noun ] GENERAL
1. affecting many things or people; large
It is obvious that sweeping changes are needed in the legal system.
We need to make sweeping cuts to our budget.
2. sweeping statement/generalization
DISAPPROVING something that you say or write that is too general and that has not
been carefully thought about
Sweeping generalizations about this complex and difficult situation are not helpful.
sweeping adjective [ before noun ] WIN
3. A sweeping win or victory is an easy or complete win
The party have failed to win the sweeping victory they expected.
sweepstake noun [ C ] ( INFORMAL sweep )
a type of gambling , usually on a horse race, in which people pay a small amount
of money and choose a particular horse. The person who chooses the winning horse
receives all the money paid by everyone else.
sweet adjective TASTE
1. (especially of food or drink) having a taste similar to that of sugar; not bitter or
salty
The pineapple was sweet and juicy.
Do you want your pancakes sweet or savoury?
sweet adjective PLEASANT
2. If an emotion or event is sweet, it is very pleasant and satisfying
She was enjoying the sweet smell of success .
3. If a sound is sweet, it is pleasant and easy to like
She has a sweet singing voice.
4. (especially of something or someone small) pleasant and attractive
They live in a sweet little house.
What a sweet baby!
5. kind and pleasant
I think Alex is really sweet.
It was sweet of you to help me.
be sweet on sb OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to like someone very much in a romantic way
She's still sweet on him after all this time!
keep sb sweet
to try to keep someone satisfied and pleased with you
We're allowing the French engineers to use our computers, to keep them sweet in
case we need their help later on.
sweet fanny adams ( ABBREVIATION sweet FA ) OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
nothing
And what does she know about it? Sweet Fanny Adams!
sweet noun
1. [ C ] UK ( US candy ) a small piece of sweet food, made of sugar
She bought a packet of sweets to suck on the journey.
2. [ C ] US any food with a lot of sugar in it
3. [ C or U ] UK sweet food eaten at the end of a meal
There was only one sweet on the menu - chocolate cake with cream.
my sweet OLD-FASHIONED
a way of talking to someone you love
sweet-and-sour adjective [ before noun ]
describes food with a flavour that is both sweet and sour
sweet-and-sour pork
sweet-and-sour adjective [ before noun ]
describes food with a flavour that is both sweet and sour
sweet-and-sour pork
sweetbread noun [ C usually plural ]
the pancreas (= organ near the stomach) of a young sheep or cow, used as food
ˌ sweet ˈ chestnut noun [ C ] UK ( US chestnut )
a large tree with leaves divided into five parts and large round nuts that are
cooked and eaten hot
sweetcorn noun [ U ] ( US USUALLY corn )
sweetcorn
the yellow seeds of a particular type of the maize plant, which is eaten as a
vegetable
sweeten verb [ T ] TASTE
1. to make something taste sweet
The apple mixture can be sweetened with honey.
sweeten verb [ T ] MORE PLEASANT
2. to make something more attractive
The management sweetened the deal by offering an extra 2% to staff on the
lowest end of the pay scale.
3. to make a person or a mood happier or friendlier
I think you should try to sweeten him up before you ask him for the loan.
sweetener noun TASTE
1. [ C or U ] an artificial substance that has a similar taste to sugar, or a small pill
made of this
sweetener noun MONEY
2. [ C ] MAINLY UK a present or money given to persuade someone to do
something, especially in a way that is secret and often dishonest
a financial sweetener
sweetheart noun [ C ]
1. a person you love, especially a person you have a romantic relationship with
She eventually married her childhood sweetheart.
[ as form of address ] "Happy birthday, sweetheart," he said.
2. a kind and generous person
"Oh, you're a sweetheart," she said, when I placed the breakfast tray on her lap.
sweetheart noun [ C ]
1. a person you love, especially a person you have a romantic relationship with
She eventually married her childhood sweetheart.
[ as form of address ] "Happy birthday, sweetheart," he said.
2. a kind and generous person
"Oh, you're a sweetheart," she said, when I placed the breakfast tray on her lap.
ˈ sweetheart ˌ deal noun [ C ]
an agreement that you make in which you get something that is to your
advantage, especially by agreeing to give up something else
sweetie noun FOOD
1. [ C ] UK CHILD'S WORD a sweet
sweetie noun PERSON
2. [ C ] INFORMAL a very pleasant or kind person
He's a real sweetie.
3. INFORMAL a friendly way of talking to someone
sweetly adverb
in a kind way
He smiled sweetly at her.
sweetmeat noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED
a small piece of sweet food, made of or covered in sugar
sweetness noun [ U ]
the quality of being sweet
be (all) sweetness and light
to be very peaceful and friendly
They'd had a big argument yesterday, but by this morning it was all sweetness
and light again.
ˌ sweet ˈ nothings plural noun HUMOROUS
romantic and loving talk
They're the couple in the corner, whispering/murmuring sweet nothings to
each other.
ˌ sweet ˈ pea noun [ C ]
a climbing plant with sweet-smelling flowers which are a pale colour
ˌ sweet ˈ pepper noun [ C ]
a pepper (VEGETABLE)
ˌ sweet ˈ pepper noun [ C ]
a pepper (VEGETABLE)
ˌ sweet po ˈ tato noun [ C ] ( ALSO yam )
sweet potato
a pink vegetable which looks like a potato and has yellow or white flesh and a
sweet taste
ˈ sweet ˌ shop noun [ C ] UK ( US candy store )
a shop which sells sweets, cigarettes and often newspapers
sweet-talk verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to talk to someone in a pleasing or clever way in order to persuade them to do or
believe something
The salesman tried to sweet-talk me into buying a bigger car.
sweet talk noun [ U ]
ˌ sweet ˈ tooth noun [ S ]
If you have a sweet tooth, you like eating sweet foods, especially sweets and
chocolate.
swell verb
1. [ I or T ] to become larger and rounder than usual; to (cause to) increase in
size or amount
It was obvious she had broken her toe, because it immediately started to swell
(up) .
Twenty-five employees have joined the union in this month alone, swelling its
ranks (= increasing its size) to 110.
LITERARY His heart/breast swelled with pride (= He felt very proud) as he stood
watching his son graduate.
2. [ I ] If music swells, it becomes louder.
swell noun [ S ] WAVES
1. the slow up and down movement of the sea with large but smooth waves
See also groundswell
swell noun [ S ] SOUND
2. an increase in sound produced by a musical instrument or instruments
swell adjective US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
very good or pleasant
That's a swell idea!
swell adverb US OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
very well
Everything's going real swell.
swelling noun [ C or U ]
a part of your body which has become bigger because of illness or injury
Put your foot into cold water to help the swelling go down.
swelling noun [ C or U ]
a part of your body which has become bigger because of illness or injury
Put your foot into cold water to help the swelling go down.
swelter verb [ I ]
(of a person) to feel very hot
The soldiers were sweltering in their uniforms.
sweltering adjective
extremely and uncomfortably hot
In the summer, it 's sweltering in the smaller classrooms.
swept verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF sweep
swept-back , adjective
having a front edge which faces backwards at an angle
a swept-back hairstyle
an aircraft with swept-back wings
swerve verb [ I ]
1. to change direction, especially suddenly
The bus driver swerved to avoid hitting the cyclists.
2. If you do not swerve from a principle or certain actions, you continue to think
or act as you did in the beginning
She is one of those rare politicians whom one can trust not to swerve from policy
and principle.
Compare unswerving
swerve noun [ C ]
swift adjective
happening or moving quickly or within a short time, especially in a smooth and
easy way
The local police took swift action against the squatters.
Thank you for your swift reply.
The gazelle is one of the swiftest and most graceful of animals.
swiftly adverb
Walking swiftly, he was at the station within minutes.
swiftness noun [ U ]
swift noun [ C ]
a small bird with curved pointed wings that can fly very fast
swig verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to drink, especially by swallowing large amounts in a series of single actions
swig noun [ C ]
She took a swig of whisky, straight from the bottle.
swig verb [ T ] INFORMAL
to drink, especially by swallowing large amounts in a series of single actions
swig noun [ C ]
She took a swig of whisky, straight from the bottle.
swill verb MOVE LIQUID
1. [ T usually + adverb or preposition ] to cause a liquid to flow around or over
something, often in order to clean it
The dentist handed me a glass of water to swill my mouth out with.
swill verb DRINK
2. [ T ] INFORMAL OFTEN DISAPPROVING to drink, especially alcohol, quickly and in
large amounts
swill noun LIQUID
1. [ S ] the movement of liquid over or around something, often in order to clean
it
Give the sink a quick swill to get it clean.
swill noun FOOD
2. [ U ] US FOR pigswill
swim verb MOVE IN WATER
swim
1. [ I or T ] to move through water by moving the body or parts of the body
We spent the day on the beach but it was too cold to go swimming.
Her ambition is to swim (across) the English Channel.
I swam two miles this morning.
2. be swimming in/with sth
DISAPPROVING If food is swimming in/with a liquid, it has too much of that liquid in
it or on it
The salad was swimming in oil.
swim verb SEEM TO MOVE
3. [ I ] (of an object) to seem to move about
Getting up too suddenly made the room swim before her eyes.
4. [ I ] If your head swims, you feel confused and are unable to think or see
clearly
After the second or third drink, my head began to swim.
swim noun
[ S ] a time when you swim
Shall we go for/have a swim this afternoon?
swimmer noun [ C ]
Oliver is a very strong swimmer.
swimming noun [ U ]
The doctor recommended swimming as the best all-round exercise.
ˈ swim ˌ bladder noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an organ like a bag inside a fish that holds air so that it does not sink and stays in
an upright position
ˈ swim ˌ bladder noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
an organ like a bag inside a fish that holds air so that it does not sink and stays in
an upright position
swimmers plural noun
AUSTRALIAN INFORMAL FOR swimming costume or swimming trunks
ˈ swimming ˌ baths noun [ C + sing/pl verb ]
UK OLD-FASHIONED FOR a public swimming pool
ˈ swimming ˌ costume noun [ C ] UK
a piece of clothing that women wear for swimming
swimmingly adverb OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
successfully and without any problems
Everything went swimmingly until Peter started talking about money.
ˈ swimming ˌ pool noun [ C ]
an artificial area of water for swimming, or a building containing this
an indoor/outdoor swimming pool
ˈ swimming ˌ trunks plural noun MAINLY UK
a piece of men's clothing that is worn when swimming
swimsuit noun [ C ]
a piece of clothing that you wear for swimming
swimwear noun [ U ]
clothes that you wear for swimming
swindle verb [ T ]
to get money dishonestly from someone by deceiving or cheating them
They swindled local businesses out of thousands of pounds.
swindle noun [ C ]
Fraud-squad officers are investigating a £5.6 million swindle.
swindler noun [ C ]
swine noun [ C ] PERSON
1. OLD-FASHIONED a person who you consider to be extremely unpleasant and
unkind
You filthy swine!
Her ex-husband sounds like an absolute swine.
swine noun [ C ] ANIMAL
2. OLD USE OR SPECIALIZED a pig
swine noun [ C ] PERSON
1. OLD-FASHIONED a person who you consider to be extremely unpleasant and
unkind
You filthy swine!
Her ex-husband sounds like an absolute swine.
swine noun [ C ] ANIMAL
2. OLD USE OR SPECIALIZED a pig
ˈ swine ˌ fever noun [ U ]
a serious disease of pigs
swing verb MOVE SIDEWAYS
1. [ I or T ] to move easily and without interruption backwards and forwards or
from one side to the other, especially from a fixed point, or to cause something or
someone to do this
He walked briskly along the path swinging his rolled-up umbrella.
The door swung open.
2. [ I ] to change
His mood swings between elation and despair.
swing verb BE EXCITING
3. [ I ] INFORMAL to be exciting and enjoyable
You need music to make a party swing.
swing verb MUSIC
4. [ I or T ] (of music, especially jazz) to have a strong exciting rhythm with notes
of different length, or (of musicians) to play especially jazz in this way
swing verb ARRANGE
5. [ T ] INFORMAL to arrange for something to happen, by persuading people and
often by acting slightly dishonestly
If you want an interview with Pedro, I could probably swing it ( for you).
swing both ways INFORMAL
to be sexually attracted to both men and women
I've seen her out with men as well. She swings both ways, you know.
swing for it UK INFORMAL
to be punished severely for something that has happened
If there's an error in the calculations, you know who'll swing for it!
swing into action
to quickly start working
The emergency services swung into action as soon as the news of the bomb
explosion reached them.
swing the balance
If something swings the balance, it is the thing which causes a particular situation
to happen or a particular decision to be made instead of other situations or decisions
which are possible
This latest election promise might just swing the balance in the government's
favour.
swing at sb phrasal verb
to try to hit someone
See picture swing
swing for sb phrasal verb UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
to hit someone
swing (sth/sb) round phrasal verb [ M ] UK ( US swing (sth/sb) around )
to turn round quickly, or to turn something or someone round quickly
She heard a sudden noise behind her, and swung round to see who was there.
swing noun SIDEWAYS MOVEMENT
1. [ C ] a swinging movement
2. [ C ] an attempt to hit someone
The drunk took a wild swing at Harry.
3. [ C ] a change
He experiences severe mood swings (= sudden changes from one extreme mood
to another) .
The Democrats only need a 5% swing (= need 5% of voters to change to
supporting them) to win this election.
swing noun SEAT
4. [ C ] a seat joined by two ropes or chains to a metal bar or a tree, on which
especially a child can sit and move backwards and forwards
See picture swing
swing noun BE EXCITING
5. go with a swing UK INFORMAL
If an event, especially a party, goes with a swing, it is very exciting and
successful
The Festival always goes with a swing.
swing noun MUSIC
6. [ U ] a type of dance music that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s
get into the swing of it/things INFORMAL
to start to understand, enjoy and be active in something
I hadn't worked in an office for several years, so it took me a while to get back
into the swing of it.
What you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts. ( ALSO It's swings and
roundabouts. ) UK SAYING
said to mean that the positive and negative results of a situation or action balance
each other
"The route through town would be shorter, but there'll be more traffic." "Well, it's
just swings and roundabouts."
ˈ swing ˌ bridge noun [ C usually singular ]
a bridge that can be turned to a position that is at 90° to its usual position, so
that ships can go through
ˈ swing ˌ bridge noun [ C usually singular ]
a bridge that can be turned to a position that is at 90° to its usual position, so
that ships can go through
ˌ swing ˈ door noun [ C ] UK ( US swinging door )
a door that can swing open in both directions
swingeing adjective UK FORMAL
extreme and having a serious and unpleasant effect
We are going to have to make swingeing cuts in the budget.
swinger noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED SLANG
a person who dresses in a fashionable way and who goes to a lot of parties and
nightclubs , or someone who is willing to have sex often with many different people
swinging adjective OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
exciting and fashionable
It's a nostalgia trip back into the youth culture of the swinging 60s.
ˈ swing ˌ voter noun [ C ]
someone who has not yet decided who they will vote for in an election
swinish adjective
OLD-FASHIONEDlike a pig
swinish behaviour
swipe verb HIT
1. [ I or T usually + adverb or preposition ] to hit or try to hit something,
especially with a sideways movement
She opened the window and swiped at the flies with a rolled-up newspaper to
make them go out.
She swiped him round the head.
MAINLY US The car swiped the garage door as he pulled out.
See also sideswipe
swipe verb STEAL
2. [ T ] INFORMAL to steal
Okay, who's swiped my keys?
swipe verb MOVE
3. [ T ] to move a card containing information stored on a magnetic strip through
a device that reads this information
swipe noun CRITICISM
1. [ C usually singular ] a criticism of someone or something, or an attempt to
damage or annoy them
In a recent interview, she takes a swipe at the theatre management.
swipe noun HIT
2. [ C ] an act of hitting or trying to hit someone or something
Edwin took a swipe at the ball and missed.
ˈ swipe ˌ card noun [ C ]
a plastic card that you slide through a machine in order to be allowed into a
building, pay for something, etc.
ˈ swipe ˌ card noun [ C ]
a plastic card that you slide through a machine in order to be allowed into a
building, pay for something, etc.
swirl verb [ I or T usually + adv/prep ]
to (cause to) move quickly with a twisting circular movement
Swirl a little oil around the frying pan.
The fog swirled thickly around us.
swirl noun [ C ]
The truck went by in a swirl of dust.
swish verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) move quickly through the air making a soft sound
I heard the rope swish through the air.
The horses swished their tails to get rid of the flies hovering around them.
swish adjective INFORMAL
fashionable or expensive
a swish hotel
swish noun [ C ] MOVEMENT
1. a quick movement through the air, making a soft sound
With a swish of the curtains, the stage was revealed.
swish noun [ C ] LIKE A WOMAN
2. US SLANG DISAPPROVING a man who behaves or appears in a way that is generally
considered more suited to a woman, and who does not have traditional male qualities
swishy adjective LIKE A WOMAN
1. US SLANG DISAPPROVING describes a man who behaves or appears in a way that is
generally considered more suited to a woman
swishy adjective MOVING
2. describes something, especially a piece of clothing, that moves through the air
making a soft sound
a long swishy skirt
Swiss noun [ C ]
ˌ Swiss ˈ chard noun [ U ] ( ALSO chard )
a vegetable with large dark green leaves and white stems, which can be cooked
and eaten
ˌ Swiss ˈ chard noun [ U ] ( ALSO chard )
a vegetable with large dark green leaves and white stems, which can be cooked
and eaten
Swiss roll noun [ C ] UK ( US jelly roll )
Swiss roll
a cake which has been spread with cream, jam or chocolate and then rolled into a
cylindrical shape
switch noun DEVICE
1. [ C ] a small device, usually pushed up or down with your finger, that controls
and turns on or off an electric current
a light switch
Can you flip the switch?
See picture plug
2. switches
US FOR points (RAILWAY)
switch noun CHANGE
3. [ C ] a sudden or complete change, especially of one person or thing for
another
switch verb [ T I usually + adv/prep ] DEVICE
1. to use a switch to change a device from one state or type of operation to
another
switch the TV off/on
switch verb [ T I usually + adv/prep ] CHANGE
2. to change suddenly or completely, especially from one thing to another, or to
exchange by replacing one person or thing with another
She started studying English at college, but switched to Business Studies in her
second year.
In 1971, Britain switched over (= changed completely) to a decimal currency.
After the bank robbery, the gang switched cars (= left one car and got into
another) .
switch off phrasal verb INFORMAL
to stop giving your attention to someone or something
If he gets bored, he just switches off and looks out the window.
switch sth on phrasal verb USUALLY DISAPPROVING
If someone switches on a particular emotion or behaviour, they suddenly start to
feel or behave in that way, but usually not sincerely
When a customer walks in, she switches on the charm.
switchback noun [ C ]
a path, road or railway which bends sharply from one direction to almost the
opposite direction as it goes up and down steep slopes
switchback noun [ C ]
a path, road or railway which bends sharply from one direction to almost the
opposite direction as it goes up and down steep slopes
switchblade noun
US FOR flick knife
switchboard noun [ C ]
a piece of equipment which is used to direct all the telephone calls made to and
from a particular building or area
Tearful fans jammed the radio station's switchboard after the singer's death (=
so many people rang that all the telephones were busy) .
ˈ switchboard ˌ operator noun [ C ]
a person whose job is to receive telephone calls and connect them to other
numbers
switched-on adjective OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
quick to know about or be involved with the most recent fashions and ideas
Switzerland noun [ U ]
swivel verb [ I or T ]
to (cause to) turn round a central point in order to face in another direction
She swivelled round to look out of the window.
The ostrich swivelled its head in our direction.
swivel adjective [ before noun ]
turning around a central point to face in another direction
a swivel chair
a swivel lamp
swizz , swiz noun [ S ] UK OLD-FASHIONED INFORMAL
something that is disappointing or unfair
"There's only half as much in the new packets. " What a swizz!"
swizzle stick noun [ C ]
a small glass or plastic rod for mixing drinks
swizzle stick noun [ C ]
a small glass or plastic rod for mixing drinks
swollen verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF swell (INCREASE)
swollen adjective
larger than usual
a bruised, swollen face
The stream is swollen because of the heavy rain.
ˌ swollen ˈ head noun [ C usually singular ] ( US USUALLY ALSO swelled head )
If someone has a swollen head, they think they are more intelligent and more
important than they really are
Don't compliment him any more, or he'll get a swollen head.
Compare big-head
swollen-headed adjective INFORMAL DISAPPROVING
swoon verb [ I ]
1. to feel a lot of pleasure, love, etc. because of something or someone
The audience swooned with delight.
2. OLD-FASHIONED LITERARY to faint
swoon noun [ C ] OLD-FASHIONED LITERARY
a faint (= state of suddenly becoming unconscious)
swoop verb [ I ]
1. to move very quickly and easily through the air, especially down from a height
in order to attack
The eagle swooped down to snatch a young rabbit.
2. INFORMAL to make a sudden attack on a place or group of people in order to
surround and catch them
Undercover police swooped on three houses in Bristol at 5 a.m. this morning.
swoop noun [ C ]
swoosh verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to make the sound of air or water that is moving quickly
swoosh noun [ C ] INFORMAL SOUND
1. the sound of air or water that is moving quickly
The geese took off with a swoosh of their wings.
swoosh noun [ C ] INFORMAL SHAPE
2. a curved shape that is used as a symbol representing the name of a company
or product. The word was originally used for the symbol of the Nike company.
swoosh verb [ I ] INFORMAL
to make the sound of air or water that is moving quickly
swoosh noun [ C ] INFORMAL SOUND
1. the sound of air or water that is moving quickly
The geese took off with a swoosh of their wings.
swoosh noun [ C ] INFORMAL SHAPE
2. a curved shape that is used as a symbol representing the name of a company
or product. The word was originally used for the symbol of the Nike company.
swop verb [ I or T ]
MAINLY UK FOR swap
sword noun [ C ]
sword
a weapon with a long sharp metal blade and a handle, used especially in the past
beat/turn swords into ploughshares LITERARY
to change to a peaceful way of life and spend money on peaceful things rather
than weapons
put sb to the sword LITERARY
to kill someone
Thousands of innocents were put to the sword.
sword of Damocles
If you have a sword of Damocles hanging over you/your head, something bad
seems very likely to happen to you
Government threats to cut the budget by 50% are hanging over the Opera House
like a sword of Damocles.
swordfish noun [ C or U ]
a large long fish with a very long pointed part like a beak at the front of its head,
often eaten as food
swordsman noun [ C ]
a person skilled in fighting with a sword
swordsmanship noun [ U ]
the skill of fighting with a sword
swore verb
PAST SIMPLE OF swear
sworn verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF swear
sworn adjective [ before noun ]
formally and officially stated as being true
a sworn testimony
sworn verb
a sworn testimony
ˌ sworn ˈ enemy noun [ C ]
Sworn enemies are people who will always hate each other.
swot verb [ I ] UK INFORMAL OR CHILD'S WORD
to study hard, usually by reading about or learning something, especially before
taking an examination
swot up (sth) phrasal verb
to learn as much as you can about a subject, especially before an examination
She's at home, swotting up on her maths.
swot noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL OR CHILD'S WORD
someone, usually a child, who studies very hard
SWOT noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats: a way of
considering all the good and bad features of a business situation or a company
a SWOT analysis
swum verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF swim
swung verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF swing
sybarite noun [ C ] FORMAL
a person who loves expensive things and pleasure
Compare hedonist
sybaritic adjective
sycamore noun [ C ]
a tree with leaves divided into five parts and seeds that turn around slowly to the
ground when they fall
sycophantic adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
(of a person or of behaviour) praising people in authority in a way that is not
sincere, usually in order to get some advantage from them
There was sycophantic laughter from the audience at every one of his terrible
jokes.
sycophancy noun [ U ]
sycophant noun [ C ]
The Prime Minister is surrounded by sycophants.
sworn verb
a sworn testimony
ˌ sworn ˈ enemy noun [ C ]
Sworn enemies are people who will always hate each other.
swot verb [ I ] UK INFORMAL OR CHILD'S WORD
to study hard, usually by reading about or learning something, especially before
taking an examination
swot up (sth) phrasal verb
to learn as much as you can about a subject, especially before an examination
She's at home, swotting up on her maths.
swot noun [ C ] UK INFORMAL OR CHILD'S WORD
someone, usually a child, who studies very hard
SWOT noun [ U ]
ABBREVIATION FOR strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats: a way of
considering all the good and bad features of a business situation or a company
a SWOT analysis
swum verb
PAST PARTICIPLE OF swim
swung verb
PAST SIMPLE AND PAST PARTICIPLE OF swing
sybarite noun [ C ] FORMAL
a person who loves expensive things and pleasure
Compare hedonist
sybaritic adjective
sycamore noun [ C ]
a tree with leaves divided into five parts and seeds that turn around slowly to the
ground when they fall
sycophantic adjective FORMAL DISAPPROVING
(of a person or of behaviour) praising people in authority in a way that is not
sincere, usually in order to get some advantage from them
There was sycophantic laughter from the audience at every one of his terrible
jokes.
sycophancy noun [ U ]
sycophant noun [ C ]
The Prime Minister is surrounded by sycophants.
syllable noun [ C ]
a single unit of speech, either a whole word or one of the parts into which a word
can be separated, usually containing a vowel
syllabic adjective SPECIALIZED
See also disyllabic ; monosyllabic ; polysyllabic
syllabub noun [ U ]
a sweet cold dish consisting of thickened cream mixed with sugar, white wine and
sometimes the colourless part of an egg
syllabus noun [ C ]
(a plan showing) the subjects or books to be studied in a particular course,
especially a course which leads to an examination
Which novels are on the syllabus this year?
Compare curriculum
syllogism noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
(in philosophy) a process of logic in which two general statements lead to a more
particular statement
syllogistic adjective
syllogism noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
(in philosophy) a process of logic in which two general statements lead to a more
particular statement
syllogistic adjective
sylphlike adjective USUALLY HUMOROUS
(of a woman or girl) attractively thin and delicate
symbiosis noun [ U ]
1. SPECIALIZED a relationship between two types of animal or plant in which each
provides for the other the conditions necessary for its continued existence
2. a relationship between people or organizations that depend on each other
equally
symbiotic adjective SPECIALIZED
a symbiotic relationship
symbiotically adverb SPECIALIZED
symbol noun [ C ]
1. a sign, shape or object which is used to represent something else
A heart shape is the symbol of love.
The wheel in the Indian flag is a symbol of peace.
Compare emblem
2. something that is used to represent a quality or idea
Water, a symbol of life, recurs as an image throughout her poems.
3. a number, letter or sign used in mathematics, music, science, etc.
The symbol for oxygen is O 2 .
4. An object can be described as a symbol of something else if it seems to
represent it because it is connected with it in a lot of people's minds
The private jet is a symbol of wealth.
symbolic adjective ( ALSO symbolical )
1. representing something else
The skull at the bottom of the picture is symbolic of death.
2. describes an action that expresses or seems to express an intention or feeling,
but which has little practical influence on a situation
Five hundred troops were sent in, more as a symbolic gesture than as a real
threat.
symbolically adverb
symbolism noun [ U ]
1. the use of symbols in art, literature, films, etc. to represent ideas
Religious symbolism is very characteristic of the paintings of this period.
2. SPECIALIZED a type of art and literature which began in the late nineteenth
century and which tries to express ideas or states of mind rather than represent reality,
using the power of words and images
Compare Naturalism ; realism ; Expressionism
symbolism noun [ U ]
1. the use of symbols in art, literature, films, etc. to represent ideas
Religious symbolism is very characteristic of the paintings of this period.
2. SPECIALIZED a type of art and literature which began in the late nineteenth
century and which tries to express ideas or states of mind rather than represent reality,
using the power of words and images
Compare Naturalism ; realism ; Expressionism
symbolist noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a writer or an artist connected with symbolism
symbolist adjective SPECIALIZED
symbolist poets
symbolize , UK USUALLY symbolise verb [ T ]
to represent something
The lighting of the Olympic torch symbolizes peace and friendship among the
nations of the world.
symmetry noun [ U ]
1. the quality of having parts that match each other, especially in a way that is
attractive, or similarity of shape or contents
The design of the house had a pleasing symmetry, its oblong shape being picked
up in its elongated windows.
Compare asymmetry
2. SPECIALIZED in mathematics, the quality of having two parts that match exactly,
either when one half is like an image of the other half in a mirror, or when one part can
take the place of another if it is turned 90° or 180°
symmetrical adjective ( ALSO symmetric )
symmetrically adverb
sympathetic adjective UNDERSTANDING
1. describes someone who shows, especially by what they say, that they
understand and care about someone's suffering
He suffers from back trouble too, so he was very sympathetic about my problem.
She just needed someone who would lend a sympathetic ear to her (= listen to
her in a kind and understanding way) once in a while.
Opposite unsympathetic
2. If a character in a book or film is sympathetic, they are described or shown in
such a way that you are able to understand their feelings and the reasons for their
actions, and so you like them
She comes across as a more sympathetic character in the film.
sympathetic adjective SUPPORT
3. agreeing with or supporting
The Labour party are supposed to be sympathetic to/towards the unions.
Did he give your proposal/complaints a sympathetic hearing ?
sympathetically adverb
She listened sympathetically, nodding her head now and again.
sympathize , UK USUALLY sympathise verb [ I ] UNDERSTAND
1. to understand and care about someone's problems
I know what it's like to have migraines, so I do sympathize ( with you).
sympathize , UK USUALLY sympathise verb [ I ] SUPPORT
2. to support and agree with someone or something
I sympathize with the general aims of the party, but on this particular issue I'm
afraid I disagree.
sympathize , UK USUALLY sympathise verb [ I ] UNDERSTAND
1. to understand and care about someone's problems
I know what it's like to have migraines, so I do sympathize ( with you).
sympathize , UK USUALLY sympathise verb [ I ] SUPPORT
2. to support and agree with someone or something
I sympathize with the general aims of the party, but on this particular issue I'm
afraid I disagree.
sympathizer , UK USUALLY sympathiser noun [ C ]
a person who supports a political organization or believes in a set of ideas
He had been a known IRA sympathizer.
sympathy noun UNDERSTANDING
1. [ U ] (an expression of) understanding and care for someone else's suffering
The president has sent a message of sympathy to the relatives of the dead
soldiers.
I don't have much sympathy for her - I think she's brought her troubles on
herself.
Compare empathy
2. offer/send your sympathies FORMAL
to express your sadness to someone because a relation or friend of theirs has
recently died
I went along to the funeral in order to offer my sympathies.
sympathy noun SUPPORT
3. [ U ] support and agreement
I must confess I have some sympathy with his views.
4. sympathies
support
Of those people questioned, 93% said their sympathies were with the teachers.
He is known to have right-wing sympathies.
5. come out in sympathy with sb
to stop working in order to show your support for other workers who are on strike
The railway workers came out in sympathy with the miners.
ˈ sympathy ˌ vote noun [ S ] UK INFORMAL
an occasion when a lot of people vote for or support a particular person because
he or she has suffered recently
He won the award, but some suspected it was a sympathy vote following his
struggle with cancer.
symphony noun [ C ]
a long piece of music for an orchestra, usually with four movements (= parts)
Mahler's 9th symphony
symphonic adjective
symposium noun [ C ] FORMAL
an occasion at which people who have great knowledge of a particular subject
meet in order to discuss a matter of interest
a symposium on European cinema
symptom noun [ C ]
1. any feeling of illness or physical or mental change which is caused by a
particular disease
He's complaining of all the usual flu symptoms - a high temperature, headache
and so on.
He's been HIV-positive for six years, but just recently he's started to develop the
symptoms of AIDS.
2. any single problem which is caused by and shows a more serious and general
problem
It's her feeling that the recent outbreaks of violence are a symptom of the
dissatisfaction that is currently affecting our society.
symptomatic adjective
If something bad is symptomatic of something else, it is caused by the other thing
and is proof that it exists
Jealousy within a relationship is usually symptomatic of low self-esteem in one of
the partners.
synagogue noun [ C ]
a building in which Jewish people worship and study their religion
synapse noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the point at which electrical signals move from one nerve cell to another
synaptic adjective
sync , synch noun [ U ]
1. INFORMAL FOR synchronization , see at synchronize
He's putting himself forward as a president whose ideas are in sync with (= are
suited to and show an understanding of) a nation demanding change.
2. in/out of sync
If two things are in/out of sync, they reach the same or related stage at the same
time/at different times.
synchronicity noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the happening by chance of two or more related or similar events at the same
time
synchronize , UK USUALLY synchronise verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) happen at the same time
The show was designed so that the lights synchronized with the music.
2. [ T ] When people synchronize their watches, they make sure that all their
watches show the same time
We'd better synchronize our watches if we all want to be there at the same time.
synchronization , UK USUALLY synchronisation noun [ U ]
symptom noun [ C ]
1. any feeling of illness or physical or mental change which is caused by a
particular disease
He's complaining of all the usual flu symptoms - a high temperature, headache
and so on.
He's been HIV-positive for six years, but just recently he's started to develop the
symptoms of AIDS.
2. any single problem which is caused by and shows a more serious and general
problem
It's her feeling that the recent outbreaks of violence are a symptom of the
dissatisfaction that is currently affecting our society.
symptomatic adjective
If something bad is symptomatic of something else, it is caused by the other thing
and is proof that it exists
Jealousy within a relationship is usually symptomatic of low self-esteem in one of
the partners.
synagogue noun [ C ]
a building in which Jewish people worship and study their religion
synapse noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
the point at which electrical signals move from one nerve cell to another
synaptic adjective
sync , synch noun [ U ]
1. INFORMAL FOR synchronization , see at synchronize
He's putting himself forward as a president whose ideas are in sync with (= are
suited to and show an understanding of) a nation demanding change.
2. in/out of sync
If two things are in/out of sync, they reach the same or related stage at the same
time/at different times.
synchronicity noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the happening by chance of two or more related or similar events at the same
time
synchronize , UK USUALLY synchronise verb
1. [ I or T ] to (cause to) happen at the same time
The show was designed so that the lights synchronized with the music.
2. [ T ] When people synchronize their watches, they make sure that all their
watches show the same time
We'd better synchronize our watches if we all want to be there at the same time.
synchronization , UK USUALLY synchronisation noun [ U ]
ˌ synchronized ˈ swimming noun [ U ]
a sport in which a group of people make smooth attractive movements like
dancing in the water at the same time
syncline noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a downward, U-shaped fold in the layers of rock in the Earth's surface
Compare anticline
syncopated adjective
(of a tune) having a rhythm in which strong notes are not on the beat
syncopated jazz rhythms
syncopation noun [ U ]
syndicate noun GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of people or companies who join
together in order to share the cost of a particular business operation for which a large
amount of money is needed
A syndicate of banks is/are financing the deal.
syndicate noun NEWSPAPERS
2. [ C ] an organization that supplies articles and photographs to different
newspapers and magazines for publishing
syndicate verb [ T ]
syndication noun [ U ]
syndicate noun GROUP
1. [ C + singular or plural verb ] a group of people or companies who join
together in order to share the cost of a particular business operation for which a large
amount of money is needed
A syndicate of banks is/are financing the deal.
syndicate noun NEWSPAPERS
2. [ C ] an organization that supplies articles and photographs to different
newspapers and magazines for publishing
syndicate verb [ T ]
syndication noun [ U ]
syndicated adjective
1. (of articles and photographs) sold to several different newspapers and
magazines for publishing
2. MAINLY US (of television or radio programmes) sold to several different
broadcasting organizations
syndrome noun
1. [ C ] a combination of medical problems that commonly go together, which
might show the existence of a particular disease or mental condition
See also Down's syndrome
2. [ U ] used in the names of various illnesses
irritable bowel syndrome
3. [ C ] a type of negative behaviour or mental state that is typical of a person in
a particular situation
It's a classic case of the bored-housewife syndrome - she's got nothing to do all
day except drink and go shopping.
synergy noun [ U ] ( ALSO synergism ) SPECIALIZED
the combined power of a group of things when they are working together which is
greater than the total power achieved by each working separately
Team work at its best results in a synergy that can be very productive.
synod , noun [ C ] SPECIALIZED
a regular meeting of church members for the discussion of religious matters
synonym noun [ C ]
a word or phrase which has the same or nearly the same meaning as another
word or phrase in the same language
The words 'small' and 'little' are synonyms.
Compare antonym
synonymous adjective
1. having the same meaning
The words 'annoyed' and 'irritated' are more or less synonymous.
2. If you say that one thing is synonymous with another, you mean that the two
things are so closely connected in most people's minds that one suggests the other
Oscar Wilde's name is synonymous with wit.
synopsis noun [ C ]
a short description of the contents of something such as a film or book
synopsis noun [ C ]
a short description of the contents of something such as a film or book
synovial fluid noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
a transparent sticky liquid produced in our joints (= places where two bones are
connected) that allows the bones and tendons to move smoothly
syntax noun [ U ] SPECIALIZED
the grammatical arrangement of words in a sentence
syntactic adjective
syntactically adverb
synthesis noun CHEMICAL PRODUCTION
1. [ U ] SPECIALIZED the production of a substance from simpler materials after a
chemical reaction
See also photosynthesis
synthesis noun MIX
2. [ C ] FORMAL the mixing of different ideas, influences or things to make a whole
which is different or new
He describes his latest record as 'a synthesis of African and Latin rhythms'.
synthesize , UK USUALLY synthesise verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to produce a substance chemically in plants or animals
There are many vitamins that the body cannot synthesize itself.
synthesizer , UK USUALLY synthesiser noun [ C ]
an electronic keyboard instrument which can reproduce and combine a large
range of recorded sounds, often in order to copy other musical instruments or voices
synthetic adjective
1. describes products that are made from artificial substances, often copying a
natural product
synthetic fibres
2. DISAPPROVING false or artificial
She criticized the synthetic charm of television presenters.
synthetically adverb
syphilis noun [ U ]
a venereal disease (= disease caught during sexual activity with an infected
person) which spreads slowly from the sex organs to all parts of the body
syphilis noun [ U ]
a venereal disease (= disease caught during sexual activity with an infected
person) which spreads slowly from the sex organs to all parts of the body
syphon noun [ C ]
a siphon
Syria noun [ U ]
Syrian noun [ C ] , adjective
syringe noun [ C ]
syringe
a hollow cylindrical piece of equipment which is used for sucking liquid out of, or
pushing liquid into something, especially one with a needle which can be put under the
skin and used to inject drugs, remove small amounts of blood, etc.
syringe verb [ T ]
to clean the inside of the ears by pushing water into them and then sucking it out
of them using a syringe
syrup noun [ U ]
1. a very sweet, thick, light-coloured liquid made by dissolving sugar in water
Compare treacle
2. a type of sweet liquid medicine
cough syrup
syrupy adjective
1. thick and sweet
2. DISAPPROVING too good or kind or expressing feelings of love in a way which is
not sincere
syrupy love songs
system noun SET
1. [ C ] a set of connected things or devices which operate together
a central-heating system
2. [ C ] a set of computer equipment and programs used together for a particular
purpose
The system keeps crashing and no one is able to figure out why.
3. [ C ] a set of organs or structures in the body which have a particular purpose
the immune system
the nervous system
4. [ C ] the way that the body works, especially the way that it digests and passes
out waste products
A run in the morning is good for the system - it wakes the body up and gets
everything going.
system noun METHOD
5. [ C ] a way of doing things
We'll have to work out a proper filing system.
Under our education system, you're supposed to be able to choose the type of
schooling that your child receives.
The legal system operates very differently in the US and Britain.
6. [ C ] a particular method of counting, measuring or weighing things
the metric system of measuring and weighing
7. [ U ] APPROVING the intentional and organized use of a system
There doesn't seem to be any system to the books on these shelves - they're
certainly not in alphabetical order.
8. the system DISAPPROVING
unfair laws and rules that prevent people from being able to improve their
situation
He has his own ways of beating the system, making sure that he has good
relationships with influential people.
get sth out of your system INFORMAL
If you get something out of your system, you get rid of a wish or emotion,
especially a negative one, by allowing yourself to express it
I had a really good shout at him this morning and got it out of my system.
systematic adjective
using a fixed and organized plan
APPROVING We've got to be a bit more systematic in the way that we approach this
task.
DISAPPROVING We're hearing reports of the systematic rape and torture of
prisoners.
systematically adverb
systematic adjective
using a fixed and organized plan
APPROVING We've got to be a bit more systematic in the way that we approach this
task.
DISAPPROVING We're hearing reports of the systematic rape and torture of
prisoners.
systematically adverb
systematize , UK USUALLY systematise verb [ T ] SPECIALIZED
to plan a system for something
systematization , UK USUALLY systematisation noun [ U ]
systemic adjective
1. SPECIALIZED A systemic drug, disease or poison reaches and has an effect on the
whole of a body or a plant and not just one part of it.
2. FORMAL A systemic problem or change is a basic one, experienced by the whole
of an organization or a country and not just particular parts of it
The current recession is the result of a systemic change within the structure of the
country's economy.
ˈ systems ˌ analyst noun [ C ]
a person who examines complicated industrial and business operations in order to
find ways of improving them, especially by the introduction of computer programs and
equipment
systems analysis noun [ U ]

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ruthless adjective

not thinking or worrying about any pain caused to others; cruel

1. to look for or get food or other objects in other people's rubbish

We managed to scavenge a lot of furniture from the local rubbish dump.

2. If a wild animal scavenges, it feeds on the flesh of dead decaying animals.

scenario noun [ C ] POSSIBLE EVENT

1. a description of possible actions or events in the future

There are several possible scenarios.

a horrific/nightmare scenario such as a Third World War

See also worst case scenario

scenario noun [ C ] PLAN

2. a written plan of the characters and events in a play or film

scene noun THEATRE/FILM

the funeral/wedding scene

Juliet dies in Act IV, Scene iii.

scene noun VIEW

2. [ C ] a view or picture of a place, event, or activity

Lowry painted street scenes.

scenes of everyday life

scene noun PLACE

3. [ C usually singular ] a place where an unpleasant event has happened

The police arrived to find a scene of horrifying destruction.

Evidence was found at the scene of the crime .

scene noun AREA

the pop/political/drugs/gay scene

Rap music arrived/came/appeared on the scene in the early 1980s.

scene noun ARGUMENT

5. [ C ] an expression of great anger or similar feelings, often between two

Please don't make a scene.

There was a terrible scene and Jayne ended up in tears.

behind the scenes

A lot of hard work has been going on behind the scenes.

set the scene

1. to describe a situation where something is about to happen

2. to make something possible or likely to happen

His resignation set the scene for a pre-election crisis.

scenery noun [ U ] COUNTRYSIDE

1. the general appearance of the natural environment, especially when it is

They stopped at the top of the hill to admire the scenery.

scenery noun [ U ] THEATRE

blend into the scenery

2. If a wild animal scavenges, it feeds on the flesh of dead decaying animals.

That ladder doesn't look very secure to me.

Check that all windows and doors are secure.

2. A secure place is one that it is difficult to get out of or escape from

secure adjective PROTECTED

Endangered species need to be kept secure from poachers.

Children need to feel secure in order to do well at school.

secure verb GET

1. [ T ] FORMAL to get something, sometimes with difficulty

secure verb PROTECT

2. [ I or T ] to make certain something is protected from danger or risk

This form of investment is an excellent way of securing your children's financial

secure verb FINANCE

Her bank loan is secured against/by/on her house.

secure verb FIX

4. [ T ] to fasten one object firmly to another

securely adverb PROTECTED

The door was securely fastened.

The offices were securely guarded.

This certificate is an important document, and should be kept securely (= in a

securely adverb FIXED

FIGURATIVE He has given up political power, but he remains securely in control of

security noun PROTECTION