English Vocabulary
Pick a CEFR level (A1–C2) — A1 is the friendliest place to start — and browse its words grouped by topic: travel, food, the body, emotions, and more. Each word shows its meaning, example sentences, and US/UK pronunciation.
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43 words
lee
B2
/liː/
the sheltered side of something, away from the wind
gear
B2
/ˈɡiə/
The equipment, clothing, or tools needed for a particular activity.
wreck
B2
/ˈɹɛk/
To damage or destroy something badly so that it no longer works.
aircraft
B2
/ˈɛɚ.kɹæft/
A vehicle that can fly, such as a plane or helicopter.
trailer
B2
/ˈtɹeɪlɚ/
A short preview of a film or TV show.
transmission
B2
/tɹænsˈmɪʃən/
The act of sending out signals, messages, or information.
rider
B2
/ˈɹaɪ.dəɹ/
A person who rides a horse, bicycle, motorcycle, or similar.
steer
B2
/stɪɹ/
To control the direction of a vehicle, boat, or aircraft.
stern
B2
/stɝn/
Serious and strict, expecting to be obeyed.
tow
B2
/toʊ/
to pull a vehicle, boat, or other object behind another vehicle, usually with a rope or bar
artery
B2
/ˈɑɹ.təɹ.i/
A tube in the body that carries blood away from the heart.
conductor
B2
/kənˈdʌktɚ/
The person who leads an orchestra or other musical group.
unload
B2
/ʌnˈloʊd/
To remove goods or cargo from a vehicle, ship, or container.
diversion
B2
/dɪˈvɝ.ʒən/
A different route used when the normal road is closed.
pedal
B2
/ˈpɛdəl/
A lever you press with your foot to control or power a machine such as a bicycle, car, or piano.
motorbike
B2
/ˈmoʊtɚˌbaɪk/
A two-wheeled vehicle with an engine; a motorcycle.
cruiser
B2
/ˈkruːzər/
a fast, powerful warship designed for independent or fleet operations
navigation
B2
/nævɪˈɡeɪʃən/
The skill of planning and following a route for a ship, aircraft, or vehicle.
hangar
B2
/ˈhæŋ.ɚ/
a large structure at an airport where aircraft can be stored and maintained
cockpit
B2
/ˈkɑːkˌpɪt/
the compartment in an aircraft where the pilots sit and operate the controls
missionary
B2
/ˈmɪʃ.əˌnɛɹ.ɪ/
One who is sent on a mission.
aviation
B2
/ˌeɪviˈeɪʃən/
the activity, science, or practice of designing and operating aircraft
hearse
B2
/hɝs/
a vehicle used to carry a coffin to a funeral or burial place
propeller
B2
/prəˈpel.ɚ/
a device with blades that rotates to drive an aircraft or vessel through air or water
liner
B2
/ˈlaɪnɚ/
A large passenger ship that travels a regular route.
hijack
B2
/ˈhaɪˌdʒæk/
To take control of a vehicle, especially a plane, by force in order to rob it or change where it goes.
shipwreck
B2
/ˈʃɪpɹɛk/
The destruction of a ship at sea, when it sinks or runs aground.
flagship
B2
/ˈflæɡʃɪp/
the ship carrying the commander of a naval fleet and flying that commander's flag
stagecoach
B2
/ˈsteɪdʒˌkoʊtʃ/
a horse-drawn coach that formerly carried passengers and mail on a regular route between towns
carpool
B2
/ˈkɑːpuːl/
An arrangement where several people travel together in one car to save money and reduce traffic.
boatman
B2
/ˈboʊt.mən/
a person who operates or works on a small boat, especially one carrying passengers or goods
blinker
B2
/ˈblɪŋkər/
a flashing light on a vehicle that signals an intended turn
speedometer
B2
/spɪˈdɑː.mə.t̬ɚ/
an instrument in a vehicle that measures and displays its current speed
seaport
B2
/ˈsiːˌpɔːrt/
a coastal town or harbor with facilities where seagoing ships load, unload, or take shelter
capsize
B2
/ˈkæp.saɪz/
to overturn in water, or to cause a boat or other vessel to overturn
antiaircraft
B2
/ˌæntaɪˈɛrˌkræft/
Designed to defend against attacks from aircraft.
smokestack
B2
/ˈsmoʊkˌstæk/
A tall chimney that carries smoke and gases away from a factory, ship, or locomotive.
speeder
B2
/ˈspiːdɝ/
A driver who goes faster than the legal speed limit.
shipper
B2
/ˈʃɪp.ɚ/
a person or company that sends or arranges the transport of goods
retread
B2
/ˈriːˌtred/
a worn tire fitted with a new outer tread so that it can be used again
aircrew
B2
/ˈɛrˌkruː/
The team of people who operate an aircraft during a flight.
steering wheel
B2
rudder
B2
/ˈɹʌdɚ/
a flat piece, usually at the stern of a ship or aircraft, used for steering