This week on The Missing Workbook
1 new learner
12 reviews
Word
English Vocabulary
Pick a CEFR level (A1–C2, plus C2+ for rare words beyond the CEFR scale) — 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.
Choose your level
View all levelsC2+ is beyond the official CEFR scale: rare, specialist, and literary words kept for reference.
855 words
earthworm
C2
/ˈɝːθˌwɝːm/
a segmented worm that lives in soil, where its burrowing helps mix and aerate the ground
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
phalanx
C2
/ˈfeɪ.læŋks/
a close-ranked formation of soldiers, especially the spear-bearing formation of ancient Greece and Macedonia
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
tableau
C2
/tæˈbloʊ/
a striking, vivid, or dramatic scene
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
savanna
C2
/səˈvænə/
a tropical or subtropical grassland with scattered trees and an open canopy, typically shaped by seasonal rainfall, fire, and grazing
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
carbine
C2
/ˈkɑːr.biːn/
a lightweight rifle with a barrel shorter than that of a standard rifle
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
suppertime
C2
/ˈsʌpɚˌtaɪm/
the customary or appointed time for eating supper
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
bauble
C2
[ˈbɒbəɫ]
A cheap, showy ornament or piece of jewellery of little value.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
laryngitis
C2
/lɛɹɪnˈd͡ʒaɪtɪs/
Inflammation of the larynx (voice box), usually causing a hoarse voice or loss of voice.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
pontiff
C2
/ˈpɑːntɪf/
the pope, especially when referred to formally
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
aegis
C2
/ˈiːdʒəs/
Guidance, protection; endorsement, sponsorship.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
womenfolk
C2
/ˈwɪm.ɪnˌfoʊk/
Women collectively
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
statuette
C2
/ˌstætjuˈɛt/
a small statue or sculpted figure, especially one made as an ornament, study, or collectible
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
throb
C2
/θɹɑb/
an instance of rapid strong pulsation
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
mussel
C2
/ˈmʌsəl/
a marine or freshwater bivalve mollusc with an elongated shell, often living attached to rocks or buried in a riverbed
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
octagon
C2
/ˈɑːk.təˌɡɑːn/
a polygon with eight sides and eight angles
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
anise
C2
/ˈæn.ɪs/
liquorice-flavored seeds, used medicinally and in cooking and liquors
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
vicomte
C2
/viˈkɔ̃t/
a French nobleman holding the rank corresponding to a British viscount
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
zealot
C2
/ˈzɛl.ət/
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
fairyland
C2
/ˈfɛriˌlænd/
the imaginary or legendary realm inhabited by fairies
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
maudlin
C2
/ˈmɔːd.lɪn/
Either of two aromatic plants, costmary or sweet yarrow.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
pundit
C2
/ˈpʌn.dɪt/
an expert who regularly gives opinions or analysis in the media
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
edifice
C2
/ˈɛdəfəs/
A building, especially a large and impressive one.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
bivouac
C2
/ˈbɪv.u.æk/
a temporary camp, especially one used by soldiers or mountaineers and offering little or no shelter
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
brigand
C2
/ˈbɹɪɡənd/
an armed robber or outlaw, especially one belonging to a band
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
alpaca
C2
/ælˈpækə/
a domesticated South American camelid kept for its soft fleece
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
earshot
C2
/ˈɪɹˌʃɑt/
the range within which a voice can be heard
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
ermine
C2
/ˈɝmɪn/
a stoat in its white winter coat, apart from the black tip of its tail
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
spate
C2
/ˈspeɪt/
A sudden heavy downpour of rain.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
yew
C2
/juː/
any of numerous evergreen trees or shrubs having red cup-shaped berries and flattened needlelike leaves
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
facsimile
C2
/fækˈsɪməli/
An exact copy or reproduction of something.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
needlepoint
C2
/ˈniːdl̩ˌpɔɪnt/
a sharp point resembling the tip of a needle
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
scapula
C2
/ˈskæpjələ/
either of the two large, flat, roughly triangular bones at the back of the shoulder; a shoulder blade
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
coccyx
C2
/ˈkɑksɪks/
The final (bottom-most) fused vertebrae at the base of the spine, the tailbone.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
cerebellum
C2
/ˌsɛrəˈbɛləm/
the part of the vertebrate hindbrain that coordinates movement, balance, posture, and motor learning
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
springboard
C2
/ˈsprɪŋbɔrd/
a flexible board that bends and rebounds to propel a diver or gymnast into the air
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
deuterium
C2
/djuːˈtɪɹi.əm/
An isotope of hydrogen with one proton and one neutron in each atom - 21H.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
valise
C2
/vəˈliːz/
a small suitcase or traveling bag, especially one carried by hand
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
muskrat
C2
/ˈmʌskˌræt/
a semiaquatic North American rodent with dark brown fur and a long, flattened, scaly tail
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
tuft
C2
/tʌft/
A small clump of trees or bushes.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
elysium
C2
/ɪˈlɪʒiəm/
in Greek mythology, the paradise where favored heroes and the blessed dead enjoy an ideal afterlife
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
flange
C2
/flændʒ/
a projecting rim, rib, or collar on a pipe, wheel, beam, or other component, used for strength, guidance, or attachment
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
claptrap
C2
/ˈklæpˌtɹæp/
Empty verbiage or nonsense.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
glassware
C2
/ˈɡlæsˌwɛr/
articles made of glass, especially drinking glasses, jugs, and other tableware
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
marchese
C2
/mɑːrˈkeɪ.zeɪ/
an Italian nobleman of the rank equivalent to a marquis or marquess
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
dint
C2
/dɪnt/
Especially in by dint of: force, power.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
chamois
C2
/ˈʃæmwɑːz/
A short-horned goat antelope native to mountainous terrain in southern Europe; Rupicapra rupicapra.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
pericardium
C2
/ˌperɪˈkɑːrdiəm/
the double-walled membranous sac that encloses the heart and contains lubricating fluid
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
twang
C2
/twæŋ/
a sharp, vibrating sound like that of a plucked string
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
parapet
C2
/ˈpæɹ.ə.pɪt/
A low protective wall.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
basalt
C2
/bəˈsɔlt/
the commonest type of solidified lava
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
spittle
C2
/ˈspɪtəl/
saliva, especially when expelled from the mouth or appearing as froth or drool
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
scion
C2
/ˈsaɪ.ən/
a descendent or heir
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
cornucopia
C2
/ˌkɔɹ.nəˈkoʊ.pi.ə/
An abundance or plentiful supply.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
vestige
C2
/ˈvɛs.tɪd͡ʒ/
an indication that something has been present
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
beadle
C2
/ˈbiːdəl/
historically, a minor parish officer who kept order, carried messages, or performed ceremonial duties
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
medulla
C2
/məˈdʌlə/
the medulla oblongata, the lowest part of the brainstem, which helps regulate breathing, heart rate, and other automatic functions
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
folio
C2
/ˈfoʊliˌoʊ/
a book made from sheets folded once to form two leaves each, especially a large-format volume
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
banns
C2
/bænz/
a public announcement, traditionally made in church, of an intended marriage
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
dictaphone
C2
/ˈdɪktəˌfoʊn/
a tape recorder that records and reproduces dictation
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
flotilla
C2
/floʊˈtɪlə/
A small fleet of warships (usually of the same class), or a fleet of small ships.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
firebrand
C2
/ˈfaɪɚ.bɹænd/
An argumentative troublemaker or revolutionary; one who agitates against the status quo.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
bramble
C2
/ˈbɹæm.bəl/
a rough, thorny shrub or vine, especially a blackberry bush
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
blurb
C2
/blɝ(ː)b/
A short promotional description of a book, film, or product, often quoting praise.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
rhesus
C2
/ˈɹiːsəs/
of southern Asia
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
silkworm
C2
/ˈsɪlkwɝm/
the silk-producing caterpillar of a moth, especially the domesticated Bombyx mori raised for commercial silk
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
bacillus
C2
/bəˈsɪləs/
any rod-shaped bacterium
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
gamut
C2
/ˈɡæm.ət/
A (normally) complete range.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
cavalcade
C2
/ˈkæv.əlˌkeɪd/
A procession of riders, vehicles, ships, etc.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
bassinet
C2
/ˌbæs.ɪˈnɛt/
a small bed for a newborn baby, traditionally basket-shaped and sometimes fitted with a hood
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
yardstick
C2
/ˈjɑɹdˌstɪk/
a straight measuring stick one yard, or thirty-six inches, long
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
tankard
C2
/ˈtæŋkɚd/
large drinking vessel with one handle
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
floe
C2
/floʊ/
A flat sheet of ice floating on the surface of the sea.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
basilisk
C2
/ˈbæz.ə.lɪsk/
a mythical serpent or dragon said to kill by its breath or gaze
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
antithesis
C2
/ænˈtɪθ.ɪ.sɪs/
The exact opposite of something.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
spyglass
C2
/ˈspaɪˌɡlæs/
a small portable telescope, especially a collapsible refracting telescope used at sea
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
incubus
C2
/ˈɪŋkjəbəs/
in folklore, a male demon believed to lie upon and sexually assault sleeping women
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
nocturne
C2
/ˈnɑːk.tɝːn/
a gentle, lyrical, or dreamlike musical composition suggestive of night, especially one for solo piano
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
acolyte
C2
/ˈæk.ə.laɪt/
An altar server.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
bearskin
C2
/ˈbɛrˌskɪn/
the pelt of a bear, especially when used as a rug or covering
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
trice
C2
/traɪs/
only in 'in a trice': a very short time; an instant
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
reverb
C2
/ˈɹiːˌvɜː(ɹ)b/
An electronic effect that adds echoes or a sense of space to a recorded sound.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
phantasm
C2
/ˈfæntæzəm/
an apparition, phantom, or image that appears real but has no physical existence
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
womankind
C2
/ˈwʊm.ənˌkaɪnd/
old-fashioned: women considered collectively, especially in contrast with men
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
puce
C2
/pjuːs/
a color varying from dark purplish brown to dark red
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
firelight
C2
/ˈfaɪɚ.laɪt/
The light of a fire, such as from a campfire or fireplace.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
polyp
C2
/ˈpɑːlɪp/
an abnormal growth projecting from a mucous membrane, such as in the nose or colon
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
quintet
C2
/kwɪnˈtɛt/
a musical composition for five performers
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
bantam
C2
/ˈbæntəm/
a chicken of a naturally small breed or a miniature variety of a larger breed
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
hansom
C2
/ˈhænsəm/
Ellipsis of Hansom cab.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
lozenge
C2
/ˈlɑz.ɪnd͡ʒ/
a small medicated tablet or sweet, often used for a sore throat
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
elan
C2
/eɪˈlɑːn/
energetic confidence, enthusiasm, and stylish flair
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
proconsul
C2
/proʊˈkɑːnsəl/
in ancient Rome, a former consul or other magistrate given consular authority to govern a province or command an army
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
succour
C2
/ˈsʌkɚ/
Aid, assistance, or relief given to one in distress; ministration.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
jackknife
C2
/ˈdʒækˌnaɪf/
a large pocketknife whose blade folds into the handle
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
lyceum
C2
/laɪˈsiːəm/
a hall or association providing public lectures, debates, readings, or concerts
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off
goer
C2
/ˈɡoʊɚ/
One who, or that which, goes.
Meaning
Off
Sound
Off