Words / B
English words starting with B
451 words, from Baby to Byzantine. Levels A1 to C2. Each one opens a full lesson.
Babynoun · A very young child.A1Babysitternoun · A person who looks after children for a short time while the parents are out.B1Bachelornoun · A person who holds a first degree (a bachelor’s degree); also an unmarried man.B2Backnoun · The part of the body on the opposite side from the chest.A1Backbonenoun · The row of bones down the back; also the main support of a system (the backbone of).B2Backdropnoun · The painted cloth behind a stage; also the general situation in which something happens.B2Backfireverb · To have the opposite result from the one you wanted.B1Backgroundnoun · A person’s education and family, or the situation behind an event.B1Backingnoun · Support, especially money or public support for a plan.B1Backlashnoun · A strong negative reaction from the public.B1Backlognoun · A pile of work that should have been done already.B1Backpacknoun · A bag you carry on your back.A2Backupnoun · A reserve copy or person; also extra support if the first plan fails.B2Backwardsadverb · Towards the back, or in the reverse direction (British: -s).A2Baconnoun · Thin pieces of meat from a pig, often fried for breakfast.A1Bacterianoun · Very small living things, some of which cause disease (plural; singular bacterium).B2Badadjective · Not good.A1Badgenoun · A small sign you pin or stick on your clothes to show a name or a club.A1Badlyadverb · In a way that is not good, or very much.A2Baffleverb · To confuse someone completely so that they cannot understand or explain something.B2Bagnoun · A container used to carry things.A1Bagelnoun · A chewy bread ring, often eaten with cream cheese.A1Baggagenoun · Bags and cases that you take when you travel.A2Baguettenoun · A long thin loaf of French bread with a crisp crust.A1Bailnoun · Money or conditions that allow someone to leave jail until a trial.B1Bakeverb · To cook food in an oven.A2Bakedadjective · Cooked in an oven, without much oil or water.B1Bakernoun · A person whose job is to make bread and cakes.A2Bakerynoun · A shop that makes and sells bread and cakes.A1Balancenoun · A state in which different things have equal or fair amounts.B1Balconynoun · A platform outside an upper window, where you can stand or sit.A1Baldadjective · Having little or no hair on the head.A2Balefuladjective · Threatening harm, of a look or presence (literary).C2Balkverb · To refuse to proceed or to hesitate (balk at); also, of a horse, to stop short (UK also baulk).C2Ballnoun · A round object used in games such as football.A1Ballastnoun · Heavy material that steadies a ship; also something that gives stability.C2Balletnoun · A type of dancing that tells a story with music, or a show of this.A2Balloonnoun · A thin rubber bag that you fill with air, often used at a party.A1Ballotnoun · A secret vote, or the paper used to vote in one.B2Ballpointnoun · A pen that writes with a tiny ball at the end (also a ballpoint pen; UK also a biro).B1Banverb · To officially forbid something.B2Banaladjective · Boring because it is too ordinary and has been said too often.C1Banalitynoun · The quality of being ordinary and uninteresting; a trite remark.C2Banananoun · A long yellow fruit.A1Bandnoun · A group of musicians; also a thin strip of material.A2Bandagenoun · A strip of cloth used to cover a cut or injury.A2Banenoun · A cause of great distress or harm (the bane of).C2Banglenoun · A stiff band of jewellery worn round the wrist or arm.B1Banknoun · A place that keeps your money and can lend money.A1Bankernoun · A person who works in a senior job in a bank.B1Bankingnoun · The business of banks: keeping money, loans, and payments.B1Bankruptadjective · Unable to pay debts; legally failed as a business.B1Bankruptcynoun · The legal state of being unable to pay your debts.B1Bannernoun · A long strip of cloth with a message; also a headline strip on a website.B2Banquetnoun · A large formal meal for many people, often to mark an event.B2Banternoun · Friendly, playful teasing in conversation (also a verb).C2Bapnoun · A soft, round bread roll (UK, especially in the north).B1Barverb · To officially stop someone from doing or entering something.B1Barbecuenoun · A meal cooked outside on a fire or grill.A2Barbernoun · A person whose job is to cut men’s hair and, often, to shave them.B2Bareadjective · Not covered by clothes, plants, or decoration; also the smallest possible (the bare minimum); as a verb, to uncover.B2Barelyadverb · Only just; almost not.B2Bargainnoun · Something you buy cheaply, or an agreement about a price.B1Barnnoun · A large farm building for storing crops, hay, or housing animals.B2Baroqueadjective · Of the ornate 17th-century style; of writing or design, extravagantly elaborate.C2Barrelnoun · A round wooden or metal container with curved sides; also a unit of oil volume; the barrel of a gun is the tube.B2Barriernoun · A fence or object that stops people, or a problem that prevents progress.B1Basenoun · The main place of an organisation, or the bottom part of something.B1Baseballnoun · A game in which two teams hit a ball with a bat and run around bases.A2Baseball Capnoun · A soft cap with a long stiff peak at the front.B1Basedadjective · Located in a place (London-based); also using something as the foundation (based on).B2Basementnoun · A floor of a building that is partly or wholly below ground level.B1Basicadjective · Simple and necessary; at the lowest acceptable level.B1Basicallyadverb · Used to state the most important point in a simple way (common in speech).B2Basinnoun · A round bowl for washing, or for holding water or food.A2Basisnoun · The main idea, reason, or starting point that something is built on.B1Basketnoun · A container made of thin pieces of wood or plastic, used for carrying things.A1Basketballnoun · A game in which two teams try to throw a ball through a high net.A2Bastionnoun · A place or institution that strongly defends a particular way of life or principle.C2Batnoun · A small flying animal that comes out at night.A1Batchnoun · A group of things made, sent, or dealt with at the same time.B2Bathnoun · A long container you fill with water to wash your body, or the wash itself.A1Bathmatnoun · A small mat on the bathroom floor that stops you slipping.B1Bathosnoun · A sudden comic or cheap drop from the serious to the trivial in writing or speech.C2Bathrobenoun · A loose coat worn before or after a bath or shower (close to a dressing gown).B1Bathroomnoun · A room with a bath or shower, and usually a toilet.A1Batternoun · A mixture of flour, egg, and milk or water used to coat food before frying.B2Batterynoun · A small object that stores electricity for a device.A2Battlenoun · A fight between armies, or a long struggle against something.B2Battlefieldnoun · A place where a battle is fought, or an area of conflict (a political battlefield).B2Baynoun · A wide curve of the coast where the land goes in.A2Beverb · To exist, or to have a quality or identity: Be careful. I want to be a doctor.A1Beachnoun · Sand or stones beside the sea.A1Beaknoun · The hard pointed mouth of a bird.B2Beamnoun · A long strong piece of wood or metal in a building; also a line of light.B2Beannoun · A seed that you cook and eat as a vegetable, often from a pod.A1Beanienoun · A close-fitting knitted hat without a brim.B1Beansnoun · Seeds you eat as food, such as green beans or baked beans. Usually plural.A1Bearnoun · A large, strong wild animal with thick fur.A2Beardnoun · Hair that grows on a man’s chin and cheeks.A2Beastnoun · An animal, especially a large or dangerous one; also a cruel person (informal).B2Beatverb · To win against someone, or to hit something with a regular rhythm.A2Beatificadjective · Showing complete, blissful happiness, as of a saint or a vision (literary).C2Beatitudenoun · Supreme blessedness or happiness (literary / theological).C2Beautifuladjective · Very nice to look at.A1Beautynoun · The quality of being attractive to look at.B1Becauseconjunction · Used to give a reason.A1Becomeverb · To begin to be something.A2Bednoun · A piece of furniture you sleep on.A1Bedlamnoun · A scene of noisy uproar and confusion.C2Bedroomnoun · A room for sleeping.A1Bedsitnoun · A rented room used as both a bedroom and a sitting room (UK).B1Beenoun · A flying insect that makes honey and can sting.A2Beefnoun · Meat from a cow.A2Beenverb · The past participle of be, used with have: I have been to Lahore.A1Beernoun · An alcoholic drink, usually yellow-brown, made from grain.A1Beetlenoun · An insect with a hard round back.A1Beforepreposition · Earlier than a time or event.A1Beforehandadverb · In advance; before a particular time or event.B2Begverb · To ask for something in a desperate or emotional way (beg for).B1Beginverb · To start doing something, or to start happening.A1Beginnernoun · A person who has just started to learn something.A2Beginningnoun · The first part of something; the start.A2Beguileverb · To charm or trick someone into doing something, or to make time pass pleasantly (literary).C2Behalfnoun · Used in on behalf of: as the representative of someone.B1Behaveverb · To act in a particular way, especially well or badly.B2Behaviournoun · The way a person or animal acts.B1Behaviouraladjective · Connected with the way people or animals behave (UK spelling).B1Behemothnoun · Something enormous, especially a huge organisation or machine.C2Behindpreposition · At the back of someone or something.A1Beingverb · The -ing form of be: She is being quiet; being a parent is hard.A1Believerb · To give a false impression of something; to fail to give a true idea of it.C2Beliefnoun · A strong feeling that something is true or that someone is right.B1Believableadjective · Easy to accept as true.B1Believeverb · To think that something is true, or to trust someone.A2Belittleverb · To make a person or thing seem unimportant.C2Bellnoun · A metal object that makes a ringing sound.A2Bellicoseadjective · Eager to fight; aggressive in manner (formal).C2Belligerentadjective · Eager to fight or argue; hostile.C2Belongverb · To be owned by someone, or to be in the right place with a group.A2Belovedadjective · Loved very much (beloved by / of); as a noun, a dearly loved person.B2Belowpreposition · In a lower position than something.A2Beltnoun · A strip of leather or cloth worn around the waist.A2Benchnoun · A long seat for two or more people, often in a park.A1Bendverb · To curve, or to make something curve rather than stay straight.B1Beneathpreposition · In or to a lower position than something; under.B1Benefactornoun · A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.C2Beneficentadjective · Doing good; generously kind in action (formal).C2Beneficialadjective · Having a good effect; helpful.B2Beneficiarynoun · A person who receives money or help from a will, fund, or scheme.B2Benefitnoun · A good result or advantage.B1Benevolentadjective · Kind and wanting to help others.C1Benightedadjective · Intellectually or morally in the dark (literary / formal); also overtaken by night.C2Bequeathverb · To leave property to someone in a will; also to pass something on to those who follow.C2Bereftadjective · Lacking something needed or expected (bereft of); also grieving a death (literary).C2Beretnoun · A round, flat, soft hat, often of wool.B1Berrynoun · A small, juicy fruit without a stone, such as a strawberry or raspberry.B2Beseechverb · To ask someone earnestly and urgently (literary / formal).C2Besidepreposition · Next to someone or something.A1Besidespreposition · In addition to; as well as.A2Besmirchverb · To damage a reputation; to soil or stain (literary / formal).C2Bespokeadjective · Made to a customer’s specification (UK, especially of clothes or services).C2Bestadjective · Better than all the others.A1Bestowverb · To give something, especially an honour, right, or gift (formal: bestow on).C2Betverb · To risk money on a result; also I bet meaning I am sure.B1Betrayverb · To be disloyal to someone, or to give away a secret.B2Betrayalnoun · The act of being disloyal to someone who trusted you.B1Betteradjective · Of a higher quality, or less ill than before.A1Betweenpreposition · In the space that separates two things or people.A1Beveragenoun · A drink, especially one other than water (formal or labelling English).B2Bewareverb · To be careful of something dangerous (beware of); used especially in warnings.B2Bewilderverb · To confuse someone completely.C1Beyondpreposition · Further than; outside the range or limits of something.B2Biasnoun · An unfair preference for or against a person or idea.B2Biasedadjective · Unfairly preferring one side (biased towards / against).B1Bickerverb · To argue about petty things in a bad-tempered way.C2Bicyclenoun · A two-wheeled vehicle that you ride by pushing the pedals.A2Bidnoun · An offer of a price, especially for a contract or at auction; as a verb, to make that offer.B2Biddernoun · A person or firm that offers a price in an auction or tender.B1Biddingnoun · The offering of prices in an auction or for a contract.B1Bigadjective · Large in size.A1Bikenoun · A vehicle with two wheels that you ride by pushing the pedals.A1Bilateraladjective · Involving two sides or countries (bilateral talks).B2Bilingualadjective · Able to speak two languages well; also written in two languages.B1Biliousadjective · Bad-tempered and irritable; also of bile or a nauseous look.C2Billnoun · A piece of paper that shows how much you must pay.A1Billionnumber · A thousand million (1,000,000,000).B1Binnoun · A container for rubbish.A2Bin Linernoun · A plastic bag that lines a bin to keep it clean (UK).B1Bindverb · To tie something; also to force someone legally or morally (bind someone to).B2Binocularsnoun · Two small telescopes joined together, used to see far-away things.A1Biodegradableadjective · Able to be broken down by bacteria or other living organisms and so not remain as lasting waste.B2Biodiversitynoun · The variety of living things in a particular area or on earth.B2Biographynoun · The story of a person’s life, written by someone else.B1Biologicaladjective · Connected with the science of living things, or with the body.B2Biologistnoun · A scientist who studies living things.B2Biologynoun · The science of living things.A2Birdnoun · An animal with wings and feathers that can usually fly.A1Bironoun · A ballpoint pen (UK, informal; originally a brand name).B1Birthnoun · The time when a baby or animal comes out of its mother and starts life.B1Birthdaynoun · The day each year that is the same date as the day you were born.A1Biscuitnoun · A small, flat, dry cake; British for cookie.A1Bitnoun · A small amount of something.A2Biteverb · To cut into something with your teeth.A2Bitteradjective · Having a sharp, unpleasant taste.A2Bitterlyadverb · In a way that shows strong disappointment or anger; also extremely (bitterly cold).B2Bizarreadjective · Very strange or unusual.B2Blackadjective · The darkest colour, like the sky at night.A1Blackberrynoun · A small dark purple fruit that grows on a bush.A1Blackboardnoun · A dark board that a teacher writes on with chalk.B1Blackcurrantnoun · A small dark berry used in drinks, jam, and puddings (UK).B1Blackmailnoun · The crime of demanding money or action by threatening to reveal a secret.B1Blackoutnoun · A period without electricity; also a sudden loss of memory or media silence.B1Bladenoun · The flat cutting part of a knife, sword, or tool.B2Blameverb · To say that someone or something is responsible for something bad.B1Blandishmentnoun · Flattering or coaxing speech used to persuade (often plural: blandishments).C2Blankadjective · Empty, with nothing written or drawn on it.A2Blanketnoun · A thick cover that you put on a bed to keep warm.A2Blasphemynoun · Speech or action showing irreverence towards something treated as sacred.C2Blastnoun · An explosion, or the wave of air from one; also a sudden strong wind.B1Blatantadjective · Very obvious, in a way that is offensive or shameless.C1Bleakadjective · Unlikely to have a good result; cold, empty, and without hope.C1Bleedverb · To lose blood from the body.A2Blendverb · To mix two or more things together smoothly.B2Blendernoun · A kitchen machine that mixes fruit or vegetables into a smooth drink or sauce.A1Blessverb · To ask God to protect someone; people also say bless you after a sneeze.B1Blightnoun · Something that spoils or damages a place, plan, or reputation (also a verb).C2Blindadjective · Unable to see.A2Blindsnoun · A covering for a window made of strips or fabric that you pull down or across (usually plural).B1Blinkverb · To shut and open the eyes quickly; as a noun, that movement.B2Blitheadjective · Showing a casual, sometimes careless, cheerfulness (often blithe disregard).C2Blocknoun · A large building, or a section of a street between two crossings.A2Blognoun · A website of short articles, usually in date order.B1Bloggernoun · A person who writes a blog.B1Blondeadjective · Having pale yellow hair (often blonde; blond is also used, especially for men).B1Bloodnoun · The red liquid that flows through your body.B1Bloomverb · To produce flowers, or to be in a healthy, successful state; as a noun, the flowers on a plant.B2Blossomnoun · The flowers of a fruit tree or similar plant; as a verb, to produce those flowers, or to develop well.B2Blousenoun · A shirt, usually for women.A2Blowverb · To send air from your mouth, or when the wind moves air.A2Blueadjective · The colour of a clear sky in the day.A1Blueprintnoun · A detailed plan for how something should be done or built.B1Bluetoothnoun · A wireless system for connecting phones, headphones, and other devices over a short distance (often uncountable).B1Bluntadjective · Not sharp; also very direct in speech, sometimes rude.B2Blushverb · To go red in the face from embarrassment or shyness; as a noun, that redness.B2Blusternoun · Loud, aggressive talk with little effect (also a verb).C2Boardnoun · A group of people who manage a company or organisation.B1Board Gamenoun · A game played on a board, often with pieces or cards, such as chess or Monopoly.B1Boardingnoun · The act of getting on a plane, ship, or train; also living at school during term.B1Boastverb · To talk proudly about something you have or can do, often in a way that annoys people.B2Boatnoun · A small vehicle that travels on water.A1Bobble Hatnoun · A knitted hat with a pom-pom on top (UK).B1Bodynoun · The whole physical form of a person or animal.A1Boilverb · To heat a liquid until it starts to produce bubbles and steam.B1Boiledadjective · Cooked in hot water until done.B1Boilernoun · A device that heats water for radiators and taps in a building.B1Boisterousadjective · Noisy, energetic, and high-spirited, often roughly so.C2Boldadjective · Brave and confident; also printed in thick dark type.B1Bolsterverb · To support or strengthen something, such as confidence or an argument.C1Boltnoun · A metal pin with a thread, used with a nut to fasten things together.B2Bombnoun · A weapon made to explode and cause damage.A2Bombastnoun · Pompous, inflated language with little real meaning.C2Bombasticadjective · Using pompous, inflated language that sounds more impressive than it is.C2Bombingnoun · An attack with a bomb or bombs.B1Bondnoun · A close connection between people or groups (a bond between).B1Bonenoun · One of the hard parts that form the skeleton of a person or animal.B1Bonfirenoun · A large fire built outside, for warmth, garden waste, or a party.A1Bonusnoun · Extra money or an extra advantage that you did not expect.B1Booknoun · A set of printed pages with a story or information.A1Bookcasenoun · A piece of furniture with shelves for books.A1Bookingnoun · An arrangement to have a room, table, or ticket at a later time.A2Bookletnoun · A thin paper book of information or exam questions.B1Bookmarknoun · A thin strip of paper or card that marks your place in a book.A1Bookshelfnoun · A shelf, or a piece of furniture with shelves, for holding books.B1Bookshopnoun · A shop that sells books (UK; US bookstore).B1Boomnoun · A period of sudden growth in business or popularity.B1Boonnoun · A thing that is helpful or beneficial; a blessing.C2Boorishadjective · Rude, coarse, and ill-mannered, with no sense of what is fitting.C2Boostverb · To increase or improve something.B1Boosternoun · An extra dose of a vaccine; also something that increases power or confidence.B1Bootnoun · A strong shoe that covers the ankle; also the back of a car for bags (British).A2Boothnoun · A small enclosed space for one person (a polling booth; a photo booth).B1Bootlacenoun · A cord or string used to fasten a boot.B1Bootsnoun · Strong shoes that cover the ankle, and sometimes the lower leg.A1Bordernoun · The line that divides two countries or areas.B1Borenoun · A person or thing that is dull and uninteresting; as a verb, to make someone feel that way.B2Boredadjective · Feeling tired and unhappy because something is not interesting.A2Boredomnoun · The feeling of being bored (uncountable).B1Boringadjective · Not interesting or exciting.A2Bornadjective · Brought into the world as a baby (used in be born).A2Boroughnoun · A town or London district with its own local council.B1Borrowverb · To take something for a short time and then return it.A2Borrowernoun · A person or organisation that borrows money.B1Borrowingnoun · The money that a government or person borrows (often uncountable).B1Bossnoun · The person in charge at work.A2Bothdeterminer · The two together; this one and that one.A2Botherverb · To annoy someone, or to take the trouble to do something.B1Bottlenoun · A container with a narrow neck, for water, juice, or oil.A1Bottle Openernoun · A tool for taking the metal caps off bottles.B1Bottlenecknoun · A narrow point that slows traffic or a process.B1Bottomnoun · The lowest part of something.A1Bounceverb · To spring back from a surface, or to move that way; also (of a cheque) to be refused by a bank.B2Boundadjective · Certain to happen (bound to); also travelling towards (bound for).B1Boundarynoun · A real or imagined line that marks the edge of an area or a limit.B1Bourgeoisadjective · Of the middle class, especially when seen as conventional or materialistic (often disapproving).C2Bowverb · To bend the head or upper body forwards as a sign of respect or greeting.B2Bow Tienoun · A tie tied in a bow, worn at the neck with formal clothes.B1Bowdleriseverb · To remove parts of a text thought improper, often weakening it (UK spelling).C2Bowlnoun · A round, deep dish used for food.A2Boxnoun · A container with straight sides, often made of cardboard or wood.A1Boxernoun · A person who fights in the sport of boxing.B2Boxingnoun · The sport of fighting with the fists in gloves, following rules (usually uncountable).B2Boynoun · A male child.A1Boycottverb · To refuse to buy from, use, or deal with someone as a protest.B2Boyfriendnoun · A man or boy that someone is in a romantic relationship with.A1Bracenoun · A device that holds something in position or supports a part of the body.B2Braceletnoun · A piece of jewellery that you wear around your wrist.A1Bracketnoun · A range with limits, especially a tax bracket; also a punctuation mark.B1Brackishadjective · Slightly salty, as of mixed fresh and sea water; also, figuratively, stale and unpleasant.C2Braggadocionoun · Empty, swaggering boastfulness.C2Braggartnoun · A person who boasts too much (disapproving).C2Brainnoun · The organ in your head that controls thought, memory, and the body.B1Brakenoun · A device that slows a vehicle; put the brake on means to slow a process.B1Branchnoun · An arm of a tree, or a local shop or office of a company.A2Brandnoun · The name of a product made by a particular company.B1Brandingnoun · The way a company presents its name, design, and image to the public.B1Brandishverb · To wave something, especially a weapon, in a threatening or showy way.C2Brassnoun · A yellow alloy of copper and zinc (usually uncountable); also wind instruments made from it.B2Bravadonoun · A show of boldness intended to impress or hide fear.C2Braveadjective · Ready to face danger or pain without showing fear.A2Braverynoun · Courage in a dangerous or difficult situation (often uncountable).B1Brazenadjective · Open and shameless, without embarrassment.C2Breachnoun · A break in a rule, agreement, or wall (a breach of).B2Breadnoun · A food made from flour and baked.A1Breadbinnoun · A container for keeping bread fresh in a kitchen (UK; also a bread bin).B1Breaknoun · A period of rest from work or study, usually longer than a short pause.B1Breakdownnoun · When a vehicle or machine stops working; also a time when stress means you cannot cope.B1Breakfastnoun · The first meal of the day.A1Breakthroughnoun · An important discovery or success after a period of difficulty.B1Breastnoun · The upper front part of the chest.B1Breathnoun · The air that you take into and send out of your lungs.B1Breatheverb · To take air into your lungs and send it out again.B1Breedverb · When animals produce young; also a particular type of animal.B1Brevitynoun · The quality of using few words or lasting a short time.C1Brewverb · To make tea, coffee, or beer; also (of trouble) to develop; as a noun, a drink made that way.B2Bribenoun · Money or a gift given to influence someone illegally.B2Briberynoun · The crime of giving or taking a bribe (uncountable).B1Bricknoun · A hard block of baked clay used for building walls.A2Bridenoun · A woman on her wedding day, or just before or after it.B2Bridgenoun · A structure built so that people or vehicles can cross a river or road.A2Briefadjective · Short in time or using few words.B1Briefcasenoun · A flat case with a handle for carrying papers to work.B2Briefingnoun · A short meeting or statement that gives the latest information.B1Brieflyadverb · For a short time; in a few words.B1Brightadjective · Full of light, or strong in colour; also clever.A2Brilliantadjective · Extremely good or clever.A2Bringverb · To take something or someone with you to a place.A1Brinknoun · The edge of a steep place, or the point just before something happens (on the brink of).C2Broachverb · To raise a difficult subject for discussion (broach a subject).C2Broadadjective · Wide, or including a large number of people or things.B1Broadbandnoun · A fast internet connection that is always on.B1Broadcastverb · To send out programmes on television or radio.B1Broadcasternoun · A company or person that sends radio or television programmes.B1Broadcastingnoun · The business or act of sending radio or TV programmes (often uncountable).B1Broadenverb · To make something wider in range or extent (broaden your knowledge).B2Broadlyadverb · In a general way; in most respects.B1Broccolinoun · A green vegetable with a thick stem and small tight flowers at the top.A1Brochurenoun · A thin book with pictures that advertises a product, place, or course.B1Brokenadjective · Damaged and in pieces, or not working.A2Brokernoun · A person who arranges a deal, especially insurance or finance.B1Brollynoun · An umbrella (UK informal).B1Bromidenoun · A dull, conventional remark; also an old sedative chemical.C2Bronzenoun · A metal made from copper and tin; also a third-place medal, or a brown colour.B2Brookverb · To tolerate or allow (formal; usually negative: brook no…).C2Broomnoun · A brush with a long handle, used for sweeping the floor.A1Brothernoun · A boy or man with the same parents as you.A1Browbeatverb · To intimidate someone with stern or overbearing words (browbeat into).C2Brownadjective · The colour of chocolate or coffee.A1Browseverb · To look at things in a shop or on a website without a clear plan to buy.B1Browsernoun · A computer program for looking at websites (a web browser).B1Bruisenoun · A dark mark on the skin from a blow; as a verb, to cause or get that mark.B2Brushnoun · An object with hair or bristles, used for cleaning, painting, or hair.A2Brusqueadjective · Abrupt and blunt in speech or manner, often to the point of rudeness.C2Brutaladjective · Violently cruel, or very harsh.B2Bubblenoun · A ball of air in a liquid, or a similar round shape of liquid.B1Bubble Bathnoun · Liquid soap that makes foam in a bath (often uncountable).B1Bucketnoun · A round, open container with a handle, used for carrying liquid.A2Bucolicadjective · Of the pleasant countryside (literary).C2Budgetnoun · A plan of how much money you can spend, or the amount available.B1Budgienoun · A small colourful pet bird, often green or blue (short for budgerigar).A1Buffalonoun · A large wild animal like a cow, with curved horns.A1Buffernoun · Something that reduces the shock or impact of a change or blow.B2Buffoonnoun · A person who behaves in a ridiculous, clownish way (often disapproving).C2Buggynoun · A light folding chair on wheels for a baby (UK; also a pushchair); also a small open vehicle.B1Buildverb · To make something by putting parts together, such as a house or a team.A1Buildernoun · A person or firm whose job is to construct buildings.B1Buildingnoun · A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or office.A2Built-Upadjective · Covered with buildings rather than fields (a built-up area).B1Bulbnoun · The glass part of an electric light.A2Bulknoun · A large quantity, especially when bought or moved together (in bulk).B2Bullnoun · A male cow, often large and strong, with horns.A1Bulletnoun · A small metal object fired from a gun.A2Bulletinnoun · A short official news report, especially on radio or television.B1Bullyverb · To hurt, frighten, or pressure someone weaker, often repeatedly.B1Bullyingnoun · Repeated unkind or threatening behaviour towards a weaker person.B1Bulwarknoun · A defensive wall; a person or thing that protects against harm.C2Bumpernoun · The bar at the front or back of a car that lessens damage in a knock.B1Bumptiousadjective · Offensively self-assertive and conceited.C2Bunnoun · A small round piece of bread, sometimes sweet.A1Bunchnoun · A group of things of the same kind, such as flowers, keys, or people.A2Bunknoun · A narrow bed, often one of two stacked (a bunk bed); also a sleeping place on a ship or in a hostel.B1Bunk Bednoun · Two beds, one above the other, often in a child's bedroom.A1Bunkbednoun · Two beds fixed one above the other (also written bunk bed).B1Bunnynoun · An informal word for a rabbit, often used with children.A1Burdennoun · A heavy load, or a duty or problem that is hard to deal with.B1Bureaunoun · An office that provides a service (a citizens advice bureau); also a government department in some countries.B2Bureaucracynoun · A system of official rules and offices, often slow and complicated.C1Bureaucratnoun · An official who works in a large organisation, often seen as slow or rigid.B1Bureaucraticadjective · Involving complicated official rules that slow things down.C1Burgeonverb · To begin to grow or increase rapidly (formal / literary).C2Burgernoun · A round piece of cooked meat or vegetables in a bread bun.A1Burglarnoun · A person who illegally enters a building to steal.B1Burglarynoun · The crime of entering a building illegally in order to steal.B2Burialnoun · The act of placing a dead body in a grave.B2Burnverb · To be on fire, or to damage something with fire or heat.A2Burnishverb · To polish a surface until it shines; also to enhance a reputation.C2Burnoutnoun · Extreme tiredness after long stress at work (often uncountable).B1Burstverb · To break open suddenly; also burst into tears meaning start crying suddenly.B1Buryverb · To put something in the ground and cover it.A2Busnoun · A large vehicle that carries many people.A1Bus Passnoun · A card that lets you travel on buses without buying a ticket each time.B1Bus Stopnoun · A place at the side of the road where buses stop for passengers.B1Bushnoun · A plant like a small tree with many branches.A2Businessnoun · The work of buying and selling, or a company that does this.B1Busyadjective · Having a lot to do.A2Butconjunction · Used to show a contrast.A1Butchernoun · A person or shop that prepares and sells meat.B1Butternoun · A yellow food made from cream, spread on bread.A1Butterflynoun · An insect with large colourful wings that flies in the day.A1Buttonnoun · A small object used to fasten clothes, or to start a machine.A2Buttressnoun · A projecting support for a wall; also something that reinforces an argument (also a verb).C2Buttynoun · A sandwich (UK informal, especially northern; a chip butty is chips in bread).B1Buyverb · To get something by paying money.A1Buyernoun · A person who buys something; also a person whose job is to buy goods for a company.B1Bypreposition · Next to, or using this transport or person: by the window; by bus; by Ali.A1By-Electionnoun · A UK election in one seat between general elections.B1By-Lawnoun · A local law made by a council (also spelled bye-law).B1Byeexclamation · An informal word you say when you leave.A1Bypassverb · To go around a place or problem instead of through it; also a noun for a road around a town.B2Bystandernoun · A person who is present but not involved in an event.B1Byzantineadjective · Excessively complicated, especially of rules or procedures; also of the Byzantine Empire.C2