Words / S
English words starting with S
614 words, from Sabotage to System. Levels A1 to C2. Each one opens a full lesson.
Sabotageverb · To damage or prevent something on purpose so that it cannot succeed.C1Sacredadjective · Connected with religion, or too important to be interfered with.C1Sacrificeverb · To give up something valuable for a more important aim.C1Sacrosanctadjective · Too important or holy to be criticised, changed, or interfered with.C2Sadadjective · Unhappy.A1Safeadjective · Not in danger; not likely to cause harm.A2Safeguardnoun · A rule or measure that protects someone or something from harm.C1Safetynoun · The state of being safe from danger or harm.A2Safety Pinnoun · A pin with a guard that covers the point, used to fasten cloth.B1Sagaciousadjective · Showing good judgement and understanding (formal).C2Sailverb · To travel on water in a boat that uses the wind, or to start a voyage.A2Sailornoun · A person who works on a ship or sails boats.A2Saladnoun · A cold dish of mixed vegetables, often with lettuce.A2Salarynoun · Money you receive regularly for doing a job.B1Salenoun · A time when a shop sells things at a lower price, or the act of selling.A2Salientadjective · Most noticeable or important in a set of facts (formal).C2Sallowadjective · Of skin, yellowish and looking unhealthy (from pale, already in the dictionary).C1Salmonnoun · A large pink fish, eaten as food (silent l).A1Saltnoun · A white powder used to give food more taste.A1Salt Cellarnoun · A small pot for salt on a dining table (UK).B1Salubriousadjective · Pleasant and healthy to live in or experience.C2Salutaryadjective · Having a good, often corrective, effect, even if unpleasant (formal).C2Sameadjective · Not different; exactly like another.A2Samplenoun · A small amount taken to test or show what the rest is like.B1Sanctimoniousadjective · Making a show of being morally better than other people (not simply moral).C2Sanctionnoun · Official permission; also a penalty for breaking a rule (two opposite-feeling senses).C1Sandnoun · Very small grains of rock, found on beaches and in deserts.A2Sandalnoun · A light open shoe for warm weather, with straps.A1Sandpitnoun · A shallow box or pit of sand for children to play in (UK; US sandbox).B1Sandwichnoun · Two pieces of bread with food such as cheese or meat between them.A2Sanguineadjective · Cheerfully confident that things will go well.C2Sardonicadjective · Humorous in a grim, mocking way.C2Sarnienoun · A sandwich (UK informal).B1Sartorialadjective · Relating to clothes, tailoring, or a person’s style of dress (formal).C2Sat-Navnoun · A satellite navigation device or app that gives driving directions (UK).B1Satchelnoun · A school bag with a flap and a strap, often worn over the shoulder.B1Satellitenoun · A machine in orbit; also a smaller body orbiting a planet, or a country dominated by another.B2Satiateverb · To satisfy a desire or appetite fully, often to the point of excess (formal).C2Satirenoun · Humour, irony, or exaggeration used to criticise people or ideas.C1Satisfactionnoun · The feeling of being pleased with a result (often uncountable).B1Satisfiedadjective · Pleased because something is as good as you wanted.A2Satisfyverb · To please someone by being good enough, or to meet a rule or need.B1Satsumanoun · A small, easy-to-peel orange, popular in UK fruit bowls in winter.B1Saturdaynoun · The day after Friday and before Sunday.A1Saturnineadjective · Gloomy, slow, and dark in temperament or appearance (literary).C2Saucenoun · A thick liquid you put on food to add flavour.A1Saucepannoun · A deep pan with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking on the hob.A1Saucernoun · A small plate that a cup stands on.A1Sausagenoun · A tube of meat and spices, often fried for breakfast.A1Saveverb · To keep money or something else for later, or to stop someone being hurt.A2Sayverb · To speak words; to give information with your voice.A1Scaffoldingnoun · Poles and boards put up around a building so people can work on it (often uncountable).B1Scalenoun · The size or level of something; also a set of pay bands (a pay scale).B1Scanverb · To look through something quickly for key facts, or to examine it with a machine.B1Scandalnoun · An event that shocks people because it involves dishonest or immoral behaviour.B1Scarceadjective · Not enough of it; hard to find.C1Scarecrownoun · A figure of a person made of old clothes and straw, put in a field to frighten birds.A1Scaredadjective · Frightened; feeling fear.A2Scarfnoun · A piece of cloth worn around the neck to keep you warm.A1Scathingadjective · Severely critical; scornfully harsh.C2Scatterverb · To throw or spread things over a wide area; also to make a group move apart.B2Scenarionoun · A possible situation or how events might develop.B2Scenenoun · A part of a play or film, or the place where something happens.A2Scepticaladjective · Not easily convinced; doubting that a claim is true or useful (US spelling: skeptical).C1Schedulenoun · A plan of times for events or work.B1Schemenoun · An official plan or system for doing something.B2Schismnoun · A split in a group, especially over belief or principle (from split, already in the dictionary).C1Scholarnoun · A person who studies a subject in depth, usually at a high academic level.C1Scholarshipnoun · Serious academic study; also money awarded to help a student study.C1Schoolnoun · A place where children go to learn.A1School Runnoun · The regular trip of taking children to or from school by car (UK, often the school run).B1Schoolbagnoun · A bag for carrying books and things to school.A1Sciencenoun · The study of the natural world by tests and ideas.A2Scientificadjective · Connected with science and with testing ideas by evidence.B1Scientistnoun · A person who studies or works in science.A2Scintillanoun · A tiny amount; the slightest trace (often not a scintilla of).C2Scintillatingadjective · Brilliantly clever, lively, or sparkling (from lively, already in the dictionary).C1Scissorsnoun · A tool with two blades, used for cutting paper or cloth. Usually plural: a pair of scissors.A1Scleroticadjective · Becoming rigid and unresponsive; unable to adapt (of an organisation or system).C2Scoffverb · To eat something quickly and hungrily (UK informal); also to laugh at an idea.B1Scooternoun · A child's toy with two wheels and a handle, that you stand on and push with one foot.A1Scopenoun · The range of things that something deals with, or the opportunity for it.B2Scorenoun · The number of points a player or team has in a game.A2Scotch Eggnoun · A hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat and breadcrumbs (UK).B1Scratchverb · To mark a surface with something sharp; also to start from nothing (from scratch), or to withdraw a candidate.B2Screamverb · To make a loud, high cry because you are afraid, angry, or excited.A2Screennoun · The flat part of a phone, tablet, or television that you look at.A1Screwdrivernoun · A tool for turning screws.B1Scrupulousadjective · Very careful to be honest and exact.C2Scrutiniseverb · To examine something very carefully (noun: scrutiny).C1Scrutinynoun · Careful and detailed examination.C1Sculpturenoun · Art made by carving or shaping stone, wood, metal, or clay; a piece of that art.B2Seanoun · A large area of salt water.A1Seafrontnoun · The road and buildings along the edge of the sea in a town.B1Seagullnoun · A white and grey bird that lives by the sea and often cries loudly.A1Seahorsenoun · A small sea animal with a head like a horse, that swims upright.A1Sealnoun · A sea animal with smooth fur that lives on land and in the water.A1Seamlessadjective · Smooth, with no joins, interruptions, or obvious gaps.C1Searchverb · To look carefully for something.A2Seasonnoun · One of the four parts of the year: spring, summer, autumn, or winter.A2Seatnoun · A place where you can sit, such as a chair.A2Secondadjective · Coming immediately after the first in order.A2Secondaryadjective · Second in importance; also connected with education after primary school.B1Secretnoun · Something that you do not tell other people.A2Secretarynoun · A person who does office work such as letters, calls, and bookings.A2Sectarianadjective · Relating to conflict between religious or political groups (from group, already in the dictionary).C1Sectionnoun · One of the parts that something is divided into.A2Sectornoun · A part of the economy, society, or an area of activity.C1Secularadjective · Not religious; belonging to the state or ordinary life rather than the church.C1Secureverb · To get something, often after effort; also to make a place safe, or to fasten it.B2Securitynoun · The state of being safe from danger, or people who protect a place.B1Sedentaryadjective · Involving a lot of sitting and little physical activity (from sit, already in the dictionary).C1Seditiousadjective · Intended to stir up rebellion against authority (from rebel, already in the dictionary).C1Sedulousadjective · Showing careful, persistent effort (formal).C2Seeverb · To notice with your eyes.A1See-Sawnoun · A long board in a playground; children sit at each end and go up and down.A1Seekverb · To try to find or get something.B1Seemverb · To appear to be true or to be a certain way.A2Segmentnoun · One part of something that is divided; also a section of the public or of a market.B2Seizeverb · To take hold of suddenly, or to take control or property by force or law.B2Selectverb · To choose from a group.B1Selectionnoun · A group chosen from a larger set, or the act of choosing.B1Selectiveadjective · Choosing only some things; careful about what is included or accepted.C1Sellverb · To give something to someone for money.A1Sell-By Datenoun · The last date a shop should sell a food item (UK).B1Sellotapenoun · Clear sticky tape for paper and parcels (UK, often uncountable; originally a brand).B1Seminoun · A semi-detached house, joined to one neighbour (UK informal).B1Seminaladjective · Very important and influencing later work or ideas.C1Seminarnoun · A university class in which a small group discusses a subject with a teacher.B1Senatenoun · The upper house of a parliament in some countries, such as the US Senate.B2Sendverb · To make something go to a person or place, such as a letter or message.A1Senioradjective · Higher in rank or older; also (noun) an older pupil or a person of higher rank.B2Sensationnoun · A physical feeling; also great public excitement, or a person who causes it.B2Sensenoun · A feeling or meaning, or one of the body’s ways of noticing (sight, hearing).B1Sensibleadjective · Practical and showing good judgement.B1Sensitiveadjective · Easily upset, or needing careful handling; also able to measure small changes.B2Sentencenoun · A group of words that makes a complete idea.A1Sententiousadjective · Trying to sound wise with moral remarks, in a pompous way.C2Sentientadjective · Able to perceive or feel things (from aware, already in the dictionary).C1Sentimentnoun · A feeling or opinion, often a shared public mood.C1Separateadjective · Not together; different or not joined.A2Septembernoun · The ninth month of the year.A1Sepulchraladjective · Of a tomb; gloomily quiet, deep, or hollow (literary).C2Sequencenoun · The order in which things follow one another; also a set of related events.B2Sequentialadjective · Following in a fixed order, one after another.C1Sequesterverb · To isolate or set apart; also to take property until a debt is paid (from isolate, already in the dictionary).C1Serendipitynoun · The luck of finding something good by chance.C2Serialadjective · Happening in a series, one after another; also (noun) a story in parts.B2Seriesnoun · A number of similar things that come one after another.B1Seriousadjective · Important and not a joke, or very bad.B1Serveverb · To give food or drink to someone, or to do work for others.A2Servicenoun · Help or work that a person or company provides for others.A2Servileadjective · Too eager to serve and obey, in a way that shows a lack of self-respect.C2Sesquipedalianadjective · Given to using very long words; (of a word) very long (formal / humorous).C2Sessionnoun · A meeting or period of activity; also a sitting of a court or parliament.B2Setverb · To put something in a place or a ready position: set the table; set a time.A1Setteenoun · A sofa; a long, soft seat for two or more people (UK).B1Settlementnoun · An official agreement that ends a dispute; also a place where people have come to live.B1Sevennumber · The number 7.A1Seventeennumber · The number 17.A1Seventynumber · The number 70.A1Seververb · To cut off or break a connection completely (from cut, already in the dictionary).C1Severaldeterminer · More than two but not a large number.A2Severeadjective · Very serious or extreme.B1Severelyadverb · Very badly or strictly; to a serious degree.B2Severitynoun · The quality of being very serious, harsh, or extreme.C1Sewing Machinenoun · A machine that stitches cloth with a needle and thread.B1Shadenoun · A place that is darker and cooler because the sun does not reach it.A2Shadownoun · A dark shape on a surface made when something blocks the light.A2Shakeverb · To move something quickly from side to side or up and down.A2Shallowadjective · Not deep; also not showing serious thought.B2Shampoonoun · A liquid soap used for washing hair.A1Shandynoun · A drink of beer mixed with lemonade (UK).B1Shapenoun · The form of something, such as a circle, square, or triangle.A2Shardnoun · A sharp piece of broken glass, pottery, or similar (from piece, already in the dictionary).C1Shareverb · To use or have something with other people.A2Shareholdernoun · A person or body that owns shares in a company.C1Sharknoun · A large sea fish with a big fin and sharp teeth.A1Sharpadjective · Having a thin edge or point that can cut; also sudden or clear.A2Shepronoun · A female person, used as the subject.A1Shedverb · To lose or drop something; also to give out light (shed light on); (noun) a small store building.B2Sheepnoun · A farm animal with a thick coat, kept for wool and meat. Plural: sheep.A1Sheeradjective · Used to emphasise how complete, steep, or large something is, with nothing mixed in.C1Sheetnoun · A large piece of cloth for a bed; also a piece of paper.A2Shelfnoun · A flat board on a wall or in a cupboard, for putting things on. Plural: shelves.A1Shelternoun · A place that protects you from weather or danger; also protection itself.B2Shibbolethnoun · A custom, phrase, or belief used as a test of belonging, often outdated (formal).C2Shiftnoun · A period of time that a group of workers spend at work.B1Shineverb · To give out light, or to look bright.A2Shipnoun · A large boat that carries people or goods across the sea.A2Shirkverb · To avoid work, duty, or responsibility (from avoid, already in the dictionary).C1Shirtnoun · A piece of clothing for the upper body, with sleeves and buttons.A1Shocknoun · A sudden, strong feeling of surprise, often unpleasant.A2Shoenoun · Something you wear on your foot.A1Shoelacenoun · A cord used to fasten a shoe.B1Shopnoun · A place where you buy things.A1Shoppingnoun · The activity of buying things in shops.A1Shopping Bagnoun · A bag for carrying shopping, often reusable cloth or strong plastic.B1Shopping Centrenoun · A group of shops in one building or area, often with parking (UK; US mall).B1Shortadjective · Small in length or time.A1Shortagenoun · A situation in which there is not enough of something.B1Shortsnoun · Short trousers that end above the knee. Usually plural: a pair of shorts.A1Shouldverb · Used to say that something is a good idea or the right thing to do.A2Shouldernoun · The part of the body where the arm joins the top of the back.A1Shoutverb · To speak very loudly.A2Shovelnoun · A tool with a broad blade and a handle, used for digging or moving snow.A1Showverb · To let someone see something.A1Showernoun · A device that sprays water so you can wash, or a short period of rain.A1Shower Gelnoun · Liquid soap used in the shower (often uncountable).B1Shrewdadjective · Good at judging people and situations in a practical, sharp way.C1Shrimpnoun · A small pink sea animal with a shell, eaten as food.A1Shrinkverb · To become or make smaller; also to move back because you are afraid (shrink from).B2Shrugverb · To raise your shoulders to show you do not know or care; shrug off means treat as unimportant.B2Shutverb · To close something.A2Shyadjective · Nervous with people you do not know well; not confident in groups.A2Sickadjective · Ill; not well.A1Sick Notenoun · A note from a doctor or parent explaining absence through illness (UK).B1Sidenoun · One of the two parts of something, or a position next to something.A2Side Platenoun · A small plate for bread or salad beside the main plate.B1Sideboardnoun · A long, low cupboard for plates and glasses, usually in a dining room.B1Sidestepverb · To avoid dealing with a question or problem (from evade, already in the dictionary).C1Siegenoun · A military or police operation that surrounds a place; also a period of intense pressure.C1Sightseeingnoun · The activity of visiting famous places as a tourist (uncountable).B1Signnoun · A board or notice that gives information, or a movement that means something.A2Signalnoun · A sound, light, or movement that sends a message.A2Signaturenoun · Your name written by hand to show that you agree.B1Significancenoun · The importance of something, including statistical significance in research.C1Significantadjective · Large or important enough to notice.B2Significantlyadverb · By a large, important amount.B1Silencenoun · A lack of sound, or the state of not speaking (often uncountable).B1Silentadjective · With no sound; not speaking.A2Similaradjective · Almost the same, but not exactly.A2Similarlyadverb · In a similar way; used to compare two facts.B1Simperverb · To smile in a silly, affected, or self-conscious way (from smile, already in the dictionary).C1Simpleadjective · Easy to understand or do; not complicated.A1Simplyadverb · Only; or in a plain, easy way.B1Simulacrumnoun · An image or representation of someone or something, often a slight, unreal, or deceptive one (formal).C2Simulateverb · To imitate the conditions of a real event, often for training or testing.C1Simultaneouslyadverb · At exactly the same time.C1Sincepreposition · From a time in the past until now.A2Sincereadjective · Honest and really meant, not fake.B1Sinecurenoun · A paid post that requires little or no real work (formal / often disapproving).C2Singverb · To make musical sounds with your voice.A1Singernoun · A person who sings, often as a job.A1Singleadjective · Only one; not married or not with a partner.A2Sinknoun · A bowl in a kitchen or bathroom with taps, used for washing.A1Sink Plugnoun · The stopper that fills the hole so a sink can hold water.B1Sisternoun · A girl or woman with the same parents as you.A1Sitverb · To rest with your bottom on a chair or the ground.A1Sitcomnoun · A funny television series about the same characters in everyday situations.B1Situationnoun · What is happening in a particular place or at a particular time.B1Sixnumber · The number 6.A1Sixteennumber · The number 16.A1Sixtynumber · The number 60.A1Sizenoun · How big or small something is.A2Skateverb · To move on ice or on a smooth floor wearing skates.A2Skateboardnoun · A short board on wheels that you stand on and ride.A1Sketchnoun · A quick drawing; also a short comic scene, or a brief outline of a plan.B2Skiverb · To move over snow on long, narrow boards.A2Skiingnoun · The sport of moving over snow on skis (often uncountable).B1Skillnoun · The ability to do something well, usually from practice.A2Skilledadjective · Having the training and practice to do a job well.B1Skinnoun · The outer covering of a person’s or animal’s body.A1Skintadjective · Having no money (UK informal).B1Skipverb · To not do something you should do; also to move with little jumps, often with a rope.B1Skipping Ropenoun · A rope used for jumping over, as exercise or a game (UK; US jump rope).B1Skirtnoun · A piece of clothing for the lower body that hangs from the waist and is not divided into legs.A1Skirtingnoun · The narrow board along the bottom of a wall where it meets the floor (UK; also skirting board).B1Skittishadjective · Nervous and easily frightened; also changeable (from nervous, already in the dictionary).C1Skynoun · The space above the earth, where you see clouds and the sun.A1Sledgenoun · A vehicle for sliding over snow, used by children or pulled by animals (British).A1Sleepverb · To rest with your eyes closed, usually at night.A1Sleeping Bagnoun · A warm padded bag that you sleep in outdoors or on a floor.B1Sleepovernoun · A night when children stay at a friend’s house.B1Slicenoun · A thin piece cut from bread, cake, meat, or fruit.A1Slidenoun · A smooth slope in a playground that children go down.A1Slightadjective · Small in amount or degree; also (noun/verb) an insult of being ignored.B2Slightlyadverb · A little; not very much.B1Slipverb · To slide accidentally; also to decline gradually, or to make a small mistake (a slip).B2Slip Roadnoun · A short road that joins or leaves a motorway (UK; US on-ramp / off-ramp).B1Slippersnoun · Soft shoes you wear in the house. Usually plural: a pair of slippers.A1Slopenoun · A surface that is higher at one end; also (verb) to have that angle.B2Slotnoun · A narrow opening; also a time or place in a timetable or schedule.B2Slovenlyadjective · Untidy and careless, especially in appearance or work (from careless, already in the dictionary).C1Slowadjective · Not fast.A1Slowlyadverb · At a low speed; not quickly.A2Smalladjective · Little in size.A1Smartadjective · Clean, tidy, and stylish (British); also clever.A2Smellverb · To notice something with your nose, or to have a particular smell.A2Smileverb · To make your mouth show you are happy or friendly.A2Smokenoun · The grey gas that comes from a fire.A2Smoothienoun · A thick cold drink of blended fruit, often with yoghurt or milk.B1Smugadjective · Too pleased with yourself; self-satisfied (from proud, already in the dictionary).C1Snacknoun · A small amount of food between meals.A1Snailnoun · A small slow animal with a shell on its back.A1Snakenoun · A long animal with no legs that slides along the ground.A2Snookernoun · A table game like pool, with 15 red balls and coloured balls, played with a cue.B1Snownoun · Soft white frozen rain that falls in cold weather.A1Snowboardnoun · A board for sliding over snow, with both feet attached.B1Snowboardingnoun · The sport of moving over snow on a snowboard (often uncountable).B1Snowmannoun · A figure of a person made of snow, often with a carrot nose.A1Soadverb · Very; or used to show a result.A1Soapnoun · A substance used with water for washing your body or clothes.A1Soap Dishnoun · A small dish that holds a bar of soap.B1Soarverb · To rise quickly, of prices, numbers, or a bird or aircraft.B2Socialadjective · Connected with meeting people and spending time with them.A2Socialistnoun · A person who supports socialism; also (adjective) relating to that politics.B2Societynoun · People living together as a community (often uncountable); also a club.B1Sociologynoun · The academic study of society, social groups, and how they are organised.C1Socknoun · A piece of clothing that covers your foot and ankle.A2Sock Drawernoun · The drawer in a chest where you keep socks.B1Socketnoun · The hole in the wall that you put a plug into for electricity (British).A1Sofanoun · A long, comfortable seat for two or more people.A2Sofa Bednoun · A sofa that unfolds into a bed for guests.B1Softadjective · Not hard; pleasant to touch.A2Softwarenoun · Programs that a computer runs (uncountable).B1Solacenoun · Comfort in a time of sadness or disappointment (from comfort, already in the dictionary).C1Solaradjective · Connected with the sun, especially as a source of energy.B1Soldiernoun · A person who is a member of an army.A2Soleadjective · Only; not shared with anyone else; also the underside of a foot or shoe.B2Solelyadverb · Only; not involving anyone or anything else.C1Solicitornoun · In England and Wales, a lawyer who advises clients and prepares legal documents.C1Solicitousadjective · Showing anxious care or concern for someone (from anxious, already in the dictionary).C1Solidadjective · Firm and not liquid or gas; also reliable, or without a break (a solid hour).B2Solidaritynoun · Unity and mutual support within a group, especially in difficulty.C1Soloadjective · Done by one person, not in a group; also (noun) a piece for one performer.B2Solutionnoun · A way of solving a problem.B1Solveverb · To find the answer to a problem or a puzzle.A2Somaticadjective · Relating to the body rather than the mind (from physical, already in the dictionary).C1Somedeterminer · An amount of something, when you do not say exactly how much.A1Somebodypronoun · A person, when you do not say who.A1Somehowadverb · In some way, although you do not know how; also for some reason.B2Someonepronoun · Some person; a person who is not named.A2Somethingpronoun · A thing that is not named or not known.A1Sometimesadverb · On some occasions, but not always.A2Somewhatadverb · To some degree; rather (slightly formal).B2Somewhereadverb · In or to a place that is not named.A2Somnolentadjective · Sleepy, or causing sleep (from tired, already in the dictionary).C1Sonnoun · A male child.A1Songnoun · A piece of music with words that you sing.A2Soonadverb · After a short time.A1Sophisticatedadjective · Complex and advanced; also socially cultured or worldly.C1Sophistrynoun · Clever but false or misleading reasoning (formal / disapproving).C2Soporificadjective · Causing sleep or drowsiness; of prose, dull enough to send you to sleep.C2Sordidadjective · Dirty, immoral, or shamefully mean (from dirty, already in the dictionary).C1Sorryadjective · Used when you feel bad about something you did, or when you cannot help.A1Sortnoun · A type or kind of something.A2Sortedadjective · Organised and ready; no longer a problem (UK informal).B1Soughtverb · Past tense of seek: looked for or tried to obtain; sought-after means in demand.B2Soulnoun · The spiritual part of a person; also a person’s deep feelings, or a kind of music.B2Soundnoun · Something you hear.A1Soupnoun · A liquid food, often made from vegetables.A1Sourcenoun · The place, person, or thing that something comes from.B1Southnoun · The direction towards the bottom of most maps.A1Southernadjective · In or from the south of a country or area.B2Sovereignadjective · Having independent political power; also (noun) a king or queen, or an old gold coin.B2Sovereigntynoun · The power of a state to govern itself without outside control.C1Spacenoun · An empty area, or the area beyond the Earth where the stars are.A2Spaghettinoun · Long thin pasta.A1Spanverb · To last for a period, or to stretch across a space; also (noun) that period or distance.B2Spareadjective · Extra, not being used; also (verb) to afford to give, or to not harm someone.B2Sparknoun · A tiny bit of fire; also a trace of a quality, or (verb) to cause something to start.B2Sparrownoun · A small brown bird, often seen in gardens and towns.A1Sparseadjective · Thinly scattered; present only in small amounts (from thin, already in the dictionary).C1Spatialadjective · Relating to space and to the position of things in it.C1Spatulanoun · A kitchen tool with a wide flat end, used for turning or spreading food.A1Speakverb · To say words; to talk.A1Speakernoun · A person who talks to an audience; also a device that produces sound.B1Specialadjective · Different from what is usual, often in a good way.A2Specialiseverb · To focus on one subject, skill, or type of work (British spelling).C1Specialistnoun · A person with deep training in one area of work or study.B1Speciesnoun · A group of animals or plants that can breed together; one kind of living thing.B2Specificadjective · Clear and exact; not general.B1Specificallyadverb · In a detailed, exact way; for a particular purpose.B2Specifyverb · To state something clearly and exactly.B2Specimennoun · An example or sample taken to represent a larger set, often for testing.C1Speciousadjective · Seeming true or reasonable, but actually wrong or false (formal).C2Spectaclenoun · An unusual or impressive public sight; sometimes a foolish display.C1Spectacularadjective · Very impressive to look at; dramatic.B2Spectatornoun · A person who watches a sport, show, or event, and does not take part.B2Spectrumnoun · A range of related qualities, opinions, or colours.C1Speculateverb · To form an opinion without firm evidence; also to trade in the hope of profit.C1Speechnoun · The ability to speak (often uncountable); also a formal talk.B1Speednoun · How fast something moves.A2Speed Bumpnoun · A raised ridge in the road that forces cars to slow down.B1Speed Cameranoun · A roadside camera that photographs vehicles going too fast (UK).B1Spellverb · To say or write the letters of a word in the right order.A1Spendverb · To use money to buy things, or to use time doing something.A2Spherenoun · An area of activity, interest, or influence; also a ball-shaped object.C1Spice Racknoun · A small shelf or stand that holds jars of spices.B1Spidernoun · A small animal with eight legs that often makes a web.A2Spillverb · To accidentally pour liquid out of a container; also to let a secret out (spill).B2Spinachnoun · A dark green leafy vegetable, eaten cooked or in salad.A1Spinenoun · The backbone; also the edge of a book, or courage (informal).B2Spiralverb · To rise or fall continuously, usually with increasing speed.C1Spiritnoun · Mood and attitude (team spirit); also strong alcohol, or a ghost in stories.B1Spiritualadjective · Connected with the human spirit or with religion, not with material things.B2Spitenoun · A wish to hurt or annoy; in spite of means although something is true.B2Splitverb · To divide into parts; also (noun) a division in a group.B2Spoilverb · To damage or ruin; also to go bad (food), or to harm a child by giving too much.B2Spokesmannoun · A man who speaks officially for a group (spokesperson is the gender-neutral twin).B2Spongenoun · A soft thing that holds water, used for washing the body or dishes.A1Sponge Puddingnoun · A hot, light sponge cake served as a pudding, often with custard (UK).B1Sponsornoun · A person or firm that pays to support an event, team, or student.B1Sponsorshipnoun · Money given to support a person, event, or organisation, usually for publicity.B2Spontaneousadjective · Not planned; happening naturally or on impulse.B2Spoonnoun · A tool with a round hollow part, used for eating soup or mixing food.A1Sportnoun · A game or activity such as football that needs physical effort.A2Sports Centrenoun · A building with facilities for sport, such as a pool, gym, and courts (UK).B1Spotlightnoun · A strong lamp that lights one area; also public attention (in the spotlight).B2Spousenoun · A husband or wife (formal, often on forms).B2Spreadverb · To move out over a wider area, or to put a layer on a surface.B1Springnoun · The season after winter, when plants start to grow.A1Spuriousadjective · False, although it may look genuine.C2Spynoun · A person who secretly gathers information; also (verb) to watch secretly, or to notice.B2Squadnoun · A small group of people working or training together, especially police or sport.B2Squarenoun · A shape with four equal sides, or an open area in a town.A2Squirrelnoun · A small wild animal with a big bushy tail that lives in trees and eats nuts.A1Stabilitynoun · The state of being steady and unlikely to change suddenly.C1Stacknoun · A neat pile; also (verb) to pile things, or (of evidence) to add up (stack up).B2Stadiumnoun · A large place with seats around a field, for sport or concerts.A1Staffnoun · The people who work for an organisation.A2Stagenoun · The raised area in a theatre where actors perform.A2Stagnantadjective · Not flowing or developing; standing still (from still, already in the dictionary).C1Staidadjective · Respectable, serious, and rather dull or old-fashioned (from serious, already in the dictionary).C1Stainnoun · A dirty mark; also a mark on someone’s reputation; (verb) to leave that mark.B2Stairsnoun · A set of steps that you walk up or down in a building.A2Stakenoun · An interest risked on an outcome; also what you stand to lose (at stake).C1Stallverb · To stop making progress, or to delay something on purpose.C1Stalwartadjective · Loyal, reliable, and hard-working (also noun; from loyal, already in the dictionary).C1Stampnoun · A small piece of paper you stick on a letter so you can send it.A1Stancenoun · A publicly stated opinion or position on an issue.C1Standverb · To be on your feet, not sitting.A1Standardnoun · A level of quality that is considered acceptable or excellent.B1Standingnoun · Reputation or status; also of long standing means existing for a long time.B2Standpointnoun · A way of thinking about a subject (from a … standpoint).B1Staplenoun · A basic and regular part of something; also a small metal paper fastener.C1Starnoun · A bright point of light in the night sky, or a famous person.A2Startverb · To begin.A1Startleverb · To surprise someone suddenly, often so that they jump.B2Starveverb · To suffer or die from lack of food; also to keep someone from something they need (starve of).B2Statementnoun · Something you say or write that gives information or an opinion.B1Staticadjective · Not moving or changing; also (noun) crackling electrical noise.B2Stationnoun · A place where trains or buses stop.A1Statisticnoun · A fact or number taken from a study of a large amount of information.B1Statuenoun · A model of a person or animal, usually in stone or metal, in a public place.A2Statusnoun · Someone’s legal or social position.B1Statutenoun · A written law passed by a parliament or similar body.C1Staunchadjective · Very loyal and committed (from loyal, already in the dictionary).C1Stayverb · To remain in a place and not leave.A2Steadilyadverb · Gradually and continuously; in a regular, even way.B2Steaknoun · A thick piece of meat, often beef.A1Stealverb · To take something that is not yours without permission.A2Steepadjective · Rising or falling sharply; also (of a price or increase) unreasonably high.B2Steerverb · To guide the direction of a vehicle, discussion, or organisation.C1Stemverb · To come from (stem from); also to stop something spreading (stem the flow).C1Stentorianadjective · Very loud and powerful, especially of a voice (literary / often humorous).C2Stepnoun · A movement of the foot when you walk, or one of a set of stairs.A2Stepladdernoun · A short folding ladder with flat steps and a top platform.B1Stereotypenoun · A fixed, oversimple idea of a type of person or thing.C1Sternadjective · Serious and strict, often showing disapproval.C1Stickernoun · A small piece of paper or plastic with a sticky back, for putting on things.B1Sticky Tapenoun · Adhesive tape for sticking paper or light objects (often uncountable).B1Stiffadjective · Difficult to bend; also severe (a stiff penalty), or not relaxed.B2Stilladverb · Continuing to happen or be true; not stopping.A2Stimulateverb · To encourage activity, growth, or interest.C1Stimulusnoun · Something that causes a reaction or more activity (plural: stimuli).B2Stirverb · To mix a liquid by moving a spoon; also to cause feeling or trouble (stir up).B2Stoicadjective · Enduring pain or difficulty without complaining (also noun; from endure, already in the dictionary).C1Stolidadjective · Calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or imagination.C2Stomachnoun · The part of the body where food goes after you swallow it; also the front of the body below the chest.A1Stomachachenoun · Pain in the stomach (also written stomach ache).B1Stonenoun · A hard piece of rock, or a hard material used for buildings.A2Stoolnoun · A seat with no back and no arms, often with three or four legs.A1Stopverb · To not continue; to end an action.A1Stopwatchnoun · A watch that you start and stop to measure a short time exactly.B1Storagenoun · The keeping of things for later use; also space used for that.B2Storenoun · A shop, or a place where things are kept.A2Storknoun · A large bird with long legs, a long neck, and a long beak.A1Stormnoun · Very bad weather with strong wind, rain, or snow.A2Storynoun · A description of events, real or imagined.A1Straightadjective · Not bent or curved; going in one direction.A2Straightforwardadjective · Simple and easy to understand; also honest and direct.B2Strainnoun · Pressure that tests strength or capacity; also an injury from overuse.C1Strandnoun · One thread or element in a story, plan, or argument; also a single fibre.C1Strangeadjective · Unusual or surprising; not familiar.A2Strangernoun · A person you do not know.A2Strategicadjective · Done as part of a long-term plan to achieve an aim.C1Strategynoun · A plan for achieving something.B1Strawnoun · Dried stems of wheat or similar, used as bedding or fodder; also a thin tube for drinking.B1Strawberrynoun · A small red fruit with small seeds on the outside.A1Streetnoun · A road in a town or city with buildings along it.A1Strengthnoun · The quality of being strong; physical power or force.A2Strengthenverb · To make or become stronger.B2Stressnoun · Mental pressure caused by problems or too much work.B1Stretchverb · To pull something so it becomes longer, or to make a rule or time cover more than it should.B1Strictadjective · Demanding that rules are followed exactly.B1Stridentadjective · Loud and harsh, or aggressively forceful in opinion.C2Strikingadjective · Very noticeable or unusual, in a way that attracts attention.C1Stringentadjective · Very strict and that must be obeyed.C1Striveverb · To make a great effort to achieve something.C1Strongadjective · Having a lot of power in the body, or not easily broken.A1Structuraladjective · Relating to the way something is built or organised, not only surface detail.C1Structurenoun · The way the parts of something are organised.B1Struggleverb · To try hard to do something that is difficult.B1Studentnoun · A person who is studying.A1Studyverb · To spend time learning about a subject.A2Stultifyverb · To make someone or something seem foolish, or to drain it of energy and usefulness (formal).C2Stygianadjective · Very dark, gloomy, or forbidding (literary; from the river Styx).C2Stylenoun · A way of doing, writing, or designing something.A2Stymieverb · To prevent progress; to block a plan.C2Subjectnoun · An area of knowledge that you study at school, such as maths or history.A2Subjectiveadjective · Based on personal feelings or opinions rather than facts.B1Subjugateverb · To bring a person, people, or feeling under complete control (formal).C2Sublimeadjective · Of the highest, most impressive quality (from magnificent, already in the dictionary).C1Submitverb · To send a document for a decision; also to accept a higher authority.C1Subordinateadjective · Lower in rank or importance; also (noun) a person you manage; (grammar) a subordinate clause.B2Subpoenanoun · A legal order to appear in court or to produce documents (also verb; from order, already in the dictionary).C1Subscribeverb · To pay to receive a paper, service, or magazine; also to agree with an idea (subscribe to).B2Subscribernoun · A person who pays to receive a newspaper, service, or channel regularly.B1Subsequentadjective · Happening after something else.C1Subservientadjective · Too willing to obey others; treated as less important (from obey, already in the dictionary).C1Subsidynoun · Money given by a government or organisation to keep a price or service going.C1Substantialadjective · Large in amount, value, or importance.C1Substantiateverb · To provide facts that prove that a claim is true.C1Substantiveadjective · Having real importance or a solid factual basis (from solid, already in the dictionary).C1Substituteverb · To use one thing instead of another.B2Subterfugenoun · A trick or dishonest method used to achieve something (formal).C2Subtleadjective · Not obvious; fine and easy to miss.C1Succeedverb · To do what you were trying to do; to have a good result.B1Successnoun · The fact of doing well or getting what you wanted.A2Successionnoun · A number of people or things following one after another; also the process of taking over a title or job.B2Successiveadjective · Following one after another without interruption.C1Successornoun · A person or thing that follows another in a job, role, or series.C1Succinctadjective · Expressed clearly in few words.C2Succournoun · Help and support given to someone in difficulty (formal / literary; also a verb).C2Suchdeterminer · Used before a noun to mean of that kind, or to make the noun stronger.A2Suddenlyadverb · Quickly and without warning.A2Sufferverb · To feel pain or have a bad experience.B1Sufficientadjective · As much as is needed; enough.B2Sugarnoun · A sweet substance used in food and drinks.A1Suggestverb · To mention an idea or plan for someone to consider.A2Suggestionnoun · An idea you offer for someone to consider.B1Suitableadjective · Right for a particular purpose or person.B1Suitcasenoun · A case with a handle for carrying clothes when you travel.A1Sullenadjective · Silently bad-tempered and resentful (from silent, already in the dictionary).C1Sultananoun · A small dried pale grape, used in cakes, porridge, and trail mix (UK).B1Summariseverb · To give a short statement of the main points (British spelling).C1Summarynoun · A short version of the main points of something.B1Summernoun · The warmest season of the year.A1Summitnoun · A meeting between leaders of governments or organisations; also the highest point.C1Sunnoun · The star that gives light and heat to the Earth.A1Sun Creamnoun · Cream that protects skin from the sun (UK, often uncountable; also sunscreen).B1Sun Loungernoun · A long outdoor chair for lying in the sun (UK).B1Sunbatheverb · To sit or lie in the sun in order to brown your skin.B1Sunburnnoun · Red, painful skin caused by too much sun (often uncountable).B1Suncreamnoun · Cream that protects the skin from the sun (UK; often uncountable; also sunscreen).B1Sundaynoun · The day after Saturday; often a day of rest.A1Sundryadjective · Of various kinds; several (from various, already in the dictionary).C1Sunflowernoun · A very tall plant with a large yellow flower that turns towards the sun.A1Sunglassesnoun · Dark glasses that protect the eyes from the sun (plural).B1Sunhatnoun · A hat worn to protect the head and face from the sun.B1Sunnyadjective · With a lot of bright sun.A1Superciliousadjective · Behaving as if you are better than other people; disdainful.C2Superfluousadjective · More than is needed; extra in a useless way.C2Superioradjective · Better in quality; also higher in rank; (noun) a person of higher rank.B2Supermarketnoun · A large shop that sells food and other things for the home.A1Superviseverb · To watch and direct work or behaviour to make sure it is done properly.B2Supervisornoun · A person in charge of other workers or of a student’s work.B1Supplantverb · To take the place of someone or something, often by strategy (from replace, already in the dictionary).C1Supplementverb · To add something extra in order to improve or complete.C1Supplicateverb · To ask for something humbly and earnestly (from beg, already in the dictionary).C1Supplynoun · A stock of something, or the act of providing it; a supply teacher covers a class.B1Supportverb · To help someone by giving money, care, or agreement.B1Supposeverb · To think that something is probably true.B1Suppressverb · To stop something from being seen, published, or expressed.C1Supremeadjective · Highest in rank or importance; the Supreme Court is a country’s top court.B2Sureadjective · Certain that something is true.A1Surfacenoun · The outside or top of something.B1Surfeitnoun · An excessive amount of something, especially more than is needed or healthy.C2Surgeonnoun · A doctor who performs operations.B2Surgerynoun · A UK doctor’s local practice (the GP surgery); also a medical operation.B1Surlyadjective · Bad-tempered, unfriendly, and rude (from rude, already in the dictionary).C1Surmiseverb · To guess from incomplete evidence (also noun; from guess, already in the dictionary).C1Surnamenoun · Your family name (British).A1Surplusnoun · An amount left over when need or requirement has been met.C1Surprisenoun · A feeling when something unexpected happens, or the unexpected event itself.A2Surrenderverb · To stop fighting and admit defeat; also to give something up to authority.B2Surreptitiousadjective · Done secretly, because it is not allowed or would cause trouble (formal).C2Surveynoun · A set of questions to find out what people think or do.B1Survivalnoun · The state of continuing to live or exist, often despite danger.B2Surviveverb · To continue to live or exist after a difficult situation.B1Suspendverb · To officially stop something for a time; also to hang something.C1Suspensionnoun · An official pause; also the system that absorbs shock in a vehicle.C1Sustainverb · To keep something going over time.C1Sustainableadjective · Able to continue without damaging the environment or running out; also able to be kept going.B2Swannoun · A large white water bird with a long neck.A1Sweaternoun · A warm knitted piece of clothing for the top of the body.A1Sweatshirtnoun · A thick cotton top with long sleeves, often worn for sport.B1Swedenoun · A large round root vegetable with yellow flesh (UK; US rutabaga).B1Sweetadjective · Tasting like sugar; or kind in a pleasant way.A2Sweetsnoun · Small sugary foods, often eaten as a snack (British). American English often says candy.A1Swimverb · To move through water using your arms and legs.A1Swimmingnoun · The sport or activity of moving through water using the arms and legs (often uncountable).B1Swimming Costumenoun · A garment worn for swimming (UK; also a costume; US swimsuit).B1Swimming Gogglesnoun · Close-fitting glasses that keep water out of the eyes when you swim (usually plural).B1Swimming Poolnoun · A large structure filled with water for swimming.B1Swimsuitnoun · Clothes you wear for swimming.A1Swingnoun · A seat on ropes or chains in a playground, that you sit on and move backwards and forwards.A1Sybaritenoun · A person devoted to luxury and pleasure (often disapproving).C2Sycophantnoun · A person who praises powerful people in order to gain advantage.C2Symptomnoun · A change in your body that shows you may have an illness.B1Synthesisnoun · The combination of different ideas or things into a new whole.C1Systemnoun · A set of things that work together, or an organised method.B1