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English Dictionary — Definitions & Meanings

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Ra
noun
The ancient Egyptian sun god.
Rab
name
An informal Scottish nickname for the name Robert.
Rabb
name
A title meaning "lord" or "master," used in reference to God in Arabic and Islamic contexts.
rabbi
noun
A Jewish scholar trained and qualified to teach and interpret Jewish law.
rabbit
noun
A small, long-eared mammal known for its fast breeding and hopping movement.
rabble
noun
A disorderly, unruly crowd of people.
rabid
adjective
Infected with rabies.
rabies
noun
A deadly viral disease spread through the bite of an infected animal, causing brain inflammation and severe behavioural changes.
Rabin
name
A surname, most famously borne by Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
raccoon
noun
A nocturnal mammal native to the Americas, easily recognised by its grey-and-black fur, masked face, and ringed tail.
race
noun
A contest to see who is fastest at reaching a goal.
raced
verb
Past tense of race — competed in a speed contest, or moved quickly.
racehorse
noun
A horse specially bred and trained to compete in races.
racer
noun
Someone or something that takes part in a race.
racetrack
noun
A course laid out specifically for holding races.
rach
noun
An old term for a hunting dog that tracks game by scent rather than by sight.
Rachael
name
A spelling variant of the name Rachel, first recorded in the 1600s.
Rachel
name
A common female given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "ewe."
Rachid
name
A male given name and surname, a French rendering of the Arabic name Rashid.
Rachmaninoff
name
An English spelling of the Russian surname belonging to composer Sergei Rachmaninoff.
racial
adjective
Relating to race or a particular racial group.
racially
adverb
In a way that relates to or involves race.
Racine
name
A surname of French origin, meaning "root."
racing
noun
The sport or activity of competing in races.
racism
noun
The belief that people can be divided into distinct races, with some inherently superior to others.
racist
noun
A person who believes in or practises racism.
rack
noun
A framework or set of shelves, bars, or hooks used for holding, storing, or displaying things.
racked
adjective
Suffering from severe strain, pain, or distress.
racket
noun
A handled frame strung with cord, used to hit a ball or shuttlecock in sports like tennis or badminton.
racketeering
noun
The crime of operating an illegal, organized scheme for profit, especially through extortion, fraud, or other repeated illegal activity.
rackets
noun
An indoor court sport, ancestor of squash, played by hitting a ball against the walls with a racket.
Rackham
name
An English habitational surname, also a hamlet in West Sussex, England.
racking
noun
A method of laying shingles vertically up a roof, rather than side to side, during roofing work.
Racks
name
A hamlet near Dumfries, Scotland.
racquet
verb
To hit something with a racquet, or more generally, to move about energetically as if darting after a ball.
racquetball
noun
An indoor sport similar to squash, played with a short-handled racquet and a larger, bouncier ball.
racy
adjective
Slightly shocking or sexually suggestive.
rada
noun
A national or regional parliamentary council in certain Slavic countries.
radar
noun
A system that detects and tracks objects by sending out radio waves and analyzing the signals that bounce back.
Radcliffe
name
An English surname, also a town in Greater Manchester, England.
Radford
name
An English habitational surname, from a place name meaning "red ford"; also several places in England and the United States.
Radha
name
In Hindu tradition, the goddess of love and devotion, consort of Krishna; also a female given name.
radial
adjective
Arranged like spokes, radiating outward from a central point.
radiance
noun
The quality of shining brightly, or figuratively, of glowing with happiness or beauty.
radiant
adjective
Giving off light or heat; shining brightly.
radiate
verb
To send out light, heat, or other energy in rays from a central point.
radiated
adjective
Spreading outward from a center; having a radial arrangement.
radiator
noun
A device that cools a vehicle's engine by transferring heat from coolant to the surrounding air.
radical
adjective
Favoring extreme, fundamental change, especially in politics or society.
radically
adverb
In a fundamental or extreme way; thoroughly.
radio
noun
The technology of sending sound over distances using electromagnetic waves, or the broadcasting medium built on it.
radioactive
adjective
Giving off radiation from the decay of unstable atomic nuclei.
radioactivity
noun
The spontaneous release of radiation from unstable atomic nuclei as they break down.
radiologist
noun
A doctor who specializes in interpreting medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
radiology
noun
The branch of medicine that uses imaging technology, such as X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI, to diagnose and treat disease.
radish
noun
A crisp, peppery root vegetable, usually red or white, eaten raw in salads.
radium
noun
A rare, highly radioactive metallic chemical element (symbol Ra).
radius
noun
A straight line from the center of a circle or sphere to its edge, or the length of that line.
Radley
name
An English surname; also a village in Oxfordshire, England.
radon
noun
A colorless, odorless, radioactive noble gas (symbol Rn) that can build up in basements and poses a health risk.
Raf
name
A male given name, a diminutive of Rafael.
Rafa
name
A unisex given name, a diminutive of Rafael or Raphaela.
Rafael
name
A male given name, a variant of Raphael.
Rafe
name
A male given name of Germanic origin, a medieval spelling variant of Ralph, also used as a diminutive of Raphael.
raff
noun
Worthless or disorderly people considered as a group; the rabble.
Raffaele
name
An Italian surname.
Rafferty
name
An Irish surname.
Raffi
name
A male given name of Armenian origin.
raffle
noun
A fundraising draw in which people buy tickets for a chance to win a prize.
Rafi
name
A surname of Arabic origin.
Rafiq
name
A surname of Arabic origin.
raft
noun
A flat floating platform, often made of logs or planks lashed together, used to carry people or cargo on water.
rafting
noun
The sport or activity of steering a raft down a river, especially through rapids.
rag
noun
A worn or torn piece of old cloth, especially one used for cleaning.
raga
noun
A melodic framework used in Indian classical music, or a piece composed within it.
rage
noun
Intense, uncontrolled anger.
rager
noun
A wild, high-energy party (informal, US slang).
ragged
adj
Torn or worn to shreds; tattered.
raggedy
adj
Torn, tattered, or shabby-looking (informal).
ragging
noun
Teasing or mocking someone in a lighthearted way.
Raghav
name
A male given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "descendant of Raghu" and used as an epithet of the god Rama.
Raghavan
name
A South Indian surname.
Raghu
name
A male given name of Sanskrit origin, referring to a legendary king in Indian tradition.
raging
adj
Extremely intense or violent; out of control.
raglan
adj
Describing a sleeve that runs in one piece up to the collar, with no shoulder seam.
Ragnarok
name
In Norse mythology, the prophesied final battle in which the gods and their enemies destroy one another and the world is consumed and reborn.
Rags
name
A nickname for the New York Rangers hockey team.
ragtag
adj
Made up of a disorganised, mismatched mix of people or things.
ragtime
noun
A style of music with strongly syncopated melodies over a steady, regular accompaniment, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
rah
intj
A shout of encouragement or support, especially at a sports event.
Rahim
name
A male given name and surname of Arabic origin, meaning "compassionate."
Rahman
name
A surname of Arabic origin, meaning "merciful."
rahui
noun
In Māori and wider Polynesian culture, a temporary ban restricting access to or use of a place or resource.
Rahul
name
A male given name of Sanskrit origin, widely used in India.
rai
noun
Large carved stone discs traditionally used as currency on the island of Yap in Micronesia.
raid
noun
A sudden attack or surprise incursion, often by armed forces or police.
raider
noun
A person or group that carries out a raid.
raiding
noun
The act of carrying out a raid.
rail
noun
A horizontal bar used as a support or barrier, or one of the metal bars that trains run on.
railing
noun
A fence or barrier made of horizontal bars and upright supports.
railings
noun
A barrier made of horizontal bars and posts, especially around a park, house, or balcony (usually plural in British English).
railroad
noun
A track and system of transport using trains (American English).
railway
noun
A transport system that runs trains on fixed tracks (British English).
rain
noun
Water falling from clouds in drops.
Raina
name
A female given name, and also a surname especially common in Kashmir.
rainbow
noun
An arc of spectrum colours that appears in the sky when sunlight passes through raindrops.
raincoat
noun
A waterproof or water-resistant coat worn to stay dry in wet weather.
raindrop
noun
A single drop of water falling as rain.
Raine
name
A surname derived from a given name such as Raymond.
Rainer
noun
Something that rains down or releases a shower of something.
Raines
noun
A fine linen fabric once imported into England from France.
Rainey
name
A surname of Irish origin, also used as a female given name.
rainfall
noun
The amount of rain that falls in a given place over a given period.
rainforest
noun
A dense, tall forest that grows in a consistently warm, wet climate with no real dry season.
Rainier
noun
A sweet hybrid cherry with thin, pale-yellow skin blushed with red and creamy yellow flesh.
raining
verb
Falling as rain, or (figuratively) coming down heavily and continuously, like rain.
rainmaker
noun
A person or ritual believed to cause rain to fall, especially through traditional or ceremonial means.
rains
noun
A rainy season, especially in regions with a distinct wet period each year.
rainstorm
noun
A storm consisting mainly of heavy, often sudden rainfall.
rainwater
noun
Water that has fallen as rain, especially before it drains into rivers, lakes, or the sea.
rainy
adj
Marked by a lot of rain; wet with frequent showers.
Raisa
name
A female given name common in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.
raise
verb
To move or lift something to a higher position.
raised
adj
Higher than the surrounding surface; embossed or built up.
raisin
noun
A grape that has been dried, typically eaten as a snack or used in baking.
raising
noun
The act of bringing up and caring for a child.
raj
noun
Rule or government, especially the historical period of British rule over India.
rajah
noun
A Hindu prince, king, or ruler in India or Southeast Asia.
Rajan
name
A surname of Indian origin.
Rajasthan
name
A state in northwestern India, whose capital is Jaipur.
Rajesh
name
A male given name of Sanskrit origin, common in India.
Rajiv
name
A male given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "lotus flower".
Rajput
noun
A member of a traditionally warrior and land-owning caste in northern India, historically associated with ruling families.
Raju
name
A male given name and surname of Telugu origin, meaning "king".
rake
noun
A garden tool with a row of teeth on a long handle, used to gather leaves or debris or to smooth soil.
raked
adj
Cleared or smoothed with a rake, or set at a backward slant.
rakhi
noun
A decorative thread or bracelet tied by a sister onto her brother's wrist as part of the Raksha Bandhan festival, symbolising protection and affection.
raki
noun
A strong, anise-flavoured spirit popular in Turkey and neighbouring countries.
raking
noun
The act of using a rake to gather or smooth something.
Raleigh
name
The capital city of North Carolina, and an English surname, both named after the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh.
Rallo
name
An Italian surname.
rally
noun
A large public gathering held to show support for a cause, person, or team.
rallying
noun
The act of coming together or regrouping in support of something.
ralph
verb
Slang for to vomit.
ralphie
noun
British slang for a scruffy or unruly schoolchild.
Ralston
name
An English habitational surname; also several towns and villages in Scotland, the United States, and Canada.
ram
noun
An adult male sheep.
ramada
noun
A simple shelter or open-sided porch, typically covered with a roof of branches or thatch.
Ramadan
name
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset; also a male given name.
Raman
name
A surname, also a male given name transliterated from Belarusian.
Rambabu
name
A male given name from Andhra Pradesh, India, meaning "son of Lord Ram".
ramble
verb
To walk for pleasure without a fixed destination, especially through the countryside.
rambler
noun
Someone who goes on leisurely walks or hikes, especially in the countryside.
rambling
adj
Wandering from one subject to another without a clear direction, especially in speech or writing.
Rambo
noun
A person who acts recklessly and violently, ignoring orders or caution to charge straight at a problem.
ramen
noun
A Japanese noodle soup dish made with wheat noodles in a savoury broth, typically topped with meat, egg, or vegetables.
Ramesh
name
A male given name of Sanskrit origin, used in India and Nepal.
Ramesses
name
The name of several pharaohs of ancient Egypt's 19th and 20th dynasties.
Rami
name
A surname of Arabic origin, found predominantly in Morocco and India.
Ramirez
name
A Spanish surname, originally a patronymic.
rammed
adj
Packed completely full, especially with people.
rammer
noun
A tool or device used to drive, pack, or force something down by repeated blows or pressure.
ramming
noun
The act of forcefully colliding with or driving into something.
Ramon
name
A municipality in Isabela, Philippines; also a male given name, a variant of Raymond.
Ramona
name
A female given name of Spanish origin.
Ramone
name
A surname and male given name, also shared by members of the punk rock band the Ramones.
Ramos
name
A surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin, from a word meaning "branch".
ramp
noun
A sloped surface connecting two different levels, allowing movement between them without steps.
rampage
noun
A period of violent, uncontrolled behaviour.
rampaging
noun
Wild, violent, uncontrolled behavior or movement, especially by a person, animal, or crowd charging around causing damage.
rampant
adj
Spreading or occurring widely and without restraint, often in a negative or alarming way.
rampart
noun
A defensive wall or raised bank of earth surrounding a fort or town, often topped with a walkway.
ramrod
noun
A rod once used to push ammunition and powder down the barrel of an old-fashioned firearm.
rams
noun
Plural of ram: adult male sheep, or the battering devices/mechanisms named after them.
Ramsay
name
A surname of Old English origin, a variant spelling of Ramsey; also used as a male given name.
Ramsey
name
A surname of Old English origin, also many places in Britain, North America, and elsewhere; also used as a male given name.
Ramu
name
A river and language family of Papua New Guinea.
ran
verb
Past tense of "run": moved on foot at a pace faster than walking.
Rana
name
A surname of Hindi, Italian, Spanish, or Galician origin; also a municipality in Norway.
rance
noun
A reddish Belgian marble often streaked with white or blue veining, used in decorative stonework.
ranch
noun
A large farm, especially in the western United States, used for raising cattle, sheep, or horses.
rancher
noun
A person who owns or runs a ranch.
ranching
noun
The business or practice of running a ranch and raising livestock.
rancho
noun
A simple hut or shelter, often thatched, used for temporary lodging by farm or ranch workers.
rancid
adj
Having a stale, unpleasant smell or taste, typically from fat or oil that has gone off.
rancor
noun
A deep, lasting bitterness or resentment toward someone, often from a perceived wrong.
rand
noun
South Africa's currency unit, made up of 100 cents.
Randal
name
A male given name of Germanic origin, a variant of Randall; also a surname.
Randall
name
A male given name of Germanic origin; also a surname and several places in the United States.
Randolph
name
A male given name, and a surname, from the Germanic languages.
random
adj
Happening or chosen without any particular pattern, plan, or reason.
randomly
adv
In a way that has no set pattern or order; by chance.
randy
adj
Feeling strong sexual desire; sexually aroused.
Rane
name
A surname of Marathi origin.
rang
verb
Past tense of ring — made a clear, resonant sound, or telephoned someone.
ranga
noun
Australian slang for a person with red or orange hair.
range
noun
The full span between the lowest and highest of something, such as values, prices, or distances.
ranged
adj
Describes something whose range or reach can be adjusted, or that has been arranged in a line.
ranger
noun
Someone whose job is to patrol and protect an area, especially a park or wilderness.
Rangers
name
Used as shorthand for various sports teams named Rangers, such as the Texas Rangers or Rangers F.C.
ranging
noun
Moving or varying back and forth across an area or span.
Rangoon
name
The former name of Yangon, once the capital of Myanmar (Burma).
rani
noun
A queen or princess in the Indian subcontinent, or the wife of a rajah.
rank
noun
A person's position or level in a hierarchy, such as in the military or an organisation.
ranked
adj
Given a position in an ordered list, especially by quality or performance.
Rankin
name
A Scottish and Northern Irish surname, originally a diminutive of Ronald.
ranking
noun
A position in a list ordered by quality, success, or some other measure.
ransack
verb
To search a place thoroughly and roughly, often leaving it in disorder.
ransacking
noun
The act of searching a place thoroughly and violently, usually to steal or plunder.
ransom
noun
Money demanded or paid to free a hostage or captured person.
Ransome
name
An English surname.
rant
verb
To speak or complain loudly and at length, often in anger.
ranting
noun
Loud, angry, or excessive talk; the act of delivering a rant.
Ranveer
name
A male given name of Sanskrit origin, used in India.
Rao
name
A surname of Indian, Italian, or Chinese origin.
Raoul
name
A French male given name, a form of Ralph/Raoul used in French-speaking countries.
rap
noun
A rhythmic style of music where lyrics are spoken quickly, usually over a beat.
rape
noun
The crime of forcing sexual intercourse or another sexual act on someone without their consent.
raped
verb
Past tense of rape: forced sexual intercourse or another sexual act on someone without consent.
Raph
name
A short, informal form of the name Raphael.
Raphael
name
A male given name, also the name of an archangel in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic tradition.
rapid
adj
Happening or moving very quickly.
rapidly
adv
Quickly; at a fast pace.
rapist
noun
A person who has committed rape.
rapper
noun
A performer of rap music.
rapping
noun
The act of performing rhythmic spoken lyrics as part of rap or hip-hop music.
rapport
noun
A relationship built on mutual trust and understanding, where people connect easily and communicate well.
raptor
noun
A bird that hunts other animals, such as an eagle or hawk.
rapture
noun
A feeling of intense joy or delight, often so strong it feels overwhelming.
Rapunzel
name
The heroine of a German fairy tale who is locked in a tower and lets down her extremely long hair so a prince can climb up to rescue her.
Raquel
name
A feminine given name of Hebrew origin, a Spanish form of Rachel.
rare
adj
Not common; found or happening only occasionally.
rarely
adv
Not often; seldom.
raring
adj
Extremely eager and ready to do something, almost impatient to start.
rarity
noun
The quality of being uncommon or scarce.
ras
noun
A title given to an Ethiopian prince, governor, or high-ranking noble.
rasa
noun
In Indian aesthetics, the dominant emotional flavor or mood that a work of art, dance, or drama is designed to evoke in its audience.
rascal
noun
A dishonest or badly behaved person, especially in a way that can seem mischievous rather than truly dangerous.
rash
adj
Acting too quickly without thinking through the consequences.
Rashad
name
A masculine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "wisdom" or "right guidance"; also used as a surname.
Rasheed
name
A masculine given name of Arabic origin, a variant of Rashid meaning "rightly guided."
Rashid
name
A male given name of Arabic origin, meaning roughly "rightly guided" or "wise."
rashly
adv
In a hasty way, without properly thinking things through.
Rashmi
name
A feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, used in India, meaning "ray of light."
Rasmussen
name
A Danish and Norwegian surname, originating as a patronymic meaning "son of Rasmus."
rasp
noun
A coarse metal file with rough, pointed teeth, used to shape or smooth wood or other materials.
raspberry
noun
A small, soft red or black fruit made up of tiny juicy segments, growing on a thorny bush.
rasping
adj
Harsh and grating, especially describing a voice or sound.
Rasputin
noun
By extension from the historical figure, any manipulative advisor or insider who gains excessive, often sinister influence over a powerful person.
raspy
adj
Having a rough, grating quality, especially describing a voice.
Rasta
noun
Informal short form of "Rastafarian," a follower of the Rastafari movement, a religious and cultural movement that began in Jamaica.
rat
noun
A rodent similar to a mouse but larger, often considered a pest.
ratatouille
noun
A French vegetable stew made mainly from tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and herbs.
ratchet
verb
To increase or escalate something, usually in a series of small steps, especially so it can't easily go back down.
rate
noun
A measure of how fast something happens, or how one quantity compares to another.
rated
adj
Assigned an official classification or score, such as an age suitability rating or a technical performance limit.
rath
noun
An ancient circular earthen fort or enclosure found in Ireland, dating from the Iron Age or early medieval period.
rather
adv
Used to show a preference for one thing over another.
Rathod
name
A surname found in India, common among certain Rajput and other communities.
Rathore
name
A surname of Hindi origin, associated with a Rajput clan of northern India.
rating
noun
A score or ranking showing how good, popular, or capable something is.
ratio
noun
A comparison between two amounts, showing how many times one contains the other.
ration
noun
A fixed, limited amount of something, especially food, given out to each person.
rational
adj
Based on clear reasoning and logic rather than emotion.
rationale
noun
The set of reasons or logical basis behind a decision or action.
rationality
noun
The quality of thinking and acting based on reason and sound judgment.
rationalize
verb
To make something rational, logical, or more efficient — often by removing unnecessary parts.
rationally
adverb
In a way that is based on reason and logic rather than emotion.
rationing
noun
A fixed, controlled share of something limited, especially food or fuel, handed out during shortages.
Raton
name
A city in New Mexico, United States, the county seat of Colfax County.
rats
interjection
A mild exclamation of annoyance or disappointment.
ratted
adjective
British slang for extremely drunk.
ratting
noun
The practice of using a terrier or other dog to kill rats, sometimes as a timed contest.
rattle
verb
To make a rapid series of short, sharp knocking sounds by shaking or being shaken.
rattler
noun
Informal American term for a rattlesnake.
rattlesnake
noun
A venomous American snake that shakes a rattle-like structure on its tail as a warning.
rattling
adjective
Lively and brisk, especially of speech or pace.
ratty
adjective
Shabby, worn out, or in poor condition.
raucous
adjective
Harsh-sounding, loud, and rough, especially of a voice or laughter.
Raul
name
A masculine given name of Spanish origin, an anglicized form of Raúl.
raunchy
adjective
Crude or sexually explicit in a way that can be humorous or shocking.
ravage
verb
To cause severe damage or destruction to something.
ravages
noun
Severe, lasting damage caused by something destructive, such as time, war, or disease.
Ravana
name
In Hindu mythology, the demon king of Lanka who was slain by Rama in the epic Ramayana.
rave
noun
An enthusiastically positive review.
ravel
verb
To tangle or complicate something.
raven
noun
A large, glossy black bird in the crow family, known for its deep call and intelligence.
Ravenna
name
A historic coastal city in northern Italy, capital of the Ravenna province, known for its Byzantine mosaics.
ravenous
adjective
Extremely hungry.
Ravi
name
A masculine given name used in India, from Sanskrit meaning "sun."
ravine
noun
A deep, narrow valley cut into the land, usually by running water.
raving
adjective
Talking wildly or incoherently, often out of madness or extreme emotion.
ravish
verb
To fill someone with intense delight or joy.
ravishing
adjective
Extremely beautiful or attractive.
raw
adjective
Not cooked.
Rawdon
name
An English surname, also a village in West Yorkshire, England.
rawhide
noun
Animal hide that has not been tanned.
Rawley
name
An English surname.
Rawlings
name
An English surname, a patronymic derived from the given name Rawlin, a diminutive of Ralph.
Rawlins
name
An English surname, also the name of a city in Wyoming, United States, named after John Aaron Rawlins.