English Dictionary — Definitions & Meanings

SA

verb

To sexually assault someone (slang/offensive use).

Saab

noun

A car or aircraft made by the Swedish manufacturer Saab.

saad

noun

The letter ص in the Arabic alphabet.

saba

noun

A thick, sweet syrup made from boiled-down grape juice.

Saban

adj

Relating to the Caribbean island of Saba.

Sabbath

noun

A weekly day set aside for rest and religious observance — Saturday in Judaism, Sunday in most Christian traditions, and Friday in Islam.

sabbatical

noun

An extended break from one's regular work, often taken by academics or professionals to travel, study, or rest.

Sabe

name

A legendary creature in Ojibwe and related traditions, similar to Bigfoot, associated with the value of honesty.

Saber

name

A surname.

Sabina

name

A given name, from Latin, used for both men and women historically, though it is now mainly feminine.

Sabine

noun

A member of an ancient people of central Italy, absorbed into early Rome.

sable

noun

A small, weasel-like mammal prized for its soft, dark brown fur.

sabotage

noun

A deliberate act intended to damage, weaken, or derail someone or something, usually by underhand or destructive means.

saboteur

noun

Someone who deliberately damages or disrupts property, plans, or operations to harm an opponent.

sabre

noun

A curved, single-edged sword traditionally used by cavalry.

Sabrina

name

A feminine given name from Celtic legend, tied to a mythical princess said to have given her name to the River Severn.

Saburo

name

A Japanese male given name.

sac

noun

A pouch-like structure in a plant or animal, usually containing fluid.

Sacha

name

A unisex given name from French, equivalent to the English name Sasha.

Sachiko

name

A Japanese female given name.

Sachs

name

A German-origin surname.

sack

noun

A large bag, typically of coarse material, used for carrying or storing bulk goods.

sacked

adj

Dismissed or fired from a job.

sacking

noun

Coarse, rough fabric used to make sacks.

Sacks

name

A surname.

sacrament

noun

A formal religious rite, especially in Christianity, believed to convey divine grace — such as baptism, marriage, or communion.

Sacramento

name

The capital city of California and seat of Sacramento County.

sacred

adj

Regarded as holy and worthy of deep religious reverence.

sacrifice

verb

To offer something, historically an animal, person, or object, to a deity as an act of worship.

sacrificial

adj

Relating to or used in a sacrifice.

sacrilege

noun

A disrespectful or destructive act against something considered sacred.

sacrilegious

adj

Showing gross disrespect toward something regarded as sacred.

sacristy

noun

A room in a church used to store sacred vessels, vestments, and other items, and sometimes for clergy to prepare before services.

sacrosanct

adj

So important, sacred, or protected that it must not be questioned, changed, or interfered with.

sad

adj

Feeling sorrow or unhappiness.

sada

adj

Plain or unseasoned, without added spices or stuffing.

Sadako

name

A Japanese female given name.

Sadat

name

An Arabic surname and male given name, and the name of several places in Iran, India, Pakistan, and Egypt.

Saddam

name

An Arabic male given name, most widely recognized as the first name of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

saddle

noun

A leather seat fitted to the back of a horse or other animal for a rider.

saddled

adj

Fitted with a saddle.

sade

verb

(archaic) To make weary or tired.

sadhu

noun

A Hindu ascetic or holy man who has renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual practice.

Sadie

name

A short, affectionate form of the name Sarah, also popular as a full given name in its own right.

Sadiq

name

An Arabic male given name and surname.

sadism

noun

The tendency to take pleasure in causing pain, suffering, or humiliation to others.

sadist

noun

A person who enjoys causing pain or humiliation to others.

sadistic

adj

Deriving pleasure from causing pain or humiliation to others.

Sadler

name

A surname originally describing someone whose trade was making saddles.

sadly

adv

In a sorrowful manner.

sadness

noun

The state of feeling sad; sorrow.

Sado

name

A city and island in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, and also the name of a river in Portugal.

Saeko

name

A Japanese female given name.

safari

noun

A trip into the wild to observe, photograph, or hunt animals in their natural habitat.

safe

adj

Free from danger, harm, or risk.

safecracker

noun

Someone who breaks into locked safes, typically to steal what is inside.

safeguard

noun

Something put in place to protect against harm or risk.

safeguarding

noun

Policies and practical steps taken to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.

safehouse

noun

A hidden, secure location known only to a trusted few, used to shelter someone in danger.

safekeeping

noun

The act or state of being kept safe from loss, damage, or theft.

safely

adv

Without risk of harm or danger.

safety

noun

The condition of being protected from danger, risk, or harm.

saffron

noun

A prized spice made from the dried stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, used for flavor and its deep golden color.

Saffy

name

A pet form of the female names Saffron or Sapphire.

sag

verb

To sink or bend downward in the middle from weight or pressure.

saga

noun

A long traditional story, originally an Old Norse tale of family history, heroism, or legend.

Sagan

noun

An informal, jokey unit of measurement equal to at least four billion.

Sagar

name

A city and district in Madhya Pradesh, India, and also a surname and given name.

Sagara

name

A Japanese surname.

sage

adj

Wise, especially through experience and good judgment.

sagging

adj

Drooping or hanging down loosely, especially from weight or wear.

saggy

adj

Loose, drooping, or sunken from wear, age, or weight.

Sagittarius

name

A zodiac constellation depicted as a centaur archer.

Sahab

name

A municipality located southwest of Amman, Jordan.

Sahara

name

The vast desert covering most of North Africa, the largest hot desert in the world.

sahib

noun

A historical term of respect used in colonial India for a European man of rank or authority.

sai

noun

A traditional three-pronged handheld weapon used in some East Asian martial arts.

said

adj

Previously mentioned; referred to earlier in a document or conversation.

Saigon

name

The former name of Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam.

sail

noun

A large piece of fabric rigged on a boat to catch the wind and drive it forward.

sailboat

noun

A boat that is propelled by one or more sails.

sailed

adj

Having sails, or having the sails raised and set.

sailing

noun

The activity or sport of traveling across water in a wind-powered boat.

sailor

noun

A person who works on or navigates a ship, especially a member of its crew.

sails

noun

Nautical slang for the crew member responsible for a ship's sails, i.e., the sailmaker.

Sainsbury

name

A surname of English origin, most famously attached to the UK supermarket chain Sainsbury's.

saint

noun

A person formally recognized by a church, especially the Catholic Church, as holy after death, often due to a virtuous life or miracles.

sainted

adj

Regarded as holy or saintlike; officially made a saint.

sainthood

noun

The condition or status of being officially recognized as a saint.

saintly

adj

Resembling or befitting a saint; extremely virtuous or patient.

Saints

name

A nickname for certain sports teams, most famously Southampton Football Club and the New Orleans Saints.

Saipan

name

An island in the Pacific and the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands.

sais

noun

A groom or stable hand employed to look after horses, especially in South Asia.

Saitama

name

A prefecture of Japan and the name of its capital city.

Saito

name

A common Japanese surname.

Sajid

name

An Arabic male given name and surname, especially common in Pakistan.

Sakai

noun

A member of a certain people of Malaya.

Sakamoto

name

A Japanese surname meaning "slope base," referring to a location at the foot of a hill.

sake

noun

The purpose, reason, or benefit behind doing something (used in phrases like "for the sake of").

saki

noun

Any of several small South American monkeys known for their bushy, non-grasping tails and large eyes.

sakina

noun

In Islamic teaching, a deep sense of calm or peace believed to come from God, often associated with reciting the Quran.

Saku

name

A masculine given name of Japanese and Finnish origin, and a city in Nagano, Japan.

sakura

noun

The Japanese cherry tree, or its blossom.

Sakurai

name

A Japanese surname meaning "cherry blossom well."

sal

noun

An old or informal word for salt.

sala

noun

A large hall, reception room, or living room, especially in Spanish-speaking or Southeast Asian settings.

salaam

intj

A greeting meaning "peace," used especially among Muslims and in parts of South Asia and the Middle East.

salacious

adj

Deliberately focused on sex in a way that feels crude, gossipy, or designed to titillate rather than inform.

salad

noun

A dish of raw or cold ingredients, usually vegetables, often served with a dressing.

Saladin

name

A masculine given name, most famously that of the 12th-century Muslim sultan who led forces against the Crusaders.

salah

adj

Wrong or incorrect (used in Malay-influenced English).

Salam

name

A given name and surname of Arabic origin, meaning "peace."

Salamanca

name

A historic city in western Spain, known for one of Europe's oldest universities.

salamander

noun

A slender, moist-skinned amphibian that looks a bit like a lizard, typically living in damp or wet habitats.

salami

noun

A type of seasoned, cured sausage of Italian origin, usually sliced thin and served cold.

salary

noun

A fixed regular payment, usually calculated yearly or monthly rather than by the hour, paid to an employee.

Salas

name

A Spanish surname derived from "sala," meaning hall, referring to a large house.

Salazar

name

A Spanish and Portuguese surname, likely meaning "old hall" or "manor."

sale

noun

The act of exchanging goods or services for money.

Saleem

name

A masculine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "safe" or "unharmed," a variant of Salim.

Salem

name

A place name of Hebrew origin meaning "peace," notably a city in Massachusetts known for the 1692 witch trials.

Salerno

name

A coastal city in southern Italy, and a surname derived from it.

Sales

name

An English surname, an occupational name derived from someone who worked in a hall or manor.

salesgirl

noun

A young woman who works selling goods in a shop.

salesman

noun

A man whose job is to sell products, either in a store or by visiting customers.

salesperson

noun

A person, of any gender, whose job is to sell products or services.

saleswoman

noun

A woman whose job is to sell products or services.

Salford

name

A city in Greater Manchester, England, historically known for its industrial docks.

Salgado

name

A Portuguese surname, notably that of Sebastião Salgado, the acclaimed Brazilian photographer.

salient

adj

Most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant.

Salih

name

A masculine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "righteous" or "virtuous."

Salim

name

A masculine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "safe" or "peaceful."

Salinas

name

A Spanish surname and place name meaning "salt marshes" or "salt works."

saline

adj

Containing salt, or tasting of it.

Salinger

name

A surname of German Jewish origin, notably that of J.D. Salinger, author of "The Catcher in the Rye."

Salisbury

name

A cathedral city in Wiltshire, England, known for its medieval cathedral and proximity to Stonehenge.

saliva

noun

The watery fluid produced in the mouth that keeps it moist, helps you chew and swallow, and starts breaking down food.

salle

noun

A hall or room used for practising fencing.

Sallie

name

A feminine given name, a variant of Sally, itself derived from Sarah.

sally

noun

A sudden dash out from a defended position to attack, or a similar sudden burst of activity.

Salma

name

A feminine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "peaceful" or "safe."

Salman

name

A masculine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "safe" or "secure."

salmon

noun

A large fish with silvery sides and pink flesh that swims from the sea into rivers to spawn.

salmonella

noun

A type of bacteria that causes food poisoning and typhoid-like illness.

Salome

name

A feminine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "peace," known from the biblical figure associated with the death of John the Baptist.

Salomon

name

A surname and given name, a variant of Solomon, of Hebrew origin meaning "peace."

salon

noun

A business offering beauty treatments such as hair styling, manicures, or skincare.

salsa

noun

A spicy sauce, usually tomato-based, often used as a dip or topping in Mexican cooking.

salt

noun

A white crystalline substance used to season and preserve food, made mainly of sodium chloride.

salted

adj

Having had salt added, especially as a seasoning or preservative.

salter

noun

Someone whose trade is making, selling, or applying salt.

Salts

name

An English surname, likely an occupational name for someone who produced or traded salt.

saltwater

adj

Consisting of or living in water that contains salt, such as the sea, as opposed to fresh water.

salty

adj

Tasting of or containing salt.

Salud

name

A feminine given name of Spanish origin, meaning "health" or "salvation."

salutation

noun

A greeting, or the opening words of a letter or message.

salutations

intj

A formal or playful way of saying hello.

salute

noun

A formal gesture of greeting or respect, such as raising a hand to the forehead.

saluting

noun

The act of giving a formal salute.

salvage

noun

The rescue of a ship, its cargo, or other property from damage or loss, or the property recovered this way.

salvation

noun

The act of saving someone or something from danger, loss, or harm; deliverance.

Salvatore

name

A masculine given name of Italian origin, meaning "savior."

salve

noun

A soothing or healing ointment applied to the skin.

salvo

noun

A number of guns fired together or in quick succession, or a burst of applause, criticism, or argument delivered all at once.

Salzburg

name

A city in Austria known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Sam

verb

(dialectal) To gather or bring together; to assemble.

Sama

name

A surname and given name found across several cultures, including as a respectful Japanese honorific.

Samantha

name

A feminine given name, possibly a blend of Samuel and Anthea, meaning "listener" or "told by God."

Samar

name

A given name of Arabic origin, meaning "evening conversation," and also an island province in the Philippines.

samara

noun

A dry, winged fruit that does not split open, found on trees such as the ash, elm, and maple.

Samaritan

noun

A kind person who helps someone in trouble, especially a stranger (from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan).

Samaritans

noun

A charity helpline that offers confidential emotional support to people in distress, including those considering suicide.

samba

noun

A lively Brazilian ballroom dance, or the style of dancing it.

sambar

noun

A large deer native to South and Southeast Asia.

same

adj

Identical; not different from another thing or from itself at an earlier point.

Sameer

name

A masculine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "companion in evening talk," a variant of Samir.

Sameera

name

A feminine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "companion in conversation."

Sami

noun

A member of the indigenous people of the far north of Scandinavia and Russia, traditionally associated with reindeer herding.

Samira

name

A feminine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "companion in evening talk."

Sammi

name

A feminine given name, a diminutive of Samantha or Samuel.

Sammie

noun

Informal word for a sandwich.

Sammy

noun

Informal name for a Samoyed dog.

Samoa

name

An island nation in the South Pacific, made up of the western Samoan islands, with its capital at Apia.

Samoan

noun

A person from Samoa, or someone of Samoan descent.

samovar

noun

A decorative metal urn, traditionally Russian, used to heat water for tea and keep it hot for hours.

sample

noun

A small portion of something given or shown to represent the whole.

sampler

noun

A piece of decorative needlework stitched to show off different patterns or skills, often framed as a keepsake.

sampling

noun

The process of selecting a smaller group from a larger population to study or measure.

Sampson

name

A surname and given name, a variant of Samson, of Hebrew origin meaning "sun" or "man of the sun."

Samson

name

A masculine given name of Hebrew origin, known from the biblical judge famed for his great strength.

Samuel

name

A masculine given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has heard," known from the biblical prophet.

Samuels

name

An English surname meaning "son of Samuel."

samurai

noun

A member of the warrior class in feudal Japan who served and fought for a local lord (daimyo), bound by a strict code of loyalty and honor.

san

noun

Informal short form of sanatorium.

Sana

name

A feminine given name of Arabic origin, meaning "brilliance" or "splendor."

sanatorium

noun

A medical institution for treating long-term illnesses, historically tuberculosis, where patients rest and recover under supervision.

Sanchez

name

A Spanish surname meaning "son of Sancho."

Sancho

name

A masculine given name of Spanish origin, possibly derived from the Latin "sanctus," meaning holy.

sanctified

adj

Made holy or set apart for a sacred purpose.

sanctify

verb

To make something holy or set it apart for religious use.

sanctimonious

adj

Acting as though one is morally superior to others, especially in a smug or hypocritical way.

sanction

noun

Official approval or permission for an action.

sanctity

noun

The quality of being holy or sacred.

sanctuary

noun

A place of safety or refuge from danger or persecution.

sanctum

noun

A private or sacred place that others rarely enter.

sand

noun

Loose grains of rock, finer than gravel but coarser than silt, found on beaches and in deserts.

sandal

noun

An open shoe held onto the foot with straps, leaving the toes or much of the foot exposed.

sandalwood

noun

A tropical tree valued for its fragrant, fine-grained heartwood.

sandbag

noun

A sturdy bag filled with sand, used to build barriers against flooding or as protection from bullets and debris.

sandbox

noun

A shallow box filled with sand for children to play in.

sander

noun

A power tool used to smooth surfaces, especially wood, with an abrasive.

sanders

noun

Another name for red sandalwood.

Sanderson

name

An English surname meaning "son of Sander," a form of Alexander.

Sandhu

name

A surname common among Punjabi Jat and Sikh families in India and Pakistan.

Sandhya

noun

The daily morning or evening prayer ritual in Hindu practice, often performed at twilight.

Sandi

name

A feminine given name, a diminutive of Sandra or Alexandra.

sanding

noun

The act of smoothing a surface with sandpaper or a similar abrasive.

Sandler

name

A surname of German and Jewish origin, an occupational name for a sandal maker.

sandman

noun

A folklore character who sprinkles magic sand in children's eyes to bring sleep and dreams.

Sandor

name

A masculine given name, the Hungarian form of Alexander.

sandpaper

noun

Paper coated with an abrasive grit, used for smoothing or polishing surfaces.

Sandra

name

A feminine given name, a short form of Alexandra, meaning "defender of the people."

Sands

name

An English surname, likely originating from a place name referring to sandy ground.

sandstone

noun

A sedimentary rock formed from compressed and cemented grains of sand.

sandstorm

noun

A powerful wind that whips up thick clouds of sand and dust.

Sandstrom

name

A Swedish surname meaning "sand stream," combining words for sand and stream.

Sandusky

name

A place name and surname, notably a city in Ohio, derived from a Native American Wyandot word.

sandwich

noun

Food made by putting a filling between two slices of bread.

sandy

adj

Covered in, containing, or made up of sand.

sane

adj

Having a healthy, rational mind; not mentally disturbed.

Sanford

name

An English surname and given name meaning "sandy ford."

sang

noun

Ginseng, especially as harvested from the wild in the Appalachian region.

sangria

noun

A chilled Spanish drink made from wine mixed with fruit, juice, and sometimes soda or brandy.

Sanitarium

name

A brand name for a breakfast cereal company, and historically a term for a health resort or hospital for the chronically ill.

sanitary

adj

Relating to health and the prevention of disease, especially through cleanliness.

sanitation

noun

Systems and practices for safely disposing of waste and keeping an area clean and healthy.

sanity

noun

The state of having a healthy, rational mind.

Sanjana

name

A feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "giving birth" or "creator."

Sanjay

name

A masculine given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "victorious" or "triumphant."

Sanju

name

A masculine given name, a diminutive form of Sanjay or Sanjeev.

Sanna

noun

A soft, spongy steamed cake made from fermented rice batter, popular in parts of India.

Sano

name

A Japanese surname, and also found as a given name in Spanish-speaking regions.

sans

prep

Without, especially something expected or usually present.

Sanskrit

noun

An ancient Indo-European language of South Asia, the classical and liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Sant

name

An English, French, Italian, Jewish, or Indian surname of varied origin.

Santa

noun

An instance of someone dressed up as Santa.

Santana

name

A surname of Spanish origin.

Santi

name

A male or female given name of Latin origin.

Santillana

name

A surname, often of Spanish origin.

Santini

name

A surname of Italian origin.

Santino

name

A male given name.

santo

noun

A carved wooden or ivory statue depicting a saint, angel, or other holy figure, traditional in Spain and its former colonies.

Santorini

name

A volcanic island in the Cyclades group in Greece, famous for its whitewashed clifftop villages and sunsets.

Santos

name

A port city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Santosh

name

A male given name of Sanskrit origin, popular in India, meaning contentment or satisfaction.

Santy

name

An informal, childlike nickname for Santa Claus.

Sanya

name

A female given name used in Russian- and Arabic-speaking cultures.

Sao

name

A sea nymph from Greek mythology, and the name given to one of the small moons of Neptune.

sap

noun

The watery fluid that circulates through a plant, carrying nutrients.

Saperstein

name

A surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin.

sapiens

noun

A human being, as in the species name Homo sapiens.

sapling

noun

A young tree, past the seedling stage but still slender and immature.

Sapna

name

A female given name used in India, from a Hindi word meaning "dream."

sapphire

noun

A precious gemstone, typically deep blue, formed from the mineral corundum.

Sapporo

name

The capital city of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its snow festival and namesake beer.

sappy

adj

Overly sentimental or emotional, in a way that feels exaggerated or corny.

Sar

name

A surname of Khmer origin, common among Cambodians.

Sara

name

A female given name, a variant spelling of Sarah.

Saracen

noun

A historical term for a Muslim, particularly one who fought against the Crusaders in medieval Europe.

Sarah

name

In the Bible, the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac.

Sarajevo

name

The capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated along the Miljacka river.

saran

noun

A flexible plastic film used mainly for wrapping food.

Sarasota

name

A coastal city in Florida, and the county seat of Sarasota County.

Saratoga

name

A town in Saratoga County, New York, known for its mineral springs and racecourse.

sarcasm

noun

A sharp, mocking way of speaking where the speaker means the opposite of what they say, usually to criticize or belittle.

sarcastic

adj

Marked by sarcasm; mocking through statements that mean the opposite of what they literally say.

sarcastically

adv

In a mocking way, saying something while clearly meaning the opposite.

sarcophagus

noun

A stone coffin, often elaborately carved or inscribed, used especially in ancient burial customs.

Sardar

name

A title of Persian origin historically given to military commanders and political leaders across South and Central Asia.

sardine

noun

A small, oily fish, often canned in oil, related to the herring family.

sardines

noun

A children's hide-and-seek game where everyone who finds the hider squeezes into the same hiding spot.

Sardinia

name

A large Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, west of the mainland.

sarge

noun

An informal, shortened way of addressing a sergeant.

Sargent

name

A surname derived from the medieval occupational title "sergeant."

sari

noun

A traditional South Asian women's garment made from a single long piece of fabric, wrapped around the body and draped over one shoulder.

sarin

noun

A highly toxic nerve agent developed as a chemical weapon.

Sarita

name

A female given name of Sanskrit origin, used in India, meaning "flowing" or "river."

Sark

name

One of the Channel Islands, a small self-governing British Crown dependency between England and France.

sarkar

noun

In South Asian usage, a term for "the government" or "the state."

Saro

noun

A member of a Creole community in 19th-century Sierra Leone, made up of freed slaves resettled in Freetown.

Saroyan

name

A surname of Armenian origin.

sarsaparilla

noun

A tropical vine with fragrant roots, traditionally used to flavour drinks and folk remedies.

Sas

name

A Central and Eastern European surname, originally from a coat of arms.

Sasaki

name

A surname of Japanese origin.

sash

noun

A decorative band of cloth worn around the waist or over one shoulder, often as part of formal dress or a uniform.

Sasha

name

A male or female given name of Russian or Ukrainian origin, traditionally a diminutive of Alexander or Alexandra.

sashay

verb

To walk in a confident, showy, or swaggering way.

sashimi

noun

A Japanese dish of thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, usually served without rice.

Saskatchewan

name

A prairie province in western Canada, whose capital is Regina.

sasquatch

noun

A large, hairy, ape-like creature said to roam the forests of the Pacific Northwest; also called Bigfoot.