English Dictionary — Definitions & Meanings

vac

verb

Informal: to vacuum; to clean using a vacuum cleaner.

Vaca

name

A Spanish and Portuguese surname meaning "cow."

vacancy

noun

A job or position that is currently unfilled and available.

vacant

adjective

Not occupied or in use; empty.

vacate

verb

To leave a property, room, or position, making it available for someone else.

vacation

noun

A trip or period of time away from home taken for rest or pleasure.

vacationing

noun

The act of taking a vacation or holiday away from work.

vaccinate

verb

To give someone a vaccine so their body builds protection against a disease.

vaccinated

adj

Having received a vaccine and therefore protected against a specific disease.

vaccination

noun

The act of giving a vaccine to protect someone from a disease; also the injection itself.

vaccine

noun

A substance given to the body to trigger immunity against a disease, usually made from a weakened or inactive form of the germ that causes it.

vacuum

noun

A space that is completely empty of matter, including air.

vacuumed

adj

Cleaned by using a vacuum cleaner.

vacuuming

noun

The activity of cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.

vada

noun

A savoury fried snack, shaped like a small doughnut or fritter, popular across South Asia.

Vadim

name

A masculine given name of Russian origin, a short form of Vladimir.

vag

noun

Informal shortening of "vagina."

vagabond

noun

A person who wanders from place to place with no fixed home, often living hand to mouth.

vagina

noun

The muscular passage in female mammals that connects the vulva to the uterus, used in sex and childbirth.

vaginal

adj

Relating to or affecting the vagina.

vagrancy

noun

The state or condition of living as a vagrant, without a settled home or regular income.

vagrant

noun

A person with no permanent home who moves from place to place, often begging or living on the street.

vague

adj

Not clearly expressed, defined, or understood; lacking precise detail.

vaguely

adv

In a vague or unclear way; without precise detail.

Vai

noun

An ethnic group of Liberia and Sierra Leone.

vail

verb

To lower something, such as a hat or flag, as a sign of respect or submission.

vain

adj

Excessively proud of one's own looks or achievements.

Vaishali

name

A feminine given name of Sanskrit origin, and the name of an ancient city in northern India.

val

noun

Informal short form of "Valium," a common anti-anxiety medication.

Vala

name

A feminine given name, a variant of Valerie or Vale used in several European languages.

Valdes

name

A Spanish surname, historically denoting someone from a place called Valdés.

Valdez

name

A Spanish surname, and the name of a port city in Alaska.

vale

noun

A valley, especially a wide, low stretch of land between hills.

valedictorian

noun

The top student in a graduating class, often chosen to give the farewell speech at graduation.

Valencia

noun

A sweet, thin-skinned variety of orange, popular for juicing.

Valens

name

A Roman family name, notably borne by a 4th-century Roman emperor.

Valenti

name

An Italian surname derived from the given name Valentino, meaning "strong" or "healthy."

Valentina

name

A feminine given name of Latin origin, meaning "strong" or "healthy."

valentine

noun

A card, gift, or affectionate message sent to someone on Valentine's Day.

Valentino

noun

A strikingly handsome, romantic-looking man, especially one who resembles the silent-film star Rudolph Valentino.

Valera

name

A surname of Spanish and Irish usage, also part of the Irish statesman name Éamon de Valera.

Valeria

name

A feminine given name of Latin origin, meaning "strong" or "healthy."

valerian

noun

A flowering plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, often as a natural sleep aid or calming remedy.

Valerie

name

A female given name from French [in turn from Latin].

Valerius

name

A masculine Roman given name and family name, meaning "strong" or "healthy."

Valery

name

A given name used for both men and women, common in French and Russian, derived from the Latin "valere," to be strong.

valet

noun

A personal attendant who looks after someone's clothes and general appearance.

Valhalla

noun

In Norse mythology, the great hall where warriors who died bravely in battle are said to feast for eternity.

Vali

name

A given name found in Norse mythology, borne by a son of the god Odin.

valiant

adj

Showing great courage, especially in a difficult or dangerous situation.

valiantly

adv

In a brave, courageous way.

valid

adj

Based on sound reasoning; well-founded and hard to argue against.

validate

verb

To check that something is correct, official, or meets the required standard.

validated

adj

Confirmed as correct or officially approved.

validation

noun

The act of confirming that something is correct, genuine, or meets a standard.

validity

noun

The quality of being sound, genuine, or logically acceptable.

valise

noun

A small suitcase or travel bag carried by hand.

Valium

noun

A brand name for diazepam, a sedative drug used to treat anxiety and muscle spasms.

Valjean

name

A surname, best known as that of Jean Valjean, the protagonist of Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables."

valkyrie

noun

In Norse mythology, one of the female figures who choose which warriors die in battle and lead them to Valhalla.

Valle

name

A Spanish and Italian surname meaning "valley."

valley

noun

A long, low area of land between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.

Valli

name

A surname, notably borne by American singer Frankie Valli.

Valmont

name

A French surname, notably that of the antihero Vicomte de Valmont in the novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses."

Valois

name

A French royal house that ruled France from 1328 to 1589.

valour

noun

Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.

valuable

adj

Worth a lot of money.

valuables

noun

Personal items of significant monetary or sentimental worth, such as jewellery or cash.

valuation

noun

An estimate of how much something is worth.

value

noun

How much something is worth, in money or importance.

valued

adj

Regarded as important or worth a great deal.

valve

noun

A device that controls or directs the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe or opening.

Valya

name

A Russian diminutive form of the names Valentina or Valentin.

vamoose

verb

To leave quickly, especially to escape or avoid trouble.

vamp

noun

The front part of a shoe or boot covering the toes and instep.

vampire

noun

A legendary undead creature said to survive by drinking the blood of the living.

vamps

noun

Old stockings that have been given new feet or soles.

van

noun

A boxy motor vehicle used to carry goods or passengers, larger than a car but smaller than a lorry.

Vance

name

An English surname and masculine given name, originally denoting someone who lived near a marsh or fen.

Vancouver

name

A major city in British Columbia, Canada, named after the explorer George Vancouver.

vanda

noun

Any orchid belonging to the genus Vanda, prized for large, brightly coloured flowers.

vandal

noun

Someone who deliberately damages or destroys property, especially for no good reason.

vandalism

noun

Deliberate damage or destruction of property, such as graffiti or smashed windows.

vandalized

adj

Deliberately damaged or defaced.

Vandals

name

A Germanic people who sacked Rome in 455 AD, from whose name the word "vandalism" derives.

Vanderbilt

name

A prominent American family surname of Dutch origin, associated with the wealthy Vanderbilt business dynasty.

vane

noun

A device mounted on a roof or pole that turns to show which way the wind is blowing.

Vanessa

noun

A butterfly of the genus Vanessa, which includes species such as the painted lady and red admiral.

vanguard

noun

The foremost part of an advancing army, fleet, or group.

vani

noun

A custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing.

vanilla

noun

The extract or flavoring made from the pods of a tropical climbing orchid, used widely in baking, desserts, and perfume.

vanish

verb

To disappear suddenly, or to go out of sight without being noticed.

vanished

adj

No longer present or visible; gone completely.

vanishing

adj

Disappearing, or becoming increasingly rare.

vanity

noun

Excessive pride in one's own looks, abilities, or achievements.

vanna

noun

In finance, a measure of how much an option's sensitivity to volatility (vega) changes as the price of the underlying asset moves.

vanquish

verb

To defeat someone or something completely, especially in a fight or contest.

vanquished

adj

Completely defeated.

vantage

noun

A position, especially a high or favorable one, that gives a clear view or an advantage.

Vanya

name

A Russian diminutive form of the name Ivan.

vapid

adj

Lacking any interest, energy, or flavor; dull and unremarkable.

vapor

noun

Tiny droplets or particles suspended in the air, such as mist, steam, or fumes.

vaporize

verb

To turn into vapor or gas, typically through intense heat.

vapour

noun

British spelling of vapor: mist, steam, or fumes suspended in the air.

Varda

name

A Hebrew feminine given name meaning "rose."

Varga

name

A Hungarian surname, an occupational name for a cobbler or tanner.

Vargas

name

A Spanish and Portuguese surname, originally denoting someone from a sloping or hilly place.

variable

adj

Likely to change, or capable of being changed.

variance

noun

A difference between what was expected and what actually happened.

variant

noun

A form of something that differs slightly from a standard or original version.

variation

noun

A change, or the act of changing, in the form, amount, or quality of something.

varicose

adj

Describing veins that are abnormally swollen, twisted, and enlarged, usually in the legs.

varied

adj

Made up of many different kinds or types; diverse.

various

det

More than one; several different (things or people).

varmint

noun

A wild animal considered a pest, especially one that threatens crops or livestock.

Varner

name

An English surname, an occupational name related to guarding or warning.

varnish

noun

A clear liquid that dries to form a hard, glossy protective coating on wood or other surfaces.

varsity

noun

The main sports team representing a school, college, or university, as opposed to junior or reserve teams.

Varun

name

A masculine given name of Sanskrit origin, referring to Varuna, a Hindu god associated with the sky and waters.

vary

verb

To change or differ, especially over time or from one instance to another.

varying

adj

Differing from one instance to another; changing.

Vas

name

A short given name or nickname, often a diminutive of Vasily or Vasilios.

vasa

noun

Any parrot of the genus Coracopsis, native to Madagascar, known for its dark, almost black plumage.

vascular

adj

Relating to the vessels — such as veins, arteries, or plant tubes — that carry fluids like blood or sap through a living body.

vase

noun

A decorative container, usually tall and open at the top, used mainly to hold and display flowers.

vasectomy

noun

A surgical procedure that cuts or seals the tubes carrying sperm, used as a permanent form of male birth control.

vaseline

verb

To smear or coat something with Vaseline (petroleum jelly), often to lubricate or waterproof it.

Vasily

name

A Russian masculine given name derived from the Greek "Basileios," meaning "royal" or "kingly."

Vasquez

name

A Spanish surname, a variant spelling of Vázquez.

vassal

noun

In the feudal system, someone granted land by a lord in return for loyalty and service.

Vassar

name

A surname, notably that of Vassar College, a liberal arts college in New York founded by Matthew Vassar.

vast

adj

Extremely large in size, extent, or amount.

vastly

adv

By a very large amount; greatly.

vastness

noun

The quality of being enormous in size or extent.

Vasu

name

A masculine given name of Sanskrit origin, meaning "wealth" or "excellent."

Vasya

name

A Russian diminutive form of the name Vasily.

vat

noun

A large container, typically used for holding or processing liquids such as wine, beer, or dye.

Vatican

name

The independent city-state in Rome that serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and residence of the Pope.

vato

noun

A casual, informal way to refer to a guy or dude, especially among Mexican-American and Chicano speakers.

vaudeville

noun

A style of variety theatre made up of unrelated acts — singers, comedians, dancers, acrobats — popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Vaughan

name

A Welsh surname and given name meaning "small" or "little."

Vaughn

name

A variant spelling of Vaughan, a Welsh surname and given name meaning "small."

vault

noun

A strong, secure room, especially one used to store money, valuables, or important records.

Vauxhall

name

An area of London, England, in the borough of Lambeth.

Vayu

name

A name from Hindu mythology referring to Vayu, the god of wind.

ve

noun

The name of the Cyrillic letter В/в.

veal

noun

Meat from a young calf.

Vecchio

name

An Italian surname meaning "old."

vector

noun

In math and physics, a quantity that has both a size (magnitude) and a direction.

Veda

name

Any of the ancient sacred texts of Hinduism, forming the earliest layer of Sanskrit literature.

vee

noun

The name of the letter V.

veena

noun

A stringed instrument with a long fretted neck and gourd resonators, used in Indian classical music.

veer

verb

To change direction suddenly, especially while moving.

veg

noun

Short for "vegetable" or "vegetables," especially in British English.

Vega

name

The brightest star in the constellation Lyra, and one of the three stars in the Summer Triangle.

vegan

adj

Containing no animal products at all, such as meat, eggs, dairy, or leather.

Vegas

name

Short, informal name for Las Vegas, Nevada.

vegetable

noun

A plant, or part of a plant, grown to be eaten — such as the leaves, roots, or stems — that isn't classified as a fruit, grain, herb, or spice.

vegetarian

noun

A person who doesn't eat meat or fish.

vegetation

noun

Plant life in general, especially as found in a particular area.

vegetative

adj

Relating to plants, especially their growth.

veggie

noun

An informal word for a vegetable.

vehemently

adv

In a forceful, passionate way, especially when disagreeing or objecting.

vehicle

noun

A machine used to carry or transport people, goods, or objects, such as a car, truck, or bus.

vehicular

adj

Relating to or involving vehicles, especially cars and trucks.

veil

noun

A piece of thin fabric worn to cover the face or head, often for religious, cultural, or ceremonial reasons.

veiled

adj

Covered by a veil.

vein

noun

A blood vessel that carries blood from the body back toward the heart.

vel

noun

The logical symbol "or" (∨), used to join two statements where at least one must be true.

Velasco

name

A Spanish surname, likely derived from a pre-Roman word related to crows or ravens.

Velcro

noun

A fastening system made of two fabric strips — one covered in tiny hooks, the other in tiny loops — that grip together when pressed and pull apart easily.

Velez

name

A Spanish surname, historically a patronymic form related to "Vela."

Velma

name

A feminine given name, popular in the early 20th century and later associated with a character in "Scooby-Doo."

velociraptor

noun

A small, fast-moving meat-eating dinosaur with sickle-shaped claws, known from fossils found in Mongolia and China dating to the late Cretaceous period, roughly 71-75 million years ago.

velocity

noun

A measurement of how fast something is moving in a given direction — speed combined with direction.

velour

noun

A soft, plush woven fabric similar to velvet but usually with a coarser texture.

velvet

noun

A closely woven fabric with a thick, short, soft pile on one side, traditionally made of silk but now often cotton or synthetic fibre.

velvety

adj

Soft, smooth, and pleasant to the touch or taste, like velvet.

Ven

name

A short given name or nickname, often a diminutive of names such as Venkat or Venus.

vena

noun

A vein, especially as used in anatomical Latin terms for specific veins.

vendetta

noun

A long-running, bitter feud driven by a desire for revenge, often passed down between families or groups.

vendor

noun

A person or company that sells goods or services.

veneer

noun

A thin decorative layer of a finer material, usually wood, glued over a cheaper surface underneath.

venerable

adj

Commanding great respect because of age, wisdom, or long-standing achievement.

veneration

noun

Deep respect or reverence, often bordering on religious devotion.

venereal

adj

Relating to sexual intercourse, especially diseases transmitted through it.

Venetian

adj

Relating to the city of Venice or its surrounding Veneto region in Italy.

Venezuela

name

A country on the northern coast of South America.

Venezuelan

noun

A person from Venezuela or of Venezuelan descent.

vengeance

noun

Punishment inflicted in return for a wrong or injury; revenge.

vengeful

adj

Wanting revenge; driven by a desire to punish someone who has wronged you.

Venice

name

A city in northern Italy famous for its canals.

venison

noun

The meat of a deer, or more broadly, meat from any wild game animal that was hunted rather than farmed.

Venkat

name

A masculine given name of South Indian origin, a short form of Venkatesh, referring to a Hindu deity.

venom

noun

A poisonous substance produced by an animal, such as a snake or scorpion, and delivered through a bite or sting to attack prey or defend itself.

venomous

adj

Capable of injecting venom, typically by biting or stinging.

vent

noun

An opening that allows air, gas, or smoke to pass through or escape.

vented

adjective

Fitted with a small opening that lets air, gas, or steam pass through.

ventilate

verb

To let fresh air circulate through a space, replacing stale or stagnant air.

ventilator

noun

A device that circulates fresh air into a space and expels stale air.

venting

noun

The act of releasing gas, pressure, or built-up emotion.

ventricle

noun

One of the two lower chambers of the heart that pump blood out to the lungs and the rest of the body.

ventricular

adj

Relating to a ventricle, especially one of the heart's lower chambers.

ventriloquism

noun

The performance skill of speaking without visibly moving the lips, so the voice appears to come from somewhere else, such as a puppet.

ventriloquist

noun

A performer who speaks without moving their lips so their voice seems to come from a puppet or dummy.

Ventura

name

A Spanish and Italian surname meaning "good fortune," and the name of a city in California.

venture

noun

A risky or bold undertaking whose outcome is uncertain.

venturing

noun

The act of daring to try or go somewhere risky.

venu

noun

A traditional transverse bamboo flute used in Indian classical music.

venue

noun

A place where an event, especially a sporting or entertainment event, is held.

Venus

name

The second planet from the Sun in our Solar System, named for the Roman goddess of love.

Ver

name

A short name or nickname, often a truncation of names such as Vernon or Veronica.

vera

name

A female given name of Russian origin.

veracity

noun

The quality of being truthful or accurate.

Veracruz

name

A state and port city on the Gulf coast of Mexico.

veranda

noun

A roofed, open-sided platform or porch attached to the outside of a house.

verb

noun

A word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being.

verbal

adj

Relating to words, especially spoken rather than written ones.

verbally

adv

By speaking rather than writing.

verbatim

adv

Word for word, using exactly the same wording as the original.

Verde

adj

Describing a financial option that can only be exercised on set dates spaced further apart than every quarter — typically once a year.

Verdi

name

An Italian surname, most famously that of the composer Giuseppe Verdi.

verdict

noun

A jury's or judge's formal decision on a case.

verdun

noun

A style of rapier, a long, slender thrusting sword, popular in the 16th century.

Vere

name

An English surname and given name, historically borne by the noble de Vere family.

Verena

name

A feminine given name of Latin origin, possibly meaning "truthful."

verge

noun

The point right before something happens; the brink or edge.

verger

noun

A church official who looks after the building and assists during services.

verification

noun

The act of confirming that something is true, accurate, or genuine.

verified

adj

Confirmed as true, accurate, or authentic.

verify

verb

To check or prove that something is true or accurate.

verily

adv

Truly; in fact (an old-fashioned or formal word for emphasis).

veritable

adj

Used to emphasize that something truly deserves the description given — a real, genuine example of it.

veritas

noun

Truth, especially in a lofty or philosophical sense (from Latin).

verity

noun

A fundamental or lasting truth.

Verma

name

A common North Indian surname.

Vermeer

name

A Dutch surname, notably that of the 17th-century painter Johannes Vermeer.

vermilion

noun

A vivid orange-red color, originally made from a mineral pigment.

Vermillion

name

A place name used for several towns in the United States, and a surname, both derived from the bright red pigment of the same name.

vermin

noun

Small animals, especially rodents or insects, considered pests because they damage crops, spread disease, or cause a nuisance.

Vermont

name

A U.S. state in New England, known for its mountains and maple syrup, with Montpelier as its capital.

vermouth

noun

A fortified wine flavored with herbs and spices, often served as an aperitif or used in cocktails.

Vern

name

A masculine given name, a short form of Vernon.

Verna

name

A feminine given name, possibly from Latin "vernus," meaning "of spring."

vernacular

noun

The everyday, informal language spoken by ordinary people in a particular place, as opposed to formal or literary language.

Verne

name

Surname best known from Jules Verne, the French author often called a father of science fiction.

Vernon

name

A surname of Anglo-Norman origin, taken from a town of the same name in Normandy, France; also a common English given name.

Verona

name

A historic city in northern Italy, on the river Adige, famous as the setting of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

veronica

name

A common female given name, associated with the legend of St Veronica and the cloth said to bear an image of Christ's face.

Versace

name

The Italian luxury fashion house founded by designer Gianni Versace.

Versailles

name

A city near Paris famous for its opulent royal palace, once home to the French monarchy.

versatile

adj

Able to do many different things well, or adaptable to many different uses.

versatility

noun

The quality of being able to adapt to many different tasks, roles, or uses.

verse

noun

Writing arranged with rhythm and often rhyme, as in poetry.

versed

adj

Skilled or knowledgeable, usually through study or practice.

version

noun

One particular form of something that exists in multiple variants.

versus

prep

Against, or in opposition to, especially in a contest, match, or legal case.

vert

noun

In heraldry, the colour green, traditionally shown in engravings as diagonal lines.

vertebra

noun

Any one of the small bones that link together to form the spine.

vertical

adj

Standing straight up, at a right angle to the ground or to a horizontal line.

vertically

adv

In an up-and-down direction, at a right angle to the horizon.

vertigo

noun

A spinning sensation and loss of balance, often triggered by heights or inner-ear problems.

vervain

noun

A wild flowering herb once believed to have healing and even magical properties.

very

adv

Used before an adjective or adverb to intensify it — to a high degree.

Vespa

noun

An Italian brand of motor scooter, known for its rounded, retro design.

Vespasian

name

The name of a Roman emperor, Titus Flavius Vespasianus, who ruled from 69 to 79 CE and began construction of the Colosseum.

vespers

noun

An evening prayer service in the Christian church, one of the traditional canonical hours.

vessel

noun

A ship, boat, or other craft built for travelling on water (or, more loosely, air or space).

vest

noun

A sleeveless piece of clothing worn over a shirt, often as part of a suit (called a "waistcoat" in British English).

Vesta

name

The Roman goddess of the hearth, home, and family life.

vestal

adj

Chaste and pure, especially associated with virginity or purity.

vested

adj

Legally fixed or guaranteed, with no further conditions to be met.

vestibule

noun

A small entrance hall or lobby leading into a larger room or building.

Vesuvius

name

An active volcano near Naples, Italy, famous for the eruption in 79 CE that buried Pompeii.

vet

noun

A doctor who treats animals; short for veterinarian.

veteran

noun

Someone with long experience in a particular field or activity.

veterinarian

noun

A doctor trained and qualified to treat animals.

veterinary

adj

Relating to the medical treatment of animals.

veto

noun

The official power to reject or block a decision, law, or proposal.

Vette

noun

An informal shortening of "Corvette", the Chevrolet sports car.

vetted

adj

Having been carefully checked and approved.

vetting

noun

The process of carefully checking or investigating someone or something before approval.

vex

verb

To annoy or irritate someone.

vexed

adj

Annoyed, irritated, or troubled.

vexing

adj

Causing annoyance or frustration.

VHS

noun

A once-standard videotape format used for recording and playing back video on home cassette players.

Vi

name

A short, informal form of the female given names Violet or Viola.

via

prep

By way of; passing through a particular place on the way somewhere else.

viability

noun

The quality of being workable or capable of succeeding; the ability to survive or function properly.

viable

adj

Capable of working successfully; realistic and practical.

viaduct

noun

A long bridge, usually made up of a series of spans, that carries a road or railway across a valley or other low ground.

Viagra

name

A brand name for the drug sildenafil citrate, prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction.

vial

noun

A small glass or plastic container, often tube-shaped, used to hold liquids such as medicine or perfume.

vibe

noun

The general feeling or atmosphere given off by a person, place, or situation.

vibrant

adj

Full of energy, life, and enthusiasm.

vibrate

verb

To shake with small, rapid back-and-forth movements.

vibrating

adj

Shaking with small, rapid movements.

vibration

noun

A rapid, repeated back-and-forth movement, or the state of shaking in this way.

vibrato

noun

(music) A slight, rapid wavering in pitch used to add expression to a sung or played note.

vibrator

noun

A device that vibrates, especially one used for massage or sexual stimulation.