# dict

Words: vastly
Meaning:
adverb\nvery much:\nI’m a vastly different person now. * The quality of the training has vastly improved. * This candidate is vastly more experienced than the others.


Words: VAT
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a tax that is added to the price of goods and services (abbreviation for ’value added tax’):\nPrices include VAT. * ｣27.50 + VAT


Words: vat
Meaning:
noun\na large container for holding liquids, especially in industrial processes:\ndistilling / fermenting vats * a vat of whisky


Words: Vatican
Meaning:
noun (the Vatican)\n  1  [sing.] the group of buildings in Rome where the POPE lives and works\n  2  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] the centre of government of the Roman Catholic Church


Words: vault
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a room with thick walls and a strong door, especially in a bank, used for keeping valuable things safe:\nMost of her jewellery is stored in bank vaults.\n \n  2  a room under a church or in a CEMETERY, used for burying people:\nShe is to be buried in the family vault.\n \n  3  a roof or ceiling in the form of an arch or a series of arches\n \n  4  a jump made by vaulting\nsee also POLE VAULT\n    verb\n ~ (over) sth to jump over an object in a single movement, using your hands or a pole to push you:\n[V] She vaulted over the gate and ran up the path. * [VN] There’s no way he could have vaulted the fence with that injury.\nsee also POLE VAULT


Words: vaulted
Meaning:
adjective\n(architecture) made in the shape of an arch or a series of arches; having a ceiling or roof of this shape:\na vaulted ceiling / cellar


Words: vaunted
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) proudly talked about or praised as being very good, especially when this is not deserved:\nTheir much vaunted reforms did not materialize.


Words: VC
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a medal for special courage that is given to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces (abbreviation for ’Victoria Cross’):\nHe was awarded the VC. * Col James Blunt VC


Words: VCR
Meaning:
noun\n(especially AmE) a machine which is used to play videos or to record programmes from a television (abbreviation for ’video cassette recorder’):\nDon’t forget to program the VCR.


Words: VDU
Meaning:
noun\na machine with a screen like a television that displays information from a computer (abbreviation for ’visual display unit/video display terminal’)


Words: vector
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (mathematics) a quantity that has both size and direction:\nAcceleration and velocity are both vectors.\ncompare SCALAR\n  2  (biology) an insect, etc. that carries a particular disease from one living thing to another:\nMosquitoes are the vectors in malaria.\n  3  (technical) a course taken by an aircraft


Words: veer
Meaning:
prep.] \n  1  (especially of a vehicle) to change direction suddenly\nSYN SWERVE:\nThe bus veered onto the wrong side of the road. * It is still not clear why the missile veered off course.\n  2  (of a conversation or way of behaving or thinking) to change in the way it develops:\nThe debate veered away from the main topic of discussion. * His emotions veered between fear and anger.\n  3  (technical) (of the wind) to change direction:\nThe wind slowly veered around to the west.


Words: veg
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] (plural veg) (BrE, informal) a vegetable or vegetables:\na fruit and veg stall * He likes the traditional meat and two veg for his main meal.\n    verb (-gg-)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  veg out (informal) to relax by doing sth that needs very little effort, for example watching television


Words: vegan
Meaning:
noun\na person who does not eat any animal products such as meat, milk or eggs. Some vegans do not use animal products such as silk or leather.


Words: vegetable
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (informal) (also veggie especially in AmE) a plant or part of a plant that is eaten as food. Potatoes, beans and onions are all vegetables:\ngreen vegetables (for example CABBAGE) * root vegetables (for example CARROTS) * a salad of raw vegetables * a vegetable garden / patch / plot * vegetable oils * vegetable matter (= plants in general)\ncompare ANIMAL, FRUIT, MINERAL\n \n  2  (BrE also cabbage) a person who is physically alive but not capable of much mental or physical activity, for example because of an accident or illness:\nSevere brain damage turned him into a vegetable.\n \n  3  a person who has a boring life:\nSince losing my job I’ve felt like a vegetable.


Words: vegetarian
Meaning:
(also BrE informal veggie) noun\na person who does not eat meat or fish:\nIs she a vegetarian?\ncompare HERBIVORE\n    vegetarian adjective:\nAre you vegetarian? * a vegetarian diet (= with no meat or fish in it) * a vegetarian restaurant (= that serves no meat or fish)\n    vegetarianism  noun [U]


Words: vegetation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) plants in general, especially the plants that are found in a particular area or environment:\nThe hills are covered in lush green vegetation. * Desert areas have little vegetation.


Words: vegetative
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  relating to plant life\n  2  (medical) (of a person) alive but showing no sign of brain activity\nsee also PERSISTENT VEGETATIVE STATE


Words: veggie
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE, informal) = VEGETARIAN:\nHe’s turned veggie (= become a vegetarian).\n  2  (especially AmE) = VEGETABLE\n    veggie adjective


Words: vehement
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) showing very strong feelings, especially anger:\na vehement denial / attack / protest * He had been vehement in his opposition to the idea.\n    vehemence  noun [U]:\nShe was surprised by the vehemence of his reply.\n    vehemently adverb:\nThe charge was vehemently denied. * She shook her head vehemently.


Words: vehicle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (rather formal) a thing that is used for transporting people or goods from one place to another, such as a car or lorry/truck:\nmotor vehicles (= cars, buses, lorries / trucks, etc.) * Are you the driver of this vehicle? * rows of parked vehicles\n  2  ~ (for sth) something that can be used to express your ideas or feelings or as a way of achieving sth:\nArt may be used as a vehicle for propaganda. * The play is an ideal vehicle for her talents.


Words: vehicular
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) intended for vehicles or consisting of vehicles:\nvehicular access * The road is closed to vehicular traffic.


Words: veil
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a covering of very thin transparent material worn, especially by women, to protect or hide the face, or as part of a hat, etc:\na bridal veil\n  2  a piece of fabric worn by NUNS over the head and shoulders\n  3  [sing.] (written) something that stops you from learning the truth about a situation:\nTheir work is carried out behind a veil of secrecy. * It would be better to draw a veil over what happened next (= not talk about it).\n  4  [sing.] (written) a thin layer that stops you from seeing sth:\nThe mountain tops were hidden beneath a veil of mist.\n IDIOMS \n  take the veil (old-fashioned) to become a NUN\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to cover your face with a veil\n  2  (literary) to cover sth with sth that hides it partly or completely:\nA fine drizzle began to veil the hills. * eyes veiled with tears


Words: veiled
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not expressed directly or clearly because you do not want your meaning to be obvious:\na thinly veiled threat / attack / warning / criticism * She made a veiled reference to his past mistakes.\n  2  wearing a veil:\na mysterious veiled woman


Words: vein
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] any of the tubes that carry blood from all parts of the body to the heart:\nthe jugular vein * The nurse was having trouble finding a vein in his arm.\ncompare ARTERY\nsee also VARICOSE VEIN\n  2  [C] any of the very thin tubes that form the frame of a leaf or an insect’s wing\n  3  [C] a narrow strip of a different colour in some types of stone, wood and cheese\n  4  [C] a thin layer of minerals or metal contained in rock:\na vein of gold\nSYN SEAM\n  5  [sing.] ~ (of sth) an amount of a particular quality or feature in sth:\nThey had tapped a rich vein of information in his secretary. * There was a vein of proverbial wisdom in what he said.\n  6  [sing., U] a particular style or manner:\nA number of other people commented in a similar vein. * ’And that’s not all,’ he continued in angry vein. * Other speakers tackled the same problem in a lighter vein.


Words: velar
Meaning:
noun\n(phonetics) a speech sound, such as / k / or / g /, made by placing the back of the tongue against or near the back part of the mouth\n    velar adjective


Words: Velcro
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a material for fastening clothes, etc. consisting of two strips of fabric, one rough and one smooth, that stick to each other when they are pressed together


Words: veld
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (in S Africa) flat open land with grass and no trees\ncompare PAMPAS, PRAIRIE, SAVANNAH, STEPPE


Words: vellum
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  material made from the skin of a sheep, goat or CALF, used for making book covers and, in the past, for writing on\n  2  smooth cream-coloured paper used for writing on


Words: velocity
Meaning:
noun [U, C] (plural velocities)\n  1  (technical) the speed of sth in a particular direction:\nthe velocity of light * to gain / lose velocity * a high-velocity rifle / bullet\n  2  (formal) high speed:\nJaguars can move with an astonishing velocity.


Words: velvet
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a fabric woven from silk, cotton or NYLON, with a thick soft surface made of a mass of threads:\na velvet dress * velvet curtains / drapes\n IDIOMS  see IRON adj.


Words: velvety
Meaning:
adjective\npleasantly smooth and soft:\nvelvety skin * a velvety red wine * (figurative) the black, velvety sky


Words: venal
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) prepared to do dishonest or immoral things in return for money:\nvenal politicians / journalists\n    venality  noun [U] (rare):\na reputation for venality and corruption


Words: vendetta
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a long and violent dispute between two families, in which people are murdered in return for previous murders\n  2  ~ (against sb) a long argument or disagreement in which one person or group does or says things to harm another:\nHe has accused the British media of pursuing a vendetta against him. * She conducted a personal vendetta against me.


Words: vendor
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a person who sells things, for example food or newspapers, usually outside on the street:\nstreet vendors\n \n  2  (law) a person who is selling a house or other property\ncompare SELLER


Words: veneer
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C, U] a thin layer of wood or plastic that is glued to the surface of cheaper wood, especially on a piece of furniture:\npine, with a walnut veneer * The chest is solid oak, not veneer.\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) (formal) an outer appearance of a particular quality that hides the true nature of sb/sth:\nFor the first time her veneer of politeness began to crack.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (with / in sth) to cover the surface of sth with a veneer of wood, etc.


Words: venerable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) venerable people or things deserve respect because they are old, important, wise, etc:\na venerable old man * a venerable institution / tradition\n  2  (the Venerable ...) [only before noun] (in the Anglican Church), a title of respect used when talking about an ARCHDEACON:\nthe Venerable Martin Roberts\n  3  (the Venerable ...) [only before noun] (in the Roman Catholic Church), a title given to a dead person who is very holy but who has not yet been made a saint


Words: venerate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (as sth) (formal) to have and show a lot of respect for sb/sth, especially sb/sth that is considered to be holy or very important\nSYN REVERE:\nThe monk was subsequently venerated as a saint. * a leader venerated by generations of revolutionaries\n    veneration  noun [U]:\nThe relics were objects of veneration.


Words: venereal
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] relating to diseases spread by sexual contact:\na venereal infection / complaint


Words: venetian blind
Meaning:
noun\na BLIND for a window that has flat horizontal plastic or metal strips going across it that you can turn to let in as much light as you want


Words: vengeance
Meaning:
noun\n[U] ~ (on / upon sb) (formal) the act of punishing or harming sb in return for what they have done to you, your family or friends\nSYN REVENGE:\na desire for vengeance * to take vengeance on sb * He swore vengeance on his child’s killer.\n IDIOMS \n  with a vengeance (informal) to a greater degree than is expected or usual:\nShe set to work with a vengeance. * After two days the infection came back with a vengeance. * After a poor season last year, he’s back with a vengeance.


Words: vengeful
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) showing a desire to punish sb who has harmed you:\nHe was not a vengeful man.\n    vengefully  adverb


Words: venial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal) (of a SIN or mistake) not very serious and therefore able to be forgiven


Words: venom
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the poisonous liquid that some snakes, spiders, etc. produce when they bite or sting you\n  2  (written) strong bitter feeling; hatred and a desire to hurt sb:\nHis voice was full of venom. * a look of pure venom\n IDIOMS  see SPIT v.


Words: venomous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a snake, etc.) producing venom\n  2  (written) full of bitter feeling or hatred:\na venomous look * a venomous attack on his political enemies\n    venomously adverb:\nShe glared at him venomously.


Words: venous
Meaning:
adjective\n(technical) of or contained in VEINS (= the tubes that carry liquids around the bodies of animals and plants):\nvenous blood


Words: vent
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  an opening that allows air, gas or liquid to pass out of or into a room, building, container, etc:\nair / heating vents\ncompare REGISTER\n \n  2  (technical) the opening in the body of a bird, fish, reptile or other small animal, though which waste matter is passed out\n \n  3  a long thin opening at the bottom of the back or side of a coat or jacket\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  give (full) vent to sth (formal) to express a feeling, especially anger, strongly:\nChildren give vent to their anger in various ways. * She gave full vent to her feelings in a violent outburst.\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (on sb) (written) to express feelings, especially anger, strongly:\nHe vented his anger on the referee.


Words: ventilate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to allow fresh air to enter and move around a room, building, etc:\na well-ventilated room * The bathroom is ventilated by means of an extractor fan.\n  2  (formal) to express your feelings or opinions publicly\nSYN AIR\n    ventilation  noun [U]:\na ventilation shaft / opening / system * Make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the room before using the paint.


Words: ventilator
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a device or an opening for letting fresh air come into a room, etc.\n  2  a piece of equipment that helps sb to breathe by pumping air in and out of their lungs:\nHe was put on a ventilator.


Words: ventricle
Meaning:
noun (anatomy)\n  1  either of the two lower spaces in the heart that pump blood around the body\ncompare AURICLE\n  2  any hollow space in the body, especially one of four main hollow spaces in the brain


Words: ventriloquism
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the art of speaking without moving your lips and of making it look as if your voice is coming from another person\n    ventriloquist  noun:\nEntertainment included a hypnotist and a ventriloquist. * a ventriloquist’s dummy


Words: venture
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a business project or activity, especially one that involves taking risks:\nThe project is a joint venture between the public and private sectors. * A disastrous business venture lost him thousands of dollars.\n    verb\n  1  [V +adv./prep.] to go somewhere even though you know that it might be dangerous or unpleasant:\nThey ventured nervously into the water. * He’s never ventured abroad in his life.\n  2  (formal) to say or do sth in a careful way, especially because it might upset or offend sb:\n[VN] She hardly dared to venture an opinion. * He ventured a tentative smile. * [V to inf] I ventured to suggest that she might have made a mistake. * [V speech] ’And if I say no?’ she ventured. [also V that]\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (on sth) to risk losing sth valuable or important if you are not successful at sth:\nIt was wrong to venture his financial security on such a risky deal.\n IDIOMS \n  nothing ventured, nothing gained (saying) used to say that you have to take risks if you want to achieve things and be successful\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  venture into / on sth to do sth, even though it involves risks:\nThis is the first time the company has ventured into movie production.


Words: venture capital
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (business) money that is lent to sb to buy buildings, equipment, etc. when they start a business\ncompare WORKING CAPITAL


Words: Venture Scout
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE Explorer Scout) noun\na member of the senior branch of the SCOUT ASSOCIATION for young people between the ages of 15 or 16 and 20


Words: venue
Meaning:
noun\na place where people meet for an organized event, for example a concert, sporting event or CONFERENCE:\nThe band will be playing at twenty different venues on their UK tour. * Please note the change of venue for this event.


Words: Venus
Meaning:
noun\nthe planet in the SOLAR SYSTEM that is second in order of distance from the sun, between Mercury and the earth


Words: veracity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the quality of being true; the habit of telling the truth\nSYN TRUTHFULNESS:\nSome people questioned the veracity of her story.


Words: veranda
Meaning:
(also verandah) \n(especially BrE) (AmE usually porch) noun a platform with an open front and a roof, built onto the side of a house on the ground floor:\nAfter dinner, we sat talking on the veranda.


Words: verb
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) a word or group of words that expresses an action (such as eat), an event (such as happen) or a state (such as exist):\nregular / irregular verbs * transitive / intransitive verbs\nsee also PHRASAL VERB


Words: verbal
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  relating to words:\nThe job applicant must have good verbal skills. * non-verbal communication (= gestures, expressions of the face, etc.)\n  2  spoken, not written:\na verbal agreement / warning * verbal instructions\ncompare ORAL\n  3  (grammar) relating to verbs:\na verbal noun


Words: verbalize
Meaning:
(BrE also verbalise)  verb\n(formal) to express your feelings or ideas in words:\n[VN] He’s a real genius but he has difficulty verbalizing his ideas. [also V]


Words: verbally
Meaning:
adverb\nin spoken words and not in writing or actions:\nThe company had received complaints both verbally and in writing. * The player was banned for verbally abusing the referee.


Words: verbatim
Meaning:
adjective, adverb\nexactly as spoken or written; word for word:\na verbatim report * He reported the speech verbatim.


Words: verbiage
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal, disapproving) the use of too many words, or of more difficult words than are needed, to express an idea, etc.


Words: verbose
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal, disapproving) using or containing more words than are needed:\na verbose speaker / speech / style\n    verbosity  noun [U]


Words: verdict
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a decision that is made by a JURY in a court of law, stating if sb is considered guilty of a crime or not:\nHas the jury reached a verdict? * The jury returned a verdict (= gave a verdict) of guilty / not guilty.\nsee also MAJORITY VERDICT, OPEN VERDICT\n  2  ~ (on sth/sb) a decision that you make or an opinion that you give about sth, after you have tested it or considered it carefully:\nThe coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death. * The panel will give their verdict on the latest video releases.


Words: verge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (BrE) (AmE soft shoulder) a piece of grass at the edge of a path, road, etc:\na grass verge\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  on / to the verge of sth / of doing sth very near to the moment when sb does sth or sth happens:\nHe was on the verge of tears. * They are on the verge of signing a new contract for a further two years’ work. * These events left her on the verge of having a nervous breakdown. * These measures brought the republic to the verge of economic collapse.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  verge on sth to be very close to an extreme state or condition\nSYN BORDER ON STH:\nSome of his suggestions verged on the outrageous. * a dislike verging on contempt * The fabric is very dark blue, verging on black.


Words: verger
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a Church of England official whose job is to look after the inside of a church and to perform some simple duties during church services


Words: verify
Meaning:
verb (verifies, verifying, verified, verified)\n  1  to check that sth is true or accurate:\n[VN] We have no way of verifying his story. * [V that] Please verify that there is sufficient memory available before loading the program. * [V wh-] I’ll leave you to verify whether these claims are true.\n  2  to show or say that sth is true or accurate\nSYN CONFIRM:\n[VN] Her version of events was verified by neighbours. [also V that] \n    verifiable  adjective:\na verifiable fact / statement\n    verification  noun [U]:\nthe verification of hypotheses


Words: verisimilitude
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the quality of seeming to be true or real\nSYN AUTHENTICITY:\nTo add verisimilitude, the stage is covered with sand for the desert scenes.


Words: veritable
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal or humorous) a word used to emphasize that sb/sth can be compared to sb/sth else that is more exciting, more impressive, etc.\nSYN POSITIVE:\nThe meal that followed was a veritable banquet.


Words: verity
Meaning:
noun (plural verities)\n  1  [usually pl.] (formal) a belief or principle about life, the world, etc. that is accepted as true:\nthe eternal verities of life\n  2  [U] (old use) truth


Words: vermicelli
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  PASTA in the shape of very thin sticks, often broken into small pieces and added to soups\n  2  (BrE) small pieces of chocolate in the shape of very thin sticks broken into pieces, used to decorate cakes


Words: vermilion
Meaning:
adjective\nbright red in colour\n    vermilion noun [U]:\nAs the sun set, the clouds were streaked with vermilion.


Words: vermin
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  wild animals or birds that destroy plants or food, or attack farm animals and birds:\nOn farms the fox is considered vermin and treated as such.\n  2  insects that live on the bodies of animals and sometimes human beings:\nThe room was crawling with vermin.\n  3  (disapproving) people who are very unpleasant or dangerous to society


Words: vermouth
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a strong wine, flavoured with herbs and spices, often mixed with other drinks as a COCKTAIL


Words: vernacular
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (usually the vernacular) [sing.] the language spoken in a particular area or by a particular group, especially one that is not the official or written language\n  2  [U] (technical) a style of architecture concerned with ordinary houses rather then large public buildings\n    vernacular adjective:\nvernacular languages / architecture


Words: vernal
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (formal or literary) connected with the season of spring:\nthe vernal equinox


Words: verruca
Meaning:
noun\n(plural verrucas or, in medical use,verrucae ) (BrE) (AmE plantar wart) a small hard infectious growth like a WART, on the bottom of the foot


Words: versatile
Meaning:
adjective (approving)\n  1  (of a person) able to do many different things:\nHe’s a versatile actor who has played a wide variety of parts.\n  2  (of food, a building, etc.) having many different uses:\nEggs are easy to cook and are an extremely versatile food.\n    versatility  noun [U]:\nShe is a designer of extraordinary versatility.


Words: verse
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] writing that is arranged in lines, often with a regular rhythm or pattern of RHYME\nSYN POETRY:\nMost of the play is written in verse, but some of it is in prose.\nsee also BLANK VERSE, FREE VERSE\n  2  [C] a group of lines that form a unit in a poem or song:\na hymn with six verses\n  3  (verses) [pl.] (old-fashioned) poetry:\na book of comic verses\n  4  [C] any one of the short NUMBERED divisions of a CHAPTER in the Bible\n IDIOMS  see CHAPTER


Words: versed
Meaning:
adjective\n~ in sth having a lot of knowledge about sth, or skill at sth:\nHe had become well versed in employment law.


Words: versification
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the art of writing poetry in a particular pattern; the pattern in which poetry is written


Words: versify
Meaning:
verb\n(versifies, versifying, versified, versified) [V, VN] (formal, sometimes disapproving) to write sth in verse\n    versifier noun


Words: version
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a copy of sth that is slightly different from the original thing:\nthe latest version of the Volkswagen Golf * the de-luxe / luxury version * The English version of the novel is due for publication next year.\n  2  a description of an event from the point of view of a particular person or group of people:\nShe gave us her version of what had happened that day. * Their versions of how the accident happened conflict.\n  3  a film/movie, play, piece of music, etc. that is slightly different from the original film, etc. on which it is based:\nthe film version of ’War and Peace’ * the latest version of the software package\nsee also THE AUTHORIZED VERSION, COVER VERSION


Words: versus
Meaning:
preposition (abbreviation v, vs)\n  1  (especially sport or law) used to show that two teams or sides are against each other:\nIt is France versus Brazil in the final. * in the case of the State versus Ford\n  2  used to compare two different ideas, choices, etc:\nIt was the promise of better job opportunities versus the inconvenience of moving away and leaving her friends.


Words: vertebra
Meaning:
noun\n(plural vertebrae ) any of the small bones that are connected together to form the SPINE\n \n    vertebral adjective [only before noun]


Words: vertebrate
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) any animal with a BACKBONE, including all MAMMALS, birds, fish, reptiles and AMPHIBIANS\ncompare INVERTEBRATE\n    vertebrate adjective


Words: vertex
Meaning:
or vertexes)\n  1  (geometry) a point where two lines meet to form an angle, especially the point of a triangle or CONE opposite the base\n  2  (technical) the highest point or top of sth


Words: vertical
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n\n \n  1  (of a line, pole, etc.) going straight up or down from a level surface or from top to bottom in a picture, etc:\nthe vertical axis of the graph * The cliff was almost vertical. * There was a vertical drop to the ocean.\ncompare HORIZONTAL\n \n  2  having a structure in which there are top, middle and bottom levels:\na vertical flow of communication\n \n    vertically  adverb:\nThe cliffs rose up vertically out of the water.\n    noun (usually the vertical) a vertical line or position\nSYN PERPENDICULAR:\nThe wall is several degrees off the vertical.


Words: vertiginous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) causing a feeling of vertigo:\nFrom the top of the mountain there was a vertiginous drop to the valley below.


Words: vertigo
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the feeling of DIZZINESS and fear, and of losing your balance, that is caused in some people when they look down from a very high place


Words: verve
Meaning:
noun\n[U, sing.] (written) energy, excitement or enthusiasm\nSYN GUSTO:\nIt was a performance of verve and vitality.


Words: very
Meaning:
adverb, adjective \n    adverb (abbreviation v)\n  1  used before adjectives, adverbs and DETERMINERS to mean ’in a high degree’ or ’extremely’:\nvery small / hot / useful * very quickly / soon / far * Very few people know that. * Thanks very much. * ’Do you like it?’ ’Yeah, I do. Very much.’ * ’Is it what you expected?’ ’Oh yes, very much so.’ * ’Are you busy?’ ’Not very.’ * The new building has been very much admired. * I’m not very (= not at all) impressed.\n  2  used to emphasize a superlative adjective or before own:\nThey wanted the very best quality. * Be there by six at the very latest. * At last he had his very own car (= belonging to him and to nobody else).\n  3  the ~ same exactly the same:\nMario said the very same thing.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  used to emphasize that you are talking about a particular thing or person and not about another\nSYN ACTUAL:\nThose were her very words. * He might be phoning her at this very moment. * That’s the very thing I need.\n  2  extreme:\nIt happens at the very beginning of the book.\n  3  used to emphasize a noun\nSYN MERE:\nThe very thought of drink made him feel sick. * ’I can’t do that!’ she gasped, appalled at the very idea.\n IDIOMS  see EYE n., IMAGE\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nvery / very much\nVery is used with adjectives, past participles used as adjectives, and adverbs: I am very hungry. * I was very pleased to get your letter. * You played very well. But notice: I’m very much afraid that your son may be involved in the crime.\nVery is not used with past participles that have a passive meaning. Much, very much or greatly (formal) are usually used instead: Your help was very much appreciated. * He was much loved by everyone. * She was greatly admired.\nVery is used to emphasize superlative adjectives: my very best work * the very youngest children. However, with comparative adjectives much, very much, a lot, etc. are used: Your work is very much better. * much younger children.\nVery is not used with adjectives and adverbs that already have an extreme meaning. You are more likely to use an adverb such as absolutely, completely, etc.: She was absolutely furious. * I’m completely exhausted. * You played really brilliantly.\nVery is not used with verbs. Use very much instead: We enjoyed staying with you very much.\n______________________________


Words: vesicle
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (biology) a small bag or hollow structure in the body of a plant or an animal\n  2  (medical) a small swelling filled with liquid under the skin\nSYN BLISTER


Words: vessel
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (formal) a large ship or boat:\nocean-going vessels\n  2  (old use or technical) a container used for holding liquids, such as a bowl, cup, etc:\na Bronze Age drinking vessel\n  3  a tube that carries blood through the body of a person or an animal, or liquid through the parts of a plant\nsee also BLOOD VESSEL


Words: vest
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (BrE) (AmE undershirt) a piece of underwear worn under a shirt, etc. next to the skin:\na cotton / string / thermal vest\ncompare SINGLET\n \n  2  a special piece of clothing that covers the upper part of the body:\na bullet-proof vest * a running vest\n \n  3  (AmE) = WAISTCOAT\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  vest in sb/sth (law) (of power, property, etc.) to belong to sb/sth legally:\nIn the case of bankruptcy, the property shall vest in the trustee.\n  vest sth in sb/sth | vest sb with sth [often passive] (formal)\n1 to give sb the legal right or power to do sth:\nOverall authority is vested in the Supreme Council. * The Supreme Council is vested with overall authority.\n2 to make sb the legal owner of land or property


Words: vested interest
Meaning:
noun\n~ (in sth) a personal reason for wanting sth to happen, especially because you get some advantage from it:\nThey have a vested interest in keeping their club as exclusive as possible. * Powerful vested interests (= people with a vested interest) are opposing the plan. * She thinks that lawyers have a vested interest in making the legal process move slowly.


Words: vestibule
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (formal) an entrance hall, for example where hats and coats can be left:\nthe vestibule of a church / theatre / hotel\n  2  (technical) an enclosed space at the end of a carriage on a train that connects it with the next carriage


Words: vestige
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  a small part of sth that still exists after the rest of it has stopped existing:\nthe last vestiges of the old colonial regime\n  2  usually used in negative sentences, to say that not even a small amount of sth exists:\nThere’s not a vestige of truth in the rumour. * His report offered not a vestige of comfort.


Words: vestigial
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (formal or technical) remaining as the last small part of sth that used to exist:\nvestigial traces of an earlier culture * It is often possible to see the vestigial remains of rear limbs on some snakes.


Words: vestry
Meaning:
noun\n(plural vestries) a room in a church where a priest prepares for a service by putting on special clothes and where various objects used in worship are kept\nSYN SACRISTY


Words: vet
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  (especially BrE) (AmE usually veterinarian) (also BrE formal veterinary surgeon) a person who has been trained in the science of animal medicine, whose job is to treat animals who are ill or injured\n \n  2  (vet’s) (plural vets) the place where a vet works:\nI’ve got to take the dog to the vet’s tomorrow.\n \n  3  (AmE, informal) = VETERAN:\na Vietnam vet\n    verb (-tt-) [VN] (BrE)\n  1  to find out about a person’s past life and career in order to decide if they are suitable for a particular job\nSYN SCREEN:\nAll candidates are carefully vetted for security reasons.\nsee also POSITIVE VETTING\n  2  to check the contents, quality, etc. of sth carefully\nSYN SCREEN:\nAll reports are vetted before publication. * She insists on vetting questions prior to an interview.


Words: vetch
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a plant of the pea family. There are several types of vetch, one of which is used as food for farm animals.


Words: veteran
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who has a lot of experience in a particular area or activity:\nthe veteran British actor and producer, Sir Richard Attenborough\n  2  (also AmE informal vet) a person who has been a soldier, sailor, etc. in a war:\nwar veterans * a veteran of the Spanish Civil War * a Vietnam vet


Words: Veterans Day
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a holiday in the US on 11 November, in honour of members of the armed forces and others who have died in war\nsee also MEMORIAL DAY, REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY


Words: veterinary
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] connected with caring for the health of animals:\nveterinary medicine / science


Words: veto
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (plural vetoes)\n  1  [C, U] the right to refuse to allow sth to be done, especially the right to stop a law from being passed or a decision from being taken:\nThe British government used its veto to block the proposal. * to have the power / right of veto * the use of the presidential veto\n  2  [C] ~ (on sth) an occasion when sb refuses to allow sth to be done:\nFor months there was a veto on employing new staff.\n    verb (vetoes, vetoing, vetoed, vetoed) [VN] \n  1  to stop sth from happening or being done by using your official authority (= by using your veto):\nPlans for the dam have been vetoed by the Environmental Protection Agency.\n  2  to refuse to accept or do what sb has suggested:\nI wanted to go camping but the others quickly vetoed that idea.


Words: vex
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (old-fashioned or formal) to annoy or worry sb:\nThe memory of their conversation still vexed him.\n    vexing adjective:\na vexing problem / question * I found their attitude extremely vexing.


Words: vexation
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned or formal)\n  1  [U] the state of feeling upset or annoyed:\nShe sat down and cried in vexation.\n  2  [C] a thing that upsets or annoys you


Words: vexed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ question / issue a problem that is difficult to deal with\nSYN THORNY:\nThe conference spent much of its time discussing the vexed question of border controls.\n  2  ~ (at / with sb/sth) (old-fashioned) upset or annoyed


Words: VHF
Meaning:
abbreviation\nvery high frequency (a range of radio waves used for high-quality broadcasting):\na VHF transmitter


Words: via
Meaning:
preposition\n  1  through a place:\nWe flew home via Dubai.\n  2  by means of a particular person, system, etc:\nI heard about the sale via Jane. * The news programme came to us via satellite.


Words: viable
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that can be done; that will be successful:\na viable option / proposition * There is no viable alternative. * to be commercially / politically / financially / economically viable * If there was any delay then the rescue plan would cease to be viable.\n  2  (biology) capable of developing and surviving independently:\nviable organisms\n    viability  noun [U]:\ncommercial / economic / financial viability


Words: viaduct
Meaning:
noun\na long high bridge, usually with arches, that carries a road or railway/railroad across a river or valley


Words: vibes
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  (also formal vibrations) (also vibe [sing.]) (informal) a mood or an atmosphere produced by a particular person, thing or place:\ngood / bad vibes * The vibes weren’t right.\n  2  = VIBRAPHONE:\na jazzy vibes backing


Words: vibrant
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  full of life and energy\nSYN EXCITING:\na vibrant city / personality * Thailand is at its most vibrant during the New Year celebrations.\n  2  (of colours) very bright and strong\nSYN BRILLIANT:\nThe room was decorated in vibrant reds and yellows.\n  3  (of music, sounds, etc.) loud and powerful:\nvibrant rhythms / tunes\n    vibrancy  noun [U]


Words: vibraphone
Meaning:
noun\n[C] (also informal vibes [pl.]) a musical instrument used especially in jazz, that has two rows of metal bars that you hit, and a motor that makes them vibrate


Words: vibrate
Meaning:
verb\nto move or make sth move from side to side very quickly and with small movements:\n[V] Every time a train went past the walls vibrated. * The atmosphere seemed to vibrate with tension. [also VN]


Words: vibration
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a continuous shaking movement or feeling:\nWe could feel the vibrations from the trucks passing outside. * a reduction in the level of vibration in the engine\n  2  (vibrations) [pl.] (formal) = VIBES


Words: vibrato
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] (plural vibratos) (music) a shaking effect in singing or playing a musical instrument, made by rapid slight changes in PITCH (= how high or low a sound is)


Words: vibrator
Meaning:
noun\nan electrical device that produces a continuous shaking movement, used in MASSAGE or for sexual pleasure


Words: vicar
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) an Anglican priest who is in charge of a church and the area around it (called a PARISH)\ncompare CURATE, MINISTER, PRIEST, RECTOR


Words: vicarious
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] felt or experienced by watching or reading about sb else doing sth, rather than by doing it yourself:\nHe got a vicarious thrill out of watching his son score the winning goal.\n    vicariously adverb


Words: vice
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] criminal activities that involve sex or drugs:\nplain-clothes detectives from the vice squad\n \n  2  [U, C] evil or immoral behaviour; an evil or immoral quality in sb’s character:\nThe film ended most satisfactorily: vice punished and virtue rewarded. * Greed is a terrible vice. * (humorous) Cigarettes are my only vice.\n \n  3  (BrE) (AmE vise) [C] a tool with two metal blocks that can be moved together by turning a screw. The vice is used to hold an object firmly while work is done on it:\nHe held my arm in a vice-like (= very firm) grip.


Words: vice chancellor
Meaning:
noun\nthe head of a university in Britain, who is in charge of the work of running the university. (Compare the CHANCELLOR, who is the official head of a university but only has duties at various ceremonies.)


Words: vice versa
Meaning:
adverb\nused to say that the opposite of what you have just said is also true:\nYou can cruise from Cairo to Aswan or vice versa (= also from Aswan to Cairo).


Words: vice-
Meaning:
combining form\n(in nouns and related adjectives) next in rank to sb and able to represent them or act for them:\nvice-captain


Words: vice-president
Meaning:
noun (abbreviation VP)\n  1  the person below the president of a country in rank, who takes control of the country if the president is not able to\n  2  (AmE) a person in charge of a particular part of a business company:\nthe vice-president of sales


Words: vicinity
Meaning:
noun\n(the vicinity) [sing.] the area around a particular place:\nCrowds gathered in the vicinity of Trafalgar Square. * There is no hospital in the immediate vicinity.


Words: vicious
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  violent and cruel\nSYN BRUTAL:\na vicious assault / attack / murder * a vicious criminal / gang * She has a vicious temper.\n  2  (of animals) fierce and dangerous:\na vicious dog\n  3  (of an attack, criticism, etc.) full of hatred and anger:\nShe wrote me a vicious letter after the incident. * The newspapers launched a vicious attack on him, forcing him to resign.\n  4  (informal) very bad or severe:\na vicious headache * a vicious spiral of rising prices\n    viciously adverb\n    viciousness noun [U]:\nPolice were shocked by the viciousness of the assault.


Words: vicious circle
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a situation in which one problem causes another problem which then makes the first problem worse


Words: vicissitude
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (formal) one of the many changes and problems in a situation or in your life, that you have to deal with:\nthe vicissitudes of family life


Words: victim
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who has been attacked, injured or killed as the result of a crime, a disease, an accident, etc:\nmurder / rape victims * accident / earthquake / famine victims * Aids / cancer / stroke victims * victims of crime * She was the innocent victim of an arson attack. * Schools are the latest victims of cuts in public spending.\n  2  a person who has been tricked:\nThey were the victims of a cruel hoax. * She’s a fashion victim (= wears the newest fashions even if they do not suit her).\n  3  an animal or a person that is killed and offered as a SACRIFICE:\na sacrificial victim\n IDIOMS \n  fall victim (to sth) (written) to be injured, damaged or killed by sth:\nMany plants have fallen victim to the sudden frost.


Words: victimize
Meaning:
(BrE also victimise)  verb\n[VN] [often passive] to make sb suffer unfairly because you do not like them, their opinions, or sth that they have done:\nFor years the family had been victimized by racist neighbours. * The union claimed that some of its members had been victimized for taking part in the strike.\n    victimization, victimisation  noun [U]


Words: Victorian
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  connected with the period from 1837 to 1901 when Queen Victoria ruled Britain:\nVictorian architecture / novels / England * the Victorian age / era / period\n  2  having the attitudes that were typical of society during Queen Victoria’s REIGN:\nVictorian attitudes to sex (= being easily shocked by sexual matters) * She advocated a return to Victorian values (= hard work, pride in your country, etc.).\n    noun a British person who was alive during the period from 1837 to 1901, when Queen Victoria ruled


Words: victorious
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (in sth) having won a victory; that ends in victory:\nthe victorious army / team * a victorious battle / campaign * He emerged victorious in the elections.\n    victoriously adverb


Words: victory
Meaning:
noun\n(plural victories) [C, U] ~ (over / against sb/sth) success in a game, an election, a war, etc:\nthe team’s 32 victory over / against Poland * to win a decisive / narrow / stunning victory * an election / a military victory * She is confident of victory in Saturday’s final. * victory celebrations / parades\nsee also MORAL VICTORY\n IDIOMS \n  roar, romp, sweep, etc. to victory to win sth easily:\nHe swept to victory in the final of the championship.


Words: video
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural videos)\n \n  1  (also videotape) [U, C] a type of MAGNETIC tape used for recording television pictures and sound; a box containing this tape, also called a video cassette:\nThe movie will be released on video in June. * Do we have any blank videos?\n \n  2  [C] a copy of a film/movie, programme, etc. that is recorded on VIDEOTAPE:\na video of ’ET’ * The school made a short promotional video. * a home video (= not a professional one) * a video shop / store\n \n  3  [C] (BrE) = VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER:\nto programme the video to record a movie\n \n  4  [U] the process of recording and showing films/movies and programmes using a special camera and a television set:\nA wedding is the perfect subject for video. * the use of video in schools * video equipment / material\n    verb (also formal videotape) [VN] (especially BrE) to record a television programme using a VIDEO RECORDER; to film sb/sth using a video camera:\nDid you remember to video that programme? * Videoing students can be a useful teaching exercise.


Words: video cassette recorder
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation VCR) (also video, video cassette player, video recorder) a piece of equipment that you use to record and play films/movies and TV programmes on video


Words: videoconferencing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a system that enables people in different parts of the world to have a meeting by watching and listening to each other using video screens


Words: videodisc
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a plastic disc that you can record films/movies and programmes on, for showing on a television screen\nsee also DVD


Words: vie
Meaning:
verb\n(vying  vied, vied) ~ (with sb) (for sth) (formal) to compete strongly with sb in order to obtain or achieve sth:\n[V] She was surrounded by men all vying for her attention. * a row of restaurants vying with each other for business * [V to inf] Screaming fans vied to get closer to their idol.


Words: view
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  opinion\n  1  [C, often pl.] ~ (about / on sth) a personal opinion about sth; an attitude towards sth:\nto have different / conflicting / opposing views * to have strong political views * His views on the subject were well known. * This evidence supports the view that there is too much violence on television. * We take the view that it would be wrong to interfere. * In my view it was a waste of time. * What is needed is a frank exchange of views.\nsee also POINT OF VIEW\n  way of understanding\n  2  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a way of understanding or thinking about sth:\nHe has an optimistic view of life. * the Christian view of the world / the Christian world view * The traditional view was that marriage was meant to last. * The book gives readers an inside view of political life.\n  what you can see\n  3  [U, sing.] used when you are talking about whether you can see sth or whether sth can be seen in a particular situation:\nThe lake soon came into view. * The sun disappeared from view. * There was nobody in view. * Sit down-you’re blocking my view. * I didn’t have a good view of the stage.\n  4  [C] what you can see from a particular place or position, especially beautiful natural scenery:\nThere were magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. * The view from the top of the tower was spectacular. * a sea / mountain view * I’d like a room with a view. -> SIGHT\n  photograph / picture\n  5  [C] a photograph or picture that shows an interesting place or scene:\na book with views of Paris\n  chance to see sth\n  6  (also viewing) [C] a special chance to see or admire sth:\na private view (for example, of an art exhibition)\n IDIOMS \n  have, etc. sth in view (formal) to have a particular aim, plan, etc. in your mind:\nHe wanted to make money and went abroad with this end in view.\n  in full view (of sb/sth) completely visible, directly in front of sb/sth:\nHe was shot in full view of a large crowd.\n  in view of sth considering sth:\nIn view of the weather, the event will now be held indoors.\n  on view being shown in a public place so that people can look at it:\nThe new discoveries will be on view in London in the spring.\n  with a view to sth / to doing sth (formal) with the intention or hope of doing sth:\nHe’s painting the house with a view to selling it.\nmore at BIRD, DIM adj., HEAVE v., LONG adj.\n    verb [VN]\n  think about sth\n  1  ~ sb/sth as sth | ~ sb/sth with sth to think about sb/sth in a particular way\nSYN REGARD:\nWhen the car was first built, the design was viewed as highly original. * How do you view your position within the company? * She has always viewed him with suspicion. * You should view their offer with a great deal of caution.\n  look at sth\n  2  to look at sth, especially when you look carefully:\nPeople came from all over the world to view her work. * A viewing platform gave stunning views over the valley. * The eclipse should only be viewed through a special lens.\n  3  to visit a house, etc. with the intention of buying or renting it:\nThe property can only be viewed by appointment.\n  watch tv, film / movie\n  4  (formal) to watch television, a film/movie, etc:\nThe show has a viewing audience of six million (= six million people watch it). * an opportunity to view the movie before it goes on general release


Words: viewdata
Meaning:
(AmE also videotex) noun\n[U] an information system in which computer data is sent along telephone lines and shown on a television screen:\nviewdata services / systems


Words: viewer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person watching television:\nThe programme attracted millions of viewers.\n  2  a person who looks at or considers sth:\nSome of her art is intended to shock the viewer. * viewers of the current political scene\n  3  a device like a small box with a light in it, that is used for looking at SLIDES (= photographs on special film)


Words: viewpoint
Meaning:
noun\n  1  ~ (on sth) a way of thinking about a subject:\nTry looking at things from a different viewpoint. * She will have her own viewpoint on the matter. * From a practical viewpoint, I’d advise you not to go.\n  2  a direction or place from which you look at sth:\nThe artist has painted the scene from various viewpoints.\nsee also POINT OF VIEW


Words: vigil
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a period of time when people stay awake, especially at night, in order to watch a sick person, say prayers, protest, etc:\nHis parents kept a round-the-clock vigil at his bedside. * Students held a candlelit vigil against the war.


Words: vigilant
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) very careful to notice any signs of danger or trouble:\nA pilot must remain vigilant at all times. * The thief was spotted by vigilant neighbours.\n    vigilance  noun [U]:\nShe stressed the need for constant vigilance.\n    vigilantly adverb


Words: vigilante
Meaning:
noun\n(sometimes disapproving) a member of a group of people who try to prevent crime or punish criminals in their community, especially because they think the police are not doing this:\nvigilantes patrolling the streets * vigilante groups\n    vigilantism  noun [U]


Words: vignette
Meaning:
noun (formal)\n  1  a short piece of writing or acting that clearly shows what a particular person, situation, etc. is like:\na charming vignette of Edwardian life\n  2  a small picture or drawing, especially on the first page of a book:\nEach vignette represents one of the four seasons.


Words: vigorous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  very active, determined or full of energy:\na vigorous campaign against tax fraud * a vigorous opponent / supporter of the government * Take vigorous exercise for several hours a week.\n  2  strong and healthy:\na vigorous young man * This plant is a vigorous grower.\n    vigorously adverb:\nShe shook her head vigorously. * The accusation was vigorously denied.


Words: vigour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE vigor)  noun\n[U] energy, force or enthusiasm:\nHe worked with renewed vigour and determination.


Words: Viking
Meaning:
noun\na member of a race of Scandinavian people who attacked and sometimes settled in parts of NW Europe, including Britain, in the 8th to the 11th centuries:\nViking invaders / ships


Words: vile
Meaning:
adjective (viler, vilest)\n  1  (informal) extremely unpleasant or bad:\na vile smell / taste * The weather was really vile most of the time. * He was in a vile mood.\n  2  (formal) wicked; completely unacceptable:\nthe vile practice of taking hostages\n    vilely  adverb\n    vileness noun [U]


Words: vilify
Meaning:
verb\n(vilifies, vilifying, vilified, vilified) [VN] ~ sb/sth (as sth) | ~ sb/sth (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) to say or write unpleasant things about sb/sth so that other people will have a low opinion of them\nSYN MALIGN:\nThey were vilified by the press as ’international terrorists’.\n    vilification  noun [U]:\nthe vilification of single parents by right-wing politicians


Words: villa
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) a house where people stay on holiday/vacation:\nWe rented a holiday villa in Spain.\n  2  a house in the country with a large garden, especially in southern Europe\n  3  (in Roman times) a country house or farm with land attached to it


Words: village
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a very small town situated in a country area:\nWe visited towns and villages all over Spain. * a fishing / mountain / seaside village * (especially BrE) the village hall / shop * Her books are about village life.\n  2  (the village) [sing.] (especially BrE) the people who live in a village:\nThe whole village was invited to the party.\n HELP NOTE  Do not use village to talk about small towns in the US. In AmE village is used for a small place in another country that seems more old-fashioned than a town in the US.


Words: villain
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the main bad character in a story, play, etc:\nHe often plays the part of the villain.\n  2  a wicked person:\nthe heroes and villains of the 20th century\n  3  (BrE, informal) a criminal\n IDIOMS \n  the villain of the piece (especially humorous) the person or thing that is responsible for all the trouble in a situation:\nIt’s hard to identify the real villain of the piece in this case.


Words: villainous
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (written) very wicked; very unpleasant:\na villainous character / crime


Words: villainy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) wicked behaviour:\nAt the end of the book, virtue is rewarded and villainy punished.


Words: villein
Meaning:
noun\n(in the Middle Ages) a poor man who had to work for a richer man in return for a small piece of land to grow food on


Words: vinaigrette
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a mixture of oil, VINEGAR and various herbs, etc., used to add flavour to a salad\nSYN FRENCH DRESSING


Words: vindicate
Meaning:
verb [VN] (formal)\n  1  to prove that sth is true or that you were right to do sth, especially when other people thought differently\nSYN JUSTIFY:\nOur fears of conflict were partially vindicated by today’s events. * I have every confidence that this decision will be fully vindicated.\n  2  to prove that sb is not guilty when they have been accused of doing sth wrong or illegal:\nNew evidence emerged, vindicating him completely.\n    vindication  noun [U, sing.]:\nAnti-nuclear protesters regarded the Chernobyl accident as a clear vindication of their campaign.


Words: vindictive
Meaning:
adjective\ntrying to harm or upset sb, or showing that you want to, because you think that they have harmed you:\nHe accused her of being vindictive. * a vindictive comment / person\n    vindictively adverb:\n’It serves them right,’ he thought vindictively.\n    vindictiveness noun [U]


Words: vine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a climbing plant that produces grapes:\ngrapes on the vine * vine leaves\nsee also GRAPEVINE\n  2  any climbing plant with long thin stems; one of these stems


Words: vinegar
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a liquid with a bitter taste made from MALT (= a type of grain) or wine, used to add flavour to food or to preserve it:\nmalt / wine vinegar * onions pickled in vinegar


Words: vintage
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  the wine that was produced in a particular year or place; the year in which it was produced:\nthe 1991 vintage * 1995 was a particularly fine vintage\n  2  [usually sing.] the period or season of gathering grapes for making wine:\nThe vintage was later than usual.\n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  vintage wine is of very good quality and has been stored for several years:\nvintage champagne / port / wine\n  2  (BrE) (of a vehicle) made between 1917 and 1930 and admired for its style and interest:\na vintage rally (= for vehicles of this type)\ncompare VETERAN CAR\n  3  typical of a period in the past and of high quality; the best work of the particular person:\na collection of vintage designs * vintage TV drama * The opera is vintage Rossini.\n  4  ~ year a particularly good and successful year:\n1999 was not a vintage year for the movies.


Words: vintner
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, formal) a person whose business is buying and selling wines or a person who grows grapes and makes wine


Words: vinyl
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a strong plastic that can bend easily, used for making wall, floor and furniture coverings, book covers, and, especially in the past, records:\na vinyl sofa


Words: viola
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument with strings, that you hold under your chin and play with a BOW. A viola is larger than a violin and plays lower notes:\na viola player


Words: violate
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  (formal) to go against or refuse to obey a law, an agreement, etc:\nto violate human rights / international law\n  2  (formal) to disturb or not respect sb’s peace, PRIVACY, etc:\nShe accused the press photographers of violating her privacy.\n  3  to damage or destroy a holy or special place\nSYN DESECRATE:\nto violate a grave / shrine / tomb\n  4  (literary or old-fashioned) to force sb to have sex\nSYN RAPE\n    violation  noun [U, C]:\nThey were in open violation of the treaty. * gross violations of human rights\n    violator noun


Words: violence
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  ~ (against sb) violent behaviour that is intended to hurt or kill sb:\ncrimes / acts / threats of violence * He condemned the protesters’ use of violence against the police. * domestic violence (= between family members) * Is there too much sex and violence on TV?\n  2  physical or emotional force and energy:\nThe violence of her feelings surprised him. * the violence of the eruption * He reacted to the idea with some violence.


Words: violent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  involving or caused by physical force that is intended to hurt or kill sb:\nviolent crime * Students were involved in violent clashes with the police. * to die / meet with a violent death (for example, to be murdered) * Her husband was a violent man. * The crowd suddenly turned violent. * Children should not be allowed to watch violent movies (= that show a lot of violence).\n  2  showing or caused by very strong emotion:\nThere was a violent reaction from the public.\n  3  very strong and sudden:\nI took a violent dislike to him. * a violent explosion / storm * a violent change / upheaval * a violent headache\n  4  (of a colour) extremely bright:\nHer dress was a violent pink.


Words: violently
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  with great energy or strong movement, especially caused by a strong emotion such as fear or hatred:\nShe shook her head violently. * to shiver / tremble / shudder violently\n  2  very strongly or severely:\nHe was violently sick. * They are violently opposed to the idea.\n  3  in a way that involves physical violence:\nThe crowd reacted violently.


Words: violet
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a small wild or garden plant with purple or white flowers with a sweet smell that appear in spring\n  2  [U] a bluish-purple colour:\ndressed in violet\n    violet adjective:\nviolet eyes\n IDIOMS  see SHRINK v.


Words: violin
Meaning:
noun\na musical instrument with strings, that you hold under your chin and play with a BOW:\nBrahms’ violin concerto\ncompare VIOLA\nsee also FIDDLE


Words: VIP
Meaning:
noun\na famous or important person who is treated in a special way (abbreviation for ’Very Important Person’):\nthe VIP lounge * to get / give sb the VIP treatment


Words: virgin
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [C] a person who has never had sex\n  2  (the (Blessed) Virgin) [sing.] the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ\n    adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] in its original pure or natural condition and not changed, touched or spoiled:\nvirgin forest / land / territory * virgin snow (= fresh and not marked)\n  2  [only before noun] with no sexual experience:\na virgin bride / saint * the virgin birth (= the belief that Mary was a virgin before and after giving birth to Jesus)


Words: virgin olive oil
Meaning:
noun\n[U] good quality oil obtained the first time that OLIVES are pressed:\nextra virgin olive oil (= the best quality oil)


Words: virginal
Meaning:
adjective\nof or like a virgin; pure and innocent:\nShe was dressed in virginal white. * a virginal bride


Words: Virginia creeper
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] a climbing plant, often grown on walls, with large leaves that turn red in the autumn/fall


Words: virginity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the state of being a virgin:\nHe lost his virginity (= had sex for the first time) when he was 18.


Words: Virgo
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] the 6th sign of the ZODIAC, the VIRGIN\n \n  2  [C] (plural Virgos) a person born under the influence of this sign, that is between 23 August and 23 September, approximately


Words: virile
Meaning:
adjective (usually approving)\n  1  (of men) strong and full of energy, especially sexual energy\n  2  having or showing the strength and energy that is considered typical of men:\na virile performance * virile athleticism


Words: virility
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  sexual power in men:\ndisplays of male virility * a need to prove his virility\n  2  strength or energy:\npolitical / economic virility


Words: virtual
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  almost or very nearly the thing described, so that any slight difference is not important:\nThe country was sliding into a state of virtual civil war. * The company has a virtual monopoly in this area of trade. * He married a virtual stranger. * When her husband had a stroke, she was given virtual control of the business.\n  2  made to appear to exist by the use of computer SOFTWARE:\nvirtual memory / space * New technology has enabled development of an online ’virtual library’.


Words: virtual reality
Meaning:
noun\n[U] images created by a computer that appear to surround the person looking at them and seem almost real


Words: virtually
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  almost or very nearly, so that any slight difference is not important:\nto be virtually impossible / unknown / identical / certain * Virtually all students will be exempt from the tax. * He virtually admitted he was guilty. * This year’s results are virtually the same as last year’s. * The red squirrel has become virtually extinct in most of the country.\n  2  (computing) by the use of computer SOFTWARE that makes sth appear to exist; using VIRTUAL REALITY technology


Words: virtue
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (formal) behaviour or attitudes that show high moral standards:\nHe led a life of virtue. * She was certainly no paragon of virtue!\n  2  [C] a particular good quality or habit:\nPatience is not one of her virtues, I’m afraid. * As a politician, he always emphasized the virtues of compromise and conciliation.\n  3  [C, U] an attractive or useful quality\nSYN ADVANTAGE:\nThe plan has the virtue of simplicity. * He was extolling the virtues of the Internet. * They could see no virtue in discussing it further.\n IDIOMS \n  by / in virtue of sth (formal) by means of or because of sth:\nShe got the job by virtue of her greater experience.\n  make a virtue of necessity to manage to gain an advantage from sth that you have to do and cannot avoid:\nShe decided to make a virtue of necessity and combined a business trip to Paris with a visit to her cousins there.\nmore at EASY adj.


Words: virtuosity
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) a very high degree of skill in performing or playing:\norchestral / technical virtuosity * a performance of breathtaking virtuosity


Words: virtuoso
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun (plural virtuosos or virtuosi ) a person who is extremely skilful at doing sth, especially playing a musical instrument:\na piano virtuoso * a virtuoso pianist\n    adjective [only before noun] showing extremely great skill:\na virtuoso display / performance


Words: virtuous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) behaving in a very good and moral way:\na wise and virtuous man * She lived an entirely virtuous life.\n  2  (disapproving or humorous) claiming to behave better or have better morals than other people:\nHe was feeling virtuous because he had finished and they hadn’t.\n    virtuously adverb


Words: virulent
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a disease or poison) extremely dangerous or harmful and quick to have an effect:\na virulent form of influenza\n  2  (formal) showing strong negative and bitter feelings:\nvirulent nationalism / hatred / criticism\n    virulence  noun [U]\n    virulently adverb


Words: virus
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a living thing, too small to be seen without a MICROSCOPE, that causes infectious disease in people, animals and plants:\nthe flu virus * a virus infection\n  2  (informal) a disease caused by a virus:\nThere’s a virus going around the office.\n  3  instructions that are hidden within a computer program and are designed to cause faults or destroy data:\nThe virus in the software was programmed to corrupt the hard disk.\nsee also VIRAL


Words: vis-a-vis
Meaning:
preposition (from French, written)\n  1  in relation to:\nBritain’s role vis-a-vis the United States\n  2  in comparison with:\nIt was felt that the company had an unfair advantage vis-a-vis smaller companies elsewhere.


Words: visa
Meaning:
noun\na stamp or mark put in your PASSPORT by officials of a foreign country that gives you permission to enter, pass through or leave their country:\nentry / tourist / transit / exit visas


Words: visceral
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (literary) resulting from strong feelings rather than careful thought:\nvisceral fear / excitement * She had a visceral dislike of all things foreign.\n  2  (technical) relating to the viscera


Words: visibility
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  how far or well you can see, especially as affected by the light or the weather:\npoor / bad / zero visibility * Visibility was down to about 100 metres in the fog. * The car has excellent all-round visibility (= you can see what is around you very easily from it).\n  2  the fact or state of being easy to see:\nhigh visibility equipment for cyclists * The advertisements were intended to increase the company’s visibility in the marketplace (= to make people more aware of their products and services).


Words: visible
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that can be seen:\nThe house is clearly visible from the beach. * Most stars are not visible to the naked eye. * The moon was just visible between the clouds.\n  2  that is obvious enough to be noticed:\nvisible benefits / changes * a visible police presence * He showed no visible sign of emotion. * She made a visible effort to control her anger. * After using the cream for a month, I could see no visible difference.


Words: visibly
Meaning:
adverb\nin a way that is easily noticeable:\nHe was visibly shocked. * She paled visibly at the news.


Words: vision
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] the ability to see; the area that you can see from a particular position:\nto have good / perfect / poor / blurred / normal vision * 2020 vision (= the ability to see perfectly) * Cats have good night vision. * The couple moved outside her field of vision. * He glimpsed something on the edge of his vision.\nsee also TUNNEL VISION\n  2  [C] an idea or a picture in your imagination:\nHe had a vision of a world in which there would be no wars. * I had visions of us getting hopelessly lost. * The word conjures up visions of home and family.\n  3  [C] a dream or similar experience, especially of a religious kind:\nThe idea came to her in a vision.\n  4  [U] the ability to think about or plan the future with great imagination and intelligence:\na leader of vision * He’s a competent politician, but he lacks vision.\n  5  [C] a ~ (of sth) (literary) a person of great beauty or who shows the quality mentioned:\nShe was a vision in white lace. * a vision of loveliness / beauty / health\n  6  [U] the picture on a television or cinema/movie theater screen:\nWe apologize for the temporary loss of vision.


Words: visionary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  (approving) original and showing the ability to think about or plan the future with great imagination and intelligence:\na visionary leader * visionary leadership / speeches\n  2  relating to dreams or strange experiences, especially of a religious kind:\nvisionary experiences\n    noun (plural visionaries) (usually approving) a person who has the ability to think about or plan the future in an intelligent, imaginative way:\nShe was a true visionary. * The company needs visionaries to see opportunities.


Words: visit
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [VN] to go to see a person or a place for a period of time:\nShe went to visit relatives in Wales. * The Prime Minister is visiting Japan at the moment. * You should visit your dentist at least twice a year. * This is an area rarely visited by Europeans.\n  2  to stay somewhere for a short time:\n[V] We don’t live here. We’re just visiting. * [VN] The lake is also visited by seals in the summer.\n  3  [VN] to make an official visit to sb, for example to carry out checks or give advice:\ngovernment inspectors visiting schools / prisons / factories\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  visit sth on / upon sb/sth (old use) to punish sb/sth:\nThe sins of the fathers are visited upon the children (= children are blamed or suffer for what their parents have done).\n  visit with sb (AmE) to spend time with sb, especially talking socially:\nCome and visit with me some time.\n    noun\n  1  ~ (to sb/sth) (from sb) an occasion or a period of time when sb goes to see a place or person and spends time there:\nIt’s my first visit to New York. * They’re on an exchange visit to France. * If you have time, pay a visit to the local museum. * We had a visit from the police last night. * Is this a social visit, or is it business? * a visit to the doctor / dentist * (BrE) a home visit (= when your doctor visits you)\nsee also FLYING VISIT\n  2  ~ (with sb) (AmE, informal) an occasion when two or more people, especially important people, meet to talk in an informal way:\nHe had a visit with the President.


Words: visitation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (AmE) the right of a parent who is divorced or separated from his or her partner to visit a child who is living with the partner:\nShe is seeking more liberal visitation with her daughter. * visitation rights\ncompare ACCESS n. (3)\n  2  [C, U] ~ (of / from sb/sth) (formal) an official visit, especially to to check that rules are being obeyed and everything is satisfactory\n  3  [C] ~ (of / from sb/sth) (formal) an unexpected appearance of sth, for example a ghost\n  4  [C] ~ (of sth) (formal) a disaster that is believed to be a punishment from God:\na visitation of plague


Words: visiting
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] a visiting professor or lecturer is one who is teaching for a fixed period at a particular university or college, but who normally teaches at another one


Words: visiting card
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE calling card) (also card BrE, AmE) noun\na small card with your name on it which you leave with sb after, or instead of, a formal visit\ncompare BUSINESS CARD


Words: visitor
Meaning:
noun\n~ (to ...) a person who visits a person or place:\nWe’ve got visitors coming this weekend. * Do you get many visitors? * She’s a frequent visitor to the US. * The theme park attracts 2.5 million visitors a year.\nsee also HEALTH VISITOR


Words: visitors’ book
Meaning:
noun\na book in which visitors write their names, addresses and sometimes comments, for example, at a hotel or place of public interest


Words: visor
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a part of a helmet that can be pulled down to protect the eyes and face\n \n  2  a curved piece of plastic, etc. worn on the head above the eyes to protect them from the sun\n \n  3  a small piece of plastic, etc. inside the front window of a car that can be pulled down to protect the driver’s eyes from the sun\n \n  4  (AmE) = PEAK (4)


Words: vista
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (literary) a beautiful view, for example, of the countryside, a city, etc.\n  2  (written) a range of things that might happen in the future:\nThis new job could open up whole new vistas for her.


Words: visual
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective of or connected with seeing or sight:\nI have a very good visual memory. * the visual arts * The building makes a tremendous visual impact. * dramatic visual effects * The photographs she takes are a visual record of her travels.\n    visually adverb:\nvisually handicapped / impaired * visually exciting / dull\n    noun a picture, map, piece of film, etc. used to make an article or a talk easier to understand or more interesting:\nHe used striking visuals to get his point across.


Words: visual aid
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] a picture, video, etc. used in teaching to help people to learn or understand sth


Words: visualize
Meaning:
(BrE also visualise)  verb\n~ sth (as sth) to form a picture of sb/sth in your mind\nSYN IMAGINE:\n[VN] Try to visualize him as an old man. * [V wh-] I can’t visualize what this room looked like before it was decorated. * [VN -ing] It can help to visualize yourself making your speech clearly and confidently. * [V -ing] She couldn’t visualize climbing the mountain.\n    visualization, visualisation  noun [U, C]


Words: vital
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ (for / to sth) necessary or essential in order for sth to succeed or exist:\nthe vitamins that are vital for health * Good financial accounts are vital to the success of any enterprise. * It is vital that you keep accurate records when you are self-employed. * Reading is of vital importance in language learning. * The police play a vital role in our society. * It was vital to show that he was not afraid.\n  2  [only before noun] connected with or necessary for staying alive:\nthe vital organs (= the brain, heart, lungs, etc.)\n  3  (written) (of a person) full of energy and enthusiasm


Words: vital statistics
Meaning:
noun [pl.]\n  1  figures that show the number of births and deaths in a country\n  2  (BrE, informal) the measurements of a woman’s chest, waist and hips


Words: vitality
Meaning:
noun\n[U] energy and enthusiasm\nSYN VIGOUR:\nShe is bursting with vitality and new ideas. * The music has a wonderful freshness and vitality.


Words: vitamin
Meaning:
noun\na natural substance found in food that is an essential part of what humans and animals eat to help them grow and stay healthy. There are many different vitamins:\nOranges are rich in vitamin C. * breakfast cereals enriched with vitamins * vitamin deficiency * vitamin pills


Words: vitiate
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] [usually passive] (rare, formal) to spoil or reduce the effect of sth:\nThe ’yes’ vote was vitiated by the low turnout in the election.


Words: vitrify
Meaning:
verb\n(vitrifies, vitrifying, vitrified, vitrified) [V, VN] (technical) to change or make sth change into glass, or a substance like glass\n    vitrification  noun [U]


Words: vitriolic
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of language or comments) full of anger and hatred:\nThe newspaper launched a vitriolic attack on the president.


Words: vituperation
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (rare, formal) cruel and angry criticism:\nShe was unprepared for the flood of vituperation which descended on her from her critics.\n    vituperative  adjective:\na vituperative article / attack / commentary


Words: vivacious
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) (especially of a woman) having a lively, attractive personality:\na vivacious manner * He had three pretty, vivacious daughters.\n    vivaciously adverb\n    vivacity  noun [U]:\nHe was charmed by her beauty and vivacity.


Words: vivid
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of memories, a description, etc.) producing very clear pictures in your mind:\nvivid memories / dreams * He gave a vivid account of his life as a fighter pilot.\n  2  (of light, colours, etc.) very bright:\nvivid blue eyes * the vivid colours and patterns of her designs\n  3  (of sb’s imagination) able to form pictures of ideas, situations, etc. easily in the mind\n    vividly adverb:\nI vividly remember the day we first met.\n    vividness noun [U]:\nthe frightening vividness of my dream


Words: vixen
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a female FOX (= a wild animal of the dog family)\n  2  (old-fashioned) an unpleasant and bad-tempered woman


Words: viz.
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal written, especially BrE) used to introduce a list of things that explain sth more clearly or are given as examples\nSYN NAMELY:\nfour major colleges of surgery, viz. London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin


Words: vocabulary
Meaning:
noun (plural vocabularies)\n  1  [C, U] all the words that a person knows or uses:\nto have a wide / limited vocabulary * your active vocabulary (= the words that you use) * your passive vocabulary (= the words that you understand but don’t use) * Reading will increase your vocabulary. * The word ’failure’ is not in his vocabulary (= for him, failure does not exist).\n  2  [C] all the words in a particular language:\nWhen did the word ’bungalow’ first enter the vocabulary?\n  3  [C, U] the words that people use when they are talking about a particular subject:\nThe word has become part of advertising vocabulary.\n  4  (also informal vocab ) [C, U] a list of words with their meanings, especially in a book for learning a foreign language


Words: vocal
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] connected with the voice:\nvocal music * the vocal organs (= the tongue, lips, etc.)\n  2  telling people your opinions or protesting about sth loudly and with confidence:\nHe has been very vocal in his criticism of the government’s policy. * The protesters are a small but vocal minority.\n    noun [usually pl.] the part of a piece of music that is sung, rather than played on a musical instrument:\nbacking vocals * In this recording Armstrong himself is on vocals.


Words: vocalist
Meaning:
noun\na singer, especially in a pop or jazz band:\na lead / guest / backing vocalist\ncompare INSTRUMENTALIST


Words: vocalization
Meaning:
(BrE also vocalisation)  noun (formal)\n  1  [C] a word or sound that is produced by the voice:\nthe vocalizations of animals\n  2  [U] the process of producing a word or sound with the voice


Words: vocalize
Meaning:
(BrE also vocalise)  verb (formal)\n  1  [VN] to use words to express sth:\nShowing children pictures sometimes helps them to vocalize their ideas.\n  2  to say or sing sounds or words:\n[V] Your baby will begin to vocalize long before she can talk. [also VN]


Words: vocally
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that uses the voice:\nto communicate vocally\n  2  by speaking in a loud and confident way:\nThey protested vocally.


Words: vocation
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a type of work or way of life that you believe is especially suitable for you\nSYN CALLING:\nNursing is not just a job-it’s a vocation. * She believes that she has found her true vocation in life. * You missed your vocation-you should have been an actor.\n  2  [C, U] ~ (for sth) a belief that a particular type of work or way of life is especially suitable for you:\nHe has a vocation for teaching. * She is a doctor with a strong sense of vocation.\n  3  [C, U] a belief that you have been chosen by God to be a priest or NUN:\na vocation to the priesthood


Words: vocational
Meaning:
adjective\nconnected with the skills, knowledge, etc. that you need to have in order to do a particular job:\nvocational education / qualifications / training


Words: vocative
Meaning:
noun\n(grammar) (in some languages) the form of a noun, a pronoun or an adjective used when addressing a person or thing\ncompare ACCUSATIVE, DATIVE, GENITIVE, NOMINATIVE\n    vocative adjective:\nthe vocative case


Words: vociferous
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) expressing your opinions or feelings in a loud and confident way\nSYN STRIDENT:\nvociferous complaints / protests / demands * He is a vociferous critic of the president’s stance on abortion.\n    vociferously adverb:\nto complain / protest vociferously


Words: vodka
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a strong clear alcoholic drink, made from grain, originally from Russia\n  2  [C] a glass of vodka:\nI’ll have a vodka and lime.


Words: vogue
Meaning:
noun\n[C, usually sing, U] ~ (for sth) a fashion for sth:\nthe vogue for child-centred education * Black is in vogue again. * Sixties music has come back into vogue. * This novel had a great vogue ten years ago.


Words: voice
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  sound from mouth\n  1  [C, U] the sound or sounds produced through the mouth by a person speaking or singing:\nI could hear voices in the next room. * He recognized Sarah’s voice. * to speak in a deep / soft / loud / husky voice * ’I promise,’ she said in a small voice (= a quiet, shy voice). * to raise / lower your voice (= to speak louder / more quietly) * Keep your voice down (= speak quietly). * Don’t take that tone of voice with me! * Her voice shook with emotion. * ’There you are,’ said a voice behind me. * When did his voice break (= become deep like a man’s)? * He was suffering from flu and had lost his voice (= could not speak). * She has a good singing voice. * She was in good voice (= singing well) at the concert tonight.\n  -voiced\n  2  (in adjectives) having a voice of the type mentioned:\nlow-voiced * squeaky-voiced\n  opinion\n  3  [sing.] ~ (in sth) the right to express your opinion and influence decisions:\nEmployees should have a voice in the decision-making process.\n  4  [C] a particular attitude, opinion or feeling that is expressed; a feeling or an opinion that you become aware of inside yourself:\nHe pledged that his party would listen to the voice of the people. * Very few dissenting voices were heard on the right of the party. * the voice of reason / sanity / conscience * ’Coward!’ a tiny inner voice insisted.\n  grammar\n  5  [sing.] the active / passive ~ the form of a verb that shows whether the subject of a sentence performs the action (the active voice) or is affected by it (the passive voice)\n  phonetics\n  6  [U] a sound produced by movement of the VOCAL CORDS used in the pronunciation of vowels and some consonants (/ b, d, g, d{zh}, v, , z, {zh}, m, n, {ng}, w, r, l, j /)\n IDIOMS \n  give voice to sth to express your feelings, worries, etc:\nMany workers at the meeting gave voice to their fears about job security.\n  make your voice heard to express your feelings, opinions, etc. in a way that makes people notice and consider them:\nThe programme gives ordinary viewers a chance to make their voices heard.\n  with one voice as a group; with everyone agreeing:\nThe various opposition parties speak with one voice on this issue.\nmore at FIND v., SOUND n., STILL adj., TOP n.\n    verb [VN]\n  give opinion\n  1  to tell people your feelings or opinions about sth:\nto voice complaints / criticisms / doubts / objections * A number of parents have voiced concern about their children’s safety.\n  phonetics\n  2  to produce a sound with a movement of your VOCAL CORDS as well as your breath:\nvoiced consonants\ncompare UNVOICED, VOICELESS


Words: voice-over
Meaning:
noun\ninformation or comments in a film/movie, television programme, etc. that are given by a person who is not seen on the screen:\nShe earns a lot of money doing voice-overs for TV commercials.


Words: voiceless
Meaning:
adjective\n(phonetics) (of consonants) produced without VIBRATION of the VOCAL CORDS. The consonants / p, t, k, t{sh}, f, , s, {sh}, h / are voiceless.\nSYN UNVOICED\nOPP VOICED


Words: voicemail
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an electronic system which can store telephone messages, so that sb can listen to them later


Words: void
Meaning:
noun, adjective, verb \n    noun [usually sing.] (formal or literary) a large empty space:\nBelow him was nothing but a black void. * (figurative) The void left by his mother’s death was never filled. * She sat staring into the void, emptying her mind of all thoughts.\n    adjective\n  1  ~ of sth (formal) completely lacking sth\nSYN DEVOID:\nThe sky was void of stars.\n  2  (law) (of a contract, an agreement etc.) not valid or legal:\nThe agreement was declared void.\n  3  (formal) empty:\nvoid spaces\n IDIOMS  see NULL\n    verb [VN] \n  1  (law) to state officially that sth is no longer valid\nSYN NULLIFY\n  2  (formal) to empty waste matter from the BLADDER or bowels


Words: vol-au-vent
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, from French) a small round case of light pastry filled with meat, fish, etc. in a cream sauce, often eaten with your fingers at parties


Words: volatile
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (often disapproving) (of a person or their moods) changing easily from one mood to another:\na highly volatile personality\n  2  (of a situation) likely to change suddenly; easily becoming dangerous:\na highly volatile situation from which riots might develop * a volatile exchange rate\n  3  (technical) (of a substance) that changes quickly into a gas:\nPetrol is a volatile substance.\n    volatility  noun [U]


Words: volcano
Meaning:
noun\n(plural volcanoes or volcanos) a mountain with a large opening at the top through which gases and LAVA (= hot liquid rock) are forced out into the air, or have been in the past:\nAn active volcano may erupt at any time. * a dormant volcano (= one that is not active at present) * an extinct volcano (= one that is no longer active)


Words: volition
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (formal) the power to choose sth freely or to make your own decisions:\nThey left entirely of their own volition (= because they wanted to).


Words: volley
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  (in some sports, for example tennis or football) a hit or kick of the ball before it touches the ground:\nShe hit a forehand volley into the net.\n  2  a lot of bullets, stones, etc. that are fired or thrown at the same time:\nA volley of shots rang out. * Police fired a volley over the heads of the crowd.\n  3  a lot of questions, comments, insults, etc. that are directed at sb quickly one after the other:\nShe faced a volley of angry questions from her mother.\n    verb (in some sports, for example tennis or football) to hit or kick the ball before it touches the ground: [VN] He volleyed the ball into the back of the net. [also V]


Words: volleyball
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a game in which two teams of six players use their hands to hit a large ball backwards and forwards over a high net while trying not to let the ball touch the ground on their own side


Words: volt
Meaning:
noun\n(abbreviation V) a unit for measuring the force of an electric current:\na high security fence with 5 000 volts passing through it


Words: volte-face
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal) a complete change of opinion or plan\nSYN ABOUT-TURN:\nThis represents a volte-face in government thinking. * We were thrown into confusion by his volte-face.


Words: voluble
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  talking a lot, and with enthusiasm, about a subject:\nEvelyn was very voluble on the subject of women’s rights.\n  2  expressed in many words and spoken quickly:\nvoluble protests\n    volubly  adverb:\nto complain / protest volubly about sth


Words: volume
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] the amount of space that an object or a substance fills; the amount of space that a container has:\nHow do you measure the volume of a gas? * jars of different volumes * Wait until the dough doubles in volume before kneading it again.\n \n  2  [C, U] the amount of sth:\nthe sheer volume (= large amount) of business * This work has grown in volume recently. * New roads are being built to cope with the increased volume of traffic. * Sales volumes fell 0.2% in June.\n \n  3  [U] the amount of sound that is produced by a television, radio, etc:\nto turn the volume up / down * the volume control on the television\n \n  4  [C] (abbreviation vol.) a book, especially one that is part of a series of books:\nan encyclopedia in 20 volumes\n  5  [C] (formal) a book:\na library of over 50 000 volumes * a slim volume of poetry\n  6  [C] (abbreviation vol.) a series of different ISSUES of the same magazine, especially all the ISSUES for one year:\n’New Scientist’ volume 142, number 3\n IDIOMS  see SPEAK


Words: voluminous
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  (of clothing) very large; having a lot of fabric:\na voluminous cloak / skirt\n  2  (of a piece of writing, a book, etc.) very long and detailed:\nThere is voluminous literature on modernism and post-modernism.\n  3  (of a container, piece of furniture, etc.) very large:\nI sank down into a voluminous armchair. * From one of his voluminous pockets he produced a bottle of whisky.\n    voluminously adverb


Words: voluntarily
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  willingly; without being forced:\nHe was not asked to leave-he went voluntarily.\n  2  without payment; free of charge:\nThe fund is voluntarily administered.


Words: voluntary
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  done willingly, not because you are forced:\na voluntary agreement / arrangement * Attendance on the course is purely voluntary. * to pay voluntary contributions into a pension fund * (BrE) He took voluntary redundancy.\nOPP COMPULSORY\n  2  [usually before noun] (of work) done by people who choose to do it without being paid:\nI do some voluntary work at the local hospital. * She works there on a voluntary basis. * voluntary services / bodies / agencies / organizations (= organized, controlled or supported by people who choose to do this and are usually not paid) * the voluntary sector (= organizations which are set up to help people and which do not make a profit, for example charities)\n  3  [only before noun] (of a person) doing a job without wanting to be paid for it:\na voluntary worker\n  4  (technical) (of movements of the body) that you can control\nOPP INVOLUNTARY\n    noun (plural voluntaries) a piece of music played before, during or after a church service, usually on an ORGAN


Words: volunteer
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a person who does a job without being paid for it:\nvolunteer carers / helpers * Schools need volunteers to help children to read.\n  2  a person who offers to do sth without being forced to do it:\nAre there any volunteers to help clear up? * No volunteers came forward.\n  3  a person who chooses to join the armed forces without being forced to join\ncompare CONSCRIPT\n    verb\n  1  ~ (sth) (for / as sth) to offer to do sth without being forced to do it or without getting paid for it:\n[V to inf] Jill volunteered to organize a petition. * [V] Several staff members volunteered for early retirement. * [VN] He volunteered his services as a driver.\n  2  to suggest sth or tell sb sth without being asked:\n[VN] to volunteer advice / information [also V speech]\n  3  ~ (for sth) to join the army, etc. without being forced to:\n[V] to volunteer for military service [also V to inf]\n  4  ~ sb (for / as sth) to suggest sb for a job or an activity, even though they may not want to do it:\n[VN] They volunteered me for the job of interpreter. [also VN to inf]


Words: voluptuary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural voluptuaries) (formal, usually disapproving) a person who enjoys physical, especially sexual, pleasures very much


Words: voluptuous
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (written) (of a woman) attractive in a sexual way with large breasts and hips:\na voluptuous woman * a voluptuous body / mouth\n  2  (literary) giving you physical pleasure:\nvoluptuous perfume * voluptuous soft velvet\n    voluptuously adverb:\nShe yawned and stretched voluptuously.\n    voluptuousness noun [U]:\nthe voluptuousness of her body


Words: vomit
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (also informal throw up) ~ (sth up) | ~ sth to bring food from the stomach back out through the mouth\nSYN BE SICK:\n[V] The smell made her want to vomit. * [VN] He had vomited up his supper. * The injured man was vomiting blood.\nsee also SICK\n    noun [U] food from the stomach bought back out through the mouth:\nYou must ensure that an unconscious person does not choke on their own vomit.


Words: voracious
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  eating or wanting large amounts of food:\na voracious eater * to have a voracious appetite\n  2  wanting a lot of new information and knowledge:\na voracious reader * a boy with a voracious and undiscriminating appetite for facts\n    voraciously adverb:\nSome animals feed voraciously in summer and hibernate in winter. * Ever since her childhood she had read voraciously.\n    voracity  noun [C, U] (formal)


Words: vortex
Meaning:
1  (technical) a mass of air, water, etc. that spins around very fast and pulls things into its centre\n  2  (literary) a very powerful feeling, force or situation that you cannot avoid or escape from:\nThey were both caught up in a whirling vortex of emotion.


Words: votary
Meaning:
noun\n(plural votaries) ~ of sb/sth (rare, formal) a person who worships or loves sb/sth:\na votary of John Keats


Words: vote
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (for / against sb/sth) a formal choice that you make in an election or at a meeting in order to choose sb or decide sth:\nThere were 21 votes for and 17 against the motion, with 2 abstentions. * The motion was passed by 6 votes to 3. * The chairperson has the casting / deciding vote. * The Green candidate won over 3 000 of the 14 000 votes cast.\n  2  [C] ~ (on sth) an occasion when a group of people vote on sth:\nto have / take a vote on an issue * The issue was put to the vote. * The vote was unanimous.\n  3  (the vote) [sing.] the total number of votes in an election:\nShe obtained 40% of the vote. * The party increased their share of the vote.\n  4  (the vote) [sing.] the vote given by a particular group of people, or for a particular party, etc:\nthe popular / student / working class vote * the Labour / Conservative vote\n  5  (the vote) [sing.] the right to vote, especially in political elections:\nIn Britain and the US, people get the vote at 18.\nsee also BLOCK VOTE\n    verb\n  1  ~ (for / against sb/sth) | ~ (on sth) to show formally by marking a paper or raising your hand which person you want to win an election, or which plan or idea you support: [V, usually +adv./prep.] Did you vote for or against her? * How did you vote at the last election? * We’ll listen to the arguments on both sides and then vote on it. * Over 60% of members voted in favour of (= for) the motion. * Only about half of the electorate bothered to vote. * [VN] We voted Democrat in the last election. * [V to inf] Parliament voted to set up an independent inquiry into the matter.\n  2  [VN-N] [usually passive] to choose sb/sth for a position or an award by voting:\nHe was voted most promising new director.\n  3  [VN-N] [usually passive] to say that sth is good or bad:\nThe event was voted a great success.\n  4  [VNN] to agree to give sb/yourself sth by voting:\nThe directors have just voted themselves a huge pay increase.\n  5  [V (that)] to suggest sth or support a suggestion that sb has made:\nI vote (that) we go out to eat.\n IDIOMS \n  vote with your feet to show what you think about sth by going or not going somewhere:\nShoppers voted with their feet and avoided the store.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  vote sb/sth<->down to reject or defeat sb/sth by voting for sb/sth else\n  vote sb in | vote sb into / onto sth to choose sb for a position by voting:\nHe was voted in as treasurer. * She was voted onto the board of governors.\n  vote sb out | vote sb out of / off sth to dismiss sb from a position by voting:\nHe was voted out of office.\n  vote sth<->through to bring a plan, etc. into effect by voting for it:\nA proposal to merge the two companies was voted through yesterday.


Words: vote of confidence
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a formal vote to show that people support a leader, a political party, an idea, etc:\nThe leader was given a vote of confidence by the party.


Words: vote of no confidence
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a formal vote to show that people do not support a leader, a political party, an idea, etc:\nThe assembly passed a vote of no confidence in the government.


Words: vote of thanks
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a short formal speech in which you thank sb for sth and ask other people to join you in thanking them:\nHe proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker.


Words: voter
Meaning:
noun\na person who votes or has the right to vote, especially in a political election:\nA clear majority of voters were in favour of the motion. * Only 60% of eligible voters actually used their vote.\nsee also FLOATING VOTER


Words: voting
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the action of choosing sb/sth in an election or at a meeting:\nHe was eliminated in the first round of voting. * Voting will take place on May 1. * tactical voting * to be of voting age


Words: votive
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (technical) presented to a god as a sign of thanks:\nvotive offerings


Words: vouch
Meaning:
verb\n\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  vouch for sb/sth to say that you believe that sb will behave well and that you will be responsible for their actions:\nAre you willing to vouch for him? * I can vouch for her ability to work hard.\n  vouch for sth to say that you believe that sth is true or good because you have evidence for it:\nI was in bed with the flu. My wife can vouch for that.


Words: voucher
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a printed piece of paper that can be used instead of money to pay for sth, or that allows you to pay less than the usual price of sth:\na voucher for a free meal * a food / travel voucher * This discount voucher entitles you to 10% off your next purchase.\nsee also LUNCHEON VOUCHER\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nvoucher / coupon / token\nThese words all have a meaning that refers to something you can use instead of money and exchange for goods.\nA voucher or token is a piece of paper with an amount of money printed on it that you can exchange for particular goods or use in a particular store: a ｣310 book/record token * a Marks and Spencer’s gift voucher/token (AmE gift certificate).\nA coupon or voucher is a printed piece of paper that can be used to pay for something or that allows you to pay less than the usual price: a money-off coupon.\nTokens or coupons are also small pieces of paper that you can collect and then exchange for a particular item.\n______________________________


Words: vouchsafe
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth (to sb) (old-fashioned or formal) to give, offer or tell sth to sb, especially as a privilege:\n[VN] He vouchsafed to me certain family secrets. [also V that, VNN, V speech]


Words: vow
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a formal and serious promise, especially a religious one, to do sth:\nto make / take a vow * to break / keep a vow * to break your marriage vows * Nuns take a vow of chastity.\n    verb to make a formal and serious promise to do sth or a formal statement that is true: [V to inf] She vowed never to speak to him again. * [V (that)] He vowed (that) he had not hurt her. * [VN] They vowed eternal friendship. [also V speech]


Words: vowel
Meaning:
noun (phonetics)\n  1  a speech sound in which the mouth is open and the tongue is not touching the top of the mouth, the teeth, etc., for example / a:, e, {o}: / :\nvowel sounds * Each language has a different vowel system.\n  2  a letter that represents a vowel sound. In English the vowels are a, e, i, o, and u.\ncompare CONSONANT\nsee also DIPHTHONG


Words: vox pop
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (BrE, informal) the opinion of members of the public, especially when it is broadcast or published


Words: voyage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (especially written) a long journey, especially by sea or in space:\nan around-the-world voyage * a voyage in space * The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage (= first journey). * (figurative) Going to college can be a voyage of self-discovery. * Darwin’s epic voyage of exploration\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (literary) to travel, especially in a ship and over a long distance


Words: voyager
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned or literary) a person who goes on a long journey, especially by ship to unknown parts of the world


Words: voyeur
Meaning:
noun (disapproving)\n  1  a person who gets pleasure from secretly watching other people have sex\n  2  a person who enjoys watching the problems and private lives of others:\nMost writers are voyeurs of a kind.\n    voyeurism  noun [U]\n    voyeuristic  adjective:\na voyeuristic interest in other people’s lives


Words: vulcanized
Meaning:
(BrE also vulcanised)  adjective\n(technical) (of rubber) treated with SULPHUR at great heat to make it stronger


Words: vulgar
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  not having or showing good taste; not polite, elegant or well behaved:\na vulgar man / woman * vulgar decorations / furnishings * She found their laughter and noisy games coarse and rather vulgar.\n  2  rude and likely to offend:\nvulgar jokes / language\n    vulgarly adverb (rare):\nHe eyed her vulgarly.


Words: vulgar fraction
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a FRACTION (= a number less than one) that is shown as numbers above and below a line:\nｾ and 5/8 are vulgar fractions.\ncompare DECIMAL FRACTION


Words: vulgarity
Meaning:
noun\n[U, C] the fact of being rude or not having good taste; a rude object, picture, etc:\nthe vulgarity of mass tourism * She was offended by the vulgarity of their jokes. * a pornographic magazine full of vulgarities


Words: vulgarize
Meaning:
(BrE also vulgarise)  verb\n[VN] (formal, disapproving) to spoil sth by changing it so that it is more ordinary than before and not of such a high standard\n    vulgarization, vulgarisation  noun [U]


Words: vulnerable
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (to sb/sth) weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally:\nto be vulnerable to abuse / attack / illness * She looked very vulnerable standing there on her own. * In cases of food poisoning, young children are especially vulnerable. * The sudden resignation of the financial director put the company in a very vulnerable position. * Old people are particularly vulnerable to the flu. * We should protect the most vulnerable members of our society. * Animals are at their most vulnerable when searching for food for their young.\n    vulnerability sth) (to sth):\nfinancial / political vulnerability * the vulnerability of newborn babies to disease * He was intensely aware of his own vulnerability.\n    vulnerably  adverb:\nHis condition left him vulnerably exposed to the slightest cold or cough.


Words: vulture
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large bird, usually without feathers on its head or neck, that eats the flesh of animals that are already dead:\nvultures circling / wheeling overhead\n \n  2  a person who hopes to gain from the troubles or sufferings of other people


Words: W
Meaning:
noun, abbreviation \n    noun (also w) [C, U] (plural W’s, w’s ) the 23rd letter of the English alphabet:\n’Water’ begins with (a) W / ’W’.\n    abbreviation\n  1  west; western\n  2  WATT:\na 100W light bulb


Words: wacky
Meaning:
(also whacky)  adjective\n(wackier, wackiest) (informal) funny or amusing in a slightly crazy way:\nwacky humour / ideas * weird and wacky fashion creations * Some of his friends are pretty wild and wacky characters.


Words: wad
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a thick pile of pieces of paper, paper money, etc. folded or rolled together:\nHe pulled a thick wad of ｣10 notes out of his pocket. * (BrE, slang) They had a wad / wads of money (= a large amount). * She came in with tears streaming down her face, clutching a wad of tissues.\n  2  a mass of soft material, used for blocking sth or keeping sth in place:\nThe nurse used a wad of cotton wool to stop the bleeding.\n    verb (-dd-) [VN] \n  1  ~ sth (up) (especially AmE) to fold or press sth into a tight wad\n  2  to fill sth with soft material for warmth or protection


Words: waddle
Meaning:
verb\n[V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to walk with short steps, swinging from side to side, like a duck:\nA short plump man came waddling towards me.\n    waddle noun [sing.]:\nShe walked with a waddle.


Words: wade
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to walk with an effort through sth, especially water or mud:\n[V] He waded into the water to push the boat out. * Sometimes they had to wade waist-deep through mud. * They waded the river at a shallow point.\n  2  [V] (AmE) = PADDLE\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wade in | wade into sth (informal) to enter a fight, a discussion or an argument in a forceful or not very sensitive way:\nThe police waded into the crowd with batons. * You shouldn’t have waded in with all those unpleasant accusations.\n  wade into sb (informal) to attack sb with words in a forceful angry way:\nShe waded into him as soon as he got home.\n  wade through sth [no passive] to deal with or read sth that is boring and takes a lot of time:\nI spent the whole day wading through the paperwork on my desk.


Words: wader
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also wading bird) [C] any of several different types of bird with long legs that feed in shallow water\n  2  (waders) [pl.] long rubber boots that reach up to your THIGH, that you wear for standing in water, especially when fishing:\na pair of waders


Words: wafer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a thin crisp light biscuit/cookie, often eaten with ice cream:\nThe sundae was topped with chocolate and a wafer. * chocolate / vanilla wafers (= biscuits / cookies made of two wafers with chocolate / vanilla inside)\n  2  a very thin round piece of special bread given by the priest during COMMUNION\n  3  ~ (of sth) a very thin piece of sth


Words: wafer-thin
Meaning:
adjective\nvery thin:\nwafer-thin mints * Our profit margin is already wafer-thin.\ncompare PAPER-THIN


Words: waffle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a crisp flat cake with a pattern of squares on both sides, often eaten with sweet sauce, cream, etc. on top:\na waffle iron (= for making waffles with)\n  2  [U] (BrE, informal) language that uses a lot of words but does not say anything important or interesting:\nThe report is just full of waffle.\n    verb [V] \n  1  ~ (on) (about sth) (BrE, informal, disapproving) to talk or write using a lot of words but without saying anything interesting or important:\nThe principal waffled on about exam results but no one was listening. * If you want to sound professional-don’t waffle.\n  2  ~ (on / over sth) (AmE, informal) to be unable to decide what to do about sth or what you think about sth:\nThe senator was accused of waffling on major issues.


Words: waft
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [+adv./prep.] to move, or make sth move, gently through the air:\n[V] The sound of their voices wafted across the lake. * Delicious smells wafted up from the kitchen. * [VN] The scent of the flowers was wafted along by the breeze.\n    noun (written) a smell or a line of smoke carried through the air:\nwafts of perfume / smoke


Words: wag
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (-gg-)\n  1  [V, VN] if a dog wags its tail, or its tail wags, its tail moves from side to side several times\n  2  [VN] to shake your finger or your head from side to side or up and down, often as a sign of disapproval\n IDIOMS  see TAIL n., TONGUE n.\n    noun\n  1  (old-fashioned, especially BrE) a person who enjoys making jokes\nSYN JOKER\n  2  a wagging movement


Words: wage
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [sing.] (also wages [pl.]) a regular amount of money that you earn, usually every week, for work or services:\nwages of ｣200 a week * a weekly wage of ｣200 * wage reductions / cuts * (BrE) a wage rise of 3% * a wage increase of 3% * wage demands / claims / settlements * Wages are paid on Fridays. * There are extra benefits for people on low wages. * Tax and insurance are deducted from your wages. * The staff have agreed to a voluntary wage freeze (= a situation in which wages are not increased for a time).\nsee also LIVING WAGE, MINIMUM WAGE\ncompare SALARY\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (against / on sb/sth) to begin and continue a war, a battle, etc:\nThe rebels have waged a guerrilla war since 1995. * He alleged that a press campaign was being waged against him.


Words: wage earner
Meaning:
noun\na person who earns money, especially a person who works for wages:\nWe have two wage earners in the family.


Words: waged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) having regular paid work:\nwaged workers\n  2  (of work) for which you are paid:\nwaged work / employment\n  3  (the waged) noun [pl.] people who are waged \nOPP UNWAGED


Words: wager
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (old-fashioned or formal) an arrangement to risk money on the result of a particular event\nSYN BET\n    verb (old-fashioned or formal)\n  1  ~ (sth) (on sth) | ~ sth/sb that ... to bet money:\n[V] She always wagered on an outsider. * [VN] to wager ｣50 on a horse * [VN that] I had wagered a great deal of money that I would beat him.\n  2  [V (that)] (spoken) used to say that you are so confident that sth is true or will happen that you would be willing to bet money on it:\nI’ll wager that she knows more about it than she’s saying.


Words: waggle
Meaning:
verb\n(informal) to make sth move with short movements from side to side or up and down; to move in this way:\n[VN] Can you waggle your ears? [also V]\n    waggle noun


Words: wagon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (BrE) (AmE freight car) a railway/railroad truck for carrying goods\n  2  (BrE also waggon) a vehicle with four wheels, pulled by horses or OXEN and used for carrying heavy loads\n  3  (AmE) = TROLLEY\nsee also BANDWAGON, STATION WAGON\n IDIOMS \n  be / go on the wagon (informal) to not drink alcohol, either for a short time or permanently


Words: wagon train
Meaning:
noun\na long line of WAGONS and horses, used by people travelling west in N America in the 19th century


Words: wah-wah
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (music) a special effect made on electric musical instruments, especially the guitar, which varies the quality of the sound


Words: waif
Meaning:
noun\na small thin person, usually a child, who looks as if they do not have enough to eat:\nthe waifs and strays of our society (= people with no home)\n    waif-like adjective:\nwaif-like young girls


Words: wail
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [V] to make a long loud high cry, especially because you are sad or in pain:\nThe little girl was wailing miserably. * women wailing and weeping * The cat was wailing to be let out.\n  2  to cry or complain about sth in a loud high voice:\n[V speech] ’It’s broken,’ she wailed. * [V] There’s no point wailing about something that happened so long ago.\n  3  [V] (of things) to make a long high sound:\nAmbulances raced by with sirens wailing.\n    wailing noun [sing., U]:\nWe heard a high-pitched wailing.\n    noun a long loud high cry, especially one expressing pain or sadness; a sound similar to this:\na wail of anguish / despair / distress * the distant wail of sirens * The child let out a high-pitched wail.


Words: waist
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the area around the middle of the body between the RIBS and the hips, often narrower than the areas above and below:\nHe put his arm around her waist. * She was paralysed from the waist down (= in the area below her waist). * The workmen were stripped to the waist (= wearing no clothes on the top half of their bodies).\n \n  2  the part of a piece of clothing that covers the waist:\nIt’s much too tight at the waist.\n \n  3  (-waisted) (in adjectives) having the type of waist mentioned:\na high-waisted dress


Words: waist-deep
Meaning:
adjective, adverb\nup to the waist:\nThe water was waist-deep. * We waded waist-deep into the muddy water.


Words: waist-high
Meaning:
adjective, adverb\nhigh enough to reach the waist:\nwaist-high grass * The grass had grown waist-high.


Words: waistband
Meaning:
noun\nthe strip of fabric that forms the waist of a piece of clothing, especially at the top of a skirt or trousers/pants:\nan elasticated waistband


Words: waistcoat
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE vest) noun\na short piece of clothing with buttons down the front but no sleeves, usually worn over a shirt and under a jacket, often forming part of a man’s suit


Words: waistline
Meaning:
noun\n  1  the amount that a person measures around the waist, used to talk about how fat or thin they are:\nan expanding waistline * All this butter and cream won’t do much for my waistline.\n  2  the place on a piece of clothing where your waist is\nSYN WAIST


Words: wait
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ (for sb/sth) to stay where you are or delay doing sth until sb/sth comes or sth happens:\n[V] She rang the bell and waited. * Have you been waiting long? * I’ve been waiting (for) twenty minutes. * Wait for me! * We’re waiting for the rain to stop before we go out. * I’ll wait outside until the meeting’s over. * The President agreed to speak to the waiting journalists. * No waiting (= on a sign at the side of the road, telling vehicles that they must not stop there). * [V to inf] Hurry up! We’re waiting to go. * [VN] You’ll just have to wait your turn (= wait until your turn comes). -> EXPECT\n  2  ~ (for sth) to hope or watch for sth to happen, especially for a long time:\n[V] Leeds United had waited for success for eighteen years. * This is just the opportunity I’ve been waiting for. * He’s waiting for me to make a mistake. * [VN] I waited my chance and slipped out when no one was looking.\n  3  (be waiting) (of things) to be ready for sb to have or use:\n[V] There’s a letter waiting for you at home. * [V to inf] The hotel had a taxi waiting to collect us.\n  4  [V] to be left to be dealt with at a later time because it is not urgent:\nI’ve got some calls to make but they can wait until tomorrow. * I’m afraid this can’t wait. It’s very important.\n IDIOMS \n  an accident / a disaster waiting to happen a thing or person that is very likely to cause danger or a problem in the future because of the condition it is in or the way they behave\n  I, they, etc. can’t wait / can hardly wait used when you are emphasizing that sb is very excited about sth or keen to do it:\nThe children can’t wait for Christmas to come. * I can hardly wait to see him again.\n  keep sb waiting to make sb have to wait or be delayed, especially because you arrive late:\nI’m sorry to have kept you waiting.\n  wait and see used to tell sb that they must be patient and wait to find out about sth later:\nWe’ll just have to wait and see-there’s nothing we can do at the moment. * a wait-and-see policy / attitude * ’Where are we going?’ ’Wait and see!’\n  wait at table (formal) to serve food to people, for example at a formal meal\n  wait for it (spoken, especially BrE)\n1 used to say that you are about to tell sb sth that is surprising or amusing:\nThey’re off on a trip, to-wait for it-the Maldives!\n2 used to tell sb not to start doing sth yet, but to wait until you tell them\n  wait a minute / moment / second\n1 to wait for a short time:\nCan you wait a second while I make a call?\n2 used when you have just noticed or remembered sth, or had a sudden idea:\nWait a minute-this isn’t the right key.\n  wait on sb hand and foot (disapproving) to take care of sb’s needs so well that they do not have to do anything for themselves:\nHe seems to expect me to wait on him hand and foot.\n  wait tables (AmE) to work serving food to people in a restaurant\n  wait till / until ... (spoken) used to show that you are very excited about telling or showing sth to sb:\nWait till you see what I’ve found!\n  what are we waiting for? (spoken) used to suggest that you should all start doing what you have been discussing\n  what are you waiting for? (spoken) used to tell sb to do sth now rather than later:\nIf the car needs cleaning, what are you waiting for?\n  (just) you wait used to emphasize a threat, warning or promise:\nI’ll be famous one day, just you wait!\nmore at WING n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wait about / around to stay in a place, with nothing particular to do, for example because you are expecting sth to happen or sb to arrive:\nLet’s wait around and see what happens.\n  wait behind (especially BrE) to stay after other people have gone, especially to speak to sb privately:\nHe asked her to wait behind after the meeting.\n  wait in (BrE) to stay at home because you are expecting sb to come, telephone, etc:\nI waited in all day but the plumber never came.\n  wait on sb to act as a servant to sb, especially by serving food to them:\n’Help yourself,’ she said, ’I’m too tired to wait on you.’\n  wait on sth/sb (informal, especially AmE) to wait for sth to happen before you do or decide sth:\nShe is waiting on the result of a blood test.\n  wait sth<->out to wait until an unpleasant event has finished:\nWe sheltered in a doorway to wait out the storm.\n  wait up (AmE) used to ask sb to stop or go more slowly so that you can join them:\nWait up-you’re walking too fast for me.\n  wait up (for sb) to wait for sb to come home at night before you go to bed:\nI’ll be back very late so don’t wait up for me.\n    noun [usually sing.] ~ (for sb/sth) an act of waiting; an amount of time waited:\nWe had a long wait for the bus. * He now faces an agonizing two-month wait for the test results. * It took six months for the house to be finished, but it was worth the wait.\n IDIOMS  see LIE v.


Words: waiter
Meaning:
noun\na person whose job is to serve customers at their tables in a restaurant, etc:\nI’ll ask the waitress for the bill. * Waiter, could you bring me some water?\nsee also DUMB WAITER, SERVER -> GENDER


Words: waiting game
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] a policy of waiting to see how a situation develops before you decide how to act:\nto play a waiting game


Words: waiting list
Meaning:
noun\na list of people who are waiting for sth such as a service or medical treatment that is not yet available:\nThere are no places available right now but I’ll put you on a waiting list. * There’s a waiting list to join the golf club. * (BrE) The government has promised to cut hospital waiting lists.


Words: waiting room
Meaning:
noun\na room where people can sit while they are waiting, for example for a bus or train, or to see a doctor or dentist


Words: waive
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to choose not to demand sth in a particular case, even though you have a legal or official right to do so:\nHe waived his right to appeal against the verdict. * We have decided to waive the tuition fees in your case.


Words: waiver
Meaning:
noun\n(law) a situation in which sb gives up a legal right or claim; an official document stating this


Words: wake
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (woke )\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] ~ (sb) (up) to stop sleeping; to make sb stop sleeping:\n[V] What time do you usually wake up in the morning? * I always wake early in the summer. * Wake up! It’s eight o’clock. * (written) They woke to a clear blue sky. * (written) She had just woken from a deep sleep. * [V to inf] He woke up to find himself alone in the house. * [VN] Try not to wake the baby up. * I was woken by the sound of someone moving around. -> AWAKE\n  2  [VN] (literary or formal) to make sb remember sth or feel sth again:\nThe incident woke memories of his past sufferings.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wake up to become more lively and interested:\nWake up and listen!\nsee also WAKE (1)\n  wake sb<->up to make sb feel more lively:\nA cold shower will soon wake you up. * The class needs waking up.\nsee also WAKE (1)\n  wake up to sth to become aware of sth; to realize sth:\nHe hasn’t yet woken up to the seriousness of the situation. * The banks are waking up to customers’ needs at last.\n    noun\n  1  an occasion before a funeral when people gather to remember the dead person, traditionally held at night to watch over the body before it is buried\n  2  the track that a boat or ship leaves behind on the surface of the water\n IDIOMS \n  in the wake of sb/sth coming after or following sb/sth:\nThere have been demonstrations on the streets in the wake of the recent bomb attack. * A group of reporters followed in her wake. * The storm left a trail of destruction in its wake.


Words: wakeful
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  not sleeping; unable to sleep:\nHe lay wakeful all night.\n  2  (of a period at night) spent with little or no sleep:\nShe had spent many wakeful nights worrying about him.\n    wakefulness noun [U]:\nShe began to drift between sleep and wakefulness. * A sudden noise jolted him into wakefulness.


Words: waken
Meaning:
verb (written)\n  1  ~ (sb) (up) to wake, or make sb wake, from sleep:\n[V] The child had just wakened. * [VN] I was wakened by a knock at the door.\n  2  [VN] to make sb remember sth or feel sth again:\nThe dream wakened a forgotten memory. -> AWAKE


Words: waking
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (written) used to describe time when you are awake:\nShe spends all her waking hours caring for her mother. * He thought of her every waking moment.\n    waking noun [U]:\nthe dreamlike state between waking and sleeping


Words: walk
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to move or go somewhere by putting one foot in front of the other on the ground, but without running:\n[V] The baby is just learning to walk. * ’How did you get here?’ ’I walked.’ * He walked slowly away from her. * The door opened and Jo walked in. * She missed the bus and had to walk home. * The school is within easy walking distance of the train station. * [VN] Children here walk several miles to school.\n  2  (also go walking) (both especially BrE) to spend time walking for pleasure:\n[V] We’re going walking in the mountains this summer. * I walked across Scotland with a friend. * [VN] They love walking the moors.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to go somewhere with sb on foot, especially in order to make sure they get there safely:\nHe always walked her home.\n  4  [VN] to take an animal for a walk; to make an animal walk somewhere:\nThey walk their dogs every day. * She walked the horse around the ring.\n  5  [V] (informal) to disappear; to be taken away:\nLock up any valuables. Things tend to walk here (= be stolen).\n  6  [V] (literary) (of a ghost) to appear\n IDIOMS \n  run before you can walk to do things that are difficult, without learning the basic skills first\n  walk the beat (of police officers) to walk around the area that they are responsible for\n  walk free to be allowed to leave a court of law, etc., without receiving any punishment\n  walk it (spoken)\n1 to go somewhere on foot instead of in a vehicle, etc:\nIt’s not very far. We can easily walk it.\n2 to easily achieve sth that you want:\nIt’s not a difficult exam. You’ll walk it!\n  walk sb off their feet (informal) to make sb walk so far or so fast that they are very tired:\nI hope I haven’t walked you off your feet.\n  walk off the job (AmE) to stop working in order to go on strike\n  walk the plank (in the past) to walk along a board placed over the side of a ship and fall into the sea, as a punishment\n  walk the streets to walk around the streets of a town or city:\nIs it safe to walk the streets alone at night?\n  walk tall to feel proud and confident\nmore at AIR n., AISLE, LINE n., MEMORY LANE, THIN adj., TIGHTROPE\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  walk away (from sb/sth) to leave a difficult situation or relationship, etc. instead of staying and trying to deal with it:\nHe was tempted to walk away from the problem.\n  walk away with sth (informal) to win or obtain sth easily:\nShe walked away with the gold medal.\n  walk in on sb/sth to enter a room when sb in there is doing sth private and does not expect you\n  walk into sth (informal)\n1 to become involved in an unpleasant situation, especially because you were not sensible enough to avoid it:\nI realized I’d walked into a trap.\n2 to succeed in getting a job very easily:\nShe walked straight into a job at the bank as soon as she graduated.\n  walk into sth/sb to crash into sth/sb while you are walking, for example because you do not see them:\nI was in a hurry and almost walked into the glass door.\n  walk off to leave a person or place suddenly because you are angry or upset\n  walk sth<->off to go for a walk after a meal so that you feel less full:\nWe walked off a heavy Sunday lunch.\n  walk off with sth (informal)\n1 to win sth easily\n2 to take sth that is not yours; to steal sth\n  walk out (informal) (of workers) to stop working in order to go on strike\nrelated noun WALKOUT\n  walk out (of sth) to leave a meeting, performance, etc. suddenly, especially in order to show your disapproval:\nThey hinted that they would walk out of the peace talks.\n  walk out (on sb) (informal) to suddenly leave sb that you are having a relationship with and that you have a responsibility for:\nHow could she walk out on her kids?\n  walk out (on sth) (informal) to stop doing sth that you have agreed to do before it is completed:\nI never walk out on a job half done.\n  walk (all) over sb (informal)\n1 to treat sb badly, without considering them or their needs:\nShe’ll always let him walk all over her.\n2 to defeat sb easily\nrelated noun WALKOVER\n  walk up (to sb/sth) to walk towards sb/sth, especially in a confident way:\nShe just walked up to the desk and asked to see the manager.\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a journey on foot, usually for pleasure or exercise:\nLet’s go for a walk. * I like to have a walk in the evenings. * She’s taken the dog for a walk. * He set out on the long walk home. * The office is ten minutes’ walk from here. * a ten-minute walk * It’s only a short walk to the beach.\n \n  2  [C] a path or route for walking, usually for pleasure; an organized event when people walk for pleasure:\na circular walk * There are some interesting walks in the area. * a guided walk around the farm\n \n  3  [sing.] a way or style of walking; the act or speed of walking rather than running:\nI recognized him by his walk. * The horse slowed to a walk.\n \n  4  [C] (AmE) a SIDEWALK or path\n IDIOMS \n  a walk of life a person’s job or position in society\nSYN BACKGROUND:\nShe has friends from all walks of life.\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \nways of walking\ncreep He could hear someone creeping around downstairs.\nlimp One player limped off the field with a twisted ankle.\npace I found him in the corridor nervously pacing up and down.\npad She spent the morning padding about the house in her slippers.\nplod They wearily plodded home through the rain.\nshuffle The queue gradually shuffled forward.\nstagger They staggered out of the pub, completely drunk.\nstomp She stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.\nstroll Families were strolling around the park.\ntiptoe They tiptoed upstairs so they wouldn’t wake the baby.\ntrudge We trudged up the hill.\n______________________________


Words: walk-in
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  large enough to walk into:\na walk-in closet\n  2  not arranged in advance; where you do not need to arrange a time in advance:\na walk-in interview * a walk-in clinic


Words: walk-on
Meaning:
adjective\n~ part / role used to describe a very small part in a play or film/movie, without any words to say


Words: walk-up
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a tall building with stairs but no lift/elevator; an office or a flat/apartment in such a building


Words: walkabout
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) an occasion when an important person walks among ordinary people to meet and talk to them:\nThe prince met local people during a walkabout in Glasgow’s George Square.


Words: walker
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (especially BrE) a person who walks, usually for pleasure or exercise:\nThe coastal path is a popular route for walkers.\n \n  2  a fast, slow, etc. ~ a person who walks fast, slow, etc.\n \n  3  (AmE) = ZIMMER FRAME:\nHe now needs a walker to get around.\n \n  4  (AmE) = BABY WALKER


Words: walking
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n [U]\n \n  1  (especially BrE) the activity of going for walks in the countryside for exercise or pleasure:\nto go walking * walking boots * a walking holiday in Scotland\n \n  2  the sport of walking a long distance as fast as possible without running\n    adjective [only before noun] (informal) used to describe a human or living example of the thing mentioned:\nShe’s a walking dictionary (= she knows a lot of words). * That boy’s a walking disaster (= he is always having accidents).


Words: walking stick
Meaning:
(also stick especially in BrE) noun\na stick that you carry and use as a support when you are walking


Words: Walkman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural Walkmans ) (also personal stereo) a small cassette player with HEADPHONES that you carry with you and use while you are moving around


Words: walkout
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a sudden strike by workers:\n200 employees staged a walkout in protest at the new pay deal.\n  2  the act of suddenly leaving a meeting as a protest against sth


Words: walkway
Meaning:
noun\na passage or path for walking along, often outside and raised above the ground:\nA covered walkway joins the two buildings.


Words: wall
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a long upright solid structure, made of stone, brick or CONCRETE, that surrounds, divides or protects an area of land:\nThe fields were divided by stone walls. * He sat on the wall and watched the others playing.\nsee also SEA WALL\n \n  2  any of the upright sides of a building or room:\nI’m going to paint the walls white and the ceiling pink. * Hang the picture on the wall opposite the window. * She leaned against the wall.\n \n  3  something that forms a barrier or stops you from making progress:\nThe boat struck a solid wall of water. * The investigators were confronted by a wall of silence.\n  4  the outer layer of sth hollow such as an organ of the body or a cell of an animal or a plant:\nthe abdominal wall * The knife had just ruptured the wall of an artery.\n IDIOMS \n  go to the wall (of a company or an organization) (informal) to fail because of lack of money:\nMany firms have gone to the wall in this recession.\n  off the wall (informal) unusual and amusing; slightly crazy:\nSome of his ideas are really off the wall. * off-the-wall ideas\n  up the wall (informal) crazy or angry:\nThat noise is driving me up the wall. * I mustn’t be late or Dad will go up the wall.\n  walls have ears (saying) used to warn people to be careful what they say because other people may be listening\nmore at BACK n., BRICK n., FLY n., FOUR, HANDWRITING, HEAD n., WRITING\n    verb [VN] [usually passive] to surround an area, a town, etc. with a wall or walls:\na walled city / garden\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wall sth<->in [usually passive] to surround sth/sb with a wall or barrier\n  wall sth<->off [usually passive] to separate one place or area from another with a wall\n  wall sb<->up [usually passive] to keep sb as a prisoner behind walls\n  wall sth<->up [usually passive] to fill an opening with a wall, bricks, etc. so that you can no longer use it:\nI could see where the doorway had been walled up.


Words: Wall Street
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the US financial centre and STOCK EXCHANGE in New York City (used to refer to the business that is carried out there):\nShare prices fell on Wall Street today. * Wall Street responded quickly to the news.


Words: wall-to-wall
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  covering the floor of a room completely:\nwall-to-wall carpets / carpeting\n  2  (informal) continuous; happening or existing all the time or everywhere:\nwall-to-wall TV sports coverage


Words: wallaby
Meaning:
noun\n(plural wallabies) an Australian animal like a small KANGAROO, that moves by jumping on its strong back legs and keeps its young in a POUCH (= a pocket of skin) on the front of the mother’s body


Words: wallet
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE also billfold) a small flat folding case made of leather or plastic used for keeping paper money and CREDIT CARDS in -> PURSE\n \n  2  a flat leather, plastic or cardboard case for carrying documents in:\na document wallet


Words: wallflower
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a garden plant with yellow, orange or red flowers with a sweet smell that appear in late spring\n  2  (informal) a person who does not dance at a party because they do not have sb to dance with or because they are too shy


Words: walling
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  material from which a wall is built:\nstone / concrete walling\n  2  the act or skill of building a wall or walls:\na firm that does paving and walling


Words: wallop
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [sing.] (informal) a heavy powerful hit\n    verb [VN] (informal)\n  1  to hit sb/sth very hard:\nMy father used to wallop me if I told lies.\n  2  to defeat sb completely in a contest, match, etc:\nWe walloped them 60.


Words: walloping
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun [usually sing.] (informal)\n  1  a heavy defeat:\nOur team got a real walloping last week.\n  2  an act of hitting sb very hard several times, often as a punishment:\nYou’ll get a walloping if you don’t behave.\n    adjective [only before noun] very big:\nThey had to pay a walloping great fine.


Words: wallow
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] ~ (in sth)\n  1  (of large animals or people) to lie and roll about in water or mud, to keep cool or for pleasure:\nhippos wallowing in the river * He loves to wallow in a hot bath after a game.\n  2  (often disapproving) to enjoy sth that causes you pleasure:\nShe wallowed in the luxury of the hotel. * to wallow in despair / self-pity (= to think about your unhappy feelings all the time and seem to be enjoying them)\n    noun [sing.] an act of wallowing:\npigs having a wallow in the mud


Words: wallpaper
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U] thick paper, often with a pattern on it, used for covering the walls and ceiling of a room:\nwallpaper paste * a roll of wallpaper * to hang wallpaper\n    verb (also paper) [VN, V] to put wallpaper onto the walls of a room


Words: walnut
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] the light brown nut of the walnut tree that has a rough surface and a hard round shell in two halves\n \n  2  (also walnut tree) [C] the tree on which walnuts grow\n \n  3  [U] the brown wood of the walnut tree, used in making furniture:\na walnut writing desk


Words: walrus
Meaning:
noun\nan animal like a large SEAL (= a sea animal with thick fur, that eats fish and lives around coasts), that has two long outer teeth called TUSKS and lives in Arctic regions


Words: waltz
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a graceful dance in which two people dance together to a regular rhythm; a piece of music for this dance:\nto dance a / the waltz * a Strauss waltz\n    verb\n  1  [often +adv./prep.] to dance a waltz:\n[V] I watched them waltzing across the floor. * [VN] He waltzed her around the room.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] (informal) to walk or go somewhere in a very confident way:\nI don’t like him waltzing into the house as if he owned it.\n  3  [V] ~ (through sth) to complete or achieve sth without any difficulty:\nThe recruits have waltzed through their training.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  waltz off (with sth/sb) (informal) to leave a place or person in a way that is very annoying, often taking sth that is not yours:\nHe just waltzed off with my car!


Words: WAN
Meaning:
noun\n(plural WANs) (computing) the abbreviation for ’wide area network’ (a system in which computers in different places are connected, usually over a large area)\ncompare LAN


Words: wan
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) looking pale and weak:\nhis grey, wan face * She gave me a wan smile (= showing no energy or enthusiasm). * the wan sunlight of a winter’s morning\n    wanly adverb:\nHe smiled wanly.


Words: wand
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (also magic wand) a straight thin stick that is held by sb when performing magic or magic tricks:\nThe fairy waved her wand and the table disappeared. * You can’t expect me to just wave a (magic) wand and make everything all right again.\n  2  any object in the shape of a straight thin stick:\na mascara wand


Words: wander
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to walk slowly around or to a place, often without any particular sense of purpose or direction: [V, +adv./prep.] She wandered aimlessly around the streets. * We wandered back towards the car. * [VN] The child was found wandering the streets alone.\n  2  [V] ~ (away / off) | ~ (from / off sth) to move away from the place where you ought to be or the people you are with\nSYN STRAY:\nThe child wandered off and got lost. * They had wandered from the path into the woods.\n  3  [V] ~ (away, back, to, etc. sth) (of a person’s mind or thoughts) to stop being directed on sth and to move without much control to other ideas, subjects, etc:\nIt’s easy to be distracted and let your attention wander. * Try not to let your mind wander. * Her thoughts wandered back to her youth. * Don’t wander off the subject-keep to the point.\n  4  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of a person’s eyes) to move slowly from looking at one thing to looking at another thing or in other directions:\nHis eyes wandered towards the photographs on the wall. * She let her gaze wander.\n  5  [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] (of a road or river) to curve instead of following a straight course:\nThe road wanders along through the hills.\n    noun [sing.] a short walk in or around a place, usually with no special purpose:\nI went to the park and had a wander around.


Words: wanderings
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (written) journeys from place to place, usually with no special purpose:\nHis wanderings took him first to India.


Words: wane
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] \n  1  (written) to become gradually weaker or less important:\nHer enthusiasm for the whole idea was waning rapidly. * Their popularity waned during that period.\n  2  (of the moon) to appear slightly smaller each day after being round and full\nOPP of sense 2 WAX\n IDIOMS  see WAX v.\n    noun [sing.]\n IDIOMS \n  on the wane (written) becoming smaller, less important or less common:\nHer popularity has been on the wane for some time. * Violent crime appears to be on the wane in the capital.


Words: wangle
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth (from / out of sb) (informal) to get sth that you or another person wants by persuading sb or by a clever plan:\n[VN] She had wangled an invitation to the opening night. * I’ll try to wangle some money out of my parents. * We should be able to wangle it so that you can start tomorrow. * He managed to wangle his way onto the course. * [VNN] He had wangled her a seat on the plane.


Words: wank
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [V] (BrE, !!!, slang) to MASTURBATE\n    noun [usually sing.] (BrE, !!!, slang) an act of MASTURBATION


Words: wanker
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, !!!, slang) an offensive word used to insult sb, especially a man, and to show anger or dislike:\na bunch of wankers


Words: wanna
Meaning:
(informal, non-standard) the written form of the word some people use to mean ’want to’ or ’want a’, which is not considered to be correct:\nI wanna go. * Wanna drink? (= Do you want ...)\n HELP NOTE  You should not write this form, unless you are copying somebody’s speech.


Words: wannabe
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who behaves, dresses, etc. like sb famous because they want to be like them:\na rock star wannabe


Words: want
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (not usually used in the progressive tenses)\n  wish\n  1  to have a desire or a wish for sth:\n[VN] Do you want some more tea? * She’s always wanted a large family. * All I want is the truth. * Thanks for the present-it’s just what I wanted. * (informal) I can do whatever I want. * The last thing I wanted was to upset you. * The party wants her as leader. * [V to inf] What do you want to do tomorrow? * ’It’s time you did your homework.’ ’I don’t want to!’ * There are two points which I wanted to make. * [VN to inf] Do you want me to help? * We didn’t want this to happen. * I want it (to be) done as quickly as possible.\n HELP NOTE  Notice that you cannot say ’want that ...’: _I_ _w_a_n_t_ _t_h_a_t_ _y_o_u_ _d_o_ _i_t_ _q_u_i_c_k_l_y_._ _W_h_e_n_ _t_h_e_ _i_n_f_i_n_i_t_i_v_e_ _i_s_ _u_s_e_d_ _a_f_t_e_r_ want, it must have to: _I_ _w_a_n_t_ _s_t_u_d_y_ _i_n_ _A_m_e_r_i_c_a_._ [VN -ing] I don’t want you coming home so late. * [VN-ADJ] Do you want your coffee black or white? * [V] (spoken, informal) You can come too, if you want.\n  need\n  2  (informal) to need sth:\n[VN] We’ll want more furniture for the new office. * What this house wants is a good clean. * It wants a special sort of person for that job. * [V -ing, V to inf] The plants want watering daily. * The plants want to be watered daily.\n  3  [VN] [usually passive] to need sb to be present in the place or for the purpose mentioned:\nShe’s wanted immediately in the director’s office. * Excuse me, you’re wanted on the phone.\nsee also WANTED\n  should / ought to\n  4  [V to inf] (informal) used to give advice to sb, meaning ’should’ or ’ought to’:\nIf possible, you want to avoid alcohol. * He wants to be more careful.\n  feel sexual desire\n  5  [VN] to feel sexual desire for sb\n  lack\n  6  [VN] (formal) to lack sth:\nHe doesn’t want courage.\n IDIOMS \n  not want to know (about sth) (informal) to take no interest in sth because you do not care about it or it is too much trouble:\nI’ve tried to ask her advice, but she doesn’t want to know (= about my problems).\n  want rid of sb/sth (BrE, spoken, informal) to want to be free of sb/sth that has been annoying you or that you do not want:\nAre you trying to say you want rid of me?\n  what do you want? used to ask sb in a rude or angry way why they are there or what they want you to do\nmore at NONE pron., PART n., TRUCK n., WASTE v., WAY n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  want for sth (especially in negative sentences) (formal) to lack sth that you really need:\nHe’s ensured that his children will want for nothing (= will have everything they need).\n  want sth from / out of sth/sb to hope to get sth from a particular experience or person:\nI had to discover what I really wanted out of life. * What do you want from me?\n  want in / out (informal, especially AmE) to want to come in or out of a place:\nThe dog wants in.\n  want in | want in / into sth (informal) to want to be involved in sth:\nHe wants in on the deal.\n  want out | want out of sth (informal) to want to stop being involved in sth:\nJenny was fed up. She wanted out.\n    noun (formal)\n  sth you need\n  1  [C, usually pl.] something that you need or want:\nhuman / bodily wants * She spent her life pandering to the wants of her children.\n  lack\n  2  [U, sing.] ~ of sth (formal) a situation in which there is not enough of sth; a lack of sth:\na want of adequate medical facilities\n  being poor\n  3  [U] (formal) the state of being poor, not having food, etc:\nVisitors to the slums were clearly shocked to see so many families living in want.\n IDIOMS \n  for (the) want of sth because of a lack of sth; because sth is not available:\nThe project failed for want of financial backing. * We call our music ’postmodern’ for the want of a better word. * We went for a walk for want of something better to do.\n  in want of sth (formal) needing sth:\nThe present system is in want of a total review.\n  not for (the) want of doing sth used to say that if sth is not successful, it is not because of a lack of effort:\nIf he doesn’t manage to convince them, it won’t be for want of trying (= he has tried hard).\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nwant / like / care (for sth/to do sth)\nWould you like...? is the most usual polite question form for offers and invitations, especially in BrE: Would you like a cup of coffee?\nDo you want...? is less formal and more direct. It is more common in AmE than in BrE: We’re going to a club tonight. Do you want to come with us?\nWould you care...? is very formal and now sounds old-fashioned.\n______________________________


Words: wanted
Meaning:
adjective\nbeing searched for by the police, in connection with a crime:\nHe is wanted by the police in connection with the deaths of two people. * Italy’s most wanted man


Words: wanting
Meaning:
adjective [not before noun] ~ (in sth) (formal)\n  1  not having enough of sth\nSYN LACKING:\nThe students were certainly not wanting in enthusiasm.\n  2  not good enough:\nThis explanation is wanting in many respects. * The new system was tried and found wanting.


Words: wanton
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  [usually before noun] causing harm or damage deliberately and for no acceptable reason:\nwanton destruction / vandalism * a wanton disregard for human life * the wanton killing of innocent creatures\n  2  (old-fashioned, disapproving) (usually of a woman) behaving in a very immoral way; having many sexual partners\n    wantonly adverb\n    wantonness noun [U]


Words: war
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] a situation in which two or more countries or groups of people fight against each other over a period of time:\nthe Second World War * the threat of (a) nuclear war * to win / lose a / the war * the war between England and Scotland * England’s war with / against Scotland * It was the year Britain declared war on Germany. * Social and political problems led to the outbreak (= the beginning) of war. * Where were you living when war broke out? * The government does not want to go to war (= start a war) unless all other alternatives have failed. * How long have they been at war? * a war widow / hero * (formal) In the Middle Ages England waged war on France. * Her husband was killed during the war. * (formal) the theatre of war (= the area in which fighting takes place)\nsee also WARRING, CIVIL WAR, COLD WAR, COUNCIL OF WAR, PHONEY WAR, POST-WAR, PRISONER OF WAR, WORLD WAR\n  2  [C, U] a situation in which there is aggressive competition between groups, companies, countries, etc:\nthe class war * a trade war\nsee also PRICE WAR\n  3  [U, sing.] ~ (against / on sb/sth) a fight or an effort over a long period of time to get rid of or stop sth unpleasant:\nThe government has declared war on drug dealers. * We seem to be winning the war against crime.\n IDIOMS \n  have been in the wars (spoken) to have been injured in a fight or an accident:\nYou look like you’ve been in the wars-who gave you that black eye?\n  a war of nerves an attempt to defeat your opponents by putting pressure on them so that they lose courage or confidence\n  a war of words a fierce argument or disagreement over a period of time between two or more people or groups:\nthe political war of words over tax\nmore at FAIR adj.


Words: war chest
Meaning:
noun\nan amount of money that a government or an organization has available to spend on a particular plan, project, etc.


Words: war cry
Meaning:
noun\na word or phrase that is shouted by people fighting in a battle in order to give themselves courage and to frighten the enemy


Words: war dance
Meaning:
noun\na dance that is performed by the members of a tribe, for example before battle or to celebrate a victory


Words: war game
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a practice battle that is used to test military plans and equipment\n  2  a game in which models representing soldiers, ships, etc. are moved around on maps


Words: war-torn
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (written) a war-torn country or area is severely affected by the fighting that is taking place there


Words: warble
Meaning:
verb\n  1  (humorous) to sing, especially in a high voice that is not very steady:\n[VN] He warbled his way through the song. [also V, V speech]\n  2  [V, VN] (of a bird) to sing with rapidly changing notes\n    warble noun:\nI heard the faint warble of Laura’s voice.


Words: ward
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  a separate room or area in a hospital for people with the same type of medical condition:\na maternity / surgical / psychiatric / children’s ward\n  2  (in Britain) one of the areas into which a city is divided and which elects and is represented by a member of the local council\n  3  (especially law) a person, especially a child, who is under the legal protection of a court of law or another person (called a GUARDIAN):\nThe child was made a ward of court.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  ward sb/sth<->off to protect or defend yourself against danger, illness, attack, etc:\nto ward off criticism / intruders * She put up her hands to ward him off.


Words: warden
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person who is responsible for taking care of a particular place and making sure that the rules are obeyed:\na wildlife / forest warden * (BrE) the warden of a youth hostel\nsee also CHURCHWARDEN, DOG WARDEN, GAME WARDEN, TRAFFIC WARDEN\n  2  (in Britain), a title given to the head of some colleges and institutions:\nthe Warden of Wadham College, Oxford\n  3  (especially AmE) the person in charge of a prison\n  4  a person who guards prisoners in a prison


Words: wardrobe
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a large cupboard for hanging clothes in which is either a piece of furniture or (in British English) built into the wall:\na fitted wardrobe\ncompare CLOSET\n \n  2  [usually sing.] the clothes that a person has:\neverything you need for your winter / summer wardrobe\n \n  3  [usually sing.] the department in a theatre or television company that takes care of the clothes that actors wear


Words: wardrobe mistress
Meaning:
noun\na woman whose job is to take care of the clothes that the actors in a theatre company, etc. wear on stage


Words: wardship
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (law) the fact of a child being cared for by a GUARDIAN (= a person who is not his or her parent) or of being protected by a court of law\nsee also WARD n. (3)


Words: ware
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (in compounds) objects made of the material or in the way or place mentioned:\nceramic ware * a collection of local ware\nsee also EARTHENWARE, FLATWARE, GLASSWARE, SILVERWARE\n  2  [U] (in compounds) objects used for the purpose or in the room mentioned:\nbathroom ware * ornamental ware\nsee also KITCHENWARE, TABLEWARE\n  3  (wares) [pl.] (old-fashioned) things that sb is selling, especially in the street or at a market:\nHe travelled from town to town selling his wares.


Words: warehouse
Meaning:
noun\na building where large quantities of goods are stored, especially before they are sent to shops/stores to be sold


Words: warfare
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the activity of fighting a war, especially using particular weapons or methods:\nair / naval / guerrilla warfare * countries engaged in warfare\nsee also BIOLOGICAL WARFARE, CHEMICAL WARFARE, GERM WARFARE\n  2  the activity of competing in an aggressive way with another group, company, etc:\nclass / gang warfare * The debate soon degenerated into open warfare.\nsee also PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE


Words: warhorse
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in the past) a large horse used in battle\n  2  (informal) an old soldier or politician who has a lot of experience


Words: warlike
Meaning:
adjective (formal)\n  1  aggressive and wanting to fight:\na warlike nation\n  2  connected with fighting wars:\nwarlike preparations


Words: warlord
Meaning:
noun\n(disapproving) the leader of a military group that is not official and that fights against other groups within a country or an area:\nrival / local warlords


Words: warm
Meaning:
adjective, verb, noun, adverb \n    adjective (warmer, warmest)\n  at pleasant temperature\n  1  at a fairly high temperature in a way that is pleasant, rather than being hot or cold:\na warm breeze / climate * Wash the blouse in warm soapy water. * It’s nice and warm in here. * Are you warm enough? * The children jumped up and down to keep warm. * You’ll be as warm as toast in here. * Heat the bread until it is warm to the touch. * Wait for the warmer weather before putting the plants in the garden. * The sun felt warm on his skin. * I can’t seem to get warm.\n  clothes / buildings\n  2  keeping you warm or staying warm in cold weather:\na warm pair of socks * This sleeping bag is very warm. * a warm house\n  friendly\n  3  showing enthusiasm and/or affection; friendly:\nHis smile was warm and friendly. * The speaker was given a warm welcome / reception. * Please send her my warmest congratulations. * Her comments were greeted with warm applause.\n  colours / sounds\n  4  creating a pleasant, comfortable and relaxed feeling or atmosphere:\nThe room was decorated in warm shades of red and orange. * I heard his deep warm voice as I entered the room.\n  in game\n  5  [not before noun] used to say that sb has almost guessed the answer to sth or that they have almost found sb/sth that has been hidden:\nKeep guessing-you’re getting warmer.\n    warmly adverb:\nThey were warmly dressed in coats and scarves. * The play was warmly received by the critics.\nsee also WARMTH\n    verb\n  make / become warm\n  1  ~ (sth/sb) (up) to make sth/sb warm or warmer; to become warm or warmer:\n[VN] I’ll warm up some milk. * Come in and warm yourself by the fire. * The alcohol warmed and relaxed him. * [V] As the climate warms (up) the ice caps will melt.\n  become friendly\n  2  [V, VN] to become more friendly, loving, etc.; to make sb feel or become more friendly, loving, etc.\nsee also GLOBAL WARMING, HOUSE-WARMING\n IDIOMS \n  warm the cockles (of sb’s heart) (BrE) to make sb feel happy or sympathetic:\nDoesn’t that story just warm the cockles of your heart?\nmore at DEATH\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  warm to / towards sb to begin to like sb:\nI warmed to her immediately.\n  warm to / towards sth to become more interested in or enthusiastic about sth:\nThe speaker was now warming to her theme.\n  warm up\n1 to prepare for physical exercise or a performance by doing gentle exercises or practice\nrelated noun WARM-UP\n2 (of a machine, an engine, etc.) to run for a short time in order to reach the temperature at which it will operate well\n  warm up | warm sb/sth<->up to become more lively or enthusiastic; to make sb/sth more lively or enthusiastic:\nThe party soon warmed up.\n  warm sth<->up to heat previously cooked food again for eating\n    noun\n  place(the warm) [sing.] a place where the temperature is warm:\nCome inside into the warm.\n    adverb (comparative warmer, no superlative) (informal) in a way that makes you feel warm\nSYN WARMLY:\nWrap up warm before you go outside!


Words: warm-blooded
Meaning:
adjective\n(of animals) having a warm blood temperature that does not change if the temperature around them changes\ncompare COLD-BLOODED, HOT-BLOODED


Words: warm-up
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a short practice or a series of gentle exercises that you do to prepare yourself for doing a particular sport or activity:\nHe swam ten lengths of the pool as a warm-up. * warm-up exercises\n  2  a short performance of music, COMEDY, etc. that is intended to prepare the audience for the main show:\na warm-up act


Words: warmer
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in compounds) a piece of clothing, a device, etc. that warms sb/sth:\nleg warmers * a plate warmer


Words: warming
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the process of making sth, or of becoming, warm or warmer:\natmospheric warming * the seasonal warming of the Pacific\nsee also GLOBAL WARMING\n    warming adjective:\nthe warming rays of the sun * a warming drink


Words: warming pan
Meaning:
noun\na metal container with a long handle that, in the past, was filled with hot coals and used to warm beds


Words: warmonger
Meaning:
noun\n(formal, disapproving) a person, especially a politician or leader, who wants to start a war or encourages people to start a war\n    warmongering noun [U]\n    warmongering adjective [only before noun]


Words: warmth
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the state or quality of being warm, rather than hot or cold:\nShe felt the warmth of his arms around her. * The animals huddled together for warmth. * He led the child into the warmth and safety of the house.\n  2  the state or quality of being enthusiastic and/or friendly:\nThey were touched by the warmth of the welcome. * His expression lacked warmth or encouragement. * The area is famous for the warmth and hospitality of its people.


Words: warn
Meaning:
verb\n  1  ~ (sb) (of sth) | ~ (sb) (about / against sb/sth) to tell sb about sth, especially sth dangerous or unpleasant that is likely to happen, so that they can avoid it:\n[VN] I tried to warn him, but he wouldn’t listen. * If you’re thinking of getting a dog, be warned-they take a lot of time and money. * He warned us against pickpockets. * [VN that] She was warned that if she did it again she would lose her job. * [VN wh-] I had been warned what to expect. * [V] Police have warned of possible delays. [also V that, also V speech, VN speech]\n  2  ~ (sb) (against / about sth) to strongly advise sb to do or not to do sth in order to avoid danger or punishment:\n[V] The guidebook warns against walking alone at night. * [VN to inf] He warned Billy to keep away from his daughter. * They were warned not to climb the mountain in such bad weather. * [also VN] ’I’m warning you!’ said James, losing his patience.\n  3  [VN] (in sport, etc.) to give sb an official warning after they have broken a rule:\nThe referee warned Ince for dangerous play.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  warn sb off (sth)\n1 to tell sb to leave or stay away from a place or person, especially in a threatening way:\nThe farmer warned us off his land when we tried to camp there.\n2 to advise sb not to do sth or to stop doing sth:\nShe wanted to ask him about it but the look in his eyes warned her off. * [+ -ing] We were warned off buying the house.


Words: warning
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, U] a statement, an event, etc. telling sb that sth bad or unpleasant may happen in the future so that they can try to avoid it:\nDoctors issued a warning against eating any fish caught in the river. * to give sb fair / advance / adequate warning of sth * The bridge collapsed without (any) warning. * Let me give you a word of warning. * a government health warning * Many people continue to ignore warnings about the dangers of sunbathing. * The union failed to heed warnings that strike action would lead to the closure of the factory.\nsee also EARLY WARNING\n  2  [C] a statement telling sb that they will be punished if they continue to behave in a particular way:\nto give sb a verbal / written / final warning\n    warning adjective [only before noun]:\nShe had ignored the warning signs of trouble ahead. * Police fired a number of warning shots. * Warning bells began to ring (= it was a sign that sth was wrong) when her letters were returned unopened.


Words: warp
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [usually passive]\n  1  to become, or make sth become, twisted or bent out of its natural shape, for example because it has become too hot, too damp, etc:\n[V] The window frames had begun to warp. [also VN]\n  2  [VN] to influence sb so that they begin to behave in an unacceptable or shocking way:\nHis judgement was warped by prejudice.\n    noun\n (the warp) [sing.] (technical) the threads on a LOOM (= a machine used for weaving) that other threads are passed over and under in order to make fabric\ncompare WEFT\nsee also TIME WARP


Words: warpaint
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  paint that some tribes, for example Native American tribes, put on their bodies and faces before fighting a battle\n  2  (informal, humorous) MAKE-UP, especially when it is thick or bright


Words: warpath
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  (be / go) on the warpath (informal) (to be) angry and wanting to fight or punish sb


Words: warped
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (disapproving) (of a person) having ideas that most people think are strange or unpleasant:\na warped mind * a warped sense of humour\n  2  bent or twisted and not in the normal shape:\nThe floorboards are warped.


Words: warrant
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (for sth) | ~ (to do sth) a legal document that is signed by a judge and gives the police authority to do sth:\nThey issued a warrant for her arrest. * an arrest warrant * They had a warrant to search the house.\nsee also DEATH WARRANT, SEARCH WARRANT\n  2  [C] ~ (for sth) a document that gives you the right to receive money, services, etc:\nthe issue of warrants for equity shares\n  3  [U] ~ (for sth / for doing sth) (formal) (usually in negative sentences) an acceptable reason for doing sth:\nThere is no warrant for such criticism.\n    verb (formal) to make sth necessary or appropriate in a particular situation: [VN] Further investigation is clearly warranted. * [VN -ing] The situation scarcely warrants their / them being dismissed. [also V -ing] \nsee also UNWARRANTED\n IDIOMS \n  I / I’ll warrant (you) (old-fashioned) used to tell sb that you are sure of sth and that they can be sure of it too


Words: warrant officer
Meaning:
noun\na member of one of the middle ranks in the army, the British air force and the US navy:\nWarrant Officer Gary Owen


Words: warranty
Meaning:
noun\n(plural warranties) [C, U] a written agreement in which a company selling sth promises to repair or replace it if there is a problem within a particular period of time\nSYN GUARANTEE:\nThe television comes with a full two-year warranty. * Is the car still under warranty?


Words: warring
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] involved in a war:\nA ceasefire has been agreed by the country’s three warring factions.


Words: warrior
Meaning:
noun\n(formal) (especially in the past) a person who fights in a battle or war:\na warrior nation (= whose people are skilled in fighting) * a Zulu warrior


Words: wart
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a small hard lump that grows on your skin and that is caused by a VIRUS\n  2  (AmE) = VERRUCA\n IDIOMS \n  warts and all (informal) including all the bad or unpleasant features of sb/sth:\nThe documentary shows the life of a fashion model, warts and all. * She still loves him, warts and all.


Words: wartime
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the period during which a country is fighting a war:\nDifferent rules applied in wartime.\n    wartime adjective [only before noun]:\nFruit was a luxury in wartime Britain.\ncompare PEACETIME


Words: wary
Meaning:
adjective\n(comparative warier, no superlative) ~ (of sb/sth) | ~ (of doing sth) careful when dealing with sb/sth because you think that there may be a danger or problem\nSYN CAUTIOUS:\nBe wary of strangers who offer you a ride. * She was wary of getting involved with him. * He gave her a wary look. * The police will need to keep a wary eye on this area of town (= watch it carefully, in case there is trouble).\ncompare UNWARY\n    warily  adverb:\nThe cat eyed him warily.\n    wariness noun [U]:\nfeelings of wariness * There was a wariness in her tone.


Words: wash
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  to make sth/sb clean using water and usually soap:\n[VN] These jeans need washing. * to wash the car / floor / dishes * to wash your hands / face / hair * Wash the fruit thoroughly before eating. * She washed the blood from his face. * [VN-ADJ] The beach had been washed clean by the tide.\n \n  2  ~ (yourself) (especially BrE) to make yourself clean using water and usually soap:\n[V] I washed and changed before going out. * [VN] She was no longer able to wash herself.\n \n  3  [V] (of clothes, fabrics, etc.) to be able to be washed without losing colour or being damaged:\nThis sweater washes well.\n \n  4  [usually +adv./prep.] (of water) to flow or carry sth/sb in a particular direction:\n[V] Water washed over the deck. * [VN] Pieces of the wreckage were washed ashore. * He was washed overboard by a huge wave.\n IDIOMS \n  wash your dirty linen in public (BrE, disapproving) to discuss your personal affairs in public, especially sth embarrassing\n  wash your hands of sb/sth to refuse to be responsible for or involved with sb/sth:\nWhen her son was arrested again she washed her hands of him. * I’ve washed my hands of the whole sordid business.\n  sth won’t / doesn’t wash (with sb) used to say that sb’s explanation, excuse, etc. is not valid or that you/sb else will not accept it:\nThat excuse simply won’t wash with me.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wash sb/sth<->away (of water) to remove or carry sb/sth away to another place:\nPart of the path had been washed away by the sea. * The rain had washed away the footprints.\n  wash sth<->down (with sth)\n1 to clean sth large or a surface with a lot of water:\nWash down the walls before painting them.\n2 to drink sth after, or at the same time as, eating sth:\nFor lunch we had bread and cheese, washed down with beer.\n  wash off to be removed from the surface of sth or from a fabric by washing:\nThose grease stains won’t wash off.\n  wash sth<->off (sth) to remove sth from the surface of sth or from a fabric by washing:\nWash that mud off your boots before you come in.\n  wash out (of a dirty mark) to be removed from a fabric by washing:\nThese ink stains won’t wash out.\n  wash sth<->out\n1 to wash the inside of sth to remove dirt, etc:\nto wash out empty bottles\n2 to remove a substance from sth by washing:\nWash the dye out with shampoo.\n3 (of rain) to make a game, an event, etc. end early or prevent it from starting:\nThe game was completely washed out.\nrelated noun WASHOUT\n  wash over sb\n1 (also wash through sb) (written) (of a feeling) to suddenly affect sb strongly, so that they are not aware of anything else:\nWaves of nausea washed over him.\n2 to happen to or around sb without affecting them:\nShe manages to let criticism just wash over her.\n  wash up\n1 (BrE) (also do the dishes AmE, BrE) to wash plates, glasses, etc. after a meal\nsee also WASHING-UP\n2 (AmE) to wash your face and hands:\nGo and get washed up.\n  wash sth<->up\n1 (BrE) to wash dishes after a meal:\nI didn’t wash up the pans.\n2 (of water) to carry sth onto the shore:\nThe body was found washed up on a beach. * Cargo from the wrecked ship was washed up on the shore.\n    noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] (especially BrE) an act of cleaning sb/sth using water and usually soap:\nThese towels are ready for a wash. * I’ll just have a quick wash before dinner. * The curtains could do with a good (= thorough) wash. * I’m doing a dark wash (= washing all the dark clothes together). * Your shirt’s in the wash (= being washed or waiting to be washed). * My sweater shrank in the wash. * That blouse shouldn’t look like that after only two washes.\nsee also CAR WASH\n  2  (the wash) [sing.] an area of water that has waves and is moving a lot, especially after a boat has moved through it; the sound made by this:\nThe dinghy was rocked by the wash of a passing ferry. * They listened to the wash of waves on the beach. * Seagulls hovered above the wash of the trawler.\n  3  [C] a thin layer of a liquid, especially paint, that is put on a surface:\nThe walls were covered with a pale yellow wash.\nsee also WHITEWASH\n  4  [C, U] a liquid containing soap, used for cleaning your skin:\nan antiseptic skin wash\nsee also MOUTHWASH\n IDIOMS \n  it will (all) come out in the wash (spoken)\n1 used to say that the truth about a situation will be made known at some time in the future\n2 used to make sb less anxious by telling them that any problems or difficulties will be solved in the future


Words: washable
Meaning:
adjective\nthat can be washed without being damaged:\nmachine washable (= that can be washed in a washing machine) * The cotton covers are fully washable.


Words: washbasin
Meaning:
(also basin) (both especially BrE) (also sink AmE, BrE) (AmE also washbowl) noun\na large bowl that has taps/faucets and is fixed to the wall in a bathroom, used for washing your hands and face in


Words: washboard
Meaning:
noun\na board with a surface with RIDGES on it, used in the past for rubbing clothes on when washing them; a similar board played as a musical instrument


Words: washed out
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of fabric, clothes or colours) no longer brightly coloured, often as a result of frequent washing:\nShe didn’t like jeans that looked too washed out. * a pair of washed-out old jeans * The walls were a washed-out blue colour.\n  2  (of a person) pale and tired:\nHe always looks washed out at the end of the week.


Words: washed up
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) no longer successful and unlikely to succeed again in the future:\nHer singing career was all washed up by the time she was 27.


Words: washer
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a small flat ring made of rubber, metal or plastic placed between two surfaces, for example under a NUT (2) to make a connection tight\n \n  2  (informal) a WASHING MACHINE\nsee also DISHWASHER


Words: washing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the act of cleaning sth using water and usually soap:\na gentle shampoo for frequent washing * I do the washing (= wash the clothes) in our house.\nsee also BRAINWASHING\n  2  (BrE) clothes, sheets, etc. that are waiting to be washed, being washed or have just been washed:\na pile of dirty washing * Would you hang the washing out (= hang it outside to dry)?


Words: washing-up
Meaning:
(BrE) noun [U]\n  1  the act of washing plates, glasses, pans, etc. after a meal:\nIf you cook, I’ll do the washing-up. * a washing-up bowl\n  2  the dirty plates, glasses, pans, etc. that have to be washed after a meal:\nThe sink was still full of last night’s washing-up.


Words: washstand
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in the past) a special table in a bedroom that holds a BASIN for washing yourself in


Words: Wasp
Meaning:
(also WASP)  noun\n(especially AmE, usually disapproving) the abbreviation for ’White Anglo-Saxon Protestant’ (a white American whose family originally came from northern Europe and is therefore thought to be from the most powerful section of society):\na privileged Wasp background


Words: waspish
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) bad-tempered and unpleasant:\na waspish look / remark / voice * She sounded waspish and impatient.\n    waspishly adverb:\n’Just leave me alone,’ he said waspishly.


Words: wastage
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the fact of losing or destroying sth, especially because it has been used or dealt with carelessly:\nIt was a new production technique aimed at minimizing wastage. * This lack of jobs has resulted in a huge wastage of talent.\n  2  [U] the amount of sth that is wasted:\nThere is little wastage from a lean cut of meat. * Always allow for some wastage when ordering building materials.\n  3  [U] (BrE) the loss of employees because they stop working or move to other jobs; the number of students who do not finish a particular course of study:\nHalf of the posts will be lost through natural wastage. * student wastage rates


Words: waste
Meaning:
verb, noun, adjective \n    verb [VN]\n  not use well\n  1  ~ sth (on sth) | ~ sth (in) doing sth to use more of sth than is necessary or useful:\nto waste time / food / energy * Why waste money on clothes you don’t need? * She wasted no time in rejecting the offer (= she rejected it immediately). * We got straight down to business without wasting time on small talk. * You’re wasting your time trying to explain it to him (= because he will not understand).\n  2  ~ sth (on sb/sth) to give, say, use, etc. sth good where it is not valued or used in the way that it should be:\nDon’t waste your sympathy on him-he got what he deserved. * Her comments were not wasted on Chris (= he understood what she meant).\n  3  [usually passive] to not make good or full use of sb/sth:\nIt was a wasted opportunity. * His talents are wasted in that job. * You’re wasted as a sales manager-you should have been an actor.\n  kill sb\n  4  (informal, especially AmE) to get rid of sb, usually by killing them\n  defeat sb\n  5  (AmE, informal) to defeat sb very badly in a game or competition\n IDIOMS \n  waste your breath to say sth that nobody takes any notice of\n  waste not, want not (saying) if you never waste anything, especially food or money, you will always have it when you need it\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  waste away (of a person) to become thin and weak, especially because of illness\n    noun\n  not good use\n  1  [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) the act of using sth in a careless or unnecessary way, causing it to be lost or destroyed:\nI hate unnecessary waste. * It seems such a waste to throw good food away. * I hate to see good food go to waste (= be thrown away). * The report is critical of the department’s waste of resources. * What a waste of paper!\n  2  [sing.] a situation in which it is not worth spending time, money, etc. on sth:\nThese meetings are a complete waste of time. * They believe the statue is a waste of taxpayers’ money.\n  materials\n  3  [U] (also wastes [pl.]) materials that are no longer needed and are thrown away:\nhousehold / industrial waste * toxic / radioactive wastes * waste pipes (= that carry waste away from a building) * waste disposal (= the process of getting rid of waste)\n  land\n  4  (wastes) [pl.] (formal) a large area of land where there are very few people, animals or plants:\nthe frozen wastes of Siberia\n IDIOMS \n  a waste of space (spoken) a person who is useless or no good at anything\n    adjective [usually before noun]\n  land\n  1  not suitable for building or growing things on and is therefore not used:\nThe car was found on a piece of waste ground.\n  materials\n  2  no longer needed for a particular process and therefore thrown away:\nWaste water is pumped from the factory into a nearby river.\n IDIOMS \n  lay sth waste | lay waste (to) sth (formal) to destroy a place completely:\nThe invading army laid waste to towns and villages on their way to the capital. * an area laid waste by war


Words: waste-disposal unit
Meaning:
(also waste disposer) noun\n(both BrE) (AmE disposal) a machine connected to the waste pipe of a kitchen SINK, for cutting food waste into small pieces


Words: wasted
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (of an action) unsuccessful because it does not produce the result you wanted:\nWe had a wasted trip-they weren’t in.\n  2  too thin, especially because of illness:\nthin wasted legs\n  3  (slang) strongly affected by alcohol or drugs:\nHe went to a party and came home wasted.


Words: wasteful
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (of sth) using more of sth than is necessary; not saving or keeping sth that could be used:\nThe whole process is wasteful and inefficient. * a wasteful use of resources * an engine that is wasteful of fuel\n    wastefully  adverb\n    wastefulness noun [U]


Words: wasteland
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] an area of land that cannot be used or that is no longer used for building or growing things on:\nindustrial / urban wasteland * the desert wastelands of Arizona * (figurative) The mid 1970s are seen as a cultural wasteland for rock music.


Words: waster
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (often in compounds) a person or thing that uses too much of sth in an unnecessary way:\nHe’s a time waster. * Many household machines are great energy wasters.\n  2  (spoken, disapproving) a person who is useless or no good at anything


Words: wasting
Meaning:
adjective\na wasting disease or illness is one that causes sb to gradually become weaker and thinner


Words: watch
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  to look at sb/sth for a time, paying attention to what happens:\n[VN] to watch television / a football game * [VN, V] He watched the house for signs of activity. * He watched for signs of activity in the house. * [V] ’Would you like to play?’ ’No thanks-I’ll just watch.’ * She stood and watched as the taxi drove off. * We watched to see what would happen next. * [V wh-] Watch what I do, then you try. * [VN -ing] She watched the kids playing in the yard. * [VN inf] They watched the bus disappear into the distance.\n \n  2  [VN] to take care of sb/sth for a short time:\nCould you watch my bags for me while I buy a paper?\n \n  3  (BrE also mind) (informal) to be careful about sth:\n[VN] Watch yourself (= be careful, because you’re in a dangerous situation)! * Watch your bag-there are thieves around. * I have to watch every penny (= be careful what I spend). * Watch your head on the low ceiling. * [V wh-] Hey, watch where you’re going!\n \n IDIOMS \n  watch the clock (disapproving) to be careful not to work longer than the required time; to think more about when your work will finish than about the work itself\n  watch it (informal) used as a warning to sb to be careful\n  watch your mouth / tongue to be careful what you say in order not to offend sb or make them angry\n  watch this space (informal) used in orders, to tell sb to wait for more news about sth to be announced:\nI can’t tell you any more right now, but watch this space.\n  watch the world go by to relax and watch people in a public place:\nWe sat outside a cafe, watching the world go by.\nmore at LANGUAGE, STEP n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  watch for sb/sth to look and wait for sb/sth to appear or for sth to happen:\nThe cat was on the wall, watching for birds.\n  watch out (spoken) used to warn sb about sth dangerous:\nWatch out! There’s a car coming!\n  watch out for sb/sth\n1 to make an effort to be aware of what is happening, so that you will notice if anything bad or unusual happens:\nThe cashiers were asked to watch out for forged banknotes.\n2 to be careful of sth:\nWatch out for the stairs-they’re steep.\n  watch over sb/sth (formal) to take care of sb/sth; to guard and protect sb/sth\n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a type of small clock that you wear on your wrist, or (in the past) carried in your pocket:\nShe kept looking anxiously at her watch. * My watch is fast / slow.\nsee also STOPWATCH, WRISTWATCH\n \n  2  [sing., U] the act of watching sb/sth carefully in case of possible danger or problems:\nThe police have mounted a watch outside the hotel. * I’ll keep watch while you go through his papers (= watch and warn you if somebody is coming). * The government is keeping a close watch on how the situation develops.\nsee also NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH\n \n  3  [C, U] a fixed period of time, usually while other people are asleep, during which sb watches for any danger so that they can warn others, for example on a ship; the person or people who do this:\nI’m on first watch. * I go on watch in an hour.\nsee also NIGHTWATCHMAN\n IDIOMS \n  be on the watch (for sb/sth) to be looking carefully for sb/sth that you expect to see, especially in order to avoid possible danger:\nBe on the watch for thieves.\nmore at CLOSE adj.


Words: watchdog
Meaning:
noun\na person or group of people whose job is to check that companies are not doing anything illegal or ignoring people’s rights:\na consumer watchdog * ’Ofwat’ is the water industry watchdog in Britain.\ncompare GUARD DOG


Words: watcher
Meaning:
noun\n(often in compounds) a person who watches and studies sb/sth regularly:\nan industry / a market watcher\nsee also BIRDWATCHER, CLOCK-WATCHER


Words: watchful
Meaning:
adjective\npaying attention to what is happening in case of danger, accidents, etc:\nHer expression was watchful and alert. * His mother kept a watchful eye on him. * The children played under the watchful eye of their teacher.\n    watchfully  adverb\n    watchfulness noun [U]


Words: watching brief
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the task of watching a group, especially a political organization, to make sure that it is doing everything it should and nothing wrong or illegal:\nto have / keep / hold a watching brief on sb


Words: watchman
Meaning:
noun\n(plural watchmen ) (old-fashioned) a man whose job is to guard a building, for example a bank, an office building or a factory, especially at night\nsee also NIGHTWATCHMAN


Words: watchword
Meaning:
noun\na word or phrase that expresses sb’s beliefs or attitudes, or that explains what sb should do in a particular situation:\nQuality is our watchword.


Words: water
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U] a liquid without colour, smell or taste that falls as rain, is in lakes, rivers and seas, and is used for drinking, washing, etc:\na glass of water * drinking water * water pollution * clean / dirty water * water shortages * There is hot and cold running water in all the bedrooms. * The water (= the supply of water) was turned off for several hours each day during the drought.\nsee also BATHWATER\n \n  2  [U] an area of water, especially a lake, river, sea or ocean:\nWe walked down to the water’s edge. * She fell into the water. * shallow / deep water * In the lagoon the water was calm.\nsee also BACKWATER, BREAKWATER\n \n  3  (waters) [pl.] the water in a particular lake, river, sea or ocean:\nthe grey waters of the River Clyde * This species is found in coastal waters around the Indian Ocean.\n  4  [U] the surface of a mass of water:\nShe dived under the water. * The leaves floated on the water. * He disappeared under the water. * I could see my reflection in the water.\nsee also UNDERWATER\n  5  (waters) [pl.] an area of sea or ocean belonging to a particular country:\nWe were still in British waters. * fishing in international waters\nsee also TERRITORIAL WATERS\n HELP NOTE  There are many other compounds ending in water. You will find them at their place in the alphabet.\n IDIOMS \n  by water (formal) using a boat or ship:\nThey reached Naples by water.\n  it’s (all) water under the bridge (spoken) used to say that sth happened in the past and is now forgotten or no longer important\n  like water (informal) in large quantities:\nHe spends money like water.\n  (be in / get into) murky / uncharted waters to get into a difficult or dangerous situation that you do not know anything about:\nThe conversation got into the murky waters of jealousy and relationships.\n  not hold water (informal) if an argument, an excuse, a theory, etc. does not hold water, you cannot believe it\n  sb’s waters break when a pregnant woman’s waters break, the liquid in her WOMB passes out of her body just before the baby is born\n  (like) water off a duck’s back (informal) used to say that sth, especially criticism, has no effect on sb/sth:\nI can’t tell my son what to do; it’s water off a duck’s back with him.\nmore at BLOOD, COLD adj., DEAD adj., DEEP adj., DIP v., DUCK n., FISH n., HEAD n., HELL, HOT adj., PASS v., POUR, STILL adj., TEST v., TREAD adj.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to pour water on plants, etc:\nto water the plants / garden\n  2  [V] (of the eyes) to become full of tears:\nThe smoke made my eyes water.\n  3  [V] (of the mouth) to produce SALIVA:\nThe smells from the kitchen made our mouths water.\n  4  [VN] to give water to an animal to drink:\nto water the horses * (humorous) After a tour of the grounds, the guests were fed and watered.\n  5  [VN] [usually passive] (technical) (of a river, etc.) to provide an area of land with water:\nThe valley is watered by a stream.\n  6  [VN] to add water to an alcoholic drink:\nwatered wine\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  water sth<->down\n1 to make a liquid weaker by adding water\nSYN DILUTE\n2 [usually passive] to change a speech, a piece of writing, etc. in order to make it less offensive or forceful\nSYN DILUTE


Words: water cannon
Meaning:
noun\na machine that produces a powerful flow of water, used by the police against crowds of people who are causing trouble


Words: water chestnut
Meaning:
noun\nthe thick round white root of a tropical plant that grows in water, often used in Chinese cooking


Words: water lily
Meaning:
noun\na plant that floats on the surface of water, with large round flat leaves and white, yellow or pink flowers


Words: water polo
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a game played by two teams of people swimming in a swimming pool. Players try to throw a ball into the other team’s goal.


Words: water supply
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] the water provided for a town, an area or a building; the act of or system for supplying water to a town, etc:\na clean / contaminated water supply * plans to improve the water supply to rural villages


Words: water tower
Meaning:
noun\na tall structure with a TANK (= large container) of water at the top from which water is supplied to buildings in the area around it


Words: water wings
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (old-fashioned) a pair of plastic bags filled with air that children wear on their arms when they learn to swim


Words: water-borne
Meaning:
adjective\nspread or carried by water:\ncholera and other water-borne diseases * water-borne goods\ncompare AIRBORNE


Words: water-repellent
Meaning:
adjective\na material, etc. that is water-repellent is specially treated so that water runs off it rather than going into it:\na water-repellent coating * a water-repellent spray (= one that you treat a surface with)


Words: watercolour
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE watercolor)  noun\n  1  (watercolours) [pl.] paints that you mix with water, not oil, and use for painting pictures\n  2  [C] a picture painted with these paints


Words: watercress
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a water plant with small round green leaves and thin stems. It has a strong taste and is often eaten raw in salads.


Words: waterfowl
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (plural waterfowl) a bird that can swim and lives near water, especially a duck or GOOSE


Words: waterfront
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a part of a town or an area that is next to water, for example in a harbour:\na waterfront apartment


Words: watering hole
Meaning:
noun\n  1  = WATERHOLE\n  2  (informal, humorous) a bar or place where people go to drink:\nChampers is one of Tony’s favourite watering holes.


Words: watering place
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned) a town with a natural supply of MINERAL WATER where people go for their health\nSYN SPA


Words: waterlogged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of soil, a field, etc.) so full of water that it cannot hold any more and becomes flooded:\nThey couldn’t play because the pitch was waterlogged.\n  2  (of a boat, etc.) so full of water that it can no longer float


Words: Waterloo
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] sb’s ~ a final defeat for sb:\nThis was the point at which he was to meet his Waterloo.\n ORIGIN  From the battle of Waterloo in 1815, in which the British (under the Duke of Wellington) and the Prussians finally defeated Napoleon.


Words: watermark
Meaning:
noun\na symbol or design in some types of paper, which can be seen when the paper is held against the light\nsee also HIGH-WATER MARK, LOW-WATER MARK


Words: watermill
Meaning:
noun\na MILL next to a river in which the machinery for GRINDING grain into flour is driven by the power of the water turning a wheel


Words: waterproof
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective that does not let water through:\nwaterproof clothing\n    noun [usually pl.] a piece of clothing made from material that does not let water through:\nYou’ll need waterproofs (= a waterproof jacket and trousers / pants).\n    verb [VN] to make sth waterproof


Words: watershed
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] ~ (in sth) an event or a period of time that marks an important change:\nThe middle decades of the 19th century marked a watershed in Russia’s history.\n  2  [C] a line of high land where streams on one side flow into one river, and streams on the other side flow into a different river\n  3  (the watershed) [sing.] (in Britain) the time before which programmes that are not considered suitable for children may not be shown on television:\nScenes like this should only be shown after the 9 o’clock watershed.


Words: waterside
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the area at the edge of a river, lake, etc:\nThey strolled down to the waterside. * a waterside cafe * waterside plants


Words: waterski
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] to ski on water while being pulled by a fast boat\n    waterskiing noun [U]:\nWe snorkelled and did some waterskiing.\n    noun either of the pair of long flat boards on which a person stands in order to waterski


Words: waterspout
Meaning:
noun\na column of water that is pulled up from the sea during a storm by a rapidly spinning column of air


Words: watertight
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  that does not allow water to get in or out:\na watertight container / seal * The roof has been made watertight.\n  2  (of an excuse, a plan, an argument, etc.) carefully prepared so that it contains no mistakes, faults or weaknesses:\na watertight alibi * The case has to be made watertight.


Words: waterworks
Meaning:
noun (plural waterworks)\n  1  [C+sing./pl. v.] a building with pumping machinery for supplying water to an area\n  2  [pl.] (informal or humorous) the organs of the body through which URINE (= waste water) is passed\n IDIOMS \n  turn on the waterworks (informal, disapproving) to start crying, especially in order to get sympathy or attention


Words: watery
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  of or like water; containing a lot of water:\na watery fluid * His eyes were red and watery. * (literary) She was rescued from a watery grave (= saved from drowning).\n  2  weak and/or pale:\na watery sun * His eyes were a watery blue. * a watery smile (= weak and without much feeling)\n  3  (of food, drink, etc.) containing too much water; thin and having no taste:\nThe vegetables were watery and tasteless. * watery soup


Words: wattle
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U] sticks woven together as a material for making fences, walls, etc:\nwalls made of wattle and daub\n \n  2  [C] a piece of red skin that hangs down from the throat of a bird such as a TURKEY


Words: wave
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  of water\n \n  1  [C] a raised line of water that moves across the surface of the sea, ocean, etc:\nHuge waves were breaking on the shore. * The wind made little waves on the pond. * The pool has a wave machine (= for making waves).\nsee also TIDAL WAVE\n \n  of activity / feeling\n \n  2  [C] a sudden increase in a particular activity or feeling:\na wave of opposition / protest / violence * a crime wave * There has been a new wave of bombings since the peace talks broke down. * A wave of fear swept over him. * Guilt and horror flooded her in waves. * Three hundred employees lost their jobs in the latest wave of redundancies. * A wave of panic spread through the crowd.\nsee also BRAINWAVE, HEATWAVE\n  large number\n  3  [C] a large number of people or things suddenly moving or appearing somewhere:\nWave after wave of aircraft passed overhead.\nsee also NEW WAVE\n  movement of arm / hand / body\n  4  [C] a movement of your arm and hand from side to side:\nShe declined the offer with a wave of her hand. * With a wave and a shout he ran down the road to meet us. * He gave us a wave as the bus drove off.\n  5  (the wave) [sing.] (AmE) = MEXICAN WAVE\n  of heat / sound / light\n  6  [C] the form that some types of energy such as heat, sound, light, etc. take as they move:\nradio / sound / ultrasonic waves\nsee also AIRWAVES, LONG WAVE, MEDIUM WAVE, MICROWAVE, SHOCK WAVE, SHORT WAVE, SOUND WAVE\n  in hair\n  7  [C] if a person’s hair has a wave or waves, it is not straight but curls slightly\nsee also PERMANENT WAVE\n  sea\n  8  (the waves) [pl.] (literary) the sea:\nlife on the waves (= life at sea)\nsee also WAVY\n IDIOMS \n  make waves (informal) to be very active in a way that makes people notice you, and that may sometimes cause problems\nmore at CREST n., RIDE v.\n    verb\n  move hand / arm\n \n  1  ~ (at / to sb) | ~ sth (at sb) | ~ sth (about / around) to move your hand or arm from side to side in the air in order to attract attention, as a greeting, etc:\n[V] The people on the bus waved and we waved back. * Why did you wave at him? * [VN] A man in the water was shouting and waving his arms around frantically. * [VNN, VN] My mother was crying as I waved her goodbye. * My mother was crying as I waved goodbye to her.\n \n  2  [+adv./prep.] to show where sth is, show sb where to go, etc. by moving your hand in a particular direction:\n[V] She waved vaguely in the direction of the house. * [VN] ’He’s over there,’ said Ali, waving a hand towards some trees. * I showed my pass to the security guard and he waved me through. * She waved me away impatiently.\n \n  3  [VN]   [usually +adv./prep.] to hold sth in your hand and move it from side to side:\nCrowds lined the route, waving flags and cheering. * ’I’m rich!’ she exclaimed, waving the money under his nose.\n \n  move freely\n  4  [V] to move freely and gently, for example in the wind, while one end or side is held in position:\nThe flag waved in the breeze.\n  hair\n  5  [V] to curl slightly:\nHis hair waves naturally.\n  6  [VN] to make sb’s hair curl slightly:\nShe’s had her hair waved.\n IDIOMS  see FLAG n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wave sth<->aside / away to not accept sth because you do not think it is necessary or important\nSYN DISMISS:\nMy objections to the plan were waved aside. * He waved away our thanks with a smile.\n  wave sth/sb<->down to signal to a vehicle or its driver to stop by waving your hand\n  wave sb<->off to wave goodbye to sb as they are leaving:\nWe all stood in the road and waved our visitors off.


Words: wavelength
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the distance between two similar points on a wave of energy, such as light or sound\n \n  2  the size of a radio wave that is used by a particular radio station, etc. for sending signals or broadcasting programmes\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  on the same wavelength | be on sb’s wavelength (informal) to have the same way of thinking or the same ideas or feelings as sb else:\nWe work together but we aren’t really on the same wavelength.


Words: waver
Meaning:
verb [V] \n  1  to be or become weak or unsteady:\nHis voice wavered with emotion. * Her smile wavered and she began to cry. * Her determination never wavered. * She never wavered in her determination to succeed.\n  2  ~ (between A and B) | ~ (on / over sth) to hesitate and be unable to make a decision or choice:\nShe’s wavering between buying a house in the city or moving away.\n  3  (especially of light) to move in an unsteady way:\nwavering flames / shadows\n    waverer  noun:\nThe strength of his argument convinced the waverers.


Words: wax
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  a solid substance that is made from BEESWAX or from various fats and oils and used for making candles, polish, models, etc. It becomes soft when it is heated:\nstyling wax for the hair * floor wax * wax crayons * wax polish\nsee also PARAFFIN WAX, SEALING WAX\n  2  a soft sticky yellowish substance that is found in your ears\n    verb\n  1  [VN] to polish sth with wax\n  2  [VN] [usually passive] to cover sth with wax:\nwaxed paper * a waxed jacket\n  3  [VN] [often passive] to remove hair from a part of the body using wax:\nto wax your legs / to have your legs waxed\n  4  [V] (of the moon) to seem to get gradually bigger until its full form is visible\nOPP WANE\n  5  [V-ADJ] ~ lyrical, eloquent, sentimental, etc. (written) to become LYRICAL, etc. when speaking or writing:\nHe waxed lyrical on the food at the new restaurant.\n IDIOMS \n  wax and wane (literary) to increase then decrease in strength, importance, etc. over a period of time


Words: waxed paper
Meaning:
(AmE also wax paper) noun\n[U] paper covered with a thin layer of wax, used to wrap food or when cooking


Words: waxen
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (formal) made of wax:\nwaxen images / figures\n  2  (literary) pale and looking ill/sick:\nThe old man’s waxen face was cold.


Words: waxwork
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a model of a person that is made of wax\n  2  (waxworks) (plural waxworks) (especially BrE) (AmE usually wax museum) a museum where you can see wax models of famous people


Words: waxy
Meaning:
adjective\nmade of wax; looking or feeling like wax:\nThe cheese has a red waxy rind. * young men with pale waxy skins * potatoes with a waxy texture


Words: way
Meaning:
noun, adverb \n    noun\n  method / style\n  1  [C] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (of doing sth) a method, style or manner of doing sth:\nI’m not happy with this way of working. * That’s not the right way to hold a pair of scissors. * I hate the way she always criticizes me. * I told you we should have done it my way! * Infectious diseases can be acquired in several ways. * I generally get what I want one way or another (= by some means). * (spoken, disapproving) That’s no way to speak to your mother! * It’s not what you say, it’s the way that you say it.\n  behaviour\n  2  [C] a particular manner or style of behaviour:\nThey grinned at her in a friendly way. * It was not his way to admit that he had made a mistake. * Don’t worry, if she seems quiet-it’s just her way. * He was showing off, as is the way with adolescent boys.\n  3  (ways) [pl.] the typical way of behaving and living of a particular group of people:\nAfter ten years I’m used to the strange British ways.\n  route / road\n  4  [C, usually sing.] ~ (from ...) (to ...) a route or road that you take in order to reach a place:\nthe best / quickest / shortest way from A to B * Can you tell me the way to Leicester Square? * to ask / tell sb the way * We went the long way round.\n  5  [C, usually sing.] the route along which sb/sth is moving; the route that sb/sth would take if there was nothing stopping them/it:\nGet out of my way! I’m in a hurry. * Riot police with shields were blocking the demonstrators’ way. * We fought our way through the dense vegetation. * Unfortunately they ran into a snowstorm along the way.\nsee also RIGHT OF WAY\n  6  [C] a road, path or street for travelling along:\nThere’s a way across the fields.\nsee also FREEWAY, HIGHWAY, MOTORWAY, RAILWAY, WATERWAY\n  7  (Way) used in the names of streets:\n106 Headley Way\n  direction\n  8  [C, usually sing.] which, this, that, etc. ~ a particular direction; in a particular direction:\nWhich way did they go? * We just missed a car coming the other way. * Look both ways (= look left and right) before crossing the road. * Make sure that sign’s the right way up. * Kids were running this way and that (= in all directions). * They decided to split the money four ways (= between four different people). * (figurative) Which way (= for which party) are you going to vote?\nsee also EACH WAY, ONE-WAY, THREE-WAY, TWO-WAY\n  for entering / leaving\n  9  [C, usually sing.] a means of going into or leaving a place, such as a door or gate:\nthe way in / out * They escaped out the back way.\nsee also COMPANIONWAY\n  distance / time\n  10  [sing.] (also AmE informal ways) a distance or period of time between two points:\nA little way up on the left hand-side is the Museum of Modern Art. * September was a long way off. * (figurative) The area’s wine industry still has a way to go to full maturity. * You came all this way to see us? * (AmE, informal) We still have a ways to go.\n  area\n  11  [sing.] (informal) an area, a part of a country, etc:\nI think he lives somewhere over London way. * I’ll stop by and see you next time I’m down your way.\n  aspect\n  12  [C] a particular aspect of sth\nSYN RESPECT:\nI have changed in every way. * It’s been quite a day, one way and another (= for several reasons).\n  condition / state\n  13  [sing.] a particular condition or state:\nThe economy’s in a bad way. * I don’t know how we’re going to manage, the way things are.\n IDIOMS \n  across the way (BrE also over the way) on the other side of the street, etc:\nMusic blared from the open window of the house across the way.\n  all the way\n1 (also the whole way) during the whole journey/period of time:\nShe didn’t speak a word to me all the way back home.\n2 completely; as much as it takes to achieve what you want:\nI’m fighting him all the way. * You can feel that the audience is with her all the way.\n  (that’s / it’s) always the way (spoken) used to say that things often happen in a particular way, especially when it is not convenient\n  any way you slice it (AmE, informal) however you choose to look at a situation\n  be / be born / be made that way (of a person) to behave or do things in a particular manner because it is part of your character:\nIt’s not his fault he’s so pompous-he was born that way.\n  be set in your ways to have habits or opinions that you have had for a long time and that you do not want to change\n  by the way (spoken) used to introduce a comment or question that is not directly related to what you have been talking about:\nBy the way, I found that book you were looking for. * What’s the time, by the way? * Oh by the way, if you see Jackie, tell her I’ll call her this evening.\n  by way of sth by a route that includes the place mentioned\nSYN VIA:\nThe artist recently arrived in Paris from Bulgaria by way of Vienna. * She came to TV by way of drama school.\n  by way of / in the way of sth as a form of sth; for sth; as a means of sth:\nHe recovered ｣600 by way of compensation from the company. * She rolled her eyes by way of an answer and left.\n  come your way to happen to you by chance, or when you were not expecting it:\nHe took whatever came his way.\n  cut both / two ways (of an action, argument, etc.) to have two opposite effects or results\n  either way | one way or the other used to say that it does not matter which one of two possibilities happens, is chosen or is true:\nWas it his fault or not? Either way, an explanation is due. * We could meet today or tomorrow-I don’t mind one way or the other.\n  every which way (informal) in all directions:\nHer hair tumbled every which way.\n  get into / out of the way of (doing) sth to become used to doing sth/to lose the habit of doing sth:\nThe women had got into the way of going up on the deck every evening.\n  get in the way of to prevent sb from doing sth; to prevent sth from happening:\nHe wouldn’t allow emotions to get in the way of him doing his job.\n  get / have your own way to get or do what you want, especially when sb has tried to stop you:\nShe always gets her own way in the end.\n  give way to break or fall down:\nThe pillars gave way and a section of the roof collapsed. * Her numb leg gave way beneath her and she stumbled clumsily.\n  give way (to sb/sth)\n1 to stop resisting sb/sth; to agree to do sth that you do not want to do:\nHe refused to give way on any of the points.\n2 (BrE) to allow sb/sth to be or go first:\nGive way to traffic already on the roundabout.\n  give way to sth\n1 to allow yourself to be very strongly affected by sth, especially an emotion:\nFlinging herself on the bed, she gave way to helpless misery.\n2 to be replaced by sth:\nThe storm gave way to bright sunshine. * As he drew nearer, his anxiety gave way to relief.\n  go all the way (with sb) (informal) to have full sexual INTERCOURSE with sb\n  go a long / some way towards doing sth to help very much/a little in achieving sth:\nThe new law goes a long way towards solving the problem.\n  go out of your way (to do sth) to make a special effort to do sth:\nHe would always go out of his way to be friendly towards her.\n  go your own way to do as you choose, especially when sb has advised you against it:\nIt’s best to let her go her own way if you don’t want a fight.\n  go sb’s way\n1 to travel in the same direction as sb:\nI’m going your way-I’ll walk with you.\n2 (of events) to go well for you; to be in your favour:\nBy the third round he knew the fight was going his way.\n  go the way of all flesh (saying) to die\n  have it your own way! (spoken) used to say in an angry way that although you are not happy about sth that sb has said, you are not going to argue:\nOh OK, then. Have it your own way.\n  have it / things / everything your own way to have what you want, especially by opposing other people\n  have a way of doing sth used to say that sth often happens in a particular way, especially when it is out of your control:\nFirst love affairs have a way of not working out.\n  have a way with sb/sth to be good at dealing with sb/sth:\nHe has a way with small children. * She has a way with words (= is very good at expressing herself).\n  have / want it both ways to have or want to have the advantages of two different situations or ways of behaving that are impossible to combine:\nYou can’t have it both ways. If you can afford to go out all the time, you can afford to pay off some of your debts.\n  have your (wicked) way with sb (old-fashioned, humorous) to persuade sb to have sex with you\n  in a big / small way on a large/small scale:\nThe new delivery service has taken off in a big way. * Many people are investing in a small way in the stock market.\n  in more ways than one used to show that a statement has more than one meaning:\nWith the first goal he used his head in more ways than one.\n  in her, his, its, etc. (own) way in a manner that is appropriate to or typical of a person or thing but that may seem unusual to other people:\nI expect she does love you in her own way. * The building is very attractive in its own way.\n  in a way | in one way | in some ways to some extent; not completely:\nIn a way it was one of our biggest mistakes.\n  in the / sb’s way stopping sb from moving or doing sth:\nYou’ll have to move-you’re in my way. * I left them alone, as I felt I was in the way.\n  in the way of sth used in questions and negative sentences to talk about the types of sth that are available:\nThere isn’t much in the way of entertainment in this place.\n  keep / stay out of sb’s way to avoid sb\n  look the other way to deliberately avoid seeing sb/sth:\nPrison officers know what’s going on, but look the other way.\n  lose your way\n1 to become lost:\nWe lost our way in the dark.\n2 to forget or move away from the purpose or reason for sth:\nI feel that the project has lost its way.\n  make your way (to / towards sth) to move or get somewhere; to make progress:\nWill you be able to make your own way to the airport (= get there without help, a ride, etc.)? * Is this your plan for making your way in the world?\n  make way (for sb/sth) to allow sb/sth to pass; to allow sb/sth to take the place of sb/sth:\nMake way for the Lord Mayor! * Tropical forest is felled to make way for grassland.\n  (there are) no two ways about it (saying) used to show that you are certain about sth:\nIt was the wrong decision-there are no two ways about it.\n  (there is) no way (informal) used to say that there is no possibility that you will do sth or that sth will happen:\n’Do you want to help?’ ’No way!’ * No way am I going to drive them there. * There’s no way we could afford that sort of money.\n  on your / the / its way\n1 going or coming:\nI’d better be on my way (= I must leave) soon. * The letter should be on its way to you.\n2 during the journey:\nHe stopped for breakfast on the way. * She grabbed her camera and bag on her way out.\n3 (of a baby) not yet born:\nThey’ve got three kids and one on the way.\n  on the way out\n1 as you are leaving\n2 going out of fashion:\nThe Saturday rave craze seems to be on the way out.\n  the other way round\n1 in the opposite position, direction or order:\nI think it should go on the other way round.\n2 the opposite situation:\nI didn’t leave you. It was the other way round (= you left me).\n  out of the way\n1 no longer stopping sb from moving or doing sth:\nI moved my legs out of the way so that she could get past. * I didn’t say anything until Dad was out of the way.\n2 finished; dealt with:\nOur region is poised for growth once the election is out of the way.\n3 far from a town or city:\na little out-of-the-way place on the coast\n4 used in negative sentences to mean ’unusual’:\nShe had obviously noticed nothing out of the way.\n  out of your way not on the route that you planned to take:\nI’d love a ride home-if it’s not out of your way.\n  see your way (clear) to doing sth / to do sth to find that it is possible or convenient to do sth:\nSmall builders cannot see their way clear to take on many trainees.\n  see which way the wind is blowing to get an idea of what is likely to happen before doing sth\n  (not) stand in sb’s way to (not) prevent sb from doing sth:\nIf you believe you can make her happy, I won’t stand in your way.\n  that’s the way the cookie crumbles (informal) that is the situation and we cannot change it, so we must accept it\n  to my way of thinking in my opinion\n  under way (also underway) having started:\nPreparations are well under way for a week of special events in May.\n  a / the / sb’s way of life the typical pattern of behaviour of a person or group:\nthe British / rural / traditional way of life\n  the way of the world the way that most people behave; the way that things happen, which you cannot change:\nThe rich and powerful make the decisions-that’s the way of the world.\n  ways and means the methods and materials available for doing sth:\nways and means of raising money\n  the way to sb’s heart the way to make sb like or love you:\nThe way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (= by giving him good food).\n  way to go! (AmE, informal, spoken) used to tell sb that you are pleased about sth they have done:\nGood work, guys! Way to go!\n  work your way through college, round the world, etc. to have a job or series of jobs while studying, travelling, etc. in order to pay for your education, etc.\n  work your way through sth to do sth from beginning to end, especially when it takes a lot of time or effort:\nShe worked her way through the pile of documents.\n  work your way up to move regularly to a more senior position in a company:\nHe worked his way up from messenger boy to account executive.\nmore at CHANGE v., CLAW v., CLEAR v., DOWNHILL, EASY adj., ERROR, FAMILY n., FAR adv., FEEL v., FIND v., HARD adj., HARM n., HEAD n., KNOW v., LAUGH v., LIE v., LONG adj., MEND v., MIDDLE adj., OPEN v., ORDINARY, PARTING n., PAVE, PAY v., PICK v., RUB v., SEPARATE adj., SHAPE n., SHOW v., SMOOTH v., SWEET adj., SWING v., TALK v., WELL adv., WILL n., WRONG adj.\n    adverb (used with a preposition or an adverb) very far; by a large amount:\nShe finished the race way ahead of the other runners. * I must be going home; it’s way past my bedtime. * The price is way above what we can afford. * They live way out in the suburbs. * This skirt is way (= a lot) too short.\n IDIOMS \n  way back (in ...) a long time ago:\nI first met him way back in the 60s. * Way back, when he was a boy, he had lived on a farm in Wales.


Words: waylay
Meaning:
verb\n(waylaid, waylaid ) [VN] to stop sb who is going somewhere, especially in order to talk to them or attack them:\nI got waylaid on my way here.


Words: waymark
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE) a mark or sign on a route in the countryside to show the way to people who are walking, etc:\nTurn right where you see a waymark arrow.\n    waymarked  adjective:\nwaymarked routes / walks


Words: wayside
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] the area at the side of a road or path:\na wayside hotel / inn / shrine * wild flowers growing by the wayside\n IDIOMS \n  fall by the wayside to fail or be unable to make progress in sth:\nMany clubs fall by the wayside for financial reasons. * Proposals for the new service fell by the wayside through lack of public support.


Words: wayward
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) difficult to control:\na wayward child / animal * wayward emotions / thoughts\n    waywardness noun [U]


Words: we
Meaning:
pronoun (used as the subject of a verb)\n  1  I and another person or other people; I and you:\nWe’ve moved to Atlanta. * We’d (= the company would) like to offer you the job. * Why don’t we go and see it together?\n  2  people in general:\nWe should take more care of our historic buildings.\nsee also the royal ’we’ at ROYAL


Words: weak
Meaning:
adjective (weaker, weakest)\n  not physically strong\n  1  not physically strong:\nShe is still weak after her illness. * His legs felt weak. * She suffered from a weak heart.\n  likely to break\n  2  that cannot support a lot of weight; likely to break:\nThat bridge is too weak to carry heavy traffic.\n  without power\n  3  easy to influence; not having much power:\na weak and cowardly man * In a weak moment (= when I was easily persuaded) I said she could borrow the car. * a weak leader / country * The unions have always been weak in this industry.\n  poor / sick people\n  4  (the weak) noun [pl.] people who are poor, sick or without power\n  currency / economy\n  5  not financially strong or successful:\na weak currency / economy / market\n  not good at sth\n  6  ~ (in sth) not good at sth:\na weak team * I was always weak in the science subjects.\n  not convincing\n  7  that people are not likely to believe or be persuaded by:\nweak arguments / evidence * I enjoyed the movie but I thought the ending was very weak.\n  hard to see / hear\n  8  not easily seen or heard:\na weak light / signal / sound\n  without enthusiasm\n  9  done without enthusiasm or energy:\na weak smile * He made a weak attempt to look cheerful.\n  liquid\n  10  a weak liquid contains a lot of water:\nweak tea\n  point / spot\n  11  ~ point / spot the part of a person’s character, an argument, etc. that is easy to attack or criticize:\nThe team’s weak points are in defence. * He knew her weak spot where Steve was concerned.\n  grammar\n  12  a weak verb forms the past tense, etc. by adding -d, -ed or -t (for example walk, walked) and not by changing a vowel (for example run, ran)\n  phonetics\n  13  (of the pronunciation of some words) used when there is no stress on the word. For example, the weak form of and is .\nOPP STRONG\n IDIOMS \n  weak at the knees (informal) hardly able to stand because of emotion, fear, illness, etc:\nHis sudden smile made her go weak at the knees.\n  the weak link (in the chain) the point at which a system or an organization is most likely to fail:\nShe went straight for the one weak link in the chain of his argument.


Words: weak force
Meaning:
noun\n(technical) one of the four FUNDAMENTAL FORCES in the universe, which is produced between PARTICLES in an atom\nsee also ELECTROMAGNETISM, GRAVITY, STRONG FORCE


Words: weak-kneed
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) lacking courage or strength:\nweak-kneed cowards * a weak-kneed defence policy


Words: weaken
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to make sb/sth less strong or powerful; to become less strong or powerful:\n[VN] The team has been weakened by injury. * The new evidence weakens the case against her. * This new story has severely weakened the President’s position. * [V] His authority is steadily weakening.\nOPP STRENGTHEN\n  2  to make sb less physically strong; to become less physically strong:\n[VN] The explosion had weakened the building’s foundations. * His health was weakened by overwork. * [V] She felt her legs weaken.\n  3  to become or make sb become less determined or certain about sth:\n[VN] Nothing could weaken his resolve to continue. * [V] You must not agree to do it. Don’t weaken.


Words: weakly
Meaning:
adverb\nin a weak way:\nShe smiled weakly at them. * ’I’m not sure about it,’ he said weakly. * The patient tried to sit up but fell back weakly onto his pillows.


Words: weakness
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] lack of strength, power or determination:\nThe sudden weakness in her legs made her stumble. * the weakness of the dollar against the pound * He thought that crying was a sign of weakness.\n  2  [C] a weak point in a system, sb’s character, etc:\nIt’s important to know your own strengths and weaknesses. * Can you spot the weakness in her argument?\n  3  [C, usually sing.] ~ (for sth/sb) difficulty in resisting sth/sb that you like very much:\nHe has a weakness for chocolate.


Words: weal
Meaning:
noun\na sore red mark on sb’s skin where they have been hit:\nHis back was covered in weals and bruises.


Words: wealth
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] a large amount of money, property, etc. that a person or country owns:\na person of wealth and influence * His personal wealth is estimated at around $100 million. * the distribution of wealth in Britain\n  2  [U] the state of being rich:\nThe purpose of industry is to create wealth. * Good education often depends on wealth.\n  3  [sing.] ~ of sth a large amount of sth:\na wealth of information / talent / detail * The new manager brings a great wealth of experience to the job.\ncompare RICHNESS


Words: wealthy
Meaning:
adjective (wealthier, wealthiest)\n  1  rich; having a lot of money, possessions, etc:\na wealthy businessman / family / nation * The couple are said to be fabulously wealthy. * They live in a wealthy suburb of Chicago.\n  2  (the wealthy) noun [pl.] people who are rich


Words: wean
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ sb/sth (off / from sth) to gradually stop feeding a baby or young animal with its mother’s milk and start feeding it with solid food:\nLeopard cubs are weaned at three months.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wean sb off / from sth to make sb gradually stop doing or using sth:\nThe doctor tried to wean her off sleeping pills.\n  wean sb on sth [usually passive] to make sb experience sth regularly, especially from an early age:\nHe was weaned on a diet of rigid discipline and duty.


Words: weapon
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an object such as a knife, gun, bomb, etc. that is used for fighting or attacking sb:\nnuclear / chemical weapons * a lethal / deadly weapon * The police still haven’t found the murder weapon. * He was charged with carrying an offensive weapon.\n  2  something such as knowledge, words, actions, etc. that can be used to attack or fight against sb/sth:\nEducation is the only weapon to fight the spread of the disease. * Guilt is the secret weapon for the control of children.\n IDIOMS  see DOUBLE-EDGED


Words: weaponry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (written) all the weapons of a particular type or belonging to a particular country or group:\nhigh-tech weaponry * US weaponry


Words: wear
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n (wore )\n \n  clothing / ornament\n \n  1  [VN] to have sth on your body as a piece of clothing, an ornament, etc:\nDo I have to wear a tie? * to wear a coat / hat / ring / badge / watch * Was she wearing a seat belt? * He wore glasses. * She always wears black (= black clothes).\n \n  hair\n \n  2  to have your hair in a particular style; to have a BEARD or MOUSTACHE:\n[VN-ADJ] She wears her hair long. * [VN] to wear a beard / moustache\n \n  expression on face\n  3  [VN] to have a particular expression on your face:\nHe wore a puzzled look on his face. * His face wore a puzzled look.\n  damage with use\n  4  to become, or make sth become thinner, smoother or weaker through continuous use or rubbing:\n[V] The carpets are starting to wear. * [V-ADJ] The sheets have worn thin. * [VN-ADJ] The stones have been worn smooth by the constant flow of water.\n  5  [VN +adv./prep.] to make a hole, path, etc. in sth by continuous use or rubbing:\nI’ve worn holes in all my socks. * The water had worn a channel in the rock.\n  stay in good condition\n  6  [V] ~ well to stay in good condition after being used for a long time:\nThat carpet is wearing well, isn’t it? * (figurative, humorous) You’re wearing well-only a few grey hairs!\n  accept / allow\n  7  [VN] (usually used in questions and negative sentences) (BrE, informal) to accept or allow sth, especially sth that you do not approve of\n IDIOMS \n  wear your heart on your sleeve to allow your feelings to be seen by other people:\nHe’s not one to wear his heart on his sleeve.\n  wear thin to begin to become weaker or less acceptable:\nThese excuses are wearing a little thin (= because we’ve heard them so many times before). * My patience is beginning to wear very thin.\n  wear the trousers (BrE) (AmE wear the pants) (often disapproving) (especially of a woman) to be the person in a marriage or other relationship who makes most of the decisions:\nIt’s obvious who wears the trousers in that family!\nmore at CAP n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wear away | wear sth<->away to become, or make sth become, gradually thinner or smoother by continuously using or rubbing it:\nThe inscription on the coin had worn away. * The steps had been worn away by the feet of thousands of pilgrims.\n  wear down | wear sth<->down to become, or make sth become, gradually smaller or smoother by continuously using or rubbing it:\nNotice how the tread on this tyre has worn down.\n  wear sb/sth<->down to make sb/sth weaker or less determined, especially by continuously attacking or putting pressure on them or it over a period of time:\nHer persistence paid off and she eventually wore me down. * This relentless pressure began to wear down their resistance.\n  wear off to gradually disappear or stop:\nThe effects of the drug will soon wear off. * The novelty of married life was beginning to wear off.\n  wear on (written) (of time) to pass, especially in a way that seems slow:\nAs the evening wore on, she became more and more nervous.\n  wear out | wear sth<->out to become, or make sth become, thin or no longer able to be used, usually because it has been used too much:\nHe wore out two pairs of shoes last year.\n  wear yourself / sb out to make yourself/sb feel very tired:\nThe kids have totally worn me out. * You’ll wear yourself out if you carry on working so hard.\n    noun [U]\n  clothing\n  1  (usually in compounds) used especially in shops/stores to describe clothes for a particular purpose or occasion:\ncasual / evening wear * children’s / ladies’ wear * sportswear\nsee also FOOTWEAR, UNDERWEAR\n  2  the fact of wearing sth:\ncasual clothes for everyday wear * These woollen suits are not designed for wear in hot climates.\n  use\n  3  the amount or type of use that sth has over a period of time:\nYou should get years of wear out of that carpet.\n  damage\n  4  the damage or loss of quality that is caused when sth has been used a lot:\nHis shoes were beginning to show signs of wear. * The machines have to be checked regularly for wear.\n IDIOMS \n  wear and tear the damage to objects, furniture, property, etc. that is the result of normal use:\nThe insurance policy does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear. * The living-room carpet has to stand up to the combined wear and tear of two dogs and three children.\nmore at WORSE n.\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nwear / carry / have on\nYou wear clothes, including gloves, scarves, belts, watches and glasses, and also perfume on your skin: Do you have to wear a suit for work? * I’ve been wearing glasses for ten years. You can also say you have something on: She had on some very unusual earrings. * He ran outside without any shoes on.\nYou carry objects with you when you go somewhere, especially in your hands or arms: He wasn’t wearing his raincoat, he was carrying it over his arm. * She always carries an umbrella in her briefcase.\n______________________________


Words: wearable
Meaning:
adjective\n(of clothes, etc.) pleasant and comfortable to wear; suitable to be worn:\nThe new styles are very smart and very wearable.


Words: wearer
Meaning:
noun\nthe person who is wearing sth; a person who usually wears the thing mentioned:\nThe straps can be adjusted to suit the wearer. * contact lens wearers


Words: wearing
Meaning:
adjective\nthat makes you feel very tired mentally or physically\nSYN EXHAUSTING:\nConstant noise can be very wearing on the nerves. * It’s been a very wearing day.


Words: wearisome
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) that makes you feel very bored and tired:\na repetitive and wearisome task * I was beginning to find her endless chatter very wearisome.


Words: weary
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (wearier, weariest)\n  1  very tired, especially after you have been working hard or doing sth for a long time:\na weary traveller * She suddenly felt old and weary. * a weary sigh / smile\n  2  (literary) making you feel tired or bored:\na weary journey * weary hours spent in negotiation\n  3  ~ of sth / of doing sth (formal) no longer interested in or enthusiastic about sth:\nStudents soon grow weary of listening to a parade of historical facts.\n    wearily  adverb:\nHe closed his eyes wearily.\n    weariness noun [U] \n    verb (wearies, wearying, wearied, wearied)\n  1  [VN] (formal) to make sb feel tired\nSYN TIRE:\na wearying tour around the museums and art galleries\n  2  [V] ~ of sth / of doing sth to lose your interest in or enthusiasm for sth\nSYN TIRE:\nShe soon wearied of his stories.


Words: weasel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a small wild animal with reddish-brown fur, a long thin body and short legs. Weasels eat smaller animals.\n    verb (-ll-, AmE -l-)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  weasel out (of sth) (informal disapproving, especially AmE) to avoid doing sth that you ought to do or have promised to do:\nHe’s now trying to weasel out of our agreement.


Words: weasel word
Meaning:
noun\n[usually pl.] (informal, disapproving) a word that has little meaning, or more than one meaning, that you use when you want to avoid saying sth in a clear or direct way


Words: weather
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U]\n  1  the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, such as the temperature, and if there is wind, rain, sun, etc:\nhot / cold / wet / fine / summer / windy weather * Did you have good weather on your trip? * I’m not going out in this weather! * There’s going to be a change in the weather. * if the weather holds / breaks (= if the good weather continues / changes) * The weather is very changeable at the moment. * ’Are you going to the beach tomorrow?’ ’It depends on the weather.’ * We’ll have the party outside, weather permitting (= if it doesn’t rain). * a weather map / chart * a weather report * The tent protected us from the worst of the weather.\n  2  (the weather) (informal) a report of what the weather will be like, that is on the radio or television, or in the newspapers:\nto listen to the weather\n IDIOMS \n  in all weathers (BrE) in all kinds of weather, good and bad:\nShe goes out jogging in all weathers.\n  keep a weather eye on sb/sth to watch sb/sth carefully in case you need to take action:\nKeep a weather eye on your competitors.\n  under the weather (informal) if you are or feel under the weather, you feel slightly ill/sick and not as well as usual\nmore at BRASS, HEAVY\n    verb\n  1  to change, or make sth change, colour or shape because of the effect of the sun, rain or wind:\n[V] This brick weathers to a warm pinkish-brown colour. * [VN] Her face was weathered by the sun.\n  2  [VN] to come safely through a difficult period or experience:\nThe company just managed to weather the recession. * She refuses to resign, intending to weather the storm (= wait until the situation improves again).\n______________________________\n VOCABULARY BUILDING \ntypes of weather\nRain\nDrizzle is fine light rain.\nA shower is a short period of rain.\nA downpour or a cloudburst is a heavy fall of rain that often starts suddenly.\nWhen it is raining very hard you can say that it is pouring. In informal BrE you can also say that it is bucketing down or chucking it down. You can also say: The heavens opened.\nStorms\nA cyclone and a typhoon are types of violent tropical storms with very strong winds.\nA hurricane has very strong winds and is usually at sea.\nA monsoon is a period of very heavy rain in particular countries, or the wind that brings this rain.\nA squall is a sudden strong, violent wind, usually in a rain or snow storm.\nA tornado (or twister informal) has very strong winds which move in a circle, often with a long narrow cloud.\nA whirlwind moves very fast in a spinning movement and causes a lot of damage.\nA blizzard is a snow storm with very strong winds.\nTempest is used mainly in literary language to describe a violent storm.\n______________________________


Words: weather centre
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE weather bureau) noun\na place where information about the weather is collected and reports are prepared


Words: weather forecast
Meaning:
(also forecast) noun\na description, for example on the radio or television, of what the weather will be like tomorrow or for the next few days:\nThere’s a good weather forecast for tomorrow.


Words: weather-beaten
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] (especially of a person or their skin) rough and damaged because the person spends a lot of time outside:\nthe weather-beaten face of an old sailor


Words: weatherboard
Meaning:
(also clapboard especially in AmE) noun\none of a series of long, narrow, horizontal pieces of wood, each with one edge thicker than the other. They are fixed to the outside walls of a house with the bottom of one over the top of the one below, to cover the wall and protect it from rain and wind:\na weatherboard house\n \n    weatherboarded adjective\n \n    weatherboarding noun [U]:\nthe news will be followed by the weather forecast for tomorrow.


Words: weatherize
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] (AmE) to protect a building against the effects of cold weather, for example by providing INSULATION


Words: weatherman
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a person on radio or television whose job is describing the weather and telling people what it is going to be like


Words: weatherproof
Meaning:
adjective\nthat is not affected by weather; that protects sb/sth from wind and rain:\nThe finished roof should be weatherproof for years. * a weatherproof jacket


Words: weathervane
Meaning:
noun\na metal object on the roof of a building that turns easily in the wind and shows which direction the wind is blowing from\nsee also WEATHERCOCK


Words: weave
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (wove  )\n HELP NOTE  In sense 4 weaved is used for the past tense and past participle.\n  1  ~ A (from B) | ~ B (into A) | ~ sth (together) to make fabric, a carpet, a basket, etc. by crossing threads or strips across, over and under each other by hand or on a machine called a LOOM:\n[VN] The baskets are woven from strips of willow. * The strips of willow are woven into baskets. * Most spiders weave webs that are almost invisible. * threads woven together * [V] She is skilled at spinning and weaving.\n  2  [VN] ~ A (out of / from B) | ~ B (into A) to make sth by twisting flowers, pieces of wood, etc. together:\nShe deftly wove the flowers into a garland.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (into sth) | ~ sth (together) to put facts, events, details, etc. together to make a story or a closely connected whole:\nto weave a story / narrative * The biography weaves together the various strands of Einstein’s life.\n  4  (weaved, weaved) [+adv./prep.] to move along by running and changing direction continuously to avoid things that are in your way:\n[V] She was weaving in and out of the traffic. * He hurried on, weaving through the crowd. * The road weaves through a range of hills. * [VN] He had to weave his way through the milling crowds.\n IDIOMS \n  weave your magic | weave a spell (over sb) (especially BrE) to perform or behave in a way that attracts and interests sb very much or makes them react in a particular way:\nWill Owen be able to weave his magic against Scotland on Wednesday?\n    noun\n the way in which threads are arranged in a piece of fabric that has been woven; the pattern that the threads make:\na close / fine / rough weave


Words: web
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] = SPIDER’S WEB:\nA spider had spun a perfect web outside the window.\n \n  2  [C] a complicated pattern of things that are closely connected to each other:\na web of streets * We were caught in a tangled web of relationships. * She discovered a web of intrigue in the company.\n \n  3  [C] a piece of skin that joins the toes of some birds and animals that swim, for example ducks and FROGS\n \n  4  (the Web) [sing.] = WORLD WIDE WEB:\nWeb pages * a Web site (= where a company, etc. has information about itself on the Web)


Words: webbed
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] a bird or an animal (such as a duck or FROG) that has webbed feet has pieces of skin between the toes


Words: webbing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] strong strips of woven material that are used to make belts or straps, and to support the seats of chairs, etc.


Words: webmaster
Meaning:
noun\n(computing) a person who is responsible for particular pages of information on the World Wide Web


Words: wed
Meaning:
verb\n(wedded, wedded or wed, wed) (not used in the progressive tenses) (old-fashioned or used in newspapers) to marry:\n[V] The couple plan to wed next summer. * [VN] Rock star to wed top model (= in a newspaper headline). * With this ring I thee wed.


Words: wedded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  ~ to sth (formal) if you are wedded to sth, you like or support it so much that you are not willing to give it up:\nShe’s wedded to her job.\n  2  [usually before noun] ~ (to sb) (old-fashioned or formal) legally married:\nyour lawfully wedded husband / wife * to live together in wedded bliss\n  3  [not before noun] ~ (to sth) (formal or literary) combined or united with sth


Words: wedding
Meaning:
noun\na marriage ceremony, and the meal or party that usually follows it:\na wedding present / dress * a wedding ceremony / reception * Have you been invited to their wedding? * She looked beautiful on her wedding day. * Today is our wedding anniversary. * All her friends could hear wedding bells (= they thought she would soon get married).\nsee also SHOTGUN WEDDING, WHITE WEDDING


Words: wedding ring
Meaning:
noun\na ring that is given during a marriage ceremony and worn afterwards to show that you are married


Words: wedge
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a piece of wood, rubber, metal, etc. with one thick end and one thin pointed end that you use to keep a door open, to keep two things apart, or to split wood or rock:\nHe hammered the wedge into the crack in the stone. * (figurative) A wedge had been tapped into their friendship. * I don’t want to drive a wedge between the two of you (= to make you start disliking each other).\n \n  2  something that is shaped like a wedge or that is used like a wedge:\na wedge of lemon / cake / cheese\n \n  3  a golf CLUB that has the part that you hit the ball with shaped like a wedge\n \n IDIOMS  see THIN adj.\n    verb\n  1  [VN +adv./prep.] to put or squeeze sth tightly into a narrow space, so that it cannot move easily:\nThe boat was now wedged between the rocks. * She wedged herself into the passenger seat. * The phone was wedged under his chin.\n  2  to make sth stay in a particular position, especially open or shut, by placing sth against it:\n[VN-ADJ] to wedge the door open / shut [also VN]


Words: wedlock
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (old-fashioned or law) the state of being married:\nchildren born in / out of wedlock (= whose parents are / are not married)


Words: Wednesday
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (abbreviation Wed., Weds.) the day of the week after Tuesday and before Thursday\n HELP NOTE  To see how Wednesday is used, look at the examples at Monday.\n ORIGIN  Originally translated from the Latin for ’day of Mercury’ Mercurii dies and named after the Germanic god Odin.


Words: wee
Meaning:
adjective, noun, verb \n    adjective (informal)\n  1  (especially ScotE) very small in size:\na wee girl\n  2  small in amount; little:\nJust a wee drop of milk for me. * I felt a wee bit guilty about it.\n IDIOMS \n  the wee small hours (ScotE) (AmE the wee hours) = the small / early hours at HOUR\n    noun (also wee-wee) (spoken, especially BrE) (often used by young children or when you are talking to them)\n  1  [sing.] an act of passing liquid waste (called URINE) from your body:\nto do / have a wee\n  2  [U] = URINE\n    verb [V] (also wee-wee) (informal, especially BrE) (often used by young children or when you are talking to them) to pass liquid waste (called URINE) from the body:\nDo you need to wee?


Words: weed
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [C] a wild plant growing where it is not wanted, especially among crops or garden plants:\nThe yard was overgrown with weeds.\n  2  [U] any wild plant without flowers that grows in water and forms a green floating mass\n  3  (the weed) [sing.] (humorous) tobacco or cigarettes:\nI wish I could give up the weed (= stop smoking).\n  4  [U] (informal) the drug CANNABIS\n  5  [C] (BrE, informal, disapproving) a person with a weak character or body:\nDon’t be such a weed!\n    verb to take out weeds from the ground: [VN] I’ve been weeding the flower beds. [also V] \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  weed sth/sb<->out to remove or get rid of people or things from a group because they are not wanted or are less good than the rest:\nMost applicants get weeded out before the interview stage.


Words: weedy
Meaning:
adjective (weedier, weediest)\n  1  (BrE, informal, disapproving) having a thin weak body:\na weedy little man\n  2  full of or covered with weeds


Words: week
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a period of seven days, either from Monday to Sunday or from Sunday to Saturday:\nlast / this / next week * It rained all week. * What day of the week is it? * He comes to see us once a week.\n  2  any period of seven days:\na two-week holiday / vacation * The course lasts five weeks. * a week ago today (= seven days ago) * I will be away for a couple of weeks. * She’ll be back in a week.\n  3  the five days other than Saturday and Sunday:\nThey live in town during the week and go to the country for the weekend. * (BrE) I never have the time to go out in the week.\n  4  the part of the week when you go to work:\na 35-hour week * The firm is introducing a shorter working week.\n IDIOMS \n  today, tomorrow, Monday, etc. week (BrE) (also a week from today, etc. AmE, BrE) seven days after the day that you mention:\nI’ll see you Thursday week.\n  week after week (informal) continuously for many weeks:\nWeek after week the drought continued.\n  week by week as the weeks pass:\nWeek by week he grew a little stronger.\n  week in, week out happening every week:\nEvery Sunday, week in, week out, she goes to her parents for lunch.\n  a week next / on / this Monday, etc. | a week tomorrow, etc. (BrE) (also a week from Monday, etc. AmE, BrE) seven days after the day that you mention:\nIt’s my birthday a week on Tuesday.\n  a week yesterday, last Monday, etc. (especially BrE) seven days before the day that you mention:\nShe started work a week yesterday.\nmore at OTHER adj.


Words: weekday
Meaning:
noun\nany day except Saturday and Sunday:\nThe centre is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.\n    weekdays adverb:\nopen weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Words: weekend
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  Saturday and Sunday:\nAre you doing anything over the weekend? * Have a good weekend! * It happened on the weekend of 24 and 25 April. * (BrE) The office is closed at the weekend. * (especially AmE) The office is closed on the weekend. * (BrE, informal) I like to go out on a weekend. * We go skiing most weekends in winter.\nsee also DIRTY WEEKEND, LONG WEEKEND\n  2  Saturday and Sunday, or a slightly longer period, as a holiday/vacation:\nHe won a weekend for two in Rome. * a weekend break\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] to spend the weekend somewhere:\nThey’re weekending in Paris.


Words: weekender
Meaning:
noun\na person who visits or lives in a place only on Saturdays and Sundays:\nMany of the cottages in the village are now owned by weekenders.


Words: weekly
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective happening, done or published once a week or every week:\nweekly payments / meetings * a weekly magazine / newspaper\n    weekly adverb:\nEmployees are paid weekly. * The newspaper is published twice weekly.\n    noun (plural weeklies) a newspaper or magazine that is published every week


Words: weenie
Meaning:
noun (AmE, informal)\n  1  (disapproving) a person who is not strong, brave or confident\nSYN WIMP:\nDon’t be such a weenie!\n  2  = FRANKFURTER


Words: weeny
Meaning:
adjective\n(informal) extremely small\nSYN TINY:\nWeren’t you just a weeny bit scared?\nsee also TEENY


Words: weep
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (wept, wept )\n  1  ~ (for / with sth) | ~ (at / over sth) (formal or literary) to cry, usually because you are sad:\n[V] She started to weep uncontrollably. * He wept for joy. * I do not weep over his death. * I could have wept thinking about what I’d missed. * [VN] She wept bitter tears of disappointment. * [V to inf] I wept to see him looking so sick. [also V speech]\n  2  [V] (usually used in the progressive tenses) (of a wound) to produce liquid:\nHis legs were covered with weeping sores (= sores which had not healed).\n    noun [sing.] an act of crying:\nSometimes you feel better for a good weep.


Words: weeping
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] (of some trees) with branches that hang downwards:\na weeping willow / fig / birch


Words: weepy
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (informal) sad and tending to cry easily:\nShe was feeling tired and weepy. * Weddings always made her feel weepy.\n    noun (also weepie) (plural weepies) (informal) a sad film/movie or play that makes you want to cry


Words: weft
Meaning:
(also less frequent woof) noun\n(the weft) [sing.] the threads that are woven under and over the threads that are held on a LOOM (= a frame or machine for weaving fabric)\ncompare WARP


Words: weigh
Meaning:
verb\n  1  linking verb to have a particular weight:\n[V] How much do you weigh (= how heavy are you)? * [V-N] She weighs 60 kilos. * The average male tiger weighs around 200 kg. * These cases weigh a ton (= are very heavy).\n  2  [VN] to measure how heavy sth is, usually by using SCALES/A SCALE:\nHe weighed himself on the bathroom scales. * She weighed the stone in her hand (= estimated how heavy it was by holding it).\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (up) | ~ (up) sth (against sth) to consider sth carefully before making a decision:\nYou must weigh up the pros and cons (= consider the advantages and disadvantages of sth). * I weighed the benefits of the plan against the risks involved. * She weighed up all the evidence.\n  4  [V] ~ (with sb) (against sb/sth) to have an influence on sb’s opinion or the result of sth:\nHis past record weighs heavily against him. * The evidence weighs in her favour.\n  5  [VN] ~ anchor to lift an ANCHOR out of the water and into a boat before sailing away\n IDIOMS \n  weigh your words to choose your words carefully so that you say exactly what you mean:\nHe spoke slowly, weighing his words.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  weigh sb<->down to make sb feel worried or anxious\nSYN BURDEN:\nThe responsibilities of the job are weighing her down. * He is weighed down with guilt.\n  weigh sb/sth<->down to make sb/sth heavier so that they are not able to move easily:\nI was weighed down with baggage. * She tried to swim to the surface, but her clothes and shoes weighed her down.\n  weigh in (at sth) to have your weight measured, especially before a contest, race, etc:\nBoth boxers weighed in at several pounds below the limit. * Her baby daughter weighed in at 6lb 4oz.\nrelated noun WEIGH-IN\n  weigh in (with sth) (informal) to join in a discussion, an argument, an activity, etc. by saying sth important, persuading sb, or doing sth to help:\nWe all weighed in with our suggestions. * Finally the government weighed in with financial aid.\n  weigh on sb/sth to make sb anxious or worried:\nThe responsibilities weigh heavily on him. * Something was weighing on her mind.\n  weigh sth<->out to measure an amount of sth by weight:\nShe weighed out a kilo of flour. * Weigh out all the ingredients before you start.\n  weigh sb<->up to form an opinion of sb by watching or talking to them:\nIt was obvious that she was cautiously weighing me up.


Words: weigh-in
Meaning:
noun\nthe occasion when the weight of a boxer, JOCKEY, etc. is checked just before a fight, race, etc.


Words: weighbridge
Meaning:
noun\na machine for weighing vehicles and their loads, usually with a platform onto which the vehicle is driven


Words: weight
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  being heavy\n \n  1  [U, C] how heavy sb/sth is, which can be measured in, for example, kilograms or pounds:\nIt is about 76 kilos in weight. * Bananas are sold by weight. * In the wild, this fish can reach a weight of 5lbs. * She is trying to lose weight (= become less heavy and less fat). * He’s put on / gained weight (= become heavier and fatter) since he gave up smoking. * Sam has a weight problem (= is too fat). * No more for me. I have to watch my weight.\nsee also OVERWEIGHT, UNDERWEIGHT\n \n  2  [U] the fact of being heavy:\nHe staggered a little under the weight of his backpack. * I just hoped the branch would take my weight. * The pillars have to support the weight of the roof. * Don’t put any weight on that ankle for at least a week.\nsee also DEADWEIGHT\n \n  heavy object\n  3  [C] an object that is heavy:\nThe doctor said he should not lift heavy weights.\n  4  [C] an object used to keep sth in position or as part of a mechanism:\nHe used weights to keep the tablecloth in place. * weights on a fishing line\nsee also PAPERWEIGHT\n  responsibility / worry\n  5  [sing.] ~ (of sth) a great responsibility or worry:\nThe full weight of responsibility falls on her. * The news was certainly a weight off my mind (= I did not have to worry about it any more). * Finally telling the truth was a great weight off my shoulders.\n  influence / strength\n  6  [U] importance, influence or strength:\nThe many letters of support added weight to the campaign. * The President has now offered to lend his weight to the project. * Your opinion carries weight with the boss. * How can you ignore the sheer weight of medical opinion? * The weight of evidence against her is overwhelming.\n  for measuring / lifting\n  7  [C, U] a unit or system of units by which weight is measured:\ntables of weights and measures * imperial / metric weight\n  8  [C] a piece of metal that is known to weigh a particular amount and is used to measure the weight of sth, or lifted by people to improve their strength and as a sport:\na set of weights * She lifts weights as part of her training. * weight training\n IDIOMS \n  take the weight off your feet (informal) to sit down and rest, especially when you are tired:\nCome and sit down and take the weight off your feet for a while.\n  throw your weight about / around (informal) to use your position of authority or power in an aggressive way in order to achieve what you want:\nShe was a good manager, who didn’t find it necessary to throw her weight around.\n  throw / put your weight behind sth to use all your influence and power to support sth:\nThe government has thrown its weight behind the anti-pollution campaign.\n  weight of numbers the combined power, strength or influence of a group:\nThey won the argument by sheer weight of numbers.\nmore at GROAN v., PULL v., WORTH adj.\n    verb [VN]\n  attach heavy object\n  1  ~ sth (down) (with sth) to attach a weight to sth in order to keep it in the right position or make it heavier:\nThe fishing nets are weighted with lead. * The body had been weighted down with stones.\n  give importance\n  2  [usually passive] to give different values to things to show how important you think each of them is compared with the others:\nEach of these factors should be weighted according to their relative importance. * The results of the survey were weighted to allow for variations in the sample. * a weighted vote (= one that is worth more than a single vote) * (AmE) a weighted grade (= given at school for a course that is more advanced or harder and so has a higher value)


Words: weighted
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ towards / against sb/sth | ~ in favour of sb/sth arranged in such a way that a particular person or thing has an advantage or a disadvantage:\nThe proposal is weighted towards smaller businesses. * Everything seemed weighted against them. * The course is heavily weighted in favour of engineering.


Words: weighting
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U] (BrE) extra money that you get paid for working in a particular area because it is expensive to live there:\nLondon weighting * a weighting allowance for London\n  2  [C, U] a value that you give to each of a number of things to show how important it is compared with the others:\nEach of the factors is given a weighting on a scale of 1 to 10. * Each question in the exam has equal weighting.


Words: weightless
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving no weight or appearing to have no weight, for example because there is no GRAVITY:\nAstronauts work in weightless conditions.\n    weightlessness noun [U]


Words: weighty
Meaning:
adjective (weightier, weightiest) (formal)\n  1  important and serious:\nweighty issues / questions / matters\n  2  heavy:\na weighty volume / tome\n    weightily  adverb\n    weightiness noun [U]


Words: weir
Meaning:
noun\na low wall or barrier built across a river in order to control the flow of water or change its direction


Words: weird
Meaning:
adjective (weirder, weirdest)\n  1  unusual or different; not normal:\na weird dream * She’s a really weird girl. * He’s got some weird ideas. * It’s really weird seeing yourself on television. * the weird and wonderful creatures that live beneath the sea\n  2  (written) strange, mysterious or frightening:\nShe began to make weird inhuman sounds.\n    weirdly adverb:\nThe town was weirdly familiar.\n    weirdness noun [U]


Words: weirdo
Meaning:
noun\n(plural weirdos or behaves in a strange way:\nIt’s dangerous to be out on your own-there are too many weirdos around.


Words: welcome
Meaning:
verb, adjective, noun, exclamation \n    verb\n  1  ~ sb (to sth) to greet sb in a friendly way when they arrive somewhere:\n[VN] They were at the door to welcome us. * It is a pleasure to welcome you to our home. * [V] a welcoming smile\n  2  [VN] to be pleased that sb has come or has joined an organization, activity, etc:\nThey welcomed the new volunteers with open arms (= with enthusiasm).\n  3  [VN] to be pleased to receive or accept sth:\nI’d welcome any suggestions. * I warmly welcome this decision. * In general, the changes they had made were to be welcomed.\n    adjective\n  1  that you are pleased to have, receive, etc:\na welcome opportunity / relief / sight * Your letter was very welcome. * The fine weather made a welcome change.\n  2  (of people) accepted or wanted somewhere:\nChildren are always welcome at the hotel. * Our neighbours made us welcome as soon as we arrived. * I had the feeling we were not welcome at the meeting. * a welcome guest / visitor\n  3  ~ to do sth (especially spoken) used to say that you are happy for sb to do sth if they want to:\nThey’re welcome to stay here as long as they like. * You’re welcome to use the pool.\n  4  ~ to sth (especially spoken) used to say that you are very happy for sb to have sth because you definitely do not want it:\nIt’s an awful job. If you want it, you’re welcome to it!\n IDIOMS \n  you’re welcome (especially AmE) used as a polite reply when sb thanks you for sth:\n’Thanks for your help.’ ’You’re welcome.’\n    noun\n  1  [C, U] a greeting that is given to sb when they arrive, especially a friendly one:\nThank you for your warm welcome. * The winners were given an enthusiastic welcome when they arrived home. * a speech / smile of welcome * to receive a hero’s welcome\n  2  [C] the way that people react to sth, which shows their opinion of it:\nThis new comedy deserves a warm welcome. * The proposals were given a cautious welcome by the trade unions.\n IDIOMS \n  outstay / overstay your welcome to stay somewhere as a guest longer than you are wanted\n    exclamation used as a greeting to a person who is arriving:\nWelcome home! * Welcome to Oxford!


Words: welcome mat
Meaning:
noun\n IDIOMS \n  lay, put, roll, etc. out the welcome mat (for sb) (especially AmE) to make sb feel welcome; to try to attract visitors, etc:\nThe county has put out the welcome mat for international investors.


Words: welcoming
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) friendly towards sb who is visiting or arriving:\nThe locals were extremely welcoming.\n  2  (of a place) attractive and looking comfortable to be in:\nHis room was quiet, warm and welcoming.\nOPP UNWELCOMING


Words: weld
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  ~ A and B (together) | ~ A (on) to B to join pieces of metal together by heating their edges and pressing them together:\n[VN] to weld a broken axle * The car has had a new wing welded on. * All the parts of the sculpture have to be welded together. [also V]\n  2  [VN] ~ sb/sth into sth | ~ sth together to unite people or things into a strong and effective group:\nThey had welded a bunch of untrained recruits into an efficient fighting force. * The crisis helped to weld the party together.\n    noun a joint made by welding


Words: welfare
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the general health, happiness and safety of a person, an animal or a group\nSYN WELL-BEING:\nWe are concerned about the child’s welfare.\n  2  practical or financial help that is provided, often by the government, for people or animals that need it:\nThe state is still the main provider of welfare. * animal / child welfare * a social welfare programme * welfare provision / services / work\n  3  (especially AmE) = SOCIAL SECURITY:\nThey would rather work than live on welfare.


Words: welfare state
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (often the Welfare State) [usually sing.] a system by which the government provides a range of free services to people who need them, for example medical care, money for people without work, care for old people, etc.\n  2  [C] a country that has such a system


Words: well
Meaning:
adverb, adjective, exclamation, noun, verb \n    adverb (better )\n  1  in a good, right or satisfactory way:\nThe kids all behaved well. * The conference was very well organized. * (spoken) Well done! (= expressing admiration for what sb has done) * His campaign was not going well. * These animals make very good pets if treated well (= with kindness). * People spoke well of (= spoke with approval of) him. * She took it very well (= did not react too badly), all things considered. * They lived well (= in comfort and spending a lot of money) and were generous with their money. * She was determined to marry well (= marry sb rich and / or with a high social position).\n  2  thoroughly and completely:\nAdd the lemon juice and mix well. * The surface must be well prepared before you start to paint. * How well do you know Carla? * He’s well able to take care of himself. * (BrE, spoken, informal) I was well annoyed, I can tell you.\n  3  to a great extent or degree:\nHe was driving at well over the speed limit. * a well-loved tale * The castle is well worth a visit. * He liked her well enough (= to a reasonable degree) but he wasn’t going to make a close friend of her.\n  4  can / could ~ easily:\nShe could well afford to pay for it herself.\n  5  can / could / may / might ~ probably:\nYou may well be right. * It may well be that the train is delayed.\n  6  can / could / may / might ~ with good reason:\nI can’t very well leave now. * I couldn’t very well refuse to help them, could I? * ’What are we doing here?’ ’You may well ask (= I don’t really know either).’\n IDIOMS \n  as well (as sb/sth) in addition to sb/sth; too:\nAre they coming as well? * They sell books as well as newspapers. * She is a talented musician as well as being a photographer. -> ALSO\n  be doing well to be getting healthier after an illness; to be in good health after a birth:\nMother and baby are doing well.\n  be well on the way to sth / doing sth to have nearly achieved sth and be going to achieve it soon:\nShe is well on the way to recovery. * He is well on the way to establishing himself among the top ten players in the world.\n  be well out of sth (BrE, informal) to be lucky that you are not involved in sth:\nI don’t know exactly what’s been going on. I only know that you’re well out of it.\n  be well up in sth to know a lot about sth:\nHe’s well up in all the latest developments.\n  do well to be successful:\nJack is doing very well at school.\n  do well by sb to treat sb generously\n  do well for yourself to become successful or rich\n  do well out of sb/sth to make a profit or get money from sb/sth\n  do well to do sth to be sensible or wise to do sth:\nHe would do well to concentrate more on his work. * You did well to sell when the price was high.\n  leave / let well alone (BrE) (AmE let well enough alone) to not get involved in sth that does not concern you:\nWhen it comes to other people’s arguments, it’s better to leave well alone.\n  may / might (just) as well do sth to do sth because it seems best in the situation that you are in, although you may not really want to do it:\nIf no one else wants it, we might as well give it to him.\n  well and truly (informal) completely:\nBy that time we were well and truly lost.\n  well away (BrE, informal)\n1 having made good progress:\nIf we got Terry to do that, we’d be well away.\n2 drunk or fast asleep\n  well in (with sb) (informal) to be good friends with sb, especially sb important:\nShe seems to be well in with all the right people.\n  well off\n1 having a lot of money; rich:\nHis family is not very well off. * The less well-off pensioners are finding it hard to survive on what they get.\n2 in a good situation:\nSome people don’t know when they’re well off (= do not realize how lucky they are).\n  well off for sth having plenty of sth:\nWe’re well off for storage space in the new offices.\nmore at BLOODY, FUCKING, JOLLY adv., KNOW v., MEAN v., PRETTY adv.\n    adjective (better )\n  1  [not usually before noun] in good health:\nI don’t feel very well. * Is she well enough to travel? * Get well soon! (for example, on a card) * I’m better now, thank you. * (informal) He’s not a well man. -> HEALTHY\n  2  [not before noun] in a satisfactory state or position:\nIt seems that all is not well at home. * All’s well that ends well (= used when sth has ended happily, even though you thought it might not).\n  3  [not before noun] (as) ~ (to do sth) sensible; a good idea:\nIt would be just as well to call and say we might be late. * (formal) It would be well to start early.\n IDIOMS \n  all very well (for sb) (to do sth) (informal) used to criticize or reject a remark that sb has made, especially when they were trying to make you feel happier about sth:\nIt’s all very well for you to say it doesn’t matter, but I’ve put a lot of work into this and I want it to be a success.\n  all well and good (informal) good but not completely satisfactory:\nThat’s all well and good, but why didn’t he call her to say so?\n    exclamation\n  1  used to express surprise, anger or RELIEF:\nWell, well-I would never have guessed it! * Well, really! What a thing to say! * Well, thank goodness that’s over!\n  2  used to show that you accept that sth cannot be changed:\nWell, it can’t be helped. * ’We lost.’ ’Oh, well. Better luck next time.’\n  3  used to agree to sth, rather unwillingly:\nWell, I suppose I could fit you in at 3.45. * Oh, very well, then, if you insist.\n  4  used when continuing a conversation after a pause:\nWell, as I was saying ...\n  5  used to express uncertainty:\n’Do you want to come?’ ’Well, I’m not sure.’\n  6  used to show that you are waiting for sb to say sth:\nWell? Are you going to tell us or not?\n  7  used to mark the end of a conversation:\nWell, I’d better be going now.\n  8  used when you are pausing to consider your next words:\nI think it happened, well, towards the end of last summer.\n  9  used when you want to correct or change sth that you have just said:\nThere were thousands of people there-well, hundreds, anyway.\n IDIOMS \n  well I never (did)! (old-fashioned) used to express surprise\nmore at SAY v.\n    noun\n  1  a deep hole in the ground from which people obtain water. The sides of wells are usually covered with brick or stone and there is usually some covering or a small wall at the top of the well:\nto dig / sink a well\n  2  = OIL WELL\n  3  a narrow space in a building that drops down from a high to a low level and usually contains a staircase or lift/elevator\nsee also STAIRWELL\n  4  (BrE) the space in front of the judge in a court of law, where the lawyers sit\n    verb [V] ~ (up)\n  1  (of a liquid) to rise to the surface of sth and start to flow:\nTears were welling up in her eyes.\n  2  (literary) (of an emotion) to become stronger:\nHate welled up inside him as he thought of the two of them together.\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nwell\nCompound adjectives beginning with well are generally written with no hyphen when they are used alone after a verb, but with a hyphen when they come before a noun: She is well dressed. * a well-dressed woman. The forms without hyphens are given here, but forms with hyphens can be seen in some examples.\nThe comparative and superlative forms of these are usually formed with better and best: better-known poets * the best-dressed person in the room.\n______________________________


Words: well adjusted
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a person) able to deal with people, problems and life in general in a normal, sensible way:\nThe school aims to produce well-adjusted members of society.\ncompare MALADJUSTED


Words: well advised
Meaning:
adjective\n[not before noun] ~ (to do sth) acting in the most sensible way:\nYou would be well advised to tackle this problem urgently.\ncompare ILL-ADVISED


Words: well appointed
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) having all the necessary equipment; having comfortable and attractive furniture, etc.


Words: well balanced
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  containing a sensible variety of the sort of things or people that are needed:\na well-balanced diet / meal * The team was not well balanced.\n  2  (of a person or their behaviour) sensible and emotionally in control:\nsecure, well-balanced people * His response was well balanced.


Words: well behaved
Meaning:
adjective\nbehaving in a way that other people think is polite or correct:\na well-behaved child / dog * The audience was surprisingly well behaved.


Words: well bred
Meaning:
adjective\n(old-fashioned, formal) having or showing good manners; typical of a high social class:\na well-bred young lady * She was too well bred to show her disappointment.\nOPP ILL-BRED


Words: well built
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) with a solid, strong body:\na tall, well-built young man\n  2  (of a building or machine) strongly made:\na well-built stone house


Words: well defined
Meaning:
adjective\neasy to see or understand:\nwell-defined laws / patterns / rules * These categories are not well defined.\nOPP ILL-DEFINED


Words: well disposed
Meaning:
adjective\n~ (towards / to sb/sth) having friendly feelings towards sb or a positive attitude towards sth:\nIt’s a country that is well disposed to the West.\nOPP ILL-DISPOSED


Words: well documented
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a lot of written evidence to prove, support or explain it:\nThe problem is well documented. * well-documented facts / cases


Words: well done
Meaning:
adjective\n(of food, especially meat) cooked thoroughly or for a long time:\nHe prefers his steak well done.\ncompare RARE, UNDERDONE


Words: well dressed
Meaning:
adjective\nwearing fashionable or expensive clothes:\nThis is what today’s well-dressed man is wearing.


Words: well endowed
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (informal, humorous) (of a woman) having large breasts\n  2  (informal, humorous) (of a man) having large GENITALS\n  3  (of an organization) having a lot of money:\nwell-endowed colleges


Words: well established
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving a respected position, because of being successful, etc. over a long period:\na well-established firm / reputation / tradition * He is now well established in his career.


Words: well fed
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving plenty of good food to eat regularly:\nwell-fed family pets * The animals all looked well fed and cared for.


Words: well founded
Meaning:
(also less frequent well grounded) adjective\nhaving good reasons or evidence to cause or support it:\nwell-founded suspicions * His fear turned out to be well founded.\nOPP ILL-FOUNDED


Words: well informed
Meaning:
adjective\nhaving or showing knowledge or information about many subjects or about one particular subject:\na well-informed decision\nOPP ILL-INFORMED


Words: well kept
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  kept neat and in good condition:\nwell-kept gardens\n  2  (of a secret) known only to a few people


Words: well known
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  known about by a lot of people\nSYN FAMOUS:\na well-known actor * His books are not well known.\n  2  (of a fact) generally known and accepted:\nIt is a well-known fact that caffeine is a stimulant.


Words: well matched
Meaning:
adjective\nable to live together, play or fight each other, etc. because they are similar in character, ability, etc:\na well-matched couple * The two teams were well matched.


Words: well meaning
Meaning:
adjective\nintending to do what is right and helpful but often not succeeding:\nher well-meaning but anxious family and friends * a well-meaning attempt to be helpful * He’s very well meaning.


Words: well meant
Meaning:
adjective\ndone, said, etc. in order to be helpful but often not succeeding:\nwell-meant comments * His offer was well meant.


Words: well rounded
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having a variety of experiences and abilities and a fully developed personality:\nwell-rounded individuals\n  2  providing or showing a variety of experience, ability, etc:\na well-rounded education\n  3  (of a person’s body) pleasantly round in shape


Words: well timed
Meaning:
adjective\ndone or happening at the right time or at an appropriate time\nSYN TIMELY:\na well-timed intervention * Your remarks were certainly well timed.\nOPP ILL-TIMED


Words: well worn
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  worn or used a lot or for a long time:\na well-worn jacket * Most British visitors beat a well-worn path to the same tourist areas of the US.\n  2  (of a phrase, story, etc.) heard so often that it does not sound interesting any more\nSYN HACKNEYED


Words: well-being
Meaning:
noun\n[U] general health and happiness:\nemotional / physical / psychological well-being * to have a sense of well-being * We try to ensure the well-being of our employees.


Words: well-wisher
Meaning:
noun\na person who wants to show that they support sb and want them to be happy, successful, etc:\nThousands of well-wishers have sent cards and letters.


Words: wellington
Meaning:
(also wellington boot, informal welly) (all BrE) (AmE rubber boot) noun\none of a pair of long rubber boots, usually reaching almost up to the knee, that you wear to stop your feet getting wet:\na pair of wellingtons


Words: Welsh
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  [U] the Celtic language of Wales:\nDo you speak Welsh?\n  2  (the Welsh) [pl.] the people of Wales\n    adjective of or connected with Wales, its people or its language:\nWelsh mountains / poetry


Words: welsh
Meaning:
(also welch) verb\n[V] ~ (on sb/sth) (disapproving, informal) to not do sth that you have promised to do, for example to not pay money that you owe a person:\n’I’m not in the habit of welshing on deals,’ said Don.


Words: welter
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (formal) ~ of sth a large and confusing amount of sth:\na welter of criticism / enquiries / information


Words: welterweight
Meaning:
noun\na boxer weighing between 61 and 67 kilograms, heavier than a LIGHTWEIGHT:\na welterweight champion


Words: wend
Meaning:
verb\n(old use or literary) to move or travel slowly somewhere:\n[VN] Leo wended his way home through the wet streets. [also V]


Words: werewolf
Meaning:
noun\n(plural werewolves ) (in stories) a person who sometimes changes into a WOLF, especially at the time of the full moon


Words: west
Meaning:
noun, adjective, adverb \n    noun [U, sing.] (abbreviation W)\n  1  (usually the west) the direction that you look towards to see the sun set; one of the four main points of the COMPASS:\nWhich way is west? * Rain is spreading from the west. * He lives to the west of (= further west than) the town.\ncompare EAST, NORTH, SOUTH\n  2  (the West) Europe, N America and Canada, contrasted with eastern countries:\nI was born in Japan, but I’ve lived in the West for some years now.\n  3  (the West) (AmE) the western side of the US:\nthe history of the American West\nsee also THE MIDWEST, THE WILD WEST\n  4  (the West) (in the past) western Europe and N America, when contrasted with the Communist countries of Eastern Europe:\nEast-West relations\n    adjective [only before noun] (abbreviation W)\n  1  in or towards the west:\nWest Africa * the west coast of Scotland\n  2  a west wind blows from the west\ncompare WESTERLY\n    adverb towards the west:\nThis room faces west.


Words: westbound
Meaning:
adjective\ntravelling or leading towards the west:\nwestbound traffic * the westbound carriageway of the motorway


Words: westerly
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] in or towards the west:\ntravelling in a westerly direction\n  2  [usually before noun] (of winds) blowing from the west:\nwesterly gales\ncompare WEST\n    noun (plural westerlies) a wind that blows from the west:\nlight westerlies


Words: western
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] (abbreviation W) (also Western) situated in the west or facing west:\nwestern Spain * Western Europe * the western slopes of the mountain\n  2  (usually Western) connected with the west part of the world, especially Europe and N America:\nWestern art\nsee also COUNTRY AND WESTERN\n    noun a film/movie or book about life in the western US in the 19th century, usually involving COWBOYS


Words: westerner
Meaning:
noun\na person who comes from or lives in the western part of the world, especially western Europe or N America


Words: westernize
Meaning:
(BrE also westernise)  verb\n[VN] [usually passive] to bring ideas or ways of life that are typical of western Europe and N America to other countries:\nThe islands have been westernized by the growth of tourism.\n    westernized, westernised adjective:\na westernized society


Words: westwards
Meaning:
(also westward) adverb\ntowards the west:\nto go / look / turn westwards\n    westward adjective:\nin a westward direction


Words: wet
Meaning:
adjective, verb, noun \n \n    adjective (wetter, wettest)\n \n  1  covered or soaked with liquid, especially water:\nwet clothes / grass / hair / roads * You’ll get wet (= in the rain) if you go out now. * Try not to get your shoes wet. * His face was wet with tears. * We were all soaking wet (= extremely wet). * Her hair was still dripping wet. * My shirt was wet through (= completely wet).\n \n  2  (of weather, etc.) with rain:\na wet day * a wet climate * It’s wet outside. * It’s going to be wet tomorrow. * It was the wettest October for many years. * The weather will be wet and windy in the south.\n \n  3  (of paint, ink, etc.) not yet dry:\nKeep off! Wet paint.\n  4  if a child or its NAPPY/DIAPER is wet, its NAPPY/DIAPER is soaked with URINE\n  5  (BrE) (of a person) (informal, disapproving) lacking a strong character:\n’Don’t be so wet,’ she laughed.\n    wetly adverb:\nHer clothes were clinging wetly to her body. * ’I can’t!’ he said wetly.\n    wetness noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  (still) wet behind the ears (informal, disapproving) young and without much experience\nSYN NAIVE:\nHe was still wet behind the ears, politically.\n    verb (wetting, wet, wet) or (wetting, wetted, wetted) [VN] to make sth wet:\nWet the brush slightly before putting it in the paint.\n IDIOMS \n  wet the / your bed [no passive] to accidentally URINATE in your bed:\nIt is quite common for small children to wet their beds.\n  wet yourself | wet your pants / knickers [no passive] to accidentally URINATE in your underwear\n    noun\n  1  (the wet) [sing.] wet weather; rain:\nCome in out of the wet.\n  2  [U] liquid, especially water:\nThe dog shook the wet from its coat. * I could feel the wet of her tears.\n  3  [C] (BrE, disapproving) a CONSERVATIVE politician who supports MODERATE policies rather than extreme ones:\nTory wets\n  4  [C] (BrE, informal, disapproving) a person who lacks a strong character:\nDon’t be such a wet!


Words: wet blanket
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who is not enthusiastic about anything and who stops other people from enjoying themselves


Words: wet suit
Meaning:
noun\na piece of clothing made of rubber that fits the whole body closely, worn by people swimming underwater or sailing


Words: wetback
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE, !!!, slang) an offensive word for a Mexican person, especially one who enters the US illegally


Words: wetland
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (also wetlands [pl.]) an area of wet land:\nThe wetlands are home to a large variety of wildlife.\n    wetland adjective [only before noun]:\nwetland birds / plants / habitats


Words: whack
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  (informal) to hit sb/sth very hard:\nShe whacked him with her handbag. * James whacked the ball over the net.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] (spoken) to put sth somewhere without much care:\nJust whack your bags in the corner.\n    noun [usually sing.] (informal)\n  1  the act of hitting sb/sth hard; the sound made by this:\nHe gave the ball a good whack. * I heard the whack of the bullet hitting the wood.\n  2  (BrE) a share of sth; an amount of sth:\nDon’t leave all the work to her. Everyone should do their fair whack. * You have to pay the full whack. There are no reductions. * He charges top whack (= the highest amount possible).\n IDIOMS \n  out of whack (AmE, informal) (of a system or machine) not working as it should because its different parts are not working together correctly


Words: whacking
Meaning:
(also whacking great) adjective\n(BrE, informal) used to emphasize how big or how much sth is\nSYN WHOPPING:\na whacking great hole in the roof * They were fined a whacking ｣100 000.


Words: whale
Meaning:
noun\na very large animal that lives in the sea and looks like a very large fish. There are several types of whale, some of which are hunted:\nwhale meat\nsee also BLUE WHALE, KILLER WHALE, PILOT WHALE, SPERM WHALE\n IDIOMS \n  have a whale of a time (informal) to enjoy yourself very much; to have a very good time:\nThe kids had a whale of a time at the theme park.


Words: whalebone
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a thin hard substance found in the upper jaw of some types of whale, used in the past to make some clothes stiffer


Words: wham
Meaning:
exclamation (informal)\n  1  used to represent the sound of a sudden, loud hit:\nThe bombs went down-wham!-right on target.\n  2  used to show that sth that is unexpected has suddenly happened:\nI saw him yesterday and-wham!-I realized I was still in love with him.


Words: whammy
Meaning:
noun\n(plural whammies) (informal) an unpleasant situation or event that causes problems for sb/sth:\nWith this government we’ve had a double whammy of tax increases and benefit cuts.\n ORIGIN  From the 1950s American cartoon Li’l Abner, in which one of the characters could shoot a whammy (put a curse on sb) by pointing a finger with one eye open, or a double whammy with both eyes open.


Words: wharf
Meaning:
noun\n(plural wharves  or wharfs) a flat structure built beside the sea or a river where boats can be tied up and goods unloaded


Words: what
Meaning:
pronoun, determiner\n  1  used in questions to ask for particular information about sb/sth:\nWhat is your name? * What (= what job) does he do? * What time is it? * What kind of music do you like?\ncompare WHICH\n  2  the thing or things that; whatever:\nWhat you need is a good meal. * Nobody knows what will happen next. * I spent what little time I had with my family.\n  3  used to say that you think that sth is especially good, bad, etc:\nWhat awful weather! * What a beautiful house!\n IDIOMS \n  and what not | and what have you (spoken) and other things of the same type:\nIt’s full of old toys, books and what not.\n  get / give sb what for (BrE, spoken) to be punished/punish sb severely:\nI’ll give her what for if she does that again.\n  or what (spoken)\n1 used to emphasize your opinion:\nIs he stupid or what?\n2 used when you are not sure about sth:\nI don’t know if he’s a teacher or what. * Are we going now or what?\n  what? (spoken, informal)\n1 used when you have not heard or have not understood sth:\nWhat? I can’t hear you.\n2 used to show that you have heard sb and to ask what they want:\n’Mummy!’ ’What?’ ’I’m thirsty.’\n3 used to express surprise or anger:\n’It will cost $500.’ ’What?’ * ’I asked her to marry me.’ ’You what?’\n  What about ...? (spoken)\n1 used to make a suggestion:\nWhat about a trip to France?\n2 used to introduce sb/sth into the conversation:\nWhat about you, Joe? Do you like football?\n  what-d’you-call-him / -her / -it / -them | what’s-his / -her / -its / -their-name used instead of a name that you cannot remember:\nShe’s just gone out with old what-d’you-call-him.\n  what for? for what purpose or reason?:\nWhat is this tool for? * What did you do that for (= why did you do that)? * ’I need to see a doctor.’ ’What for?’\n  what if ...? what would happen if?:\nWhat if the train is late? * What if she forgets to bring it?\n  what of it? (spoken) used when admitting that sth is true, to ask why it should be considered important:\nYes, I wrote the article. What of it?\n  what’s what (spoken) what things are useful, important, etc:\nShe certainly knows what’s what.\n  what’s with sb (AmE, spoken) used to ask why sb is behaving in a strange way:\nWhat’s with you? You haven’t said a word all morning.\n  what’s with sth (AmE, spoken) used to ask the reason for sth:\nWhat’s with all this walking? Can’t we take a cab?\n  what with sth used to list the various reasons for sth:\nWhat with the cold weather and my bad leg, I haven’t been out for weeks.


Words: whatchamacallit
Meaning:
noun\n(spoken) used when you cannot think of the name of sth:\nHave you got a whatchamacallit? You know ...a screwdriver?


Words: whatever
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun, adverb \n    determiner, pronoun\n  1  any or every; anything or everything:\nTake whatever action is needed. * Do whatever you like.\n  2  used when you are saying that it does not matter what sb does or what happens, because the result will be the same:\nWhatever decision he made I would support it. * You have our support, whatever you decide.\n  3  (especially BrE) used in questions to express surprise or confusion:\nWhatever do you mean? * Chocolate-flavoured carrots! Whatever next?\n  4  (spoken, ironic) used as a reply to tell sb that you do not care what happens or that you are not interested in what they are talking about:\n’You should try a herbal remedy.’ ’Yeah, whatever.’\n  5  (spoken, especially AmE) used to say that you do not mind what you do, have, etc. and that anything is acceptable:\n’What would you like to do today?’ ’Whatever.’\n IDIOMS \n  or whatever (spoken) or something of a similar type:\nIt’s the same in any situation: in a prison, hospital or whatever.\n  whatever you do used to warn sb not to do sth under any circumstances:\nDon’t tell Paul, whatever you do!\n    adverb\n  1  (also whatsoever) no, nothing, none, etc. ~ not at all; not of any kind:\nThey received no help whatever. * ’Is there any doubt about it?’ ’None whatsoever.’\n  2  (informal) used to say that it does not matter what sb does, or what happens, because the result will be the same:\nWe told him we’d back him whatever.


Words: whatnot
Meaning:
noun\n[U] and ~ (informal) used when you are referring to sth, but are not being exact and do not mention its name:\nIt’s a new firm. They make toys and whatnot.


Words: whatsit
Meaning:
noun\n(spoken, especially BrE) used when you cannot think of the word or name you want, or do not want to use a particular word:\nI’ve got to make a whatsit for the party. That’s it-a flan.


Words: wheat
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a plant grown for its grain that is used to produce the flour for bread, cakes, PASTA, etc.; the grain of this plant:\nwheat flour\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  sort out / separate the wheat from the chaff to distinguish useful or valuable people or things from ones that are not useful or have no value:\nWe sifted through the application forms to separate the wheat from the chaff.


Words: wheedle
Meaning:
verb\n~ sth (out of sb) | ~ sb into doing sth (disapproving) to persuade sb to give you sth or do sth by saying nice things that you do not mean:\n[VN] The kids can always wheedle money out of their father. * She wheedled me into lending her my new coat. [also V speech]


Words: wheel
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  on / in vehicles\n \n  1  [C] one of the circular objects under a car, bicycle, bus, etc. that turns when it moves:\nHe braked suddenly, causing the front wheels to skid. * One of the boys was pushing the other along in a little box on wheels. * She was killed when she was crushed under the wheels of a bus.\n \n  2  [C, usually sing.] the circular object used to steer a car, etc. or ship:\nThis is the first time I’ve sat behind the wheel since the accident. * A car swept past with Laura at the wheel. * Do you want to take the wheel (= drive) now?\nsee also HELM, STEERING WHEEL\n \n  3  (wheels) [pl.] (informal) a car:\nAt last he had his own wheels.\n  in machine\n  4  [C] a flat circular part in a machine:\ngear wheels\nsee also CARTWHEEL, CATHERINE WHEEL, FERRIS WHEEL, MILL WHEEL, SPINNING WHEEL, WATERWHEEL\n  organization / system\n  5  (wheels) [pl.] ~ (of sth) an organization or a system that seems to work like a complicated machine that is difficult to understand:\nthe wheels of bureaucracy / commerce / government * It was Rob’s idea. I merely set the wheels in motion (= started the process).\n  -wheeled\n  6  (in adjectives) having the number or type of wheels mentioned:\na sixteen-wheeled lorry\n  -wheeler\n  7  (in nouns) a car, bicycle, etc. with the number of wheels mentioned:\na three-wheeler\n IDIOMS \n  wheels within wheels a situation which is difficult to understand because it involves complicated or secret processes and decisions:\nThere are wheels within wheels in this organization-you never really know what is going on.\nmore at COG, GREASE v., OIL v., REINVENT, SHOULDER n., SPOKE\n    verb [usually +adv./prep.]\n  move sth with wheels\n  1  [VN] to push or pull sth that has wheels:\nShe wheeled her bicycle across the road.\n  2  [VN] to move sb/sth that is in or on sth that has wheels:\nThe nurse wheeled him along the corridor.\n  move in circle\n  3  [V] to move or fly in a circle:\nBirds wheeled above us in the sky.\n  turn quickly\n  4  to turn quickly or suddenly and face the opposite direction; to make sb/sth do this:\n[V] She wheeled around and started running. * [VN] He wheeled his horse back to the gate.\n IDIOMS \n  wheel and deal (usually used in the progressive tenses) to do a lot of complicated DEALS in business or politics, often in a dishonest way\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wheel sth<->out to show or use sth to help you do sth, even when it has often been seen or heard before:\nThey wheeled out the same old arguments we’d heard so many times before.


Words: wheelbarrow
Meaning:
(also barrow) noun\na large open container with a wheel and two handles that you use outside to carry things


Words: wheelbase
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (technical) the distance between the front and back wheels of a car or other motor vehicle:\na long / short / standard wheelbase


Words: wheelchair
Meaning:
noun\na special chair with wheels, used by people who cannot walk because of illness, an accident, etc:\nDoes the hotel have wheelchair access? * He’s been confined to a wheelchair since the accident. * wheelchair users


Words: wheeler-dealer
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a person who does a lot of complicated DEALS in business or politics, often in a dishonest way


Words: wheelie
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a trick that you can do on a bicycle by balancing on the back wheel, with the front wheel off the ground:\nto do a wheelie


Words: wheelie bin
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) a large container with a lid and wheels, that you keep outside your house and use for putting rubbish in


Words: wheeze
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to breathe noisily and with difficulty:\n[V] He was coughing and wheezing all night. * [V speech] ’I have a chest infection,’ she wheezed.\n    noun [usually sing.]\n  1  the high whistling sound that your chest makes when you cannot breathe easily\n  2  (old-fashioned, BrE, informal) a clever trick or plan:\nHe came up with a clever wheeze.


Words: wheezy
Meaning:
adjective\nmaking the high whistling sound that your chest makes when you cannot breathe easily:\na wheezy chest / cough / laugh\n    wheezily  adverb\n    wheeziness noun [U]


Words: whelp
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (technical) a young animal of the dog family; a PUPPY or CUB\n    verb [V, VN] (formal) (of a female dog) to give birth to a PUPPY or PUPPIES


Words: when
Meaning:
adverb, pronoun, conjunction \n    adverb\n  1  (used in questions) at what time; on what occasion:\nWhen did you last see him? * When can I see you? * When (= in what circumstances) would such a solution be possible?\n  2  used after an expression of time to mean ’at which’ or ’on which’:\nSunday is the only day when I can relax. * There are times when I wonder why I do this job.\n  3  at which time; on which occasion:\nThe last time I went to Scotland was in May, when the weather was beautiful.\n    pronoun what/which time:\nUntil when can you stay? * ’I’ve got a new job.’ ’Since when?’\n    conjunction\n  1  at or during the time that:\nI loved history when I was at school.\n  2  after:\nCall me when you’ve finished.\n  3  at any time that; whenever:\nCan you spare five minutes when it’s convenient?\n  4  just after which:\nHe had just drifted off to sleep when the phone rang.\n  5  considering that:\nHow can they expect to learn anything when they never listen?\n  6  although:\nShe claimed to be 18, when I know she’s only 16.\n IDIOMS  see AS conj.


Words: whenever
Meaning:
conjunction, adverb \n    conjunction\n  1  at any time that; on any occasion that:\nYou can ask for help whenever you need it.\n  2  every time that:\nWhenever she comes, she brings a friend. * The roof leaks whenever it rains. * We try to help whenever possible.\n  3  used when the time when sth happens is not important:\n’When do you need it by?’ ’Saturday or Sunday. Whenever.’ * It’s not urgent-we can do it next week or whenever.\n    adverb used in questions to mean ’when’, expressing surprise:\nWhenever did you find time to do all that cooking?


Words: where
Meaning:
adverb, conjunction \n    adverb\n  1  in or to what place or situation:\nWhere do you live? * I wonder where they will take us to. * Where (= at what point) did I go wrong in my calculations? * Where (= in what book, newspaper, etc.) did you read that? * Just where (= to what situation or final argument) is all this leading us?\n  2  used after words or phrases that refer to a place or situation to mean ’at, in or to which’:\nIt’s one of the few countries where people drive on the left.\n  3  the place or situation in which:\nWe then moved to Paris, where we lived for six years.\n    conjunction (in) the place or situation in which:\nThis is where I live. * Sit where I can see you. * Where people were concerned, his threshold of boredom was low. * That’s where (= the point in the argument at which) you’re wrong.


Words: whereabouts
Meaning:
noun, adverb \n    noun sth is:\nHis whereabouts are / is still unknown.\n    adverb sth is:\nWhereabouts did you find it?


Words: whereas
Meaning:
conjunction\n  1  used to compare or contrast two facts:\nSome of the studies show positive results, whereas others do not. * We thought she was arrogant, whereas in fact she was just very shy.\n  2  (law) used at the beginning of a sentence in an official document to mean ’because of the fact that ...’


Words: whereby
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) by which; because of which:\nThey have introduced a new system whereby all employees must undergo regular training.


Words: wherein
Meaning:
adverb, conjunction\n(formal) in which place, situation or thing; in what way:\nan organization wherein each employee is valued and respected * Wherein lies the difference between conservatism and liberalism?


Words: whereof
Meaning:
conjunction\n(old use or humorous) of what or which:\nI know whereof I speak (= I know a lot about what I am talking about).


Words: whereupon
Meaning:
conjunction\n(written) and then; as a result of this:\nHe told her she was a liar, whereupon she walked out.


Words: wherever
Meaning:
conjunction, adverb \n    conjunction\n  1  in any place:\nSit wherever you like. * He comes from Boula, wherever that may be (= I don’t know where it is).\n  2  in all places that\nSYN EVERYWHERE:\nWherever she goes, there are crowds of people waiting to see her.\n  3  in all cases that\nSYN WHENEVER:\nUse wholegrain breakfast cereals wherever possible.\n IDIOMS \n  or wherever (informal) or any other place:\ntourists from Spain, France or wherever\n    adverb used in questions to mean ’where’, expressing surprise:\nWherever can he have gone to?


Words: wherewithal
Meaning:
noun\n(the wherewithal) [sing.] ~ (to do sth) the money, things or skill that you need in order to be able to do sth:\nThey lacked the wherewithal to pay for the repairs.


Words: whet
Meaning:
verb\n(-tt-) [VN] to increase your desire for or interest in sth:\nThe book will whet your appetite for more of her work.


Words: whether
Meaning:
conjunction\n  1  used to express a doubt or choice between two possibilities:\nHe seemed undecided whether to go or stay. * It remains to be seen whether or not this idea can be put into practice. * I asked him whether he had done it all himself or whether someone had helped him. * I’ll see whether she’s at home (= or not at home). * It’s doubtful whether there’ll be any seats left. -> IF\n  2  used to show that sth is true in either of two cases:\nYou are entitled to a free gift whether you accept our offer of insurance or not. * I’m going whether you like it or not. * Whether or not we’re successful, we can be sure that we did our best.


Words: whew
Meaning:
exclamation\na sound that people make to show that they are surprised or RELIEVED about sth or that they are very hot or tired:\nWhew-and I thought it was serious! * Ten grand? Whew!\ncompare PHEW


Words: whey
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the thin liquid that is left from sour milk after the solid part (called CURDS) has been removed


Words: which
Meaning:
pronoun, determiner\n  1  used in questions to ask sb to be exact about one or more people or things from a limited number:\nWhich is better exercise-swimming or tennis? * Which of the applicants has got the job? * Which of the patients have recovered? * Which way is the wind blowing?\ncompare WHAT\n  2  used to be exact about the thing or things that you mean:\nHouses which overlook the lake cost more. * It was a crisis for which she was totally unprepared.\n HELP NOTE  That can be used instead of which in this meaning, but it is not used immediately after a preposition: It was a crisis that she was totally unprepared for.\n  3  used to give more information about sth:\nHis best movie, which won several awards, was about the life of Gandhi. * Your claim ought to succeed, in which case the damages will be substantial.\n HELP NOTE  That cannot be used instead of which in this meaning.\n IDIOMS \n  which is which used to talk about distinguishing one person or thing from another:\nThe twins are so alike I can’t tell which is which.


Words: whichever
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun\n  1  used to say what feature or quality is important in deciding sth:\nChoose whichever brand you prefer. * Pensions should be increased annually in line with earnings or prices, whichever is the higher. * Whichever of you gets here first will get the prize.\n  2  used to say that it does not matter which, as the result will be the same:\nIt takes three hours, whichever route you take. * The situation is an awkward one, whichever way you look at it. * Whichever they choose, we must accept their decision.


Words: whiff
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  ~ (of sth) a smell, especially one that you only smell for a short time:\na whiff of cigar smoke * He caught a whiff of perfume as he leaned towards her.\n  2  ~ (of sth) a slight sign or feeling of sth:\na whiff of danger / fear / success


Words: while
Meaning:
conjunction, noun, verb \n    conjunction (also formal whilst  especially in BrE)\n  1  during the time that sth is happening\nSYN WHEN:\nWe must have been burgled while we were asleep. * Her parents died while she was still at school. * While I was waiting at the bus stop, three buses went by in the opposite direction.\n  2  at the same time as sth else is happening:\nYou can go swimming while I’m having lunch. * shoes mended while you wait\n  3  used to contrast two things:\nWhile Tom’s very good at science, his brother is absolutely hopeless. * Some people work better to music while others do not.\n  4  (used at the beginning of a sentence) although; in spite of the fact that ...:\nWhile I am willing to help, I do not have much time available.\n    noun [sing.] a period of time:\nThey chatted for a while. * I’ll be back in a little while (= a short time). * I haven’t seen him for quite a while (= a fairly long time). * They walked back together, talking all the while (= all the time).\n IDIOMS  see ONCE adv., WORTH adj.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  while sth<->away to spend time in a pleasant lazy way:\nWe whiled away the time reading and playing cards.


Words: whim
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] a sudden wish to do or have sth, especially when it is sth unusual or unnecessary:\nHe was forced to pander to her every whim. * We bought the house on a whim. * My duties seem to change daily at the whim of the boss. * the whims of fashion * She hires and fires people at whim.


Words: whimper
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb to make low, weak crying noises; to speak in this way:\n[V] The child was lost and began to whimper. * [V speech] ’Don’t leave me alone,’ he whimpered.\n    noun a low weak cry that a person or an animal makes when they are hurt, frightened or sad:\nThe puppy gave a little whimper of fear. * (figurative) The whole affair ended less with a bang than with a whimper (= in a way that was not impressive).


Words: whimsical
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) unusual and not serious in a way that is either amusing or annoying:\nto have a whimsical sense of humour * Much of his writing has a whimsical quality.\n    whimsically  adverb


Words: whimsy
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a way of thinking or behaving, or a style of doing sth that is unusual and not serious, in a way that is either amusing or annoying:\nAll her drawings have a touch of whimsy.


Words: whine
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to complain in an annoying, crying voice:\n[V] Stop whining! * [V speech] ’I want to go home,’ whined Toby. [also V that]\n  2  [V] to make a long high unpleasant sound because you are in pain or unhappy:\nThe dog whined and scratched at the door.\n  3  [V] (of a machine) to make a long high unpleasant sound\n    noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a long high sound that is usually unpleasant or annoying:\nthe steady whine of the engine\n  2  a long high cry that a child or dog makes when it is hurt or wants sth\n  3  a high tone of voice that you use when you complain about sth:\nHer voice took on a nasal whine of complaint.


Words: whinge
Meaning:
verb\n(present participle whingeing or whinging) [V] (BrE, informal, disapproving) ~ (about sb/sth) to complain in an annoying way:\nShe’s always whingeing about how unfair everything is.\n    whinge noun\n    whinger noun


Words: whinny
Meaning:
verb\n(whinnies, whinnying, whinnied, whinnied) [V] (of a horse) to make a quiet NEIGH\n    whinny noun (plural whinnies)


Words: whip
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [C] a long thin piece of rope or leather, attached to a handle, used for making animals move or punishing people:\nHe cracked his whip and the horse leapt forward.\n \n  2  [C] (in Britain and the US) an official in a political party who is responsible for making sure that party members attend and vote in important government debates:\nthe chief whip\n \n  3  [C] (in Britain and the US) a written instruction telling members of a political party how to vote on a particular issue\nsee also THREE-LINE WHIP\n \n  4  [U, C] a sweet dish made from cream, eggs, sugar and fruit mixed together\n IDIOMS \n  have / hold, etc. the whip hand (over sb/sth) to be in a position where you have power or control over sb/sth:\nShe had the whip hand and it was useless to resist.\nmore at FAIR adj.\n    verb (-pp-)\n  1  [VN] to hit a person or an animal hard with a whip, as a punishment or to make them go faster or work harder\n  2  to move, or make sth move, quickly and suddenly or violently in a particular direction: [V, +adv./prep.] A branch whipped across the car window. * Her hair whipped around her face in the wind. * [VN] The waves were being whipped by 50 mile an hour winds.\n  3  [VN +adv./prep.] to remove or pull sth quickly and suddenly:\nShe whipped the mask off her face. * The man whipped out a knife.\n  4  [VN] ~ sth (up) to stir cream, etc. very quickly until it becomes stiff:\nServe the pie with whipped cream. * Whip the egg whites up into stiff peaks.\n  5  [VN] (BrE, informal) to steal sth\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  whip through sth (informal) to do or finish sth very quickly:\nWe whipped through customs in ten minutes.\n  whip sb/sth<->up\n1 to deliberately try and make people excited or feel strongly about sth\nSYN ROUSE:\nThe advertisements were designed to whip up public opinion. * He was a speaker who could really whip up a crowd.\n2 to quickly make a meal or sth to eat:\nShe whipped up a delicious lunch for us in 15 minutes.


Words: whip-round
Meaning:
noun\n(BrE, informal) if a group of people have a whip-round, they all give money so they can buy sth for sb:\nWe had a whip-round at the office to buy her a leaving present.


Words: whiplash
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C, usually sing.] a hit with a whip:\nHer sharp voice cut the air like a whiplash.\n  2  [U] = WHIPLASH INJURY:\nHe was very bruised and suffering from whiplash.


Words: whiplash injury
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (also whiplash [U]) a neck injury caused when your head moves forward and back suddenly, especially in a car accident:\nHe suffered whiplash injuries in the crash.


Words: whippersnapper
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned, informal) (disapproving) a young and unimportant person who behaves in a way that others think is too confident and rude


Words: whipping
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] an act of hitting sb with a whip, as a punishment:\nHe threatened the boy with a whipping.


Words: whirl
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  [usually +adv./prep.] to move, or make sb/sth move, around quickly in a circle or in a particular direction:\n[V] Leaves whirled in the wind. * She whirled around to face him. * the whirling blades of the helicopter * [VN] Tom whirled her across the dance floor.\n  2  [V] if your mind, thoughts, etc. whirl, you feel confused and excited and cannot think clearly:\nI couldn’t sleep-my mind was whirling from all that had happened. * So many thoughts whirled around in her mind.\n    noun [sing.]\n  1  a movement of sth spinning round and round:\na whirl of dust * (figurative) Her mind was in a whirl (= in a state of confusion or excitement).\n  2  a number of activities or events happening one after the other:\nHer life was one long whirl of parties. * It’s easy to get caught up in the social whirl. * The next few hours passed by in a whirl of activity.\n IDIOMS \n  give sth a whirl (informal) to try sth to see if you like it or can do it:\nI’m not sure I’ll like skiing, but I’ll give it a whirl.


Words: whirligig
Meaning:
noun\n  1  something that is very active and always changing:\nthe whirligig of fashion\n  2  (old-fashioned) a MERRY-GO-ROUND at a FAIRGROUND for children to ride on


Words: whirlpool
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a place in a river or the sea where currents of water spin round very fast: (figurative) She felt she was being dragged into a whirlpool of emotion.\n  2  (also whirlpool bath) a special bath or swimming pool for relaxing in, in which the water moves in circles\nsee also JACUZZI


Words: whirlwind
Meaning:
noun, adjective \n    noun\n  1  a very strong wind that moves very fast in a spinning movement and causes a lot of damage\n  2  a situation or series of events where a lot of things happen very quickly:\nTo recover from the divorce, I threw myself into a whirlwind of activities.\n    adjective [only before noun] happening very fast:\na whirlwind romance * a whirlwind tour of America


Words: whirr
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually whir)  verb, noun \n    verb (-rr-) [V] to make a continuous low sound like the parts of a machine moving:\nThe clock began to whirr before striking the hour.\n    noun (also whirring) [usually sing.] a continuous low sound, for example the sound made by the regular movement of a machine or the wings of a bird:\nthe whirr of a motor * There was a whirring of machinery.


Words: whisk
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb [VN] \n  1  to mix liquids, eggs, etc. into a stiff light mass, using a fork or special tool:\nWhisk the egg whites until stiff.\n  2  [+adv./prep.] to take sb/sth somewhere very quickly and suddenly:\nJamie whisked her off to Paris for the weekend. * The waiter whisked away the plates before we had finished.\n    noun\n a kitchen UTENSIL (= a tool) for stirring eggs, etc. very fast:\nan electric whisk


Words: whisker
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [C] any of the long stiff hairs that grow near the mouth of a cat, rat, etc.\n \n  2  (whiskers) [pl.] (old-fashioned or humorous) the hair growing on a man’s face, especially on his cheeks and chin\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  be, come, etc. within a whisker of sth / doing sth (BrE) to almost do sth:\nThey came within a whisker of being killed.\n \n  by a whisker by a very small amount\nmore at CAT


Words: whisky
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE, IrishE whiskey)  noun (plural whiskies, whiskeys)\n  1  [U, C] a strong alcoholic drink made from MALTED grain. It is sometimes drunk with water and/or ice:\na barrel / bottle of whisky * Scotch whisky * highland whiskies\n  2  [C] a glass of whisky:\na whisky and soda * Two whiskies, please.\nsee also SCOTCH


Words: whisper
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  to speak very quietly to sb so that other people cannot hear what you are saying:\n[V] Don’t you know it’s rude to whisper? * What are you two whispering about? * [V speech] ’Can you meet me tonight?’ he whispered. * [VN] She leaned over and whispered something in his ear. * [V that] He whispered to me that he was afraid.\n  2  [often passive] to say or suggest sth about sb/sth in a private or secret way:\n[VN that] It was whispered that he would soon die and he did. [also V that]\n  3  [V] (written) (of leaves, the wind, etc.) to make a soft, quiet sound:\nA warm breeze whispered through the trees.\n    noun\n  1  a low quiet voice or the sound it makes:\nThey spoke in whispers. * Her voice dropped to a whisper.\nsee also STAGE WHISPER\n  2  (also whispering) (written) a soft sound:\nI could hear the whispering of the sea.\n  3  a piece of news that is spread by being talked about but may not be true\nSYN RUMOUR:\nI’ve heard whispers that he’s leaving.


Words: whispering campaign
Meaning:
noun\nan attempt to damage sb’s reputation by saying unpleasant things about them and passing this information from person to person


Words: whistle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  a small metal or plastic tube that you blow to make a loud high sound, used to attract attention or as a signal:\nThe referee finally blew the whistle to stop the game.\nsee also TIN WHISTLE\n \n  2  the sound made by blowing a whistle:\nHe scored the winning goal just seconds before the final whistle.\n \n  3  the sound that you make by forcing your breath out when your lips are closed:\na shrill whistle * He gave a low long whistle of surprise.\nsee also WOLF WHISTLE\n  4  the high loud sound produced by air or steam being forced through a small opening, or by sth moving quickly through the air:\nthe whistle of a boiling kettle * the whistle of a bullet\n IDIOMS  see BLOW v., CLEAN adj.\n    verb\n\n \n  1  to make a high sound or a musical tune by forcing your breath out when your lips are closed:\n[VN] to whistle a tune * [V] He whistled in amazement. * The crowd booed and whistled as the player came onto the field. * She whistled to the dog to come back. * Workmen whistled at her as she walked past. * He whistled at the sheer audacity of the plan.\n \n  2  [V] to make a high sound by blowing into a whistle:\nThe referee whistled for a foul.\n \n  3  [V] (of a KETTLE or other machine) to make a high sound:\nThe kettle began to whistle. * The microphone was making a strange whistling sound. * The train whistled and shot into the tunnel.\n \n  4  [V +adv./prep.] to move quickly, making a high sound:\nThe wind whistled down the chimney. * A bullet whistled past his ear.\n  5  [V] (of a bird) to make a high sound\n IDIOMS \n  sb can whistle for sth (BrE, spoken) used to say that you are not going to give sb sth that they have asked for:\nIf he wants his money he can whistle for it-I’m broke!


Words: whistle-blower
Meaning:
noun\n(used especially in newspapers) a person who informs people in authority or the public that the company they work for is doing sth wrong or illegal


Words: whistle-stop
Meaning:
adjective\n[only before noun] visiting a lot of different places in a very short time:\nto go on a whistle-stop tour of Europe * politicians on a whistle-stop election campaign


Words: whit
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (old-fashioned) (usually in negative sentences) a very small amount\n IDIOMS \n  not a whit | not one whit not at all; not the smallest amount


Words: white
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n \n    adjective (whiter, whitest)\n \n  1  having the colour of fresh snow or milk:\na crisp white shirt * white bread * a set of perfect white teeth * His hair was as white as snow. * The horse was almost pure white in colour.\n \n  2  belonging to or connected with a race of people who have pale skin:\nwhite middle-class families * She writes about her experiences as a black girl in a predominantly white city.\n \n  3  (of the skin) pale because of emotion or illness:\nwhite with anger / shock / fear * She went white as a sheet when she heard the news.\n  4  (BrE) (of tea or coffee) with milk added:\nTwo white coffees, please. * Do you take your coffee black or white?\ncompare BLACK\n    whiteness noun [U, sing.] \n    noun\n  1  [U] the colour of fresh snow or milk:\nthe pure white of the newly painted walls * She was dressed all in white.\n  2  [C, usually pl.] a member of a race or people who have pale skin\n  3  [U, C] white wine:\nWould you like red or white? * a very dry white\n  4  [C, U] the part of an egg that surrounds the YOLK (= the yellow part):\nUse the whites of two eggs.\n  5  [C, usually pl.] the white part of the eye:\nThe whites of her eyes were bloodshot.\n  6  (whites) [pl.] white clothes, sheets, etc. when they are separated from coloured ones to be washed: (BrE) Don’t wash whites and coloureds together. * (AmE) Don’t wash whites and colors together.\n  7  (whites) [pl.] white clothes worn for playing some sports:\ncricket / tennis whites\n IDIOMS  see BLACK n.


Words: white dwarf
Meaning:
noun\n(astronomy) a small star that is near the end of its life and is very DENSE (= solid and heavy)


Words: white elephant
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a thing that is useless and no longer needed, although it may have cost a lot of money:\nThe new office block has become an expensive white elephant.\n ORIGIN  From the story that in Siam (now Thailand), the king would give a white elephant as a present to somebody that he did not like. That person would have to spend all their money on looking after the rare animal.


Words: white flag
Meaning:
noun\n[usually sing.] a sign that you accept defeat and wish to stop fighting:\nto raise / show / wave the white flag


Words: white hope
Meaning:
noun\n[sing.] (informal) a person who is expected to bring success to a team, an organization, etc:\nHe was once the great white hope of British boxing.


Words: white knight
Meaning:
noun\na person or an organization that rescues a company from being bought by another company at too low a price


Words: white meat
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  meat that is pale in colour when it has been cooked, such as chicken, PORK and VEAL\ncompare RED MEAT\n  2  pale meat from the breast of a chicken or other bird that has been cooked


Words: white noise
Meaning:
noun\n[U] unpleasant noise, like the noise that comes from a television or radio that is turned on but not TUNED IN


Words: White Paper
Meaning:
noun\n(in Britain) a government report that gives information about sth and explains government plans before a new law is introduced\ncompare GREEN PAPER


Words: white spirit
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (BrE) a colourless liquid made from petrol/gas, used as a cleaning substance or to make paint thinner


Words: white stick
Meaning:
noun\na long thin white stick carried by blind people to help them walk around without knocking things and to show others that they are blind


Words: white tie
Meaning:
noun\na man’s white BOW TIE, also used to mean very formal evening dress for men:\ndressed in white tie and tails


Words: white water
Meaning:
noun [U]\n \n  1  a part of a river that looks white because the water is moving very fast over rocks:\na stretch of white water * white-water rafting\n \n  2  a part of the sea or ocean that looks white because it is very rough and the waves are high


Words: white wine
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] pale yellow wine:\na bottle of dry / sweet white wine * chilled white wine\n  2  [C] a glass of white wine\ncompare RED WINE, ROSﾉ


Words: white-collar
Meaning:
adjective\n[usually before noun] working in an office, rather than in a factory, etc.; connected with work in offices:\nwhite-collar workers * a white-collar job * white-collar crime (= in which office workers steal from their company, etc.)\ncompare BLUE-COLLAR, PINK-COLLAR


Words: white-out
Meaning:
noun\nweather conditions in which there is so much snow or cloud that it is impossible to see anything\nsee also WITEOUT


Words: white-tie
Meaning:
adjective\n(of social occasions) very formal, when men are expected to wear white BOW TIES and jackets with TAILS:\nIs it a white-tie affair?


Words: whiteboard
Meaning:
noun\na large board with a smooth white surface that teachers, etc. write on with special pens\ncompare BLACKBOARD


Words: Whitehall
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  [U] a street in London where there are many government offices\n  2  [sing.+sing./pl. v.] a way of referring to the British Government:\nWhitehall are / is refusing to comment. * Whitehall bureaucrats / officials


Words: whiten
Meaning:
verb\nto become white or whiter; to make sth white or whiter:\n[V] He gripped the wheel until his knuckles whitened. * Her face whitened when she heard the news. * [VN] Snow had whitened the tops of the trees.


Words: whitewash
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U] a mixture of chalk or LIME and water, used for painting houses and walls white\n  2  [U, sing.] (disapproving) an attempt to hide unpleasant facts about sb/sth\nSYN COVER-UP:\nThe opposition claimed the report was a whitewash.\n  3  [C, usually sing.] (informal) a complete defeat in a sports game:\na 70 whitewash * a whitewash victory\n    verb [VN] \n  1  to cover sth such as a wall with whitewash\n  2  (disapproving) to try to hide unpleasant facts about sb/sth; to try to make sth seem better than it is:\nHis wife had wanted to whitewash his reputation after he died.\n  3  (especially BrE) (in sport) to defeat an opponent easily


Words: whither
Meaning:
adverb, conjunction\n  1  (old use) where; to which:\nWhither should they go? * They did not know whither they should go. * the place whither they were sent\n  2  (formal) used to ask what is likely to happen to sth in the future:\nWhither modern architecture?


Words: whittle
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] ~ A (from B) | ~ B (into A) to form a piece of wood, etc. into a particular shape by cutting small pieces from it:\nHe whittled a simple toy from the piece of wood. * He whittled the piece of wood into a simple toy.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  whittle sth<->away to make sth gradually decrease in value or amount:\nInflation has steadily whittled away their savings.\n  whittle sth<->down to reduce the size or number of sth:\nI finally managed to whittle down the names on the list to only five.


Words: whizz
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (also whiz especially in AmE)  verb, noun \n    verb [V +adv./prep.] \n  1  to move very quickly, making a high continuous sound:\nA bullet whizzed past my ear. * He whizzed down the road on his motorbike.\n  2  to do sth very quickly:\nShe whizzed through the work and was finished before lunch.\n    noun (informal) a person who is very good at sth:\nShe’s a whizz at crosswords.


Words: whizz-kid
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually whiz-kid) noun\n(informal) a person who is very good and successful at sth, especially at a young age:\nfinancial whizz-kids


Words: WHO
Meaning:
abbreviation\nWorld Health Organization (an international organization that aims to fight and control disease)


Words: who
Meaning:
pronoun\n  1  used in questions to ask about the name, identity or function of one or more people:\nWho is that woman? * I wonder who that letter was from. * Who are you phoning? * Who’s the money for?\n  2  used to show which person or people you mean:\nThe people who called yesterday want to buy the house. * The people (who) we met in France have sent us a card.\n  3  used to give more information about sb:\nMrs Smith, who has a lot of teaching experience at junior level, will be joining the school in September. * And then Mary, who we had been talking about earlier, walked in.\ncompare WHOM\n IDIOMS \n  who am I, who are you, etc. to do sth? used to ask what right or authority sb has to do sth:\nWho are you to tell me I can’t park here?\n  who’s who people’s names, jobs, status, etc:\nYou’ll soon find out who’s who in the office.


Words: whodunnit
Meaning:
(BrE) (also whodunit AmE, BrE)  noun\n(informal) a story, play, etc. about a murder in which you do not know who did the murder until the end


Words: whoever
Meaning:
pronoun\n  1  the person or people who; any person who:\nWhoever says that is a liar. * Send it to whoever is in charge of sales.\n  2  used to say that it does not matter who, since the result will be the same:\nCome out of there, whoever you are. * I don’t want to see them, whoever they are.\n  3  used in questions to mean ’who’, expressing surprise:\nWhoever heard of such a thing!


Words: whole
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective\n  1  [only before noun] full; complete:\nHe spent the whole day writing. * We drank a whole bottle each. * The whole country (= all the people in it) mourned her death. * Let’s forget the whole thing. * She wasn’t telling the whole truth.\n  2  [only before noun] used to emphasize how large or important sth is:\nWe offer a whole variety of weekend breaks. * I can’t afford it-that’s the whole point.\n  3  not broken or damaged:\nOwls usually swallow their prey whole (= without chewing it). -> HALF\n    wholeness noun [U]-see also WHOLLY\n IDIOMS \n  Most idioms containing whole are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example go the whole hog is at hog.\n  a whole lot (informal) very much; a lot:\nI’m feeling a whole lot better.\n  a whole lot (of sth) (informal) a large number or amount:\nThere were a whole lot of people I didn’t know. * I lost a whole lot of money.\n  the whole lot everything; all of sth:\nI’ve sold the whole lot.\n    noun\n  1  [C] a thing that is complete in itself:\nFour quarters make a whole. * The subjects of the curriculum form a coherent whole.\n  2  [sing.] the ~ of sth all that there is of sth:\nThe effects will last for the whole of his life. -> HALF\n IDIOMS \n  as a whole as one thing or piece and not as separate parts:\nThe festival will be great for our city and for the country as a whole.\n  on the whole considering everything; in general:\nOn the whole, I’m in favour of the idea.


Words: whole number
Meaning:
noun\n(mathematics) a number that consists of one or more units, with no FRACTIONS (= parts of a number less than one)


Words: wholefood
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (also wholefoods [pl.]) food that is considered healthy because it is in a simple form, has not been REFINED, and does not contain artificial substances:\nEat plenty of wholefoods such as wholemeal bread, brown rice, nuts and pulses. * a wholefood diet / restaurant / shop


Words: wholehearted
Meaning:
adjective\n(approving) complete and enthusiastic:\nThe plan was given wholehearted support.\n    wholeheartedly adverb:\nto agree wholeheartedly * She threw herself wholeheartedly into her work.


Words: wholemeal
Meaning:
(also wholewheat) adjective\ncontaining whole grains of wheat, etc. including the HUSK:\nwholemeal bread / flour


Words: wholesale
Meaning:
adjective [only before noun]\n  1  connected with goods that are bought and sold in large quantities, especially so they can be sold again to make a profit:\nwholesale goods / prices\ncompare RETAIL\n  2  (especially of sth bad) happening or done to a very large number of people or things:\nthe wholesale slaughter of innocent people\n    wholesale adverb:\nWe buy the building materials wholesale. * These young people die wholesale from heroin overdoses.


Words: wholesaling
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the business of buying and selling goods in large quantities, especially so they can be sold again to make a profit\ncompare RETAILING\n    wholesaler noun:\nfruit and vegetable wholesalers


Words: wholesome
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  good for your health:\nfresh, wholesome food\n  2  morally good; having a good moral influence:\nIt was clean wholesome fun.\nOPP UNWHOLESOME\n    wholesomeness noun [U]


Words: wholly
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) completely; TOTALLY:\nwholly inappropriate behaviour * The government is not wholly to blame for the recession. * The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a large multinational.


Words: whom
Meaning:
pronoun\n(formal) used instead of ’who’ as the object of a verb or preposition:\nWhom did they invite? * To whom should I write? * The author whom you criticized in your review has written a reply. * Her mother, in whom she confided, said she would support her unconditionally.\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nwhom\nWhom is not used very often in spoken English. Who is usually used as the object pronoun, especially in questions: Who did you invite to the party?\nThe use of whom as the pronoun after prepositions is very formal: To whom should I address the letter? * He asked me with whom I had discussed it. In spoken English it is much more natural to use who and put the preposition at the end of the sentence: Who should I address the letter to? * He asked me who I had discussed it with.\nIn defining relative clauses the object pronoun whom is not often used. You can either use who or that, or leave out the pronoun completely: The family (who/that/whom) I met at the airport were very kind.\nIn non-defining relative clauses who or, more formally, whom (but not that) is used and the pronoun cannot be left out: Our doctor, who/whom we all liked very much, retired last week. This pattern is not used very much in spoken English.\n______________________________


Words: whomever
Meaning:
pronoun\n(literary) used instead of ’whoever’ as the object of a verb or preposition:\nHe was free to marry whomever he chose.


Words: whoop
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a loud cry expressing joy, excitement, etc:\nwhoops of delight / laughter\n    verb [V] to shout loudly because you are happy or excited\n IDIOMS \n  whoop it up  (informal)\n1 to enjoy yourself very much with a noisy group of people\n2 (AmE) to make people excited or enthusiastic about sth


Words: whoopee
Meaning:
exclamation, noun \n    exclamation used to express happiness:\nWhoopee, we’ve won!\n    noun [U]\n IDIOMS \n  make whoopee (old-fashioned, informal) to celebrate in a noisy way


Words: whooping cough
Meaning:
noun\n[U] an infectious disease, especially of children, that makes them cough and have difficulty breathing


Words: whoops
Meaning:
exclamation\n  1  used when sb has almost had an accident, broken sth, etc:\nWhoops! Careful, you almost spilt coffee everywhere.\n  2  used when you have done sth embarrassing, said sth rude by accident, told a secret, etc:\nWhoops, you weren’t supposed to hear that.


Words: whoosh
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [usually sing.] (informal) the sudden movement and sound of air or water rushing past:\na whoosh of water / air * There was a whoosh as everything went up in flames.\n    verb [V +adv./prep.] (informal) to move very quickly with the sound of air or water rushing


Words: whopper
Meaning:
noun (informal)\n  1  something that is very big for its type:\nPete has caught a whopper (= a large fish).\n  2  a lie:\nShe’s told some whoppers about her past.


Words: whopping
Meaning:
(also whopping great) adjective\n[only before noun] (informal) very big:\nThe company made a whopping 75 million dollar loss.


Words: whore
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (old-fashioned) a female prostitute (= a woman who has sex with men for money)\n  2  (!!!) an offensive word used to refer to a woman who has sex with a lot of men


Words: whorl
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a pattern made by a curved line that forms a rough circle, with smaller circles inside bigger ones:\nthe whorls on your fingertips\n \n  2  (technical) a ring of leaves, flowers, etc. around the stem of a plant


Words: whose
Meaning:
determiner, pronoun\n  1  used in questions to ask who sth belongs to:\nWhose house is that? * I wonder whose this is.\n  2  used to say which person or thing you mean:\nHe’s a man whose opinion I respect. * It’s the house whose door’s painted red.\n  3  used to give more information about a person or thing:\nIsobel, whose brother he was, had heard the joke before.


Words: why
Meaning:
adverb, exclamation, noun \n    adverb\n  1  used in questions to ask the reason for or purpose of sth:\nWhy were you late? * Tell me why you did it. * ’I would like you to go.’ ’Why me?’ * (spoken) Why oh why do people keep leaving the door open?\n  2  used in questions to suggest that it is not necessary to do sth:\nWhy get upset just because you got one bad grade? * Why bother to write? We’ll see him tomorrow.\n  3  used to give or talk about a reason:\nThat’s why I left so early. * I know you did it-I just want to know why. * The reason why the injection needs repeating every year is that the virus changes.\n IDIOMS \n  why ever used in questions to mean ’why’, expressing surprise:\nWhy ever didn’t you tell us before?\n  why not? used to make or agree to a suggestion:\nWhy not write to her? * ’Let’s eat out.’ ’Why not?’ * Why don’t we go together?\n    exclamation (old-fashioned or AmE) used to express surprise, lack of patience, etc:\nWhy Jane, it’s you! * Why, it’s easy-a child could do it!\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  the whys and (the) wherefores the reasons for sth:\nI had no intention of going into the whys and the wherefores of the situation.


Words: WI abbreviation
Meaning:
1  West Indies\n  2   Women’s Institute. The WI is a British women’s organization in which groups of women meet regularly to take part in various activities.


Words: wick
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  the piece of string in the centre of a candle which you light so that the candle burns\n \n  2  the piece of woven material in an oil lamp which soaks up the oil and which you light so that the lamp burns\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  get on sb’s wick (BrE, informal) to annoy sb


Words: wicked
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (wickeder, wickedest)\n HELP NOTE  You can also use more wicked and most wicked.\n  1  morally bad\nSYN EVIL:\na wicked man / deed * stories about a wicked witch\n  2  (informal) slightly bad but in a way that is amusing and/or attractive\nSYN MISCHIEVOUS:\na wicked grin * Jane has a wicked sense of humour.\n  3  dangerous, harmful or powerful:\nHe has a wicked punch. * a wicked-looking knife * The rejection was a wicked blow to her pride.\n  4  (slang) very good:\nThis song’s wicked.\n    wickedly adverb:\nMartin grinned wickedly. * a wickedly funny comedy * a wickedly sharp blade * wickedly tempting cakes\n    wickedness noun [U] \n    noun (the wicked) [pl.] people who are wicked\n IDIOMS \n  (there’s) no peace / rest for the wicked (usually humorous) used when sb is complaining that they have a lot of work to do


Words: wicket
Meaning:
noun (in cricket)\n \n  1  either of the two sets of three upright sticks (called STUMPS) with pieces of wood (called BAILS) lying across the top. The BOWLER tries to hit the wicket with the ball.\n \n  2  the area of ground between the two wickets\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  keep wicket to act as a WICKETKEEPER\nmore at STICKY adv.


Words: wicketkeeper
Meaning:
(also BrE informal keeper) noun\n(in cricket) a player who stands behind the WICKET in order to stop or catch the ball


Words: wide
Meaning:
adjective, adverb, noun \n    adjective (wider, widest)\n  from one side to the other\n  1  measuring a lot from one side to the other:\na wide river / road * Sam has a wide mouth. * a jacket with wide lapels * Her face broke into a wide grin.\nOPP NARROW\nsee also WIDTH\n  2  measuring a particular distance from one side to the other:\nHow wide is that stream? * It’s about 2 metres wide. * The road was just wide enough for two vehicles to pass.\n  large number / amount\n  3  including a large number or variety of different people or things; covering a large area:\na wide range / choice / variety of goods * Her music appeals to a wide audience. * Jenny has a wide circle of friends. * a manager with wide experience of industry * It’s the best job in the whole wide world. * The incident has received wide coverage in the press. * The festival attracts people from a wide area.\n  difference / gap\n  4  very big:\nThere are wide variations in prices.\n  general\n  5  (only used in the comparative and superlative) general; not only looking at details:\nwider issues / aims / problems * We are talking about education in its widest sense. * We need to consider the problem of vandalism within a wider context.\n  eyes\n  6  fully open:\nShe stared at him with wide eyes.\n  not close\n  7  ~ (of sth) far from the point aimed at:\nHer shot was wide (of the target).\n  -wide\n  8  (in adjectives and adverbs) happening or existing in the whole of a country, etc:\na nationwide search * We need to act on a Europe-wide scale.\n IDIOMS \n  give sb/sth a wide berth to not go too near sb/sth; to avoid sb/sth:\nHe gave the dog a wide berth.\n  wide of the mark not accurate:\nTheir predictions turned out to be wide of the mark.\n    adverb (comparative wider, no superlative) as far or fully as possible:\nThe door was wide open. * He stood with his legs wide apart. * In a few seconds she was wide awake. * Open your mouth wide.\n IDIOMS  see CAST v., FAR adv.\n    noun (sport) a ball that has been BOWLED (= thrown) where the BATSMAN or BATTER cannot reach it\n______________________________\n WHICH WORD? \nwide / broad\nThese adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:\nwide ~  broad ~\nstreet  shoulders\nriver  back\narea  smile\nrange  range\nvariety  agreement\nchoice  outline\nWide is the word most commonly used to talk about something that measures a long distance from one side to the other. Broad is more often used to talk about parts of the body. It is used in more formal or written language to describe the features of the countryside, etc: a broad river * a broad stretch of meadowland.\nBoth wide and broad can be used to describe something that includes a large variety of different people or things: a wide/broad range of products. Broad, but not wide, can be used to mean ’general’ or ’not detailed’: All of us are in broad agreement on this matter.\n______________________________


Words: wide-eyed
Meaning:
adjective (written)\n  1  with your eyes fully open because of fear, surprise, etc:\nShe stared at him in wide-eyed amazement.\n  2  having little experience and therefore very willing to believe, trust or accept sb/sth\nSYN NAIVE:\nwide-eyed innocence


Words: wide-ranging
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) including or dealing with a large number of different subjects or areas:\nThe commission has been given wide-ranging powers. * a wide-ranging discussion * a wide-ranging review of public spending


Words: widely
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  by a lot of people; in or to many places:\na widely held belief * The idea is now widely accepted. * He has travelled widely in Asia. * Her books are widely read (= a lot of people read them). * He’s an educated, widely-read man (= he has read a lot of books). * The term is widely used in everyday speech.\n  2  to a large degree; a lot:\nStandards vary widely.


Words: widen
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to become wider; to make sth wider:\n[V] Her eyes widened in surprise. * Here the stream widens into a river. * [VN] They may have to widen the road to cope with the increase in traffic.\n  2  to become larger in degree or range; to make sth larger in degree or range:\n[V] the widening gap between rich and poor * [VN] We plan to widen the scope of our existing activities by offering more language courses. * The legislation will be widened to include all firearms.


Words: widespread
Meaning:
adjective\nexisting or happening over a large area or among many people:\nwidespread damage / confusion * The plan received widespread support throughout the country.


Words: widow
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun a woman whose husband has died and who has not married again:\nShe gets a widow’s pension.\n    verb [VN] (be widowed) if sb is widowed, their husband or wife has died:\nShe was widowed when she was 35.\n    widowed adjective:\nhis widowed father


Words: width
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  [U, C] the measurement from one side of sth to the other; how wide sth is:\nIt’s about 10 metres in width. * The terrace runs the full width of the house. * The carpet is available in different widths.\n \n  2  [C] a piece of material of a particular width:\nYou’ll need two widths of fabric for each curtain.\n \n  3  [C] the distance between the two long sides of a swimming pool:\nHow many widths can you swim?\ncompare LENGTH


Words: wield
Meaning:
verb [VN] \n  1  to have and use power, authority, etc:\nShe wields enormous power within the party.\n  2  to hold sth, ready to use it as a weapon or tool\nSYN BRANDISH:\nHe was wielding a large knife.


Words: wife
Meaning:
noun\n(plural wives ) the woman that a man is married to; a married woman:\nthe doctor’s wife * She’s his second wife. * an increase in the number of working wives\nsee also FISHWIFE, HOUSEWIFE, MIDWIFE\n IDIOMS  see HUSBAND n., OLD, WORLD


Words: wig
Meaning:
noun\na piece of artificial hair that is worn on the head, for example to hide the fact that a person is BALD, to cover sb’s own hair, or by a judge and some other lawyers in some courts of law


Words: wiggle
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (informal) to move from side to side or up and down in short quick movements; to make sth move in this way:\n[V] Her bottom wiggled as she walked past. * [VN] He removed his shoes and wiggled his toes. * They wiggled their hips to the rhythm of the music.\n    noun a small movement from side to side or up and down


Words: wigwam
Meaning:
noun\na type of tent, shaped like a DOME or CONE, used by Native Americans in the past\nsee also TEPEE


Words: wild
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (wilder, wildest)\n  animals / plants\n  1  living or growing in natural conditions; not kept in a house or on a farm:\nwild animals / flowers * a wild rabbit * wild strawberries * The plants grow wild along the banks of rivers.\n  scenery / land\n  2  in its natural state; not changed by people:\nwild moorland / mountains * The island is a wild and lonely place.\n  out of control\n  3  lacking discipline or control:\nThe boy is wild and completely out of control. * He had a wild look in his eyes. * wild mood swings\n  feelings\n  4  full of very strong feeling:\nwild laughter / applause / cheers * a wild and romantic love affair * The crowd went wild. * It makes me wild (= very angry) to see such waste.\n  not sensible\n  5  not carefully planned; not sensible or accurate:\nHe made a wild guess at the answer. * wild accusations / rumours\n  exciting\n  6  (informal) very good, enjoyable or exciting:\nWe had a wild time in New York.\n  enthusiastic\n  7  ~ about sb/sth (informal) very enthusiastic about sb/sth:\nShe’s totally wild about him. * I’m not wild about the idea.\n  weather / sea\n  8  affected by storms and strong winds:\na wild night * The sea was wild.\n    wildness noun [U] \nsee also WILDLY\n IDIOMS \n  beyond your wildest dreams far more, better, etc. than you could ever have imagined or hoped for\n  run wild\n1 to grow or develop freely without any control:\nThe ivy has run wild. * Let your imagination run wild and be creative.\n2 if children or animals run wild, they behave as they like because nobody is controlling them:\nThose boys have been allowed to run wild.\n  wild horses would not drag, make, etc. sb (do sth) used to say that nothing would prevent sb from doing sth or make them do sth they do not want to do\nmore at SOW v.\n    noun\n  1  (the wild) [sing.] a natural environment that is not controlled by people:\nThe bird is too tame now to survive in the wild. * The animals were released back into the wild when they had recovered.\n  2  (the wilds) [pl.] areas of a country far from towns or cities, where few people live:\nthe wilds of Alaska * (humorous) They live on a farm somewhere out in the wilds.


Words: wild card
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (in card games) a card that has no value of its own and takes the value of any card that the player chooses\n  2  (sport) an opportunity for sb to play in a competition when they have not qualified in the usual way; a player who enters a competition in this way:\nHe was given a wild card for the tournament. * She was beaten in the semi-finals by wild card Louise Smith. * a wild-card entry / place\n  3  (computing) a symbol that has no meaning of its own and can represent any letter:\nAn asterisk is commonly used as a wild card. * a wild-card search\n  4  a person or thing whose behaviour or effect is difficult to predict:\nThe Nationalist party is the wild card in the election.


Words: wild goose chase
Meaning:
noun\na search for sth that is impossible for you to find or that does not exist, that makes you waste a lot of time:\nThe police had been sent on a wild goose chase.


Words: wildcat
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  a wildcat strike happens suddenly and without the official support of a trade union\n  2  (of a business or project) that has not been carefully planned and that will probably not be successful; that does not follow normal standards and methods\n    verb [V] (AmE) to look for oil in a place where nobody has found any yet\n    wildcatter noun


Words: wildebeest
Meaning:
noun\n(plural wildebeest) (also gnu) a large ANTELOPE (= an African animal like a deer) with curved horns:\na herd of wildebeest


Words: wilderness
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a large area of land that has never been developed or used for growing crops because it is difficult to live there:\nThe Antarctic is the world’s last great wilderness. * (AmE) a wilderness area (= one where it is not permitted to build houses or roads) * (figurative) the barren wilderness of modern life\n  2  a place that people do not take care of or control:\nTheir garden is a wilderness of grass and weeds. * That part of the city is a wilderness of run-down houses and derelict factories.\n IDIOMS \n  in the wilderness no longer in an important position, especially in politics:\nAfter three years in the wilderness she was given a government post.


Words: wildfowl
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] birds that people hunt for sport or food, especially birds that live near water such as ducks and GEESE


Words: wildlife
Meaning:
noun\n[U] animals, birds, insects, etc. that are wild and live in a natural environment:\nDevelopment of the area would endanger wildlife. * a wildlife habitat / sanctuary


Words: wildly
Meaning:
adverb\n  1  in a way that is not controlled:\nShe looked wildly around for an escape. * His heart was beating wildly. * Interest rates have been fluctuating wildly.\n  2  extremely; very:\nThe story had been wildly exaggerated. * It is not a wildly funny play.


Words: wiles
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (written) clever tricks that sb uses in order to get what they want or to make sb behave in a particular way:\nShe used all her feminine wiles on Sam in order to get her way.


Words: wilful
Meaning:
(especially BrE) (AmE usually willful)  adjective (disapproving)\n  1  [usually before noun] (of a bad or harmful action) done deliberately, although the person doing it knows that it is wrong:\nwilful damage / neglect\n  2  determined to do what you want; not caring about what other people want:\na wilful child\n    wilfully  adverb:\nThey were charged with wilfully neglecting their children.\n    wilfulness noun [U]:\nthe wilfulness and arrogance of human nature


Words: will
Meaning:
modal verb, verb, verb, noun \n    modal verb (short form ’ll )\n  1  used for talking about or predicting the future:\nYou’ll be in time if you hurry. * How long will you be staying in Paris? * Fred said he’d be leaving soon. * By next year all the money will have been spent.\n  2  used for showing that sb is willing to do sth:\nI’ll check this letter for you, if you want. * They won’t lend us any more money. * He wouldn’t come-he said he was too busy. * We said we would keep them.\n  3  used for asking sb to do sth:\nWill you send this letter for me, please? * You’ll water the plants while I’m away, won’t you? * I asked him if he wouldn’t mind calling later.\n  4  used for ordering sb to do sth:\nYou’ll do it this minute! * Will you be quiet!\n  5  used for stating what you think is probably true:\nThat’ll be the doctor now. * You’ll have had dinner already, I suppose.\n  6  used for stating what is generally true:\nIf it’s made of wood it will float. * Engines won’t run without lubricants.\n  7  used for stating what is true or possible in a particular case:\nThis jar will hold a kilo. * The door won’t open!\n  8  used for talking about habits:\nShe’ll listen to music, alone in her room, for hours. * He would spend hours on the telephone.\n HELP NOTE  If you put extra stress on the word will or would in this meaning, it shows that the habit annoys you: He will comb his hair at the table, even though he knows I don’t like it. -> MODAL, SHALL\n    verb [V wh-] (third person singular present tense will) (only used in the simple present tense) (old-fashioned or formal) to want or like:\nCall it what you will, it’s still a problem.\n    verb \n  1  to use the power of your mind to do sth or to make sth happen:\n[VN] As a child he had thought he could fly, if he willed it enough. * [VN to inf] She willed her eyes to stay open. * He willed himself not to panic.\n  2  (old use) to intend or want sth to happen:\n[VN] They thought they had been victorious in battle because God had willed it. [also V that]\n  3  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb sth to formally give your property or possessions to sb after you have died, by means of a will: [VNN, VN] Joe had willed them everything he possessed. * Joe had willed everything he possessed to them.\n    noun\n  1  [C, U] the ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve what you want to do; a feeling of strong determination to do sth that you want to do:\nto have a strong will * to have an iron will / a will of iron * Her decision to continue shows great strength of will. * In spite of what happened, he never lost the will to live. * The meeting turned out to be a clash of wills. * She always wants to impose her will on other people (= to get what she wants).\nsee also FREE WILL, WILL POWER\n  2  [sing.] what sb wants to happen in a particular situation:\nI don’t want to go against your will. * (formal) It is God’s will. * They governed according to the will of the people.\n  3  (also testament) [C] a legal document that says what is to happen to sb’s money and property after they die:\nI ought to make a will. * My father left me the house in his will.\nsee also LIVING WILL\n  4  (-willed) (in adjectives) having the type of will mentioned:\na strong-willed young woman * weak-willed greedy people\n IDIOMS \n  against your will when you do not want to:\nI was forced to sign the agreement against my will.\n  at will whenever or wherever you like:\nThey were able to come and go at will.\n  where there’s a will there’s a way (saying) if you really want to do sth then you will find a way of doing it\n  with a will (written) in a willing and enthusiastic way:\nThey set to work with a will.\n  with the best will in the world used to say that you cannot do sth, even though you really want to:\nWith the best will in the world I could not describe him as a good father.


Words: will power
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the ability to control your thoughts and actions in order to achieve what you want to do:\nHe’s intelligent but he’s got no will power.


Words: will-o’the-wisp
Meaning:
noun [usually sing.]\n  1  a thing that is impossible to obtain; a person that you cannot depend on\n  2  a blue light that is sometimes seen at night on soft wet ground and is caused by natural gases burning


Words: willies
Meaning:
noun\n(the willies) [pl.] (informal) if sth gives you the willies you are frightened by it or find it unpleasant


Words: willing
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [not usually before noun] ~ (to do sth) not objecting to doing sth; having no reason for not doing sth:\nThey keep a list of people (who are) willing to work nights. * I’m perfectly willing to discuss the problem. * Would you be willing to help me with my essay? * Unemployment can be defined as the number of people who are willing and able to work, but who can not find jobs.\n  2  [usually before noun] ready or pleased to help and not needing to be persuaded; done or given in an enthusiastic way:\nwilling helpers / volunteers * willing support / consent * She’s very willing. * Willing hands pulled him to safety.\nOPP UNWILLING\n    willingly adverb:\nPeople would willingly pay more for better services. * I would never willingly upset you. * ’Will you help me?’ ’Willingly.’\n    willingness noun [U, sing.]:\nSuccess in studying depends on a willingness to learn.\n IDIOMS  see GOD, SHOW v., SPIRIT


Words: willow
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [C] a tree with long thin branches and long thin leaves, that often grows near water\nsee also PUSSY WILLOW\n  2  [U] the wood of the willow tree, used especially for making cricket bats


Words: willy
Meaning:
(also willie)  noun\n(plural willies) (BrE, informal) a word for a PENIS, used especially by children or when speaking to children


Words: willy-nilly
Meaning:
adverb (informal)\n  1  whether you want to or not:\nShe was forced willy-nilly to accept the company’s proposals.\n  2  in a careless way without planning:\nDon’t use your credit card willy-nilly.


Words: wilt
Meaning:
verb\n  1  [V, VN] if a plant or flower wilts, or sth wilts it, it bends towards the ground because of the heat or a lack of water\n  2  [V] (informal) to become weak or tired or less confident:\nThe spectators were wilting visibly in the hot sun. * He was wilting under the pressure of work.\n  3  (thou wilt) (old use) used to mean ’you will’, when talking to one person


Words: wily
Meaning:
adjective\n(wilier, wiliest) clever at getting what you want, and willing to trick people\nSYN CUNNING:\nThe boss is a wily old fox. * He was outwitted by his wily opponent.


Words: wimp
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (informal, disapproving) a person who is not strong, brave or confident\n    wimpish (also wimpy) adjective:\nwimpish behaviour * She was too wimpy to say what she really thought.\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wimp out (of sth) (informal, disapproving) to not do sth that you intended to do because you are too frightened or not confident enough to do it


Words: wimple
Meaning:
noun\na head covering made of fabric folded around the head and neck, worn by women in the Middle Ages and now by some NUNS


Words: win
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb (winning, won, won )\n  1  to be the most successful in a competition, race, battle, etc:\n[V] to win at cards / chess * Which team won? * France won by six goals to two against Denmark. * [VN] to win an election / a game / a war * She loves to win an argument.\n  2  ~ sth (from sb) to get sth as the result of a competition, race, election, etc:\n[VN] Britain won five gold medals. * He won ｣3 000 in the lottery. * How many states did the Republicans win? * The Conservatives won the seat from Labour in the last election. * [VNN] You’ve won yourself a trip to New York.\n  3  [VN] to achieve or get sth that you want, especially by your own efforts:\nThey are trying to win support for their proposals. * The company has won a contract to supply books and materials to schools. * She won the admiration of many people in her battle against cancer.\nsee also WINNER, WINNING\n IDIOMS \n  you, he, etc. can’t win (spoken) used to say that there is no satisfactory way of dealing with a particular situation:\nI can’t win. If I agree with her, she says I have no mind of my own; if I don’t, she says I’m being difficult.\n  you can’t win them all | you win some, you lose some (spoken) used to express sympathy for sb who has been disappointed about sth\n  you win (spoken) used to agree to what sb wants after you have failed to persuade them to do or let you do sth else:\nOK, you win, I’ll admit I was wrong.\n  win (sth) hands down (informal) to win sth very easily\n  win sb’s heart to make sb love you\n  win or lose whether you succeed or fail:\nWin or lose, we’ll know we’ve done our best.\nmore at DAY, SPUR n.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  win sb<->around / over / round (to sth) to get sb’s support or approval by persuading them that you are right:\nShe’s against the idea but I’m sure I can win her over.\n  win sth/sb<->back to get or have again sth/sb that you had before:\nThe party is struggling to win back voters who have been alienated by recent scandals.\n  win out / through (informal) to be successful in spite of difficulties:\nIt’s not going to be easy but we’ll win through in the end.\n    noun a victory in a game, contest, etc:\ntwo wins and three defeats * They have not had a win so far this season. * France swept to a 62 win over Denmark.\nsee also NO-WIN


Words: wince
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (at sth) to suddenly make an expression with your face that shows that you are feeling pain or embarrassment:\nHe winced as a sharp pain shot through his left leg. * I still wince when I think about that stupid thing I said.\n    wince noun [usually sing.]:\na wince of pain


Words: winch
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n a machine for lifting or pulling heavy objects using a rope or chain\n    verb [VN +adv./prep.] to lift sb/sth up into the air using a winch:\nA helicopter winched the survivors to safety.


Words: wind
Meaning:
noun, verb-see also WIND\n    noun\n  1  [C, U] (also the wind) air that moves quickly as a result of natural forces:\nstrong / high winds * gale-force winds * a light wind * a north / south / east / west wind * a chill / cold / biting north wind * The wind is blowing from the south. * The trees were swaying in the wind. * A gust of wind blew my hat off. * The weather was hot, without a a breath of wind. * The wall gives some protection from the prevailing wind. * The wind is getting up (= starting to blow strongly). * The wind has dropped (= stopped blowing strongly). * wind speed / direction\nsee also CROSSWIND, DOWNWIND, HEADWIND, TAILWIND, TRADE WIND, WINDY\n  2  (BrE) (AmE gas) [U] air that you swallow with food or drink; gas that is produced in your stomach or INTESTINES that makes you feel uncomfortable:\nI can’t eat beans-they give me wind. * Try to bring the baby’s wind up.\n  3  [U] breath that you need when you do exercise or blow into a musical instrument:\nI need time to get my wind back after that run. * He kicked Gomez in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him.\nsee also SECOND WIND\n  4  [U+sing./pl. v.] the group of musical instruments in an orchestra that produce sounds when you blow into them; the musicians who play those instruments:\nmusic for wind and strings * the wind section * The wind played beautifully. * a wind band\ncompare WOODWIND\n IDIOMS \n  break wind to release gas from your bowels through your ANUS\n  get wind of sth (informal) to hear about sth secret or private:\nShe didn’t want reporters getting wind of their plans.\n  get / have the wind up (about sth) (informal) to become/be frightened about sth\n  in the wind about to happen soon, although you do not know exactly how or when:\nOnce again, changes are in the wind.\n  like the wind very quickly:\nWe ran like the wind.\n  put the wind up sb (BrE, informal) to make sb frightened:\nTell him that the police have been informed-that’ll put the wind up him.\n  take the wind out of sb’s sails (informal) to make sb suddenly less confident or angry, especially when you do or say sth that they do not expect:\nWhen I agreed to his suggestion at once, it really took the wind out of his sails.\n  a wind / the winds of change (used especially by journalists) an event or a series of events that has started to happen and will cause important changes or results:\nA wind of change was blowing through the banking world.\nmore at CAUTION n., FOLLOWING, ILL adj., SAIL v., STRAW, WAY n.\n    verb [VN] \n  1  [usually passive] to make sb unable to breathe easily for a short time:\nHe was momentarily winded by the blow to his stomach.\n  2  (BrE) to gently hit or rub a baby’s back to make it BURP (= release gas from its stomach through its mouth)\nSYN BURP\nsee also LONG-WINDED\n\n\n \n  1  [+adv./prep.] (of a road, river, etc.) to have many bends and twists:\n[V] The path wound down to the beach. * [VN] The river winds its way between two meadows.\nsee also WINDING\n \n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to wrap or twist sth around itself or sth else:\nHe wound the wool into a ball. * Wind the bandage around your finger.\n \n  3  ~ (sth) (up) to make a clock or other mechanism work by turning a KNOB, handle, etc. several times; to be able to be made to work in this way:\n[VN] He had forgotten to wind his watch. * [V] It was one of those old-fashioned gramophones that winds up.\nsee also WIND-UP\n  4  ~ (sth) forward / back to operate a tape, film, etc. so that it moves nearer to its ending or starting position:\n[VN] He wound the tape back to the beginning. * [V] Wind forward to the bit where they discover the body.\n  5  [VN] to turn a handle several times:\nYou operate the trapdoor by winding this handle.\n IDIOMS  see LITTLE FINGER\n    wind noun:\nGive the handle another couple of winds.\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wind down\n1 (of a person) to rest or relax after a period of activity or excitement\nSYN UNWIND\n2 (of a piece of machinery) to go slowly and then stop\n  wind sth<->down\n1 to bring a business, an activity, etc. to an end gradually over a period of time:\nThe government is winding down its nuclear programme. * The department is being wound down after the election.\n2 to make sth such as the window of a car move downwards by turning a handle, pressing a button, etc:\nCan I wind my window down?\n  wind up (informal) (of a person) to find yourself in a particular place or situation:\nI always said he would wind up in prison. * [+ -ing] We eventually wound up staying in a little hotel a few miles from town. * [+ADJ] If you take risks like that you’ll wind up dead.\n  wind up | wind sth<->up to bring sth such as a speech or meeting to an end:\nThe speaker was just winding up when the door was flung open. * If we all agree, let’s wind up the discussion.\n  wind sb<->up (BrE, informal) to deliberately say or do sth in order to annoy sb:\nCalm down! Can’t you see he’s only winding you up? * That can’t be true! You’re winding me up.\nrelated noun WIND-UP\n  wind sth<->up\n1 to stop running a company, business, etc. and close it completely\n2 to make sth such as the window of a car move upwards by turning a handle, pressing a button, etc:\nAre all the windows wound up?


Words: wind chill
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the effect of low temperature combined with wind on sb/sth:\nTake the wind-chill factor into account.


Words: wind-blown
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  carried from one place to another by the wind:\nwind-blown dust / sand / snow\n  2  made untidy by the wind:\nwind-blown hair


Words: wind-up
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective [only before noun]\n  1  that you operate by turning a key or handle:\nan old-fashioned wind-up gramophone\n  2  intended to bring sth to an end:\na wind-up speech\n    noun (BrE, informal) something that sb says or does in order to be deliberately annoying, especially as a joke:\nIs this a wind-up?


Words: windbag
Meaning:
noun\n(informal, disapproving) a person who talks too much, and does not say anything important or interesting


Words: windfall
Meaning:
noun\n  1  an amount of money that sb/sth wins or receives unexpectedly:\nThe hospital got a sudden windfall of ｣300 000. * windfall gains / profits * The government imposed a windfall tax (= a tax on profits to be paid once only, not every year) on some industries.\n  2  a fruit, especially an apple, that the wind has blown down from a tree:\nThe ground was covered with windfalls.


Words: winding sheet
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in the past) a piece of fabric that a dead person’s body was wrapped in before it was buried


Words: windmill
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  a building with machinery for GRINDING grain into flour that is driven by the power of the wind turning long arms (called SAILS)\n \n  2  a tall thin structure with parts that turn round, used to change the power of the wind into electricity\n \n IDIOMS  see TILT v.


Words: window
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  an opening in the wall or roof of a building, car, etc., usually covered with glass, that allows light and air to come in and people to see out; the glass in a window:\nShe looked out of the window. * Do you mind if I open the window? * the bedroom / car / kitchen window * a broken window\nsee also BAY WINDOW, DORMER WINDOW, FRENCH WINDOW, PICTURE WINDOW, ROSE WINDOW, SASH WINDOW\n \n  2  the glass at the front of a shop/store and the area behind it where goods are shown to the public:\nI saw the dress I wanted in the window. * a window display\n \n  3  an area within a frame on a computer screen, in which a particular programme is operating or in which information of a particular type is shown:\nto create / open a window\n  4  a small area of sth that you can see through, for example to talk to sb or read sth on the other side:\nThere was a long line of people at the box-office window. * The address must be clearly visible through the window of the envelope.\n  5  [sing.] ~ on / into sth a way of seeing and learning about sth:\nTelevision is a sort of window on the world. * It gave me an intriguing window into the way people live.\n  6  a time when there is an opportunity to do sth, although it may not last long:\nWe now have a small window of opportunity in which to make our views known.\n IDIOMS \n  fly / go out (of) the window (informal) to stop existing; to disappear completely:\nAs soon as the kids arrived, order went out of the window.


Words: window dressing
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the art of arranging goods in shop/store windows in an attractive way\n  2  (disapproving) the fact of doing or saying sth in a way that creates a good impression but does not show the real facts:\nThe reforms have been interpreted as window dressing.


Words: window sill
Meaning:
(also sill, window ledge) noun\na narrow shelf below a window, either inside or outside:\nPlace the plants on a sunny window sill.


Words: window-shopping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the activity of looking at the goods in shop/store windows, usually without intending to buy anything:\nto go window-shopping


Words: windscreen wiper
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE windshield wiper) (also wiper BrE, AmE) noun\na blade with a rubber edge that moves across a windscreen to make it clear of rain, snow, etc.


Words: windshield
Meaning:
noun\n \n  1  (AmE) = WINDSCREEN\n \n  2  a glass or plastic screen that provides protection from the wind, for example at the front of a motorcycle


Words: windsock
Meaning:
noun\na fabric tube, open at both ends, that hangs at the top of a pole, for example on an AIRFIELD, to show the direction of the wind


Words: windsurfer
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE also Windsurfer) (also sailboard BrE, AmE) a long narrow board with a sail, that you stand on and sail across water on\n  2  a person on a windsurfer


Words: windsurfing
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the sport of sailing on water standing on a windsurfer:\nto go windsurfing\n    windsurf verb:\n[V] Most visitors come to sail or windsurf.


Words: windswept
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a place) having strong winds and little protection from them:\nthe windswept Atlantic coast\n  2  looking as though you have been in a strong wind:\nwindswept hair


Words: windward
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective on the side of sth from which the wind is blowing:\nthe windward side of the boat\nOPP LEEWARD\nsee also LEE\n    windward adverb \nOPP LEEWARD\n    noun [U] the side or direction from which the wind is blowing:\nto sail to windward\ncompare LEEWARD


Words: windy
Meaning:
adjective (windier, windiest)\n  1  (of weather, etc.) with a lot of wind:\na windy day * It’s too windy to go out in the boat.\nOPP WINDLESS\n  2  (of a place) getting a lot of wind:\nwindy hills / moors\n  3  (informal, disapproving) (of speech) involving speaking for longer than necessary and in a way that is complicated and not clear


Words: wine
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  1  [U, C] an alcoholic drink made from the juice of grapes that has been left to FERMENT. There are many different kinds of wine:\na bottle of wine * a glass of dry / sweet wine * red / rose / white wine * dessert / sparkling wine\n  2  [U, C] an alcoholic drink made from plants or fruits other than grapes:\nelderberry / rice wine\n  3  [U] (also wine red) a dark red colour:\na wine velvet jacket\n    verb\n IDIOMS \n  wine and dine (sb) to go to restaurants, etc. and enjoy good food and drink; to entertain sb by buying them good food and drink:\nThe town offers many opportunities for wining and dining. * The firm spent thousands wining and dining potential clients.


Words: wine cooler
Meaning:
noun\n  1  (AmE) a drink made with wine, fruit juice, ice and SODA WATER\n  2  (wine cooler) a container for putting a bottle of wine in to cool it


Words: wing
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  of bird / insect\n \n  1  [C] one of the parts of the body of a bird, insect or BAT that it uses for flying:\nThe swan flapped its wings noisily. * wing feathers\n \n  of plane\n \n  2  [C] one of the large flat parts that stick out from the side of a plane and help to keep it in the air when it is flying\n \n  of building\n \n  3  [C] one of the parts of a large building that sticks out from the main part:\nthe east / west wing * the new wing of the hospital\n  of car\n  4  (BrE) (AmE fender) [C] a part of a car that is above a wheel:\nThere was a dent in the nearside wing. * a wing mirror (= fixed to the side of a car)\n  of organization\n  5  [C] one section of an organization that has a particular function or whose members share the same opinions\nSYN ARM:\nthe radical wing of the party * the political wing of the National Resistance Army\nsee also LEFT WING, RIGHT WING\n  in football / hockey\n  6  [C] = WINGER\nsee also LEFT WING, RIGHT WING\n  7  [C] the far left or right side of the sports field:\nHe plays on the wing.\n  in theatre\n  8  (the wings) [pl.] the area at either side of the stage that cannot be seen by the audience:\nShe watched every performance from the wings.\n IDIOMS \n  get your wings to pass the exams that mean you are allowed to fly a plane\n  (waiting) in the wings ready to take over a particular job or be used in a particular situation when needed:\nShe was aware of a whole host of ambitious young managers waiting in the wings.\n  on a wing and a prayer with only a very slight chance of success\n  on the wing (literary) (of a bird, insect, etc.) flying\n  take sb under your wing to take care of and help sb who has less experience of sth than you\n  take wing (literary) (of a bird, insect, etc.) to fly away: (figurative) Her imagination took wing.\nmore at CLIP v., SPREAD v.\n    verb\n  fly\n  1  [+adv./prep.] (literary) to fly somewhere:\n[VN] A solitary seagull winged its way across the bay. [also V]\n  go quickly\n  2  [VN +adv./prep.] to be sent somewhere very quickly:\nAn application form will be winging its way to you soon.\n IDIOMS \n  wing it (informal) to do sth without planning or preparing it first\nSYN IMPROVISE:\nI didn’t know I’d have to make a speech-I just had to wing it.


Words: wing nut
Meaning:
noun\na NUT (2) for holding things in place, which has parts that stick out at the sides so that you can turn it easily


Words: winged
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  having wings:\nwinged creatures / insects\nOPP WINGLESS\n  2  (- winged) (in adjectives) having the number or type of wings mentioned:\na long-winged bird


Words: winger
Meaning:
noun\n(also wing) (sport) either of the attacking players who play towards the side of the playing area in sports such as football or hockey


Words: wingspan
Meaning:
noun\nthe distance between the end of one wing and the end of the other when the wings are fully stretched:\na bird with a two-foot wingspan * the wingspan of a glider


Words: wingtips
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] (AmE) strong leather shoes that fasten with LACES and have an extra piece of leather with small holes in it over the toe


Words: wink
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  ~ (at sb) [V] to close one eye and open it again quickly, especially as a private signal to sb, or to show sth is a joke:\nHe winked at her and she knew he was thinking the same thing that she was.\ncompare BLINK\n \n  2  [V] (written) to shine with an unsteady light; to flash on and off\nSYN BLINK:\nWe could see the lights of the ship winking in the distance.\n \n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wink at sth to pretend that you have not noticed sth, especially sth bad or illegal\n    noun an act of winking, especially as a signal to sb:\nHe gave her a knowing wink.\nsee also FORTY WINKS\n IDIOMS \n  not get / have a wink of sleep | not sleep a wink to not be able to sleep:\nI didn’t get a wink of sleep last night. * I hardly slept a wink.\nmore at NOD n., NUDGE n., TIP v.


Words: winkle
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun (BrE) (also periwinkle AmE, BrE) a small shellfish, like a SNAIL, that can be eaten\n    verb (BrE, informal)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  winkle sth/sb<->out (of sth) to get sb/sth out of a place or position, especially when they do not want to leave\n  winkle sth out of sb to get information from sb, especially with difficulty:\nShe always manages to winkle secrets out of people.


Words: Winnebago
Meaning:
noun\n(AmE) a large motor vehicle designed for people to live and sleep in when they are camping; a type of \nSYN RV


Words: winner
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a person, a team, an animal, etc. that wins sth:\nThe winners of the competition will be announced next month. * There are no winners in a divorce (= everyone suffers). * the European cup winners * Johnson rode his 48th winner of the year.\n  2  [usually sing.] (informal) a thing or person that is successful or likely to be successful:\nI think your idea is a winner. * The design is very good. We could be onto a winner (= we may do or produce sth successful).\n  3  [sing.] (sport) a goal or point that causes a team or a person to win a game:\nOwen scored the winner after 20 minutes\ncompare LOSER\n IDIOMS  see PICK v.


Words: winning
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [only before noun] that wins or has won sth, for example a race or competition:\nthe winning horse / goal / ticket\n  2  [usually before noun] attractive in a way that makes other people like you:\na winning smile\n IDIOMS  see CARD n.


Words: winning post
Meaning:
noun\n(especially BrE) a post that shows where the end of a race is:\nto be first past the winning post


Words: winnow
Meaning:
verb\n[VN] to blow a current of air through grain in order to remove its outer covering (called the CHAFF)\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  winnow sb/sth out (of sth) (written) to remove people or things from a group so that only the best ones are left


Words: wino
Meaning:
noun\n(plural winos) (informal) a person who drinks a lot of cheap alcohol and who has no home:\nThere were a pair of winos sleeping under the bridge.


Words: winsome
Meaning:
adjective\n(formal) (of people or their manner) pleasant and attractive:\nShe gave him a winsome smile.\n    winsomely adverb


Words: winter
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun [U, C] the coldest season of the year, between autumn/fall and spring:\na mild / severe / hard winter * Our house can be very cold in (the) winter. * They worked on the building all through the winter. * We went to New Zealand last winter. * the winter months * a winter coat\n IDIOMS  see DEAD n.\n    verb [V]   [usually +adv./prep.] to spend the winter somewhere:\nMany British birds winter in Africa. * Increasing numbers of retired people are wintering abroad.\ncompare OVERWINTER


Words: wintry
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  typical of winter; cold:\nwintry weather / showers * a wintry landscape\n  2  (written) not friendly:\na wintry smile


Words: wipe
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n\n \n  1  ~ sth (on / with sth) to rub a surface with a cloth, etc. in order to clean it; to rub sth against a surface, in order to remove dirt or liquid from it:\n[VN] She was sniffing and wiping her eyes with a tissue. * Please wipe your feet on the mat. * He wiped his hands on a clean towel. * [VN-ADJ] He wiped his plate clean with a piece of bread.\n \n  2  [VN] ~ sth (from / off sth) | ~ sth (away / off / up) to remove dirt, liquid, etc. from sth by using a cloth, your hand, etc:\nHe wiped the sweat from his forehead. * She wiped off her make-up. * Use that cloth to wipe up the mess. * (figurative) Wipe that stupid smile off your face.\n \n  3  [VN] ~ sth (off / off sth) to remove information, sound, images, etc. from a computer, tape or video:\nYou must have wiped off that programme I recorded. * Somebody had wiped all the tapes.\n \n  4  [VN] ~ sth from sth | ~ sth out to deliberately forget an experience because it was unpleasant or embarrassing:\nI tried to wipe the whole episode from my mind. * You can never wipe out the past.\n IDIOMS \n  wipe the floor with sb (informal) to defeat sb completely in an argument or a competition\n  wipe sb/sth off the face of the earth | wipe sth off the map to destroy or remove sb/sth completely\n  wipe the slate clean to agree to forget about past mistakes or arguments and start again with a relationship\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wipe sth<->down to clean a surface completely, using a wet cloth:\nShe took a cloth and wiped down the kitchen table.\n  wipe sth off sth to remove sth from sth:\nBillions of pounds were wiped off share prices as the pound slumped again.\n  wipe out (informal) to fall over, especially when you are doing a sport such as skiing or SURFING:\nShe wiped out at the third gate in the slalom race.\n  wipe sb/sth<->out [often passive] to destroy or remove sb/sth completely:\nWhole villages were wiped out by the earthquake. * Last year’s profits were virtually wiped out. * a campaign to wipe out malaria\n    noun\n  1  an act of cleaning sth using a cloth:\nCan you give the table a quick wipe?\n  2  a special piece of thin fabric or soft paper that is soaked in a liquid and that you use to clean away dirt and bacteria:\nRemember to take nappies and baby wipes. * antiseptic wipes


Words: wire
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n\n \n  1  [U, C] metal in the form of thin thread; a piece of this:\na coil of copper wire * a wire rack / basket * The box was fastened with a rusty wire.\nsee also BARBED WIRE, HIGH WIRE, TRIPWIRE\n \n  2  [C, U] a piece of wire that is used to carry an electric current or signal:\noverhead wires * fuse wire * The telephone wires had been cut.\nsee also HOT-WIRE\n \n  3  (the wire) [sing.] a wire fence:\nThree prisoners escaped by crawling under the wire.\n  4  [C] (informal, especially AmE) = TELEGRAM:\nWe sent a wire asking him to join us.\nsee also WIRY\n IDIOMS \n  get your wires crossed (informal) to become confused about what sb has said to you so that you think they meant sth else:\nWe seem to have got our wires crossed. I thought you were coming on Tuesday.\n  go, come, etc. (right) down to the wire (informal) if you say that a situation goes down to the wire, you mean that the result will not be decided or known until the very end\nmore at LIVE, PULL v.\n    verb\n  1  [VN] ~ sth (up) to connect a building, piece of equipment, etc. to an electricity supply using wires:\nMake sure the plug is wired up correctly.\n  2  [VN] ~ sb/sth up (to sth) | ~ sb/sth to sth to connect sb/sth to a piece of equipment, especially a TAPE RECORDER or computer system:\nHe was wired up to a police tape recorder. * The microphone was wired to a loudspeaker.\n  3  [VN] ~ sth (for sth) to put a special device somewhere in order to listen secretly to other people’s conversations\nSYN BUG:\nThe room had been wired for sound.\n  4  ~ (sth) (to sb) | ~ sb (sth) (especially AmE) to send sb a message by TELEGRAM: [VN, VNN] He wired the news to us. * He wired us the news.\n  5  ~ sth (to sb) | ~ sb sth to send money from one bank to another using an electronic system: [VN, VNN] The bank wired the money to her. * The bank wired her the money.\n  6  [VN] to join things together using wire


Words: wired
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  connected to a system of computers:\nMany colleges now have high-tech libraries and wired dormitories.\n  2  (of glass, material, etc.) containing wires that make it strong or stiff\n  3  (informal) excited or nervous; not relaxed\n  4  (informal, especially AmE) under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug


Words: wireless
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned)\n  1  [C] (especially BrE) a radio:\nI heard it on the wireless.\n  2  [U] a system of sending and receiving signals:\na message sent by wireless * a wireless operator


Words: wiretapping
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the act of secretly listening to other people’s telephone conversations by attaching a device to the telephone line\n    wiretap verb (-pp-) [VN]\n    wiretap noun:\nthe use of illegal wiretaps\nsee also TAP


Words: wiring
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the system of wires that is used for supplying electricity to a building or machine:\nto check the wiring * a wiring diagram


Words: wiry
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  (of a person) thin but strong:\na wiry little man\n  2  (of hair, plants, etc.) stiff and strong; like wire


Words: wisdom
Meaning:
noun [U]\n  1  the ability to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have:\na woman of great wisdom * words of wisdom\n  2  ~ of sth / of doing sth how sensible sth is:\nI question the wisdom of giving a child so much money.\n  3  the knowledge that a society or culture has gained over a long period of time:\nthe collective wisdom of the Native American people\n IDIOMS \n  conventional / received wisdom the view or belief that most people hold:\nConventional wisdom has it that riots only ever happen in cities.\n  in his / her / its, etc. (infinite) wisdom used when you are saying that you do not understand why sb has done sth:\nThe government in its wisdom has decided to support the ban.\nmore at PEARL


Words: wise
Meaning:
adjective, verb \n    adjective (wiser, wisest)\n  1  (of people) able to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have:\na wise old man * I’m older and wiser after ten years in the business.\n  2  (of actions and behaviour) sensible; based on good judgement:\na wise decision / precaution * It was very wise to leave when you did. * The wisest course of action is just to say nothing. * I was grateful for her wise counsel.\n    wisely adverb:\nShe nodded wisely. * He wisely decided to tell the truth.\n IDIOMS \n  be none the wiser | not be any the wiser\n1 to not understand sth, even after it has been explained to you:\nI’ve read the instructions, but I’m still none the wiser.\n2 to not know or find out about sth bad that sb has done:\nIf you put the money back, no one will be any the wiser.\n  be wise after the event (often disapproving) to understand sth, or realize what you should have done, only after sth has happened\n  be / get wise to sb/sth (informal) to become aware that sb is being dishonest:\nHe thought he could fool me but I got wise to him.\n  put sb wise (to sth) (informal) to inform sb about sth\n    verb\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wise up (to sth) (informal) to become aware of the unpleasant truth about a situation


Words: wise guy
Meaning:
noun\n(informal disapproving, especially AmE) a person who speaks or behaves as if they know more than other people:\nOK, wise guy, what do we do now?


Words: wiseacre
Meaning:
noun\n(old-fashioned informal, especially AmE) a person who is annoying because they are very confident and think they know a lot


Words: wisecrack
Meaning:
noun\n(informal) a clever remark or joke\n    wisecrack verb:\n[V] He plays a wisecracking detective. [also V speech]


Words: wish
Meaning:
verb, noun \n    verb\n  1  (not usually used in the present progressive tense) to want sth to happen or to be true even though it is unlikely or impossible:\n[V (that)] I wish I were taller. * (BrE also) I wish I was taller. * I wish I hadn’t eaten so much. * ’Where is he now?’ ’I only wish I knew!’ * I wish you wouldn’t leave your clothes all over the floor. * She really wished she’d stayed on at college. * He sat by the phone, wishing it would ring.\n HELP NOTE  ’That’ is nearly always left out, especially in speech. [VN-ADJ] He’s dead and it’s no use wishing him alive again. * [VN +adv./prep.] She wished herself a million miles away.\n  2  (especially BrE, formal) to want to do sth; to want sth to happen:\n[V] You may stay until morning, if you wish. * ’I’d rather not talk now.’ ’(Just) as you wish.’ * [V to inf] This course is designed for people wishing to update their computer skills. * I wish to speak to the manager. * I don’t wish (= I don’t mean) to be rude, but could you be a little quieter? * [VNN] She could not believe that he wished her harm. * [VN to inf] He was not sure whether he wished her to stay or go.\n  3  [V] ~ (for sth) to think very hard that you want sth, especially sth that can only be achieved by good luck or magic:\nShe shut her eyes and wished for him to get better. * If you wish really hard, maybe you’ll get what you want. * It’s no use wishing for the impossible. * He has everything he could possibly wish for.\n  4  to say that you hope that sb will be happy, lucky, etc:\n[VNN] I wished her a happy birthday. * Wish me luck! * [VN] We wish them both well in their retirement.\n IDIOMS \n  I wish! (spoken) used to say that sth is impossible or very unlikely, although you wish it were possible\nSYN IF ONLY:\n’You’ll have finished by tomorrow.’ ’I wish!’\n PHRASAL VERBS \n  wish sth away to try to get rid of sth by wishing it did not exist\n  wish sb/sth on sb (informal) (used in negative sentences) to want sb to have sth unpleasant:\nI wouldn’t wish something like that on my worst enemy. * It’s not a job I’d wish on anybody.\n    noun\n  1  [C] ~ (to do sth) | ~ (for sth) a desire or a feeling that you want to do sth or have sth:\nShe expressed a wish to be alone. * He had no wish to start a fight. * I can understand her wish for secrecy. * His dearest wish (= what he wants most of all) is to see his grandchildren again. * It was her dying wish that I should have it.\n  2  [C] a thing that you want to have or to happen:\nto carry out sb’s wishes * I’m sure that you will get your wish. * She married against her parents’ wishes.\nsee also DEATH WISH\n  3  [C] an attempt to make sth happen by thinking hard about it, especially in stories when it often happens by magic:\nThrow some money in the fountain and make a wish. * The genie granted him three wishes. * The prince’s wish came true.\n  4  (wishes) [pl.] ~ (for sth) used especially in a letter or card to say that you hope that sb will be happy, well or successful:\nWe all send our best wishes for the future. * Give my good wishes to the family. * With best wishes (= for example, at the end of a letter)\n IDIOMS \n  your wish is my command (humorous) used to say that you are ready to do whatever sb asks you to do\nsee also DEATH WISH\n______________________________\n GRAMMAR POINT \nwish\nAfter the verb wish in sense 1, a past tense is always used in a that clause: Do you wish you had a better job? In more formal English, especially in AmE, many people use were after I, he, she, it instead of was: I wish he were here tonight.\n______________________________


Words: wishbone
Meaning:
noun\na V-shaped bone between the neck and breast of a chicken, duck, etc. When the bird is eaten, this bone is sometimes pulled apart by two people, and the person who gets the larger part can make a wish.


Words: wishful thinking
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the belief that sth that you want to happen is happening or will happen, although this is actually not true or very unlikely:\nI’ve got a feeling that Alex likes me, but that might just be wishful thinking.


Words: wishy-washy
Meaning:
adjective (informal, disapproving)\n  1  not having clear or firm ideas or beliefs:\na wishy-washy liberal\n  2  not bright in colour:\na wishy-washy blue


Words: wisp
Meaning:
noun ~ (of sth)\n  1  a small, thin piece of hair, grass, etc:\nShe brushed aside a stray wisp of hair.\n  2  a long thin line of smoke or cloud:\na thin wisp of smoke


Words: wistful
Meaning:
adjective\nthinking sadly about sth that you would like to have, especially sth in the past that you can no longer have:\na wistful smile / tone / look\n    wistfully  adverb:\nShe sighed wistfully. * ’If only I had known you then,’ he said wistfully.\n    wistfulness noun [U]


Words: wit
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, sing.] the ability to say or write things that are both clever and amusing:\nto have a quick / sharp / dry / ready wit * a woman of wit and intelligence * a book full of the wit and wisdom of his 30 years in politics\n  2  [C] a person who has the ability to say or write things that are both clever and amusing:\na well-known wit and raconteur\n  3  (wits) [pl.] your ability to think quickly and clearly and to make good decisions:\nHe needed all his wits to find his way out. * The game was a long battle of wits. * Kate paused and gathered her wits. * a chance to pit your wits against (= compete with, using your intelligence) our quiz champion\n  4  (-witted) (in adjectives) having the type of intelligence mentioned:\na quick-witted group of students\n  5  [U] ~ to do sth the intelligence or good sense to know what is the right thing to do:\nAt least you had the wit to ask for help. * It should not be beyond the wit of man to resolve this dispute.\nsee also WITLESS\n IDIOMS \n  be at yours wits’ end to be so worried by a problem that you do not know what to do next:\nShe was at her wit’s end wondering how she’d manage it all in the time.\n  be frightened / scared / terrified out of your wits to be very frightened\n  have / keep your wits about you to be aware of what is happening around you and ready to think and act quickly\n  to wit (old-fashioned, formal) you use to wit when you are about to be more exact about sth that you have just referred to:\nPilot error, to wit failure to follow procedures, was the cause of the accident.\nmore at LIVE\n______________________________\n WORD FAMILY \nwit n.\nwitty adj.\nwitticism n.\noutwit v.\n______________________________


Words: witch
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a woman who is believed to have magic powers, especially to do evil things. In stories, she usually wears a black pointed hat and flies on a BROOMSTICK.\n  2  (disapproving) an ugly unpleasant old woman\n IDIOMS  see BREW n.


Words: witch doctor
Meaning:
noun\n(especially in Africa) a person who is believed to have special magic powers that can be used to heal people\ncompare MEDICINE MAN


Words: witch-hunt
Meaning:
noun\n(usually disapproving) an attempt to find and punish people who hold opinions that are thought to be unacceptable or dangerous to society


Words: witchcraft
Meaning:
noun\n[U] the use of magic powers, especially evil ones:\nto practise witchcraft * She was accused of witchcraft.


Words: Witeout
Meaning:
noun\n[U] (AmE) a white liquid that you use to cover mistakes that you make when you are writing or typing, and that you can write on top of; a type of CORRECTION FLUID\nSYN TIPP-EX\nsee also WHITE-OUT


Words: with
Meaning:
preposition\n HELP NOTE  For the special uses of with in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example bear with sb/sth is in the phrasal verb section at bear.\n  1  in the company or presence of sb/sth:\nShe lives with her parents. * I have a client with me right now. * a nice steak with a bottle of red wine\n  2  having or carrying sth:\na girl with (= who has) red hair * a jacket with a hood * He looked at her with a hurt expression. * They’re both in bed with flu. * a man with a suitcase\n  3  using sth:\nCut it with a knife. * It is treated with acid before being analysed.\n  4  used to say what fills, covers, etc. sth:\nThe bag was stuffed with dirty clothes. * Sprinkle the dish with salt.\n  5  in opposition to sb/sth; against sb/sth:\nto fight / argue / quarrel with sb * to play tennis with sb * at war with a neighbouring country * I had an argument with my boss.\n  6  concerning; in the case of:\nBe careful with the glasses. * Are you pleased with the result? * Don’t be angry with her. * With these students it’s pronunciation that’s the problem.\n  7  used when considering one fact in relation to another:\nShe won’t be able to help us with all the family commitments she has. * It’s much easier compared with last time.\n  8  including:\nThe meal with wine came to $20 each. * With all the lesson preparation I have to do I work 12 hours a day.\n  9  used to show the way in which sb does sth:\nHe behaved with great dignity. * She sleeps with the window open. * Don’t stand with your hands in your pockets.\n  10  because of; as a result of:\nShe blushed with embarrassment. * His fingers were numb with cold.\n  11  because of sth and as it happens:\nThe shadows lengthened with the approach of sunset. * Skill comes with practice.\n  12  in the same direction as sth:\nMarine mammals generally swim with the current.\n  13  used to show who has possession of or responsibility for sth:\nThe keys are with reception. * Leave it with me.\n  14  employed by; using the services of:\nShe acted with a touring company for three years. * I bank with the HSBC.\n  15  showing separation from sth/sb:\nI could never part with this ring. * Can we dispense with the formalities?\n  16  in spite of sth:\nWith all her faults I still love her.\n  17  used in exclamations:\nOff to bed with you! * Down with school!\n IDIOMS \n  be with me / you (informal) to be able to understand what sb is talking about:\nAre you with me? * I’m afraid I’m not quite with you.\n  be with sb (on sth) to support sb and agree with what they say:\nWe’re all with you on this one.\n  with it (informal)\n1 knowing about current fashions and ideas\nSYN TRENDY:\nDon’t you have anything more with it to wear?\n2 understanding what is happening around you\nSYN ALERT:\nYou don’t seem very with it today.\n  with that (written) straight after that; then:\nHe muttered a few words of apology and with that he left.


Words: withdraw
Meaning:
1  ~ (sb/sth) (from sth) to move back or away from a place or situation; to make sb/sth do this\nSYN PULL OUT:\n[V] Government troops were forced to withdraw. * [VN] Both powers withdrew their forces from the region. * She withdrew her hand from his.\n  2  [VN] ~ sth (from sth) to stop giving or offering sth to sb:\nWorkers have threatened to withdraw their labour (= go on strike). * The drug was withdrawn from sale after a number of people suffered serious side effects. * He withdrew his support for our campaign. * Unless you return the form within seven days, the offer will be withdrawn.\n  3  ~ (sb/sth) (from sth) to stop taking part in an activity or being a member of an organization; to stop sb/sth from doing these things:\n[V] There have been calls for Britain to withdraw from the EU. * He was forced to withdraw from the competition because of injury. * [VN] The horse had been withdrawn from the race.\n  4  [VN] to take money out of a bank account:\nI’d like to withdraw ｣250 please.\n  5  [VN] (formal) to say that you no longer believe that sth you previously said is true\nSYN RETRACT:\nThe newspaper withdrew the allegations the next day.\n  6  [V] ~ (from sth) (into sth) to become quieter and spend less time with other people:\nShe’s beginning to withdraw into herself.


Words: withdrawal
Meaning:
noun\n  1  [U, C] the act of moving or taking sth away or back:\nthe withdrawal of support / troops * the withdrawal of a product from the market * US withdrawal from Vietnam\n  2  [U] the act of no longer taking part in sth or being a member of an organization:\nhis withdrawal from the election * a campaign for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU\n  3  [C] the act of taking an amount of money out of your bank account:\nYou can make withdrawals of up to $250 a day.\n  4  [U] the period of time when sb is getting used to not taking a drug that they have become dependent on, and the unpleasant effects of doing this:\nI got withdrawal symptoms after giving up smoking.\n  5  [C, usually sing, U] the act of saying that you no longer believe that sth you have previously said is true:\nThe newspaper published a withdrawal the next day.\nSYN RETRACTION\n  6  [U] (psychology) the behaviour of sb who wants to be alone and does not want to communicate with other people:\nShe is showing signs of withdrawal and depression.


Words: wither
Meaning:
verb\n  1  if a plant withers or sth withers it, it dries up and dies:\n[V] The grass had withered in the warm sun. [also VN]\n  2  [V] ~ (away) to become less or weaker, especially before disappearing completely:\nAll our hopes just withered away.


Words: withered
Meaning:
adjective [usually before noun]\n  1  (of plants) dried up and dead:\nwithered leaves\n  2  (of people) looking old because they are thin and weak and have very dry skin\n  3  (of parts of the body) thin and weak and not fully developed because of disease:\nwithered limbs


Words: withering
Meaning:
adjective\n(of a look, remark, etc.) intended to make sb feel silly or ashamed:\nwithering scorn / contempt * She gave him a withering look.\n    witheringly adverb


Words: withhold
Meaning:
verb\n(withheld, withheld sth) (formal) to refuse to give sth to sb:\nShe was accused of withholding information from the police. * Payment was withheld until the work was completed.


Words: withholding tax
Meaning:
noun\n[C, U] (in the US) an amount of money that an employer takes out of sb’s income as tax and pays directly to the government\ncompare PAY AS YOU EARN


Words: within
Meaning:
preposition, adverb \n    preposition\n  1  before a particular period of time has passed; during a particular period of time:\nYou should receive a reply within seven days. * The ambulance arrived within minutes of the call being made. * Two elections were held within the space of a year.\n  2  not further than a particular distance from sth:\na house within a mile of the station * Is it within walking distance?\n  3  inside the range or limits of sth:\nThat question is not within the scope of this talk. * We are now within range of enemy fire. * He finds it hard to live within his income (= without spending more than he earns).\nOPP OUTSIDE\n  4  (formal) inside sth/sb:\nThe noise seems to be coming from within the building. * There is discontent within the farming industry. * Despite her grief, she found a hidden strength within herself.\n    adverb (formal) inside:\nCleaner required. Apply within. (= on a sign)


Words: without
Meaning:
preposition, adverb \n    preposition\n  1  not having, experiencing or showing sth:\nThey had gone two days without food. * He found the place without difficulty. * She spoke without much enthusiasm.\n  2  not in the company of sb:\nDon’t go without me.\n  3  not using or taking sth:\nCan you see without your glasses? * Don’t go out without your coat.\n  4  ~ (sb) doing sth not doing the action mentioned:\nHe left without saying goodbye. * The party was organized without her knowing anything about it. * You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs. * Without wanting to criticize, I think you could have done better. (= used before you make a critical comment)\n    adverb not having or showing sth:\nDo you want a room with a bath or one without? * If there’s none left we’ll have to do without. * I’m sure we’ll manage without.


Words: withstand
Meaning:
verb\n(withstood, withstood ) [VN] (formal) to be strong enough not to be hurt or damaged by extreme conditions, the use of force, etc.\nSYN RESIST, STAND UP TO:\nThe materials used have to be able to withstand high temperatures. * They had withstood siege, hunger and deprivation.


Words: witless
Meaning:
adjective\n(rare) silly or stupid; not sensible:\na witless child / remark\n IDIOMS \n  be scared / bored witless (informal) to be extremely frightened or bored


Words: witness
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n  person who sees sth\n  1  (also eyewitness) [C] a person who sees sth happen and is able to describe it to other people:\nPolice have appealed for witnesses to the accident. * We have a witness to the killing.\n  in court of law\n  2  [C] a person who gives evidence in a court of law:\na defence / prosecution witness * to appear as (a) witness for the defence / prosecution * Several witnesses testified that there had been two gunmen.\n  of signature\n  3  [C] a person who is present when an official document is signed and who also signs it to prove that they saw this happen\n  of religious beliefs\n  4  [U] evidence of a person’s strong religious beliefs, that they show by what they say and do in public\nsee also JEHOVAH’S WITNESS\n IDIOMS \n  be (a) witness to sth\n1 (formal) to see sth take place:\nHe has been witness to a terrible murder.\n2 (written) to show that sth is true; to provide evidence for sth:\nHis good health is a witness to the success of the treatment.\n  bear / give witness (to sth) to provide evidence of the truth of sth:\nThe crowd of mourners at his funeral bore witness to the great affection in which he was held.\n    verb\n  see sth\n  1  [VN] to see sth happen because you are there when it happens:\nShe was shocked by the violent scenes she had witnessed. * Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them. * The novel is based on an event that he himself had witnessed. * I couldn’t bear to witness their suffering. * We are now witnessing an unprecedented increase in violent crime. * We had witnessed one of the most outstanding theatrical performances of the decade.\n  of time / place\n  2  [VN] to be the place, period, organization, etc. in which particular events take place:\nRecent years have witnessed a growing social mobility. * The retail trade is witnessing a sharp fall in sales. * Europe witnessed massive political change in the late 1980s.\n  signature\n  3  [VN] to be present when an official document is signed and sign it yourself to prove that you saw this happen:\nto witness a signature * The document was witnessed by a lawyer.\n  be sign / proof\n  4  [VN] [usually passive] to be a sign or proof of sth:\nThere has been increasing interest in her life and work, as witnessed by the publication of two new biographies.\n  5  [VN] (formal) used in orders when giving an example that proves sth you have just said:\nAuthentic Italian cooking is very healthy-witness the low incidence of heart disease in Italy.\n  in court of law\n  6  [V] ~ (to sth) (law or formal) to give evidence about sth in a court of law\n  to religious beliefs\n  7  [V] ~ (to sth) (especially AmE) to speak to people about your strong religious beliefs


Words: witness box
Meaning:
(BrE) (AmE witness stand) (also stand BrE, AmE) noun\nthe place in a court of law where people stand to give evidence


Words: witter
Meaning:
verb\n[V] ~ (on) (about sth) (BrE, informal, usually disapproving) to talk about sth unimportant and boring for a long time:\nWhat’s he wittering on about?


Words: wittingly
Meaning:
adverb\n(formal) in a way that shows that you are aware of what you are doing:\nIt was clear that, wittingly or unwittingly, he had offended her.\nsee also UNWITTING


Words: witty
Meaning:
adjective\n(wittier, wittiest) able to say or write clever, amusing things:\na witty speaker / writer * a witty remark\n    wittily  adverb


Words: wizard
Meaning:
noun\n  1  a man who is believed to have magic powers\n  2  a person who is especially good at sth:\na computer / financial wizard


Words: wizardry
Meaning:
noun\n[U] a very impressive and clever achievement; great skill:\nfinancial / computing / electronic wizardry * The second goal was sheer wizardry.


Words: wizened
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) looking smaller and having many folds and lines in the skin, because of being old:\na wizened little man * wizened apples * her old wizened face


Words: wobble
Meaning:
verb\n  1  to move from side to side in an unsteady way; to make sth do this:\n[V] This chair wobbles. * (figurative) Her voice wobbled with emotion. * [VN] Don’t wobble the table-I’m trying to write.\n  2  [V +adv./prep.] to go in a particular direction while moving from side to side in an unsteady way:\nHe wobbled off on his bike.\n    wobble noun [usually sing.]:\nThe handlebars developed a wobble.


Words: wobbly
Meaning:
adjective, noun \n    adjective (informal)\n  1  moving in an unsteady way from side to side:\na chair with a wobbly leg * a wobbly tooth * He’s still a bit wobbly after the operation (= not able to stand firmly).\n  2  not firm or confident\nSYN SHAKY:\nthe wobbly singing of the choir * The evening got off to a wobbly start.\n    noun\n IDIOMS \n  throw a wobbly (BrE, informal) to suddenly become very angry or upset:\nMy parents threw a wobbly when I told them.


Words: woe
Meaning:
noun (old-fashioned or humorous)\n  1  (woes) [pl.] the troubles and problems that sb has:\nfinancial / economic woes * Thanks for listening to my woes.\n  2  [U] great unhappiness:\na tale of woe\n IDIOMS \n  woe betide sb | woe to sb (formal or humorous) a phrase that is used to warn sb that there will be trouble for them if they do sth or do not do sth:\nWoe betide anyone who gets in her way!\n  woe is me! exclamation (old use or humorous) a phrase that is used to say that you are very unhappy


Words: woeful
Meaning:
adjective\n  1  [usually before noun] very bad or serious; that you disapprove of\nSYN DEPLORABLE:\nShe displayed a woeful ignorance of the rules.\n  2  (literary or formal) very sad:\na woeful face * woeful tales of broken romances\n    woefully  adverb:\nHis performance was woefully inadequate. * ’I’ll never see him again,’ she sighed woefully.


Words: wolds
Meaning:
noun\n[pl.] used in the names of places in Britain for an area of high open land:\nthe Yorkshire Wolds


Words: wolf
Meaning:
noun, verb \n    noun\n (plural wolves ) a large wild animal of the dog family, that lives and hunts in groups:\na pack of wolves\n \n IDIOMS \n \n  keep the wolf from the door (informal) to have enough money to avoid going hungry; to stop sb feeling hungry\n \n  throw sb to the wolves to leave sb to be roughly treated or criticized without trying to help or defend them\n \n  a wolf in sheep’s clothing a person who seems to be friendly or harmless but is really an enemy\nmore at CRY v., LONE\n    verb [VN] ~ sth (down) (informal) to eat food very quickly, especially by putting a lot of it in your mouth at once\nSYN GOBBLE


Words: wolf whistle
Meaning:
noun\na whistle with a short rising note and a long falling note, that a man uses to show that he finds a woman attractive, especially one passing in the street. Many women find this offensive.\n    wolf-whistle verb [V, VN]


Words: wolfhound
Meaning:
noun\na very large tall dog with long hair and long legs, originally used for hunting wolves:\nan Irish wolfhound


Words: wolfish
Meaning:
adjective\n(written) like a wolf:\nwolfish yellow eyes * (figurative) a wolfish grin (= showing sexual interest in sb)


Words: woman
Meaning:
1  [C] an adult female human being:\nmen, women and children * a 24-year-old woman * I prefer to see a woman doctor. * women drivers\n \n  2  [U] female human beings in general: (informal) She’s all woman! (= has qualities that are typical of women)\n \n  3  [C] (in compounds) a woman who comes from the place mentioned or whose job or interest is connected with the thing mentioned:\nan Englishwoman * a businesswoman * a Congresswoman * a horsewoman -> GENDER\n \n  4  [C] a female worker, especially one who works with her hands:\nWe used to have a woman to do the cleaning.\n  5  [sing.] (old-fashioned, spoken) a rude way of addressing a female person in an angry or important way:\nBe quiet, woman!\n  6  [C] (sometimes disapproving) a wife or sexual partner:\nHe’s got a new woman in his life.\nsee also FALLEN WOMAN, KEPT WOMAN, OTHER WOMAN\n IDIOMS \n  be your own man / woman to act or think independently, not following others or being ordered:\nWorking for herself meant that she could be her own woman.\nmore at HEART, HELL, HONEST, MAN n., PART n., POSSESSED, SUBSTANCE, WORLD


Words: womanhood
Meaning:
noun [U] (formal)\n  1  the state of being a woman, rather than a girl:\nHe watched his daughters grow to womanhood.\n  2  women in general:\nthe womanhood of this country\ncompare MANHOOD


Words: womanish
Meaning:
adjective\n(disapproving) (especially of a man) behaving in a way that is more suitable for a woman; more suitable for woman than men:\nHe has a womanish manner. * a womanish novel


