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Оглавлениеcab cabs
NOUN 1 The cab is the place where the driver sits in a bus, truck or train.
NOUN 2 A cab is another word for a taxi.
cabbage cabbages NOUN
A cabbage is a vegetable that looks like a large ball of leaves.
See Vegetables on page 260
cabin cabins
NOUN 1 A cabin is a room in a ship, boat or aeroplane for passengers or crew.
NOUN 2 A cabin is also a small house in a wild place such as a forest.
cable cables
NOUN 1 A cable is a thick rope or chain.
NOUN 2 A cable is also a bundle of wires with a rubber covering, which carries electricity.
NOUN 3 Cable television is a system in which the signals are sent along wires.
cactus cactuses or cacti NOUN
A cactus is a plant with spines. It can grow in hot, dry places like deserts.
café cafés NOUN
A café is a place with tables and chairs where you buy drinks and snacks.
cage cages NOUN
A cage is a box or room with bars in which birds or animals are kept.
cake cakes NOUN
A cake is a sweet food made with flour, sugar, fat and eggs, and baked in an oven.
See Other foods on page 261
calculate calculates, calculating, calculated VERB
If you calculate something in maths, you work it out.
calculation calculations NOUN
A calculation is something you work out in maths.
calculator calculators NOUN
A calculator is a small electronic machine which you can use to give you the answer to different calculations.
calendar calendars NOUN
A calendar is a list of the months, weeks and days in a year.
calf calves
NOUN 1 Calves are young cows, elephants and whales.
See Young animals on page 265
NOUN 2 Your calf is the part at the back of your leg between the knee and ankle.
call calls, calling, called
VERB 1 If you call someone, you shout for them, or telephone them.
VERB 2 If you call someone something, you give them a name.
VERB 3 If an animal or thing is called something, that is their name.
calm calmer, calmest
ADJECTIVE 1 If you are calm, you do not seem worried or excited.
ADJECTIVE 2 If the sea is calm, it is smooth and still because there is no wind.
came VERB
Came is the past tense of come.
camel camels NOUN
A camel is a large animal which carries people and things in the desert.
camera cameras NOUN
A camera is a piece of equipment you use to take pictures.
camouflage camouflages, camouflaging, camouflaged VERB
To camouflage something is to hide it by giving it the same colour or appearance as its surroundings.
camp camps NOUN
A camp is a place where people stay in tents.
can could; cans
VERB 1 If you can do something, you are able to do it. I can swim.
NOUN 2 A can is a metal container for something like food, drink or paint.
canal canals NOUN
A canal is a narrow stretch of water made for boats to travel along.
cancel cancels, cancelling, cancelled VERB
If you cancel something that has been planned, you stop it from happening.
candle candles NOUN
A candle is a wax stick with a string called a wick inside. You light the wick and it burns to give light.
cane canes
NOUN 1 A cane is the long hollow stem of a plant such as bamboo.
NOUN 2 A cane is a tall narrow stick used to support things.
cannot VERB
Cannot is the same as can not.
canoe canoes NOUN
A canoe is a small light boat, moved with a paddle.
can’t VERB
Can’t is a contraction of cannot.
canvas NOUN
Canvas is strong cloth, used for making things like tents and sails.
canyon canyons NOUN
A canyon is a narrow valley with very steep sides, often with a river.
cap caps
NOUN 1 A cap is a soft flat hat with a peak at the front.
NOUN 2 A cap is also a small flat lid on a bottle or container.
capable ADJECTIVE
If a person is capable of doing something, they are able to do it. He’s capable of doing better.
capacity capacities NOUN
The capacity of something is the largest amount it can hold, produce or carry.
The capacity of this jug is one litre.
capital capitals
NOUN 1 The capital is the main city in a country. Paris is the capital of France.
NOUN 2 A capital is a big letter of the alphabet, such as A, B and C. Capital letters are also called upper-case letters.
See lower-case
See also Punctuation on page 270
captain captains
NOUN 1 A captain is the person in charge of a ship or an aeroplane.
NOUN 2 A captain is the person who leads a team in sports like football.
caption captions NOUN
A caption is the words printed underneath a picture which explain what the picture is about.
capture captures, capturing, captured VERB
If you capture somebody, you take them prisoner.
car cars NOUN
A car is a road vehicle with wheels and an engine. It needs a driver and has room for passengers.
caravan caravans NOUN
A caravan is a vehicle pulled by a car in which people live or spend their holidays.
carbon NOUN
Carbon is a chemical found in coal and diamonds. All living things contain carbon.
carbon footprint carbon footprints NOUN
Your carbon footprint is the amount of pollution released into the atmosphere by the things you do.
card cards
NOUN 1 Card is strong, stiff paper.
NOUN 2 A greetings card usually has a picture on the front and is sent to people on special days such as birthdays.
NOUN 3 Playing cards are small pieces of card with numbers or pictures on them. They are used for card games.
cardboard NOUN
Cardboard is thick, stiff paper.
cardigan cardigans NOUN
A cardigan is a knitted jacket. You fasten it at the front with buttons.
care cares, caring, cared
VERB 1 If you care about something or someone, you think they are important.
VERB 2 If you care for a person or animal, you look after them.
NOUN 3 If you do something with care, you take trouble over it.
career careers NOUN
Someone’s career is the work they do, which they hope to do for a long time. John wants a career in teaching.
careful ADJECTIVE
If someone is careful, they try to do things safely and well.
careless ADJECTIVE
If you are careless, you do not pay attention to what you are doing.
caretaker caretakers NOUN
A caretaker is a person who looks after a large building such as a school.
cargo cargoes NOUN
Cargo is the goods carried on a ship or plane.
carnival carnivals NOUN
A carnival is a sort of party in the streets.
There is usually music and dancing, and people dress up and decorate cars and trucks.
carpenter carpenters NOUN
A carpenter is a person who works with wood, usually for furniture.
carpet carpets NOUN
A carpet is a thick covering for a floor, often made of wool.
carriage carriages
NOUN 1 A carriage is one of the vehicles that make up a passenger train.
NOUN 2 A carriage is also a vehicle with wheels, pulled by horses.
carrot carrots NOUN
A carrot is a long thin orange vegetable that grows under the ground.
See Vegetables on page 260
carry carries, carrying, carried VERB
When you carry something, you pick it up and take it with you.
cart carts NOUN
A cart is a heavy wooden vehicle pulled by horses or cattle on farms.
carton cartons NOUN
A carton is a strong cardboard or plastic box for holding food or drink.
cartoon cartoons
NOUN 1 A cartoon is a film where the characters are drawn instead of being real people.
NOUN 2 A cartoon is also a funny drawing in a magazine, newspaper or book.
cartwheel cartwheels NOUN
A cartwheel is a movement. You put your hands on the floor and move your legs round in a circle until you land on your feet again.
carve carves, carving, carved
VERB 1 If you carve an object, you cut it out of something like stone or wood.
VERB 2 If someone carves a piece of meat, they cut slices from it.
case cases NOUN
A case is a box for keeping or carrying things in.
cash NOUN
Cash is coins and paper money.
cast casts, casting, cast
NOUN 1 The cast of a play or film is all the people who act in it.
NOUN 2 A cast is an object made by pouring liquid plaster or metal into a container and leaving it to harden.
VERB 3 If something casts a shadow onto a place, it makes a shadow fall there.
VERB 4 If someone like a witch casts a spell on someone or something, they do magic that affects that person or thing.
castle castles NOUN
A castle is a large building with thick walls or ditches round it to protect it from attack.
cat cats NOUN
A cat is a small furry animal, often kept as a pet. There are also larger, wild cats, such as lions and tigers.
catalogue catalogues NOUN
A catalogue is a list of things for sale or for looking at.
catch catches, catching, caught
VERB 1 If you catch something, you take hold of it while it is moving.
VERB 2 If you catch a bus or train, you get on it to go somewhere.
VERB 3 If you catch something like measles, you get that illness.
catching ADJECTIVE
An illness that is catching can spread very quickly.
category categories NOUN
A category is a set of things with a particular feature or quality in common.
caterpillar caterpillars NOUN
A caterpillar is a very small animal like a worm with legs, that will change into a butterfly or moth.
cathedral cathedrals NOUN
A cathedral is a large, important church.
cattle NOUN
Bulls and cows are called cattle.
caught VERB
Caught is the past tense of catch.
cauliflower cauliflowers NOUN
A cauliflower is a round white vegetable with green leaves on the outside.
See Vegetables on page 260
cause causes, causing, caused VERB
To cause something means to make it happen.
cautious ADJECTIVE
Someone who is cautious acts carefully to avoid possible danger.
cave caves NOUN
A cave is a large hole in the side of a hill or cliff, or under the ground.
CD CDs NOUN
CD is an abbreviation of compact disc.
CD-ROM CD-ROMs NOUN
CD-ROM is an abbreviation of compact disc read-only memory. It is a disc which can be played on a computer to show sounds and pictures.
ceiling ceilings NOUN
The ceiling is the inside roof of a room.
celebrate celebrates, celebrating, celebrated VERB
If you celebrate something, you do something enjoyable like having a party, to show it is a special occasion.
celebrity celebrities NOUN
A celebrity is a famous person.
celery NOUN
Celery is a vegetable with long, pale green stalks.
See Vegetables on page 260
cell cells
NOUN 1 Animals and plants are made from tiny parts called cells.
NOUN 2 A cell is also a small room where a prisoner lives.
cellar cellars NOUN
A cellar is a room under a house where you can store things.
cement NOUN
Cement is a grey powder which is mixed with sand and water and used to make bricks stick together.
cemetery cemeteries NOUN
A cemetery is a place where dead people are buried.
centimetre centimetres NOUN
A centimetre (cm) is a measure of length. It is the same as 10 millimetres.
centipede centipedes NOUN
A centipede is a tiny animal like a worm, but with lots of legs.
central ADJECTIVE
Something that is central is in the middle of an object or an area.
centre centres
NOUN 1 The centre of anything is the middle of it.
NOUN 2 A centre is a place where people can go for a particular purpose, for example sports.
century centuries NOUN
A century is a period of 100 years. The 21st century is the time between 2000 and 2099.
cereal cereals
NOUN 1 Cereal is a plant which has seeds called grain that can be used for food.
NOUN 2 Cereal is also a food made from grain that is often eaten for breakfast.
See Other foods on page 261
ceremony ceremonies NOUN
A ceremony is a set of formal actions performed at a special occasion such as a wedding.
certain ADJECTIVE
If you are certain of something, you are sure it is true.
certificate certificates NOUN
A certificate is a piece of paper which says that something important like a birth or marriage took place.
chain chains NOUN
A chain is made from rings of metal joined together in a line.
chair chairs NOUN
A chair is a seat with a back, for one person.
chalk NOUN
Chalk is a soft white rock. It can be made into sticks for writing on blackboards.
challenge challenges, challenging, challenged
NOUN 1 A challenge is something new and exciting that needs a lot of effort. Learning how to cook is a new challenge for me.
VERB 2 If someone challenges you, they ask you to have a competition with them.
champion champions NOUN
A champion is a person who has beaten everyone else in a contest.
chance chances
NOUN 1 If there is a chance that something will happen, it might happen.
NOUN 2 If you are given a chance to do something, you are allowed to do it if you want to.
by chance PHRASE If something happens by chance, it has not been planned.
change changes, changing, changed
VERB 1 When something changes, it becomes different.
VERB 2 When you change your clothes, you put on different ones.
NOUN 3 If there is a change in something, it is different in some way.
NOUN 4 Change is the money you are given when you pay more than the right amount for something.
channel channels
NOUN 1 A channel is a passage for water or other liquid.
NOUN 2 Television companies use channels to broadcast programmes.
chaos NOUN
Chaos is a state of complete confusion, where nothing is organized.
chapter chapters NOUN
A chapter is a part of a book.
character characters
NOUN 1 The characters of a book, film or play are the people it is about.
NOUN 2 Someone’s character is the sort of person they are. She has a kind character.
charge charges, charging, charged
VERB 1 If someone charges you money, they ask you to pay for something.
VERB 2 If something or someone charges towards you, they rush forward.
in charge PHRASE If you are in charge of something, you are the person looking after it.
charity charities NOUN
A charity is an organization which raises money for a particular cause, such as people in need.
charm charms
NOUN 1 A charm is a small ornament that is fixed to a bracelet or necklace.
NOUN 2 A charm is also a magical spell or an object that is supposed to bring good luck.
chart charts
NOUN 1 A chart is a sheet of paper that shows things like dates or numbers.
NOUN 2 A chart can also be a map of the sea or of the stars.
chase chases, chasing, chased VERB
If you chase someone, you run after them to try and catch them.
chat chats NOUN
A chat is a friendly talk about things that are not very important.
chatroom chatrooms NOUN
A chatroom is a site on a computer network where people discuss a particular subject.
chatter chatters, chattering, chattered VERB
When people chatter, they talk about unimportant things.
cheap cheaper, cheapest ADJECTIVE
Something cheap costs very little, or less than you might expect.
cheat cheats, cheating, cheated VERB
When someone cheats, they lie or do unfair things to get what they want.
check checks, checking, checked
VERB 1 If you check something, you make sure it is correct or safe.
NOUN 2 A check is a pattern of squares.
checkout checkouts NOUN
A checkout is the place in a supermarket where you pay.
cheek cheeks NOUN
Your cheeks are the sides of your face below your eyes.
cheeky cheekier, cheekiest ADJECTIVE
Cheeky speech or behaviour is rude and disrespectful.
cheer cheers, cheering, cheered VERB
When you cheer, you shout to show you are pleased about something or to encourage a person or team.
cheerful ADJECTIVE
Someone who is cheerful shows they are feeling happy.
cheese cheeses NOUN
Cheese is a food made from milk. Some cheeses have a strong flavour.
See Other foods on page 261
cheetah cheetahs NOUN
A cheetah is a large wild animal of the cat family, with black spots.
chef chefs NOUN
A chef is the head cook in a restaurant or hotel.
chemist chemists
NOUN 1 A chemist is a person who makes up medicine.
NOUN 2 The chemist is a shop where you can buy medicine and things like soap and toothpaste.
NOUN 3 A chemist can be a scientist trained in chemistry.
chemistry NOUN
Chemistry is the scientific study of how substances are made up and how they work together.
cheque cheques NOUN
A cheque is a piece of paper that people use to pay for things.
cherry cherries NOUN
A cherry is a small round red or black fruit with a hard seed called a stone in the middle.
See Fruit on page 260
chess NOUN
Chess is a game for two people. It is played on a board marked in black and white squares.
chest chests
NOUN 1 Your chest is the top part of the front of your body, between your neck and your waist.
NOUN 2 A chest is a large heavy box, usually made of wood.
chestnut chestnuts
NOUN 1 A chestnut is a large tree.
NOUN 2 A chestnut is also a shiny brown nut that grows on a chestnut tree.
chew chews, chewing, chewed VERB
When you chew food, you bite it several times.
chick chicks NOUN
A chick is a baby bird.
See Young animals on page 265
chicken chickens NOUN
A chicken is a bird kept on a farm for its eggs and meat.
chickenpox NOUN
Chickenpox is an illness that gives you itchy spots.
chief chiefs NOUN
A chief is a person in charge of other people.
child children NOUN
A child is a young boy or girl.
childhood NOUN
A person’s childhood is the time of life when they are a child.
childish ADJECTIVE
You call a person childish if they are not acting like an adult is expected to act.
children PLURAL NOUN
Children is the plural of child.
chilly chillier, chilliest ADJECTIVE
If you feel chilly, you are not quite warm enough to be comfortable.
chime chimes NOUN
A chime is the musical sound made by a bell or a clock.
chimney chimneys NOUN
A chimney is a pipe which takes smoke from a fire up into the air.
chimpanzee chimpanzees NOUN
A chimpanzee is a small ape with dark fur that lives in forests in Africa.
chin chins NOUN
Your chin is the part of your face below your mouth.
chip chips, chipping, chipped
NOUN 1 A chip is a long thin fried piece of potato.
See Other foods on page 261
NOUN 2 A silicon chip is a tiny piece of special material used in computers.
VERB 3 When you chip something, you break a small piece off it.
chisel chisels NOUN
A chisel is a tool with a long thin blade and a sharp end, which is used for cutting wood or stone.
chocolate chocolates
NOUN 1 Chocolate is a brown sweet or drink made from cocoa.
NOUN 2 A chocolate is a sweet covered with a layer of chocolate.
choice choices
NOUN 1 A choice is the different things that you can choose from.
NOUN 2 A choice can also be someone or something that you choose. If you need a captain, Jessica would be a good choice.
choir choirs NOUN
A choir is a group of people who sing together.
choke chokes, choking, choked VERB
If you choke, you cannot breathe because not enough air can get to your lungs. He choked on a chicken bone.
choose chooses, choosing, chose, chosen VERB
To choose something is to decide which thing you want to have or do.
chop chops, chopping, chopped
VERB 1 When someone chops something like wood, they cut it with an axe.
NOUN 2 A chop is a slice of meat on a bone.
chorus choruses NOUN
A chorus is a part of a song which is repeated after each verse.
chose VERB
Chose is the past tense of choose.
chosen VERB
Chosen is the past participle of choose.
Christian Christians NOUN
A Christian is someone who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Christmas Christmases NOUN
Christmas is a Christian festival held on December 25, when the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated.
chuckle chuckles, chuckling, chuckled VERB
When you chuckle, you laugh quietly.
church churches NOUN
A church is a building where Christians worship.
cigarette cigarettes NOUN
A cigarette is a thin roll of paper with tobacco in, which people smoke.
cinema cinemas NOUN
A cinema is a place where people watch films.
circle circles NOUN
A circle is a perfect round shape.
circular ADJECTIVE
See Colours and shapes on page 266
circuit circuits NOUN
A circuit is the complete path that an electric current flows through. You can make a simple circuit with a battery, a bulb and wires.
circumference circumferences NOUN
The circumference of a circle is the distance around its edge.
circus circuses NOUN
A circus is a travelling group of people such as clowns and acrobats.
city cities NOUN
A city is a large busy town.
claim claims, claiming, claimed
VERB 1 If someone claims something, they ask for it because it is theirs.
VERB 2 If you claim something is the case, you say it is the case. Amy claims she was the first to finish.
clap claps, clapping, clapped VERB
When you clap, you make a noise by hitting your hands together.
class classes
NOUN 1 A class is a group of people who are taught together.
NOUN 2 A class is also a group of people or things that are alike in some way.
classify classifies, classifying, classified VERB
To classify things is to arrange them in groups with similar features. These books are classified as non-fiction.
classroom classrooms NOUN
A classroom is a room in a school where children have lessons.
clause clauses NOUN
In grammar, a clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It may be a complete sentence or one part of a sentence. For example, “the girl laughed” is a clause because it has a subject (the girl) and a verb (laughed).
claw claws NOUN
The claws of a bird or animal are the hard curved nails at the end of its feet.
clay NOUN
Clay is a type of sticky earth that goes hard when it is dry. It is used to make bricks and pots.
clean cleaner, cleanest ADJECTIVE
If something is clean, it is free from dirt.
clear clearer, clearest; clears, clearing, cleared
ADJECTIVE 1 If a thing is clear, you can see through it.
ADJECTIVE 2 If something you say or write is clear, it is easy to understand.
VERB 3 If you clear an area, you move things that are not wanted out of the way.
clever cleverer, cleverest ADJECTIVE
Someone who is clever is able to learn and understand things easily.
click clicks, clicking, clicked VERB
When you click something, it makes a short snapping sound.
cliff cliffs NOUN
A cliff is a steep hill by the sea.
climate climates NOUN
The climate of a place is the sort of weather it usually has.
climb climbs, climbing, climbed VERB
When you climb something, you move upwards using your hands and feet.
cling clings, clinging, clung VERB
If you cling to someone or something, you hold onto them tightly.
clinic clinics NOUN
A clinic is where people go to get help from a doctor or nurse.
clip clips, clipping, clipped
NOUN 1 A clip is something small and springy which holds things in place.
VERB 2 If you clip something like a hedge, you cut small pieces off it.
cloak cloaks NOUN
A cloak is a loose coat without sleeves that fastens at the neck.
cloakroom cloakrooms NOUN
A cloakroom is a room where coats can be left.
clock clocks NOUN
A clock is an instrument that measures and shows the time.
clockwise ADVERB
If something goes clockwise, it moves in the same direction as the hands on a clock.
clockwork ADJECTIVE
Clockwork toys move when they are wound up with a key.
close closer, closest; closes, closing, closed
(rhymes with dose) ADJECTIVE 1 If something is close, it is very near.
(rhymes with doze) VERB 2 When you close something like a door, you shut it.
closed ADJECTIVE
If something is closed, it is not open.
cloth cloths
NOUN 1 Cloth is material made from something like cotton or wool.
NOUN 2 A cloth is a piece of cloth used for cleaning.
clothes PLURAL NOUN
Clothes are the things people wear, such as shirts, trousers and dresses.
See Clothes on page 257
cloud clouds
NOUN 1 A cloud is a patch of white or grey mist that floats in the sky.
NOUN 2 You can use cloud to describe a lot of smoke, steam or dust.
cloudy ADJECTIVE
clover NOUN
Clover is a small wild plant. It has white or purple flowers, and leaves divided into three parts.
clown clowns NOUN
A clown is someone in a circus who wears funny clothes and does silly things to make people laugh.
club clubs NOUN
A club is an organization joined by people who are interested in the same thing, such as chess or riding.
clue clues NOUN
A clue is something that helps to solve a problem or mystery.
clump clumps NOUN
A clump is a small group of plants growing together.
clumsy clumsier, clumsiest ADJECTIVE
Someone who is clumsy moves awkwardly and carelessly.
clumsily ADVERB
clung VERB
Clung is the past tense of cling.
cluster clusters NOUN
A cluster is a number of things close together in a small group.
clutch clutches, clutching, clutched VERB
If you clutch something, you hold it tightly with your hand.
clutter NOUN
Clutter is an untidy mess.
coach coaches
NOUN 1 A coach is a long motor vehicle used for taking passengers on long journeys.
NOUN 2 A coach is also a section of a train that carries passengers.
NOUN 3 A coach is someone who trains you for a sport or gives you extra lessons.
coal NOUN
Coal is a hard black rock which is dug out of the ground and burned to give heat.
coarse coarser, coarsest ADJECTIVE
Anything that is coarse looks and feels rough.
coast coasts NOUN
The coast is the place where the land meets the sea.
coat coats
NOUN 1 A coat is a piece of clothing with long sleeves, that you wear over other clothes when you go out.
NOUN 2 An animal’s coat is its fur.
NOUN 3 A layer of paint is called a coat.
cobweb cobwebs NOUN
A cobweb is a net made by a spider to trap insects.
cock cocks NOUN
A cock is any male bird.
cocoa NOUN
Cocoa is a brown powder made from the seeds of the cacao tree, and also a hot drink made from this powder.
coconut coconuts NOUN
A coconut is a large nut with white flesh, milky juice, and a hard hairy shell.
cocoon cocoons NOUN
A cocoon is a covering of silky threads that some young insects make for themselves before they grow into adults.
cod NOUN
A cod is a large sea fish which is caught for food.
code codes
NOUN 1 A code is a system of changing letters in a message for other letters or symbols, so that only people who know the code can read it.
NOUN 2 A code is also a group of letters and numbers that identify something. Do you know the telephone code for York?
NOUN 3 A code is also a set of rules.
coffee NOUN
Coffee is a coarse powder made by grinding roasted coffee beans, and also a hot drink made from this powder.
See Drinks on page 261
cog cogs NOUN
A cog is a wheel with teeth which turns another part of a machine.
coil coils NOUN
A coil is a series of loops into which something has been wound.
coin coins NOUN
A coin is a small piece of metal used as money.
cold colder, coldest; colds
ADJECTIVE 1 If the weather is cold, the temperature outside is low.
NOUN 2 A cold is a common illness. You sneeze and your nose feels blocked.
collage collages NOUN
A collage is a picture made by sticking pieces of paper or cloth onto a surface.
collapse collapses, collapsing, collapsed VERB
If someone or something collapses, they suddenly fall down.
collar collars
NOUN 1 The collar of a shirt or jacket is the part that fits round your neck.
NOUN 2 A collar is also a leather band round the neck of a dog or cat.
collect collects, collecting, collected
VERB 1 If you collect a number of things, you bring them together for a special reason. She collected sticks for firewood.
VERB 2 If you collect someone or something from a place, you call there and take them away. We had to collect her from school.
collection collections NOUN
A collection is a group of things brought together over a period of time. My dad’s got a huge stamp collection.
collective noun collective nouns NOUN
In grammar, a collective noun refers to a group of things. For example, a group of sheep is called a “flock”.
See Collective nouns on page 268
college colleges NOUN
A college is where people go to study after they have left school.
collide collides, colliding, collided VERB
If a moving object collides with something, it hits it.
collision NOUN
colon colons NOUN
The punctuation mark : is a colon. You can use it in several ways, for example in front of a list of things.
See Punctuation on page 270
colour colours NOUN
The colour of something is the way it looks in daylight. The colour of grass is green.
See Colours and shapes on page 266
colt colts NOUN
A colt is a young male horse.
column columns
NOUN 1 A column is a tall stone post which supports part of a building.
NOUN 2 A column is also a vertical strip of print in a newspaper or magazine.
NOUN 3 If numbers are arranged in vertical lists, these are called columns.
comb combs NOUN
A comb is a flat piece of plastic or metal with narrow teeth on one edge. You use it to tidy your hair.
combine combines, combining, combined VERB
If you combine things, you mix them together.
come comes, coming, came, come
VERB 1 To come to a place is to move there or arrive there.
VERB 2 If you come from a place, you were born there, or it is your home.
comedy comedies NOUN
A comedy is a play or film that makes people laugh.
comet comets NOUN
A comet is an object which travels around the sun, leaving a long bright trail behind it.
comfort comforts, comforting, comforted VERB
If you comfort someone, you make them feel less worried or unhappy.
comfortable ADJECTIVE
If something is comfortable, it is easy to wear or use.
comic comics NOUN
A comic is a magazine that tells stories in pictures.
comma commas NOUN
A comma is a punctuation mark (,) which is used to separate parts of a sentence or items on a list.
See Punctuation on page 270
command commands, commanding, commanded VERB
If you command someone to do something, you order them to do it.
commercial commercials NOUN
A commercial is an advertisement on television or radio.
common ADJECTIVE
If something is common, you often see it or it often happens.
common noun common nouns NOUN
Common nouns name things in general. For example, “boy”, “dog” and “computer” are all common nouns.
See Noun on page 268
common sense NOUN
If you have common sense, you usually act sensibly and do the right thing.
commotion NOUN
A commotion is a lot of noise, confusion and excitement.
communicate communicates, communicating, communicated VERB
If you communicate with someone, you give them information by talking or writing to them.
compact disc compact discs NOUN
A compact disc is a round flat silver-coloured object which can store information. It is called a CD for short.
company companies
NOUN 1 Company is being with others so you are not lonely.
NOUN 2 A company is a group of people who work together to make or sell things.
comparative comparatives NOUN
In grammar, the comparative is the form of an adjective which has “more” of that adjective. For example, “happier” is the comparative of “happy”.
See Adjective on page 269
compare compares, comparing, compared VERB
When you compare two or more things, you look at them to see in what ways they are the same or different.
compass compasses
NOUN 1 A compass is an instrument with a needle that always points to north.
NOUN 2 A pair of compasses is an instrument used for drawing circles.
compass point compass points NOUN
The main compass points are north, south, east and west.
competition competitions NOUN
A competition is an event to find out who is best at doing something.
complain complains, complaining, complained VERB
If you complain, you say that you are not happy about something.
complete
ADJECTIVE 1 If something is complete, it has been finished.
ADJECTIVE 2 If you talk about a complete thing, you mean all of it. I need a complete change of clothes.
complicated ADJECTIVE
Something complicated is made up of so many parts that it is difficult to understand or deal with.
compose composes, composing, composed VERB
If you compose something, like a poem or a piece of music, you write it.
compound compounds NOUN
In language, a compound is a word that is made up of two or more words. “Playground”, “armchair” and “toothache” are all compounds.
computer computers NOUN
A computer is a machine that stores information and works things out according to instructions in a program.
conceal conceals, concealing, concealed VERB
If you conceal something, you hide it carefully.
concentrate concentrates, concentrating, concentrated VERB
If you concentrate on something, you give it all your attention.
concerned ADJECTIVE
If you are concerned about something, it worries you.
concert concerts NOUN
A concert is a performance by musicians, usually in a big hall.
conclusion conclusions
NOUN 1 A conclusion is something you decide is true after you have thought carefully.
NOUN 2 The conclusion of something is its ending.
concrete NOUN
Concrete is a building material made of cement, sand and water, which goes hard when it is set.
condition conditions
NOUN 1 The condition of something is the state it is in.
NOUN 2 A condition is a rule you must agree to before you are allowed to do something. You can go out on one condition – you must be home by five.
conductor conductors NOUN
A conductor is someone who controls the way musicians play together.
cone cones NOUN
A cone is a solid curved shape with a flat circular base and a pointed top.
See Solid shapes on page 266
confess confesses, confessing, confessed VERB
If you confess, you say that you have done something wrong.
confident
ADJECTIVE 1 If you are confident about something, you are sure about it.
ADJECTIVE 2 People who are confident know that they can do something well.
confuse confuses, confusing, confused
VERB 1 To confuse someone means to make them unsure what to do. The new road layout confused everyone.
VERB 2 If you confuse two things, you mix them up by mistake. I always confuse the twins because they are so alike.
congratulate congratulates, congratulating, congratulated VERB
If you congratulate someone, you say you are pleased that something special has happened to them.
conjunction conjunctions NOUN
In grammar, a conjunction is a word that joins two other words or parts of a sentence. “And”, “but”, “while” and “although” are all conjunctions.
connect connects, connecting, connected VERB
If you connect two things, you join them together.
connective connectives NOUN
In grammar, a connective is a word or phrase that joins parts of a text. For example, “and”, “at last” and “because” are connectives.
conquer conquers, conquering, conquered VERB
To conquer people is to take control of their country by force.
conscious ADJECTIVE
If you are conscious, you are awake and know what is happening.
consecutive ADJECTIVE
If things are consecutive, they happen one after the other. October, November and December are consecutive months.
conservation NOUN
Conservation is the protection of the environment.
consider considers, considering, considered VERB
If you consider something, you think about it carefully.
consist consists, consisting, consisted VERB
Something that consists of particular things is made up of them. The book consists of an introduction, ten chapters and an index.
consonant consonants NOUN
A consonant is any letter of the alphabet except a, e, i, o and u.
See vowel
constant ADJECTIVE
Something that is constant happens all the time. My friend Elizabeth complains of a constant headache.
construct constructs, constructing, constructed VERB
If you construct something, you build it or make it.
consume consumes, consuming, consumed VERB
If you consume something, you eat or drink it, or use it up.
contain contains, containing, contained VERB
The things that something contains are the things in it.
container containers NOUN
A container is something you put things in.
content ADJECTIVE
If you are content, you are happy and satisfied with your life.
contents PLURAL NOUN
The contents of something like a box or cake are the things in it. The contents page of a book tells you what is in it.
contest contests NOUN
A contest is a competition or game which you try to win.
continent continents NOUN
A continent is a very large area of land, such as Africa or Asia.
continue continues, continuing, continued VERB
If you continue to do something, you go on doing it.
continuous ADJECTIVE
Something that is continuous goes on without stopping.
contraction contractions NOUN
A contraction is a shortened form of a word or of words. For example, “I’m” is a contraction of “I am”.
contradict contradicts, contradicting, contradicted VERB
If you contradict someone, you say the opposite of what they have just said.
control controls, controlling, controlled
VERB 1 If you control something, you make it behave exactly as you want it to.
NOUN 2 The controls on a machine are knobs or other things used to work it.
convenient ADJECTIVE
If something is convenient, it is easy to use or do.
conversation conversations NOUN
If you have a conversation with someone, you talk to each other.
convince convinces, convincing, convinced VERB
If someone or something convinces you, they make you believe that something is true.
cook cooks, cooking, cooked VERB
When you cook food, you prepare it for eating by heating it.
cooker cookers NOUN
A cooker is a piece of equipment for cooking food.
cookie cookies NOUN
A cookie is another word for a biscuit.
cool cooler, coolest ADJECTIVE
If something is cool, its temperature is low but it is not cold.
coordinates NOUN
Coordinates are two numbers or letters which help you find the exact position of something. They are often used on maps, graphs and charts.
cope copes, coping, coped VERB
If you cope with a task or problem, you deal with it successfully.
copper NOUN
Copper is a reddish-brown metal.
copy copies, copying, copied
NOUN 1 A copy is something made to look exactly like something else.
VERB 2 If you copy something, you make a copy of it.
VERB 3 If you copy what someone does, you do the same thing.
coral corals NOUN
Coral is a hard substance that forms in the sea from the skeletons of tiny animals called corals.
cord cords NOUN
Cord is thick, strong string.
core cores NOUN
The core of a fruit is the hard part in the middle that contains seeds.
cork corks
NOUN 1 Cork is the light bark of the cork oak tree.
NOUN 2 A cork is a piece of cork used to block the open end of a bottle.
corn NOUN
Corn is a cereal crop, such as wheat or sweet corn.
corner corners NOUN
A corner is the place where two edges or roads join.
correct corrects, correcting, corrected
ADJECTIVE 1 Something that is correct is true and has no mistakes.
VERB 2 If you correct your work, you put right any mistakes you made.
corridor corridors NOUN
A corridor is a long passage in a building or train.
cost costs, costing, cost VERB
If something costs an amount of money, you can buy it for that amount.
costume costumes NOUN
A costume is the clothes worn by an actor, or that people wear for special events.
cosy cosier, cosiest ADJECTIVE
A house or room that is cosy is comfortable and warm, and not too big.
cot cots NOUN
A cot is a bed with high sides for a baby or a young child.
cottage cottages NOUN
A cottage is a small house, usually in the country.
cotton
NOUN 1 Cotton is cloth made from the soft fibres of the cotton plant.
NOUN 2 Cotton is also a thread used for sewing.
NOUN 3 Cotton wool is soft fluffy cotton, often used for cleaning the skin.
cough coughs NOUN
A cough is a noise made by someone forcing air out of their throat.
could
VERB 1 Could is part of the verb can. You use could to say that something might happen. It could rain tomorrow.
VERB 2 You also say could when you are asking for something politely. Could you please tell me the way to the station?
council councils NOUN
The council is a group of people who look after the affairs of a town, district or county.
count counts, counting, counted
VERB 1 When you count, you say numbers in order. Count up to a hundred.
VERB 2 If you count a number of things, you are finding out how many there are.
counter counters
NOUN 1 A counter is a long narrow table in a shop, where things are sold.
NOUN 2 A counter is also a small round flat object, usually made of plastic, that is used in board games.
country countries
NOUN 1 A country is a land that has its own government and often its own language.
NOUN 2 The country is land away from towns and cities.
couple couples
NOUN 1 A couple of things or people means two of them. It should only take a couple of days.
NOUN 2 Two people are sometimes called a couple, especially if they are married or having a relationship.
coupon coupons NOUN
A coupon is a piece of printed paper that allows you to pay less than usual for something.
courage NOUN
Courage is not showing that you are afraid of something.
course courses
NOUN 1 A course is a series of lessons.
NOUN 2 A course can also be one part of a meal.
of course PHRASE You use of course to make something you are saying stronger. Of course I still want to go.
court courts
NOUN 1 A court is an area marked out for a game like tennis or badminton.
NOUN 2 A court is also a place where things to do with the law are decided.
NOUN 3 The court of a king or queen is where they live with their family.
courtyard courtyards NOUN
A courtyard is an open flat area of ground with walls all round it.
cousin cousins NOUN
Your cousin is a child of your uncle or aunt.
cover covers, covering, covered
VERB 1 If you cover something, you put something over it to protect or hide it.
NOUN 2 The covers on a bed are the blankets or duvet that you have over you to keep you warm.
NOUN 3 The cover of a book or magazine is the outside of it.
cow cows NOUN
A cow is a large farm animal that gives milk.
coward cowards NOUN
A coward is someone who avoids anything dangerous, painful or difficult.
cowboy cowboys NOUN
A cowboy is a man whose job is to look after cattle.
crab crabs NOUN
A crab is a sea animal. It has four pairs of legs, two pincers, and a flat round body covered by a shell.
crack cracks, cracking, cracked
VERB 1 If you crack something, or it cracks, it has a small split in it but does not quite break.
NOUN 2 A crack is the line on something that shows it is nearly broken.
NOUN 3 A crack is also a sudden loud noise.
cracker crackers
NOUN 1 A cracker is a thin crisp biscuit, often slightly salty.
NOUN 2 A cracker can be a cardboard tube covered in coloured paper, that people have at parties. It makes a sharp sound when you pull the ends apart.
cradle cradles NOUN
A cradle is a small box-shaped bed for a baby.
crane cranes
NOUN 1 A crane is a machine that moves heavy things by lifting them.
NOUN 2 A crane is also a large water bird with long legs and a long neck.
crash crashes, crashing, crashed
NOUN 1 A crash is a traffic accident.
NOUN 2 A crash is also a sudden loud noise like something breaking.
VERB 3 If something crashes, it hits something else and makes a loud noise.
crate crates NOUN
A crate is a large box used for transporting or storing things.
crawl crawls, crawling, crawled VERB
When you crawl, you move forward on your hands and knees.
crayon crayons NOUN
A crayon is a coloured pencil.
craze crazes NOUN
A craze is something that is very popular for a short time.
crazy crazier, craziest
ADJECTIVE 1 Someone or something crazy is very strange or foolish.
ADJECTIVE 2 If you are crazy about something, you are very keen on it.
creak creaks, creaking, creaked VERB
If something creaks, it makes an odd squeaking sound.
cream
ADJECTIVE 1 Something that is cream in colour is yellowish-white.
NOUN 2 Cream is the pale yellow liquid taken from the top of milk.
crease creases, creasing, creased
NOUN 1 A crease is a line made by folding or wrinkling something.
VERB 2 If you crease something, you make lines appear on it.
create creates, creating, created VERB
To create something means to cause it to happen, or exist.
creature creatures NOUN
A creature is any animal, such as a bird, fish or insect.
credit card credit cards NOUN
A credit card is a plastic card that allows someone to buy goods and pay for them later.
creep creeps, creeping, crept VERB
If you creep somewhere, you move quietly and slowly.
crescent crescents NOUN
A crescent is a curved shape that is wider in the middle than at the ends, like a new moon.
crew crews NOUN
A crew is the people who work on a ship, aircraft or spaceship.
cricket crickets
NOUN 1 Cricket is an outdoor game between two teams of eleven players.
NOUN 2 A cricket is a small jumping insect that makes a chirping sound by rubbing its wings together.
cried VERB
Cried is the past tense of cry.
cries VERB
Cries is a present tense form of cry.
crime crimes NOUN
A crime is something which is against the law.
criminal criminals NOUN
A criminal is someone who has done something that is against the law.
crimson ADJECTIVE
Something that is crimson is a dark red colour.
crinkle crinkles, crinkling, crinkled VERB
When something crinkles, it becomes slightly creased.
crisp crisper, crispest; crisps
ADJECTIVE 1 Things like fruit and biscuits that are crisp are fresh and firm.
NOUN 2 A crisp is a crunchy, thinly sliced piece of fried potato.
See Other foods on page 261
criticize criticizes, criticizing, criticized; also spelt criticise VERB
If you criticize someone, you say what you think is wrong with them.
crocodile crocodiles NOUN
A crocodile is a large reptile, about five metres long.
See Reptiles on page 264
crooked ADJECTIVE
Something that is crooked is bent or twisted.
crop crops NOUN
A crop is plants grown for food.
cross crosser, crossest; crosses, crossing, crossed
ADJECTIVE 1 Someone who is cross is angry about something.
NOUN 2 A cross is a mark like + or ×.
VERB 3 If you cross something like a road, you go from one side to the other.
crossing crossings NOUN
A crossing is a place where you can cross the road safely.
crouch crouches, crouching, crouched VERB
If you crouch down, you bend your legs under you so that you are close to the ground.
crow crows NOUN
A crow is a large black bird.
crowd crowds NOUN
A crowd is a large number of people together in one place.
crowded ADJECTIVE
A place that is crowded is full of people.
crown crowns NOUN
A crown is an ornament that kings and queens sometimes wear on their heads.
cruel crueller, cruellest ADJECTIVE
Someone who is cruel hurts people or animals without caring.
cruise cruises NOUN
A cruise is a holiday on a ship that travels to different places.
crumb crumbs NOUN
A crumb is a very small piece of dry food such as bread or biscuit.
crumble crumbles, crumbling, crumbled VERB
If you crumble something that is soft, it breaks into lots of little pieces.
crunch crunches, crunching, crunched VERB
If you crunch something, you crush it noisily, for example between your teeth or under your feet.
crush crushes, crushing, crushed VERB
To crush something is to destroy its shape by squeezing it.
crust crusts NOUN
The crust is a hard layer on the outside of something such as bread.
cry cries, crying, cried
VERB 1 When you cry, tears come from your eyes.
NOUN 2 A cry is a sudden sound that you make when you are surprised or hurt.
crystal crystals NOUN
A crystal is a mineral that has formed into a regular shape.
cub cubs NOUN
A cub is a young wild animal such as a lion, fox or bear.
See Young animals on page 265
cube cubes NOUN
A cube is a solid shape with six square faces all the same size.
See Solid shapes on page 266
cuckoo cuckoos NOUN
A cuckoo is a grey bird. Cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds’ nests.
cucumber cucumbers NOUN
A cucumber is a long, thin, dark green vegetable, eaten raw.
See Vegetables on page 260
cuddle cuddles, cuddling, cuddled VERB
When you cuddle someone, you put your arms round them.
culprit culprits NOUN
A culprit is someone who has done something harmful or wrong.
cunning ADJECTIVE
Someone who is cunning plans to get what they want, often by tricking other people.
cup cups
NOUN 1 A cup is a small container with a handle, which you drink out of.
NOUN 2 A cup is also a prize for the winner of a game or competition.
cupboard cupboards NOUN
A cupboard is a piece of furniture with doors and shelves.
cure cures, curing, cured
NOUN 1 A cure is something that makes people better when they have been ill.
VERB 2 If someone or something cures a person, they make them well again.
curiosity NOUN
Curiosity is wanting to know about things.
curious
ADJECTIVE 1 Someone who is curious wants to know more about something.
ADJECTIVE 2 Something that is curious is unusual and hard to explain.
curl curls, curling, curled
VERB 1 If an animal curls up, it makes itself into a rounded shape.
NOUN 2 Curls are pieces of hair shaped in curves and circles.
curly ADJECTIVE
currant currants NOUN
Currants are small dried grapes.
current currents
NOUN 1 A current is a steady movement of water or air.
NOUN 2 A current is also the movement of electricity through a wire.
curriculum curriculums or curricula NOUN
A curriculum is the different courses taught at a school or college.
curry curries NOUN
Curry is an Indian dish made with spices.
cursor cursors NOUN
A cursor is a small sign on a computer screen that shows where the next letter or number will appear.
curtain curtains NOUN
A curtain is a large piece of material that you pull across a window to cover it.
curve curves NOUN
A curve is a smooth, gradually bending line.
curved ADJECTIVE
cushion cushions NOUN
A cushion is a soft object put on a seat to make it more comfortable.
custom customs NOUN
A custom is something that people usually do. It’s his custom to take the dog for a walk after supper.
customer customers NOUN
A customer is a person who buys something, especially from a shop.
cut cuts, cutting, cut
VERB 1 If you cut yourself, you hurt yourself by accident on something sharp.
VERB 2 If you cut something, you use a knife or scissors to remove parts of it.
cutlery NOUN
Cutlery is the knives, forks and spoons that you eat your food with.
cycle cycles, cycling, cycled
NOUN 1 A cycle is a bicycle.
VERB 2 If you cycle, you ride a bicycle.
cyclist NOUN
cylinder cylinders NOUN
A cylinder is a three-dimensional shape like a tube with flat circular ends.
cylindrical ADJECTIVE
See Solid shapes on page 266
