List of Common English words starting with Z

Words begin with letter Z

Pronunciation

Definition

Example Sentence

Zebra

/ˈziː.brə/

A large African wild animal that looks like a horse but has black and white stripes on its body.

The zebra has distinctive black and white stripes.

Zoo

/zuː/

A place where wild animals are kept for people to look at and study.

We visited the zoo last weekend.

Zenith

/ˈziː.nɪθ/

The highest point or most successful time.

The sun reached its zenith at noon.

Zeal

/ziːl/

Great energy or enthusiasm for something.

Her zeal for learning is admirable.

Zest

/zest/

Great enthusiasm and energy.

He tackled the project with great zest.

Zinc

/zɪŋk/

A chemical element, a bluish-white metal used in making brass and for covering other metals to protect them from rusting.

This supplement contains zinc.

Zone

/zoʊn/

An area or region with a particular characteristic or purpose.

Please stay within the safety zone.

Zipper

/ˈzɪp.ər/

A device used for fastening clothes, bags, etc., consisting of two rows of metal or plastic teeth that can be joined together.

She fixed the broken zipper on her jacket.

Zodiac

/ˈzoʊ.di.æk/

A circular diagram representing the positions of the stars and planets and their supposed influence on people’s lives.

Many people follow their zodiac signs for guidance.

Zither

/ˈzɪð.ər/

A musical instrument with strings stretched across a flat body, played by plucking or strumming.

He learned to play the zither in music school.

Zero

/ˈzɪə.roʊ/

The number 0; nothing at all.

Her score was a disappointing zero.

Zoom

/zuːm/

To move or travel very quickly.

The car zoomed past us on the highway.

Zucchini

/zuˈkiː.ni/

A long green vegetable that looks like a cucumber and is usually cooked.

Zucchini is a popular vegetable in many recipes.

Zeppelin

/ˈzɛp.ə.lɪn/

A large airship that is filled with gas and used for transportation.

The massive zeppelin floated above the city.

Zebu

/ˈzeɪ.buː/

A type of cattle from South Asia with a large hump on its back.

The zebu is well-adapted to tropical climates.

Zygote

/ˈzaɪ.ɡoʊt/

A cell that is formed when a sperm cell joins with an egg cell.

The zygote marks the beginning of a new life.

Zircon

/ˈzɜːr.kɒn/

A mineral often used as a gemstone, usually clear or blue.

Zircon is valued for its brilliance in jewelry.

Zamboni

/zæmˈboʊni/

A machine used to smooth the ice on skating rinks.

The Zamboni cleared the ice before the game.

Zarf

/zɑːrf/

A decorative holder for a hot coffee cup, often made of metal.

The artisan crafted a beautiful zarf for hot coffee cups.

Zine

/ziːn/

A small magazine that is produced cheaply by one person or a small group and is not professionally published.

He published his ideas in a quirky zine.

Zloty

/ˈzlɒ.ti/

The basic unit of money in Poland.

The price was listed in zloty at the market.

Zester

/ˈzɛs.tər/

A kitchen tool used for removing the outer peel of citrus fruit.

Use the zester to add citrus flavor to the dish.

Ziggurat

/ˈzɪɡ.ə.ræt/

A rectangular stepped tower from ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.

The ancient ziggurat stood as a testament to early architecture.

Zinfandel

/ˈzɪn.fən.del/

A type of black grape used to make red wine.

Zinfandel wine is popular for its rich flavor.

Zorilla

/zəˈrɪl.ə/

A small African mammal that looks like a skunk and gives off a strong smell.

The zorilla is known for its strong defensive odor.

Zymurgy

/zɪˈmɜːr.dʒi/

The study or practice of fermentation in brewing and winemaking.

Zymurgy plays a vital role in brewing industries.

Zwieback

/ˈzwiː.bæk/

A type of crisp, sweetened bread that is toasted and often given to babies.

Zwieback is a popular snack for toddlers.

Zygoma

/ˈzaɪ.ɡoʊ.mə/

The bony arch of the cheek.

The surgeon carefully reconstructed the patient’s zygoma.

Zoonosis

/zuːˈɒ.nə.sɪs/

A disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Understanding zoonosis is key in preventing epidemics.

Zoster

/ˈzɒs.tər/

A viral disease causing a painful rash, also known as shingles.

Her doctor diagnosed her with zoster.

Zillionaire

/zɪljəˈnɛə/ 

An extremely wealthy person.

The character in the movie was portrayed as a zillionaire.

Words begin with letter Z

Pronunciation

Definition

Example Sentence

Zoom

/zuːm/

to move or travel very quickly

The car zoomed past us on the highway.

Zigzag

/ˌzɪɡˈzæɡ/

to move in a pattern of sharp angles, changing direction suddenly

The cyclist zigzagged through traffic.

Zest

/zest/

to remove small pieces of the outer skin of a lemon, an orange, etc. to add flavor to food

She zested the lemon over the dessert.

Zero

/ˈzɪə.roʊ/

to adjust an instrument or device so that it shows zero

You need to zero the scale before measuring.

Zap

/zæp/

to destroy, attack, or get rid of something quickly

The superhero zapped the villain with his laser.

Zone

/zoʊn/

to divide an area into sections for a particular purpose

The city was zoned for residential and commercial use.

Zip

/zɪp/

to fasten something with a zipper; to move quickly

He zipped up his jacket as the wind picked up.

Zonk

/zɒŋk/

to fall asleep suddenly because of exhaustion

After a long day, he zonked on the sofa.

Zing

/zɪŋ/

to move quickly with a high-pitched sound

The arrow zinged past my ear.

Zonk out

/zɒŋk aʊt/

to fall asleep or become unconscious suddenly

He zonked out during the long lecture.

Zoom in

/zuːm ɪn/

to make an image appear larger by using a camera or computer

The camera zoomed in to capture the details.

Zoom out

/zuːm aʊt/

to make an image appear smaller to show a wider view

The photographer zoomed out to show the entire scene.

Zip up

/zɪp ʌp/

to fasten something with a zipper

Zip up your jacket, it's cold out there.

Zip along

/zɪp əˈlɒŋ/

to move quickly

The children zipped along the track on their bikes.

Zero in

/ˈzɪə.roʊ ɪn/

to focus all attention on a particular person or thing

The detective zeroed in on the key suspect.

Zero out

/ˈzɪə.roʊ aʊt/

to reduce something to zero or remove it completely

The software can zero out the previous settings.

Zhoosh/Zhuzh/Zhoozh

/ˈzuːʃ/

to improve or make something more stylish and attractive

She zhooshed her outfit with a stylish accessory.

Words begin with letter Z

Pronunciation

Definition

Example Sentence

Zany

/ˈzeɪ.ni/

very strange and silly in an amusing way

The comedian’s zany antics amused everyone.

Zealous

/ˈzɛl.əs/

showing great energy and enthusiasm for something

She is a zealous supporter of environmental causes.

Zesty

/ˈzɛs.ti/

full of excitement or strong, pleasant flavor

The zesty salad was a hit at the party.

Zippy

/ˈzɪp.i/

fast, energetic, and lively

He gave a zippy performance on stage.

Zonked

/ˈzɒŋkt/

extremely tired or exhausted

After the marathon, the runners were completely zonked.

Zymotic

/zaɪˈmɒt.ɪk/

relating to infectious diseases

The study focused on zymotic diseases.

Zigzag

/ˌzɪɡˈzæɡ/

having a shape or movement that makes sharp angles in different directions

The zigzag pattern caught everyone’s attention.

Zonal

/ˈzoʊ.nəl/

relating to or divided into zones or areas

The zonal map divided the region into distinct parts.

Zoophilic

/zuːˈɒf.ɪ.lɪk/

having a strong love or attraction for animals

He has a zoophilic nature, caring for many pets.

Zygodactyl

/zaɪˈɡɒd.ək.tɪl/

having two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward, like certain birds

The bird’s zygodactyl feet help it perch securely.

Zymolytic

/zaɪˈmɒl.ɪ.tɪk/

relating to or promoting fermentation

The experiment analyzed zymolytic reactions.

Zombified

/ˈzɒm.bɪ.faɪd/

looking or feeling like a zombie, often due to exhaustion

After the long flight, he looked completely zombified.

Zymurgic

/zɪˈmɜːr.dʒɪk/

relating to the process of fermentation, especially in brewing

Brewers study zymurgic techniques to improve beer quality.

Zoomorphic

/zuːˈmɔːr.fɪk/

having the form of an animal

The sculpture featured zoomorphic designs.

Zygomatic

/zaɪˈɡɒm.ət.ɪk/

relating to the cheekbone

The X-ray revealed a fracture in the zygomatic bone.

Zephyrean

/zɛˈfɪər.i.ən/

light, gentle, or related to the wind

The curtains flowed in a zephyrean manner.

Zinciferous

/ˌzɪn.sɪˈfɛr.əs/

containing or producing zinc

This alloy is known for its zinciferous properties.

Zoetic

/zoʊˈɛt.ɪk/

relating to life or living things

The poet wrote about the zoetic nature of existence.

Zoonotic

/zuːˈɒn.ɒt.ɪk/

relating to diseases that can spread from animals to humans

Researchers study zoonotic infections to prevent outbreaks.

Zaffre

/ˈzæf.ri/

a deep blue pigment made from roasting cobalt ore

The artist used a zaffre pigment for the deep blue sky.

Zappy

/ˈzæp.i/

full of energy, excitement, or sharpness

The zappy advertisement caught the attention of young audiences.

Zestful

/ˈzɛst.fəl/

full of enthusiasm and energy

Her zestful personality made her very popular.

Zibeline

/ˈzɪb.ə.liːn/

made of soft, silky fabric, originally from sable fur

The scarf had a zibeline texture that was very soft.

Zonkish

/ˈzɒŋ.kɪʃ/

showing signs of exhaustion or sluggishness

After the long meeting, his voice sounded zonkish.

Zymosan

/zɪˈmoʊ.zæn/

a substance derived from yeast that affects the immune system

The scientist explained the zymosan reaction in the immune system.

Zero-tolerance

/ˈzɪə.roʊ ˈtɒl.ər.əns/

a strict policy of not allowing any rule-breaking

The school adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying.

Words begin with letter Z

Pronunciation

Meaning

Example

Zanyly

/ˈzeɪ.ni.li/

In a very silly or crazy way

They performed zanyly at the festival.

Zealously

/ˈzɛl.əs.li/

With great energy or enthusiasm

She worked zealously to finish the project.

Zestfully

/ˈzɛst.fʊli/

In an exciting and energetic way

They celebrated the victory zestfully.

Zippily

/ˈzɪp.ɪli/

In a lively and fast way

The children ran zippily in the park.

Zonkedly

/ˈzɒŋk.ɪd.li/

In a very tired or exhausted way

He spoke zonkedly after a long day.

Zymotically

/zaɪˈmɒt.ɪk.li/

In a way related to fermentation

The reaction proceeded zymotically in the lab.

Zigzag-ly

/ˈzɪɡ.zæɡ.li/

Moving in a zigzag pattern

The runner moved zigzag-ly through the obstacles.

Zonally

/ˈzoʊ.nəl.i/

In a way related to specific zones or areas

The climate varied zonally across the region.

Zoophilically

/zuːˈɒf.ɪ.lɪk.li/

In a way that shows love for animals

She cared for the animals zoophilically.

Zombifiedly

/ˈzɒm.bɪ.faɪd.li/

In a way that resembles a zombie, without energy or awareness

He walked zombifiedly after staying up all night.

Zymurgically

/zɪˈmɜːr.dʒɪk.li/

In a way related to the process of fermentation

The beer was brewed zymurgically with care.

Zephyreanly

/zɛˈfɪər.i.ən.li/

In a light and gentle way, like a breeze

The leaves rustled zephyreanly in the breeze.

Zappily

/ˈzæp.ɪli/

In a lively and energetic way

The performance was delivered zappily.

Zonkishly

/ˈzɒŋ.kɪʃ.li/

In a slightly tired or sluggish way

After the party, he walked zonkishly home.

Zero-tolerantly

/ˈzɪə.roʊ-ˈtɒl.ər.ənt.li/

In a way that shows no tolerance for certain actions

The policy was enforced zero-tolerantly.

Word

Pronunciation

Meaning

Example

Jazz (n)

/dʒæz/

A type of music with strong rhythms and improvisation

I love listening to jazz on rainy days.

Quiz (n)

/kwɪz/

A short test or game that asks questions

The teacher organized a fun quiz.

Fizz (n)

/fɪz/

The sound or bubbles made by a liquid with gas in it

The soda opened with a loud fizz.

Buzz (n)

/bʌz/

A continuous sound of people talking or insects flying

There was a constant buzz in the busy market.

Frizz (n)

/frɪz/

Small, tight curls in hair that make it look untidy

Her hair turned to frizz in the humid weather.

Whizz (n)

/wɪz/

A sound made by something moving very fast

The bike whizzed by on the road.

Pizzazz (n)

/pɪˈzæz/

A quality of being exciting, attractive, or full of energy

The performance had incredible pizzazz.

Razz (n)

/ræz/

Friendly teasing or mocking

They began to razz him about his mistake.

Topaz (n)

/ˈtoʊ.pæz/

A yellow or blue precious stone

Her ring featured a stunning topaz.

Chintz (n)

/tʃɪnts/

A brightly colored, printed cotton fabric

The curtains were made of delicate chintz.

Klutz (n)

/klʌts/

A clumsy person who often drops or breaks things

Don’t be such a klutz, watch where you’re going.

Spritz (n)

/sprɪts/

A small amount of liquid sprayed from a bottle

She gave her hair a quick spritz of water.

Blitz (n, v)

/blɪts/

A sudden, intense attack or effort

All around were the shells of blitzed buildings.

Schmooz (n)

/ʃmuːz/

A friendly and informal conversation, especially to gain an advantage

They spent the evening schmoozing with new friends.