English words that start with N categorized by 6 popular topics

English words that start with N

Word class

Meaning

Example

Netball

Noun

a sport played by two teams of seven players, usually women or girls, in which goals are scored by throwing a ball through a net hanging from a ring at the top of a pole

She plays netball for her school team.

Nordic skiing

Noun

a form of skiing that combines skiing and snowshoeing.

They enjoy the thrill of Nordic skiing in the snowy mountains.

Nascar

Noun

the organization that controls the sport of stock car racing

The Nascar race drew a large crowd of enthusiastic fans.

Nunchaku

Noun

a weapon used in traditional Japanese martial arts, consisting of two sticks joined at one end by a chain or rope

The martial arts master demonstrated impressive skills with the nunchaku. 

Nosedive

Noun

a fast and sudden fall to the ground with the front pointing down

The skateboarder executed a perfect nosedive during his performance.

Navigate

Verb

to direct the way that a ship, aircraft, etc. will travel, or to find a direction across, along, or over an area of water or land, often by using a map

The cyclist navigated through the sharp turns of the racecourse.

Nutmeg

Verb

in football, to kick the ball through an opponent's legs

The football player nutmegged the defender with a quick dribble.

Nail

Verb

to achieve something or do something right, especially in sport

The striker nailed a powerful shot into the top corner of the goal.

Neutralize

Verb

to stop something or someone from having an effect

The defender effectively neutralized the opponent’s attacks throughout the game.

Net

Verb

score a goal

The basketball player netted a three-pointer from beyond the arc.

Nudge

Verb

to move forward by pushing with your elbow

The tennis player nudged the ball over the net with a delicate touch.

Normalize

Verb

to return to the normal or usual situation

The athlete underwent intensive training to normalize their performance after an injury.

Nimble

Adjective

quick and exact either in movement or thoughts

The gymnast displayed nimble movements during her floor routine.

Notable

Adjective

important and deserving attention

The athlete achieved notable success in the marathon, finishing in the top three.

Nervous

Adjective

worried and anxious

The tennis player felt nervous before her important match against a highly-ranked opponent.

Non-contact

Adjective

not involving physical contact

Non-contact sports like swimming and track and field minimize the risk of injuries.

National

Adjective

relating to or typical of a whole country and its people

The national team won the gold medal in the Olympic hockey tournament.

Novice

Adjective

a person who is not experienced in a job or situation 

The novice skater struggled to maintain balance on the ice.

English words that start with N

Word class

Meaning

Example

Natural

Adjective

as found in nature and not involving anything made or done by people 

We need to protect and preserve our natural environment for future generations.

Nurturing

Adjective

to take care of, feed, and protect someone or something, especially young children or plants, and help him, her, or it to develop

It’s important to create a nurturing environment for plants and wildlife to thrive.

Non-toxic

Adjective

not poisonous or not containing poisonous substances

We should strive to use non-toxic materials and products to reduce harm to the environment.

Navigable

Adjective

deep, wide, or safe enough for a boat to go through 

Navigable rivers and waterways provide important transportation routes and support trade and commerce.

Nuisance

Noun

something or someone that annoys you or causes trouble for you

Pollution and excessive noise are considered nuisances that can negatively impact the environment and quality of life.

Natural resource

Noun

any of the materials such as water, coal, and wood that exist in nature and can be used by people

The sustainable management of natural resources is crucial for long-term environmental sustainability.

Non-renewable resource

Noun

types of resource that cannot be replaced after they have been used 

Fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, are examples of non-renewable resources that should be used sparingly.

National park

Noun

an area of a country that is protected by the government because of its natural beauty or because it has a special history

National parks are protected areas that preserve and showcase the natural beauty and biodiversity of a country.

Nuclear energy

Noun

a powerful form of energy produced by changing matter into energy by splitting the nuclei (= central parts) of atoms. It is used to produce electricity

Nuclear energy is a controversial form of power generation due to concerns about safety and radioactive waste.

Noise pollution

Noun

noise, such as that from traffic, that upsets people where they live or work and is considered to be unhealthy for them

Noise pollution from traffic, construction, and industrial activities can have adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Niche

Noun

a job or position that is very suitable for someone, especially one that they like

An ecological niche refers to the specific role and position occupied by a species within its ecosystem.

Nurture

Verb

to take care of, feed, and protect someone or something, especially young children or plants, and help him, her, or it to develop

We must nurture our natural resources to ensure their sustainable use.

Neutralize

Verb

to produce an effect that removes the effect of something else

Efforts are being made to neutralize the harmful effects of pollution through innovative technologies.

Nourish

Verb

to provide people or living things with food in order to make them grow and keep them healthy

Trees and plants nourish the soil and provide essential habitats for various species.

English words that start with N

Word class

Meaning

Example

Narwhal

Noun

A medium-sized toothed whale that possesses a large "tusk" from a protruding canine tooth. It lives year-round in the Arctic waters around Greenland, Canada, and Russia.

The narwhal is a species of whale known for its long tusk.

Newt

Noun

A small amphibian that is similar to a lizard in appearance, with a long, slender body and a tail. Newts are found in moist, temperate regions.

The children found a newt in the pond during their nature walk

Nighthawk

Noun

A nocturnal bird related to the nightjar, with long wings and a slightly forked tail. It is known for its sharp calls and aerial acrobatics during twilight hours.

The nighthawk is a nocturnal bird known for its impressive aerial acrobatics.

Nightingale

Noun

A small songbird known for the powerful and beautiful song of the male, often heard at night and during the breeding season. It is found in Europe and southwest Asia.

The nightingale’s melodious song filled the forest with enchanting music.

Nuthatch

Noun

A small songbird with a compact body and strong feet, known for its ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst. Nuthatches are found in forests and wooded areas.

The nuthatch climbed up and down the tree trunk in search of insects and seeds.

Nutria

Noun

A large, semi-aquatic rodent native to South America, also known as coypu. It has webbed hind feet and is often considered an invasive species in North America and Europe.

Nutria, also known as coypu, are semi-aquatic rodents found in North and South America.

Nyala

Noun

A spiral-horned antelope native to southern Africa. Males have a shaggy, dark brown coat and long, spiral horns, while females are reddish-brown and lack horns.

The nyala is a species of antelope native to southern Africa.

Nematode

Noun

A type of worm, often microscopic, that is found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and inside other organisms as parasites.

Nematodes are tiny roundworms that can be found in soil and water.

Newfoundland

Noun

A large breed of dog known for its strength, gentle nature, and excellent swimming ability. It is originally from Newfoundland, Canada, and was historically used by fishermen to help haul nets and rescue drowning people.

The Newfoundland is a large and gentle breed of dog known for its swimming abilities and rescue instincts.

Nibble

Verb

to eat something by taking a lot of small bites

The rabbit nibbled on the carrot in its cage

Nest

Verb

to build a nest, or live in a nest

The birds are busy nesting in the trees during the breeding season.

Nurse

Verb

to care for a person or an animal while they are ill

The mother dog nurses her puppies until they are old enough to eat solid food.

Nuzzle

Verb

to touch, rub, or press something or someone gently and/or in a way that shows your love, especially with the head or nose, usually with small repeated movements 

The horse nuzzled its head against the rider’s shoulder affectionately.

Nocturnal

Adjective

being active or happening at night rather than during the day

Owls are known for their nocturnal behavior, being active during the night.

Noble

Adjective

belonging to a high social rank in a society, especially by birth

The majestic lion is often referred to as the king of the jungle due to its noble appearance and demeanor.

Native

Adjective

relating to or describing someone's country or place of birth or someone who was born in a particular country or place

The red kangaroo is native to Australia, being an iconic symbol of the country’s wildlife.

Nervous

Adjective

worried and anxious

Some dogs are naturally nervous in new or unfamiliar situations.

Needy

Adjective

poor and not having enough food, clothes, etc.

Abandoned puppies are often needy and require extra care and attention

Noisy

Adjective

making a lot of noise

Parrots are known for their noisy calls and ability to mimic human speech.

English words that start with N

Word class

Meaning

Example

Nutritious

Adjective

containing many of the substances needed for life and growth

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritious choices for a healthy diet.

Nourishing

Adjective

A nourishing drink or food makes you healthy and strong

A warm bowl of soup can be nourishing, especially during cold weather.

Nutty

Adjective

containing, tasting of, or similar to nuts

Almonds have a nutty flavor and are often used in baking and cooking.

Nectarous

Adjective

extremely pleasing to the taste; sweet and fragrant

Ripe peaches are known for their nectarous taste and juiciness.

Non-alcoholic

Adjective

not containing any alcohol

Non-alcoholic beverages, such as mocktails or non-alcoholic beer, offer options for those who prefer not to consume alcohol.

Noodle

Noun

A strip, ring, or tube of pasta or a similar dough, typically made with egg and usually eaten with a sauce or in a soup.

Ramen noodles are a popular dish in Japanese cuisine.

Nectar

Noun

A sugary fluid secreted by plants, especially within flowers to encourage pollination by insects and other animals. It is also the primary raw material of honey.

Bees collect nectar from flowers to produce honey.

Nachos

Noun

A dish of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and often other savory toppings such as meats, beans, jalapeños, and salsa.

Nachos are a savory snack typically topped with cheese, salsa, and guacamole.

Nougat

Noun

A sweet food made from sugar or honey, nuts (such as almonds or pistachios), and sometimes chopped candied fruit. It is typically used in candy bars and other confections.

Nougat is a sweet confectionery made from sugar or honey, nuts, and sometimes dried fruits.

Nectarine

Noun

A smooth-skinned variety of peach.

Nectarines are juicy stone fruits that are similar to peaches but have smooth skin.

Noni

Noun

The fruit of the Morinda citrifolia tree, which is native to Southeast Asia and Australasia. It is used in traditional medicine and is known for its strong odor and bitter taste.

Noni is a tropical fruit known for its pungent smell and medicinal properties.

Nutmeg

Noun

The hard, aromatic seed of the nutmeg tree, used grated or ground as a spice in cooking and baking.

Nutmeg is a spice commonly used in baking and cooking to add warmth and depth of flavor.

Nigiri

Noun

A type of sushi consisting of a small ball of rice, often seasoned with vinegar, with a slice of raw fish or other topping pressed on top.

Nigiri is a type of sushi consisting of a small mound of rice topped with a slice of raw fish or seafood.

Neat

Noun 

without any additional substances or mixers

He prefers to drink his whiskey neat, without any mixers

Nutrify

Adjective

Provide nutrition or enrich something with nutrients

The fortified cereal is designed to nutrify the body with essential vitamins and minerals.

English words that start with N

Word class

Meaning

Example

Notebook

Noun

a book of plain paper or paper with lines, for writing on

Students use notebooks to take notes during classes.

Nerd

Noun

a person who lacks social skills, esp. someone interested in technical things

He is a nerd who loves studying and spends most of his time in the library.

Numeracy

Noun

ability to do basic mathematics

Numeracy is an important skill for understanding and working with numbers.

Nursery

Noun

a place where young children and babies are taken care of while their parents are at work

The nursery provides early education and care for young children.

Nomenclature

Noun

a system for naming things, especially in a particular area of science

The nomenclature used in the field of chemistry can be complex.

Nonfiction

Noun

writing that is about real events and facts, rather than stories that have been invented

Nonfiction books provide factual information and knowledge.

Nominee

Noun

someone who has been nominated for something

She was a nominee for the Student of the Year award.

Nationality

Noun

the official right to belong to a particular country 

The students in the classroom come from different nationalities.

Knowledgeable

Adjective

knowing a lot

She is a knowledgeable teacher who shares her expertise with her students.

Noteworthy

Adjective

deserving attention because of being important or interesting

His performance in the school play was noteworthy and received praise from the audience.

Numerical

Adjective

involving or expressed in numbers

The students were tasked with solving numerical problems in their math class.

Nontraditional

Adjective

different from what was considered usual or typical in the past 

Nontraditional teaching methods can engage students and promote creativity.

Neoteric

Adjective

new or modern

The school’s neoteric approach to education integrates technology and innovative teaching methods.

Note

Verb

to mention something so that people are aware of it

It is important for students to actively listen and take notes during lectures to reinforce their understanding.

Network

Verb

a number of computers that are connected together so that they can share information

Building a strong network of fellow students and professionals can open up opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Nominate

Verb

to officially suggest someone for an election, job, position, or honour

Teachers can nominate outstanding students for awards and recognition based on their academic achievements.

English words that start with N

Word class

Meaning

Example

Nip

Verb

to give somebody/something a quick painful bite or pressing their skin together hard with your finger and thumb

She nipped the waist of her dress to create a more fitted silhouette.

Neglect

Verb

to fail to take care of somebody/something

Don’t neglect the importance of proper care and maintenance for your clothes.

Necessitate

Verb

to make something necessary

The dress code necessitates wearing formal attire to the event.

Nix

Verb

to stop, prevent, or refuse to accept something

She decided to nix the idea of wearing a hat with her outfit.

Necktie

Noun

A tie 

He wore a stylish necktie to the formal event.

Necklace

Noun

a piece of jewellery worn around the neck, such as a chain or a string of decorative stones, beads, etc.

She accessorized her outfit with a beautiful necklace.

Nylons

Noun

women's nylon tights or stockings (= leg coverings)

She wore a pair of nylons to give her legs a smooth appearance.

Nightgown

Noun

a comfortable piece of clothing like a loose dress worn by a woman or a girl in bed

She put on her comfortable nightgown before going to bed.

Newsboy cap

Noun

a rounded cap with a paneled crown and a button on top

He completed his casual outfit with a trendy newsboy cap.

Nappy

Noun

a square of thick soft paper or cloth that is fastened around a baby's bottom and between its legs to absorb its urine and solid waste 

The baby needed a fresh nappy.

Nightdress

Noun

a comfortable piece of clothing like a loose dress worn by a woman or a girl in bed 

She changed into a cozy nightdress before going to sleep.

Neckline

Noun

the shape made by the edge of a dress or shirt at the front of the neck or on the chest

The dress had a plunging neckline that added a touch of elegance.

New

Adjective 

recently created or having started to exist recently

She bought a new dress for the special occasion.

Nifty

Adjective 

good, pleasing, or effective

He wore a nifty bowtie with his suit.

Nonchalant

Adjective 

behaving in a calm manner, often in a way that suggests you are not interested or do not care

She walked into the room with a nonchalant air, wearing casual attire.

Novel

Adjective 

a long printed story about imaginary characters and events

She decided to try a novel fashion trend by wearing mismatched socks.

Natty

Adjective 

stylish and tidy in every detail

He always dresses in a natty suit for important business meetings.

English words that start with N

Picture

Narwhal

Newt

Nighthawk

Nightingale

Nyala

Word

Meaning

Example

Natural

A natural ability or characteristic is one that you were born with

The young athlete had a natural talent for sprinting, effortlessly outrunning his competitors.

Nimble

quick and exact either in movement or thoughts

Squirrels are nimble creatures, able to quickly climb trees and jump between branches.

Nutritious

containing many of the substances needed for life and growth

Fresh fruits and vegetables are nutritious foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Neutralize

to make a substance neutral (= not an acid or an alkali)

Baking soda can neutralize the acidity in a recipe.

Nourish

to provide people or living things with food in order to make them grow and keep them healthy

A well-balanced diet can nourish your body with essential nutrients.

English words that start with N

Picture

Narwhal

Newt

Nighthawk

Nightingale

Nyala