A-Z-31

60 words & definitions

nab
To catch someone doing something wrong or illegal (verb)
nix
Put an end to; cancel (verb)
nerd
A person who lacks social skills but often makes up for it with technical ability (noun)
ninny
A foolish person (noun)
nitwit
A silly or foolish person (noun)
noggin
A person's head (noun)
nook
Small area or space, like an alcove, that is conducive to meditating, reading, relaxing or quietly reflecting. (noun)
nozzle
A cylindrical or round spout at the end of a pipe, hose, or tube, used to control a jet of gas or liquid (noun)
nub
A small lump or protuberance (noun)
nag
Annoy or irritate (a person) with persistent fault-finding or continuous urging (verb)
nibble
To take small bites out of something. (verb)
nip
Pinch, squeeze, or bite sharply (verb)
nod
To lower and raise one's head slightly and briefly, especially in greeting, assent, or understanding, or to give someone a signal (verb)
nudge
Prod (someone) gently, typically with one's elbow, in order to draw their attention to something (verb)
newfangled
Different from what one is used to; objectionably new (adjective)
nifty
Particularly good, skillful, or effective (adjective)
niggling
Bothersome or persistent especially in a petty or tiresome way (adjective)
nimble
Quick and light in movement or action; agile (adjective)
nippy
(of the weather) rather cold; chilly (adjective)
nemesis
A long-standing rival; an archenemy (noun)
nasty
Highly unpleasant, especially to the senses; physically nauseating (adjective)
notorious
Famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed (adjective)
mystique
A fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power surrounding someone or something (noun)
nostalgia
A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations (noun)
nefarious
An act or behaviour that is criminal, evil or wicked. (adjective)
nirvana
(in Buddhism) a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth; it represents the final goal of Buddhism (noun)
niceties
A fine detail or distinction, especially one regarded as intricate and fussy (noun)
nonchalant
(of a person or manner) feeling or appearing casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm (adjective)
naughty
(especially of children) disobedient; badly behaved (adjective)
nuance
A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound (noun)
niche
A small part of a larger whole that is particularly appropriate for the situation (noun)
noxious
Poisonous or very harmful. (adjective)
mystified
Being very puzzled and confused (adjective)
novice
Someone who is beginning to learn a skill or subject (noun)
naive
Too ready to believe someone or something, or to trust that someone's intentions are good, often because of a lack of experience: (adjective)
nightmare
A very bad dream, or an event that is like a bad dream (noun)
nincompoop
A stupid or foolish person (noun)
negligent
To mistakenly fail to do something that should have been done (adjective)
narrative
A story or a description of a series of events (noun)
nag
A person who nags someone (noun)
nibble
A small bite of something, usually food. (noun)
nip
A sharp pinch, squeeze, or bite (noun)
nod
An act of nodding the head (noun)
nudge
A light touch or push (noun)
nap
A light or casual sleep, usually not as deep or long as nighttime sleep. (noun)
noble
Having high moral qualities such as honor, courage, and generosity. (adjective)
nosey
Too interested in other people's business or private matters. (adjective)
nuisance
A person, thing, or situation that causes annoyance or inconvenience. (noun)
neophyte
Someone inexperienced who is just starting out in a field or area, a beginner or novice, especially someone new to a skill, subject, or activity. (noun)
no-no
Something that is not allowed or is strongly discouraged. (noun)
nosedive
A sudden, steep drop, a sharp decline in condition, success, or stability. (noun)
nascent
Emerging or starting to grow, especially referring to ideas, industries, or movements. (adjective)
nebulous
Unclear, vague, or ill-defined — lacking definite form or limits. (adjective)
negligible
So small or unimportant that it can be ignored or doesn't have a noticeable effect; insignificant in amount, size, or impact — too minor to be worth considering. (adjective)
nourish
To provide food or other substances necessary for growth, health, and good condition; also to support or promote the development of something (like ideas, feelings, or relationships). (verb)
navigate
To lead a company, activity, etc. in a particular direction, or to deal effectively with a difficult situation. (verb)
nonsense
Words or actions that are silly, stupid, make no sense, and have no meaning. (noun)
nepotism
When those with power or influence favor relatives, friends, or associates, such as by giving them jobs or ruling in their favor. (noun)
neglect
To fail to care of something or someone properly. (verb)
nostalgic
To think affectionately about experiences you had in the past. (adjective)