On this page (10) If you are learning English, it can be helpful to focus on specific letters and the words that start with them. This guide is all about words that start with D . Expanding your D vocabulary can help students , writers , ESL learners , and creative professionals speak more clearly, write more vividly, and build stronger word recall for school, work, and daily conversation.
Pin Words that Start with D β Created by 7ESL Most Common Words Starting with D 2-Letter and 3-Letter Words Starting with D Word IPA Simple Definition do /duΛ/ To perform an action day /deΙͺ/ A period of 24 hours dad /dΓ¦d/ Father dam /dΓ¦m/ A barrier built to hold back water dab /dΓ¦b/ To touch lightly or a small amount of something dip /dΙͺp/ To put something briefly into liquid dig /dΙͺΙ‘/ To break up or move earth dog /dΙΛΙ‘/ A common pet animal dot /dΙΛt/ A small round mark dry /draΙͺ/ Not wet
Related links: Words that End in D | 5 Letter Words Starting with D | 6 Letter Words Starting with D
Top 10 Frequently Used D Words Word Simple Definition Example day A 24-hour period I have a busy day ahead. dad Father My dad is a great cook. date A day on the calendar Whatβs the date today? deal An agreement or bargain We made a good deal on the car. dark With little or no light The room was dark and quiet. dance To move to music Letβs dance to the music. dear Loved or valued Dear John, I hope you are well.decide To choose after thinking I canβt decide what to wear. deep Far down from the top The water was very deep . deliver To bring something to a place The mail carrier will deliver the package tomorrow.
D Words Categorized by Part of Speech Nouns that Start with D People Word IPA Simple Definition dad /dΓ¦d/ Father daddy /ΛdΓ¦di/ An informal word for father dancer /ΛdΓ¦nsΙr/ A person who dances deacon /ΛdiΛkΙn/ A church officer dealer /ΛdiΛlΙr/ A person who buys and sells things dean /diΛn/ A senior official in a school or college doctor /ΛdΙΛktΙr/ A person trained to treat illness duchess /ΛdΚtΚΙs/ A woman with the rank of duke dude /duΛd/ An informal word for a man or person daughter /ΛdΙΛtΙr/ A female child
Related link: Nouns that Start with D
Places Word IPA Simple Definition desert /ΛdezΙrt/ A very dry area of land dune /duΛn/ A hill of sand dock /dΙΛk/ A place where boats stop dormitory /ΛdΙΛrmΙtΙΛri/ A building where students live department /dΙͺΛpΙΛrtmΙnt/ A division of a school, business, or government
Objects Word IPA Simple Definition daffodil /ΛdΓ¦fΙΛdΙͺl/ A yellow spring flower desk /desk/ A table for work or study device /dΙͺΛvaΙͺs/ A piece of equipment or technology diamond /ΛdaΙͺΙmΙnd/ A very hard valuable stone document /ΛdΙΛkjΙmΙnt/ A written or printed paper drum /drΚm/ A musical instrument dryer /ΛdraΙͺΙr/ A machine used to dry things duct /dΚkt/ A tube or channel for air or liquid dial /ΛdaΙͺΙl/ A round part that shows measurements or numbers dialogue /ΛdaΙͺΙlΙΛΙ‘/ A conversation in speech or writing
Note: Some D words such as damage , draft , drain , dream , drink , and dye can be both nouns and verbs . In vocabulary study, it is helpful to learn both uses.
Verbs that Start with D Related links: Full list of verbs that start with D
Word IPA Simple Definition dabble /ΛdΓ¦bΙl/ To take part in something lightly dance /dΓ¦ns/ To move to music dare /der/ To be brave enough to do something deal /diΛl/ To give out or manage something decide /dΙͺΛsaΙͺd/ To choose decipher /dΙͺΛsaΙͺfΙr/ To figure out the meaning of something difficult declare /dΙͺΛkler/ To say something clearly and officially decorate /ΛdekΙreΙͺt/ To make something look attractive defend /dΙͺΛfend/ To protect define /dΙͺΛfaΙͺn/ To explain the meaning of something deliver /dΙͺΛlΙͺvΙr/ To bring or hand over deny /dΙͺΛnaΙͺ/ To say something is not true depend /dΙͺΛpend/ To need someone or something for support develop /dΙͺΛvelΙp/ To grow or improve discover /dΙͺΛskΚvΙr/ To find something new discuss /dΙͺΛskΚs/ To talk about something draw /drΙΛ/ To make a picture or pull something drink /drΙͺΕk/ To take liquid into the mouth and swallow it drive /draΙͺv/ To control a vehicle dwell /dwel/ To live in a place
Irregular verb forms: dealβdealt , digβdug , drawβdrewβdrawn , drinkβdrankβdrunk , driveβdroveβdriven , dwellβdwelt/dwelled .
Adjectives that Start with D Related links: Full list of adjectives that start with D | Positive D adjectives
Word IPA Simple Definition daft /dΓ¦ft/ Silly or foolish daily /ΛdeΙͺli/ Happening every day damp /dΓ¦mp/ Slightly wet dark /dΙΛrk/ With little or no light darling /ΛdΙΛrlΙͺΕ/ Very lovable or charming dazzling /ΛdΓ¦zlΙͺΕ/ Very bright or impressive decent /ΛdiΛsΙnt/ Good enough and respectable dedicated /ΛdedΙͺkeΙͺtΙͺd/ Committed and hardworking deep /diΛp/ Far down or strong in feeling defiant /dΙͺΛfaΙͺΙnt/ Openly resisting authority deft /deft/ Skillful and quick delicate /ΛdelΙͺkΙt/ Fine, soft, or easy to damage dependable /dΙͺΛpendΙbΙl/ Reliable determined /dΙͺΛtΙΛrmΙͺnd/ Strongly decided to do something difficult /ΛdΙͺfΙͺkΙlt/ Not easy diligent /ΛdΙͺlΙͺdΚΙnt/ Careful and hardworking diplomatic /ΛdΙͺplΙΛmΓ¦tΙͺk/ Careful not to offend others disciplined /ΛdΙͺsΙplΙͺnd/ Showing self-control discreet /dΙͺΛskriΛt/ Careful and private in behavior dynamic /daΙͺΛnΓ¦mΙͺk/ Energetic and effective
Adverbs that Start with D Word IPA Simple Definition daily /ΛdeΙͺli/ Every day dearly /ΛdΙͺrli/ With great love or affection decently /ΛdiΛsΙntli/ In a proper or acceptable way deeply /ΛdiΛpli/ Strongly or greatly definitely /ΛdefΙͺnΙtli/ Clearly and without doubt deliberately /dΙͺΛlΙͺbΙrΙtli/ On purpose directly /dΙΛrektli/ In a straight or immediate way distinctly /dΙͺΛstΙͺΕktli/ Clearly doubtfully /ΛdaΚtfΙli/ In a way that shows uncertainty dramatically /drΙΛmΓ¦tΙͺkli/ In a striking or major way
Positive and Powerful Words Starting with D Related links: Positive Words That Start with D | Positive Adjectives Starting with D
Positive Adjectives for Personal Growth Word Simple Definition Example daring Brave and willing to take risks She made a daring choice and started her own business. decent Kind, fair, and respectable He is a decent person who treats everyone well. decisive Able to make choices quickly and confidently Good leaders are often decisive . dedicated Very committed She is a dedicated student. deft Skillful and clever His deft handling of the project impressed the team. delightful Pleasant and charming We had a delightful conversation. dependable Reliable and trustworthy She is one of the most dependable people I know. determined Firm in purpose He stayed determined even when the work got hard. diligent Hardworking and careful A diligent learner improves steadily. dynamic Energetic and full of ideas She brings a dynamic attitude to every meeting.
Action-Oriented Power Words for Resumes & Business Word Simple Definition Example deliver To produce or provide results The team delivered the project ahead of schedule. design To plan and create She designed a new training system. develop To build or improve He developed a more efficient workflow. direct To guide or manage She directed the marketing campaign. discover To find something valuable or new The analyst discovered an important trend. discuss To talk through ideas clearly We discussed the strategy with the client. document To record information Please document each stage of the process. drive To push progress forward She helped drive business growth. define To state clearly We need to define our goals first. decide To choose after evaluation The board will decide next week.
D Words for Specific Contexts Related links: Girl Names that Start with D
Descriptive Words to Use in Writing Word Simple Definition Example dark Without much light A dark forest stretched beyond the road. daunting Making someone feel worried or intimidated The mountain looked daunting at sunrise. dazzling Very bright or impressive She gave a dazzling performance. delicate Fine, soft, or fragile The butterfly rested on a delicate flower. dense Closely packed A dense fog covered the street. dreary Dull and depressing The weather felt cold and dreary . dusty Covered with dust He opened a dusty old book. drowsy Sleepy The baby looked drowsy after lunch. dripping Falling in drops Her coat was dripping with rain. dim Not bright A dim lamp lit the room.
Professional & Academic Vocabulary Word Simple Definition Example data Facts or information The report includes useful data . debate A formal discussion The class held a debate on climate policy. define To explain meaning clearly Please define the key term. demonstrate To show clearly The graph demonstrates a steady rise. derive To get something from a source The word is derived from Latin. design A plan or structure The experimentβs design was carefully reviewed. diagnosis The identification of a problem or illness Early diagnosis can improve treatment. dialogue A discussion between people or groups Open dialogue supports better teamwork. diplomatic Careful and tactful in communication She gave a diplomatic response. distinguish To recognize differences Students must distinguish fact from opinion.
Cute and Unique Words Starting with D Word Simple Definition Example daisy A pretty flower Daisy would make a sweet nickname.dandy Excellent or stylish That little hat looks dandy . darling Very lovable What a darling puppy! dewdrop A tiny drop of water on a leaf The grass sparkled with dewdrops . dimple A small natural hollow in the cheek Her smile showed a cute dimple . duckling A baby duck The duckling followed its mother. doodle A simple drawing made casually He added a fun doodle to the card. dulcet Sweet and pleasant sounding She spoke in a dulcet voice. demure Quiet and modest Her demure smile made a strong impression. diaphanous Light and delicate The dress was made of diaphanous fabric.
Words Starting with D for Kids Related links: Things that Start with D | Animals that Start with D
Easy Objects & Animals Word IPA Simple Definition dog /dΙΛΙ‘/ A common pet animal duck /dΚk/ A bird that swims deer /dΙͺr/ A gentle animal with long legs dolphin /ΛdΙΛlfΙͺn/ A smart sea animal desk /desk/ A table for studying drum /drΚm/ A musical instrument you hit doll /dΙΛl/ A toy shaped like a person door /dΙΛr/ The part you open to enter a room dish /dΙͺΚ/ A plate or bowl for food donkey /ΛdΙΛΕki/ A small animal like a horse
Short Sentences for Early Readers Word IPA Simple Definition dog /dΙΛΙ‘/ A pet animal duck /dΚk/ A swimming bird drum /drΚm/ A musical instrument door /dΙΛr/ An entrance to a room doll /dΙΛl/ A toy figure
The dog can run.The duck is in the pond.I hit the drum . Please close the door . She has a small doll . Helpful D Word Families To make long vocabulary lists easier to learn, it is often better to study word families instead of memorizing isolated forms.
Root Word Noun Verb Adjective Adverb dark darkness darken dark darkly decide decision decide decisive decisively dedicate dedication dedicate dedicated dedicatedly define definition define definite definitely develop development develop developed developmentally different difference differ different differently distinguish distinction distinguish distinct distinctly
Common and Unique D Words with Examples Common Words That Start with D with Examples Word Example Sentence daily I read the newspaper daily . decade The 1920s were a decade of major social change. degree She earned a degree in psychology. demand The demand for organic produce has increased. demonstrate The teacher will demonstrate how to solve the problem. depart The train will depart from platform 2. describe Can you describe the suspect to the police? design The architect will design the new building. desire He had a strong desire to travel the world. delay The flight was delayed by three hours.
Unique Words That Start with D with Meanings Related links: Descriptive words
Word IPA Simple Definition dalliance /ΛdΓ¦liΙns/ A brief romantic relationship dearth /dΙΛrΞΈ/ A lack of something debacle /deΙͺΛbΙΛkΙl/ A complete failure decorous /ΛdekΙrΙs/ Proper and polite defenestration /diΛΛfenΙΛstreΙͺΚΙn/ The act of throwing something out of a window deluge /ΛdeljuΛdΚ/ A severe flood or a large amount of something demure /dΙͺΛmjΚr/ Quiet and modest denigrate /ΛdenΙͺΙ‘reΙͺt/ To speak badly of unfairly desultory /ΛdesΙltΙΛri/ Lacking a clear plan dichotomy /daΙͺΛkΙΛtΙmi/ A division into two opposite parts dirge /dΙΛrdΚ/ A sad song, especially for the dead discombobulate /ΛdΙͺskΙmΛbΙΛbjΙleΙͺt/ To confuse someone disparate /ΛdΙͺspΙrΙt/ Very different dissemble /dΙͺΛsembΙl/ To hide your true feelings distend /dΙͺΛstend/ To swell or stretch outward divisive /dΙͺΛvaΙͺsΙͺv/ Causing disagreement dogmatic /dΙΛΙ‘ΛmΓ¦tΙͺk/ Very certain that your beliefs are right
Pin D Words β Created by 7ESL Extended List of Common D Words Words that Start with Da Dabble Dad Daddy Daffodil Daft Dagger Daily Dainty Dairy Daisy Dalliance Damage Damask Dame Damp Dampen Damsel Dance Dancer Dandelion Dandy Danger Dangerous Dangle Dank Dapper Dappled Dare Daring Dark Darken Darkness Darling Darn Dart Dash Dashing Data Date Daughter Daunt Daunting Dauntless Dawn Day Daybreak Daydream Daylight Daze Dazzle Dazzling Words that Start with De Deacon Dead Deadly Deaf Deal Dealer Dear Dearly Dearth Death Debate Debonair Debt Debut Decade Decay Deceive Decency Decent Decide Decision Decisive Deck Declare Decline Decode Decorate Decoration Decorative Decorous Decrease Decree Decrepit Dedicate Dedication Deduce Deduct Deed Deep Deepen Deer Defeat Defect Defend Defense Defiance Defiant Deficiency Deficient Define Definition Definite Definitive Deflate Deflect Deform Defraud Deft Defy Degenerate Degree Dehumanize Deity Delay Delectable Delegate Delete Deliberate Delicate Delicious Delight Delightful Delineate Deliver Delivery Deluge Deluxe Demand Democracy Demonstrate Demure Denial Denote Denounce Dense Density Dent Dentist Deny Depart Depend Dependable Depict Deplete Deploy Deposit Depressed Depression Depth Deputy Derive Describe Description Desert Deserve Design Desire Desk Desolate Despair Desperate Despite Dessert Destination Destiny Destroy Detail Detect Deter Determine Determined Develop Development Device Devise Devoted Devotion Devour Devout Dew Dewdrop Dexterity Dexterous Words that Start with Di Diagnosis Diagnose Diagram Dial Dialogue Diameter Diamond Diaphanous Diary Dice Dictate Dictionary Didactic Die Diet Differ Difference Different Differentiate Difficult Dignified Dignity Dig Digest Digital Diligence Diligent Dill Dilute Dim Dimension Diminish Dimple Din Dine Dinner Dinosaur Dip Diploma Diplomat Diplomatic Dire Direct Direction Director Dirt Dirty Disability Disable Disagree Disappear Disappoint Disaster Disastrous Discard Discern Discipline Disciplined Disclose Discount Discover Discovery Discreet Discriminate Discuss Disease Dish Disheartened Disheveled Dishonest Dislike Dismal Dismay Dismiss Disorder Display Displease Dispute Disrespect Disruptive Disseminate Dissimilar Dissolve Distant Distasteful Distend Distill Distinct Distinction Distinguish Distort Distract Distress Distribute District Distrust Disturb Dive Diver Diverge Diverse Diversify Diversity Divide Dividend Divine Division Dizzy Words that Start with Do, Dr, Du, Dw, Dy Do Do Doc Docile Dock Doctor Doctrine Document Dodge Dog Dogged Dogma Doll Dollar Dolphin Domain Dome Domestic Dominant Dominate Donation Donor Donkey Doodle Doom Door Doorkeeper Doorway Dope Dormant Dormitory Dose Dot Dote Double Doubt Dough Dove Down Downfall Download Downstream Downward Doze Dozen Dr Drab Draft Drag Dragon Drain Drama Dramatic Draped Drastic Draw Drawer Dream Dreamer Dreary Drench Dress Dressy Drift Drill Drink Drip Drive Driver Drizzle Drone Droop Drop Drought Drown Drowsy Drudge Drug Drum Drunk Dry Dryer Dryness Du Dual Dubious Duchess Duck Duckling Duct Dude Due Duel Duet Duke Dulcet Dull Dummy Dump Dumpling Dune Dungeon Duo Duplicate Durable Duration During Dusk Dust Dusty Dutiful Duty Dw Dwell Dweller Dwelling Dwindle Dy Dye Dyer Dynamic Dynamite Dynamo Dynasty Pin Words Starting with D β Created by 7ESL More AβZ Words Articles Q1
Question 1: According to the article, which word means 'to touch lightly or a small amount of something'? Question 1 options Check answer
The word 'dab' is defined in the article as meaning to touch lightly or a small amount of something, listed among the 2- and 3-letter words starting with D.
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Question 2: The word 'dazzling' is listed in the article as a verb meaning 'to shine brightly'. Question 2 options Check answer
This is false. The article lists 'dazzling' as an adjective, not a verb, and defines it as 'very bright or impressive'.
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Question 3: Which sentence uses the word 'damp' correctly based on its meaning in the article? Question 3 options Check answer
'Damp' means slightly wet. Saying the towel was still damp after hanging outside correctly uses this meaning. The other sentences misuse the word by applying it to emotions, sounds, or taste.
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Question 4: Match each D word to its correct definition from the article. Question 4 options dormitory
dealer
daffodil
decipher
a person who buys and sells things
a yellow spring flower
a building where students live
to figure out something difficult
Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Check answer
'Dormitory' is a building where students live. 'Dealer' is a person who buys and sells things. 'Daffodil' is a yellow spring flower. 'Decipher' means to figure out the meaning of something difficult.
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Question 5: The article notes that some D words can be both nouns and verbs. Which of the following is mentioned as one of those words? Question 5 options Check answer
The article specifically notes that 'dream' is among the words (along with damage, draft, drain, drink, and dye) that can function as both nouns and verbs.
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